Dish or Direct TV users I looking for an answer about something.

I watch a lot of college football on ESPN-HD and Comcast has recently added local commercial spots during the breaks. Whenever they do this the screen goes black for about 4-5 seconds when they switch between the local and national spots.

I find this quite annoying during the games of missing the first 4-5 seconds of picture when they return back to the program.

Does Dish or Direct TV do this? I think spending $100.00 a month to put up with this is unacceptable.

Thanks,

Andrew

Dish or Direct TV users I looking for an answer about something.

I watch a lot of college football on ESPN-HD and Comcast has recently added local commercial spots during the breaks. Whenever they do this the screen goes black for about 4-5 seconds when they switch between the local and national spots.

I find this quite annoying during the games of missing the first 4-5 seconds of picture when they return back to the program.

Does Dish or Direct TV do this? I think spending $100.00 a month to put up with this is unacceptable.

Thanks,

Andrew

You think that's annoying.....:)

When I was w/ Comcast, and they'd insert local ads to ESPNHD, my set (Hitachi CRT RPTV) would switch to SD mode (gray pillarbox bars) during some of these commercial breaks. When the HD signal would come back, the TV would sometimes stay in SD mode (gray bars with letterboxed ESPNHD in SD). Would have to change channels to another HD signal to get "HD" back.

Dumped Comcast about 2 wks ago for D*. D* does not insert local ads into national (or any) channels they carry (although I suspect they insert D* promos, but doesn't affect HD signals like Comcast's method does.

Comcast sells ad time locally, and your ad can be inserted into any channels of the buyer's choosing. Even had occasions where local ads would run over into the normal broadcasts on some channels. Really annoying!

Since they are national, D* doesn't do such things.

The local ads HD glitch wasn't why I switched, but I don't miss it. I also don't miss paying more $ per month for less programming. After my newbie promos end, I'll be spending about as much ($85/mo) as I was with Comcast, but with HBO, NFL Network (SD & HD) and way more national HD.

I gave up OnDemand, PBS (18) and CW (59) HD signals. However, D* is due to launch their OnDemand service nationally by the 1st of the year. Can get 18 and 59 HD signals OTA (and the D* DVR treats 'em like sat signals), although they expect to have these-and possibly some local dig subchannels- over sat in our area by next year.

Also gave up the buggy Moto HDDVR for a much smoother operator (D* HR-20)

I've finally got MythTV up and running with a tuner card that supports QAM256. I'm hooked up to cable and the service is comcast basic cable. Doing a scan for unencrypted channels found a few HD channels and what appear to be local station rebroadcast and misc other channels.

Does anyone have information about XMLTV ID and how to get the listings for the channels added via a scan?

I'm a total n00b to KnoppMyth, so need step-by-step instructions if possible.

Anyone else seeing the weird picture on ch. 25 and 27 with Comcast? The channels have black bars all round the tv like this: :confused:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/09/Windowboxed.jpg/325px-Windowboxed.jpg

Anyone else seeing the weird picture on ch. 25 and 27 with Comcast? The channels have black bars all round the tv like this: :confused:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/09/Windowboxed.jpg/325px-Windowboxed.jpg


Not a Comcast issue, but a source issue. You were most likely seeing 4:3letterboxed ("presented in Widescreen") images. The SD versions of shows like L&O, CONAN O'BRIEN and THE OFFICE appear this way. NBC has done this since the days of WEST WING. If your set displays black sidebars with 4:3 stuff, a 4:3 letterboxed image will be framed by black bars on all sides. With letterboxed 4:3, you can always "zoom in" (generally from the TV's Aspect settings-likely a 4:3 Zoom setting) to eliminate all black bars

On another note, has KMPH begun stretching 4:3 content on their HD channel? Don't watch KMPH a lot (just a couple of FOX shows and NFL), but surfed past it last night. RENO 911 and all commercials were stretched to 16x9. Is this new? Are they doing it all the time?

Hey.....any Fresno/Visalia area D* customers having the same issue that I am with KMPH 26's HD provided by D* (not OTA)?

Apparently, something has been amiss since Tuesday. Went to watch this week's episode of HOUSE last night on the DVR - was greeted with normal audio, but a black screen. No Video. Immediately tuned to KMPH and the same situation - audio, but no video. SD version of ch 26 via D*, however, is fine.

Checked this morning - same situation. No video, just audio (got to listen to Kopi on GREAT DAY, but not see him).

Am contacting both D* and KMPH this morning.
============================================================ ===

edit/update: Got an email back from KMPH Engineering (they were very quick to respond, btw). Said that KMPH had been having trouble with their HD encoder earlier in the week and replaced it. Doing so may have caused an issue w/ the signal they provide to D*. They are checking on it now.

On another note, has KMPH begun stretching 4:3 content on their HD channel? Don't watch KMPH a lot (just a couple of FOX shows and NFL), but surfed past it last night. RENO 911 and all commercials were stretched to 16x9. Is this new? Are they doing it all the time?

Not anymore apparently. They went back to black borders for 4:3 content.

I prefer the horizontally stretch image since my TV only stretches HD channels vertically.

Any one knows why CW59-HD is gone on clear-QAM?

Not anymore apparently. They went back to black borders for 4:3 content.

I prefer the horizontally stretch image since my TV only stretches HD channels vertically.

Any one knows why CW59-HD is gone on clear-QAM?

The SD stretch may have been related to the HD encoder problems/switchout KMPH experienced earlier this week. Yes, SD is back to 4:3, and video has returned to the D* feed.

So who here was able to get the HD-DVD player from Walmat at $99.00?

Went to the one on Shaw at 8:00 AM and they were out. A co-worker of mine picked one up in Hanford they had about 8 left at 10:30 AM.

So who here was able to get the HD-DVD player from Walmat at $99.00?

Went to the one on Shaw at 8:00 AM and they were out. A co-worker of mine picked one up in Hanford they had about 8 left at 10:30 AM.

Who got one? ME! Two units in fact. :D Were you at Shaw and Brawley or Shaw and Villa? I was at Villa when the doors opened at 7:00. They made me and several others (who entered the store a bit later) wait till 8:00 before bringing the players out. :mad: Oh well I was third in line so it didn't matter cause I knew I was getting one. :)

So who here was able to get the HD-DVD player from Walmat at $99.00?

Went to the one on Shaw at 8:00 AM and they were out. A co-worker of mine picked one up in Hanford they had about 8 left at 10:30 AM.

All four area WalMarts were out of them by about 9 I think. I was going to get one for a gift, but was too late at 10.

Hey.....any Fresno/Visalia area D* customers having the same issue that I am with KMPH 26's HD provided by D* (not OTA)?

Apparently, something has been amiss since Tuesday. Went to watch this week's episode of HOUSE last night on the DVR - was greeted with normal audio, but a black screen. No Video. Immediately tuned to KMPH and the same situation - audio, but no video. SD version of ch 26 via D*, however, is fine.

Checked this morning - same situation. No video, just audio (got to listen to Kopi on GREAT DAY, but not see him).

Am contacting both D* and KMPH this morning.
============================================================ ===

edit/update: Got an email back from KMPH Engineering (they were very quick to respond, btw). Said that KMPH had been having trouble with their HD encoder earlier in the week and replaced it. Doing so may have caused an issue w/ the signal they provide to D*. They are checking on it now.

I hope they fix their audio sync problems with the feed to D*. It has been terrible the last few weeks--the sync was nearly a second off this past Sunday! I hope they fix this before 24 starts in Jan.

So who here was able to get the HD-DVD player from Walmat at $99.00?

Went to the one on Shaw at 8:00 AM and they were out. A co-worker of mine picked one up in Hanford they had about 8 left at 10:30 AM.

I got one!!!! But mine was from the BestBuy in Visalia. Bought thru the website, & picked it up @ store. For $99.99, you got the HD-A2 + 2 free HDDVDs from whatever BB had in stock (got TRANSFORMERS & 40 YR OLD Virgin). And, of course, the "5 free" mail-in offer via Toshiba.

All told, I spent $135 out the door (also picked up the HDDVD of John Carpenter's THE THING -classic scifi/horror - and very nice to look at in HD)

Can't wait for the BLADE RUNNER mega-set on HDDVD!!

I hope they fix their audio sync problems with the feed to D*. It has been terrible the last few weeks--the sync was nearly a second off this past Sunday! I hope they fix this before 24 starts in Jan.Let's hope!!

Although with the writer's strike now looming, 24 may not even show up in January.

Fresno Comcast cable digital subscribers

I was considering getting myself a TV card that supports QAM256, I know that the card will receive unencrypted QAM256 HDTV signals from Comcast, but my question Is, how many channels on Comcast are unencrypted?

I know I should receive the local channels, but I am curious about other channels.

What channels will I be able to receive with a HDTV card?

Thank You ... :)

Has anyone else noticed that ABC30 now has HD Cameras for their field stories. I was watching highlights of the Bulldog game Saturday and it just hit me hey this is wide screen no blue on the sides. Had to take a step back, I was thinking I was on ESPN for a moment and then realized they had an HD camera ... cool!

Does anyone know when they started or was this the first week?

Has anyone else noticed that ABC30 now has HD Cameras for their field stories. I was watching highlights of the Bulldog game Saturday and it just hit me hey this is wide screen no blue on the sides. Had to take a step back, I was thinking I was on ESPN for a moment and then realized they had an HD camera ... cool!

Does anyone know when they started or was this the first week?

I noticed this recently as well.

Does appear though, from time to time, that ABC 30 may also be "zooming" some SD to 16x9 (some remote stuff doesn't look HD, but is 16x9). Nice to see the blue sidebars instead of black nothing, though.

But some remote stuff is definitely HD.

So.....ABC 30....with all your new-fangled HD equipment.....isn't it time to finally ran JEOPARDY! in HD?

Fresno Comcast cable digital subscribers

I was considering getting myself a TV card that supports QAM256, I know that the card will receive unencrypted QAM256 HDTV signals from Comcast, but my question Is, how many channels on Comcast are unencrypted?

I know I should receive the local channels, but I am curious about other channels.

What channels will I be able to receive with a HDTV card?

Thank You ... :)

Here's the list. I'm not listing subchannels because different tuners assign different subchannel numbers to the same channels. Also, the major local HD networks have virtual channels if your tuner supports them.

Channel 73:
- Home Shopping Network
- QVC

Channel 74:
- KTFF 41/61 - Telefutura (Spanish)
- KGMC 43 - independent. Mostly home shopping, local sports, and really old movies
- KNXT 49 - Catholic/independent. Bad picture quality, probably station's fault.
- ION
- WGN
- The Weather Channel with local weather info
- 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 without local weather info

Channel 80:
- KSEE 24.1 - NBC-HD (virutal channel 24)
- KSEE 24.2
- KSEE 24.3 - LATV
- KGPE 47.1 - CBS-HD (virtual channel 47)
- KGPE 47.2

Channel 81:
- The Weather Channel "weatherscan" for Comcast

Channels 83 through 86:
- Random OnDemand programming on 10 subchannels each.

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

Channel 92:
- KBTV-CA 8 Sacramento (foreign programming)

Channel 100:
- KMPH 26.1 - FOX-HD (virtual channel 26)
- KFRE 59.1 - CW-HD (virtual channel 59) currently gone

Channel 109:
- KVPT 18.2 - PBS-HD (virtual channel 18)
- KVPT 18.3 - "V me" (Spanish)
- KFSN 30.1 - ABC-HD (virtual channel 30)
- KFSN 30.2
- KFSN 30.3

There are other channels, but they are mostly 24/7 infomercial channels and PPV previews.

Sometimes, random channels go missing or scrambled, especially with the channels on 80. Usually, another channel scan will solve that problem.

Thank you very much for the list louie826

:)

For those of you who haven't seen it yet.

Comcast launched NFL HD on channel 917

Homer

For those of you who haven't seen it yet.

Comcast launched NFL HD on channel 917

Homer

Awesome! Now can I cancel the Sports Pack I'm paying $4.99 a month for but still get the NFL HD as part of the HD package?

I don't have sports pack. I am not getting NFL-HD.

They just want more and more money-don't they.

Any Direct TV customers can you tell me if you get FSN-Bay Area in HD? It sucks that I can't get Golden State in HD. Doesn't it seem odd they black them out in HD out but give us Kings' games in HD?

GS in standard def only Kings games in HD only.

I just might cancel and go Direct TV, but the only thing that was holding me back was HD baseball on FSN HD.

I don't have sports pack. I am not getting NFL-HD.

They just want more and more money-don't they.



Yup and thats just crappy.....more and more Direct TV is looking better.....if I can figure out a way to get 2 HD DVR's for no upfront fee from Direct TV, I just may switch....

Anyone else seeing the problem with ABC30's HD newscast right now? Picture is shifted across the screen.

Wondering if this is being seen on OTA as I'm on Comcast HD.

Homer

It wasn't just you. We saw it OTA and then digital 30 locked up. 30.1 was off for perhaps a half hour and I believe there were issues on the other sub channels, too.

Stuff happens.

Jed

Anyone else seeing the problem with ABC30's HD newscast right now? Picture is shifted across the screen.

Wondering if this is being seen on OTA as I'm on Comcast HD.

Homer

Have seen this on KFSN HD signal before.

In fact, the episode of EBERT & ROEPER 2 weeks back was "split screened" for half it's broadcast.

Definitley a KFSN issue. Have seen this via both Comcast & DirecTv.

I don't have sports pack. I am not getting NFL-HD.

They just want more and more money-don't they.

Any Direct TV customers can you tell me if you get FSN-Bay Area in HD? It sucks that I can't get Golden State in HD. Doesn't it seem odd they black them out in HD out but give us Kings' games in HD?

GS in standard def only Kings games in HD only.

I just might cancel and go Direct TV, but the only thing that was holding me back was HD baseball on FSN HD.


DirecTv carries FSN West, FSN Bay Area & FSN Prime Ticket in HD for the Fresno area market (also carries Comcast SportsNet - but SD only right now).

edit: Don't know if/when they'll will have CSN HD for our area, but I do know that a few other regions have their CSN HD carried by DirecTv. Could happen here when the next sat is launched/goes live early in '08. Supposed to see more HD RSNs added at that time, according to dbstalk.com. BTW, Comcast is in cahoots w/ the Maloof Bros, so Sacto Kings HD home games are it thru CSN. For GS, it would be FSN Bay Area, then? Don't follow the Warriors, so I don't know for sure.

No extra fee for NFL (HD or SD) w/ DirecTv.

Dumped Comcast a couple months back for DirecTv. After they added all the new HD stuff, and had OnDemand upcoming (available as a beta test now), I sucked it up & paid for the HDDVR. Overall, very happy with the switch. Spend a few bucks less a month than I did w/ Comcast, and I get more programming (and not just HD stuff).

Just got a letter in the mail from Comcast and they're adding some HD channels as of 12/12/07....

914 HGTV HD
916 History Channel HD
937 USA HD
938 FoodTV HD

Also getting some new Digital channels.....

110 CSPAN3
130 Fox Business Network (Can't wait for this one!)
419 NHL Network

Not bad IMO.....it'll be nice to check out the good lookin cookin babes on FoodTV in HD, although they might not look as good in HD :(

Hey, I live in Madera... the Ranchos to be specific... what kind of an antenna would you all recommend? I'm shooting for an RCA HD Antenna with the Amp. I prefer an indoor antenna because it is just for my room and not for the whole house. Thanks.

PS: I'm about 30 miles away from all of the towers

Just got a letter in the mail from Comcast and they're adding some HD channels as of 12/12/07....

914 HGTV HD
916 History Channel HD
937 USA HD
938 FoodTV HD

Also getting some new Digital channels.....

110 CSPAN3
130 Fox Business Network (Can't wait for this one!)
419 NHL Network

Not bad IMO.....it'll be nice to check out the good lookin cookin babes on FoodTV in HD, although they might not look as good in HD :(

You forgot NFL HD on 917.

Four channels will move from "expanded basic" to digital. They are just CSPAN2, the Hallmark Channel, Oxygen, and Game Show Network. I'll only miss GSN though none of the channels have disappeared yet. Hopefully, this isn't the start of moving everything between 2 and 99 to digital in a short time. No one here wants to pay extra for a set-top box rental.

You forgot NFL HD on 917.

Four channels will move from "expanded basic" to digital. They are just CSPAN2, the Hallmark Channel, Oxygen, and Game Show Network. I'll only miss GSN though none of the channels have disappeared yet. Hopefully, this isn't the start of moving everything between 2 and 99 to digital in a short time. No one here wants to pay extra for a set-top box rental.

Yeah, but we've had NFL HD for a couple weeks now :)

But I agree with you somewhat on the analog channels.....I have 5 other TV's in my house that would need a box rental to get channels so I hear you in that aspect, however, once those analog channels are gone, it frees up WAY more bandwidth for them to add new HD channels :D So I'm kinda torn.....

Just got a letter in the mail from Comcast and they're adding some HD channels as of 12/12/07....

914 HGTV HD
916 History Channel HD
937 USA HD
938 FoodTV HD

Also getting some new Digital channels.....

110 CSPAN3
130 Fox Business Network (Can't wait for this one!)
419 NHL Network

Not bad IMO.....it'll be nice to check out the good lookin cookin babes on FoodTV in HD, although they might not look as good in HD :(

Thanks to D*, I can say that Giada DeLaurentis (sp?) is even hotter in HD!:D

Enjoy.

Thanks to D*, I can say that Giada DeLaurentis (sp?) is even hotter in HD!:D

Enjoy.

Awesome! I'm also looking forward to Sandra Lee, Rachael Ray and the new girl, Nigella I think her name is :D My wife is going to be wondering why I'm watching FoodTV so much :D

Awesome! I'm also looking forward to Sandra Lee, Rachael Ray and the new girl, Nigella I think her name is :D My wife is going to be wondering why I'm watching FoodTV so much :D

YEs....FOOD NET HD hotties.....surprisingly far more fun to watch than the Skinemax HD pseudo-porn.
;)

YEs....FOOD NET HD hotties.....surprisingly far more fun to watch than the Skinemax HD pseudo-porn.
;)
That is saying a lot. I can't wait to see Giada in HD. :D

They're actually showing Warriors games in HD now!

I just tried UHF antenna and I am pretty stoked because I was able to pick up CBS, NBC, and ABC in HD. I was surprised to find out I wasn't able to pick up KMPH FOX in HD. Has anyone else had a problem picking up this station? I read on other forums people had problems picking up ABC but I have not heard of anyone having a problem picking up FOX. Anyone have any suggestions or advice? Thanks
PS
I am located in northwest Fresno.

Try pointing the antenna more towards the northeast or east. I remember reading somewhere that KMPH's broadcast tower are somewhere far from the other network's broadcast towers.

I kind of have the opposite situation in southern Visalia. Out of boredom, I stuck a plain wire UHF antenna to the new TV tonight just to see if I could pick up anything. To my surprise, I picked up KMPH-HD the strongest :eek:, with digital channel KVPT, KFTV (!), KSEE, and KGPE coming in so-so, and KFSN and KAIL nowhere to be seen because I didn't have a VHF antenna hooked up.

They're actually showing Warriors games in HD now!

Maybe this is why :)

Copies of e-mail between me and FSN-HD.

Hello Chris,

My provider is Comcast. This has been happening since last year no Warriors games in HD, yet I get College Football & A's and Giants Baseball and I think I get sharks games (don't watch hockey). They only activate the channel for the games and the rest of the time all I get is a logo that says FSN-HD as it rotates. I do get the games in Standard Def on Channel 37. All HD broadcast when active are on channel 920. Sometimes they don't "throw the switch" and I get non HD programming with the sidebars.

What I find odd is I get all the HD Kings on a different channel when they have an HD broadcast. Yet I don't get any standard def games of theirs from the Kings network. When the Kings had the Warriors in HD it was blacked out. I thought I was in the GS area also and not the kings.

Thank You for looking into this, I really would like to see the GS in HD.





Bottom line is that Comcast should be delivering all of our scheduled HD games of the Warriors on channel 920. When we are not doing an HD game, the FSN HD Logo is up or the screen is black. When it is black, it is because one of the other 4 Regional Sports Networks we share the same HD Master Control facility with is doing an HD game in their market. I’m attaching a copy of our most recent Warriors schedule that also indicates which games are scheduled to be in HD. If you see one that you know you didn’t get on 920 or if you could monitor the next HD games this weekend on 12/7 and 12/9 and let me know next Monday if you get them or not in HD, that would be helpful.

Comcast SportsNet West that carries the Sacramento Kings was able to get their Kings games cleared in your market because they got approval from the NBA to air them as well as our Warriors games on FSN.


Chris Geer

Vice President, Sales & Affiliate Relations

FSN BAY AREA

Just got a letter in the mail from Comcast and they're adding some HD channels as of 12/12/07....

914 HGTV HD
916 History Channel HD
937 USA HD
938 FoodTV HD

If you go to the Comcast Menu and select "Messages" it has DiscoveryHD instead of FoodTV.

Does this mean FoodTV has been put on hold?

new hd channels still havnt shown up, anyone else?

I dont have access to the new channels using either cable box (hd or sd), but vista media center has already (as of 12/11) added usa-hd (937) and discovery-hd (938) to the channel guide

and fyi, ive never had a problem with KFRE HD using my HD HomeRun (watching it right now).. Here is a list of the english non Preview/infomercial/randomly changing VOD channels that are unencripted QAM that I have setup for my HD HomeRun.. The only ch I have a problem with is 30.3.. Its compressed way too much and has BAD pixelation (sp?). At times I can get Comedy Central (its unencoded 1 week, encoded the next)

705Mhz sub 3 - KVPT HD (18.2?)
561Mhz sub 1 - KSEE HD (24.1)
651Mhz sub 11 - KMPH HD (26.1)
705Mhz sub 1 - KFSN HD (30.1)
651Mhz sub 2 - KGPE HD (47.1)
651Mhz sub 12 - KFRE HD (59.1)

609Mhz sub 7 - KVPT SD (18)
609Mhz sub 3 - KSEE SD (24)
561Mhz sub 10 - KSEE Weather Plus (24.2)
609Mhz sub 10 - KMPH SD (26)
609Mhz sub 2 - KFSN SD (30)
705Mhz sub 2 - KFSN SD2 (30.2)
705Mhz sub 5 - KFSN Weather Now (30.3)
609Mhz sub 6 - KGPE SD (47)
561Mhz sub 11 - KGPE SD2 (47.2)
609Mhz sub 9 - KAIL SD (53)
609Mhz sub 4 - KFRE SD (59)

525Mhz sub 5 - WGN

If you go to the Comcast Menu and select "Messages" it has DiscoveryHD instead of FoodTV.

Does this mean FoodTV has been put on hold?

Well in a letter I recieved in the mail from Comcast they said that FoodTV HD would be added......DiscoveryHD wouldn't be a great addition IMO, we already have National Geographic and HD Theater (which is Discovery Channel owned anyway). We need more variety of our limited HD channels IMO and FoodTV HD would be a great addition. We'll see whenever they end up adding them....

new hd channels still havnt shown up, anyone else?

As of this morning before I left for work, still no new channelsfor me as well.... If Comcast keeps this up, I'm gonna dump em and hit up DirectTV.....its looking more and more enticing every month....

I never got a letter in the mail from comcast about new channels.... and im forced to use cable living in this apt (dont have a suitable mounting location for a dish)......

discovery just simulcasts sd and hd programing.. FoodTV has different programing on their sd and hd channels, but i never watch foodtv and do watch discovery

Well, still no channels.....but so everyone doesn't think I'm crazy, I scanned the letter I recieved :)

As you can see on the 2nd page of the letter, it lists the HD channels....TV FOOD HD on 938....so I dunno, but to have the channels not turned on a full day after, is rediculous.....c'mon Comcast!!!!
*********************************************************







http://home.comcast.net/~mdibuduo/Comcast2.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~mdibuduo/Comcast1.jpg

Your not crazy my cable box in the bedroom still had the message light on, so I checked it and it says what you remember. Yet still no new channels as of this morning.

I used to watch Food channel all the time. However since getting HD the only non HD channel I watch is FSN. So I am interested in seeing what they have to offer.

I don't even surf the non HD channels anymore and as far as on demand I almost always watch HD programming. I look at the other free movies and think man only if in HD, as we know we loose a third of the picuture in 4x3. But I broke down this week and watched The Wraith. I love 80's movies. I guess that tells me I'm getting old.

and fyi, ive never had a problem with KFRE HD using my HD HomeRun (watching it right now)..

How odd. I'm using a Samsung TX-T2082 and it used to receive it fine. :/ I guess I'll have to reset something to get it to pop back. Auto program still won't fetch it.

Thanks for checking.

Also, I find it a bit unfair that the rate for expanded basic won't go down in price even though channels are moving to digital without a replacement and they are channels very few people watch.

I chatted with tech support a minute ago and they didn't know when the new HD channels would be available. Here is what they said when I asked about them. I guess this is a typical response that is handed out to everyone.

We apologize for the delay of these channels. We do not have an exact date on when they will arrive, but i assure you that they will be available soon.

As of this morning before I left for work, still no new channelsfor me as well.... If Comcast keeps this up, I'm gonna dump em and hit up DirectTV.....its looking more and more enticing every month....

Best entertainment decision I have made in some time was to dump Comcast. Programming/service were fine, but was tired of seeing my bill increase (sometimes more than once) every year, with little or nothing in return.

Even after my DirecTv promo pricing/rebates end, I will still pay less per month for more programming than I got w/ Comcast. HAve yet to utilize DirectOnDemand yet, mainly 'casue they have not posted any HD programming (will be available after the 1st of the year). Granted, DoD is more like "time shifting" due to it's Internet-based nature and not the instant "on demand" the Comcast's is. But most of the DoD programming is the same as what's from Comcast.

Was a bit apprehensive at first to shell out $200 up front for the HD DVR, but now glad that I did. The only think I really lack is PBS & CW local HD signals over sat. But can get them OTA just fine, and antenna is HU'd to the DVR, so D* guide lists them as it would sat signals.

Well, here it is the 19th of December and we FINALLY got the channels! And much to my disappointment, we got Discovery HD instead of FoodTV HD :( Oh well, at least I have Fox Business Network to watch now:D

I finally got the new HD channels too... and i can now get TBS unencripted QAM, tho it will probably be like comedy central and jump encripted unencripted

I have been getting some HD channels on my new TV without the cable box. For example, PBSHD is 18.2, FOX HD is something like 26.1, and CW HD is 100.2. Does anyone know if these new HD channels that were added today (USA, Discovery) are also available, and if so what channel? Thanks!

you are just getting the unencripted QAM channels..

Here is an updated list (fyi, you will probably find these on different channels, like KAIL DT is brocast on ch 7, but tunes to 53.1 and KMPH DT is broadcast on ch 28, but tunes to 26.1)... TBS is completly gone now.. oh well... there are a BUNCH of VOD content watchable on unencripted QAM, but it jumps channels every 15 or 30 mins (period of watchable, period of blank)

705Mhz ch 109 sub 3 - KVPT HD (18.2?)
561Mhz ch 80 sub 1 - KSEE HD (24.1)
651Mhz ch 100 sub 11 - KMPH HD (26.1)
705Mhz ch 109 sub 1 - KFSN HD (30.1)
651Mhz ch 80 sub 2 - KGPE HD (47.1)
651Mhz ch 100 sub 12 - KFRE HD (59.1)

609Mhz ch 88 sub 7 - KVPT SD (18)
705Mhz ch 109 sub 4 - KVPT SD2 (18.1?)
609Mhz ch 88 sub 1 - KFTV SD (21)
609Mhz ch 88 sub 3 - KSEE SD (24)
561Mhz ch 80 sub 10 - KSEE Weather Plus (24.2)
561Mhz ch 80 sub 13 - KSEE LATV (24.3)
609Mhz ch 88 sub 10 - KMPH SD (26)
609Mhz ch 88 sub 2 - KFSN SD (30)
705Mhz ch 109 sub 2 - KFSN SD2 (30.2)
705Mhz ch 109 sub 5 - KFSN Weather Now (30.3)
609Mhz ch 88 sub 5 - KMSG SD (39)
525Mhz ch 74 sub 2 - KGMC SD (43)
609Mhz ch 88 sub 6 - KGPE SD (47)
561Mhz ch 80 sub 11 - KGPE SD2 (47.2)
525Mhz ch 74 sub 3 - KNXT SD (49)
609Mhz ch 88 sub 8 - KNSO SD (51)
609Mhz ch 88 sub 9 - KAIL SD (53)
609Mhz ch 88 sub 4 - KFRE SD (59)
525Mhz ch 74 sub 1 - KTFF SD (61)
525Mhz ch 74 sub 11 - Fresno Ch (96)

525Mhz ch 74 sub 5 - WGN

ok so i just bought my first hdtv and ive only used it so far to play ps3 games. I want to watch local HD channels but my very old bunny ear antenna doesnt pick up any HD channels and only picks up 9 unclear analog channels......recommend me an antenna for Merced (Im located right between Merced College and UC Merced). i know very little about HD so any help will be appreciated.

ok so i just bought my first hdtv and ive only used it so far to play ps3 games. I want to watch local HD channels but my very old bunny ear antenna doesnt pick up any HD channels and only picks up 9 unclear analog channels......recommend me an antenna for Merced (Im located right between Merced College and UC Merced). i know very little about HD so any help will be appreciated.

Online stores carry models to suit your needs. Home Depot carry a small sample and best bet is Radio Shack. Get the UHF/VHF rooftops with spec'd distance of 70 miles range. If your attic space is big, you can mount it there. Best signal of course is outdoor on a pole. HD signals can be captured using good old TV herringbone antennas. Thats the built in elegance.

im really lookin for an indoor antenna and i know i might not be able to pick up all the local stations but i'd like an indoor antenna. Any recommendations?

Indoor , tabletop antenna is very difficult to predict. So much variables go into the reception ability, such as structure interference, electrical interference, and general lack of signal gain from those tabletops. You probably will have a trial and error phase, with lots of product returns in order to get a strong enough signal to generate non-pixelated video. HD digital signal, unlike analog, is on or completely off, no snow or ghosting reception is possible.

Why would you not go for outdoor?

i dont want to do the outdoor antenna because well i dont want to climb two stories (lol).

good luck in the Merced area picking up HD with an indoor antenna... this is what antennaweb.org had to saw about picking up dtv signals using the address of uc merced...

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/loomdog32/ucmerced-dtv.jpg


red is medium directional antenna - min needed to pick up anything digital... they can be used indoors (I used one for a while and was VERY LIMITED when used indoors only able to get 2 chs and I am less than 20 mi from the towers tho im also in an apt.. you are close to 60-100 mi away)... Rooftop is really your only option for any kind of choice...

If you really have you heart set on indoor, you pretty much only looking at getting KFSN (30 ABC - tower north of Fresno) and KMPH (26 FOX - tower east of Visalia not far from the tower for KRFE 59 CW) for HD options (KAIL 53 - MyNetwork does no broadcast an HD signal, just a digital SD)... I dont know about other people, but I have never been able to get KFSNs digital transmision and im less than 20 mi from their tower.....

i dont want to do the outdoor antenna because well i dont want to climb two stories (lol).

How about going up to your second floor attic space. If you have about 5 feet at the center beam area, you may be able to set up an outdoor antennae indoor. Signal reception is not as good as outdoor but a hell way better than small indoor antennae placed downstairs.

Did anyone else notice bad pixilation during the Pat/Giants game.. It was present on both KSEE and KGPE HD on comcast (dont know about OTA, as my antenna is no longer hooked up - reason above)... It was noticable mostly during the replays and bumpers, tho the game is/was watchable...

Did anyone else notice bad pixilation during the Pat/Giants game.. It was present on both KSEE and KGPE HD on comcast (dont know about OTA, as my antenna is no longer hooked up - reason above)... It was noticable mostly during the replays and bumpers, tho the game is/was watchable...

I watched it on 917 (NFL) and it was perfect. No problems at all.

From time to time we have problems with signal strength. We’ll see macro blocking and hear audio dropouts for anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Channels 18 (including all subchannels) and 47 are the most likely to suffer this, but it’s been on 30, too, and maybe 24. If I have the presence of mind to check signal strength, I see that it’s dropped off, often to one or zero (10-point scale). I’ve also noticed the strength wandering up and down, as much as 3 bars over just a few seconds.

Channel 18 today (1/1) has been pretty hit or miss.

Does anyone else, especially Visalia and Exeter types, see anything similar?

Jed

Did anyone else notice bad pixilation during the Pat/Giants game.. It was present on both KSEE and KGPE HD on comcast (dont know about OTA, as my antenna is no longer hooked up - reason above)... It was noticable mostly during the replays and bumpers, tho the game is/was watchable...
I noticed it as well. It was probably the worst i had seen. :mad: What bothers me is that you pay good money for HD programming and then receive garbage in return. WTF? ;)

Yeah...the Pats/Giants game on NFL NEtwork HD looked fine. Switched btwn it, CBS & NBC. NFL Net's broadcast via D* looked the best of the 3.

Need info on upgrading to HD, been a DTV customer for the last 10yrs and gonna take the plunge, I have 2 new HD receivers HR21-200's, not worried about OTA HD as I use an outdoor antenna for local channels, any words of wisdom or things to look for or avoid would be appreciated. :D

Anyone else lose KSEE-DT's OTA signal Friday night around 10pm? Still not on this morning.

this suck no NFL in HD damn Fresno NBCHD

Im freakin pissed

whew, i thought it was just me...lol

i also never get kfsn 30 on my indoor antenna, but the others are fine usually, until 24 crapout. during playoffs no doubt.

Aargh! I tried calling KSEE 24, and all you can do is leave a message! I want to watch the NFL playoff's! DirecTV has a message up on that channel, so I hooked up an antenna this afternoon, and NO signal! What is going on with 24?

wow...go shopping, come back at halftime and its back...


i still don't get 30 ota though....lol

24 digital is finally back on as of 3:30 pm. I am glad I can get the Bakersfield stations too . I can get all the Fresno digital stations but KAIL 53 when I have my antenna rotated toward Bakersfield. I guess I will leave it pointed toward Bakersfield for now in case 24 goes off again. Here in Exeter I am 66 miles from Bakersfield transmitters and 56 miles from Fresno transmitters.

Just finished watching the Hawks versus Skins on 24--it came back in time for the second half. 30 OTA is still out, but is fine on DirecTV? Strange.

KSEE /24 digital off air......fiber to comcast SD only ??
this station ran commerical break in middle of national anthem (NHL game) and doesn't
insert local weather during NBC weather breaks ?? (leaving random network audio up for all to hear) ........

thank god for "bay area affliates" (what a professional difference)

Yeah--the digital went out again in the second quarter of the Jaguars/Steelers playoff game. I was recording it, and it caused me to miss two and a half quarters of the game. Had to finish watching it on the SD channel via DirecTV since I have no analog receivers anymore! At the very least, they should have posted a message on their web site.

Did the HD feed go out nationally for the Jaguars/Steelers game?
Also, is it usual for college football games on ABC-HD to lose sharpness all over the picture whenever there is a high amount of motion?

I dusted off my Samsung T431 and connected it to the family's huge HD CRT rear-projection TV after much frustration over crappy picture and sound quality for QAM tuning last year. To my surprise, the glitches and sound skips are now almost non-existent. :eek:

QAM and digital cable users, has the quality of digital cable gotten better in the last year?

Bump with some info.

Clear QAM:
Comcast/TWC WeatherScan moved from 81 to 104.
The Weather Channel without local info that was found on 78 is gone/scrambled.
If you enjoy watching hockey, there is a free preview of NHL Center Ice on 106.

Are we comcast users effected by this:

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Comcast-Customers-Want-HD-Super-Bowl-91545

I am hoping not!

Anybody from the Lemoore area getting ABC 30 KFSN-DT (30.1) OTA? If so, what antenna are you using? That is the only channel that I can't get that I really want.

Are we comcast users effected by this:

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Comcast-Customers-Want-HD-Super-Bowl-91545

I am hoping not!

No, our local Fox affiliate and Comcast have already kissed and made up so we're fine :D

Anybody from the Lemoore area getting ABC 30 KFSN-DT (30.1) OTA? If so, what antenna are you using? That is the only channel that I can't get that I really want.

Channel 30 is the hardest for me to get in OTA. I think because they are broadcasting VHF?? Not sure though.

Channel 30 is the hardest for me to get in OTA. I think because they are broadcasting VHF?? Not sure though.

Correct. KFSN's digital channel is broadcast on channel 9. Only that channel and KAIL's digital channel, found on ch. 7, are on VHF.

Channel 30 is the hardest for me to get in OTA. I think because they are broadcasting VHF?? Not sure though.

Are you able to get signal at all? Which antenna are you using?

Yes, Ch 30 is VHF. I use Radioshack 80" Boom Length, 32-Element Antenna
Model: VU-90 XR, placed in the attic of a one-story house. I receive about 80-85% reception from Clovis 93619 zipcode. Antennaweb said I'm about 18 miles away from the transmitter.

Question regarding ABC 30's HD signal.

Does anyone else experience adio dropouts w/ ABC a lot?

Noticed this in the past, but really only became concerned last week during the LOST premiere. Several points where audio dropped out momentarily. Ended up firing up the CC option on the D* DVR, just in case I lost (no pun intended) any crucial dialog.

Am getting ABC 30 via D*, not OTA. But any source info from others would be appreciated.

ABC-HD is the only QAM channel that still glitches up occasionally on my old Samsung STB HD tuner.

On my bedroom TV with a QAM tuner, the channel comes in okay with no problems.

via cable qam, kfsn is for me the best quality hd channel (i just wish it also had quality programing to match)... ksee is really starting to annoy me.. expecially during american gladiators.. Is it just me or cable or is it also noticable ota, whenever ksee has high motion during hd broadcasts, it gets pixalated for me......... Gettin really tired of friends saying that if this is what digital is, they dont want it....


KSEE also only aried 11 of the 13 Chuck eps

Hi guys. I just got my first lcd tv and am also new to the area. basically, the hd channels were great OTA, especially ABC. Got Comcast connected yesterday, and the SD looks much better, but the HD is softer that it was in OTA. Is that normal? I also don't have a HDMI cable yet (comes tomorrow). Does that make a huge difference with PQ for watching television? Like i said, i am a newbie, so plz be kind.

I am trying to decide if I want to switch to DTV when i move next month or stick with Comcast. Is there a general consensus as to which one is better in this area? and finally, I have watched a few NBC shows and there is some weird white staticy line that runs across the top edge and the PQ can be pretty sucky. that only happens on NBC though. Is that a NBC local channel problem u think? Any comments would be welcomed. thanks!!

The white line has been there for a while. It's probably KSEE's(nbc) fault.

Regarding the softness issue, have you checked the menu to make sure your set top box is displaying 1080i? When comcast installed the box in my home, it was set to 480p. I had to physically change it after the cable guy left. Also, i have tried component and hdmi hookups and couldn't tell a difference. But that might be because I only have a small 34" widescreen crt.

Although I haven't compared it OTA, I think Comcast HD is pretty sharp. The only thing that beats the picture quality of cable is my HD DVD player.

Thanks for the reply. I looked on the box to check to make sure it is set to 1080 but could not find it anywhere. Is it a setting that you have to set via remote, or is it actually on the box???

Thanks for the reply. I looked on the box to check to make sure it is set to 1080 but could not find it anywhere. Is it a setting that you have to set via remote, or is it actually on the box???

You have to use the remote to access the info. :)

1) Press the "cable" button on your remote.
2) Press "power" (it will turn off the cable and you will see a blank screen)
3) Press "Menu", scroll to where it says "ypbpr output" and push ok/select or left and right arrow keys to change resolution.

You have to use the remote to access the info. :)

1) Press the "cable" button on your remote.
2) Press "power" (it will turn off the cable and you will see a blank screen)
3) Press "Menu", scroll to where it says "ypbpr output" and push ok/select or left and right arrow keys to change resolution.


Oh, wow. Yeah, that would have taken me about 5 days to finally figure out. Thanks. :) Yeah, it was totally set on the lower setting. And man, it sure makes quite a difference now. Pretty sweet actually. I can see hairs on david lettermans fingers. that part is not so sweet. So now the stan def channels are minimalized. I assume that is because of the change. So if I wanted to watch them on full screen, I would have to go back to the menu and switch it back right? thanks again! It is like I just bought a new tv all over again.

... oh nevermind. I guess I can just zoom in once on the SD channels. Not sure if the PQ is much different that way or if I change the settings back through the cable box. oh well. Now the bigger question. Ok, I guess I am happy with comcast now. Well at least the PQ. It took the service guys about 8 hours to get out here.. Thanks again!!

What do you mean by minimalized?

Leave the HD output at 1080i. You do not have to change this at all.

If you want your SD channels to fill the screen you have to go into the menu and fool around with 4:3 Override.

The options are:
1) Off---This will keep the SD channels in 4:3 format. Options 2,3, and 4 will fill the screen. Experiment to see what you like best.
2) 480i
3) 480p
4) Stretch---This seems to work best for me. When I switch from an HD channel to an SD channel(or vice versa) there is no delay/weird breakup that seems to show up with options 2 and 3.

Ok, got it figured out. I just added on an edit to my last reply before i read ur response. Now, can you give Comcast a call and get them to add on Comedy Central and about 8 other channels of HD?? That would be great. Thanks again!

Correct. KFSN's digital channel is broadcast on channel 9. Only that channel and KAIL's digital channel, found on ch. 7, are on VHF.

Hmm strange.. my Dish receiver scans in all the OTA channels including 30.1, 30.2, etc. with no problem. Actually, I'm using a UHF antenna (only). A silver sensor but I guess I am close enough (East Clovis) to get a strong enough signal that any 'metal' sticking up in the air will give me some reception.
I did notice the Ch. 9 designation at antennaweb.org but not on KFSN's website. And my Dish receiver scans it in as 30.1 not '9'. And also scans in '7.1'. so I am at loss to explain why no 9. But everything works great!

The white line has been there for a while. It's probably KSEE's(nbc) fault.

Regarding the softness issue, have you checked the menu to make sure your set top box is displaying 1080i? When comcast installed the box in my home, it was set to 480p. I had to physically change it after the cable guy left. Also, i have tried component and hdmi hookups and couldn't tell a difference. But that might be because I only have a small 34" widescreen crt.

Although I haven't compared it OTA, I think Comcast HD is pretty sharp. The only thing that beats the picture quality of cable is my HD DVD player.


The "white line" is KSEE's doing. When doing SD on the HD channel (as in local news, daytime & 7-8 pm programming or when someone forgets to hit the HD switch after primetime commercial breaks), it appears that the image is not centered properly. The lines that are seen are actually part of all broadcasts, but normally are unseen (overscanned). Have noticed that the time/temp info also sits lower on the HD channel during the KSEE news than it does on the SD ("analog" if you will) version.

Biggest issue with KSEE's SD on the HD channel seems to be that the image is vertically "squished" a bit as well as sitting lower in frame. Pre-WGA strike, I had set my D* DVR to record SCRUBS (the only non-HD primetime show we watch) on KSEE's SD channel to avoid the lines/squish.

All of this seems to have coincided w/ KSEE's HD "upgrade" (when they went DD 5.1 for audio) around mid-year 2007.

Comcast HD always looked fine in Fresno. Compared to what folks in other cable markets say, it sounds like Fresno has one of the better cable markets in terms of bandwith available.

Really, HD PQ stayed basically the same when I went w/ D*. It was my growing Comcast bill & lack of several desired HD channels that led me to dump them for D*.

Biggest plus, though, is that much of D*'s new HD (& local HD from what I hear) are in MPEG-4 format. While I can't say it's a marked improvement in PQ, shows do eat up less DVR space & can be rewound "live" much farther back.

With Comcast, I had about a 15 minute "rewind" memory buffer with all HD channels. Via D*, I get around 60 minutes.

Hmm strange.. my Dish receiver scans in all the OTA channels including 30.1, 30.2, etc. with no problem. Actually, I'm using a UHF antenna (only). A silver sensor but I guess I am close enough (East Clovis) to get a strong enough signal that any 'metal' sticking up in the air will give me some reception.
I did notice the Ch. 9 designation at antennaweb.org but not on KFSN's website. And my Dish receiver scans it in as 30.1 not '9'. And also scans in '7.1'. so I am at loss to explain why no 9. But everything works great!

This is the work of virtual channels. I forgot how it exactly works, but the digital signal can tell the digital tuner to display the broadcast on another channel, such as their old channel. In that case, the signal and real digital channel is 9, but the virtual channel is 30. Switching the tuner to either channels 9 or 30 will give you the same channel as long as the tuner knows that the real siginal is coming from 9.

I don't know why digital ch. 7 isn't giving a virtual channel to you.

Anybody know when Dish Network will start providing local HD channels in Fresno?

I'm not sure whether this had been addressed yet but has anyone noticed that PBS HD 18.2's sounds are way loud and there are popping noises? Just wondering if it's just my receiver not setup correctly or if this is common for everyone.

I'm not sure whether this had been addressed yet but has anyone noticed that PBS HD 18.2's sounds are way loud and there are popping noises? Just wondering if it's just my receiver not setup correctly or if this is common for everyone.

I get it on occasion. Once to the point I had to delete a 2 hr. special I recorded. It was that annoying. That was about 2 months ago.

This is the work of virtual channels. I forgot how it exactly works, but the digital signal can tell the digital tuner to display the broadcast on another channel, such as their old channel. In that case, the signal and real digital channel is 9, but the virtual channel is 30. Switching the tuner to either channels 9 or 30 will give you the same channel as long as the tuner knows that the real siginal is coming from 9.

I don't know why digital ch. 7 isn't giving a virtual channel to you.

Thanks, interesting. Maybe I will check out dbstalk or one of the specialist forums about this topic just out of curiosity. Will share what I learn.

BTW, I mounted a Silver Sensor under my eaves and am banging signal strength on all locals from 82 to 100. Works like a charm.

I'm not sure whether this had been addressed yet but has anyone noticed that PBS HD 18.2's sounds are way loud and there are popping noises? Just wondering if it's just my receiver not setup correctly or if this is common for everyone.

I get occasional AM-radio quality sound from that channel.

I get occasional AM-radio quality sound from that channel.

Good description of what I heard last night. I tuned it in for a couple of minutes and they were showing a WWII documentary. I had trouble distinguishing original recordings from the 40's from the program narration.

Last night, PBS HD 18.2's sounds were way too low, a lot lower than the regular 18.1. What's with PBS HD 18.2's sounds? It's either way too loud or low. As I recalled, this wasn't always the case.

Anybody with E* know when we will be getting local HD?

Here in Bakersfield we get KVPTHD on cable (Bright House). I watch a lot of it because it is the only 24 hour HD channel I get (clear QAM, I refuse to pay extra for "digital cable" and I use a converter box). It seems that KVPTHD's audio problems are becoming more frequent. The sound quaulity will be fine one second and sound like an old Victrola (but still in stereo) the next. It is extremely annoying. I assumed that the occasional crackling sounds were caused by static in a weak dx'ed signal from 100 miles away. I keep forgetting that that kind of static caused noise only exists in the analog world.

Anybody with E* know when we will be getting local HD?

Anybody's guess. With their recent problems (07) with delayed launches, 2008 is supposed to be their year to make it up to everyone.
More HD channels, more local HDs, etc. etc.
I think the first rollout of local HDs is around April from what I've read on this forum and elsewhere. Fresno was not on the 'list' I saw.
But they are supposed to have at least one more roll out later this year.... got my fingers crossed.
If anyone knows more, I'm all ears!

GS Warriors fans with Direct-TV, have you been able to get the games in HD on 654-1? Last night the game didn't come on until the 3rd quarter for me in HD. SD was on the whole time.

I'm new with Direct, so I have no past experiance with their service (left Comcast after seeing my last $97.00 bill for 1 HD DVR, 1 HD Receiver and no premium channels).

Anyways the CSR's didn't know anything (got disconnected twice) from telling me that I don't get that channel, the game is not being broadcast in HD, reset my receiver, that their web site and FSN Bay Aera's web sites were wrong etc. etc. etc.

Thanks,

GS Warriors fans with Direct-TV, have you been able to get the games in HD on 654-1? Last night the game didn't come on until the 3rd quarter for me in HD. SD was on the whole time.

I'm new with Direct, so I have no past experiance with their service (left Comcast after seeing my last $97.00 bill for 1 HD DVR, 1 HD Receiver and no premium channels).

Anyways the CSR's didn't know anything (got disconnected twice) from telling me that I don't get that channel, the game is not being broadcast in HD, reset my receiver, that their web site and FSN Bay Aera's web sites were wrong etc. etc. etc.

Thanks,


Likely has nothing to do w/ DirecTv & everything to do with the broadcast source. Kind of like when one of our local network affiliates forgets to "flip the HD switch" after commercial breaks.

Yeah, I'm talkin' 'bout you KSEE 24!!!

Here ya on the Comcast deal, Drew. I dumped them for DirecTv last Nov for the exact same reasons = $$$.

Now pay less than I did to Comcast, have WAY more HD choices, a generally more stable/reliable HD DVR + HBO.

One thing Comcast still has over DirecTv is their OnDemand. I use the DirecTv version (internet based) now, and while I do like it, Comcast does have more programming & is truly "on demand". DirecTv is more like "demand it now, download & watch it later". Plus, no major network programming yet & the only HD is PPV.

This will change, I assume, when DirectOnDemand gets out of Beta mode.

Likely has nothing to do w/ DirecTv & everything to do with the broadcast source. Kind of like when one of our local network affiliates forgets to "flip the HD switch" after commercial breaks.

One thing Comcast still has over DirecTv is their OnDemand. I use the DirecTv version (internet based) now, and while I do like it, Comcast does have more programming & is truly "on demand". DirecTv is more like "demand it now, download & watch it later". Plus, no major network programming yet & the only HD is PPV.

This will change, I assume, when DirectOnDemand gets out of Beta mode.

It ended up being FSNHD's problem, so hopefully tonight it will be on. One thing that I still don't like is the HD version is not showing up on the channel guide which makes it hard to record.

I tried the On-demand, and your right its ourder it up the night before because you won't be watching it tonight. But hey thats still decent, hopefully they will have more selections. What it prevents though is want to check out a movie and if its no good, turn if off, and try something else.

It ended up being FSNHD's problem, so hopefully tonight it will be on. One thing that I still don't like is the HD version is not showing up on the channel guide which makes it hard to record.

I tried the On-demand, and your right its ourder it up the night before because you won't be watching it tonight. But hey thats still decent, hopefully they will have more selections. What it prevents though is want to check out a movie and if its no good, turn if off, and try something else.

How does it not show up? W/o an HD icon, or the actual channel is hidden?

If you are using a custom favorites list for the guide, FSNHD will need to be added to the list or it won;t show up inthe guide (but you can tune to it).

You can also set the D* box to hide SD duplicates of any SD/HD simulast channels. I have my HR20 set this way.

Or maybe you know this & I'm just talking to you like you're an idiot!:D If so, accept my sincere apology.

OnDemand speed seems to fluctuate. Later in the evening, some stuff can start downloading & can be started a few minutes later w/o catching up. Other times not. But it is nice. Do miss the network primetime HD or otherwise, though. Perhaps D* will get that soon as well, seeing as so much they already carry is identical to Comcast offerings.

I got a samsung h260f hd tuner on basic comcast and it gets all the local networks in HD except CW. I saw it used to be on virtual channel 100-2 before and on 100-1 the tuner jumps to fox 26. Is there a way i can get the tuner not to jump so it gets to 100-2 or is the hd channel really gone from a cable feed. I know it comes in ota through an antenna, but i brought mine back to radio shack since i found out my basic cable picks upthe local digital channels.

I have the exact same problem with my Samsung TX-T2082 television.

The channel is still there as my Samsung SIR-T451 tuner can pick it up without any problems.

How does it not show up? W/o an HD icon, or the actual channel is hidden?

If you are using a custom favorites list for the guide, FSNHD will need to be added to the list or it won;t show up inthe guide (but you can tune to it).

You can also set the D* box to hide SD duplicates of any SD/HD simulast channels. I have my HR20 set this way.

Or maybe you know this & I'm just talking to you like you're an idiot!:D If so, accept my sincere apology.

OnDemand speed seems to fluctuate. Later in the evening, some stuff can start downloading & can be started a few minutes later w/o catching up. Other times not. But it is nice. Do miss the network primetime HD or otherwise, though. Perhaps D* will get that soon as well, seeing as so much they already carry is identical to Comcast offerings.


It looks like Direct and FSN have work out the problems. The games (when in HD) show up on the guide now, and other than the first two games I was having problems with they are now starting on time.

It sure is hard to watch SD games anymore. HD sports have me spoiled.:D

Louie, I filed a complaint to their engineer about this at kfre.com, it's not hard just have to sign up for the site. I told them alot of people must be having this problem too because samsungs are common. I also called them at 435-5900 last afternoon but the secretary didn't know anything about it and couldn't refer me to anyone. Could you put another complaint in to their site too? There's always strength in numbers.

I really don't see how this is KFRE's problem. Comcast decided to stick it on the same QAM channel as KMPH. I don't even know if Comcast will bother fixing that problem other than to recommend getting their STB.

It looks like Direct and FSN have work out the problems. The games (when in HD) show up on the guide now, and other than the first two games I was having problems with they are now starting on time.

It sure is hard to watch SD games anymore. HD sports have me spoiled.:D

Totally!

Since getting DirecTv OnDemand up & running, I can now say the only real thing I miss about Comcast is that my Sacto Kings home games were always HD via Comcast SportsNet.

Only SD via DirecTv's CSN feed. Wonder if this will change at some point? CSN HD signals in other markets are available via DirecTv.

I really don't see how this is KFRE's problem. Comcast decided to stick it on the same QAM channel as KMPH. I don't even know if Comcast will bother fixing that problem other than to recommend getting their STB.


Looks like it is fixed. I'm seeing KFRE-DT on 59.3 with Comcast Cable plugged into my clear QAM tuner.

Yeah, just picked it up. Maybe they saw our feedback.

Yay, it works again!
But I have it on virtual channel of 36 instead of 59. :confused:
edit : it's fixed now

New HD Channels for Comcast! :D

Food TV
TLC
AMC
Animal Planet
Sci-Fi
CNN

Got the message on my box this morning, they say they'll be added on/after 3/31/2008!

This will bring the HD channel count for Comcast up to 33 for the Fresno area! Not bad imo :D

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r303/mdibuduo/PIC-0022.jpg

Just called Comcast about getting service for the upcoming baseball season. Since when do they charge for HD channels? They charge with the box or a CableCard. I was interested in the advertised special for $24.99, but to get HD on both TVs will nearly double that price!

For those that have Comcast, has the compression gotten any better? I remember CBS being especially poor. Also, on all of these new stations, is there actual HD programming or is most of it like 'Charmed' on TNT? I am trying to decide if it is worth $8 a TV.

Just called Comcast about getting service for the upcoming baseball season. Since when do they charge for HD channels? They charge with the box or a CableCard. I was interested in the advertised special for $24.99, but to get HD on both TVs will nearly double that price!

For those that have Comcast, has the compression gotten any better? I remember CBS being especially poor. Also, on all of these new stations, is there actual HD programming or is most of it like 'Charmed' on TNT? I am trying to decide if it is worth $8 a TV.

I used to have Comcast (now DirecTv) & the CBS issue is really on ch 47's end, not Comcast's. Pretty much the same signal quality regardless of how it's getting pumped to your TV.

HD subscription is required. It includes all HD channels in the package that don't cost extra. Will pay extra for NFL Network, I believe. Any premiums subscribed to will get you those stations HD signals for no additional fees.

Used to be around $11 a month for Comcasty HD service. When I had them, the HD & DVR fees were rolled into one $11/month charge. May have increased since then. I simply went with D* as my Comcast bill was getting rather high ($100/mo for 1 TV, HD DVR, HD package & NO premium channels). D* got me more HD at the time + HBO for less $$. Plus, no extra charge for NFL Net, NBATV HD or NHL Channel HD.

As to the new Comcast HD additions:

Food TV - runs a separate, all-HD channel made up of FOOD shows. An HD/SD simulcast is comingsoon, though.

TLC - either HD or upconverted (blown up/cropped - not stretched) SD

AMC - not sure

Animal Planet - same as TLC

Sci-Fi - either HD or letterboxed/upconverted SD - no stretch. BSG reruns, for example, are shown both in HD as well as letterboxed SD (seems to depend on the time it's aired). S4 will obviously be HD/16x9.

CNN - always "HD", but SD stuff has the CNN pillarbox bars much like ESPN's. Some shows like ANDERSON COOPER 360, for example are in fact true HD.

I used to have Comcast (now DirecTv) & the CBS issue is really on ch 47's end, not Comcast's. Pretty much the same signal quality regardless of how it's getting pumped to your TV.

HD subscription is required. It includes all HD channels in the package that don't cost extra. Will pay extra for NFL Network, I believe. Any premiums subscribed to will get you those stations HD signals for no additional fees.

Used to be around $11 a month for Comcasty HD service. When I had them, the HD & DVR fees were rolled into one $11/month charge. May have increased since then. I simply went with D* as my Comcast bill was getting rather high ($100/mo for 1 TV, HD DVR, HD package & NO premium channels). D* got me more HD at the time + HBO for less $$. Plus, no extra charge for NFL Net, NBATV HD or NHL Channel HD.

As to the new Comcast HD additions:

Food TV - runs a separate, all-HD channel made up of FOOD shows. An HD/SD simulcast is comingsoon, though.

TLC - either HD or upconverted (blown up/cropped - not stretched) SD

AMC - not sure

Animal Planet - same as TLC

Sci-Fi - either HD or letterboxed/upconverted SD - no stretch. BSG reruns, for example, are shown both in HD as well as letterboxed SD (seems to depend on the time it's aired). S4 will obviously be HD/16x9.

CNN - always "HD", but SD stuff has the CNN pillarbox bars much like ESPN's. Some shows like ANDERSON COOPER 360, for example are in fact true HD.

Thanks for the response! Great info! Unfortunately, I cannot go with sat in my apt, but will probably go that direction when I move in September.

I'm glad there's consensus the cbs distortion problems are on their end because i thought it might be my tv, wb also had issues when alot of lights are moving. Last weekends NCAA basketball games had noticeable fuzz when the stat graphics came up. ABC and FOX come in alot better at 720p.

I'm glad there's consensus the cbs distortion problems are on their end because i thought it might be my tv, wb also had issues when alot of lights are moving. Last weekends NCAA basketball games had noticeable fuzz when the stat graphics came up. ABC and FOX come in alot better at 720p.

From what many have said here & elsewhere, the local HD issues are at the channel's end.

A lot of the macroblocking/pixelization stuff is often due to the local station multicasting several signals (HD, SD digital & subchannels) at once. Locally, it seems both CBS (47) & NBC (24) are the major offenders.

Same issues pop up from any source, be it OTA, Comcast or DirecTv.

While I would agree that CBS is easily the worst of the locals as far as quality goes, it is significantly better on OTA than it was when I had Comcast.

Has anyone else noticed CH 2 KTVU Fox SF on clear QAM in Fresno?? Sucks that I cant get Media Center to add guide info to the channel (tho, there is usually a msg on it that says KFRE and/or KMPH asked comcast to block the content)....

and new HD

941 - Food HD
942 - SciFi HD
943 - APLHD (assuming Animal Planet HD)
944 - TLC HD
945 - AMC HD
946 - CNN HD

They have been populated in my Media Center guide for the last month.. Have been able to tune to them hit and miss.. and like most of the other HD channels, they are the east coast feeds (judging by differences in showtimes compaired to their SD counterparts)....

Hopefully someone will be able to confirm this, but it appears that comcast is broadcasting their HD in 480p.. I say this as there is no difference in quality between HDMI/Componet to my TV and composit to my HTPC (then VGA to the TV).. and my TV is only 720p... I have the Moto DCH3200 STB

I never really watch CBS, but I defiently, VERY DEFIENTLY, blame KSEE NBC as the worst offender of HD quality in Fresno (both OTA and Comcast, the comcast is worse quality)... Its gotten to the point that I rarely watch that channel anymore

I rescanned my office tv to see if 7-2 was up and running and my tuner showed 7-2 as HD and another sub channel 7-4 but no 7-3. I know next week KAIL-DT is to start their sub channel programing. Does anyone know if 7-2 is really HD? I have not heard anyone say KAIL-DT was going HD.

hopefully KAIL is gonna start HD programing.. there the last of the major locals.. but what programing would they really have?? I think Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune (both on KFSN, I know) are the only syduncated shows in HD?? maybe some daytime shows I donno about (especially since I dont usually watch TV during the day - work sucks)...

Syndicated HD programing would really get me excited, but I dont expect that anytime soon

Hopefully someone will be able to confirm this, but it appears that comcast is broadcasting their HD in 480p.. I say this as there is no difference in quality between HDMI/Componet to my TV and composit to my HTPC (then VGA to the TV).. and my TV is only 720p... I have the Moto DCH3200 STB

You can adjust your settop to output better than 480p if your TV supports it. Turn the power off on the box, then press the MENU button. Then change your settings.

Homer

Has anyone else noticed CH 2 KTVU Fox SF on clear QAM in Fresno?? Sucks that I cant get Media Center to add guide info to the channel (tho, there is usually a msg on it that says KFRE and/or KMPH asked comcast to block the content)....

Which QAM channel is this station on?

hopefully KAIL is gonna start HD programing.. there the last of the major locals.. but what programing would they really have?? This September, WWE Smackdown is going to move from CW to MyTV. All of its broadcasts have been in HD since February.

KAIL 7.2 and 7.4 are both showing up as digital for me (480i@4:3) but not HD. The Bee article (http://www.fresnobee.com/columnists/bentley/story/473937.html) doesn’t shed too much light, but you’d think Retro Television Network (RTN) wouldn’t really need HD.

Sadly, while 7.1 has always been a problematic channel, now 7.1, 7.2, and 7.4 are all next to impossible get a ‘lock’ on.

Jed

Today I am getting 7.1 as HD, 7-2 as a sub channel with the Giants tv schedule. I guess this means no HD for the Giants on KAIL since the games will be on 7-2. I am now receiving 7-4 as the sd feed of KAIL-DT.

Comcast Cable:
When did Fox Sports Bay Area turn into Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area?
Also, is ION gone?

Comcast Cable:
When did Fox Sports Bay Area turn into Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area?
Also, is ION gone?

It looks like FSN Bay Area just switched over to CSN Bay Area yesterday because Comcast had a majority ownership in the channel.

From everything I can gather, this looks like it won't affect the pro sports coverage (A's, Giants, Sharks, and Warriors). However, I'm wondering what effect this will have on College Football coverage in the Fall. Fox Sports Net has a lot of good football games (including some Fresno State non-conference games from time to time) that we picked up locally because of FSN Bay Area.

I have D* here in Fresno and our RSN coverage now only includes CSN Bay Area and CSN West - which now means no FSN coverage for our area. Does this mean no more FSN college football coverage unless we pick up the D* Sports Pack to get the FSN channels in SoCal (FSN West and FSN West 2)? If so, that really sucks. I have a feeling that E* and Comcast people in the Fresno area will now have this same issue.....

Does anyone know of any additional info on this?

For anyone with a Directv HD dvr I contacted Bob Jenkins at KAIL-DT about sending the guide information to Tribune TV service so Directv HD boxes can receive the new 7-2. Diectv HD boxes have no scan feature for OTA and can only receive OTA stations when there is guide information. He said he will be doing that very soon. It will nice to be able to dvr some of my old favorite show such as Hawaii Five -O. So it should not be long till it is in the Directv guide. In the mean time I am using my OTA tuner in my TV to watch 7-2 .

7-2 guide information has been added by Directv today. I am now able to watch 7-2 with my Directv HR20-700.

Surprised 1 or 2 others didn't post this here yet, but KFSN 30 is now finally running the JEOPARDY!/WOF hour in HD.

First noticed this Monday evening, but not sure if that was the 1st time KFSN has done it.

Which QAM channel is this station on?

The HD HomeRun setup shows CH 2 KTVU Fox SF SD at 74.13
Mostly only good to watch the bay area news on tho as most of the content is "blocked by the request of KMPH and/or KFRE".. Ill see if I can grab a screenshot of that sometime

Also , 159.43 is KAIL DT-2

You can adjust your settop to output better than 480p if your TV supports it. Turn the power off on the box, then press the MENU button. Then change your settings.

I cannot change the output on the cablebox (the option does not exist - I only get a "Review Configuration" screen).. It is a Moto DCH3200 with a cablecard in the back.. There are 4 indicator lights on the front that are susposte to show the output res (480i, 480p, 720p and 1080p)... Whenever I tune to a HD channel it always goes to 1080p, but only a 480p signal is sent (both thru componet and HDMI).....

What I would really like to be able to do is get the box to convert from 4:3 to 16:9 res when changing between SD and HD channels on the composite out (which is how I usually watch TV anyways thru the HTPC/Media Center - and with no noticable quality diff, sigh)

Surprised 1 or 2 others didn't post this here yet, but KFSN 30 is now finally running the JEOPARDY!/WOF hour in HD.

First noticed this Monday evening, but not sure if that was the 1st time KFSN has done it.

I did mention that in my msg about syndicated programing in HD.. They have been in HD for the past 2 weeks (well via QAM, but would assume OTA is the same)

Just make is easy and repost them all in 1 msg...... These are what I have remaped.. Hoping that KAIL HD (and hopefully KTVU HD) will show up on QAM soon

74.13 - CH 2 KTVU San Francisco Fox
88.2 - CH 30 KFSN Fresno ABC
88.3 - CH 24 KSEE Fresno NBC
88.4 - CH 59 KFRE Fresno CW
88.10 - CH 26 KMPH Fresno Fox
88.6 - CH 47 KGPE Fresno CBS
88.7 - CH 18 KVPT Fresno PBS
88.9 - CH 53 KAIL Fresno MyTV

80.10 - CH 24.2 (38.2) KSEE Weather Plus
109.5 - CH 30.2 (9.2) KFSN Weather Now
109.2 - CH 30.3 (9.3) KFSN Fresno Ind
80.11 - CH 47.2 (34.2) KGPE Fresno Ind
74.5 - WGN
159.43 - CH 53.2 (7.2) KAIL Fresno RTN

109.1 - CH 30.1 (9.1) KFSN HD Fresno ABC
80.1 - CH 24.1 (38.1) KSEE HD Fresno NBC
100.12 - CH 59.1 (36.1) KFRE HD Fresno CW
100.11 - CH 26.1 (28.1) KMPH HD Fresno Fox
80.2 - CH 47.1 (34.1) KGPE HD Fresno CBS
109.3 - CH 18.2? (40.2?)KVPT HD Fresno PBS

I did mention that in my msg about syndicated programing in HD.. They have been in HD for the past 2 weeks (well via QAM, but would assume OTA is the same)

Missed your post. Oops.

Yes, they should be the same via all sources (OTA, Comcast/QAM, DirecTv locals)

Mine is DirecTv.

Have noticed that JEOPARDY! suffers from the momentary "blur" when the image jumps from SD to HD during the show ("Clue Crew"/video questions, occasionally @ the beginning when contestants are introduced). Same issue I see on KFSN when they run HD sports (either ABC or simulcast ESPN). If an SD bit runs on screen (old footage/instant replay), the image goes rather fuzzy when reverting to HD---clears up eventually.

Seems to only occur on "live" or taped live shows. Also noticed it once on DANCING W/ THE STARS. Never on a "filmed" program (sitcom/drama/movie) and never after commercial breaks - only within the program itself.

its cool... i kinda skip around some threads too when they get huge...

Did comcast always have abc family and disney in HD or are they new? I am pretty sure they are new. On channel 948 and 949.

Is anyone using the 5.1 audio from channels 24 & 30?

I finally got about replacing my old receiver with a modern one capable of managing the digital audio and I find the results a bit uneven. Especially on 30, audio on ads tends to be screwy and the news broadcast is entirely lacking the center channel. I can see that all 5 (6 if you count the “.1”) are being fed (there’s an indicator). The Harry Potter movie Saturday night was OK, though. I haven’t spent enough time on 24 to know for sure, but they seem to be OK (SNL). There was some weird phasing on 47.2, perhaps just a passing… er… phase. :)

I have a feeling I’ll be retreating back to 2-channel for a while, at least.

Jed

Is anyone using the 5.1 audio from channels 24 & 30?

I finally got about replacing my old receiver with a modern one capable of managing the digital audio and I find the results a bit uneven. Especially on 30, audio on ads tends to be screwy and the news broadcast is entirely lacking the center channel. I can see that all 5 (6 if you count the “.1”) are being fed (there’s an indicator). The Harry Potter movie Saturday night was OK, though. I haven’t spent enough time on 24 to know for sure, but they seem to be OK (SNL). There was some weird phasing on 47.2, perhaps just a passing… er… phase. :)

I have a feeling I’ll be retreating back to 2-channel for a while, at least.

Jed


Getting local 5.1 via DirecTv signal (and before via Comast).

ABC 30 has always "lit up" the DD5.1 icon on my receiver. However, back when I first got HD service via Comcast, ABC 30 never actually broadcast 5.1. Was always tinny 2.0 (w/ barely any sub action). Situation rectified later & continued to work once going to DirecTv. So far all HD primetime is coming thru in 5.1.

Some KFSN stuff is stll 2.0, though. The news for sure--even the local HD broadcast--is not 5.1. Jimmy Kimmel is 2.0, too. Haven't noticed, but may be the same for JEOPARDY/WOF since they went HD. Ads, save for those that are done in HD/5.1, are surely also just 2.0

For me, KFSN's biggest audio issue is that it often cuts out momentarily durng network shows. Happened equally from both providers.

KSEE 24 had some major audio issues when they went 5.1, but seem to have worked them out since.

KMPH 26 has always done fine w/ 5.1 & AFAIK, is the only local that changes over from 2.0 for local signals to 5.1 for national HD stuff (as in, the 5.1 icon turns on or off depending on what is being aired).

47, OTOH, is still 2.0. Only way I've ever seen a CBS show in HD w/5.1 audio was when I had Comcast & CSI & JERICHO eps were available in HD OnDemand.

For me, KFSN's biggest audio issue is that it often cuts out momentarily durng network shows. Happened equally from both providers.



That’s good to know about the sound dropout at KFSN. I have them, too, and I like to know it ain’t just me.

It seems like they’re just dumping left and right stereo audio into left and right front of the 5.1 stream and the receiver, expecting that decoding was already done, is passing through what it was handed.

Thanks
Jed

So Comcast in Fresno has a clear QAM channel 159.43? Is that the actual physical RF channel or a virtual channel? Do RF channels go up that high now? I do not live in this area, but if I did I would be unable to receive that channel. My Vizio HDTV only goes up to physical channel 136, my LG DVD recorder to physical channel 135, and my Durabrand SDTV to channel 125 (yes, all have digital tuners). If physical channels are now up into the 140's, 150's or higher, then a lot of digital tvs and other equipment will not be able to receive the higher numbered QAM channels. In fact, this would be a convenient way for cable companies to block most clear QAM reception while complying with the letter of the law to not encrypt local channels. I guess we went through this before in the days of analog. The first cable ready tvs only went up to cable channel 22, then 36, then 53, then 64, then 99, then 125.

Antenna Advice:

We're buying a house in 93711, single story surrounded by single storys. I'd like to get the 4 major networks and PBS. Antenna web is showing that a medium multi-directional would work. can anyone post what they are using currently and how well it works?

159.43 - CH 53.2 (7.2) KAIL Fresno RTN

This same channel is on QAM channel 104. I think it's on 104-43 but it's all infomercials right now this Sunday night.

Also, there's now a subchannel for KMPH. Right now it's scrambled. What is that subchannel going to become?
NBA-TV is temporarily descrambled somewhere on QAM channel 92.

Antenna Advice:

We're buying a house in 93711, single story surrounded by single storys. I'd like to get the 4 major networks and PBS. Antenna web is showing that a medium multi-directional would work. can anyone post what they are using currently and how well it works?

I placed my Radioshack VU-90 XR ( http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103085&cp=2032057.2032187.2032189.2032205&parentPage=family) in the attic of my one-story house (surrounded by one-story houses), but I only get 40-50% signal strength according to my RCA DTA 800B. It's pointing east (90 degrees). I don't have any problems with channels fading out, so I'm not sure if I trust this meter. I'm able to pick up 18 stations:

7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 21.1, 24.1, 24.2, 24.3, 26.1, 26.2, 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 47.1, 47.2, and 59.1

Right, KAIL is 104-43 on both our Visio 720p tv and on a separate Samsung hdtv tuner. Comes in only at 480i like mentioned and their subchannel is something like 104-20. I'm wondering why these tuners don't get ESPN HD because my neighbors digital comcast box gets it on basic service but only audio and no video maybe because the tv isn't high def. The box isn't hi def 720 or 1080 tho, it just just picks up the channel. So for these QAM non-comcast hd tuners, anyone know what the channel for ESPN HD is, seems like it should be on it or at least going to be soon.

I'm 99.99% sure that ESPN HD will never never never be available unencrypted and freely viewable to everyone with just a TV or box with QAM tuning.

The reason why your neighbors get the channel is that they has the Comcast box that can decrypt the signal and make the channel viewable. Comcast only allows channels to be viewable if the customer has one of their digital cable boxes.

It's odd that there's no video shown on their end. Maybe they have a video setting set up wrong.

I've been looking into getting a hd 6412 comcast box on ebay because i want to own one not rent. But I read somewhere that someone else's unit won't activate unless comcast authorizes it.

But I read somewhere that someone else's unit won't activate unless comcast authorizes it. That sounds about right.

Anyone else having trouble with their ATSC signals since yesterday's strong winds kicked up? I thought ATSC/SAT were affected more by heavy cloud cover or rain than wind, but my signal strength has gone from between 70's-100 to 50's-60's and I have regular dropouts. My SAT channels all come in ok.

Anyone else having trouble with their ATSC signals since yesterday's strong winds kicked up?

Nothing unusual for me down here. The wind thrashed my new tower rig (60’) pretty good, too. Are you on an rooftop antenna? Maybe you got a free realignment on it? ;)

159.43 - CH 53.2 (7.2) KAIL Fresno RTN

This same channel is on QAM channel 104. I think it's on 104-43 but it's all infomercials right now this Sunday night.

Also, there's now a subchannel for KMPH. Right now it's scrambled. What is that subchannel going to become?

The channel numbers Ive posted are the Physical Channel as detected by the HD Homerun... its interesting to watch some of the roaming VOD stuff..

I noticed today 100.3 is labeled as KMPH-DT2 and hadnt heard anything about KMPH doing a subchannel.... looks like everyone on here hasnt either

Through my Directv HR20 DVR, I recorded "Frontline/World" last night in HD on Channel 18.2 through my OTA antenna. When I watched it this evening, I noticed through my receiver that it was broadcast in full 5.1 DD audio. This is the first time I've noticed 18.2 in full 5.1 DD audio. The sound was actually rather low because it appeared to only be broadcasting through the center channel. I had to turn the volume way up so I could hear, but I'm sure KVPT is working to get this dialed in so this appears to be good things to come. Hopefully CBS HD (47.1) and CW HD (59.1) will get 5.1 DD soon as well. Did anyone else notice 5.1 DD on 18.2?

In Bakersfield on Bright House cable, KVPTHD is now in mono! The guide information was missing for about a week, but it's back today. I don't know about the audio on their OTA digital translator station, as the ATSC tv I use outdoors over the air is mono only.

Does anyone know what their plans are for 18-4? It currently has color bars with "KVPTSD3"?

I'm getting comcast HD on Thursday, and I had a question. I see in the post history that Fresno should have Sci-Fi HD. But I checked the channel listing on the website and it says we don't get it. I guess I could just wait until Thursday, but I figured I would ask.

I'm getting comcast HD on Thursday, and I had a question. I see in the post history that Fresno should have Sci-Fi HD. But I checked the channel listing on the website and it says we don't get it. I guess I could just wait until Thursday, but I figured I would ask.

Yes, Fresno Comcast now gets SciFi channel in HD.

I'm getting comcast HD on Thursday, and I had a question. I see in the post history that Fresno should have Sci-Fi HD. But I checked the channel listing on the website and it says we don't get it. I guess I could just wait until Thursday, but I figured I would ask.


In my time w/ Comcast, I found that their website is the WORST source for current info.

Their phone CSRs would be 2nd worst....

For future reference, the best source for things like programming adds & changes is actually the msg function on your cable box.

Anyone else having picture breakup problems with KGPE 47 off-air during national shows?

I was watching CSI:NY last night and it was breaking up quite frequently but I never lost audio.

Wondering if any cable, DirecTV or off-air subscribers are seeing this same thing.

Thanks

Anyone else having picture breakup problems with KGPE 47 off-air during national shows?



We regularly experience troubles like that with KGPE OTA. It was a lot worse the other night - maybe the same night you had problems.

I've been having picture breakup on KGPE-DT OTA for a week or more now during network-originated programming. Usually minor glitching with no audio problems. KMPH had similar problems recently but with sound dropouts.

This sort of thing was much more common and much more severe a few years ago. Channel 30 was horrible from it's HD debut back in '01 and continued for the better part of a year--severe frequent picture scrambling and dropout with audio also cutting out and only rarely was the audio synched with the video even when the picture wasn't acting up. Channel 26 would regularly scramble every 7 minutes during the first few weeks their digital signal was up, and 47 also had a lot of teething problems.

No issues that I have noticed w/ HD locals via D*.

Concur w/ Steve S on what local HD used to be like. ABC 30 was horrid a couple of years ago. Via Comcast, the 5.1 audio--which lit up the respective light on the AV receiver--was really tinny mono out of the L/R spkrs and no sub/surrounds.

I've had KGPE-DT OTA disappear entirely - not even a sniff of a signal. Analog is still there (looks like heck, as always) but digital is a no-show. Yesterday and today (Friday).

Anyone else?

I've had KGPE-DT OTA disappear entirely - not even a sniff of a signal. Analog is still there (looks like heck, as always) but digital is a no-show. Yesterday and today (Friday).

Anyone else?

Glad I'm not the only one.. had my DVR set up for recording Flashpoint at 10pm...and nada! (no BIG loss BTW).
thought I noticed problems Th night when I went to watch the 11pm news.
I can understand having technical problems (although I've read ongoing audio dropouts, etc. have typically been of network origin)....but at least inform the public the xmtr is out. Maybe they underestimate the number of HD viewers.

Same deal, of course, for 47's HD signal on D*. Got the msg screen "No Need To Call Us...".

Found also that when attempting to tune during primetime Thurs evening, a different msg appeared from D* directing viewers to the west coast national feeds. Primetime CBS HD programming - at least Thursday night - was delivered by D* thru the LA (Ch 2) feed. Gone as soon as the 11:00 hour arrived. never checked beyond that (was watching a CSI repeat) & appeared to be back as of Sunday.

There is an odd thing about 47 digital via comcast.. their english soundtrack is audio channel 2.. Ive been out of town the past couple weeks for work, so I havent been around to notice if 47 has been worse than normal.. Tho, in my opinion, 24 still had the worst HD feed for national programing (quality of broadcast / not quality of content)..

After spending some time in the Bay Area, I wish the Fresno area had a channel like ch 20 SF, cable 13.. spent alot of time watching it.. looked like all syndicated content with a rebroadcast of ktvu news

The line of static that was on top of KSEE's SD broadcast is now gone. The picture also looks a bit less squished horizontally.

The line of static that was on top of KSEE's SD broadcast is now gone. The picture also looks a bit less squished horizontally.


Sounds like KSEE finally fixed their SD video issues on the HD channel. About time!

I haven't done this in a while.

Comcast Clear QAM lineup as of August 1:

Subchannels may not match up on some QAM tuners.
(virtual channels in parentheses)
HD channels in bold

73-9 HSN
73-10 QVC
74-1 KTFF 41/61 Telefutura - Spanish
74-2 KGMC 43 Independent
74-3 KNXT 49 Catholic/Independent
74-4 ion
74-5 WGN America
74-6 The Weather Channel
74-7 TV Guide Channel
74-8 Comcast Community Channel
80-1 (24, 24-1) KSEE-HD 24 NBC
80-2 (47, 47-2) KGPE-HD 47 CBS
80-3 (24-3) KSEE-D2 24.2 WeatherPlus
80-4 (47-4) KGPE-SD 47.2
80-5 (24-5) KSEE-D3 24.3 LATV - Spanish/English
83 through 86, subchannels 2 through 11 on all channels - Random OnDemand streams ordered by other people. Viewer beware, streams usually stop suddenly or rewinded/fast forwarded by the original customer.
88-1 KFTV 21 Univision - Spanish
88-2 KFSN 30 ABC
88-3 KSEE 24 NBC
88-4 KFRE 59 CW
88-5 KMSG 39 Azteca America - Spanish
88-6 KGPE 47 CBS
88-7 KVPT 18 PBS
88-8 KNSO 51 Telemundo - Spanish
88-9 KAIL 53 MyTV
88-10 KMPH 26 FOX
100-1 (26, 26-1) KMPH-HD 26 FOX
100-3 (59, 59-3) KFRE-HD 59 CW
103-23 Infomercials
104-1 Mysterious channel that is just all black.
104-15 Jewelry Television
104-16 Infomercials
104-20 The Weather Channel weatherscan
104-43 KAIL 53.2 Retro Television Network
105-10 OnDemand movie lineups
105-16 "Welcome to comcast Digital Cable" logo
109-1 (18, 18-1) KVPT-HD PBS
109-2 (18-2) 18.3 V-me - Spanish
109-3 (30, 30-1) KFSN-HD 30 ABC
109-4 (30-2) KFSN-SD 30.2
109-5 (30-3) KFSN-IN 30.3 WeatherNow
110-105 KBTV-CA 8 Sacramento - Foreign programs
115-8 Picture-in-picture windows for channel 1
115-12 Infomercials
117-1 Infomercial for NBA-TV League Pass run 24/7
120-120 OnDemand movie lineups

Occasionally, one of the infomercial channels will switch to a Comcast Sports feed. I don't know which channel it is or why this happens.

If it matters, KFSN-HD and KMPH-HD are broadcast in 720p, while KVPT-HD, KSEE-HD, KGPE-HD, and KFRE-HD are broadcast in 1080i. All other channels are 480i.

Is comcast the only non-dish way to get HD in Fresno(excluding OTA)?

I am reviewing the July Form 387 filing for KNSO and noticed that they will remain on 5 until perhaps August '09 for DTV ops., when they will move to 11. What has the experience on channel 5 been for this station?

As Fresno appears to be all UHF for analog, has this caused problems? Has noise been an issue with 5?

As this is a Spanish language channel, perhaps there isn't much info here. However, Fresno has a relatively high OTA usage rate (over 20%) and Telemundo is an important station for the Spanish language community.

Is comcast the only non-dish way to get HD in Fresno(excluding OTA)?
No, AT&T recently started to roll out U-Verse here

KFSN now has ABC World News in HD, and KGPE has their CBS national news show in HD as well. Just like KFSN's local news and NBC Nightly News, most of the news stories are in SD with colored sidebars.

What is the screen resolution of KAIL digital 7 over-the-air?

Right now, I’m seeing 720p on 7.1. 47.1 is 1080i, 30.1 is 720p, and 24.1 is 1080i.

Trying to figure out which service is better? Currently have DishNetwork (non-HD) and need to upgrade to get the better potential of a 1080p LCD. Are many of you using Comcast, DirectTV, or DishNetwork HD, and why? What are your gripes?

Thanks in advance!

Directv has Fresno locals in HD Dish Network does not.

Well thats kind of crappy! Worthless I tell ya! :confused:

New to this thread. I have an SXRD 60" Sony HD tv with a QAM tuner. I had Comcast cable but I had to move recently and only get tv OTA. I have an external table top antenna and let the tv do a search for tv signals. I got most of the local HD feeds except for KSFN channel 30 and channel 53. What do I have to do to get them? Buy a larger antenna? I looked for channel 30 on 30.1 but it did not how up. Is it on another channel? Thanks for any help you guys can provide.

Digital 30 is on channel 9 and digital 53 is on channel 7. You will need a vhf antenna to receive them. After the digital switch over in February digital 30 will switch from channel 9 to channel 30.

Thanks for the info DiCecco. I am pretty sure the antenna I have can switch from UHF/VHF. Do I have to have it on UHF for any reason?

Everything that's not 30 and 53 is on UHF. And next year after the analogs go away, 30 will find its way back to UHF, leaving 53 and 51 as the only ones left on VHF.

- Trip

Speaking of ch. 53, does anyone know if or when KAIL-HD is going to show up on Comcast cable?

Does anyone know if Comcast is ever going to add TBS HD to their lineup? I have friends in the bay area that have Comcast and they have TBS HD. I don't want to miss another year of baseball playoffs in HD. I called Comcast but thy're about worthless.

I doubt if Comcast will add this to their lineup in time for the MLB Playoffs. I waited last year for TBS HD and was disappointed to see that nothing was done. Switched to Directv this Feb and have been watching baseball in HD all season long. The Playoffs will be great in HD this year...;)

Directv has Fresno locals in HD Dish Network does not.

Apparently E* has Fresno HD now, even though the website states otherwise. My in laws just got the "TurboHD" package & have Fresno HD locals w/o an antenna, AFAIK. At least 24, 26, 30, 47.

Apparently E* has Fresno HD now, even though the website states otherwise. My in laws just got the "TurboHD" package & have Fresno HD locals w/o an antenna, AFAIK. At least 24, 26, 30, 47.

Are you sure these are HD locals and not SD locals on E*? I checked the posts on dbstalk.com and there is nothing to indicate that the Fresno HD locals have been added on E*. From the looks of the posts over there and E*'s recent announcements regarding HD locals, it sounds like the west coast won't see new HD locals on E* until they get their new satellite launched.

I have D* and love it, but my brother has E* and is looking to upgrade to HD so this would be good news for him if true. Is there any way you can confirm this?

Does anyone else have the problem of ABC getting fuzzy during football games and during NASCAR when they do a camera switch? Its been doing this for a few years now. It doesn't do it on any of the other networks, ESPN looks great and so does NBC and CBS football.

Has anyone called the local ABC to see what is happening. I heard Tony D. on Sportsline talk about it once. You think they could get it fixed after three years.

It happens on everything that is HD on ABC.

It's annoying, but more tolerable than what happens on KSEE. On KSEE-HD, big compression squares appear everywhere whenever there is a sudden graphics transition. :mad: Though I suspect it's a result of too much compression on Comcast's side. I don't know how it is over-the-air.

Does anyone else have the problem of ABC getting fuzzy during football games and during NASCAR when they do a camera switch? Its been doing this for a few years now. It doesn't do it on any of the other networks, ESPN looks great and so does NBC and CBS football.

Has anyone called the local ABC to see what is happening. I heard Tony D. on Sportsline talk about it once. You think they could get it fixed after three years.
Just upgraded to DIRECTV HD and noticed the same thing :mad: 30 is the only one I see fuzzy, TOTALLY UNSAT with their claiming "First in the valley with HD"

I sent an e-mail out to Channel 30. Might want to call or do the same. Search the HDTV forum for "Harris Flexicoder" or "prefilter" and it explains what is happening. I hope they take care of it before the Bulldog Game.

Just upgraded to DIRECTV HD and noticed the same thing :mad: 30 is the only one I see fuzzy, TOTALLY UNSAT with their claiming "First in the valley with HD"

It's at the source (CH 30), so same fuzzies occur regardless of where you get it (COmcast, D* , OTA, etc)


Only ever happens on ABC HD stuff that is "live" or "tape delayed" events (sports, DWTS, etc). Never with HD primetime series broadcasts (at least as far as I have noticed).

Forget about TBS HD. How about TBS that isn't horribly compressed and glitchy? I haven't seen video so digitally compressed like that on standard analog cable ever.

New mystery unscrambled QAM channels found:
QAM channel 118 has a bunch of subchannels with the logo "sports INDEMAND". Is there another sports package preview going on?
edit: The answer just appeared on that channel. Free NHL Center Ice preview from 10/9 to 10/15.

does anyone know what the hi def feed of mytv 7.1 is for cable qam. it isn't on 104.20 or 104.43 as they had weather and magnum p.i. it's on 88.9 but who cares that is the set of 480i feed channels. its not on 7, 13 or 53 either on cable qam.

Comcast doesn't have KAIL-HD anywhere on clear QAM, not even on their HD channel lineups.

A question to all HD viewers in the Fresno area, be they D*, E*, Comcast, OTA, etc....as well as those watching NBC HD via KSEE.

Is it just me, or are there serious & frequent audio dropouts/glitches from ch 24 when running any NBC HD primtetime programming? For the last couple of weeks, the audio for THE OFFICE has been cutting out every few minutes. Also noticed the same, but not as frequent, on last night's SNL Weekend Update Thursday.

Have a couple of HEROES eps on the DVR that I have yet to watch, but expect simiar audio issues there.

I get my programming via D*, BTW.

A question to all HD viewers in the Fresno area, be they D*, E*, Comcast, OTA, etc....as well as those watching NBC HD via KSEE.

Is it just me, or are there serious & frequent audio dropouts/glitches from ch 24 when running any NBC HD primtetime programming? For the last couple of weeks, the audio for THE OFFICE has been cutting out every few minutes. Also noticed the same, but not as frequent, on last night's SNL Weekend Update Thursday.

Have a couple of HEROES eps on the DVR that I have yet to watch, but expect simiar audio issues there.

I get my programming via D*, BTW.

I haven't noticed any that I can remember, however I have yet to watch last night's The Office so I'll let you know....Comcast here (but may be switching to D* soon) BTW I'm gonna PM you a few questions....

I'm with DirecTV and have recorded Heroes and Chuck and noticed the drop outs. I thought it was a problem with the DVR. Also last night SNL was having the dropouts even though it was live.

FWIW does anyone else watch Chuck. For whatever reason I like the show and have it as a scheduled recording. Maybe because I know its not supposed to be taken seriously and I find the Buy More scenes pretty funny.

Hey fellow Fresnos... I sort of have an extremely unrelated question to ask. The reason why I ask it here is because this thread is full of people living in Fresno. I'm looking to get new speakers, just a 2.1 setup for now (haven't decided on bookshelfs or floorstanding speakers yet), but I can't audition any of the speakers I have been researching because I can't find any place in Fresno that offers them (KEF, PSB, Paradigm, Infinity, SVS, Energy, Wharfedale, ETC)... All we pretty much have are Bestbuy, Target, and Boots, and they mainly carry brands like Sony, Klipsch, and Polk. My question to you all is- where in Fresno can I go to check out good speakers?

SVS for the sub, my 20-39PC++ with upgraded woofer really rocks the foundation :eek::D:D

Speaking of speakers, I won a 7.1 speaker setup as a door prize and didn't have use for them all. So I have 4 new in box speakers that need a home.

www.proficientaudio.com/Literature/FullLineBrochure.pdf

See page 27 for NFM8.

PM me if intereseted I don't want to have a garage sale.

I would be interested but my Onkyo 506 is rated at 8ohms and the NFM8's are rated at 4ohms :(

Fresno is so horrible for speakers... I'm pretty sure I'm just going to order some online.

There are several online companies to choose from. I personally own AV123 stuff. About 4 years ago I purchased jbl e80's from BestBuy. They were my first purchase into the HT scene. I was relatively new to this so I thought they were the greatest. ;) About six months later I caught the internet retail bug. Sold the JBL's and bought some Axiom m22's. Eventually upgraded to Axiom floorstanders, the M60's.

After 8 months of Axiom ownership I grew tired of them(highs were giving me fatigue) and purchased my first AV123 product...The Onix Rocket RS550's. Added the center speaker(RSC200 aka bigfoot) and some Onix ELT DPA surrounds to round out my 5.0 setup. Great combo. Eventually I got upgrade-itis and exchanged the 550's for Onix Rocket RS750's cause I wanted to try the "flagship" speaker. :p.

I loved these but after a couple years I had to replace them. A new entertainment center was put in and I didn't have room for the 750's anymore. :rolleyes: So right now they are in a closet...and in their place are the X-LS Encore bookshelves from AV123. I'm still using the RSC200 center and ELT DPA surrounds with the X-LS. Not a perfect match but still sound great. :D

Hey everyone, I was wondering if anybody had and opinion on what is the best indoor antenna as well as where to get it. I really don't choose to get up on the roof with one of those big antennas and drill into my house to get the cable from outside to my TV.

I am also disappointed in the fact that DishNetwork does not have local HD channels, isn't that what we are paying for?

I have been checking into one from Monoprice.com. It only cost around $20, so I feel it may be worth an attempt. Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

I have an attic antenna in a two story house. It was installed before I lived here, and I don't know the make or model of it. I can get all of the stations OTA without any glitches except for KGPE 47. This channel freezes and pauses every 30 seconds or so. Is this broacast channel weaker than the others? Is there a way to adjust the antenna to improve signal strength while retaining the signals from the other channels?

Justin, 47 certainly seems to be the weakest of the major networks down here. It can be a real bear to grab. Depending on your location and your antenna you may be able to play with aiming and max up 47 without sacrificing 24 and 18. The 47 and 30 transmitters are close to one another, BTW.

If aiming doesn’t do the job, you might try amping the antenna.

Hey everyone, I was wondering if anybody had and opinion on what is the best indoor antenna as well as where to get it. I really don't choose to get up on the roof with one of those big antennas and drill into my house to get the cable from outside to my TV.

I am also disappointed in the fact that DishNetwork does not have local HD channels, isn't that what we are paying for?

I have been checking into one from Monoprice.com. It only cost around $20, so I feel it may be worth an attempt. Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Hi... I live in Bakersfield and bought a Radio Shack model 15-1892 indoor HD antenna. I'm able to receive 26 and 18 in HD perfect. I was told that people that live West of Hiway 99 can get 26 without problems. The cost was $50.00.

Danny

I'm with DirecTV and have recorded Heroes and Chuck and noticed the drop outs. I thought it was a problem with the DVR. Also last night SNL was having the dropouts even though it was live.

FWIW does anyone else watch Chuck. For whatever reason I like the show and have it as a scheduled recording. Maybe because I know its not supposed to be taken seriously and I find the Buy More scenes pretty funny.

I have been a big fan of Chuck since before It aired.. Kinda very disapointed that KSEE NEVER aired an eposide from season 1 (I watched them all live and again 2-3 times on my HTPC, so im positive I just didnt miss it)...

I still cant get KFSN OTA.. I can get KAIL, choppy, but I can recieve it.. I use QAM anyways for recording

Hi... I live in Bakersfield and bought a Radio Shack model 15-1892 indoor HD antenna. I'm able to receive 26 and 18 in HD perfect. I was told that people that live West of Hiway 99 can get 26 without problems. The cost was $50.00.

Danny

Thanks for the response, I ended up getting a indoor/outdoor antenna from Monoprice.com. I tried it inside and was only able to receive channel 18(PBS), then brought it outside put it on a expandable pole (used for taking out light bulbs in really high ceilings) and brought it up to the roof. Once there I was able to point it different ways until I was able to get all of the channels: ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, KAIL, FOX and others that I would not even watch.

I have my set up temporary (cable going through a window) still until I pick up the things that I need like a real antenna pole to attach to the chimney and drill into the house and bring the cable through the wall. But it has been rainy and windy and it is still holding up great. By the way the antenna only cost about $24.00 and it pulls in both UHF and VHF. I live an average of 33 miles from broadcast towers in Fresno.

Hate beating a dead horse but what the hay is going on with ABC30 :mad: their HD programming is BAAAAD!!! The local news in HD is great but when they switch to The Evening news with Charles Gibson at 5:30 it's not HD but yet the HD logo is on the screen, yesterdays newscast was really bad, sounded like Charlie was in a cave :rolleyes: and still a lot of fuzzzy video :confused:

I noticed the same thing! The local news comes out in HD but the network news is hit and miss. Sometimes it is in HD and then it will go to a commercial and when it comes back it is not in HD. I think it has something to do with the station.

I also notice that on CBS47. It is hit and miss on shows and commercials before 8:00pm then after 8:00pm most all of the programming is in HD. My wife likes to watch ET (entertainment tonight) which just had this big deal about going HD, but doesn't show in HD on my TV. Again, once 8:00pm hits whatever show is coming on is in beautiful HD.

I dunno.

We generally, but not always, watch network news on ABC30. No problems here. I notice that during ET on CBS47 the signal is being broadcast at 1080i; don’t know what’s up with ET, though.

Yesterday when I was watching, it was all good. I guess it is on the station and what signal they are sending out.?

Is anyone else having QAM issues??? Im starting to have issues where I have to tune an anagloe ch before a QAM channel for the tuner to be able to find it (TV and tuner cards).. Its to the point I cant record anything QAM on the HTPC

I have no problems with QAM here.

Is it a specific channel causing problems or is it everything on QAM?

anytime I tune to a QAM channel, I have to tune to an analog channel first.. My equipment hasen't changed (Hauppauge HVR-1600 and HVR-1800 in the HTPC and Olevia TV)....

Greetings Fresno people! Just got an HDTV, currently have comcast digital cable but I plan on upgrading to their HD plan.

It's $10 extra per month right? Do they provide any component or HDMI cables with the new cable box, or nothing?

I believe they will just supply you with component cables, which are good for up to 1080i. But don't quote me.

You will want the HD DVR box and yes they do provide quality component cables. HDMI is better and they are not expensive.

KFSN just said they're going to do a "digital test" on Wed. Dec. 17 at 7pm. I didn't catch what exactly the test is going to do.

They’ll cut off analog transmission for 5 minutes. As I understand it, this is intended to shake up the unconverted and prompt them to get moving.

I wonder if it will affect the analog cable channel as well. If it will, there are going to be a lot of confused Comcast customers.

We'll have to wait until tomorrow to see...

If you've missed it:
KSEE, KFRE, KMPH, and I think KGPE joined in on the 5-minute analog blackout. KSEE is doing a DTV info special while the rest is back to normal.

Their analog cable and digital SD channels had the "You're not ready!" warning screens. Only KFSN said not to worry if the user had cable or satellite. The digital HD channels either had a ticker or a screen saying "You're ready for DTV".

Darn, I missed out on seeing this.

Nice to hear they're doing tests though.

I hope OTA reception for 26 and 30 increases as we reach February.

Anyone know what is up with KSEE-24 digital? It has been off the air for a few days now.

No problems here, but our set ‘lost’ 45-DT the other day until I punched in 55 to remind the tuner about what it was supposed to remember. We ‘lost’ 17-DT a while back the same way.

I see 24dt is back on the air.

What do you mean by minimalized?

Leave the HD output at 1080i. You do not have to change this at all.

If you want your SD channels to fill the screen you have to go into the menu and fool around with 4:3 Override.

The options are:
1) Off---This will keep the SD channels in 4:3 format. Options 2,3, and 4 will fill the screen. Experiment to see what you like best.
2) 480i
3) 480p
4) Stretch---This seems to work best for me. When I switch from an HD channel to an SD channel(or vice versa) there is no delay/weird breakup that seems to show up with options 2 and 3.

Even if my TV is only 720p, should I still leave the HD output at 1080i?


By the way, I went down to Comcast today to switch my old cable box for an HD one... and man they are rude! AND the lady tried to give me RCA cables and tell me they're component. "Umm, ma'am, I'm pretty sure component are the green, blue, red ones." After all that, they gave me an outdated box with no HDMI output. I asked for an HDMI box and they said they're all out and only get around 5 boxes in stock per week. They said if I want one the only option is to drive way out to their location (by the airport) some other day and stand in line to see if they have any. Friggin' ridiculous!

That's one of the reasons why I went with DishNetwork!

What's dish network's HD lineup look like in comparison?

And how can we find out when Comcast will be adding new HD channels in Fresno?
I'm waiting for Cartoon Network HD, Comedy Central HD, and TBS HD especially.

Good news. I was having a problem with my box not correctly setting the time (it would always read 12:00). So Comcast sent out a technician, who just happened to have a brand spankin' new Motorola box with HDMI in his truck. I am now a very happy camper!

Darn, I missed out on seeing this.

Nice to hear they're doing tests though.

I hope OTA reception for 26 and 30 increases as we reach February.

Well taking a look at antennaweb today showed 30.1 moving from red to yellow for me on February 17 here in the Sunnyside area. So I assume they are going to get better.

Anyone with Dish Network have any idea when we will get HD locals? I am going to start looking into an outdoor antenna and I will hold off if they are coming sometime in the next decade. (Honestly, I am real close to dropping Dish all together and going straight OTA again.)

Well taking a look at antennaweb today showed 30.1 moving from red to yellow for me on February 17 here in the Sunnyside area. So I assume they are going to get better.

Anyone with Dish Network have any idea when we will get HD locals? I am going to start looking into an outdoor antenna and I will hold off if they are coming sometime in the next decade. (Honestly, I am real close to dropping Dish all together and going straight OTA again.)

I'm having the same problem with KFSN's digital signal as well. I live in Southeast Fresno, near Peach and Olive and can't seem to get KFSN and KAIL digital signal as much as I try. I don't want to miss Lost and Smackdown come February. However, I can receive KSEE, KMPH, KFRE constantly and occasionally get KGPE. Maybe it's because the KSEE and KMPH stations are both located a couple of miles away from my home. I'm using a RadioShack 15-1878 antenna btw.

Well it seems KFSN's digital signal strength will increase come February. So hopefully you'll be able to get it!

Btw, anyone else notice how bad KFSN's HD field cameras look when they're doing live satellite stuff? When they cut back and forth from in-studio it's really noticeable and looks baaaad.

I wish I knew when DishNet was going to get local HD. But as long as I have my locals OTA I am not to worried about it.

When I was doing the reasearch before I decided on DishNet, I looked at Comcast (who I have for internet), Directtv, and DishNet. At that time DishNet flat out had more HD programing than any of them, which is why I chose DishNet. Now I don't know, but I think that I am going to stay with them mostly due to their award winning DVR, I have the ViP622 and most likely will upgrade to the 722 soon.

As far as OTA stations, I currently am using an antenna that i got from Monoprice, and I am receiving all of the stations, plus ones that I don't care to watch. I live out in Reedley, and this antenna is both UHF and VHF and cost much less than $40. The only station that I get random is the CW which I do not watch often. Oh, I have it up on the roof. OTA HDTV looks awesome! Followed by the good DishNet HD channels.

I'm having the same problem with KFSN's digital signal as well. I live in Southeast Fresno, near Peach and Olive and can't seem to get KFSN and KAIL digital signal as much as I try. I don't want to miss Lost and Smackdown come February. However, I can receive KSEE, KMPH, KFRE constantly and occasionally get KGPE. Maybe it's because the KSEE and KMPH stations are both located a couple of miles away from my home. I'm using a RadioShack 15-1878 antenna btw.

I live just down the street from you at Fowler and Kings Canyon. I was using an amplified indoor antenna and needed to have it out in the middle of the room to get good reception. Then a forum member suggested I use a non-amplified antenna, and the reception is rather good putting it in a more unobtrusive spot. I get over 70 signal on KVPT, KMPH, KSEE, and KGPE. For KFSN I seem to get around 58. (which is just enough to hold a signal). So if you have an antenna without an amplifier lying around, it may be worth it to try it. Even if you don't it looks like in a month and a half KFSN will be better anyway.

Wesley, which antenna are you using? And what is the difference between the 622 and the 722? The only reason I am contemplating leaving Dish is the impending price increase. I think all pay TV is getting a little too pricey considering the online alternatives.

This is for you OTA types. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been seeing a big increase in dropouts on channel 18-DT. I’ll see the signal drop from 100% to 0% in the blink of an eye, then back. It’s become so bad we sometimes drop to analog just for the relief.

Anyone else?

[/QUOTE]Wesley, which antenna are you using? And what is the difference between the 622 and the 722? The only reason I am contemplating leaving Dish is the impending price increase. I think all pay TV is getting a little too pricey considering the online alternatives.[/QUOTE]

It is the white indoor/outdoor antenna from Monoprice (HDA-5700) it sells for $24. The difference from the 622 to the 722 is the amount of recordable hours they have. The 722 has more storage and is black instead of the silver.

For what it's worth, I am in rural Clovis (east) and have a Silver Sensor under the eaves pointed due east. I am picking up most everything there is (or worth it) with very good signal strength.

I have Dish and waiting for HD locals, but the newer 722k receiver with additional OTA tuner input may do the job quite nicely..waiting for it. so I can record 2 locals in HD at once.

On the other issues, I've noticed the audio dropouts.. KGPE seems the worse.. and are they also the one who never has digital audio, it seems my receiver always switches to pro-logic with 47.1

I dropped a note on KVPT about the dropouts and they discovered a problem with the microwave link from the studio to the transmitter. My reception has been solid since. :)

For what it's worth, I am in rural Clovis (east) and have a Silver Sensor under the eaves pointed due east. I am picking up most everything there is (or worth it) with very good signal strength.

I have Dish and waiting for HD locals, but the newer 722k receiver with additional OTA tuner input may do the job quite nicely..waiting for it. so I can record 2 locals in HD at once.

On the other issues, I've noticed the audio dropouts.. KGPE seems the worse.. and are they also the one who never has digital audio, it seems my receiver always switches to pro-logic with 47.1


KGPE is sending digital audio, just not 5.1 audio. That's why your receiver goes to DPLII. KSEE was the same way w/ NBC HD for quite some time. Only KFSN & KMPH seemed to carry 5.1 audio from the get go (or at least when I had the capability to receive it), although KFSN's was broken for a while early on (L/R only - no center, surrounds or sub).

I get HD locals via DirecTv & I find KSEE/NBC the biggest offender when it comes to audio dropouts.

I get HD locals via DirecTv & I find KSEE/NBC the biggest offender when it comes to audio dropouts.

Yes, I've noticed drop-outs on 24 also..I guess I just watch 47 more often. :)

thanks for the info...