How annoying is it that we never get the primetime 8:00 ABC college football game on HD 'cause it's always on ABC?

Grr...

why does my wowk ota signal keep bouncing between low 40's and high 70's?!?!?

My dad is having trouble staying locked in as well. But he tops out in the low 90's, but still gets some pixelation every minute or so.

On the upside, I got an e-mail from Bray Cary saying that WOWK should be on D* when they launch HD LIL. So that makes 3 of the 4 so far. I will send WSAZ an e-mail this week.

I just called suddenlink about problems with my box told me to go to the mall and get a new one.

I asked him about ABC HD and FOX HD, he said ABC HD won't happen this year. He thought we had FOX HD, he new they were negotiating 3 weeks ago but hasn't heard anything since. He said the problems they are having are with Sinclair, that’s why we don't have ABC HD, and they own part of WVAH.

^ My first Charter (SuddenLink now) HD DVR had major pixelation problems w/ ESPN HD, and I was told the same thing (to return it).

I didn't think that was really the issue, but turns out it was. A new HD DVR box fixed it, however, I hadta call their 1-800 number from home and get the new box re-activated which was a slight pain.

And I'm sick of not having ABC HD & FOX HD. I want to watch the playoffs / world series in HD! Grr...I knew it sounded too good to be true that we'd get them "soon."

You guys are up to 2000 posts? Impressive!

Have not been on much since I started practice, but hope everyone is doing well.


Jay

You guys are up to 2000 posts? Impressive!

Have not been on much since I started practice, but hope everyone is doing well.


Jay

How is the ankle?

I asked him about ABC HD and FOX HD, he said ABC HD won't happen this year. He thought we had FOX HD, he new they were negotiating 3 weeks ago but hasn't heard anything since. He said the problems they are having are with Sinclair, that’s why we don't have ABC HD, and they own part of WVAH.

I thought that ABC HD and Fox HD were pretty much a done deal...and that the HD broadcasts were part of the retransmission agreement for the SD broadcasts back in August. According to the Daily Mail, Suddenlink was waiting for equipment in order to start the broadcasts.

This is bad news....I hope the customer service rep was wrong....I really wanted Lost in HD...and of course baseball.

FYI for Time Warner Customers.

I sent this email on their customer service site the other day:

Date Submitted: 09/30/06 09:50 AM

Subject Type: Programming
Problem Description: HDTV

Additional Description and Comments:

"When will you be adding additional HD channels in this area? All the local networks are broadcasting in High Def (wsaz, wowk, wvah, wchs). And ESPN2 would be nice as well.

Thanks,
Andy Wilson"


and here is the reply:

Dear Andrew,

Thank you for your email. There is no schedule at this time to add new HD channels. We are currently negotiating with the networks to add new channels, but the outcome and timeframe cannot be determined. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Thank you,
Time Warner Cable

Have also been having trouble with WOWK-DT on Suddenlink. For past several weeks sometimes picture and sound freezes with both HD and SD programs. I thought it might be my box but apparently in system. None of the other HD channels have this problem (have all available HD channels).

Yes, I've been having this problem on Suddenlink ... constantly. On occasion one of the other HD channels do the same thing, but WOWK is constantly freezing and losing sound. It's very frustrating. :confused:

Makes me wonder if anyone's having the same issues with OTA.

Yes, I've been having this problem on Suddenlink ... constantly. On occasion one of the other HD channels do the same thing, but WOWK is constantly freezing and losing sound. It's very frustrating. :confused:

Makes me wonder if anyone's having the same issues with OTA.

I watch a fair amount of HD programming OTA, and I don't recall having trouble with any of them. I have even been picking up channels 3 and 13 fairly well from my location for the past month(I have had trouble during the summer months getting a good signal). But, I am sure that I have missed some of the programming. I have been picking up the NFL football games with no problems that I can remember on WOWK.

Yes, I've been having this problem on Suddenlink ... constantly. On occasion one of the other HD channels do the same thing, but WOWK is constantly freezing and losing sound. It's very frustrating. :confused:

Makes me wonder if anyone's having the same issues with OTA.

Last night, it was happening to me again. I don't recall seeing the freezing on Monday during CSI: Miami. WOWK HD is the only channel that I have noticed the freezing.

On a related note, has anyone had problems with losing WVAH's OTA signal? Ever since Sunday during football it will be in the high 80's or 90's and then go out for a few seconds. Thanks.

I thought that ABC HD and Fox HD were pretty much a done deal...and that the HD broadcasts were part of the retransmission agreement for the SD broadcasts back in August. According to the Daily Mail, Suddenlink was waiting for equipment in order to start the broadcasts.

This is bad news....I hope the customer service rep was wrong....I really wanted Lost in HD...and of course baseball.

Suddenlink has confirmed that it has the right under its agreement with Sinclair to put WVAH-HD and WCHS-HD on its system. The customer service rep's information was obviously old news. Exactly why the two stations are not on yet I don't know because we were told it would happen by week 1 of the NFL season. Hopefully we will hear something soon.

For anyone interested, WVU @ Mississippi State game on pay per view in West Virginia only for $29.95. Also, to be broadcast on Cable only..... No Satellite..... :(

Link to info: http://www.msnsportsnet.com/page.cfm?cat=netnews&story=9874

FYI for Time Warner Customers.

I sent this email on their customer service site the other day:

Date Submitted: 09/30/06 09:50 AM

Subject Type: Programming
Problem Description: HDTV

Additional Description and Comments:

"When will you be adding additional HD channels in this area? All the local networks are broadcasting in High Def (wsaz, wowk, wvah, wchs). And ESPN2 would be nice as well.

Thanks,
Andy Wilson"


and here is the reply:

Dear Andrew,

Thank you for your email. There is no schedule at this time to add new HD channels. We are currently negotiating with the networks to add new channels, but the outcome and timeframe cannot be determined. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Thank you,
Time Warner Cable

This may be old news, but maybe they neglected to tell you that they are having contract problems with WSAZ. I saw a ticker on The Weater Channel that said we may lose WSAZ.

I did a search and found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WSAZ it said "Recently, Adelphia was bought out by Time Warner Cable which is one of the largest cable providers in the market area. At the present time, current negotiations are ongoing due to the contract expiring in mid-October. If the negotiations fail, WSAZ will be dropped by Time Warner. The main arguement comes from Time Warner failing to pick WSAZ's subchannel. Recently negtiations with Time Warner have not gone well."

What it all boils down to is the cable companies and sat companies were not and are not ready for the HD revolution. I think most of them, networks and channels included, never expected HD televisions to be selling at Wal-Mart. D*** is not ready and they keep pushing their date up for LIL HD's. If we ran our business or line of work this way, we would all be unemployed. However, in an industry that controls us by the wire and bandwidth.....they can get away with it. Especially in rural WV.

Surprise surprise, Mediacomm (some cable company) is filing suit against Sinclair for unfair business practices.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6378740.html?display=Breaking+News

Apparently the cable company is willing to pay for the 4 major networks, but Sinclair is trying to force them to pay for My Network TV & the CW also. Does anyone watch My Network? I know it's not in HD (around here), but I've heard nothing good about it. They do soap opera style shows, so this forum might not be the best demographic for it.
Still, it'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

Anyone see the few minutes of bonus coverage of PSU @Minn via ESPN plus on ESPN HD? I flipped over during the WVU game. It was actually in HD! Not upconverted or stretched or anything, but real HD....on ESPN plus. I'd like to see more of this.
And the highlights too.

There is no word that Charleston/Huntington Digital stations are on D*. However, I switched over to WSAZ soon before Saturday Night Live (maybe 10 minutes ago). There was a blurb stating that WSAZ's digital station can and should be received for free. It stated that to learn more on how to receive WSAZ-Digital via Antenna or Satellite, to visit their website and click on the Digital TV link. I did that, but see no word on Sats. They even gave the number for Dish and D*. I saw the tail end of the commercial, so I'm sure I missed the meaning of it. Maybe they were stating it 'should' be free over Sat and to call Dish and D*. Not sure. Just the part I saw stated something about free Digital WSAZ via Antenna or Sat.

Anyone else see this commercial in it's entirety? What's it about? Maybe we will be on D* sooner than later?

why is the jets/jags game not in hd? i'm watching the ota signal. cbs sports says it is in hd???

Ok, I'm getting po'd now.

First off, I call WOWK and some chick tells me that the game IS NOT being broadcast in HD and they forgot to put it in the paper. Thats bs, since the NETWORK says it is in HD during the broadcast.

Then, I call SuddenLink, and tell them that they ran a scroll at the bottom of the screen specifically telling me that I should tune to WOWK HD to watch the game in HD. I call SuddenLink, and tell them they're running a scroll for something that doesn't work...and the cust svc rep says they're not aware of the scroll. Plus, SuddenLink now is going to charge me for Showtime...when its something I had when I was with Charter. The rep says that Showtime was a free movie service before, and now they've become a pay service again. More lies...Showtime has always been a pay service...Suddenlink just wants more money.

As soon as DirecTV goes MPEG-4...I can't wait to call SuddenLink and tell them to shove it. I mean really, we all need to band together and file a complaint against SuddneLink and WOWK-TV. Constant problems.

I called WOWK and they said they are having a problem with the upconversion and they are working on it.

I called WOWK and they said they are having a problem with the upconversion and they are working on it.


its working now.

Speaking of Suddenlink, although this is off subject...a friend informed me that anyone receiving high-speed internet through Suddenlink who still has a Charter.net email address needs to contact Suddenlink at 800-972-5757 to change their email account to an @suddenlink.net address. I called Suddenlink to switch over and the service rep. told me that Charter will eventually shut the charter.net accounts off.

I don't know why Suddenlink or Charter has not informed customers, but it might be smart for those of you who have Suddenlink internet access to call and get your email accounts switched over.

^ Thanks for the headsup. I called up, and sure enough, the Charter.net email accounts will be vanishing "at some point."

Didn't take long to convert the email address over, but the annoying part is there's no auto-formwarding that'll continue once the charter.net account dies. In other words, YOU have to notify everyone that emails you there that it's changing, and if you forget someone and a year later they try you there, they'll just get a bounceback.

This may be old news, but maybe they neglected to tell you that they are having contract problems with WSAZ. I saw a ticker on The Weater Channel that said we may lose WSAZ.

I did a search and found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WSAZ it said "Recently, Adelphia was bought out by Time Warner Cable which is one of the largest cable providers in the market area. At the present time, current negotiations are ongoing due to the contract expiring in mid-October. If the negotiations fail, WSAZ will be dropped by Time Warner. The main arguement comes from Time Warner failing to pick WSAZ's subchannel. Recently negtiations with Time Warner have not gone well."

Did you ever try out your OTA antenna?

BTW, I get all the locals fine through my D* receiver (OTA tuner).

I HAVE been having trouble with WOWK pixelating and losing sounds at times though (annoying). It must be the cooler weather as others have mentioned.

Feel free to come over tonight and watch some football if you want over here @ Crest Street. Another one of our classmates is coming over and if you don't know who this is you deserve to die! ;-)

Did you ever try out your OTA antenna?

BTW, I get all the locals fine through my D* receiver (OTA tuner).

I HAVE been having trouble with WOWK pixelating and losing sounds at times though (annoying). It must be the cooler weather as others have mentioned.

Feel free to come over tonight and watch some football if you want over here @ Crest Street. Another one of our classmates is coming over and if you don't know who this is you deserve to die! ;-)

The only guy I know that used to live in that area is fascinated with the Saints. But he doesn't have any friends, so it can't be him....lol. I'm currently in Pittsburgh, so I don't think I can make it.

I haven't had time to mount the antenna yet. I did test it out and placed it on the roof leaning up against the chimney. I got all 4 locals easily and about 15 pbs channels. That HD PBS channel out of Portsmouth looked great. WPBO or something. I was only getting about half the bars on the signal strength. I hope once I get it mounted, and get the pre amp, I'll get more bars.

The only guy I know that used to live in that area is fascinated with the Saints. But he doesn't have any friends, so it can't be him....lol. I'm currently in Pittsburgh, so I don't think I can make it.

I haven't had time to mount the antenna yet. I did test it out and placed it on the roof leaning up against the chimney. I got all 4 locals easily and about 15 pbs channels. That HD PBS channel out of Portsmouth looked great. WPBO or something. I was only getting about half the bars on the signal strength. I hope once I get it mounted, and get the pre amp, I'll get more bars.

LOL

How can you make fun of a Saints fan this year!

We've already doubled our wins from last year.

Sounds like your antenna is going to work well for you.

Give me a call or stop by when you get back in town.

^ Thanks for the headsup. I called up, and sure enough, the Charter.net email accounts will be vanishing "at some point."

Didn't take long to convert the email address over, but the annoying part is there's no auto-formwarding that'll continue once the charter.net account dies. In other words, YOU have to notify everyone that emails you there that it's changing, and if you forget someone and a year later they try you there, they'll just get a bounceback.

On that note...Suddenlink actually has the beginnings of a website up. Both suddenlink.com and suddenlink.net are active and have very basic info...they have a current channel listing for our area but little else. The .net page mentions launching later this month and having the ability to transfer email addresses online.

So the past 2 nights (tonight included) the HD version of "Friday Night Lights" looks like a weird letterbox, with black bars on the top, bottom, left, and right. And the picture that is there is certainly not hi-def. It's not the channel, only this show. Anyone else have this problem through SuddenLink? BTW, I'm talking about through the HD DVR, not OTA.

So the past 2 nights (tonight included) the HD version of "Friday Night Lights" looks like a weird letterbox, with black bars on the top, bottom, left, and right. And the picture that is there is certainly not hi-def. It's not the channel, only this show. Anyone else have this problem through SuddenLink? BTW, I'm talking about through the HD DVR, not OTA.

same for me too. it was also not high def last week...

for those of you on time warner and able to pick-up QAM channels;

i'm now getting wowk (103.1), wsaz (73.1), and discovery hd (73.2) for free with no box or cable card.

I'm surprised you guys keep messing around with Suddenlink. There's enough HD programming on Dish to give you something to watch at all times. Add an OTA antenna and you've got it all covered. I think the only things I watch in SD anymore are O'Reilly and Southpark.

I'm surprised you guys keep messing around with Suddenlink. There's enough HD programming on Dish to give you something to watch at all times. Add an OTA antenna and you've got it all covered. I think the only things I watch in SD anymore are O'Reilly and Southpark.

I love DTV but I got contractitis and don't want to go through it again.

For me it is more important to have the broadcast networks in HD...and an OTA is not feasible with my system's layout. When D* gets the networks in HD, then maybe I will reconsider.

do any of you guys have experience with ati's hdtv wonder tv tuner card? i just got a hot deal on one $50 and beyond tv4 (free after rebate). i'm turning my desktop into a htpc for recording ota hd.

What's the World Series going to be on? FOX? Any chance of us getting it in HD OTA?

^ World Series will indeed be on Fox, no idea about OTA.

^ World Series will indeed be on Fox, no idea about OTA.

All other sporting events on Fox have been in HD OTA......, so it should be.

^^

Playoff have been in HD via OTA, so I would bet good money the WS will be as well.

I was wondering if someone could offer some advice.

I am new to HDTV.

I live in South Hills in Charleston (on top of the mountain.) What would be the best resource for HDTV programming? Can I receive all locals OTA? I am wanting to dive into this but there are so many diffrent options.

Please help.

^^^

Right now satellite offers much more HD than cable. And as of today, E* offers more than D*. However, D* is scheduled to launch 2 new satellites early next year that will give D* the CAPACITY for 150 national HD channels. That is more than E* or any cable company will have.

How many D* will actually launch then is anyones guess, but they will have the capcity to carry almost every available HD channel.

All current E* and all but one D* HD receiver/DVR integrate OTA into the program guide. Right now the new D* HD-DVR does not have OTA capability but it supposed to have this feature activated by December 1st.

D* has ESPN, ESPN2, Discovery HD, HDNet, HDNet Movies, UHD and TNT as part of their HD package. They also have HBO and SHO for those who sub to the SD versions.

E* has all those plus the Voom suite of 10-11 channels which some people like and some could care less. The also have a couple other national channels including StarZ, NGC and maybe one other.

I was wondering if someone could offer some advice.

I am new to HDTV.

I live in South Hills in Charleston (on top of the mountain.) What would be the best resource for HDTV programming? Can I receive all locals OTA? I am wanting to dive into this but there are so many diffrent options.

Please help.

With regard to your OTA reception, it depends on your line of site to the local tv towers, that is, preferably, no hills, building, or trees, obstructing the antenna. I have been referred, and now refer others to the antennaweb.org to determine where your home is located with respect to both direction and distance from the local channels transmitting towers. http://www.checkhd.com/aw/welcome.aspx All you have to provide is your zip code on the second page. South Hills should be in a pretty decent location toward the broadcast towers.

To receive OTA HD, many here use the Channel Master 4228 UHF outdoor antenna, possibly with a preamp to pull in decent reception. I have also heard of some being able to receive the locals with an indoor antenna......

I switched over to DirecTV satellite in May of this year, because, as herdfan indicated, it would appear they will have the capacity to transmit up to 150 HD channels sometime in 2007. Also, they will have the capacity to send 1500 Local HD channels next year across the country also, which should include the Charleston, WV locals.

DirecTV also has ESPN and ESPN2 both in HD. I really enjoy the college football broadcast on those channels in HD.

FOX/CBS HD - Suddenlink update from today's daily mail ...

In other Suddenlink news, the long-awaited high-definition feeds of WCHS-TV and WVAH Fox 11 are expected to launch any day now.

The feeds, which will be on channels 783 and 784, respectively, have been discussed since high-definition WSAZ-TV and WOWK-TV joined the lineup in March.

Suddenlink had originally hoped the channels would launch in time for the start of the NFL season, but technical difficulties interfered.

"We had delays getting the equipment in and building the capability of placing it in the channel lineup," Kelemen said. "I wish I could flip a switch, but that turned out not to be the case."

Kelemen said the final pieces of equipment are supposed to arrive this week. A target launch date is still not begin disclosed.

FOX/CBS HD - Suddenlink update from today's daily mail ...

In other Suddenlink news, the long-awaited high-definition feeds of WCHS-TV and WVAH Fox 11 are expected to launch any day now.

The feeds, which will be on channels 783 and 784, respectively, have been discussed since high-definition WSAZ-TV and WOWK-TV joined the lineup in March.

Suddenlink had originally hoped the channels would launch in time for the start of the NFL season, but technical difficulties interfered.

"We had delays getting the equipment in and building the capability of placing it in the channel lineup," Kelemen said. "I wish I could flip a switch, but that turned out not to be the case."

Kelemen said the final pieces of equipment are supposed to arrive this week. A target launch date is still not begin disclosed.

Of course that was an update on our Sinclar stations, WCHS (ABC) and WVAH (Fox). I really don't understand why it has taken this long. They probably needed the purchase order to be approved by the new Suddenlink corporate people.

^^ Now, let's hope they keep their promise this time :)

^^ Now, let's hope they keep their promise this time :)
luckily for them, no actual promises were made... other than it is coming someday

I just got the HD-DVR box from Suddenlink and just connected it through the HDMI, but all the widescreen shows the ones with black bars on top and bottom it is shifted down, the top black bar is bigger than the bottom and the scroll bars on the sports and news channels the bottom part of the words gets cut off.

I have the composite cables connected to a VCR, I can do side by side on my tv Mitsubishi WD-52525 and you can tell the HDMI picture is shifted down. I had the componant cables conected and didn't have a problem.

Is this a problem with the box? I havent connected anything with HDMI to the tv before but I havent seen anyone with this problem when I searched the AVS for my tv, also I have reset the tv and unplugged the box didnt help.

I was wondering if someone could offer some advice.

I am new to HDTV.

I live in South Hills in Charleston (on top of the mountain.) What would be the best resource for HDTV programming? Can I receive all locals OTA? I am wanting to dive into this but there are so many diffrent options.

Please help.


You should be able to receive all the major networks and a few public stations via antenna from your location. I live off of Smith Road and have been getting the OTA networks for over a year now. Get a good antenna, point it toward Teays Valley and use a pre-amp. Shouldn't be problem.

I just got the HD-DVR box from Suddenlink...

Is your box one of the Suddenlink Tivo DVRs? I was told I would get a Motorola DVR, but wanted the Tivo.

-rich

There is no word that Charleston/Huntington Digital stations are on D*. ?

Charleston/Huntington HD locals should be included with the HD locals added in the 1st half of 2007 (probably spring). The Charleston DMA is ranked 65th and the list of HD local markets included in the list D* has recently announced to have available by the end of 2006 includes most all of those ranked above the Charleston DMA (including Ft. Myers, FL which is ranked 64th). The very recent successful launch of another D* satellite will allow D* to stay on track with their planned roll-out of HD locals for virtually all US markets by the end of 2007.

Ron Jones

My DVR box is the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD. I still havent called Sunddenlink because I am still trying to figure out if it is the box or the tv.

Just to make sure it is not possible for the HDMI cable to be the one causing it?

Charleston/Huntington HD locals should be included with the HD locals added in the 1st half of 2007 (probably spring). The Charleston DMA is ranked 65th and the list of HD local markets included in the list D* has recently announced to have available by the end of 2006 includes most all of those ranked above the Charleston DMA (including Ft. Myers, FL which is ranked 64th). The very recent successful launch of another D* satellite will allow D* to stay on track with their planned roll-out of HD locals for virtually all US markets by the end of 2007.

Ron Jones


Yes, I realize that. My remarks was more of a statement and to find out if anyone else saw the commercial I saw. The commercial on local stations showed aluded to D* offering HD Locals in our area now. Sorry for any confusion in my post.

My DVR box is the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD. I still havent called Sunddenlink because I am still trying to figure out if it is the box or the tv.

Just to make sure it is not possible for the HDMI cable to be the one causing it?

Did you try running the startup wizard? Turn off the box, leave the TV on, hit info & guide (on the box) at the same time and it should run you through some on-screen options.

Yeah I did that in the advanced set up, doesn't help.

Did anyone else have trouble watching the NASCAR race yesterday afternoon on WSAZ OTA? I was having horrible pixelation and it was unwatchable. My signal meter showed the strength bouncing from the high 80's down to the 20's and everywhere in between.

Then late in the race and for football last night it was fine. I have never had issues with WSAZ related to the time of day before the last couple of weeks.

My WOWK signal was rock steady in the low 90's, so it should not have been an antenna problem.

Any did anyone think the game last night looked horrible? NBC needs to figure out how to do HD. On NASCAR races its not an issue because NASCAR has its own production company that produces the race and gives the networks the feeds.

Did anyone else have trouble watching the NASCAR race yesterday afternoon on WSAZ OTA? I was having horrible pixelation and it was unwatchable. My signal meter showed the strength bouncing from the high 80's down to the 20's and everywhere in between.

Then late in the race and for football last night it was fine. I have never had issues with WSAZ related to the time of day before the last couple of weeks.

My WOWK signal was rock steady in the low 90's, so it should not have been an antenna problem.

Any did anyone think the game last night looked horrible? NBC needs to figure out how to do HD. On NASCAR races its not an issue because NASCAR has its own production company that produces the race and gives the networks the
feeds.

I noticed that the picture was not quite as clear on Football Night in America. Wondered why that was. I have to give credit to WOWK for giving us the colts/broncs game in HD as opposed to the non-HD steelers game.

Any did anyone think the game last night looked horrible? NBC needs to figure out how to do HD. On NASCAR races its not an issue because NASCAR has its own production company that produces the race and gives the networks the feeds.


I thought their main camera looked pretty good in the Sunday night game. Seems like they had a bunch of other camera shots that were a little grainy. The camera on Al and John looked good.

I thought their main camera looked pretty good in the Sunday night game. Seems like they had a bunch of other camera shots that were a little grainy. The camera on Al and John looked good.

That's what I always notice, the actual gameplay looks beautiful but shots of the players running off the field always looks a little grainy. No problems with the reception on the NASCAR race, awesome as usual.

the actual gameplay looks beautiful but shots of the players running off the field always looks a little grainy.
That's it exactly. But for me it seems the players are clear, but the background is very fuzzy.

FYI

WCHS and WVAH HD will launch tomorrow, Nov. 1, on channels 783 and 784.

FYI

WCHS and WVAH HD will launch tomorrow, Nov. 1, on channels 783 and 784.


AWESOME! thanks for the update.

FYI

WCHS and WVAH HD will launch tomorrow, Nov. 1, on channels 783 and 784.

Excellent. That is great news!!!

FYI

WCHS and WVAH HD will launch tomorrow, Nov. 1, on channels 783 and 784.

Is this on your Suddenlink?

this is AWESOME news! can't wait!

Awesome news......I look forward to Lost in HD.

Hope the signal on those 2 (8 and 11) is also for OTA Over the Air Antenna signal and reaches out this far (And not just for Cable and Dish Systems) I Live all the way out to the West of the Viewing Area and 8 and 11 has always been a problem. So I hope with the flip of the switch I can get them both. I guess 3 and 13 is closer to me because they are more Central (in Huntington) I guess in the Viewing area or Closer to Huntington and 8 and 11 is around Hurricane or St.Albans (Hope I did not butcher the spelling) because they are futher East than 3 and 13 You know if they (The FCC) Assigns a Town or a City even a Whole County in a Particular viewing Area a Stations signal needs to be Strong enough to Blanket that Viewing Area. I have to rely on Cincinnati Ohio and Lexington Ky. to get ABC and FOX signal because 8 ABC and 11 FOX does not have enough strength to spread out this Far West (Western Lewis County Ky) {Tollesboro Area } Maybe Nov 1st will make the Difference in HD Signal before I got them off and on maybe because they I guess they (8 and 11) flipped it on and off alot.

Finally!

Man...what a wait!

I hope D* takes a long time to add Charleston/Huntington in HD, because just last night I qualified for DNS HD from NY! The CSR told me there is no projected date for them to be added.

I forgot to check the TV when I got up this morning...are the two new channel on SuddenLink as expected?

I forgot to check the TV when I got up this morning...are the two new channel on SuddenLink as expected?


Not as of 8:15 a.m.

I forgot to check the TV when I got up this morning...are the two new channel on SuddenLink as expected?

I checked an hour or so ago, and they're listed, but displaying a 'Not Authorized' message. Same thing happened when CBS and NBC first appeared. I'm sure they'll be on air some time today. :D

I just called and the csr had no idea. He said "I need to research this because I dont know anything about any new channels being added ..... ". Kind of disturbing. More importantly we are one step closer.

Couple of comments:

WOWK: As someone else mentioned, kudos to them for putting the Colts-Broncos game on the HD side.

WSAZ: I really like the Football Night in America show, so it would be nice if I could watch it in HD every week. There have been a couple of times this season when they've failed to flip the switch or whatever it is they do to turn on the HD feed. This past weekend was a little strange because I'm assuming that the NASCAR race was in HD...Football Night was on next, not in HD...and then the game was on in HD.

WVAH: I get WVAH and WCHS OTA and since two weekends ago the football games (and World Series) has been coming in strangely. The picture it mostly OK with an occasional blip, but the sound cuts out periodically for no discernable reason. I've never had any problems with 11-1 because I'm just across the river from the tower and the signal remains strong even now. Just wondering if anybody else has this problem?

I checked an hour or so ago, and they're listed, but displaying a 'Not Authorized' message. Same thing happened when CBS and NBC first appeared. I'm sure they'll be on air some time today. :D
I had the "not authorized" on channel 783 and 784, so I called Suddenlink, and they removed the "Not Authorized", but was not able to get a signal (only a black screen).

Just now 5:20 pm a service tech was at my door, but he was not able to get anything either.
I think we will just have to keep our cool another day or so.

Anyway, I was impressed with the swift response from Suddenlink. :)

I got the Not Authorized message too...can't they just remove that over the phone? Which number did you call to reach someone who could help you?

I called the 800# listed on the "Not Authorized" screen. The CSR said that I was supposed to be getting the 2 channels, but they were having technical problems...and to call back tomorrow if it wasn't fixed.

As if, just wait it out and it'll fix itself? That's always nice :)

Welp, I couldn't resist calling, so I did.

Right over the phone my 2 new HD channels became active and I'm getting beautiful HD on Fox & ABC now! :) Worked like a charm, and the lady was very helpful. Give that 800 # a shot, everyone.

Thanks Southpaw....I called back, and got someone that was aware that it had to be activated - she had to activate hers at her house - and I've got it now too. Looks fantastic.

Couple of comments:

WVAH: I get WVAH and WCHS OTA and since two weekends ago the football games (and World Series) has been coming in strangely. The picture it mostly OK with an occasional blip, but the sound cuts out periodically for no discernable reason. I've never had any problems with 11-1 because I'm just across the river from the tower and the signal remains strong even now. Just wondering if anybody else has this problem?

I've noticed lately that I'm getting a lot of drop outs from WVAH and WCHS OTA lately, too. I'll run high 80's on my signal, but then it'll drop to nothing for just a second, and then pick right back up. It's gotten pretty bad to where it's tough to watch anything. It was fine over the summer, so I'm wondering if it has something to do with the leaves dropping and maybe some multi-pathing going on..? Don't really know how to fix it, either. I just keep holding out hope that I'll have HD available through cable soon.

You guys are making me really jealous with your cable HD. I'm in the old Cebridge footprint (Sissonville) with Suddenlink and they don't offer HD at all. It sucks having such a nice TV and only having two HD channels (OTA) that I can watch only certain months of the year!

Speaking of which - can any of you guys with the "internal connections" to Charter/Cebridge/Suddenlink do some fishing around to see if they're working on, or even planning to put HD in the Sissonville (Cebridge) market? If nothing is in the works, I'll probably go out and buy an HD satellite receiver. We're still in the dark ages over here on Coopers Creek!

Thanks Southpaw....I called back, and got someone that was aware that it had to be activated - she had to activate hers at her house - and I've got it now too. Looks fantastic.


I wish I had checked the message board in time for Lost last night. You are apparently required to call into Suddenlink to get your 783 and 784 activated.

Yeah, I called around 6 last night and they were able to activate it for me. It was nice to see Lost in HD.

Does anyone know if you can receive the Suddenlink HD locals with a QAM tuner. ie. no box if your TV has a QAM tuner.

Thanks.

I didnt have to call, and mine works...now if we could only get ESPN2HD and a HDPPV channel

Lost in HD was so refreshing; I missed the previous week & had it DVR'd (in SD, of course) and watched the SD version back to back with the HD episode from this week and boy, what a difference. Gorgeous stuff...so glad to now get all the college football games on ABC in HD! woohoo!

But a crappy night in HD football last night :(

Does Suddenlink/Charleston have PBS in HD yet?

Does Suddenlink/Charleston have PBS in HD yet?


No

Anybody else still have freezing problems on CBS HD with Suddenlink? I recorded CSI last night and it was really bad.

Anybody else still have freezing problems on CBS HD with Suddenlink? I recorded CSI last night and it was really bad.

I still am having problems....and lately TNT HD has been doing it...but not as bad as CBS HD.

Does anyone know if you can receive the Suddenlink HD locals with a QAM tuner. ie. no box if your TV has a QAM tuner.

Thanks.
only thing I've seen with QAM tuner is the music channels and seems like there was a regular digital channel or two that wasn't encrypted. I gave up on pursuing it, and had my friend just get the hd package...
But no, there were no locals in clearQAM

Does Suddenlink/Charleston have PBS in HD yet?
Is the local PBS even broadcasting in HD? And if they did, would it matter with 5 sub-channels?

I am also having trouble with WOWK-DT locking up. This happens even when the broadcast is in SD. It is very annoying but changing to another channel and then going back seems to clear the problem at least for a while. Am also very happy to see WCHS-DT and WVAH-DT are at last on Suddenlink. Looking forward to the weekend's college and NFL games all in HD!

Hope all the buzz above about 8 and 11 has helped you all ? I guess IF it did it is because all of you are closer to their transmitters/towers. It did not help me at all. I guess I am just too far WEST in the Viewing area and their Signals are not meant to go this far WEST. I still think that a Stations Signal ought to BLANKET out and cover the WHOLE Viewing area. I can get 3 and 13 Perfect just like I said before they must me more towards Huntington or in Huntington or fed off of an repeater in that area. Hardly any flaws on 3 and 13 I even adjust the Antenna by bumping it ever so slightly little by little with the rotor just incase their signal varies a little and is not in the general vincinity as 3 and 13 and scan again for new channels and nothing. I have done this at different times thoughout the Day and Night and still nothing. Maybe after Analog gets switched off and there is not alot of signal being transmitted with Analog and Digital burning up the airwaves it might help me on 8 and 11. But I still think it is because 8 and 11 being in St.Albans or wherever that they are further East than 3 and 13 that their signal won't spread out this far. Maybe they need to adjust their wattage more? Maybe I need not to worry since I can get Lexington in most of the Time Flawless and alot of times Cincy in good but nothing to worry about. Except for WCPO sometimes

I am having problems with the Suddenlink WOWK too....Steelers-Denver game almost unwatchable, I switched over to analog Channel 13.

I am having problems with the Suddenlink WOWK too....Steelers-Denver game almost unwatchable, I switched over to analog Channel 13.

i also had trouble watching the QUAM channel on time warner in ashland. def a wowk issue.

I'm having trouble this evening with both WSAZ HD and WOWK HD on Suddenlink. Both are just blank screens...picture comes in intermittently.

I had a technician come out on Friday to see if there was a problem on my end that causes the freezing but everything checked out. The technician said that they have been receiving a lot of complaints. He thought it might be coming from the individual networks. I have only experienced the problem on NBC and CBS HD so it seemed to make sense. However, if others are starting to see it on TNT it can't be good news.

Sounds like we will need to keep calling until they figure something out.

The WSAZ-DT signal was totally dead last night except for a few blips. That was awful as I was enjoying watching the Colts/Pats.


I had a technician come out on Friday to see if there was a problem on my end that causes the freezing but everything checked out. The technician said that they have been receiving a lot of complaints. He thought it might be coming from the individual networks. I have only experienced the problem on NBC and CBS HD so it seemed to make sense. However, if others are starting to see it on TNT it can't be good news.

Sounds like we will need to keep calling until they figure something out.

The WSAZ-DT signal was totally dead last night except for a few blips. That was awful as I was enjoying watching the Colts/Pats.

Yesterday (Sun.) was the worst I have ever seen for the HD locals. I had to switch to the analog to see teh Colts/Pats and the Broncos Steelers on CBS @ 4.30 was tough to watch in HD because of the freezing issues.

I wonder if this is a bandwith issue? I really don't know anything about broadcasting and how the singals are passed from local affiliate to cable to customer.

Yesterday (Sun.) was the worst I have ever seen for the HD locals. I had to switch to the analog to see teh Colts/Pats and the Broncos Steelers on CBS @ 4.30 was tough to watch in HD because of the freezing issues.

I wonder if this is a bandwith issue? I really don't know anything about broadcasting and how the singals are passed from local affiliate to cable to customer.

I also was wondering if it is a bandwidth problem. Of course, most of the time when I am actually able to watch these channels, it is during primetime. When the tech came out it was around 3:00pm which is probably not a high traffic time. My wife did tell me that she experiences freezing while she watches the Today show.

However, the SEC game on saturday was actually pretty good. I only remember one brief freeze during that game.

^

I'm not a technician by any means, but I'm not sure it is a bandwith problem, since it seems to be exclusive to certain channels. I never have problems with ESPN HD, Discovery HD, HBO, Cinemax or Starz HD channels.

Speaking of which - can any of you guys with the "internal connections" to Charter/Cebridge/Suddenlink do some fishing around to see if they're working on, or even planning to put HD in the Sissonville (Cebridge) market? If nothing is in the works, I'll probably go out and buy an HD satellite receiver. We're still in the dark ages over here on Coopers Creek!


I'm interested in this too. I live in Sissonville as well. I have HD through D* right now and it's horrible. I want to cancel, but yet I want to keep some HD (even though it looks horrid).

Wonder why Suddenlink in Sissonville cannot gain the same lineup as the Suddenlink in Charleston? Equipment related?

I'm interested in this too. I live in Sissonville as well. I have HD through D* right now and it's horrible. I want to cancel, but yet I want to keep some HD (even though it looks horrid).

Wonder why Suddenlink in Sissonville cannot gain the same lineup as the Suddenlink in Charleston? Equipment related?


I found their webisite and called their number. No HD for Suddenlink in Sissonville nor is there any information about plans for HD in Sissonville. The Rep stated that if they were going to move forward with it, they would have a business plan by the beginning of 2007 and to check back then.

To those that are reporting problems with WSAZ(Channel 3-1), I have not been receiving WSAZ HD now for several weeks OTA, which is the only way I have to receive it now that I have DirecTV. Last night I checked my OTA signal, and it was, as someone said, completely dead. What is going on with that? I just started receiving a good HD signal about a 1 1/2 months ago, and now for the past two weeks nothing again. My WOWK HD OTA signal was receivable, and had a signal strength about 62%.

Anybody?

To those that are reporting problems with WSAZ(Channel 3-1), I have not been receiving WSAZ HD now for several weeks OTA, which is the only way I have to receive it now that I have DirecTV. Last night I checked my OTA signal, and it was, as someone said, completely dead. What is going on with that? I just started receiving a good HD signal about a 1 1/2 months ago, and now for the past two weeks nothing again. My WOWK HD OTA signal was receivable, and had a signal strength about 62%.

Anybody?

I watched the race and the Colts/Pats game yesterday no problems at all, picture was great.

I watched the race and the Colts/Pats game yesterday no problems at all, picture was great.


i watched time warner's quam feed for the race and the game and it was perfect.

i watched time warner's quam feed for the race and the game and it was perfect.

Dont you mean QAM?

Dont you mean QAM?


yup

I found their webisite and called their number. No HD for Suddenlink in Sissonville nor is there any information about plans for HD in Sissonville. The Rep stated that if they were going to move forward with it, they would have a business plan by the beginning of 2007 and to check back then.

Thanks for the info Tony. I've called Suddenlink several times and the CS reps can't tell me crap. That's why I was hoping for a little "inside" information. I'm right next to the creek facing a huge hill - anyone driving up Coopers Creek has probably seen my CM4228 sitting on the peak of my roof facing a hill (lol). I put a pre-amp on it over the summer, and now that the leaves are gone, I can actually pick up WSAZ now. I was pretty excited to have it, even though I can only watch it at night for some reason..(?) Now, the only major network I can't pick up is WOWK, which is the one I wanted most because that's where the Steelers play most of the time... not that they're worth watching this season. If I find out anything else, I'll pass it along. Hopefully you can do the same!

(still in the dark ages)

Hello All,
I will be relocating back to Charleston after 13 years in Minnesota. What are the chances of getting any reception with an indoor antenna (Silver Sensor) in the basement of a house in Kanawha City? Anyone have this setup? Thanks.

Hello All,
I will be relocating back to Charleston after 13 years in Minnesota. What are the chances of getting any reception with an indoor antenna (Silver Sensor) in the basement of a house in Kanawha City? Anyone have this setup? Thanks.


You could probably get ABC and FOX but I highly doubt you could pick up NBC and CBS even with an outdoor antenna.

I highly doubt you could pick up NBC and CBS even with an outdoor antenna.

Thanks, is this because of where the transmitters are?

Yes.

The ABC/FOX tower is just west of St. Albans, but the CBS/NBC towers are about 5 miles north of I-64 between Milton and Barboursville.

I moved to Charleston & left my Directv antenna at the old location. Directv advertised a free antenna & install at the new location.

Well the antenna is "freee" if you sign up for a year contract with them.

Does anyone have an old 3 element DirectV dish for HD they want to get rid of soon?

Thanks,

Red

The C-130s cause a second or two of video & audio drop out as they enter & leave the landing zone at Charleston. They pass over my house so I know it is them.

We are better off with them, than without. No complaints from me.

Maybe these or other planes affect the signal in other areas.

Does anyone have an old 3 element DirectV dish for HD they want to get rid of soon?

If you want to keep up with D* HD offerings you are going to need the new 5 LNB dish by 2Q next year. So you may want to go ahead and start the commitment clock running now as you will need a new dish within 6 months or so.

I installed a channel master 4228 in our attic with a rotator and get OK signals most of the time. I use the antenna for HD signal exclusively. Channel 13.1 however breaks up and the signal is lost for short periods of time off and on. I am in Winfield and I hear that the further away from Huntington, everyone seems to have this problem.
Is a preamp likely to help or resolve an issue like this? My signal levels are generally in the mid 70's and some channels occasionally come in the upper 80's to low 90's. Considering the cost of preamps, I would appreciate feedback before giving that a try. The Channel Master CM 7775 Titan2 appears to be preamp to use for this antenna, UHF only. Anyone had experience with this preamp?

Hmmmm...... I am no expert, but if you could mount the antenna as high as possible outdoors, such as a roof mount, with your rotator, then that may be all you need.

I don't do too bad with an indoor preamp. It is a Channel Master 3042, I believe...., that I obtained from Lowe's for about $25.00, but with you location, you should try mounting outdoors. It may be all you need. If not, then you may try a preamp.

I installed a channel master 4228 in our attic with a rotator .......Is a preamp likely to help or resolve an issue like this? ....... Anyone had experience with this preamp?
I am off 34 just north of I-64 and have basically the same setup minus the rotator but plus the 7777. I am getting signal in the upper 80's/low 90's on my D* HR10. I modified the 4228 by removing one of the screens. I finally found one direction that lets me get all 4 nets.

I was unable to get WOWK without an amp, so the amp may fix your problem. But I am on a hill. Where in Winfield are you?

Edit: I remember you now. Yes a preamp should help. Solidsignal.com carries them.

wowk is consistantly having problems. i would hold off on the pre-amp. i get a solid signal in ashland from 70's to 90's. its really spotty sometimes. i also am able to pick-up wowk with my qam tuner on time warner. the time warner signal comes and goes just like the ota signal. so, i'm pretty sure its on wowk's end. so far today the qam has been perfect (i haven't watched ota though).

JKad,
I have that antenna & CM7775 preamp sitting on my back porch. I get all the local channels. The back porch is at about 1000', The only trouble is when an aircraft disrupts the signal.

I am thinking about getting another CM 4228 & mounting it about 15' to the side of the other one. Then feed both signals into the pre-amp from same length RG6 cables. This may reduce the flutter from the aircraft by getting the signal from different places.

The wavelength at those frequencies is so short that 15' sepration may be enough for a solid signal when the planes are in the landing area. I am about 8 miles east of the airport.

------------------------

Thanks HerdFan,
I may just hold off on the Directv HD a while longer. I was hoping they would add more HDTV channels.

They cut off my signal last Super Bowl & I missed a big part of it. I canceled my HD with them the next day. I have since moved & get the local ABC, CBS, NBC. & FOX HDTV stations OTA.

Thanks for the responses. An outside antenna would be nice but really not a good option here. The mixed opinions though don't make the decision an easy one.
We just got Dish and at least have an option to go to SD when things get bad on OTA HD. This Dish 622 DVR is spectacular. It records our OTA HD on one station and up to two satellite stations all at the same time---and we can watch any already recorded program while doing all that. We only have the one receiver but since the 622 has a TV2 SD out connected to the house distribution system, we can watch any satellite station on all the other outlets in the house. This TV2 output is independent from the primary HD output and is controlled by a second remote that works throughout the house. Sweet system! If we could get locals on Dish, all the problems would be resolved.

Until then, I'll continue to listen to what others are experiencing and try to be patient.

Hello All,
I will be relocating back to Charleston after 13 years in Minnesota. What are the chances of getting any reception with an indoor antenna (Silver Sensor) in the basement of a house in Kanawha City? Anyone have this setup? Thanks.


I live in Sissonville and use a $20 Philips powered Antenna from Walmart. I have it sitting on the window ledge (inside) in my basement. The antenna is about 2 feet above ground level, but I do live on a small hill. I can pick up WCHS, WVAH and WSAZ, but not WOWK, unless I open the window and point my antenna towards the ground. I guess it gets a bounce. WCHS comes in perfectly during the summer, but as soon as it starts getting colder, I have issues with it. I can pick up WVAH and WSAZ at any time with few to no drop outs.

I still plan on a better antenna with an amp in the attic at some point in time.

I just posted this in the Dedicated HT thread:

Ok, so not something most men would ask on AVS forum. I was downstairs with the kids as my wife was watching her recorded Oprah show from today. She yells for me to come up and see this. A house is being sold in Newport Beach, CA. It's the 3rd most expensive house in America. It's being sold and a Realtor was giving the tour. He wouldn't say who the house belonged to, but he's from Charleston, WV (my home town). The house is 30K square feet and the basement is AMAZING. It's a replica of some of the owners favorite areas of Charleston, WV. His Home Theater (Beautiful might I add) is decorated with Japanese Elm, and is named the Rialto. It looks like the Rialto did when it was open in Charleston. Even down to the Chandelier (from what my wife told me). Around the corner from his theater, he has the Blossom Dairy where you can get a burger or a shake. It still exists here in Charleston. Beside that is a Kay's Jewler. I assume it was his wife's expensive jewelry on showcase.

They didn't say WHO owned the house, but the only person I know from Charleston, WV that could own the 3rd most expensive house in America ($75 Million) would be John Chambers (President and CEO of Cisco Systems). Anyone know who would own this house?

I found out the owner is Frank Pritt. Founder of the Software Attachmate. He was on Forbes 400 as one of the richest people in America. I never even heard of the man until now.

John Chambers did grow up in Charleston so it probably is his house. I remember seeing a blurb about this house a week or two ago but didn't pay enough attention to get any details.

Thanks for the info Tony. My wife was wondering who it was.

If anyone is interested in placing a bid on this house, here is the website:

http://www.portabello.com/

Look at the Galleries. Check out the entrance to the Rialto HT. WOW!!!!!!!!!

So, did anyone survive the craziness and snag a PS3? I probably should've went after one since I bet 'round here the demand isn't like Atlanta or Beverly Hills, but alas I had to come to work today.

If I would have gotten one, I don't know if I would have kept it or been tempted to sell it on E-Bay where some are going for over $2,000.

Oh, no doubt...mine would've been on eBay STAT.

I'm considering picking up a Wii tomorrow night at midnight...wouldn't the Nitro Wal-Mart be less crowded than the South Charleston one?

^
My guess is that Nitro would be less crowded. I don't know what the E*Bay value of the Wii is going to be, since those are going to be more readily available than the PS3.

^ Yeah, I hear ya, but current Wii prices (for folks who got guaranteed pre-orders) are like 250% higher than retail. That's nuts. If I can make a quick $2-300, I'm all for it.

Welp, both Nitro & SC locations "have had folks waiting in line all night long" for the Wii. There goes that idea.

I am having trouble with the WCHS digital signal

All my other digital channels are working fine

I wonder if they are having problems or am I?

Everyone needs to call suddenlink and complain about not having the NFL Network. The first Thursday night game starts this week and we are SOL. 800-972-5757

I was thinking the same thing. I am planning on calling them today to see if CBS HD is going to be fixed. Still getting freezes often. Other people that I have talk to are experiencing the same problem. I will definitely be asking them about the NFL network when I call.

Well, just got off the phone with them. They said that they have not gotten any updates regarding the NFL network but are trying to work something out. Basically, the same thing that I was told a couple of months ago.

Yeah they told me not to worry it would be in place for next year..But I won't be a customer Next Year.....still no luck.

Suddenlink is not the only cable system that does not have the NFL network. From what I have read, the NFL network is strong arming cable companies into putting the network on basic cable or not at all.

Even though DirecTV doesn't carry the HD version of the NFL Network (yet) they are going to show the Thursday night games in HD :)

Even though DirecTV doesn't carry the HD version of the NFL Network (yet) they are going to show the Thursday night games in HD :)


What channel?

Suddenlink is not the only cable system that does not have the NFL network. From what I have read, the NFL network is strong arming cable companies into putting the network on basic cable or not at all.

Good article on the topic

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/11/21/2020.ap.fbn.nfl.network.2nd.ld.writethru.0678/index.html

What channel?
Channel 95.

http://www.skyreport.com/#Story1

Plus it is also showing up on the channel guide.

anyone having issues with WOWK OTA......All channels great but cant receive WOWK the past three days.?

anyone having issues with WOWK OTA......All channels great but cant receive WOWK the past three days.?


I am

I thought it was me

I am getting all the other OTAs great just not WOWK

anyone having issues with WOWK OTA......All channels great but cant receive WOWK the past three days.?

Same here.

Watched that game yesterday with no issues.

Anybody else having problems with the sound on WCHS HD on cable?
I'm trying to watch the Texas A&M vs Texas game and the sound level keeps going up and down. It better not be like this for the USC vs ND game tomorrow.

HD is frustrating when you cant depend on your broadcasters to flip the switch or broadcast a good signal. All you can do is wait on the cable companies and in my case D*** to get their act together.

HD is frustrating when you cant depend on your broadcasters to flip the switch or broadcast a good signal. All you can do is wait on the cable companies and in my case D*** to get their act together.
That won't fix it. If the station is giving D* or the cableco's garbage, they will retransmit garbage. GIGO!

Hey all. I'd like to indirectly thank you guys for the valuable info you have unknowingly posted. I'd like to share my efforts and results so that others in my situation can possibly benefit from them.

I live in South Point, Ohio. For a couple years now, I have been wanting to experience the world of HD, but with little resources around here for that, I had to wait along with everyone else. The idea had slipped my mind until many months ago, my cable provider, Armstrong, added WSAZ HD. This was shortly followed by WOWK HD a couple months later. Problem was, it has been many months now since those two channels were added, and many of the programs my wife and I watch are on ABC and FOX. I had called many times to request those channels with no results, so I went to talk to the manager at our local Armstrong office, and was told 2 reasons why 8 and 11 had not been added. The first was that they did not have their HD ready for them to broadcast it. Unless he was talking about the signal strength not being strong enough, I had a hard time believing that one. The other, and most likely, was that sinclair was tough to work with since they are usually steep on their asking cost for the contract. Armstrong does however have a contract with sinclair in Pittsburgh where they offer FOX HD to their Medina, OH customers, so working out an agreement here is a possibility.

Me, being the impatient type, decided to take matters into my own hands and see if I could get WCHS-DT and WOWK-DT with an antenna. Before really researching, I tried an indoor antenna from radio shack, which had poor results. After reading through many of the 75+ pages here, I decided to try my second attempt. I went with the CM 3018 at Lowes since it was the easiest to acquire on short notice (5 min drive). I had my doubts that I would receive the channels I was seeking since antennaweb said I could not get those channels in my area, but thankfully they were wrong. I am happy to report I am receiving 15 digital channels, 4 of those being the major networks. 8 and 11 come in around 64% signal strength while the other two are closer to 90%. This is just with the CM 3018 antenna w/o a pre amp and my JVC 61G787 HD-ILA Television.

I hope this info can help others like myself that are seeking OTA HD.

Message from WOWK...

WPBY is not interfering with our signal. We are experiencing a problem with our full power DTV transmitter. We had to switch to our low power transmitter so this is why your signal is lower. We are working on the full power and will get it back up as soon as possible.

Thanks for the email and thank you for watching WOWK DT LIVE and LOCAL

We are experiencing a problem with our full power DTV transmitter. .
What Full Power DTV transmitter? They have been powering their DTV signal with a 9-volt battery since they were forced to put it up by the FCC.

quick question for you suddenlink hd customers, what connections are available on the box?
I need to know what cables to buy....

I installed a channel master 4228 in our attic with a rotator and get OK signals most of the time. I use the antenna for HD signal exclusively. Channel 13.1 however breaks up and the signal is lost for short periods of time off and on. I am in Winfield and I hear that the further away from Huntington, everyone seems to have this problem.
Is a preamp likely to help or resolve an issue like this? My signal levels are generally in the mid 70's and some channels occasionally come in the upper 80's to low 90's. Considering the cost of preamps, I would appreciate feedback before giving that a try. The Channel Master CM 7775 Titan2 appears to be preamp to use for this antenna, UHF only. Anyone had experience with this preamp?

I installed the CM 7775 preamp today with great results. I haven't been able to get WOWK at all for about a week apparently due to their using a low power transmitter while their high power transmitter is out of service. I am now able to get a solid signal even after splitting the output from the inside part of the preamp. These results while they are using the low power transmitter should solve my problems. If anyone is thinking about this preamp, I would highly recommend it!

.
What Full Power DTV transmitter? They have been powering their DTV signal with a 9-volt battery since they were forced to put it up by the FCC.

Back this summer, they started broadcasting at a higher power. I thought someone posted what Bill Galloway stated on the forum here, can't remember. I 'thought' they were combining the power from their digital and analog transmitter. I've been able to receive WOWK at about 60% (well enough to watch it) with my indoor antenna, as long as I open the window. Not good for the winter time, but was all geared up to watch my Ravens pound the Squeelers in HD today, but did not get a signal.

quick question for you suddenlink hd customers, what connections are available on the box?
I need to know what cables to buy....

It depends. I have 2 HD DVR's and they're different models. One has DVI (8000), the other has HDMI (8300). Both have component and optical out and various analog ins and outs.
The 8300 also has an SATA port to hook up an extra hard drive. I think someone on here said it worked.
Not sure about non DVR boxes, it's been a while since I had one.

Anyone else notice the front AV ports on the 8300 now work?

How hard is it to get the 8300 from them?

quick question for you suddenlink hd customers, what connections are available on the box?
I need to know what cables to buy....

I have the SA 8300 (HD DVR). Off the top of my head, there is composite, component and hdmi.

One last stupid question, any big diffrence between digital coax or Optical?

One last stupid question, any big diffrence between digital coax or Optical?

Personally, I prefer the coaxial. I feel its a more 'positive' connection not dependant on alignment of optical emitters and light pipe.

Optical eliminates a possible ground loop and can make lightning protection 'domains' easier to implement.

Either works just fine.

quick question for you suddenlink hd customers, what connections are available on the box?
I need to know what cables to buy....
As others have stated the 8300HD box has an eSATA port for connecting an external hard drive. I have a 320GB drive connected to mine and it works fine. Note it is an eSATA, not a regular SATA. With 480GB I have plenty of space for recording 3-4 weeks worth of HD from the cable. I use the HDMI for the projector and Component for the TV- but not at the same time!

The first time we signed up for HD services it was a normal HD box, They gave us componant cables (don't know how good they were, they were grey and kinda flimsy). Then we replaced it with the HD DVR, and they will not give you a HDMI cable. We got $30 phillips HDMI cables for it (they were the cheapest around our house)

One last stupid question, any big diffrence between digital coax or Optical?

I think optical provides a better sound.

Cool thanks guys...

I think optical provides a better sound.

Digital is Digital. I wouldn't think you should be noticing any sound difference. It's 1s and 0s, on or off. The issue is when dealing with long distances and Optical will be inherent to jitter problems where the Coax won't be affected by it as much. Running it from your DVD player/HD Box to the receiver, which is near by, is so short, there would be no jitter issues.

As scsiraid pointed out, the coax will have a better connection. Either one would be fine to use. Any sound differences should be between different sources (such as a difference between the sound on one DVD player to another based on the type of DACs being used)

Well you would be surprised... My 8300 wouldn't send 5.1 through dig coax, tried 3 hard boots to no resolve, hooked up the 1 optical cable I have and boom, Magic. Guess I have to buy another cable from monoprice....

You do have to go into the 8300 setup and switch it from HDMI to Dolby to pass 5.1 on the optical link if you are using HDMI at the same time. Otherwise, it will be what ever the HDMI auto selects. If the TV does not accept 5.1 over HDMI, then the HDMI link will autoconfigure to PCM 2 channel audio. This will override the optical out going to your 5.1 compliant receiver.

I posted this in the "Home Theater Computers" Thread as well and it was suggested I post it here too.

ATSC ABC HD viewable in Media Player but not Media Center

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I can record ATSC HD programs from all my local networks(I have good antenna strength for all major broadcasters) and I can replay recordings of all of them in Media Center 2005 on my HP m7170n desktop or my XBOX 360 extender and stream them live in Media Center or on the XBOX 360 as well, EXCEPT for ABC WCHS-TV8 in HD. I can watch ABC in digital standard definition (SD) but as soon as they go to true widescreen High Def, after 5-10 seconds into replay or live HD feed, I receive stuttering and then a "video error files needed to display video are not installed. Please restart Media Center or...".

However, I can record the ABC HD programs(college football usually)from the program guide in Media Center and replay the file just fine in MS Windows Media Player 11 with out a single stutter on my HP XP SP2 MCE 2005 Rollup 2 desktop, but cannot get it to display properly in the Media Center with the HP or on the 360. I can also watch ABC HD just fine through my JVC TV's built in ATSC tuner. I can fiddle with the replay on the media center by backing out and restarting replay and get another few seconds of replay before it errors again and it will error in different areas of replay so it's not like just one area of the recording is causing the mess up. It will also fast forward or rewind fine, just not play regular speed.

I have a strong enough system I believe: Pentium D 830, 2GB Ram, Pinnacle PCTV HD Pro Stick, ATI TV Wonder 650 PCI, 250 GB and 400GB HDD, ATI Radeon X1600 XT and ethernet connected XBOX 360.

I am using the newest NVIDIA PureVideo Decoder Platinum for my HP desktop and I when I watch its decoder properties on the fly, I have noticed while in Media Player it shows under the "Decoder Format" box as "Direct X VA Mode C (idct)" on the top with "Video Mixing" beneath that. But in MCE 2005, while it's actually playing stutter free, it shows "Direct X VA Mode C (idct)" on top with "Video Mixing (Direct X 9)" under it. However, in Media Center replay freeze ups with the "Video Error..." it only shows "Direct X VA Mode C (mc16)" on the top line with nothing underneath. It also shows "Deinterlace Mode" as "VMR default" in Media Player but shows "Best Available" in Media Center. I don't know if that matters or helps at all to figure out this error but I can't find any other differences.

I have used Windows Update and installed the latest video, tuner and audio drivers available. I just don't get why Fox 720p HD NFL is fine live or replayed in Media Center 2005 or on the 360, but ABC HD NCAA Football stutters and errors in Media Center or the 360, but is just fine if replayed in Media Player 11.

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for any help.

Pleasant surprise finding so many posts in the Charleston, WV thread..
I was beginning to think that no one cared about this stuff in this area.

I posted this yesterday in a different forum section, but I thought that people involved in this thread might be able to give some advice from experience.

I'm moving to Dunbar tomorrow (Roxalana Hills Apartments--which means no roof antennas). I was hoping to get some OTA channels, but things are looking pretty grim after seeing my results from AntennaWeb. I was just basically hoping to pick up all of the locals, with as many as possible being in HD. Has anyone had any luck with this in the Dunbar area? Any suggestions?

I haven't spoken with Sudden Link yet, but I know that they can be quite expensive. Last that I heard, they were charging quite a bit for this type of content. What all HD channels do they carry

Any help at all is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Espn, Discovery, Tnt, Abc, Nbc, Fox, Cbs, Hbo, Starz, Cinemax, Showtime

Danforth, I'd suggest trying a DB-2, available from AntennasDirect.com, and placing it as far westward as possible. All of the transmitters are in the same general direction, so even if your apartment faces east, place one of the DB2s somewhere in the westernmost end of your apartment. From there, run a cable to the tuner. I suggest RadioShack Gold Series, and 25 to 50 feet should be enough, though the less, the better (long story), so try 25 feet or less if you can. Move the antenna around if you can't get a lock of your favorite stations. I have a feeling you'll be surprised at how powerful that antenna is.

Does anyone know who installs antennas in the Ashland area. I have a 30 tower and I can't get up there. My rotor quit working and I have a replacement. While I'm at it I'd like to change my antenna and preamp.

Did anyone lose their local channels from Dish Network?

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6396540.html?display=Breaking+News

Danforth, I'd suggest trying a DB-2, available from AntennasDirect.com, and placing it as far westward as possible. All of the transmitters are in the same general direction, so even if your apartment faces east, place one of the DB2s somewhere in the westernmost end of your apartment. From there, run a cable to the tuner. I suggest RadioShack Gold Series, and 25 to 50 feet should be enough, though the less, the better (long story), so try 25 feet or less if you can. Move the antenna around if you can't get a lock of your favorite stations. I have a feeling you'll be surprised at how powerful that antenna is.

Thanks for the suggestion. After doing some research, I'm excited to try it out. Do any B&M stores carry it? I'll probably end up trying it regardless, but I was just wondering. I know that it isn't a great reason to return something, but I'd like to have the option of returning it if I get absolutely no signal from where I live. It really does look like my best option, but just the readings from AntennaWeb, and the fact that WV is so mountainous makes me a bit nervous to dish out that much money (though it has a very good price on antennnasdirect.com) on something that has a very slim chance of working. It does look as though if anything would work, it would be this one, though.

Thanks again for all of your help.

So.......will the Gator bowl be in HD?

Do any B&M stores carry it?
Lowes carries a Channel Master 3221 which you could use to try to get a signal. If you can get a signal with a 3221, then the DB line will be fine. I would recommend at least the DB4 as it is slightly larger. Depending on you location, you may want to go with the DB8 as you can modify the setup if you need to.

For example, I have the CM 4228 which is almost identical to the DB8, and I have removed one of the screens which allows me to receive all 4 nets. I could not get all 4 until I modified the screens.

danforth, I've never been in the area, and don't know what "B&M" stands for. None of what I could find searching would probably sell antennas. That said, if you can find a DB-2 at the B&M, go for it. However if you get it, it doesn't work, and can't return it, you can always keep it in case it'll work at your next home, wherever that may be.

But to be honest, you may want to consider the 4228, since WOWK/CBS has elected Channel 13 for its transmissions after analog shut-off. The HDTVPrimer website says that the 4228 has very good gain on channel 13 for a UHF antenna.

WVAH and WCHS will be the easier signals to pick up. All the others, especially WPBY/PBS, will be more of a challenge. Remember: Try to reduce snow and ghosting of analog channels as much as possible. This should improve the chances of getting all your digital signals. If you can't pick up all the signals with the DB-2 or 4228 alone, or just in case you want it right the first time, get a ChannelMaster 7777 pre-amp, and hook up a Gold Series 3-foot cable between the antenna and the preamp, and the longer cable to the tuner.

Report back with your results as you go along. I hope you like your new digs.

Thanks so much for all of the help. It is greatly appreciated.

However, I just read on this forum that my tv has a QAM tuner. I'm not sure why this isn't listed in the specs for the tv on any site (including Olevia's official site). I don't have cable at my apartment yet, so I can't really test this out. But this should allow me to pick up the digital channels without an antenna, right? I hope that I understand this correctly. I'm going to drop by SuddenLink tomorrow to set up an appointment, and then I'll be able to see if this works. I emailed them, and they're running a really nice deal on basic cable/extended basic cable/internet right now. If things don't work out there, I'll take your advice.

Thanks again for all of the help. I feel bad for wasting your time if I don't end up needing this equipment. But as I said, no websites even list this tv with a QAM tuner.

And also, if I misunderstood the functions of a QAM tuner, then feel free to correct me. I'm fairly new to this type of stuff.

danforth, I've never been in the area, and don't know what "B&M" stands for.
Brick and Mortar. Any physical store vs. online.

Hi, I live in Charleston and I'm glad I found this forum. Hopefully you guys can help me make a decision. I just got a 32" Magnavox LCD HDTV and i am a newbie to HDTV. I currently have DirecTV with DVR for one room. I want to upgrade to HDTV w/DVR for the new tv and keep the other TV with standard DVR. DirecTV's HD/DVR's are currently on backorder and you have to pay $200 to get them. I get my internet service thru Suddenlink and I called them to see what price I could get HDTV for. The combined price of their Internet/HDTV cable package will be cheaper than DirecTV's package plus my internet thru Suddenlink. Also, you don't have to pay for the equipment thru Suddenlink. I'm leaning toward changing over to suddenlink. Does anyone have any advice on which way I should go?
Thanks,
Jason

Right now, Suddenlink is the way to go. They have all 4 nets plus a decent selection of HD channels, ESPN2-HD being the notable one missing. Also, at this time, D*'s HD DVR doesn't have OTA capability, so you would have no way to get the local nets. (The official D* CSR repsonse is early 2007 for OTA activation, but other credible rumors say this month.)

OTOH, by mid-2007 D* will most likely be able to carry almost every HD channel available including our locals when the new satellites launch.

So my recommendation would be to suspend, not cancel your D* subscription. I think it costs like $5 month to suspend service (Tell them you are going out of town on a work project or something). Go with Suddenlink until D* gets its new satellites up. Then call D* and tell them you are ready to reactivate, but want a HD DVR for free or you are going to go with local cable. If you have been a good customer, they will usually give in and give it to you. Ask to speak to retention if they don't want to.

And welcome to the forum.

Right now, Suddenlink is the way to go. They have all 4 nets plus a decent selection of HD channels, ESPN2-HD being the notable one missing. Also, at this time, D*'s HD DVR doesn't have OTA capability, so you would have no way to get the local nets. (The official D* CSR repsonse is early 2007 for OTA activation, but other credible rumors say this month.)

OTOH, by mid-2007 D* will most likely be able to carry almost every HD channel available including our locals when the new satellites launch.

So my recommendation would be to suspend, not cancel your D* subscription. I think it costs like $5 month to suspend service (Tell them you are going out of town on a work project or something). Go with Suddenlink until D* gets its new satellites up. Then call D* and tell them you are ready to reactivate, but want a HD DVR for free or you are going to go with local cable. If you have been a good customer, they will usually give in and give it to you. Ask to speak to retention if they don't want to.

And welcome to the forum.

Thanks for the response and the welcome. What would be the benefit to not cancelling and then signing back up when/if they get a better package? Is it only to try and get them to give me new equipment. You don't think that you could negotiate that out with them to come back to their service from cable?
Thanks,
Jason

What would be the benefit to not cancelling and then signing back up when/if they get a better package?........ You don't think that you could negotiate that out with them to come back to their service from cable?

Actually no. Once you leave, you can't get new customer deals. They will go farther to keep a customer than they will to take one who already left back.

However, I just read on this forum that my tv has a QAM tuner. .......... I'm going to drop by SuddenLink tomorrow to set up an appointment, and then I'll be able to see if this works. And also, if I misunderstood the functions of a QAM tuner, then feel free to correct me. I'm fairly new to this type of stuff.
You understand the QAM tuner just fine. However, cable companies can throw a wrench into this by encrypting the digital channels. I don't want to burst your bubble, but I think Suddenlink does encrypt all their digital channels including HD locals. Some cable companies such as Comcast do not. There is a very vague FCC rule on this and different cablecos interpret it differently.

However, if you do have success, please let us know as I will be able to quit fighting with my dad's antenna and just let him get the nets via QAM.

You understand the QAM tuner just fine. However, cable companies can throw a wrench into this by encrypting the digital channels. I don't want to burst your bubble, but I think Suddenlink does encrypt all their digital channels including HD locals. Some cable companies such as Comcast do not. There is a very vague FCC rule on this and different cablecos interpret it differently.

However, if you do have success, please let us know as I will be able to quit fighting with my dad's antenna and just let him get the nets via QAM.

I was afraid of that.

Has anyone tried QAM with Suddenlink?

I stood in line for 30+ minutes at the Town Center Mall this evening before giving up and leaving. The line was not moving at all. I might try just calling to set up an installation appointment. Whenever I talk with them, can I just ask them about picking up HD locals via QAM? Or is this something that I should just not bring up at all and hope for the best? I'd really like to know, as I really would like to get some HD channels. It's going to kill me to finally have an HDTV and still only pick up programs in 480i.

It's going to kill me to finally have an HDTV and still only pick up programs in 480i.
Worst case is you get a cable box and get your HD. :)

Has anyone else had issues lately with WSAZ and their digital feed. I am getting lots of pixelization and it can be almost unwatchable. I am getting steady 90's on my signal meter so strength isn't the issue. :confused:

Has anyone else had issues lately with WSAZ and their digital feed. I am getting lots of pixelization and it can be almost unwatchable. I am getting steady 90's on my signal meter so strength isn't the issue. :confused:

I just tried to pick up OTA channels last night and I could get WCHS and WVAH digital feeds but could not get WSAZ or WOWK digital feeds to come in at all. I am just using a small indoor antenna. I guess if I want to get the others I would have to get a larger antenna. WCHS and WVAH were coming in great on HD though. It really made me want to get more HD channels ASAP.

Worst case is you get a cable box and get your HD. :)

Does anyone have Suddenlink's prices for this stuff? I was told that they would be on Suddenlink's site. I can't find them anywhere though.

I was afraid of that.

Has anyone tried QAM with Suddenlink?



danforth,
You can't get HD on Suddenlink with a QAM tuner-at least I can't. You will have to get a HD box from Suddenlink.

I am up on the hill at the east end of St. Albans, and I get all the local HD channels with a DB-4 antenna and amp. I run 2 HD tv's with this setup.

Does anyone have Suddenlink's prices for this stuff? I was told that they would be on Suddenlink's site. I can't find them anywhere though.


It depends on what package you get...including internet service. The HD service is $9.99 for the HD DVR per month, and $3.99 per month for the HD channels.

Avas, thanks for the reply. My antenna is going to have to be indoor, so I'd have to go with the DB-2 that mikemikeb suggested. Since you've had success with an antenna in around the same area, I'm probably going to try that as well before going with the Suddenlink HD package. What amp do you use?

It depends on what package you get...including internet service. The HD service is $9.99 for the HD DVR per month, and $3.99 per month for the HD channels.

Thanks so much for the prices. Just for some HD channels, that's going to be an extra $14 per month then. What all channels are included in that?


You all have been helping so much. Just wanted to say thanks!

Avas, thanks for the reply. My antenna is going to have to be indoor, so I'd have to go with the DB-2 that mikemikeb suggested. Since you've had success with an antenna in around the same area, I'm probably going to try that as well before going with the Suddenlink HD package. What amp do you use?

You all have been helping so much. Just wanted to say thanks!

danforth, I use the PA-16 Pre-Amp kit from antennasdirect.com.

Check that site for the DB4 dimensions. You could just hang it out a west facing window. Mine is hanging from the upstairs eave on a PCV pipe. Perhaps, you could also fasten it to a heavy piece of wood and sit it indoors.

I've been having trouble watching WCHS ABC HD(all the other networks are fine) in Media Center 2005 (fine on JVC TV) and was wondering if anyone else was using MC 2005 or having trouble with ABC HD in Windows Media Center?

I can't believe it. I live in south hills in charleston and decided to buy a cheap $20 antenna just to see what locals I could pull in. I got them all even wsaz and wowk. this after antennaweb said I couldn't get any of them.

I live in south hills in charleston and decided to buy a cheap $20 antenna just to see what locals I could pull in. I got them all even wsaz and wowk.
What about WPBY? :p

Now that one depends if you like it with a little bit of snow....

I can't believe it. I live in south hills in charleston and decided to buy a cheap $20 antenna just to see what locals I could pull in. I got them all even wsaz and wowk. this after antennaweb said I couldn't get any of them.


I've posted serveral times that I live in Sissonville and have a $20 Indoor Powered antenna sitting in the windowsill of my basement and can pick up WSAZ, WCHS and WVAH without moving it. However, the only way I can pick up WOWK is with the window open.

Snow is only on Analog channels. No snow present on Digital channels, but I'm not sure what WPBY is.

Thanks so much for the prices. Just for some HD channels, that's going to be an extra $14 per month then. What all channels are included in that?



Included with the Suddenlink HD package is: ESPN; Discovery HD Theater; WSAZHD(NBC), WOWKHD(CBS), WCHSHD(ABC), WVAHHD(FOX); and TNT.

If you also subscribe to any of the pay channels - HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, or Starz - then you will get also get the HD feed for that pay channel.

After another hour of waiting in line at the Town Center today, I finally was able to set up an installation appointment for this Saturday. I told them that I had a QAM tuner, and asked if they had any cards that would allow me to pick up the HD channels since they didn't allow it for free. They had absolutely no idea what a QAM tuner is. However, they did recognize the subject that I was talking about, and said that they had a digital cable card for $1.50 per month that would allow me to pick up NBC HD, ABC HD, FOX HD, and CBS HD. I'm assuming that this is only meant for sets with a QAM tuner, though I could be mistaken. Does this sound right? I should be able to get all of these with my tv, right?

Anyway, I scheduled an appointment for basic / expanded basic and the digital cable card. I guess I'll see if it's what I think it is come Saturday. I'm hoping that means 2-78 analog + the 4 local HD channels. If I'm completely wrong, then someone please correct me.

If I'm correct, then.. I thought I'd post this just in case anyone else is interested. Though it's still not as cheap as an antenna, for $1.50 a month it seems like an alright deal.


EDIT: Actually, I have another question. How are cable cards installed? Are only certain sets able to accept cable cards? I'm confused about all of this now.

Thanks in advance for any help. And sorry again for so many questions.

danforth, I'm not an expert with CableCard installation, but I do know that usually only more expensive TVs have CableCard slots. They are indeed slots that don't have anything to do with QAM or the input that the QAM input usually shares with the antenna input.

check the back of your tv, if you are able to use a cable card there will be a slot that looks like you could stick a credit card in it.

what kind of tv do you have?

i have a sony 55" kdf and it has a slot. i've never tried it though since i get all networks with an ota antenna (i'm also hooked on my motorola hd dvr box)

Thanks for the help. No cable card slot here. I was so excited, and now so disappointed. It seems really weird to me to have a QAM tuner without a cable card slot. Anyway, thanks for the help. I was able to call and cancel that part of the installation.

anyone else having problems with wowk this weekend, like no HD?

anyone else having problems with wowk this weekend, like no HD?

Mine is working fine now for the Denver v San Diego game. I did notice it wasn't working for the early game, but it wasn't supposed to be in HD. I was suprised the pre-game show wasn't in HD though.

wowk ota working fine for me

After another hour of waiting in line at the Town Center today, I finally was able to set up an installation appointment for this Saturday. I told them that I had a QAM tuner, and asked if they had any cards that would allow me to pick up the HD channels since they didn't allow it for free. They had absolutely no idea what a QAM tuner is. However, they did recognize the subject that I was talking about, and said that they had a digital cable card for $1.50 per month that would allow me to pick up NBC HD, ABC HD, FOX HD, and CBS HD. I'm assuming that this is only meant for sets with a QAM tuner, though I could be mistaken. Does this sound right? I should be able to get all of these with my tv, right?


FCC regulations require the cable companies that carry the local broadcast HD channels (e.g., CBS, NBC, etc) to do so in the clear (i.e., not encrypted). Having a HDTV with a QAM tuner but without cablecard support should still allow you to receive these local broadcast HD channels, but not the premium (e.g., HBO-HD) nor the extra tier of HD channels such as ESPN-HD and Discovery-HD. If your local cable co. is encrypting the local HD channels then they are in violation of the federal reguations. The two specific regulations applicable are:

76.901 states "The basic service tier shall, at a minimum, include all signals of domestic television broadcast stations provided to any subscriber"

76.630 though states "Cable system operators shall not scramble or otherwise encrypt signals carried on the basic service tier"

Together these require that the local broadcast HD channels (when carried by a cable company) be included in the basic service tier and they not be scrambled. I would suggest you inform your cable co. that you will be filing a complaint with the FCC unless they start complying with these federal regulations.


Ron Jones

I've tried this a couple other places on this forum, and I'm really hoping that this isn't my tv.

One big question broken down into a few:

Does anyone have a Suddenlink HD box (not HD-DVR) with DVI? Does your tv only accept HDMI? Do you use a DVI-HDMI adapter/cable? And finally, the main question is 'does this work properly?'

I've tried both an adapter and a cable, and I also switched out hd boxes. No matter what, I end up with a blue picture. I was hoping that it was just Suddenlink's boxes and not my tv, since it seems to come down to those two.

Thanks for any replies! Sorry for all of the questions again.

Do you use a DVI-HDMI adapter/cable? And finally, the main question is 'does this work properly?'

I've tried both an adapter and a cable, and I also switched out hd boxes. No matter what, I end up with a blue picture. I was hoping that it was just Suddenlink's boxes and not my tv, since it seems to come down to those two.
There two kinds of DVI - The early version of DVI did not have HDCP while later ones did. HDMI has HDCP, so if you are trying to send an HDMI signal to a non-HDCP DVI connector, it won't work.

I've tried this a couple other places on this forum, and I'm really hoping that this isn't my tv.

One big question broken down into a few:

Does anyone have a Suddenlink HD box (not HD-DVR) with DVI? Does your tv only accept HDMI? Do you use a DVI-HDMI adapter/cable? And finally, the main question is 'does this work properly?'

I've tried both an adapter and a cable, and I also switched out hd boxes. No matter what, I end up with a blue picture. I was hoping that it was just Suddenlink's boxes and not my tv, since it seems to come down to those two.

Thanks for any replies! Sorry for all of the questions again.


My understanding is that while the Suddenlink HD box has a DVI port, Suddenlink does not enable the port for our use. The only option is to use the component cable.

Thanks so much for the replies! I'll just use component. I really don't want to add another $5 per month just to have a box with HDMI outputs (DVR). It's upsetting because I've already purchased an HDMI switcher and some extra cables from monoprice and firefold. I never really plan on getting DVR, and if Suddenlink plans to never switch to HDMI on the regular HD boxes, then the switcher and cables are just going to waste. Oh well..

Thanks again!

Eight more markets before years end? Can we be so lucky?





DIRECTV Activates HD Local Channels in Green Bay, Wisc., Greensboro, N.C., Grand Rapids, Mich., and Providence, R.I.
Local HD Channels from DIRECTV Have More Vivid Colors, Wider Images and Clearer, Crisper High-resolution Digital-quality Pictures

WHAT: DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, is now offering local HD programming to customers in the Green Bay, Wisc., Greensboro, N.C., Grand Rapids, Mich. and Providence, R.I. DMAs. With the addition of these four markets, DIRECTV now offers local HD broadcast channels in 49 cities, representing more than 65 percent of U.S. TV households. DIRECTV plans to launch an additional eight HD local markets throughout the remainder of the year.
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming.

WHEN: Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard-definition and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing an H20 HD receiver or the new HR20 DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New customers can take advantage of a $100 mail-in rebate on all DIRECTV HD and HDDVR receivers.

Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Visit DIRECTV.com for more information.

CONTACT: DIRECTV, Inc.
Robert Mercer, 310-964-4683
or
PainePR for DIRECTV
Danielle Kowalski, 212-613-4912

SOURCE: DIRECTV, Inc.

^^^

No, those markets were announced a couple of months ago and we didn't make the cut. :(

The big question is whether or not additional local markets will be turned on before D* 10 or 11 go up in the 2Q.

Eight more markets before years end? Can we be so lucky?





DIRECTV Activates HD Local Channels in Green Bay, Wisc., Greensboro, N.C., Grand Rapids, Mich., and Providence, R.I.
Local HD Channels from DIRECTV Have More Vivid Colors, Wider Images and Clearer, Crisper High-resolution Digital-quality Pictures

WHAT: DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, is now offering local HD programming to customers in the Green Bay, Wisc., Greensboro, N.C., Grand Rapids, Mich. and Providence, R.I. DMAs. With the addition of these four markets, DIRECTV now offers local HD broadcast channels in 49 cities, representing more than 65 percent of U.S. TV households. DIRECTV plans to launch an additional eight HD local markets throughout the remainder of the year.
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming.

WHEN: Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard-definition and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing an H20 HD receiver or the new HR20 DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New customers can take advantage of a $100 mail-in rebate on all DIRECTV HD and HDDVR receivers.

Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Visit DIRECTV.com for more information.

CONTACT: DIRECTV, Inc.
Robert Mercer, 310-964-4683
or
PainePR for DIRECTV
Danielle Kowalski, 212-613-4912

SOURCE: DIRECTV, Inc.


Any idea how much this would run per month?

South Ridge Walmart has 60GB PS3 in stock incase anyone needs one. If there isnt any in the case, the clerk said they had more in the back. I just grabbed one at 8:00pm tonite :-)

South Ridge Walmart has 60GB PS3 in stock incase anyone needs one. If there isnt any in the case, the clerk said they had more in the back. I just grabbed one at 8:00pm tonite :-)


I also took advantage and picked one up last night. couldn't beleive it was there...

Just joined this great forum and ordered my Suddenlink HD Package today, They will be arriving Tuesday to install the box since the local office in the Charleston Mall is out of HD boxes...Current price is 16.99 on top of my expanded Digital service, and another 10 dollars for the Box with the Digital recording option....Looking forward to seeing HD on my 42inch Phillips Plasma .....Seems they now require a credit card number on file before they will give you a HD box since lots of people have not been returning them after cancelling service......Thats what the rep told me over the phone, so keep that in mind if you opt for the HD service....will keep you posted on my impressions....Also a quick question for those who have this service, I now receive some HBO and Cinemax channels on my current Basic Expanded Digital Box package, will they be offered in HD or not......They say some premium channels will offer HD, just wondering if HBO and Cinemax are in that group....

yes they will. here are the channels offered: starz and showtime extra



Espn, Discovery, Tnt, Abc, Nbc, Fox, Cbs, Hbo, Starz, Cinemax, Showtime

Any word on Suddenlink picking up any more HD channels?

Besides the locals and the movie channels, we are only getting 3 HD channels. I'd love to see as many as possible, especially National Geographic and ESPN 2.

At some point they've got to add more, right?

I know the satellite services will be offering more channels beginning next year so I would look for suddenlink to offer more to keep competitive.....I just hope they don't try to charge us extra for additional HD channels......with the XMAS season we should see a huge boost in HD sales and pressure being applied to get more and more HD channels available.....

I also took advantage and picked one up last night. couldn't beleive it was there...

Like to hear the reactions to the PS3.....not only game wise, but also the Blu-Ray.

So far so good, games are incredible and the movies are pretty stunning.

I live in Ashland, Kentucky and recently purchased a Sony HDTV. I also purchased a Terk rooftop antenna and I am getting the following stations over the air:

WSAZ 3.1 and 3.2
WCHS 8.1 and 8.2 (For a few seconds when I first programmed the TV I got 8.3 but it quickly disappeared and I can't get it back).
WVAH 11.1
WOWK 13.1
KET 25.1, 25.2, 25.3, 25.4, 25.5, and 25.6
CW 30.1 (with a good picture but VERY low volume)
WVPBS 33.1 33.2, 33.3, and 33.4
ION 39.3, 39.4, 39.5, and 39.6 (very weak and I only receive them occassionally at night)
WPBO 42.1, 42.2, 42.3
WTSF 44.1 (there is some "clutter" in the picture)

Are there any other stations in the area that I should be picking up?

I also have Time-Warner Cable's HDTV package. They have the major national HDTV networks but no local stations--"yet."

Thanks for educating me....

I know the satellite services will be offering more channels beginning next year so I would look for suddenlink to offer more to keep competitive.....
Only if they have the bandwidth available. Once D* launches the next two satellites, they will have more bandwidth than any cable company will probably every have. Only fiber will be able to compete bandwidth wise.

So I wouldn't look for many more additional channels.

Cable companies have the leg up in HD right now...but in 2007 Directv will have the leg up with the launch of the new birds. The problem cable companies have is they can only push so much content through their existing lines before having to rewire all the streets and all the houses...huge amounts of time and money. Directv, on the other hand, shoots a sat in the sky and they instantly have the whole country covered. Currently Suddenlink and other cable companies are maxed out in bandwidth but can jeopardize picture quality by toning down the exisiting channels they have to add new content. With more and more channels planning to go HD, cable will have a hard road ahead.

Something to think about before you sign any contracts...

So far so good, games are incredible and the movies are pretty stunning.

Any thoughts on whether I should pickup the PS3 or XBOX360?

That's a decision you are going to have to make.

1. movie titles--i have the ps3 and in my opinion not to many GOOD movie choices, hd-dvd has alot better titles. blu-ray has the majority of studios they just haven't released squat yet.
the ps3 does output 1080p through HDMI which is very nice on my new sony xbr2... xbox outputs through componet. PS3 has a cool bluetooth remote control for blu-ray features.

2. games are about equal few brand specific titles for each platform. I have always been a sony man and the nice thing is they keep there online play FREE. with xbox you have to pay for xbox live.

you just have to weigh your options to see what means more to you... Good Luck..

OH Yeah southridge walmart got more PS3's they had 3 today.

That's a decision you are going to have to make.

1. movie titles--i have the ps3 and in my opinion not to many GOOD movie choices, hd-dvd has alot better titles. blu-ray has the majority of studios they just haven't released squat yet.
the ps3 does output 1080p through HDMI which is very nice on my new sony xbr2... xbox outputs through componet. PS3 has a cool bluetooth remote control for blu-ray features.

2. games are about equal few brand specific titles for each platform. I have always been a sony man and the nice thing is they keep there online play FREE. with xbox you have to pay for xbox live.

you just have to weigh your options to see what means more to you... Good Luck..

OH Yeah southridge walmart got more PS3's they had 3 today.


several articles out about the problems programming for ps3. i have been a sony guy from day one and never even considered the xbox until about the 3rd delay of the ps3. i've had an xbox since april and wouldn't trade it for anything. true sony has free online, but check out what they are offering. since nov. xbox live now has movie and tv shows for download in hd. xbox live is about 100x better than what sony has online for now (this will likely change in the future but look at the huge head-start microsoft has). as for games, check out gears of war. sony has nothing that can compete with it right now. also, since an update a couple of months ago, the 360 is 1080p.

I live in Ashland, Kentucky and recently purchased a Sony HDTV. I also purchased a Terk rooftop antenna and I am getting the following stations over the air:

WSAZ 3.1 and 3.2
WCHS 8.1 and 8.2 (For a few seconds when I first programmed the TV I got 8.3 but it quickly disappeared and I can't get it back).
WVAH 11.1
WOWK 13.1
KET 25.1, 25.2, 25.3, 25.4, 25.5, and 25.6
CW 30.1 (with a good picture but VERY low volume)
WVPBS 33.1 33.2, 33.3, and 33.4
ION 39.3, 39.4, 39.5, and 39.6 (very weak and I only receive them occassionally at night)
WPBO 42.1, 42.2, 42.3
WTSF 44.1 (there is some "clutter" in the picture)

Are there any other stations in the area that I should be picking up?

I also have Time-Warner Cable's HDTV package. They have the major national HDTV networks but no local stations--"yet."

Thanks for educating me....


are you able to get all of these without turning your antenna?

in the latest issue of electronic gaming monthly they reviewed the ps3 and wii and all their launch titles. the avg ps3 score was 6.1 (out of 10) and the wii was 6.6. they also had a fairly in-depth head to head review of the systems. all 6 of the reviewers chose the wii over the ps3. most said the ps3 would probably win in the end, but at this time it was not on par with the wii (or 360).

are you able to get all of these without turning your antenna?

Yes I can. Positioning the antenna was a bit of a compromise. It is turned so that none of the stations, with the exception of KET, come in with the strongest signal possible but all of them are strong enough to pick up the stations. The Ion networks only come in occassionally and only at night.

WVAH didn't work the first day but the next day it started working and has been working ever since with a signal strength of 67-70 .

where are you in ashland? i live on mindy jane (off 168). i get all the same networks as you except CW. i'd really like to pull it in (smallville fan).

where are you in ashland? i live on mindy jane (off 168). i get all the same networks as you except CW. i'd really like to pull it in (smallville fan).

I live in Bellefonte. I am located on top of a hill so I am sure that helps. I usually get a signal strength of 78 for CW. My signals range between 59 and 98. The CW station is located in Portsmouth so you may have to turn your antenna differently to get their signal

Before I got the roof-top antenna I used a small indoor-outdoor antenna I purchased at Radio Shack. It's white plastic and about the size of a hard-back book. It would pull in all of the stations when I placed it outside, even at ground level, but I had to turn it frequently to get the various stations--including CW. That's why I got a roof-top so I could set it once and leave it alone.

The CW digital station is the one that has very low volume from the antenna feed. It is also on the cable system so it is not critical that I get it over the air.

I used the WSAZ-Time Warner retransmission dispute as an excuse for getting the HDTV that I had been wanting anyway. I have watched WSAZ for too many years and didn't want to be without it. As I expected they reached an agreement at the last minute.

my wife got me the HD dvd player for the xbox, and all i can say is WOW!

i never realized how compressed my time warner cable was watching movies in hi-def until i fired this thing up last night.

What movies did you get?

What movies did you get?


it was packaged with king kong (and the xbox media remote).

KK is tops for HD-DVD PQ. It doesn't get much better than that. :)

I just got a new Sony DVD player that upconverts....I was wondering if any of you all had experience with upconversion by using a HDMI cable, or if there isn't much difference from component cables. I've heard some say that there isn't much difference.

I just got a new Sony DVD player that upconverts....I was wondering if any of you all had experience with upconversion by using a HDMI cable, or if there isn't much difference from component cables. I've heard some say that there isn't much difference.


i just retired my sony 1080i upconverter. you can only get upconversion when using hdmi. the quality is noticeably better than standard 480i dvds IMHO.

no i get to watch 1080i hd-dvds!!

you can only get upconversion when using hdmi. the quality is noticeably better than standard 480i dvds IMHO.

I agree. I can tell a huge difference between upconverted dvds and standard dvds. Still not nearly as good as real hd content, but I think that depending upon the upconverter, you will be able to tell a big difference.


A new question: Are any stations broadcasting their New Year's Eve coverage in HD? I've looked on various sites, and it looks as though they're still not going to do it in HD this year. I was really looking forward to this, as my (soon to be) wife and I have both invited our parents up for New Year's Eve. We were hoping to let them see what HD can do.

KK is tops for HD-DVD PQ. It doesn't get much better than that. :)

The Lord of the Rings (the other recent Peter Jackson movies) also seem to have good picture quality.

Did WOWK fix their high powered Transmitter problem? I can't pick up WOWK HD regardless, but my coworker said he tried tuning into it last night for the first time in weeks and is getting nothing. I was curious if there was still a problem with their transmitter, or if all is well on that end now. He's never had an issue before.

I live in Ashland, Kentucky and purchased a HDTV in early-December. I haven't had any problems picking up the WOWK HD signal.

The signals from the Ion Network stations are the only ones I have trouble picking up.

Does WPBY/33-1 actually air anything in HD? I had pretty much been ignoring it because I never got a steady reception. However, I was messing around the other day and noticed that all three channels were coming in pretty well and I was receiving a stronger signal than normal. I browsed through the TiVo listings until I came across something last night (an aquarium show, I think?) that said it was in HD. But this morning, there was nothing in the recording. Just wondering...

:mad: After waiting most of the dayTuesday for Suddenlink to show with my HighDef box it turns out to be defective,of course none are available at the local office so he schedules a new install for Thursday(today),wait till after 5pm before calling suddenlink asking when he will arrive , am assured he will be there sometime before 8pm,of course he never show's, whole vacation day blown,so I called DirectTV at 9pm ordered over the phone and installation will be on the 4th of January with HD package Free for the first 4months and 9.99 there after with a free HD Tuner box....Total package comes out far cheaper than what I was paying with suddenlink even after the first year specials have expired, will call suddenlink tomorrow and tell them where to stick my non existant HD service......