Wow. What a blockbuster!

Ha, exactly. What we need is some of the new PPVs available in HD On Demand, that would do the trick.

Yes. Even if the films are ayear old, let them be films we have heard about!

I still cannot find out if they will have next weekends HBO PPV Boxing in HD. No one knows anything. :mad:

Two new shopping channels! Woohoo! 79 and 138! Yes!!!! :rolleyes:

I hope we're not having to pay anything for the addition of these channels.

NBC update.

I sent an email to WVIT in regards to the poor video and received a response from them today. I sent them a reply with some pictures to show the poor picture quality.

Will update again when I get another response.

Well, NBC is at it again. Surface is on right now and it's not in HD. Unless they are working on fixing the problem, this sucks.

edit. HDTV programming's thread on Surface it talking about how many people across the country have no HD tonight on NBC.

So, this is a national problem!

I have been having issues during Prison Break and Monday Night Football in HD. About 3 or 4 times an hour the screen just goes blank. I was recording Prison Break and it broke it up in 4 segments. I am not recording MNF. I tried rebooting the 8300HD but I am still having the same issues. When the screen goes blank I have to change channels to get the picture back. Is anyone else seeing this type of issue tonight?

My recording of the simpons was all screwed up. One segment was recorded for 2 minutes, and another for 28. I turned my tv on in my bedroom which was on fox and had a blank screen. I changed channels and then went back to fox and it was fine.

Something has been screwy with fox for a while. A bunch of episodes of the simpsons last week had no sound for minutes at a time.

Someone needs to tell Telemedia about this.

I have been having issues during Prison Break and Monday Night Football in HD. About 3 or 4 times an hour the screen just goes blank. I was recording Prison Break and it broke it up in 4 segments. I am not recording MNF. I tried rebooting the 8300HD but I am still having the same issues. When the screen goes blank I have to change channels to get the picture back. Is anyone else seeing this type of issue tonight?

I wasn't recording anything, but have the same issue. I'll try and get someone to look at this.

One segment was recorded for 2 minutes, and another for 28. I turned my tv on in my bedroom which was on fox and had a blank screen. I changed channels and then went back to fox and it was fine.
That sounds like the same problem I was experiencing with the recordings broken up in different segments. But also weird stuff was happening while just watching live TV on WNYW-DT and WABC-DT. I don't know if they just released a new firmware or the channels are on the same QAM. There must be some correlation or explanation.

Tim told me they are investigating the problem.

To comment on what Bill said, my guess is that it's a problem with the SA system (on their end) and their fiber interface, which explains why it's only happening with those 2 channels an no other ones. I am home sick from work now (it really sucks, seriously) but I am able to check this out. The screen turning black is still happening on 707 and 718 right now. So I loaded up my QAM receiver and the same thing is happening on channel 106-5 and 106-19 (WNYW and WABC, respectively.) So, looks like my theory of an SA problem is incorrect. The QAM tuner however, recovers from the black screern very shortly, after only about 20 seconds or so of black screen, without having to change the channel.

Edit: Oh yeah, and it seems that CPTV has vanished. Channel still shows up in our guyde but is black, and QAM channel 106-4 is gone.

Oh yeah, and it seems that CPTV has vanished. Channel still shows up in our guyde but is black, and QAM channel 106-4 is gone.
I forgot to metion this last night with all the other issues: I noticed that when I tried to record Dave Mathews Band a couple nights ago. I went to watch the recording last night and I got nothing. :mad: Just when I was starting to feel good about Tele-Media they knock me back down to reality.

ABC, Fox, and PBS are completely black tonight.

Can someone please fix the problem before I go back to Directv.

Edit, now they are back.

ABC, Fox, and PBS are completely black tonight.

Can someone please fix the problem before I go back to Directv.

Edit, now they are back.

I still have ABC and FOX, though they still black out every now and then. Tele-Media is aware of the problem. Haven't heard anything on CPTV though.

I cannot wait for them to "fix" the problem by removing Firewire. :rolleyes:

As of this morning, it looks like everything is working fine. ABC, FOX, and PBS are all up and running.

I cannot wait for them to "fix" the problem by removing Firewire. :rolleyes:
Matt, I thought of you as soon as I thought the firmware might be the problem. More firewire issues with a firmware version change. Fortunately for you it looks like this is not what was happening.

Looks like CPTV HD has been replaced with WNET HD out of NY. I noticed first that since the channel 724 had returned last night that it's been HD all the time, even now at 2:00 pm. Then I notice that occasionally they put the "Thirteen HD" bug in the bottom right corner of the screen during programs, and then there are Thirteen HD commercials inbetween shows. I would assume that this is coming from Tele-Media over their fiber connection from Comcast, but I can't confirm that for sure since I can't get WEDN-DT tuned in on my OTA box. I would suppose there is a slight chance that CPTV is having problems and for the time being is showing WNET HD. Oh well, not important until Lady Huskies games are in HD, which won't be until well into Comcast's reign.

hey. I am new to HDTV and wanted to know how is TeleMedia/Adelphia's HDTV service? What exactly do I need to get up and running? I wanted to get HDTV and record it to my compuer with a TV tuner card - is this possible? Would I need to upgrade to digital cable first to order HDTV, as I have basic analog right now.

thanks.

Hey Paulie,
A couple of weeks ago the CPTV Ch 53 went down on a saturday morning and I think it was
the first Husky game so the must have used some of the Ch 45 equipment to get Ch 53 back
up and runing so they could have the game on that night.
I switched my system over to WGBH HD to keep something on the channel slot.
I think they are back on, I will have to check again.
Last time I talked to them, only the last game of the season(the senior night) was going to
broadcast in HD.
Lata

Hey Paulie,
A couple of weeks ago the CPTV Ch 53 went down on a saturday morning and I think it was
the first Husky game so the must have used some of the Ch 45 equipment to get Ch 53 back
up and runing so they could have the game on that night.
I switched my system over to WGBH HD to keep something on the channel slot.
I think they are back on, I will have to check again.
Last time I talked to them, only the last game of the season(the senior night) was going to
broadcast in HD.
Lata

Hmmm, I guess Tele-Media just decided to give us WNET-DT for now.

On another note, when you said you put WGBH HD on your system, what do you mean? Do you work for a cable company? If so, which one? Thanks.

hey. I am new to HDTV and wanted to know how is TeleMedia/Adelphia's HDTV service?The Tele-Media/Adelphia HD lineup is second to none in Connecticut. The HD service has normally been pretty good with the exception of some small issues that have been documented here over the past couple days. (Those seem to be straightened out.) The channel lineup and some information is listed in the original post.

What exactly do I need to get up and running?To get HD service you need a HD television and a HD Tuner. That tuner can be one of the HD converter boxes or a CableCard. Tele-Media offers a DVR and non-DVR option.

I wanted to get HDTV and record it to my compuer with a TV tuner card - is this possible?There is no PC recording through Firewire because of 5C copy protection. However, there are some good recording threads in the HD Recorders & Players forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=42) to other devices.

Would I need to upgrade to digital cable first to order HDTV, as I have basic analog right now?You do not have to upgrade to digital cable but they do make it attractive. HD locals are free. The HD Plus tier costs $7.95/mo. Here is where they try to make it attractive, The HD Plus tier is free if you subscribe to a digital package. The Bronze digital package is $10.95 so for an extra $3 you pick up a bunch of extra SD channels along with the HD channels.

I hope this helps and welcome to the thread!

Sent ya a PM Paulie !

Bill, I was forced to subscribe to the Digital package in order to get HD. I have tried many times to drop that SD garbage, but have been told NO every time. The problem is HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, etc. You have to subscribe to the other packages if you want those HD channels.

So my bill is huge, even though I watch next to nothing.

ROB: You can record to D-VHS via Firewire if you have a Mitsubishi or JVC D-VHS deck. The Mits decks can be a problem though, since Telemedia sends out the channels with variable compression, resulting inthe Mits deck going from HS to STD mode all the time. This will cause serious playback problems. So I do all my recording with a JVC 40000U in forced HS mode. I then playback all the tapes from the Mits through the JVC, that way the JVC deck is not always being used (they are fragile).

Firewire STB's are the 3250HD and the 8300. However, the 8300's Firewire is highly unstable and will crash your D-VHS deck every time. Also, the local Networks cannot come through on Firewire via the 3250HD box because the firmware is screwed up.

Confused yet?

Bill, I was forced to subscribe to the Digital package in order to get HD. I have tried many times to drop that SD garbage, but have been told NO every time. The problem is HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, etc. You have to subscribe to the other packages if you want those HD channels.
If you just have basic analog cable and only want the HD locals and the HD Plus Tier you can do that by paying the $7.95/mo.

If you want to get any of the premium movie channel packages (including their corresponding HD channel), you have to subscribe to a digital package. Until recently, I had the basic analog service with HD. (I changed when they added ESPN-U.)

Thanks Bill. Another question:

I was planning on getting a Sony 34" TV that has a built-in ATSC tuner. It also comes with a CableCard slot. However, I was at Adelphia and it says:


Do I need an Adelphia HDTV set top if I already have an HD television set?

Yes, you do. The HDTV set top is required to receive and decode the Adelphia HDTV channels regardless of the type of HD television you have. HD televisions with a built in HD receiver are only capable of receiving signals from local broadcasters through a standard television antennae.


Does this mean the built in tuner won't work? So I'd have to either get the HDTV set top from Adelphia or a CableCARD?

Thanks again for the help.

The CableCard acts like a converter or set-top box. You will be able receive all offered cable channels (both encrypted and unencrypted) provided that you subscribe to them :). The only thing the CableCard is not able to provide are DVR capabilities like the 8300HD. Hope this answers your question.

More detailed information can be found in the HDTV Hardware Forum.

The CableCard acts like a converter or set-top box. You will be able receive all offered cable channels (both encrypted and unencrypted) provided that you subscribe to them :). The only thing the CableCard is not able to provide are DVR capabilities like the 8300HD. Hope this answers your question.

More detailed information can be found in the HDTV Hardware Forum.

Thanks. This might sound stupid but what kind of connections are on the set top box if I upgrade from analog to Digital Cable with HDTV? As in what kind of cables will I use to connect them? Sorry, I am used to just plugging the coaxial cable right into the TV. I don't know much.

The 8300HD let you use HDMI or Component (YPrPv) cables for HD connections. The 3250HD box has Component (YPrPv) and DVI for HD connections. Both have digital audio out for RCA and fiber.

Connecting the 3250HD
http://www.scientificatlanta.com/ExplorerClubGuides/getting_started/3250HDcabling/T10861-3250HD_HDTV.pdf

Connecting the 8300HD DVR
http://www.scientificatlanta.com/ExplorerClubGuides/getting_started/4003986.pdf

Yeah, but there is the problem with the 8300 with HDMI that whenever my tv changes inputs it changes the output of the 8300 to 480i instead of the HD output of either 720 or 1080. The only way to get it back to HD is to redo the setup of the box to choose the output format.

Yeah, but there is the problem with the 8300 with HDMI that whenever my tv changes inputs it changes the output of the 8300 to 480i instead of the HD output of either 720 or 1080. The only way to get it back to HD is to redo the setup of the box to choose the output format.

I am using an 8300HD with the HDMI outptu and do not have the problem that you are describing. I'm thinking that perhaps you have a bad box, and you may want to contact Adelphai about this.

So a DVR like the 8300HD is the HD tuner? Is this used for Digital Cable as well? I never knew that. I thought there was a seperate receiver by Adelphia or something for HD and then for a DVR you get get something like Tivo or ReplayTV or something.

All SA boxes have a variety of DVI and HDMI problems. Many flat out refuse to work with a number of sets because the SA firmware is faulty and think everything out there is not HDCP compliant. SA knows this but has not address the issue.

Bill, I wish to God I could drop the digital pack, but as you say, I have to have it if I want the pay channels. Franly, that should be illegal and if the FCC has their way, it soon will be, with Ala Cart being considered for 2006. God do I hope so. The only SD station I would subscribe to would be Fox News. ESPN and ESPN2 are in the HD package, so I wouldn't need to suvbscribe to the SD versions. Life would be good (and cheap).

I am using an 8300HD with the HDMI outptu and do not have the problem that you are describing. I'm thinking that perhaps you have a bad box, and you may want to contact Adelphai about this.


I posted about this in either this forum or in the HD recorders forum. Apprantly it has something to do with the two way communication between the cablebox and the TV, and when you change inputs on the tv(or turn the cable box off) it doesn't interpret the signal properly and thinks it can only send the default output, which for this box is 480i.

I tried several different settings, but was never able to get it to work properly, with 2 different boxes. So, I just use component outputs.

Hopefully when new boxes come out at a later date, this problem will be fixed. Just hoping those new HD Tivo's with Comcast show up soon after the takeover.

724 has been down all day again. Good thing this isn't happening with ESPN HD or something, else I'd be mad.

So a DVR like the 8300HD is the HD tuner? Is this used for Digital Cable as well? I never knew that. I thought there was a seperate receiver by Adelphia or something for HD and then for a DVR you get get something like Tivo or ReplayTV or something.
The 3250HD and the 8300HD DVR both have 2 tuners for SD/HD so it is possible to use PIP (only through the box) or with the 8300HD record 2 shows at the same time. Another neat little feature with the 8300HD is that you can record 2 HD programs at the same time while watching a third HD program that you previously recorded.

For more about the 3250HD and 8300HD boxes, go to this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=581843) to learn everything there is to know about these boxes. There are also a number of threads in the HDTV Recorders & Players forum and the HDTV Hardware forum about these boxes.

This might be good news for us in the near future.

According to a spokesman, "Comcast is currently finalizing negotiations with dozens of channels to bring additional HD signals to our lineup in the near future. As part of these negotiations, Comcast wants to make sure each of programmers have a substantial amount of HD content to ensure an ultimate viewing experience for the customer. Comcast has plenty of bandwidth available."

This might be good news for us in the near future.

According to a spokesman, "Comcast is currently finalizing negotiations with dozens of channels to bring additional HD signals to our lineup in the near future. As part of these negotiations, Comcast wants to make sure each of programmers have a substantial amount of HD content to ensure an ultimate viewing experience for the customer. Comcast has plenty of bandwidth available."

Could you supply a link to this? I'd be interested in reading the whole thing. Thanks.

I found it in the HDTV programming forum.

Here is the link that was posted in that thread. It's somewhere towards the bottom of the page.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05336/615674.stm

This might be good news for us in the near future.

According to a spokesman, "Comcast is currently finalizing negotiations with dozens of channels to bring additional HD signals to our lineup in the near future. As part of these negotiations, Comcast wants to make sure each of programmers have a substantial amount of HD content to ensure an ultimate viewing experience for the customer. Comcast has plenty of bandwidth available."

Dozens eh? Sounds like VOOM channels to me.

More *good* news from Comcast!

Industry leader Comcast Corp. is raising the rate on its most popular cable package by an average of 6 percent next year in all markets, while No. 2 Time Warner Cable customers are being asked to pay an average 3.1 percent more for its expanded basic package and 1.9 percent more for its limited basic plan.

The cost for Philadelphia-based Comcast's expanded basic package will rise to an average of about $47.70 as early as Jan. 1, the company said Thursday. Nearly all the company's 21.4 million cable subscribers nationwide will see an increase, since the expanded basic plan is the building block upon which digital services are added.

I live in Norwich and currently subscribe to Adelphia's Digital service with the 8300HD DVR. The tech who installed the DVR said that if I ever bought an HDTV I just had to call the local office and they could have the HDTV PLUS TIER turnd on and provide me with cables if I wanted them.

I took the plunge tonight and bout a Toshiba 52HM84 at Best Buy for the great clearance price of $1700. I'll have to give Adelphia a call this weekend, but looking over their local HD listings has left me with a few questions.

1) Is it worth getting the composite cables from Adelphia, or should I just go buy an HDMI cable?

2) Anyone know if/when Adelphia plans on expanding their HD package here in Norwich? Right now we have 702 WGBH HD, 703 WFSB HD, 704 WVIT HD, 750 HD HBO, 751 HD SHOWTIME, 752 HD STARZ, 753 HD CINEMAX, 770 HD NET, 771 HDN MOVIES, 772 ESPN HD, 773 NESN HD, 774 INHD1, 775 INHD2, 776 DISC HD, 777 NFL HD, and 778 ESPN2 HD.

I guess what I'm wondering is... where's ABC and FOX!?!?!

I live in Norwich and currently subscribe to Adelphia's Digital service with the 8300HD DVR. The tech who installed the DVR said that if I ever bought an HDTV I just had to call the local office and they could have the HDTV PLUS TIER turnd on and provide me with cables if I wanted them.

I took the plunge tonight and bout a Toshiba 52HM84 at Best Buy for the great clearance price of $1700. I'll have to give Adelphia a call this weekend, but looking over their local HD listings has left me with a few questions.

1) Is it worth getting the composite cables from Adelphia, or should I just go buy an HDMI cable?

2) Anyone know if/when Adelphia plans on expanding their HD package here in Norwich? Right now we have 702 WGBH HD, 703 WFSB HD, 704 WVIT HD, 750 HD HBO, 751 HD SHOWTIME, 752 HD STARZ, 753 HD CINEMAX, 770 HD NET, 771 HDN MOVIES, 772 ESPN HD, 773 NESN HD, 774 INHD1, 775 INHD2, 776 DISC HD, 777 NFL HD, and 778 ESPN2 HD.

I guess what I'm wondering is... where's ABC and FOX!?!?!

There is a good chance that Adelphia will have new re-transmission agreements for all of the networks (even WB and UPN) come the beginning of the new year, as I believe their current agreements expire on Dec 31. These new agreements will all likely contain carriage of the HD channel as well. So, the agreements will likely be in place in literally weeks, however how long it takes for you to actually see the channels depends on if the head-end has the equipment in-hand or has to order it.

As far as how to connect your DVR to your TV, just use the HDMI, you will get a better picture.

He might not. Some sets have inferior HDMI picture. It's a huge problem in the industry. If he researches his set online I am sure if he can find out if his set is what's called HDMI-Lite.

He will have to switch his 8300 into HD mode.

That being said, he will be a happy camper once he is watching HD.

Thanks for the help, everyone. I picked up my TV this morning along with a new DVD player and a few cables. I got the Toshiba 52" DLP (52H95) - newest Tosh model. I also grabbed 1 HDI cable and a set of composites. I currently have the SA2300HD connected to the TV through the composite cables and the DVD with HDI for the upscaling... should I swap?

I also had Adephia turn on the HD channels today... looking good. Standard cable could be better but I could get used to it pretty quick. XBOX 360 is just amazing on it.

There is a good chance that Adelphia will have new re-transmission agreements for all of the networks (even WB and UPN) come the beginning of the new year, as I believe their current agreements expire on Dec 31. These new agreements will all likely contain carriage of the HD channel as well.
It is hard to imagine anyone making new channel and re-transmission contracts without including the HD channel now days. That is good news. We know Tele-Media has the bandwidth and equipment to add more. UPN and WB would be nice. Maybe with the new agreements they will also consider providing both NY and CT HD local channels. Not that it is necessary but it could happen.

We need this Comcast takeover to happen soon so we can start adding some national and RSN HD channels (and pay our 6% increase :rolleyes: ).

Brian, you are not getting HD through composite. You have to use Component (three cables made of red, green & blue) or HDMI when hooking up the SA box. They did not give you a 3250 box?

Brian, you are not getting HD through composite. You have to use Component (three cables made of red, green & blue) or HDMI when hooking up the SA box. They did not give you a 3250 box?

I'm smacking myself in the head right now... I made my last post on about 2 hours sleep and messed it all up. :)

My DVR box is an SA8300HD, not 2300. They actually put it in about a year ago before I had the HDTV. I'm also using COMPONENT cable, not composite. My mistake.

Looks like today I'll finally get a chance to play with the cabling a bit, too. My wife loves the HD channels but is pretty worked up about the standard cable picture. I have found that the picture is quite a bit better using the RF output for these channels, though.

Crappy old SD looks even more crappy on a larger screen. NTSC is designed to be seen on TV's that are much smaller than your set.

Crappy old SD looks even more crappy on a larger screen. NTSC is designed to be seen on TV's that are much smaller than your set.

I totally understand that. The SD picture was FAR worse than I had expected, though.

I did a little tweaking this afternoon and it looks much better. First, I checked the HD setup on the 8300HD and found that 1080i was the only resolution set and it was configured to upscale all SD channels. I set all available resolutions on and SD to "Pass-Through" mode. This drastically improved all channels. I then swapped the HDMI cable over from the DVD and the difference was astounding. Needless to say a second HDMI is already ordered. The wife was much happier when she saw it, too.

I sent Adelphia an e-mail this afternoon about ABC and FOX. A few hours later I got the expected canned response:

Unfortunately, the information you are requesting is not available at this time. If you would like to periodically check back with us you can do so by calling 1-888-683-1000.

Have a nice day,
Tawna

I sent Adelphia an e-mail this afternoon about ABC and FOX. A few hours later I got the expected canned response:

I'm going to talk to a guy I know at Adelphia and see if he has any info on ABC and FOX HD for the Norwich system. I'll let you know what he has to say.

I'm going to talk to a guy I know at Adelphia and see if he has any info on ABC and FOX HD for the Norwich system. I'll let you know what he has to say.

Great! It would be much appreciated!

Great! It would be much appreciated!

I heard back from my guy. He said that they are working on it, but unfortunately it looks like you will have to wait for the new re-trans agreements with LIN Broadcasting for WTNH, and Tribune for WTIC. But hopefully this will likely occur in the not too distant future.

This is the kind of quote I was looking for, as far as getting NESN in time for baseball season:

By the beginning of the 2006 baseball season, Time Warner expects to complete an agreement with the Adelphia and Comcast cable companies...

This is from an Akron Ohio newspaper, in regards to the Indians starting their own RSN like NESN.

Brian, you might want to make sure you adjust the contrast and brightness and also sharpness of your set. Out of the box they are always WAY off. Sharpness should always be turned down as low as possiblee.

Do into the TV forums here and ask some questions about how to get the most out of your new HD set.

More from Tim on locals in HD:

I asked him about having both CT and NY locals after the new retrans agreements. He said that he doesn't think it would make too much sense, since the HD lineups are almost identical on both NY and CT locals, with the exception of some NFL games.

I also asked him about if WCBS (SD) will be added in the Waterbury area, for the Jets fans in this area (not me, I'm a Pats fan). He wasn't sure about that, but said they have a lot of negotiating going on for these retrans right now.

He said that hopefully they new retrans agreements will be done by the end of the year, which is just a few weeks now.

As far as whether or not WTNH and WTIC will replace WABC and WNYW, he wasn't sure on that either. He said more to come, so I'll share anything that I hear from him with you guys.

Anyone else think that the pq on HDNet looks awful lately. I don't know if it's on Telemedia's end because I've read that other people on other systems have noticed that their picture isn't as good as it used to be. But it looks pretty bad.

Also, never received any update from NBC about their problems. Will email them again tonight and see if I get a response.

Anyone else think that the pq on HDNet looks awful lately. I don't know if it's on Telemedia's end because I've read that other people on other systems have noticed that their picture isn't as good as it used to be. But it looks pretty bad.

Also, never received any update from NBC about their problems. Will email them again tonight and see if I get a response.

I find that with HDNet, the PQ can vary greatly program-to-program. I've seen some stuff that looks hideous, and then I'll see something that looks simply amazing. I will admit that I don't watch it as much as some other channels, so I don't know if it's gotten worse recently, but I did run into some complaints about HDNet an a forum for a different Adelphia system.

Let's hope that NBC figures out how to do HDTV by the time they start Sunday Night Football next year.

Just another article on Adelphia, Comcast, and the FCC:

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6289521.html?display=Breaking+News

And here is the docket requesting lots of information from Adelphia, Comcast, and Time Warner. Responses from the trio are due on Dec 19. If you read through the list of questions that the FCC is requiring answered, you will see some that there are more "to the point" questions than previously seen. Makes me think that we're getting very close to FCC approval. Oh well, just my opinion.

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-262577A1.pdf

HDNet Movies is having problems that they currently are in denial of. Films they show that looked great on Showtime or HBO have looked very soft on their channel. It's likely a filtering issue they do not understand. Hopefully they will fix it.

I heard back from my guy. He said that they are working on it, but unfortunately it looks like you will have to wait for the new re-trans agreements with LIN Broadcasting for WTNH, and Tribune for WTIC. But hopefully this will likely occur in the not too distant future.

Thanks a lot, Paulie. Knowing that it is coming eventually makes me feel quite a bit better.

Brian, you might want to make sure you adjust the contrast and brightness and also sharpness of your set. Out of the box they are always WAY off. Sharpness should always be turned down as low as possiblee.

Do into the TV forums here and ask some questions about how to get the most out of your new HD set.

Done! Thanks again :)

Right now I have Adelphia basic cable which includes channels like ESPN and comedy central. If I went out and purchased the SA 3250 or some other converter, but not thru Adelphia, would I be able to hook it up and receive HD programming when its offered (say a baseball game for example)?

Or do I have to sign up for a different service in conjunction with having the HD converter?

Right now I have Adelphia basic cable which includes channels like ESPN and comedy central. If I went out and purchased the SA 3250 or some other converter, but not thru Adelphia, would I be able to hook it up and receive HD programming when its offered (say a baseball game for example)?

Or do I have to sign up for a different service in conjunction with having the HD converter?

No. Only boxes that are programmed by Adelphia will work with their service. You can, however ,use a QAM tuner to receive the unencrypted HD channels, which include the locals.

Right now I have Adelphia basic cable which includes channels like ESPN and comedy central. If I went out and purchased the SA 3250 or some other converter, but not thru Adelphia, would I be able to hook it up and receive HD programming when its offered (say a baseball game for example)?

Or do I have to sign up for a different service in conjunction with having the HD converter?

I believe that it is a law they have to activate it as long as it is not a missing
converter from another system or stolen.
You would need a Scientific Atlantic converter if that is what they use in your
system or a Motorola if that is what they use.
Be aware of some of the E-Bay stuff, once you buy it you own it if it is stolen
or stops working.
The only way to make sure it is OK and has a warranty is buy one from the
manurfactuer if available and make sure it is a HD capable converter !
Where I work we do activate converters for customers as long as they check
out Ok and they have to bring it to our office to do that.
Its easier the rent them from the Cable Company.
Hope it helps.....Good luck !

Never buy a box. Just don't do it. Too risky.

Is telemedia having problems with WNYW HD again?

Neither episode of the simpons recorded tonight.

Here's an article about AT&T (formerly SBC) and its plans for IPTV in Connecticut. Who knows...In a year or so we could have a choice between Adelphia/Comcast and AT&T.

http://www.bristolpress.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15698938&BRD=1643&PAG=461&dept_id=10486&rfi=6

Is telemedia having problems with WNYW HD again?

Neither episode of the simpons recorded tonight.

My recordings on WNYW-DT have been fine for the past week, since it seems they fixed the problems with it. But, I could just be lucky.

My recordings on WNYW-DT have been fine for the past week, since it seems they fixed the problems with it. But, I could just be lucky.


Stacked from the other night was all screwed up as well.

Stacked from the other night was all screwed up as well.

I don't know if it will help or not, but try cold booting your receiver. Just unplug it, give it a few minutes, and then plug it back in.

I actually did that last night anyway because I couldn't get any sound out of the box.

Here's an article about AT&T (formerly SBC) and its plans for IPTV in Connecticut. Who knows...In a year or so we could have a choice between Adelphia/Comcast and AT&T.
I have actually been following both AT&T and Verizon's progress pretty closely. Details are very scarce but both company are making huge promises about their new IP services. It will be interesting what promises they are actually able to deliver on. Right now, if you are not able to get SAT service for whatever reason (i.e. trees, condo, etc.) you are held hostage by the cable company. Some competition should bring the prices down a little and be good for customers.

With all these new cable services, IPTV, Cisco and Microsoft entering the market, and a-la-carte/channel prices being discussed, 2006 could be an interesting year.

This isn't really news, but rather something that could make Bill happy.

If you read this article...

http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,713890,00.html

...you will see that SportsNet NY, the new regional sports network that will air the majority of New York Mets games, WILL BE on Comcast in Connecticut. This means that a deal does not need to be worked out or anything for Comcast.

So even if Adelphia can't work out a deal for SNY, whenever Comcast takes control, we should see it added as we will be part of the Comcast family. The same should go for NESN.

Also, I'm told that SNY plans on doing all of their in-studio shows in HD, along with HD clips.

Any news on YesHD?

What about WB? Any updates on the new agreements?

Any news on YesHD?

What about WB? Any updates on the new agreements?

No news on YES HD. Nothing on WB or other retrans agreements.

Rest assured that whenever I get any information on this stuff, I'll let you guys know right away.

Here is an even more important question. Comcast doesn't offer HDNet or HDNet Movies.

Does that mean that when they take over Adelphia that they will turn these channels off?

Here is an even more important question. Comcast doesn't offer HDNet or HDNet Movies.

Does that mean that when they take over Adelphia that they will turn these channels off?

I corresponded with Lisa Clark, Regional Director of Marketing for Comcast about this very subject back in October. Here is what she responded with:

As for channels that Adelphia has, but Comcast does not, know that we are constantly adding networks to the Comcast lineup, so by the point in time we complete the merger, these discrepancies may be fewer than they are today.

So, as you can see, she didn't specify what would happen to channels that Comcast would still not have agreements with. This leads me to believe that we could lose channels like the HDNets and ESPN2HD, if Comcast doesn't carry them when the deal closes. However, with the acquisition of Adelphia, Comcast will have more leverage in negotiations for these channels, and therefore it becomes more likely that Comcast will make deals for these channels.

So I see the worst case scenerio being we lose the HDNets at some point, but Comcast would eventually get a deal for the HDNets, and we gain them back.

Of course, this is all speculation. I do not konw the specifics of each individual agreement. I have heard that some AT&T BB customers lost some channels when Comcast tookover.

That would really suck. I think I watch HDNet more than any other channel. If we were to loose that it might be necessary to go back to D* until it gets added again. I guess we'll have to wait until then to see what happens.

That would really suck. I think I watch HDNet more than any other channel. If we were to loose that it might be necessary to go back to D* until it gets added again. I guess we'll have to wait until then to see what happens.

I am trying to get more clarification on this. I'll let you know what I hear.

This isn't really news, but rather something that could make Bill happy.

If you read this article...

http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,713890,00.html

...you will see that SportsNet NY, the new regional sports network that will air the majority of New York Mets games, WILL BE on Comcast in Connecticut. This means that a deal does not need to be worked out or anything for Comcast.

So even if Adelphia can't work out a deal for SNY, whenever Comcast takes control, we should see it added as we will be part of the Comcast family. The same should go for NESN.

Also, I'm told that SNY plans on doing all of their in-studio shows in HD, along with HD clips.
I assumed as much since it is a Comcast owned channel but it is fantastic to hear it confirmed. Good to see my Mets and all their studio shows in HD. Also, I would expect NESN-HD to be provided after the merger as well. YES-HD is currently on the Connecticut Comcast systems only for games. They show the games on InHD2 and not as a dedicated HD channel.

That would really suck. I think I watch HDNet more than any other channel. If we were to loose that it might be necessary to go back to D* until it gets added again. I guess we'll have to wait until then to see what happens.
Comcast is adding ESPN2HD probably by the end of the year so that should not be a problem. The only thing that I have heard is that HDNet & HDNet Movies will be on our system until the contract for the Adelphia areas are up then it is up in the air. I guess Comcast and HDNet have had contract negotiation issues and just can not work out an agreement. There are many threads that talk about Comcast and HDNet but these are the two most recent:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=615816
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=611628
The common feeling is that something will not happen in the near future. I am curious to know how long of a contract was signed between Adelphia and HDNet.

If I lose HDNet Movies, I am dropping cable. It is that simple.

If I lose HDNet Movies, I am dropping cable. It is that simple.

I heard back from Lisa Clark at Comcast, and she told me that she realy can't comment any further on the HDNet situation. I tried to get more info, but they really can't say all that much until the sale is complete.

9 out 10 movies I watch are on HDNet Movies. This is why I tolerate the outrageous amount of money I am forced to pay for SD crap channels just to get HBO, Showtime and Cinemax. However, if my primary viewing and recording channel is removed, then I am gone.

9 out 10 movies I watch are on HDNet Movies. This is why I tolerate the outrageous amount of money I am forced to pay for SD crap channels just to get HBO, Showtime and Cinemax. However, if my primary viewing and recording channel is removed, then I am gone.

Keep in mind that going back to satelite probably means "HD Lite" as they call it, for you. Let's not threaten to leave Tele-Media just yet, afterall it's WAY to early to assume anything, and lots of things can happen between now and June.

I would not go back to Satellite. I would not have anything. I'd simply have friends of mine record movies I really want onto D-VHS for me.

I'm not spending $120 a month for a service that I will barely use. No way. It's not worth it.

Here is a chart I came up with to further show why I am unhappy with Tele-Media not carrying NESN. This list shows all cable companies in CT who are within NESN's broadcast area (all CT with the exception of Fairfield county and cable head-ends located in Fairfield county). I did not have all the info regarding YES HD and most Comcast systems, although I believe that all Comcast systems in CT can show the games, but due to some conflicts did not last season.

http://www.hallaway.net/rsns.png

As you can see, Tele-Media is the only cable company in the NESN area in CT that not only doesn't offer NESN, but the only one outside of extreme Eastern CT that only offers two regional sports networks. Most companies offer all three (YES, NESN, MSG/FSN). Also, you will also see that Tele-Media is the only cable company in this group that does not offer a single RSN in HDTV. You will also notice that Adelphia Lyme and Norwich offer YES, MSG, and NESN, along with NESN HD.

I did not realize that so many other cable companies in CT are getting RSN's in HD. We're getting screwed. I assume the "No Info" areas are probably where they do not have the full time HD channel but show the games by preempting InHD2.

I would have to imagine that once Comcast gets put in place this will change drastically. The Yankees (at least games on InHD2), Mets (SNNY), and Red Sox (NESN) should be in HD on the Comcast owned system. Tele-Media will no longer have stake in the system so whatever issues they had with NESN and other channels will go away. For better or worse we will be under the Comcast umbrella.

I'm surprised this hasn't been mentioned yet regarding the upcoming takeover:

Baltimore Sun (http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-cable1212,1,1372613.story?page=1&ctrack=1&cset=true)

I'm surprised this hasn't been mentioned yet regarding the upcoming takeover:

Baltimore Sun (http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-cable1212,1,1372613.story?page=1&ctrack=1&cset=true)

Can you cut and paste, it requires a logon.

I did not realize that so many other cable companies in CT are getting RSN's in HD. We're getting screwed. I assume the "No Info" areas are probably where they do not have the full time HD channel but show the games by preempting InHD2.

I would have to imagine that once Comcast gets put in place this will change drastically. The Yankees (at least games on InHD2), Mets (SNNY), and Red Sox (NESN) should be in HD on the Comcast owned system. Tele-Media will no longer have stake in the system so whatever issues they had with NESN and other channels will go away. For better or worse we will be under the Comcast umbrella.

The NO INFO tag means that I couldn't collect enough information to say for certain that the system does or doesn't offer that channel. This primarily applies to Comcast systems. They have agreements for MSG HD and YES HD, but don't offer it on all systems yet. With Comcast, YES HD and NESN HD games preempt INHD or INHD2.

Can you cut and paste, it requires a logon.

Try this....

baltimoresun.com/business/bal-cable1212,1,1372613.story?page=1&ctrack=1&cset=true

The NO INFO tag means that I couldn't collect enough information to say for certain that the system does or doesn't offer that channel. This primarily applies to Comcast systems. They have agreements for MSG HD and YES HD, but don't offer it on all systems yet. With Comcast, YES HD and NESN HD games preempt INHD or INHD2.

Paulie,

The only time YES-HD games are shown on Comcast systems (other than Danbury), are when there is an HD game to show and there isn't a conflict with NESN-HD. I believe in Danbury, YES-HD takes priority.

I don't know what they'll do this season given that all Comcast CT now has both INHD and INHD2. Last season there was no option to pre-empt two channels, but who knows if they have the equipment to do so for next season. I guess we'll all find out in a few months.

Try this....

baltimoresun.com/business/bal-cable1212,1,1372613.story?page=1&ctrack=1&cset=true
Still asks for a login. A copy and paste would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Still asks for a login. A copy and paste would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

psssst....you didn't hear this from me, but try a site called www.bugmenot.com. Trust me...

Paulie,

The only time YES-HD games are shown on Comcast systems (other than Danbury), are when there is an HD game to show and there isn't a conflict with NESN-HD. I believe in Danbury, YES-HD takes priority.

I don't know what they'll do this season given that all Comcast CT now has both INHD and INHD2. Last season there was no option to pre-empt two channels, but who knows if they have the equipment to do so for next season. I guess we'll all find out in a few months.

I think the reason that NESN HD and YES HD games preempt INHD and INHD2 on Comcast systems is due to the lack of bandwidth on some Comcast systems that aren't upgraded to over 750 mhz yet, so they save space by not having a full time NESN HD and YES HD channel. I think they wanted to go with one uniform standard for the time being, even on systems that have bandwidth for seperate NESN HD and YES HD channels. I expect this to change at some point for a number of reasons: System upgrades, multiple RSN HD content at the same time (NESN and YES), and people not being able to see INHD or INHD2's regularly scheduled programming while being preempted.

I think the reason that NESN HD and YES HD games preempt INHD and INHD2 on Comcast systems is due to the lack of bandwidth on some Comcast systems that aren't upgraded to over 750 mhz yet, so they save space by not having a full time NESN HD and YES HD channel. I think they wanted to go with one uniform standard for the time being, even on systems that have bandwidth for seperate NESN HD and YES HD channels. I expect this to change at some point for a number of reasons: System upgrades, multiple RSN HD content at the same time (NESN and YES), and people not being able to see INHD or INHD2's regularly scheduled programming while being preempted.

Well, I hope the Comcast engineers are working on upgrading systems or something, they certainly aren't working on ADS anymore. They haven't done any more than the original 13 they did at least 6 months ago now.

Here you go, Bill... not directly about our market, but the overall merger. My folks in upstate NY (Time Warner) are saying it's becoming a big deal up there:

Cable TV pressured on offerings
Sources say FCC has warned Time Warner, Comcast about Adelphia deal if companies do not agree to clean up programming
By Sallie Hofmeister
Times Staff Writer
Originally published December 12, 2005

The Federal Communications Commission has warned the nation's two leading cable TV companies that unwanted conditions could be imposed on their proposed acquisition of a rival if they do not agree to curb the proliferation of sexually explicit programming, according to company sources.

Faced with what some are describing as an ultimatum, Time Warner Inc. and Comcast Corp. have sought to satisfy FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin's demands by pressuring the rest of the industry to come to a consensus on how to respond, said these sources, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the regulatory approval process.

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Martin has made clear in closed-door meetings that he would like Time Warner and Comcast to help advance his anti-indecency agenda. The companies are seeking to acquire Adelphia Communications Corp. for $17.6 billion.

Through a spokesman, Martin declined to comment. So did representatives of Time Warner and Comcast.

Cable operators are not eager to pick a fight with the FCC. Although the agency lacks the authority to make new rules, it does have the power to rein in the industry on several fronts. For example, it will determine the speed at which phone carriers can enter the pay-TV business.

Phone companies, seeing this as an opportunity to build political capital in Washington, have seized on the indecency issue by agreeing to allow customers to subscribe only to channels they want.

"There are a lot of places Martin can squeeze cable operators and indecency is a pet peeve of his that's not going away," said one cable executive. "We have to live and work with him until his term ends in 2009."

Although reluctant to anger Martin, many cable programmers quietly complain that he is trying to extract concessions from an entire industry using leverage from a single transaction -- the Adelphia deal -- that stands to benefit only two companies.

So why would they go along? The cable industry fears that if it doesn't agree to a voluntary solution, policymakers could soon force an alternative on them that would be far more restrictive.

Martin recently publicly called for all cable operators to offer channels a la carte instead of in bundled packages, reversing the agency's position under Martin's predecessor, Michael K. Powell. A la carte pricing would allow subscribers to have only the channels they wanted.

Meanwhile, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), who is contemplating legislation on the issue, held hearings two weeks ago to debate solutions for protecting children from objectionable TV content.

One option discussed is a la carte pricing, which the industry says would wreak havoc with its current delivery systems, driving up rates. Eager to avoid such a radical overhaul, Comcast and Time Warner have been lobbying their programming suppliers in recent weeks to adopt the indecency standard that now applies to broadcasters.

Several suppliers, however, object to the broadcast standard, which restricts such programming between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. They argue that imposing the same rules on cable and satellite that apply to networks that use the public airwaves is logistically impossible and would be particularly disruptive to any channels that air uncut theatrical movies or racy shows.

Comcast and Time Warner are now actively promoting the creation of a family-friendly tier of channels, despite resistance from some of their suppliers and the limitations posed by existing contracts.

"If there's a need for a family tier and it could be accommodated with programming contracts, we can meet those concerns," John Alchin, Comcast's co-chief financial officer, told investors last week at a conference in New York.

Even voluntary measures, however, could face court challenges. A voluntary "family viewing hour" that the FCC tried to impose on broadcasters in the 1970s was found by courts to amount to coercion and to violate the 1st Amendment.

Congress also would face a legal challenge if it forced an indecency standard or a family tier on the industry. The Supreme Court in 2000 upheld the cable industry's right to air sexually explicit content, noting that technology allowed subscribers to block unwanted shows.

Even so, Time Warner is now reviewing its contracts to determine what channels it could offer in a family tier without running afoul of its contracts with programmers, according to company sources. The nation's second-largest cable operator has determined that 30 to 40 channels could be part of a family package.

On the list are obscure digital channels such as Boomerang and Toon Disney. Some of the most popular children's channels, such as Nickelodeon, may not be included because of contracts that prevent such tiered delivery and adult-themed shows in the evening.

And cable executives say families wanting the tier would have to use a digital cable box. That could add $7 or $8 to monthly cable bills.

That still could be cheaper than an a la carte pricing plan, which several government and industry studies over the last few years have concluded would be more expensive for cable customers than the current bundled approach.

For example, HBO, which already is sold separately, charges about $15 a month or more for a subscription. Other channels with high programming expenses such as ESPN probably would cost a comparable price. Ten channels could quickly run up a monthly bill of $40, cable industry executives say.

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Also, channels with narrow audiences could disappear because too few people would order them, the industry warns.

Consumer advocates, however, say that might not be such a tragedy.

"Maybe you won't have 100 channels, maybe you'll only have 20," said L. Brent Bozell, the president of the Parents Television Council, which floods the FCC with indecency complaints every year. "But good programming is going to survive, and you will get rid of some waste."

At the indecency hearings last week, Martin denounced as flawed an FCC study last year that concluded that a la carte pricing was economically unfeasible. He said the results of a new FCC study on a la carte pricing would be released in the coming weeks, showing that cable subscribers would benefit.

But many industry executives believe that Martin is using the threat of a la carte pricing to try to scare the industry into accepting the broadcast standard or a family tier.

"Martin and Stevens have been very effective in communicating to the cable industry that their lives would be better if they agreed to a family tier," said Blair Levin, an analyst at Stifel Nicolaus in Washington.

Washington insiders say the indecency debate has highlighted the political savvy and hardball tactics that are characteristic of the baby-faced 38-year-old FCC chairman. As a commissioner, for example, Martin, a Republican, shot down Powell's attempts to deregulate the regional phone companies by allying with two Democrats on the panel. A conservative from North Carolina, Martin was a chief lieutenant in President Bush's 2000 presidential campaign. Bush appointed him to the FCC in 2001, and named him chairman in March. His wife, Catherine, is the chief public affairs strategist for Vice President Dick Cheney.

The last time the FCC attempted to hold an entire industry's feet to the fire using a single transaction was in 1995, when then-FCC Chairman Reed Hundt used Westinghouse Corp.'s acquisition of CBS to force all the broadcasters to agree to air three hours of children's programming per week on their TV stations.

This time around, the cable and satellite industries are divided on how to satisfy Martin's demands. For instance, Walt Disney Co., which owns ABC, ESPN and the Disney Channel, has for about a year urged the industry to go along with the broadcast indecency standard, arguing that it is the least disruptive option.

Under that standard, indecency is defined as material that depicts "sexual or excretory organs or activities" or that is "patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards." Because their programs are not sent into homes over the public airways, cable and satellite providers are not currently held to this standard.

Channels that no one wants would disappear? Oh my, how horrible. :rolleyes:

Channels that no one wants would disappear? Oh my, how horrible. :rolleyes:

I have always been kind of torn on this topic, but look at it this way: Wouldn't you say there are TOO MANY channels? I mean, most channels people want are on basic analog cable, there are some in the digital tier that a lot of people want, but most I would have to assume they don't. If a channel can't survive in an a la carte environment, then I guess it just means they shouldn't even be around, right? Or is that a cruel way of looking at things?

Comcast Announces Management Structure for Post Adelphia and Time Warner Integration

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/12-15-2005/0004234650&EDATE=

Here's another article about the new Comcast divisions, from the Philly Business Journal. It also states:

Comcast of Philadelphia expects the deal to close in the first quarter. It still must be approved by the Federal Communications Commission.

http://philadelphia.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2005/12/12/daily37.html

I have always been kind of torn on this topic, but look at it this way: Wouldn't you say there are TOO MANY channels? I mean, most channels people want are on basic analog cable, there are some in the digital tier that a lot of people want, but most I would have to assume they don't. If a channel can't survive in an a la carte environment, then I guess it just means they shouldn't even be around, right? Or is that a cruel way of looking at things?
That is exactly the way I see it. If a channel does not have the viewership or the business model to keep it in business then it should go.

Just my opinion but...if companies put more effort into quality programming on a channel rather than putting out all these niche channels to boost the cost of their channel package, maybe there would be more than 5 or 6 great programs on television.

The WB11 will continue to be the home for Mets Baseball for three more years!

Tribune Broadcasting's WB11 and Sportsnet New York reached an exclusive agreement to broadcast up to 25 New York Mets games on The WB11 for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 seasons. WB11 has been the home of Mets baseball since 1999 and this arrangement provides a consistent "Weekend Baseball" schedule for three more years. The announcement was made by Jon Litner, President of Sportsnet New York and Betty Ellen Berlamino, Vice President and General Manager of The WB11.

A complete New York Mets broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date.

http://wb11.trb.com/sports/?track=nav

I have always been kind of torn on this topic, but look at it this way: Wouldn't you say there are TOO MANY channels? I mean, most channels people want are on basic analog cable, there are some in the digital tier that a lot of people want, but most I would have to assume they don't. If a channel can't survive in an a la carte environment, then I guess it just means they shouldn't even be around, right? Or is that a cruel way of looking at things?
Not cruel at all. In my case, all I want are the channels currently called "locals", the HD tier and the pay channels in HD. I would likely add Fox News. I do not want anything. Nothing.

Were I allowed to drop the digital package I am forced to buy, my cable bill would drop by over 35%. That's huge.

I shouldn't be forced to pay for garbage I do not want. That was the one great thing about DISH. I could get all the HD channels and just locals. I was not forced to buy a package. Yeah, no offical alacart, but I did not miss the SD channels as I never watched them. My bill was just $45 a month with HBO and Showtime added to the locals and HD feeds.

Meanwhile I pay near $130 with Tele-Media. :mad:

WABC and WNYW aren't working again.

Is anyone else having this problem?

This is just getting ridiculous.

Picture below is what I'm seeing on Fox right now.

WABC and WNYW aren't working again.

Is anyone else having this problem?

This is just getting ridiculous

I don't believe this problem is on Tele-Media's end. I say this because if you stay tuned to one of the channels for long enough, you will see som pixelated images and hear some choppy sound, indicitive of poor reception at the source. In this case, an antenna in NYC. If this had been a fiber issue, there would be zero sound or picture. This problem is likely affecting everyone who uses this fiber ring.

I don't believe this problem is on Tele-Media's end. I say this because if you stay tuned to one of the channels for long enough, you will see som pixelated images and hear some choppy sound, indicitive of poor reception at the source. In this case, an antenna in NYC. If this had been a fiber issue, there would be zero sound or picture. This problem is likely affecting everyone who uses this fiber ring.


Are you seeing the same thing?

On the phone with CS right now, doubt they can help.

Are you seeing the same thing?

On the phone with CS right now, doubt they can help.

Yes, I'm seeing the same thing. It's the same kind of thing that happens if you use OTA and have a poor signal.

Might as well hang up on customer service, all they'll do is try and schedule someone to come to your house.

They are morons. She's like, set up a trouble call, that will fix it. I'm going back to directv after the new year.

Well, I've hunted for anyone else (on other systems who might use the fiber ring) who was having the same problems on WNYW and WABC and I couldn't. I'll try and get a hold of someone in engineering tomorrow to have them take a look at this, before the 1:30 Bucs @ Patriots game.

I'm having Audio problems on CBS as well. I think there is something wrong with my cable box.

I have left a message with engineering. Hopefully they will get around to checking it before gametime at 1:30. In the meantime, this is a prime example of why it's important to have an OTA backup. I'll probably end up watching the game on WTIC HD this afternoon.

I just spoke to dispatch at Tele-Media, and she said that they have someone working on it right now. She expects it to be fixed by early afternoon, and will try to speed it up to ensure that WNYW is working by 1:30 for the Pats game.

WABC-DT and WNYW-DT are back up now.

What was the problem?

What was the problem?

I only spoke to the dispatcher, so she only told me they were aware and fixing it. She didn't know the problem.

How would any problems be solved if it wasn't for this forum?

CSR's don't know anything, if you don't know the people at Telemedia, nothing would ever get fixed.

They are morons. She's like, set up a trouble call, that will fix it.
I'm surprised that she did not insist that someone needs to come to your house to take a look at your connection. :rolleyes:

How would any problems be solved if it wasn't for this forum?

CSR's don't know anything, if you don't know the people at Telemedia, nothing would ever get fixed.

Sadly, that's the way it is for most cable companies. If it's a situation where the customer knows more than a CSR, you're not going to get anything accomplished. You need to know the people who actually fix the problems.

What they said.

This is completely off-topic, but I thought it was interesting.

I was surfing around and found that starting some time soon, DirecTV is going to offer Neighboring Local Channels (aka. Significantly Viewed Channels). Under this new policy, people who live in a qualifying market will receive more than one set of local channels. So, us in the Hartford-New Haven market will receive both the Hartford-New Haven locals, as well as the New York City locals. My understanding as that not only does this apply to the regular SD locals, but will also apply to the HD lcoals as well. This means that when DirecTV launches the Hartford-New Haven locals, a subscriber in CT would get all the major networks in HD for NYC and CT. This could make a sports fan happy, in that they would get slightly more choice in NFL games, College Football games, and possibly MLB games (depending on what Fox does) each week.

Just thought I'd mention it.

Here's a link at DirecTV's site where it's supposed to tell you if you're eligible, but it hasn't been populated with any data yet, so no matter what you input, it says it's not available.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/see/SvChannels.jsp

Anyone know about WB HD coming to the central CT area? We finally just got Fox HD like a month ago.. =P

Anyone know about WB HD coming to the central CT area? We finally just got Fox HD like a month ago.. =P

Unless your service provider is Adelphia, I have no idea. You may want to locate your service's local thread.

Unless your service provider is Adelphia, I have no idea. You may want to locate your service's local thread.

You're only a town away from me. I live in Naugatuck =). So yes, it's Telemedia/Adelphia/Comcast/whoever who bought who this week. Lol.. seriously, it's whoever they are that is based out of Seymour now, and I think right now they go by Adelphia.

You're only a town away from me. I live in Naugatuck =). So yes, it's Telemedia/Adelphia/Comcast/whoever who bought who this week. Lol.. seriously, it's whoever they are that is based out of Seymour now, and I think right now they go by Adelphia.

Okay. If you look through the last few pages of this thread, you'll find some posts by me addressing WB HD, as well as other HD locals.

Welcome to the forum.

This is completely off-topic, but I thought it was interesting.

I was surfing around and found that starting some time soon, DirecTV is going to offer Neighboring Local Channels (aka. Significantly Viewed Channels). Under this new policy, people who live in a qualifying market will receive more than one set of local channels. So, us in the Hartford-New Haven market will receive both the Hartford-New Haven locals, as well as the New York City locals.
Where was this several years ago when I was fighting with DirecTV to give me the CT local channels? They would only allow me to have NYC local channels because Fairfield County is in the NYC market. Although I did find a not so legal work around, it would have been nice to get BOTH NYC and CT local channels.

Thanks for the heads up!

Where was this several years ago when I was fighting with DirecTV to give me the CT local channels? They would only allow me to have NYC local channels because Fairfield County is in the NYC market. Although I did find a not so legal work around, it would have been nice to get BOTH NYC and CT local channels.

Thanks for the heads up!

Even if you kept DirecTV or get DirecTV again in the future, you (living in Fairfield county) will still only receive the NYC locals.

Even if you kept DirecTV or get DirecTV again in the future, you (living in Fairfield county) will still only receive the NYC locals.

Yes, but as of right now the only way to get locals in HD from directv is if you live in ffld county and get NYC locals.

Yes, but as of right now the only way to get locals in HD from directv is if you live in ffld county and get NYC locals.

I understand this, but HD aside, I'm talking just about regular old SD locals. Come middle of next year, this will apply to HD locals for CT customers (outside of Fairfield County) because DirecTV will be offering CT HD locals.

Even if you kept DirecTV or get DirecTV again in the future, you (living in Fairfield county) will still only receive the NYC locals.
I'm always getting screwed being in Fairfield County. :(

In another thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6767430&&#post6767430), I found it interesting that Adelphia in Fredricksburg, PA just added Fox SportsNet Pittsburgh yesturday. I am surprised that Adelphia is still adding channels with the pending aquisition. Maybe there is hope that some more HD channels will be added sooner rather than later.

Misc. Question:
Any word on when the PBS-HD lineup will start showing correctly in the program guide?

In another thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6767430&&#post6767430), I found it interesting that Adelphia in Fredricksburg, PA just added Fox SportsNet Pittsburgh yesturday. I am surprised that Adelphia is still adding channels with the pending aquisition. Maybe there is hope that some more HD channels will be added sooner rather than later.

Misc. Question:
Any word on when the PBS-HD lineup will start showing correctly in the program guide?

The carraige agreement for FSN Pittsburgh is a local deal. I believe that carriage agreemetns for high demand local programming is still likely, but I think that agreemetns for channels on a national level are less likely in the face of the sale.

As for the CPTV HD guide, I contacted Tim about this and already heard back from him. He said he'll contact our guide provider to inquire about it. I also asked about tiny little things, like inconsistancy in the naming of HD locals i.e. WFSBH vs. WVITD vs. WABC. Also, I asked him about the inconsistancy in the local HD channel numbering. He said that they'll work on getting all of that stuff together soon after the new year.

WB!
WB!
WB!
WB!

I NEED smallville in HD!!!!!!!!!!!!

WB!
WB!
WB!
WB!

I NEED smallville in HD!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't worry, it's coming :)

WB!

I NEED smallville in HD!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is one of the nice things for me about starting Smallville with HDNet. I have seen every episode of Smallville in HD on HDNet. I am just one season behind and it is pretty nice. :)

Hopefully WB (and UPN) will come soon after the the first of the year with all the channel re-negotiations. Hang in there...they will come soon.

Misc. Question:
Any word on when the PBS-HD lineup will start showing correctly in the program guide?

I thought I was losing my mind on that one. I couldn't believe that the guide would be wrong 99 percent of the time... figured it was just bad luck on my part.

I'm still holding my breath here in Norwich hoping that we'll have a new trans agreement and ABC/FOX HD in time for Lost and the Super Bowl.

I thought I was losing my mind on that one. I couldn't believe that the guide would be wrong 99 percent of the time... figured it was just bad luck on my part.

I'm still holding my breath here in Norwich hoping that we'll have a new trans agreement and ABC/FOX HD in time for Lost and the Super Bowl.

The retrans will be in place in time for the Superbowl, and you can bet your bottom dollar that you'll have teh Superbowl in HD.

If you don't, I will be very suprised.

The retrans will be in place in time for the Superbowl, and you can bet your bottom dollar that you'll have teh Superbowl in HD.

You just made my night :)

Hope everyone had a good christmas/hannukah/kwanzaa!

Still waiting on my present from Telemedia, new HD channels!

Hope everyone had a good christmas/hannukah/kwanzaa!

Still waiting on my present from Telemedia, new HD channels!

My Christmas was great, thanks.

As expected, nothing going on this week with Tele-Meda. Expect retrans talk to heat up next week!

I've just added Showtime back and now have all the HD stations. It's $1 cheaper that way by getting the package. But still, $120 a month sucks.

Well, I just ordered and watched Madagascar in HD from the Movies OnDemand channel. Wow! It looked great! The picture was incredible and the DD 5.1 sound was excellent. Of course, I would like to see a real-life HD movie to verify the greatness of the PQ. I was expecting to find some faults in it, but there were none. So guys, looks like HD OnDemand from Adelphia gets an A+. Good job Adelphia.

Happy New Year to everyone and best wishes to you and yours. 2006 promises to be an eventful one with carriage agreement renewals, Adelphia merging with Comcast, SBC/AT&T entering the HD video market, and a host of national HD channels getting ready to launch.

A big thank you to everyone for contributing to this thread and for your continued support in this new year. :)

What channel is the HD-PPV on?

What channel is the HD-PPV on?Go to the Movies OnDemand channel and there is a "HD Movies" category. They currently have 7 HD movies listed.

Happy New Year to everyone and best wishes to you and yours. 2006 promises to be an eventful one with carriage agreement renewals, Adelphia merging with Comcast, SBC/AT&T entering the HD video market, and a host of national HD channels getting ready to launch.

A big thank you to everyone for contributing to this thread and for your continued support in this new year. :)

Bill,

I wouldn't expect much out of ATT/SBC anytime soon based on this info:

Project Lightspeed is the initiative to expand the fiber-optics network deeper into neighborhoods to deliver AT&T U-verse TV, high-speed Internet access and, eventually, Voice over IP services. AT&T companies expect to reach approximately 18 million households by the first half of 2008 as part of initial deployment, using fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) and fiber-to-the-premises technologies.

Full press release is here:
http://www.sbc.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=21963

Bill,

I wouldn't expect much out of ATT/SBC anytime soon based on this info:

Project Lightspeed is the initiative to expand the fiber-optics network deeper into neighborhoods to deliver AT&T U-verse TV, high-speed Internet access and, eventually, Voice over IP services. AT&T companies expect to reach approximately 18 million households by the first half of 2008 as part of initial deployment, using fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) and fiber-to-the-premises technologies.

Full press release is here:
http://www.sbc.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=21963

I agree. We should find out within this year whether or not (or on what conditions) it will be approved for CT (farnchise agreements and whatnot).

Bill,

I wouldn't expect much out of ATT/SBC anytime soon...
I heard that we should start to see the beginnings of the roll out in select areas of CT towards the end of 2006. No doubt that it will take a while for the this project to be completed but we should at least get an idea of the HD offerings that they plan to deliver.

I'd rather have Verizon's service, which is easily the best in the country. But that ain't gonna happen here. :(

I heard that we should start to see the beginnings of the roll out in select areas of CT towards the end of 2006. No doubt that it will take a while for the this project to be completed but we should at least get an idea of the HD offerings that they plan to deliver.

That's good to know. I thought I read earlier last year that they were aiming for an early 2006 rollout in some areas which I also thought would give Comcast a reason to start figuring out how to add more HD to retain customers. I guess they have another 9-10 months to figure it out.

I hope they target Comcast areas first for their rollout.

Hello all!

I was googing for something else and came accross this thread about the wonderfull cable company I work for :rolleyes:

I would have to say there is ALOT of good info in this thread and that there are guys on here that talk to the guys in our head-end more then most of the techs do.

Just thought I would stop in and say hi.
-CrAlt
(Cable guy @ telemedia)

Hello all!

I was googing for something else and came accross this thread about the wonderfull cable company I work for :rolleyes:

I would have to say there is ALOT of good info in this thread and that there are guys on here that talk to the guys in our head-end more then most of the techs do.

Just thought I would stop in and say hi.
-CrAlt
(Cable guy @ telemedia)
High CrAlt, welcome to the thread!

What's your position at Tele-Media? Do you have any info or news for us that hasn't already been posted here? What are you hearing about the sale to Comcast, and is there a timetable that people who work at Tele-Media are hearing about? Thanks.

Hello all!

I was googing for something else and came accross this thread about the wonderfull cable company I work for :rolleyes:

I would have to say there is ALOT of good info in this thread and that there are guys on here that talk to the guys in our head-end more then most of the techs do.

Just thought I would stop in and say hi.
-CrAlt
(Cable guy @ telemedia)
Welcome to this thread and thank you for the kind words about all the contributors in this thread. Please feel free to share any information you are able to regarding TeleMedia or the Comcast merger. Thanks again.

Welcome, CrAlt! I'm from Naugatuck but work right here in Waterbury. Agree with the rest that it'd be great to get some juicy insider info! =)

Same goes from this Naugatuckian. :)

Yet another reason why we should have NESN:

http://www.boston.com/sports/nesn/aboutus/news/01\\_05_06/

ALL Red Sox games in HD for the 2006 season. Not to mention pretty much all of their daily studio shows will be in HD as well.

I heard from Tim today. He informed me that all of the retrans deals have been finzlized. All they are are short-term renewals for the existing ones that will last until Comcast takes over. At that point, Comcast will have to see what they can do to get new retrans worked out for us, most likely the same that they have for the rest of the state (minus Fairfield county).

As far as the Norwich system goes, I'm still waiting to get a response on that. I'm hoping that they can work something out to get ABC HD for you guys for the Superbowl, even if it's a temporary thing for that one night. (Adelphia did this a few years ago when CBS carried the Superbowl, and they hadn't yet worked out a carriage agreement for the channel.)

I also asked Tim about NESN, and he said that they aren't going to do anything with negotiations for NESN, and that they will leave that to Comcast.

So judging by what I heard, it seems like Adelphia is officially a "lame duck" for negotiationg new channel carriage agreements. It's very unlikely that we'll see any new channels until Comcast takes over. From this latest batch of info, it seems like we are seeing the beginning of the end of Adelphia.

As always, I'll keep you guys updated.

Looks like CPTV HD is once again just a simulcast of the CPTV analog signal again.

High CrAlt, welcome to the thread!

What's your position at Tele-Media? Do you have any info or news for us that hasn't already been posted here? What are you hearing about the sale to Comcast, and is there a timetable that people who work at Tele-Media are hearing about? Thanks.

Thanks!
I think the info thats been posted here basicly sums up all the HD info that is known. I'm just a lowly cable guy the works in the field. My area is the ghetto's and projects of waterbury (06704 mainly) so im normaly the LAST guy that hears about HD news. Heck..most of the subs I goto dont even have digital cable.

On the comcast thing the only news they are telling us is the SAME news you can find by reading the business news. I was listening to news radio 880am last month and they had a story about the buyout out and said the deal was being pushed back to maybe june 06...2 days later they tell us in a meeting that its being pushed back to may or june lol. So that gives you an idea of how much they are telling us. :rolleyes:

Edit:.. Hears some new news...
oops...cant post URL's yet.
I bet next week we'll have a meeting and they will tell us basicly what this news story says.

Edit:.. Hears some new news...
oops...cant post URL's yet.
I bet next week we'll have a meeting and they will tell us basicly what this news story says.Here is the link that CrAlt was referring to:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/business/13533896.htm

Here is the link that CrAlt was referring to:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/business/13533896.htm

I keep seeing this same article posted over and over again in different papers. Odd.

Anyway, it seems like the longer it takes for the sale to be approved, the more it hurts the subscribers. I'm talking about all indications leading to Adelphia not wanting to exaust themselves in negotiations for channel carriage that will only end up lasting a few months, and on the other side, programmers not wanting to negotiate with Adelphia.

The only station that I *really* care about that I don't have right now is WB HD. Guess that's being put off until the Comcast buyout now too, huh?

The only station that I *really* care about that I don't have right now is WB HD. Guess that's being put off until the Comcast buyout now too, huh?

You are correct.

You are correct.


That sucks!

By the time we get WB HD, the Smallville series will be done(assuming this is the last year), and there won't be any need for the WB anymore.

Was hoping to have a good new year with HD, but that is looking doubtful.

I imagine Comcast coming in during the summer, both HDNet's being turned off, and my rates going up 20%.

Bad news for those of you in Norwich who were hoping to have ABC HD in time for the Superbowl. I got word today that Norwich also only extended their existing retrans agreements, which means no ABC HD. There is a slim chance for a breakthrough that may allow Adelphia to offer the Superbowl in HD, but it's not likely. Sorry guys!

I know this isnt a Telemedia issue, but WFSB canceled Ghost Whisperer last night to have a stupid informercial on. I had to manual record it at 2:05am, good thing I went to watch it last night.

Probably wasn't broadcast in HD either.

In case you're not keeping track, tomorrow will be day 220 of the FCC's approval period of the Comcast/TW purchase of Adelphia. 227 days is the longest approval in recent history, that being the purchase of Rainbow DBS (Voom) to Echostar (Dish).

I still think that the FCC is working with DirecTV and Dish Network to work out conditions for Comcast and Time Warner when it comes to Comcast SportsNet channels that they are currently not being given the opportunity to offer. I mean, it's obvious that the deal will be approved. Everyone at Comcast that I've spoken to as well as people at Adelphia all say it's "inevitable". Also, I'm fairly certain that the bankruptcy court will approve it, since all that really has to be proved in a nut shell is that Adelphia is capable of operating as a competent cable company.

Time Warner Cable spokesman David Whalen said in a Great Binghamton, NY newspaper that "The Adelphia acquisition is scheduled to close on April 1".

Seems like we're getting more concrete info, more solid dates. Lets see if we hear more about April 1 as time goes on.

Here is the link to the above mentioned article (http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/BUSINESS/601110321/1002).

Hello,

I just discovered this forum and it has answered a lot of the questions I have been having. I am hoping someone can help with this issue:

I am a Naugatuck resident with Telemedia and I get horrible local analog stations. A tech came out to my house and said it was the same for my entire neighborhood and there was nothing he could do. Argh!

My digital channels come in decently though, and I wonder if getting the HD box & service would allow me to view locals at a better quality?

I currently have 2 TVs set up with digital boxes (1 TV is HD ready). Would I be able to get better quality locals on the HD stations even on the non-HD TV?

I really appreciate the help!

Hello,

I just discovered this forum and it has answered a lot of the questions I have been having. I am hoping someone can help with this issue:

I am a Naugatuck resident with Telemedia and I get horrible local analog stations. A tech came out to my house and said it was the same for my entire neighborhood and there was nothing he could do. Argh!

My digital channels come in decently though, and I wonder if getting the HD box & service would allow me to view locals at a better quality?

I currently have 2 TVs set up with digital boxes (1 TV is HD ready). Would I be able to get better quality locals on the HD stations even on the non-HD TV?

I really appreciate the help!
Welcome to the forum. To try and answer your question, I doubt that you would see any improvements just by adding a HD cable box. However, you will be able to receive the digital local channels (700 series) and those will definitely give you a better picture.

Hello,

I just discovered this forum and it has answered a lot of the questions I have been having. I am hoping someone can help with this issue:

I am a Naugatuck resident with Telemedia and I get horrible local analog stations. A tech came out to my house and said it was the same for my entire neighborhood and there was nothing he could do. Argh!

My digital channels come in decently though, and I wonder if getting the HD box & service would allow me to view locals at a better quality?

I currently have 2 TVs set up with digital boxes (1 TV is HD ready). Would I be able to get better quality locals on the HD stations even on the non-HD TV?

I really appreciate the help!

Later this year, Comcast is scheduled to roll out digital simulcast of all of our analog channels. This will solve your problems.

Hello,

I just discovered this forum and it has answered a lot of the questions I have been having. I am hoping someone can help with this issue:

I am a Naugatuck resident with Telemedia and I get horrible local analog stations. A tech came out to my house and said it was the same for my entire neighborhood and there was nothing he could do. Argh!

My digital channels come in decently though, and I wonder if getting the HD box & service would allow me to view locals at a better quality?

I currently have 2 TVs set up with digital boxes (1 TV is HD ready). Would I be able to get better quality locals on the HD stations even on the non-HD TV?

I really appreciate the help!

I'm from Naugatuck, too. I don't know which is the lesser of two evils, our blurry SD channels or super compressed, blocky digital channels. =P

I'm in Shelton and the analog channels look pretty good to me. Not as good as the digital channels, but not bad.

You want super compressed digital channels. Try Yes network on Directv, it's the worst channel ever.

I need some feedback...

I currently live in Shelton CT, and have DirectTV because I wanted the NFL Sunday Ticket and HD Programming. I have come to the conclusion that I cannot watch all the football games that I would like, and I'm a local market football fan, so Sunday Ticket is not a need anymore.

I also had to purchase tuners, and with the move to MPEG4, those purchases are going to be obsolete (which really thrills me).

HD programming is important as that is 95% of what I watch. So here is the thought.

I'm thinking of running DirectTV and Tele-Media in parallel for a month, but before I have techs coming in and running some wires, I would like to get a feel for what to expect.

Signal Quality:
I have a high quality 70" TV, and I want to hear from anyone that has a large TV on the quality of the HD signals. Small TV's are much more forgiving. I don't expect impressive quality on the SD channels, it's just not realistic, but I would like to get a feel if there is going to be drop outs, high pixelation/artifacts, Signal Noise, especially on the HD channels.

HD DVR Quality:
What is the max capacity for HD programming, and are there external or internal drives that can be added to expand the capacity?

Aquisition:
Should I wait to test this after the aquisition, or before? Thoughts?


Thanks

I was in the same boat as you. Directv will allow you to put your account on hold for up to 9 months. I went to Telemedia for 2 reasons, a HD DVR that wasn't $1000, and better quality HD channels.

The only issue I have is audio dropouts every once in a while, but I think that could be my box as it acts up every now and again. The nice thing about cable is if the box is bad a quick trip up to seymour and the box is swapped out, no questions asked.

The DVR will hold about 30 hours of programming mixed between HD and SD. It's not as easy to use as a Tivo, but Comcast(the new company) will have a Tivo based DVR later in the year. Plus Tivo itself will be coming out with a standalone HD box in the summer as well.

You can add a SATA hard drive to the 8300HD, instructions are in the HDTV recorders thread.

I can't comment on the TV size question because I run HD on a 42" Sony LCD projection and a 25" Samsung LCD Tv.


If you have any other questions send me a PM as we are in the same area and did the same thing.

I need some feedback...

I currently live in Shelton CT, and have DirectTV because I wanted the NFL Sunday Ticket and HD Programming. I have come to the conclusion that I cannot watch all the football games that I would like, and I'm a local market football fan, so Sunday Ticket is not a need anymore.

I also had to purchase tuners, and with the move to MPEG4, those purchases are going to be obsolete (which really thrills me).

HD programming is important as that is 95% of what I watch. So here is the thought.

I'm thinking of running DirectTV and Tele-Media in parallel for a month, but before I have techs coming in and running some wires, I would like to get a feel for what to expect.

Signal Quality:
I have a high quality 70" TV, and I want to hear from anyone that has a large TV on the quality of the HD signals. Small TV's are much more forgiving. I don't expect impressive quality on the SD channels, it's just not realistic, but I would like to get a feel if there is going to be drop outs, high pixelation/artifacts, Signal Noise, especially on the HD channels.

HD DVR Quality:
What is the max capacity for HD programming, and are there external or internal drives that can be added to expand the capacity?

Aquisition:
Should I wait to test this after the aquisition, or before? Thoughts?


Thanks
I'll throw in my two cents based on my experiences...

Signal Quality - According to the engineers at TeleMedia, they pass their HD channels at 18Mb just as they receive them and they look very good to me. Especially compared to the HD channels on DirecTV. The only channel I see an issue on WVIT but that is a national NBC-HD issue. I have been impressed with the quality of the HD channels because it seems the only thing that Tele-Media can do right.

HD DVR Quality - I feel I am a very heavy DVR user recording shows every night, frequently recording two shows while recording a third, etc. I have only had one time (3 weeks ago) where my DVR "locked up" while watching a recorded program. I rebooted the box and was able to continue watching the program. The quality of the recorded programs are the same as live. I do notice that about once per hour program the screen pixelates for a brief second and then immediately clears up. Those are the only problems that I have had. The user interface isn't as nice as Tivo but I just remind myself that I do not own the box (big money savings) and I am still able to record 2 HD programs while watching a 3rd (which I still think is amazing).

Aquisition - Here is the big unknown. While many of us are optimistic about the merger, none of us really knows for sure. We have had reports (If you read back a couple months) that Comcast will be adding several more national HD channels and regional sport networks in the near future. Also, the local channel contract negotiations will have to take place again so look for WB and UPN to be added also. Because Comcast is SO big it can be it's biggest advantage and disadvantage. Only time will tell how it will effect us locally. Anyway, if you are trying to decide whether to get cable now or by waiting until Comcast comes in, I would say go ahead and do it now.

Currently, IMO the HD lineup and quality is one of the best (if not THE best) in the state. It should only get getting better as more HD channels get added in the near future. We all hope and pray that Comcast will continue adding great high quality HD channels and fix the analog channel mess that we currently have.

Actually, the NBC issue might not be a national problem. I've been emailing the guys from WVIT and they were supposed to give a telemedia guy my contact info because what I see on my end is not what WVIT sends out.

Here is what I got, but I haven't heard back yet.

I was able to speak with a technical supervisor at Telemedia serving your community. He told me that they are not experiencing any reception problems of WVIT-DT at their head end. Would you be willing to provide your phone number so the technical dept can contact you directly, or at the very least pass on your e-mail address to them?

Sincerely,

Joe DiMaggio
WVIT NBC 30
1422 New Britain Ave.
West Hartford, CT 06110

.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I sent the information to Stephen Vicchitto at Telemedia / Adelphia
stephen.vicchitto@adelphia.com

Please let me know if your problem is resolved.

Joe DiMaggio
WVIT NBC 30
1422 New Britain Ave.
West Hartford, CT 06110

And the response I got today from Telemedia.


Yes he did contact me. We are not experiencing any widespread issues
with WVIT HD. I contacted the supervisor for your area and he should
send a tech
Out to investigate your problem.

Steve Vicchitto

And the response I got today from Telemedia.


Yes he did contact me. We are not experiencing any widespread issues
with WVIT HD. I contacted the supervisor for your area and he should
send a tech
Out to investigate your problem.

Steve Vicchitto

If they send someone out, be sure to have some DVR recording of the stuff that really shows the terrible PQ of NBC HD, especially any scene with moderate amounts of action.

Yeah, the worst part is when they go to a commercial or come back from a commercial, the whole picture breaks up and audio is messed up for a good 5-10 seconds. Really annoying.

I have pictures on here somehwhere that show really bad pq on movement.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=46623
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=46622

I can tell you all that they do NOT pass the signals to us untouched. They combine three HD channels per QAM and that means compression is absolutely needed. My Mitsubishi D-VHS deck frequently switched to STD mode when recording HD because the signal was dropping below 14mbps. That caused screwed up tapes, so I had to stop using the Mitsubishi and only use the JVC, which drops to STD mode at 12mbps and under.

I've talked to Ray Senicola about this and he admits they are compressing. Most cable companies do it to an extent because of lack of bandwidth.

BY THE WAY, the HD on Demand title selection is shite. Hopefully it will improve as time goes on. I am still waiting for them to offer HBO Boxing PPV's in HD. :mad:

If it helps you I see the same problem both OTA and on the cablesystem.
I have it compressed 3 to 1 also . It is on the same QAM as FOXHD and YesHD.
Yes HD isn't even on right now so I have colorbars in SD with no audio, basically
nothing for badwidth.
I have other QAMs running full 3 HD's with no problems!

Well, I was feeling a little frisky so I signed up for the Ultimate Advantage Pak from Adelphia. So, for $120 a month, plus the charge for my 8300HD DVR, I get every channel (minus PPVs) that Adelphia offers including premiums. I also get cable internet. I've discovered that you really don't get that good a deal unless you take the best package they offer. So, I guess in that light, I'm giving into them. I think that having the premium channels On-Demand really adds to the value of this package. Not to mention that I get the four premium HD channels.

In case you thought that Tele-Media or WVIT were at fault for the terrible PQ on NBC HD, here are a few quotes from the NHL on NBC thread:

HD here in CT (WVIT-HD). Receiver reads DD 5.1, but I am only getting sound out of the fronts (not the first time that has happened with WVIT). Image quality is beyond subpar here with loads of shimmering and artifacting on the ice and player jerseys. I would hope that the NHL would step up and complain about this. They were depending on the clarity of HDTV to make the game worth watching for casual fans again, but NBC is not allowing that to happen.

compression galore, and my station doesn't even have weather plus!
Looks like their only so called "HD" camera is the chase cam, and that looks bad.

Here in Atlanta I have Wings/Rangers on WXIA-HD (through Comcast). PQ is HORRIBLE. Severe pixelation every few seconds.....virtually unwatchable.

PQ SUCKS - - both D* and OTA - - virtually no difference.
NBC will never be taken seriously as a major sports network if they can't do decent HD.

I could find dozens more, but you all get the gist. Those who think the picture quality is okay don't really know HD, or are probably watching on an ED plasma TV or something. :)

It's the biggest ****ing night of the television season so far this year and Telemedia looses WNYW again.

What the ****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now I can't watch any 24 for the whole season until the DVD comes out.

Thanks Telemedia, you owe me big time. ****ers.

PS, no ABC or CPTV either.

This is a god damn joke.

ps number 2.

All the channels are screwed up, lots of picture and audio breakups.

It's the biggest ****ing night of the television season so far this year and Telemedia looses WNYW again.

What the ****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now I can't watch any 24 for the whole season until the DVD comes out.

Thanks Telemedia, you owe me big time. ****ers.

I am having no problem with any of the local HD channels. I've been watching 24 since the beginning of the show, and been watching WNYW since the beginning of the Panthers/Bears game. This is either something on your end, or soley on the Seymour system. Everything is good here.

Then this really sucks.

I'm calling tomorrow to complain.

Then this really sucks.

I'm calling tomorrow to complain.

Check your levels on the channels that are giving you problems. (Diagnostics screen)

I had no issues all day through both football games, Desperate Housewives, or the (sorry harlenm) fantastic beginning to 24...not even a hiccup. It must be a very localized issue. Keep in mind that there is a lot of ice, snow, and strong winds that may have played a part in this as well. I feel your pain, it could not have been a worse night.

WNYW was out for me on FRI and SAT here in Shelton but the football and 24 were both very good on Sun. Seems it might be localized as BillN96 described. Can't say I know for sure. 24 in HD (for the first time) was welcome...I had been worried they wouldn't fix it for the game and 24. I do feel your pain as well..

Well. The good thing is that i have 24 at my parents house on their tivo. I don't know how to check the levels. I'll email the guy that I've been talking to about nbc this morning.

Well. The good thing is that i have 24 at my parents house on their tivo. I don't know how to check the levels. I'll email the guy that I've been talking to about nbc this morning.

To check the level, tune to a channel then on the receiver, push and hold the select button until the mail icon blinks on the display. While the mail iocn is blinking, press the info button. This brings up the diagnostics screen. Under the "RF PARAMETERS" section, check the second column that says dBmV. That's the number we're interested in. If it's any lower than -8 dBmV, then there's a good chance that's your problem. Note: You can change the channel while at this screen and wait a few seconds for it to update after the channel change.

All the HD channels show -2db.

Most of the channels are unwatchable, and 3 are totally black.

Can someone call an insider at telemedia and find out if this is only me, or is this an area wide problem. I don't want to call because they are no help.

Thanks

All of my HD channels are fine, albeit noticeably compressed.

Their usual BS about setting up a service call. So, I'm going to miss the first 4 hours of 24, and the first few episodes of American Idol.

Don't you just love cable!

Not that I promote it, but I've missed a couple episodes of Smallville before and had no problem finding them for download. We don't even have WB HD here yet and the downloads were HD. ::rolls eyes::

Their usual BS about setting up a service call. So, I'm going to miss the first 4 hours of 24, and the first few episodes of American Idol.

Don't you just love cable!

Not to sound like a prick or anything, but you could watch those in SD

Not to sound like a prick or anything, but you could watch those in SD

lmfao.. :p

lmfao.. :p

Just sayin'.... :)

Not when you have the DVR set to record on channel 718, and you don't notice until after 24 is 1/2 way over.

Yeah, I can watch Idol in SD, but the point is I shouldn't have to, that's why I pay extra for HD.

Ask them for credit for the month for your HD charges. You never know, they might be nice and give it to you.

The thing is you don't actuall pay for the HD package. It's just the fact that I'm paying an additional $15 a month or so for the HD receivers over the regular receiver.

I just hope they get it fixed soon.

OK, all HD channels are back. Frustrating!!!!!! Nothing was changed on their end as they said they couldn't get out until the end of the week.

HD signals can't travel through cold cables?

The bird that was pirched on the cable flew away.

Did you guys read the article on the front page of AVS about the Scientific Atlanta DVR with built-in DVD burner? Now that is freakin' cool!

Did you guys read the article on the front page of AVS about the Scientific Atlanta DVR with built-in DVD burner? Now that is freakin' cool!I would be interested in that. :)

Is anyone in here having trouble with CPTV HD on 724? Ever since Sunday night, I've been getting constant picture breakup and audio breakup on this channel. I have noticed that my signal level did dip severl dB on all 106 QAM channels (CPTV, WNYW, WABC) but WABC and WNYW don't have any problems whatsoever, even with the same level as CPTV. Basically, I want to know if the problems are happening for everyone, of if I need to schedule Tele-Media to send someone out here to check out the signal.

One major disadvantage for me is that I have a 900 foot long driveway, so that's 900 feet of cable from the street, allbeit RG-11, but I'm sure there's more loss there than normal. Took me quite a while for them to run the RG-11 down the length of my driveway, but now I don't know what might be causing this problem.

I am also seeing constant video and audio breakups on 724. PBS has been a disappointment since they stoppef broadcasting HD programming. Any news from CPTV?

I am also seeing constant video and audio breakups on 724. PBS has been a disappointment since they stoppef broadcasting HD programming. Any news from CPTV?

Okay, I guess I'm glad that I don't have to get a cable guy here.

I've been communicating with Cable70, who has contacted CPTV about this. He hasn't gotten any concrete answers. Cable70, working for Eastern CT Cable, has the ability to swich to the WGBH feed out of Boston whenever this happens with CPTV. Unfortunately, I don't think any such agreement is in place for Tele-Media. Although I will check on that, with regards to possibly being able to get WNET out of NYC.

**I hope you don't mind me talking about this on here, Cable70.

I also am having signal issues from Telemedia. "HBOHD", "CBS HD" & "NBC HD" don't come in on either of my boxes. The tech came out and said that the signal was strong enough, but couldn't figure out why the channels don't come in. Argh! We also have some pixelation on PBS & Discovery HD.

Hey Paulie,
No Problem, CPTV is working on the problem now, I talked to somebody else there in
programing and still no solid answer but it doesn't sound good for PBS HD.

I'm still haven't HD problems. Last nights American Idol recorded in two segments, with more than 1/2 the show missing.

Crossing Jordan from Sunday night wasn't recorded on one TV, but was on the other, so I may have a box problem. Thinking about taking a ride up to seymour and swapping boxes.

Hey guys, been a telemedia customer for about 2 and a half months. I've had a good number of problems with my service but am still enjoying it more than D* TV cause of the content. Had a question for you guys that I figured I'd post here but let me know if it should be moved somewhere else. Right now I have the 8300HD DVR box which many of you are probably using. Anyways I'm having a ton of problems setting it up with a HDMI connection to my television. If per chance it does happen to work randomly and god forbid I turn the box off or unplug it, I have to go through way too much work to get it to recognize again. Right now I just went back to using component cables. Needless to say this is a little bit of a pain in the ass cause I paid a little bit of dough for the HDMI cables. So basically was just wondering if any of you have had this problem and if so maybe you guys could shed some light on it.

Hey guys, been a telemedia customer for about 2 and a half months. I've had a good number of problems with my service but am still enjoying it more than D* TV cause of the content. Had a question for you guys that I figured I'd post here but let me know if it should be moved somewhere else. Right now I have the 8300HD DVR box which many of you are probably using. Anyways I'm having a ton of problems setting it up with a HDMI connection to my television. If per chance it does happen to work randomly and god forbid I turn the box off or unplug it, I have to go through way too much work to get it to recognize again. Right now I just went back to using component cables. Needless to say this is a little bit of a pain in the ass cause I paid a little bit of dough for the HDMI cables. So basically was just wondering if any of you have had this problem and if so maybe you guys could shed some light on it.

I have used HDMI on my 8300HD with no problem at all. The only thing I've seen that is weird is if you tell the box to Auto detect the resolution of each channel, it freaks out almost every time you chnage the channel. My solution to that was just to force it to upconvert everything to 1080i. It never gave me problems again. So see if your upconvert is turned on, if it isn't, give it a shot.

It's not so much that I'm having a problem with the resolution or picture so much as no picture at all. Literally to get my box hooked up through HDMI I have to connect the box through a RCA cable and an HDMI cable. Tune the television to the channel that is running the RCA cable input and go to the settings menu and select the video input to HDMI. Then I can disconnect the RCA and use the HDMI but like I said if the box is turned off (might just be me getting pissed with it and over reacting so it might actually have to be unplugged) it will reset everything and I won't be able to get video through the HDMI cables. I wanted to go to you guys first on this cause the last time I had to deal with the tech guys at telemedia they had me furiously rebooting the box while I was trying to represent what a ground loop was to them.
Thanks again for the help

Woo-hoo....worked like a charm! Thanks Paulie! Although, I can't seem to get the non SD material to fill the screen through zoom now... but definately better than the channel changing problems.


I have used HDMI on my 8300HD with no problem at all. The only thing I've seen that is weird is if you tell the box to Auto detect the resolution of each channel, it freaks out almost every time you chnage the channel. My solution to that was just to force it to upconvert everything to 1080i. It never gave me problems again. So see if your upconvert is turned on, if it isn't, give it a shot.

Woo-hoo....worked like a charm! Thanks Paulie! Although, I can't seem to get the non SD material to fill the screen through zoom now... but definately better than the channel changing problems.

My idea is to try and get used to non-stretched SD. It looks beter that way anyway.

I spoke to my buddy Tim briefly today, and here's what I got from him:

He has contacted the programming dept. at CPTV about what they are planning on doing for PBS HD.

He said they are speaking with the Sporstnet NY people, but that it could end up being a similar situation to NESN, in that it may end up being a decision that Comcast will make (it's a given that they'll add it, it's just that the negotiations may not go well because of the impending sale).

That's all for now!

Ugh.. some Adelphia rep just called me, and said my current package is due to end at the end of January. She said that now the movie channel packages are almost $20 a channel, and that if I keep my current channel lineup (all the movie channels, HD, DVR, Internet) that my bill will be going up from about $115/mo to over $150. If that's the case, that's rediculous and I'm definitely jumping the boat for some satellite tv of some sort. Anyone else gotten a call like this recently? I just can't believe the price increase..

Hi all...

I have both DTV and Adelphia both hooked up to my HD TV, both with their complete package offerings, and I thought I would share some observations for those that are curious.

HD - Cable has more HD channels. Above DTV it offers NFLHD, INHD, INHD (movies), SRTZHD, MAXHD. Picture quality seems to be equal to DTV in HD. If anything DTV might have less artifacting when changing channels, for that brief second. I think that MAXHD could do a better job as some of their movies artifacted on me during motion, something that the other channels have not really done. NFLHD is good for the game of the week, but nothing else is really in HD.

SD - Hmmm tough one. I think that the picture quality from DTV of SD is more consistent, so I would have to give them the nod.

DVR - This is where there is a big difference for the moment. I use an expanded HR10-250 fro my DTV service, and comparing that to the 8300HD, the DTV tuner is much better. What I don't like about the cable DVR is the process of finding things to record, and the options once you decide to. One example, with DTV you can search or have the unit keep a lookout for anything with the words "Miracle at midnight" and tape anything with that phrase in the title or description. With cable all you can do find a title on a specific day. That's pretty limited. Add to that, you cannot specify that you only want first runs, and no repeats. That blows on a unit with such limited HDD space.

Jury is still out for the moment as to if the extra HD channels are worth the loss of Tivo...

Elkay, my God, I hope not. No way am I spending $150 a month F THAT!!!!! I spend $120 or so for everything now and that is way way way too expensive already.

Elkay, my God, I hope not. No way am I spending $150 a month F THAT!!!!! I spend $120 or so for everything now and that is way way way too expensive already.

That's what I said lol. I told her I'd have to think it over. I'll wait for another rep to call or for my first bill after my current contract dies and see if they even change anything.

Question for you guys.

Tivo is coming out with a standalone HD tivo in the summer. Comcast is supposed to come out with a Tivo based cable box in the summer as well.

However, my cable bill is really freaking high, now the my promotional offer is done, and I'm returning my cable modem, my bill will be $91 for just TV, with no premium channels at all. That's way too high. I was thinking about getting cablecards, but I'd loose the DVR with that. That's where the standalone Tivo comes in.

Does anyone know if a Tivo can work with a Cablecard? Right now I'm paying $25 a month to have 2 DVR's hooked up to 2 tv's, with a crappy DVR interface.

I just can't believe how expensive cable is, and I'm afraid of how much it will cost once Comcast takes over.

Thanks.

Tivo said they would likely develop a Cable Card II type HD box in the future, but that has not been anounced yet.

TeleMedia is one of the most expensive cable companies in the country because they charge so much for the smallest most basic package.

It's over $52 for basic analog cable. that's absurd.

Tivo said they would likely develop a Cable Card II type HD box in the future, but that has not been anounced yet.



So does that mean you need an actual cable box to use a tivo?

No one knows that answer in regards to the HD Tivo.

Question, does the IEEE1394 port output video as well? I'd like to use that connection to my TV if so...!

1394 outputs audio & video. If you have a TV with a 1394 input you can view cale that way, but you will not be abe to see the guides via that input.

PBS HD is back on evenings on CPTV HD. I just spoke to Tim, who said he forwarded my email (which I wrote to him about this) to the VP of programming at CPTV. He had the problem corrected immedietly. The problem originally occured a week or so ago when they never switched back to their normal broadcast after a UConn womens game.

PBS HD is back on evenings on CPTV HD. I just spoke to Tim, who said he forwarded my email (which I wrote to him about this) to the VP of programming at CPTV. He had the problem corrected immedietly. The problem originally occured a week or so ago when they never switched back to their normal broadcast after a UConn womens game.I can't believe that over a week can go by and no one in the engineering department at CPTV didn't remember to flip the switch. There have been at least two UConn games during that time. :rolleyes: I guess no one who works at CPTV watches PBS-HD programming.

I remember when I had to call WTNH's engineering department a couple years ago almost every time a HD program was broadcast for them to "flip the switch". Very annoying but I guess there is a learning curve with the engineering departments and CPTV does not have as much experience as other networks with flipping back and forth between SD and HD content.

I'll give them a pass on forgetting to "flip the switch" however I do not give them a pass on forgetting longer than a week.

I can't believe that over a week can go by and no one in the engineering department at CPTV didn't remember to flip the switch. There have been at least two UConn games during that time. :rolleyes: I guess no one who works at CPTV watches PBS-HD programming.

I remember when I had to call WTNH's engineering department a couple years ago almost every time a HD program was broadcast for them to "flip the switch". Very annoying but I guess there is a learning curve with the engineering departments and CPTV does not have as much experience as other networks with flipping back and forth between SD and HD content.

I'll give them a pass on forgetting to "flip the switch" however I do not give them a pass on forgetting longer than a week.

Is the guide data correct on your STB or does it show what is on CPTV and broadcasting PBS HD content instead? Our guide is still messed up on the Comcast system, but at least the HD is back.

Is the guide data correct on your STB or does it show what is on CPTV and broadcasting PBS HD content instead? Our guide is still messed up on the Comcast system, but at least the HD is back.
Our guide is an exact duplicate of what is on WEDH SD. I spoke to Tim at Adelphia about this, and he said that this is the guide that the guide for CPTV HD is supplied by CPTV, and that there is really nothing that can be done at the cable system end.

Just so you guys know, Adelphia in Norwich now has FSN New England in HD on 779. So, they now have two HD RSNs (NESS and FSNNE) while we still have zero.

Our guide is an exact duplicate of what is on WEDH SD. I spoke to Tim at Adelphia about this, and he said that this is the guide that the guide for CPTV HD is supplied by CPTV, and that there is really nothing that can be done at the cable system end.

That's too bad, it used to be correct.

ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD are now (actually as of yesterday) in 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound! Yay! :-)

Just so you guys know, Adelphia in Norwich now has FSN New England in HD on 779. So, they now have two HD RSNs (NESS and FSNNE) while we still have zero.Adelphia's Seymour branch is in dual markets so I wonder if that has anything to do with why it is taking longer for a RSN to come to our system.

If you had to choose between FSN-NY or FSN-NE, which would you choose? Personally I would take New England because I am a Celtics fan and it would be nice to see some games every once in a while.

However, I feel that if we are designated to be in a certain market and those national games are blacked out because we are in that market then our cable system should provide that RSN channel. For example, the Red Sox are on ESPN but is blacked out because we are in the market. (How I am considered to be in the New York AND the Boston markets is beyond me but I digress.) Blackouts are designed to protect the local broadcasts and attendance. I have no way to receive the local Boston channels so I should either get the ESPN broadcast or the local channel. I'm not sure how I got on this topic but this is a big sore spot with several people in this forum and I'm sorry for bringing it up again.

In all honesty, if we only had SportsNet NY as the only HD RSN I would be a VERY happy man. The Mets are the only team I follow religiously and this channel is a must. All others are just gravy.

ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD are now (actually as of yesterday) in 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound! Yay! :-)
You beat me to this! DD5.1 sounds fantastic! Should have happened 3 years ago. SportsCenter and the live games really sound great.

Adelphia's Seymour branch is in dual markets so I wonder if that has anything to do with why it is taking longer for a RSN to come to our system.

If you had to choose between FSN-NY or FSN-NE, which would you choose? Personally I would take New England because I am a Celtics fan and it would be nice to see some games every once in a while.

However, I feel that if we are designated to be in a certain market and those national games are blacked out because we are in that market then our cable system should provide that RSN channel. For example, the Red Sox are on ESPN but is blacked out because we are in the market. (How I am considered to be in the New York AND the Boston markets is beyond me but I digress.) Blackouts are designed to protect the local broadcasts and attendance. I have no way to receive the local Boston channels so I should either get the ESPN broadcast or the local channel. I'm not sure how I got on this topic but this is a big sore spot with several people in this forum and I'm sorry for bringing it up again.

In all honesty, if we only had SportsNet NY as the only HD RSN I would be a VERY happy man. The Mets are the only team I follow religiously and this channel is a must. All others are just gravy.

You are living in the New York City market only, being in Shelton. However, Tele-Media is located in Seymour which is in the Boston and NYC market, as is every other town in CT with the exception of towns in Fairfield County. So if you got DirecTV, you would get NYC locals only, as well as FSN NY, MSG, and YES. But, because of the location of the head-end of Adelphia, your cable TV is like an extension of Seymour, so you are getting the same blackouts as Boston market subscribers. These games would not be blacked out on DirecTV. If you ordered MLB Extra Innings on cable, Red Sox games will be blacked out. If you ordered the same package on DirecTV, you would get all the Red Sox games. If and when Comcast adds NESN here, they will get a waiver from MLB and NHL, and you'll get NESN with Red Sox and Bruins on cable, even though you reside in the NYC market.

Complicated stuff, yes. But if I get NESN and you get SNY, we're all happy campers!

BTW: The Celtics market seems to have shrunk in the last few years. very few cable systems west of the CT river get FSN New England. Geez, we used to get Celtics games here just a couple of years ago, and then they replaced FSN NE with FSN NY, and then got rid of FSN NY and left us with some imbred child of MSG and FSN NY.

Just as long as I get Yes HD after all is complete I'll be a happy man!

Oh, and it looks like we'll never get WB HD as there won't be a WB HD much longer.

Just as long as I get Yes HD after all is complete I'll be a happy man!

Oh, and it looks like we'll never get WB HD as there won't be a WB HD much longer.

We may get WB HD, but it would soon become CW HD. If we get UPN HD while UPN is still around, it'll likely disappear, as I doubt WCTX will have enough resources to supply HD content once they go independent.

Do we have any guage on how much the HD channels are being compressed? I'm curious if they add more HD channels, if they are going to have to compress others further to get the space that is needed, or does cable have the space, it's just not being used?

Do we have any guage on how much the HD channels are being compressed? I'm curious if they add more HD channels, if they are going to have to compress others further to get the space that is needed, or does cable have the space, it's just not being used?

Tele-Media has a LOT of unused bandwidth. They are one of the only 860mhz cable systems in the state. They have the most advanced cable system available. So to answer your question, they do compress, but the only compressing they do is putting 3 HD channels (at a maximum) on one QAM. When they add new channels (which you shouldn't expect until after the Comcast deal is done) they will not be squeezing anymore into QAMs that have 3 HD channels already.

What have I missed with regard to WB HD? And what is is CW HD? The only station I don't have in HD that I really want is WB.

WB and UPN are going to be replaced with one channel, the CW channel, in september.

WB and UPN are going to be replaced with one channel, the CW channel, in september.

What's CW stand for? (assuming the W is for Warner) Is this just an HD thing or is the regular WB merging or whatever too?

What's CW stand for? (assuming the W is for Warner) Is this just an HD thing or is the regular WB merging or whatever too?

My guess is CBS. CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment are combining for this channel. For more information, look at the following thread in the programming forum. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=635448)