Toledo, OH - HDTV [Text View] - Page 7

Justanothername

09-22-09, 02:42 PM

Are there any Buckeye Cable subscribers out there successfully using the Moxi HD DVR instead of renting one of Buckeye's boxes? I recently discovered the Moxi and am seriously considering it. Yes, I am aware that at the present time it does not stream live TV from the Moxi HD DVR to a "Moxi Mate" placed in another room but that feature is promised. I'd be curious to know your thoughts and experience with this hardware platform.
Thank you.

I am just curious, if you do hook this up, do you still get the same channels offered on the HD package? Do they still charge you a monthly fee? What is the cost associated with hooking up your own box?

HDNLUVINIT

09-23-09, 06:00 AM

I am just curious, if you do hook this up, do you still get the same channels offered on the HD package? Do they still charge you a monthly fee? What is the cost associated with hooking up your own box?Yes, you receive the same channels - whatever your subscription is for. As with moving to a TiVo box, you do lose VOD and PPV. Not an issue for me as I've never purchased either one. The cost is about $6.50 per month for a CableCARD and the extremely ridiculous price of $100 for a Buckeye tech to come out to your home to install the CableCARD - a task I've yet to see any tech who came to my house complete successfully. Each of the three times in the past that I've had a tech out to install a CableCARD, they had no clue, left with the TV not receiving my programming. I'd call Buckeye, fight my way to a higher level tech who knew what they were doing (not an easy task to get past the front line people) read them the appropriate data, they send a signal to authorize the card and you're good to go. It's Buckeye's way of zinging you for moving away from their pot of gold - the exhorbitant price they charge for their cable boxes. As I've stated so many times here, what we need is some serious competition to bring down local pricing. Or, if we could get the Blocks to dump The Blade, they could stop subsidizing that loser paper with the profits from their other operations such as Buckeye Cable and perhaps bring down the rates.;)

Justanothername

09-23-09, 01:50 PM

Yes, you receive the same channels - whatever your subscription is for. As with moving to a TiVo box, you do lose VOD and PPV. Not an issue for me as I've never purchased either one. The cost is about $6.50 per month for a CableCARD and the extremely ridiculous price of $100 for a Buckeye tech to come out to your home to install the CableCARD - a task I've yet to see any tech who came to my house complete successfully. Each of the three times in the past that I've had a tech out to install a CableCARD, they had no clue, left with the TV not receiving my programming. I'd call Buckeye, fight my way to a higher level tech who knew what they were doing (not an easy task to get past the front line people) read them the appropriate data, they send a signal to authorize the card and you're good to go. It's Buckeye's way of zinging you for moving away from their pot of gold - the exhorbitant price they charge for their cable boxes. As I've stated so many times here, what we need is some serious competition to bring down local pricing. Or, if we could get the Blocks to dump The Blade, they could stop subsidizing that loser paper with the profits from their other operations such as Buckeye Cable and perhaps bring down the rates.;)

lol nice.

Thanks for the info. Do you suggest any cable cards in particular? The Cable card I guess would pay for itself within the year. I have never done VOD or payperview or anything of the such. The real question is if the cable card is worth it or not by the price of the card. Could you go into a little more detail of where to get one and how it exactly works compared to a box?

jashansen

09-23-09, 01:52 PM

the extremely ridiculous price of $100 for a Buckeye tech to come out to your home to install the CableCARD - a task I've yet to see any tech who came to my house complete successfully.

I know Buckeye has reduced the cost of installation to $50.00.

HDNLUVINIT

09-23-09, 04:12 PM

lol nice.

Thanks for the info. Do you suggest any cable cards in particular? The Cable card I guess would pay for itself within the year. I have never done VOD or payperview or anything of the such. The real question is if the cable card is worth it or not by the price of the card. Could you go into a little more detail of where to get one and how it exactly works compared to a box?As of this moment, the only place you can get a CableCARD is from your Cable provider - Buckeye in this case. In most installations these days, you would want to make sure they provide you with a MultiStream card to allow for the dual tuner ability of something like a TiVo box. However, I've read in the last few days that CableCARDS are soon to be available to the general public to purchase to put into something like a media center PC. I'm not sure if this will eliminate the need to obtain one from Buckeye for a CableCARD enabled TV (rare these days) or TiVo type box. If you take a close look through the vents on your Buckeye supplied cable box, guess what you find in there? A CableCARD!

HDNLUVINIT

09-23-09, 04:12 PM

I know Buckeye has reduced the cost of installation to $50.00.That's good to know. Thanks.

Justanothername

09-24-09, 09:20 AM

As of this moment, the only place you can get a CableCARD is from your Cable provider - Buckeye in this case. In most installations these days, you would want to make sure they provide you with a MultiStream card to allow for the dual tuner ability of something like a TiVo box. However, I've read in the last few days that CableCARDS are soon to be available to the general public to purchase to put into something like a media center PC. I'm not sure if this will eliminate the need to obtain one from Buckeye for a CableCARD enabled TV (rare these days) or TiVo type box. If you take a close look through the vents on your Buckeye supplied cable box, guess what you find in there? A CableCARD!

Yeah I saw that there is a card in there. I am actually right now somewhat sick of paying for a cable bill and just thinking about dumping it and my internet. I spend too much time on a pc at work anyways. I think my bill is right around 130$.

Ben_Jamin75

10-01-09, 04:06 PM

I know Buckeye has reduced the cost of installation to $50.00.

Did they tell you that on the phone? or did you find it online somewhere?

Everything I can find online still says $100

http://www.buckeyecablesystem.com/downloads/TOL_docs/CableCards.pdf

http://www.buckeyecablesystem.com/downloads/TOL_docs/tol-rates.pdf

I've been putting off getting a cablecard for my second TiVo HD because I didn't want to blow $100. Now $50 is feeling like a deal :rolleyes: :o

bdavid

10-02-09, 07:18 AM

I had a cable card installed in my new TIVO HD two weeks ago. Total cost $55.12. When I called them to schedule an appointment they said $50. It still says $100 on thier website.

HDNLUVINIT

10-02-09, 08:39 AM

I had a cable card installed in my new TIVO HD two weeks ago. Total cost $55.12. When I called them to schedule an appointment they said $50. It still says $100 on thier website.I'm scheduled for the installation of two CableCARDS tomorrow. The tech who scheduled the appointment mentioned nothing about the cost so we'll see what it ends up being and I'll let you know.

HDNLUVINIT

10-03-09, 02:26 PM

I'm scheduled for the installation of two CableCARDS tomorrow. The tech who scheduled the appointment mentioned nothing about the cost so we'll see what it ends up being and I'll let you know.Well, some good news to report. The Cable Express tech came out right on time, installed two M Cards - one in each TiVo unit, got them programmed, collected my check in the amount of $59.34 and was on his way. While I'd still prefer the option to install them myself (just like they let us do with the boxes), I can live with $60 for two cards.

Ken H

10-03-09, 03:35 PM

Well, some good news to report. The Cable Express tech came out right on time, installed two M Cards - one in each TiVo unit, got them programmed, collected my check in the amount of $59.34 and was on his way. While I'd still prefer the option to install them myself (just like they let us do with the boxes), I can live with $60 for two cards.

What's the monthly fee?

HDNLUVINIT

10-03-09, 04:25 PM

What's the monthly fee?From Buckeye's website, I believe it's $6.35 each.

vodoochild62

10-13-09, 01:40 AM

Ken H

10-13-09, 02:37 AM

Is there any way to receive OTA from Windsor down here in Perrysburg?

The CBET tower is south of downtown Windsor, in McGregor, ONT. It appears to be about 55 miles Northeast from Perrysville, which is roughly the limit for TV reception. The good news is that as the crow flies, the majority of the distance is over water, which benefits TV reception.

If you know of someone close by with a directional roof antenna, it would be worth trying to see what could be received. Or, buy one and get it as high as possible and do a test.

At some point after Canadian analog TV goes off the air in August 2011, they will have digital TV, and HNIC in HD is a joy to watch. I get it on NHL Network HD, either the Leafs or Canadians each Saturday night.

vodoochild62

10-13-09, 08:04 PM

Thanks Ken, I guess I'll have to look into trying an antenna set-up. If I can receive them, maybe the CBET broadcast I'd receive OTA will be of a better quality than the Buckeye Cable re-broadcast. Moving up to a 50 inch, (1365x768) plasma really exposed the poor quality of the cable analog signal.

At least I get Fox Sports Detroit HD with the Red Wings and the Monday night VersusHD broadcasts. Occasionally I watch a game streaming on the laptop. The quality of the streaming video has steadily improved over the last few years.

itsthemultipath!

10-13-09, 09:37 PM

Perhaps that big TV reveals the limitations of NTSC analog TV itself?

One other note. CBET transmits from a relatively short tower and a directional antenna. Getting CBET OTA in perrysburg could be iffy. WTOL and WTVG could overload an amplifier if you use one (since they are both digital now, the overload will look like thick, chunky snow). Another problem with such a weak signal would by interference from tropo. They may be battling CFTO (analog, Toronto) and WWTV (digital, Cadillac, MI) in the summer months.

skatingrocker17

10-13-09, 10:01 PM

Searched this thread but couldn't find an answer to this question. Why is Buckeye's broadcast of the CBC channel so poor? I realize that Buckeye receives the OTA SD broadcast and repeats it on their cable but ice hockey (HNIC) is just unwatchable and other shows such as "The Hour" or cbc news are just irritating to watch for any length of time. I can watch SD hockey on Versus and not be disgusted by the SD signal (yes I have HD with HDVersus). Even before I had an HDTV, CBC hochey on a 27 inch CRT was unwatchable. Is it the Buckeye signal processing or does CBC look that bad in Windsor? My TV may say it's 480i but the quality is half that I'd guess. Is there any way to receive OTA from Windsor down here in Perrysburg?

I'm pretty sure you can't receive CBC in Perrysburg. I was at my brothers on Saturday and I auto-programed his tv (because I wanted to see if he got CBC) and he got like 14 digital channels and 2 analog, none of them were CBC. I don't know what kind of antenna he has but I pretty confident that the digital tuner has got to be pretty good because it's a nice Sony tv.

It's got to be Buckeye degrading the CBC signal because we used to have it on Time Warner Cable up until a few months ago and it didn't look worse than any other channel and was very watchable.

Justanothername

10-14-09, 11:20 AM

It has been terrible for quite a few years on buckeye. I will really miss CBC when we lose it. For the time being, I watch games on my old 27 flat panel tube which still broadcasts a really nice picture for CBC.

Ken H

10-14-09, 12:54 PM

I'm pretty sure you can't receive CBC in Perrysburg. I was at my brothers on Saturday and I auto-programed his tv (because I wanted to see if he got CBC) and he got like 14 digital channels and 2 analog, none of them were CBC.CBC in Windsor, CBET, is not on the air in digital at this time. It may be August 2011 before we see that.

I don't know what kind of antenna he has but I pretty confident that the digital tuner has got to be pretty good because it's a nice Sony tv.
At that distance, unless you have the right antenna, it would not matter how good the TV tuner is. The antenna would need to be a large directional VHF, mounted outdoors as high as possible, pointed at McGregor, to even have a chance at CBET analog reception.

vodoochild62

10-14-09, 10:02 PM

Thanks for the responses,

I thought about getting the NHL Center Ice package. Center Ice advertises "up to 12 HD games a week" but "HD availability varies by market".
I wonder if bandwidth will ever open up so that all the games will be in HD?

First I guess I'll try a DVI cable from the laptop to the TV and see how streaming video looks on the TV.

Thanks again everyone

Ken H

10-14-09, 10:41 PM

First I guess I'll try a DVI cable from the laptop to the TV and see how streaming video looks on the TV. Not like HD.

RowdyScot

10-14-09, 11:28 PM

As a Leafs fan, I have to say...do you really *want* to watch the Leafs every weekend right now? I find it too depressing. :(

sitlet

10-15-09, 11:10 AM

First I guess I'll try a DVI cable from the laptop to the TV and see how streaming video looks on the TV.

where do you go online to get streaming games?

vodoochild62

10-15-09, 11:54 PM

As a Leafs fan, I have to say...do you really *want* to watch the Leafs every weekend right now? I find it too depressing. :(

As the kids say "tru dat". 0-5-1 they're starting off like my Flyers did last year.

where do you go online to get streaming games?

http://www.atdhe.net/ is a first choice.

http://myp2p.eu/competition.php?competitionid=&part=sports&discipline=icehockey has all kinds of live sports events though you may have to download a player from their software page.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl will usually be streaming a game in very good quality.

http://hockeywebcasts.com/ also has free webcasts.

Ken H

10-16-09, 11:43 AM

As a Leafs fan, I have to say...do you really *want* to watch the Leafs every weekend right now? I find it too depressing. :(
When your not a Leafs fan, it's fine. I just like CBC hockey coverage.

Inundated

10-17-09, 10:51 PM

At that distance, unless you have the right antenna, it would not matter how good the TV tuner is. The antenna would need to be a large directional VHF, mounted outdoors as high as possible, pointed at McGregor, to even have a chance at CBET analog reception.

I've picked up a VERY snowy CBET on my little digital portable set while parked along the lake in extreme Southeast MI just north of the Ohio line. Barely watchable. There, I suppose a semi-decent outdoor antenna would provide reliable, if snowy, reception. (Oh, the CBET signal is definitely analog only, my little set still gets NTSC.)

When I've visited and stayed in the Toledo area, I've never noticed any major signal degradation on CBET via Buckeye Cablevision...or for that matter, via Buckeye's Erie County division in Sandusky.

What IS the update regarding CBET's eventual digital service in 2011? Is it looking possible that they will indeed put up a digital transmitter at the Canadian transition, after all?

Ken H

10-18-09, 12:44 AM

What IS the update regarding CBET's eventual digital service in 2011? Is it looking possible that they will indeed put up a digital transmitter at the Canadian transition, after all?

It's official CBET will go DTV, due to the size of the municipality.

Analog cutoff is currently scheduled for August 2011, although I think there is a reasonable possibility that may be delayed, just like the US.

It's not been determined if CBET will be on the air digitally before, at, or after the cutoff. The issue is money.

Ben_Jamin75

10-19-09, 08:03 PM

HDNLUVINIT

10-19-09, 10:08 PM

How did you luck out and get two cards for one install fee?

I scheduled 2 M-Card installs and they quoted me $50 per cardDarned if I know. They did not quote me a price when I placed the order - nor did I ask. I just assumed I'd be shelling out $100 per card as was their previous pricing for CableCARDS. On the down side, my 3 week old TiVo HD XL bit the dust and needs to be replaced by TiVo :(

trabbic

10-28-09, 01:50 PM

Who out there wants Whole Home DVR from Buckeye Cablesystem?

Read Me! (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1191788)

Buckeye is currently testing this solution, it looks to be better than everything else out there, as far as features go...

trabbic

10-28-09, 03:24 PM

Here is a brief summary of the offering just in case some of you don't want to read everything.

Basically it is a NAS or Network Attached Storage. So you will have a box in addition to your regular non-DVR cable box. Then you will use small non-DVR cable boxes on your other TV's where you want DVR access.

Some Specs:

500Gb Storage
Set recordings from any TV with a cable box.
Capable of recording 6 HD feeds simultaneously while playing back 3 recorded feeds. This would require 3 cable boxes.
Still uses iGuide software :mad:
Can stop playback in one room and start it back up in another

Inundated

10-28-09, 07:21 PM

It's official CBET will go DTV, due to the size of the municipality.

This is very good news. I'm glad to see it isn't going away!

I wonder if it means Buckeye will keep it when 2011 comes around. I have no idea how Buckeye picks up CBET right now...

Ken H

10-28-09, 09:42 PM

This is very good news. I'm glad to see it isn't going away!Agree.

I wonder if it means Buckeye will keep it when 2011 comes around.I would hope so. I know that currently in Seattle, Comcast is carrying Vancouver CBC HD, so it's doable for a US company.

I have no idea how Buckeye picks up CBET right now...

Antenna, I think.

RU FASTR

10-28-09, 11:39 PM

Who out there wants Whole Home DVR from Buckeye Cablesystem?

Yes please.

Too bad we'll still have to deal with iGuide...I think it was last updated around the same time Win95 came out. :rolleyes:

itsthemultipath!

10-28-09, 11:49 PM

I agree that Buckeye is picking up CBET OTA.

I observe very slight ghosting on the channel via buckeye, and, on rare occasions, have seen impulse noise as well.

jdcsi99

10-29-09, 08:35 AM

Yes please.

Too bad we'll still have to deal with iGuide...I think it was last updated around the same time Win95 came out. :rolleyes:

I hear ya about the iGuide, that is so antiquated and the fact that I have to look at the same stupid ads everytime I use it (Bose, etc... come on free up some valuable real estate for the guide not ads!). When I was visiting Columbus years ago (like 5+) the system they had was tons better, it had local restaurant menus and such on it... That was nice.

Has anyone noticed that their Motorola boxes are taking forever at times to process commands? It's getting more frequent now, but sometimes it takes 1+ minutes for it to respond to various remote commands.... annoying.

Inundated

10-29-09, 09:24 AM

I would hope so. I know that currently in Seattle, Comcast is carrying Vancouver CBC HD, so it's doable for a US company.

I didn't know that. Of course, there is an OTA CBC digital transmitter there in Vancouver, and Comcast probably has receive facilities close enough to get it and pipe it down to Seattle.

We'll have to see if this means that Buckeye offers CBC HD whenever the CBET facility goes live.

Antenna, I think.

I was thinking more along the lines of "if they're picking it up OTA in Toledo".

I assume the Detroit locals are being picked up OTA wherever Buckeye has its receive site in the Toledo area, but don't really know if CBET's signal is strong enough for OTA pickup in Toledo via even a souped up cable receive site.

IIRC, Buckeye doesn't offer HD versions of the Detroit network affiliates, but this is probably just rights issues vs. the Toledo market stations.

Ken H

11-05-09, 06:07 PM

Cablers Put Pace Multiroom DVR to Test

Whole-Home Recorder Gets Trial From Smaller MSOs

by George Winslow -- Multichannel News, 11/4/2009

Several smaller cable operators are completing field trials of Pace's Home Content Sharing product, a whole-home HD DVR that allows operators to distribute as many as nine simultaneous HD streams throughout the household.

None of the publicly announced operators -- which include Mediacom Communications, Buckeye CableSystem and Sunflower Broadband -- has officially committed to deploying HCS. However, "they've been extremely happy with the results," said Pace America vice president of sales and marketing Tim O'Loughlin.

"We do have units that have been commercially deployed," said O'Loughlin. "We just haven't announced the operator. The system is out there, with paying subscribers and we're seeing a lot of demand bubbling up from the cable operators."

In addition, the National Cable Television Cooperative, which collectively buys programming and equipment for smaller cable operators, has agreed to offer HCS to its members, O'Loughlin noted.

Pace is touting HCS as a technological breakthrough. "It is the first to hit the market that is capable of simultaneously recording six HD programs at the same time that three of the clients [HD set-top boxes] are playing back an HD program, which gets you up to 9 HD MPEG-2 streams," O'Loughlin said. "If you use it for standard-definition TV, the number of streams goes up, and if you have got the MPEG-4, they go up."

Homeowners who have HDTVs in their living rooms have increasingly been purchasing smaller sets for their bedrooms or elsewhere, one of this year's bright spots in sales. Pace hopes the HCS product will tap into a growing demand for products to deal with such homes.

High-end HD DVRs can cost as much as $400 a piece, and putting several boxes in the same home poses a significant capital expense for operators.

"Cable operators are seeing more and more homes that want to have HD DVRs in more than one room," O'Loughlin said. "This system is a lot more cost effective than putting three standalone HD DVRs around the house."

Beyond the cost savings, O'Loughlin added that the system could potentially reduce churn. "If a subscriber has 70 or 80 hours of HD content on [the centralized storage device] that they can access from any room with full DVR functionality, the likelihood of them churning out goes down significantly," he said.

The system uses a Network Attached Storage device with either a 500-Gigabyte or 1-Terabyte hard drive, attached to Pace's Apache set-top multiple non-DVR set-top boxes. These boxes communicate with the gateway device, allowing them to play back and set recordings, pause live programs and provide other DVR functions.

It is fully integrated with the Rovi Passport interactive programming guide, used by many operators, and with Rovi's Connected Platform software.

"The Rovi IPG is widely used and that makes it easier for consumers to use the platform," O'Loughlin said.
In the future, Pace also plans to expand the system's capabilities with Rovi's Connected Platform software so that subscribers can plug consumer-electronics devices into the home network and personalize the content that is available to them, O'Loughlin said.

Justanothername

11-10-09, 11:07 AM

trabbic

11-10-09, 11:16 AM

Sounds like a really cool device.

However, I don't see buckeye doing that. There is no advantage to them in a business aspect since they charge 17$ a box....In a year, these boxes pay for themselves. It really is a scam.

It has been confirmed that buckeye will be implementing this. The advantage to them is to remain competitive, AT&T offers whole home DVR already.

Read the links I posted earlier, the CTO of buckeye is quoted talking about the system in his home, and what other options it may offer buckeye from a revenue standpoint.

And to address your comment about it being a scam, you can buy your own Tivo if you want... :rolleyes:

Justanothername

11-11-09, 10:25 AM

It has been confirmed that buckeye will be implementing this. The advantage to them is to remain competitive, AT&T offers whole home DVR already.

Read the links I posted earlier, the CTO of buckeye is quoted talking about the system in his home, and what other options it may offer buckeye from a revenue standpoint.

Sorry, I missed your post.

And to address your comment about it being a scam, you can buy your own Tivo if you want... :rolleyes:

You missed my point. I don't care about DVR/TiVo. I care about playing HD on my HD TV. I am not sure why the costs reflect so badly on us....It all seems like a scam that we pay 45$ a month in premium costs and then another 17 dollars on top of it just to have HD. If I had other options at high speed internet, I would look elsewhere.

videditor

11-16-09, 08:55 PM

Sounds like a really cool device.

However, I don't see buckeye doing that. There is no advantage to them in a business aspect since they charge 17$ a box....In a year, these boxes pay for themselves. It really is a scam.

Well they are...And those boxes are costly...There are still analog boxes out there that people will not return, a free exchange for a digital version!. At some point boxes will have be required as the analog users have to be chewing up bandwidth that us HD viewers would like to use. Really, how can they complain...they just have to pretend they have sat. receiver.Cable should be no different in order for technology to move forward. If the analog was gone, we would not have to watch compress signals!

Ken H

11-17-09, 06:41 AM

From Multichannel NewsOhio's Buckeye Cablevision Pushes Fiber To The Home

Operator To Use Kabel-X USA's Coax-Extraction System For Trials In Toledo System

Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 11/16/2009 4:06:42 PM

Buckeye Cablevision will initiate a fiber-to-the-home deployment in its Toledo, Ohio, system using Kabel-X USA's process for deploying fiber through existing coaxial cabling.

Buckeye plans to switch an existing subdivision from coax to a fiber-to-the-home solution without construction of new facilities in the easements. The Kabel-X system -- developed by the Austrian parent company and introduced in the U.S. last year -- removes the coax cable's center conductor and dielectric material by injecting a proprietary fluid to provide a conduit for fiber-optic cable.

"We see the Kabel-X technology as an innovative tool that will allow us to cost effectively deploy a fiber-to-the-home architecture in areas currently served by a traditional hybrid fiber coax network," Buckeye Cablevision chief technology officer Joe Jensen said in a statement.

Buckeye Cablevision, a wholly owned subsidiary of Block Communications, is the largest cable provider in the Toledo area, with approximately 150,000 subscribers.

Kabel-X's cable-extraction technology can extract 600 to 1,000 feet of coaxial core in two to three hours, the company claims. Separate equipment is required to blow fiber through the coax sheath. Kabel-X USA is based in Davie, Fla., near Ft. Lauderdale.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/389344-Ohio_s_Buckeye_Cablevision_Pushes_Fiber_To_The_Home.php

trabbic

11-17-09, 12:29 PM

If I had other options at high speed internet, I would look elsewhere.

And you would be looking at the same or similar pricing... I have shopped around and the prices (for AT&T, DirecTV, and DISH) are all within about 5-10/month for equivilant packages. At least to get the channels I care about.

Now you can argue that you get more HD channels with the other options, but that is a different argument...

HDNLUVINIT

11-17-09, 12:39 PM

jashansen

11-25-09, 09:48 AM

USA HD coming Dec. 28th to Buckeye CableSystem!

Gamereviewgod

11-26-09, 01:56 PM

USA HD coming Dec. 28th to Buckeye CableSystem!

Woo hoo!

Where did you see that though? Don't see anything on their site.

Gamereviewgod

11-26-09, 02:18 PM

Charlie Kocis

11-27-09, 12:10 AM

usa hd coming dec. 28th to buckeye cablesystem!

about time!!!!

skatingrocker17

11-27-09, 02:09 PM

Also, anyone have a reason why Fox in SD looks SO bad on Buckeye? Live programming looks as expected, but pre-recorded stuff is so unbearably processed I can't even watch it. My DVR screwed up and recording Cops in SD the other night and my god, it's like the worst DNR hack job ever.

Edit: Okay, now that I look up from typing, it seems like OTA Fox suffers from the same smoothing problem (on commercials). It's just awful.

It looks pretty bad with Time Warner Cable too, syndicated shows look pretty bad but everything else is fine.

Does anyone know when they are going to broadcast the news in HD? I'm sure if WTOL started broadcasting in HD then WTVG would probably start the next week.

Gamereviewgod

11-28-09, 09:32 AM

According to the Blade, while we're getting USA, Discovery, and Learning HD on the 28th, they're taking away HDNet and HDNet Movies. That's crap.

sitlet

11-28-09, 01:07 PM

Does anyone know when they are going to broadcast the news in HD? I'm sure if WTOL started broadcasting in HD then WTVG would probably start the next week.

not anytime soon. the cost to convert the stations to fully hd is incredible. with the economy the way it is now, these two stations are struggling to just pay their employees.

RU FASTR

11-28-09, 07:17 PM

they're taking away HDNet and HDNet Movies. That's crap.

WTF :mad:

Charlie Kocis

11-29-09, 04:16 AM

According to the Blade, while we're getting USA, Discovery, and Learning HD on the 28th, they're taking away HDNet and HDNet Movies. That's crap.

Crap indeed. I did stop getting HDN once I got my Blu-Ray player, but for a lot of people it's a good intro into HD movies.

Gamereviewgod

11-29-09, 09:42 AM

Crap indeed. I did stop getting HDN once I got my Blu-Ray player, but for a lot of people it's a good intro into HD movies.

It's great for first run stuff. I watched Red Cliff last night (recorded), Splinter and Mutant Chronicles before that. Losing that is terrible. Plus they have tons of random MMA on, also great for fans. Nothing but Trailers is great too.

Now that just made me even madder. With all of the competition out there, I don't see why you take away stations. Dish and Direct TV advertise their HD all the time, so what's the purpose of dropping channels? I'm sure there is some contract issue behind this, but you need to work that stuff out.

Ken H

11-29-09, 01:28 PM

According to the Blade, while we're getting USA, Discovery, and Learning HD on the 28th, they're taking away HDNet and HDNet Movies. That's crap.

They who? Buckeye?

Gamereviewgod

11-29-09, 04:00 PM

They who? Buckeye?

Sorry. Yes, Buckeye.

MV400

11-30-09, 05:04 PM

Hey Guys,

not sure what is going on here but I will look into the matter. Could be the beginning signs of a fatal equipment problem. Thanks For the heads up..

Steve Pietras
CE Fox Toledo WUPW-TV

It looks pretty bad with Time Warner Cable too, syndicated shows look pretty bad but everything else is fine.

Does anyone know when they are going to broadcast the news in HD? I'm sure if WTOL started broadcasting in HD then WTVG would probably start the next week.

Also, anyone have a reason why Fox in SD looks SO bad on Buckeye? Live programming looks as expected, but pre-recorded stuff is so unbearably processed I can't even watch it. My DVR screwed up and recording Cops in SD the other night and my god, it's like the worst DNR hack job ever.

Edit: Okay, now that I look up from typing, it seems like OTA Fox suffers from the same smoothing problem (on commercials). It's just awful.

Gamereviewgod

11-30-09, 08:52 PM

Ben_Jamin75

11-30-09, 10:31 PM

I just received my buckeye cable e-newsletter: Officially new HD channels coming 12/28/09

602 USA HD
607 Discovery HD
638 Bravo HD
655 TLC HD

videditor

11-30-09, 10:45 PM

RU FASTR

12-01-09, 01:19 AM

I spent a morning shooting video of this process for Buckeye. Really cool! The core comes shooting out. Instant conduit. We did a 500ft run in a couple hours. The best part is- no service interruption since they are blowing out the old B-Side cable runs. Secret is the solution they use to shrink the core.:cool:
VidEditor

Where are they doing it?

Gamereviewgod

12-01-09, 09:10 AM

MV400

12-01-09, 12:11 PM

Hi guys,

I am still looking for the needle in the haystack. I rolled down the NR a little and sharpness in from our station master UDC as a temporary fix for now. We are using a PESA product that has NR, Gamut correction, montion comp and it has been my experince that a flakey piece of gear up-stream can cause this very expensive converter to get a little wacky.

Steve Pietras
CE Fox Toledo

Wow. That was unexpected. Thanks Steve, and keep us updated!

hammer400

12-02-09, 10:26 AM

Anyone have this issue with their Buckeye Pace DVR?

Whenever I record something early in the morning, say 2 or 3 AM, the damn thing doesn't stop recording all night. Come morning, it's been taping for six or so hours, and I can't stop it short of deleting the recording or letting it fill.

This only happens with stuff from the early morning.

My Pace DVR also did this a couple weeks ago. Recorded something on from 12am to 1am and when i woke up the next day, I found it was still recording. Recorded all night and would have kept recording if i hadn't deleted it when I found it. Not sure what the deal was with that.

Gamereviewgod

12-02-09, 10:40 AM

Hi guys,

I am still looking for the needle in the haystack. I rolled down the NR a little and sharpness in from our station master UDC as a temporary fix for now. We are using a PESA product that has NR, Gamut correction, montion comp and it has been my experince that a flakey piece of gear up-stream can cause this very expensive converter to get a little wacky.

Steve Pietras
CE Fox Toledo

Thanks. Changed over to SD for a little bit today and did see some improvement.

MV400

12-06-09, 10:23 PM

Hey Foks...

Fox Toledo took a power hit sometime Friday at the studios. Despite the surge supressor and UPS system the power hit still caused the multi-plexer to set the PAT (Program allocation table) timing to be off. THUS on some TV sets and set- top boxes, if you had WUPW and tuned away, the station vanished. LG boxes and Insignia boxes had no issue with this. Panasonic HDTV's were ok too BUT some SHARP HDTVs had issues. A re-scan seems to fix the problem.

Steve

adam856

12-07-09, 07:51 PM

I just received my buckeye cable e-newsletter: Officially new HD channels coming 12/28/09

602 USA HD
607 Discovery HD
638 Bravo HD
655 TLC HD

I'm really hoping Discovery ends up in the first HD tier. I'll be set when they add SYFY HD to the line up.

MV400

12-08-09, 03:11 PM

Fox Toledo had garbled closed captions on HD side during local only. It was caused by a problem in the caption bridge from EIA-608 to EIA-708. Flashing new firmware to the device corrected the issues.

Sorry for the trouble..

Steve

Gamereviewgod

12-09-09, 03:19 PM

My Pace DVR also did this a couple weeks ago. Recorded something on from 12am to 1am and when i woke up the next day, I found it was still recording. Recorded all night and would have kept recording if i hadn't deleted it when I found it. Not sure what the deal was with that.

I just took mine back and got a new one today. Did this for two shows the other night, and one started at 10PM instead of early morning. Hopefully the new one (a different model) will be free of issues.

jdcsi99

12-10-09, 06:33 PM

I just took mine back and got a new one today. Did this for two shows the other night, and one started at 10PM instead of early morning. Hopefully the new one (a different model) will be free of issues.

Hey guys, my Motorola box has done this a couple times (each time it was early morning shows)... I wonder if its something with the time or data tagging of the guide or something?

RU FASTR

12-11-09, 10:30 AM

Hey guys, my Motorola box has done this a couple times (each time it was early morning shows)... I wonder if its something with the time or data tagging of the guide or something?

Get a Pace box. The Moto's are nothing but trouble.

Gamereviewgod

12-11-09, 02:41 PM

Get a Pace box. The Moto's are nothing but trouble.

A Pace is what I was using, and what Buckeye replaced it with.

Charlie Kocis

12-12-09, 01:10 AM

RU FASTR

12-12-09, 10:53 AM

A Pace is what I was using, and what Buckeye replaced it with.

I've been using the silver Pace 778 and never had any issues. I swapped it for the new black 787 last night. Hopefully I'm as lucky with the new box as I was the old one.

RU FASTR

12-12-09, 10:57 AM

Question for my fellow Buckeye users.... is it just me or does CNN HD look dramatically better than Fox News HD? I notice a ton of macroblocking on Fox. Now I know Fox is 720p vs 1080i on CNN but that shouldn't cause any issues like this.

Gamereviewgod

12-14-09, 09:29 PM

I've been using the silver Pace 778 and never had any issues. I swapped it for the new black 787 last night. Hopefully I'm as lucky with the new box as I was the old one.

Same situation as me, only the 778 gave me issues. I like the 787 though. Much lighter and thinner.

Gamereviewgod

12-14-09, 09:30 PM

Also, any comments on RoadRunner would be greatly appreciated.

My uncle had Roadrunner for years and it was nothing but trouble. I personally never used it, I just remember him complaining about it constantly, whether it was a speed or a connection issue.

sitlet

12-15-09, 01:25 PM

A Pace is what I was using, and what Buckeye replaced it with.
I've been using the silver Pace 778 and never had any issues. I swapped it for the new black 787 last night.

how do you get a new box? can i just take my old one in and exchange it? or does their have to be something wrong with it? i would love a black box, as this silver one doesnt match everything else thats black in my setup.

skatingrocker17

12-15-09, 08:48 PM

So what does everyone think of Time Warner? They've been kickin ass and taking names when it comes to adding new channels; I even saw TCM-HD with my own eyes at the in-laws house tonight. I had a lot of trouble with them up until mid-2007, when I moved from Genoa to Northwood and got Buckeye. Has TWC gotten they're act together? The FIVE-DOZEN or so channels they have all looked pretty good to me on the in-laws 67 inch Sammy DLP. And I liked how everything is grouped together, much like D* and E*. Also, any comments on RoadRunner would be greatly appreciated.

Yeah we have a TON of HD channels now, which was long overdue because for the longest time we only had like 5. They finally earn the name of "Home of Free HD". Anyway sometimes for me the HD channels say that they aren't available sometimes and it's pretty annoying, also when you try to use the Start Over feature it's very scrambled, even though the channel itself works perfectly fine.
Roadrunner is great, I only have the 7mbps package I you still get powerboost. Even though they only advertise powerboost for the Roadrunner Turbo 15mbps package you still get it with the 7mbps package.

Gamereviewgod

12-16-09, 10:15 AM

how do you get a new box? can i just take my old one in and exchange it? or does their have to be something wrong with it? i would love a black box, as this silver one doesnt match everything else thats black in my setup.

She told me there had to be something wrong with it.

That said, my new one did the same thing, recording a show for over seven hours last night. This time though I was able to stop it by hitting exit. This is beginning to get stupid.

Charlie Kocis

12-16-09, 12:21 PM

skatingrocker17

12-16-09, 03:11 PM

It's sounds like a tough choice between BCS and TWC. On one hand Buckeye has been super reliable for me for the last 2.5 years. No dropped channels, no internet outages. On the other hand Buckeye is REALLY dragging their feet when it comes to adding new HD channels. When I last had TWC it could really be a headache sometimes dealing with all their BS.

Go for TWC, they are reliable on all their SD channels but occasionally an HD channel won't work but it always comes back, and that could just be for me. It's just the Start Over feature I have issues with sometimes, I'm pretty sure Buckeye doesn't even offer that anyway and I have an HD DVR so it doesn't really matter.

Gamereviewgod

12-16-09, 07:01 PM

It's sounds like a tough choice between BCS and TWC. On one hand Buckeye has been super reliable for me for the last 2.5 years. No dropped channels, no internet outages. On the other hand Buckeye is REALLY dragging their feet when it comes to adding new HD channels. When I last had TWC it could really be a headache sometimes dealing with all their BS.

My thought has always been that Buckeye is local. If something goes wrong, I take my DVR in and get a new one the same day no questions asked, or have a serviceman out the next day to fix the problem at no charge. Over the phone service has been excellent as well. I'm not happy about the HD channel selection either, but the service is exceptional.

RU FASTR

12-20-09, 12:11 PM

how do you get a new box? can i just take my old one in and exchange it? or does their have to be something wrong with it? i would love a black box, as this silver one doesnt match everything else thats black in my setup.

In my case the box I wanted to return still had some programs I wanted to watch. So I picked up a new black Pace 787, connected it to another outlet and set all my recordings. Spent the next week or so getting caught up on the 779. Then I swapped the boxes and returned the silver one.

They shouldn't give you any problems if you want to trade DVR's. I've done it quite a few times.

MV400

12-22-09, 06:44 PM

Hey Gang...

Fox Toledo was running at a slightly lower power (about 900 watts less) level tonight from 6:15 to 6:30pm while I swapped out a weak amp module. This could have caused the perimeter for the cliff effect to shift slightly.

Were back at 100% power now..

Steve Pietras
Chief Engineer
WUPW (LIN-TV)
419-244-3600

trabbic

12-23-09, 03:31 PM

Steve,

I just wanted to thank you for posting items like this. It is refreshing to hear from people in the industry about this type of thing. I think people understand when there are problems, as long as there are efforts in place to fix those problems.

Thanks again!

Chris

Hey Gang...

Fox Toledo was running at a slightly lower power (about 900 watts less) level tonight from 6:15 to 6:30pm while I swapped out a weak amp module. This could have caused the perimeter for the cliff effect to shift slightly.

Were back at 100% power now..

Steve Pietras
Chief Engineer
WUPW (LIN-TV)
419-244-3600

MV400

12-23-09, 04:24 PM

Hi folks, If this were to pass as law, free over the air HDTV would cease to exist. You would be stuck with one transmitter carrier, and each station would be a "sub channel" on that transmitter channel. Now the kicker, each of the channels would only be SD 4:3 stereo only. If you want HDTV with surround audio you would have to buy it from a cable or satillite vendor.

Call the FCC or your congress person...

The article is below...

Steve

From TV Technology.com

A proposal to create a national wireless broadband network is generating tens of thousands of comments at the Federal Communications Commission. Commenters range from lobbies, think tanks, schools, phone companies, citizens, and the likes of the Waukesha County Department of Emergency Preparedness.

Each has an agenda. Waukesha County emergency responders want communications licensed in the 700 MHz block of spectrum. A previous effort by the FCC to auction a slice of 700 MHz as a public-private partnership for emergency communications failed to attract sufficient bids.

Lawrence Touitou of Burlingame, Calif., urged the FCC to enforce network neutrality.

The National Association of Broadcasters in Washington, D.C. urged the commission to keeps its mitts off of television spectrum. The NAB was joined in its comments by the Association for Maximum Service TV:

“MSTV and NAB herein reject the notion put forth by a select few commenters affiliated with the commercial wireless industry--namely, that to achieve a world-class broadband ecosystem, one must curtail or even eliminate consumers’ access to a free and robust over-the-air digital television service.”

The wireless industry is hotly pursuing the notion that using airwaves for broadband is a far better use of spectrum than TV. The Wireless Association (CTIA), along with the Consumer Electronics Association, asked the FCC this week to “investigate potential reallocation of broadcast spectrum.”
“To our knowledge,” they wrote, “the commission has never conducted a detailed evaluation of advanced television services, nor has it made an assessment of alternative uses and the ability of the commission to reduce the amount of spectrum assigned to broadcast television licensees.

“This spectrum is uniquely suited for mobile broadband applications, devices and services--it has highly favorable propagation characteristics and is directly adjacent to the 700 and 800 MHz spectrum utilized by the commercial wireless industry. We therefore urge the commission to take immediate action to initiate the Congressionally mandated evaluation of broadcast television spectrum usage.”

MV400

12-23-09, 04:34 PM

No Problem Chris, I see the AVS as a good place to keep those who love HDTV (like me) informed of changes that could cause problems for them. I took photos of the work I was doing but didn’t have the time to try and figure out how to include them in the e-mail. If I can remember, I will try to post stuff in the future as time permits. During transmitter work, my immediate attention is always to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible then inform those who need to know and viewers who could have been affected by it. I really want Fox Toledo to be the best it can be for our viewers and a healthy transmitter is a large part of that.

Have a Merry Christmas…

Steve,

I just wanted to thank you for posting items like this. It is refreshing to hear from people in the industry about this type of thing. I think people understand when there are problems, as long as there are efforts in place to fix those problems.

Thanks again!

Chris

MV400

12-23-09, 04:54 PM

Hi Gang...

Ok,

So I figured out how to attach an image file to this post, SO here is what our HDTV transmitter looks like while I was making repairs last night. Note the two PA trays with no green LED lamps. With a replacement amp, you must connect the coolant lines to "warm" the amp before putting drive to it. This thermally stabilizes the internal parts.

Steve

Star56

12-23-09, 07:38 PM

Very cool picture! Thanks!

Ken H

12-23-09, 09:51 PM

MV400

12-24-09, 09:31 AM

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?

Yes, a UHF / VHF outdoor antenna would really help. One model I have personally done outdoor testing with the Fox Toledo carrier was the Channel master 4228 HD. This is a six bay antenna and it presented the most linear / uniform gain across the UHF band VS other brands. Channel master also has smaller 2 -bay models but I did not test them. http://www.channelmasterstore.com/Outdoor_Antennas_s/20.htm The 4228 HD performed very well on Catawba island as well as Put-in-bay.

I even tested "worst case" scenario and stuck a di-pole out and tested it at Lake Shore Drive (Coastal Marine stop in and say hi to Kevin) and got a very usable signal. (see Photo DSCN3894). I also hit up Rickard's Bait on Catawba and tested. I got Fox Toledo just fine. (see photo dscn3897). Note, I did have some advantage as the antennas were hung in free space without typical construction materials causing several loss in dB. you roof, walls, pets, humans can cause a loss in dB. Believe it or not the average human body is a good tuned antenna for VHF channel 6, but I will save how I know that for another post...

As far as choosing an antenna, you can go to http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx and it will aid you in choosing an antenna as well as give you an indication of what stations will come in with it and at what compass directions.

FYI I have attached a DTV fact sheet that might also help.

Merry Christmas,

Steve Pietras
Chief Engineer
Fox Toledo
WUPW-TV
Lin Broadcasting

RU FASTR

12-28-09, 12:45 AM

I just received my buckeye cable e-newsletter: Officially new HD channels coming 12/28/09

602 USA HD
607 Discovery HD
638 Bravo HD
655 TLC HD

They're up!

Plus a couple not mentioned...
694 Biography HD
695 Wealth HD

HDnet and HDnet Movies are gone :mad:

Charlie Kocis

12-28-09, 02:47 AM

They're up!

Plus a couple not mentioned...
694 Biography HD
695 Wealth HD

HDnet and HDnet Movies are gone :mad:

Yeah, they replace HDN/HDNM with two channels that SHOULD be in the basic HD tier like most others providers.

adam856

12-28-09, 09:52 PM

Charlie Kocis

12-29-09, 07:31 AM

I'm getting blue sparkles on TLC HD and Discovery HD. Just wondering if anybody else has them, they show up real good on anything dark (black shirts, etc).

I'll give Buckeye a couple of days since they just launched these new channels.....unless I'm the only one getting them.

I saw them too. I'm pretty sure ALL the HD channels look worse than they did before. Could just be my imagination, though.

Gamereviewgod

12-29-09, 01:37 PM

I saw them too. I'm pretty sure ALL the HD channels look worse than they did before. Could just be my imagination, though.

I thought so too. I watched Intervention last night and that blue background they use on that show was a mess of artifacting, and it's not usually that bad.

Monday Night Football looked pretty bad too, although EPSN HD usually looks rather awful.

PerrysburgGuy

12-29-09, 02:10 PM

I saw them too. I'm pretty sure ALL the HD channels look worse than they did before. Could just be my imagination, though.

I got the blue sparkles as well. On the new Mythbusters last night, I could see yellow spots on Jamie's white shirt at the beginning. I assume this is all from "excessive" compression.

Sigh. I like more HD, but hate the less quality. I wish they could stop with the analog and free up bandwith.

If this persists, I'll guess I'll complain to Buckeye.

adam856

12-29-09, 07:07 PM

I got the blue sparkles as well. On the new Mythbusters last night, I could see yellow spots on Jamie's white shirt at the beginning. I assume this is all from "excessive" compression.

Sigh. I like more HD, but hate the less quality. I wish they could stop with the analog and free up bandwith.

If this persists, I'll guess I'll complain to Buckeye.

I talked to them last night online about and the person I was talking to said they have gotten some complaints about it.

MV400

12-29-09, 08:53 PM

Hi guys,

We had a piece of network gear freak out tonight thus had issues getting into network HD tonight. I had operations reset the gear that went wacky and we are back up in HD.

You see, Fox network is sent MPEG 2 via SAT to WUPW. When in network, we switch MPEG2 from Fox network HD right into the transmitter. We do not convert the signal back to HD video as CBS, NBC, and ABC. This "MPEG" switch went wacky and thus we could only upconvert the local 4:3 with stereo audio.

Sorry folks!

Steve Pietras
Chief Engineer
Fox Toledo WUPW-TV

trabbic

12-30-09, 10:00 AM

HDnet and HDnet Movies are gone :mad:

Booooooooooooooooooo! :mad:

sitlet

12-30-09, 11:44 AM

RU FASTR

01-01-10, 11:29 AM

i also noticed the blue artifacts with discovery. still there this morning,

I see them as well, just in dark backgrounds though.

adam856

01-01-10, 02:19 PM

i also noticed the blue artifacts with discovery. still there this morning, so i think i will give them a call. i didnt really notice any drop in quality of the other channels, actually a few channels seemed to look a little better last night.

also, did anyone check out the new music channels? they got rid of Urge for another provider. sound quality seems to be a bit better than urge, but the channels are audio only. i liked the artist info and bios on screen, and now to see what the song is i have to hit the info button. a little annoying...

If you do call them and it gets fixed let us know. I really think it's a headend problem so I'm holding off from having a tech come out. Discovery and TLC where two channels I really wanted in HD (can't wait for SyFy ) but I can't stand watching them because of the blue sparkles everywhere.:(

MV400

01-04-10, 10:50 PM

Hi gang,

Fox Toledo had issues today. We lost all MPEG signal for about 8 minutes a little after 5pm. To some over the air viewers, you would have been able to tune to our station but not had any signal.

I just spent the last 5 hours hunting down the problem and think I might have it isolated down to an HD encoder. When I just left the station, everything was stable. If the problem pops up again I will switch to the secondary encoder.

Steve..

PS, if you've ever wondered, I have the HD encoder running at 17mbs.

Gamereviewgod

01-08-10, 12:03 PM

PS, if you've ever wondered, I have the HD encoder running at 17mbs.

Is there a set limit, is it a hardware limitation, or just a preference?

MV400

01-08-10, 04:16 PM

skatingrocker17

01-09-10, 12:19 AM

Good question!

Believe it or not, the "payload" data rate is actually 32MB/s and 12MB is all forward error correction for error recovery that protects the signal.

THUS, the usable data rate is a little over 19MB MAX for PSIP, null packets and main and sub channels. WUPW is at 17MB as we are not multi-plexing any other channels at this time.

Wow 17mbps I never knew the bitrate. Thanks for the info. 17mbps seems like a lot but it doesn't really look that good compared to Blu-Ray or other formats.

Ken H

01-09-10, 02:12 PM

Wow 17mbps I never knew the bitrate. Thanks for the info. 17mbps seems like a lot but it doesn't really look that good compared to Blu-Ray or other formats.

17Mbps is a lot for ATSC, Blu-ray can be over 36Mbps.

adam856

01-10-10, 05:53 PM

It looks like Buckeye for the most part fixed the blue sparkle issue with their new HD channels. I love having Discovery and TLC in HD.

skatingrocker17

01-11-10, 10:45 PM

17Mbps is a lot for ATSC, Blu-ray can be over 36Mbps.

I know and they aren't even comparable, even mpeg4 files with a bitrate of 5mbps look significantly better.

PCTools

01-13-10, 07:12 PM

I bet you also love paying those over-priced bills for HD... :D

It looks like Buckeye for the most part fixed the blue sparkle issue with their new HD channels. I love having Discovery and TLC in HD.

adam856

01-13-10, 09:09 PM

I bet you also love paying those over-priced bills for HD... :D

The HD part is cheap....it's the other 200 channels I don't watch that are expensive.;)

skatingrocker17

02-09-10, 10:32 PM

I found an HD channel that actually looks good to me, maybe it's just because it's an animated show but Beerfest was on the other night and it looked pretty good too. We now have 69 FREE HD channels, there's more but I'm not paying ~$10 a month for channels we would never even watch like "Mav TV".
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/3416/20100209221718.jpg
Tried to save some time by making it a .jpg, doesn't look quite as good as the .png. This 2006 episode isn't as detailed as the 2009 episode they played right after.

sitlet

02-10-10, 10:52 AM

cartoons will always look better because there is less color information being sent over the transport stream. less color information means more bandwidth for quality.

MV400

02-16-10, 01:13 PM

skatingrocker17

02-16-10, 10:02 PM

Hi guys..

jsut an update.. Fox Engineering was in house a couple weeks ago and they updated us to some new network switching equipment. I think the product actually looks better and I am seeing less "behind the sceenes" issues in the mpeg stream we now send out.

I also wanted to ask if anyone has seen our new 6:30pm news product and what did ya think? I would love to hear from ya!

Take care..

Steve

I'll take a look at it, I would have already but I have wrestling practice. I'm just really waiting for one of the local channels to broadcast the news in HD. It would look much more appealing to a 17 year old like me.

sitlet

02-26-10, 03:51 PM

Anyone having problems with NBC's audio this past week. I noticed it a few days ago once or twice, but today it's really bad. Basically whenever it goes from network to the local station for local ads, there is no audio, and i can see the 5.1 light on my receiver is still on. I think whoever is in master control isn't switching the audio from network to local when they are supposed to.

MV400

03-03-10, 06:29 PM

Just wanted to pop in "hear" and let you all know I have put in a box in the air chain.

drop me a line and let me know what you think..

Steve

skatingrocker17

03-03-10, 06:59 PM

Just wanted to pop in "hear" and let you all know I have put in a box in the air chain.

drop me a line and let me know what you think..

Steve

What exactly does that mean?

Trip in VA

03-03-10, 07:29 PM

What exactly does that mean?

His message makes it "sound" like there's been an upgrade. ;)

- Trip

MV400

03-03-10, 09:00 PM

Yup.. I made some changes. Its better than it was but I still have some work to do..

I am glad someone got my gramatic joke of "Here Hear"..:)

the 2/0 stereo downmix is good but the 5.1 still needs work.

His message makes it "sound" like there's been an upgrade. ;)

- Trip

adam856

03-10-10, 10:30 PM

So is anyone getting to test out the Pace home share or have any guess on when it will be available to the masses ? ATT keeps tempting me with theirs but their prices stinks after your deal is done (not to mention the sub par internet and phone I used to have from them).

Gamereviewgod

03-13-10, 10:41 AM

We're on the list to get it, but apparently way, way down. Really would save us an insane amount of money most likely since we're running 4 (!) DVRs.

bogart219

03-16-10, 09:36 PM

Yellow,
I got buckeye cable. The last three or four days my HD channels look like ****. I took my pace 778 box in and exchanged it for a 787 today but same problem. I'm watching American Idol right now and can only get it in 720p. The picture looks washed out and a little darkish. It used to look great. I called buckeye tech support up and the kid down there said Idol was coming in at 720p for him also. It don't seem right. This show should broadcast in 1080i. I got a tech coming out tomorrow to look at it. Anyone else experiencing any problems with their high def channels? Thanks.

Ken H

03-16-10, 09:47 PM

MV400

03-16-10, 09:50 PM

Please note the native format for Fox is 720p. This is the same format used for Fox sports, ABC sports and ESPN. I suspect your complant is that the new box will not upconvert 720p to 1080I internally for your display.

CBS, NBC are 1080I
Fox, ABC are 720p

FYI, Idol is also shot native in 720P.

hope this helps,

steve Pietras
Chief Engineer
Fox Toledo WUPW-TV

Yellow,
I got buckeye cable. The last three or four days my HD channels look like ****. I took my pace 778 box in and exchanged it for a 787 today but same problem. I'm watching American Idol right now and can only get it in 720p. The picture looks washed out and a little darkish. It used to look great. I called buckeye tech support up and the kid down there said Idol was coming in at 720p for him also. It don't seem right. This show should broadcast in 1080i. I got a tech coming out tomorrow to look at it. Anyone else experiencing any problems with their high def channels? Thanks.

bogart219

03-17-10, 07:45 AM

Wow, thanks for the info fellows. I just assume because the picture looked so good it was 1080i. I had the 778x box before that didn't show the actual resolution. Now the 787 does. Maybe something is wrong with my tv. Either that or the cabling I suppose. I'll have a service tech over later to at least confirm that all of buckeye's equipment is working correctly. Thanks again for the info!

bogart219

03-18-10, 08:14 AM

Had the tech out last night. Nice guy. Seems the problem is in my set. Convergence.

buritto

03-19-10, 06:12 PM

Is America One still a sub channel on NBC WNWO?

1kHztone

03-20-10, 11:19 PM

Is America One still a sub channel on NBC WNWO?

As far as I know, it's still on their DT3 subchannel.

Gamereviewgod

03-29-10, 10:24 PM

Does anyone know any logical reason why Buckeye does not offer PPV's in HD?

Really frustrating. Ordered the UFC and Wrestlemania this weekend. Been waiting for three years to see these in HD.

Charlie Kocis

03-31-10, 07:22 AM

Does anyone know any logical reason why Buckeye does not offer PPV's in HD?

Really frustrating. Ordered the UFC and Wrestlemania this weekend. Been waiting for three years to see these in HD.

I think the technical term for it is that "they suck". Yes, it think that's it.

RU FASTR

04-01-10, 12:04 AM

In today's Buckeye email newsletter they mention some kind of upgrade to digital cable subscribers coming on April 7th. Anyone know what this is about?

huggybear102

04-01-10, 10:07 AM

On the website mentions that they are going to be updating the i-Guide.

Gamereviewgod

04-07-10, 11:19 PM

On the website mentions that they are going to be updating the i-Guide.

Would have been nice if they specified what they did. I'm not noticing any differences or changes in the menu.

RU FASTR

04-08-10, 10:52 AM

Would have been nice if they specified what they did. I'm not noticing any differences or changes in the menu.

Same here, looks like I got my hopes up for nothing. :mad:

jdcsi99

04-08-10, 02:53 PM

Same here, looks like I got my hopes up for nothing. :mad:

Yea, me too -- Was hoping they make the menu a bit more modern and drop the advertising space (really do people click on the ads (and not by accident?)), I can't tell any changes either.

huggybear102

04-11-10, 11:14 PM

I no longer have Buckeye for my tv so I can't check it out, but Comcast, whom I believe use the same i-Guide, just updated theirs as well. Link (http://www.comcast.net/newguide/) to their information.

sitlet

04-12-10, 09:18 AM

wow, that comcast update looks nice! They now have folders, and a BIG update for me that I have been waiting for: internet dvr scheduling! But of course, we didn't get those. I saw a commercial for Buckeye that said there would be changes, but nothing would be noticable. I really wish Buckeye would update like Comcast did.

skatingrocker17

04-12-10, 06:12 PM

I'm proud to announce that 13 ABC is finally broadcasting their news in 720p High Definition.
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/8553/20100412180822.png
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/2622/20100412180801.png
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/7963/20100412180736.png
As for the quality... it's okay. It's no CNN or anything but I'm happy it at least fills the screen without the bars on the side.

RU FASTR

04-12-10, 11:07 PM

I dunno. It's 16:9 but it doesn't look HD to me.

Star56

04-13-10, 12:16 AM

It is hard to tell from those captures. The PQ is nasty even for 720p (ABC's resolution).

Might be 480i/p wide screen.

Star56

04-13-10, 05:03 AM

I am watching ch 613 5:00am news as I type this. The broadcast is 16:9 BUT clearly 480i. Looks nasty. I wonder what 13 is thinking?

skatingrocker17

04-13-10, 05:12 PM

I dunno. It's 16:9 but it doesn't look HD to me.

Well my dad said that 2 days ago ABC claimed that it was HD but honestly it doesn't look very good. Still a step in the right direction though.

It is hard to tell from those captures. The PQ is nasty even for 720p (ABC's resolution).

Might be 480i/p wide screen.

The captures don't even look good so I thought something was up so I got closer to the TV (which at the time I noticed it was HD I was about 25 feet away from a 55" TV) and noticed that it was clearly fuzzy and looked nothing liked cable HD channels, which aren't that impressive themselves either.

Star56

04-14-10, 04:46 PM

sitlet

04-14-10, 05:12 PM

the end result IS probably 720p, as everything they broadcast is 720p. but inside that 720p signal is just an upscaled 480i 16x9 source.

I must say, it looks pretty good on my 47". Not as good as the Detroit news stations look in real HD, but still pretty good considering.

skatingrocker17

04-14-10, 08:06 PM

I received an email from someone at 13 who claimed that the signal that left the station was 720p. To be honest he seemed confused. I emailed back and asked him if he was claiming that the cameras used were 720p and the editing equipment was 720p. If that is what he is claiming then he is either deceived or lying. This is nasty 16:9 480i. even the station promo does NOT claim it is HD...it only says "widescreen digital".

We'll see what he says.

Tom

I heard them say the exact same thing today about their new "widescreen digital" broadcast. Although it's pretty much confirmed now that it's not 720p, in my opinion it's still far more enjoyable to watch without the side bars.

Star56

04-14-10, 09:33 PM

RU FASTR

04-14-10, 09:43 PM

Barry thinks if I take video with a 1988 VHS camcorder....it magically becomes 720P when it leaves 13's transmitter.

Amazing.

Hahaha :p

skatingrocker17

04-14-10, 10:58 PM

Star56

04-15-10, 12:34 AM

Well "TECHNICALLY", it's displayed at 1280x720 so it is 720p, just upscaled like everything else they show except for the national broadcasts. Like you can upscale 480p DVDs to 1080p but does that make them 1080p quality? Defiantly not. Their source isn't 720p.

Yes I understand the difference but I am not sure that Barry does. My initial question to him was now that the news is 16:9 when will we get it in 720p vs 480i. Barry seems to think (like early HD newbies did) that if it lights up the 720p indicator on your TV, then you are watching HD material. If 13 sends out a 1280x720 signal, then by golly you have your HD news!

MV400

04-28-10, 05:13 PM

Hi all,

As we all know we had some severe weather this past weekend during the NASCAR race. We are required to show severe weather information and the only way to do that at the moment was with a SD 4:3 image. Because the FOX network HD stuff is essentially a MPEG-2 pass through, it looks better and doesn't suffer from conversion artifacts. BUT during severe weather, putting things on the air at the local station is a problem. Fox broadcasting is aware of the need for severe weather information in HD and is working to address the issue. I have seen their prototype system in action and it will be nice to have the best of both worlds.

Stay Tuned,
Take Care,

Steve Pietras
Fox Toledo

skatingrocker17

04-28-10, 07:45 PM

RU FASTR

05-01-10, 10:14 AM

Buckeye is deploying SDV beginning June 1st.

http://www.buckeyecablesystem.com/sdv/

Charlie Kocis

05-02-10, 03:37 AM

buckeye is deploying sdv beginning june 1st.

http://www.buckeyecablesystem.com/sdv/

It's about time! Maybe now Buckeye can play catch-up with all the other providers' HD offerings.

adam856

05-02-10, 10:09 AM

Lets hope the bandwidth they open up is already reserved for more HD channels.

MV400

05-05-10, 08:32 PM

We are doing something different tonight with our HD and severe weather info.

It is simple, but meets requirements for weather. The maps and alert system come up during the breaks.

Steve Pietras

videditor

05-06-10, 10:47 PM

I am getting emails from a guy named Barry Gries and he is seriously confused. He thinks that since 13 uses a 720p standard that everything that goes out the transmitter tower is 720p. I have explained to him that RF signals do not have a resolution.

He honestly seems baffled by my question...when will the local news be in 720p? Barry thinks if I take video with a 1988 VHS camcorder....it magically becomes 720P when it leaves 13's transmitter.

Amazing.
Yeah...:) Barry is one of the main engineers @ WTVG, I've been to NAB with him (years back). Any signal converted to "said" reso will be output @ that res...It's not magic, it's about a $4000 black box. Like it was said before, does not mean it's a native res.
Also... the 16x9 SD output WTVG is using, basically if it's like the gear I have, is a SD widescreen chip set camera. It is actually 50 scan line less res, but will output 16x9 signal. We used several production trucks in this config for SPEED channel races during their switch to all HD. This way, while the res was not HD, at least the aspect was correct and the home viewer did not have to watch letterbox or edge crop video.
VE

videditor

05-06-10, 10:48 PM

Lets hope the bandwidth they open up is already reserved for more HD channels.

That is exactly what the plan is...:)

videditor

05-06-10, 10:52 PM

Buckeye is deploying SDV beginning June 1st.

http://www.buckeyecablesystem.com/sdv/

Been testing SDV for over a month now... Had some bugs with different STBs, but all has been smooth now for weeks. Channel surfing is OK... not the speed of light, but I'll take that and more HD over nothing. Sure would be nice to get everyone on a STB and cut off analog. That's what they would have to do if they went satellite anyway-right?

videditor

05-06-10, 11:07 PM

Yes I understand the difference but I am not sure that Barry does. My initial question to him was now that the news is 16:9 when will we get it in 720p vs 480i. Barry seems to think (like early HD newbies did) that if it lights up the 720p indicator on your TV, then you are watching HD material. If 13 sends out a 1280x720 signal, then by golly you have your HD news!
Just to make clear... just because it's 16x9 does not make it HD. I have had broadcast cameras able to do 16x9 for years, but it's still SD. They just flipped some switches on SD gear... I think it's cool that they are using that capability... I mean it's right there, flip a few switches on cameras, monitors & switchers... I would be surprised if any Toledo news station goes HD this year.
Who wants to see Toledo news in HD anyway? Anything local programming for that matter. Let's say the market is not friendly to local origination. BTW - HD is not just a "plug & play" swap.

skatingrocker17

05-09-10, 10:07 PM

We are doing something different tonight with our HD and severe weather info.

It is simple, but meets requirements for weather. The maps and alert system come up during the breaks.

Steve Pietras

I think WTVG switches to standard definition when they display the counties with the warnings because I noticed that ET looked fuzzy but it was still 16x9.

sitlet

05-11-10, 04:16 AM

http://www.buckeyecablesystem.com/tvguide/

So apparently we are getting a minor update to iGuide this month, similar to what Comcast deployed a month or so ago. Looks like a few good features are added, but we are still missing the internet DVR programming that Comcast got last month. Seriously, I could care less about any other feature out DVR's have, I just want the ability to schedule recordings online. I can't count how many times I'm not at home and remember I forgot to record something. But I can't do anything about that cause I don't have Comcast.

RU FASTR

05-18-10, 08:23 PM

Well they said the update would happen on the 17th....well I don't have it yet :(

trabbic

05-18-10, 10:23 PM

Well they said the update would happen on the 17th....well I don't have it yet :(

+1 still on a25 here...

RU FASTR

05-19-10, 06:54 PM

D-day +2.......still no iGuide update

elph31337

05-20-10, 09:06 PM

Did anyone else on TimeWarner in the Perrysburg/Waterville area just lose all of the local HD channels (ClearQAM)? All I have now are the music channels, some movie preview channel and Military TV.

Isn't there an FCC mandate that the locals are carried in the clear?

If others are having the same issue, does anyone know who to call?

Gamereviewgod

05-21-10, 12:24 PM

Isn't there an FCC mandate that the locals are carried in the clear?

Only in SD.

schwa73

05-23-10, 03:32 PM

Gamereviewgod

05-23-10, 08:49 PM

Any other Buckeye subscribers out there experiencing severe macroblocking/pixelization on several HD stations? Affected stations include TOLHD, WTVGD, History Channel, etc.

It's producing a nearly unwatchable channel at this point. The sound keeps cutting out as well.

Anyone else?

Today or has this been going on for a while?

schwa73

05-23-10, 09:07 PM

Today or has this been going on for a while?

Just started today. It's only the HD channels, and only on one TV in our house.

Buckeye says it could be a weak signal, and they're coming out to the house on Tuesday.

Star56

05-23-10, 09:47 PM

Just started today. It's only the HD channels, and only on one TV in our house.

Buckeye says it could be a weak signal, and they're coming out to the house on Tuesday.

It must be a local issue. NO macroblocking at my location. Looks great.

Gamereviewgod

05-26-10, 10:38 AM

sitlet

05-26-10, 12:10 PM

Watched some History last night and yeah, it looks bad for me too. Kinda looks like a 480i/p signal upscaled, or a 720p feed downsampled.

FYI, History HD routinely upscales SD content, so that could be why it looks bad.

Gamereviewgod

05-27-10, 10:26 AM

FYI, History HD routinely upscales SD content, so that could be why it looks bad.

Not in the case of Pawn Stars. Their older stuff would be, but not the new.

Gamereviewgod

05-28-10, 07:34 PM

skatingrocker17

05-28-10, 11:21 PM

FYI, History HD routinely upscales SD content, so that could be why it looks bad.

Even the stuff that is upscaled, like Modern Marvels from like 2002 doesn't look horrible. I would say it's better than standard definition even if the aspect ratio is incorrect.

Did anyone else on TimeWarner in the Perrysburg/Waterville area just lose all of the local HD channels (ClearQAM)? All I have now are the music channels, some movie preview channel and Military TV.

Isn't there an FCC mandate that the locals are carried in the clear?

If others are having the same issue, does anyone know who to call?
I did a auto scan for channels on one of my TVs and got no digital channels at all, not even the local radar channels. I know another one of my TVs has digital channels (without a STB) over cable, well it did last time I checked which was probably a month ago. Anyway maybe Time Warner did take them away or it could also be because of a weak signal. The channels in my room are pretty fuzzy, especially on a 42" LCD.

Charlie Kocis

05-31-10, 12:52 AM

Called Buckeye about that supposed upgrade to the menus and was told the the entire process was simply not ready. Things kept crashing when they tried to launch it. It is still in the works, but there is no confirmed date.

Oh, and the whole home DVR thing didn't work out either apparently. Server compatibility issues I was told. They are now testing a different one. Joy.

Wasn't the big switch to SDV supposed to happen on Tuesday? If they can't even get a guide software update to take then I doubt we'll have SDV by the end of the year. This is just plain embarrassing for BCS.

Gamereviewgod

06-06-10, 01:37 AM

Everyone in this thread okay after the storms tonight? Currently waiting on the second batch of storms, but the first one really did some terrible stuff to a lot of counties. Hopefully this next batch is weaker.

Star56

06-06-10, 05:53 AM

In Sylvania we were on the upper fringe of the worse stuff. The people in Delta got really hit.

skatingrocker17

06-16-10, 11:06 PM

jashansen

07-02-10, 10:07 AM

Gamereviewgod

07-03-10, 10:37 AM

Buckeye launched iN DEMAND PPV HD on Channel 508 today. Big events like UFC, WWE, and Boxing will now be available in High Definition. The first event is coming up this weekend, on July 3rd -- UFC 116, Lesnar vs. Carwin! At this time, pricing for HD events will be the same as the standard definition event.

About time. Maybe the lack a price increase is to make up for how long it took.

Charlie Kocis

07-04-10, 04:50 PM

About time. Maybe the lack a price increase is to make up for how long it took.

I doubt it. They probably just forgot. I wouldn't give Buckeye that much credit.

skatingrocker17

07-05-10, 10:31 PM

Buckeye launched iN DEMAND PPV HD on Channel 508 today. Big events like UFC, WWE, and Boxing will now be available in High Definition. The first event is coming up this weekend, on July 3rd -- UFC 116, Lesnar vs. Carwin! At this time, pricing for HD events will be the same as the standard definition event.

Buckeye never had that? Too bad Lesnar one (edit, won haha) but the good news is WTVG is now broadcasting the news in HD, but only in studio.

Gamereviewgod

07-05-10, 11:04 PM

Buckeye never had that? Too bad Lesnar one but the good news is WTVG is now broadcasting the news in HD, but only in studio.

Nope. I've called them multiple times asking when it was going to happen and never got a firm answer. Guess they got everything sorted out.

Will say that is looked decent enough. Some obvious artifacting with fast motion and flashing camera bulbs, but it's cable after all.

1kHztone

08-11-10, 11:11 PM

Anyone know if WTOL killed off News 11 Now on 11.2? I'm looking where it should be on the new TW Napoleon lineup (992) and all I'm seeing is an SD feed of 11.1.

GregGH

08-13-10, 09:32 AM

Trip in VA

08-13-10, 09:36 AM

My website has that information if you expand out the Technical Data for each station. http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?mktid=90

- Trip

skatingrocker17

08-13-10, 05:59 PM

Hi
I am a Canadian in Kingsville-Leamington area across the lake. Can anyone clarify some points?
-we see a signal change on some toledo stations with a better signal in the afternoon and a weaker signal in the evening - are the stations changing their distribution pattern ( can you point me to the web site that shows the patterns - had it a while back but bad bookmarks get me again )
-ch24 all but impossible to get - to at least the hardest of bunch (or so it seems)

We have a directional antenna and rotor and like to watch Toledo ( also get Cleveland & Detroit very well) - since you guys keep sending us the 'good' storms. I think we might be the only part of Canada that still talks in Fahrenheit ( thanks to Toledo weather ) and not Celsius for temperature.

Saw something mentioning Toledo as #73 in USA - if you add us 'missing Cdn viewers' but we could get to at least #72 ..:-)

Thanks for any help offered

Greg H

You must have a nice antenna. Even though we have DirecTV I've tried to pick up stations from Toledo and I found it really difficult, I'm only about 25 miles from Toledo and I could barley get any stations, I think the one I actually picked up was WNWO, which is my least favorite. I was able to get Fox Fort Fayne which is almost 100 miles away. If you can at least get WTVG and WTOL then you're good to go.

itsthemultipath!

08-14-10, 12:18 AM

Hi
I am a Canadian in Kingsville-Leamington area across the lake. Can anyone clarify some points?
-we see a signal change on some toledo stations with a better signal in the afternoon and a weaker signal in the evening - are the stations changing their distribution pattern ( can you point me to the web site that shows the patterns - had it a while back but bad bookmarks get me again )
-ch24 all but impossible to get - to at least the hardest of bunch (or so it seems)

We have a directional antenna and rotor and like to watch Toledo ( also get Cleveland & Detroit very well) - since you guys keep sending us the 'good' storms. I think we might be the only part of Canada that still talks in Fahrenheit ( thanks to Toledo weather ) and not Celsius for temperature.

Saw something mentioning Toledo as #73 in USA - if you add us 'missing Cdn viewers' but we could get to at least #72 ..:-)

Thanks for any help offered

Greg H

WNWO (virtual 24/RF 49) is highly directional, and very weak toward SW Ontario. Relatively low power to start with (59 kW max), it is so directional as to be equal to less than 2 kW in some directions.

In the Toledo area, only 11 and 13 are omnidirectional.

1kHztone

08-14-10, 10:56 PM

Speaking of 24, they're showing the Lions preseason game in HD tonight. Figured they'd the last station in town to show anything other than network content in HD. And yes, it's a satellite feed, not just simply a pickup of WWJ's signal; they were 2 seconds late to a break and a slate popped up.

burdhunter1

08-15-10, 09:42 PM

I think 11-1 and 13-1 went to a vhf band ? why would they do that, i have been fighting bad signals and i live in portage township,
go Browns! any ideas on a vhf loop.

1kHztone

08-16-10, 06:43 PM

If anyone's curious, here's the new TWC-Waterville HD Local lineup:

1003 WGTE PBS HD
1004 WT05 The CW HD
1007 WUPW FOX HD
1010 WNWO NBC HD
1011 WTOL CBS HD
1013 WTVG ABC HD

Browsing using my USB Tuner stick, I've found the following unencrypted channels (my software doesn't provide exact channel numbers, sorry):

WT05
WTOL (11.1 & 11.2)
WTVG (13.1)
WNWO (24.1, 24.2 & 24.3)
WGTE (30.1, 30.2, 30.3)
WUPW (36.1)
TCM
MTV2
CSPAN2
All Music Choice Channels

Not bad considering the last time I tried it a few months back, only 11.1 & 11.2 were viewable (all the rest of the locals were audio only).

itsthemultipath!

08-16-10, 10:06 PM

I think 11-1 and 13-1 went to a vhf band ? why would they do that <snip>

1) both stations already had good omnidirectional antennas for the VHF channels atop their towers.

2) VHF allows maximum allowed power (and even larger "theoretical coverage") with a smaller, solid-state transmitters, so less of their money goes to the power company.

3) Many of their fringe viewers already have VHF-capable antennas aimed their way.

schwa73

08-19-10, 06:48 AM

Are Buckeye's clocks incorrect for anyone else? Both my cableboxes are about 15 minutes slow. Both say 6:33 a.m. when it is really 6:48 a.m.

Not only annoying, but it totally screws up the guides, planned DVR recordings, etc.

Can this be fixed?

Charlie Kocis

08-19-10, 10:29 AM

Ken H

08-19-10, 12:28 PM

enzytebob

08-30-10, 03:44 PM

Cross-posting in all contiguous markets with a VHF 13:

For anybody interested, WSYX is coming in loud and clear on UHF Channel 48 as of about noon today. VHF 13.2 is carrying a blank message telling people to re-scan.

The geek in me wonders if fringe reception of WTVG will improve once WSYX VHF 13 goes dark.

skatingrocker17

08-31-10, 08:53 PM

enzytebob

08-31-10, 10:11 PM

Where are you located?

I'm in Columbus, but curious about comments from your neck of the woods.

skatingrocker17

09-02-10, 08:19 PM

Where are you located?

My sister uses an antenna at her house and she is about to get Fox Fort Wayne and of course all of the Toledo locals but none from Columbus. I have a small antenna that I've messed around with and I find it hard to pick up Toledo locals and I'm not even 30 miles away from Toledo but I have DirecTV so it's not really a problem. I'd like to be able to receive Columbus locals though but when I had cable we got MyTV Cleveland and The CW Detroit for some reason, even CBC Windsor.

enzytebob

09-02-10, 09:02 PM

WSYX will be turning Channel 13 off very soon. Perhaps you will be able to get Channel 13 in Toledo once they do that because our Channel 13 won't be interfering with your Channel 13?

WSYX programming is now on Channel 48. Here's how Channel 13 looks until they turn it off:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zpgo_a9yAqM

skatingrocker17

09-05-10, 12:20 AM

MV400

09-07-10, 12:06 PM

Hi
I am a Canadian in Kingsville-Leamington area across the lake. Can anyone clarify some points?
-we see a signal change on some toledo stations with a better signal in the afternoon and a weaker signal in the evening - are the stations changing their distribution pattern ( can you point me to the web site that shows the patterns - had it a while back but bad bookmarks get me again )
-ch24 all but impossible to get - to at least the hardest of bunch (or so it seems)

We have a directional antenna and rotor and like to watch Toledo ( also get Cleveland & Detroit very well) - since you guys keep sending us the 'good' storms. I think we might be the only part of Canada that still talks in Fahrenheit ( thanks to Toledo weather ) and not Celsius for temperature.

Saw something mentioning Toledo as #73 in USA - if you add us 'missing Cdn viewers' but we could get to at least #72 ..:-)

Thanks for any help offered

Greg H

Hi Greg,

I see you have taken to TV broadcasts as a hobby while we are in "bad ice" season. I hate to be the one to break the news to you, but "Industry Canada" dosen't want signals from the USA crossing the border. It is why Fox Toledo has a directional pattern. Here are the Toledo stations contours, NOTE: the signals do carry beyond the blue line and are for reference purposes. No station in Toledo is "shifting" pattern (like an AM directional array) rather you are probably seeing the result of adjacent channel and on channel interference from multiple market DMA's along with atmospheric ducting.

fullwave2

09-12-10, 01:28 PM

I need to add an additional DVR to my account with Buckeye Express. It will be my 4th. I have Pace Micros and I think the last one I picked up is a TDC-778X or something close to that. I'm using the WD My DVR Expander with that one which is 500Gig which is eSATA. This leads me to my two questions.
1) What's the latest model Pace Micro (assuming that's still what Buckeye is using) that they are releasing now for use?
2) Is it still limited to eSATA only drives and a half terabyte?
Thanks in advance.

sitlet

09-12-10, 05:30 PM

I was wondering what their latest model was too. I have the 778 right now, but it's been freezing up and giving me audio and video dropouts. I pull the power plug and it will work fine for a day or so, then start freezing up again. I think its time for a new one.

Inundated

09-12-10, 11:49 PM

I'd like to be able to receive Columbus locals though but when I had cable we got MyTV Cleveland and The CW Detroit for some reason, even CBC Windsor.

TWC in your area dropped CBC Windsor (CBET/9) recently. Buckeye Cablevision in Toledo itself still carries CBET.

skatingrocker17

09-13-10, 11:05 AM

TWC in your area dropped CBC Windsor (CBET/9) recently. Buckeye Cablevision in Toledo itself still carries CBET.

Well it was probably over a year ago now but I was actually disappointed because I occasionally watched it. Instead they replaced it with CNN Headline news which honestly makes no sense because it's a duplicate of the other CNN Headline news in the 40 channel block. I have DirecTV now so the only duplicates I have are The 101 channel placed all over the place.

fullwave2

09-13-10, 08:16 PM

1) What's the latest model Pace Micro (assuming that's still what Buckeye is using) that they are releasing now for use?
2) Is it still limited to eSATA only drives and a half terabyte?
Thanks in advance.

Well, I got my answer as far as what they are giving out now. It's the Pace Micro TDC-787X with firmware 11.90. Considering that Pace is at 14.XX as usual, Buckeye is way behind in updating their firmwares. The fixes that Linden has listed in the Pace thread are numerous.
It appears also that the maximum is 750GB assuming you can find an external 750G eSATA only drive. That limits it to three that Linden also lists which so far all appear to be out of production and only 500GB. If anyone has had good success with a 750GB drive for the TDC-787X, please let me know what you're using.
Thanks.

Charlie Kocis

09-16-10, 08:53 AM

jashansen

09-16-10, 12:14 PM

Buckeye Cable is adding 4 new HD channels on 09/30/2010. SyFy HD (662), MSNBC HD (663), Animal Planet HD (654) & Investigation Discovery HD (657). They'll also be showing a freeview of NFL RedZone on channel 697 this Sunday, September 19 - 1 PM ET.

Nourdmrolnmt1

09-16-10, 12:32 PM

Hey guys, i have Buckeye Cable basic, no HD channels, on my 42" Panny... anyways, channels 18-1, 18-2, 18-3 come in clear, but they arent OTA channels, rather, CBS, USA and TNT, all HD... what other channels are available in the -X area that "shouldnt" be? also, what local HD channels will come in?

jashansen

09-16-10, 01:00 PM

skatingrocker17

09-16-10, 08:47 PM

Well I'm finally ditching Buckeye. They haven't added any non-premium HD channels in many, many months and I'm sick of waiting. TWC is being installed Sunday and hopefully they've gotten they're act together since I last had them 3.5 years ago. They offered me 2 HD-DVRs and 15mbps internet for for $120.75/month for the first year, then just another $5/month more after that. Sounds VERY good on paper, hopefully the HD channels don't pixellate (sp?) and the internet doesn't cut out like the last time I had it.

Time Warner Cable has a TON of HD channels, almost every one available (at least they did in the Bowling Green area). They probably have every HD channel available but I swtitched to DirecTV because I was having problems with Time Warner Cables crappy HD DVR. I'm sure they would of replaced it but I wanted to try something new.

I've still got RoadRunner though because it's always been very reliable and fast. TWCs HD channels look pretty good, I never noticed any extreme pixelization, only mild the only way to get virtually no pixelization is blu-ray. The HD doesn't look as good as DirecTVs but it's also compressed differently and it's very close.

Charlie Kocis

09-17-10, 12:55 AM

Gamereviewgod

09-20-10, 10:08 AM

Is NFL Redzone insanely compressed for anyone else on Buckeye? The grass on the fields is literally one giant block of artifacting, and long shots are so terrible you can barely make out the fans. Is it like that on every provider?

adam856

09-20-10, 05:56 PM

Same here, I watched about 15 minutes of the free preview and couldn't stand it anymore.

Gamereviewgod

09-20-10, 09:38 PM

Same here, I watched about 15 minutes of the free preview and couldn't stand it anymore.

Joy. I'm wondering if it's compressed at the source, then compressed by RedZone, and then again by Buckeye. I guess that could explain it.

It also sucks that it's only in stereo, but it's still better than paying so much for Sunday Ticket I guess.

skatingrocker17

09-22-10, 11:22 AM

Are you guys talking about the SD or HD feed of RedZone?

Gamereviewgod

09-23-10, 05:20 PM

Are you guys talking about the SD or HD feed of RedZone?

HD unfortunately. I didn't even know there was an SD feed.

skatingrocker17

10-03-10, 08:01 PM

Star56

10-04-10, 03:12 AM

I was watching the post game show on Fox while I was waiting for The Simpsons and it looked really smooth looking and not sharp at all. The Simpsons just started and it look's just as good as it ever did. Did anyone else even notice?

Fox's 720P is just awful. Football looks nasty in 720P, Try switching back and forth between CBS 1080i football and Fox 720P in real time. My 76 year old mother was shocked at the PQ difference.

The Simpsons is a cartoon. That is all that 720P should be used for.

Compare 13's 720P news to WGN 1080i news. Not even in the same universe of PQ.

skatingrocker17

10-04-10, 11:01 AM

Fox's 720P is just awful. Football looks nasty in 720P, Try switching back and forth between CBS 1080i football and Fox 720P in real time. My 76 year old mother was shocked at the PQ difference.

The Simpsons is a cartoon. That is all that 720P should be used for.

Compare 13's 720P news to WGN 1080i news. Not even in the same universe of PQ.

Well I would defiantly say WGN is of much higher quality, but 13 ABCs HD broadcasts don't look that grade, although it is pretty good. If you compare WGNs 1080i news broadcast to Fox News Channels 720ps broadcast, it's much more comparable.

I've never noticed Fox's HD looking that bad before, I mean the guys were just sitting there talking and it looked really bad, even the non-animated commercials during The Simpsons looked much better.

Ken H

10-04-10, 11:17 AM

I was watching the post game show on Fox while I was waiting for The Simpsons and it looked really smooth looking and not sharp at all. The Simpsons just started and it look's just as good as it ever did. Did anyone else even notice?

Sure, lots of viewers.

FOX's pre and post game studio programs for live sports are not native 720p HDTV, and never been HD. They are 480i upconverted to 720p. This is a long standing situation and well known here at AVS.

skatingrocker17

10-04-10, 11:31 AM

Sure, lots of viewers.

FOX's pre and post game studio programs for live sports are not native 720p HDTV, and never been HD. They are 480i upconverted to 720p. This is a long standing situation and well known here at AVS.

I see, sorry about that but I wasn't aware because I'm not a big NFL fan. Anyway I wonder why they would do that, practically everything is in HD these days, at least it's 16:9 I guess.

videditor

10-04-10, 10:42 PM

HD unfortunately. I didn't even know there was an SD feed.

Redzone is only available in HD (on Buckeye at least).It looks great on my tv..

I see nothing has changed on this forum... You guys think that HD is just plug & play...well it is not. I am changing my facility over to HD, which means everything down the line needs re-worked, re-bought and re-designed. Like I have said in the past, HD is still in infant. For example, one major network this NFL year is shooting full 16x9, not protecting for 4x3. So 3 (4?) years into the NFL being HD, networks are just starting to shed the SD monkey. Hang in there, we're working to get things back to a happy standard.
What you guys should be complaining about is show & spot producers sending programming via FTP sites. The non-standard files, compression gone mad files all needing transcoded, resulting in lousy PQ on your expensive sets... all so they don't have to pay for HD/Optical media costs. How ironic...
I noticed one advertiser has gotten away from FTP transmission (if you will) because their spots looked so bad. Trust me, it's like watching composite VHS in long play. Here's a hint at which ones may be FTP'd. Watch a commercial, try reading the fonts. One may be clean, but check the line above or below, it will have an interlaced look to it. It will drive you crazy that this crap is airing after all the money all of us have spent on our systems.:(