Hmm i just got off the phone with my friendly charter rep, i was trying to explain to her how at night the picture pixelates and breaks up on all the HD channels. They cant see any problems and havent recieved any other calls with issues. Ever since MAXHD and whatever other channel was added my HD is unwatchable at night. The bottom 1/3 of the pictures turns into black squares which i call pixelation and the sound will break up. All the channels are doing and mostly at night. Oh but if it is still doing it tonight i can give them a call again.

Has anybody here contacted WHNS lately about the status of their negotiations with Charter? I know they were usually good to respond this time last year about that, but I don't have the contact info for them. If they would add WHNS it'd REALLY add to the whole package for us sports fans.

Pretty soon we should find out which channel(s) WYFF is electing in the second round of the final DTV channel election process. This thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=591927) is keeping track of the applications.

Does anyone know the locations of WYFF translators? I was curious which areas have translators and if they will be converted for DTV use.

Welcome back Ron. It's good to hear your unit is back!

Does anyone know the locations of WYFF translators?

Just yesterday I saw a list of translators on one of their station-ID screens during a commercial break. Not as many as WLOS, maybe about eight (didn't have time to count). I'll run my DVR the next few times I watch WYFF to see if I can capture that screen.

Speaking of WYFF, did they upgrade some of their local studio equipment recently? During the past week or two, since I started using a 32" LCD HDTV, their local news broadcasts have looked significantly sharper than I remember from watching their digital signals on my old CRT SDTV. Looks like they also have new sets. It can't be just the new TV because WSPA's upconverted SD material still looks crappy.

Ever since MAXHD and whatever other channel was added my HD is unwatchable at night. The bottom 1/3 of the pictures turns into black squares which i call pixelation and the sound will break up. All the channels are doing and mostly at night.

Same here. I've also seen this happen during the day but sometimes at night the HD channels are unwatchable it is so bad.

I've had this problem but not nearly as bad as you describe, and i've experienced the same thing on OTA channels as of late. I figured it was sunspots.

I've had this problem but not nearly as bad as you describe, and i've experienced the same thing on OTA channels as of late. I figured it was sunspots.

I haven't noticed it on anything but the Charter HD channels. In fact, a few times when it has been really bad I've switched over to my little set top antenna and received the HD OTA feeds without a hiccup.

It's really annoying when I've setup an HD program to record (DVR) only to find out after the fact that the picture/sound is so bad it can't be watched.

Anyone notice the letter in the Greenville News concerning digital vs analog audio, and the writer bemoaning the transition to digital audio? I guess that they never heard of DD5.1.

Anyone notice the letter in the Greenville News concerning digital vs analog audio, and the writer bemoaning the transition to digital audio? I guess that they never heard of DD5.1.

Yes, I did read that this morning and it almost made me mad! I hope somone sends a letter.

I looked at the proposed polar plot and service contour for WLOS 13 DT and WLOS' contour bumps into and overlaps very slightly WRCB 13 in Chattanooga in the area of Monroe County, TN. I do not think that the coverage maps take into account the Smoky Mountains. If this is considered, I doubt the there would be any problem in this particular area. Mr. Birdwell, can you give us any progress reports for WLOS DT 56? It has been a while since there has been any mention of the WLOS transmitter problems and the lack of a full power signal.

I haven't noticed it on anything but the Charter HD channels. In fact, a few times when it has been really bad I've switched over to my little set top antenna and received the HD OTA feeds without a hiccup.

It's really annoying when I've setup an HD program to record (DVR) only to find out after the fact that the picture/sound is so bad it can't be watched.


I had the same problem. It also affected my Charter Internet. The problem turned out to be the repeater on the pole near my house sending out too much signal. Apparently the HD channels are the most sensitive, mine went on for a month until some other people in the neighborhood started having problems with their digital cable.

Re WLOS DT -- I had major problems with the audio during Grey's Anatomy last night. For about 15 minutes I lost audio over and over and each time it returned it was badly out of sync. Final 10 minutes of the program were ok. Anyone else?

I watched Grey's Anatomy last night with no problems. Except for WLOS switching to SD during the last 5 minutes or so.

Re WLOS DT -- I had major problems with the audio during Grey's Anatomy last night. For about 15 minutes I lost audio over and over and each time it returned it was badly out of sync. Final 10 minutes of the program were ok. Anyone else?

No audio problems here.

I don't know what the audio was like on WLOS during the primetime stuff last night. I did watch ABC Nightly News and it came out OK. I also noticed that the signal strength was significantly lower yesterday than it usually is. Usually WLOS maxes out my ten-bar meter, but last night it was fluctuating in the 6-8 range.

By the way, the thread I referenced earlier about the second round channel elections now indicates the following:

WYFF-4/59 (NBC) Greenville, SC elects 36/49

So their first and second choices are 36 and 49. Both channels currently carry analog signals from nearby stations (WCNC in Charlotte and WRET in Spartanburg), but that won't be a problem after analog shutdown, of course.

No audio problems for me either on WLOS-DT (OTA) last night during Grey's Anatomy.

I missed the letter in the G-ville News a few days ago. I assume it was a letter to the editor. You guys have my interest peaked, so I think I'll be going through the newspaper pile to find it. I assume it was in Oct 25ths paper.

OK, onslowtn, I finally snagged the list of WYFF translators after leaving my DVR on all afternoon today. There are more of them than I thought, because they're displayed in two batches on the station-ID screen.

W06AI - Marion NC
W10AX - Spruce Pine NC
W06AE - Clayton & Mountain City GA
W11AX - Bat Cave & Chimney Rock NC
W11AH - Tryon & Columbus NC
W06AJ - Franklin & Clarks Chapel NC
W09AS - Burnsville NC
W03AK - Ela & Wittier NC
W05AR - Bryson City & Alarka NC
W11AU - Canton, Clyde & Lake Junaluska NC
W08BH - Andrews & Robinsville NC
W10AL - Cherokee & Big Grove NC
W02AF - Sylva, Dillsboro & Cullowhee NC

Re WLOS Audio: Thanks for the response re Sunday night audio. This is a mystery! The signal was rock steady at 93. Audio returned after each outage a full one second plus out of sync. Where could the delay be stored? Guess it is time to call Samsung tech support.

Five minutes into the Steelers/Jags game and still no audio. What's going on at WLOS?

It is disappointing that WYFF did not ask for a lower channel UHF election. Ch.28 would have worked well as a alternate. 28 will be vacated by WCYB DT in Bristol, VA. WLFG DT 49 in Abingdon, VA has a coverage area that will overlap WYFF in certain areas in WNC and in Greene County, TN and WYFF will certainly have to operate at limited power and coverage if this second choice is used.

Five minutes into the Steelers/Jags game and still no audio. What's going on at WLOS?

Nevermind. From what I've been reading, it sounds like it was a national problem.

Hello. This is my first post here in the HD area.

I live in Greer, near Pelham and hwy14.

My interests have historically been in the projector and dedicated home theater area. I recently upgraded my projector to the Panasonic AE900, which is a native 720p unit.

I had a friend come over with a Samsung ts360 (tuner) and a Terk indoor antenna. We had good luck with CBS, FOX and ABC. I have since purchased a ts360 off of ebay and am looking for an antenna. I have read a good portion of this thread, and it seems obvious to choose a cm4228. It will likely be an attic install on a two story house. I would like to buy one locally. Does anyone know of a local dealer? Also, any direction or comments are welcome.

It seems you guys have a good group going here and I look forward to participating. Thanks.

Welcome to the forum.
I have not seen the cm4228 at a local retailer, and you will find very good prices for it by searching the web. I don't think you will need an amplifier. Depending on obstructions between you and the transmitters, the attic of a two story house should be ideal. Good luck.


Hello. This is my first post here in the HD area.

I live in Greer, near Pelham and hwy14.

My interests have historically been in the projector and dedicated home theater area. I recently upgraded my projector to the Panasonic AE900, which is a native 720p unit.

I had a friend come over with a Samsung ts360 (tuner) and a Terk indoor antenna. We had good luck with CBS, FOX and ABC. I have since purchased a ts360 off of ebay and am looking for an antenna. I have read a good portion of this thread, and it seems obvious to choose a cm4228. It will likely be an attic install on a two story house. I would like to buy one locally. Does anyone know of a local dealer? Also, any direction or comments are welcome.

It seems you guys have a good group going here and I look forward to participating. Thanks.

I had the same problem. (Edited: Pixelation and sound dropouts on HD channels) It also affected my Charter Internet. The problem turned out to be the repeater on the pole near my house sending out too much signal. Apparently the HD channels are the most sensitive, mine went on for a month until some other people in the neighborhood started having problems with their digital cable.

I finally got around to putting in a trouble call on this. The Charter tech just left my house. He found my signal levels to be at the upper end of their "recommended" range so he rearranged some splitters to cut the signal level going to my DVR.

HD pixelation and audio dropouts are all gone.

Well the tech that came to my house yesterday also said my signal was too high but he had to setup another guy to come out to fix that problem. He said my signal in my house seemed fine but my internet connection has been unusable at night from about 6pm-11:30. I have a connection but it slows down to almost a stop. I reset the IP and it will run for about 2 mins then slow down to nothing again. Well Last night at around 6:30 i lost all internet connection so i call Charter again to see if the tech put in another report about my signal and see what we can do about my lost internet. Well after about 30 mins+ on the phone with Erica about my internet, my HD go out completely(black screen). So now i have no internet, no HD but regular channels work. Then about 10:30 i lose all channels over 700(black screen). This morning i wake up all happy and chippier :) to find out internet, HD, channels over 700 still out and almost every channel over 100 is black screen too. Ever since they added the new HD channels my HD has pixelated now pretty much my whole interent/TV is messed up.

Honestly i want to be pissed at Charter but they have been very helpful every step of the way. ZThe Customer service guys/gals have been very nice and tried to help as much as possible. The Tech guy was very nice and knew what he was doing. Charter to me seems to be taking steps in the right direction now if they could just figure out what is going on at my house. Oh yeah the tech guy was on time, i nearly fell out of my chair.

Everytime I think about going back to the dark side, I hear stories like this and it makes me grateful for Directv.

My OTA issues aside.........

Hello.
I live in Greer, near Pelham and hwy14.

I had a friend come over with a Samsung ts360 (tuner) and a Terk indoor antenna. We had good luck with CBS, FOX and ABC. I have since purchased a ts360 off of ebay and am looking for an antenna. I have read a good portion of this thread, and it seems obvious to choose a cm4228. It will likely be an attic install on a two story house. I would like to buy one locally. Does anyone know of a local dealer? Also, any direction or comments are welcome.

It seems you guys have a good group going here and I look forward to participating. Thanks.


I also live off Pelham road on the other side of I-85 in Greenville. I bought a CM4221 off the internet at Warren electronics along with a couple of wall mounts. I could not install it and run the cables from the attic. I kept it in a second floor bedroom and the reception was so-so. It was better when I mounted it on a 10’ pole in the garden. Finally I used the wall mounts and a 5’ antenna pole from Lowe’s and placed it on the small awning off the back porch, 15 feet from the ground. What a difference that made! Signals are very good and can be split to one HDTV upstairs and one downstairs. No need of a rotor or amplifier. All channels including UNCTV are obtained. Occasionally there are dropouts of UPN.

So if you cannot get it indoors, consider an outdoor mount. You do not require great height to get a good reception.

Thanks. I will try the attic first and my next choice will be outside but only about 10' high. I know the homeowners association can't stop me by the law, but I still would prefer not to ruffle feathers. :)

I think I've found a used cm4228 locally. Glad to hear you're having good luck with the 4221.

tony

The Panthers-Bucs game isn't in HD on Fox, what's the deal?

wondering the same thing myself... anybody know how to contact them on weekends? It's up other places according to the FOX thread in programming, so it appears it is just WHNS

Call WHNS at (888)369-2100 and tell them. I knew when the pre-game show was not in widescreen we were going to have a problem with them. Someone is asleep at the switch... again.

Wondering the same. I call their office number, but only got voicemail. Err...it's listed as being in HD.

It keeps switchin' back and forth.

I don't think Fox allows their local affiliates the ability to switch from HD to SD like the other channels. It is switched at the network level. I recall during their HD installation the fact that they had to get different equipment that most other local stations. THis is why FOX rarely has a problem with their HD/SD switching, and when it does occur, it is usually a network problem.

BTW - TitanTV doesn't list that game as being in HD.

I have called WHNS numerous times about HD. Usually, within a few minutes they switch it over. I know it's in HD in Charlotte.

HD sports guide lists the game as HD.

I don't think Fox allows their local affiliates the ability to switch from HD to SD like the other channels. It is switched at the network level.

It is switched at the local level only.

As of 2:40 it is UP in HD on WHNS.. Guess whatever the problem was they fixed

Finally. I was hoping all of the "kinks" and "bugs" had been figured out and fixed. WHNS has been in HD for over a year! Come on!

If I am understanding correctly, you are talking about network here.

First off, FOX does their HD completely different than all the other networks. FOX sends what is called an "ATSC Compliant" signal meaning that everything needed to generate the HD and DD5.1 is done at the network level and then literally, the receiver is switched in and out of line by the splicer straight to the transmitter, cutting off anything coming from the stations own encoder.

All of the other networks do not do this. They send a HD signal that requires it to be manipulated by the stations and if they are doing DD5.1, then the audio has to be separated from the video by the stations and then encoded to 5.1 then the audio has to be joined back together with the video and the whole signal has to be re-encoded as a "ATSC Compliant" signal that is then fed to the transmitter. If the station doesn't resync the audio to the video properly after it goes through the 5.1 encoders, you have audio problems. Compound the issue with some shows are in 5.1 and others are not. The early 5.1 equipment didn't differentiate between 2.0 and 5.1 and that has to be manually be switched. To keep the 5.1 experience and not to have just 2 channels, left and right, some stations will keep the 5.1 engaged all the time and you have two different audio times then. To complicate matters more, CBS has two HD network sat receivers. One that doesn't do 5.1 and one that does. My local CBS here, WFMY has the older non 5.1 receiver but has the 5.1 encoding equipment so I get all 5 channels, but there is only 2 channels ever active on it.

Now as far as what WHNS has to do to make the splicer work, all they really need to do is tally the splicer off of their network position on their switcher and let the splicer follow the analog switcher for network. That is what my station does and we do not have "forget to flip the switch-itis" that some stations have.

Hopefully this sheds some light on why FOX did what they did and why.

And


Quote:
Originally posted by dashaund
Are there any glaring drawbacks from doing it like that?


That is a relative thing.

As far as the station is concerned, they have no control over the signal during network like adding weather crawls or squeeze backs or other type graphics except bugs. The splicer has the station's bug in it so it can be put in and taken out when needed by either network or the station.

As a viewer I know you like that, but from a station's standpoint, that is a big drawback.

But stations were willing to go along in the short term, because it allows stations to get the network signal on for a small amount of money compared to the other networks since the only thing a FOX station needs a 720p signal of some kind. Instead of having many pieces of expensive equipment, stations only need a 480 to 720 converter and a 720p encoder and they are ready since FOX provides everything else.

Foxeng - I am certainly not questioning your reply - you would know. But I am confused by some of your earlier posts. However, they are talking about the splicer, not the switcher, but it sure sounds like in this post, you are saying that the "HD switch" is out of the hands of the local station. Perhaps this is just the audio portion (ie if it is being shown in HD, it also automatically going to be in 5.1) Can you please explain how the system works?

I think what he's saying is there are different settings... there is setting A, where the local station has to "flip the switch" and setting B, which is more like an automatic thing. If Fox is sending HD, the local automatically is switched to air it.

Sounds like WHNS is on the manual method.

And while we're at it now its' Amateur Sunday @ WSPA with the Packers/Steelers game

You are getting two things confused.

First, FOX sends an ATSC compliant 720p signal to the stations unlike the other networks that send out a full 1.5 GB signal that the station has to encode to an ATSC compliant signal.

Second the device called a "splicer" (different from a switcher but essentually does the same thing) is inserted in the stations digital stream last in line before the transmitter.

The splicer is set up to remove the local stations stream and "splice" in the network 720p feed. The station has to initiate the switch, hence, "flip the switch." What you have is the local stations switcher that switches everything but network and then the splicer that is downstream that the local station switches or more precisely splices out just the local program stream while maintaining local PSIP data or other local program streams and splicing in the network signal in place of it.

Thanks for explaining it FOXENG.

Here we go again... WLOS has not flipped the switch for Monday Night Football.

I'm not getting Monday Night Football in HD either. Is there anyone we can contact about this?

They just turned it on between the 1nst and 2nd quarters. Did someone call them?

Glad to see the MNF comments.

This was my first attempt to get OTA HD and I had company over to witness. Well, I thought there was some setting on the tuner, etc. that I didn't have right. We spent the whole first quarter troubleshooting. All the while it was WLOS. Sort of killed the party, but thanks to you guys I know it wasn't my equpment!

As an LSU graduate, I'm having a crowd over for the LSU vs. Alabama game on CBS, Saturday. Does CBS have similar issues? Can I count on a good party?

As an LSU graduate, I'm having a crowd over for the LSU vs. Alabama game on CBS, Saturday. Does CBS have similar issues? Can I count on a good party?

They are pretty good most of the time, but dont bet the farm. My Mountaineers gave you guys a decent game last Saturday, even though the final score didn't show how competitive the game was. Good luck against 'Bama. I will Tivo The LSU game and watch after the ASU game is over.

Does WBSC broadcast in HD widescreen? Do the SEC football games on Saturday afternoons come in Widescreen HD for any of you guys?

I get all the signals for the local networks, but WB40 doesn't come in when I scan.

Also, what are the Channel 53 stations all about?

WBSC has a standard-definition-only signal on channel 13-2 via WLOS's transmitter on Mt. Pisgah. It actually looks pretty good most of the time, but it's not HD.

I think they're also broadcasting a weak signal from their own transmitter in the vicinity of Fork Shoals, but it doesn't carry very far, and probably isn't HD yet. (I can't receive it here.) At some point they'll ramp up to full power and HD from that transmitter, but I don't know when.

Does WBSC broadcast in HD widescreen? Do the SEC football games on Saturday afternoons come in Widescreen HD for any of you guys?

I get all the signals for the local networks, but WB40 doesn't come in when I scan.

Also, what are the Channel 53 stations all about?


I haven't checked lately but they used to pass the WB HD feed on channel 14-1. Channel 53-1, and 53-2 are WSPA-DT.

Thanks for the feedback. I guess the non-network affiliates like WB40 and channel 62 will be the last ones over. Only two USC games in HD this year I guess.

I assume everyone has their antennas pointed around 320-330 degrees? I live near Roper Mountain, but after buying 3 antennas and rigging two of them together, I finally have good strength on all the networks. My wife says she's never seen me more dedicated about anything. :D

Does WBSC broadcast in HD widescreen?I used to be able to get their HD material pretty reliably, sometimes at 14-1 and other times at 40-1. I haven't made an effort to try to pick up WB programming in HD recently, but it doesn't come in as well as my other channels, even though I'm apparently all of 4 miles away.

I used to be able to get their HD material pretty reliably, sometimes at 14-1 and other times at 40-1. I haven't made an effort to try to pick up WB programming in HD recently, but it doesn't come in as well as my other channels, even though I'm apparently all of 4 miles away.


They need to install new 'AA' batteries for the transmitter. :D

I used to be able to get their HD material pretty reliably, sometimes at 14-1 and other times at 40-1. I haven't made an effort to try to pick up WB programming in HD recently, but it doesn't come in as well as my other channels, even though I'm apparently all of 4 miles away.

Adam, when you did the 14-1 or 40-1 signal, was it widescreen formatted?

I get WBSC here in Enoree ok and they do HD. A big yagi with a rotor and a pre amp will get you a lot more DT than a multi bow tie set up.

Adam, when you did the 14-1 or 40-1 signal, was it widescreen formatted?Yes. Programming like Smallville, Gilmore Girls, and their broadcast of Fellowship of the Ring were all in high-definition.

Only two USC games in HD this year I guess.

Soon to be three...don't forget our impending bowl game.

I believe almost all the bowls will be in HD this year.

Does anyone know if the WASVDT (UPN) Available for the Fountain Inn, SC Area.

Does anyone know if the WASVDT (UPN) Available for the Fountain Inn, SC Area.Their digital channel isn't carried through cable or satellite at the moment, but you can pick it up over the air at 62-1. WASV is the only affiliate of the big seven that's not broadcasting in HD in our area, though. It's digital, but it's not high-definition.

Thanks Adam, I finally got the over the air later last night after I posted. Thanks again

Is there any date yet as to when HD will be in the area for UPN?

Last I heard was:

Adam Tyner,

WASV will be full power and in HD by July 1, 2006 as required by the FCC.

Thank you,

Edgar Woodfin

Thanks for the info.

Yes. Programming like Smallville, Gilmore Girls, and their broadcast of Fellowship of the Ring were all in high-definition.

Turns out I do get 13-2, I just overlooked it. However, none of the shows were widescreen the last few evenings. I'm not picking up 14-1 or 40-1 and I'm afraid to adjust my antenna and lose the other network feeds..

If anybody here watches USC/FLA on Saturday, please remark whether your get a widescreen signal.

If anybody here watches USC/FLA on Saturday, please remark whether your get a widescreen signal.I don't see the game listed as being in HD on HD Sports Guide (http://www.hdsportsguide.com/cfb.php). Sometimes sports will be in widescreen but not in high-definition, but I don't think I've ever heard of them doing that for football.

If anybody here watches USC/FLA on Saturday, please remark whether your get a widescreen signal.

It's being produced and broadcasted by the same network (JP) as last week's Arkansas game...so it will not be in either HD or widescreen.

I don't expect JP to be HD-capable for AT LEAST another 2 years. Their production values are abyssmal.

Turns out I do get 13-2, I just overlooked it. However, none of the shows were widescreen the last few evenings.

WBSC on 13-2 is standard definition only. It shares a channel with WLOS which does broadcast a high definition signal all the time, even though it may contain only upconverted SD content. A single channel doesn't have enough bandwidth to carry two HD subchannels with reasonable picture quality.

Any idea what OTA HD channels I will be receiving in Canton, NC using an indoor HD antenna and a PC HDTV card? I would like to start recording HD shows, but don't want ot invest the cahs without knowing I'll actually be able to receive some.

crossing my fingers.....my LSU / BAMA party is in about an hour. I don't like this lack of confidence. The party is a bust if they don't deliver on the HD signal on CBS.

Right now they're showing golf in SD. It's hard to have confidence that the picture will suddenly turn from crap to gold. I suppose you get used to it?

Tony,
I've never seen golf in HD on CBS. I'm pretty sure everything will be good for the LSU game. It's listed on hdsportsguide.com as being shown in 1080i on CBS.

You ever watch the Masters on CBS?

Well, except for the Masters.

Actually, either last year or the year before CBS had several PGA events in HD. It created quite a buzz around AVS for a while. They've scaled back for whatever reason.

We had a fantastic time!!!! The HD signal came through, and so did the Tigers!

I did notice that the picture was noticably better in the second half. The field was half and half sun/shade, and then in the second half of the game, the sun was down and the picture was much better. It makes sense that HD is as or more sensative to conditions than is SD.

Anyhow, my faith is building.

I did notice that the picture was noticably better in the second half. The field was half and half sun/shade, and then in the second half of the game, the sun was down and the picture was much better. It makes sense that HD is as or more sensative to conditions than is SD.

.

I always find that night games or games on overcast days seem to have more consistent HD PQ. I think the problem with bright sunlight is that the production crew has to keep switching the black level/contrast to account for the difference in the sunny areas and the shadows.

I noticed that Walmart now has Emerson SDTV's. Does anyone know if their tuner has good sensitivity and tolerance of multipath?

I recently purchased a FusionHDTV 5 Lite card which uses the 5th Gen tuner from LG. I have seen absolutely no improvement in my reception. I still can only receive WLOS and WUNF. I am in Candler. Does anyone know what the status is of WHNS and Charter? That is the only station I can't get in HD that I really care about. It is really frustrating that I got WHNS ok during the MLB playoffs in 2004, but since that winter I have been completely unable to get it.

I would also like to ask why I can get WUNF perfectly but WLOS is somewhat choppy at times. I thought they were on the same tower...

It's being produced and broadcasted by the same network (JP) as last week's Arkansas game...so it will not be in either HD or widescreen.

I don't expect JP to be HD-capable for AT LEAST another 2 years. Their production values are abyssmal.

Abyssmal is correct. The production for the Furman game on FoxSportsNet was better the week before.

Did WYFF-DT start doing something differently about a couple of weeks ago?

Since I started out with DTV last May, I've had a rather strongly fluctuating signal from WYFF-DT, which caused frequent glitches in the picture. I thought it was caused by multipath interference. About two weeks ago, I noticed that it's now coming in much more consistently. As far as I can tell, there haven't been any major changes in local conditions. For example, the trees here hadn't started to lose their leaves yet, although they're doing it now. Maybe a local source of electrical interference went away.

I've also had similar problems with WHNS-DT (not as severe), and they're still there. But tonight it finally dawned on me what the source might be. WHNS-DT is on channel 57, and so is WACH-TV (analog) in Columbia! They're about equidistant from me, 66 and 68 miles respectively. At least I can simply use WACH-DT instead, if necessary. It comes in pretty well here.

JTBELL - I think it is just that time of year when the leaves fall and signal strengths change. Honestly I had a horrible time pulling in a consistant WYFF-DT signal last night due to multipath issues. My signal strength was very high (no numbers on my meter, but around 85%) and yet I still had regular breakups (several a minute). This doesn't normally happen for me.

Has anyone on the boards tried charters DVR service yet? My wife want to try so she could tape her shows at night while getting the kids down. A nice guy came out and setup the new box on sunday but i swear the overall picture quality is not as good as it was with my HD box. The picture just doesnt seem to be as crisp as it was before. Anyone else noticed this or i'm i just crazy?

Scanned through the thread back a few pages and didn't see anything (But keep in mind, that's a lot of posts to scan!) about this...when I first setup my new TV and antenna I received the weather channels for CBS and FOX (7.2 and 21.2). Since then I had setup my favorites so I never scanned past those channels much. The other night I went to 21.2 to see where the rain was and there was nothing there...but when I checked signal strength it was 85+. Switched over to CBS radar and that channel was gone too. NBC's was still up, 4.2, but the others were gone.

Is this on purpose? did they move? I ran a scan for channels on my TV again and it didn't pick up any new channels.

I haven't picked up 21.2 for a while, but 7.2 is still up and running (at least it was last night). Personally I wouldn't worry about it. I think having both 4.2 and 7.2 is a waste. I would love to delete one of them on my set (Zennith c32v37), but cannot delete a sub channel without deleting every subchannel including the one's I want.

Well it seems there may be help on the way with getting Charter to carry all the HD locals. Directv has put out thier press release that they will launch local HD channels in 36 markets by early next year. Greenville is ranked 35th in market size so thier is a good chance that it will be one of the markets that will get HD locals. This will definatly put pressure on Charter cable to carry the HD locals, since directv pays local channels cash to carry thier signals.

Hello. I'm relatively new to the scene here, as you can tell by my # of posts ... so I apologize ahead of time for ignorance. I'm currently in the process of getting a new TV and HD and all that good stuff. I live in the Clemson area, have Dish. First of all, is there anything in particular I should know going into all this about my area or service in regards to obtaining HD?

I was looking at AntennaWeb to see what kind of local OTA HD channels I might be able to get, and I noticed the compass orientation required from my house for the different channels was significantly different for each (or at least what I would deem to be significantly different).

WYFF: 20 degrees
WSPA: 41
WLOS: 5
WHNS: 12
WNTV (PBS): 48

So how would I point an antenna for OTA channels? Or is this not really all huge of a difference in the grand scheme of things? Would I have to get one of those rotating ones? Thanks!

This will definatly put pressure on Charter cable to carry the HD locals, since directv pays local channels cash to carry thier signals....although capacity might be as much an issue as whatever they'd pay after negotiating. Picture quality seemed to take a dip when Cinemax-HD and PBS were added.

The picture just doesnt seem to be as crisp as it was before. Anyone else noticed this or i'm i just crazy?The analog picture is noticeably worse, but I didn't notice any difference in the HD image qualtiy when I switched boxes last year.

oddly, I do seem to notice the HD channels aren't as crisp as they were with the stand-alone HD box since I got my Charter DVR. Maybe its the component cables, since I was using DVI. Or, maybe its my imagination.

Jakexxl,
I live in between Clemson and Anderson. Right now I have a large Radio shack antennna, but I'm using a tuner that isn't that great (Directv hd-tivo). I can get WYFF well enough to record it, and also Fox. 13 was good also until about a week ago when my signal went from high 80's to high 60's, which is no good. I can turn the antenna about 30 degrees and get 7 also. I just ordered a ChannelMaster 4228 UHF only antenna and will let you know how it works. If you are able to use a rotor antenna, you should have no problems, but I need to record 2 different channels at once so I'm kind of in a pickle. I can either get 7.. or everything else.

Jakexxl: Generally speaking, one compromise setting for a CM 4-bay antenna can capture a rather wide range of stations; the 8-bay becomes more directional and may dropout stations off to the side of the direction it is pointed...but increase the signal for those stations within the main lobe. I usually receive stations up to 80 degrees off the side of a 4-bay, but twice a year go through the need for slight re-orientation of the antenna. (At present, I cannot receive both the UHF-DT stations from Mt. Pisgah with the same setting of the antenna, so I use an A-B switch between a all-band antenna in the attic and the CM UHF only antenna mounted outside, for the Pisgah stations.) Occasionally, I use two stacked yagi antennas to search for distant stations, and it is a very directional receiving pattern and must be within 5-10 degrees or less of being pointed directly toward the transmitter.
The less obstacles (mountains, buildings and trees between you and the transmitters will also determine the signal strength and your ability to use a fixed setting of your antenna. Multipath is a problem in the mountains.

I'm getting a Moxi next week. I really don't care about it, but it was part of a promo that Charter offered me for less than my current service. I currently use a Series 2 Tivo and get HD OTA.

Can anyone tell me some info on the current state of the Moxi? I know things have changed over the past couple months. What kind of outputs does it have? I don't know if I'm going to be able to hook it up to my stereo. And most of my inputs on my TV are taken. I might just have the guy hook it up and then remove it when he leaves (they wouldn't give me the promo without the Moxi).

Craig

If this is the wrong forum, I apologize in advance....

Two questions:

1. can I add an antenna to my existing cm4228? I'd like to not have to rotate in order to see all my channels?

2. my tv, Hitachi UWX20B 57" projection, has input 1 - dvi, input 2-component, and the others are s-video or composite. I'd like to buy an upconversion DVD player but my Dish receiver is hooked up to my DVI. Any suggestions?

Thanks for all the help.

1. can I add an antenna to my existing cm4228? I'd like to not have to rotate in order to see all my channels?Jerry mentioned a few posts up that he uses an A/B switch to alternate between two antennas, so it's possible. I'm sure he could recommend a particular piece of hardware.

2. my tv, Hitachi UWX20B 57" projection, has input 1 - dvi, input 2-component, and the others are s-video or composite. I'd like to buy an upconversion DVD player but my Dish receiver is hooked up to my DVI. Any suggestions?There are DVI switches too, although they're not cheap. Even the most inexpensive one (http://www.provantage.com/buy-7strk02y-2-port-starview-reliable-dvi-kvm-cpu-switch-startech-video-switches-accessories-sv221dvi-shopping.htm) I could find quickly was still $75.

You don't want to simply combine the two antenna leads with a combiner/splitter. The signals will interfere with each other. However, a A/B switch works great. Both antenna leads are plugged into the A/B switch and then you can select which antenna to use. There are A/B switches that can be controlled with a remote control, so you don't have to get up to switch antennas.

If this is the wrong forum, I apologize in advance....

I see you've already got some answers, but I might as well point out anyway that on non-local issues you'll probably get a bigger audience for your specific questions in the HDTV Hardware section (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=25).

I installed a CM4228 about a week ago in a second story attic. I have been very pleased with its performance all week. I had no "break up" in signal at all. Well, last night during some pretty good rain storms, I kept loosing ABC, and others. Is this typical of bad weather? It may be obvious to some, but I didn't realize reception would be weather dependent.

I x x x Is this typical of bad weather? It may be obvious to some, but I didn't realize reception would be weather dependent.

At least two of the region's most qualified HD/UHF experts point out that UHF signals used by Digital television should not be attenuated by rain. However, in my experience multi-path does change with weather conditions to the extent that antennas must be re-adjusted/oriented to improve reception stability. As I have pointed out several times, I seasonally have to adjust my antenna orientation slightly. Also, those of us relying on "knife-edge" effect reception can expect moisture conditions to change reception.

Well I got terrible reception last night too. 13 came in great, but 21 was terrible and I usually get a very powerful and stable signal from 21. I did try to adjust my antenna with my rotor, but was never able to find a spot that worked well on 21. So my experience is that rain definitely effects HD reception and minor tweaking may not be enough to pull in a stable signal.

I wasn't interested in what was on the other channels so I can't speak to their signals.

WHNS-DT was very steady at 100 pct signal tonight. but there were "bursts" of pixelization during House--very short duration and lasting for a period of three or four minutes some three or four times during the hour. It never totally interrupted the program. I, too, normally have a very reliable signal from DT-21.

I also had a very stable signal from 21. I got home just as House was ending, but I've been watching the 10 o'clock news and haven't experienced any pixilation or dropouts. This is normally what I get from 21.

On a different note, SCETV 29-1, 29-2, and 29-3 were all giving me studdering on both my HDTV and my computer using a MyHD capture card even though I was receiving a very strong signal on both tuners. Neither tuner uses a numeric value, but both were above 85% on the scale. This must be a broadcast issue and not a reception issue.

Anyone having problems with WLOS-DT 13-1? I can't get ANY signal (even a weak one) and I am trying to watch and record LOST. Darn it!

I get no signal from WLOS DT either.

I had to watch 13-0 or the analog TV. It was ghosty and fuzzy and basically terrible. Of course this would happen on the one night that there is actually a show that I really get into and record for actual preservation and not to just watch and delete.

I wonder what is going on.

No luck here either. Good signal on 33-2 at the moment.

iTunes has Lost for $1.99 - No signal here either in Central. I usually have about 65%.

Still no 13-1 this morning.
Anyone have a direct number to engineering?

The wife and I were watchin the end of the Kenny Chesney concert and the signal just went out. We thought it was just the new TV set up so we went to the living room TV with no result either on 13-1 or 13-2. However, I usually get 21=1 real well when I get 13-1 well. 21-1 was working just fine for the Anger Management OAR. .....Lost was fuzzy though on 13. not use to watchin it that way.........

13-1 back on the air.

I will reject the D* HD locals just so I can keep getting WABC-DT from NY, at least they are reliable and not doing things on "the cheap" like Sinclair.

I wish I had a boondock address as I'd sign up for the NY, LA, etc., stations in a heartbeat.

I wish I had a boondock address as I'd sign up for the NY, LA, etc., stations in a heartbeat.


Little River area, a suburb of Penrose, NC


That sounds like the boondocks to me. :)

I came across this site yesterday, so I thought I'd jump in.

Just spent the afternoon installing my third UHF antenna. From my home, Asheville, Greenville, and Spartanburg are all in different directions. 21-1 is within rock throwing distance, so signal strength is not an issue. The first antenna is the UHF portion of the channel 2-69 antenna (ChannelMaster?) sold by Lowe's. I tried it on a rotor, but that was a pain. Too slow. A friend gave me a brand X VHF-UHF and I unbolted the UHF yagi portion hoping it would have enough gain and beamwidth to receive stations from Greenville and Spartanburg at the same time. No luck. It was one or the other. Last week I bought a 4-bay at Stan's TV in Hendersonville for $40. Finco made the same thing, model 4BT, that sold for $8. (but, that was in 1967)

All three antennas are on the same mast at about 40' (we are at about 3000' MSL but there's plenty of woods and higher terrain nearby). The 4 bay has a cool feature in that its mast is swaged at the bottom and will plug right into a 1 1/4" existing mast. So, the set up is one antenna pointed towards Mt Pisgah, another toward Paris Mountain in Greenville, and the third - the 4 bay, is aimed towards Spartanburg. I don't know the exact location of the tranmitters there. Everything is fed with 80 ft. runs of RG6 to an el cheapo three way switch.

Signals are now OK from Mt Pisgah and good from SC.

At least two of the region's most qualified HD/UHF experts point out that UHF signals used by Digital television should not be attenuated by rain. However, in my experience multi-path does change with weather conditions to the extent that antennas must be re-adjusted/oriented to improve reception stability. As I have pointed out several times, I seasonally have to adjust my antenna orientation slightly. Also, those of us relying on "knife-edge" effect reception can expect moisture conditions to change reception.
There is probably more to this than attenuation. The biggest problem in receiving DTV signals is multipath, not signal strength. The receivers contain an adaptive circuit to try to compensate, but this is a slow-response device. If there is significant wind, causing trees to move, the multipath changes quickly, and the adaptive equalizer cannot keep up with the changes, so the signal breaks up, even though the strength is still high.

I would imagine that when the trees are wet, they reflect more signal than when they are dry, so the problems might be worse on rainy, windy days.

I have been receiving almost flawless signals for the last several weeks, but in the last couple of days, there has been some breakup.

I live in Arden and am not receiving ANY signals OTA.
I contacted Direct TV last night to include the major networks HD in my service (I do have wavers from several years ago for the SD).
I was told that a new law says they have to reapply for wavers for HD.
Has anyone had any experience in receiving wavers from our local channels?

Thanks

Re HD Waivers
Most of the affiliates across the country (and locally) are not providing waivers pending Local into Local HD. As proven in the past, once a waiver is issued it becomes almost impossible for the station to recover its viewer lost to distant signals. Also, the station's leverage for HD carriage is weakened if its viewers are receiving distant HD signals. At one time the local policy was rather lax for waivers, but that seems to have changed in recent history. Lets see what other responses you get, remembering that most stations monitor this forum for waiver comments!

applog: Until recently, my former Chief Engineer lived in Arden and he never solved his reception problem for Channel 7. All other stations were line-of-site for him. I am surprised you receive no HD/Digital signals.

Well, Star Wars Episode 2 isn't in HD like it's supposed to be, on FOX.

Well, Star Wars Episode 2 isn't in HD like it's supposed to be, on FOX.


Also, the Ghost Whisperer is totally messed up. No Audio, and the video only takes up half the normal screem and has a large green stripe.

It's in HD not widescreen

HD is Widescreen

I live in Arden and am not receiving ANY signals OTA.
I contacted Direct TV last night to include the major networks HD in my service (I do have wavers from several years ago for the SD).
I was told that a new law says they have to reapply for wavers for HD.
Has anyone had any experience in receiving wavers from our local channels?

Thanks
the waiver process is extremely difficult. I live in East Asheville and cannot recieve CBS or NBC. CBS granted waiver immediately......NBC is being a real pain. ABC and Fox, I get with a set of rabbit ears.

I wonder if the management of network affiliates ever wonder why viewers can't wait to find alternatives. Ditto for local radio stations.

I wonder if the management of network affiliates ever wonder why viewers can't wait to find alternatives. Ditto for local radio stations.

I don't think that enters thier minds. Just lost revenue if they approve waivers. Guess that's business!!

Well, Star Wars Episode 2 isn't in HD like it's supposed to be, on FOX.

I had my new HD-DVR set to record it from WHNS-DT. Because of other activities, I didn't check it until after 10:00. @#%*! :mad: At least I got to see the last 45 minutes the way it was supposed to be, by swinging the antenna around towards Columbia and getting it from WACH-DT.

Aside: if any of you other OTA-only folks are interested in a HD-DVR, check out the Sony DHG-HDD250 ($499) which showed up at the Best Buy in Spartanburg this week. I grabbed the first one on Tuesday, before they even had a chance to set up a display model. :) The other BB's around here will probably get some if they haven't already. You might want to study the long thread in the HDTV recorders & players forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=537711) and take into account the pluses and minuses, and the problems some people have been having.

So far I haven't had any major problems with it, just a few quirks that I've been able to work around. The free TV Guide EPG information is broadcast on analog channel 29 (WNTV/PBS), and I've had no problem downloading it. The guide figures out which channel to use from the zip code that you have to enter for your location during initial setup; I use a Spartanburg zip code for this because the guide on my Panasonic SD DVR didn't work when I gave it the Clinton zip code. Interestingly, the Panasonic gets its TV guide info from analog channel 21 (WHNS/FOX). The software version makes a difference here, apparently.

The Sony also accepts cable input and can even use a CableCard, but I have no experience with that.

oddly, I do seem to notice the HD channels aren't as crisp as they were with the stand-alone HD box since I got my Charter DVR. Maybe its the component cables, since I was using DVI. Or, maybe its my imagination.

It is Charter. They are trying to send HD signals through analog system, then converting them back to digital with their HD reciever. Only about half as good as DTV from the satellite that is totally digital.

applog: Until recently, my former Chief Engineer lived in Arden and he never solved his reception problem for Channel 7. All other stations were line-of-site for him. I am surprised you receive no HD/Digital signals.

Last week I contacted a local retailer to install a roof antenna. He installed a channel master 4228 8-bay with rotor and a 0747 amp. The installer told me I would have no problems and could pick up everything.
I can’t pickup anything.
I am running it through my direct TV dvr, which works great by the way, and it shows only minimal signal strength.
I live near mills gap road and have plenty of hills around me.
If there is any way I can pick up OTA I would love to.
Any advice is appreciated

Thanks!

This is a long shot, but try using auto scan rather than manually seaching the channels. This worked for a Samsung HD monitor. Also, are you correctly pointing the antenna at the transmitters? Good luck.

Get antenna headings from:

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx

Just an update for those interested - Installed the CM 4882 with preamp and can now get both 4 and 7, but not 21 or 13. I dont know what happened to 13, I used to get it fine until the leaves fell. This is just from a quick pointing however, I need to spend some more time fine-tuning it. Strangely enough my best signal is pointing about 30 degrees to the left of what antennaweb says. Since all I watch on 13 is Lost (and the wife watches Desp. Housewives) I can live with this until DirecTv gets the HD locals up. This antenna is a bit heavier than my old one, it's quite a balancing act raising the mast!

Again...caution using a highgain antenna, such as an 8-bay, and an amplifier. A single line-of-site nearby DT transmitter can overpower the system causing loss of stations. Monitor AVS Forum > HDTV > Local HDTV Info and Reception
Raleigh, NC - HDTV for comments, especially those from Wayne Estabrooks.

price3,
Is there a chance of Directv getting HD locals on the air?

price3,
Is there a chance of Directv getting HD locals on the air?Shouldn't be extremely far off. Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville-Anderson is the 35th largest market in the country, so we're fairly high up the list.

The last press release I saw said the top 36 markets would be up early next year.
Jerry - thanks for all your help. The nearest tower to me is nearly 40 miles I believe, but I'd be willing to try the 4228 without preamp just to see what happens. Quite a pain pulling it all down again though.

The last press release I saw said the top 36 markets would be up early next year.

I think it says that they will adding 36 more markets next year, not the top 36 markets. There is a difference.

I think it says that they will adding 36 more markets next year, not the top 36 markets. There is a difference.


I believe this market will move up the list rather than down due to the higher number of DirecTV customers in our area vs the number of DirecTV customers in larger markets. The fact that we do not have one huge urban area with high cable penetration and many rural areas that can still not get cable gives DirecTV a higher number of subscribers than they would receive from similar markets that are more urban.

There is probably more to this than attenuation. The biggest problem in receiving DTV signals is multipath, not signal strength. The receivers contain an adaptive circuit to try to compensate, but this is a slow-response device. If there is significant wind, causing trees to move, the multipath changes quickly, and the adaptive equalizer cannot keep up with the changes, so the signal breaks up, even though the strength is still high.

I would imagine that when the trees are wet, they reflect more signal than when they are dry, so the problems might be worse on rainy, windy days.

I have been receiving almost flawless signals for the last several weeks, but in the last couple of days, there has been some breakup.

I have no idea if this is correct, but it seems to be the case for me as well.

After things dried out on Thursday, I made the trek up to the roof and made an adjustment to about 330 degrees. Everything is back on, but now FOX21 has the weakest signal between (80-100), whereas before it was second to channnel 7. It's very touchy in the rain.

price3 -- 40 miles from the nearest DTV station would not likely cause an RF Amplifier overload...but there probably are other closer RF sources that must be considered. They, too, will be amplified. Trying an amp at your distance is probably a worthwhile endeavor.

Good Luck

Hello all. First post here. Just a few observations and questions. From Saluda lake we receive all of the locals plus WLOS-DT and NCU DT. I took my Sony HD200 from Saluda Lake, Easley, to our mountain house atop Hurricane Ridge (4100 feet elevation) near Fine's Creek NC. Using a RS all band yagii (approx 21 elemants), and rotator, I was not able to get solid reception on WYFF-DT, WSPA-DT, and WHNS-DT; but was pleasantly surprised to receive WNTV DT solidly. Can anyone explain why the more distant and lower elevation WNTV DT came through, when the closer and higher elevation channels did not make it. VHS channel 9 vs UHF? Is WNTV running more power? Mt. Pisgah is line of sight from our mountain, and the three unacceptable stations are along that same trajectory. Was able to pick up Fox DT and TN. Public DTV from Greeneville, TN, but no NBC or CBS DT.
Thank you.
Ed

Ed: The RS antenna you describe is relatively high gain and can cause an overload of the receiver if you have line of site to one or more transmitters. I would try a simple rabbit ear antenna as a test. Also, if the antenna system is ageing problems can be in terminals, couplers, coax and splitters. What does Antennaweb have to say about that location? As I recall Channel 9 is not licensed for high power.

Since the leaves have fallen, I have experience an overall reduction in OTA signal strength. I don't remember this being the case last year. If anything, I expected signal strength to improve with the leaf drop. I have also noticed that my signal strength has recently become dramatically different on some[I] stations between the two OTA tuners in my DirecTV HD TiVo HR10-250 receiver. Especially with WLOS-DT which has always been my lowest signal strength channel. It gets bad enough that only one of the tuners will lock on the station. Has anyone else experience this problem? Does this sound like it is a result of signal loss or is one of my tuners going bad?

Thanks.

scg32 -- I think it is the seasonal changes. First, I have seasonally--winter to spring, and fall to winter--had to make adjustments to my antenna(s) annually. But before more detail on that, on my five acres on the south side of the mountains above Haw Creek I can find only one reliable place for my UHF antenna (4-bay) to pick up all stations with one setting. Raise the antenna...and I start losing stations...move it three feet in any direction...and signal loss. I have placed temporary antennas over a 150 foot elevation, and in numerous positions and none come close to the "sweet spot" at the corner of my 2nd floor deck. As for seasonal changes, for the past six weeks I cannot pick up the two DT stations on Pisgah with the same orientation of the UHF antenna. I am now using an A/B switch between antennas for switching between WLOS and WUNF. WLOS signal (normally 93) has been low (77 or less), but a stable picture since about Oct. 1. WHNS (DT) is a line of site station for me, but the signal is dropped from 100% to about 85 for weeks now. All others are down a bit from 100%, but still good pictures.
I believe the biggest change with the change of seasons is a change in multi-path reception, which can cause both total signal strength fluctuations as read by the receiver and pixelization/audio dropouts.
For me...the most important aspect for receiving DT signals has been finding the best location for my antenna. I have never received a usable picture from WLOS SD (13) in the 20 years of coming to this area on a regular basis.

jb

scg32 --Raise the antenna...and I start losing stations...move it three feet in any direction...and signal loss. I have placed temporary antennas over a 150 foot elevation, and in numerous positions and none come close to the "sweet spot" at the corner of my 2nd floor deck.

For me...the most important aspect for receiving DT signals has been finding the best location for my antenna. I have never received a usable picture from WLOS SD (13) in the 20 years of coming to this area on a regular basis.

jb

Do you know of anyone here in the mountains that can do a signal test?
My thought is maybe I’m just a little to low, or to far to one side!

Thanks

Jerry - Based on your reply to me and description of your own tests in your reply to scg32, it seems its time for some additional antenna tests on Hurricane Ridge. I know we are being blasted with some strong rf. Terrible herringbone interference on 4 and 5. About 6 years ago, we walked all around the place with the then new RS antenna and marvelled at how good analog channels 4, 7, and 21 looked. Signals were so good that were able to choose an inconspicuous spot under the deck at about nine feet off the ground. Analog has deteriorated significantly since then. Two DAs have been knocked out by lightning, so we changed the balun at the antenna to no avail.

I have an XG91 UHF, rotor, and mast mounted amplifier doing very nicely here in Easley, but afraid to invest in any more UHF only rigs with talk of stations reverting their dt back to their old vhf channels. What antenna are you using for uhf?

Is there enough VHF spectrum allocated for HD broadcasts?

Re UHF antenna: I use the CM 4221. Lots of gain but not very directional. I also use the CM VHF/UHF RF amplifier to mix Greenville's Channel 9 DT into the otherwise all-UHF DT signals available here in Asheville. I need the VHF amplification. I am using a 7-element home made Channel 9 Yagi for receiving SCDTV, so it does not pickup much of the other VHF from analog TV and FM stations in the area. (The Ch 9 antenna was adapted from a high-band VHF antenna by re-cutting and respacing elements.)
Re DT Channels, only the hi-band VHF (7-13) was proposed for HDTV, in addition to UHF. Obviously some stations are determined to return to VHF, but I think it is a mistake with the problems of Co-channel, adjacent channel and weather related transmission variations. And, it may change yet as we get closer to the final transition to DT.
Watch for comments on regional forums by Wayne Estabrooks (and other local TV personnel) regarding receivers and reception. Hopefully someone like Foxeng will jump in and offer suggestions on this subject.

Anyone know if the Rose Parade will be broadcast OTA?

Is there enough VHF spectrum allocated for HD broadcasts?

Channels 2-13.

Anyone know if the Rose Parade will be broadcast OTA?

It is but the question is will that source be available outside of the LA area. One of the local stations has been providing it in HD to an ad-hoc network of stations. I personally haven't heard if one of the networks are picking it up or not. I haven't been keeping up with the Rose Parade this year.

I should have rephrased the question. Duh. Am looking for an OTA HD broadcast of the parade in this market.

A friend offered to point his webcam at his TV tuned to KTLA. :)

Anyone know if the Rose Parade will be broadcast OTA?

It always has been in the past. I have watched in HD for the last several years.

Anyone know if the Rose Parade will be broadcast OTA?
If you are looking for the Rose Parade in HD, it sometimes is hard to find. KTLA has been by far the most viewed coverage on the west coast, and its HD coverage has been syndicated (not networked) in recent years, and was carried by one of the HD Satellite channels for the past couple of years. The Executive Producer of the coverage retired from KTLA recently, but continues to handle syndication sales of the production. I will send him a note asking for plans for this year. (I was exec producer for this coverage for many, many years.)
All major networks continue cover the parade, but seem to never find the formula for showcasing the beautiful floats and providing narration that isn't overshadowed by self-promotion.
KTLA is a WB affiliate, and it is a surprise that WB has not in the past used its Rose Parade coverage on the net.

I think the first time I saw the parade on TV it was on XETV.
Your sentiments are dead on re: lack of proper showcasing

Is WLOS ever going to resolve thier transmitter problems? I just recently started recieving WAGV DT 51 in Harlan, KY. They are operating at low power (45kW) which is at less than 10% of full power(550 kw) and they are a christian station with a very limited budget. I am probably 30 miles outside of their low power service contour! They seem to have their act together better than a strong commercial station like WLOS.

anyone know where to look for a listing of HD broadcasts of College Bowl games? I looked at hdsportsguide.com and didn't have any luck. Thanks.

some of you may remember I had my first hd football party for the LSU vs. Alabama game. well......I had my second one for the LSU vs. Georgia SEC championship game. picture was great, but the Tigers sure did stink up the Georgia dome!!!

I can't get closed captions on WLOS-DT in network HD programming from ABC, e.g. Monday Night Football, Desperate Housewives, Commander in Chief, the "Finding Nemo" movie. I can see them on the programs listed above on WOLO-DT in Columbia, and I can see them on local and network SD programming on WLOS, e.g. local news, ABC Nightly News, Jeopardy, and the SD "reality" shows. So this looks like a problem with the WLOS network HD feed.

A couple of weeks ago I tried sending a message via the feedback form on their web site, but haven't gotten a response.

Re KTLA's HD coverage of the Rose Parade, here is Producer Joe Qusarano's response to sources:

Discovery HD and the Travel Channel.

What retirement? I am working more than ever before.

Re CC of local stations, I find it not consistent, and would like to contact those stations who do not carry CC when the networks provide it. Please help with the list.

Anybody else having problems with the Panthers Bucs (on FOX OTA) game breaking up?

bloodta,

I am (Anderson SC). I had to switch to SAT feed. I assumed it was wind, but maybe not. I get strong signal strength(90+), but it keeps bouncing around and breaking up.

Thanks tebarne, it's not really windy here (Greenville, SC). I'm at around 82% signal strength. I wonder what the deal is.

bloodta,

I am (Anderson SC). I had to switch to SAT feed. I assumed it was wind, but maybe not. I get strong signal strength(90+), but it keeps bouncing around and breaking up.

Yep definitely seeing problems here in Mauldin. My signal strength is not fluctuating, so I assume it's a problem with the transmission.

--Cross

Bloodta...Yes. Fox has been acting up since at least last night. The Fox weather channel is messed up too. I am getting a 98% signal strength here in Duncan, SC, but when it cuts out, it drops to 41% then comes back to 98% again. I think we should start an e-mail campagn to Fox, no? Maybe if several of us contact them they will know the problem is them and not us. This site won't let me publish an e-mail address, so just go to the fox21 website and click "contact us". I'm sending them one now.

Just tell me where to send it, maybe we should call also.

No Fox OTA here and I can see the tower. It's still standing.

Fox breaking up here...with steady 100% signal.

I have a Winegard AP-8275 Preamp and a CM 4228 antenna. I am in Candler, NC. I am using a Fusion5 HDTV Lite card which has a 5th gen LG ATSC tuner. II can get WUNF (25) perfectly, 100% signal. I am unable, however, to get WLOS. Greenville/Spartanburg channels are a pipe dream. I don't understand why I can't get WLOS at all. I thought WLOS and WUNF shared a tower. I am at wit's end. I have been fighting with this stuff for 2 years. How can the FCC expect consumers to adopt this new standard and do away with analog OTA broadcasting when people can't even get their local stations with a rooftop antenna, preamp, and tuner?? I am so frustrated with this crap.

For a number of weeks now I have had "strange" reception from WLOS-DT (once my most reliable signal), but I continue to receive a strong, stable signal from WUNF-DT. Yes, both are on the same tower on Mt. Pisgah. Candler should be below the transmitters/antennas.
Most of Candler as I read my charts is behind mountain ranges from WSPA and perhaps others.
I do continue to receive a usable signal from WLOS-DT using a very direction Yagi in my attic, but must switch from my main antenna to do so.
It seems to me that the number of reception problems for WLOS showing up in the past month or so indicates there is a problem at the transmitter/antenna. If we log sufficient new complaints here, I will send a note to the station manager.

Anyone else had issues last night with "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" on ABC, 13-1 ?

I was getting 75% signal strength but the picture was what I will call "jittery". It wasn't breaking up, but it was just "jittery" (stop and go) and had a few audio sync problems.

Curious if this is a typical problem and if it has anything to do with my reception or their broadcast?

Adding above to collection to send to Station Manager.

My WHNS reception was breaking up also today. I would have thought that it was just me again. WLOS has been perfect lately, but WUNF has been somewhat iffy (But I can get the HD programming on Charter now)

Speaking of Charter, I have noticed that channel 247 which is WSPA's weather channel comes in as "widescreen." I have the Motorola STB set to 10801/480p. My TV can not adjust the aspect ratio of channel 247 so it must be coming out as 1080i. WYFF's weather channel 244 seems to be a normal SDTV format. On the non HDTV cable box on the SDTV in the bedroom, channel 247 seems just like any other channel. And on that STB, the HDTV channels 770-797 do not have a picture. I can just hear the audio.

So, does WSPA's weather channel do the same thing OTA? (I would not know - never even a hint of a signal here)

Yes. The OTA WSPA-DT weather channel is stretched to 16:9 prior to transmission. You can tell they are simply stretching a 4:3 signal because everything looks distorted. WYFF-DT sends their weather signal out in regular 4:3 format.

OK, now I am having signal breakups on WYFF 4. Between 8-9:30. Anyone else havng trouble?

Anyone having problems with Directv 79? I though it might have been ice on the dish. A gallon of hot water cleared 1/2" of ice off of the antenna, but still no HD on this channel.

No problem here for 79.

Now, can't get 73, 74. 78 is breaking up due to what looks like weak signal strenth.

No problem for 73, 74 & 78 here. The ice coating on trees, etc is slightly more than 1/4". The dish port is under an 18" overhang and very little ice.
Satellite 110 ranges from 75 to 100 pct., 101 from 90 to 100, most of 119 are 100 pct, but a few are down in the 80s, except for those not in service.

Thanks. All transponders on the 110 bird are in the 40% range and two transponders on the 119 satellite are also in the 40's. Everything on 101 is high 80's and low 90's.

I have a Winegard AP-8275 Preamp and a CM 4228 antenna. I am in Candler, NC. I am using a Fusion5 HDTV Lite card which has a 5th gen LG ATSC tuner. II can get WUNF (25) perfectly, 100% signal. I am unable, however, to get WLOS. Greenville/Spartanburg channels are a pipe dream. I don't understand why I can't get WLOS at all. I thought WLOS and WUNF shared a tower. I am at wit's end. I have been fighting with this stuff for 2 years. How can the FCC expect consumers to adopt this new standard and do away with analog OTA broadcasting when people can't even get their local stations with a rooftop antenna, preamp, and tuner?? I am so frustrated with this crap.

I just purchased a Fusion HDTV-USB Gold, and it also has a problem with WLOS-DT. All the others are fine, but on a scan, it failed to detect WLOS-DT. I inserted the channel manually, and it detects it, but the signal strength shows as 0%, and it will not stay locked. It will show a picture for about 1-2 seconds, then flashes "no signal", then freezes for about 2 seconds, and then starts the same sequence again.

There must be a problem with the Fusion software, and WLOS-DT's signal. They are the only OTA using 720p, so it is impossible to tell if that is the issue, or whether it might be in the PSIP.

The signal is fine on the DirecTV DVRs, and an internal tuner in an early RCA, so I am blaming Fusion. I plan to contact them shortly.

They are the only OTA using 720p, so it is impossible to tell if that is the issue, or whether it might be in the PSIP.WHNS (Fox) is also 720p.

Rchalk...Which way are you aiming your antenna? You may already know, but the tower for Fox 21 is located in North Carolina southwest of Asheville. Try going to antennaweb and type in your address and it will give you a precise direction on which way to point your antenna.
By the way, WLOS has been a pain in the a--. Last week during NFL games, the signal kept going out. This week, there is a signal, but it isn't in widescreen HD.

Soon as I sent that last reply, Fox 21 switched to widescreen HD. They are listening to us!

Is anyone else having problems with WSPA 7 (Chiefs/Giants game)? I have a 98% signal but it keeps cutting off every time a play starts.

I have had the same problem with WSPA and I receive it via Charter. I noticed it last night also.

It's still happening as of 7:30pm. Really want to watch this game but this is beyond irritating. I tried the Charlotte CBS station and that is just too far away. I called WSPA news dept and they said they would tell somebody, but I think they have the typical "it has to be their tv, not our transitter" attitude. Perhaps it wouild help of others would call them up. Unfortunately, this forum won't let me put up phone numbers or e-mail addresses, but WSPA is in the phonebook. Please call!

Biogfootbuilt, I only watched the game while channel surfing, but from the little I watched, I didn't notice any problems.

However, I was trying to watch "The Sound of Music" on 13-1 WLOS(ABC) and had the same problems that I posted about last weekend (during "The Grinch". The video was jittery and the audio was out of sync by as much as a whole second. When playing commercials, everything was fine.

I didn't get any feedback last week, but am really curious (and aggrevated) of whether or not this problem is from my end or theirs. I'm pretty sure theirs. What causes this? If there is a number I can call to report it, I would be glad to do so.

Could someone PM me contact information for the stations? WYFF, WSPA, WLOS, WHNS

WSPA is unwatchable today for the Indy game both OTA & on Charter- major breakups.

WSPA 7 phone number is 8645767777. The only people that will be there is the news department, so I reported it to them yesterday. If others out there are having the same problems with WSPA signal dropouts, please call so that they will be convinced it's a problem on their end and not ours. They really need to get this fixed before the playoffs start.

Is anyone else having trouble pulling WYFF Greenville SC OTA? I've never had a problem pulling the channel, however now the channel 4.1 is just gone. No signal, no nothing.

I see where folks have posted WYFF is moving channels, however those don't seem to be up yet. Any advice is appreciated.

I live in Duncan, SC and WYFF comes in fine over here right now. Quick question though....what did you mean when you said they are going to "move the channels"? Just curious

I found my problem. . . gremlins must have removed 4.1 entirely from the digital channel OTA menu. Who knows.

As for the moving channels thing, I believe it's secondary only. . .there's a post about it half a page up.

Does anyone have contact info for WHNS? For the second day in a row they've screwed up the NFL's HD broadcasts.

Yesterday they were late switching to the HD feed, and now today the Dallas/Washington game has gone back to SD

The color on the WLOS Disney show is awesome.

Call 888-FOX-2100 news tip line,a live person will answer. I asked if the control room people were asleep as the game did not go back to HD after a commercial break. She said she would inform them, and very shortly after the game was back in HD. The best way to get thru to any station is the newsline.

enoree,

Good job! There was a time when radio and TV engineering staffs were responsible men who had to have an FCC First Class Radiotelephone license and actually know something about electronics and technical broadcast standards, but it's now been dumbed down to something just above CB radio.

Again, good job and thanks.
Merry Christmas

enoree,

Good job! There was a time when radio and TV engineering staffs were responsible men who had to have an FCC First Class Radiotelephone license and actually know something about electronics and technical broadcast standards, but it's now been dumbed down to something just above CB radio.

Again, good job and thanks.
Merry Christmas

With all due respect, it isn't the job of engineers to switch programs these days. Engineering staffs are now just big enough to fix things, not run things. That is handled by a staff of people who know how to operate equipment, not fix it.

I stand corrected.
I might change my username to Geezer.

Anybody with Charter experiencing anything weird with your tuner box this morning?

Last night I turned my TV on and the screen was completely blank- wouldn't change channels or anything, so I flipped the box off and back on again. It changed channels, but now the display on it refuses to show the time anymore. I've tried turning that setting on and off, but no difference.

foxeng:
There are a significant number of posts regarding reception changes during the past month. I no longer can receive the two DT transmissions from Mt. Pisgah from a single antenna, and must switch from antenna to antenna when changing between WLOS and WUNF. This did not happen (to this extent) a year ago. Is DT OTA transmission--with all of its advantages--going to continue to be a seasonal problem?
Please comment.

WHNS (Fox) is also 720p.
You are right, of course, and the unit receives WHNS just fine, so it must be an issue with WLOS-DT and their data.

I hate these Senior Moments!!

Rchalk...Which way are you aiming your antenna? You may already know, but the tower for Fox 21 is located in North Carolina southwest of Asheville. Try going to antennaweb and type in your address and it will give you a precise direction on which way to point your antenna.
By the way, WLOS has been a pain in the a--. Last week during NFL games, the signal kept going out. This week, there is a signal, but it isn't in widescreen HD.

I have a rotator on the antenna, and I have three DirecTV HD DVRs with off-air tuners, and an early RCA TV with built-in DTV tuner. The signal is very high on all these other tuners, but the Fusion unit does not detect it at all on a channel scan.

Since the signal is strong, and the tuner works on all other channels, there has to be a compatibility issue between the Fusion software, and the WLOS PSIP. What cannot be determined from this is whether the problem is at the station, or with the computer software.

Just to show that these problems are complex, look at this one...

On the RCA TV, if I try to look at the guide from the OTA channels, everything looks OK until it hits the WUNF signal - then it goes into a loop, continuously trying to restart the listings, and never gets beyond that channel. However, on a Samsung tuner I borrowed, the guide is fine.

Go figure.....

The past few weeks, I've been lurking in this forum. It's really been helpful to me for when there are problems receiving signals OTA. It just about drives me mad not knowing whether it's a problem on their end or mine. With that in mind, I want to try something.

I've setup a simple website:

ww#w.jason-parker.ne#t/hdtv/
(remove the "#"s, I can't post a url) :(

It lists the four major broadcasters in the area and I hope that I can keep up with who's having problems and who isn't. The idea is to create a simple site to go to and quickly find out who's having problems, and report new ones.

I'm not sure how well it will work. Hopefully, it will work well enough to be helpful though.

If anyone has any suggestions or comments, I'd like to hear them. :)

One of the original intents was that station problems would be posted here so that pioneer set-owners would know when to check their setup or to wait for the stations to fix their problems. I will tell you that most stations monitor this forum, although sometimes not on a regular basis. Some are quick to post or acknowledge problems on their end...some continue in "denial."

I WISH WE HAD MORE ACTIVE area participants here; additional "weight" would help reach station management's attention.

foxeng:
There are a significant number of posts regarding reception changes during the past month. I no longer can receive the two DT transmissions from Mt. Pisgah from a single antenna, and must switch from antenna to antenna when changing between WLOS and WUNF. This did not happen (to this extent) a year ago. Is DT OTA transmission--with all of its advantages--going to continue to be a seasonal problem?
Please comment.

My guess is after the transition things should start to get better from several standpoints.

First off, you will have 1/2 less stations on the air and it is difficult to say these days how much of the problems are interference related from analog into digital and stations may also relocate some antennas to be give performance once the analogs are gone and stations have to rely on the digitals for a living. Also as has been seen, the program the FCC uses to calculate interference, (Longley-Rice) has much to be desired. You now have more stations on the air this year than last and also more stations at full power this year than last increasing the RF interference "pollution" if you will.

Secondly, receivers are getting better all of the time so that will help the situation as well.

Just my opinion.

This forum has been a great resource for me, and many others I imagine. My goal is simply to put this information into one place that's easier to access. This forum is the first place I head to when I have problems, but it's not always easy to quickly tell when there are station problems. I don't know how helpful it will be, but I'll keep at it for a little while just to see. :)

I WISH WE HAD MORE ACTIVE area paticipation here

Who you callin' non-active? ;)

Anybody know of a good OTA installer in the G'vlle area? Must have 40 ft. ladder. I'm stuck with the standard pos rig D* installs and it's so unreliable I have been forced to tivo off the sd sat feed.

The WAF is not pleased and there is no way I'm going up there myself to put up a CM.

I WISH WE HAD MORE ACTIVE area paticipation here; additional "weight" would help reach station management's attention.

How would you define more active? I usually don't complain, cause I feel like it's only heard by those who are trying to help us understand how things work. Some specifics on what we could do would be helpful. More posts? More calls to the stations? More HD sets?

I am still having problems with WSPA. It will break up every couple of minutes. Has it improved for anyone else?

I also have had issues with several stations over the last few days. For example, last night WSPA 7-1 OTA would not give me a stable picture (my screen said no signal) even though the signal meter on the TV was very high (no scale to be able to say exactly- but my guess is around 90-95%). It would give no signal for long stretches of time, and occationally produce a watchable signal. I was able to pick it up from Charter using my QAM tuner.

My TV did not even find WLOS 13-1 or 13-2. It skipped right over those channels when flipping (ie it went from 7-1 to 7-2 to 21-1 and didn't even try to pick up 13-1). THis may have been an issue with my TV, but normally it only does that when there is, or has been, a problem with the signal.

I really ended up giving up on network TV last night and ended up watching National Treasure through my QAM tuner (it was on one of the video on demand channels). So if anyone rented it last night and watched it without pausing or stopping I just wanted to say thanks, because my wife and I enjoyed the movie too.

Seems as if WLOS's signal isn't mapping properly under 13.1. I tuned to 13.1 and it kept telling me searching for signal when my signal meter was pretty high. I did a channel scan and it mapped it under 56.1. Hmm...might have to e-mail them. I'm also having issues with WHNS. I'm locking in on them but no content...it's just a grey screen. Anyone else seeing this?

Seems as if WLOS's signal isn't mapping properly under 13.1. I tuned to 13.1 and it kept telling me searching for signal when my signal meter was pretty high. I did a channel scan and it mapped it under 56.1. Hmm...might have to e-mail them. I'm also having issues with WHNS. I'm locking in on them but no content...it's just a grey screen. Anyone else seeing this?

I am seeing exactly the same thing with my Hughes HD Tivo.

Maybe someone out there can answer a question about the Channel Master 7777 preamp. I have a Radio Shack yagi in the attic and a DirecTV dish. Both are combined and then split with diplexers. What effect would the CM-7777 have if I added one to the mix? Any help is much appreciated.

Wes

I also found that WLOS was not remapping to 13-1 or 13-2, but rather being found on 56-1 and 56-2. At least my TV sees the channel without me having to rescan the channels. In the past when this has happened, usually all I've had to do was change to 56-1 and it would automatically remap and reset to 13-1. So the next time I fliiped through the channels, the channel would be found on 13-1. Obviously WLOS has changed something in the broadcast stream where none of the tuners are remapping to 13-1 and 13-2.

WHNS-DT (21-1 and 21-2) is still giving me issues. As much as I tried (rotating the antenna, etc) I could not get a signal strength that registered more than about 55-60% (normal strength is approx 85-90%). I could not get a picture either, only a black screen. I have no idea if the signal strength is too low for me to lock on, or if the actual signal is corrupt. Either way, I think it is something that WHNS did because I've not had issues like this in the past. The other possibility is the season change has resulted in a lower signal that I can't lock onto.

I know there are several people that are having trouble with WHNS. Are there any people that ARE receiving the signal, and if so, has the signal strength changed recently?

I know there are several people that are having trouble with WHNS. Are there any people that ARE receiving the signal, and if so, has the signal strength changed recently?I'm not getting as high a signal strength as usual, but it seems more stable from my limited viewing over the past couple of weeks.

My reception of WHNS lately has been spotty, at best. I'll usually be able to tune the channel, but only get a blank screen. But a few times, it does work.

However, I havn't really noticed problems with 13 on my end, but then I havn't really been watching them, just checking every now and then.

On a realted note, my reception of WYFF really sucked last night. I was getting about 30%-50% signal and the Tonight Show was totally un-watchable. Havn't checked yet today, though. Did anyone else notice this?

This morning I'm getting WHNS on 57 instead of 21, and also the SD weather radar is on 57-1, with the FOX HD on 57-2

I'm getting a near perfect, stable signal though.

Directv hd locals via sat can't come soon enough.....

WLOS is now re-mapping correctly to 13-1 and 13-2. WHNS still is only black screen on 21-1 and 57-1. The signal strength is fine.

BTW - I forgot to mention that last night, while my TV would pick up WLOS only on 56-1, my MyHD-130 tuner card for my computer was picking WLOS on 13-1. I know this because I recorded both episodes of LOST last night using the MyHD card, and I checked it prior to recording to make sure it was going to work.

Strange, huh!

It is also strange that we are having such a rash or problems recently. I wonder if some of the stations lost power during the ice storm and it's screwed up some of their equipment. I know the general broadcast channels generally have backup power, but from the last ice storm, I know that some stations did not have DT stations on backup power. Wasn't WLOS-DT that was off the air for an extended period of time during the last ice storm even though the analog station was fine?

This is the second night in a row that WYFF has been problematic for me. I watched ER earlier just fine. A while later, though, and I can't get the Tonight Show to come in at all.

UNC-TV's Kids, Education and NC channels have appeared on Charter in Asheville on 130, 131 and 132.

Maybe someone out there can answer a question about the Channel Master 7777 preamp. I have a Radio Shack yagi in the attic and a DirecTV dish. Both are combined and then split with diplexers. What effect would the CM-7777 have if I added one to the mix? Any help is much appreciated.

Wes

The preamp system has two components, the actual amplifier, and a power supply. The amp. goes as close to the antenna as is practical, and the power supply has to be connected anywhere between the amp. and the diplexer. If you have power in your attic, this should not be a problem.

DO NOT put the power supply in the path of the diplexed signals. The DirecTV system runs power on the cable to operate the LNBs in the dish, so the diplexer has to isolate the DC from the Preamp.

Thanks Richard. That's what I was hoping for. I have an outlet very close to the antenna. I'll give it a shot and see how it works.

Wes

Why is WHNS_DT off the air??

Well I still cannot get WHNS-DT OTA with my built in ATSC tuner (Zennith c32v37), but I CAN pick up the stations with my MyHD 130 card. I had not tried to tune in 21 via the card over the last few days (I really just use it to record and watch live TV via the TV). So I guess it is one of two things, either I am experience a great deal of new mulipath issues since the ice storm, or WHNS has changed their signal somehow so that many tuners cannot pick up the station, but some can.

I am not having trouble with WYFF. It does take a second or two longer to tune the station, but I get a solid signal and picture. It might be a little lower than normal, but I haven't tweaked my antenna position because I am reconding on another station and don't want to run the risk of spoiling the recording.

I'm also having an extremely hard time picking up WHNS-DT. I've had some serious multipath issues lately, and not it's not even coming in EVEN when I tune to 57-1. What is going on? This used to be my MOST reliable station.

Edit: Okay, I just checked it. For now, it seems very stable. 21-2 does bring up the weather, but 21-1 doesn't show anything. I have to tune to 57-3 to WHNS.

Why is WHNS_DT off the air??

As I mentioned the other day I'm getting it at full strength, but with the HD feed on 57-2 now, with 57-1 being weather. I watched part of Ice Age in HD earlier tonight.

I would suggest those with issues try a re-scan first and see if that fixes it. I'm in Cherokee Co & can't get WHNS analog worth a crap, but I'm getting DT at full strength and stable. No noticable dropouts, so those closer should definitely be able to get it.

tried the rescan this morning. did not pick up the 57 channel. any suggestions?

panny 32" HDTV
dtc 210 hd reciever (direct tv)

funny thing though 80-90% signal just no picture. no problems with other locals i recieve

Well I still canno pick up WHNS-DT with my TV's tuner on either 21 or 57. The TV detects the signal on 21-1 and I can get a max signal strength of about 50-60%, but no hint of a picture - just a "No Signal" message. Before these issues I was able to pick up a signal in the 80-90% range with a very stable picture.

However, I am able to tune and watch WHNS-DT with my MyHD card. It picks up 21-1 and 21-2 with a signal strength of between 36 and 40%, but provides a stable picture without drop outs. (As a side note, the MyHD signal meter has been intentionally set a little lower than most meters - the manufacture felt it was a more accurate representation of the actual signal strength).

Looks like Sinclair has reached an agreement with some other cable companies to rebroadcast their HD channels. Not here yet, of course, but at least the dream of WLOS-HD on Charter is still alive.

God knows you sure can't pick it up reliably OTA...

Sinclair reaches agreement (http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/12/23/columbus-cable-subscribers-can-now-enjoy-abc-and-fox-in-hd/)

My D* H10 shows a good signal on WHNS, but no picture or sound, my E* 811 displays WHNS fine with good SS. The problem must be in the PSIP stream from WHNS, since this is a FOX station Rupert would be unhappy that one of his affiliates wont work with a D* box.

well, my 21-1 (WHNS-DT) does not work either. I'm using the Samsung 360 STB thru a CM 4221 antenna (DirecTV). This is not good since I've got relatives over to watch the Panthers in HD. I did a re-scan and promptly lost my other local channels. Now I'm re-scanning again. I've got nothing on 57-1. Help!! I need my NFL in HD.

and now I've lost ALL of my local digital channels. Am I to assume it is a STB problem with my D* equipment? I am not happy.

Has any one called WHNS? Are they aware of the problem?

Now WHNS has gone to the SD feed of the Cowboys/Panthers game after a commercial.. for the SECOND WEEK IN A ROW!

Apparantly it's full scale amateur hour at all of the HD affiliates lately, WSPA was just broken up to crap both OTA & on charter cable a few minutes ago.

EDIT: WSPA is still unwatchable both OTA & on cable.

Has any one called WHNS? Are they aware of the problem?

Well if ALL of your local HD's are cutting up then I would think it is an equipment/reception issue, and not something on WHNS's end.

I'm talking about the mapping issue. My DTV H10 can't receive 21.1, and when I rescan, it doesn't find 57. So, I can't get WHNS-DT at all. Since multiple people have reported this problem, it must be WHNS's problem.

you could try calling their 1-800 news line, maybe they can transfer to engineering.. but on a holiday weekend I'm guessing everybody is off. I did e-mail their engineer to complain about the switching to SD during NFL, and I mentioned the mapping/reception issue..

I am still having the same problem with WHNS. Strong SS but no picture or sound. It must be a PSIP problem. I tried to e-mail Jerry Garvin but it came back as undeliverable. Anyone know his new e-mail?

Is WLOS DT on the air this morning?

I found something interesting. On my D* H10 (HD TiVo), I watched the Panthers game yesterday on 57-3. Sometimes when I turn it to 57-3, it will pick up. Other times when I change it to it, it won't pick up...just a gray screen. Something is definitely up with WHNS's stream. I agree with cpalmer, our local affiliates are morons when it comes to this digital stuff. Can they not even know how to ask someone for assistance? I'm sure if this was happening with their analog equipment, they'd have it fixed in a matter of hours.

It might also be that management isn't giving the tech staff the resources necessary to do the job correctly.

Whatever it is, it's frustrating as he11.

Is WLOS DT on the air this morning?


I am receiving fine.

I have a question for those with the HD Tivo from D*. It looks like Dashaund is avoiding the WHNS-DT problem that I have with my Samsung 360 STB. I have been thinking about upgrading and maybe now is the time. Any other problems to be concerned about with D* STB's? I am very disappointed with the problems I am having re: WHNS-DT. At this point I am getting nothing from WHNS on any of the 21 or 57 channels, ie... I am not getting digital Fox. Anybody getting local HD from a D* STB? obviously my TV has no ATSC tuner...

absolutely nothing here in ashe

In Greenville-WLOS HD is breaking up big time, it was fine before the ice storm, but now, it jumps between 0-74% all the time. What could cause this or is WLOS doing something to screw it up?

In Greenville-WLOS HD is breaking up big time, it was fine before the ice storm, but now, it jumps between 0-74% all the time. What could cause this or is WLOS doing something to screw it up?


I assume the problem is on your end. I am receiving WLOS-DT the same as always. Have you checked your antenna alignment, or to see if there was damage to your antenna?