what do you mean they will only work in CA? Why is that?

I guess I need to rent one from comcast from what you all are telling me? How much do they rent for if you know? I think I heard $5-$12 a month?

I guess I need to rent one from comcast from what you all are telling me? How much do they rent for if you know? I think I heard $5-$12 a month?

I'm paying $11.65/mo. for their basic HD (not DVR) box.

what model box is that? most of the ones i looked up on their website were dvr

what model box is that? most of the ones i looked up on their website were dvr

Good question. I have no idea. It's a Motorola box. There doesn't seem to be any model number on it anywhere that I can see.

When I went to their Southpoint location, I told them I wanted their basic HD package that goes with my extremely basic analog cable (I actually subscribe to DirecTV. I use Comcast for high speed internet and phone. With basic cable, you get a discount on HSI.)

I only wanted the Comcast HD as a backup when OTA reception was bad. Of course, now that D* has the HD locals, the Comcast is actually redundant and I keep thinking I should turn the box in and save teh $12 a month.

Cable boxes need to be authorized (ie, "hit") by the cableco. US cablecos won't allow it on non-owned boxes.
The Motorola 6200 used to be the non-dvr box.

Why don't you just put a qam capable tuner in your PC, or attach a HDHomerun, and then output component? I think any Nvidia card 7xxx or better can do that. $33 gets you a 7300LE.
You will get all the locals in HD that way.

Im running mac OSX Powerbook G4 1.33ghz 2g ram 120gb will homerrun work with that

I really would like just a stb to run things and leave the laptop alone if possible. Kind of hard to run things off the mac I just have dvi to dhmi cable to the PJ right now. I have an external tuner that does 480p but connects throught vga and doesn't do any HD channels.

If UNF/comcast allows you to upgrade your service, getting the HD package and a box would be easiest.

Otherwise, if you want real HD, the HDHomerun and either mythtv or sagetv on the mac will work.

Of course, studying instead of watching TV works too. :>

lol ya I hear that only taking one course right now and working so lots of free time. Trying to set up a little home theater before I head home. Basically I am buying the components now and making the screen later. I'll check up on that homerrun I heard it does a good job. I guess if I go with that then I just run dvi to hdmi to HD70 and use pc as HTPC I suppose.

ok now I am a little confused on how this homerun deal would pick the channels up and run through the basic cable, but the motorola 6200 wouldn't (just because it hasn't been activated by JAX comcast?) if this is the case then how does the homerun work? Is it merely a terestrial tuner that needs no antena and also processes analog cable?

The 6200 has to be activated by comcast because that is how they restrict you to the channels you paid for.

Everybody gets the same cable, which has both analog and digital. Modern tuners can tune both the analog channels and the non-encrypted digital channels. The HDHR has two of these tuners. Either a cable or an antenna needs to be connected, just like a TV set.

From the cable, you can tune some channels that are not in the basic cable package. Including all the local HD channels. Rabbit ears (vhf/uhf type) are fine for an antenna since you are just 3 or 4 miles from the digital antennas.

Anyone having a problem with their cable reception right now?

thanks for all the responses. I have read into the cable deal a little more now and what I am looking for is a tuner that is like what comes in HDTVs or plasma tvs. I believe this is called a QAM tuner "in the clear".
All I want is the tuner with no notion of upgrading to digital right now. I just want to run off basic Comcast cable and recieve the HD channels through the cable that are the same as OTA. From what I have heard is that cable companies have to provide the same channels that you can recieve over OTA signals. With this I am curious if anyone has had sucess with just using the built in tuner that came with their HDTV. So I believe I have found out what I was looking for. A basic qam tuner that samsung makes or primetv

thanks for all the responses. I have read into the cable deal a little more now and what I am looking for is a tuner that is like what comes in HDTVs or plasma tvs. I believe this is called a QAM tuner "in the clear".
All I want is the tuner with no notion of upgrading to digital right now. I just want to run off basic Comcast cable and recieve the HD channels through the cable that are the same as OTA. From what I have heard is that cable companies have to provide the same channels that you can recieve over OTA signals. With this I am curious if anyone has had sucess with just using the built in tuner that came with their HDTV. So I believe I have found out what I was looking for. A basic qam tuner that samsung makes or primetv

Once you get the QAM tuner, take a look at the first post in this thread. There is a listing of the stations:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=2874813&&#post2874813

looking at comcast rent a box. Hisense and PHD-205 & possible LG series

Once you get the QAM tuner, take a look at the first post in this thread. There is a listing of the stations:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=2874813&&#post2874813

i'm curious.

are the sd qam channels listed for comcast, in the first post, actually "in the clear" or only available using a stb provided by comcast?

also which of the comcast hd channels listed are unencrypted?

here in st augustine, now that comcast has taken over time warner, we still have 68 analog stations.

All the SD ones are unencrypted.

Of the HD ones, the local Network stations are, as well as Discovery HD, MOJO and TNT HD (at least at the moment).

Hey guys, anyone get HD reception from downtown in one of the high rises like 11 east forsyth or the metropolitan? Any buildings all up in the way?

All the SD ones are unencrypted.

Of the HD ones, the local Network stations are, as well as Discovery HD, MOJO and TNT HD (at least at the moment).
thanks for the info.

do you have only one rf channel with mojo. we have two mojo and mhd in addition to the hd stations you have listed.

maybe comcast will eventually bring in some one that knows how to run the equipment.

it's amazing that a company that provides internet service doesn't have the ability to update the website with the info about their services.

Comcast had upgraded to ADS here. Many channels are on two frequencies.

I contacted Comcast and they tried to sell me some digital package for $50 a month including the box. This package would just run basic channels I get now but in digital. Then I asked if they had a box or tuner for analog cable and they said they weren't doing much with analog anymore. So now I have no idea what to get. I thought I could rent a box from them but they were telling me the box wouldn't work with analog only cable. Now Im thinking of just reverting bac to MAC based HD homerun or something. Or just OTA

I contacted Comcast and they tried to sell me some digital package for $50 a month including the box. This package would just run basic channels I get now but in digital. Then I asked if they had a box or tuner for analog cable and they said they weren't doing much with analog anymore. So now I have no idea what to get. I thought I could rent a box from them but they were telling me the box wouldn't work with analog only cable. Now Im thinking of just reverting bac to MAC based HD homerun or something. Or just OTA

Not sure what is going on with them. I have analog basic plus the HD box. It's like $10 for the basic and $12 for the HD basic with box. It pulls in what I need.

Not sure what is going on with them. I have analog basic plus the HD box. It's like $10 for the basic and $12 for the HD basic with box. It pulls in what I need.
wow, that's a low price! nothing here in st augustine comes close to that deal.

I've seen only one locally generated HD program. It was last year and a special on hurricanes. That was it as far as I know. Haven't heard any buzz on anything else.


no, there is another locally generated HD program: First Baptist Church on Sunday mornings! haha. seriously, I saw that about a year ago and almost converted to Southern Baptist... but then I thought better of it.

Quick question. Since the Comcast DS is complete in Jacksonville, if I buy a Miglia MiniTVHD, I should be okay to get pretty much anything that's not encrypted, yes??

Or would I be better off waiting for the MiniTVHD+ (which appears will have the same functionality, but only add support for analog content...)?

I have the digital silver (or whatever they call it today) package and an HD DVR in the living room. I just want to outfit my Intel iMac with a good television solution in the office...

Thanks!

TVMini HD: http://miglia.com/tvminihd/index.html
TVMini HD+: http://miglia.com/tvminihdplus/index.html

I've finall found a Blockbuster store that carries Blu-ray movies for rental.
At corner of Hodges Blvd and Atlantic Blvd, they have about 40 titles.

If you know any other stores, please let me know.

Hi there,

Trying to find an antenna for OTA. I have purchased three different antennas, two powered indoor, one non powered outdoor- which I didn't mount but put on high place outside. The best UHF results- most stations received- were with a powered indoor. However, I cannot receive either 13.1 or 10.1 with any of these despite multiple adjustments.

I am in Ponte Vedra- 2 miles S of Butler and close to the intracoastal- so no high buildings and not too far from the antenna farm.

Any advice re: antenna for picking up ABC and NBC? I am really hoping an indoor will work and a traditional looking (ugly) outdoor is out of the question.

Thanks so much!

The two VHF stations seem to be the ones that give the most reception problems. Unfortunately, I've been through a number of indoor antennae without success. The Terk HDTVi:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001FV36E******pd_cp_e_1/002-2781748-7232825?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_r=1B5YZZEQ1BESBNKF06BW&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=250314601&pf_rd_i=B0007MXZB2

....was the best powered indoor one that I found for the UHF stations, but 10.1 and 13.1 were a problem with it as well.

My eventual solution for OTA was a $39 Radio Shack outdoor antenna mounted in the attic. I lose about 50% of the antenna's efficiency with an attic mount, but it is enough to get both ABC and NBC. The tuners involved are a Sony KDF50E2000, and a DirecTV HR20-700 and HR20-100 DVR.

I've finall found a Blockbuster store that carries Blu-ray movies for rental.
At corner of Hodges Blvd and Atlantic Blvd, they have about 40 titles.

If you know any other stores, please let me know.

The Blockbuster at Southside Blvd. and Baymeadows also carries Blu-ray (and HD-DVD).

Thanks. I tried that Terk too!

Unfortunately, I don't have an attic over the room that contains the TV. I'm in a two story house and the TV is on the first floor. Above the TV room is another room.

I think it would actually be harder to run a wire to mount an attic antenna then a roof antenna.

I suppose I would go to the trouble to roof mount a nice looking roof antenna like the Square Shooter, but I don't want to bother if I won't get 10 and 13. We have a tile roof and it's really a pain to get up there- I've read the SS won't pick up the VHF.

Well, this version of the Wineguard Square Shooter claims to do VHS as well as UHF:

http://www.summitsource.com/winegard-square-shooter-ss2000-vhf-uhf-tv-antenna-ss2000-squareshooter-amplified-hdtv-digital-highband-12-db-gain-analog-high-definition-best-outdoor-aerial-system-green-zone-part-ss2000-with-coax-cable-p-4606.html?osCsid=93717b9004a541be8ceb7843d9ae7bba

However, I have no experience with it. The biggest issues with antennae of that design is that often they tend to be omnidirectional---and if you are in an area prone to multipath, that could be a problem. Unfortunately, a directional, roof (or pole) mounted outdoor antenna is probably the most reliable one.

Do you want OTA as a primary HD source, or only a backup? If only as backup, you may know that you can get a basic Comcast package that will include HD locals, and DirecTV has HD local in local now.

I know the Square shooter is supposed to pick up VHF but I've read some reviews of people that have tried it and allege the claim is false for various reasons I don't even understand! Also, hooking up power outside is a problem so I guesss I'd need a non-amp antenna if we roof mount.

Believe it or not we have basic cable and Tivo and want OTA stations so we can cancell the cable and the Tivo service (I was going to use a computer and tuner card to record shows in HD).

Right now we have analog cable, 13 local channels, which suits our needs. But, we also have an HDTV that's going to waste!

I know the Square shooter is supposed to pick up VHF but I've read some reviews of people that have tried it and allege the claim is false for various reasons I don't even understand! Also, hooking up power outside is a problem so I guesss I'd need a non-amp antenna if we roof mount.

Believe it or not we have basic cable and Tivo and want OTA stations so we can cancell the cable and the Tivo service (I was going to use a computer and tuner card to record shows in HD).

Right now we have analog cable, 13 local channels, which suits our needs. But, we also have an HDTV that's going to waste!

Does you TV have a QAM tuner? If so, have you tried scanning for digital cable channels? You may be able to pick up the unscrambled HD ones.

p.s. this is from HDTVprimer~

The Square Shooter is advertised as being useful for VHF. In fact this antenna is an oddity in that it is horizontally polarized for UHF, but vertically polarized for VHF. For a TV receiving antenna, vertical polarization is usually useless. When its response to vertical polarization is subtracted out, what is left is an antenna far worse than rabbit ears for both VHF-high and VHF-low. If you tilt this antenna slightly to the right or left you might see reception of a very strong VHF station.

Yes, I did scan and can pick up all the UHF with an indoor antenna.

Yes, I did scan and can pick up all the UHF with an indoor antenna.

What I meant was, if you have basic cable and your TV has a QAM turner, if you scan for digital cable channels, you may be able to get the unscrambled HD ones on Comcast.

Not sure if it's QAM -the manual doesn't say- but I did a station search and it said no digital found with the cable hooked up as the antenna.

Thanks though!

If it were QAM capable, you may have two inputs on the back: one for the OTA antenna, and one for the cable.

However, if you have only one RF input, then you may or may not have a QAM tuner. The only way to know for sure is to connect the cable to it and do a scan for digital cable channels in the TV's setup menu.

If you get nothing, as your test indicates, then your TV unfortunately doesn't have a QAM tuner.

If the tv only has one RF input and it has a QAM tuner, there is probably a tv setting for the input that you'd have to change from "antenna" to "cable" before scanning. If UHF channels are picked up during the scan, that probably means that the tv is in antenna mode. Being able to change from antenna to cable doesn't gaurantee that it has a QAM tuner. It may only be able to pick up standard cable channels.

You know, that's a really good point. I'd forgotten that some sets with only 1 RF input require active selection of "Antenna" versus "cable" somewhere in their setup menu.

I live in East Arlington just off of the river near Ft. Caroline NM, about 10 miles from the antenna farm, and have a powered SS in my attic...I also have a lot of trees in the area...

I receive all of the local channels, including both VHF and UHF...I do have to admitt that the VHF come in poorly sometimes, but it is the exception and not the rule.

Hi again,

I do have an option to change from Ant to Cable before running a channel scan but I tried to run both ways and it did not pick up the Comcast HD channels.

I also tried one more indoor ant. this weekend with a more powerful amp. I was able to get 12.1 and 12.2 by playing with a the diapoles, but the reception was spotty at best.

I guess I have no choice but to get an outdoor since I have no feasible attic option.

Does anyone have any outdoor ant. suggestions or do you think I should just try the Square Shooter? My husband is going to kill me if he has to climb up on that barrel tile roof and it doesn't work!

Thanks again!

Too bad about not having a QAM tuner in your TV. It does seem as if an outdoor antenna would be the way to go, unless you want to reconsider subscribing to the basic HD package from Comcast ($12/mo).

Frankly, if you are going with an outdoor antenna anyway, just get a directional one to minimize multipath issues.

Hi again,

I do have an option to change from Ant to Cable before running a channel scan but I tried to run both ways and it did not pick up the Comcast HD channels.

I also tried one more indoor ant. this weekend with a more powerful amp. I was able to get 12.1 and 12.2 by playing with a the diapoles, but the reception was spotty at best.

I guess I have no choice but to get an outdoor since I have no feasible attic option.

Does anyone have any outdoor ant. suggestions or do you think I should just try the Square Shooter? My husband is going to kill me if he has to climb up on that barrel tile roof and it doesn't work!

Thanks again!

Channel Master as far as I'm concern makes the best antennas. I using the 4228 which is a UHF and pull in the Charleston stations 60 miles away. Check out their website @ www.channelmaster.com.

Re: Comcast. From what I understand I'd have to add HDTV service and a box to my currrent less than 15 dollar a month plan. I think that's like an extra 20 per month. Plus despite the fact I have a cablecard TV, Comcast said we'd have to get a box because we have basic.

As far as a Channel Master antenna, don't forget the WAF. I'm the wife! I went on the site and I did see a new, round Channelmaster, but can't find any reviews on it.

I thought the Squareshooter was considered diretional.

BTW, if I end up with a SquareShooter, does anyone know if I will need an outside electrical connection? The antenna will be approx. 50 feet min. from the TV.


Regardless, I suppose that I could get the 2200 (the model with the amp) and just not hook up the amp if I don't need it. I'm only 10 miles from the farm.

Thanks : )

p.s. that round Channel Master, the Smartenna, is omni directional.

p.s. that round Channel Master, the Smartenna, is omni directional.


I'd personally stay away from any omni directional one.

[QUOTE=Tammy39]Re: Comcast. From what I understand I'd have to add HDTV service and a box to my currrent less than 15 dollar a month plan. I think that's like an extra 20 per month. Plus despite the fact I have a cablecard TV, Comcast said we'd have to get a box because we have basic.

I would check again about the box. That defeats the purpose of the Feds requiring the cable companies to supply the card to avoid the public of having to rent the box.

Re: Comcast. From what I understand I'd have to add HDTV service and a box to my currrent less than 15 dollar a month plan. I think that's like an extra 20 per month. Plus despite the fact I have a cablecard TV, Comcast said we'd have to get a box because we have basic.

As far as a Channel Master antenna, don't forget the WAF. I'm the wife! I went on the site and I did see a new, round Channelmaster, but can't find any reviews on it.

I thought the Squareshooter was considered diretional.

BTW, if I end up with a SquareShooter, does anyone know if I will need an outside electrical connection? The antenna will be approx. 50 feet min. from the TV.


Regardless, I suppose that I could get the 2200 (the model with the amp) and just not hook up the amp if I don't need it. I'm only 10 miles from the farm.

Thanks : )

I'm paying $23.44 for basic cable with the HD package and box. That amounts to only 75 cents a day!

I'm paying $23.44 for basic cable with the HD package and box. That amounts to only 75 cents a day!
Comcast- interesting. My husband called three times, talked to two different people at the main office and one at the beach office. All told him he'd have to get a box despite having a cable card TV and that we'd have to pay three fees- Basic, HD for Basic, and the box fee. No cable card availablity for basic they claimed.

Maybe it depends on your service area? We're in ponte vedra. Or maybe all three told him the wrong thing. I checked the comcast web site for my zip and it matched what they said. There was no HD for twenty some dollars.

Regardless, if the antenna works I'll have no cable bill at all. Tivo has a 200 dollar rebate on the Series 3 which will take an antenna. Since I have a prepaid tivo plan, with the rebate I can get the unit for about 400 dollars and disco the cable altogether. I'll have no monthly TV bill.

Antenna- thanks Peter, that's what I thought, no omni/multi directional. I guess I'll just get the square shooter and see what happens.

There's some open box specials for 64 dollars, I could even get an amplified one for that.

Could someone answer my question about that (not having power outside)? I assume I can just run two cables inside from the antenna if I don't have an outside power source?

Thanks so much!

Comcast- interesting. My husband called three times, talked to two different people at the main office and one at the beach office. All told him he'd have to get a box despite having a cable card TV and that we'd have to pay three fees- Basic, HD for Basic, and the box fee. No cable card availablity for basic they claimed.

Maybe it depends on your service area? We're in ponte vedra. Or maybe all three told him the wrong thing. I checked the comcast web site for my zip and it matched what they said. There was no HD for twenty some dollars.

Regardless, if the antenna works I'll have no cable bill at all. Tivo has a 200 dollar rebate on the Series 3 which will take an antenna. Since I have a prepaid tivo plan, with the rebate I can get the unit for about 400 dollars and disco the cable altogether. I'll have no monthly TV bill.

Antenna- thanks Peter, that's what I thought, no omni/multi directional. I guess I'll just get the square shooter and see what happens.

There's some open box specials for 64 dollars, I could even get an amplified one for that.

Could someone answer my question about that (not having power outside)? I assume I can just run two cables inside from the antenna if I don't have an outside power source?

Thanks so much!

I would love to get rid of my cable bill and buy a Tivo. My problem is that I cannot get Fox news with Basic cable. In order to add the package to get Fox with basic the bill is almost $50.00 so I pay for the digital plus DVR. I have a full size antenna in my attic and receive all the local HD stations so that is not a problem.

I don't think Peter is being honest with you. He may be receiving those services for $23 + but is not accurately being billed. I have been a cable customer for 12 years and out of the 12, have only been billed accurately a couple of them.

As for the power for the antenna, I doubt any require outside power. Usually any power would be for a signal amp which would be inside the house.

For the cable card, I would call Comcast in Philly and check that story they are telling you.

I would love to get rid of my cable bill and buy a Tivo. My problem is that I cannot get Fox news with Basic cable. In order to add the package to get Fox with basic the bill is almost $50.00 so I pay for the digital plus DVR. I have a full size antenna in my attic and receive all the local HD stations so that is not a problem.

I don't think Peter is being honest with you. He may be receiving those services for $23 + but is not accurately being billed. I have been a cable customer for 12 years and out of the 12, have only been billed accurately a couple of them.

As for the power for the antenna, I doubt any require outside power. Usually any power would be for a signal amp which would be inside the house.

For the cable card, I would call Comcast in Philly and check that story they are telling you.
Comcast- I'm in Ponte Vedra, it was Jax/Jax beach offices he spoke to.

Re: Tivo, I found out if I transfer my service from one box to another, I can't get the rebate. There is no way in the world I am paying 600 or 800 to upgrade my box.

I found a news release stating the HD Tivo unit price is going to be significantly reduced this year. I can live with non-HD Tivo til then and watch live OTA with the antenna.

Thanks for the amp info. I thought I read somewhere that many amplified antennas require an outside outlet so the power is close to the antenna.

If it's not an issue, I think I'll just get the SquareShooter amplified version. I guess it's the only thing that's palatable for us.

You only need to have the amp supplied with the SS located some place along the cable path...it doesn't have to be outside...I have my amp located just before a splitter that I use to feed three TV...the antenna is about 25 feet away...

FYI...Give Bill a call at Computer Source on Beach Blvd...he's an expert on antennas...

I hope this helps...

You only need to have the amp supplied with the SS located some place along the cable path...it doesn't have to be outside...I have my amp located just before a splitter that I use to feed three TV...the antenna is about 25 feet away...

FYI...Give Bill a call at Computer Source on Beach Blvd...he's an expert on antennas...

I hope this helps...
I'll cal Bill this week. May have a suggestion re: this VHF problem I have. Thanks!

103-1 MOJO QAM now scrambled :confused:

or has it moved? :eek:

103-1 MOJO QAM now scrambled :confused:

or has it moved? :eek:
rf103 mojo is now scrambled here in st augustine, also. looks like the other channel that mojo was on, rf70 now has a sd station that is a continuous jewelry sale called "gems tv".

i see the comcast st augustine website, now has the third price increase posted since they took over from timewarner on april 24, 2007 but still has no channel line-up posted.

I'll cal Bill this week. May have a suggestion re: this VHF problem I have. Thanks!

Tammy, I haven't followed your VHF issue to the tee, but I'm assuming you are having an issue pulling in ABC like I do. My boss had the same problem and we both have the DB4 antenna mounted in our attic:
http://www.antennasdirect.com/DB4_HDTV_antenna.html

I had it tweaked so that I could get all stations in, but there would be very occasional glitches in the ABC and NBC feeds. Recently, the thing must have moved because I don't get ABC in at all. Anyway, my boss ended up getting a signal combiner and used a pair of rabbit ears to get the ABC station and combined the signal with our DB4 antenna. He hasn't had one single problem since. I will be trying the same thing this weekend and will report back.

Later,
pjdavep

Tammy, I haven't followed your VHF issue to the tee, but I'm assuming you are having an issue pulling in ABC like I do. My boss had the same problem and we both have the DB4 antenna mounted in our attic:
http://www.antennasdirect.com/DB4_HDTV_antenna.html

I had it tweaked so that I could get all stations in, but there would be very occasional glitches in the ABC and NBC feeds. Recently, the thing must have moved because I don't get ABC in at all. Anyway, my boss ended up getting a signal combiner and used a pair of rabbit ears to get the ABC station and combined the signal with our DB4 antenna. He hasn't had one single problem since. I will be trying the same thing this weekend and will report back.

Later,
pjdavep


Thanks~


I do have an attic, but it's no where near the TV (there's a room above the TV room). I've concluded a roof top install will be easier than attic which is why I am so concerned about the antenna appearance.

I did talk to Bill at Computer Source. He suggested a Stealthtenna. If I can stomach the look of that, I'll get it, if not, I am going to try an amplied Square Shooter.

I mean, I'm only 10 miles from the antenna farm and I don't have any high buildings close by.

Tammy39 - You'd probably be better off with a non-amplified antenna if the towers are only 10 miles away. Amplifying when the signal is already strong (short distance) will actually make your reception worse due to overload. The non-amped version of whatever you might choose would be better, I'd bet. I'd also consider the ChannelMaster 4221 for an outdoor install. People really don't notice outdoor antennae as much as one would think. Just my two cents. I'm from Ohio, but keep telling my sis in Neptune Beach to let me put up a 4221 for her - I just don't look forward to drilling through CBS walls down there, though...

Hi all, I'm from the Columbia/Lexington, SC area, but my wife and I are staying at my mother's and step-father's house for the weekend.

My step-father has one of those Terk antennas, and it's getting the same problem as Tammy's was...Picking up every channel, except NBC and ABC. I recommended to him (he hasn't done it yet), to pick up this (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2131034&cp=2032057.2032187.2032189.2032204&fbn=Type%2FHDTV&f=PAD%2FProduct+Type%2FHDTV&fbc=1&parentPage=family) antenna from RadioShack. I use this antenna (coupled with a DirecTV HD DVR receiver) and get a wonderful, strong signal from our local towers. The towers at my house are 30+ miles away.

I was wondering if anyone had any success with this antenna before? My father in Columbia, SC also uses it and gets a great signal and he's only 10-13 miles away.

My mother and step-father's house is only 13 miles away from the towers here (they live in Orange Park, FL), so....I'm 'assuming' that this antenna would work just as well (or better since there are no hills, lol) as it does in South Carolina.

Hopefully my step-father will go get the antenna and try it out today or tomorrow, and I'll report back to y'all if it finally picks up ABC and NBC. But, the previous poster who had the same troubles may want to try out that antenna (just in case) before trying get an outdoor antenna...

Interesting. I haven't seen that one before. Yes, please let us know if it gets NBC and ABC.

I've setup the new antenna, and all the UHF stations come in much stronger with their Dish Network receiver...

However, ABC and NBC (channels 10 and 13) are a no go :(.

Which is pretty odd, being that the towers are only 13.9 miles away...are those towers not very powerful? Seems odd that in Columbia/Lexington, SC we have one channel that's a high VHF channel (WOLO25 is broadcast on 8) and I can get it from 30+ miles away.

Does anyone have success picking up ABC and NBC with an indoor antenna or is a big outdoor/attic antenna the only solution for OTA at the moment?

So far, no indoor antenna I have tried has been able to pull in NBC or ABC consistently (or at all). That I why I went with an attic mount.

Seems as though I recall a link to the "effective radiation pattern" of the channels that broadcast from the antenna farm--I know here in Julington Creek, it looked as though we'd be on the edge of one or 2 channels.

I tried a couple of indoor jobs--even to the point of putting an indoor antenna in the attic, but no joy. So I sprung for the large Radio shack multi-element "real antenna" and sweated a bit during the install, but it worked great! I'm only around 11 miles or so and nothing major in between--right now signals are 90+

I might try to put that RS antenna up as high as you can--or move it around a bit to take out any objects in between--you wouldn't be in a cinderblock/concrete walled home would you by any chance? If it's Stucco, they put up a wire mesh on the vertical walls which really messes with signal strengths--so if you can get the antenna UP, you're usually better off!

Keep us posted!

Nope, no stucco, cinderblock, or concrete walls. Just your normal wood house with vinyl siding. Their TV is out in their sunroom and they have the antenna placed in their new shed attached to the house. He had the previous antenna (the boon antenna by Terk) laying up across the rafters in the shed, but we didn't have an extension cord handy when putting in the RS antenna. Before my wife and I head back to South Carolina today, I may go snooping for an extension cord and see if I can place the antenna up a bit.

It does pull in the UHF channels much stronger and more stable then the Terk.

It was odd when my stepfather and I bought the antenna the salesman (always trying to upsale at RS) told us it was a 'worthless' antenna and he's heard nothing but 'problems' from it. He was quite surprised when I said that it worked wonders for me in South Carolina. Oh well...I just hate when salesman do that. I'm in there to buy 50 dollars worth of product...why try to take that commission away? lol.


Still seems like a majorly odd program that two channels can't come in, from 10 miles away with a simple antenna...You'd think that be a no-brainer job, lol. Of course, my parents really didn't care because the Dish Network guy said that you couldn't get any OTA HD Signals in Jacksonville. Only Comcast had the rights to the HD broadcast in teh JAX area...they had to wait until January of 2008 for that to be fixed... Either he was confused, or they heard him wrong...lol.

"Only Comcast had the rights to the HD broadcast in teh JAX area"

That is very funny!

We did already get an amplified square shooter before I read these posts and my husband did bolt it to the side of the house up high instead of the roof which was impossible with barrel tile.

Before that we did a test, putting it on a 12 foot pole a few feet from the house. Seems like it will pull in at least 12 which was very spotty-at best- with all the indoor antennas.

And I can always try it without plugging in the amp.

If anyone is interested, I'll check back when the install is complete after next weekend, we ran out of cable, we need 150 feet so it's not operational yet.

Got an HD tivo as well from Amazon. Free shipping and 200 rebate so it will be right around 400 after rebate.

...the Dish Network guy said that you couldn't get any OTA HD Signals in Jacksonville. Only Comcast had the rights to the HD broadcast in teh JAX area...they had to wait until January of 2008 for that to be fixed... Either he was confused, or they heard him wrong...lol.

I continue to be amazed at the wealth of mis-information that is circulating out there!!!

I continue to be amazed at the wealth of mis-information that is circulating out there!!!

The biggest item everyone is mis-informed about is that in a year or two (I always forget the deadline because it keeps being pushed back), is that the government is making every one switch to HD...

When, in fact...they're making them switch to digital...HD is digital, but digital is NOT (just) HD....


Oh well. I wasn't able to get a chance to hook up the antenna to a higher point in their house before I left, so I apologize for not being able to help out anymore than that :(.


Also, kudos to the JAX thread for being friendly to newcomers :). There are certain individuals in my local thread that don't care to answer newcomers questions...especially when they expect a new-comer to search through thousands of pages of information... :) Thanks a lot! Don't get burnt down in Florida! It's a hot one today (Here too!)

Thanks for joining us.

We were all noobies at one time. It is important to remember that.

"kudos to the JAX thread for being friendly to newcomers"

I agree!

Last year, I was trying to set up a whole house audio system. It took me days to figure out what was what. This forum would have been a lifesaver!

Hi all, I'm from the Columbia/Lexington, SC area, but my wife and I are staying at my mother's and step-father's house for the weekend.

My step-father has one of those Terk antennas, and it's getting the same problem as Tammy's was...Picking up every channel, except NBC and ABC. I recommended to him (he hasn't done it yet), to pick up this (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2131034&cp=2032057.2032187.2032189.2032204&fbn=Type%2FHDTV&f=PAD%2FProduct+Type%2FHDTV&fbc=1&parentPage=family) antenna from RadioShack. I use this antenna (coupled with a DirecTV HD DVR receiver) and get a wonderful, strong signal from our local towers. The towers at my house are 30+ miles away.

I was wondering if anyone had any success with this antenna before? My father in Columbia, SC also uses it and gets a great signal and he's only 10-13 miles away.

My mother and step-father's house is only 13 miles away from the towers here (they live in Orange Park, FL), so....I'm 'assuming' that this antenna would work just as well (or better since there are no hills, lol) as it does in South Carolina.

Hopefully my step-father will go get the antenna and try it out today or tomorrow, and I'll report back to y'all if it finally picks up ABC and NBC. But, the previous poster who had the same troubles may want to try out that antenna (just in case) before trying get an outdoor antenna...

I have this RS antenna and it works great for UHF but have not had much luck with VHF. I live south of Fruit Cove.

"kudos to the JAX thread for being friendly to newcomers"

I agree!

Last year, I was trying to set up a whole house audio system. It took me days to figure out what was what. This forum would have been a lifesaver!

Actually, Peter is a one-man help desk around here. He more than pulls his share helping everyone. Kudos to you, Peter.

Scott

Actually, Peter is a one-man help desk around here. He more than pulls his share helping everyone. Kudos to you, Peter.

Scott

Thank you for the kind words. I learn as much as I give back when people share their experiences (successful or unsuccessful).

Actually, something jogged my memory about 12 and 25. Before I put up the attic mount, I was using an indoor "rabbit ears" VHF/UHF antenna. Like so many others, the UHF was no problem. However, I was actually able to get in the VHF ones once in a while by changing the length and angle of the elements.

It wasn't consistent, but it was some combination of shortening and lengthing the elements, combined with just the right angle between 45 and 90 degrees. Of course, this had to be done every time I switched a station and that was the worst part of it: trying to remember which combination worked with which station. It didn't help that the tuner in the Hughes E86 wasn't the best.

I have found that the latest tuners in the D* HR20-700 and the HR20-100 DVRs are much better at pulling in a signal.

The type of tuner in the HDTV or DVR may account for one of the reason why the variability in success using some of the different model indoor antennae.

<SNIP>
I had it tweaked so that I could get all stations in, but there would be very occasional glitches in the ABC and NBC feeds. Recently, the thing must have moved because I don't get ABC in at all. Anyway, my boss ended up getting a signal combiner and used a pair of rabbit ears to get the ABC station and combined the signal with our DB4 antenna. He hasn't had one single problem since. I will be trying the same thing this weekend and will report back.

Later,
pjdavep

Just reporting back. I picked up a pair of rabbit ears from Best Buy for $10 and used a signal combiner in my attic with my DB4 antenna. It took some doing, but I was able to get ABC and NBC to come in at a signal strength of 78-83 on my DirecTV HR10-250. All the other UHF channels come in with lower 90's signal strength. I was hoping to get a stronger signal with ABC, but right now everything appears to be running well.

So a dual antenna setup may work better for some people.

Later,
pjdavep

Well, that's always an option. Before D* lit up the LIL HD, my problem child was Fox, 30-1. I had to put a Terk antenna in the garage, and by an A/B switch from Radio Shack any time I wante to watch that OTA.

Glad to hear you've come up with a solution. Unless you are getting breakups/lockups, I wouldn't worry about the low signal strength. If it is enough to hold onto the stations, that's all that matters.

Hi Everyone,

Sounds like there's some great ideas floating around.

For someone like me that has no attic option, my Squareshooter install did work. We actually drilled the mast into the concrete tile so it could be mounted on the roof peak. With the antenna there we even get the 21s and 24s.

All the other stations are perfect. With a side house install we'd get everything but the 21s and 24s.

The interesting thing is that we still cannot pick up the problem stations - 12 and 25- without the amp plugged in despite the fact that we are a little less than 10 miles from the farm.

Rotating the antenna did not work.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Tammy

I noticed First Coast News had Stormtrack 2007 on the other day but not in HD this year like they did last year.

It sure doesn't seem we're making any progress toward local HD programming.

can someone email me the updated version of the programming list or post it thanx.... my email is fundip101@yahoo or post your choice just please

can someone email me the updated version of the programming list or post it thanx.... my email is fundip101@yahoo or post your choice just please

The channel list has been updated frequently and is the first post in this thread, way back on page 1. :D

Link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=321055&page=1&pp=30)

The interesting thing is that we still cannot pick up the problem stations - 12 and 25- without the amp plugged in despite the fact that we are a little less than 10 miles from the farm.I thought 12/25 were broadcasting from a location other than the antenna farm? Has that changed, or was it just that they were at lower power? I just know that they have traditionally been a problem pair (and also one of the only HD locals that wasn't in the clear on Comcast as well).

Also, I'm not going to promise anything, but the S3 Tivo has a really good QAM/ATSC tuner built in. I get more consistent reception with the S3 than directly into my Samsung. If you haven't gotten it in yet, you may be pleasantly surprised. (I was)

All the digital signals come from the same area. Ch 25's analog signal is from Orange Park.

Both 12 & 25 digital are sent in the clear on cable. But they do have a copy restriction on them that only affects cable STB users.

Anyone - know anything about the potential for AT&T IPTV coming to our area?

I just read this and thought in the next few years (2-3) Jax area would be a candidate.

I don't know much about their quailty/programming etc. but competition is good as far as I am concerned.

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20070713/SUNFRONT/70713004


Edited:

I found part of my answer -- they did file and included our area:

http://www.sunbiz.org/scripts/cable.exe

Haven't been on in a while, just checking to see if anyone has been able to hook up a Comcast cable box to receiver to TV using HDMI cables. I tried it several times and gave up and went to Component. I have a 60" Sony SXRD and have heard the picture of units over 50" is better with HDMI, or is that HMDI? Have a Denon 2807 receiver. Any help would be appreciated.

Also, I have a Panosonic 42" plasma in the bedroom. It is susposed to have 1080p, I was able to switch the Sony connected Comcast box to 1080p, but can't see the setup screen on the Panny to see if Comcast box is in 1080p mode. Any thoughts?


Last question, I can't seem to be able to hook up my wireless headphones to the Denon. I want to listen to headphones while wifey listens to speakers. I know I can use the headphone plug, but that would shut off the wife. I want more volumn when we are both watching. I bought adapter to change a little pin on headphones to RCA pins.

JaguarFan

Haven't been on in a while, just checking to see if anyone has been able to hook up a Comcast cable box to receiver to TV using HDMI cables. I tried it several times and gave up and went to Component. I have a 60" Sony SXRD and have heard the picture of units over 50" is better with HDMI, or is that HMDI? Have a Denon 2807 receiver. Any help would be appreciated.

Also, I have a Panosonic 42" plasma in the bedroom. It is susposed to have 1080p, I was able to switch the Sony connected Comcast box to 1080p, but can't see the setup screen on the Panny to see if Comcast box is in 1080p mode. Any thoughts?


Last question, I can't seem to be able to hook up my wireless headphones to the Denon. I want to listen to headphones while wifey listens to speakers. I know I can use the headphone plug, but that would shut off the wife. I want more volumn when we are both watching. I bought adapter to change a little pin on headphones to RCA pins.

JaguarFan


I have the Comcast DCT3416 and use HDMI to the 2807 and then to TV. No problems. Apparently it works as long as your cable box has the right firmware.

My cable box doesn't have a 1080p option, just 480i/480p/720p/1080i.

Not sure that you'll have much luck with the headphones and speaker sound at the sametime short of some kind of headphone adapter. I haven't done much research on such things but apparently the JVC SU-DH1 can accept optical output from your receiver.

Thanks for response, I think I have an older Comcast box. Also, maybe I also mispoke and I only have 1080i too on cable box. I can go from cable box to Sony, but not through Denon receiver.

Jagfan

I have the Comcast DCT3416 and use HDMI to the 2807 and then to TV. No problems. Apparently it works as long as your cable box has the right firmware.

My cable box doesn't have a 1080p option, just 480i/480p/720p/1080i.

Not sure that you'll have much luck with the headphones and speaker sound at the sametime short of some kind of headphone adapter. I haven't done much research on such things but apparently the JVC SU-DH1 can accept optical output from your receiver.

Thanks for response, I think I have an older Comcast box. Also, maybe I also mispoke and I only have 1080i too on cable box. I can go from cable box to Sony, but not through Denon receiver.

Jagfan


You can always just go to a comcast office and swap boxes, no questions asked. I've done it several times when the dvr has died.

Haven't been on in a while, just checking to see if anyone has been able to hook up a Comcast cable box to receiver to TV using HDMI cables. I tried it several times and gave up and went to Component. I have a 60" Sony SXRD and have heard the picture of units over 50" is better with HDMI, or is that HMDI? Have a Denon 2807 receiver. Any help would be appreciated.

Last question, I can't seem to be able to hook up my wireless headphones to the Denon. I want to listen to headphones while wifey listens to speakers. I know I can use the headphone plug, but that would shut off the wife. I want more volumn when we are both watching. I bought adapter to change a little pin on headphones to RCA pins.

JaguarFan

I have a Comcast DVR 3416 connected to my Yamaha 2700 via hdmi & hdmi to my RCA 62" dlp. Works great.

As for the headphones I had to plug them into the Comcast DVR or the DVD player. Have not found a way to connect to the 2700.

I just recently purchased a Toshiba 32HL67 and have Comcast Expanded Basic Cable. Can anyone confirm that QAM Channels for ABC and NBC are still 104.1 and 104.2? I did a scan and picked up the following:

1.1 FOX - YES
1.4 CW - YES
71-2 DSCHD - YES
75.1 TNT HD - YES (on 75.2 though)
102.1 ESPN HD - NO
103.1 INHD - NO
103.2. HD PPV - NO
104.1 ABC - NO
104.2 NBC - NO
104.3 Weather - NO
106.3 MHD - YES (on 106.2)
114.1 PBS - YES (on 114.5)
114.2 CBS YES (on 114.4)

and just about all of the SD QAM channels

I manually added 104.1 and 104.2 and switch to them and its just a blank black screen. I think i read two posts referencing that some people also were not able to pick up these two channels. I still want to watch some SD cable channels, so getting an antenna and switching in and out is way too much of a hassle. I guess i am left with just subscribing to a Comcast HD package with a STB? It's just odd that I can get TNT and DISC yet cannot get a signal from the two big primetime networks

I can confirm they are still there. chs 102&103 are encrypted. 106.2 is encrypted, MHD is 106.3.
Same with PBS & CBS & TNTHD. Your TV is reporting those wrong.

) It's just odd that I can get TNT and DISC yet cannot get a signal from the two big primetime networks

I live in Doctors Inlet and, like you, am unable to pull in ABC and NBC. Tried a small cheapo indoor antenna and that didn't work. Frustrating - but yet I don't want a STB.

Thanks, I was able to do the same on headphones, but don't want to constantly change from one device to another. Seems I ought to be able to plug into something on Receiver and make it work for all inputs.

My system is installed in big heavy entertainment center. Too difficult to get to back of system, maybe I'll try to hook up HDMI again, but call Comcast so their service guy can work on it.

JaguarFan

I have a Comcast DVR 3416 connected to my Yamaha 2700 via hdmi & hdmi to my RCA 62" dlp. Works great.

As for the headphones I had to plug them into the Comcast DVR or the DVD player. Have not found a way to connect to the 2700.

Thanks, I was able to do the same on headphones, but don't want to constantly change from one device to another. Seems I ought to be able to plug into something on Receiver and make it work for all inputs.



Audio is always output through the FL and FR pre outs of the 2807, but I don't know if you would get much volume if you connect your headphones directly. It wouldn't hurt to try. An option that would work if you didn't mind spending the money and had the space would be to get a cheap amp/receiver, connect the 2807's pre out FL and FR to one of the cheap amp's inputs and plug your headphones into the cheap amp.

I thought 12/25 were broadcasting from a location other than the antenna farm? Has that changed, or was it just that they were at lower power? I just know that they have traditionally been a problem pair (and also one of the only HD locals that wasn't in the clear on Comcast as well).

Also, I'm not going to promise anything, but the S3 Tivo has a really good QAM/ATSC tuner built in. I get more consistent reception with the S3 than directly into my Samsung. If you haven't gotten it in yet, you may be pleasantly surprised. (I was)
Thanks : )

Too bad the only channel I would actually watch is Comedy Central and it seems that's one of the few I don't get. Is anyone else having this problem?

I thought 12/25 were broadcasting from a location other than the antenna farm? Has that changed, or was it just that they were at lower power? I just know that they have traditionally been a problem pair (and also one of the only HD locals that wasn't in the clear on Comcast as well).

Also, I'm not going to promise anything, but the S3 Tivo has a really good QAM/ATSC tuner built in. I get more consistent reception with the S3 than directly into my Samsung. If you haven't gotten it in yet, you may be pleasantly surprised. (I was)

At one time 25 was located in Orange Park, but I think that was just the analog antenna.

Unless something has changed that I don't know about, all of the digital stations (including 12/25) are broadcasting from the antenna farm on Hogan Road.

The main reason for the reception problems with them tend to revolve around them being VHF, rather than UHF stations.

Audio is always output through the FL and FR pre outs of the 2807, but I don't know if you would get much volume if you connect your headphones directly. It wouldn't hurt to try. An option that would work if you didn't mind spending the money and had the space would be to get a cheap amp/receiver, connect the 2807's pre out FL and FR to one of the cheap amp's inputs and plug your headphones into the cheap amp.
I'm no expert but my 2807 sounds great with cheap headphones plugged directly into the jack.

I also have an older 1801 but haven't tried that yet.

I'm no expert but my 2807 sounds great with cheap headphones plugged directly into the jack.

I also have an older 1801 but haven't tried that yet.

He wants audio from the speakers and from headphones at the same time.

I used an 1801 for 6 or 7 years and it does fine with headphones.

Does anyone know where Comcast QAM TNT-HD (75.1 ) and MOJO, formerly known as INHD (103.1) moved to? I noticed a couple of days ago that these two were no longer tuning in.

Thanks,

Isnt these shows going to be shown locally in HD soon?

Mine does this but I also have the 2807 connected to a Niles whole house audio system so perhaps that's why. I am using both of the 2807 zones so I can use the Denon as a single source on the Niles and adjust the volume independantly.

Anybody getting 73.7 (Comedy Channel)?

Isnt these shows going to be shown locally in HD soon?

Last time I spoke with someone from Ch 12, they said they had budgeted for the equipment, but couldn't tell me when they might actually purchase it.

Does anyone know where Comcast QAM TNT-HD (75.1 ) and MOJO, formerly known as INHD (103.1) moved to? I noticed a couple of days ago that these two were no longer tuning in.TNT has either moved somewhere unknown or has gone encrypted; I can't find it at 75-1, 75-2, or anywhere in there. I'm almost positive that 103-1 (and -2) are no longer in the clear.

Speaking of which, who's keeping track of the first post these days? I went through and found a few QAM mapping changes and additions (at least since the last update).

TNT has either moved somewhere unknown or has gone encrypted; I can't find it at 75-1, 75-2, or anywhere in there. I'm almost positive that 103-1 (and -2) are no longer in the clear.

Speaking of which, who's keeping track of the first post these days? I went through and found a few QAM mapping changes and additions (at least since the last update).

Send a private message to pspun:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=321055

TNT has either moved somewhere unknown or has gone encrypted; I can't find it at 75-1, 75-2, or anywhere in there. I'm almost positive that 103-1 (and -2) are no longer in the clear.

Speaking of which, who's keeping track of the first post these days? I went through and found a few QAM mapping changes and additions (at least since the last update).

I'm guessing encrypted. I no longer get it on either QAM or the Comcast STB (I have only the basic HD from Comcast).

so the local line-up from comcast says we should have hgtvhd and foodnetworkhd on 414 and 415. can anyone check in to indicate if it has gone live? I know some parts of town get the channels before others...

so the local line-up from comcast says we should have hgtvhd and foodnetworkhd on 414 and 415. can anyone check in to indicate if it has gone live? I know some parts of town get the channels before others...

Not showing up in the guide here in St. Johns.

so the local line-up from comcast says we should have hgtvhd and foodnetworkhd on 414 and 415. can anyone check in to indicate if it has gone live? I know some parts of town get the channels before others...

Not in Clay County either.

Discovery HD seems to be off?

allow me to clarify... I went to comcast.com and checked the local line-up and both are listed. Im guessing those channels are emminent.

WJXT does not seem to be stretching their digital ota signal the last two days.Does anyone know why? Thanks for any info.

WJXT does not seem to be stretching their digital ota signal the last two days.Does anyone know why? Thanks for any info.

It was (unfortunately) being stretched last night (8/16).

Your right,thanks Peter

OK, I have a question about last nights Jags game. Our local broadcast here in Jax was SD, but on ESPN when the showed the highlights of the game they used the Tampa, which was HD. Is it that our locals can't handle the HD feed or was it a rights issue where Tampa would not share the HD feed. Just wondering.

OK, I have a question about last nights Jags game. Our local broadcast here in Jax was SD, but on ESPN when the showed the highlights of the game they used the Tampa, which was HD. Is it that our locals can't handle the HD feed or was it a rights issue where Tampa would not share the HD feed. Just wondering.

Unless something has changed, I don't believe any of our local stations have the ability to broadcast locally generated HD.

I wonder whose HD cameras were used. It would have to be either FOX or the TPA local stations. Or do NFL stadiums now provide the cameras?

Discovery HD seems to be off?Hmm. You're right. Moved or no longer in the clear? Is it still working over STB or CC?

I wonder whose HD cameras were used. It would have to be either FOX or the TPA local stations. Or do NFL stadiums now provide the cameras?

Most cameras for NFL events and other events are rented and so I would assume some entity rented the cameras.

HGTV-HD(415) & Food HD(414) are finally up!!!

HGTV-HD(415) & Food HD(414) are finally up!!!
Very nice...they even have HD programming on.

Anyone know if any of the comcast channels are 1080i or 1080p? I have a SONY BRAVIA 46" XBR2 but don't have the comcast box with the HDMI connections. I was told when I bought my TV last October that there were no 1080 comcast channels. If there are now, what is the best way for me to receive them?

Anyone know if any of the comcast channels are 1080i or 1080p? I have a SONY BRAVIA 46" XBR2 but don't have the comcast box with the HDMI connections. I was told when I bought my TV last October that there were no 1080 comcast channels. If there are now, what is the best way for me to receive them?

Comcast passes on whatever native signal is broadcast.

The Disney (ESPN, ABC) and Fox stations are 720p. The others would be 1080i (though I think I read that National Geographic is also 720p). There is no 1080p broadcast transmission. You will get that only through HD DVD or Blu Ray discs at the present time.

Comcast passes on whatever native signal is broadcast.

The Disney (ESPN, ABC) and Fox stations are 720p. The others would be 1080i (though I think I read that National Geographic is also 720p). There is no 1080p broadcast transmission. You will get that only through HD DVD or Blu Ray discs at the present time.

Thanks. Am I seeing 1080i through component cables, or do I need to use HDMI?

Thanks. Am I seeing 1080i through component cables, or do I need to use HDMI?


So far, no channels are downrezzing HD over component, so your connection is fine (I'm using component connections myself). Personally, I've tried HDMI and component connections, and if there is truly a difference (other than the theorical), I don't see it.

In fact, I've had more issues with HDMI handshakes than any issues I've ever had with component.

I didn't think you could get the native signal through the cable box? I thought you only got native through QAM and if you use a cable box you had to choose a resolution (1080i, 720p, 480p, or 480i). Am I wrong?

I didn't think you could get the native signal through the cable box? I thought you only got native through QAM and if you use a cable box you had to choose a resolution (1080i, 720p, 480p, or 480i). Am I wrong?

I believe you are right. I confuse myself sometimes! I have OTA, QAM, Comcast and D*. With the D* HR20 you can set it to pass native, but I don't believe I've seen such a setting on the Comcast Moto box.

On my motorola hd-dvr box, I had to set the resolution to 1080i. It was selectable from 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i. I can not vouch for any other boxes. Also, I do see some broadcasts in 1080i and some in 720p with my qam tuner card for my computer. Troy.

On my motorola hd-dvr box, I had to set the resolution to 1080i. It was selectable from 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i. I can not vouch for any other boxes. Also, I do see some broadcasts in 1080i and some in 720p with my qam tuner card for my computer. Troy.

i don't have the DVR box, just the standard digital HD moto box. I don't see where I can select anything. Anyone know if I'm getting 1080i through it?

What is the model number?

You want to set your STB or HTPC to the TV's native resolution. Really doesn't matter whether you are watching a 720 or 1080 broadcast. (Except for CRT type HDTVs)

What is the model number?

Model: DCT
S/W Ver: 74.53-3321
Firmware: 16.20

I just looked it up on wikipedia and it seems i have a DVR just don't have it "turned" on since I have a series 2 TiVo for the past 4-5 years.

You want to set your STB or HTPC to the TV's native resolution. Really doesn't matter whether you are watching a 720 or 1080 broadcast. (Except for CRT type HDTVs)

In many cases, that's not an option. If you use your QAM tuner you're going to send the broadcast format to the TV. If you have a 1080p TV you can't set your STB to 1080p. I don't know if I'd accept that as an absolute even when it is an option. A video card in an HTPC may not do a better job of scaling than the TV itself. Same goes for a STB or receiver with upscaling functionaility. It's probably best to experiment and see what gives you the best experience.

Model: DCT
S/W Ver: 74.53-3321
Firmware: 16.20

I just looked it up on wikipedia and it seems i have a DVR just don't have it "turned" on since I have a series 2 TiVo for the past 4-5 years.

The complete model number would be on the front lefthand corner of the box itself. Most likely, you set the output resolution and other setting by turning the cable box off and then pressing menu. See pages 8-10 of this manual.

http://www.comcast.com/medialibrary/1/2/cm/vanityurl/documents/ecare/dct3412.pdf

tzunami - in general, to set the output on a Moto box, push the 'menu' button on the remote after powering the box OFF.

userb - I'll agree with your last statement. But if you have a fixed pixel display, think about it. If it's a 720 set, why would you have the STB scale an ABC or FOX show to 1080 to then have the TV have to rescale it back to 720? Same reasoning for a 1080 TV.

As to QAM tuners, if you mean the TV tuner, it's not relevant. If you mean in an HTPC, then you again should set the video card output to the TV's native resolution.

There is no 1080p television broadcast.

The complete model number would be on the front lefthand corner of the box itself. Most likely, you set the output resolution and other setting by turning the cable box off and then pressing menu. See pages 8-10 of this manual.

http://www.comcast.com/medialibrary/1/2/cm/vanityurl/documents/ecare/dct3412.pdf

I'm guessing you mean on the back? The front left just says HDTV Capable. I'm going to look on the back now and report back.

GI1424TD5999

Just found the settings and it says i'm set to 1080i. Sweet. I had just remembered the dude telling me that Comcast didin't even offer 1080i when i bought the TV so I'm glad they are now. Is there a time when they will be offering 1080p? Will our current boxes be able to handle it?

tzunami - in general, to set the output on a Moto box, push the 'menu' button on the remote after powering the box OFF.

userb - I'll agree with your last statement. But if you have a fixed pixel display, think about it. If it's a 720 set, why would you have the STB scale an ABC or FOX show to 1080 to then have the TV have to rescale it back to 720? Same reasoning for a 1080 TV.

As to QAM tuners, if you mean the TV tuner, it's not relevant. If you mean in an HTPC, then you again should set the video card output to the TV's native resolution.

There is no 1080p television broadcast.



I'm not disagreeing with the principle of your argument, I'm just saying that in the a/v world what makes since in theory doesn't always work out that way in your actual setup and there are no absolutes. A lot depends on the source material and quality and/or interaction of the different components. I'm on my 4th or 5th Motorola STB, so you can probably guess what I think of it (but my problems have all been DVR related not HD related). I do wish that the Motorola had a native or pass-through option so that I could experiment with that.

In general, I don't think there is any real reason to get into the technicalities of upscaling, conversion and deinterlacing. Try out the different options and see what works best.

I'm not using the HTPC for cable yet, just using it for music and dvd's right now. I'll probably get it setup for cable next year, but that's a topic for a different forum.

On a side note:

I see that Comcast and TiVO are starting to be buddy buddy or something, anyway, maybe I can stop using the IR cables at somepoint for my TiVo Series 2 to control my comcast box. What a pain when my two year old or cats move them. I guess I could tape them down better. ; )

I'm guessing you mean on the back? The front left just says HDTV Capable. I'm going to look on the back now and report back.

GI1424TD5999

Just found the settings and it says i'm set to 1080i. Sweet. I had just remembered the dude telling me that Comcast didin't even offer 1080i when i bought the TV so I'm glad they are now. Is there a time when they will be offering 1080p? Will our current boxes be able to handle it?

If you don't have a model number on the front and you don't have HDMI (do you have a DVI output), I think you probably have a 6400 series and not one of the 3400 series, but I'm not sure.

I'm pretty sure that 1080i broadcasts have ben available in Jax for years. Don't trust a/v retailers or the folks you get on the phone at Comcast. Let the forum be your resource. ;)

For those folks looking for what happened to the HD Discovery Channel, Comcast has remapped it to QAM 101-2

I recently bought a Vizio VS20L. It scans and finds 190+ digital Comcast channels, but can't lock onto 104.

I have a Westinghouse QAM in another room that has no problem picking up 104; however, this TV is connected to my original home distribution system that has a signal amp.

The Vizio is connected to to a Comcast input directly from their box (we had Comcast add additional outlets and they did not connect to the old distribution system).

I was thinking that an amp might enable the Vizio pickup 104. I was looking at a 12db, 50-900 mhz, 5 noise, amp by Phillips sold at Walmart and Lowes.

Has anyone tried this to solve the 104 problem?

I would connect the Vizio to the cable that's feeding the Westy to see if it is a tuner problem. There are lots of quirky QAM tuners out there.

For you Jags fans, there is an interesting article about football betting that happens to spotlight the Jags. Take a look:
http://www.slate.com/id/2173233/entry/2173269/

Does anyone in this forum have any idea if any of our local stations are working on upgrading equipment and providing an actual HD broadcast? I would love to see our local news and other programming in HD.

thanks in advance

Does anyone in this forum have any idea if any of our local stations are working on upgrading equipment and providing an actual HD broadcast? I would love to see our local news and other programming in HD.

thanks in advance

Haven't heard anything recently. But then again, we don't even get the 5.1 feed from the networks (except for Fox and sometimes PBS). If they haven't sprung for the sound, I'd be surprised if they spent money for the picture.

Then again, I'm always willing to be plesantly surprised.

i thought there was a mandate to have all games in HD this season? nothing like having all your gear ready for the season and seeing this. just great.

I wonder to whom we need to be sending our letters of complaint about CBS regarding their lack of HD football broadcasts. Do we send them to Sony? DirecTV? others? Frankly, it's lame we have to put up with their lack of effort in providing quality pictures when ALL THE OTHER NETWORKS are able to do this. Of course, does the NFL (or even the Jaguars, for that matter) care? I suppose they'd rather have butts in the seats at the stadium than viewers at home. Who knows? I'm hardly an expert at this, but I'd certainly like to see something happen.

What is their excuse, again, for not having HD? Are they just being cheap?

Here's the CBS schedule, but it only lists the HD games for the first 3 weeks.
http://cbs.sportsline.com/cbssports/schedules/page/nfl


edit: Here's a more complete listing.
http://www.hdsportsguide.com/nfl.php

I know it sucks not to have our game on today in HD, but this shouldn't be a suprise, CBS had announced awhile back that 5-6 games a week would be in HD, it seems because of our market size, we are the odd man out this week.

2008 - is the contract year that all games are HD -- see thread below.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=904549

My parents have the vx32l vizio and have the same issue. 104.1 and 104.2 does not tune. With Vizio if its doesnt detect on autoscan you cant add it manually. So that blows. On my sony 60"xbr I can manually tune to it fine.

My son thought he saw local ABC channel 25 news in widescreen lasy night.Did anyone else catch this? Icant believe it was HD,but they may be upconverting.Peter any thoughts?

My son thought he saw local ABC channel 25 news in widescreen lasy night.Did anyone else catch this? Icant believe it was HD,but they may be upconverting.Peter any thoughts?

Didn't see it, but it will be worth checking out tonight. It would be nice if we could get at least 1 HD local news. I just hope it isn't a stretch-o-rama the way channels 4 and 17 do. Those are downright annoying.

Does anyone know what transponder and sat the directv locals are on for Jacksonville? I'm trying to see if I am getting signal on that spot beam over in Valdosta.

Does anyone know what transponder and sat the directv locals are on for Jacksonville? I'm trying to see if I am getting signal on that spot beam over in Valdosta.

Sat 103 (a), transponders 2,3,4 and 6.....and just to drive everyone crazy, D*10 on 103 (b) is showing a signal on transponder 11. The new HD channels are within our grasp!

My son thought he saw local ABC channel 25 news in widescreen lasy night.Did anyone else catch this? Icant believe it was HD,but they may be upconverting.Peter any thoughts?

I DVR'd it last night and it was SD.

Tony Boselli is going to be the "color" guy on Sunday's Jags game. I really liked his pre-season work.

Let's hope it's not blacked out, since sopcast is a poor substitute for the HD Fox telecast.

Sat 103 (a), transponders 2,3,4 and 6.....and just to drive everyone crazy, D*10 on 103 (b) is showing a signal on transponder 11. The new HD channels are within our grasp!

Thanks, I get 2, 4, and 6 at almost 100% in Valdosta but I don't get 3, However, I am getting all 4 Jacksonville HD stations crystal clear. I also was picking up 98% signal on TP 11 on 103b!

Hgtv Hd: Qam 71-1

Anyone noticing small breakup on the D* feed of CBS during the Jags game? Nothing major, but just once in a while, there are lots of blocking.

Yes...I've been seeing the break ups all day via D* MPEG4. PS: I haven't had any problems with the WCTV6 CBS feed OTA.

I noticed the breakup. It happened on both the D* MPEG4 and the OTA here in Jax - you could see it because of the 4+ second delay.

I wonder if that is a local issue?

There were reports of breakups on many CBS NFL feeds yesterday. I guess that means the problem was at the NY center.

I looking at new sets,does anyone have a sony kdf e2000 lcd rear projection set.The picture and price is very nice. The price and lifetime of the bulb is scaring me off. Sony has spare bulbs,but price is 200 dollars.Will an unused spare bulb keep for 2 years? Thanks for any info and opinions on this set.

I looking at new sets,does anyone have a sony kdf e2000 lcd rear projection set.The picture and price is very nice. The price and lifetime of the bulb is scaring me off. Sony has spare bulbs,but price is 200 dollars.Will an unused spare bulb keep for 2 years? Thanks for any info and opinions on this set.

I have the KDF 50E2000 and it is quite a nice set, with a couple of exceptions.

Here is the complete review I did of it for Epinions:

http://www.epinions.com/content_260667575940

Thing about bulbs, you could buy one today to be safe (I haven't), or wait until the picture starts to fade (which I will do).

I would say the biggest "issue" I've had with it is the silk screen effect. I've spent many hours trying to minimize that, and have finally come up with probably the best I am ever going to get with it: I've angled it downward, by putting two external feet under the back. SSE tends to be minimized (with a small reduction in brightness) as you move off of dead center.

Now, you will experience SSE with ANY LCD projection set. It is just the nature of the screen material that is used. I would say watch in a store carefully before you buy.

Is anyone else noticing that CBS and NBC seem to be broadcasting their fall lineup in 2.0 audio and not 5.1?

When I watch FOX, for instance - the show 'Til Death, my receiver tells me Dolby Digital 3/2.1 and the sound is great. However, anything on CBS or NBC, it says Dolby Digital 2.0. Shows like Bionic Woman, Criminal Minds, Heroes, The Unit...any of them. Some of them come up at the beginning of the broadcast and say on the bottom of the screen, "HD 5.1" or "surround sound where available."

For channels like HBO HD, Cinemax HD etc it depends on the show or movie but most of the time it comes up Doby Digital 3/2.1. Channels like MTV HD and Mojo always come thru in 5.1.

It seems to be limited to CBS and NBC.

For what it's worth, I am using a Tivo Series 3 with 2 cable cards with Comcast. I posted here since I think this is a Jacksonville thing, but I'm really not sure.

Anyone else?

Thanks

Is anyone else noticing that CBS and NBC seem to be broadcasting their fall lineup in 2.0 audio and not 5.1?

When I watch FOX, for instance - the show 'Til Death, my receiver tells me Dolby Digital 3/2.1 and the sound is great. However, anything on CBS or NBC, it says Dolby Digital 2.0. Shows like Bionic Woman, Criminal Minds, Heroes, The Unit...any of them. Some of them come up at the beginning of the broadcast and say on the bottom of the screen, "HD 5.1" or "surround sound where available."

For channels like HBO HD, Cinemax HD etc it depends on the show or movie but most of the time it comes up Doby Digital 3/2.1. Channels like MTV HD and Mojo always come thru in 5.1.

It seems to be limited to CBS and NBC.

For what it's worth, I am using a Tivo Series 3 with 2 cable cards with Comcast. I posted here since I think this is a Jacksonville thing, but I'm really not sure.

Anyone else?

Thanks

Fox and occasionally PBS are the only 2 local stations that have invested in the equipment to pass 5.1.

The following channels are live today ON Direct, September 26, 2007:

265: A & E HD
282: Animal Planet HD
220: Big Ten HD
202: CNN HD
278: Discovery HD
206 / 73: ESPN HD
209 / 72: ESPN2 HD
70/501/509: HBO HD East
269: History Channel HD
76: HD Theater (was Discovery HD Theater)
79: HDNet
78: HDNet Movies
280: Learning Channel HD (TLC HD)
544: Movie Channel HD
212: NFL Network HD
284: Science Channel HD
538: SHO Too HD
71/537/543: Showtime HD
540: Showtime HD West
267: Smithsonian HD
519: Starz Comedy HD
520: Starz HD East
521: Starz HD West
522: Starz Edge HD
518: Starz Kids and Family
247: TBS HD
245 / 75: TNT HD
74: Universal HD
604: Versus HD / Golf Channel HD
362: Weather Channel HD

HD channels formats (video and audio)

CNN - 1080i DD5.1
ESPN - 720p DD5.1
ESPN2 - 720p DD5.1
NFL - 1080i DD2.0
BTN - 720p DD2.0
TNT - 1080i DD5.1
TBS - 720p DD5.1
A&E - 720p DD2.0
SMTH - 1080i DD5.1
HIST - 720p DD2.0
DSC - 1080i DD5.1
TLC - 720p DD5.1
APL - 1080i DD5.1
SCI - 1080i DD5.1
TWC - 1080i DD2.0
VSGF - 1080i DD2.0
UHD - 1080i DD5.1
HDT - 1080i DD5.1
HDNM - 1080i DD5.1
HDN - 1080i DD5.1

2 new channels for comcast tonight!

421 TBSHD
423 CNNHD

2 new channels for comcast tonight!

421 TBSHD
423 CNNHD


That's great! Now, I just want History Channel HD and I'll be satisfied for awhile, at least until SciFi HD debuts later this year.

That's great! Now, I just want History Channel HD and I'll be satisfied for awhile, at least until SciFi HD debuts later this year.

We just got History HD on D*. It's nothing to be excited about. It is mostly stretch-0-vision....and badly done at that.

We just got History HD on D*. It's nothing to be excited about. It is mostly stretch-0-vision....and badly done at that.

That's too bad. Unfortunately, many of the new HD channels don't show much HD. A&E HD is one of the worst. The History Channel has great potential though.

I'm kind of disappointed from what I've heard of the history channel. I could really care less for a simulcast. I like history international, but not the regular one. I'd rather have seen them do like Discovery Theater does...

I did hear the smithsonian channel is pretty cool.

2 new channels for comcast tonight!

421 TBSHD
423 CNNHD

Does anyone know if these are on QAM?

Does anyone have the latest QAM HD lineup?

I was having the breakup problem noted here on Saturday. Also, last night, there was no sound on ABC or Fox. The non-HD versions of those networks were both fine but the HD versions were silent. Also, the video was slightly "jerky."

I called DTV and stayed on hold for 35 minutes. Finally, someone came on and had me do a bunch of stuff that didn't help. Now, I have a service call scheduled for Saturday that will cost $70.

Anyone else having the same problem in JAX?

I was having the breakup problem noted here on Saturday. Also, last night, there was no sound on ABC or Fox. The non-HD versions of those networks were both fine but the HD versions were silent. Also, the video was slightly "jerky."

I called DTV and stayed on hold for 35 minutes. Finally, someone came on and had me do a bunch of stuff that didn't help. Now, I have a service call scheduled for Saturday that will cost $70.

Anyone else having the same problem in JAX?

Nope. Must be something going on with your setup. Probably good the tech is coming (even at $70).

BTW, welcome to the forum. :)

OK, thanks. It seems strange that it's only two of the local channels while everything else is OK. We'll see what the tech does this weekend.

OK, thanks. It seems strange that it's only two of the local channels while everything else is OK. We'll see what the tech does this weekend.

I am not sure about ABC, but FOX and CBS(OTA) was jittery on Sunday, D* MPEG4 actually went down on Fox for 5 minutes or so saying that had technical difficulties but went right back up - I have not noticed it since though.

I was having the breakup problem noted here on Saturday. Also, last night, there was no sound on ABC or Fox. The non-HD versions of those networks were both fine but the HD versions were silent. Also, the video was slightly "jerky."

I called DTV and stayed on hold for 35 minutes. Finally, someone came on and had me do a bunch of stuff that didn't help. Now, I have a service call scheduled for Saturday that will cost $70.

Anyone else having the same problem in JAX?

Well, after DTV found no system problems and set up a service call - eveything was working fine last night. So, it's the same tonight, I'll just cancel the service call.

I do note that with the new channels, if I punch in 202, it goes to the non-HD version, even though I have the HD version programmed as a favorite. I have to go up to the next channel, then back down to see the HD version. Maybe a software issue?

Well, after DTV found no system problems and set up a service call - eveything was working fine last night. So, it's the same tonight, I'll just cancel the service call.

I do note that with the new channels, if I punch in 202, it goes to the non-HD version, even though I have the HD version programmed as a favorite. I have to go up to the next channel, then back down to see the HD version. Maybe a software issue?


On my HR20-700 and 100, I've de-selected the SD versions in "Favorites". That seems to work well.

I do note that with the new channels, if I punch in 202, it goes to the non-HD version, even though I have the HD version programmed as a favorite. I have to go up to the next channel, then back down to see the HD version. Maybe a software issue?

ricka47 - if you have a H20 (not a HR20-xxx) then this is known bug and they are suppose to be coming out with a fix, not sure when though.

2 new channels for comcast tonight!

421 TBSHD
423 CNNHD

I'm in OP and have Comcast. Those two channels come through fine on my HD TV that uses a cablecard. However, they do not come through on the HD TV that uses a Moto converter box. Are those two channels supposed to be completely in service now?

I'm in OP and have Comcast. Those two channels come through fine on my HD TV that uses a cablecard. However, they do not come through on the HD TV that uses a Moto converter box. Are those two channels supposed to be completely in service now?

I've had no problems receiving the channels on my moto boxes here in the Deerwood area.

Ok, there are sightings of SciFi HD on D* today.

I want my SciFi HD, Comcast!

New HD channels added by D* today (10/04/07)

Bravo HD
USA Network HD
SciFi Channel HD
HBO West
Cinemax
Cinemax West

YESHD
NESNHD
SNYHD
CSN Mid-Atlantic HD
CSN Chicago HD

On a side note, none of the programs I flipped through tonight were in true HD, but they at least don't stretch the image.

New HD channels added by D* today (10/04/07)

Bravo HD
USA Network HD
SciFi Channel HD
HBO West
Cinemax
Cinemax West

YESHD
NESNHD
SNYHD
CSN Mid-Atlantic HD
CSN Chicago HD

On a side note, none of the programs I flipped through tonight were in true HD, but they at least don't stretch the image.

USA was showing some episodes of L&O SVU that were HD. Actually looked pretty good, but that was it.

Did anybody watch or record Bionic Woman last night?

I had it scheduled to record (MCE) and it failed with the error of "preempted by Chuck". I really doubt that happened and was some kind of guide error.

Did anybody watch or record Bionic Woman last night?

I had it scheduled to record (MCE) and it failed with the error of "preempted by Chuck". I really doubt that happened and was some kind of guide error.


I did both....watched and had it recording. Glad I did. The plot was somewhat confusing and I had to re-watch parts of it.

It dealt with Jamie's first mission to investigate why the residents fo a small town mysteriously died.

Thanks Peter.

Looks like it will repeat Sat night, except in the Media Center guide which says Chuck is on then.

Thanks Peter.

Looks like it will repeat Sat night, except in the Media Center guide which says Chuck is on then.

D* is showing BW on USA-HD at 6:00 PM on Saturday.

I have a Moto DCT6200/6208 HD cable receiver that I'm not able to view channels 421 and 423 but get all other HD channels. Those channels do come through on my other TV that has a cable card. Called Comcast tech support and they were no help. Anyone know if there is a newer model receiver that I could get from Comcast? Also, I live in the Drs Inlet area, anyone else having problems with those channels and that receiver? Thanks

Once again Jacksonville is the odd man out on HD coverage. To date, the Jaguars have had only one game broadcast locally in HD (the ATL game was blacked out)and were five weeks into the season. Damn shame because in all, only six games all season have not been in HD for the entire league. Go to hell CBS.:mad:

Qam
Analog
Channel

2 HBO
3 IND WJXT 4 78-13
4 TV GUIDE 77-7
5 ABC 25 WJXX 78-14
6 CBS 47 WTEV 78-15
7 WTWN 76-8
8 PBS 7 WJCT 78-18
9 CW 17 WCWJ 78-19
10 FOX 47 WAWS 78-21
11 NBC 12 WTLV 78-16
12 ION 78-17
13 TBN 59 WJEB 78-20
14 LOCAL 77-10
15 BRAVO 94-11
16 TWC 77-1
17 TBS 77-2
18 LIFE 111-7
19 FOOD 111-6
20 REAL 76-6
21 HGTV 74-1
22 DISNEY 74-2
23 FX 77-4
24 VS.
25 PBS WUFT 78-22
26 FCCJ 76-7
27 CSPAN 111-2
28 WGN 76-9
29 PUBACC 76-1
30 WTHSCN 77-9
31 EWTN 77-11
32 UNI 74-3
33 FNC 77-3
34 COURT 111-1
35 CNN 110-1
36 HN 110-2
37 CNBC 77-12
38 DSC 73-1
39 TLC 73-2
40 HALMRK 110-9
41 APL 110-3
42 NIK 73-3
43 ABCFAM 77-6
44 TVLAND 111-10
45 TOON 73-4
46 TNT 77-5
47 FUSE
48 ESPN 111-5
49 ESPN2 111-3
50 SUN 77-8
51 FSN 110-10
52 GOLF
53 SPEED 74-7
54 CSS 110-11
55 MTV2
56 VH1 73-9
57 BET 73-10
58 MTV 73-11
59 HIST 74-8
61 SPK 111-9
63 AMC 73-5
64 USA 73-6
65 COMEDY 73-7
66 SCI-FI 73-8
67 E! 74-9
96 HSN 111-4
98 QVC 111-12
99 GEMS 76-5

Comcast
Digital
Channel

434 WAWS (FOX 30) HD 1-1
435 WCWJ (CW 17) HD 1-4
206 THE VARIETY CHANNEL 1-5
415 HGTV HD 71-1
146 CMT 74-6
260 CLAY CO. GOV. 76-2
261 ST. JOHNS CO. GOV. 76-3
264 FERNANDINA GOV. 76-4
186 SHOP NBC 86-7
734 NBA TV 88-2
251 BLOOMBERG TV 89-4
149 MOVIEPLEX 91-12
412 HD THEATER 101-2
431 WJXX (ABC 25) HD 104-1
432 WTLV (NBC 12) HD 104-2
201 NBC WEATHER PLUS 104-3
411 MUSIC HD 106-3
603 FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL 108-7
104 CSPAN-2 110-4
185 MSNBC 110-6
117 WE 110-8
254 BRAVO 111-11
440 WJCT KIDS/ (PBS 7) HD 114-1
433 WTEV (CBS 47) HD 114-2
210 WJCT CREATE 114-4
211 WJCT PBS WORLD 114-5
212 WJCT & PARTNERS 114-6

Various ON DEMAND Programming 79-7-79-10
Various ON DEMAND Programming 80-7-80-10
Various ON DEMAND Programming 81-6-81-10
Various ON DEMAND Programming 82-6-82-10
Sports ON DEMAND info 83-1-83-8, 83-11-83-14

These four are scambled now:
74-5 Fuse
107-14 MTV 2
110-5 Golf
110-12 VS

The Speed Channel (74-7) you may have to type manually. My Auto-tune does not pick it up even with a strong signal (87-90). Sometimes has audio problems.

Scrambled and/or moved:
71-2 DSCHD
74-4 ESPN Classic
75-1 TNT HD
88-1 NBA Pass
88-13 Sprout
102-1 ESPN HD
103-1 INHD
103-2 HD PPV
110-7 GAC


Music
Choice

Showcase 93-10
Today’s Country 93-46 113-20
Classic Country 93-47 113-21
Bluegrass 93-14
Hip Hop & R&B 93-20
Classic R&B 93-19
Lite Hits 93-41 113-15
R&B Hits 93-11
Rap 93-22
Metal 93-23
Rock 93-13
Arena Rock 93-40 113-14
Classic Rock 93-39 113-13
Solid Gold Oldies 93-45 113-19
Show Tunes 86-23 93-33
Alternative 93-24
Singers & Standards 113-23
Contemporary Christian 86-17 93-34
Retro-Active 86-25 93-25
Big Band & Swing 113-22
Gospel 86-16 93-35
Electronica 93-12
Opera 93-8
‘70s 93-44 113-18
Easy Listening 113-24
R&B Soul 93-18
Dance 93-21
Smooth Jazz 86-13 93-28
Sounds of the Seasons 93-15
Adult Alternative 93-38 113-12
Jazz 86-14 93-29
Musica Urbana 86-18 93-36
Kidz Only! 93-16
Blues 86-15 93-30
Salsa y Merengue 86-19
Hit List 93-42 113-16
Reggae 93-17
Rock ‘En Español 86-26
Party Favorites 86-22 93-26
Soundscapes 86-12 93-31
Pop Latino 86-21 93-49
‘90s 86-20 93-27
Classical Masterpieces 113-25
Mexicana 93-37 93-53
‘80s 93-43 113-17
Americana 93-54
Light Classical 113-26
Adult Top 40 86-24 93-32

These do not seem to be carried by Comcast:
Indie Rock
Underground Rap
Old School Rap
Chillout
Classic Disco

Any corrections? Did my auto-tune miss any channels?

I currently receive solid reception for 4.1, 7.1, 30.1, & 47.1 (among others) using an inexpensive indoor Phillips antenna (MANT310 - 32dB amp.). However, I cannot pick up the following channels using auto-tune or by manually dialing them in: 12.1 (NBC) or 25.1 (ABC). Any explanations?

VHF vs UHF

VHF = channels 2-13
UHF = channels 14 and higher
(also don't confuse the virtual channel numbers -- i.e. 4.1 is actually broadcast in UHF on channel 42, 7.1 is 38 hence they are UHF, ABC/NBC are 10/13 and are VHF)

You might need a new antenna or at least a UHF/VHF antenna.

VHF vs UHF

VHF = channels 2-13
UHF = channels 14 and higher
(also don't confuse the virtual channel numbers -- i.e. 4.1 is actually broadcast in UHF on channel 42, 7.1 is 38 hence they are UHF, ABC/NBC are 10/13 and are VHF)

You might need a new antenna or at least a UHF/VHF antenna.

Thanks Jeff. The antenna supposed to be VHF/UHF/FM, but I guess the VHF reception isn't quite up to par with UHF.

Thanks Jeff. The antenna supposed to be VHF/UHF/FM, but I guess the VHF reception isn't quite up to par with UHF.


Keep in mind that if you move your antenna a milimeter to the left or right, up or down this all afects the signal -- good luck.

Thanks Jeff. The antenna supposed to be VHF/UHF/FM, but I guess the VHF reception isn't quite up to par with UHF.

FWIW, I have yet to find an indoor VHF antenna that can reliably and consistently pick up NBC or ABC without constant re-orienting and changing the length of the antenna elements.

You will be much happier with a good outdoor install if that is possible.

VHF vs UHF

VHF = channels 2-13
UHF = channels 14 and higher
(also don't confuse the virtual channel numbers -- i.e. 4.1 is actually broadcast in UHF on channel 42, 7.1 is 38 hence they are UHF, ABC/NBC are 10/13 and are VHF)

You might need a new antenna or at least a UHF/VHF antenna.

Another observation: I can receive the analog signals for ABC & NBC with medium analog quality. And I've seen poor OTA digital signal reception(screen freezes, intermittant blank screen, etc.), but these two channels never even begin to be detected (TV goes to blue screen with "No Signal.") Could it be that the signal from 10/13 is good enough for analog, but not good enough for digital?

Another observation: I can receive the analog signals for ABC & NBC with medium analog quality. And I've seen poor OTA digital signal reception(screen freezes, intermittant blank screen, etc.), but these two channels never even begin to be detected (TV goes to blue screen with "No Signal.") Could it be that the signal from 10/13 is good enough for analog, but not good enough for digital?

Your other possibility is multipath.

In analog you will get a marginal signal, typically with ghosting.

In digital, the multipath could actually cause the signal to cancel itself. However, keep in mind what Jeff is saying: an inch or so in one direction or the other can make a hugh difference in reception.

Heh all -

Soon to be transplant from St. Louis to Jacksonville. I'll be checking in from time to time - especially as I setup my OTA. I'll be sticking with DirecTV as I move, they have the 4 big HD locals right?

Otherwise, I won't bore you with helping me decide where to live! :)

Chris

Heh all -

Soon to be transplant from St. Louis to Jacksonville. I'll be checking in from time to time - especially as I setup my OTA. I'll be sticking with DirecTV as I move, they have the 4 big HD locals right?

Otherwise, I won't bore you with helping me decide where to live! :)

Chris

Yes we do....and they look pretty good. With a decent antenna, you can also get OTA PBS and the CW.

Let us know if you need any questions.

Could it be that the signal from 10/13 is good enough for analog, but not good enough for digital?

The analog and digital are totally different signals sent from different transmitters. The ABC analog is in Orange Park.

This link shows transmitter locations and power.
http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp?latitude=30%2E2263451&longitude=%2D81%2E5685730&magnetic_north=%2D5%2E5&range=20&sort=channel&show_expired=True&show_construction=True&show_analog=True&show_low_power=False&action=Show+Stations

I am close to making the switch from Comcast to D* (actually switching back to D* after switching to Comcast several years ago). I've read the HDTV programming threads and the quality of the mpeg4 signal appears to be very good, but I'd like to hear confirmation from you guys here in Jax that have D*.

Also, one of the main reasons I switched back to Comcast in the first place was rain fade. It was a constant problem, sometimes lasting only a few seconds and sometimes several minutes. What's been the experience with rain fade using the new dish?

The only other issue that's kept me from switching is that I now live in a house with a clay tile roof and my dear spouse will absolutely not want the dish mounted on the roof. I'll probably have the dish mounted on a pole in the back yard. Anything I need to be aware of with the dish mounted lower? I have a fair amount of trees but I believe I can still get a clear line of sight to the southern sky.

The quality of the MPEG4 stations is, indeed, quite good. Smithsonian and MGM HD are great, and what I've seen on National Geographic, Food TV and HGTV are also quite sharp and saturated, without bleeding.

As for rain fade, well, a satellite is a satellite. I have the older sidecard 5 LNB and it is as good or bad as the old 3 LNB dish in that area. I really haven't seen an improvement or degradation in the case of rain fade.

Other than putting the pole in a place where it will not be knocked into (enough to cause mis-alignment), and making sure it is properly grounded, I'm not aware of any major issues with pole mounts, but I've always have roof mounts so it would be better to check with someone with actual experience.

I have the older sidecard 5 LNB

Is there a newer 5 LNB dish out now? Similar size?

Yes. It is called the "Slimline". Here's a picture of it:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16882250004&ATT=82-250-004&CMP=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Satellite+TV+-+Receivers+++Accessories-_-DIRECTV-_-82250004

scolumbo - I have the new slimline (mounted on my roof though) it is larger than the older 3LNB dishes - pole mount should work as long as it doesn't sway in the wind.

As far as rain fade - it still is satellite on a relatively smaller dish than a BUD - it happens, but for a few seconds or minutes usually not longer, but it does exist as petergaryr said.

I currently subscribe to Comcast with a hd dvr for my primary television.

I decided to go ahead and upgrade my bedroom tv to a flat panel and one of my selection criteria was to ensure it would have a decode qam so I would not need a box for the bedroom.

Looks like I should have made my criteria the tv support a cable card.

Appears the un-encrypted hd channels are getting to be slim and none.

No abc or nbc, Discovery HD has disappeared, no espnhd, etc. I could care less about all of the music channels.

OTA sucks as I live in OP and I have the same problems as others and cannot receive nbc or abc vhf digital with my antenna. If I could get those channels decent I would be tempted to tell comcast to keep their service.

I have numerous trees around my house and the southern exposure is blocked, so I assume direct tv is out.

Ticks me off I pay for the hd service and I cannot get all the channels with my tv tuner. I am not interested in getting ppv, or vod, or premium channels on that tv. I am not interesting in screwing the cable company and getting service I have not subscribed to.

Only thing funny about this situation is someone in my neighborhood must get some vod adult programming on friday nights as sometimes that comes through on my qam tuner.

I am thinking my only option is to break down and get a stb or dvr.

Anyone know of any other options?

mike

not sure about QAM and cable but contary to others OTA works fine in Orange Park including VHF (NBC/ABC) and has for me on Doctors Lake for the past 4 years - just have to have the right setup, indoor antennas are NOT the solution.
Good Luck

You don't have a whole lot of options besides getting a Cable box, however you should be able to pick up all the local stations and their subchannels that Comcast broadcast in QAM. It is a violation of Federal law for Comcast to encrypt local channels, so they should be there somewhere. They are most likely spread out or possibly even on an unused channel in the middle of the analog channel range. I don't have Comcast in Jacksonville so I can't comment on what channel numbers are used for the local channels.

I have the basic analog Comcast service (only so I can get a break on HSI), and with the QAM tuners in my Sony and LG, I get all the local stations Comcast carries:

Fox 1-1
CW 1-4
ABC 104-1
NBC 104-2
PBS 114-1
CBS 114-2

Also, at least for the moment, HGTV (71-1) and Mhd (106-3) are unencrypted.

If you want more, you will need either the STB or DVR and subscribe to their digital package.

For those of you interested;Icalled master control at WTLV channel 12 today.They have no idea of when or if wheel of fortune and jeopardy will be shown in hd by them.

I have numerous trees around my house and the southern exposure is blocked, so I assume direct tv is out.


Maybe not. The sats are 22000 miles up over the equator, which is 2000 miles south and about the same west of us. The dish doesn't actually "point" at the bird, but below it. Trees have to be almost overhead to block the signal.

Hello...

I am new to this forum, and would like to say Hello to everyone here in Jax...!

So far this looks like the only place to ask some questions about Comcast here in Jacksonville, as calling comcast doesnt get me anywhere.

I recently purchased a new Sony XBR4 tv with an integrated QAM + HD tuner.

I would like to have all of the digital stations, including all of the HD channels, esp DISCHD. I do not care for HBO or any ODV or PPV service, but if its there great. I also do not need a DVR.

Comcast sent out a tech to hook up my cable over the weekend, and they did not install a digital box since my tv is QAM capable. Without asking, the tech told me that he hooked me up with everything he could at the box outside, inc HBO etc. We turned on the tv and of course there is no tv guide. After an auto digital channel search I was reciveing over 120 digital channels, and about 3-4 HD channels, including DiscoverHD. He left.

So after fiddling around, I noticed I DONT have HBO, and only a FEW of the HD channels that comcast says they offer. Also the channels seem to be mixing around every few days. :confused:

Let me also say, I dont really want a big ol STB. I have a very open and modern design entertainement center, and Id like to keep it simple. So if I go to Comcast and get the Motorola DCT700 box, which I dont mind because it has a very SMALL minimalistic design. Now here are my questions...


1) If I get this DCT700 STB will the overall quality of the digital programming improve over the direct QAM hookup I am using now?

2) Do I need the STB to actually get the HBO he said he turned on, and the REST of the HD channels or is it something they have to turn on remotely? I am getting DISCOVERHD now, just not all the others they list on their HD program guide...

3) Can I use my cool SONY remote that came with my tv to change channels with the STB, cuz Id hate to have to use the comcast one...!

4) Since the tech already came out, is this something I can pick up at Comcast service centers, and install myself???

4) Anything else I should know???


THANKS!!! :D

1. No
2. Yes. Amazed the tech didn't know you need some device to authorize the encrypted channels. Either an addressable box or a cablecard.
3. See the sony owners manual or remotecentral.com. The code for the box will be GI (general instruments)
4. Yes, usually. The CSRs usually will get this question right.

And welcome.

Thanks for the prompt reply! :)

I went to a service center today, after being told over the phone that they have some NEW DCT700's available... Got there and I was sadly dissapointed. They have "refurbished" units, not NEW which I specifically asked them to check. What I call refurb and they call refurb is 2 different things... all the units they had appeared scratched, and had a residue all over them as if they were run through a heavy dishwashing cycle with hard water... :(

If I buy a new one online is it direct PLUG & PLAY or will it need any kind of programming, etc from Comcast?

Anyone know where to get a new one other than eBay...? I searched google and found nothing. :confused:


Thanks Again!

Thanks for the prompt reply! :)

I went to a service center today, after being told over the phone that they have some NEW DCT700's available... Got there and I was sadly dissapointed. They have "refurbished" units, not NEW which I specifically asked them to check. What I call refurb and they call refurb is 2 different things... all the units they had appeared as if they were run through a heavy dishwashing cycle... :(

If I buy a new one online is it direct PLUG & PLAY or will it need any kind of programming, etc from Comcast?

Anyone know where to get a new one other than eBay...? I searched google and found nothing. :confused:


Thanks Again!

Honestly, you are better off taking the one from Comcast and hiding it somewhere in the entertainment center (without blocking the remote sensor).

If anything goes wrong with it, you can easily exchange it for another.

Comcast--------------------ZAP2it-- Qam-----SageTV
Analog--------------------- Station--Digital--- Digital
Channel-----Station Name---ID------Channel--Tuning
2 HOME BOX OFFICE [HBO] N/A N/A
3 IND 4 WJXT [WJXT] 78-13 78-0-1
4 TV GUIDE NETWORK [TVGN] 77-7 77-0-7
5 ABC 25 WJXX [WJXX] 78-14 78-0-2
6 CBS 47 WTEV [WTEV] 78-15 78-0-3
7 WTWN [WTWN] 76-8 76-0-8
8 PBS 7 WJCT [WJCT] 78-18 78-0-6
9 CW 17 WCWJ [WCWJ] 78-19 78-0-7
10 FOX 47 WAWS [WAWS] 78-21 78-0-9
11 NBC 12 WTLV [WTLV] 78-16 78-0-4
12 ION NETWORK [WPXC] 78-17 78-0-5
13 TBN 59 WJEB [WJEB] 78-20 78-0-8
14 COMCAST LOCAL PROGRAMMING [LOOR014] 77-10 77-0-10
15 BRAVO [BRAVO] 94-11 94-0-9
16 THE WEATHER CHANNEL [TWC] 77-1 77-0-1
17 TURNER BROADCASTING SYSTEM SUPERSTATION [TBS] 77-2 77-0-2
18 LIFETIME [LIFE] 111-7 111-0-7
19 FOOD NETWORK [FOOD] 111-6 111-0-6
20 REAL ESTATE CHANNEL [REAL] 76-6 76-0-6
21 HOME & GARDEN TV [HGTV] 74-1 74-0-1
22 DISNEY CHANNEL [DISN] 74-2 74-0-2
23 FOX EXTENDED NETWORKS [FX] 77-4 77-0-4
24 VERSUS [VERSUS] Scrambled N/A
25 PBS WUFT [WUFT] 78-22 78-0-10
26 EDUCATION ACCESS [EDAC026] 76-7 76-0-7
27 CABLE-SATELLITE PUBLIC AFFAIRS NETWORK [CSPAN] 111-2 111-0-2
28 WGN SUPERSTATION [WGNSAT] 76-9 76-0-9
29 LOCAL ACCESS [LOOR029] 76-1 76-0-1
30 WEATHERSCAN [WTHRSCN] 77-9 77-0-9
31 ETERNAL WORLD TELEVISION NETWORK [EWTN] 77-11 77-0-11
32 UNIVISION [UNI] 74-3 74-0-3
33 FOX NEWS CHANNEL [FNC] 77-3 77-0-3
34 COURT TV [COURT] 111-1 111-0-1
35 CABLE NEWS NETWORK [CNN] 110-1 110-0-1
36 HEADLINE NEWS [CNNH] 110-2 110-0-2
37 CABLE NEWS AND BUSINESS CHANNEL [CNBC] 77-12 77-0-12
38 THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL [DSC] 73-1 73-0-1
39 THE LEARNING CHANNEL [TLC] 73-2 73-0-2
40 HALLMARK CHANNEL [HALMRK] 110-9 110-0-9
41 ANIMAL PLANET [ANIMAL] 110-3 110-0-3
42 NICKELODEON [NIK] 73-3 73-0-3
43 ABC FAMILY CHANNEL [FAM] 77-6 77-0-6
44 TV LAND [TVLAND] 111-10 111-0-10
45 CARTOON NETWORK [TOON] 73-4 73-0-4
46 TURNER NETWORK TELEVISION [TNT] 77-5 77-0-5
47 FUSE [FUSE] Scrambled N/A
48 ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS PROGRAMMING NETWORK [ESPN] 111-5 111-0-5
49 ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS PROGRAMMING NETWORK 2 [ESPN2] 111-3 111-0-3
50 SUN SPORTS [SUNB] 77-8 77-0-8
51 FOX SPORTS NET [FSNFL1] 110-10 110-0-10
52 THE GOLF CHANNEL [GOLF] Scrambled N/A
53 SPEED CHANNEL [SPEED] No audio N/A
54 COMCAST SPORTS SOUTHEAST [CSS] 110-11 110-0-11
55 MUSIC TELEVSION 2 [MTV2] Scrambled N/A
56 VIDEO HITS 1 [VH1] 73-9 73-0-9
57 BLACK ENTERTAINMENT CHANNEL [BET] 73-10 73-0-10
58 MUSIC TELEVSION [MTV] 73-11 73-0-11
59 THE HISTORY CHANNEL [HISTORY] 94-10 94-0-8
61 SPIKE TV [SPIKETV] 111-9 111-0-9
62 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT [AETV] 111-8 111-0-8
64 USA NETWORK [USA] 73-6 73-0-6
65 COMEDY CENTRAL [COMEDY] 73-7 73-0-7
66 SCI-FI CHANNEL [SCIFI] 73-8 73-0-8
67 ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION [E] 74-9 74-0-9
96 HOME SHOPPING NETWORK [HSN] 111-4 111-0-4
98 QUALITY, VALUE, CONVENIENCE [QVC] 111-12 111-0-12
99 GEMS TV [LEAC099] 76-5 76-0-5

Comcast--------------------ZAP2it-- Qam-----SageTV
Digital---------------------- Station--Digital---Digital
Channel-----Station Name---ID------Channel--Tuning
104 CABLE-SATELLITE PUBLIC AFFAIRS NETWORK 2 [CSPAN2] 110-4 110-0-4
117 WOMEN'S ENTERTAINMENT [WE] 110-8 110-0-8
146 COUNTRY MUSIC TELEVSION [CMTV] 74-6 74-0-6
149 MOVIEPLEX [MPLEX] 91-12 91-0-12
185 MSNBC [MSNBC] 110-6 110-0-6
186 SHOP NBC [SHOPNBC] 86-7 86-0-7
201 NBC WEATHER PLUS [WTLVDT2] 104-3 104-0-3
206 THE VARIETY CHANNEL (MyNetworkTV) [WAWSDT2] 1-5 70-0-4
210 WJCT CREATE [WJCTDT2] 114-4 114-0-3
211 WJCT PBS WORLD [WJCTDT3] 114-5 114-0-4
212 WJCT & PARTNERS [WJCTDT4] 114-6 114-0-5
251 BLOOMBERG TV [BLOOM] 89-4 89-0-4
254 BRAVO [BRAVO] 111-11 111-0-11
260 CLAY COUNTY GOVERNEMENT [GOAC260] 76-2 76-0-2
261 SAINT JOHNS COUNTY GOVERNEMENT [GOAC261] 76-3 76-0-3
264 FERNANDINA BEACH GOVERNEMENT [GOAC264] 76-4 76-0-4
411 MUSIC HD [MTVHD] 106-3 106-0-3
412 HD THEATER [HDT] 105-2 105-0-2
415 HOME & GARDEN TV HD [HGTVD] 71-1 71-0-1
431 WJXX (ABC 25) HD [WJXXDT] 104-1 104-0-1
432 WTLV (NBC 12) HD [WTLVDT] 104-2 104-0-2
433 WTEV (CBS 47) HD [WTEVDT] 114-2 114-0-2
434 WAWS (FOX 30) HD [WAWSDT] 1-1 70-0-1
435 WCWJ (CW 17) HD [WCWJDT] 1-4 70-0-3
440 WJCT (PBS 7) HD/WJCT KIDS [WJCTDT] 114-1 114-0-1
603 FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL [FSE] 108-7 N/A
734 NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION TV [NBA TV] 88-2 88-0-2

79-1-79-10 Various ON DEMAND Programming
80-1-80-10 Various ON DEMAND Programming
81-1-81-10 Various ON DEMAND Programming
82-1-82-10 Various ON DEMAND Programming

Speed 74-7 [74-0-7] has no audio on my HDTV. SageTV auto-tune may pick it up but still can't tune in to it (no signal).
74-8 [74-0-8] is another History digital channel same as 94-10 [94-0-8]

Qam-------------- ZAP2it------------Qam------------------------SageTV
Digital----Station--Station-----------Digital-----------------------Digital
Channel--Name----ID----------------Channel(s)------------------Tuning(s)
803 Sounds of the Seasons [SEASON] 93-15 [93-0-14]
804 Today’s Country [TDCNTRY] 93-46 113-20 [93-0-45] [113-0-20]
805 Classic Country [CLCNTRY] 93-47 113-21 [93-0-46] [113-0-21]
806 Bluegrass [BLUEGR] 93-14 [93-0-13]
807 Hip Hop & R&B [HIPRB] 93-20 [93-0-19]
808 Classic R&B [CLASRB] 93-19 [93-0-18]
809 R&B Soul [RBSOUL] 93-18 [93-0-17]
810 R&B Hits [RBHIT] 93-11 [93-0-10]
811 Rap [RAPP] 93-22 [93-0-21]
812 Metal [METAL] 93-23 [93-0-22]
813 Rock [MCROCK] 93-13 [93-0-12]
814 Arena Rock [ARNHIT] 93-40 113-14 [93-0-39] [113-0-14]
815 Classic Rock [CLSRCK] 93-39 113-13 [93-0-38] [113-0-13]
816 Adult Alternative [ADALT] 93-38 113-12 [93-0-37] [113-0-12]
817 Alternative [ALT] 93-24 [93-0-23]
818 Retro-Active [RETROA] 86-25 93-25 [86-0-24] [93-0-24]
819 Electronica [ELECTRN] 93-12 [93-0-11]
820 Dance [DNCE] 93-21 [93-0-20]
821 Lite Hits [LITEHIT] 93-41 113-15 [93-0-40] [113-0-15]
822 Adult Top 40 [ADTOP40] 86-24 93-32 [86-0-23] [93-0-31]
823 Hit List [HITLIST] 93-42 113-16 [93-0-41] [113-0-16]
824 Kidz Only! [KIDZOLY] 93-16 [93-0-15]
825 Party Favorites [PARTY] 86-22 93-26 [86-0-21] [93-0-25]
826 Showcase [SHWCSE1] 93-10 [93-0-9]
827 ‘90s [MC90S] 86-20 93-27 [86-0-19] [93-0-26]
828 ‘80s [80S] 93-43 113-17 [93-0-42] [113-0-17]
829 ‘70s [70S] 93-44 113-18 [93-0-43] [113-0-18]
830 Solid Gold Oldies [GOLDOLD] 93-45 113-19 [93-0-44] [113-0-19]
831 Smooth Jazz [SMJZZ] 86-13 93-28 [86-0-12] [93-0-27]
832 Jazz [JZZ] 86-14 93-29 [86-0-13] [93-0-28]
833 Blues [BLUS] 86-15 93-30 [86-0-14] [93-0-29]
834 Reggae [MCRGGAE] 93-17 [93-0-16]
835 Soundscapes [SNDSCP] 86-12 93-31 [86-0-11] [93-0-30]
836 Easy Listening [EASYLIS] 113-24 [113-0-24]
837 Big Band & Swing [BIGBAND] 113-22 [113-0-22]
838 Singers & Standards [STANDRD] 113-23 [113-0-23]
839 Show Tunes [SHWTUN] 86-23 93-33 [86-0-22] [93-0-32]
840 Contemporary Christian [CTMPCH] 86-17 93-34 [86-0-16] [93-0-33]
841 Gospel [GOSP] 86-16 93-35 [86-0-15] [93-0-34]
842 Classical Masterpieces [MASTERP] 113-25 [113-0-25]
843 Light Classical [LTCLASS] 113-26 [113-0-26]
844 Pop Latino [POPLAT] 86-21 93-49 [86-0-20] [93-0-48]
845 Musica Urbana [MUSURB] 86-18 93-36 [86-0-17] [93-0-35]
846 Salsa y Merengue [SMRENG] 86-19 [86-0-18]
- Mexicana [MEXICAN] 93-53 [93-0-49]
- Rock ‘En Español [RCKESP] 86-26 93-37 [86-0-25] [93-0-36]
- Americana [AMERCAN] 93-54 [93-0-50]
- Opera [OPRA] 93-8 [93-0-8]

Very nice and thanks!! ^^^^^^
I actually just did a scan and came up with the same.....

For all you NFL'ers, Comcast added NFLHD today on Channel 406. :D Don't know if it's in the clear on QAM, but if so I bet it won't be for long.... Probably added for the NFL Network games starting on Thursday.

For all you NFL'ers, Comcast added NFLHD today on Channel 406. :D

Haven't tried QAM but you have to subscribe to their sports package in order to get it on HD cable.

Point taken. ;) I should have qualified my statement by saying that those who currently get NFL Network can now get it in HD.

Is Orlando the only Florida city to have its local newscast in HD? Thanks for any info.

Well, we did have one short HD broadcast about hurricanes, but AFAIK, that was it here in Jax.

Looks like the HD broadcast of Bones tonight has been flagged by either the local station or the cable company for deletion at 9:30pm tonight on my TiVo

Hi-I'm new here, and also brand new to HD...I just got my first HDTV. I'm really enjoying it. Right now, I have a $30 Philips antenna that I bought the other day. I am getting most HD channels quite well. However, I can't pick up ABC in HD at all, it doesn't even locate the channel. Any advice on a certain antenna, or something to fix this? My zip code is 32210 if you want to look on antennaweb. I live on the first floor of a 2 story apartment. Another question, sometimes (especially on FOX), the audio will get out of sinc, and the picture will kindof stall and then move real fast to catch up. Is this just an issue with reception too? It seems to happen at times, and then be fine for quite a while.

timtim12 - welcome to the forum (jax thread at least)

Anyway - is your Philips antenna a UHF/VHF antenna? -- you will need one as ABC/NBC are VHF all other channels are UHF.

Also and this is very important (I assume your philips is an indoor antenna - given you are in an apartment) -- moving an antenna an inch to the right/left/up/down affects the signal - you might get all channels but one like you are or if you move it an inch to the left you might get ABC but not CBS/CW etc.

Indoor antennas are known for these issues, not to say an outdoor antenna doesn't have the same issue.

Good Luck and let us know if you need additional help.

Thanks Gator99...

Yeah, the antenna I have is both UHF and VHF. I know what you mean about moving it around. If I move my antenna the slightest bit, it can really affect the clarity. The strange thing is I have tried moving the antenna quite a bit, and am having no luck picking up ABC. I can get the regular channel pretty fuzzy, but can't pick up the HD channel at all. I'll keep trying to play with it tonight.

Thanks Gator99...

Yeah, the antenna I have is both UHF and VHF. I know what you mean about moving it around. If I move my antenna the slightest bit, it can really affect the clarity. The strange thing is I have tried moving the antenna quite a bit, and am having no luck picking up ABC. I can get the regular channel pretty fuzzy, but can't pick up the HD channel at all. I'll keep trying to play with it tonight.

Before I gave up on indoor antennas (for the same reasons you are having issues), I was able to get in both 12 and 25, but it required lenghtening and shortening the antenna elements, plus moving it around. The problem was, I could never quite remember which settings were right for each of the various stations....and they for sure didn't work for the UHF ones.

what channels will i be able to pick up in northern st. johns county on my LCD tvs Integrated NTSC/ATSC/QAM HDTV Tuner?

thanks!

With a decent outdoor antenna, all of the OTA locals. With an indoor antenna, reception is likely to be all over the map.

With a QAM turner, and Comcast's basic service, you can get the unencrypted channels listed in the first post of this thread.

thanks for the reply. ill check out that first post.

i have basic with the coaxial

With a decent outdoor antenna, all of the OTA locals. With an indoor antenna, reception is likely to be all over the map.

With a QAM turner, and Comcast's basic service, you can get the unencrypted channels listed in the first post of this thread.

guess im a little confused. how do i tell which ones are the unencrypted ones that i will get through the comcast basic?

The QAM channels listed in the first post are the unencrypted ones. Subject to change at any time.

The QAM channels listed in the first post are the unencrypted ones. Subject to change at any time.

Isn't that the truth! Plus, an unencrypted channel can become encrypted suddenly. No gurantees.

Hey, just wanted to chime into the Jax thread. I'm a new Jacksonville resident (well, actually going on 9 months now) and more recently a new HDTV owner. I got the HD box from Comcast when I got my TV, and was initially very happy. But, now that I've seen almost all of the specials on NatGeo, and everything on HGTV, I'm getting bored with the lineup. Not to mention, as previously stated in this thread, Comcast customer service sucks. I also don't like the monthly price I'm paying.

My main question is, is there any idea of when and what channels they are planning on releasing in HD? I know the dishes state on their websites what they have in the works, but I have been unable to find such information for Comcast in Jacksonville.

Thanks for the help, and this has been a very interesting and information thread!

-Brendan

I just moved to Palencia and the cable provider is litestream (included in condo association fees). I know nothing about them and wish i could get a listing of the the HD and digital stations that are broadcase unencrypted over QAM. Does anyone have this information or know where i can get it?

Hey, just wanted to chime into the Jax thread. I'm a new Jacksonville resident (well, actually going on 9 months now) and more recently a new HDTV owner. I got the HD box from Comcast when I got my TV, and was initially very happy. But, now that I've seen almost all of the specials on NatGeo, and everything on HGTV, I'm getting bored with the lineup. Not to mention, as previously stated in this thread, Comcast customer service sucks. I also don't like the monthly price I'm paying.

My main question is, is there any idea of when and what channels they are planning on releasing in HD? I know the dishes state on their websites what they have in the works, but I have been unable to find such information for Comcast in Jacksonville.

Thanks for the help, and this has been a very interesting and information thread!


-Brendan
As you can see from threads like this one (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=848661), Comcast does different things in different cities.

A lot depends on what equipment the various sites have....so....all that to say, it is sometimes difficult to get information about what they will do here in Jacksonville.

I'll reply to my own thread. Dont know if anyone else has litestream or not but they broadcast ABC, NBC, FOX, ABC, CW, ESPN, HD Theater, HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and TMC in HD unencrypted....plus a few other lesser channels.

Greetings-

Is no one else annoyed that the supposedly "HD" programming on HD On Demand are actually broadcast in "HD", but in a letterboxed 4:3 format?

I know "CSI" original episodes are shown in HD and fill the 16:9 ratio accordingly. However, If you want to watch previously aired episodes via HD On Demand, they display as letterboxed 4:3. What gives?

I can't get a clear answer from Comcast other than they have no control over the signal that On Demand sends to them to relay to us, and that they can confirm that yes, it is LB 4:3, but it definitely is 1080i.

That's just not good enough for me...

Thanks- just needed to vent.

Jimmy

It does depend upon the source.

As an example, WXJT, Channel 4 sends out a 1080i signal, but broadcasts nothing in actual HD. They are upconverting and stretching an SD source.

Also, even though a local station can pass through an HD network signal, it doesn't mean that they have the capability to record it in HD for playback at another time.

It can be confusing, but that is how it is possible for a letterboxed show to actually be broadcast via a 1080i signal.

Why does Channel 4 & 17 stretch the non-HD shows?

Chris

Why does Channel 4 & 17 stretch the non-HD shows?

Chris

As I mentioned in my previous post, channel 4 broadcasts SD upconverted content via an HD signal. It does not broadcast any actual locally generated HD content.

Channel 17 can only broadcast actual HD that comes via its link to the CW. As with channel 4, it also does not broadcast any actual locally generated HD content.

As for stretching the image (which I hate), that is typically done for the benefit of people who want a picture that "fills up" their screen regardless of how horribly distorted it is. My preference is that stations broadcast everything in its origional aspect ratio and let viewers decide whether or not to stretch the picture.

It can be confusing, but that is how it is possible for a letterboxed show to actually be broadcast via a 1080i signal.

Its not so much confusing as it is misleading. If a broadcast is originally presented in HD and I can record it to a High-def dvr, than HD On Demand can certainly make that program available on its servers as such. An HD program presented in 1080i in a letterboxed 4:3 ratio on a 16:9 monitor is not HD. I will not be convinced otherwise. False advertising- plain and simple.

Jimmy

You can watch the second WJXT digital channel without the stretch-o-vision.

4-2 broadcasts as 480i, which looks fine with those older shows that they broadcast.

Same with 30-2 and those old Roy Rogers flicks. (MNTV is okay as a substation.)

I know that the channels change every once in a while, and about a week ago, we lost digital Disney... has anyone else experienced this? I did a rescan with my SHARP QAM tuner, and didn't find it...

This is what I use to maintain my channels, by the way.. in case anyone else out there can benefit.. or help maintain. Again, I have a sharp 46" LCD with a QAM tuner...

If anyone uses this, I'd appreciate any updates that are discovered (including new stations..).

Thanks.

Ronnie, are you on Comcast in Jax?

My listings match those in the first post, except for WAWS & WCWJ where my tuners see the actual channels 70.1 & 70.3, not the virtual 1.1 & 1.4.

Your listings of the ADS SD channels are totally different.

Ronnie

Your channel listings look like mine. At least, I know my QAM channel numbers for the 4 broadcast networks match yours, and not the ones in the first post. I too have a Sharp 46" 62U and figure the QAM tuner on our model uses a different numbering scheme for the minor number (the portion after the ".") than other manufacturer's tuners.

I noticed 5-6 days ago that a couple of my channels were out (via my Comcast Moto 3416) for a few hours one morning, and one of them was Disney. Maybe Comcast remapped and the set-top box was reconfiguring for it? That's my guess. I haven't rescanned on QAM yet because I usually use the box.

I've also noticed since that time that the On-Demand stuff on 79-82 isn't there anymore. Can anyone else confirm? Does anyone know where those were remapped to?

Hello new member here.

I recently got an hd reciever for my hd tv, picked one up cheap off ebay mostly just to test the waters of over air hd. I'm just wondering what antenna some of you over the air people are using. I have my old rabbit ears that work rather well. I also made the mistake of picking up a Philips uhf hd antenna at walmart. Needless to say that was a waste, I get more channels with my old $10 rabbit ears.

The only problem I am having is getting a constant siginal on 12-1,12-2, 25-1, 25-2. These to me are essential channels. If I set the antenna to get one I won't get the other and vise versa. According to AntennaWeb.org i'm within 13.4 miles of all the towers, the Compass Orientation on 25 is alot higher than the rest at 214 vs the other highest is 63 and thats only on 25, 25-1 is 63.

Anyone in the orange park area have any luck with gettting all the over the air channels and if so what antenna are you using?

Thanks
Jon

Jonboi, while at antennaweb select just the digital channels. All the digitals are in the same cluster. Both 12 & 25 digitals are VHF (13 & 10) and will need a decent antenna for you to get them reliably.

I am on Comcast in Jax.. and yes the onDemand channels did change from the last post.. in fact I've updated the spreadsheet.. I'll upload sometime this weekend... at least my settings.

besides the advertising who really will have more HD in 2008, Direct TV or Comcast (Jacksonville)?