We are doing the same, internet will be the only paid comcast service, we will have 1 land line from att at 15 per month just for emergencies, and cell phones. No point for us to have the tv package now, when more programming is available online at absolutely no cost.

Edit: Plus who says they will be able to block television programing after we stop paying for it? If they do manage to block it, I will just jump onto the free to air satellite bandwagon.

Keep in mind Comcast internet is +$15 if you have no TV package. Don't know if they will enforce that.

So what are the options if QAM is limited to locals only?

What are the next Comcast packages or is there a package w/o STB that removes the filters and opens QAM channels again?
Or is everything being encrypted? Lots of questions...

There are no options w/o a STB. The STB does the decrypting. Filters are not relevant since they only trap analog HBO and the analog 'expanded basic' frequencies.

Theoretically, when they go all-digital, the QAM frequencies (now above 500MHz) could extend down where analog is now. I haven't heard of any filters being used in areas that have already transitioned.

Satellite is looking better now.

...
I signed up for the digital starter 1 yr deal just to get the trap removed. Won't be using their STB. ...
i finally got thru to get the service updated around 12:45 am. but then the box wouldn't pass the new line-up signals. the csr said it might have something to do with the outages so wait for the morning and try again. ok, another try this morning gave the same results. i checked my on-line billing info and see the new charges are less than my old package, so that's good but the old stb is useless, it wont pass any signals only the guide. so the csr said get a new box. ok, this one has been around here since 1999.

the new box they gave me is an hdtv box, don't know if they ran out of non-hd stb or they only issue hd stb now. so now i am getting all the new line-up and all the hd stuff. from what i see on the price sheet the hd stuff is included with the $29 promo if you have an hd box.

from what i see on the other tuners, almost all the non-premium cable channels are now encrypted.

There are no options w/o a STB. The STB does the decrypting. Filters are not relevant since they only trap analog HBO and the analog 'expanded basic' frequencies.

Theoretically, when they go all-digital, the QAM frequencies (now above 500MHz) could extend down where analog is now. I haven't heard of any filters being used in areas that have already transitioned.
As an aside, has anyone tried to get CableCards from our local Comcast while under the Limited Basic package? I know that in some areas, initial CC requests are refused if you aren't on a higher-end digital package, leading many to subscribe to digital, then cancel it a month later so they can keep the cards.

(Of course, once they go all digital, they'd have less of an excuse to refuse such, but that's in the future)

are there any locals I get with QAM through Comcast that I am missing out on with D*? I have comcast internet and was thinking about splitting the signal and putting cable straight to my TV and the other half to the modem. Of course, the guy that installed it told me my internet would be faster if I didn't split the signal(and faster internet is a biggie to me). Just wondering if it is worth it.

I am also disappointed in the local channels here. I was thinking going from a smaller city(Orlando) to a much larger city(Jacksonville) that the local HD channels would be just the same if not better with HD content. Then I see the lack of local news in HD and lack of 5.1 sound!

There are 7 locals here on QAM. PBS, CW, the big 4 and WJXT ch4.

Did the installer also mention that splitting the cable causes warts?

Orlando, the city, might be smaller. But the market there has 1.5 mil TV households, we have 0.7. And they have a Mouse we don't have.

DirecTV carries the HD signal of all the locals with the exception of PBS and TBN (though both are available in SD).

I have DirecTV for my main viewing and Comcast for phone, internet and lifeline basic cable (which gets me the HD locals during the occasional "rain fade" on DirecTV). I have the line split between cable and internet and haven't noticed any loss in speed.

There are 7 locals here on QAM. PBS, CW, the big 4 and WJXT ch4.

Did the installer also mention that splitting the cable causes warts?

Orlando, the city, might be smaller. But the market there has 1.5 mil TV households, we have 0.7. And they have a Mouse we don't have.
He didn't say that, but he explained that it was reducing the quality of the signal when splitting it. I didn't know if this was BS or not. Didn't think anything of it at the time, because I had no point to hookup the limited basic or w/e package it was that I was forced to get for my internet.

Keep in mind Comcast internet is +$15 if you have no TV package. Don't know if they will enforce that.

It's still cheaper, b/c the "digital starter package" is $55 a month.

but from what I understand limited basic is $15 right? so we might as well just keep that, if they go up 15 on internet with no tv.

WTLV-12 and WJXX-25 are transmitting DD 5.1 as of today.

WTLV-12 and WJXX-25 are transmitting DD 5.1 as of today.

Wow...finally! Now we just need WTEV to get on the bandwagon.

I'm sure they aren't far behind.

Just noticed that 12 is broadcasting the hurricane special in widescreen SD. I don't recalling that technique being used locally before.

So many changes in such a short time---it's all good.

Just noticed that 12 is broadcasting the hurricane special in widescreen SD. I don't recalling that technique being used locally before.


You're right, I was wondering if that was just bad HD.

Lost in 5.1, I can't wait.

...
btw, the silicon dust on-line server doesn't want to remove all the now encrypted channels. i rescanned a number of times today without it showing any changes...
the silicon dust on-line server now has the correct updated comcast "in the clear" channels.

Anyone watch Better of Ted (via Directv)? If so did you record them on their DVR? Something strange happened to my recordings (one on my downstairs DVR and also the bedrooms) The video is fine but the audio was missing - but only the voices all background sound was/is there?

Anyone else notice this? I thought it was strange and my machine but when my wife said the bedroom DVR (HR 20 - both) did it as well that was really strange.

Anyone watch Better of Ted (via Directv)? If so did you record them on their DVR? Something strange happened to my recordings (one on my downstairs DVR and also the bedrooms) The video is fine but the audio was missing - but only the voices all background sound was/is there?

Anyone else notice this? I thought it was strange and my machine but when my wife said the bedroom DVR (HR 20 - both) did it as well that was really strange.

It's happened before on ABC. A few weeks ago it happened with back to back episodes of "The Goode Family". Music and background sound was there, but no dialog track. A scroller at the bottom of the screen stated that it was technical difficulty at ABC and they "were working on it".

I am using my QAM tuner (not much now that most QAM is gone) and I am using it mostly to pick up my regular cable channels. I am having problems pulling in cartoon network (80) and TRUtv (81). Comcast says they are on different channels now (like 124 or something), but I can not pick them up in 7MC. Anyone else having these issues?

The ABC shows with the bad sound have been happening for quite a while, but not very often.

I've never been unable to get a HD capture off the net. Better Off Ted had the WCVB logo, Boston.

...

the new box they gave me is an hdtv box, don't know if they ran out of non-hd stb or they only issue hd stb now. so now i am getting all the new line-up and all the hd stuff. from what i see on the price sheet the hd stuff is included with the $29 promo if you have an hd box.

from what i see on the other tuners, almost all the non-premium cable channels are now encrypted.
well that was fun while it lasted. i was watching a show last night when around 11:30 pm the screen went black. i changed channels and found all channels are now black and the screen says "one moment please", the guide still had the show info listed but i just went to another tv not hooked to the new dct6200 stb, which is hooked to the comcast cable and still receives all the analog channels.

this morning i saw the same problem on all channels, so i unplugged the box for a few minutes to see if that would help. now even the guide will not populate with the show info(it says"to be announced"), so i called the help line, got a csr in canada who sent the reset a few times, still nothing different so he set up an appointment for next wednesday. i asked if i should try a new box and he said if the office was close to get one. i also tried disconnecting the box for over an hour, tried new wires etc but nothing has helped.

i went to the local office to get a replacement box and they say they don't have any more stb so put your name on the waiting list, but be warned there are a lot of people in front of you on the list.

there were still people walking into the local office, while i was there, saying they weren't getting any channels, so it looks like comcast has created a real problem for themselves down here.

... but nothing has helped.

i went to the local office to get a replacement box and they say they don't have any more stb so put your name on the waiting list, but be warned there are a lot of people in front of you on the list. ...

needless to say i kept the box, figuring there must be a way.

well my wife said i should try the comcast forums, but they are for the people with comcast net. comcast does have an on-line live chat though. i signed on and a fellow by the name of jorge reset the box from whatever country he's located in. ok, this time when he reset the box it stayed off and i had to turn it back on after which he said to wait 45 minutes and he was certain the problem would be fixed. when i turned the box on this time it was on channel 1 not 321 which every previous reset had. i waited the 45 minutes with the screen still showing "one moment please". then i just went and did some errands. when i got back to it, the screen hadn't changed but i changed to channel 2, which showed the normal program. i have since checked all the channels and found everything is now working correctly, even the hd channels, hbo and "on demand".

so, i guess jorge should be promoted to director of customer service for comcast. at the very least he should tell a few more people how to reset these stb.

I'm sure they aren't far behind.

Just noticed that 12 is broadcasting the hurricane special in widescreen SD. I don't recalling that technique being used locally before.

So many changes in such a short time---it's all good.

Considering WTEV sets the standard for technical difficulties, I'd bet they will be far behind. Does anyone else find it funny they Doppler Radar "HD", when they don't broadcast news in HD?

I'm still betting that before the Fall, WTEV and probably WAWS (since they are co-located) will both be doing local news in HD. Once we have them online, I'd also bet the other stations will follow very quickly. Don't see how they can afford not to.

I am curious, though, about what technical difficulties you've experienced with WTEV.

Based just on the shows I happen to watch:

WTEV is much better than a couple of years ago when they often sent SD, esp on weekends. They still need to get HD overlays and 5.1.

Fox sometimes sends 16x9 SD window boxed and also needs the HD overlays.

ABC occasionally does the SD window boxed too, and has sound problems.

NBC has been pretty reliable.

I probably wouldn't single out WTEV during the "early days". All the stations were broadcasting 2 signals, an SD and HD, and SD was the one that got the attention since that was the one that actually brought in the revenue.

However, I do agree with the other points that all the stations need to be able to do overlays onto an HD signal and not have to drop to SD. I guess it's still going to depend upon what type of budget they have for new equipment, especially given these economic times.

I know I'm one of the "old timers" here who remembers when the only HD at all was Crossing Jordan and The Tonight Show, and even at that, the switch wasn't always flipped on time. Yet, when it was, what a treat to be able to see an uncompressed OTA HD signal.

I probably wouldn't single out WTEV during the "early days". All the stations were broadcasting 2 signals, an SD and HD, and SD was the one that got the attention since that was the one that actually brought in the revenue.

However, I do agree with the other points that all the stations need to be able to do overlays onto an HD signal and not have to drop to SD. I guess it's still going to depend upon what type of budget they have for new equipment, especially given these economic times.

I know I'm one of the "old timers" here who remembers when the only HD at all was Crossing Jordan and The Tonight Show, and even at that, the switch wasn't always flipped on time. Yet, when it was, what a treat to be able to see an uncompressed OTA HD signal.


When was that, seriously. I "found" DTV in early 2007 and had not idea it was even going on. Considering my background is TV broadcasting it hit me hard I was 5 years out of date when I hooked an antenna to a new TV I bought in Feb 2007. So I missed a lot of history, though I probably would not have paid the prices back then anyway. I bought a close out ATSC TV for $300 and only because my old TV died.

It all makes me wonder why didn't they do the CECBs way back in say 2003 or 2004?

If memory serves correctly, I believe the first HD broadcast in Jacksonville was WTLV's coverage of the 2002 Winter Olympics using borrowed HD equipment.

At least that is the year I bought my first HDTV (Mitsubishi 1080i RPTV) and that was the only OTA HD I could find. I had to buy a DirecTV receiver (Hughes e86) that had OTA capability. That was my first experience trying to receive OTA here.

If memory serves correctly, I believe the first HD broadcast in Jacksonville was WTLV's coverage of the 2002 Winter Olympics using borrowed HD equipment.

At least that is the year I bought my first HDTV (Mitsubishi 1080i RPTV) and that was the only OTA HD I could find. I had to buy a DirecTV receiver (Hughes e86) that had OTA capability. That was my first experience trying to receive OTA here.

I believe that WJXT was the first to broadcast a HD signal in the market back in 2001 while they were still the CBS affil but don't quote me on that.

I believe that WJXT was the first to broadcast a HD signal in the market back in 2001 while they were still the CBS affil but don't quote me on that.

Could be. I wouldn't have known at that time. :D

I, like everyone else paying for limited basic with comcast, lost all the "good" qam channels a few weeks ago. i was talking to someone today who said that if you buy a digital converter box, i will get the channels back that i lost. does anyone know if this is true? i'm skeptical, it just doesn't make sense but this person said they know someone who did it and it worked. Sorry for sounding ignorant, but i'll appreciate any response.
Thanks

You are right to be skeptical. The only thing that makes sense is he was talking about the $40 coupon boxes that convert digital OTA to analog.

I got my converter box y'day. The cheap DCH70 which only outputs RF and composite video. Only took the guy a few minutes to phone in and get the cable card provisioned.

To give you an idea of how knowledgeable the installer was, I asked him if he knew when our system will go all digital. He was positive we already were. Not withstanding that you can plug the cable into a 20 year old TV and still tune the analog channels.

He also pointed out the box is digital because it has a hard drive in it (it doesn't).

WTEV/WAWS broadcasting local news in HD? I think you'll see pigs fly before the leader in technical difficutiles broadcast local news in HD.

I believe that WJXT was the first to broadcast a HD signal in the market back in 2001 while they were still the CBS affil but don't quote me on that.

Their digital transmitter didn't come online till 2002.

http://www.bia.com/resources_search_result.asp?calls=WJXT&media=TV

WTEV/WAWS broadcasting local news in HD? I think you'll see pigs fly before the leader in technical difficutiles broadcast local news in HD.

Well, you never know. This year we had swine flu so in a sense, pigs did fly :D

Looks like WTEV is showing the Jags/Eagles game in HD. How did they pull that off? Whats the over/under on how many times the game goes from HD to SD and back again?

preseason game on CBS looks widescreen SD at best

yep widescreen upconvert
graphic overlays look hd though

The thing I notice is the "main" camera, the one they switch to at each snap, has a ringing look, like it has edge enhancement. The other cameras look very good.

Last year, the "main" camera was really soft and the others good.

Well, you never know. This year we had swine flu so in a sense, pigs did fly :D

Sure Pigs Fly. The fact they don't is an urban legend. I have been in both commercial aircraft and even long ago held a Private Pilots License.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=151177&stc=1&d=1251486778

This afternoon I was watching WTLV down here and noticed Jeopardy was in HD, at 3:30 showing. I don't remember them being HD. Is that new or is my memory getting bad?

They started broadcasting Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy several weeks ago. It was as surprising (in a pleasant way) as seeing the Dolby 5.1 symbols light up on my receiver for channels 12 and 25.

Pretty good view of the game 2nite on ezpctv.

They started broadcasting Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy several weeks ago. It was as surprising (in a pleasant way) as seeing the Dolby 5.1 symbols light up on my receiver for channels 12 and 25.

Peter, don't know if WTLV has the same kind of contract that WNBW has with NBC. WNBW was shipped a 5.1 encoder from NBC to install. I got the opinion from their chief they had to do it that way as part of their contract. But I am not totally sure. I know WNBW had it for a few month before they got around to installing it.

So I would not say positively that WTLV just received their encoder, or just installed it.

Possibly, but the good news is that is is up and running now in time for the Fall season. Hopefully Heroes will be worth watching this season in 5.1 :D

Possibly, but the good news is that is is up and running now in time for the Fall season. Hopefully Heroes will be worth watching this season in 5.1 :D

I don't know the new chief there. Bishop was there for a while and several months ago was replaced and could not find out why or where he went. I have never gotten calls back from their new chief, so I left them alone.

To me the big thing was them finally getting a decent antenna again after what seemed like years of them running on a shunt feed paper clip up there. I wish WJCT had as good of antenna. I don't know if they replaced it or just using the old one they had on analog. Though only a db or so weaker here than WJXX, they just don't put the signal this direction that the first coast news antenna does, even before they raised power, which didn't make a huge difference out in the boonies here.

I don't know the new chief there. Bishop was there for a while and several months ago was replaced and could not find out why or where he went. I have never gotten calls back from their new chief, so I left them alone.

To me the big thing was them finally getting a decent antenna again after what seemed like years of them running on a shunt feed paper clip up there. I wish WJCT had as good of antenna. I don't know if they replaced it or just using the old one they had on analog. Though only a db or so weaker here than WJXX, they just don't put the signal this direction that the first coast news antenna does, even before they raised power, which didn't make a huge difference out in the boonies here.

Unfortunately, WJCT seems a shadow of its former self. It used to have one of the best OTA pictures around....but now, not so much. Even worse, shows that are labeled as HD (and are) are often broadcast windowboxed.

Thanks to all for the Ch. 12/25 HD syndicate & 5.1 info. It's about time.

Thanks to all for the Ch. 12/25 HD syndicate & 5.1 info. It's about time.

All this stuff if very expensive. The OTA transition probably could not have been timed worse economically.

Give them time, they have a very big interest in improving.

But believe me I can rant how so many things in the transition were screwed up but it's all a dead horse now.

Unfortunately, WJCT seems a shadow of its former self. It used to have one of the best OTA pictures around....but now, not so much. Even worse, shows that are labeled as HD (and are) are often broadcast windowboxed.

Yeah, I notice that. One thing I will give WJCT over WUFT is they bit the bullet, for better or worse (I am sure the opinions on this will rage), and used 720p, leaving enough bandwidth for decent subchannels. WUFT only has two subs, and crams them both in 3mbps worth of bandwidth. World only get 1.25 on WUFT-3 and megablocks constantly. It's only worth watching for the sound and if nothing is moving in the picture.

WJCT I have not followed that close. Long ago now, Chuck Synder used to work for me at Intergroup Technologies, we made analog switchers. He moved on from there to be Chief of WJCT back in the last 1980s and not sure how long he stayed working there or where the man is now. Since then I lost track. He did tell me then he had to do a lot of work to make things better.

I am not sure why WJCT choose 18 KW ERP, as they were early in the game. Now with the new interference rules (not that new) and stations all around them, I bet their are stuck at that power.

Just WNBW running 4.9 KW out of Newberry FL. I thought for sure they could run more having the money, but a friend of a friend did an engineering survey for fun one night and at 20KW with a deep null at WJXX, they still interfered with other GA stations.

We didn't run any lower powers as it takes a lot of time to run that software. But from memory the interference was high enough just guessing they probably can't go much better than 7 or 8 KW, which isn't worth the trouble.

I would not receive WJCT at all if on UHF, but I think they served the people of Jax better on UHF.

I am curious, though, about what technical difficulties you've experienced with WTEV.

Sorry Peter, I missed your post. Have you ever watched a WTEV produced Jaguars telecast? You'll see the technical difficulty screen up so often, you'll think thats the name of one of the players on the field.

The best joke was from Jeff Prosser on Sports Final Radio on 1010xl. He said even with the blackouts this season, you can still experience a game day telecast on WTEV. Just order your chicken wings like you would normally do and right before kick off, just print off some WTEV logos on your printer and tape them up on your tv. That way when the game starts, you'll be watching exactly what you would have seen without the blackout.

Sorry Peter, I missed your post. Have you ever watched a WTEV produced Jaguars telecast? You'll see the technical difficulty screen up so often, you'll think thats the name of one of the players on the field.

The best joke was from Jeff Prosser on Sports Final Radio on 1010xl. He said even with the blackouts this season, you can still experience a game day telecast on WTEV. Just order your chicken wings like you would normally do and right before kick off, just print off some WTEV logos on your printer and tape them up on your tv. That way when the game starts, you'll be watching exactly what you would have seen without the blackout.

Thanks for the information. Funny, but sad, story.

What happened to channel 80 TruTV?
I used to get it on a QAM tuner but lost it a few days ago.

Scat

I have Dish Network bronze package,without the locals.Today I was getting the guide with locals.I thought this was not possible.Is this a mistake or new policy by Dish? By the way,WJCT is by far the weakest station to get OTA here in southern St Johns county.

Lasted one day,local guide gone.Wjct still very weak even with cooler temps.

I have Dish Network bronze package,without the locals.Today I was getting the guide with locals.I thought this was not possible.Is this a mistake or new policy by Dish? By the way,WJCT is by far the weakest station to get OTA here in southern St Johns county.

Don't know if you have read my old posts in there. I am in Orange Springs, just west of Hog Valley (a real town!).

Here at 30 ft Above Ground Level there is no Jax UHF.

WTLV is the strongest but not reliable mostly due to tropo out of Tampa.
WJXX next strongest again tropo out of Tampa makes it unreliable
WJCT is there on good days but the weakest VHF.

I am probably 30 ft too low or about 15 miles too far away. My mother in law in Interlachen even gets the Brunswick station and she is at 60 ft.

Just to give you an idea of how it is on the fringe down here farther inland.

looks like someone at comcast is flipping switches again, meaning some channels may be re-aligned or added or removed. check your stations for any scheduled captures.

Not my type of show, but for those interested, Dr. Oz is now on at 3 PM on WTLV 12 in HD.

More HD is always good, no matter what.

Edit: I noticed today that they are also showing Dr. OZ on WJXX as well, also in HD.

Wjct,please step up the power before the wondreful PBS new shows start.

Does anyone on the board watch CW 17? I ask b/c I've recorded Gossip Girl, The Beautiful Life, 90210 and Melrose Place this past week and while I haven't watched all of them, each one starts off in 4:3 and at the 30 min point switches to 16x9 HD.

Is that standard operating procedure for the local CW? I just find it strange that the engineer for CW 17 doesn't seem to know that there maybe a problem with their equipment or that something is right. I'm watching via ATT Uverse.

I don't know about all those shows, but I do watch Supernatural and Smallville. Smallville is usually fine. However, I have noticed this odd pattern with Supernatual. Exactly what you are describing. It doesn't cut over to HD until after the 1/2 hour break.

Wjct,please step up the power before the wondreful PBS new shows start.

I doubt they have the resources if they can raise power due to increased restrictions on co and adj channel interference. They may be limited by the PBS station in Waycross on Ch 8, it's not that far away.

Can someone post or link me to a list of clear QAM channels currently available on the Comcast St. Augustine system.

Thanks

Can someone post or link me to a list of clear QAM channels currently available on the Comcast St. Augustine system.

Thanks

i use the silicondust site here:
http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels_us

for comcast st augustine, i use 32084.

Does anyone know why channel 30 is not broadcasting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers games? Are we dealing with blackouts with Tampa, also?

Tim

Tampa isn't blacked out. I think it has to do with the "other" network, Fox in this case, can't broadcast a game competing with a home game. So we might see no 1pm games this week. Unless zap2it is right and we see Balt@NE on CBS.

Here's the link to what is shown where: http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/

They obviously haven't updated to show our blackout.

i use the silicondust site here:
http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels_us

for comcast st augustine, i use 32084.

Why are they letting A&E, HGTV, PLD and QVC HD be in-the-clear, but Discovery, Speed, TLC HD.... ect... are encrypted? It makes no sense.

Why are they letting A&E, HGTV, PLD and QVC HD be in-the-clear, but Discovery, Speed, TLC HD.... ect... are encrypted? It makes no sense.

the use of duplicate virtual channels makes no sense either, but that's the case.

looks like someone at comcast is flipping switches again, meaning some channels may be re-aligned or added or removed. check your stations for any scheduled captures.

why does it seem that comcast seems to pick fridays to mess with the channel line-up? looks like they're doing something again today. even the premium channels on the stb are messed up today.

Wjxt newscast seems brighter in the studio,perhaps better lighting. Makes the HD look even better.

MAJOR problems with channel 25 right now

edit: appears to be on D* only
ota is fine

Has anyone else noticed what Comcast is doing? They are inserting THEIR commercial/advertisements INTO or ON-TOP of shows! It is most seen on A&E and USA, but may be on other channels. There isn't even a spot for the break and they just barge in and throw a commercial into the middle of the show, which is still in-progress. The commercials are always for Comcast products/services, normally two together, then right back to the show (which I have then missed 1 minute of). The show plays for another minute, then goes to the normal network break.

Anyway to stop this? This is ridiculous. They are jamming commercials into spots where there shouldn't be any.

One thing nice about this weather, the tropo is really dead and Jax VHF channels are blowing in to North Marion County. I will become spoiled when it goes away....

fox changing from HD to SD for scrollbar is the biggest joke ever!

and fox is doing it again with the scrolling bar!

Comcast has finally added NFL RedZone HD on channel 390.

Anybody notice that Channel 4's weather graphics are HD now? I did a double-take this morning when I saw it. Of course the station has been broadcasting fine HD for months now, but the weather and traffic maps had been 4:3. Looked even better with this....

Time for 12/25/30/47 to start catching up!

True enough. I wonder if there are any short or long term plans for the other stations news to go HD. Channel 4 is way out ahead in this area.Also in nice looking female newscasters.

Agree with you there. Wasn't sure this morning if I should be staring at glorious weather HD or Rebecca Barry doing the weather in HD. :D

so when will 47 join the century and broadcast in 5.1? It is a drag having to watch football games on 47. I wish they weren't blacked out on ST, cause then I could listen to it in 5.1

Any one having issues with WJXX? All I am getting is audio, no video. Trying to watch the premiere of V.

Any one having issues with WJXX? All I am getting is audio, no video. Trying to watch the premiere of V.

Yes! I wonder what's up with them?! Comcast SD is fine at my house. But no HD. :mad:

Same here, trying to watch V and no dice. It seems like ABC has issues almost every other night during prime-time. This is getting ridiculous. I have directv

My WJXX HD is back.

yea, it's back, but too little too late after 30 minutes...

I agree completely.

Guess I'll be waiting till tomorrow and downloading it off the interwebs. Thanks alot WJXX

What is it with these guys over there (NBC12, ABC25)? Are they having hardware issues? Software issues? Monkeys running the show?

I've been viewing HD content since its inception here in Jacksonville and it still has broadcast problems. 9 years and still has problems that major primetime airings have lost pictures, dropped audio, static in the audio...

What is the problem?

I have no association with them whatsoever, and I get as upset as the rest of people when things don't work right.

I would bet, however, that if they are like many if not most local broadcasters these days, they have reduced revenue and are probably working with not as many personnel as they need.

The only local news I can watch is WJXT (in glorious HD) I wont even for a second watch the others in town because they look hideous. For the others Upgrade your equipment and get with the game!

Thanks WJXT for being the local Independent leader!

I’ve poured through these postings to see if Comcast of Jacksonville transmits Clear QAM. I couldn’t figure out if they do or not, so I decided to have them come out this afternoon and connect me up with basic cable. I choose basic cable, because I don’t want a STB and all I want is local HD stations. All I use is an antenna now, but its best reception position is in a second floor bedroom window. Needless to say, I have a really long antenna cable that I’m tired of tripping over.
If anyone has any connection tips that I can ask the installer for, I’d appreciate it. I’d hate to spend $63.50 to find out that Comcast doesn’t transmit Clear QAM.
Thanks

I’ve poured through these postings to see if Comcast of Jacksonville transmits Clear QAM. I couldn’t figure out if they do or not, so I decided to have them come out this afternoon and connect me up with basic cable.

This should pretty much have all of your clear QAM channels available via Comcast:
http://www.hdhomerun.com/hdhomerun/lineup_web/US:32204#lineup_1070790
(32204 is near downtown Jax)

I live in Fernandina Beach. What antenna are you guys using to get ABC and NBC? I can't ever get it. I just tried this antenna (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10828410)from walmart and got a few more channels but not ABC/NBC. I don't want to pay DISH an extra $100 to get a new satellite that picks up the locals in HD.

Another question I have is: What's the best way to run the cable from the antenna outside to the tv? I have DISH and 4 cables go into the house to 4 different rooms. We only use one receiver. Can I run the antenna through those cables to another room, then from that room to the TV, or should I do something else? I'm a newbie. Thanks.

Why do you have to pay Dish a $100? If you have an HD receiver, one of the Vip models, and subscribe to an HD package and/or locals, they have to switch out your equipment to receive the 77 satellite for FREE.

Why do you have to pay Dish a $100? If you have an HD receiver, one of the Vip models, and subscribe to an HD package and/or locals, they have to switch out your equipment to receive the 77 satellite for FREE.


Gatorman what do you mean? I joined last November when they didn't have HD for local channels. Yesterday I got on the chat with DISH and they said I would have to get a new Dish to get the locals in HD. They said they'd do it for free if I signed for another 24 months, to which I said no, then they said it would be $100 to switch it out. They suck, I know.

If you subscribed to Dish locals and they turned on the HD locals but you needed a new dish in order to receive them, then they installed the new dish at no cost. They did it for me and at least one other person who is a member of this forum. Search this thread from earlier this year to see our discussion. However, if you don't currently subscribe to a locals package you may be out of luck. You can try asking for a supervisor the next time you call.

is there a problem with ABC25? Audio says 2.0 CH and not 5.1 CH. I know that ABC doesn't transmit real 5.1 and instead it is simulated, but it is still higher quality audio.

ABC25 went back to stereo a few weeks ago at the same time they were having lots of technical problems.

I don't see why any of the stations here can get it right. No problems back in Orlando :(
Maybe I should just buy an antenna and try and pick up those channels.

I have no association with them whatsoever, and I get as upset as the rest of people when things don't work right.

I would bet, however, that if they are like many if not most local broadcasters these days, they have reduced revenue and are probably working with not as many personnel as they need.

Absolutely. Most of the local stations here, except WJCB have one, maybe 2 engineers on staff. That means for a good part of the day, the quality is all up to the Master Control operator, because there isn't an engineer on premises. And yes that is legal.

I live in Fernandina Beach. What antenna are you guys using to get ABC and NBC? I can't ever get it. I just tried this antenna (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10828410)from walmart and got a few more channels but not ABC/NBC. I don't want to pay DISH an extra $100 to get a new satellite that picks up the locals in HD.

Another question I have is: What's the best way to run the cable from the antenna outside to the tv? I have DISH and 4 cables go into the house to 4 different rooms. We only use one receiver. Can I run the antenna through those cables to another room, then from that room to the TV, or should I do something else? I'm a newbie. Thanks.

Soory I have not been around much lately.

Besides upgrading your Dish system, if you did, do you still need help with your antenna for NBC and ABC? If so say yes, and we can look into seeing how much signal is at your house. I suspect the antenna you have is not big enough. And with some constraints, you probably can use an unused but installed cable from the roof to inside the house.

Hello all - just thought I would find out who here has Dish. I am contemplating leaving D* after 12 years. I currently have 3 HD DVR's and that is what I am looking to get with Dish -- all my TVs are HDTVs and I also need to know how many dishes they will install - if I remember correctly it use to be multiple dishes but not sure now. I also believe I would want the 722 DVR - anyone with suggestions/comments.

Thanks for the help.

If you opt for the HD locals package, you'll get one dish with three lnbs to get the 61.5, 72 and 77 satellites. Those are on the Eastern arc and are aimed SE.

Great - so long as I opt for the locals I can get all their programming (ie locals, HD etc (not international don't care about them)) on one Dish. That is welcome news.

:)

I am thinking about getting dish hd locals but am afraid of a drop in picture quality from antenna .I know I have asked this before ,but I just feel there must be some drop with the compression factor.I hate to give up the antenna with its pristine clarity but I must. How much of a difference will a picky eye see?Thanks for any info

I am thinking about getting dish hd locals but am afraid of a drop in picture quality from antenna .I know I have asked this before ,but I just feel there must be some drop with the compression factor.I hate to give up the antenna with its pristine clarity but I must. How much of a difference will a picky eye see?Thanks for any info

Same here. I get really good reception here with an antenna on the roof and within visual line of sight 4 miles to the broadcast antenna farm. With Dish I'd needd to move my one dish from 61.5 to 77 as well and that is just a chore to gain nothing, maybe lose a little quality.

On the technical side, it is guaranteed you lose something with taking what they broadcast direct ans uplink then downlink convert to MP4 and then send it to you. All that transmission by Dish has to lose something but the real question is whether your monitor will display the difference. That only you can determine. Besides, the 722K can be outfitted with two OTA tuners in an add-on module so My option would be to go with that first.


Gator99-

How you been? I just got off the phone with a CSR at Dish today and she explained that with Dish you can lease two HD DVR's but the 3rd and more must be ownd by you. Make sure you include that restriction in your cost analysis. As a new customer, you may be able to get a deal, however. Just tell them you are jumping ship from D*. :)
I can tell you the VIP DVR's are superior in features from the D* units. Especially the 922 that is coming out soon which will have both a slingbox built in and a web browser you can run in a PIP sidebyside to the channel screen.

Don - great to see you on the forum again. (at least on the local thread) Anyway - I need to do some research on the VIP922 and its features, especially the slingbox features - any website in particular you suggest other than dbstalk.com?

I'm looking to ditch cable and get all of my content over the air. However, I can't pull in Fox (WAWS, channel 30.1). If anyone has a suggestion I would greatly appreciate it.

A couple of specifics about my setup. I live in area code 32256. AntennaWeb says all of the broadcast stations (except WPXJ) are in the yellow (minimal) antenna recommendation. I went overkill and put a small yagi antenna in my attic. Every station but Fox comes in without interruption. Fox is compass heading 347 and 6.3 miles away. PBS (WJCT, channel 7.1) is also compass heading 347 and 6.4 miles away and I get that station just fine. I'm at a loss.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Strange, since at 6mi you should be able to use rabbit ears w/ uhf loop.

You really can't compare ch 7 and ch 32. Are cbs ch 19 & wjxt ch 42 ok?

I once had a digital tuner that didn't get one particular station. Replace was only solution.

Channels 19 (47.1) and 42 (4.1) come in great (I just checked again). I never thought that it could be my TV tuner since everything else comes in so well. I'm going to be really bummed if that's the case.

Don - great to see you on the forum again. (at least on the local thread) Anyway - I need to do some research on the VIP922 and its features, especially the slingbox features - any website in particular you suggest other than dbstalk.com?

satelliteguys. us has a beta test group that keeps up with the latest.

They just published the latest spec sheet and it seems there have been some changes now. The remote with touch pad has been discontinued. The OTA tuner will be a 2 tuner off air module you'll need to buy extra. Latest is release sometime in February.

I am thinking about getting dish hd locals but am afraid of a drop in picture quality from antenna .I know I have asked this before ,but I just feel there must be some drop with the compression factor.I hate to give up the antenna with its pristine clarity but I must. How much of a difference will a picky eye see?Thanks for any info

Whatever differences there are, they aren't particularily noticeable and are not distracting. I have both Dish and OTA and use them interchangeably even on my 65" set. The differences are even less noticeable on smaller displays. That being said, there is a difference in the picture calibration for both sat and OTA. You'll have to make adjustments. I really like the option of switching to OTA in case of rain fade or sat if there are signal quality problems. Note that Dish does not have all the digital subchannels and SD sucks.

Oh yeah, it's great to be able to DVR more than one local at the same time with the dual tuner DVRs. Up to three.

I'll throw my 2 cents in. Same as gatorman, except I use DirecTV.

I have smaller sets: 42" LG in the bedroom and 46" Sony. If there is a difference between when I use OTA, vs DirecTV, it sure isn't apparent to me. In the very beginning, DirecTV was having some difficulty in adjusting their MPEG4 feed, but that was long ago.

Dish is also Mpeg4 for HD. Meet, I assume you know that the HD locals are on the 77 satellite. If you are on the 110,119 and/or 129 satellites, you'll have to switch to the Eastern Arc. If you already subscribe to the SD locals, I think they have to provide the install and equipment at no charge. If not, I think it is about $100 or you can buy the equipment and self install.

I have several questions and I'm hoping someone could help me out.

I'm thinking of ditching my comcast HD cable & DVR and going OTA w/ Tivo HD to save some money.
Well actually, for now I'd have to go w/ the limited basic package ($20) to get a signal on the 3 other TVs in the house as they are not digital ready.
Anyway, I t/w a comcast service rep who said that sometime next year, customers will need a comcast box to receive a digital signal from them. First of all, is this true and second, does it mean I will need a box to get any signal or just a digital one?
If it means "any signal", then that makes the OTA/Tivo combo much more appealing because it would eliminate the necessity for the limited basic that I would be paying and I'll just be paying the $13/month for tivo, (because I'm not going to rent 3 boxes from Comcast) as opposed to the $20 for limited basic plus the $13 tivo monthly charge.
Then I guess, I would just replace the old TVs w/ digital ready ones over time for an OTA signal.

Thanks in advance!

This is driving me nutz. I just got a new panasonic 37 inch lcd and it can't pull in 30 or 47. my wife swear we were getting these channels on the old tv with the converter box. I tried it with the digital converter box and still can't see them. I get 12 and 25 with 80% signal strength, along with all the pbs stations.

I've tried turning my antenna with no luck. At first I thought it must be the tv, but the digital converter box should have found the channels. I'm about 40 miles south west of Orange Park.

OTA reception can be tricky, depending on how far you are from the transmitter and its radiation pattern, type of antenna you are using, sensitivity of the digital tuner in the TV, and so forth. As strange as it seems, sometimes re-pointing the antenna an inch or two left, right, up or down can sometimes make the difference between getting and not getting a signal.

We could probably be more helpful if you answered a few questions:

1. Why use a converter box? The digital tuner in your panasonic should be sufficient
2. Have you let your tuner re-scan?
3. What type of antenna are you using? Are you using an amplifier by any chance?
4. Is the Panasonic the only digital TV you have? If not, do the other TVs receive those channelsl? For example, if you still have an analog TV and you connect the converter box to it and do a re-scan, does that make a difference in receiving any stations?

OTA reception can be tricky, depending on how far you are from the transmitter and its radiation pattern, type of antenna you are using, sensitivity of the digital tuner in the TV, and so forth. As strange as it seems, sometimes re-pointing the antenna an inch or two left, right, up or down can sometimes make the difference between getting and not getting a signal.

We could probably be more helpful if you answered a few questions:

1. Why use a converter box? The digital tuner in your panasonic should be sufficient
2. Have you let your tuner re-scan?
3. What type of antenna are you using? Are you using an amplifier by any chance?
4. Is the Panasonic the only digital TV you have? If not, do the other TVs receive those channelsl? For example, if you still have an analog TV and you connect the converter box to it and do a re-scan, does that make a difference in receiving any stations?

1. I have the converter box because I didn't have a digital tv before.
2. Yes, several times.
3. It's a traditional 6 foot tv antenna on a 50 foot tower.
4. yes, it's my only digital tv. I have not hooked the analog tv back up yet, but will do so.

I've tried moving the antenna a little bit in each directional, but going to far will lose the other channels. I can still get channel 12 at 38% even with the antenna turned 180 degrees.

1. I have the converter box because I didn't have a digital tv before.
2. Yes, several times.
3. It's a traditional 6 foot tv antenna on a 50 foot tower.
4. yes, it's my only digital tv. I have not hooked the analog tv back up yet, but will do so.

I've tried moving the antenna a little bit in each directional, but going to far will lose the other channels. I can still get channel 12 at 38% even with the antenna turned 180 degrees.

Well, welcome to the club. I've faced the same thing. A station will either pop or just not be there. At one point, I had two antennas running with an A/B switch. One antenna got "X" stations, and the other got the "Y" stations. I finally just gave up, bit the bullet and signed up for the Comcast "lifeline" service. It got me all the local stations in HD painlessly. I then chucked the whole thing, signed up for DirecTV with the local station option and never looked back.

Hopefully someone from around your area will check into this thread and have some practical advice about how they are successfully receiving all the stations.

I also have direct tv, but don't have their HD package. For some reason the local digital channels OTA look 10 times better than my local channels on the dish. The difference in sharpness and detail are night and day and I don't believe I'm watching in HD, because the channel says DT next to it.

I'm going to look into the HD option with direct tv. I don't have the option for cable out here.

I have no vested interest in DirecTV, so don't take this as a sales pitch, but I find very little difference between the OTA local signal and the MPEG4 one coming from the satellite.

If you don't have the HD option, you are most likely getting the SD feed, and that certainly would make a world of difference in picture quality.

I have no vested interest in DirecTV, so don't take this as a sales pitch, but I find very little difference between the OTA local signal and the MPEG4 one coming from the satellite.

If you don't have the HD option, you are most likely getting the SD feed, and that certainly would make a world of difference in picture quality.


Well they want $199 for a hd dvr, so that's not going to happen.:rolleyes: I all ready have a dual tuner dvr that's finally working correctly.

I'll keep hounding cbs and fox until they boost their signal.

[QUOTE=moosestang;17841898....I'll keep hounding cbs and fox until they boost their signal.[/QUOTE]

Well, you certainly could try, but the likelihood of that happening...:rolleyes:

Any info on any of the other stations in town going HD with their newscasts?

Any info on any of the other stations in town going HD with their newscasts?

I can't imagine that it will not be soon. It has to be somewhat of an embarrassment that the only local station doing live HD newscasts is an independent one (and thank you for doing that!), and not even one network affiliate.

Florida news center.com is reporting WTLV news will be in HD in a short period of time. My son also said that WTLV noon newscast reported this information as well. We shall see if it holds true.

Phil Amato talked about WTLV in HD on their morning newscast today. Looks like a done deal.

Though it has been a long time coming, the good news is that it is finally happening. I suspect others will follow shortly to remain competitive.

Has anyone had a problem tuning in WAWS (FOX) in HD over QAM? For some reason my digital tuner in my bedroom TV picks it up on channel 1.2, but my HTPC with my QAM card lost it all together. I can not find it anywhere. I would had to loose all my FOX shows in HD :confused:

I just look and it is indeed gone. - have you re-scanned?

I just look and it is indeed gone. - have you re-scanned?

I will try and rescan tonight. So you no longer have it either?

Not at 1.2 but according to my HDHomerun tuner it is there at 114-2 - things have changed though

Not at 1.2 but according to my HDHomerun tuner it is there at 114-2 - things have changed though

Thanks! Manually added 114.2 in WMC and it came up. I appreciate it!

Can anyone get wpxc 21.1 and it's subs over the air? When I see listings, it lists this channel for jacksonville. I can't get it. Did a rescan of my dvr and I picked up a channel 18.1. At 8PM, it was showing a show called masters of illusion.

it is out of Brunswick and I have never picked it up OTA. They must be transmitting at low power, but it probably has to do with the fact my antenna is aimed at the Jax station's antenna farm and not to WPXC

Just ordered vizio w/ATSC/Clear QAM tuner and need recommendation for good indoor antennae. Don't have or want cable, live in 32207 on river by nemours in condo that restricts dishes and outdoor antennaes. Please help.
Thanks.

Just ordered vizio w/ATSC/Clear QAM tuner and need recommendation for good indoor antennae. Don't have or want cable, live in 32207 on river by nemours in condo that restricts dishes and outdoor antennaes. Please help.
Thanks.

I'm using a powered Terk as a backup to the attic mount OTA antenna I have.

I have to warn you though, that indoor antennae are tricky at best. Most tend not to be "set one time and forget". Before I did the attic mount, I was constantly changing the position of the indoor one, adjusting elements, re-aiming, etc. You may have better success, but I suspect you will tire of it sooner or later. Do you have space to try an attic mount of an outdoor antenna? That has a whole host of other problems, but I have found it gives a more stable, predictable result.

Why does WTEV 47 have the commericals so much louder than the tv show right now it 2 and a half men

WTEV still lack DD 5.1 even though WAWS has it. This is making me mad since it is Championship Sunday and the Super Bowl is in 2 weeks. I have e-mailed WTEV several times requesting DD 5.1, and I would like everyone here to do so as well.

also, is there a way to get WAWS-DT2 in HD?

also, is there a way to get WAWS-DT2 in HD?

Nope. It's broadcast on a 480p subchannel.

WAWS(Fox) has 5.1 because of the technology they utilize - "splicer" tech. By default they will have whatever the network is broadcasting - search for splicer for more info. it is a different way of distributing HD.

If you notice on WTLV/WJXX First Coast News right now, the main shot is from a side camera, they don't use a head on shot which would show the backdrop of the newscenter. Hopefully its not much longer till they are in HD. Hopefully they'll have the option of doing remote shots in HD.

WTEV/WAWS Action News better catch up. You can't continue to call your weather radar "Doppler HD", when you don't even broadcast news HD.

I guess they do not want us to see the new studio just yet. I bet it will be ready in February in time for sweeps month and olympics.

I guess they do not want us to see the new studio just yet. I bet it will be ready in February in time for sweeps month and olympics.

Well, let's see. An NBC affiliate. Olympics are big. They will want to show highlights in HD I would guess. Yep, I think you might me on to something.

Heck, these are the same people who borrowed HD equipment back in 2002 so they could carry the Olympics.

Nope. It's broadcast on a 480p subchannel.

Oh, I was getting my hopes up because I saw an advertisement of it being on Comcast HD channel 4xx on a commercial. I guess they are just passing along a 480p feed instead of 480i

Can anyone get wpxc 21.1 and it's subs over the air? When I see listings, it lists this channel for jacksonville. I can't get it. Did a rescan of my dvr and I picked up a channel 18.1. At 8PM, it was showing a show called masters of illusion.

From zipcode 32207, I can receive WPXC (and 18.1) using a Radio Shack Yagi in my attic, with no amplification.

Unfortunately, all the other local channels tx's are 92-degrees away from WPXC, so I kind of split the difference, and I'm taking a hit on 4.1

I have a second antenna on order . . .

:-) neil

Just ordered vizio w/ATSC/Clear QAM tuner and need recommendation for good indoor antennae. Don't have or want cable, live in 32207 on river by nemours in condo that restricts dishes and outdoor antennaes. Please help.
Thanks.

You really need to prepare more information before anyone can help you (e.g., access to outside, attic space, line-of-site heading, etc.)

If you don't want to do the homework/research, PM me, and I'll do it as a service call (I live in 32207).

More importantly, Federal Law PREMPTS your condo's CCR's and HOA regarding antennas to receive video broadcasts. Inform your HOA that they are breaking the law, and a quick print out of the 1st page of FCC link below and even a call to the FCC will prove that they are breaking the law.

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

:-) neil

Hey folks -- new resident, transported from Gainesville (and the Gainesville thread). As soon as I figure out what the best deal is, I'll be giving Comcast a call -- I need a box that has a working Firewire port, though. Is that going to be a hassle? I've never in my life had Comcast (it's Cox here, and was Bright House back in Clearwater).

How's the bandwidth coming from our locals, anyway? Here in Gainesville, it's spectacular on the NBC affiliate (no subchannels) good on the ABC and FOX and utterly terrible on the CBS (pixels everywhere, courtesy too much bandwidth given to a subchannel).

I used to use firewire off their Moto box. The problem was somebody was marking some channels as "copy once", which meant you couldn't transfer files using capdvhs. I think it was on the Fox & CBS stations. Almost all the non locals were marked "copy never".

Bandwidth is mostly OK. They just pass the same signal transmitted OTA. CBS is the best with the full 19Mbps.

Sometimes http://www.comcastoffers.com/ has better deals than you can get from comcast directly.

well it looks like all stations will be broadcasting their local news in HD by Monday at least according to jacksonville.com

http://jacksonville.com/business/2010-01-27/story/first_coast_news_action_news_going_hd_on_monday

well it looks like all stations will be broadcasting their local news in HD by Monday at least according to jacksonville.com

http://jacksonville.com/business/2010-01-27/story/first_coast_news_action_news_going_hd_on_monday

We are going from 1 station to all of them in 1 day? My head is spinning (but in a good way).

Does anyone else notice that WTLV (NBC) has ridiculously loud commercials during Nightly News? I just started emailing the engineers at First Coast News telling them to turn down the stupid commercials, as this unnecessary and VERY annoying (especially when you are trying to eat dinner and can't keep adjusting the volume every 2 minutes). Please email WTLV telling them to stop this practice!

well it looks like all stations will be broadcasting their local news in HD by Monday at least according to jacksonville.com

http://jacksonville.com/business/2010-01-27/story/first_coast_news_action_news_going_hd_on_monday

Just noticed on FCN, they were using a new graphics package already for the weather and the FCN bug looked a little different.

Fox 30 Action News is in HD, basically looks the same but in widescreen. The only annoying thing is when they go into commerical, they turn off the HD with a loud click. Then a loud click when they come back on. Commericals are also really loud.

Watched some of WTEV. They turned on their HD camers. Studio shots look good. Field are a mixture of HD and widescreen.

Good job.

Channels 12, 25, 30 and 47 are now all doing local news in HD.

Channel 12 looks really good, i.e. bright. The blue in the set of 47 Action News gives a dark film like look to the presentation. Now only if they would do Dolby 5.0.

Good god, what a bunch of useless trash on QAM. Hooray, I have three identical channels of WE. God forbid you give just one of those over to ESPN or something I might actually watch.

channel 12 news looks crisp and clear,channel 47 looks darker and less detailed.I would rate channel 4 better than both of the newcomers in clarity and detail,but they have had more time with HD.

Super Bowl XLIV in STUNNING Dolby Digital 2.0! Hooray Jacksonville!

Super Bowl XLIV in STUNNING Dolby Digital 2.0! Hooray Jacksonville!

seriously what the heck... i just logged on to see if my receiver was broken or something

Super Bowl XLIV in STUNNING Dolby Digital 2.0! Hooray Jacksonville!

The NBC in Gainesville has the same unfortunate distinction.

On the other hand, hey, even more bandwidth for video ;-) FWIW, both the Gainesville NBC and the Jax CBS have the best video quality in the market.

The NBC in Gainesville has the same unfortunate distinction.

On the other hand, hey, even more bandwidth for video ;-) FWIW, both the Gainesville NBC and the Jax CBS have the best video quality in the market.

The problem is I have been spoiled with better markets for the past 10 years(LA and Orlando)

This is embarrassing. It's obvious that the C-Band pointed at Galaxy 14 is off, because everything on Universal is coming through like crap -- JUST IN TIME FOR THE OLYMPICS.

http://mocksession.com/AGG.jpg

This is not acceptable.

This is embarrassing. It's obvious that the C-Band pointed at Galaxy 14 is off, because everything on Universal is coming through like crap -- JUST IN TIME FOR THE OLYMPICS.

http://mocksession.com/AGG.jpg

This is not acceptable.

how is this jacksonville local? what channel are you watching?

OTA - 12-2 or Comcast channel 200. sub channel of NBC 12?

Isn't 12-2 only 480 resolution? Why aren't you watching it on 12-1, the 1080i channel?

Peter you are correct that 12-2 is 480 but it is a completly different channel it is not a simulcast of NBC - it is a separate channel - Universal Sports

That's CNBC. And if Jacksonville has a separate thread for Comcast, point me toward it, but in Gainesville our thread was for OTA and Cox, and I don't see a Jacksonville Comcast thread anywhere.

Correct that screen shot was CNBC. There is not separate thread for comcast on avsforum that I am aware of.

Anyone using Windows (7) media center? more specifically with Comcast clear QAM? If so are you having audio issues (low volume) on NBC?

Thanks

Anyone using Windows (7) media center? more specifically with Comcast clear QAM? If so are you having audio issues (low volume) on NBC?

Thanks

I am using all you spec, but no volume probs. Sorry.

OK, thanks - NBC is just really low volume compared to all other channels on Comcast Clear QAM (using two HDHomerun tuners)

OK, thanks - NBC is just really low volume compared to all other channels on Comcast Clear QAM (using two HDHomerun tuners)

NBC is slightly lower in volume from my observation, as well.

anyone got tv in st augustine now 9:30pm saturday 2/27/10?

added info: the 800 help line was too busy to answer calls. so the online chat was my next try. that was backed up too, but after waiting for 9 other users i found out the "unplanned outage" affected the "coastal region" and affected tv, phone and hsd. i wonder what people that have that bundled service do in a case where all three services go out at the same time. at least with bellsouth, i still have a phone and internet service. oh well still waiting for the fix...


service finally came back a little after 11pm, so about 2 hours of "unplanned outage"...

Anyone know what the 20 HD channels Comcast is planning on adding?

The added HD channels were listed in the newspaper. Might be on the jacksonville.com website by searching "comcast".

Anyone know what the 20 HD channels Comcast is planning on adding?

Here's what the paper said

History International HD, Hallmark Channel HD, Investigative Discovery HD, Women's Entertainment HD, Style HD, G4 HD, Planet Green HD, Hallmark Movie Channel HD, Fox Business News HD and MSNBC HD. The additional digital channels will include Ovation, Hallmark Movie Channel, Military History Channel, Crime and Investigation and RFD TV, according to a news release.

Anyone else having their Comcast DVR's rebooting constantly? I have assumed it's related to the upcoming changes but just about every morning all 3 of my boxes have been powered off with the guide data missing. This has been going on for about a week.

So i searched through the thread, but haven't seen a lot of discussion of this.

It appears that there are digital versions of nearly every (but not all) analogue stations already active on the network. If you're fortunate enough to have a box with a live firewire output, you can see this for yourself. Strangely, nearly every station is being carried at a different resolution. Some are 640x480, some are 540x480, and others 704x480. I'm watching TNT right now, and it's 704x480.

Obviously I'm not an HD package subscriber or I'd be watching TNT HD. But it's worth noting that ESPN and ESPN2 do NOT currently have a digital SD version, or if they do, the box isn't using it -- it's sending out an analogue->digital 640x480 version.

This is a DCX3400, without DVR features enabled, if anyone cares. Obviously as we get closer to World Of Goo time, all the analogue stations will have to have digital alternates. Of course, ATM some stations have two or three alternates, and Cartoon Network is duplicated by channel number.

well the stb(dct6200) has the history channel on 59 and mtv on 58 but my analog tv's get blue screen on 58 and 59 now, so i guess they have been moved to digital, but where?

I noticed the History Channel (59) was missing today. Called ComCrap. Guess what? They moved it to the digital tier for my 'convenience'! This is the HISTORY CHANNEL!!!! We are not talking about an expensive channel here. I'm only in the area for another month and a half so I really don't feel like purchasing the digital starter package to get one channel. If I could get satellite where I live, Comcrap would be history. They either need to move all the channels to digital and provide everyone with a STB or stop selecting channels to remove one-by-one.

MTV is gone too. I think that moved too.

OK, I'll ask. Why can't you get satellite where you live?

I noticed the History Channel (59) was missing today. Called ComCrap. Guess what? They moved it to the digital tier for my 'convenience'! This is the HISTORY CHANNEL!!!! We are not talking about an expensive channel here. I'm only in the area for another month and a half so I really don't feel like purchasing the digital starter package to get one channel. If I could get satellite where I live, Comcrap would be history. They either need to move all the channels to digital and provide everyone with a STB or stop selecting channels to remove one-by-one.

MTV is gone too. I think that moved too.

yes, history and mtv gone to digital... and it looks like encrypted also as they don't seem to be anywhere in the unencrypted channels here. channel 58 is a non channel now and 59 which was analog history is now digital and has 3 encrypted sub channels. i can still get mtv and history on the stb at 58 and 59, but the firewire will not record 59 but does record 58.

OK, I'll ask. Why can't you get satellite where you live?

From what I understand, there are generally three reasons one is not able to get satellite.

1) Severe terrain blockage caused by many mountains nearby. Probably not an issue in Jacksonville.

2) Living in an apartment on the wrong side of the building.

3) Having the line of sight blocked by trees owned by a neighbor.

- Trip

All of those reasons are correct Trip, but you forgot a 4th. Some condo assn or HOA forbids it and the person doesn't know the FCC regs control.

Both of my dishes violate my city code. I keep hoping they will come after me.

BTW, some of the FCC rules decisions are pretty funny, like the guy who put up 6-10 dishes and really pissed off the association.

OK, I'll ask. Why can't you get satellite where you live?

I'm in a condo and my exclusive use balcony faces the wrong way to set up a dish. The wiring is also a big screwy in the place, so satellite may not work well even if I could get it. Condo Association will not permit satellite dish on exterior of building. This is not a long term location for me, otherwise I would have selected a unit with a balcony facing the right way!

"Lost" was passed in DD5.1 last night. First time I noticed.

Lost was still DD2.0 here. Using antenna.

Lost was still DD2.0 here. Using antenna.

Comcast here. Got the firmware update yesterday...I don't know if it's relevant but the receiver indicated 5.1 and I could hear the difference in the sub.

edit: wacthing WJXXD now and it's passing 5.1

Strange. Tuned in The View now and it's 2.0. I assume ABC sends it 5.1.

Strange. Tuned in The View now and it's 2.0. I assume ABC sends it 5.1.

I think it's weird too that you're not getting it over OTA, but I can verify that my receiver is switching over to 5.1 when I tune in to WJXXD(ABC). I've been waiting on this for 5 years:(, and the sub difference is what caused me to initially notice while watching "Lost". Maybe some other Jax Comcast (or even Direct TV) viewers can tell us what they're getting.

Comcast HD customers are the only ones currently receiving WJXX in DD 5.1 . OTA customers (including Dish/DirecTV) are still DD 2.0 for now.

"Lost" was passed in DD5.1 last night. First time I noticed.

It was 2.0 over DircecTv as well.

I noticed last night that I received the Comcast push to upgrade the DVR software. Anyone else get this? Are there any REAL benefits? Supposed to be more Tivo like.

I noticed last night that I received the Comcast push to upgrade the DVR software. Anyone else get this? Are there any REAL benefits? Supposed to be more Tivo like.

I noticed a few improvements. Saved recordings are placed in folders. Probably the most significant (and Tivo-like) is the search feature has been expanded to include search by actor/director and search by keyword.

Another nice feature is a DVR History menu item that shows what you've recorded/deleted over the last 28 days. I hope that means it will not re-record a show that you've watched and then deleted. Happens to me all the time on premium channels like HBO where an episode is repeated several times during the week.

Comcast HD customers are the only ones currently receiving WJXX in DD 5.1 . OTA customers (including Dish/DirecTV) are still DD 2.0 for now.

I have Lost recorded but haven't watch it yet. I can't wait to finally see (hear) it in 5.1!

I'm not sure how WJXX is able to generate two different program streams, but I'm glad to find out that it does. The Comcast stream has about 1.5% higher bit rate than the OTA one.

I'm in a condo and my exclusive use balcony faces the wrong way to set up a dish. The wiring is also a big screwy in the place, so satellite may not work well even if I could get it. Condo Association will not permit satellite dish on exterior of building. This is not a long term location for me, otherwise I would have selected a unit with a balcony facing the right way!http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

Mind you, it's probably not worth the effort at this point, since you point out that it's not a long-term location for you, but for the next time...

(Unless you just want to do it because they annoy you... :D)

Anyone else basically not have ESPN on Comcast? It's been corrupted and pixellated for three days now. It's the only channel this is happening to.

Anyone else basically not have ESPN on Comcast? It's been corrupted and pixellated for three days now. It's the only channel this is happening to.

No problem here, been watching ESPN all week. That's assuming you mean ESPN-HD. I haven't tried SD channel.

Ok, I turn on ESPN-HD today and nothing. Other channels and the ESPN SD channel are fine.

Ok, I turn on ESPN-HD today and nothing. Other channels and the ESPN SD channel are fine.

Back from Gainesville tonight, same problem. It's the only channel with the problem.

And I don't have the HD package, so I'm talking about the SD version. I should note that the cable box tunes to an (as-yet unfound) QAM-encoded ESPN. My analogue tuner's version on CATV 48 is fine. I'm guessing this is some problem with the switchover to all-digital.

I have Lost recorded but haven't watch it yet. I can't wait to finally see (hear) it in 5.1!

I have U-verse and 25 is not yet in 5.1.

well the stb(dct6200) has the history channel on 59 and mtv on 58 but my analog tv's get blue screen on 58 and 59 now, so i guess they have been moved to digital, but where?

looks like comcast has encrypted palladia(pldhd) now. they are slowly but surely moving everything to encrypted, so a stb will be needed for every tv tuner in the house. wonder why they don't just announce a date certain for requiring a stb for everything. why the slow erosion of unencrypted channels...

Kaxkid - I am still getting Palladia HD (clear QAM - via HDHomerun(s) and Media center). Though only time will tell what they leave clear qam.

Not that this it is a drop dead date but the schedule for the converstions were in the paper, for me in Orange Park it will be 03/30/10.

But if you look at other forums there are reports that for a period of 90 days some people have received all the channels unencrypted and then they were all encrypted leaving only locals.

I get about one frame of ESPN (on 48) every 15 minutes now. It looks identical to what happens when you try to tune an ATSC station that has no hope whatsoever of coming in.

I don't know how a single channel can have such a degraded signal while everything else is coming in fine, especially given that I presume the digital version of ESPN has about 5 or 7 other channels on its frequency. ESPN2 comes in just fine.

Of course, the analogue version on CATV 48 is its usual self. I've rebooted the box to no effect. Gonna have to call.

Kaxkid - I am still getting Palladia HD (clear QAM - via HDHomerun(s) and Media center). Though only time will tell what they leave clear qam.

Not that this it is a drop dead date but the schedule for the converstions were in the paper, for me in Orange Park it will be 03/30/10.

But if you look at other forums there are reports that for a period of 90 days some people have received all the channels unencrypted and then they were all encrypted leaving only locals.
i'm in st augustine 32084 and pldhd was at 105-3 on my hdhr tuners. now it is not. what channel are you getting pldhd on?

i didn't see anything in the local paper about the local conversion date, but if orange park is 3/30/10, i expect the conversion down here pretty soon also. i wonder when there will be a notice about getting stb for the other tuners in the house.

http://jacksonville.com/business/2010-02-24/story/if_you_have_comcast_tv_sets_will_need_adapter_box


Mine was also on 105-3 but after a rescan with HDHomerun it is 72-3

http://jacksonville.com/business/2010-02-24/story/if_you_have_comcast_tv_sets_will_need_adapter_box


Mine was also on 105-3 but after a rescan with HDHomerun it is 72-3

right you are, found it on 72-3, thanks for the news link also. that's very interesting, although it doesn't mention st augustine specifically.

btw did you find a history channel in the clear anymore?

Unfortantely I have never had History channel HD or SD in Clear Qam, but I have only had my system setup for the past 6 weeks.

Lost was passed 5.1 last night. Comcast.

any simulcast for march madness?

There's live streaming of games at ncaa.com. About 600Kbps, so it's decent quality.

yep, but if you use the high quality setting it uses Microsoft Silverlight and will adjust quality by your connection speed.

http://mmod.ncaa.com/

I click on the HQ symbol, but see no indication of Silverlight in use. See attached.

Is there a game on now? if not then it won't work (only live games)

That explains it. Excellent pic now, about 2Mbps.

Comcast HD customers are the only ones currently receiving WJXX in DD 5.1 . OTA customers (including Dish/DirecTV) are still DD 2.0 for now.

Update: Everyone should be receiving WJXX HD in DD 5.1 now.

http://jacksonville.com/business/2010-02-24/story/if_you_have_comcast_tv_sets_will_need_adapter_box


Mine was also on 105-3 but after a rescan with HDHomerun it is 72-3

so am I correct in understanding that those new channels won't be available until the designated date? They numbers showed up on my father-in-laws MCE DCT, but no picture. Has anyone gotten the new channels yet? I'm most interested in History International...

It is kind of funny, but the in-laws will have the channels by the end of april, and they live about 5 miles away, while it appears I have to wait until august.... go figure.

sikoniko - I am in Orange Park, and I am not sure - nothing has changed on my end yet and the 03/30 deadline has come and passed - I am not using the adapters just clear qam on my tv's and my media center PCs. I have not lost anything yet. Of course I won't have anything extra yet either without a box (cable or DTA).

Nothing new yet in the Deerwood area. I'm looking forward to the Tennis Channel in HD. Unfortunately, it looks like I'll miss the French Open and Wimbledon again before it's available here. I should get it just in time for the U.S. Open, although the schedule is "subject to change" which means I won't hold my breath.

Anyone have a 3D set to watch the Masters in 3D?

weeeeeeeeeeeird.

ESPN (sd) is being sent Copy Once. ESPN2 (also sd) is being sent Copy Freely.

Edit: ESPN on 48 is back to Copy Freely.

14 April: now it's Copy Once again.

I'm getting FSN-HD on 402 in the clear right now. And Copy Freely :-)

it looks like Comcast is playing with the Clear QAM channels (at least here in Orange Park). They have removed most of my local HD channels but what is funny I still get AEHDTV, Palladia and HGTVHD - I hope I get me locals back. Anyone else notice the changes -

Also, while I am thinking about it - anyone in Jax using a cablecard tuner? Just thought I would see if anyone has any success with Comcast and cablecard.

Yea, All local channels are gone, are they going to make me pull out my antenna?

it looks like Comcast is playing with the Clear QAM channels (at least here in Orange Park). They have removed most of my local HD channels but what is funny I still get AEHDTV, Palladia and HGTVHD - I hope I get me locals back. Anyone else notice the changes -

Noticed it earlier today, and about 8pm decided to re-scan.

They're all back but in different locations again.

Don - I have rescanned multiple times I still don't have most of the HD locals back, I do however get the SD versions of the channels. Anyone else getting the local HD (via clear QAM)?

Don - I have rescanned multiple times I still don't have most of the HD locals back, I do however get the SD versions of the channels. Anyone else getting the local HD (via clear QAM)?

This is what I have for locals: Sony 60"
Reg HD
2
3 117.1
4
5 1.6
6 64.1
7
8
9 1.1
10 1.2
11 64.2

Rescanned on Vizio 22" and they reappeared also. Of course the Vizio maps multiple channels to 1.1 1.2 etc.

Edit:
I'm in Mandarin in case that makes a difference.
Earlier today all the local HD were marked "Scrambled" on the Vizio, and "No Signal" on the Sony.

Don - are you in Orange Park? The reason I ask is 1.6, 1.1, 1.2, 64.1 and 64.2 are encrypted for me and this is probably part of the DTA process. If you are in Orange Park, then this is just strange.

Thanks Don for the update -- looks like my HD Locals are scrambled for now (except for Channel 4 and MYJAXTV (not that it is HD)) -- I hope they don't screw us all with clear QAM and only give us the locals in SD like what I am experiencing now. Strange though that they would leave HGTVHD, AEHD and Palladia.

Looks like the DTA transistion here in the JAX market has begun - see article.

http://jacksonville.com/business/2010-02-24/story/if_you_have_comcast_tv_sets_will_need_adapter_box

Thanks Don for the update -- looks like my HD Locals are scrambled for now (except for Channel 4 and MYJAXTV (not that it is HD)) -- I hope they don't screw us all with clear QAM and only give us the locals in SD like what I am experiencing now. Strange though that they would leave HGTVHD, AEHD and Palladia.

Looks like the DTA transistion here in the JAX market has begun - see article.

http://jacksonville.com/business/2010-02-24/story/if_you_have_comcast_tv_sets_will_need_adapter_box

MyJaxTv HD is 104.3
HGTV HD is 108.3
A&E HD is 108.2
Palladia is 72.3

LOL, my Guide ch 4 is gone, now on 74.7
Local weather ch 30 is gone, now on 77.11

Fun Fun - the image I posted (9 posts above this one)above show the channels that I now getting.

I am having the same problem as you Gator99. I'm near Orange Park and my hd locals have been off all day. I have been rescanning channels all day with no luck. I 've about had it with comcast. It is time to put up outside antenna.

it looks like Comcast is playing with the Clear QAM channels (at least here in Orange Park). They have removed most of my local HD channels but what is funny I still get AEHDTV, Palladia and HGTVHD - I hope I get me locals back. Anyone else notice the changes -

It has resembled that for weeks here in Jax proper.

And yes, the locals were shifted considerably downward, which may or may not impact you depending on how good your wiring, distance from headend, etc. is.

I really cannot fathom why they did this. All they really did was take the local HD versions and move them about 300 Mhz downward as a block.

I have a few questions, i don't know a lot about this stuff so excuse my ignorance. I've been paying comcast for limited basic about $17 a month and have been picking up the QAM, and just like you guys in mandarin and OP i have lost the local HD channels except for ch4 and i live near UNF. Anyways, my friend gave me some box that comcast gave him for free to put on all his tv's, if i put this on mine will i lose the remaing QAM channels that i have? (i think you have to register the box to your tv or something).
Also, if i get rid of cable and just use an antenna with the digital converter box will i be able to pick up any HD signal or just SD?
Thanks in advance for your knowledge =)

FYI - after another rescan - I have my locals (HD) back.

JagFan28 - I'll see if I can answer some questions, but I am new to Comcast (3 months) so others can jump in and correct or add anything I am about to write.

This is what I know (and don't know) - the box your friend is refering to is the DTA boxes that will give you all your channels (basic, expanded) in SD so they can get rid of the analog channels to make room for more digital (HD mostly) channels.

Now I too have limited basic that comes with my internet service and that is all I want right now (mostly locals in HD is my priority) hence the semi panic the past two days.

No one really knows with comcast jax will really do after the transition (DTA) as far as encrypting HD locals and other channels but other markets so far have been pretty lucky and their HD locals have be left alone at least from what I have read.

As bubba mentioned above the channels are now on a different frequency and the filters that Comcast use are probably blocking these signals for you. If that is to change I do not know, just keep rescaning and go to this website to check for clear qam channels

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels_us

As far as the DTA box, not sure about what you are referring to about registering the TV or if you will lose clear QAM but if you are feeding you TV with only the DTA box then yes you will lose clear qam as there is probably only 1 rf (rg6 cable) input into your tv so you either connect the dta or coax for clear qam.

Technically after the DTA transition the only channels someone without a Comcast Box (DTA, DVR or other) will be the limited basic in clear qam and I am not sure that includes the HD locals just the SD versions.

Now as far as OTA with an antenna - it depends on what type of box you get - you can buy one for HD or SD - just research which one you want. I use an old Directv receiver for my HD locals OTA (over the air).

Thanks for the info Jeff. I just talked to comcast who said that my plan does not require a box, in other words i would need to upgrade to "extended basic" in order to get locals HD's back. Hopefully i'll get luck like you and they'll show up again soon. By the way, when you got them back did they show up on your VIZIO? im not using any additional receivers on my 2 vizios (37" and 32"), just the internal QAM tuner.

just scanned and they did show up.

by the way I would double check with them again, in order to get your HD local channels back I don't think the free DTA box will give you HD only SD, so they will require you to rent a HD box in order to get the HD locals

Thanks for the info Jeff. I just talked to comcast who said that my plan does not require a box, in other words i would need to upgrade to "extended basic" in order to get locals HD's back. Hopefully i'll get luck like you and they'll show up again soon. By the way, when you got them back did they show up on your VIZIO? im not using any additional receivers on my 2 vizios (37" and 32"), just the internal QAM tuner.

I've got 3 Vizios, 2 22s and 1 32. All the local HD channels were in the range 1.1 thru 1.4. When they went out, my Vizios had a blue screen and said "Scrambled". After a rescan they reappeared on the same channels as before.

That's interesting Don - when I rescanned with my 42" Vizio - they were at 1.1 1.2 etc. but after the rescan they were 64.1, 64.2, 66.1 etc. but nothing at 1.1, 1.2.

Also, if i get rid of cable and just use an antenna with the digital converter box will i be able to pick up any HD signal or just SD?
Thanks in advance for your knowledge =)

I'm not sure why you would need a converter box. I think every HDTV already has a digital tuner. Just plug some rabbit ears in.

Good point grittree for OTA.

Here's what I have from my abode in San Marco. I don't have an actual TV, a digital one at least, so you'll have to use a frequency list to match them up to actual "channels."

http://mocksession.com/CHANLIST.gif

I am down in Jacksonville staying in a beach house for work and it appears the tv here has QAM but I can't find much of anything. Can someone point me to what channel TNT is so I can watch the basketball game.. thanks.

I am down in Jacksonville staying in a beach house for work and it appears the tv here has QAM but I can't find much of anything. Can someone point me to what channel TNT is so I can watch the basketball game.. thanks.

Analogue 46.

Weird. That channel says scrambled video.