I am located in Charleston and on the OTA I can get WSAZ DT and the NBC HD feed. I also get the Fox HD feeds. It seems as if I get the WCHS HD feed, but cannot tell for sure since there is not much programming. I am now getting WOWK DT on 13.1 but no HD. Any word on CBS HD??

CBS HD in our area won't happen any time soon if at all. WCHS-DT ( ABC) was supposed to go HD early this month but no one has posted any details on what the current situation is.

Originally posted by loyalwvu
Any word on CBS HD??
Try a thread search for the term "Anti-Christ" ;)

The local CBS owner has a case of "Oppositional Defiant Disorder" and won't give us HD for a variety of reasons he lies about.

The local CBS owner has a case of "Oppositional Defiant Disorder" and won't give us HD for a variety of reasons he lies about.

Hmmm....that's ODD. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey herdfan what do you have against the designated hitter?

-spence

Originally posted by spha
Hey herdfan what do you have against the designated hitter?

I see you can translate Latin.:)

It allows AL pitchers to thow at who they want without having to worry about retaliation. We'll see how Pedro is doing mid-season after he has someone throw at his head.:D

Hey guys bouncing around the web and went to CBS.com and their HD section where it has ALL of the stations IN HD, guess who they say is broadcasting HD, you guessed it WOWk!!! so if any of you want to write to the big dog who may have more influence here is the site. Feed back is on the left hand side

http://www.cbs.com/info/hdtv/hdtv_stations.shtml#

I saw the listing for WOWK on the CBS web site and that sparked my interest in whether I was missing something with WOWK HD. Apparently I am not.

There is not much action on this thread. I just recently switched from Voom to DirectTV. Got CBS East HD without a waiver. Is this typical? Is it possible to get other network HD without a waiver?

Not typical at all unless BC has decided to let the few of us who have D* or E* have a blanket waiver to keep us from causing trouble.:D

WCHS up in HD during Lost.

-spence

WCHS-DT is in HD right now running Lost again. I just happened to be changing channels and noticed.

I'm curious as to how many posters there are trying to get reception West of Huntington and what equipment you're using? I'm trying to pick out a suitable antenna. I've gotten the necessary information from CEA, but it would be nice to hear what works and what doesn't from people in the area. I'm thinking about switching from Adelphia to E* and it looks like OTA will be the only way to get the network feeds in HD for some time.

Well I live in Cannonsburg, KY (other side of Ashland) and I can't pick up anything where I am at over the air as far as Digital goes. Only really fuzzy 3 and 13 and that's it. I have tried the Terk 55 and the Channel Master, don't remember what model. Where do you live? My dad has a Terk 55 and can pick up WSAZ digital great and he lives close to Paul Blazer High School.

ramy,
I live in Grayson on level ground and get the digital channels very good. I think most are in the 80's. I'm not sure what antenna and amp I have as I can't locate the receipt, but I put a 30' tower up.

Some evenings I can get the WCHS signal on a Terk 55 and some nights I cannot. I could not get the Lost HD signal last night at all. I am located in South Hills, Charleston.

Originally posted by orijonl
I'm curious as to how many posters there are trying to get reception West of Huntington and what equipment you're using? I'm trying to pick out a suitable antenna. I've gotten the necessary information from CEA, but it would be nice to hear what works and what doesn't from people in the area. I'm thinking about switching from Adelphia to E* and it looks like OTA will be the only way to get the network feeds in HD for some time.

Here's the place to go. Tigerbanks is an OTA expert and can help you. Basically the best UHF antenna made is the CM4228. I'd go to link and give Tiger your zip and he'll give you specfic. I know of people in Kingsport TN receiving some of the Hintington and Charleston stations with the 4228 and amp. I use the combo 4228 and 7777 amp myself and recieve easily to 80 miles plus and I tried a lot of antennas. Terk antennas are under performers and Rat shack mileage estimates you need to cut in half.
http://www.***************.com/htsthreads/postlist.php/Cat//Board/UBB55

Thanks guys for all the info.

I live at the top of a hill, in the Sumitt area outside of Ashland, which is at or near the highest peak in the immediate area. I have been thinking about using the CM 4228, but I was considering mounting it in the unused upper floor of my house. I can already pickup several analog broadcasts with rabbit ears in my garage. I don't have an ota digital tuner to test yet, but I am thinking about switching from cable to E* and I was going to use the Dish 942's integrated ota tuner to pickup whatever HD feeds I can get. I'm sure WSAZ will work and from what I've read on this forum, I'll just scratch off WOWK, but what about the WCHS and WVAH signals? AntennaWeb doesn't even list them as having a digital broadcast, but I thought I'd seen someone, maybe closer to Charleston, mention getting a signal from one of them. I've been downloading a divx copy of LOST each week, which is exceedingly better in quality than my cable feed, but it would be awfully nice to see it in true HD!

orijonl,
You should be able to get WCHS & WVAH pretty well. I'm getting both pretty good. You are higher and closer. I'm using Dish 811's. Lost looked very good this week.

Orijonl:
If you can get WSAZ you should be able to get FOX on WVAH. They both have powerful signals almost from the same location. I have more trouble with WCHS, although I understand it comes from the same WVAH tower.

I also live in South Hills (Huber Road off Smith) and I found that when I switched from a radio shack UHF antenna to a non amped channelmaster 4228 my reception went through the roof and I had to LOWER the channellmaster by five feet because it was heavier. I got mine open box and pole mounted it to the chimney.

Welcome by the way to our thread. I am proud to say that I think I originally labeled Bray Carey as the Antichrist after some of my earlier conversations with him. If you read the thread from the original posts we have come a long way. If I can answer any questions just ask. I graduated from WVU medical school and my wife went to undergrad at WVU ( beware the Marshall fans among us :D they seem nice enough but we all KNOW about them <just kidding herdfan>)

Also check out the West Virginia Home theater club mentioned in the thread.

Nice to have you

Anyone that would like to join the WVHT Group, Darrin and I highly encourage it. Not to give anyone false hopes, but Darrin and I have put the group on Hold for a while (no updates to webpages or group meetings). Darrin is expecting a new baby this Summer as well, so it will be slow for a few months.

For those that would like to continue participating in the WVHT Group, please let me know if Weekday Evenings or Weekends are better to have our group meetings at a restaurant. The last couple meetings we've had a very low turn out.

I would rather have the meetings quarterly during an evening through the week. We've had the past few on Saturday Afternoons, and I'm wondering if we'd have a better turn out in the evenings through the week.

If anyone would like to make some suggestions, that would be great.

On a personal note, I have made quite a bit of progress on my dedicated Home Theater room. My Riser has been built, my recessed equipment cabinet has been built and installed, and my recessed DVD Cabinet has been built and installed. Darrin's neighbor builds custom cabinets and he charged me $20 to cut a few pieces of my MDF wood and drill the holes so I could have moveable shelves. I have everything primed. I will be painting it this weekend. Darrin and I determined exactly where my Projector Mount will hang. I still have quite a bit of work to do, but taking off last week to work on the basement sure helped.

Tony let me be the first to invite myself to your theater. I won't start work until JUly 11th so the first week of July will be good for me. THat will be good for you??????? Good it is settled then I will call you and let you know the time ! :D


Also all you OLD guys if you have not had your colonoscopy then line up and I can take care of it when I get back!:D

Originally posted by wvudrj

Also all you OLD guys if you have not had your colonoscopy then line up and I can take care of it when I get back!:D

Sorry. Too late. Dr Joe White did mine two or three years ago and he said don't come back until I'm 50... so I'll give you call in 4 years. Man I am old...

LOL!!!!!!!

I'm shooting to have this thing finished by the end of August, beginning of September. If I could just find some good quality time, it would go much quicker.

I'm only 30, but my wife has been calling me a pain in HER butt lately.

Ooops....I hit submit too early.

Jay, when you get back, just let me know. You can come check out what I have finished so far.

WVUDRJ: Thanks for the welcome. I am off Smith Road at Hunter's Ridge. May have to go to the Channelmaster. The Terk 55 just isn't pulling in WCHS. I am fine with WSAZ and WVAH. I get CBS HD on DirecTV. Just watched LOST but not in HD. Seems strange that FOX is strong and ABC isn't.

Originally posted by loyalwvu
The Terk 55 just isn't pulling in WCHS. I am fine with WSAZ and WVAH. I get CBS HD on DirecTV. Just watched LOST but not in HD. Seems strange that FOX is strong and ABC isn't.

I know the answer as to why WCHS-DT (ABC) doesn't come in as good. Its on channel 41 where as WVAH-DT (FOX) is on 19. The basic of it is the higher the frequency the more power is required to send a signal of equivalent strength.

I finally switched to a channel master 4228 with channel master 7777 pre amp and can now pull in usable signals for WVAH-DT & WCHS-DT as well as WSAZ-DT.
Before I could only get WSAZ-DT consistently and only WVAH-DT & WCHS-DT when it was cold outside. I barely get a usable signal on WCHS-DT in the day time but once it gets dark its good enough to pull in the signal without breaking up.

BTW I'm about 52 miles away from WSAZ-DT tower and 58 miles away from the WCHS/WVAH tower.

I live in Edgwood area of Charleston. Previously, I had been using an indoor, amplified set of rabbit ears (Terk) to pick up the digital broadcasts from WCHS and WVAH. Last weekend I tried using a Winegard Sensar II (a former freebie from DirecTV -- really designed for an RV) to see if I could get WSAZ. No luck -- in fact the reception was worse -- even though I set the antenna outside on the second story of my house.

This weekend I picked up a Terk TV32 (UHF 4-bay style) and propped it up in the same location as I tried the Sensar. I ran the Terk through a Channelmaster 3042 indoor amp. (I could not find an outdoor amp at Lowes.) My expectations were low, given that the TV32 is not advertised for long-range reception. So I was surprised when I was able to pick up WSAZ digital at 80%, PAX digital, and even WOWK digital at 60%.

Is the Terk TV32 worth keeping? I'm not sure how well-constructed it is -- seems sort of flimsy. It cost me $79 at Circuit City. Or should I try a Channel Master 4-bay or one from Antennas Direct? Or some other design?

Also, does anyone know how much of an improvement in signal strength an outdoor amp would make versus the CM 3042?

I was very happy with my change to a chanellmaster 4228. Mine is on a 10 foot pole on the roof with no amplifier and I had a perfect signal for WSAZ. I had alredy moved to Columbus by the time Fox and ABC had put up their tower so can't comment on that.


On a side note anyone a HALO 2 player, I play when I can and always looking for friends.

Originally posted by wvudrj

On a side note anyone a HALO 2 player, I play when I can and always looking for friends.

I play sometimes, gamertag "Ramy"

Originally posted by wvudrj
On a side note anyone a HALO 2 player, I play when I can and always looking for friends.
I suck too bad to let anyone see me play.:D

I have a Terk 55 in the attic and it is doing an outstanding job. It is protected from the elements of course and has a built-in preamp. You might consider trading the Terk you have for the 55 with amp.

I thought about trying the Terk 55, but my concern was that the attic in my house was finished by the prior owner, who installed metallic-sided insulation under the roof. I've read where that type of insulation will significantly reduce reception.

However, given Circuit City's liberal return policy, it still might be worth a try.

Tony I just ordered a pair of Aura bass shakers to screw into my couch. I got them from parts express. I will let you know how they do if you are interested. .

I've thought about Bass Shakers. One of the guys in our WVHT Group has a set. It may have been the amp he was using, but to me, I felt a delay between what I heard on the low Frequency of the movie and what I felt from the Bass Shakers. Let me know what you think once you have yours set up.

When you move back, once the house it built and you start on the HT room, are you going to build it yourself based on DE's design, or are you going to hire it out? If you need any help, just let me know.

I haven't done a thing to my room since my week's vacation. I hope to paint the Theater tomorrow before Darrin and I go see SW E3

I don't know about using DE. Maybe it is that I still think like a resident with a residents salary but the price he quoted was the cost of a really nice speaker set,,, and that was just for the plans!


I will know more as time gets closer. I do know I have no building talent!

I understand Jay. Even if you spend the $2K for DE to design (does he do the drawings too?), you may not have a builder that follows everything correctly.

I painted my HT room this weekend along with the recessed cabinets. My wife gave me the go ahead to work on the HT over the 3 day weekend. I 'hope' to be at the point of only the Drop Ceiling and Carpet after this weekend...and a few other little details.

Antenna Question:

How many folks here have installed their antennas in the attic? I know there is quite a bit of attenuation with that method, but I just hate to install the antenna on my roof. It wouldn't look too pleasing. I have the $100 Channel Master from Lowes..not sure the model. I want to get a feel for reception with the antenna in the attic in our area.

I had a Channel Master 4228 with 7777 pre-amp in my attic and was getting WSAZ and WOWK :mad: very well. I was also getting intermitant signal from WHCP, but could not lock in a picture.

I was pointed the wrong way to get WVAH/WCHS.

I may give it a try to see what kind of signal I get. I 'think' I have the room in the attic to place it.

I ordered a DB-4 antenna from antennasdirect.com to compare with the Terk TV32 I had previously tried from Circuit City. The DB-4 picks up WSAZ (3.1) at 90% versus 80% for the Terk model. The DB-4 also picked up WPBY (PBS, 33.1, 33.2, 33.3) digital at 60%. The Terk never picked up WPBY. Although the PBS station is not broadcasting in HD, it's nice to have the two extra multicast channels. Reception of WOWK, WCHS, WVAH, and PAX was the same for both brands.

Incidentally, the Terk TV32 is nothing more than a re-packaged and re-priced Winegard 4-bay (Model 4400, I think). I called Winegard to confirm.

If I can't talk the wife into letting me mount an 8-bay antenna on the house, I'm keeping the DB-4.

Is it just me, or does WOWK broadcast everything on Channel 13.1 in an a "stretched" widescreen format? It looks terrible. I emailed the station manager but never got a reply.

I am three weeks from my return to Charleston and I can't wait! Anyone else with a nice home theater let me know and I will invite myself over as I have done to Tony's place. :)

Are any Charleston stations broadcasting in HD yet? I recently moved here from Pittsburgh, Pa . Back home all of the locals (CBS,ABC,NBC,WB,FOX,PBS) broadcast some HD content....

We have 3 of the 4. CBS is the holdout. Where you live in the area will determine which way the antennas are. This (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=4619267&&#post4619267) post will give you a rough idea of their location. Welcome to the area.

Jay,

I actually found a local store in Charleston that carries BLACK Drop Ceiling Rails. I'm going to go pick them up tonight or Monday. I probably won't do much to the HT until the end of the month. I don't have a lot left, but yet so much to do. I need to insulate the ceiling, put in a return and supply, install the drop ceiling, finish cutting and painting the tiles, have carpet installed, install base molding, hang PJ, make screen and put up some sound absorption panels.

Maybe I should have a "Help Tony Finish His HT" party...LOL!!

Jay,

I actually found a local store in Charleston that carries BLACK Drop Ceiling Rails. I'm going to go pick them up tonight or Monday. I probably won't do much to the HT until the end of the month. I don't have a lot left, but yet so much to do. I need to insulate the ceiling, put in a return and supply, install the drop ceiling, finish cutting and painting the tiles, have carpet installed, install base molding, hang PJ, make screen and put up some sound absorption panels.

Maybe I should have a "Help Tony Finish His HT" party...LOL!!



I would offer my help but that would be like me asking you to help me with surgery, definitely a more harm than good scenario. I will just wait for you to do all the "hard" stuff and come over and enjoy myself. :D


By the way have you made me a key yet?

You buy the movies, I'll give you a key...LOL!!!!!!!!!

FYI.... As a kid, I was pretty darn good at "Operation" :)

Even though I'm an Anti Circuit City person, I was in CC @ Southridge on Friday. There little "Home Theater" Room that sounds and looks horrible has one cool thing. They placed an antenna on the roof and are pulling in the Locals.

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!! They can show Consumers the difference between HD and SD without selling them HD TVs and letting the uneducated Consumer think everything they watch is now High Definition.

Along those same lines, I was almost excited today. I had to go to Best Buy to get my nephew a gift card. And parked out front was a van that said "Magnoila Home Theater". So I was excited that they may be adding a Magnolia area to our BB. For those who don't know, Magnolia was an upscale HiFi retailer that BB bought. They have been adding a store within a store with the Magnolia lines which are much higher line than a regular BB carries.

But no, the van is just their installation van. :( Why it says Magnolia on it makes no sense. :confused:

But great news about CC. Its about time someone decided to showcase the locals and perhaps indicate that BC has decided not to play along.

Well, the sad news about CC when I was talking to the Manager of AV about WOWK being the only local NOT in HD is this: "OH, yes they are, we just can't pick them up here". How many people have they told that to I wonder?

Maybe we'll get lucky with BB in the near future.

I used to work at CC and the only one you can talk to that has any knowledge is Carl. He has a setup at his house and has a pretty good idea about whats going on. The rest of them you can forget about including the Store Manager

I know a guy that works at the Barboursville Store that is somewhat knowledgeable. Too much turnover now days for stores like BB and CC to have people than know their stuff.

I used to work at the BB in Barrboursville as a Service Technician or now known as Geek Squad (I hated the tie). Most people there don't know what their talking about either, they used to have me go over and talk to people who were going to purchase a big amount of equipment so the salemen wouldn't screw up.

Does anyone know if our local DT sations went full power yesterday?

I went down to my parents to adjust my dad's antenna to get WSAZ for tonights race ( I had it optimized for FOX) and it was pulling in WSAZ with no problem. It used to have a very low signal strength. So maybe the power has been increased.

No, I have the same strength that I always have. 91 to 100 on my Dish Network 921. I hope when they do go full strength that I will be able to get FOX and 3 without turning my rotor.

Bill in Winfield

So is WOWK broadcasting in HD yet? Can anyone receive it? I can sometimes get nbc abc and fox with my silver sensor...I ordered a DB4 and was wondering if I can expect to get cbs as well.

Nope. Just digital. See my new sig.

So is WOWK broadcasting in HD yet? Can anyone receive it? I can sometimes get nbc abc and fox with my silver sensor...I ordered a DB4 and was wondering if I can expect to get cbs as well.



I hope he is not getting all those in uniontown! :)

oops, didnt update since i moved ;-)

I was searching for answers on the web why WOWK does not have HD and if they are getting it, when I stumbled upon this sight. I hope Bray can get his act together before football season. I currently have D**, WSAZ, WCHS, and WVAH. Does anyone know WOWK's status? I saw where WBOY is HD. Why not the largest market in the state?

I actually spoke to Bray....he called me via phone to reply to an email to WVMH company website. He stated there is not a demand for HD in our market but was working with Charter to set something up. I sure hope he changes his mind or loses his company.

Welcome footbalfreak,

If you haven't had a chance to read through our many pages, you will see the struggle we've had with Satan. (Term coined by wvudrj). I've sent Lucifer multiple emails. In one reply, after stating that there was not a demand for HD in our market, Beelzebub stated that until the Satellite and/or cable companies agreed to carry the signal, he would not provide it free of charge to consumers OTA. Not sure about you, but to me, that means he's just talking out his butt hole (maybe a problem you can fix Jay). First....there is no demand. Second, he's in talks with Charter? Why even be in talks with Charter if there is "No Demand"? Obviously, he spends more time counting his money than studying the business. I can GAURANTEE you that there is a MAJOR demand for HD in this area. I know of a dozen people on this site that demand it, not to mention the hundreds that do not know of this site.

Sorry for the tangent,

I then sent an email back to The Serpent stating that DirecTV is moving forward to carry all LOCAL HD networks. With our market, which is relatively high, I would expect 2007 as the date D* will have our Locals in HD. The Fallen Prince said nobody has agreed to carry his station, which is a lie, D* did. It just may be a year and a half. Another Forum Member then asked him what comes first, the chicken or the egg? How can D* agree to carry his HD signal when he doesn't even have one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm not in Charter territory, so this small deal does nothing for me.

I'm not in Charter territory, so this small deal does nothing for me.
Nor am I and neither is the second biggest city in the state (Huntington-Adelphia soon to be Comcast) which is part of his market.

Does anyone know if he went full power by the deadline?

footbalfreak,

I suggest you call businesses that advertise on WOWK and let them know you will be watching your football games on WVAH this year in HD because WOWK won't provide it. Let them know that any game in HD is better a favorite team in SD. Until his advertisers start to complain, he won't do squat.

The bottom line is WVMH cant afford to upgrade all its stations. Little old WVMH bit off more than it can chew. That is fine....but why deny D** users the opportunity to get HDTV from NY and LA?.....Its all about advertising. He is afraid we will all do a mass exodus over to NY and LA feeds.

Sad thing is even the SD feed over D** is horrible. They have the worst picture of all the channels. I would be embarrassed if my station looked like that.

I WANT MY STEELERS IN HD :eek:

I am soooooo proud to be cited as the original Bray Carey hater!!!! :D


I am back and redirected my chanelmaster to 300 degrees and get WSAZ WVAH and WCHS all with 70 plus signal without a preamplifier.

Bray Carey is an ******* point blank. I would not piss on him if he was on fire to put him out. Lies, lies, lies from the fork tongued demon is all you can expect as that is all he has given us.

On a lighter note, welcome football freak and I too would advise you to read the entire thread as it is an educational look at where we have come from.

I was at cbs.com and according to this http://www.cbs.com/info/hdtv/hdtv_stations.shtml

They say that WOWK is broadcasting in HD. If we would complain on the main cbs site could we make any progress?

I wrote CBS a letter regarding this last fall. It doesn't look like they have done anything about it. Although it couldn't hurt to try again. Somebody different might get the letter and do something.

I emailed them a couple of times to no avail.

"I live in the 62nd largest market (Charleston/Huntington, West Virginia) and our local affiliate owned by Bray Carey who is a deceptive, manipulative, dishonest man to deal with STILL does not do over the air or any other high definition signal nor any plans to do HD that I can find. You are the leader in HD, just not in West Virginia. I have started to gravivitate to other networks here because they do OTA HD. Please help me and many others here and "encourage" Mr. Carey to broadcast HD OTA."

My new email to CBS.com

I hope D** will have ESPN 2 HD up and running in time for college football.

The All Star game looked great on Fox 11. Kudos to Sinclair Broadcasting. I only wish they can buy out WVMH!!!!!


I WANT MY STEELERS IN HD!!!!!!!

Why don't others just cut and paste my email to the network. Strength in numbers

I emailed the Network as well.

Anyone else think it was pathetic that TNT would do the first two rounds of the Brittish open in HD and ABC would follow with SD for the final two rounds.

Golf? Golf? Who watches Golf......oh....Doctors watch golf. LOL!!!

Is TNT and ABC owned by the same company? That is wierd that one station had the right for the first half in HD, and the second half was the right of another station in SD. Did you see the first two rounds in HD on TNT on Dish Network?

Is TNT and ABC owned by the same company?

No. TNT is owned by AOL Time Warner. ABC is owned by Disney.

- Trip

Just was dissapointed with ABC that TNT did such a good job only to be followed by an SD broadcast by a major network. Hats off to TNT

"The owner of Portsmouth, Ohio-based WHCP will move the station to Charleston and “should be on the air within six weeks,” said Mark Hunt, a Charleston lawyer and Democratic House of Delegates member who is among a small group of local investors backing the venture."




http://www.wvgazette.com/section/News/Today/2005072836

Does this mean OTA HD because otherwise we get the WB already?

"The owner of Portsmouth, Ohio-based WHCP will move the station to Charleston and “should be on the air within six weeks,” said Mark Hunt, a Charleston lawyer and Democratic House of Delegates member who is among a small group of local investors backing the venture."




http://www.wvgazette.com/section/News/Today/2005072836


The six weeks sounds a bit overly optimistic to me. From the article it seems they will be switching from WB at primetime to UPN. Unless they have ability to timeshift HD some of the primetime programming from WB or UPN will not be available in HD assuming they broadcast in HD in the first place.

That said I'm hoping for Veronica Mars and Smallville in HD....

I am trying to find a way to get the NFL Sunday ticket for my team in High Def. each and every week. The way it currently works I'm paying Directv a lot of money for the sunday ticket and high def feed but about 85% of the time the game is blacked out and dropped off to the local broadcast station. Yeah, I still get the game but the high definition feed is toast. My zip code is 25302 which is Charleston, WV and I'm a Pgh Steelers fan.
Would it work if I had my friend in California buy a Sat High Def receiver and register the card in his name with his telephone # and then just use that receiver here in Charleston, WV Would I be able to get the Western high def Satellite feed using the dish I have in Charleston, WV or would I have to point my dish to a different satellite just for the sunday ticket game?
I'm desperate for help because I love watching football on my 100" projection screen but without high definition it sucks. I can practically watch all of nfl games in high def with the exception of my home team.
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

I have been very suprised to see sd every weekend for golf. I would have thought that this would be one of the first sports to go HD.

I read the article on WHCP moving again. This time it seemed kind of vague to me on whether the article meant just the local news program would be on the air within 6 weeks or actually moving the entire station to Charleston WV.

I checked the FCC database on WHCP there was no record of them filing new requests for Charleston. The last update that the FCC website had was a renewal type deal.

Is anyone getting PSIP data from WVAH? I finally went to the trouble to re-setup my antenna as D* may yank my HD feeds on the 25th. I get the channel to map to 11.1 but there is no guide data.

Is anyone getting PSIP data from WVAH? I finally went to the trouble to re-setup my antenna as D* may yank my HD feeds on the 25th. I get the channel to map to 11.1 but there is no guide data.

I can see the WVAH PSIP data on my DVICO Fusion HDTV 5 card but have no idea how to make the HDTivo see the guide data.

I am new to this HDTV stuff so am looking for a little advise. I am in Kanawha City and am only picking up ABC and FOX on my digital tuner. I would really like to get PBS but no luck so far. Is anyone else able to pick up the transmitter which I know is closer to Huntington than Charleston?

I am new to this HDTV stuff so am looking for a little advise. I am in Kanawha City and am only picking up ABC and FOX on my digital tuner. I would really like to get PBS but no luck so far. Is anyone else able to pick up the transmitter which I know is closer to Huntington than Charleston?

I can pick up 33.1, 33.2, and 33.3 from the West Side hill off of Edgewood Drive. However, they are not broadcasting in HD at this time. I have a DB-4 antenna mounted outdoors and a Channelmaster indoor line amp. I can also get WSAZ (HD), PAX (no HD) and WOWK (no HD) digital signals, in addition to ABC and FOX. What kind antenna are you using?

I am also using a DB-4 antenna but it is in the attic. I was thinking maybe I should get an amp like you have. I have my antenna pointing NW but I did get 33 when I turned it East. I guess I need 2 antennas to work both directions although since they are not transmitting HD why bother.

Algoma,

Where are you located? I am here in Teays Valley and can pick up all 4 nets with an attic mounted antenna between the towers. WSAZ is broadcasting in HD from the West.

I am also using a DB-4 antenna but it is in the attic. I was thinking maybe I should get an amp like you have. I have my antenna pointing NW but I did get 33 when I turned it East. I guess I need 2 antennas to work both directions although since they are not transmitting HD why bother.


I'd first try an amp to see what difference it makes. I got my distribution amp (Channelmaster 3042) from Lowes - they may even carry an antenna-mounted amp, which would have even more gain. Given the fact that Lowes has an extremely liberal return policy, you don't have much to lose. If it doesn't help, just take it back.

I'd be interested to see whether you could get WSAZ with your antennae mounted outside plus an amp.

I am in Kanawha City so am a long way from the transmitter compared to you. Can you get WPBY from there?

Yes, I get WPBY with a signal strength of 90+ with a 4228 mounted in my attic with no amplifier. Keep in mind I had to make some compromises with my setup since the towers are 120 degrees apart from me and 3 and 16 miles away.

For those of you in Charleston, a good directional like the 4228 or possibly a 4221 with an amp should get you almost everything.

I tried one more time to get a waiver for CBS HD. I wrote a letter to management at WVMH but I knew what their answer would be. It is unfortunate to have all that good CBS programming in SD. I hope WVMH fails and is forced to sell to a real media holding company. With all the HD TV's on sale (even in Wal-Mart) there is no reason why WOWK should not be broadcasting in HD, other than they can't afford it.

Kuddos to WSAZ, WCHS, and WVAH.

WHCP...who cares. WB programming sucks anyway.



I WANT MY STEELERS IN HD!!!!!! :mad:

I hope WVMH fails and is forced to sell to a real media holding company.
Ditto. Complaining to them won't do any good. At this point they don't care. However, well written letter explaining how they are they last station in the market to not have HD to their advertisers, ie the ones that pay their bills, may get their attention.

Football season will be interesting with FOX and ABC now in HD all you need is an antenna, WOWK will lose market share to people who just got HD and want to watch everything in HD.

http://www.wvgazettemail.com/section/News/Today/2005082215

I am sooooo tired of not getting cbs broadcasts in HD!

I tried one more time to get a waiver for CBS HD.


As I reported a few months ago, when I ordered DirectTV, I asked for a waiver for all of the HD stations. Within a few weeks I got a waiver from NBC and CBS. I now receive CBS HD from New York as well as NBC HD from NY. ABC and FOX denied the waiver, but I can get those off air. I also get WSAZ off air so the NBC waiver is not a big deal. But CBS HD is fantastic!!!! :)

clueless,

I can't access your link (maybe I have to register). Can you summarize it?

loyalwvu,

I have CBS-HD as well on DirecTV. Looks like I'll be losing the West Coast feeds on 8/25. Looks like less HD football for me than last year when I had East and West Coast feeds. Did they give you both East and West, or were they proactive enough to only give the East Coast HD feed?

Jay,

I finally had some more time to work on my room. I'm 'hoping' that I have it finished by the end of October. I'd like to premier Batman Begins on the projector. If you still wanted to stop by sometime and see it before it's complete, just let me know.

Dallas,

I finally got around to doing the Drop Ceiling, last weekend actually. My father in law had a normal laser level that we were able to use. My room drops down quite low in the back. I have the rails in the front complete, I'll do the back this weekend. FYI: if you ever do a room and need a drop ceiling. Charleston Acoustics is a really great place to shop. I purchased their Drywall Tiles and are now painting them black. They sell Black Drop Ceiling Grids so you don't have to buy the white from lowes and paint them.

[QUOTE=tonybradley]clueless,

Jay,

I finally had some more time to work on my room. I'm 'hoping' that I have it finished by the end of October. I'd like to premier Batman Begins on the projector. If you still wanted to stop by sometime and see it before it's complete, just let me know.

I take my steaks medium rare and I am partial to a good cold guinness! :D

Hey, I live in Hamlin, or at least outside of it.

I have Directv since there is NO choice at all for cable (not that I would have it anyway, even if it was available). I'm looking into getting HD on the major networks. I've been around and around with Directv (3 different people now), trying to convince them to give me the national networks, rationalizing that it wasn't fair for me to pay 10.99 a limited number of HD channels, seeing how other people get double the number of channels in HD for the same price, simply due to location. Yeah, that got me real far.

Well, now I'm looking at OTA, it's about 30 minute drive to both charleston and huntington (probably only 20 miles in a straight line), but of course, the glorious terrain of West Virginia may cause a problem or two.

My house is somewhat elevated already on the side of a mountain. Anyone know what my chances of getting any local digital signals in HD here, even 1 would probably be worth is with football season coming up (plus the remaining nascar races on WSAZ would be awesome as well). I have a Hughes Directv HD receiver, which does have a OTA antenna recepticle, so I think I'm set there, I'm just not sure on the antenna I may need, or even if it's possible from my area.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Shame to have this awesome TV, and only get the benifit of a Monday Night Football game on ESPN and DVDs in Progressive Scan.

Greg

My house is somewhat elevated already on the side of a mountain.
Welcome to the forum Greg.

Which side of the mountain? If you are high on the north side you should have a pretty good shot at getting both sets of towers. Here are a couple of maps of the locations: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=4619267&&#post4619267

I would recommend a Channel Master 4228 or possibly a 4221 if the towers are more than 60 degrees apart. Add in a 7777 pre-amp and give it a try. Home Depot and Lowes also carry a few antennas that might work and you can return them if they don't.

Also, give a look at antennaweb.org. Plug in your address and it will give you distances and directions to the towers.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Tony: DirectTV only gave me the East coast feeds. But hey, something is better than nothing.

Greg in Hamlin: If you are the correct side of the mountain you would have an excellent shot on at least two towers. Point them toward Hurricane toward Rt 34.

Jay,

How about Ground Chuck and Sam's Choice Cola?

Question for you folks receiving Fox and ABC OTA. How does the PreSeason NFL games look? DirecTV looks pretty good with the games, nothing like it did when they introduced CBS-HD two SuperBowls ago.

Ok, I made a little trip to Lowes after checking out their website for Channel Master products. I bought a 3020 (which is good up to 60 miles for UHF), I thought bigger is better, right...*shrug*. I also bought a 3041DSB preamp (it had gain and noise numbers almost exactly to the 7777), but silly me did not get a mast for it, and laying it down on the pile of cinder blocks by my housegot me some analog signals from all the towers (none was watchable, but the sound came in fine), but no digital signals, so until I get a mast to put it up on the roof, I'll just have to wait.

And as for the side of the mountain, I'm southwest side, but I do have a pretty good clear shot to the north. WVAH/WCHS antennas are 13 miles away, at 35 degrees. WSAZ/WOWK is 21 miles away and at 337 degrees.

Maybe those numbers can help me out with some info and where I am, and what I'm up against.

If someone knows where I can get a 4228 locally, please let me know, it sounds more like what I need with the high degree (58 degrees) of separation of the towers from me. I got this setup to attempt to see if I can pick up 1 or 2 digital stations up. If it works out ok, I'll return the antenna for a better suited one to get more stations.

Greg

If someone knows where I can get a 4228 locally, please let me know, it sounds more like what I need with the high degree (73 degrees) of separation of the towers from me. I got this setup to attempt to see if I can pick up 1 or 2 digital stations up. If it works out ok, I'll return the antenna for a better suited one to get more stations.

Greg

If you can't find a 4228, you might also try a DB-8 from antennasdirect.com. I've had good luck with their DB-4 model in Charleston per my prior posts.

Good luck.

If someone knows where I can get a 4228 locally, please let me know, it sounds more like what I need with the high degree (58 degrees) of separation of the towers from me. I got this setup to attempt to see if I can pick up 1 or 2 digital stations up. If it works out ok, I'll return the antenna for a better suited one to get more stations.

Greg

I got my CM 4228 and 7777 preamp from solidsignal.com. The first one they sent me got lost and damaged by UPS so I called them up and they arranged a pickup and sent me a new one that arrived in 2 or 3 days. Nothing but good results from them. I also believe they are sponsor of avsforum.

They have the CM 4228 antenna for around $60 including shipping.

Wilk's TV in Huntington carries the 4221, but can get the 4228. A 4221 has a wider range and may be better for your situation. Also, the DB-8 is a very good antenna. Most pre-amps can be used with any antenna. I have not dealt with antennasdirect.com, but highly recommend solidsignal.com.

One other option for you if you can't get one antenna to bring in both sets of towers is a rotator. Many are remote controled and allow you to change the direction from your living room. Antenna joiners aren't a very viable solution because of the proximity of the channels, ie a joiner that blocks UHF 19 will cause problems on UHF 23 and vice versa.

Good luck.

Does anyone know if ABC will have the WVU/ Syracuse game in HD?

Does anyone know if ABC will have the WVU/ Syracuse game in HD?

No such luck.

According to a prior post on hdsportsguide.com, ABC is only going to broadcast a few regular season games in HD this fall. One of them will be FSU-Miami game on Labor Day. The others have not yet been announced.

Hey guys, new to HDTV...

I live in an Apt. complex across from the Spring Valley HS football field. I purchased an indoor antenna and can get WVAH Fox on 11.1. However, I can not get anything else. I figure I should be able to get wsaz/wowk since their towers are closer. With the antenna, I can pick-up wsaz analog better than wvah analog but no signal in HD. I am tunning to 3.1. My sony TV rates the signal for wsaz at 41 (also the same for wowk and abc). Why am I able to get wvah and nothing else? Am I doing something wrong?

Thanks,
Andy

Outdoor antennas work MUCH better. Channellmaster 4228 from solid signal.com great choice. Visit antennaweb.org to find the direction of all the stations from your house and welcome to the thread!

Outdoor antennas work MUCH better. Channellmaster 4228 from solid signal. great choice. Visit antennaweb to find the direction of all the stations from your house and welcome to the thread!


thnx for the reply! would i need an amplifer with this antenna? if so, what would you recommend? also, any idea's why i am picking-up wvah with a very strong signal currently and nothing else?

thnx again

thnx for the reply! would i need an amplifer with this antenna? if so, what would you recommend? also, any idea's why i am picking-up wvah with a very strong signal currently and nothing else?

thnx again

I think WVAH broadcasts their digital signal on Channel 19. WCHS broadcasts their digital signal from virtually the same location on Channel 41. My very limited undertanding is that the lower frequencies may carry better. Your antenna may also pick up certain frequencies better than others.

If you want to continue to experiment with your reception before committing to an antenna that you may not be able to return, you should pick up a Terk 32 antenna at Circuit City. It is a 4-bay dedicated UHF antenna. It is way overpriced (and acutally nothing more than a re-branded Winegard 4400), but Circuit City does have a liberal return policy. It would give you a good idea of what you could get with a Channel Master 4221 or 4228.

I would definitely try it outside and also experiment with a pre-amp from Lowes (another store with a liberal return policy).

If I'm not mistaken, Circuit City has or will change their return policy so the Customer has to pay restocking fees. I can't remember where I heard this, but it was after some dude bought all his equipment there for a movie he made, then returned it all. ........please take this with a grain of salt, just something I heard someone else say.

well, due to the horrible quality of armstrong's abc feed of the miami/fsu game tonight i decided to give it another shot with the indoor antenna. after about an hour of twisting and turning i have now added abc and cbs to my hd line-up! for some reason i still can not get anything from wsaz...

using Terk TV5 indoor antenna in Spring Valley I am getting: wchs, wvah, wowk, wlpx (pax), and wpby.

and cbs to my hd line-up! .
You added CBS DT. WOWK does not broadcast in HD. :( :mad:

Does anyone know if WOAY-DT (50) in the Oak Hill area transmits in HD or is it just digital??

Does anyone know if WOAY-DT (50) in the Oak Hill area transmits in HD or is it just digital??

Is that a PBS station? I have never heard of it.

Is that a PBS station? I have never heard of it.
ABC.

You added CBS DT. WOWK does not broadcast in HD. :( :mad:


so why do they have this channel? plans to add hd?

so why do they have this channel? plans to add hd?
Do a search in this thread for the term "Antichrist". :D

They have the digital channel up because the FCC made them. WOWK is owned by a guy that thinks that HD is a fad that will pass. :(

WOWK is owned by a guy that thinks that HD is a fad that will pass. :(



i bet he still owns stock in Beta-Max...


that sucks, i was pumped about getting all my football in HD :(

andy,

All broadcasters are being forced to go digital (i.e. WOWK-DT), but HD is not mandatory. Since the Antichrist owns WOWK, they decided only to do what they were being forced to do. So, they aren't happy, and neither are we. If they would pump out HD, at least WE would be happy, and they could still remain unhappy....no change for them.

that sucks, i was pumped about getting all my football in HD :(
Give WVAH HD your football eyes. CBS is only doing 3 games a week and most likely they will be the "National" games that we don't get here anyway. Can't deprive us of our Bengals and Browns. :eek:

I suggest writing polite letters to WOWK advertisers letting them know that HD is here and wonder why WOWK is not on board. See my sig.

WCHS (MNF) and WVAH (FOX) will have plenty of football in HD. :)

So, they aren't happy, and neither are we. If they would pump out HD, at least WE would be happy, and they could still remain unhappy....no change for them.
ROTFLMAOSTC!

The thought of BC being unhappy gives me a nice warm feeling inside. :D

Does anyone know if WOAY-DT (50) in the Oak Hill area transmits in HD or is it just digital??

If anyone else cares I received an e-mail reply from WOAY's engineer and it is only SD digital (as I suspected).

Now that I have his name I'm going to try to get him to give me an HD waiver so I can get WABC-HD via DirecTV. That is the only network I am missing since D* thinks I can get WOAY over the air.

In case you didn't know D* added their DNS eligibility web page back online.. and it now includes HD eligibility. Looks like they are currently basing HD eligibility on the old analog formula.

http://directvdnseligibility.decisionmark.com/app/AddressEntry.asp

Is tonight's game going to be OTA HD?

Pregame was not but the game is in HD!

I noticed D*** has WOWK listed as broadcasting in HD? Its a shame the only time I will see the Steelers in HD are when they play on FOX or ABC.

Did anyone see OHIO beat Pitt. I love it!!!!

Well I emailed D** requesting a signal test for WOWK. I think I can win this one. I live in rural valley and get a very poor signal on WOWK SD. Even though I still wont see the Steelers, at least I can view other CBS programming and p*** off/ defeat BC. Fingers Crossed.

Did anyone see OHIO beat Pitt. I love it!!!!
I watched until midway through the 4th when I fell asleep. Got the score first thing this morning.

Of course, I am extremely depressed/pi**ed off at the horrible play call by the new coach at Marshall. Kick the !@#$ field goal.

I watched until midway through the 4th when I fell asleep. Got the score first thing this morning.

Of course, I am extremely depressed/pi**ed off at the horrible play call by the new coach at Marshall. Kick the !@#$ field goal.
I heard on the WV pregame radio broadcast that the Herd QB made the wrong call (misread the signal).

I heard on the WV pregame radio broadcast that the Herd QB made the wrong call (misread the signal).


that is confirmed and is correct. still on the shoulders of the coach. there was a lot of confusion and he should have called TO and won the game...

I watched until midway through the 4th when I fell asleep. Got the score first thing this morning.

Of course, I am extremely depressed/pi**ed off at the horrible play call by the new coach at Marshall. Kick the !@#$ field goal.

I was at thegame. It was surreal. Everyone stood there in amazement like the Refs were going to say "Ok guys, that was just stupid, lets have a Do Over".

Skinner was looking at the side lines shrugging his shoulders. He was running back out still shrugging his shoulders. The entire stadium was yelling to call a time out because obviously, Skinner was confused. It's ALL on the coach. I think everyone's emotions were running high because of the events that led up to the end.

Kansas State had NO class. After the win (yes, after a big upset on beating a conference usa team...LOL....), they stomped on the M on the 50. The herd rushed the field and a fight broke out. Number 66 went after one of the coaches. Yes Kansas State.....you are a Big 12 team that beat a first year C-USA team. You should be proud.

I was playing golf today and joined up with Chris Liester. I knew I recognized his name but it wasn't until we got to talking that I realized who he is. He is the old station manager of WOWK. He has since moved to the sales department. I asked him if he liked his boss and he smiled. I subsequently explained our situation and that I thought his boss is the antichrist. He got a laugh out of that.

He is a very nice guy and a straight shooter. He said the FCC just ruled last month against them on their desire to get digital channel 13. He also said early in the game they offered the HD feed to charter. I then made a smart ass comment about charter not paying Mr. Carey enough and he said the original offer was free! :(

He said originally he was getting a lot of emails in reference to our demand for HD. This has tapered off. I told him it was all my friends that were doing the emailing. He said he would revisit the issue and hopefully now I have an inside source as I am quite sure Mr. Carey will never talk to me again! :D

Does anyone know if WCHS-DT has plans to upgrade to 5.1 sound?

I was playing golf today and joined up with Chris Liester. I knew I recognized his name but it wasn't until we got to talking that I realized who he is. He is the old station manager of WOWK. He has since moved to the sales department. I asked him if he liked his boss and he smiled. I subsequently explained our situation and that I thought his boss is the antichrist. He got a laugh out of that.

He is a very nice guy and a straight shooter. He said the FCC just ruled last month against them on their desire to get digital channel 13. He also said early in the game they offered the HD feed to charter. I then made a smart ass comment about charter not paying Mr. Carey enough and he said the original offer was free! :(

He said originally he was getting a lot of emails in reference to our demand for HD. This has tapered off. I told him it was all my friends that were doing the emailing. He said he would revisit the issue and hopefully now I have an inside source as I am quite sure Mr. Carey will never talk to me again! :D

Keep up the good work Jay. That is something I never thought I would here. A Doctor playing golf?

I installed an amplifier on my antenna and now at this very moment 5:30 PM I get WSAZ and WVAH with 100% reception and no dropouts. WCHS does not come in at all and I watched the game Thursday without the antenna on WCHS. Why can't they just put this sh*t on cable!

I'm one step closer: :)






Dear Mr. Smith,

Thank you for writing. We are sorry for any frustration this has caused. I have sent a signal strength request form to the address listed on your account. Please keep in mind that the test does not guarantee that you will receive Los Angeles and New York networks. Please complete the form and mail it to:

DNS Signal Test Request
PO Box 92600
Los Angeles, CA 90009

When the test is complete, DIRECTV will notify you of the results and give you the status of your request to receive the signal of networks in New York and Los Angeles.

Sincerely,

Lisa H
DIRECTV Customer Service

It is worse than I thought. I rescanned my channels and I have PAX, WSAZ, WVAH, WOWK, PBS all with 100 signal strengthbut no wchs and therefore no Monday night football. Thsi sucks. I think as something comes on in HD on any given channel I lose that channel. Permant suckiness!

I think it is something up with WCHS. Since it broadcasts off the same tower as WVAH, if you can get one, you "should" get the other.

My father in Milton couldn't get it last night either.

I think it is something up with WCHS. Since it broadcasts off the same tower as WVAH, if you can get one, you "should" get the other.

My father in Milton couldn't get it last night either.

Something must be up. I got the game last night, but it was frequently switching back and forth from widescreen to 4:3.

By the way, I'm no fan of Notre Dame, but I'm curious to see the quality of NBC's HD broadcast of the ND-Michigan State game this Saturday.

He is a very nice guy and a straight shooter. He said the FCC just ruled last month against them on their desire to get digital channel 13. :D

Here is the link to the application for a construction permit that WOWK recently filed with FCC for digital channel 47. The engineering report that is linked to the application seems to suggest they are wanting to tweak their broadcast antenna setup. Most of it is Greek to me. Hopefully this link will work:

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101079317&formid=301&fac_num=23342

Of course, I don't think this says anything about HD.

Something must be up. I got the game last night, but it was frequently switching back and forth from widescreen to 4:3.

By the way, I'm no fan of Notre Dame, but I'm curious to see the quality of NBC's HD broadcast of the ND-Michigan State game this Saturday.


I watched it on DirecTV last night out of NY. It was switching between 4:3 and 16:9 on that channel as well.

For those that have NY Networks in HD through DirecTV AND OTA, please let me know if you see a world of difference in PQ. When DirecTV first added CBS-HD for the Superbowl two years ago, the picture was Phenominal. Everyone knows the horror stories with D* compression and how bad their HD looks. I haven't really noticed much of a problem until Football season. Two years ago, you could see the details of the fans in the crowd. Now, the players standing on the sideline look all fuzzy. It looks like a good 16:9 Standard Def signal. No crisper than a DVD. If someone (cough cough...Dallas) can assure me that OTA is an incredible HD picture that is far superior to D*'s singal, then I'll suck up my fear of heights and put up my Channel Master Antenna I haven't used since I was at the old house. Who am I kidding? Anyone want to hang my antenna...LOL?

The SEA/JAX game that WVAH was broadcasting on their digital channel (They were showing WAS/CHI on the analog.) looked spectacular. Best HD I have seen in a while. But many of the ST games on D* looked pretty good even with the compression.

Quite frankly, I have not watched much network TV over the summer as it was all reruns of stuff I had already seen. But starting next Monday I will be taking in many of my favorites and some new shows as well. I will find a good time and record the same show from WVAH and FOX HD via D* and compare them.

OTOH, I can't see any possible way that WCHS won't beat ABC HD via D* unless it is not up. ABC HD via D* is horrible. So unless LOST and DH are filmed to be a little fuzzy, then D*'s compression is killing that channel.

OTA should/will beat D* as it is an uncompressed signal

Raymond Beckner was very helpful in reference to my inability to obtain his stations signal. I will try his recomendations but I am not encouraged at this point. I will never get all the channels at the same time it is not in the cards

Something must be up. I got the game last night, but it was frequently switching back and forth from widescreen to 4:3.

By the way, I'm no fan of Notre Dame, but I'm curious to see the quality of NBC's HD broadcast of the ND-Michigan State game this Saturday.


i too noticed this...

what the heck do i need in order to get wsaz? it is the closest to me, yet the only channel i can not get...

only an act of God will allow us to have HD OTA all channels all the time without issues!

only an act of God will allow us to have HD OTA all channels all the time without issues!

Hopefully next year, or 2007 at the latest, we will have them all (except CBS I guess) on DirecTV. Whether that is "without issues" is another story.

Bob Lee from WDBJ-7 posted in the Roanoke thread to say that cable operators in southeastern West Virginia have been receiving massive interference in the analog WDBJ-7 signal. Can anyone confirm that WVNS-DT on channel 8 is now on the air causing this interference?

- Trip

What is it with BC and his insistence on trying to run a DT station via VHF channels? When almost everyone else in the country is accepting UHF as the DT spectrum, BC tries like hell to either keep a VHF channel (WOWK) or try to use a VHF channel (WVNS).

Trip,

Tell Bob Lee he is dealing with a complete idiot. See my sig.

Email and reply I got from WOWK on HD:

-----Original Message-----
From: Bray Cary [mailto:bcary@wvmh.com]
Sent: Sun 9/18/2005 4:36 PM
To: Skolnick, Kari (BMS)
Cc:
Subject: RE: HDTV


We are waiting until cable will carry the HD signal. Hopefully by the end of the year.

Bray Cary, CEO
West Virginia Media
(o) 304-720-6520

_____

Sent: Sun 9/18/2005 4:09 PM
To: Bray Cary
Subject: HDTV


When will WOWK be available in HD? All other local networks are available.


********************
good news is, i am now getting wsaz in HD!!!

Hopefully by the end of the year.

Bray Cary, CEO
West Virginia Media
(o) 304-720-6520

Which year? :rolleyes:

Which year? :rolleyes:
Classic!

Did the planets allign momentarily last night I had all 6 digital stations. By the second game though WCHS was suffering from multipath issues 93 then 45 then 0. I just can't watch anything with dropouts. WVAH on same tower 100% with no problems. I hope they do get all this stuff on cable.

I had all 6 digital stations.......WCHS was suffering from multipath issues 93 then 45 then 0. I just can't watch anything with dropouts. WVAH on same tower 100% with no problems.
My father has the same problems, but he has a straight shot at the tower and no nearby hills. I can see it at night from his house and he gets WVAH with no issues, but can't keep a signal locked on WCHS.

I wonder if it is related to 19 having better range than 41 at the same power? But he gets WOWK-DT at 47 with no issues at a greater distance. I can see those towers as well. :confused:

At my house in Teays Valley, I get WCHS with little problem, but I am less than 2 miles from the tower.

Six stations? Other than the 4 networks and WPBY, what were you getting?

Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, PAX, PBS, if the last two really count but get them with good signals!

Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, PAX, PBS, if the last two really count but get them with good signals!


also getting the above stations in spring valley.

question: why are there 6,759 PAX channels? (and why do they all suck?)

6 Digital Channels? I currently get 3, 8, and 11 with little or no interference. Are there other channels in our market? Football looks great on ESPN, the deuce, and FOX.

When will the new WB/ UPN be up and running?

Football looks great on ESPN, the deuce, and FOX.


I caught the end of WSAZ's 1080i broadcast of the Notre Dame-MSU game last weekend -- I thought it looked phenomenal on my Sony direct-view set.

I can only imagine that this is what HD would look like from a real CBS affiliate ...

Yeah that game looked great. A big touchdown for WSAZ! I have a 60" Panasonic. The SD channels I have set with Pillar Box. CH 13 SD on Directv looks horrible. If I were BC, I would be embarassed to associate my name with WOWK. They need to step into the 21st century!

Yeah that game looked great. A big touchdown for WSAZ! I have a 60" Panasonic. The SD channels I have set with Pillar Box. CH 13 SD on Directv looks horrible. If I were BC, I would be embarassed to associate my name with WOWK. They need to step into the 21st century!


Bray Carey IS the reason WOWK is what it is it not the other way around WOWK should feel horrible that they are owned by the antichrist! :D

I'm going to have to install my antenna. DirecTV Distant Feeds are looking worse and worse. Don't get me wrong, football still looks good, but not GREAT like HD should. After hearing everyone speak on the OTA quality, I feel ridiculous for not having my antenna up.

FYI: My Ceiling is in, the Projector is up and so is the screen. The carpet for my HT room was installed yesterday. I leave for vacation on Saturday, so I won't be able to finish it for a couple weeks.

Whats up with ABC? The sound is out of sync with the video, cannot enjoy MNF :-(

I noticied the same. It was the first program I got to watch in HD OTA, it is a shame the sound was a mess. Looking forward to LOST though on Wednesday.

A question for all....

What is it with FOX HD???

Its suppossed to be on the same tower that WCHS uses right???

I can get WCHS...but I get no signal at all with FOX, how can this be when they are on the same tower. I live in Dunbar, I'm on a hill but have a ton of obstructions in the tower's direction, other buildings etc. I am using typical indoor antenna that is amplified.

I am now living in Scott Depot and loving HD on networks 9except the one owned by the 'debil'. I am moving to Evans on Rt 87 outside of Ripley. What are the chances on getting abc, nbc, and fox. Antennaweb says no to digital. ANy ideas?

I think the ABC issue was network related as I was having audio problems on ABC-HD from D*.

I emailed Charter to see if they planned on adding CBS HD anytime soon, here was the response I got...


I received your email inquire and I am sorry that we were not able to reply to you sooner but I can assist you. As for your concern about HDTV programming and options, I agree with you that we have not been as quick to launch new HD services as we should have and again I apologize.

We are in negotiations with all channels for their HD feeds. Charter is working hard to make sure we get the best deal possible for these services. Our problems in the past have been that we jump at these new services and paid more than we should have for the product. This has lead to higher rates for our customers and we are committed to no longer doing business like that. We will be adding more HD programming as we complete negotiations with the Networks.

If you have any additional questions you may contact us at 1-800-972-5757, by email, or by Live Chat. You can contact Charter Communications 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Amber
Charter Communications

I emailed Charter to see if they planned on adding CBS HD anytime soon, here was the response I got...


I received your email inquire and I am sorry that we were not able to reply to you sooner but I can assist you. As for your concern about HDTV programming and options, I agree with you that we have not been as quick to launch new HD services as we should have and again I apologize.

We are in negotiations with all channels for their HD feeds. Charter is working hard to make sure we get the best deal possible for these services. Our problems in the past have been that we jump at these new services and paid more than we should have for the product. This has lead to higher rates for our customers and we are committed to no longer doing business like that. We will be adding more HD programming as we complete negotiations with the Networks.

If you have any additional questions you may contact us at 1-800-972-5757, by email, or by Live Chat. You can contact Charter Communications 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Amber
Charter Communications
Does Charter carry ANY of the OTA networks available yet in the Charleston area? (I have DirecTV).

Does Charter carry ANY of the OTA networks available yet in the Charleston area? (I have DirecTV).
No. Neither does Adelphia. :(

Tony,

Have you talked with Darrin lately? Tell him I said hello if you do.

I received an Email from Bray Cary regarding WOWK HD. He states they will be broadcasting in HD within 6 mo. A bit of good news.

WSAZ's signal has suffered during the rains. Does anyone else notice that?

GO EEERS.......

I received an Email from Bray Cary regarding WOWK HD. He states they will be broadcasting in HD within 6 mo. A bit of good news...
Yes, it is, but at what power?

Are they up to full power yet?

Well...wish me luck. My antenna came in today and while it won't be a definative test, I should have it assembled and hooked up tomorrow for a few little tests.

I live a LOOOOOONG way from the towers of WCHS/Fox 11 and I'm doubtful that I'm going to have good results but you never know...I'm up quite a way and I purchased the highest gain antenna I could get.

I'll post and let you know the results...if there are any results:)

The great "Antenna Project" has begun and I have to tell you, I'm stunned with the results so far.

We assembled our antenna today and after a quick trip to the Radio Shack for some RG6, we started the actual installation project. For testing purposes, we decided to do a "quickie-mount" and basically hung the atenna from two bent coathangers in our attic, attached the coax, ran it down through the attic access, down the stairs and across the floor to the TV. At this point I just KNEW that I had wasted about $150.00.

I turned on the set, typed in "19" on the keypad and prepared for disappointment and to my surprise...I saw a CRYSTAL CLEAR, High Definition picture of tonights MLB Game. I was floored! I started checking the other channels and here's what I have on a rather overcast, foggy, damp night in Edmond WV:

WSAZ-DT (NBC)- Signal 47
WCHS-DT (ABC)- Signal 91
WVAH-DT (FOX) - Signal 80
WOWK-DT (CBS) *well..sort of...* - Signal 73
WLPX-DT (Pax?) - Signal 78 on all channels
WPBY-DT (PBS) - Signal 47

The channel I thought I would receive all over the place, WOAY-DT (ABC) is not available. It's signal was fluctuating between a 9 and a 10...go figure.

I also get NOTHING from WVVA-DT but that was expected, there is a rather large mountain between here and there.

Now...to say that I'm ecstatic would be incorrect. I just can't believe it. I'll keep checking the signals to see how much they fluctuate in different weather but again...my antenna is hanging (and badly) from two bent coathangers IN my attic and I'm getting these results. If this holds, I don't have to worry about wind, snow and/or ice damage.

WOW...I have actually seen HDTV. It's mucho cool!

The great "Antenna Project" has begun and I have to tell you, I'm stunned with the results so far.

We assembled our antenna today and after a quick trip to the Radio Shack for some RG6, we started the actual installation project. For testing purposes, we decided to do a "quickie-mount" and basically hung the atenna from two bent coathangers in our attic, attached the coax, ran it down through the attic access, down the stairs and across the floor to the TV. At this point I just KNEW that I had wasted about $150.00.

I turned on the set, typed in "19" on the keypad and prepared for disappointment and to my surprise...I saw a CRYSTAL CLEAR, High Definition picture of tonights MLB Game. I was floored! I started checking the other channels and here's what I have on a rather overcast, foggy, damp night in Edmond WV:

WSAZ-DT (NBC)- Signal 47
WCHS-DT (ABC)- Signal 91
WVAH-DT (FOX) - Signal 80
WOWK-DT (CBS) *well..sort of...* - Signal 73
WLPX-DT (Pax?) - Signal 78 on all channels
WPBY-DT (PBS) - Signal 47

The channel I thought I would receive all over the place, WOAY-DT (ABC) is not available. It's signal was fluctuating between a 9 and a 10...go figure.

I also get NOTHING from WVVA-DT but that was expected, there is a rather large mountain between here and there.

Now...to say that I'm ecstatic would be incorrect. I just can't believe it. I'll keep checking the signals to see how much they fluctuate in different weather but again...my antenna is hanging (and badly) from two bent coathangers IN my attic and I'm getting these results. If this holds, I don't have to worry about wind, snow and/or ice damage.

WOW...I have actually seen HDTV. It's mucho cool!


What kind of receiver do you have? Just curious.

And WOAY-DT is at very low power right now, so I don't think you should be getting a lot of signal from them. But let me ask you this, when you tune to 8, do you get WCHS analog or WVNS-DT digital?

- Trip

We assembled our antenna today and after a quick trip to the Radio Shack for some RG6, we started the actual installation project. For testing purposes, we decided to do a "quickie-mount" and basically hung the atenna from two bent coathangers in our attic, attached the coax, ran it down through the attic access, down the stairs and across the floor to the TV. At this point I just KNEW that I had wasted about $150.00.



What kind of antenna did you buy?

Paul,

Glad to hear you are getting signal. Once you have decided the location in the attic, try turning it maximize signal. I have a CM4228 * w/o an amp in the attic and if it gets bumped so much as 10 degrees, it will kill my signal. So you need to experiment and maybe you will get WSAZ.

Also, are you using an amp. It can really boost your signal in some cases.

* I have a 4228, but have removed 1 of the 2 screens on the back. Like I said, it takes some trial and error, but I pick up all 5 nets with no trouble vs. 2 before I started playing around.

Hey guys, just reading the threads I've missed for a while.

Paul,

I talk to Darrin about everyday. He's doing fine. He just doesn't have a lot of time right now with the new addition to the family, that's why you don't see him on here much. Forgive my geographically challenged question, but where is Edmond?

Dallas,

I have a CM4228 as well. However, it's been sitting in my basement for over a year since I moved. I live in Sissonville. What do you think the 'odds' are for me pulling in some of these channels if I placed my antenna in the attic? The more I watch DirecTV HD, the more I want my antenna up, but would love to NOT put it on the house. I live up on a hill, so that may help a little too.

Tony,

You shouldn't have any trouble, but it all depends on your attic. I have the ability to spin mine around 360 degrees to get the best angle. The towers for me are 120 degrees apart and should be less for you.

Taking the screen off 1 side made the difference. I tried it with both screens off and I wasn't getting WOWK at all. So adding the 1 screen back brought it in. I don't think I can use an amp given the WVAH/WCHS tower is 3 miles away.

And yes, OTA looks much better. :)

Possible promising news in an email from Chris Cleister who I golfed with recently and works at Satan's station.

"Doctor Lohan



I talked to Bray after our golf game and you should be pleased with the outcome although I have forwarded your note to him so he can reply in person. We’re still trying to get Charter to take it now. We are in retransmission negotiations with Charter now and should be available by January 1 at the latest. "

We are in retransmission negotiations with Charter now and should be available by January 1 at the latest. "
That's great news, but:

What about OTA and what about Adelphia? The western part of his market (B'ville, Huntington, Ashland, and Ironton) has Adelphia. And me here in N. Putnam County although Adelphia doesn't offer a HD package here yet. But Huntington's is pretty good. Better than D*.

Wouldn't it be ironic if BC lead the pack with cable carriage and all the others had to follow?

Dallas,

I will give the attic a try in the next few weeks and let you know how it works. Do you have a picture of your antenna in the attic? I remember it was in the paper when they visited your house. I have that clip somewhere, I just can't place it.

Is it legal for a Network Station to provide a signal (i.e. HDTV) to a cable operator or satellite provider WITHOUT providing it OTA? I sure hope not.

Trip,

I'm not sure what kind of receiver I have...it's built in to my Hitachi 51S715.

DiamondDave,

I have a DB8 Multidirectional HD Antenna from AntennasDirect. It's a multi-directional antenna and so far, I have no problems. My wife moved it a bit today while she was working in the attic and my signal strength changed some. Now WCHS-DT and WVAH-DT are virtually the same as far as signal strength. I lost some signal on WSAZ-DT and gained a bit on WSWP-DT. Overall, I'm still EXTREMELY happy. Lost looks Awesome!

Herdfan,

As I said above...so far no problems. Our plan is to mount some sort of mast in the attic, get the antenna secured and then tweak the signal to optimum. I still can't believe I get everthing...I actually uttered a few colorful metaphors last night when the WVAH-DT signal snapped in!

Tony,

Edmond is in Fayette County...my house is approximately 3 miles from the New River Gorge Bridge. I drive 57 miles or so to work, at WCHS, everyday. As you may imagine...I'm not very happy with the $2.99 per gallon price of gas!

Is it legal for a Network Station to provide a signal (i.e. HDTV) to a cable operator or satellite provider WITHOUT providing it OTA? I sure hope not.

I believe that as long as they are actually BROADCASTING a signal (any signal) and can get it out of their Master Control Room to the cable head-in at acceptable levels, they're OK. This is similar to what the WB is trying to do in Charleston. Their signal OTA is not very good as I understand it but since they can hit the cable head-ins for Charter, Adelphia and the other smaller companies...they have the penetration they seek...just via cable rather than OTA. I'm not a broadcast engineer by any means but I know when the Fox 11 Tower hit the ground, that was what we did.

I drive 57 miles or so to work, at WCHS, everyday. As you may imagine...I'm not very happy with the $2.99 per gallon price of gas!
Too bad you don't work down at WVAH. Gas is $2.65 at the TCA. :)

Back to the WOWK scenario. I can pick up their DT signal. The FCC has mandated that they be at full power and I pick them up much better than I used to, so something is going on. Could they by-pass the OTA DT feed and pipe a HD feed directly to Charter via fiber and skip purchasing the equipment to send out the HD feed via OTA? Is that possible?

And do you know why there is no guide data on D* for WVAH-DT? I thought it was a PSIP issue, but I had my antenna hooked into another TV for a while and was still getting guide data for the other 3 nets (WSAZ, WOWK and WCHS) even though the antenna was not hooked up. In the rush to get WVAH up for the Superbowl last year did anyone turn on the guide data that feeds DirecTV? I get the analog guide data just fine for WVAH.

Great TV BTW. I have the 57S500 which is the same without the OTA tuner. I have my D* STB so I don't need it. But the picture on it can be stunning. I just got a Denon upconverting DVD player and am hoping it does what they say it does.

The WB may be hitting the Adelphia headend in Redhouse, but just barely. The PQ on that channel is horrible. D* provides me with a WB out of Miami.

I did drive all the way to WVAH for a while...over a year in fact. 87.8 miles door to door and 90 minutes in the car each way.

I keep meaning to walk next door and ask Raymond about the guide data. We're gearing up for November and I'm busier than the proverbial "one-legged man in the butt kicking contest" right now and that's just ONE of the things I forget to do every day ;) .

I did ask him about the broadcast/cable issue in regard to WOWK and he didn't think there was anything that would STOP them from just supplying to Charter (are they truly NOT talking to Adelphia?????) as he said the FCC only mandates DTV...not High Definition DTV. That would really suck but what are you going to do? Look at his numbers...if it weren't for CBS Prime I doubt that they could possibly stay in business.

The WB in Charleston is an even bigger experiment than my DTV Antenna. You're correct about their signal...it's pretty bad but they ARE on the cable system and as long as they have that, they can get the job done.

I ended up getting my S715 for a great price from Sears. I was really debating whether or not to get the 7 series just for the HD Tuner 'cause I never thought in a million years I'd ever be able to get a signal here. What attracted me, initially, was the better lens system and the overal design of the cabinet (sorry to say this but it just looked SEXIER) Now, I'm really glad I did. The tweakablility of Hitachi TVs just blows my mind.

I'm really looking forward to Sunday...my first experience with HD and the NFL!

(are they truly NOT talking to Adelphia?????)
Don't know, but in almost every public comment BC has made regarding HD, he only refers to getting carriage on Charter. I would guess that since he usually talking to Charleston media, that he taylors his comments to them, but you never know.

You are going to love football in HD. And the feed coming from WVAH is stunning. It looks so much better than the HD games on NFLST via D*

You guys are making me jelous!!! I'm watching HD Lite on DirecTV and I know I could have so much better. As soon as I finish this darn room that's taking forever, I will hook up my antenna. I could care less about WSAZ as I don't watch any of their Prime Time shows, nor Nascar. And I don't watch Notre Dame football either...LOL.

Fox, ABC and CBS are the three I really want. Too bad for CBS.

Dallas,

I have the Networks on DirecTV and I'm not happy with their HD quality. Once I get my antenna up and working, do you know if it's possible to cancel all but CBS on DirecTV?

Paul,

I used to drive almost an hour and a half to work when I lived in PA and drove to Baltimore. I did that for about 5 years and it got very old. My wife and I then moved back home to good ol' WV and now I'm about 15-20 minutes away from work.

Anyone here close to Point Pleasant, WV? Are you able to receive any HD OTA?

Raymond wasn't around much today and I was insanely busy at work so I didn't really get to ask about the guide data. I'll try Monday...

I know BC is nuts but to truly give up on HIS side of the DMA...that's just boggles my mind. I have problems on that side of the Market but I work my butt off trying to have a presence there. Seems like he just wants to alienate the viewers in his backyard.

Tony,

I know I can manage my networks as I choose but since I have waivers for all but ABC, (I'm actually in the Beckley/Bluefield Market so WOAY kills me), I can carry what I want. You're getting the Charleston/Huntington stations...correct? I'm not sure about that as far as your package. Do you actually pay for them?

Driving that far blows dude...by Thursday, I'm totally fried.

Also, in one of the posts in this thread, you guys mentioned that you may try to get together during the week. If that ever happens...make sure you let me know. I would love to meet some of the other HT gang here. Darrin and I used to get together every so often but with the changes in his life...I figure that's going to be a lot more difficult now.

Once I get my antenna up and working, do you know if it's possible to cancel all but CBS on DirecTV?
I don't know, but I don't think its a risk worth taking for a few $ a month. You could lose CBS knowing how D* CSR's can foul things up. Do you get the locals now or are you still 100% DNS? I would wait until D* gives a date for the 51-75 markets for going up on the birds. And it might be good to keep for those times when the locals are having trouble. For example, WSAZ was notorious for not flipping the switch for NASCAR races. A backup feed can never hurt. :)

Ironically, CBS looks the best of all HD nets on D*. Of course that could be because I have nothing to compare it to. :(

I really wish I could get the networks over the air. I live on the other side of Ashland and in a valley so I guess I will just have to live with D* lite for now on the networks.

Dallas, that's what I was thinking. Better to be safe that sorry and spend the ~$9 a month for the DirecTV DNS. I have the DNS East HD feeds and the local SD feeds for both East and West.

Paul,

I'll talk to Darrin and see if he's up for something through the week. We were having problems setting times to where several could make it. We had a couple where there were about 10 folks, but our last one, it was just Me, Darrin, Dallas and Joel (another HT buddy, but he doesn't visit the forum). Darrin may be able to pull away for a couple hours for an evening to get together. I'll ask him about it this weekend.

All the new people posting is cool, welcome all. Maybe we should have a meet.

Also anyone buy the radio shack OTA reciever recently on sale for $89?

I just have to say again...I really wish I liked Baseball as I'm happy to say the WVAH-DT signal just looks freakin' AWESOME!

We (my wife and I...mainly the wife) used an old Sat Dish Bracket and have now officially and permanently "mounted" the antenna in the attic. We were able to fine tune it a bit and tonight, I was getting between 58 and 62 for the WSAZ-DT signal. WCHS-DT and WVAH-DT were running between 85 and 90 and WOWK-DT was about 75. Not too shabby if I do say so myself:)!

Tony...if you speak with Darrin, let him know that I'm living large with OTA-HDTV. If you guys do plan on doing something during the week...make sure to let me know. I think my e-mail is accessible through this forum if not...Darrin should have both my personal and work addresses.

I know I can manage my networks as I choose but since I have waivers for all but ABC, (I'm actually in the Beckley/Bluefield Market so WOAY kills me), I can carry what I want. You're getting the Charleston/Huntington stations...correct? I'm not sure about that as far as your package. Do you actually pay for them?



Paul,

Since you are in the broadcast business would you happen to have a contact at WOAY? I live in Madison WV and for some reason the signal strength model D* uses says I can get WOAY OTA and therefore they won't give me the NY ABC affiliate in HD. I tried to get a waiver from WOAY but was denied. (Which doesn't make a lot of sense since WOAY is not in my DMA and neither Charter nor D* carry them.) ABC is the only DNS HD network I can't get. I tried calling WOAY about it but got the run around. I thought maybe you might know someone at the station I could talk to.

I was getting between 58 and 62 for the WSAZ-DT signal........and WOWK-DT was about 75.
Somethings is not right. I am about 16 miles from the towers (WSAZ & WOWK) and I get 90 on WSAZ and 70 on WOWK. WSAZ has always had a stronger signal for me. Have you tried, or are you using an amplifier?

I am only 3-4 miles from WCHS/WVAH so I can't use an amp or I will overload those signals.

I've noticed a lot of things with this. My WCHS-DT and WVAH-DT signals are pretty much rock-solid at 85-89. WCHS-DT seems to be stronger which to me seems odd as they are both on the same tower. Now, I know the Analog heights but I'm not sure if they are the same for Digital. I do know that our digital signal for WVAH should is on the lower frequency and should require less power to do more but again, WCHS-DT is the stronger of the two.

Today, I was hitting 65 on WSAZ-DT, an all time high. At this moment, the signal is still in that area 63 to 65.

WOWK-DT seems to stay right in the 75 range with little movement in either direction. WPBY-DT also seems to live in the 43-45 range with has been completely acceptable so far.

The rest seem to be within 2-3 points of where I started and again, I'm OK with that right now.

Maybe it has to do with the way the signal is moving out from the towers...I haven't the slightest idea.

I am not running an amplifier as these signals seem to be strong enough for me at this point. That may change with the seasons but since the leaves are leaving now, I'll have to wait 'til spring to see how that effects reception.

Clueless,

I'm sorry to say that I know no one at WOAY but I do know that if you're on the list for them as your local ABC...they WILL NOT grant you a waiver. If I were you, I would ask for the signal analysis...that may do the trick. If you get an engineer out there and you aren't able to get an acceptable signal, you should then be able to get the Out Of Market ABC feed via satellite. We were turned down for waivers as well but when we requested the signal analysis, we were immediately granted waivers for all but WOAY but since we're only about 10 miles from their tower, we chose not to argue that point. We can basically get WOAY with a coat-hanger just touching the cable input on the back of a TV.

I really can't wait for more SHOWS to be on Fox...I'm not really a fan of baseball but it sure does look wonderful!

Once I get my antenna up and working, do you know if it's possible to cancel all but CBS on DirecTV?



I actually cancelled my locals with DirecTV after I got my antenna up and running months ago.

But last weekend, I had some friends over for the WVU-Rutgers game, and when I turned on WCHS-DT at noon, I got a blue screen with a computer error message on it. I had to scramble to get online (couldn't get through on phone) with DirecTV to reorder my locals. There was no problem with WCHS's feed via DirecTV. By the second half the WCHS-DT had corrected whatever problem they were having.

Then yeseterday, in the middle of overtime, the WVU-Louisville game feed from WCHS-DT disappeared, and instead they started broadcasting an HD feed of the space shuttle taking off. I don't know what the hell was going on. Luckily, I still had the WCHS feed from DirecTV to change to.

Let me say this...WOWK-DT is the worst picture on the air right now...bar none. Pax looks much better.

Shameful!

Let me say this...WOWK-DT is the worst picture on the air right now...bar none. Pax looks much better.
Its not HD. Its stretch-o-vision. :( At the very least they could add the side bars. If I want to stretch it I can, but don't make that decision for me.

Oh, wait, I don't watch WOWK. :p to BC.

My last comment on WOWK's Stretch-O-Vision...the Patriots/Broncos game was near unwatchable today. It's pretty bad when I'd rather watch baseball than the NFL because the signal was so crappy!

By the way - Stretch-O-Vision is a great name...you should apply for the Trade Mark on that:)!

By the way - Stretch-O-Vision is a great name...you should apply for the Trade Mark on that:)!
I would love to, but I can't take credit. :D

IIRC, it dates back to the summer of 2003 when ESPN-Hd was launched. Instead of using sidebars, they stretched non-HD programming. This was the subject of much debate over on the HD Programming forum. ESPN fixed the problem when they moved into their new studio/control facility and added the bars to non-HD material.

Regarding the game, I was pi**ed because it was the only 4pm HD game and I could not get it on NFLST because WOWK was carrying it. :mad:

Got my new Accurian (radio shack) OTA reciever today to try and replace my samsung sirt160 direct tv and OTA receiver(anyone want to buy the samsung?). The accurian was on clearance for 89 dollars. I was hoping to be able to pick up WCHS which I am unable to get a steady signal from if any at all. All the towers are within one degree and I get WVAH (on the same tower) without a problem. Still same issues with the new reciever. Unable to get usable signal despite getting all other stations. I will never get it all together. This stuff is so frustrating!

I was hoping to be able to pick up WCHS which I am unable to get a steady signal from if any at all. All the towers are within one degree and I get WVAH (on the same tower) without a problem...............despite getting all other stations.
Upon first thought, I would guess that your problem is the difference between WVAH being at 19 and WCHS being at 41 given that a lower channel at the same power is stronger. But if you are getting WOWK (47) then that kind of shoots that theory.

Unless of course you don't count WOWK since they aren't HD. :D

Whay type of antenna are you using? Is it a 4228? If all the towers are within 1 degree perhaps a yagi would be better in your situation. Have you tried to peak WCHS ignoring the other channels?

Otherwise pizza and beer are on you for an antenna pointing party. ;) Keep us posted.

Antenna in a 4228 with an amplifier!

Doc,

Don't you live in South Hills? It's weird, I have to tell you. Both DT Antennas are on the SAME Tower and if you're getting one, you SHOULD get the other.

In my situation, I was prepared to get WVAH-DT and have trouble with WCHS-DT as it's on the higher of the two channels and UHF is much less efficient the higher the channel but it's exactly the opposite. I actually get a BETTER signal (by a point or two on average) on WCHS-DT.

Are there any obstructions in your way that could be killing WCHS?

Are there any obstructions in your way that could be killing WCHS?
I would say South Hills is multipath hell. And the higher frequency just makes it worse.

Maybe the next generation LG chip will be a solution. It is supposed to handle multipath better. It is rumored to be on the new D* H20 box due out next month.

Do you get WOWK-DT?

I get everything strong with no dropouts except WCHS(boo hoo)

That's just ODD!

Also, as to the guide data question from a few days ago, I spoke with Raymond about it today and according to him, whatever is supposed to be in there is there. I just checked my info and there's nothing it it but the title and rating...no description or synopsis at all.

Is that what all of you are seeing? WSAZ-DT has complete information including a description and synopsis.

I just checked my info and there's nothing it it but the title and rating...no description or synopsis at all.

Is that what all of you are seeing? WSAZ-DT has complete information including a description and synopsis.
You are getting more than I am then. All I get is "Regular Programming". I will post a pic when I get back in town. I get full guide data for WCHS-DT.

I was just at southridge walmart and the have a xbox 360 demo unit set up. There are a few playable demos and a few videos. Graphics look pretty crisp, and the controller feels a bit smaller than the reg xbox controller....

I was just at southridge walmart and the have a xbox 360 demo unit set up. There are a few playable demos and a few videos. Graphics look pretty crisp, and the controller feels a bit smaller than the reg xbox controller....


Great info I will check it out tomorrow

I got a bit of a demo from both Raymond and one of our absolute BEST Maintenance Engineers today and learned quite a bit.

At this point, ALL of our guide data has to be input manually...times, shows, ratings...everything. There is a field at the input station for descriptions but again, that would have to be hand-typed and I just don't think that sort of workload is feasible at the time. Maybe that's what the fine folks over at WSAZ are doing as well but I don't know.

There is the possibility of a system being implemented that will automatically input all of this information but it's still in the discussion stages at this point.

It was kinda funny, there was work being done on the HD Rack yesterday and last night, I had a Freakin' 95 in the ole Signal Strength meter on both WCHS-DT and WVAH-DT. That was SWEET!

At this point, ALL of our guide data has to be input manually...times, shows, ratings...everything. There is a field at the input station for descriptions but again, that would have to be hand-typed and I just don't think that sort of workload is feasible at the time.
That must be for the PSIP data stream. How does D* get the guide data for the analog channels? Couldn't it be copied and pasted?

Still doesn't explain why I have no guide data for WVAH-DT, but do for WCHS-DT.

Yes, possibly I guess. I'm just not sure who's doing it now. For instance, if I were to take on that responsibility...it would never get done as my regular workload just doesn't allow for it.

I think one of our other mainenance engineers is doing the work and even cutting and pasting would be extremely time consuming.

Anyone still without OTA? I recently bought an Accurion 6000 OTA reciever, it was on clearance at radioshack for 89 dollars plus shipping. It was the last one and it came from bluefield. It works as well as my samsung but I still have a multipath issue with WCHS so it does not cure my problem. I am probably going to return it but if one of you all would like to buy it email or PM me. My email is wvudrj@aol.com if your interested. There is an extensive thread about the unit in the HDTV hardware section.

Just wanted to say a quick hello. Like others I found this forum/group while bouncing around the AVS board and am glad to see a bunch of folks from my area active in HD / Home Theater.

I've recently picked up a Sanyo HT30744 30 inch Widescreen and have been playing around seeing what all digital/HD programming I could pick up over the air using a basic set of Radio Shack rabbit ears.

Thus far I've had surprisingly good luck. I'm here in Hurricane and have had good luck picking up everything except WSAZ, and this is throwing me a bit. After repeated channel searches I am unable to pick up anything from that station.

I've tried a variety of directions with my antenna... but nada. I'm willing to pick up an outside antenna, preferably a multi directional so I don't have to fool with a roter, but am up for suggestions from folks in this area as to what worked for them.

I'll look forward to following the posts... and look forward from hearing from everybody.

(on a side note... was tickled to see the screen names / sigs of several posters. Herdfan... do you post on the Herdnation bulletin board, by anychance? I'm on there fairly often and go by the screename of GonePostal.

Also, WVUDrJ... are you by any chance associated with Dr. Harper, in South Charleston? He's been my wife and I's Gastroenterolegist for years (Both have UC <g>)

Sorry to be so long winded on my first post.. but lastly I'd be interested in dropping by next time you all have a get together in the area. I'm a former manager for Radio Shack... and have been an electronic "hobbyist" for years...

Have a great weekend...

Welcome Vince, if you read the entire thread (if you are bored) it will let you know how far we have come. Acouple of suggestions:
1. Outdoor antennas (channelmaster 4228) are cheap and will give you a lot of gain in reception
2. antennaweb.org will allow you to input your address and give you the direction of all the stations digital towers to assist in pointing a directional antenna (they are all pretty close)
3. I am a colon and rectal surgeon in Charleston and Dr. Harper and I know each other and he refers me patients for surgery etc, but no business relationship .

Welcome to our thread!
Jay

Believe it or not, I have read thru the entire thread <g>... I've been trying to gather all the info I can to try to help "justify" the purchase of the new tv to the wife .... and the better the reception, the better I look <g>.

I'll probably end up going the outside antenna route before too long... it's just going to be a matter of deciding whether to go with a directional, or multi directional model.

Thanks for the quick reply... I'll be lurking in the background trying to get as much knowledge as possible. Have a great one...

I'm just not sure who's doing it now.
Someone has to be providing D* the information for the analog channels. I think it is provided to Tribune and then to its subscribers of which D* is one. In any case, someone is not providing the 11-1 data to whoever is getting the analog data. Yet they are getting the 8-1 data. :confused:

Its not a big deal for me now as most of what I watch on FOX is live such as baseball and football. But if there is something I want to record, then I have to do a manual recording which is a PITA.

I'm here in Hurricane and have had good luck picking up everything except WSAZ........but am up for suggestions from folks in this area as to what worked for them.
Where in Hurricane? I am just north of I-64 at the Winfield exit and I am using a CM 4228 in my attic with one screen removed. It is pointed in a weird direction vs. what one would expect with this antenna. Technically it is pointed at Ripley, but is able to pick up all 4 nets.

I believe DirecTV/Tivo get the guide data from Tribune. zap2it.com is a tribune company and also does not cary WVAH-DT listings. In the past I have emailed DirecTV and Tivo they both deny responsiblity for listings. I have also emailed WVAH and zap2it.com several times about about the missing listings. I never got a response from WVAH or zap2it.com...

I live about two blocks west of the Hurricane exit... Just behind Conner elementary school. One problem I may end up having is my house is
surrounded by 3 large oak trees. (Two in the backyard, and one out
front at the western corner of our lot.)

I've got a feeling they will affect my signal seasonally, depending on the
leaf situation.

I've messed around a bit today with the indoor antenna and have found
a setup that allows me to get decent signal on all the locals except for
channel 3, without having to adjust it for different channels. The lowest
signal is on Channel 13, and it gets about a 50 % signal...

Someone has to be providing D* the information for the analog channels. I think it is provided to Tribune and then to its subscribers of which D* is one. In any case, someone is not providing the 11-1 data to whoever is getting the analog data. Yet they are getting the 8-1 data.
For the analog data, that is provided via Tribune but there have been numerous problems with this service as well as TV guide. It is contracted out to some nameless individual in some unknown location and we can't even find out who is responsible and it's our data...how do you like that!

Not sure if this can be answered or not but where are you guys getting your antennas? Radio Shack, Lowes, the web?

As I stated before, mine came from Antennas Direct and I feel I got a great price especially since I can get everything but the stations in my market:)!

For the analog data, that is provided via Tribune ........ It is contracted out to some nameless individual in some unknown location and we can't even find out who is responsible and it's our data...how do you like that!
If D* is getting the DT data via Tribune also, which they must be since I still get guide data for WCHS-DT as well as WSAZ-DT and WOWK-DT even though my antenna is not hooked up to the receiver, then who is responsible for the WCHS-DT guide data?

Is this contracted out by Sinclair? Perhaps this nameless person doesn't know WVAH-DT is up and running. Given the way WVAH-DT got on the air in a rush for the SB, it is easily conceivable that something like notifying Tribune that it is live would have been the last thing on anyone's mind. Since WCHS-DT was done in a more controlled manner, ie not rushing to meet a deadline for the nation's biggest TV event :D , then more thought for ancilliaries such as guide data could be thought of.

Perhaps we need a semi-organized letter writing campaign to Sinclair, Tribune, DirecTV and WVAH asking each organization to look into the matter. But we don't want to get anyone into trouble at WVAH either.

As for antenna's, I got my first one from Home Depot because they had one and the Daytona 500(2003) was going to be in HD. I had it strapped to my deck with zip ties. It also served my father for the 2005 SB on WVAH. It is now behind his outbuilding.

My CM 4228 came from Solidsignal.com. I was one of the first on their pre-order list for the DirecTV HD-DVR and I had one in my hands before all but the first 200 that Value Electronics shipped. So I give them business whenever I can. They have a good selection but you have to watch their shipping costs. I know Wilk's TV in Huntington can get all the CM products as well and he usually recommends the 4221. Give Mark a call if you have any questions. He will usually match local big box prices on Hitachi and Toshiba TV's. Plus thow in delivery and setup.

I actually used to live in Huntington (I worked at WOWK in the pre-BC days) and Mark sold me my very first Dish Network system. They were fantastic. After that, I sent several customers up his way and as far as I know, they were never sorry that they shopped there. Great Local store!

I'll do some digging as to the guide data thing and see what I can find. Like I said, we are actually "hand typing" the data for the DT stuff at both stations. I'm not sure how the Tribune TV thing works for the analog data or how either of the Satellite companies get it...all I know is it comes out of my operational budget every month.

As to Tribune knowing that we were on line with DT, I don't believe it would be possible but you never know.

Now, for my last question on this until I can get some better info...what SHOULD you be seeing and what are you NOT seeing, both Digital and Analog so I can compare what I'm looking at.

Is anyone else having a problem with WSAZ-DT? Since at least 8pm last night both my receivers are showing 0 signal level all the other channels are showing normal for me. Just weirdness...

Is anyone else having a problem with WSAZ-DT? Since at least 8pm last night both my receivers are showing 0 signal level all the other channels are showing normal for me. Just weirdness...

I noticed the same thing last night when I checked on Leno after the ball game. All the other digital channels were at normal signal strength. Must be a problem with their transmitter.

I called WSAZ engineering room he did confirm they have some sort of problem. It was above my head this is what I remember...

It was something about a "dummy load" failing and certain level of rejection interfering. Anyway they hope to receive the replacement parts and be back on the air tomorrow. At least most of NBC programming is repeats for the next few days.

I...what SHOULD you be seeing and what are you NOT seeing, both Digital and Analog so I can compare what I'm looking at.
Paul,

Here is what I am seeing. This gude data is coming down from DirecTV. There is no antenna connected to this receiver. The receiver is a DirecTV HR10-250.

As you can see, the WCHS-DT guide data is identical to the analog channel with the exception of the HDTV tag. So if someone is typing in limited amounts of guide data for the DT channel, then either they don't know what limited means or this guide data is coming from somewhere else.

And as you can also see, there is no guide data for WVAH-DT. Sorry for this one being slightly blurry.

Thanks for all your help with this.

Note: The forum software won't let me upload more than 3 files, so the WVAH pictures are in the next post.

And here are the WVAH pictures.

Edit: Please note the first set of pictures were labled wrong. I hope it is fixed now.

Thanks for all of the great information on this on this thread. Located in Charleston South Hills on Smith Rd on the ridge. I have the Charter HD package but like some of you, after 2 years got tired of waiting for the locals in HD. So based on the info gained here (thanks for sharing) have been using a Samsung T 451 receiver and a combination of Radio Shack rabbit ears in the basement TV room for 8, 11, and of course PAXx4, and sometimes 3 when the wind is right. For some reason Channel 3 comes in better directed to South West instead of the 299 degrees North west direction! I have a CM 4228 with the CM7777 in the attic attached to the rabbit ears which also serves as an antenna switcher. Found that I could get 8, 11, and 13 digital when I disconnected the amp. I am using a smaller size TV, 36 inch but the baseball games on FOX sure looked and sounded great.
My next step is to roof mount the 4228 to see if I can get 3 more regularly and get PBS.
Thanks again for the help!

Herdfan,

Ok...now I know what you're looking at and what you're seeing.

I misunderstood that you meant you were seeing the information on your DirecTV feed. The data that the guys at the stations are only for the guide that's encoded with the direct digital signal that I receive via my antenna...not from a DirecTV receiver.

I do believe this has to do with the Tribune service we use but I'm not sure. The good thing is that I just received the latest invoice for this month and plan on giving someone a ring at Tribune to see what I can do about this.

Stick with me guys...I'll try to get this figured out. To be honest, those of us capable of getting the HD version of our local affiliates are still getting much less "love" as they still number us in double digits! That being said, the TWO (only two believe it or not) of us that are HD capable frequently bring it up as often as possible:)!

Those of you in the area that have switched from Adelphia digital (or another cable provider) to satellite or vice versa, what kind of differences are you noticing (picture, sound, etc.)? I'm considering switching over to E*, because I can only get 6 channels of HD from Adelphia and I rarely watch any of them besides HBO. E* is offering more channels in their basic HD package than I currently get and with the Voom package, my choices will triple. And their 942 receiver will give me an off-air tuner and DVR capability for less than I'm paying Adelphia.

If nothing is pressing you to make a move now, I would wait and see what D* is up to. Once they get the new sats up (1 is up and the other goes up next week) they are going to have the capacity to to more HD than V*. Whether they will or not is the question, but they will have the capacity to do it.

OTOH, E* is in the process of testing its new MPEG-4 receiver which should allow them to increase their capacity as well.

I do believe this has to do with the Tribune service we use but I'm not sure. The good thing is that I just received the latest invoice for this month and plan on giving someone a ring at Tribune to see what I can do about this.
Paul,

Any progress on the guide data front?

If you can't get anyone at Tribune to give you an answer, just don't pay the bill. That is the quickest way to get someone to call you. :)

Anyway, thanks for all your help.

Not really...I've been extremely busy with work this week. Tomorrow is the first day of the sweep, I'm trying to get everything done for a few special things we're doing for November...we're having a slight PC problem in the office AND we've got the added benefit of new competition from an upstart trying to steal our news numbers at ten (You gotta just LOVE Ratings Periods)!

Also, I need to talk to you about your HDTV things but I'm going to do it via PM since it's just between us.

If I get a breather tomorrow or Friday, I'm going to try to get the someone at Tribune to tell me what it is they're supposed to be doing for us.

Does anyone have any information about WCHS-DT eventualy upgrading to Dolby 5.1 ?

thanks

If nothing is pressing you to make a move now, I would wait and see what D* is up to.

Thanks, herdfan, but my Adelphia bill is kind of pressing me, plus the fact that for less money I can get more HD channels and some features (DVR and parental control in every room) that I would have to pay Adelphia even more for.

I'm just a little worried about the quality difference of HD over sat versus cable. I have heard some people describe the highly compressed format as "HD lite", but maybe this is just a D* thing?

We are working to get 5.1 up and running for both WCHS and WVAH. A new rack was installed that give us more capabilities, at WCHS at least, but since I'm not one of the engineering staff, I'm only able to understand a little bit of the process.

We are working to get 5.1 up and running for both WCHS and WVAH. A new rack was installed that give us more capabilities, at WCHS at least, but since I'm not one of the engineering staff, I'm only able to understand a little bit of the process.

Thanks for the info.

I asked for help a few months ago trying to get HD in Hamlin. Unfortunately, after much experimenting and using a compass, I discovered the high side of the mountain I live on is due north of me, giving me zero coverage pretty much of the HD towers in the area. I've tried antennas with amps with no luck whatsoever. So I now have to rely on Directv...I called and requested HD waivers, and I got the postcard in the mail today saying every station denied me, and calling Directv I was told they don't give reasons, only they say no, and I have to wait 60 days (guess I should have read up a little more). But since it took so long for them to tell me know, it means in a couple weeks I can reapply for the waiver, so here's my question.

What can I do to get approved? Can I call the WSAZ, WVAH, WCHS, and WOWK (but seems like I remember they were difficult for anyone to get a waiver no matter what), and ask them to take a close look at it or what? Any pointers on this would be great...thanks guys.

Greg

I understand your frustration. I have FOX and ABC NY from an app i did this time last year. I was lucky and dont know how I was able to get them. However 3 and 13 declined me. I get 3 but no 13. I recently tried to apply for a wiaver since 13 does not offer HD period and was denied that also. i spoke to BC and he said he didnt want to upset his advertisers nor could he say if he would ever offer HD OTA. Basically they say if you can watch our channel on Directv, we dont care if it is HD or not. The fact you can get 3, 8, 11, and 13 via Directv SD eleminates the possibility of getting the NY feeds for HD. Sorry Dude!!!

What is the point of 13 and 33 broadcasting digital if they are not going to offer HD....STUPID!!!!

I have applied 3 times to DirecTV for ABC, NBC, FOX HDTV from east or west coast stations. Always the local stations refuse. I get CBS HDTV from DirecTV OK.

I purchased a CM 4228 antenna & can not get a signal from ABC or FOX. I can get a weak NBC signal but it drops in & out.

I have asked DirecTV for a Signal Strength reading at my location in Belle.

I can not get the local ABC, NBC, or Fox signal since there are at least 2 mountains between me & the transmitter. If the Signal Strength reading agrees with my antenn test & I do not get a OK for the DirecTV HD for those networks I intend to start a series of complaints to the FCC since I am being denied the HDTV for those networks.

Just because the locals have a micro-transmitter for HDTV does not mean they have really fullfilled the meaning of the FCC regulations.

I called WCHS & was told that they will not grant any waivers for ABC or Fox HDTV for any reason.

I am paying for the locals from DirecTV, but do not get HDTV from them.

Red

anybody (in the huntington area) able to pick-up the WB in HD broadcast out of Portsmouth, OH?

This is my first post--I see that a couple folks here live in the South Hills area--I want to get an antenna for OTA HD-- I live on Olympus Rd, just off Smith Rd. Great elevation w/ no obstructions. Probably will be an attic mount. Any suggestions?? Thanks. 3dogman

A lot of people are having success with a Channel Master 4228 or the Terrestrial Digital DB8. Both of these are semi-directional but have a high gain. You can add an amplifier if you need a signal boost.

Check out http://www.solidsignal.com/ for selection. If you order from them, watch the shipping charges.

Welcome to the forum.

I still haven't pulled the trigger on an HDTV- thought I was pretty well settled on a Samsung LN 408D since I want a 40" LCD-- but I see that JVC also has a similar TV - the LT 40X776--anyone know anything about either of these?? How about Sony's XBR1 40" LCD TV?? Thanks for any comments. 3dogman

Does anyone have any information about WCHS-DT eventualy upgrading to Dolby 5.1 ?

thanks

5.1 is supposed to be up tonight! We're not sure of the quality and I'm not set up for 5.1 in here yet ( just the TV...no surround:( ) so please let me know how it sounded and what you thought. I'm also particularly interested in any lip-sync issues that may be apparent.

It will be in 5.1 here but flickering in and out due to my multipath problems.

Dogman welcome I am about 1/2 mile from you on Huber Road. Dr. Trammel my partner sold his house on Olympus in the last couple years, and I used to have a friend there when Nick Nolte lived there. Welcome and I would agree with the channelmaster!