Well, just as yours, my TV tells me WMWB is 1080i and WBND is 720p. Whether these are "true HD" or not, they appear to have higher resolution than SD.

Do you get local NBC, CBS and PBS on any of your QAM channels? I have not been able to locate them, as my Toshiba 37HL95 is slow tuning in, and I haven't had the time to manually try to add all potential QAM channels.

I spent two evenings talking to Comcast service guys, and they both said they were not aware of QAM tuners. Moreover, one of them kept telling me that local stations are not available in HD.

Are those the true HD pictures or what?

I have the Sony kdfe55a20 with QAM on the cable input. I have been getting WB on 80.3 with what my TV tells me is 1080i and WBND on 80.4 as 720p. The only thing I'm trying to figure out is why the audio on 80.4 is off by about 1/3 of a second and the picture isn't shown in 16:9. Besides football, the only thing I ever watch on ABC is Lost, and because of the sound issue with 80.4, I usually end up watching it on Cable 7.

As far as my OTA digitals, I get the whole kit and kiboodle just fine, and that's running some Coax with a few couplers outside and 3/4's of the way of the side of my apartment building to the antenna that came with my ATI HD card for my computer. Jerry-rigging at it's finest :D ;)

Well, just as yours, my TV tells me WMWB is 1080i and WBND is 720p. Whether these are "true HD" or not, they appear to have higher resolution than SD.

Do you get local NBC, CBS and PBS on any of your QAM channels? I have not been able to locate them, as my Toshiba 37HL95 is slow tuning in, and I haven't had the time to manually try to add all potential QAM channels.

I spent two evenings talking to Comcast service guys, and they both said they were not aware of QAM tuners. Moreover, one of them kept telling me that local stations are not available in HD.

I get WNDU (16.1/.2/.3),WSBT(22.1/.2/.3),WNIT(34.1/.2), & WHME(46.1) all OTA. For the (lack of) equipment I'm using, I get around an 80 signal on all of those in the diagnostics menu on my TV. Every once in a blue moon, the WNDU signal will get pretty choppy, although I haven't had time to diagnose if its weather realted or what.

As far recieving any of those QAM, I have't found them either. Right now, I am only subscribing to basic cable. I am receiving a bunch of Audio only channels, and quite a few digital channels up in the 132 range, haven't spent the time to figure out what they all are exactly, most of them seem to be the digital tranmissions of all the standard channels coming through at 480i. I don;t bother with them especially since I didn't expect to get them.

With todays news that the WB and UPN Networks will merge into one network my question is what will happen to WMWB 25 and UPN Michiana?

The networks will merge right before the fall tv season.

I agree, very frustrating. I am in the same situation, I just can't justify a cable subscription for one channel. I am a DirecTV customer who has applied for an HD Waiver(twice) for national broadcasts, but was denied by WBND. According to DirecTV, I should qualify for the national ABC feed due to the LP classification and no OTA source for ABC-HD. That was what I was told by the CSR @ DirecTV. They said contact the local affiliate.....but who do I talk to? Any input as to why or who to talk to would be appreciated.

Hi,
I complained to the FCC about WBND not being able to broadcast in HD on their low power station, not being able to get a waiver and got a simplistic 3 page PDF form document about HDTV. I don't think they even read my letter, just fired off the PDF.

I wonder what penetration comcast has in the HD local market? It just seems unfair that WBND blocks us from getting a waiver when they can't put product on the air. After the superbowl my tuner won't see that channel for a long, long time.

With todays news that the WB and UPN Networks will merge into one network my question is what will happen to WMWB 25 and UPN Michiana?

The networks will merge right before the fall tv season.I just read this in the SBT this morning. It depends if WSBT gets the new CW network. WMWB could be used for WBND-DT. That's our only hope for ABC-HD folks. If WSBT loses out to Weigel, the only advantage we might see would be better CBS-HD since WSBT-DT wouldn't have a need for 22-2. But we wouldn't see ABC-HD for years under that scenario.

tvmicrowave2002

Do you have an update for us? It looks like WBND is still not pushing HD programming yet.

Please advise,

Thanks
Adam

Right now, I am only subscribing to basic cable. I am receiving a bunch of Audio only channels, and quite a few digital channels up in the 132 range. I don't bother with them especially since I didn't expect to get them.

By "basic cable", do you mean the $15 / month package?

By "basic cable", do you mean the $15 / month package?

Yeah, I think what happened was when I moved into the apartment I live in, Comcast must have never come out to disconnect the service. When I moved in, I had called called Comcast to order service before I even had the chance to plug anything in. A couple of days later, when I finally got around to it, I noticed I had reception and was getting a lot more than the limited basic package said I should be getting. I did call to verify that I had only signed up for the limited basic, the lady said that was correct, and that a tech would probably take care of the problem the next time there was a service call in the area. That was about 6 months ago...

I didn't get my HDTV until about 3 months ago. I was always intending to get my HD feeds from OTA, like I do. It wasn't until about a month ago that I even bothered with scanning the cable input on the TV: It came up with something like 62 analog channels and 68 digital channels. Like I said before, a majority of those seemed to be audio only channels (a lot of mexican polka music), some 480i channels up between 120-132?, and for whatever reason, occasionally the Speed Channel (analog) comes in all scrunched up, but if I hit the WIDE button on the remote, it takes up the whole screen and looks pretty damn good, especially for being analog.

If there ever was the time I actually decided to order HDTV service through comcast, it wouldn't be while I'm still living in this apartment. I'm pretty sure they ran RG-59 cable through the walls (poor shielding), not to mention the fact that for as little TV as I watch, $50 a month is a tough pill to swallow.

I bought my HDTV (Sony kdf-e55a20) primarily to watch movies, the knowledge that I could jerry rig a small antenna to the roof of the building without it sticking out too much to get the locals, and the fact that a friend of a friend was able to get it for me for about 66% of what it would have cost at Best Buy, Circuit City, or ABC Warehouse with a warranty program better than most of the chain stores.

About HD cost from Comcast: I was surprised to learn that as long as you have at least
Basic cable that they will rent you a STB that allows you to get the SB HDTV stations for only $5 per month. You need not subscribe to digital cable! This gets you the 16, 22, 28, 34, 57, and the WB stations from SB digital feeds, so HD whenever they broadcast that mode. A $5 "pill" is lots easier to swallow than $50 per month. They even supplied the
component video + audio cable! I signed up & picked up the box at their office so paid no installation fee. If you want more HD then you must subscribe to a digital package to get that. My Slimfit has no QAM tuner. If these feeds are not encrypted I believe with a QAM
tuner you could pick them up off the cable w/o the STB, for free.

I have comcast high speed internet with basic service. Currently have dish network hd receiver on one of my tv's and get OTA HD Locals, but like many of you, I get very upset that I can't get ABC HD. Which is superbowl, and some of my other favorite shows. So I have another Hd tv that I currently have no hd hooked up to so I'm in for $5 a month to get get ABC HD and other HD local channels. It looks like it's going to be a while before we get ABC OTA. Thanks for the tip Kevin

To my knowledge, ABC on Comcast is digital (channel 187) but not yet providing HD shows in HD.

All:

Thanks for your patience. WBND is airing all network HD programming on WBND's HD signal via Comcast as of prime time tonight (Saturday). Sunday's Superbowl and all ABC network programming that is in HD will be passed, with very little compression, to Comcast.

WMWB will begin HD network programming sometime next week.

More good news, last week the FCC announced a filing window coming up in May of this year to allow existing low power stations to apply for a companion low power digital station on another channel other than the existing analog channel. Obviously, once we obtain a grant from the FCC to broadcast over the air digital, we will be broadcasting DTV literally days or weeks after the grant. We're ready, just waiting for the FCC.

There is hope for ABC and WB HD over the air this year.

All is well receiving Chicago HD in Niles, MI. the Super bowl looks great in HD on 7.1 I receive most of the Chicago HD. I currently do not get 2.1 due to a antenna problem which I hope to fix in the spring.

It sounds hopeful to get ABC OTA this year.

The game looked great in HD on WBND. I can hardly wait for my weekly shows.

THANKS!!!!

More good news, last week the FCC announced a filing window coming up in May of this year to allow existing low power stations to apply for a companion low power digital station on another channel other than the existing analog channel. Obviously, once we obtain a grant from the FCC to broadcast over the air digital, we will be broadcasting DTV literally days or weeks after the grant. We're ready, just waiting for the FCC.

There is hope for ABC and WB HD over the air this year.Finally, some good news! If Dish started providing ABC-HD to "digital white areas", I was going to bug the heck out of you guys to get a waiver for WLS-DT. Now the chances are you'll have your signal up before Dish will reach an agreement with ABC.

I'm still not getting surround sound on ABC (including the Super Bowl). All the other HD channels on Comcast are in surround so I know it's not my setup. What's up?

Why is Boston Legal not in HD? I thought TVMicrowave2002 said it was turned on. Hope it's on for Lost tomorrow night!!

Mike

I'm getting seriously interested in HDTV. If I have read the recent posts correctly, I should be able to get the 4 majors plus PBS and WB with an HD box and Comcast (expanded) Basic service, correct?

The Comcast site currently does not show Fox (ch 28) as being available. Is it out of date?

Other questions: can I get the OTA HD channels with an antenna pointing south? I'm in a wooded sub just west of UP Mall. Will the trees interfere with reception?

Thanks for the help.

I'm getting seriously interested in HDTV. If I have read the recent posts correctly, I should be able to get the 4 majors plus PBS and WB with an HD box and Comcast (expanded) Basic service, correct?

The Comcast site currently does not show Fox (ch 28) as being available. Is it out of date?

Other questions: can I get the OTA HD channels with an antenna pointing south? I'm in a wooded sub just west of UP Mall. Will the trees interfere with reception?

Thanks for the help.

You should be able to get the local HD channels with any level of cable service and a HD tuner. Fox28 HD is on channel 190. As close as you are to the towers, I think you should get a good signal on OTA even with the trees, I would definitely give it a try. If you can get a clear signal with the analog OTA, you should get the digitals.

Al

ABC on Comcast was in HD for the Superbowl but not since. Anybody else have this problem?

ABC on Comcast was in HD for the Superbowl but not since. Anybody else have this problem?

I noticed the exact same phenomenon last night when I tuned into watch Lost. WTF? Maybe they got permission to "test" all that HD equipment for half a day, because all their pregame stuff was in HD also. At least the game looked awesome.

donrb5

Yes, same problem. Was your Superbowl in surround sound?

Wasn't in Dolby Digital. My audio receiver was only getting a 2.1 signal from comcast, although the receivers built in decoder did a decent job converting to DPLII.

No, it was not.

Not Dolby Digital

I believe ABC (and ESPN-HD) don't pay Dolby Labs for their surround sound system; they use "Circle Surround (http://www.srslabs.com/ss-csencodingtech921.asp)" from SRS Labs. Unfortunately, the number of home AV receivers that know how to decode CS is not very large (mine won't even do DTS, let alone CS).

Anybody know what happened to FOX HD - they were AWOL last night

Fred

I remember seeing the movie Legally Blonde in HD format yesterday.

The superbowl looked great but why are the prime time shows not coming in on HD? Anyone else having problems

The superbowl looked great but why are the prime time shows not coming in on HD? Anyone else having problems

Yeah, same here. No HD on ABC or WB on cable since the Super Bowl.

Al

I asked the same question on 2/9. What gives?

I'm still not receiving OTA HD signal from Fox (28.1) and its been nearly a week now. Anybody know what happened? Is anyone receiving FoxHD OTA?

Thanks

Fred

28.1 has been fine for me. I watched House & 24 last night.

28.1 has been fine for me. I watched House & 24 last night.

Are you getting it OTA or from cable?

Thanks

Fred

OTA...Idol was fine tonight as well.

I was receiving 28.1 with no problem up until about a week ago. Now I don't get anything and signal meter shows no signal. I still get 16.1, 22.1, 34.1 with full strength signal.

Anyone have any ideas why my Tosh 37HL95 won't receive 28.1 now?

Thanks

Fred

I'm getting it on 2 different boxes, so I'd have to say it's something with your receiver.

I asked the same question on 2/9. What gives?
Got a message from TVMicrowave2002. Major glitches going on with their new equipment. They are sorting it out, but one of the problems is that it won't let them pass HD to you. He's been too busy to post here, concentrating instead to fixing the problems. When I say busy, his email discussions with me are brief and spelling is occasionally munged as he types at 200 MPH! :eek:

They have to get these problems knocked off in the next few weeks for other reasons, so pretty much every ounce of Weigel energy is devoted right now to getting the SD problems fixed, which would then help take care of the HD problems.

Anyone have any ideas why my Tosh 37HL95 won't receive 28.1 now?

Thanks

Fred

Just like computers, sometimes they simply need to be rebooted. I'd suggest you unplug your receiver, wait a minute or two, and then plug it in again. Now try entering the channel number or let the receiver perform a new channel scan. Hopefully this will restore WSJV-DT 28.1.

Steve

My tuner is built into the TV. I've tried rescanning channels and also entering the channel number directly but no luck, but haven't tried just unplugging the tv yet.

Thanks

Fred

Don't forget that 28.1 is really being broadcast on UHF channel 58 (734-740 MHz). Moisture might have gotten into your outside F Connectors that could cause degradation at this high of a frequency. If you have an inside antenna, then that might be a different problem. Try looking at NTSC Channel 28 and see if there is any ghosting and try to adjust the antenna to minimize the interference.

Right now I'm seeing 85-90% for 28.1 on my Dish 811. WSJV-DT is out there.

BTW, how do you like your 37HL95? A guy at work had a Lemon-Law 34HF83 and was able to talk BB into replacing his set with the 37HL95 (a nice swap!) for just $200.

As Steve suggested, it turned out I had to "reboot" the TV which sets everything back to factory defaults. Fox HD was back after doing the channel scan. Only downside is I had to redo all the configuration changes I made and it will take several days before the tv guide is fully loaded again.

I'm quite pleased with the set, although I like the PQ of the Sony 34XBR960 CRT set better, but I wanted a larger screen and I didn't want to wrestle with the 200lb Sony for installation.

I spent a lot of hours tweaking the custom settings before I got a picture that I liked for both HD and SD content (SD looked absolutely horrible with the factory settings). Like all LCD's black level could be a bit better and it takes very careful adjustment to get a decent black but still have detail in it. That said, 34.1 looks absolutely stunning on this set - there are times when it feels like I'm in Europe with Rudy Maxa.

Your friend "stole" the set for 200 plus the cost of a 34HF83 - what a deal !!! I think he'll really like the set.

I just read this in the SBT this morning. It depends if WSBT gets the new CW network. WMWB could be used for WBND-DT. That's our only hope for ABC-HD folks. If WSBT loses out to Weigel, the only advantage we might see would be better CBS-HD since WSBT-DT wouldn't have a need for 22-2. But we wouldn't see ABC-HD for years under that scenario.The best case scenario would be for Weigel to get the CW network. As long as UPN/CW is a "secondary" signal on 21.2 we will not be seeing those shows in HD. As noted later there is another hope for an ABC in HD (the May filing window) with the CW on 25 we could end up with all six major networks OTA in HD in the fall.

JL

bruegf: Do you have different settings for your different inputs? Would you mind posting what you have?

I'm currently using the following:

Contrast - 53
Brightness - 69
Color - 50
Tint - 0
Sharpness - 40


Dynamic Contrast - On
Mpeg NR - Low
DNR - Off
Color Temp - Cool
Backlight - 55

The Elkhart Truth reported yesterday that WMWB 25 would be a CW affiliate.

Al

In the section with the channel listings, the Comcast website says HDTV is available with basic cable service with the HDTV converter box. In another location it says the digital cable is req'd to receive HDTV. Does anyone know which is correct?

Also, please confirm that Fox HDTV is available via Comcast. The 12/15/05 published channel lineup does not show Fox but does show ABC which I keep reading is only available sporadically.

Don't bother with the comcast website. FOX HD is on 190. They didn't even bother to let anyone know. With my last bill I did get a channel line up that actually lists 187 as ABC HD but we all know that it is ABC but not HD.

You can get a Digital Cable box for HD via Comcast even on the $14 Basic Cable Package for an additional $5. HD local Lineup

187 - ABC - Digital but not HD yet
188 - NBC - Digital and HD
189 - CBS - Digital and HD
190 - FOX - Digital and HD
191 - PBS - Digital and HD
192 - WB - Digital but not HD yet

In the section with the channel listings, the Comcast website says HDTV is available with basic cable service with the HDTV converter box. In another location it says the digital cable is req'd to receive HDTV. Does anyone know which is correct?

If you want the extra HD channels like ESPNHD, TNTHD, etc. you need to sub to the digital cable. You are supposed to get the local HDs with any level of cable service and a HD box.

Al

Did anyone notice that the last couple weeks that ABC, both 187 and 7, skips and hiccups every 30 seconds or so? I checked and it was doing it on all 3 of my boxes. I have a 3412, 6412 and a regular digital box. Comcast just gave me the 3412 for a bad 6412. This one is no better. LOUD harddrive noise, plent of artiacting on channels 120-200. Ughh.

Mike

Did anyone notice that the last couple weeks that ABC, both 187 and 7, skips and hiccups every 30 seconds or so?

Mike

That was happening for me on the Oscars last night via Directv. It's a problem with WBND.

That was happening for me on the Oscars last night via Directv. It's a problem with WBND.Agreed, it was happening on WBND via OTA as well. At first we thought it might have been the censoring for the "pimp" song, but it went on during commercials as well. I thought someone was throwing the switch between land and satellite feeds since the delay between the signals was two-three seconds. My wife was highly annoyed (like the early days of watching ATSC), and this was NTSC!

Last night I enjoyed Boston Legal on WBND on Comcast in HD.

It was a beautiful picture. Let's hope WMWB follows suit soon. Can't wait to see Smallville in HD too.

Adam

I get 187 (ABC) on my QAM tuner on channel 80.2 and 192 (WB) on 80.1 without an extra $5 or a box with my basic service (after all, that is the purpose of a QAM tuner -- to replace the box and get the unencrypted channels). The Superbowl was in HD but mostly 80.2 (187) is digital nonHD.

However, I was not able to find the other 4 on this list with an automatic setup when I first got the TV in January. Three different Comcast reps told me they had no idea what a QAM tuner was. I have not tried recently. Anyone able to get them on the QAM tuner and knows what QAM channel numbers they are on?

You can get a Digital Cable box for HD via Comcast even on the $14 Basic Cable Package for an additional $5. HD local Lineup

187 - ABC - Digital but not HD yet
188 - NBC - Digital and HD
189 - CBS - Digital and HD
190 - FOX - Digital and HD
191 - PBS - Digital and HD
192 - WB - Digital but not HD yet

I get 187 (ABC) on my QAM tuner on channel 80.2 and 192 (WB) on 80.1 without an extra $5 or a box with my basic service (after all, that is the purpose of a QAM tuner -- to replace the box and get the unencrypted channels). The Superbowl was in HD but mostly 80.2 (187) is digital nonHD.

However, I was not able to find the other 4 on this list with an automatic setup when I first got the TV in January. Three different Comcast reps told me they had no idea what a QAM tuner was. I have not tried recently. Anyone able to get them on the QAM tuner and knows what QAM channel numbers they are on?

I just got comcast (mainly for the internet) and already had a QAM receiver. I get the following with my receiver (LG LST-3410a)...

80.3...WB in 1080i but not HD
80.4...ABC in 720p but not HD
87.1- ... E! but it is a double image. One in top right and one in bottom left corner of screen. very weird
87.2 thru 87.? seem to be "on demand" movies. These blip on and off every few minutes most of the time. Not watchable.
94.21 thru 94.28...audio only channels
112.1...TNT HD 1080i (No Audio ever...only video)
116.1...WSBT CBS HD
116.2...WNIT PBS HD
117.1...WNDU NBC HD
117.2...WSJV FOX HD
123.1...WB 480i
123.2...WHME 480i
123.3...PBS 480i
123.4...UPN 480i
123.5...WSBT 480i
123.6...WSJV FOX 480i
123.7...WNDU NBC 480i
123.8...WBND ABC 480i
124.1...CBS (Chicago) 480i
124.2...ABC (Chicago) 480i
124.3...PBS WTTW (Chicago) 480i
124.4...NBC (Chicago) 480i
124.9...WGN (Chicago) 480i
131.42...Weather Channel 480i
132.2...TV Guide channel 480i

A few other "non-real channels" I never watch (local comcast adds, Shop @ home, etc...)

80.3 and 80.4 (WB and ABC's HD Feeds) come and go. Reception is very inconsistent. I have never seen actual HD programming on, but since I quit watching Lost (will that show ever end???), I don't watch anything on these channels regularly. The 87.2 thru 87.??? are the same way with reception. I can't tell the channel. Like I said, appears to be possibly On Demand channels. Only ever shows movies, but it constantly cuts in and out. I never watch the HD PBS, CBS, NBC, FOX, UPN b/c I get those OTA and quality is much, much better than comcast.

All:

Thanks for your patience. As of last night (3/7), WMWB and WBND are passing all network HD programming that is available with little compression fed to Comcast. What Comcast does is beyond our control.

5.1 coming soon...

All:

Thanks for your patience. As of last night (3/7), WMWB and WBND are passing all network HD programming that is available with little compression fed to Comcast. What Comcast does is beyond our control.

5.1 coming soon...

Great! Thanks a bunch.

Al

Thanks. I do get PBS, CBS, NBC, and FOX OTA without any problem. I am just curious why my Tosh 37HL95 did not pick them up from Comcast but my feed is not good which can be the reason. I'll try to pick them up manually.

ABS last night on my 80.2 was HD, I believe. Perhaps, they will be more consistent now.

I just got comcast (mainly for the internet) and already had a QAM receiver. I get the following with my receiver (LG LST-3410a)...

80.3...WB in 1080i but not HD
80.4...ABC in 720p but not HD
87.1- ... E! but it is a double image. One in top right and one in bottom left corner of screen. very weird
87.2 thru 87.? seem to be "on demand" movies. These blip on and off every few minutes most of the time. Not watchable.
94.21 thru 94.28...audio only channels
112.1...TNT HD 1080i (No Audio ever...only video)
116.1...WSBT CBS HD
116.2...WNIT PBS HD
117.1...WNDU NBC HD
117.2...WSJV FOX HD
123.1...WB 480i
123.2...WHME 480i
123.3...PBS 480i
123.4...UPN 480i
123.5...WSBT 480i
123.6...WSJV FOX 480i
123.7...WNDU NBC 480i
123.8...WBND ABC 480i
124.1...CBS (Chicago) 480i
124.2...ABC (Chicago) 480i
124.3...PBS WTTW (Chicago) 480i
124.4...NBC (Chicago) 480i
124.9...WGN (Chicago) 480i
131.42...Weather Channel 480i
132.2...TV Guide channel 480i

A few other "non-real channels" I never watch (local comcast adds, Shop @ home, etc...)

80.3 and 80.4 (WB and ABC's HD Feeds) come and go. Reception is very inconsistent. I have never seen actual HD programming on, but since I quit watching Lost (will that show ever end???), I don't watch anything on these channels regularly. The 87.2 thru 87.??? are the same way with reception. I can't tell the channel. Like I said, appears to be possibly On Demand channels. Only ever shows movies, but it constantly cuts in and out. I never watch the HD PBS, CBS, NBC, FOX, UPN b/c I get those OTA and quality is much, much better than comcast.

W18CF, the 2 kw repeater of TBN on channel 18, has requested to flash-cut to digital on channel 18 and increase power to 8 kw.

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101115930&formid=346&fac_num=67973

This would effectively increase their broadcast range by quite a bit, going into LaPorte county, southeast towards Warsaw, and up two counties in Michigan.

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=378792

Since this is a flash cut with no interference, my *guess* is that the FCC will approve this.

Edit: just noticed that ALL TBN low-power stations below channel 52 have requested
a flash cut to digital nationwide!

Just wondering if anyone esle knows how long the closed captioing has been absent from channel 22.1 hd programming from WSBT?

I've already contacted WSBT about this and they replied very promptly that is is because a part is needed and is currently on backorder. That was about 3 weeks ago and still no captioning. I don't expect the problem to be fixed overnight but I just wondered if this has been a problem for longer than the 3 weeks I have had my hd tv. I thought maybe this was a standard response to a longtime problem. Any info would be appreciated since my wife needs captioning to enjoy their programs!

We are having the same problem with WBND-HD. As crazy as it may sound, ABC network does not provide closed captioning with their network HD signal. We ordered an HD closed caption encoder that "grabs" the CC data from the standard def stream and encodes it into the HD stream.

Perhaps CBS follows the same crazy structure. CC on ABC true HD programming should be available in the next 2 weeks or so.

One thing to keep in mind, no one keeps anything in stock anymore. It seems that anything you order these days from the manufacture takes weeks to arrive...

What happened to WBND & WMWB? During Lost and Smallville the picture was zoomed in so tight that you couldn't read the credits. :confused:

What happened to WBND & WMWB? During Lost and Smallville the picture was zoomed in so tight that you couldn't read the credits. :confused:

Maybe you switched a setting on your TV? We watched lost on Wednesday and it wasnt zoomed at all...

Nope it recorded that way on 2 different TV's/TiVos. I compared an older recorded episode to the current and the letterboxing was gone and the sides were cropped off along with text and credits. This was from the Directv signal, not OTA.

Sounds like an isolated DirecTV issue as they process our signal after we hand it off to them. The over the air feed that we monitor was fine.

Sounds like an isolated DirecTV issue as they process our signal after we hand it off to them. The over the air feed that we monitor was fine.

So the WBND & WMWB HD signals are being passed along to DirecTV now too? I was under the impression that only Comcast was getting those signals for now...

One other question. Does anyone have a link or a nice synopsis of how to explain to people the issue with the FCC and their requirements of broadcasters; i.e. when they will no longer need to broadcast analog signals, which will be about the time when most people will have to buy a set top converter or new digital capable tele's? I've been trying to explain this to friends and family. Even going as far as showing them the differences between analog, SD, and HD, and yet a few of them still have a look of utter confusion (or is it horror?) on their faces...

Maybe I would be better off just letting them figure it out on their own, or is this another way the government is going to try to thin out the herd?

What happened to WBND & WMWB? During Lost and Smallville the picture was zoomed in so tight that you couldn't read the credits. :confused:E* transmitted WMWB the same way. I didn't check the OTA feed (but unless WMWB is giving D* or E* a digital link, the satellite company would have the same presentation as OTA.) It looked like instead of the letterboxed widescreen feed we got last year on WMWB we are now getting the center of a downconverted HD feed. Not cool. The Smallville reruns over the past few weeks have been full screen but I have not been watching close enough (until last Thursday) to realize that it was zoomed in and cropped.

I don't know what you see on your monitors, tvmicrowave2002, but what I have been seeing here in the market this year hasn't been good.

W18CF, the 2 kw repeater of TBN on channel 18, has requested to flash-cut to digital on channel 18 and increase power to 8 kw.Apparently GRANTED 3-16-06 ....

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=1115930

Time to get a crew to swap out the antenna and equipment.

E* transmitted WMWB the same way. I didn't check the OTA feed (but unless WMWB is giving D* or E* a digital link, the satellite company would have the same presentation as OTA.) It looked like instead of the letterboxed widescreen feed we got last year on WMWB we are now getting the center of a downconverted HD feed. Not cool. The Smallville reruns over the past few weeks have been full screen but I have not been watching close enough (until last Thursday) to realize that it was zoomed in and cropped.

I don't know what you see on your monitors, tvmicrowave2002, but what I have been seeing here in the market this year hasn't been good.

I'm pretty sure someone told me all the local feeds from South Bend were run to chicago via fiber from the WSBT station to Chicago then uplinked to E* and D* from there. Hopefully tvmicrowave2002 will be able to clarify for you. The OTA signals locally have been the same; analog and okay. Still no digital signals OTA for either one locally.

Happened again tonight on Lost. :(

Smallville on WB25 was zoomed in losing the widescreen and cropping titles on OTA and E*'s rebroadcast. I watched most of the episode on WPIX so I could get the full picture. It looks like that digital link to the transmitter site is in HD (with a feed off to Comcast for their "cable only" HD feed) but the actual transmitter in South Bend is airing the center of a HD image instead of the network SD signal. SD viewers in South Bend who don't have Comcast are losing out.

Phoenixfury here in Elkhart! My housemates and I just put up an out door antenna which is still a work in progress. Most (but not all) of the analog channels are coming in a little fuzzy, but it doesn't help that we come up a little short on the mast to begin with. The antenna currently is pointed right directly at the chimney which is obviously in the way. I'm hoping another 5 ft link on the mast to get it above the chimney will fix this. However I did hook the out door antenna to my digital tv tuner card for signal adjustment which made finding the signals for each channel pretty easy. :) I am picking up all of the local digital channels pretty well, but only if I run the out door antenna through an amplified indoor antenna. The only channel I can't seem to get on the outdoor antenna well is WB 25, but with a flick of a switch to the indoor antenna, I pick up WB 25 pretty good. However I lost WNIT on the digital if I do this. Can't win them all I guess.

I'd also like to note that my tv setup is through Windows Media Center using a Happuage PVR 150 MCE analog tv card, and a Avermedia 180 digital card. Media Center does not list all of the digital channels and I had to enter them manually. I'd also like to note that Media Center does not list the correct listing for WNIT's HD channel, but is perfect for their SD channel. Changing this listing to the proper channel is a piece of cake. If anyone needs to know how to get WNIT's listing on the proper channel, feel free to contact me.

I am considering switching (or at least increasing) my level of TV service from Comcast. I was watching the ESPN HD (comparing both) and DirecTV's version was registering in Dolby Digital but Comcast's ESPN HD was not.

I changed channels on both to HBO HD. Same thing. DirecTV's HBO registered as Dolby Digital on my receiver and Comcast did not.

Anybody else getting Dolby Digital from Comcast?

I am considering switching (or at least increasing) my level of TV service from Comcast. I was watching the ESPN HD (comparing both) and DirecTV's version was registering in Dolby Digital but Comcast's ESPN HD was not.

I changed channels on both to HBO HD. Same thing. DirecTV's HBO registered as Dolby Digital on my receiver and Comcast did not.

Anybody else getting Dolby Digital from Comcast?



3 power cycles later Dolby Digital returned

3 power cycles later Dolby Digital returned
Are you using a Motorola 6412 DVR? That's what I have and periodically it stops putting out DD5.1. I have to cycle the power and it always comes back with one power cycle.

Al

yes I have the 6412

Have there been any recent developments on the status of ABC WBND-HD OTA? Or is it still not expected for a while? Thanks

Have there been any recent developments on the status of ABC WBND-HD OTA? Or is it still not expected for a while? Thanks

I am interested in this ABC channel as well, and WMWB WB25.

Unfortunately, the FCC has delayed the DTV filing window from the first week in May until the second week in June. There is nothing that WBND and WMWB can legally do except wait. Once the applications have been filed, it could take months before the FCC approves. Both stations are available in HD on Comcast.

thanks for the update. Hope the process goes smoothly.

Unfortunately, the FCC has delayed the DTV filing window from the first week in May until the second week in June. There is nothing that WBND and WMWB can legally do except wait. Once the applications have been filed, it could take months before the FCC approves. Both stations are available in HD on Comcast.

WBND/WMWB is a joke! I doubt we will ever see any OTA-HD in 2006. I am very frusturated with the management as they have played "dumb" every time I have requested a D* waiver for ABC-HD. I am not currently being served by Comcast in my area....so what?....no alternative?

Steeldreams, join the club. I could get Comcast to receive ABC-HD, but why pay upwards of $40/mo. for one channel? If I'm going to spend money, it's going towards a tower to pull in those signals from out-of-market. However, I'm willing to let Weigel and the FCC muddle forward. In the meantime, though, they could earn major points by allowing an ABC-HD waiver until they go Digital.

Anyone else having problems with WNDU-DT 16/42 lately? It seemed to be out most of yesterday evening and is nearly unwatchable (despite a 58 signal strength) tonight. I had problems on Sunday as well. The other South Bend stations are at 95 (WSBT) 82 (WSJV) 84 (WHME) and 71 (WNIT) on my receiver (with the antenna aimed at the antenna farm where all but WNIT reside).

WNDU has this blurb on their website, but May 8th isn't until next week. Have they started kicking cables early?WNDU Digital Upgrade Project: WNDU is proceeding with a project to raise the antenna height for its digital channel. Beginning week of May 8, 2006, the transmitting antenna will be removed and reinstalled over a period of several weeks during which a temporary antenna will be used to continue transmissions with lower power. The higher transmitting antenna will eliminate terrestrial and geographical signal blockages to many viewers, and will increase the coverage circle of the channel. Comcast cable viewers will not be affected.
source (http://www.wndu.com/about/102005/press_45416.php)

Anyone else having problems with WNDU-DT 16/42 lately? It seemed to be out most of yesterday evening and is nearly unwatchable (despite a 58 signal strength) tonight. I had problems on Sunday as well. The other South Bend stations are at 95 (WSBT) 82 (WSJV) 84 (WHME) and 71 (WNIT) on my receiver (with the antenna aimed at the antenna farm where all but WNIT reside).

WNDU has this blurb on their website, but May 8th isn't until next week. Have they started kicking cables early?WNDU Digital Upgrade Project: WNDU is proceeding with a project to raise the antenna height for its digital channel. Beginning week of May 8, 2006, the transmitting antenna will be removed and reinstalled over a period of several weeks during which a temporary antenna will be used to continue transmissions with lower power. The higher transmitting antenna will eliminate terrestrial and geographical signal blockages to many viewers, and will increase the coverage circle of the channel. Comcast cable viewers will not be affected.
source (http://www.wndu.com/about/102005/press_45416.php)
I watched WNDU OTA Tuesday evening from about 9:15 to 9:45 with no problem, that's the only time I have had it on lately.
Al

JL, I had problems with WNDU-DT and WSBT-DT at my parent's house in SB, but it turned out to be a ground decoupler that I had installed years ago to block ground hum when they got DSS. It lets in too much signal (not shielded) and when I wiggled it around a bit, WNDU-DT came in with a 80+ signal. Right now, my Dish 811 is showing 87-92% for WNDU-DT; WSBT-DT is about the same at 86-91%.

Steeldreams, join the club. I could get Comcast to receive ABC-HD, but why pay upwards of $40/mo. for one channel? If I'm going to spend money, it's going towards a tower to pull in those signals from out-of-market. However, I'm willing to let Weigel and the FCC muddle forward. In the meantime, though, they could earn major points by allowing an ABC-HD waiver until they go Digital.
Steel,

This is what happens when the full power ABC affiliate thinks the network is not going to perform well and dumps it for FOX (I'm talking about WSJV here). I certainly don't blame WSJV for the switch. But rules are rules: if you have analog service but no digital, it's still up to the station to grant/deny your waiver. And once you get that waiver, you get it until you move away or die (somebody correct me now if I am wrong about this, since I have seen that from other markets).

Having said this, you need to understand something. If Weigel, in June, gets their CP approved for a digital flash-cut for both of the channels...they could have 15 kilowatts of power, which would get them out 40 miles. And from what I understand, it doesn't take long (around a month or less) to get up a 15 kw
transmitter (though setting up HD may take longer, of course). Believe me, they
want HD and a digital channel or two yesterday. We've got a month, and the TV season is pretty much over. Let's see what summer brings.

Hi,
I'm up here in Edwardsburg and am using the Dish 811 tuner to pick up the OTA digital broadcasts from our local stations.

Is anyone having the same problem as me?
I get good signal strength on all channels, but the channels from 22.1 & 22.2 take forever to lock in. It will flip from 0 to about 45% for as long as a minute and a half before finally hitting 85% and coming in.
Anyone else having this, or know what can be done about it?
Todd R

Steeldreams, join the club. I could get Comcast to receive ABC-HD, but why pay upwards of $40/mo. for one channel?.

If you can get Comcast and already have a QAM receiver, you can get ABC and WB in HD through Comcast with only their basic cable subscription for $15 a month. This is what I have. You will get a few more channels than what Comcast claims. I had a post a few pages back on most of the new channels I got.

Although, the audio seems to frequently be out of sync on the ABC and WB HD feeds...

What is Weigle going to do come this fall when the WB and UPN merge to become the new CW network .... will they be able to brodcast that in High Def?

WMWB-25 (WB) will become the CW affiliate in the fall. WB is in HD now and will be HD then. Channel 69 (low power analog) will become the My Network "Fox-2" network. Pending Comcast will carry it, it will be in HD as well. Pending the FCC moves forward letting low power stations begin digital operations, all three could be HD over the air.

I'm hoping the satellite networks pick up WMYT 69 as well. Dish Network has been carrying the other two Weigel stations (in SD) as well as WSBT's UPN subchannel. Adding WMYT when UPN leaves would be a good thing.

Tivomaster and I had been discussing how frequently our Comcast Digital boxes lock up. The symptoms of the lock up are jumbled/frozen picture. You still hear sound. If anything is recording it will record the show properly. It's as if only the output signal is messed up. You have to reseat the power cord for the box to come back to life.

Tivomaster discovered it happens a lot if the cable box is left on channel 189 (WSBT-DT). He was experiencing many more lock ups than I was.

That would make sense since I rarely watch a show on 189 which would make me leave the cable box on that channel. I decided to test his theory.

I tuned to channel 189 Tuesday night and went to bed. Lo and behold *BAM*
the picture was frozen on Wednesday.

Anyone else seen this?

Unfortunately, the FCC has delayed the DTV filing window from the first week in May until the second week in June. There is nothing that WBND and WMWB can legally do except wait. Once the applications have been filed, it could take months before the FCC approves. Both stations are available in HD on Comcast.

Hoping for an update in a few days... :)

Looks like the window is still set for June 19-30, 2006.

April 20th Headline: LPTV and TV Translator Digital Companion Channel Applications filing window for Auction no. 85. (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-874A1.pdf)
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/

Tivomaster and I had been discussing how frequently our Comcast Digital boxes lock up. The symptoms of the lock up are jumbled/frozen picture. You still hear sound. If anything is recording it will record the show properly. It's as if only the output signal is messed up. You have to reseat the power cord for the box to come back to life.

Tivomaster discovered it happens a lot if the cable box is left on channel 189 (WSBT-DT). He was experiencing many more lock ups than I was.

That would make sense since I rarely watch a show on 189 which would make me leave the cable box on that channel. I decided to test his theory.

I tuned to channel 189 Tuesday night and went to bed. Lo and behold *BAM*
the picture was frozen on Wednesday.

Anyone else seen this?

Has anyone esle tested this since my post?

Newbie question: 42" plasma or 50" rear projection? I'm shopping by price point and this is what $2000-$2500 gets you. They all look good to me in the store. Consumer Reports likes the Panasonic plasmas and the Sony rear projections (the LCD rear projection model). My main viewing location is about 10' from the TV. Any recommendations?

Newbie question: 42" plasma or 50" rear projection? I'm shopping by price point and this is what $2000-$2500 gets you. They all look good to me in the store. Consumer Reports likes the Panasonic plasmas and the Sony rear projections (the LCD rear projection model). My main viewing location is about 10' from the TV. Any recommendations?
I hate plasma simply cause they still burn in. Got 4 50" plasmas in master control. Not bad picture but they burn. I havent warmed up to DLP yet. Some people swear by it, to me its just clearer projection. I've looked into LCD screens. Some of the older models have a bit of lag to their refresh. The newer models got a lot better. Sharp makes a good LCD screen.

What happened to WBND? It's been down for like 48hrs.

What happened to WBND? It's been down for like 48hrs.
Blew tube in main TX. We're on a 1kw backup until (hopefully) this evening. Sorry for the inconvienence.

Fun...Looking ahead, I shouldn't need ABC again until the Commander if Chief finale on Wednesday night.

Blew tube in main TX. We're on a 1kw backup until (hopefully) this evening. Sorry for the inconvienence.
Back and kicking!!!!

Back and kicking!!!!
Cool...now how about some OTA HiDef? ;)

Cool...now how about some OTA HiDef? ;)
On my X-mas list too. :D

Has anyone esle tested this since my post?

I have never had ch 189 lock up on my box. I have a Moto 6412 DVR. Which box do you have? When I first got mine, it occasionally locked up on analog channels (2 - 99), but it has never locked up on a digital channel.

I have the 6412. I think TivoMaster may have both a 6412 and a 3412.

I have the 6412. I think TivoMaster may have both a 6412 and a 3412.

Yes, I have both devices and can duplicate the lockup on both. I got the 3412 to replace another 6412 that was doing the same thing. I now just make sure and not leave either box left on channel 189 overnight.

Mike

I am new here so i am sorry if this has been asked before or not. But is ABC 57 south bend planning on getting Hi Def this year ? i thought the FCC was taking new apps for Hi Def channels again soon and didnt know if 57 applied or not? It really drives me crazy to have to watch all those ND football game in SD again this year. Am i Glad most are on NBC but there is always a bunch of the away games on ABC

I am new here so i am sorry if this has been asked before or not. But is ABC 57 south bend planning on getting Hi Def this year ? i thought the FCC was taking new apps for Hi Def channels again soon and didnt know if 57 applied or not? It really drives me crazy to have to watch all those ND football game in SD again this year. Am i Glad most are on NBC but there is always a bunch of the away games on ABC
All we need is a blessing from the FCC and a couple nuts and bolts. :D

The window should have opened today for LPs to apply for their "companion channels" for DT OTA. The window is open until June 30th. After that date the FCC will figure out who gets the channel they requested. Hopefully LPs will work together and not ask for conflicting assignments. (South Bend should be easy, since most the LPs are owned/controlled by the same company. TBN 18 does not qualify as they have permission for an on-channel cutover to digital.)

Is the picture quality of digital cable any better on an SD TV than analog cable? I'm wondering what the advantages are other than a few more channels that I don't really need.

Is the picture quality of digital cable any better on an SD TV than analog cable? I'm wondering what the advantages are other than a few more channels that I don't really need.
Digital cable doesn't necessarly mean stunning pictures. Its only meant that its transported to you digitally. So if the source is STILL analog, then you get the analog picture transmitted digitally. Not to mention now we step into the compression world. (That annoying boxy look on dark pictures) It gets worse for HD.

Is the picture quality of digital cable any better on an SD TV than analog cable? I'm wondering what the advantages are other than a few more channels that I don't really need.

With digital "Cable", I don't know. hvs10trk has several good point. However, I have a QAM receiver getting OTA HD, and the OTA HD is much, much better than the analog feeds. The "HD feeds" of the locals I get from comcast are poor quality though. They compress way too much.

They compress way too much.

That's an understatement. :D I forgot the exact specs but they were pretty bad.

Anyone know if digital channel 16 is back to full power? Nothing is said about it on the website, but I'm back up to mid 90's signal strength which is where it was before they started broadcasting lp with the temporary antenna. Maybe they just haven't updated the website yet!

Anyone know if digital channel 16 is back to full power? Nothing is said about it on the website, but I'm back up to mid 90's signal strength which is where it was before they started broadcasting lp with the temporary antenna. Maybe they just haven't updated the website yet!

I've never noticed a difference or checked the signal strength, but it went out for a couple hours the other day...maybe that was the switch back?

This is the only thread I'm tracking. How come when I sign in (and I get logged in automatically), it goes to page 11 instead of the last page 13? Somehow the forum isn't picking up the last post I've read.

Well its june the 30th now did anyone here if ABC 57 WBND got a request in for a HD channel or not?

Anyone?

Maybe after the holiday week?

I'd like to also hear the plans on the new CW channel, if they would take the opportunity to launch digitally at the same time to deliver the CW's HD programs to the community.

I'm curious about WSBT's plans for 22-2; I doubt they will give up that outlet for eyeballs after UPN goes away. They can't keep on playing re-runs, or can they?

Maybe after the holiday week?

I'd like to also hear the plans on the new CW channel, if they would take the opportunity to launch digitally at the same time to deliver the CW's HD programs to the community.

I'm curious about WSBT's plans for 22-2; I doubt they will give up that outlet for eyeballs after UPN goes away. They can't keep on playing re-runs, or can they?
Can't comment yet on WBND. As far as the CW, I believe the FCC limits DTV-LP to one DTV channel per location/company. I'm not in on this process so I dont know the exact details.

16 seems to be back to a higher power, or at least they are receivable at my home again. :D

I drove past the tower a week or so ago and the rigging jib was along side the new HD antenna. Not a place that one wants a huge piece of steel and definately a sign that they were not using that antenna (at power).

The other channels are better - on my receiver (DishNetwork ViP-211) "16" strength 69, "22" strength 94, "28" strength 86, "34" strength 75 and "46" strength 89. My antenna is pointed at the tower farm from the east. Lower power than it was before (must be still working) but at least the picture is there.

LP-DT Issue:
The window closed last Friday ... it can take a while to compile these lists. This one shouldn't be too bad as there are not a lot of qualified applicants. Weigel should be able to request one companion for each licensed LP, not just one for their company.

Bookmark this site at the FCC:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/default.htm?job=auction_summary&id=85

Any progress should be shown there. In our market it shouldn't actually come to an auction since all the LPs eligible are Weigel controled and would naturally pick non-conflicting channels.

LP-DT Issue:
The window closed last Friday ... it can take a while to compile these lists. This one shouldn't be too bad as there are not a lot of qualified applicants. Weigel should be able to request one companion for each licensed LP, not just one for their company.

Bookmark this site at the FCC:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/default.htm?job=auction_summary&id=85

Any progress should be shown there. In our market it shouldn't actually come to an auction since all the LPs eligible are Weigel controled and would naturally pick non-conflicting channels.
I hope that you are correct on this issue. It would be a lot better to provide each network at full resolution instead of dividing one DTV channel into 3 subchannels. (roughly SD quality)

Per the filing window announcement:
"Permittees and licensees filing in this window are eligible to apply for only a single digital companion channel for each existing analog channel."

WNDU Digital Upgrade Project:
WNDU is proceeding with a project to raise the antenna height for its digital channel. Beginning week of May 8, 2006, the transmitting antenna will be removed and reinstalled over a period of several weeks during which a temporary antenna will be used to continue transmissions with lower power. The higher transmitting antenna will eliminate terrestrial and geographical signal blockages to many viewers, and will increase the coverage circle of the channel. Comcast cable viewers will not be affected.

LATEST INFORMATION:
Temporary antenna was activated @ 3:00 PM on Sunday, May 14th. For safety, digital transmitting power may be decreased or interrupted when workers are near this temporary antenna.
Transmitting antenna was removed and lowered to ground on Tuesday, May 23rd.
Tower extension had reached 720-feet above ground by noon on Monday, June 5th.
Antenna reinstalled and tower has reached greatest height on Thursday morning, June 15th.
Ceased operating from temporary antenna and resumed transmitting from reinstalled antenna at new height @ 6:30 PM on Tuesday, June 27th.
WNDU apologizes for any inconvenience to high definition viewers
source (http://www.wndu.com/about/102005/press_45416.php)

Everyone,

All low-power stations in the last two weeks of June had an opportunity to
do what their full power counterparts did: apply to have an analog AND a digital
channel (IE, WSBT=analog 22/digital 30). Well, I was waiting for the applications to be filed, and...

Lots of stations filed! LP=Low Power unprotected station; DA=directional antenna with null(s) in at least one direction. Here we go:

South Bend, IN:

WMWB-LP (WB 25) has applied for channel 27 at 15 kW
WBND-LP (ABC 57) has applied for channel 49 at 15 kW DA
WMYS-LP (Ind 69) has applied for channel 23 at 15 kW DA

Very, very nicely done, Kyle (TVMICROWAVE2002) and gang at Weigel.
At 15 kw (as high as you can go), with a proper antenna, you'll get these
40 miles away. With an amplifier, 60 miles away. When WCIU was at 15 kw
in Chicago, I locked them 60 miles out with an attic antenna (ChannelMaster 4228 with a Channelmaster 7777 pre-amp)!

So, patience...these should go through...and then you guys get your ABC and CW in HD! :D

Thanks to "Trip" Erickson for the processed data. For more markets, see the "Low power digital companion channel" thread, which should be a "sticky" soon.

The thread is: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=698465Well, after my post in the Third Round thread, I did some digging on the FCC site and found the companion channel applications. Yes, they've been filing them. Turns out they're listed as "new" instead of under their current call letters.That explains why I wasn't finding them in the places I looked (although the auction site should be getting a list soon).

Thanks for passing the word!

WMWB-LP (WB 25) has applied for channel 27 at 15 kW
WBND-LP (ABC 57) has applied for channel 49 at 15 kW DA
WMYS-LP (Ind 69) has applied for channel 23 at 15 kW DA23 is the least promising. Lesea has a translator in Valparaiso (licensed with an on channel digital conversion filed March 31st) and WPTA has a full power signal in Fort Wayne both on channel 24. The directional pattern filed is below 0.1 for most directions. Yes they will be at 15kw at 311m AGL, but most areas will get a lot less than full power.

49 looks better, with nulls near 0.2 (on the same tower as 23 at the same height?). I've attached the polar plots from the FCC website for the antennas.

27 was filed at 297m AGL - but non-directional (same tower again).

FCC Database
LD 23 (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=168663) WMYS
LD 27 (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=168643) WMWB (CW)
LD 49 (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=168647) WBND

How well do you think that WMWB would come in? In La Porte I am able to pick up WMWB-LP on 25 pretty clear. I wonder what the coverage of 27 at 15Kw will look like, and I hope it will come in just as good in La Porte.

How well do you think that WMWB would come in? In La Porte I am able to pick up WMWB-LP on 25 pretty clear. I wonder what the coverage of 27 at 15Kw will look like, and I hope it will come in just as good in La Porte.
You should. I will have to look at the plot again but I wouldn't see why not. :D

The coverage area for these LPs will most likely be related to the height of their antenna. Line of sight reception is always a major factor in receiving TV and FM signals, but IMHO it appears to be especially important with low power DTV. Unfortunately, the antenna height is not posted on the FCC files with these LP stations. I'm not sure what the limit is or the acceptable height.

UPDATE: Sorry, I didn't notice the posted info above about this station until after I submitted it. 15 kW @ 297 meters (975 ft.) should get out very well. If I figured correctly, line of sight from an antenna at 975 ft. would be around 44 miles. Not bad for an LP............

For example, up until a few weeks ago the local WB affiliate, WTTV-DT 48, was operating at low power with just 4 kW but with an antenna height of around 980 ft. (HAAT). I live 36 miles from the station's tower in Trafalgar, IN but had no problem receiving it with a decent antenna. Now the station is radiating 870 kW of power at a little over 1000 ft. and, yes, the signal at my location is a little stronger but my receiver hasn't really noticed the difference.

Just my 2 cents.

Steve

Any updates on ABC 57 WBND upgrading there tower yet ? just curious...

Any updates on ABC 57 WBND upgrading there tower yet ? just curious...Do you know of any current plans? At this point WMWB-LP, WBND-LP, and WMYS-LP are all located on the same tower. The new LD stations applied for will also occupy that tower but at this point they are ONLY applications.

Hopefully when they rebuilt the tower a couple of years ago they made it strong enough for all future needs.

Do you know of any current plans? At this point WMWB-LP, WBND-LP, and WMYS-LP are all located on the same tower. The new LD stations applied for will also occupy that tower but at this point they are ONLY applications.

Hopefully when they rebuilt the tower a couple of years ago they made it strong enough for all future needs.
Tower is pretty hearty. Of course we'll have it analized but it was built strong and mighty. (tim allen grunt)

When will there be an answer on the HD channel for ABC 57? ND and Georgia Tech is getting closer..........

When will there be an answer on the HD channel for ABC 57? ND and Georgia Tech is getting closer..........
We're still waiting on FCC approval of our selections. After that, its time to buy and install. As for a time frame, I'd be guessing.

We're still waiting on FCC approval of our selections. After that, its time to buy and install. As for a time frame, I'd be guessing.
I'll take a guess. :)

Three months to get FCC approval (assuming there are no conflicts).
Beyond that it depends on how much disposable cash the station has.
(I don't expect it to be too long after FCC approval. These guys want to be HD!)

That's my guess. :)

Three months to get FCC approval (assuming there are no conflicts).
Beyond that it depends on how much disposable cash the station has.
(I don't expect it to be too long after FCC approval. These guys want to be HD!)

That's my guess. :)
You guessed correctly!!

34.1 wnit is now 34.1 WNIT joining the all caps world of station IDs. Also, 20 miles away from S.B., the new improvements made by WNDU are noticable indeed. Signal strength has gone up from upper 60's to around 80 for me. Now if they could just get their encoder issues improved. I am not sure what equipment they use, but their OTA digital picture is the worst one in the market. Macro-blocking & jagged edges even on slow camera pans. Also, remember how they had to temporarliy suspend 16.2 for the olympics to try to improve the broadcast? The other stations are doing better...

I live in LAWTON, MI about 35-40 miles north of south bend. I have a large OTA w/rotor. I am a dishnetwork customer using a 622 receiver (2 tuner/2 tv out) HD DVR. I am watching this forum with interest because I am unhappy with the reception I get out of Grand Rapids. When I've swung my OTA to the south in the past, I've been able to get solid locks on 16.1 (nbc) and 22.1 (cbs). I've read this thread and I'm hoping for some clarification regarding the other HD options out of south bend. It looks like ABC and WB (soon to be CW??) are close to broadcasting FULL strength in HD.....is that correct??

What about FOX in HD from the south bend area? Is there a station currently? Is it broadcasting in HD....low or full strength.

BTW, the latest software upgrade for my 622 has screwed me BIG TIME regarding OTA reception of the kazoo/gr market. I no longer get wotv,wzzm and wood is all over the place.

marnintim, FOX-HD is WSJV-DT from Elkhart, but the tower isn't too far from the rest of the SBN market towers, so you should not have any problem receiving it. The ATSC channel is 58.

It looks like ABC and WB (soon to be CW??) are close to broadcasting FULL strength in HD.....is that correct??

Believe me when the FCC says ok, we're gonna be all over it!!! Yes soon to be CW.

marnintim, FOX-HD is WSJV-DT from Elkhart, but the tower isn't too far from the rest of the SBN market towers, so you should not have any problem receiving it. The ATSC channel is 58.Within a couple of miles, actually. It is one of those situations where the station is licenced to one city (Elkhart) but transmits from another (South Bend). All of the market's stations broadcast from generally the same area (except Elkhart's W18CF TBN LP station - they broadcast from a site about a mile up the hill from WSJV's studios and have been approved for instant cutover to DT).

It is nice when a market has a "television hill" to point at instead of needing to craft a special antenna to receive from multiple sites or using a rotor.

Thanks for the responses HVS.

It's nice to see someone from the inside share our interest (obsession!!) with HD/home theater!!

BTW, I tried a replacement 622 (dish network) and it solved my problems getting in all of the gr/kazoo locals OTA. However, I am still interested in keeping my OTA swung to the south most of the time once ABC and CW are in HD! Up here, wwmt (freedom communications) has signed on to be a cw net. affiliate, BUT there will be using a sub channel of there 3.x signal to broadcast an SD version only. Ironically, even the 3.1 (cbs) reception is notoriously inconsistent and subject to massive electrical interference due to it's VHF assignment. The few times I tried 22.1(cbs) I was happy with it's reliability.

Also, It's nice that 16.1(nbc) is broadcasting it's news in HD....something our "news leaders" wood 8.1 is NOT doing.

Thanks for the info in fox (elkhart). I forgot that they DID show up in one of my scans, BUT the signal is the weakest of the bunch. Anyways, I'll be needed my GR version of fox for my LIONS FOOTBALL!!! No way am I going to be stuck watching the bears.......

The FCC has posted coverage predictions for two of the new low power digital companion stations.

WMYS 69 (My TV), Digital 23: here (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=LD1138833.html)
WBND 57 (ABC), Digital 49: here (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=LD1138813.html)

WMWB 25 (soon CW), Digital 27 has not been posted but will be here (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=LD1138809.html).

Please note that there will be coverage outside of those loops, just not as good (typically) as inside the loops.

um.....looks like I'm about 10 miles outside the loop. I guess I should have paid closer attention to the "LP" (low power designation). This means I can expect a lower signal than I get from 16.1 and 22.1?? If so, why the "LP" label? FCC rules won't allow full power yet?? Is fox HD out of elkhart also LP? If so, that would explain why I'm only pulling them in between 65-70% when my ota faces south.

The signals from the "full power" stations should be better, although Weigel has done well to maximize the signal they can get out of the "low power" digital stations planned. WNIT and WHME are the only South Bend/Elkhart stations that do not have an application on file to improve their facility. The rest are still working on building their 'final' coverage areas. (WNDU has completed construction on their 'planned' facility and has applied for a licence. WSBT and WSJV should improve in the future.)

More Digital Maps:
WNDU 16.1 (NBC HD) and 16.2 (NBC SD), Digital 42: current (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT429535.html) - planned (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT1065595.html)
WSBT 22.1 (CBS HD), 22.2 (UPN SD) and 22.3 (WX Forecast), Digital 30: current (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DS602819.html) (STA) - planned (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT1066601.html)
WSJV 28.1 (FOX HD), Digital 58: current (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DS988373.html) (STA) - planned (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT1068151.html)

WNIT 34.1 (PBS HD National) and 34.2 (PBS SD), Digital 35: current (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT763732.html)
WHME 46.1 (LeSea Religious SD), Digital 48: current (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT1104003.html)
(Signals marked STA note where the station is operating under special temporary authority from the FCC. Not a full license nor the station's final authorized power.)

Guys, keep in mind that that NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) pulls the strings at the FCC. The NAB is against LP operations as they fear they could hinder full power broadcasters, both in $ and the full power 'TV image'. Just look at their war against low power FM. You haven't heard of it? Well then the NAB has done their job. Google NAB and LPFM for hours of amusement and B.S from the NAB. If you're an engineer and reading this and you say 3rd adjacents, go back to your pre 1964 50 kW FM and shut it off because it doesn't meet it either but somehow no one has complained.

That being said, keep in mind that the great minds at the NAB have convinced the FCC that the service contour of a LPTV-DT facility should be expressed as a 51 dBu contour, not a 41 dBu contour like every other full power station.

In simple terms, the signal will go further. If you could see 16, 22, and 28's DT expressed as a 51 dBu you would see a smaller area. The LP signal will go further, it's just the FCC circle is more like apples to oranges when comparing service contours of full power (41 dBu circles) and low power (51 dBu circles).

Naturally, the protection requirements of a low power 15 kW station are more than double the protection requirements of full power. The NAB is so concerned that these LP operators will cause so much interference.

If I have time I'll upload some maps showing these stations as 41 dBu service contours. You'll see all of the stations in La Porte. Once the FCC approves, give us 6 weeks or so and we'll be up..

Kyle

[QUOTE=justalurker]The signals from the "full power" stations should be better, although Weigel has done well to maximize the signal they can get out of the "low power" digital stations planned. WNIT is the only South Bend/Elkhart station that does not have an application on file to improve their facility. The rest are still working on building their 'final' coverage areas. (WNDU has completed construction on their 'planned' facility and has applied for a licence. WSBT, WSJV and WHME should improve in the future.)

[QUOTE]

Not really. While WNDU is at full power, WSBT-DT is actually running more power than what they will be in the months to come. Basically, they are going to "Diplex" off one antenna, but that means they'll have to lower their power to cover the
same, or in this case, very slightly less coverage. None of you should notice, however.

WNIT is at full power. Anything over 15 kw is a full power DT. They are at lower power, more than likely in part or in whole to save $$. But I am 60 miles west of Chicago, and on some tropo nights, they stomp on a 5 million watt analog local channel 35, 35 miles to my southeast. At that power with a proper outdoor and a great indoor antenna with a high gain amp, they'll go 60 miles indoors and 70+ outside, line of sight. WSJV is also at full power, and I bet they won't increase in 2009, either. Still, they get out far. Finally, WHME-DT went full power in January. You have to look at all the FCC records in the CDBS to see what they are actually at...the first look they give you in a search sometimes isn't updated for a year. I, too can get this one from time to time since they went full power.

Finally, when Kyle's WCIU was on an STA at 15 kw (the highest power a low power station can run), I was locking it with a ChannelMaster 4228 antenna, with ChannelMaster 7777 preamp, in my one story townhome, low in a river valley,
in my attic. I can easily lock the FOX affiliate in Rockford, 35 miles to my northwest.
They are currently running a whopping 2,300 watts (2.3 kw).

No need to worry. You got antenna, Kyle gets you signal. :)

WSBT-DT is actually running more power than what they will be in the months to come.Raw ERP, yes, but which is the stronger signal: 280kW @ 239m or 229kW @ 332.4m? (With the extra 100m of coax their TPO may increase.) Certainly placing the antenna another 300ft higher has to help. The FCC agrees ... note that the 41dBu contour is south of South Haven and Portage (MI) on the STA and north of South Haven and Portage (MI) on the application.WNIT is at full power. Anything over 15 kw is a full power DT. They are at lower power, more than likely in part or in whole to save $$.50kW at 332.4m isn't too bad - but certainly more than the 15kW that the LD stations have applied for (and not directional).

It doesn't take a lot of power to get out but, relatively speaking, stations running 50kW to 560kW are going to reach further than stations running 15kW maximum.

BTW: WCIU's 15.1 kW STA was at 510m HAAT ... a long way up. The LPs in South Bend are closer to 315-330m HAAT. Power is nice but HAAT helps.

South Bend is a good area ... the three LDs planned are 15kW and on a decent height tower. (It will be interesting to see 41dBu contours for apples to apples.) They will get out - just don't expect them to get as far as the big guns.

Does anyone know if WBND plans on broadcasting the Notre Dame - Georgia Tech game in HD over their comcast digital station? I know they did for the bowl game last year (although I don't know about earlier games because I didn't have HDTV before then). I notice that many programs that are supposed to be in HD are not on WBND's digital channel on comcast. At least they weren't a while ago, I haven't checked lately.

Does anyone know if WBND plans on broadcasting the Notre Dame - Georgia Tech game in HD over their comcast digital station? I know they did for the bowl game last year (although I don't know about earlier games because I didn't have HDTV before then). I notice that many programs that are supposed to be in HD are not on WBND's digital channel on comcast. At least they weren't a while ago, I haven't checked lately.
Should be in HD. We had some early audio switching problems but they should be licked.

Location: Osceola, IN

I'm new to the forum and have some questions. I'm new in the HDTV world, so I apologize in advance if these questions have already been asked.

1. I am having difficulty with my off-air reception of 22-1 WSBT. Every couple of seconds it either pauses or jerks, as if it's having difficulty with the signal. However, my signal strength is 87/100, which I judge to be pretty good (16-1 comes in at about 92, and is perfect.

2. I am a DISH network subscriber, but I get my locals off-air. What are my options for ABC (WBND) in HD? I'd really like to watch the ND opener, but it's not looking likely. I have a small rooftop antenna, so is there any chance of me getting another ABC feed somewhere?

Thanks in advance!

Location: Osceola, IN

I'm new to the forum and have some questions. I'm new in the HDTV world, so I apologize in advance if these questions have already been asked.

1. I am having difficulty with my off-air reception of 22-1 WSBT. Every couple of seconds it either pauses or jerks, as if it's having difficulty with the signal. However, my signal strength is 87/100, which I judge to be pretty good (16-1 comes in at about 92, and is perfect.

2. I am a DISH network subscriber, but I get my locals off-air. What are my options for ABC (WBND) in HD? I'd really like to watch the ND opener, but it's not looking likely. I have a small rooftop antenna, so is there any chance of me getting another ABC feed somewhere?

Thanks in advance!

1. Any chance you could see if you get 22 analog in well without "ghosts"? If you are seeing ghosts, or multiple images on your TV, that's what is causing your problem, and you'll need to re-aim your antenna. Otherwise, are all the antenna connections good on the roof, etc? Because you are close to the WSBT tower, it might also be that your signal is overloading. Re-adjusting the antenna may help if that is the case.

2. Not consistently. You're too far away from Chicago, Fort Wayne, and Grand Rapids.

The antenna connections are great. WNDU, WSJV, WNIT and WHMS all come in like a champ. Considering all the towers are near each other, and all operate at much the same strengths, I have a hard time believing it's either antenna direction or being overpowered. Does anyone else have problems with the WSBT feeds? This just started, too. It was fine when I first put the TV up.

Sorry, that's WHME.

I'll have to check when I get home. WNDU has given me more problems on my E* receiver than WSBT (ViP-622) but only since the antenna upgrade at WNDU. (It is a separate issue, but I'm wondering if WNDU changed something in the encoder that is messing me up.)

WSBT is solid on all three subchannels. I'll get signal strenth readings this evening.

One thought with you being in Osceola is the direction of the towers and just how good your antenna is. Although all the towers are within a couple of miles of each other they are lined up generally east to west. From my location in south Elkhart they are within a 4° spread. The further north and west you go the wider the spread. Could it be that your antenna is too good and isn't seeing the full spread? Doubtful but a thought.

One nice thing about being so close is the spread doesn't matter - the signals are strong. One bad thing is that the signals are strong ... you may be getting multipath (even if the analog looks good).

The antenna connections are great. WNDU, WSJV, WNIT and WHMS all come in like a champ. Considering all the towers are near each other, and all operate at much the same strengths, I have a hard time believing it's either antenna direction or being overpowered. Does anyone else have problems with the WSBT feeds? This just started, too. It was fine when I first put the TV up.

I, too, have trouble with WSBT while all the other South Bend stations come in great. If I want to watch CBS, I actually have to use WBBM-DT! BTW, analog 22 comes in great as well. I suspect WSBT of having some kind of PSIP problem that's causing this. Also, I'm watching with three separate Dvico FusionHDTV 3 Gold cards and they all behave the same way.

Blato

Location: Osceola, IN

I'm new to the forum and have some questions. I'm new in the HDTV world, so I apologize in advance if these questions have already been asked.

1. I am having difficulty with my off-air reception of 22-1 WSBT. Every couple of seconds it either pauses or jerks, as if it's having difficulty with the signal. However, my signal strength is 87/100, which I judge to be pretty good (16-1 comes in at about 92, and is perfect.

2. I am a DISH network subscriber, but I get my locals off-air. What are my options for ABC (WBND) in HD? I'd really like to watch the ND opener, but it's not looking likely. I have a small rooftop antenna, so is there any chance of me getting another ABC feed somewhere?

Thanks in advance!

Sorry we dont have WBND HD available OTA yet.

Man, I wish I could pick up WBBM out of Chicago. Hmph!

I am kind of torn. I am moving from an apartment complex that provides their own cable so no HD for me, except OTA which I have been doing for months. Now that I am moving I can choose any provider I wish. Comcast seems really expensive to me with not as much HD programming as something like the DIsh Network.

I know I could pull OTA with satellite but I would be without ABC in HD, with comcast it would be available. It is frustrating to see Directv and Dish offer locals in HD in a lot of markets except for this one. Does anyone know if or when a satellite company may start to broadcast South Bend locals in HD?

The larger markets serving more customers will be put up on satellite first. I would not expect to see South Bend in HD on either system before 2008 or 2009 - and then only if major changes are made in the way the companies deliver HDTV (read: conversion to MPEG4).

Comcast has the advantage in that they only have to carry the HD locals on their system in the area where people get the channels. Satellite has to carry those channels on national transponders or launch new spotbeam satellites, even though only one area can subscribe.

The best answer for a market the size of South Bend is OTA. Hopefully the FCC will give permission for the ABC, CW and MyTV stations to become HD signals soon. Then one can choose their satellite carrier and add an OTA antenna for local/network HD. Or at least have that as an option to Comcast.

Also, is WSBT 22-1 always in 4:3 with sidebars? I never get a widescreen picture. Is this standard or do I need to change a setting?

WSBT is one of the good stations that doesn't do stretch-o-vision to fill when they upconvert to HD. The only time you'll get 16:9 is when they are showing a true HD show.

At the moment: 95 signal strength
22-01 Golf (SD upconverted)
22-02 Jewlery TV (on UPN Michiana)
22-03 Weather Slides (with National Weather Service Audio)

The "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" just started (after a long moment of blackness).
More SD upconvered. :(

Other channel's current signal strengths (for reference):
16-01: 73
28-01: 83
34-01: 74
46-01: 91

WSBT behaved pretty well last night. Only a couple of burps here and there. It seems to go in spurts. Signal strength 95. Some times it gets pixelated so bad that the TV drops the signal altogether and shows the "Can't Find Station" screen. Ugh.

Just saw an ad for "SBT2" during HD golf coverage on 22.1. Looks like UPN Michiana will continue as "SBT2" with a full program schedule. The ad also mentioned that SBT2 will be available on Comcast CH16 and Dish Network CH30 (the locations of UPN Michiana).

Just wanted to let people know about my reception in the area

From Knox, Indiana 46534 Around 40 miles south west of south bend

Pulling in all available OTA Digital Signals around 80-90 percent signal using a Terk HD-TVS Slim Profile Antenna and RadioShack Pre-amp/amp(60 dollar unit). This is being tuned by a Dish ViP 211. I also have signal split to other room which will soon be connected to a HD ATSC Tuner Card in a pc using GB-PVR.

Like many..waiting for wmwb and wbnd to go digital.


Was just playing around with dish box and found i could manually add channels by transmit number.. Locked into fox chicago,upn , and some WYJS...And i have the antenna aimed about 90 degrees east of chicago!

Not bad. Assuming you subscribe to locals via Dish Network you should also get program guide information on most anything you can receive. (You will have to wait until the next day for that to start on out of market channels.)

Sorry to keep harping on this WSBT thing, but does anyone know if they actually stop broadcasting in digital an any point in the night? My wife watched the entire episode of Big Brother last night (believe me, I'd know if something was wrong...she'd definitely let me know), but when I tried to watch the news at 11, BOOM! 22.1, 22.2, and 22.3 were all completely out of commission. Does that make ANY sense?

Sorry to keep harping on this WSBT thing, but does anyone know if they actually stop broadcasting in digital an any point in the night? My wife watched the entire episode of Big Brother last night (believe me, I'd know if something was wrong...she'd definitely let me know), but when I tried to watch the news at 11, BOOM! 22.1, 22.2, and 22.3 were all completely out of commission. Does that make ANY sense?

I've been reading through your recent posts relating to reception issues with WSBT-DT and thinking about some of the issues I've encountered during the past five years due to my proximity to the Indy towers (3-5 miles). As mentioned above, your problem could be related to multipath, which can be a very intermitent issue. While watching the signal meter, does the signal quickly spike up and down? This is one way to check for multipath, besides looking for ghosting on the analog station.

Five years ago after I purchased my first STB, I installed a CM 4221 antenna outdoors and received all the Indy stations fine except for one. I was receiving absolutely zero signal from that one station. It turned out to be a really bad case of multipath. As soon as I installed a different antenna (CM 4228...better with multipath issues), the signal was fine and the STB did a smooth job of decoding the signal.

Another issue I experienced a few years ago with one of my semi-local stations was intermod, or intermodulation distortion (interference). After the station moved from DTV ch. 53 to ch. 48, one of my STBs, the LG LST-3100A, was indicating a very strong signal but the tuner would not decode audio/video, while my other STBs were decoding just fine. In chatting with one of the station engineers, he discussed intermod. This is when two strong nearby signals mix together to form other frequencies that can interfere with a third signal, possibly ch. 30, the RF channel of WSBT-DT. Here are a couple of links to some info.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermodulation
http://www.prosoundweb.com/install/tech_corner/garys/wireless1.shtml

Also, as someone mentioned, there could be some bad PSIP info being sent by the station. If this is the cause of your issue, it could be that only your make/model of receiver (STB) is being affected. There have been some occasional issues related to this here in Indy. In fact, just last week one of my STBs stopped decoding one of the local stations. The signal meter indicated plenty of signal, but the tuner would not decode any audio/video. I contacted two other owners of this same brand/model STB, and sure enough, those two STBs also were not decoding the station. Long story short, after the station rebooted its studio equipment, all three STBs were once again decoding the station just fine. (Have you rebooted your receiver by unplugging it and then rescanning or reentering channel numbers?)

These are some issues I've experienced locally. Maybe something will assist you in locating your culprit. Good luck.

Steve

PSIP is OK for the tuner involved. I believe we have the same tuner in the same market. The difference is that he is closer to the station.

There are pockets of multipath in his area. I have not done the math for TV30 but I know a radio station that loses in South Bend because of the combination of several other stations.

I believe I have the ViP 211 receiver. Man, last night there was NOTHING from any of the WSBT stations. I'm talking signal strength 0 all night. No fluctuations, nothing.

Anyone else watching Prison Break last night have problems? It dropped out 3 times for just a second and I had at least 3 glitches. Signal started at 81 by end of the show was peaking at 91. Then during vanished dropping as low as 79...

I finally monitored my signal strength on WSBT for awhile. It would go something like 94-92-88-94-ZERO-94-92-ZERO- and so on. I've also noticed it's worse during the day and as the sun sets, it gets much better. Let's just assume it's multipath. Is my only option to get a new antenna?

I finally monitored my signal strength on WSBT for awhile. It would go something like 94-92-88-94-ZERO-94-92-ZERO- and so on. I've also noticed it's worse during the day and as the sun sets, it gets much better. Let's just assume it's multipath. Is my only option to get a new antenna?
Could be squirrels playing with your antenna. :D

Could be squirrels playing with your antenna. :D

Blasted squirrels! First riling up my cats and now playing with my reception! :D

Ok, so If I get a splitter and split the signal coming in from my OTA before it gets to my Dish receiver, with one end going into the Dish receiver, and one end going into the analog input on my display, that should allow me to pick up my analog channels, correct? I know that this should be obvious, but my inputs into the wall are BNC, so before I go spend money on custom F-conn. to BNC cables, I want to make sure this will work.

Ok, so If I get a splitter and split the signal coming in from my OTA before it gets to my Dish receiver, with one end going into the Dish receiver, and one end going into the analog input on my display, that should allow me to pick up my analog channels, correct? I know that this should be obvious, but my inputs into the wall are BNC, so before I go spend money on custom F-conn. to BNC cables, I want to make sure this will work.
BNC???? Who wired that?? Yeah you can split it. Dont radio shack your splitter. Spend a couple extra bucks and get a decent splitter like from Home depot. Make sure its good from 5mhz to at least 1ghz. And dont forget the more you split the less signal you get.

BNC???? Who wired that??

Haha, I did! 3 BNC's into the wall and out at the other end. Why you ask? Well, in the interest of not having 60 million cables in the wall. This way, I can change on the fly with an adapter and a patch cord. Composite video/stereo? Check. S-video? Check. Digital audio? Check. Regular old RF? Check. Besides that, I like the locking characteristics of a BNC.

Haha, I did! 3 BNC's into the wall and out at the other end. Why you ask? Well, in the interest of not having 60 million cables in the wall. This way, I can change on the fly with an adapter and a patch cord. Composite video/stereo? Check. S-video? Check. Digital audio? Check. Regular old RF? Check. Besides that, I like the locking characteristics of a BNC.
Got ya. :)

6 days till kickoff.....I am sad. :(

Does anyone know what the current broadcasting power is of the stations? Or is the first post up to date?

NBC seems to be the highest..I get 95 percent..while FOX and CBS are around 80

So in the ongoing saga of WSBT-DT reception difficulties in Osceola, I hooked up the WSBT analog signal last night. TERRIBLE ghosting. Signal strength 0 on WSBT-DT. What does it all mean? Multipath?

So in the ongoing saga of WSBT-DT reception difficulties in Osceola, I hooked up the WSBT analog signal last night. TERRIBLE ghosting. Signal strength 0 on WSBT-DT. What does it all mean? Multipath?
Osceola????? Isn't that in Florida?? No wonder you're having reception problems!! :D

Osceola????? Isn't that in Florida?? No wonder you're having reception problems!! :D

So THAT'S my problem! And here the E* lady on the phone said I should be aiming my antenna for South Bend, IN! PFFFT! Shows how much she knows! :D

I know this isn't the right forum for this question, but I will ask here anyway. Getting ready to take the plunge into HDTV. Currently have only basic cable so I thought I'd try OTA HD initially. I am near UP Mall and my roof antenna is pointing south so I should be able to get most of the local stations with that orientation (if the trees don't interfere). If I have read previous posts correctly, ABC OTA is not HD yet, right?

Is there any easy way to switch back and forth between cable and antenna? I assume there must be some kind of switch box with two BNC inputs and one BNC output and a manual toggle. Does Best Buy have that kind of thing or will I need to go to Radio Shack?

Thanks for the help.

RS would have a coax switch - I believe they even have remote versions.

Generally speaking, people use F connector cables, not BNCs, for television.

Generally speaking, people use F connector cables, not BNCs, for television.

I forgot what they were called. I know what a BNC is, just "misspoke." Thanks.

Looks like ND fans will have to settle for SD for the opener....

Sorry irish fans......

WBND-LP, WMWB-LP and WMYS-LP's apps for digital companion stations have all been ruled "singletons"!

Full applications for construction permits can now be filed (due by October 30th).
Once those full applications are approved construction can begin.
Once construction is complete, digital broadcasting can begin. :D

WBND-LP, WMWB-LP and WMYS-LP's apps for digital companion stations have all been ruled "singletons"!

Full applications for construction permits can now be filed (due by October 30th).
Once those full applications are approved construction can begin.
Once construction is complete, digital broadcasting can begin. :D

So what does this mean? I'd guess another whole season shot including bowl games given how fast this stuff moves.

So what does this mean? I'd guess another whole season shot including bowl games given how fast this stuff moves.

It means that construction permits could be sent out as soon as November if they
filed for them quickly and the FCC has time to look them over. HVS said it would only take weeks to get ABC on the air in HD, so the earliest, I am GUESSING, is December. The slow part will not be Weigel, that is for sure. It's now in the hands of the FCC.

Singletons mean that nobody else filed for the same channel. If they did, all the people who filed for that channel would go to an auction and the highest bidder would win. In Chicago, 3 broadcasters filed to get channel 49. That will most certainly go to auction.

So they were approved to have a digital broadcast? Now they need to have construction permit ?

If so...this is great news.

So they were approved to have a digital broadcast? Now they need to have construction permit ?

If so...this is great news.

To be correct, they were approved to try for a digital broadcast on those channels.
Now, they resubmit the data in a more detailed way and show they don't interfere with any full-power analog or digital stations. They also notify those relatively nearby stations of what they want to do, and as long as there are no objections, then the FCC will look at it, and then issue them construction permits. At that point, they can build.

It sounds like a lot of steps, and it is...so it will take some months before this all goes through. Weigel's been going as fast as the government gears will let them go...which is to say, not very fast. :(

Well I would say more than a few weeks. We have to install DTV antennas, transmission line, transmitters, stuff like that. The transmission path to southbend is already in place.
It means that construction permits could be sent out as soon as November if they
filed for them quickly and the FCC has time to look them over. HVS said it would only take weeks to get ABC on the air in HD, so the earliest, I am GUESSING, is December. The slow part will not be Weigel, that is for sure. It's now in the hands of the FCC.

Singletons mean that nobody else filed for the same channel. If they did, all the people who filed for that channel would go to an auction and the highest bidder would win. In Chicago, 3 broadcasters filed to get channel 49. That will most certainly go to auction.

Well I would say more than a few weeks. We have to install DTV antennas, transmission line, transmitters, stuff like that. The transmission path to southbend is already in place.

You mean you're not going to hold up the antenna for us on the tower until
it's up permanently? That's what I was figuring in my post! :D

In all seriousness though, yes, I was too aggressive by saying that. Not to mention weather and other factors can slow you down. We'll see...

Actually duct tape and some RG6 came to mind. :D Yeah those winters out there.....yikes!!!
You mean you're not going to hold up the antenna for us on the tower until
it's up permanently? That's what I was figuring in my post! :D

In all seriousness though, yes, I was too aggressive by saying that. Not to mention weather and other factors can slow you down. We'll see...

Well I would say more than a few weeks.
Let's say you were a betting person...what date would you put your money on for WBND-DT to go live based on what you know now?

Well we know the transmitters, antennas, and plumbing so far. As for dates, I wouldn't even have a ball park. It is soooo dependent on the FCC,weather, and delivery time for equipment. I would imagine that once we have the permits and the equipment on site it would happen rather quickly. We had the new trans for WCIU-DT installed, proofed, and online within two weeks. There is SB, we have 3 new antennas, transmission line, and the trans's themselves to install. One thing I can tell you is we wont just throw it in to have it on the air. We will take a little time and make sure that everything's done right the first time.
Let's say you were a betting person...what date would you put your money on for WBND-DT to go live based on what you know now?

God the Irish looked great in HD on my 106" screen today. I can't go back to WBND in a couple weeks. :(

How did the irish look in HD against U of M?

How did the irish look in HD against U of M?
Would'a looked better if they didn't get spanked on home turf.

How did the irish look in HD against U of M?

They stunk up the place at any resolution. Go Blue! :)

Would'a looked better if they didn't get spanked on home turf.


I forgot to turn the "sarcasm on" sign.......

I forgot to turn the "sarcasm on" sign.......
:D

The only thing that looked good tonight against Michigan State was the final score.

God the Irish looked great in HD on my 106" screen today. I can't go back to WBND in a couple weeks. :(Do you get NBC-HD by some other means than WNDU-DT OTA? I find that WNDU's combination of bit-starving 16.1 and outdated encoders cause macro-blocking on anything other than a static image.

We're waiting for ABC-HD, but if it turns into a Christmas present, so be it.

Hello,

Need an antenna installed on a 40' tower.

I'm aware that Peru is a bit removed from South Bend but maybe someone here knows of an experienced installer who covers Miami County area.

Thanks in advance.

OK, we know from reports here that the CW is mixed in HD and eventually we will have a HD companion channel in South Bend so we can see the full screen.

But does the SD picture have to be cropped off of the sides? I recorded Smallville tonight and when I played it back I got a full screen picture - the sides of the 16:9 picture are missing. Yet every other SD CW station I have access to (thanks to satellite SuperStations WPIX/KWGN/KTLA) is transmitting a letterboxed picture.

I'm assuming that the CW network is sending SD as letterboxed (as most networks do) and our beloved local CW 25 is just cropping the HD signal to fill the screen. If this is not true I'd like to know why other CW affilates have a different SD feed than CW 25 uses.

I complained about this last year when it was WB 25 ruining Smallville (and all other widescreen programming). The producers of Smallville expect the full width to be on the screen. They place characters in that part of the frame that WE MISS in South Bend because of the local station's actions.

Please. Give the OTA NTSC viewers the full program. I'd rather watch and support a local station but I'll go elsewhere and watch out of market advertising if our local CW 25 doesn't want to give us the full picture.

Thanks for your time.

Illustrated: CW 25 vs CW's SD feed.

OK, we know from reports here that the CW is mixed in HD and eventually we will have a HD companion channel in South Bend so we can see the full screen.

But does the SD picture have to be cropped off of the sides? I recorded Smallville tonight and when I played it back I got a full screen picture - the sides of the 16:9 picture are missing. Yet every other SD CW station I have access to (thanks to satellite SuperStations WPIX/KWGN/KTLA) is transmitting a letterboxed picture


[QUOTE=justalurker]I'm assuming that the CW network is sending SD as letterboxed (as most networks do) and our beloved local CW 25 is just cropping the HD signal to fill the screen. If this is not true I'd like to know why other CW affilates have a different SD feed than CW 25 uses.

I complained about this last year when it was WB 25 ruining Smallville (and all other widescreen programming). The producers of Smallville expect the full width to be on the screen. They place characters in that part of the frame that WE MISS in South Bend because of the local station's actions.

Please. Give the OTA NTSC viewers the full program. I'd rather watch and support a local station but I'll go elsewhere and watch out of market advertising if our local CW 25 doesn't want to give us the full picture.

Thanks for your time.

Becuase of the way CW25 is delivered to South Bend, it is a physical imposibility to deliver both an HD and SD feed at the same time. Other CW stations have only 5-10 miles to transmit, so 2 paths is no problem. We have over 90 miles to send CW, ABC, and My Network. To bring both HD and SD feeds would require (6) 90+mile microwave paths. Not to mention we only have so much bandwidth to utilize; to deliver both would cut the HD quality by a third.

Has anything happened to WSBT's HD signal in the past few days? I've had a lot of signal break ups, and signal strength has dropped about 10% points on my Fusion card, while the other SB/Elkhart channels are all at the same levels that they were a week ago. Just wondering if something is starting to go wrong with the transmitter (that could possibly affect those on the fringe of coverage maybe)?

Becuase of the way CW25 is delivered to South Bend, it is a physical imposibility to deliver both an HD and SD feed at the same time. Other CW stations have only 5-10 miles to transmit, so 2 paths is no problem. We have over 90 miles to send CW, ABC, and My Network. To bring both HD and SD feeds would require (6) 90+mile microwave paths. Not to mention we only have so much bandwidth to utilize; to deliver both would cut the HD quality by a third.Forgiving for the moment that SD takes up less bandwidth and that in essense doing a full SD feed on the path would be an increase from three HD microwave paths to the bandwidth of four HD microwave paths, can't some local switching be done?

It appears the station is taking the one HD feed for each station and downconverting and cropping it for OTA NTSC broadcast (and for SD feeds to cable/satellite). Apparently the decision has been made that it is better for the majority of your viewers (those with SD setups) to lose 25% of the picture. A second downconverter set on letterbox with a switch between the two converters or simple control of the one your station has (if possible) would provide a BETTER SD signal for the market. We've got two more years of SD ... don't give up on NTSC viewers!

I'm fortunate that I can get a distant CW signal (superstation) and see the whole feed. No one can get a distant ABC feed so the 25% crop imposed on them cannot be easily fixed (without a decent antenna for WOTV, WPTA or WLS). There has to be a better way of serving the market than this.

Even after CW25 and (ABC57) goes HD on the companion channels SD quality will remain an issue.

Thanks again for your time.

Forgiving for the moment that SD takes up less bandwidth and that in essense doing a full SD feed on the path would be an increase from three HD microwave paths to the bandwidth of four HD microwave paths, can't some local switching be done?

It appears the station is taking the one HD feed for each station and downconverting and cropping it for OTA NTSC broadcast (and for SD feeds to cable/satellite). Apparently the decision has been made that it is better for the majority of your viewers (those with SD setups) to lose 25% of the picture. A second downconverter set on letterbox with a switch between the two converters or simple control of the one your station has (if possible) would provide a BETTER SD signal for the market. We've got two more years of SD ... don't give up on NTSC viewers!

I'm fortunate that I can get a distant CW signal (superstation) and see the whole feed. No one can get a distant ABC feed so the 25% crop imposed on them cannot be easily fixed (without a decent antenna for WOTV, WPTA or WLS). There has to be a better way of serving the market than this.

Even after CW25 and (ABC57) goes HD on the companion channels SD quality will remain an issue.

Thanks again for your time.
Check you PM's.

Thanks.

.........um, inquiring minds wanna know.......

:)

.........um, inquiring minds wanna know.......
It's a bit complicated. We'll weigh in some options and I will probably get some feedback from you guys too.

.........um, inquiring minds wanna know.......
OK we've looked at the situation and it's definately something we are going to explore. We have several ideas on how to do it we just need some time to make sure it'll work.

Thanks again.

Did anyone watch WSBT last night? Two and a Half men was in 4:3 SD?? Or did my Sage system tune in the wrong channel somehow (although I dont have any SD networks setup, so not sure how this could have happened). How I met your Mother and CSI Miami both recorded in HD from WSBT though.

WSBT 22.1 is supposed to be HD all the time. 22.2 is SD all the time but doesn't air the same programming (former UPN feed is now "SBT2" alternate programming). 22.3 is weather (SD low bitrate) all the time. You shouldn't be able to get a WSBT CBS SD unless WSBT changed channel 22.1 for some reason or you're receiving analog.

It's not like WNDU where one tunes 16.1 for HD (including stretched SD>HD) and 16.2 for SD and a receiver could get confused.

Yeah thats what I figured. I dont know what happened, but last night, at least from 9 to 9:30, it was SD 4:3. Everything on the recording detail indicated it was 22.1 that was recorded, unless somehow Sage forced my Fusion card to tune in analog 22, but Sage doesnt even know about the analog channels (I didnt set them up) and have no analog tuners in my system anywhere. Weird.

Come to think of it, I think there were a few sections of CSI Miami that were dropped down to 4:3 as well.

I can confirm CSI Miami switched to 4:3 at the 47 minute mark of the show. All CBS HD shows seem to switch to 4:3 for the last minute or two. I assume it's something WSBT is doing.

Ok, glad it wasnt my system screwing up. I should have checked my feed from WWMT on QAM and my CBS feed from NYC, but I didnt think of it.

Any updates on OTA ABC 57 HD and when it might be available? Or is everything still pending? Thanks

Any updates on OTA ABC 57 HD and when it might be available? Or is everything still pending? Thanks
Still pending. Gotta love the FCC. :(

113 filings for LD (low power distants) in September ... 12 so far this month. None from Indiana.

I know the FCC gave singletons until October 30th to file their Form 346 long form applications but it would be nice to see the apps before the deadlines get too close. :)

(Not that they have acted on any of the applications that have been filed ...)

I assume it would take a few months to process the applications? So would be realistic to say that OTA ABC 57 HD won't be available until early 2007? Thanks

They could be approved by the end of November. It all depends on if the applicants have really picked the right channels to get approved. If they made errors they can be corrected at this stage.

I would not be suprised to see some of the singletons on by the end of the year - and based on earlier posts in this thread, our local stations intend to be on A.S.A.P.

I assume it would take a few months to process the applications? So would be realistic to say that OTA ABC 57 HD won't be available until early 2007? Thanks
Probably. We still need to hang antennas, transmission line, etc. Winter isn't exactly prime time for that.

But does the SD picture have to be cropped off of the sides? I recorded Smallville tonight and when I played it back I got a full screen picture - the sides of the 16:9 picture are missing. Yet every other SD CW station I have access to (thanks to satellite SuperStations WPIX/KWGN/KTLA) is transmitting a letterboxed picture.Partial apology ... WTTV Indianapolis is also doing a zoomed non-letterboxed presentation (which crops the opening credits as well as show content). Apparently CW25 isn't the only station doing this. :(

Anybody else get screwed trying to watch Cold Case tonight? The first 8 minutes from WSBT-DT was nothing but colored test bars that said "NEW YORK TX HD" in the middle. :(

Yeah I had that too. Something wrong with WSBT again. I switched to WCBS and it was playing it fine.

Anybody else get screwed trying to watch Cold Case tonight? The first 8 minutes from WSBT-DT was nothing but colored test bars that said "NEW YORK TX HD" in the middle. :(
Hey, at least they were HD color bars! :D

Hey, at least they were HD color bars! :D

You just worry about showing me some HD color bars on my ABC & CW! ;)

I sent an email to WBST about some of the problems I'm seeing. I assume you all get these too?

Several issues have been popping up on the 22.1
channel lately:

1- Last night the first 8 minutes of Cold Case was
nothing but color test pattern bars that said "NEW
YORK TX HD" in the middle.

2- Many HD programs are getting switched over to 4:3
ratio before the end of the show. It's usually in the
last 5 minutes, however last week's CSI Miami went to
4:3 at the 47 minute mark.

3- I'm also getting a lot of intermittent black
screens for 1-10 seconds that say "Loss of input
signal". None of this is happening on 16.1 or 28.1.

Missing the first 8 minutes of a show like Cold Case
or 10 seconds of dialog in the right spot of any show
can ruin the whole thing.

Thanks,
Mike Lang

Mike,

Yes I have the same issues with them lately and switching to 4:3, as well as an overall loss of signal quality for the past few weeks now, lots of drops. Before that I got perfect signal lock. I dont have that issue on the other channels. I have a feeling something is amis with their transmitter, and it just isnt 100% broken/fried yet.

Has anyone confirmed if the issue last night with Cold Case was only limited to WSBT? Or did other stations have this issue too? I know WCBS from NYC was fine.

Anybody else get screwed trying to watch Cold Case tonight? :(

Am I safe in assuming this was OTA and not from Comcast?

Am I safe in assuming this was OTA and not from Comcast?
Correct

Kinda quiet in here. Do I need to pull the plug on a station to get some momentum going?? :D

I'm waiting to cheer changes on WB25 ... (uncropped Smallville). :)

It would also be nice to see the "full form" applications on your LD stations ... 11 days to the deadline and no sign of them in the search yet. If you're bored you can talk to legal. :D

A quiet day is a good day - Both the Indy and Kzoo threads have been hot and heavy due to problems with stations. Evidently SBN stations are running well.

I am moving to South Bend in a month. Just curious as to the current digital broadcast list. Just the main networks, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, CW for ota, cable, satellite. If anyone could post that I would appreciate it! Thanks

I am moving to South Bend in a month. Just curious as to the current digital broadcast list. Just the main networks, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, CW for ota, cable, satellite. If anyone could post that I would appreciate it! Thanks
We have:
NBC 16 analog, digital 42
CBS 22 analog, digital 30
Fox 28 analog, digital 58
PBS 34 analog, digital 35
Religious analog 46, digital 48
Analog only on ABC 57, CW 25 and My 69, but digital HD for ABC and CW is available on Comcast cable, along with NBC, CBS, Fox and PBS.

No HD on satellite so far.

Our digitals do pretty good Hidef most of the time, although NBC 16 stretches the SD pic, which I find annoying.

Al

I am moving to South Bend in a month. Just curious as to the current digital broadcast list. Just the main networks, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, CW for ota, cable, satellite. If anyone could post that I would appreciate it! Thanks

With Comcast digital cable you will also get ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, Discovery HD, and Comcast Sportsnet which will be mostly Chicago sports I think.

I am going to buy a Sony 50E2000 today. Yippee! :)

Thanks for all the responses. Sounds like cable is the way to go if you want all the networks (ABC, CW) I read earlier in the forum that Comcast let you add HD to basic cable for only 5 dollars a month. Is that still accurate? Can you do the same thing with a HDDVR to basic cable?

I read earlier in the forum that Comcast let you add HD to basic cable for only 5 dollars a month. Is that still accurate? Can you do the same thing with a HDDVR to basic cable?

You can get ABC, CBS, etc with basic cable for $5. I'm pretty sure if you want HD ESPN, TNT, etc. you need to have digital cable. You also have to have digital cable to get the DVR.

I just sprung for Digital Classic (the cheapest digital package) and a DVR and will add HD when my HDTV is delivered this week. It's another $25/month over the basic package but the DVR is really convenient for recording shows and On-Demand is cool too. Plus there are some channels I wanted (Bravo, BBC America) that only come with digital cable.

"You pays yer money and you takes yer choice."
:)

I'm waiting to cheer changes on WB25 ... (uncropped Smallville). :).
Haven't forgotten about you. :)

It would also be nice to see the "full form" applications on your LD stations ... 11 days to the deadline and no sign of them in the search yet. If you're bored you can talk to legal. :D.
All I can say is things are moving along. :)

Haven't forgotten about you. :)


All I can say is things are moving along. :)
I seen that WMWB was off the air and WBND and WMYS was broadcasting dead air just a little bit ago.

Apparently fixed.