www.titantv.com is another excellent website which u can setup for your particular location. It has antenna location info, and channel listings for every type of signal: Comcast, D*, Dish, Analog locals, and digital locals.

Have not seen any posts for five days now. Everyone must have been happy with our local HDTV reception, or that we are all outside enjoying the wonderful weather and not spending time watching the reruns.

Originally posted by pspun
Have not seen any posts for five days now. Everyone must have been happy with our local HDTV reception, or that we are all outside enjoying the wonderful weather and not spending time watching the reruns.
Well do you want good news? I have none. Bad news, Comcast notified me today that my rates were going up:mad:

Saw the increase also. Regarding the HD channels on Comcast, anyone notice that the audio on these channels are about 25% the level other channels are?

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/012604/bus_comcast.shtml

:(

Originally posted by Advance The Man
Saw the increase also. Regarding the HD channels on Comcast, anyone notice that the audio on these channels are about 25% the level other channels are?
Yes, at least that . And speaking of HD channels, I have yet to see any HD programming on 174 WJCT (PBS) HDTV. Anyone else?

Ross,

The forum member Smitty1 (aka Duane) is the engineering manager at WJCT, and he has been busy on the process of getting the HD passthrough working at WJCT. Here's a link to one of the more recent posts from Smitty....

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3041280#post3041280

Smitty-- do you have any updates for us???

---Bill

Besides mine, who's problem is Comcast's volume on the HD channels? I would think it's Comcast, but could it be the stations? Has anyone mentioned this to Comcast/Stations?

Gator99 - In response to your question about CBS and 5.1. I get the New York CBS HD Channel from DISH because of the waiver. They are broadcasting in DD5.1. I tend to watch that channel more than our local channel because of the audio.


Paul

Paul, that makes sense. I just didn't know you could get a waiver from CBS47, you must have had that waiver from a while back (Channel 4 days).

by the way, as far as sound is concerned on locals, all seem fine (except no 5.1 passthrough)

Smitty1 -- any updates on PBSHD????????????????

Protsch - I ordered comcast last week, they're offerring a rebate of $400 to turn in your sat dish, spread out over a $25/month discount for 16 months. I'm happy with the service so far, especially the OnDemand and hidef. The price with the discount really isnt that much more than D* I had before. Plus they are going to raise your cable modem bills to $60/month if you dont have cable TV in March. I think they 6208 should be in the next couple months, and the 6408 over the summer as you said.

Sysdoc is coming over on Sunday to try out the firewire connection with his DVHS deck for the Superbowl, we'll post how it turned out next week. I've tried the DVI connection on the 6200 and that works also, but I seem to prefer the PQ of the component cables.

protsch,

What kind of TV do you have? I have a MITS WS-65909. It has the built in DTV tuner with firewire. You have subscribed to Comcast only for broadband and have hooked the cable directly to the tuner in your TV and are receiving the video as well?

Paul

Can you list the QAM channels for the new ones you found, protsch?

Thanks.

Thanks, Paul for the info. I was not aware that the premium channels you get were not scrambled.


PS- I'll be watching the Game Sunday in HDTV on my new 921 with instant r4eplay and DD5.1 sound according to Bob Ross of CBS. Recording to the hard drive for later playback. I believe I have the first 921 in Jacksonville.
Quite a story on what I went through to get one.

Originally posted by protsch
Then, I get a bunch of channels just like you would OTA with the tuner, but most are scrambled. The ones I do get are as follows.

90-1 True Stories from Encore (SD)
92-5 NHL Center Ice Promo (SD)
94-8 ESPN NOW (SD)
101-1 NBA League Pass Promo (SD)
102-1 CBS-47 (HD)
102-2 ESPN-HD
103-1 INHD1
103-2 INHD2
104-1 ABC-25 (HD)
104-2 NBC-12 (HD)
108-6 htv (SD)
114-1 PBS (7-1) (SD)
Paul
Thanks for the headsup on this. I wasn't aware you could get these w/o a STB. I'm not clear if your list above includes scrambled. I only get the locals plus espn-hd. The others show signal strengths of 80+, but no pic/sound. Is that scrambled? Using an RCA.

Not a big deal for me as I get OTA fine on rabbit ears, but I can now ditch that. Just after finally memorizing the numbers.

Just a heads up. If you are not paying for cable channels received, then you may be in violation of a Federal law. Cable theft. I suggest this line of discussion be ended.

Don How do you like the 921 so far
Jim

Do you see any lip sync problems on CBS HD. Both Savannah and Charleston CBS DT stations have, voice behind picture. WTOC CBS Sav is one word behind

Here is the Feb. and Mar. thread. I need to go and watch the half-time show;)

How did the Superbowl look to the rest of you in the JAX area? My reception via Comcast HD and OTA looked and sounded horrid! I mean it was without a doubt the worst display of HDTV sports I have seen yet. I don't understand how CBS (I imagine it was our local station) could let this happen during the superbowl of all events. It was consistentlyl dropping out (audio) and periodic pixilization throughout the entire game. I was very surprised when i came to this board and saw that no one else mentioned it. Was I the only one with this problem? I figured that since it was both OTA and Comcast it had to be the broadcast...

Thanks,
James

I saw occasional pixelization with corresponding audio dropouts, but they were only for a short time.

James,

I had a couple of drop-outs but I think that mine were due to multi-path. It got better around 8:30.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I guess I just wasn't meant to impress my friends with the superbowl. Last night all the sitcoms and CSI looked great on CBS. Go figure...

Thanks,
James

On a side note, I notice a lot of people commenting on how CBS has the best HDTV presentation on their football - I definitely disagree. Monday night football and ESPN Sunday night football ALWAYS looked noticably better on my setup. I'm beginning to wonder if I am having problems with CBS HDTV sports only feed :) I need to straighten this out before March Madness (hoping CBS broadcasts that in HDTV of course).

oljim-

Lip sync wasn't an issue here for the game although last Fall we had some problems but I think our local CBS engineer got it under control now.

The 921 is basically a paradigm shift in the way I watch TV here. People with TIVO's have known this for years but I'm just now discovering how great it is. So much easier than tape for time shifting and with HDTV DVR, I don't lose any of my desired picture quality or sound. A little flakey on the OTA channels but as long as you know what not to do you can avoid conditions that ripen your chances for a system reboot.
The biggest issue is the OTA local channels that fail to include proper PSIP info. I would like to see the FCC regulate this aspect of DigitalTV. So much hardware is being built around it that it seems a crime that so few local broadcasters have failed to properly use it.

Locally-
WJXX and WTLV(ABC&NBC) do nothing. Not even channel number or call sign.
WTEV and WAWS, and the rest, including a local religous station does call sign and channel number.

They are not alone. Stations around the country who doPSIP properly are extremely rare.

Yesterday, I called Comcast to ask about the inconsistent volume (audio) levels between channels and occasionally between locals and networks on the same channel. The worst seems to be ESPN HD which is 10 to 20 db higher than adjacent channels. The spokesman stated that the problem must be my equipment, because no one else in Jacksonville had complained. He said if sufficient complaints where logged , they would take action. Yea right, however if you do share this problem please call them.

It's not just inconsistent volume on Comcast, it's very inconsistent audio channel utilization. Frequently (nearly all the time) the History Channel is a LEFT CHANNEL only station. Various other channels, from time to time will have audio only on one channel (not necessarily LEFT). It's very aggravating and speaks volumes (no pun intended) about how little technicians are paying attention to the service they charge us so much for.

Yeah, it's all in OUR equipment....right!

That's my rant and I'm sticking to it!

Jonathan

My bad! We should still be using the Jan. and Feb. thread. Just let this one die, and I will post the Mar. and April thread at the end of the month. Sorry.

Don---

From your new experiences with the 921, I would say "Welcome to the Tivolution" but I haven't seen an applicable catchphrase yet for the 921 that expresses the same sentiment. I'm waiting for the upcoming HD Directivo and I'm at about #115 on the ********************* waiting list for that box. With VE matching $ for $ of the first $100 preorder deposit (and the out clauses)-- I couldn't pass that up.

From your perspective, what are your thoughts on the rumors that D* is moving to future use of 8PSK?

--Bill

Bill-

I'm excited about HD TIVO as well. I had lunch with Jonathan today and we discussed the TIVO. He told me some things about the software I was not aware of and will certainly look forward to it. I saw the HDTIVO in operation and spoke to both TIVO and DirecTV reps on it. It actually is more robust in the hardware than the 921. It has two Off air tuners which will satisfy one limitation I have already seen with the 921. The active tuner complement is the same as the 921 set at no more than any 2 however.

The availability is promised by DirecTV to be done on a premiere dates concept as opposed to how E* is doing the 921, a little at a time. March 31st is slated to have HDTIVO's official release by lots of stock at all retailers. They said you should be able to walk in and buy one with no more than a warehouse shipping time delay is sold out that day.

The downside to all this is indeed the 8PSK announcement. While I embrace that next level technology, I wonder if the HDTIVO is 8PSK ready. Nobody asked and nobody seems to know for sure. It may be a reason I will put off buying the HDTIVO when first out. I do have one on order with a local dealer but if not 8PSK, I may hold off until a next generation is made. Then there is this new management at DirecTV that seems to be moving in a "Let's give TIVO the boot in favor of our own hardware" attitude that was just announced. Lots of exciting things with DirecTV but it does make me pause for my original plans of having both here this spring.

Is anybody else having problem with no sound whatsoever on 17-1? I get sound on every other channel, but this is the second week in a row when I turned on Smallville in HD and found it to be silent. 17 and 17-2 both have sound, but 17-1 does not.

Ereth,

I had no sound problems at all last night watching Smallville. I did get a couple of horizontal lines acrross the screen for a few seconds, but otherwise the output was great. I have had problems in the past with 17-1. This week looked and sounded better than the last few weeks.


Paul

I have no sound at all on 17-1. Haven't had in a couple weeks. There's no sound on that channel as I type this.

I get sound on every other channel. I used to get sound on 17-1. I've reset the receiver and rescanned but nothing. It's like the channel is on mute.

If you get sound it must be something at my end, but what could it possibly be? And why only that channel?

Ereth- What is your receiver and amplifier? How are they connected to the sat receiver? How do you have your ATSC tuner set up for audio?

I have the same problem with 17-1.
17-2 has sound.

Samsung 160 receiver. Every other channel works fine.

Whats strange is that the image is perfect, just no audio.


Jack

Hi Guys -

It suddenly looks like I'll be moving to Jacksonville in a week or so, somewhere close to the Jacsonville Beach area.

Would anyone be willing to summarize what I might expect for OTA HDTV here. (already know about antennaweb)

- Tom

Welcome to the Jax area.

As far as OTA is concerned I would say that we are above average or at least average to the rest of the country in regards to what we have and don't have. Below is a list of stations that you (and just about everyone within 45 miles of Jacksonville will recieve without too many problems):
Actually Digital channels in ().

Channel 4 - Independent (our old CBS affiliate) - 4-1(42) and other subchannels - upconverts all material to 1080i -- 4:3

PBS - currently multicasts on 7-1,2,3 and 4(38), no HD as of 02/06/04 but we should have some soon - at least we hope -- Smitty1 is the engineer and is known from time to time to drop by when he has the time

NBC - 12-1(13) - passes HD when available, sometime they can be slackers, currently NBC and ABC(see below) are owned by the same company


WB -- 17-1 (34) - passes HD when available, but signal is not as strong as others.

ABC -- 25-1(10) - passes HD when available, sometime they can be slackers, but they like to blame it on the fact 720p is a "uncommon" format -- search on the Jax threads for more info.

FOX -- 30-1(32) - passes EDTV Fox widescreen - JD or Jerry is the engineer for FOX/CBS here in Jax, they are both owned by Clear Channel - he is fairly activee on our threads and is very helpful

CBS -- 47-1 (19) -- passes HD when available, as said above owned by clear channel and JD(Jerry) is very helpful.

One thing that we do not have is 5.1 passthrough yet and it looks like we want see that for a long time (Budgets are too tight -- that is there excuse and they are sticking to it -- I guess I don't completly blame them, but I will)

there is also a local TBN(religous) station broadcasting in DT, but I have no information on them.

Welcome again and feel free to ask away.

We here in Jacksonville are fairly small group 20+ or so and last year we got together and had breakfast and meet, we are thinking about doing this again, it was very beneficial, because it allowed us to meet and more importantly meet Smitty1 and Jerry. Jerry actually gave us a full tour of the CBS/FOX facility to educate us.

Don Tks for the info on the 921, I will hold off looking for one till the bugs in tuner (OTA) are worked out. I pick up 4-1 and 30-1 now and then from up here in the sticks LOL
Jim

Welcome to Jacksonville, Tom. From Michigan, you'll think you died and went to heaven! :) I'm a transplanted upstate New Yorker but been here in Jax since 1980! So I know that I would prefer to pressure wash my pool deck today in the sunny seventies than to be back in New York shoveling my driveway out to get my car in the Garage. Hope you found work here and are moving because of that. Let me know if I can be of any assistance in finding your way around town. Now I have to get back out and finish cleaning the pool. Just had to say that for your 'welcome to Florida!

Gator99 -

Thx for the summary. It looks like I'll add a couple channels. Most importantly, I'll maybe finally be able to watch Smallville & Angel in HD (antenna willing).

And count me in if another meet & greet is going to happen.

Don -

Yep. It's a job related xfer. I was talking to my soon to be new boss on the phone last week looking out my Michigan picture window at the thermometer. Ten degrees!

So with an interesting video related job offer it was a no-brainer to move.

- Tom

What do you do in the video business? If you do production, maybe we need to talk as I'm in constant need of shooters, AD's, grips, etc. I have a list of pros I contact for each job but often no one is available so I run out of contacts.

Tom, the TV towers in J'ville are all in the vicinity of Southside Blvd. and Beach Blvd. if you look on a map. I'm about 4 miles west of that location and all my channels are pegging the meters on my DTC-100 and my 921. You mentioned the beaches for location which will be between 12 miles and 20 miles depending on how far south or north you go.

What do you do in the video business? If you do production, maybe we need to talk as I'm in constant need of shooters, AD's, grips, etc. I have a list of pros I contact for each job but often no one is available so I run out of contacts.

Don -

I'm a software engineer involved in video related computer programming, but not involved in video production. I'm interested in that stuff, as probably shows from some of my postings here, but it's not my career or skill set.


Tom, the TV towers in J'ville are all in the vicinity of Southside Blvd. and Beach Blvd. if you look on a map. I'm about 4 miles west of that location and all my channels are pegging the meters on my DTC-100 and my 921. You mentioned the beaches for location which will be between 12 miles and 20 miles depending on how far south or north you go.


As it turns out, I rented a duplex this afternoon around Beach & San Pablo. According to antennaweb this puts me about 7-8 miles from most digital stations. And with all in the same direction I shouldn't need my stupid rotor antenna that I hate so much. ;)

- Tom

Yu should get about the same signals as I do and, yes no rotor! That was a consideration in Jacksonville years ago when they planned that area. We also have very low incident of multipath in Jax. No major buildings tall enough to do that except in certain parts of the rural NW and I understand no one owns a TV in that end of town anyway. (Just kidding) Obviously there are parts of Jax that have some multipath but it is rare.


I don't know of any company developing video related software in Jax. There is one major hardware company in town. Parkervision. They make pan/tilt cameras and servo heads. I use one in my production. Pretty cool, you can plant an RF tracking device on a subject and the head tracks the person as he moves about.

trbarry, I would also like to welcome you to Jacksonville. I have been here for 10 years and it is a great city. Let us know if there is anything we can do !!

John Morgis

trbarry, welcome to Jax. I came from Michigan about 22 years ago. We love Jacksonville. It was a well kept secret as far as what a wonderful place Jax was. I guess the secret was out when we got our NFL team. I still follow the Red Wings, the Lions, the Tigers, and the Pistons. The Red Wings are doing great!

P S Pun

Okay, thanks for the welcome everybody. I've been offline for a couple days now and am back in MI for the moment.

My only question about Jacksonville for the moment is slightly off topic but could anyone recomend a Jax broadband access provider. I want to get that taken care of tomorrow and currently seem to have the choice of Comcast or DSL through the local phone company (SBC?). I probably was not going to bother with cable TV for the moment unless I need Comcast for the Internet anyway.

- Tom

trbarry - I've had Comcast for the past few years with no problems, great service and speed. Bellsouth is the other option for DSL. Comcast will charge ya 60/month for internet if u dont have tv with them though...so your better option may be bellsouth, if its available in your area.

Chris

Tom, Chris is correct about Comcast, unless you own your own Cable modem, (approx $100) and subscribe to basic -- then Comcast high speed internet and local service (Basic 2-13) is only $52. I am not sure about Bellsouth or any other DSL provider, but I have had Cable internet access for three plus years and never had a problem and recently they bumped up their download speed to 3000Kb or is kb either way it is pretty fast.

trbarry, I have the Bellsouth DSL, works pretty good. I think they still have a deal going on with $50 refund for the modem. I think DSL is a bit cheaper than cable. The DSL lite is $39.95/month, and the regular DSL is $49.95/month. But if you have cell phone (Cingular), local, and long distant services with Bellsouth, you get an additional $10 discount per month.

Who all called WTLV Master control last night? MC said several people called to complain. They weren't sending the HDTV switch for Las Vegas. But their excuse was that NBC didn't have it in HDTV. The Master Control guy said they never miss the switch and if it isn't showing in HDTV that's because the network isn't sending them the signal. In other words, it's always the network's fault never WTLV's.

Jerry-

Can you tell us what will happen when FOX switches to HD later this year? Will WAWS be ready to bring FOX HD to Jax?

Any news on WTEV CBS in DD5.1? I had quite a conversation in LasVegas with Bob Ross on the CBS plight to move ahead with DD5.1. While it doesn't affect the affiliates, his take on the O&O's are that station engineers who don't cooperate get the big axe from CBS network.

PBS(WJCT DT) 174 Airs HD Clip!
Open the champagne,at approximately 3:15 PM today while surfing the dial, I viewed a film clip in HD for 10 to 15 minutes for the first time on that channel. The color was too yellow but, congratulations to your staff. Looks like you are finally in "REAL HD". Go PBS!

It will be great to have PBS in HD.Nice find Ross.

Tbarry, I have Bellsouth DSL and the service is good. As someone mentioned before, it is around 49.00 per month.

Our local PBS has shown a hd clip?? To bad I had to work. Hopefully we will see some more hd on PBS tonight.

Don, I don't think we'll see dd 5.1 in Jax anytime soon. At least that is how it sounded the last time someone asked Jerry about it. As far as our NBC affiliate is concerned, I don't think (for the first time) they are to blame for Las Vegas and ER last week not being shown in hd. A couple of other areas mentioned in the hd programming forum that their affiliates were not showing either one of those shows in hd.

Darn the Luck.... I had to work and I missed the PBS HD Demo....

Tom--

I personally use Bellsouth DSL also, like Antonio, and I am generally pleased with it. But the price varies, because the price they charge depends upon your "speed-need" for DSL, and your level of subscription to Bellsouth for their local phone services.

Personally, I currently have BLS's Complete Choice package and their full speed DSL package and I'm paying 45.99. but I have received an offer from AT&T local phone service that I can't pass up, since I'm going to save $0.05* a month after everything calculates (not including the service fees, taxes, etc... common to both companies).

Here's a link to the Bellsouth DSL service, which I use and will probably continue to use ... www.fastaccess.com By the way, My Girlfriend's very technologically-savy mother uses the DSL-Lite with no complaints.

* - I received an offer from AT&T to switch to their local service. For my BLS Complete Choice plan, I currently pay $30 as the base before taxes, fees, etc. With that plan the Full DSL was $44.95 This adds up to $74.95

With BLS, I only really utilize callerID & call waiting, So the plan for AT&T is $24.95. Since I won't have a DSL discount with BLS anymore, The DSL will cost $49.95. Total Cost-- $74.90

Now really--- I'm not that anal regarding saving $0.05. Heck, I've preordered the HDtivo, keep my fiance Really Happy, Got an early generation Hughes E86... .... .... ....

The kicker is that the letter from AT&T had a bonus.


The offer, when you sign up to a specific toll free number is that you receive a free Sirius satellite radio setup controller, 3 months free service, and either a car mount (and needed antenna, etc.) or a home setup (and that equipment). Unfortunately, the offer say's that it's specific to the addressee, or otherwise I would give ya'll the number and extension to call.

It also does not state that there's any commitment to AT&T to continue the service, and the offer from Sirius is the same offer that they offered as a "Friends and Family" promotion early last year.

--Bill

I've probably dragged this HDTV thread a bit too much OT with talk of Internet access. But thanks everyone for the info. I signed up for Bellsouth 1.5 mbps DSL today.

I'd switch the topic back to Jacksonville HD but that's still maybe a week away for me. ;)

- Tom (still at 20 degrees in Ferndale MI)

Raining and in high 60's here, Tom.

Yes, I posted an apology to the MC at WTLV I spoke to the other night. Seems he was indeed correct and NBC dropped the ball this time. Many around the country are complaining about it.
One thing he did tell me is that he had left the HDTV feed up from the network and IMO, it did look sharper than their SD feed upconverted to 1080i. I find that interesting from a technical point of view. The MC did say that another caller said the same thing. So, if you were watching, you were looking at the 1080i feed from the network and not WTLV's local upconvert they normally do for 10-1.

I'll have to check out the HD PBS channel. Gosh, I suppose if we start getting regular HDTV in the evenings on WJCT, I'll need to ante up my promise to Smitty. When we all met for breakfast last year I made a promise to become a WJCT supporter when he starts passing the HDTV from PBS network. I will be making that donation on behalf of their HDTV effort in writing as I want them to know. If you all can spare some coin, I suggest you do the same, but not until they do PBS network HDTV. Let them know it was worth it!


Oh, DSL- If you need upload speed DSL won't get it. My daughter had it and while it was blazing fast for download, the upload was no faster than a 1200buaud moden dialup! Pitiful. I use Comcast here but have a commercial account. IT is now much slower than the consumer accounts as consumer accounts have been upgraded to 6 times the speed I get! Business accounts are scheduled to be upgraded in April, so they promise.

I am having difficulty getting 47-1 and 17-1 in HD. I am getting lots of pixellation and audio dropouts. I live in Avondale/ Riverside area. My antenna is a on top of my 2 story home without any buildings or trees blocking reception. Any suggestions on proper setup or direction of OTA for best reception. I had it professionally installed, I do not want to do it myself. 25-1 comes in crystal clear and no audio dropouts. I must have clear signal for upcoming Masters in April.

Thanks,

Chris

I get Comcast HD and am wondering does ANYONE in Jax get Fox in HD over the air?

Comcast tells me they don't offer it because our local Fox channel does not broadcast in HD -- I didn't believe them because they seem to think that 720p is not HD and 1080i is HD. When I informed them that their own ESPN HD channel is in 720p and they didn't agree I decided they don't really know what they are talking about.

So does our local Fox affiliate broadcast in HD?

My interest is that I would like to be able to see the 1st half of the NASCAR season's races in HD. It appears the second half and the Daytona 500 will be on NBC in HD (YES!).

Thanks,
Mike

Chris, all the HD antennas are within a few blocks of each other. More or less ESE from Avondale. I get about the same strong signal on all of them, but I'm real close.

TheKog, my limited understanding is Fox is EDTV now, with true HD coming later this year.

Originally posted by Don Landis
Ereth- What is your receiver and amplifier? How are they connected to the sat receiver? How do you have your ATSC tuner set up for audio?

I have the Samsung SIR-T160 Receiver, which I've had for a year now. It is connected to my relatively new Pioneer VSX-47tx, both through RCA cables and the digital connector. The Pioneer auto-detects whether to play the digital or analog sound. I tried forcing analog just to see if that made a difference, but it does not.

I get sound on every single channel, but I only get video on 17-1, and it started roughly 3 weeks ago now and is quite consistent.

Mike (Kog),

Our Fox affiliate broadcasts the same signal that every other Fox affil does which is 480p widescreen. Some shows such as my favs (The O.C., Arrested Development, and Bernie Mac) are broadcast in 480p widescreen. Some shows look like DVD quality and some do not. I have an OTA antenna which allows me to get every digital signal in Jacksonville. Jerry would be better able to tell you why Comcast decided not to carry the widescreen version of our Fox affil. Maybe when Fox goes hd later this year Comcast will decide to carry the station. I believe last year some of the Nascar races where in widescreen format on Fox but don't quote me on that.

Ereth, I haven't had any audio dropouts on 17-1. I watched the Gilmore Girls last night and the sound didn't drop out. It could be your Samsung. My E86 did that a couple of times last but it hasn't since then and I have had it since Nov 2002.

I had a chance to watch a hd program on our PBS affil last night and I must say that the picture was good, but not as good as I thought it would. The reason that I think that it didn't appear to be as good as it could be is because WJCT was multi-cast the same hd show on 7-1,7-2,7-3. Instead of dedicating all the hd bandwidth to 7-1 all three channels had the same show. Aside from the multi-casting, having watched hd on our PBS affil for the first time was pretty satisfying.

It is good to know that all of the major networks in our area are passing a HD or 480p widescreen and even TBN has their digital signal going. We could be like other cities and still be waiting for CBS, FOX or the WB. I take my hat off to the stations in this area who decided to jump on the hd bandwagon while others just sit on the sidelines and wait.

Originally posted by TheKog
I get Comcast HD and am wondering does ANYONE in Jax get Fox in HD over the air?

Comcast tells me they don't offer it because our local Fox channel does not broadcast in HD -- I didn't believe them because they seem to think that 720p is not HD and 1080i is HD. When I informed them that their own ESPN HD channel is in 720p and they didn't agree I decided they don't really know what they are talking about.

So does our local Fox affiliate broadcast in HD?

My interest is that I would like to be able to see the 1st half of the NASCAR season's races in HD. It appears the second half and the Daytona 500 will be on NBC in HD (YES!).

Thanks,
Mike

Mike, as far as I know, FOX network does not have HD yet. They have what they call ED (extended definition) which is 480p wide screen same as DVD. We have been receiving digital broadcast from FOX, it is not as good as real HD, but is pretty good.

PS

I had problems with 17-1 getting both audio and video dropouts. I live in Orange Park and have a 30' adjustable antenna. I had to "lower" my antenna to 17' in order to get the WB (17-1) signal. I have had minimal problems with reception since then.

I watched Smallville last night in HD with no audio or video dropout's at all.


Paul

For those that have Comcast digital cable, they have activated their On-Demand service in our area. If you don't get an On-Demand option in your menu, give them a call and tell them. This feature is free with digital cable and has VCR like functions (pause, rew, ff, stop, play) for a select group of programs. I just had mine activated yesterday and it is a neat feature. You can also order newer movies with this service for a fee.

90% of Comcast's customers are supposed to have this service, but everyone I have talked to has said they had to call to get it activated.

This has nothing to do with HD, but I thought it was relevant to our area and those savvy users perusing this group.

Ereth-

No problem here with audio on 17-1. I used a DTC-100 and the DVR921 to compare and the sound was OK on both. All my Digital channels have excellent signal strength here. I checked the analog (RCA jacks) and digital (optical) feeds from the 921 to be sure both were functional. Note- These were all OTA channels and not LIL sat feeds. I don't have any LIL sat feeds here.

If anyone is experiencing pixelation and some sound dropouts you should verify your signal strength as those are the symptopms of a fluxuating signal strength that ocassionally dips below threshhold.

Antonio-

Thanks for the report on WJCT. I don't know what Smitty is trying to do with all those sub channels active when doing "HDTV" The ATSC recommendation is for just one 480i and one 1080i at a time. This assumes a max bandwidth of 12 Mbits for the 1080i. Having two subs on 490i could reduce the HD feed to will below 9 which will result is a very poor PQ on HDTV. Maybe this is OK on still images but any movement and the image would fall apart. I haven't looked at it yet so maybe I need to check it out soon.

Originally posted by DR Jax
For those that have Comcast digital cable, they have activated their On-Demand service in our area. If you don't get an On-Demand option in your menu, give them a call and tell them. This feature is free with digital cable and has VCR like functions (pause, rew, ff, stop, play) for a select group of programs. I just had mine activated yesterday and it is a neat feature. You can also order newer movies with this service for a fee.

90% of Comcast's customers are supposed to have this service, but everyone I have talked to has said they had to call to get it activated.

. Agree, still learning but yet to find FREE movies. Yes I had to call first. The down load came 45minutes after we hung up. Watched some golf lessons on Golf channel, replayed several times. My brain and muscles still do not talk to each other however.:rolleyes:

Paul (sysdoc),

I too have a hard time picking up 17-1. I had sound with my Mits integrated tuner (some breakups though). When I connected to my Samsung tuner, I didn't have sound (like you). The signal strength was around 30% with fluctuations. It must be the tuner with a low signal strength. All my other OTA channels are above 80% with perfect sound.

They need to boost the signal so that more people can get a reliable signal. Or at least put it on digital cable. Otherwise, they will not have many (digital) viewers.

Paul

Paul, I don't know the current situation on this but when, I believe, WJXX first went digital they had problems with some severe interferrance with a local hospital. I had heard a rumor that WJWB also had some problems with high power. I know that WJXX had to reduce power and maybe that is what happened with WJWB. Last year I was talking with some engineers from around the country at NAB and discovered ATSC stations all over are having problems with their digital transmitters interferring with ICU electronics in nearby hospitals. MIght be worth looking into for current day status, locally. Maybe Jerry can step in and update the current interferrance status locally. It may be the reason stations are holding off on more power besides the problem of cost and viewership.

It's wonderful that WTLV and NBC are showing the NASCAR Busch race in HD but the AUDIO IS OUT OF SYNC!

I wish there was someone you could call - their switchboard is closed and no one will forward you to operations.

I will refrain from calling them the names they deserve. Hopefully they won't SCREW UP AGAIN tomorrow during the 500 too.

When WJWB first went up in digital, the Operations manager (George Birnbaum) said that cost was the issue and they would wait until there were more viewers before they cranked up the power. Interesting note about the hospitals though.

Paul

Anyone see that Cinemax HD is now on Comcast? I don't subscribe, but I saw it in the channel list. This is new, right? How is the picture quality?

StarzHD and Cinemax were added early last week. Cinemax looks fantastic, but is cropped just like HBO, if that bothers you. StarzHD is... something. A lot of their movies are in DD5.1, but I've seen three movies so far that are actually in HD. The rest, including their brand new movies like Shanghai Knights and The Life Of David Gale were all 4:3 SD. The movies only movies I've seen on it that were HD were XXX, Final Destination 2 (the gore in it is even more startling in HD!) and The Crow. I haven't kept up with what Starz is doing exactly, I hope they're just going through growing pains and will eventually offer nearly everything in HD like Sho, HBO and Cinemax. If not, I'm sure I'll dump them.

So that brings us to 11 HD channels on comcast and I'm rather pleased. InHD seems to be getting better as time goes by, adding new content into their rotation, the Peter Gabriel concert was amazing.

Thanks for the report on Comcast. Has anyone heard about getting a receiver with firewire or one of the DVR's yet? When Comcast has that, I will need to look at Comcast once again as another provider here. Hopefully they are more reliable than the old Media One days which was the last time I had Cable TV.

Just called and checked on the status of the new boxes and she said that they haven't reached our area yet. She wasn't totally sure of what I was talking about though. I need to see if I can get ahold of one of their installers, they'd know for sure.

Originally posted by TheKog
It's wonderful that WTLV and NBC are showing the NASCAR Busch race in HD but the AUDIO IS OUT OF SYNC!

I wish there was someone you could call - their switchboard is closed and no one will forward you to operations.

I will refrain from calling them the names they deserve. Hopefully they won't SCREW UP AGAIN tomorrow during the 500 too.

Watching the 500 right now. They are srewing it up. AGAIN.

The lip-sync on the 500 is a network issue-- not a local jacksonville issue.

per Ken H., ...http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3382231#post3382231

Gotta love Ken's short and to-the-point answers!

--Bill

Originally posted by bmccrea
The lip-sync on the 500 is a network issue-- not a local jacksonville issue.

per Ken H., ...http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3382231#post3382231

Gotta love Ken's short and to-the-point answers!

--Bill

It's like being served lobster and having to eat it off the floor.

"It's like being served lobster and having to eat it off the floor."

Yeah, well lobsters live on the floor, the ocean floor. :)

WAWS is ready to transmit 720p when Fox network sends it to us.


Jerry

Good to hear that Jerry. Be happy to watch some HDTV from FOX.




question for everyone with OTA reception:
If you are able to get 17-1 with no issues, please state your location, antenna setup and equipment.


I can get 75% or better on PBS, CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, channel 4,

WB is a washout, barley 20% on a good day. This is with my antenna (Channel Master 3016, preamp, and Samsung TS160 receiver)

I live out off of Old Jennings Road, about 22-25 miles according to AntennaWeb and have an attic mounted antenna. I dont want the big ugly thing outside unless I can defintely get the WB since Im able to get the others just fine. Anyone have one of those stealthtennas or
winegard sensar?

- Jack

Jack
I live off of doctor's Lake Drive on the north side of Doctor's Lake in Orange Park, not too far from you and unfortunately I have never been able to get WB especially in the last 3-4 months (I moved here in July 2003). I have a Large (60+/- inch directional antenna - bought from Home Depot) on a 35 foot mast and I receive all other channels at 90 to 100 percent.

I had been emailing/talking with George Birnbaum over at the WB and he was willing to test his side of things, but unfortunately I dropped the ball and stop sending him signal strenght ratings on a regular basis.

If we all could periodically track our signal strength's on weaker channels and forward to him, I am sure he wouldn't mind - just make sure to include your equipment and location as well.

I am 4 miles due west of the farm.

I get all channels including 17-1 between 123 and 125 on the Dish 921 receiver that maxes out at 125.

I use an outdoor small antenna from RatShack. Not sure of the model number but it has about a 5 ft. boom. It is on a 10 ft. mast above my roof line.

I know from experience that an attic inside antenna will only get about 10-15% of what it will do outside in the clear.

If I were you, I'd go to Home Depot and buy a 10 ft length of EMT and temporarily mount your antenna on your roof with some simple rope guywires. Check your signal. Be sure to rotate the antenna to find it's peak signal strength according to a meter on your receiver.
This way you will know if you are missing out by having the antenna inside and you can then make a decision on what to do about it.

Because these signals often have deep null lobes in the pattern, that you by just rotten luck may be in, you really want to run a test of a simple and quick/cheap setup before going to the trouble of erecting something permanent. I even just put an antenna on a couple of plastic lawn chairs on the roof to get an idea. When I got the antenna up 10ft on the mast, the signal went from 50-70% to pegging the meter. In my close location I was having some issues with WJXX that was the lowest and this is why I needed to go the 10 ft. mast route as it made everything solid.

More Art than Science :)

Im debating placing it outside, but if Gator can't get WB either with an outside mast, it seems pretty hopeless for now.

I have my antenna aimed pretty good for now (borrowed a GPS to get decent readings and aim).

Ill see about mounting it outside this weekend to see if I can get anything better.

- Jack

I have the Moto 6200 box from Comcast. I had installed about a month ago. The OnDemand and HD comes in really well, havent had any major problems to report. I have yet to check out the new HD channels though. I have tried the firewire port hooked up to a Mits DVHS deck(courtesy of sysdoc), but we had no luck so far in getting a signal/recording onto the deck. I have read elsewhere about people having it work correctly. They do have the new firmware here which activates the firewire and DVI ports.

Chris

Now that Fox is up I wonder when Comcast is going to add them. It would also be nice if they could add WB. Does anyone know anything about that?

Not sure when they are going to adding Fox or WB, but for point of clarification FOX has been up for quite a while, I think you misread Jerry's post -- I hink he was saying that when Fox starts sending 720p material they are ready to go. Which is great news.

Jerry, what exactly did you guys have to convert to get ready. I have been reading a little about Fox's plan for distribution and it sounds pretty inovative, of course I know nothing of how it works.

By the Way, I still have not seen anything on PBSHD -- of course I have been gone every time something has been passed to us in HD, anyone know when we might see another glimpse of PBSHD???

Jack,

I am about 15 miles from the antennas on the WS near 295 and Normandy Blvd. I have the second largest outdoor antenna you can get from RatShack mounted on a 10ft pole with a rotator. I have the rotator b/c I am having multipath issues with CBS. Comes in good at night with no break-ups and all kinds of break-ups from about 12:00pm until about 6:00pm.

As far as the WB, I get a strong 100 on my Hughes E86 sat receiver.

I contacted Comcast on the 6208 and the FW and was told they don't have the 6208 yet and will let me know. They also said no FW support yet although I don't believe them! I have heard others getting the same feedback yet it is working for them with recording. Lots of info in the recording section on these cable boxes.

As for the MIts DVHS VCR- you have to jump through some hoops to get it to be sensed by a source device. The procedure is in the manual but if you need me to outline it for you, I will. Basically, you need to scan the I-link connections to see if they show up. They may or may not be listed but if you get signal, it will record without the "CP". If you always get CP then you have no connection. The JVC is easier to set up but IMO, doesn't produce as good a PQ as the Mits. JVC suffers more pixelation and is more sensitive to tape quality than the Mits. I have the JVC40K and the Mits 2000U

Note: PBS HDTV program on tonight:

IN SEARCH OF SHAKESPEARE
Note: High Definition

Wednesdays at
8:00 PM ET
February 4 - 25


Let's see if WJCT puts this through.
I have looked and it appears than much of PBS network programming is not in HDTV but rather in SD upconvert with wide screen. I have not yet seen any HDTV from WJCT TV so I will try to tune in tonight at 8PM to see if it is being sent yet.

Other nights for HDTV are supposed to be:

Sundays at
2:30 PM ET
February 1-29
check local listings
JAKERS! THE ADVENTURES OF PIGGLEY WINKS
Note: High Definition

Sundays at
7:00 PM ET
February 1 - 29
check local listings
AMERICAN FAMILY
Note: High Definition


All other stuff is either SD Widescreen or SD 4:3 programming.

Please let me know if I missed anything. I heard a rumor that PBS is planning to ramp up it's true (non-upconvert) HDTV soon so maybe Smitty will be ready in time for this.

Cool, Thanks Don, did you pull that from PBS's webpage?

Last week I exchanged the moto 5100 for the 6200 w/firmware 7.07. Firewire is indeed active. Was able to get HD signal and DD 5.1 on the Mits 65711. Did notice some screen pausing and occasional pixelation which I never see with component. This could be because I'm having to use a 13ft cable... might experiment with 6ft cable later ? Don't have the ability to check recording.

Jeff- HDTV Magazine (e-mail version- subscription)

Joey-

Thanks for the update, I plan to seriously revamp my inbound packages here with Comcast when they offer the 6208 and have added more HD channels, of course if DirecTv or Dish beats them to it...

Tip for 1394 users- If you get lots of dropped frames on 1394, try adding toroid ferrite RF chokes to each end of the FW cable. You can buy these at Radio Shack. It may help cut down any RFI from wireless phones and ethernet cabling and wifi connections, even vacuum cleaners running can cause RFI to disrupt the 1394 integrity.

Originally posted by Don Landis

Tip for 1394 users- If you get lots of dropped frames on 1394, try adding toroid ferrite RF chokes to each end of the FW cable. You can buy these at Radio Shack. It may help cut down any RFI from wireless phones and ethernet cabling and wifi connections, even vacuum cleaners running can cause RFI to disrupt the 1394 integrity. [/B]

Thanks Don !! I'll make a trip to RS today. Had no idea that I that RFI could be effecting my 1394 integrity. Lord know we're running all kinds of wireless in our house.

Do you think cable length is a none issue regarding 1394 integrity ?

1394 should be good to 15ft.

I resolved several issues with RFI here using the chokes. I can't say that will fix your problem but it's a cheap enough preventitive and many FW cables come today with these chokes snapped on for this very reason. Had one video production company very near the TV antenna farm and they couldn't use FW until they snapped these onto their system cables

No, I understand that Fox will be sending the signal OTA when the network starts passing the signal. My concern is that Comcast will not be ready and not of added a slot for it.

My hope is that when Fox starts sending the signal Comcast is ready to go. I guess my main concern is when they start with the baseball and football games later this year, I want to be able to watch them since I just have the Comcast Box. I also hope Comcast will add a spot for WB, since some of their programming is HD. They did just add Cinamax and Starz on 170 and 169

Feb 18th, 2004
Report on PBS search for HDTV from WJCT DT--- NOT HDTV!

Sorry to say out WJCT is not passing the HDTV signal yet from PBS

38-1 (7-1) 480i letterbox High level of compression=very soft and micropixelated in movement.
IN SEARCH OF SHAKESPEARE

38-2 480i still graphic very soft image


38-3 480i Letterbox very soft image
IN SEARCH OF SHAKESPEARE

38-4 480i Letterbox very soft image
IN SEARCH OF SHAKESPEARE



Smitty-
If you are monitoring this, you need to run the HDTV version of
IN SEARCH OF SHAKESPEARE on 7-1 and put your still graphic announcements on 7-2. Or, run the HDTV version on 38-1 (7-1) and put a 480i version of IN SEARCH OF SHAKESPEARE on 38-2 and move the still graphic announcement with high level of compression on 38-3 Dump the extra instance on 38-4. Use more than 2 video or 2 video channels and 1 still when you are airing only SD. When you air HDTV restrict to only HDTV and one airing of 480i version. Makes no sense to air HDTV if the compression results in quality that looks worse than NTSC on EP VHS speed.


RF signal was also weak. Many nights it is good but tonight is was low in the 75-80 on a scale of 0-125 while all other channels were in the 122-125 range.
Receiver is the DishNetwork DVR921, outside LP yagi 24 ft. high, location is 4 miles due west of your tower, in visible sight.

Don,

I just checked on all four channels (07-1 through 07-4) and though the Shakespeare program is on two of them, it is not in HD.

FYI...

Jonathan
Originally posted by Don Landis
Note: PBS HDTV program on tonight:

IN SEARCH OF SHAKESPEARE
Note: High Definition

Wednesdays at
8:00 PM ET
February 4 - 25


Let's see if WJCT puts this through.
I have looked and it appears than much of PBS network programming is not in HDTV but rather in SD upconvert with wide screen. I have not yet seen any HDTV from WJCT TV so I will try to tune in tonight at 8PM to see if it is being sent yet.

Other nights for HDTV are supposed to be:

Sundays at
2:30 PM ET
February 1-29
check local listings
JAKERS! THE ADVENTURES OF PIGGLEY WINKS
Note: High Definition

Sundays at
7:00 PM ET
February 1 - 29
check local listings
AMERICAN FAMILY
Note: High Definition


All other stuff is either SD Widescreen or SD 4:3 programming.

Please let me know if I missed anything. I heard a rumor that PBS is planning to ramp up it's true (non-upconvert) HDTV soon so maybe Smitty will be ready in time for this.

Out of curiosity, I notice that WUFT (36-1) from Gainesville is being listed on TitanTV and apparently is broadcasting quite a bit of HD. Has anyone tried pointing an antenna to Gainsville to see if a usable signal can be picked up?

Here in White Springs, I am receiving video from WUFT on Channel 36-3 (PBS HD feed) and 36-4 (SD simulcast of analog channel 5). The HD feed is very good. The SD feed is poor (washed out/slightly out of focus). My Zenith receiver shows no video on channels 36-1 or 36-2.

Well, I'm sort of moved in now in Jacksonville and I get most of the digital stations discussed above pretty well with a UHF only antenna on about a 13' mast in my living room. Heck, I might even leave it that way, or move it to the attic later.

I notice there is no local UPN affiliate. Are Jax HD'ers deprived of Star Trek: Enterprise? I think that was the only remaining show I watched on UPN.

Finally (marginally appropriate for this thread) my antenna seems to get a decent analog MTV on channel 43. Is this typical here or is it just picking up the cable channel somehow? I don't currently have cable. Very strange. ;)

- Tom

TBarry,

In the "How many of the 6 OTA hd channels can you rec" thread I wrote:

The problem with UPN here is that there is no channel space for it. Clear Channel owns the CBS, FOX and the UPN affil. UPN shows are broadcast on the FOX station starting at 11:00 pm each night. Two years ago the Washington Post Company had the CBS affil in this market but they no longer wanted to pay the affil fees that CBS wanted. At that time Clear Channel had the UPN and Fox stations. FOX and UPN had its own station 47 and 30 respectively. Clear Channel acquired the rights to the CBS programming in this area and put the CBS programming on channel 47. That left the UPN programming without a dedicated station. SO CC opted to show the UPN programming on the FOX station starting at 11:00 pm. So technically we get UPN programming but it does not have its own station so we do not get the hd programming from UPN.

That is why there is not a UPN station. I have an outdoor antenna and do not pickup the analog MTV station. I have seen the analog station at someone else house who does not have hd.

Welcome to the city.

"I had been emailing/talking with George Birnbaum over at the WB and he was willing to test his side of things, but unfortunately I dropped the ball and stop sending him signal strenght ratings on a regular basis."

Jeff- since you have a connection going with George, could you do me a favor? We discovered a strange situation with WJWB 17-1 and 17-2 last night. It seems that his channel will not permit recording on a PVR921. All other channels record fine. Try to find out if he is adding some broadcast flag to prevent PVR recording usage. I have not yet tested the DVHS VCR recording of his channels but I plan to try that too. This is not a unique Jacksonville issue. People are reporting stations at random around the nation having this same problem. Many have reported it with PBS channels but Our PBS multicasting is working fine here with PVR recording functions. WJWB is the only channel that appears to be immune or PVR copy protected. The jury is still out whether this is a 921 issue or a station issue.
TIA

Comcast has added two more HD channels, Cinemax and Starz. Starz actually only shows 1 or 2 movies in HD, the rest are 4:3 garbage. Cinemax is just like HBO and Showtime, showing 90% in HD. Glad to see some more programming to watch in HD.

Don, sorry I haven't responded, I have been traveling quite a bit and my travel schedule is about to pick up quite a bit, so I probably will not be able to keep a steady dialogue with George to be of any use. He is very accesible via email though, I would suggest anyone that needs questions answered to email him. In matter of fact I would suggest everyone here drop off a quick email saying hello -- let him know we are out there.

sorry I can't help out anymore than that.

the 811 with Dish network yesterday. We were trying to get a lock on the OTA channels, which gave us a run for our money.

We ended up trying to use the different antennas we already had, but then had to go buy an Indoor antenna from Radio Shack.

Since we are in an apartment, we cant do the big outdoor antennas.

Anyway, we are able to get all but 2 stations. We cant pick up Wtlv or WJCT.

Antennaweb shows we are no more than 5 miles from all stations.

Anyone have any tips that I could explore?

Thanks.

Can you manually enter the channels? I had the same problem with a mdp-120, but by using titantv to schedule a recording from each station, it added the channels I couldn't. Once added, they work fine.

I can go into the OTA setup, type in the numbers, where it shows the signal strength for each channel. Sometimes I can get a lock and get the chance to name it.

Or do you mean enter the numbers like I would If I were just changing channels, not setting up?

I have them added and can scroll through them on the remote...I just cant seem to get WTLV or WJCT.

Natalie,

Try turning your antenna towards the antenna farm. If that doesn't work try the Silver Sensor antenna. A number of individuals in the hd hardware forum tend to like it. If you get that antenna you should also turn it towards the antenna farm. The placement of an indoor antenna can be very delicate so you may try placing it on the floor, on top of the tv, upside or sideways whatever works.

Forgive me since Im new at this, but what is meant by the antenna farm?

Oh believe me, we tried turning this thing every way possible, up and down...the best reception we got was by having it up on the bridge of our ent center.

We got the 811 at 10 yesterday and we spent until 630 pm trying to get the signals right.

We bought this new antenna from radio shack and it seems better then the ones we already had, but still without pbs and wtlv12.

this is the antenna we bought yesterday:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D1880&MSCSProfile=745D84CBF04D14A48AA6FF9C89D722C0BA68C1B04FE38467 8A5285FCD6E056B17AF21627FDABE316B90B3C038D68EBD6B7F9F3BD1712 EAA9951ACB2590A05C6517EFE46941FEFDD1985D4EFD6321F5E70B4DE9B6 C1D45512DCD9FB3DBCACB94791FE178C24FEF53927E83113A6E13FC328E2 D574950F17A0576C06875A6CEF73B5AAC40EA7A1CA34

Natalie,

The "antenna farm" is the outcropping of tall TV antenna's along southside blvd just south of Beach blvd.

I would second Antonio's thought of trying a silver sensor. They are well recommended across the forum. Remember, there's always a return policy for the one that doesn't work. Here's a link to it at best buy...
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1051806287898&skuId=5262814&type=product

--Bill

Ok I spoke with the hubby regarding the farm and he told me thats basically the direction we have it in now.

But he did say he will look into the silver sensor.

Besides it being UHF only and not amplified how does it differ from the one that I posted we bought yesterday?

Natalie,

It works differently from the one you have b/c it is supposed to be more sensitive. That is what I glean from the numerous posts on it. Do a search in the hd hardware forum for "Silver Sensor". I provided a link below.Silver Sensor (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=368239&highlight=silver+sensor)

Curious about one more thing...According to antennaweb, wtlv and wjxx use VHF...If I buy the silver sensor I wouldnt be able to get these?

As it stands now, I cant get wtlv anyway but I do get Wjxx.

Am I understanding this right?

I don't believe that it matters. I maybe wrong and if I am someone could correct me.

Yes, it is VHF, but many UHF-only antenna's will receive the upper VHF channels(7 and above). In this post... http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3429347#post3429347 the person states that he can get channel 9 with it. With your proximity to the farm, you should be able to pick up wjxx(10) and wtlv(13) using it.

ok then..I guess we'll have to give it a shot. Is Best buy the only local place that carries it? Id rather not go there if I dont have to..I just dont like that store :)

Do I need that channel master that was mentioned?

Try just using a simple dipole (rabbit ears) set to the ch 13 frequency. I forget the exact length, but open the two "ears" as wide as you can (almost opposite each other) and collapse to about 1 foot each ear.

At 5 miles, you shouldn't need any special antenna for a VHF signal.

I did a search on the Circuit City site-- it doesn't look like they carry it, but you could call. Sound advice might carry it. Froogle.google.com says sears carries it. Of course, if you care to wait a couple days, they have it for $29.99 on overstock.com (which is $10.00 less than BB)

We tried an old pair of rabbit ears with the 1 knob you keep turning and it didnt work very well.

Yeah amazon has it for 24...but Id rather buy local in case I need to return it.

Maybe Ill call sears and see if they have it in store

Natalie, come on now, is BB that bad? :) Sure some of their salespeople are uninformed, but that shouldn't stop you from getting what you need from them.:cool:

Well considering the last time we were in there, it got so frustrating that we vowed never to go back...

Anywho...I dont know what will happen..we may just end up there to get the antenna, but my hubby hates that store with a passion.

But Ill call Sears first..if they dont have it, then I suppose we will have no choice.

As I said, something like this I prefer to buy local...considering the antenna we bought yesterday may have to go back, I dont know how well the Silver Sensor will work, its possible it may have to go back as well, who knows?

If the antenna doesn't work for you, you may want to try a amp with it. Only as a last resort.

That would be the channel master?

This is also different from using an amplified antenna?

Look here for tips on antennas.

http://www.kyes.com/antenna/rabbitear.html

Don't fall for the all the hype. Unless you are blocked by a lot of metal structure, you have all the signal you need at 5 miles with a simple dipole.

We have lived here for a long time. As far as I can remember, its always been a pain in the butt to get signal here. I dont mean just OTA...but before locals came to Dish, it was so bad we just gave up.

The antennas we initially tried using are ones we have had for years...one is amplified the other is not. We tried those two and then went and bought the newer amplified one yesterday.

My hubby use to say its because we are across the river from the base.

Not sure if this has any bearing on OTA.

CM is just one amp maker. I have one from Rat Shack (I don't use it) but it's a high-gain signal amp. It has an adjustable gain so that you can adjust how much amplification the signal gets. I think that I only paid 20 or so for it, but I got in the spring of last year so the price maybe diff.

Some antennas have the amp built in so I guess you could call that an amplified antenna. It is best to go with one that does not b/c you have the option of no amplification or a little to alot. You have to remember that too much amplification can over-amplify the channels you rec now. That is why it is best to get an adjustable gain amp if you need an amp.

If you only need about 10db of signal attenuation you can also get a RF Signal Attenuator. It is a small box that cost about 6.00. I have one that I got from RS. I use it on my antenna and I have a outdoor antenna. You can adjust the signal attenuator anywhere from 0 to 10db to increase the strenght of the signal. Use one or the other. First see if you can pick up the channels with just the antenna. If not then try the amp. The attenuator will only work well for you if you are already receiving the signal but you need a slight boost to get you over the hump.

Ok, the one we got yesterday has an adjustable knob, for the amplification I suppose...you can turn it off too. Didnt seem like it made a difference until it was all the way up.

But I will go for just the antenna at first. We got the amplified antenna yesterday because we figured it would be better.

I don't think anyone has mentioned yet that WTLV has one of the worst signals of the digital stations broadcasting. It's always been a difficult (on again, off again) station to get a solid lock on. Some folks see it different, but for me, your experience there is completely understandable.

WJCT is newly on the air digitally and though I get their signal fine, it is pretty low quality. Some have mentioned that they've begun some HD broadcasting, but I've not caught them at it yet.

Good luck!

I don't have any problem with WTLV or any of the major networks here, except of course the missing UPN. My WB signal is weak enough on the signal meter that I would not have predicted decent reception but it is also steady enough that I get very few breakups most days.

I've tried various things in various home and I am starting to think I best like my UHF antenna with about a 3' boom. It beats the heck out of my Silver Sensor here. I'll probably move it to my attic when I get around to it. And even though it is just UHF it still does a very good job on ABC, on RF (VHF) channel 10.

6 of my stations have stronger meter readings than in Detroit (Ferndale MI) where I was actually closer to the towers than I am now at about 7.5 miles. And even WB is decent.

Incidentally WB digital came online in Michigan just days before I moved here so I was afraid I had gained HD Angel & Smallville just to lose them again. ;)

- Tom

Hi Tom,

Welcome to Jax! UPN programming is actually available on the FOX Entertainment channel (WAWS), only it is delayed until the FOX programming is complete each night. For example, Star Trek: Enterprise, which might normally be seen at 8pm, is instead shown at 11pm or even later depending upon what is on FOX that night. If I didn't have Tivo to keep up with it, I would probably never see it! As others have discussed, it is not currently being broadcast in HD, but it sounds like it may not be too much longer before it is.

Take care,

Jonathan -

Yep, someone a page or 2 above already pointed out the UPN time shifted carriage on Fox. This would actually be fine for me if it was in HD since I use a couple PC's with HD cards that support guide driven timer recording. I don't watch most things live because of the commercials.

Enterprise is the only HD show left on UPN anyway. Though back in Detroit there was usually one of the Paramount HD One movies every few weeks and I liked to record some of them. I don't know if Fox carries those here but it doesn't matter to me until Fox is HD anyway.

I've already set a timer recording for ST:Enterprise tonight on Fox to check it out. Last week I didn't yet know about the Fox/UPN shows.

- Tom

Originally posted by jeburnett
I don't think anyone has mentioned yet that WTLV has one of the worst signals of the digital stations broadcasting. It's always been a difficult (on again, off again) station to get a solid lock on. Some folks see it different, but for me, your experience there is completely understandable.

WJCT is newly on the air digitally and though I get their signal fine, it is pretty low quality. Some have mentioned that they've begun some HD broadcasting, but I've not caught them at it yet.

Good luck!

We went back and tried all antennas that we have. I will say that WTLV and WJCT seem to be the hardest to get...I was able to get some sort of signal on them...but then I lost signal on the rest of the channels.

In the end, it seems that our old antenna, which was an old FM Stereo antenna, was more capable of finding all stations than the new amplified one we bought.

Granted, I have yet to get all stations at once. WJXT seems to come in with the strongest signal..

So, we are going to take the radio shack antenna we bought back. We may go ahead and pick up the Silver Sensor at Sears and see what happens. Or we may just try the rabbit ear approach.

I just dont understand why we cant get all stations with strong signals at once.

We tried to use the degrees listed on antennaweb with our compass, which worked somewhat. Right now Im at a loss.

just a heads up, Comcast still has the 400$ deal. (25$ off each month for 16 months)

Just ordered that with the HD package since I come out cheaper with that and cable modem versus (almost) the same channels on DTV and cable modem. (about 35-40 difference)

Seeing as how Im going this route, anyone interested in the Samsung TS160 (with P4 card and all cables, DVI, RGB, RCA) I have? Figured Id see if someone wanted it locally versus Ebay at first to save shipping hassle. Give me an email @ jandar187 AT comcast.net to discuss details.


Ill give my impressions on the channel lineup when I get setup.

I have too much RF inteference right now and starting to get antenna dropouts which is really ticking me off. Even my 802.11b wireless can't find a clean channel. Thinking about having the electricians come out and check the power.

- Jack

Natalie,
I went through a similar situation a little over a year ago. I must have went through no less than 10 different anteannas. Channel Masters, silver sensors, Radio Shack, in the attic, on the roof, you name it. Know what finally did it for me? I got an extensio mast and moved my antenna up about six feet higher. I haven't had a single problem since then. I tell you, I was close to throwing in the towel. I would strongly suggest that if there is any way for you to move your antenna up a little higher, give that a shot. And if you are using an external antenna, please make sure that you are grounding it properly. Remember, we get a lot of thunderstorms here.

Skip

Jack--

Today, on one of the forums that I frequent, I found good thread that offered quite a lot of tips to isolate rf interference that you're experiencing. I will look for that thread tomorrow and let you know the location. It might be worth taking some time in going through the suggestions in that thread before you spend money on professionals. (and if you do end up finding the source by yourself, then you can send me a check for 1/2 of the estimated cost of those professionals -- or -- just think good thoughts for me. :)

--Bill

Originally posted by MrGibbage
Natalie,
I went through a similar situation a little over a year ago. I must have went through no less than 10 different anteannas. Channel Masters, silver sensors, Radio Shack, in the attic, on the roof, you name it. Know what finally did it for me? I got an extensio mast and moved my antenna up about six feet higher. I haven't had a single problem since then. I tell you, I was close to throwing in the towel. I would strongly suggest that if there is any way for you to move your antenna up a little higher, give that a shot. And if you are using an external antenna, please make sure that you are grounding it properly. Remember, we get a lot of thunderstorms here.

Skip

Well Im in an apartment, so Im very limited as far as antennas are concerned. Im not exactly sure what else we can do yet.

Just another quick question for you all. When you are able to to get the OTA channels, do you guys get a steady signal? I mean if you lock in at say 90 percent, does it always stay at 90 percent for you?

We are noticing that these signals dont like to stay steady.

For instance, we had a 90 percent signal on WJXT on Tuesday night, and the antenna wasnt moved or anything since. Last night, the signal on WJXT kept dropping out.

IS it normal for the signals to fluctuate so bad, or is it a matter or once you find the signal it should stay steady?

Now Im using the 811 from DIsh, which we just got on Monday.

I hope this question makes sense to you all.

Nat,

The signal on diff stations will go up and down from time to time but as long as the signal stays at 54 or above your picture should not go out.

What MrGibbage was referring to when he mentions the extension mast is a small pole, about 4 or 5 ft tall that you can attach your antenna to. You can buy this pole at RS or maybe even Home Depot.

The problem is on some stations even at 80 percent it was cutting out, which we couldnt understand. Its either that or it goes back and forth from 49 to 80+ percent. We just noticed that it seems to fluctuate big time.

As far as a mast, not sure it would do any good...the antenna we are using now, the old one we had, non amplified is on the top of our ent center.....which is pretty close to the roof...we cant extend the dipoles very far. So theres not much more room to go in here.

We've tried different placements, near the floor, halfway between the floor and roof, and up top where it is now. Up there is the best place for it to be out of all the placements. But its still not a very solid signal.

I will say though that we are on the second floor of the apartment, and there is access to the attic.

My hubby said he was thinking we could put an antenna there.

Please excuse the interruption from someone who’s not actually in Jacksonville. I’m working with Dish Network and the 921 software development team trying to determine why various stations around the country are causing the Dish 921 problems. One of these stations is WJWB in Jacksonville.

Does anyone participating in this thread have an HD PC recording card (MyHD, Hipix, AccessDTV, etc) available that would be willing to send me a 1 or 2 minute recording from WJWB? I will then send the recording on to Dish Network where they will analyze the transport stream to determine what is different about WJWB’s signal from most of the rest of the country. I have an FTP site set up to receive the recorded transport stream file(s).

If you can help me out, please PM me here, or send me an email at markdl@dbstalk.com Thanks in advance for the help!

Jack--
I looked but I couldn't find the thread I had been looking at regarding the RF interference, but this thread http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=370324 has some good info in it.

Mark-- Regarding the problem station, I think that you are actually talking about WJWB (not WKWB). Unfortunately, I cannot help you, but I believe that Don Landis (from these forums) may be able to help you with the capturing the recording. Additionally, he has a 921 receiver.

--Bill

Thanks Bill. Don was the one that brought the station to my attention, but I don't believe he has a PC recording card (could be wrong - but pretty sure he's just got the 169 setup).

Editing my post now...

Thanks Bill,

Im going to try that AM Radio idea.
its very frustrating to deal with.


- Jack

Mark -

YGM. I have the needed equipment and can record it. To get you started, or for anyone else interested, I've appended a bbdmux report below of a short WB recording here. I'm not sure but I think Conditional Access Tables would show up in these if present.

- Tom

bbDMUX - version 1.9, by Brent Beyeler (beyeler@home.com)
speed increases by, Apachez and Christian Vogelgsang

Scanning for PID's, press control-c to quit ...

File ch017w~1.tp is an MPEG-2 Transport Stream

Found PID 0x0011, Other Stream
Found PID 0x1FFF, Null Packet Stream
Found PID 0x0024, stream id 0xBD = Private Stream 1
Found PID 0x0021, Other Stream
Found PID 0x0014, Other Stream
Found PID 0x1E00, Other Stream
Found PID 0x0010, Other Stream
Found PID 0x1FFB, Other Stream
Found PID 0x0020, Other Stream
Found PID 0x1E80, Other Stream
Found PID 0x0000, Program Association Table Stream
Found PID 0x1D00, Other Stream
Found PID 0x1E02, Other Stream
Found PID 0x1D02, Other Stream
Found PID 0x1E01, Other Stream
Found PID 0x1D01, Other Stream
Found PID 0x1D03, Other Stream
Found PID 0x1E03, Other Stream

Summary:

MPEG Transport Packets = 782080
PID 0x0000, Program Association Table packets = 604, total bytes = 111136
PID 0x0010, Other packets = 304, total bytes = 55936
PID 0x0011, Video stream 0 packets = 599544, total bytes = 110272060
PID 0x0014, Private Stream 1 packets = 9477, total bytes = 1455728
PID 0x0020, Other packets = 604, total bytes = 111136
PID 0x0021, Video stream 0 packets = 113474, total bytes = 20833288
PID 0x0024, Private Stream 1 packets = 9475, total bytes = 1455498
PID 0x1D00, Other packets = 595, total bytes = 109480
PID 0x1D01, Other packets = 234, total bytes = 43056
PID 0x1D02, Other packets = 120, total bytes = 22080
PID 0x1D03, Other packets = 85, total bytes = 15640
PID 0x1E00, Other packets = 1431, total bytes = 263304
PID 0x1E01, Other packets = 585, total bytes = 107640
PID 0x1E02, Other packets = 336, total bytes = 61824
PID 0x1E03, Other packets = 170, total bytes = 31280
PID 0x1E80, Other packets = 116, total bytes = 21344
PID 0x1FFB, Other packets = 2532, total bytes = 465888
PID 0x1FFF, Null packets = 42394, total bytes = 7800496

Natalie, did you say you were close to the base - which base? Mayport or NAS JAX? -- the reason I ask is that I lived (not any longer)north of NAS Jax and had problems with FOX, but not the stations that you are talking about, also, I remember that I never could lock a signal until I put my large UHF/VHF antenna on a 5' mast on top of my roof.

If your hubby can, I would suggest putting a larger antenna up in you attic space of the apartment.

Mark and everyone else with problems with WJWB - Channel 17, George Birnbaum is a the contact their and very helpful and wants to see that we recieve their "product" I would sugest emailing him for info.

GBirnbaum@wjwb.com

Across the river from NAS...Im going to hold off on the antenna thing and use my old antenna.

Apparently according to another forum, there is a possible glitch with the 811 involving OTA signal.

People are debating whether or not the receiver is to blame or at least the software.

Their experiences sound basically the same as what I am going through.

the 49 percent signal reading, and it bounces all over no matter what.

Im not sure if any of you have heard of this possible issue.

Tom... I seem to remember in some post that you were moving to Jax. Belated welcome.

Ralph

Welcome to all the new residents of this great city. Here is the March and April thread.

P S

Woohoo!

I guess that includes me. When I found I was moving here last month I went searching and found I had to read the sixty-leven pages of the Jan/Feb thread. This one is easier (so far). ;)

- Tom

PS - a little quick to condemn February are we - we still have a few hours left, lets not rush "time" by us too fast ;) :)

Have been noticing WUFT (36-1) from Gainesville seems to be broadcasting maybe 70% of its schedule in HD. Our local PBS broadcasts nothing?

I've been trying to locate an antenna that will pick up Gainesville. Suggestions?

Originally posted by Gator99
PS - a little quick to condemn February are we - we still have a few hours left, lets not rush "time" by us too fast ;) :)

Well, we gained a day in Feburary, so I shaved a few hours for March just in case we would need them :D

PS

:) :-)

So WUFT is transmitting HD -- I hope Smitty1 is reading these threads, I might have to turn my antenna towards Gainesville

If Smitty has the equipment, I wonder what is holding them up?

I am wondering, is WUFT-DT really passing as much HD through as TitanTV says it is.

WOW if correct!!! it looks like well over 70% is HD - man that sure would be nice -- Smitty1 comments would be great???

Well, I was pleasantly surprised to see WUFT HDTV on 2/22 evening for a few hours while playing with the tuner (MyHDP). Got to see Holy Cow and an Alaska program in HD. It was on Digital 36 and the WUFT "bug" was in the upper right hand corner. My signal strength was abot 40% and I did get a few drop outs - otherwise the picture qualty was great!

The odd thing is that I have a directional outdoor antenna (RS VU190xr) pointed toward Jax. All my Jax stations come in fine; and without changes to my setup I somehow got WUFT.

I am frustrated at the moment because since that night I have yet to ever get the WUFT signal back - 0 signal strength.

So that magical 2 hours was either a WUFT test, a fluke of the weather, or I just got very, very lucky.

I wish our Jax PBS had this much HD programming.

If I knew a 2nd antenna pointed at Gainesville would do the trick I would get another mounted.

Does anyone else get WUFT digital OTA? Is it on all the time or "in testing"?

Thanks

HD_Hobbit
--------

I will use the Power of the One Ring to get my HDTV

As far as getting TV signals from far away, it depends A LOT on the weather. A couple of years ago, I was able to get Orlando channels for a few nights. Depends on temperature, atmospheric ducting, whether you hold your mouth just right, and a lot of other stuff you probably don't want to know about unless you have a masters degree or a naval pilot with a radar on your helicopter (which I am both).

There are a bunch of websites on DXing (that's the name of this hobby) that have predictions on if you can do it and all sorts of info if interested.
The best place to do this is actually in the Gulf. But I don't think Iraq is broadcasting HD yet.

Paul

Sorry for not responding on some local stuff. Works been busy and I've been playing with some new toys (which you probably have read about in some other threads)

I got the 6200 from Comcast and I can record most channels via Firewire. I am using the Mits 2000U and my Mits Integrated TV for the "control device" I haven't tried directly connecting the tuner to the VCR yet since I didn't know the "trick." Thanks Don, I will try it. I am also using Firebus to record as well but playing back the files is tricky. I cannot record Cinemax or ESPN without the dropouts as well as some of the HD locals (from Comcast box).
I talked to the installer when he came and he didn't know about Firewire but he did say they weren't too far from getting some 6208's in. He said that him and the other Comast guys usually get to beta test the new stuff first so he was looking forward to that.
I also got an LG 3410 (QAM/OTA PVR) which I have already filled up in the week and a half that I have had it recording mostly INHD stuff and OTA.

So all in all, I am liking Comcast a lot with all the new HD channels except for the steep price tag and the lack of FOX and WB. On Demand is really pretty neat by the way (not HD unfortunately)

Once the PVRs come out, it will really be nice. I never thought that I would like cable so much but until VOOM or somebody catches up (with recording and all), it is the way to go.

Paul

I had some audio dropouts with the Oscars on Sunday night. The pictures were great.

Just switched to Comast myself.
Got a 6200 box, so firewire here I come.
If I could get an activation for DTVR, Id try out firebus as I dont have a D-VHS.

other than the lack of WB and Fox, the HD packages are pretty nice. Comparing it to D*, you can get a cleaner image. D* is starting to be noticable on compression issues.

I do miss Discovery HD though, as well as HDNet/HDNetMovies, but InHD is pretty good.



Im still rather shocked to see Comcast doing this good with regards to HD.


-Jack

Just saw this link referenced in another forum. It is the PBS HD schedule. This looks like what WUFT is using.

http://www.pbs.org/tvschedules/tvschedules_hd.html

Wb 17-1
The signal of WB 17-1 is much stronger lately.
Do you guys still have a problem with receiving this channel ?

Can't get anything over 10-17 on my signal meter, on my Hughes E86 clone from Doctor's Lake (northside of the lake in Orange Park) -- I am pegged at 100% on all other channels. :(

I still cannot get WTLV in...WJCT seems to be coming in a little stronger now, well sometimes...

I was hoping the rumors about the update for the 811 fixing the problem were true. Doesn't appear to be the case though.

I can get 49 percent on these two, but it wont even attempt to lock.

How did you get the 6200 box. I had the Comcast tech at my home this past weekend and asked him about it and he said it wasn't out yet. Can I just go to my local Comcast office and trade boxes? Also is the DVI active on the new box?

If DirecTV's program guide is to be believed, the Concert for George will be broadcast tonight at 10:00 PM on WJCT in HD. It has been reported elsewhere that the concert was indeed shot in HD.

Whether our local PBS passes the HD feed will be wait and see.

Peter, we shall see. I hope so.

I just got my 6200 box a couple of weeks ago but it was a new install. The tech may have thought you were talking about the 6208 PVR that is coming soon. They do have them, so call the main office and ask them if you can come in and get a new one. Unfortunately, the CSRs don't know what a 6200 or a 5100 is so you will have to be creative. Go to the office and ask them for a box that has firewire ports on it or "the two little thingamajigs next this other dumafloppy"

Good luck (and yes, the DVI should be active. Unfortunately my TV doesn't have DVI)

Paul

Concert for George not in HD over cable. Too bad. Looks like other cities had it an hour prior. Maybe it could have been passed then. I don't think anyone can record and then show later at the network level. Otherwise we might be able to get the UPN HD shows on FOX.

Paul

Paul,

You are correct. I wonder when we finally get it from WJCT.

6200 came with my new install.

Installer swore I was getting a 5100, but the firewire is there. Firewire was an option on the 5100, but so far as I know, Comcast didnt have that option.

The boxes are pretty identical except for the Firewire port.

- Jack

Thanks for the posts. At this point I just want the DVI connection. that will free up one slot on the plasma.

I am new to this site, found it looking into info for some HDTV info.

Looking at getting some HD to my new Sony 51" Widescreen.

Presently on DishNetwork and can get there HD receiver for 100 bucks with signing a year contract for the HD content.

Is this a good deal?

What are my options using their box to pick up some OTA HD content? Will an amplied antenna work inside or do I need a roof mount? Located in JCP, so checking another site I found I think I am about 12 miles from most broadcast towers.

I like the picture on the Sony, but know if I get some HD coming into it it will look much better.

Thanks for all the help to the newbie.............

:)

Originally posted by keithshoe
I am new to this site, found it looking into info for some HDTV info.

Looking at getting some HD to my new Sony 51" Widescreen.

Presently on DishNetwork and can get there HD receiver for 100 bucks with signing a year contract for the HD content.

Is this a good deal?

What are my options using their box to pick up some OTA HD content? Will an amplied antenna work inside or do I need a roof mount? Located in JCP, so checking another site I found I think I am about 12 miles from most broadcast towers.

I like the picture on the Sony, but know if I get some HD coming into it it will look much better.

Thanks for all the help to the newbie.............

:)

Welcome. Keith tell us what type of Dish rec you have. There are some on the forum have rec OTA through Dish rec so they maybe able to help. Also you can check Dish's website to see if the rec is capable of OTA reception. Some people have a hard time using an OTA antenna indoors unless you put a large one in your attic. Look at the Jan/Feb thread and you will see the problems that Natile M had with and indoor antenna. Using the antenna outdoors would be the best situation.

Welcome Keith, I am not a Dish Describer, but I thought I read that Dish is giving free their HD receiver I believe the 811, but you should double check here or maybe someone can speak about that deal and that receiver and what if any problems it has.

To be honest, a larger antenna is for the most part going to be the best thing, either mounted on your roof or in your attic - I live on the North side of Doctor's Lake just accross the river from you and I have a 60" antenna on a 35' mast and I get all channes 100% except WB (which is still a mystery) -- Others might have different opinions.

They are running the 811 for new subs, but have been with them over a year and best I can get with the Digital Plan I am on is paying 100 bucks for it. Also have a PVR which is nice that I have used for the last year.

They will install an outside antenna for me for 129.00 when they install the receiver. The CSR for Dishnetwork told me they will call back in 4-6 weeks when they have some receivers in stock. Sounds like giving them away has helped their signup rate. Also, makes it hard for me to talk them into giving it to me when they do not have any in stock.

Reading on another thread, I might send email to ceo@dishnetwork.com to get bumped up the list. Also found searching the net' last night a little Zenith antenna for 20 bucks that has gotten real good reviews for everybody for HD. Anybody using one of those?

IF it works, would not have to drop 129 on the antenna from Dish, also do not know what kind they will install. How does the piggy back antenna's work?


Thanks and I will keep everyone updated. Use message boards for information for other things such as fatwallet.com and floridasportsman.com
to get good information. So much to keep up with in today's world........

I remember crawling on the roof when I was a kid and turning the antenna to try and pick up our three channels.....:)

DO NOT get those piggy-back antennas!! They are not very good. Neither are those long bar antennas. For indoor, I would try the Radio Shack Double bow tie (if you can find it) or the Silver Sensor (do a search on these forums). I use a Radio Shack rooftop antenna and have few problems. They are easy to install and much cheaper than $129. Depending on what you want, you may want to go through Comcast for ease. They have the most HD available and you don't have to buy a box. They also have a dish-buy back program.

Paul

The RS double bow tie... I wonder if I'm the only one left in Jax using one of those (in the attic).
I get WB OK, though I never watch it long enough to ssee if there are problems.

Has WJCT passed HD? I thought I read that one day last week.

Thanks... Ralph

PBS information that might enlighten some from another thread -- looks like we are not alone in the lack of HD from PBS.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=374655

Can anyone with Comcast update me on what they are offering in HD as of March 04, I just want to review and update my list of options for Jacksonville (ongoing project) Also is there a HD package like D* or E* or are the non pay channels (ie HBO, showtime) free and you get HBOHD if you pay for HBO and their other channels

169 Starz HD
170 MaxHD
171 InHD1
172 InHD2
173 ESPNHD
174 PBS
175 CBS
176 NBC
177 ABC
178 Showtime HD
179 HBO HD

I get HBO, which comes with all the other forms of HBO (SD) including HBO HD.

I'm sure if you pay for the other channels, Max, Showtime you get all of the rest (SD).

Hope that helps.

I have both PBS stations, WUFT WJCT on my titantv listing.

The WUFT Gainsville HD content is pretty amazing while the Jax WJCT HD content is still absent. There is also quite a bit of differences in programming carried. I used to think all PBS stations all carried very similar content/programming. WUFT seems to have a large number of nature type HD programs. If it is just a matter of our Jax PBS getting a PBS "national" HD feed. making it look more like the PBS/WUFT station, - then I'm all for it!

At 65 miles away my shot at WUFT is hit & miss. A Channel Master 4228 & preamp might do the job. But, I would rather get an update on what the plans are for WJCT before I buy more equipment.


HD_Hobbit

--------
Buttered Scones & HDTV make a Hobbit's life comfortable

Thanks for the list of Comcast Channels -- that list sure has grown, the only thing that is really missing is DiscoveryHD and of course the HDNet's but INHD(s) should make up somewhat for that programming.

I do wish Smitty1 would comment about HD at WJCT or at least update us on what is happening over there.

The InHD channels kinda make up for the loss of HDNet and HDNetMovies.

I do miss Discovery HD Theater.


Im wondering when Comcast will have Fox, at least the EDTV version for now until Fox starts sending HDTV. Also be nice to get WB-HDTV.


- Jack

I don't think Comcast will have Fox up until the end of August. That is just a guess, but I don't think they will broadcast HD until then so my guess is comcast will wait until then to add them. I hope that is the plan. Just in time for football.

I tried to get PBS 36-1 on my 30ft Yagi antenna from here in ST.AUG but Gainesville is too far away.I hope we get 7-1 in HD soon.Maybe I will try the PBS station in Orlando.Once in a while I can get their stations.

Originally posted by Gator99
Welcome Keith, I am not a Dish Describer, but I thought I read that Dish is giving free their HD receiver I believe the 811, but you should double check here or maybe someone can speak about that deal and that receiver and what if any problems it has.

To be honest, a larger antenna is for the most part going to be the best thing, either mounted on your roof or in your attic - I live on the North side of Doctor's Lake just accross the river from you and I have a 60" antenna on a 35' mast and I get all channes 100% except WB (which is still a mystery) -- Others might have different opinions.

Gator,

I guess I lost the comments I added previously. I had to lower my antenna to 17' to get the WB. I live on the other side of Doctor's lake than you. Are there any tall trees in your path to the Antenna farm? There are for me. At 17' I am pointed to a "gap" in the trees and then I was able to get the WB. The signals are stronger for the other channels if I go higher, but I lose the WB.

I believe it will still be about 16 months before the WB broadcasts at full strength.

sysdoc, there are tall trees between my antenna and the antenna farm, I have tried lowering and raising my antenna several times, but no luck so far. I'll be testing other heights later this weekend. thanks for the heads up

For those of you interested in the NCAA b-ball tournament,I just got a call back from programming at channel 47.They will be carrying the network feed of the games in HD.I hope they stay with this plan and dont go to other first round games.I think the HD first round games are from Kansas city on Friday.We will see if this all comes about.It was very nice of programming at channel 47 to call me back.

Quick question for any Pronto TS 1000 users??

If anyone here in Jax owns a TS1000 and uses the rechargeable battery pack could you please let me know.

I have a issue with my TS1000 and the fact that it reboots all the time (I did replace it with a TSU3000 a while back), I think it is the battery pack, but before I buy another one ($45) I would like to test it. I have tried using regular batteries, but unfortunatley I lost the plastic piece that holds the batteries in and when I place regular batteries they shift and thus the test is worthless.

Actually if anyone has that battery holder I would be interested in purchasing it or at the very least borrowing it to test my old Pronto.

Thanks

Originally posted by Quinton
For those of you interested in the NCAA b-ball tournament,I just got a call back from programming at channel 47.They will be carrying the network feed of the games in HD.I hope they stay with this plan and dont go to other first round games.I think the HD first round games are from Kansas city on Friday.We will see if this all comes about.It was very nice of programming at channel 47 to call me back.

I suspect there might be some confusion here. We will carry the games assigned to us by CBS. If the assigned game is in HD then we will transmit that. If our assigned game is a SD game, then we'll transmit that one. Its possible that we'll have a SD game on at the same time that a station in another area has a different game on thats in HD. I don't remember the schedule for Friday, but its possible that we might not carry Kansas City games. I hope that makes sense, I'm about to get myself confused. :)


Jerry

Originally posted by WTEV-JD
I suspect there might be some confusion here. We will carry the games assigned to us by CBS. If the assigned game is in HD then we will transmit that. If our assigned game is a SD game, then we'll transmit that one. Its possible that we'll have a SD game on at the same time that a station in another area has a different game on thats in HD. I don't remember the schedule for Friday, but its possible that we might not carry Kansas City games. I hope that makes sense, I'm about to get myself confused. :)


Jerry

Jerry,

Is there any way you can get us the hd game on the digital channel and the sd game on the sd channel if "your" game is the sd game? I would like to see something like that.

Does anybody in the JAX area use a Mitsu D-VHS model HD-1100u?

If you do, I really need to talk to you. Please PM me, or better, email to
cc_subs {at} bellsouth /dot/ net.

Thanks

Originally posted by AFH
Jerry,

Is there any way you can get us the hd game on the digital channel and the sd game on the sd channel if "your" game is the sd game? I would like to see something like that.

I'm afraid not. We only have the capability for one program and our HD program has to follow whats on the analog station.

Jerry

So what is with the Blue Graphic side bars on CBS during the Xavier/Mississippi St game??

Gentlemen, Start your PBS HDTV engines! In response to my brief inquiry, Rick Johnson, WJCT Programming announced the following:

“Dear Mr. Moody - Thanks for your message. WJCT -DT will begin broadcasting a daily 8:00pm to 2:00am block of HD programming on Monday, April 5. Schedule information is available at the following web address.

http://www.pbs.org/tvschedules/tvschedules_hd.html

Rick Johnson
WJCT Programming “
:D

That's great -- I am looking forward to PBS as another source of HDTV in Jax.

Thanks Ross

By the way doesn't anyone have a Pronto TS1000 here in Jax??

Originally posted by Ross Moody
Gentlemen, Start your PBS HDTV engines! In response to my brief inquiry, Rick Johnson, WJCT Programming announced the following:

“Dear Mr. Moody - Thanks for your message. WJCT -DT will begin broadcasting a daily 8:00pm to 2:00am block of HD programming on Monday, April 5. Schedule information is available at the following web address.

http://www.pbs.org/tvschedules/tvschedules_hd.html

Rick Johnson
WJCT Programming “
:D

Finally!

That's great news. Back in Detroit I thought some of the PBS material on the demo loop and Smart Travels was some of the most detailed HD I'd ever seen.

It was great for showing off your system.

- Tom

Well, it was brief---but close to 9:30 tonight 7-1 was testing the HD stream. Saw just a bit of the "American Experience". Then it was back to the telethon. What I saw looked really promising!

Originally posted by Ross Moody
Gentlemen, Start your PBS HDTV engines! In response to my brief inquiry, Rick Johnson, WJCT Programming announced the following:

“Dear Mr. Moody - Thanks for your message. WJCT -DT will begin broadcasting a daily 8:00pm to 2:00am block of HD programming on Monday, April 5. Schedule information is available at the following web address.

http://www.pbs.org/tvschedules/tvschedules_hd.html

Rick Johnson
WJCT Programming “
:D

Great news, thank you, Ross.

Just thought I would check in -- is everyone still alive or is everyone employed by some accountant that is swamped by Tax Season??

Looking forward to April 5 -- PBS in HD in Jax -- I hope they "flip" the switch

Anyone have suggestions for indoor antenna for my home at Sothside Blvd. and Baymeadow Rd. AntennaWeb says I'm around 5 miles from the antenna farm (either 356 or 4 degrees) directly south. I've read all the threads on the Silver Sensor and Natalies thread on the RS UHF/VHF/HDTV indoor and was wondering if anyone has had luck down here at S'side and B'Meadows.

I've got an old outdoor antenna up in the attic and have had marginal results. Thought I'd try an indoor for sake of convenience. I know I'd be better off mouning on a mast on my chimney but wow what a lot of work for being so close to the farm.

BTW, I'm back to trying the OTA, even though I've got the ComCast HD package, cause my HD Tivo s/b here in about a week. Since it's an DirectTV unit I've got to go back to OTA HD for locals.

Thanks for any info,
Victor

I too can't wait for PBS in HD !!

Victor, I can't speak for Southside, but if I were you I would "Test" out different Indoor antennas and make sure that the store you purchased them from has a liberal return policy. Most of them do. Circuit City and Sears have the Silver Sensor if I remember correctly and of course there is Radio Shack.

I was looking into upgrading my Home Depot - 60" UHF/VHF antenna (on a 25' mast) to something better built (I just can't get WB - from northside of Doctor's Lake) -- Has anyone checked out one of the AVS's sponsors -- http://www.antennasdirect.com/

The problem is returning an antenna that only marginally improves or decreases your reception is a pain.

Anyone know of a local retailer with better quality antennas.

Also since we only have 2 channels that are VHF (NBC/ABC - 10/13) has anyone been able to recieve them with a UHF only antenna like the Silver Sensor? The reason I ask in the webpage (see above) mentions that their UHF only antennas should be able to receive the higher end VHF channels

Victor,

I'm a little farther south, near US1 and Old St Augustine Rd so I am about 8-10 miles from the tower and I use a Jensen TV640 (rabbit ear) (BBuy about $20 if I recall) and I get a pretty good signal (my estimation because I have an HTL-HD receiver without the firmaware upgrade..grrrrrrr) anyway don't have to adjust position of antenna hardly at all and the only "local" channel I have not been able to aquire is WUFT in Gainesville, all the JAX Digi channels come in with very little apparent signal loss.

Ogre

Victor, I live in Deercreek, so I am actually a little further away from the antenna farm than you. I use an indoor Jensen TV940A antenna, and I have had good receptions for all our local channels. It is amplified, with remote control, and can memorize 99 different combinations. I think I paid about $70 for it. Here is a link to Jensen: http://www.jensen.com/home_electronics.aspx?ProductID=242&SubCategoryID=16&CategoryID=2

Jerry,

Is WTEV-DT going to carry the Thursday and Friday hd coverage of the Masters? In the programming forum, there is a press release which states that CBS digital stations will have access to the hd Thursday and Friday coverage. I don't remember if you guys did it last year.

Familyman, I'm very near you. I use a 25 yr old rabbit ears, no uhf loop, with the rods as horizontal as I can get them and collapsed to about 13 inches each. Get perfect reception on ABC & CBS. NBC is usually good, but occasionally drops out. Might be a problem with them. Funny, NBC is VHF.

Thanks for all the replies! I ended up trying a Radio Shack 15-1870 @$40.00. It's not listed on their web site but the San Jose store had it along with 3 other "HDTV" models ranging from $20 - $60. It has some interesting features, most notably, a small motor which turns the rabbit ears and bowtie to different positions and then you can store the positions in memory. You can then recall the memory position with a remote (as long as you have a learning capable remote). It also has an external cable input that the unit will switch to if you turn the power off. Pretty handy.

I pulled out my Sony 52" RPTV and hooked it up and set the antenna on top of the TV and got the following stations at 9 or 10 bars signal strength (out of 10):

Call Sign...Channel...Network....My Channel

WTEV........19.1.........CBS.........47.1 & 19.1
WTLV........12.1.........NBC.........13.1
WJXT...........4.1.........IND..........4.1 & 4.2
WJCT.........38.1.........PBS..........7.1. 7.2, 7.3 & 7.4
WJEB.........44.1.........TBN
WJXX.........25.1.........ABC
WAWS.......32.1.........FOX
WJWB........17.1.........WB

I had to quit before pulling in (or trying to) the other stations. Unfortunately, when I rolled my Sony back into its normal position ( I had rolled it out about 2 feet to hook up the antenna) I lost all signals but NBC. That's how sensitive antenna position is. I'll keep trying and repost over the weekend.

BTW, re the Masters check out the post here
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=374596

CBS is really stepping up to the plate for HD sports coverage - way to go CBS.

Anyone catch Nova last night at 11:00 PM on 7-1? Actually in HD. Bug in the lower right corner read WJCT-DT HD. ...and no, this isn't a day old April Fool's joke!

Jerry, we have not been receiving the program guide information (PSIP?) from 47-1 for awhile now. Did they stop sending the information from the network? Thanks, pspun.

I am getting the program guide information.

I have a Hughes e-86 and I have noticed that after a household power interruption, I have to do a forced download of the program guide to restore. May not be the solution for you, but that is what restores it for me.

Originally posted by petergaryr
Anyone catch Nova last night at 11:00 PM on 7-1? Actually in HD. Bug in the lower right corner read WJCT-DT HD. ...and no, this isn't a day old April Fool's joke!
Yes, except I saw it at 8 PM. Chasing Tornado's. I did not expect them to start until 5 April. They must be ready to roll and "flipped the switch").

I read a press release on Titan that said IN-HD would carry coverage of the Masters on Thursday and Friday. It said they reached an agreement with the USA Network.


Originally posted by AFH
Jerry,

Is WTEV-DT going to carry the Thursday and Friday hd coverage of the Masters? In the programming forum, there is a press release which states that CBS digital stations will have access to the hd Thursday and Friday coverage. I don't remember if you guys did it last year.

Originally posted by DR Jax
I read a press release on Titan that said IN-HD would carry coverage of the Masters on Thursday and Friday. It said they reached an agreement with the USA Network.

I saw that to over the programming forum. I have Direct and an ota antenna so I don't get INHD. CBS is carrying the hd coverage for Thurs and Fri on the digital CBS stations. Jerry, if you're out there can you tell us what WTEV-DT is planning to do for the Thurs and Fri coverage?

Originally posted by petergaryr
Anyone catch Nova last night at 11:00 PM on 7-1? Actually in HD. Bug in the lower right corner read WJCT-DT HD. ...and no, this isn't a day old April Fool's joke!

I thought PBS digital stations were broadcasting hd programming 24-7 instead of the normal programming that you see on the analog station. I saw your post above and I just checked 7-1 and 7-3 and it was showing the same programming as the sd station. Guess we have to wait until Monday. Maybe they were testing last night.

New PBS HD plans for 2004 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=281239)

Originally posted by AFH
Jerry,

Is WTEV-DT going to carry the Thursday and Friday hd coverage of the Masters? In the programming forum, there is a press release which states that CBS digital stations will have access to the hd Thursday and Friday coverage. I don't remember if you guys did it last year.

No, just like last year, we cannot carry it. We don't have the capability to carry a different program on DT than the one we have on analog.

Jerry

Originally posted by pspun
Jerry, we have not been receiving the program guide information (PSIP?) from 47-1 for awhile now. Did they stop sending the information from the network? Thanks, pspun.

It was not from the network, but our station decided to no longer subscribe to that service. Probably when more viewers are out there, we'll renew our subscription.

Jerry

Well PBS came on my TV In HD at 7PM and bad. Freezing and blocks eveywhere. It was doing that on non-HD around 6PM. Hope they get it worked out.

PBS looks good here -- So what is the plan for PBS?? I noticed that their analog channel is running one program and that their subchannels (7-3 and 7-4) are blank -- since the HD is diferent programming for the analog channel the guide info is all messed up. I wonder if WJCT will adobt the new programming (HD that is) or both with the use of subchannels???

Smitty where are??

PBS hd looks good from where I am at. I put it on at about 8:30pm and realized that it was in hd. When I turned on PBS hd on at 5:30pm they weren't showing the hd programming. I noticed the thing about the subchannels. Maybe they are trying to resolve some type of issue. I am looking at the hd schedule on PBS's website and the programming on the hd channel is broadcast all day and it is suppose to vary from what is on the analog station. I wonder if WCTV-DT will broadcast the whole hd schedule all day tommorow instead of the partial schedule?

Wow, PBS looks good in HD. Right now they are also doing 5.1 sound. Sweet! Good job PBS. Pictures are great. They have a special on Christ now. 9pm.

Thanks PBS.

Wow 5.1 from a local affiliate in Jacksonville - I am very impressed. I guess I should up my donation this year. Thanks Smitty

Great Job PBS, great picture and 5.1 sounds great job. Now if could get the rest to do surround sound.

I was getting occasional break-ups, but overall WJCT-HD looked pretty good. I'm puzzled about the 5.1 surround comments though. I was watching OTA and it was standard stereo at 10:00 PM when I got home.

What was on earlier that was in 5.1?

The title of the PBS show was something like "Images of Christ". It was in 5.1 sound and was on from 9pm-10pm. The blue light was on my receiver and indicated 5.1. It's very surprising that PBS can find a way to give us 5.1, but all the other local stations cannot. Quality is hard to come by these days. Give it to us and we will watch.

Originally posted by Ross Moody
Well PBS came on my TV In HD at 7PM and bad. Freezing and blocks everywhere. It was doing that on non-HD around 6PM. Hope they get it worked out.

I guess I can quote myself. Anyway amazingly at 8 PM last night the freezing, sound cut outs, blocking, and whatever went away on 174 and great HD resumed until we turned it off at 10 PM. I guess there was some calibration going on Prior to the 8 PM prime time jump off. As mentioned, the TV guide on Comcast showed the program that was on the analog channel (8). I guess that will get sorted out. Oh yes, the Dolby digital 5.1 sound was great.

I wish our PBS would get their HD listings onto titantv.

Originally posted by grittree
I wish our PBS would get their HD listings onto titantv.

Hell, I just wish that our PBS would follow the hd schedule that PBS has on their website. I just looked at the schedule and our PBS affil isn't showing what is on the hd schedule. They did last night, but I don't know what is going on tonight. Our PBS affil also wasn't showing the hd schedule for this morning. Smitty, what's up my man? Can you fill us in?

Originally posted by AFH
Hell, I just wish that our PBS would follow the hd schedule that PBS has on their website. I just looked at the schedule and our PBS affil isn't showing what is on the hd schedule. They did last night, but I don't know what is going on tonight. Our PBS affil also wasn't showing the hd schedule for this morning. Smitty, what's up my man? Can you fill us in?

Looks like our PBS affil starts showing the hd programming at 8:00pm b/c that it was they did last night and that is what is happening now. Also, I saw the comments about some of you getting 5.1 sound from PBS, but I am watching American Fam and it is 2.0.

As far as 5.1 is concerned I am guessing that it depends on the program being shown just like other material on HBO or showtime.

Didn't Smitty mention that they had recording/archiving equipment so that could replay material after they had recorded it from the national signal.

I did check out the PBS special on the art of Earl Cunningham and a bit of American Family. Both of them appeared on my sound processor as 2.0 sound tracks. Sound and image were very good, though I lost the picture a few times during the art program.

All in all, a very good job WJCT!

Thanks,
Jonathan

Does anyone know which "special" channel Comcast will broadcast the HD Masters signal on Thursday and Friday? I've read HDNet but that's not what I remember from last year. . .

Originally posted by FamilyMan
Does anyone know which "special" channel Comcast will broadcast the HD Masters signal on Thursday and Friday? I've read HDNet but that's not what I remember from last year. . .

INHD.

Thanks a bunch!

Great! Reports of WJCT HDTV. Haven't seen it yet but I'll be checking it out soon. Been very busy here with work and I'm remodeling the Kitchen. I have a new HDTV- 17" under counter type. I start out with OTA antenna and a digital tuner for HD. Finally becoming a two HDTV home, kitchen and home theater. The kitchen one is mostly for the WAF.

You know what they say Don; "happy wives, happy lives"!

For those of you who are interested, just read the Masters INHD thread in the programming forum and Ken H posted that Directv just came to an agreement with USA to broadcast the hd coverage for Thurs and Friday on channel 84. Ken is checking with Dish to see if they will provide coverage on their special events channel. As you know hd coverage for Thursday and Friday will also be available on cable systems on the INHD channel.

The 2004 Masters in hd Thurs and Friday coverage on Cable, Directv and Dish. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=388260)

Did anyone else lose their cable signal last night? My cable went out around 8:05PM. I did not check it this morning.

Originally posted by sysdoc
Did anyone else lose their cable signal last night? My cable went out around 8:05PM. I did not check it this morning.

We didn't lose any cable signal in the Intracoastal area.

Originally posted by AFH
I saw that to over the programming forum. I have Direct and an ota antenna so I don't get INHD. CBS is carrying the hd coverage for Thurs and Fri on the digital CBS stations. Jerry, if you're out there can you tell us what WTEV-DT is planning to do for the Thurs and Fri coverage?

I didn't see this mentioned, but Directv is broadcasting thuirs & friday coverage of the masters in HD from 4-6:30 on channel 84

--Bill

Did anyone else catch some of Masters in HD ? I saw 1st round coverage on INHD and have to say that it was absolutely stunning !! Having walked Augusta National for the first time this past Monday, HD really shows alot of her character (undulation, slope of the greens and lush landscape). This is why I have a HDTV.

I have to give a shout out to my wife for finally conceding to the continuing pressure on going HD... this is a gift that keeps on giving : )

I was watching the Masters from 4 'til 8. I absolutely live for this tournament! Not only because it's my favorite tournament but because it's in HD. Augusta is the most beautiful golf course in existence and to be able to appreciate it in all its beauty is solely due to the magnificance of HD. I'm incredibly happy that CBS has decided to continue it's groundbreaking HD coverage of golf with further tournaments this year.

I'll watch every minute of the Master's in HD. Why (aside from the reasons mentioned above), because there are NO commercials. How sweet is that? I'm not used to watching commercials since I Tivo everything. Where's my HD Tivo? On it's way. . .

HD is the bomb. We are the lucky ones enjoying it now!

RE: Masters in HD

You guys are killin' me. Found out only tonight that I could of seen it with DirectTV. Bad research 3 weeks ago led me to think it would've been unavailable in my area (G'ville 32653)

KiddJoey: INHD, through what means, Comcast Cable? or Sat?
FamilyMan: What broadcast source are using to get the signal?


Your 2 posts alone confirm that I've gotta get it one way or another.

Arnie's last walk tomorrow should be incredible.