I seen that WMWB was off the air and WBND and WMYS was broadcasting dead air just a little bit ago.
Well I know what the morning meet will be about. :o

Since upgrading to digital cable from basic cable a couple weeks ago, I have noticed audio dropouts much more frequently. Usually it's just a few seconds but some have lasted more than 10 seconds. Is this just coincidence or is there something about digital cable or the DVR that's causing this?

These dropouts have all occurred on network TV and I think (but can't be positive) that it's been only on ABC and CW.

I currently just have comcast basic cable. However on the South Bend Comcast PDF of channel lineup and prices they sent me, it states ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC and PBS are availble with HD equipment with just basic cable. I hooked up my first HD tv to it last night and did a DTV scan and it found 23 digital channels, but only 1 was being broadcast in HD (720p) which was ABC (i watched desperate housewives).

All the other local affiliates were on SD (480i). Am I doing something wrong or do I have to buy some package from comcast. I am only interested right now in the local networks being in HD (i know i can go OTA, but i am kind of far away from the towers and I do not want to invest in the roof antenna if I don't have to (an indoor antenna didn't cut it).

I currently just have comcast basic cable. However on the South Bend Comcast PDF of channel lineup and prices they sent me, it states ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC and PBS are availble with HD equipment with just basic cable.

You have to get HD service which is $5/month. I think there must be some kind of set-top box that's needed.

Cool. I could be way off base, but I thought there was FCC regulations where cable companies had to re-broadcast the local channels in HD on basic cable without charging anything extra to get HD. On a seperate thread (GV46L thread) others with comcast stated they just did a DTV scan with their TV's using comcast and all the local affiliates were found in HD with extended basic cable (which i have). For some reason in this market only ABC is in HD along with CW (just found out tonight), the others are there but they are in SD. Weird.

You have to get HD service which is $5/month. I think there must be some kind of set-top box that's needed.

The $5 a month is to rent the HD box. If you have a TV with QAM tuner you don't have any extra charge.

Al

I currently just have comcast basic cable. However on the South Bend Comcast PDF of channel lineup and prices they sent me, it states ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC and PBS are availble with HD equipment with just basic cable. I hooked up my first HD tv to it last night and did a DTV scan and it found 23 digital channels, but only 1 was being broadcast in HD (720p) which was ABC (i watched desperate housewives).

All the other local affiliates were on SD (480i). Am I doing something wrong or do I have to buy some package from comcast. I am only interested right now in the local networks being in HD (i know i can go OTA, but i am kind of far away from the towers and I do not want to invest in the roof antenna if I don't have to (an indoor antenna didn't cut it).

I am guessing that your TV didn't find all the channels. Digital cable is very touchy for signal strength and quality. Maybe try hooking up your cable directly to the TV without any splitters and see if you get more.

Thanks guys. I will try that. Right now it is being split to my cable modem also. My TV does have a QAM tuner builtin. I will let you know the results.

Breaking NEWS....... Major Power outage in South Bend has several stations off the air. From what I am told a main power feeder line is down and power is not expected before 10am Wed.

Back on.

Always nice when it comes back on faster than promised. :)

Same results when connecting directly to the comcast feed to my house. Only ABC and WC are being found broadcasting in HD unencrypted on the comcast feed.

Same results when connecting directly to the comcast feed to my house. Only ABC and WC are being found broadcasting in HD unencrypted on the comcast feed.
OK, I'll encrypt them for ya. :D

Just got my HDTV yesterday (Sony 50E2000) and I love it so far. For some reason, I can't get ESPN HD or Discovery HD. The screen says "One moment please, this channel will be available shortly." What's that all about?

The first time I tried Discovery HD I had a picture but it was breaking up into little squares, then I got the message.

My feed comes into the house and split for internet and TV. The TV feed goes into a surge protector before the DVR. I'm using an HDMI to connect the Moto 3416 to the TV.

Just got my HDTV yesterday (Sony 50E2000) and I love it so far. For some reason, I can't get ESPN HD or Discovery HD. The screen says "One moment please, this channel will be available shortly." What's that all about?

The first time I tried Discovery HD I had a picture but it was breaking up into little squares, then I got the message.

My feed comes into the house and split for internet and TV. The TV feed goes into a surge protector before the DVR. I'm using an HDMI to connect the Moto 3416 to the TV.
Surge protector is probably killing your signal. It doesn't take much.

Surge protector is probably killing your signal. It doesn't take much.

I'll take that out of the chain and see what happens. Should I not worry about the surge protection for the cable signal then?

Both were actually coming in fine last night but this morning they were both breaking up again. Why would it be only those 2 channels?

1:00 p.m. update: with the cable going direct into the DVR, the problems with 173 and 205 have disappeared. I will monitor to see if it's permanent.

I've been seeing tons of picture glitches on WSBT-HD lately. I've been recording the Monday Night comedy line-up and the picture flaked out at the same spot on both my 811 and my 942. Signal Quality readings are 88-94% It seems that ever since WSBT-2 came on-line that these picture quality issues have occured.

I wonder if the satellite downlink for CBS-HD has issues? That might explain the "HD Signal Lost" screens that pop up from time to time.

BTW, was the power outage related to the lake-effect snow we had the other day? We didn't lose our power, but I noticed that the satellites to the West had dropped off, probably because the snow was being blown onto the reflector. The signal from 61.5°W was not affected as much.

SBT-2 has been online for at least three years. It was called UPN Michiana. I don't believe they are stealing any more bits from 22.1 to make 22.2 look better as SBT2 than it did as UPN.

Not sure why there was a power outage. Didn't seem to get covered in the media.

The Colts game just started and its suppose to be in HD but its in 4:3 for some dumb reason thanks CBS...

HAHA they just put into HD someone must of just woke up hehe.

JL, I was referring to their change from UPN to WSBT2. I don't know if WSBT changed the bit allocations between the three subchannels, I was just making the observation that the problems with WSBT-HD for me seemed to start after UPN left.

Now, I've been watching the Colts game and it looks pretty normal for WSBT-HD, that is to say that the MPEG artifacts are mostly limited to fades and during the transition with the CBS-NFL logo flying in and out.

When I watch 22 Analog, I get terrible ghosting. There must be at least 6 ghost images I can count for every "real" image. I assume this is what causes all of my digital problems with WSBT-DT. What can I do about this?

When I watch 22 Analog, I get terrible ghosting. There must be at least 6 ghost images I can count for every "real" image. I assume this is what causes all of my digital problems with WSBT-DT. What can I do about this?

Ghosting is usually caused by an antenna that is not pointed at the station, or isn't directional enough. What type of antenna are you using? Are you able to adjust the direction?

Al

Hmm. Good question. It's a rooftop...looks directional. Looking at the orientation, it's probably about 30 degrees too far to the south. Would that be enough to cause ghosting?

Hmm. Good question. It's a rooftop...looks directional. Looking at the orientation, it's probably about 30 degrees too far to the south. Would that be enough to cause ghosting?

Yes, that could be the problem. Mine ghosts pretty bad when it is off by even 15 to 20 degrees. The digitals usually come in OK when the aim is off by more though. You are closer to the transmitters and have a stronger signal, so you are likely to have strong reflections also.

Al

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. :DAll I can say is things are moving along. :)Filed! (Submitted Oct 27, accept for filing Oct 30th.)

23 20061027AFU WEIGEL BROADCASTING CO. (My Michiana TV - WMYS 69)
27 20061027AGD WMWB-TV LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (The CW 25 - WCWW 25)
49 20061027AGZ WBND-TV LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (ABC 57 - WBND 57)

Filed! (Submitted Oct 27, accept for filing Oct 30th.)

23 20061027AFU WEIGEL BROADCASTING CO. (My Michiana TV - WMYS 69)
27 20061027AGD WMWB-TV LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (The CW 25 - WCWW 25)
49 20061027AGZ WBND-TV LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (ABC 57 - WBND 57)
Wow that was quick. Wasn't expecting to see anything for a while. Now begins the countdown for the CP issuance. :D

Wow that was quick. Wasn't expecting to see anything for a while. Now begins the countdown for the CP issuance. :D
It took them 6 months just to approve TBN's flash-cut CP's in March. I hope they don't take that long for these.

There have been 68 CP approvals for LDs filed in September, including a couple filed at the end of September. No approvals on any of the October filings yet - but it doesn't look like the FCC will be taking six months on these apps.

As far as the TBNs go, is there a schedule available for when the "flash" will occur? I know LP 18 in Elkhart has been approved - when will we get the LD?

Does WSBT ever run the local news in HD? Last night even the CBS Evening news was SD. I think I've seen the network news in HD in the last week but I'm not sure. I'm getting it via Comcast btw.

It's 8:00 and every channel has a picture of Chris Chocola on it even though the audio from the underlying program is coming thru. Gotta be a Comcast digital cable thing because the analog channels on my other TV not going thru the Moto cable box are fine. Got the "all agents are busy" line with I called Comcast then it went to a high pitched tone so I hung up.

Joe Donnelly will want equal time. :)

There have been 68 CP approvals for LDs filed in September, including a couple filed at the end of September. No approvals on any of the October filings yet - but it doesn't look like the FCC will be taking six months on these apps.

As far as the TBNs go, is there a schedule available for when the "flash" will occur? I know LP 18 in Elkhart has been approved - when will we get the LD?
I sent an email to the TBN VP of engineering, but I don't know if he'll answer that one. The 15 kw will cover the South Bend market with an outdoor antenna. On a good tropo night, I will probably be able to DX it from my location 60 miles west of Chicago.

It is a big decision to flash cut ... one has to decide if the analog viewers one loses are more valuable than the digital customers one gains. I'm looking forward to the multi-feed format myself. I assume cable subscribers will still get an analog feed ... and possibly the multicast. Satellite subscribers already get TBN national so they are not missing anything. But there are local viewers with antennas that will be lost.

What is TBN?

What is TBN?
Trinity Broadcast Network.

The scoop from TBN is this: they have NO plans to flash-cut until absolutely necessary...not until analog shutdown. If OTA viewership continues to fall
(they note only a handful of people, literally, watch KTBN-DT in Los Angeles with 10 million viewers), they will let the CP's expire and not build them out. To multicast an LP would cost many more times than the transmitter itself. In other words, basically these CP's are to cover their rears, and I agree, that's the smart way to go. If they have the viewers, they will flash-cut and be in great shape compared to other stations/networks. If not, they will expire and the analog translator goes dark.

So don't look for them to sign on until 2009 if then...and they won't be multicasting, at least that's how it looks right now.

It's 8:00 and every channel has a picture of Chris Chocola on it even though the audio from the underlying program is coming thru. Gotta be a Comcast digital

Why I didn't think of this last night is beyond me. Got home from work today, unplugged the DVR, plugged it back in and let it reboot and everything is fine. Why the folks at the Comcast store didn't suggest this either is crazy. They just said bring it in and we'll swap it out.

Anyone notice that when you unplug the DVR it takes several hours for the program guide to fill back up? Everything now says "to be announced" or something similar.

Why I didn't think of this last night is beyond me. Got home from work today, unplugged the DVR, plugged it back in and let it reboot and everything is fine. Why the folks at the Comcast store didn't suggest this either is crazy. They just said bring it in and we'll swap it out.

Anyone notice that when you unplug the DVR it takes several hours for the program guide to fill back up? Everything now says "to be announced" or something similar.
Sounds like Long GOP. Except that would be the L O N G version of it. :eek:

Does WSBT ever run the local news or CBS network news in HD? I am watching via Comcast. WNDU runs both local and national news in HD.

Does WSBT ever run the local news or CBS network news in HD? I am watching via Comcast. WNDU runs both local and national news in HD.

WSBT has never had local news in HD AFAIK. WNDU doesn't have local in HD either, they just stretch the SD.

Yep. WNDU says they do that because people prefer that the full screen is filled ... but it also confuses viewers to believe that EVERYTHING is in HD even when a lot isn't. :(

WNDU also seems to have the most trouble remembering to flip the switch to HD.

WNDU doesn't have local in HD either, they just stretch the SD.

It doesn't seem to look as distorted as when I use the TV to stretch an SD program. Looks a little sharper on the digital channel vs the analog but upon closer examination, it doesn't look HD sharp.

It doesn't seem to look as distorted as when I use the TV to stretch an SD program. Looks a little sharper on the digital channel vs the analog but upon closer examination, it doesn't look HD sharp.
Don't quote me on their usage but theres more than 4:3 crop and 16:9 stretch. I forget the "proper name" but its a strech and starts at the center of the screen. As you get closer to the edges it stretches more. TNT HD uses it for upconversion.

I believe that WNDU's stretch is equal. There is a crop at the top and bottom of the screen (not enough to lose on screen titles and scrolls used in news - more off the top than the bottom). They have it stretched it wider than exact proportional. I don't see the fisheye effect that stretching the outsides more than the middle would cause.

My best estimate is that they are cropping the image 6% top and bottom (4% at the top, 2% at the bottom) and stretching it 16% wider than needed to "maintain aspect ratio". See the images below ...
#1 is the "HD" signal (SD upconverted to HD due to election coverage).
#2 is the "SD" signal as displayed proportionally on a wide screen.
#3 is #2 stretched maintaining aspect ratio 6% then stretched width only 16%.
(#3 has #1 overlaid on it as an animated GIF and the overall image is cropped for width due to AVSForum limitations)

#3 is the most telling ... #1 and two are the raw captures off of the SD output of my receiver for those who want to do their own stretching. :)

Does anyone else have the problem where when you leave the Comcast HD DVR on channel 189 the box eventually locks up?

I have two friends that have the same problem.

Does anyone else have the problem where when you leave the Comcast HD DVR on channel 189 the box eventually locks up?



My 3416 has locked up twice in the last week. Not sure what channel it was one but definitely one of the locals, mostly likely 188 or 189. Both times there was an image frozen on the screen but the audio was from whatever program was on. Had to unplug it to reset. One more time and it's going back for a different one but perhaps it's not just my unit.

What firmware are you on? Mine is 12.31 which is far from the latest.

What is up with ABC 57 not getting a signal right now any reason why ?

Hmmm ... looks like something else for the Monday morning meeting.
Still out. The other two LPs (25 and 69) are on the air.

Hmmm ... looks like something else for the Monday morning meeting.
Still out. The other two LPs (25 and 69) are on the air.
Couldn't be the transmitter, we have an AUX. Hmmmmm.....I didnt get any phone calls either. Yep, guess I'll find out Monday Morning.

Hmmm ... looks like something else for the Monday morning meeting.
Still out. The other two LPs (25 and 69) are on the air.
Don't want to email the boss now. I'll get the scoop in the morning.

FYI: You're still off the air ... no signal just static ... on WBND 57.
25 and 69 still working fine.

Does anyone else have the problem where when you leave the Comcast HD DVR on channel 189 the box eventually locks up?


After the Fla-SC game (on WSBT ch 189) we went to the movies (Borat-very funny) and when we got back 2 hrs later, the DVR was locked up. Guess I won't leave it on that channel anymore.

Couldn't be the transmitter, we have an AUX. Hmmmmm.....I didnt get any phone calls either. Yep, guess I'll find out Monday Morning.I don't think it's the link to the transmitter as there's no carrier to tune in like JL noted. What phone number should we call? ;)

I guess I was hoping for a flash-cut to digital operations, but alas, no...

Still DOA ... DishNetwork is transmitting colorbars (their standard cover video for unreceived signals).
I was thinking power failure when I first saw that it was out, but the other two stations at the same site are on.

I don't think it's the link to the transmitter as there's no carrier to tune in like JL noted. What phone number should we call? ;)

I guess I was hoping for a flash-cut to digital operations, but alas, no...
Won't be a flash cut to digital. They'll be tandem till 2009. No word yet on CP's

Still DOA ... DishNetwork is transmitting colorbars (their standard cover video for unreceived signals).
I was thinking power failure when I first saw that it was out, but the other two stations at the same site are on.
We are probably on our AUX transmitter then. Dish and DirectTV can't get our REALLY LP aux trans. As far as power failure we are protected by a generator. Would only be a 10-20 second glitch while the power switches.

Ok here's whats going on. Apparently we have a section of transmission line that shorted. The shorted piece was replaced and they are cleaning the debris out of the remaining line. After all that and sweeping/testing the line it should be back up. ETA.........later tonight but no firm time. Sorry for the lack of ABC for the weekend. :(

Thank you for looking into it. At least it happened this weekend instead of next week Ohio st vs Mich game....

Thank you for looking into it. At least it happened this weekend instead of next week Ohio st vs Mich game....
Ooooooo.....that's a good game!!!! IDon't know who to root for. (I like 'em both :D )

ABC 57 is back at 7:45pm (or so). Congrats. Made it right before prime time!

I currenty get local HD's OTA on my Toshiba HDTV with integrated tuner. If I subscribe to Comcast Digital Cable, will I be able to get local HD's, ESPN-HD and the other HD's included with digital cable with a Comcast cablecard only? (no digital or HD boxes) Isn't the HD box needed only if you have an HD Monitor or HD ready TV?
Thanks to anyone who can help.

I currenty get local HD's OTA on my Toshiba HDTV with integrated tuner. If I subscribe to Comcast Digital Cable, will I be able to get local HD's, ESPN-HD and the other HD's included with digital cable with a Comcast cablecard only? (no digital or HD boxes) Isn't the HD box needed only if you have an HD Monitor or HD ready TV?
Thanks to anyone who can help.

I don't have any experience with cablecard, but I understand that cablecard is supposed to let you view any digital channel that you subscribe to on Comcast. You just won't get the onscreen guide, or be able to get ppv or on demand.

I don't have any experience with cablecard, but I understand that cablecard is supposed to let you view any digital channel that you subscribe to on Comcast. You just won't get the onscreen guide, or be able to get ppv or on demand.
Thanks for your response. I don't care much about ppv or on demand and my TV has TV Guide on Screen from Gemstar, so It appears that I will be all set.
By the way, I would be interested to know if anyone in the South Bend area has TVGOS and what your experience has been with it.

After the Fla-SC game (on WSBT ch 189) we went to the movies and when we got back 2 hrs later, the DVR was locked up.

Tonight it locked up while we were watching WSBT news. First time it's done it with the TV on and #5 so far. I will swap it out if I ever get caught up on the stuff I've recorded. :rolleyes:

From what I have read in other threads, other markets are getting Universal HD.Why arent us in South Bend/Mishawaka? We had the two channels they told the rest of the nation they were removing INHD2 for 3 months before they removed INHD2 (MHD & ESPN2 HD) and they have yet to add a new HD channel despite the bandwidth they opened up by removing that excelent channel! So in order for us to get any new HD channels we need to flood them with calls and e-mails with requests of the channels we want them to add.I would like to see them add National Geographic HD, FSN HD , NFL Net HD , A&E HD, Food Net HD, HGTV HD, Universal HD , and SD classic cartoon network Boomerang.They need to hear what we want! So please do us all a favor and drop them a e-mail or a ring! Oh if a miracle should ever occur I want HDnet and HDnet movies ;-)

South Bend Comcast is the devil! Remember that last week while anyone who had a dish got the ND/AF game for free, Comcast in South Bend didn't even offer it. Even the Comcast customers in Fort Wayne & Indi got it, but not the hometown crowd.

South Bend Comcast is the devil!I won't argue with that... :rolleyes:Remember that last week while anyone who had a dish got the ND/AF game for free, Comcast in South Bend didn't even offer it.Not completely true: I believe that Dish and DirecTV customers have to subscribe to a mid-range or better tier to get CSTV. Not exactly "free"Even the Comcast customers in Fort Wayne & Indi got it, but not the hometown crowd.We invited some of our ND friends that have Comcast over to watch CSTV on our dish; they brought pizza; we called it even and everybody had a great time. :)

Not completely true: I believe that Dish and DirecTV customers have to subscribe to a mid-range or better tier to get CSTV. Not exactly "free"
It was exactly free to all Dish & Directv customers. CSTV gave a free preview weekend to participating cable/sat services. Directv & Dish turned it on nationally as did Comcast FW & Indi...just not South Bend. Like most, I don't normally get CSTV, but I got it for free last weekend.

It was exactly free to all Dish & Directv customers. CSTV gave a free preview weekend to participating cable/sat services. Directv & Dish turned it on nationally as did Comcast FW & Indi...just not South Bend. Like most, I don't normally get CSTV, but I got it for free last weekend.


Same here i didnt pay anything to see the ND vs AF game it was just there friday night and all day saturday.

CSTV gave a free preview weekend to participating cable/sat services. Directv & Dish turned it on nationally as did Comcast FW & Indi...just not South Bend. Like most, I don't normally get CSTV, but I got it for free last weekend.Mike,
My apologies. I didn't know that CSTV had done a free weekend for their providers. I guess I didn't read that particular article in the SBT, just the one that said Comcast customers in our area were not going to see it.

Mike,
My apologies. I didn't know that CSTV had done a free weekend for their providers. I guess I didn't read that particular article in the SBT, just the one that said Comcast customers in our area were not going to see it.

I don't think there was an article about the free preview for satellite customers. I also saw no mention of it on any local news broadcasts. I'm sure the fact that Comcast is a huge sponsor for both had nothing to do with it. ;)

WNDU bashed CSTV all week.
They kept calling CSTV an obscure cable channel.
At the beginning of the week they claimed Dish would have it as a PayPerView.
By the end of the week they were saying it was on Dish/Direct but not in their base packages.

The funniest clip was on Friday when they played that Comcast commercial with the guy about to bash his dish in on the roof complaining that he 'just wanted to watch the game'. Bashing the dish was not the way to get the game last week in SBN. :)

Anyways - They did have a few reports of places with CSTV on the news ... not entirely biased reporting. But incorrect information paired with Comcast ads does smell just a little bit. :D

I didn't know it was a free preview ... but then I get the channel anyways so it's always on for me. (Well, always available but rarely watched.)

Is it my imagination or do the local HD channels (16.1 and 22.1) look better OTA than thru Comcast?

Is it my imagination or do the local HD channels (16.1 and 22.1) look better OTA than thru Comcast?


and their FREE !! :D

and their FREE !! :D
I heard that. I will now be accepting payments for HD viewing. Pricing is $9 an eight hour block. :D

I heard that. I will now be accepting payments for HD viewing. Pricing is $9 an eight hour block. :D
I've got the money. The question is...do you have the signal? :)

I live on the south side of Nappanee, can anybody pull in ABC (WPTA) Fort Wayne? I plan on watching Notre Dame vs USC game on HD.

I live on the south side of Nappanee, can anybody pull in ABC (WPTA) Fort Wayne? I plan on watching Notre Dame vs USC game on HD.

According to the FCC coverage map for WPTA-DT, http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT692115.html it appears your chances are quite good, provided you have a good outdoor antenna.

Steve

I live on the south side of Nappanee, can anybody pull in ABC (WPTA) Fort Wayne? I plan on watching Notre Dame vs USC game on HD.

I get a very strong signal on 21 in Middlebury. I have an 8 bay antenna with a rotor and I don't have to point the antenna at Fort Wayne to get a stable signal.

I live on the south side of Nappanee, can anybody pull in ABC (WPTA) Fort Wayne? I plan on watching Notre Dame vs USC game on HD.
I hate you! :mad:
I mean......welcome to the forum. :)

I hate you! :mad:
I mean......welcome to the forum. :)
LOL. We're getting closer just FYI. No CP's that I know of yet, but we're getting closer. ;)

The sound keep cutting or clipping alot on ABC 57 WBND for some reason during the ND USC game

That's not new. It happens alot on WBND. :(

That's not new. It happens alot on WBND. :(
I know nothing of that. Any more info??? Only during HD events, SD events, or both?? During Network programming or local programming. If you can give me a more precise time (ballpark time) I can check our DVR to hear it.

It happened during the ND game tonight and I've had it happen during previous games as well as Lost and Day Break. Next time it happens I'll post it, but due to no HiDef, I only watch about 3-4 ABC shows. It's sort of a loud popping that lasts up to 30 seconds while drowning out the dialog.

It happened during the ND game tonight and I've had it happen during previous games as well as Lost and Day Break. Next time it happens I'll post it, but due to no HiDef, I only watch about 3-4 ABC shows. It's sort of a loud popping that lasts up to 30 seconds while drowning out the dialog.
So only during ABC network events?? I'm assuming you're watching our analog signal then and not HD on Comcast??

I have to watch the local WBND feed from Directv because the OTA signal is too weak for my ChannelMaster 4221 to pull in without static. I won't allow Comcast to let one of their wires touch my house. :) Due to the poor ABC video quality, including the zoomed in cropping, I really don't watch too much ABC programming right now.

I have to watch the local WBND feed from Directv because the OTA signal is too weak for my ChannelMaster 4221 to pull in without static. I won't allow Comcast to let one of their wires touch my house. :) Due to the poor ABC video quality, including the zoomed in cropping, I really don't watch too much ABC programming right now.
I'll take a look at our DVR recording 57 on Monday to see what I can hear.

I noticed the audio drop-outs during the ND-USC game on the NTSC OTA signal. I'm about 4 Km from the Weigel tower, so I get better signal strength than Mike does. On the OTA signal, it was just an audio drop-out; no popping or static.

Got an idea as to the audio drop outs on WBND. Gonna (hopefully) fix it today. Let me know if they happen again.

Sweet. Thanks.

The plot thickens..... :cool: I got some reports here in Chicago that WLS had audio drop outs as well over the weekend. May be an ABC thing. Still trying my idea though. :)

I got some reports here in Chicago that WLS had audio drop outs as well over the weekend. May be an ABC thing. Still trying my idea though. :)

I think there were a couple on Desperate Housewives last night which I watched via Comcast.

Anymore audio hits lately??

I haven't watched anything from ABC since. I have this week's Daybreak TiVo'd, I'll let you know when I watch that.

Anymore audio hits lately??

I just watched Desperate Housewives that i recorded from Comcast on Sunday and didn't notice any problems.

Ok I made a change to WBND. Let me know if there are more audio drop outs.

No problems with Daybreak audio.

Good!!! I like to hear that. I'll keep the current config going till monday. If nothing happens over the weekend then I have our audio problems solved!!!

Ok I made a change to WBND. Let me know if there are more audio drop outs.

There was one on Grey's Anatomy last night at 9:24. Lasted about 2-3 seconds. I was watching on Comcast ch 187 so presumably it was network related.

The first 5 minutes of the USC-UCLA game were silent.

The first 5 minutes of the USC-UCLA game were silent.
:( Back to the drawing board.

Sound popped in & out then got turned to static for a couple seconds around the 58 minute mark of Extreme Makeover Home Edition tonight.

Sound popped in & out then got turned to static for a couple seconds around the 58 minute mark of Extreme Makeover Home Edition tonight.
Thanx for keeping in touch. I'm going through the airchain piece by piece to see what's causing it. I have some cool new software that's helping so far. Cross your fingers!!! :D

i sincerely apologize if this is the wrong forum to ask, but what do south benders feel is the best commercial offering of HDTV?

i have comcast, and am quite pleased with the HD quality and offering, but it is getting pricey. my set-up is in the basement, fully below grade, so i had no luck with a indoor antenna, and don't really feel like hassling with installing an outdoor antenna.

is anyone here really high on DirecTV or Dish Network? either quality of broadcast, quality of selection, future promises for more channels, etc.?

Hello everyone! First post!

I'm trying to get...

to 5 posts...

...so I can post links.

Hope I didn't torque anyone off...

i sincerely apologize if this is the wrong forum to ask, but what do south benders feel is the best commercial offering of HDTV?

i have comcast, and am quite pleased with the HD quality and offering, but it is getting pricey. my set-up is in the basement, fully below grade, so i had no luck with a indoor antenna, and don't really feel like hassling with installing an outdoor antenna.

is anyone here really high on DirecTV or Dish Network? either quality of broadcast, quality of selection, future promises for more channels, etc.?


I had had DirecTV since November 1995, when I decided to switch to DISH a few months ago. The biggest reason being is that they own the rights to the VOOM network HD channels. DirecTV has alot lot less HD channels. I switched in September.
These are some of the differences I have noticed:
*DISH has a few more channels overall.
*The regional sports pack costs half as much on DISH as it does on DirecTV.
*The SD DISH receiver (DISH 322) has two tuners(one IR remote and one RF remote), so I can watch stuff in my detached garage while I'm out there (I have a cable also running out there). Very reliable receiver.
*The HD DISH receiver (VIP 211) is very user friendly, BUT I'm on my second one since September!! It had the HDMI output go kaput. They did get me a new one through second day air. :)
*The 2 SD receivers I had for DirecTV were pretty rock solid ( D11's).

My service never goes away for either company (unless there is a bad thunderstorm).
I have never tried Comcast in my area, because of their terrible service outage history where I live.
I would say that the SD picture quality between the two is about the same. I CANNOT evaluate DirecTV HD service as I never saw their HD programming on my TV.
NEITHER service offers locals in HD right now, so I do have an OTA pointed toward South Bend.

These are the channels I get right now through the package I have:

http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/dishhd/programming/pricingandpackages/gold/index.shtml

and these:

http://www.dishtv.com/pub/htsp.com/dish2sports/multi_sports.html

I don't know what Comcast offers as far as prices, but I pay about $80 monthly (this includes an additional receiver fee). This is 10 dollars more than I was paying for DirecTV, but I also added the HD channels with DISH Network.

I hope this info helps you.

Location: Bridgman, MI 49106

I have my own question for the experts. I'm posting it here because i don't know if it is an equipment glitch or signal discrepancy yet.

I can manually input the South Bend digital channels on my DISH HD receiver(VIP 211).
They will then show up as any other channel in the hierarchy.

While looking at the channel header when I change channels it will appear as such:

"16-01 WNDU Digital Service", "22-01 WSBT Digital Service", etc.

... and I will get a signal meter reading between 95-98 depending on the channel.

NOW the other day, I started to get an actual program guide for the local HD channels that showed up in the header AND in the guide instead of the "Digital Service" I was always getting.
Today it reverted back.

The question I have is -- Is this program guide a function of the receiver, OR something the OTA locals broadcast? How come I don't get it all the time?


I hope I explained myself well enough...

Location: Bridgman, MI 49106

I have my own question for the experts. I'm posting it here because i don't know if it is an equipment glitch or signal discrepancy yet.

I can manually input the South Bend digital channels on my DISH HD receiver(VIP 211).
They will then show up as any other channel in the hierarchy.

While looking at the channel header when I change channels it will appear as such:

"16-01 WNDU Digital Service", "22-01 WSBT Digital Service", etc.

... and I will get a signal meter reading between 95-98 depending on the channel.

NOW the other day, I started to get an actual program guide for the local HD channels that showed up in the header AND in the guide instead of the "Digital Service" I was always getting.
Today it reverted back.

The question I have is -- Is this program guide a function of the receiver, OR something the OTA locals broadcast? How come I don't get it all the time?


I hope I explained myself well enough...
Technically we control all of our data (channel name, guide info, stuff like that) But when it hits a provider like Dish, they can insert/change the info themselves.

Unless you subscribe to Dish's Local Networks (extra $5/mo) the HD receivers won't show our local netowrk affiliate data in the EPG. Dish was providing it since September, but that was a freebie on their part. My old 811 always had guide data for the locals, but I lost the South Bend locals EPG data on my 211 yesterday. My 622 never had SBN EPG data.

I dislike paying $5 for our standard definition channels that I'd never watch just to get EPG data for the local digital stations.

Interesting.

I get my HD's OTA and the EPG always shows up. I'm using DISH 211.

Hello,
I have DishNetwork along with a ViP211 receiver which was just installed yesterday. I have no avalible EPG for my OTA channels. This is annoying because I get a programming guide using my TV's ATSC tuner, but then my wife would be required to use 2 remotes.

Right now we are without ABC, because I was too cheap to pony up for locals. I don't know how long we are going to be able to put up with that though, I don't think I wan't to miss all the bowl games.

Interesting.

I get my HD's OTA and the EPG always shows up. I'm using DISH 211.


Do you subscribe to the SD locals also?

I called DISH tech support and they said if I got a program guide on the HD OTA locals, then it is a mystery, because the receivers are not designed to convert(?)
the signals. It will only show up if you have a subscription.
This is what I was told.
It seems like they are blocking the signal. That is silly because why go through the trouble of programming a receiver allowing me to search and integrate my HD locals in to the program guide, but not giving me guide info?
That's just dumb. :rolleyes:

i sincerely apologize if this is the wrong forum to ask, but what do south benders feel is the best commercial offering of HDTV?

i have comcast, and am quite pleased with the HD quality and offering, but it is getting pricey. my set-up is in the basement, fully below grade, so i had no luck with a indoor antenna, and don't really feel like hassling with installing an outdoor antenna.

is anyone here really high on DirecTV or Dish Network? either quality of broadcast, quality of selection, future promises for more channels, etc.?

If you want HD locals, you are stuck with cable or you would have to put up an antenna. Neither sat service offers HD locals for South Bend, so that option would require an offair antenna.

I'm in the same situation as you. I like Comcast service and DVR but the bill is too high and they just announced another increase. I'm considering the Dish Network 622 receiver, as I understand it to be a fairly well working unit. I do have an antenna on the roof to get the locals.

It is my understanding that Dish will allow you to sub just to the HD package without paying for a SD basics package. Can anyone confirm this? I rarely watch the SD basic channels anymore.

Al

It is my understanding that Dish will allow you to sub just to the HD package without paying for a SD basics package. Can anyone confirm this? I rarely watch the SD basic channels anymore.Unfortunately not true. There was a $30 "HD only" plan discussed in February when DishNetwork (E*) released their new DishHD packages but as far as anyone can tell it is no longer offered (and was practically a secret when it was offered).

The cheapest E* SD package is $29.95 with the cheapest DishHD package being that package plus most HD channels for $49.95. Most E* subscribers go for the next level package (at least) because it adds regional sports (CSN Chi and Fox Midwest - plus Pacers games that you won't see on Comcast). Now we are at $59.95 - and with E* you will want to subcribe to locals ($5) to get guide information for the OTA channels you receive.

Yes, even if you can pick up the SBN channels free OTA you won't get program guide information from E* unless you subscribe to the local channel package. E* receivers do not use PSIP for guide info and in our market only the -01 channels have guide info (no info for 16-02, 22-02 or -03, 34-01 or -02 :( ).

Do you subscribe to the SD locals also?

IThat is silly because why go through the trouble of programming a receiver allowing me to search and integrate my HD locals in to the program guide, but not giving me guide info?
That's just dumb. :rolleyes:

As SOON as I posted this, I checked again, and the EPG is gone! Ha!

Yeah, you're right. But then again, I've never thought of DISH as the paramount of logic OR service!

I'm considering the Dish Network 622 receiver, as I understand it to be a fairly well working unit. .



Al


Do you use HDMI? Beware, if so. I'm on my 2nd unit in 4 months due to the well-publicized HARDWARE [software if you're speaking for E*] issue!

Unfortunately not true. There was a $30 "HD only" plan discussed in February when DishNetwork (E*) released their new DishHD packages but as far as anyone can tell it is no longer offered (and was practically a secret when it was offered).

The cheapest E* SD package is $29.95 with the cheapest DishHD package being that package plus most HD channels for $59.95. Most E* subscribers go for the next level package (at least) because it adds regional sports (CSN Chi and Fox Midwest - plus Pacers games that you won't see on Comcast). Now we are at $69.95 - and with E* you will want to subcribe to locals ($5) to get guide information for the OTA channels you receive.

Yes, even if you can pick up the SBN channels free OTA you won't get program guide information from E* unless you subscribe to the local channel package. E* receivers do not use PSIP for guide info and in our market only the -01 channels have guide info (no info for 16-02, 22-02 or -03, 34-01 or -02 :( ).


Thanks for the info. It sounds like it would be about the same price as Comcast, just with more HD channels. I would save money during the 10 month discount period, but would have to spend 200 to get the DVR initially. Are the HD channels worth watching?

The cheapest E* SD package is $29.95 with the cheapest DishHD package being that package plus most HD channels for $59.95.The Bronze DishHD package is $49.95 and is equivalent to the Americas Top 60 ($29.95) + the HD channels ($20 uplift). Here's a link (http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/dishhd/programming/pricingandpackages/index.shtml) to all of their HD programming packages.

Also, Dish does offer a Family Package (DishFAMILY) for $19.95. I'll let my son know that when he wants to watch Boomerang, he can get his own Dish and pay $20/mo for those channels... :D

The Bronze DishHD package is $49.95 and is equivalent to the Americas Top 60 ($29.95) + the HD channels ($20 uplift). Here's a link (http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/dishhd/programming/pricingandpackages/index.shtml) to all of their HD programming packages.Correct you are! Must have been tired last night to add $29.95 and $20.00 and get $59.95.Also, Dish does offer a Family Package (DishFAMILY) for $19.95. I'll let my son know that when he wants to watch Boomerang, he can get his own Dish and pay $20/mo for those channels... :DIt would be nice to get DishFAMILY plus HD, but the purpose of DishFAMILY isn't to be a "base package" that is to be built on. The purpose of DishFAMILY is to 1) be a price leader ($19.95 or $24.95 w/locals) and 2) satisfy complaints about program content by offering a 'family friendly' package of channels taken from all tiers. Plus HD would add the HD versions of channels that are not in DishFAMILY plus some decidedly non-family content options.

Hello all. Ive been lurking and learning for a few weeks. Will soon buy my 1st HDTV, a Panasonic Plasma. I currently get my cable from Quality Cable in New Paris, IN. Its cheaper than comcast, and seems to be a very small operation. Well, today I called and they said that they have started to broadcast some HD content including WNDU, WSBT and Fox and ABC from Ft. Wayne!

Im glad I dont have to switch to Comcast!! These channels are included in the expanded cable. Then on top of that, for $5/mo more, i will get ESPN, History, Nat'l Geo, UniversalHD, Discovery, and a couple others I dont remember. Seems like a great deal for $46/month.

Only one question, she said for the locals, all i need is to be sure my TV has a QAM tuner. (it will) I understand that, but she said nothing about needing a cable box, or receiver for the other channels. I somehow thought that i would need more than just the old cable coming out of the wall to get HD stuff.

So, what do u think, am i lucky? Any one else here from Goshen?

OK, ABC has assured me that the new HD IRD they sent me should clear up our audio drop outs. Let me know if you still hear them.

OK, ABC has assured me that the new HD IRD they sent me should clear up our audio drop outs. Let me know if you still hear them.

Audio was off for about 5 minutes today at about 3:15 pm.

Audio was off for about 5 minutes today at about 3:15 pm.
Ok I have our monitoring in place now and I'm pretty sure I've got it figured out. I should see alarms for quietness on WBND now. (In theory, anyways)

Hello all, apparently the FCC has given us a CP for WCWW-LD. (27) I can't find it yet on their site but it's like fresh off the presses. I'll send more info when I have it.

Hello all, apparently the FCC has given us a CP for WCWW-LD. (27) I can't find it yet on their site but it's like fresh off the presses. I'll send more info when I have it.

So we can expect a sign-on next week, right? :D

Hope your ABC digital companion channel gets approved today. That's what many people want here!

So we can expect a sign-on next week, right? :D

Hope your ABC digital companion channel gets approved today. That's what many people want here!
Yeah we hope to make them happy viewers next year! ;)

Hello all, apparently the FCC has given us a CP for WCWW-LD. (27) I can't find it yet on their site but it's like fresh off the presses. I'll send more info when I have it.Nothing on the FCC site yet --- still showing all three as applications even when drilling down to the applications. I have found things on their site before getting "official" notifications.

Good news for WCWW-LD ... and a sign of progress. I'm sure that there are those that wished it were WBND-LD first ... at least it wasn't WMYS-LD. :)

I'm looking forward to seeing all of Smallville at 8pm instead of waiting until 9pm for the out of market feed I've been watching (to avoid the crop). In HD will be good too! :)

Merry Christmas to All!!!

forgive the noob question, but what's the reason for not having an OTA ABC channel here in south bend? legal issues? any ABC broadcast coming anytime soon?

forgive the noob question, but what's the reason for not having an OTA ABC channel here in south bend? legal issues? any ABC broadcast coming anytime soon?

We have an OTA low power analog ABC on 57. Same goes for CW on 25. We're waiting for digitals though. :o

Hey guys I am suppose to get my new HDTV next week and I am trying to find out what channels are available in my area. I live in Baroda, Michigan and currently have Comcast analog cable. I bought the Samsung HLS5688 and it has a built in QAM tuner. Does anyone know what HD channels I should be able to tune in for free? I know I should be able to pick up some OTA, but since I have cable I am hoping I can get some though that.

Thanks,
Topp

We have an OTA low power analog ABC on 57. Same goes for CW on 25. We're waiting for digitals though. :o
Yeah me too.......errr.......ummm....... :o I feel like I'm watching the antennas hang themselves waiting for the FCC's decisions.

I just know in my bones that all the mild weather we've been experiencing in the past few weeks is going to change to deep-freeze blizzard mode as soon as the FCC clears all the hurdles for WBND-LD/WCWW-LD/WMYS-LD.

There's a lot we can do indoors during bad weather. (i.e. transmitter installs, plumbing, stuff like that) The only winter wx concern I have is getting the truck(s) down the 1 mile gravel road to our TX building. (Got the company van stuck in the farm field last year. :eek: )

topp:
Go to the Comcast web site http://www.comcast.com/default.html?
You'll have to enter your zip code and address.
In the channel line up, it looks like there's about 13 HD channels including some of the locals. WNDU and WSJV are not listed as being in HD

Jimisham,

Thanks, I have done that in the past. The only thing I don't know is if I need to rent the HD box from them to get the Locals in HD. I really don't want to pay $5 a month to get the locals in HD, expecially since my TV has a built in QAM tuner. Do you have Comcast cable? If so do you get the local HD channels through them with out their HD box? I don't know anyone with a HD TV around me that has Comcast. My buddy has Dishnetwork, but then uses an antenna to pull in OTA HD channels.

Thanks,
Topp

topp:
You can bet they'll try to rent you a box, even if you don't need it. I have read that some cable providers do not encrypt their local HD signals and with a QAM tuner you will be able to receive them, if you upgrade to the digitial tier. But for any of the other HD channels you will need a box. Do a Google search for Comcast and "QAM tuner".
We had Comcast cable until Directv put the South Bend SD locals up on satellite. We still haven't gone to HD because of the limited HD offerings from Directv. I'm hoping to see South Bend HD up on Directv next year. I watch this forum just to see what's happening with South Bend HD. I don't know of anyone in my neighborhood either that has Comcast HD.

topp:
You can bet they'll try to rent you a box, even if you don't need it. I have read that some cable providers do not encrypt their local HD signals and with a QAM tuner you will be able to receive them, if you upgrade to the digitial tier. But for any of the other HD channels you will need a box. Do a Google search for Comcast and "QAM tuner".
We had Comcast cable until Directv put the South Bend SD locals up on satellite. We still haven't gone to HD because of the limited HD offerings from Directv. I'm hoping to see South Bend HD up on Directv next year. I watch this forum just to see what's happening with South Bend HD. I don't know of anyone in my neighborhood either that has Comcast HD.
Chicago Comcast (from what I understand) doesn't encrypt their HD locals. I haven't personally tried it yet but the Chicago Comcast board here talks a bit about it.

topp:
In the channel line up, it looks like there's about 13 HD channels including some of the locals. WNDU and WSJV are not listed as being in HD

Yes, there are currently 13 non-premium HD channels on Comcast including NDU and SJV. The listing does not show ESPN2 or MHD. They are adding a golf HD channel in January (I'm sure most subscribers would rather see AMC or A&E).

The 2007 price increase will bring the HD service to $7 and DVR to $11.99/month.

BTW, just because the local channels are listed in the Comcast HD lineup, everything is not in HD. WNDU stretches their local news broadcast and everything else to 16:9 but it's still SD. They might be slightly sharper on the digital channel than the analog though.

At the bottom of the page they say "Channels 187 - 192 are available on Basic Service with HDTV equipment". Does the HDTV equipment mean their HD box or just a tv with a QAM service? I guess I will figure it out next Thursday when I get the TV. Hopefully I will just have to scan the channels and it will pick those HD channels up. I am cheap by nature and all these additional monthly fees drive me nuts.

Thanks,
Topp

At the bottom of the page they say "Channels 187 - 192 are available on Basic Service with HDTV equipment". Does the HDTV equipment mean their HD box

I believe that gets you an HD box with just those channels. If you have an antenna, you can get most of those channels OTA although WBND and WBBM won't be HD OTA. I believe WBND will have HD OTA soon though.

That is kind of what I think too. I was hoping that I would be able to pull them in through the cable tv, for free. Worse comes to worse I will get an antenna to try to pick them up OTA.

Thanks,
Topp

A guy at work has Comcast in the Valpo area and his Toshiba LCD HDTV has the QAM tuner. He was able to pick up almost all his local channels in HD except for WFLD-DT. For some reason, his local Comcast made him get an HD box for that. However, I told him he needed to ask about a CableCard which Comcast eventually sold him for under $40 (no monthly charge). The only thing he misses by not having the HD Box is HD PPV and On Demand programming.

If you find that you're missing some of South Bend's & Elkhart's digital stations with your QAM tuner and your HDTV has the slot, I'd inquire about getting a CableCard from Comcast.

Talk about a true comparison...
The Tournament of Roses Parade is on right now on 3 channels:

Discovery HD looks and sounds (5.1) great.

16.1 WNDU has it in digital SDTV...stretched pic and stereo sound but watchable.

57 WBND...ugh :(

In South Bend I am only able to receive ABC and WB HD with my QAM tuner hooked to Comcast.

In South Bend I am only able to receive ABC and WB HD with my QAM tuner hooked to Comcast.
Currently our DTV signals in South Bend are only available via Comcast. We are awaiting Contstruction Permits from the FCC for DTV OTA.

hvs10trk, I don't see any entries here from the Rose Bowl on Monday, but watching WBND-TV OTA on channel 57, I noted several occasions where the audio cut out for 5-10 seconds at a time.

After the Fla-SC game (on WSBT ch 189) we went to the movies (Borat-very funny) and when we got back 2 hrs later, the DVR was locked up. Guess I won't leave it on that channel anymore.


I recorded Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer from channel 189 over the holidays and finally sat down to watch it. Less than 5 minutes in my cable box locked up. After a power cycle I started Rudolph again. The same thing happened in the same place.

Tivomaster and I have both reported this problem to Comcast and other switching DVRs (which didn't fix the problem) they've done nothing.

Now Superbowl 41 will be on CBS this year. My first year in watching the Superbowl in HD. I do not want it locking up then.

Now that I can reproduce this at will I'm calling Comcast again.

hvs10trk, I don't see any entries here from the Rose Bowl on Monday, but watching WBND-TV OTA on channel 57, I noted several occasions where the audio cut out for 5-10 seconds at a time.
Hmmmm..... I dont see any alarms on my sampling software. Now I am REALLY puzzled. I am set up to monitor "AIR" and "Program" audio. Anything over 5 seconds (to eliminate comercial break alarms) I will get an email. I'll try 3 seconds. :(

I'm sorry I didn't receord the game (I had a nephew there) so I can't verify the exact length of time the audio dropouts lasted. In reality, they could have been shorter. I think 3 seconds for an alarm should capture some events, though.

I recorded Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer from channel 189 over the holidays and finally sat down to watch it. Less than 5 minutes in my cable box locked up. After a power cycle I started Rudolph again. The same thing happened in the same place.

Tivomaster and I have both reported this problem to Comcast and other switching DVRs (which didn't fix the problem) they've done nothing.

Now that I can reproduce this at will I'm calling Comcast again.

I watch WSBT OTA more often than not. I have never had a problem with a recorded program though. The lockups are totally random. I may watch for an hour or more with no problem, then the next time it locks up in 30 minutes. I haven't bothered to swap DVRs based on your previous post that it didn't fix the problem. I suspect it's more a DVR problem than a Comcast problem.

Watching the AFL playoff today OTA on 22.1. Had at least 3 total dropouts lasting 2- 5 seconds each in the first half and a 15 second one early in the 2nd half. Also noticed quite a bit of pixelation or whatever it's called when you see squares breaking up. Could this be weather related? The analog feed is much worse than usual also. I may have to switch back to Comcast and see if my Moto 3416 will run for an hour or more without freezing on ch 189.

I was seeing a lot of pixelation and break-ups on the AFL game as well watching OTA WSBT-DT. The signal quality meter on my Dish ViP622 was usually steady at 90, but I was seeing periods were it dropped to 0, then came right back to 90. The picture break-up was not correlating to this, however. When the picture went crazy, the SQ meter was in the 90s, which leads me to believe it was a problem in the CBS feed or somewhere in the signal chain at WSBT.

I was seeing a lot of pixelation and break-ups on the AFL game as well watching OTA WSBT-DT. The signal quality meter on my Dish ViP622 was usually steady at 90, but I was seeing periods were it dropped to 0, then came right back to 90. The picture break-up was not correlating to this, however. When the picture went crazy, the SQ meter was in the 90s, which leads me to believe it was a problem in the CBS feed or somewhere in the signal chain at WSBT.
We've been having problems with WCIU-DT and Dish HD Rx's here in Chicago. We have been unable to determine here what the cause is but its ONLY Dish Network RX's for some reason. Maybe a particular chipset they use.

20 minutes into Desperate Housewives the audio cut out for 4-5 seconds then brief static before returning.

OK I'll check in the morning. :)

20 minutes into Desperate Housewives the audio cut out for 4-5 seconds then brief static before returning.
You watching OTA, right?

You watching OTA, right?

No, I can't use the OTA feed...too much snow. I use Directv's feed.
I'm hoping the digitals will be strong enough. (I'm only 10 miles from the tower)

No, I can't use the OTA feed...too much snow. I use Directv's feed.
I'm hoping the digitals will be strong enough. (I'm only 10 miles from the tower)
Hmmmmmm.........I wonder if it's them dropping out then. I can't see direct tv feeds yet at the studio. It would be interresting to run their feed through my software.

I was seeing a lot of pixelation and break-ups on the AFL game as well watching OTA WSBT-DT. The signal quality meter on my Dish ViP622 was usually steady at 90, but I was seeing periods were it dropped to 0, then came right back to 90. The picture break-up was not correlating to this, however. When the picture went crazy, the SQ meter was in the 90s, which leads me to believe it was a problem in the CBS feed or somewhere in the signal chain at WSBT.

If you look back in this thread, you will see that I had the EXACT same problem with 22.1. Double-check your antenna orientation. I went up on the roof and gave it a minor tweek, and it's 1,000 times better. I don't think it has dropped out once yet, and that was a couple months ago.

20 minutes into Desperate Housewives the audio cut out for 4-5 seconds then brief static before returning.

Happened on the Comcast feed also.

Any Comcast subscribers who also have internet have intermittant internet outages the last couple of nights (9th and 10th)? I must have had 6 or 7 each night, each last 3-12 minutes. I called Comcast and of course they claimed no problems in this area. I posted on the Comcast connection forum and another South Bender was having the same problem.

OK...Smallville 52 minutes in, audio cut in and out for a few seconds, then no sound, then static before returning to normal. This happened on both the Directv feed and stright off my OTA.

Was watching Ugly Betty last night recorded 1/11/07 off Comcast ch 187 on a Moto DVR. At about 27 minutes into the show, there was a clicking sound on the audio track. After a minute or so of this, the feed suddenly switched to 4:3 SD. That lasted about 10-12 min and then it popped back into 16:9 HD. Very strange.

Am watching the AFC game on WSBT-HD on Comcast channel 189 with a Moto DVR and it locked up in the 1st quarter. Had the same thing happen a couple times last week during the game and saw that others had complained of issues watching OTA. Just wondering if anyone else had a problem today?

Am watching the AFC game on WSBT-HD on Comcast channel 189 with a Moto DVR and it locked up in the 1st quarter...Just wondering if anyone else had a problem today?

This seems to be a common problem. I have had it happen multiple times. I usually watch WSBT via antenna because of this. Another poster said he has swapped DVR boxes and it didn't solve the problem. I assume it's a bug in the DVR firmware.

Dec 22nd:Hello all, apparently the FCC has given us a CP for WCWW-LD. (27) I can't find it yet on their site but it's like fresh off the presses. I'll send more info when I have it.Well glory be! The FCC! They finally published the approval for WCWW-LP 27 (LD)!

Granted: 1/12/2007 - Public Notice Date: 1/18/2007
FCC Predicted Coverage (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=LD1154688.html)

Construction permit attached -
If you build it, we will watch ... :D

Based on your predicted coverage map, I'm going to be about 15 miles outside of the radius....(lawton,mi), which sucks! However, The "LP" part of your permit means low power...correct? Can I assume that sometime in the future you will receive permission for full power and I can look forward to cw programming in HD?

Yes, I know I still may be able to receive it in LP........(I have a LARGE winegard OTA and can current get in cbs,nbc and fox in HD from south bend if I swing it south)

The map is FCC drawn - not my prediction. You should be able to get the channel outside of the circle with a decent antenna.

LP (LD) is a class of service 15kw isn't a bad signal but it is the highest that can be done on the LD service. There will be no "future increase" unless the FCC rules change.

Regular DT stations (full power) may be operating under temporary arrangements where their signals will get bigger in the future (which is probably what you are thinking of).

There was a 3 second audio dropout tonight on America's Funniest Videos at 7:07.
It was through Directv and recorded on TIVO. I also had the Closed Captioning on and that was not dropped.

WTF?!?
WSJV went dark for almost 10 minutes in the middle of 24!!!
:mad: :mad: :mad:

20 minutes into Desperate Housewives the audio cut out for 4-5 seconds then brief static before returning.
Same show, same audio cut out 6 minutes in tonight.

WTF?!?
WSJV went dark for almost 10 minutes in the middle of 24!!!
:mad: :mad: :mad:
That was awful. Makes me wish I had finished up season 5 on DVD sooner rather than during tonight's episodes that I recorded off 28-1. This is one of those rare times I could have appreciated WFFT in Fort Wayne, even if they only have crappy analog.

I had to grab the missing segment from the web to fill in the gap. :rolleyes:

I had to grab the missing segment from the web to fill in the gap. :rolleyes:


Yaarrrrrrr!!! Sorry, I couldn't resist matey!

As for Jslurker, now that CW25 has the building permit, how long would you guestimate before it go's live on the air? Are we talking weeks or months? I've been looking forward to 25 going digital for a long time now. 25 on analog just looks awful for me but viewable. Let's just say I get more snow on 25 than I had seen on the ground so far in the past year. LOL

We already know 57 is still waiting for FCC approval, but I don't recall any mention of 69 going digital. Will 69 just become a sub channel of 25 or 57 if that is even at all possible?

Yaarrrrrrr!!! Sorry, I couldn't resist matey!

As for Jslurker, now that CW25 has the building permit, how long would you guestimate before it go's live on the air? Are we talking weeks or months? I've been looking forward to 25 going digital for a long time now. 25 on analog just looks awful for me but viewable. Let's just say I get more snow on 25 than I had seen on the ground so far in the past year. LOL

We already know 57 is still waiting for FCC approval, but I don't recall any mention of 69 going digital. Will 69 just become a sub channel of 25 or 57 if that is even at all possible?
69 has its own application in. As for timeline, well.........it takes some time. We have to hang transmission line, the antennas, install the transmitters, wire them in, and have the manufacturer conduct a "test flight".

Same show, same audio cut out 6 minutes in tonight.
Did it happen during a switch to commercial or right in the middle of a segment?

Did it happen during a switch to commercial or right in the middle of a segment?

Right in the middle of a segment.

Did it happen during a switch to commercial or right in the middle of a segment?
On AFV, it was during a segment.

WTF?!?
WSJV went dark for almost 10 minutes in the middle of 24!!!
:mad: :mad: :mad:

i couldnt believe that. didn't look like i missed much though, thankfully.

Did it happen during a switch to commercial or right in the middle of a segment?

This is the 3rd week in a row for this I think. Same show, different time, just once and between 3 and 7 seconds of silence.

WTF?!?
WSJV went dark for almost 10 minutes in the middle of 24!!!
:mad: :mad: :mad:
Unbelievable!
Tonight 24 has gone to standard definition 45 minutes in. :rolleyes:

Unbelievable!
Tonight 24 has gone to standard definition 45 minutes in. :rolleyes:

looked like the whole second hour was SD for me. Fox probably hasn't made many friends around here the past 2 days.

Yeah, presumably to allow for the weather warnings, but they waited 20 minutes after switching to SD to put up a warning and then only put up one or two more the rest of the show. They should be able to stay in HD until the warnings go up, or even better, find a way to put up warnings while still in HD.

Does anybody here use firewire to capture un-encrypted HD signals from the Comcast HD DVR to the PC? I am able to capture un-encrypted signals from all the locals except WSJV-DT. The DVR doesn't list this channel as being 5c encrypted, but it is acting like it is.

Good Morning Michiana!

I have just found this regional sub-forum and appreciate all the interaction / explanations. I have a few observations and questions ... hoping some more in the know will take the time to help with answers.

Right now I have the std Dtv package (with owned equipment, both 18" dish and antiquated RCA receiver). I've been with Dtv since 1997. We almost made it to our ten year anniversary, but separation / divorce is pending :cool: . After buying a HDTV, like so many others at the Holidays, I decided to upgrade to H20 and the 5lnb dish. During the process I got badly jerked around, so have completely lost faith in the company. Frankly, on principle alone, I'm planning to shut off their service.

I use Comcast for Bband so also have basic cable. That's been handy to route to another room (without getting another sat. receiver), and for the occasional signal fade due to rain / snow between us and the bird. On setting up my LG-37LC2D the internal tuner found WAY more channels than basic, including quite a few HD signals. But, as most here would know, there's not much order to it, no proper guide, and some of the better HD offerings are not available (such as Discovery HD, etc.).

Over the last few weeks I've looked at HD packages from: Dtv (holding my nose), Dish, and Comcast. At this juncture, with rapidly changing hardware / software and similar provider packages, lighting up the cable seems best. Above all else, I like how it presents a monthly option v long term contractual arrangement. This seems to provide some flexibility to upgrade DVR hardware as opposed being locked in to a HR20 (which has a bad rap) or the Vip622.

irt: Money, it looks like a wash. Add: Comcast digital plus ($40 for the 6 month promo), HD package ($7) and a leased DVR ($12). Subtract Dtv basic ($40), Comcast basic ($13). Then adjust for the additional cost to upgrade and get HD from Dtv. There's no way to calculate the cost of being locked in to a contract ... but it's an issue to consider / include.

irt: HD offerings, Dish has the most in their package, followed by cable and Dtv. The latter, Dtv, is trumpeting the additional birds for 2007, and lots of additional HD programming. But, unless I misunderstand, lots of that will be more locals and regional sports, so has no bearing on national feeds.

irt: total package, it looks like digital plus is pretty comparable to what I have on sat. (though what the HDTV found during basic cable scan plus sat. is amazing; we must have well > 250 channels right now). I printed out the channels on Comcast and don't see many, if any, missing. And, there are some that aren't on sat. basic.

irt: install, it seems easier. No huge dish nor arguments about wanting it where the old one is. The cable is run, so just a few odds and ends. It's my understanding there are hoops to jump, per the site and CSR on phone. But, an associate just picked up his box from the Comcast outlet. Think I'll do that too and pay for a service call (if) instead of initial install fees.

I think when my Bband was installed they planted RG-6 cable from the pole to house(www is digital packets, right?). There is a splitter in the line, but maybe I could upgrade that? A weak link seems to be in the final mile, where I have a few feet of the older cable, RG-45?, running from the exterior splitter to TV (right now the HD channels my HDTV found look great, maybe they will get better?).

After disabling the dish I may use the pre-fed RG-6 to put up an exterior antenna just to compare OTA v cable HD signal. I'm within a few miles of the towers. Right now my dish is on a couple sections of TV tower I saved instead of cutting it down. This also provides easy access to the roof, no ladders required. It made for a nice dish mount (elevates and kept it tidy).

part 2

Questions:

1) Subscribing to Digital Plus would not include the HD channels from 173 - 205, right? This requires a box and additional fees ($7 and $12 as noted above)?

2) The Comcast DVR is a moto dct6214, right? Anyone have this box and want to relate their experience? All seem to have bugs, and since it's a monthly lease I'm not too worried, but ...

3) Does the 6214 support HDMI? DVI out doesn't include audio from my understanding? So, from the moto-box to HDTV you route: DVI-HDMI for video and component cables for audio?

Note: the LG has such nice speakers I'm content for now (though I do run component cables to home stereo, nothing like the big sound for select movies).

4) Does the 6214 allow transfer of digital recordings to an external storage device? Eventually I expect to unite computer and the TV (read: CES show news and Slingbox, etc.), so want to keep options open for digital convergence opportunity.

5) With the $ involved, I have a pretty good surge suppressor. Does the inline coax suppressor serve a good function? Yes, every signal interruption degrades output, but that may be worth it for protection of the TV. Opinions?

Sidebar: I'm one of those people who does commercials for these devices. Once a lightning strike lit up a tree roughly 100' away. I heard the secondary crack inside and found my suppressor smoking! Unplugged the power cords and tossed it outside (should have bronzed and mounted it ... the thing sacrificed it's life for my AV gear). :eek:

HDTV is a journey, not plug-and-play. Thanks in advance for any / all replies.

etchasketch

Good Morning Michiana!
Subscribing to Digital Plus would not include the HD channels from 173 - 205, right? This requires a box and additional fee?
I think once you have basic cable you can get the HD channels via a QAM tuner for free.

HDTV is a journey, not just plug-and-play.
etchasketch
That is such and understatement. :eek:

wow, that was fast -- I was editing. Thanks hvs10trk. Yes, I'm getting channels now, but it's without the guide (which is what I'll miss most from Dtv) and channels are missing. That's why I thought it requires a STB, to enable full function?

The cost is similar / same to what I'm paying now, so I'm not opposed to HD pkg and DVR rental fees. otoh: if I drop Dtv I want some of the channels from Digital Plus pkg (*)

The DVR is just for fun, to try some time shifting. I plan to buy a DVD recorder to put in the chain and record that way to save things (ala: VCR of old).

e

(*) I may have some / most of them now, but in the mish mash can't find them?

Does anyone know what HD channels numbers are for comcast in the Stevensville\Baroda\Bridgman area are, when using a QAM tuner? I got my HLS5688 a few weeks ago and had it scan for channels and it picked up like 333 or something. Some are just black screens, some have picture but no sound, while others have both. However, they all just look like digital channel, not necessarily HD. However I don't think I have scanned all the channels.

Thanks,
Topp

I would like to know about QAM as well. I live in Mishawaka and have Comcast. One TV I have is hooked up using the DVR box, so that one I can get the HD channels just fine, but my other TV, a Samsung TX-P3075WH 30" CRT says it has a QAM tuner, but I really don't know much about QAM or how to set it up. When I do the automatic channel search for cable, it will only pick up the channels below 100, so I'm not seeing any digital channels, when I go through the channel setup it asks something like "Adopts QAM for transmission" or something like that. From what I've read it will only read the unencrypted digital channels without a CableCard, but the local HD channels should be unencrypted. Does anybody have this TV or a similar TV and know how to set up the digital channels on it?

part 2

Questions:

1) Subscribing to Digital Plus would not include the HD channels from 173 - 205, right? This requires a box and additional fees ($7 and $12 as noted above)?

2) The Comcast DVR is a moto dct6214, right? Anyone have this box and want to relate their experience? All seem to have bugs, and since it's a monthly lease I'm not too worried, but ...



I subscribe to Digital Classic which I think is a tier below Digital Plus and get all 14 HD channels. The DVR box I got in October is a 3416 which has HDMI out. There is no HD fee on top of the DVR, it's included.

There is a bug in the DVR firmware (at least I assume that's where it is.) It doesn't like channel 189 (WSBT) and will freeze up occasionally requiring a total power down. Tonight it happened in less than 2 minutes. Normally it takes anywhere from 30 min to a couple hrs. As a result of this, I usually watch channel 22.1 OTA or 12 for SD programs. Another poster has had the same problems, swapped DVRs and that did not fix the problem.

I would like to know about QAM as well. I live in Mishawaka and have Comcast. One TV I have is hooked up using the DVR box, so that one I can get the HD channels just fine, but my other TV, a Samsung TX-P3075WH 30" CRT says it has a QAM tuner, but I really don't know much about QAM or how to set it up. When I do the automatic channel search for cable, it will only pick up the channels below 100, so I'm not seeing any digital channels,

The local digital HD channels are 16.1, 22.1, 28.1 and 34.1. Most of them have a .2 version also but it's not HD. The .0 version is the same as the analog channel. Your tuner should pick them all up in a channel scan and then scroll thru them in order as you change channels. Your remote probably has a "." on the number keypad to enter them directly.

The local digital HD channels are 16.1, 22.1, 28.1 and 34.1. Most of them have a .2 version also but it's not HD. The .0 version is the same as the analog channel. Your tuner should pick them all up in a channel scan and then scroll thru them in order as you change channels. Your remote probably has a "." on the number keypad to enter them directly.

No, I know how to program OTA HDTV channels, what I'm asking is the digital cable HD channels that supposedly can be detected with a QAM tuner (which this TV has). I would rather pick up the channels through cable without a box if possible, which is what I assumed from reading about QAM on the internet. OTA has really bad reception because we don't have an outdoor antenna because I live in an apartment and we can't put one up so it's hard to maintain a good signal with an indoor antenna.

Hello All,
We've made some progress in WBND, WCWW, and WMYS coming alive as DTV OTA. The FCC was happy with our decisions. Expect CP's shortly for WBND and WMYS.

No, I know how to program OTA HDTV channels, what I'm asking is the digital cable HD channels that supposedly can be detected with a QAM tuner (which this TV has). I would rather pick up the channels through cable without a box if possible, which is what I assumed from reading about QAM on the internet. OTA has really bad reception because we don't have an outdoor antenna because I live in an apartment and we can't put one up so it's hard to maintain a good signal with an indoor antenna.
I used the QAM tuner when I first got my new TV until I upgraded to Comcast's Digital package and a Moto 3416 DVR so, it's been a while. I believe you'll find the HD channels at: WBND 89.4, WSJV 116.1, WSBT 116.2, and WNDU 117.2.

lmacmil wrote:

[I subscribe to Digital Classic which I think is a tier below Digital Plus and get all 14 HD channels. The DVR box I got in October is a 3416 which has HDMI out. There is no HD fee on top of the DVR, it's included.

There is a bug in the DVR firmware (at least I assume that's where it is.) It doesn't like channel 189 (WSBT) and will freeze up occasionally requiring a total power down. ...]

and, in reply to morphinapg

[… Your remote probably has a "." on the number keypad to enter them directly …]

Thanks very much for the reply lmacmil. The channel lineup included in D+ (Digital Plus) was not clear to me either on the phone with a CSR or at the Ccast site (there being different colors for some channels led to confusion, and an assumption I'd need to subscribe to D+ and HD).

I'm not too worried about firmware bugs in the DVR (he said with bravado). It appears every newer DVR now in circulation suffers from hardware / software glitches. FWIW, an engineer friend who built the chips for my antiquated RCA Dtv box, and many subsequent products had a good explanation:

In short, he said most of the must-have features were incorporated in the original hardware designs. Then, for any product you care to name, the software guys would start tweaking, adding kewl stuff, saying it was free to end user. They had great ideas, but took the chips far afield from product brief. Pretty soon the bugs appear in both intended and add-on functions.

Software-self-fulfilling-full-employment-act?

Anyway, guess I better just troll over to the Comcast office and look at a 6412 in person. I read a review that suggested the video output was DVI? You may have just saved me from returning a HDMI-HDMI cable I need (and subsequently ordering the DVI-HDMI I won't need). The return pkg to Monoprice is literally on the counter!

The same trip will let me confirm channel line-up, sign up and tune in. :cool:

Last: thanks for mentioning the [.] button, So, that's what the dot is for!

morphinapg wrote:

[… what I'm asking is the digital cable HD channels that supposedly can be detected with a QAM tuner (which this TV has). I would rather pick up the channels through cable without a box if possible, which is what I assumed from reading about QAM on the internet. OTA has really bad reception because we don't have an outdoor antenna because I live in an apartment and we can't put one up so it's hard to maintain a good signal with an indoor antenna.]

morphinapg: from my limited understanding I don't think you can get what you want without (leasing) a STB. Unless you find someone with the same TV and same carrier who explains otherwise, I believe what you want requires the feed via box or antenna.

irt: OTA, if you have a south facing unit, or a south window, why not try another antenna? There are a lot of people getting good PQ via inexpensive indoor antennas, or, from an exterior antenna on their balcony. I was told by a nice young man from BB (doing TV install) that the original antenna I bought did not do as good of a job as another.

In case this helps, and keep in mind this was a lad who does TV installs, not someone trying to sell you something, he suggested a Terk model different than what most are using. It was:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=3394455&st=antenna&lp=4&type=product&cp=1&id=1051384457031

GL,
e

Ah, here’s where I found the video output info of the moto 6400 series:

http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/dct6412.asp

http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/customer_docs/user_guides/512659-001-a.pdf

Still, think I’ll stop by and do this in person, to avoid confusion …

e

Same static & audio dropout 1 min into Supernatural (DTV & OTA) on 1/18.

from my limited understanding I don't think you can get what you want without (leasing) a STB. Unless you find someone with the same TV and same carrier who explains otherwise, I believe what you want requires the feed via box or antenna.

Actually digital cable ready TVs should be able to decode digital cable channels that are unencrypted (and the local HD channels on cable are). A CableCard would be required to decode the encrypted channels. I was just wondering if anyone had a similar TV and could help me to figure out how to program them in.

BTW the 6412 does have HDMI output

morphinapg:

Yah, I know what you're saying about HDTVs with QAM tuners ... I'm getting unscrambled HD locals now (from the basic cable package with no STB, no cable card inline) on my LG, no tricks during setup, just auto-scan found the HD feed after analog!

Thx, irt the 6412 output. I want to see the connections in person (preferably on the back of a box in my own hands), since both the link above and owners manual PDF specify DVI-D connectors, not HDMI.

Geez, it should be easy ... just wanting to watch TV, right ;) ?

e

Hello All,
We've made some progress in WBND, WCWW, and WMYS coming alive as DTV OTA. The FCC was happy with our decisions. Expect CP's shortly for WBND and WMYS.
OK update. WCWW as everyone knows has a CP. WBND and WMYS-LD's have been approved pending any petitions of denial. We should expect CP's for the final 2 sometime after the 2nd of Feb.

I am going to ask some dumb questions just so I understand your news. First, C.P. = Construction Permits ?? YES?

Since I mostly watch the west michigan affiliates, I am not to familar with your call signs.

To recap: The new CW network has a CP (construction permit)

What networks are WBND and WMYS affiliated with? ( I think one is ABC?RIGHT?)

What are the DECISIONS you made that the FCC is happy with?

Lets say that the CW and ABC affiliates have the green light, what is your very BALLPARK guestimate on live OTA HD feed......end of feb, march, or april?

Hi,

Anyone receiving HD content through Charter in Kazoo? Have you been able to compare it to either OTA or D*? I'm currently getting the South Bend stations, plus WOTV, WXMI, WGVU and sometimes WOOD using a $25 RS antenna. But the wife is not happy about the antenna on the roof. I've either got to upgrade my D* equipment to receive HD programming or switch to cable.

Any comments?

TIA,

CAV

marnintim - it looks like you're in my area - any experience with Charter HD?

I started the separation proceedings with Dtv a week ago and took another step today (went to the local Comcast office to review cable promo program and discuss the box alternatives). Lady was very helpful, and I signed up for Digital +.

My only concern is she said something about the Moto dct3412, that being what they have available. So, I'm back to reading, to see if this box is what I want or no. I also was surprised to be told the 34xx series was newer than the 64xx series (unusual numbering if so, suspect I was told what seemed convenient).

My suggestion, unless you are OK with a long term contract (18 month = Dish / 24 month = Dtv, I'd look at cable. JMO ... though the grass is never really greener and some could make similar suggestion in reverse!

e

I started the separation proceedings with Dtv a week ago and took another step today (went to the local Comcast office to review cable promo program and discuss the box alternatives). Lady was very helpful, and I signed up for Digital +.

My only concern is she said something about the Moto dct3412, that being what they have available. So, I'm back to reading, to see if this box is what I want or no. I also was surprised to be told the 34xx series was newer than the 64xx series (unusual numbering if so, suspect I was told what seemed convenient).

My suggestion, unless you are OK with a long term contract (18 month = Dish / 24 month = Dtv, I'd look at cable. JMO ... though the grass is never really greener and some could make similar suggestion in reverse!

e

One of the main reasons I'm considering Charter is the less-hassle factor and lack of contract commitment. However, I am concerned about picture quality. The OTA HD picture is quite captivating and since I've read OTA is the best delivery system available at present I'm having trouble giving it up! If someone who's had an opportunity to compare Charter, D* and OTA says that there's a huge difference I may try another approach - a better antenna mounted in the attic.

thanks,

CAV

I am going to ask some dumb questions just so I understand your news. First, C.P. = Construction Permits ?? YES??You are correct.

Since I mostly watch the west michigan affiliates, I am not to familar with your call signs. WCWW (CW), WBND (ABC), WMYS (MyNetwork)

To recap: The new CW network has a CP (construction permit)Yes we can officially build for that station.

What networks are WBND and WMYS affiliated with? ( I think one is ABC?RIGHT?)See above

What are the DECISIONS you made that the FCC is happy with?Channel choice, power, antenna pattern, antenna height, fun stuff like that.

Lets say that the CW and ABC affiliates have the green light, what is your very BALLPARK guestimate on live OTA HD feed......end of feb, march, or april?We have a bit of work to do. Lots of buying!! Lots of building. As for a ballpark........I couldn't even guess. We'll probably do all 3 at the same time. Pending weather and equipment delivery it could go quickly, it may not. I'll post updates when there's news.

My only concern is she said something about the Moto dct3412, that being what they have available.

The 34xx series is newer than the 64xx series. 12=120GB hard drive, 16=160GB. I have never used more than about 35% of capacity. Right now I have 4.5 hrs of HD content and 1.5 hrs of SD content stored on my 3416 and it is 25% full.

morphinapg:

Yah, I know what you're saying about HDTVs with QAM tuners ... I'm getting unscrambled HD locals now (from the basic cable package with no STB, no cable card inline) on my LG, no tricks during setup, just auto-scan found the HD feed after analog!

Thx, irt the 6412 output. I want to see the connections in person (preferably on the back of a box in my own hands), since both the link above and owners manual PDF specify DVI-D connectors, not HDMI.

Geez, it should be easy ... just wanting to watch TV, right ;) ?

e

Maybe the QAM tuner in my TV is messed up or something, oh well. I do have the 6412 tho in my room (the other TV was in my brother's room) so I can get the HD channels fine here. The original DCT6412 didn't have HDMI but DVI, but Mark III includes HDMI

Here's the back of my box:

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/9141/dct6412hdmi8tz.jpg

Sorry I couldn't post a picture until after 5 posts

thx all, for the replies. Glad to see the boxes are all coming with HDMI, and you saved me sending the HDMI-HDMI cable back to Monoprice, then ordering another (HDMI-DVI) and then prolly returning the whole shebang again!

Frankly, there are so many people having problems with ALL the current crop of DVRs, it's hard to read and not think it's going to be an unwelcome tech snafu. Hope I can have a new box, not one returned for glitches. I'd happily take a truly refurbed box (benched by an engineer).

But, we are reliant on the softies and their firmware updates I'm afraid :( Doubtless these companies want to lock down data, and keep the shields up to hacks / probes. But, it seems if Logitech can develop software to program dozens of configs into remotes, that enabling the data ports to PC would allow PC / online diagnostics.

By that I mean a separate machine diagnosing problems of another. Self diagnosis (with a malfunctioning machine) is, well, sorta silly IMO!

Have a fine weekend alles,
e

ps - there is a lot online that's helpful. Wish there was a good tutorial for each box, that if followed to the T would reduce individual problems. Of course, everyone is at their own tech readiness level and has varied equipment, wants for the sys, etc.

pps - I have Ccast coming next Friday, want to be here to make sure line is OK. Despite wanting to minimize costs, the truck roll is already paid for, so I'm considering paying for the box install too. That way they shoulder some responsibility if (when) problems occur? :cool:

reading (for others who visit, wanting info on the 34xx-64xx series from Ccast

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=604142&page=84&pp=30

http://www.**********.com/viewforum.php?id=9

http://www.pvrblog.com/pvr/2005/11/comcast_hd_dvr_.html

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use … onnections

http://www.comcast.com/diagrams/

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to...orola_DVR/Setup

Hvs10trk: If the stars are correctly aligned, how long does it usually take to construct a digital tower?

No sound during UCONN IU ball game. Hope they can get it together before tomorrow's Colts game!!

Hvs10trk: If the stars are correctly aligned, how long does it usually take to construct a digital tower?Digital tower? One just has to stack the ones and zeros in the right order. :D

Placing a digital antenna on an existing tower could take a few days of excellent weather. Excellent isn't how I'd describe the current weather ... a lot of ice in the air, especially up on the towers. Getting a digital antenna on premesis to install might take a few weeks as well, although at this time of year there are not a lot of stations asking for antennas (except emergencies) so it may not take as long to get one as it would in the spring. (And the antenna for LD 27 is a simple circular pattern ... nothing fancy like the antennas needed for the other two stations - directional.)

If the stars, and the ones and zeros align, I could see it done by March. It would take a LOT of alignment - especially in winter.

Digital tower? One just has to stack the ones and zeros in the right order. :D

Placing a digital antenna on an existing tower could take a few days of excellent weather. Excellent isn't how I'd describe the current weather ... a lot of ice in the air, especially up on the towers. Getting a digital antenna on premesis to install might take a few weeks as well, although at this time of year there are not a lot of stations asking for antennas (except emergencies) so it may not take as long to get one as it would in the spring. (And the antenna for LD 27 is a simple circular pattern ... nothing fancy like the antennas needed for the other two stations - directional.)

If the stars, and the ones and zeros align, I could see it done by March. It would take a LOT of alignment - especially in winter.
We were just up on the tower wed/thurs. At 250' it had 1/2-3/4" thick ice on it. :eek:

Hvs10trk: If the stars are correctly aligned, how long does it usually take to construct a digital tower?
LOL. We don't need to construct the tower. Its already there. We're ordering gear as I speak. I dont know a timeline. We (just as much as you the viewers) would like all 3 stations up and running soon. If I had to take a REALLY rough guess I would say before summer. But again thats REALLY rough. Once the gear is on site the tower crews can fly through the installs. We'll have a bit of a job inside with the transmitter installs, electrical, and plumbing installs. I will try to pass on info as we go. (and if I remember my camera I will take some pics too) :D

(and if I remember my camera I will take some pics too) :D

Thanks for writing back. Even with the bad weather we've been receiving (ice) it must be exciting to finally be able to get started with the process of getting HD installed for WBND and WCCU.

Thanks for writing back. Even with the bad weather we've been receiving (ice) it must be exciting to finally be able to get started with the process of getting HD installed for WBND and WCCU.
Yeah we've been waiting patiently for a while for the ability to start. I'm glad viewers will have DTV OTA from us.

With my new purchase of the Panny from Best Buy yesterday, I was talked into the 4 year Performance Service Plan. Hearing how tempramental Plasma HDTVs were from many sources kept me from saying "NO".

Did I waste $249.00 for the extended warranty?

I would like to hear your input--both for and against.

Did I waste $249.00 for the extended warranty?

You won't know for 4 years! ;)

The very anti-extended warranty Consumer Reports has recommended extended warranties on most non-CRT TVs because they haven't been around long enough to establish a reliability record. Don't worry about it, just enjoy the TV.

Just got an HD tuner and I have standard cable through Comcast. I can pick up quite a few digital channels, but only one or two have been HD. Is the football game (Bears and Saints) being broadcast in HD on WSJV? I have a digital channel, but it appears to be the SD picture stretched to fit.
I can't use the Comcast channel lineup because all of the channel numbers are, for example, 123-6 (this is Fox)
Thanks for the help.

the game is being broadcast in HD on ch 117-2 (interesting to switch back and forth to SD 123-6, compare). I hunted until I found it in HD, same here, HDTV scan found the channels but no mapping, no guide proper.

I bought the (4) year extended warranty (though as a practice I never go for these). Just too many chances for failure IMO. Take the price and divide by (4) to come to annual piece of mind.

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What the hell? My tuner won't let me go to 117-2. Did I screw up in the setup? Should I have scanned in STD? HRC/IRC? Also, do you know what WSBT is?
Thanks again

Etch: Thanks for your input!

mgjoeviterbo: sorry, family was hogging the www while I slumbered through the second game, so never saw your request. Someone (posted above) mentioned how the new TV remote might have a (.) button, or, in my case it's a (-) button, to select channels like 117-2.

Hard to say what channels your TV should find on auto-scan. It's my impression this is raw digital feed, so not very tidy. I look forward to having order and a proper guide (though Comcast guide looks 2nd best as opposed to DirecTV version).

I asked for input in post #2862 on the official 3412-3416 thread irt install ... would appreciate any / all suggestions:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9535195&&#post9535195

Truck roll (at my expense, why I don't know ... it's to install a trap, per the lady at Ccast). What should I expect the tech to do? Will he: check pole, check cables, splitters, signal strength?

I did not agree to a $30 box install, and have mixed thoughts on that. Maybe it'd be $30 well spent? Or, maybe (if lucky) not needed, and I save the fee for when I need a svc call? Luck of the draw?

A benefit would be the tech brings the box, and provides an up and running system. But, if the firmware loads overnight, it all changes 24-48 hours later? So, what's to gain versus svc call later if needed?

And, why can't I have the box before instead of after the appointment?

Thanks in advance,
etchasketch

NDZonie: you're welcome. At least you can find comfort that another sucker was born on another minute, hey?

Seriously, I don't buy extended warranties, but, with the chance of a dead pixel (my set is LCD), or batch of pixels, or complete meltdown ... well, the insurance fee seemed reasonable (especially to essentially prepay a four year premium in exchange for peace of mind).

You can probably find a topic devoted to your Panny here. Mark the thread and check it every now and then. I keep watch on one dedicated to the LG 37lc2d. Just yesterday an owner posted the nightmare scenario, TV dying after short time as an owner.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9538343&&#post9538343

When I read a story like his the fee seems a pittance ...

etchasketch

ps - no takers on what to do day-1 with the cable guy? Shall I hope for Jim Carey :rolleyes: ?

Anyone notice the 5 sec audio dropout about 9:30 on Desperate Housewives last night or were you all watching the football game? This must be the 4th or 5th week in a row that's happened. Different time but always just a few seconds and during dialog, not a commercial. Very strange.

I didn't watch it, but there was one earlier in the evening on AFV. Last week, during that 2 hour AFV special, there were two of them. This is off Directv and recorded on TIVO.
I noticed that when the second one happened, of the two on the two hour AFV special, there was some pixeling. I hadn't seen that before on any of the audio dropouts I'd heard before.
They seem to last exactly 3 seconds.

Anyone notice the 5 sec audio dropout about 9:30 on Desperate Housewives last night or were you all watching the football game? This must be the 4th or 5th week in a row that's happened. Different time but always just a few seconds and during dialog, not a commercial. Very strange.
Strange enough that we dont even know where to start. Maybe (with the blessing of the viewers) we'll run Sunday Primetime in SD. If it doesn't happen then that would narrow the field down to half.

Strange enough that we dont even know where to start.

I also watch Grey's Anatomy and recently began watching (usually via DVR) Ugly Betty and Brothers & Sisters and occasionally Boston Legal. I'm pretty sure there was a dropout on one of the Ugly Betty episodes but nothing as consistent as Housewives.

I got my new Panny th-42 plasma setup last night with basic comcast cable plugged into the QAM tuner. It scanned (cable tv) and found MANY channels. Other than the ABC Feed in HD, the other local network stations do not appear in HD (123-6, 117-2 etc.). However, when I rescanned using my new amplified antenna ( had to rewire tv) it clearly picked up all of the local HD stations in HD.

Can I have my cable coaxial and amplified antenna both feed my tv through the same connection?

NDZonie:

IANAE (I am not an engineer), nor home theater specialist ;) but think you'd want two different inputs for cable and antenna. Otherwise how would you alternate between the two feeds?

Friday is my cable co appointment, so I hope to have more of the box, direct cable, antenna stuff figured out after. Frankly, I was hoping someone here would reply with ideas on what you would want an installer to do ... No joy!

check incoming signal strength
route per expected components
install splitters / boxes
test moto box
remote

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

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Etchasketch: Do you get HD signal through your QAM tuner with basic comcast cable?

NDZonie:

IANAE (I am not an engineer), nor home theater specialist ;) but think you'd want two different inputs for cable and antenna. Otherwise how would you alternate between the two feeds?

Friday is my cable co appointment, so I hope to have more of the box, direct cable, antenna stuff figured out after. Frankly, I was hoping someone here would reply with ideas on what you would want an installer to do ... No joy!

check incoming signal strength
route per expected components
install splitters / boxes
test moto box
remote

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

e
Very doubtful it would work through a single input. You would be combining 2 different forms of signal modulation. Usually when you set up a TV you have to specify TV or CABLE. Cable uses 256 QAM and OTA uses 8VSB. Two totally different animals.

Using my basic Comcast cable coax with the QAM tuner, should I be picking up HD programming on my locals (WNDU, WSBT, etc.?)

NDZonie asked: Do you get HD signal through your QAM tuner with basic comcast cable?

Yes, the signals are all there, found on auto-scan from Basic. Right now I have 5-6 channels in HD and probably a hundred total. Interesting, but not very user friendly, no mapped channel base, no guide.

Since I am shutting off the sat I'm quite happy to pay for the Comcast feed. I selected the Digital Plus pkg which is a (6) month promo for $40/month plus the HD-DVR. Comcast does not require a contractual obligation, so this allows you to kick the tires. Time will tell as to the programming pkg and hardware.

I'm tempted to pay for installation (though Dtv would upgrade install for free). Plan for now: talk to the guy who installs the "trap" / checks the wires, and see what he's willing to do onsite. Pick up the box and do a self install.

If there are problems I guess then it's time for svc call #2? Hmm ...

e

I'm tempted to pay for installation (though Dtv would upgrade install for free). Plan for now: talk to the guy who installs the "trap" / checks the wires, and see what he's willing to do onsite. Pick up the box and do a self install.
e

Once the cable is installed, the DVR hookup is simple: cable to DVR and HDMI to TV. That's it. If you don't have an HDMI connection, then component and audio cables to TV. If you have an HT receiver, then the audio goes from DVR to receiver via optical or coax.

lmacmil: thanks -- I plan to do just that -- pick up a box and self install. I have a shiny new HDMI-HDMI cable from Monoprice to route signal from the DVR to TV.

Hopefully the guy who comes out to install the wire tap (limiter?) will at least check the signal strength. I have a splitter running feed to another room and am also considering adding a second split in AV area to install a DVD-recorder. I'm wondering what the signal strength will be after the splits ...

My real concern is not knowing what kind of condition the box will be in (from: move out / turn in / defective return). How would you know? And, assuming I understand correctly (which is a real stretch), if the box needs to load software updates that will be overnight (within 24-48 hours).

If it seems to malfunction, would you just wait and hope Humpty Dumpty is OK in the morning?

Thanks in advance,
e

Does anyone with Comcast in South Bend have a CableCard? A guy at work has Comcast over in Valpo and his was a $45, one-time fee. He said he needed it to get WFLD-DT on his system since it wasn't "in the clear" on his cable. He went through three SD cable boxes trying to get an HD STB before he talked to the right CSR.

I'm curious, how much more is Digital Comcast after the 6 month honeymoon? I have Dish HD now, but I don't know what it would cost to go back.

i have the hd package, plus HBO, plus an extra receiver, and it runs about $90 per month or so. add in the cable internet, and my bill is always $140-$150.

Wow, that's closer than I thought. I don't have HBO, but with Dish's Silver HD, I'm close to $75 for service, DVR fee, extra HD receiver lease fee, and warranty coverage. I'm hoping it drops a little bit when Dish starts their DVR Advantage package. If I added HBO to what I have, it would come in close to $90. AT&T Internet is only $25/mo., though :)

Foxbat:

The Bband is very good (when it works, won't start that theme when the topic here is TV). Seems to me the big dif is when going Dish, or Dtv, you are locked in for 18-24 months. With cable, it's kick the tires. If in (6) months the price increase seems onerous, as summer arrives, I might drop some services (say the DVR for example), to stabilize monthly.

I am a DVR virgin, mainly want to try it for time-shifting, not long term saving. I also plan to make recordings on DVD. Frankly, when you read about people losing their saved shows, and all the DVRs seem a little fragile (3416, HR20, ViP622) ... if it's something I really want to save ... saved external seems better to me. Add in that most of the time I don't seem to watch saved stuff at all (boxes of old VHS tapes come to mind).

Really, the whole cable decision is painless at the promo rate. By dropping Dtv and subtracting cable basic ... adding Digital Plus and the DVR is similar with more service. I just want a HD pkg. The cable lineup looks better than what Dtv has now (and I suspect most of their additions in 2007 will be locals, not nationals).

Time will tell ...
e

Anybody watch WBND-DT or WCWW-DT via Comcast and have audio dropouts?