This has to be Channel 47's problem, right? I have a hard time believing that CBS' general HD broadcast nationwide is this bad. Has anyone checked with Channel 47 on this problem?

I agree about Fox's HD picture on 26.1 for this afternoon's game and for the BCS games last week. They looked great. I've noticed on my non-HD televisions that Channel 26's analog feed on Directv is coming in cropped the last few weeks with the bottoms and the side's being cutoff. Has anyone outside of Directv noticed this on their Channel 26 analog feed?

It's the same on Comcast's analog feed of KMPH. The newscast also is overscanned a bit on the sides.
At a restaurant, I noticed that the picture for the analog channel fit just right on the LCD monitors on the walls.

Does anyone know if the digital channel of KFTV (Univision) is available on Comcast with a QAM tuner?
1/12 answering my own question: the digital cable lineup doesn't have it.

Has anyone noticed the picture quality issues on CBS over Comcast recently or is this a new development? I've always thought their sports offerings were sub-par, but tonight I started noticing issues with prime time programming. The picture pixelates all over the place and looks like watching OTA and the signal strength isn't good enough.

Anyone else see this on Comcast or is there an issue with my setup?

Has anyone noticed the picture quality issues on CBS over Comcast recently or is this a new development? I've always thought their sports offerings were sub-par, but tonight I started noticing issues with prime time programming. The picture pixelates all over the place and looks like watching OTA and the signal strength isn't good enough.

Anyone else see this on Comcast or is there an issue with my setup?

Bought my Better Half a 26" LCD TV for the kitchen but it has two plugs for OTA reception :mad: , one for Analog and another for Digital channels, is their a"Y" pig tail available to hook up my OTA antenna to both :(

Its called a splitter-combiner and you can get them at Radio Shack.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103923&cp=&origkw=splitter&kw=splitter&parentPage=search

Has anyone noticed the picture quality issues on CBS over Comcast recently or is this a new development? I've always thought their sports offerings were sub-par, but tonight I started noticing issues with prime time programming. The picture pixelates all over the place and looks like watching OTA and the signal strength isn't good enough.

Anyone else see this on Comcast or is there an issue with my setup?

CSI:MIAMI and a couple other shows I watch there sometimes pixellate during fast motion scenes. HD NFL does, too. Sometimes CBS HD from Comcast looks better than others. The original CSI is OnDemand in HD and doesn't seem to suffer nearly as much (and is in actual 5.1), so it could just be on 47's end.

Is anyone having trouble with OTA ABCHD (KFSN)?

I don't live in the valley anymore, but I have relatives in Merced who say that ABCHD has been completely blank for several days now. The other HD channels still work great, and they say that their older bedroom TV still gets ABC's analog broadcast, so I'm half suspicious that ABC's digital broadcast is having trouble. TIA.

Its called a splitter-combiner and you can get them at Radio Shack.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103923&cp=&origkw=splitter&kw=splitter&parentPage=search

Thanks Drew :) , I was hoping I wouldn't have to use a splitter, thought their would be something out there already made with 2 F-plug male ends and a single Female end, guess I gotta make my own :(
John

CSI:MIAMI and a couple other shows I watch there sometimes pixellate during fast motion scenes. HD NFL does, too. Sometimes CBS HD from Comcast looks better than others. The original CSI is OnDemand in HD and doesn't seem to suffer nearly as much (and is in actual 5.1), so it could just be on 47's end.

I've seen this pixellation as well during motion scenes with CBS. I've also seen in on NBC during sports. Does anyone know if this is due to it being a 1080i signal or is it due to the signal being overly compressed? Just curious. I never see it on Fox...they are 720p right?

I've seen this pixellation as well during motion scenes with CBS. I've also seen in on NBC during sports. Does anyone know if this is due to it being a 1080i signal or is it due to the signal being overly compressed? Just curious. I never see it on Fox...they are 720p right?

I think the problem at OTA digital 47.1 KGPE is that their equipment has trouble trying to broadcast two channels (47.1 and 47.2) at the same time. Yesterday they had 47.2 shut off and the pixelization seemed to go away (at least for me). It's reassuring to hear that people on Comcast are experiencing the same problems, since that tells me that the problem is not with my antenna or receiver but something on 47's end.

To the person asking about HD channel 30.1 being off the air, I have had no problems at all. I would tell your relatives in Merced that it is probably some problem at their end (like the channel being accidently deleted from their tuner's preset list or something similar).

Just got a chance to see KFSN-TV's HD broadcasts of J! and WoF last night in HD. I noticed that some of the episodes of Wheel and Jeopardy! are Widescreen on the analog channels on some episodes. Are they doing this because of the fact that they are now in HD or are they doing this for other purposes?

Know this post was from a month ago, but when did you see Jeopardy in HD from KFSN? Still runs in SD on Comcast ch 903 (KFSNHD) and an email question to KFSN came back with an answer along the lines of "I Don't Know".

Know this post was from a month ago, but when did you see Jeopardy in HD from KFSN? Still runs in SD on Comcast ch 903 (KFSNHD) and an email question to KFSN came back with an answer along the lines of "I Don't Know".

Same here, I have never seen Jeopardy in HD with my over the air tuner. I thought since Sony is their sponsor, and also because they say something about HD at the beginning of the show that it might be in HD sometime in the future. But I look forward to that day.

I guess replacing that bank of rounded-screen TV's (that they used up until last season for displaying the clues) with flat screen displays is about all Sony could afford for now.

Now that, thanks to the Comcast rate increase, my cable bill has now exceeded $100/mo for the first time :eek: , thought I'd try to find out from any DirecTv HD users here how the service has treated them in the Fresno/Visalia area. Do they actually carry the big 4 networks' local HD feeds via satellite? $200 up front for the DVR is a bit steep for a lease, but I'd have essentially all the programming (minus OnDemand :( ), but gain 2 more premiums for a year and save about $20-$25 a month over Comcast.

Anyone.....?

jwebb1970,

The local HD channels are great on DirecTv. When I first got my HDTV I used it for movies only. Then I got an H20 receiver and subscribed to the HD channel lineup primarily to get locals in HD, but the programming wasn't very good on the satellite channels so I gave it up. I was surprised that I still received the locals in HD without the HD package.

I don't watch very much network TV, but the local HD programs. are exactly what HD is all about. You won't be disappointed.

Now that, thanks to the Comcast rate increase, my cable bill has now exceeded $100/mo for the first time :eek: , thought I'd try to find out from any DirecTv HD users here how the service has treated them in the Fresno/Visalia area. Do they actually carry the big 4 networks' local HD feeds via satellite? $200 up front for the DVR is a bit steep for a lease, but I'd have essentially all the programming (minus OnDemand :( ), but gain 2 more premiums for a year and save about $20-$25 a month over Comcast.

Anyone.....?

I just upgraded to Directv's HD DVR (HR20) system right after Christmas. I've been a Directv customer since 2003 and think it is a great service. The HD channels are nice, and they have the local stations (24, 26, 30, and 47) in HD as well. You can also plug in an antenna to the HR20 to receive OTA HD channels and they come up directly in the satellite guide and you can record them on the DVR. I have an indoor antenna and I receive most of the HD channels I can't get via satellite (18.1, 18.2, 24.2, 30.2, 30.3, and 59.1), including the HD channels I can get on satellite (24.1, 26.1, 30.1, and 47.1 - some think OTA HD quality is better than the Directv HD feed)

The HR20 is a relatively new HD DVR and still has a few bugs, but it has worked just fine for me. It can store over 200 hours of SD programming and 30-50 hours of HD programming.

I know that Directv's other HD channels are a little behind Comcast, but they are launching a couple satellites this year that will increase their bandwidth and they will be able to offer a whole load of new HD channels mid to late 2007 (FX, TBS, USA, A&E, etc.). They supposedly will have the capacity to offer up to 150 national HD channels after those satellites are up (I guess there needs to be a few more offerings in HD to meet this number, but that sounds promising...)

You should check out www.dbstalk.com for more information on Directv's HD offerings. They have some good feedback. I don't know how that compares to what Comcast is currently offering you, but it seems like a good alternative to me.

Hope this information helps.

Anyone with a QAM tuner connected to a Comcast line:
ShowtimeHD is available unencrypted for now on Channel 112.2 . This is in the Visalia area, so I'm not sure if it's the same for the Fresno area.
The tuner says that there is Digital Sound, but I'm not getting any audio at all. Captions still work, though.

What is going on with 47.1 and its HD broadcast lately? The quality is terrible and sometimes we're not even getting the HD feed, which is way frustrating while trying to watch the playoff!

What is going on with 47.1 and its HD broadcast lately? The quality is terrible and sometimes we're not even getting the HD feed, which is way frustrating while trying to watch the playoff!

This is the same problem that 47.1 has had in the past few weeks. This week's game of New England vs. San Diego was even worse as they went in and out of the HD feed and had the same bad pixellation issues. I noticed this issue on both OTA 47.1 and and on the satellite HD feed of 47.1 that I receive from Directv. I gave up on this and am now watching the game on the SD feed.

Has anyone been in contact with Channel 47 about these HD issues? I have a hard time believing that this is a CBS issue nationwide. If it stays this way, it is going to be a crappy Super Bowl game to watch for all of us here in the valley on HD with these problems!

From Comcast via QAM tuner, Saturday's game on CBS was perfect for me. Sunday's game had the bad pixelation problems all over the place. I stuck a coaxial signal amp in between the Comcast line and the tuner and some of the problems went away. There were still some off-color pixels, but hardly any audio skips like before.

Was the picture quality on Saturday's CBS game as bad as Sunday's game for all of you?

From Comcast via QAM tuner, Saturday's game on CBS was perfect for me. Sunday's game had the bad pixelation problems all over the place. I stuck a coaxial signal amp in between the Comcast line and the tuner and some of the problems went away. There were still some off-color pixels, but hardly any audio skips like before.

Was the picture quality on Saturday's CBS game as bad as Sunday's game for all of you?

It depends what you consider to be "bad pixelization problems". I saw the last 15-20 minutes of the game on Sunday using an over the air HD receiver, it looked fine to me, other than a couple of black screens and pixelization for a fraction of a second when they would switch from one camera on the field (that was working) to another camera (that was having problems) and then back again.

Digital 47.1 and 47.2 seem to be having tons of technical problems for many months now, and it amazes me that every time I think they have finally fixed them, something else happens a few days later. I think someone over there ought to be "asked to resign", some equipment replaced, or some equipment vendors taken to court. It's not funny any more.

I guess it doesn't help that Comcast seems to care even less about the quality of their signals (judging by the many posts). It's hard to figure out which problems are Comcast's fault and which ones are 47's fault.

About all I could suggest to people having problems with 47 and other local channels is to switch to an over the air HD tuner, so at least the incompetence of Comcast/Dish Network/Direct TV will be taken out of the equation.

Well the State of the Union would be in HDTV on KFSN-TV and guess what, it was! You know it's really sad that people like Craig Herrera and Kris Sanchez had to ditch KFSN and KGPE for KNTV 11 in San Jose. They were perfect where they were but I despise them now! Those TRAITORS!

Sure I'm not the only one seeing the issues NBC has been having as of late w/ their HD programming.Their HD State of the Union broadcast kept cutting in and out. Then found that the episodes of HEROES and STUDIO 60 from Monday night on my DVR had similar video problems at the start. Then a message from NBC came on screen, saying that the shows would not be broadcast in HD due to technical difficulties.

At least I can't blame Comcast for this one. Get 'er fixed, NBC!!

Channel 921 - Versus/Golf HD is on this morning if you have Comcast.

I've been using an attic antenna for quite some time now without problems. Then last night, I had some picture and audio break up problems on KSEE 24 and 47. Anyone else have this? Do I need an amp?

Also, with SD programming on Comcast, I have noticed only on Animal Planet, channel 57, a thin, static horizontal line that flashes on the middle upper half of the screen for a split second. It doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, it usually repeats itself every 30 seconds or so. I haven't noticed this on any of the other channels. When I change to 58 or 56, it does not appear. But when I go back to 57, it's still there. I was trying to watch Steve Irwin's last documentary and it was quite distracting.

And finally :)

Any idea when Comcast will start multicasting their analog channels in digital format?

I think 24 and 47 were both off the air for awhile last night. I noticed that too. I think 24 went off right around 8:30pm Thursday (just in time for The Office). And 47.1 and 47.2 were off either just before or just after that. So don't go adjusting your antenna or anything, the problem looks like it was on their end.

I always get worried that my OTA tuner has just died when stuff like that happens. It seems to happen a lot with these newfangled digital stations . . . .

Channel 921 - Versus/Golf HD is on this morning if you have Comcast.Cool stuff.

jwebb, I know you did some research on this earlier. Has Comcast said anything recently about the digital/analog simulcast?

I think 24 and 47 were both off the air for awhile last night. I noticed that too. I think 24 went off right around 8:30pm Thursday (just in time for The Office). And 47.1 and 47.2 were off either just before or just after that. So don't go adjusting your antenna or anything, the problem looks like it was on their end.

I always get worried that my OTA tuner has just died when stuff like that happens. It seems to happen a lot with these newfangled digital stations . . . .

I replaced the in-attic antennae with an 80" Rad Shack UHF/VHF model, showed better pick up. But the annoying part is the signal drop off when its time to scan and memorize channels.

jwebb, I know you did some research on this earlier. Has Comcast said anything recently about the digital/analog simulcast?

The story I get is still the same---"Sometime in '07". They do say that the Fresno/Visalia market is one of the next in line for the analog-to-digital switchover. Likely this upcoming switch is a major contributor to the '07 Comcast rate increase for the majority of communities in this particular market. If DirecTV didn't force me to cough up an extra $200 upfront to LEASE an HDDVR, I might have dumped Comcast by now. But I do like that OnDemand.

From what I gathered some months back, the switch will happen first with ch2-99 continuing where they are, with them also being simulcast in the now-vacant 300's digital tier. Eventually, the 2-99 section will be deleted forever (after the FCC national digital switchover, I'm guessing).

The last I had heard, Comcast had done the switchover in Davis just prior to the end of '06. If anyone knows a Comcast subscriber up there, might wanna ask 'em what's up (and if their cable bill went up beforehand).

Bah, I just picked up a new HD TV, got great signal strength for all broadcast channels over-the-air, and have the same pixelation issues during fast moving scenes during the superbowl on CBS 47. It was quite disappointing to say the least.

And I just watched 24 on Fox (channel 26) the other night and it was fantastic. And the camera in that show moves around just as much, if not more, than a football game. I didn't notice pixelation issues there.

Xarxa, if you get a contact number or email of someone in charge let me know and I'll inquire as well. If enough of us get across to them maybe something will change sooner rather than later.

Bah, I just picked up a new HD TV, got great signal strength for all broadcast channels over-the-air, and have the same pixelation issues during fast moving scenes during the superbowl on CBS 47. It was quite disappointing to say the least.

And I just watched 24 on Fox (channel 26) the other night and it was fantastic. And the camera in that show moves around just as much, if not more, than a football game. I didn't notice pixelation issues there.

Xarxa, if you get a contact number or email of someone in charge let me know and I'll inquire as well. If enough of us get across to them maybe something will change sooner rather than later.

Here's the email to the Channel 47 Engineering Department: engineering@cbs47.tv

I emailed them on the pixelation issue a few weeks back and didn't hear anything. Maybe a few more emails from others will gather a response....

Bah, I just picked up a new HD TV, got great signal strength for all broadcast channels over-the-air, and have the same pixelation issues during fast moving scenes during the superbowl on CBS 47. It was quite disappointing to say the least.

And I just watched 24 on Fox (channel 26) the other night and it was fantastic. And the camera in that show moves around just as much, if not more, than a football game. I didn't notice pixelation issues there.

Xarxa, if you get a contact number or email of someone in charge let me know and I'll inquire as well. If enough of us get across to them maybe something will change sooner rather than later.

Although KGPE 47 may be part of the blame here, the real problem w/ CBS' HD sports "macroblocking" is mostly CBS itself. CBS was an early adopter of HD and went with 1080i/60i for it's "live" HD (sports, Letterman (I beleive), etc). You may find that the HD CBS stuff broadcast in 1080i/24p (filmed stuff like episodic dramas and sitcoms) suffer much less from this, if at all. I do see a small bit of this macroblocking on CSI once in a blue moon (really fast/colorful shots). Yet, when watching the same thing in HD OnDemand from Comcast (directly from CBS--no KGPE involved), it is always perfect. That issue may have to do with KGPE cramming their other digital stuff (47.2, 47.1 digital SD) into their total available bandwith-leading to some compression on KGPE's end.

The problem may be exacerbated if you get KGPE HD from D*. They carry our local CBS HD signal via satellite, but surely are adding even more compression to that signal--just like everything else from D*. KGPE HD via OTA or Comcast are essentially the same. Comcast passes the KGPE HD signal w/o additional compression.

FOX, OTOH, is broadcast in 720p--which is technically better for sports (as far as the macroblocking goes). Although I find the FOX NFL HD stuff slightly less sharp than CBS, it is far smoother during fast motion stuff. NBC and ESPN seem to have some macroblocking at times as well, but not to the extreme you find on CBS.

Of course, all that rain in Miami yesterday certainly didn't help in terms of PQ.

I think this macroblocking is much worse than having to deal with "snow" on analog stations. I don't see how engineers at TV stations and networks can put up with it.

I hope more people start noticing it and it becomes unacceptable for a TV network, satellite provider or cable company to put out a signal so poor that any significant movement causes the picture to completely break up.

I think this macroblocking is much worse than having to deal with "snow" on analog stations. I don't see how engineers at TV stations and networks can put up with it.

I hope more people start noticing it and it becomes unacceptable for a TV network, satellite provider or cable company to put out a signal so poor that any significant movement causes the picture to completely break up.

I'm a Comcast subscriber (in case anyone on this thread hasn't already gathered by my previous posts here). Yesterday afternoon, I went to my local Comcast office and swapped out my Moto 6412 HDDVR for a newer model. The 6412 was fine, but had the horrible habit of "locking up" during remote commands. The locking had actually gotten worse over the last few weeks--happened almost every time you hit a function on the remote. It was almost out of the ordinary if the 6412 DID'NT lock up momentarily.

Swapped the old box for the Moto 6416 III. Basically the same box, but w/ an HDMI out instead of DVI and a 160gb HDD instead of the 6412's 120gb. THe 6416--according to the CSR @ Comcast--is "a bit faster" (assuming this relates to locking up). And the bigger storage capacity was immediately noticable after recording seveal shows last night. An hour+ of HD material took up 9% of the space--took up more than that on the 6412.

Biggest difference I found, though, was the PQ of SD/analog cable material. While obviously not HD level, the SD stuff, esp on the lower cable channels, appears much smoother than with the 6412. Comedy Central, for example, always looked pretty bad on my TV thru the cable box. Yet if I ran the outside cable directly into my TV, PQ was much better. That quality of video now comes out from my new 6416. Nice.

And no lock ups yet, but I'm not gonna hold my breath.

First of all, I'm totally pysched that I found this thread. I've been active on this forum in other groups. I have not done any searches on the thread (but I will)

Second, here's a list of my gear. I list this because I will be asking questions later.

TV: Samsung HL-S6187W (61" with 1080p)
Satellite: Directv HR20 (HD DVR)
DVD: Panasonic DMRES10 (DVD player and recorder). No HDMi, just components
Reciever: Onkyo HTS780 (7.1)

I've been have macroblocking problems on fast moving scenes and sporting events on my set (i've only had it for 1 week). Superbowl wasn't great :( . After asking the folks on the Samsung 1080p thread, i concluded with their inputs, that my macroblocking problems are due to the source and not the set it self. I have a friend who has the same tv and satellite and he as the same problem. He has a next-gen player (blu-ray via a PS3) and he doesn't get any blocking when watching any kind of movies.

I have used all types of configurations on my set (hdmi, component, OTA on the set, OTA on satellite, HD feed via satellite). Is my problem unique to my equipment or source or there others with the same problems?

I imagine this has been asked, but does Comcast Fresno pass Local HD in the clear. I am wondering if I pay for the cheapy service I can use the QAM tuner in my Sharp to recived the channels.

I am sick of not getting channel 30 in my apt, when 65% of my local viewing is on that channel.

I imagine this has been asked, but does Comcast Fresno pass Local HD in the clear. I am wondering if I pay for the cheapy service I can use the QAM tuner in my Sharp to recived the channels.

I am sick of not getting channel 30 in my apt, when 65% of my local viewing is on that channel.

Not sure, but I beleive so. Comcast's current channel lineup list (after the rate increase) lists the local HD feeds from the HD tier as being available to all cable users, including limited basic. Worth a shot.

Not sure, but I beleive so. Comcast's current channel lineup list (after the rate increase) lists the local HD feeds from the HD tier as being available to all cable users, including limited basic. Worth a shot.


I haven't had the need to use cable TV ever since 1996, so I am curious what basic service cost nowadays. I noted recent comments of a rate increase.

Just got thru watching Nascars Bud Shootout in HD on FOX(26.1) and it was excellent, love the night races in HD as all the lights and colors really POP :D , CBS has a lot of work to do since they BUTCHERED the SB with their PixelVision in so called HD :mad:

First of all, I'm totally pysched that I found this thread. I've been active on this forum in other groups. I have not done any searches on the thread (but I will)

Second, here's a list of my gear. I list this because I will be asking questions later.

TV: Samsung HL-S6187W (61" with 1080p)
Satellite: Directv HR20 (HD DVR)
DVD: Panasonic DMRES10 (DVD player and recorder). No HDMi, just components
Reciever: Onkyo HTS780 (7.1)

I've been have macroblocking problems on fast moving scenes and sporting events on my set (i've only had it for 1 week). Superbowl wasn't great :( . After asking the folks on the Samsung 1080p thread, i concluded with their inputs, that my macroblocking problems are due to the source and not the set it self. I have a friend who has the same tv and satellite and he as the same problem. He has a next-gen player (blu-ray via a PS3) and he doesn't get any blocking when watching any kind of movies.

I have used all types of configurations on my set (hdmi, component, OTA on the set, OTA on satellite, HD feed via satellite). Is my problem unique to my equipment or source or there others with the same problems?

I've had HD since fall of 01, DirecTV and local OTA on a 1st generation HD DirecTivo as well as several other HD DirecTV receivers (first a Toshiba, then a Hughes, and then an LG mfg. Sony), and with 3 different HD sets, two crt based rptvs and my current Sony 60A2000. The occasional macroblocking is source related for sure, and is due to overcompression of the signals from the HD broadcasters, both local and DirecTV. I have both a PS3 for BluRay and a Toshiba HDA2 for HDVD and never see macroblocking from even the "busiest" scenes in movies. This is because most HD-DVD and BD discs are playing back at a much higher bitrate than broadcast HD, 19-30mbps vs 12-14.

Your set is ok, the problem is the source broadcasts.

Comcast Fresno does pass the local broadcaster HD feeds in the clear.

I've been a Comcast customer for quite some time, but the recent rate hike is just too much!!!

The main reason I've stuck with Comcast this long is due to the fact that I get HD locals (90% of TV watched in my home) w/o an antenna.

I was a VOOM subscriber for a short time in 2003 and they supplied me with a rooftop OTA antenna for locals. Reception was intermittent at best. OK on clear days, utter pixellated crap if the wind or rain kicked up a bit.

I realize that many Visalia HDTV owners likely get their local HD via OTA with little to no problems. I'm considering going back to DishNetwork (was with them 2000-2002) since they are now no longer charging an upfront lease fee for their HD-DVR. Unfortunately, they don't offer HD locals via satellite like DirecTV does. But DirecTV still wants $200 upfront for their HDDVR and, from what I've seen online and in person, their HD PQ isn't always that great (compared to Dish or Comcast).

I live in a neighboorhood near the Tulare County courthouse with some fairly large trees in the line of sight of most of the Fresno digital transmitters. I'd like to hear from other Visalia OTA (even Dish users, if possble) folks and their experiences/problems (if any) with receiving nice, strong Fresno digital/HD signals. I'm really only concerned with FOX 26, ABC 30, NBC 24, CBS 47 and maybe PBS 18.

Any suggestions on what antenna to use would be appreciated. I can pick up one or two digital signals with an indoor antenna, but for me those are obviously useless.

Jwebb 1970,
I live in Exeter and have a Channelmaster Quantum vhf/uhf anntenna with pre-amp and a rotator. I receive all the Fresno digitals except shopping channel 43 and all the Bakersfield digitals with no problems. The Quantum has been discontinued. If I was going to buy a new antenna now I would buy the largest Channelmaster Crossfire vhf/uhf antenna . With that antenna you may not need a pre-amp. go to www.warrenelectronics.com. I got very good service from them and they have some package deals.

I imagine this has been asked, but does Comcast Fresno pass Local HD in the clear. I am wondering if I pay for the cheapy service I can use the QAM tuner in my Sharp to recived the channels.

I am sick of not getting channel 30 in my apt, when 65% of my local viewing is on that channel.
Yes you can. That's how I receive the HD channels.

I haven't had the need to use cable TV ever since 1996, so I am curious what basic service cost nowadays. I noted recent comments of a rate increase.
$55 :eek:

I'd like to hear from other Visalia OTA (even Dish users, if possble) folks and their experiences/problems (if any) with receiving nice, strong Fresno digital/HD signals. I'm really only concerned with FOX 26, ABC 30, NBC 24, CBS 47 and maybe PBS 18.
I had numerous small antennas, powered and unpowered, and the only channel that was clear was analog channel 26. Every other channel had too much snow or didn't show up at all. I think it's all of the tall trees all over the neighborhood.

Because of all that, I had no choice but to hook up the Comcast cable to the HD tuner, which is a Samsung T451. I only pick up the major local channels, but that's all that I need.

If I remember correctly, these are the unencrypted channels you can get on Comcast through a QAM tuner:

80.1 - KGPE 47.1 - CBSHD
80.2 - KSEE 24.1 - NBCHD
80.3 - KGPE 47.2
82 - 86 - Random OnDemand programming
100.1 - KMPH 26.1 - FOXHD
100.2 - KFRE 59.1 - CWHD
109.1 - KFSN 30.1 - ABCHD
109.2 - PBSHD 18.2?
109.3 - KFSN 30.3
112.2 - ShowtimeHD with no sound
117.1 - PBSHD 18.2?
117.2 - KFSN 30.3
118.1 - KSEE 24.1 - NBCHD
118.2 - KSEE 24.2

Despite the cost, I think I'm gonna stick w/ Comcast for the time being.

I've seen some online visual comparisons btwn digital cable, D* and E* HD stuff (HBO, Discovery HD Theater, etc). Man....as much as D* touts their HD service, the PQ up close on theirs was pretty bad. Lots of macroblocking. E* was better but a bit softer looking. Cable still had 'em both beat. HD locals via Comcast vs. OTA is a wash. They are the same. That is if any of them came in OTA for me at all, that is.

HD locals make up most of the stuff watched in my home, so availablility and PQ of HD locals is a top priority. The overabundance of tall trees on all sides (as I've stated here before) had made OTA HD for me pretty much out of the question--not to mention the wife prefers the look of our roof w/o an antenna of any kind. If D* (which has our major Fresno HD locals via satellite) mangles local HD/digital they way they seem to do so with other HD signals....no thank you! And E* won't even get a consideration until they get around to offering local HD w/o an antenna, free HDDVR upgrade or not.

As much as I hated to see my cable bill go up (again) this year, for me Comcast still is the champ for HD (for me, at least).

Yeah, I know E* has "the most HD", but I used to be a VOOM subscriber (with crappy/almost non-existent OTA HD) and frankly, I rarely ever watched any of those stations after about the first week of service. And D* promise of hundreds more HD channels doesn't work on me either, if all those channels are gonna look as "good" as their current HD PQ ("HD-Lite", they call it?)

Recently switched from the Comcast/Moto 6412 HDDVR to the 6416 Series III. The PQ of SD stuff (even the "analog" channels) is much better over component than with the previous box.

Plus, I've really gotten hooked on OnDemand. Original CSI in HD---with no commercials and 5.1 audio (unlike ch 47).....SWEET!!! Score another for Comcast, I guess. And they are going to be "100% digital" sometime in '07.

May the cable haters flame me to their hearts content. :p

Yes you can. That's how I receive the HD channels.


$55 :eek:


I had numerous small antennas, powered and unpowered, and the only channel that was clear was analog channel 26. Every other channel had too much snow or didn't show up at all. I think it's all of the tall trees all over the neighborhood.

Because of all that, I had no choice but to hook up the Comcast cable to the HD tuner, which is a Samsung T451. I only pick up the major local channels, but that's all that I need.

If I remember correctly, these are the unencrypted channels you can get on Comcast through a QAM tuner:

80.1 - KGPE 47.1 - CBSHD
80.2 - KSEE 24.1 - NBCHD
80.3 - KGPE 47.2
82 - 86 - Random OnDemand programming
100.1 - KMPH 26.1 - FOXHD
100.2 - KFRE 59.1 - CWHD
109.1 - KFSN 30.1 - ABCHD
109.2 - PBSHD 18.2?
109.3 - KFSN 30.3
112.2 - ShowtimeHD with no sound
117.1 - PBSHD 18.2?
117.2 - KFSN 30.3
118.1 - KSEE 24.1 - NBCHD
118.2 - KSEE 24.2

Basic for $ 55 ?!?!, WOW. I'm sticking to my cheapo OTA antennae.

I get those channels you mentioned that are important to you just fine and clear. However I don't use small antennae. The $ 59 model from Radio Shack I find to be just right for my distance. It's an outdoor antennae that I use indoor.

Oh yea, I also use the Samsung tuner for OTA HD and Tosh A1 for HD DVD. The Blockbuster Total Access for HD and non-HD programming for another $ 18/mo.

Despite the cost, I think I'm gonna stick w/ Comcast for the time being.

I've seen some online visual comparisons btwn digital cable, D* and E* HD stuff (HBO, Discovery HD Theater, etc). Man....as much as D* touts their HD service, the PQ up close on theirs was pretty bad. Lots of macroblocking. E* was better but a bit softer looking. Cable still had 'em both beat. HD locals via Comcast vs. OTA is a wash. They are the same. That is if any of them came in OTA for me at all, that is.

HD locals make up most of the stuff watched in my home, so availablility and PQ of HD locals is a top priority. The overabundance of tall trees on all sides (as I've stated here before) had made OTA HD for me pretty much out of the question--not to mention the wife prefers the look of our roof w/o an antenna of any kind. If D* (which has our major Fresno HD locals via satellite) mangles local HD/digital they way they seem to do so with other HD signals....no thank you! And E* won't even get a consideration until they get around to offering local HD w/o an antenna, free HDDVR upgrade or not.

As much as I hated to see my cable bill go up (again) this year, for me Comcast still is the champ for HD (for me, at least).

Yeah, I know E* has "the most HD", but I used to be a VOOM subscriber (with crappy/almost non-existent OTA HD) and frankly, I rarely ever watched any of those stations after about the first week of service. And D* promise of hundreds more HD channels doesn't work on me either, if all those channels are gonna look as "good" as their current HD PQ ("HD-Lite", they call it?)

Recently switched from the Comcast/Moto 6412 HDDVR to the 6416 Series III. The PQ of SD stuff (even the "analog" channels) is much better over component than with the previous box.

Plus, I've really gotten hooked on OnDemand. Original CSI in HD---with no commercials and 5.1 audio (unlike ch 47).....SWEET!!! Score another for Comcast, I guess. And they are going to be "100% digital" sometime in '07.

May the cable haters flame me to their hearts content. :p

I don't think those trees would prevent a decent roof antenna from pulling in KMPH 26 and all the Fresno stations. In Visalia, I'm estimating you are less than 30 miles from the Fresno transmitters. So that's definitely not a fringe area. Just make sure any antenna you might try out is UHF/VHF compatible, because several of the locals broadcast over VHF.

As long as the antenna is not literally touching tree branches (a bad idea) the signals seem to find their way through, unless they were marginal to begin with. With a rotor, you should also be able to pull in the Bakersfield stations.

Hey Headshot, you have your roof antenna set up inside? That sounds like something only I would do. I'm glad to see other people are willing to go with the unconventional when it works. I bet that antenna is quite a conversation piece. You must have it mounted to a tripod or something similar.

I don't think those trees would prevent a decent roof antenna from pulling in KMPH 26 and all the Fresno stations. In Visalia, I'm estimating you are less than 30 miles from the Fresno transmitters. So that's definitely not a fringe area. Just make sure any antenna you might try out is UHF/VHF compatible, because several of the locals broadcast over VHF.

As long as the antenna is not literally touching tree branches (a bad idea) the signals seem to find their way through, unless they were marginal to begin with. With a rotor, you should also be able to pull in the Bakersfield stations.




The rooftop antenna I had the most "success" with was a UHF/VHF Winegard that was supplied to me when I was a VOOM subscriber. During nice, clear days, reception was generally OK (except for KMPH--never came in well). However, if rain and/or wind kicked up, forget about OTA HD. No tree ever touched my antenna, but there are several very tall old pine trees is direct line of the various Fresno transmitters and I'd guess this could have something to do with my past reception issues. Never had issues with actual satellite signals, however.

My decision to stick with Comcast comes down to convenience (it's already here), availability of OnDemand (still nothing like that with satellite in terms of the amount of programming available) and overall PQ (have relatives with both E* standard and D* HD service--Comcast HD/digital cable just looks a tad better to me and the wife--esp after upgrading to a "newer" Motorola/Comcast HDDVR with a better video chip. No more "SD cable looks like crap"--it now looks really good!).


Plus I have NO WORRIES that my locals in HD will not be there when I tune them in/record them on DVR. And the wife likes the lack of an antenna and/or dish on the roof.

I don't think those trees would prevent a decent roof antenna from pulling in KMPH 26 and all the Fresno stations. In Visalia, I'm estimating you are less than 30 miles from the Fresno transmitters. So that's definitely not a fringe area. Just make sure any antenna you might try out is UHF/VHF compatible, because several of the locals broadcast over VHF.

As long as the antenna is not literally touching tree branches (a bad idea) the signals seem to find their way through, unless they were marginal to begin with. With a rotor, you should also be able to pull in the Bakersfield stations.

Hey Headshot, you have your roof antenna set up inside? That sounds like something only I would do. I'm glad to see other people are willing to go with the unconventional when it works. I bet that antenna is quite a conversation piece. You must have it mounted to a tripod or something similar.

Yup au revoir, it's inside the second story roof space, enough of a pitch to allow placement. The unit is actually hung by guy wires using the roof support beams, nails and just using my boy scout knot tying know how :) , and it suspends like David Copperfield himself. No one knows about it. Everyone who comes by thinks I have cable. I didn't go for the roof mount because I have no way to brace it on the second story. Seriously, this way my budget remains at the cheapo-depot level. Your post long ago compelled me to get the UHF/VHF unit upgrade when it became obvious ABC30 uses VHF.

Got to see the Oscar show, man, that image just came out"soft" to me. It just looks SD resolution to me. I was expecting more to HD DVD level. Do any of you know if this is pretty much the picture quality from ABC ?

Unfortunately, I don't have a big enough TV to really see much difference in HD picture quality between the various locals. I know that some broadcast in 720p and others in 1080i, which could account for some of the differences.

Plus, who knows how much the signal is being compressed, either by the network or local stations. I do know that KFSN broadcasts 3 channels at the same time over the same frequency, so maybe they compress their HD programs so that will work. And people seem to report that KMPH 26.1 has a really good HD signal, and they don't multicast, so this may be a factor.

Channel 30 usually broadcasts in 3 simultaneous feeds but that Oscar night I didn't check if all three were running. The broadcast occasionally had audio dropouts ( more like popping sound ). As far as display size I do think it's a factor in determining my opinion of a "soft" picture. I am running it through the Samsung tuner output at 1080i to the Panasonic PJ at 1080i DVI/HDMI connection on a 106" field. Picture was a tad better than standard def though. At least I didn't detect compression anomalies.

Hell, I don't know, maybe they smeared Vaseline on the camera lenses so we wouldn't see the stars' wrinkles and pockmarks. That's a possibility, since these people aren't getting any younger, and I have heard them complain about how much cosmetic flaws show up in HD.

Does any of the Fresno stations broadcast their local news in HD yet?

Do any of the Fresno stations broadcast their local news in HD yet?

Not yet. I do recall hearing that KFSN has the ability to broadcast their own HD (ran a local documentary some time back in HD), so maybe they'll hit us with HD local news first.

Hell, I'm still waiting for KFSN to run JEOPARDY in HD!

Hi all, I am building a new house in Clovis that has a fiber connection. I guess the ATT UVERSE service is supposed to be offered in the future which offers internet and HDTV over fiber. Anyone know much about this? www.att.com/uverse

Thanks!

Hi all, I am building a new house in Clovis that has a fiber connection. I guess the ATT UVERSE service is supposed to be offered in the future which offers internet and HDTV over fiber. Anyone know much about this? www.att.com/uverse

Thanks!

Saw some info on this online as well. Not available in the Fresno area yet, although I'm sure it will be at some point.

Heard thru a friend who's tight with a Comcast employee that the Fresno market area will be getting a new deal thru Comcast later this year. Due to the competition from ATT/SBC style multi-service packages, Comcast will be offering digital cable, phone and internet service for a $99 package price.

Don't hold me to this, 'cause I took it w/ a grain of salt myself---but we'll see.

Here's an updated list of unencrypted channels you can receive from a Comcast cable line with a QAM tuner:

update 4/9

80.1 - KGPE 47.1 - CBS-HD
80.2 - KSEE 24.1 - NBC-HD
80.3 - KSEE 24.2
80.4 - KGPE 47.2

81.11 - The Weather Channel for Comcast

82.1 - foreign language programming

83 - 86 - Random OnDemand programming

100.1 - KMPH 26.1 - FOX-HD
100.2 - KFRE 59.1 - CW-HD

109.1 - KFSN 30.1 - ABC-HD
109.2 - KFSN 30.2
109.3 - KVPT 18.2 - PBS-HD
109.4 - KVPT "V me" (Spanish)

118.1 - KSEE 24.1 - NBC-HD
118.2 - KSEE 24.2

The rest of the channels are either encrypted, blank, or random OnDemand advertisements.

Hi all, I am building a new house in Clovis that has a fiber connection. I guess the ATT UVERSE service is supposed to be offered in the future which offers internet and HDTV over fiber. Anyone know much about this? www.att.com/uverse

Thanks!

I have a buddy that works for ATT and he confirmed that they will be rolling this service out in the Fresno/Clovis market this summer. Your Fiber connection probably won't matter as the service is provided over DSL (copper to the home). They are building out their plant as I type to support the TV service and higher bandwidth DSL.

I have a buddy that works for ATT and he confirmed that they will be rolling this service out in the Fresno/Clovis market this summer. Your Fiber connection probably won't matter as the service is provided over DSL (copper to the home). They are building out their plant as I type to support the TV service and higher bandwidth DSL.

Thanks for your replies guys!

Any other Comcast users in the area have issues w/ ESPNHD or VS/GOLF HD last night? (3/14/07)

Not that I was planning on watching anything on either last night, but did notice that when tuning to them (either directly or channel-surfing), the picture from the previously tuned channel would freeze and stay there for ESPNHD and the "Channel Available Shortly msg for VS/GolfHD.

Both working today. Just wondering what the problem was (hope it's not another Moto DVR bug!).

Now I'm seeing that KSEE 24 will soon broadcast their news in HD? The question is when?

Now I'm seeing that KSEE 24 will soon broadcast their news in HD? The question is when?

Always thought ABC 30 would do HD local news first, since they had already run that local documentary in HD. Figured they may already have the capacity to do so.

Rich and Stef in High-Def :p . Can't say it'll improve the quality of their news broadcast, but it'll look pretty.

never mind found my problem..

For people with QAM tuners on Comcast:
starzHD is temperarily available unencrypted on channel 111.1
Just like the ShowtimeHD preview, there's no sound at all, but captions work.

Always thought ABC 30 would do HD local news first, since they had already run that local documentary in HD. Figured they may already have the capacity to do so.

Rich and Stef in High-Def :p . Can't say it'll improve the quality of their news broadcast, but it'll look pretty.


Besides KFsN's sister stations
KGO
KABC
WABC
WLS
KTRK
WTVG
among others are now broadcasting in HD with their newscasts.

I recently moved out to the 93727 area code (SE Fresno, Falcon Ridge @ Folwer & Hamilton) and Comcast isn't out there yet (new housing area.) I went ahead with DISH (no contract) and their HD package.

I had the guy from DISH also install a "halo" (could be wrong, i wasn't home, it was the wife and I was on the phone with him) OTA antenna on the dish itself ($60.) I get FOX, ABC, TEL, KAIL and one other channel OTA thru the vip 622 hd dvr. FOX & ABC are DT broadcasts. I do not however, pickup NBC/CBS HD at all. From what I understand their towers are out in Auberry no more than 25 miles north of me.

I've only had the DISH box "search" for OTA channels and the above mentioned are all it finds. Is it so weak that I don't pickup those NBC/CBS HD broadcasts? I have trouble believing that because the FOX affiliate is broadcast from Visalia from what I gather and I get a great connection.

Am I missing something? Feel free to email me. Thanks in advance.

Now I'm seeing that KSEE 24 will soon broadcast their news in HD? The question is when?

Has KSEE 24 been running commercials on their plans to broadcast their local news in HD? I haven't heard anything? Has anyone heard of a timeline for when they will go HD?

I also agree that ABC 30 will probably not be far behind if KSEE 24 does go HD because ABC 30 is an O&O station for ABC and can probably get the funding to do HD broadcasts with relative ease...

HD local news will be nice....

QAM on Comcast:
starsHD is gone on 111.1

HBO-HD is now available in-the-clear on 111.2 and with sound! :eek: I'm guessing it's another preview lasting for a week or more.

I recently moved out to the 93727 area code (SE Fresno, Falcon Ridge @ Folwer & Hamilton) and Comcast isn't out there yet (new housing area.) I went ahead with DISH (no contract) and their HD package.

I had the guy from DISH also install a "halo" (could be wrong, i wasn't home, it was the wife and I was on the phone with him) OTA antenna on the dish itself ($60.) I get FOX, ABC, TEL, KAIL and one other channel OTA thru the vip 622 hd dvr. FOX & ABC are DT broadcasts. I do not however, pickup NBC/CBS HD at all. From what I understand their towers are out in Auberry no more than 25 miles north of me.

I've only had the DISH box "search" for OTA channels and the above mentioned are all it finds. Is it so weak that I don't pickup those NBC/CBS HD broadcasts? I have trouble believing that because the FOX affiliate is broadcast from Visalia from what I gather and I get a great connection.

Am I missing something? Feel free to email me. Thanks in advance.


I would suggest going to antennaweb.org and seeing where the broadcast towers are in relation to your location. If you are getting FOX, ABC 30, and those other stations you mentioned, you should be able to pick up NBC and CBS, as well as the 3 PBS channels. ABC 30 is the one most people have problems with (since it's a VHF station).

You may need to switch to an outdoor antenna. Radio Shack sells a decent one for about $60. If you decide to upgrade your antenna, make sure it's UHF/VHF compatible, since some of the locals are broadcast over VHF.

I think indoor antennas work best if you are within 10-15 miles of the transmitters, so you are probably too far for a reliable signal.

If mounting an outdoor antenna is a problem, they can be set up in the attic, but your reception will not be quite as good. Let us know how it goes, and good luck!

QAM on Comcast:
starsHD is gone on 111.1

HBO-HD is now available in-the-clear on 111.2 and with sound! :eek: I'm guessing it's another preview lasting for a week or more.

Good find! Any idea what happened to PBS? I had it mapped on my VMC machine (at work now...I forget where) and now there's no signal. Keep those QAM finds coming...it's good stuff!

109.3 still works for PBS-HD. 117.1 used to be another location for PBS-HD, but is now color bars and in standard-defintion.

More random discoveries on QAM:
81.11 is a customized Weather Channel for Comcast. Looks similar to the weather coverage found on 24.2 and 30.3
82.1 is some foreign language station.

more mystery channels:
102.1 is just a big "FSN-HD" 3D logo
102.2 is the INHD channel but no audio :/
102.3 is just a big logo saying "Comcast Sportsnet HD - Sacramento Kings"

I'll check out those sports channels later if anything HD shows up on Fox Sports or Comcast Sportsnet
update: "no signal" on where FSN-HD was during a Golden State basketball game, which probably means it's encrypted. I'm betting the same for SportsNet.

I think random basketball games show up in some of the 103 subchannels.

Oh...cool. I had my HDHR mapped to 117.1. I switch that when I get home. Thanks!

109.3 still works for PBS-HD. 117.1 used to be another location for PBS-HD, but is now color bars and in standard-defintion.

More random discoveries on QAM:
81.11 is a customized Weather Channel for Comcast. Looks similar to the weather coverage found on 24.2 and 30.3
82.1 is some foreign language station.

more mystery channels:
102.1 is just a big "FSN-HD" 3D logo
102.2 is the INHD channel but no audio :/
102.3 is just a big logo saying "Comcast Sportsnet HD - Sacramento Kings"

I'll check out those sports channels later if anything HD shows up on Fox Sports or Comcast Sportsnet
update: "no signal" on where FSN-HD was during a Golden State basketball game, which probably means it's encrypted. I'm betting the same for SportsNet.

I think random basketball games show up in some of the 103 subchannels.

With a Comcast box, QAM 102.1 is in fact FSN-West HD. Continually displays the CG FSHHD logo when no programming is on.

QAM 81.11 is Comcast Digital ch 101 (Weatherscan) and is affiliated with The Weather Channel. Handles all weather info for the Fresno market area.

102.3 is Comcast HDSE (HD Special Events) ch 925. Mainly used these days for home Sac Kings games in HD. Has had some HD NFL Network material in the past and has occasionally repeated what is on INHD/MOJO at the same time. Has also had various award show red carpet coverage (Oscars/Golden Globes) from E! in HD as well.

Doesn't surprise me that the FSN programming (and likely HDSE's Kings coverage) are encrypted.

That was fast. HBO-HD is already gone.

That was fast. HBO-HD is already gone.
I think HBO's free preview was April 6-10.

ABC- 30 starts HD news on Monday 4-23-07.

ABC- 30 starts HD news on Monday 4-23-07.


I thought they'd be first, since they had done local HD before with that documentary they ran last year.

Will the HD news be both 6:00/6:30 and 11:00?

Maybe KFSN will now stop switching back to SD in the last minutes of 10:00 ABC HD shows. Just stay in HD mode thru the news. Always annoying when the last moments of LOST switch to black sidebars. :mad:

109.3 still works for PBS-HD. 117.1 used to be another location for PBS-HD, but is now color bars and in standard-defintion.

More random discoveries on QAM:
81.11 is a customized Weather Channel for Comcast. Looks similar to the weather coverage found on 24.2 and 30.3
82.1 is some foreign language station.

more mystery channels:
102.1 is just a big "FSN-HD" 3D logo
102.2 is the INHD channel but no audio :/
102.3 is just a big logo saying "Comcast Sportsnet HD - Sacramento Kings"

I'll check out those sports channels later if anything HD shows up on Fox Sports or Comcast Sportsnet
update: "no signal" on where FSN-HD was during a Golden State basketball game, which probably means it's encrypted. I'm betting the same for SportsNet.

I think random basketball games show up in some of the 103 subchannels.

I just read over in the HTPC forum about a guy with Comcast in NH. He said that they one day, out of the blue, up and removed the encryption from Discovery HD and just about everything else except like HBO. Man, that would be sweet! I'm going to keep an eye out on the off chance they are going to do the same for us (what are the odds, right?)

I thought they'd be first, since they had done local HD before with that documentary they ran last year.

Will the HD news be both 6:00/6:30 and 11:00?



I'm hoping they will do them all in HD, however only the studio cameras are HD now, so the reporting from the field will be in SD for the time being...

...on another topic, if anyone here watched Grey's Anatomy or October Road via Comcast in HD, were there hiccups in video and sound throughout the shows or was that just my DVR acting up on me?? It was really bad in some parts as the sound would just cut out and made it hard to follow the stories :(

I'm hoping they will do them all in HD, however only the studio cameras are HD now, so the reporting from the field will be in SD for the time being...

...on another topic, if anyone here watched Grey's Anatomy or October Road via Comcast in HD, were there hiccups in video and sound throughout the shows or was that just my DVR acting up on me?? It was really bad in some parts as the sound would just cut out and made it hard to follow the stories :(

I watched it...came out just fine for me.

I'm hoping they will do them all in HD, however only the studio cameras are HD now, so the reporting from the field will be in SD for the time being...

...on another topic, if anyone here watched Grey's Anatomy or October Road via Comcast in HD, were there hiccups in video and sound throughout the shows or was that just my DVR acting up on me?? It was really bad in some parts as the sound would just cut out and made it hard to follow the stories :(


I have had audio hiccups on ALL local HD from time to time via Comcast. But I don't know if that is Comcast's/the DVR's fault. Could also be occuring OTA as well.

KFSN can be the biggest offender though. Again, can't say who/what is to blame. But they've never been bad enough to lose me, story-wise. Only ABC HD shows watched here are Grey's and Lost. Both had minor hiccups maybe once each this last week.

I can't wait to see it since the morning & midday shows are the last time I see it in SD before 5 PM today when KFSN goes HD with the graphics similar to KABC and the reincorporation of the Circle logo.

That HD newscast was a bit underwhelming. It was 4:3 and I couldn't really tell if it was HD or just a really clear 480i picture like the other newscasts on other networks on digital. It does look better than their old setup.

That HD newscast was a bit underwhelming. It was 4:3 and I couldn't really tell if it was HD or just a really clear 480i picture like the other newscasts on other networks on digital. It does look better than their old setup.

Were you watching the same thing as me? It was HD the whole time they showed in studio news casters. Speaking of that when did Nancy Osborne (sp) get old? HD and her do not get along. I also thought the head shots were too tight.

It was nice to see KFSN go the HD route. Guessing the newscasts will get better looking (expect newer, younger and prettier newscasters soon, I'd bet) as time goes on.

My only dissapointment? You'd think they'd start running JEOPARDY! in HD now. Guess not.

Were you watching the same thing as me? It was HD the whole time they showed in studio news casters. Speaking of that when did Nancy Osborne (sp) get old? HD and her do not get along. I also thought the head shots were too tight.

I didn't see Nancy, but Liz Harrison looks pretty good IMO, and she's been doing the news since I was a kid! :D But yeah, they needed to back out on the zoom for the solo shots....I just wish I could have stayed up late to see Graciela in HD ;) :D

It was nice to see KFSN go the HD route. Guessing the newscasts will get better looking (expect newer, younger and prettier newscasters soon, I'd bet) as time goes on.

My only dissapointment? You'd think they'd start running JEOPARDY! in HD now. Guess not.

Got an answer regarding JEOPARDY!/WoF HD on KFSN via email:



Broadcasting Jeopardy and Wheel in HD is planned for the future.
Currently, we can not record from the satellite in HD and playback the
program in HD. We are working on getting the necessary equipment in
house to make this happen. You may check back in a few months and see if
I have any updated information for you. I'm sure we will air teases for
this upcoming event as well.

Thanks for watching ABC30

Charlene Ciavaglia
Programming Manager ABC30

when watching smallville or supernatural on CW 59.2 anyone else noticed that it hasn't been 16x9, it's in hd but there still showing it 4:3 format - what causes this? Is there a way to contact them to fix this problem?

bump

Were you watching the same thing as me? It was HD the whole time they showed in studio news casters.
I guess not. I checked out the 11pm news again yesterday. Sure enough, it was 16:9 and crystal-clear. Looks like they forgot to bump it to 16:9 on Monday night.

Speaking of that when did Nancy Osborne (sp) get old? HD and her do not get along. I also thought the head shots were too tight.
Nancy always looks old.

hiwind, I'll check out CW59 tonight to see if it's zoomed in or not.

thanks ,not fun trying to watch new episodes that look like SD squished in the middle of your screen!

well this sucks, smallville isn't zoomed in on HD so i guess supernatural is gonna look like crap to! WTF....

everyone complain to feedback@CWTV.com

Yup, it's the station. Both shows were squished with black bars on every side over here as well.

What is the channel# for ABC HD 30.1, 9.3 ??? :confused:

What is the channel# for ABC HD 30.1, 9.3 ??? :confused:

9.1 is the physical frequency but 30.1 is what it gets mapped to - so as to match their analog frequency (signal is sent by broadcaster). Its the same for most of the other stations too. If you search previous post you should find a listing of all the channels with their physical frequencies.

Thought I'd check with other local watchers here...

Just got around to watching DVR'ed episodes of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, UGLY BETTY and GREY'S ANATOMY from last week. All shows eventually switched to SD on KFSN after HD versions played with weird sound issues. It seemed that the center channel of the 5.1 audio was missing. Music, sound effects and surrounds worked fine, but no center (muffled, barely intelligible dialog). Problem resolved when KFSN switched over to SD/2-channel audio.

All of these were via Comcast, but would imagine that this wasn't a Comcast problem. Anyone else catch these either OTA, D* or Comcast?

Have also noticed HD issues recently with NBC. Picture/sound hiccups that resolve after switching over to SD. Have seen this before on NBC, who usually runs a note on screen that states "Due to technical difficulties,tonight's episode will not be seen in HD". No such notice with the most recent issues, though. I assume this is an NBC problem, not a KSEE/Comcast one.

Clear QAM tuners users:
The mystery colored bar channels on 117 and the extra NBC stations on 118 are all gone. NBC can still be found on 80.2 and 80.3.

CBS is either temporarily down, moved somewhere else, or scrambled. :mad:
EDIT : It was back up. Looks like it was temporarily down.

Also, NBA TV is in the clear somewhere on channel 90. My new TV with built-in ATSC/QAM says it's 90.20 while the old set-top tuner says 90.6. :confused:

There are a ton of audio-only music stations that my old set-top tuner didn't pick up. I'll document those stations later.

NBC alternating between SD and HD resolutions on HD shows is starting to get annoying.

Check out channel 88 via clear QAM tuner. Has sub channels 1 through 10 that are Fresno area broadcast channels.

Nice find! This must have started today.
All are SD but no static like the channels on analog cable.

KFTV Univision
KFSN ABC
KSEE NBC
KFRE CW
KMSG Azteca
KGPE CBS
KVPT PBS
KNSO Telemundo
KAIL MyTV (still all faded and fuzzy even in digital :mad: )
KMPH FOX

Also, I found out that if there is no sound, just switch the MTS audio to the 2nd track on the tuner.

-----

Bummer, no more NBA TV and no more music stations. :(

Comcast clear QAM lineup as of 5/11:

I discovered that different QAM tuners assign different substations for the same channels. I'll just list the clear stations that can be found on the main channel

80
- KGPE 47.1 - CBS-HD
- KGPE 47.2
- KSEE 24.1 - NBC-HD
- KSEE 24.2

81
- The Weather Channel "weatherscan" for Comcast

83 through 87
- Random OnDemand programming

88 (all 4:3 SD local channels)
- KFTV 21 - Univision (Spanish)
- KFSN 30 - ABC
- KSEE 24 - NBC
- KFRE 59 - CW
- KMSG 39 - Azteca (Spanish)
- KGPE 47 - CBS
- KVPT 18 - PBS
- KNSO 51 - Telemundo (Spanish)
- KAIL 53 - MyTV
- KMPH 26 - FOX

92
- KBTV-CA 8 Sacramento (foreign programming)

100
- KMPH 26.1 - FOX-HD
- KFRE 59.1 - CW-HD

109
- KFSN 30.1 - ABC-HD
- KFSN 30.2
- KVPT 18.2 - PBS-HD
- KVPT 18.3 - "V me" (Spanish)

Everything else is either info-mercial channels, PPV previews, or scrambled channels.

Anyone else irked at Valley Public Television for all the Spanish language programming they air on 18.3?

And why in the world do they have all those kids shows in Spanish? How are kids ever going to learn English if all their shows are in Spanish? What is the thinking behind this decision? To make it even easier and more convenient to never learn English? Why would anyone want that?

100% of the programming on 18.3 is in Spanish, including some pretty interesting stuff that I would like to watch but can't follow because I don't speak Spanish. If KVPT are going to do this, why don't they AT LEAST have captions in English?

Oh wait, I did see one show on 18.3 that was in English, it was KVPT's Great TV Auction. I guess they assumed no Spanish speaking person would ever donate any money to the station, so they decided to broadcast in that particular show in English.

Finally, the "V Me" network that is rebroadcast on 18.3 is available for free on Dish Network, so even if I wanted to watch that network I could easily do so elsewhere. I hope KVPT will re-think their decision to use 18.3 exclusively for Spanish programming, of which there is clearly no shortage of these days.

Seems like it would be easier to just change the channel than get all worked up over PBS en Espanol :rolleyes:

Saludos, John ;)

I just got a notice in the mail from Comcast about some changes in the channel lineup on or after this Tuesday, May 22.


High Definition Channel Adds
Channel Name - Channel # - Service Level
A & E HD - 918 - HDTV
NAT GEO HD - 915 - HDTV

Channel Repositioning
Channel Name - Current Channel -> New Channel
Court TV - 65 -> 50
ION - 95 -> 79
QVC - 76 -> 70

Channel Repositioning and Service Level Change
Channel - Current Channel # - Current Service Level -> NEW Channel # - NEW Service Level
AZN TV* - 98 - Limited Basic -> 240 - Digital Classic
TBN* - 70 - Limited Basic -> 230 - Digital Classic
GSN* - 50 - Standard Cable -> 161 - Starter Tier

*A Digital receiver will now be required to receive these channels.

THe reason for these channel relocations is to maintain consistency with our local area lineups.


Yay to no more TBN taking up space in the Standard lineup, but boo to losing Game Show Network to Digital.

That also means Standard channels 65, 76, 95, and 98 will have nothing. Perhaps more digital content will go into those available channels?

Anyone else irked at Valley Public Television for all the Spanish language programming they air on 18.3?

And why in the world do they have all those kids shows in Spanish? How are kids ever going to learn English if all their shows are in Spanish? What is the thinking behind this decision? To make it even easier and more convenient to never learn English? Why would anyone want that?

100% of the programming on 18.3 is in Spanish, including some pretty interesting stuff that I would like to watch but can't follow because I don't speak Spanish. If KVPT are going to do this, why don't they AT LEAST have captions in English?

Oh wait, I did see one show on 18.3 that was in English, it was KVPT's Great TV Auction. I guess they assumed no Spanish speaking person would ever donate any money to the station, so they decided to broadcast in that particular show in English.

Finally, the "V Me" network that is rebroadcast on 18.3 is available for free on Dish Network, so even if I wanted to watch that network I could easily do so elsewhere. I hope KVPT will re-think their decision to use 18.3 exclusively for Spanish programming, of which there is clearly no shortage of these days.

A couple of points: Spanish-speakers make up a large part of the Central Valley, so KVPT is going after the market share and providing educational programming to Spanish speakers while trying to gain viewership (donations).

Secondly -- Current literacy research indicates that those who are proficient in their native languages first become fluent in their second language much quicker and have high comprehension/fluency rates for their lives. The native language provides a framework for the new language to flow on top of and acts as a scaffold to the acquisition of new language.

The CW is still broadcasting its HD lineup in 4:3 and it doesn't seem to be a true HD feed. Anyone know what's up? Or, is Pappas being a tightwad again?

The CW is still broadcasting its HD lineup in 4:3 and it doesn't seem to be a true HD feed. Anyone know what's up? Or, is Pappas being a tightwad again?

Although I'm not a regular watcher of CW programming, I have surfed past ch 905 during primetime hours and have seen CW programming in HD/16x9. I remember this because the CW ID bug is so far over from the right side---much more than any other network ID.

However, not being a regular viewer, I can't say this with all certainty. But perhaps there have been tech difficulties either of KFRE's end or the CW's.

I know there was about a week or so recently where NBC HD stuff was freaking out a lot. Most times, the shows would eventually switch to SD and an NBC disclaimer will come up saying "Due to technical difficulties......not available in HD". Was an issue at NBC's end--not KSEE's. Could be the case here, as well.

Might want to contact KFRE tech dept and ask. I've called the tech depts. of KFSN and KSEE in the past and they have always been pretty helpful with answering questions regading HD issues.

Check out channel 88 via clear QAM tuner. Has sub channels 1 through 10 that are Fresno area broadcast channels.

Are these the digital SD signals?

Have the "analog" locals been swapped to digital for cable box users?

No, they are still tuning to analog channels on the box.

No, they are still tuning to analog channels on the box.

testhomer, do you know when the Comcast ADS (analong/digital simulcast) is going to happen here?

I've read that some markets already have already begun this.

Hey all. Sorry if this was posted already, but I just got my Comcast bill and eureka! New HD channels are coming 5/22!

Nat Geo: 915
A&E: 918

Very nice...now if only they were unencrypted so that my MCE can record them :rolleyes:

OK, i'm an idiot...it's like only 10 posts up!

*pop* <pulls head from arse>

:p

OK, i'm an idiot...it's like only 10 posts up!

*pop* <pulls head from arse>

:p
:D ;) :p

http://www.prosoundweb.com/fun/Photofun/76-head_up_ass.jpg

For those with Comcast (or QAM tuners)...

If the current addition of new HD channels (A&E, NGCHD) plays out like previous additions have, the new channels should light up before midnight tonight (5/22).

Last time they added programming, it was available and listed on the guide around 10:30-11:00pm-ish the night before. However, I seem to recall it taking a couple of days before the guide displayed any program info for the new stuff.

well this sucks, smallville isn't zoomed in on HD so i guess supernatural is gonna look like crap to! WTF....

everyone complain to feedback@CWTV.com

Yep, did a little recording of Smallville last night to test out the new card Hauggpauge 1600 and of cours they are fitting a 16/9 show into a 4/3 window.

I emailed the address above, everyone join in if you want an acutual full screen when you are watching HD on this channel.

For those with Comcast (or QAM tuners)...

If the current addition of new HD channels (A&E, NGCHD) plays out like previous additions have, the new channels should light up before midnight tonight (5/22).

Last time they added programming, it was available and listed on the guide around 10:30-11:00pm-ish the night before. However, I seem to recall it taking a couple of days before the guide displayed any program info for the new stuff.

Don't stay up too late waiting for them to appear.. Expect to see them on around 4-5AM

The A&E HD bug is not only ugly, but HUGE as well! :eek:

Nice. Game Show Network didn't go away after all. It's now on channel 69.

Channels 66, 67, 68, 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75 are all static now, as well as 65, 76, 95, and 98. That's not much of a surprise there.

For the most part, expect reruns of CSI:MIAMI to be the majority of any HD programming on A&E"HD".

NGCHD, on the other hand, generally has something nice to look at (as well as usually fairly interesting).

Yep, did a little recording of Smallville last night to test out the new card Hauggpauge 1600 and of cours they are fitting a 16/9 show into a 4/3 window.

I emailed the address above, everyone join in if you want an acutual full screen when you are watching HD on this channel.


Thank you for responding! I havn't recieved an email from KFRE59/CW and I even called and asked to speak to an engineer but they refused and the secretary probably didn't even know what High Def 16/9 meant....

When smallville comes back in September for it's last season Im sure we'd All love to see it in WIDESCREEN!!!!

Clear QAM over Comcast-

Good news: more unscrambled channels have been found!

Bad news: they are mostly the rest of the local channels that didn't have a digital counterpart yet. :(

Here are the specifics.

Channel 73:
- Home Shopping Network
- QVC

Channel 74:
- KTFF 41/61 - Telefutura (Spanish)
- KGMC 43 - independent. Mostly home shopping and really old movies
- KNXT 49 - Catholic independent. Bad picture quality, probably station's fault.
- ION
- WGN
- The Weather Channel
- TV Guide Channel. It's still out of date on the channel lineup.
- Community Programming. The same channel found on analog channel 14.

Channel 78:
- The Weather Channel. I don't know if there is any difference between this one and the one on 74.

Also, for whatever reason, 24.2 and 47.2 keep getting scrambled at odd times.
edit 6/12: I found the reason for this. They moved to different sub-channels on digital ch. 80.

Yep, did a little recording of Smallville last night to test out the new card Hauggpauge 1600 and of cours they are fitting a 16/9 show into a 4/3 window.

I emailed the address above, everyone join in if you want an acutual full screen when you are watching HD on this channel.

Has anyone gotten a response from KFRE 59 on this issue? Are they going to bring back the shows in 16/9?

Has anyone gotten a response from KFRE 59 on this issue? Are they going to bring back the shows in 16/9?

Since they are both Pappas-run stations, you might get a faster response from KMPH instead of KFRE. KMPH has always responded within a day to any email programming questions I've sent 'em--esp. when hounding them over when they were gonna let Comcast carry the KMPH HD signal.

Worst case scenario---they forward your question to whoever handles KFRE tech dept. Might actually get a pair of eyes there to look @ your question this way.

If I watched any CW programming, I know I'd get on this bandwagon.

According to the E* annual report (from what another forum member tells me), the satco plans to have 50% of the nation's HD locals available over their sat signal by the end of 2007.

Just spoke to an online E* CSR. Found out that Fresno is on the list of market areas to be picked up this year. No more antennas needed for E* HD locals here...at some point. E* doesn't have a firm date yet for when they light up our locals (or if all will be carried).

The inability for me to get decent OTA reception (HD network programming is the most watched stuff here) has kept me with Comcast. Don't want to give D*--who carries the Fresno "big 4" HD locals-- $200 to borrow their HDDVR when both Comcast and E* give 'em out with no upfront cost. And as a former VOOM subscriber, I kinda miss all their programming so E* may get me when the locals thing comes to pass.

Unless I just can't live w/o OnDemand..........

As of now, prime time shows on KFRE 59 are back to 16:9 HD. :eek: :cool:

As of now, prime time shows on KFRE 59 are back to 16:9 HD. :eek: :cool:

I heard through a source at Pappas that the reason the HD had been down was because of an issue with the closed captioning on the HD feed. It just got fixed yesterday. Glad to have it back!

Does anyone in the local are know if there is any talk about FIOS service becoming available in the near future? Just wondering is all...

Does anyone in the local are know if there is any talk about FIOS service becoming available in the near future? Just wondering is all...

Not Going to happen anywhere in California, FIOS is Verizion, which is mainly east coast and Mid-West areas.

California is now all AT&T (Use to be SBC and Bellsouth). Project Lightspeed all the way, which is Fiber to the node (fios is Fiber to the Home). So not going to happen.

Not Going to happen anywhere in California, FIOS is Verizion, which is mainly east coast and Mid-West areas.

California is now all AT&T (Use to be SBC and Bellsouth). Project Lightspeed all the way, which is Fiber to the node (fios is Fiber to the Home). So not going to happen.
Oh...good to know! I'll google lightspeed. Thanks for the info.

Verizon is in many parts of California but I don't think they are in the central valley. The closest area may be in the Sacramento area but that is going off the top of my head. I have a map of Verizon areas in California but I am at work so I don't have access to it right now. AT&T is now calling the fiber optic version "U-Verse".

I live in Exeter southeast of Visalia and our phone company is Verizon.

Hey, anyone notice that the NBC network news is in HD now? Maybe this is old news, but I just noticed it tonight (Sunday). I don't recall ABC or CBS doing this, so as far as I know it's a first.

Most of the reports were still in 4:3 but hey, the studio shots were in 16:9 HD.

Hey, anyone notice that the NBC network news is in HD now? Maybe this is old news, but I just noticed it tonight (Sunday). I don't recall ABC or CBS doing this, so as far as I know it's a first.

Most of the reports were still in 4:3 but hey, the studio shots were in 16:9 HD.

Yes, it's been in HD for a few months now. Although it seems only during the week. Weekend editions are still SD/4:3 (at least when I've tuned in on a Sat/Sun).

If I'm watching the evening news now, I catch local news from KFSN, then switch to KSEE for the national news via NBC. Both in HD.

Cool! I just noticed.

*waits patiently to see Rich and Steph in high def, on KSEE 24*

KSEE's News are becoming to be similar to that of KPRC's and KXAS in Houston and Dallas respectively.

Newscasts in HD are kind of pointless if all of the video they run for the stories are all 4:3 SD. Is KFSN using 4:3 hi-res cameras for the video for the local stories?

Clear QAM over Comcast:
The second sub-channel for KFSN is now available. It's that one channel about the local weather 24/7, similar to KSEE's subchannel. Big whoop :/ It's on 109 along with the other KFSN channels.

Also, a few more channels popped up unscrambled, but it's just more home shopping and infomercials channels. :mad:

Channel 78:
- The Weather Channel. I don't know if there is any difference between this one and the one on 74.
78 is TWC without any local weather info. 74 is TWC with that info.

Quote:

"Is KFSN using 4:3 hi-res cameras for the video for the local stories?"

Yes, as far as I know. I have seen ads for consumer grade HD camcorders. Maybe one of the stations can pick up a couple of those at Best Buy or something.

But hey, at least we get to see those newscasters in HD. I don't know about the rest of you, but the only reason I watch the local news is to see what those fashion-savvy newscasters are wearing, and whether they look hung over or not.

Yeah, the news video seems sharper, but it's still a bit irritating that they are stuck at 4:3.

whether they look hung over or not.
Sounds like KMPH in the weekends.

I miss their KFRE newscasts. They knew no one was watching them in the weekend and totally didn't give a crap about keeping it professional. It was hilarious to watch until it was cancelled.

When I watch the news, it's really a toss up between 30 and 47. KSEE 24 is starting to track into what KPRC in Houston has become, tabloidish! KMPH however isn't that bad at all. Even if they lost John Malos and Monty Torres does very good too, at least they are decent. But KSEE is really getting tabloidish similar to that of KPRC and KXAS in Dallas/Fort Worth.

People with clear QAM tuner:
There's a free preview of MLB Extra Innings on channel 106. I don't know how long it'll last.

"But KSEE is really getting tabloidish"

Especially the 4:00 afternoon broadcast w/Alex Delgado. She needs to be wearing a high school cheerleader's outfit or something. I feel like I'm overhearing a high school production of the news, live from the place where the airhead cheerleaders and popular kids hang out.

Plus her comments about the news stories are so annoying. Can't they just report the news?

Titan TV is showing a KSEE24.3 description is LATV channel now available via off-air. Can anyone see this yet using an antenna?

http://ksee.titantv.com/apg/ttv.aspx?siteid=52266

It just popped up on the clear QAM tuner on digital channel 80 along with the other KSEE stations. It's not scrambled, but nothing is on it right now at 1am :/ Maybe stuff will show up tomorrow.

From a quick online search, it's a "bilingual music and entertainment network". Sounds like a clone of MUN2. At least it's not another local weather channel or super-old reruns 24/7.

Also, I'm surprised we still have PBS-HD after hearing about it disappearing from numerous TV markets in the last few months.

LATV is similar to what they have over out at KSAT 12 San Antonio and KPRC-TV in Houston.

The QAM channels got kind of screwy again.

30 and 18 are on different sub-channels on 109.
The virtual channels for 24 and 47 don't work. They're still grouped together on channel 80.
Another channel scan solves those problems.

LATV still has nothing on it.

Was tuned to KSEE 24 HD (via Comcast ch 904) late last night. Dealing with baby girl, so I wasn't paying much attention before, but at one point during Conan O'Brien, the screen freaked out (pixellated) and the sound cut out.

When pic/sound returned to normal, I happened to look over @ my receiver. It was displaying it's DD5.1 icon. Checked the Comcast info...lo and behold KSEE 24 HD now appears to be passing the network's 5.1 audio. As I said, wasn't paying attention prior to the signal freakout (and was watching Letterman - in 2.0!) before jumping over to Conan.

Was last night the first time KSEE made the 5.1 conversion?

Now we're just waiting on you, KGPE 47, to get with the program.

24.3 was broadcasting OTA yesterday, I don't know if I will be watching that station too much, judging by the couple of programs I saw.

47.2 really needs a makeover. I have never seen such awful programming anywhere (is it Canadian?) and the same 3 or 4 public service ads over and over again. Yeccch! Someone put that station out of it's misery.

CBS 47 isn't as bad as KSEE since their news in in 2nd place ratingswise. KSEE's news meanwhile in the past year as gone to the route of KPRC, WSVN and KXAS, tabloidish! Most of their anchors have either made themselves more revealing or that Rich Rodriguez guy look so much like Bill Balleza from KPRC or Robb Hanrahan of WSVN. KSEE's news is getting terrible. So I'd rather watch ABC 30 HD or CBS 47 soon to be HD I hope since Rich and Stefani look so identical to Bill & Dominique Sachse from the low rated KPRC in Houston. I'm sorry but I'd take ABC 30 or CBS 47 or even FOX 26 news over the now tabloid KSEE. :(

KSEE-LATV is up and running on QAM on channel 80. I'll give it a few glances. KSEE-HD is still glitching up occasionally.

Is 24.3 LATV or LATN? I sort of assumed it read "LATN" since the programming is all Spanish-language-type stuff.

It's hard to tell what that logo actually says, but to me the station looks more LATN than LATV, since I have yet to see any LA-specific programs on it yet.

LATV stands for LAtinoTV which is originally broadcasted by KJLA-TV in Los Angeles. IT is already airing on the Post Newsweek stations (KPRC, KSAT, WDIV, WPLG, WKMG) it does also state that some Granite Broadcasting stations (KSEE, KbWB, WMYD) are getting the stations too.

Was tuned to KSEE 24 HD (via Comcast ch 904) late last night. Dealing with baby girl, so I wasn't paying much attention before, but at one point during Conan O'Brien, the screen freaked out (pixellated) and the sound cut out.

When pic/sound returned to normal, I happened to look over @ my receiver. It was displaying it's DD5.1 icon. Checked the Comcast info...lo and behold KSEE 24 HD now appears to be passing the network's 5.1 audio. As I said, wasn't paying attention prior to the signal freakout (and was watching Letterman - in 2.0!) before jumping over to Conan.

Was last night the first time KSEE made the 5.1 conversion?

Now we're just waiting on you, KGPE 47, to get with the program.

I was watching the last episode of Medium recorded by my HD Tivo the other night and noticed the sound was all over the room, glanced at my receiver and was pleasantly surprised to see that the 5.1 indicators were all turned on.

KFSN was 5.1 from the get go but their audio was often badly out of synch up until a year or two ago, KSEE seems to have no such problems--probably newer equipment.

Can't wait for 47 to follow suit--looking forward to CSI in 5.1.

LATV stands for LAtinoTV which is originally broadcasted by KJLA-TV in Los Angeles. IT is already airing on the Post Newsweek stations (KPRC, KSAT, WDIV, WPLG, WKMG) it does also state that some Granite Broadcasting stations (KSEE, KbWB, WMYD) are getting the stations too.

Thanks! I probably won't be watching the station much, but it's nice to know what it's called and some background info. I wonder if anyone will actually watch this station?

I can just imagine the decision making process at KSEE:

Engineer: OK, the sub-channel 24.3 is ready to start broadcasting, what kind of programming do you want to put on it?

Programming Executive: Well, with the growing Hispanic population we have in the area, we need something that will appeal to them, but not anything too good, or they'll stop watching the main station.

Engineer: How about LAtino TV? We can get it cheap, it's Hispanic-oriented, and it's not very good.

Programming Executive: Excellent!

I was watching the last episode of Medium recorded by my HD Tivo the other night and noticed the sound was all over the room, glanced at my receiver and was pleasantly surprised to see that the 5.1 indicators were all turned on.

KFSN was 5.1 from the get go but their audio was often badly out of synch up until a year or two ago, KSEE seems to have no such problems--probably newer equipment.

Can't wait for 47 to follow suit--looking forward to CSI in 5.1.

It is nice to see (or should I say hear) KSEE's HD feed audio now in 5.1. Haven't paid attention, but do they do the same as KFSN when running local/SD--as in center and surrounds are "dead" during non-5.1 stuff (although receiver still displays 5.1 coming in?)

Now just waiting on 47. However, if you are a Comcast HD/dig cable subscriber, you can get the original CSI in HD OnDemand. 5.1 audio and no real commercials (usually just 2-3 30sec CBS promos during the course of the episode). Currently, this is the only CBS series available in HD OnDemand (several series available in SD), although the first run JERICHO was also available (not currently during the S1 repeats, though :mad: ).

Once Comcast started offering that, CSI and JERICHO (2 of the 3 CBS shows we watch) had their DVR series recording functions deleted--just watch 'em OnDemand the next day or later and save some HDD space.

The whole OnDemand thing is why I stick with Comcast. That, and IMHO, the best PQ in this area.

UGH

KSEE-HD over QAM is still occasionally glitchy. Am I the only one with this problem?
My tuner is in a Samsung TX-T2082.

Yep, same problems with 24,1 OTA all this week. Lots of shows are not coming back from commercial breaks in HD. Plus I some some picture break up and I think they were off the air a couple of times too.

Seems to coincide with them adding the new 24.3 sub-channel.

So, anyway, it's definitely on their end,

*tunes in LATV, puts on a bandana, and practices break dancing moves and gang signs*

UGH

KSEE-HD over QAM is still occasionally glitchy. Am I the only one with this problem?
My tuner is in a Samsung TX-T2082.
I have a OnAir tuner, and am getting "Stream is not stable" message despite a strong signal.

Anyone catch the Indianapolis tennis championships today? Has sports events on NBC HD always looked like sh*t, or has it just gone worst after adding that stupid Spanish crap??!! :mad:

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/9537/kseedtbf2.th.jpg (http://img503.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kseedtbf2.jpg)

No. HD sports always looked great on NBC in the past.

I'm suspecting the problem might have to do with the 5.1 surround audio that they enabled a few days ago. I didn't see the glitches on the subchannels yet.

Glitches also occur via Comcast (Ch 904). Really hope they fix this before the fall season starts! Last thing I need are signal freakouts during HEROES, 30 ROCK, THE OFFICE, SCRUBS and Sunday Night Football.

KSEE24 is now broadcasting 5.1 stereo after the installation of new equipment that also allowed us to add LATV to KSEE24 DT 24.3. We will be optimizing the 5.1 within the next week.
LATV is a Latin station out of LA that is making its service available to stations with multicasting capabilities. It is being described as a "Latin Alternative" program channel.
I am picking up all three KSEE DT channels plus all the other market digital channels with a very small external antenna in north Fresno (my wife wants me to get that ugly thing out of our rain gutter)

KSEE24 is now broadcasting 5.1 stereo after the installation of new equipment that also allowed us to add LATV to KSEE24 DT 24.3. We will be optimizing the 5.1 within the next week.
LATV is a Latin station out of LA that is making its service available to stations with multicasting capabilities. It is being described as a "Latin Alternative" program channel.
I am picking up all three KSEE DT channels plus all the other market digital channels with a very small external antenna in north Fresno (my wife wants me to get that ugly thing out of our rain gutter)

Will the optimization do away with the A/V glitches being seen on 24.1 (or ch 904 for Comcast-ers)?

Lots of pixelization/picture freezing/sound dropouts lately (at least since 5.1 went active). Guessing it's on KSEE's end (not NBC) since it occurs during local broadcasts as well.

Conan was interesting to watch tonight on HD. A thin outline of the box with a small line segment in the middle took up some of screen for the second half of the show. Then the resolution kept shifting back and forth from HD 16:9 to SD 4:3 with black side bars along with a pop during the resolution switch.

I wonder what that box was suppose to be.

Got email responses from a couple of our local affiliates yesterday regarding HD issues.

From KSEE 24 (when asked about the recent glitches post-5.1 switchover):

We are trouble shooting this as I write. The integrators are back in tomorrow to fine tune this new equipment so it should be short-lived.

Glad you are enjoying the 5.1.

Thanx and stay tuned!

George Hillis
Operations/Program Mgr.

And a much more brief response from KFSN as to when we might get JEOPARDY!/WOF in HD (finally):

Very soon, the equipment has been ordered,

Ron Neil

Had heard in the past that the holdup on this was the lack of proper tape machines that would record the HD JEOPARDY/WOF broadcasts to be played back in HD. Would have thought that KFSN's big HD conversion would have covered this already. At least they are working to make it happen.

NBC-HD had no glitches last night. :cool:

In the second half of Conan, the colors were off, as if the red colors shifted to one side and blue colors shifted to the other side, like a rear projection TV with horrible color convergence. I know it was the channel being wacky and not my TV, since it only happened on NBC.

Tonight so far, I don't see the bad convergence in any of the HD programs. I hope this continues flawlessly.

edit: Well, that was quick. Just got a glitchy picture right now. :mad:

Couple of major glitches during THE OFFICE rerun last night.

What is up w/ KSEE's HD signal? (24.1/Comcast 904)

While the post-5.1 implementation glitches seem to have subsided, has anyone noticed the other weirdness going on? Seems the the vertical positioning is off. Not so much noticable during HD broadcasts--other than the NBC bug sits a tad lower, but during SD broadcasts (even within HD shows, like SD video during Jay Leno, for example), the top of the image has the digital "noise" visible. Something that normally gets eliminated by overscan.

SD stuff, such as the news, also looks a litlle vertically "squished".

What is up w/ KSEE's HD signal? (24.1/Comcast 904)

While the post-5.1 implementation glitches seem to have subsided, has anyone noticed the other weirdness going on? Seems the the vertical positioning is off. Not so much noticable during HD broadcasts--other than the NBC bug sits a tad lower, but during SD broadcasts (even within HD shows, like SD video during Jay Leno, for example), the top of the image has the digital "noise" visible. Something that normally gets eliminated by overscan.

SD stuff, such as the news, also looks a litlle vertically "squished".

I was going to mention this, but I thought people would say I was crazy.

Either Rich and Steph both gained about 60 pounds, or the aspect ratio for the news is off. I saw the digital noise for a while, then it went away.

But the vertical squishing is what I noticed most. I almost went into the service menu of my Sony XBR970 to try to fix it, but when I remembered all the other weird problems KSEE 24.1 has been having lately, I decided not to.

One strange thing was that I watched KSEE news on my Samsung OTA tuner, and it did not seem to have any "squishing". I don't know how to explain that, but that's what I observed.

I’m sure glad jwebb1970 mentioned this. I’m seeing it, too.

We just bought our first new TV since 1989 (some big changes, there) and hooked it up Thursday night. I didn’t know if that was our set being defective or a real effect. I’m glad it ain’t the TV.

Jed

That line of static is found on all channels, but stations usually put it in a place where it's out of bounds of visible TV space. I see it all the time when I record shows on DVD-Rs and watch them on the computer. I think it's the line that gives info about closed captioning, program names, and V-Chip info to whatever device can decode them. I guess KSEE stuck it too low on the screen.

No distoritions on NBC-HD so far, but I haven't been watching much TV lately.

Also, has anyone else experienced digital glitchs on standard cable? I saw it happen on USA, Game Show Network, SciFi, and ESPN. I've also noticed some digital compression artifacts in very fast movements on the screen. All TVs are directly connected to the cable line and we have no cable boxes.

I have the same problems with KSEE-HD mentioned here. But I also have a lip-synch issue with them for weeks now. OTA KSEE-HD is the only channel I have the problem with, even their SD channel is fine.

Doesn't seem like it would be my hardware when it's just one channel. Anyone else have lip-synch problems with them? It's not just certain shows, it's 24/7 even the commercials.

Been meaning to mention this for some time, but does anyone else think the color settings for CBS 47's local news give it kind of an odd look? It reminds me of the "cool" setting on my TV, sort of blue-ish, with very low color saturation. As a result, the news studio looks like it's encased in a frozen glacier or something.

Whoever does the color adjustments for the local news must have a very "unique" calibration system. Either that or every other station's settings are wrong.

I commend them for being different though. I can't really say the settings are wrong, just different-looking. I feel 10 degrees cooler when I watch their news.

Haven't watched 47's news in some time (usually watch Ch 30--just for the HD), but now I may check it out to see if I see the "ice cube" look. :)

As far as the KSEE weirdness, all of this seemed to pop up around the time that they revamped their equipment to send 5.1 audio on 24.1/Comcast 904. I'll take the SD video sitting low enough to see the digital code/noise (only ever really watch HD stuff on NBC, which appears fine) over the picture freezeups/audio drop outs that were hapening before.

When I spoke with a KSEE engineer a couple of weeks back, he stated they were still working the bugs out of their new system. Guessing that's still the case.

The "static line"....I've seen that in the past as well. Usually back when I'd tape something off an HD channel (pre-DVR), and sometimes was visible when activating the on screen Comcast guide while tuned to an HD local that was running SD/4:3 video.

As far as 47's "cool" look to the local news that au revoir mentioned, perhaps they too are gearing up for an HD switchover and hammering out video bugs. And hey...it's summer. If their news makes you feel 10 degrees cooler, consider it a bonus! ;)

I'd like to shoot a general question to any other Visalia residents on this thread.

Do any of you get local HD via OTA (sure some do)? If so, where in town are you located - no worries, I won't stalk you ;) .

I live between the Beverly Glen and Green Acres/Country Club areas. My house is surrounded on all sides by very large trees. When I was having to get local HD via OTA during my brief stint as a VOOM subscriber, the rooftop anntenna that VOOM supplied me with (Winegard--don't recall the model) was failrly useless. Local digital OTA was intermittent at best. KSEE 24 didn't even show up on channel scan until I went on the roof myself and moved the antenna around. KMPH, no matter what, had pixelization due to low signal. All other major locals were also plagued by signal issues. Basically, if the weather was anything less than clear and wind-free, OTA was pretty useless.

Sat signals (both VOOM and previously E*) were never affected by weather/trees.

I've been w/ Comcast since '03. Mainly due to the fact that local HD (which makes up the majority of stuff watched during the regular TV season) doesn't require an antenna. Since then, of course, OnDemand has become a near-necessity in my home--esp for the kids.

Now, I see that E* has launched even more HD channels (the Discovery pack, basically). That, coupled with the old VOOM channels, is quite a lineup. Plus, they appear to have some OnDemand content now. Not Comcast amounts, but I'd bet that'll happen soon. The one holdup w/ E* is the lack of HD locals over sat.

D* does offer them, but I refuse to pay them $200 to LEASE the HD-DVR (no extra upfront cost for that from E* or Comcast), so they are not in the running with me. I know I could just wait for Comcast to pick up the extra HD stuff (except VOOM), but the E* lineup and free HDDVR is a sweet deal. If I were to change now, are there any OTA antennas that will give me as solid a reception as cable does with all these trees around me? And will they require a flashing light to warn off ow flying aircraft :D ? And will they be pricey (which is the top concern for obvious reasons, not tomention E* will be carrying Fresno HD locals via sat in the hopefully near future)?

Anyone?

Jwebb1970,
I live in Exeter and have a Channelmaster vhf/uhf Quantum with a pre-amp and rotator. I receive all the Fresno channels and all the Bakersfield channels. I have no problems with any of them. The Quantum line has been discontinued and replaced with the Crossfire series.

I'm in southern Visalia near Caldwell Ave. I had a small indoor antenna (some Philips amped "HD" antenna) on top of a TV and I couldn't get anything OTA clearly. I guess it's due to too many tall trees in my neighborhood.

Those indoor antennas only work if you are a few miles from the transmitters.

In Hanford I tried one and got maybe 2 stations that both froze up every few seconds. But with a $60 Radio Shack UHF/VHF roof antenna I get 18-20 digital channels from Fresno and Visalia, all perfect, and with no rotor. If I got a rotor I know I could get the Bakersfield stations too, but I already pick them up in analog, and have not seen any programming from Bakersfield that would justify the expense.

I have some really tall trees around too, but through a lot of experimenting, must have found a good enough gap in them. I think as long as you are a decent distance from them, the signals seem to find a way around the obstruction.

Thanks, guys. The wife may not want an antenna on the roof :D , but nice to know there are options if need be.

On another Fresno HDTV note, I watched KSEE's news broadcast yesterday evening. Looks like they fixed the "squished"/not vertically centered issues. SD Pic looked fine. There was a bit of a sound issue though. Not major, just a delay/lip synch issue. Those seem to be semi-common on several stations, esp cable/sat ones like TNT.

jwebb, I live in So. Visalia at Court and Caldwell area. $ 60 Rad Shack outdoor antenna placed inside 2nd floor attic. That is how I've been getting OTA signals. I don't have a need for cable or satellite BTW. Antenna is pointing towards Fresno mountains.

Anyone have Dish and OTA HD channels in northwest Fresno? I'm at 93722 zip.

I know I can check antennaweb.org, but I want to see if anyone has good reception in the same area.

I'm trying to switch from comcast to Dish, but can't switch until I know there is an HD local channels (which Dish does not have).

Anyone have Dish and OTA HD channels in northwest Fresno? I'm at 93722 zip.

I know I can check antennaweb.org, but I want to see if anyone has good reception in the same area.

I'm trying to switch from comcast to Dish, but can't switch until I know there is an HD local channels (which Dish does not have).

I get them all with an outdoor antenna pointed just slightly North of true East.

This is a question for Thomas DiCecco.

Tom, I’m contemplating options with my antennas. Would I be correct thinking you use two bearings, one for the Fresno stations and another for the Bakersfield stations? I’ve been using a two-antenna approach, but neither the 4-bay bow tie (looking south) nor the R/S U-120 yagi (looking north) is all that directional. Now that I need VHF capability, it’s time to reconsider: two antennas switched or one antenna rotated.The big Channel Master is on order.

BTW, I live up next to the south side of Venice Hills and snagging the Fresno channels is a bit challenging (but tuners do seem to have improved over time :) ).

Jed

I turn the antenna almost 180 degrees from my Fresno setting to the Bakersfield setting.I saw on the final channel location in 2009 that ABC Fresno is going back to channel 30 for digital but KAIL is staying on channel 7 and ABC Bakersfield is staying on channel 10.So a vhf antenna will still be needed after the 2009 deadline.

Also, has anyone else experienced digital glitchs on standard cable? I saw it happen on USA, Game Show Network, SciFi, and ESPN. I've also noticed some digital compression artifacts in very fast movements on the screen. All TVs are directly connected to the cable line and we have no cable boxes.

I've been seeing this as well for a couple weeks. Happens probably 5 times an hour or so for maybe 1 second. I've noticed it on Spike, Discovery, and SciFi.

I used to get it occasionally when I had Dish, but I don't recall ever seeing it like this on analog cable.

Also, has anyone else experienced digital glitchs on standard cable? I saw it happen on USA, Game Show Network, SciFi, and ESPN. I've also noticed some digital compression artifacts in very fast movements on the screen. All TVs are directly connected to the cable line and we have no cable boxes.


I've been seeing this as well for a couple weeks. Happens probably 5 times an hour or so for maybe 1 second. I've noticed it on Spike, Discovery, and SciFi.

I used to get it occasionally when I had Dish, but I don't recall ever seeing it like this on analog cable.

Maybe some testing/tweaking of the upcoming ADS (analog/digital simulcast)?

I know that Comcast was supposed to have this happen in the Fresno market @ the end of this year (at least what a Comcast tech told me a while back). Their phone/online CSRs don't have an answer for such things - you have to call the local office or find a roaming service tech to get answers to local issues.

From where I am located off of 11th Ave and Grangeville Blvd in Hanford, the stations in Fresno and Bakersfield seem to come in about OK but when I added the Winegard antenna, the booster signal not only picks up from Fresno and Bakersfield, but on a clear day, I can get KSBY-TV in San Luis Obispo. However, I only watch ABC 30 and CBS 47 when it comes to news. KMPH I also watch too. KSEE's news as I said and mentioned many times (No Offense) has gone to a tabloid approach to reporting the news and thus most if not all of the anchors and reporters look real sleazy if you ask me. Especially Rich and Stefani. They are so like Bill Balleza and Dominique Sachse of Fresno.

Anybody have experienced with this RadioShack antenna?

Name: 80" Boom Length, 32-Element Antenna
Model: VU-90 XR
Catalog #: 15-2152

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103085&cp=2032057.2032187.2032189.2032205&summary=summary&techSpecs=techSpecs&currentTab=custRatings&custRatings=custRatings&features=features&accessories=accessories&support=support&parentPage=family

Trying to get all local HD OTA since I switched from Comcast to Dish.

Anybody have experienced with this RadioShack antenna?

Name: 80" Boom Length, 32-Element Antenna
Model: VU-90 XR
Catalog #: 15-2152

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103085&cp=2032057.2032187.2032189.2032205&summary=summary&techSpecs=techSpecs&currentTab=custRatings&custRatings=custRatings&features=features&accessories=accessories&support=support&parentPage=family

Trying to get all local HD OTA since I switched from Comcast to Dish.

That's the one I use in Hanford, works perfect for picking up a mix of UHF and VHF stations. I do notice some breakup on really windy days, but I don't think that's the antenna's fault. You could pay much more, but I don't think you'll get anything that will work any better since this one already works perfect.

Has paid for itself many times over compared to satellite or cable.

Get a mast, a balun, and some good shielded coax and you're all set.

Cool! I just noticed.

*waits patiently to see Rich and Steph in high def, on KSEE 24*

No, I don't like the way they present the news over there. It looks like the National Enquirer.

No, I don't like the way they present the news over there. It looks like the National Enquirer.

I was being sarcastic.

However, out of fairness, I should mention that when my brother was visiting on Monday, I turned on the 4 o'clock news w/Alex Delgado. I kept warning him about what a steaming pile that newscast usually is, apologizing profusely.

However, it was not bad that day, and he was very interested in several of the local stories, none of which had anything at all to do with either Paris Hilton, Britney Spears or Donald Trump. So they can surprise you and do a decent broadcast every now and then, though it's probably mostly by accident.

I have Directv and on the HD local feed of KMPH Fox 26, I've noticed that there are bad audio sync problems with their HD programs. It has been this way for the last few days. However, if I switch over to the OTA HD feed through my HR20 receiver, the OTA feed has no audio sync problems at all.

Is there anyone with Directv that has noticed the same problem with KMPH's HD feed? How about the HD feed on Comcast - any audio sync issues with KMPH's HD programming?

I was being sarcastic.

However, out of fairness, I should mention that when my brother was visiting on Monday, I turned on the 4 o'clock news w/Alex Delgado. I kept warning him about what a steaming pile that newscast usually is, apologizing profusely.

However, it was not bad that day, and he was very interested in several of the local stories, none of which had anything at all to do with either Paris Hilton, Britney Spears or Donald Trump. So they can surprise you and do a decent broadcast every now and then, though it's probably mostly by accident.
I see. well, I should popint out that their ratings have somewhat suffered because of their new tabloid approach to covering the news especially that most of their staff resemble Houston's KPRC Channel 2 in which is in last place in all timeslots. Rich and Stefani are the Bill Balleza and Dominique Sachse of Fresno because that is why they are the butt of many jokes. So I don't watch their news at all.

I have Directv and on the HD local feed of KMPH Fox 26, I've noticed that there are bad audio sync problems with their HD programs. It has been this way for the last few days. However, if I switch over to the OTA HD feed through my HR20 receiver, the OTA feed has no audio sync problems at all.

Is there anyone with Directv that has noticed the same problem with KMPH's HD feed? How about the HD feed on Comcast - any audio sync issues with KMPH's HD programming?

I have experienced your problem too. I haven't the had energy to call Directv.

I see. well, I should popint out that their ratings have somewhat suffered because of their new tabloid approach to covering the news especially that most of their staff resemble Houston's KPRC Channel 2 in which is in last place in all timeslots. Rich and Stefani are the Bill Balleza and Dominique Sachse of Fresno because that is why they are the butt of many jokes. So I don't watch their news at all.

Don't forget the sports guy that crams puns in every sentence.

Don't forget the sports guy that crams puns in every sentence.

Pun cramming? :eek: Whatever turns him on, I guess.

Switching gears, where is Jeopardy in HD? I know they are playing reruns this week, but I'm really hoping that next week or whenever they come back, that the show will finally be in HD.

I wonder if Rich, Steph, Alex, or any of the people from behind the scenes from the local stations read this message board. If so, what we say here could have a lot of influence, since after all, it was someone from message board who got us Jeopardy in HD (crosses fingers).

Pun cramming? :eek: Whatever turns him on, I guess.

Switching gears, where is Jeopardy in HD? I know they are playing reruns this week, but I'm really hoping that next week or whenever they come back, that the show will finally be in HD.

I wonder if Rich, Steph, Alex, or any of the people from behind the scenes from the local stations read this message board. If so, what we say here could have a lot of influence, since after all, it was someone from message board who got us Jeopardy in HD (crosses fingers).

When I spoke via email with a KFSN engineer a while back, I was told that KFSN didn't have the proper machine to tape the HD Jeopardy/WoF sat feed for later broadcast. But this was before the big HD switchover at the station.

Would imagine this HD recorder is now in stock there, since the same engineer told me that they expected to get it during the HD makeover process. Waiting to see if HD happens when the show returns for the new season (next coupe of weeks, I believe).

Although I doubt the newscasters visit these forums, I'm sure most station engineering folk do.

Well the excitement never stops over at KSEE 24.1. I tuned in the 6:00pm news and heard Rich's voice booming like he was God in the movie "The Ten Commandments". I guess their sound is screwed up again. I just hope their engineer hasn't gone home for the weekend, or I may be avoiding that station for the next couple of days.

Jeopardy in HD? Well, I'll believe it when I see it. And I'm still waiting. :(

CHARLENE I'V BEEN TRYING TO FIND YOUR E-MAIL IF YOU GET THIS PLEASE E-MAIL -MARKEZINIS43@AOL.COM THANK YOU RENEE, CARUTHERS, CA.

Wow, AOL is still in business? Amazing.

Anyone else getting the weird echo-ing sound on KSEE 24.1 during certain programs?

Anyone else getting the weird echo-ing sound on KSEE 24.1 during certain programs?

Yes, I got it on Saturday when I was taping an episode of The Big Spin, the pixelization and some echoing in the background. However, the episode of Big Spin ended up with a $1,000,000 win!!

Anybody have experienced with this RadioShack antenna?

Name: 80" Boom Length, 32-Element Antenna
Model: VU-90 XR
Catalog #: 15-2152

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103085&cp=2032057.2032187.2032189.2032205&summary=summary&techSpecs=techSpecs&currentTab=custRatings&custRatings=custRatings&features=features&accessories=accessories&support=support&parentPage=family

Trying to get all local HD OTA since I switched from Comcast to Dish.

OK...I'm back with more OTA and/or E* questions for you Visalia/Exeter folk.

Checked out the above quoted RS antenna as well as one of these:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-zSQi88J58jQ/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?i=6593020

(although I have found it for $30-35 less than Crutchfield elsewhere).

My question for OTA is this. Even with a proper antenna (for my area, it seems large multidirectional is the way to go) getting normally solid signals, what happens during major winter weather (heavy rain, wind). Since the vast majority of HD watching during the normal TV season is network primetime--and all of it DVR'ed and watched later--weather-induced signal losses will NOT BE TOLERATED!;)

Unless there is an issue at the broadcast source, even the heaviest rain/wind does nothing to the Comcast HD local signals. So, this is a big issue should I decide to switch to E* before they carry our Fresno HD locals over sat. And we all know that weather effects on digital TV signals are far less forgiving than the old snowy analog.

As a kid growing up in Exeter, I remember someof the Bakersfield stations actually coming in better than their Fresno counterparts. Still the case for some?

Also, I'd love to hear opinions/anecdotes regarding E*'s "on demand" programming. I know it's nowhere near the levels of Comcast's vast library. OnDemand is a major thing in my house, esp for the 4 yr old and her fave kids programming. But with E*'s much higher capacity HDDVR, I can just record a dozen or so DORA THE EXPLORER eps, for example, and leave 'em on the much roomier HHD the E* box gives me.

Anyone?

My experience with weather-induced signal breakups is that it has to be a very windy day, like above 25mph. There also has to be a lot of leaves on the trees. My theory is that the OTA signal reflects off leaves, and when the wind causes them to move around a lot the signal gets dispersed and this causes breakups and pixelization. You don't usually have the station totally drop off unless there is a problem with their transmitter.

How well your receiver tolerates this dispersal varies quite a bit among brands and how old it is (newer=better). This along with the the amount of leaves the signal has to travel through determines the amount of break up you'll get. I think how good your antenna is (how much gain) can have an effect also.

Rain does not hurt my OTA signals, on the contrary, it often improves them.

So bottom line, there are tons of variables, so about all you can do is buy good equipment, save your receipts, cross your fingers, and say a prayer.

As always, your mileage may vary.

BTW, that looks like a really nice antenna. Probably overkill for this area, it being so flat, but I think you'll be pretty happy with it if it works as well as I'd expect something it's size to work.

If you want the Bakersfield stations you'll definitely need a rotor. Here in Hanford, I get all the Fresno stations without a rotor, but in Visalia, your angle is different so you may or may not be able to get by without one. However, I would guess you'll be OK without one.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes :)

I've been tuning into the US Open coverage on CBS this weekend. I haven't been watching KGPE in a while, but the picture constantly breaks up every 2-3 minutes (audio is fine with no skipping). I'm getting a strong signal, and have verified the KGPE problem is happening on both my Samsung T165 STB tuner and my OnAir GT USB.

Anyone else experiencing these video glitches on CBS47?
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/5338/kgpelg7.th.jpg (http://img47.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kgpelg7.jpg)

I've been tuning into the US Open coverage on CBS this weekend. I haven't been watching KGPE in a while, but the picture constantly breaks up every 2-3 minutes (audio is fine with no skipping). I'm getting a strong signal, and have verified the KGPE problem is happening on both my Samsung T165 STB tuner and my OnAir GT USB.

Anyone else experiencing these video glitches on CBS47?


I noticed it. This happens very frequently with CBS(Comcast Ch.907) Wait until football season starts. Last year on a few occasions I had to watch the analog channel because it was so bad. :rolleyes:

I was going to watch the golf on 24 today and saw in was in SD. I switched to my Starchoice service and got HD from Detroit. Why does 24 not switch to hd sometimes ?I guess it is a holiday and nobody was there to throw the switch.

BTW, that looks like a really nice antenna. Probably overkill for this area, it being so flat, but I think you'll be pretty happy with it if it works as well as I'd expect something it's size to work.

If you want the Bakersfield stations you'll definitely need a rotor. Here in Hanford, I get all the Fresno stations without a rotor, but in Visalia, your angle is different so you may or may not be able to get by without one. However, I would guess you'll be OK without one.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes :)

Thanks for the info.

Yeah, that antenna might be more than I need, but better safe than sorry, I figure. Bakersfield stations are not a necessity, just remembered how much better they came in back in Exeter in the old analog days. If memory serves, we had 2 antennas back then with a switch on the back of the TV that my dad installed to swap btwn 'em for Fresno/Bak signals.

Still weighing the options. Not unhappy w/ Comcast overall, but E* does have more HD programming/lacks the large OnDemand catalog. We'll let ya know how the switch goes if/when it happens.

Anybody's OTA receiver been giving them problems lately? I have one of the WalMart boxes made by Hisense and it is locking up to the point where I cannot even use it. I have tried resets and channel scans, but it keeps freezing up right after I scan for channels.

I noticed that digital channel 53 has some weird "digi" channel label and I was thinking that their PSIP info may be causing my OTA box to lock up (as happens with these units if the stations send out bad data).

Anyone else experiencing similar problems?

I am near to confirming that digital channel 53 is jamming up my OTA tuner. I used a rabbit ear antenna ( that was too weak to tune in digital 53) to do a channel scan. I then attached the roof antenna and then added every channel except 53 and it is working fine.

Two antennas:

We’ve been doing the two antenna two step for years, now. Having a remoted A/B switch on the TV antenna input makes it pretty painless to hop around and that’s the approach we’ll continue to use with digital broadcasts.

Channel 47 has always weak and that continues to be the case with their digital signal (2 – 3 bars out of 10) so I’m happy to keep the Bakersfield option. The signal usually stays locked. I’m aware we’re in a really poor location to pick up Fresno. For Bakersfield, we’re using an amped 4-bay bow tie and it usually has enough VHF gain to snag 23.1. Bakersfield is definitely easier to receive, but we’ll still replace the old bow ties with a VHF/UHF antenna.

But, man these big antennas are… big!

Jed

what is the cheapest plan to be able to get HD with comcast? when I call, they tell me it's about $70 since I need digital classic and the HD tuner/DVR.

If you just care about getting the local channels in HD and you have a box or TV with a QAM tuner, you can just get the standard package and receive those local HD channels in the clear.

Thanks, but I want to know if any basic cable service will work for local HD. I don't like using OTA antenna.
Comcast has
limited basic cable
enhanced cable
standard cable

will any of these get the local HD? yes I have a HD receiver/tuner attached to my Westy monitor

Limited Basic, had it for a long time, will give you HD locals plus a few other digital channels. This is their least expensive package, <$20.00. They will put a filter on the line but it didn't block the digital in the clear channels for me anyways.

FWIW

Anybody have experienced with this RadioShack antenna?

Name: 80" Boom Length, 32-Element Antenna
Model: VU-90 XR
Catalog #: 15-2152

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103085&cp=2032057.2032187.2032189.2032205&summary=summary&techSpecs=techSpecs&currentTab=custRatings&custRatings=custRatings&features=features&accessories=accessories&support=support&parentPage=family

Trying to get all local HD OTA since I switched from Comcast to Dish.

Well, I was going to get this antenna from RadioShack, but I then decided to give the antenna that's already on the roof (from previous owner of the house) a chance.

I don't even know what brand it is, it's medium size and seem to be all rusted out. It's probably been up there for more than a couple of decades...

To my surprise, after hooking it up to my DISH receivers, every Fresno channels come in crystal clear with 80+ signal strength. So I saved a few bucks, but more importantly, I don't have to go up on the roof to install a new one. :)

Wow, free is the best deal of all!

So you are getting all the digital stations including the VHF ones like 53 (VHF channel 7) and 30.1, 30.2, and 30.3? If so, it must be a pretty decent antenna to pull in both UHF and VHF stations.

I had an old UHF antenna that was working fine except it could not pull in any of the VHF stations. So that's the only reason I got the Radio Shack antenna.

Yes, I get all the VHF channels also.

I'll admit, at first I didn't know jack about antenna since I had been with cable service forever. The antenna cable had two wires coming out of it and I was confused...how am I suppose to connect this to a coax cable? Heh, a few hour of research and I realized I needed a 75-to-300 ohm transformer.

Got a $5 RadioShack Indoor/Outdoor Matching Transformer (Model: 15-1140), hook it up and every channels came in crystal clear.

Is anyone getting the Packers and Eagles in HD on FOX Comcast 906? Mine is coming in as SD.

Any reason why Fox isn't broadcasting in widescreen right now? So irritating. Football kickoff Sunday and the games aren't in HD or widescreen. New season, same (local) Fox.

Any reason why Fox isn't broadcasting in widescreen right now? So irritating. Football kickoff Sunday and the games aren't in HD or widescreen. New season, same (local) Fox.

Too bad no one picks up the phone @ KMPH on Sundays, or I would have called and complained.

Flood 'em with calls and emails tomorrow!! Hopefully, this won't happen next week.

Too bad no one picks up the phone @ KMPH on Sundays, or I would have called and complained.

Flood 'em with calls and emails tomorrow!! Hopefully, this won't happen next week.

Yeah, and tell 'em Kopi sent you.:D

I've been tuning into the US Open coverage on CBS this weekend. I haven't been watching KGPE in a while, but the picture constantly breaks up every 2-3 minutes (audio is fine with no skipping). I'm getting a strong signal, and have verified the KGPE problem is happening on both my Samsung T165 STB tuner and my OnAir GT USB.

Anyone else experiencing these video glitches on CBS47?
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/5338/kgpelg7.th.jpg (http://img47.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kgpelg7.jpg)

I get those glitches a lot on KSEE24, but I've seen them on other channels.

I'm watching the ND/Michigan game on Directv's HD feed of Channel 30 and the picture quality looks pretty bad. It looks kind of blurry and is not very clear. I'm not able to check the OTA feed, so I'm curious if anyone else is having the same picture quality issue on Comcast or on OTA.

I'm watching the ND/Michigan game on Directv's HD feed of Channel 30 and the picture quality looks pretty bad. It looks kind of blurry and is not very clear. I'm not able to check the OTA feed, so I'm curious if anyone else is having the same picture quality issue on Comcast or on OTA.


Should be the same via Comcast or OTA. The problem is surely @ the source (ABC/ESPN)

Have noticed this before, especially on HD events that ABC carries for ESPN. It's as if the image blurs for a bit whenever the video changes from the game itself to any major onscreen info. Perhaps due the other, non-game stuff being a diff resolution? Don't know.

Another likely source issue was during the Denver/Oakland game on Sunday. CBS's HD NFL was fine Sunday morning until they switched over to the AFC West in the afternoon. Thinking the issues there (both on Comcast's digital ch 907 and analog ch 7) had something to do w/ the thunderstorms happening in Denver at the time were disrupting the satellite feed.

Can't really blame the network, cable or satcos for weather issues.

Is it just me or is Comcast broadcasting some of the analog channels(1-99) as digital? My HK receiver will always default to Logic 7 when an analog signal is present...and will switchover to DD 2.0 when it's a digital signal.

So far I've found around 30 channels broadcasting in DD 2.0.

Is it just me or is Comcast broadcasting some of the analog channels(1-99) as digital? My HK receiver will always default to Logic 7 when an analog signal is present...and will switchover to DD 2.0 when it's a digital signal.

So far I've found around 30 channels broadcasting in DD 2.0.


Wondering this myself. Haven't noticed the audio bit. And the on-screen guide info doesn't show the DolbyDigital icon on 2-99 channels that I've noticed (generally the sign that a Comcast signal is digital).

Did notice not long ago that KVPT 18 shows up on both is old analog channel (ch. 8) as well as on ch. 90 (still in the analog domain, but the audio level is different--louder).

Perhaps some unannounced ADS is happening? I do recall that when HBO was still available on the 2-99 tier, the audio would change to DolbyDigital (sometimes even 5.1), just like it's SD digital counterpart in the 500s

richeydog, which channels have you found this on?

EDIT: OK...went home for lunch today and checked on the 2-99 situation. Looks like ALL channels (or at least the several I checked) are coming into the DVR as "digital". Youcan confirm this on your Comcast/Moto HDDVRs and HD cable boxes 2 ways:

via wikipedia (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Configuration):


How To Check if Analog-Digital Simulcasting (ADS) is Enabled

Analog-Digital Simulcasting (ADS) is used by the DVR in local cable markets where ADS is available. The DCT3412, and the tiny non-DVR DCT700, having only digital tuners, always employ ADS. The DCT6208. along with the DCT64XX (all phases), and non DVR DCT models 5100, 6200 1100/1200, 22XX, and 25XX have analogue and digital tuners. In an ADS market, those models will default to their digital tuners, as ADS overrides their analogue tuners completely. Refer to the article on ADS for more information on how the technology is used in cable systems.

Method 1:


Dolby Digital logo with "double-D" symbolTune to a single-digit channel (ex: Ch. 9). These "basic cable" channels would normally be received as analog without ADS.
Press the INFO button. If the Dolby Digital double-D symbol is displayed, the channel is digital, and you have ADS.
Note: The Dolby Digital symbol may not show up on the second tuner. Use the tuner swap button to switch to Tuner 1 to check for the double-D symbol on a "basic cable" channel.

Method 2:

Tune to a single-digit channel (ex: Ch. 9). These "basic cable" channels would normally be received as analog without ADS.
Press CABLE then POWER to shut off the box.
Immediately press OK/SELECT to enter the Diagnostic Main Menu.
Press DOWN ARROW to "d06 CURRENT CHANNEL STATUS" and press OK/SELECT.
If the "Type" is "ANALOG", you do not have ADS.
If the "Type" is "DIGITAL", you may have ADS (this tuner may be tuned to a digital channel that wouldn't use ADS, check the other tuner in the next step to see if it is tuned to an analog channel).
Press DOWN ARROW to scroll to the second page showing details for Tuner 2.
If the "Type" is "ANALOG", you do not have ADS.
If the "Type" is "DIGITAL", and the "Type" of Tuner 1 was also "DIGITAL", you have ADS.
Press OK/SELECT then POWER to exit the Diagnostic Menu. The box will now be off.



Confirmed with both methods that all the 2-99 channels I checked (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 20, 21, 31, 32, 99) are registering as DIGITAL both with the DolbyDigital logo on the info display as well the Diagnostics Main Menu.

Guess we Comcast Fresno folks are 100% digital now.

Ball is your court, Comcast. With the supposed bandwith savings of all-digital, better start filling up the availablespace with new HD channels! (and not just OnDemand selections).

What I wonder is whether those who get basic cable w/o a box are still geting analog signals and does this still suck bandwith?

What I wonder is whether those who get basic cable w/o a box are still geting analog signals and does this still suck bandwith?

I'm guessing its still sucking bandwidth.....I'm getting 2-99 on my non-boxed TV's in my garage and extra bedrooms.....and to be honest I'm not looking forward to have to pay $5.00 per box a month just to get cable in those locations (thats $25 extra a month!!)

richeydog, which channels have you found this on?

Jwebb, here is a list of channels that I have found. Using a Motorola 6200 HD box.
---2, 3, 8, 11, 13, 15, 16, 22, 23, 28, 36, 38, 39, 41, 43, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 61, 63, 64, 70, 96, 97---

They certainly look better than their analog brethren. Hopefully the others will follow suit. :)

I'm guessing its still sucking bandwidth.....I'm getting 2-99 on my non-boxed TV's in my garage and extra bedrooms.....and to be honest I'm not looking forward to have to pay $5.00 per box a month just to get cable in those locations (thats $25 extra a month!!)


Well...you have until '09 to save up, I guess!:)

Jwebb, here is a list of channels that I have found. Using a Motorola 6200 HD box.
---2, 3, 8, 11, 13, 15, 16, 22, 23, 28, 36, 38, 39, 41, 43, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 61, 63, 64, 70, 96, 97---

They certainly look better than their analog brethren. Hopefully the others will follow suit. :)

Now, I also noticed 4 (KSEE), 6 (KMPH), 31 (Comedy Central) read as digital in the Moto Diagnostic Menu, and every 2-99 channel I tuned tonow displays the DolbyDigital icon on the info.

This may mean ALL analog is now digital, and our HD boxes override analog signals when digitals are present. It could also be due to "bugs" in the Moto OS (hoping for the former, would bet on the latter).

I receive FOX SD and HD through D*TV. The last few days, I've noticed when I turn to the Fox HD channel, the audio and picture don't match. The sound is off like a second. The sound is fine on the SD channel. I don't have an antenna to receive OTA broadcast. Does anyone else have this problem on D*TV? Is this a D*TV issue or local broadcast issue?

I receive FOX SD and HD through D*TV. The last few days, I've noticed when I turn to the Fox HD channel, the audio and picture don't match. The sound is off like a second. The sound is fine on the SD channel. I don't have an antenna to receive OTA broadcast. Does anyone else have this problem on D*TV? Is this a D*TV issue or local broadcast issue?

KMPH HD audio sync appeared fine last night via Comcast. However, PRISON BREAK on Monday was the last time I really watched FOXHD at any length this week, and the sync was fine then.

Could be a D* issue, or a problem btwn D* and KMPH's link. I'd try calling KMPH first and ask for the Engineering Dept. If that doesn't get you an answer, contact D*.

KMPH HD audio sync appeared fine last night via Comcast. However, PRISON BREAK on Monday was the last time I really watched FOXHD at any length this week, and the sync was fine then.

Could be a D* issue, or a problem btwn D* and KMPH's link. I'd try calling KMPH first and ask for the Engineering Dept. If that doesn't get you an answer, contact D*.

I have D* and had noticed this audio sync issue a few weeks back. ON D*'s HD feed of KMPH the audio sync was off by about a second, but when I switched to OTA, there was no audio sync problem.

I haven't noticed this recently, but I'll have to pay a little bit closer attention to D*'s KMPH HD feed to see if this is still the case.

No audio sync issues on Sunday for KMPH HD via Comcast.

Jwebb, here is a list of channels that I have found. Using a Motorola 6200 HD box.
---2, 3, 8, 11, 13, 15, 16, 22, 23, 28, 36, 38, 39, 41, 43, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 61, 63, 64, 70, 96, 97---

They certainly look better than their analog brethren. Hopefully the others will follow suit. :)

Include CNN (20) on the digital list, for sure. Believe all the newsa stations are running sigital here now. In fact, it appears 4, 6 and 7 also read as digital. BUt I almost never watch those - go w/ the HD locals instead.

Noticed last night that ch 8 (KVPT 18) duplicates on ch 90 (still in the "analog" domain). Ch 8 displays the DD logo, ch 90 does not.

Set DVR tuner #1 to ch 8, the other to ch 90. Went into the Moto's Diagnostic Menu and confirmed that ch 8 is digital and ch 90 is analog.

So, that must confirm it. Fresno Comcast is now almost entirely "all-digital". Now...lets have some new HD stuff to eat up the newly expanded bandwith!

On that note, just noticed the Discovery HDTheater (now just called HDTheater) also reads as just HDT on the program guide. Is Comcast gonna surprise us and sneak the other Discovery HD channels onto our lineup soon?

I'm getting locals on two HR20's via D*. Had severe lip sync problems with KMPH on the Niners game two weekend ago, less so this past weekend. But the Sunday Night game on KSEE 24 must have been bit-starved--lots of pixalezation and audio dropouts via D*. :( DId anyone else have similar problems?

Ugh--I dread having to put up up an OTA antenna and putting in more RG6 runs.

I'm getting locals on two HR20's via D*. Had severe lip sync problems with KMPH on the Niners game two weekend ago, less so this past weekend. But the Sunday Night game on KSEE 24 must have been bit-starved--lots of pixalezation and audio dropouts via D*. :( DId anyone else have similar problems?

Ugh--I dread having to put up up an OTA antenna and putting in more RG6 runs.

KMPH has still been having problems with their D* HD feed. The audio is still about a half-second/second off. I contacted them and they are looking into this so hopefully it gets fixed soon. Their OTA feed works fine.

As for KSEE's Sunday Night game, I don't think this is D*'s fault. KSEE's audio has been hit or miss ever since they upgraded to DD 5.1 a couple months back. I've also noticed the same pixellation issues on my OTA feed of KSEE. I've also noticed the pixellation issues on their Notre Dame HD games when I watched them on a friend's TV through Comcast a few weeks back. I think this is just an NBC or KSEE issue with HD sports in general...

Thanx xarxa! Maybe I should call KMPH as well to complain about the lip sync problem.

The NBC HD issues might have to do w/ KSEE multicasting 4 channels over their digital signal. KSEE HD, KSEE digital SD, KSEE NBC Weather and KSEE Latin, if I recall correctly.

MLB playoffs on Comcast channel 24(TBS) look terrific...:rolleyes:

Sure would be nice if we had TBS HD in our area so we could watch the games in HD like last year.

MLB playoffs on Comcast channel 24(TBS) look terrific...:rolleyes:

Sure would be nice if we had TBS HD in our area so we could watch the games in HD like last year.


Like how D* folks do now?:mad:

Actually back to get opinions from any Fresno/Visalia D* customers. After the 2nd wave launch of new HD from D* yesterday (TBS, USA, SCiFi among them), I'm getting close to caving in and giving these guys the $200 for their new HDDVR and subscribing.

Outside of the previously mentioned lipsync issues with KMPH's HD feed to D* (which won't be permanent), how do you local folks like D*?

Losing Comcast means losing OnDemand:(, but also means losing the Moto DVR:D. And means a massive jump in HD programming, both immediately as well as thru the rest of '07. I used to doubt D*'s claims of their "HD future", but they seem to be delivering on those promises so far.

Oh yeah, and I'd get NFL Network back, HDNET (smokes MOJO) - and about a $15-$20 smaller monthly bill.

Was considering E*, but the need for an OTA antenna for HD locals keeps me away.

So, local D* people, how does your satco stack up for you? Tell me the good, the bad and the ugly!

Like how D* folks do now?:mad:

Actually back to get opinions from any Fresno/Visalia D* customers. After the 2nd wave launch of new HD from D* yesterday (TBS, USA, SCiFi among them), I'm getting close to caving in and giving these guys the $200 for their new HDDVR and subscribing.

Outside of the previously mentioned lipsync issues with KMPH's HD feed to D* (which won't be permanent), how do you local folks like D*?

Losing Comcast means losing OnDemand:(, but also means losing the Moto DVR:D. And means a massive jump in HD programming, both immediately as well as thru the rest of '07. I used to doubt D*'s claims of their "HD future", but they seem to be delivering on those promises so far.

Oh yeah, and I'd get NFL Network back, HDNET (smokes MOJO) - and about a $15-$20 smaller monthly bill.

Was considering E*, but the need for an OTA antenna for HD locals keeps me away.

So, local D* people, how does your satco stack up for you? Tell me the good, the bad and the ugly!
Overall, I've been happy with D*. Last year when i got my HD DVR, it was a struggle due to hardware and software problems but everyting has been working great since February, at least for me.

Most of D's new HD channels are stretched and as excited i was in waiting for more HD, it's difficult for me to watch some of the programming. The ballgame last night on TBSHD was very good however. I can't recall how TNT HD looked for basketball games. It'll be nice once the Fox Sports Network Bay Area goes HD.

If you can tolerate stretched 4:3 then you'll be happy. I got D*'s HD DVR for watching sports in HD and 200 hrs recording time (for the wife factor). The other stuff was a bonus for me.

I've been with D* for over a decade. In the beginning, it was because they had the best picture quality. But that soon degraded when they started focusing on quantity over quality. But it is the only place to get ST, and I am addicted to the NFL.

I just recently got D* to upgrade me to a couple of HR20's at no cost. I've been following the development of their HD DVR for over a year on DBSTalk, and have been waiting since I had a regular SD DirecTiVo for the longest time. So far, I am pleased with the HR20 except for a couple of missing TiVo-features. The major ommision is the lack of DLB, making it tricky to switch between multiple games on Sunday.

But HD NFL via ST with SF is quite the bomb! Games on KMPH have lip-sync problems. The NBC SNF quality is variable since the D* local channel is an MPEG4 recompression of KSEE, which evidently has problems. MNF on ESPN is a lot better.

The nice thing is that the HR20 has local antenna input and dual OTA tuners--so I'm planning to hook up an antenna in the attic to hopefully improve the quality of local channels. But it is optional, and there are four local HD channels in MPEG4 on D*.

As for the new HD channels, most of them look very good. But there are still lots of upconverted, misframed/mistagged material; most of it not HD sourced. For example, TNTHD is a joke since nearly all the programming is upconverted SD. A lot of Discovery is 15:9 upconverted SD. There are channels that pillar-box and letterbox their SD content correctly--like NFL Network. NFL Replay in HD on NFL Network is very nice!

FWIW, I did hook up a 750Gb eSATA drive to one of HR20's with no problems. And I've also got the latest beta firmware installed on the boxes. DOD and VOD is enabled on the beta firmware, but requires intervention on DirecTV's part, and DOD/VOD still hasn't been activated on my account for whatever reason. As a new/return subscriber, you should be able to work a $99 deal or better for an HR20. Lots of info on how to do this at DBSTalk.

Thanks for the responses!

Made the leap. D* tech to arrive Monday afternoon for install of HR20 DVR and 5LNB Dish. PLUS HDDVR package + HBO + HD Extras Pak ($5/mo - worth it for HDNet alone!)

Got the DVR for $199. Plus I signed up online which gets me:

-A $50 Visa card

-An additional $100 off my D* bill ($10 discount for 10 months). That essentially makes HBO 3 bucks a month.

Will miss OnDemand, although it looks as if D* as their own VOD system in the works (requires an internet connection to the DVR - no sweat).

Jwebb, let us know how D* HD compares to comcast.

Jwebb, let us know how D* HD compares to comcast.

Yes, I'm interested to hear a good comparison from a recent Comcast subscriber :D

OK...I've lived w/ D* (after a 3+ yr stint w/ Comcast) for about 24 hrs.

The early verdict? I like it!

First off, PQ for HD is essentially the same. HD locals are comparable (the 4 carried over sat - NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC - are all MPEG4 compression signals) and the national HD is also quite nice. Granted,some new HD channels are not overflowing with HD programmin as of yet. The Discovery Networks simulcasts (Animal Planet, TLC, etc) often run upconverted SD (zoomed - not stretched - to 16x9). MEERKAT MANOR on APHD did look HD, though.

The common HD channels (ESPN/2, UHD, MHD, TNTHD, A&EHD) are eqal in PQ to my eyes.

HDNet/HDNet Movies cover what MOJO gave us...and then some! CNNHD is very pretty. USAHD runs L&O:SVU reruns in real HD, plus L&O:CI reruns and new eps are as well. TBSHD is basically the same as TNTHD - STRETCHOVISION most times, with real HD scattered. SciFiHD has run no real HD that I have noticed yet, but SD is OAR. Same for BravoHD. SmithsonianHD is along the lines of NCGHD-all HD all the time. HistoryHD is also sometimes HD, sometimes stretched SD.

MGMHD - a movie channel dedicated to the MGM catalog (Bond flicks being the biggies) goes live on D* tomorrow (10/10/07). Talk is that HGTVHD, FoodHD, NGCHD, CartoonNetwrokHD & FXHD will also be part of October's add-ons.

Considering how D* has been putting thier $$ where their mouth is concerning being the "HD leader", I actually have full faith that their current promise of 70+ HD channels by year's end will actually come to fruition. Like to see Comcast top that!

The main thing I miss from Comcast is OnDemand. Used to catch CSI OnDemand in HD (due to DVR conflicts on Thursdays). Now, CSI will be a summer show when reruns hit. The D* DVR will now have to house some Dora The Explorer eps for my 4 yr old, now that she can't get 'em OnDemand.

However, a D* version of VOD is in the works, I hear. Will require a high-speed internet connection to the box. This is due in '08, from what I understand.

What I do not miss is the Moto HDDVRs. The D* HR-20, while not "perfect" is far more responsive than the Motos. The GUI is prettier, too. It's screen saver function (comes on after about a minute of paused programming) actually fills a 16x9 screen, unlike the Comcast one. Plus, the HR-20's eSATA port actually works. Folks over @ dbstalk.com have apparently added ext HDDs to their units for additional storage/archiving.

Anyway, despite losing a few cable only things (OnDemand), I am very happy to have switched to D* so far. Lots of HD options, the big 4 network locals in HD w/o an antenna and more stuff coming in the next few days/months. May give OTA another shot for the additional digitals from Fresno. A buddy of mine in Visalia actually pulls in very strong OTA from one of the pricier TERK indoor models. IF I can pull in PBS and CW HDs, and some of the other simulcast locals (KSEE's Weather Channel, for example), I'll be "complete" locally.

Plus, if you switch btwn now and 10/31, you can get an additional $100 off service ($10/mo discount for 10 mos) and a $50 Visa gift card if you sign up online. I see the $100 off one of 2 ways. It either knocks another c-note off the HDDVR lease fee, or it gives me HBO for only 3 buck a month for 10 months (HBO is $13 from D*, $18 from Comcast).

The main thing I miss from Comcast is OnDemand. Used to catch CSI OnDemand in HD (due to DVR conflicts on Thursdays). Now, CSI will be a summer show when reruns hit. The D* DVR will now have to house some Dora The Explorer eps for my 4 yr old, now that she can't get 'em OnDemand.

However, a D* version of VOD is in the works, I hear. Will require a high-speed internet connection to the box. This is due in '08, from what I understand.


I have the latest beta CE firmware release that has VOD/DOD enabled, and it was finally enabled on my account today. Have been using Remote Booking for the last week, and that's working fine as well. So these new features are very close to being released!

The only BIG negatives about the HR20 is the lack of Dual Buffers and the inability to hold a pause on the live buffer when switching between a recorded program.

I have the latest beta CE firmware release that has VOD/DOD enabled, and it was finally enabled on my account today. Have been using Remote Booking for the last week, and that's working fine as well. So these new features are very close to being released!

The only BIG negatives about the HR20 is the lack of Dual Buffers and the inability to hold a pause on the live buffer when switching between a recorded program.


Saw a solution to the dual buffers (and lack of D* pic-in-pic ability) on dbstalk.com.

Solution = Get 2 HR20s!:eek:

Anyone locally ever seen/used one of these?

http://www.audiovox.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=14370&langId=-1

http://www.audiovox.com/images/products/HDTVai_x.jpg

I ask, because although OTA reception hasn't been exactly great in my neighborhood, I would like to at least pull in PBS HD this way (no PBS HD via D*).

According to the manufacturer, the HDTVA has an effective range of 45 miles. KVPT's transmitter is 28.9 miles from me according to anntennaweb.org.

Would also be nice to get some of the other local subchannels (like KSEE's Weather Channel), but most other transmitters come up as just over 50 miles away.

Since D* and PBS are apparently at an impasse over carriage of HD (PBS wants all their subchannels carried, D* wants the HD only), the only way I can get it is OTA.

Anyone know/think this little beast will work? 18-1 is about the only OTA HD I've ever gotten some signal from with a lesser indoor antenna, and was the one constant solid signal with an outdoor/rooftop.

I can return it it is doesn't work (not like an outdoor antenna), but figure I'd ask first.

I've built a box to use with MythTV through KnoppMyth.

My tuner is an AirStar HD5000, and I'd like to configure MythTV to use the card to pull in unencrypted QAM channels from Comcast. However, I can't figure out how to configure MythTV to do this.

I'm fairly new to MythTV and a linux n00b, so would need detailed instructions to step me through this. MythTV runs fine, I just need help with the MythTV setup for tuner, source, etc... I've googled and googled and haven't found instructions easy enough to follow on the web.

It there someone in this area that might be able to walk me through setting up MythTV to pull HD from Comcast Basic?

Unencrypted QAM tuner users:
Did KFRE-HD disappear? I did another channel scan and it still won't show up on either channels 59 or 100 where it originates.