By channel 36 antenna, I take it that you meant a channel 7 antenna...WSPA's pre-transition digital was/is 53, post-transition 7.

Before - Backup tower at 259’ with backup Batwing antenna for channel 7. WSPA-FM is to the left
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/3253/before.jpg (http://img213.imageshack.us/my.php?image=before.jpg)

Before - The main tower at 459’. Channel 7 antenna on top and digital 53 side-mounted. Each weighs 7 tons.
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/2555/before2.jpg (http://img264.imageshack.us/my.php?image=before2.jpg)

After
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/3829/after1.jpg (http://img14.imageshack.us/my.php?image=after1.jpg)

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7388/after2p.jpg (http://img14.imageshack.us/my.php?image=after2p.jpg)


WSPA-FM in Background

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/5480/after3u.jpg (http://img86.imageshack.us/my.php?image=after3u.jpg)

By channel 36 antenna, I take it that you meant a channel 7 antenna...WSPA's pre-transition digital was/is 53, post-transition 7.

Yes, you are right. I got WSPA and WYFF mixed up. Sorry.

well that just stinks.
I used to get reliable guide data for 103.3 QAM just a few weeks ago! I think I was mapping this channel to WNTVHD with TVGOS.


It's possible it was accurate with TVGOS. However, with the Tribune guide data, it was only sometimes accurate. Now, it is never accurate since they moved DT3 to the main channel.

It's possible it was accurate with TVGOS. However, with the Tribune guide data, it was only sometimes accurate. Now, it is never accurate since they moved DT3 to the main channel.

yes, I would guess my TVGOS data was correct about 95% of the time. Every now and then a recording had something else, but very seldom.

Does the ETV guy that ventures in this forum care to give us an update on their work to provide accurate listings for their HD feed to Charter?

thanks in advance....
Kevin

Audio on WSPA DT through Charter is having issues tonight. I haven't noticed these issues since the tower problem until tonight. It keeps dropping out every few seconds.

No, there is not a source for correct guide data for WNTV. There never has been afaik. Until they fix their own guide data with Tribune, there's not a good solution.

I've never noticed any significant problems with the TVGOS listings for SCETV's OTA digital subchannels, at least before SCETV changed the lineup on 2/17. TVGOS has been listing the new subchannels only since late last week.

I just reset TVGOS on my DVR so as to get a fresh channel list, and will post a list of the default OTA channel assignments. I had remapped some of the channels, so the list I had before the reset wouldn't have been accurate.

Audio on WSPA DT through Charter is having issues tonight. I haven't noticed these issues since the tower problem until tonight. It keeps dropping out every few seconds.

I noticed that too, so I switched to OTA 62-2 and it was doing the same thing.

Storm Wreaks Havoc on WSPA Spartanburg
Tower collapse knocks Media General station off-air
By Glen Dickson -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/2/2009 4:25:32 PM MT

Slideshow: WSPA Collapsed Tower

A fast-moving winter storm that raced through South Carolina Sunday left a toppled tower for WSPA Spartanburg in its wake and knocked both the station's analog and digital signals off-air.

The 459-foot tower atop Hogback Mountain, which broadcast WSPA's digital TV signals on Ch. 53 and its analog signals on Ch. 7, collapsed at about 2:20 yesterday afternoon and fell over onto WSPA's old analog tower, which stands next to it at a height of 259 feet. The collapse of the Stainless-built tower, which was constructed for the DTV transition and was less than ten years old, completely destroyed two seven-ton antennas and caused significant damage to the station's studio-to-transmitter link and microwave receivers for ENG feeds. It also caused minor damage to the station's transmitter building, though the transmitters themselves were unharmed.

WSPA is currently feeding satellite operators DirecTV and Dish Network with its signals via fiber, and has established new fiber connections to local cable operators that it wasn't already feeding via fiber, says Media General SVP of broadcast operations Ardell Hill. Pay-TV penetration in the market is 88%.

Media General hopes to have standby transmission facilities in place atop the remaining tower in the next 10 to 14 days, which Hill estimates could cover 80 to 85% of the market's geographic area. With the turnoff of analog signals just over three months away, the company is currently evaluating the feasibility of restoring both digital and analog signals in that timeframe.

Engineering crews were on-site Monday assessing the damage. The cause for the failure is yet undetermined, though it appears a combination of strong winds and a heavy accumulation of ice and snow atop the tower may be the culprit. The Spartanburg area experienced a strong storm front Sunday afternoon with rapidly falling temperatures and rain quickly turning to sleet then snow. Pictures taken by WSPA engineers showed large chunks of ice surrounding the steel tower and some 8" of snow on local roads.

Ground-level winds in the Spartanburg area were recorded at over 40 mph near the time of the collapse, and Hill guesses that gusts could have been twice that much atop 3500-foot Hogback Mountain at the tower site.

"It goes to show that when you get enough wind and ice, that combination with that big of a weather snap, it doesn't have to do a lot with how strong it is [built]," says Hill.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/189368-Storm_Wreaks_Havoc_on_WSPA_Spartanburg.php

It still seems odd that it came down so easily. From what I can tell, it came down before the ice formed and before there was a lot of snow accumulation. I know the winds were strong, but they weren't intense. I wonder if the 3 days of rain caused a problem with the foundation? I just hope they take more precaution when they rebuild the tower.

It still seems odd that it came down so easily. From what I can tell, it came down before the ice formed and before there was a lot of snow accumulation. I know the winds were strong, but they weren't intense. I wonder if the 3 days of rain caused a problem with the foundation? I just hope they take more precaution when they rebuild the tower.

The theory the CE has after watching it wiggle in the wind over the years, is that a couple of inches of ice built up at the top of the tower only. The strong northerly wind caused the usual oscillation, but being very top heavy, it could not take the stress. It twisted before hitting the ground, possibly due to clipping the Batwing on the other tower which changed its direction slightly or it would have stripped the microwave dishes off that tower.

I wondered why my cable channel for WSPA was just showing black (and was now back but with significant parts of the edges cut off) for so long on Sunday, now i know.

However, it was even odder that the cable channel (on Mediacom in Hendersonville) for FOX channel WHNS was frozen on one frame of King of the Hill all night long and even the next morning was frozen onto a weather report frame. Was this caused by the same tower incident or did they also have a weather related problem? I at first thought my ReplayTV DVR had frozen up but it was on the actual channel that way all night too. Odd thing was, I never heard or read anything about it.

However, it was even odder that the cable channel (on Mediacom in Hendersonville) for FOX channel WHNS was frozen on one frame of King of the Hill all night long and even the next morning was frozen onto a weather report frame. Was this caused by the same tower incident or did they also have a weather related problem? I at first thought my ReplayTV DVR had frozen up but it was on the actual channel that way all night too. Odd thing was, I never heard or read anything about it.

WHNS was having satellite link up problems most of the day on Sunday.

If you notice from watching WSPA's newscasts this afternoon, they were interviewing their Acting Chief Engineer, Edgar Woodfin. I wonder what happened to Ron Peeler who was their Chief Engineer (at least back in Sept. '08 when I last e-mailed him). Maybe, he either retired, is on medical leave or was part of Media General's recent round of layoffs? Whatever the reason, I wish Mr. Peeler well.

It still seems odd that it came down so easily. From what I can tell, it came down before the ice formed and before there was a lot of snow accumulation. I know the winds were strong, but they weren't intense. I wonder if the 3 days of rain caused a problem with the foundation? I just hope they take more precaution when they rebuild the tower.

At 3500 ft, ice will form LONG before you see it at ground level. I have seen here in the flat lands ice form at 1000 ft on a 1200 ft tower and not a bit on the ground. It isn't unusual at all.

I just reset TVGOS on my DVR so as to get a fresh channel list, and will post a list of the default OTA channel assignments.

Here are the results for the SCETV channels. The following channels all have the same program listings, which agree with what I see on SCETV subchannel 1, the HD subchannel (29-1, 49-1, etc.):

29 WNTV
29-1 ETVH
38 WNEH
38-1 WNEHD1
49 WRET
49-1 ETVH
--- ETV
--- ETVH

"---" means that TVGOS didn't assign an OTA channel number. These are probably for stations that are in my TVGOS service area but are outside the Greenville DMA. All the Charlotte, Columbia, etc. stations are like this. I gave these a channel number so I could turn them on and see the listings.

I don't know why TVGOS still lists the analog channels, now that SCETV has shut them down. Maybe they'll get rid of all the analogs at once in June.

The following channels have the listings for SCETV subchannel 2 ("SC Channel"):

29-2 WNTV-DT
38-2 SCC
49-2 SCC
--- ETVSCC

And the following channels have the listings for SCETV subchannel 3 ("ETV World"):

29-3 ETVW
38-3 EVTW (TVGOS made a typo here)
--- ETVW

Somehow they missed 49-3.

My TVGOS host channel is analog 33, WUNF.

I wonder what happened to Ron Peeler

Since 2/17, WYCW's analog signal on channel 62 has been showing a repeating loop about hooking up DTV converter boxes. It shows Ron Peeler for a few minutes at the end, and identifies him as WYCW's chief engineer. I just looked, and it's still running, but I don't know for how long.

At 3500 ft, ice will form LONG before you see it at ground level. I have seen here in the flat lands ice form at 1000 ft on a 1200 ft tower and not a bit on the ground. It isn't unusual at all.

Yeah, I can understand that. Although the temperature was quite warm all day before the snow started. I believe it was close to 40 degrees when the snow started. Either way, it looks like it is going to take a lot of work to get the digital signal back to full power.

I've never noticed any significant problems with the TVGOS listings for SCETV's OTA digital subchannels, at least before SCETV changed the lineup on 2/17. TVGOS has been listing the new subchannels only since late last week.

I just reset TVGOS on my DVR so as to get a fresh channel list, and will post a list of the default OTA channel assignments. I had remapped some of the channels, so the list I had before the reset wouldn't have been accurate.

It seems that re-mapping Charter Ch.8 (WNTV) provides accurate guide data for Charter Ch.788 (WNTV HD). This is channel 103.3 for all you Charter QAM users out there like me.

I am bummed that WNTV doesn't carry MOTORWEEK like the previous PBS channel that occupied this channel on Charter :mad:

Can anyone with a Charter digital box and it's guide data confirm that the WNTV listings are the same for both Ch.8 and Ch.788?

did they have any heaters on the tower?Just curious
Jim

Heaters only go on antennas and looking at the pictures, they used radomes not heaters on the antennas.

Meredith to centralize FOX Carolina's Operations (along with WSMV-Nashville) with WGCL in Atlanta: http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/189481-Meredith_Sets_Up_Atlanta_Hub.php

I have to post something else to get my post count above the dreaded triple evil number, so here it is. :-)

I am bummed that WNTV doesn't carry MOTORWEEK like the previous PBS channel that occupied this channel on Charter :mad:

According to my TVGOS listings, Motorweek is on the ETV World subchannel (OTA 29-3, 38-3, 49-3) on Saturday at 6:30 PM. So it looks like you need to start a campaign to get Charter to carry ETV World if they don't already.

Meredith to centralize FOX Carolina's Operations (along with WSMV-Nashville) with WGCL in Atlanta: http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/189481-Meredith_Sets_Up_Atlanta_Hub.php

So this means what? Fox Carolina won't be on Pelham Rd in Greenville anymore? Fox News 21 will come from Atlanta instead of broadcast in Greenville?

It means master control operations and traffic scheduling will come from Atlanta. I hear master control operations have already moved to Atlanta a week or so back and traffic to move shortly. Hubbing is not new. the NBC O & O 's have been doing it for several years and other companies like Media General have also gone to hubbing. It is becoming more and more common.

According to my TVGOS listings, Motorweek is on the ETV World subchannel (OTA 29-3, 38-3, 49-3) on Saturday at 6:30 PM. So it looks like you need to start a campaign to get Charter to carry ETV World if they don't already.

Well, after turning on a few PBS listings in TVGOS yesterday, it looks like the WNTV and ETVH (ETV high def?) are identical. Atleast for the next 24hrs, not all 8 days are updated yet.

And I also found that Charter's guide on IT'S own page shows HD PBS on ch.788 does show Motorweek on Sat. at 3:30.... hmmmm..... we will see.:cool:

WYCW 62-2 is carrying a SD feed of WSPA, which doesn't surprise me, but 62-1 is now showing a "Loss of input signal" message that is definitely not coming from my tuner.

And... WMYA is gone, both analog 40 (the "nightlight" loop) and digital 40-1 and 40-2.

(just checked around after watching 60 Minutes and Amazing Race on WBTV since WSPA is out)

[added] 62-1 came back in time for the 10pm news, in the usual mix of HD and stretch-o-vision SD. WMYA is still out at 10:30.


For those that cannot receive WBTV very well may try ch 31 WRDW CBS in Augusta GA. Depending where you live you may be closer to one or the other & may receive one of them.

I remember that hurrician hugo blew down WTAT 24 in Charleston in 1989. It was only a 4 years old. But the other 2000' towers near by stayed up. WTAT's tower was only 1500' so thus they gained by going on the side of WCBD's 2000' tower. But I guess the weight of ice verses 157mph winds brought the tower down.

Now WTAT is sharing a broad band UHF antenna with WCBD.

I am sure that WSPA will put up just a ch 7 antenna.

For those that cannot receive WBTV very well may try ch 31 WRDW CBS in Augusta GA.

WRDW is channel 12 now.

- Trip

WRDW is channel 12 now.

- Trip

Oh I missed that. they must have aready taken the analog off the air. Thus putting the digital over ch12. In the digital word you can lable the channel any number you want to call it. Thus you may not really know what the real chennel OTA they are using.

Yeah, I can understand that. Although the temperature was quite warm all day before the snow started. I believe it was close to 40 degrees when the snow started. Either way, it looks like it is going to take a lot of work to get the digital signal back to full power.

Hey Fellas,
I live on the westside of Sptg., and 2 strong cells went through the area about sundown. It's the first time in my 46 yrs that I recall Lightning in a snow storm. At first, I thought our transformer in the backyard had blown. We had blue light that lit up my home in every room. About 5 minutes later one more.
Robby C

It seems that re-mapping Charter Ch.8 (WNTV) provides accurate guide data for Charter Ch.788 (WNTV HD). This is channel 103.3 for all you Charter QAM users out there like me.

I am bummed that WNTV doesn't carry MOTORWEEK like the previous PBS channel that occupied this channel on Charter :mad:

Can anyone with a Charter digital box and it's guide data confirm that the WNTV listings are the same for both Ch.8 and Ch.788?
My Moxi DVR shows different data for Channel 8 and 788 although they should be the same. I'm talking to someone at the office and trying to get it corrected, but the next day we'll both be in is Tuesday.

Based on Charter's EPG, it looks like WLOS learned a valuable lesson from last year and will be airing all but the Thursday Night First Round Games of the ACC Tournament from the Georgia Dome (from the site of last year's tornado strike in downtown ATL) next weekend (3/12-3/15). The Thursday 7 p.m. game will be on ESPN2 HD and the Thursday 9:30 p.m. game will be on WMYA (only available in HD for OTA viewers and possibly a few straggler cable operators).

Also, based on the EPG, FOX Carolina will only be airing the Semifinal Games of the SEC Tournament from Tampa, FL on Saturday (I'm assuming not in HD like last year). The SEC Tournament Championship game will air on CBS HD next Sunday afternoon, though.

If anyone sees anything different on their EPG, please pass that info along and I'll make the necessary corrections.

Thanks for the explanation. That seems to be what is happening since it only seems to occur on the network shows and not the local ones as far as I can tell. So, the only way to stop it is to upgrade from a basic Mediacom package to an HD signal (my TV from 2000 is "HD-REady" but I have never used a STB to actually receive an HD signal on it) or to a satellite provider?

Yes, if you get the HD signal you won't have the aspect ratio changing. By definition, HD is always 16x9. You may see the bars on the sides, but it's still a 16x9 image with bars to fill out the display.

By definition, HD is always 16x9.

That is totally incorrect. By your standard, Gone with the Wind and Wizard of Oz, just to name a few, are not HD.

That is totally incorrect. By your standard, Gone with the Wind and Wizard of Oz, just to name a few, are not HD.

Actually not. It may have been shot in 4:3 but when shown, it will either be shown as stretched to 16:9, or stretch/cut to 16:9 or will be OAR with side curtains. It WILL be presented in 16:9 if the resolution is 720p or 1080i. The issue is HOW will the 4:3 be formatted within that 16:9 aspect.

That is totally incorrect. By your standard, Gone with the Wind and Wizard of Oz, just to name a few, are not HD.

After reading my post again, I guess it wasn't very clear as it was based on the question about AFD and SD video. As for the "HD is always 16x9" comment, I was referring to over-the-air HD television formats. There are two broadcast HD formats used in the US, 720p & 1080i. The pixel dimensions are 1280x720 and 1920x1080 respectively. The pixel ratios are 1:1 (square pixels) so these formats, by definition, are 16x9. How legacy video is displayed inside these dimensions is another issue as explained in the post above by foxeng.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/howto/articles/UnderstandingHDFormats.aspx

OK, ACC Fans...here's the schedule for the ACC Tournament on Thursday and Friday:

Thursday (3/12):
12 p.m. #8 Virginia Tech/#9 Miami (WLOS HD)
2:30 p.m. (approximate; to follow 12 p.m. game) #5 Clemson vs. #12 Georgia Tech (WLOS HD)
7 p.m. #7 Maryland vs. #10 North Carolina State (ESPN2 HD)
9:30 p.m. (approximate; to follow 7 p.m. game) #6 Boston College vs. #11 Virginia (WMYA HD)

Friday:
12 p.m. #1 North Carolina vs. Winner of #8 Virginia Tech/#9 Miami (WLOS HD)
2:30 p.m. (approximate; to follow 12 p.m. game) #4 Florida State vs. Winner of #5 Clemson/#12 Georgia Tech (WLOS HD)
7 p.m. #2 Wake Forest vs. Winner of #7 Maryland/#10 North Carolina State (WLOS HD)
9:30 p.m. (approximate; to follow 7 p.m. game) #3 Duke vs. Winner of #6 Boston College/#11 Virginia (WLOS HD)

Updated at 8:37 p.m.: Revised based on what WRALSportsFan.com is reporting are the brackets for the tourney (Source: http://www.wralsportsfan.com/acc_tournament/story/4694691/ ).

It looks like WSPA is back on the air at 7.1. Hope it stays!

So is analog channel 7, but it's rather weak. The picture is watchable, but rather grainy (noisy). This is presumably a low-power temporary signal.

I think the digital 7.1 / 7.2 isn't as strong either, in raw signal strength, but it's more than enough to lock in reliably here, with the full picture quality.

Actually not. It may have been shot in 4:3 but when shown, it will either be shown as stretched to 16:9, or stretch/cut to 16:9 or will be OAR with side curtains. It WILL be presented in 16:9 if the resolution is 720p or 1080i. The issue is HOW will the 4:3 be formatted within that 16:9 aspect.


By that definition, then everything 16:9 transmitted in 720p or 1080i is also HD, which again, we know is false.

By that definition, then everything 16:9 transmitted in 720p or 1080i is also HD, which again, we know is false.

No, it is HD in the strictest sense of the word. If the source material is only 480, it is upconverted to 1280x720p or 1920x1080i and technically the SIGNAL IS HD even though the material within that HD signal only has the resolution of 480. Now we wouldn't consider that HD, but in reality from a technical standpoint it is because the transmitted signal (not the material enclosed within) IS 1280x720 or 1920x1080 and therefore it is technically recognized as HD, even though the source resolution isn't.

By that definition, then everything 16:9 transmitted in 720p or 1080i is also HD, which again, we know is false.We reach a question of definitions here. 720p and 1080i are HD by definition. A 4:3 NTSC signal inserted can, as mentioned, be left at 640x480 (a postage stamp effect), stretched to 960x720 (side bars or curtains), or modified by various "stretch-o-vision" algorithms. Then we have the mistakes and incomplete upgrades that do other things ...

Now not everything 16:9 is HD ... WSPA weather is 480i 16:9.

And of course, (for others benefit, not yours; we know you know), definitely not all DIGITAL is HD.

So is analog channel 7, but it's rather weak. The picture is watchable, but rather grainy (noisy). This is presumably a low-power temporary signal.

I think the digital 7.1 / 7.2 isn't as strong either, in raw signal strength, but it's more than enough to lock in reliably here, with the full picture quality.

I think it would have been just as well to not spend any efforts on analog 7 -- I would've liked for this to have been an opportunity for WSPA to move the digital signal to channel 7 and abandon analog. Just my nickel's worth...

And why can't the WYCW clock in the PSIP stream stay synch'ed?

Eric

OK, ACC Fans...
9:30 p.m. (approximate; to follow 7 p.m. game) #6 Boston College vs. #11 Virginia (WMYA HD)I'm aware of WMYA-HD in your sig ... if CharterJosh is around, when they add it to the HD tier, being a "local", will it be in clear QAM as well?

This channel seems to clarify the requirement to have local HD in the clear ... what I ASS_U_ME is that if it is in HD, it must be unscrambled. It is not in HD on Charter, so it must be that it isn't required?

7.1 is showing a strong signal in Toccoa... Somebody is doing a good job....

7.1 is showing a strong signal in Toccoa... Somebody is doing a good job....

Yeah, it is better for me than before in Greenville. Maybe they have mounted it at a totally different location?

I'm aware of WMYA-HD in your sig ... if CharterJosh is around, when they add it to the HD tier, being a "local", will it be in clear QAM as well?

This channel seems to clarify the requirement to have local HD in the clear ... what I ASS_U_ME is that if it is in HD, it must be unscrambled. It is not in HD on Charter, so it must be that it isn't required?

We have been asking for this for a long time and Charter has ignored us. I really wouldn't expect anything to change.

I'm aware of WMYA-HD in your sig ... if CharterJosh is around, when they add it to the HD tier, being a "local", will it be in clear QAM as well?

This channel seems to clarify the requirement to have local HD in the clear ... what I ASS_U_ME is that if it is in HD, it must be unscrambled. It is not in HD on Charter, so it must be that it isn't required?

The last I heard about WMYA-HD being added {been about 6-7 months (?)} is that when WMYA declared their digital feed as it's primary, Charter would get the wheels rolling to add the station to their lineup. Being that they're now digital-only, I guess it's time for Charter (among other providers: D*, E*, Mediacom) to step up for this channel and WYCW-HD, as well. Hopefully, CharterJosh can provide an update here (as asked by the others, as well).

I hope northland adds them as well...but who knows what will happen with them.

No, it is HD in the strictest sense of the word. If the source material is only 480, it is upconverted to 1280x720p or 1920x1080i and technically the SIGNAL IS HD even though the material within that HD signal only has the resolution of 480. Now we wouldn't consider that HD, but in reality from a technical standpoint it is because the transmitted signal (not the material enclosed within) IS 1280x720 or 1920x1080 and therefore it is technically recognized as HD, even though the source resolution isn't.

So again, by your definition, the 4:3 HDTVs that came out in the first few years were also not HD. Makes on wonder why there was not a class action suit if HD = 16:9.

So again, by your definition, the 4:3 HDTVs that came out in the first few years were also not HD. Makes on wonder why there was not a class action suit if HD = 16:9.

1280x720p or 1920x1080i transmitted is HD no matter WHAT you put in it or HOW it is displayed. A round peg is still a round peg even if you are trying to put it in square hole or whether it is painted green or blue or red. As stated before, technically it IS HD but if the source material resolution is 480 no one calls it HD but it is a SD resolution transmitted within an HD signal. Did you miss that part the last TWO posts? When you start veering off the subject pulling stuff like this out to defend your position it is time to give it up.

It looks like Charter has added USA HD to the Tennessee market. I hope this means it is imminent for the upstate. Although I haven't heard of any upcoming channel additions for quite a while now.

Based on Charter's EPG, it looks like WLOS learned a valuable lesson from last year and will be airing all but the Thursday Night First Round Games of the ACC Tournament from the Georgia Dome (from the site of last year's tornado strike in downtown ATL) next weekend (3/12-3/15). The Thursday 7 p.m. game will be on ESPN2 HD and the Thursday 9:30 p.m. game will be on WMYA (only available in HD for OTA viewers and possibly a few straggler cable operators).

Also, based on the EPG, FOX Carolina will only be airing the Semifinal Games of the SEC Tournament from Tampa, FL on Saturday (I'm assuming not in HD like last year). The SEC Tournament Championship game will air on CBS HD next Sunday afternoon, though.

If anyone sees anything different on their EPG, please pass that info along and I'll make the necessary corrections.

Where in the world are the first and second round (Thurs/Fri) SEC tourney games being shown then? I can't find them in any listings :confused:

Where in the world are the first and second round (Thurs/Fri) SEC tourney games being shown then? I can't find them in any listings :confused:

SECSports.com is saying that the games are on the Raycom Sports Network (a.k.a. Local Stations that are willing to carry it, not FOX Carolina).

Source: http://www.secsports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=3&url_article_id=11826&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2#sched

Online, it's being carried by ESPN360.com for free if your ISP is participating: http://espn.go.com/broadband/espn360/schedule?channel=3578767&confId=23

Update at 9:13 p.m. ET: It appears that FS South or SportSouth is airing the SEC Games. They're airing the Bama vs. Vandy Game right now.

Anyone getting FSN South in HD? I have DirecTV and do NOT. I am wondering about Dish and Charter customers here in the upstate. It makes me ill watching the SEC tournament in SD on compressed satellite when I know it is being filmed in HD. This is one question D* cannot answer for me about WHEN FSNS will be streamed in HD to our area. I'm not getting my hopes up for tomorrow with Raycom's broadcast on WHNS. FoxEng, will the SECT be in HD on Saturday? Anybody got any info?

The last I heard about WMYA-HD being added {been about 6-7 months (?)} is that when WMYA declared their digital feed as it's primary, Charter would get the wheels rolling to add the station to their lineup. Being that they're now digital-only, I guess it's time for Charter (among other providers: D*, E*, Mediacom) to step up for this channel and WYCW-HD, as well. Hopefully, CharterJosh can provide an update here (as asked by the others, as well).
Unfortunately, I haven't heard anything new regarding HD additions. USA HD and Sci-Fi HD have been getting added to other markets recently so I'm hoping they'll be making their way here soon. My personal expectation is that we'll see more HD channels in the next 2-3 months, but that's just a guess based on how often there were additions last year. As for WMYA or WYCW, I can't seem to get any info from anyone on when we might see those. With as long as it took to get WLOS HD, I bet WYCW gets added first. If I do hear anything, I'll let you guys know as soon as I'm able to.

WYFF had lip sync problems during Life and The Office last night (and I assume all other prime time programming last night).

Also, they still have switching problems. Watching Jimmy Fallon this week, they still haven't made it through a whole episode without screwing up the switching for at least one segment. Last night the whole musical segment was in SD. It sucks because when they finally switch during the show, it messes up the audio temporarily. I sure hope they can fix their equipment, so get some new equipment that actually works some day.

Anyone getting FSN South in HD? I have DirecTV and do NOT. I am wondering about Dish and Charter customers here in the upstate. It makes me ill watching the SEC tournament in SD on compressed satellite when I know it is being filmed in HD. This is one question D* cannot answer for me about WHEN FSNS will be streamed in HD to our area. I'm not getting my hopes up for tomorrow with Raycom's broadcast on WHNS. FoxEng, will the SECT be in HD on Saturday? Anybody got any info?

They are showing the SEC tournament on FSN HD today on Charter. It isn't in the guide data, but they are showing it. However, all the programs they usually list in the guide data are usually not on, so its hard to say what they have been showing lately.

Unfortunately, I haven't heard anything new regarding HD additions. USA HD and Sci-Fi HD have been getting added to other markets recently so I'm hoping they'll be making their way here soon. My personal expectation is that we'll see more HD channels in the next 2-3 months, but that's just a guess based on how often there were additions last year. As for WMYA or WYCW, I can't seem to get any info from anyone on when we might see those. With as long as it took to get WLOS HD, I bet WYCW gets added first. If I do hear anything, I'll let you guys know as soon as I'm able to.

Thanks, CharterJosh. I hope you're right that hopefully we'll be getting all of the mentioned channels in the next waves of adds.

One other source of College Basketball Tourney Coverage is CBS College Sports. E* and Charter are offering the Free Preview today through April 7th (the day after the NCAA Basketball Championship).

Source: http://www.multichannel.com/article/189803-CBS_College_Sports_To_Roll_Out_Ball_Befoer_50_Million_Subs_W ith_Free_Preview.php?rssid=20062&q=CBS+College+Sports

They are showing the SEC tournament on FSN HD today on Charter. It isn't in the guide data, but they are showing it. However, all the programs they usually list in the guide data are usually not on, so its hard to say what they have been showing lately.

This is the FSN South? Is it actually being shown in HD?

Is FSN South one that everyone gets, or do you need the whole FSN package?

Anyone getting FSN South in HD? I have DirecTV and do NOT. I am wondering about Dish and Charter customers here in the upstate. It makes me ill watching the SEC tournament in SD on compressed satellite when I know it is being filmed in HD. This is one question D* cannot answer for me about WHEN FSNS will be streamed in HD to our area. I'm not getting my hopes up for tomorrow with Raycom's broadcast on WHNS. FoxEng, will the SECT be in HD on Saturday? Anybody got any info?


I am getting the SEC tournament from DirecTv in HD on FSN South channel 648-1.

This is the FSN South? Is it actually being shown in HD?

Is FSN South one that everyone gets, or do you need the whole FSN package?

This is the FSN that everyone in this region receives.South Carolina vs Mississippi St is on in HD right now.

This is the FSN that everyone in this region receives.South Carolina vs Mississippi St is on in HD right now.

Beautiful, thanks. I noticed it said "Sign Off" in the listings last night and forgot to actually check it to see if anything was on. :D

It looks like Raycom is having some issues keeping a picture up during the ACC Semi's. The announcers just mentioned that they're having difficulties and they're trying to get them worked out. For now, the picture is back up.

The official explanation for Raycom's video failure yesterday during the UNC-FSU Game: http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20090314/ARTICLES/903142966/1005?Title=ACC-Tournament-Notebook-TV-signal-just-crapped-out-

I'm having an almost impossible time correlating the show on Charter HD (QAM 103.3) with any published schedule. The SCETV website shows 2 HD broadcasts, 2 different things on 35.2 ... and doesn't mention 29.x. ZAP2it linked from the Greenville News is wrong. TitanTV is wrong.

Is there a source which gives the HD programming?

Example ... 4 PM today, Sunday
Show is
ZAP2it says WNTV3, a mens health program
Titan says 9.3 is the HD with that show, 9.1 has Chris Botti in SD, really HD
http://www.scetv.org/television/schedules.cfm has two HD listings, Botti on 35.1 and mens health on 35.2 AND James Taylor on 35.2 SC Channel

I'm ... confused, really confused ...

Anyone getting FSN South in HD? I have DirecTV and do NOT. I am wondering about Dish and Charter customers here in the upstate. It makes me ill watching the SEC tournament in SD on compressed satellite when I know it is being filmed in HD. This is one question D* cannot answer for me about WHEN FSNS will be streamed in HD to our area. I'm not getting my hopes up for tomorrow with Raycom's broadcast on WHNS. FoxEng, will the SECT be in HD on Saturday? Anybody got any info?

I have D* ans FSN south HD is on 646. I do not watch any sports though

I'm having an almost impossible time correlating the show on Charter HD (QAM 103.3) with any published schedule. The SCETV website shows 2 HD broadcasts, 2 different things on 35.2 ... and doesn't mention 29.x. ZAP2it linked from the Greenville News is wrong. TitanTV is wrong.


Yes, 103.3/788 on Charter is now WNTVDT. However, Tribune hasn't updated their guide data to reflect this so anything that uses this guide data (TiVos,
zap2it.com, etc will be wrong). I've tried reporting it to Tribune, but they will not fix it unless someone from SCETV or Charter sends the change report to them.

I compared the TV Guide On Screen listings on my DVR (which are pretty reliable for me) with the SCETV and TitanTV schedules for tomorrow (Monday).

On SCETV's web site, if you set your "provider" to "Broadcast TV - Grnvll-Spart-Ashvill", any of the channels labeled ETV or ETV-HD should work. They're all the same, and match TVGOS for my 29.1 and 49.1.

On TitanTV, WNTVDT1 (9.1) matches.

You had best ignore the presence or absence of "HD" labels on individual programs. They aren't being used consistently. For example, I see some programs on ETV-WORLD and SC CHANNEL marked as "HD" which is absurd because those two channels are strictly SD (480i)!

I was relieved to find "Great Performances at the Met" this afternoon on 49.1 to be in HD as intended. Last weekend, on either Saturday or Sunday afternoon, I tuned in "Visions of Europe" which I had seen in HD on UNC-TV a while ago, and was shocked to see what looked like a 16:9 center cut of the original 16:9 HD, zoomed to fill the screen. The effect was ghastly. It looked worse than mediocre SD, with motion artifacts that destroyed most of the detail in panning shots.

Hi gang,

I'm here in Spartanburg and just about to go with a DISH home installation -- REALLY fed up with Charter and DirecTV is just too expensive unless you're a sports junkie -- and I'm not.

Anyway, I was just going to take the direct "satellite feed" from DISH for my local programming, as well, and whatever HD channels I get "locally," I get, but one of the Moderators, Ken H, suggested in another thread that I check over here, first, to see what those of you in this area who already have DISH get with that setup. He said I might not get PBS (I already know they don't currently offer CW, but neither does Charter). I'm in a really BAD antenna reception area, and could never get much in the past with NTSC signals -- figure I won't do any better, if as well, with ATSC, so I don't see the point of having an external antenna setup EXCEPT for the rare occasions that DISH might be out of service (hoping they're rare).

If you do an external antenna setup in addition, do they set that up, or do you have to? I'm assuming if they do, that's a MAJOR upgrade charge -- especially for someone like me, near the bottom of a hill...

The biggest reason I'm asking is I'm looking at the Vip722K DUODVR box, and it doesn't have an external antenna input on it... While one of my TVs DOES have an ATSC input (which I've tried with my old, existing, external antenna with VERY POOR results), my other HDTV doesn't have an ATSC input (older model).

Soooo, those of you who just get your local channels through DISH, what do you get in HD, please?

Thanks for any prompt responses, as I'm just about ready to jump.
Jeff

The official explanation for Raycom's video failure yesterday during the UNC-FSU Game: http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20090314/ARTICLES/903142966/1005?Title=ACC-Tournament-Notebook-TV-signal-just-crapped-out-

PopWeaver, I LOVE your tagline! Charter's response to MY request about JUST the Sci-Fi channel was the "straw that broke the camel's back" for me to decide to finally switch to satellite...

First of the year they raised just TV portion of my bill by almost $20, but no more features or channels! Then, when I emailed their customer service to ask if they could even give an approximate DATE as to when Sci-Fi might be available in HD (it IS available in HD with Charter in SOME of their markets), they wouldn't even give me a straight answer -- just a bunch of doubletalk!

At more than $127/month for JUST the TV part of my bill for just two HD boxes and the three major pay movie channels, No PPV, EVER, No Sports Package, No Latino package, I said ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

My understanding is they'll be officially filing bankruptcy April 1, and I'm already starting to see fewer Charter commercials on TV and have started seeing a few ComCast commercials, so I think we know where things are going! From what I've read of ComCast in other threads, don't expect any better -- or even necessarily as good!
Jeff

We switched from charter to directv 2 weeks ago. Last night Fox 21hd looked horrible- much pixelation and occasionally dropping out. Other channels have been fine- Any ideas? Thanks.

Hi JeffAHayes,

I'm very surprised that you hadn't noticed the tagline sooner. :-) I've had a variation of it up for the past year or so(?). I hope that your experience with satellite fares better than what you've had to deal with from Charter. If I could switch to D* or E* for more HD, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Until I move to a different part of Buncombe County, cut down the landlord's trees or physically move mountains, I'm stuck with Charter. cedarwood3b would be very happy with you right about now! ;-)

I haven't seen any Comcast commercials yet. If anything, I've seen the "Get More, Save More" commercials that Charter has been running at nauseum over the past month or so(?). The rumor has been going around that TWC (Time-Warner) would be a fit for buying the Charter Markets in Upstate SC/Western NC if they were ever put up for sale. However, it is only rumor.

Good luck with satellite and let us know your experience with it!

Actually, Pop, I just started perusing this thread, so that's probably why I didn't notice before -- although I THINK I DID see you post somewhere else, because I think I've seen that tagline before!

Gawd, being in a location where your ONLY CHOICE is Charter must be PURE HELL!

I simply DESPISE these local monopoly laws... I understand WHY they were established back in the early 20th century, when there were like 20 telephone companies in some big cities -- each with its own lines run, creating MAJOR MESSES -- but still, we have different technology today and I think it's HIGH TIME the monopolies were removed -- especially the way some of these companies treat their customers!

I switched my telephone service to Charter 1.5 years ago when my LAST deal expired, to keep my rates low -- the independent contractor REDNECK YAHOO they sent out here to hook it up messed up my home security system -- even refused to check it for me after he finished hooking up the telephone (said, "Oh, you have home security?" with a surprised look on his face!) We went three weeks with no security system while doing our BEST to get Charter to send someone out here to fix it -- they even sent one person out here, but he was a GENERAL -- cable is out all over -- repair person, and said he knew NOTHING about telephone service... He gave us his supervisor's name and number, and we called him SEVERAL times and he NEVER returned our calls!

FINALLY, in desperation, we called our security company. They came out and fixed it, and it cost us a $75 service call. I've NEVER YET told Charter about that. I'm just biding my time. You KNOW they'll claim complete ignorance and innocence in the matter!
Jeff

Well, I screwed around too long, today, and just called the local dealer I was going to deal with and they closed at 5:30, not 6. :o

Soooo, I guess I'll call them tomorrow, unless there's no good reason to go with a local dealer over just dealing with DISH directly.

The dealer I'm looking at is Satellites Plus, LLC, in Inman, S.C. Do any of you have experience with them, and if so, can you tell me what kind of experience you have with them?

Maybe I can get my days and nights straight and actually call them EARLY tomorrow, unless there's a good reason NOT TO.

Thanks!
Jeff

Northland Cable in Seneca/Clemson has changed their QAM line-up...

63-3: WHNS-DT HD
63-4: WHNS-DT2 Weather (SD)
63-11: WSPA-DT1 HD
63-12: WSPA-DT2 Weather (SD)
64 and 64-1: WYFF-DT1 HD
64-2: WNTV-DT2 SC Channel (SD)
65-1: ESPN HD
65-12: NFL Network HD
67-1: WLOS-DT1 HD
67-2: Outdoor HD
68-1: C-SPAN (SD)
68-22: C-SPAN2 (SD)
71-1: Food HD
71-2: HGTV HD
72-1: Golf HD
72-2: Versus HD
73-2: ESPNU HD

I was amazed to see ESPNU HD added to the line-up, it's not even available on Directv...yet. Overall, the line-up is okay for QAM offerings, but Northland really needs to add SCETV HD (WNTV-DT1), which shouldn't be an issue since they are currently passing-through the SC Channel DT2. It's a little dumb in my opinion for them to pass the SC Channel (which is SD material 24/7), when that QAM slot could pass HD content from WNTV-DT1.

It would also be nice to see them add WMYA-DT1 and WYCW-DT1, but I'd vote for WMYA well before WYCW as My40 seems to have the most interesting HD content for their viewing area (Clemson)...Raycom games in HD.

Northland has also finally added ESPNU SD (after years of requests by many in the community) to their normal analog line-up, pushing C-SPAN to QAM.

Northland is making some progress...but they really need to add WNTV-DT1 and WMYA-DT1. I called about CableCARDs a few weeks ago and they were reportedly "in testing" and "should be available very soon".

Satellites Plus does a great install

Thanks, Enoree. If I'm going to deal with a local company, rather than just buy online and have DISH send out "whoever," some "nameless installer," part of me going that route is that I'm hoping for "service after the sale," meaning that if I have a problem, I can call them, rather than just having to deal with DISH directly.

I'm hoping that's the case, as well.
Jeff

Well, I screwed around too long, today, and just called the local dealer I was going to deal with and they closed at 5:30, not 6. :o

Soooo, I guess I'll call them tomorrow, unless there's no good reason to go with a local dealer over just dealing with DISH directly.

The dealer I'm looking at is Satellites Plus, LLC, in Inman, S.C. Do any of you have experience with them, and if so, can you tell me what kind of experience you have with them?

Maybe I can get my days and nights straight and actually call them EARLY tomorrow, unless there's a good reason NOT TO.

Thanks!
Jeff


If I was you I would either call 1-800-333-DISH or 1-800-DIRECTV. Most of the local people will be charging you literally an arm and a leg for crazy stuff like putting your dish on a pole somewhere.

Our local dealer insist on putting your dish on a Dixie chainlink fence pole (like you can buy at Lowe's for $5), but he charges you $100 for the pole. Remember, they got to make their money somehow. Also, remember, Dish and Direct sometimes doesn't charge for an installer to come out if you call them directly, but just as soon as you call your "local dealer", he will charge you $$$ to come out for something that Dish and Direct wouldn't make you pay for. Not only does he charge you his fee for calling him direct, but that work order you sign, he also turns it into Dish/Directv to make more money from them.

Just a little insight, I have Dish here myself, and I learned this the hardway and from learning on my own.

Furthermore, Dish/Direct sending out whomever or no name people, just insist that you will NOT sign their work order before they leave until you are happy. By you refusing to sign that work order, they can't get paid--NO MATTER what they tell you.

Oooops, I just called and left a message on their answering machine to call me in the morning to do the system install tomorrow about an hour ago, jself, lol. Well, if they come out and start hitting me with all kinds of "pole fees" and whatnot I'll show 'em to the road faster than they got here, lol!

You don't state where you live, jself, but Channel 7 here has something they call "7 on your side," where if a dealer does unscrupulous things, you call them up and they expose them... haven't done it, but I'm not beyond it, lol... Guy gets smart with me I'll tell him I have Channel 7 on speed dial (I don't actually, but I have a good memory for numbers and can probably recall it without looking it up, lol), and he'll be speaking with THEM about his "free installation" bait and switch if he doesn't back off.

It's actually tempting to go net-only for TV. You can get MOST of your programs online, now. Some aren't available, but a good many are. Of course the premium networks aren't, but there might be a way around that, too. For that matter, with the money I'd save, I could just wait and buy their original series on Blu-Ray or DVD, which is all I really care about most of the pay channels for... they carry very few new movies any more, but you can't get "Big Love" or "The United States of Tara" anywhere but HBO or Showtime.
Jeff

JeffAHayes, I am in Easley.

JeffAHayes, My mother is in Laurens, she just switched from the local phone companies IPTV cable service to Dish Network. When the installers came out, (who claimed they worked for Dish Network, not the local phone company) they charged my mother $25 to run 'an HD dish cable' because she originally signed up for HD, and when I moved here, my installer was going to charge me $100 for a pole because he felt that he didn't want to put my Dish Network in the same spot as my old Directv system--which he finally did after complaining about how he didn't like ladders.

However, in the 4 times I have called Dish Network, it has been 4 different contractors to come out but at least they knew what they were talking about and it was free. The local guy in Laurens charges $75-$150 to come out if you call him directly then he fills out a work order for you to sign so he can submit that to Dish Network just to make another $50 or so. Its long and complicated but I don't want others 'who may not be as wise' in this subject to get jipped out of dollars for no reason.

I notice that Fox 21 is having sound from their 21-1 channel on their 21-2 channel while the picture is the radar.

Thanks, jself.

Sounds like you've had some pretty sleazy characters at both your and your mom's place, sorry to read. Most of my installation got done today... I say MOST because the receivers weren't in stock... Somebody was supposed to drive them down from Charlotte, according to the owner, but won't get down until tomorrow. At any rate, the fellow who came down and installed the satellite dish and ran all the cables seemed really nice (my dog really liked him more than just about ANY service person I've ever had in the house -- and I trust my dog's character judgement a lot, too, lol). He has me ready for the boxes to be hooked up tomorrow.

After he left, I called the owner and confirmed that all I'll get charged tomorrow is the $200 upgrade charge for the extra DVR, plus tax. He said that to me on the phone. The installer today DIDN'T unhook ANY of my existing setup, so if the guy tomorrow gets out here and the deal is different, I just won't finalize it. I DID notice in the contract they had with my paperwork today (which was just on my kitchen table, but I was never asked to sign -- looked like it was mostly with the installer as a reference for him to find me, etc.), that the local dealer's contract has a $450 pro-rated early termination fee payable to DISH through THEM, vs. the $300 early termination fee standard on the DISH website, so I see at least one place the local dealer makes sure to cover his "bottom line." As much thought and time as I've put into this decision, I think I can live with it for 2 years, assuming I get what I've been promised. If not, I see no reason I can't "terminate for cause" and then I have a legal reason for termination, and they can fight it out in court with my credit card company because I'll dispute the charges on CAUSE and even file in small claims court if I have to -- but that's really something I don't anticipate (I think it's highly more likely DirecTV will absorb DISH than that will happen).
Jeff

Is ABC Channel 13 in HD from Asheville is still giving anybody problems with skipping and out-of-sync audio?

It's been over a year and they still seem to have this problem on the HD feed. I read earlier on this thread that they had a bad component that was causing this issue, but you'd think they would have fixed this by now. The SD digital is fine and most commercials are fine.

Just to let you folks know, Satellites Plus came out and completed my installation about noon today. This time the owner came with two other installers to install the two boxes and get them set up with the four TVs and make sure everything was programmed and running right -- took a bit of downloading sofware from the satellites to get the boxes "up to snuff," but by the time they left everything was right as rain, and my ONLY startup cost was the $200 upgrade charge for the extra DVR that DISH had also been showing on its website, plus $12 state sales tax (6% here now in SC, so that's exactly right).

The owner told me I could call him any time up to 9 p.m., any day, with any questions or problems I have. I actually showed him some postings on this thread where I'd mentioned his company, and I also let him know that I'm one of those folks who will crow loudly about both good and bad service, so if give me good service, I'll be free advertising for them, if bad, the opposite, and if there's never any reason for service, I probably won't have much to say one way or the other, lol.

At this point, I'd say I'm pretty pleased, as I'm watching and recording all 3 parts of the series finale of "Battlestar Gallactica" in HD, which was one of my hopes... I know a lot of you are probably all wrapped up in "March Madness" right now, but all that's doing for me is keeping me from having to time-shift as many of my regular CBS shows, lol. I really couldn't care less. I MIGHT watch the final quarter of the final game -- particularly if either Duke or UNC is in it (not really a fan of either -- or any team, for that matter -- but I know someone who is and who did his own chart on national news, so that might make it a bit more interesting). ;)
Jeff

[QUOTE=jself1982;16077096]JeffAHayes, I am in Easley.

JeffAHayes, My mother is in Laurens, she just switched from the local phone companies IPTV cable service to Dish Network. When the installers came out, (who claimed they worked for Dish Network, not the local phone company) they charged my mother $25 to run 'an HD dish cable' because she originally signed up for HD, and when I moved here, my installer was going to charge me $100 for a pole because he felt that he didn't want to put my Dish Network in the same spot as my old Directv system--which he finally did after complaining about how he didn't like ladders.

As a Direct installer, I need to clarify a few things. I charge $50 for a pole, and for a service call. When my customer calls me, I explain that the service will be free if they call D. Most of the time they tell me they would rather pay me and get it fixed right away instead of waiting 1 or 2 wks. for them. The pole fee is for digging a hole installing the pole, pouring in concrete to harden so the dish does not move. Then we trench the cable underground so it is not in your way. This takes around 1 hour of hard work. We pay for our own supplies, $9.00 at Home Depot for pole. We pay for the cable, fittings, tools, concrete, etc. The pole has to be perfectly plumb or you can't get a good signal. I have offered to let customers put in their own pole where I show them the proper place to install it. That cost us also. The sight gauge I use for direction and elevation cost us $200.00. Meter to read satellite signal and get the best signal on all satellite, called a Bird dog is $500.00. check this out on the internet. hxxp://www.solidsignal.tv/installation/

(Not only does he charge you his fee for calling him direct, but that work order you sign, he also turns it into Dish/Directv to make more money from them.)

Not true, That is turned in to us for tax records and the customer gets a copy because we warrant that call for 3 months as required by Dish and DTV. Hope this clarifies our exorbitant prices.

awkward silence :rolleyes:

Is ABC Channel 13 in HD from Asheville is still giving anybody problems with skipping and out-of-sync audio?

It's been over a year and they still seem to have this problem on the HD feed. I read earlier on this thread that they had a bad component that was causing this issue, but you'd think they would have fixed this by now. The SD digital is fine and most commercials are fine.


I have the same thing on Charter 77-2 via the QAM tuner on my Samsung and I believe I had it when the Sammy was on the antenna. When I check the signal on my Sony on Charter, channel 77-3 BTW:confused:, signal is OK.

DoctorCAD, what reciever are you using? Are you OTA or other?



John

Hi, I am moving to Greer, SC in about a month. I am leaving Tampa where I had Verizon Fios with well over 100 HD channels and was getting basically everything they had, telephone, 20 meg internet and all the HD channels for under $150 a month.

A quick check, shows me things are not as good here. I am interested in recommendations from folks in the area about various services. It looks like Charter is the only game in town for internet but phone AT&T? and tv are sort of up for grabs. I am leaning to one of the sat guys for TV but not sure which. Love to hear from you all about what you think is the best and why. I would be looking for two HD DVRs, 1 HD receiver and 1 SD receiver.

Thanks for your help.

Harry

Hi, I am moving to Greer, SC in about a month. I am leaving Tampa where I had Verizon Fios with well over 100 HD channels and was getting basically everything they had, telephone, 20 meg internet and all the HD channels for under $150 a month.

A quick check, shows me things are not as good here. I am interested in recommendations from folks in the area about various services. It looks like Charter is the only game in town for internet but phone AT&T? and tv are sort of up for grabs. I am leaning to one of the sat guys for TV but not sure which. Love to hear from you all about what you think is the best and why. I would be looking for two HD DVRs, 1 HD receiver and 1 SD receiver.

Thanks for your help.

HarryI am in "Greer", so noted as Greer is the address for much of Greenville eastside. I have Charter for TV, phone, and internet. I had BellSouth (now ATT) for DSL before moving here (5 miles) but it was not available.

I have had maybe 10x as much trouble with the phone and internet as with BellSouth. I have "expanded basic" TV and use no box; I get the 5 network and weather in HD via clear QAM. Price is, with tax, $137.15. When DSL is available, I'll "cut the cable". Charter and I are not friends.

Hi, I am moving to Greer, SC in about a month. I am leaving Tampa where I had Verizon Fios with well over 100 HD channels and was getting basically everything they had, telephone, 20 meg internet and all the HD channels for under $150 a month.

A quick check, shows me things are not as good here. I am interested in recommendations from folks in the area about various services. It looks like Charter is the only game in town for internet but phone AT&T? and tv are sort of up for grabs. I am leaning to one of the sat guys for TV but not sure which. Love to hear from you all about what you think is the best and why. I would be looking for two HD DVRs, 1 HD receiver and 1 SD receiver.


Charter doesn't offer very many HD channels at all. If you are looking for HD, you definitely need to go with Dish or Directv. As for internet, you are stuck with Charter or AT&T DSL. Unfortunately, Charter does have the fastest internet between the two (until AT&T u-verse is available where you live).

Hi, I am moving to Greer, SC in about a month. I am leaving Tampa where I had Verizon Fios with well over 100 HD channels and was getting basically everything they had, telephone, 20 meg internet and all the HD channels for under $150 a month.

A quick check, shows me things are not as good here. I am interested in recommendations from folks in the area about various services. It looks like Charter is the only game in town for internet but phone AT&T? and tv are sort of up for grabs. I am leaning to one of the sat guys for TV but not sure which. Love to hear from you all about what you think is the best and why. I would be looking for two HD DVRs, 1 HD receiver and 1 SD receiver.

Thanks for your help.

Harry

Harrys, unless you have a truly COMPELLING reason to be moving to Greer, I think I'd stay in Tampa just to continue getting everything you're getting via FIOS and at those prices. Before I just dropped Charter's TV for DISH, I was paying $255/month to them for two HD boxes, the premium movie channels, two telephone lines (but only one of those even has long distance or caller I.D. or anything), and their second-fastest internet speed. Since I just took my two HD boxes and remotes back Friday, I haven't gotten any "update" from Charter yet as to what my new bill will be, but prior to this they were charging me $127/month for JUST my TV service, with a very LIMITED HD lineup, and only ONE HD channel for HBO, Cinemax, Starz and Showtime -- that's with me doing NO PPV each month and NOT having ANY sports packages or the Latino package.

Sure hope you have a good reason for moving here... Some of the OTHER costs of living are lower... Cable TV certainly isn't one of them! If someone told me there was a way to get Verizon FIOS in the Greenville-Spartanburg market, short of it being HIGHLY illegal, I'm pretty sure I'd go for it!
Jeff

Could ThisTV be following suit in H-A Land and come to WYFF, as well? Here's the link announcing that Weather Plus will be replaced at Greensboro's WXII with ThisTV later this year: http://www.wxii12.com/entertainment/18992436/detail.html

WNEG in Toccoa is affiliated with ThisTV. Since they are technically in the Greenville market (although most of their viewers are in the Atlanta market), that may pose a problem if their affiliations are exclusive.

Harrys, unless you have a truly COMPELLING reason to be moving to Greer, I think I'd stay in Tampa just to continue getting everything you're getting via FIOS and at those prices.

I'm pretty sure the poster isn't moving because of the tv choices.

I'm pretty sure the poster isn't moving because of the tv choices.

You are correct. I am not moving there because of the TV. I have a bunch of reasons but the key one is that my wife wants to move to Greer. If you are married that is probably all you need to see. I am just trying to understand how bad it is and what my best choices might be to put together some reasonable package until one of the biggies arrives and offers some more modern choices.

I appreciate the comments so far. I am leaning towards an AT&T telephone (I have their wireless), Charter for internet since it is the only choice at the moment. The fastest DSL I can get at my new address is the 1.5 megabit which is just not fast enough. That leaves either Dish or Direct for TV. It looks like Direct is the better choice if you are a big sports fan but I don't need NFL Season ticket or whatever they call it. Dish looks to be about the same in HD otherwise and maybe a bit cheaper and I have heard they have good DVRs. Any comments?

Harry

Harry

The DVR with TV2 out and RF remote is about the only thing keeping me with Dish right now. I think the HD offering is better with Direct although. I am in same boat with Charter being only option for internet, I don't even have the DSL option you mentioned but you're right is too slow. I also like the option were you can basically turn all of your HD boxes into DVR's with Dish too. Like you I would not even consider Charter for the TV service.

After being with Charter for TV for like 20 years, Harry, and cable modem since 1998, and adding their telephone service a couple years ago to try to "bundle" my prices again to keep prices low (and they STILL kept hiking prices), I just dropped ALL their TV and went with DISH last week.

I'm very satisfied with DISH so far, although I don't think the HD quality is quite as good as what I was getting with Charter (since I had no way to A/B them, it's really not possible for me to say that for certain). The tradeoff is that I'm getting WAY MORE with DISH for WAY LESS money than Charter was charging me for just the TV portion of my bill... Even after all my promotions are up, I'll be paying about $20 per month less, with considerably more regular HD channels, as well as all the HBO, Showtime, Starz and Cinemax channels in HD (whereas Charter gives you only one of each in HD). The only two channels charter had in HD that aren't offered with either DISH or DirecTV without paying an for an extra Premium package are HDNetMovies and UniversalHD (both of which I did watch a fair amount, but certainly not enough to keep me with Charter). Charter would have charged me an additional $15 per DVR if I'd added that, and I'm getting 4 of them with DISH for more than $20 less (after my promotion ends) than Charter was charging me to begin with -- plus more than twice as many HD channels.

Like you, I don't care about the Sports package... I got the 250 Package plus TurboGold, although I just checked and I somehow got slammed with the America's Everything Pak (which includes all the sports stuff and will be $20 more per month at the end of specials). I have to call DISH and change that. I went with a local dealer who seemed to be really big on that package. He thought if you got all the movie channels, you came out cheaper that way. I proved to him that you can add them all, ala carte for less, at his place of business, and had him run the order through the other way, but didn't place the order that day, but on the phone a couple days later... I think he just ran it the way he's used to... I'll get it straightened out... haven't watched a single one of those sports channels yet, with no plans to... even been using "March Madness" as a respite from having to do as much DVRing, lol.


By the way, Charter's second-fastest cable modem speed is what I have -- 10 Mbps... Their current fastest is 16 Mbps, I think. I'd love to have that, but they have a rather large price jump between the two... The 10 Mbps seems to be the best deal.
Jeff

WNEG in Toccoa is affiliated with ThisTV. Since they are technically in the Greenville market (although most of their viewers are in the Atlanta market), that may pose a problem if their affiliations are exclusive.

Hmmm...if it's like their previous CBS affiliation, it's more likely than not that their affliation with ThisTV isn't exclusive.

You are correct. I am not moving there because of the TV. I am leaning towards an AT&T telephone (I have their wireless), Charter for internet since it is the only choice at the moment. The fastest DSL I can get at my new address is the 1.5 megabit which is just not fast enough.The thing about DSL is that you get the speed ... cable you occasionally get the speed. I don't know what application requires higher speeds (and they do have them depending on area), but I felt that 1.5 DSL was faster than 5 Cable.That leaves either Dish or Direct for TV. It looks like Direct is the better choice if you are a big sports fan but I don't need NFL Season ticket or whatever they call it. Dish looks to be about the same in HD otherwise and maybe a bit cheaper and I have heard they have good DVRs. Any comments?

HarryWith ATT, you can create their bundle ... DirecTV is affiliated. So even with Charter internet you can use cell, landline, and DTV to get a package quoted. I'd give some thought to DSL.

In my "Greer" neighborhood, Sprint and ATT are both almost non-players. Signals are terrible. There is a tower planned and in zoning neverland to help that ... people think signals don't need antennas, at least not where they can see them. Do you want to give a general area (if known) for locals to comment. For reference, I'm at the corner of South Batesville and Old Spartanburg/Hammett Bridge, Greenville county.

You are correct. I am not moving there because of the TV. I have a bunch of reasons but the key one is that my wife wants to move to Greer. If you are married that is probably all you need to see. I am just trying to understand how bad it is and what my best choices might be to put together some reasonable package until one of the biggies arrives and offers some more modern choices.

I appreciate the comments so far. I am leaning towards an AT&T telephone (I have their wireless), Charter for internet since it is the only choice at the moment. The fastest DSL I can get at my new address is the 1.5 megabit which is just not fast enough. That leaves either Dish or Direct for TV. It looks like Direct is the better choice if you are a big sports fan but I don't need NFL Season ticket or whatever they call it. Dish looks to be about the same in HD otherwise and maybe a bit cheaper and I have heard they have good DVRs. Any comments?

Harry

Harry

We have charter 16m internet and unlimited telephone for $99 month no promos, DirecTV for $79/ month no promos, HD, every channel but sports packages and premiums. DirecTV's PQ is better than charters and Dish for HD.

The thing about DSL is that you get the speed ... cable you occasionally get the speed. I don't know what application requires higher speeds (and they do have them depending on area), but I felt that 1.5 DSL was faster than 5 Cable.With ATT, you can create their bundle ... DirecTV is affiliated. So even with Charter internet you can use cell, landline, and DTV to get a package quoted. I'd give some thought to DSL.

In my "Greer" neighborhood, Sprint and ATT are both almost non-players. Signals are terrible. There is a tower planned and in zoning neverland to help that ... people think signals don't need antennas, at least not where they can see them. Do you want to give a general area (if known) for locals to comment. For reference, I'm at the corner of South Batesville and Old Spartanburg/Hammett Bridge, Greenville county.


Gbynum, I would never accuse you of working for one of the DSL providers (nor for Charter, for that matter), but what you state about almost never getting the full stated speed with cable hasn't been my usual experience.

While I will say that much of the time, when I do large downloads with my Charter cable connection I get roughly half to two-thirds of my full 10 Mbps, on some of the better, i.e. faster websites, and other websites that have technology employed that ensures fast downloads, I get the full 10 Mbps, and sometimes a bit more... As an example, back in December and part of January I had subscribed to a movie service that allowed me to download high-definition movies and used the property that forces your service provider to give you full-speed downloads. I could download a 4.5 GB, 90-minute 720P movie in about 65 minutes, or so... Near the end of the month, when I had a lot of download room left, I actually cued up a couple days' worth of downloads and my cable modem was in continual download mode at roughly 10.3 Mbps for almost 2 days straight -- even as my computer was playing some of those movies -- and this is a more-than-two-years-old Core 2 duo e6600 system, so it didn't take some "supercomputer" to handle that (although I did upgrade my RAM from 4 GB of 667 Mhz to 4 GB of 800 Mhz and my video card to a 512 MB 9800 GT AND my power supply to 500 watts before I got into this level of doing "stuff"). I had also added an LG Blu-Ray writer about the same time, but that really didn't come into play, at all in all the downloading and whatnot, although it played a big part in my decision to do all the other upgrades.

Also, AT&T has already enacted monthly download limits (I'm not sure whether they just stop allowing transmission after those limits or start charging by the GB after that, but the limits are pretty LOW, considering current broadband usage trends). Thus far, Charter hasn't done that here (although I'm really not holding my breath).

At this point, as truly fed up as I am with Charter, I'd still pick them for internet service, given a choice between them and DSL.
Jeff

New HD channel coming next week, but it's not one of the big ones unfortunately. MLB Network HD will be added in the Upstate on April 1st on Channel 717.

Also, Channel 788 should begin correcting itself in the guide to WNTVDT instead of WNTVDT3 this week. I was able to get in touch with someone at Tribune to get that corrected and it was just done on their end today.

Gbynum, I would never accuse you of working for one of the DSL providers (nor for Charter, for that matter), but what you state about almost never getting the full stated speed with cable hasn't been my usual experience.Thanks, I certainly don't work for either ... am a fluid power guy.
Also, AT&T has already enacted monthly download limits (I'm not sure whether they just stop allowing transmission after those limits or start charging by the GB after that, but the limits are pretty LOW, considering current broadband usage trends). Thus far, Charter hasn't done that here (although I'm really not holding my breath).

At this point, as truly fed up as I am with Charter, I'd still pick them for internet service, given a choice between them and DSL.
JeffI understand your point, especially if download limits exist ... I've not seen that, but have from Charter on DSLReports for SOME locations, maybe ... facts are thin.

I used BellSouth DSL for 6 years before moving about 5 miles and it not being available. It was not down more than 5 minutes in those years. In the 3 years I've had charter, it has probalby been down a month. I have the basic 5meg, and not infrequently will see downloads from one site I use regularly fall below 1 mbps. Most of the time, I do see 4-5 mbps. After the initial problems with Charter telephone, I don't think I've been cut off in the middle of a call more than once a month or so. Since I first had phone service in my name in 1969, I cannot remember a single time my Southern Bell (later BellSouth) interrupted a call. The 1st 6 months I had Charter phone, I was afraid of a divorce as often as my wife got cut off. I went without phone for over 2 days 3 times in the 1st year. Charter didn't care. (ATT may not care now, either).

Who do I like? Well, I've been a cell customer of Alltel and 2 preceding companies who are now Alltel ... 13 or 14 years. SUPERB service and customer service. Now Verizon owns them, and I expect costs to rise, service to remain as is or slightly improve, and customer service to fall. I'm a firm believer in companies doing what makes them money, however, and just hope it isn't too painful. If they don't profit, they cannot survive.

New HD channel coming next week, but it's not one of the big ones unfortunately. MLB Network HD will be added in the Upstate on April 1st on Channel 717.

It's good at least. I wondered why it wasn't added to begin with since most cable companies added both at the same time. However, at least it is here for the MLB season. Now, if only Charter would add some real HD channels (USA, SciFi, etc).

It's good at least. I wondered why it wasn't added to begin with since most cable companies added both at the same time. However, at least it is here for the MLB season. Now, if only Charter would add some real HD channels (USA, SciFi, etc).
Yeah, I agree on both parts. The only show I watched on Sci-Fi ended this past Friday but I keep hoping we'll get USA HD before the summer. I think USA and Comedy Central are the only two of my frequently watched channels we don't have in HD yet.

The only one Charter had in HD I just noticed DISH doesn't have in HD yet that I care about having in HD is FX. I actually watch a few shows on FX (sometimes more than PsiPhi). BUT I'm getting better SD quality on pretty much all my SD channels than I was with Charter... ALL of them... So even if I do miss one or two I was getting in HD with Charter, I'm getting so many more I wasn't getting in HD -- including WAY MORE Pay channels (like ALL the HBOs and Cinemaxes, for instance), that missing just FX is NOT worth complaining about... I figure it will be added soon enough.
Jeff

New HD channel coming next week, but it's not one of the big ones unfortunately. MLB Network HD will be added in the Upstate on April 1st on Channel 717.


I'm guessing by your saying Upstate SC, this means that Western NC will not be getting this channel? Details, I say, details! :eek: Regardless, thanks for the update, CharterJosh!

For the WMYA-HD viewers (mostly OTA), News13 will begin broadcasting "My40 This Morning" Weekdays beginning on Monday, April 13th from 7 a.m.- 8.a.m. It's yet another newscast entry that'll be joining the already saturated field alongside FOX Carolina and WSPA's morning newser on The CW.

Hello everyone. I'm probably moving to Greenville soon, with plans to live in town. I live in Birmingham right now and have DirecTV and an-attic mounted antenna that lets me pick up all the locals in HD. Would appreciate any information anyone wants to offer on the local Greenville channels, such as whether the local affilliates broadcast in accordance their national parent's resolution (FOX=720p, NBC=1080i, etc) and what is the state of sub-channels for each network. Also helpful is any information along the lines of "Station X is impossible to pick up without an outdoor antenna", etc. I plan to use DirecTV again, so I know I can get FOX, ABC, NBC, and CBS that way, but I still like to get OTA. OTA is also nice when you first move and the dish installer's appointment is 10 days away.

One more thing - since trees can be a problem in Greenville, I would imagine, just as they are in Birmingham, if I can't get DirecTV, can anyone tell me if AT&T has rolled out U-Verse there? The website indicates they have, but I usually don't trust corporate websites for reliable information of this sort.

Thanks a lot. If I move there, I will probably be lurking around this thread a lot more.

You can get all local affiliates OTA per network specs with a good set of rabbit ears, except possibly ABC, as it comes from Asheville. You should have no trouble getting that one with an outdoor antenna. NBC, CBS and FOX have weather sub-channels. PBS, WB and CW also come in fine OTA.

We're all out of luck regarding u-verse. HERE's (http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20090205/NEWS01/90205014/0/NEWS06)the scoop.

Been busy watching TV all night, so it took me a while to get through even that brief article on AT&T article about the rollout of U-Verse in the Upstate.

Although I literally despise AT&T (LOVED BellSouth, but have had serious issues with AT&T since they slammed me with LD member charges for YEARS on my BellSouth bill when I didn't even have them as a carrier -- had actually just used some trumped-up reason to put me "in their system" without my approval and were charging me a $5.95 monthly "member fee" or something like that)... The bill was complicated enough that it took me a long time to figure out what was going on, but when I finally did, I had a three-way conference call between BellSouth and AT&T and the BellSouth operator had them pay me BACK, retroactively, every cent they had charged me... I was SICK when they bought back BellSouth.

All that SAID, based on what U-Verse looks like, I'd jump on it faster than a rabbit on a carrot if it were available here, and looked long and hard to make sure it wasn't either here, or coming soon, before I made the DISH jump, so while I'm sad for everyone else that it looks like 2 more years before we get U-Verse, now (and I see no legitimate reason for AT&T to drag its heels that long), I'm frankly happy for me that I won't have to sit here drooling, waiting all that time for my 2 year contract with DISH to expire, because, TRUST ME, I WILL JUMP on U-Verse FASTER than that rabbit on that carrot! The ONLY jump I'd make faster would be to Verizon FIOS, but I'm almost positive we won't be seeing that.
Jeff

Also, Channel 788 should begin correcting itself in the guide to WNTVDT instead of WNTVDT3 this week. I was able to get in touch with someone at Tribune to get that corrected and it was just done on their end today.

Thanks. Tribune has updated 788 to the correct lineup today.

...based on what U-Verse looks like, I'd jump on it faster than a rabbit on a carrot if it were available here...
I've got D* and AT&T DSL and would switch to u-verse in a heartbeat. It's not a good fit if you have a lot of TVs, since it can only stream a few HD channels at a time. But it would work fine for me and will likely be a good bit cheaper. Although D* is way ahead of charter with HD channels and HD picture quality, they're really dragging their feet lately, not carrying several that they should have picked up by now. That and the endless price increases and lousy SD picture quality.

Hurry up u-verse!

Patiently waiting in Greenville...

I've got D* and AT&T DSL and would switch to u-verse in a heartbeat. It's not a good fit if you have a lot of TVs, since it can only stream a few HD channels at a time. But it would work fine for me and will likely be a good bit cheaper. Although D* is way ahead of charter with HD channels and HD picture quality, they're really dragging their feet lately, not carrying several that they should have picked up by now. That and the endless price increases and lousy SD picture quality.


The biggest reason to use U-verse will be the high speed internet. Until we have uverse, nothing will compare to the speeds Charter can offer.

The biggest reason to use U-verse will be the high speed internet. Until we have uverse, nothing will compare to the speeds Charter can offer.

*Charter -- soon to be known at Comcast... or Time-Warner... or some OTHER moniker to be named later. :eek:

Hi JeffAHayes,

I'm very surprised that you hadn't noticed the tagline sooner. :-) I've had a variation of it up for the past year or so(?). I hope that your experience with satellite fares better than what you've had to deal with from Charter. If I could switch to D* or E* for more HD, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Until I move to a different part of Buncombe County, cut down the landlord's trees or physically move mountains, I'm stuck with Charter. cedarwood3b would be very happy with you right about now! ;-)

I haven't seen any Comcast commercials yet. If anything, I've seen the "Get More, Save More" commercials that Charter has been running at nauseum over the past month or so(?). The rumor has been going around that TWC (Time-Warner) would be a fit for buying the Charter Markets in Upstate SC/Western NC if they were ever put up for sale. However, it is only rumor.

Good luck with satellite and let us know your experience with it!

cedarwood 3b really happy for another convert.....dump the charter (if you can)

Well, for one thing, right now I'm watching "Smallville" on the CW on DISH... while there is a bit of pixellation during some of the motion scenes, overall the PQ is FAR SUPERIOR on ALL the SD channels than what I was getting via Charter -- particularly the ones in the lower numbers, such as the normal broadcast channels, which were quite often full of squiggly lines and whatnot prior to Feb. 17 and were still subpar even after that.

The opening scene of "Smallville," which was an "establishing shot" of Metropolis at night, almost looked HD, at first -- the colors were great! I figure it's only a matter of time before they add these other broadcast channels in HD, as well as FX and the few other cable channels they don't currently carry... If not, well, U-Verse is supposed to be here in about 2 years, just in time for me to be eligible to leave my contract, lol.
Jeff

Yeah, I agree on both parts. The only show I watched on Sci-Fi ended this past Friday but I keep hoping we'll get USA HD before the summer. I think USA and Comedy Central are the only two of my frequently watched channels we don't have in HD yet.

A fellow BSG fan :)

Was hoping we'd get SciFiHD before the end of the series, but it looks like will be out in BluRay later this year.

A fellow BSG fan :)

Was hoping we'd get SciFiHD before the end of the series, but it looks like will be out in BluRay later this year.

Oddly none of BSG appears to be out in Blu-Ray yet, although the at least one earlier seasons is still available in HD-DVD (someone on the BSG, Season 4 thread on this forum mentioned that the first 3 seasons were available for low dollars at Amazon.com, and while I was there I went through every single page they had for BSG and looked at ALL they had for them).

I'm thinking they're either waiting until all (or as many as possible) of the previously released HD-DVDs sell, OR until the entire series finished to "do the Blu-Ray thing." At any rate, with the DVDs at such low prices (and you can download most entire series at DVD quality for even less -- playable for as long as you want on your PC and I BELIEVE burnable to DVD when you want (I downloaded Razer like that for $5, vs. $12 to order the DVD). I'm considering just downloading the entire series, rather than buying the discs, since I have LOADS of hard drive space and a 24" 1920 x 1200 HD monitor with a pretty darned good Logitech surround sound system on the computer... Even if I CAN'T ever play them anywhere but on the computer, I'll be OK with that at greatly reduced prices, I think...

I probably also need to get back to Amazon and make sure the prices haven't ESCALATED since the series ended, lol.
Jeff

I'm guessing by your saying Upstate SC, this means that Western NC will not be getting this channel? Details, I say, details! :eek: Regardless, thanks for the update, CharterJosh!
Well, the info I got only mentioned the Upstate SC area, but if I remember correctly this isn't the first time that's happened and the channel ended up rolling out in NC at the same time. I can't think of a reason that it wouldn't to be honest, but I guess we'll have to wait until Wednesday to find out for sure.

Thanks. Tribune has updated 788 to the correct lineup today.
Good to hear, sorry it took so long. :)

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Charter-files-for-prearranged-apf-14766215.html

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Charter-files-for-prearranged-apf-14766215.html

It really means very little to Charter customers in the short term. Fixing their debt is a good thing.

Sorry I haven't been around lately as I've been busy with other things. Just to update I finally took the leap for D* after just having OTA reception for the past couple of years after having FamilyView CableVision and Charter previous to that, before that I had DISH sat tv and loved it but due to topographic & tree issues I couldn't keep it.

I now remember why I missed satellite tv so much after losing access to it. The cable offerings were fair to poor and picture quality and outages were fairly frequent. FamilyView was alright except for having terrible picture quality and reception on C SPAN (very often watched). and they NEVER fixed that problem. Charter was awful too many problems to mention them all and customer service was terrible.

With D* I get superior pic and customer service with no outage problems or signal issues that I had with OTA DTV reception.

For the next yr I get over 200 channels for 24.95/mo and after that for just 34.95 mo with AAA auto club discounts. They even threw in three months of multichannel STARZ/Encore/SHO/TMC/HBO for FREE. Great deal!!!!!

I don't know how anyone would put up with cable unless you can't get a decent line of sight for the sat dish.

I think you get a get deal and service with either EchoStar or D*, just pick the one that suits you best.

*Charter -- soon to be known at Comcast... or Time-Warner... or some OTHER moniker to be named later. :eek:

We'll have to wait and see if the fat lady sings and either Comcast or TWC make a run for Charter's systems. She's sung before in other Charter Markets (i.e. Great Lakes area, WV, etc.), so it wouldn't be a surprise here.

Well, the info I got only mentioned the Upstate SC area, but if I remember correctly this isn't the first time that's happened and the channel ended up rolling out in NC at the same time. I can't think of a reason that it wouldn't to be honest, but I guess we'll have to wait until Wednesday to find out for sure.

Yeah, that does seem to be the case when these new HD adds occur. The only ones that I think we haven't gotten here are the Pro Sports Season Passes (maybe we got NFL, maybe not?) and Mojo (pre-demise). Thanks for the follow-up!

Fixing their debt is a good thing.Mine is a business comment, not political ... IMO, using legal tools to get out of lawfully and willfully entered contracts because you no longer like the terms is the root cause of where our economy is today. Charter and the rest of the world needs to accept responsibility for what we do! Until we do, things will have a devil of a time getting better.

The people are bailing out those who made mistakes in their risk assessment; the ones who luckily or via greater intelligence benefited from other risks are now being penalized.

OK, off my soapbox. Sorry. Charter investors, I'm sorry for you, but that doesn't mean that your poor decisions are my responsibility. I made enough of my own ...

Leaving a message for Doug at WYFF.


Doug

Want to mention that WeatherPlus 4.2 has some major issues with the radar map loops completely freezing and not working at all. Time lapse clock works but radar screen shots are frozen from hours before.

I actually DO watch this channel quite often as it is a good source of live time info and radar, but when the maps are constantly down it is frustrating.

Hopefully you can inform the proper people that maintain the system Doug.

Thanks,

Bill

While we are making requests for Doug at WYFF, I have one. Can we get the entire episode of Chuck in HD this week? The last two weeks have messed up at almost the same time in the show and shown it in SD.

Jeff,

My theory, and advice should anyone care to listen, is to think twice before communicating those thoughts. At 2:15 in the morning I might think 3 or 4 times before communicating.

Respectfully,
You neighbor in eastern Simpsonville

anyone else seen thier TVGOS data not come in the past few days?

Leaving a message for Doug at WYFF.


Doug

Want to mention that WeatherPlus 4.2 has some major issues with the radar map loops completely freezing and not working at all. Time lapse clock works but radar screen shots are frozen from hours before.

I actually DO watch this channel quite often as it is a good source of live time info and radar, but when the maps are constantly down it is frustrating.

Hopefully you can inform the proper people that maintain the system Doug.

Thanks,

Bill

Thanks for the "heads-up". I'll pass this on to the Weather Plus producer.

While we are making requests for Doug at WYFF, I have one. Can we get the entire episode of Chuck in HD this week? The last two weeks have messed up at almost the same time in the show and shown it in SD.

I share your frustration. I'm working on a project that will eliminate this problem once and for all. I hope to have this in place by the first of May.

Unfortunately, the only way to get the full episode in HD is if NBC reruns it. Sorry.

I have a theory about TV station "engineers," guys, based on what generally seems to happen when things go wrong with the TV signal while we're watching one of our favorite shows...

We're in the middle of "Chuck," or "Lost" or "Fringe" or "The Mentalist," just to be fair and spread this around -- and suddenly -- WHOOP, there it is, the show is all hinky, we lose HD, or worse, the sound goes out, the picture freezes, or something similar happens... Five minutes later, or so, it FINALLY gets fixed and voila, we've missed FIVE MINUTES of the show -- usually right at a pivotal moment.

My theory is that once the "engineers" get each show going, they go outside to smoke a joint, or something, or essentially do pretty much anything but WATCH what's on the screen to make sure the viewers are getting the signal they're supposed to be. I'm not saying this is all "engineers" or all the time... But I have suspicions I'm right at least part of the time -- maybe not about "the joint," but they're goofing off somehow... Not pointing a finger at anyone. I'm sure some of them work their fingers to the bone. But I know people, and I know some folks will do what they can get away with...

You haven't worked in broadcasting before have you?

I have a theory about TV station "engineers,"

And that is all it is since you have no idea what you are talking about.

I have a theory about TV station "engineers," guys, based on what generally seems to happen when things go wrong with the TV signal while we're watching one of our favorite shows...

We're in the middle of "Chuck," or "Lost" or "Fringe" or "The Mentalist," just to be fair and spread this around -- and suddenly -- WHOOP, there it is, the show is all hinky, we lose HD, or worse, the sound goes out, the picture freezes, or something similar happens... Five minutes later, or so, it FINALLY gets fixed and voila, we've missed FIVE MINUTES of the show -- usually right at a pivotal moment.

The issue with WYFF has nothing to do with sound/pictures freezes/etc. Their equipment setup doesn't allow them to always select the HD video automatically. It is hardly a case of someone not doing their job.

I have a slightly off topic question if you don't mind. Before the age of satellites, how did the networks distribute their feeds to the local affiliates?

OK, I deleted my last post before the Television Engineers of America build a bonfire at my door. :eek:

It's just built up frustration from years of sitting and wondering who's "asleep at the wheel" every time there's no show for several minutes. For all I know, in every single case, every person on staff was running around frantically addressing whatever caused the problem -- IF it was even something at the local level... Of course then there was the true story of the engineers at a public TV station once who accidentally put the porn tape they were going to watch when things were "slow" in the cart to play during live time for "Bert & Ernie," and it ended up on live air, so I know these things aren't unheard-of.

Again, that may have been the only case, ever, of such shenanigans. If it hasn't been reported, I won't say it's happened.

As to how the networks transmitted their signals to TV stations prior to satellites, Foxeng, you're right, I've never worked for TV, very briefly for radio, but from what little I know, I believe it was all done over telephone lines. Tell me if I'm wrong.
Jeff

Northland Cable in Seneca/Clemson has changed their QAM line-up...

63-3: WHNS-DT HD
63-4: WHNS-DT2 Weather (SD)
63-11: WSPA-DT1 HD
63-12: WSPA-DT2 Weather (SD)
64 and 64-1: WYFF-DT1 HD
64-2: WNTV-DT2 SC Channel (SD)
65-1: ESPN HD
65-12: NFL Network HD
67-1: WLOS-DT1 HD
67-2: Outdoor HD
68-1: C-SPAN (SD)
68-22: C-SPAN2 (SD)
71-1: Food HD
71-2: HGTV HD
72-1: Golf HD
72-2: Versus HD
73-2: ESPNU HD

I was amazed to see ESPNU HD added to the line-up, it's not even available on Directv...yet. Overall, the line-up is okay for QAM offerings, but Northland really needs to add SCETV HD (WNTV-DT1), which shouldn't be an issue since they are currently passing-through the SC Channel DT2. It's a little dumb in my opinion for them to pass the SC Channel (which is SD material 24/7), when that QAM slot could pass HD content from WNTV-DT1.

It would also be nice to see them add WMYA-DT1 and WYCW-DT1, but I'd vote for WMYA well before WYCW as My40 seems to have the most interesting HD content for their viewing area (Clemson)...Raycom games in HD.

Northland has also finally added ESPNU SD (after years of requests by many in the community) to their normal analog line-up, pushing C-SPAN to QAM.

Northland is making some progress...but they really need to add WNTV-DT1 and WMYA-DT1. I called about CableCARDs a few weeks ago and they were reportedly "in testing" and "should be available very soon".


I just re-scanned Northland in Greenwood and we have no changes or additions. Higher fees, yes...more channels, 'fraid not.

I have a slightly off topic question if you don't mind. Before the age of satellites, how did the networks distribute their feeds to the local affiliates?

It was fed via microwave links that were called "telephone lines" because AT&T owned much of the distribution network but actually either the stations owned (small number) , the networks owned (even smaller number) or leased from AT&T (the vast majority). The middle 80's is when the networks switched to satellite distribution. In my own stations case during the ABC days, we were on an AT&T link that ran from WRAL (later WTVD) to us, then to WSOC. I am not sure if it branched off there to Columbia and to WSPA or if it came a different route to WSPA. We had network retrans agreements with WRAL and WSOC if the microwave links went down during network, which in those days, it did a lot. What that meant was say if the link between us and WRAL went down, we had to rebroadcast their off air signal for network and then WSOC had to rebroadcast our off air network signal until either the link came back up or the signal was rerouted via a different microwave path. That is why you saw "network difficulty" slides so much in those days and after satellite you hardly ever see them now. As a matter of act, I don't think we even have a "trouble slide" anymore. We very rarely have issues like that anymore. If we have a full outage of programming now, very rare, we just put up a full screen station logo graphic. Usually an outage like that is measured in seconds now, not minutes as in the old microwave days.

It's just built up frustration from years of sitting and wondering who's "asleep at the wheel" every time there's no show for several minutes. For all I know, in every single case, every person on staff was running around frantically addressing whatever caused the problem -- IF it was even something at the local level... Of course then there was the true story of the engineers at a public TV station once who accidentally put the porn tape they were going to watch when things were "slow" in the cart to play during live time for "Bert & Ernie," and it ended up on live air, so I know these things aren't unheard-of.

Back "in the day" when satellite distribution came out, yeah, I think just about every station had a "porn show" so to speak. My station did. But in those days, you had a real human sitting there pushing buttons. Now a days, it is all automated with unattended Master Control's as the operators are busy with other work such as either dubbing or copying programs or commercials into the playback servers for on air playback at a later time. So if something bad happens, it may take a few minutes for it to be realized and corrected. That is a down side. What is happening even more are centralized master control hubs where several stations are controlled out of one station somewhere else so if something happens locally, no one may know for a long time since no one locally is paying attention. That is called "efficiency of scale" and you are seeing more and more of that in this economy as stations try to cut costs to stay in business. Now that IS a real down side. As a real life case, WHNS there just switched to hubbed master control from their sister station in Atlanta. There is no local switching down at WHNS now. It is all done from Atlanta.

As far as switching HD in and out, I think as we go forward with only digital, that will cease to be an issue since stations are converting master controls to full HD. In the past, with two paths, one SD and one HD, the automation had to be programed to switch in the HD feed for the digital path without effecting the SD path. If Traffic didn't get the word a program was in HD or the switch field wasn't checked, the show didn't get switched in HD. The automation doesn't know or care. It is just a computer that does what it is told to do.

TV today is MUCH more complicated that it ever was even though it has been simplified. And even though the physical number of moving parts in a TV station have been reduced, the virtual number of moving parts has increased tremendously through automation of the different processes and one little issue in one step along the way can now take you off the air. It all has to run perfectly all the time, which of course never happens. But that is what it takes to make TV these days.

Okay, I have another question I hope you all can help me with. At some point I expect to be a contributor rather than just a questioner but...

I am looking for a custom installer in the area. The townhouse that I am moving to has this "wonderful" niche above the fireplace where I am supposed to stick my TV. The location is right for the room but there is no way to put a decent size TV in there along with a Sat box, a blu ray player, etc. It was a dumb design back in 2004 or so and even dumber now. I am looking for someone to fill the niche, mount a 50 inch or so flat screen (I have to check spaces to figure out what I will get), run an HDMI cable thru the wall, move the coax outlet down lower to that I can hook it to the sat box, run some speaker wire up and mount some surround speakers around the TV and then run some wire for the two back surround speakers. When done, all this must look like it was the way the place was built. I am sure there are a few more details I am forgeting but... Also there might be some work in a couple of other rooms but I have to see the place empty and then with our furniture to figure out what we are going to do in them.

So in any case, I am looking for recommendations or at least pointers to people who seem to have done a good job on this type of work.

As always, thanks for your help.

Harry

Okay, I have another question I hope you all can help me with. At some point I expect to be a contributor rather than just a questioner but...

I am looking for a custom installer in the area. The townhouse that I am moving to has this "wonderful" niche above the fireplace where I am supposed to stick my TV. The location is right for the room but there is no way to put a decent size TV in there along with a Sat box, a blu ray player, etc. It was a dumb design back in 2004 or so and even dumber now. I am looking for someone to fill the niche, mount a 50 inch or so flat screen (I have to check spaces to figure out what I will get), run an HDMI cable thru the wall, move the coax outlet down lower to that I can hook it to the sat box, run some speaker wire up and mount some surround speakers around the TV and then run some wire for the two back surround speakers. When done, all this must look like it was the way the place was built. I am sure there are a few more details I am forgeting but... Also there might be some work in a couple of other rooms but I have to see the place empty and then with our furniture to figure out what we are going to do in them.

So in any case, I am looking for recommendations or at least pointers to people who seem to have done a good job on this type of work.

As always, thanks for your help.

Harry

American Eagle here in the Anderson did an awsome job doing the wiring for me two years ago: HDMI, TOSLINK, COMPONENT and cable TV from media rack to 50" plasma above fireplace. All surround sound wiring, CAT 5 from office to media rack for xbox and even mounted my TV! All very clean with great connectors and zero problems in 2 years. I supplied the TV mount and some of the cables I already owned..... I think I paid 900 for labor and some of the materials. Only took a couple of hours. The owner is Travis...... try Google to find Am.Eagle.

TV today is MUCH more complicated that it ever was even though it has been simplified. And even though the physical number of moving parts in a TV station have been reduced, the virtual number of moving parts has increased tremendously through automation of the different processes and one little issue in one step along the way can now take you off the air. It all has to run perfectly all the time, which of course never happens. But that is what it takes to make TV these days.

The move from analog to digital, and particularly to HD, has tremendously increased complexity and added numerous single points of failure if you don't have the resources to purchase two of everything. In the analog days, you could take the output of an analog camera and connect it directly to the input of your transmitter with a single coax cable. That's not even remotely possible with DTV. You must have an mpeg encoder to compress the video into a 19.392658 Mbps digital stream that can be transmitted. If you have subchannels you must have additional encoders and a multiplexer too. You must also include virtual channel information usually provided by the PSIP generator (another computer). The loss of virtual channel information can prevent some receivers from decoding the signal. So everything can be perfect with the exception of a very small portion of data and you will get no picture.

As foxeng stated, automation is a double-edged sword. It has numerous advantages but now allows the operator whose sole responsibility was to monitor the air signal to do other tasks. As with any task that is automated or computer controlled, when it works it's a marvel. When it doesn't work, it's a catastrophe. The contrast wasn't nearly as dramatic when we operated "manually".

Broadcasting is a somewhat unique "manufacturing" environment, if you will. When our "production line" stops, thousands of people know instantly. When your computer locks up, only you are affected. When one of my computers locks up, thousands can be affected.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to make excuses. I'm not always happy with the quality of our switching and as stated in a previous post, we're working on a solution to improve that situation. Unfortunately it takes time and money. Both of which are in short supply these days.

Ahem... "Economies of scale," GSP Fox signal managed out of Atlanta affiliate, Possibly one person managing multiple feeds for multiple different stations from one, potentially remote location...

OK, I REALLY feel for that situation -- for those of you attempting to manage that and "keep it all together." In THAT CASE, you're all doing a terriffic job! :o

Geesh, all this computerized "simplification" really has complicated things, huh?
Jeff

Ahem... "Economies of scale," GSP Fox signal managed out of Atlanta affiliate, Possibly one person managing multiple feeds for multiple different stations from one, potentially remote location...

OK, I REALLY feel for that situation -- for those of you attempting to manage that and "keep it all together." In THAT CASE, you're all doing a terriffic job! :o

Geesh, all this computerized "simplification" really has complicated things, huh?
Jeff

To be fair, Fox has a much better distribution system that the other major networks. The only issue with WHNS is the picture quality of their local analog content is not even watchable. Luckily, they aren't able to screw with the network content so at least the primetime programs are unaffected.

What channels come in 'easy' in Anderson (just north of the City)?

By easy I mean: simple indoor antenna and not a roof top.

thanks! Kevin

Back "in the day" when satellite distribution came out, yeah, I think just about every station had a "porn show" so to speak.

Sometime in the 1990s my college had an incident of this sort. Our media center was (maybe still is) the feed site for our town's local-access cable TV channel. One of the Spanish professors often used the media center to convert VHS tapes from PAL to NTSC. One night he popped in a tape that he had received from a friend in Spain, and a blank tape, started the conversion process, and went off to do something else until it finished. Pretty soon the switchboard lit up at City Hall about porn on the cable channel. There was a front-page article in the local paper with a picture of the poor guy being led from his apartment in handcuffs. It probably also made the news on WSPA and WYFF. He swore he had had no idea what was on the tape. (Of course, the output to cable shouldn't have been left "live" to begin with.) I don't remember how the court case turned out, but the college did fire him pretty quickly, and he had to move elsewhere to find a new job.

jtbell: do you expect your digital channels to come in better/stronger after the analog gets shut off in June?

I expect to see a major improvement with 33.x, WUNF-DT in Asheville, which shares RF channel 25 with analog WOLO out of Columbia. Right now I usually can't get 33.x at all in the evening, when the signal from Columbia becomes stronger because of tropospheric enhancement. During the day, reception is very erratic, with frequent breakups, unless I aim the antenna very carefully to put WOLO in a null.

Similarly, 21.x, WHNS-DT, now shares RF channel 57 with analog WACH out of Columbia, but the effect is pretty small in this case.

I've already noticed an improvement on 16.x, WGGS-DT, since SCETV shut down its analog 35 in Columbia. And I can now get 6.x, WJBF-DT in Augusta, fairly often in the evening, since WTVI in Charlotte shut down its analog 42. Similarly for 26.x, WAGT-DT in Augusta, although not as often, since SCETV shut down analog 30 in Rock Hill.

MLB HD is on 717 as of today. Tribune's guide data updated to include the channel as well.

I know this isn't a tv repair forum, but most of you know a lot about TV's. Is there a place around Clemson/Greenville for t.v. repair? My Westinghouse just went out on me and I have a feeling it is the mainboard because my led light is purple.

Anyway, just thought maybe I could get some help on some shops. Thanks

MLB HD is on 717 as of today. Tribune's guide data updated to include the channel as well.

Same in Asheville, as well. Thanks for the remind, rrainwater.

Charter in Minnesota has added Sci Fi HD and USA HD. Hopefully, that means it will be rolled out in Upstate SC sometime soon.

With Charter in bankruptcy, I wouldn't be holding my breath for anything new for the immediate future... Then again, who knows? Chapter 11 is "reorganization" bankruptcy, and it tends to either make or break a company that's struggling... After what they did to my TV rates at the first of the year, with no channel additions, they broke my service, lol.

Still happy with DISH, so far.
Jeff

I just did a little "reorganizing" with Charter by dumping their sorry butts and switching to Dish. Years of abuse had piled up until it was finally to much.

Charter has to be the worst run, most incompetently staffed "business" in America. They deserve to go down in flames. Why didn't I do this sooner?

Well, StrangeCock, considering they haven't (YET) put download caps on their broadband service, while Comcast, AT&T and Time Warner all have (Time Warner is implementing a 40 GB/month cap for their TOP TIER of service!!! -- which some of us over on the Hot off the Press thread think is a deliberate attempt to "nip in the bud" the direct competition to their cable service from online content downloads from websites like Hulu.com and direct network downloads!) If anyone can prove that, I see an anti-trust lawsuit!

As I still have Charter's broadband service, so long as they don't follow suit with the download caps, THAT'S not going anywhere. But I fear that since none of the big broadband providers (Verizon aside) have spent much money on infrastructure upgrades in the past 10 years, download caps will only continue until and unless Congress and/or the FCC step into it.
Jeff

Well, StrangeCock, considering they haven't (YET) put download caps on their broadband service, while Comcast, AT&T and Time Warner all have (Time Warner is implementing a 40 GB/month cap for their TOP TIER of service!!! -- which some of us over on the Hot off the Press thread think is a deliberate attempt to "nip in the bud" the direct competition to their cable service from online content downloads from websites like Hulu.com and direct network downloads!) If anyone can prove that, I see an anti-trust lawsuit!

As I still have Charter's broadband service, so long as they don't follow suit with the download caps, THAT'S not going anywhere. But I fear that since none of the big broadband providers (Verizon aside) have spent much money on infrastructure upgrades in the past 10 years, download caps will only continue until and unless Congress and/or the FCC step into it.
Jeff

Charter has implemented download caps. I'm not sure if it has begun in the Upstate SC market yet however.

American Eagle here in the Anderson did an awsome job doing the wiring for me two years ago: HDMI, TOSLINK, COMPONENT and cable TV from media rack to 50" plasma above fireplace. All surround sound wiring, CAT 5 from office to media rack for xbox and even mounted my TV! All very clean with great connectors and zero problems in 2 years. I supplied the TV mount and some of the cables I already owned..... I think I paid 900 for labor and some of the materials. Only took a couple of hours. The owner is Travis...... try Google to find Am.Eagle.

Be very careful about mounting anything above the fireplace. Heat kills and plasma's run fairly hot.

To bring the topic flow over to some OTA for a second, has anyone noticed that the WYFF-4 Weather Plus Logos on their news set have been replaced with the Circle Logo 4 "Weather Center" Banner? It's usually shown with the camera shot of Goldsmith/Cogdill at the news desk looking towards Cessarich at the weather set (a 3-Shot?). If it's been there the whole time, apologies, but I just happened to notice this given the recent folding of NBC Weather Plus.

Be very careful about mounting anything above the fireplace. Heat kills and plasma's run fairly hot.

Yea, but I monitor it (living in SC means it isn't used very often, and short times when we do).

Thanks for the heads up tho!! ;)

Charter has implemented download caps. I'm not sure if it has begun in the Upstate SC market yet however.
Kind of. There are caps listed in the latest Acceptable Use Policy, but they aren't being enforced in any area right now to the best of my knowledge.

Not sure if anyone else had noticed this, but I did. Job posting for AT&T on CareerBuilder, Monster, Jobs.net, EmploymentGuide.com, Lycos, and others for the Greenville, SC market created on 4/1/2009:

Our Premises Technicians work both inside and outside and are responsible for the installation and customer care of the new U-verse integrated digital TV, high speed Internet and voice services.

Well, StrangeCock, considering they haven't (YET) put download caps on their broadband service, while Comcast, AT&T and Time Warner all have (Time Warner is implementing a 40 GB/month cap for their TOP TIER of service!!! -- which some of us over on the Hot off the Press thread think is a deliberate attempt to "nip in the bud" the direct competition to their cable service from online content downloads from websites like Hulu.com and direct network downloads!) If anyone can prove that, I see an anti-trust lawsuit!

As I still have Charter's broadband service, so long as they don't follow suit with the download caps, THAT'S not going anywhere. But I fear that since none of the big broadband providers (Verizon aside) have spent much money on infrastructure upgrades in the past 10 years, download caps will only continue until and unless Congress and/or the FCC step into it.
Jeff

Despite Charter's insistance to the contrary, they DO engage in packet sniffing. It's almost been enough to make me switch to DSL.

I've read the term before, clemsonfn, but nobody's ever exactly explained what "packet sniffing" is to my satisfaction. Can you do that? It sounds somehow nefarious.
Jeff

The only issue with WHNS is the picture quality of their local analog content is not even watchable. Luckily, they aren't able to screw with the network content so at least the primetime programs are unaffected.

Actually a couple of months ago I contacted the Chief Engineer at WHNS and described the poor video levels that plagued the local analog transmission.

Amazingly I received a response and the problem was corrected. The video levels are perfect now on analog SD local source (check out The Ten O Clock News)

The only remaining issue I noticed is that the pic is a bit softer (less sharpness) looking than it should be but otherwise it looks very good.

It looks like analog WUNF-33 (UNC-TV, Asheville) has stopped carrying TV Guide on Screen (TVGOS) data, as of sometime last week. On my analog-only Panasonic DVD recorder and analog/digital Sony HD DVRs, the program listings never extended past Monday (tomorrow) 3 AM. Also, as of yesterday, the "host channel" field in the diagnostic screens of all three units went blank.

I've checked all the Greenville-area digital stations with my Sony DVRs for "VBI packets" that carry digital TVGOS data, but couldn't find any.

Fortunately for me at least, WLTX-DT in Columbia is apparently carrying digital TVGOS data. I've had partial success so far in getting my Sonys to use it as their host channel.

I don't know what the general solution will be (if any) for the Greenville area, though.

Not sure if anyone else had noticed this, but I did. Job posting for AT&T on CareerBuilder, Monster, Jobs.net, EmploymentGuide.com, Lycos, and others for the Greenville, SC market created on 4/1/2009:Didn't want to quote myself, but rather use it as reference.

Anyway, I swear AT&T put up a VRAD at the corner of Woodruff Rd and Bennetts Bridge Rd overnight last night. I'm guessing that's what it is, and it sure wasn't there yesterday afternoon.

Hea ckeegan,

Duh! What's a VRAD?

I drive by there all the time as I live a half mile off Woodruff on Anderson Ridge Road. I have to look for it.

josrq

Hea ckeegan,

Duh! What's a VRAD?

I drive by there all the time as I live a half mile off Woodruff on Anderson Ridge Road. I have to look for it.

josrq

Check out this website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_ready_access_device

I live on a corner lot (not just a corner -- the corner of Stribling Circle and Stribling Circle -- right where the circle starts and ends, so essentially the apex of the whole neighborhood) -- an IDEAL spot for one of those VRAD "refrigerator boxes." Since the article and the link it lead to said AT&T sometimes PAYS customers to put one of those "refrigerator boxes" on their property, I'm willing and ready to let them know far in advance that I'm more than happy to be one of those property owners -- be sure to have the closest connection and get a discount on my broadband and TV to boot! ;)
Jeff

Thanks, Eddie39!

Will we ever have fss in hd? I want to see my braves in hd when playing on fss. :mad:

It looks like analog WUNF-33 (UNC-TV, Asheville) has stopped carrying TV Guide on Screen (TVGOS) data, as of sometime last week. On my analog-only Panasonic DVD recorder and analog/digital Sony HD DVRs, the program listings never extended past Monday (tomorrow) 3 AM. Also, as of yesterday, the "host channel" field in the diagnostic screens of all three units went blank.

I've checked all the Greenville-area digital stations with my Sony DVRs for "VBI packets" that carry digital TVGOS data, but couldn't find any.

Fortunately for me at least, WLTX-DT in Columbia is apparently carrying digital TVGOS data. I've had partial success so far in getting my Sonys to use it as their host channel.

I don't know what the general solution will be (if any) for the Greenville area, though.

Yes, this is TOTAL BS! Lucky for me, I got the TV Pack 2008 installed on my Vista PC, so I can now record QAM and watch it via WMC on my Xbox 360. But what about the other thousands of folks in the Greenville mkt that count on TVGOS?!?! Some guy in the forum devoted to TVGOS suggested a class action lawsuit. I have two TVs and the Sony HD DVR that use TVGOS, I may just have to join him!:mad:

Yes, this is TOTAL BS! Lucky for me, I got the TV Pack 2008 installed on my Vista PC, so I can now record QAM and watch it via WMC on my Xbox 360. But what about the other thousands of folks in the Greenville mkt that count on TVGOS?!?! Some guy in the forum devoted to TVGOS suggested a class action lawsuit. I have two TVs and the Sony HD DVR that use TVGOS, I may just have to join him!:mad:

Against who? WSPA for not signing a voluntary agreement to use part of their limited bandwidth for it? Macrovision for not being able to an agreement with another station before the transition? Your TV's manufacturer for selling you a TV with an optional feature that works only when service is available?

I'm sure Macrovision is working on a solution. I've heard they're attempting to work with SCETV to put something on the air with them. Be patient, their primary plan didn't pan out and now they're on to a backup plan. These things don't happen overnight.

- Trip

Against who? WSPA for not signing a voluntary agreement to use part of their limited bandwidth for it? Macrovision for not being able to an agreement with another station before the transition? Your TV's manufacturer for selling you a TV with an optional feature that works only when service is available?

I'm sure Macrovision is working on a solution. I've heard they're attempting to work with SCETV to put something on the air with them. Be patient, their primary plan didn't pan out and now they're on to a backup plan. These things don't happen overnight.

- Trip

I don't know, I think the guy at the TVGOS forum suggested going after the elec. manufactures that sold the devices with these features (TVGOS). If they fix it, great. If TVGOS starts to become non-existent in many markets, you have to agree he has a point......

I don't know, I think the guy at the TVGOS forum suggested going after the elec. manufactures that sold the devices with these features (TVGOS). If they fix it, great. If TVGOS starts to become non-existent in many markets, you have to agree he has a point......

So, you buy an HDTV but your local station is not showing HD, or you can't receive the HD signal, so you're going to sue the TV manufacturer?

I understand that TVGOS is a useful feature, but I don't see how suing the TV manufacturer makes anything better.

- Trip

So, you buy an HDTV but your local station is not showing HD, or you can't receive the HD signal, so you're going to sue the TV manufacturer?

I understand that TVGOS is a useful feature, but I don't see how suing the TV manufacturer makes anything better.

- Trip

That's not really apples to apples. Many people bought TVs, DVD players, DVRs, etc. precisely b/c they contained TVGOS - as an alternative to Tivo in many cases. Heck, the Sony HD DVR I own is simply junk w/o TVGOS service. If TVGOS does go away, I think this guy may have a point. But I'm no lawyer and I'm actually liking this WMC w/ QAM streaming to the living room xbox ;)

You can't sue anyone over this. You bought a service. Services come and go. Unless you have it in writing that TVGOS GUARANTEED service NO MATTER WHAT, no court in the US will even let you in the door.

You can't sue anyone over this. You bought a service. Services come and go. Unless you have it in writing that TVGOS GUARANTEED service NO MATTER WHAT, no court in the US will even let you in the door.

Geez, calm down Matlock. I'm not suing anyone. I just reported some dude in the TVGOS forum suggested a class action lawsuit if the service goes away.

The HD tv argument doesn't apply here: TVs still work w/o HD; but many pricey TVGOS devices will NOT function w/o the service.

My 100th post!!!
Yippie.
I want to thank everyone that made this possible.

Will we ever have fss in hd? I want to see my braves in hd when playing on fss. :mad:

I think we get that already. It's just not always on. They usually flip the switch when the Braves or Clemson is playing. Try channel 798.

MLB HD is on 717 as of today. Tribune's guide data updated to include the channel as well.

Ugh, we can get this but still no NFL network. :mad:

Ugh, we can get this but still no NFL network. :mad:

MLB didn't require it to be a part of the standard package. Unless the NFL allows their network to go on a sports tier, the major cable operators are not going to give in.

Will we ever have fss in hd? I want to see my braves in hd when playing on fss. :mad:

What is your provider? Charter provides PeachTree TV on 772 and FSN HD on 798. They will show most Braves games in HD this year. However, currently, there is no guide data for Braves games on those channels, so you will have to just try it when there is a Braves game on.

rrainwater, if you REALLY WANT your sports packages, switch to DirecTV.

My understanding is that not only do they have the best picture quality (aside from something like Verizon FIOS, which isn't available here, yet), they also have sports packs out the ying-yang, although they cost is fairly high.

DISH also offers more sports packs than Charter, I think (I just switched to DISH), but I really don't know, as sports isn't something I care that much about... Thank gawd, really, because if I was a sports nut ON TOP of being hooked on as many regular TV shows as I am, I don't know WHEN I'd sleep, lol!
Jeff

Be aware that DirecTV is not showing the Peachtree channel in HD outside of the Atlanta market. Presumably games on FSS would still be shown in HD, but the Peachtree games would still be in SD. I would imagine this would be the case even if you got MLB:EI since local games always take precedence.

-c

rrainwater, if you REALLY WANT your sports packages, switch to DirecTV.


I am aware of the sports packages the different providers provide. Due to where I live, I can not get Directv or Dish.

Geez, calm down Matlock. I'm not suing anyone. I just reported some dude in the TVGOS forum suggested a class action lawsuit if the service goes away.

Then why is it still being talking about it then?

Just for the record, working for a station that has TVGOS, we have nothing to do with it beyond them send us a vertical interval inserter and a phone modem that connects to a dial up line. Stations only provide the RF. TVGOS does everything else. So if you have a problem, you talk to TVGOS not the station. TVGOS is just renting spectrum from the station.

Ummmm, I'm supposed to be a bit of a computer and TV geek... That said, can someone please tell me what TVGOS is... I've never even heard of it.
Jeff

Ummmm, I'm supposed to be a bit of a computer and TV geek... That said, can someone please tell me what TVGOS is... I've never even heard of it.
Jeff

Ask and ye shall wiki.....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guide_Plus

;)

........ if you have a problem, you talk to TVGOS not the station. TVGOS is just renting spectrum from the station.

From http://digitaltransition.macrovision.com/digtrans.aspx

"Name Charter Communications, Inc. - Anderson.
Status - Known to be working.
Description - We have confirmed with your cable provider that you should receive TV Guide/Guide Plus+ listings after the digital transition. If you are not receiving listings or if your listings discontinue, please contact your cable provider for more information. " :eek:

OK, so GOS is just the onscreen guide that displays when you hit the "guide" button on your remote. I've been using either a cable box or now a DISH box for so long, now, that I'm not even familiar with (or aware of) issues with attempting to receive this information OTA using the built-in technology in the actual TVs (I'm certain at least my 2006 Samsung DLP has it -- it has LOTS of features I've never bothered to us -- I read the entire owner's manual more than 2 years ago, but I can't recall everything now, just that there was way more going on than I'd be using, lol).

I can see, however, how anyone not subscribing to either cable or one of the satellite services -- or even who is subscribing to one of them but still trying to get more OTA channels than either carries using an antenna (Charter, in particular, has a very limited OTA lineup), could be rather upset about having that feature -- especially if you paid extra for the TV primarily because it HAD that feature -- and then it not working with the OTA channels.

Right now we're having a big rain here -- "severe thunderstorms" forecast for the area, but right now it's just a lot of rain, and my satellite keeps going out -- at the moment it's checking Transponder 28 on Satellite 61.5, searching for a signal... Then again, 40 miles or so to the west they're having tornadoes at the moment, so it could be worse... TV's back now... We had big thunderboomers last night and never lost signal... A couple times after doing the search, it briefly said I could still get non-local channels, but before I could try, it started doing a satellite search again, lol.

I'm just being patient. I'll catch the shows I miss most of again on network or Hulu feeds -- until Charter starts charging by the Gigabyte, like TW is.
Jeff

I'm sure Macrovision is working on a solution. I've heard they're attempting to work with SCETV to put something on the air with them.

That's what I saw in the Columbia thread (as reported by someone who had talked with a Macrovision rep on the phone).

After reading about what's been happening with TVGOS in other markets (there's been a lot of talk about this in the thread about the Sony DVRs), and "interpolating" a bit, it appears that Macrovision let their contracts with their old host channels lapse, expecting that CBS stations would take on the job. But many CBS stations have declined to do it, so Macrovision had to look for other stations, and in some cases ended up returning to their old host channels. But it takes time for the dust to settle. The person in the Columbia thread said six weeks, as of a week or two ago. So maybe by the end of May we'll see something on SCETV.

The situation in Columbia is a bit strange. I have two Sony DVRs. One of them still has the channel lineup that it got from analog WUNF, and is filling in the program listings from WLTX-DT (provided I remember to aim my antenna that way overnight). I reset my other Sony and lost the old channel lineup, and it can't get a new lineup from WLTX-DT for some reason, so I have no program listings on that unit. It did get the proper clock setting, so I can schedule manual recordings if I need to.

This is in spite of a WLTX engineer telling someone that they're not carrying / going to carry TVGOS. Maybe they agreed to do it at first, then changed their minds after getting the TVGOS inserter box installed. Or Macrovision changed their minds because of the SCETV thing, because if SCETV takes on the job statewide, there's no reason for WLTX to do it any more.

This is a email I got back from TVGOS about the lost of guide when SCETV shut down their analog transmitters. Both CBS stations in my area are owned by the same company and will not at this time carry the guide. I got intouch with TVGOS about the problem.

Response (Todd Mogielnicki) - 04/10/2009 09:42 AM
We are in the process of getting State Wide coverage in South Carolina for TV Guide data. This should be complete in the next 2 months. Thank you for your patience.

Customer (External Caller (SCL1MAS1)) - 02/23/2009 12:32 PM
<<Avaya Modular Messaging>>

This is a email I got back from TVGOS about the lost of guide when SCETV shut down their analog transmitters. Both CBS stations in my area are owned by the same company and will not at this time carry the guide. I got intouch with TVGOS about the problem.

Response (Todd Mogielnicki) - 04/10/2009 09:42 AM
We are in the process of getting State Wide coverage in South Carolina for TV Guide data. This should be complete in the next 2 months. Thank you for your patience.

Customer (External Caller (SCL1MAS1)) - 02/23/2009 12:32 PM
<<Avaya Modular Messaging>>

Thanks for sharing Eddie. I will cut MVision a lil slack and see if my 3 devices work in 2 weeks.

This is in spite of a WLTX engineer telling someone that they're not carrying / going to carry TVGOS. Maybe they agreed to do it at first, then changed their minds after getting the TVGOS inserter box installed. Or Macrovision changed their minds because of the SCETV thing, because if SCETV takes on the job statewide, there's no reason for WLTX to do it any more.

Maybe someone can e-mail the WLTX folks again.

If they installed the gear at WLTX, I see no reason for them to pull it out. I know in at least one market there will be two digital TVGOS hosts because of a statewide PBS agreement that came after a local CBS station agreement. (If you're curious, go to my site and look for KNOE.)

- Trip

Thanks for sharing Eddie. I will cut MVision a lil slack and see if my 3 devices work in 2 weeks.

The email said two months not two weeks. Trip (rabbitears.info) email me saying he heard SCETV was going to start transmitting the guide again. Savannah and Charleston CBS stations owner wants to charge TVGOS for bandwidith and of course they don't want to pay.

The email said two months not two weeks. Trip (rabbitears.info) email me saying he heard SCETV was going to start transmitting the guide again. Savannah and Charleston CBS stations owner wants to charge TVGOS for bandwidith and of course they don't want to pay.

Doh! 2 months! Did Macrovision not have the foresight to work out agreements before the DIGITAL TRANSITION?! Maybe they should watch more TV, commercials describing the date come up every 5 minutes!

I have converted to using my PC as a DVR and extending to my 360. Media Ctr is MUCH better than TVGOS (both free) and the HD via QAM seems to be working fine.

I will watch the shows on the HD SONY DVR then probably sell it on ebay. For the LG tv's with built in TVGOS, well.... time will tell if those listings ever materialize again (my wife and kids are not happy!):mad:

THERE'S (http://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009904140360) another glimmer of hope on the U-verse front.

THERE'S (http://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009904140360) another glimmer of hope on the U-verse front.

Good, the sooner the better. I can see my VRAD from the house.

Certainly can't come too soon, although I'm now locked into a 2-year contract with DISH... I'll say this like the felons do... "I can do 2 years standing on my head," lol. Considering I'm in Spartanburg, and the rollout is happening in Greenville, first, we're probably looking at at least 2 years over here, anyway.

As for one of those comments someone posted below that article that U-verse would provide 12 Megabits, at best, with the wind at its back and your TV turned off, whoever said that is delusional, lol. I've looked into the packages U-Verse offers where it is available, and also read threads where people can get it, and it goes way faster than that.

I sincerely hope when U-Verse becomes available it puts a real hurting on Charter and finally brings some REAL competition to the local market!
Jeff

THERE'S (http://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009904140360) another glimmer of hope on the U-verse front.

Good, the sooner the better. I can see my VRAD from the house.

Certainly can't come too soon, although I'm now locked into a 2-year contract with DISH... I'll say this like the felons do... "I can do 2 years standing on my head," lol. Considering I'm in Spartanburg, and the rollout is happening in Greenville, first, we're probably looking at at least 2 years over here, anyway.

As for one of those comments someone posted below that article that U-verse would provide 12 Megabits, at best, with the wind at its back and your TV turned off, whoever said that is delusional, lol. I've looked into the packages U-Verse offers where it is available, and also read threads where people can get it, and it goes way faster than that.

I sincerely hope when U-Verse becomes available it puts a real hurting on Charter and finally brings some REAL competition to the local market!
Jeff

Besides competition, an alternative, and pricing war, what would U-Verse offer over Charter regarding HDTV?

I currently have 20mbit with Charter, they have 60mbit in St. Louis, and they have 100mbit in testing right now. In St. Louis U-Verse offers 18mbit at the max- less than I already have now!

THERE'S (http://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009904140360) another glimmer of hope on the U-verse front.

Sounds like City Manager Jim Bourey has already given his loud ringing endorsement to U-verse ("Don't be surprised if it doesn't take us 60 days to respond"). Hope this helps ya'll in Greenville.

Besides competition, an alternative, and pricing war, what would U-Verse offer over Charter regarding HDTV?

I currently have 20mbit with Charter, they have 60mbit in St. Louis, and they have 100mbit in testing right now. In St. Louis U-Verse offers 18mbit at the max- less than I already have now!

For the answer to that question click the following link, LilGator:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1058081

The above link is a page maintained in the AVS Forum that keeps track of how many HD channels are offered by the various providers. After Verizon FIOS, AT&T U-Verse has the highest number of HD channels listed of ANY provider listed, and while the current broadband speeds it offers may not equal or exceed those of Charter, I'm sure its capable of more.

Frankly, I'm no fan of AT&T (I have other words to substitute for what those three letters stand for, which I can't use here, because the first one is considered obscene). That said, since it doesn't look like we'll EVER get Verizon FIOS in the Upstate, U-Verse will be a welcome competition to Charter for me!
Jeff

It looks like WYFF might have changed some of the lighting that's pointed at the news desk (have seen it over the last week or so...tonight's 6 p.m., as well). It appears that the lighting changes are affecting the left side of the desk the most (Cogdill, Robertson and Dill's chair). I'm trying not to ask the $64,000 question that I'm dying to ask (again), so I'll just ask "What's up with the lighting, douglasd5?"

Great list, Jeff. Thanks. Charter's abysmal HD offerings drove me to D* to begin with. And D*'s HD offerings are paltry compared to AT&T. However, there are many reports that U-verse HD picture quality is sub-par. I hope they can remedy that by the time we get it here. That's the only reservation I have about it at the moment. Also, U-verse can only handle a couple of HD streams simultaneously, so it wouldn't be a good fit if you have a lot of receivers in your house. Fortunately, that's not an issue for me. The only thing I miss about charter is the screaming internet speed compared to my DSL. Even if U-verse speeds are lower than cable, as LilGator says, they're pretty close, and way better than DSL. So, all things considered, U-verse still seems like it will be the best package, for my needs at least.

Has anyone heard when channel 7 will have their antenna up and back to full strength? I am only getting about 70% with many drop outs OTA. I used to be at 100%. I sent an email several weeks ago from their website but have not heard anything back. Thanks

Probably 6 months or more. They have to build a new tower, I believe.

- Trip

I have started to develop some problems with my OTA reception and would like your input on how best to solve it.

I live in Greenville and till now I used a Channel Master 4221 UHF antenna, mounted on a pole almost 15 feet off the ground with good results. But in the past 2 months, after the analog shutdown by ETV, the reception has become erratic.

Today ETV 9.1 showed low signal strength even though I am only 6.8 miles from the source. I also did not get UNCTV whose transmitting source is 45 miles away. These are 2 important channels my kid watches regularly. I think the time has come to change to a different antenna.

I would like to get a newer UHF/VHF antenna that pulls in the channels 7-60 as they advertise. I would like it to be relatively compact and not be over 5-6 feet long, the shorter the better. I have looked at the following

1. Channel Master 2016. It looks very compact but states that the range is up to 35 miles only. Will it be able to grab UNCTV?
2. Antennacraft HBU-22 looks attractive at 70” boom and 50-55 miles range. It is priced well. But are Antennacraft antennas as good as CM or Winegard?
3. Winegard HD7694P has a length of 66” but the range is unknown. It is also twice as expensive as the other two. But I am ready to get it should it have good reports.

If anyone has any experience with these antennas or a suggestion on how to fix my signal drop outs I will appreciate it. Also, how do I point the VHF antenna – Do I point the end with short elements towards the signal source or the broad end? Do these antennas come with everything ready that I can attach a coax cable to it and not have to worry about baluns etc.?

Thanks

When today? If it's only occurring in the mornings and evenings, then you're receiving interference from analog signals (WSOC-9 and WOLO-25, most likely) which will be going away at transition time.

- Trip

interesting post from the TVGOS forum (someone in Philly):

"TVGOS has been out for 3 months after being out for another 2 in November with numerous calls to Toshiba Tech support, including incident report to Macrovision. In general Toshiba's support is good and they try to be helpful but no one thought to ask what station was listed for the only Analog ( read: TVGOS host) channel. Originally like many it was the local PBS station but now is CBS. I stumbled on this by pure frustration and when I called Toshiba late afternoon, 4/13 and also e-mailed Macrovision with the incident # and my Zipcode lo and behold I started to receive some data by the next afternoon,and the full grid by this morning Why Macrovision would have to be told about this when Comcast is probably their largest provider of TVGOS info for them is really incompetent. How could they not have been in contact with Comcast in the Philly area to coordinate changing the host channel for PBS to CBS? Even though anyone with TVGOS should be the same priority you would think a market as large as Philadelphia and it's suburbs would not fall through the tracks. Done my rant, glad I have my guide back"

Begs the question: Do SC folks need to remind Macrovision that we aren't getting data in the Upstate? Or is this group sure they are working on it?:confused:

In Philadelphia, KYW-DT was transmitting the TVGOS packets but they contained no data.

In South Carolina, equipment needs to be installed to even transmit the packets. Different issue.

- Trip

When today? If it's only occurring in the mornings and evenings, then you're receiving interference from analog signals (WSOC-9 and WOLO-25, most likely) which will be going away at transition time.

- Trip

It can occur any time of the day though it is more common in the mornings.

I live in Greenville and till now I used a Channel Master 4221 UHF antenna [...]

Today ETV 9.1 showed low signal strength even though I am only 6.8 miles from the source. I also did not get UNCTV whose transmitting source is 45 miles away.

If it's only occurring in the mornings and evenings, then you're receiving interference from analog signals (WSOC-9 and WOLO-25, most likely) which will be going away at transition time.

Yes, I would wait until June to see how things look after analog shutdown, before making any major changes to your antenna setup. I've noticed over the last few days that analog WOLO-25 out of Columbia seems to have been stronger than usual here. It's been almost impossible for me to receive digital WUNF-33.x, and I can get a halfway-watchable picture on 25 when I aim my antenna towards Columbia. Springtime atmospheric conditions may have enhanced long-distance propagation in general, which increases co-channel interference in these two cases. Of course, I'm significantly closer to Columbia to begin with.

I don't think the difference between 35 miles advertised range and 45 miles for WUNF (UNC-TV) is significant. WUNF-33 and WLOS-13 have a special advantage because of their high-elevation transmitter location. I get very good to excellent reception on 13 analog and digital, and on 33 analog, even though I'm 82 miles away.

Still, if you don't want to mess with replacing an outdoor antenna if it's not quite good enough, there's something to be said for the "better safe than sorry" philosophy. :) If I were in your shoes, I'd probably go with the Winegard 7696 instead of the 7694 (or something similar) for that reason.

Hey all,
I just got a new HDTV with QAM tuner. I am on Charter Communications analog service (so no box) in the Asheville, NC area. Last night when I first set up the TV and scanned the channels, I was able to get WLOS HD, WSPA HD, WYFF HD, WHNS HD, and UNC-TV in HD, along with a good number of the music channels. I'm new to the QAM stuff, so I have a question for you more knowledgeable folks in the area.

While I was getting all those stations last night in digital, several of them were not coming in very well at all. The music channels were all right part of the time, and the sound was breaking up very badly the rest of the time. WLOS HD was coming in okay, but the audio sounded like it was a bit broken up occasionally. All the other digital channels were perfect. This morning, I went to look at WLOS HD and it's totally gone. The TV can't find a signal there at all. All the music channels are gone as well. I scanned the channels again and, of course, WLOS HD and the music channels were removed from the TV's channels after the scan.

I thought this could be an issue with my cable signal at first. The incoming signal is split off one cable to two TVs. But I noticed also that channels right "next to" each other in the lineup were coming in very differently. UNC TV is on 92-3 (if I'm not mistaken, haven't looked in a few hours), and WLOS HD was on 93-something. UNC TV was crystal clear while WLOS HD was non-existent. Is there some issue going on today at Charter with WLOS HD and the music channels, or is the problem the strength of my incoming signal? If so, would a coax amplifier help matters?

Hey all,
I just got a new HDTV with QAM tuner. I am on Charter Communications analog service (so no box) in the Asheville, NC area. .......... If so, would a coax amplifier help matters?

I got this bad boy two months ago:
http://www.amazon.com/DIGITAL-AMPLIFIER-INTERNET-SIGNAL-BOOSTER/dp/B001EKCGT8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1239915601&sr=8-3

Since then, my QAM, analog and even cable modem from CHARTER has been VASTLY IMPROVED in every room of the house!! :cool:

It can occur any time of the day though it is more common in the mornings.

The advice to wait until after the transistion is complete in June to make the final adjustment in receiving equipment is very wise. Co-channel and power changes will alter the RF landscape. However, as I have noted several times over the years I must adjust my antenna orientation on a seasonal basis (spring & fall), some 5 to 10 degrees in order to receive all local HD signals from one antenna setting, using a CM 4-bay antenna. Three years, or so, ago my reception of the Asheville PBS signal was very reliable, but I suddenly lost it most of the day. DT RF expert Wayne Estabrooks attributed the change to new distant co-channel signals and power changes. WLOS's DT signal from the same tower has been very stable since its power increase, but it's switch to DT 13 in June will require a new antenna for me. I don't know what to expect. In that I cannot receive DT-33 from the same tower I must rely on Greenville's DT channel 9 for PBS reception, but I occasionally I have problems due to interferrence from co-analog channel 9 in Charlotte. That will end in June. My mosty reliable SCETV DT signal is from 90 miles away in Rock Hill on DT 30. I can always pick up a strong signal from DT 30 regardless of weather or vegitation.

I have not found a good source of reviews of combination UHF and VHF antennas although there are a few markets that have both UHF and VHF digital dignals on the air now, and there is some information showing up on their local forums.

Thanks Trip, jtbell and jerry bridwell

Looks like I will wait until the full analog shutdown to see what type of antenna I would require. Since CBS is moving from Channel 53 to 7 and ABC from 56 to 13 and PBS is on 9 I would require a VHF/UHF combo.

To jtbell - I remember reading about your large antennas. Which way should the VHF antenna point. Should the end with narrow elements point towards the source of the signals or the broad end. Somehow I never found the answer to this even after googling for it.

Just to pass this along, Music Choice channels on Charter has changed some. Music Choice has revamped some of their channels, also the QAM designations are still in the 90.xxx's but if you knew your favorite music choice channel by heart, 9 times out of 10 its not the same so you all may want to go back through them and re-memorize them. :)

To jtbell - I remember reading about your large antennas. Which way should the VHF antenna point. Should the end with narrow elements point towards the source of the signals or the broad end. Somehow I never found the answer to this even after googling for it.

The "narrow" end is the one that should point towards the transmitters. In a combination antenna, the UHF elements are usually mounted on this end, in a sort of vertical "V." In this picture of my old antenna (http://web.presby.edu/~jtbell/TV/images/VU190XR.jpg), it's aimed towards the left, which happens to be towards Greenville.

That antenna went all the way down to channel 2. My current VHF antenna is a lot narrower because it only covers ch 7-13. It's on the bottom in this picture (http://web.presby.edu/~jtbell/TV/images/91XG+YA1713.jpg) (aimed towards Charlotte), and this one (http://web.presby.edu/~jtbell/TV/images/91XG+YA1713b.jpg) (a closeup).

Just to pass this along, Music Choice channels on Charter has changed some. Music Choice has revamped some of their channels, also the QAM designations are still in the 90.xxx's but if you knew your favorite music choice channel by heart, 9 times out of 10 its not the same so you all may want to go back through them and re-memorize them. :)They dropped some, added some, and changed some. As an "old fart", there used to be 5 we liked, now just 2.

just the xxx parts ... all listed on http://musicchoice.com/channelchange/ are there although I've shortened some names to fit a label I put on my remote.

5 Solid Gold Oldies
6 R&B Classics
7 Classic Alternat
8 Reggae
9 Dance Elektroni
10 HitList
11 80s
12 Cont Christian
13 ThrobackJamz
14 HipHopClassics
15 Rap
16 Adult Alternative
17 R&B Soul
18 Gospel
19 Metal
20 Rock
21 Retro Rock
22 Classic Rock
23 Soft Rock
24 90s
25 Stage&Screen
26 Kidz Only
27 Toddler Tunes
28 HipHop-&-R&B
29 MC MixTape
30 Smooth Jazz
31 Jazz
32 Soundscapes
33 ClassMasterpce
34 Light Classical
35 SoundsOfSeason
36 Todays Country
37 True Country
38 Classic Country
39 Easy Listening
40 Singers&Swing
41 Pop Latino
42 Tropicales
43 Party Favorites
44 Musica Urbana
45 70s
46 Blues
47 Pop Hits
48 Alternative
49 Mexicana
50 Romances

They dropped some, added some, and changed some. As an "old fart", there used to be 5 we liked, now just 2.

just the xxx parts ... all listed on http://musicchoice.com/channelchange/ are there although I've shortened some names to fit a label I put on my remote.



Anyone have the revised list of these for CHARTER QAM?

:mad: 90.24 used to be TOP 40 but no more :mad:

Hey all,
I just got a new HDTV with QAM tuner. I am on Charter Communications analog service (so no box) in the Asheville, NC area. Last night when I first set up the TV and scanned the channels, I was able to get WLOS HD, WSPA HD, WYFF HD, WHNS HD, and UNC-TV in HD, along with a good number of the music channels. I'm new to the QAM stuff, so I have a question for you more knowledgeable folks in the area.

While I was getting all those stations last night in digital, several of them were not coming in very well at all. The music channels were all right part of the time, and the sound was breaking up very badly the rest of the time. WLOS HD was coming in okay, but the audio sounded like it was a bit broken up occasionally. All the other digital channels were perfect. This morning, I went to look at WLOS HD and it's totally gone. The TV can't find a signal there at all. All the music channels are gone as well. I scanned the channels again and, of course, WLOS HD and the music channels were removed from the TV's channels after the scan.

I thought this could be an issue with my cable signal at first. The incoming signal is split off one cable to two TVs. But I noticed also that channels right "next to" each other in the lineup were coming in very differently. UNC TV is on 92-3 (if I'm not mistaken, haven't looked in a few hours), and WLOS HD was on 93-something. UNC TV was crystal clear while WLOS HD was non-existent. Is there some issue going on today at Charter with WLOS HD and the music channels, or is the problem the strength of my incoming signal? If so, would a coax amplifier help matters?

Dump the Charter...................currently enjoying Direct TV and 120 crystal clear HD 1080i channels. or you could try Dish. Dump the Charter

Dump the Charter...................currently enjoying Direct TV and 120 crystal clear HD 1080i channels. or you could try Dish. Dump the Charter

Please read some of this thread before making that statement. Many of us do not have the ability to use Dish or Directv.

Dump the Charter...................currently enjoying Direct TV and 120 crystal clear HD 1080i channels. or you could try Dish. Dump the Charter

HD on my Charter QAM looks 'bout perfect to me! Keeps my DVR pretty full as 90% of the shows my family watches is on the major 4 networks. And PBS in HD has some decent concerts and auto shows for car nuts like me.

Plus the CW via HD OTA (not available on the dishes).

Please read some of this thread before making that statement. Many of us do not have the ability to use Dish or Directv.

Rrainwater, while I agree with cedarwood and switched to DISH just at 4 weeks ago after more than 20 years with Charter and its predecessors, I really sympathize with what turns out to be a good many people, like you, who don't have any other options (and some who have no option but antenna, as Charter won't run service some places).

Even though I have a lot of clear sky above my house, due to tall trees the installer was very limited in locations where he could install the dish on my house... I was actually quite surprised that they almost couldn't find anywhere with a clean line-of-sight to the satellite. People who live in valleys, or anywhere there's a lot of tall trees around really don't have the options some of us do.

Also, although I'm getting a lot more "bang for my buck" with DISH, the PQ isn't quite as good on HD as it was with Charter and their ads about losing your picture every time there's a storm, while a major exaggeration, do hold some truth -- not nearly enough to make me regret my choice -- but there are pluses and minuses to everything.

If Charter wasn't so darned slow to add HD channels and so difficult to do business with, I'd probably still be a Charter customer for TV, as I am for telephone and broadband.

As for music channels, I will say that DISH runs rings around Charter in that regard. It has the full complement of Sirius music channels, plus an entire lineup of its own music channels -- like having two of everything
Jeff

Of course youl know Charter filed chapter 11 about a month ago. They haven't add any channels to their HD lineup here in Beaufort for sometime. We still waiting for them to add ABC and FOX locals to the lineup. I hope to have Directv within the week after having several tree tops cut. So I agree get satelite.

Anyone have the revised list of these for CHARTER QAM?

:mad: 90.24 used to be TOP 40 but no more :mad:

That was Charter QAM, I just left the 90 off ... that's what I meant with the "just the xxx".

From the website, "Pop Hits (Formerly named Adult Top 40)". It is on 90.47 from my list. Charter didn't put them in the same order MusicChoice did.

edit: While I am not a Charter lover, it is only fair to note that this change was by Music Choice, not Charter. My wife was in southern California last week with her dad, and he was MOST FRUSTRATED at Time Warner doing this to him ... again, not the cable company's doing.

[QUOTE=ravichander;16277987]I have started to develop some problems with my OTA reception and would like your input on how best to solve it.

I live in Greenville and till now I used a Channel Master 4221 UHF antenna, mounted on a pole almost 15 feet off the ground with good results. But in the past 2 months, after the analog shutdown by ETV, the reception has become erratic.


ravichander:



I have never have been impressed with 4bow tie. They look kinda like the broadcast antenna called a bat wing.

Maybe FOXENG will comment on this subject.

From what I understood that vertical stacked elements of the antenna should be one full wave length above the other so the signal on all the elements will be in phase thus adding to the gain.

FOXENG, is that true of the broadcast bat wing?

If they are not exact full wave length apart, will they cancel each other thus reducing the signal?

My point is the 4 bow tie is not. That antenna, I do not understand it's design.

But that antenna did seem to faily well with analog. But it did have ghost that the corner flecter yagi antenna did not have.

Unless the stations are all in the same direction or you plan to use a rotor; I would not use a VHF/UHF combo.

I have used the 8 bow tie 4228 (NOT HD) very successfully from channels 7-69 for years. But if you are going to use a VHF only (that is the key) with a UHF only, you need to keep them as far a part vertically as possible. In my own case, My 4228 sits 10 ft above my Delhi (Jerrold) VIP-307SR VHF antenna with equal lengths of RG-6 between the two antennas with a Jointenna type combiner that then runs down a single RG-6 feed line and I have had good results on both VHF and UHF.

Here is what my antennas look like:

http://www.w4cl.net/fox/p2050021.jpg

If anyone has any experience with these antennas or a suggestion on how to fix my signal drop outs I will appreciate it. Also, how do I point the VHF antenna – Do I point the end with short elements towards the signal source or the broad end? Do these antennas come with everything ready that I can attach a coax cable to it and not have to worry about baluns etc.?


I live a little north of Greer, SC which is about 47 miles from WLOS. I have a Channel Master 4228HD mounted in the attic and it brings in WLOS just fine. When they ran their test (broadcast frequency 13) back in late January/early February it pulled it in quite well too. The only thing that remains to be seen is how well it will pull in WSPA when they change their broadcast frequency back to channel 7. FOX is my most problematic station. Occasional dropouts (one evey 1 or 2 minutes - sometimes more, sometimes less) which seem to be better/worse at different times of the day. WLOS (farther away but higher) is rock solid.

WYFF isn't showing the Flyers/Penguins game in HD today. Is this a local issue? I thought all NHL playoff games on NBC were in HD?

Dump the Charter...................currently enjoying Direct TV and 120 crystal clear HD 1080i channels. or you could try Dish. Dump the Charter

IMHO, if a poster asks a specific question about how to accomplish something with their provider, and they don't seem to be in search of a new provider, we should probably avoid provider advocacy. It doesn't really help the original poster.

Plus the CW via HD OTA (not available on the dishes).

I should point out here that the sat companies allow you to connect OTA to their DVRs and receivers, either directly or through add-on tuners. Those OTA channels are then integrated directly into the channel lineups alongside what's provided over the sat. That means guide data is provided and DVR scheduling is possible for these channels. I use this feature all the time to record "Everybody Hates Chris", which, admittedly, is the only show I watch on either 40.1 or 62.1. Alas, it shall soon go the way of the Dodo..... :(

-c

jtbell and foxeng - thanks for the info and pictures. They will be useful when I consider a VHF / UHF antenna. And thanks also to David and Snakedoctor for your comments/suggestions.

In Philadelphia, KYW-DT was transmitting the TVGOS packets but they contained no data.

In South Carolina, equipment needs to be installed to even transmit the packets. Different issue.

- Trip
As I posted earlier, I talked to a Macrovision engineer about a month ago who said they are contracting with PBS to carry the digital TVGOS for all of South Carolina. At present, the Columbia area does not have a digital host (although WLTX in Columbia does send out THEIR digital packets). He said it would be a few weeks but he didn't give me a drop dead date. I think it will happen in time.

Frances
Sandy Run, S.C. (near Columbia)

As I posted earlier, I talked to a Macrovision engineer about a month ago who said they are contracting with PBS to carry the digital TVGOS for all of South Carolina. At present, the Columbia area does not have a digital host (although WLTX in Columbia does send out THEIR digital packets). He said it would be a few weeks but he didn't give me a drop dead date. I think it will happen in time.

Frances
Sandy Run, S.C. (near Columbia)

I got a email from TVGOS (Macrovision) about two weeks ago and the engineer said it would be a couple of months for South Carolina.

I got a email from TVGOS (Macrovision) about two weeks ago and the engineer said it would be a couple of months for South Carolina.
Yeah, I don't think it will be a quick fix. As long as it happens, I can live with it. Poor planning on Macrovision's part. It was apparent from my conversation with the rep that they were concerned about the "large" markets when negotiating with CBS and a lot of the smaller affiliates didn't opt in for the agreement. That's when they went back to PBS but by that time, many PBS stations had dropped their analog feed carrying the analog TVGOS.

Frances

"What's up with the lighting, douglasd5?"

Yes, we've changed the lighting on the set. Nothing else to disclose at this time though.

Has anyone heard when channel 7 will have their antenna up and back to full strength? I am only getting about 70% with many drop outs OTA. I used to be at 100%. I sent an email several weeks ago from their website but have not heard anything back. Thanks

I've heard they will be back to full-power by mid to late summer.

Yes, we've changed the lighting on the set. Nothing else to disclose at this time though.

Thanks for the update, douglasd5. I also like the new graphics package for the news promos. Coolio! :)

I got a email from TVGOS (Macrovision) about two weeks ago and the engineer said it would be a couple of months for South Carolina.
I got an e-mail today (04/30/2009) from an engineer at SCETV here in Columbia, S.C. and he advised it would be about 60 days before they were transmitting the TVGOS for our area.

Frances

I got an e-mail today (04/30/2009) from an engineer at SCETV here in Columbia, S.C. and he advised it would be about 60 days before they were transmitting the TVGOS for our area.

Frances

Thanks for the update. Looks like both SCETV and TVGOS are on track with each other.

Eddie

An update on Northland Cable QAM and HD in Greenwood.

They added ESPNUHD and EHD last night to our line-up. I haven't rescanned to see what was moved, but I will tonight.

Hey guys, looking for some insight.

I have a tuner card installed on my PC and am able to pick up the OTA (QAM) versions of Fox, CBS, ABC, NBC, and ETV in HD. I had been reading on line about streaming via firewire, so I picked one up today and did some tests:

HD Channels I can get/capture via firewire:
TBS, FX, Food, MLB, Discovery, Golf, History, and channels listed above.

HD Channels I cannot get via firewire:
ESPN, ESPN2, HDNet, HDNet movies, Discovery Theater, TNT, Showtime

I can understand HDNEt, HDNet movies and Showtime, by why TNT? Why ESPN?
I'm sure they've put the "5C DTCP" encryption (http://home.comcast.net/~exdeus/stbfirewire/#_Toc185690669) on them, I just don't see the logic.

Hey guys, looking for some insight.

I have a tuner card installed on my PC and am able to pick up the OTA (QAM) versions of Fox, CBS, ABC, NBC, and ETV in HD. I had been reading on line about streaming via firewire, so I picked one up today and did some tests:

HD Channels I can get/capture via firewire:
TBS, FX, Food, MLB, Discovery, Golf, History, and channels listed above.

HD Channels I cannot get via firewire:
ESPN, ESPN2, HDNet, HDNet movies, Discovery Theater, TNT, Showtime

I can understand HDNEt, HDNet movies and Showtime, by why TNT? Why ESPN?
I'm sure they've put the "5" encryption on them, I just don't see the logic..
I too have enjoying free HD QAM with my basic Charter cable. I now use a Hauppauge tuner with MS Media Ctr & stream HD to my Xbox360 by my plasma.
How can I use FireWire to get more QAM channels? Have link?

.
I too have enjoying free HD QAM with my basic Charter cable. I now use a Hauppauge tuner with MS Media Ctr & stream HD to my Xbox360 by my plasma.
How can I use FireWire to get more QAM channels? Have link?

Obviously you need a firewire port on your computer. The output on the Motorola DCT 6200 is in the back (there are 2). My computer has a 6-pin firewire connector, so I grabbed a 6-pin to 6-pin cable from Best Buy (~$30).

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695

I grabbed the drivers from the comcast link (http://home.comcast.net/~exdeus/stbfirewire/), and use CapDVHS (included in download). Output is mpeg, quality is just as good as my FusionHDTV tuner card.

Obviously you need a firewire port on your computer. The output on the Motorola DCT 6200 is in the back (there are 2). My computer has a 6-pin firewire connector, so I grabbed a 6-pin to 6-pin cable from Best Buy (~$30).

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695

I grabbed the drivers from the comcast link (http://home.comcast.net/~exdeus/stbfirewire/), and use CapDVHS (included in download). Output is mpeg, quality is just as good as my FusionHDTV tuner card.

My PC has a FireWire port. But I have no cable box with my basic cable. Guess I misunderstood. Am I outta luck?