Yeah Pat, the crux of the issue is that they have been broadcasting their signal under very low power for years. It's the only network Digital channel I can't get. CBS has historically had a good deal of HD programming that many people care about. That's why people have been on their butts to see when they are going to high power.

To me though, the biggest complaint is that they keep saying that they are going to High power SOON. They have given new estimates time after time after time. Meanwhile, WVIT and WTIC quietly got up and running from nothing to reasonable power without all of the jerking around. It gets really frustrating after a while.

Cox HD customer here. I am pretty glad I didnt spent a bunch of money on OTA equiptment. The HD channels I get via cable are fine for now. CBS,ESPN,WVIT,INHD1,INHD2,DISC HD,HBO & most recently PBS! (not that I watch PBS) How does a Public station go HD without problem but a major station cant get up to full power? Maybe I dont know too much about this stuff but seems like somethings not right.

I was one of the early adopters of HDTV from Comcast in West Hartford, having had it for about a year now, and I recently had my set professionally calibrated. I have both OTA HD via a rooftop antenna and an RCA DTC-100 and Comcast HD, originally from a Motorola DCT 5100 which was recently changed to a Motorola 6200. I was satisfied with the HDTV that Comcast provided until I got my OTA setup running. Comcast recently replaced the DCT 5100 with the 6200, and the HD picture improved somewhat, but the SD channels actually got worse. My OTA picture on all of my local stations, SD and HD, is superior to cable. I was aware of the subtle distinction before having my set calibrated, but now the difference between cable and OTA is much more obvious...and it is beginning to frost me that I pay for cable and get poorer quality, and get OTA for free with better picture quality. I realize that my old DTC-100 isn't really state-of-the-art, and now I am wondering if a new tuner would yiel better picture quality, and maybe be a little more sensitive,so I can get WGBY-DT without so many dropouts WGBY-DT does broadcast Dolby Digital 5.1, and CPTV via cable does not. I have notived that the difference is quite striking when WGBY-DT broadcasts music programming. Any thoughts?

Man here in Newington, COX HDTV looks like CRAP on WVIT and WFSB. The two channels looks ultra compressed.

Maybe it looks bad because I don't have a COX HDTV box my tuner has a QAM tuner built in. Although for the past few weeks I was getting IN-HD (which has gone back to scrambled mode) and it looked good.

For some reason they still have PBS in scrambled mode when it is supposed to be in Unscrambled mode. I would call and yell at them about not having PBS in scambled mode, but since I am not a HD subscriber I don't know if I can do it or not.

New to this forum and this a great thread!

Southington here, new to the hdtv seen and i just purchased the hughes htl-hd receiver hooked to sony 40xbr

i have a zenith SS hooked to the ird for OTA reception, how can i check what kind of signal strength i am getting for my local ota reception? i see everyone mention the signal strength but i have read the owner's manual and don't see how to check for signal strength for my ota.

thanks for any help

also, my zenith SS is indoors and i pick up wvit and wtnh really well. wfsb, i don't get anything, is this because of the low power transmission from them that i have read about here? Is WTIC broadcasting digital yet? i pick it up with my SS but have not noticed any HD yet?

thanks again

Originally posted by cliff1371
New to this forum and this a great thread!Welcome!
... how can i check what kind of signal strength i am getting for my local ota reception? i see everyone mention the signal strength but i have read the owner's manual and don't see how to check for signal strength for my ota.Many set top boxes have some kind of readout ... sometimes this is on the box's display and other times its actually in an on-screen menu display. For the most part - what these boxes are displaying is just something relative and not very useful: you can't display a number displayed by one box to that displayed by another! The numbers are arbitrary and not typically displaying any standard units. IMO best they're good for is comparing different stations on the same box.

From the technical perspective we would really be interested in two things:

- the actual signal strength, typically displayed in dBw (and a minus number), and
- the bit error rate (10 to the minus something)

A spectrum analyzer would show you a signal's strength - some high end or commercial boxes may also give you a signal's strength as a readout. Higher numbers would be better, meaning a -10 signal would be much better than a -30.

The other issue for ATSC (digital) reception is the bit error rate. You could have a whopping big signal, but if you can't decode the (188-byte) packets error free ... you'll get poor reception. Low bit error rates would indicate great reception whilst high bit error rates would mean breakups and possibly no reception. Reception errors can be caused by interfering signals as well as multi-path (receiving the station's signal from multiple paths, resulting in it being received at slightly different times - this often appears as ghosting on analogue television).wfsb, i don't get anything, is this because of the low power transmission from them that i have read about here? Is WTIC broadcasting digital yet? i pick it up with my SS but have not noticed any HD yet?AFAIK, WFSB is still on low power; I can't get it way up in Mass where I live. WTIC has a whopping big signal on its DT channel and some shows are in widescreen but not full HD yet.

Originally posted by RPMcCormick
WTIC has a whopping big signal on its DT channel and some shows are in widescreen but not full HD yet.

But they will be come September 12th (NFL at 720p, yeah baby).

Hi cliff1371, welcome to the forum!,

Believe it or not, the Hughes htl-hd receiver does not have a OTA signal meter. It has been a major complaint about the unit. I believe that I saw that people over in the HDTV Hardware forum had reported that a recent software upgrade has fixed this though.

Yes, WFSB is still low power, don't get us started on that topic, read back a little in this thread and you'll see that it's a very sore subject around here.

If you get the signal meter via the software upgrade, report back with what you are getting from Southington.

thanks for all of the feedback, i m looking forward to reading and contributing to this thread.

jake, how can/do i know about the software upgrade. is there something I have to do to initate the software upgrade?

thanks

cliff

Originally posted by cliff1371
thanks for all of the feedback, i m looking forward to reading and contributing to this thread.

jake, how can/do i know about the software upgrade. is there something I have to do to initate the software upgrade?

thanks

cliff

I don't know personally, but I think some answers can be found it this thread, you may already have the upgrade and don't know it.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=407930&highlight=htlhd

Like most everyone here, I've been following the WFSB saga. I got set up for HD last September for football and have been waiting for WFSB to go full power since then. We know where that stands.

My recollection from watching SD football on WFSB last fall was that several times per game they would insert a plug that the game was available in HD via WFSB-DT. Do you recall? I'm thinking that, in retrospect, this was false advertising since 90%+ of the state couldn't get the signal if they wanted to. I think this leaves an opening to contact the CT State Attorney General (Blumenthal) and register a complaint. In fact, we could point them to this thread as well as the WFSB-sucks thread. I don't know of any business that wants to get flack from the AG. It doesn't mean that they could be forced to upgrade the signal, but it sure would put pressure on them that us plain old subscribers can't.

Chris

I don't think you can file that, since WFSB-DT did indeed air the games as advertised.

They could have aired the game without advertising it as well, but I thought it was cool to see them pushing HD to the masses.

Originally posted by Scott Greczkowski
They could have aired the game without advertising it as well, but I thought it was cool to see them pushing HD to the masses.

Which, IMHO, means absolutely nothing if the masses can't receive the HD signal.

That advertising by WFSB last year always burned me each time I saw it. By the same token, let's not forget that most of CT households have cable, and most of the cable companies have WFSB-DT available. That doesn't help us satellite people, but it is available to most people. It still doesn't excuse WFSB from not getting their act together for the rest of us.

since wfsb isnt at full power yet , what are the chances i can get a wavier to receive the cbs HD via D*V? has anyone received this wavier in ct?

Originally posted by cliff1371
since wfsb isnt at full power yet , what are the chances i can get a wavier to receive the cbs HD via D*V?Unlikely. DirecTV is carrying the east and west coast CBS affiliates' HD feeds. The Viacom agreement provides CBS HD via DirecTV in markets where the CBS affiliate is one of the O&O stations. Not available in other markets (like Hartford / New Haven).

BTW: I believe Fairfield County in CT belongs to the NYC DMA and as such if you subscribe to local networks on DirecTV you should also be able to receive the CBS HD channel as well.

Originally posted by cliff1371
since wfsb isnt at full power yet , what are the chances i can get a wavier to receive the cbs HD via D*V?

FYI - I was just denied a waiver and I am a D* subscriber, also.

Correct, Fairfield County gets the waiver. I know because I got it.

i was watchng wtnh last night 8-1, the show was "end days" and the guide showed that this show is HD. BUT i was getting a window box picture on my 40xbr.

was "end days" a HD broadcast or am i having a problem with 8-1?, because now that i think about it this has happened before on 8-1



Also, is anyone ussing the winegard square shooter?

i was thinkinng of mounting one in my attic this week, any thoughts/opinions on the SqS are appreciated.

i have the zenith silver sensor now indoors but i get pixelation on wtnh(i know its only uhf antenna) wtic and wvit come in well. of course i dont get anything on wfsb

WTNH-DT is changing its configuration ... 13 mpbs for the HD channel and 5 mbps for ABC News NOW which should be up later today.

Not sure about the programming issue from last evening - but will pass it along and let you know if I hear anything back.

RPMcCormick, 13 mpbs is good for HD right? I don't know about those numbers. This won't hurt the HD picture quality of WTNH-HD right?

Cliff, I don't know anything firsthand about the square shooter, but I would guess that you give up some functionality as a compromise for it looking nice. If you're going to put it in your attic, I think that's a waste.

Found an interesting link that tested the square shooter. It does seem that it works well, but you are paying a premium for the looks. If you're currently using a Silver Sensor and are almost there, you might try a Radio Shack 15-1880. It's an indoor amplified antenna that might give you just the little extra that you need. Given Radio Shack's good return policy, it's worth a try.

One very important thing from that link that should be of interest to all of us, is that the tuners in the newer HD boxes are so much better than the old boxes. I experienced this first hand myself recently, when I hooked up a Zenith HD-SAT520. Much easier to lock onto signals than the old DTC100!

Originally posted by cliff1371
Also, is anyone ussing the winegard square shooter?

I am. Note that it will not help with WTNH...but may with the UHF channels.

Mine is on the roof with the RS VU-190. The RS pointed at 318 degrees and the SqS at 0. I get all stations in CT (including PAX from NL and WEDH from Norwich) with the exception of.....can anyone guess?

With just the Sqs I could get WVIT, WTIC and WTXX but not WTNH, hence the addition of the VU-190.

YMMV.

For an attic install, I don't think that you would want to spend ~$100 for something when ~$40 is all you need?

thanks guys

i'm very close to west bank in southington so if i understand correctly a pre amp will probably hurt my dtv. i have read that a "fm trap" may help. not sure how true that is but it can't hurt to try.

before i drop the coin on the SqS i'm going to put the silver sensor in the attic first.

Cliff, I have a SqS as well, and it has worked well for me (WCTX, WTIC, WTXX WVIT, WEDN, WHPX). My experience has been the same as Rich's; I couldn't get WTNH with it, although I could get WCTX (same location). It's advertised as a VHF/UHF antenna, but my impression from some of the reports I've seen is that it's a marginal VHF antenna. The other thing to keep in mind is that because the difference in location between Avon/Rattlesnake Mtns and Gaylord Mtn is greater than the 60 degree beamwidth on the SqS, you may not pick up signals from both directions at the same time (i.e., you'll need a rotor).

A preamp might hurt your reception from the Avon/Rattlesnake Mtn transmitters by overdriving your receiver, but you would need an inline attenuator (not an FM trap) to reduce the strength of the signal; you can get 6 dB attenuators from Radio Shack.

ok 33-3, it is just about august 1st. How about an update. Any more setbacks?

Speaking of which, I still haven't seen WFSB-DT in Dolby Digital 5.1, and I thougt that their processor was being upfitted?? I wonder what's up?

Hi there. I'm in Glastonbury.

I was unable to receive WTNH two nights ago, but it was back last night. Anyone else? Was something up?

Just a comment on my antenna situation. I had been quite frustrated, but better now.

I had an antenna in the attic, which was ok, but signal was in/out, and I was worried that with bad weather, things would be worse. So, I went with a square shooter, and in general, it is better. The antenna is VERY directional, and required LOTS of fiddling to get it just right.

Now I am able to pull in just about all locals, except WCTX. Surprising given that it is also from the same tower as WTNH, except "lower" on the tower. Maybe that's it. My WTNH signal is usually quite low (50's), but is rock steady, and I usually get fine reception.

I did add the Winegard 269 preamp, ... and I LOST WTNH. Other channels had the signal increase, but the reception was OK to start with.

Stu

Originally posted by jake14mw
13 mpbs is good for HD right? I don't know about those numbers. This won't hurt the HD picture quality of WTNH-HD right?Sorry - I think I missed that question ... the total bandwidth of an ATSC transmission is 19.39 mbps. That can be broken down into multiple sub channels; there's also some overhead in there that is not directly attributed to any specific channel (audio or video info). General rule of thumb: higher bit rates provide better quality - of course given that the original is of at least that quality to start with! (In other words, if the source material is something like 7 mpbs retransmitting it at anything greater than that is a waste!)

The local PBS affiliate in Springfield (WGBY) does something interesting: during the day they divide up their ATSC transmission into four sub channels (I forgot how many bps, but let's just say equally for each). And then at night, they reconfigure to either a single channel (HD) or an HD channel and another SD channel. By eliminating two or three SD channels at night - they can devote more bandwidth to the main HD channel, for a better viewing experience!

HTH!

Basically anyone interested in picture quality should not be happy with this plan. With the caveats of Robert (garbage in garbage out), you really need more than 13mbs to avoid a degradation in picture quality.

Originally posted by StuH

I had an antenna in the attic, which was ok, but signal was in/out, and I was worried that with bad weather, things would be worse. So, I went with a square shooter, and in general, it is better. The antenna is VERY directional, and required LOTS of fiddling to get it just right.

Now I am able to pull in just about all locals, except WCTX. Surprising given that it is also from the same tower as WTNH, except "lower" on the tower. Maybe that's it. My WTNH signal is usually quite low (50's), but is rock steady, and I usually get fine reception.
Stu

Stu, If you're getting anything with an antenna in your attic, I would consider myself lucky. I don't know what the relative directions are from you to Rattlesnake and Gaylord Mtns, but the Sqs has a beamwidth of about 30 degrees either side of center (at which point the gain is going to be down to about 1.5 dB or so). Just curious, are you receiving WTNH with the SqS, or do you have another VHF antenna? I have a SqS in East Lyme, but it won't pull in WTNH (but I can get WCTX).

Ross

I am using only the SqS. Yes, it does pull in the "high end" VHF channels, so I am lucky to pick up WTNH. Certainly, TNH broadcast from much further South than the others, but it works! I am also able to pick up WGBY PBS in Springfield... but only if I tweek the SqS, and then I loose WTXX. Go figure. I have a feeling that if I would put up a "real" antenna on my roof, I would be all set.... put the asthetics would just kill my wife. So the SqS stays (it is not in the attic, but on the side of the house. I had a ChannelMaster in the attic before).

Stu

Interesting; never been able to get any VHF stations with my SqS. About your preamp problem, I wonder if you're overdriving the WTNH signal. You could try putting in a line attenuator. Because you're using the one antenna, that's going to reduce the signal from all stations, but you might still have sufficient signal from the other stations while making WTNH watchable. Just a thought....

I have good signal on most freq, but last month I had a lot of good strength, but quick drop-outs... in other words, the signal meter would be at 85 but would then drop to 25 and I would loose picture. I tried an attenuator... and then lost WTNH and it did not help the drop outs. So, that's when I tried the pre-amp. Did help my signal strength, but no real change in quality of picture.

In retrospect... the real problem was the direction of the antenna. Once I changed the direction (took some time to figure out the angle (and the tilt of the sqs)) it has worked well without dropout.
S

Originally posted by StuH
I have good signal on most freq, but last month I had a lot of good strength, but quick drop-outs... in other words, the signal meter would be at 85 but would then drop to 25 and I would loose picture.Sounds like a multi-path problem! In some cases, pointing an antenna directly at a station's transmitter is not the most optimal thing to do - so tweaking things to find where you can get the strongest signal without the data errors is the best approach!

I am no longer getting WTIC-DT or WCTX-DT at my location in West Hartford. I have a good ourdoor antenna on a rotator, and show very strong signals from WTIC-DT on the signal meter of my RCA DTC-100, but no picture or sound. WTIC-DT has played around with their PSIP signal before, and I have lost the signal when they hosed up their PSIP info. IS anyone else having a problem with their signal? Does anyone else have a DTC-100 with this problem?
WCTX-DT has also seemed to lost signal strength in the past few days. I used to always get WCTX-DT with a consistant 46-55 signal strength in my location, but now the signal has dropped to 28-33, and won't lock in on my receiver. I have attempted a cold reboot of the receiver (I unplugged the sucker, and did a full rescan) but nothing has helped. Any ideas?

I'm getting both WTIC-DT & WCTX-DT in Old Saybrook no problem.

Chip, I'm receiving WTIC-DT and WCTX-DT just fine. I will mention that over the past couple weeks I seem to go through periods with WCTX-DT of wildly oscillating signal strength, or good signal strength and yet a heavily pixellated or unwatchable picture - I've attributed it to atmospherics or some multipath problem I can't figure out, because "The Other Rich" who only lives a few miles north of me doesn't seem to be experiencing the same problem.

Ross

Ross, it is a dilemma...FWIW I believe I am also a few hundred feet higher than you.

After I posted about my reception problem, I contacted RCA about my DTC-100. The fellow at RCA told me that I should return the unit to them, and they would repair it for $225.00. I DON"T THINK SO! It's pretty clear to me now that my receiver is defective, and I am having to come to terms with the prospect of buying a new HDTV receiver. I have almost convinced myself that it might be time to do just that, but I have read about these new fifth-generation ASTC receiver chips that LG is going to use in their new receivers to be released this fall. I have had an LG LSS-3100a in my sights for a while, but I wonder if the new fifth-generation chips will really make all that much difference? I do have HDTV cable TV from Comcast, but my locals did look much better OTA than through HDTV cable, so I am not yet ready to abandon OTA .

Originally posted by cgorra
I contacted RCA about my DTC-100. The fellow at RCA told me that I should return the unit to them, and they would repair it for $225.00. I DON"T THINK SO!:eek:
OUCH!I have almost convinced myself that it might be time to do just that, but I have read about these new fifth-generation ASTC receiver chips that LG is going to use in their new receivers to be released this fall. I have had an LG LSS-3100a in my sights for a while, but I wonder if the new fifth-generation chips will really make all that much difference?I've seen one of the current LG boxes in action - and they're pretty impressive. I'm very seriously considering the purchase of one myself - ah, the problem is which one!

Are you speaking of the e-vsb chips that LG is working on?
LG ELECTRONICS’ E-VSB TECHNOLOGY ADOPTED AS STANDARD BY ATSC
(http://us.lge.com/AboutUs.do?myAction=detail&boardType=press&forwardPage=pressdetail&seq=119&categoryId=Corporate&s0=3&s1=3&s2=1&s3=1)
If so - that's going to be a little ways out ... and may not make that much of a difference until broadcasters upgrade their encoders to use that newer technology.

Here's a link to LG's latest STB offerings: http://us.lge.com/Product/prodsubcategorylist.do?action=tvsub
I do have HDTV cable TV from Comcast, but my locals did look much better OTA than through HDTV cable, so I am not yet ready to abandon OTA.Beyond a subjective view (sic) in comparison of a local OTA signal versus that which you may be able to receive on cable, you'd really need to find out what the station is transmitting the signal at - and then what the cable operator is re-encoding it at. A station could encode a HD signal at a bit rate even up in the 18 mbps range ... but a cable operator may be using something significantly less than that - maybe even as little as half! You may be able to get a station to tell you what its set its encoders to ... but I bet it would be a bit more difficult to get that info from your local cable operator. IMO, you'll probably get the best signal from OTA ... and the corresponding cable signal will only be equivalent in quality when they retransmit it at the same rate!

There is a report on the fifth gen LG here: http://www.digitaltelevision.com/mondaymemo/mlist/
in the last two july updates. It seems to perform very well in a multipath environment without using e-vsb information. I have seen no reports on its weak signal performance. At the best it will probably take months to show up in a set top box. I have compared several boxes here at various times. A Zenith was one of the best for most signals, however the receiver in my Mits TV is slightly better on most stations. John

While I have heard about the new E-VSB standard, LG has promised a new fifth generation chip in time for a fall roll-out that uses the existing 8-VSB standard, but promises substantially better reception in high-multipath areas. I really don't have a multipath problem at my house, due to a very directional antenna, but I am looking for better fringe area reception and faster tuning response time to ASTC signals. It seems that antenna preamplifiers don't do too much to help fringe ASTC reception, and can cause lot's of overload problems in strong-signal areas such as where I live. I would like to be able to pick-up WGBY-DT more reliably at my location, and I wondered how much difference that new fifth-generation chipset would make.

Thanks for the Monday memo link ... been a while since I've read some of them ... would seem that the 5th generation stuff, though its being tested full details may not be disclosed ... due to non-disclosure agreements?! <grin>

I'd also wonder how fast STB's based on this new technology will be out on the market ... when the current LG stuff (I believe announced in January of this year?!) was announced they were just about impossible to find. And I wouldn't necessarily assume that just because someone today has a current generation box with some upgraded stuff inside that that represents what we'd be seeing as consumers when LG releases a new product.

Personally, I tend to like being close but not necessarily on the bleeding edge - I'll take something shortly after its out, hopefully having just enough time to find any major bugs, etc.

FWIW, I see a world of differences between some of the first ATSC tuners and what's currently available today ... so it may be worth making the jump to today's boxes for just that alone!

CT dish, thanks for the link: It is the one that I had seen earlier, but there is no way I would have ever found it again! That was the report that I had read that discussed the fifth-generation chip, and it is that discussion that piqued my interest in the new LG receivers

and finally decided to order a new LSS-3100A. I can unload my DTC-100 for a few bucks, and I found the deal-of-all-deals on the LSS-3100A from an outfit in New York:at least $80.00 off what most other places were selling it for. Now I can see whether or not the problems I was having with WTIC-DT are the result of the older tuner in the DTC-100

Here is the latest story on full power from WFSB.
Chip
http://wfsb.com/Global/story.asp?S=2137767

It says that their analog channel is at half normal power because they are upgrading the digital channel to full power and that the process should take about 3 weeks. Three weeks would be nice, we'll see.

One note, they also talk about how HDTV is twice the normal resolution and clarity of normal TV. I don't know the exact figures, but I was under the impression that HD is more than twice the resolution and clarity of anolog TV!

Yes HD is like five times normal resolution.

Dos anyone know if WVIT is going to offer any Olympics coverage other than what NBC sends down during it's regular schedule? I wondered if WVIT-DT might show additional coverage when they would otherwise duplicate analog programming.

Guess we will have to wait until next week and see. I e-mailed NBC30 last week to ask if they are planning to carry the NBC 24x7 HDTV feed.

Is WVIT-DT planning to carry NBC's HDTV Olympic feed?

This is their reply:

Our digital signal is available over the air and on all cable systems that distribute the digital signal. Thanks for writing.

Typical non-answer ... anyone else have more info?

Allen

No they are correct! The resolution of hd is twice that of sd. Where people get 4x is from 2x horizontal and 2x vertical but in reality it is only 2x.
Jim

Originally posted by cgorra
Dos anyone know if WVIT is going to offer any Olympics coverage other than what NBC sends down during it's regular schedule? I wondered if WVIT-DT might show additional coverage when they would otherwise duplicate analog programming. Not sure what WVIT is doing - but at WWLP we'll have the NBC HD feed on WWLP-DT 22.1 for the duration. None of the programming on the HD side will be simulcast from what I understand: the HD feed will be completely separate from the NBC network and other NBC Universal network outlet's programming (CNBC, MSNBC, Telemundo, etc).

NBC Olympics OZone (http://www.nbcolympics.com/wwlp/index.html?aff=wwlp-et)

From NBC web site:For the first time by a U.S. broadcaster at a Summer Olympics, NBC will provide high definition coverage. NBC's separate, unique HDTV coverage on NBC's digital affiliates, presented by Sony Electronics Inc., will provide HDTV coverage on delay of six sports from the only main Olympic venues provided in high definition by the Olympic host broadcaster. Those sports include swimming, diving, gymnastics, track and field, medal rounds of basketball and the men's soccer gold medal final. The HDTV coverage will total 399 hours and is a completely different production from the standard definition broadcast on the network. If you go to the NBC Olympics site (link above) you can find what will be on each of NBC's networks. As I understand it - the HD feed will be 24 x 7 with some of the content repeated to fill the broadcast day.

HTH!

Just another reason why I am glad to have another NBC HDTV affiliate nearby! Hooray for OTA!

Just for information on my OTA antenna install. (thanks for everyone's feedback recently)

I just installed the Silver Sensor in the attic and BA BANG! all my locals came in at 85- 95 %! wvit, wtic, wtnh

Didn't get anything on CBS of course because they are still slacking!

I have at least a 100 ft run of rg6 and i didn't need an amp. I'm about 12 miles from towers.

The amazing thing about the SS is that it is advertised as a UHF antenna but my strongest signal is on my VHF (ABC) feed.

Hopefully WFSB will get it together soon

thanks again everyone

cliff1371,

Are you able to get WTXX-DT (WB)? That's the only CT local (other than CBS of course) that I couldn't get when I had my antennas installed recently.

Cliff,

Do you get any other locals besides wvit, wtic, wtnh?

Thanks

WTNH is now broadcasting what looks like 3 subchannels.
8-1 - regular broadcast
8-2 - ABC news network
8-3 - black screen, and seems to mess up my receiver (dish 6000 w/ OTA module)

just an FYI, did not see it posted here.

Originally posted by RPMcCormick
Not sure what WVIT is doing - but at WWLP we'll have the NBC HD feed on WWLP-DT 22.1 for the duration. None of the programming on the HD side will be simulcast from what I understand: the HD feed will be completely separate from the NBC network and other NBC Universal network outlet's programming (CNBC, MSNBC, Telemundo, etc).

NBC Olympics OZone (http://www.nbcolympics.com/wwlp/index.html?aff=wwlp-et)

From NBC web site:If you go to the NBC Olympics site (link above) you can find what will be on each of NBC's networks. As I understand it - the HD feed will be 24 x 7 with some of the content repeated to fill the broadcast day.

HTH!

RPMcCormick,

WVIT is showing NBC network feeds with 5.1 sound now.I watched L&O yesterday and it had true discreet 5.1 sound. I checked WWLP but sound was still only 2.0. I know that NBC has been testing before and Olympics will be send in 5.1, but will WWLP pass 5.1?.

Originally posted by ToddHealy
cliff1371,

Are you able to get WTXX-DT (WB)? That's the only CT local (other than CBS of course) that I couldn't get when I had my antennas installed recently.

I don't get anything other than a reading of 15% at the most Sometimes. so basically nothing.

Originally posted by Satman69
Cliff,

Do you get any other locals besides wvit, wtic, wtnh?

Thanks

sat, the only other local i get is the non digital pbs

Does CPTV out of Hartford broadcast Digital yet? is this the same as PBS? i have channel 24 for PBS but nothing for digital

Last I checked CPTV in Hartford was not scheduled to go up until fall 2004, but their web site has not been updated in over a year (regarding Digital Conversion anyway).

i'm getting CPTV HD thru COX. call letters WEDN, seems to show different material than the WGBY HD that i can get OTA.

They may be feeding Cox via a land line, if someone gets them OTA please speak up, I haven't checked for them in some time, forget what their OTA digital channel assignment is, anyone know?

I think WEDN (Norwich ch 53) and WEDW (Bridgeport ch 49) are the only HD PBS broadcasts in Connecticut. WEDH (Hartford ch 32) and WEDY (New Haven ch 6) don't seem to be live yet. At least I can't get them.

Originally posted by CKNA
WVIT is showing NBC network feeds with 5.1 sound now. I watched L&O yesterday and it had true discreet 5.1 sound. I checked WWLP but sound was still only 2.0. I know that NBC has been testing before and Olympics will be send in 5.1, but will WWLP pass 5.1?.WWLP is in the process today of getting the Dolby 5.1 encoder into the 22.1 stream. Part of that effort is already complete today - efforts continue. Of course, the goal is to have it fully functional for the opening ceremony!

Originally posted by ToddHealy
I think WEDN (Norwich ch 53) and WEDW (Bridgeport ch 49) are the only HD PBS broadcasts in Connecticut. WEDH (Hartford ch 32) and WEDY (New Haven ch 6) don't seem to be live yet. At least I can't get them.

Unless there have been recent changes in the timetable, WEDH-DT (CPTV/PBS for greater Hartford) won't be available OTA until at least early 2005.

Please refer to page 20 of this thread, post #381 of 1/19/04, and page 41, post #809 of 3/2/04.

FYI, According to the Chief Engineer, WFSB finally has their DD5.1 problems ironed out. They will be pushing the DD5.1 feed for the PGA Championship this weekend.

Tower construction is still progressing also, their analog transmitter is off the tower & they are beginning the construction of the new combined transmitter assembly. They are still shooting for the end of the month, working 7 days a week, but this weeks weather surely won't help their cause.

Just thought I would pass along the info.

For what its worth WVIT today becomes a national NBC affiliate for the next 2 weeks, as VOOM makes the WVIT Analog signal available to all its East Coast subscribers (except those in the Hartford DMA)

I wonder if WVIT will mention anything.

For what its worth WVIT today becomes a national NBC affiliate for the next 2 weeks, as VOOM makes the WVIT Analog signal available to all its East Coast subscribers (except those in the Hartford DMA)

I wonder if WVIT will mention anything.

HD Olympics...here I come. Looks like a lot of repeat showings though.

Ooooohhh and look they will be showing the men's gold medal trampoline event. This is considered part of gymnastics and it will not be HD.

WWLP-DT Dolby 5.1
22.1 is now broadcasting in Dolby Digital 5.1 format. Upconverted content should be decoded in Dolby 2/0 format. HD programming audio encoding will vary based on the metadata that NBC sends - formats will include LtRt, 2/0, 3/0 and 3/2L (which is 5.1). Feedback and observations welcome.

We'll have to go check it out! BTW, how is the power increase project coming along?

Originally posted by cgorra
BTW, how is the power increase project coming along?I'm assuming this is directed at me! :D

Looks like WWLP-DT's increase will be realised sometime this fall. They're in the process of working out the details with tower crews, etc. More details as they become known.

Originally posted by Scott Greczkowski
For what its worth WVIT today becomes a national NBC affiliate for the next 2 weeks, as VOOM makes the WVIT Analog signal available to all its East Coast subscribers (except those in the Hartford DMA)

I wonder if WVIT will mention anything.

I assume by analog you mean SD feed. Why wouldn't we get in Hartford area?. Isn't it the same as getting it OTA?. Are they going to have different commercials?.

BTW, I am getting national NBC HD feed on my VOOM box.

Originally posted by RPMcCormick
WWLP-DT Dolby 5.1
22.1 is now broadcasting in Dolby Digital 5.1 format. Upconverted content should be decoded in Dolby 2/0 format. HD programming audio encoding will vary based on the metadata that NBC sends - formats will include LtRt, 2/0, 3/0 and 3/2L (which is 5.1). Feedback and observations welcome.

Thanks for the update.

Originally posted by Such
FYI, According to the Chief Engineer, WFSB finally has their DD5.1 problems ironed out. They will be pushing the DD5.1 feed for the PGA Championship this weekend.

Tower construction is still progressing also, their analog transmitter is off the tower & they are beginning the construction of the new combined transmitter assembly. They are still shooting for the end of the month, working 7 days a week, but this weeks weather surely won't help their cause.

Just thought I would pass along the info.

When they will miss the end of month, they will blame weather or act of god. They will probably say that it was too hot, too much lightning, rain or vacations for workers.

Whatever they say, nobody here believes it. We'll see when it happens.

BTW, does anybody know what is going on with WTIC?. They were upconverting to 720p but now for 2 weeks it only 16x9 480i. I hope they do not screw us out football in HD this fall.

Oh boy,

As a football fan, anxiously awaiting the NFL in HD, no good news in these postings today.

I assume that the WTIC thing is just a temporary adjustment.

WFSB's two favorite terms: "shooting for" and "hopefully" . Hoping by the end of the month, shooting for the end of next month, are things we have heard time after time.

Those words don't get it done. Imagine if JFK's speech was "before this decade is out, we will HOPEFULLY put a man on the moon and return him to earth" or "before this decade is out, we are SHOOTING FOR for putting a man on the moon and return him to earth" Or imagine if in the Apollo 13 mission, the NASA crew on the ground set out to "shoot for" getting the crippled spaceship back to earth. OK, OK, I know that HDTV may not be as important as space travel, but then again, it isn't rocket science!:D

I always thought that WTIC-DT and WTXX-DT's wide screen 720p and 1080i upconverts looked horrible: Lots of digital artifacts and and a badly stretched image. I wish they wouldn't mess with the screen ratios unless there is actual wide-screen material bering broadcast. WTIC-DT's wide-screen showings of 16:9 480p material actually look pretty good: Arrested Development and North Shore are almost good enough to be mistaken for real Hi-Def, and WTXX does a good job with the WB's HDTV material, too, but watching Jerry Springer in a lousy stretched image only prolongs the agony of having to actually WATCH that show! :D It seems to me that virtually everyone who is going to watch those channels has the means to stretch their picture anyway, if the really want to, so why send out such a lousy stretched image?

I think WFSB means business this time. I noticed up here that their analog signal is barely watchable from their back-up. I am sure that since the majority of people still watch analog they won't stay like this for long. Good thing I have no trouble with their digital signal.
Jim

Does anyone know what's happening with WVIT's HDTV coverage on 35?

Last night and today, all they've covered is the opening ceremonies over and over. Where is the HD coverage of the events?

This morning their coverage at noon off the satellite was some kids program while the swimming was on. In the words of Marvin Gaye,
What's going on? Is it me?

Dorran

Nope that's what they have planned for quite a while...FWIW, swimming will be going on in HD for over a week.

Go to here (http://nbcolympics.zap2it.com/tv/grid.jsp?state=1&from=1092513600000&stations=11705_16300_10139_11207_10057_10239_20459_&station_id=20459&zone=-5_1&genre=) for the schedule.

It's quite sad really.

Since the start of the Olympics I've had the opportunity to compare NBC hi-def programming as delivered OTA through the local affiliates (WVIT-DT & WWLP-DT) and directly off satellite from NBC. My satellite programming provider (Dish Network) has partnered with NBC to deliver the hi-def feed directly to subscribers who live in TV markets where the affiliate is owned and operated by NBC (as is the case in Connecticut with WVIT).

For the past few months OTA WVIT-DT has been unwatchable for me; it usually does not come in at all or the picture freezes every couple seconds. Springfield, MA NBC affiliate WWLP-DT consistently delivers a great picture, but I'd have to rank the direct feed from NBC via satellite as providing just slightly better resolution. There is no graininess or fuzziness.

During a Dish Network Technical Chat on Monday. the VP of Echostar Technologies mentioned that on the hi-def Olympic feed channel, "NBC is cranking it up to 22 megabits per second, which exceeds ATSC standards," and which would be higher than the local OTA transmissions.

Sam here in Newington, WWLP comes in rock solid, never a breakup, however WVIT-DT is unwatchable with constant breakups.

From where I am sitting now, I can actually see the WVIT tower, and my antenna is on the roof higher then where I am, so it should not be having these problems.

That's odd, because WVIT-DT AND WWLP-DT ave been coming in just beautifully at my house, with no break-up or pixelization of any kind. I am about 8 miles from th WVIT-DT transmitter at my house. Scott, It makes me wonder if you might be overloading the tuner input at your house? I used to use an RCA DTC-100, but recent replaced it with an LG-LST-3100a, which seem to have better raw sensitivity than the DTC-100 does, and more easily accessed stretch-modes. I haven't experienced any problems from WVIT-DT using either tuner. I am using a very directional Wade-Delhi antenna, though.

WVIT comes in rock solid for me too. No breakups. Maybe you guys need new antennas and tuners.

No break-ups for WVIT-DT for me OTA. It's been fine, though it's is criminal what they are doing with the delayed/non-existent HD coverage.

As for WFSB, the DD5.1 coverage of the PGA Championship this weekend was awesome! However I did notice a one second audio delay at times, which is not as big a deal when watching golf because you never looking at the people talking. Let's hope they get their audio delay issues figured out once and for all.

Cox subscriber here in Meriden, the HD coverage of the Olympics have been pretty darn good if you ask me. Not really anything to complain about.

The Olympics coverage is great if you don't mind watching yesterdays events tomorrow.

WVIT is my strongeset signal 19 miles west from towers. Never any breakups. WTIC is next, then WTXX. Probobly because of the heights of the transmitters on the towers. Can't get WWLP to lock. Maybe when they boost power in fall. I get their signal at 50% on my Voom receiver. It needs 80% to lock on. Wish WVIT had a subchannel with the regular NBC schedule. Voom receiver doesn't pick up analog channels, so I had to keep basic cable for back up. I don't want to use a A/B switch or splitter because I don't want to lose any signal from antenna or my NYC digital stations are too touchy.

Originally posted by jake14mw

WFSB's two favorite terms: "shooting for" and "hopefully" . Hoping by the end of the month, shooting for the end of next month, are things we have heard time after time.

Those words don't get it done.

Perhaps those words CAN be used, but with just a little rearranging. For example, how about "CT residents are HOPEFULLY praying WFSB/Meredith won't continue to SHOOT itself in the foot."

BTW, what will happen to this thread and "WFSB Sucks" classic if WFSB ever does get up and running? Where will the laughs come from with those wonderful "announcements" of weather, metal, and other calamaties.?

Originally posted by Such
FYI, According to the Chief Engineer, WFSB finally has their DD5.1 problems ironed out. They will be pushing the DD5.1 feed for the PGA Championship this weekend.

Tower construction is still progressing also, their analog transmitter is off the tower & they are beginning the construction of the new combined transmitter assembly. They are still shooting for the end of the month, working 7 days a week, but this weeks weather surely won't help their cause.

Just thought I would pass along the info.

No WFSB Proponent here, just thought everyone would love to hear they actually lived up to their committment for a change, the PGA Championship was broadcast in DD5.1 - and it sounded pretty good too.

Hopefully their latest tower construction estimates hold true also.

Not to nit-pic, because I am glad that WFSB-DT finally got their Dolby Digital 5.1 back on-line, but they still have a considerble lip-synch problem. Monday night sitcoms looked almost as if they had been dubbed, badly.

Yes, I saw the problem, wondering if they finally gave up trying to fix it (was supposedly the reason they had not been up all this time) and just turned it on.

Since we're talking about lip sync issues :)

What's the feedback on the WWLP-DT Olympics synchronization? Been trying to tweak it - but its a very difficult task. Even more so when you're dealing with six channels of audio content! I think its pretty close for those few times where you get to see announcers talk - but the Sony ad (embedded by NBC) seems a bit off.

Hello,

I am rather new to the Connecticut DTV scene, but I've been trying to keep track of things. I'm in the process of setting up a new antenna. Last night I could recieve WTNH's digital signal at 90-100%. Today, I'm getting nothing. Does WTNH only broadcast during the evening, or are they having issues? I don't think its my setup as I'm getting other channels without any issues.

Also for comparison's sake, here is what I've been able to pick up in the Madison area with my FusionHDTV II card and the testing I've done so far today. I'd be interested to see if this is what I should expect for the area:

I can get these channels with picture, some to no breakups:
WCTX
WVIT
WNYW
WCBS
WLIW
Some Spanish Channel on 24

I can see that these channels exist, as I'm getting some signal, but not enough for a picture:
WEDN
WEDW

Not seeing these at all, but I would think I could:
WTNH
WTIC


--Todd

Originally posted by afis
BTW, what will happen to this thread and "WFSB Sucks" classic if WFSB ever does get up and running? Where will the laughs come from with those wonderful "announcements" of weather, metal, and other calamaties.?

Don't worry - even if hell freezes over, intelligent life is discovered at WFSB and they actually do increase power, they'll screw something up and will blame it on weather, vendors and the hamster's health!

Todd, Welcome to the CT thread. You didn't mention what type of antenna you have, which direction you have it pointed, and whether you're using a rotor. WTNH is on the air during the day and evening.

Ross

I have to congratulate anyone from Rochester, NY who can get Hartford and New Haven TV stations from a distance in excess of 350 miles! :D By the way, what are you using for an antenna and tuner? WTIC, WTNH, WTXX and WEDW should all be easy for you to get in Madison!

Hi Todd:

WCTX and WTNH are on the same tower over in Hampden. WCTX-DT is on UHF channel 39 whilst WTNH-DT is on VHF channel 10. So I would expect that if you could get one you should be able to also get the other (assuming you've got the right antenna!).

WCTX has one digital channel whilst WTNH has its standard programming on the first subchannel and an ABC news network on the second channel. They're both on round-the-clock (in general, all digital ATSC stations are, excepting maybe an overnight maintenance period early Monday morning).

As noted by other posters you may want to see how your antenna situation is; there's a fairly good site that you can visit, put in your address and it will give you an idea where the stations are (both analogue and digital):

AntennaWeb (http://www.antennaweb.org)

Originally posted by cgorra
I have to congratulate anyone from Rochester, NY who can get Hartford and New Haven TV stations from a distance in excess of 350 miles! :D

Ha. I think that would actually be possible with some good atmosperic conditions.

At least in CT I can get ALL the networks in HD. Stupid WROC...but that's for another thread :)

Anyways, I'm back in CT visiting my family and was helping to set up their new system. I am getting WTNH in now, but it still isn't as strong as it's was just yesterday. Getting lots of breakups. Maybe I'm getting signal overload or something, but I've made no change in my setup since then.

As far as the specifics of my setup, I'm using one of Radio Shack's largest VHF/UHF beam antennas, can't remember the exact model. Got it hooked up to a ChannelMaster 3041 preamp. The antenna is inside our attic. There is no rotor on it currently....I've just been moving it around trying to figure out where I can get the most channels. I'm very surprised that I'm able to pick up any channels out of NYC, but I guess being close to the shoreline helps a bit. It's kinda sad that I can pick up CBS and FOX from NYC and not from CT, but I guess I shouldn't complain.

Thanks RTracey for the quick response about WTNH. I guess it will be more climbing around in the hot attic tomorrow.

--Todd

Originally posted by RPMcCormick
Hi Todd:

WCTX and WTNH are on the same tower over in Hampden. WCTX-DT is on UHF channel 39 whilst WTNH-DT is on VHF channel 10. So I would expect that if you could get one you should be able to also get the other (assuming you've got the right antenna!).

WCTX has one digital channel whilst WTNH has its standard programming on the first subchannel and an ABC news network on the second channel. They're both on round-the-clock (in general, all digital ATSC stations are, excepting maybe an overnight maintenance period early Monday morning).

As noted by other posters you may want to see how your antenna situation is; there's a fairly good site that you can visit, put in your address and it will give you an idea where the stations are (both analogue and digital):

AntennaWeb (http://www.antennaweb.org)

Thanks for the response. I do know most of the specifics of the stations as I've been following this thread for quite awhile in anticipation for this installation. I know I'm in a good spot for WTNH as in the past I've used rabbit ears and it's pegged out the signal meter on my reciever with no problems whatsoever.

I still haven't gotten any confirmation that WTNH wasn't off the air this afternoon, but I'm guessing not, and that would have to mean that I'm overloading the reciever with the preamp since WTNH is so strong compared to everything else.

I've used Antennaweb, but I've never really liked the results too much besides just getting a general idea of the channels around. According to them, I should be picking up a channel in Kingston, NY, and I know that that is not possible under normal conditions. It also doesn't mention anything about the NYC channels that I seem to be able to pick up with relative ease.

--Todd.

Todd, get rid of that antenna in the attic, get a proper antenna up on the roof with a rotator, and stand back and watch the HDTV fly! I mean it: You are really badly hampered by having an antenna in the attic, and the Radio Shack antennas can easily be bettered if you do you homework! Suggestion: Make a trip to Signal Electronis Supply in West Hartford, and pick up a Wade-Delhi VIP-306 VHF antenna, and a Channel Master 4228 8 bay UHF antenna, and mount them on the roof using your existing preamplifier and a Channel Master 9521a rotator: you'll have access to no less than 19 good HDTV stations when you do! Want a list of them?

WCBS-DT
WNBC-DT
WNYW-DT
WABC-DT
WPIX-DT (soon)
WLIW-DT
WEDN-DT
WEDW-DT
WHPX-DT
WFSB-DT (soon)
WTNH-DT
WTXX-DT
WVIT-DT
WCTX-DT
WTIC-DT
WWLP-DT (soon)
WLNY-DT
WFTY-DT
WPXN-DT
and probably more to come...

Me hates "Todd". "Todd" has my precious...me wants my precious back and more. :)

Originally posted by roto22
Thanks for the response. I do know most of the specifics of the stations as I've been following this thread for quite awhile in anticipation for this installation.OK - sorry, got the feeling that you were new on here - maybe just new to the area?!I still haven't gotten any confirmation that WTNH wasn't off the air this afternoon, but I'm guessing not, and that would have to mean that I'm overloading the reciever with the preamp since WTNH is so strong compared to everything else.I'll see if there's been any report of WTNH-DT being off-air but I doubt it ... you had noted you could receive WTNH (-DT ??) with rabbit ears ... did you by chance try to use a different or indoor antenna? That may help verify whether your preamp is over driving the front end of the receiver. The only other V that I think you'd be interested in on the ATSC side would be WTXX-DT on channel 12 ... funny how that doesn't show up on the AntennaWeb display for your postal code! (Can your preamp be set to not amplify the VHF band?)I've used Antennaweb, but I've never really liked the results too much besides just getting a general idea of the channels around. According to them, I should be picking up a channel in Kingston, NY, and I know that that is not possible under normal conditions. It also doesn't mention anything about the NYC channels that I seem to be able to pick up with relative ease.For your location - I have no idea why it shows the New York City analogue stations and not the digital ones. (Or WTXX as noted above for that matter.) Strange. And surely the suggestion that WRNN-DT in Kingston NY doesn't make sense either. Must be its just doing great circle distances and there's no real terrain consideration here. (Which of course helps with the NYC stations coming up the sound and impairs reception from WRNN and possibly stations up here in the Springfield MA area.) Also considering where you are ... that multipath (especially down along the coast) may also play a part into how successfully you can receive stations. HTH!

Thanks everyone for the tips and advice. At this time, due to costs, time and other issues, it is not feasble to put up any kind of exterior antenna, so I've had to work with what I've got. I'm pretty happy with the results so far, and I guess that's all that matters. I'll try and report back regarding WTNH when I play around tomorrow.

--Todd

I did notice that WTNH was getting no signal on Tuesday night and I usually get it at 100%. Don't know what time it was back but as of Wednesday night it came back at 100%. On Sunday night I was getting bad stuttering and the audio was messed up. On Monday night I was getting loud popping that was making watching unbearable even for 5 seconds. I was wondering myself if this had anything to do with the signal loss on Tuesday.

Originally posted by mstmorse
I did notice that WTNH was getting no signal on Tuesday night and I usually get it at 100%. Don't know what time it was back but as of Wednesday night it came back at 100%. On Sunday night I was getting bad stuttering and the audio was messed up. On Monday night I was getting loud popping that was making watching unbearable even for 5 seconds. I was wondering myself if this had anything to do with the signal loss on Tuesday.

I noticed the same thing on Sunday and Monday; can't say for sure whether I checked the signal on Tuesday evening.

Is anyone having trouble with Bridgeport PBS WEDW? Our Voom receivers just added scanning capabilities and I got it fine for a few days. I checked signal strength and it is 99 but no picture or anything comes on. Could it be that it is missing the psip thing that RP talks about? Also WCTX 59 doesnt pick up on the scan even though it comes in fine. Receiver stops on 39 like it is waiting for some signal but it doesnt receive info. I get it anyway because it is preprogrammed into Voom receiver for Hartford/New Haven DMA. Just curious why it picks WTNH on the scan and not WCTX. Using the scan feature is how I found the subchannels on WTNH as they weren't preprogrammed in from Voom. Signal strength is fine, just think something is missing from stream.

I'm not 100% sure, but I think that maybe WEDW could be signed off right now. Not sure though.

Anyone know what's going on with WTNH? For the last several days all of their HD programs have suffered from severe stuttering and audio sync problems. The picture (when it isn't stuttering) looks great however. I live in Newtown and the signal is usually in the high 70's and norally comes in perfectly. They used to show all of their HD programs on 8-2. Now it shows up on 8-1. Not sure if this has anything to do with it. Hope they get it straightened out before MNF.

I noticed the same thing last night while watching "Road to El Dorado". The picture looked fantastic but the audio was breaking up. I was watching WTNH on Adelphia. I guess we will find out tomorrow with pre-season MNF if this problem is going to effect that.

Anyone in the Norwalk CT area using OTA for HDTV? Just curious as to what equipment you are using, what channels you are getting and how is the PQ...

I have cablevision right now, but I really want to watch MNF in hi def and they don't have ABC-HD yet. So I'm starting to explore other options.

Thanks in advance,
-Chris

Originally posted by chris523
Anyone in the Norwalk CT area using OTA for HDTV? Just curious as to what equipment you are using, what channels you are getting and how is the PQ...


I am. See my post on the very first page of this thread.
You should be able to get ABC (WTNH) easily from New Haven, CBS, and FOX from the Empire State Building, but ABC and NBC out of NYC are very tough. So you'll lose NBC unless you can get it from upstate. BUT, the "combiner" buildout in the ESB may be complete by the holidays, so CBS, FOX, ABC, NBC, UPN and the WB should all be at high power and hopefully easy to get from the same location. I won't believe it until it's finished though.

Originally posted by BillN96
I noticed the same thing last night while watching "Road to El Dorado". The picture looked fantastic but the audio was breaking up. I was watching WTNH on Adelphia. I guess we will find out tomorrow with pre-season MNF if this problem is going to effect that.


Tonight's MNF game is screwed up too. The picture is great but there are loud pops and crackles on the audio making the game unwatchable. This is really frustrating. Football season is right around the corner and WTNH is all messed up. WHat happened? They used to be the most reliable OTA station out there.

Originally posted by cg1200
Tonight's MNF game is screwed up too. The picture is great but there are loud pops and crackles on the audio making the game unwatchable. This is really frustrating. Football season is right around the corner and WTNH is all messed up. WHat happened? They used to be the most reliable OTA station out there.

I just called the news room at WTNH. They didn't know anything about
it but they are going to let the techs know about it. Hope it helps.
chip

Originally posted by raoul5788
I just called the news room at WTNH. They didn't know anything about
it but they are going to let the techs know about it. Hope it helps.
chip

Also, WTIC-DT is off the air. Anyone know what's up there?

I also noticed that WTNH's audio is popping and crackling and WTIC 61-1 is a black screen.

I called the WTNH news room and asked for the Engineering department about 9:30pm last night. The audio popping was fixed less than a minute later. Equipment needed to be rebooted.

Originally posted by Chriš
I am. See my post on the very first page of this thread.
You should be able to get ABC (WTNH) easily from New Haven, CBS, and FOX from the Empire State Building, but ABC and NBC out of NYC are very tough. So you'll lose NBC unless you can get it from upstate. BUT, the "combiner" buildout in the ESB may be complete by the holidays, so CBS, FOX, ABC, NBC, UPN and the WB should all be at high power and hopefully easy to get from the same location. I won't believe it until it's finished though.

Chriš,

Thanks, I appreciate the info.

Looks like WTIC is still off the air. Yesterday I had 100% signal but no picture. Today there is no signal at all and the picture is black. all my other signals are the same.

I'm not getting any WTIC-DT, either, and usually their signal is 100% for me, too.
On another issue: WFSB-DT has DD 5.1 OTA, but Comcast isn't carrying it. Of course their OTA DD 5.1 has horrible lip-sync problems...is that why Comcast isn't carrying it? WVIT-DT now has DD 5.1, too, but Comcast isn't carying it, either...

Originally posted by BillN96
I called the WTNH news room and asked for the Engineering department about 9:30pm last night. The audio popping was fixed less than a minute later. Equipment needed to be rebooted.


Whoever you called must have alerted the right people. Right before halftime last night they seemed to starighten everything out. Picture went out altogether for a couple of seconds, then the audio came back on and sounded fine. Then the picture came on and looked good too. Haven't checked tonight, but as of the 3rd quarter last night everything looked solid.

Originally posted by BillN96
I called the WTNH news room and asked for the Engineering department about 9:30pm last night. The audio popping was fixed less than a minute later. Equipment needed to be rebooted.

Just checked tonight's broadcast of Less Than Perfect on WTNH. Video is stuttering again badly. Audio isn't popping though. WTF? Are we going to have to call every night and have their engineers reboot the equipment? What # does once call anyway to report a problem?

WVIT, WTIC and WCTX are not available for me...previously were.

I do get WTNH though.

Anyone experiencing a problem with WVIT?? What about WCTX??

Has anyone heard from WFSB about going to full power? Summer is winding down and football season is almost here. What is their latest excuse?

Originally posted by cgorra
I'm not getting any WTIC-DT, either, and usually their signal is 100% for me, too.
On another issue: WFSB-DT has DD 5.1 OTA, but Comcast isn't carrying it. Of course their OTA DD 5.1 has horrible lip-sync problems...is that why Comcast isn't carrying it? WVIT-DT now has DD 5.1, too, but Comcast isn't carying it, either...

Even on Comcast without DD 5.1, WFSB has lip sync issues. Kinda interesting to watch Dan Rather on last night's CBS news. Anyone from WFSB care to comment when all this will be fixed?

Looking for updates on a few things if anyone has them.

1) Of course any update on WFSB going full power like eorcman asked above

2) Any word from Comcast on a date that WTIC-DT will be added? Have they said that they will add it by the first NFL game on Sept 12?

3) Any word on the availability of HD PVRs from cable companies in CT?

Am I the only one in CT having difficulty with WVIT and WCTX?

No one here is watching the Olympics HD from WVIT?

Not having a problem with either station from my antenna in West Hartford...sorry.

Thanks cgorra.

Damn, that's strange as I was just watching the Olympics just the other night...back on the roof I go.

Originally posted by rmcgirr83
Am I the only one in CT having difficulty with WVIT and WCTX?

No one here is watching the Olympics HD from WVIT?

I've been watching it every night in Old Saybrook. No problems to report.

Did WTIC change its channel from 61-1 to 31-1? Check antennaweb.org

Rich, Getting WVIT-DT and WCTX-DT no problem; sorry bud....

Satman69, WTIC-DT still mapping to 61.1 on my receiver (Sony SAT HD-200)

The tower crew has finished removing WFSB's old antenna (have to make room at the top of the tower) and has begun installing the new equipment.

In other WFSB news (sort of), apparently the Buick Championship (ex-GHO) will not be telecast in hi-def. The story I hear is that CBS put a new hi-def mobile unit into service for the PGA Championship a couple of weeks ago and it had all kinds of bugs and problems that nearly ruined the telecast of that tournament. This same truck was scheduled to be deployed to last week's NEC tournament and then on to Hartford but they still aren't confident it is working so there was no hi-def golf last week and there won't be any this week either.

I noticed that WFSB-DT was off the air for a few hours this afternoon. Now, if they could only fix that lip-sync problem, we'd be all set. DD 5.1 on WFSB-DT looks like it was dubbed in from the another language:badly, I might add!

Originally posted by jake14mw
Looking for updates on a few things if anyone has them.


3) Any word on the availability of HD PVRs from cable companies in CT?

Comcast in Danbury CT offers the SA8000HD which is an HD PVR. Don't ask for review cause I have been too lazy to head up there and grab one to test out.

Tele-Media (Adelphia) in Seymour and Waterbury also offers the SA8000HD. I do not have one myself, however, so I can't tell you too much about it.

Every time I about make the decision to spend the couple hundred dollars to put up an OTA antenna, I check back here and read all these posts about audio lip sync issues, no DD5.1, had picture - lost picture, audio popping, did such and such station remap, when is WFSB going full power, etc., etc., and I say, "do I want to join the club of frustrated HDTV OTA watchers in CT?" Still undecided.

Originally posted by CHDinCT
Every time I about make the decision to spend the couple hundred dollars to put up an OTA antenna, I check back here and read all these posts about audio lip sync issues, no DD5.1, had picture - lost picture, audio popping, did such and such station remap, when is WFSB going full power, etc., etc., and I say, "do I want to join the club of frustrated HDTV OTA watchers in CT?" Still undecided.

Of course you should join us! We don't want to be left alone out here in
the dark!!

Originally posted by RTracey
Rich, Getting WVIT-DT and WCTX-DT no problem; sorry bud....

Dag nab it....boy this gets my pressure up. Project for the weekend, if I can get my wife to oblige!

I don't like being alone myself...sort of an extrovert. Come on in the waters fine. It gets a little cold every now and then, but most times it is very pleasant.

Anyone receiving PBS from Bridgeport? I get a 99 signal strength on my Voom receiver but no picture.

Originally posted by pmalve
Anyone receiving PBS from Bridgeport? I get a 99 signal strength on my Voom receiver but no picture.

Are you referring to WEDW-DT, channel 49-1, frequency 52? I just checked and am getting a very weak signal.

Why is is that so many CT stations have sound lag on their DT transmission? I've been to FL, NY and NJ and my friends in those states were terrific OTA signals with no sound lag. :mad:

Just a guess. Stronger signals, flatter land?

Originally posted by chris523
Anyone in the Norwalk CT area using OTA for HDTV? Just curious as to what equipment you are using, what channels you are getting and how is the PQ...

I have cablevision right now, but I really want to watch MNF in hi def and they don't have ABC-HD yet. So I'm starting to explore other options.

Thanks in advance,
-Chris

Here are my results from tests this week from Norwalk.
(did not care about PBS Stations - so did not test them too much - I also did not write down levels. my stb only does bars for signal strength anyway)

STB: SIR-T351
House: One story with some trees on south side of house.
All stations are being pulled from NYC.

A: Zenith Silver Sensor
-On top of TV - CBS (good)
- In Attic: CBS, FOX, UPN (Okay signal on all)
- On roof chimney mounted: CBS (good), FOX(good), ABC (medium)

B: Radio Shack Antenna (15-2160)
- In Attic: CBS (good), FOX (good), ABC (medium)
- On roof chimney mounted: CBS (great), FOX (great), ABC (good), NBC (in and out)

I have a Channel Master 4228 and pre-amp 7777 on its way.
That is my next step in this battle.
My ultimate goal is to have the antenna get strong signals from my attic for CBS, FOX, ABC and NBC. I have not tried WPIX as it is on VHF.

Will report back when I have tried with the Channel Master.

I was able to get New Havens ABC channel when I had the antenna pointed that way. I may use the Radio Shack as a second antenna pointed towards New Haven if the Channel Master works out.

Thanks,
Pete

Anyone know if WFSB and WTIC are having problems today with their digital signal? I am getting no signal at all.

Well WFSB is back but still no WTIC on either of my STB's. And football is on....

What kind of signal Strength are you getting on WFSB-DT now? I know that they have been fooling around with their antenna for the past few days. I have tried to drive in to the WFSB transmitter site on Avon Mountain, and got a little past the gate, but the warning signs threaten everything short of castration for trespassing. It's hard for me to tell about signal strength on WFSB because I am so close to the transmitter in West Hartford.

Whew, that was close.

Went on the roof...apparently had to do just a tad of tweaking on the SqS.

WVIT is back baby...not at mid 70's, now it's at high 60's low 70's. A few degrees did the trick.

Is anyone else having problems with WTNH? All of their HD programs are suffering from video stuttering again as they have all week. MNF was screwed up until somebody called in and miraculously it was fixed minutes later. I called the news room tonight and the guy answering basically had no clue. Am I the only one having this problem? Signal strength is normal (high 70's).

Originally posted by cg1200
Is anyone else having problems with WTNH? All of their HD programs are suffering from video stuttering again as they have all week. MNF was screwed up until somebody called in and miraculously it was fixed minutes later. I called the news room tonight and the guy answering basically had no clue. Am I the only one having this problem? Signal strength is normal (high 70's).

Let me guess, you have a Samsung 360. I have one that is stuttering,
but my Sony HD200 is working just fine. Try resetting the receiver.

Originally posted by raoul5788
Let me guess, you have a Samsung 360. I have one that is stuttering,
but my Sony HD200 is working just fine. Try resetting the receiver.

I do have a Samsung 360. I tried pressing the red reset button in the front panel but it didn't help. Same problem. Commercials look fine. Do I need to unplug the power? Should I call D* and get them to replace the receiver?

Thanks for the reply...

Originally posted by cg1200
I do have a Samsung 360. I tried pressing the red reset button in the front panel but it didn't help. Same problem. Commercials look fine. Do I need to unplug the power? Should I call D* and get them to replace the receiver?

Thanks for the reply...

I got mine from D* about a month ago and it has been glitchy since day one. I am considering sending it back, but I have not yet. Probably should.
I would rather have another Sony HD 200.

Originally posted by raoul5788
I got mine from D* about a month ago and it has been glitchy since day one. I am considering sending it back, but I have not yet. Probably should.
I would rather have another Sony HD 200.

I tried swapping out this receiver in the past but D* would not guarantee I would get a different type of receiver. I wound up with a Sam 160 which was an even bigger piece of junk. Did you get your Sony from D*? Since I got the receiver through the $99 promotion I think all I'm eligible for are the low end receivers (Hughes, Sam 160, 360). I guess I'll call D* and complain.

I am back to 100% on both WFSB and WVIT but down to 0 on WTIC.

Originally posted by cg1200
I tried swapping out this receiver in the past but D* would not guarantee I would get a different type of receiver. I wound up with a Sam 160 which was an even bigger piece of junk. Did you get your Sony from D*? Since I got the receiver through the $99 promotion I think all I'm eligible for are the low end receivers (Hughes, Sam 160, 360). I guess I'll call D* and complain.

I got my Sony from CC in North Haven as an open box.

Originally posted by cg1200
I tried swapping out this receiver in the past but D* would not guarantee I would get a different type of receiver. I wound up with a Sam 160 which was an even bigger piece of junk.

I suppose it's worth trying that, but you probably won't get anywhere if the 160 is at least working.

Another option would be to sell it on Ebay if you don't have a committment for it. They are currently going from anywhere from $150. to (unreasonable) $450.00.

Maybe you could work a deal with them (D*) to get a credit for a new box that you buy at CC or BB, and come out close to even.

Originally posted by halfportion
Here are my results from tests this week from Norwalk.
<-- snip -->


Thanks for the info Pete. I'm very interested to see how you make out with you next antenna and pre amp combo.

I appreciate it.
-Chris

Cox customer here. Just a little info for other cox HD subscribers. Cox is setting up my HD TIVO on 9/4. I cant wait. I cant beleive they have one ready to go. Now They just need to get more HD channels so I dont miss the football in HD.

Originally posted by CHDinCT
Every time I about make the decision to spend the couple hundred dollars to put up an OTA antenna, I check back here and read all these posts about audio lip sync issues, no DD5.1, had picture - lost picture, audio popping, did such and such station remap, when is WFSB going full power, etc., etc., and I say, "do I want to join the club of frustrated HDTV OTA watchers in CT?" Still undecided.

And then there is Comcast.... :)
I switched to them a while back. I got too tired of messing with the arial.
No regrets.

Andy

Originally posted by mnky21
Cox customer here. Just a little info for other cox HD subscribers. Cox is setting up my HD TIVO on 9/4. I cant wait. I cant beleive they have one ready to go. Now They just need to get more HD channels so I dont miss the football in HD.

Just to clarify, I believe you are using TiVo to generically refer to DVRs the way many people use Kleenex or Band-aid to refer to those types of product. The only real TiVo with HD is the DirecTV receiver HR10-250.

Originally posted by ToddHealy
Just to clarify, I believe you are using TiVo to generically refer to DVRs the way many people use Kleenex or Band-aid to refer to those types of product. The only real TiVo with HD is the DirecTV receiver HR10-250.

This is very true, it will not be a Tivo Mnky21, but do let us know what model you do get and how you like it. Recording HD would be great, even if it's not a Tivo.

It is the end of the Month, any update on WFSB going full power?

George

(I can't wait to hear the excuse this month.) :rolleyes:

Originally posted by GeorgeC
It is the end of the Month, any update on WFSB going full power?

George

According to their website they would be at full power about Aug 26th.
What a surprise that they didn't make that date! I'd be shocked if they
were ready by Sept 26th!

Ahhh, they said Aug 26th...never gave a year.

Not as dumb as everyone thinks. I wonder if their lawyers are the ones in charge of this rollout?

Originally posted by jake14mw
This is very true, it will not be a Tivo Mnky21, but do let us know what model you do get and how you like it. Recording HD would be great, even if it's not a Tivo.


Sorry for using the "TIVO" brand in my post. It was more of a grouping due to the fact I have no idea of the brand or model. Once its installed I will post all info. Believe me, I dont pretend to be an expert on this stuff,so if I am wrong dont hesitate to let me have it.:D

Originally posted by rmcgirr83
Ahhh, they said Aug 26th...never gave a year.

Not as dumb as everyone thinks. I wonder if their lawyers are the ones in charge of this rollout?

I just emailed the Chief Engineer, he's on vacation until 9/7, doesn't bode well for a power up anytime soon.........

Originally posted by Such
I just emailed the Chief Engineer, he's on vacation until 9/7, doesn't bode well for a power up anytime soon.........

I just hope it's working before the Fall season starts. Their scripted series start 9/20. That's the deadline that concerns me.

And where are we with WTIC being 0% on everyone's STB? Ya know NFL is right around the corner (actually the 12th is a week from this Sun).

Originally posted by rmcgirr83
And where are we with WTIC being 0% on everyone's STB? Ya know NFL is right around the corner (actually the 12th is a week from this Sun).

Just a guess, but maybe they keep turning off the digital signal to prepare for the 1080i fall broadcasts?

Hey All,

Keep an eye out near the end of September. We're getting a new Comcast TV guide. Check it out here (http://www.comcast.com/newguide/Iguide.pdf) .

Look much improved and without those stupid commercial images that take most of the screen real estate. Now there's actually room for the guide! 'Bout time...

Andy

Originally posted by Satman69
Just a guess, but maybe they keep turning off the digital signal to prepare for the 1080i fall broadcasts?

Last I knew they were going to be doing 720p? Something change that I am not aware of?

The way I see it they have 11 days of 24/7 to get it right.:)

Originally posted by rmcgirr83
And where are we with WTIC being 0% on everyone's STB? Ya know NFL is right around the corner (actually the 12th is a week from this Sun).

Did I miss something? WTIC is coming in just fine on my STB :D

Originally posted by mstmorse
Well WFSB is back but still no WTIC on either of my STB's. And football is on....

I didn't realize it was back from this quote...time to go check the STB.

EDIT: Yeah, it is back...I just hadn't checked/read any differently so assumed (you know what happens when you do that) they were still down.

I also noticed that they are sending down an upconverted signal on WTIC-DT, now" My STB reads HD720P which it had not done before!

Originally posted by halfportion
Here are my results from tests this week from Norwalk.
(did not care about PBS Stations - so did not test them too much - I also did not write down levels. my stb only does bars for signal strength anyway)

Will report back when I have tried with the Channel Master.





Did some testing with the Channel Master 4228 antenna and 7777 preamp yesterday.

I headed up to my attic with antenna, the preamp, a small tv and the STB.
In my attic, I was able to place the antenna near my southwest wall just under the roof peak which I think eliminated roof shingles blocking some of the signal?

Did not do exhaustive tests as it was getting late but the quick skinny was that I was able to pick up from NY CBS, ABC, FOX with a really really stong signal. NBC came in great too, but not as strong as the others. That was expected.

I was also able to pick up ABC from New Haven and it was showing a very strong signal. I guess thats because it is almost 180 degrees from where I point my antenna. Did not know the CM4228 would pick up signals from behind. Those signals, unlike the ones from NYC, did have to travel through the whole length of my roof.

I now have to make the cable run from the attic to my family room for the antenna and then I should be all set. I am happy with the CM4228 and 7777 preamp combo.

Originally posted by rmcgirr83
Last I knew they were going to be doing 720p? Something change that I am not aware of?

The way I see it they have 11 days of 24/7 to get it right.:)

They were already 720p couple months ago. They had to remove it because they had problems.

Originally posted by CKNA
They were already 720p couple months ago. They had to remove it because they had problems.

So did they repair the 720p or is it removed?

Cox is using the Motorola 6412 Dual Tuner. The dual tuner function is not active at this time, but the box does work well. It does have a different guide, that I prefer over the non-DVR box.

For you football fans who maybe have not been following the football threads here in the programming forum, Fox is shcheduled to produce 5 or 6 HD games per week, and CBS is scheduled for 3 per week. So chances are, every game showed on WTIC-DT this year will be in HD, unless it's the Giants playing Arizona or somebody else lame.

Also, DirecTV has listed the games that will in HD on Sunday Ticket for the first two weeks. That info is here, http://www.directvsports.com/Schedules/Packages/NFLSundayTicket/

In looking at CBS' games, if I had to guess, I would say that one game out of the first three games shown on WFSB-DT in weeks 1 and 2 will be in HD. Fox has the doubleheader on the first week, so I would guess that the one game that WFSB-DT will show would be Cin at NYJets (no HD), but they might show Tennessee at Miami (HD).

In week two, CBS has the doubleheader, and Indy at Tenn. (HD) is the premier first game, and you know they will show Pats at Ariz (No HD) for the second game.

Just trying to figure out how much NFL HD we will be missing while WFSB is still at low power!:rolleyes:

Originally posted by halfportion
Did some testing with the Channel Master 4228 antenna and 7777 preamp yesterday.

I headed up to my attic with antenna, the preamp, a small tv and the STB.
In my attic, I was able to place the antenna near my southwest wall just under the roof peak which I think eliminated roof shingles blocking some of the signal?

Did not do exhaustive tests as it was getting late but the quick skinny was that I was able to pick up from NY CBS, ABC, FOX with a really really stong signal. NBC came in great too, but not as strong as the others. That was expected.

I was also able to pick up ABC from New Haven and it was showing a very strong signal. I guess thats because it is almost 180 degrees from where I point my antenna. Did not know the CM4228 would pick up signals from behind. Those signals, unlike the ones from NYC, did have to travel through the whole length of my roof.

I now have to make the cable run from the attic to my family room for the antenna and then I should be all set. I am happy with the CM4228 and 7777 preamp combo.

Great news! Good luck with your setup and thanks for the info... :)

-Chris

I really got tired of the WFSB power issue and the dropouts on other stations so I called a local antenna installer who was great. He put in a non-amplified CM3679 w/ a rotor the same day I called. Never even thought about getting Springfield, but I do and the other stations are perfect. He told me the price on the phone and stuck to it even though there were difficulties during the install. If you want his name and number email me at dorran@cox.net.

He'll tell you in advance "If you want to help, it will cost you extra."

Dorran

Congratualtions: that's great news! It never fails to amaze me the revelation that people have once they put up a good antenna! It is very easy to get 10-12 digital stations perfectly in the Hartford area with a decent rotator and an antenna! Now if all the other people would quit screwing aroung and do the same, we'd cut the chatter on this forum by 2/3! :D

Here is a post to help all those people who write in with the same question: Can I use an indoor antenna to get digital stations?

Answer: NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quit trying to reinvent the wheel, put up a decent directional antenna on a rotator, on the roof, and quit your squawking! You spent all that money on an HDTV, and you can't shell a couple of hundred dollars to make it work right? What's the matter with you?

I just got an email from Mark Gordon, an assistant engineer at WFSB. He says it will be a couple more weeks depending on weather and equipment deliveries before they go to full power. DOES ANYONE BELIEVE HIM??????

Originally posted by cgorra
Here is a post to help all those people who write in with the same question: Can I use an indoor antenna to get digital stations?

Answer: NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you kidding me? I have a silver sensor indoor and i can pick up everything at 95%. think before you speak and don't speak for everyone else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quit trying to reinvent the wheel, put up a decent directional antenna on a rotator, on the roof, and quit your squawking! You spent all that money on an HDTV, and you can't shell a couple of hundred dollars to make it work right? What's the matter with you?

Originally posted by raoul5788
I just got an email from Mark Gordon, an assistant engineer at WFSB. He says it will be a couple more weeks depending on weather and equipment deliveries before they go to full power. DOES ANYONE BELIEVE HIM??????

I can not believe that this project is taking this long. Do they have one person with the IQ of a nat working on this? How can a company operate by missing so many deadlines and come up with so many excuses? Over two years by my count including a new deadline for each month this year! Weather was the excuse early in the year. Is the weather too nice now to do work? If any of the football season is missed because of these bastards at WFSB then a public out cry of epic proportions should be mounted. WTIC, PBS, and even the Spanish channel station has been able to get their towers up in a fraction of the time.

All I can do is shake my head. You just can't make this stuff up. "A couple more weeks?" I can't believe it.:mad:

Originally posted by BillN96
I can not believe that this project is taking this long. Do they have one person with the IQ of a nat working on this? How can a company operate by missing so many deadlines and come up with so many excuses? Over two years by my count including a new deadline for each month this year! Weather was the excuse early in the year. Is the weather too nice now to do work? If any of the football season is missed because of these bastards at WFSB then a public out cry of epic proportions should be mounted. WTIC, PBS, and even the Spanish channel station has been able to get their towers up in a fraction of the time.

All I can do is shake my head. You just can't make this stuff up. "A couple more weeks?" I can't believe it.:mad:

Yep, it's unreal.

And, they aren't approving any waivers for sure (WCBS-HD) for directv.

Originally posted by cliff1371


Oh really, I'd love to see your picture on WTNH, WGBY, or WWLP...speak before you write!

Here is the latest about WFSB DT upgrade. Even though it has been beautiful weather, there has been wind that has been hampering the efforts to errect the antennas. The old analog antenna is off the tower but just a little wind and a 26000 pound antenna does not mix well. There would be a safety risk to everyone involved if the process was forced. Please don't forget that every day the antenna is not on the tower is another day that WFSB analog is at half power and on it's backup antenna. Wouldn't you think that they are as anxious as the viewers to get this process completed?

As for the transmitter. The transmitter is currently making it's required power in it's "dummy loads". All that is needed now is an antenna.

:)

BillN96,

Well said, I agree completely. I asked this before, but I'll ask again, I wonder if CBS cares about this? I'll watch HD Fox football over CBS SD football almost every time they are in competition. I would write to CBS and Merideth, but I don't know who to write to.


Originally posted by joehorn
Here is the latest about WFSB DT upgrade. Even though it has been beautiful weather, there has been wind that has been hampering the efforts to errect the antennas. The old analog antenna is off the tower but just a little wind and a 26000 pound antenna does not mix well. There would be a safety risk to everyone involved if the process was forced. Please don't forget that every day the antenna is not on the tower is another day that WFSB analog is at half power and on it's backup antenna. Wouldn't you think that they are as anxious as the viewers to get this process completed?

As for the transmitter. The transmitter is currently making it's required power in it's "dummy loads". All that is needed now is an antenna.

:)

Joehorn,

Where did you get this latest info from? For right now I'll assume you are just a messenger, so I'm not trying to kill you, but it is obvious to all of us that WFSB is NOT anxious to get this process completed. They keep saying next month and have done that NUMEROUS times. That's the part that pisses people off the most. Has wind been an issue month after month after month? There putting a fricking antenna on top of a tower on a mountain. When is wind not an issue? That's the business! That's like a fireman saying "We would have put out that fire yesterday, but it was really hot".

Can WFSB please call the people at WTIC and ask them how to do it? On Feb 10th here we got the following post from Arnold Chase:

The antenna for WTIC's HDTV signal arrived at Rattlesnake Mountain today. The feedline is already in place, the DTV transmitter is on its way (pre-wiring already done!), and they are estimating to be on the air in the next two weeks!!!

By Feb 29th they were transmitting! No excuses, no significant delays, results. This was in February! Is it less windy in February? I know WFSB used the cold as an excuse in February.

I'm so sick of WFSB's excuses. They can't care about it if it takes this long.

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Anyone have any guesses at all on how long Comcast is going to take to put Fox HD into it's lineup once it gets up and running in the region (I would even take Fox-Widescreen till it's really HD)? It sucks having to wait for two hurdles to be cleared but that is where I see us Cable HD (digital STBs) users.

I have kept my mouth shut about the whole waiver issue with DirecTV (or Dish) and WFSB because I have believed all of this time that it was a short term issue and because of that, no big deal.

How about this WFSB, how about if you are not at full power by September 12, that you grant temporary waivers to DirecTV customers so that we can get HD football games and the rest of the primetime HD lineup? Enough is enough with the delays, don't deny us our HD because of your inability to get this upgrade done for whatever reason. If you don't like September 12th, give us some other date, just stick by a date! Commit to something for once!

Originally posted by Beaker1024
Anyone have any guesses at all on how long Comcast is going to take to put Fox HD into it's lineup once it gets up and running in the region (I would even take Fox-Widescreen till it's really HD)? It sucks having to wait for two hurdles to be cleared but that is where I see us Cable HD (digital STBs) users.

I don't have any news on this, but I have been wondering about it too, and am surprised that nobody has posted any "news" from Comcast about it. I can understand Comcast not adding it until Fox has some actual HD. Once they do, or preferably just before they do, Comcast should add it.

Originally posted by mnky21
Sorry for using the "TIVO" brand in my post. It was more of a grouping due to the fact I have no idea of the brand or model. Once its installed I will post all info. Believe me, I dont pretend to be an expert on this stuff,so if I am wrong dont hesitate to let me have it.:D

For what's it's worth, I got Cox to install my HD DVR last Saturday and the box is a Motorola 6412.

Unfortunately, the guy said the software to support the 2nd Tuner (so you can record 2 shows at once) would be out in 4 weeks (his words) so for now, it only supports recording 1 thing at a time..

As far as functionality - no where near a ReplayTV/Tivo, but since I already have a ReplayTV for recording non-HD channels, it's OK. Basically the equivalent of a VCR, feature-wise.

The sad thing is that the 6208 "hack" to add a 30 second skip button does not work on the 6412. I tried :D.

I'm not trying to start a flame war here but this is something I have to get off my chest. Not without some justification, several people here have been hammering WFSB because they are broadcasting their high definition programming at reduced power while their antenna upgrades are still incomplete. Some of this is probably their own fault; some is due to factors beyond their control. From time to time, in response to inquiries, they have announced target dates and have missed them. This is especially frustrating both for the enthusiasts in this forum and, I imagine, for the people at WFSB.
On the other hand, people have been effusive in their praise for WTIC-DT. I suppose this is partly because Arnie Chase is a participant here and is always more than willing to share his information, and partly because that information generally turns out to be extremely accurate. Whenever Arnie or someone else in the know from WTIC has informed us of their timetable, the progress has usually matched the expectations.
But I can't help wondering if people here are more excited about their signal strength meters than they are about what is on the screen. While it is true that there are quite a number of people a few miles outside the radius of WFSB's transmitter who are justifiably frustrated because they won't be able to receive a (decent) signal OTA until their antenna upgrade is complete, there are many others who can get CBS-HD programming either over the air or via cable.
On the other hand, Fox and WTIC, while sending a booming signal to more Connecticut households, still offers relatively little in the way of HD programing. Yet nobody seems to come into this group shouting "WTIC sucks," nor do I think anyone should.
The bottom line is, relative to the TV industry as a whole, this technology is still in its infancy and whether it's two weeks or two months from now, we will all be getting more and more HD content and better ways to receive it. Once that happens we'll have to find other things to complain about (and I have no doubt we will). <g>

Originally posted by docbone

The bottom line is, relative to the TV industry as a whole, this technology is still in its infancy and whether it's two weeks or two months from now, we will all be getting more and more HD content and better ways to receive it. Once that happens we'll have to find other things to complain about (and I have no doubt we will). <g>

Yep, very true. My only problem with WFSB is I can't get a waiver for WCBS-HD. I'm in Western Ma, and even when they get their signal to full power I probably still won't be able to get it. There is no cable here and I have Directv.

Our illustrious "leaders" in Washington have been bought off by the broadcasters and cable industry lobbyists and came up with the SHVIA law, which relates to Grade B signals (which I don't get here from them). This prevents Directv from being able to offer me CBS HD unless I obtain a waiver from WFSB.

Bummer!

Originally posted by docbone
I'm not trying to start a flame war here but this is something I have to get off my chest. Not without some justification, several people here have been hammering WFSB because they are broadcasting their high definition programming at reduced power while their antenna upgrades are still incomplete. Some of this is probably their own fault; some is due to factors beyond their control. From time to time, in response to inquiries, they have announced target dates and have missed them. This is especially frustrating both for the enthusiasts in this forum and, I imagine, for the people at WFSB.
On the other hand, people have been effusive in their praise for WTIC-DT. I suppose this is partly because Arnie Chase is a participant here and is always more than willing to share his information, and partly because that information generally turns out to be extremely accurate. Whenever Arnie or someone else in the know from WTIC has informed us of their timetable, the progress has usually matched the expectations.
But I can't help wondering if people here are more excited about their signal strength meters than they are about what is on the screen. While it is true that there are quite a number of people a few miles outside the radius of WFSB's transmitter who are justifiably frustrated because they won't be able to receive a (decent) signal OTA until their antenna upgrade is complete, there are many others who can get CBS-HD programming either over the air or via cable.
On the other hand, Fox and WTIC, while sending a booming signal to more Connecticut households, still offers relatively little in the way of HD programing. Yet nobody seems to come into this group shouting "WTIC sucks," nor do I think anyone should.
The bottom line is, relative to the TV industry as a whole, this technology is still in its infancy and whether it's two weeks or two months from now, we will all be getting more and more HD content and better ways to receive it. Once that happens we'll have to find other things to complain about (and I have no doubt we will). <g>

You are missing the point. WFSB has been promising full power for two years. All other stations did but they always have an excuse. For example "it is too cold", "it is too windy", wrong equipment ordered", "tower contractors were busy" and on and on. WTIC and WVIT put up their antenna's in February when it was cold and windy, but WFSB was saying that it is too cold and windy. That is why we are frustrated. I live 7.5 miles from WFSB transmitter. I have a huge antenna on the roof with an amp and rotator and can never receive WFSB reliably. I do not expect WFSB HD picture to be great anyway as they multicast SD channel for Springfield. 15Mbps is way too low for HD football so it will pixelate like crazy. Still it is better than nothing.

At this point in time it's not the content...it's the lack of delivery.

Originally posted by docbone
I'm not trying to start a flame war here but this is something I have to get off my chest. Not without some justification, several people here have been hammering WFSB because they are broadcasting their high definition programming at reduced power while their antenna upgrades are still incomplete. Some of this is probably their own fault; some is due to factors beyond their control. From time to time, in response to inquiries, they have announced target dates and have missed them. This is especially frustrating both for the enthusiasts in this forum and, I imagine, for the people at WFSB.
On the other hand, people have been effusive in their praise for WTIC-DT. I suppose this is partly because Arnie Chase is a participant here and is always more than willing to share his information, and partly because that information generally turns out to be extremely accurate. Whenever Arnie or someone else in the know from WTIC has informed us of their timetable, the progress has usually matched the expectations.
But I can't help wondering if people here are more excited about their signal strength meters than they are about what is on the screen. While it is true that there are quite a number of people a few miles outside the radius of WFSB's transmitter who are justifiably frustrated because they won't be able to receive a (decent) signal OTA until their antenna upgrade is complete, there are many others who can get CBS-HD programming either over the air or via cable.
On the other hand, Fox and WTIC, while sending a booming signal to more Connecticut households, still offers relatively little in the way of HD programing. Yet nobody seems to come into this group shouting "WTIC sucks," nor do I think anyone should.
The bottom line is, relative to the TV industry as a whole, this technology is still in its infancy and whether it's two weeks or two months from now, we will all be getting more and more HD content and better ways to receive it. Once that happens we'll have to find other things to complain about (and I have no doubt we will). <g>

Docbone,

I agree with you. There's no question that in the grand scheme of things, the overall lack of HD content is a bigger issue than WFSB's power. I sometimes laugh at myself for following all of these forums so closely given the small amount of HDTV I actually watch. Historically, in the general HD forums FOX has taken huge hits because they have been the last ones to produce programs in HD. By contrast, CBS has been the leader. Given that CBS has been the HD leader, and WFSB is presently preventing some of us receiving all of that HD content, that is where the frustration comes from. This is the Local Info and Reception forum, so it's for local issues.

But the biggest problem is that WFSB has been stringing us along for over a year, saying that High power was coming soon. I have purposely put off finalizing my antenna set up, waiting for WFSB to go to full power. I don't want to spend more money to upgrade if I don't have to. I remember hoping last year that they would get it done in time for the Super Bowl. I actually had Comcast Cable installed for a trial period, just so that I could watch the Super Bowl in HD. Now it's the next season, and it's still dragging on. It's a joke. I don't even e-mail the engineer at WFSB any more because I am literally embarrassed for him, that he has to continually come up with another date.

EVERY other CBS market close to us in size is broadcasting at high power with the exception of Denver. And in Denver, it's not the station's fault, environmentalists and neighborhood groups are blocking contruction of new towers. EVERY other network in our market is broadcasting at full power. Why is WFSB the only affiliate that can't get it done?:mad:

I no longer watch Channel 3 news. I will watch Fox HD football in almost all cases over whatever is on Channel 3. That won't really matter to them, but it's all I can do.

Perhaps the most frustrating thing about WFSB is that while they are on low power, they have consistently refused waivers to those of us who have DirecTV. This is just plain nasty on their part especially when they know it will be some time before they increase power. I believe there is a plan at WFSB not to go to full power until they feel there are enough people with HDTV antennas to make it worth their while. Or perhaps they never will figuring that cable can reach more people instead.

Pete

Originally posted by eorcman
[I believe there is a plan at WFSB not to go to full power until they feel there are enough people with HDTV antennas to make it worth their while. Or perhaps they never will figuring that cable can reach more people instead.

If that were truly the case, they would not have bothered to take down their old antenna in anticipation of putting up new ones.

It really sounds as if WFSB has not committed sufficent resources to getting their HDTV antenna array in place in a timely manner: They probably figured that if they had an HDTV signal on the air that they could take their sweet time getting their high-power signal on the air. Maybe the company doesn't want to spend the money necessary to get the job done properly?

Originally posted by jake14mw

How about this WFSB, how about if you are not at full power by September 12, that you grant temporary waivers to DirecTV customers so that we can get HD football games and the rest of the primetime HD lineup?

Unfortunately, DirecTV won't accept temporary waivers.

Hi everybody,

I am a newbie at OTA in CT. I am between Simsbury and Canton and have the nice Canton "ledge" right behind me and, of course, lots of trees. AntennaWeb is showing everything to be red to violet for reception. I am considering getting on outdoor antenna with rotor (antenna is approximately 111 inches long), but based on what I have been reading, it seems like it might be an act of futility. I hate to drop the money for the setup (although I thought the price was very reasonable) if I am not going to receive anything well. Especially with a monster antenna on the roof and my wife being SO available to question the transaction, if you know what I mean. Perhaps I should just chuck the whole idea and stick to cable?

Anyway, anyone else in this area try this type of setup before? My understanding is the ledge will at least make getting channel 8 challenging. Antennaweb shows the following:

* red - uhf WVIT-DT 30.1 NBC New Britain CT 183° 10.6 35
* red - vhf WWLP-DT 22.1 NBC SPRINGFIELD MA 42° 18.3 11
* red - vhf WTXX-DT 12.1 WB WATERBURY CT 183° 10.4 12
* red - uhf WEDH-DT 32 PBS Hartford CT 183° 10.6 32
* red - uhf WFSB-DT 3.1 CBS Hartford CT 161° 6.3 33
* red - uhf WUVN-DT 18.1 SAH HARTFORD CT 159° 6.4 46
* blue - uhf WGGB-DT 40.1 ABC SPRINGFIELD MA 37° 29.3 55
* blue - uhf WGBY-DT 57.1 PBS Springfield MA 37° 29.3 58
* blue - uhf WTIC-DT 31.1 FOX Hartford CT 182° 10.3 61

Thanks advance. Any advice appreciated.

I don't know which antenna thatyou were looking at, but if it is from Radio Shack, you can do better. Even though it is a bit of a haul for you, go into Signal Electronic Supply on New Park Ave in West Hartford ( just down the street from Home Depot) and get a real antenna. I would suggedt getting a Wade-Delhi VU-935SR with the VU8PZ powerzoom UHF attachment, or a Winegard HD7084p, or a Channel Master Crossfire 3678. These are all fringe antennas with very high build quality and excellent station-pulling power. Use a Channel Master 9521a rotator, and use good RG-6u coaxial canle for your downlead. Because ou your proximity to Avon Mountain and Rattlesnake mountain, I would avoid the use of a preamplifier, as it might cause overload problems. You may have some problems with WTNH-DT, but they have recently increased their power, and you may still be able to get it, and and also WCTX-DT, the UPN station from New Haven. PM me if you want more info...

Originally posted by jake14mw
This is very true, it will not be a Tivo Mnky21, but do let us know what model you do get and how you like it. Recording HD would be great, even if it's not a Tivo.



Here it is. It is pretty cool, even if its not a TIVO.

Motorolla DCT6400 Series High Definition Dual Tuner DVR Cable Receiver. It records HD and if I watch PIP it will record 2 shows at once. Still fiddlin' with it but it is a very nice pick up for free installation and an addl' $3.49 a mo.

Better than DirecTV Tivo at $999. I would love to record HDTV, but I am not going to spend $999 for the privilege.


Pete

Originally posted by CKNA
You are missing the point. WFSB has been promising full power for two years. All other stations did but they always have an excuse. For example "it is too cold", "it is too windy", wrong equipment ordered", "tower contractors were busy" and on and on. WTIC and WVIT put up their antenna's in February when it was cold and windy, but WFSB was saying that it is too cold and windy. That is why we are frustrated. I live 7.5 miles from WFSB transmitter. I have a huge antenna on the roof with an amp and rotator and can never receive WFSB reliably. I do not expect WFSB HD picture to be great anyway as they multicast SD channel for Springfield. 15Mbps is way too low for HD football so it will pixelate like crazy. Still it is better than nothing.


I live in Manchester and NEVER have a problem picking up WFSB OTA. If you remember correctly, too cold was when it was 12 Degrees out. At that temperature, frostbite happens quick on anything that is exposed directly to the outside, like hands trying to thread nuts and bolts. Also at the heights that these guys work, even if it seems calm on the ground, the top of the tower can be swinging like a palm tree in a hurricane. I will also bet that not one person on this group or anywhere else as a perfect record of ordering something and have the correct item come. So could we please cut WFSB some slack?

I just wonder if all of these discussions happened when the switch wasn't from non HD to HD, but from black & white to color.

I have been reading this thread with interest. I have been able to receive WFSB HD for over a year now without any problems, living in Wallingford. Of course, I do have an antenna on my roof with a rotor. I can also receive the NBC affiliate out of Springfield without any problems.

The problem I have with WFSB is the audio problem. It is off so bad that the HD feed is unwatchable. I doubt that will be fixed with the new antenna they are putting up, but something has to be done. I hope all you guys that are waiting for this setup to receive WFSB will not be disappointed if the audio portion is still screwed up.

Just got an e-mail reply from the WFSB cheif engineer, they are working on the audio sync issue today. It is unrelated to any of the antenna work going on, but has to do with the new DD5.1 audio gear that was recently fired up.

Originally posted by mnky21
Here it is. It is pretty cool, even if its not a TIVO.

Motorolla DCT6400 Series High Definition Dual Tuner DVR Cable Receiver. It records HD and if I watch PIP it will record 2 shows at once. Still fiddlin' with it but it is a very nice pick up for free installation and an addl' $3.49 a mo.

Did you get your dvr from Cox. I just got mine and it will only record one channel at a time and you cannot watch another program unless you stop recording. It has two tuners but they do not work. The service man told me the 2 tuner funtion was not usable yet.

Originally posted by paul172
Did you get your dvr from Cox. I just got mine and it will only record one channel at a time and you cannot watch another program unless you stop recording. It has two tuners but they do not work. The service man told me the 2 tuner funtion was not usable yet. How do you like this setup so far? I am getting mine installed a week from tomorrow and I cannot wait. Please give me as many details as possible. If you would like you can email me at ktmorgan@gmail.com

Looks like WFSB-DT went off the air today...

Maybe they are actually working on the antenna???

We could only hope.

Jeff...you tease. :D:D:D

More than likely they are fixing the audio problem, but I'll be happy if they just get SOMETHING working!!

Originally posted by paul172
Did you get your dvr from Cox. I just got mine and it will only record one channel at a time and you cannot watch another program unless you stop recording. It has two tuners but they do not work. The service man told me the 2 tuner funtion was not usable yet.


Yes I received my tuner from COX. My PIP works but its easier for me to use the remote that came with my TV because I can make each screen larger/smaller if I choose. The 2 tuner record function is available @ the end of the month. (I received an e-mail from COX after installation) True, you have to stop recording to watch another channel, but once the PIP starts at the end of the month so does the duel recording for each PIP. I havent really had much time to play with it but so far its worth it. My wife records the kids shows that are on while their at daycare and they watch them when they get home. No tapes.....no MESS! Thats what I like.

Originally posted by mnky21
Yes I received my tuner from COX. My PIP works but its easier for me to use the remote that came with my TV because I can make each screen larger/smaller if I choose. The 2 tuner record function is available @ the end of the month. (I received an e-mail from COX after installation) True, you have to stop recording to watch another channel, but once the PIP starts at the end of the month so does the duel recording for each PIP. I havent really had much time to play with it but so far its worth it. My wife records the kids shows that are on while their at daycare and they watch them when they get home. No tapes.....no MESS! Thats what I like. mnky21 Can you please email me at ktmorgan@gmail.com ? I really want to hear more about the DVR. I am getting it installed a week from tomorrow and want to know more. Thanks!!!

Originally posted by Beaker1024
Anyone have any guesses at all on how long Comcast is going to take to put Fox HD into it's lineup once it gets up and running in the region (I would even take Fox-Widescreen till it's really HD)? It sucks having to wait for two hurdles to be cleared but that is where I see us Cable HD (digital STBs) users.

FWIW, I was told today by a Comcast CSR, that WTIC digital would be added to my system in two days, on Thursday the 9th. (I'm in Madison, on the Branford system.) No information on when INHD2 might return.

I had called to inquire about DVR service, and found out that it is now available, and I'm scheduled for a swap out of my Motorola 5100 tomorrow. He couldn't tell me the model number of the DVR, so I'll find out tomorrow.

FWIW, I was told today by a Comcast CSR, that WTIC digital would be added to my system in two days, on Thursday the 9th. (I'm in Madison, on the Branford system.) No information on when INHD2 might return.

I hope so. I also read on another forum that NFL Network would also be added on the 9th. Typical of Comcast, they put a message on the system on Monday announcing the arrival of NFL Network (nothing about WTIC) and said to "check your local listings" for channel number. They didn't mention a date, but you'd think they would have waited to make the announcement until the channel was actually up and running.
They have teased us with bogus channel addition messages before (in the spring they said they were adding DIY Network and WGN) and never came through so when it comes to NFL & WTIC, I'll believe it when I see it.
It would be nice to get INHD2 back. I haven't seen A Clockwork Orange in over a week. And when Comcast added Discovery HD in the Boston area they were advertising it aound here, although I have seen no evidence that we are getting it. I wish someone would inform Comcast that Connecticut is part of New England (except Fairfield County, of course. :rolleyes: )

Originally posted by paul172
Did you get your dvr from Cox. I just got mine and it will only record one channel at a time and you cannot watch another program unless you stop recording. It has two tuners but they do not work. The service man told me the 2 tuner funtion was not usable yet.


You can watch a previously recorded program and record another. Hopefully the dual tuner feature will be enabled soon.

It would be extremely nice to get iNHD2 back as iNHD (one) advertises interesting programing that is on iNHD2! That is frustrating. I am still amazed, excited and skeptical about the announcement that on 9 Sep 04 we might get Fox Widescreen/HD. We'll see tomorrow and I will be checking the digital guide listing (heck I may even force a reboot/download).

I have a question about Comcast HD channels. Just recently (maybe a month now) I have been getting a HD channel that is something like somewhere between 182 (CBS HD) and 190 (PBS HD) which is something like TNABC HD. I can not figure out what this channel is really about and why I got this as an added on HD channel instead of something I would want (DiscoveryHD which is still not here)!!! I could have the ABC part wrong but it's something like TN***HD or so where the *** is likely one of the major three national networks. I am sure of that part as it has a symbol of one of the big three but airs different material than the normal network channel. From the little I have seen it the channel seems to be a news network offshoot.

BTW I just looked up my local channel listing on www.comcast.com and it doesn't even show a channel between 182 and 190 but I swear it's there!

Hi folks. I'm in Watertown, CT, and I have now discovered that the HDTV programming stinks. I'm on Cablevision of Litchfield and NBC is the only HDTV channel offered of the major networks. ESPN is the only other HD channel I can see myself watching with any regularity.

Any thoughts on how I could improve my number of HD channels? Any experience with an attic antennae in this area (I can't have a big roof antennae)? Of course my problem would be getting a line from my attic downstairs to my living room. Anyone getting good HDTV from satellite services in this area (primarily concerned about the big 4).

Thanks for any help.

Comcast installer just left. I now have a Motorola 6208.

just called comcast. i will have my dvr installed teusday. cant wait. im in branford. asked about wtic and the rep didnt know anything about it.

Guess what?!!! Fox 61 is broadcasting "Quintuplets" in 720p!!! This means that it will be ready for FOOTBALL this sunday!!!

Alrighty! 1st hurdle is done and the OTA HD viewers can rejoice! Now for us cable STB HD viewers its down to the last hurdle which is unfortunately very unpredictable (without inside info) on the timeline to get Fox HD into the Comcast TV Lineup.

Anyone out there with insider (or any) information on Comcast's plans to add in Fox HD (or iNHD2 or DiscoverHD)??? I am sure there are alot of AVS readers besides myself that would love to hear something on this.

Does anyone have any idea when Cox might get WTNH (ABC) into it's HD lineup? I really want to watch Monday Night Football this year in HD.

Just in case some of you don't follow some of the other forums here DirecTV announced big plans yesterday for the launching of new satellites and a huge expansion of HD Programming. HD Locals will be delivered to many markets by next year, and capacity for all HD national channels will be in place by 2007.

For DirecTV customers waiting for WFSB-DT to go full power, hopefully we won't have to wait past 2005 in order to get it now.:p

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=443890

Comcast has now added WTIC-DT & NFL Network (SD) to their channel lineup in the Hartford area. WTIC is on channel 360 (I thought it was supposed to go on 306) and NFL is on channel 265. The only catch is that as I write this both channels are displaying the "One Moment Please - This channel will be available shortly" screen.
BTW, WFSB has moved a step closer to being full power. They have installed the new analog antenna on the tower. The reason this is important is because the new digital antenna mounts on top of the new analog one.

Originally posted by docbone
Comcast has now added WTIC-DT & NFL Network (SD) to their channel lineup in the Hartford area. WTIC is on channel 360 (I thought it was supposed to go on 306) and NFL is on channel 265.

Yup, WTIC-DT just popped up here in Madison, on channel 306. NFL is also here on 265, although it's now reading "not authorized".

The latest on the power upgrade from WFSB's message board. It seems that it was posted today, but is news from a week ago:rolleyes:

http://users.boardnation.com/~wfsb/index.php?board=18;action=display;threadid=710

Originally posted by jake14mw
The latest on the power upgrade from WFSB's message board. It seems that it was posted today, but is news from a week ago:rolleyes:

http://users.boardnation.com/~wfsb/index.php?board=18;action=display;threadid=710

Given they probably have made no progress this week either it would appear they are at least 20-30 days away from powering up the new array. Ugly.

Originally posted by docbone
Comcast has now added WTIC-DT & NFL Network (SD) to their channel lineup in the Hartford area. WTIC is on channel 360 (I thought it was supposed to go on 306) and NFL is on channel 265. The only catch is that as I write this both channels are displaying the "One Moment Please - This channel will be available shortly" screen.
BTW, WFSB has moved a step closer to being full power. They have installed the new analog antenna on the tower. The reason this is important is because the new digital antenna mounts on top of the new analog one.

According to the WFSB message board the analog antenna goes on top. Does that mean that the digital antenna is up also?

"but weather has prevented installation of the new 12 ton digital antenna to our tower on Avon Mountain"

Neither antenna is up right now.

So anyone with any info on Cablevision out of Litchfield?

Any experience in OTA reception in Watertown?

Originally posted by docbone
They have installed the new analog antenna on the tower. The reason this is important is because the new digital antenna mounts on top of the new analog one.

Originally posted by Such
Neither antenna is up right now.

Well someone has their wires crossed.

Originally posted by Such
"but weather has prevented installation of the new 12 ton digital antenna to our tower on Avon Mountain"

Neither antenna is up right now.

That was from 9/2, only posted today.

Originally posted by cgorra
It really sounds as if WFSB has not committed sufficent resources to getting their HDTV antenna array in place in a timely manner: They probably figured that if they had an HDTV signal on the air that they could take their sweet time getting their high-power signal on the air. Maybe the company doesn't want to spend the money necessary to get the job done properly?

That pretty much hits the nail on the head. Prior to about a year or so ago, the former local management of WFSB was unwilling to spend a nickel on ANYTHING, let alone HDTV.

Since then, the money flows more freely but there have been other corporate priortites overriding HD. The first to come along was the addition of WSHM Springfield operated out of WFSB. Now the latest one is the $20 million new broadcast center project, which may in the long run benefit the enthusiasts on the forum.

I guess ditching my OTA for cable was a mistake. Tele-Media in Waterbury still does not offer WFSB-DT or WTIC-DT. I was told by them that they would offer these channels by the end of August. My chances of seeing any football in HD outside of MNF and SNF by this weekend, are slim to none.

That was from 9/2, only posted today.

That could explain it. The new antenna went up on 9/3.

BTW, since this morning Comcast has corrected their dyslexic moment and moved WTIC-DT from channel 360 back to channel 306. Both it and NFL Network are now functional. It seems that, for the moment at least, WTIC is stretching its non-HD programming to full width.

Good news for the Comcast SA Explorer STB users in CT (atleast New London County)

The lineup of HD channels is now:

173 ESPN HD
174 iNHD
180 ABC HD
181 nbc HD
182 CBS HD
183 fox HD **** Added 9 Sep 04 (it is strecthed SD if not HD material)
190 PBS HD

194 TNHDT ????? I think this is only an ABC (shows ABC logo) News channel that is not HD.

I have not looked through the rest of the guide lineup to see if they added the NFL network (being a SD channel it could be at any number not around the HD channels so I will have to report back later if I find that one.

NOTE: iNHD2 is still missing in action and there is no signs of DiscoveryHD which I know Comcast already feeds to other regions (Baltimore, MD).

Originally posted by Crimsont
So anyone with any info on Cablevision out of Litchfield?

Any experience in OTA reception in Watertown?

I live in Bethlehem and get WTNH WCTX WVIT easily. WTIC WTXX are a little spotty since leaves grew in. They were fine during the winter. WFSB i received during the winter and lost in the spring when the trees grew in, but that should be fine when they go to full power in 2010 :). I think they will be up sometime this month. I also get WCBS WNYW WABC and WWOR from NYC most of the time. Sometimes they are touchy. I think I am higher than you though. If you live near Crystal Rock or near Seven hills you should do ok with antenna. I strongly suggest putting it on the roof if possible.

Is WTNH in HD for tonights pregame and or game?

Originally posted by schmitter
Is WTNH in HD for tonights pregame and or game?

All MNF games (no matter what night) are HD...the pregame, not sure.

Pregame is not in HD.