It debuts today in SOME NE Ohio communities.

Good luck getting information on it out of AT&T though.

You can check availability at http://uverse.att.com

Based on what I've read from previous UVerse rollouts in other areas, the website qualifier is not always accurate or up to date and a phone call might yield better results.

I'm getting nothing with my home and work numbers.

AT&T Introduces U-verse in Cleveland Area

High Definition Programming and Other Compelling Features Make AT&T U-verse TV Cooler Than Cable

Through June 30, New Customers May Receive Two Months of Free TV With 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Cleveland, Ohio, June 25, 2007

A new world of communications and entertainment is now available to residents in the Cleveland area. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) today announced the launch of AT&T U-verseSM, which utilizes AT&T's new fiber-rich network to offer cutting-edge television and high speed Internet services. AT&T is the only national provider to offer a 100 percent Internet Protocol (IP)-based television service, making U-verse TV "cooler than cable" and one of the most robust and feature-rich services available today.

AT&T U-verse services are initially available in parts of the Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor metropolitan statistical area (MSA), including Bay Village, Berea, Broadview Heights, Brooklyn, Euclid, Fairview Park, Lakewood, Lyndhurst, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, North Royalton, Orange, Solon, South Euclid, Warrensville Heights, Westlake, Willoughby Hills and Willowick. AT&T will continue to increase availability throughout the area on an ongoing basis.

AT&T U-verse offers customers a combination of next-generation digital television — including access to more than 26 High Definition (HD) channels — and high speed Internet access. The award-winning AT&T U-verse TV includes cutting-edge features that are unmatched in the market, while the new U-verse enabled AT&T Yahoo!® High Speed Internet builds on AT&T's position as the nation's leading provider of broadband DSL.

"Our Ohio customers have told us they're ready for a new video choice and eager to get all of their communications and entertainment services from AT&T," said Kevin Petersen, AT&T vice president and general manager for Ohio. "We're further demonstrating our ability to deliver what customers want with the launch of AT&T U-verse TV."

Beginning today, AT&T U-verse TV will offer Cleveland area residents:

A compelling variety of TV packages with more than 320 channels to choose from, including digital music, local, and premium movie and sports programming.
More HD programming than the local cable providers. HD technology produces images more than twice as detailed as standard analog TV, delivering rich, realistic video and multi-channel, movie-theater-quality sound. AT&T U-verse TV offers customers access to a lineup of more than 26 HD channels, available in both 720p and 1080i formats, along with HD digital video recording (DVR) capability. Through June 30, with select packages, new customers can receive one year of free access to HD programming ($10 a month thereafter).
AT&T Yahoo! Web and Mobile Remote Access to DVR, which allows U-verse TV and Internet customers to schedule recordings from any Web-connected PC or compatible AT&T mobile phone (wireless service charges apply) using their AT&T Yahoo!® account. These features are unique to AT&T among local video providers.
The ability to record up to four programs at once using a DVR receiver, another exclusive feature unmatched in the marketplace.
Built-in Picture-in-Picture functionality that allows subscribers to "channel surf" on any television without leaving the program they're watching.
Fast channel-changing, reducing the delay experienced with other digital video services.
A growing Video on Demand library with one-touch access to movies and events.
Specially designed U-verse receivers, manufactured by Motorola, all of which are HD-capable and include universal remote controls that provide backlit buttons and one-touch access to Video on Demand, DVR, and other services.
A premium Spanish-language package featuring novelas, movies, news, sports, children's programming, talk shows and more. Through June 30, new customers can receive the package at no charge for the first two months ($10 a month thereafter).
The ability to search for programs using title or actor's name.
Easy-to-use parental controls to block live programs, recorded programs or videos by specific channel or ratings.
Three HD-capable TV receivers — one with a DVR, which allows customers to pause, rewind, replay and record live TV — at no extra charge with most programming packages. (Customers may add more receivers for $5 each a month.)
Customers can choose from five TV and three Internet packages to customize their entertainment experience. In addition to the popular U300 and U400 packages, AT&T also offers U-family, a market-leading family-friendly programming option. Current AT&T U-verse TV offers start as low as $44 a month, depending on the selected programming and Internet packages (other monthly charges apply).

Now through June 30, qualified new customers can join AT&T U-verse and receive free TV service, including HBO® and Cinemax®, for the first two full months when they choose the U300 or U400 programming package (other monthly charges apply). Thereafter, customers will continue to receive regular recurring monthly discounts on their U-verse package when they subscribe to a bundle of TV and Internet services. Also, AT&T is offering new customers a 60-day money-back guarantee, and customers who order U-verse TV and Internet by phone receive free professional installation.

Three packages of AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet U-verse Enabled will be made available to AT&T U-verse customers:

Elite: Downstream up to 6.0 Mbps, upstream up to 1.0 Mbps.
Pro: Downstream up to 3.0 Mbps, upstream up to 1.0 Mbps.
Express: Downstream up to 1.5 Mbps, upstream up to 1.0 Mbps.
All high speed Internet packages offered as part of AT&T U-verse include wireless home-networking at no additional charge, giving users the freedom to access online photos, streaming video, games and other information using a wireless-enabled laptop or other device. Subscribers also receive virtually unlimited e-mail storage and powerful anti-virus and anti-spam software.

The deployment of next-generation video services reflects AT&T's strategy to become customers' preferred communications and entertainment provider and to deliver a video solution through its traditional footprint that provides greater value, flexibility and simplicity than competitors' offerings. AT&T U-verse TV represents a critical new service in the company's video portfolio, which includes AT&T HomezoneSM service and satellite broadcast offerings. AT&T U-verse TV also underscores the company's strategy to deliver integrated services to the three screens that consumers value most: the TV, the PC and the wireless phone.

Customers seeking additional information on AT&T U-verse — or to find out if it's available in their area — can visit uverse.att.com.

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=23998

Akron

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=23997

"AT&T U-verse services are initially available in parts of the Akron metropolitan statistical area (MSA), including Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Kent,
Munroe Falls, Silver Lake, and Stow. AT&T will continue to increase availability throughout the area on an ongoing basis. "

Paule123 - U-verse initially is being offered in the Cleveland and Akron area in cities which entered into video competition agreements with AT&T over the last year. AT&T attempted to reach agreement with Shaker Heights and Beachwood, but was unsuccessful. These cities have, however, allowed AT&T to continue the upgrade of its telecom network that is necessary to provide U-verse (as well as voice and high-speed Internet). Indeed, I believe you were the first to post a sighting early last year of a new Lightspeed cabinet installed in Shaker Heights. In those cities where AT&T lacks a video competition agreement, U-verse probably will not be offered until later this year when AT&T obtains statewide video authorization under Am. Sub. S.B. 117 (assuming Governor Strickland signs it).

Channel 5 news had something on it today, but I did not hear the story... just like the last few seconds of it. I swear that they called it U-serve though. Maybe just a slip of the tongue? Anyway, stated that this is the first time a phone company has tried to compete with cable. Like I said though, I missed most of the segment.

Governor Strickland signed Am. Sub. S.B. 117 today, so it goes into effect on September 23rd. After that date, incumbent cable providers facing competition, as well as new entrants into the video market such as AT&T, will be able to apply to the Ohio Department of Commerce for a video service authorization to provide video service within Ohio. This means that, probably sometime in October, residents of Shaker Heights, Beachwood and other cities (such as my own Luddite city of University Heights) that have not entered into a video competition agreement with AT&T can look for U-verse offerings.

I was just wondering last night if WEAO/WNEO would come through with their 'on or before July 1st' statement. This is great news. I'll make sure to check them out tomorrow night to see what they are broadcasting. I've yet to see PBS HD yet, so I'm really looking forward to this.

Thx for the reminder. It'll be interesting to see if we can receive the ota signal. I'm looking forward to it - more HD is always welcome.

Here's the channel lineup for the Cleveland/Akron viewing area:

http://www.att.com/Common/files/pdf/Cleveland_Channel_Lineup.pdf

Looks like the HD programming costs extra...

Here's the channel lineup for the Cleveland/Akron viewing area:

http://www.att.com/Common/files/pdf/Cleveland_Channel_Lineup.pdf

Looks like the HD programming costs extra...

Nice find. Kinda hard to get a lineup on the ATT website when none of the phone numbers are available for service. :rolleyes:

I notice they have STO in the lineup but not STO-HD...

ATT is offering the $10/mo HD tier free for the first year. But word on the street is the HD PQ sucks...

I was just wondering last night if WEAO/WNEO would come through with their 'on or before July 1st' statement. This is great news. I'll make sure to check them out tomorrow night to see what they are broadcasting. I've yet to see PBS HD yet, so I'm really looking forward to this.

PBS 45 & 49 are pleased to announce that we are now broadcasting in HD on both 45.1 and 49.1. The picture is full HD, 1080i, at 13 mbps. Our HD program schedule can be viewed at http://pbs4549.org/schedule.htm. The HD channel will be on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The rebroadcast of our analog signal is still located at 45.2 and 49.2
At this time the Create! channel, previously located at 45.1 and 49.1, and The Ohio Channel, at 45.3 and 49.3, are no longer being broadcast.

I hope you enjoy this new broadcast service. Please let me know if you have quality issues or other comments.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

now we who watch via qam just need Warner to add pbs-hd and wuab-hd to the qam hd lineup.

PBS 45 & 49 are pleased to announce that we are now broadcasting in HD on both 45.1 and 49.1. The picture is full HD, 1080i, at 13 mbps. Our HD program schedule can be viewed at http://pbs4549.org/schedule.htm. The HD channel will be on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The rebroadcast of our analog signal is still located at 45.2 and 49.2
At this time the Create! channel, previously located at 45.1 and 49.1, and The Ohio Channel, at 45.3 and 49.3, are no longer being broadcast.

I hope you enjoy this new broadcast service. Please let me know if you have quality issues or other comments.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

Did a complete channel rescan and I'm picking up 49.1 and 49.2 loud and clear here in Shaker Heights via Silver Sensor antenna (on the 3rd floor) . However, there's a blank 49.3 channel there, and it locks up my Samsung SIR-T165 OTA tuner when I tune to it. I have to disconnect the antenna input and reboot the tuner to be able to get off that channel.

PBS 45 & 49 are pleased to announce that we are now broadcasting in HD on both 45.1 and 49.1. The picture is full HD, 1080i, at 13 mbps...

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

I've been watching this morning and it looks very good. It's great to have PBS HD programming back. Will you be able to transmit Dolby 5.1 audio?

PBS 45 & 49 are pleased to announce that we are now broadcasting in HD on both 45.1 and 49.1. The picture is full HD, 1080i, at 13 mbps. Our HD program schedule can be viewed at http://pbs4549.org/schedule.htm. The HD channel will be on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The rebroadcast of our analog signal is still located at 45.2 and 49.2
At this time the Create! channel, previously located at 45.1 and 49.1, and The Ohio Channel, at 45.3 and 49.3, are no longer being broadcast.

I hope you enjoy this new broadcast service. Please let me know if you have quality issues or other comments.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

Great news! Is the HD broadcast the PBS HD feed or is it a simulcast of the analog 45 & 49?

Did a complete channel rescan and I'm picking up 49.1 and 49.2 loud and clear here in Shaker Heights via Silver Sensor antenna (on the 3rd floor) . However, there's a blank 49.3 channel there, and it locks up my Samsung SIR-T165 OTA tuner when I tune to it. I have to disconnect the antenna input and reboot the tuner to be able to get off that channel.

Which digital position is 45.1 and 49.1 (like wkyc is 2 and Fox is 31). 45.1 isn't showing in the guide and 49.1 is 'searching for signal'.

thx, Tom

Which digital position is 45.1 and 49.1 (like wkyc is 2 and Fox is 31). 45.1 isn't showing in the guide and 49.1 is 'searching for signal'.

thx, Tom
WNEO is in Salem. 45.1 HD and 45.2 SD are on RF channel 46.
WEAO is in Copley. 49.1 HD and 49.2 SD are on RF channel 50.
The PSIP data, however, points to digital 45 and 49.

Did a complete channel rescan and I'm picking up 49.1 and 49.2 loud and clear here in Shaker Heights via Silver Sensor antenna (on the 3rd floor) . However, there's a blank 49.3 channel there, and it locks up my Samsung SIR-T165 OTA tuner when I tune to it. I have to disconnect the antenna input and reboot the tuner to be able to get off that channel.
The PSIP information had to be changed. 49.3/45.3 should be gone now.

Great news! Is the HD broadcast the PBS HD feed or is it a simulcast of the analog 45 & 49?
It is a full service HD feed from PBS. It includes some upconverted SD to HD and does have some repeats... but looks great. I understand that there is no 5.1 yet, but there will be in the future (equipment issue.. increase your membership!)

45.2 and 49.2 are simulcast from analog.

Great news! Is the HD broadcast the PBS HD feed or is it a simulcast of the analog 45 & 49?
PBS HD is a totally different schedule from the analog feed. You can see the schedule online by visiting PBS 45/49's website or directly via Titan TV.

WNEO is in Salem. 45.1 HD and 45.2 SD are on RF channel 46.
WEAO is in Copley. 49.1 HD and 49.2 SD are on RF channel 50.
The PSIP data, however, points to digital 45 and 49.

Thx for the info, unfortunately (near Mansfield) we're not receiving 46 or 50 with the antenna pointed toward Parma.

Tom

Thx for the info, unfortunately (near Mansfield) we're not receiving 46 or 50 with the antenna pointed toward Parma.

Tom
Looks like you're right on the edge of the 41dBu circle and would need to turn the antenna further east. I know that it is doable, however.

Looks like you're right on the edge of the 41dBu circle and would need to turn the antenna further east. I know that it is doable, however.

ok, thx.

I am getting PBS HD OTA real good accept for occasional dropouts.
JJK

Thx for the info, unfortunately (near Mansfield) we're not receiving 46 or 50 with the antenna pointed toward Parma.

Tom You need to tune to rf ch 50 and point towards west Akron to get WEAO-DT.

I'm in Parma and have a Silver Sensor aimed at West Akron on an A/B switch.

Even here in the sight of the towers, the reception is not very good from the back or side of an antenna. For the close UHF's I use an indoor loop antenna coupled with rabbit ears for the 2 VHF signals. This set-up ignores the Akron signals so that is why I use the Silver Sensor for Akron (the Silver Sensor's pattern is too narrow to accommodate the variations between WJW, WEWS, WUAB WQHS, and WBNX but the loop sees them all at nearly 125 strength on the E* scale without multipath) . I also have a rooftop UHF antenna aimed at Youngstown, so I have 2 A/B switches to make my set-up work (have they ever come out with an A/B/C switch?)

Watching PBS now. Picture looks slightly soft, but good. Strong signal reception at 94%.

Looking forward to Nova later in the evening, that'll be in HD too right? :D

I am getting PBS HD OTA real good accept for occasional dropouts.
JJK

Great reception down here, too. Occasional video breakups and short audio dropouts are happening, though. Nothing serious. Picture looks amazing!

Great reception down here, too. Occasional video breakups and short audio dropouts are happening, though. Nothing serious. Picture looks amazing!

Good news. 49.1 is coming in loud and clear now without moving the antenna- it wasn't earlier. A few minor dropouts. Although the correct guide data for 49.1 is listed under 25.1.

I watched Nature "The Venom Cure" and Nova - first time ever in HD.

I am in Cleveland-east and I get 49.1 and 49.2 (49.1 being the only one in HD) from Akron, I guess 49.3 disappeared. I don't receive anything on 45.1, is that much lower power than 49.1? Is the programming different?

I don't know who did a channel scan last weekend, but I was able to get 11.1, 11.2, and 2.1 from Pittsburgh. The signal strength was very high...alas now they're gone. :( Must have been the weather.

[QUOTE=kinglerch]I am in Cleveland-east and I get 49.1 and 49.2 (49.1 being the only one in HD) from Akron, I guess 49.3 disappeared. I don't receive anything on 45.1, is that much lower power than 49.1? Is the programming different?

According to the FCC site: WEAO-DT is 180kW. WNEO-DT is 400kW. The antenna pattern for WNEO-DT is a north-south peanut shape and slights the Cleveland area. The programming is duplicated.

Good news. 49.1 is coming in loud and clear now without moving the antenna- it wasn't earlier. A few minor dropouts. Although the correct guide data for 49.1 is listed under 25.1.

I watched Nature "The Venom Cure" and Nova - first time ever in HD.


Tom- I looked at the guide data on the PBS 45 49 website.... which guide were you looking at?

Tom- I looked at the guide data on the PBS 45 49 website.... which guide were you looking at?


The guide has both Anolog and HD listed
Prime Time tonight:
PBS 45 & 49
CHANNEL 45 Matt Morgan in Concert With Vito DiSalvo and We Three Paul Simon: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
WNEO HD
[D] CHANNEL 45.1 History Detectives Paul Simon: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
PBS 45 & 49 WNEO Digital
[D] CHANNEL 45.2 Matt Morgan in Concert With Vito DiSalvo and We Three Paul Simon: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
WEAO HD
[D] CHANNEL 49.1 History Detectives Paul Simon: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
PBS 45 & 49 WEAO Digital
[D] CHANNEL 49.2 Matt Morgan in Concert With Vito DiSalvo and We Three Paul Simon: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

The guide has both Anolog and HD listed
Prime Time tonight:
PBS 45 & 49
CHANNEL 45 Matt Morgan in Concert With Vito DiSalvo and We Three Paul Simon: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
WNEO HD
[D] CHANNEL 45.1 History Detectives Paul Simon: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
PBS 45 & 49 WNEO Digital
[D] CHANNEL 45.2 Matt Morgan in Concert With Vito DiSalvo and We Three Paul Simon: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
WEAO HD
[D] CHANNEL 49.1 History Detectives Paul Simon: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
PBS 45 & 49 WEAO Digital
[D] CHANNEL 49.2 Matt Morgan in Concert With Vito DiSalvo and We Three Paul Simon: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

Ognir- that's what I saw...but Tom said it said 25.1 which is the flea power WVIZ... I was curious as to which guide he was looking at...
Jim

Ognir- that's what I saw...but Tom said it said 25.1 which is the flea power WVIZ... I was curious as to which guide he was looking at...
Jim

Don't know about that but I am watching "Generation Next: Speak Up, Be Heard" as I type this and in the lower right hand corner of the screen it says HD 45/49 and it is what is listed on the guide.

Thank you to everyone who has posted comments and questions about PBS 45 & 49's new HD broadcast. It really is great to have your assistance as we begin this new service.
There have been a couple of questions asked. Here's what I know as of Wednesday at 10 am.
Do we broadcast 5.1 audio? We don't think so, but we have some homework to do to know for sure. Right now our encoder receives ASI audio which would include the 5.1 data. However we don't see any bits on audio channels 3 and 4 which means whatever is going into the encoder on those channels is not getting out. The encoder was a state-of-the-art unit when we bought it five years ago. What we accept as standard now wasn't standard in 2002. We're looking into what is going on and will let you know.
What is on the program schedule? Our HD service carries many of the programs that are on our analog schedule but not necessarily at the same time. You can see what we're broadcasting on our web site pbs4549.org/schedule.
What's with 45.3 and 49.3? There is nothing being programmed on sub channel 3 so it shouldn't be there. Our engineers worked with the encoder yesterday afternoon and this should no longer be a problem.
What about the glitches and tiling? There are some issues with how our encoder does what it does. Our PSIP information is being generated externally but the encoder still wants to create PSIP. That, and a few other oddities, are eating up bandwidth. This reduces what we can push through the encoder and may be causing some of the hits. There may be other issues, like routing or internal wiring, which may be causing some problems. We are retracing the entire system to double check everything from satellite reception to the transmitter.
Sorry for the lengthy reply. As I find out more, or if you have other observations or questions, I'll get back in touch.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

I live in Amherst, we have TimeWarner Mentor/Elyria cable. Any word when they will pickup Hd 45/49?

Tom- I looked at the guide data on the PBS 45 49 website.... which guide were you looking at?

I think what he might be saying is that the guide data has yet to be updated on his specific receiver. I have Directv, the guide data has not yet updated to show the new PBS HD feed for 49.1. For 49.1, the guide is still showing the "Create" schedule. If I look at the guide data for 25.1 (PBS HD for WVIZ), it is showing what SHOULD be in the guide for 49.1. So it can be used as a temporary solution to see what is showing on 49.1.

It will probably just take some time before Tribune get the updated guide data for the new HD feed. When they do, it will eventually make it to my Directv HD receiver's guide. Unfortunately, until this happens, recordings cannot be set up on 49.1 without it showing up as the wrong program. Not a big deal. This will work itself out in time.

Thank you to everyone who has posted comments and questions about PBS 45 & 49's new HD broadcast. It really is great to have your assistance as we begin this new service.
There have been a couple of questions asked. Here's what I know as of Wednesday at 10 am.
...
Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

Thanks for the answers. Another one I had, is there/will there be any programming differences between 45 and 49? I also noticed some audio sync problems.

But let me be the first (not really) to say the channel looks great. Having another HD channel is huge, especially one with such unique content. ESPN3HD is not so interesting to me.

I am in Cleveland-east and I get 49.1 and 49.2 (49.1 being the only one in HD) from Akron, I guess 49.3 disappeared. I don't receive anything on 45.1, is that much lower power than 49.1? Is the programming different?

I don't know who did a channel scan last weekend, but I was able to get 11.1, 11.2, and 2.1 from Pittsburgh. The signal strength was very high...alas now they're gone. :( Must have been the weather.
While 45.1 is higher power, the location of the transmitter is in Salem. Unless you are in Portage or Stark Counties where the 2 signals overlap, you should only get either 45-1 or 49-1 but not both (at least not both on a regular 24/7 basis).

The programming is identical on both stations, additionally WVIZ-DT 25-1 has the exact same schedule on their HD channel which may be why someone said the guide data was 25.1. All 3 HD feeds are the identical PBS HD feed, only the "bug" is different. BTW: It was that bug (or the inability to insert it) that kept PBS HD off WNEO/WEAO for so long. Those who can remember when WNEO/WEAO originally carried PBS HD there was no "legal ID" or bug on the screen on thwe "-1" signals.

Thanks for the answers. Another one I had, is there/will there be any programming differences between 45 and 49? I also noticed some audio sync problems.

But let me be the first (not really) to say the channel looks great. Having another HD channel is huge, especially one with such unique content. ESPN3HD is not so interesting to me.

When I first got an ATSC receiver in the fall of 2004 WEAO had a bad audio sync problem. So you say the problem still rears it's ugly head from time to time?

When I first got an ATSC receiver in the fall of 2004 WEAO had a bad audio sync problem. So you say the problem still rears it's ugly head from time to time?
Unfortunately, sync issues are inherent with the digital processing system. The audio and video get separated in the various "boxes" from the satellite receiver, DAs, routers, switchers, etc. before the converter that multiplexes all of the streams together. Each box can affect the sync. That is fed via a digital microwave transmitter to the broadcast transmitter site where is is converted again (ASI to SMPTE310). Plenty of places for the audio/video sync to be lost. You'll note that all of the stations have had and continue to have issues. It will eventually be smoothed out. This ATSC system is being invented as it is being placed into service. And it can't be upgraded simply by reflashing the software. Hardware is very expensive. And stations, like most of us, have a budget... some tighter than others. We early adopters get to see the baby get born, withall of it's imperfections. But we can also help by providing our insight and our observations. Pretty cool place to be in. And... like Don Freeman and others from the stations-- reading and paying attention to the viewers. Like they say in the pledge drives... it is YOUR station. Keep up the good work.

Tom- I looked at the guide data on the PBS 45 49 website.... which guide were you looking at?

I'm looking at the guide on the HR10-250 HD D* box.

The guide data for 49.1 is showing up under channel 25.1. For example, at 1pm, the data for 49.1 says 'ciao italia' which I don't think is correct. 25.1 data reads 'nature' at 1pm(which I think is the program being aired on 49.1 at 1pm).

I can't tell for sure because 49.1 has disappeared again. It worked very well last night after about 8pm. There must be interference during the day that blocks it out. This same thing often happens to wkyc. The signal is weak during the day but luckily, when I'm watching or recording in the evening, it jumps up.

Unfortunately, sync issues are inherent with the digital processing system...Each box can affect the sync.
That also explains why the sync seemed perfect when the program began, became noticable as the program continued, and was most severe at the end.

While 45.1 is higher power, the location of the transmitter is in Salem. Unless you are in Portage or Stark Counties where the 2 signals overlap, you should only get either 45-1 or 49-1 but not both (at least not both on a regular 24/7 basis)..

Both signals can also be received in Carroll, Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull and Tuscarawras counties in eastern Ohio.

I can't tell for sure because 49.1 has disappeared again. It worked very well last night after about 8pm. There must be interference during the day that blocks it out. This same thing often happens to wkyc. The signal is weak during the day but luckily, when I'm watching or recording in the evening, it jumps up.

I had this kind of problem myself before the switch. I haven't had time to check since then to see if the pattern is still there as far as when it drops out. I guess I shouldn't complain since I'm in North Olmsted and just using an indoor antenna (from my 7th floor apartment). At least I can pick it up, unlike 25, which is far closer.

Thanks for the answers. Another one I had, is there/will there be any programming differences between 45 and 49? I also noticed some audio sync problems.

There are no differences in the programming between 45.1 and 49.1 or 45.2 and 49.2. There are many programming options available to us in the future because of digital broadcasting. Its too early to tell which path we'll choose.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

Both signals can also be received in Carroll, Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull and Tuscarawras counties in eastern Ohio.

Thank you for reminding me that although this forum is focused on Cleveland it certainly includes viewers in the Valley. Yes, WNEO, broadcasting from our antenna west of Salem, covers the entire Mahoning Valley. TV viewers there can see our PBS 45 & 49 HD programming 24/7 now, too on 45.1.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

I live in Amherst, we have TimeWarner Mentor/Elyria cable. Any word when they will pickup Hd 45/49?

You ask an interesting question. The quick answer is "no, I don't know." The reality is that stations that broadcast in HD have no legal power to require a cable system to carry their broadcast. PBS stations are very pleased that there is an agreement between PBS and Time Warner which indicates that Time Warner will air all the digital channels from PBS stations. It may take some time, but I'm confident that Time Warner Northeast Ohio will honor that agreement.
You can help by making a call to your local cable provider and requesting that they add either 45.1 or 49.1 HD to their lineup. If you encounter difficulties you might want to contact your local paper's media writer. We've made them aware of our recent change and the importance of getting our non-commercial service on cable HD tiers.
As a convenience here is contact information:

Rich Heldenfels, Akron Beacon Journal -- 330-996-3582 (rheldenfels@thebeaconjournal.com)

Julie Washington, The Plain Dealer -- 216-999-4800 (jwashing@plaind.com)

Rex Huffman, Times Reporter -- 330-364-5577 (rex.huffman@timesreporter.com)

David Glasier, News-Herald (Geauga & Lake counties) -- 440-951-0000 (news room) (DGlasier@News-Herald.com)

Guy D'Astolfo, The Vindicator (Trumbull/Warren/Mahoning) -- 330-747-1471, ext. 1506 (entertainment@vindy.com)

Thank you for your help.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

Both signals can also be received in Carroll, Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull and Tuscarawras counties in eastern Ohio.

Depending on my antenna positioning, I can get both 45 and 49 here in southwest Canton..The WNEO digital channels are slightly stronger. I would like to see the Ohio Channel and Create come back in the near future..

Edit: I just read on the Youngstown Boards that Create and the other digital channels may not be back till sometime in 2008..

You ask an interesting question. The quick answer is "no, I don't know." The reality is that stations that broadcast in HD have no legal power to require a cable system to carry their broadcast. PBS stations are very pleased that there is an agreement between PBS and Time Warner which indicates that Time Warner will air all the digital channels from PBS stations. It may take some time, but I'm confident that Time Warner Northeast Ohio will honor that agreement.

Don, is TWC NEO carrying your HD feed anywhere? The reason I ask is because their Akron channel lineup lists your HD feed at channel 549...was it there before you changed the setup before?

And TWC has had WNEO HD listed at channel 715 on the former Adelphia Cleveland system since they took it over last year...though obviously, the actual channel hasn't been there since you haven't been broadcasting in HD until now.

Would this be considered a good sign that you'll show up soon?

FWIW, I watch the NewsHour almost every night and notice audio sync issues quite often on the SD channel, so I don't necessarily know that it's a digital TV/HD problem.

Edit: I've emailed my contact at WOW cable asking about WNEO/WEAO HD carriage.

FWIW, I watch the NewsHour almost every night and notice audio sync issues quite often on the SD channel, so I don't necessarily know that it's a digital TV/HD problem.

Edit: I've emailed my contact at WOW cable asking about WNEO/WEAO HD carriage.

I did the same a while back for TW. It's funny, because they actually have it listed on their website that they carry it for almost a year. It's been on my TiVo Guide as well because of that.

Edit: Innundated beat me to the punch. Missed his post. :o

Don, is TWC NEO carrying your HD feed anywhere? The reason I ask is because their Akron channel lineup lists your HD feed at channel 549...was it there before you changed the setup before?

And TWC has had WNEO HD listed at channel 715 on the former Adelphia Cleveland system since they took it over last year...though obviously, the actual channel hasn't been there since you haven't been broadcasting in HD until now.

Would this be considered a good sign that you'll show up soon?

I'm taking it as a good sign. We talked to a TW technician yesterday on another issue and off-handedly asked if he knew where TW was on adding our HD to the lineup. Since he isn't a decision maker the response we got was appropriate, and encouraging. They're working on it.
Fingers crossed that we'll all be able to enjoy the Capital Fourth next Wednesday at 8 in glorious HD.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

Will you be able to transmit Dolby 5.1 audio?

Here's an update on my previous posting on Dolby 5.1 audio. We've talked to the manufacturer of our encoder and done some rechecking internally. I'm happy to report that when a PBS program is fed to us in Dolby 5.1 it will be broadcast on 45.1 and 49.1 as Dolby 5.1 audio. I've checked through the upcoming schedule and the best way to hear Dolby 5.1 is on the Paul Simon: The Library of Congress tribute which is broadcast Sunday July 1 at 3 pm, or on the upcoming SoundStage programs which air Thursdays at 10 pm.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

Here's an update on my previous posting on Dolby 5.1 audio. We've talked to the manufacturer of our encoder and done some rechecking internally. I'm happy to report that when a PBS program is fed to us in Dolby 5.1 it will be broadcast on 45.1 and 49.1 as Dolby 5.1 audio. I've checked through the upcoming schedule and the best way to hear Dolby 5.1 is on the Paul Simon: The Library of Congress tribute which is broadcast Sunday July 1 at 3 pm, or on the upcoming SoundStage programs which air Thursdays at 10 pm.
I can report that the Paul Simon special is wonderful, in both technical and artistic terms. However, it seems to have come through in stereo here (via WVIZ) rather than 5.1. Nonetheless, it's well worth watching for those who appreciate his music.

Later edit: I've confirmed that the stream from WVIZ (via TWC) was AC3 2.0. If it really is in 5.1 from PBS, then hopefully 45/49 will pass it on correctly.

Later edit: I've confirmed that the stream from WVIZ (via TWC) was AC3 2.0. If it really is in 5.1 from PBS, then hopefully 45/49 will pass it on correctly.

I can't think of anyting I've seen on WVIZ that's 5.1.

Here's a question. If WNEO does show the PBS "Hi Def" channel, why would TW carry it? I mean wouldn't it be basically the same channel that they are already showing?

I can't think of anyting I've seen on WVIZ that's 5.1.


In hi-def, they ran a classical music show in Dolby Digital 5.1, called "Keeping the Score," with Michael Tilson Thomas conducting the San Francisco Symphony in music by Copland and Stravinsky. The first time they ran the show (months ago), the sound and picture were outstanding, as were the performances. However, last month they ran it twice and the sound was screwed up both times (at least, as transmitted via TWC). The volume level was extremely low and I think one of the front channels was out of phase--I don't know what exactly was wrong, but the sound was extremely diffuse and there was a lot of echo in the signal that shouldn't have been there. The second time that this happened, I attempted to call the station (this was during the evening). I got a voice menu that had me key in an extension number for Technical Operations, at which time I got a machine-voice saying that the number was incorrect.
....just the kind of thing that makes me want to donate money to WVIZ :(

However, last month they ran it twice and the sound was screwed up both times (at least, as transmitted via TWC).

Which is, of course, the only way you can get WVIZ-DT, unless A) you've got a big, honkin' antenna or B) you live somewhere on Brookpark Road in Parma.

:D

I also wonder how quickly TWC will actually add 45/49's HD feed, considering it's identical to WVIZ-DT's PBS HD feed on 710. But as I mentioned to Don Freeman above, they've had it on the new TWC channel lineup card for the old Adelphia systems since day one.

Hi everybody in the Cleveland local... I'm moving up there from the Dayton area and was wondering a few things. I'm moving to Bedford, which is in the Beachwood service area.

I really don't watch a lot of tv, or most of it is on the major networks, so I'm wondering what channels are broadcast "in the clear" for my QAM tuner if I would get the cheap basic cable package?

I have a 10 db antenna, and am less then 8 miles from the 4 major network towers, so I should be good with at least those four. Of course I'll be getting roadrunner for internet, but if there's no other good channels in the clear (ex, in dayton I got TNT-HD and DSC-HD), then I don't see the point of cable. Thanks in advance.

Digital strong: 3.1,3.2, 5.1, 8.1, 19.1, 19.2, 43.1, 43.2, 55.1, 55.2, 55.3, 61.1.
Digital weaker: 17.1, 17.2, 17.3, 17.4, 17.5, 49.1, 49.2, 49.3, 67.1
Digital really weak: 25.1?
Analog: 3, 5, 8, 19, 23, 25, 35, 43, 49, 55, 61.
Analog maybe's: 17, 32, 45, 53, 65, 67.
Sometimes Analog: 11, 13.
JJK

It seems to me that the volume levels for most of the "concert" shows I watch in HD are always extremely low. I've recorded a couple of classic rock performers on MOJO and HDnet and I have to crank my 100w per channel Sony amp to almost full blast to get decent sound volume. Let's face it if it's a rock show you want it loud. Get a DVD of any of these shows and I'll bet I don't crank it past 40 tops (limit is 75).

Digital strong: 3.1,3.2, 5.1, 8.1, 19.1, 19.2, 43.1, 43.2, 55.1, 55.2, 55.3, 61.1.
Digital weaker: 17.1, 17.2, 17.3, 17.4, 17.5, 49.1, 49.2, 49.3, 67.1
Digital really weak: 25.1?
Analog: 3, 5, 8, 19, 23, 25, 35, 43, 49, 55, 61.
Analog maybe's: 17, 32, 45, 53, 65, 67.
Sometimes Analog: 11, 13.
JJK

If your post is in response to Lightning Guy's request, he was asking for QAM channels, not OTA... or am I missing something?

Hi everybody in the Cleveland local... I'm moving up there from the Dayton area and was wondering a few things. I'm moving to Bedford, which is in the Beachwood service area.

I really don't watch a lot of tv, or most of it is on the major networks, so I'm wondering what channels are broadcast "in the clear" for my QAM tuner if I would get the cheap basic cable package?


The off-air local DTVs are in clear-qam as well as Discovery-HD.

Thank you for reminding me that although this forum is focused on Cleveland it certainly includes viewers in the Valley. Yes, WNEO, broadcasting from our antenna west of Salem, covers the entire Mahoning Valley. TV viewers there can see our PBS 45 & 49 HD programming 24/7 now, too on 45.1.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

I know this is the Cleveland fourm but since you are here I will post it here. I have a question about W58AM CH 58 (ch 45) and its digital repeater on ch 44. I noticed and in addition to hearing that ch 58 was taken off the air and will be replaced on digital ch 44? Is there a set date for ch 44 digital repeater to sign on and what will the power and coverage area be?

It seems to me that the volume levels for most of the "concert" shows I watch in HD are always extremely low.

In the case of the classical music broadcast that it mentioned, it wasn't just the music, but it was also the PBS announcements and the interview with the conductor that were extremely soft. And there was definitely something wrong with the sound transmission, not just a low overall volume level.

Hi everybody in the Cleveland local... I'm moving up there from the Dayton area and was wondering a few things. I'm moving to Bedford, which is in the Beachwood service area.

I really don't watch a lot of tv, or most of it is on the major networks, so I'm wondering what channels are broadcast "in the clear" for my QAM tuner if I would get the cheap basic cable package?

I have a 10 db antenna, and am less then 8 miles from the 4 major network towers, so I should be good with at least those four. Of course I'll be getting roadrunner for internet, but if there's no other good channels in the clear (ex, in dayton I got TNT-HD and DSC-HD), then I don't see the point of cable. Thanks in advance.
You can't count on cable feeds staying "free", especially if you only sub to the "cheap basic cable package". When you get the "cheap" basic cable feed the cable company puts in filters that block the frequencies where the digital cable signals reside.

QAM is for cable feeds only. What you want is ATSC, which is the way over the air digital signals are transmitted. Virtually every HDTV with a built-in tuner can do both. From where you will be moving, all the Cleveland and possibly Akron signals should come in fine (WVIZ-DT @ 1 kilowatt being the lone exception).

Anyone have a current list of HD channels available to Time Warner NE? I just purchased a projector for the basement and I am thinking about going with cable, (currently have E* upstairs) due to my projector not having an OTA tuner for HD locals and we all know E* doesn't carry locals in Cleveland yet, so I am in a bit of a dilemma.

Also, what is the monthly price for the HD-Tier service? No need for a DVR or premium channels.

Here is a list of what I came up with so far. I think this list is a bit outdated as INHD/INHD2 have merged and is now Mojo. Also, I don't see any RSN's, (STO-HD and FSN-HD) on this list either. Are they available on TW? Am I missing any?

380 HBO East HD
381 HBO West HD
390 Showtime East HD
391 Showtime West HD
508 WJW Fox 8 Cleveland
521 WKYC NBC 3 Cleveland
541 WOIO CBS 19 Cleveland
544 WUAB UPN 43 Cleveland
547 TNT in HD
549 WEAO/WNEO PBS 45/49 Akron/Kent
551 WEWS ABC 5 Cleveland
554 Discovery HD Theater
555 INHD
556 INHD 2
557 HDNet
558 HDNet Movies
559 ESPN HD
1058 HDTV Movies On Demand

Unfortunately TW does not feel the need or importance of updating it's on line, or for that matter even there brocheres that are at their offices. However this (http://www.timewarnercable.com/MediaLibrary/4/1/Content%20Management/AcqLineups/TWNEO-5527%20Cleveland%20Suburban_010807b.pdf) will give you an idea of what is available in your area. You can subtract INHD2 and INHD, add MOJO and Universal. Prices should be accurate, however in my area they have Road Runner at 45.95 and in fact it's only 39.95. But then again apparently TW feels little real need to communicate this information to it's current or prospective viewers. :rolleyes:

One other thing: If you're planning on getting a DVR or even an HD box last I heard there is a waiting period. Apparently they are getting new equipment so unless one is available you may have to wait, though that may have changed.

In either case if you do want a DVR I'd go with the TiVo S3. :) But if you ever read any of my post that shouldn't surprise you.

No RSN's either.

Went over and hooked up my sister-in-law's new 32" Sylvania HDTV today. While watching it for a bit, I had a thought - "my technologically-backwards sister-in-law has an HDTV, and I don't?!?!?!" (I'm a major geek.) Left her house and headed to Best Buy....

After thinking about it for a few years, reading lots of reviews and forums (especially this one), I broke down and purchased a Panasonic 50" TH-50PX75U plasma tonight. (I was looking at a 42", and my wife surprisingly suggested the 50"! :) ) This thing looks monstrous in our relatively small living room...

Assembled the new TV stand, moved a bunch of furniture around (old TV to the bedroom, bedroom TV to the junk pile), and finally got the plasma running at 2:00 AM. Of course, there's no HD programming this time of day, so I have to wait until tomorrow to be amazed... Aieee!!!

Now the battle begins - getting TWC to upgrade my DVR to an HD box. From what I've read, this should be interesting....

Thanks to everyone on the forum for their posts - gave me lots of useful information, plus enough ammunition to convince my wife that it was time to upgrade!

mike

Welcome to the world of HD. If you upgrade your subscription to the higher hd tier you will get among others, MOJO, HDnet, and HDnet Movies which is HD even at 2:00 am. :)

As far as HD DVR's what I think is happening is that Scientific Atlanta has stopped production on the SA 8300 so the only DVR's TW has are the ones that are currently still circulating. Beginning today the new law takes effect that says cable companies must provide DVR's with cable cards and I don't know if SA has released the SA 9000 yet. That's why there has been a shortage of DVR's and HD boxes.

By all means try and get a cable DVR and see if you like it. Many people report they did not experience the problems I had with my SA 8300. However if you don't want to wait you may want to look at the TiVo S3. TiVo flat on out is a better DVR, however with SDV probably comeing next year that might limit your choices. TiVo was offering a 200.00 rebate coupon but I don't know if that's still available. I would suggest if you think in that direction purchasing from Costco since they offer a lifetime warranty and have reasonable prices.

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy!

Unfortunately TW does not feel the need or importance of updating it's on line, or for that matter even there brocheres that are at their offices. However this (http://www.timewarnercable.com/MediaLibrary/4/1/Content%20Management/AcqLineups/TWNEO-5527%20Cleveland%20Suburban_010807b.pdf) will give you an idea of what is available in your area. You can subtract INHD2 and INHD, add MOJO and Universal. Prices should be accurate, however in my area they have Road Runner at 45.95 and in fact it's only 39.95. But then again apparently TW feels little real need to communicate this information to it's current or prospective viewers. :rolleyes:

One other thing: If you're planning on getting a DVR or even an HD box last I heard there is a waiting period. Apparently they are getting new equipment so unless one is available you may have to wait, though that may have changed.

In either case if you do want a DVR I'd go with the TiVo S3. :) But if you ever read any of my post that shouldn't surprise you.

No RSN's either.

Thanks Hook. That was a big help. I don't know why there is a such a big secret to the availability of TW's packages and prices. I guess they are hoping people call in to inquire then get "hooked" by TW's sales people. It seems like an outdated way of doing things.

One more thing. I didn't see pricing on the HD Tier. I assume there is an upcharge for that, but you have to first seclect a regular package first? Also, is that pricing based on service to 1 TV? What is the upcharge for each additional TV. (I have 2 HD TV's and 1 SD)

BTW, Whatever happened to a-la-cart? Is that idea dead? If it was up to me I would just pay to get all HD, STO and FSN........ Oh, and MSNBC for the wife :D

Thanks Hook. That was a big help. I don't know why there is a such a big secret to the availability of TW's packages and prices. I guess they are hoping people call in to inquire then get "hooked" by TW's sales people. It seems like an outdated way of doing things.

One more thing. I didn't see pricing on the HD Tier. I assume there is an upcharge for that, but you have to first seclect a regular package first? Also, is that pricing based on service to 1 TV? What is the upcharge for each additional TV. (I have 2 HD TV's and 1 SD)

BTW, Whatever happened to a-la-cart? Is that idea dead? If it was up to me I would just pay to get all HD, STO and FSN........ Oh, and MSNBC for the wife :D

The price for the higher tier is 5 bucks. No additional charge per set. That is excluding addtional boxes/DVR's/cable cards etc. :D

Nothing is free my friend! :)

By all means try and get a cable DVR and see if you like it. Many people report they did not experience the problems I had with my SA 8300. However if you don't want to wait you may want to look at the TiVo S3. TiVo flat on out is a better DVR, however with SDV probably comeing next year that might limit your choices. TiVo was offering a 200.00 rebate coupon but I don't know if that's still available. I would suggest if you think in that direction purchasing from Costco since they offer a lifetime warranty and have reasonable prices.

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy!

Thanks... I usually don't watch a lot of golf, but I couldn't turn it off today - pretty impressive in HD. I'm quite sure the new set was money well-spent.

I'm going to call TWC tomorrow and request an SA8300-HD - we'll see what happens.

I looked at the TiVo several years ago, but didn't like it at the time for several reasons. I was just reading about the S3, and it seems they've addressed all the big issues I can think of. Might be an option if TWC gives me the run-around.

I've also been playing with MythTV for quite a while. The server box has an analog tuner w/hardware MPEG encoding, plus a pair of digital SD/HD receiver cards. Just need to build a small frontend box that isn't too ugly for the living room.

So many options, so little time...

There are no differences in the programming between 45.1 and 49.1 or 45.2 and 49.2. There are many programming options available to us in the future because of digital broadcasting. Its too early to tell which path we'll choose.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

Is anyone else having trouble receiving 49.2?

I am getting 49.1 in HD rock solid. But 49.2 just gives me a blank screen. I've tried through my Samsung's TV tuner and my DirecTV receiver. I was getting it the other day, but not anymore.

Is anyone else having trouble receiving 49.2?

I am getting 49.1 in HD rock solid. But 49.2 just gives me a blank screen. I've tried through my Samsung's TV tuner and my DirecTV receiver. I was getting it the other day, but not anymore.

Same results here, blank screen on 49.2

Same results here, blank screen on 49.2

Ok, good to know it's not my hardware. I like to record Curious George for my kids off of 49.2, but this morning's recording was blank. The WEAO feed from DirecTV isn't as clear as the OTA 49.2. Hopefully WEAO can get this fixed quick.

Thanks!

Same results here, blank screen on 49.2

I've noticed the same thing here in North Canton. In fact, 49.1 was showing different programming OTA than I was receiving from WNEO on my Time Warner Cable system. I thought Don Freeman said that 49.1 was to be HD programming and 49.2 was supposed to be the same show in SD. So far that has not been the case.

I've noticed the same thing here in North Canton. In fact, 49.1 was showing different programming OTA than I was receiving from WNEO on my Time Warner Cable system. I thought Don Freeman said that 49.1 was to be HD programming and 49.2 was supposed to be the same show in SD. So far that has not been the case.
Unlike everyone else, PBS HD is a totally different schedule from the SD channel.
If I can paraphrase what Don said basically there may be times when the two channels are the same but for the most part they are going to have different schedules.

BTW: I too had a blank screen for 49.2. Thanks to all for confirming it's not just my equipment.

Anyone have a current list of HD channels available to Time Warner NE? I just purchased a projector for the basement and I am thinking about going with cable, (currently have E* upstairs) due to my projector not having an OTA tuner for HD locals and we all know E* doesn't carry locals in Cleveland yet, so I am in a bit of a dilemma.

Also, what is the monthly price for the HD-Tier service? No need for a DVR or premium channels.

Here is a list of what I came up with so far. I think this list is a bit outdated as INHD/INHD2 have merged and is now Mojo. Also, I don't see any RSN's, (STO-HD and FSN-HD) on this list either. Are they available on TW? Am I missing any?

380 HBO East HD
381 HBO West HD
390 Showtime East HD
391 Showtime West HD
508 WJW Fox 8 Cleveland
521 WKYC NBC 3 Cleveland
541 WOIO CBS 19 Cleveland
544 WUAB UPN 43 Cleveland
547 TNT in HD
549 WEAO/WNEO PBS 45/49 Akron/Kent
551 WEWS ABC 5 Cleveland
554 Discovery HD Theater
555 INHD
556 INHD 2
557 HDNet
558 HDNet Movies
559 ESPN HD
1058 HDTV Movies On Demand

Don't be so quick to dump E* over the HD locals! From Lyndhurst you should be able to get the locals in HD OTA using an E* box (not just the DVR but the non-dvr as well). That's what I use and it's great. Going OTA is better in that there is no added compression to the digital signals.

Unlike everyone else, PBS HD is a totally different schedule from the SD channel.
If I can paraphrase what Don said basically there may be times when the two channels are the same but for the most part they are going to have different schedules.

BTW: I too had a blank screen for 49.2. Thanks to all for confirming it's not just my equipment.

I talked to 45/49. The converter that mux's the two signals (HD and SD rebroadcast of NTSC) died on Friday. The HD is a direct feed from PBS. Parts are due today. 49.1 will be HD and 49.2 will be the SD rebroadcast of NTSC signal. The new converter/encoder is due this fall. Remember that DTV is being designed on the air... we are the beta testers.

Don't be so quick to dump E* over the HD locals! From Lyndhurst you should be able to get the locals in HD OTA using an E* box (not just the DVR but the non-dvr as well). That's what I use and it's great. Going OTA is better in that there is no added compression to the digital signals.

I'm not dumping E*. I get OTA just fine upstairs on the plasma. However, I was looking for a good alternative to get the HD locals in the basement on the new projector. The walls are already insulated and prewired with one cable input. Running another cable in the wall for OTA would be a nightmare.

I'm not dumping E*. I get OTA just fine upstairs on the plasma. However, I was looking for a good alternative to get the HD locals in the basement on the new projector. The walls are already insulated and prewired with one cable input. Running another cable in the wall for OTA would be a nightmare.

Run it through the heating duct.

Isn't that against code and a tad unsafe?

Run it through the heating duct.

This is exactly what I did to get coax cables for digital receivers to the bedroom. I had to use long pvc pipe taped together to push it thru but it finally worked.

Isn't that against code and a tad unsafe?

Code?... I'm not sure. Probably is against code for new construction, but you wouldn't need to do that with new construction. As far as in an exsisting house, let's say you had a fire claim on your insurance. I don't think your claim would be denied if you had a coax cable running through the heating duct. If you have an older house (20 yrs +), you wouldn't believe how many things are not up to todays codes. :)

Unsafe?... not at all. Perfectly safe, unless you're going to keep you thermostat set at 120 degrees. :)

I'm not dumping E*. I get OTA just fine upstairs on the plasma. However, I was looking for a good alternative to get the HD locals in the basement on the new projector. The walls are already insulated and prewired with one cable input. Running another cable in the wall for OTA would be a nightmare.
What I use is a diplexer to combine the OTA antenna with the satellite dish. It even works with E*'s DPP separator (as long as the separator is used after the diplexer).

Has anyone on the former Adelphia systems checked out the HD Clip on TNT on Demand? It does a lot of pixelating for me and the sound does not work...

WEAO-DT 49.1 went down for me today joining 49.2 with a blank screen. Is it my equipment or theirs with the problem?

WEAO-DT 49.1 went down for me today joining 49.2 with a blank screen. Is it my equipment or theirs with the problem?

It's down here too. Hopefully, they are just making the repairs that were talked about earlier today.

Hi Group--- I'm new to this group. I live in Lakewood. I am considering buying an HDTV stick for my computer. Here's the link for an explanation.
The product name is Pinacle HDTV Stick on the Best Buy web site for a description.
I wonder if any of you had any thoughts on it, particularly the availability of HD stations.
Thanks, Stan Austin

I'm going to call TWC tomorrow and request an SA8300-HD - we'll see what happens.

Well, I called today and was on hold for 11 minutes. Bypassed the "call me back" option which said the estimated time was between 27-34 minutes - worked to my advantage.

The nice lady took my account information and request, went away for a minute or so, then came back and told me they didn't have any HD DVRs available in my area at this time, but were expecting some in a few weeks. (She couldn't give me anything more accurate than that.) Asked if I wanted to be put on the waiting list - of course, I said yes. (Thought about some sarcastic answer, but didn't give such.)

As predicted, I get to wait.... Grrr... I might call tomorrow and see if I can get a non-DVR HD box for now.

As a side note - when driving home from work, I passed a billboard for TWC. "HD made EZ". I had to laugh.....

mike

Well, I called today and was on hold for 11 minutes. Bypassed the "call me back" option which said the estimated time was between 27-34 minutes - worked to my advantage.

The nice lady took my account information and request, went away for a minute or so, then came back and told me they didn't have any HD DVRs available in my area at this time, but were expecting some in a few weeks. (She couldn't give me anything more accurate than that.) Asked if I wanted to be put on the waiting list - of course, I said yes. (Thought about some sarcastic answer, but didn't give such.)

As predicted, I get to wait.... Grrr... I might call tomorrow and see if I can get a non-DVR HD box for now.

As a side note - when driving home from work, I passed a billboard for TWC. "HD made EZ". I had to laugh.....

mike


Well, at least you were prepared. I gotta tell you Mike that thing IMHO is a pos. Here's my problems with it:

It frequently did only partial recordings.

When set to "record all" if a week went by without a program airing it would sometimes just "drop" the show.

I had to watch it like a hawk every day to make sure it just recorded what I wanted it to record.

When I added eSATA, a Maxtor 500 which was made specifically for the SA 8300 pixelation and sound drop offs increased.

Pixelation and sound drop offs were bad anyway. I kind of thought that was just the way it was - until I got my S3.

Sometimes it just didn't record for lord knows what reasons.

Inability to see hidden conflicts. While it can recognize some types of conflicts it doesn't recognize all. Result: You have 3 shows scheduled and nothing gets recorded.

Horrible search feature. If you don't know what day your program is showing it is useless.

Two good points: PIP which allows you to bring up your channel guide and continue to watch your recording. Also it has a disk meter which shows you how much disk space you've used.

However if you put a eSATA on to the S3 (mines just 500gb) you get 96 HD hours and 997 SD hours - who needs a disk meter? Anyway you'd be able to tell if you are running out of disk space because your "deleted" folder would start dropping rapidly.

The S3 is now more affordable and I believe they are still offering a 200.00 rebate.

Just something to think about.

I notice on my DirecTV HR20, there is incorrect guide data for PBS 49 - It's showing 49.1 as the SD channel, 49.2 as the HD channel, and a 49.3 channel.

On my other OTA tuner, 49.1 is coming in fine in HD, but 49.2 is still a blank screen.

I notice on my DirecTV HR20, there is incorrect guide data for PBS 49 - It's showing 49.1 as the SD channel, 49.2 as the HD channel, and a 49.3 channel.

On my other OTA tuner, 49.1 is coming in fine in HD, but 49.2 is still a blank screen.

They had an equipment failure and are sending PBS HD direct (45.1 & 49.1)... cannot add in the 45.2 or 49.2 feed.

Hi Group--- I'm new to this group. I live in Lakewood. I am considering buying an HDTV stick for my computer. Here's the link for an explanation.
The product name is Pinacle HDTV Stick on the Best Buy web site for a description.
I wonder if any of you had any thoughts on it, particularly the availability of HD stations.
Thanks, Stan Austin
Hi Stan, I too live in Lakewood (near the park). Any over the air reception is tough because of reflections off the tall building and the slope of the hill near I-480. We went to cable decades ago and never looked back.

HD MM - on your list above, it looks like you got the Akron/Canton TWC system.

Lyndhurst would be the former Adelphia/Cleveland system, which has a different channel lineup...for one, the HD channels are in the 700s instead of the 500s.

Similar offerings, tho.

HD MM - on your list above, it looks like you got the Akron/Canton TWC system.

Lyndhurst would be the former Adelphia/Cleveland system, which has a different channel lineup...for one, the HD channels are in the 700s instead of the 500s.

Similar offerings, tho.


Ummmm...yes...that's why I gave him a direct link to the guide in his area next thread down. You smeaker. ;)

Ummmm...yes...that's why I gave him a direct link to the guide in his area next thread down. You smeaker. ;)

I saw that message, but didn't realize what it was linking since you embedded the link in the word "this". :D

Well, at least you were prepared. I gotta tell you Mike that thing IMHO is a pos. Here's my problems with it:
....

Just something to think about.

Interesting... I've had the SD SA8300 for a few years, and have been relatively happy with it. It has a few annoying quirks, and I agree that the search feature sucks, but I haven't yet had the urge to attack it with a stun gun...

However, I can see how the HD version could be an entirely different beast. Aside from a similar appearance and model number, the guts are likely entirely different. Example: disk meter? Don't have it on mine, unless you go to channel 611 and compare available space vs. total space in GB. Not exactly user-friendly.

I have noticed that the SD box is very picky about signal quality - other DTV receivers worked nicely, while the TWC boxes choked. It took a LONG time (many visits from TWC techs over about two years) to work out the kinks. I was running into intermittent, but significant, pixelation problems on the DVR and the other digital cable box. I finally had a tech out here that really knew his stuff - he spent about three hours measuring signal levels, swapping out splitters and cables, working up on the pole, etc. Since then, the whole thing has worked nicely. (I have the patience of Jobe at times... It's a flaw...)

I'm going to look more into the TiVo option - I'll give TWC a fair shot, but I define "a few weeks" as 3-4 weeks. If they can't deliver a usable HD DVR by then, it's time to look elsewhere.

If only there was a CableCard solution that worked with MythTV....

mike

For those of you who are interested, there's a couple ATT Wireless stores demoing live U-Verse service.

https://uma.att.com/general/885-AMSS-X-X-IFRAME.html

AT&T Wireless - Mayfield
6294 Mayfield Rd.
Mayfield Heights, OH

AT&T Wireless - Mentor
7701 Mentor Av.
Mentor, OH

For those of you who are interested, there's a couple ATT Wireless stores demoing live U-Verse service.

https://uma.att.com/general/885-AMSS-X-X-IFRAME.html

AT&T Wireless - Mayfield
6294 Mayfield Rd.
Mayfield Heights, OH

AT&T Wireless - Mentor
7701 Mentor Av.
Mentor, OH


It's not in my area yet but if it does get here I might be interested IF it works with the S3. TiVo has not come out and said anything about it yet.

It's not in my area yet but if it does get here I might be interested IF it works with the S3. TiVo has not come out and said anything about it yet.

I wouldn't be in a hurry. It currently supports only downloading/recording on one HD station at a time. Believe it's suppose to be upgraded to two at a time after the first of the year. Plus, there are lots of quality problems. You can read about them on the following forum:
http://www.uverseusers.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,2/

It's not in my area yet but if it does get here I might be interested IF it works with the S3. TiVo has not come out and said anything about it yet.

I don't see how the S3 could ever work with U-Verse. U-Verse is MPEG4 video delivered over an IP network. There's no QAM, no CableCards. All proprietary stuff. Also consider Microsoft is ATT's partner on the set top box software, and Motorola is making the boxes.

I don't see how the S3 could ever work with U-Verse. U-Verse is MPEG4 video delivered over an IP network. There's no QAM, no CableCards. All proprietary stuff. Also consider Microsoft is ATT's partner on the set top box software, and Motorola is making the boxes.

So, it probably requires that you use AT&T's broadband. First, I don't have any phone service (I use Vonage) and second I don't like broadband, ymmv.

I've heard comments about the quality of their HD and from what I understand it's not too good.

Maybe with the new law Verizon can move in here? Or do you need phone service from them as well?

Maybe with the new law Verizon can move in here? Or do you need phone service from them as well?

I'm not sure how the new law shakes out, but the phone companies doing this service are generally only doing it where they are the incumbent phone company. I presume it's because there's at least some existing infrastructure.

I'd like to see Verizon doing FIOS here, but it'll probably only happen (if it even does) in areas like parts of Medina County and nearby (Montrose) where they're the incumbent provider (ex-GTE). I say "if it even does" because I don't know if they intend to put in FIOS in rural-ish areas where they don't have a big metro area to feed from, with Cleveland/Akron mostly being AT&T territory.

So, it probably requires that you use AT&T's broadband. First, I don't have any phone service (I use Vonage) and second I don't like broadband, ymmv.

I've heard comments about the quality of their HD and from what I understand it's not too good.

Maybe with the new law Verizon can move in here? Or do you need phone service from them as well?

ATT does not require that you use their broadband internet. But in reality they install a 25Mbps DSL pipe to your house to feed the video. If you opt for the internet, that is an additional charge and will take up to 6Mbps of that pipe.

The goofy thing is ATT is not offering VOIP as part of the U-Verse package yet. Even though ATT owns CallVantage VOIP. One hand doesn't talk to the other I guess.

Like Indundated says, you'll never see Verizon FIOS here. That's all dependent on who your Baby Bell old fashioned phone company is. All the new laws in the world can't change who owns the installed copper infrastructure. Everybody in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio who had Ameritech phone service ain't gonna get FIOS, ever.

They had an equipment failure and are sending PBS HD direct (45.1 & 49.1)... cannot add in the 45.2 or 49.2 feed.

Clevemkt is correct. We are having problems with our digital encoder since we signed on with HD late last month. That is why we are only able to broadcast 45.1 and 49.1. We have now bypassed the encoder while we work with the manufacturer to correct the technical limitations the unit has. That is why there is no bug in the lower right hand corner of the HD signal.
Adding to our engineers stress are continual power outages at the Channel 45 Salem site. We are now limited to 25% power on our Channel 45 analog signal while we try to replace older elements in the transmitter.
There have also been comments in this forum about our legal IDs. Our FCC mandated IDs are not correct. We are reediting all of our work now to add the DT designation. Those IDs will begin appearing this month.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

Clevemkt is correct. We are having problems with our digital encoder since we signed on with HD late last month. That is why we are only able to broadcast 45.1 and 49.1. We have now bypassed the encoder while we work with the manufacturer to correct the technical limitations the unit has. That is why there is no bug in the lower right hand corner of the HD signal.
Adding to our engineers stress are continual power outages at the Channel 45 Salem site. We are now limited to 25% power on our Channel 45 analog signal while we try to replace older elements in the transmitter.
There have also been comments in this forum about our legal IDs. Our FCC mandated IDs are not correct. We are reediting all of our work now to add the DT designation. Those IDs will begin appearing this month.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

When will the guide on Direct Tv be updated for the proper shows?
It is still showing outdated info
Thanks

Clevemkt is correct. We are having problems with our digital encoder since we signed on with HD late last month. That is why we are only able to broadcast 45.1 and 49.1. We have now bypassed the encoder while we work with the manufacturer to correct the technical limitations the unit has. That is why there is no bug in the lower right hand corner of the HD signal.
Adding to our engineers stress are continual power outages at the Channel 45 Salem site. We are now limited to 25% power on our Channel 45 analog signal while we try to replace older elements in the transmitter.
There have also been comments in this forum about our legal IDs. Our FCC mandated IDs are not correct. We are reediting all of our work now to add the DT designation. Those IDs will begin appearing this month.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

Regardless, the broadcast of the Capitol Fourth on Wednesday night in HD was simply stunning as is the other PBS HD programming I'm now getting OTA. Kudos to 45/49.

There have also been comments in this forum about our legal IDs. Our FCC mandated IDs are not correct. We are reediting all of our work now to add the DT designation. Those IDs will begin appearing this month.


Wow, talk about service. Can you send a pizza out to Akron before 11 PM?

:D

Thanks again, Don, for keeping us up to date. I wish all the local TVs did that (like, oh, I don't know, a certain Cleveland station that runs your network - they did have an engineer here long ago).

FYI-Direct TV's Direct10 Satellite has successfully launched from Pad 39 in Kazakhstan. Misson accomplished by ILS engineers. How quickly will cable move to catch D*'s surge toward major HD content ? Rollout of new channels should occur in September.

www.ilslaunch.com

FYI-Direct TV's Direct10 Satellite has successfully launched from Pad 39 in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan!? Madone! I wonder if Borat was there for the launch! :D

Clevemkt is correct. We are having problems with our digital encoder since we signed on with HD late last month. That is why we are only able to broadcast 45.1 and 49.1. We have now bypassed the encoder while we work with the manufacturer to correct the technical limitations the unit has. That is why there is no bug in the lower right hand corner of the HD signal.
Adding to our engineers stress are continual power outages at the Channel 45 Salem site. We are now limited to 25% power on our Channel 45 analog signal while we try to replace older elements in the transmitter.
There have also been comments in this forum about our legal IDs. Our FCC mandated IDs are not correct. We are reediting all of our work now to add the DT designation. Those IDs will begin appearing this month.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO


Don, just want to send out a thank you for taking time during yourr busy day to update us on what's happening with your station. We have one or two other chief's that keep us informed as well and we really appreciate getting the word from "the horses mouth" so to speak. Again thanks!

Ok so I recently moved to Bedford, not far from the towers. I can pretty much get or figure out how to get all the main network stations I want with my crappy 10db indoor antenna, but what I cannot get, is WKYC's DT station. I can get their analog station, although its pretty fuzzy, its watchable and the audios fine. But I get NO signal on their DT station (3.1). I'm confused since they are both VHF, less than 7 miles away, and yet I can get 67 (SAH) which is almost 23 miles away and VHF. Any ideas?

Any ideas?

Ah, search this thread for "WKYC" and you'll get a lot of feedback. :D

But, in a nutshell - WKYC-DT is in digital TV hell, aka RF channel 2. It's even worse than their analog channel.

The problem? Low-VHF digitals are notoriously hard to pick up. Not only is the antenna size needed a factor (most cheap whip antennas aren't nearly long enough in "wingspan" VHF 2 needs), but noise is an even bigger factor.

Those "sparklies" you're seeing on analog 3? They're worse on 2, and digitally, that means there's enough electrical interference to spike the signal.

There are folks getting WKYC-DT OTA here, but they're probably A) closer to Parma and B) using a decent antenna. Anything else is a crapshoot. (Perhaps those not fitting A and B getting WKYC-DT have lower interference. Over a holiday period a year or two back, *I* was able to wring out WKYC-DT...my running theory was that a source of electrical noise wasn't operating due to a holiday.)

The good, long-term news, is that this will likely go away after the analog-to-digital transition in 2009. WKYC has filed to use RF channel 17 after the transition, which is the current analog home of WDLI/Canton (TBN religious).

WDLI will vacate 17 and stay on its own current digital channel, 39, making the WKYC move possible in 2009. Until then? Good luck getting it OTA...

I'm not disagreeing with anything said about digital 3-1.

However, I live in extreme south North Royalton (about 1/2 mile north of the Summit County line and 6 miles south of the Parma antenna farm), use a roof top antenna, and get digital 3-1 at "92" strength on my HD Tivo. It's signal is as strong, and the picture basically as good, as any other of the OTA digital signals.

I'm not disagreeing with anything said about digital 3-1.

However, I live in extreme south North Royalton (about 1/2 mile north of the Summit County line and 6 miles south of the Parma antenna farm), use a roof top antenna, and get digital 3-1 at "92" strength on my HD Tivo. It's signal is as strong, and the picture basically as good, as any other of the OTA digital signals.


When you say "HD TiVo" I assume you mean the S3, correct? Many people have reported that the S3's OTA tuner is much better at picking up signals then other STB's. I unfortunately have not experienced that but never the less this is what I've seen many say.

I really don't have any problem with 3.1 either as my antenna is both UHF/VHF. Signal strength is 98 and right now it has the sharpest HD picture of any OTA channel. (1080P set) One of my pet peeves is 5.1 showing 2.35 x 1 movies in zoomed up 16 x 9 format. That really torques my jaws. My other pet peeve is 8.1 local news doing something to screw up resolution and noise performance. The national programs are just fine. I don't watch 5.1 news because they are using the "edge squeegy distortion" method of making 4 x 3 looking like 16 x 9. It is just awful. 19.1 doesn't have any HD news yet. I do have a lock problem on PBS 49.1 with signal strength around 40 to 78 and I suspect it is intermod or very quick signal fades which the meter doesn't record. 55.1 and 43.1 are fine. 67.1 is a bit intermittant also. What is a wonderment is all of the analog channels don't fade or drop out, they just hang in there big time even if they are weak. Don't know why I get those dropouts as in my mind I should not get a drop out until the signal actually drops out. There are times when the signal is a steady 20 and there are no dropouts or lockouts.
JJK

Ah, search this thread for "WKYC" and you'll get a lot of feedback. :D

But, in a nutshell - WKYC-DT is in digital TV hell, aka RF channel 2. It's even worse than their analog channel.

The problem? Low-VHF digitals are notoriously hard to pick up. Not only is the antenna size needed a factor (most cheap whip antennas aren't nearly long enough in "wingspan" VHF 2 needs), but noise is an even bigger factor.

Those "sparklies" you're seeing on analog 3? They're worse on 2, and digitally, that means there's enough electrical interference to spike the signal.

There are folks getting WKYC-DT OTA here, but they're probably A) closer to Parma and B) using a decent antenna. Anything else is a crapshoot. (Perhaps those not fitting A and B getting WKYC-DT have lower interference. Over a holiday period a year or two back, *I* was able to wring out WKYC-DT...my running theory was that a source of electrical noise wasn't operating due to a holiday.)

The good, long-term news, is that this will likely go away after the analog-to-digital transition in 2009. WKYC has filed to use RF channel 17 after the transition, which is the current analog home of WDLI/Canton (TBN religious).

WDLI will vacate 17 and stay on its own current digital channel, 39, making the WKYC move possible in 2009. Until then? Good luck getting it OTA...


Thanks for taking the time to explain it. Sad story though, guess I'll just look into getting TWC's basic cable so I can get the major networks via QAM. (If I can ever get TW to get out here). Thanks.

I'm out in Geauga county (but just over the border), and WKYC gives me a very solid signal. I have a basic VHF/UHF antenna on the roof, nothing fancy. In fact, I was getting a solid signal from WKYC even when the antenna was in the attic. I've struggled with some of the other channels, but not WKYC.

Ok so I recently moved to Bedford, not far from the towers. I can pretty much get or figure out how to get all the main network stations I want with my crappy 10db indoor antenna, but what I cannot get, is WKYC's DT station. I can get their analog station, although its pretty fuzzy, its watchable and the audios fine. But I get NO signal on their DT station (3.1). I'm confused since they are both VHF, less than 7 miles away, and yet I can get 67 (SAH) which is almost 23 miles away and VHF. Any ideas?

Tuning signals through the antenna is a bit of voodoo, there is no single recipe for every area. There could be interference (either physical or electronic) that only affects one channel. A small antenna on one side of the house could get some channels better than a huge antenna on the other side. A channel from 30 miles away could come in better than one only a block away.

But here are some guidelines that worked in my experience. Get the largest antenna you can get and put it up as high as possible, attics are good even though they are indoors. Put an adjustable signal amplifier near the antenna and see if it improves the channels, usually it does if near enough to the antenna. Then have someone checking the signal strength of each channel as you turn and tilt the antenna, and adjust the amplifier. Tie it down in whatever position gets the most stations.

People have had luck with other techniques too (attenuating certain frequencies, amplifing UHF only, using analyzers, etc) but these should get you most of the way there. If there is one big positive for digitial channels OTA is that if they are in the 60%-70% "signal strength", they will look as good as 98%. So getting all channels at 75% is much better than getting some at 98% and some at 10%.

When you say "HD TiVo" I assume you mean the S3, correct? Many people have reported that the S3's OTA tuner is much better at picking up signals then other STB's. I unfortunately have not experienced that but never the less this is what I've seen many say.

No. I use Direct TV and the HR10-250 (HD Tivo) which also receives/processes OTA signals. The HR10 definitely doesn't have a reputation for having an excellent OTA tuner. The S3 is Tivo's newer cable DVR.

I'll soon be shifting to the HR-20 and be able to compare the OTA digital locals and Direct TV's MPEG4 versions. Supposedly, the HR-20 has a better OTA tuner than the HR10.

Ok so I recently moved to Bedford, not far from the towers. I can pretty much get or figure out how to get all the main network stations I want with my crappy 10db indoor antenna, but what I cannot get, is WKYC's DT station. I can get their analog station, although its pretty fuzzy, its watchable and the audios fine. But I get NO signal on their DT station (3.1). I'm confused since they are both VHF, less than 7 miles away, and yet I can get 67 (SAH) which is almost 23 miles away and VHF. Any ideas?
Welcome to the Greater Cleveland area!
I live right by the WKYC transmitter and use rabbit ears. I have to aim them just so before I can get a lock, and then if I move between the antenna and the transmitter I sometimes lose lock.

The most important thing to remember with indoor antennas is to place them by a window that faces the transmitter. Even here at "ground zero" I lose lock on just about every Cleveland station until I placed the antennas by a window. The reason is due to aluminum siding. And another thing - no screens on the windows! There should be nothing but glass between any indoor antenna and the transmitters.

Before I moved to Parma I thought all you'd need was a paper clip on the 300 ohm antenna terminals to get perfect TV. Boy was I wrong! At least I can see exactly where the signal is coming from!

BTW ch 67 (the former Shop-at-Home) is not VHF, it's digital signal is on ch 47.

Great news for those who have E*. 8 new HD RSN's will be added Wednesday, including Cleveland's own STO-HD!!! Just in time for the second half of the Tribe's playoff bound season! :D

http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-network-forum/100863-8-new-hd-rsn-channels-coming-wednesday.html

The most important thing to remember with indoor antennas is to place them by a window that faces the transmitter. Even here at "ground zero" I lose lock on just about every Cleveland station until I placed the antennas by a window. The reason is due to aluminum siding. And another thing - no screens on the windows! There should be nothing but glass between any indoor antenna and the transmitters.Way down in Northwest Akron (literally, I'm in the valley), I've found that the most critical part of antenna placement for WKYC was elevation. I have my indoor antenna in my attic. The antenna configuration was a work in progress, but I finally was able to get WKYC decently, though hardly perfectly, because I had to compromise in order to get WOIO too!

Way down in Northwest Akron (literally, I'm in the valley), I've found that the most critical part of antenna placement for WKYC was elevation. I have my indoor antenna in my attic. The antenna configuration was a work in progress, but I finally was able to get WKYC decently, though hardly perfectly, because I had to compromise in order to get WOIO too!
It should not be hard to aim an antenna at both WKYC and WOIO since they are next-door neighbors on the corner of Broadview and Ridgewood. For best results use a VHF only antenna, since the rest of the Cleveland locals (the digital versions) are UHF and a wee bit farther to the west.

__________________Ridgewood _____________
State/ WQHS WBNX WOIO WKYC /Broadview

WUAB

WEWS
__________________Pleasant Valley __________
State/ WJW


This is a crude attempt at showing you what you are aiming at!
After the transition is over WJW is planning on keeping ch 8 for digital.
Virtually all the rest are abandoning their analog channels. WKYC will be on a UHF channel, 17, once WDLI in Canton signs off their analog signal.
WOIO unfortunately wants to stay on 10 :p .

For now a VHF only antenna aimed at Broaview & Ridgewoood should give you both WKYC and WOIO. After the transition you might need to do a slight re-aim to catch WJW.

STO emailed me back and said they didn't know why ATT wasn't carrying STO-HD. (they do carry STO SD, however) I suppose ATT is having a problem adding it to the lineup or a business decision was made not to carry it yet.

STO emailed me back and said they didn't know why ATT wasn't carrying STO-HD. (they do carry STO SD, however) I suppose ATT is having a problem adding it to the lineup or a business decision was made not to carry it yet.

Well from what I hear their HD is crap anyway, but it sure seems like a bad business decision.

Anyone notice the new channel in the timewarner lineup? It was at channel 777 and the call letters were HDSC. There was no lineup information nor were they broadcasting anything yet.

Anyone notice the new channel in the timewarner lineup? It was at channel 777 and the call letters were HDSC. There was no lineup information nor were they broadcasting anything yet.
Yeah I seen it. Looks like it might be HD on demand.

It should not be hard to aim an antenna at both WKYC and WOIO since they are next-door neighbors on the corner of Broadview and Ridgewood. For best results use a VHF only antenna, since the rest of the Cleveland locals (the digital versions) are UHF and a wee bit farther to the west.Aim isn't my issue, it's how I've got the bunny ears on my antenna. My understanding, and experience in trying to get these channels, is that you need your bunny ears flat out to catch WKYC at 2, meanwhile WOIO at 10 needs more angle to catch it. So, for me, it's a matter of angling the antenna ears at just the right angle to get both channels. My reception is decent in the valley... (which I believe is better than Inudated, who I believe is just up the hill from me and can't get WKYC OTA).

Aim isn't my issue, it's how I've got the bunny ears on my antenna. My understanding, and experience in trying to get these channels, is that you need your bunny ears flat out to catch WKYC at 2, meanwhile WOIO at 10 needs more angle to catch it. So, for me, it's a matter of angling the antenna ears at just the right angle to get both channels. My reception is decent in the valley... (which I believe is better than Inudated, who I believe is just up the hill from me and can't get WKYC OTA).

You should be able to use two different antennas that satisfy both situations. Then using a standard cable splitter (in reverse) sum both signals together to get both channels. Due to interference this does not always work, but I tried this with success in several locations.

You should be able to use two different antennas that satisfy both situations. Then using a standard cable splitter (in reverse) sum both signals together to get both channels. Due to interference this does not always work, but I tried this with success in several locations.Unfortunately there are two issues.

1) It's about 49 bazillion degrees in my attic, which would make for an unpleasant experience

2) I'm not willing to disturb what works enough as it is just in case it doesn't work! I like have NBC and CBS is a must for football.

Yeah I seen it. Looks like it might be HD on demand.

I'm thinking so too which is funny because I was just telling someone that it really stinks to not have an HD on demand. I turned to it last night by accident not knowing what it was, got the typical Time Warner logo like the regular on demand and then my box promptly rebooted! It's a confirmed on demand alright! ;) ha!

I wonder if it'll be a pay per movie or monthly service such as HBO on demand. I hope monthly but I'm guessing per movie.

Unfortunately there are two issues.

1) It's about 49 bazillion degrees in my attic, which would make for an unpleasant experience

2) I'm not willing to disturb what works enough as it is just in case it doesn't work! I like have NBC and CBS is a must for football.

2) You may be able to add the second antenna to the cabling without moving the first antenna, depends on your setup.

1) I know what you mean, been there. I sweated for 3-4 hours of turning and spinning antennas "how about now?" before I was satisfied.

Attic heat can be eliminated with a simple ridge vent installation the full length or even just an 8 ft length. Temperatures used to hit 150F in mine until I installed the 10 ft ridge vent on a 30 ft roof length (no fans required) then the temperature never exceeded outside temp even on the hottest days. It was a real wonderment.

JJK

Attic heat can be eliminated with a simple ridge vent installation the full length or even just an 8 ft length. Temperatures used to hit 150F in mine until I installed the 10 ft ridge vent on a 30 ft roof length (no fans required) then the temperature never exceeded outside temp even on the hottest days. It was a real wonderment.

JJK

I had one of those ridge vents. The second winter it was installed snow blew into the vent holes and melted causing water marks the length of the vent on my upstairs ceiling. I promptly plugged it (at 2 am).

I had one of those ridge vents. The second winter it was installed snow blew into the vent holes and melted causing water marks the length of the vent on my upstairs ceiling. I promptly plugged it (at 2 am).


Then it wasn't installed properly. It shouldn't have done that.

I have 2 ridge vents and a screen vent on the side of one of my attics. Prevents mold as well as keeps the temperature moderate.

When will the guide on Direct Tv be updated for the proper shows?
It is still showing outdated info
Thanks

Just a note that as of today (Thursday 7/12) we are back to broadcasting two digital signals per transmitter (45.1 and 45.2 along with 49.1 and 49.2) with the HD on channel 1 and a rebroadcast of our analog service on channel 2. Our compromise to get that up was to return to static PSIP. That means we are able to identify the channel but not provide any program information. We're working with the manufacturer of our encoder to see what we can do to resolve that problem.
Our original encoder unit is being repaired and when it is shipped back we'll be down for an hour or so to swap out their loaner.
As for the DirecTV program information, we've contacted the service that provided program info to them. Apparently there has been no change. Since no one in our office has DirecTV HD can you tell me what they are running? Is it the Create! channel info (i.e. how-to series rather than PBS documentaries and nature series). We'll keep calling until they get it right.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

STO SD is re-airing an "STO Classic" from a WKYC broadcast. It is truly awful. It's being broadcast in anamorphic.

Now I know STO/WKYC has proven over and over they have no clue with respect to aspect ratio, but this is truly sad.

STO SD is re-airing an "STO Classic" from a WKYC broadcast. It is truly awful. It's being broadcast in anamorphic.

Now I know STO/WKYC has proven over and over they have no clue with respect to aspect ratio, but this is truly sad.

Yes, I saw this too. I was watching on my SD tv and saw that everything seemed 'squished'.

I then tuned in my Samsung DLP and put it into stretch mode. SD Widescreen!

They definitely didn't do that correctly.......

My reception is decent in the valley... (which I believe is better than Inundated, who I believe is just up the hill from me and can't get WKYC OTA).

Yes, you're correct on both counts.

I've occasionally gotten WKYC-DT OTA via rabbit ears pointed out my window aimed at Parma...but it's not very successful, usually. I get all the UHF-DT stations with that antenna with no problems. I get WOIO-DT if I move the aerials *just* right.

Just a note that as of today (Thursday 7/12) we are back to broadcasting two digital signals per transmitter (45.1 and 45.2 along with 49.1 and 49.2) with the HD on channel 1 and a rebroadcast of our analog service on channel 2. Our compromise to get that up was to return to static PSIP. That means we are able to identify the channel but not provide any program information. We're working with the manufacturer of our encoder to see what we can do to resolve that problem.
Our original encoder unit is being repaired and when it is shipped back we'll be down for an hour or so to swap out their loaner.
As for the DirecTV program information, we've contacted the service that provided program info to them. Apparently there has been no change. Since no one in our office has DirecTV HD can you tell me what they are running? Is it the Create! channel info (i.e. how-to series rather than PBS documentaries and nature series). We'll keep calling until they get it right.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO
They are still showing the shows that were previously shown on 49-1
I can get name of your shows by checking 25-1 programming
Need to get this fixed
Thanks

Just a note that as of today (Thursday 7/12) we are back to broadcasting two digital signals per transmitter (45.1 and 45.2 along with 49.1 and 49.2) with the HD on channel 1 and a rebroadcast of our analog service on channel 2. Our compromise to get that up was to return to static PSIP. That means we are able to identify the channel but not provide any program information. We're working with the manufacturer of our encoder to see what we can do to resolve that problem.
Our original encoder unit is being repaired and when it is shipped back we'll be down for an hour or so to swap out their loaner.
As for the DirecTV program information, we've contacted the service that provided program info to them. Apparently there has been no change. Since no one in our office has DirecTV HD can you tell me what they are running? Is it the Create! channel info (i.e. how-to series rather than PBS documentaries and nature series). We'll keep calling until they get it right.

Don Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
WNEO/WEAO

Yes, what it is showing is the old Create! schedule for 49.1. Hopefully your follow ups with DirecTV will get this guide data changed ASAP.

Thanks!

The ridge vents that I have are a labringth filled with plastic course foam and screen to keep out bugs and snow. There is approximately a 1" slot cut under the vent to enable the heat to escape. I have yet to see blowing snow enter as this screening acts as a snow fence. Some of the older metal overhang vents just had holes in them and would let snow blow through, sometimes a couple of feet worth.
JJK

On a whim, I called TWC today to apply some friendly pressure to try and bump up my name on the "We'll call you when we have HD DVRs available" list. To my surprise, I was told that the boxes are now (finally!) available - the service rep said he received the notice only a few hours earlier.

Yippee!!

I'm heading over to the local office tomorrow to try to exchange a standard digital box for the HD-DVR - wish me luck. I'll post the results tomorrow afternoon.

(For everyone waiting for one of these boxes, I offer a friendly warning - I'm posting this message as a service. If I find out that everyone on the forum takes advantage of this info and wipes out the stock of these boxes before I get one myself, I'll hunt you down and smack you with a wet noodle. :) Save one for me! )

On a related note, the customer service rep didn't hesitate to offer a Monday installation, and gave me the option to pick up a box from the office tomorrow. Hmmm... What does this say about their waiting list??? Something to think about...

mike

On a whim, I called TWC today to apply some friendly pressure to try and bump up my name on the "We'll call you when we have HD DVRs available" list. To my surprise, I was told that the boxes are now (finally!) available - the service rep said he received the notice only a few hours earlier.

Yippee!!

I'm heading over to the local office tomorrow to try to exchange a standard digital box for the HD-DVR - wish me luck. I'll post the results tomorrow afternoon.

(For everyone waiting for one of these boxes, I offer a friendly warning - I'm posting this message as a service. If I find out that everyone on the forum takes advantage of this info and wipes out the stock of these boxes before I get one myself, I'll hunt you down and smack you with a wet noodle. :) Save one for me! )

On a related note, the customer service rep didn't hesitate to offer a Monday installation, and gave me the option to pick up a box from the office tomorrow. Hmmm... What does this say about their waiting list??? Something to think about...

mike

When the SA 8300 first came out I wanted one right away. I was told I could go to my local office and pick one up, no problem.

So I disconnected my SA 8000 and went down next day to the local office. At the local office they told me they didn't have any, wern't aware that they were available and the rep shouldn't have told me to come down. I had a melt down and started yelling at the people at the desk and they promised to get me one in two days.

True enough they did.

My point is don't be surprised if you come back empty handed. Hoepfully you won't. It will be interesting to see if they give you the old SA 8300 or the new SA 8300 HDC. That is the new HD DVR that has a two way cable card inside of it. It also has a larger hard drive. Let us know what you get and how it works.

Is anyone in Lorain County with TWC having trouble with ON DEMAND ? Mine hasen't worked for about 3 weeks. I keep getting code (META-6). When I called to report this several weeks ago, they said that they were working on it, but so far, nothing has happened. Anyone else with this same problem?

Ben Music

I just saw over on the Ohio Media Blog that E* has added STO-HD!

I just saw over on the Ohio Media Blog that E* has added STO-HD!

HD MM posted the information here about 10 posts back (before it appeared on Ohio Media Watch).

And while we are on the subject of "E" that same article mentions that they still are not interested in broadcasting local stations in HD.

I just saw over on the Ohio Media Blog that E* has added STO-HD!

I read on dbstalk.com that STO-HD is on channel 381. I could not receive the HD broadcast Friday night or tonight on my Dish ViP 622 receiver. I'd be willing to bet that it is only on the satellite at 129°, not the satellite at 61.5°. I'm calling Dish to have 'em set up 129°.

I also am not receiving 381 and it's not showing up in the epg. - many calls to ATS were not helpful. After reading your post I called ATS and asked which sat. was broadcasting 381 and after checking and saying 110 and 119 then changed her mind after looking at other information and said it was only on 129 ( which I do not get).

So I think that is the problem!

My point is don't be surprised if you come back empty handed. Hoepfully you won't. It will be interesting to see if they give you the old SA 8300 or the new SA 8300 HDC. That is the new HD DVR that has a two way cable card inside of it. It also has a larger hard drive. Let us know what you get and how it works.

Went down there today, and they did switch out the old box for me. (Kinda surprised - I usually get the "we'd rather send a tech out to your house to install this" response. Very annoying to hear that.)

It is one of the older 8300HD boxes - no cable card slot, has a 160GB drive. (My other DVR has an 80GB, so that was a nice, yet minor, upgrade.) I did the math, and I'm going to need to put an external SATA on this - our recording habits will wipe out the 160 in no time doing HD... The box is clearly rebuilt - came complete with scratches on the top/sides, but they were nice enough to put a new faceplate on it.

So far, it seems to work well, but I'll give it a few weeks before reaching any conclusions...

Watching the Tribe on STO-HD was a nice change tonight.

mike

Went down there today, and they did switch out the old box for me. (Kinda surprised - I usually get the "we'd rather send a tech out to your house to install this" response. Very annoying to hear that.)

It is one of the older 8300HD boxes - no cable card slot, has a 160GB drive. (My other DVR has an 80GB, so that was a nice, yet minor, upgrade.) I did the math, and I'm going to need to put an external SATA on this - our recording habits will wipe out the 160 in no time doing HD... The box is clearly rebuilt - came complete with scratches on the top/sides, but they were nice enough to put a new faceplate on it.

So far, it seems to work well, but I'll give it a few weeks before reaching any conclusions...

Watching the Tribe on STO-HD was a nice change tonight.

mike

Assuming you didn't record anything, that will be the key. I don't know if you've seen TiVo's interface but if you haven't you're better off because and I say this well intentioned, ignorance is bliss. ;)

I would say that if you do record a great deal of programming that will give you a good idea if it works well for you. Many people in this area of the forum have said they liked it. Many have been glad to get rid of it. Good luck using it, hopefully it will work out ok for you and your needs.

Assuming you didn't record anything, that will be the key. I don't know if you've seen TiVo's interface but if you haven't you're better off because and I say this well intentioned, ignorance is bliss. ;)

Hehe... Trust me - I'm far from devoted to TWC and their equipment. The only reason I haven't switched to satellite + TiVo is the fact that the only place on my property with a good tree-free view to the south is in the front yard, right next to the sidewalk. (The trees are huge oaks that belong to my neighbor.) However, the TiVo S3 idea keeps floating around in my head.

I haven't seen it's interface, but it does seem far superior to the 8300 from what I've read. HD aside, how do the S2's compare to the S3's in general operation? My wife would freak if I bought an S3 to play with, but an eBay S2 could be possible...

mike

HD aside, how do the S2's compare to the S3's in general operation?

On a related note, I'm curious...

If you have an S2 and don't subscribe to the service, what happens? Does it go dead? Do you just lose the program guide, but can still do manual recordings? Does my shiny new plasma release all it's gases in a death-ray akin to what red shirts experienced in the original Star Trek series?

mike

I haven't seen it's interface, but it does seem far superior to the 8300 from what I've read. HD aside, how do the S2's compare to the S3's in general operation? My wife would freak if I bought an S3 to play with, but an eBay S2 could be possible...

mike

S3 and S3 is as different as a Yugo and a Lexas. First, S3 doesn't use a cable box the S2 it's required. The S3 uses cable cards. Second and more importantly the S2 cannot record HD.

The S2 does have MRV and TiVo to Go, but rumour now has it that those features will become available by end of 2007.

Now as far as the wife goes wait until that SA 8300 screws up a couple of her programs. Then bring the S3 in, show her the Wishlist and how reliable and easy the TiVo interface is and she will not only be happy she will thank you. My wife was so upset with the SA 8300 she gladly gave me the go ahead to purchase the S3, however she was familiar with TiVo from our D-TiVo days. :)

I read on dbstalk.com that STO-HD is on channel 381. I could not receive the HD broadcast Friday night or tonight on my Dish ViP 622 receiver. I'd be willing to bet that it is only on the satellite at 129°, not the satellite at 61.5°. I'm calling Dish to have 'em set up 129°.

You are correct in that STO-HD is broadcast only on Sat. 129. Unfortunately for many of us here in the NE, 129 is very problematic and many have significant signal drop-outs (myself included). That's why I had E* installers replace 129 with 61.5 a few months ago. As of now, all other 129 channels are also broadcast on 61.5 except STO-HD. Now I am in a bit of a dilemma as I am missing out on STO-HD.

mnowlin, as a side note, TW does carries STO-HD? I thought Hookbill posted a while back that TW doesn't have any RSN's in HD yet?

mnowlin, as a side note, TW does carries STO-HD? I thought Hookbill posted a while back that TW doesn't have any RSN's in HD yet?

What I said was that TW doesn't carry RSN's in the manner that D* does. It carrys STO-HD on channel 798 in my area but that is also used for Cav's HD games as well.

Let's say you subscribe to MLB Extra Innings on D*. You may very well have access to the HD broadcast of whatever game you are watching via RSN's that D* has available. TW doesn't offer anything like that.

And of course TW carries STO in HD, they were the big partner that kicked off STO to begin with. They had it before anybody did, including old Adelphia. :)

What I said was that TW doesn't carry RSN's in the manner that D* does. It carrys STO-HD on channel 798 in my area but that is also used for Cav's HD games as well.

Let's say you subscribe to MLB Extra Innings on D*. You may very well have access to the HD broadcast of whatever game you are watching via RSN's that D* has available. TW doesn't offer anything like that.

And of course TW carries STO in HD, they were the big partner that kicked off STO to begin with. They had it before anybody did, including old Adelphia. :)

Ok, good to know. Thanks for the clarification.

Now as far as the wife goes wait until that SA 8300 screws up a couple of her programs. Then bring the S3 in, show her the Wishlist and how reliable and easy the TiVo interface is and she will not only be happy she will thank you. My wife was so upset with the SA 8300 she gladly gave me the go ahead to purchase the S3, however she was familiar with TiVo from our D-TiVo days. :)

From what you've described, you had a very early 8300 with older firmware. Early adopters always get to see a new product's rough edges. And to be fair, there's still some mpeg weirdness going on with the (still new) S3 also.

The current firmware in the 8300 is quite good.

CK

From what you've described, you had a very early 8300 with older firmware. Early adopters always get to see a new product's rough edges. And to be fair, there's still some mpeg weirdness going on with the (still new) S3 also.

The current firmware in the 8300 is quite good.

CK

I had an SA 8300 as early as last September and it was running 1.87.XX.X (because I don't remember all the numbers :) ). To the best of my knowledge after two additional attempts to go to 1.88 firmware TW has dropped back to 1.87. So I doubt there is anything new or different going on. Also the last SA 8300 I returned was in August.

No, the problem is in that the SA 8300 is a cheaply designed pos and you get what you pay for.

Anyone catch the feature on WJW Fox-8 News last night featuring their newly revamped HD influenced studio? Interesting to see the way HD is influencing the way media is being delivered.

Anyone catch the feature on WJW Fox-8 News last night featuring their newly revamped HD influenced studio? Interesting to see the way HD is influencing the way media is being delivered.


Its well and good, but until everyone starts to boost their signal strength, those of us in the out-skirts will continue to get a weak signal. Whats the magic distance from transmitter about 25 miles if I remember?

Tom Rivers

Anyone catch the feature on WJW Fox-8 News last night featuring their newly revamped HD influenced studio? Interesting to see the way HD is influencing the way media is being delivered.

Yep, I took a look at it a few times yesterday and this morning. It looks spectacular, it's funny though they did a sound off on it and it seemed most people didn't like it that much. Probably because they don't have HD.

Peasants.....off with their heads. :p

The E* technician just finished moving my HD dish from 61.5° to 129°. STO-HD is now showing up in the program guide on channel 381. Indians baseball in HD tonight!

Its well and good, but until everyone starts to boost their signal strength, those of us in the out-skirts will continue to get a weak signal. Whats the magic distance from transmitter about 25 miles if I remember?

Tom Rivers

Tom, I live about 55 miles from WJW's transmitter and receive an excellent signal from WJW-DT. Both WEWS-DT and WJW-DT come in over 95% on my Dish ViP 622 receiver.

My setup includes a Channel Master 4228 antenna, Channel Master 7777 mast mounted amplifier and a rotator.

Its well and good, but until everyone starts to boost their signal strength, those of us in the out-skirts will continue to get a weak signal. Whats the magic distance from transmitter about 25 miles if I remember?

Tom Rivers
Each station differs on how far out their signal can be received.

For example from here in the Cleveland antenna farm I can watch Youngstown's WKBN-DT 24/7 @ 56 miles!

In Auburn you should have no problems with most Cleveland stations with the well documented exception of WOIO-DT and possibly WKYC-DT.

In any event don't try to get digital signals OTA with an indoor antenna unless you can see the towers and can point your antenna directly at them. Ihad a chance to play around with a cheap TV that had an ATSC tuner and a cheap set of rabbit ears in Parma Hts. While it did get a signal move around the room and it looses lock.

I just went to Titan TV for tonight's OTA guide, it still has "Annenberg CPB Channel" listed for 50.1.

So for those of you with D* that may be the reason why your EPG's are wrong.

I had an SA 8300 as early as last September and it was running 1.87.XX.X (because I don't remember all the numbers :) ). To the best of my knowledge after two additional attempts to go to 1.88 firmware TW has dropped back to 1.87. So I doubt there is anything new or different going on. Also the last SA 8300 I returned was in August.

No, the problem is in that the SA 8300 is a cheaply designed pos and you get what you pay for.

They finally got the new firmware to stick. It's been loaded for a couple of months now. The biggest improvements, imho, are that you can now set the day of the week and the time for recurring recordings and you can watch a a recording that is in progress from the beginning and it doesn't cut you off when the recording stops.

They finally got the new firmware to stick. It's been loaded for a couple of months now. The biggest improvements, imho, are that you can now set the day of the week and the time for recurring recordings and you can watch a a recording that is in progress from the beginning and it doesn't cut you off when the recording stops.

I wasn't aware that they did install the new firmware again. I'm aware of what the firmware did and you are right, being able to watch while recording was the best feature. I thought the fourth speed was too fast but oddly enough someone in the TiVo forum is complaining that the S3 doesn't have 4 speeds. :) Different strokes for different folks.

One thing I am quite aware of however is the firmware did absolutely nothing in dealing with the problems I was having with the SA 8300. I was still getting partial recordings and still missing recordings.

This is a strange issue because I know for a fact that many people in our area did not experience these issues. I also know that many did. If the SA 8300 was reliable I would never have got the S3, it really wasn't my desire to shell out 800 bucks for a DVR. But after two years of problems, 3 different SA 8300's and one SA 8000 I just couldn't take it anymore. I babysit that thing daily and it still failed me.

For those of you who don't have problems consider yourself fortunate. I just wasn't so lucky.

The E* technician just finished moving my HD dish from 61.5° to 129°. STO-HD is now showing up in the program guide on channel 381. Indians baseball in HD tonight!

Make sure you receive the 129 channels (http://www.dishchannelchart.com/) with a steady signal. Having a dish pointed at 61.5 in the first place is not typical for the average install. Instead, 61.5 is usually reserved for those (myself included) who have problems with the failing 129. As of now, the only channel that is solely on 129 and not also available at 61.5 is STO-HD.

Best of luck with 129. Go Tribe! :D

I had an SA 8300 as early as last September and it was running 1.87.XX.X (because I don't remember all the numbers :) ). To the best of my knowledge after two additional attempts to go to 1.88 firmware TW has dropped back to 1.87. So I doubt there is anything new or different going on. Also the last SA 8300 I returned was in August. .

The current firmware in the SARA areas is v1.89.

Hookbill, what's the current version for Tivo? I've heard two different things regarding the way they designate their firmware versions.

Make sure you receive the 129 channels (http://www.dishchannelchart.com/) with a steady signal. Having a dish pointed at 61.5 in the first place is not typical for the average install. Instead, 61.5 is usually reserved for those (myself included) who have problems with the failing 129. As of now, the only channel that is solely on 129 and not also available at 61.5 is STO-HD.

Best of luck with 129. Go Tribe! :D

That's a cool web site. Thanks!

So far everything is fine. I'm enjoying the Indians in HD as I'm writing this. :)

My E* installation is on the eastward slope of my garage roof. It was installed on a cold December day when there was about 3" of snow on the roof. 129° is not visible from the original location.

Today's installer moved the 61.5° dish to my previous D* location near the peak of my roof, and it has a clear view of 129°. The installer left the mount for the 61.5° location. See the attached picture. If I have problems, I'll move the dish back myself. I'm going to have to get after the wisteria that is about to cover the main dish. :(

Quick question. I have TWC basic (broadcast) only. I have a QAM tuner on my computer, so I can get quite a few digital channels, and that works great. My question is, I SWEAR on the first day I had it I went past a channel that was a blue screen, with text that said, check back here for the next Indians HD broadcast at 6:30pm tonight. That was a few days ago, and I don't remember which channel number it was. Did I see this right, because I could not find it tonight during the game? Do I get a channel that broadcasts the Tribe in HD via QAM? Thanks in advance.

Lighting Guy,
Sometimes via QAM I would get some channels intermittenly. Like a couple of times I saw the last half hour of a movie on HBO, but then no matter how hard I tried I could not get it to be a repeat occurance. The QAM signals are glitchy like that, and I think it depends on what kind of tuner you have. (not that any tuner will regularly pick up HBO or STO-HD) So to answer your question, no you should not get STO-SD or STO-HD via QAM.

The current firmware in the SARA areas is v1.89.

Hookbill, what's the current version for Tivo? I've heard two different things regarding the way they designate their firmware versions.

Current version for the S3 is 8.3. I wasn't aware that the latest version of SARA was 1.89, I thought it would be 1.88. Can you see any difference between 1.89 and 1.88?

Quick question. I have TWC basic (broadcast) only. I have a QAM tuner on my computer, so I can get quite a few digital channels, and that works great. My question is, I SWEAR on the first day I had it I went past a channel that was a blue screen, with text that said, check back here for the next Indians HD broadcast at 6:30pm tonight. That was a few days ago, and I don't remember which channel number it was. Did I see this right, because I could not find it tonight during the game? Do I get a channel that broadcasts the Tribe in HD via QAM? Thanks in advance.

I have the same setup as you and I get STO-HD on 106.1. This morning it says the next game is 7/24/07 at 6:30pm against the Red Sox. I used to get MOJO the same way, but alas it's no longer there. I would have loved to have seen a few of the free HowardTV on demand shows.

That's wrong. There's a game on STO-HD at noon today.

That's wrong. There's a game on STO-HD at noon today.

You probably have the HD tier as part of your service, we do not. Our QAM tuner picks up a channel that occasionally carries the games live.

I had a couple HR-20's (D* HD PVR) installed today. I hooked up the OTA antenna after the installer left. I get all the digital channels except for 3-1. I can get it with my Sony TV tuner and got it at 92 strength on my HD Tivo. I'm only around 5 miles south of the antenna farm and have a roof top antenna.

Bottom line: Has anyone discovered that the HR-20 has problems receiving low VHF channels and channel 3-1 in particular(digital channel 2 I believe)? Does anyone get 3-1 OTA on their HR-20?

Thanks for the help.

This was a bug in an earlier software version, but was corrected in a later update (I get 3-1 & 3-2 with no problem).

Try to force a software download with the following steps:

1. With the box on, push the reset button. As soon as the blue welcome screen comes up, press the following remote buttons: 0 2 4 6 8 (Make sure you take your time so the box gets the signal)

2. The box will then compare your software version with the current version and will download the new version if one is available.

Frankly, the installer should have done this, but I don't trust them.

There's an active forum over on dbstalk that discusses software updates for Directv boxes. D* actually regularly sends out software updates ahead of time to people willing to "test drive" the new versions. Here's the link:

http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=118

Hope this helps!


I had a couple HR-20's (D* HD PVR) installed today. I hooked up the OTA antenna after the installer left. I get all the digital channels except for 3-1. I can get it with my Sony TV tuner and got it at 92 strength on my HD Tivo. I'm only around 5 miles south of the antenna farm and have a roof top antenna.

Bottom line: Has anyone discovered that the HR-20 has problems receiving low VHF channels and channel 3-1 in particular(digital channel 2 I believe)? Does anyone get 3-1 OTA on their HR-20?

Thanks for the help.

I have the same setup as you and I get STO-HD on 106.1. This morning it says the next game is 7/24/07 at 6:30pm against the Red Sox. I used to get MOJO the same way, but alas it's no longer there. I would have loved to have seen a few of the free HowardTV on demand shows.

Excellent. You are correct, I swore that I saw that and I'm not crazy, just couldn't remember where, and didn't want to step through ALL the encypted QAMs. Thanks! (although sad now they are out of town the rest of the week.)

I had a couple HR-20's (D* HD PVR) installed today. I hooked up the OTA antenna after the installer left. I get all the digital channels except for 3-1. I can get it with my Sony TV tuner and got it at 92 strength on my HD Tivo. I'm only around 5 miles south of the antenna farm and have a roof top antenna.

Bottom line: Has anyone discovered that the HR-20 has problems receiving low VHF channels and channel 3-1 in particular(digital channel 2 I believe)? Does anyone get 3-1 OTA on their HR-20?

Thanks for the help.

Give it a day to update to the newest software. Once it updates, you should have better luck with WKYC. The newest software allows for Low-VHF support. The tuner in the HR20 is no where as good as in most of the newer TVs on the market today. It doesn't handle multipath very well. But you are very close to the towers and shouldn't have an issue picking it up.

Can you confirm what software version you currently have on your HR20?

edit... Oops. Didn't see the other response.

Give it a day to update to the newest software. Once it updates, you should have better luck with WKYC. The newest software allows for Low-VHF support. The tuner in the HR20 is no where as good as in most of the newer TVs on the market today. It doesn't handle multipath very well. But you are very close to the towers and shouldn't have an issue picking it up.

Can you confirm what software version you currently have on your HR20?

edit... Oops. Didn't see the other response.

It has already updated to the 0x168 (latest version). If it makes any difference, I have the "-100" version of the HR20.

I could even get 3-1 on my old Samsung HD box TS360 as well as my SXRD and the HR10-250 (signal strength of 92). Plus, I could get it 6 years ago on a first generation Mits HD STB. Has me "stumped". Can get it on everything but the HR20-100.

But, I have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the MPEG4 locals. I really can't tell any difference so far between them and the OTA stations.

Thanks to you and JTSCHERNE for the input.

Each station differs on how far out their signal can be received.

For example from here in the Cleveland antenna farm I can watch Youngstown's WKBN-DT 24/7 @ 56 miles!

In Auburn you should have no problems with most Cleveland stations with the well documented exception of WOIO-DT and possibly WKYC-DT.

In any event don't try to get digital signals OTA with an indoor antenna unless you can see the towers and can point your antenna directly at them. Ihad a chance to play around with a cheap TV that had an ATSC tuner and a cheap set of rabbit ears in Parma Hts. While it did get a signal move around the room and it looses lock.

Our problem has been that we use the tuner in the Direc$ tuner which is not too bad, new antenna, rotor all recently installed. Locking on to the signal through all the trees and small hills in geauga county is tough. 3.1 has never come in for us in the Rt 422 corridor, 5.1 and 8.1 are pretty much on the same line of sight for us. I have much cleaner view of Youngstown channels and use them as much as possible. Pittsburgh channel 11.1 came in even over the weekend while i had the rotor turned toward Youngstown. Its just weird to listen and watch Youngstown local news while living in the "cleveland area" I have to admit that 33.2 ? weather channel is way better than 19.2

Tom

Our problem has been that we use the tuner in the Direc$ tuner which is not too bad, new antenna, rotor all recently installed. Locking on to the signal through all the trees and small hills in geauga county is tough. 3.1 has never come in for us in the Rt 422 corridor, 5.1 and 8.1 are pretty much on the same line of sight for us. I have much cleaner view of Youngstown channels and use them as much as possible. Pittsburgh channel 11.1 came in even over the weekend while i had the rotor turned toward Youngstown. Its just weird to listen and watch Youngstown local news while living in the "cleveland area" I have to admit that 33.2 ? weather channel is way better than 19.2

Tom
Can you set up your antenna to get a decent picture (no snow or ghosting) on (analog) channel 3? If so, you should be able to get their digital signal on (physical) channel 2, only 6 MHz lower. The problem may not really be signal strength (or multipath) but interference from (analog) channel 2's in Detroit, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and beyond. Even the best of outdoor TV antennas don't have much directivity on channels 2, 3 or 4.

Ron

Can you set up your antenna to get a decent picture (no snow or ghosting) on (analog) channel 3? If so, you should be able to get their digital signal on (physical) channel 2, only 6 MHz lower. The problem may not really be signal strength (or multipath) but interference from (analog) channel 2's in Detroit, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and beyond. Even the best of outdoor TV antennas don't have much directivity on channels 2, 3 or 4.

Ron

Analog signal is perfect, no one on our street gets 3.1 at all with their antenna's, let alone 3.2 or the old 3.3

It has already updated to the 0x168 (latest version). If it makes any difference, I have the "-100" version of the HR20.

I could even get 3-1 on my old Samsung HD box TS360 as well as my SXRD and the HR10-250 (signal strength of 92). Plus, I could get it 6 years ago on a first generation Mits HD STB. Has me "stumped". Can get it on everything but the HR20-100.

But, I have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the MPEG4 locals. I really can't tell any difference so far between them and the OTA stations.

Thanks to you and JTSCHERNE for the input.

I can usually get 3-1 on my Samsung DLP tuner without issue. Some breakups are present, but I am 38 miles away from the towers. I bet I can only get 3-1 on my HR20 about 5% of the time. I also have the -100 version of the HR20. I don't usually bother with 3-1 since, as you stated, the quality of the MPEG4 locals is really good. I honestly cannot tell the difference.

Did you test the signal strength? Are you getting anything on the meter for 3-1 or 3-2?

I can usually get 3-1 on my Samsung DLP tuner without issue. Some breakups are present, but I am 38 miles away from the towers. I bet I can only get 3-1 on my HR20 about 5% of the time. I also have the -100 version of the HR20. I don't usually bother with 3-1 since, as you stated, the quality of the MPEG4 locals is really good. I honestly cannot tell the difference.

Did you test the signal strength? Are you getting anything on the meter for 3-1 or 3-2?

On the HD Tivo I had a signal strength of "92" for 3-1. As strong or stronger than any of the others.

I can't find a way to measure signal strength for OTA stations on the HR-20. Am I missing something?

Anyone have the specs on the TW box I would receive if I subscibed to TW's bare-bones package? I am just looking to get locals in HD while I wait for E* to add LiL's.....

I can usually get 3-1 on my Samsung DLP tuner without issue. Some breakups are present, but I am 38 miles away from the towers. I bet I can only get 3-1 on my HR20 about 5% of the time. I also have the -100 version of the HR20. I don't usually bother with 3-1 since, as you stated, the quality of the MPEG4 locals is really good. I honestly cannot tell the difference.

Did you test the signal strength? Are you getting anything on the meter for 3-1 or 3-2?


dead zero on signal strenght, even using the antenna companies professional meter. Directv installers meter read zero also. They all claim it has something to do with node / antinode's (and I didn't sleep at a Holiday Inn Express either)

But, I have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the MPEG4 locals. I really can't tell any difference so far between them and the OTA stations.


I wish I was in your boat. With E*, I am still waitng for LiL's. I wish I had the problem of having to choose between OTA HD and D* provided HD Locals! Must be nice! :D

dead zero on signal strenght, even using the antenna companies professional meter. Directv installers meter read zero also. They all claim it has something to do with node / antinode's (and I didn't sleep at a Holiday Inn Express either)

Wouldn't that issue be the same on any receiver at the same location?

dead zero on signal strenght, even using the antenna companies professional meter. Directv installers meter read zero also. They all claim it has something to do with node / antinode's (and I didn't sleep at a Holiday Inn Express either)

I can't promise the same rates as a Holiday in, but:

http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/GBSSCI/PHYS/CLASS/waves/u10l4c.html

So the interference standing waves could come from reflections or other channel 2's.

:D

I can't promise the same rates as a Holiday in, but:

http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/GBSSCI/PHYS/CLASS/waves/u10l4c.html

So the interference standing waves could come from reflections or other channel 2's.

:D

How about my issue? Presume since I get a picture on other receivers fed digital channel 2 by my rooftop antenna, the issue on the HR20 must be something other than nodes/anti nodes (i.e., phenomena is specific to a geographical point, not a specific piece of electronics).

The HR20-100 is the newer version and is getting software updates behind the HR20-700, but both are at 0168 version. As I mentioned earlier, I had the -700 and originally couldn't get 3 OTA. However, this was corrected quite awhile ago. You may want to contact technical support at D* to see if this is still a problem with the -100.

How about my issue? Presume since I get a picture on other receivers fed digital channel 2 by my rooftop antenna, the issue on the HR20 must be something other than nodes/anti nodes (i.e., phenomena is specific to a geographical point, not a specific piece of electronics).

You are probably correct and it has for to do with the RF front end of the HR20 and the generation of chipset is has to filter out the unwanted signals and correct multipath. I haven't followed this entire thread but have you tried connecting the HR20 directly to the antenna downlead (no splitters) with and without a preamp if you have one?

Even the best of outdoor TV antennas don't have much directivity on channels 2, 3 or 4. If this is true, then why do I lose WKYC-DT just by a slight change in my antenna? I'll admit I'm in a unique situation being in the antenna farm, however I used to think that the VHF low band was a slam dunk when it's anything but! My experience has been that VHF high band is less directional (getting WOIO-DT off the side of a UHF antenna for example - that would not happen with WKYC). What may work for you is a VHF-only (in fact a ch 2 only) yagi antenna. It's not worth investing in the current WKYC-DT, as they are moving to ch 17 by 2009.

In the meantime I suggest watching 21 Chief's station - you will get the same NBC programs with less probability of getting the network preempted. The OTA Indians games can be seen on WKBN-DT's subchannel WYFX 27.2. It's only SD, but at least you'll get the game that WKYC is carrying.

If this is true, then why do I lose WKYC-DT just by a slight change in my antenna?

I'm probably the most unqualified person to respond about OTA issues, but I do know this. With OT, HD either you get it or you don't. It's not anything like analog where you can get some what of a signal and pull it in.

Yes Hook, what you say is true! The node/antinode discussion above may be an explanation. When I lose ch 3 my signal strength goes from 125 to ~70. Keep in mind I can see the WKYC tower out my back door. If only I could see the reflected signal that is canceling out the direct signal.

Yes Hook, what you say is true! The node/antinode discussion above may be an explanation. When I lose ch 3 my signal strength goes from 125 to ~70. Keep in mind I can see the WKYC tower out my back door. If only I could see the reflected signal that is canceling out the direct signal.
Have you tried adding attenuation? You might be able to select the main (strong) signal by reducing the reflected (weaker) signals. I know that you must be subject to some heavy RF overloads.

You are probably correct and it has for to do with the RF front end of the HR20 and the generation of chipset is has to filter out the unwanted signals and correct multipath. I haven't followed this entire thread but have you tried connecting the HR20 directly to the antenna downlead (no splitters) with and without a preamp if you have one?

Only splitter is one in the basement where cable enters the house. I can't remove it, but signal strength sure isn't my problem. I don't use a pre amp.

All other OTA channels on the HR20-100 show strength of 95-100. Channel 3-1 shows "not acquired". On my HD Tivo it had a strength of "92" which was as high as any of the others. Even on my old "first generation" Mitsubishi STB, the 3-1 (digital channel 2) worked fine. In fact, it's worked fine on a total of five prior receivers/TV tuners.

Given the above and the fact that older HR20-700's had a software fix a couple months ago that allowed them to acquire low VHF signals, I'm going after Direct TV technical to ask if the HR20-100's failed to get the same "fix". Nothing else appears reasonable. I even tried attenuators (because of high signal strength) and they only lowered others to around 90 but still "no acquired" for 3-1.

If anyone is "acquiring" 3-1 with one of the HR20-100's, I would appreciate hearing about it. Plus, let me know if you are having a problem similar to mine.

Thanks.

Off topic a bit, but is there a way to read this thread via an RSS reader? I don't know if that has to be enabled thread by thread or not...

Thanks for any help.

Talked to D* techs. Program managers had me "reset everything" on one of my HR20-100's. That failed to resolve "not acquiring" 3-1. They said it was a previously undefined software issue (thought it had already been fixed) and they would call me back with an estimated "fix" date or request for more information.

Talked to D* techs. Program managers had me "reset everything" on one of my HR20-100's. That failed to resolve "not acquiring" 3-1. They said it was a previously undefined software issue (thought it had already been fixed) and they would call me back with an estimated "fix" date or request for more information.

Gotta love "techs"...... they don't really sound like they know what they are talking about. You may want to head over the dbstalk.com and let the folks over there help you with your issue. The HR20 forum over there is very knowledgeable.

All I know is, after it updates to 0x168, your HR20-100 should be able to pick up 3-1.

Gotta love "techs"...... they don't really sound like they know what they are talking about. You may want to head over the dbstalk.com and let the folks over there help you with your issue. The HR20 forum over there is very knowledgeable.

All I know is, after it updates to 0x168, your HR20-100 should be able to pick up 3-1.

Thanks. I read the dbstalk HR20 Forum on a daily basis. I've been posting the issue over there since I noticed the problem. Finally got Earl's attention and just provided him more info. Like you, he thinks the HR20-100 should not have an issue with Cleveland's 3-1.

My "tech" put me on hold and spent around 10 minutes talking to a software supervisor in the shop responsible for the HR20. He was the one that had me do a "clear everything". When that didn't work (i.e., still "not acquired") he was the one who said it appeared that they had a software problem again.

I do have 0x168. Tech said that the software fix was made 2 months ago; but now the software "guy" was afraid that 0x168 may have "screwed it up" again.

This is definitely confusing for me. SXRD tuner gets 3-1 as good as any of the other digitals. HD Tivo (strength 92 for 3-1) and 2 prior satellite receivers had no problem. Neither of my new HR20-100's will acquire 3-1 but get all other digitals at 95-100 strength. It may not be an issue between the HR20 and low VHF channels; but sure sounds like it.

Do you actually have an HR20-100 that currently acquires 3-1?

I see 8.1 OTA finally fixed their live news set. Noise levels are back down and the sharpness and resolution have returned to normal. The British Open on 5.1 could hardly be called "HD". It looked like ordinary digital widescreen to me. The PBS desert series really looked great.
JJK

The British Open on 5.1 could hardly be called "HD". It looked like ordinary digital widescreen to me.


It is just digital wide screen, since its the video feed from the BBC.

I'm looking for input from anyone near Cleveland using an HR20-100 DVR (not the older and much more prevalent "HR20-700") with an OTA antenna input.

Can your DVR "acquire" the OTA 3-1 signal?

I've had input here and at dbstalk which advises that the HR20-100's were "fixed" of the bug that stopped them from receiving low VHF channels. However, I haven't heard from anyone who can actually "acquire" Cleveland 3-1 (digital channel 2) with one of the HR20-100's. Neither of my new ones (with the current firmware) will acquire the channel. If one person confirms acquisition, then I have two defective DVR's. Otherwise, there is still a software problem.

Thanks for any information.

P.S. I know 3-1 is a problem station. However, I've had two TV tuners and 4 different STB's that receive it at my location (5-6 miles south of the antenna farm with a good rooftop antenna).

Anyone have the specs on the TW box I would receive if I subscibed to TW's bare-bones package? I am just looking to get locals in HD while I wait for E* to add LiL's.....
I don't believe you'd get any "box". Just a cable that would provide signals for your TV to decode. There have been some reports that this includes the "clear" HD feeds that an HD TV can natively decode.

If this is true, then why do I lose WKYC-DT just by a slight change in my antenna? I'll admit I'm in a unique situation being in the antenna farm, however I used to think that the VHF low band was a slam dunk when it's anything but!
At your location, it probably has more to do with multipath. Very slight changes in antenna orientation can have a huge effect on multipath and the phase of the multipath signals.

There have been some reports that this includes the "clear" HD feeds that an HD TV can natively decode.

It can decode it if he has a HD ready set. If it's not HD ready, you can't receive them without a box.

It can decode it if he has a HD ready set. If it's not HD ready, you can't receive them without a box.

More specifically it can decode it if it has a QAM capable tuner. HD ready generally denotes ATSC 8VSB, not necessarily ATSC QAM. A cable card slot is a good sign for a QAM capable tuner, but the lack of one doesn't necessarily mean the set doesn't have a QAM capable tuner.

I don't believe you'd get any "box". Just a cable that would provide signals for your TV to decode. There have been some reports that this includes the "clear" HD feeds that an HD TV can natively decode.

If true, this is what I was fearing since the whole idea of me getting cable in the first place was to feed HD locals to the projector in the basement. I would need a box that I could connect to via component or HDMI since the projector doesn't have a coaxial input or HD tuner. Any other ideas of the cheapest way to route HD locals to a projector?

If true, this is what I was fearing since the whole idea of me getting cable in the first place was to feed HD locals to the projector in the basement. I would need a box that I could connect to via component or HDMI since the projector doesn't have a coaxial input or HD tuner. Any other ideas of the cheapest way to route HD locals to a projector?

External HD-cable-box OR HDTV-tuner-box.

External HD-cable-box OR HDTV-tuner-box.

ugh. I said "cheap solution". I might as well just get the H20/HR20 that I was trying to avoid. I wonder if TW would rent me a box upon request to just pick up locals.

Yes. That's what I had for awhile. It was a pretty reasonable price.

(Opening can of worms here but...) RJ-Tech makes a box (I have one) theat decodes ATSC and QAM signals. It then converts the output resolution to 480i. Sounds not good, but the outputted 480i pic is VERY clean and looks fantastic on my old 30"CRT HD-ready tv. The box is actually designed for output to an SDTV, but I got it as a cheap way to watch hdtv via component output to that tv. The box can be had for like around $75 on fLeaBay. I think maybe TigerDirect or NewEgg and a couple other places sell it too.

ugh. I said "cheap solution". I might as well just get the H20/HR20 that I was trying to avoid. I wonder if TW would rent me a box upon request to just pick up locals.

No offense but you select a system for how your television is delivered, then you live with the available choices. If you're looking for "cheap" way to get that HD delivered you really need to look at the choices of receiving television and find what is the best for your situation.

This stuff with a little cable here, a dash of satellite there, may make some sense in some situations, like in the old days when there were no locals on satellite but I don't think it's worth it anymore.

Unfortunately not everyone lives in an area or situation where OTA is available. If you are one of those people (like me) then you either pony up for HD or move.

ugh. I said "cheap solution". I might as well just get the H20/HR20 that I was trying to avoid. I wonder if TW would rent me a box upon request to just pick up locals.

I have a set-up that you may want to look in to. I have the bare bones basic cable from TWC. That feeds in to the MyHD card in my computer (built in ntsc, atsc and qam tuners). That then goes via VGA into an HD ready TV.

The MyHD card costs a bit, but then you have all 3 tuners, and a PVR on your computer. Any more questions let me know.

(Opening can of worms here but...) RJ-Tech makes a box (I have one) theat decodes ATSC and QAM signals. It then converts the output resolution to 480i. Sounds not good, but the outputted 480i pic is VERY clean and looks fantastic on my old 30"CRT HD-ready tv. The box is actually designed for output to an SDTV, but I got it as a cheap way to watch hdtv via component output to that tv. The box can be had for like around $75 on fLeaBay. I think maybe TigerDirect or NewEgg and a couple other places sell it too.

Sorry, but if you are outputting 480i from the box you aren't watching HD. You are watching a program from the HD channel; but you are at best watching an upconverted picture on your TV.

Sorry, but if you are outputting 480i from the box you aren't watching HD. You are watching a program from the HD channel; but you are at best watching an upconverted picture on your TV.

Ummm, ya. I thought I already pretty much said that, but thanks for making it even more clear. :) The 480i pic is VERY clean and looks just about as good as HD does on my other TV that has the tuners built in.

Ummm, ya. I thought I already pretty much said that, but thanks for making it even more clear. :) The 480i pic is VERY clean and looks just about as good as HD does on my other TV that has the tuners built in.

I've got a couple of NTSC tuner cards and I've noticed that 480i looks a lot better on the computer's monitor because it's being deinterlaced by the computer, producing a 480p display. The result is surprisingly good when considering that there's no iincrease in resolution beyond 480i; there's just an apparent increase because of the lack of visible scan lines.

I just was watching FOX 8 news on their beautiful new HD set. They were talking about a couple of Ohio State games that will not be televised in our area because TW doesn't carry the Big 10 Network.

The cost would be $1.10 monthly per person and once again TW says just like the NFL network, no unless it goes on a sports tier which Big 10 doesn't want. Apparently the majority of the programming will not be sports related.

Now personally I don't want to pay for either one of them so as far as I'm concerned I'll stand with TW on this issue.

You may now begin to throw objects. Please keep it to soft things like vegetables. No rocks or sticks. :D

I'm looking for input from anyone near Cleveland using an HR20-100 DVR (not the older and much more prevalent "HR20-700") with an OTA antenna input.

Can your DVR "acquire" the OTA 3-1 signal?
I just checked my HR20-100 & at this point in time it is not receiving 3-1. Attempting to tune to 3-1 yields a "Searching for Signal 771" error. The HD Tivo that was there before receives 3-1 fine as does the HD Tivo upstairs & the Sony SXRD's internal tuner, all of which are on the same antenna.

I thought I checked that all the OTA signals worked when I hooked it up a few months ago, but I can't be 100% positive. Apparently I'm recording the MPEG4 signals for my recordings rather than the OTA input. The 771 error almost appears like a satellite channel that 3-1 is mis-mapped too, but that's a SWAG at best...

I have an HR20-700 in the same setup, but haven't hooked up the OTA input as it wasn't yet enabled when I added it to the system. Perhaps I should switch them at this point?

Let me know if you need any other feedback...

I just checked my HR20-100 & at this point in time it is not receiving 3-1. Attempting to tune to 3-1 yields a "Searching for Signal 771" error. The HD Tivo that was there before receives 3-1 fine as does the HD Tivo upstairs & the Sony SXRD's internal tuner, all of which are on the same antenna.

I thought I checked that all the OTA signals worked when I hooked it up a few months ago, but I can't be 100% positive. Apparently I'm recording the MPEG4 signals for my recordings rather than the OTA input. The 771 error almost appears like a satellite channel that 3-1 is mis-mapped too, but that's a SWAG at best...

I have an HR20-700 in the same setup, but haven't hooked up the OTA input as it wasn't yet enabled when I added it to the system. Perhaps I should switch them at this point?

Let me know if you need any other feedback...

Thanks!! I've been trying for a couple days and this is the first germane input I've received. The DirectTV tech and programmers said the "100" was fixed in May but 0x168 must have messed it up again. All other input has been that it was okay now; but none were specific that "theirs" now worked on low VHF channels.

I guess our best hope is that, after my call, DirecTV actually added this issue to their list of required fixes and that in a month or two it will be fixed again.

Thanks again!

As for the DirecTV program information, we've contacted the service that provided program info to them. Apparently there has been no change. Since no one in our office has DirecTV HD can you tell me what they are running? Is it the Create! channel info (i.e. how-to series rather than PBS documentaries and nature series). We'll keep calling until they get it right.

FYI --- DirecTV is now sending the correct guide data for 49.1. I first noticed on Monday evening. Now I can record the PBS HD stuff!

However, the audio drop outs on 49.1 are pretty bad right now. They are occurring every few seconds. The picture still looks great! Hopefully they are close to getting their encoder issues solved.

I haven't tried in a long time, but my QAM tuner in my Fusion HDTV5USB card picked up the HDBON (798) channel for months. That's the channel being asked about, which carries STO/Indians and FSN Ohio/Cavs when they have HD games.

I don't know if it's changed, though. Even my Westy is getting fed from an SA8000HD box.

Oh, and hookbill? Have you heard about the lower-priced TiVo HD (sort of a "S3 lite")?

It comes out in the next few weeks at $299 MSRP, and seems to be nearly equivalent to the S3, give or take a bell or whistle or two.

Oh, and hookbill? Have you heard about the lower-priced TiVo HD (sort of a "S3 lite")?

It comes out in the next few weeks at $299 MSRP, and seems to be nearly equivalent to the S3, give or take a bell or whistle or two.

Yes, I'm only too well aware of it. I'll probably pick one up if they ever make MRV available (and only if it's not limited to SD).

One of the "bells and whistles" that are missing on the new TiVo is THX certified. That's not as minor as some of the other things. You need to meet certain requirements in technology to get that certification. I'm sure there will be a great deal of debate about the two once it actually starts to get into peoples homes.

In any case it's got to be 100 times better then the SA 8300. :)

In any case it's got to be 100 times better then the SA 8300. :)

No kidding. :D

I'm not all that sure about it, since I have this sinking feeling TWC will ramp up SDV sooner rather than later - which will effectively make whatever channels unavailable to the TiVo.

Sounds very good otherwise, tho.

I just was watching FOX 8 news on their beautiful new HD set. They were talking about a couple of Ohio State games that will not be televised in our area because TW doesn't carry the Big 10 Network.

The cost would be $1.10 monthly per person and once again TW says just like the NFL network, no unless it goes on a sports tier which Big 10 doesn't want. Apparently the majority of the programming will not be sports related.

Now personally I don't want to pay for either one of them so as far as I'm concerned I'll stand with TW on this issue.

You may now begin to throw objects. Please keep it to soft things like vegetables. No rocks or sticks. :D

I only really watch the Bowl games or those on holidays anyways...so it doesn't matter to me, either.

No kidding. :D

I'm not all that sure about it, since I have this sinking feeling TWC will ramp up SDV sooner rather than later - which will effectively make whatever channels unavailable to the TiVo.

Sounds very good otherwise, tho.

Now let's just use a little common sense here. They still have not figured out a way to unify all the channels in the area, an operation that I heard would be completed in June. It's almost August. They can't even think about SDV until they do that.

When they do implement SDV it will probably affect very few of the channels I record the majority of my programming on, which is on the Big 4 networks. I'm a bit concerned about loosing ESPN & ESPN2 but I'm crossing my fingures and toes that those won't be brought in I really don't want to lose TNTHD because that provides a large part of my Summer entertainment. Then there is also Major League Baseball, so yes, I have some concerns.

I also believe that somehow TiVo is going to figure a way to work this out with the cable companies. You know TiVo just as well as I do and I don't see them letting us just getting stuck. Cable companies have said they want to work this out to. So maybe I'm just being an optomistic TiVo Fany Boy, but that's how I see it.

Either way to go back to the SA 8300 wouldn't do any good since that thing plain didn't work. So I'll take what I can from my S3 and hope for the best.

Well, THIS should be fun...

Was working on the cabling for my living room setup today - when re-connecting the TWC line to my SA8300-HD, I held the SA case in one hand, grabbed the coax shield with the other hand, and got a painless, yet very notable zap.

Time to get out the meters. TWC will blame the power lines, the electrician will blame TWC, and I'm very suspicious that this is the cause of occasional significant HD tiling and why my on-demand services don't work a lot of the time....

Grrrr....

Was working on the cabling for my living room setup today - when re-connecting the TWC line to my SA8300-HD, I held the SA case in one hand, grabbed the coax shield with the other hand, and got a painless, yet very notable zap.

Time to get out the meters. TWC will blame the power lines, the electrician will blame TWC....
It may turn out that neither one has done anything wrong. It's not at all uncommon to find a voltage difference between the two grounds. How far apart physically are the ground rods for the cable and the AC? You may want to run a ground strap between them.

I would get out the meter and do some testing, though.

Well, THIS should be fun...
TWC will blame the power lines, the electrician will blame TWC, and I'm very suspicious that this is the cause of occasional significant HD tiling and why my on-demand services don't work a lot of the time....

Grrrr....


That "tiling" you see is the result of a cheap pos DVR. Once I got my S3 all that stopped.

Glad you're OK. :)

Well, THIS should be fun...

Was working on the cabling for my living room setup today - when re-connecting the TWC line to my SA8300-HD, I held the SA case in one hand, grabbed the coax shield with the other hand, and got a painless, yet very notable zap.

Time to get out the meters. TWC will blame the power lines, the electrician will blame TWC, and I'm very suspicious that this is the cause of occasional significant HD tiling and why my on-demand services don't work a lot of the time....

Grrrr....

It is normal to get a slight zap between 2 pieces of equipment. When the cable feed is grounded several hundred feet outside somewhere and your STB is grounded through an outlet tied to the home's ground there will be a slight difference in potential.

From my own experience I had major tiling on my Motorola PVR. Thanks to me my cable co found a couple misadjusted line amps and the signal level in my house was increased slightly. I still had the tiling and when I worked with the cable tech it turned out it was the power strip I was using. I am a firm believer in plugging both my TV and the cable box directly into the wall. I didn't buy a cheap $10 power strip either, it was over 25 bucks. In my broadcast experience, if you have a power problem the first place to look is the power strip.

That "tiling" you see is the result of a cheap pos DVR. Once I got my S3 all that stopped.

On the other hand, some of us don't have a "problem" with that "cheap pos DVR". In fact, it's been flawless for me for 9 months. Never missed a recording, no regular artifacting, etc.

That's not to say that the box is good...frankly it's awful from a usability and flexibility POV when compared to MythTV or Tivo. However, it's been very reliable working side-by-side with my MythTV setup...my SA8300 only handles encrypted QAM HD channels.

From a sampling of people in my area, it seems they also find the SA8300 to work properly and not have fundamental playback/recording problems.

Hi,
I have been waiting for WNEO HD on my Time Warner Elyria/Mentor cable. A new channel 85.1 popped up on my QAM tuner it has the garbled sound of WNEO. It is being scrambled! I thought TW could not scramble local channels. I receive WUAB HD, WEWS HD, WKYC HD WOIO HD, AND WJW HD (they are not scrambled) with my tv's QAM turner.

Hi,
I have been waiting for WNEO HD on my Time Warner Elyria/Mentor cable. A new channel 85.1 popped up on my QAM tuner it has the garbled sound of WNEO. It is being scrambled! I thought TW could not scramble local channels.

It is probably in the process of being configured and tested. Patience, grasshopper. :)

Well, I hope they do get WNEO soon. WVIZ does not broadcast in Dolby 5.1 and I would love to get some of their concerts in 5.1 sound.

Hi,
I have been waiting for WNEO HD on my Time Warner Elyria/Mentor cable. A new channel 85.1 popped up on my QAM tuner it has the garbled sound of WNEO.
This is great news! Thanks for sharing your discovery. I'll have to keep an eye on that.

KennedyJ,

Are you getting 55-1 OTA?

Ben Music

Hi,
I have been waiting for WNEO HD on my Time Warner Elyria/Mentor cable. A new channel 85.1 popped up on my QAM tuner it has the garbled sound of WNEO. It is being scrambled! I thought TW could not scramble local channels. I receive WUAB HD, WEWS HD, WKYC HD WOIO HD, AND WJW HD (they are not scrambled) with my tv's QAM turner.
Digital signals are not "scrambled" in the same way analog signals are scrambled. If you are getting garbage out, there must be garbage in at the cable head end.

Ditital signals are encrypted. Your clear QAM tuner cannot see the encrypted signals of channels like HBO at all (unless the head end unencrypts them).

BTW: When you say TW Elyria/Mentor are you referring to TW formerly Comcast, originally Continental Cablevision?

Digital signals are not "scrambled" in the same way analog signals are scrambled. If you are getting garbage out, there must be garbage in at the cable head end.

Ditital signals are encrypted. Your clear QAM tuner cannot see the encrypted signals of channels like HBO at all (unless the head end unencrypts them).

BTW: When you say TW Elyria/Mentor are you referring to TW formerly Comcast, originally Continental Cablevision?

First: I sorry I should have used the word Encrypted.
Second: Starting about a month ago all the encypted channels have a garble audio only, no picture. Which makes it a chore, because every time I scan for channels it picks up all the encrypted ones too. Then I have to delete a couple hundred channels that have no video.
Third: Yes it is the former Comcast, Continental.

By the way, does anyone with Time Warner in the Elyria/Mentor Area with a cablecard or box pickup channel 215(WNEO).

I was flipping around last night after 11PM and found TWC in Mentor has added WVIZHD. It was between WUAB and DIscovery HD. Anyone else notice it?

Ray

I was flipping around last night after 11PM and found TWC in Mentor has added WVIZHD. It was between WUAB and DIscovery HD. Anyone else notice it?

Ray


We've had WVIZHD now for two years over here in Geauga County. This is new for you?

for Cox cable subscribers, I called yesterday and asked if they weer adding any channels to keep up with Dish and DirecTv.

I got the answer I expected: "we have heard that we are adding channels this fall but I do not know any specific channels or how many there will be"

bummer.

We've had WVIZHD now for two years over here in Geauga County. This is new for you?

Yes. We are the lowest of low class for TWC in Mentor.