Weird. That channel says scrambled video.

You need to be on CATV 46, not digital 46.

in other words - TNT is not available in jax area clear qam

I've lost all of the ClearQAM local HD channels except for WJXTHD at my home near Kernan Blvd. I use HDHomeRun to 3 Win7 Media Centers. The SiliconDust website says I should now get the local HD channels in the 63.xx through 66.xx range, but I can't get them. I can still get Palladia, HGTVHD, AETVHD, and WJXTHD. I can get the locals in SD over ClearQAM, but that's useless to me.

I think this will pretty much be the end of my relationship with Comcast (or Xfinity or whatever they want to call themselves). They just have no idea how to please customers. The only reason to constantly move the QAM channels is to make it hard for us to watch the unencrypted QAM local HDs. Any technological mumbo-jumbo about why they move the QAM channels 3 or 4 times a year is malarkey.

At the peak I was paying $380 a month to Comcast for my house, my parents house, and my in-laws house. I finally realized that we were only watching the local channels because the majority of the 400+ cable channels (except for a few staples like Comedy Central and Discovery) were unwatchable. So I downgraded to only locals with no cable boxes. The only reason I still clung to the cable line was because watching the local OTA broadcasts still gets blocky reception every now and then. Guess it's time for me to take the $20 a month I'm now paying Comcast and invest in better antenna technology.

Adios Comcast.

Is anyone in Jacksonville using an HDHomeRun to get local OTA HD? I set up an antenna in my attic and it worked well for a while, but I abandoned the idea when I kept getting blocky reception during my superbowl party. If so, what type (and/or brand, model, etc) of antenna are you using? Mounted outside or in?

I use HDHRs.

I'm surprised you had a problem with CBS (rf 19) since it is vhf channels 10 & 13 that cause most problems.

I just use a small ratshack vhf/uhf combo mounted on the garage ceiling. By not attaching the vertical uhf reflector, it's only a few inches tall and fits above the door.

see pic

grittree - I like your antenna install -- pretty sharp and simple/clean.

I also have been having issues with rf19 (cbs) lately OTA - and my antenna is on a 30-35' pole outside. I Try not to use OTA though only for emergencies. I have two HDHRs and find they are really nice tuners both QAM and ATSC.

Just my opinion,but lately WJCT 7.1 seems to have vastly improved the HD picture OTA. The pq was so bad before,I hope this is not my imagination.

I just moved back to Jax a couple months ago and reinstalled Win7 and my HDHR tonight. It appears my HD clear QAM ABC and WAWS are now gone. Just SD versions. Is this the final word then? I only just resubscribed to this thread though I do see the above comments about all this.

Does everybody think Comcast is just screwing around or is the end of clear QAM for us here?

I'm in Atlantic Beach now, dunno how I'd do with an antenna. When I previously lived in Jax at Beach Blvd and San Pablo an attic antenna did just fine except for the CW channel.

- Tom

I just moved back to Jax a couple months ago and reinstalled Win7 and my HDHR tonight. It appears my HD clear QAM ABC and WAWS are now gone. Just SD versions. Is this the final word then? I only just resubscribed to this thread though I do see the above comments about all this.

Does everybody think Comcast is just screwing around or is the end of clear QAM for us here?

I'm in Atlantic Beach now, dunno how I'd do with an antenna. When I previously lived in Jax at Beach Blvd and San Pablo an attic antenna did just fine except for the CW channel.

- Tom

Interesting - I'm in Neptune Beach and I still have all my HD locals via Comcast clear QAM (using win7 and a hauppauge 950Q). Since the digital changeover this month (on the 20th), the virtual channel numbers are no longer showing up in a scan, so I had to hunt for the real ones. Here are the HD channels I'm using:

63.1 - WCWJDT
63.2 - WAWSDT
64.1 - WTEVDT
64.2 - WTLVDT
66.1 - WJCTDT
66.6 - WJXXDT

Hope this helps.

Welcome Back trbarry -- anyway WAWS according to my HDHR is at 63.2 and ABC is at 66.6 - I just noticed that vebix posted with all the new locals. Most likely there is a filter on your line (at the box) that is preventing you from receiving the channels at these frequencies.

Welcome Back trbarry -- anyway WAWS according to my HDHR is at 63.2 and ABC is at 66.6 - I just noticed that vebix posted with all the new locals. Most likely there is a filter on your line (at the box) that is preventing you from receiving the channels at these frequencies.

Thanks guys. I don't even know how on the HDHR to specify a channel it didn't find on the scan. I suppose it's possible. Maybe if I get some time this weekend I'll research it a bit more. There is probably an ini file or a table somewhere.

Since I'm only a broadband + limited basic subscriber it is easily possible I have a couple filters on my line. I have a few other old PCHD cards here that can dial in a specific channel. Maybe I'll try one of those.

- Tom

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this pleasant discovery...

http://mocksession.com/RedZone.jpg

Hey Barry, since you are at the beaches, the comcast upgrade was supposed to happen there a week ago. I don't know if that affects local QAM channels. QAM channels 63-66 are right at the high end of the range the expanded basic filter traps out. Can't remember the exact cutoff, but it's in the upper 60's (from memory).

Also, starting with Win7, you don't use the HDHR utility to set your QAM channels. That's all done in 7MC (or other front end), and you have to manually assign the stations to the channels after the MC setup scan completes. Setup just finds clear frequencies, but doesn't identify most.

i saw that i was picking up the redzone channel too. my instincts tell me that once football season starts it will go away though.

i could use some advice from you guys though. i live in a condo on the top floor and don't have a balcony. the condo association says thats the only way i can receive sattellite tv since we aren't allowed to put a dish anywhere else. has anyone ever found a way around this? really all i want are my local HD channels back.

You might see if comcast has a special on digital starter pkg now. It includes removing the trap. It's 29.99 + taxes for 12 months.

UNF is only 3 miles from the towers. Rabbit ears should work fine.

Hey Barry, since you are at the beaches, the comcast upgrade was supposed to happen there a week ago. I don't know if that affects local QAM channels. QAM channels 63-66 are right at the high end of the range the expanded basic filter traps out. Can't remember the exact cutoff, but it's in the upper 60's (from memory).

Also, starting with Win7, you don't use the HDHR utility to set your QAM channels. That's all done in 7MC (or other front end), and you have to manually assign the stations to the channels after the MC setup scan completes. Setup just finds clear frequencies, but doesn't identify most.


grittree - have you used HDHR's (hdhomerun_wmc_sync.exe) program? after you scan with HDHR's utility - you correct the channel numbers/descriptions and activate you ones you want and then you use hdhomerun_wmc_sync.exe (it is in the program files folder for Silcondust\hdhomerun). It loads them into Windows 7 media center automatically. I would suggest scanning with media center 7 first though - then run HDHR's programs.

It works pretty well - but so does guide tool - I use them both.

trbarry - you have the trap on your line and with it you won't get the channels in the 60's at least with it one or if they move them again (which I would bet they will not)

Glad to see silicondust got that program. Last I checked was about 1/2 year ago and they were working on it.

Truth is I only put about 5 cable channels in my guide, just the news outlets. In SD. For entertainment cable shows I get x264s off netnews, and the local stations in HD off antenna.

Gotta love those HDHR guys. If I ever get a cablecard tuner, it will prob be theirs and not Ceton.

Agree - I have only had their tuner for 3 months - fantastic product.

grittree - have you used HDHR's (hdhomerun_wmc_sync.exe) program? after you scan with HDHR's utility - you correct the channel numbers/descriptions and activate you ones you want and then you use hdhomerun_wmc_sync.exe (it is in the program files folder for Silcondust\hdhomerun). It loads them into Windows 7 media center automatically. I would suggest scanning with media center 7 first though - then run HDHR's programs.

It works pretty well - but so does guide tool - I use them both.

trbarry - you have the trap on your line and with it you won't get the channels in the 60's at least with it one or if they move them again (which I would bet they will not)

I don't bother with WMC 7 because the HDHR setup has always worked for me quite well with the CW EPG that I like. I timeshift most everything.

My problem is likely the filters you and others have mentioned. I've meant to call Comcast and complain since I'm supposed to get the network channels even on the limited basic lifeline tier that I subscribe to. And there's not supposed to be an extra charge for HDTV though I suppose there is no law against it and the FCC's ability to regulate Comcast is recently diminished. Either way I'll call them and at least see what their policy is and if all this is on purpose or not. But I just never got around to it yesterday.

- Tom

Okay, I finally called Comcast to find out where my HD network channels went. Even after a total of almost 40 minutes on hold confirming the official answer was a lifeline tier limited basic subscriber like myself is no longer eligible to receive network OTA channels in HDTV, even if I have have a digital cable ready TV or various clear QAM PC tuners.

It's really too bad. The FCC used to have a stated policy that lifeline tier customers are entitled to receive the OTA network channels in substantially unimpaired quality. I guess these days that allows the cable companies to downgrade the HD channels to 480i SDTV. Oh, well.

I even tried to cancel my limited basic subscription over this but was told the cheapest 6 mbps broadband subscription without it would be sixty some dollars per month. Since that is more than my current teaser rate even with the limited basic I left it alone for now. I'll cancel in a couple months once my bill goes up.

- Tom

Tom, im in the same position you are. You probably already know all about this but i just picked up a UHF antenna from radio shack along with an a/b switch. the antenna is picking up all the locals in HD except ABC. Anyways the a/b switch allows me to switch back and forth between the antenna and cable which isn't so bad especially if you spend the extra money and get the remote controlled a/b switch. anyways i hope this helps.

i could use some advice from you guys though. i live in a condo on the top floor and don't have a balcony. the condo association says thats the only way i can receive sattellite tv since we aren't allowed to put a dish anywhere else. has anyone ever found a way around this? really all i want are my local HD channels back.
I'd say go read the link I printed out here, then go to your condo association and tell them FCC rule 47 C.F.R. 1.4000 precludes them from dictating most antenna/dish mounting restrictions. Don't expect them to not make a fuss about it, mind you...

Jazhuis,

I did use your link, and it was helpful but there is a section in that rule that doesn't apply to condos, they cannot restrict you from having one. but they can restrict where you put it, and if there is no where to put it they don't have to provide you with a place to use it. therefore you're screwed.

Jazhuis,

I did use your link, and it was helpful but there is a section in that rule that doesn't apply to condos, they cannot restrict you from having one. but they can restrict where you put it, and if there is no where to put it they don't have to provide you with a place to use it. therefore you're screwed.

Huh, the law has no exception, especially if they don't have an "approved place".

If they don't provide a place, then you are free to place it on your private balcony, patio, window, etc.

If they do decide to make an "approved place" and it makes quality reception impossible, unreasonable costs or delayed process, it is illegal. You have CASE law in your favor.

Read and print this out:

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

Here's a quote from the second link above:

==========
Q: I'm a board member of a homeowners' association, and we want to revise our restrictions so that they will comply with the FCC rule. Do you have guidelines you can send me?

A: The Commission does not have sample guidelines because every community is different. We can provide you the rule and the relevant orders, which will give you general guidance. (See list of documents at the end of this Information Sheet. Some communities have written restrictions that provide a prioritized list of placement preferences so that residents can see where the association wants them to install the antenna.

The residents should comply with the placement preferences provided the preferred placement does not impose unreasonable delay or expense or preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal.

==============
Remember, Federal Law PREMPTS your condo's CCR's and HOA regarding antennas to receive 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.

If they fail to yield, take down the association's representative's name & contact info, and call your local FCC office.

:-) neil

For posterity sake here's selected Q&A's from the FCC, and the entire document as a PDF.

taken from:

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

:-) neil
=====
Q: What types of restrictions are prohibited?

A: The rule prohibits restrictions that impair a person's ability to install, maintain, or use an antenna covered by the rule. The rule applies to state or local laws or regulations, including zoning, land-use or building regulations, private covenants, homeowners' association rules, condominium or cooperative association restrictions, lease restrictions, or similar restrictions on property within the exclusive use or control of the antenna user where the user has an ownership or leasehold interest in the property. A restriction impairs if it: (1) unreasonably delays or prevents use of; (2) unreasonably increases the cost of; or (3) precludes a person from receiving or transmitting an acceptable quality signal from an antenna covered under the rule. The rule does not prohibit legitimate safety restrictions or restrictions designed to preserve designated or eligible historic or prehistoric properties, provided the restriction is no more burdensome than necessary to accomplish the safety or preservation purpose.

Q: What types of restrictions unreasonably delay or prevent viewers from using an antenna? Can an antenna user be required to obtain prior approval before installing his antenna?

A: A local restriction that prohibits all antennas would prevent viewers from receiving signals, and is prohibited by the Commission's rule. Procedural requirements can also unreasonably delay installation, maintenance or use of an antenna covered by this rule. For example, local regulations that require a person to obtain a permit or approval prior to installation create unreasonable delay and are generally prohibited. Permits or prior approval necessary to serve a legitimate safety or historic preservation purpose may be permissible. Although a simple notification process might be permissible, such a process cannot be used as a prior approval requirement and may not delay or increase the cost of installation. The burden is on the association to show that a notification process does not violate our rule.

Q: What is an unreasonable expense?

A: Any requirement to pay a fee to the local authority for a permit to be allowed to install an antenna would be unreasonable because such permits are generally prohibited. It may also be unreasonable for a local government, community association or landlord to require a viewer to incur additional costs associated with installation. Things to consider in determining the reasonableness of any costs imposed include: (1) the cost of the equipment and services, and (2) whether there are similar requirements for comparable objects, such as air conditioning units or trash receptacles. For example, restrictions cannot require that expensive landscaping screen relatively unobtrusive DBS antennas. A requirement to paint an antenna so that it blends into the background against which it is mounted would likely be acceptable, provided it will not interfere with reception or impose unreasonable costs.

Q: What restrictions prevent a viewer from receiving an acceptable quality signal? Can a homeowners association or other restricting entity establish enforceable preferences for antenna locations?

A: For antennas designed to receive analog signals, such as TVBS, a requirement that an antenna be located where reception would be impossible or substantially degraded is prohibited by the rule. However, a regulation requiring that antennas be placed where they are not visible from the street would be permissible if this placement does not prevent reception of an acceptable quality signal or impose unreasonable expense or delay. For example, if installing an antenna in the rear of the house costs significantly more than installation on the side of the house, then such a requirement would be prohibited. If, however, installation in the rear of the house does not impose unreasonable expense or delay or preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal, then the restriction is permissible and the viewer must comply.

The acceptable quality signal standard is different for devices designed to receive digital signals, such as DBS antennas, digital broadband radio service antennas, digital television ("DTV") antennas, and digital fixed wireless antennas. For a digital antenna to receive or transmit an acceptable quality signal, the antenna must be installed where it has an unobstructed, direct view of the satellite or other device from which signals are received or to which signals are to be transmitted. Unlike analog antennas, digital antennas, even in the presence of sufficient over-the-air signal strength, will at times provide no picture or sound unless they are placed and oriented properly.

Q: Can a restriction limit the number of antennas that may be installed at a particular location?

The Commission’s rule covers the antennas necessary to receive service. Therefore, a local rule may not, for example, allow only one antenna if more than one antenna is necessary to receive the desired service.


Q: Are all restrictions prohibited?

A: No. Clearly-defined, legitimate safety restrictions are permitted even if they impair installation, maintenance or use provided they are necessary to protect public safety and are no more burdensome than necessary to ensure safety. Examples of valid safety restrictions include fire codes preventing people from installing antennas on fire escapes; restrictions requiring that a person not place an antenna within a certain distance from a power line; and installation requirements that describe the proper method to secure an antenna. The safety reason for the restriction must be written in the text, preamble or legislative history of the restriction, or in a document that is readily available to antenna users, so that a person who wishes to install an antenna knows what restrictions apply. Safety restrictions cannot discriminate between objects that are comparable in size and weight and pose the same or a similar safety risk as the antenna that is being restricted.

Restrictions necessary for historic preservation also may be permitted even if they impair installation, maintenance or use of the antenna. To qualify for this exemption, the property may be any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure or object included in, or eligible for inclusion on, the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, restrictions necessary for historic preservation must be no more burdensome than necessary to accomplish the historic preservation goal. They also must be imposed and enforced in a non-discriminatory manner, as compared to other modern structures that are comparable in size and weight and to which local regulation would normally apply.

Q: Whose antenna restrictions are prohibited?

A: The rule applies to restrictions imposed by local governments, including zoning, land-use or building regulations; by homeowner, townhome, condominium or cooperative association rules, including deed restrictions, covenants, by-laws and similar restrictions; and by manufactured housing (mobile home) park owners and landlords, including lease restrictions. The rule only applies to restrictions on property where the viewer has an ownership or leasehold interest and exclusive use or control.

Q: If I live in a condominium or an apartment building, does this rule apply to me?

A: The rule applies to antenna users who live in a multiple dwelling unit building, such as a condominium or apartment building, if the antenna user has an exclusive use area in which to install the antenna. "Exclusive use" means an area of the property that only you, and persons you permit, may enter and use to the exclusion of other residents. For example, your condominium or apartment may include a balcony, terrace, deck or patio that only you can use, and the rule applies to these areas. The rule does not apply to common areas, such as the roof, the hallways, the walkways or the exterior walls of a condominium or apartment building. Restrictions on antennas installed in these common areas are not covered by the Commission's rule. For example, the rule would not apply to restrictions that prevent drilling through the exterior wall of a condominium or rental unit and thus restrictions may prohibit installation that requires such drilling.

Q: Does the rule apply to condominiums or apartment buildings if the antenna is installed so that it hangs over or protrudes beyond the balcony railing or patio wall?

A: No. The rule does not prohibit restrictions on antennas installed beyond the balcony or patio of a condominium or apartment unit if such installation is in, on, or over a common area. An antenna that extends out beyond the balcony or patio is usually considered to be in a common area that is not within the scope of the rule. Therefore, the rule does not apply to a condominium or rental apartment unit unless the antenna is installed wholly within the exclusive use area, such as the balcony or patio.

Q: Does the fact that management or the association has the right to enter these areas mean that the resident does not have exclusive use?

A: No. The fact that the building management or the association may enter an area for the purpose of inspection and/or repair does not mean that the resident does not have exclusive use of that area. Likewise, if the landlord or association regulates other uses of the exclusive use area (e.g., banning grills on balconies), that does not affect the viewer's rights under the Commission's rule. This rule permits persons to install antennas on property over which the person has either exclusive use or exclusive control. Note, too, that nothing in this rule changes the landlord's or association's right to regulate use of exclusive use areas for other purposes. For example, if the lease prohibits antennas and flags on balconies, only the prohibition of antennas is eliminated by this rule; flags would still be prohibited.

Q: Does the rule apply to residents of rental property?

A: Yes. Effective January 22, 1999, renters may install antennas within their leasehold, which means inside the dwelling or on outdoor areas that are part of the tenant's leased space and which are under the exclusive use or control of the tenant. Typically, for apartments, these areas include balconies, balcony railings, and terraces. For rented single family homes or manufactured homes which sit on rented property, these areas include the home itself and patios, yards, gardens or other similar areas. If renters do not have access to these outside areas, the tenant may install the antenna inside the rental unit. Renters are not required to obtain the consent of the landlord prior to installing an antenna in these areas. The rule does not apply to common areas, such as the roof or the exterior walls of an apartment building. Generally, balconies or patios that are shared with other people or are accessible from other units are not considered to be exclusive use areas.

Q: Are there restrictions that may be placed on residents of rental property?

A: Yes. A restriction necessary to prevent damage to leased property may be reasonable. For example, tenants could be prohibited from drilling holes through exterior walls or through the roof. However, a restriction designed to prevent ordinary wear and tear (e.g., marks, scratches, and minor damage to carpets, walls and draperies) would likely not be reasonable provided the antenna is installed wholly within the antenna user's own exclusive use area. In addition, rental property is subject to the same protection and exceptions to the rule as owned property. Thus, a landlord may impose other types of restrictions that do not impair installation, maintenance or use under the rule. The landlord may also impose restrictions necessary for safety or historic preservation.

Q: If I live in a condominium, cooperative, or other type of residence where certain areas have been designated as "common," do these rules apply to me?

A: The rules apply to residents of these types of buildings, but the rules do not permit you to install an antenna on a common area, such as a walkway, hallway, community garden, exterior wall or the roof. However, you may install the antenna wholly within a balcony, deck, patio, or other area where you have exclusive use.

Drilling through an exterior wall, e.g. to run the cable from the patio into the unit, is generally not within the protection of the rule because the exterior wall is generally a common element. You may wish to check with your retailer or installer for advice on how to install the antenna without drilling a hole. Alternatively, your landlord or association may grant permission for you to drill such a hole. The Commission's rules generally do not cover installations if you drill through a common element.

Q: If my association, building management, landlord, or property owner provides a central antenna, may I install an individual antenna?

A: Generally, the availability of a central antenna may allow the association, landlord, property owner, or other management entity to restrict the installation by individuals of antennas otherwise protected by the rule. Restrictions based on the availability of a central antenna will generally be permissible provided that: (1) the person receives the particular video programming or fixed wireless service that the person desires and could receive with an individual antenna covered under the rule (e.g., the person would be entitled to receive service from a specific provider, not simply a provider selected by the association); (2) the signal quality of transmission to and from the person's home using the central antenna is as good as, or better than, the quality the person could receive or transmit with an individual antenna covered by the rule; (3) the costs associated with the use of the central antenna are not greater than the costs of installation, maintenance and use of an individual antenna covered under the rule; and (4) the requirement to use the central antenna instead of an individual antenna does not unreasonably delay the viewer's ability to receive video programming or fixed wireless services.

Q: May the association, landlord, building management or property owner restrict the installation of an individual antenna because a central antenna will be available in the future?

A: It is not the intent of the Commission to deter or unreasonably delay the installation of individual antennas because a central antenna may become available. However, persons could be required to remove individual antennas once a central antenna is available if the cost of removal is paid by the landlord or association and the user is reimbursed for the value of the antenna. Further, an individual who wants video programming or fixed wireless services other than what is available through the central antenna should not be unreasonably delayed in obtaining the desired programming or services either through modifications to the central antenna, installation of an additional central antenna, or by using an individual antenna.

Q: I live in a townhome community. Am I covered by the FCC rule?

A: Yes. If you own the whole townhouse, including the walls and the roof and the land under the building, then the rule applies just as it does for a single family home, and you may be able to put the antenna on the roof, the exterior wall, the backyard or any other place that is part of what you own. If the townhouse is a condominium, then the rule applies as it does for any other type of condominium, which means it applies only where you have an exclusive use area. If it is a condominium townhouse, you probably cannot use the roof, the chimney, or the exterior walls unless the condominium association gives you permission. You may want to check your ownership documents to determine what areas are owned by you or are reserved for your exclusive use.

Q: I live in a condominium with a balcony, but I cannot receive a signal from the satellite because my balcony faces north. Can I use the roof?

A: No. The roof of a condominium is generally a common area, not an area reserved for an individual's exclusive use. If the roof is a common area, you may not use it unless the condominium association gives you permission. The condominium is not obligated to provide a place for you to install an antenna if you do not have an exclusive use area.

Jagfan28,

so if you're on the top-floor, and have no balcony, do you have a window or other exclusive area ?

Can you get an accommodation on the roof, even though it is a "common area" ?

:-) neil

This is the rule that is preventing me:
Q: If I live in a condominium or an apartment building, does this rule apply to me?

A: The rule applies to antenna users who live in a multiple dwelling unit building, such as a condominium or apartment building, if the antenna user has an exclusive use area in which to install the antenna. "Exclusive use" means an area of the property that only you, and persons you permit, may enter and use to the exclusion of other residents. For example, your condominium or apartment may include a balcony, terrace, deck or patio that only you can use, and the rule applies to these areas. The rule does not apply to common areas, such as the roof, the hallways, the walkways or the exterior walls of a condominium or apartment building. Restrictions on antennas installed in these common areas are not covered by the Commission's rule. For example, the rule would not apply to restrictions that prevent drilling through the exterior wall of a condominium or rental unit and thus restrictions may prohibit installation that requires such drilling.


I am on the top floor, but i don't have a balcony or a window with a southern exposure. they will not allow my to put one on the roof either.

Hey guys,

I moved from the Northside of town to the Southside. I lived in Riverside and had basic cable (channels 2-99) and have a HTPC with QAM. I would get the basic cable channels plus all the clearQAM local channels plus a few extra. Now that I have moved to a newer side of town, Comcast has blocked all the channels and I am having a hard time picking up anything at all via QAM. I am not even getting a majority of the local channels in HD. I am guessing my options are to ditch cable and go with an antenna, or "upgrade" and get the set top box.

Am I able to get the set top box, then plug that into my HTPC via COAX and get the rest of the channels. Or will getting the set top box unlock the channels so I can use the HTPC and then just not use the box?

I know I can go with a cablecard, but right now there are not many options for a custom made HTPC, and the InfiniTV 4 looks like it will be a little out of my price range. I guess I could get an external cablecard tuner, correct?

Thanks

Your first problem is likely just the way your tuner works. For example, to get WJXX-DT you might get it on 66-6 (where it really is) or you might have to tune the virtual channel of 1-6 Which can change anytime. And then use channel up and down because there might be a few stations mapped to 1-6.

On using the STB feeding an HTPC, that won't work. Except for using a rf output feeding an analog tuner on the PC. SD only of course.

I don't think there is any external cablecard tuner now. The $250 HDHR is year end and I don't know what Ceton plans.

Awesome. WAWS isn't giving us the Champions League final in HD.

Your network spends millions upon millions to present this first-ever broadcast, and you guys can't be bothered to flip whatever switch makes it HD.

It switched to HD about 45 minutes into the broadcast... but now it's time for the Fox baseball game of the week... and it's not in HD.

Seriously, how stupid are they over there? Why is anything ever NOT in HD?

Get a cable box and use firewire. That's what I do, though I get plenty of stuff in QAM as well (read a page or two earlier in the thread)

Got the "World of More" upgrade here on the Westside yesterday, looks like Comcast is sticking to the rollout schedule that was posted earlier this year.

Hey guys,

I moved from the Northside of town to the Southside. I lived in Riverside and had basic cable (channels 2-99) and have a HTPC with QAM. I would get the basic cable channels plus all the clearQAM local channels plus a few extra. Now that I have moved to a newer side of town, Comcast has blocked all the channels and I am having a hard time picking up anything at all via QAM. I am not even getting a majority of the local channels in HD. I am guessing my options are to ditch cable and go with an antenna, or "upgrade" and get the set top box.

Am I able to get the set top box, then plug that into my HTPC via COAX and get the rest of the channels. Or will getting the set top box unlock the channels so I can use the HTPC and then just not use the box?

I know I can go with a cablecard, but right now there are not many options for a custom made HTPC, and the InfiniTV 4 looks like it will be a little out of my price range. I guess I could get an external cablecard tuner, correct?

Thanks

As I posted above a few weeks ago I had a similar problem here in Atlantic Beach. As a limited basic subscriber I'd previously gotten all the network channels in clear QAM HD. Then, in the middle of April they went away and only the SD versions were available. This was not because the HD versions were encrypted but because Comcast moved them to numbers in the 60's where a limited basic customer has filters and so can't get them.

I was going to cancel Comcast when my 6 month teaser rate ran out but instead they offered me another deal. I am still a limited basic user but also rent one of their HD STB's for a few $$'s more per month. In order to make this work with the HD channels they have to remove those filters that screen out channels 63-66. Once the filters are gone I can receive the HD channels on my PC and digital cable ready TV's again.

So I don't even have the box hooked up (it takes 500W) but I have to keep renting it or I'm told they will likely put the filters back on. It sits unplugged on a shelf here.

As part of the deal Comcast has extended my teaser rate for another 6 months. At the end of that time the box will become prohibitively expensive and I suppose I'll have to cancel cable again but this at least allows me to procrastinate for awhile until I find an alternative.

I still don't really think Comcast should be charging extra for network channels in HD but this is at least a temporary solution.

- Tom

I am in Savannah, and I'm wondering if ya'll got your new allotment of HD channels for Xfinity before you got the DTA's, because they said we are supposed to get 30 new HD channels this summer but they haven't sent out DTA's. We also have the same channel numbers for the same stations as you do - 403=ESPNHD, etc.

WAWS is a complete disaster today. No HD, and a completely scrambled or nonexistent picture. Identical on both antenna and cable so it's pretty obvious they're screwing around with something and ruining our Saturday baseball yet again.

Edit: and now we see a glimpse of the Cardinals game? Does anyone over there know what they're doing?

I've lost all of my locals on comcast qam:confused:
I have the most basic Comcast package for TV, just so they will allow me to get internet. I will not pay any more to these criminals for locals, and I already have D*. I just want to have the luxury of recording some shows on my PC. If they can't provide something everyone else does, that is just absurd. I find it humorous though that they give me A&E, HGTV, and Paladia(something I even pay extra for on D* in their HD extra pack) but can't provide measly networks.

I guess I'm going to have to pull out my antenna and hope to get decent signals. If it makes any difference, I'm in fleming island
according to my bill, I pay for 'Basic TV'

comcast chat provided this gem:
Thank you for waiting. Yes, you should be getting at least the local HD channels in your area. This may be a signal problem and the best possible solution is for me to schedule a technician to your place. Will this be alright?

I'm going to try and get one of those free DTA boxes and see if that fixes anything. I doubt it though since it bypasses the QAM tuner I believe

DTA - will not give you HD. As mentioned before in this thread the HD clear QAM locals have been moved to an area blocked by the filters placed on people with basic only. trbarry has indicated that the solution (see his previous post just above - it will be expensive though in the end) that you will have to get their HD box (not DTA - and you don't have to use it either) and they will remove the filters.

Crappy I know but that is how it is in Jax (at least for now).

I guess I'll hook up my antenna then. Hope I get some decent signals. VHF will probably provide a challenge :(

Ugh. Thanks a ton comcrap. I can't get any VHF signal on my antenna, so now i am out of luck because they had to remove qam locals.

those of you not receiving qam locals:
have you attempted to call a local comcast office and voice your complaints? i plan to call comcast in orange park this afternoon

Lkr - yes I have called - but to clarify - locals are available in clear QAM just not HD.

locals are pointless if they're not in HD. did they give you a run around when you called? I wish I could get VHF working here so I could watch locals on my htpc

I'm on the phone right now with some who has no clue what a QAM tuner is and is oblivious to the fact that HD QAM exists. This is just fantastic. Although she is putting me on hold now, so maybe I'll get transferred to someone that has a little more technical knowledge.

AT&T U-verse is now available for my location. I'm particularly interested in hearing opinions about the PQ of the HD channels and the Total Home DVR capabilities. I'm currently on Comcast.

Anyone have experience with U-verse?

AT&T U-verse is now available for my location. I'm particularly interested in hearing opinions about the PQ of the HD channels and the Total Home DVR capabilities. I'm currently on Comcast.

Anyone have experience with U-verse?

what location are you in? i'm desperately awaiting uverse in Fleming Island so I can dump Comcast phone/Internet.

what location are you in? i'm desperately awaiting uverse in Fleming Island so I can dump Comcast phone/Internet.

I'm in the Deerwood area in So. Jacksonville. I've been periodically checking my address at att.com/new4you. When I saw work being done in the neighborhood recently I suspected it might be for U-verse and sure enough, it's available now.

I've been ready to ditch Comcast for some time and U-verse seems like it might be a good alternative and potentially save a bundle versus my Comcast cable, dsl and landline phone. They claim internet speeds ranging from 12 mbps for their Max service to 18 Mbps for Max Plus and 24 Mbps for Max Turbo (all taken with a healthy dose of skepticism). Nevertheless, I'm currently on a 6 Mbps dsl line.

The full U450 TV package has 390 digital channels and 115 HD channels. They have 3 other lesser packages. The Total Home DVR has 4 tuners and records and plays back from any TV that has a receiver attached. I can't tell the size of the HDD but it says it stores 233 hours of SD or 65 hours of HD. That's about 3 times the storage of my 160 GB Moto DVR's. I could get rid of the 3 Comcast DVR's in place of the 1 DVR with U-verse.

A couple of concerns I have is I believe the number of HD streams is limited to either 2 or 3 simultaneously. In my household, we can regularly have 3 HD sets going at once. I'm wondering also if internet speeds slow considerably with HD streaming to the TV's. Also, there have been reports in other places of PQ problems, especially with fast moving content such as sports, but I don't know how that is related to distance to node, or house wiring, etc.

I would love to see for myself how it works before I attempt to switch, or at least hear from others that have it in the Jacksonville area. I could potentially save a significant amount and get better internet speeds and more HD channels.

U-Verse sucks. No QAM at all, everything uses their crappy Microsoft IPTV tech.

Wish it was real FTTH like Verizon has :-/

U-Verse sucks. No QAM at all, everything uses their crappy Microsoft IPTV tech.

Wish it was real FTTH like Verizon has :-/

Yeah, Verizon FIOS would be great. However, I have to choose between Comcast and U-verse. I can get by without QAM but how crappy is the IPTV?

I have had U-verse for two years and have been very happy with the service. We get a ton of channels, the whole home dvr and we are paying $180 for tv, phone, internet, two additional boxes and taxes and fees and that is for the U450, 12 mps and unlimited long distance. I know some people complain about the pq but I really haven't had many complaints in fact most people that come over compliment the picture.

I have had U-verse for two years and have been very happy with the service. We get a ton of channels, the whole home dvr and we are paying $180 for tv, phone, internet, two additional boxes and taxes and fees and that is for the U450, 12 mps and unlimited long distance. I know some people complain about the pq but I really haven't had many complaints in fact most people that come over compliment the picture.

Thanks for the reply. How is the DVR? Any significant problems (bugs)? Does it have a 30-sec. skip?

Have you noticed significant slowdowns with your internet service while you are watching TV? How many TV's can stream HD simultaneously? Sorry, I could ask a hundred questions.

I'm paying that much just for Comcast Total Premium with 3 DVR's and I don't get half as many HD channels. Add in my dsl line and phone landline and I'm approaching $250/month.

One of the downsides to Uverse is that you can only view 2 HD streams at a time - this doesn't effect my wife and I but it might some here.

on the plus side the IPTV system software that is built by Microsoft means that possibly (rumored) at least that you will be able to use an xbox 360 (possibly a Media center PC) to connect to their DVR later this year (probably longer) which would be nice for us Media Center people.

Scolumbo, I can answer a few Qs from having used uverse DVR the last few days where I was staying.

It has a 30 sec skip, but it's not instant. It's like a timed burst of 2x FF. You can't press it 7 times quickly for 3.5 min. The FF seemed to work pretty good, and there was proper skip back when ended.

Overall, the unit was very responsive in navigating the functions. My only comparison is to the Moto 6412 boxes Comcast used a few years ago. Uverse was more responsive.
Not anything like a HTPC or Tivo, but you could live with it if you aren't picky.

PQ looked good, but I was watching an old SDTV and this was in Texas, so not really relevant.

on the plus side the IPTV system software that is built by Microsoft means that possibly (rumored) at least that you will be able to use an xbox 360 (possibly a Media center PC) to connect to their DVR later this year (probably longer) which would be nice for us Media Center people.

That would be great. Is there currently a way to offload content from the DVR to a HTPC?

grittee-
Thanks. The Moto boxes have improved with firmware updates over the last couple of years but they are still very slow. At least they don't crash as often.

As long as the U-verse DVR is relatively reliable, I can live without all of the functionality of a Tivo. I'm moving (slowly) toward integrating a HTPC into my main theater room, but I'd like to have a good functioning DVR for the family. They don't know what they're missing with a Tivo anyway.

That would be great. Is there currently a way to offload content from the DVR to a HTPC?


I doubt there is but here is to hoping.

I am on the top floor, but i don't have a balcony or a window with a southern exposure. they will not allow my to put one on the roof either.
Then just do like a friend of mine did? Campaign for the HOA presidency, get elected, ram through a change to the HOA rules that allows for installation of satellite dishes, then resign. ;)

Lkr - yes I have called - but to clarify - locals are available in clear QAM just not HD.

Jeff, to be clear, are you saying that in the areas that are upgraded (OrPk & beaches, for ex) and you don't have an analog expanded basic trap on your line, the local stations are not in HD on clear QAM? ABC on 66-6 (1.6), NBC on 64-2 (1.21), etc. You only get them on 76-xx?

Are they there, but encrypted?

Jeff, to be clear, are you saying that in the areas that are upgraded (OrPk & beaches, for ex) and you don't have an analog expanded basic trap on your line, the local stations are not in HD on clear QAM? ABC on 66-6 (1.6), NBC on 64-2 (1.21), etc. You only get them on 76-xx?

Are they there, but encrypted?

No - I was saying that if he uses the DTA then the channels he gets will only be SD

With the traps off you can get locals in the clear.

The analog cutoff in the Deerwood sector occurred today. Without notice. 2.5 mos early.

The analog cutoff in the Deerwood sector occurred today. Without notice. 2.5 mos early.

Did Deerwood get WOM?

This is what the liar jackass at Comcast told me...He told me the FCC was requiring them to scramble the HD channels. I called him a liar and told him I wasn't stupid. I asked him why the FCC would do that....he said they were making their switch to Digital and the FCC was requiring them to scramble the HD locals...

It really is amazing how stupid these people can be! This is why monopolies are supposed to be illegal!


From the FCC website.... fcc.gov
Programming carried on the system. With the exception of rules that require cable systems to carry certain local broadcast stations, cable systems decide which programming services to carry. Therefore, you should contact your cable system if it has dropped a particular channel.


Also....the decisions concerning what services to offer and on which tier to offer those services, are within the discretion of the cable operator.

What is WOM?

Also, local ABC WJXXDT on QAM is not scrambled (yet?)

What is WOM?

Also, local ABC WJXXDT on QAM is not scrambled (yet?)

World of More. The "new" HD channels listed on the left column of this article.

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

I'm in the Deerwood area but I've been out of town all week. I'll be curious to see if the additional channels are there when I return this weekend esp since they weren't scheduled to show up until August.

As an update, no new HD channels have appeared at my house in the Deerwood area.

Nothing new in San Marco

I'm glad I have D* for my TV viewing, you guys should all switch. Comcast in the area(and everywhere for the most part) is horrid

I had D* in our prior house but it won't work for me now. Too many trees that block any possibility of a pole-mount, and the boss of the house won't allow a dish on our clay-tile roof, so I have an install for U-verse scheduled for next Saturday.

The introductory 12-month promotion AT&T has now will save me over $100/month vs. my Comcast, dsl, and landline phone bill. Even after the introductory rate is over, it will still be about $50/month cheaper.

I noticed that U-verse is rolling out a 3HD/1SD simultaneous stream for some parts of the country, hopefully that will occur in Jacksonville soon. The 2HD/2SD limit is probably my biggest concern switching to U-Verse.

I'm also hoping I won't notice a significant difference in PQ, but Comcast seems to have gotten progressively worse over the last couple of years. Comcast used to beat D* in HD PQ (IMO) but I'm not sure that's true anymore.

The analog shutoff in Comcast Deerwood sector has ended. I guess they are back to the Aug 25 schedule. From my experience with it, I probably should go ahead and book a service call for Aug 26.

Analogue channels dropping in San Marco... updated channel list upcoming

Wow, they're really screwing with things. The rarely-seen analogue channel 119 is currently active.

The bad news is we lost ESPN, ESPN2, etc. The good news is it's been replaced by the "World Fishing Network."

Update: as of Saturday, World Fishing Network has dropped off again.

As promised, here's our current lineup here in San Marco

http://mocksession.com/EyeTVScreenSnapz001.png
http://mocksession.com/EyeTVScreenSnapz002.png
http://mocksession.com/EyeTVScreenSnapz003.png

Received my digital transport boxes from Comcast today. Holy hell are they miserable to use. VERY VERY VERY SLOW.

On the other hand, the picture quality is (obviously) considerably better than the old analogue, but I'm not sure it's worth losing all the stuff currently available in QAM. Suppose I'll have to get an A/B switch.

I live near Atlantic and University. Since they did the conversion a little over a week ago, I've lost all my locals in high-def via QAM except for Channel 4 which shows up at 117-something. I do have a HD DVR HBO & Encore channels with comcast so from what I've read here I should be able to get the HD locals via QAM. Do I need to call comcast and get some filters removed? Can anyone verify that they get the locals in QAM?

I only have one HD box for the living room TV. I have several other HD TV's that are directly plugged into cable. Until this change I was able to enjoy locals in HD. I really don't want to deal with cable boxes and it sounds like they ones they give you for free aren't high def.

Kelly, check and see if can tune the local HD channels using 1-x and 2-x. On many tuners, just enter channel 1 and you will tune 1-1. Channel up then gets others.

My HD locals are still there. I can tune them on either ch 66-x or 1-x.

Kelly, check and see if can tune the local HD channels using 1-x and 2-x. On many tuners, just enter channel 1 and you will tune 1-1. Channel up then gets others.

My HD locals are still there. I can tune them on either ch 66-x or 1-x.

All the local High def channels used to be 1-x. Those channels have disappeared but I noticed last night that I am getting some of the local HD channels in the 66-x range. I need to take a closer look and make sure I'm getting all of them.

All the local High def channels used to be 1-x. Those channels have disappeared but I noticed last night that I am getting some of the local HD channels in the 66-x range. I need to take a closer look and make sure I'm getting all of them.

Look at the channel list I posted above and match it up with a frequency to channel map.

Look at the channel list I posted above and match it up with a frequency to channel map.

I don't understand your channel list. What are the numbers on the left? For the most part, those numbers don't match the channel numbers that I get on my Vizio & Panasonic TVs using QAM. Your numbers look more like what you get using HD Cable tuner box.

It looks like channel 4 HD is 117-1. The other local HD channels can be found in the 64.x - 66.x range although I still haven't verified them all.

This link provides accurate qam channel list:

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineup_web/US:32201#sidebyside

I don't understand your channel list. What are the numbers on the left? For the most part, those numbers don't match the channel numbers that I get on my Vizio & Panasonic TVs using QAM. Your numbers look more like what you get using HD Cable tuner box.

It looks like channel 4 HD is 117-1. The other local HD channels can be found in the 64.x - 66.x range although I still haven't verified them all.

The numbers on the left are the Comcast channel numbers. Like I said, you can match up the numbers as they might appear on a tuner using the frequencies.

The HDHomerun results are usually accurate too though as we've seen the lineup is currently in flux throughout our area.

79.101 and 81.101 -- what, exactly, is going on there?

Free MLB Extra Innings right now too btw. Channel 113.x.

I am looking for info on an outfit called Mediastream that covers Waycross GA and was told to look in here as Waycross from an MSO standpoint may be the same market as jacksonville. Do I have this correct? Would this thread be the right place? More specifically, my questions involve mostly IP connection, again is this the appropriate thread?

Either here or the Savannah thread. Maybe too small for either.

I take it you want to know something they won't tell you.

Either here or the Savannah thread. Maybe too small for either.

I take it you want to know something they won't tell you.

I have a friend in Waycross and she has a lot of issues with IIP that she shouldn't have. But she's very non-technical, so I was looking for experiences with Mediastream in general.

I'm just amused at hearing the name of a non-corporate cable company :-)

no new channels at neptune beach or girvin blvd... was the article in february about new HD channels a sign of false hope?

I just now got an HD package from Comcast... not sure if the channels I'm getting are new or not.

I did notice (courtesy a new TV) that all the ESPN Gameplan channels are open at the moment, despite... them not being on the cable box and college football still being a ways away.

Also, anyone else monitoring the 5e coming out of their box? Mine seems to be rather haphazard, which is frustrating from a MythTV perspective.

Just Curious does anyone in Jax (Comcast) have a cablecard installed either HTPC or Tivo?

What great quality for the Jags pre-season games :\

Looks worse than a youtube video

Of course it looks like crap - it is SD material not HD

Is there ANY hope of getting WCWJ in DD5.1 anytime soon?! :mad:

~Alan

Anyone watching the Dallas/Texans game on WAWSDT2 (MyjaxTv)? I didn't realize that OTA was SD but comcast was in HD. Has it always been that way?

Just Curious does anyone in Jax (Comcast) have a cablecard installed either HTPC or Tivo?

I got one installed in my Sony DVR (similar to Tivo).

Getting the card was easy. Went to the Tinseltown office and said I wanted a cablecard for a Tivo. No hassle at all.

The cost is $7.95/mo. Couldn't find that anywhere on the price list, but if you turn in your STB, you eliminate the charge. I guess they consider the CC in a STB the free one you get.

Getting it paired was less smooth. The routine is to call and (eventually) get to a person in the Florida division. After giving her all the appropriate numbers, she contacts the "pairing" people, who after they do whatever they do, contact her. She then calls you.

That's how it's supposed to work. How it actually worked was it took more than 4 days, many calls, a supervisor spending a full hour working with the "pairing people". Sheesh, it's a two minute procedure!

BTW, I don't think the Cowboys game on MNT (30-2) was in HD. They only send a SD signal, but it is framed 16x9.

Tomorrow is supposed to be the day the Deerwood sector has analog cut off. Arlington was scheduled for 8/24. Did that happen?

thanks gritree - I was wondering if you had to pay them for the install or if they would give you the card. By the way what type of card was it a m-card (multiple streams) or the other?

The reason I ask is that I am hoping to get the HDhomerun prime cable card tuner (3-tuners thus the need for the m-type card) when it is available at the end of the year. And I was hoping they didn't have to send out a truck/tech.

Damn - I thought it looked HD, as WAWSDT on Comcast has two channels (104-3(436) which is 1280x720p and 63-3(206) which is 480x480p)

You get an M card. No truck roll as of now. I don't expect the Prime card this year.

thanks, you may be right about the timing on the HDHomerun Prime.

[QUOTE=grittree;19122914Tomorrow is supposed to be the day the Deerwood sector has analog cut off. Arlington was scheduled for 8/24. Did that happen?[/QUOTE]

Rumor had it that the Mandarin area was to be cut-off this month also.

So I bit the bullet and had an AT&T UVerse install last week. The HD PQ from Comcast seemed to be bit better, but AT&Ts SD is far superior.

Mandarin is due Sep 28.

I can't get U-verse. People I know in Texas who have it think it's great.

Mandarin is due Sep 28.

I can't get U-verse. People I know in Texas who have it think it's great.

Thats a shame, but they're adding new addresses all the time, check on it every once in a while.

I got the U300, HD, Whole House DVR, 4 STBs (all HD), + HBO/Cinemax 3 months free for ~$40 a month less than Comcast prices.

If you guys like it, great, but U-Verse compresses everything to such a nasty degree, plus you have to have those gigantor boxes on every TV, there's no QAM.. I wish we were a Verizon area because their approach to fiber is so, so, so much better. None of this IPTV nonsense.

Since upgrading to an HD & Sports package, I'm overjoyed with Comcast. Maybe it's just my box, but this is easily the most power user-friendly provider I've ever seen. I'm tempted to order another box just to plug into one of my computers for college football season.

It's hard to argue against Comcast, except their prices and customer service.

I've never had any problems with their PQ, or their "interweb tubes" service.

I'm thankful we don't have TWC here. That would be a bummer.

I'm starting to really hate comcast - they are moving clear qam around here in orange park, lost most of my HD channels.

Found them - but everything has moved.....


I know most you guys don't need this - but attached is a list of clear qam that I am now getting in Orange Park. Keep this in mind I am not showing the SD version of the locals or shopping channels and some other local access channels that I don't care about.

They moved everything around here, too. I will admit they added something that doesn't even show up on my cable box -- Tennis Channel HD.

yeah they added the sd and hd channels a couple of days ago, I believe right when the us open started.

Finally got HD QAM channels back after being gone for months. Does anyone know hoe long this is going to last?

What is the newest, fastest and least problematic HD DVR Comcast gives out in the Jax-St. Augustine market?

What is the newest, fastest and least problematic HD DVR Comcast gives out in the Jax-St. Augustine market?

I believe the Motorola 3412 is still the latest HD DVR used by Comcast here in Jax. It's much less buggy than it was a couple of years ago, but it's still very slow. I had 3 in my household (until recently switching to U-verse), and 2 of the 3 had problems with HDMI, so I used the component jacks. I didn't notice any significant difference between HDMI and component on these boxes. Switching channels and button pushes are slow to respond. By comparison, my Cisco box from U-verse is a speed demon.

On the plus side, I didn't have to reboot them every week like I did the first few years the 6412/3412 were in use when they would crash or just stop responding to commands. A recent firmware update made some improvements in the DVR functionality although it's still fairly basic compared to a Tivo, for instance. The Comcast HD PQ is also very good, IMO. SD PQ, on the other hand, is horrible with these boxes.

I couldn't tell you if Comcast in St. Augustine uses the same equipment or is any different.

Welp... just lost WTEV on QAM. Antenna time.

Ahh, Comcast. Make a huge deal about RedZone then don't have it in HD come gameday.

When is Comcast going to add MSNBC HD and BBCA HD?

I have gotten HGTVHD and A&EHD over Comcast QAM for almost 4 years in Jacksonville. I suddenly lost them within the last 2 weeks. This was pretty the only reason I didnt switch to antenna only. I may no longer have any reason to give Comcast any money...

AEHD and HGTVHD are still on clear qam but they are at 63-2 and 63-3 respectively but if you have filters on your line (at the box) that might prevent you from getting them. Which sucks...

When is Comcast going to add MSNBC HD and BBCA HD?

They have had MSNBC HD since I got HD. It's at 399.

They have had MSNBC HD since I got HD. It's at 399.

No such channel on Comcast St. Augustine. Maybe it is hidden somewhere else? I can't find it and its not listed.

Anyone know?

Anyone know?

Is your question regarding MSNBC? In Jacksonville, Orange Park it is 399. I am surprised St Augustine is not the same. Have you checked the channel list for your zipcode on Comcast's website.

Since you said it is not listed then I would only assume St Augustine doesn't get it then.

Is your question regarding MSNBC? In Jacksonville, Orange Park it is 399. I am surprised St Augustine is not the same. Have you checked the channel list for your zipcode on Comcast's website.

Since you said it is not listed then I would only assume St Augustine doesn't get it then.

I have checked their (comcast.com) website and it is not listed..... however their website has been wrong before.

this time it looks like they are correct, on my online listing guide it says 399.

Has anyone noticed recently that the HD picture quality on channel 47 is not up to par with the other local stations lately? The picture does not have the crispness that I have seen in the past. Seeing this on Directv and Comcast...Thanks.

I've noticed this problem for a few weeks on WTEV CBS 47 and WAWS FOX 30 when watching football on Saturdays and Sundays. I'm watching the HD feed either OTA (from Julington Creek) or through Dish Networt. Every 10 minutes or so, the signal will cut out and then return within a few seconds. I usually watch OTA and was thinking it could be a multipath problem (I used to have this issue with the ViP 622 receiver in North Carolina) but it happens at the same times on the HD channels through Dish. If watching OTA, the receiver says the OTA signal has been lost whereas if watching over Dish, it says the satellite signal has been lost. When the signal cuts out OTA, I can actually switch to the Dish channel immediately and see it out there too.

As I understand it, Dish has a local antenna receiver which then feeds the local channels to a satellite. I'm assuming that receiver is located somewhere other than where I am and, hopefully, close and with a better signal. So I'm thinking the problem is with the broadcast.

My wife reports that her shows have dropouts on ABC and NBC, but she's only recording OTA. I'll try switching her shows to Dish channels and see if that matters.

Any ideas?

I've noticed this problem for a few weeks on WTEV CBS 47 and WAWS FOX 30 when watching football on Saturdays and Sundays. I'm watching the HD feed either OTA (from Julington Creek) or through Dish Networt. Every 10 minutes or so, the signal will cut out and then return within a few seconds. I usually watch OTA and was thinking it could be a multipath problem (I used to have this issue with the ViP 622 receiver in North Carolina) but it happens at the same times on the HD channels through Dish. If watching OTA, the receiver says the OTA signal has been lost whereas if watching over Dish, it says the satellite signal has been lost. When the signal cuts out OTA, I can actually switch to the Dish channel immediately and see it out there too.

As I understand it, Dish has a local antenna receiver which then feeds the local channels to a satellite. I'm assuming that receiver is located somewhere other than where I am and, hopefully, close and with a better signal. So I'm thinking the problem is with the broadcast.

My wife reports that her shows have dropouts on ABC and NBC, but she's only recording OTA. I'll try switching her shows to Dish channels and see if that matters.

Any ideas?

I've noticed this, too. I think they have power issues at the transmitter. Signal will go from 70% to 0% for short periods of time.

As for the post above yours, yes, channel 47 looks absolutely terrible lately. I cannot believe that I got better PQ in Gainesville than I do here.

Anybody watching WAWSDT tonight ? I guess they forgot flip the HD switch ?

Looks like WTEV went kaput right in the middle of the exciting game.

http://www.cbssports.com/video/player/sec-live is streaming the game.

Anyone know how to contact CBS 47 and FOX 30 regarding transmitter poroblems? My father-in-law reported dropouts on CBS today through Dish similar to what I described above. I had no problems watching the same game on my folks' house on cable. As I recall, cable gets a fiber feed vs Dish using an OTA antenna. Thanks.

Is anyone else having trouble with audio cut outs on the Military Channel? It will drop anywhere fron on sylable to two or three words.

Anyone know how to contact CBS 47 and FOX 30 regarding transmitter poroblems? My father-in-law reported dropouts on CBS today through Dish similar to what I described above. I had no problems watching the same game on my folks' house on cable. As I recall, cable gets a fiber feed vs Dish using an OTA antenna. Thanks.

I called Fox 30's engineering department one day when they hadn't thrown the HD switch for the Champions League final. Call the main number on the website and ask to talk to engineering.

does anyone know anything about when uverse will be available in baymeadows/deerwood? i think we must be last on the list... is anyone using uverse internet? i havent seen any complaints about the internet so i asume its decent

i'm also still getting comcast analog here

A few months ago i was picking up ABC HD OTA with my UHF antenna, now its gone (i don't know when it went away because i've just been watching cable since comcast gave us the local HD channels back.) Does anyone else pick it up with UHF? Or do I need to try VHF?

does anyone know anything about when uverse will be available in baymeadows/deerwood? i think we must be last on the list... is anyone using uverse internet? i havent seen any complaints about the internet so i asume its decent

i'm also still getting comcast analog here

I'm in Deerwood and I switched to U-verse a couple of months ago. I believe they added my area about 6 months ago. I have no complaints with the U-verse internet and voice service. I have 18 mbps and it seems to be consistent at this speed with no problems.

TV service has been ok, but PQ is not quite what I was used to with Comcast and D* before that. The biggest issue is I have some pausing/skipping sometimes with one of the boxes when I'm using the DVR. I need to get AT&T out here to see if there is a problem with the coax to that box. The total-home DVR is really nice and I"m getting a bunch of new HD channels vs. Comcast, although Comcast is now adding many of those channels. The PQ is acceptable on most channels but a few are below what I would consider acceptable. I'm paying for voice, internet and TV about what I was paying for just TV with Comcast. Once the introductory discount expires, I may consider switching the TV service back to Comcast and keep the U-verse internet and voice.

does anyone know anything about when uverse will be available in baymeadows/deerwood? i think we must be last on the list... is anyone using uverse internet? i havent seen any complaints about the internet so i asume its decent

i'm also still getting comcast analog here

I'm in Mandarin and my street has U-Verse while the surrounding streets do not. Apparently availability is somewhat hit-or-miss.

I opted for the U-Verse TV and kept my Comcast Internet and phone since I didn't want to change my Comcast EMail addresses.

There is a forum for U-Verse users and it appears that there are very few issues with internet service. http://forums.att.com/t5/AT-T-U-verse-Community/ct-p/attuverse

I get all the channels with a single pole antenna, unpowered. If you're further away you may need a VHF/UHF antenna but really, if you have the antenna pointed decently, you shouldn't have much trouble. Our transmitter towers are pretty efficient here.

The HD picture quality on the JAGS game today was horrible. Did anyone else experience the same?. This has been going on for awhile now with all football games on channel 47.

The HD picture quality on the JAGS game today was horrible. Did anyone else experience the same?. This has been going on for awhile now with all football games on channel 47.

WTEV is an embarrassment. I can't believe CBS lets them get away with such terrible quality. And they don't even have any subchannels! We're a top 50 market, this is simply inexcusable.

I think they're using a first generation, used MPEG encoder they bought from a station that was an early HD-adopter and replaced it with a modern unit. I have no other way of explaining the terrible PQ.

Anyone know about HDNET/HDNET Movies being added?

Who do I write to (who can actually make things happen, not just a low level CSR) who would be able to actually answer why we don't MSNBC/HDNET/BBCA HD?

Who do I write to (who can actually make things happen, not just a low level CSR) who would be able to actually answer why we don't MSNBC/HDNET/BBCA HD?

We have had MSNBC HD for at least six months.

Comcast dropped HDNET and will not be bringing it back.

We have had MSNBC HD for at least six months.

Comcast dropped HDNET and will not be bringing it back.

MSNBC HD is not on Comcast St. Augustine. I don't understand why. TWC dropped HDNET, not Comcast.

Look what I found.. on QAM in the clear, even!

http://30fps.mocksession.com/2010%20November%2012%2018%2051%2025.jpg

Good Find - wonder how long it will last. NBA HD channel was one for a month or so and now it is gone.

I just noticed that is side by side - is that the 3d version of Versus HD?

edit - it sure is (since you circled the 3d) - wishing I had 3d tv so I could see this.

Hi all, I hope this isn't off topic. I live in jax and have the HBU22. I get all the locals, and occasionally I get ION from brunswick. I'm looking at the HBU55 but was wondering if it was worth it.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

WTEV is an embarrassment. I can't believe CBS lets them get away with such terrible quality. And they don't even have any subchannels! We're a top 50 market, this is simply inexcusable.

I think they're using a first generation, used MPEG encoder they bought from a station that was an early HD-adopter and replaced it with a modern unit. I have no other way of explaining the terrible PQ.

Not to mention the audio is horrible too!

I just noticed that is side by side - is that the 3d version of Versus HD?

edit - it sure is (since you circled the 3d) - wishing I had 3d tv so I could see this.

Oh I didn't circle it, that was part of the graphic.

That's apparently the Comcast 3D event channel, and it's still in the clear. That broadcast was really hilarious, a lot of the on-air talent testing their equipment, telling dirty jokes, etc. And you could watch the game in 3D without a 3D set if you crossed your eyes just right.

Does anyone have U-Verse in St. Augustine yet? Where is it available? I see it is hit/miss, depends on street.

Any idea when WTEV is going to join the 1990s and install a proper 5.1 encoder?

Any idea when WTEV is going to join the 1990s and install a proper 5.1 encoder?

I wish they would get a better mpeg2 encoder too

What types of antennas is everyone getting? I guess mostly UHF/short range? This would be for indoor HD. Currently have comcrap for one TV, but will not pay for the others for HD signal. I'm new to pulling it OTA. Do you just head out to the Radioshack or order mostly online? I live in the E. Arlington area and checked, I'm less than 7 miles from most stations.

Thanks.

You need a VHF/UHF antenna. Three of our channels are VHF: PBS is 7, NBC is 13, ABC is 10. CBS is 19, Fox is 32, WJXT is 42.

Radio Shack is a good source. The hardest stations to get are ABC & NBC, both VHF.

"What types of antennas is everyone getting?" Well, here's an odd idea: I installed a pretty-small Winegard GS-2200 for someone, about 15 miles out from your stations' towers. (Yes, 4"x7"x47" is "small" in only 2 dimensions, but compared to most outdoor antennas it's small.) It works remarkably well for its size, of course it's inside the second story, 25 feet up. It's quite directional, but at 7 miles out, all your antenna towers are within 10 degrees angle anyway. At 15 miles, indoors, it had just barely enough signal. You don't need its amplifier at your distance, so you could use a Winegard GS-1100 instead.

The reason I mention it, even though you're talking indoors, is that *if* you have the proper orientation, you can actually toss it inside a cabinet or on top of a bookcase (even on top of the kitchen upper-cabinets) and thus it becomes an *invisible* antenna, just like you had with cable! Antenna guys will howl at setting one right on top of a surface instead of free-air mounting, but hey, it works. Sure, set-top antennas have gotten "sleek" these days, but still nothing beats invisible, especially if your secondary TVs already have in-wall cable pulled to them. Purchasing at Radio Shack (Regency Sq.) is certainly convenient for a return, but antennas are cheap, so I usually take the risk of eating it and order from Amazon or Solid Signal to save a few bucks.

Can I ask a dumb question, that may not be HD-related?

Does anyone notice the signal interruption on WJXT-HD right at 10p each night? The channel goes dark for 3-5 seconds very consistently right at the beginning of the 10p news. I assume some kind of switchover is going on, but from what to what? It's not like they're switching from a national feed--they're leaving a syndicated program (Oprah). At the very least, it strikes me as shoddy work to have it happen as regularly as it does.

I don't know if it happens on the SD feed, I'll check it tomorrow....

My provider is DirecTV, by the way.

Thanks!

Im having a hard time deciding if I want to switch to U-verse or not. They brought it out to my area on Fleming Island a few months ago. Could save about $30 a month, but at the moment Comcast is working great and has been for a while.

Im having a hard time deciding if I want to switch to U-verse or not. They brought it out to my area on Fleming Island a few months ago. Could save about $30 a month, but at the moment Comcast is working great and has been for a while.

I changed to UVerse TV last August and kept Comcast Internet and Phone.

At my house the SD picture quality is way better than Comcast and the HD appears to be at least equal to or better than Comcast.

All packages, except for the entry level tier, come with a whole house DVR.

So far I've been pleased with the experience. :)

Im having a hard time deciding if I want to switch to U-verse or not. They brought it out to my area on Fleming Island a few months ago. Could save about $30 a month, but at the moment Comcast is working great and has been for a while.

I've had a different experience. I switched from Comcast to U-verse last summer and the PQ for SD is better than Comcast, but the HD PQ is significantly worse, particularly for any programming with fast motion (e.g. sports). This is especially evident when a camera pans across a football field, for instance. U-verse compresses its channels at around 6 Mbps so anything with motion will start to exhibit macroblocking. By contrast, FiOS delivers its channels at full bit-rate (up to 19 Mbps).

If you don't watch much sports, or movies with lots of motion, the PQ is acceptable. I watch a lot of old movies on TCM and for that it's perfectly acceptable. At one point in time, Comcast was passing their feed without additional compression but that has been changing in other markets so it's likely happening here also. Still, I never had issues with macroblocking and pixelation like I have with U-verse.

The whole house DVR is nice and I've had no problems with the U-verse internet and voice, but I'll probably switch back to Comcast when my introductory pricing ends.

Does anyone notice the signal interruption on WJXT-HD right at 10p each night? The channel goes dark for 3-5 seconds very consistently right at the beginning of the 10p news. I assume some kind of switchover is going on, but from what to what? It's not like they're switching from a national feed--they're leaving a syndicated program (Oprah). At the very least, it strikes me as shoddy work to have it happen as regularly as it does.

My provider is DirecTV, by the way.



I watch the 10pm news on WJXT-HD almost every evening and hadn't noticed the symptoms you described. After reading your post, I've been paying particular attention, but my reception (Comcast HD) doesn't seem include the darkout.

Thanks for checking, jagfan. I just recorded both the SD and HD feeds over DirecTV and compared them. Sure enough, only the HD feed had the blackout. Tonight--just 4 minutes ago--the "Breaking News" graphic was dark on the HD feed only. Since you're Comcast, then I assume DirecTV is doing something there.

Forgot to add: I'll check OTA HD tomorrow night if I remember. But I'm guessing it will be normal.

Well, I guessed wrong. The WJXT-HD OTA signal also had the interruption. My set put up a "no signal" message during it.

How does the feed on Comcast not get interrupted then?

I wonder what is going on here. Very interesting....

Any guesses? Thanks!

ETA: I emailed Engineering at the station and will relay what they say.

Guess WJXT doesn't care--no response.

I'm not surprised. I contacted their weather dept several times requesting that they add the wind forecast to their graphics like their counterparts do. They responded - but with a silly excuse not to.

I'm not surprised. I contacted their weather dept several times requesting that they add the wind forecast to their graphics like their counterparts do. They responded - but with a silly excuse not to.

Do you get WJXT-HD OTA? If so, check it out any weeknight...just so you know I'm not crazy. ;)

Did anybody else have trouble with the Gator - BCU game on comcast TBSHD ?

I couldn't tune the channel until near the end of the game. At least I got to see the final minutes and OT.

We experienced no problems (Comcast HD cable - not OTA) in the Drs Inlet area.

does anyone know anything about when uverse will be available in baymeadows/deerwood? i think we must be last on the list... is anyone using uverse internet? i havent seen any complaints about the internet so i asume its decent

i'm also still getting comcast analog here

so i finally got uverse installed today, even though the vrads been in my complex for several months... got the email saying it was available last thurs, and today was the soonest install date

tv:
i am impressed with the hd pq, the networks look just as good as they do with an ota antenna. the other channels look noticeably better than dishnet

im also impressed with the audio, there seems to be something funky going on, or maybe im just not used to good audio but my surround speakers are MUCH more active than they were with dish... im using a 7.1 receiver in dd pliix mode, i've noticed much more sounds coming from the surrounds and the rear surrounds (which i never really noticed with dish before)

i only subscribed to the family package to get the installation fee discount, with the intentions of dropping it after the required 1 month period, but im considering keeping it and upgrading now!

i have a pricing question for those of you with uverse: the family pack is $54 + $10 for hd, and includes dvr... the u100 is only $59 + $10 for hd, but there is a $15 charge for dvr... the u200 is $69 + $10 for hd, with included dvr... so its $84 for the u100 with dvr, but only $79 for u200 with dvr... i cant figure that out. im not sure why when i look online there is a fee for dvr with u100 but not any of the other packages, because thats likely the pack i'd want to keep, but not if i have to pay extra for dvr


internet:
my main reason for getting uverse, i subscribed to the max turbo 24/3 and i am really disappointed. i've been running speedtests all day since the install, and im getting between 16-20 down and a very consistent 2.79 up

the installer was very nice though, and left me his cell number and said if it doesnt improve in a few days (not sure how it would just magically improve?) to give him a call and he'd get someone out here

another thing: the gateway/wireless router they gave me only supports 802.11g - which from my experience tends to top out at around 20ish mb in real world use... why is att selling 24 internet but providing a device that is unlikely to support it?? i dont mind buying an n router, I just dont understand why they wouldnt provide one to the max turbo subscribers... on that note, with a laptop connected to the gateway via ethernet cable, im only seeing speeds that max out at 21 down and still 2.79 up. the gateway's wireless g is definitely a restriction, but im still not getting 24/3

WTEV is an embarrassment. I can't believe CBS lets them get away with such terrible quality. And they don't even have any subchannels! We're a top 50 market, this is simply inexcusable.

I think they're using a first generation, used MPEG encoder they bought from a station that was an early HD-adopter and replaced it with a modern unit. I have no other way of explaining the terrible PQ.

I've noticed a recent change; perhaps a new mpeg encoder?

What's different is when the show is edited with videoredo, it now doesn't get the time stamp info all wrong.

I don't see any PQ diff, but I never had a problem with that. And it's still in glorious stereo, all two channels.

It'd be nice if they got a new encoder, since they're about to add a subchannel. The Cool TV.

- Trip

It's good to know WTEV really cares about quality.

And it's still in glorious stereo, all two channels.


Yesterdays technology today. :rolleyes:

still no u-verse in Fleming Island. comcast internet really isn't that bad here compared to what they were doing in orlando, but i feel like i'm being robbed at $60/mo with no competitors

So, we have updates?

A bunch of new channels, including CSSHD (which works, rarely, usually it's off-air) and CBSCSHD.

Also, new update to the DVR boxes -- my coax out is no longer working (don't ask as to why that is, I use it as a feed out to another room). Why in the hell would they do this?

So, we have updates?

A bunch of new channels, including CSSHD (which works, rarely, usually it's off-air) and CBSCSHD.

Also, new update to the DVR boxes -- my coax out is no longer working (don't ask as to why that is, I use it as a feed out to another room). Why in the hell would they do this?

Is this Comcast? I can't imagine they would disable the coax port through a firmware update but who knows. It might be time for a DVR box exchange. I would need to do that occasionally when the boxes would act up for no explainable reason.

Any exciting new channels? Can't say I even know what CBSCSHD is. I'm a U-verse customer that is thinking of switching back to Comcast when my introductory rate ends in a few months.

Is this Comcast? I can't imagine they would disable the coax port through a firmware update but who knows. It might be time for a DVR box exchange. I would need to do that occasionally when the boxes would act up for no explainable reason.

Any exciting new channels? Can't say I even know what CBSCSHD is. I'm a U-verse customer that is thinking of switching back to Comcast when my introductory rate ends in a few months.

That's the thing -- the coax isn't "disabled," it's just that the video is black. Audio comes through fine.

I deal with sports video for a living so having both CSSHD (even though they seem to keep forgetting to turn it on when CSS is broadcasting) and CBS College Sports is great. Wish I'd had it a few months ago but it will be great for the upcoming college football season.

Comcast gets more than $200 a month from me but it's worth every penny. Now if WTEV could just get its crap together and buy a decent encoder and support DD5.1.

That's the thing -- the coax isn't "disabled," it's just that the video is black. Audio comes through fine.


You can take your Moto box to the service center for an exchange with no charge. The only problem is you would lose any saved programs on the DVR.


Comcast gets more than $200 a month from me but it's worth every penny.

That's the reason I switched in the first place. I'm getting U-verse internet, voice, and TV for the same price as TV-only with Comcast, plus U-verse has more HD channels, and the whole house DVR is nice.

Unfortunately, the HD PQ is noticeably worse with U-verse. I may keep U-verse internet and voice and switch back to Comcast for TV. I'll end up paying more for less content, but better PQ in time for football season.

Unfortunately, the HD PQ is noticeably worse with U-verse. I may keep U-verse internet and voice and switch back to Comcast for TV. I'll end up paying more for less content, but better PQ in time for football season.

I need working Firewire on my boxes so U-Verse is a no-go. Alas, U-Verse is a terrible technology compared to Verizon's FIOS (which have boxes with functioning Firewire) but... monopolies.

Versus no longer in the clear on QAM, right before the Stanley Cup which seems to make it intentional.

Not sure if it was intentional since all the games are on NBC. They also took many other channels, HGTV, A&EHD, and StarzMystery, StarzWestern plus a few others. Sucks but what can you do (unless you want to spend $$)

It really stinks!!! Gone are A&E & HDTV :(

Not sure if it was intentional since all the games are on NBC. They also took many other channels, HGTV, A&EHD, and StarzMystery, StarzWestern plus a few others. Sucks but what can you do (unless you want to spend $$)

Not all the games were on NBC, I believe 3 & 4 were both on Versus while NBC showed The Biggest Loser reruns.

TVGOS is not working for me on either of my Sony DHG-HDD500 units going on about two weeks now. I now have no listings at all on both units. I have contacted my local cable provider, Comcast, and they have no idea what I am talking about when I try to explain TVGOS. I have also left an email with my local PBS channel, which I am told carries the TVGOS data stream.

Anyone else in J-ville with TVGOS issues?

I just sold my unit, but the Guide was working. Forget which station caries it, but it wasn't PBS. Oh, BTW, I got the guide OTA, not via Comcast.


TVGOS is not working for me on either of my Sony DHG-HDD500 units going on about two weeks now. I now have no listings at all on both units. I have contacted my local cable provider, Comcast, and they have no idea what I am talking about when I try to explain TVGOS. I have also left an email with my local PBS channel, which I am told carries the TVGOS data stream.

Anyone else in J-ville with TVGOS issues?

The TSReader data I have from February shows TVGOS on WJCT 7-1.

- Trip

The TSReader data I have from February shows TVGOS on WJCT 7-1.

- Trip

Correct. I have reached out to the Engineering department at WJCT PBS and they said they will get back to me as soon as they hear back from Rovi.

When I call Comcast about the issue, they have no idea what I am talking about, and if they do happen to understand what TVGOS is when I explain it to them, they tell me to contact the manufacturer of the equipment. And around we go.

Could it be Comcast screwing things up? If so, how are they involved in TVGOS, I mean, what is their role? Do they have to do something intentionally to send out the signal that WJCT PBS generates, or do they just take the PBS feed and pass it on through to cable?

If this is Jacksonville Comcast's issue, I would like to be able to tell them what the resolution should be.

WJXX HDTV seems to have disappeared from Clear QAM. If anyone knows where it is, please tell me. WTEV, too, now that I look at the list.

Sorry I gave the wrong info on TVGOS. I can swear that I remember it wasn't PBS because it normally is. I think it was ch30, or perhaps it's sister ch47. Maybe it was that way about 5yrs ago and changed since.

Anyone know how & why Brunswick was stuck in the Jax market? With her much taller sticks, it seems to me that BWK is a better fit, culturally & regionally, with Savannah. Jax's short towers basically ensure cable &/or dish purchases are needed for Jax reception, whereas home antennas can be deployed and receive Savannah stations with ease. So what's the reasoning?

I'm in Orange Park on Comcast with one STB. The other TV is just connected with the cable and I've recently lost the following HD clear QAM channels.

ABC - 431 111-6
CBS - 433 109-1
Fox - 434 108.2

WJXT and NBC still come in fine. I've rescanned several times and checked the Homerun listing and there doesn't appear to be a change in the lineup.

Anyone else having this issue?

no problem on my comcast in Orange Park.

After a year of trying out U-verse, I'm back to Comcast. There are some nice features to U-verse, but ultimately, I found the HD PQ to be lacking. Watching football and tennis this weekend only reinforced the fact that I made the right decision.

The biggest drawback to the switch is the Any Room DVR from Comcast is significantly behind U-verse's Whole Home DVR. The non-DVR boxes can't record a program, while U-verse's non-DVR boxes could not only initiate a recording but also pause and rewind live TV. The U-verse guide, menu and search functions are also significantly better than Comcast. In the end though, HD PQ was the most important factor for me. In that regard, Comcast wins hands down.

Comcast is serving up an SD cropped version on what's supposed to be NHLHD. Not a huge deal right now but will be if they don't fix it by the time the season starts.

Anyone else using a Ceton cable card device or the new HDHomerun Prime?

I received my HDHomerun Prime two weeks ago, works like a champ. Running a Acer Revo 3610 (atom/ion processor) and feeding Two Xboxes and the Media Center PC. No problems so far. I have had two HDhomeruns (QAM tuners) for the past 2 years with not a problem. Now I have 7 tuners.

Just thought I would see if anyone else is using cablecard HTPC's here in the Jax market.

Can Someone point me to a current Comcast QAM/Station List For Jacksonville?

I'm sure it is here some place.

Also, can I use Comcast QAM and Microsoft Media Center with just a third party tuner to get local channels? I have only spent a few minutes with it, but can't seem to get it to find ANY channels.

My tuner is a Kworld USB ATSC TV Stick UB435-Q. Using their software, not Media Center, I can tune around 77 channels but can't get their program guide to work.

Thank you.

http://www.silicondust.com/support/channels/

that is exactly how you would use a tuner and media center for. You have set ul your tuner in media center and it will scan for your channels based on those settings. However not all channels may come through in media center and you will to go to settings and manually edit the channels by either add the qam number (use the link above for channels)

WCWJ 17.2 has started carrying a new sub-channel Bounce TV.

Gator99:

Thanks for the help.

When did WAWS start broadcasting their subchannel in 720P? I didn't know this was possible. Seinfeld looked good in HD.

fcakira, IIRC they started sending it in HD over a year ago, but only to Comcast (and maybe the Sats). The OTA signal was still sent in SD.

When did WAWS start broadcasting their subchannel in 720P? I didn't know this was possible. Seinfeld looked good in HD.

Unfortunately it seems when they started sending it in 720p they stopped broadcasting 5.1 audio. I swear they had 5.1 audio before because I could selectively mute Joe Buck during the Super Bowl by muting my center channel.

Edit: I have confirmed WAWS had 5.1 audio by calling up a transport stream file from last year's World Series.

Any updates on this? Kind of pathetic for half the market not to be broadcasting in 5.1.

With all the locals now having sub channels,I have noticed the ota HD quality has dropped significantly. Love Me tv but miss the HD full bitrate.

With all the locals now having sub channels,I have noticed the ota HD quality has dropped significantly. Love Me tv but miss the HD full bitrate.

I don't watch OTA much, but I switched from U-verse back to Comcast, so the HD PQ of the locals has been an improvement for me. The U-verse bitrate is choked at around 6 mbps and it especially showed up with the local stations. With WTEV's HD poor for as long as I can remember, I haven't noticed much of a change there.

Of course, the lack of 5.1 for WTEV and WAWS is a whole other story.

I don't watch OTA much, but I switched from U-verse back to Comcast, so the HD PQ of the locals has been an improvement for me. The U-verse bitrate is choked at around 6 mbps and it especially showed up with the local stations. With WTEV's HD poor for as long as I can remember, I haven't noticed much of a change there.

Of course, the lack of 5.1 for WTEV and WAWS is a whole other story.

Just got off the phone with their chief engineer, says 5.1 should be 24/7 on WAWS in a few days and that WTEV has had some encoder issues they're working on.

Just got off the phone with their chief engineer, says 5.1 should be 24/7 on WAWS in a few days and that WTEV has had some encoder issues they're working on.

That's great news. It's been a long time coming.

wonderful news.

Just got off the phone with their chief engineer, says 5.1 should be 24/7 on WAWS in a few days and that WTEV has had some encoder issues they're working on.

Welcome to 2008 WTEV & WAWS. :rolleyes:

Over the air Fox 30.1 picture quality is now officially terrible. Fringe , has always had excellent pq .It looked terrible. The NFL playoff games almost looked SD. This must be the result of 30.2 being in HD when their not showing ME-TV.Hope they reduce the bitrate on 30.2 and return the network shows to the previous quality.

Over the air Fox 30.1 picture quality is now officially terrible. Fringe , has always had excellent pq .It looked terrible. The NFL playoff games almost looked SD. This must be the result of 30.2 being in HD when their not showing ME-TV.Hope they reduce the bitrate on 30.2 and return the network shows to the previous quality.

There are encoders that can run subchannels without much PQ damage to the main broadcast. WAWS does not appear to be using one of them.

Also, the audio encoder implementation I was promised clearly did not happen as I'm sitting here watching football in wonderful 2.0.

Looks like I was lied to, because there's still no 5.1 on CBS for the NCAA tournament, meaning we get all the TNT, TBS, and even TruTV in surround, but not on our own OTA affiliate.

We could be wrong about this ,but my son and I both noticed a significant improvement in 12.1 NBC ota picture quality about 2 weeks ago.It was already very good but is now outstanding.We have been watching them ota since they began broadcasting HD.I thought it was just me until he mentioned it first.I am wondering if anyone else noticed.Thanks for any comments.

Hey locals. I currently live in an apartment and am moving to a house in Julington Creek at the end of May. The guy is leaving his DirectTV antenna on his roof, but said I could use the cable or antenna if I needed to.

My current antennas are made for indoors, and although I could probably get decent reception with them on the roof, I want to maximize my results.

I really don't know how all that works, going through the roof and split off into the bedrooms/living room. Should I be looking for a certain detail when antenna shopping, so that it can handle pulling signal and pushing 3 or maybe 4 different channels to TV's spread around the house at a given time?

According to my exact address, with the right outdoor antenna I would be able to get channels from Orlando, which would be pretty cool. Most of my local channels would be to the North, though some channels are West and South. That means I would need an Omnidirectional antenna, right?

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d7fcf4a97f6548a

According to my exact address, with the right outdoor antenna I would be able to get channels from Orlando, which would be pretty cool. Most of my local channels would be to the North, though some channels are West and South. That means I would need an Omnidirectional antenna, right?

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d7fcf4a97f6548a

I'm sorry nobody's responded to you, but most of us live in the city or close to it, I think, who monitor this forum. I'd say that if you wanted to pick up stations from that far away you'd need a directional antenna with a rotor.