Boston, MA - OTA [Text View] - Page 19

joeinma

02-02-04, 11:54 AM

Originally posted by echeal
Congratulations to CBS and WBZ on an outstanding HD Superbowl, it was a nearly flawless broadcast! HD/SD transitions were very smooth. And oh yea, way to go Pats!
-Ed (South Shore, 35 miles from the tower, Silver Sensor indoor antenna)

I second Ed's comments! We watched game at father-in-law's in Braintree, he brought the 52 inch Sony home from work, I brought my Zenith 420 and RCA OTA amplified antenna. Had 95-100 signal the whole game. No drop-outs at all! Only complaint was the volumn when it went from the game to the commericals! It was fantastic...thanks Pats for giving us all a heart attack! SUPER BOWL CHAMPS BABY!!! Let's hope CBS can keep up the good signal for all their broadcasts now on!

One other comment regarding CBS...their post game show sucks. When they should be showing the drama of the players celebrating, they instead almost immediately went to commerical. They come back, show them get the hardware, and go to commerical again. Meanwhile, they are missing all the partying on the field. When they came back again, they went right to the NFL Today set for final comments...that's it? Thank god for PIP so we could watch other Boston stations show stuff!

jscout

02-02-04, 01:15 PM

Personally, I didn't think the broadcast was that good. It just wasn't as sharp with a bit of the jaggies. I know it wasn't my TV, because when they ran those summary clips (highlights) coming back from the breaks, they were awesome, the way HD is supposed to look. My guests, all newbies to HD football games were impressed, so I guess that's all that matters. It was definitely not CBS' best HD camera work. Too bad, because the game deserved better.

georgepds

02-03-04, 12:05 PM

Originally posted by herb s.
It's good to know that I'm not alone in experiencing reception problems with 4.1. Some weird going on in NH maybe too many politicians. Reception used to be rock solid till a few weeks ago.

I live just north of nashua, and I get these stations without problem ( 2, 4, 5, 7, 25, 38, 44, 60) .

What problems are you seeing?

herb s.

02-03-04, 12:59 PM

Signal strength on 2 and 4 is bouncing all over the place in 90's one minute zero the next. I have better luck with my zenith locking in stations that the Sammy 160. Funny thing is that I can get 56.1 which has the weakest signal of all the Boston digitals.

joeinma

02-03-04, 02:38 PM

Originally posted by jscout
My guests, all newbies to HD football games were impressed, so I guess that's all that matters. It was definitely not CBS' best HD camera work. Too bad, because the game deserved better.

I'm definitely not a newbie...I have had HD for about a year now, and I thought the picture was very good, and that was watching on a much bigger tv than I usually watch on. However, "good" to me, also means do dropouts, picture dropping to standard definition (except for those stupid SD cameras they still use), etc.

Too each their own, I guess.

toots

02-03-04, 04:50 PM

I'm not a football fan at all, but, jeez, it does look so good on HD.

I watched the first quarter of the superbowl, before something more interesting came on.

I thought the picture wasn't quite up to what I've seen with football games before (but still wasn't bad), but that any good-lookingness of the picture immediately got blown away when they'd go to an SD camera, which looked bloody awful.

spearse

02-03-04, 05:58 PM

My comcast 5100 HD box went spontaneous reboot in the middle of the game. Took about 5 minutes to download firmware and re-authorize etc. Don't know if was just overloaded, buggy softare, or if Comcast decided to "upgrade" its boxes at that of all times.

Also, reception wasn't perfect-- did see artifacts, and sound was all over the place. Some sound dropouts, and commercials varied by +-30dB. My wife kept telling me to turn it down, then the game was inaudible.

Waiting for an upgrade to comcast 6200 HD tivo!
Spearse

dozens

02-04-04, 02:58 PM

Originally posted by herb s.
It's good to know that I'm not alone in experiencing reception problems with 4.1. Some weird going on in NH maybe too many politicians. Reception used to be rock solid till a few weeks ago.

Robert Yankowitz - Any insight on why those of us in southern NH are all the sudden experiencing CBS reception problems ? I can't speak for everyone but I am not having trouble with ABC and NBC from Boston.

wkehn

02-04-04, 03:13 PM

I had issues last night with all channels, however I'm going to assume the snow and ice had something to do with my antenna reception. I'll see if it's any better tonight.

Floobydust

02-04-04, 09:09 PM

I just had to call WHDH yet again to get them to flip the switch to the HD feed. I spoke with the transmitter room and they changed feeds while I was on the phone. Anyone have any idea why lately they seem to be so asleep at the switch (no pun intended - really)?

- FD

toots

02-04-04, 11:05 PM

Perhaps you were also the one who called the other night to get them to flip the switch for Las Vegas as well. They were about 5 minutes into the show before flipping the switch (and I seem to remember they forgot the switch flip entirely on Vegas last week).

Tonight's experience with HDTV:

Numerous, continuous audio dropouts on CBS. WBZ or Comcast? Don't particularly care.

Change to NBC and wait for someone who knows the phone number to call them up to get them to flip the switch. Until then, I'm treated to the continuous faint clicking noise that their audio has when they're transmitting SD.

I'm annoyed.

gsr

02-04-04, 11:20 PM

Originally posted by toots
Perhaps you were also the one who called the other night to get them to flip the switch for Las Vegas as well. They were about 5 minutes into the show before flipping the switch (and I seem to remember they forgot the switch flip entirely on Vegas last week).

Tonight's experience with HDTV:

Numerous, continuous audio dropouts on CBS. WBZ or Comcast? Don't particularly care.

Change to NBC and wait for someone who knows the phone number to call them up to get them to flip the switch. Until then, I'm treated to the continuous faint clicking noise that their audio has when they're transmitting SD.

I'm annoyed.

Are others getting the continuous audio drop outs with CBS? If so, what are you using for a tuner?

I'm having audio drop outs with my accessDTV HD tuner card. The dropouts sometimes only happen a couple of times in an hour long show (which I could live with) but sometimes happen every few seconds for a while (which I can't live with because it makes most shows unwatchable) and then go away for a while, etc. I'm trying to figure out if the problem is the accessDTV software/drivers, accessDTV hardware, something to do with my antenna, or something at CBS.

The other night during the Superbowl, I had to switch over to SD on DirecTV for a while during the 2nd quarter because the audio dropouts were getting to be too annoying.

vfrjim

02-05-04, 10:27 AM

Just a FYI, in today's Providence Journal it is announced in an ad that WJAR-DT (51) 10.1 will be live as of 8pm tonight and on Cox cable (channel 700), the funny thing is that WPRI-DT is still not on Cox cable, don't you love politics in this state, not that I care because antenna is fine with me.

Jim

kirkvolk

02-05-04, 10:36 AM

Is channel 10 broadcasting an OTA digital signal yet? Any status on channel 6?

DaveFi

02-05-04, 10:46 AM

I'm getting dropouts on WBZ over Comcast, so there's definitely a problem and I'm fairly certain it's not on my end.

deskjockey

02-05-04, 07:22 PM

Comcast, or any other cable company doesn't process the signals. They pass along what they take in OTA. I have compared both side-by-side and the audio probs are evident OTA, so they are originating at the transmitter.

elbig

02-06-04, 08:55 AM

I wqs getting drop outs on OTA HD CBS4 last night so I switched over to d* channel 80 (HD CBS). I was still getting drop outs. This is very annoying!

pezdoctor

02-06-04, 09:21 AM

Was anyone able to receive WJAR-DT OTA last night? I scanned for 51 and didn't find it, and I'm in Rhode Island and have no trouble with 12-1.
[I'd rather watch 5-1 in any case, but will use 10-1 as a backup---I don't use Cox.]

Also, no HD on ER last night?

Keith

vfrjim

02-06-04, 09:46 AM

Originally posted by pezdoctor
Was anyone able to receive WJAR-DT OTA last night? I scanned for 51 and didn't find it, and I'm in Rhode Island and have no trouble with 12-1.
[I'd rather watch 5-1 in any case, but will use 10-1 as a backup---I don't use Cox.]

Also, no HD on ER last night?

Keith

Published in this morning's Providence Journal:

Channel 10 begins offering high-definition TV on Cox
The new service is for the station's NBC shows only, and not its local programming, and is available only through cable.

01:00 AM EST on Friday, February 6, 2004

BY ANDY SMITH
Journal Television Writer

NBC's high-definition, prime-time programming is now available to Cox Communications cable subscribers in Rhode Island, under an agreement between Cox and Channel 10. The service began last night with the broadcast of ER.

Subscribers to Cox's high-definition digital service can now receive NBC shows, including Law & Order, The Tonight Show, The West Wing, American Dreams and Whoopie, in high definition.

High-definition television, or HDTV, is the highest level of digital TV, providing about seven times the clarity of a standard analog TV signal.

You cannot, however, receive NBC's high-definition programming from the airwaves, only through cable. Nor is any local Channel 10 programming, such as newscasts, available in high definition.

That's because Channel 10 is still upgrading its transmission facility in Rehoboth, and does not yet broadcast a digital signal.

Instead, the high-definition NBC programming is being sent from Channel 10 to Cox through a fiber optic line. The high-definition NBC programming is available on Cox's digital channel 700.

Channel 6, Rhode Island's ABC affiliate, and local PBS station WSBE, Channel 36, are planning to lease space at Channel 10's site, so their digital signals aren't up yet, either.

Channel 10 spokesperson Clare Eckert said the station's digital broadcast signal should be available in early spring.

Cox spokesman John Wolfe said Cox and NBC made an agreement for the transmission of the network's high-definition programming on cable. Channel 10 is owned and operated by NBC.

Rhode Island TV viewers who want to watch high-definition programming on Channel 12, the CBS affiliate, have a reverse problem.

Channel 12 does broadcast a high-definition signal, so its programs are available over the air. But a squabble between Cox and Channel 12 over that station's digital bandwidth has kept that signal off the cable system.

Channel 12 wants Cox to agree to carry its complete digital offering, which can accomodate up to three piggybacked channels: an HDTV signal and two others.

Cox wants to consider each new channel it adds individually.

That meant subscribers who were depending on Cox to carry the Super Bowl in high definition were sorely disappointed.

Wolfe said Cox was still negotiating the digital bandwidth issue with Channel 12, which is owned by Providence-based LIN TV Corp. Channel 12 station manager Jay Howell was not available for comment yesterday.

Wolfe also said HDTV negotiations are under way with ABC affiliate Channel 6. Representatives from Channel 6 were not available for comment yesterday.

Cox began offering high-definition service to its digital cable customers in October, but until now customers have not received any network programming.

Wolfe wouldn't say exactly how many Rhode Islanders receive high-definition cable.

"It's in the thousands. The service has been more popular than we had expected," he said.

Much of the confusion that surrounds the introduction of HDTV stems from the fact that there are several different ways to receive the signal.

Some more expensive HDTVs are sold with the high-definition receiver already built in. Such a set could receive Channel 12's signal over the air.

Less expensive are sets, sometimes referred to as "HDTV-ready" or "HDTV-capable," that require an external receiver to get a digital signal.

Cox supplies a special high-definition receiver to its digital cable customers for $9.99 per month, plus the cost of digital cable. That box, however, cannot receive an over-the-air signal such as Channel 12's.

Or, you could buy a high-defintion receiver that does receive over-the-air signals when used with an old-fashioned antenna, and an HD-ready TV. Those receivers run between $300 and $400.

With such a receiver, you could get Channel 12's over-the-air high-def signal, but not Cox's cable signal.

"Our expectation is that, eventually, we will have all the network programming on high-definition cable," Wolfe said. "Exactly when that will be, we're not sure."

Looks like thier transmitter is not ready yet, they are only providing a fiber link to Cox for cable customers only...

Jim

georgepds

02-06-04, 10:24 AM

Anyone else have problmes with channel 38 (UPN)

I coulnd not get it last night (2/5) form Nashua NH

--G

herb s.

02-06-04, 10:33 AM

Picture, no sound last night on 38.1, this happened once before, I believe someone forgot to throw switch.

sbuckler

02-06-04, 11:51 AM

Are others getting the continuous audio drop outs with CBS? If so, what are you using for a tuner?

I experience audio dropouts on all of my sources for WBZ-DT which include:

Sony SAT-HD200
MyHD MDP-100
Comcast Motorola 6200
Trusty Ole RCA DTC-100

A side by side comparison of different sources to two different HDTVs shows the exact same dropout. I have had my antenna up since WBZ-DT went to full power and am quite annoyed that this problem cannot be corrected.

Stan

blamoureux

02-06-04, 01:20 PM

You are not alone. I have been having the same issue with both MyHD and accessHDTV cards....

Sounds like it's time to talk to WBZ...:mad:

gsr

02-06-04, 01:34 PM

Originally posted by blamoureux
You are not alone. I have been having the same issue with both MyHD and accessHDTV cards....

Sounds like it's time to talk to WBZ...:mad:

I've PM'd Bob Yankowitz to see if he's willing to work with us on resolving this. Given that it's happening with multiple set top boxes and multiple HD tuner cards, I find it hard to believe that the problem doesn't originate somewhere in the broadcast process (transmitter, the source from CBS, etc.).

lee eiseman

02-06-04, 04:13 PM

...from Charlestown,with Samsung 151, CSI Miami was received as 2.0, but with no dropouts and only the most minor pixelation

tveli

02-06-04, 06:26 PM

ok, now i think i see/hear what everyone was referring to with the 4.1 audio dropouts... apparent dropouts happening during 60 minutes. yuck.

rcurrier

02-06-04, 07:02 PM

The audio drop-outs are happening on both OTA (WBZ) and D* channel 80 (which originates from NYC) so the problem must be with the CBS network feed. Anyone have a phone/e-mail contact at CBS?

RYankowitz

02-06-04, 07:57 PM

Well, we try.

With luck the audio dropouts on WBZ-DT are gone. A software download that loaded too far down in a new piece of equipment seems to have been the culprit. Let me know your results (like you'd be shy about telling me...).

HDorBust

02-08-04, 06:58 PM

Originally posted by RYankowitz
Well, we try.

With luck the audio dropouts on WBZ-DT are gone. A software download that loaded too far down in a new piece of equipment seems to have been the culprit. Let me know your results (like you'd be shy about telling me...).

I am getting audio dropouts every few seconds, worse than it was.

DaveFi

02-08-04, 07:20 PM

Well, we complain Rob, but we love ya'!;)

Since I do my watching over Comcast it's hard to tell who's at fault.

But yes, like Dave says I'm also having frequent audio dropouts.

jckessler

02-08-04, 08:12 PM

I'm getting audio drops OTA. No picture problems, or signal strength variations that I can see.

Very annoying during a music show. :(

wkehn

02-08-04, 08:24 PM

Originally posted by jckessler
I'm getting audio drops OTA. No picture problems, or signal strength variations that I can see.

Very annoying during a music show. :(

Agreed, anyone getting 5.1 or is it just me?

DaveFi

02-08-04, 08:30 PM

Yes, The Grammys 5.1, but with the drop-outs it's unwatchable.

lee eiseman

02-08-04, 08:31 PM

In Charlestown OTA I'm getting approximately 1 dropout every two minutes. The receiver says 5.1.

There is very sporadic pixelation.

Wish the music were more to my taste...

Thanks Rob for doing your best.

NTN1

02-08-04, 08:34 PM

Watching the Grammy just because it's in HD.

I am getting full 5.1. OTA signal strength is 100% as always. HD picture quality is fabulous, although there is occasional audio dropouts (once every few minutes, less than one second each), and very few pixelation.

TV: Sony 34XBR910
STB: Hughes E86

DaveFi

02-08-04, 08:45 PM

Going good now.

jckessler

02-08-04, 08:46 PM

Haven't gotten any dropouts in the last 10 minutes.

<finger's crossed>Hopefully it's fixed</finger's crossed>

wkehn

02-08-04, 08:53 PM

Originally posted by jckessler
Haven't gotten any dropouts in the last 10 minutes.

<finger's crossed>Hopefully it's fixed</finger's crossed>

Better, but still getting an occasional drop out or two every 5 minutes or so. Still no DD for me so it must be my setup, although I had DD for the Super Bowl and haven't changed a thing. *shrug*

mgpt6

02-08-04, 11:48 PM

Sorry Rob, the audio drop-outs were still annoying. The wife and I thought the video was fantastic ,but the drop outs on the audio almost made me go to switch to analog BZ4.Found drops outs occuring during both network and local. Kudos althought on the video and the smooth video switch now between network and local.

Kenn157

02-09-04, 04:27 AM

I checked out CHannel 80 on my DirecTV cause its CBS out of NY. HD and 5.1 were wonderful. A few drops outs at the beginning of the show but they must have fixed them. The colors were vivid as were channels 4's.

sbuckler

02-09-04, 07:12 AM

I was able to watch CBS from DirecTv and OTA simultaneously. Obviously there was a time delay between the two which helped to hear where the audio dropouts originated. There were times when BZ dropped the audio and the CBS feed did not. So my conclusion would be that the problem lies with both. Hope this helps.

Stan

PS. At the beginning I wasn't sure if CBS censored some of the show which corresponded to the audio dropouts from both at the same spot.

jckessler

02-09-04, 08:49 AM

Hi Bob,

Please, please, please fix the dropouts! I'd imagine this is a tough problem, given that them seem to be occurring only every 5-10 minutes. On most material, this is mildly annoying, but during a music show, it's extremely painful.

Appreciate your efforts so far, but this needs to be fixed!

Thanks.

georgepds

02-09-04, 02:22 PM

Originally posted by deskjockey
Comcast, or any other cable company doesn't process the signals. They pass along what they take in OTA. I have compared both side-by-side and the audio probs are evident OTA, so they are originating at the transmitter.

They must be doing something to them. I know the modulation scheme chages from OTA to cable (QAM). They may also add encryption.

I get the OTA neworks on the Samsung Sir T351. The samsung has several "cable " modes. None of them could find any signal on the cable feed.

HDorBust

02-09-04, 10:17 PM

I havent had any audio (or video) dropouts for C.S.I. Miami (so far).

rudolpht

02-12-04, 08:49 AM

Has WLVI power gone up?

bcushman

02-12-04, 10:35 AM

Can you tell me what the story is with Channel 25 (DT31)? Are they on low power? I get sig strengths in the mid to high 80s on channels 2, 4, 5, and in the high 70s on 7 and 44, but only in the 20s for Fox.

jalferes

02-12-04, 10:43 AM

Yes they are at low power and they have no clear answer to when they will be allowed by the fcc to do so. It could be a long wait. You will probably see a fox affiliate in Providence come online this year - good things come to those who wait :)

John

Kenn157

02-12-04, 10:46 AM

Originally posted by bcushman
Can you tell me what the story is with Channel 25 (DT31)? Are they on low power? I get sig strengths in the mid to high 80s on channels 2, 4, 5, and in the high 70s on 7 and 44, but only in the 20s for Fox.

I'm in Salisbury MA and I get 25.1 during the day. Sony SATHD300, and a Winegard KU4400. At night its "bad signal" Forget 56.1 No signal at all. Both come in analog though.

nuzzy

02-12-04, 03:02 PM

Hi Ken,

I'm in Plaistow, NH. Where did you get your antenna? Are there any local dealers in the area or did you get it online? I'm trying to find an installation service but the only one I found (new england antenna) wants to charge me $575 to install it (antenna included in price).

ecopoesis

02-12-04, 03:30 PM

Is there any chance ever of UPN38 fixing the lip sync problem during Enterprise? This has been going on since UPN-HD started this fall and other then some vauge "we're working on it"s from back then nothing else has been said. Anyone have any updates?

Kenn157

02-12-04, 05:00 PM

Hey nuzzy,

I got mine installed too. The Antenna Man out of Beverly installed it for me. He wasnt cheap either but I did have him run another cable from my triple LNB dish. It was like $500 but he gave me a discount when I paid him cash. I'm going to call him again cause I'm having the basement refinished and I'll need another run. :)

herb s.

02-12-04, 06:17 PM

Muzzy you can save alot of money if you're inclined to do it yourself. I installed a CM 4221 with a CM 7775 preamp for about $150. PM me if you want to discuss in detail, I"m just up the road in Kingston. Get all the Boston station even 56.1.

RYankowitz

02-12-04, 06:38 PM

Hi all...

It looks like we have slain the audio dropout beast on WBZ-DT at last. The cause was a defective circuit board in our new Master Control switcher. We swapped it day before yesterday; so far, so good. Cheers should be sent to Manny Ferreira, our tenacious studio engineering crew chief, who spent quite a bit of his time on this until he tracked it down. The insidious part of this problem was the different way different receivers reacted to it. Although we've been at this HDTV thing for a couple of years already we're still learning new things (usually bad!) every day. Thanks for your patience.

We now are focusing our efforts on the WSBK lip-sync errors during HDTV programming. As Bob Hess reported some months ago, the UPN side of the operation, being newer to HD, is not yet as fully equipped at the CBS side. We have now obtained some of the little pieces we need (and by little, I mean $10,000 or less -- nothing, but nothing, is cheap in digital land) and we're working to get the sound and the picture together. May take little while, but we are working on it. Please keep your photon torpedoes safely stowed.

vfrjim

02-12-04, 07:13 PM

Robert,

OK, now that you fixed the problem with the audio dropouts (thank you by the way), how about a rebroadcast of the superbowl in it's entirety at 1am in the morning so us people who archived it will have a nice copy :)

please...

Jim

bruinsrme

02-12-04, 07:22 PM

I have not been able to receive 56.1 all day out int he Worcester area. I can receive 56. Does their digital siganl make it out this far?
thanks
scott

PinnacleDev

02-12-04, 09:01 PM

Originally posted by bruinsrme
I have not been able to receive 56.1 all day out int he Worcester area. I can receive 56. Does their digital siganl make it out this far?
thanks
scott

Scott,

I live in Holden and usually receive 56.1....Nothing tonight though! 25.1 and 56.1 are the trouble spots in this area.

Chris

bruinsrme

02-12-04, 09:10 PM

Thank you Chris. Sometimes I wonder if having the new transmitters for Holden DPW and police/fire, Cellular One on the water tower and WTAG literately in my back yard if those two sites preclude me from receiving Boston stations.

thanks again
Scott

jimg

02-13-04, 09:10 AM

Originally posted by RYankowitz
-- nothing, but nothing, is cheap in digital land

Can we contribute our You-Do-It Washington's Birthday coupons to the cause? ;-)

jdbnh

02-13-04, 10:23 AM

Originally posted by RYankowitz
Hi all...

It looks like we have slain the audio dropout beast on WBZ-DT at last. The cause was a defective circuit board in our new Master Control switcher. We swapped it day before yesterday; so far, so good. Cheers should be sent to Manny Ferreira, our tenacious studio engineering crew chief, who spent quite a bit of his time on this until he tracked it down. The insidious part of this problem was the different way different receivers reacted to it. Although we've been at this HDTV thing for a couple of years already we're still learning new things (usually bad!) every day. Thanks for your patience.

If that problem is fixed, then I think you have a new one. Last night, CSI and Without a Trace were both unwatchable on WBZ-DT. CSI was shown in SD rather than HD, and had frequent, very long freeze-ups. The video froze and the sound completely dropped out. These freeze-ups were much longer than the previous audio drop-out problem (over 5 seconds). I finally gave up and changed to the analog station to watch the rest of the show.

I changed back to the digital station to watch Without a Trace. It started out OK (in HD), but about half-way through, it started having the same problem (it reverted to SD and began freezing up), so I had to switch back to analog again.

Did anyone else see this?

davefarias

02-13-04, 10:44 AM

Yes CSI was in SD on WBZ 4.1 last night

Luckily, for me, I get WPRI 12.1 which was in HD.

toots

02-13-04, 11:06 AM

Yup. Same here.

Lots of freeze-ups on WBZ, and the first 2/3 of CSI was in SD.

Which rather begs the question as to why bother to spend all this money on HD receiving gear...

Guys... Just about every week, CSI is on in the same timeslot, and it's always HD. Is it so difficult to remember that?

As for the video freezing... well, I'm just starting to develop a sense of humor.

Kenn157

02-13-04, 11:13 AM

If you guys have DirecTV channel 80 (CBS) out of NYC broadcasts HD. So just incase 4.1 (BZ) is having issues channel 80 is an aternative.

wkehn

02-13-04, 11:15 AM

Originally posted by Kenn157
If you guys have DirecTV channel 80 (CBS) out of NYC broadcasts HD. So just incase 4.1 (BZ) is having issues channel 80 is an aternative.

Don't get me started on the National Feed Waiver crap, I am still waiting to hear back on my waiver from PRI. Anyone else waiting to get one?

jdbnh

02-13-04, 11:28 AM

Originally posted by Kenn157
If you guys have DirecTV channel 80 (CBS) out of NYC broadcasts HD. So just incase 4.1 (BZ) is having issues channel 80 is an aternative.

I have Comcast, so that's not an option for me.

gsr

02-13-04, 01:30 PM

Originally posted by Kenn157
If you guys have DirecTV channel 80 (CBS) out of NYC broadcasts HD. So just incase 4.1 (BZ) is having issues channel 80 is an aternative.

Most of us don't have a way to timeshift HD satellite yet (HD Tivo isn't released yet), so we have to rely on the OTA feed. In my case, I record everything with both my accessDTV card and my DirecTivos, so I at least have an SD backup - the content of the shows is usually more important than having it in HD.

RYankowitz

02-13-04, 02:01 PM

Originally posted by jdbnh
If that problem is fixed, then I think you have a new one. Last night, CSI and Without a Trace were both unwatchable on WBZ-DT. CSI was shown in SD rather than HD, and had frequent, very long freeze-ups. The video froze and the sound completely dropped out. These freeze-ups were much longer than the previous audio drop-out problem (over 5 seconds). I finally gave up and changed to the analog station to watch the rest of the show.

I changed back to the digital station to watch Without a Trace. It started out OK (in HD), but about half-way through, it started having the same problem (it reverted to SD and began freezing up), so I had to switch back to analog again.

Did anyone else see this?

Our fault, I'm afraid. We had some reconstruction problems, not related to the audio dropouts. It wasn't a matter of forgetting to switch to HD. Apologies all around.

SpunkyJones

02-13-04, 10:43 PM

Originally posted by wkehn
Don't get me started on the National Feed Waiver crap, I am still waiting to hear back on my waiver from PRI. Anyone else waiting to get one?

I had actually checked channel 80 earlier tonight and low & behold, it had a signal! I had applied for a waiver with D* for WPRI the week before the Superbowl, and wasn't expecting anything for a few more weeks. :D

JOtteman

02-13-04, 11:11 PM

Originally posted by SpunkyJones
I had actually checked channel 80 earlier tonight and low & behold, it had a signal! I had applied for a waiver with D* for WPRI the week before the Superbowl, and wasn't expecting anything for a few more weeks. :D

I was updating my custom channels when I noticed I had been turned on also. I applied for a waiver on the first day. Very suprised and pleased that it was granted.

Jay

Benji

02-14-04, 12:41 AM

Still no ch. 80 in Taunton. I'm guessing DIRECTV has probably turned on all customers within the Boston DMA. Those of us in the Providence DMA will have to wait longer, if ever.

wkehn

02-14-04, 12:05 PM

Originally posted by SpunkyJones
I had actually checked channel 80 earlier tonight and low & behold, it had a signal! I had applied for a waiver with D* for WPRI the week before the Superbowl, and wasn't expecting anything for a few more weeks. :D

Ok, I retract my earlier statement. I too checked 80 last night and voila, there it was. :D

TomM

02-15-04, 06:29 PM

For those keeping track, the extremely isolated, but very consistent problem with Fusion HD decoder cards not being able to display UPN and CBS with the DxVA decoder option enabled is fixed in Dvico's latest release, 2.50.01. Finally.

This was a bear because it ONLY affected the Boston area viewers (and I just read about someone in OK that had the same problem with Fusion and CBS) and it was only UPN and CBS, and only Fusion users. But all Boston Fusion HDTV card users saw the problem. Really glad that's gone, since there were probably a very small group affected, it was looking like it would never get fixed.

Anyway, thought I'd drop it in here.

TomM

jbuszkie

02-15-04, 11:40 PM

Originally posted by TomM
For those keeping track, the extremely isolated, but very consistent problem with Fusion HD decoder cards not being able to display UPN and CBS with the DxVA decoder option enabled is fixed in Dvico's latest release, 2.50.01. Finally.
Woo Hoo!!!! That was a pain in the ass switching between DXVA and software mode. I haven't tried 2.5 yet... But now I'm more inclined to!
Now if they can only fix my next biggest issue which is it's need for exclusive bus access!
:)

Jim

DaveFi

02-16-04, 12:03 AM

You need to use software mode to resolve full 1080i anyways. Nice to hear that they finally fixed it tho.

jbuszkie

02-16-04, 07:40 AM

Originally posted by DaveFi
You need to use software mode to resolve full 1080i anyways. Nice to hear that they finally fixed it tho.
Why do you say this? I was always able to get WGBH 1080i just fine in DxVA mode? I also thought their software mode really wasn't 1080...They down convert to something less. I thought that DxVA was the only was to get true 1080i???

Jim

DaveFi

02-16-04, 12:00 PM

Change the output to the DVICO decoder and chose "Highest" for 1080i quality, all the others are less, including DxVA mode.

Schlotkins

02-16-04, 12:45 PM

Davefi-

That's incorrect. Until version 2 of the software, the only way to get full resolution was with the DxVA. You get full resolution with DxVA.

Chris

DaveFi

02-16-04, 02:04 PM

News to me. I didn't use the DxVA mode because it didn't work up untill now.

I don't use the card much anymore anyways, what with Comast carrying almost everything.

Chris10

02-16-04, 06:41 PM

Hi All,

Anyone care to lay odds on whether WHDH will actually show Las Vegas in HD tonight? It seems like they miss it fairly often and leave it in SD for most, if not all, of the show.

Chris10

toots

02-16-04, 07:55 PM

I'm starting to think that NBC and CBS are trying to undermine HDTV.

The only major networks that don't seem to have non-stop issues with their HD feeds are PBS (just not much) and ABC (which has almost nothing that I want to watch).

jbuszkie

02-16-04, 10:27 PM

My PVR software thought that LASvegas started at 8:59. It cut off the very end of couple's Fear Factor. My wife was very annoyed. She missed the end which has been leading up to tonight for several weeks....

Does anyone have it recorded that can e-mail me the last minute or two?

If not, I'm sure we'll find out tomorrow on the wesite...

Thanks... And I"m embarrased to even ask for it! :D

Jim

toots

02-16-04, 10:39 PM

Boy, talk about annoying.

First, NBC comes up with these odd starting times... why? To screw up peoples' schedules (so they can't change channels between shows?)

Then, they go on to NOT start/end the shows on their own schedule.

I'd send, but I already deleted. I was sitting there like an idiot, watching real-time, thinking that NBC might turn the HD feed on Las vegas.

gsr

02-16-04, 10:40 PM

Originally posted by jbuszkie
My PVR software thought that LASvegas started at 8:59. It cut off the very end of couple's Fear Factor. My wife was very annoyed. She missed the end which has been leading up to tonight for several weeks....

Does anyone have it recorded that can e-mail me the last minute or two?

Chock it up to NBC continuing to play games with start times for shows. The Evolve data that is now used by accessDTV shows Las Vegas starting at 8:59 and ending at 9:59, which is (unfortunately) accurate. Not sure which PVR software you're using, but don't blame it on the software or the guide data source - blame it on NBC. There's been lots of discussion about this issue on the Tivo forums and in the HTPC forum here on AVS.

I happened to catch the end of Fear Factor while running some tests to make sure recordings start on time. Some hot chick and her boyfriend won :). The things people will do to win money...

toots

02-16-04, 10:58 PM

Yeah, that's just the point. The PVR said Las Vegas starts at 8:59, but it really started at 9:01-9:02.

Anyone who'd been following that Fear Factor turkey for the last month just got cheated out of the ending, just because their PVR did what the program guide said to do, which is NBC lying about when the show was really going to end.

jbuszkie

02-17-04, 08:22 AM

I got the file I needed... someone on another forum was nice enough to
send the last bit to me...

Stupid NBC.... Now I'm going to have to be carefule and adjust the recording times..

So how do they work? Are they always starting late and advertising an early start?
Do they advertise early and start on the hour?
Do they ever advertise early and actually start early?

Whats the best way to adjust my recording times??

Thanks,

Jim

gsr

02-17-04, 08:48 AM

Originally posted by jbuszkie
I got the file I needed... someone on another forum was nice enough to
send the last bit to me...

Stupid NBC.... Now I'm going to have to be carefule and adjust the recording times..

Are they always starting late and advertising an early start?
Do they advertise early and start on the hour?
Do they ever advertise early and actually start early?

I'm afraid the answer is probably yes to all 3 questions.

bcushman

02-17-04, 02:02 PM

Received this reply today from WJAR:

Thank you for your correspondence. Presently we are continuing to make good progress on completing our tower repair work and necessary build-out at our Rehoboth Tower location. Our goal is to deliver quality, local broadcasts - in high definition - to our viewers. We are nearing completion of our goal. Without unforeseen complications or weather conditions out of our control, our expectation for high definition delivery to our viewer is imminent. We appreciate your patience... and thank you again for turning to NBC 10. In the meantime, Channel 51 is the channel number for homes not using a cable company for television viewing purposes.

Alesha K. Barnes
NBC 10 Promotions Team

Cadman58

02-17-04, 10:26 PM

Im wondering why I had Ch 80 for 1 day...The day I had my new Samsung 360 initialized by D* it was there. The next day it and 81 were both gone. I called D* and was told I couldn't have it because the waiver they asked for was denied. I'm in the Boston DMA near Plymouth so I don't understand why it was denied when I see everyone else in Mass on this forum seems to be getting it. Anyone have any ideas?

wkehn

02-18-04, 09:08 AM

Originally posted by Cadman58
Im wondering why I had Ch 80 for 1 day...The day I had my new Samsung 360 initialized by D* it was there. The next day it and 81 were both gone. I called D* and was told I couldn't have it because the waiver they asked for was denied. I'm in the Boston DMA near Plymouth so I don't understand why it was denied when I see everyone else in Mass on this forum seems to be getting it. Anyone have any ideas?

My channel 80 was still active last evening however I just got the informal card in the mail saying my waiver was also denied so I expect it to vanish any time now. :(

BTW: I am 22 miles from Providence.

steverobertson

02-18-04, 09:10 AM

Originally posted by wkehn
My channel 80 was still active last evening however I just got the informal card in the mail saying my waiver was also denied so I expect it to vanish any time now. :(

BTW: I am 22 miles from Providence.

What is up with that why are they now going to take it away? I don't understand this at all:confused:

wkehn

02-18-04, 09:15 AM

Originally posted by steverobertson
What is up with that why are they now going to take it away? I don't understand this at all:confused:

Well maybe they won't, I can only hope and pray. However my account status still shows the following:

CBS HD Eligibility Pending
Network: CBS HD_*

steverobertson

02-18-04, 09:24 AM

I checked my account it says nothing about Pending but does have the little *

Benji

02-18-04, 10:33 AM

Steve...I'm thinking you should be OK being in the Boston demographic. My account says pending and since I'm only 30 miles from Providence and in the Prov. demo. I'm guessing WPRI will deny. They are broadcasting a strong digital signal in this area and have begun passing through all HD from CBS so they have no reason to grant waivers in this area.

steverobertson

02-18-04, 10:39 AM

Originally posted by Benji
Steve...I'm thinking you should be OK being in the Boston demographic. My account says pending and since I'm only 30 miles from Providence and in the Prov. demo. I'm guessing WPRI will deny. They are broadcasting a strong digital signal in this area and have begun passing through all HD from CBS so they have no reason to grant waivers in this area.

I hope you are right Benji as it is nice to have as a backup when my antenna doesn't deliver a good signal for a variety of reasons

Steve O

02-18-04, 09:14 PM

I'm about 45 miles from Providence but can't get WPRI at all because of a big hill between me and them (no such hill between me and Boston and I can get those stations, but only with a directional antenna). I too currently have 80 "turned on", but got the post card saying "denied". Strange. Not that it's a big deal... like others, I only have it as a "backup" in case something is strange with the WBZ OTA signal. But getting the "denied" postcard just kind of ticks me off on principle.

-Steve

pdicamillo

02-20-04, 03:32 PM

I live in Needham, and without my ever calling DirecTV about it, they turned on channel 80 for me in the past few days (but not 81). They say on channel 82 that they will turn on anyone who is eligible, but either something changed in the past few days, or it takes them a while to do them all.

herb s.

02-22-04, 01:29 PM

When watching a 4:3 image on channel 80 I notice that the image is shifted to the right, ie the grey bar on the left hand of the screen side is larger than the one on the right. I using a Samsung 360 hooked to a front projector. Do not see this behavior on any other channel either digital or satellite. Not a big deal as HD is OK on 80, just curious.

Bob Peloquin

02-23-04, 09:37 PM

This evening I scanned through the channels looking for something good and got stuck in the dreaded "Wait" loop while channel 44-1 (and 44-2, 44-3, 44-4) had a bug in their signal. I had to unplug the antenna connector to get out of the loop and add all the digital OTA stations manually.

What's with these Zenith/Sony STBs and their sensitivity to the data stream? What's with channel 44-DT not having their signal straightened out yet?

Frustrated in Worcester
Panny 53", SAT-520, Channel Master 4228

bcushman

02-23-04, 09:45 PM

Bob, did you notice that DT Channels 2, 3 and 4 have changed to the new programming? DT 43-2 is now WGBH World, -3 is WGBH Create and -4 is GBH Kids. Earlier today the main DT 43-1 was on but it is missing tonite - maybe connected with the problem you had? And also my DTV 100 had a known audio problem with the DT43 sub channels but that has been corrected with the new channels today.

tcable

02-24-04, 02:39 PM

WGBX when having issues with their encoder will cause my Mitsubishi TV to reset.

When it's fine, it's fine :)

steverobertson

02-24-04, 02:43 PM

FYI

NESN appreciates your interest in our high definition coverage of the Red
Sox and Bruins home games. Currently, NESN and DirecTV are discussing
carriage of these HD games.

Though I have no information to offer at this time, I ask that you check
NESN's website periodically for updated information.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Gary A. Roy
Promotions/Public Relations Manager

jckessler

02-24-04, 02:44 PM

Could they make those logos any bigger? Yikes!

Benji

02-24-04, 03:47 PM

Originally posted by tcable
WGBX when having issues with their encoder will cause my Mitsubishi TV to reset.

When it's fine, it's fine :) It's also messing up my DTC-100 in my F38310.

Benji

02-24-04, 03:48 PM

Originally posted by steverobertson
FYI

NESN appreciates your interest in our high definition coverage of the Red
Sox and Bruins home games. Currently, NESN and DirecTV are discussing
carriage of these HD games.

Though I have no information to offer at this time, I ask that you check
NESN's website periodically for updated information.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Gary A. Roy
Promotions/Public Relations Manager Never happen.

steverobertson

02-24-04, 03:50 PM

Originally posted by Benji
Never happen.

Are you god? how do you know it will never happen? Why would he send me that information if it wern't true?

BGOOD

02-25-04, 06:42 AM

I'm glad to see the sound problems go away for 'GBX on my RCA DTC 100 on Monday, but was also puzzled by the disappearance of the first of the 4 subchannels. But I've got an antenna to repair before I know what's really up. Is Fox DT still broadcasting? They seem to be missing (more than usual).

Bill

dlarrick

02-25-04, 10:08 AM

WGBX 43 was off air entirely for me for the latter part of yesterday evening. They were fine early evening, fine again this AM, but now they're broadcasting *no* PSIP of any kind, not even virtual channel tables.

I assume they're working the kinks out of some new equipent, because (when working properly) they are now broadcasting full PSIP including guide information! This is important to me because I can't find schedules for the new subchannels (well, World and Create anyway) anywhere else. I guess I'd better get working on MythTV's PSIP support!

-Doug

jckessler

02-25-04, 10:12 AM

FOX has been up 100% for the last month or so. They were having serious problems back in January that have apparently been resolved.

elbig

02-25-04, 08:20 PM

What's the deal with the lip sych problem on Star Trek 38.1? What causes the problem? Can anything be done about it?

BGOOD

02-27-04, 07:10 AM

Thanks for the info on Fox-25(31). For some reason, my busted antenna still gets most stations fairly well, but 30 and 31 are so weak they won't even display. I've finally found a tiny signal, though, now that I know they're really there. Got to get that antenna fixed!

-Bill

cneth

02-27-04, 10:35 AM

Is anyone having luck with WGBX 43 now? I tried it wednesday night and it really messed up the DTC100 in my F38310 - it eventually crashed and rebooted. I was hoping somebody else would be the guinea pig this time :-)

Last weekend we were trying to watch one of the subchannels and the audio kept doing this really annoying stuttering. But crashing the receiver is much worse!

Craig

Benji

02-27-04, 12:31 PM

jbraden

02-27-04, 12:57 PM

Originally posted by cneth
Is anyone having luck with WGBX 43 now? I tried it wednesday night and it really messed up the DTC100 in my F38310 - it eventually crashed and rebooted. I was hoping somebody else would be the guinea pig this time :-)

Last weekend we were trying to watch one of the subchannels and the audio kept doing this really annoying stuttering. But crashing the receiver is much worse!

Craig

It seems the audio problems with WGBX on DTC-100 equipment have never been resolved. It used to be that my set (also an F381310) would do OK on 44.1, but would have no audio for many minutes on subchannels 44.2, 44.3, and 44.4. Last November I complained and received the following reply:

Dear Mr. Braden,

Thank you for your interest in WGBH programming.

Here is the response we received from our Production Services department regarding your sound problems with the upper channels of DT43:

We are having problems with the "muxing" system for the upper 3 channels. I think we may have it fixed as of yesterday afternoon...Though, we will have to wait and see.

We'd like to keep on top of this, so please let us know if the problem persists or if it seems to be rectified. Thanks.

Sincerely,
WGBH Audience and Member Services

--

I let them know the problem persisted, but nothing changed until recently when they started with the stuttering audio. I couldn't get 44.1 last night, but so far I haven't had my set crash. I don't understand why the same station can operate multiple programs on channel 19 (2.1, 2.2, and 2.10) which my set handles beautifully, but can't seem to get it to work on channel 43. Maybe they just need more people to send email to feedback@wgbh.org and let them know this isn't an isolated problem.

steverobertson

02-27-04, 01:20 PM

I'll not be the guinie pig again.

Why not it is just like being a Hokie. I have always had trouble with these channels and don't even bother anymore.

bcushman

02-27-04, 03:16 PM

nuzzy

02-27-04, 03:51 PM

Same thing is happening to me when using my SIR-TS160. I enter any of the WGBX 43/44 channels and it reboots my receiver.

Steve O

02-27-04, 05:50 PM

My 160 as well... it went into a reboot loop. It took me a few reboots before I figured out that I had about a nanosecond to change the channel to something else so it wouldn't reboot.

Despite our best hopes, HDTV is NOT ready for the masses yet.

-Steve

drkfluff

02-27-04, 06:35 PM

This is my first post; it got my 160 also

saz

02-28-04, 02:17 PM

It also caused my HD 300 to reboot.I thought I t was a fluke.

cneth

02-28-04, 07:06 PM

Well, I braved it today. 44-1, 44-3 and 44-4 were all working perfectly, both non-stuttering audio and video. There was no program information, like there was a few weeks ago. But there was channel name information.

I never saw or heard anything from 44-2, and I didn't want to stay tuned on it for long...

Craig

etcarey

02-28-04, 09:35 PM

Originally posted by cneth
Well, I braved it today. 44-1, 44-3 and 44-4 were all working perfectly...

let me know when someone (braver than I!) is willing to test the 44's with their DTC-100

bcushman

02-28-04, 10:17 PM

After the problem with my DTC100 that I outlined in my earlier post I have found all channels to be working fine, both audio & video. I'm still not leaving my DTC100 on any of the DT43 channels when I shut off the TV though! Probably meaningless but.........

BGOOD

02-29-04, 07:27 AM

Yesterday afternoon, the 44-DT(43) set were coming in fine on my DTC100 (after finally getting my rooftop antenna fixed). No stuttering audio and all 4 sub-channels showing up fine. I've always kept "download program info" turned off after it caused problems in the early days, so maybe that's helping. But, I may not have tuned in to any of these channels while they were actually inserting some program info. Good luck and let us know when it's working for you.

-Bill

bcushman

02-29-04, 08:40 AM

Bill (or anyone else!) how do you get program info on your DTC100? Do you have it acticvated for DirecTV? I am using mine only for OTA reception as I have a D* TIVO for satellite reception.

Benji

02-29-04, 04:12 PM

Originally posted by bcushman
Bill (or anyone else!) how do you get program info on your DTC100? Do you have it acticvated for DirecTV? I am using mine only for OTA reception as I have a D* TIVO for satellite reception. Go into the menu and access "off-air guides". This will enable any PSIP data coming from the digital stations. Currently the only digital channel actually sending programming information is WCVB-DT 20-1.

etcarey

03-01-04, 02:00 AM

Originally posted by BGOOD
Yesterday afternoon, the 44-DT(43) set were coming in fine on my DTC100 (after finally getting my rooftop antenna fixed). No stuttering audio and all 4 sub-channels showing up fine.

-Bill

Many Thanks!! Watched 44 today and all sub channels were remapping correctly, sounding great, and NOT locking up the tuner!

bcushman

03-01-04, 11:46 AM

Originally posted by Benji
Go into the menu and access "off-air guides". This will enable any PSIP data coming from the digital stations. Currently the only digital channel actually sending programming information is WCVB-DT 20-1.

Benji - thanks for the info - worked fine and now have logos to go with the channels - the only problem is I can't find anyway to get just the HD channels in the guide - it now includes the analog channels along with the DT when I scan, for example: Channel 38 AND 38DT. No way to select only 38DT in favorites.

Benji

03-01-04, 12:02 PM

Originally posted by bcushman
Benji - thanks for the info - worked fine and now have logos to go with the channels - the only problem is I can't find anyway to get just the HD channels in the guide - it now includes the analog channels along with the DT when I scan, for example: Channel 38 AND 38DT. No way to select only 38DT in favorites. Disconnect your antenna and do another channel search. After all the digital stations are purged out, re-enter them manually. The only analog stations will be those sending PSIP like WCVB and WGBH. When you re-enter, enter the digital channel...19-1, 20-1, etc. You won't get channel 2, 4, 7 or 38 unless you left your tuner on that station when you did the disconnected channel search.

bcushman

03-01-04, 02:47 PM

Thanks again Benji - worked like a charm. Now the BIG question is how the hell you found out how to do this in the first place!!!!!!!!!

Benji

03-01-04, 03:18 PM

Some trial and error, and many tips from fellow posters.

cneth

03-02-04, 08:59 AM

Well, I still get no Audio or Video from 44-2. 44-1, 44-3 and 44-4 are all working fine, but bupkus on 44-2. Is it just me? I have a DTC-100 that is integrated in my F38310.

Craig

bcushman

03-02-04, 09:12 AM

I have had no video on 44-2 (World) since yesterday - and the audio keeps dropping off too - the other 44 channels are fine. Using a DTC 100

vfrjim

03-02-04, 01:12 PM

Originally posted by bcushman
I have had no video on 44-2 (World) since yesterday - and the audio keeps dropping off too - the other 44 channels are fine. Using a DTC 100

It's been that way since Saturday with all my tuners.

Jim

drkfluff

03-02-04, 06:29 PM

I thought that WGBH's response to my inquiry about the box resetting issue might be of interest:

Thank you for your interest our digital programming.

From time to time we do monitor AVSforum so we are aware of the problems expressed in the Local HDTV Info and Reception section. This issue stems from a configuration problem in our programming stream that occurred while preparing for Comcast's distribution of the DT43 channels. We anticipate that everything will be running smoothly by the end of the week.

We appreciate your patience and understanding regarding this issue. Please let us know if you continue to experience problems beyond the end of the week so that we can address them a quickly as possible.

Sincerely,
WGBH Audience and Member Services

TomL

03-02-04, 07:22 PM

I noticed that today my guide (HD200 w/ D*) is now showing 2.3 and 2.4 along with 2.1, 2.2 and 2.10. There is no signal on 2.3 or 2.4.There is program information for the first 4 sub-channels, instead of the old "regular schedule".

Anyone have any information?

Mr.H

03-02-04, 08:38 PM

FYI - the schedules for WGBH World, Create and Kids are now on their web site..

http://www.wgbh.org/schedules/worldtv

_Paul

IBBP

03-02-04, 10:02 PM

The Problem over the past few days with decoding of 44-2 (World) has been resolved. The problem was caused by a missing service descriptor in the PSIP TVCT (terrestrial virtual channel table for 44-2. The table has been edited and the boxes looking for this descriptor should now find 44-2.

IBBP

BGOOD

03-03-04, 06:58 AM

Thanks, IBBP. It's good to know that it's not just my DTC100 being weird (which it actually is) and good to know that 'GBH/X continues to stay on top of things especially when that's where some of the best programming is. Hey, everybody, support your public TV!

Bill

bcushman

03-03-04, 09:23 AM

Originally posted by BGOOD
Thanks, IBBP. It's good to know that it's not just my DTC100 being weird (which it actually is) and good to know that 'GBH/X continues to stay on top of things especially when that's where some of the best programming is. Hey, everybody, support your public TV!

Bill

I will SECOND this. Thanks IBBP for your input. Glad to see that problems have been resolved. I'm even receiving the alernate audio channel now!
I have been a supporter of 'GBH since the early FM days and to show my age, remember the devastating fire that destroyed the original Channel 2 studios back in the 50s. That 'GBH is a leader in digital broadcasting shouldn't be surprising.

spearse

03-03-04, 10:10 AM

Umm, I would say GBH is a leader in digital media CREATION, but certainly not in digital broadcasting. They were very late compared to the rest of the country in activating HD broadcast. They still multiplex their HD signal, resulting in inferior PQ. When I am in San Francisco, I record shows there to watch back in MA, since they broadcast full-bandwidth HD. I suspect the media creation entity is entirely separate from the broadcasting side, as this leadership disparity hasn't made sense to me.

Spearse

perrycom

03-03-04, 10:25 AM

Leno wasn't in HD last night for me...was it just me (Adelphia), or Ch. 7?

bcushman

03-03-04, 10:58 AM

Originally posted by spearse
Umm, I would say GBH is a leader in digital media CREATION, but certainly not in digital broadcasting. They were very late compared to the rest of the country in activating HD broadcast. They still multiplex their HD signal, resulting in inferior PQ. When I am in San Francisco, I record shows there to watch back in MA, since they broadcast full-bandwidth HD. I suspect the media creation entity is entirely separate from the broadcasting side, as this leadership disparity hasn't made sense to me.

Spearse

Maybe i used the wrong term in describing GBH, but then again I am new to HD (about a month) so compared to what I am used to this is a major advancement for me!!

georgepds

03-03-04, 11:06 AM

Speaking of PBS ( channel 2-1, 2-2,2-10)

Does anyone know the format of the digital sound on 2-10?

My STB ( Sir t-351) only puts out garbled sound

My pci tuner (Myhd-100) puts out clear sound on this sub channel

IBBP

03-03-04, 07:10 PM

Virtual channel 2-10 iis what I would call a phantom of 2-1. It was an experiment to try and program a virtual channel for descriptive video or alternate language all the time using the same video and second audio identifiers from 2-1. No more bandwidth is used except for a little PSIP info. The audio coding is Dolby AC-3 as the other services. The channel is only described in the PSIP tables so it is possible that some older boxes may have trouble finding the streams.
IBBP

jckessler

03-03-04, 08:22 PM

Anyone able to pull in Channel 41 (56-1) right now? I'm getting "no signal."

:(

scorpion

03-03-04, 08:34 PM

Any idea what happened to WB-56 (ch. 41/56-1). It stopped working tonight, after working consistently for a while.

elbig

03-04-04, 08:56 AM

Did anyone else have lip synch problem with Star Trek Voyager last night on 38.1? This seems to be a recurring problem.

Kenn157

03-04-04, 09:50 AM

I had it as well.

scorpion

03-04-04, 12:13 PM

Is there a way to get phone numbers for the DTV techs at the local station? That way we would have a way to report problems?

My customers all can reach me...

gsr

03-04-04, 12:35 PM

Originally posted by scorpion
Is there a way to get phone numbers for the DTV techs at the local station? That way we would have a way to report problems?

My customers all can reach me...

We aren't the customer - the advertisers are.

Numbers for some o fthe channels are posted in this thread.

Bodie

03-04-04, 02:09 PM

Originally posted by wkehn
BTW, My down is right on the Rhode Island border so I'm sure I will have zero chance of getting any waiver. What good is this whole D* goal to bring in HD networks when you are waivered to death?

I live *in* RI and only about 10 mi from the tower and got waivers from CBS and FOX for D*. This was ~3-4 yrs ago, but I'm happy that it still carries with the HD signals! :D

elbig

03-09-04, 08:30 AM

Bump. I couldn't find this thread. I guess no issues lately.

wkehn

03-09-04, 09:18 AM

Originally posted by Bodie
I live *in* RI and only about 10 mi from the tower and got waivers from CBS and FOX for D*. This was ~3-4 yrs ago, but I'm happy that it still carries with the HD signals! :D

Fingers crossed, I still have channel 80. Although I fully expect them to disconnect it any day now so I won't be all that disappointed when it happens.

RoyGBiv

03-09-04, 10:41 AM

While we're on the RI issue, does anyone know what is happening with WJAR? I know that they are now sending their HD signal to Cox Cable but that they are not transmitting OTA. Does anyone know when they will be going OTA? The reason I ask is that I got a Samsung 360 two weeks ago. The initial channel scan did not indicate a digital WJAR. I have deleted all the NTSC stations from my "favorites" so using the channel up/down buttons shows only the digitals. This weekend, while using the channel up to go from 44 to 56, it stopped at 53 with a label that this was WJAR. I don't even know if 53 will be the UHF channel for WJAR. I removed it from the list because there was nothing there, just static. Does anyone know any details? Has anyone else seen this?

SMK

pezdoctor

03-09-04, 12:19 PM

SMK,
See the long post by 'vfrjim' a few pages back:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28454&perpage=20&pagenumber=229

WJAR said early Spring, so likely end of April or early May, for OTA. The channel should be 51, and not 53, so not sure what you saw on 53.

Keith

bcushman

03-09-04, 01:41 PM

RoyGBiv: I posted this in an earliar thread but here is what WJAR told me on February 17th:

Dear Bruce,
Thank you for your correspondence. Presently we are continuing to make good progress on completing our tower repair work and necessary build-out at our Rehoboth Tower location. Our goal is to deliver quality, local broadcasts - in high definition - to our viewers. We are nearing completion of our goal. Without unforeseen complications or weather conditions out of our control, our expectation for high definition delivery to our viewer is imminent. We appreciate your patience... and thank you again for turning to NBC 10. In the meantime, Channel 51 is the channel number for homes not using a cable company for television viewing purposes.
Alesha K. Barnes
NBC 10 Promotions Team

RoyGBiv

03-09-04, 05:30 PM

I may well have been wrong and it was 51 not 53. I just don't know why it suddenly showed up in the guide over the weekend.

Anyway, I can't say it's too important since I am getting WHDH without any problems.

One would think that the local stations in Providence would want to get their act together just so they wouldn't lose viewers to the Boston stations. Now that I get all the Boston stations perfeclty, I don't care about the Providence locals anymore.

SMK

rjd

03-10-04, 12:56 PM

I just ran my address through the DirectTV HDTV eligibility engine.
The last time I did this (about 3 months ago), it said I had Grade B
coverage for WPRI (12), and that I needed a waiver.

This time, it doesn't say that anymore. Evidently, they've updated
their database. It could explain why some people are getting
channel 80 now.

P.S. I think this is a mistake. When I ran zip codes of the towns
on all four sides of me, it said WPRI was grade A or B.

jdbnh

03-12-04, 03:02 PM

I am still seeing occasional audio and video dropouts on WBZ-DT. Is anyone else noticing this? It happened last night during Without a Trace at least twice, for instance.

perrycom

03-12-04, 03:18 PM

I noticed the drop-outs as well (Adelphia).

toots

03-12-04, 03:48 PM

Saw it once or twice on Comcast. Maybe once per hour-long show.

tveli

03-12-04, 07:44 PM

inspired by Benji, i disconnected my antenna and auto-unlearned all the channels with both 34xbr2 tuner and hdr230 tuner. then i had both units auto-learn again. not only did i pick up 44.* as i had expected, both units also now receive 38.1 & 25.1 . it's been a Long Time since i've been able to receive those channels. apparently they were there & waiting for me but my tuners had old/incompatible PSIP data for them, so it wouldn't tune them. or something like that. thanks to Benji & any others on the forum who helped lead to this discovery.

jckessler

03-13-04, 12:07 PM

Dropouts on WBZ? I'm getting sporadic pixelation on WBZ both OTA and cable. Cable seems somewhat worse, but it's pretty annoying.

jbuszkie

03-13-04, 01:42 PM

Is the BIG10 Tourney on CBS supposed to be in High def? Titan TV says it is, the the Game before is in SD which Titan TV also said was supposed to be HD. Anyone know? I guess I'll find out as the game is about to start...

Jim

jckessler

03-13-04, 02:53 PM

TitanTV is wrong, as is often the case.

dozens

03-13-04, 04:18 PM

I am watching hockey on ABC, My receiver says it is getting a 720p signal but the image is 4:3. Is this suppose to happen ?

ecopoesis

03-13-04, 04:23 PM

Originally posted by dozens
I am watching hockey on ABC, My receiver says it is getting a 720p signal but the image is 4:3. Is this suppose to happen ?

Yes, CVB upconverts their standard defination to 720p to broadcast digitally.

perrycom

03-15-04, 10:32 AM

Originally posted by jckessler
Dropouts on WBZ? I'm getting sporadic pixelation on WBZ both OTA and cable. Cable seems somewhat worse, but it's pretty annoying.

Yep...it happened again last night about a dozen times during "Cold Case." What's up BZ? Very frustrating trying to guess what they just said on the show!

jckessler

03-15-04, 11:49 AM

Speaking of WBZ, have they announced their plans for the NCAAs? Will we be getting all of the available HD games like last year?

perrycom

03-15-04, 12:39 PM

Here's the thread on March Madness:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=372855

They'll be doing the first round from Kansas City games only, then moving on to St. Louis before ending up in San Antonio for the Final Four.

jckessler

03-15-04, 01:03 PM

That thread says which games CBS is doing in HD. It does not give any indication as to which games WBZ will be picking up.

perrycom

03-15-04, 01:26 PM

One would hope that they'll show all HD games available on BZ-DT, and the others on SD. At least...one would hope! Any answers out there?

jckessler

03-15-04, 01:51 PM

I hope so too, but I'd like to hear the official word.

Brett Jason

03-16-04, 10:08 AM

OK, HDTV newbie here, I live in Canton, MA. So I'm getting a DirectTV HD box next week. So am I to understand that for now the only way to get ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox is via an OTA antenna?

jckessler

03-16-04, 11:23 AM

Short answer is yes, you will need an antenna.

RYankowitz

03-16-04, 11:42 AM

Please read the following press release from CBS...

HARRIS CORPORATION AND CBS TEAM UP TO BROADCAST NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL FINAL FOUR AND CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES IN HDTV

12 NCAA Basketball Games To Be Broadcast In HDTV and 5.1 Surround Sound

NEW YORK, March 16, 2004 – Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS) and CBS Television announced today an agreement in which Harris will sponsor High Definition Television coverage of the 2004 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, including the Final Four and Championship games.

Coverage will include 12 High Definition games starting with first and second-round action from Kansas City, Mo., on Friday, March 19 (four games) and Sunday, March 21 (two games), as well as regional semi-final and final action from St. Louis, Mo., on Friday, March 26 (two games) and Sunday, March 28 (one game). The first eight games will be regionalized broadcasts, while the St. Louis Regional final, the two national semi-final games and the National Championship Game will be national broadcasts.

The telecasts, which will be presented live by CBS Sports, will be “unified” productions produced in HDTV’s highest definition format, 1080i, and downconverted for the CBS Television Network’s analog broadcast coverage. This production technique also produces a better quality analog picture. Whether watching in widescreen HD or traditional 4x3 analog, viewers will see the same camera angles, replays and graphics and will hear the same play by play.

Once again, the High Definition NCAA Basketball Tournament games will be broadcast in 5.1 channels of CD quality surround sound. The addition of surround sound audio to the broadcast, coupled with the clarity of 1080 lines of picture resolution, will bring the stadium experience to the viewer's home.

"There is nothing like March Madness, and there is nothing like March Madness in HD and 5.1 surround sound on CBS," said Sean McManus, President, CBS Sports. "HD is the next best thing to being in the arena, and we are very pleased to be partnering with Harris who has done so much to make CBS HD the industry leader. This is the fifth consecutive year we have broadcast the Final Four in HDTV, re-affirming CBS's leadership in HD Sports broadcasting."

“We are extremely pleased to once again be able to sponsor one of the premiere sporting events in United States in HDTV,” said Bruce Allan, president and general manager of Harris Corporation, Broadcast Communications Division. “But we are even prouder to be providing the enabling technology for digital television so that CBS can broadcast in HDTV.”

CBS Sports’ coverage of the 2004 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Final Four and Championship games will be broadcast live Saturday, April 3 (6:00-11:00 PM, ET) and Monday, April 5 (9:00-11:30 PM, ET) from San Antonio, Texas.

Brett Jason

03-16-04, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by jckessler
Short answer is yes, you will need an antenna.

How do I know what kind to get, how much are they? I know these are annoying.

Benji

03-16-04, 02:27 PM

Originally posted by Brett Jason
OK, HDTV newbie here, I live in Canton, MA. So I'm getting a DirectTV HD box next week. So am I to understand that for now the only way to get ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox is via an OTA antenna? I don't know how far along you are with DIRECTV but you would have been much better off with Comcast cable. Comcast offers 2, 4, 5, 7 and 25 digitally along with HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Starz in HD, INHD 1 and 2 (Red Sox HD channel). No brainer here.

RichB

03-16-04, 02:34 PM

Originally posted by Benji
I don't know how far along you are with DIRECTV but you would have been much better off with Comcast cable. Comcast offers 2, 4, 5, 7 and 25 digitally along with HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Starz in HD, INHD 1 and 2 (Red Sox HD channel). No brainer here.

Antenna is the only way to get all of the local channels in HiDef. The last time I checked, comcast is not offering all of the local HiDef stations, Just PBS and CBS. Antenna's work great. Check out antennaweb.org to help choose an antenna. "You do it" electronics sells all the pieces parts.

-- Rich

Benji

03-16-04, 02:37 PM

Originally posted by RichB
Antenna is the only way to get all of the local channels in HiDef. The last time I checked, comcast is not offering all of the local HiDef stations, Just PBS and CBS. Antenna's work great. Check out antennaweb.org to help choose an antenna. "You do it" electronics sells all the pieces parts.

-- Rich Wrong!!! Comcast offers PBS, CBS, ABC, NBC and Fox widescreen (soon to be HD).

pdicamillo

03-16-04, 02:39 PM

Originally posted by Brett Jason
How do I know what kind to get, how much are they? I know these are annoying.

Canton is close to the transmitters in Needham, so you shouldn't need anything too elaborate. Also, for DTV you only need a UHF antenna. I ordered a Channel Master 4225 antenna from Stark Electronics, http://www.starkelectronic.com, It's around $24, and is probably more powerful than necessary.

RichB

03-16-04, 02:48 PM

Originally posted by Benji
Wrong!!! Comcast offers PBS, CBS, ABC, NBC and Fox widescreen (soon to be HD).

Benji,

Thanks,

I stand corrected.

It looks like the only channels they are missing are:
UPN 38, and
WB 56

Although WB is really low power at this time, so many cannot get it.

Does comcast broadcast these in unscrambled QAM format to allow tuning without a set-top box?

-- Rich

jckessler

03-16-04, 02:51 PM

Originally posted by RichB

Does comcast broadcast these in unscrambled QAM format to allow tuning without a set-top box?

-- Rich

Yes.

Benji

03-16-04, 02:57 PM

Originally posted by jckessler
Yes. That is my understanding as well. But I have not been successful in trying to get the cable stations into my Mits 65807's memory. I have the promise module and the PM guide says I should be able to get unscrambled digital channels.

RichB

03-16-04, 02:59 PM

jckessler,

How does the QAM thing work?

Comcast uses very big channel numbers:

We currently offer the following channels in the Boston Metro area:*
WGBH (PBS) - Channel 802
WBZ (CBS) - Channel 804
WCVB (ABC) - Channel 805
WHDH (NBC) - Channel 807
WFXT (Fox Widescreen) – Channel 825

-- Rich

jckessler

03-16-04, 03:08 PM

Those numbers like "802" are not the actual frequency numbers. Checking the service menu on my comcast box, it shows that 802 is actually being transmitted at 585Mhz, which corresponds to channel 84.

I haven't actually used it myself, but there are many, many reports that you can do this, and I believe it is company policy at Comcast to transmit the local stations unencrypted.

I'm not sure why Benji is having trouble, though.

georgepds

03-16-04, 03:21 PM

Originally posted by Brett Jason
How do I know what kind to get, how much are they? .

If you can put it outside an "ordinary" Tv antenna (UHF/VHF) will do. You can just go down to radio shack and buy the biggest antenna that your spouse will stand. Also, the birgger ones are very directional, so you might want to get an antenna rotor. Thiis will allow you to repoint the antenna from the comfort of your living room. You don't use it much, but when you do, it's nice to have. Also, it makes it a little easier to realign the antenna after a spring storm

Some people like to buy indor antennas, I've never had much luck with them

--G

Benji

03-16-04, 04:38 PM

Originally posted by jckessler
Those numbers like "802" are not the actual frequency numbers. Checking the service menu on my comcast box, it shows that 802 is actually being transmitted at 585Mhz, which corresponds to channel 84.

I haven't actually used it myself, but there are many, many reports that you can do this, and I believe it is company policy at Comcast to transmit the local stations unencrypted.

I'm not sure why Benji is having trouble, though. Just tried again and this time I was successful. Apparently the last time I tried, I got tired of waiting and ended it too soon. Takes about 15 minutes to go thru every sub-channel. I picked up all Boston digitals (available on box) plus a few premium movie channels, VOD (Minus the graphics) and INHD1.

jckessler

03-16-04, 05:27 PM

Is InHD1 unencrypted then?

geoff2

03-16-04, 08:02 PM

Originally posted by RYankowitz
Please read the following press release from CBS...
Thanks for posting that, Robert. Quick question: I know that the press release said the coverage of the first eight games (first two rounds) would be regionalized. Any chance that WBZ will be broadcasting all the HD games on WBZ-HD, in addition to the regional games being shown on regular WBZ?

RYankowitz

03-16-04, 08:09 PM

Originally posted by geoff2
Thanks for posting that, Robert. Quick question: I know that the press release said the coverage of the first eight games (first two rounds) would be regionalized. Any chance that WBZ will be broadcasting all the HD games on WBZ-HD, in addition to the regional games being shown on regular WBZ?

Sorry. WBZ-DT will have only the regionals (and of course, nationals) WBZ-TV will be airing.

jckessler

03-16-04, 08:24 PM

This is very disappointing. Why the change from last year?

vfrjim

03-16-04, 11:21 PM

Is it only me or was WBZ-DT glitched a lot tonite? I had 100% signal on all my tuners and all had many video glitches.

jckessler

03-17-04, 10:27 AM

Bob,

After poking around a bit on this board, it seems that other CBS stations (including other O&O's) have elected to show all of the HD games independently of what's on the analog channel. Some (like Detriot) are even mulitcasting SD games when no HD game is available.

If either (or both) of these could be done, that would be fantastic. Last year WBZ was able to show the HD feeds whenever they were available.

jdbnh

03-17-04, 12:48 PM

Originally posted by vfrjim
Is it only me or was WBZ-DT glitched a lot tonite? I had 100% signal on all my tuners and all had many video glitches.

I've seen both video and audio glitches on WBZ-DT pretty much every night. The audio cutouts are more annoying, especially when they happen right in the middle of dialog. Last night the audio cut out twice during NCIS (for maybe 2 or 3 seconds each time).

The station was apparently unaware there was a problem until I contacted Bob Yankowitz last week. They had fixed earlier problems that were more pronounced and more frequent, and he said they hadn't received any complaints since then (until mine).

I don't know if they have made any progress in troubleshooting this.

RYankowitz

03-17-04, 03:03 PM

Originally posted by jckessler
Bob,

After poking around a bit on this board, it seems that other CBS stations (including other O&O's) have elected to show all of the HD games independently of what's on the analog channel. Some (like Detriot) are even mulitcasting SD games when no HD game is available.

If either (or both) of these could be done, that would be fantastic. Last year WBZ was able to show the HD feeds whenever they were available.

I misspoke earlier. We are going to try to air as many HD games as we can. The general exception will be when there is a local game (BC, UConn, Providence) played.

The schedule for this weekend will be:

WBZ WBZ-DT
Thursday
12:40 Maryland/UTEP Maryland/UTEP
3:00 Syracuse/BYU Syracuse/BYU
7:10 UConn/Vermont UConn/Vermont
9:30 Seton Hall/Arizona Seton Hall/Arizona

Friday
12:30 BC/Utah BC/Utah
2:45 Cincinnati/E. Tenn. St. 2:50 Okla.St./Eastern Wash (HDTV)
7:10 Providence/Pacific Providence/Pacific (HDTV)
9:40 Pitt/Central Florida 9:45 Kansas/Illinois-Chi (HDTV)

HD games are only offered this weekend on Friday and Sunday. Sorry for the earlier confusion. BTW, we do not have the ability to multicast, so that is not an option for us.