Burlington, VT - HDTV [Text View] - Page 15

Brian_O

02-20-09, 12:06 AM

I agree about the bandwidth, Brian. Not sure re their plans, but perhaps they're providing both feeds as a service to those with converter boxes and/or to supply an SD signal for cable/satellite.

The converter boxes don't need an SD feed. They can handle the HD signal just fine (It's a required featured). And if people don't like a letterboxed 16:9 image on their 4:3 analogue TV's, the coverter boxes can crop the edges just fine to fill the 4:3 screen with the same image contained in a separate SD feed. And some can do it automatically on a channel by channel basis, meaning the viewer can have different automatic settings for each individual channel. (eg. the Zenith DTT901/Insignia NS-XA1-APT*). If a $60 converter box can handle the situation, then there is no reason why the cable and satellite companies would require separate HD and SD feeds.

The SD feed of the same content that is broadcast on the HD sub-channel is redundant and wastes bandwidth. VPT and MLPBS ought to either make their x.1 and x.2 channels different or eliminate the x.2 channel and give the freed up bandwidth to their other channels.

* P.S. The Zenith/Insignia box's automatic aspect ratio control features put the aspect ratio controls of the much ballyhooed (and overated) and far more expensive Samsung DTB-H260F to shame. I have both.

erikmh

02-20-09, 07:21 AM

I'm not disagreeing with you -- it's a waste of bandwidth and they should shut it off. I'm just reporting what I've heard their rationale is.

(Of course, since they <b>are</b> broadcasting the redundant stream, I've chosen to pick that up with the converter box on my old non-digital set -- the results are superior, at least with my ChannelMaster box.)

b1gmoose

02-20-09, 10:18 AM

Long time, no post for me.

Anyways, as you may remember, I had serious issues with receiving WVNY-DT on VHF-13. I get it about 50% of the time now. Granted, I have a Funke PSP.1922 VHF high-bander at 31 feet, Pico Macom UVSJ, Research communications pre-amp, and 150' of 7/8" hardline.

Upon looking at the FCC DTV reception maps, I "should" have "weak" signal for WVNY. It's signal is stronger than WFFF-DT on UHF-43, which shows red, no signal.

I have tried in vain to get WVNY to address this issue, and I have tried to contact the FCC, but I get all the generic responses, check your antenna, get a different antenna, etc etc. I've done all that, and I have no problems receiving any of the other stations from Mt. Mansfield at my house in Passumpsic, VT.

Who else "should" have coverage of WVNY-DT according to the FCC DTV reception map and TVFool.com but is not receiving it?

What can we do to get this fixed? I will not have an ABC affiliate on digital after Mt. Mansfield is 100% done with analog services.

~ryan

foxfan

02-20-09, 06:39 PM

b1gmoose

02-20-09, 07:17 PM

It's great that you're mentioning this. WVNY tries to blame their poor signal on interference from CFCF-TV 12 in Montreal, but your situation proves that their argument doesn't hold water.

The fact is that the benefits of VHF are way overrated and their signal is simply too weak.

So what is there that we can do as Over the air viewers to get WVNY to fix this issue? Even reading the Quebec reception forum, there are issues with WVNY reception, even with their VHF Ch 12 is off.

I have emailed NPR (this afternoon), vab@together.net (today, and I got a response) (Vermont Association of Broadcasters), the FCC, and Matt Servis (mservis@smithmediavt.com), Sara Carpenter (scarpenter@abc22.com), and Smith Media's public relations email.

So far, the issue has not been resolved. And I'm not the only person with a problem. Why is it that they have not taken the complaints serious enough to do something about it.

We'll see if NPR contacts me back to follow up. Maybe others need to contact NPR or even WCAX or WPTZ and see if some news can be broadcast to others around the region.

~ryan

foxfan

02-20-09, 08:14 PM

Well, there's the option of changing to a vacant UHF channel (like 33 or 44), but that would be expensive as it would require a new transmitter and antenna.

Another option would be to negotiate a frequency swap with VPT's WETK (having WETK on 13 and WVNY on 32). There are already repeaters providing VPT to other parts of Vermont, and southern Quebec is already getting PBS service from WCFE, so it wouldn't be a big loss.

Trip in VA

02-20-09, 08:23 PM

Well, there's the option of changing to a vacant UHF channel (like 33 or 44), but that would be expensive as it would require a new transmitter and antenna.

33 and 44 are both unavailable to them now. Assuming my data on Canadian allocations is accurate (and it may not be), the only available frequencies are 15, 16, and 46.

http://www.rabbitears.info/search.php?request=channel&zipcode=&latitude=44.526&longitude=-72.816

- Trip

b1gmoose

02-20-09, 08:44 PM

So I started a poll here ( http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1122487) for WVNY reception. Feel free to let the members on the Quebec forum know as well.

foxfan

02-20-09, 09:11 PM

Trip in VA

02-20-09, 09:18 PM

I admit 33 in Concord might be a little close, but there's no way on WVNY on Mansfield would harm 44 in Portland. You have White Mountains in between. No way will any signal get across.

If the FCC allowed channel 7s in both Albany and New York City, there's no reason why they wouldn't allow 44 to be used by two stations even farther away from each other with a mountain chain right between them blocking any interfering signals.

Different spacing rules were in place at the time. I don't think they could get 44 now, though it would be worth a try I suppose. Doesn't 44's owner control 22? They could recycle some of the 44 equipment maybe.

What are your thoughts about a frequency swap though, Trip? Wouldn't the public interest be served better by having a public, taxpayer-funded station using a low-cost VHF allocation? They wouldn't seem to mind VHF as they requested channel 9 for Rutland.

I doubt it. The directional pattern makes it unpalatable and after seeing WVNY's experience with it, I doubt anyone wants to touch channel 13. The station relies on donations; it needs all the viewers it can get, thus the extra expense of the UHF transmitter is probably worth it.

- Trip

foxfan

02-20-09, 09:30 PM

Brian_O

02-21-09, 12:10 AM

What would be the cost of a digital UHF transmitter? If they can salvage the 44 antenna from Terry Mt. that would be great. If not what would that cost be? Maybe we can all chip in.

If that doesn't work out and a frequency swap with VPT is being discussed, maybe we can all pitch in there too to convince them to accept the offer. In the words of Homer Simpson: "I pledge $10,000 to PBS to get them to shut up." :D

Channel 16 is where they ought to move to. That was the channel originally assigned to WVNY by the FCC for digital and the FCC did take into account stations on both sides of the border when thay made that assignment, unlike the incompetents who thought channel 13 was a better choice.

Forget the WETK idea. It's just plain ludicrous to think that it would be acceptable solution. The problem was created by incompetence at WVNY and they are the ones who need to solve it without screwing up other stations coverage and/or disenfranchising long time viewers of other stations.

Brian_O

02-21-09, 01:36 PM

Assuming my data on Canadian allocations is accurate (and it may not be), the only available frequencies are 15, 16, and 46.

http://www.rabbitears.info/search.php?request=channel&zipcode=&latitude=44.526&longitude=-72.816

- Trip

Channel 46 is in use by CKMI (Global) for their analogue service in Montreal and has been so since 1997. They will move to channel 51 in 2011.

Trip in VA

02-21-09, 01:38 PM

Channel 46 is in use by CKMI (Global) for their analogue service in Montreal and has been so since 1997. They will move to channel 51 in 2011.

Yes, my search does not account for analog channels since those'll be going away in the near-ish future. (If you consider August 2011 "nearish")

- Trip

teacher1066

02-21-09, 08:42 PM

teacher1066 --

VPT is now transmitting only three programs: they've ditched the direct PBS feed that had been on x-1, and have replaced it with an HD version of their local schedule, which remains in SD on x-2. No changes to x-3 (Create) or x-4 (World).
Thanks for your help. I must admit that I feel a bit ashamed of my "problem solving" skills and should have realized that when my VPT recordings were messed up that it didn't have anything to do with a fund raising drive. I, however, can't imagine a more inappropriate time to be dealing with major programming changes than the same few weeks when analog signal is turned off. Now the Dish network guide does not match the programming of either VPT or WCFE's main HD channel. At leat the Dish 722, my absolute favorite piece of gear of all time,, was not a fault.
It is difficult to watch the national PBS feed from Dish. The picture today, of such programs as "This Old House' and "Victory Garden", looked for the world like a postage stamp in the middle of the screen. Ah, progress....
Also, I continue to have audio dropouts on the VPT HD channel. I have repeatedly written to the engneers with not a single returned message. Anyone else with this problem? I refuse to blame the 722 again....

tvlurker

02-21-09, 09:05 PM

tvlurker

02-22-09, 12:23 AM

Yes, my search does not account for analog channels since those'll be going away in the near-ish future. (If you consider August 2011 "nearish")

- Trip

If you're looking for vacant FCC allotments in Vermont, check out the FCC/
IC Letter of Understanding at http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/vwapj/SMBR-005-08-FCC_to_IC_letter_Dec08_e.pdf/$FILE/SMBR-005-08-FCC_to_IC_letter_Dec08_e.pdf

Here's the extract for VT.:

Ch. ST City Lat. Long. CallSign EHAAT(m) ERP(kW) RCAMSL(m) AntennaRotation Antenna ID
Page 124 of 167

3 VT BURLINGTON(2) 443136 724857 Vacant 822 4 1251
13 VT BURLINGTON 443133 724858 WVNY 852 10 1275 0 60531
22 VT BURLINGTON(1) 443133 724856 WCAX 846 550 1270
32 VT BURLINGTON 443132 724851 WETK 844 200 1266
33 VT BURLINGTON 443132 724854 Vacant 815 47 1239
43 VT BURLINGTON 443132 724854 WFFF 840 50 1264
44 VT BURLINGTON 443132 724854 Vacant 840 49 1264
25 VT HARTFORD 432615 722708 WNNE 651 117 953 0 43680
31 VT HARTFORD 432638 722717 Vacant 684 64 994
9 VT RUTLAND 433931 730625 WVER 385 15 641 0 67939
28 VT RUTLAND 433932 730625 Vacant 429 5 688
18 VT ST. JOHNSBURY 443416 715339 WVTB 592 200 1023
20 VT ST. JOHNSBURY 443416 715339 Vacant 592 16 1023
40 VT VERGENNES 440903 730556 Vacant 267 194 523
24 VT WINDSOR 432614 722707 WVTA 693 200 994
41 VT WINDSOR 432615 722708 Vacant 692 25 993

(1) WCAX-DT reduced to 443 kW to protect Ch. 22 Ottawa until it goes to full power, as per Table C
(2) Ch. 3 Allotment reduced to 1.8 kW during Canadian Transition, as per Table D.

It looks like 33 and 44 are both available at ERPs comparable to WFFF-DT's on 43 (which, admittedly, is not great for Montreal.)
The Vergennes allotment is interesting -- it's at a lower EHAAT, and I don't see how that can co-exist with WCWF in Tupper Lake/Saranac Lake.

And, for completeness, here are the allotments for Plattsburgh and the Adirondacks:

40 NY SARANAC LAKE 440935 742834 WCWF 440 155 970 0 66762
34 NY LAKE PLACID 441536 740122 Vacant 183 105 870
..5 NY NORTH POLE 443426 734029 Vacant 607 3 916
14 NY NORTH POLE 443132 724858 WPTZ 845 650 1270 0 72521
18 NY NORWOOD 442929 745126 Vacant 243 44 599
23 NY NORWOOD 442929 745127 WNPI 243 50 599

38 NY PLATTSBURGH 444143 735300 WCFE 737 100 1238 0 66309

The digital allotments for the former analog channels appear to be about 10 to 13 dB down from the former analog values.
I'm assuming that the lack of an antenna ID for allotments means that these are maximum parameters for omnidirectional antennas. Presumably, in an actual application, a station could apply for higher power, but likely only in certain directions to be determined by an interference analysis. For commercial stations, it is highly unlikely that an increase in power towards Canada would survive international coordination.

TVl

foxfan

02-22-09, 12:57 AM

Well, it might be a big loss for VPT, since they would lose memberships from
canadian OTA members.

VPT doesn't seem to care as much about Canadians as Mountain Lake (which has Montreal in its ID and website banner, has French-speaking receptionists on the phone, etc). Besides, I'd rather have one of each network than have two of PBS and no ABC.

On another note, I heard that Nightly News had a segment on the DTV transition and Burlington was reported to be a problem market. Anyone see it?

About WVNY having to reduce power on 22 to not interfere with 22 in Ottawa, why does Ottawa deserve more protection? 22 was allocated to Burlington at 1 million watts before. It was up to Ottawa to pick a different channel if they feared interference from it. We see so many instances of American stations having to reduce power to please the Canadian authorities? Has there been any instance where it's a Canadian station that has been forced to reduce power to please the Americans? Seems like a one-way street.

tvlurker

02-22-09, 05:06 PM

VPT doesn't seem to care as much about Canadians as Mountain Lake (which has Montreal in its ID and website banner, has French-speaking receptionists on the phone, etc). Besides, I'd rather have one of each network than have two of PBS and no ABC.

On another note, I heard that Nightly News had a segment on the DTV transition and Burlington was reported to be a problem market. Anyone see it?

About WVNY having to reduce power on 22 to not interfere with 22 in Ottawa, why does Ottawa deserve more protection? 22 was allocated to Burlington at 1 million watts before. It was up to Ottawa to pick a different channel if they feared interference from it. We see so many instances of American stations having to reduce power to please the Canadian authorities? Has there been any instance where it's a Canadian station that has been forced to reduce power to please the Americans? Seems like a one-way street.

I don't think so:

1. The rules for NTSC into ATSC interference and vice versa are different than for ATSC into ATSC co-channel interference. The negociations between WCAX and the CBC worked out the interference area to be a backwoods area of the North Country with a very small population.

2. If you're worried about VHF powers, I would be more worried that most Canadian VHF-Hi band powers in the post-transition plan are way lower than the American ones; for example, CFTM and CFCF are capped at 11 kW, CJOH is 5 kW, while WWNY in Watertown is 42 kW.

Cross border reception of TV is gravy -- the point of any national spectrum management policy is to manage the spectrum for the benefit of the policy interests of the owning nation, not the neighbour's.

With respect to simsub evasion, don't forget that handling of distant signals on American cable systems is much more draconian than here -- no distant signal syndicated show is allowed AT ANY TIME, not just at the same time. And you will notice that the only Canadian stations on American cable (and contrary to what you might think, they are quite popular, especially for hockey and the Olympics) are grandfathered ones from the 50s and 60s. For example, in upstate New York, the ONLY Canadian channels are CKWS, CBOT and CJOH -- no global, no OMNI, no A, no E, no TVO, as these stations date from the 70s and later.

revolutionary1

02-22-09, 05:18 PM

Yes, it's very nice to see WCAX do a direct insert of the crawl into a HD show without dropping back to a SD picture. I admire them for continuing to invest; they are truly a quality operation. Perhaps this is the piece of equipment which will also permit them to record and air syndicated shows in HD. It was mentioned a few months ago that it was on order. (Maybe if we took up a collection for WPTZ....)

I totally agree. While WFFF (Fox) continues to drop to SD for inserts I'm totally hating our local Fox. Also WFFF slips often with new eps of "House" and broadcasts in SD for the first 5 to 10 minutes before it changes to HD.

This happens on a daily basis and I only wish there was a place to complain.

hungt1999

02-23-09, 09:13 AM

b1gmoose, how do I take the poll? the thread says it is locked

Anyway I am from the Montreal area, I have a 10y13s yagi antenna specifically made for VHF 13 and a good CM7777 Preamp.

I have issues with WVNY-DT reception as well. All other stations from Mt. Mansfield and Mt. Lyon come in for me at 55%-90%. WFFF fox 44 is the weakest for me but watchable 95% of the time.

However WVNY-DT is very marginal at 40-45% most of the time so not enough to watch. My TV needs at least 47% signal to lock sound and picture.

I have emailed ABC22 and got a response very fast from Matt Servis saying that it is because CFCF12 analog in Montreal is too strong and causing adjacent channel interference to VHF 13 for the audience in Montreal.

Since the transition, reception of WVNY-DT has been worse for me, their signal has dropped to 35-40%. I have read a while ago on the ABC22 website that during the post-transition period, they will be making local adjustments to help those in VT and NY who cannot receive their signal. I hope they don't forget their audience in Montreal while they do that. I emailed them about this concern but did not get any response yet.

b1gmoose

02-23-09, 09:40 AM

b1gmoose, how do I take the poll? the thread says it is locked

I don't know why the thread was locked. I'll email a moderator shortly.

I thought I could post it in the local reception area and not in the HDTV technical area, as this was a reception issue.

~ryan

Ken H

02-23-09, 12:14 PM

b1gmoose, how do I take the poll? the thread says it is lockedYes, the poll is locked.

With over 200 local TV markets across the US, we can't have individual topics for each local issue; the forum would be overwhelmed and it would be too hard to find and use information.

Please use this topic for Burlington area specific issues.

scottceaton

02-23-09, 09:50 PM

Anyone having problems configuring Windows Media Center after rescanning? You'll need to update the XML file in windows...
In Vista you'll need to update the following file:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\eHome\EPG\prefs\atscprefs.xml

With the following content...this took my 3 hours to figure out so I figured I would save you the trouble...

<?xml version="1.0" ?>
- <channels>
<channel callsign="WCAX-DT" userAssignedName="WCAX-DT" version="0" physical="22" major="3" />
<channel callsign="WCAX-DT2" userAssignedName="WCAX-DT2" version="0" physical="22" major="3" minor="2" />
<channel callsign="WVNY-DT" userAssignedName="WVNY-DT" version="0" physical="13" major="22" />
<channel callsign="WPTZ-DT" userAssignedName="WPTZ-DT" version="0" physical="14" major="5" />
<channel callsign="WPTZ-DT2" userAssignedName="WPTZ-DT2" version="0" physical="14" major="5" minor="2" />
<channel callsign="WETK-DT" userAssignedName="WETK-DT" version="0" physical="32" major="33" />
<channel callsign="WETK-DT2" userAssignedName="WETK-DT2" version="0" physical="32" major="33" minor="2" />
<channel callsign="WETK-DT3" userAssignedName="WETK-DT3" version="0" physical="32" major="33" minor="3" />
<channel callsign="WETK-DT4" userAssignedName="WETK-DT4" version="0" physical="32" major="33" minor="4" />
<channel callsign="WFFF-DT" userAssignedName="WFFF-DT" version="0" physical="43" major="44" />
<channel callsign="WFFF-DT2" userAssignedName="WFFF-DT2" version="0" physical="43" major="44" minor="2" />
</channels>

barnie05482

02-24-09, 10:14 AM

b1gmoose

02-26-09, 02:16 PM

So here is the official verdict from the FCC in regards to WVNY-DT for me, and it looks like it will apply to all others.

"You are receiving this email in response to your inquiry to the FCC.

Dear consumer: Prediction models are predictions - not guarantees. You may only get what you get and nothing more. Thank you.

Representative Number : TSR37"

It looks like I'm SOL when it comes to receiving WVNY. The FCC does not care that the TV station predicts that it can service an area. Pretty terse for a response, but not much they're willing to do.

All I can say, is keep writting letters to the FCC, even if they don't care. And keep pestering WVNY-DT.

It is rather disappointing that prediction models are useless as far as the FCC is concerned. Looking at the maps, WVNY-DT goes well into NH, so I am in the predicted coverage, and I'm also in their predicted coverage when they switched from UHF-16 to UHF-13 for "better coverage".

~ryan

teacher1066

02-26-09, 06:21 PM

Ryan, This is a disgraceful reply from the FCC.
I would suggest that you forward your concerns to our senators and congressmen in Washington, DC. Certainly, Pat Leahy has a powerful position and some say he was the real reason that Vermont was one of the early areas to get service from Dish and Direct.
My past experience with WVNY would indicate that they "could care less" about viewer's problems.

b1gmoose

02-26-09, 07:34 PM

I'm drafting up a letter to Leahy, Sanders, and Welch.

Do others here on the forum feel that the FCC response was inadequate? They use those prediction models for everything, that's the FCC's job. But when it comes to consumers of the airwaves, they don't care.

Any others thinking about drafting up letters to Washington, D.C.?

~ryan

Trip in VA

02-26-09, 08:05 PM

foxfan

02-26-09, 09:30 PM

One thing that bothers me too with the maps is that an area needs 41db of signal to be considered "served" by a UHF station, but they only require 36db of signal to be considered served by a VHF station. Shouldn't it be equal? There isn't that much loss from a cable run from the antenna to the receiver. Plus with all the noise at lower frequencies they should have made the acceptable signal level way higher.

Apparently WWNY's new post-transition signal on channel 7 in Watertown isn't holding up as well as they thought either compared to their prediction maps.

Brian_O

02-26-09, 11:33 PM

Absolutely. Write them a letter and tell them how the FCC considers these notoriously inaccurate maps to be reliable enough to determine channels spacings and what stations receive licenses, but then choose to ignore that when an actual viewer has a concern.

- Trip

Let us not forget that the FCC assigned channel 16 to WVNY for digital and that was the channel that their prediction models estimated would give WVNY 99%+ coverage of their analogue "territory". WVNY asked for the switch to channel 13 and then had to tailor their coverage to take into account 2 Canadian channels that would have been irrelevant if they had stuck with the originally assigned channel 16. If WVNY had used channel 16 and the coverage was poor compared to their analogue coverage then blaming the FCC would make sense. But, given actual events, why blame the FCC for what was clearly WVNY's blunder?

N1FPB

02-27-09, 07:45 PM

Back in the analog days, I was able to watch channels 5, 6, 8 (when it was on Washington), 12, 27 and 57 from my location.

With the advent of digital, I can now also watch 3, 33 and 44. These additional channels were previously unwatchable iat my location due to multi-path signal degradation.

Although the transition did require a complete overhaul of my antenna system, I'm very satisfied with the conversion to digital.:D

Tim Lones

02-28-09, 03:03 PM

I know this is slightly off topic, but I have been receiving WGMU-39 Burlington off Free-To-Air Satellite for the last week (legally)..Suddenly It's disappeared. I am hearing the Time Warner had a message that WGMU discontinued because of finances. Just wanting to confirm locally..Thanks..

Falcon_77

02-28-09, 04:21 PM

WVTB is still showing normal programming

Did WVTB and WVER actually end analog operations? If so, are they showing nightlight programming?

Thanks,

Falcon_77

02-28-09, 04:26 PM

Apparently WWNY's new post-transition signal on channel 7 in Watertown isn't holding up as well as they thought either compared to their prediction maps.

Do you have any more info on this?

Wasn't this the station that was begging to move to 7 so as not to disenfranchise viewers? I remember that they had written a letter to then Senator Clinton about this as well.

VHF isn't performing as well as they had thought? This doesn't surprise me.

tvlurker

03-01-09, 04:57 AM

Do you have any more info on this?

Wasn't this the station that was begging to move to 7 so as not to disenfranchise viewers? I remember that they had written a letter to then Senator Clinton about this as well.

WWNY's petition had to do with a clerical error they had made on their final channel election -- they checked off the wrong box, which meant that their post-transition operations on channel 7 would be limited to the contours of their transitional channel 35 operation, which had a null to the north.

Interestingly, the Letter of Understanding between Industry Canada and the FCC for border station coordination gives WWNY 42 kW on channel 7 instead of their current 24.9 kW or their original 14 Kw, so perhaps they will increase power again...

crazyal

03-02-09, 03:31 PM

teacher1066

03-02-09, 04:07 PM

Since the change-over I have 100% on WCAX, WFFF, WETK--and WPTZ was there but has fallen off by 8 points in the last few days. WVNY is, of course, the only "bad actor" in the bunch with a 75% reading. This is with a Dish 722 in Williston.
Unfortunately the Dish OTA Program Guide is still incorrect with both WETK and WCFE. Also, apparently I am not the only one to have found audio droputs on WETK as their engineering staff indicated that they had similar reports from other viewers. They say, however, that they have been unable to detect this anomoly at their end so if this happens to you, I'd appreciate it if you would note the time and program (along with your set up) to us here. Thanks for everyone's help on this.

Brian_O

03-02-09, 05:42 PM

Are all stations back up to full power? The only change I noticed when they went to half power was 3 gained strength. I was just wondering what work they are doing (read a report that said some of the digital tranmitters were mounted only half way up on the towers and once the analogs were gone they would be moved to the top) and when we'll know what the final result will be.

The locations (heights) of the digital transmitters are not affected by the locations of the analogue transmitters.

There are 5 towers on Mt. Mansfield at the moment and the analogue and digital transmitters are different towers. The analogue transmitters are on 2 old towers while all the digital transmitters are on 3 new towers that were erected in 2006. The digital towers are shorter than the analogue towers and are only 160 feet tall (compared to 200+ and 300 ft for the old towers). This was done because of revised FAA regulations that require flashing red lights on the top of any tower that is 200 feet tall or taller and because the Governer of Vermont decreed that there will be no flashing red lights atop Mt. Mansfield.

The old analogue towers, both of which have flashing lights, will be removed later in the year. From that point on, all of the Mt. Mansfield towers will comply with both FAA regulations and the Governer's decree.

foxfan

03-03-09, 03:22 PM

Actually there are 6.

Analog: Two short stubby ones for WCAX-TV 3 and WETK-TV 33 on the nose and one big one for the now defunked WVNY-TV 22 under the nose (above the upper-lip I guess). I think that big one has FM stations on it too, so I don't know how soon they can take it down (it is the most visible one).

Digital: Two medium ones side by side for WCAX-DT 22 and WPTZ-DT 14 on one tower and WVNY-DT 13 and WFFF-DT 43 on the other. They are hooked up to the shared WCAX building. There's another slightly smaller one off to the side being used just by VPT for WETK-DT 32.

Brian_O

03-03-09, 06:12 PM

Actually there are 6.

Not according to the the information, including photos, that was posted on the VPT web site well before and during the construction period. Of all the P-B stations VPT had the most up-to-date information on the the plans and progress of the conversion to digital. (OTOH, the commercial stations had next to nothing on their web sites). Of course, if VPT posted inaccurate info, then my description is wrong, but no more so than info garnered from the error-plagued FCC web site.
.

foxfan

03-03-09, 06:31 PM

Well I've seen them and there are 6 in total (5 on the nose and 1 just below it).

vttom

03-03-09, 10:26 PM

Last night was the first time I watched Fox news on 44 since the DTV conversion. The picture was all shrunk up using the Vip211. I'm talking top, bottom, left and right were missing. I thought the news was on HD and the picture should fill my 42" screen. The other stations were fine. When they went to commercials then the format went back to 4X3 where the top and bottom filled up.I'm watching the FOX44 News @ 10 right now and it's still "window boxed" as you describe. I'll email them and let them know. You may want to do the same. General Manager is gm@fox44.net and news is news@fox44.net.

avshelden

03-04-09, 12:37 PM

I'm watching the FOX44 News @ 10 right now and it's still "window boxed" as you describe. I'll email them and let them know. You may want to do the same. General Manager is gm@fox44.net and news is news@fox44.net.

You might be better served by contacting engineering, Matt Servis, mservis@fox44.net.

I will note that he was responsive to my request to fix their PSIP time back in Nov/Dec (with help from other members here) but I haven't gotten any responses from my two notes in January regarding a request to send programming info via PSIP for the WFFF-DT CW broadcast (44.2)

barnie05482

03-04-09, 05:06 PM

You might be better served by contacting engineering, Matt Servis, mservis@fox44.net.

I will note that he was responsive to my request to fix their PSIP time back in Nov/Dec (with help from other members here) but I haven't gotten any responses from my two notes in January regarding a request to send programming info via PSIP for the WFFF-DT CW broadcast (44.2)

You are right, I actually send a note to the General Manager is gm@fox44.net and news is news@fox44.net this morning and got a reply today from Matt that the problem is solved. Great TAT WFFF44.
Don't we wish all stations are this responsive.

b1gmoose

03-04-09, 08:46 PM

How many of you are satisfied with the current local sub-channel programming?

Out of the following options from this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1071664&page=5), which would you like to see say replace WPTZ's NBC Weather+ (5.2), or WVNY's ABC(22.2) test screen, or VPT-SD (33.2) or WCAX's CBS Weather Channel (3.2)? It would be nice to keep 1 local weather channel, but we don't really need 2.

To briefly recap current subchannel programming:

- This TV ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_TV )
- RTN - Retro Television Network ( http://www.myretrotv.com/ )
- Universal Sports ( http://www.universalsports.com/ )
- America One ( http://www.americaone.com/ )
- AccuWeather ( http://www.accuweather.com/ )
- Untamed Sports ( http://www.untamedsportstv.com/ )
- PBS Create / Kids / World ( http://www.pbs.org/ )
- ION Qubo / Life / Worship ( http://www.iontelevision.com/ )
- Local news / weather / analog mirror
- Local independent stations

How about this for a sample letter for the networks?

Dear WPTZ Programming Staff:

As a DTV viewer with an antenna, I would like to express my interest in a network that I learned about, and that NBC Sports is affiliated with, Universal Sports (http://www.universalsports.com/).

With the poor economy, I and others in the region have cancelled cable TV, satellite TV and premium services such as ESPN.

I really enjoy the type of programming Universal Sports features, shows that you just can’t find on other stations or channels via antenna.

I understand that Universal Sports is not a premium channel like HBO or Starz/Encore. As such, I believe it would be a great addition on your digital level of service.

Additionally, since your transmitter is now co-located with WCAX-DT, viewers within the range of Mt. Mansfield do not necessarily need two weather sub-channels.

Presently, Universal Sports is not broadcast in Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine. However, in many markets all over the continental United States and Alaska, Universal Sports is available to Over-The-Air TV viewers.

Many of my friends are also interested in this kind of programming. I’d like to express my support for this channel and hope that you add it.

Please contact me at your convenience.

Thank you!

Sincerely yours,

Many thanks!

Any ideas? Do you think WPTZ, WVNY, WCAX, WFFF, or WETK would be open to adding/modifying sub-channels?

~ryan

teacher1066

03-05-09, 03:21 AM

I'd like to see the retransmission of Public Access channels like the Regional Educational Technology Network. Of course, their programming my be so local that it has limited appeal to many viewers but they do carry national programs and they fill a need for this content to those of us who can't afford cable. And, let's face it, who needs a 24 hour "bars and tone channel?"
Frankly, I am for dropping as many sub channels as possible giving the extra bandwith to the "parent" HD channel.

Blackburst

03-05-09, 10:44 AM

Agreed, two weather related sub-channels is a little too much.

I think WCAX does a much better job in both technical (480i : 16x9), and content presentation than all the other stations in the area.

So, yes I would agree that more variety would be better. But, first, I would like to see them improve the sub-channel compression rates, and present them in a 16x9 format at either 480i or 480p.

Here is another service offering programs to sub-channels as well. I think a block feed of 2 hrs. a day might turn out to be of interest for the market.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FUNimation_Channel

Also, what is up with WCFE-DT x.1, and WETK-DT x.1 channels. You call this HD? Very iffy HD on either one since February 17th.

b1gmoose

03-05-09, 11:59 AM

Frankly, I am for dropping as many sub channels as possible giving the extra bandwith to the "parent" HD channel.

Teacher,

I only have a CECB and a 27" CRT tv. But is there that much of a significant difference when a parent HD channel has less bandwidth? I can see the difference between a crystal clear analog PBS signal, their HD and their SD sub-channel. But the HD channel always looks best, but is there that much room to make it look better?

~ryan

tvlurker

03-05-09, 01:36 PM

Teacher,

I only have a CECB and a 27" CRT tv.... But the HD channel always looks best, but is there that much room to make it look better?

~ryan

Perhaps not on a 27" analog set, but you could certainly tell the difference on a 42" LCD or Plasma HD set.

teacher1066

03-05-09, 07:47 PM

Teacher,

I only have a CECB and a 27" CRT tv. But is there that much of a significant difference when a parent HD channel has less bandwidth? I can see the difference between a crystal clear analog PBS signal, their HD and their SD sub-channel. But the HD channel always looks best, but is there that much room to make it look better?

~ryan

I made my own truly unscientific comparisons when WETK went on the air and each day they seemingly dropped or added sub channels in their testing phase. When they dropped subcarriers the HD feed was certainly better. WCFE also dropped their subchannels at the early stages and their HD signal was also improved.
Also, when WETK put up four subcarriers, you could see an improvement when switching between WETK and WCFE...WCFE always had the better picture from the PBS feed. I've read in a number of places that the less bandwith given to the subchannels--the better the bandwidth is for the HD channel. I am sure that one of the guys on the fourm with an engineering background can comment on this more scientifically.
All I know for sure is that I use a projector with a 105 inch screen and the bandwith differences are really noticeable.

Brian_O

03-05-09, 11:32 PM

Also, what is up with WCFE-DT x.1, and WETK-DT x.1 channels. You call this HD? Very iffy HD on either one since February 17th.

The situation with 33.1 and 57.1 is unrelated to Feb 17. It has existed since the start of the 2009 due to the demise of the PBS HD channel. Since then both stations have been showing upconverted versions of their regular programming.

TiVoHD

03-06-09, 08:54 AM

It has existed since the start of the 2009 due to the demise of the PBS HD channel.

What happened to the PBS HD channel?

Trip in VA

03-06-09, 09:02 AM

What happened to the PBS HD channel?

It was replaced with the national PBS feed which contains a lot of upconverted SD and a ton of overlap with the local stations' schedules.

- Trip

TiVoHD

03-06-09, 09:05 AM

It was replaced with the national PBS feed which contains a lot of upconverted SD and a ton of overlap with the local stations' schedules.

- Trip

That explains why most of my guide data for the PBS HD channel has been wrong. I haven't gotten a successful recording of Motorweek in quite a while. I guess I can just change the recording to the SD channel since the HD channel probably wouldn't really be HD anyway.

teacher1066

03-06-09, 05:43 PM

If you want to see something very strange looking pictures check out the PBS national feed on Dish Net (and probably Direct also). Depending on the program being broadcast, it is a mess of HD gone bad! It is, of course, an SD feed but if the show they are playing was from an HD master (as many now are) you end up with a picture that looks for the world like a postage stamp in the center of the screen. In order to correct for the aspect ratio difference, they have the annoying black bars on the top and bottom...and.. they have extremely large black bars on the sides of the picture. Truly a quantom leap backwards in technology! Ah, remember the old days when PBS always had the best technology and pristine pictures. Let's hope that the next few years of standards coversions go quickly!

Ken H

03-07-09, 01:23 AM

Here is another service offering programs to sub-channels as well. I think a block feed of 2 hrs. a day might turn out to be of interest for the market.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FUNimation_Channel

Thanks for the note, I'll add it to the list of available SD channels.

barnie05482

03-18-09, 02:52 PM

I was under the impression that the nighlight stations would stop broadcasting in analogue after one month. They were still on yesterday. Anyone knows when the actual date is?

foxfan

03-18-09, 03:07 PM

Regular nightlights are 30 days, but WCAX and WPTZ were forced to broadcasat "enhanced" nightlights for 60 days so that the FCC would allow the marketwide transition on February 17th.

Ken H

03-21-09, 11:50 PM

I'm in Monkton and can get all of the Mt. Mansfield digital channels (WCAX, WPTZ, WVNY, WFFF, WETK) with near-perfect signal strength, even though the ridge is blocking my line-of-sight to the transmitter. And that's with just old rabbit-ears. So I expect that the western end of Hinesburg would have similar luck.

As it turns out, that's just what happened, with a little delay. They didn't have the converter box turned on at first. Once they got that down, it was all downhill.....

Thanks for the help.

vttom

03-30-09, 12:53 PM

I've been a DishNetwork customer for a very long time.

Alas, lately I've been thinking about switching to Comcast. Not because Comcast is any better, but because I'm currently using DSL for Internet access, and the fastest DSL I can manage at my house is 784kbps. I'd really like to upgrade to 12Mbps cable modem. But the cost of Dish + CableModem is rediculously expensive. A Comcast double-play (TV+Internet) package would save me a lot of money.

I've become quite accustomed to the HD-DVR from Dish (ViP622) and am wondering what would be the better option when switching to Comcast? Getting their HD-DVR, or going with an HD-TiVo+CableCard?

I get great OTA reception at my house (incl. WVNY-DT), so that's a factor in favor of the HD-TiVo in my mind. I also really like the feature set of the HD-TiVo; I don't know anything about the HD-DVR that Comcast doles out.

SkiSmuggs

03-30-09, 01:16 PM

You may want to read this first:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5622-Boston-Gadgets-Examiner~y2009m3d28-Comcasts-TiVo-boxes-experiencing-problems-here-in-Boston-lately

vttom

03-30-09, 02:53 PM

You may want to read this first:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5622-Boston-Gadgets-Examiner~y2009m3d28-Comcasts-TiVo-boxes-experiencing-problems-here-in-Boston-latelyI didn't realize Comcast's DVRs were TiVo under the hood. Is that the case in the Burlington area?

An another note, I've been thinking I might actually be better off getting the Comcast cable modem + basic cable deal, and keeping my Dish HD-DVR and switching to the TurboHD Bronze package. That seems to be the cheapest combination, even compared to an all-Comcast double-play solution that includes an HD-DVR.

I'm still curious what people think about Comcast and/or TiVo, though.

Ken H

03-30-09, 06:33 PM

I didn't realize Comcast's DVRs were TiVo under the hood. Is that the case in the Burlington area?You've got it backwards. Comcast offers an upgrade, which is software, that converts a standard HD DVR to a TiVo HD DVR. But, it's not offered in all areas. Check w/Comcast about availability in your area.

I'm still curious what people think about Comcast and/or TiVo, though.As noted in the linked article, it had a rough start, seemed to settle down quite nicely, but I haven't checked lately.

You can always look in the Boston Comcast topic to see what end users think now.

vttom

03-30-09, 06:55 PM

You've got it backwards. Comcast offers an upgrade, which is software, that converts a standard HD DVR to a TiVo HD DVR. But, it's not offered in all areas. Check w/Comcast about availability in your area.

As noted in the linked article, it has a rough start but seemed to settle down quite nicely, but I haven't checked lately.

You can always look in the Boston Comcast topic to see what end users think now.Actually, when I was talking about TiVo I meant I wanted to buy a TiVo from someplace like Amazon, and then sign up for cable with Comcast with a BYOSTB arrangement and ask them for a cable card.

TiVoHD

03-30-09, 07:04 PM

Actually, when I was talking about TiVo I meant I wanted to buy a TiVo from someplace like Amazon, and then sign up for cable with Comcast with a BYOSTB arrangement and ask them for a cable card.

The cheapest place to get a TiVoHD is Sears at $199.

My in-laws have a Comcast HD-DVR and it's functionality is laughable compared to TiVo. A TiVo with cable card(s) is the way to go.

Ken H

03-30-09, 08:13 PM

Actually, when I was talking about TiVo I meant I wanted to buy a TiVo from someplace like Amazon, and then sign up for cable with Comcast with a BYOSTB arrangement and ask them for a cable card.

That would probably be the best way to go, if you don't mind laying out the cash, you're going to stick with Comcast for awhile, and you don't want PPV or VOD. Also, Comcast will charge you something for the CableCARD, probably less than $5 per month.

TiVo has a new unit coming out (Series 4), date TBD, that will have tru2way capability, which will add PPV & VOD to the existing TiVo HD.

For now the primary advantage of a Comcast STB, is the PPV and VOD capability, which is substantial for many users. YMMV.

TiVoHD

03-30-09, 08:18 PM

Also, Comcast will charge you something for the CableCARD, probably less than $5 per month.

TiVo has a new unit coming out (Series 4), date TBD, that will have tru2way capability, which will add PPV & VOD to the existing TiVo HD.

For now the primary advantage of a Comcast STB, is the PPV and VOD capability, which is substantial for many users. YMMV.

The first cable card is free. If you need a second card, they charge $1.50 a month.

The TiVo Series 4 is pure speculation at this point. They haven't even submitted an application to Cable Labs for it yet, so it's a long way off.

SkiSmuggs

03-31-09, 05:31 PM

Ken H

03-31-09, 07:53 PM

The TiVo Series 4 is pure speculation at this point......so it's a long way off.
Not true, it's a work well in progress, referenced by TiVo in public comments.

We may hear news at the upcoming NCTA Cable Show.

tvlurker

03-31-09, 11:07 PM

I live at 1000' fourteen miles east of the towers on Mt Mansfield and can see them from my yard. A few months ago, I started having signal strength problems with 5 (14 digital) and 22 (13 digital) with both showing in the upper 60s which meant signal loss in snow and rain. 3, 33 and 44 showed at 94-100.
I was using a Winegard HD-1080 because I should almost be able to get the locals with a coat hanger from my location. I switched to a Channel Master 2016 which gave me 3 or 4 more points for 5 and 22, but still occasional signal loss in bad weather. I finally went back to my original Winegard PR4400 (4 bay) and high VHF Winegard YA6713 with a combiner. I now get ch 5 in the 80s, but ch 22 is still only 68-70, the same as with the CM-2016. Why should it be so hard to get a strong signal on Ch 13 under what would seem to be optimal conditions? BTW, ch 3 has been showing at 75 signal recently. Also, my antenna(s) services 4 TVs.

Could you post a link to the TVFol radar plot generated from the new interactive display feature? (That way you can select the exact spot where the antenna is located.)

I picked a random spot on the 1000' elevation line 14 miles east of Mt Mansfield (due north of Lake Elmore), and I cleared Elmore State Park, so that there would be a clear view of the transmitters, and there should be plenty of margin to get the digital stations, even when feeding 4 TVs.
If you tune to analog 10 or 12 from Montreal, even if they're snowy, do you see any wavy lines or other forms of overload interference? I'm wondering if you're getting some kind of intermodulation interference that is screwing up you digital reception.

SkiSmuggs

03-31-09, 11:30 PM

Could you post a link to the TVFol radar plot generated from the new interactive display feature? (That way you can select the exact spot where the antenna is located.)

I picked a random spot on the 1000' elevation line 14 miles east of Mt Mansfield (due north of Lake Elmore), and I cleared Elmore State Park, so that there would be a clear view of the transmitters, and there should be plenty of margin to get the digital stations, even when feeding 4 TVs.
If you tune to analog 10 or 12 from Montreal, even if they're snowy, do you see any wavy lines or other forms of overload interference? I'm wondering if you're getting some kind of intermodulation interference that is screwing up you digital reception.
I edited my original post and placed the link there. It indicates I should be able to get them all with an indoor antenna, but my antennas are outdoors and 25' off the ground. http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d6c5fdba702ba9e

tvlurker

03-31-09, 11:41 PM

I edited my original post and placed the link there. It indicates I should be able to get them all with an indoor antenna, but my antennas are outdoors and 25' off the ground. http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d6c5fdba702ba9e

This is a tricky one. Do any of the analog channels that you may get have wavy lines, or any other interference other than snow?

Have you tried taking the splitter out, and using just one TV? Maybe the splitter is bad, and is attenuating more than 7dB per leg?

Since you've been switching antennas, it's probably not likely that you have a bad connection at the antenna end, since you've been looking at it a lot. Perhaps there is a bad connection somewhere else in your system.

In fact, can you get reception inside the house with a paper clip? (At least for WCAX?)

SkiSmuggs

04-01-09, 12:02 AM

I'll try pulling the splitters to see what that does. Thanks for your suggestions. A year ago, I was getting 80-100 on all 5 digital channels. I don't get any analogs now except for the nightlights on 3 and 5.

avshelden

04-05-09, 08:54 PM

I was having issues with WPTX reception this afternoon but don't really know what was going on. My signal meter said 100% for both HD and WX broadcasts but both acted like they had signal issues. I don't get it. Just trying to figure out if it is something in my setup or issues on the transmit side. I'm assuming it isn't my issue, but I'm hoping someone could confirm.

teacher1066

04-06-09, 08:33 AM

My WPTZ signal has dropped from 100 to 86 (weather?) while WCAX remmains at 98-100.... WPTZ has evidenced momentary dropouts much like those I get when a plane flies through the signal--that is: pixilated picture, followed by freeze frame and then a quick return to normal.

SkiSmuggs

04-06-09, 08:46 AM

Interesting. Location seems to be key. At 14 miles with LOS to towers my signal strength has changed on WCAX from upper 90s to 75 since the transition. WVNY has been problematic as it has dropped from the 80s down to 70 and I had to change from a small antenna to a medium antenna to get WPTZ from the mid 60s back to 85-90. WETK and Fox 44 have remained near 100 the entire time.
Before the transition, I was using a Winegard HD1080 (small with upper VHF) with good success. After, I bumped to a CM-2016 (small Yagi with upper VHF), which gave me 2-4 points above the HD1080 on 5 and 22, and finally to a Winegard PR4400 and a separate high-VHF antenna combined. That change bumped WPTZ from low 70s to upper 80s, but WCAX and WVNY were unchanged at 75 and 70, respectively.

teacher1066

04-06-09, 01:35 PM

The only real "truth" I've been able to discern about the digital signals is that they rely on the placement of the antenna in a way that the analog never did. I use a Terk indoor antenna and merely moving it two or three inches in one direction or another causes major reception changes. I have found a "sweet spot" but only after hours of changes and many four-letter words cursed at WVNY!
Still, once you get them, the incredible difference HD makes is truly astounding.
I also trust that the new weather graphics on WCAX forcasts a true change to HD on their local programs...let's hope so...

teacher1066

04-07-09, 06:01 AM

Update: I've heard from the "usually reliable" sources that WCAX plans to go full local HD at the end of this month. Some technical glitches prevented the transition which was originally planned for the end of last month.
Now if we could just get WPTZ to use regular power lines, instead of that hamster in a cage arrangement they have with Hurst, we'd all be golden...

SkiSmuggs

04-07-09, 08:43 AM

Antennas Direct has their Digital TV Signal Meter on sale for $29.95 thru April 30th.

http://antennasdirect.com/sm100.html

The SM100 HDTV Signal Finder:

Is an effective and inexpensive way to aim your Antennas Direct antenna and measure performance, at a fraction of the cost of professional signal meters. The meter will detect the presence of transmissions on the frequencies that most DTV stations broadcast.

Compact, lightweight and easy to use:

* The SM100 is useful in antenna aiming, especially rooftop installations
* Integrated filters are designed to detect digital television broadcasts only
* Commercial grade meters cost as much as $700
* Test signal strength at the antenna or weak signals from cables & splitters
* Includes a 9V battery

Note: The SM100 meter will not identify specific HDTV broadcasts by channel number. A commercial grade field meter is advised for those capabilities.

This special is good through April 30, 2009.

SkiSmuggs

04-07-09, 08:48 AM

vttom

04-07-09, 09:47 AM

What does "full local HD" mean, studio broadcast quality or transmission signal strength or something else?I'm guessing they mean that WCAX's local programming, like the news, will go from the present 480p format to 1080i.

teacher1066

04-07-09, 11:04 AM

It's my understanding that they will cease the upconverting method they've used and, with the implementation of new switching gear and true HD studio cameras, a real 1080i signal will be output. I forgot to ask about their VTR recording functions so that they could transmit the "syndicators" as well as the live stuff. I'll try to get further info.

fpileggi

04-07-09, 11:10 AM

Now if we could just get WPTZ to use regular power lines, instead of that hamster in a cage arrangement they have with Hurst, we'd all be golden...
Does it just boil down to money why Hearst won't upgrade WPTZ? I use to watch WPTZ's news(before HD) preferring the shorter format. I doubt that the competition other then WCAX beats their viewership(probably not by much).

SkiSmuggs

04-07-09, 11:10 AM

Hard to believe that the WCAX 480p broadcast looks so good. But, compared to WPTZ, everything looks great.

SkiSmuggs

04-07-09, 11:14 AM

rogerpl

04-08-09, 12:10 PM

I've lost 44 OTA over the last few days. Signal strength was in the low 70's now nothing. Just me? Thanks

SkiSmuggs

04-08-09, 12:16 PM

I can't say it is just you, but at 14 miles and LOS, I still get 44 at 100, but I've had signal reduced on 3, 5 and 22.

rogerpl

04-08-09, 12:20 PM

I can't say it is just you, but at 14 miles and LOS, I still get 44 at 100, but I've had signal reduced on 3, 5 and 22.

I've got higher readings across the board esp. 3 and 22, just 44 dipped into the 60s and now nothing

teacher1066

04-08-09, 03:52 PM

Can you find out why the signal strength is lower since they moved from 53 to 22? At my location, it dropped from upper 90s to 75.

I just received this from WCAX:
"We are at full power, and so I can not explain the difference that you see. It is possible the signal strength will vary with changes in the atmosphere or ground cover, so maybe you are seeing some of that. The most constructive thing I can suggest is that you check connections and antenna orientation.
Russell A. fraser
WCAX TV"
Perhaps there is something to the atmophere stuff. My channel 3 signal level is back up to 100.
Today WPTZ had a fully pixilated signal on their OTA during the Today Show. However, the Dish Net feed was perfect. That might indicate that WPTZ still maintains their optical line to the Dish headend.

rogerpl

04-08-09, 04:04 PM

Snow cover usually ups my signal strength- since conversion 3 has gone from mid 70s to over 90, 22 from low 70s to mid 80s esp with snow. Next decent day I'm gonna tweak my antenna. I did notice today antenna is pointing slightly upwards not level, loose bracket, secure but has affected angle.

SkiSmuggs

04-08-09, 06:33 PM

I just received this from WCAX:
"We are at full power, and so I can not explain the difference that you see. It is possible the signal strength will vary with changes in the atmosphere or ground cover, so maybe you are seeing some of that. The most constructive thing I can suggest is that you check connections and antenna orientation.
Russell A. fraser
WCAX TV"
Perhaps there is something to the atmophere stuff. My channel 3 signal level is back up to 100.
Today WPTZ had a fully pixilated signal on their OTA during the Today Show. However, the Dish Net feed was perfect. That might indicate that WPTZ still maintains their optical line to the Dish headend.

Thanks so much for the info! I also have my OTA feed into my Dish receiver and I have resolved Dish transmission problems by switching to OTA and OTA problems by switching to the sat feed. Very handy!

bobobeastie

04-10-09, 10:37 PM

Seriously Fox, seriously? Two full hours of SD down converted, or whatever it is they do when they want to show their call signs or show a ticker. Now I have to download the shows, assuming this wasn't a national problem, which I think is pretty safe.

I believe it is WCAX that has recently upgraded whatever equipment is needed to overlay their own content over HD content without down converting. Does anyone know if the other stations are planning on upgrading theirs? It is certainly annoying when the sound cuts out for a couple of seconds during the switch and characters are talking.

fpileggi

04-11-09, 10:51 AM

teacher1066

04-13-09, 06:09 PM

+1 Watching via DISH. Truly pathetic.

I even amazed myself (when I left the viewing of Connor Chronicles and Dollhouse for Saturday night) at just how angry I could get at local broadcasters. How disappointing was it that the season finale of CC was presented in a postage stamp sized picture in the center of the screen. A true 4/3 resolution would have been superior. Although viewers put expensive technology in place, the local station’s engineer is seemingly on a two hour coffee break! That should be unacceptable practice by any station supposedly broadcasting on “our” airwaves. How does this happen?
I am thinking that the television industry, like the banks, is one more enterprise that needs to return to a better regulated environment.
During the first years of Vermont TV broadcasting back in the 60’s, WCAX television came into being as part of the University of Vermont. As a matter of fact, their call letters stood for the College (C) of Agriculture (A) Xperimental (X). (The “W” is an FCC designation for most stations east of the Mississippi.) Sometime after that, the station was bought by the Martin family. The Mount Mansfield Corporation also maintained a financial interest in the Burlington Free Press and WCAX radio. The FCC in its wisdom considered this to be a monopoly on the dissemination of news in the state and forced the family to divest some of the holdings. The FCC was concerned that no one owner could control the flow of information and news perspective. Competition, it was believed, would give rise to better television for Vermonters. And it did.
Indeed, the FCC, before its rules and regulations were bastardized by special interests, demanded a level of technical expertise known as “broadcast quality” signals. Yes, Virginia, they actually demanded that the transmissions be monitored all of the time.
Forward now to see what deregulation in broadcasting has brought us over the last 10 years. We have two television stations in bed with one another (WVNY and WFFF) who share a news team and present only one version of the events of the day. Some would say that this is a cost cutting measure but I say that if you can’t afford to put a station on the air which maintains its own identity with its own engineering department, then the license should be revoked and awarded to someone who is willing to do, not only different newscasts and public service, but also one that could afford to hire a competent engineer to actually monitor the transmissions.
As the old FCC Chairman Newton Minnow once commented, “a broadcasting license is a license to print money.” I long for the return of demanding regulations on broadcasters even though that may mean fewer of them in the marketplace. I’d like to return back to a time when quality and pride were also part of a station’s equation for success--not just the bucks.
Now don’t get me started on local radio…..

waltinvt

04-14-09, 09:13 AM

I even amazed myself (when I left the viewing of Connor Chronicles and Dollhouse for Saturday night) at just how angry I could get at local broadcasters. How disappointing was it that the season finale of CC was presented in a postage stamp sized picture in the center of the screen. A true 4/3 resolution would have been superior. Although viewers put expensive technology in place, the local station’s engineer is seemingly on a two hour coffee break! That should be unacceptable practice by any station supposedly broadcasting on “our” airwaves. How does this happen?
I am thinking that the television industry, like the banks, is one more enterprise that needs to return to a better regulated environment.
During the first years of Vermont TV broadcasting back in the 60’s, WCAX television came into being as part of the University of Vermont. As a matter of fact, their call letters stood for the College (C) of Agriculture (A) Xperimental (X). (The “W” is an FCC designation for most stations east of the Mississippi.) Sometime after that, the station was bought by the Martin family. The Mount Mansfield Corporation also maintained a financial interest in the Burlington Free Press and WCAX radio. The FCC in its wisdom considered this to be a monopoly on the dissemination of news in the state and forced the family to divest some of the holdings. The FCC was concerned that no one owner could control the flow of information and news perspective. Competition, it was believed, would give rise to better television for Vermonters. And it did.
Indeed, the FCC, before its rules and regulations were bastardized by special interests, demanded a level of technical expertise known as “broadcast quality” signals. Yes, Virginia, they actually demanded that the transmissions be monitored all of the time.
Forward now to see what deregulation in broadcasting has brought us over the last 10 years. We have two television stations in bed with one another (WVNY and WFFF) who share a news team and present only one version of the events of the day. Some would say that this is a cost cutting measure but I say that if you can’t afford to put a station on the air which maintains its own identity with its own engineering department, then the license should be revoked and awarded to someone who is willing to do, not only different newscasts and public service, but also one that could afford to hire a competent engineer to actually monitor the transmissions.
As the old FCC Chairman Newton Minnow once commented, “a broadcasting license is a license to print money.” I long for the return of demanding regulations on broadcasters even though that may mean fewer of them in the marketplace. I’d like to return back to a time when quality and pride were also part of a station’s equation for success--not just the bucks.
Now don’t get me started on local radio…..
Well said.

While it may also be said "it's only tv", one can and does get invested in particular programs and when something as "preventable" as that happens - well it really stinks.

The real problem is it's not just television, it's occurring everywhere - in industry, government, education, law enforcement and even families. It's like a combination of apathy and entitlement has permeated our culture to the point where many people just don't give a rip about how their actions (or in-action) affect other people.

My personal "barometer" is shopping carts in parking lots. It used to be the people that returned them to their proper holding stations far exceeded the few idiots that left them wherever they parked. Now the reverse is true and it's just one sign of how many people will no longer endure even a slight level of personal inconvenience to avoid causing it to others.

SkiSmuggs

04-14-09, 10:48 AM

Well said.

While it may also be said "it's only tv", one can and does get invested in particular programs and when something as "preventable" as that happens - well it really stinks.

The real problem is it's not just television, it's occurring everywhere - in industry, government, education, law enforcement and even families. It's like a combination of apathy and entitlement has permeated our culture to the point where many people just don't give a rip about how their actions (or in-action) affect other people.

My personal "barometer" is shopping carts in parking lots. It used to be the people that returned them to their proper holding stations far exceeded the few idiots that left them wherever they parked. Now the reverse is true and it's just one sign of how many people will no longer endure even a slight level of personal inconvenience to avoid causing it to others.

A little off topic, but you are so right. My wife and I have been amazed at the shopping cart thing for years, and at the cars left idling for long periods of time fouling our air and burning their money. My Ford Ranger 4.0L gets 20mpg and I've a friend who idles hers all the time and complains she gets only 12mpg. Duh!

SkiSmuggs

04-15-09, 11:20 AM

I posted this $30 special on the Antennas Direct SM100 meter a few days ago, and it wasn't well reviewed in this forum. http://antennasdirect.com/sm100.html

I got one and tried it at two locations. At the first location, I have clear LOS to the towers located 14 miles away, using a hi-VHF and a UHF screen combined. The only VHF on ch 13 had been dropping out. I connected the meter and immediately saw the LED bouncing between 60 and 80. I swapped out the coax and got a stable 80 signal. Tried aiming the antenna off angle with no change to signal strength. Result: the meter helped me quickly diagnose a bad coax.
The second location is a remote garage on the same property with trees between the antenna and towers. The meter allowed me to aim the antenna so that it occasionally peaked at 70, but the end result was that I saw that I needed to move the antenna 18" to get past a cedar tree that I hadn't realized was in the path. I had actually been off at my guess of the tower location because I didn't have LOS. Result: the meter helped me quickly determine that the antenna needed to be moved.
Final analysis: The meter definitely has limitations with LED lights for each 10 units of signal so a high degree of accuracy is not possible, but, for $30, it helped me quickly resolve a couple of problems by myself that would have taken two patient people a lot longer.

barnie05482

04-17-09, 10:10 AM

I forgot to check this morning, but does anyone know if the analog 3 and 5 are off the air?

foxfan

04-18-09, 09:22 AM

cjbrownvt

04-18-09, 09:46 AM

As of right now, nightlights are still going on WCAX (3), but WPTZ (5) is totally off the air now.

cjbrownvt

04-18-09, 06:38 PM

Scratch that last note...Both WCAX and WPTZ are still doing their nightlight thing. (I must have had a bad reception moment this morning.)

tvlurker

04-19-09, 11:22 AM

Yeah can someone check if the nightlights are off? If they are that means they can start dismantling the old towers (WPTZ/WFFF on Terry Mtn, as well as the WCAX, WETK and WVNY towers on Mt. Mansfield). Timberrrrrr...

According to Scott Fybush, there are other (FM) tenants on the Terry Mountain tower. You could always input the WPTZ-TV tower ID into the FCC database to find out which ones.

cjbrownvt

04-20-09, 07:01 PM

No more nightlights...WCAX (3) and WPTZ (5) are finally done with analog.

teacher1066

05-07-09, 05:20 AM

I know that some have questioned why the local broadcasters don't send out the HD versions of the "syndicators" so I thought that this might be of interest:
We've seen your complaints about many of the syndicated shows that have switched to HDTV broadcasts lately, wondering why they don't show up like that in your area. The fact is, many local affiliates can't / haven't spent the cash on equipment capable of handling all the syndicated programming out there in HD, but Ascent Media, Warner Bros. and CBS are creating a joint venture to fix that, ensuring their hard work creating all that HD (& HD ads, lets not forget) doesn't go to waste. We spoke to Senior VP of Ascent Media Rich Fickle and he broke down the plan where the joint venture will pay for and distribute the equipment to more than 800 affiliates (Which ones? Expect major network affiliates, top 100 markets and many others with a list out before the service launches) that will allow them to receive one MPEG-4 HDTV formatted copy via satellite -- instead of the dual SD and HD feeds distributed currently -- that can then be downconverted for SD broadcasts at their location as well as broadcast the way they were meant to be seen. The equipment will start shipping out in the coming months but it's likely the serivce will launch around the beginning of the fourth quarter of this year. Who's ready for some remastered Star Trek: TOS, Jeopardy & Seinfeld?

TiVoHD

05-07-09, 08:43 AM

Is this the same equipment that would allow the stations to insert their station IDs without having to drop into SD?

teacher1066

05-07-09, 10:59 AM

It's my understanding that it is not the same. What we want is for the stations to upgrade their logo inserter and CG software and hardware.
You might find this interesting from the Chief Engineer at WCAX:
"We will be producing and handling more content in HD before too long. There is a ripple affect as syndicators settle on what and how they will provide content and then we would then receive or buy equipment to handle it. So I would say in the next couple of months."

Yup, pretty vague but, at least, hopeful.

foxfan

05-12-09, 01:12 AM

DirecTV activated the Burlington/Plattsburgh HD locals this morning.

For those with MPEG4 recievers and a 5-LNB dish, WCAX, WPTZ, WVNY, WETK, WFFF, and WCFE are now available in HD.

Which sat/transponder number are they on?

kaszeta

05-12-09, 09:14 AM

Which sat/transponder number are they on?

I'd have to consult the map, but last I checked they were all on 99 deg transponder 22, and 103 degrees transponder 1.

My 72.5 dish has been inactive for months.

signothetimes53

05-12-09, 10:48 AM

What we want is for the stations to upgrade their logo inserter and CG software and hardware.

Amen.

On Saturday, WPTZ dumbed their HD golf broadcast down to SD for a big chunk of time in order to air a Severe Thunderstorm Warning crawl, followed by a bug that showed a regional county map highlighted in red.

I called Master Control and complained about the lack of HD, and was told that she'd been instructed to leave the broadcast in SD to accommodate the bug.

Suffice to say, WPTZ's SD looked like crap, so I turned off the TV. Is that really what WPTZ wants from their viewers?

foxfan

05-12-09, 04:43 PM

This is so stupid. If viewers are watching TV it usually means they are safely at home watching TV and not outside on the lake or on the golf course where a thunderstorm could actually affect them.

Stations in the States always seem to take their "public safety" mandate a little too far.

barnie05482

05-26-09, 10:03 AM

Does anyone know the scheduled dates for the removal of the old towers on MM?

vttom

05-27-09, 08:59 AM

In case anyone missed this story in today's Freep:

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20090527/NEWS02/905270312/1001/NEWS

P.S. The author just added a link back to this discussion thread at the end of the online article. You can blame me for sending him the URL.

SkiSmuggs

05-27-09, 09:17 AM

I couldn't believe this response to the story:

"I feel a little bad for these people but I am still a little confused. Why do some people feel they should get TV for free? It seems like some people feel an entitlement to get a service for free that most people pay for."

After 60-70 years of free TV, it is an entitlement. Many who pay just did it to get more channels. I know I did.
That said, I do think improving the signal is something that needs to be done. I can see the towers at 14 miles, and since the transition WCAX has gone from 95% signal on 53 to 65% on 22. When I should be able to get strong signals with a small outdoor antenna, I am barely getting WCAX and WVNY (70%) with medium antennas. Prior to the transition, I got 80-100% with a small antenna for all local channels.
I've a friend in Stowe who gets all channels good with a medium antenna except for Fox, which she can't get at all.

SkiSmuggs

06-08-09, 12:47 PM

After months of degraded signal from WCAX that began after the transition, I replaced a 2 way splitter/combiner with a UHF/VHF diplexer/combiner and my signal from WCAX went from the 50s-60s to 85-90. So now I'm receiving all 5 locals at 83-100 strength.

barnie05482

06-10-09, 12:19 PM

Does anyone know the scheduled dates for the removal of the old towers on MM?

Last Night on the news, WCAX reported that the old tower is coming down.
Here is the link to the story:

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10505032

foxfan

06-10-09, 02:53 PM

Ooh! I want a piece of it!!! :D

teacher1066

06-10-09, 03:31 PM

Ooh! I want a piece of it!!! :D

I do too!
You know it would be a nice effort if the area broadcasters put together a half hour show detailing the adventures of putting up the new antennas.
I can well remember the detailed stories that appeared when WCAX first constructed the original antenna in 1954. It was a miracle. We tend to forget how it brought the world to our rural state and the affect that its transmissions had on everything from education to politics.
The engineering feat was remarkable and the tales of engineers being stuck up on the top of Mt. Mansfield during difficult winter times still makes for entertaining discussions.
Ah. nostalgia...now if we could only get WVNY to transmit on channel 16 and have everyone buy switching equipment that would let them do local logo insertions without dropping out of HD....just a dream...

Keeya

06-22-09, 07:56 PM

vttom

06-22-09, 10:19 PM

Hey all,
Been reading through a ton of the posts-- thanks for all the useful info. I'm in Burlington and switching from satellite to OTA HD. I came looking for antenna type recommendations for our area, but most that I had seen were from a while back and before the locals started switching up (freqs, power, analog shut off, etc etc etc).

So my question is, currently, what's the best type of antenna? Is VHF necessary? Or would an a DB4-style UHF suffice? Mainly I'm interested in the channels comming from Mt. Mansfield, but if I were able to get something that wouldn't hamper signal on the main ABC/NBC/CBS/FOX/PBS channels and, say, could also pick up some stations in Quebec or upstate NY, I'd be interested.

It'd be an outdoor antenna and up decently high-- going to see if I can re-purpose my DirecTV cable run.

Any info appreciated. Thanks,

--KeeyaPretty much the only channels you can expect to get from Burlington are the locals on Mt. Mansfield, and Mountain Lake PBS. You can get all of the former with a single antenna pointed at Mt. Mansfield. As for the latter, you might pick it up with the backside of the 1 antenna, or you may need to install a 2nd antenna to get it. That being said, I don't think the differences in programing between MLPBS and VPT warrant the trouble or expense.

As for antenna type... The DB4 is a popular choice, but I doubt you will be able to get WFFF (Fox44) with it, because they are broadcasting over channel 13 (a VHF frequency). It is not uncommon for people to join together a DB4-type antenna for the UHF stations (everything but WFFF) and a single-channel antenna designed to VHF channel 13.

Trip in VA

06-22-09, 11:09 PM

WFFF-DT is on 43. It's WVNY (ABC) that's on channel 13.

- Trip

Brian_O

06-22-09, 11:34 PM

That being said, I don't think the differences in programing between MLPBS and VPT warrant the trouble or expense.

That is simply not true. It wasn't true during the analogue-only days and it's less true now.

Keeya

06-22-09, 11:49 PM

...It is not uncommon for people to join together a DB4-type antenna for the UHF stations (everything but WFFF) and a single-channel antenna designed to VHF channel 13.

Thanks for the info, much obliged.

Would something with UHF + high-frequency VHF work in picking up both well (like the Winegard HD-1080, supposedly 0.0db gain at 13, or something of that ilk)? Or would I be better off as you noted with something like the DB4 for the UHF majority and then something rigged for 13? I figure given the recommendation the DB4 would get a comparatively better signal from Mansfield for the majority of stations -> pure UHF.

--Keeya

vttom

06-23-09, 10:04 AM

WFFF-DT is on 43. It's WVNY (ABC) that's on channel 13.

- Trip

That is simply not true. It wasn't true during the analogue-only days and it's less true now.

I stand corrected.

vttom

06-23-09, 10:07 AM

Thanks for the info, much obliged.

--KeeyaI forgot to mention. If you haven't already, go to http://www.antennaweb.org and punch in your address and see what antenna it recommends.

Keeya

06-23-09, 03:07 PM

I forgot to mention. If you haven't already, go to http://www.antennaweb.org and punch in your address and see what antenna it recommends.

Yep, had done that-- everything's listed as yellow (and UHF aside from WVNY) except for WCFE (UHF-red) and W67AR (UHF-blue) for here. That's how I had started with the DB-4 + something for the VHF channel or the Winegard that's listed as UHF+VHF.

Just seeing if anyone in the area had any experience with one type (or even model) over another.

Thanks again,

--Keeya

SkiSmuggs

06-23-09, 08:45 PM

teacher1066

06-24-09, 03:09 PM

Probably most all of you know this ...but just in case...
Their news pictures are truly fantastic....

WCAX started broadcasting the news in high definition from our studios Tuesday.
It is part of a new generation in television. We have been bringing you the news in wide-screen format for some time, but today we switched our studio cameras to high definition. It's all part of a transitional process that included digital television which we switched to in February and will end when our field cameras switch to high definition sometime in the near future.
You should see clearer, sharper images and brilliant new graphics as well.

caledonia1

06-24-09, 03:14 PM

Ooh! I want a piece of it!!! http://www.*****************/trafficreport/img/3721/k09f0423lglc/b.gif

I am too.
When can this dream come true?

juda

06-24-09, 04:24 PM

habscolts

06-24-09, 10:58 PM

Has anyone been having reception issues with WVNY lately? They used to be my strongest station but I don't even get a stable single anymore.

Keeya

06-29-09, 12:21 AM

I think antennaweb tends to be on the low side for antenna requirements and a green (medium) often works better than a yellow (small) in many cases. If you can see the towers, the HD1080 will probably be good. A Channel Master 2016 is another good choice under those conditions. I found the HD1080 better at UHF and the 2016 better at VHF.

Yep, all the ones I had been considering (DB-4, HD1080 and now the Channel Master 2016) are in the "green"... well the first two at least, and I assume the one you mentioned is in there.

Haven't climbed up on the roof yet to see if there's a clear line of sight. I'll probably either go with getting the DB-4 with something else for VHF (picked up a few UHF/VHF combiners) or the Winegard HD1080 as most of the channels seem to be UHF.

Thanks for the information... most helpful.

--Keeya

Disto

06-29-09, 06:35 AM

Deleted....

SkiSmuggs

07-01-09, 09:16 AM

Definitely green works better than yellow.Why did you find the HD1080 to be better?
I didn't say it was better, just better for UHF than the CM 2016. I was using the HD1080 until WVNY started getting flaky because signal strength was only in the 60s, so I switched to a 2016 which gave me a much better signal for WVNY, but one of the UHF stations got flaky. I finally settled on a DB4 combined with a high VHF antenna using a UHF/VHF diplexer combiner. Now I have good signals all around. I am 14 miles from the towers with clear LOS. Antennaweb said I only needed a small antenna, but it took a medium to get stable signals. I gave the HD1080 to a friend who is 5 miles from the towers.

Keeya

07-03-09, 09:16 AM

I didn't say it was better, just better for UHF than the CM 2016. I was using the HD1080 until WVNY started getting flaky because signal strength was only in the 60s, so I switched to a 2016 which gave me a much better signal for WVNY, but one of the UHF stations got flaky. I finally settled on a DB4 combined with a high VHF antenna using a UHF/VHF diplexer combiner. Now I have good signals all around. I am 14 miles from the towers with clear LOS. Antennaweb said I only needed a small antenna, but it took a medium to get stable signals. I gave the HD1080 to a friend who is 5 miles from the towers.

Aaaah, good to know-- I'm closer to 25 miles, and not sure about the LOS.

Given your experience, I'll probably go with something DB4-ish (dedicated mid-range / "green" UHF) and something separate for high VHF, since I already have a few of the combiners anyway. Also have the 2 coax cables in place on the roof from the existing DirecTV dish I hopefully can re-purpose for this.

Any recs on a decent high-band VHF antenna that isn't incredibly expensive?

The Channel Master 3016, Winegard YA-1713 and AntennasDirect V10 all seem like they'd fit the bill.

--Keeya

SkiSmuggs

07-03-09, 05:35 PM

Just make sure your combiners are the UHF/VHF type and not just a splitter.

cjbrownvt

07-05-09, 08:53 AM

I'd give the DB4 antenna a shot by itself first, before investing in anything specifically for VHF. I'm 26 miles from Mt. Mansfield (Monkton, VT) without a great line of sight, but my DB4 does fine for WVNY (signal strength is comparable to that of the UHF channels).

cjbrownvt

07-06-09, 08:14 PM

This evening I rescanned my digital tuner in hopes of finding new channels, and for the first time ever, I was able to tune three Montreal stations:
CBFT 2.1 (physical 19)
CBMT 6.1 (physical 20)
CFJP 35.1 (physical 42)

I'd heard that the expected move of the CBC transmitters to Mt. Royal is still a ways off in the future, so I'm guessing this might just be weather-related good luck today...? (Their signal strengths are now fading back down for me, unfortunately.)

Anyone else in Vermont or northeastern NY seeing surprisingly good Montreal reception today? (I'm in Monkton, VT, 91 miles down the Champlain Valley from Montreal.)

vttom

07-06-09, 09:13 PM

This evening I rescanned my digital tuner in hopes of finding new channels, and for the first time ever, I was able to tune three Montreal stationsIn what direction is your antenna pointed? Did you turn it to point directly at Montreal?

cjbrownvt

07-07-09, 06:00 PM

Close...Montreal would be just about due north (magnetic) from me, but I actually have my antenna pointing a bit to the west of that, in order to get WCFE (which I believe comes from Lyon Mountain, NY, west of Plattsburgh). I can get the Mt. Mansfield channels fine regardless of how my antenna is pointed, so I've been aiming toward the weaker ones.

Unfortunately, I'm not able to get a lock on any of the Montreal channels today.

(By the way, I'm using a DB4 with a Channel Master 7777 booster.)

HDBruce

07-17-09, 09:09 AM

"Atmospherics" are excellent this morning. Chs 2.1 (19) and 17.1 (27) from Montreal coming in at 70% with complete lock. Can't get 6.1 (20) to lock, but it has the lowest power.

teacher1066

07-19-09, 04:57 AM

Great info. Please do this again and I'll turn my antenna to see if I can get any of them. Do you know if they are going to increase their power in the future?

HDBruce

07-19-09, 11:21 AM

Right now there are 4 digital stations broadcasting at low power from various sites within the city itself (CBC building, Olympic Stadium tower, etc). I am occasionally able to receive 19.1, 20.1 and 27.1 for an hour or so when conditions are just right; I've never gotten 42.1.

The CRTC-mandated cutover to digital is 2011. By then, or perhaps even in 2010, modifications will be made to the master tower on Mt. Royal and they will move there. With higher transmitters and higher power, many Vermonters should be able to get them reliably after the transition. By the way, the CTV outlet (Ch 12) doesn't expect to go digital until the forced cutover in 2011 (hence no OTA digital winter Olympics next year) and then will just do a flash change on their channel 12.

teacher1066

07-19-09, 05:39 PM

Thanks. It seems strange that CFCF, which used to be a technology guru in the days when I could get their analog signal, are the most reluctant.
I am sure that everyone on this list would be most appreciative of your keeping us informed of changes--especially when they shift to the new tower.

Blackburst

07-20-09, 02:08 AM

CFCF-TV 12 is owned by CTV. CTV owns plenty of cable specialty channels that get carried on Canadian Cable & Sat companies. These specialty channels get funds from the cable & sat companies when carried on their systems. Whether you watch those channels or not, they get bundled with other specialty channels and Canadian Cable/Sat subscribers pay for them. Fast money being made, whether you watch or not. So, no real reason for CTV getting their O&O over-the-air stations going digital until the last minute.

The same goes for CFTM-TV 10. It is owned by TVA. TVA is owned by Quebecor. Which also owns Videotron Cable in Montreal. They also own Cable Specialty Channels as well. Again, these guys are probably going to wait until the last minute to put up their DT transmitter in Montreal.

CKMI-TV 46 is onwed by Canwest Global. Canwest Global as well owns a bunch on Canadian Cable Speciality Channels.

CJNT-TV 62 is also onwed by Canwest Global.

So, the best we can hope for in the Montreal area is that the central broadcast tower on Mt. Royale will be set up soon so that the existing DT stations can place their transmitters on it ASAP. About half the island of Montreal can't receive the 4 current DT stations.

19 - CBFT-DT (2.1 - SRC)
20 - CBMT-DT (6.1 - CBC)
27 - CIVM-DT (17.1 - TQC)
42 - CFJP-DT (35.1 - TQS)

Of these four stations, only CFJP-DT is owned by a non-government entity.

barnie05482

07-21-09, 10:04 AM

HDBruce

07-21-09, 05:54 PM

I believe they are on 24x7. I wasn't sleeping well last night and got up set the DVR to record something US and tried Montreal when I was done. I had an almost lockable signal on 2.1 and 17.1 at 1:30AM. This morning when I tried at 8:15AM I had a fully locked signal on 2.1 and 17.1 and a marginal signal on 6.1 (for the first time).

Your experience is normal. It's pretty rare when the atmospherics are right to receive them at all. They are either there with some sort of a marginal or lockable signal or they are 0.0. I ususally flip over quickly while I'm having tea in the morning and almost every day the signal is 0.0.

By the way, I'm on hill with a direct shot at Montreal. I'm picking these stations up off a side lobe of my antenna, which is aimed at Mt. Mansfield. I did try reorienting it when the signals were marginal and it didn't increase strength much. Re-aiming didn't do anything when the signal started at 0.0. - zero is zero is zero.

teacher1066

07-30-09, 08:53 AM

Those of you who use Dish Net as your vendor may well see some changes to your bill as they, once again, put in a new price structure and package deals tomorrow.
I have been with them for almost ten years and have their Platnum package. Their new structure for HD services would have me pay $30 more a month then their new customers. After threatening to leave for Direct TV they offered me a new deal that takes off a goodly amount of my monthly cost.
It may be well worth your time to give Dish a call and complain. Their billing practices are a mess and it is no wonder that they lose market share to Direct every month. If it weren't for my Vip722 receiver--I'd dump them in a minute.
Do yourself a favor and call.

SkiSmuggs

07-30-09, 10:25 AM

Thanks for the info, teach. I have the 250 w/HD package, so we'll see how that turns out. I've used DirectTV before when staying with family, and I will put up with a lot to stay with DishNet.

fpileggi

07-30-09, 12:46 PM

PlatinumHD goes away Aug 1st. The contents are being rolled into their GoldHD package. It will be interesting to see if Dish cuts my bill by $10 since the package won't exist anymore. I'll be patient for a month to see, otherwise I will call.

teacher1066

07-31-09, 02:49 AM

They offered me $99 off for three months and then $10 off per month thereafter to stay with them. This came after three different offers for less money by different associates.
I certainly hope that they will have the integrity to readjust your cost per month automatically but I find that very doubtful. Let us know and hopefully prove me wrong.

intravino

08-04-09, 11:15 PM

Hello,

I read that WGMU ch 39 is now up and running again, now with RTV programming.

Can someone in the Burlington area please check that?

Thanks,

cjbrownvt

08-05-09, 08:06 PM

It's there (on analog 39), but with a very weak signal (from where I am, 20 miles south of Burlington). I can just barely tell there's actual programming on it, but can't see enough to recognize the show. I do see the "RTV" logo in the corner though. No sign of anything on digital yet.

intravino

08-06-09, 01:33 AM

Thanks cjbrownvt !

I emailed the station and they told me that CH52 (repeater) in St-Albans should be running soon. CH52 ? I was sure that you cannot transmit over 51.

I was sure also that ch39 was in digital, weird!

cjbrownvt

08-06-09, 08:39 PM

Apparently they're allowed to keep broadcasting on analog because it's so low-power. Hopefully their digital signal (eventually) is much stronger, or else their range is going to be extremely limited.

user

08-13-09, 02:47 PM

Thanks. It seems strange that CFCF, which used to be a technology guru in the days when I could get their analog signal, are the most reluctant.
A lot of things were different before CFCF was bought by CTV 8 years ago.

Thanks cjbrownvt !

I emailed the station and they told me that CH52 (repeater) in St-Albans should be running soon. CH52 ? I was sure that you cannot transmit over 51.

They have a construction permit with the FCC to move to channel 41, that's probably where they'll be when they come back.

By the way, WGMU's other repeater W49BI has a construction permit to increase its power from .02 to 11 kW. Does anyone know when that'll happen? According to TVfool at 11 kilowatts they'll have good coverage of Montreal, better than W52CD.

teacher1066

08-13-09, 03:18 PM

[QUOTE=user;16994724]A lot of things were different before CFCF was bought by CTV 8 years ago.

Thanks. If you ever have the opportunity to tune into any Canadian channels, please let us know the particulars. I'd really like to try to pick up any HD signal from across the border. It's a challenge--just like the analog "old days."

user

08-13-09, 07:44 PM

teacher1066

08-14-09, 03:17 PM

intravino

08-17-09, 02:28 AM

A lot of things were different before CFCF was bought by CTV 8 years ago.

They have a construction permit with the FCC to move to channel 41, that's probably where they'll be when they come back.

By the way, WGMU's other repeater W49BI has a construction permit to increase its power from .02 to 11 kW. Does anyone know when that'll happen? According to TVfool at 11 kilowatts they'll have good coverage of Montreal, better than W52CD.

Not better here in Beloeil. W52CD ch 41 digital will have a 30Kw signal

intravino

08-17-09, 03:21 AM

You are in a great position to let us all know when the Montreal stations begin tranmitting on their final frequency allocations and physical locations. I know that many of us would appreciate it! Thanks

From what I read on this fine website:

http://www.user.dccnet.com/jonleblanc/Canada_TV_Stations/QC.html
(http://www.user.dccnet.com/jonleblanc/Canada_TV_Stations/QC.html)
CBC CBMT 6.1:

will be on UHF 21 (final frequency), right now they are on UHF 20.
Location: right now, Maison Radio-Canada roof, August 2011 ???, Mount Royal candelabra tower

SRC CBFT 2.1:

Is and will stay on UHF 20. Location: right now, Maison Radio-Canada roof, August 2011 ???, Mount Royal candelabra tower

Tele-Quebec CIVM 17.1:

Right now UHF 27, But will change to UHF 26.
Location, Olympic Stadium Tower and August 2011 ???, Mount Royal candelabra tower.

TQS CFJP 35.1:

Right now UHF 42, But will change back to UHF 35.
Location: Roof of a building on Papineau and Sherbrooke streets. August 2011 ???, Mount Royal candelabra tower.

TVA CFTM 10.1:

Right now analog only will flash-cut to digital on the same frequency of VHF 10 on August 2011. Location: Mount Royal candelabra tower.

CTV CFCF 12.1:

Right now analog only will flash-cut to digital on the same frequency of VHF 12 on August 2011. Location: Mount Royal candelabra tower.

Global CKMI 46.1:

Right now analog only will flash-cut to digital on UHF 51 on August 2011. Location: Mount Royal candelabra tower.

E network CJNT 62.1:

Right now low-power analog only, is suppose to flash-cut to digital on UHF 49 on August 2011. Location: Mount Royal. I read that lower power stations will not go digital.

Canal Savoir CFTU 29.1:

Right now low-power analog only, is suppose to flash-cut to digital on UHF 29 on August 2011. Location: Roof of a Building of the University of Montreal. I read that lower power stations will not go digital.

avshelden

08-18-09, 09:43 PM

Don't know if anyone else noticed, but WFFF-DT (44.2 - WB) finally started broadcasting PSIP info with program information this week. I'm happy since now my OTA DVR will no longer just say - "WFFF Programming" for any WB show I record.

teacher1066

08-21-09, 04:53 AM

I've lost WVNY's OTA completely and WPTZ's signal is down also. Anyone else having this problem--especially anyone with Dish who has gotton the new software download (L622)?

habscolts

08-22-09, 12:52 AM

For those with D*, they've been carrying WNNE-HD for a couple weeks now and WLED is being carried from either 103 or 99 so you won't lose any locals if you take down the 72.5 dish.

Does anyone know what the status of WNMN is and if all they're translators are up and running? I'll check the Mt. Ascutney one on Sunday. It appears they are affialiated with the Retro Television Network but does anyone know if they plan on putting MyNetworkTV in HD on 40-1 and then putting RTV on a subchannel? Also, anyone hear any news about WLED moving to Mt. Washington?

user

08-22-09, 01:30 AM

Does anyone know what the status of WNMN is and if all they're translators are up and running? I'll check the Mt. Ascutney one on Sunday. It appears they are affialiated with the Retro Television Network but does anyone know if they plan on putting MyNetworkTV in HD on 40-1 and then putting RTV on a subchannel?
WNMN is being rebroadcast on WGMU, channel 39, the other translators are supposed to be up within a few weeks. Their press release (http://www.prlog.org/10293174-heritage-television-station-to-return-to-champlain-valley-and-north-country-wgmu-channel-39.html) implies that MyNetworkTV will be on 40-2. It also says they plan to multicast 6 digital channels, so there probably won't be enough bandwidth for an HD channel.

Also, anyone hear any news about WLED moving to Mt. Washington?
I actually emailed them a few days ago about this and this is what they said:

Thank you for contacting New Hampshire Public Television. We are continuing the engineering and planning for constructing a transmitter on top of Mt. Washington. This would allow us to substantially increase our over-the-air signal in the North Country, as well as have a transmitter in the Portland DMA (which would mean that the satellite companies would be required to carry us). NHPTV's Board of Governors approved this project in fall 2004, but then the FCC suddenly froze all new television licenses until after the digital television conversion. Once we are allowed to apply, we will have to get FCC approval and then Canadian approval. Then we will apply for a federal grant (hopefully, in January 2010) to fund up to 75% of the project.

We have been told that the Canadian approvals are taking considerable time. Assuming we get to apply to the FCC this year, it would be the summer of 2011 (at the earliest) before we could construct our transmitter on Mt. Washington.

Thank you for watching and supporting NHPTV's programs. In 2009, we are celebrating our 50th anniversary! Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

Colleen

N1FPB

09-13-09, 09:52 AM

Anyone else enjoying the new "THIS" sub-channel on 5-2? It is nice to see diverse OTA programming expanding like this.

teacher1066

09-13-09, 02:29 PM

I am finding it difficult watching anything not in HD. How sad, I've become an HD snob!

fpileggi

09-13-09, 03:17 PM

Question: Are there any plans in the works to broadcast this news program(ie; 6PM) in a real 16:9 format or have the owners just decided it s not worth it and it stays 4:3... I use to watch 5 and its dirty fishbowl effect for news prior to Dish giving us HD locals. Now locally I just watch WCAX(excellent PQ).

teacher1066

09-16-09, 02:08 PM

I received this from WPTZ:
We don’t have a date for when we will be going HD on our Newscasts. We are working to provide more HD content during our other operating hours.
I replied with the following but received no reply:
May we expect that you will be able to insert your logo and WX info without dropping out of HD soon? This station ID and other such info supered over HD shows creates a loss of audio and bizarre "thumps" in the signal. It also comes at a time when it is most annoying--especially at the end of a dramatic show. At times, entire words of dialogue are lost, I assume, because there is a slight time discrepancy between the HD and SD feeds. Let's hope that corporate finally decides to spend some money in this market to upgrade this current situation.

fpileggi

09-17-09, 12:49 PM

We don’t have a date for when we will be going HD on our Newscasts. We are working to provide more HD content during our other operating hours.

Thanks teacher1066. Looks like the owners have pretty much thrown WPTZ under the bus... Other HD programming.. :rolleyes:

teacher1066

09-17-09, 01:00 PM

user

09-17-09, 06:50 PM

"Other programming" probably means that they may buy an HD tape machine so they can play back the "syndictators" like Oprah--which means more cash with virtually no work.
It must be difficult to work at Channel 5 and see even the smallest local broadcasters surpass them in every technological way possible.
Actually, being able to air syndicated shows in HD is apparently the hardest part of the HD upgrade for TV stations. WFFF and WVNY have been producing HD newscasts since December 2007 yet still can't air syndicated shows in HD. And WCAX didn't start airing syndicated shows in HD until a few months after their news started being in real HD.

kmh7890

09-20-09, 04:26 PM

I have an artec T3AP-LL digital converter box. This box detects 5.1 but not
5.2 from WPTZ in Vermont. I also have a sansonic FT-300A and a sunkey
SK-801ATSC, both of which detect both 5.1 and 5.2.

The artec also occasionally displays a large black box which covers 2/3 of
the screen and displays URLs. The box remains even if I change channels,
until I turn the artec off and on again. This box is most likely to occur
while watching nova on WETK Vermont PBS, but has also occurred on other
channels.

I guess these are firmware bugs which are triggered by weirdness in the PSIP
data.

Is there anyone in range of the Vermont stations who has the equipment and
knowledge to determine if there is anything wrong with the PSIP data from
WPTZ and WETK? I heard a rumor that some digital tv tuner cards for
computers can show the raw PSIP data, but I am not sure if that is true.
Even if I had the raw PSIP data, I do not know enough to determine if the
PSIP data is correct.

The black URL box seems to be occurring less frequently, which may mean that
the broadcasters are getting better at generating correct PSIP data. The
missing 5.2 was not important when 5.2 was news and weather like 3.2. But
now 5.2 is This network, so the missing 5.2 is now a problem.

I could complain to the chinese company which made the artec, but I suspect
they would not respond. If there really is something wrong with the PSIP
data, then I should complain to the broadcasters. But I would like to be
sure there are errors in the PSIP data before complaining to the
broadcasters. Also, I am not sure who to complain to. The contact list at
wptz.com does not list a contact for technical broadcasting problems.

Trip in VA

09-20-09, 04:32 PM

I was sent data for the non-WVNY local Burlington stations a few months ago and there was nothing wrong with them at that time.

Perhaps I should request new data from my source in the area...

- Trip

foxfan

09-20-09, 04:42 PM

WPTZ 5-2 also doesn't come in on my old Samsung SIR-T151 tuner I use on a second TV. Some PSIP incompatibility.

SkiSmuggs

09-21-09, 07:09 PM

We were getting a black box in the middle of the screen on a Sceptre HDTV, but it went away when we discovered that closed captioning had accidentally been turned on. We turned closed captioning off (we weren't getting captions anyway) and the black box went away.

intravino

09-22-09, 03:50 PM

WGMU signal is frozen with the same picture since Saturday.

It's looks like they are having Technical Difficulties :)

teacher1066

09-22-09, 03:55 PM

Are they on the HD frequencies? What channel do you find them on? Thanks.

intravino

09-23-09, 11:05 AM

Are they on the HD frequencies? What channel do you find them on? Thanks.

From Charlotte : analog 39

From St. Albans: analog 52

RonXYZ

09-23-09, 03:45 PM

I have an artec T3AP-LL digital converter box. This box detects 5.1 but not
5.2 from WPTZ in Vermont.

Not sure if it is related but looking at TsReader report on http://www.rabbitears.info/screencaps/vt-brl/57476-0_0.htm you can see that the "Carrier Frequency" field is not set at '0' as recommended by FCC and the "Source ID" field for both channels are set to '1' I thing they should be different.

vttom

09-30-09, 09:11 PM

OK. This isn't strictly an HDTV thing, but thought I would mention that this WCAX story just made the front page of digg....

http://digg.com/football/Probably_The_Most_Boneheaded_HS_Football_Play_Ever_Made

signothetimes53

10-13-09, 01:04 PM

Can anyone explain why Comcast periodically moves local HD channels in its pass-thru mode?

WPTZ HD has been on 5.1 forever, and now gets bumped to 31.5. VT Public Television has been moved a kazillion times.

Is there a technical reason why Comcast does this? Or are they just messing with us?

HDBruce

10-16-09, 07:45 AM

I've noticed that they can now do a full HD 16:9 screen insert. They have been briefly putting a wptz.com border at the edges of the NBC evening news and putting a grey border (replacing the stark black border) around the letterboxed Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune shows.

Perhaps we're headed towards station ID's that don't revert to SD and non-Dolby sound and perhaps even to showing the syndicated programs (such as Jeopardy) in HD as WCAX is now doing.

teacher1066

10-16-09, 03:00 PM

Let's hope so!
Has anyone else noticed that WPTZ has missed the correct connect time for the Evening News everyday (except one) for at least three months. Maybe they should invest in some new clocks also.

HDBruce

10-19-09, 08:45 AM

HDBruce

10-19-09, 08:47 AM

This morning 2.1 (19) and 17.1 (27) are coming in with a signal strength in the 60% range. 6.1 (20) and ??.1 (42) both have signals, but not strong enough to lock.

teacher1066

10-21-09, 01:56 PM

Last night during Sunday night football WPTZ did a station ID with their new graphics equipment. The picture remained HD and DD sound with a grey banner across the whole bottom of the screen with the station call letters. A big step!

I've noticed that they have reverted to their old ways. While doing a station ID at the top of the hour in the Today Show, not only did they revert to SD but the engineer also acted like a kid playing around with the new sidebars. At one point leaving them supered over the HD picture for a minute even after they switched back to the NBC HD network feed. If they indeed have new equipment then they need to beging a training program to educate their employees.

teacher1066

10-21-09, 02:00 PM

Some of you folks may be interested in this new group of proposed HD channels from Starz. Of course, we Dish subscribers were treated to Hustler HD last week instead of the BBC HD and other "mainstream" channels. I guess sex does sell. At $14 a film...one wonders!

"Hopefully taking advantage of all that bandwidth saved in the switch to MPEG-4, Starz has announced plans for 5 new HD feeds due mid-2010. New for the '10 are Starz in black HD, Starz Cinema HD, IndiePlex HD, RetroPlex HD and an Encore HD West Coast stream. That brings the number of Starz HD channels up to 9 (plus two west coast feeds), if you've been missing movies on those networks for lack of HD, your suffering is nearly over."

vttom

10-21-09, 06:59 PM

Did anyone happen to watch The Simpsons just now on Fox44? What a travesty of aspect ratio!

It was wide-screen inside a nest of letter-box/pillar-box/letter-box.

scottceaton

10-31-09, 07:44 PM

Anyone else notice that Fox 44 has had a lower and spotty signal in the last couple of weeks? An now as I write this I have no signal at from Fox...all other Local OTA's still have a strong signal...

teacher1066

11-01-09, 04:33 AM

Actually my signal level (89) is up.

scottceaton

11-01-09, 03:04 PM

My signal is spotty again with Fox today during the giants eagles game. I checked my set up again and all other channels are 100% so I don't think it's my gear...

teacher1066

11-01-09, 05:34 PM

I am in Williston also. My signal is down to 82 at 5:30 Sunday afternoon.

Chrisinvermont

11-06-09, 12:15 PM

Well I have finally had it with Burlington Telecom and their HD service, and not just because they are on their way out of business! The PQ is great when it works but between it going out all of the time and heavy pixelation most of the time I have had enough. Add to the fact that the HD/DVR service is about twice what Comcast and the satellite companies charge it is time for a switch. I am spending the weekend running new quad shielded RG-6 so that I am ready for cable or satellite.

My question is who has the best HD service for the Burlington area, Comcast, DTV or Dish? Price wise they are all going to be less than I am paying, so it really comes down to a quality issue.

Thanks,
Chris

SkiSmuggs

11-06-09, 12:28 PM

I still think DishNet is the best value in HDTV alone, but if you consider bundling, there are better values. DishNet's DVRs are the best there are.

vttom

11-06-09, 12:49 PM

I still think DishNet is the best value in HDTV alone, but if you consider bundling, there are better values. DishNet's DVRs are the best there are.I second that. Dish has all-HD packages, where you only get HD channels (and their SD "sisters"). They carry all of the local VT network affiliates in HD as well.

Chrisinvermont

11-06-09, 02:12 PM

Thanks for the quick responses. I am going to keep the data and phone with Telecom until they go under. They do work quite well and the cost is reasonable. This means bundling isn't an issue which probably takes away any advantage that Comcast would have.

Are the satellite networks better than Comcast? When I started considering this a few months ago I thought I was going to Dish and the HD only. Now it seems that Dish doesn't offer those packages, just the same $10 month add on for HD that Direct has. That means we are talking about pretty much the same monthly cost. It seems Dish has the advantage for the DVR (I only tape a few shows a week, watch them and delete so space isn't a huge issue) but Direct makes alot of claims abou the quality of their HD. The advantage that it seems Comcast has is I don't need to sign a 2 year agreement.

Thanks!

roadrnnr

11-06-09, 03:23 PM

I second that. Dish has all-HD packages, where you only get HD channels (and their SD "sisters"). They carry all of the local VT network affiliates in HD as well.

I haven't compared lately but I switched to Direct TV a couple years ago after being a long time Dish Customer because Dish had alot less HD programming.

Heres a comparison article (http://www.dish-television.com/satellite-tv/dish-network-vs-directv-2/)

I think it is still like 100 something channels to 75 or so for Dish but I could be wrong.

Dish definately has better equipment, but over all Direct TV is cheaper and has more HD than Dish

TiVoHD

11-06-09, 03:26 PM

Comcast is offering new customers their digital starter package for $29.99/mo for the first year. If you're willing to sign a contract, you can get the second year for $39.99/mo. The package includes most of Comcast's HD offerings. Not sure how that pricing compares to the Satellite companies.

Chrisinvermont

11-06-09, 05:32 PM

TiVoHD

11-06-09, 06:29 PM

Price wise it is great. Of course once I add DVR and HD it will go up, but still a great deal. How is the quality?

Wiring starts this evening! And to think I pulled all the coax out to run CAT 5. At least now everthing will be better quality coax.

The digital starter package includes an HD box and most of the HD channels. That promotional deal also includes all of the HBO channels (including HBO-HD). It doesn't include a DVR though, and the Comcast DVR is so bad that you probably wouldn't want it anyway. I use a TiVo with cable cards.

vttom

11-07-09, 07:55 PM

When I started considering this a few months ago I thought I was going to Dish and the HD only. Now it seems that Dish doesn't offer those packages, just the same $10 month add on for HD that Direct has.Hmmm... That's one of my few complaints with Dish. They change their packaging frequently. My current bill still shows "TurboHD Bronze" for $29.99, which was their lowest-tier all-HD package. I must've signed a contract for 1 or 2 years which is why I still have it even though it's no longer available.

teacher1066

11-08-09, 01:42 AM

roadrnnr

11-09-09, 09:44 AM

I have a love/hate relationship with Dish. I love their 722 receiver. It powers sets in two rooms with great HD pictures. It has all of the "bangs and whistlles" I could hope for. However, I hate the fact that you have to pay close attention to their billing practices. They continue to try to bill me for an HD package that no longer exists. Everyone you speak to at the company seemingly has a different interpretation of their current prices. I did talk them into dropping my bill from $131 to $86 a month--but, again, you have to check them every month to be sure they don't increase it automatically.

That's The main reason I switched to Direct TV after so many years with Dish.

Their prices always are changing.

Direct TV has more HD for less but the Equipment lacks Dish's Quality.

Not enough to justify the price differance though.

Both are far better than Cable though if you want HD.

TiVoHD

11-09-09, 09:45 AM

Both are far better than Cable though if you want HD.

How so? I've never had satellite, so I do wonder if I'm missing out on something.

roadrnnr

11-10-09, 08:43 AM

How so? I've never had satellite, so I do wonder if I'm missing out on something.

Direct TV has alot more HD channels than Cable and When I had cable I always was messing with the cables and bad connections, ghosting pictures etc.

I never had a problem with the dishes and the pictures always seemed clearer.

TiVoHD

11-10-09, 08:52 AM

Direct TV has alot more HD channels than Cable and When I had cable I always was messing with the cables and bad connections, ghosting pictures etc.

I never had a problem with the dishes and the pictures always seemed clearer.

Have you had cable recently? I've never heard of ghosting or bad picture with digital cable. Comcast has also added a lot of HD channels in the last year, so I think their HD lineup is actually quite good. The only HD channel I wish they had is the CW, but I don't think the local CW station is even offered in HD.

fpileggi

11-10-09, 12:08 PM

I'm a happy camper with DISH here in Burlington. I've had both DirecTv as well as DISH. Yeah the games they play with packages can be annoying, but I seldom feel a need for changing from my AEP+Locals+HD(Gold& Plat). If you want to see whats available, here is an HD chart comparing the two sat's.

http://www.dishuser.org/dvse-HD.php

teacher1066

11-10-09, 04:26 PM

For those who may be interested in a further comparison between Dish and Direct see this link: http://www.tvpredictions.com/dishdirectv110909.htm
Although I am substantially satisified with Dish, the question raised about the quality of the HD signal should always include a nod to the "over the air" signal. With all of the compression that vendors employ, it is often the case that a network feed to a local station is far less compromized then that of cable or satellite providers. Of course that doesn't help those of us interested in the likes of Showtime and HBO.

Bstn268

11-11-09, 08:24 PM

Hey, Have some of you've seen wfff's new 10 minute advantage promo lately? because I really do not like that ad, because the style and sound sounds too gospelly, and it has gospel women singing it, this is supposed to be a rock style promo, but instead they just had to choose gospel, Why on earth would they choose gospel for their promo, every local fox station is suppose to have a rock feel to their newscasts, But why I ask? Why? Can't anybody tell me why? And Could any of you give me a guess on who sang that promo, and was that also used right before fox 44's 10pm newscast expand to an hour in the fall?

roadrnnr

11-12-09, 11:16 AM

The Bigger ? I have of Fox 44 is why oh why did Whitney Brown dye her hair and start wearing glasses.

Overnight she went from a Hot little blond to a chubby looking brunette.

Makes no sense!

Bstn268

11-12-09, 11:35 AM

The Bigger ? I have of Fox 44 is why oh why did Whitney Brown dye her hair and start wearing glasses.

Overnight she went from a Hot little blond to a chubby looking brunette.

Makes no sense!
Well It dosnen't make sense to me either!

signothetimes53

11-12-09, 02:39 PM

Hey, Have some of you've seen wfff's new 10 minute advantage promo lately? because I really do not like that ad, because the style and sound sounds too gospelly, and it has gospel women singing it, this is supposed to be a rock style promo, but instead they just had to choose gospel, Why on earth would they choose gospel for their promo?

And the problem with the selection of music that has a gospel feel for a promo would be what, exactly? That you don't like gospel music and you do like rock music?

Sounds like a silly and exceptionally subjective viewpoint on your part.

vttom

11-12-09, 03:04 PM

why oh why did Whitney Brown dye her hairActually, it looks to me like she stopped dying her hair blonde.

roadrnnr

11-12-09, 05:03 PM

Actually, it looks to me like she stopped dying her hair blonde.

Your right, a travesty neverless!

Bstn268

11-12-09, 06:21 PM

And the problem with the selection of music that has a gospel feel for a promo would be what, exactly? That you don't like gospel music and you do like rock music?

Sounds like a silly and exceptionally subjective viewpoint on your part.
It would proabally be the network affiliation which is FOX which mostly has a rock feel to it, in which I mostly like rock.

AntennaMan1

11-13-09, 10:30 AM

Towering Figure in Vermont TV Dies

November 12, 2009

Ted Teffner spent the better part of 40 years building Vermont television.

"We're trying to build a whole building, we're trying to build three towers put in transmission lines, put up antennas," Ted explained in an interview during construction of new transmitter facilities in 2006.

He was the quintessential behind-the-scenes man-- using his engineering and management skills to keep Channel 3 on the air.

Ted began his career at WCAX in 1959 as a transmitter engineer; one of the hardy souls who man the outpost on top of Mt. Mansfield.

After leaving briefly to work for the phone company, Ted returned to WCAX and worked his way up through the ranks of the engineering department, becoming chief engineer in 1992.

"As Chief Engineer, he designed everything that you see here," WCAX General Manager Peter Martin said.

The last 15 years of Ted's career was focused primarily on bringing Channel 3-- and the other Vermont television stations-- into the digital age. It involved the construction of those new facilities and transmitter towers on Mount Mansfield. During the chaos Ted said, "Everyday there's a question from somebody-- about every half hour-- how we going to do this? How's that going to work? Or better yet, we can't do this by Friday. Then I kind of do my nice little thing-- and I say, but actually you see, we have to get it done by Friday."

"He was the driving force behind the transition of all the television stations in this market, by designing and overseeing the construction of the facilities on Mt. Mansfield," Martin said. "That was an extraordinary, difficult, complex job."

Ted's influence was not limited to television. He also served his hometown of Stowe as a member of the select board for 15 years.

Ted's gruff exterior led some to think of him as "the old man on the mountain," but he was also a talented musician and accomplished yachtsman.

"He truly was a Renaissance man," Martin said.

Ted Teffner passed away Thursday in Florida. He was 69. His family has not yet finalized funeral arrangements.

Roger Garrity - WCAX News

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=11494527