HD On-Demands are back too...finally.

Edit: Only the PPV HD's are back...still no HD for the premium channel On-Demands (HBO On Demand etc.)

HD-on-Demand has been back for a couple of weeks, I think. Starz, Cinemax, and presumably Showtime's HD-on-demand content is still gone, though. I seem to remember hearing that HBO's HD-on-demand content was yanked nationwide.

Still waiting for the new episode of Mad Men to show up on AMC-on-Demand!

Also, why in the world didn't they put the new HD channels right next to the other ones???

Also, why in the world didn't they put the new HD channels right next to the other ones???

Most likely because they wouldn't fit there. I think the plan is to add a few more HD channels before the end of the year. So I guess they started a new block where all of these channels will be going. It would be nice if they would reorganize it, but I doubt they will anytime soon.

It looks like Charter deleted Ion Television from the lineup in Asheville (Source: Charter.com's Channel Lineup Changes Page for Zip Code 28804).

It looks like Charter deleted Ion Television from the lineup in Asheville (Source: Charter.com's Channel Lineup Changes Page for Zip Code 28804).

They also did in Greenville. This was announced with the other changes as well. I can't say I will miss it very much.

How ironic that I found this thread and discovered new HD chanells on the same day?! Thanks for the posts, and I'm glad I didn't discover it earlier because I did n't have to wait. I'm a little dissappointed in what is on but it could be a slow night on TV.

I've gotta agree about the sequence of the channels. If I would not have seen this then I would have always started the channel scan on 770.

Still gonna check out the satellite is offering though

They also did in Greenville. This was announced with the other changes as well. I can't say I will miss it very much.

Yeah, now that I look at the AVL lineup provided in the mailing, Ion wasn't included. It didn't get the very bold mention within the attached letter, but it is what it is. I guess there'll be no Family Feud in my future. :eek::rolleyes:

It looks like Charter deleted Ion Television from the lineup in Asheville (Source: Charter.com's Channel Lineup Changes Page for Zip Code 28804).

I noticed that channel 15 was missing drom the AVL Charter lineup on the cable STBs, but it is still there when using the televisions own tuner.

Wow I am so glad I don't have to bother with Charter anymore. When I was in Anderson they were nothing but trouble. Although the service rarely went completely down the quality of the picture and the selection, or lack there of of channels were just eternally annoying. The service techs were all but useless. I had the regular def digital service and it was a joke. Wanted a motorola box with s-video out. Had to go to them (25 minute drive!) 4 times to get a working box before I finally got one, of course the audio was slightly messed up!!!!!!!

VOD service was very limited and more often than not didn't work properly. Charter by phone customer service worthless as well most of the time.

OTA service is far better and it is free,the only negative is the lack of cable channels but without the Charter hassle I have learned to get along just fine.

If I had a clear line of sight I would get satellite, I live in a wooded area...oh well.

Regarding OTA stuff...

WYFF noticed that it appears most or all of the Olympics are now being aired in HD, glad to see that they also stopped placing their local station ID bug over the NBC bug that allows you to figure out if you are watching live or not. For awhile they were letting their local bug sit over the NBC bug for about 20 to 30 minutes!!!!???? Hello master control, the local ID bug is to be used at the top and bottom of the hour at most for a minute or less. Pic quality looks really good with OTA uncompressed images. I noticed that during the Olympics the local station news teasers and promos were in HD. I also noticed that the blue SD side bars were missing lately. So what is the time frame for News 4 to go HD. Maybe they can lay off John C because we hardly have any weather anymore in the upstate of SC. Put the money into the local news transition to HD. LOL.
Solid signal with only minor reception issues during electrical storms and heavy downpours. Still not a huge problem most of the time.


WHNS I wonder when The ten o'clock news will become HD?
No news about the picture issues on local origin (incl The ten o'clock news) programming from their Chief Engineer.
Still has that murky almost cloudy grey masking that seems to limit white and especially black levels. LIke I mentioned before you can best see this when they punch up the weather radar map on during the news at 10pm and then you can flip the channel to 21.2 for the full time radar map. Look at the difference in picture quality, contrast, and color quality. Big difference!!!! Since no response from Jim Barnes the CE about this issue. I will try and e mail him again.

As always solid signal with no reception issues ever during electrical storms. Good job!

WSPA

Local HD news has great picture and sound has been good lately, very consistant.
Have noticed some faint double horizontal bars almost ghosting quality rolling up the picture during some programming network especially during CBS feeds, the network feed does seem somewhat dark and a little muddy to me compared to other CBS stations like WBTV. Acceptable for the most part though.
Signal is only fair. Consistant break up and varying signal strength most of the time. The change over can't come soon enough.

WLOS Big improvement in reception of signal very consistant lately, break up is rare. Picture is good.

WMYA...signal is terrible

WYCW...picture is decent..signal is usually very good.

WGGS excellent signal never any break up. 16.1 Picture good.
Some technical issues with 16.2 (Sixteen Too) Problem with sync lock which allows for picture jitter much of the time.

WUNF (ashville)...Great job. Excellent pic. Strong signal no problems ever.

WNTV (greenville) Excellent signal never any reception issues. Good job!
Only thing I notice is the pixalation issues with 29.3 when there is lots of movement, due to older equipment which will be replaced eventually. Good job Shaun Bennet & techs at ETV.

Wow I am so glad I don't have to bother with Charter anymore. When I was in Anderson they were nothing but trouble. Although the service rarely went completely down the quality of the picture and the selection, or lack there of of channels were just eternally annoying. The service techs were all but useless. I had the regular def digital service and it was a joke. Wanted a motorola box with s-video out. Had to go to them (25 minute drive!) 4 times to get a working box before I finally got one, of course the audio was slightly messed up!!!!!!!
VOD service was very limited and more often than not didn't work properly. Charter by phone customer service worthless as well most of the time.

I haven't had as bad of an experience with Charter beyond the dearth of HD, but I do respect your consumer choice on going solely OTA.


OTA service is far better and it is free,the only negative is the lack of cable channels but without the Charter hassle I have learned to get along just fine.
If I had a clear line of sight I would get satellite, I live in a wooded area...oh well.

I wish I could provide further input regarding OTA reception, but I can't get squat from Weavervegas with an antenna.


Regarding OTA stuff...
WYFF noticed that it appears most or all of the Olympics are now being aired in HD, glad to see that they also stopped placing their local station ID bug over the NBC bug that allows you to figure out if you are watching live or not. For awhile they were letting their local bug sit over the NBC bug for about 20 to 30 minutes!!!!???? Hello master control, the local ID bug is to be used at the top and bottom of the hour at most for a minute or less. Pic quality looks really good with OTA uncompressed images. I noticed that during the Olympics the local station news teasers and promos were in HD. I also noticed that the blue SD side bars were missing lately. So what is the time frame for News 4 to go HD. Maybe they can lay off John C because we hardly have any weather anymore in the upstate of SC. Put the money into the local news transition to HD. LOL.
Solid signal with only minor reception issues during electrical storms and heavy downpours. Still not a huge problem most of the time.

The blue SD side bars haven't been on WYFF for several months now (Source: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13047822#post13047822 ). The last word from last Spring was that there's no "specific timetable for going HD at this time" and "hope it would be sooner rather than later" (Source: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13451508#post13451508 ). Maybe douglasd5 has some new info to provide on this.


WHNS I wonder when The ten o'clock news will become HD?
No news about the picture issues on local origin (incl The ten o'clock news) programming from their Chief Engineer.
Still has that murky almost cloudy grey masking that seems to limit white and especially black levels. LIke I mentioned before you can best see this when they punch up the weather radar map on during the news at 10pm and then you can flip the channel to 21.2 for the full time radar map. Look at the difference in picture quality, contrast, and color quality. Big difference!!!! Since no response from Jim Barnes the CE about this issue. I will try and e mail him again.
As always solid signal with no reception issues ever during electrical storms. Good job!

See http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13451508#post13451508 . Their goal was to go 100% digital before Feb. 2009. However, there was no mention of going HD with their local news.


WSPA
Local HD news has great picture and sound has been good lately, very consistant.
Have noticed some faint double horizontal bars almost ghosting quality rolling up the picture during some programming network especially during CBS feeds, the network feed does seem somewhat dark and a little muddy to me compared to other CBS stations like WBTV. Acceptable for the most part though.
Signal is only fair. Consistant break up and varying signal strength most of the time. The change over can't come soon enough.


WSPA still has issues with stretch-o-vision during their SD news video. However, they've finally improved the audio to where it doesn't blast you out of the room when it switches from HD to SD for local commercials and syndicated programming. I haven't noticed the horizontal bars that you're referring to.


WLOS Big improvement in reception of signal very consistant lately, break up is rare. Picture is good.

WLOS will have it all together when their local news goes HD. Agree with your assessment on their picture quality.


WMYA...signal is terrible
WYCW...picture is decent..signal is usually very good.
WGGS excellent signal never any break up. 16.1 Picture good.
Some technical issues with 16.2 (Sixteen Too) Problem with sync lock which allows for picture jitter much of the time.

No reliable OTA reception, so I can't comment. We don't pick these up in HD via Charter, either. Bummer. Maybe when dual carriage of analog and digital begins, we can get those channels.


WUNF (ashville)...Great job. Excellent pic. Strong signal no problems ever.


If they'd go 24/7 with their HD Channel, they'd be set. Another bummer. Not a cable or satellite carriage issue, but a UNC-TV issue.

Charter has proposed merging the McDowell County, NC and City of Marion Info Channels into one in order for the addition of 3 HD Channels to occur within 90 days. Click the below link for a look at both sides of the issue:

(Source: http://www.mcdowellnews.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=MMN/MGArticle/MMN_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173356063713)

http://www.satelliteguys.us/attachment.php?attachmentid=27638&d=1218129927

Good news for people having trouble seeing 110/119/129

WMYA...signal is terrible

Does "terrible" mean "weak" or "erratic" for you? I'm about 20 miles from their transmitter near Fork Shoals, and their signal here is strong but erratic. I have to aim my rooftop antenna carefully, in more or less the opposite direction, in order to eliminate breakups. That's supposedly a sign of pre-amp overload. However, when I had my pre-amp indoors (before moving it up to the antenna mast) I tried taking it out of the system completely, and it didn't improve reception on WMYA. Maybe it's strong multipath interference from the trees that are behind my house, on the opposite side from WMYA. But then why would aiming towards the trees improve reception?

I'm tempted to try it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWQhlmJTMzw

The OTA signal from WMYA is erratic, and always has been. I don't think it is a problem at your end or mine, it is most likely a poor transmitter set up and or their antenna tower. Perhaps they are running half power like quite a few DT stations are until the transition takes place next year. It figures they would as it must be a HUGE addtional expense keeping two full power transmitters operating.

I wrote the GM of WMYA/WLOS and never got any response regarding this issue. WLOS is coming in strong from all the way in Ashville. I would bet money on it that the issue is at the THEIR site not ours.

Regarding the WMYA "erratic" signal -- I've had the same problem here just SW of Morganton, NC, along with the WLOS (Mt Pisgah) signal. It really must be an issue with their transmitting facilities. However, my purchase of the DTV Pal receiver about 2 months ago cleared up the WLOS and WMYA signals, or made them stable. I also have the highly acclaimed Zenith DTV converter which I overall like better than the DTV pal, but WLOS and WMYA are unwatchable on the Zenith due to the erratic signal. For whatever reason, the DTV Pal's tuner does a better job with such erratic signals. Hopefully, WMYA's (and for some, WLOS's) signal will improve for everyone after February.

Eric

Unlike WMYA, WLOS usually gives me a very stable signal here, even though its transmitter is over 80 miles away.

Is anyone having problems getting 712 (TWC HD) on Charter? The channel hasn't worked for me for almost 2 days.

Is anyone having problems getting 712 (TWC HD) on Charter? The channel hasn't worked for me for almost 2 days.

Not here in AVL. Someone over on the "Charlotte, NC - Charter" thread has mentioned having issues with TWC HD and TLC HD. Take a look: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14476523#post14476523 .

I have noticed that when I sometimes turn from one HD channel to the next, it sometimes takes a few moments for a picture to appear (usually toggle between "channel up" and "channel down" and it resolves the issue). I'm guessing it might be the HD Receiver lagging timewise.

I noticed TWC was down today as well. I'm located in the City of Anderson.

Has anyone noticed on WMYA's analog signal that there's a ghosting of WLOS' signal, as well? I know they're sister stations, but when the analog of WLOS (specific to this moment, it's JEOPARDY!) appears during an airing of 24, it's a bit distracting.

Unlike WMYA, WLOS usually gives me a very stable signal here, even though its transmitter is over 80 miles away.


Same here the WLOS DT sig from Mt. Pisgah has been good overall and stable unless there is a major storm near the transmission path. Even then usually thesedays it is still watchable. Not the case with WMYA DT the signal is usually undulating (and this makes me think it is a transmission problem) even when the winds are COMPLETELY calm throughout the path the signal has to travel.
I almost wonder if it is some sort of high SWR (standing wave ratio) issue with their antenna set up. Another words the antenna is not properly matched with the transmitter so that power is REFLECTED back towards their transmitter. It would make sense to me because of the warbling effect the signal strength has.

UPDATES ON various OTA ISSUES at other stations.

WHNS DT...still has crappy white and black levels during their local origin programin,g including the Ten O'Clock News. Contrast is terrible! Fox Network programs look good though.

Did notice one more thing though. During their broadcasts of the "M&J show" ( a morning Fox produced talk program) and the "Better" morning show, produced by Merideth Broadcasting (WHNS owner) the contrast and white and black levels are horrid also. I guess this means that WHNS is broadcasting these on a tape delayed basis which might explain the problems seen on their other local stuff. So I guess it could be a faulty video tape player? But how would that explain the same problems with the LIVE Ten O'clock news boardcast. Unless they have a slight time delay of the broadcast via a video tape deck? Or an electronic delay unit? Possible? Video engineering is interesting to me anyhow.

WSPA DT-- signal is still pretty rough. Many breakups in all but totally calm weather. Can't wait till their bring their DT signal to RF channel 7 in Feb 09.

Originally Posted by dubber http://images.avsforum.com/avs-images/black/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14443260#post14443260)
WUNF (ashville)...Great job. Excellent pic. Strong signal no problems ever.
If they'd go 24/7 with their HD Channel, they'd be set. Another bummer. Not a cable or satellite carriage issue, but a UNC-TV issue.

On Sept. 25th, UNC-TV plans to go 24/7 with their HD and digital SD channels. This means no more of the UNC-KD and UNC-NC digital channels being off the air and limited HD on the UNC-HD channel from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. We'll finally get to enjoy what SCETV viewers have experienced for a while with 24/7 HD Programming from Public TV.

(Source: http://unc-tv-dtv.blogspot.com/ (http://unc-tv-dtv.blogspot.com/) )

Added Update at 10:45 a.m.

Also, according to UNC-TV's Live Call-In Program, "Digital TV, Are You Getting It?" that aired on August 12th, about a 1/3 of UNC-TV's Network of Translators will begin simulcasting in Analog and Digital in a few months and their whole Translator Network to be broadcasting in Digital by Feb. 17th, 2009.

(Source: http://www.unctv.org/unctvdtv/video_tips.html , click on the Video for the program that aired on 8/12 and go to 31:41 for the question from a viewer, Ken, in Black Mountain, NC)

On Sept. 25th, UNC-TV plans to go 24/7 with their HD and digital SD channels. This means no more of the UNC-KD and UNC-NC digital channels being off the air and limited HD on the UNC-HD channel from 8 p.m.-11 p.m.

It looks like the current UNC-TV (xx.1) and UNC-HD (xx.2) will be replaced with a single HD subchannel, UNC-ED (xx.4) will disappear, and UNC-KD (xx.3) and UNC-NC (xx.5) will become full-time. So there will be one HD and two SD subchannels full-time, like SCETV has now.

But according to Shaun, SCETV is dropping one of their SD subchannels in February, leaving the HD and one SD subchannel. So SCETV will still come out ahead in HD PQ. :)

Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to WOLO in Columbia shutting down its analog signal on ch 25 so I can finally, hopefully get decent reception on WUNF-DT. According to the FCC database, UNC has applied to reduce power on WUNF-DT from 185 to 125 kW. I wonder if that's because of the new station WUNW-DT in Canton taking over some of its coverage area.

Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to WOLO in Columbia shutting down its analog signal on ch 25 so I can finally, hopefully get decent reception on WUNF-DT. According to the FCC database, UNC has applied to reduce power on WUNF-DT from 185 to 125 kW. I wonder if that's because of the new station WUNW-DT in Canton taking over some of its coverage area.

They're cutting power because they want to up the height by 60 feet. They are also rotating the antenna slightly, which means South Carolina will actually get more power than it's getting now.

- Trip

An interesting aside on WHNS DT 21.2. They usually run an Australian kids education program on Sunday mornings from about 7am till 9.30 am. Think the program title is called "Crash! Bang! Splat!" and usually has PSAs run in the spaces alloted for commercials. Well today I think I caught raw footage of a WTXF Fox 29 Philadelphia, reporter doing several takes for a story on kids. They even had the clap board inserted in the takes. I just can't think of the reporters name but I used to live in Philly so he definitely looked very familiar. I can only wonder at the reasons WHY this would have been on tape at Fox Carolina in raw form? Weird but interesting.

The audio for the closing ceremonies on WYFF-DT sounded like it was in the bottom of a well, very low levels and not good at all, on D* or OTA the same. I switched over to WCNC-DT Charlotte and lo and behold, very GOOD sound levels and much easier to listen to. I have noticed this issue before on WYFF-DT and network programming. I guess it's hard being the Upstates Follower in HD and DT, instead of the leader, something is wrong when even PBS is better.

In regards to SCETV dropping a subchannel, does this mean the SC Channel is going away?, I truly love this channel and its SC programming.

I guess it's hard being the Upstates Follower in HD and DT, instead of the leader, something is wrong when even PBS is better.

UNC-HD didn't have any audio at all last night (at least on Charter), so PBS wasn't better (unless you were watching SCETV).

UNC-HD didn't have any audio at all last night (at least on Charter), so PBS wasn't better (unless you were watching SCETV).
I've DVR'd a number of things from UNC-HD where there was no audio...good to know others are having the same problem. It's only happened to me three or four times, but is very annoying.

In regards to SCETV dropping a subchannel, does this mean the SC Channel is going away?, I truly love this channel and its SC programming.

I haven't seen a statement from SCETV about this, but I suspect the HD subchannel will basically replace the current xx.1 (ETV) and xx.3 (ETV-HD) subchannels, and the SD subchannel will serve as the SC Channel, maybe taking over some of the local programming from xx.1.

We probably won't have as many repeats as we do now on the HD subchannel.

In regards to SCETV dropping a subchannel, does this mean the SC Channel is going away?, I truly love this channel and its SC programming.

SCETV is here stay. Don't worry.

I haven't seen a statement from SCETV about this, but I suspect the HD subchannel will basically replace the current xx.1 (ETV) and xx.3 (ETV-HD) subchannels, and the SD subchannel will serve as the SC Channel, maybe taking over some of the local programming from xx.1.

We probably won't have as many repeats as we do now on the HD subchannel.


jtbell has it exactly right. We will be carring ETV-HD and SC Channel-SD in our transport stream when analog goes away.

-Shaun

WYFF has begun superimposing their Live Super Doppler 4 HD Advisory Crawl over their HD, as well. Granted, it's within the 4:3 screen, but at least the HD didn't fall back to SD as a result.

I just finishing playing around with my friend's Tivo HD connected to Northland Cable in Clemson, SC. The following is a map of the clear QAM channels available:

63-1: WSPA-DT (7.1 - CBS)
63-3: WHNS-DT (21.1 - FOX)
64-1: WYFF-DT (4.1 - NBC)
64-2: WNTV-DT (29.3 - PBS HD)
65-1: ESPN HD
65-12: NFL Network HD
67-6: Versus-Golf HD
68-5: Food Network HD

According to Northland's student package channel guide, ESPN, NFLN, Versus, and Food are supposed to be broadcast in the clear (along with the locals - but they have to be in the clear anyways). Their guide also lists WLOS-DT as an HD clear QAM channel, but we could not find it. This is excellent news for many in the Seneca/Clemson/Central area...Northland used to charge at least $75/month for a terrible DVR that included only these channels, and now they are available to anyone with basic cable service and a clear QAM tuner. I assume Northland will move their PBS HD channel to the "new" 29.1 subchannel when SCETV transitions in 2009.

I know I'll be getting my friend to setup TivoToGo to transfer some Clemson football recordings from ESPN this season...

WYFF has begun superimposing their Live Super Doppler 4 HD Advisory Crawl over their HD, as well. Granted, it's within the 4:3 screen, but at least the HD didn't fall back to SD as a result.

The flipside to this is that their newscasts this afternoon and evening have been squeezed horizontally for the Advisory Line (not crawl as I had previously stated). Now, there's a mirror of the same image appearing as it would if it weren't squeezed (doesn't appear during commercials).

My folks live in Asheville and have Charter (analog) cable. Does anyone have an up-to-date listing of the clear HD channels and where they are mapped on that cable system?

WLOS has begun running OTA ads saying "NEWS13 HD Is Coming". No date was shown in the ad that ran just a few moments ago.

My folks live in Asheville and have Charter (analog) cable. Does anyone have an up-to-date listing of the clear HD channels and where they are mapped on that cable system?

Your timing is impeccable. The "Charlotte, NC - Charter" Thread has a post from the Hickory Office with the following message:

(Source: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14542292#post14542292 )

BTW, anyone who didn't get the new lineup in the mail email me
(First name . Last name @ Chartercom.com) and let me know what county your in and I should be able to get you one - I've got them for all of the Western NC and Blue Ridge markets as well as the rest of our areas in SC / NC / VA.

I'm working up a QAM map for our techs in the near future so If you're a Clear QAM user let me know if you need QAM channel numbers

This has probably been brought up before, but is there a reason that WSPA-DT uses blue sidebars when displaying 4:3 content?

IMHO, it looks kinda tacky and I think that simple black bars are much more pleasing to the eye than the blue and small gap of black.

This has probably been brought up before, but is there a reason that WSPA-DT uses blue sidebars when displaying 4:3 content?

IMHO, it looks kinda tacky and I think that simple black bars are much more pleasing to the eye than the blue and small gap of black.

Yes, it is pretty lame. However, their weather alert ticker now crawls over HD content without switching to SD. I remember last year this wasn't the case.

From Anderson Independent Mail's Website (independentmail.com) re:WSPA's new 7 p.m. newscast in HD beginning Monday:

News Channel 7 to air 7 p.m. newscast

SPARTANBURG — News Channel 7 WSPA-TV, a news partner of the Anderson Independent-Mail, will add a newscast to its Monday through Friday lineup starting Sept. 1.

News Channel 7 at 7 is an initiative the station has been looking at for awhile and now station VP and General Manager Phil Lane said in a statement that it’s the right time to launch.

“Our lifestyles are changing and we know that WSPA News Channel 7 must adapt in order to continue our audience growth,” Lane said. “Today we are working later with family activities on the rise. This makes it difficult to catch up on the day’s local news during the early evening hours.

“Research indicates that a 7 p.m. local newscast is desirable and more convenient for our viewers,” he said.

Journalists Connie LeGrand and Chris Cato will head up the venture.

The newscast will be a little different from other News Channel 7 evening newscasts.

“This newscast will be a faster paced show with a complete look at the days news,” News Director Alex Bongiorno said in a statement. “We are also going to give our viewers weather right off the top of the show, with a look at the night’s weather and a look at the day ahead.

“We are also going to focus on viewer comments — what you’re saying on our Web site about the big stories of the day, viewer email, and what’s being talked about on-line,” he said.

“Everybody Loves Raymond” currently airs at 7p.m. on WSPA and will move to 7:30 p.m.

(Source: http://www.independentmail.com/news/2008/aug/28/news-channel-7-air-7-pm-newscast/)

Although WSPA is the first station in this market with 7pm news, some stations in neighboring markets do it already: WBTV in Charlotte, and WIS and WLTX in Columbia.

Although WSPA is the first station in this market with 7pm news, some stations in neighboring markets do it already: WBTV in Charlotte, and WIS and WLTX in Columbia.

Given that, I guess this means that the DMA has joined the ranks at 7 p.m. Some of us can't get stations from the Charlotte or Columbia DMA, so this is unique to us.

Also, the EPG on Charter Cable shows that FOX Carolina is going to begin airing a 6:30 p.m. Newscast Weekdays beginning on Sept. 8th in direct competition with News13 on My40 and the Network Evening Newscasts. The 6:30 p.m. newser will be sandwiched between two episodes of "Two and a Half Men", will displace "That 70's Show" which will move on said day to WYCW at 6:30 p.m. (according to one of WYCW's ads last night) and shift "The Simpsons" to 5 p.m. for an hour block (based on Charter EPG). Apparently, "Malcolm in the Middle" will be shifted to air only in late night on FOX Carolina, as well.

From Anderson Independent Mail's Website (independentmail.com) re:WSPA's new 7 p.m. newscast in HD beginning Monday:

News Channel 7 to air 7 p.m. newscast

SPARTANBURG — News Channel 7 WSPA-TV, a news partner of the Anderson Independent-Mail, will add a newscast to its Monday through Friday lineup starting Sept. 1.

(Source: http://www.independentmail.com/news/2008/aug/28/news-channel-7-air-7-pm-newscast/)

I guess WSPA has postponed the debut of their new 7 p.m. newscast as "Everybody Loves Raymond" is currently on at 7 p.m.]

Updated at 7:41 p.m.: I stand corrected, they debuted their 7 p.m. Newscast at 7:30 p.m. (caught it while channel surfing).

Is anyone else having Charter cable outage issues today? I have lost channels frequently throughout the day. Now they seem to be back except a few (like 713 and 716).

I'm moving to Simpsonville and need to know which direction (N,S,E,W) to point my satellite dish. Thanks in advance!

I'm moving to Simpsonville and need to know which direction (N,S,E,W) to point my satellite dish. Thanks in advance!Go to their website and get the settings ... http://www.dishnetwork.com/downloads/pdf/DISH_Pointing_Angles.pdf

I'm just using a cheap set of rabbit ears. I can't get a signal of a digital CBS station. Does anyone know if there is one in the area that I should be able to pick up? Thanks for any info in advance.

Looking for a bit of advice...

I recently bought a Dvico FusionHDTV 7 card for my PC. I let it scan for channels and many QAM 256 unencrypted channels show up.

gbynum posted the following QAM list for our area

77.2, WLOS
86.8, SCTV SD
90.x, weather and music
103.1, WYFF
103.2, WSPA
103.3, PBS HD
104.1, Fox

My card can find 772 or 773 (ABC) no problem, and Fox is 1043. I get plenty of music and SCTV SD
My problem is, I can't seem to get WSPA (CBS) or WYFF (NBC). Do any of you know if their signals are different in any way, or have any recommendations about how to acquire them?

I'm using the software that came with the card to scan for channels. Does anyone else with a card pick up the 103.x channels? Any software recommendations?

Thanks for any insight. I know I just registered but I've been a viewing guest for months and appreciate all the info and communication you guys do with our local affiliates to communicate issues.

I'm just using a cheap set of rabbit ears. I can't get a signal of a digital CBS station.

The CBS station in this area is WSPA, whose transmitter is on Hogback Mt. near Tryon. According to the coverage map at http://www.tvfool.com/ the Pickens area is in a bit of a "hole" as far as WSPA is concerned, because of the terrain.

Try something better than rabbit ears. You might have to go for an outdoor antenna. Note that pure rabbit ears (the two extendible rods) don't work for digital WSPA right now because they're only for VHF signals. WSPA is on channel 7 (VHF) analog, but channel 53 (UHF) digital. When they shut down analog in February, they'll move the digital signal to ch 7 so rabbit ears might start to work then. In the meantime you need a UHF antenna.

I just finishing playing around with my friend's Tivo HD connected to Northland Cable in Clemson, SC. The following is a map of the clear QAM channels available:

63-1: WSPA-DT (7.1 - CBS)
63-3: WHNS-DT (21.1 - FOX)
64-1: WYFF-DT (4.1 - NBC)
64-2: WNTV-DT (29.3 - PBS HD)
65-1: ESPN HD
65-12: NFL Network HD
67-6: Versus-Golf HD
68-5: Food Network HD

According to Northland's student package channel guide, ESPN, NFLN, Versus, and Food are supposed to be broadcast in the clear (along with the locals - but they have to be in the clear anyways). Their guide also lists WLOS-DT as an HD clear QAM channel, but we could not find it. This is excellent news for many in the Seneca/Clemson/Central area...Northland used to charge at least $75/month for a terrible DVR that included only these channels, and now they are available to anyone with basic cable service and a clear QAM tuner. I assume Northland will move their PBS HD channel to the "new" 29.1 subchannel when SCETV transitions in 2009.

I know I'll be getting my friend to setup TivoToGo to transfer some Clemson football recordings from ESPN this season...

Do you know if these channels will work for students on the Clemson campus TV plan?

Go to their website and get the settings

Lots of information, but it doesn't tell me which direction the dish should point (N,S, E, W).

This question is for anyone getting WMYA-DT via OTA: Is "ACC Football Today" or the "Game of the Week" broadcasting in HD?

WMYA is showing the Georgia Tech - Boston College game in HD! Looks pretty good so far.

This question is for anyone getting WMYA-DT via OTA: Is "ACC Football Today" or the "Game of the Week" broadcasting in HD?

I don't get it OTA,but I did come here to complain now that football is back that Charter hasn't added this HD station yet. :mad:

I don't get it OTA,but I did come here to complain now that football is back that Charter hasn't added this HD station yet. :mad:

It seems like I remember the Engineer for Charter's AVL Office telling me that WMYA had to declare the digital feed as it's primary before Charter would add it to their lineup(?).

I guess SEC Fans weren't given the HD Love by FOX Carolina, either.

And here's a screenshot (http://web.presby.edu/~jtbell/TV/images/WMYA-1.jpg) for you folks who can't get WMYA OTA. Now that I think of it, this is the first real HD I've seen on WMYA in a long time. I remember last year seeing some MyNetworkTV stuff in HD on WMYT in Charlotte (movies and the World Music Awards) that wasn't in HD on WMYA, just upconverted SD.

And here's a screenshot (http://web.presby.edu/~jtbell/TV/images/WMYA-1.jpg) for you folks who can't get WMYA OTA.

Looks great from this end. :cool:

Looking for a bit of advice...

I recently bought a Dvico FusionHDTV 7 card for my PC. I let it scan for channels and many QAM 256 unencrypted channels show up.

gbynum posted the following QAM list for our area

77.2, WLOS
86.8, SCTV SD
90.x, weather and music
103.1, WYFF
103.2, WSPA
103.3, PBS HD
104.1, Fox

My card can find 772 or 773 (ABC) no problem, and Fox is 1043. I get plenty of music and SCTV SD
My problem is, I can't seem to get WSPA (CBS) or WYFF (NBC). Do any of you know if their signals are different in any way, or have any recommendations about how to acquire them?

I'm using the software that came with the card to scan for channels. Does anyone else with a card pick up the 103.x channels? Any software recommendations?

Thanks for any insight. I know I just registered but I've been a viewing guest for months and appreciate all the info and communication you guys do with our local affiliates to communicate issues.

There is more channels coming in unencrypted on QAM in Easley other than the ones you posted. But I am too afraid to post what they are. Charter may be reading it and will lock'em. Never know!

I think we're currently getting a free preview of max/hbo (it's scheduled- I remember getting a message on my box a few weeks ago). I know there are others, I just can't seem to receive NBC or CBS and I'm wondering if it's my software or their signal.

I guess I should probably venture over to the PC card area.

Do you know if these channels will work for students on the Clemson campus TV plan?

I don't believe that there are any HD channels available yet on the Clemson campus cable system. They use DirecTV for their source material and essentially operate their open cable plant. They may plan to switch to a digital system sometime in the distant future, but for the number of people on the system who are paying through their room fees and not a separate bill, I think it will be a long time before that happens (requires a lot of new expensive equipment).

In the meantime you should be able to get most of the local networks in HD with a small indoor antenna (especially if you are in one of the high rise buildings or up on a hill like in Holmes or McCabe). Let me know if you have any more questions.

Good news Clemson fans!

According to my guide data, WLOS will be airing the NC State-Clemson game (from Raycom Sports). Since WMYA had the GT-BC game in HD, it would be safe to assume this one will be in HD, too. This is good news for those of us that can't pickup WMYA OTA (the only way to get it in HD in the Up-state, I believe, as no cable/satellite system is carrying their digital feed).

I went to an older version of my HD Tuner card's software and re-scanned for channels and picked up the ones I wasn't getting. Older software is better - imagine that.

Good news Clemson fans!

According to my guide data, WLOS will be airing the NC State-Clemson game (from Raycom Sports). Since WMYA had the GT-BC game in HD, it would be safe to assume this one will be in HD, too. This is good news for those of us that can't pickup WMYA OTA (the only way to get it in HD in the Up-state, I believe, as no cable/satellite system is carrying their digital feed).

It looks like Elberton, GA has the only cable provider within the DMA that provides WMYA-DT. Apparently, it's offered via ElbertonNet on Digital Channel 405 to 1,750 subscribers. (Source: http://research.backchannelmedia.com/station/show/WMYAD?station_num=14427, might take a moment or two to load properly). Coincidentally, they're the only cable operator within the DMA to offer WYCW-DT on Channel 404, as well (Source: http://research.backchannelmedia.com/station/show/WYCWDT?station_num=11746 , again, a moment or two to load).

In short, you're correct (no Upstate carrier via Cable or Satellite).

Good news Clemson fans!

According to my guide data, WLOS will be airing the NC State-Clemson game (from Raycom Sports). Since WMYA had the GT-BC game in HD, it would be safe to assume this one will be in HD, too. This is good news for those of us that can't pickup WMYA OTA (the only way to get it in HD in the Up-state, I believe, as no cable/satellite system is carrying their digital feed).

Which channel is this going to be on?

If you haven't surfed by it throughout the day, it looks like FSN South/SportSouth HD has ramped up their HD Sports airings. Currently, the USM/Auburn Matchup that aired earlier on Raycom Sports Affiliates is being re-aired in HD on SportSouth HD. Earlier in the day, the Georgia/CMU game aired live in HD on this channel. It looks like another step forward toward FSN South/SportSouth to go HD 24/7 by Q1 2009 and not just during Braves Games, airing ACC Games or a test pattern (Source: http://www.tvpredictions.com/fox051908.htm).

Which channel is this going to be on?

As arwalke mentioned, the NCSU/Clemson game will be on WLOS next Saturday.

Lots of information, but it doesn't tell me which direction the dish should point (N,S, E, W).Well, you didn't tell us which of the dishes you have, and which satellite you want to use.

If you look at it, for DISH500, it is 231 degrees ... that is roughly southwest ... elevated 37 degrees, with a skew angle of 127 degrees. For DISH300, skew doesn't apply. For satellite 119, 236 degrees elevated 34 degrees. For satellite 110, it points 226 degrees elevated 40 degrees.

What part of that wasn't directly from the link? Is it the degrees rather than north/south terminology? 0 is north, 90 east, 180 south, 270 west.

And here's a screenshot (http://web.presby.edu/~jtbell/TV/images/WMYA-1.jpg) for you folks who can't get WMYA OTA. Now that I think of it, this is the first real HD I've seen on WMYA in a long time. I remember last year seeing some MyNetworkTV stuff in HD on WMYT in Charlotte (movies and the World Music Awards) that wasn't in HD on WMYA, just upconverted SD.

Wow, that's almost enough to make me put up an antenna!!!

Tomorrow ushers in a new wave of Syndicated HD Programming Nationwide. Keep a look out for the following and report if you spot these on our local stations:

Dr. Phil (WSPA/WYCW), Ellen (WYFF), Oprah (WYFF), ET (WYFF), The Insider (WSPA at 2:05 a.m.)

Also, keep an eye out for: NEWS13 HD (best bet of the three remaining non-HD Local News), WYFF News4 (possibly), FOX Carolina News (least likely of the three) {Disclaimer: The comments in the parentheses located beside each station within this particular line are opinion/speculation and aren't verified to actually be occurring tomorrow (9/8).}

{Update at 8:32 p.m., WYFF's Weather Update Sponsor Board on WYFF4.com is in Widescreen. I had to place fingers on the Live Supper Doppler 4 HD Logo to determine this since I thought my eyes were playing games with me, but it was Widescreen.}

The Today Show at 10am remains downconverted. I really wish WYFF4 would get it together, why is it that Jack and Kim on WSPA can be in HD but WYFF4 who is supposed to be the most watched local news station is lagging behind.

No offense to Doug, as I know he provides a lot of input here, but I think the whole HD conversion thing is taking too long.

Let me add that I'm pretty sure Dr Phil was in HD. I caught the last few seconds of it and then stumbled on this post, so I cant say for sure, but for some reason I remember it being rather vivid....

Tomorrow ushers in a new wave of Syndicated HD Programming Nationwide. Keep a look out for the following and report if you spot these on our local stations:

Dr. Phil (WSPA/WYCW), Ellen (WYFF), Oprah (WYFF), ET (WYFF), The Insider (WSPA at 2:05 a.m.)


It doesn't look like WYFF is showing any of the syndicated programming in HD.

It doesn't look like WYFF is showing any of the syndicated programming in HD.

Just walked in the door and wasn't sure whether Ellen had air in HD or not. Someone will have to verify via WYCW-DT OTA if Dr. Phil is in HD (per cityslicker's earlier comment). So far, it's a disappointment.

Ellen was not in HD.

And ET isn't in HD. :( At least the DTV Reminder Crawl was in HD.

Neither is the Atlanta locals playing the syndicated stuff in HD yet. Maybe it isn't being sent out in HD just yet. I was really wanting to see them in HD myself!

Neither is the Atlanta locals playing the syndicated stuff in HD yet. Maybe it isn't being sent out in HD just yet. I was really wanting to see them in HD myself!

Trust me, they're being sent out in HD. The stations (WYFF, WSPA, WYCW) apparently don't have the equipment to record and broadcast the syndicated content. Too bad WLOS isn't airing them.

My question, if the networks can do primetime in HD, why can't they do other shows in HD that is sent to them via satellite/fiber in HD? Do they not have recording equipment for the syndicated shows? Will this mess be fixed by February 09 or will we still be watching stuff with black sidebars 75% of the time? I know its expensive but...I am an HD junkie, I am ready for it! :D

My question, if the networks can do primetime in HD, why can't they do other shows in HD that is sent to them via satellite/fiber in HD? Do they not have recording equipment for the syndicated shows? Will this mess be fixed by February 09 or will we still be watching stuff with black sidebars 75% of the time? I know its expensive but...I am an HD junkie, I am ready for it! :D

This was covered a few pages back when we were all waiting on Wheel and Jeopoardy to come in HD. You can read all the details back there but essentially you're right, it has something to do with equipment the station needs to re-broadcast syndicated shows.

It seems the first 2 minutes of Oprah today showing the preview of the episode were in HD, then as soon as the show started it was back to 4 x 3 again.

UPDATE: Talked to Northland Cable, WLOS-DT (13.1 - ABC) is available over QAM, channel 67 in the Seneca-area market.

It seems the first 2 minutes of Oprah today showing the preview of the episode were in HD, then as soon as the show started it was back to 4 x 3 again.

The HD server we're using to record syndicated HD shows is not passing closed captions. Closed captions are required so our only option is to go back to SD until this issue can be resolved.

Doug

The HD server we're using to record syndicated HD shows is not passing closed captions. Closed captions are required so our only option is to go back to SD until this issue can be resolved.

Doug

Thanks for the update, douglasd5. At least we know that the Syndicated HD from WYFF is coming down the pike (soon?).

Has there been any time frame mentioned as to when WYFF will convert its local news to HD?

Breaking news for the HD market in Greenville......

I just received notice that AT&T UVerse high speed internet, telephone, and TV (HD & SD) will be coming to Greenville. My neighborhood, Half Mile Lake, is currently being fitted with the necessary equipment to transition to this service. AT&T stated that service will be active 1st QT 2009. This will be the second neighborhood in the entire upstate to receive AT&T UVerse.

Currently AT&T us stating they have 40HD channels and 10MBPS broadband. I sure hope this puts LOTS of pressure on charter to step up the HD service in our area.

Breaking news for the HD market in Greenville......

I sure hope this puts LOTS of pressure on charter to step up the HD service in our area.

The more pressure on Charter to add more HD at a much quicker pace, the better.

Currently AT&T us stating they have 40HD channels and 10MBPS broadband. I sure hope this puts LOTS of pressure on charter to step up the HD service in our area.

AFAIK you can only watch one HD channel in the entire house at a time with UVerse. I can't see how that is going to work unless you have a single TV household. It's just a shame we can't get Verizon and Fios in SC.

I don't see how only 1 HD channel at a time is possible. Their website says the DVR is capable of recording 4 channels at one time, 2 of which can be HD.

I don't see how only 1 HD channel at a time is possible. Their website says the DVR is capable of recording 4 channels at one time, 2 of which can be HD.

They must of upgraded that capability since I last researched it. Even with those numbers, you can really only have one DVR in the entire house. And you could use only one more TV as long as you don't use the HD channels. Personally, I can't see how this is going to work for most households of more than one person (especially ones looking for more HD options).

WLOS might be having the debut of their HD news on Sept 15.

According to this "insider." (http://ashvegas.squarespace.com/journal/2008/9/11/see-wlosers-in-high-definition.html)

From Wayne Estabrooks (Engineering Specialist) of UNC-TV at 12:26 p.m. about their plans for Sept. 25th:

Mr. *****,

If you are referring to over-the-air (OTA) digital reception with an
antenna, we are expecting to go to full time HD on the 25th of
September. This will result in 2 less subchannels overall.
The subchannel lineup for OTA will only have three subchannels. They
will be UNC-TV -1, UNC-KD -2 and UNC-NC -3.

Cable carriage will be mostly unchanged.

The UNC-TV -1 subchannel will be primarily HD 24/7 and the KD and NC
channels will be SD. The UNC-TV -1 channel will be in the HD format
full time but there will be some SD programs or widescreen SD programs
in the schedule. I hope this answers your questions but if not, please
feel free to e-mail me at westabrooks(*at*)unctv(*dot*)org or call me. Please also let us know where you are located and which UNC-TV station(s) you receive.

Wayne Estabrooks - Engineering Specialist
UNC Center for Public Television

For those keeping up with conditions in SE Texas, Hurricane Ike Coverage is on the following sources Nationwide:

ABC News Now with coverage from KTRK-TV (as of 7:15 p.m. ET Friday)
KHOU-TV on D* Channel 361
KHOUTV's audio on XM Radio's Emergency Alert Channel 247 (Free to XM Subscribers)

I just got back from the NCSU-Clemson game and checked out the recording on my DVR, and I have to thank Raycom for what appears to be a HUGE improvement in their broadcast quality going to HD. The footage looks excellent and makes watching games on our RSN much, much more enjoyable.

Also, I'd like to thank Sinclair for airing the game on WLOS instead of WMYA, enabling this content to reach more viewers. Hopefully they'll keep this in mind throughout the rest of the football season and into ACC basketball this winter.

I just got back from the NCSU-Clemson game and checked out the recording on my DVR, and I have to thank Raycom for what appears to be a HUGE improvement in their broadcast quality going to HD. The footage looks excellent and makes watching games on our RSN much, much more enjoyable.

Also, I'd like to thank Sinclair for airing the game on WLOS instead of WMYA, enabling this content to reach more viewers. Hopefully they'll keep this in mind throughout the rest of the football season and into ACC basketball this winter.

Ditto on the Raycom/WLOS comments. :D Also, I watched the Tennessee/UAB Game on FSN South HD/SportSouth HD a couple of hours ago that had originally aired in SD only via FOX Carolina. It looked 100% better than what had aired on FOX Carolina. It's ashame that FOX Carolina hasn't stepped up to the HD plate other than the FOX Network Feed. :mad:

Wow, Oprah is in HD now. Good job, WYFF! Can't wait for ET later on and Ellen tomorrow (don't know if it was in HD today).

I received further insights into UNC-TV's Carriage on Charter Cable and how it compares to OTA via the following subsequent message received this afternoon from Wayne Estabrooks:

********************************

Now that I know you are on Charter Cable, I can tell you that Charter takes our digital over-the-air signal for the cable feed.
Time Warner in many parts of NC (Charlotte, Winston-Salem/Greensboro, Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, Fayeteville & Wilmington) take our signal via fiber directly from our headquarters and provides more bandwidth than Charter. Time Warner provides us with 38.8 Mb/s total, whereas over the air is only 19.39 Mb/s. We are coordinating the change with the cable companies that carry our DTV signal off air. The digital broadcast will be statmuxed (Statistically Multiplexed) (dynamic allocation of bandwidth with priority going to HD so sometimes the kids channel is very bit starved but the cartoons and the little vieweres seem to tolerate this).
We have been having complaints from Charter viewers of no audio on the HD and am trying to get Charter to fix this. Have you been experiencing this? I think it has to do with our trickle stream even though we recently put audio pids on the trickle stream they are only about 45 kb instead of the full 384 kb audio during program time.. When we go full time with HD that should help. (No more switching)
I need to spend more time on AVS Forum but don't go there often enough. Thanks for your help.
I retired as Chief Engineer of UNC-TV after 40 years with Public Television about 9 months ago but I have recently come back to work at UNC-TV part-time a couple days per week to assist viewers with technical questions especially related to shutoff of analog on February 17, 2009.

********************************

Very insightful info to say the very least. We now know that Wayne's not on the sailboat full-time post-retirement, yet. :)

Someone is still asleep at the wheel when it comes to switching back into HD after commercials on WYFF. What I noticed was it takes 30-60 seconds for the image to expand to widescreen.

Someone is still asleep at the wheel when it comes to switching back into HD after commercials on WYFF. What I noticed was it takes 30-60 seconds for the image to expand to widescreen.

Yeah, I didn't get home until sometime before 5 p.m. and noticed one of the post-commercial delayed flips to HD. However, we're now up to at least 2 stations in the market that can air recorded HD (WLOS and WYFF).

ET in HD on WYFF (until 7:15 p.m. after audio and video skipping issues occurred at around 7:07 p.m.; returned in HD after commercial break).

WLOS might be having the debut of their HD news on Sept 15.

Apparently not. :(

ET in HD on WYFF (until 7:15 p.m. after audio and video skipping issues occurred at around 7:07 p.m.).

Looks OK just now. I tuned in after seeing your report and landed in the middle of George Takei's ("Sulu's") wedding. Rather appropriate because I've been watching the Star Trek:TOS reruns on WYCW for two years now. Nice to see Walter Koenig ("Chekhov") and Nichelle Nichols ("Uhura"), too. :)

It's ashame that FOX Carolina hasn't stepped up to the HD plate other than the FOX Network Feed. :mad:

I don't know what WHNS has for programming, but in our case, none of our programming other than network is available in HD. It is hard to provide HD when we can't get it in HD.

WHNS carries "Two and a Half Men" which is available in HD (and is aired in HD in Charlotte on WJZY). I think that's the only syndicated show they carry that's available in HD, as far as I can tell from scanning through today's listings.

The game time for the Maryland-Clemson game and affiliate information has been posted (noon on WMYA). Unfortunately Sinclair has relegated the Maryland-Clemson game to WMYA-DT (a station that only one tiny cable operator in the Upstate carries in HD, that no satellite companies rebroadcast in HD, and a station that's unavailable to many OTA). According to my guide data WLOS just has some kids shows and an old movie scheduled for the timeslot.

Hopefully Sinclair will realize that allowing quality, local HD sports content to reach a maximum number of viewers in their DMA should be a high priority. In this case especially, when the material it would preempt is just a kids show and 2 1/2 star movie.

Sinclair made the right move with the NCSU game...let's just hope they do the same with the Maryland game.

Another idea for WLOS would be to allow 13-2 (WMYA simulcast) to be passed in HD if there's only SD content on 13-1 at the time (like what will be happening during the Maryland-Clemson game). This would be nice especially for the ACC Tournament and ACC basketball, but it still wouldn't really help cable or satellite-only users. I really don't know if it would just be an easy configuration change or a really difficult one, but it would be pretty cool if they could do this so they could maximize their coverage of HD content on WMYA.

Just a thought...

I need help in solving an IR distribution problem. I use a wired, whole house system that terminates in the media room for control of audio and video signals that are distributed to various places. Recently extraneous signals are interferring with remote commands. There is some indication that the interferring signals are introduced through the power line.(The house is equiped with extensive X-10 controls.). I also read that LCD monitors are causing problems with IR devices. So far I have been unable to traack down the source. Other thoughts?

jb

Armchair engineers. Just got to love em'!

Another idea for WLOS would be to allow 13-2 (WMYA simulcast) to be passed in HD if there's only SD content on 13-1 at the time (like what will be happening during the Maryland-Clemson game). This would be nice especially for the ACC Tournament and ACC basketball, but it still wouldn't really help cable or satellite-only users. I really don't know if it would just be an easy configuration change or a really difficult one, but it would be pretty cool if they could do this so they could maximize their coverage of HD content on WMYA.

Just a thought...
You overlook the armchair programmers!

Someone is still asleep at the wheel when it comes to switching back into HD after commercials on WYFF. What I noticed was it takes 30-60 seconds for the image to expand to widescreen.

It happened during Conan as well. Except it never went back to HD (lasted the entire second half of the show). I have to say it is pretty lame that WYFF can't even do the fundamental things correctly.

It happened during Conan as well. Except it never went back to HD (lasted the entire second half of the show). I have to say it is pretty lame that WYFF can't even do the fundamental things correctly.


Yeah, I noticed that as well. Conan is my favorite program and I had to watch the second half in NON HD.....I hope WYFF fixes that soon

It happened during Conan as well. Except it never went back to HD (lasted the entire second half of the show). I have to say it is pretty lame that WYFF can't even do the fundamental things correctly.

You're right. We should get the fundamentals right. This is a combination of technical issues and the lack of attention by some operators. When less-than-perfect technology and human error comes together it's not a pretty thing......

I don't know what WHNS has for programming, but in our case, none of our programming other than network is available in HD. It is hard to provide HD when we can't get it in HD.

I'm not just talking about syndicated programming. I'm talking about SEC Football from Raycom, their local news, etc. etc. The UT game was in HD...via tape delayed on FSN South HD during the late night Saturday, not WHNS. The drastic difference in quality was like night and day. Understand that it's combo of equipment availability and programming offered.

WHNS carries "Two and a Half Men" which is available in HD (and is aired in HD in Charlotte on WJZY). I think that's the only syndicated show they carry that's available in HD, as far as I can tell from scanning through today's listings.

"Seinfeld" is also available in HD (at least on TBS HD).

WYFF featured Doug Durkee in a story about the DTV transition at the end of the 5:30 news segment tonight. Take a bow, Doug! :)

I also saw a promo for WLOS's forthcoming HD news during Good Morning America, so it must not be too far off now. Maybe next Monday?

I also saw a promo for WLOS's forthcoming HD news during Good Morning America, so it must not be too far off now. Maybe next Monday?

They've been showing that commercial for the past month. Nothing new there unless it had an actual date which I'm assuming that it didn't.

"Seinfeld" is also available in HD (at least on TBS HD).

It is? I wasn't aware it was recorded in HD.

- Trip

It is? I wasn't aware it was recorded in HD.

- Trip

They took the originals (film-stock) and remastered them for HD. In a nutshell, they pretty much zoomed in to ensure the screen is filled, but the quality is pretty neat.

I’ve got a vacation home in Asheville that for the immediate future I’ll be using maybe 6 weeks a year – that’s it. As a result, not ordering cable or satellite, and instead just want to get an antenna that will bring in some of the local channels.

Our house is in Fairview about 5 minutes southeast of downtown Asheville, and we’re pretty much elevated above Highway 74 Alternate East.

I'd appreciate any advice as to make and model of a good indoor antenna for this purpose. Thanks very much.

brick33308:


For starters suggest:

www.antennaweb.com

For those of you in the Asheville (not sure if the Upstate is affected), Charter is experiencing issues after some type of upgrade was pushed through the system around 2:45 a.m. The issue that appears is a blinding, white parental control lock screen that doesn't go away if you push any button on the remote to make it go away (see attached pic). Turning on and off doesn't do any good, either, as the same screen appears when the box is turned on. The blinding, white screen actually woke me up as it lit the room up as it were daytime.

Updated at 4:05 a.m.: A subsequent deploy resolved this particular issue. Time to go back to sleep...

It was announced by Jay Siltzer during their 5:30 a.m. News that WLOS will be going HD with Local News at 5 p.m. Today. Also, they showed a glimpse of the new set during the 6 a.m. half hour and it is very impressive by WLOS' standards.

I checked out www.antennaweb.com, but it seems to be links to sellers of antennae and related equipment. Maybe I'm missing something, but I didn't see any information as to how to pick an indoor antenna.

Try http://www.antennaweb.org/ (not .com). Actually, most people in the HDTV Technical forum here prefer http://www.tvfool.com/ which gives more detailed information. If you have trouble interpreting that information, post your results over in HDTV Technical and someone can help you out.

Antennaweb.org is very conservative in its predictions. After entering my address and 30' for the antenna height, and clicking on the street-level map to correct my location, the only current digital stations it shows for me (even with a "violet" = "large directional" antenna) are WSPA (red); WNEH and WNTV (blue); and WYFF and WBTV (violet). I can actually get a lot more than that.

It also lists the following post-transition stations: WMYA, WSPA, WHNS and WNEH (red); WNTV and WGGS (blue); and WJZY and WYFF (violet). A bit better, but still nowhere near what I expect to be able to get.

WYFF featured Doug Durkee in a story about the DTV transition at the end of the 5:30 news segment tonight. Take a bow, Doug! :)

I also saw a promo for WLOS's forthcoming HD news during Good Morning America, so it must not be too far off now. Maybe next Monday?

I saw this as well, but I swear that this was the same video of Doug from a couple months ago. Either way, good job.

Also, thank you for acknowledging that sometimes the HD issues are human mistakes :D

I didn't see it the first time around, because I went through a period of watching mostly Charlotte stations for news. The past couple of weeks I've switched back to Greenville.

It was announced by Jay Siltzer during their 5:30 a.m. News that WLOS will be going HD with Local News at 5 p.m. Today. Also, they showed a glimpse of the new set during the 6 a.m. half hour and it is very impressive by WLOS' standards.

WSPA could take a lesson from them by not stretching 4:3 video. The remote cameras seem to be showing in 4:3 but its a great start. So far, it looks pretty good. Hopefully they will be able to get the remote shots in HD as well. The News13 bug also seems to be 4:3 safe, btw.

WSPA could take a lesson from them by not stretching 4:3 video. The remote cameras seem to be showing in 4:3 but its a great start. So far, it looks pretty good. Hopefully they will be able to get the remote shots in HD as well. The News13 bug also seems to be 4:3 safe, btw.

I did finally manage to get in contact with someone at WSPA on Friday (9/12) about the stretch-o-vision and other issues. Here's my correspondence with Ron Peeler, Chief Engineer of WSPA/WYCW:

******************************

Will your station be able to do away with stretch-o-vision on non-HD segments during your newscasts? It is very annoying to see the "Cartman" effect when people (i.e. anchors, reporters and/or the interviewees) part of the story. Would you consider placing HD sidebars similar to what CBS does during the CBS Evening News? At the very least, the resolution of the video itself would be markedly improved instead of looking grainy and distorted if the HD sidebars were in place. To show that I'm not totally picky, the studio HD is great.

Response: This was the best method for full screen we could purchase at the time of our installation. Actually this is the first negative comment I have received about our conversion process. We talked about side panels but elected to give the viewer a full screen of video verses a LOGO or some other form of distraction.


Will the choppy motion graphics (i.e. news intros, bumpers, etc.) be improved to where it doesn't look like they're experiencing RAM issues? This seems to occur half of the time (all the time with the new 7 p.m. news intro). When it doesn't occur, the graphics look great and are of great quality.

Response: Can’t give you a yes or no on this one. The graphics are rather large and the play-out devices are at their max for performance so if there is any small thing slowing the processing down …..choppy.

When do you expect to begin airing Syndicated HD (i.e. "Everybody Loves Raymond", "Dr. Phil", "The Insider") on your stations?

Response: 2010

Will either of your stations (WSPA HD, WYCW HD) be airing "Legend of the Seeker" when it begins in November? If so, will it be in HD?

Response: That is a programming question and I don’t have the answer but try *e-mail address provided* for this answer.

Note: E-mailed the Program Manager for WSPA and received responses from both WSPA and WYCW as the following:

WSPA Response: At this time there are no plans to air “Legend of the Seeker” on WSPA. I am copying WYCW’s research/program director to see if they are carrying this program.

WYCW Response: We do not have this on our schedule. Thanks!

I checked with Dean McCracken, Chief Engineer at Charter Cable's Asheville Office, a several months ago on the prospect of their adding WYCW HD (originally had WMYA HD in e-mail) to its channel lineups given the existing agreement between them and Media General. The answer that I received at that time was that until the signal that airs WYCW's HD Programming is claimed as the primary signal for that station, they'll have no plans to carry it. Do you have plans on making this declaration in the future? If this is misinformation, please feel free to inform me on what the stand is from your end. It's a shame that Charter's customers will be missing out on your newscasts on Carolina's CW and The CW Lineup.

Response: We have asked Charter to take our HD feed for WYCW. I was told, by the Charter folks here, they needed the fiber light gear and I was lead to believe it was coming. That has been several months ago. There are rebroadcast agreements under way at this time and this could explain Charters reluctance to change.

Thank you very much for your reply to my questions re:HDTV on WSPA/WYCW. It is greatly appreciated and the streak of non-responses has ended. :)

Regarding my comment on the stretch-o-vision, I would suggest checking AVSForum.com's "Greenville, SC -HDTV" Thread which has a history of complaints on this particular issue since your newscasts began airing in HD. Go to http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=322947 and look at the posts from Sept. '07-Present for comments.


Response: Yes there maybe a few out there but compared to the total number, this is the first I have received and this seams to be the expectable conversion.

******************************

You can e-mail Ron Peeler at RPeeler(*at*)WSPA(*dot*)com if you want to comment on WSPA's HD Programming.

WLOS will be doing a DTV Test for Analog TV Viewers at around 6:12 p.m. and will last for approximately one minute (according to John Le on WLOS's 5 p.m. News).

Response: Yes there maybe a few out there but compared to the total number, this is the first I have received and this seams to be the expectable conversion.


Haha. I don't know anyone who has watched the WSPA news in HD and didn't comment on the stretch-o-vision. It is even more apparent during the news when you have a lot of up close interviews. This is the main reason we no longer watch their news. It is just too distracting. I would rather watch a 4:3 WYFF than a bunch of fatheads.

To those with OTA HD reception in the Upstate, please post if you see WMYA air the 6:30 p.m. newscast in HD. The "Is Your Local News in HD?" thread is inquiring on that. Thanks!

Yes, WMYA's 6:30 news is now in HD - screenshot here (http://web.presby.edu/~jtbell/TV/images/WMYA-1a.jpg). :)

Yes, WMYA's 6:30 news is now in HD - screenshot here (http://web.presby.edu/~jtbell/TV/images/WMYA-1a.jpg). :)

Thank you for the update, jtbell. I posted the info on the "Is Your Local News in HD?" Thread and credited you with the screenshot. :)

Response: This was the best method for full screen we could purchase at the time of our installation. Actually this is the first negative comment I have received about our conversion process. We talked about side panels but elected to give the viewer a full screen of video verses a LOGO or some other form of distraction.

I hope they realize people using converter boxes will generally be using zoom mode so the side panels would be preferable to those users as well. They are clearly framing for 4:3 with the graphics, so why stretch at all? Clearly, the person at WSPA has no clue about how this should be handled.

Is anyone else noticing about a one second lead on the audio for WSPA tonight.

Need help with WLOS-DT. Is it available thru Charter QAM (Greenville)? What channel? Thanks in advance.

(edit): Found it on 77.2 a couple pages back.

Is the CW Network Feed in Black and White on WYCW (SD)? I first thought it was my HDTV going on the fritz after only 2+ years, but I noticed that the local commercials were in color. It must be "Twilight Zone" theme night on The CW.

Updated at 9:23 p.m.: It looks like the issue has been resolved (now back to color during network feed).

Speaking of WYCW, while I was flipping channels tonight I landed on it briefly and saw a PSA spot about multicasting (i.e. subchannels) which I thought was slightly odd because WYCW doesn't have any subchannels (besides 62.1 HD of course).

I wonder if they're trying to soften us up for some forthcoming subchannels?

Just noticed the Clemson/Maryland game is on Raycom again this weekend. Any reason it shouldn't be carried on ABC in HD?

Raycom's web site (http://www.raycomsports.com/index.php/ACC/SEC-Information/acc-football-september-27.html) says that game will be on WMYA.

Speaking of WYCW, while I was flipping channels tonight I landed on it briefly and saw a PSA spot about multicasting (i.e. subchannels) which I thought was slightly odd because WYCW doesn't have any subchannels (besides 62.1 HD of course).

I wonder if they're trying to soften us up for some forthcoming subchannels?

I believe they air WSPA 24/7 Weather on WYCW-DT 62.2 (in addition to it airing on WSPA-DT 7.2).

Raycom's web site (http://www.raycomsports.com/index.php/ACC/SEC-Information/acc-football-september-27.html) says that game will be on WMYA.
Cheers.

I believe they air WSPA 24/7 Weather on WYCW-DT 62.2 (in addition to it airing on WSPA-DT 7.2).

I only receive ONE WYCW channel -- 62.1 -- unless subchannels have been added since yesterday when I last watched WYCW. Indeed, WSPA regular programming on 7.1 and weather on 7.2

Eric

I believe they air WSPA 24/7 Weather on WYCW-DT 62.2 (in addition to it airing on WSPA-DT 7.2).

They used to do that, but not any more. I think it stopped a couple of years or so ago. WYCW is the only station in this market that doesn't have any extra subchannels.

I only receive ONE WYCW channel -- 62.1 -- unless subchannels have been added since yesterday when I last watched WYCW. Indeed, WSPA regular programming on 7.1 and weather on 7.2

Eric

They used to do that, but not any more. I think it stopped a couple of years or so ago. WYCW is the only station in this market that doesn't have any extra subchannels.

In that case, here's to hoping that WYCW reaches an agreement to carry RTN on their subchannel.

Update at 5:28 p.m., WSPA 24/7 Weather Subchannel just ran a Station ID that had both WSPA-DT 7.2 and WYCW-DT 62.2 listed with their respective DMA cities. I guess Media General needs to update their Weather Subchannel's ID.

It looks like My40 (WMYA) will be airing "Legend of the Seeker" beginning Sunday, November 2nd at 8 p.m. (Source: http://www.legendoftheseeker.com/local_listings.html ) We wonder if the show will air in HD on My40. Also, it'll air at 4 p.m. on November 1st on WGN America.

On an unrelated note, can anyone confirm that "Desperate Housewives" aired in Syndicated HD on either WLOS or WMYA this weekend? For that matter, did anyone see "LOST" air in syndication on any local station this past weekend (if so, in HD)?

Hey jtbell, I was looking at your "My OTA digital TV stations (updated 2008-09-07)" and have a question that maybe you can help me with...

I currently receive WSPA (physical channel 53) full strength using a UHF antenna. If/when WSPA changes back to physical channel 7 (per your chart) am I now going to need an VHF antenna to get WSPA?

Hey jtbell, I was looking at your "My OTA digital TV stations (updated 2008-09-07)" and have a question that maybe you can help me with...

I currently receive WSPA (physical channel 53) full strength using a UHF antenna. If/when WSPA changes back to physical channel 7 (per your chart) am I now going to need an VHF antenna to get WSPA?

OTA folks around Asheville will also see WLOS (from Mt Pisgah) move from "physical" channel 57 back to VHF 13 in February. I suppose if one is close enough (or gets a strong enough signal) to a VHF channel's transmitter, then reception with a UHF-only antenna may work. UHF antennas like the Antennas Direct DB8 or the Channel Master 4228 claim to have some gain in the VHF hi band (chs 7-13) -- these antennas are the square shaped "mesh" looking with little batwings. There's also a line of Winegard antennas specifically designed for channels 7 and up thru the UHF band.

Eric

It seems that Charter has moved some QAM channels in Asheville. WYFF and WSPA and their subchannels are now 22-*. Time for a rescan.

If/when WSPA changes back to physical channel 7 (per your chart) am I now going to need an VHF antenna to get WSPA?

Probably. As Eric noted, some UHF antennas (most notably the Channel Master 4228) do have moderately good reception on channels 7-13. If you have an analog tuner, try channels 7 and 13 and see what they look like.

Besides WSPA on 7 and WLOS on 13, there's also WNTV (Greenville SCETV, virtual 29.x, physical 9), although that one doesn't matter if you can get WRET (Spartanburg SCETV, virtual 49.x, physical 43) or WNEH (Greenwood SCETV, virtual 38.x, physical 18). Or WUNF (Asheville UNC-TV, virtual 33.x, physical 25), which has somewhat different programming.

OTA folks around Asheville will also see WLOS (from Mt Pisgah) move from "physical" channel 57 back to VHF 13 in February.

WLOS's viewing area extends pretty far down into South Carolina, also. A decent roof antenna usually gives very good reception even at 80+ miles, thanks to their elevation. I actually have line-of-sight to the transmitter from here, according to tvfool.com.

Probably. ...

Bummer! I get everything I want with a DB4 mounted in the attic pointed through the gable on one end of the house (no shingles). Although I have not tried, I doubt it will do channel 7 or 13 very well in this configuration. I really like the compact size of the typical UHF antenna. It's a shame that the big 'ole VHF antennas may still be required.

I wonder if they are still working on the switch over at WYFF, because I was just watching conan and it took about 5 minutes to FINALLY switch back to HD.

I wonder if they are still working on the switch over at WYFF, because I was just watching conan and it took about 5 minutes to FINALLY switch back to HD.

They've had issues with the switch over for a little while. I know I've caught the last few moments of Oprah after they do their 5 p.m. News Preview and it's 50/50 as to whether it switches back to HD before the end of the show.

Doug acknowledged a few posts back that some of the problem is operator error, i.e. someone is falling asleep at the wheel and not doing the manual switch over that is necessary.

Doug acknowledged a few posts back that some of the problem is operator error, i.e. someone is falling asleep at the wheel and not doing the manual switch over that is necessary.

WYFF must of really fell asleep today as none of their syndicated programming is being shown in HD. You would think they could of worked out the issues by now. The issue with Conan is about a year old afaik. The syndicated programming has been hit or miss since it debuted a few weeks ago. Either they are going to support HD or not. This switching back and forth is beyond annoying.

WYFF must of really fell asleep today as none of their syndicated programming is being shown in HD. You would think they could of worked out the issues by now. The issue with Conan is about a year old afaik. The syndicated programming has been hit or miss since it debuted a few weeks ago. Either they are going to support HD or not. This switching back and forth is beyond annoying.

As I said before, imperfect technology and human error. I know most viewers have no concept of what goes on behind the scenes at a television station and most don't really care. I don't say that to be mean, it's just the way things are. Viewers want their HD and I don't blame them. I do too. We have a fairly high degree of automation and the switching/recording/playback etc. is computer controlled (read Microsoft Windows). Right now the automation software isn't 100%, it's about 98%. So when it doesn't work right, it requires human intervention. We had 50+ years to perfect SD and build in redundancy and backups. So in comparison HD is still in its infancy and there are few if any redundancies or backups other than going back to SD.

You are certainly entitled to your opinion but just remember, it may not be as simple as you think.

Thanks for the response doug. Thanks for all your efforts that you put into the WYFF engineering. I personally don't understand ALLL of that stuff that goes on, but I can only imagine how ridiculously complicated and technical it is. Maybe give the person some red-bull during the late hours?!:)

Doug, do you think you could have a behind the scenes technical HD tour for those of us on AVF? I'd be interested in coming in, and I'd imagine it may be more enjoyable for you to give a tour to people who actually care and try to understand what it takes to get an HD picture into their living room.

As I said before, imperfect technology and human error.

Doug,

I ask for personal curiosity because I do not know. Does NBC provide all programming, HD and SD on the HD stream or do they only provide programming when HD is available? I know in our case, FOX does provide 100% mirrored service on both the SD and HD streams and we just tally off the network input of the switcher and both SD and HD network streams are switched together, so as long as SD network is on air, HD is there as well and we never have an issue. Is that not an option with NBC?

Doug,

I ask for personal curiosity because I do not know. Does NBC provide all programming, HD and SD on the HD stream or do they only provide programming when HD is available? I know in our case, FOX does provide 100% mirrored service on both the SD and HD streams and we just tally off the network input of the switcher and both SD and HD network streams are switched together, so as long as SD network is on air, HD is there as well and we never have an issue. Is that not an option with NBC?

NBC does not supply a 100% HD mirror of the SD programming. The situation got complicated when we added the HD server for program and spot playback and switched to two full-blown master control switchers (HD and SD). We use tallies to trigger macros that switch the HD side since we have to trigger keyers as well as switch video. Occasionally the macro doesn't switch. Very frustrating. Only one switcher is controlled by automation so I'm trying to get to a single path master control as quickly as possible which should simplify things greatly. If not, I'll have to consider running two playlists and control both switchers. I just don't have all the graphics capabilities on the HD side yet to go single path. The good news is that we don't have to switch to upconverted for the usual MC keys, (IDs, EAS, weather alerts, simple crawls) as in the past. Two steps forward, one step back.

Doug, do you think you could have a behind the scenes technical HD tour for those of us on AVF? I'd be interested in coming in, and I'd imagine it may be more enjoyable for you to give a tour to people who actually care and try to understand what it takes to get an HD picture into their living room.

That's a possibility. Not sure how we would organize it though.

WUNF now has the new UNC-TV OTA subchannel lineup:

33.1 UNC-TV (HD), currently the same programming as the old 33.2 UNC-HD, but now 24/7
33.2 UNC-KD (SD), same as the old 33.3
33.3 UNC-NC (SD), same as the old 33.5 but now 24/7

It looks like the old 33.1 programming is now only on analog 33, and the old 33.4 UNC-ED programing has disappeared (from OTA at least).

I wonder how long it will take for TitanTV and TV Guide on Screen to catch up with this change.

Two steps forward, one step back.

Sounds like my place!! :D I feel for you.

More SD/HD flip-flopping during the Tonight Show and Conan last night on WYFF. About half of the segments were HD and the other half were SD.

Doug, do you think you could have a behind the scenes technical HD tour for those of us on AVF? I'd be interested in coming in, and I'd imagine it may be more enjoyable for you to give a tour to people who actually care and try to understand what it takes to get an HD picture into their living room.

Please don't take comments that some of us have made about WYFF on this message thread to indicate that we don't care and don't try to understand what it takes to get an HD picture into our living room. The posts regarding the receipt of WYFF's HD Programming (good and bad) are to only help douglasd5 and his crew provide the highest quality viewing for all of their viewers and to help all of us determine if our reception is at its best. Based on his checking this thread, it must be beneficial feedback. Every great product receives both praise and constructive criticism, so I hope that the intent of our comments isn't taken by him or WYFF to mean that we're arrogant and care-less. I hope that, as a newcomer to AVS Forum, you don't take it that way, either. Welcome and look forward to your feedback.

Please don't take comments that some of us have made about WYFF on this message thread to indicate that we don't care and don't try to understand what it takes to get an HD picture into our living room. The posts regarding the receipt of WYFF's HD Programming (good and bad) are to only help douglasd5 and his crew provide the highest quality viewing for all of their viewers and to help all of us determine if our reception is at its best. Based on his checking this thread, it must be beneficial feedback. Every great product receives both praise and constructive criticism, so I hope that the intent of our comments isn't taken by him or WYFF to mean that we're arrogant and care-less. I hope that, as a newcomer to AVS Forum, you don't take it that way, either. Welcome and look forward to your feedback.

A couple things.....

First my comment regarding those who don't care about how the picture makes it into the living room was not referring to ANYONE on this board. In my opinion, if you're on AVF then you are taking an interest in technology and therefore the comment doesn't apply to you. So I believe you mis-understood me.

Second, I'm actually not new to the board. I Joined the AV Forum way back in 1999 when it was first founded, Its sole purpose back then was discussion on Home Theater construction. I watched intently every day as David Bott posted pictures of his theater installation in his basement and inspired me to work for a home theater company. I eventually built my own basement HT with a Sony D50Q, all this before HDTV really existed. Back then it was all about Scalers from Faroudja, or DVDO's "I-SCAN" for those on a budget, trying to make a Laser Disk or DVD image look better. Wow, what I flashback I just had.

Long story short, between all the e-mail changes that I have made and the coming and going to the AVF I lost my old username and password. This led me to lurk in the shadows for the past year or so and I just finally decided to create a new username. So, thanks for the hospitality, but in reality I'm and old fart around this board. Now, if a moderator wants to work with me on getting my old screen name back, then shoot me a PM.

I didn't think how my comments would come across, appearing to come from someone who hasn't been here long, but I assure you there was no ill-intent in my words.

-Alex

A couple things.....

First my comment regarding those who don't care about how the picture makes it into the living room was not referring to ANYONE on this board. In my opinion, if you're on AVF then you are taking an interest in technology and therefore the comment doesn't apply to you. So I believe you mis-understood me.

I didn't think how my comments would come across, appearing to come from someone who hasn't been here long, but I assure you there was no ill-intent in my words.


It was a mis-understand from this end. Sorry about that, cityslicker.

It was a mis-understand from this end. Sorry about that, cityslicker.

No hard feelings. Now, lets get back to beating up on charter for not providing a decent selection of HD channels :mad::D

WUNF now has the new UNC-TV OTA subchannel lineup:

33.1 UNC-TV (HD), currently the same programming as the old 33.2 UNC-HD, but now 24/7
33.2 UNC-KD (SD), same as the old 33.3
33.3 UNC-NC (SD), same as the old 33.5 but now 24/7



As of last night (at work right now :eek:), channels 33.4 and 33.5 were still on the air (it was getting a signal), but it was a black screen. I can also receive WUNE from Linville and it was the same for them. Ch 17.4 and 17.5 had a signal but no programming.

Eric

Thanks for the response doug. Thanks for all your efforts that you put into the WYFF engineering. I personally don't understand ALLL of that stuff that goes on, but I can only imagine how ridiculously complicated and technical it is. Maybe give the person some red-bull during the late hours?!:)

I appreciate everyone's comments and the reminders of where we are falling short. We're working on those issues and it will get better. It just takes time (and money). The biggest problem right now is trying to live in both the SD and the HD world. When we can move fully into HD, it will make many things simpler.

If anyone has questions about the technology on this side of the screen, I'll do my best to answer them.

Doug

One thing I am interested in is the use of PSIP, the on-screen program guide that's part of the OTA signal. Does anyone use it? It's stripped off by cable and satellite.

One thing I am interested in is the use of PSIP, the on-screen program guide that's part of the OTA signal. Does anyone use it? It's stripped off by cable and satellite.

I occasionally use it. AFAIK, it is suppose to be required for stations to send this information OTA. I'm not sure why cable companies strip this information but the only cable customers that would use it would be QAM users and I am sure that is a low number of users.

One thing I am interested in is the use of PSIP, the on-screen program guide that's part of the OTA signal. Does anyone use it? It's stripped off by cable and satellite.

I'd use it more if my TV supported it.

One thing I am interested in is the use of PSIP, the on-screen program guide that's part of the OTA signal. Does anyone use it? It's stripped off by cable and satellite.

On ANALOG channels, my 2 year old Sony displays many program names and remaining time. The program name is usually (always?) correct if present. The remaining time is always (usually?) wrong. Whether this is technically PSIP I don't know. I do not see it on the QAM signals. This is Charter Greenville (in "Greer")

As of last night (at work right now :eek:), channels 33.4 and 33.5 were still on the air (it was getting a signal), but it was a black screen.

That sounds like the way my Sony DVR behaved. After the changeover 33.4 and 33.5 were still in the channel list, but displayed a blank screen. Then I did a complete replacement channel scan, and was left with only 33.1 through 33.3. Did you try a fresh channel scan?

On the other hand, my Samsung DTB-H260F (HD tuner) and Zenith DTT901 (coupon converter box) automatically updated their channel lists when I tuned to 33 for the first time after the changeover.

One thing I am interested in is the use of PSIP, the on-screen program guide that's part of the OTA signal. Does anyone use it?

I also use it occasionally on a couple of my tuners, but I don't rely on it because I have a Sony DVR with TV Guide On Screen that I normally use for looking up program info. If I didn't have the Sony, I'd use the PSIP guide on the other tuners more.

For my 500th post, here's details on inquiries I made with WHNS, Charter, WLOS/WMYA and FSN South/SportSouth regarding their upcoming HD plans:

************************************


Is there any new information that you'd be able to provide on FOX Carolina's HD Plans (syndication, local news, SEC Football, etc.) down the pike? I'm aware that "Two and a Half Men" and "Seinfeld" are now available in Syndicated HD and that SEC Football is being aired by Raycom Sports in HD. Also, will your station be airing "Legend of the Seeker" this fall and will it be in HD?


Response from WHNS:
At the present time, and for the immediate future, only Fox network programming will be available in HD on WHNS.

As for “ Legend of the Seeker,” I’m not sure the program has not been cleared in this market. I’ve inquired with our rep for the show, but have not heard back.

{Note: "Legend of the Seeker" is scheduled to begin airing locally on My40 (WMYA) on Sunday, Nov. 2nd at 8 p.m.}

************************************


I checked with Charter Cable's Asheville Office several months ago on the prospect of their adding WMYA HD to its channel lineups given the existing agreement between them and SBG. The answer that I received at that time was that until the signal that airs WMYA's HD Programming is claimed as the primary signal for that station, they'll have no plans to carry it. Do you have plans on making this declaration in the future? If this is misinformation, please feel free to inform me on what the stand is from your end. It's a shame that Charter's customers will be missing out on ACC Football in HD on WMYA (BTW, kudos on airing NCSU vs. Clemson tomorrow on WLOS


No response received from WLOS/WMYA since this inquiry on 9/12.

************************************


Any new info that you can provide on SDV/HD in our area? Also, any progress from WYCW or WMYA on making their digital signals as primary for HD carriage by Charter?


Response from Charter:
We are getting close on SDV. Motorola is going to be onsite the first week of October. Hopefully we will be testing by November. No word on WYCW or WMYA. We are adding HG and Food in HD on October first. We also have turned up VOD HD.

{Disclaimer: If HGTV HD and Food Network HD aren't added to Charter's Lineup on 10/1, pleaes don't be surprised and/or hold me personally responsible. I haven't received any flyer in the mail as of 9/27 and there's no indication on Charter's Website (Source: http://connect.charter.com/channelchanges/ ) of these two additions. Also, I don't claim any responsibility if the SDV rollout doesn't follow what's been aforementioned.}

I subsequently inquired with Charter regarding the split of Golf Channel HD and Versus HD and whether they'll have their own channel positions in their lineup, but haven't received a response as of 9/27.

************************************

I submitted an inquiry to FOXSports.com via Web Form on 9/12 regarding FSN South/SportSouth going HD 24/7. As of 9/27, I haven't received a response. According to a Press Release from FOX Cable Networks, it is expected to occur during Q1 of 2009 (Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20080519006014/en ).

************************************

For a refresher on my inquiry with WSPA/WYCW, go to http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14683588#post14683588 . I would have inquired with WYFF, but we already have douglasd5 on here and he's provided the latest from their end. :)

Doug, do you think you could have a behind the scenes technical HD tour for those of us on AVF? I'd be interested in coming in, and I'd imagine it may be more enjoyable for you to give a tour to people who actually care and try to understand what it takes to get an HD picture into their living room.


Now this would be something I would DEFINITELY be interested in as well. I used to work for the Lancaster PA Hearst Argyle owned NBC affiliate about 15 years ago (WGAL TV 8) and while I still remember some of the MC operations (worked in master control also produced some content of Susquehanna People and PM Magazine!!!), the engineering operations were somewhat of a mystery to me. Although I was interested in learning about this aspect of the business, I was too young and too new at the station to pursue the Chief Engineer or his assistant concerning the topic.

So Doug do you think you could possibly arrange this tour? Perhaps you could get the News Producer to do a small package about the visit. It would also help the general viewer understand the complexity involved with the switchover and reduce the number of folks contacting the station when the HD content isn't always perfect. Like you said it is a very new technology.

Bill

WUNF now has the new UNC-TV OTA subchannel lineup:

33.1 UNC-TV (HD), currently the same programming as the old 33.2 UNC-HD, but now 24/7
33.2 UNC-KD (SD), same as the old 33.3
33.3 UNC-NC (SD), same as the old 33.5 but now 24/7

It looks like the old 33.1 programming is now only on analog 33, and the old 33.4 UNC-ED programing has disappeared (from OTA at least).

I wonder how long it will take for TitanTV and TV Guide on Screen to catch up with this change.


Yep, I'm only getting subchannels 1, 2, and 3. Strange that even the UNC website (http://www.unctv.org/whatson/) still shows programming on all 5 subchannels.

The more pressure on Charter to add more HD at a much quicker pace, the better.

Not only that, it'll force them to lower prices. This is great news for our market.

It looks like the old 33.1 programming is now only on analog 33

I take that back. The new 33.1 is either the same as analog 33 (with programs in HD where available, otherwise SD upconverted to HD), or a mixture of analog 33 and the old 33.2 (HD subchannel). I suspect it's the first one, but I'm not sure yet.

Apparently all five of the old subchannels are still available on cable, and they're even listed during station breaks. This is going to confuse OTA-only viewers.

I have been trying to contact the Chief Engineer JIM BARNES of WHNS (Fox Carolina) for some time now about the issues with contrast (insuffucuent black level, and low white level) problems on the station's non Fox programming.

It is definitely THEIR problem, not Fox's, and not the program providers. Does anyone have a clue about this problem? If you could please try and contact Jim and lets see what he can tell us.
I tried to contact him via e mail a couple of times and no luck. I really don't want to call because it is hardly a critical problem, just endlessly annoying.

I have been trying to contact the Chief Engineer JIM BARNES of WHNS (Fox Carolina) for some time now about the issues with contrast (insuffucuent black level, and low white level) problems on the station's non Fox programming.

It is definitely THEIR problem, not Fox's, and not the program providers. Does anyone have a clue about this problem? If you could please try and contact Jim and lets see what he can tell us.
I tried to contact him via e mail a couple of times and no luck. I really don't want to call because it is hardly a critical problem, just endlessly annoying.

I've sent the following e-mail to Mr. Barnes and have cc'd Susan Hodgins (Research Director/Programming) in hopes of getting a timely response:

****************************

Good Evening Mr. Barnes,

There have been reports on AVS Forum (dot) com's "Greenville, SC - HDTV" Thread regarding contrast level issues when viewing FOX Carolina's non-network programming. The issue is specifically regarding insufficient black level and low white level on non-network programming such as the local news and syndicated programming (including commercials). I've personally experienced this myself when viewing the programming via Charter Cable. Please let us know if there's anything that we can provide to help address this particular issue and I'll pass it along to the AVSForum.com Thread. Thank you in advance for your time and have a great week!

****************************

Here's to hoping that we get a response...

Has anyone noticed WHNS's channel id bug shown during NFL games switches to SD every time? I would of thought they would have to ability to overlay this over the HD content by now.

Local Fox stations do not have the ability to overlay anything but the single bug in the bottom right due to the way the Fox splicer works.

It's good because it prevents the local stations from tampering with it and reducing the bitrate on the HD.

It's bad because stations can't overlay crawls or IDs or anything like that over the HD.

- Trip

I wonder why WHNS can't just show the red WHNS id on the bottom right instead of switching to SD to show the ugly logo in the middle? I mean they never do this during regular programming but just during sports events.

The FCC requires stations to ID themselves once per hour, such as "WHNS Greenville." Either way they'd have to overlay some kind of text on the screen.

- Trip

from [QUOTE=Trip in VA;14762974]The FCC requires stations to ID themselves once per hour, such as "WHNS Greenville." Either way they'd have to overlay some kind of text on the screen.

That was not the comprhensive answer that we have come to expect from our Fox representative..in fact it was more of a "foxie" answer!

What? I'm not a Fox representative. I'm a college student. =)

- Trip

WYCW has dropped the "Carolinas CW News @ 10" branding and graphics from its 10 pm news. Now it's just "News Channel 7 at 10," with the same graphics that WSPA uses on its evening news shows.

WYCW has dropped the "Carolinas CW News @ 10" branding and graphics from its 10 pm news. Now it's just "News Channel 7 at 10," with the same graphics that WSPA uses on its evening news shows.

I noticed that last night, as well. I guess bringing all of their newscasts under the "NewsChannel 7" fold will hopefully help their ratings?

Updated at 4:58 p.m.: Q&A with Charter CTO Marwan Fawaz:
The Q&A with Charter CTO Marwan Fawaz: http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6600464.html (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6600464.html)

Revised to remove the commentary article posted earlier within this space this morning.

Add WLOS to the list of local stations (with WYFF) that are now airing local HD Commercials. The commercial was for NEWS13 HD with the tagline "Clearly Better".

WYCW has dropped the "Carolinas CW News @ 10" branding and graphics from its 10 pm news. Now it's just "News Channel 7 at 10," with the same graphics that WSPA uses on its evening news shows.

This may also be related to the future of "The CW" Network. Over the past month or two I've run across online stories from theTV industry stating that if this fall's CW lineup doesn't work miracles, the network may be history within a year. In fact, I also read where a number of the country's CW affliliates have or will be dropping the CW "branding" from their station names in anticipation of the network's last breath.

Eric

We are getting close on SDV. Motorola is going to be onsite the first week of October. Hopefully we will be testing by November.

I hope the tuning adapter for TiVo users is available when they deploy SDV. What kind of notice is required before they implement SDV? Either way, if it brings us more HD channels, I am all for it (assuming they tuning adapter is available). Charter has done nothing but lie about their plans to add HD channels. If they implement SDV, they no longer have any excuses.

Exactly how does SDV work?

And will it affect the QAM stuff for when something comes in free from time to time?

Exactly how does SDV work?

And will it affect the QAM stuff for when something comes in free from time to time?

Wikipedia Explanation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switched_video

From Scientific Atlanta's Website (citation about QAM's use re:SDV):
http://www.sciatl.com/products/customers/switched_digital_video.htm

Not a huge announcement but at least their trying, Food Network and HGTV HD showed today up and running, channels 756 & 757 respectively. :rolleyes:

Not a huge announcement but at least their trying, Food Network and HGTV HD showed today up and running, channels 756 & 757 respectively. :rolleyes:

According to the Charter CTO, these are the "right" HD channels they are adding. I guess they mean the HD channels that people want these least.

Not a huge announcement but at least their trying, Food Network and HGTV HD showed today up and running, channels 756 & 757 respectively. :rolleyes:

I have to add... Those are the best HD channels they could come up with? I doubt there are that many women out there demanding better picture quality for their food shows as compared to movies or FXHD. :rolleyes:

I'm glad to have found out that my source at Charter didn't let me down on this one (see below). I wouldn't have liked to have been taken to the woodshed on this by AVS'ers. :eek:;):)


Response from Charter:
We are getting close on SDV. Motorola is going to be onsite the first week of October. Hopefully we will be testing by November. No word on WYCW or WMYA. We are adding HG and Food in HD on October first. We also have turned up VOD HD.

{Disclaimer: If HGTV HD and Food Network HD aren't added to Charter's Lineup on 10/1, pleaes don't be surprised and/or hold me personally responsible. I haven't received any flyer in the mail as of 9/27 and there's no indication on Charter's Website (Source: http://connect.charter.com/channelchanges/ ) of these two additions. Also, I don't claim any responsibility if the SDV rollout doesn't follow what's been aforementioned.}

I have to add... Those are the best HD channels they could come up with? I doubt there are that many women out there demanding better picture quality for their food shows as compared to movies or FXHD. :rolleyes:

I guess it's a matter of preference. There are some of those food shows (i.e. Iron Chef, Throwdown, etc.) that are quite good (regardless of which demographics you might fall under). I don't watch any of HGTV's shows, but I prefer A&E or TLC for the home renovation shows.

I agree with you on FXHD...maybe even add USA HD and Sci-Fi HD to the mix.

It's been a long time since my last post because most concerns have moved away from ota. But I talked with sat. installer today he said that 13 will not go to 13, and that 7 will not use 7 in Feb. but will remain in the uhf band after the switch over in Feb. I can't find the fcc page showing the ditigal channels after Feb. Would someone please post the "real" digital channels after the change.

Thanks...

It's been a long time since my last post because most concerns have moved away from ota. But I talked with sat. installer today he said that 13 will not go to 13, and that 7 will not use 7 in Feb. but will remain in the uhf band after the switch over in Feb. I can't find the fcc page showing the ditigal channels after Feb. Would someone please post the "real" digital channels after the change.

Thanks...

13 will be on 13 and 7 will be on 7. I have a list on my site.

http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?mktid=44

First column is the analog channel, second column is the current digital with an arrow pointing to their final digital. If their digital is not changing, there is no arrow.

- Trip

It's been a long time since my last post because most concerns have moved away from ota. But I talked with sat. installer today he said that 13 will not go to 13, and that 7 will not use 7 in Feb. but will remain in the uhf band after the switch over in Feb. I can't find the fcc page showing the ditigal channels after Feb. Would someone please post the "real" digital channels after the change.

Thanks...

WSPA-DT:
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=WSPA-TV

WLOS-DT:
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=56537

I'm glad to have found out that my source at Charter didn't let me down on this one (see below). I wouldn't have liked to have been taken to the woodshed on this by AVS'ers. :eek:;):)

It's strange we didn't get any notice. However, Tribune updated their guide data to reflect the change on the exact same day as the channel additions (thus my TiVos have the channel guide data for these channels). So it certainly was planned well ahead of time. Maybe your source has a few other surprises later this year. :)

[QUOTE=Trip in VA;14780257]13 will be on 13 and 7 will be on 7. I have a list on my site.

Thanks guys... I felt the sat. guy was wrong. He said all channels would remain in the uhf band..., the last time I checked the info was the same as you supplied today.. Thanks

According to the guide data, it looks like the Carolina Hurricanes games on 27 FSN will be in HD on 798 (FSN HD) on Charter. At least, the home games will be on that channel. I'm not sure about away games yet.

On that note, does anyone know what is happening to the Charlotte Bobcats? They got out of their Time Warner contract on News14 so they could be on FSN and SportsSouth. However, I am not seeing any of the games they announced would be on TV in the guide data (http://www.nba.com/bobcats/television_schedule_0809.html). Last year when they moved to FSN at the end of the year, none of the games were on TV in the Upstate SC. I can't believe they did this to improve their coverage in the Carolinas and FSN isn't even showing them in the Upstate.

I was channel surfing today and came across the Samford - WCU game on WLOS. The video quality was atrocious. I think that they were using cell phone cameras for the production. It was so bad that I checked both the analog and digital transmissions on Charter and OTA to see if that made any difference. It did not.

I've sent the following e-mail to Mr. Barnes and have cc'd Susan Hodgins (Research Director/Programming) in hopes of getting a timely response:

****************************

Here's to hoping that we get a response...


Thanks for the support pop!

I sent a very similar letter, which was polite, as technically detailed as possible, and indicated that I (and others) understand the complexity and expense of correcting possible problems as well.

Looking forward to seeing if you get a response from WHNS.

The picture that results from this issue is really poor quality. Amazing to see this in this day in age. I would say it is the worst picture quality from a major network outlet in many many years.

I was channel surfing today and came across the Samford - WCU game on WLOS. The video quality was atrocious. I think that they were using cell phone cameras for the production. It was so bad that I checked both the analog and digital transmissions on Charter and OTA to see if that made any difference. It did not.

I did the same double take between analog and digital via Charter and it mirrored the same video quality. Yep, apparently, it wasn't "Clearly Better". :eek::cool:

Thanks for the support pop!

I sent a very similar letter, which was polite, as technically detailed as possible, and indicated that I (and others) understand the complexity and expense of correcting possible problems as well.

Looking forward to seeing if you get a response from WHNS.

The picture that results from this issue is really poor quality. Amazing to see this in this day in age. I would say it is the worst picture quality from a major network outlet in many many years.

One week later, I haven't had a response from FOX Carolina on the e-mail I sent. Still waiting...

Beware of the sun outages over the next few weeks (especially if it occurs during the NFL Games this afternoon):

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=14788681&postcount=6034

In the Carolina's the sun outage today is between 2 and 2:20pm. Next week will also be a sun outage.

In the Carolina's the sun outage today is between 2 and 2:20pm. Next week will also be a sun outage.

Yeah, it was about that time WHNS switched to the SD feed of the NFL game for a few minutes. I'm not sure how they did it, but you could see the HD picture going out only a few seconds before they switched to SD so there was really no outage to speak of. I thought they did a good job.

In the Carolina's the sun outage today is between 2 and 2:20pm. Next week will also be a sun outage.

Hmmm....I must be experiencing a Charter issue (no smart alec comments, please :rolleyes:) instead of a sun outage since I'm experiencing issues with some of the cable channels (SD and HD) around the 5 p.m.-5:30 p.m. time frame (at least yesterday and today). I turned the TV on a few moments ago and TWC, Food Network, HGTV and A&E were having issues. Now, Food Network HD is the only one having significant issues.

Also, is anyone who subscribes to Charter having an E1003 issue on their STB when selecting the "On Demand" menu? The message that I get after selection says:

"Error Retrieving Data
E1003
A set-top interactivity problem has occurred. Please try again after a brief time."

Yes, I get the E 1003 message on my HD STB but not the SD one. I think that it is a wiring problem that I need to fix.

You did not like the blinking silent FoodHD channel? :mad:

Also, is anyone who subscribes to Charter having an E1003 issue on their STB when selecting the "On Demand" menu? The message that I get after selection says:

"Error Retrieving Data
E1003
A set-top interactivity problem has occurred. Please try again after a brief time."

Yes, I get the E 1003 message on my HD STB but not the SD one. I think that it is a wiring problem that I need to fix.

You did not like the blinking silent FoodHD channel? :mad:

I called Charter when I woke up this morning, did the automated deploy of the set-top box reset and it resolved the E1003 message. Also, Food HD returned to normal late last night (no blinking images).

I called Charter when I woke up this morning, did the automated deploy of the set-top box reset and it resolved the E1003 message. Also, Food HD returned to normal late last night (no blinking images).

Yes, this has happened on those channels for several days in the last week or so. I have cablecards and get the same issue. Even DSC HD was out briefly yesterday.

It looks like there'll be changes on WYFF-DT 4.2 thanks to the long expected, now confirmed demise of NBC Weather Plus:

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6602781.html (http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6602781.html?desc=topstory)

It looks like there'll be changes on WYFF-DT 4.2 thanks to the long expected, now confirmed demise of NBC Weather Plus:

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6602781.html (http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6602781.html?desc=topstory)

So the question is how much bribery will it take to keep WYFF from filling up the sub channel with filler that no one is going to watch and giving 4.1 the bandwidth back. :)

So the question is how much bribery will it take to keep WYFF from filling up the sub channel with filler that no one is going to watch and giving 4.1 the bandwidth back. :)

Do I need to post my address so you can send money? :)

You never know, we might actually find something you'd like to watch. :D

Doug, have them look into the RTN (Retro Television Network) that a lot of DMA's have on a subchannel...ex: Atlanta's WSB 2.2

Doug, have them look into the RTN (Retro Television Network) that a lot of DMA's have on a subchannel...ex: Atlanta's WSB 2.2

I second this motion...this would be great network for any TV station's sales department to win over disenchanted TV Land viewers.

Eric

I second this motion...this would be great network for any TV station's sales department to win over disenchanted TV Land viewers.

Eric

I agree, TV Land has became "Viacomed" and now I am just waiting for it to be all reality shows like CMT and VH1 and MTV. That's why I suggested RTN.

It looks like Charter users will be shut out from watching Bobcats games again this season. Tonight's game is on FSN in North and South Carolina but it isn't on FSN in the Charter market in Upstate SC. Charter seems to be doing everything they can to get users to switch to DirectTV.

It looks like Charter users will be shut out from watching Bobcats games again this season. Tonight's game is on FSN in North and South Carolina but it isn't on FSN in the Charter market in Upstate SC. Charter seems to be doing everything they can to get users to switch to DirectTV.

To be fair, the Bobcats Games had been airing on Charter's Hickory System. This is noted in the Press Release for airing the remaining Bobcats games from last season post-TV Broadcast Rights Deal Announcement that they aired on FSN South or SportSouth (Source: http://www.nba.com/bobcats/channels_080409.html ). Could this possibly be a decision that was made by FSN South/SportSouth? I guess the better question is if the D* and E* subscribers within this DMA were able to watch last night's game.

To be fair, the Bobcats Games had been airing on Charter's Hickory System. This is noted in the Press Release for airing the remaining Bobcats games from last season post-TV Broadcast Rights Deal Announcement that they aired on FSN South or SportSouth (Source: http://www.nba.com/bobcats/channels_080409.html ). Could this possibly be a decision that was made by FSN South/SportSouth? I guess the better question is if the D* and E* subscribers within this DMA were able to watch last night's game.

According to the press release, Bobcats games should be seen by people in North and South Carolina. I'm wondering who in South Carolina can see it on FSN if Greenville/Spartanburg isn't included. Several people said Charter told them it would be on in the Upstate but it certainly wasn't. I have even seen where people in North Carolina aren't getting it on FSN. You have to wonder if the deal the Bobcats struck with FSN has been widely misreported by them. It doesn't seem like the new deal has helped distribution very much.

According to the press release, Bobcats games should be seen by people in North and South Carolina. I'm wondering who in South Carolina can see it on FSN if Greenville/Spartanburg isn't included. Several people said Charter told them it would be on in the Upstate but it certainly wasn't. I have even seen where people in North Carolina aren't getting it on FSN. You have to wonder if the deal the Bobcats struck with FSN has been widely misreported by them. It doesn't seem like the new deal has helped distribution very much.

Well, based on the list of channels in the press release, the games are seen by people in NC and SC (not all of either state, though). I'd agree that the Bobcats' Press Release of their TV Broadcast Rights deal would seem to be a misreport based on the following statement: "“Our partnership with the Bobcats solidifies FSN South’s position as the leading destination for local sports fans in the Carolinas,” said FSN South and SportSouth Senior Vice President and General Manager, Jeff Genthner." (Source: http://www.nba.com/bobcats/arena_tv_rights_release.html ). However, it doesn't help the Bobcats to get eyeballs to the team's games when the they haven't had a winning season since its inception. That might be the bigger issue...demand for viewing their games.

It just doesn't make sense to me. They will never get interest if people can't see them either. Plus, it isn't like FSN is showing another NBA team's games in our area. I see no reason that Bobcats games can't be shown.

OK, I came across the Wikipedia for WYFF where there's a note that states (their spelling, not mine): "On November 11,2008 WYFF will boradcast Newscasts in HIGH Definition Behild WSPA-TV." (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WYFF). :confused: Mind you, there's no citation and I did a Google Search that doesn't point to any article that has an official mention of this particular date. I wonder if douglasd5 can confirm or deny this...

It just doesn't make sense to me. They will never get interest if people can't see them either. Plus, it isn't like FSN is showing another NBA team's games in our area. I see no reason that Bobcats games can't be shown.

Maybe, there's hope yet for getting Bobcats game coverage within the DMA. I turned on FSN South HD tonight and it appears that the NC/SC region is now receiving it as a rebrand called FS Carolinas. I noticed it during the Canes' Postgame. It is the first time I've turned it to FSN South HD in a good while.

OK, I came across the Wikipedia for WYFF where there's a note that states (their spelling, not mine): "On November 11,2008 WYFF will boradcast Newscasts in HIGH Definition Behild WSPA-TV." (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WYFF). :confused: Mind you, there's no citation and I did a Google Search that doesn't point to any article that has an official mention of this particular date. I wonder if douglasd5 can confirm or deny this...

It could be correct, or coming soon...since they do now have those HD commericals about each anchor. I'll be glad when they do, as long as they don't take the WSPA route and stretch the non-hd out.

Question for sbennett:

What's the status of SCETV retransmitting an HD PBS feed to DirecTV? Will this go live after the analog shut-off (when PBS HD content is folded into SCETV's main .1 feed)? I've read over on DBSTalk.com that a lot of affiliates are being held up by their boards' not having signed-off on the DirecTV retransmission agreement, has ours to your knowledge?

Thanks!

Just read the articles in B&C that said NBC/Universal is shutting down WeatherPlus soon.

I really hope that they will slot some form of TWC, MSNBC and/or CNBC in that soon to be vacant subchannel. Doug have you heard anything from the programming dept regarding the plans for 4.2? My guess is that the local stations may get a version of "WeatherScan Local" for OTA digital paired with some form of the above mentioned networks.

REGARDING WHNS and their SD picture on non Fox network programming..Popweaver did you ever receive a reply regarding the black/white level/contrast issues?

"On November 11,2008 WYFF will boradcast Newscasts in HIGH Definition Behild WSPA-TV."

Unfortunately there is no "Truth Check" for Wikipedia entries. Don't believe it.

Doug have you heard anything from the programming dept regarding the plans for 4.2?

NBC will shutter Weather Plus at the end of the year. Too soon for any decisions to be made yet.

REGARDING WHNS and their SD picture on non Fox network programming..Popweaver did you ever receive a reply regarding the black/white level/contrast issues?

Dubber, unfortunately, I haven't heard anything back from FOX Carolina since my e-mail to them a couple of weeks ago re:the black/white level/contrast issues. If I hear anything, I'll post it here.

Unfortunately there is no "Truth Check" for Wikipedia entries. Don't believe it.


Thanks for the "Truth Check", douglasd5. I think the biggest clues on that Wikipedia entry for it being unbelievable were the several misspellings and the lack of a citation to a legitimate article. BTW, the Commitment 2008 Commercials in HD gave a good glimpse of what the studio looks like in HD (pretty slick). Can't wait until the switch is flipped your local news in HD.

Did anyone get the USC / UK game in HD on WHNS yesterday? I have DirecTV and most certainly did not. I know it was shot in HD because I saw a few HD highlights on ESPN gameday final late last night. Is this a WHNS problem or Raycom / LF problem? I seem to recall having these same discussions with the ACC hoops games last winter... they ARE being shot in HD. Anyone in the know why we aren't getting it in HD? i'm assuming E* and Charter folks didn't get it either. I am in Greer.

Did anyone get the USC / UK game in HD on WHNS yesterday? I have DirecTV and most certainly did not. I know it was shot in HD because I saw a few HD highlights on ESPN gameday final late last night. Is this a WHNS problem or Raycom / LF problem? I seem to recall having these same discussions with the ACC hoops games last winter... they ARE being shot in HD. Anyone in the know why we aren't getting it in HD? i'm assuming E* and Charter folks didn't get it either. I am in Greer.

Check previous posts within this thread re:WHNS' future HD Plans. For example, look at this post from 9/28: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14754483#post14754483 . I've copied a portion of that post for easier find:


Is there any new information that you'd be able to provide on FOX Carolina's HD Plans (syndication, local news, SEC Football, etc.) down the pike? I'm aware that "Two and a Half Men" and "Seinfeld" are now available in Syndicated HD and that SEC Football is being aired by Raycom Sports in HD. Also, will your station be airing "Legend of the Seeker" this fall and will it be in HD?


Response from WHNS:
At the present time, and for the immediate future, only Fox network programming will be available in HD on WHNS.

As for “ Legend of the Seeker,” I’m not sure the program has not been cleared in this market. I’ve inquired with our rep for the show, but have not heard back.

{Note: "Legend of the Seeker" is scheduled to begin airing locally on My40 (WMYA) on Sunday, Nov. 2nd at 8 p.m.}

BTW, FSN South HD has been airing the games that were televised on Raycom in late night on Saturdays (looked much better in HD than WHNS' SD telecast).

I can confirm that Raycom's SEC Football games have been HD on WAXN 64 out of Charlotte so it is definitely not Raycom's problem both OTA and TWC. Unfortunately I have real trouble picking up 64 from home so 21 is my only real option. No clue why the station wishes to put up some incredible games in some of the worst SD broadcasts I have ever seen (that has always been Raycom a issue). The SD signal looks like a 4th generation VHS dupe -- just atrocious.

I can confirm that Raycom's SEC Football games have been HD on WAXN 64 out of Charlotte so it is definitely not Raycom's problem both OTA and TWC. Unfortunately I have real trouble picking up 64 from home so WHNS FOX 21 is my only real option. No clue why the station wishes to put up some incredible games in some of the worst SD broadcasts I have ever seen (that has always been Raycom a issue). The SD signal looks like a 4th generation VHS dupe -- just atrocious.

Glad to see that others are noticing the really awful SD picture that WHNS puts out. I have been on the AVS for a while now mentioning this issue with WHNS. The picture on all the other non Fox network programming is terrible too. Poor contrast, poor black level, and white level, and a very faint but noticable to me masking effect that gives the skin tones a strange reddish blue effect. Looks like the talking heads are dead. LOL

A number of us has sent WHNS e mails concerning this problem and they have returned NO response at all. Guess they don't care about the technical issues all that much. The lack of even a brief reply to our e mails shows a bit of contempt for the viewer in my opinion.

Glad to see that others are noticing the really awful SD picture that WHNS puts out. I have been on the AVS for a while now mentioning this issue with WHNS. The picture on all the other non Fox network programming is terrible too. Poor contrast, poor black level, and white level, and a very faint but noticable to me masking effect that gives the skin tones a strange reddish blue effect. Looks like the talking heads are dead. LOL

A number of us has sent WHNS e mails concerning this problem and they have returned NO response at all. Guess they don't care about the technical issues all that much. The lack of even a brief reply to our e mails shows a bit of contempt for the viewer in my opinion.

My follow-up e-mail to FOX Carolina's Chief Engineer, Jim Barnes, this morning regarding this issue (cc'd Susan Hodgins as I did in my intial e-mail):

*****************************************

Good Morning Mr. Barnes,

I'm checking on the status of the issue that I had reported in my e-mail to you on Sept. 28th concerning the contrast issues that have been encountered when viewing FOX Carolina's non-network programming. There are now reports, via AVSForum.com (http://avsforum.com/)'s "Greenville, SC - HDTV" Thread (Source: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=322947 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=322947)), of this issue being viewed on FOX Carolina's OTA signal and on the signal distributed by Time-Warner Cable (in addition to the previous report of this issue via Charter Cable). This was especially true when viewers on AVSForum.com were watching Raycom's SEC Game of the Week on Saturday afternoon (PopWeaverHDTV's Note: accidentally misspelled Sat. in my follow-up e-mail :eek:).

Any information that you can provide on the resolution of this particular issue with FOX Carolina's signal is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time and attention in addressing my follow-up e-mail.

Maybe, there's hope yet for getting Bobcats game coverage within the DMA. I turned on FSN South HD tonight and it appears that the NC/SC region is now receiving it as a rebrand called FS Carolinas. I noticed it during the Canes' Postgame. It is the first time I've turned it to FSN South HD in a good while.

I assume they are going to use FS Carolinas for Hurricanes games and other region specific programming (for regular programming it will stay the same name it has been) . What is funny is that they have commercials for the FS Carolinas, calling it the home of the Bobcats. I guess they mean it's the home of the Bobcats except for Upstate SC. :)

If WYFF elects to follow other NBC Stations' leads, NBC is now offering Universal Sports HD as a replacement for NBC Weather Plus. (Source: http://www.tvpredictions.com/nbc101408.htm ) I have a feeling that the critics of stations streaming 2 HD streams aren 't going to like this one re:Bandwidth.

If WYFF elects to follow other NBC Stations' leads, NBC is now offering Universal Sports HD as a replacement for NBC Weather Plus. (Source: http://www.tvpredictions.com/nbc101408.htm ) I have a feeling that the critics of stations streaming 2 HD streams aren 't going to like this one re:Bandwidth.

I think that site is wrong. Nowhere have I seen Universal Sports available in HD over the air. It has at least 10 affiliates across the US, all have it in SD (pretty crappy SD at that). And it's not technically a replacement for WeatherPlus, it's just another multicast service offered by NBC. I know of two NBC stations planning to move to in-house weather when WeatherPlus goes away. I'm doubting Universal Sports will attract many viewers in its current form.

While I'm in here, I received WSPA-DT 53 from home last night, 237 miles away. I attribute that to WRAL-DT being at reduced height on a temporary antenna while their top-mounted antenna is being replaced with a new channel 48 antenna. 56 (13-1), 57 (21-1), and 59 (4-1) were being wiped out by other stations, WBTW-DT in the first case, and Raleigh stations in the other two cases.

- Trip

I think that site is wrong. Nowhere have I seen Universal Sports available in HD over the air. It has at least 10 affiliates across the US, all have it in SD (pretty crappy SD at that). And it's not technically a replacement for WeatherPlus, it's just another multicast service offered by NBC. I know of two NBC stations planning to move to in-house weather when WeatherPlus goes away. I'm doubting Universal Sports will attract many viewers in its current form.
- Trip

Here's the TV Week article that TVPredictions.com cited in its article: http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/10/nbcu_offers_hd_sports_net_to_s.php . TV Week would need to retract the article if it's incorrect.

Here's the TV Week article that TVPredictions.com cited in its article: http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/10/nbcu_offers_hd_sports_net_to_s.php . TV Week would need to retract the article if it's incorrect.

I think they mean "digital" where they say "high-def" because I've seen nothing to indicate it's available in HD. I can guarantee it's not HD over the air.

- Trip

I think they mean "digital" where they say "high-def" because I've seen nothing to indicate it's available in HD. I can guarantee it's not HD over the air.

- Trip

Can you imagine the 4.1 video quality if they put a channel like that on 4.2. It is going to be horrible. Even if it isn't HD, it is still going to suck more bandwidth than WeatherPlus.

I think they mean "digital" where they say "high-def" because I've seen nothing to indicate it's available in HD. I can guarantee it's not HD over the air.

- Trip

Well, I don't know what to say...just relaying the info as was reported. It would make better sense if it were a "digital" feed rather than a "high-def" feed (replace a "digital" with a "digital"). rrainwater's got it that Universal Sports would be a bigger bandwidth hog than NBC Weather Plus (HD or not).

Apparently this channel will be feature World Cup Skiing for the next 6 months. I bet everyone in Upstate SC will be dying to see this. :(

Well, I don't know what to say...just relaying the info as was reported. It would make better sense if it were a "digital" feed rather than a "high-def" feed (replace a "digital" with a "digital"). rrainwater's got it that Universal Sports would be a bigger bandwidth hog than NBC Weather Plus (HD or not).

According to AVS Moderator KenH's sources at NBCU, Universal Sports is not/will not (in the foreseeable future) be in HD: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14863462#post14863462 . +1 for Trip in VA.