For RYankowitz:

Do you know if any of the NewEngland Revolution home games will be done in HD at all this season since the signed a 2 year deal with TV38, and have Kraft Sports Production doing the games and the cameras they use are HD since they do the Pat's preseason games in HD. I noticed TV38 will have very highly rated LA Beckham game broadcast also.
I'm sorry to report the games will not be produced in High Definition.

Robert,

Not sure if you can answer this or not. Have you been working with Directv at all on the MPEG 4 locals as the have admitted that there is a problem with the PQ looking very soft. It is just not your station but all stations in Boston that are on MPEG 4.

Thanks

I am having a problem with Ch 7 here in Boston on only one of my tuners. I have two different brands of tuners in two PC's. The tuner I am having trouble with is the MyHD tuner and I started a thread (MyHD area) on that and they suggested it may be the local signal. I was wondering how to get in touch with CH-7 Tech folks.

In case anyone has a similar setup here is my problem:
3 weeks ago my Ch7 reception got messed up and I had to rescan (nothing on CH7-1 and Ch7-1 content on Ch7-2?). Rescan fixed the problem for real time viewing only. When I record, I get a file that freezes on a variety of playback software packages; but I can convert this to other formats and view CH7-1 content.
Normal behavior on MyHD is that you can playback a Ch(whatever) recording and pick the subchannel. That technique only fails on CH7.
The only thing that does work is that I have to make a scheduled recording and specifically indicate which subchannel I want. That does work. I cannot make an successful adhoc recording by pushing the "record" button.

Since this is OTA, I'm not looking for tuner help; just some way to get in touch with Ch7 tech.
Thanks,
Mike Cocorochio

Robert,

Not sure if you can answer this or not. Have you been working with Directv at all on the MPEG 4 locals as the have admitted that there is a problem with the PQ looking very soft. It is just not your station but all stations in Boston that are on MPEG 4.

Thanks
We had a similar problem a few months back, at which time DirectTV replaced the equipment we use to feed them directly (no pun intended).

I spoke with them again. They have not received any complaints (since the earlier problem), but they will monitor the local feeds more closely to specifically look for the problem. I'll report any results I receive.

Robert,

Thank I appreciate the update however there is a problem with the picture being very soft. I have been forced to use the NY station for my recording of shows as your channel is just not that good right now. My OTA isn't all that stable to go that route either.

Robert,

I do not know if you can assist in this but WLWC 28.1 has very LOUD commercials during the day (when I watch it the most), is there a way to fix the level of audio during commercials so that it matches the level of the show being broadcasted (or just close)?

Thanks

Robert,

I do not know if you can assist in this but WLWC 28.1 has very LOUD commercials during the day (when I watch it the most), is there a way to fix the level of audio during commercials so that it matches the level of the show being broadcasted (or just close)?

Thanks

Almost all the channels do this to varying degrees. The idea seems to be that when you go to the kitchen or bathroom during commercial breaks you can still hear the commercials.

Almost all the channels do this to varying degrees. The idea seems to be that when you go to the kitchen or bathroom during commercial breaks you can still hear the commercials.
Complaints about loud commercials are a recent development - only going back about, oh, 50 years.

Back in the 1960's the FCC conducted a study on the matter, but nothing definitive came of it, other than a ruling attempting to ban excessively loud commercials. It turns out human hearing defies efforts to quantitatively measure and define "loud," though we keep trying.

The Dolby AC-3 format for HDTV transmissions incorporates the latest effort, passing along a bit of metadata called "Dialnorm" (Dialog Normalization) which, if everyone in the production/transmission chain cooperates, is supposed to provide the steady audio level nirvana we all want. It's a work in progress.

Of course, maybe we just have our commercials turned up too high. I'll check.

And no, we don't do it on purpose so you can hear the commercials from the bathroom or for any other reason.

In the meantime, check out the FCC's latest word on the subject: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/backgroundnoise.html

Dolby AC-3 format for HDTV transmissions incorporates the latest effort, passing along a bit of metadata called "Dialnorm" (Dialog Normalization) which, if everyone in the production/transmission chain cooperates, is supposed to provide the steady audio level nirvana we all want. It's a work in progress.

Unfortunately, while it has it's place (late at night so you don't disturb people, etc.) dialog normalization does nasty things to the sound of the program one actually cares about - assuming high quality sound is desired. It flattens the dynamic range which sort of defeats the point of the sound crew putting the effort they do into shows like Lost.

Unfortunately, while it has it's place (late at night so you don't disturb people, etc.) dialog normalization does nasty things to the sound of the program one actually cares about - assuming high quality sound is desired. It flattens the dynamic range which sort of defeats the point of the sound crew putting the effort they do into shows like Lost.
I think you are confusing Dialnorm with another feature built in to some receivers, sometimes called Dynamic Range Compression, NightMode, or similar. This feature compresses the signal as you describe.

Dialnorm is getting a bad rap here and elsewhere. It does not affect the dynamic range of the signal. It simply instructs the receiver where to set the volume control for a given program, so the average level of dialog will be the same from program to program. The dynamic range of the sound within each program is unaffected.

I think you are confusing Dialnorm with another feature built in to some receivers, sometimes called Dynamic Range Compression, NightMode, or similar. This feature compresses the signal as you describe.

Dialnorm is getting a bad rap here and elsewhere. It does not affect the dynamic range of the signal. It simply instructs the receiver where to set the volume control for a given program, so the average level of dialog will be the same from program to program. The dynamic range of the sound within each program is unaffected.

Ah, gotcha. Nevermind then :).

For anyone interested, coverage maps for the local OTA transmitters have been posted in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10127219&&#post10127219).

Best regards,
Andy

After 2/19/2009 when analog is shut down, will this open up any spots for new digital TV stations in Boston? UHF channels 31,38,42,44 will open up. Could be 1or 2 more after analog shut-off just dont remember all the digital assigments for Boston

Robert, thanks for looking into it, WBZ 4 does not have this problem and WSBK 38 is not that bad. If all 3 channels were alike WBZ4, I for one would be happy.

Thanks

After 2/19/2009 when analog is shut down, will this open up any spots for new digital TV stations in Boston? UHF channels 31,38,42,44 will open up. Could be 1or 2 more after analog shut-off just dont remember all the digital assigments for Boston

The Table of Assignments is fixed by the FCC. The comment period ended in February on the latest table for existing licencees of Class A stations. Probably, (and I'm no FCC lawyer) the next round will be existing LPTV and translator licensees which, if you have noticed, have received no mention. That could take many more years, based on past experience. I, personally, don't see any spectrum for more channel assignments.

Also, I wouldn't take your assumption on analog going away in '09 to the casino. I know that's what congress wants but . . . :rolleyes:

Do we have any channels above 55 that will have to move to lower frequencies after February 2009?

Do we have any channels above 55 that will have to move to lower frequencies after February 2009?

According to the most recent FCC allocation chart I have seen, it doesn't look like any in the immediate Boston market, but two nearby in NH are moving back to their original VHF channels - NHPTV (WENH-DTV, Durham) is moving back to channel 11 from UHF 57, and WMUR-DTV (Manchester) is moving back to channel 9 from UHF 59. But, I guess it's still all subject to change.

According to the most recent FCC allocation chart I have seen, it doesn't look like any in the immediate Boston market, but two nearby in NH are moving back to their original VHF channels - NHPTV (WENH-DTV, Durham) is moving back to channel 11 from UHF 57, and WMUR-DTV (Manchester) is moving back to channel 9 from UHF 59. But, I guess it's still all subject to change.

For those interested in some really dry reading over the holiday weekend, might I suggest the following:

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-06-150A1.pdf

This won't change much when the FCC makes its final decision (any day now ;) ). It is an excellent reference on some of the history in the decision process over the past few years and will answer many of the questions (about channel assignments) raised by posters to this forum.

So just for WHDH we'll need a VHF antenna. Argh.

So just for WHDH we'll need a VHF antenna. Argh.

If you happen to be using the CM 4228, you may be pleasantly surprised at how well it performs for 7-13 unless you are very far away from the transmitter. I am 50 airline miles from the antenna farms of Needham, and it works for me on the analog channels right now, 7 included.

According to the most recent FCC allocation chart I have seen, it doesn't look like any in the immediate Boston market, but two nearby in NH are moving back to their original VHF channels - NHPTV (WENH-DTV, Durham) is moving back to channel 11 from UHF 57, and WMUR-DTV (Manchester) is moving back to channel 9 from UHF 59. But, I guess it's still all subject to change.

That may be true up to this point, but the fact that on UHF, more power is needed to get the equivalent broadcast coverage as VHF. I know the station I retired from in Norfolk, VA filed to return to channel 13. We were running an ERP od 178 KW on VHF and 1 Megawatt on UHF channel 41 for digital. Electric cost to the stations will ultimately drive where the stations wind up!

That may be true up to this point, but the fact that on UHF, more power is needed to get the equivalent broadcast coverage as VHF. I know the station I retired from in Norfolk, VA filed to return to channel 13. We were running an ERP od 178 KW on VHF and 1 Megawatt on UHF channel 41 for digital. Electric cost to the stations will ultimately drive where the stations wind up!
Another advantage you have is your analog antenna (Dielectric, TCL-12A13) is designed to do DTV, also.

What transmitter are they using for 41 and what are they going to do with it in '09 :cool: ?

Another advantage you have is your analog antenna (Dielectric, TCL-12A13) is designed to do DTV, also.

What transmitter are they using for 41 and what are they going to do with it in '09 :cool: ?


To this point, I don't know what they will do with the UHF exciter and IOTs, but I do know most of the VHF amplifiers will be used with the DT exciter. The only new major equipment needed will be the exciter. Regarding the antenna, an antenna is an antenna. I have to laugh when a store says, "this antenna picks up digital stations better than an analog antenna." YEAH.....RIGHT !

To this point, I don't know what they will do with the UHF exciter and IOTs, but I do know most of the VHF amplifiers will be used with the DT exciter. The only new major equipment needed will be the exciter. Regarding the antenna, an antenna is an antenna. I have to laugh when a store says, "this antenna picks up digital stations better than an analog antenna." YEAH.....RIGHT !
Bill,

I think you may be overlooking the need for a VHF mask filter, which can cost a healthy chunk of change, including installation.

Was it WCVB or ABC that had a problem with the sound on the HD feed of Desp. Housewives? The first ten minutes in HD had ONLY the background music and sound effects - someone finally realized there was no dialogue, so it switched to a SD signa. It went back and forth for about five minutes before it finally settled in.

Was it WCVB or ABC that had a problem with the sound on the HD feed of Desp. Housewives? The first ten minutes in HD had ONLY the background music and sound effects - someone finally realized there was no dialogue, so it switched to a SD signa. It went back and forth for about five minutes before it finally settled in.

Oh yeah. That happened to me -- just watching it now on my MythTV box, and boy, is the wife pissed. Luckily, we record everything in SD as well, so all was well.

Bill,

I think you may be overlooking the need for a VHF mask filter, which can cost a healthy chunk of change, including installation.

There will be costs involved to revert back to VHF, but in time with the lower electric usage, it still breaks out cheaper. Just before I retired, the station got an STA to operate at 1/3 our DT licensed ERP. We operated only 1 of the IOTs instead of 3. The difference in the electric bill was substantial. Dominion Power charged a higher rate once you got above a certain point of electric usage. I just rotated IOTs every week so that when or if they had to go full power, they were balanced and had equal hours on each. As I'm sure you know, Harris loves their equipment and they charge accordingly.

A Technical question, I know how a SAP broadcast with the NTSC-MTS stereo system. However , how is a alternate lanaugue broadcast on ATSC Digital. The video is the same,but how is the extra audio channel sent? Does ATSC have its version of SAP?

Regarding the antenna, an antenna is an antenna. I have to laugh when a store says, "this antenna picks up digital stations better than an analog antenna." YEAH.....RIGHT !

Well, that's true for a consumer receive antenna but, for a broadcast transmit antenna, generally, for analog the antenna is optimized for peak visual and aural just slides by. For digital, it has to be pretty flat for the entire 6 MHz. bandwidth. This was the impression I got last week when Dielectric swept my new analog (24) and digital (45) line and antennas (note: common line, separete antennas).

I made half an attempt to talk to someone at Dielectric today about another matter and was going to ask about this also but most everyone was "not available" or "in transit" from NAB. You got me curious.

Marc

Its just another AC3 stream

Mallego

A Technical question, I know how a SAP broadcast with the NTSC-MTS stereo system. However , how is a alternate lanaugue broadcast on ATSC Digital. The video is the same,but how is the extra audio channel sent? Does ATSC have its version of SAP?

I'm sure Robert can give you a very detailed explanation but, the one I like is, "It's all 1's and 0's" (Courtesy of a Thales engineer).

It's a Transport Stream (TS). The sky's the limit. You can Mux in most anything as long as the PSIP identifies it. If you own a DTV receiver for your computer, download the free version of TSReader (http://www.coolstf.com/tsreader/) and analyze the TS. It will show you just how much information is buried in the TS - most of it not used - thank god.

If you don't own one see this thread and you'll wish you did:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=695589&highlight=autumnwave+hdtv

John (CTDish) might add to this, also.

BTW: TSReader only works on OTA.

If I hear that "Next" movie come blaring on TV38 again I'm tempted to write them a nasty email. Not only that, they jack up all the commercial volume levels. They suck.

Well, that's true for a consumer receive antenna but, for a broadcast transmit antenna, generally, for analog the antenna is optimized for peak visual and aural just slides by. For digital, it has to be pretty flat for the entire 6 MHz. bandwidth. This was the impression I got last week when Dielectric swept my new analog (24) and digital (45) line and antennas (note: common line, separete antennas).

I made half an attempt to talk to someone at Dielectric today about another matter and was going to ask about this also but most everyone was "not available" or "in transit" from NAB. You got me curious.

Marc

Marc,

I was obviously speaking of the consumer type receiving antenna. It gets me when some dude at Rat Shack, Worst Buy or Short Circuit City who attended a 1 day class on concumer electronics, tries to say you don't know what you are doing when he gives you a line like that. Trust me, having started in broadcasting back in 1968, I've seen a lot!

Hello,

I would like to know what OTA HD channels are recieved in zip code 02420 on Comcast. I'm assuming ESPN/TNT/Discovery are not OTA but I"m hoping they are. :)

Hello,

I would like to know what OTA HD channels are recieved in zip code 02420 on Comcast. I'm assuming ESPN/TNT/Discovery are not OTA but I"m hoping they are. :)
From Comcast you will receive all the Boston digital OTA channels. ESPN, TNT and Discovery are not OTA channels but Comcast carries all 3 as well as a bunch other HD channels including HBO, Showtime, The Movie Channel and Cinemax.

Hello,

I would like to know what OTA HD channels are recieved in zip code 02420 on Comcast. I'm assuming ESPN/TNT/Discovery are not OTA but I"m hoping they are. :)
i assume you mean in a QAM reciever without a cablecard. you will only get the locals, no nationals in HD.

If I hear that "Next" movie come blaring on TV38 again I'm tempted to write them a nasty email. Not only that, they jack up all the commercial volume levels. They suck.
Consider the nasty email received!

I have been looking into this for a bit, but I'm unable to pin it down. Just to be clear, are you referring to our analog, digital, or both stations?

For the record, we do not boost commercial levels intentionally. Also, Jack is very insulted by your comment. He says he does no such thing!

i assume you mean in a QAM reciever without a cablecard. you will only get the locals, no nationals in HD.

Correct. My Samsung has a built-in QAM reciever. I was hoping to watch free Discovery HD :o

Consider the nasty email received!

I have been looking into this for a bit, but I'm unable to pin it down. Just to be clear, are you referring to our analog, digital, or both stations?

For the record, we do not boost commercial levels intentionally. Also, Jack is very insulted by your comment. He says he does no such thing!


Bravo Bob!

Your help has always been appreciated.

Consider the nasty email received!

I have been looking into this for a bit, but I'm unable to pin it down. Just to be clear, are you referring to our analog, digital, or both stations?

For the record, we do not boost commercial levels intentionally. Also, Jack is very insulted by your comment. He says he does no such thing!
On a related matter, why is the Dolby 5.1 so much louder than Pro-Logic? This is also the case on WPRI-TV. The other network locals seemed to have figured out how to keep the sound levels approximately the same. I realize that WCVB keeps the 5.1 on all day long but WHDH and WFXT do not.

On a related matter, why is the Dolby 5.1 so much louder than Pro-Logic? This is also the case on WPRI-TV. The other network locals seemed to have figured out how to keep the sound levels approximately the same. I realize that WCVB keeps the 5.1 on all day long but WHDH and WFXT do not.

Maybe you need ear plugs

Maybe you need ear plugs
Only if the sound I heard was your voice.

As for the commercial volume problem, I only watch the digital channels and the volume problem is pretty much self explanatory. At least it is over Comcast. I would assume it's the same OTA?

Thanks Bob. Hopefully It will be safe leaving CBS4 or 38 on now when walking out of the room and not have to come running back in to turn down the volume when a commercial comes on. It was really getting out of hand there lately.

Benji: As for the 5.1 issue, the only thing I've noticed about CBS is that they do jack up the bass on their sitcoms, especially shows like King of Queens. Is this what you mean?

Only if the sound I heard was your voice.

You should be so lucky :D

Have you gone back to D* yet?

I'd just like there to be some consistency between channels.

I mean, I turn on the NBC affiliate, adjust to a reasonable volume, then switch to CBS, and it's a whole different volume range.

As for the commercial volume problem, I only watch the digital channels and the volume problem is pretty much self explanatory. At least it is over Comcast. I would assume it's the same OTA?

Thanks Bob. Hopefully It will be safe leaving CBS4 or 38 on now when walking out of the room and not have to come running back in to turn down the volume when a commercial comes on. It was really getting out of hand there lately.

Benji: As for the 5.1 issue, the only thing I've noticed about CBS is that they do jack up the bass on their sitcoms, especially shows like King of Queens. Is this what you mean?
Dave...anything on WBZ that is in Dolby 5.1 is about 15-20 decibels louder than conventional pro logic. I notice this on "Young and the Restless", all nighttime HD programming and all HD sporting events although during a sporting event the 5.1 and 2.0 appear to be equal. Once the telecast cuts away to a local spot, the decibel level drops considerably. The other stations are all consistent.

Dave...anything on WBZ that is in Dolby 5.1 is about 15-20 decibels louder than conventional pro logic. I notice this on "Young and the Restless", all nighttime HD programming and all HD sporting events although during a sporting event the 5.1 and 2.0 appear to be equal. Once the telecast cuts away to a local spot, the decibel level drops considerably. The other stations are all consistent.

Young and Restless???

Young and Restless???
I don't actually watch it. I just dose off during the 12PM news then wake up when "Y&R" comes on 20 decibes higher.

I don't actually watch it. I just dose off during the 12PM news then wake up when "Y&R" comes on 20 decibes higher.

I thought you were watching for all the hot babes in HD

I thought you were watching for all the hot babes in HD
Unfortunately, I might be as old as all of them put together.

Thanks Bob. Hopefully It will be safe leaving CBS4 or 38 on now when walking out of the room and not have to come running back in to turn down the volume when a commercial comes on. It was really getting out of hand there lately.
Oh, don't get comfortable. I haven't changed anything yet. Still working on it. Thanks for the clarification.

We all face the same problem. I like constantly switching between channels (NASCAR to golf to baseball to NFL, to whatever, etc.) and the volume differences are very annoying. What really needs to be done is that the cable/sat/dvd/vcr/etc. box manufacturers need to provide a channel by channel volume control that the consumer can adjust to make all their channels/devices sound as loud or soft as they desire, i.e. - balance the sound to their liking. With electronics and computer chips and memory and simple software programming so cheap, why haven't any of the manufacturers delivered this feature yet? I don't get it, considering the public clamoring for it.

Well, it is worst on the NEXT commercial by far and on CBS4-DT and TV38-DT in particular. The volume levels on the other channels during the commercials on the other digital channels seem to be relatively quiet by comparison.

At this point I'd like to walk up to Nicolas Cage and kick him in the gnads.

Correct. My Samsung has a built-in QAM reciever. I was hoping to watch free Discovery HD :o
in the future OTA means "over the air" and it refers only to channels that are broadcast from broadcast towers that can be recieved with an antenna. You may have it confused with the term FTA which means Free To Air, which is another way to say "unencrypted." Most OTA is FTA, and some cable is FTA. unfortunately the only HD channels that cable has FTA are the same channels you can get OTA.

I see. Thanks for the explanation. :)

Sunday May 6: Is anyone other than me not able to get channel 5 WCVB ota? This is the second time it has happened that I can't get channel 5. It does come in as a feed from D*, but neither my TV tuner or the H20 tuner show the channel 5 ota. It is now 7:00 am. Any explanations would be appreciated.

Help my wife needs her morning programs

Pato

Sunday May 6: Is anyone other than me not able to get channel 5 WCVB ota? This is the second time it has happened that I can't get channel 5. It does come in as a feed from D*, but neither my TV tuner or the H20 tuner show the channel 5 ota. It is now 7:00 am. Any explanations would be appreciated.

Help my wife needs her morning programs

Pato
Pato.....
Just checked myself (7:04AM)......Yep, you're right....no 5-1 OR 5-2....and 4-1 and 7-1 are OK here OTA (central NH)....Must be down for maintenence...Hope nothing serious.....7AM is NOT SOP for "routine" maintenence....

Anyone lose WFXT-DT this morning around 7:30AM? It was coming for a while but I changed away and when I came back - nothing. I watched it for well over an hour last night without even a single macroblocked hiccup. I tried about every working antenna vector I've ever used but no joy. I had no trouble receiving any other stations, most importantly WB56-DT which runs at less than half the ERP of WFXT-DT, so I think its unlikely it was my end. Same results on both the Sammy DTB-H260F and Pioneer PDP-4270 OTA tuners. The Sammy can pull in almost anything so when channels don't show up on it something is usually up.

ANyone besides me experiencing audio out-of-sync problems with WCVB-DT this evening? Natalie's mouth is not syncing with what's coming out of it. Haven't had this problem in a long time, it used to happen all the time on FOX HD.

I had a freeze followed by audio out of sync during the 7:00 to 7:30 show. It seems to me that WCVB is experiencing some problems. This is the third time in 5 days with sound and picture problems.

PatO

Just announced on Channel 5 that NewsCenter5 will begin telecasting in HD beginning Monday at 5PM.

Just announced on Channel 5 that NewsCenter5 will begin telecasting in HD beginning Monday at 5PM.

Ya, just saw the promo myself!
Wonder how long it will take for 4,7,FOX...

-t

There are probably a dozen or so cities that have all their stations doing local HD news already. I don't understand why a major metropolitan area like Boston is lagging behind some mid- and low-market areas. Raleigh, N.C. had a station doing HD local news 9 years ago.

Ya, just saw the promo myself!
Wonder how long it will take for 4,7,FOX...

-t

According to an article at Broadcast Engineering, (Although, dont know how accurate it is) WBZ already has a HD switcher, in studio HD cams, and soon HD cams in the field (running in SD mode).

Link: http://broadcastengineering.com/infrastructure/broadcasting_triple_play/index.html

It would be nice, to get another going, even if it was in studio only , for now, I'd take it!

It sounds like from reading the article that WBZ may be going to local HD before the end of the year. Maybe if Bob Yankowitz is reading this, he can advise us of exactly when this may happen.

For what its worth, more info: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/wcvb-hd/index.html

A tour of the new set, images etc, it does look nice, very large, cant wait to see it (and there schedule shows they will do every news broadcast in HD as well, which, though assumed, is reassuring)

Oh, some images of the set (a slideshow) too:
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/slideshow/station/13259588/detail.html

For what its worth, more info: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/wcvb-hd/index.html

A tour of the new set, images etc, it does look nice, very large, cant wait to see it (and there schedule shows they will do every news broadcast in HD as well, which, though assumed, is reassuring)

Oh, some images of the set (a slideshow) too:
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/slideshow/station/13259588/detail.html


Looks impressive! The set that is...

To any insiders...are all HD studios as large as this and is there a reason for the size other than the camera needs to be set back far enough to capture it all?
-t

Can't wait to see Paris Hilton in jail in HD! :p

I wonder if Channel 5 will use their sub channel for an HD-lite live doppler map like they use to.

The second channel with the doppler radar is nice, especially when bad weather is coming. In the Hampton Roads section of VA where I lived before returning to New England, all 3 major network stations had their radars on sub-channels. One station even had a full time weather channel like WHDH does here now along with a radar channel. Hampton Roads/Norfolk, VA area was #40 nationwide as far as size of market, just ahead of New Orleans before Katrina. My station had just started running our studio cameras in SD but with 16:9 format. Got a lot of positive comments.

I got to see the setup in Raleigh a WRAL. It was cool! They were using some smaller JVD HD cams in the field. Cute!

I wonder if Channel 5 will use their sub channel for an HD-lite live doppler map like they use to.

It's funny, the way I found out they were transitioning was at my job at CVS, when someone brought in photos of the new set this morning.

Re This article: http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2007/05/14/ch_5_news_goes_for_a_sharper_image/

Few selected quotes, Id like to comment on!

In the Boston market, Channel 5 is switching to HD much sooner than its competitors. WHDH-TV (Channel 7) plans to launch in HD a year from now, and WBZ-TV (Channel 4), WFXT-TV (Channel 25), and NECN have no immediate plans to do so, according to their spokeswomen.

WHDH going HD before WBZ? That just does not sound practical, would be nice if so however, but I doubt it, any truth to this?


Under federal law, all television stations will be required to convert to digital signals by February 2009 and discontinue broadcasting in the analog.

"Everyone is going to have to go that way," says Janet Kolodzy , acting chairwoman of Emerson College's school of journalism. She and her colleagues are looking into how HD will figure into their future course curriculums.

I cant stand how people get digital broadcasts and HDTV confused, two seperate things! Drives me nuts!

Same here I keep telling people the same thing Digital is not HD.

I beter the local PBS 2.1 goes HD on ther local shows before all the big 4 are HD in the newsroom :)

WCVD HD news is looking really good right now OTA, compared with Comcast (syncing and video stuttering issues).

Citycam shots (not traffic cams) are 16:9 SD, and taped and live field shots have all been 4:3. I hope it's not long before we see some 16:9 SD live stuff.

Great job the picture was stunning on OTA and believe it or not, even D* looked great.

Kind of funny...
If you go to the WCVB web site and take the Ed Harding Tour of the new HD studio, he gets all excited at the Weather Desk showing everyone that "you can see the wave action on the ocean" with the new DopplerHD map.

Ed. It's an animation buddy!! :D

Same sort of thing happened a few months ago when in the morning newscast they showed an artist's rendition of a solar system that may have earth-like planets and Heather Unruh said it was "amazing they had an actual picture of the solar system so far away!!" :eek:

All I could think of is the Don Henley tune, "Dirty Laundry".
-t

It was just amazing watching channel 5 this morning. It makes the other Boston stations look antiquated.

It was just amazing watching channel 5 this morning. It makes the other Boston stations look antiquated.
I think WCVB has always been the leader in our area, but now its just a little more "clear".

Mickey

It was just amazing watching channel 5 this morning. It makes the other Boston stations look antiquated.

It looked spectacular! And I loved their "all or nothing" approach. They certainly spared no expense.

I hope the other local affiliates follow suit soon.

Kind of funny...
If you go to the WCVB web site and take the Ed Harding Tour of the new HD studio, he gets all excited at the Weather Desk showing everyone that "you can see the wave action on the ocean" with the new DopplerHD map.

Ed. It's an animation buddy!! :D

Same sort of thing happened a few months ago when in the morning newscast they showed an artist's rendition of a solar system that may have earth-like planets and Heather Unruh said it was "amazing they had an actual picture of the solar system so far away!!" :eek:

All I could think of is the Don Henley tune, "Dirty Laundry".
-t
Saying anything negative about Heather Unruh is blasphemy!

I have to say JC looks great doing the weather

I have to say JC looks great doing the weather
We finally agree on something. It's a tough call on who's the sexiest weathergal...JC or Cindy Fitzgibbon. Too close to call.

We finally agree on something. It's a tough call on who's the sexiest weathergal...JC or Cindy Fitzgibbon. Too close to call.


JC

-t

We finally agree on something. It's a tough call on who's the sexiest weathergal...JC or Cindy Fitzgibbon. Too close to call.

I will have to say JC I think she is just perfect and is perfect for HD as well. I hope the other stations hurry up and get HD going.

I have to give channel 5 credit I thought it looked awesome last night and again today.

I will have to say JC I think she is just perfect and is perfect for HD as well. I hope the other stations hurry up and get HD going.

I have to give channel 5 credit I thought it looked awesome last night and again today.

Their SD broadcasts look a lot better too.
Not sure if that's possible but it sure looks better on our regular TV as well.

Or maybe it was just that JC was on at the time... :D
-t

Anyone notice a 3x3 green grid, left side of the screen, on WCVB's HD broadcasts?, its like a group of 4 pixels, in sets of 3's, every 1/3rd through the picture (vertical), and halfway through the 4:3 bars, and two more following, hard to describe, but check out the left hand side of the screen, there green hard to miss!

Edit: Seems to be gone now!

What I do find dissapointing and rather suprisizing about WCVB's news broadcasts is that they spent thousands of dollars on a new set yet apparently they didn't allocate any of that for a few handheld HDCams? They really need to do on location HD local shoots, at least for the live stuff anyways.

Sorry if this has been posted before, but does anybody know what the proposed frequency changes will be for all of the digital OTA stations in the Boston area for the February 2009 switch? For example channel 7 (WHDH-DT) is currently on 42 UHF, but I heard rumors in other forums that suggest a push back to VHF (original channel 7) after 2009. I don't want this to happen because I've invested in a Yagi style UHF only antenna which does very well, and as of right now all the Boston channels are UHF. I thought that the FCC is going to auction off frequencies 76-88 MHz and old analog channels UHF 52 to 69. This would indicate to me that anything broadcasting on UHF channels 14 to 51 will be unaffected by the digital switch over in 2009. I don't see any real need for these UHF channels to go back to VHF range, but that is the persistent rumor I see on these boards. Any clarification would be appreciated. Thanks.

Sorry if this has been posted before, but does anybody know what the proposed frequency changes will be for all of the digital OTA stations in the Boston area for the February 2009 switch? For example channel 7 (WHDH-DT) is currently on 42 UHF, but I heard rumors in other forums that suggest a push back to VHF (original channel 7) after 2009. I don't want this to happen because I've invested in a Yagi style UHF only antenna which does very well, and as of right now all the Boston channels are UHF. I thought that the FCC is going to auction off frequencies 76-88 MHz and old analog channels UHF 52 to 69. This would indicate to me that anything broadcasting on UHF channels 14 to 51 will be unaffected by the digital switch over in 2009. I don't see any real need for these UHF channels to go back to VHF range, but that is the persistent rumor I see on these boards. Any clarification would be appreciated. Thanks.
As always, I can only speak for the television stations I'm responsible for, so...

After the great analog shutoff, WBZ-DT will continue to broadcast on channel 30 (566-572 Mhz, just in case you were literal in asking for frequencies), WSBK-DT will broadcast on channel 39 (620-626 Mhz), and for those in Southeastern Massachusetts, WLWC-DT will broadcast on channel 22 (518-524 Mhz).

What I do find dissapointing and rather suprisizing about WCVB's news broadcasts is that they spent thousands of dollars on a new set yet apparently they didn't allocate any of that for a few handheld HDCams? They really need to do on location HD local shoots, at least for the live stuff anyways.

I noticed that this morning when they went live to Shiba on location. In retrospect, my analysis was wrong. I guess they did spare some expense.

As always, I can only speak for the television stations I'm responsible for, so...

After the great analog shutoff, WBZ-DT will continue to broadcast on channel 30 (566-572 Mhz, just in case you were literal in asking for frequencies), WSBK-DT will broadcast on channel 39 (620-626 Mhz), and for those in Southeastern Massachusetts, WLWC-DT will broadcast on channel 22 (518-524 Mhz).
Ah thanks Robert for your quick response. My fears are quenched for CBS at least. Now if only the other system engineers were reading this... ;)

Quick question: Is WBZ-TV/DT (CBS) channel 4/D 30 the big transmitter immediately to the west of I-95/MA 128 in the Newton/Needham area? I'm pretty certain that WCVB-TV/DT (ABC) channel 5/D 20 was to my right heading north on I-95/MA 128 Tuesday. (I live in Connecticut, so forgive me for not knowing.)

Quick question: Is WBZ-TV/DT (CBS) channel 4/D 30 the big transmitter immediately to the west of I-95/MA 128 in the Newton/Needham area? I'm pretty certain that WCVB-TV/DT (ABC) channel 5/D 20 was to my right heading north on I-95/MA 128 Tuesday. (I live in Connecticut, so forgive me for not knowing.)
Going north on Route 128 (real Massachusetts drivers never refer to it as I-95!) the tower on the left/west side carries the antenna for WBZ-TV/DT.

Also on this tower are WCVB-TV/DT, WGBH-TV/DT, WGBX-TV/DT, WSBK-DT and an auxiliary transmitter for WSBK-TV.

On the right/east side of the highway, the tower with the three-legged candelabra at the top carries WFXT-TV/DT, WLVI-TV/DT, and WSBK-TV. The self-supporting tower on that side carries WHDH-TV/DT. The remaining tall tower on that side carries various FM radio stations.

Here's the best pic of that transmitter I could get while aboard a moving bus on Tuesday afternoon:

I noticed that this morning when they went live to Shiba on location. In retrospect, my analysis was wrong. I guess they did spare some expense.Are you saying they have some handheld HDCams?

It's clear they have some HDCams they use for Chronicle, but HD Chronicle episodes have a much longer production time.

Is the OTA 5.2 (weather) channel up and running?

I live near Newport RI and I'm not seeing it down here.

Luv the new 5.1 News set.....it is awesome in HD! Comes in crystal clear down here.

Is the OTA 5.2 (weather) channel up and running?

I live near Newport RI and I'm not seeing it down here.

Luv the new 5.1 News set.....it is awesome in HD! Comes in crystal clear down here.


I dont get 5.2 either...

I have not seen it in a while maybe they got rid of it?

I have not seen it in a while maybe they got rid of it?
They haven't had 5-2 for months now. That's probably why 5-1 looks as good as it does.

They haven't had 5-2 for months now. That's probably why 5-1 looks as good as it does.


Really is this a permanent thing? I hope it is

Sorry if this has been posted before, but does anybody know what the proposed frequency changes will be for all of the digital OTA stations in the Boston area for the February 2009 switch? For example channel 7 (WHDH-DT) is currently on 42 UHF, but I heard rumors in other forums that suggest a push back to VHF (original channel 7) after 2009. I don't want this to happen because I've invested in a Yagi style UHF only antenna which does very well, and as of right now all the Boston channels are UHF. I thought that the FCC is going to auction off frequencies 76-88 MHz and old analog channels UHF 52 to 69. This would indicate to me that anything broadcasting on UHF channels 14 to 51 will be unaffected by the digital switch over in 2009. I don't see any real need for these UHF channels to go back to VHF range, but that is the persistent rumor I see on these boards. Any clarification would be appreciated. Thanks.
If I may join in here, WHDH-DT 7 will be switching it's digital channel to VHF 7 after the analog shutdown. This is not a rumor, but has been listed in the FCC post shutdown digital channel selection data since 2006 (which you can download from the FCC web site). The common pattern is that stations with analog channels in upper VHF 7 to 13 will be switching their digital signal to their current analog channel, while stations with low VHF 2 to 6 analog channels have opted to stay at UHF. The TV channels that are being taken away in February, 2009 are UHF 52 to 69. The channels that will stay in use for public TV broadcasting are low VHF 2-6, upper VHF 7-13, and UHF 14-51 (minus channel 37 which is reserved for radio astronomy). Low VHF will not be widely used by the full power stations in the major metropolitan areas, but will be mostly used by a few rural and low power stations.

Your yagi may get VHF 7. Depends on the design of the antenna. Do you get a decent analog picture for channel 7? In the Baltimore - Washington markets, we have four stations - WJLA 7 & WUSA 9 in DC and WBAL 11 and WJZ 13 in Baltimore - that will be switching their digital signal to upper VHF. I expect there will be a run on upper VHF antennas in 2009 which are, at least, more compact than a full range VHF antenna which has to pick up the longer wavelengths of VHF 2-6.

BTW, my reason for scanning this thread was that I was wondering if Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune were being shown in HD yet in the Boston market. Are they?

BTW, my reason for scanning this thread was that I was wondering if Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune were being shown in HD yet in the Boston market. Are they?
Not yet, but we are working on it as I write this. We should be airing both in HD Real-Soon-Now (I've been promising this for a while, so I don't want to pin it down any finer than that).

And no I wasn't drinking!!!

Last night on occasion I saw green spots in rectangular patterns on the left side of the screen from top to bottom while watching Chronicle on 5. They weren't there all the time but were visible only on Chronicle (OTA) and not on any other HD channels; either OTA or D*. Even my wife who is "blind in one eye; can't see out of the other" saw them. Upon close examination it looked like maybe 20 or so pixels flashing on and off. What was strange though was that they looked like rectangles and were perfectly located on the vertical and horizontal.

Any ideas??? Gonna watch again tonight and maybe get some pics.

Just saw CJPC post of 5/15 @ 4:32 PM on this subject.

That's what I saw occasionally on Chronicle last night.

What causes this????

They haven't had 5-2 for months now. That's probably why 5-1 looks as good as it does.

5.2 was actually showing the same content has 5.1 till 2 days ago that made the PQ on the main 5.1 look not crystal clear, I emailed them and looks like they got rid of the 2nd HD feed, still waiting for the weather feed now to come back in 16:9 SD.

Just saw CJPC post of 5/15 @ 4:32 PM on this subject.

That's what I saw occasionally on Chronicle last night.

What causes this????

Indeed, I saw it again last nite (11pm), havent a clue what it is, but since it goes and comes, id assume it was more on the "user" end of the broadcast (ie a bad somethingorother on there end)

5.2 was actually showing the same content has 5.1 till 2 days ago that made the PQ on the main 5.1 look not crystal clear, I emailed them and looks like they got rid of the 2nd HD feed, still waiting for the weather feed now to come back in 16:9 SD.Can I ask why you want the SD weather feed back when you get a HD doppler on the main channel at many times during the day?

Also, if you have access to a HD subchannel you obviously have access to the internet (evidenced by reading these messages) where you can access multiple forms of doppler any time you like. Try weather.com, weatherunderground.com, etc.

A note to RYankowitz.

I live in Marblehead....about 25 miles from the Needham antenna farms.

Just wanted to let you know that I've enjoyed WBZ (4.1) via OTA for almost 2 years now...without a single pixel ever dropping. OK...2.1, 2.2, 5.1 and the 44 series are pretty good too. Occasionally, loose a few pixels on 7 and 56. Also on 7.1, the network audio is quite a bit down from the local content.

Using a 7 element log periodic dipole that I built and have been experimenting with a bunch of other designs (e.g. colinear arrays and even a dish) to make 7 and 56 as bullet proof. My thought is that the issue may be multi-path related.

My receiver is QAM capable and even though I was able to receive network digital and HD broadcast programing from Comcasts $10/mo BASIC package, I canceled and opted for OTA because the quality was superior (compression does loose fidelity).

Keep up the great tradition (wasn't WBZ Boston's first TV station)?

A note to RYankowitz.

I live in Marblehead....about 25 miles from the Needham antenna farms.

Just wanted to let you know that I've enjoyed WBZ (4.1) via OTA for almost 2 years now...without a single pixel ever dropping. OK...2.1, 2.2, 5.1 and the 44 series are pretty good too. Occasionally, loose a few pixels on 7 and 56. Also on 7.1, the network audio is quite a bit down from the local content.

Using a 7 element log periodic dipole that I built and have been experimenting with a bunch of other designs (e.g. colinear arrays and even a dish) to make 7 and 56 as bullet proof. My thought is that the issue may be multi-path related.

My receiver is QAM capable and even though I was able to receive network digital and HD broadcast programing from Comcasts $10/mo BASIC package, I canceled and opted for OTA because the quality was superior (compression does loose fidelity).


Keep up the great tradition (wasn't WBZ Boston's first TV station)?
Thanks for the good report. We try to give each and every bit a pep talk on the way up the tower to make sure they get out to the receivers.

Just to be clear: all digital television is compressed (SD, HD, OTA, Cable, Satellite, DVD...). It's the degree of compression that makes the difference. For OTA HDTV we're already squishing the bits from 1.5 billion/second down to 19.4 million/second. Throwing away more of the little fellas doesn't do the picture any good.

Yes, WBZ was New England's first television station, signing on in 1948 (and of course, WBZ radio was the first commercially licensed radio station in the country, beginning in 1921).

WCVB News/Weather in HD.

Question??? While watching Good Morning America in HD this morning when GMA switched to WCVB for the local weather it wasn't in HD. Why??? They were brodcasting from their new HD set.

If I may join in here, WHDH-DT 7 will be switching it's digital channel to VHF 7 after the analog shutdown. This is not a rumor, but has been listed in the FCC post shutdown digital channel selection data since 2006 (which you can download from the FCC web site). The common pattern is that stations with analog channels in upper VHF 7 to 13 will be switching their digital signal to their current analog channel, while stations with low VHF 2 to 6 analog channels have opted to stay at UHF. The TV channels that are being taken away in February, 2009 are UHF 52 to 69. The channels that will stay in use for public TV broadcasting are low VHF 2-6, upper VHF 7-13, and UHF 14-51 (minus channel 37 which is reserved for radio astronomy). Low VHF will not be widely used by the full power stations in the major metropolitan areas, but will be mostly used by a few rural and low power stations.

Your yagi may get VHF 7. Depends on the design of the antenna. Do you get a decent analog picture for channel 7? In the Baltimore - Washington markets, we have four stations - WJLA 7 & WUSA 9 in DC and WBAL 11 and WJZ 13 in Baltimore - that will be switching their digital signal to upper VHF. I expect there will be a run on upper VHF antennas in 2009 which are, at least, more compact than a full range VHF antenna which has to pick up the longer wavelengths of VHF 2-6.

BTW, my reason for scanning this thread was that I was wondering if Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune were being shown in HD yet in the Boston market. Are they?Hey afiggatt thanks for clearing that up for me. Do you know of any good quality UHF/upper VHF antennas I could get? Maybe you're right and my Yagi will pick up VHF 7 without a problem, I'll have to try it out when 2009 rolls around.

Hey afiggatt thanks for clearing that up for me. Do you know of any good quality UHF/upper VHF antennas I could get? Maybe you're right and my Yagi will pick up VHF 7 without a problem, I'll have to try it out when 2009 rolls around.

You can make your own.

I just posted a design for a 3-dimensional corner reflector monopole antenna that has 12 to 18 dBi UHF gain and should be somewhat useful in the high VHF band as well. See post # 736 at:

http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9613&st=720

Currently, there are 37 pages of DIY antenna information....ranging from DB2 / DB4 knock-offs, double loops, log periodic dipoles, colinear arrays, rhombics etc..

anybody getting terrible 5.1 OTA reception tonight? I lost the desperate housewives and brothers & sisters season finales. It seems to have hung my HR10-250 -- had to reboot. Its been like this on and off for the last week or so.

4.1 and 7.1 are strong, so i can't believe it is weather related. Is the signal weaker since the HD news broadcasts started?

Thanks,

David.

No problems via OTA at all in the last 2 hour, 98% signal.

hmmm... i was afraid of that.

anyone know if they upped the transmitter strength when turning on local HD?

I have an amp on my antenna, maybe I'm overamplifying it. My 4.1 is fine, so that would explain it.

David.

Was OK for me in Plymouth. CM4228 no rotor or amp.

Have you tried changing your zip code address to one closer to Boston? I know of people outside the area who have "moved' in order to get NESN HD from DirectTV.

Does anyone think that this would work in LA? I'm dying to catch the Sox in HD.

Does anyone think that this would work in LA? I'm dying to catch the Sox in HD.


Spot beam does not cover LA, it barely gets out of new england

Has anyone noticed that for the last day or two WSBK-DT (38.1) has had a problem with the audio? It sounds like it's been digitally compressed to a ridiculously low bitrate, such as 30kbps or less. In other terms, it sounds like it's being fed through a kazoo. WSBK-TV (38 analog) seems to be unaffected, however, so if you flip back and forth between the two you should be able to hear the difference. Anyone know what's going on?

Yep, looks like WSBK is having audio problems. Hopefully it will get fixed soon.

Not only that, but WSBK and CBS4 are still have the super-loud commercial problems. Bob, any progress in that area?

Is the OTA 5.2 (weather) channel up and running?

I live near Newport RI and I'm not seeing it down here.

Luv the new 5.1 News set.....it is awesome in HD! Comes in crystal clear down here.

Rampart I'm in Wakefield RI, a little further south and west than you, and I get 5.1 crystal clear as well as 2.1/2.2 and 4.1 most of the time.

I'm curious if you experienced this too: other Boston reception is usually quite spotty but tonight (5/26) I'm getting 7.1, 44.1-4, and 56.1-2 all perfectly.

Does this have something to do with the warm weather out there, the atmospheric conditions, or did they do something to the antenna to up the power? It's weird, the last time any of them came in this well was last summer, ironically (or not). :confused:

Rampart I'm in Wakefield RI, a little further south and west than you, and I get 5.1 crystal clear as well as 2.1/2.2 and 4.1 most of the time.

I'm curious if you experienced this too: other Boston reception is usually quite spotty but tonight (5/26) I'm getting 7.1, 44.1-4, and 56.1-2 all perfectly.

Does this have something to do with the warm weather out there, the atmospheric conditions, or did they do something to the antenna to up the power? It's weird, the last time any of them came in this well was last summer, ironically (or not). :confused:

I get all those channels perfectly all the time. I don't have any problems except for voice on 44.2 (can't get it...picture is fine).

I should also note that I am 127 ft above sea level with a straight shot north. Nothing in my way. You are a little lower in Wakefield so I can see why you might have an issue.

I'm sure the atmospheric conditions can cause problem.....but I'm no expert.

I've seen no real changes in the last few days.

38 is having sound problems again. Snap, crackle and pop.

38 is having sound problems again. Snap, crackle and pop.
We've been having some issues with our Master Control switcher, which we thought we'd resolved several months ago. Apparently we were wrong.

The Rice Krispy boys should be gone for now, and we are pursuing the permanent, permanent fix.

On most DTV channels there are annoyingly big differences in the sound levels between programs and commercials. Typically, but not always, the commercials are much louder than the programs. WXFT-DT is probably the biggest offender in this regard, but other stations also exhibit this problem to varying degrees. It can't be impossible for the stations to control this, so I assume it is either intentional or carelessness. I usually have to "ride gain" on my remote to avoid getting blasted during commercial breaks. Is anyone else annoyed by this problem?

One manufacturer, I think it's Terk, is marketing an automatic volume control for home use. Does anyone have any experience with this device?

I think it's great that WCVB news is in HD ...but has anyone else noticed that the filtering (I'm guessing it is filtering since it looks like Photoshop's surface blur) they use causes a loss of detail in hair, faces, and clothing? Sometimes it is so bad that it is like watching a cartoon! It is worse when they use standard def during a HD show - for example last night during the news when Mike Lynch was broadcasting from Fenway. His face and jacket looked posterized. I have also noticed the problem on Chronicle and on standard def commercials during other WCVB HD shows. I do not see the problem at all on any other stations...

FYI I am using a 60" Sony SXRD XBR2, a 32" XBR Bravia LCD, 2 DirecTV HR10-250's, and 2 DirecTV HR-20's. It looks the same on all boxes.

Will WHDH-DT be the only VHF Channel after 2/19/2009? Also, will any lower power stations get Ch. 2,4,5 after 2/19/2009? Will any UHF channels be opened up for digital after the analog turn off 2/19/2009?

I think it's great that WCVB news is in HD ...but has anyone else noticed that the filtering (I'm guessing it is filtering since it looks like Photoshop's surface blur) they use causes a loss of detail in hair, faces, and clothing? Sometimes it is so bad that it is like watching a cartoon! It is worse when they use standard def during a HD show - for example last night during the news when Mike Lynch was broadcasting from Fenway. His face and jacket looked posterized. I have also noticed the problem on Chronicle and on standard def commercials during other WCVB HD shows. I do not see the problem at all on any other stations...

FYI I am using a 60" Sony SXRD XBR2, a 32" XBR Bravia LCD, 2 DirecTV HR10-250's, and 2 DirecTV HR-20's. It looks the same on all boxes.


Hmmm...no, haven't noticed it.
What I do notice is the huge difference between the HD and SD video. As in when they do a 'live' feed from Fenway or somewhere else.

I'll look closer though. You're saying the hair, face and clothing is softer than the sets they're on or that the whole image is soft?

-t

I think it's great that WCVB news is in HD ...but has anyone else noticed that the filtering (I'm guessing it is filtering since it looks like Photoshop's surface blur) they use causes a loss of detail in hair, faces, and clothing? Sometimes it is so bad that it is like watching a cartoon! It is worse when they use standard def during a HD show - for example last night during the news when Mike Lynch was broadcasting from Fenway. His face and jacket looked posterized. I have also noticed the problem on Chronicle and on standard def commercials during other WCVB HD shows. I do not see the problem at all on any other stations...

FYI I am using a 60" Sony SXRD XBR2, a 32" XBR Bravia LCD, 2 DirecTV HR10-250's, and 2 DirecTV HR-20's. It looks the same on all boxes.


I haven't noticed anything unusual on WCVB-DT except the difference when they go from HD to standard def commercials and some of the news tapes are all in standard def. All in all, it looks pretty nice!

whdh-dt (channel 7, the local nbc affiliate) in addition to being the home of most of my preferred network programming over the last few years has also generally had clean and strong signal for me. however, over the last few days or so, i've been unable to get my tivo to reliably record shows - there is severe signs of digital dropouts, making the signal choppy and unwatchable.

i'm not aware of any changes that have happened to my receiver or antenna. i still receive the other local digital stations ok. so i came here hoping i might learn the cause, but i see no mention of anyone else noticing the problem.

since i'm mostly seeing the problem in tivo'd shows, i can't say for sure that the problem persists all the time, but i know it was severe last time thursday night 6/14 and during primetime last night (saturday).

anyone else noticed anything? or is it time for me to climb up and check for birds nests or something in my antenna? thanks.

whdh-dt (channel 7, the local nbc affiliate) in addition to being the home of most of my preferred network programming over the last few years has also generally had clean and strong signal for me. however, over the last few days or so, i've been unable to get my tivo to reliably record shows - there is severe signs of digital dropouts, making the signal choppy and unwatchable.

i'm not aware of any changes that have happened to my receiver or antenna. i still receive the other local digital stations ok. so i came here hoping i might learn the cause, but i see no mention of anyone else noticing the problem.

since i'm mostly seeing the problem in tivo'd shows, i can't say for sure that the problem persists all the time, but i know it was severe last time thursday night 6/14 and during primetime last night (saturday).

anyone else noticed anything? or is it time for me to climb up and check for birds nests or something in my antenna? thanks.

I'm noticing similar problems with reception here in Westport, MA.

I haven't noticed anything unusual on WCVB-DT except the difference when they go from HD to standard def commercials and some of the news tapes are all in standard def. All in all, it looks pretty nice!Actually, ALL of the news tapes are in SD, even the on location shots, which I find a joke. They spent all that money on a new set yet they didn't allocate some funds for some handheld HDCams? They're not that expensive anymore, and we know they have a few portable ones they use for Chronicle anyways.

The only good thing I find WCVB's HD news right now is their HD-doppler(and JC)which is kind of cool. Otherwise I can't stand all that messy blurry SD border mush they use for the rest of their broadcast.

Anyone else finding a huge difference in the audio levels between network programming (very low) and local programming (very high)? I'm not speaking to the difference between content and commercials (each is low with NBC programming and high with local programming). Also hear a snap. crackle and pop when they switch between network and local programming.

I live on the Northshore and receive PBS, ABC and CBS at very high quality (9/10 on the meter). Even though Channel 7-DT and it's sister, 56-DT are within a few degrees of the same direction and distance of those...however, they arrive at much less quality (5/7) and have occasional drop out.

Actually, ALL of the news tapes are in SD, even the on location shots, which I find a joke. They spent all that money on a new set yet they didn't allocate some funds for some handheld HDCams? They're not that expensive anymore, and we know they have a few portable ones they use for Chronicle anyways.

The only good thing I find WCVB's HD news right now is their HD-doppler(and JC)which is kind of cool. Otherwise I can't stand all that messy blurry SD border mush they use for the rest of their broadcast.


Well, that may be true regarding the HD cams, however, having been in the broadcasting business for the last 38 years before retiring, stations are usually allocated so much annually for equipment replacement. True this HD boom is coming fast and I'm sure many stations have gotten additional capital allocation funds toward the digital equipment, but I suspect it will be a while before everything is HD capable. Remember, the deadline isn't for all stations to go HD, it is to go digital. Some stations will not even attempt to go HD, just digital due to financial concerns.

Well, that may be true regarding the HD cams, however, having been in the broadcasting business for the last 38 years before retiring, stations are usually allocated so much annually for equipment replacement. True this HD boom is coming fast and I'm sure many stations have gotten additional capital allocation funds toward the digital equipment, but I suspect it will be a while before everything is HD capable. Remember, the deadline isn't for all stations to go HD, it is to go digital. Some stations will not even attempt to go HD, just digital due to financial concerns.Bill, WCVB does plenty of human interest stories, and the type on "on location" shoots which they've planned long before the shoot, meaning they should easily be able to cart the cameras out there and get things done. Obviously it has something more to do than that, but they clearly have what it takes to do the post-production in-studio as we can clearly see.

Here's hoping they buy some HDCams soon for on-location shoots.

Hmmm...no, haven't noticed it.
What I do notice is the huge difference between the HD and SD video. As in when they do a 'live' feed from Fenway or somewhere else.

I'll look closer though. You're saying the hair, face and clothing is softer than the sets they're on or that the whole image is soft?

-t

One problem is that when WCVB's news is in HD strong edges are fine and weak edges are blurred to the point that they are not visible. For example check out the WCVB news picture when Dick Albert is doing the weather. His face is pretty much wrinkle free in HD (I don't think so). The problem is worse on some standard def remotes (like last night's Jack Harper feed) where the picture looks almost cartoon like. Compare the picture to WHDH's world news in HD, which is very sharp.

Hope this makes sense :)

One problem is that when WCVB's news is in HD strong edges are fine and weak edges are blurred to the point that they are not visible.
Hope this makes sense :)
Seems to me it is a matter of how WCVB wants to present the picture. It is the background on the edges that is blurred and I think intentionally. The pictures last night of the whole news team were very sharp and when they do the weather the whole screen is sharp. When the go back to the desk the background is blurred on the edges. I happen to like the look.

One problem is that when WCVB's news is in HD strong edges are fine and weak edges are blurred to the point that they are not visible. For example check out the WCVB news picture when Dick Albert is doing the weather. His face is pretty much wrinkle free in HD (I don't think so). The problem is worse on some standard def remotes (like last night's Jack Harper feed) where the picture looks almost cartoon like. Compare the picture to WHDH's world news in HD, which is very sharp.

Hope this makes sense :)

So mostly you see it in the faces.? It makes sense what you're telling me but I was looking at the hair on Ed Harding and Natalie and the others. The hair looked nice and sharp to me. Clothing looked sharp. I wouldn't trust their faces at all! :D I think TV and makeup go hand in hand. Ed looks like he gets a little too much at times. Lynchie looks good. Natalie too..Dickie? I try not to look at him too much...but now I will. Maybe Botox?? :p

The back drop behind the desk is out of focus in the area populated by wide-screen.

The remotes do look pastier sometimes. Lighting issues? Or just the huge difference in resolution between the two?

What resolution are remote cameras? 480p? At the studio, do they change it, besides editing for time and sound?

-

The back drop behind the desk is out of focus in the area populated by wide-screen.
-
I believe they have a frosted glass world map in the background, you have to focus on it or it appears to be a blur

For example check out the WCVB news picture when Dick Albert is doing the weather. His face is pretty much wrinkle free in HD (I don't think so).

A lot of the HD studio cameras have circuitry that specifically target the detail level (sharpness, or lack thereof) in certain skin tone hues. Take a look at this Sony HD camera brochure:

(well it's my first post and apparently they won't let me post a URL until after I've done five posts...but if you go to sony-dot-com, slash-professional, look for cameras, then HD cameras, then download the pdf, you'll find a section titled "triple skin tone detail correction" in the pdf there.

So it's entirely possible that they're turning down the sharpness on the cameras when it comes to people's faces.

Bill, WCVB does plenty of human interest stories, and the type on "on location" shoots which they've planned long before the shoot, meaning they should easily be able to cart the cameras out there and get things done. Obviously it has something more to do than that, but they clearly have what it takes to do the post-production in-studio as we can clearly see.

Here's hoping they buy some HDCams soon for on-location shoots.


Well, remember, they may not have the funds allocated till a certain time. Like I said, new equipment, especially big dollar items must be budgeted for. Also, I don't know if you have ever held some of these broadcast quality cams, but trust me.....they are heavy. I know, I've worked on them as well as used them. Someone just doesn't throw them on the seat and go. They are a lot bigger, better and more complex than a regular video camcorder for consumer use. Yes, they are getting smaller. Everything is getting smaller. When I first got into broadcasting in 1968, everything was big and heavy. But like I said, broadcasting is dollar driven. A station still has to justify an expense. Most people still don't have HD sets yet. SD still pays the bulk of the bills!

Hi all,

I have a set of rabbit ears hooked into my DirecTV HR20 set top box. Out of my set top box I have both optical and analog cables that go into one of my Home Theater receiver (Sony STR-K740P) . One of it's input can handle two audio inputs of each type, analog and optical.

Setting that input on "auto in" allows it to use either input when available but choosing optical (true dolby 5.1) when available.

Well that's how I have things set up.

Every other channel is fine except WGBHDT (2-2 on DirecTV's line up). There's a constant crackling and my receiver continues to try and identify the source signal unsuccessfully.

I've tried to set the input to analog only, or optical only, and the results are the same. Other PBS OTA channels are just fine. Just WGBHDT has this problem.

I doubt seriously it's on my end since everything else is fine including OTA signals from nearly the same source (other boston OTA PBS stations).

I was wondering if any one else is experiencing this?

I went to watch the Blues special tonight in HD and Dolby and was disappointed, to say the least.

It's never been like this , only recently near or around the date of this post has this problem cropped up.

Any help or similar experiences so I don't bananas on my end trouble shooting would be greatly appreciated.

I had the same thing yesterday (during some show with hummingbirds) on both 2-2 and 802, the Comcast feed of that channel. The problem must have been on their end.

I had the same thing yesterday (during some show with hummingbirds) on both 2-2 and 802, the Comcast feed of that channel. The problem must have been on their end.

Excellent, I figured that much, but thank you very much for responding it takes all doubt out of my mind. Having the same problem on a Comcast feed clinches it.

Some times I get anal and will trouble shoot a problem for the sake of doing it, to satisfy my own self. . When ends up being on someone else's end, it only becomes a source of frustration.

Thanks again.

Seems fine now. Gonna record that Blues special so I can watch it at my leisure.

The problem of crackling audio was traced to a faulty Dolby AC3 encoder for the main WGBH HD audio program. That encoder has been swapped out.

A lot of the HD studio cameras have circuitry that specifically target the detail level (sharpness, or lack thereof) in certain skin tone hues. Take a look at this Sony HD camera brochure:

(well it's my first post and apparently they won't let me post a URL until after I've done five posts...but if you go to sony-dot-com, slash-professional, look for cameras, then HD cameras, then download the pdf, you'll find a section titled "triple skin tone detail correction" in the pdf there.

So it's entirely possible that they're turning down the sharpness on the cameras when it comes to people's faces.

I think you might be correct on the camera skin tone detail. That would explain some of the inconsistency if the camera detail is set at different levels. I am just amazed that more people haven't seen the problem.

The problem of crackling audio was traced to a faulty Dolby AC3 encoder for the main WGBH HD audio program. That encoder has been swapped out.

Thank you.

Local PBS is one of my favorite sources of programming. Now in HD it's even more so.

Don't forget the Pop's and fireworks in HD tonight on Channel4, they will become the 2nd Boston channel to go HD for local programming, but no word on newscast.

It'll be in HD?? I have D* w/OTA and HD locals but it dosent say it will be in HD. I've been waiting years for the Pops and 4th to be in HD.

It Is!!

So WGBH-HD was messed up for almost the first 20 minutes of a Capitol Fourth. (Fixed now.)

Sweet Blueman Group will perform tonight also (WBZ).

Now the HD on WBZ for the 4th, is WBZ running the show, or is CBS (forgetting they are one in the same)

Basically, are the cameras theres, rented, where is the signal originating from (ie a satellite truck to national back to local, or back to WBZ, then upinked from there etc)

And like the others, when is the HD News coming? Hearing rumors of cameras obtained, and HD switchers and control rooms etc, but any definates?

Thanks!
CJ

Now the HD on WBZ for the 4th, is WBZ running the show, or is CBS (forgetting they are one in the same)

Basically, are the cameras theres, rented, where is the signal originating from (ie a satellite truck to national back to local, or back to WBZ, then upinked from there etc)

And like the others, when is the HD News coming? Hearing rumors of cameras obtained, and HD switchers and control rooms etc, but any definates?

Thanks!
CJ

Robert Yankowitz will be the person who can answer that, he pops up around here once in awhile.

Indeedy, I just hope its WBZ's show, if so, well, thats great, if not, it might be awhile for HD News etc!

Robert Yankowitz will be the person who can answer that, he pops up around here once in awhile.
Programming until 10pm tonight is local, fed from an outside production company's truck (with their equipment) directly back to the station.

At 10pm the CBS network will take their feed and distribute it nationwide, and we will take that feed as well.

We will be obtaining HD-capable field cameras soon, but they are only a small part of what it takes to broadcast local news in HD. The output of those cameras do not go directly to air; the stories must be edited (HD editors), stored (HD video servers), and distributed (HD distribution equipment). All that adds up to some very big bucks, and so we cannot give you an ETA on HD local news for WBZ at this time.

Thanks for the quick answer, really do appreciate it!

But, id settle for even HD in studio, field reports dont have to be HD, do admire the effort to really pull an all or nothing on it though!

Its great seeing the Pops and 4th in HD FINALLY! only 7 years in the making! :)

Thanks for the quick answer, really do appreciate it!

But, id settle for even HD in studio, field reports dont have to be HD, do admire the effort to really pull an all or nothing on it though!
Let me be clearer. Even the conversion to HD in the studio is a big-bucks proposition. We have a way to go to get to that point. Although some in this thread have said we have an HD-capable switcher, what we have in reality is an HD-upgradeable switcher. Sort of like a car that's upgradeable from a street car to a drag racer. Just add really, really big engine. What I wrote earlier still mostly applies: there's quite a bit of infrastructure to be added, and we are not yet committed to that financial outlay.

Ahhh, I understand now, thanks for the clarification!

Don't forget the Pop's and fireworks in HD tonight on Channel4, they will become the 2nd Boston channel to go HD for local programming, but no word on newscast.

I'd bet that the only reason that channel 4 was in HD tonight prior to the national CBS broadcast, was that they were piggy-backing on CBS's rented remote facilities that were already in place to do the 10 PM nation-wide broadcast in HD.... which was a big yawn. I mean, come on, playing the Sesame Street theme during the fireworks? Hardly a showcase for Boston and the Pops.

{Edit: Sorry, my browser cache didn't show all the followup messages that posted before mine did about the details of WBZ showing the Pops in HD... thanks Robert. WBZ's portion looked great!}

And David Mugar {the longtime executive producer of the Pops 4th broadcasts} really needs to insist on having someone direct this program who has done the Pops before, or at least has directed some major musical events. I was cringing at some of the shots in the national show that made it to air. And if CBS is going to do the show, bring back the always classy Harry Smith as the host. Craig Ferguson was like a fish out of water up on that stage.

OK, a bit off topic... rant off, back to reception issues.

While the video quality was excellent, I thought the sound (for Dobly 5.1) was sub-standard. It sounded to me as if we hearing everything through a distant microphone. The program sound was much lower than the commercials. When I swtiched over to PBS and the Capitol 4th, it sounded much better. I don't know if the accoustics at the Hatch Shell are not very good or if the weather problem had anything to do with this.

I'd bet that the only reason that channel 4 was in HD tonight prior to the national CBS broadcast, was that they were piggy-backing on CBS's rented remote facilities that were already in place to do the 10 PM nation-wide broadcast in HD.... .

A bit cynical, and not true.

WBZ paid for the remote truck and facilities (along with the rights to the broadcast), including satellite time and fiber-optic feeds to bring the program back to the studio. This was a big production for us, not at all an afterthought.

Programming until 10pm tonight is local, fed from an outside production company's truck (with their equipment) directly back to the station.

At 10pm the CBS network will take their feed and distribute it nationwide, and we will take that feed as well.

We will be obtaining HD-capable field cameras soon, but they are only a small part of what it takes to broadcast local news in HD. The output of those cameras do not go directly to air; the stories must be edited (HD editors), stored (HD video servers), and distributed (HD distribution equipment). All that adds up to some very big bucks, and so we cannot give you an ETA on HD local news for WBZ at this time.

Just to add a bit to this to give an idea of the costs involved:

To rent an HD production truck is double the cost of an analog or SD truck; roughly $3K+ vrs. 6K+, basic. That's per day not including crew. I remember the first HD truck I worked on cost $12M to build; It's come down a bit.

We spent $20M+ and took 9 months to build a Sony HD studio from scratch in 2004. This, also, included 3 HD handhelds for field production. It did NOT include any off-line HD edit suites. We brought over three Avid SD digital and one HD suite from the old studio. We just now bought three HD off-line editors.

That $20M did not include transmission (microwave and transmitters). We reused existing older analog/digital mw. Transmitters can cost from $500K to $1.5M+ (plus antenna and tower work).

Ain't cheap!

FWIW: Much of our HD studio equipment is obsolete now.

While the video quality was excellent, I thought the sound (for Dobly 5.1) was sub-standard. It sounded to me as if we hearing everything through a distant microphone. The program sound was much lower than the commercials. When I swtiched over to PBS and the Capitol 4th, it sounded much better. I don't know if the accoustics at the Hatch Shell are not very good or if the weather problem had anything to do with this.
Yeah, I noticed some of the microphones were covered with plastic bags (because of the rain), I don't think that helped the audio any.

WCVB-DT is down this afternoon.

WCVB-DT is down this afternoon.

Glad it's not just me.

WCVB-DT is down this afternoon.
We have had a power failure in Needham, so several of the DT stations that do not have emergency generators are out.

I know this is an OTA forum, but...I just got Comcast and...where is WGBH-DT on Comcast? None of the WGBH-DT listings match what is on WGBH Channel 2 analog. Or are their listings just screwed up?

If I recall, WGBH-DT and there analog counterpart run different programming. Also, though you probably figgured it out, I beleive its Channel 802.

That's correct - their DT programming on 802 is different from their analog on Channel 2. But...shoudn't there be a WGBH-DT that runs the analog progamming schedule???

Well, I dont watch much of PBS (usually only this old house etc), but the guide says 2-01 is the same, its probably not shown on comcast as its just a SD rebroadcast of there analog channel.

I believe that is the case: 2-1 is the same as 2, while 2-2 shows unique programming from those other two.

YEs - 2-1 IS the same as Channel 2 analog...but my question is...where is 2-1 on Comcast, or is there no 2-1 on Comcast? They do have 2-2, 2-3, and 2-4, but apparantly, not 2-1, unless I'm missing something. DirecTV (among others, I"m sure) does run 2-1 on a separate channel. As I said, I'm new to Comcast, so still learning the idiotic things they apparantly do (like mixing in all the locals with cable channels,making them difficult to locate...you'd think they'd put them all together).

D* doesn't run 2-1 or 2-2 they only broadcast 2BN, which is 2 analog.

D* doesn't run 2-1 or 2-2 they only broadcast 2BN, which is 2 analog.\\

Yes you are correct about D*. I got it wrong. Sorry. I watch 2-1 OTA through a D* TiVO, and I got confused.

YEs - 2-1 IS the same as Channel 2 analog...but my question is...where is 2-1 on Comcast, or is there no 2-1 on Comcast? They do have 2-2, 2-3, and 2-4, but apparantly, not 2-1, unless I'm missing something.I'm not sure why you don't see Channel 2 as 2-1. The programming is the same. They shouldn't have two separate channels.

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but...On Comcast, WBZ has Channel 4 analog, and Channel 804 as 4-1, they have WHDH as Channel 7 analog, and 807 as 7-1...you get the idea. So, my question is, where is WGBH, channel 2-1? Comcast 802 is NOT channel 2-1, if it was, it would have the same programming as channel 2 analog, and it does not. Comcast's analog signal sucks on their locals (at least where I am on the Cape), so I try to watch all the network shows on the digital channels. I cannot do that with WGBH.

WGBH 2 OTA
2 = analog
2-1 = digital simulcast of analog 2
2-2 = WGBH HD (pass through of PBS HD)

WGBH 44 OTA
44 = analog
44-1 = digital simulcast of analog 44
44-2 = WGBH World
44-3 = WGBH Create
44-4 = WGBH Kids

Comcast line up:
2 = analog 2
16 (usually) = analog 44
209 = WGBH World
217 = WGBH Kids
237 = WGBH Create
802 = WGBH HD

Comcast does not pass through the digital 2 and 44 simulcasts.

Thanks - that's what I wanted to know.
So, with Comcast, you're stuck watching the crappy analog signals of 2 and 44.

if your comcast is a full digital system, then all of your locals will be found in the clear on an alternate digital channel w/ Qam turner as well as on the old analog channel. Also if you have a digital box you will get the digital channel in the old analog location (channel #).

2-1 is not HD therefore C* doesn't carry it in the 800's 4-1 and 7-1 are HD feeds of there respective channels. The HD feed from Boston PBS is 2-2.

l live out in Sturbridge and am trying to receive some OTA HD channels from Boston. I've not had any luck with the radio shack antenna I bought. Most recommend the CM 4228 antenna, but I was curious if anyone out this way can tune those stations using OTA? thanks.

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but...On Comcast, WBZ has Channel 4 analog, and Channel 804 as 4-1, they have WHDH as Channel 7 analog, and 807 as 7-1...you get the idea. So, my question is, where is WGBH, channel 2-1? Comcast 802 is NOT channel 2-1, if it was, it would have the same programming as channel 2 analog, and it does not. Comcast's analog signal sucks on their locals (at least where I am on the Cape), so I try to watch all the network shows on the digital channels. I cannot do that with WGBH.Let me turn it around. What makes you think that here in Burlington, where we have ADS, that channel 2 isn't actually channel 2-1 (and that the analog channel 2 is simply not available to those boxes configured for ADS)?

Note that cable systems don't typically receive major broadcast channels by sticking an antenna out their window. :) They often receive a direct digital video feed from the broadcaster.

Let me turn it around. What makes you think that here in Burlington, where we have ADS, that channel 2 isn't actually channel 2-1 (and that the analog channel 2 is simply not available to those boxes configured for ADS)?

Note that cable systems don't typically receive major broadcast channels by sticking an antenna out their window. :) They often receive a direct digital video feed from the broadcaster.

I'm sorry - I don't understand what point you're trying to make.
What is ADS?

I'm sorry - I don't understand what point you're trying to make.
What is ADS?

Ditto. Point? ADS?

Thanks - that's what I wanted to know.
So, with Comcast, you're stuck watching the crappy analog signals of 2 and 44.

Hard to believe, but in this day and age (I'm 53) antenna reception of digital channels has better resolution and more channels than paid cable and satellite subscriptions! Amazing! I love it. Free beats pay every day of the week. Go figure. I have DTV with the HD package, but I find myself watching OTA HD more than I watch DTV. If it weren't for a few cable channels, and my kids, I wouldn't be a subscriber at all.

I'm having issues with 56.1 via D* on my HR20. I havent checked the H20. Lots of pixies invading the screen. Anyone else?

I'm sorry - I don't understand what point you're trying to make.
What is ADS?

How To Check if Analog-Digital Simulcasting (ADS) is Enabled

Analog-Digital Simulcasting (ADS) is used by the DVR in local cable markets where ADS is available. The DCT3412, and the tiny non-DVR DCT700, having only digital tuners, always employ ADS. The DCT6208. along with the DCT64XX (all phases), and non DVR DCT models 5100, 6200 1100/1200, 22XX, and 25XX have analogue and digital tuners. In an ADS market, those models will default to their digital tuners, as ADS overrides their analogue tuners completely. Refer to the article on ADS for more information on how the technology is used in cable systems.

Method 1:
Dolby Digital logo with "double-D" symbol
Dolby Digital logo with "double-D" symbol

OK Thanks. (doesn't apply to DTV subscribers)

I'm having issues with 56.1 via D* on my HR20. I havent checked the H20. Lots of pixies invading the screen. Anyone else?

No problem OTA here, AFAICT, although I'm watching the MLB All Star game right now.

How To Check if Analog-Digital Simulcasting (ADS) is Enabled

Analog-Digital Simulcasting (ADS) is used by the DVR in local cable markets where ADS is available. The DCT3412, and the tiny non-DVR DCT700, having only digital tuners, always employ ADS. The DCT6208. along with the DCT64XX (all phases), and non DVR DCT models 5100, 6200 1100/1200, 22XX, and 25XX have analogue and digital tuners. In an ADS market, those models will default to their digital tuners, as ADS overrides their analogue tuners completely. Refer to the article on ADS for more information on how the technology is used in cable systems.

Method 1:
Dolby Digital logo with "double-D" symbol
Dolby Digital logo with "double-D" symbol

OK Thanks. (doesn't apply to DTV subscribers)

"Do you have a nice truck!"

Hard to believe, but in this day and age (I'm 53) antenna reception of digital channels has better resolution and more channels than paid cable and satellite subscriptions! Amazing! I love it. Free beats pay every day of the week. Go figure. I have DTV with the HD package, but I find myself watching OTA HD more than I watch DTV. If it weren't for a few cable channels, and my kids, I wouldn't be a subscriber at all.

I certainly agree with you on OTA channels. I have HD DirecTV, but not their HD locals. I get my locals with an antenna on my roof, and the pics are great, far better than the Sat HD channels. The only thing is, when I move, I will not be able to have a roof antenna, and, in the city, an inside antenna doesn't always work well, so I may have to get the locals on Sat.

I'm sorry - I don't understand what point you're trying to make.
What is ADS?ADS is Analog-Digital Simulcast.

The point is that the programming for "Channel 2" is digital at some point (otherwise, your desire for OTA Channel 2-1 wouldn't make any sense). Your issue is about what comes down the Comcast pipe as Channel 2. My question was, where ADS is employed, what makes you think that there is any difference at all between the signal coming down the Comcast pipe as Channel 2 and the signal on OTA Channel 2-1. As far as we know, they are the exact same signal.

ADS is Analog-Digital Simulcast.

The point is that the programming for "Channel 2" is digital at some point (otherwise, your desire for OTA Channel 2-1 wouldn't make any sense). Your issue is about what comes down the Comcast pipe as Channel 2. My question was, where ADS is employed, what makes you think that there is any difference at all between the signal coming down the Comcast pipe as Channel 2 and the signal on OTA Channel 2-1. As far as we know, they are the exact same signal.

Could be...I know nothing about the technical end of all this. However, wherever I've had Comcast (which is Boston and the lower Cape), the Comcast signal on the lower end locals (Chs. 2, 4 and 5) has been just god-awful, sometimes, at least in the Boston area, analog channel 2 being unwatchable. The Channels 4 and 5 analog signals on the Cape are watchable but not very good, whereas the digital 4 & 5 signals on 804 and 805 are crystal clear. That's why I wanted to know where the digital of Channel 2 is. Now that I know that there IS no digital 2 on Comcast, I can stop looking for it. At least until Feb 2009, when there will be no more analog Ch.2.

WGBH 2 OTA
2 = analog
2-1 = digital simulcast of analog 2
2-2 = WGBH HD (pass through of PBS HD)

WGBH 44 OTA
44 = analog
44-1 = digital simulcast of analog 44
44-2 = WGBH World
44-3 = WGBH Create
44-4 = WGBH Kids

Comcast line up:
2 = analog 2
16 (usually) = analog 44
209 = WGBH World
217 = WGBH Kids
237 = WGBH Create
802 = WGBH HD

Comcast does not pass through the digital 2 and 44 simulcasts.

My Bad, Comcast has a fiber link not OTA, so the digital/analog transmission and reception is moot. The quality of your picture for 2 is not then related to whether Comcast has 2 analog or digital, as it's bypassing the transmitter altogether.

My Bad, Comcast has a fiber link not OTA, so the digital/analog transmission and reception is moot. The quality of your picture for 2 is not then related to whether Comcast has 2 analog or digital, as it's bypassing the transmitter altogether.
Well, whatever they're passing thru on Channel 2 (as opposed to 802) is, in the technical terms I understand, "crappy."

My Bad, Comcast has a fiber link not OTA, so the digital/analog transmission and reception is moot. The quality of your picture for 2 is not then related to whether Comcast has 2 analog or digital, as it's bypassing the transmitter altogether.As I indicated earlier. I was pretty sure that was the case.

Well, whatever they're passing thru on Channel 2 (as opposed to 802) is, in the technical terms I understand, "crappy."No, based on what cast10 confirmed, the transmission starts practically perfect (as good as WGBH makes it, which incidentally, I've noted is not always perfect at the source). Degradation, therefore, is almost surely a matter of bad equipment and/or cabling from your local head-end, to and into your home, through and including your television/DVR.

No, based on what cast10 confirmed, the transmission starts practically perfect (as good as WGBH makes it, which incidentally, I've noted is not always perfect at the source). Degradation, therefore, is almost surely a matter of bad equipment and/or cabling from your local head-end, to and into your home, through and including your television/DVR.

Distribution paths are not always what they seem...
I know of a cable system that utilizes a fiber connection from the broadcast studio to the headend employing an analog interface for the "analog" feed.

The broadcaster does a digital standard definition (SD-SDI w/ embedded audios) digital to analog NTSC and analog audios conversion to interface. The analog fiber interface then QAM modulates to the head end.

At the headend, they may feed the analog derived SD channel in a mux with other channels via QAM modulated (or IPoGigE) fiber to the local area neighborhood hub, and then provide two channels...for example...one for the direct connect analog TV (channel 2) and one for the digital STBs (QAM 802).

The HD digital on the other hand, is taken from the broadcast final mux point as ASI to an ASI interface QAM modulator to the cable headend. There it is compressed and typically is multiplex with another digital broadcaster. At the headend, they may feed via QAM modulated (or IPoGigE) fiber to the local area neighborhood hub, remaining digital all the way to the customer STB and or DCR devices.

That may be why when comparing the "same" OTA channel...
OTA analog, IF received with no impairments, looks better than the same analog cable channel, as there is probably much less processing.

OTA digital, IF received with no impairments, looks better than the same digital cable channel, as there is probably much less compression.

Hi all,

Sorry if this is a newbie question but I'm having a hard time locating this information. Feel free to point me to the info if it's already available.

I'm trying to pick up DTV using the same antenna I use for analog. It's an old Radio Shack special but has done well over the years bringing in the analog signal of the local Boston and NH stations and still does. I am having trouble bringing in the digital signals though. I can only get channels 2 and 5 of the Boston stations (I get a few of the NH ones too). The thing that troubles me about this is the disparity between digital and analog. With analog, I get 2, 4, 5, 7, 25, 38, 44, and 56. Looking up the locations and power ratings for these stations' transmitters, I don't see a reason for this vast difference. For instance, channel 4 supposedly has higher power output for its digital station than either 2 or 5, yet I can get the latter and not the former. Can anybody provide some insight as to why this would be true? I'm willing to consider another antenna as the solution but am hesitant to do so without some basis. Actually, I've already tried this with another Radio Shack special and it, rather surprisingly, could pull in 7 but not 2 or 5 (or any other station I can get with my existing antenna.) So I'm a little confused about what's going on here. Anybody have any ideas?

TIA.

My TV has a blank screen for channel 2.1 only. 2.2 seems to be fine and analog-2 is fine. It's been that way whenever I checked on Sunday, July 15th.

Update: Monday, 17-Jul-07, 09:24 - Channel 2.1 appears to be back.

I don't have any signal on 2.1 OTA from RI, and when I checked my TiVo to see if it recorded Mystery! last night, I found it did not.

Actually, thanks for the heads up. I'll record it this evening on 44.1

SMK

2-1 and 2-2 are both A-OK here.

Hi all,

Sorry if this is a newbie question but I'm having a hard time locating this information. Feel free to point me to the info if it's already available.

I'm trying to pick up DTV using the same antenna I use for analog. It's an old Radio Shack special but has done well over the years bringing in the analog signal of the local Boston and NH stations and still does. I am having trouble bringing in the digital signals though. I can only get channels 2 and 5 of the Boston stations (I get a few of the NH ones too). The thing that troubles me about this is the disparity between digital and analog. With analog, I get 2, 4, 5, 7, 25, 38, 44, and 56. Looking up the locations and power ratings for these stations' transmitters, I don't see a reason for this vast difference. For instance, channel 4 supposedly has higher power output for its digital station than either 2 or 5, yet I can get the latter and not the former. Can anybody provide some insight as to why this would be true? I'm willing to consider another antenna as the solution but am hesitant to do so without some basis. Actually, I've already tried this with another Radio Shack special and it, rather surprisingly, could pull in 7 but not 2 or 5 (or any other station I can get with my existing antenna.) So I'm a little confused about what's going on here. Anybody have any ideas?

TIA.

I bought a set of rabbit ears very cheap, but it was specifically marked HD compatible or something to that effect. Next to it was a set of rabbit ears not marked that way.

I don't know if this is just a marketing thing or there's something inherently different about the two, but manufacturers do make a distinction. So there's that to consider

Personally I've heard stories of two pieces of rod and baking sheet doing the trick for HD signals.

Hard to believe, but in this day and age (I'm 53) antenna reception of digital channels has better resolution and more channels than paid cable and satellite subscriptions! Amazing! I love it. Free beats pay every day of the week. Go figure. I have DTV with the HD package, but I find myself watching OTA HD more than I watch DTV. If it weren't for a few cable channels, and my kids, I wouldn't be a subscriber at all.

I'm 44 and it seems like we've come full circle.

I have DTV and don't find the OTA HD's superior, mostly it depends on the programming and their transmission.

But as was said, the OTA HDs comming through a cheap set of rabbit ears are just as good. Considering the content (some great PBS nature shows) that's incredible.

I'm back to when I was young adjusting the ears to get the picture.

I kind of don't mind, it's reminiscent and sort of puts you back in the loop. I take enjoyment noodling and adjusting things.

I bought a set of rabbit ears very cheap, but it was specifically marked HD compatible or something to that effect. Next to it was a set of rabbit ears not marked that way.

I don't know if this is just a marketing thing or there's something inherently different about the two, but manufacturers do make a distinction. So there's that to consider

Personally I've heard stories of two pieces of rod and baking sheet doing the trick for HD signals.

There's nothing magical about an antenna that says it's for HD. The frequencies are the same - an antenna that works well for good old fashioned analog TV should work equally well for digital TV. The one caveat is that the HD version of each channel is on a different frequency than the old analog version (channel 2 is on channel 19, channel 56 is on channel 41, etc.), so you need an antenna that works well with the frequencies that the HD channels are on. Around here, that means getting an antenna that does UHF well.

I bought a set of rabbit ears very cheap, but it was specifically marked HD compatible or something to that effect. Next to it was a set of rabbit ears not marked that way.

I don't know if this is just a marketing thing or there's something inherently different about the two, but manufacturers do make a distinction. So there's that to consider

Personally I've heard stories of two pieces of rod and baking sheet doing the trick for HD signals.
Thanks for the reply. I'm not very concerned about buying the right antenna (I know the signal is the signal and "HD" antennas are just marketing). I also know that my location means I need allot more than just rabbit ears. What has me concerned about picking up HD is the difference I'm experiencing now with my current antenna (this is a full size VHF/UHF/FM antenna mounted in my attic). I know the channel frequencies are different between the analog and digital versions of the same station. My problem is I don't understand why I cannot get, say, channel 4 DTV when I can get channel 2 DTV and 5 DTV from the same antenna (and channel 4 supposedly outputs more power than 2 DTV or 5 DTV). So I'm looking for a sanity (reality?) check on all this to point out why my attempts to get DTV OTA are doomed or why I'm kidding myself with my current antenna. ;-) I'd just like to be able to make some sense of all this before I make my decision about what my future source of DTV will be. Any thoughts are welcome.

TIA

I don't have any signal on 2.1 OTA from RI, and when I checked my TiVo to see if it recorded Mystery! last night, I found it did not.

Actually, thanks for the heads up. I'll record it this evening on 44.1

SMK

Try accessing 2.1 at 19.2. The PSIP information for WGBH-DT apparently has an error which is causing 19.x not to remap to 2.x on some tuners. Here is the recent history of this problem: about two weeks back, both WGBH-DT and WGBX-DT changed or reconfigured their digital transmission control software, causing 19.x and 43.x not to remap to their nominal channels (2.x and 44.x) on two of my three OTA receivers. I left a phone message for their engineering department detailing the problem, which was not acknowledged or returned, but the next day the problem disappeared. My guess is that they went back to their old configuration temporarily. A week ago, the problem cropped up again, but this time only on WGBH-DT 19.x; WGBX-DT 43.x is remapping correctly to 44.x. The problem has still not been corrected. If anyone else wants to try to get through to their engineering department, feel free to call and report the problem.

Hi all,

Sorry if this is a newbie question but I'm having a hard time locating this information. Feel free to point me to the info if it's already available.

I'm trying to pick up DTV using the same antenna I use for analog. It's an old Radio Shack special but has done well over the years bringing in the analog signal of the local Boston and NH stations and still does. I am having trouble bringing in the digital signals though. I can only get channels 2 and 5 of the Boston stations (I get a few of the NH ones too). The thing that troubles me about this is the disparity between digital and analog. With analog, I get 2, 4, 5, 7, 25, 38, 44, and 56. Looking up the locations and power ratings for these stations' transmitters, I don't see a reason for this vast difference. For instance, channel 4 supposedly has higher power output for its digital station than either 2 or 5, yet I can get the latter and not the former. Can anybody provide some insight as to why this would be true? I'm willing to consider another antenna as the solution but am hesitant to do so without some basis. Actually, I've already tried this with another Radio Shack special and it, rather surprisingly, could pull in 7 but not 2 or 5 (or any other station I can get with my existing antenna.) So I'm a little confused about what's going on here. Anybody have any ideas?

TIA.

Well, first of all, I'm not sure how far up in NH you are located, but I live in Haverhill, MA right on the border with Plaistow, NH. You can use pretty much any high grade UHF antenna. Seeing that presently, all the HD & DT signals are on UHF, this should work. I use a Channel Master 4221, 4 bay bowtie antenna in my attic. I get all the Boston DT channels perfectly with no drop-outs as well as 9-1, 11-1 thru4 and all the lower power DT stations in Spanish and the shopping channels. Needless to say, if you used the bigger 4228 antenna outside, then you would have even better results. Good luck!

Well, first of all, I'm not sure how far up in NH you are located, but I live in Haverhill, MA right on the border with Plaistow, NH. You can use pretty much any high grade UHF antenna. Seeing that presently, all the HD & DT signals are on UHF, this should work. I use a Channel Master 4221, 4 bay bowtie antenna in my attic. I get all the Boston DT channels perfectly with no drop-outs as well as 9-1, 11-1 thru4 and all the lower power DT stations in Spanish and the shopping channels. Needless to say, if you used the bigger 4228 antenna outside, then you would have even better results. Good luck!
Thanks for the vote of confidence Bill. I live in Westford MA and pretty much get the same selection of channels as you (it seems) but only on analog (and therefore not as crisp ;-) ). I've been hesitant to go the all UHF route for a couple of reasons. The first is, I'm still concerned that something I haven't accounted for is getting in my way and I'll end up with only a few good DTV stations for the time, money, and trouble and no analog to fall back on in the meantime (unless I keep both antennas). The second is that I don't have a good feel for how many of the stations that are currently "off-channel" during this transition period will be heading back to their old frequencies come 2/17/2009. I'd hate to be caught with a UHF-only antenna a couple of years down the line when upwards of half my channels potentially move back to their old VHF homes. I know most (all?) of the local stations are planning to keep both their current frequencies (UHF and VHF, where that applies) after the switchover so I expect them to be doing *something* with those tried and true VHF channels. Anyone have information on what will actually be going on in the old analog, VHF slots for the stations that now occupy them. Perhaps this concern is completely unfounded. ;-)

I appreciate the help, past and future. :-)

The PSIP information for WGBH-DT apparently has an error which is causing 19.x not to remap to 2.x on some tuners.... The problem has still not been corrected. If anyone else wants to try to get through to their engineering department, feel free to call and report the problem.

I'm having the same difficulty with my fairly new Samsung DLP set, and have been now for at least a couple of weeks. I'm seeing WGBH-DT on 19.3 and WGBH-HD on 19.2, where they used to be on 2-1 and 2-2 respectively. I'm also seeing a lot of empty channels in the 19.x range in addition to digital 2 and HD 2. My friend in CT is having a similar issue with WTNH channel 8 in New Haven; they keep playing with the PSIP setup and haven't gotten it right yet.

I know WGBH just cut over their new studio facility in Brighton and they must have their hands full of all kinds of digital gremlins. Tonight for example I saw a program on ferrets on WGBH-HD that had absolutely no dialog or narration track playing (even when listening in mono), only the background music and the foley sound effects that were dubbed into the soundtrack. Wierd, given that the sound effects consisted mostly of the sound of ferrets squeaking, obviously dubbed in later since you couldn't hear anything from the on-camera microphone when someone holding a ferret was speaking to the camera, but the squeaks were loud and clear. Probably a surround sound encoder issue and the center channel was lost somewhere.

scoosdad, I have all the problems you listed with channels (19.x) and no dialogue on my Samsung LNS4095D. I'm also getting the music-and-sound-effects-but-no-dialogue problem on 4-1 - except during the commercials.

Glad to know it's not the result of my wife letting the baby play with the remote control ...

I have two LCD sets and two DVR's. All are having trouble picking up the audio for WBZ, 4.1. Half the audio (like background audio) is coming through, but the primary audio (like peoples voices) is barely audible. It's been like that all evening.

Afterpost, 16JUL @10:54 EDT: This was also happening on 2.2. Channel 2 was running a show on ferrets. 2 (analog) and 2.1 seemed OK, but 2.2 had part of the sound missing. I did not check channel 44 (see next post).

I'm in RI.

Last nite I was trying to watch the ferret show. We were having the same sound issues mentioned above.

Sound on 44.1, 44.2, 44.3, 44.4 (which come through on my set as 43.1 - 43.4) was also a problem. Sometimes it was there, sometimes it wasn't.

I hope they fix this soon. I luv my PBS!

Thanks for the vote of confidence Bill. I live in Westford MA and pretty much get the same selection of channels as you (it seems) but only on analog (and therefore not as crisp ;-) ). I've been hesitant to go the all UHF route for a couple of reasons. The first is, I'm still concerned that something I haven't accounted for is getting in my way and I'll end up with only a few good DTV stations for the time, money, and trouble and no analog to fall back on in the meantime (unless I keep both antennas). The second is that I don't have a good feel for how many of the stations that are currently "off-channel" during this transition period will be heading back to their old frequencies come 2/17/2009. I'd hate to be caught with a UHF-only antenna a couple of years down the line when upwards of half my channels potentially move back to their old VHF homes. I know most (all?) of the local stations are planning to keep both their current frequencies (UHF and VHF, where that applies) after the switchover so I expect them to be doing *something* with those tried and true VHF channels. Anyone have information on what will actually be going on in the old analog, VHF slots for the stations that now occupy them. Perhaps this concern is completely unfounded. ;-)

I appreciate the help, past and future. :-)


First of all, the Channel Master 4221 and 4228 work on high band VHF also, though not as well as on UHF. I also use a seperate VHF and seperate UHF antenna into a combiner then amplified at the antenna in the attic. From Haverhill, I not only get all the southern NH stations and all the Boston channels but on analog, I get channels 10 and 12 out of Providence with a little snow, but very watchable. Good luck on whatever you decide antenna wise.

Definitely a problem.. its been like that for a few days now. My preamp says it is decoding a Dolby Digital 1.0 audio stream (center channel only). Rick Steve's Europe was in total silence.. hmm.. maybe its better that way!

I think there is a 'GBH tech who monitors this thread.

_Paul

Thanks Bill. I'll look into these antennas. There's no reason I can't have two antennas as well of course.

Your reception on analog sounds very much like mine. I also can pull in 10 and 12 out of Providence.
You've inspired me with new confidence for my chances of pulling in a decent number of digital channels
OTA.

Thanks again.

I'm in RI.

Last nite I was trying to watch the ferret show. We were having the same sound issues mentioned above.

Sound on 44.1, 44.2, 44.3, 44.4 (which come through on my set as 43.1 - 43.4) was also a problem. Sometimes it was there, sometimes it wasn't.

I hope they fix this soon. I luv my PBS!

I've also been encountering this problem on 2-1 & 4-1. This evening Soundstage with Jewel was working ok. The nature program on afterwards was missing most of the audio. Originally I thought it might be my new set; but after checking here I realize this is not the case.

New member question.
Does anyone know if digital ota reception will totally eliminate the co-channel and adjacent channel interference associated with analog ota reception? Living on Cape Cod can be quite an experience with ota reception. It can be a day to day change of signal quality, and stations received, just like our weather.
P.S. I hope I have put this 1st Thread in the correct location

I am glad to know it is not just me having these issues with WGBH-HD.
I have an Onkyo HT-SR800 7.1 Channel Home Theater System and a Terk Indoor Amplified HDTV Antenna Model: HDTVA connected to my DirecTV H20 Receiver. I live in Shrewsbury, MA and get absolutely no dialog during their regular programming. I hit display on my receiver and saw "Mono Dolby Digital 1.0." A week ago I saw "Dolby D 3/2.1."

:rolleyes: Something is not right. I do however get between 85% and 90% signal strength and the picture looks fantastic!

New member question.
Does anyone know if digital ota reception will totally eliminate the co-channel and adjacent channel interference associated with analog ota reception? Living on Cape Cod can be quite an experience with ota reception. It can be a day to day change of signal quality, and stations received, just like our weather.
P.S. I hope I have put this 1st Thread in the correct location

Yes! The DT stations have the ability to be right next to eachother channel-wise and yet not interfere with eachother. In the last market I worked in prior to retiring(Norfolk, VA), we had local stations on the adjacent channels without problem. I lived only about 1/3 of a mile from my stations transmitter. (You know who got called in the middle of the night when we went off the air!) I had no trouble picking up the other DT stations at my home, nor was I aware of anyone else having trouble.

Here in the Boston area, we have DT stations assigned to UHF channels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35 that I receive locally. They are WBZ-DT, WFXT-TV, WBPX-DT, WBPX-DT in Concord, NH, WNEU-DT Merrimack, NH, and WZMY-DT Derry, NH respectively. I receive all 5 of these stations OK.

I suspect even on the Cape you shouldn't have any troubles except for signal strength issues.

Bill,
Thanks for the information, I an hoping to take the Digital plunge shorty. Will post my results at that time. Thanks again.

Hi All, I'm wondering if anyone has noticed an apparent digital format change to WSBK-DT (channel 38.1, ATSC ch 39, 623MHz center freq). It appears that the broadcaster has dropped or fouled the PMT data which includes the station name. Also, the current program information appears to be gone. The suspected change took place on 7/18 or 7/19. ??

Thank you for any info, confirming or otherwise.

Hi All, I'm wondering if anyone has noticed an apparent digital format change to WSBK-DT (channel 38.1, ATSC ch 39, 623MHz center freq). It appears that the broadcaster has dropped or fouled the PMT data which includes the station name. Also, the current program information appears to be gone. The suspected change took place on 7/18 or 7/19. ??

Yup, I noticed last week that 38-1 disappeared and WSBK was showing up on 39-1, with no WSBK-DT station ID listed on my set. Sounds like they're having similar issues to what was going on at channel 2 in the last week or two.

Bill,
Thanks for the information, I an hoping to take the Digital plunge shorty. Will post my results at that time. Thanks again.
Well I took the plunge to-day, all I can say is "WOW". This HD is fantastic. Picked up a Westi SK32H590D and I was totally surprised at the quality right out of the box.
I had installed a DB-8 antenna and a PA-16 UHF low noise pre-amp (Antenna's Direct) on the side of my house a couple of weeks ago and was ready for the ultimate test to-day.
I actually had monitored signal levels for the past 2 weeks and was not happy with the original location I chose. I had decided to reinstall it at a location that I had been using for my original analog install for the past 35 years. That location was only about 8' away and 6' lower that the orig UHF position. This turned out to be a better position for reception. Out here on the Cape every bit of signal level is important. So far reception is outstanding, now all we have to do is see if digital is as affected by weather changes as analog. I can see that viewing the same channel, analog verses digital, that the digital signal level seems to be the stronger. I'am hooked on digital.

Thanks for the confirmation, scoosdad. WSBK-DT has reappeared. (FWIW, I sent them a note over the weekend - maybe it tipped them off.)

Thanks for the confirmation, scoosdad. WSBK-DT has reappeared. (FWIW, I sent them a note over the weekend - maybe it tipped them off.)
Take whatever credit you'd like! We did receive several emails, in addition to the posts on this forum. So, thanks to all.

I was away in California last week (hobnobbing with my fellow wizards), and I just found out about the problem when I returned.

We performed an upgrade to our PSIP encoding computers last week, and I'm afraid it did not go well. New software, old computers; they didn't get along. It took longer than we'd all like to recognize the problem and square it all way. Sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for your patience.

For those whose receivers/TV's still cannot receive 38.1, try tuning to 39. Most times the TV will recognize the PSIP data and set itself right. If all else fails, rescan.

Again, thanks for your support.

Yes! The DT stations have the ability to be right next to eachother channel-wise and yet not interfere with eachother. In the last market I worked in prior to retiring(Norfolk, VA), we had local stations on the adjacent channels without problem. I lived only about 1/3 of a mile from my stations transmitter. (You know who got called in the middle of the night when we went off the air!) I had no trouble picking up the other DT stations at my home, nor was I aware of anyone else having trouble.

Here in the Boston area, we have DT stations assigned to UHF channels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35 that I receive locally. They are WBZ-DT, WFXT-TV, WBPX-DT, WBPX-DT in Concord, NH, WNEU-DT Merrimack, NH, and WZMY-DT Derry, NH respectively. I receive all 5 of these stations OK.

I suspect even on the Cape you shouldn't have any troubles except for signal strength issues.

One caveat to Bill's response:

The digital channels seem to do quite well in locking on to a particular channel when there is an adjacent digital channel (can't remember the difference in dB - old age). But, that's not usually the case when there is adjacent analog signal.

Case in point: We have a digital channel on 52 in Bridgeport, CT and an analog channel on 53 in Norwich, CT. From our transmit site in Farmington, CT (Ch. 24 analog) the respective receive levels of the two other channels are within a few dB of each other - the analog peak visual being higher. The best SNR on a Ktech receiver is hovering around 15 dB - not enough to get a good lock.

Well I took the plunge to-day, all I can say is "WOW". This HD is fantastic. Picked up a Westi SK32H590D and I was totally surprised at the quality right out of the box.
I had installed a DB-8 antenna and a PA-16 UHF low noise pre-amp (Antenna's Direct) on the side of my house a couple of weeks ago and was ready for the ultimate test to-day.
I actually had monitored signal levels for the past 2 weeks and was not happy with the original location I chose. I had decided to reinstall it at a location that I had been using for my original analog install for the past 35 years. That location was only about 8' away and 6' lower that the orig UHF position. This turned out to be a better position for reception. Out here on the Cape every bit of signal level is important. So far reception is outstanding, now all we have to do is see if digital is as affected by weather changes as analog. I can see that viewing the same channel, analog verses digital, that the digital signal level seems to be the stronger. I'am hooked on digital.

Congrats! I'm sure you will enjoy the quality of the HD video.

One caveat to Bill's response:

The digital channels seem to do quite well in locking on to a particular channel when there is an adjacent digital channel (can't remember the difference in dB - old age). But, that's not usually the case when there is adjacent analog signal.

Case in point: We have a digital channel on 52 in Bridgeport, CT and an analog channel on 53 in Norwich, CT. From our transmit site in Farmington, CT (Ch. 24 analog) the respective receive levels of the two other channels are within a few dB of each other - the analog peak visual being higher. The best SNR on a Ktech receiver is hovering around 15 dB - not enough to get a good lock.

That can be true. A lot depends on how steep the slope is on the receiver to reject the adjacent channel's signal. When looking at the digital signal on a spectrum analyzer, the DT station does a nice job of staying within the channel however, those analog signal sidebands even though very low still show up in the adjacent channel. It will be nice when everything goes digital! :)

Bob Yankowitz,

You had said in previous posts that Jeopardy would be on in HD on TV38 by December, 2006. Unfortunately that didn't happen. Is there a chance it will appear in HD when the new shows start in September?

SMK

WTNH-TV/DT (ABC) channel 8/D 10 of New Haven doesn't air it in HD either, so don't feel bad.

Bob Yankowitz,

You had said in previous posts that Jeopardy would be on in HD on TV38 by December, 2006. Unfortunately that didn't happen. Is there a chance it will appear in HD when the new shows start in September?

SMK
Technical issues prevented us from meeting that deadline (and every other one we've set since). We're getting closer. The latest bump is waiting for our lab in Philadelphia to give its blessing to the new version of firmware for our HD video server that will fix the bug that's been preventing us from getting on-air. The lab has promised to get to it within a week or so, at which time we'll give it the old college try.

In other words, yes, there's a chance!

Bob,

I always (and everyone else here) always appreciate your feedback and inside information.

SMK

The FCC released the final DTV channel assignments today (big Word format doc) at:

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-138A1.d (FCC DTV Channel Assignments)

Does anyone know the reason that Channel 7 WHDH-DT is going back to VHF channel 7, from their current assignment at channel 42? Did the FCC do it to them, or did WHDH ask for that channel back? (See page 113.)

They'll be the only channel in the Boston market on VHF after February '09 (see page 81 for the list). Methinks a lot of people who had a good UHF-only antenna installed for HD are going to be grumbling to find that to get NBC, they're going to have to put up another antenna or replace the one they had installed (I'm talking primarily about cable and satellite viewers who went the off-air route after digital TV started to take off.)

Being a network affiliate they're probably pretty secure in keeping their off-air audience base, but if this were a small independent station doing this in an otherwise all-UHF digital market, it might be the kiss of death for them.

The FCC released the final DTV channel assignments today (big Word format doc) at:

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-138A1.d (FCC DTV Channel Assignments)

Does anyone know the reason that Channel 7 WHDH-DT is going back to VHF channel 7, from their current assignment at channel 42? Did the FCC do it to them, or did WHDH ask for that channel back? (See page 113.)

They'll be the only channel in the Boston market on VHF after February '09 (see page 81 for the list). Methinks a lot of people who had a good UHF-only antenna installed for HD are going to be grumbling to find that to get CBS, they're going to have to put up another antenna or replace the one they had installed (I'm talking primarily about cable and satellite viewers who went the off-air route after digital TV started to take off.)

Being a network affiliate they're probably pretty secure in keeping their off-air audience base, but if this were a small independent station doing this in an otherwise all-UHF digital market, it might be the kiss of death for them.

In my experience, living in various locations in the Greater Boston area, Channel 7 was always the most difficult channel to get a clear picture on. In Brookline, it was nearly impossible to get without ghosts, even with an expensive outdoor antenna. I guess this will be good for cable and Dish services, tho.

I think you meant NBC, not CBS.

Regardless, supposedly, there are a lot of antennas the pull in high-band VHF as well as UHF. As long the the low-band VHF band remains empty, there shouldn't be much of a problem.

Yup, channel 7 is NBC, fixed that in my post. I've been watching Boston TV for so long that I still get confused sometimes about which network is on which station. I think they've all switched at some point in the last 30 years or so.

And then when the stars move from one network to another, more confusion. At 11:35 PM I just start channel surfing when it's time for David Letterman. He's on NBC, no CBS now, is that channel 4 or 7? :)

This is interesting...what's up with WHDH-TV's "Live with Regis, etc"? When I watch, I get occasional freezes that last just a mini-second, but it happens a lot. It appears that WHDH is broadcasting the program directly off of WABC in NY, as they are running the WABC "Channel 7" logo in the corner of the screen, not the WHDH channel 7 logo.

I'm watching the Pats-Titans preseason game on WCVB-DT which is being shown in HD and in 5.1 stereo. As they are going to commercial and Don Criqui has said something along the lines of "we'll be right back," I hear what Criqui just said last being replayed again instead of the audio track of the 1st commercial. Is anyone else experiencing this?

IT was a crappy tv coverage. Cams not keeping up with action etc...

For some reaon I can't get a decent reception on all of ABC's channels (I live in Boston). 5.1 has no reception during football games and poor reception anytime else. This happens when using my HDTV's tuner, nondigital channels with TIVO or my ATSC tuner of my PC.

I'm hooked up to my bulding's main antenna (on the sixth floor) and have great recption on most other channels (fox, cw, nbc). The distance (4 miles) and angle of the ABC tower suppose to be pretty much the same as fox and cw. What should I do? Will an indoor antenna work?

I'm not getting any signal tongiht on Ch 5-1 or 5-2. Are they off the air? All the other stations come in fine.

Me too.....clean reception on 5-1 for 2 years....off tonight

Same here - always the strongest signal.
Well, at least it's not just me. I don't relish the idea of roof-climbing and playing with the antenna.
The station with the lowest signal for me is 25-1, and it's coming in fine, so it's obviously something at WCVB. If it's not on in the AM, I'll give them a call. THe engineering dept. has always been helpful there.

Same here in lovely Franklin, Mass. Bummer too cuz it's the only HD network that I can't get from Directv, ABC turned down my waiver request.

all set now on 5-1...guess they fixed the problem...everybody else back?

No problems in RI when I checked last night. I watched the news in HD for a little while.

SMK

It was back up the next morning.