I'm in downtown Cleveland, with WZIV on channel 2. I should mention that I'm also missing the music channels as well as ESPNN and ESPNC (channels 123 and 124 respectively). Oddly I'm getting On Demand channels I shouldn't be (Showtime and Starz), how about you hookbill?

Yeah, I just checked I'm getting Showtime and Starz On Demand too.

I got an email back from my contact at Adelphia. She says the head end says there is nothing wrong on their end. :confused:

Let's see. Your in downtown Cleveland and I'm in Bainbridge. And we're both having the same problems? But it's something that a tech needs to look at? Pretty coincidental if you ask me.

Also I notice the Soap channel was another one missing. Something I would have never noticed. And some cartoon channel right after that too.

I am in Burton and not having any problems, getting all the channels.

JoeySR

NBC is going to broadcast allot of Winter Olympic coverage in HD on Universal HD,
any thoughts if Adelphia will offer the channel in time for the Olympics.

JoeySR

Let's see. Your in downtown Cleveland and I'm in Bainbridge. And we're both having the same problems? But it's something that a tech needs to look at? Pretty coincidental if you ask me.


It's odd that there seems to be no geographic pinpoint to where this problem is happening, and where it's not. Users here in Gates Mills, Burton and myself in suburban Akron with no problems, and you and the guy in downtown Cleveland with problems.

Equipment, maybe? You have an 8300HD, I know...how about the others?

One thing I did notice...I am also getting the Showtime and Starz OnDemand channels. I thought they just opened them up to everyone with the proviso of charging non-subscribers to those networks. I haven't gone through trying to pull up any shows yet, though.

NBC is going to broadcast allot of Winter Olympic coverage in HD on Universal HD,
any thoughts if Adelphia will offer the channel in time for the Olympics.


It obviously won't be in time for the Olympics, but Time Warner is reportedly getting Universal HD on their systems.

But since TWC is not supposed to (legally) have any influence in how Adelphia runs its system until the merger is complete, that means nothing.

UPDATE: The Federal Trade Commission has approved the $12.7 billion dollar Adelphia split to Time Warner and Comcast, with "no conditions", says Broadcasting & Cable magazine.

The deal must still be approved by the Federal Communications Commission, which is "expected", according to B&C.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6303706.html?display=Breaking+News&referral=SUPP

It's odd that there seems to be no geographic pinpoint to where this problem is happening, and where it's not. Users here in Gates Mills, Burton and myself in suburban Akron with no problems, and you and the guy in downtown Cleveland with problems.

Equipment, maybe? You have an 8300HD, I know...how about the others?

One thing I did notice...I am also getting the Showtime and Starz OnDemand channels. I thought they just opened them up to everyone with the proviso of charging non-subscribers to those networks. I haven't gone through trying to pull up any shows yet, though.


It appears from what my source says at Adelphia that it is an equipment problem with the 8300. Apparently they need to boost the signal. ClevelandJax and I have been pm back and forth and he has an appointment on Thursday, I've got one on Friday evening.

My contact at Adelphia is looking into the On Demand thing. Since your getting it also I assume they are having a promo but just forgot to tell us. I did load one of the shows, there was no mention of any charge when I did it.

It obviously won't be in time for the Olympics, but Time Warner is reportedly getting Universal HD on their systems.

Just to check out your comment I decided to e-mail TWC NEO this morning.

Here is my question to them:
"NBC is going to broadcast a lot of Winter Olympic coverage in HD on Universal HD.

Will TWC NEO carry this HD channel?"

Here is TWC's response:
"Thank you for your email. We always appreciate the opportunity to respond to our customers.

WKYC/NBC 3 is on cable position 521 in High Definition.

The cornerstone of our philosophy has always been to provide "excellence in customer service" and we will continue to provide the high quality of service you expect and deserve from Time Warner Cable.

Sincerely,

Your On-Line Time Warner Cable Representative"


So no go for the Olympics :confused:

They did add UHD last summer for the two week duration of the U.S. Open Tennis tournament. All of the coverage during the week was on UHD while CBS had much of the coverage on the weekend. They removed it from the guide as soon as the tournament was over. We can hope they will do something similar for the Olympics. I would guess that the potential audience would be much larger for the Olympics compared to a tennis tournament. Hopefully they will add it permanently.

It appears from what my source says at Adelphia that it is an equipment problem with the 8300. Apparently they need to boost the signal. ClevelandJax and I have been pm back and forth and he has an appointment on Thursday, I've got one on Friday evening.

Hmm, I wonder why the 8300 needs a "boosted signal" and the 8000, which I still have, is fine...? And where do they "boost the signal", at your end? I'd been thinking of getting an 8300, particularly because it supposedly has a better PQ on the SD channels...

Oh, for what it's worth, I can no longer get Showtime OnDemand or STARZ OnDemand.

So no go for the Olympics :confused:

What I meant above is that TWC, as a company nationwide, had signed a carriage agreement to pick up Universal HD. The agreement is quoted here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=596936


NBC Universal Cable and Time Warner Cable Reach Distribution Agreement; Agreement Includes Rights to Universal HD and VOD Content; NBC Programming to Be ''Start Over'' Enabled
October 25, 2005

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. & STAMFORD, Conn.- NBC Universal Cable (NBCU) and Time Warner Cable, today announced a renewal for USA Network, and a carriage agreement for Universal HD, mun2, Telemundo Puerto Rico and VOD (video on demand).


It'll obviously take some time to get added to all the various TWC systems across the country. Maybe it'll even show up locally for the Olympics, but the customer service folks aren't aware of it yet?

Hmm, I wonder why the 8300 needs a "boosted signal" and the 8000, which I still have, is fine...? And where do they "boost the signal", at your end? I'd been thinking of getting an 8300, particularly because it supposedly has a better PQ on the SD channels...

Oh, for what it's worth, I can no longer get Showtime OnDemand or STARZ OnDemand.

If you go to the info screen you can see "tuner 1" on page 1. It needs to be around -5db. If it's above -8 then you have a loss of signal. Good enough for many digital channels but not all apparently.

The guy just left. He actually rewired my cable from downstairs going outside after running a cable from the basement up to the tv. That appeared to work but when he plugged it all in there was still a "-12" signal. He did a lot of work and was here for 2 hours checking everything trying to make sure that all my sets were getting signals. It was complicated because we couldn't find a splitter that was apparently bad. Therefore the rewire job. Still that didn't quit get it there so then he finally put in the amplifier which plugs into a wall socket in the basement next to the splitter. That brought the signal to "-6". Apparently those devices must be costly because that was the last step he took.

I haven't tried the On Demand thing today. I probably won't get it either.

The tech told me that Adelphia Time Warner deal is a done deal and he expects Time Warner to take over in the next 2 months.

I told him that's not what I hear but he insisted his info was accurate.

If you go to the info screen you can see "tuner 1" on page 1. It needs to be around -5db. If it's above -8 then you have a loss of signal. Good enough for many digital channels but not all apparently.

I forgot how to bring up the INFO screen...

Still that didn't quit get it there so then he finally put in the amplifier which plugs into a wall socket in the basement next to the splitter. That brought the signal to "-6". Apparently those devices must be costly because that was the last step he took.

I have a lot of stuff here...three "outlets", the two upstairs include one split off the other into the bedroom. I'm surprised it all works as well as it does.


The tech told me that Adelphia Time Warner deal is a done deal and he expects Time Warner to take over in the next 2 months.

I told him that's not what I hear but he insisted his info was accurate.

As I noted here, the biggest hurdle is done - the FTC approval. It's widely assumed that the FCC will approve it, and fairly quickly. I have no idea how many of the local jurisdictions have updated their Adelphia franchise agreements.

2 months? That'd be early. Adelphia and TWC both said in the past couple of days they expect it to be done by the end of the second financial quarter. By my calculations, that'd be by the end of June. TWC, on its end, has done much of the restructuring it needs to do to "run" the systems (i.e. district management, etc.), but it will still take some time.

If you go to the info screen you can see "tuner 1" on page 1. It needs to be around -5db. If it's above -8 then you have a loss of signal. Good enough for many digital channels but not all apparently.

Well at least they can fix it. I'm still waiting for the guy to show up, but interestingly just noticed some of my previously-missing channels are now coming in, so I wonder if he's doing something out on the street. Not all of them are though.

I'd check my OnDemand but now I can't even get to the main screen, gives an error message with reference number 65535.

Boy, TWC can't take over soon enough. Adelphia is *by far* the crappiest television provider I've ever dealt with. No wonder they went bankrupt, thieving executives or not.

My car mechanic had the same problem in Aurora and he had to bitch them out to get the amp installed.

JJK

Wide Open West has just added TNT-HD to the lineup, just in time for an HD Cavs game tonight!

Here's the lineup (not updated to include TNT HD yet):
http://www1.wowway.com/PDF/ClevelandChannels.pdf

My car mechanic had the same problem in Aurora and he had to bitch them out to get the amp installed.

JJK

You know when he first started talking about the procedure he was going to go through before getting to the amp I thought, geeze, why go through all that and just hook up the amp and see if it works?

I found out later that I could have probably made his life a bit easier. I figured out where the line went, I just didn't realize where the crawl space opening was. :)

Oh well. Didn't cost me anything extra. Just gave me the feeling that they don't like to give out those amps at the drop of a hat.

Wide Open West has just added TNT-HD to the lineup, just in time for an HD Cavs game tonight!

Here's the lineup (not updated to include TNT HD yet):
http://www1.wowway.com/PDF/ClevelandChannels.pdf

Hopefully Adelphia will follow soon. I'd like to get FX in HD too.

heres an intresting dillema, my cable box a sa8300Hd, from time warner suddenly resets itself, it freezes then resets, I assumed it was something in my setup, but my two friends (one in green, the other in akron) say there's has been doing the same thing? any thoughts? oh and one last thing, my wife watched tv for an hour and a half this morning and it reset 3 times, very frustrating!

heres an intresting dillema, my cable box a sa8300Hd, from time warner suddenly resets itself, it freezes then resets, I assumed it was something in my setup, but my two friends (one in green, the other in akron) say there's has been doing the same thing? any thoughts? oh and one last thing, my wife watched tv for an hour and a half this morning and it reset 3 times, very frustrating!

What about the time that it happened to your friends? Was it the same time? Or different times?

If it's a TW issued your friends would have to be serviced by the same head end. If not then your all having independent issues. As you probably some from my post earlier, this is possible.

Here's what I would do. Clean up your "To Be Recorded" list. Delete everything. Then do a hard reboot (unplug it). Leave it be for 30 seconds and plug it back in. Wait for the time to come on and then power it up. Re-enter your to be recorded list.

If it continues to happen then you can call TW who will probably have you reboot and attempt to send you a signal, or you can come back here and let me know if it works. If it doesn't we can format the hard drive, but you would loose all recordings. You may want to move those on to DVD or VCR before you go there.

Or, you can try another box. You'll loose recordings either way. Or call in a service call with TW. If you want to format the hard drive go to this URL=http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859]link[/URL] to learn how.

it ususally happens when I switch to Hbo, in the 300's but my wife has said it has happened to her other times, not just on Hbo, I will have my friends write down when it happens to them next, very frustrating though, I just switched from Dish network, to be sure i got the indians network, but this is a pain! I thought dish network recievers were buggy, I have a tech on the way also, hopefully if he shows :), i will report back here later tonight, thanks hookbill! if he cant figure it out I will work through your steps!

Since TWC corporation had made an offical announcement last October (thanks to the infro from Inundated) I was determined to get a response from my local TWC NEO. The second time is a charm :cool:

My question to TWC:
"It seems that the "local" TWC NEO company does NOT read their corporation announcements.

So I will ask again now that you know the announcement was made in October 2005, will TWC NEO have the HD coverage on the Universal HD channel from NBC for the Olympic games?

Below you will find all of the information on TWC announcement.

Source: http://www.timewarner.com/corp/news...1122634,00.html

TWC response:
"Thank you for your recent e-mail. We always appreciate the opportunity to assist our customers.

Thank you for inquiring about the Olympic games. These games will be aired on Channel 560 which is our Universal HD channel. This channel is located in our High Definition Tier. This tier is an additional $6.95 per month.

If you are interested in adding the High Definition Tier onto your service, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

The cornerstone of our philosophy has always been to provide "excellence in customer service" and we will continue to provide the high quality of service you expect and deserve from Time Warner Cable.

Sincerely,

Your On-Line Time Warner Cable Representative"

YES :)

it ususally happens when I switch to Hbo, in the 300's but my wife has said it has happened to her other times, not just on Hbo, I will have my friends write down when it happens to them next, very frustrating though, I just switched from Dish network, to be sure i got the indians network, but this is a pain! I thought dish network recievers were buggy, I have a tech on the way also, hopefully if he shows :), i will report back here later tonight, thanks hookbill! if he cant figure it out I will work through your steps!

IMHO, the Scientific Atlanta boxes are still "beta" versions and I wouldn't expect a fix any time soon. Even if SA releases a new firmware fix for the box, your cable company will be reluctant to deploy it for a few months until they test it. I have the SA8000HD on Wide Open West, and I can get that sucker to lock up hard just by changing channels too fast across the HD tier. It has a real problem re-syncing when going from a 720p channel to a 1080i channel too fast. I regularly see a black screen for like 15-20 seconds when changing HD channels. The DVI HDCP handshake to my plasma has never worked either, and I've verified it's an SA issue and not my plasma.

IMHO, the Scientific Atlanta boxes are still "beta" versions and I wouldn't expect a fix any time soon. Even if SA releases a new firmware fix for the box, your cable company will be reluctant to deploy it for a few months until they test it. I have the SA8000HD on Wide Open West, and I can get that sucker to lock up hard just by changing channels too fast across the HD tier. It has a real problem re-syncing when going from a 720p channel to a 1080i channel too fast. I regularly see a black screen for like 15-20 seconds when changing HD channels. The DVI HDCP handshake to my plasma has never worked either, and I've verified it's an SA issue and not my plasma.

I/m wondering if thats it, it only happens when we are surfing, and at different times with my friends and I, he goes From P.i.p (switches between the two and it freezes) and its only when I am really gettin into the channel changes, surfing really fast by just letting the guide load, see if I like it (no audio or video yet) and move on, usually wait about a second on each channel! I wonder what would cause this!

Since TWC corporation had made an offical announcement last October (thanks to the infro from Inundated) I was determined to get a response from my local TWC NEO. The second time is a charm :cool:

My question to TWC:
"It seems that the "local" TWC NEO company does NOT read their corporation announcements.

So I will ask again now that you know the announcement was made in October 2005, will TWC NEO have the HD coverage on the Universal HD channel from NBC for the Olympic games?

Below you will find all of the information on TWC announcement.

Source: http://www.timewarner.com/corp/news...1122634,00.html

TWC response:
"Thank you for your recent e-mail. We always appreciate the opportunity to assist our customers.

Thank you for inquiring about the Olympic games. These games will be aired on Channel 560 which is our Universal HD channel. This channel is located in our High Definition Tier. This tier is an additional $6.95 per month.

If you are interested in adding the High Definition Tier onto your service, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

The cornerstone of our philosophy has always been to provide "excellence in customer service" and we will continue to provide the high quality of service you expect and deserve from Time Warner Cable.

Sincerely,

Your On-Line Time Warner Cable Representative"

YES :)

there is no channel 560, no Universal HD channel, if I would read through that, I would think its a full time channel, it isnt! its only on when they want it to be on (special sporting events) while some markets are supposedly adding this channel full time, we have yet to see it!

there is no channel 560, no Universal HD channel, if I would read through that, I would think its a full time channel, it isnt! its only on when they want it to be on (special sporting events) while some markets are supposedly adding this channel full time, we have yet to see it!

If I understand you correctly you have never seen UHD on cable. I think you're making some bad assumptions here. Just because you don't have the channel yet doesn't mean you won't get it as a full time channel. They could still be working on adding the channel for your division and could plan on keeping it full time.

I could understand your position if you had UHD for the US Open and they took it away and now they say they're bringing it back for the Olympics, but from what you said you haven't had the channel before.

If I understand you correctly you have never seen UHD on cable. I think you're making some bad assumptions here. Just because you don't have the channel yet doesn't mean you won't get it as a full time channel. They could still be working on adding the channel for your division and could plan on keeping it full time.

I could understand your position if you had UHD for the US Open and they took it away and now they say they're bringing it back for the Olympics, but from what you said you haven't had the channel before.

sorry to clarify, There has been a UHD channel on, and of course it was on channel 560, but when I read through that it made it seem like a full time Hd channel, but in reality in my area Northeast ohio, it has only been on for about two weeks at a time (someone want to double check that figure, dont know how long the u.s. open was) in fact they had it twice, but then took it down, thats all, and in my time warner newsletter, it said the channel will be up again, but only for the olympics, then who knows what happens. To me they made it a little misleading thats all.

here is from my newsletter!

Like most cable networks, neither USA, MSNBC, nor CNBC have an HD feed. Therefore, Time Warner Cable will temporarily carry Universal HD on position 560 to provide an HD simulcast of much of the programming on those three networks - primarily LIVE coverage of both Men’s and Women’s Hockey. Universal HD will also feature the nightly figure skating program, “Olympic Ice.”


and here is the part that gets me

This channel is located in our High Definition Tier. This tier is an additional $6.95 per month.

If you are interested in adding the High Definition Tier onto your service, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
that was from his quote of the email, see how they try and get you to believe its a part of the tier, when really its just a special temporary channel (or has been things could be changing this time)

that was from his quote of the email, see how they try and get you to believe its a part of the tier, when really its just a special temporary channel (or has been things could be changing this time)

It could well be. I wouldn't read too much into it not being available right now. If it isn't available when the Olympics start, it'd be another story.

I emailed DirecTV regarding carrying Indians games and this is their response:

"Thanks for writing. I'm sorry but we don't carry Fastball Sports Productions right now. However, we often add programming based on customer requests, and I have forwarded your request to DIRECTV management."

I'd suggest other DirecTV subscribers worried about watching Indians baseball this year do the same.

does fastball sports productions have a website? I would like to be able to track this channel, tommorow is the superbowl, and I believe in two weeks pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the indians gear has already made its way to florida, baseball is right around the corner, I would love to know if I am going to be able to watch the indians or not!

I emailed DirecTV regarding carrying Indians games and this is their response:

"Thanks for writing. I'm sorry but we don't carry Fastball Sports Productions right now. However, we often add programming based on customer requests, and I have forwarded your request to DIRECTV management."

I'd suggest other DirecTV subscribers worried about watching Indians baseball this year do the same.

The worker bee who answered your E-Mail probably has no idea what you're asking for, and even if DirecTV was about to sign up to carry the games, they would still have no idea. ;)

But I second your idea. And the same for Dish Network, Adelphia and Comcast folks as well!

does fastball sports productions have a website?

Not at this time. They're basically co-owned with the team, so anything regarding the TV network would probably show up first on Indians.com.

I've sent an E-Mail to the Indians, as well, indicating my concern about Adelphia and Comcast...since the TWC deal probably won't be completed before the first Spring Training games air.

I've sent an E-Mail to the Indians, as well, indicating my concern about Adelphia and Comcast...since the TWC deal probably won't be completed before the first Spring Training games air.

Bet your hoping that tech that came out to my house last week is right. :)

Bet your hoping that tech that came out to my house last week is right. :)

:D

I still say he's optimistic.

The fastest track possible would be an FCC approval this upcoming week. But they are still dealing with local jurisdictions, which have to approve the transfer of franchise agreements.

I wouldn't bet the house, but I'd be surprised if it was all "done" by the first pitch of the first Spring Training game. By the start of the season itself? Outside chance.

Best case scenario for the Indians games is that even if they don't gain physical control of Adelphia/Comcast by the start of the season, that they green light throwing the games on Adelphia 15 and whatever Comcast's local channels are. But honestly, they should do that NOW, and worry about the financials later.

But I second your idea. And the same for Dish Network, Adelphia and Comcast folks as well!


Don't forget about us Wide Open Westers... what's the email for this Fastball Sports Network?

It's the night before SBXL and as Murphy would have it, my HD channels are flaking out because of this "springlike" weather. (Known problem here, I suspect I'm getting moisture in the "taps" at the pole which I usually don't have to worry about until March/April. The analogs are fine, but the digitals, especially the high bandwidth HD channels go whacky...)

Fortunately as a backup I have the Samsung SIR-T165 OTA receiver at the ready to pull in WEWS. PQ is better OTA than the POS SA8000HD anyway...

(Did I use enough acronyms above? LOL.)

The company just hired a general manager this week.

http://www.crainscleveland.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060203/FREE/60203009/1031

One of his duties will be to get contracts with cable and satellite companies worked out. I agree that we need to keep up the pressure (I already wrote Dish Network) and hopefully we'll get more details soon.

stupid WEWS lost the HD feed of the basketball game.

If they screw up teh Superbowl, er, big game, I'm gonna burn their building down.

Ok they are safe, its back on....for now.

Nevermind. Its back to SD to show an Amber Alert notification.

If all for helping kids who are kidnapped. But if an Amber Alert was really so important they wouldnt cut out of it to go to commercial.

Anyone wishing to contact the Fastball folks, I'd advise contacting the Indians directly. Not only do they own the network, but they are driving the bus anyway and need to hear from fans.

That article does sound promising...it appears they're well aware of the need to spread the network as wide as possible.

If all for helping kids who are kidnapped. But if an Amber Alert was really so important they wouldnt cut out of it to go to commercial.

For what it's worth, even FOX 8 had to drop into SD to show a weather advisory Saturday night. I don't know why, since they can clearly do HD graphics (news). Maybe they didn't wanna route the FOX programming through the newsroom switcher, or just couldn't... I thought the splicer could handle HD graphics, tho.

Is anyone else having problems getting local HDs from TW Akron? I can get WJW, WKYC, and 45/49. Can't get the rest. I hope they get this figured out by game time.

Frank

I can't get get ABC WUAB or CBS, located in Stow...

I am going to be really mad if the feed doesn't come back on ABC before the superbowl starts...

the wait time on TWC's phone line is between 2 and 3 hours by the way

Wish I could help, but we're not in TWC land yet here. :D

But I can confirm WEWS-DT is up and running in HD...watching via Adelphia.

Umm, hello WEWS? WE KNOW IT IS SNOWING OUTSIDE!

Thank you. :)

ok, i have DirecTV, live near bainbridge, decent antenna setup, was watching SuperBowl on 5-1 and got signal readings (using Directv method) of 90 to 100 (which is good), let for some reason dropped to zero. It would seem like the transmitter just quit working for a few seconds. i would assume also that due to the weather, i would just drop to say 40 or 50 on the signal meter. My wife says it does the same thing during the day during her soaps. So weather would not be the problem. Anyone else with DirecTV experience similar situations on 5-1?

ok, i have DirecTV, live near bainbridge, decent antenna setup, was watching SuperBowl on 5-1 and got signal readings (using Directv method) of 90 to 100 (which is good), let for some reason dropped to zero. It would seem like the transmitter just quit working for a few seconds. i would assume also that due to the weather, i would just drop to say 40 or 50 on the signal meter. My wife says it does the same thing during the day during her soaps. So weather would not be the problem. Anyone else with DirecTV experience similar situations on 5-1?

I have D*, but I live in Medina. I don't have any problems like that with 5-1. Actually, it's the strongest digital I get (except, maybe, for 8-1).

Others on here are far more educated than I, but it sounds like you may have a multipath issue. I get very similar symptoms to yours on 19-1. The signal will be about 90% occassionally, but most of the time it's down about 2% with no lock. I've tried everything, and my best guess is that for that particular channel, I'm actually receiving the signal mutiple times just offset a little. This effectively negates the digital signal.

One quick way to check is to tune to the analog channel 5 (not the D* picture) and check for any ghosting. I get a lot on 19, and that's what's making me think that multipath is the problem.

I've noticed for me that wind seems to be an issue for the signal on 19. On still days, it will sometimes lock. But if the breeze is blowing (like it was last night) forget it.

Anyway, does your signal change if you move your antenna a little?

Oh, and speaking of D*, I was forced to watch SBXL on an upstairs TV last night, and I had to watch the SD D* feed on channel 5. The macroblocking was so bad from compression that the box actually locked up a couple of times and lost picture and sound for about 10 to 15 seconds. I could tell that it wasn't a station issue, as it was happening on several different stations. It seems that D* cranked back on the bandwidth available for the locals for some reason. But they absolutely hit the bottom with it last night.

I watched ABC-DT OTA last night and had good signal most of the night. However, it started to fluctuate in the 4th quarter and I started to lose it.

at my house, i get all the channels about 90 to 100 all the time, i have never seen the meter register anything less than 80 (besides zero) , According to Directv this morning, i would still get a picture with atleast a 60 signal strengt. unfortunately, i can't climb on the roof till the snow melts, so turning antenna is not an option yet. I just find it hard to believe let alone understand how the signal goes from 90 to zero and back to 90 again.

ok, i have DirecTV, live near bainbridge, decent antenna setup, was watching SuperBowl on 5-1 and got signal readings (using Directv method) of 90 to 100 (which is good), let for some reason dropped to zero. It would seem like the transmitter just quit working for a few seconds. i would assume also that due to the weather, i would just drop to say 40 or 50 on the signal meter. My wife says it does the same thing during the day during her soaps. So weather would not be the problem. Anyone else with DirecTV experience similar situations on 5-1?
I'm in Bainbridge & have DirecTV (HDR10-250). For whatever reason, 5-1 is my problematic station OTA. Last night during the SuperBowl it was very well behaved though w/few breakups all night. The only "problem" I'd say was when it went dark at ~9:03, but then they went to an upconvert for a couple minutes so I'm pretty sure that was a station issue.

Yesterday during the day my signal strength on 5-1 was locked at 90. When I'm having problems I'll see it bounce rapidly from 40 to 80 and back although I seldom see it hit 0 - I believe the bounce is a sign of multipath, but I've yet to figure out what the trigger for the problem is - in part because I Tivo most things and watch them delayed, I don't know there's a problem until a couple days later. I had been presuming it's weather related somehow.

As an experiment (and insurance that I'd get the SuperBowl in HD) I spliced off my antenna input and fed it into my HDTV's tuner & was watching some of the pregame that way cutting out the DirecTV box. My reception was quite spotty via the TV tuner & far worse than via the HD Tivo. That splice was 3 to 5 dB down from what I feed the HD Tivo and didn't pick up 3-1 either, so it may just mean my TV's digital tuner isn't all that and/or the extra splice was meaningful.

Does make me wonder if there's some source of multi-path that's inherent along the 422 corridor to disrupt 5-1 though since you're having similar issues w/ABC. If you're also using the HD Tivo, it might also point to a weakness inherent to that tuner, although I was expecting better results w/my TV's tuner if it was a problem with the D* box.

i live along the 422 corridor myself by LaDue, i don't have tivo unit, just the HD Directv box from about 1 year ago. like i said above, it just drops from 90 to zero or 100 to zero, i have never seen anything other reading on my signal meter. Not even on the other channels which are perfect. I also have an antenna pointing to Youngstown to pick up 21-1 and 27 and 33 which come in about 80 usually, which is stable in my books. when i have cut outs, its always a zero, the channel will play in the background while you are looking at the meter (which is nice to see). It will say "Looking for Signal". I have just learned to live with it, i will check on the multi path issue, i doubt it being weather, even though it was windy yesterday.

I'm in Bainbridge & have DirecTV (HDR10-250). For whatever reason, 5-1 is my problematic station OTA. Last night during the SuperBowl it was very well behaved though w/few breakups all night. The only "problem" I'd say was when it went dark at ~9:03, but then they went to an upconvert for a couple minutes so I'm pretty sure that was a station issue.


Watching via Adelphia, I saw that too.

Also I was a bit concerned during the pregame when they kept converting to SD for the "Weather Warnings". Geeze it's snowing in Cleveland. :)

Fortunately someone at the station had the good sense not to continue that throughout the broadcast.

I had no problem at all with the superbowl with the OTA setup. They did go back and forth with the SD occasionally with crawls during the basketball game. Signal was steady at 70 -80 %.

JJK

I've had problems with WEWS since the new year. Looks like my problem may have been antenna/multipath related.

Signal strength was all over the board using a Silver Sensor. Kept trying to move the antenna to no avail. Finally found an antenna position last Monday where WEWS was rock solid. Kept it in the same place all week and it hasn't wavered. WOIO and WUAB were initially gone, but now are coming in.

Antenna is split to feed Sylvania SRZ3000 and Accurian (RadioShack) tuners. Both units generally have the same success tuning in channels with the same antenna position (Sylvania may be a little better although it's on a shorter cable run) so I don't think that the problem is STB-specific.

Anyone else missing 50-1,2,3,and 4? I hope that it is the station,not me

Anyone else missing 50-1,2,3,and 4? I hope that it is the station,not me

I can't see anything either though I have a good signal strength. Hopefully it comes back soon and this time with HDTV.

I can't see anything either though I have a good signal strength. Hopefully it comes back soon and this time with HDTV.

Same here. I am getting 7 bars solid on my signal strength meter, which is typical for WEAO. I am hoping this is a prelude to getting the PBS HD feed back up. Last I heard, they were hoping for some time in Jan. I have been waiting since I got my HDTV sometime in Nov to see PBS HD, since I am not one of the six or so people who can pull in WVIZ-DTs anemic signal.

BTW, anyone in the North Canton area have trouble pulling in WKYC-DT last night? I was receiving it the night before, but nothing last night. This is the way WKYC-DT is for me - sometimes I get it, sometimes I don't. I'm just trying to figure out if there is a pattern to the reception problems.

WEAO-DT says they had a failure in their microwave system from the studio to the transmitter. Parts ordered... should be repaired on Tuesday.

Just picked up my Panny TH42PX50U yesterday and got it set up. Damn tired this morning because I stayed up late to watch Terry Bradshaw make an ass of himself on Leno in beautiful HDTV glory. (Ha, they even showed the Joe "Turkey" Jones pile driver sack of him into the Cleveland turf from years ago)

I use an OTA setup with a HDTVo Terk antenna. I pull in all channels just fine in Brunswick. I have Dish but not the HDTV setup yet ... maybe this Summer.

I also picked up a Cyberhome Upconverting DVD player at Wally Mart for $80 .. just couldn't pass it up. Did a couple quick DVD views and everytning is nice and crisp

All in all I'm a happy camper. Just a few audio glitches with my Surround system but nothing I can't work around and track down on the net. I did notice that the center channel was out on the Leno show. Not sure if it was network specific ... 24 came in great on Fox.

Missed the Super Bowl in HDTV but the Olympics are comin' up. :D

Next step is to get a good Uni remote to alleviate the 4 I have to use now.

INext step is to get a good Uni remote to alleviate the 4 I have to use now.

I would recommend the Harmony remote. I love mine.

Forgive my ignorance, but I'm trying to get a straight answer.

I have Akron/Canton Time Warner cable. Basic, analog cable.

I am considering buying a basic HDTV, and a remote STB that is QAM-capable -- specifically the LG LST-4200a.

The question is, if I use my basic analog cable feed, will this tuner be able to pick-up the Local HD channels? I expect TWC's channels like ESPN-YD, etc., to be encrypted, but I'm talking about just the locals. I would really prefer NOT to install and OTA antenna if I don't have to.

Depending on whom I've talked to, I get conflicting answers like: "Nah, you need a cable card or Time Warner's own digital STB to get ANY HD over the cable," or:
"No, by law, TWC can't encrypt local HD."

Any thoughts or experiences out there ?

Thx

Local HD should not be encrypted.

I *think* you will be fine with a QAM receiver though because I know of people who pull in local HD and other unencrypted QAM stuff on their cable lines, even though they only pay for internet access (i.e. they don't even have basic cable TV).

My apologies if someone has already mentioned this, but UHD is now in the guide on TWC Akron. Just noticed it last night while surfing.

The question is, if I use my basic analog cable feed, will this tuner be able to pick-up the Local HD channels? I expect TWC's channels like ESPN-YD, etc., to be encrypted, but I'm talking about just the locals. I would really prefer NOT to install and OTA antenna if I don't have to.

I'm pretty sure TWC's locals are non-encrypted for QAM.

I know Adelphia's are, as that's how I get them on my USB HDTV tuner.

For some time now I've been having a problem with my SA 8300 dropping high definition recorded programs in the middle of recording (Adelphia Cable). I've discussed this on the various SA 8300 threads and I'm beginning to think that it's not the SA 8300, but rather corrupted data that's on the IPG.

I've checked this from every angle from disconnecting my SATA external hd to returning the SA 8300 for another unit. Nothing has worked.

The work around would be schedule manual recordings, but I don't have to tell you what a pia that would be.

1. It never happens to a daytime recording. Only night time on local area network HD shows.

2. It makes sense that corrupted data would cause this problem, but why just HD and local stations only?

I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this in the Cleveland Suburbs area of Adelphia. Basically East of Cleveland as far south as the Southern end of Geauga County. If you have an 8300 and Adelphia and live in this area please let me know if you are or are not experiencing this problem.

I'm using a Terk OTA HDTVo and get all the channels fine in Brunswick. Last night, I watched Fox on the listed 8.1. Today, when I got home from work I found that 8.1 was not on. I did another autosearch and saw a lone 31.3 channel. When I checked it out I found it to be Fox 8 :eek:

Am I'm missing something here? Is this a prob with my tuner? The signal is great at 98 and the pic is fine.

I'm using a Terk OTA HDTVo and get all the channels fine in Brunswick. Last night, I watched Fox on the listed 8.1. Today, when I got home from work I found that 8.1 was not on. I did another autosearch and saw a lone 31.3 channel. When I checked it out I found it to be Fox 8 :eek:

Am I'm missing something here? Is this a prob with my tuner? The signal is great at 98 and the pic is fine.


Same here, they must be having a problem with their PSIP data. WJW-DT really is (and has been) on RF channel 31. It is our DTV receivers that map it to 8-1 using the station transmited PSIP data.

I am in Burton with Adelphia and SA 8300 and I am not having that problem.

JoeySR

For some time now I've been having a problem with my SA 8300 dropping high definition recorded programs in the middle of recording (Adelphia Cable). I've discussed this on the various SA 8300 threads and I'm beginning to think that it's not the SA 8300, but rather corrupted data that's on the IPG.


Hi again hookbill,

Boy, we just have all the luck here with Adelphia don't we? I've *just* started having this problem, starting yesterday. I was recording 24 and watching something else previously recorded on my DVR. Several times my DVR would stop playing the recorded show and switch me to 24. So much so it became a big nuisance. I didn't think much (I've come to be pretty cynical of the SA8300HD & Adelphia), and just switched back and resumed watching my DVR recording. It wasn't until later I noticed that my 24 recording was mangled -- I had 2 1-minute recordings of it. What the hell?

And just now I had the same thing happen. Again I was watching something previously recorded on my DVR (Nature), and was simultaneously recording House and Scrubs. Sure enough, twice my DVR kicked out and switched to House. This time I checked my DVR listings and noticed the first time it reported House as being 46 minutes long (huh?). The next time it happened House was reported as 44 minutes. I guess I'll just have to call them yet again.

Oh by the way, I'm still waiting on a technician to come out to try and resolve the original problem we shared (missing digital channels). Apparently the first person I talked to at Adelphia failed to even log the fact that I called, not to mention schedule my appointment. At this point I'm trying to figure out how to clandestinely hang a sat dish out my window so the leasing office doesn't bust me. ugh.

Anybody know any Adelphia higher ups? I think it's time to write a letter or two.

I am in Burton with Adelphia and SA 8300 and I am not having that problem.

JoeySR

Tonight on FOX again House broke up into several pieces. It's complete, just not totally in one "recording."

Odd that right now it's only happening on FOX. I'll probably never figure this one out. :(

Hi again hookbill,

Boy, we just have all the luck here with Adelphia don't we? I've *just* started having this problem, starting yesterday. I was recording 24 and watching something else previously recorded on my DVR. Several times my DVR would stop playing the recorded show and switch me to 24. So much so it became a big nuisance. I didn't think much (I've come to be pretty cynical of the SA8300HD & Adelphia), and just switched back and resumed watching my DVR recording. It wasn't until later I noticed that my 24 recording was mangled -- I had 2 1-minute recordings of it. What the hell?

And just now I had the same thing happen. Again I was watching something previously recorded on my DVR (Nature), and was simultaneously recording House and Scrubs. Sure enough, twice my DVR kicked out and switched to House. This time I checked my DVR listings and noticed the first time it reported House as being 46 minutes long (huh?). The next time it happened House was reported as 44 minutes. I guess I'll just have to call them yet again.

Oh by the way, I'm still waiting on a technician to come out to try and resolve the original problem we shared (missing digital channels). Apparently the first person I talked to at Adelphia failed to even log the fact that I called, not to mention schedule my appointment. At this point I'm trying to figure out how to clandestinely hang a sat dish out my window so the leasing office doesn't bust me. ugh.

Anybody know any Adelphia higher ups? I think it's time to write a letter or two.

lol...we posted at the same time. I really don't know what we can do about this. It's ridiculous. I can try my contact at Adelphia again, but this one is real hard to prove.

Tonight on FOX again House broke up into several pieces. It's complete, just not totally in one "recording."

Odd that right now it's only happening on FOX. I'll probably never figure this one out. :(

I was going to ask you which network...because I do know that Adelphia's guide data for WKYC-DT (NBC) is actually the guide data for the analog channel. (Remember when it wasn't there at all? They fixed it by copying over the WKYC analog guide data, IIRC.)

I don't know if that'd make any difference or not.

For what it is worth I had the same problem with recording 24 on Monday night. I tried to record two shows last night (Law & Order) and Boston Legal. I watched L&O in real time as it was recording (no delay from the 8300) to see if it would kick out and revert to Boston Legal. It did not. I will try the same thing with a Fox show tonight and see if we can narrow it down to a weak signal on Fox? Who knows? Let me know if I can be helpful in any way on this. Please keep posting about the problem so we can all confront Adelphia with the shared experience.

Same problem for me
Adelphia and 8300
Recorded House, it cut out like 8 times and I ended up with House in small segments.
I hope this isnt a software update or broadcast "no-record" flag issue.

Just found out it happened to a friend with HD Tivo and TWC
Either Fox or WJW messing around....

Just found out it happened to a friend with HD Tivo and TWC
Either Fox or WJW messing around....

Now that's interesting! And 8 times is how many it cut out on me as well.

Tonight I'm recording Bones as a manual recording. If it is a FOX issue then if it breaks up with those of you recording through the IPG then it should break up when I record it as well.

I'm not sure if I mentioned this previously but FOX had this same issue around Super Bowl last year.

Also, this is happening to others outside of our area. I saw a post in the thread "SA 8300 and SATA....it works" where someone else had the break up on 24.

So it may very well be FOX.

Another 8300 user having issues with Fox. Happened first with OC last week, and now 24 and House. I do recall having a similar issue to this last year as well. Eventually it went away.

The bigger problem I'm having, and I don't know if its related, but if I'm watching a pre-recorded show, and something else starts or stops recording (FOX or another channel), my pre-recorded show stops playback and jumps to the channel of the recording. Anyone else have this problem too? (on other channels other than FOX?)

Another 8300 user having issues with Fox. Happened first with OC last week, and now 24 and House. I do recall having a similar issue to this last year as well. Eventually it went away.

The bigger problem I'm having, and I don't know if its related, but if I'm watching a pre-recorded show, and something else starts or stops recording (FOX or another channel), my pre-recorded show stops playback and jumps to the channel of the recording. Anyone else have this problem too? (on other channels other than FOX?)

Yep, that's all part of it. Your recorded show stops and switches every time a new recording starts. However to the best of my knowledge this only happens on FOX shows.

Fortunately you do not lose your place in the recording. When you tune to channel 800 the show is right where you left it.

Question is how in the heck do we explain this to Adelphia? I'm sure they will shrug their shoulders and say it's a FOX issue, but how is that causing the 8300 to switch channels?

Just to throw some additional data your way, this is not an issue with WXIX-DT (FOX) in Cincinnati land with TWC and SA8300HD running Passport software.

Bassguitarman,
HD TiVo for use with Cable (TiVo Series 3) is not yet available to the general public if anyone. Are you sure they aren't using a SA8300HD? If your friend is using the SA8300HD from TWC then they also would be running Passport software AND be having problems with WJW-DT.

So,
Adelphia's SA8300HD is having problems recording FOX shows in one segment
Probably TWC's SA8300HD in NEO is having problems recording FOX shows in one segment
TWC's SA8300HD is NOT having problems recording FOX shows in one segment in Cincinnati

Personally, I would start directing my complaints with the above information to WLW-DT.

It's possible that their signal is breaking up or cutting out for some part of an instant which maybe causing the DVR to stop recording and start a new recording with a new segment.

Just to throw some additional data your way, this is not an issue with WXIX-DT (FOX) in Cincinnati land with TWC and SA8300HD running Passport software.

Bassguitarman,
HD TiVo for use with Cable (TiVo Series 3) is not yet available to the general public if anyone. Are you sure they aren't using a SA8300HD? If your friend is using the SA8300HD from TWC then they also would be running Passport software AND be having problems with WJW-DT.

So,
Adelphia's SA8300HD is having problems recording FOX shows in one segment
Probably TWC's SA8300HD in NEO is having problems recording FOX shows in one segment
TWC's SA8300HD is NOT having problems recording FOX shows in one segment in Cincinnati

Personally, I would start directing my complaints with the above information to WLW-DT.

It's possible that their signal is breaking up or cutting out for some part of an instant which maybe causing the DVR to stop recording and start a new recording with a new segment.

I assume that's a typo and you meant WJW-DT. :)

WJW Engineer often post here but unfortunately he doesn't accept pm's. I don't blame him, he probably would get overwhelmed.

I'm going to send this to my connection at Adelphia, see if she can forward it somewhere along with the link for this thread.

We have to start somewhere. Adelphia may even have a clue. :rolleyes:

It has been happening for about a week at my house. I have "2" 8300HD units running in my house (one upstairs and one in the basement) and it has happened on both of them. I've had 24, House and American Idol all break into pieces on me. This is getting very frustrating. I replaced the unit at their Severence location and the problem did not go away. I'm glad to hear I'm not alone. What is the next step we should take?

-Dave
Euclid, OH

I just sent the following email to my contact in Adelphia:

Hi Rita,

Once again many of us are experiencing a problem with the SA 8300 recordings. What’s going on now is bazaar to say the least.

Apparently this started last week. When recording a show on 708 (WJW-DT FOX) in HD during primetime ONLY, the recording causes the 8300 to first change from whatever your watching to the show it is recording. Easy enough to deal with, you just tune back to the show or recording you were watching.

But then what happens is the recording starts “segmenting” the show. It will record for 5 minutes then stop and start again. Last night my recording of “House” was broken into 8 segments, and at the start of each recording the recording I was watching was switched back to the FOX recording.

The same thing has happened on shows throughout the past week, even non high definition shows like Cops. Again this is only on channel 708, WJW FOX.

Please ask someone to take a look at this link and read backwards from there in our AVS forum. People are taking their SA 8300’s back and the unit is not the problem. This is happening to many people. As I stated it may not be Adelphia’s problem but someone has got to talk to FOX if they are the ones with the problem.

And for what it’s worth I’m finding this problem not only locally but in other areas in the country as well too. Which makes it more likely in my opinion to be a FOX issue.

Anyway, kindly have someone take a look.

Thanks again,

And I included name phone number and address.

This person is usually pretty good at getting me answers. We shall see.

Yep, that's all part of it. Your recorded show stops and switches every time a new recording starts. However to the best of my knowledge this only happens on FOX shows.

Actually, this is happening with any show on any channel. Last night, my wife was watching Close to Home and Ghost Whisperer from last week. At 9:00, a repeat of Criminal Minds (CBS) (damn repeats - can't this DVR remember these) started recording and interupted her pre-recorded show and again at 10:00 when Law and Order (NBC) began recording. This happens with FOX shows too, but is more annoying because FOX is also chunking the recordings up for some reason.

And while you think it might be no big deal to just retune to 800 and continue watching, its not somethng that my wife understands or wants to understand. This problem only just started last week. Prior to that, everything worked ok.

Oh without a doubt this is a PIA. It needs to be fixed, no question.

Well, as I said earlier I've written to my Adelphia person. It's lunch time now, let's see if she gets back to me by end of day.

hookbill, and others:

Is this "segmenting" coordinated with commercial breaks, either at the start or stop?

The reason I ask - on my Fusion HDTV5 USB unit, the software locks up when FOX goes into, and out of, commercial breaks. The apparent cause - a switch from 5.1 audio to 2.0 audio, and back again. Or, the other direction.

I had my tuner set to WJW-DT at just before 8 the other day, and the second FOX went into national programming (and 5.1 audio), it locked up. I can go back into the software and watch it with the 5.1 audio active, but for whatever reason, the changeover causes a lockup.

I'm wondering if the 8300 is being thrown by this, perhaps? Let me know if it is around commercial breaks... if that is the case, maybe we have the same problem, and maybe FOX 8 needs to fix that somehow.

The same "lockup" has been reported on local FOX channels in at least some other markets.

hookbill, and others:

Is this "segmenting" coordinated with commercial breaks, either at the start or stop?

The reason I ask - on my Fusion HDTV5 USB unit, the software locks up when FOX goes into, and out of, commercial breaks. The apparent cause - a switch from 5.1 audio to 2.0 audio, and back again. Or, the other direction.

I had my tuner set to WJW-DT at just before 8 the other day, and the second FOX went into national programming (and 5.1 audio), it locked up. I can go back into the software and watch it with the 5.1 audio active, but for whatever reason, the changeover causes a lockup.

I'm wondering if the 8300 is being thrown by this, perhaps? Let me know if it is around commercial breaks... if that is the case, maybe we have the same problem, and maybe FOX 8 needs to fix that somehow.

The same "lockup" has been reported on local FOX channels in at least some other markets.

I don't think so because the size of the fragments of the show are very odd. For example, 5 min record, the 16 minutes record, then 2 minutes record then 24 minutes. All in all it was 8 pieces to make up one show. That's far too many "breaks" in a regular broadcast.

That still doesn't suggest to me however that it isn't a FOX issue.

hookbill, and others:

Is this "segmenting" coordinated with commercial breaks, either at the start or stop?



I looked through my "chunks" and none of them were in the middle of the shows. The breaks all happened during commercials. Interesting...

That still doesn't suggest to me however that it isn't a FOX issue.

So, you are still persuing the avenue of this being a FOX source issue rather than a affiliate issue or are you interchanging FOX for WJW-DT? I would highly doubt that this is a FOX source issue since it isn't affecting ALL markets (no problem in Cinci).

Here's my story -- I set my Dish 942 to tape American Idol on 8-1 (Fox) last night at 8pm. I was out of the house but when I got home at 8:30 I turned on my DVR to start the show from the beginning. The program list showed it not being taped. However, the DVR wouldn't let me change channels w/o putting up a warning that I would lose my active recording if I changed channels now. Even better, the 'schedule' showed American Idol as being taped. Normally, you would see a show that is being actively taped in the schedule and in the recorded program list. I waited until 9:00 and sure enough, no recording of American Idol was made.

For what its worth, two shows I had set to record later last night (one on cable and one on 19-1) both taped successfully.

I suppose this doesn't get us any closer to an answer, but it continues the suspicion of Fox being weird.

hookbill, and others:

Is this "segmenting" coordinated with commercial breaks, either at the start or stop?


This is all very interesting, in that heart wrenchingly frustrating, want-to-tear-your-hair-out sort of way! Unfortunately I'm not as lucky as some; my recordings are totally mangled. As opposed to what you're describing hookbill, I don't get the entire program just chunked up. I only get a few chunks (2 or 3) that are just a few minutes long. So about 5 minutes total. And each chunk only seems to record commercials. Now who knows, that might be coincidental but perhaps symptomatic of the 5.1 to 2.0 audio switch suggested above.

I should also say that my 9:30 recording of Scrubs (NBC) was screwed up too -- only 16 minutes long. But it was being recorded simultaneously with House, so that might've caused it.

Finally, one last datum to throw into the mix which may or may not be related -- my OnDemand has been screwed up for about a week now (ever since they took away the accidentally free ones). I get a message with error number 65535 (looks like an unsigned -1 to programmers, for what it's worth).

I've got a tech coming out tomorrow morning regarding my missing digital channels. I'll be sure to bring all this up and direct him to the forum if it hasn't been resolved by then.

I have NO idea if this is related or not, but I stumbled on these while googling and found it eerily familiar.

http://www.pvrblog.com/pvr/2005/02/american_idol_b.html
http://www.highdefforum.com/archive/index.php/t-4731.html

I haven't had a chance to read through it all, so again I reiterate, this is puuurrreee speculation that these problem might be connected. Especially since they're from 2005. But they are perhaps indicative of Fox's propensity to screw with their stream headers.

OK. So it happens for some only during commercials, and others whenever there is a commercial break.

I just was watching Judge Judy recorded yesterday when the DVR started recording Judge Joe Brown and for the first time ever during the day on a non HD program (but on a digitital channel) the 8300 switched to the recorded program.

In the meantime I received a phone call from an engineer from Adelphia. His name was Joe and he was out of the Macedonia office. He thanked me for my letter which had the link to this forum. He said they don't know what the problem is that is causing the issue but he thanked me for the link to this forum. He admitted that the standard response is switch out the box but after reading through the comments in this forum the would have to do further investigation. I explained that I too had my box switched out last week. He said they are going to look into it and he promised a call back to me when he got an answer.

I mentioned to him that I appreciated his call and that we were having a tough time trying to talk to someone at Adelphia about this without getting a standard level 1 CSR response. I explained to him that the folks at this forum are not their "standard" customers and that we did know a thing or two about how cable and HD works. He said he understood and invited me to ask for him at the Macedonia office if I was ever in the area.

This could all be pr, or it could be we may get some genuine results.

ClevelandJax, your links certainly show that this problem is widespread. It may be affecting satellite as well, and Joe noticed that when he looked in the forum.

Time will tell.

Like to add a little bit to this problem. We have two 8300s out in Perry and we experienced two separate but similar issues with both of them last evening. First, I tried to record House as normal through the program guide. After the show started, and while I was watching it, (my wife was not, hence recording it), I noticed that it was not recording. I checked the guide and sure enough it was not listed to record. It was when I checked prior to the start of the show. So I then tried to simply record it using the 'record' button. I received the confirmation screen and pressed the 'A' button when asked to, but no luck as it would not record. I tried a couple of other times, but on the third time I was then given the screen notifying me that I had a conflict since I already had two recordings scheduled, the other two times that I tried to force the recording of House. Not only could I never make this work, I could never cancel one of the House 'recordings', though nothing ever actually recorded.

Frustrated, I went to our other 8300. I hit the record button, hit the 'A' button to confirm, and got the red record light. Nothing else was recording, nor were we watching any other programs. Since it appeared to be recording normally, I simply turned off the television. When my wife went to watch it, it was segmented into either 8 or 7 segments, I am not certain. I then obviously knew that something strange was going on with the channel or show.

Just thought I would add my experience.

Thanks gallivanter. Hopefully Joe will come back to this thread and read your comment too.

I had CNN on at 3:30 and it switched to my recording of "Judge Alex" on it's own.
So that makes twice now I've seen it happen during the day. And while the recording is not breaking into segments it is happening at the top of the show.

There was no breaks in the recording of "Judge Joe Brown." I doubt there will be in Judge Alex either since they are SD shows. Inundated's comments about switching from SD to HD are starting to make sense.

I still haven't seen this happen on any other channel the WJW-DT. I'm wondering if it will be more widespread this evening.

I just went through my recording(s) of House last night. Every small recording was commercials. After I deleted these recordings it left me with 42 minutes of show in 3 seperate recordings.

Granted this is not good because every time it stops and starts recording it is switching channels as well....but I have less commercials to ff through now. :)

Just trying to look on the bright side. :D

It almost sounds like Adelphia might have downloaded a new version of the code that runs in the 8300. Has anyone asked(obviously someone who would know) if they have done this? It sounds like the box is acting so differently a code "upgrade" sure could be a possible culprit. Maybe there is something unique in the way WJW does their switching at commercial breaks that is hitting a bug in the 8300 software. Just a thought.

I just went through my recording(s) of House last night. Every small recording was commercials. After I deleted these recordings it left me with 42 minutes of show in 3 seperate recordings.

Granted this is not good because every time it stops and starts recording it is switching channels as well....but I have less commercials to ff through now. :)

Just trying to look on the bright side. :D


Are you guys recording this in HD? Fox uses a splicing system at the affiliates to allow them to insert programming into the bitstream. It sounds like something in that splicing system is throwing your machines into a snit.

Are you guys recording this in HD? Fox uses a splicing system at the affiliates to allow them to insert programming into the bitstream. It sounds like something in that splicing system is throwing your machines into a snit.

Could be. Yes, we are recording in HD. Should we call WJW?

I recorded 4 court daytime tv shows. During that time I had my 8300 on either watching a recoding or watching live. All shows were on WJW-DT. On each occasion my viewing channel was switched to the recording show.

There were no break ups on these shows however. They recorded in their entirety.

Makes me wonder if this is a seperate issue.

It almost sounds like Adelphia might have downloaded a new version of the code that runs in the 8300.
This seems unlikely since it affects Dish, TWC and Adelphia customers viewing WJW-DT.

Fox uses a splicing system at the affiliates to allow them to insert programming into the bitstream. It sounds like something in that splicing system is throwing your machines into a snit.
From the recent reports of the recordings being segmented at commercial breaks, I would have to agree with this assessment.

I doubt its a bug in the SARA & Passport firmwares AND the Dish software. Chances are the DVRs see it as a break in the digital stream and then stops recording. Once it sees the digital stream has been restored it starts recording again. This is one drawback I have found with these non-TiVo DVRs as the TiVo will have one "segment" even if there is a break in the signal.

To attempt to get clearer explanations of who, what and where, I think it would be best to respond again using the following format so that it can be easily compiled and submitted to WJW-DT.

STB: SA8300HD
Firmware: Passport
TV Service Provider: TWC Cincinnati
Station: WXIX-DT
Are you experiencing segmenting problems when watching prime time HD programming? NO
What approximate date did this problem start occurring?
If you are experiencing segmenting problems during prime time HD programming, does it occur on the channel breaks?
If it is not occurring on the channel breaks please explain further:


I think its important to focus on one problem at a time. Its entirely possible that there is one root problem that presents it's self as several problems. If their engineers have a clear explanation of how the one problem is manifesting it's self, then they may have a good chance of solving the problem.

At least SOME of this has to be with the 5.1/2.0/5.1 shift. Something in the switch causes these problems...hookbill getting commercial-only recordings would seem to prove it. FOX 8 is sending out something that is affecting not only the 8300, but my F5USB card.

(For what it's worth, I've also had the problem with OTA reception of WJW-DT on the F5USB. It is not an Adelphia problem per se, aside from however the 8300 reacts to it.)

hookbill - can you set up your 8300 to record FOX 8 News? Record a half hour or an hour or something, enough at least to get commercials. Since WJW-DT doesn't do 5.1 for its HD newscasts, I'm betting you'll have no problem...but I wanted to eliminate another data point.

This seems unlikely since it affects Dish, TWC and Adelphia customers viewing WJW-DT.

And as noted, it affects the Fusion5HDTV USB tuner, both OTA, and via QAM. (PDQ!) I haven't actually recorded anything off WJW-DT in HD using the tuner, but I know the result already, since the software itself freezes at these points and any recording would end because of that.


I doubt its a bug in the SARA & Passport firmwares AND the Dish software. Chances are the DVRs see it as a break in the digital stream and then stops recording. Once it sees the digital stream has been restored it starts recording again. This is one drawback I have found with these non-TiVo DVRs as the TiVo will have one "segment" even if there is a break in the signal.

The Fusion software apparently sees it as a break in the signal as well.

As for your questionnaire:


STB: Fusion HDTV5USB Gold
Firmware: Fusion tuner software
TV Service Provider: OTA, and Adelphia cable QAM (direct)
Station: WJW-DT
Are you experiencing segmenting problems when watching prime time HD programming? YES
What approximate date did this problem start occurring? Don't remember, probably as long as I've had the Fusion (a few months)
If you are experiencing segmenting problems during prime time HD programming, does it occur on the channel breaks? Yes
If it is not occurring on the channel breaks please explain further:

Could be. Yes, we are recording in HD. Should we call WJW?

I recorded 4 court daytime tv shows. During that time I had my 8300 on either watching a recoding or watching live. All shows were on WJW-DT. On each occasion my viewing channel was switched to the recording show.

There were no break ups on these shows however. They recorded in their entirety.

Makes me wonder if this is a seperate issue.

Again, I'm not an expert at how Fox does this being NBC, however, when they run local shows their splicer probably sits on the upconverted input and doesn't do anything. During Fox network it would "splice in" the local station breaks to the network feed. You might be able to see a pattern you could pass on to WJW.

hookbill - can you set up your 8300 to record FOX 8 News? Record a half hour or an hour or something, enough at least to get commercials. Since WJW-DT doesn't do 5.1 for its HD newscasts, I'm betting you'll have no problem...but I wanted to eliminate another data point.

I'll set it up to record the 5:00 to 6:00 news. I'll let you know the results.

STB: SA8300HD
Firmware: SARA
TV Service Provider: ADELPHIA CLEVELAND SUBURB AREA
Station: WJW-DT
Are you experiencing segmenting problems when watching prime time HD programming? YES
Started occuring Saturday, February 4 at 8:00 p.m.
It seems to be occuring during channel breaks.
With each break it is causing the STB to switch to the recorded channel.

This is what I will send. Now if someone wants to tell me where to send it to, please do.

Inundated, I recorded FOX 8 News with no interruptions.

I also tested to see if the STB is changing channels on every recording by recording WEWS news on it's digital channel (not 705).

Unfortunately the STB changed to the recording channel. This confirms other observations made by blipszyc. And probably is an unrelated problem. Other then the fact that if a recording is breaking up and starting over it will change your viewing channel. :mad:

This sucks.

Well, a similar thing happened to me tonight (Fox on 708 with Adelphia 8300HD.) I paused Bones at the beginning of the show and started to watch it about 18 minutes after the hour. I rewound it back and forth into AI a couple of times to make sure I had the stsrt of the show and all was working normally. Then when the first segment went into commercial break the picture went black. I pushed the rewind, FF and play buttons and nothing happened at first, and then it went to live TV and the status bar went red when I tried to rewind back into the show. It acted as if I had changed the channel (where the paused content is lost) but I hadn't touched the channel.

I recorded Bones with a manual recording and got the same results. This blows my original guess that it may be corrupted IPG data. Lost seems to be recording fine, no breaks there. However Bones broke into recorded fragments at each local commercial break. In the end I deleted the commercials and ended up with 3 (at least at this time) recordings which has the entire show.

At 9:00 first the 8300 went to 705, then quickly to 708. Apparently this is going to be an ongoing problem that is seperate from the FOX issue.

Hopefully Adelphia and FOX will get it together soon.

http://www.pvrblog.com/pvr/2005/02/american_idol_b.html


I haven't had a chance to read through it all, so again I reiterate, this is puuurrreee speculation that these problem might be connected. Especially since they're from 2005. But they are perhaps indicative of Fox's propensity to screw with their stream headers.

I was really interested in this thread until I realized it's from last year. :)

I don't think it's relevant to what's going on now.

At 9:00 first the 8300 went to 705, then quickly to 708. Apparently this is going to be an ongoing problem that is seperate from the FOX issue.

Hopefully Adelphia and FOX will get it together soon.

Yeah, it does appear we have two distinct issues here:

* The file breakup, which appears to be related to my own experience with the FOX 2.0-to-5.1-to-2.0 problems on my Fusion tuner.
* The changing channels issue with the 8300 (I've never seen it on the 8000).

I hope all of this input gets to WJW's engineering folks at some point. I don't know if "WJW Engineer" is still around here.

Yeah, it does appear we have two distinct issues here:

* The file breakup, which appears to be related to my own experience with the FOX 2.0-to-5.1-to-2.0 problems on my Fusion tuner.
* The changing channels issue with the 8300 (I've never seen it on the 8000).

I hope all of this input gets to WJW's engineering folks at some point. I don't know if "WJW Engineer" is still around here.

True, although the channel changing issue doesn't seem to be related to Fox, I've had it happen when recording from other channels. Makes one wonder if (as has been suggested before) Adelphia has indeed rolled out a new, buggier version of software recently that used to tolerate whatever Fox's splicing but now isn't and also introduced the channel changing problem. Does anyone know their software versions from before a couple weeks ago? I just checked mine and I have --

PTV: OS, Home Server Edition 1.4
FLASH: 1.87.23.1
APP(s): vodlink v1.29.5.4, SARA v1.87.23.1

I also noticed on the "SARA Information" screen:

Global Cfg: Mon Feb 6 2006, 4:21:53 PM Est (0x43E7BDF1)

Which is about when my troubles began. Also on that screen I had *several* messages under "Software Anomalies" that read like:

WARNING! 060208.20:53[SARA Main]@CWatchTV.cpp:1372 (Exception -0x2801 in WatchTV Suspend())

Now this looks like your run-of-the-mill software error, very little usable information unless you have access to the application source code. However, those numbers in the front look to me like a timestamp for today (060208 = 2006 2/8) at 8:53 (20:53). There were SEVERAL around this time period. This time period, incidentally, corresponded with my recording of American Idol (Fox) which, no surprise, was mangled and all chunked up.

To check your own versions, hold the select button until the mail icon lights up, then press info. Use your remotes page +/- buttons to navigate the many screens. Can anyone confirm their software version numbers have or have not changed in the last couple weeks?

Same here. I am getting 7 bars solid on my signal strength meter, which is typical for WEAO. I am hoping this is a prelude to getting the PBS HD feed back up. Last I heard, they were hoping for some time in Jan. I have been waiting since I got my HDTV sometime in Nov to see PBS HD, since I am not one of the six or so people who can pull in WVIZ-DTs anemic signal.

BTW, anyone in the North Canton area have trouble pulling in WKYC-DT last night? I was receiving it the night before, but nothing last night. This is the way WKYC-DT is for me - sometimes I get it, sometimes I don't. I'm just trying to figure out if there is a pattern to the reception problems.

I don't know what your antenna setup is there but if you have a good outdoor OTA antenna in use, have you tried picking up PBS via WOUC-DT, channel 35 from Cambridge? I get a very strong signal from them here in Canton. They have the PBS-HD channel on 35.1 and a simulcast of their SD channel 44 on 35.2

I think at least part of the time the problems with WKYC-DT are being caused or exacerbated by the level of KDKA, Pittsburgh SD signals on channel 2 where WKYC's is being transmitted. Pittsburgh SD and DT channels are received here quite often and I've noticed KDKA channel 2 has considerable strength at times.

True, although the channel changing issue doesn't seem to be related to Fox, I've had it happen when recording from other channels. Makes one wonder if (as has been suggested before) Adelphia has indeed rolled out a new, buggier version of software recently that used to tolerate whatever Fox's splicing but now isn't and also introduced the channel changing problem. Does anyone know their software versions from before a couple weeks ago? I just checked mine and I have --

PTV: OS, Home Server Edition 1.4
FLASH: 1.87.23.1
APP(s): vodlink v1.29.5.4, SARA v1.87.23.1

I also noticed on the "SARA Information" screen:

Global Cfg: Mon Feb 6 2006, 4:21:53 PM Est (0x43E7BDF1)

Which is about when my troubles began. Also on that screen I had *several* messages under "Software Anomalies" that read like:

WARNING! 060208.20:53[SARA Main]@CWatchTV.cpp:1372 (Exception -0x2801 in WatchTV Suspend())

Now this looks like your run-of-the-mill software error, very little usable information unless you have access to the application source code. However, those numbers in the front look to me like a timestamp for today (060208 = 2006 2/8) at 8:53 (20:53). There were SEVERAL around this time period. This time period, incidentally, corresponded with my recording of American Idol (Fox) which, no surprise, was mangled and all chunked up.

To check your own versions, hold the select button until the mail icon lights up, then press info. Use your remotes page +/- buttons to navigate the many screens. Can anyone confirm their software version numbers have or have not changed in the last couple weeks?

I have the same version of SARA that you have. As far as the software anamolies go SA has said not to pay a great deal of attention to them. For example you can cause a warning just by hitting your pip. I've already pretty much researched those things and while the time may seem coincidental and grab your attention, my sources tell me that they are pretty meaningless.

Forgive my ignorance, but I'm trying to get a straight answer.

I have Akron/Canton Time Warner cable. Basic, analog cable.

I am considering buying a basic HDTV, and a remote STB that is QAM-capable -- specifically the LG LST-4200a.

The question is, if I use my basic analog cable feed, will this tuner be able to pick-up the Local HD channels? I expect TWC's channels like ESPN-YD, etc., to be encrypted, but I'm talking about just the locals. I would really prefer NOT to install and OTA antenna if I don't have to.

Depending on whom I've talked to, I get conflicting answers like: "Nah, you need a cable card or Time Warner's own digital STB to get ANY HD over the cable," or:
"No, by law, TWC can't encrypt local HD."

Any thoughts or experiences out there ?

Thx

I have a LG LST-4200a and it receives the digital/HD signals from Cleveland's channels 3,5,8.19 and 43 from TWC with no problem other than the channel numbers showing up in a strange way. The channels are NOT encrypted. The LG LST-4200a is a great QAM/OTA receiver and I would highly recommend it. The only thing I don't like about it is the type of on-screen signal strength meter that it uses. When it shows signal level of about 50%, it's actually about 100%. Forgot to mention that PBS 45/49 will probably be there along with the others mentioned above when they get their HD going again. I've been watching PBS-HD from WOUC-DT, Cambridge over the air since they went full power on channel 35, using the LG receiver. WVIZ, PBS in Cleveland is still on very low power and not received in this area.

I think it is a buggy 8300 update also. Last night I was watching a recorded show when a scheduled recording started. It immediately switched to that channel it was recording . Neither was Fox or HD.

Just to add my 2 cents, I had the same extremely frustrating experience with 24 on Monday, there was a maybe 25 minute recording, then 2 minutes, then 14 minutes, and then maybe 5-6 more short recordings--all of which made me miss the last 10 minutes which apparently didn't record. All the hiccups seemed to happen during commercial breaks.

I had no problem since then on either analog (FX), or ABCHD (Lost) or CBSHD (the Grammys). I have Adelphia, 8300HD.

I think it is a buggy 8300 update also. Last night I was watching a recorded show when a scheduled recording started. It immediately switched to that channel it was recording . Neither was Fox or HD.

Oh, yes yes yes, ladies and gentlemen we have a winner, and all of you others who said earlier "buggy update."

I can usually tell when an update comes in, but this one slipped by me.

SARA: as of last week version 1.87.23.1(I looked at the diagnostic screen - press and hold select then when the email lights up press info).

Checked today SARA version 1.88.15.3.

This is the cause of the changing channels to the "recording" channel. I'm sure.

The FOX thing may also be related. Something this software is having a problem handling that the old version didn't?

I got a response from someone at Adelphia (through a friend I have there), and they said that "Fox is doing something non-standard with their data stream" and there are problems with Dish and TW Cable as well. They're aware of it and trying to figure out exactly what's wrong.

WJW Engineer: Any way that WJW can re-air 24, House, etc. so that those of us who were forced to miss it can actually catch up on the episodes?

Same here. I am getting 7 bars solid on my signal strength meter, which is typical for WEAO. I am hoping this is a prelude to getting the PBS HD feed back up. Last I heard, they were hoping for some time in Jan. I have been waiting since I got my HDTV sometime in Nov to see PBS HD, since I am not one of the six or so people who can pull in WVIZ-DTs anemic signal.

BTW, anyone in the North Canton area have trouble pulling in WKYC-DT last night? I was receiving it the night before, but nothing last night. This is the way WKYC-DT is for me - sometimes I get it, sometimes I don't. I'm just trying to figure out if there is a pattern to the reception problems.


What do you North Canton residents use to pull in WKYC-DT? I can never get it. Does anyone get Digital Channel 21 (NBC) out of Youngstown using OTA antenna?

The diagnostic screen is indicating to me that my software was upgraded at around 4:30 pm on Monday, June 6 2006.

I think it was on Tuesday I started having problems with the channel changing to the recording station. This would fit after a reboot at night. But since the problem with FOX was first noticed by me anyways as of last Saturday, that would pretty much confirm what Pucky was saying and that it is indeed a FOX issue.

'Tis what happens when the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. :)

I got a response from someone at Adelphia (through a friend I have there), and they said that "Fox is doing something non-standard with their data stream" and there are problems with Dish and TW Cable as well. They're aware of it and trying to figure out exactly what's wrong.

WJW Engineer: Any way that WJW can re-air 24, House, etc. so that those of us who were forced to miss it can actually catch up on the episodes?

I finally got a tech over to my place and he confirms this as well. He said he's had about 20 calls regarding the problems we've been having and they had a meeting regarding it yesterday. At the meeting they were told that the company is messing with software versions for expected service upgrades / new features (e.g.VoIP) and have obviosly broken some things in the process. They are aware of the Fox-HD problems as well as the channel changing problem. The only solution for now is to wait until they push down a fixed software version. I just checked and saw that the software was upgraded from 1.87.23.1 to 1.88.15.3 sometime last night. Hookbill reported the same thing. Hopefully this will be the end of our problems.

Also, I mentioned before my Video OnDemand was shot, which he fixed. If you're getting the -65535 error message (he said most people should be after they found and fixed the "Free VoD" channels last week), all you have to do is go to the diagnostics screen (hold Select until the mail light lights up, then press Info), then navigate to the "VOD Information" screen via Page +/-. Your Service Group will probably be "Unavailable". If so, keep hitting the yellow A button until a number pops up there. Reboot your box (unplug) and you should be fixed.

Finally, he mentioned the TWC acquisition should happen late March. He said everyone is supposedly guaranteed a job but they'll have to apply to TWC as new employees (for HR and other book keeping reasons he said). That was originally scheduled to happen Feb 6, but has now been pushed to late-march. He also said to expect some new HD offerings soon.

I want to report as well for the first time today my first court show, "The Peoples Court" recorded WITHOUT changing the tuner. These are good signs! (Please no comment on my daytime vise...I know, I know..) :)

Side comment: Adelphia, Voip? No thanks, I have Vonage. Just hope it doesn't cause me any problems. :)

Good to hear that Adelphia is aware of their firmware bug causing channel changing and hopefully they have/will provide(d) an update.

Now regarding the FOX recordings becoming segmented, so far we have three reports to send to WJW-DT. I know there are others experiencing this problem. If we can get more responses then it will be meaningful. (nudge, nudge those of you reporting from Dish and TWC NEO)

STB: SA8300HD
Firmware: SARA
TV Service Provider: ADELPHIA CLEVELAND SUBURB AREA
Station: WJW-DT
Are you experiencing segmenting problems when watching prime time HD programming? YES
If you are experiencing segmenting problems during prime time HD programming, does it occur on the channel breaks? Yes
If it is not occurring on the channel breaks please explain further:

STB: Fusion HDTV5USB Gold
Firmware: Fusion tuner software
TV Service Provider: OTA, and Adelphia cable QAM (direct)
Station: WJW-DT
Are you experiencing segmenting problems when watching prime time HD programming? YES
What approximate date did this problem start occurring? Don't remember, probably as long as I've had the Fusion (a few months)
If you are experiencing segmenting problems during prime time HD programming, does it occur on the channel breaks? Yes
If it is not occurring on the channel breaks please explain further:

STB: SA8300HD
Firmware: Passport
TV Service Provider: TWC Cincinnati
Station: WXIX-DT
Are you experiencing segmenting problems when watching prime time HD programming? NO
What approximate date did this problem start occurring?
If you are experiencing segmenting problems during prime time HD programming, does it occur on the channel breaks?
If it is not occurring on the channel breaks please explain further:

Thanks a lot for the report, Jax. Let's cross our fingers! And new HD channels would be fantastic. I'd love to see Smallville (WB) and TNT Cavs games in HD.

Thanks a lot for the report, Jax. Let's cross our fingers! And new HD channels would be fantastic. I'd love to see Smallville (WB) .

Don't count on that one, since WBNX does not have a digital station. No digital, no HD

Don't count on that one, since WBNX does not have a digital station. No digital, no HD

And from what I heard from Adelphia, no Universal HD is planned currently...so we'll be missing out on a LOT of NBC Olympic coverage in HD this month. Time Warner and is adding Universal HD I think, at the last minute.

DarkDog,

Don't give up on Smallville in HD just yet. UPN and WBN are going to merge this fall since neither one is doing all that well on it's own. The combined station will be HD and have the best of both stations HD programing all rolled into one. That should solve the problem.

Ben Music

DarkDog,

Don't give up on Smallville in HD just yet. UPN and WBN are going to merge this fall since neither one is doing all that well on it's own. The combined station will be HD and have the best of both stations HD programing all rolled into one. That should solve the problem.

Ben Music

Thanks guys. I just assumed that since some WB shows like Smallville are broadcast in HD in certain areas around the country, that it would eventually find its way to Cleveland. Since I am a video novice I figured maybe it was just a licensing issue with Adelphia. Thanks for clearing it up.

Does anyone know of a reasonably priced device to measure actual received HD bandwidth signals (from OTA)?

The quality of HD OTA varies significantly. CBS's major events seem to be broadcast at a higher standard (e.g., the Grammies, Letterman) while the regular programming is somewhat reduced in quality. I'd say subjectively that ABC comes in second with NBC third, and Fox last. I cannot receive enough digital information to adequately display shows like 24 without artifacting occurring to some degree. I believe this is tied to the bandwidth usage for each station (and may vary from show to show), thus, I'd like to be able to quantify what I'm seeing versus received bandwidth.

TIA

Don't give up on Smallville in HD just yet. UPN and WBN are going to merge this fall since neither one is doing all that well on it's own. The combined station will be HD and have the best of both stations HD programing all rolled into one. That should solve the problem.

Well, the combined "CW Network" station will only be in HD if A) it's WUAB/43 or B) if it's WBNX/55, they put their digital transmitter up before the Fall.

It's mostly expected that 43 will be the station, primarily because it is owned by a group with a number of other UPN/WB affiliates (and CBS).

Now regarding the FOX recordings becoming segmented, so far we have three reports to send to WJW-DT. I know there are others experiencing this problem. If we can get more responses then it will be meaningful. (nudge, nudge those of you reporting from Dish and TWC NEO)

I hope they figure this one out. It's nerve-wracking, and since my USB tuner is probably not widespread (it's new, for one, and a niche product), they probably wouldn't care if it was just affecting my tuner.

But it's good to know that SOMEONE is aware that FOX is sending out something non-standard data-stream wise, be it here or at the network level.

Does anyone know of a reasonably priced device to measure actual received HD bandwidth signals (from OTA)?

The quality of HD OTA varies significantly. CBS's major events seem to be broadcast at a higher standard (e.g., the Grammies, Letterman) while the regular programming is somewhat reduced in quality.

I have heard that users of computer tuner cards are able to measure the digital stream with software.

Keep in mind the picture quality of a particular show is dependent on "Production Values". Some shows are designed to have a gitty/edgy picture while others look bright, crisp, clear, sharp, etc.

-Heh "Grammies"

What do you North Canton residents use to pull in WKYC-DT? I can never get it. Does anyone get Digital Channel 21 (NBC) out of Youngstown using OTA antenna?

I'm a few miles north of you in Springfield Township and I'm picking up 21.1(NBC), 21.2(WB), and 33.1(ABC) from Youngstown with no problem using this small UHF antenna I got from Radio Shack: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103088&cp=&pg=3&kw=antenna&parentPage=search
I have it mounted on my chimney and permanently pointed at Youngstown. I'm also using a Channel Master 0071DSB preamp I got from here: http://starkelectronic.com/allamps.htm
Unfortunately 21.1 does not broadcast in 5.1 Dolby Digital like 3.1 does but 33.1 does while channel 5.1 does not. I watched the Super Bowl on 33.1 because the 5.1 audio was fantastic compared to the subdued two channel stereo on channel 5.1. It is good to have options.
Steve

I have heard that users of computer tuner cards are able to measure the digital stream with software.

Keep in mind the picture quality of a particular show is dependent on "Production Values". Some shows are designed to have a gitty/edgy picture while others look bright, crisp, clear, sharp, etc.

-Heh "Grammies"
That might be the cheapest way - HD tuner card and some software. What I'm seeing isn't "production values" but lack of information that causes artifacting. Whether or not this holds true still remains to be seen. That's why I'm looking for a quantifiable method of determining artifacting versus bandwidth.

Thanks guys. I just assumed that since some WB shows like Smallville are broadcast in HD in certain areas around the country, that it would eventually find its way to Cleveland. Since I am a video novice I figured maybe it was just a licensing issue with Adelphia. Thanks for clearing it up.

I'm sure your aware but in case you don't know reruns of Smallville are being shown right now on HDnet in HD. You can get your fix that way. :)

I'm sure your aware but in case you don't know reruns of Smallville are being shown right now on HDnet in HD. You can get your fix that way. :)

I am definitely aware! That's where I get my Kristin Kreuk fix. But damn, new episodes look like they're being transmitted from Venus from the looks of it. Talk about bad picture quality.

I've noticed 1 minor thing and 1 major thing in this new firmware Adelphia has downloaded for the 8300. First when your selecting a show to be recorded "all episodes" the wording has changed a bit to "this time period anyday". But the big change is there is now a fourth speed on the fast forward, and I'm here to tell you that fourth speed is fast. It may be a bit too fast to forward through the commercials, but it will be great for other purposes.

Anyone know what channel 215 is on Comcast? It just showed up, no channel info and everything is coming soon according to the guide.

Knight Rider is on in HD right now.

EDIT - Nevermind, it's Universal HD!!! WOO HOO!!!!!! Went to Universal's website to see their schedule. Olympics in HD!

I don't know what your antenna setup is there but if you have a good outdoor OTA antenna in use, have you tried picking up PBS via WOUC-DT, channel 35 from Cambridge? I get a very strong signal from them here in Canton. They have the PBS-HD channel on 35.1 and a simulcast of their SD channel 44 on 35.2

I think at least part of the time the problems with WKYC-DT are being caused or exacerbated by the level of KDKA, Pittsburgh SD signals on channel 2 where WKYC's is being transmitted. Pittsburgh SD and DT channels are received here quite often and I've noticed KDKA channel 2 has considerable strength at times.

I have an outdoor VHF/UHF antenna on a ~30 foot tower. Problem is, my rotor is currently not working and I don't feel like climbing up there in this weather to check it out.

I checked out WOUC-DTs signal pattern on the FCC website, and to my surprise, their signal pattern reaches all the way to the Summit/Stark County line. Their digital pattern actually reaches further than their analog pattern, which does not even reach the southern part of Canton. What part of Canton are you in?

I think you are right about WKYC-DT. Between the analog channel 2 in Pittsburgh and the one in Detroit, WKYC-DT doesn't stand a chance. Do you experience periods of solid reception and then periods of nothing at all like I do?

What do you North Canton residents use to pull in WKYC-DT? I can never get it. Does anyone get Digital Channel 21 (NBC) out of Youngstown using OTA antenna?

I have a VHF/UHF antenna on a ~30 foot tower. Don't know the make or model of the antenna (it was here when we bought the house 12 years ago). I also have an amplifier in the attic where the antenna lead comes in. Some kind of Radio Shack amp I think. I bought it years ago when I first hooked up to the antenna and was not satisfied with the reception.

My WKYC-DT signal is very inconsistent. I will receive it strongly for a few days and then I will receive absolutely nothing for several days. I have not seen their signal since last week.

My rotor is currently not working, but I did have it turned towards Y-town once and did lock onto WFMJ-DT (21 analog, 20 digital). They also broadcast the WB on subchannel 21-2. WFMJ-DT is by far the strongest Y-town station - you should be able to pull it in here with a decent antenna. You will need to point your antenna about 90 degrees east of where you point it for Cleveland reception.

The ABC in Y-town WYTV is digital on channel 36, but they have a much weaker signal. I don't remember seeing them when I captured WFMJ-DT.

The CBS in Y-town WKBN is still not broadcasting a digital signal.

I've noticed 1 minor thing and 1 major thing in this new firmware Adelphia has downloaded for the 8300. First when your selecting a show to be recorded "all episodes" the wording has changed a bit to "this time period anyday". But the big change is there is now a fourth speed on the fast forward, and I'm here to tell you that fourth speed is fast. It may be a bit too fast to forward through the commercials, but it will be great for other purposes.

Well that's great actually, I've long wanted a way to quickly jump further into a recorded show. With my old ReplayTV I could simply jump to a particular minute offset. While it's not quite that good, this fourth speed certainly makes things easier. I didn't try to record anything on Fox today, did anybody run into problems during the network/local splices?

One nit-pick of the new software (and this is really really nit-picky) -- navigating the recorded shows guide seems to have a sluggish refresh rate. It's hard to describe, but pushing up or down one show at a time (as opposed to paging up or down) you can see one half of the screen go up and then the next half moves up about a half a second later. Also, paging up it seems to hit the top and won't go any further (whereas it used to cycle around endlessly, like it still does when paging down). That last one might be a feature though.

Anyway, I'm just happy I can record and watch recorded shows again without being interrupted.

One nit-pick of the new software (and this is really really nit-picky) -- navigating the recorded shows guide seems to have a sluggish refresh rate. It's hard to describe, but pushing up or down one show at a time (as opposed to paging up or down) you can see one half of the screen go up and then the next half moves up about a half a second later. Also, paging up it seems to hit the top and won't go any further (whereas it used to cycle around endlessly, like it still does when paging down). That last one might be a feature though.



I noticed that as well. I also think the recorded screen itself looks different, but I'm not certain about that.

It is wierd the way part of the index scrolls down just slightly before the second part does.

I have an outdoor VHF/UHF antenna on a ~30 foot tower. Problem is, my rotor is currently not working and I don't feel like climbing up there in this weather to check it out.

I checked out WOUC-DTs signal pattern on the FCC website, and to my surprise, their signal pattern reaches all the way to the Summit/Stark County line. Their digital pattern actually reaches further than their analog pattern, which does not even reach the southern part of Canton. What part of Canton are you in?

I think you are right about WKYC-DT. Between the analog channel 2 in Pittsburgh and the one in Detroit, WKYC-DT doesn't stand a chance. Do you experience periods of solid reception and then periods of nothing at all like I do?

I'm using a Winegard VHF/UHF yagi antenna with preamplifier and rotor on a 50 foot tower here in the SW part of Canton. My reception of WKYC-DT is often plagued with frequent short dropouts...I don't think I've ever had periods where the signal goes away all together. Their signal is pretty strong so I think it's either co-channel interference or "ghosting" in the signal which causes most of the problem. I don't watch WKYC-DT very much as it's less hassle to watch WTOV-DT in Steubenville who is also an NBC affiliate or WFMJ-DT in Youngstown. Since you're fairly close to me you should be able to receive Cambridge and Steubenville once you're able to rotate your antenna.

I noticed that as well. I also think the recorded screen itself looks different, but I'm not certain about that.

It is wierd the way part of the index scrolls down just slightly before the second part does.
I noticed this tonight too. The Recorded shows section now scrolls the whole row, not just the title. Also noticed the 4th FF speed. WAY TOO FAST for commercials, but good for getting to the middle of a show that you didn't finish the night before.

As for the channel switch, that's been fixed, but OC on Fox still chunked. I can live with that as I actually prefer to kill all the commercials anyway!!

I noticed the extra FF speed last night. I cant get into the info screen holding down the select button though.

I noticed the extra FF speed last night. I cant get into the info screen holding down the select button though.

You need to hold down the select button on the 8300 itself and then you will see an email flash on the display. Press the info button and you will see the diagnostics (info) screen.

I got this email today from Adelphia:



Hi Phil,

I did forward your email to Macedonia. The reason I am writing back is to tell you that you have been a tremendous help to us by uncovering two system problems. The Showtime On-Demand programming that was available to non-Showtime subscribers and the Fox Channel recording problems.

I am going to send you a few PPV coupons today and will see if there is any other little gift I can find for you.


Thanks so much for your help.



Rita


Of course my main concern was the channel switching and FOX issue. I'll take what they give me, but hey...how about a months free service?

Greedy arn't I? :D

Recorded The O.C. last night and it was still split into smaller pieces.

Hookbill, good for you for getting such a nice response from your contact at Adelphia. I think it is great that, thanks to you, they have a line into AVS users who really function for them as high level Beta testers. I hope your contact makes a seamless move to the new company. I too like the four X FF and notice the lag in the menu screen. I am assuming the segmenting of programs is FOX cutting into the Network stream for local ads and that they know about the problem and that there is nothing we can really do about it besides wait it out.

Hookbill, good for you for getting such a nice response from your contact at Adelphia. I think it is great that, thanks to you, they have a line into AVS users who really function for them as high level Beta testers. I hope your contact makes a seamless move to the new company. I too like the four X FF and notice the lag in the menu screen. I am assuming the segmenting of programs is FOX cutting into the Network stream for local ads and that they know about the problem and that there is nothing we can really do about it besides wait it out.

I hope she keeps her job too. :)

Yeah, as demonstrated in previous post this is not an Adelphia issue but is affecting other receivers as well. I'm pretty sure it will get resolved soon.

One other improvement I noticed in the new software is an increase in the volume output on the 8300HD. I run a digital output to my reciever but also use the RCA analog outs to directly feed the TV. The volume on the analogs was always very low even when I had it maxed out on the 8300, causing me to turn the TV volume way up. Now I have the 8300 turned up (using the button controls on the front) and can adjust the TV volume to more of a midrange setting when I don't have the digital "big sound" fired up.

I hope she keeps her job too. :)

Yeah, as demonstrated in previous post this is not an Adelphia issue but is affecting other receivers as well. I'm pretty sure it will get resolved soon.

FYI, WJW engineering is now aware of this problem and is working with Adelphia, Fox Digital and others to get it sorted out. The details we find about it in your posts are of great help. Thanks.

Thanks so much WJW Engineer. I know others have said it, but I think it's wonderful that some industry professionals are reading these forums and using the information to solve problems and get feedback.

I got a report from my parents:

STB: SA8300HD
Firmware: Passport
TV Service Provider: TWC NEO
Station: WJW-DT (O.C. recorded 2/9/2006)
Are you experiencing segmenting problems when watching prime time HD programming? NO
What approximate date did this problem start occurring?
If you are experiencing segmenting problems during prime time HD programming, does it occur on the channel breaks?
If it is not occurring on the channel breaks please explain further:

FYI, WJW engineering is now aware of this problem and is working with Adelphia, Fox Digital and others to get it sorted out. The details we find about it in your posts are of great help. Thanks.

And thank YOU for taking the time to reply. Now that we know everyone is on the same page on this we can feel confident it will be taken care of.

And thank YOU for taking the time to reply. Now that we know everyone is on the same page on this we can feel confident it will be taken care of.

Yes, thank you, WJW Engineering and all of you! I'm almost afraid to watch FOX network programming on my Fusion unit until this is fixed. :D

If I can help, let me know. There's a software program with the Fusion card that I believe can record raw data streams, though I don't know if it'd crash with the problem as well. I can upload such streams to you guys, if needed.

[QUOTE=rluyster]I'm using a Winegard VHF/UHF yagi antenna with preamplifier and rotor on a 50 foot tower here in the SW part of Canton. My reception of WKYC-DT is often plagued with frequent short dropouts...

Something must have happened to WKYC-DT - here in SW Portage I have had no trouble all season but two days ago I lost ALL signals from them. All other DT's are fine. I'm OTA.

My SA 8300 recorded exactly 7 minutes of Ghost Whisperer and didn't record any of In Justice tonight.

I continue to have problems with this machine. I don't understand. New firmware yet I'm still having dropped/missed recordings. I don't know how much more of this I can take. Some trees in my backyard may have to be moved out for a dish. :mad:

Comcast has just added Fox Sports Ohio HD. I had no idea that channel was even coming! Cavs in HD!!

Comcast has just added Fox Sports Ohio HD. I had no idea that channel was even coming! Cavs in HD!!

!!!!!

Not that we didn't know this was coming, eventually. Not only did FSN say they were eventually going to convert all their RSNs, but...this popped up on a local blog a month ago.

And now, that's been updated:

http://ohiomedia.blogspot.com/2006/02/cavaliers-to-air-9-high-definition.html

It appears they've gotten every cable system except the small ones...AND, of course, they don't have Adelphia.

[QUOTE=rluyster]I'm using a Winegard VHF/UHF yagi antenna with preamplifier and rotor on a 50 foot tower here in the SW part of Canton. My reception of WKYC-DT is often plagued with frequent short dropouts...

Something must have happened to WKYC-DT - here in SW Portage I have had no trouble all season but two days ago I lost ALL signals from them. All other DT's are fine. I'm OTA.

WKYC-DT dropped out for me here in SW Cuyahoga as well. All other channels I normally get were fine. Had to reposition my indoor antenna and all came in again, although WKYC appears to be about 10-15% weaker on the signal meter.

No trouble with channel 3 HD, stretched SD, analog. Watched some of the Olympics in HD. (OTA)

JJK

It appears they've gotten every cable system except the small ones...AND, of course, they don't have Adelphia.

Why is Adelphia ALWAYS months behind everyone else local in picking up HD stations? Am I missing something? Why can my brother 4 minutes away get so many more HD stations (Euclid vs. Wickliffe) with his Comcast?

Adelphia has been in bankruptcy for years. They are also in the middle of being broken up and sold. While I agree that it would be good to get new programming, I suspect that they have a number of layers that they have to go through to do anything.

Why is Adelphia ALWAYS months behind everyone else local in picking up HD stations? Am I missing something? Why can my brother 4 minutes away get so many more HD stations (Euclid vs. Wickliffe) with his Comcast?

Because Adelphia sucks. :)

Last night was the last straw for me. I called D* and I'm having them come out with a HD-DVR. I'll worry about getting locals later, I know there is a way to OTA it but at least I'll have a dependable DVR. I'm so sick of the 8300.

I'm going to find someplace to put that dish even if I gotta cut down some trees this summer. I've missed D*, never had the problems I have with Adelphia. I'd rather have a decent digital picture then Adelphia's chopped up HD with poor sound (beeps, missed sound, etc.)

Feb. 14 in the am the dude comes out (or dudes). Bye Bye, Adelphia.

Last night was the last straw for me. I called D* and I'm having them come out with a HD-DVR. I'll worry about getting locals later, I know there is a way to OTA it but at least I'll have a dependable DVR. I'm so sick of the 8300.

Sorry to hear that hookbill, but believe me, I empathize with your frustration. I would've made the switch long ago if I could.

Because Adelphia sucks. :)

Last night was the last straw for me. I called D* and I'm having them come out with a HD-DVR. I'll worry about getting locals later, I know there is a way to OTA it but at least I'll have a dependable DVR. I'm so sick of the 8300.

I don't think there is a way to win with either cable or satellite. Things work for me now, so I'm staying put.

Because Adelphia sucks. :)

Last night was the last straw for me. I called D* and I'm having them come out with a HD-DVR. I'll worry about getting locals later, I know there is a way to OTA it but at least I'll have a dependable DVR. I'm so sick of the 8300.



Hookbill,

If you have a choice, make sure you get the HR-20 DVR. It's the one that will support the Mpeg-4 locals that D* will be offering any day now for Cleveland. Might be the answer to your prayers!

And D* just announced that TNT-HD will be live on Friday. That brings the total up to 9 HD channels, I believe, including HBO and Showtime if you subscribe to them.

Plus, they also offer CD-USA that is broadcasting part-time in HD with some music programming.

It's not a bad package, really. And one of these days I'll get around to getting a DVR.

Oh, and the locals are really easy. If you've got an antenna, it's plug and play!

Hookbill,

If you have a choice, make sure you get the HR-20 DVR. It's the one that will support the Mpeg-4 locals that D* will be offering any day now for Cleveland. Might be the answer to your prayers!

And D* just announced that TNT-HD will be live on Friday. That brings the total up to 9 HD channels, I believe, including HBO and Showtime if you subscribe to them.

Plus, they also offer CD-USA that is broadcasting part-time in HD with some music programming.

It's not a bad package, really. And one of these days I'll get around to getting a DVR.

Oh, and the locals are really easy. If you've got an antenna, it's plug and play!

I didn't know that machine existed, thanks for the info. My main concern right now is how it's going to work with Vonage. Supposedly the guy is going to have a wireless adapter and I'll be able to use my Vonage with that. She even told me the guy would put an antenna on the roof "If he has one". :rolleyes:

I tried to get D* when I first got here and the guy looked around and said too many trees. Well, my neighbor has Dish and just as many trees as I do. I think he didn't want to put the effort into it and I was just moved in and wanted some kind of TV so I called Adelphia.

If the guy does a good job I'll tip him. If he gives me a bad time I'll just get someone else, I'm gonna get it done and done right.

It doesn't take much a break through the trees to pick up the signal. My last house actually had the dish on the backside of the roof and pointed through some trees almost through the house. I managed an average signal of about 95%.

Of course you need the multi-dish to pick up the HD channels, and that does take a bit more clearance than the standard round one. The guy that comes out should be able to use a little signal meter to check around the property. Hopefully he can find someplace good for you.

Truthfully, I've been a D* subscriber for about 7 years now, and I've never looked back. We even moved with it, and I didn't even bother to check out the new location's local cable offering much. I've just been happy.

Another data point in the Great FOX HD Breakup Sweepstakes:

Watching FOX HD programming LIVE on my 8000HD DVR, it actually blanks the screen when going into a local break! (Blank=grey) It comes back when FOX returns to network.

But after that, if you try to use the DVR's live buffer to go back, you won't be able...it treats the live return as a new program. This is consistent with those who've recorded FOX and had these problems.

(Of course, since it's a DVR, which by definition rolls a record buffer during "live TV", I don't know if it'd do the same on an HD box that does not have a DVR.)

OTA Olympics are looking great!

As I went to ABC 5.1 though (Green Mile is on) I noticed the sound is horribly out of sync. This was going on the other night, too.

Any1 else notice this?

OTA Olympics are looking great!

As I went to ABC 5.1 though (Green Mile is on) I noticed the sound is horribly out of sync. This was going on the other night, too.

Any1 else notice this?

I also noticed the audio/video sync problem on WEWS-DT tonight during the Green Mile. Analog WEWS did not appear to have this problem. Audio appeared to be nearly a full second behind the video.

Hookbill,

If you have a choice, make sure you get the HR-20 DVR. It's the one that will support the Mpeg-4 locals that D* will be offering any day now for Cleveland. Might be the answer to your prayers!


Last I heard, D* was saying the HR-20 would be released mid 2006. Has that changed?

I have a question for you all if you don't mind. I thought I'd ask it here instead of creating a new thread, if a new thread should be created I will.

Currently I've been using a regular indoor antenna to pick up some Locals. I've been surprised how well they have come in, considering I'm like 40 miles from the towers. My zip code is 44646, and I'm able to pick up the following channels:

WEWS-DT - 5.1
WJW-DT - 8.1
WDLI-DT - 39.1-.5
WUAB-DT - 43.1
The Tube - 43.2
WEAO-DT - 50.1-.4

It's amazing that I've been able to pick those channels up since I'm so far away from the channels (especially WEWS and WJW), but I have. However, now that the Olympics are on, I REALLY want to see them in HD and I can't do that unless I pull in the NBC station (also wouldn't mind having CBS). So I need you all to recommend me an antenna (I'm assuming it has to be an outdoor one because the NBC station is VHF, which is the most difficult to pull in right?)

So, what are my options? You can recommend Radio Shack, Online, whatever.

Thanks in advance everyone!

The ongoing WJW-DT problem during FOX HD is now not only disrupting live viewing. It's messing up live viewing/the DVR buffer ON OTHER CHANNELS!

Whatever glitch it is that's causing the problem...even tuning my 8000HD box to another channel (HD, SD, DT, analog, doesn't matter)...the "live buffer" is trashed. If you try using the REW key or the button that's supposed to take you 8 seconds (?) backwards in the live TV buffer, you can't access ANYTHING, no matter how long you're tuned to the new channel. The screen blanks (grey) and the buffer indicator shows there's nothing in there, even if you've been watching it for 5 minutes.

I can only assume that it's the FOX HD bug causing this, as it happened after the above described problems on FOX HD earlier tonight. Turning the 8000HD on and off and on again does nothing. I had to physically UNPLUG the 8000HD and reboot it to regain my "live buffer'.

So, not only is the FOX HD problem now disrupting live viewing of itself (on a DVR with a continuously running buffer), it's now disrupting OTHER CHANNELS.

Until this is fixed, I will have to boycott FOX HD on the 8000HD, frankly.

I appreciate that WJW's engineering staff and Adelphia are working together on this problem, and I hope it is resolved soon. But I can't keep rebooting my 8000HD, even IF it makes it through live FOX HD programming.

We all had that problem before the upgrade. All I had to do was return to FOX for a few seconds and then go back to the channel I wanted to watch. Irritating isn't it? :)

Is it causing problems OTA?

We all had that problem before the upgrade. All I had to do was return to FOX for a few seconds and then go back to the channel I wanted to watch. Irritating isn't it? :)

Going back and forth didn't fix it for me, at least tonight. :(

Is it causing problems OTA?

I haven't been watching OTA in a while. My Fusion5HDTV USB box is downstairs on the desktop, hooked into Adelphia. I have my old US Digital box up here, but the antenna position right now needs to be moved (the extension cable I used is downstairs to feed the F5USB). I haven't really watched WJW-DT OTA even though I can get it with the antenna pointed where it is now.

I have a question for you all if you don't mind. I thought I'd ask it here instead of creating a new thread, if a new thread should be created I will.

Currently I've been using a regular indoor antenna to pick up some Locals. I've been surprised how well they have come in, considering I'm like 40 miles from the towers. My zip code is 44646, and I'm able to pick up the following channels:

WEWS-DT - 5.1
WJW-DT - 8.1
WDLI-DT - 39.1-.5
WUAB-DT - 43.1
The Tube - 43.2
WEAO-DT - 50.1-.4

It's amazing that I've been able to pick those channels up since I'm so far away from the channels (especially WEWS and WJW), but I have. However, now that the Olympics are on, I REALLY want to see them in HD and I can't do that unless I pull in the NBC station (also wouldn't mind having CBS). So I need you all to recommend me an antenna (I'm assuming it has to be an outdoor one because the NBC station is VHF, which is the most difficult to pull in right?)

So, what are my options? You can recommend Radio Shack, Online, whatever.

Thanks in advance everyone!

I'm just north of you in Canal Fulton. I went to Lowes in Massillon and picked up a Channel Master 3018 with a CM3041DSB preamp and put it in my 2nd story attic. Its a VHF/UHF combo antenna. I get all the channels you listed, plus WOIO with high 80's to 90's signal strength. WKYC-DT is a tough one for me though. I can't get it during the day, but at night I can usually get about 55 on the signal with some blocking and lockups. I would think if you were outside on a tower or pole, you would be much better off than me.

Cheers

Last I heard, D* was saying the HR-20 would be released mid 2006. Has that changed?
H20 is out. The H20-250 DVR is not and can be expected this summer

Last I heard, D* was saying the HR-20 would be released mid 2006. Has that changed?

As far as I know, it's been available for a few months now. Over in the HD hardware forum, there are hundreds of posts from people who have been using it. It looks like some people have received it through D* as part of an upgrade, and others have had to purchase it. D* is currently offering a $200 rebate toward the purchase of one if you pledge a 2-year commitment to service.

I'm just wondering when Cleveland's locals will be available in HD. Supposedly it's going to be in the first quarter of 2006, but there is no official confirmation of that - again, as far as I know.

We all had that problem before the upgrade. All I had to do was return to FOX for a few seconds and then go back to the channel I wanted to watch. Irritating isn't it? :)

Is it causing problems OTA?

OTA is fine. The only recent issue was the other day (which I posted on) when 8.1 was down but I could get WJW on 31.1. Other than that, no problems.

H20 is out. The H20-250 DVR is not and can be expected this summer

So what's the difference? Is it just a bigger hard drive?

Roger Brown had a brief blurb about the Indians broadcasts in today's Plain Dealer. The new GM states that agreements should be signed with everyone by opening day, but not necessarily by the first spring training broadcast. My only concern is that Brown sort of implied that the TWC takeover of Adelphia would solve the issue with Adelphia, which I think is too much of an assumption. So far, most reports have the takeover happening in late spring, well after opening day.

As far as I know, it's been available for a few months now. Over in the HD hardware forum, there are hundreds of posts from people who have been using it. It looks like some people have received it through D* as part of an upgrade, and others have had to purchase it. D* is currently offering a $200 rebate toward the purchase of one if you pledge a 2-year commitment to service.

I'm just wondering when Cleveland's locals will be available in HD. Supposedly it's going to be in the first quarter of 2006, but there is no official confirmation of that - again, as far as I know.

I don't see it on the Circuit City on line add, but that is definitely the offer that I received. I'm looking forward to it.

I asked the rep to look into Cleveland locals in HD and as of right now we are not on any list that she could see. You know they gotta take care of L.A., NY, etc. first. Per usual, we are one of the last.

It could be worst, we could be in Cincinnati. :)

I don't see it on the Circuit City on line add, but that is definitely the offer that I received. I'm looking forward to it.

I asked the rep to look into Cleveland locals in HD and as of right now we are not on any list that she could see. You know they gotta take care of L.A., NY, etc. first. Per usual, we are one of the last.

It could be worst, we could be in Cincinnati. :)

Believe they are currently implementing top 15 or maybe it was 25. When I saw the lists we were one of the first couple markets below the cut. We should be implemented before or during this Spring.

So what's the difference? Is it just a bigger hard drive?

H20 is not a DVR. H20-250 is the replacement for the HD Tivo. Expected out in the third quarter.

H20 is not a DVR. H20-250 is the replacement for the HD Tivo. Expected out in the third quarter.

The new mpeg4 HD recorder from D* will be called the HR-20. It will run the same DVR+ software that the new SD R-15 DVR from D* does. Not TiVo. I concur with 3Q.

Cleveland mpeg4 HD locals should be live in May. Any new installs from this point on, will get the new AT9 5 sat dish. The H20 can be used now with the 3 phase dish, although you will not get the mpeg4 locals without the AT9.

H10 (D* HD receiver mpeg2)
H10-250 (D* HD DVR w/ TiVo mpeg2)
H20 (D* HD receiver mpeg4)
HR-20 (D* HD DVR+ mpeg4)

Cheers

Rumor on the next D* mpeg4 locals:

http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=52869

I have this information on a reliable source.

The following markets are scheduled to launch in April 2006:

Seattle, Minneapolis, Miami, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, San Diego, Charlotte, Hartford, Nashville, West Palm Beach & Birmingham.

The following markets are scheduled to launch in May 2006:

Phoenix, Cleveland, Denver, Orlando, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Raleigh - Durham, Kansas City, Columbus (OH), Milwaukee, Salt Lake City & Fresno.

Thanks, Wishfull1. That's great info.

Hookbill, sounds like you may not get the hardware that you ultimately need right away. I hope you don't get screwed in the long run. I wonder if it would be better to take the current DVR now in hopes that D* will provide a replacement when the locals go live (hopefully) in May? Or maybe it would be better to take the H20 (non-DVR) now in hopes that D* has a special offer on the DVR once it's available....

Hmm. Makes me glad that I'm sticking with my old Sony HD-200 until all of this is sorted out. As much as I want a DVR, I've been willing to wait until I know I can get exactly what I want.

Thanks, Wishfull1. That's great info.

Hookbill, sounds like you may not get the hardware that you ultimately need right away. I hope you don't get screwed in the long run. I wonder if it would be better to take the current DVR now in hopes that D* will provide a replacement when the locals go live (hopefully) in May? Or maybe it would be better to take the H20 (non-DVR) now in hopes that D* has a special offer on the DVR once it's available....

Hmm. Makes me glad that I'm sticking with my old Sony HD-200 until all of this is sorted out. As much as I want a DVR, I've been willing to wait until I know I can get exactly what I want.

Yeah, I'm having second thoghts. Matter of fact I'm on hold with Direct TV right now because I can't figure out an easy way to hook up my Vonage with D*. I know I really only need to make the initial call but I would have to configue it through my computer, and even then who knows if it would work.

I'm in the process of cancelling, they are going to try their best to retain me. Pretty difficult to do since I don't have it. I feel very disappointed.

I'm just north of you in Canal Fulton. I went to Lowes in Massillon and picked up a Channel Master 3018 with a CM3041DSB preamp and put it in my 2nd story attic. Its a VHF/UHF combo antenna. I get all the channels you listed, plus WOIO with high 80's to 90's signal strength. WKYC-DT is a tough one for me though. I can't get it during the day, but at night I can usually get about 55 on the signal with some blocking and lockups. I would think if you were outside on a tower or pole, you would be much better off than me.

Cheers
Cool thanks for the information. Another question though, do I need the preamp?

Also, I looked at that Channel Master model (CM3018) and also CM3679 which is rated for longer UHF reception (50 instead of 35).

Would I be okay with the CM3018, or would I need the CM3679? Also, would be a comparable Radio Shack antenna? Or isn't there one?

Thanks again.

The new mpeg4 HD recorder from D* will be called the HR-20. It will run the same DVR+ software that the new SD R-15 DVR from D* does. Not TiVo. I concur with 3Q.

Cleveland mpeg4 HD locals should be live in May. Any new installs from this point on, will get the new AT9 5 sat dish. The H20 can be used now with the 3 phase dish, although you will not get the mpeg4 locals without the AT9.

H10 (D* HD receiver mpeg2)
H10-250 (D* HD DVR w/ TiVo mpeg2)
H20 (D* HD receiver mpeg4)
HR-20 (D* HD DVR+ mpeg4)

Cheers

Assume you are correct on HR-20 vs. HR20-250; although that is how I have seen it designated on several forums.

By replacement for HD Tivo; I meant that the HD Tivo (mpeg2) will basically become obsolete within a year or two and the HR 20 will be D*'s replacement/standard DVR. I was aware that unfortunately it will not run the Tivo software.

Thanks for the detailed info.

Is there anybody on the west side of Cleveland with Comcast able to pick up Universal HD? I called Comcast and then said I should be getting it. My guess is the folks here just haven't turned it on or plugged it in because the east side is getting it.

I spoke with a supervisor at D* and she indicated what others have said: It's coming to Cleveland in a few months (local HD). She told me at that time they would be swapping out HD recorders.

Whether that would be free or not, I don't know. I'm going to hold off until then because that DVR will not require a phone line....and just in case I don't get stuck paying for 2 DVR's. :)

I spoke with a supervisor at D* and she indicated what others have said: It's coming to Cleveland in a few months (local HD). She told me at that time they would be swapping out HD recorders.

Whether that would be free or not, I don't know. I'm going to hold off until then because that DVR will not require a phone line....and just in case I don't get stuck paying for 2 DVR's. :)

Sounds like a good plan, Hookbill. As much as I like D* and I like to see others make the switch, I can't fault you for waiting at this point. I think I'll do the same. Something tells me there may be some "special offers" for folks to make the switch when the HD locals go live.

At first I was confused about why you were concerned about your Vonage service. But then it hit me you were concerned because of the "necessity" of a phone line for the D* boxes. I haven't had my boxes plugged into the phone in 5 years. They may tell you differently, but I don't see why you need it. I don't do PPV, but when I have in the past, I've just logged into my account online and ordered it. It was the same price, and the movie started instantaneously. Unless they've changed something, the phone line is nothing more than a convenience.

Although I have heard that some boxes pop up the caller ID info on screen when somebody calls.

Hookbill, I am sorry you are fed up with Adelphia. I am very anxious to hear how you like the D* quality. I was told cable had better bandwidth so that's why I went with cable. This may or may not be true. I have not had as many problems with the 8300 as you have. Please let us know about your new picture quality, features, channels, DVR operation etc. If it is substantially better I will follow your lead as I really want the best I can get.

Two things:

1) About that Roger Brown column...he's not quoting anyone directly on the Adelphia thing, he's just stating fact.

I have bugged the Indians about it, and found out from the Indians.com beat writer that they are indeed aware of that situation, though he couldn't give me any information about games being available before the merger. From what they're saying in this column, figuring that the other contracts will NOT all get hammered out by the time Spring Training games are airing, they may just wait it out with Adelphia/TWC.

That's too bad, since IMHO it'd probably be a rather simple process to air the games and worry about the financials later (since TWC will take over at some point). Why is it worth bothering figuring out the money for a half-dozen or so games, when the system will be under control of the existing contract holder at some point anyway? It baffles me. Anyway, I've made my feelings known.

2) D* just launched that Spaceway satellite and put it into orbit this past week or so. One presumes that's where Cleveland's HD locals will come from, so May is probably about right.

to Hookbill
How do you do high speed internet and Vonage over satelite
D* is short for what, DishTV ?

to Hookbill
How do you do high speed internet and Vonage over satelite
D* is short for what, DishTV ?

While you can do high speed internet through a satellite, it's not a particularly practical solution. More often the case is (like mine) that you order your TV through the satellite and maintain a separate account through a high-speed terrestrial provider like your cable service or DSL provider.

D* is short for DirecTV. You may also see E* around here, which is short for EchoStar, now known as Dish Network.

Anybody else notice Channel 5 WEWS 5-1 Hd video is out of sync with the audio?
I have 2 different Direct Tv receivers and both have same problem. It is awful!!

Just tuned to Desperate Housewives on WEWS-DT (Adelphia cable 705). The video and audio are definitely out of sync, horribly! It's not just DirecTV. Yet another WEWS-DT problem.

Different Topic:
Some of you long time posters may remember when Cleveland was visited by a super tech to do ISF calibrations. Any chance of getting him back in the area?
it has been about 2 years since he was here or is there someone better now.
I have 2 Hd sets icluding a 37 Panasonic plasma and could use his services.
I know that we needed a cerain number of appointments to bring him hre.
Maybe others could use a tune up or a real calibration.
Thanks

Different Topic:
Some of you long time posters may remember when Cleveland was visited by a super tech to do ISF calibrations. Any chance of getting him back in the area?
it has been about 2 years since he was here or is there someone better now.
I have 2 Hd sets icluding a 37 Panasonic plasma and could use his services.
I know that we needed a cerain number of appointments to bring him hre.
Maybe others could use a tune up or a real calibration.
Thanks I'm not sure who you are talking about, but I've had Gregg Loewen of Lion Audio/Video Consultants (http://www.lionav.com/tours.php) do my Sammy DLP. If you'll check lines 6 and 7 of the tour list you'll see he comes to our area twice a year in May and November. Gregg is a good guy, is punctual and knows his stuff. I feel confident in recommending him.

For what it's worth (sorry, I don't know what an ISF means): WEWS-DT went to SD for ABC shortly after I posted the above.

For what it's worth (sorry, I don't know what an ISF means): WEWS-DT went to SD for ABC shortly after I posted the above.

It was outta sync Saturday night, too, while the Green Mile was on.

Guess the weekend crew did their job of stalling a fix until the regulars show up for the weekday shifts.

...and on a lighter note. Funny as hell to watch the East Coasters whine about their snow and seeing the national exposure. Hey, come to the snow belt during one of our "normal" Winters and get that week in and week out. :D

It was outta sync Saturday night, too, while the Green Mile was on.

Guess the weekend crew did their job of stalling a fix until the regulars show up for the weekday shifts.

If it's not one thing with WEWS-DT, it's another. If it's not ghosty upconverted analog, it's power problems. If it's not power problems, it's out of sync audio. Yipes!

And great comment on the snowstorm. I was thinking earlier today that two feet of snow would be considered "maybe a LITTLE heavier than usual" up in Chardon.

I just realized that THREE out of the five major commercial DTV signals in the Cleveland market are having technical problems at the same time.

In addition to the Problem Of The Week over at WEWS, WKYC-DT's audio has had a crackling on it during NBC HD 5.1 programming (check out the Olympics for a good listen!), and the WJW-DT problems have been outlined here in detail and are being worked on.

Oddly enough, that only leaves one of the most technologically-slow broadcasters in the market, Raycom's WOIO/19-WUAB/43, with no apparent DTV problems on either signal. How odd is THAT?

Heck, if you include the non-commercial outlets, they're not 100% either. WVIZ/25 is still struggling to get its full-power stick up in North Royalton (spring '06??), so they're still on the peashooter on their Brookpark Road building. And WEAO/49 has still, last I looked, not been able to put up HDTV programming on 50-1 (shouldn't it be 49-1?) at night.

Did someone put a DTV curse on the Cleveland TV market? :D

to Hookbill
How do you do high speed internet and Vonage over satelite
D* is short for what, DishTV ?

High speed internet can be accomplished with "DirecWay" service provided by D*. While this does provide service that is indpendent of dial-up, dsl, and cable (used to require an additional connection); it has some major drawbacks. You will not be able to use your office's VPN over DirecWay, gaming is out of the question, and VoIP (Vonage) is a pipe dream. The amount of time/latency for your request/transmission to be sent up to the satellite is too great for some of the web's additional features. I have also heard that DirecWay service works with a kind of "bit-bucket" system. Where you have only so much data you can transmit within a certain timeframe at the full bandwidth before they drop you to dialup speeds. This limit is not generally hit by normal users, people that download lots and lots of movies, games, programs will hit this limit.

I'm pretty sure its possible to get high speed internet from your normal outlet without subbing for that company's major service (phone/cable-tv).

to Hookbill
How do you do high speed internet and Vonage over satelite
D* is short for what, DishTV ?

I'm keeping my cable internet when I switch. Adelphia is good for something! :)

At first I was confused about why you were concerned about your Vonage service. But then it hit me you were concerned because of the "necessity" of a phone line for the D* boxes. I haven't had my boxes plugged into the phone in 5 years. They may tell you differently, but I don't see why you need it. I don't do PPV, but when I have in the past, I've just logged into my account online and ordered it. It was the same price, and the movie started instantaneously. Unless they've changed something, the phone line is nothing more than a convenience.

Really, it's only on the DVR and just the first call. Matter of fact I found a walk around it in the TiVo Community Forum but the problem is I would have to set it all up on a laptop right by the machine and run a certain cable from where the phone line plugs in. It would work but an installer will balk at doing the installation the moment I tell him what I'm up to.

The new DVR which will handle the locals will not require a call in. It's software is not TiVo based.

I could also call Alltell and have them connect a basic service for one month and cancel, but I'd probably get hit with "connection fees" (somebody turns a switch). It just makes more sense to wait and hope for the best until then.

I have AT&T's Callvantage Service (VoIP) and my TiVo dials up without question. It may be worth a shot.

I have AT&T's Callvantage Service (VoIP) and my TiVo dials up without question. It may be worth a shot.

It has to do with the type of connection you have on your VoIP. Mine does not use house phone lines, it works off the wireless router. On TiVo you have an active USB port that you can use to make it work in the situation I describe but D-TiVo's do not have active USB ports.

Plain and simple unless I hire a private installer D*'s contracted installers will not install into my house without a landline phone with the current TiVo based DVR.

Of course there is always install myself, but I'm not getting up on that roof. :)

In addition to the Problem Of The Week over at WEWS, WKYC-DT's audio has had a crackling on it during NBC HD 5.1 programming (check out the Olympics for a good listen!), and the WJW-DT problems have been outlined here in detail and are being worked on.


Actually I'm kind of glad to hear you report this because I thought it was my SA 8300 that was causing those cracking and popping noises.

Yes, it's only on WKYC-DT and it is annoying as heck. One of my parrots has began to immitate that sound now, which makes it even more annoying.

Just tuned to Desperate Housewives on WEWS-DT (Adelphia cable 705). The video and audio are definitely out of sync, horribly! It's not just DirecTV. Yet another WEWS-DT problem.

I had the same problem with my OTA signal all day on 5-1 from the NBA game all the way through evening programming.

For what it's worth, I noticed last night that v1.88.15.3 on the 8300 adds the ability to "Start From Beginning" of a show you're currently recording. You used to have to manually rewind to the beginning of inprogress recordings. whoopee.

Oh, WJW-DT is STILL chunking up. I'll be asking Adelphia for compensation for, at least, my DVR rental fee as this is going on two weeks. I suggest others do the same and maybe we'll really get their attention this time.

For what it's worth, I noticed last night that v1.88.15.3 on the 8300 adds the ability to "Start From Beginning" of a show you're currently recording. You used to have to manually rewind to the beginning of inprogress recordings. whoopee.

Oh, WJW-DT is STILL chunking up. I'll be asking Adelphia for compensation for, at least, my DVR rental fee as this is going on two weeks. I suggest others do the same and maybe we'll really get their attention this time.


Good catch. That will be useful anyway.

I'm really hard pressed to complain about the WJW thing. The fact that it totally missed a recording and did a partial on another, neither on WJW....That really pisses me off.

For what it's worth (sorry, I don't know what an ISF means): WEWS-DT went to SD for ABC shortly after I posted the above.

ISF stands for Imaging Science Foundation. They teach and certify the professionals that will tweak a display to the nth degree(set contrast, brightness, color balance to 6500K, grayscale tracking, etc). Their website is here: http://www.imagingscience.com/

Cool thanks for the information. Another question though, do I need the preamp?

Also, I looked at that Channel Master model (CM3018) and also CM3679 which is rated for longer UHF reception (50 instead of 35).

Would I be okay with the CM3018, or would I need the CM3679? Also, would be a comparable Radio Shack antenna? Or isn't there one?

Thanks again.

You might be ok without the preamp. I added mine just to try and get WKYC-DT. WOIO if I remember was a little weak without, but I did get them.

I would think the CM3018 would do alright if you were high enough and outside. The price isn't bad ($60 at Lowes). You could also step up to the CM3020 ($100 at Lowes). That will get you 60 UHF and 100 VHF. Put that on a rotor and you should be able to get all kinds of stuff.

The Radioshack similar antennas would probably be the VU-90XR and the VU190XR.

Cheers

Actually I'm kind of glad to hear you report this because I thought it was my SA 8300 that was causing those cracking and popping noises.

Yes, it's only on WKYC-DT and it is annoying as heck. One of my parrots has began to immitate that sound now, which makes it even more annoying.

I don't know if it's Adelphia or OTA, as I can't really get WKYC-DT reliably over-air. But others have complained about it in the HDTV Programming NBC Olympics threads, so it's not just you and I.

As far as your phone line dilemma goes - FYI, the DirecTivo does not require a phone line for the TiVo part. Those units get the programming data from the satellite, as opposed to the Series 1/2 standalones, which get it via phone line (or Internet, in S2's case).

The phone line is only needed for the same reason it's needed for other DirecTV stuff, ordering PPV and the like.

The phone line is only needed for the same reason it's needed for other DirecTV stuff, ordering PPV and the like.

Yes, I understand that. But...the DVR does have to make 1 phone call to initialize it. At the beginning. And installers will not install unless you can make that call.

It would go like this: Installer: I'm here it install your D*. Where's a phone line?

Me: right here. Installer: no dial tone. Me: yeah. Installer: Can't install without a phone line. The end.

Once they get the new non TiVo DVR's for local area HD, I'll be fine. That is if I can get a signal through the trees, which will be around by that time.

Once they get the new non TiVo DVR's for local area HD, I'll be fine. That is if I can get a signal through the trees, which will be around by that time.

Ah, I forgot about the initial setup. I don't know how it works on DTiVos, but it's been so long since I did mine on the S2 that I forgot it. I seem to recall I had to extend a long phone line from the kitchen wall outlet.

I don't know if it's Adelphia or OTA, as I can't really get WKYC-DT reliably over-air. But others have complained about it in the HDTV Programming NBC Olympics threads, so it's not just you and I.



Yep, getting the pops and cracks OTA with a 86 signal strength. The sound itself is annoying but when I had it on the surround over the weekend I was always looking over my shoulder 'cuz I thought someone was sneaking up behind me and the floor was creaking. Sometimes "digital reality" is too real. :D

News flash - it appears the Cavaliers' high definition games on Fox Sports Ohio HD WILL be seen on Adelphia, according to this from Ohio Media Watch:

http://ohiomedia.blogspot.com/2006/02/three-updates.html

They say the games could show up as soon as tonight on a channel that isn't up yet, 798.

I assume that this means they will carry Fox Sports Ohio HD?

Or is it just for the Cav's?

The new channel 531 on TWC is called Cavs HD(Not FSN-HD) in the guide. It's up and it looks great.

well everyone welcome me to the Cleveland club, I just got my new vip211 Hd reciever from dish! I was pumped to hook it up and see what it was about, I got it up and running, and lo and behold all of my OTA stations come in at 98!!! I was estatic, started flipping through and there was no WOIO and WKYC was at 67 (at 65 it loses video and audio) this had me confused on the 811 they came in great, no problems, and I hadnt touched the antenna, so I run up to the attic, repoint the antenna, get both WKYC and WOIO,but they come in at 68-70, which is low, so now I dont know what I am going to do, might have to actually move that antenna outside! was hoping against it, oh well!

The new channel 531 on TWC is called Cavs HD(Not FSN-HD) in the guide. It's up and it looks great.

Same on Comcast, looks amazing!

Well I just wanted to chime in and let all of you on Comcast and Time Warner (which I had in Columbus until June when I moved back to Cleveland) how wonderful tonights Cavs games looks on FSNOhio Ch. 30 Analog. This is discrasfull, all the money Adelphia spends advertising at the Q and they won't pick up the game in HD. I read that article and was very disapointed to see 798 not available, but I must be honest, I didn't and don't expect to see it. Adelphia is the worst. I would love to switch to D* or Echo but it is just so expensive to get an HDDVR and an HD reciever while still hooking up 10 more analog TV's. The law the cable companies faught to get passed to prevent them from having to carry all digital channles has really come back to screw the consumer with no options to view the channles of their choice. Come on Adelphia just charge me extra for FSN and TNT HD.

On a side not any other Cavs fans out there want to see our new PA anouncer Ronnie Duncan FIRED? MAN IS HE THE WORST!

Well Fsnhd in mentor is a bust. I got a not authorized to view :( I called and no one can help me at Comcast. Anyone with comcast know, do I need to sign up for the special FSN sports package to get FSNHD?

:edit: I take it all back, I just got a call back from the helpline and FSNHD now works... Yay, can't believe it, first time I have ever had a problem resolved over the phone. Good job Comcast!

Same on Comcast, looks amazing!

Bad news: Adelphia channel 798 doesn't show up on my 8000HD's guide.

Good news: Adelphia is getting tonight's game in HD. It is showing up in the clear on my QAM-capable USB HDTV tuner! I can't tell you what channel, because the Fusion software gives it a weird non-standard number (881-2) that may or may not have any relation with the actual QAM channel number.

If you have a QAM-capable tuner, do a scan and you should find it. It looks great. I'll post a screen cap in a bit. I assume this means it'll only take an update to the boxes to get it on the HD cable boxes.

Here are the screen caps...

A game action shot:

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f253/Inundated/cavshd1.jpg

#23 closeup, making a free throw:

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f253/Inundated/cavshd2.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f253/Inundated/cavshd3.jpg

Interesting to see that they are sending it through on the cads, but they could't get the boxes up and running. I just reset my box lets see if that helps. hey have never had a problem adding channles before, hey if they need one there are always the "testing" channles for the analogs in digital (the 800's) This just really sucks, but hey glad to see the screen shots and how good it looks and I look foward to the game on the 23rd if Adelphia should decide by then to pay someone to update the channles.. Hey maybe they can put the game on 708, it seems to work well :p

Adding channels is problematic on Adelphia, always has been. Remember when it took some folks two or three days to get WOIO-DT?

It'll likely be there by next game. The signal is already going out over Adelphia...the boxes just can't find it yet. The above screen shot is from my Adelphia feed. I wonder if it'll be "in the clear" QAM-wise once they get it added on the boxes?

Inundated: How are you recieving the game through the fusion card. Did Adelphia not encode the broadcast? That seems kind of weird.

Amazing that the Cavs can play so bad against Golden State and come Bring it against the Spurs.

Edit> Ok I just read your post, so it was not encoded tonight. You wouldn't imagine it would be, if it was, what is to stop someone fom streaming it over the internet. Kinda cool how you can use a xbox 360 core now days to stream video from your pc to HDTV that would be cool if you could stream QAM signal over the net and to your tv in that fassion. Just curious, what channels now are not encrypted? Well I hope they get it together for the next game, it is always a blast to be sitting here with all the equiptment and hear them advertise all night how great the game looks in HD and be stuck w/o it, kind of reminds me of tnt.

I was a beta tester w/ Warner and the 8300's when they first came out they were great the pasport software is a pleasure. Programs don't decide not to record on thier own, you can set it to record 1st run only, set the time w/o resets and order which shows are of geater preferance, so you can have 5 shows set to record sun at 1 and the 2 most important will record w/o the others being erased perminatly. There remote the actual SA remote is also much better, although I would have never bought my Harmony w/o Adelphia's remote sucking so much. Anyway the point, Warner had no troubble adding TNT HD a few years back the night the NBA playoffs began, it only seems hard for Adelphia to add a ch. Hell put it on the League pass HDPPV ch or on the INHD Blackout, just seems Adelphia makes everything harder then it should be. Good to hear they have it though.

Inundated: How are you recieving the game through the fusion card. Did Adelphia not encode the broadcast? That seems kind of weird.

It's showing up unencrypted tonight. I don't know if this is temporary, or if it'll be permanent. I just tried unlabeled QAM channels until I found the game. Adelphia sends down some other unencrypted HD, including Discovery HD.

The Fusion shows it as "D881", which I am assuming is 88.1 in QAM speak. It's not always that way on the Fusion, as it has a weird numbering system, but I think that'd be it.

A quick check of the Fusion's channel scan guide shows it's indeed RF channel 88.

So how long has 799 been NBA HD? I just noticed that tonight. I see you need to have the NBA package to get that one.

So how long has 799 been NBA HD? I just noticed that tonight. I see you need to have the NBA package to get that one.

It looks like an extension of the "NBA League Pass" package. It's been there at least the past day or two. I think the NHL season package has also shown up in the guide there...

As far as FSN Ohio HD goes, I believe the Cavaliers games will be the only content they have in HD...at least for now. I don't know if they intend on sending down an upconverted version of their SD feed. I was over at my sister's house, where they have TWC, and it was indeed labeled "Cavs in HD" on the channel guide. But that could just be for tonight, to get it up on the system.

The 799 channel has been there a few weeks, advertising HDPPV, and then NBA and NHL, if it is the same as it is on TWC, nothing will be on it as NBA league pass does not air games in HD, and when NBA TV does it is on the INHD channel's which wait a minute are blocked out on Adelphia because we don't get NBA TV! Good to know we get NFL TV though which would be great if they ever aired anything. Another interestingnote is that the HDPPV ch does not show HD PPV's such as the latest UFC which is broadcast in HD and replayed on INHD a month later.

Does anyone know how to access the diagnostic menue on the SA 8300 HD on Warner it is select and exit which doesn't seem to work ofr us. That seems to open up all channels for testing, if FSN HD is on QAM 88 this may allow us to test it (prob not though)

Also it would be nice if FSN HD would at least broadcast the non-HD games on that ch in digital as I know my ch. 30 looks like absolute ass on my tv's.

Why arn't all of the games on FSN in hd, do they use the video equiptment of other fsn networks on the road, it seems if you invest in the equiptment use it, unless they are barrowing it from another ch/ company.

hdtvcolumbus (search it) has a lot of good information about the same issues on the warner/wow/ and insight system. Interesting enough it seems Sinclair has now completed an agreement with Insight and WOW leaving Warner the only ones in the dust in that market, still a better possition then we are in because then can correct their problem with OTA recievers. It may be nice to get a sight like that going in Cleveland, I know when I was in Columbus we had a lot of issues resolved and had engineers from all of the local broadcast companies keeping us up to date and reporting problems we discovered.

Whew. A lot of questions! I can't answer most of 'em, but I will note that 3 of the 8 remaining Cavs HD games are road games...so they're certainly using the remote facilities there.

FSN, as a rule, is going HD in all of its markets...that was stated by the company late last year. So, presumably, as more and more FSN programming is done in HD, it'll filter through the network. At very least, it'd make it easier for the Cavs to air road games in HD in a full schedule next season.

The primary problem for ANY HD sports broadcast is the availablity of HD live production trucks. That number is going up all the time.

Lets hope so. I kind of figured that the away games depended on the facilities available in the alternative markets. It would definatly be nice to get the road games in HD if thats the case I will be happy o get a season ticket for the home games :) . Interesting to see what happens when UPN and WUAB merge as far as the HD status on that channel. And one can only hope the Warner will be in in time for the playoffs on TNT, not sure if you have seen TNTinHD but it is the best, they even make all the old drama's they play all day look good, all in 5.1 and Barkley in HD, what more could yo ask for?

Meanwhile back at the old FOX ranch I see the break up in programing is continuing. 24 was in 3 pieces last time I looked.

This just can't be this hard to figure out. They know it happens when they switch to local commercials/promos. As soon as network program resumes recording goes uninterrupted. I find it hard to believe they can't fix this issue by now.

BTW, the rumor mill rumbles say that they may air HD Cavs games on WUAB at some point as well, maybe this season.

Meanwhile back at the old FOX ranch I see the break up in programing is continuing. 24 was in 3 pieces last time I looked.

This just can't be this hard to figure out. They know it happens when they switch to local commercials/promos. As soon as network program resumes recording goes uninterrupted. I find it hard to believe they can't fix this issue by now.

They have to know that something connected to the 5.1/2.0 audio switch is doing it. That happens at each non-network break...WJW switches into DD2.0 at the local break, and FOX switches back out to 5.1. It is the exact moment my Fusion tuning software takes a dive, and the exact moment you get your cut up recordings.

I'm avoiding FOX HD programming. There's no problem on FOX 8 News in HD, because it's all local and DD2.0 audio. It's only the network stuff that does this.

They're aware of it, presumably. I'm just not going to watch their network until they fix it. :D

Hmmm it will be interesting to see what channel a Cavs Hd broadcast on WUAB would be on. Are they affiliated enough with fox that they would put it on that HD channel or will it be on a WUAB HD channel which I believe is available now OTA? Certainly not with Adelphia. Just out of curiosity, was the game tonight in 5.1?

As far as Fox goes, it is almost like just stop switching to comercials on the HD feed, I am aware this will never happen. But none less seing as how it is affecting the entire DVR system it almost seems that they should either be required to do that, or shutdown the channel until it is fixed. I know of the 4 shows I had set to record last nihgt, Simpsons-American Dad, I was afforded with all of 2, 1 min chunks of american dad. The rest were not even attempted to be recorded. Better then last weeks 15 parts of the Simpsons I guess.

Stupid question. CBS broadcasts in 5.1, I know because I used to recieve the signal, yet we don't get it because Raycom has not purchased the hardware. If the same is true with Fox and the audio is added at a later stage, why can't they just cut all their programming to 2.0 until the problem is resulved? Weird how it just started all of a sunned, 5.1 has been going strong for months w/o issues at least on my box.

Hey for whatever its worth I will not watch American Idol tom :D

The next new Family guy is not till the 26th so hopefully it is fixed by then

Last night I got to "enjoy" my HD recorded showings of "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy." As mentioned in previous post the audio was way out of sink and it didn't get straightened out until they went to SD.

Here's the problem. Try explaining these things to the wife who has a monetary vested interest in my "hobbies." The more these things happen the harder it is to prove what great technology it is to her. She doesn't see the difference in a SD or HD picture. Has no idea what Dolby Digital 5.1 is, even when I try to point it out to her. She basically thinks that I'm wasting her viewing time on this "stuff".

I frequently get, "If it doesn't come in well on HD why not just record SD?"

I've had HD television for over a year and a half now and I don't think I can really say that they have made to much effort to improve the quality of what they are putting out. And I don't buy that argument anymore that it's still "new". It's not, it's been around for a few years now.

They really need to do better.

They have to know that something connected to the 5.1/2.0 audio switch is doing it. That happens at each non-network break...WJW switches into DD2.0 at the local break, and FOX switches back out to 5.1. It is the exact moment my Fusion tuning software takes a dive, and the exact moment you get your cut up recordings. There's no problem on FOX 8 News in HD, because it's all local and DD2.0 audio. It's only the network stuff that does this.

CBS broadcasts in 5.1. If the same is true with Fox and the audio is added at a later stage, why can't they just cut all their programming to 2.0 until the problem is resulved? Weird how it just started all of a sunned, 5.1 has been going strong for months w/o issues at least on my box.

It's not quite that simple. The FOX Splicer system allows the FOX HD signal to be passed directly to the home user without the local affiliate decoding and encoding the signal. It also allows the local affiliate "to splice between FOX's delivered 720p feed and their own local 720p ATSC encoder". This system allows FOX to control the quality of their broadcast while the local network can splice in local content and logos. You can't compare the FOX system to any other network's distribution system.

It would appear that the problem lies with this switch between the FOX network feed and the local feed. Sure there isn't a problem during the local news because it is a completely local feed and doesn't require switching in the splicer. This bug has NOTHING to do with 5.1 to 2.0 switching other than WJW-DT doesn't have 5.1 capabilities, just the national feed. Furthermore, WJW-DT shouldn't have control over the 5.1 capability of the FOX national feed.

The strange thing is how this problem doesn't affect the TWC SA8300HD (Passport).

Article on FOX Splicer (http://www.thomsongrassvalley.com/news/2004/20040129-sort97-FOX_Splicer_System.html)

Terry: Have you used the Passport DVR? Same box yet everything seems to work on it. The only problem Warner ever had with HD DVR was on its origional release on the 8200, the HDD was too slow any there was pixalation. I switched between 4 of these boxes with no avail. However, with that siad, the recognized this problem and had the 8300HD on the streets within 4 months w/ no similar issues.

Still the question with fox remains, if their switch to local content is messing up our hardware to the point that it needs to be reset, why are they no banned from switching the content on the HD channel until it is resolved. I bet that would get their advertisers on their back real quick!

Article on FOX Splicer (http://www.thomsongrassvalley.com/news/2004/20040129-sort97-FOX_Splicer_System.html)

While that article is certainly interesting, it is also old. 2 years old to be exact. What bearing does that have today on what started happening 2 weeks ago?

While that article is certainly interesting, it is also old. 2 years old to be exact. What bearing does that have today on what started happening 2 weeks ago?

I don't have an exact answer, but based on the experience I've had with my own equipment, all it takes is for one paramater to change in the bitstream and somewhere some unforgiving receiver will have problems. I'm not qualified to speak on the Fox Splicer, however I know the basic function is to "splice in" the local content into the Fox bitstream as was previously posted. Any mis-timing or glitch at the splice point may not show up in the picture but may very well upset certain recording devices that are unforgiving. I've noticed that WJW engineering is aware of the problem and I'm sure they're working with Fox engineering to resolve the issue, especially since it's so widespread.

Does anyone else think the audio on WKYC-DT for the Olympics is horrible? You have to turn it way up to hear it, and then the commercials come on and BLOW you away.

Does anyone else think the audio on WKYC-DT for the Olympics is horrible? You have to turn it way up to hear it, and then the commercials come on and BLOW you away.

I watched a little last night and it was fine. Which audio output on your HD receiver are you using and what kind of audio system are you playing it through? The people I've seen that have that kind of problem have their system configured for 5.1 audio but only use two speakers. Since the 5.1 dialogue is meant to play through a center channel speaker they have to crank the volume up to hear anything on the right and left channel. Then when a commercial comes on in simple two channel stereo it is naturally very loud.

While that article is certainly interesting, it is also old. 2 years old to be exact. What bearing does that have today on what started happening 2 weeks ago?

It is extremely relevant in diagnosing the problem as there was some confusion on the cause of the problem. I posted this information in response to posts about this being a 5.1 to 2.0 audio switch problem.

Like TV21Chief said, one tweak in configuration, for any reason, can result in problems in the end user's equipment.

Just because information is old doesn't mean that it is irrelevant in diagnosing the problem.

Eml626,
Yes, I have the TW 8300HD (Passport) in Cincinnati and my parents have it up in Akron. The only issue I have ever had with the box was when using the HDMI connection the DD audio would drop to PCM. This was corrected in a Firmware release in the fall.

My guess is they are not banned from switching to their local content during prime time because it is not affecting ALL of their HD viewers. From the data I have seen it only affects users of the Adelphia 8300HD (SARA) DVR, one user with Fusion tuning software, and one report from a E* DVR user.