Originally posted by vfrjim
Bob Hess,
I was wondering if there could be a problem with the WSBK-DT transmissions?

Thanks,

Jim

Jim,

Everything has been operating normally.

Bob

Bob,

Any word yet on the Red Sox in HD?

Thanks in advance

Steve,
The Sox will be on ESPN-HD 6/27... provided you get ESPN-HD of course.

I do receive ESPNHD and know about that game and another one with Seattle in August. Bob had mentioned way back when that there was a possibility of channel 4 doing a game as well.

I remember. I'd love to see that.

I would love to see Pedro throw in HD against the Yankees and watch that ball tail in in on Soriarno and Jeter again.

Don't even get me started.:D

Jeter is one of the most over-rated players in MLB.

Sorry just the thought of a little beanball in HD with a clearing of the benches would make the experience that much better.

Only one more game left on Channel 4, though.

Originally posted by jckessler
Only one more game left on Channel 4, though.

That's not good maybe than they can put it on 38 instead.

Originally posted by steverobertson
Bob,

Any word yet on the Red Sox in HD?

Thanks in advance

Sorry guys, probably will not happen this season.

- Bob

Originally posted by pginty
So, I've been considering moving the antenna out of my attic and onto my roof.

After a lot of time and effort I did that (much closer) with no better signal for 41.

Would hang,
Tim

Bob,

Thanks for the info I guess it is just like the Red Sox "wait till next year"

Originally posted by steverobertson
Bob,

Thanks for the info I guess it is just like the Red Sox "wait till next year" You have a bad attitude Steve!

Originally posted by Benji
You have a bad attitude Steve!

Is it not true thatnwe have been waiting 85 years of wait till next year

At least the Patriots' preseason games start soon.:D

I believe the Giants game is HD on ESPN

Originally posted by steverobertson
Is it not true thatnwe have been waiting 85 years of wait till next year I've only been waiting 33 years. I was a Yankee fan pre-1970.

Originally posted by Benji
I've only been waiting 33 years. I was a Yankee fan pre-1970.

What a surprise I bet you are a Jets fan as well

Originally posted by steverobertson
What a surprise I bet you are a Jets fan as well I was a Jets and Giants fan as well but also switched allegiance to the Boston Patriots in 1970. I'm just a glutton for punishment!

Can't wait to see the Patriots in HD. I don't think any Boston team has been in HD yet nd televised back to the Boston area.

You are a glutten for punishment there is no doubt about that. I think you are right for once they will be the first team in HD. I am actually going to the game so I will have to wait for the next one. I think the sox are on a week from Sun on ESPN in HD so they maybe the first

benji your forgetting the celtics. they had 2 games in hd.

I am happy that the other sports will be getting the hd treatment. Patriots have some preseason hd on espn and the redsox have 2 game scheduled(at least one for sunday night so it wont be blacked out)

Originally posted by alczervik2
benji your forgetting the celtics. they had 2 games in hd.

I am happy that the other sports will be getting the hd treatment. Patriots have some preseason hd on espn and the redsox have 2 game scheduled(at least one for sunday night so it wont be blacked out) Forgot about the Celtics playoff games. Let me rephrase that...no game played in Boston or New England has been televised in HD yet. I believe the Celtics games were on the road. Gillette Stadium should look awesome in HD.

Does anyone know of a bar around here that has ESPN-HD? Would love to see the Sox-Yanks tomorrow night.

Thanks.

Originally posted by jckessler
Does anyone know of a bar around here that has ESPN-HD? Would love to see the Sox-Yanks tomorrow night.

Thanks. Yes, the bar in my condo. Just kidding...couldn't resist. Actually I'll be sleeping thru the game unfortunately.

Looking good, despite some warm up pitcher antics, and the score... Oops, forgot this was an OTA thread ;)

I'm just sitting here wondering if anyone at WGBH actually owns a HDTV? I can't honestly believe anyone would think what they're doing is acceptable. They must stop the multicasting.

What distresses me is that even over Comcast they're sending the post-processed multicast signal, when there's no need to. WTH are they doing?

Originally posted by DaveFi
I'm just sitting here wondering if anyone at WGBH actually owns a HDTV? I can't honestly believe anyone would think what they're doing is acceptable. They must stop the multicasting.

What distresses me is that even over Comcast they're sending the post-processed multicast signal, when there's no need to. WTH are they doing?

To add to that, RCN is sending the SD WGBH signal (channel 2-1) and trying to pass it off as HD (channel 2-2). Since no one at RCN has a clue about HDTV, I can't get them to fix it!!! Grrr...:mad:

I really wish WGBH could replace one of their SD feeds on Channel 43 with Channel 2, and leave all of Channel 19 for HD.

does last nights game mean that boston sports are 1-2 in hd? , well since it was sd for the second half

seriously it was great to see the team in hd. keep it coming espn.

Actually Boston teams are now 1/2 and 2 in HD!

hehe

Originally posted by Jakes
To add to that, RCN is sending the SD WGBH signal (channel 2-1) and trying to pass it off as HD (channel 2-2). Since no one at RCN has a clue about HDTV, I can't get them to fix it!!! Grrr...:mad:

As I understand it, there is only one ATSC stream broadcast, divided into sub-channels. If the Comcast is providing the entire ATSC stream, you just need to have your receiver change the sub-channel. If they decode and re-encode, then you are SOL until they correct the problem

What make/model of STB does RCN provide for HD?

Originally posted by HDorBust
As I understand it, there is only one ATSC stream broadcast, divided into sub-channels. If the Comcast is providing the entire ATSC stream, you just need to have your receiver change the sub-channel. If they decode and re-encode, then you are SOL until they correct the problem

What make/model of STB does RCN provide for HD?

To clarify... Comcast broadcasts PBS digital 19-2, virtual 2-2. RCN broadcasts digital 19-1, virtual 2-1.:(

Both Comcast and RCN provide the Motorola DCT-5100. How do I get it to change to the sub-channel? I didn't know it was even possible!!!

Hi all i was wondering if anyone knew what kind of ota signal i will get in salem, mass i have the attenna i am just waiting to get my tv. Thanks for any info.

I'd like to think that you'll get a decent one- I'm 30 miles or so from Needham and I recieve all of the Boston stations without issue- when using an outdoor antenna. The indoor antenna would work well, but I would need to play with it depending on the station being watched.

Tim

I agree with Tim. We leave near each other and I get all Boston stations with an indoor antenna (except ch. 56). I get 100% signals on 2, 4 and 5, and very strong signals on 7, 38 and 44. 25 is a bit weak but usually comes in well at night.

David,
I share your frustration but unfortunately have no new information for you.
I do know that the FCC has approved a license for the Pax station on the
Cape that originally indicated a conflict with our signal. Hopefully this
is an indication that the log jam has been broken.
Regards,
Franco.


I don't know if Mr. Powell of the FCC gets his email, but maybe if everyone affected by lack of signal from WLVI-DT wrote to him it would have an effect.

His email address is: mpowell@fcc.gov

There's only two video streams on GBH-DT, the SD one and the HD one. 2-1 and 2-10 use the same video data with different audio streams. (at least that's what someone posted on this thread a loonngg time ago).

2-1 sometimes looks like internet video, so I imagine they are taking as little as possible from 2-2.

Currently, the FCC (73.624f) says a station MUST carry 50% of the analog programming content on their digital channel, moving to 75% in Apr 2004 and 100% in Apr 2005.

Licensees that own more than one station have to carry the analog program on the associated digital replacement channel (i.e. if WGBH were to carry 2-1 on their channel 43 transmitter, that wouldn't count).

There is currently an exemption for non-comm's from this requirement (until Novmber), but in the end, 'GBH will be stuck carrying both their SD and HD on 19 (or they ould discontinue 2-2). After November, I suppose they could cut out their SD for half of the day, but that would probably cause more confusion than benefit, and they would only be able to do this for a limited time.


A station in Milwaukee was able to get an STA allowing them to get around this requirement a while back, but the reason has to be a good one. See http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-03-1292A1.doc

That still is no reason why Comcast is sending out the multicast PBS-HD feed instead of a direct "undiminished" feed.

That is also not a reason for RCN to be sending the SD feed and advertising it as HD. I'm glad I still get it OTA though.

I've got both an OTA tuner and Comcast- as far as WGBH goes, It seems that 19-1 is the HD feed, not full bandwith due to the SD feed (19-2) as well, however, Comcast's signal is identical to the OTA feed, and still stunning :)

19-2 is typically totally different programming unless it is something simulcast in both SD and HD. Soundstage is one such program. More often thatn not, it's the demo loop on HD and the standard aalog signal on 19-2.

I'm still having horrible isues with CH44 DT- I cannot tuen them at all or my Mitsu tv resets and reports a power loss. They've got 3 feeds, all SD.

I just wonder how much the CATV bills will go up now that we have ESPN HD here too. Admittedly I'm awaiting more HD content! bring on INHD!!! I'd also love to see HDnet and HDNet movies- even if simply for Hogans Heroes teleclined in 1080i.

Tim

Tim,
You've got your -1 & -2's mixed up. :)

Here's the email response that I got from WGBH.

My email:

I watch PBS (WGBH) in Boston via an over-the-air antenna and
>a digital set-top box. _Using the STB, I am able to receive
>digital channel 19-1 & 19-2, (virtual channels 2-1 & 2-2
>respectively). _I thoroughly enjoy the PBS HDTV demo loop
>featured on channel 19-2. _When I was a Comcast customer,
>Comcast had channel 19-2 (the PBS HDTV demo loop) as part of
>their HDTV channel line-up. _ However, when I switched to RCN,
>RCN only offers channel 19-1 as part of their HDTV line-up. _I
>have yet to see any HDTV programs on channel 19-1 (2). _Is it
>possible that RCN is carrying the wrong PBS channel, (19-1) as
>part of their HDTV line-up? _Shouldn''t they have channel 19-2
>with the HDTV demo loop? _Thank you in advance for your
>response. _Unfortunately, no one that I have been able to speak
>to at RCN knows much about HDTV. _I am hoping to get RCN to
>switch to the PBS HDTV feed, since channel 19-1 (2) is already
>on another channel. _Thanks again.

WGBH response:

Dear Viewer,

Thank you for your interest in WGBH programming. We always appreciate hearing from our viewers, listeners, and Web site visitors.

We apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry. We have had an unusually high volume of e-mails as of late.

At this time, the cable companies and satellite providers may carry the digital versions of any given network at their own discretion. We were not aware that RCN was only carrying channel 19-1, the digital mirror of channel 2, and not channel 19-2, our signal feed of the PBS HD loop. It is strange that they would choose to carry 19-1 as part of their HDTV lineup because we currently only air a Standard Definition (SD) digital transmission on 19-1.

The only High Definition signal we are broadcasting is on 19-2. Occasionally, there is regular programming on 19-2 via the PBS feed. For example, Manor House and The History Detectives both aired on 19-2 with a much higher quality picture than could be found on either channel 2 or 19-1.

Unfortunately, RCN is under no obligation to carry channel 19-2. The only course of action that we can suggest is contacting RCN and requesting that they carry 19-2. We are sorry that we could not be of more assistance in this matter.

We hope you continue to enjoy the programs on WGBH like Washington Week, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, Frontline, and Greater Boston, putting the world in perspective with intelligent, thoughtful, and objective analysis. _

You can support WGBH by calling us at 800-492-1111 or pledging online at http://www.wgbh.org/pledge. Visit wgbh.org for information about WGBH programs and services and to sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter, @gbh, which includes reminders of upcoming programs on WGBH 2, 44, 89.7, information on your favorite PBS sites, answers to your questions, and the latest WGBH news.

Sincerely,
WGBH Audience and Member Services

"Stunning" is in the eye of the beholder I guess. While the potential is there, I find the constant pixelation (even on slight pans) to be maddening. It's really annoying, and when there's lots of motion (the flyovers in Over Alaska) it's just unwatchable.

Ha- nice response. Why doesn't GBH just give RCN Boston a call and ask them to carry the HD portion? They can do that- I bet you're right, that the folks at RCN are clueless about HDTV and don't even care that most people would prefer the PBS-HD feed over the terrible SD one.

What's a little subchannel mixup between friends?

They are not full bandwidth, so compression artifacts are going to be a way of life in virtually anyhting that is 1080 and loads of motion. That's whay ESPN has chosen 720p- less data to compress, and theoretically fewer artifacts. Of course it is still better than 480 anything! (especially WPRi these days... extremely soft signals there)

there is no official announcement, but the NESN technical crew is being brought in for an HD "training day" at Fenway on Sept 11th. Speculation has a handful of Sox games possibly going HD and the full season of Bruins being HD. I have no other information except that the first possible HD games may be 9/13 and 9/14 vs CWS.

That is great news now the only question how will we view these games I have D* and doubt very much they will be picking up RSN's HD channels.

This sounds like something that may be a big advantage for COMCAST customers. I don't know if DIRECTV is ready to do regional HDTV?

Originally posted by Benji
This sounds like something that may be a big advantage for COMCAST customers. I don't know if DIRECTV is ready to do regional HDTV?

I agree unless of course they make it available OTA which I doubt very much but one never knows. I personally would not go to cable just for this channel but I am sure others would

Steve...I would consider COMCAST except my Mits WS65807 has only 1 wide-band component input which I use for my Hughes E-86. I could feed Comcast HD into my F38310 however. Since Comcast and DIRECTV are basically the only outlets for HDTV in New England, it will be interesting to see where this takes NESN.

It will be interesting however I can't justify another bill coming in every month just to watch TV. At some point you just have to stop and right now I am at my limit with D*. As much as I love HDTV I love my money more. How is your signal strength on 110 been? I am still 70,60,30

Steve...currently a heavy downpour is passing over Taunton, and I have no signal on A, B or C.

That is not good but what was C doing before the storm are you still in the 80's?

nesn is the final frontier for sports around here. hopefully that news is indicative of things to come.

Earlier today it was 78,78, 67. I'm comfortable with the current signal levels. However, I'm sure DIRECTV is not finished experimenting and could still screw this whole thing up.

If Fenway Park is wired for HD, I'm wondering if WSBK would be equipped to handle any HD telecasts.....BOB HESS...hint, hint!!!

WSBK has a fiber link from Fenway, but I dunno abou the HD head end hardware.

Knowing the NESN ownership, I'm really stunned at the HD developments there. Makes me happy htough!

Tim

If you want to see the green-line effect on WCVB-DT, look at the right edge screenshot (OTA) I posted of tonight's football game. It's not too visible here- but blown up on an HDTV (especially over Comcast), it's really annoying.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=286883&perpage=20&pagenumber=14

Originally posted by Benji
If Fenway Park is wired for HD, I'm wondering if WSBK would be equipped to handle any HD telecasts.....BOB HESS...hint, hint!!!
No plans to do Sox games this year in HD. We are equipped to handle HD feeds at the studio.

Bob

Hello Bob,
Are there any negotiations between RCN and CBS to carry CBS-DT in the Boston area? Thanks.

Originally posted by Jakes
Hello Bob,
Are there any negotiations between RCN and CBS to carry CBS-DT in the Boston area? Thanks.
Ongoing.....

- Bob

Bob,

How about Comcast?

Originally posted by steverobertson
Bob,

How about Comcast? Ongoing

Originally posted by Benji
Ongoing

Don't you have bread or something to deliver???:D

Originally posted by steverobertson
Don't you have bread or something to deliver???:D You sure know how to hurt a guy's feelings.

Originally posted by Benji
You sure know how to hurt a guy's feelings.

I am a Crimanole and don't forget it. :o

Bob, I have read that Comcast in Pittsburg would carry KDKA-HD. Is this an old agreement from ATT Broadband days?

I don't seem to be getting the center audio channel from channel 5-1 .... I seem to remember having audio problems on the MNF, too ..... I remember WCVB having this problem sometime last year, too. Anybody know who to contact at WCVB to let them know about the problem??

I've been trying to get them to address the green-line problem for months. Not a single response.

Anyone have a recommendation for a UHF antenna for Concord, MA? I have tried RS double bow-tie and 7ft Radio Shack VHF/UHF antenna in my attic. Problem is apparent multi-path. Signal is very strong one minute, then goes to zero momentarily, then back to 80's next minute. And oddly enough, although everything is coming from two antennas right next to each other, channels are fairly directional. Slight movement, for example, loses GBHs but then gets FOX.

Would an amplifier make any difference? Antennas are in the attic, and trees are in the way as well. Concord can't be more than 14 miles from the antennas!
Spearse

I use a Channel Master 4228 8-Bay Bowtie UHF Antenna (CM4228) in attic from Wellesley. Some trees in line of sight. No problems. I do use an amplifier but I am not sure it is needed. I think this Channel Master is a great HDTV antenna.

Well I bought a 4228 to see if it would work better than my 4248. No dice. Interesting looking antenna but noticeable drop in reception. Lost 38 and most of the 44 digitals.

Tim

I just started to try to get OTA with a myHD card. What channels am I supposed to be looking for with respect to Titan TV?
19 (2-1) WGBHDT PBS
19 (2-2) WGBHDT2 PBS
20 (5-1) WCVBDT ABC
23 (66-1) WUTFDT UNI
30 (4-1) WBZDT CBS
31 (25-1) WFXTDT FOX

These are some of the entrys. So am I trying to tune into channel 19 or channel 2 for say PBS? 30 or 4 for CBS?
AutoScan doesn't seem to work at the moment because the signal strength was pretty low. I'm looking to get a preamp and a longer coax cable today for better positioning.

Thanks for your time

Spencer

Spencer,

I believe that you should be looking for 19, 20, 23, 30, 31 etc. There are a couple others that your missing, like 42 for NBC as well as the WB and UPN stations.

ok, I didn't post all of the channels from titantv, but it sounds like i should be trying to tune to the first number, and not the numbers in parantheses. That's what i originally thought. Thanks again.


-Spencer

Spencer, if your antenna is properly aimed, all you have to do is go into your receiver's set-up menu and do a channel search. The receiver should place in memory all digital channels you are capable of receiving.

Originally posted by spearse
Anyone have a recommendation for a UHF antenna for Concord, MA? I have tried RS double bow-tie and 7ft Radio Shack VHF/UHF antenna in my attic. Problem is apparent multi-path. Signal is very strong one minute, then goes to zero momentarily, then back to 80's next minute. And oddly enough, although everything is coming from two antennas right next to each other, channels are fairly directional. Slight movement, for example, loses GBHs but then gets FOX.

Would an amplifier make any difference? Antennas are in the attic, and trees are in the way as well. Concord can't be more than 14 miles from the antennas!
Spearse

I'm in Concord too, and have the same problem. I added a Winegard amp, which boosted the signal strength for all channels, enabling me to pick up 25 and 56, which were too weak to get before, and to get good signal strength through my whole-house video distribution system (equal to what I was getting when the TV was plugged into the antenna cable directly) but it didn't help my multipath. I still get frequent momentary dropouts on various channels, even though when the signal is there, it's stronger than without the antenna.

Perhaps a rotor would help you. A rotor for me makes the video distribution system fairly worthless for OTA channels, especially if > 1 TV is being used at the same time.

Ok, So I've tried 2 different indoor antenna, the silver sensor and one that the guy at radioshack recommended to me. (I forget which one, but it was amplified and remembered different positions for antenna direction)
The only channel I could receive was D23 which is
23 (66-1) WUTFDT UNI
I find this very strange. All other channels i get 0 signal. I can't see a thing.
I tried an inline amp which didn't work, and also a 6db attenuator, which also didn't do anything. I live across the river from downtown boston, but the room i am in is brick on all sides. I'm going to try putting one of these indoor antennas outside and seeing if that improves reception to a point above 0%. Are there any other things I can try? I'm very adverse to putting up a outdoor antenna because it would be significantly harder to do, and frankly am surprised at how little these indoor antennas are effective.
Also, i'm using a myHD PCI card, which is a popular OTA tuning card in the home theater computer section. I'm wondering if it may be the problem, but since i can tune into one digital channel, i'm assuming that it works.

This has been a fairly frustrating experience, and I will pick it up again tomorrow.

-Spencer

WUTF 66 is broadcast from a tower in Marlborough almost directly west from Cambridge. The rest of the current digital broadcasts come from the antennae farm in the Needham area - those huge towers seen while traveling that section of 128.
I suggest getting a compass and trying to get your antennae in a place where it has a clear view to the SW or even SSW.

Mark H

Spencer,
Definitely don't try entering stations by hand. Your card should pick up anything worthwhile via autoscan. If you get UNI, then you should be able to get the rest. UNI is, I think, due West of you; the Natick towers should be a little more southwest. It's possible you have too many buildings in the way, but you should get something. Just point the silver sensor through the window and slowly scan from west to south.

Good luck.

Spearse

Spencer,

I used to live in Boston, within sight of the Charles/MGH T Stop (above the Springwell Market's Liquor Store...I had my antenna in the window right about the awning) and was able to get WGBH, WCVB, WNDS, WFXT, WLVI, WSBK, and WBZ very well with only the occasional minor antenna adjustment needed. I used the Radio Shack double bow tie, but I did need to have it near a window to work since I lived in brick building that was surrounded by brick buildings...but I did have a pretty clear western LOS towards the river.

When trying to tune stations, I found that the best method for me was to manually enter the station number, then try to find an antenna position that would receive it (I have a WinTV-HD). I was able to go through the stations like that and determine a) what I could and could not receive and b) the optimal antenna placement. It was pretty frustrating until I found a good place for the antenna!

Ok so I tried the silver sensor out of a window that faced the charles river, and picked up wb, upn and fox, and pbs tho not 19. All were around 40% or so. So now that I know it works, but i need a better signal, it looks like a rooftop mount is the only way to go. Are there any generally well received antennas i should be looking at? Or some way to try a variety of antennas?

-Spencer

Ok so I tried the silver sensor out of a window that faced the charles river, and picked up wb, upn and fox, and pbs tho not 19. All were around 40% or so. So now that I know it works, but i need a better signal, it looks like a rooftop mount is the only way to go. Are there any generally well received antennas i should be looking at? Or some way to try a variety of antennas?

-Spencer

I need help finding a Toshiba Dealer in the area other than BB looking for a 42 inch H83.

Thank in advance

Hi Spencer,

I'm also in Cambridge and get pretty decent reception from the Silver Sensor. I'm using a Zenith HDV420 tuner.

I get reliable reception (only occaisional dropouts) on all 8 Boston channels (PBS, PBS-44, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, WB, UPN) with PBS-19 being the most difficult.

One thing with the Silver Sensor is that it is fairly directional, and you may need to tweak the position in order to get the best reception. Even small changes in location can make a large difference in reception. Monitor signal strength while you move the antenna around to findthe best spots.

If you can do a rooftop mount, that will certainly be the best solution. The Channel Master 4221 is probably a good place to start.

I don't have any sort of line of sight to the towers and get OK (some multipath) reception on analog stations. My living room window faces west which I'm sure helps my situation.

It's good to know that someone is able to use the silver sensor. Unfortunately, my best window is facing the Charles River, and there's an entire city block of brick to reflect the signal off of. I am currently looking into acquiring a 4228 at the recommendation of Bob Hess and putting it on the roof. The best I've been getting is 30% on upn and wb with the myHD card. I'll be happy as long as I get this figured out before the football season starts.

-Spencer

Spencer, my nephew lives in an apartment house in Malden with only an east-facing window. He is using a Radio Shack HDTV indoor antenna on top of his TV and gets surprisingly strong signals on all Boston digitals.

Spencer,

My condolences having Benji as an uncle for that he should buy you a new Plasma TV. I can't imagine having a Hokie as a relative

Originally posted by steverobertson
Spencer,

My condolences having Benji as an uncle for that he should buy you a new Plasma TV. I can't imagine having a Hokie as a relative Hey troll, Spencer is not my nephew. I was simply addressing him and referencing my nephew! This is par for the course for you Criminole fans.

Sorry for the mix up but you should still buy him a plasma.

Originally posted by steverobertson
Sorry for the mix up but you should still buy him a plasma. That'll be the day when I buy a TV that cost more than my car!

Bob Hess,

I haven't asked in a while, so time to ask again.

Any news yet on Enterprise in HD? What are the technical issues, does UPN have the infrastructure to broadcast HD, or are you lacking the facilities to receive HD from them? Or is it some other technical issue?

Thanks in advance for the response.

it looks like WBZ is having trouble tonight because CSI is not HD (at least the beginning that I saw). Also, while I am at it, the audio sync was horrible for the second half of CSI Miami last monday. I hope all the bugs are worked out before the Pats games.

Originally posted by woz
it looks like WBZ is having trouble tonight because CSI is not HD (at least the beginning that I saw). Also, while I am at it, the audio sync was horrible for the second half of CSI Miami last monday. I hope all the bugs are worked out before the Pats games.
Our automation was not programmed correctly. We are taking steps such that this will not happen again.

Remember our DTV Hotline: 617-787-7043.

I have not posted this in awhile so some of the new guys may not be aware of it. This line rings in our master control room. Please only call if it is a problem such as the CSI problem mentioned here. You will either reach a warm body or voice mail. One way or another, we will get the message. Contact me for all other WBZ DTV related questions.

Bob

Originally posted by HDorBust
Bob Hess,

I haven't asked in a while, so time to ask again.

Any news yet on Enterprise in HD? What are the technical issues, does UPN have the infrastructure to broadcast HD, or are you lacking the facilities to receive HD from them? Or is it some other technical issue?

Thanks in advance for the response.
Enterprise is not yet available to us in a HD format.

Bob

Does anyone else notice that WFXT 31 puts small black black bars above and below its widescreen material? During the football game I could clearly see this.

Does this mean were losing resolution, or does the network send out in this format?

Bob Hess,

I watching the Red Sox game on Channel 39 (38-1), and I'm seeing what looks like fainting ghosting. Looks a lot like analog multipath. This doesn't happen on any other channels, and I don't recall seeing it on other material on this station.

Can you see this?


edit: I can't see this on the commercials, so it must be something specific to the feed from Fenway...

Bob Hess, on Friday (today) on WSBK DT, were they working on the audio because at around 1:30pm it suddenly sounded different, much more sound coming from my center channel and even the fronts sounded louder, then at 4:19pm (I looked at my watch), it went back to what it was prior. Are you working on the audio?

Jim

I can see it as well. It seems most prevalent from the center field camera, but I don't think it is anything new. I remember seeing it on other nights as well.

I watching the Red Sox game on Channel 39 (38-1), and I'm seeing what looks like fainting ghosting. Looks a lot like analog multipath. This doesn't happen on any other channels, and I don't recall seeing it on other material on this station.
I've been noticing that the Red Sox broadcasts on that channel (38-1) look really soft and blurry. For whatever reason, I think the NESN broadcast that I'm getting from DirecTV for the non-Friday games looks quite a bit better.

-Steve

Interestingly, I saw highlights from the game on Saturday morning on Channel 7 News that had the exact same problem. But shots from Friday's game were shown during the Saturday FOX game, they had a clean feed.

This really makes me think the issue doesn't originate within Fenway, but with the feed that 38 is getting from Fenway.

How do the Friday games on NESN look, for those people outside the Boston DMA?

I've noticed this softness in the past and mentioned it to Bob Hess. They get the feed via fiber from NESN/Fenway so the signal should be perfect. My wife even commented on the titles being soft!


Tim

Originally posted by vfrjim
Bob Hess, on Friday (today) on WSBK DT, were they working on the audio because at around 1:30pm it suddenly sounded different, much more sound coming from my center channel and even the fronts sounded louder, then at 4:19pm (I looked at my watch), it went back to what it was prior. Are you working on the audio?

Jim
We were on a backup audio circuit while performing maintenance on the primary circuit.

Bob

Originally posted by jckessler
Bob Hess,

I watching the Red Sox game on Channel 39 (38-1), and I'm seeing what looks like fainting ghosting. Looks a lot like analog multipath. This doesn't happen on any other channels, and I don't recall seeing it on other material on this station.

Can you see this?


edit: I can't see this on the commercials, so it must be something specific to the feed from Fenway...
After discussing this with several of my engineers, we came to the conclusion that the feed looked just fine although no one I asked saw it on the DT side. I watched the game and it looked fine on Dish....gosh, I can't believe I just said that....

Anyway, we will take a close look on Friday.

Bob

Thanks for looking into it, Bob. I didn't look at the analog broadcast last week, but I don't recall seeing this problem on the analog side in previous games (through Comcast).

Anyone going to Fenway the next few days will see the HD truck (NMT's HD-3) that NESN has rolled in. NESN is experimenting with HD this week -- rumors have a handfull of Sox games in HD before the end of the season and then the home Bruins games in HD.

stay tuned

if nesn becomes hd i would switch to cable in a heartbeat.

Originally posted by alczervik2
if nesn becomes hd i would switch to cable in a heartbeat. You're assuming this would not be made available to DIRECTV subscribers.

Originally posted by Benji
You're assuming this would not be made available to DIRECTV subscribers.

I don't think you will see this on D* anytime soon if at all in talking with Stephanie about it. It is not that they don't want to carry it but as we all know a bandwidth issue.

What are the chances of us getting it OTA?

Mmmmm...this would really make me want Comcast TV again. Although ponying up another $50/mo over my $50/mo cable modem doesn't sound too appealing.

What are the chances that WSBK/WBZ would send out games in HD if NESN goes HD?

Originally posted by jckessler
Mmmmm...

What are the chances that WSBK/WBZ would send out games in HD if NESN goes HD? zilch...nada...NFW...Of course, that's only my opinion. And what do I know being a redneck Hokie fan!

Hi all i am new to hdtv i just got the sony 910 and a samsung 160 receiver and directv and i was wondering what would be a good little attenna for ota. Something i could keep in the living room not to big. I have one now but the signal is not that great. Thanks for any input

Hi Def 03...where are you located?

Hi i am on the north shore peabody

ANYONE USING D HD OR COMCAST hd in the wayland,ma area?

Originally posted by Benji
zilch...nada...NFW...Of course, that's only my opinion. And what do I know being a redneck Hokie fan!

I was refering to the Friday games only that are OTA in Boston, as well as on NESN elsewhere... I think it's at least possible that they'll send WSBK the HD feed.

You're probably right though...

Just spoke to a gentleman at NESN and they are in the process of offering HDTV no date as of yet but it should be soon. OTA does not sound like an option and they are currently talking to the local cable companies. For all of you out there with D* or E* it maybe time to start putting the pressure on for them to carry NESN HD.

What about celtics on fox sports?

I don't know anything about that as i don't watch fox unless it is the NFL and to me Fox sports networks don't have much to offer.

Comcast and NESN share a sign on the bullpen wall at Fenway. If NESN is moving full steam with HD sure Comcast wont be far behind.

It's pretty unlikely that NESN would bother going HD if they didn't think Comcast would carry them, at least IMO.

edit: grammar

I agree to me the big question is D* which I am not holding my breath on. To me it is no big deal as I refuse to watch the Bruins and only watch the Sox because my wife wants to and because it is a filler till Footbal starts. So if I get it great if I don't no big deal.

Steve...Happy 1000th post!

I would think it would be a certainty for Comcast. After all, why would NESN go HD if there was no one to carry it? Comcast probably controls more than 90% of New England cable systems.

Originally posted by Benji
I would think it would be a certainty for Comcast. After all, why would NESN go HD if there was no one to carry it? Comcast probably controls more than 90% of New England cable systems.

I agree I sent Stephanie an email asking if this was on their radar screen which I doubt it is but thought I would ask anyways. As far as the 1000 post goes thanks but I blame D* for 1/2 of them

Steve...I wonder what goes through Stephanie's mind when she sees an email with your name on it?

Well time to head over to the ESPN
Hokie board.

I think she cries but like I told her this would be a huge advantage for cable in the area if they did not step up to the plate.

I'm surprised that NESN is fairly quick to hop onto HD. Not that I'm complaining!

Tim

Stephanie replied that NESN will not happen on D* anytime soon.

I think were are getting way ahead of ourselves here... I mean, with all this talk about HD on NESN, have we actually heard any official word from NESN? I have sent them email with no reply as of yet. It would be nice to hear from NESN as to what their business plan is regarding an HDTV rollout.

Originally posted by Jakes
I think were are getting way ahead of ourselves here... I mean, with all this talk about HD on NESN, have we actually heard any official word from NESN? I have sent them email with no reply as of yet. It would be nice to hear from NESN as to what their business plan is regarding an HDTV rollout.

I spoke with them yesterday and it will be rolled out in the next 2-3 weeks so we are not ahead of ourselves by any means.

Well that is definitely great news Steve. I wonder if we will see a press release in the coming weeks?

I am sure there will be a big announcement so hang tight. I wish I could receive it but D* is not going to be offering it and I refuse to go back to Comcast and especially just because of 1 channel

I jumped ship from Comcast too, but I went to RCN. Hopefully, both cable providers will carry this channel.

I would think that they will this will give them an advantage over D* and E*

IMHO, RCN already has a huge advantage over both D* & E*. RCN's only downfall is that their service area is very small at this time.

Originally posted by steverobertson
I spoke with them yesterday and it will be rolled out in the next 2-3 weeks so we are not ahead of ourselves by any means. The Sox will be eliminated by then.

I think they are done now but I really don't care football is here and will take this over baseball any day

Typical Boston fans. The Sox will be playing ball in October, and you'll be right there supporting them!:)

Hey maybe you Comcast guys can watch the PawSox in HD in the IL playoffs.

Actually I won't support this team of cry babies every time I get sucked back into baseball iI realize why I don't really follow the sport the players are the biggest babies of all sports.

Hey stop picking on poor little Pedro!

Screw them all they are is nothing but a bunch of pampered bums.

Forget the sox lets move on to a real team the patriots

Originally posted by High Def 03
Forget the sox lets move on to a real team the patriots

No wyour talking with up to I believe 7 games in HD this year it should be a great season I am thinking 10-6 and maybe 11-5

Ya thats what i was thinking 11-5 atleast we have the pats forget about the rest. The bruins wont spend money, the celtics spend in the wrong places, and the redsox well the curse.

Does anyone know if NESN's Sat is scrambled or not, their satelite info is Satcom C3 , transponder 14. I am putting up a BUD this week and it would be nice to get NESN in HD :)

Jim

Jim...I would think you could purchase NESN-HD directly from NESN with a BUD. Call NESN and inquire.

Originally posted by Benji
Jim...I would think you could purchase NESN-HD directly from NESN with a BUD. Call NESN and inquire.

I know that I could do that, but I was still wondering if I will need to because a lot of HD channels available on a BUD are free, HBO etc.

Jim

Jim...I used to have a BUD before I moved to my condo. Years ago I could get the NFL Sunday ticket before it was called that, and for free. However, at the end, everything became scrambled, and with the occasional exception of some news feeds, no premium-type stations were available anymore. I don't think you'll be able to get NESN-HD free but good luck anyway.

Bob Hess,

The Red Sox game tonight on WBZ-DT looks much better right now than the game last week. No visible ghosting.

Is anything different (other than the station)?

I agree, it looks much better (except for the common shot of the pitcher/hitter from the outfield camera... that's a bit fuzzier than the other shots). All in all, MUCH better than last Friday night.

-Steve

Are you guys getting NBC right now??

I don't know if my line amp is gone or my fusion II is acting up..

Great game though!.. Too bad we can't always lead by 5 going into the ninth!

Jim

Fuzzy, but looks about the same as the Saturday FOX broadcasts.

Apparently no transmission issues tonight.

Jim,
I can get OTA NBC HD (not HD broadcast), but not via Comcast HD (no
signal/picture).

larry

Although this has been posted elsewhere, it was suggested I mention it here, since it's CBS in Boston only. It would appear.

The digital OTA stream from CBS in Needham just shows a blank screen when viewed on the Fusion2 htpc ota tuner card, and only while DxVA acceleration is enabled. Although this is likely related to the Fusion driver, it seems that the ONLY problems being reported are from the folks tuning into the CBS signal originating in Needham. What are they doing different from all the other affiliates? And all the other affiliates that carry CBS elsewhere in the country? The only thing I noticed different from ABC, PBS, and NBC is that the CBS signal strength is 98-100%, while the others are in the 70-80 range.

I guess another question would be, are any users of the Fusion2 in the Boston area having any luck with DxVA enabled?

Thanks,
TomM

Chronicle on 5-1 now!!!

There was an truck labelled "High Definitioin" outside Fenway at Friday night's Sox-Yankee game, but I think it said NHK on it as well. Perhaps this was for the Matsui fans back in Japan?

I was at an event a couple of weeks ago (Jimmy Fund Radiothon) where many NESN people were working and in attendence. There was a lot of talk about NESN and HD... yes indeed, they're really making a push for the Bruins this Fall, and the Sox next Spring.

I couldn't get definite answers to most of my questions, but it certainly sounds like they're going all out to get most if not all of the home games for the respective teams in HD on NESN. One thing I did learn is that they aren't just looking at one provider, all avenues from Comcast, to RCN, to the smaller cable systems offering HD, to DIRECTV are being looked into... they want it available to as many consumers as possible. Obviously, none of this is definitive information, but it certainly shows how comitted NESN is to HD. The talk was that Jeremy Jacobs (a part owner) is a huge proponent of HD. And we already know Tom Werner, another co-owner, is already very active in the digital television field. This bodes well for Boston sports fans who love HD.

As for the Pats... here's my current count for games in HD...

1) Week 2 - 9/14 - Pats at Eagles - CBS - OTA 4-1, Directv Ch. 70 (NFL Sunday Ticket)

2) Week 4 - 9/28 - Pats at Redskins - CBS - OTA 4-1, Directv Ch. 70

3) Week 6 - 10/12 - Giants at Pats - FOX - OTA 25-1, (I'm guessing this will be a national game in 480p 16X9 -- not HD, but better than SD) Directv ???

4) Week 9 - 11/03 - Pats at Broncos - ABC MNF - OTA 5-1

5) Week 11 - 11/16 - Cowboys at Pats - ESPNHD (WCVB usually simulcasts these games... I wonder if they'll put the HD game up on their 5-1 digital channel ???)

6) Week 16 - 12/20 (Sat. 8:30 PM) - Patriots at Jets - ESPNHD

7) Week 17 - 12/27 (Sat. 1:30 PM) - Bills at Pats - CBS - 4-1 - This is CBS's only game of the day... I've got to believe it will be in HD, although I don't think this is confirmed.

Wow, almost half the season in HD, and playoffs as well, which THEY WILL MAKE ! ....and there's the possibility CBS will adjust their national game schedule for later in the season and make even more Pats games the national game, giving us MORE in HD. They apparently do have that option. I'd say that could be a possibility for games like 11/30 Pats at Colts or 12/7 Dolphins at Pats !

Any word on who would carry NESN in HD? I'd assume RCN & Comcast would, since they are in an HD battle and especially since NESN in HD is probably WAYYY more important that ESPN-HD to a lot of area viewers.

Just my opinion, but I'd have to assume Comcast would carry it. I don't think NESN would bother going HD if they couldn't get Comcast on board.

an actual OTA reception datapoint: at the beginning of the summer 7.1 stopped working for me. also i totally lost 56.1 & 25.1 . yesterday i partially fixed the problem by propping up the antenna such that it is just barely angled upwards. now i can receive 7.1 much more reliably, as well as 25.1 . i still can't receive 56.1 though...

edit - followup - eating my words now - last night i couldn't get one bit of reception for 7.1 or 25.1 . looks like atmospheric conditions continue to trump whatever antenna adjustments i'm making. i really do not understand why i would receive 4.1 & 5.1 so solidly & with such strong signal, with zilch signal from 7.1 . could 7.1 have had DTV transmitter problems last night?

7 is on another tower. Channel 7 owns the self standing tower.

ah, thank you for the info about channel 7 being on a different tower. indeed i see now that antennaweb.org tells me i have to point my antenna 1 degree away from the optimal direction for 2.1, 4.1, 5.1 . easier said than done - 1 degree ain't much! well, thanks again & happy dtv reception to you !

Did anyone lose 30-1 and/or 42-2 last night? I have always got a very strong signal on both of them until last night. Luckily the NFL game came in fine on 20-1 but when I switched to 30-1 during a commercial, it was GONE, and 42-2 had major break-ups. Anyone else see this, or just me?

Well i lost signal at the start of the game last night on 5-1 first picture went to 4-3 then the sound was lost for awile. Anyone else have this problem lastnight

Originally posted by High Def 03
Well i lost signal at the start of the game last night on 5-1 first picture went to 4-3 then the sound was lost for awile. Anyone else have this problem lastnight

In the 1st quarter, just before Washington's first field goal, the picture started jumping all over the place, then went out for about a minute or 2 and then switched to SD. About 3-4 minutes later it came back to HD, but could barely hear the announcing crew. About 5 minutes after that, full sound and 5.1 came back.

ditto.

Audio was fine on the analog feed.

Does this happen often this was my first monday night game in hdtv

Bob Hess,

In the programming section, it has been reported that UPN stations will be testing HD today. Will this affect the Red Sox broadcast tonight?

Originally posted by jckessler
Bob Hess,

In the programming section, it has been reported that UPN stations will be testing HD today. Will this affect the Red Sox broadcast tonight?
No

Bob Hess,

One more question/observation. I'm still seeing the ghosting on the ballgame tonight. It wasn't present on last week's WBZ game. There's also noticible scrolling vertical interference on some shots.

The audio on the digital broadcast of the Sox game on 38 was a bit messed up. The audio seemed very skewed to the left. It was annoying me enough that I ended up watching the DirecTV broadcast instead (which was centered nicely and sounded much clearer).

I thought the picture was (again) quite soft. The NESN broadcasts on DirecTV this week looked much better. The Sox looked pretty good tonight though. :-)

-Steve

One of these days someone will listen to me,
I will see the green line no longer on WCVB-DT.

I have a hypothetical queston regarding sports blackouts...

Last night's Red Sox / Yankees game was blacked out on DirecTV on both the NESN and ESPN broadcasts because it was being shown on Ch 38. Now here's the question... if the ESPN broadcast had been in high definition on ESPN-HD, would it STILL have been blacked out there? I suppose I'd find that to be extremely aggrivating if that were the case.

It's a moot point because the game was not in HD, but I'm just wondering what would have happened.

-Steve

I believe it is a moot point because I don't think ESPN does any games in HD unless they are its exclusive national telecast. Thus NESN or UPN38 would not have rights to the game.

Well, it looks as though WPRI 12 is finally HD, the US Open was in HD today on 12-1, it was not dolby digital like WBZ, but was pro logic, but the picture looked pretty good eventhough they have those subchannels being used.

The audio problems with redsox games on WSBK seem to persist, I called the other day to let them know about the problem with it, must be a technical issue since they have not fixed it yet, the commercials during the game were fine, but just not the game itself, NESN on the other hand was fine that day for audio.

Jim

WGBX-DT 43 is back up- multicast galore:

1. WGBX-DT
2. PBS-E
3. PBS-Kid
4. PBS-W

Blah! Ok for 480i I guess, but with so many channels even 480i doesn't look so hot. I wouldn't care so much about this if they devoted WGBH-DT to HD, but they don't.

So, is this the future of PBS? I mean come on, is there really a need for so many feeds?

2 & 44's 6 feeds are a fine thing. one HD & 5 SD is
ok until there is way more HD material available.
i think i've seen 44.something with real HD content very rarely. also in next week or two there is a new show on
pbs kids - HD cartoon.

real 480i is twice as good as the best ntsc to my eyes.

7.1 picture popped in just now for the first time in a while, bodes well
for latenite fall reception. nbc barely 50% signal, under the a in
'signal' on the sony screen, but picture & sound
for 98% of this law & order. (does the hd200 have the same
signal strength meter as my xbr2 i wonder - someone out
there must have one?)

1080i looks way sharper than 720p on my tv - same for
most of you? nbc sure does a nice job sometimes getting that csi-like video sharpness.

actual Hot-Damn-TV viewer,

What a nice treat to catch a "Chronicle" HD Marathon on WCVB-DT20 Saturday afternoon. We were just checking to see if the college football game was in HD and instead, we watched a number of terrific HD Chronicles -- all commercial free! Kudos to Channel 5 for the great local HD production (have any of our other locals produced any local HD??).

Originally posted by etcarey
What a nice treat to catch a "Chronicle" HD Marathon on WCVB-DT20 Saturday afternoon. We were just checking to see if the college football game was in HD and instead, we watched a number of terrific HD Chronicles -- all commercial free! Kudos to Channel 5 for the great local HD production (have any of our other locals produced any local HD??).

I caught most of it, well my MyHD card did atleast, missed the first episode, grabbed the 2nd, skipped the 3rd (I had it already), do not know how many more there was, but I have them on my HD. It was really nice to see without commercials.

Jim

2 & 44's 6 feeds are a fine thing. one HD & 5 SD is
ok until there is way more HD material available.
i think i've seen 44.something with real HD content very rarely. also in next week or two there is a new show on
pbs kids - HD cartoon.I think most folks will disagree with you here. If they are going to multicast I say keep it all to one channel and devote the other entirely to HD. There is no need to multicast on the HD channel. WGBH-DT is all but unwatchable.

There will be no HD on that GBX-DT "Kids" subchannel. Those are all strictly 480i. You'll have to catch them on GBH-DT's national PBS feed.

I just hope WCVB-DT doesn't put that Chronicle marathon on instead of a GOOD football game. I can't receive either Ch. 5 or 6, and ESPN Gameplan blacks out the local ABC game. That's the 2nd time they've done that. Enough is enough!!!!!!

Can anyone suggest a direct tv installer in the boston suburbs that can do a ota attenna.

Originally posted by Benji
I just hope WCVB-DT doesn't put that Chronicle marathon on instead of a GOOD football game. I can't receive either Ch. 5 or 6, and ESPN Gameplan blacks out the local ABC game. That's the 2nd time they've done that. Enough is enough!!!!!!

For once I agree with you although I applaud them for running HD material

Steve...should we expect a 0-0 HD tie this weekend at Philly?

Originally posted by Benji
Steve...should we expect a 0-0 HD tie this weekend at Philly?

I wouldn't be surprised but you know how football goes what was bad 1 week can be excellant the next

Is it just me or is channel 4 and 38 having issues, I am getting dropouts in signal constantly starting today, normally I get 90 to 100 % signal on both, today I am gettinging from 60 to 93% signal with dropouts when signal gets to the 60 or so range. I adjusted my antenna a little and it did not help.

Jim

4/30 seems low to me also, getting 79, all other locals at their usual 100.

Newbie Question?

I get my signal strength in the 40-50 range but the picture is great should i swith attennas to get a higher range? Will i lose signal in the winter time?

While discussing 4, does anyone else get an annoying, moving, blue effect running up the left hand side of the screen when the name banner (graphic displaying reporter's name) is used on their news?

High Def 03,

Only time will tell, you may get better reception in the winter (fewer leaves, reflection off of snow cover, etc.) or you may get multi-path problems.

40-50 seems marginal, if you get much lower you will probably have problems.

Installing outdoor stuff isn't really fun in the snow, so factor that in to your decision.

Dave

Thanks for the info Dave does anyone know of a good installer in the north shore area?

Originally posted by vfrjim
Is it just me or is channel 4 and 38 having issues, I am getting dropouts in signal constantly starting today, normally I get 90 to 100 % signal on both, today I am gettinging from 60 to 93% signal with dropouts when signal gets to the 60 or so range. I adjusted my antenna a little and it did not help.

Jim
Jim,

Everything is normal with the transmission system at 4 and 38.

We did install a new encoder today for 38-1.

Bob

Maybe it's the weather, because all my signals are all over the place and I normally get almost 100% on the channels from boston, less 25 and 56.

Is the new encoder for channel 38-1 for audio, because I still get loss of lip-sync with the TS160 and channel 38-1 all the time, none of my other tuners lose the sync except the ts160.

Jim

Originally posted by vfrjim
Maybe it's the weather, because all my signals are all over the place and I normally get almost 100% on the channels from boston, less 25 and 56.

Is the new encoder for channel 38-1 for audio, because I still get loss of lip-sync with the TS160 and channel 38-1 all the time, none of my other tuners lose the sync except the ts160.

Jim
The replacement encoder is identical to the encoder we have been using. It was installed to facilitate maintenance on the primary encoder.

Bob

Experiencing troubles receiving channel 41 tonight, it was breaking up badly. Then later on, no picture at all, although still showing a signal that normally would give a steady picture. I'm in SE New Hampshire.

Herb

Looks like many of use are experiencing reception problems, WLVI is almost impossible to receive for me tonite, normally I do not have any problems...

Jim

Bob H - sorry if this is a repeated question but could you investigate properly setting the time on WBZ-DT - seems like it is set an hour ahead currently. soon maybe that will be 2 hours ahead ? :| also WCVB-DT is kicking butt on WBZ-DT in the program-guide department - any plans for WBZ-DT program guide info to be valid?

i notice the wrong-time & absence of program guide now that i have an HDR230 HD-PVR... :)

as for the reception problems, oh ya, reception has been fairly poor lately. i can't get 25.1 or 7.1 whatsoever lately despite adjusting the antenna.
56.1, forget about it, i haven't seen that in a Long Time.

last night i was having some trouble with 4.1 & 38.1 ,
maybe that was around 9pm.

Must be atmospheric. Haven't had any problems <knock on wood before Sunday's HD Pats game> here.

As another HDR230 user I'll second the request for more program guide data. Channel 7 used to be sending it out, looking ahead 8 hours, but that stopped several months ago. Now Channel 5 has started, looking ahead 24 hours - well done!!

I'm not getting any reception problems with the HDR230 here in sourthern NH, except for 11 (bad location), and 56 (which I don't expect to get until they increase power). I can even get WPRI!

_Paul

Bob Hess,

During the Red Sox broadcast tonight, Sean made mention of the fact that UPN38 was conducting an HDTV test with this game. Can you elaborate on any details of this?

Thanks for anything you can share.

HD Chronicles back on WCVB-DT.

Showing some nice leaves. :)

Channel 43 WGBX subchannels gone?

Only see the Channel 44 simulcast anymore...

They're all there for me. WGBX analog has better PQ. I hope this isn't going to be the way of PBS-DT from now on.

the 43.2/3/4 subchannels were gone for a while tonight - they are back now. if you can get 44.1 but not the others i think you can be sure this is due to the broadcast not due to your reception.

i must thank the liberal/democrat pbs people ;) for their diligence with 2.1/2.2 and 43.1/2/3/4. if it weren't for those i'd only be getting 4.1/5.1 . looks like i 'll have to wait for much colder weather before i can watch 7.1/25.1/38.1/56.1 .

PQ on Saturdays night looked shaper on analog NESN. HD cameras add something even on analog broadcast

Yes, NESN looked REAL good on DirecTV. It's going to be a major bummer if the only way to get NESN-HD will be through cable.

Anyone who was in Boston tonight saw probably saw the messages projected on the Prudential Tower -- NESN-HD will debut on Comcast Cable Monday September 15. I'd be interested in what anyone with Comcast Digital sees on Monday!

Originally posted by etcarey
Anyone who was in Boston tonight saw probably saw the messages projected on the Prudential Tower -- NESN-HD will debut on Comcast Cable Monday September 15. I'd be interested in what anyone with Comcast Digital sees on Monday!

Don and Jerry made note of it during the game, only problem is neither knew what it meant, the best they could come up with was that HD stood for 'Home Delivery'. I believe they thought that either Comcast or NESN was giving away a TV or something :)

Originally posted by RedSoxInHD
Don and Jerry made note of it during the game, only problem is neither knew what it meant, the best they could come up with was that HD stood for 'Home Delivery'. I believe they thought that either Comcast or NESN was giving away a TV or something :) Somehow I suspect they were being a little 'facetious'.

Anyone know if Comcast will broadcast NESN-HD encrypted or not?

Originally posted by Benji
Somehow I suspect they were being a little 'facetious'.

Still, seeing as how it was a NESN broadcast, if they did know what it meant they could have said something...

I sent a message to both DirecTV (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/glb/Form_Feedback.jsp) and to NESN (sports@nesn.com). I figure it doesn't hurt to let them both know that I'm going to be a very dissapointed person if NESN-HD is only available on Comcast. Certainly it would behoove both parties if they would work out a deal. Surely DirecTV has the bandwidth on their HD sat right now to carry just the HD content, plus they would offer that as a bonus to the MLB and NHL package subscribers.

I can always hope...

-Steve

Article in todays Boston Globe as well.

Here's the link to the Story.
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/257/sports/NESN_Comcast_are_about_to_redefine_Sox_coverage+.shtml


NESN-HD popped up faster than I had expected :)

does anyone know if *any* of the HD channels from any of the cable companies are broadcast without encryption? it's an academic question for me since i am in the territory of adelphia, the backwards crooks!

PBS, ABC, and NBC are broadcast on Comcast (Boston area) w/o encryption. ESPN, HBO, and Showtime are encrypted.

To whom it may concern, namely CBS,

My friends are all coming over to watch the Pats (who were kind enough to hold off scoring any points until they could do it in HD this week) and I would love it if someone could turn up the transmitter .1 dB? No matter how I try, it is so close, while the rest are near 20 dB, CBS is hovering dangerously close to break up :) I know it's just my antenna and multipath, etc, but it's sooooo close!

Oh, and PLEASE someone figure out whats up with CBS and UPN and the FusionII decoder card. Nowhere else in the country does it happen. Only Bostons broadcast, and only CBS and UPN, require the DxVA mode be turned off or you get a blank screen with audio? Regardless of which video card you use, ATI or GeForce, and everyone that I've run across, in MA only, and with the Fusion card, has the same exact problem, but only CBS and UPN. Odd.

Go PATS!

D* will not have NESN HD channel.

The NESN HD channel right now appears to be InHD 2.

I hope D* picks these channels up I will send Stephanie campbell an email and see what she has to say

steve,

I wouldn't hold my breath. There are already HD sports channels in larger markets (NY and PHI) and they aren't available.

Dave

Originally posted by D_Doherty
steve,

I wouldn't hold my breath. There are already HD sports channels in larger markets (NY and PHI) and they aren't available.

Dave

She has already told me that they are looking to possibly carry them. I already sent the email will post when I get a response

I just got her response and basically what she said was "Nothing to report yet" regading the INHD channels

Originally posted by steverobertson
I hope D* picks these channels up I will send Stephanie campbell an email and see what she has to say
My assumption would be that if and when Direct picks up the InHD channels, that they will carry the national feed and not the local/regionals. So that would mean that NESN via InHD would not be seen on Direct until the NESN-HD channel goes solo and Direct is able to pick that up.

Mickey

Originally posted by MickeyGee
My assumption would be that if and when Direct picks up the InHD channels, that they will carry the national feed and not the local/regionals. So that would mean that NESN via InHD would not be seen on Direct until the NESN-HD channel goes solo and Direct is able to pick that up.

Mickey

I think its going to be along time till D* picks up NESN they just don't have any room for it right now. Lets hope that when Newscorp takes over that will free up some bandwidth but as it stands now it is not going to happen for a long time.

Anyone notice that 5-1, that used to be just SD digital, is now broadcasting HD? I noticed the HD image on Sunday while surfing...stopped and watched for awhile. Then started thinking I hadn't seen a commercial in quite a while. Just after that, there was a little "info" announcement saying the were broadcasting in HD now. They ran about 20 different Chronical segments back to back, all in HD.

Was great.

Snappy

Originally posted by SnappyLobstah
Anyone notice that 5-1, that used to be just SD digital, is now broadcasting HD? I noticed the HD image on Sunday while surfing...stopped and watched for awhile. Then started thinking I hadn't seen a commercial in quite a while. Just after that, there was a little "info" announcement saying the were broadcasting in HD now. They ran about 20 different Chronical segments back to back, all in HD.

Was great.

Snappy Where have you been? They've been doing HD since day one. The 'Chronicles' segments are something they've added recently, and only do occassionally. Anything ABC sends in HD, 5-1 has been carrying in HD. 5-1 is one of the national HD pioneers.

Well SCUSE ME...LOL
It was the first time I had seen a continuous stream of HD programming similar to what PBS 2-2 runs, that was entirely different than their "normal" programming. Yes, I've seen HD broadcasts on the channel before, but they were always the HD version of their regular programming. This was the first time I had noticed different programming on the two channels...but I don't watch it much during the day.

Snappy

Why I'm starting to think that WBZ Channel 4 (CBS) in Boston is a Mickey Mouse operation:

1) Not available in Digital on cable. Not on Comcast, and I'm told not on RCN in Boston, either. WTF? The other stations show up (even WFXT this week, but no WBZ?). That's indicative of a station problem, not a cable carrier problem.

2) Time always seems wrong. An hour ahead, whenever I check. It could be a problem with my OTA DTV receiver (TS-160), but you know, all the other channels seem to get the time set correctly. All except for WBZ. So, maybe it should figure out whatever the heck the other stations seem to have figured out.

3) Roughly every other time I sit down to watch CSI in HD, it seems like someone at the station forgets to flip whatever switch needs to be flipped to turn the HD signal on.

4) No program guide PSIP data? No offense or anything, but any time WCVB gets something right first, the other stations should be scared.

5) Been seeing lots of weather warning crawls on WBZ lately. For some reason, this forces the audio to mono (on either DTV or analog channel 4), and creates an incredible lip sync problem until the crawl goes away. Don't seem to remember seeing these symptoms when crawls come up on the other channels. (Ok, everybody: "M-I-C--K-E-Y...")

6) Oft times, the SD picture quality on the DTV broadcast looks painfully bad.

Right now, I'm having a hard time remembering why I ever wanted to watch anything on CBS in the first place.

toots...think you're being a bit
picky. WBZ has been the HD pioneer in
Boston, and has done a very credible
job. As for not being on Comcast, I
believe this is a national problem
between CBS and Comcast. I suspect,
somewhere down the line this will be
resolved. Every once in a while,
someone does forget to flip the 'HD'
switch. But this is a problem with all
the stations, not just 'BZ. The HD
football telecasts this past weekend on
4-1 were awesome, both audio and video.
I have no problem with anything they've
done.

As for not using PSIP data, I'd like to see this also, but it only affects a small portion of HD viewers. And the 'time' problem doesn't bother me. If I need to know the correct time, I just look at the clock on my wall.

hey Dr. curmudgeon - you say "no offense" after saying WBZ-DT is a mickeymouse operation? how nasty & self-contradictory of you!
so are you an actual MD or one of those snooty non-MDs who still insist on being called "Dr."? (no offense!)

I can't believe you would complain about channel 4. Bob Hess has been outstanding in comunicating with this board and like Benji said a real pioneer. Is channel 4 perfect NO but who is.

I got Comcast cable installed yesterday (just the HD package) for the Sox games that they show on NESN-HD/ INHD2 (not sure exactly what that relationship is).

While it was certainly better than the compressed SD that I usually get from my E*, it didn't seem to have that 'pop' that other events (Football, US Open) have. Is this a lighting issue? Are the using real HD cameras or are they upconverting 16:9 SD cameras? Is this going to get progressively better or is what you see what you get.

(It's not the Comcast service, as the other things I saw on INHD looked great - the super dragracing boats were awesome.)

- Jim

Originally posted by JStanton
I got Comcast cable installed yesterday (just the HD package) for the Sox games that they show on NESN-HD/ INHD2 (not sure exactly what that relationship is).

While it was certainly better than the compressed SD that I usually get from my E*, it didn't seem to have that 'pop' that other events (Football, US Open) have. Is this a lighting issue? Are the using real HD cameras or are they upconverting 16:9 SD cameras? Is this going to get progressively better or is what you see what you get.

(It's not the Comcast service, as the other things I saw on INHD looked great - the super dragracing boats were awesome.)

- Jim

How much do they charge just for the HD package? I agree the lighting at Fenway seems real dark I am constantly adjusting the picture.

Shrewsbury cable customers get wbz hd via cable. We have had it for over a year now.

steve,

Apparently only the "Digital Classic" ($5/mo) package is needed for the InHD channels.

You can get away with $7/mo (basic) + $5/mo (digital classic) + $7.25/mo (Box rental) and get InHD channels ESPNHD, and the broadcast channels. Total cost around $19/mo.

They don't advertise digital classic (they'd rather you go "Digital Plus" for $10/mo or higher, but you can ask for it.

Thanks for the info the only thing I am really interested in is NESEN but not for 20.00 a month on top of my D* bill. This HD thing is very frustrating as each provider has a little of what I want. I know D* will not be offering NESEN anytime soon if ever so I guess I will wait it out and see what happens. I really don't follow the Bruins so maybe next spring I will decide as to whether it is worth it or not.

$20/month including the box? Why am I paying Comcast around $45/month for Standard cable w/o any boxes or premium channels?

Originally posted by D_Doherty
$20/month including the box? Why am I paying Comcast around $45/month for Standard cable w/o any boxes or premium channels?

That is a good question you should call and change your service

Originally posted by D_Doherty
$20/month including the box? Why am I paying Comcast around $45/month for Standard cable w/o any boxes or premium channels?

The $20/mo doesn't get you the standard analog channels. No CNN, TBS, etc.

Here's an attached file of an email I got from comcast explaining their tiers. It doesn't contain any HDTV information, but I believe all you need for the HDTV broadcast channels is the additional $7.25/mo box, and you need at least digital classic to get ESPNHD and InHD.

This is much more complete than the info on their website, or their rate card (which doesn't mention "Digital Classic" at all, or make clear than expanded basic is not required for the digital tiers).

Originally posted by steverobertson
I can't believe you would complain about channel 4. Bob Hess has been outstanding in comunicating with this board and like Benji said a real pioneer. Is channel 4 perfect NO but who is.

... and others:

Well, your point is exceptionally well taken. I've been following this thread for quite some time, and I am also quite appreciative of Mr. Hess's efforts in this regard.

I just don't see how apologizing for WBZ's screwups help them any.

I mean, I thought pretty hard before I even posted that gripe. My first reaction is to honestly just go away and quit watching WBZ. Why? Because they make it so difficult for me to watch them.

Either:

1) My OTA reception stinks and I can't get them on cable
2) Their lip sync is so far out of whack that I just can't stand to watch
3) They farkin' forget to turn on the HD stuff
4) A while back - they forced everything into DD 5.1, with 3.1 dead channels
5) Their SD picture looks so bad

So, like I said, my first reaction was to just go away and quit watching their station.

Like that helps them.

Now, I s'pose I could have posted a much nicer rant, but:

1) It'd be out of character for me
2) Squeaky wheel and all that
3) I really am pissed about all of this, and I'm not sure what the benefit of pretending otherwise would be.

I elected to post because:

1) I figured that Bob Hess, or someone else from 'BZ might actually see it. In this case, it's important to convey that this is a ratings issue.
2) I wanted to see if anyone else shared my frustration

Reasons why I was hesitant to post:

1) I figured that it'd prompt a ton of apologists to crawl out of the box and tell me that I should coddle them until they decide to get it right on their own schedule.
2) Well, it's just a cranky thing to do, and probably just as counterproductive as being an apologist

I am not being a apologist for WBZ by any means, believe me I have had my fair share of woes as well. I to have had reception problem I also have had to call the control room to flip the switch. I have come to the realization that this is a new technology that will still have bugs and my choice is to deal with them or not watch. I have had times when I thought to myself why bother with all the hassel I have had with channel 4 and D* is it really worth it? I have decided that it is and will except the few hicuops that I now encounter andbelieve things are only going to get better.

I also agree that we need to bring problems to their attention otherwise how else are they going to know that in fact there is a problem but I am not going to rip them apart because of a few problems that I have had to deal with.

I called Comcast to see how much the HD pack would cost, and was told you needed to sub to the basic package for $41/mo. NO THANKS! I could only use it in one of my TVs, my F38310, since my Mits WS65807 has only 1 wideband component input (already used for DIRECTV). I'll wait.

Originally posted by steverobertson
How much do they charge just for the HD package? I agree the lighting at Fenway seems real dark I am constantly adjusting the picture.

$19.00 including HD box rental. I got it as part of a package in which I also get my cable modem through them.