After my re-scan I lost 7, 13 & 21. Glad I have cable but really enjoyed having OTA when Charter went out from time to time.

As much as I HATE to admit it (because I was really FED UP with Charter's lack of response to requests for things like more HD channels), their commercials about Satellite customers losing signal during rain and high wind have a certain level of validity to them.

I don't lose it every time it rains, and it's not consistent (some bad storms, no problem, others, yes), and it never seems to go away for more than 5 minutes or so, but it DOES happen much more than I wish it would, and sometimes even when I'm unaware of any bad weather... then I look outside and the wind's blowing, lol.

With Charter, I almost NEVER lost signal... They just took their time adding new channels and if you asked them when they would, they wouldn't even give you a guess.

Ya win some, ya lose some. I still like DISH better, so far.
Jeff

Nope, just a TV with an antenna.

I did rescan early this morning and got back some of the channels and gained a lot of channels from Charlotte and Augusta...go figure.

I still cannot pick up 7 or 13 or 62 from Greenville/Asheville. I will rescan when I get up for work in the morning, as I generally watch channel 13 in the morning. Not that they are the most accurate or give a better forcast, but I like the view!

I just read on dtv.gov map that WSPA DT 7 won't be full operation untill 10/7/2009

Frankly, while I was FULLY SUPPORTIVE of the transition to DTV and felt like folks who were idiotic enough to not do anything until the transition and then cry like babies got what they deserved, I think now that the transition IS HERE and many stations aren't "UP TO SNUFF" with it, they should be required to provide the analog signals until they are, regardless of what the FCC wants.

This just isn't right. The FCC may have mandated it, but if the stations aren't doing what they were supposed to, the viewers are just getting screwed. Of course this has to be hurting demographics and therefore ad revenues, but I'm sure that's no comfort to folks who can't get their local news or programs until August, or whatever.
Jeff

I know for a fact that WYFF (ch 36) is being received in Rock Hill which is 90 miles from the transmitter.

As is common with change, there are some improvements, there are some drawbacks and there is a learning curve.

Doug

Also, Doug, I'm getting a great WYFF signal here 5 mi SW of Morganton, NC. It's as good, if not slightly better than when it was 59. I sympathize with you and those complaining over something which you have little control. RF transmissions are "magic" -- the slightest change in transmitting antenna location and you will have winners and losers. And with WLOS (from Mt Pisgah), I'm getting a better signal since the transition. As stated earlier, I'm only slightly disappointed that I've lost WHNS. But -- it is what it is. I get Fox from Charlotte very well.

Also, Doug, I'm getting a great WYFF signal here 5 mi SW of Morganton, NC. It's as good, if not slightly better than when it was 59. I sympathize with you and those complaining over something which you have little control. RF transmissions are "magic" -- the slightest change in transmitting antenna location and you will have winners and losers. And with WLOS (from Mt Pisgah), I'm getting a better signal since the transition. As stated earlier, I'm only slightly disappointed that I've lost WHNS. But -- it is what it is. I get Fox from Charlotte very well.

Thank you for the report. I really appreciate it. For those that have clear line of sight to Caesars Head, the ch 36 signal is usually an improvement. WHNS moved back to 21 and is only at 180Kw. I have 1000Kw at 36 so I'm not surprised they may not have the same coverage. I think they are protecting WCNC's digital on ch 22.

Doug

Hello all,
I have over the course of the past year intermittently checked the posts here for information so that my family could break free from the satellite company's grips and receive free digital TV. Thank you all for the useful information. We live in Burnsville, and up until now we have reliably received the digital signals from 13,21, and 33, with channels 4 and 62 coming in a bit less reliably. Our antenna, as I have now figured out, is evidently a UHF only antenna. I am so disappointed that we can no longer receive WLOS - 13. I don't want to buy another outdoor antenna. Does anyone have any suggestions for modifying an Antennas Direct DB8 Multi Directional Antenna, possibly with parts from an old VHF antenna? ALso, good luck to you Mr. Birdwell, and thank you for all the great information.

I have no problem with 4.x or 21.x. I am not getting 13 or 7 at all anymore for some reason. I do get 3.x (CBS) from Charlotte, so I am only missing ABC. Hopefully, I can make some adjustments this weekend to figure out how to get WLOS.

I have no problem with 4.x or 21.x. I am not getting 13 or 7 at all anymore for some reason. I do get 3.x (CBS) from Charlotte, so I am only missing ABC. Hopefully, I can make some adjustments this weekend to figure out how to get WLOS.

I am south of Greenville and to receive 7 I have to turn the antenna a little more towards true north.

I have no problem with 4.x or 21.x. I am not getting 13 or 7 at all anymore for some reason. I do get 3.x (CBS) from Charlotte, so I am only missing ABC. Hopefully, I can make some adjustments this weekend to figure out how to get WLOS.I'm in Greenville and don't get ABC on 13 but do get on 40.x WYMA. I do receive CBS on 7.x. I use a homemade bowtie antenna in the attic (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/3565310080_fc8869b5e4_o.jpg) which I understand is designed for UHF but can receive VHF (which 7.x is).

I live on the west side of Spartanburg. About 45 miles from transmitters.
I'm getting 7 and 13 with a CM 4221 at 75% signal strength. They were 90% with UHF signals. I didn't think I'd get either, so I'm pleased. I may add a small VHF later.
Fox21 is a problem. I have another small UHF(RS U-75R) pointed at Charlotte, and I usually get strong signals off the back from the western most local transmitters(4 and 21?). Sunday afternoon Fox wasn't watchable from either antenna for more than a few moments at a time.
The CM 4221's VHF performance is a mystery.
Robby C

For those that have clear line of sight to Caesars Head, the ch 36 signal is usually an improvement.

WYFF's ch 36 signal is overall an improvement for me, at about 60 miles. It doesn't push my signal meter quite as high as ch 59 did (maybe 90% versus 95%, eyeballing it off my Insignia CECB's indicator), but reception is consistent across a wider range of antenna orientation than ch 59 was. With ch 59, I sometimes had to fuss with the antenna to get it aimed just right, otherwise the signal would bounce up and down, with occasional dropouts. I don't know whether that was from interference caused by reflections off my roof or nearby trees, or some flaw in the ch 59 signal.

Also, I've been able to get a stable signal on ch 36 with the antenna (an AntennasDirect 91XG) aimed in the opposite direction, towards Columbia. When I did this with ch 59, the result was usually unstable.

WYFF's ch 36 signal is overall an improvement for me, at about 60 miles. It doesn't push my signal meter quite as high as ch 59 did (maybe 90% versus 95%, eyeballing it off my Insignia CECB's indicator), but reception is consistent across a wider range of antenna orientation than ch 59 was. With ch 59, I sometimes had to fuss with the antenna to get it aimed just right, otherwise the signal would bounce up and down, with occasional dropouts. I don't know whether that was from interference caused by reflections off my roof or nearby trees, or some flaw in the ch 59 signal.

Also, I've been able to get a stable signal on ch 36 with the antenna (an AntennasDirect 91XG) aimed in the opposite direction, towards Columbia. When I did this with ch 59, the result was usually unstable.

Thanks for the report. We obviously didn't have many chances to test the ch 36 signal before going on the air with it so naturally there was some concern. The 1000Kw on 36 (602-608Mhz) should be more robust than 1000Kw on 59 (740-746Mhz) and should be somewhat less affected by weather. The only difference is the slightly lower antenna height, about 130 feet. It will be interesting to see what getting to the top of the tower does for the signal.

I would appreciate reports from other OTA viewers.

Thanks for the report. We obviously didn't have many chances to test the ch 36 signal before going on the air with it so naturally there was some concern. The 1000Kw on 36 (602-608Mhz) should be more robust than 1000Kw on 59 (740-746Mhz) and should be somewhat less affected by weather. The only difference is the slightly lower antenna height, about 130 feet. It will be interesting to see what getting to the top of the tower does for the signal.

I would appreciate reports from other OTA viewers.

I have a small LCD HDTV upstairs that is connected to a set of amplified rabbit ears. Before the switch, I was largely unable to receive the WYFF digital signal. Since the switch, I now can watch WYFF in HD. The signal is only around 50 on my meter. I do occasionally experience freeze ups and pixelations. Since I was previously watching the morning news in analog, this is a welcomed change. I live in the Fountain Inn, SC city limits.

I would appreciate reports from other OTA viewers.

In Greenville, I am receiving WYFF at 100% signal (I think it is the only station I have ever received that on). Before it was 89-90. I'm not getting any fluctuations even through the bad weather yesterday.

I am not getting WLOS or WSPA and will do some work this weekend to figure that out. I will probably need to re-position my antenna. However, I don't think WYFF will be affected much since I am getting 100% at it's current location (so I can probably move it without losing too much signal quality).

WSPA and WLOS (digital) are now on VHF. Do you have VHF capability?

I'm getting strong signals from them, with occasional short dips on the meter because of impulse noise from lightning or whatever. So far I haven't had any significant picture breakups. Because of the weather, I haven't had a chance to see how they fare when my neighbors are running their lawnmowers, which has sometimes caused trouble with ch 8 out of Columbia.

WHNS -- Over the years the NWS has given me permission to re-broadcast NOAA weather radio audio on both commercial TV stations and cable channels. That would be far better than a tone or too often just noise on your weather channel. Please consider it.

Area DTV stations: Since starting this forum in March, 2003, I have had flawless DTV reception of all local channels with a minimum number of bugs to work out. When I lost 33.1 apparently to co-channel problems a home made Ch-9 Yagi gave me PBS programming from Greenville, and backed up if necessary by the Rock Hill SC DT station 30. I lost WLOS and WSPA on Friday, and only rarely receive DT-33. I really regret not receiving WLOS and WSPA. (FOX resolved itrself into a good signal over the weekend.) But re-scanning, re-orienting antennas, and switching out various UHF and UHF antennas have not solved other problems. I never expected to receive WLOS in its switch to VHF because this area has such bad multipath. Perhaps this is the reason for the loss of WSPA. I really regret having to rely on a satellite service for local channels. It is not foolproof. it took me a year to get DirecTV to fix its caption problem in this DMA. And, Doug if you had limited time to adjust to the change, your loyal DT viewers had far less!

WSPA and WLOS (digital) are now on VHF. Do you have VHF capability?


Yeah, I have a DB4 for UHF and a smaller antenna for VHF. I suspect I just need adjust my aim for the VHF antenna.

I'm having a really hard time believing just WHAT A MESS all the major TV stations in the area (and by extension, I can only imagine, throughout the country) have left their antenna-only viewers in as of June 12.

I felt CERTAIN everyone who had done "due-dilligence" by getting a converter box for older TVs and/or newer, better DTV antennas (which it appears everyone on this forum has done, and THEN SOME in most cases)... But most of the stations switched channels and wattages at the last minute, and it was like changing the rules in the middle of the game.

I REALLY don't get it! After all this time of "trying to prepare the public," the "preparation" really meant NOTHING because the stations, themselves, started out many of the pure DTV transmissions with greatly reduced power at different frequencies.

This is just RIDICULOUS!

I sure am glad I'm not antenna-dependent. I'd be EXASPERATED! I really feel for those of you who are!
Jeff
I agree completely. I had great signal on every area channel with a UHF antenna except for WSPA. I then upgraded to a UHF/VHF antenna knowing that they were switching along with WLOS. I gained to nearly 100 on each channel, but WLOS is completely gone! Absolutley no repositioning/indoor/outdoor has gotten any signal. What I think is also odd is that I get 40.1 and 33.1 no problem. I believe 33 is at the same antenna location as 13. What gives? Is WLOS still broadcasting at a low power or height?

In the TVGOS forum, I see many markets are starting to see guide data load digitally now (many times via CBS).

I read here in SC that SCETV would be carrying the data.... any update?

And will any special codes be needed to get the devices to search for digital data vs. analog?

I have a lake house on Fontana Lake at Almond, NC (28702) where there is no cable and no LOS for E* or D*. So OTA it is, and the monthly cost is right. We get the translator signals from Bryson City which are 5 to 9 miles away. I noticed that over the last few months that WYFF has changed their translator signal to a rebroadcast version of their E* SD service. It has always been a fairly good signal on Ch 5. WSPA has been good to so-so on Ch 11. WLOS has always been the snowiest, which might be a result of their power level of .015KW which is the same as a few night lights.

UNC-TV and WHNS both have contruction permits for digital translators listed in the FCC database.

On June 13 I took a look at the televisions there and I saw that UNC-TV had performed a flash-cut of their Ch 46 translator from analog to digital. I used to be able to receive the digital WUNF from Mt Pisgah out there, but not any more. The WHNS Ch 69 translator is still analog and still an excellent picture.
WYFF and WSPA are still the same as before. WLOS was the big surprise. It is still analog, but the picture was very good and letterboxed!

I would appreciate reports from other OTA viewers.

I am picking up your channel (WYFF) all the way in Greenwood at one bar during the early evening. That's pretty much my worst reception time.

I am using a Radio Shack UR-75 and a R/S pre-amp.

Your signal is very stable.

I could be wrong, but I think I am seeing the difference in vhf and uhf tonight.
There is a large thunderstorm between me and the the transmitters, 7, 9 & 13 all show signals near 100, but are in and out constantly. The stations that choose uhf are all steady, even though 21 has a lower signal strength, their picture is holding steady. Comments welcome...

Hello all,
I have over the course of the past year intermittently checked the posts here for information so that my family could break free from the satellite company's grips and receive free digital TV. Thank you all for the useful information. We live in Burnsville, and up until now we have reliably received the digital signals from 13,21, and 33, with channels 4 and 62 coming in a bit less reliably. Our antenna, as I have now figured out, is evidently a UHF only antenna. I am so disappointed that we can no longer receive WLOS - 13. I don't want to buy another outdoor antenna. Does anyone have any suggestions for modifying an Antennas Direct DB8 Multi Directional Antenna, possibly with parts from an old VHF antenna? ALso, good luck to you Mr. Birdwell, and thank you for all the great information.

Mom...I am kind of surprised you are unable to get 13 with your DB8. I have a friend in Wilkes County who bought a DB8 about 2 years ago and he could get a fair WSPA (analog 7) picture when I asked him to test its VHF-hi performance a few months back. So, the DB8 should be able to get some VHF-hi signals like WLOS and WSPA. Do you have a pre-amp for the antenna?

I am picking up your channel (WYFF) all the way in Greenwood at one bar during the early evening. That's pretty much my worst reception time.

I am using a Radio Shack UR-75 and a R/S pre-amp.

Your signal is very stable.

Thank you for the report. It's almost 69 miles from our transmitter site to downtown Greenwood. Glad it's working for you.

H1. I am new to this forum but hoping to gain some information on HDTV. I live near Penrose, NC. I pick up NBC, FOX, and ABC quite wiell in HD. I had been (and still am) watching CBS(WSPA) on one of their tranlators, receiving it on channel 2. When the transition took place last Friday I got WSPA 7.1 & 7.2 for about 5-10 minutes and can no longer receive this broadcast. Is this station up to full power? Because of my location will I never be able to get this broadcast in HD? I also have tried to get it on 62.2 but with no luck. I currently get WSPA on channel 2 (analog still?) but not real clear. Any thoughts, suggestions or ideas on WSPA for me? I watch CBS more than all the others combined and it is disappointing to me not to get a better signal.

Thanks

Toyman770

I could be wrong, but I think I am seeing the difference in vhf and uhf tonight.
There is a large thunderstorm between me and the the transmitters, 7, 9 & 13 all show signals near 100, but are in and out constantly. The stations that choose uhf are all steady, even though 21 has a lower signal strength, their picture is holding steady. Comments welcome...

Lightning does interfere with high VHF signals. The noise from the lightning will distort the digital stream and cause the decoder to lose lock. So it's not a signal strength issue at that point. This is exactly why low VHF was determined to not be suitable for digital, too much noise (in addition to lightning) at those frequencies that will kill a digital signal.

At least there is one advantage to UHF!

Lightning does interfere with high VHF signals. The noise from the lightning will distort the digital stream and cause the decoder to lose lock. So it's not a signal strength issue at that point. This is exactly why low VHF was determined to not be suitable for digital, too much noise (in addition to lightning) at those frequencies that will kill a digital signal.

At least there is one advantage to UHF!

Then Doug...is there any valid reason that WCYB in Bristol would have migrated back to channel 5 last Friday -- they were on ch 28 pre-transition which would have seemed to be the best place to stay. Also, I think a PBS station in Roanoke went to channel 3. What's the logic in these stations going back to lo-band VHF?

We were able to see WCYB, in Hickory, on UHF 28 prior to the switch back to VHF 5.
I don't understand the logic either. Digital is a whole different animal than ghosty, staticy analog.

Then Doug...is there any valid reason that WCYB in Bristol would have migrated back to channel 5 last Friday -- they were on ch 28 pre-transition which would have seemed to be the best place to stay. Also, I think a PBS station in Roanoke went to channel 3. What's the logic in these stations going back to lo-band VHF?

There are probably a couple reasons. The stations are in mountainous terrain and UHF signals do not bend around mountains like VHF signals do. So they were looking at lost viewers if they went to UHF. (We have that problem in western NC. The channel 4 signal got into places that channel 36 will never reach.) The other reason is operating costs. The cost to operate my solid state channel 4 transmitter was about $1200/month for electricity. The UHF transmitter costs about $9000/month. The VHF transmitter is less costly to maintain from a repair standpoint too. I assume they considered the interference/noise (i.e. electric motors, power line sparkle) problem to be less of an issue than the lack of coverage with a UHF signal.

Doug

Mom...I am kind of surprised you are unable to get 13 with your DB8. I have a friend in Wilkes County who bought a DB8 about 2 years ago and he could get a fair WSPA (analog 7) picture when I asked him to test its VHF-hi performance a few months back. So, the DB8 should be able to get some VHF-hi signals like WLOS and WSPA. Do you have a pre-amp for the antenna?

Thank you eacalhoun for your response. Yes, we have the Channel Master 7777 pre-amp and only 30 ft. of cable separating our antenna and the TV. However, we do have a hill which may partly block some of the southern-originating signals; it's hard to say. I have always been puzzled as to why we can get intermittently good signals from WYFF and nothing from WSPA (except as 62.2). I guess at this point I am hoping that WLOS will either start sending out a stronger signal or maybe change back to UHF. That may be wishful thinking.

-. I have always been puzzled as to why we can get intermittently good signals from WYFF and nothing from WSPA (except as 62.2). I guess at this point I am hoping that WLOS will either start sending out a stronger signal or maybe change back to UHF. That may be wishful thinking.

I installed a Winegard YA 1713 some time ago in order to pick up 7 & 13 when the switch came. Also pbs 9 comes in great with some wonderful programing.
I use the same amp you have and connection is simple.
Getting it mounted may not be simple, but you know that. At the time I spent about $55 for the antenna and shipping from Solid Signal.
There may be some changes on 7, if the tower collapse is effecting their signal at this time, but I'm betting 13 is set.
Good luck....

I have a small LCD HDTV upstairs that is connected to a set of amplified rabbit ears. Before the switch, I was largely unable to receive the WYFF digital signal. Since the switch, I now can watch WYFF in HD. The signal is only around 50 on my meter. I do occasionally experience freeze ups and pixelations. Since I was previously watching the morning news in analog, this is a welcomed change. I live in the Fountain Inn, SC city limits.

You are about 37 miles from our transmitter. That is the outer limits for indoor antennas. Most UHF antennas are optimized for the center of the UHF band and 36 is much closer to the center than 59. So I'm sure the change in frequency helped.

Doug

WYFF is coming in at 50% signal strength with a non amplified indoor antenna in north western Cherokee county, about 50 miles from the transmitter. Before the switch we could not get WYFF with either an indoor or outdoor antenna. A welcomed change indeed!

To douglasd5-

I live on the western edge of the city of Charlotte, NC.. Just inside Gaston county. Using a smaller version Channel Master VHF/UHF yagi mounted in my attic, I receive your digital transmissions reliably here with no loss or breakup. I am using EyeTV on a Mac computer (the newer modern version of the receiver with the XCV5000 demod chip). Your transmission site is received the best here of any of the GSP stations.. Channel 7 is a little more unstable but generally viewable.. I have lost WHNS altogether, even though I could receive them fairly reliably before the "big switch".. I also lost WLOS completely as well.

I can tell no difference in signal strength between DT36 and DT59. Both have been reliable from the beginning for me.

Kind Regards-
Steve

I turned My antennas toward Atlanta (5:30 a m) and picked up KTND 47. They broadcast on 47 using 4 sub channels, and each in a different language. I can find no info on the station. Anybody know of them? Thanks

WKTB-LD. http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=wktb-ld#station

- Trip

WKTB-LD. http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=wktb-ld#station

- Trip

Well dang Trip, I thought I was receiving something bouncing of the moon from Texas or the west coast.

How is WSB's quest for the two additional transmitters coming?

Still, to get a 15 kW signal certainly isn't bad!

WSB's got the applications filed and is now waiting for the FCC to take action on them.

- Trip

I installed a Winegard YA 1713 some time ago in order to pick up 7 & 13 when the switch came. Also pbs 9 comes in great with some wonderful programing.
I use the same amp you have and connection is simple.
Getting it mounted may not be simple, but you know that. At the time I spent about $55 for the antenna and shipping from Solid Signal.
There may be some changes on 7, if the tower collapse is effecting their signal at this time, but I'm betting 13 is set.
Good luck....

Thanks so much for the advice, Don. It's really too bad that these stations (7 & 13) were forced to switch to VHF.

Those stations were not forced, it was their choice... As Doug pointed out vhf is much cheaper to operate than uhf.
Hope you find a solution...

I live in Williamston and the signal improved a great deal after 36 began to run on wyff. But 7.1 is not working well. Most of the time it does not come in past the danger levels of dropout on my diagnostic reading. 21 is also reading less on the signal meter but I still can bring it in. 13 is not as strong and sometimes it drops out. I have a wingard 2200. I now get charlotte 3.1 at night

Hi everybody! I live in Morristown, Tn just south of the lake of 25 E. I was unable to get WLOS 13 on DTV 56 but since they have gone VHF I can now get them. I have numerous drops but the signal meter on my Dish net vip721 shows their level in the middle 60's. My only problem is their signal varies from 56 below threshold of the receiver to 67. I have heard they are not at full power or height yet on VHF. Can anyway confirm this and when they may get up to full power?

I also have now lost WUNF DTV 25 / 33. I used to get them and be able to get a watchable pix but they are now gone. Did they move to another channel? I still get their analog 33 fairly good.

As for VHF DTV it seems you must have a extremely strong signal to prevent drops. UHF DTV seems to be much more stable here. I get WVLT DTV 30 analog 8 out of Knoxville at very low 60 but it stays above threshold 58 to 62 and I have no drops. Analog 8 unwatchable but still on air for some reason.

Other signals I get very well 47 Norton VA 100 % signal DTV channel 32 along with Greeneville and Sneedville DTV 38 and 41. I have direct line of sight to Sneedville transmitter and can pick it up in all directions.
5 WCYB and 11 WJHL both tri cities dropped significantly from 100% UHF to their present high 80's. Lightning now makes these stations unwatchable.
Channel 19 DTV 27 WKPT which decide to keep 27 comes in at 98 and lightning has very little effect if any. Same with Knoxville channel went back to VHF 10 and they suffered a significant drop in signal. Knoxvilles are behind a hill makes them a little tough but I do get all of them reliably since most are UHF in the mid to upper 60 range. DTV Channel 7 in the 70's but numerous drops since everybody went full time digital. They use be in the 70's with no drops but unfortunately no longer the case.

I believe they are still thinking old school VHF were you could get analog in the valleys and around mountains. This was true but the signal could vary significantly and did not have to worry about drop outs. DTV seems to need a more steady signal then what VHF can supply unless you are very close or very strong signal. I even get a few pix locks on VHF signal in the 80's. Very few though.

I'm using roof mounted Rat Shack VHF/UHF on roof for VHF and some UHF. Channel Master 4228 for real tough dogs UHF (DTV 20 34 and 26 especially) both have CM 7777 boosters.

Yesterday was most baffling in this new Digital TV world. No matter what I did to improve my local reception, I could not receive DT-13 nor DT-7. BUT, I was receiving digital signals from all over the Carolinas and into Goergia. Every time I scanned new stations would pop up...faster than I could log them and look up call letters. This continued into the night, but they were lost by morning.

And DX does not surprise me, as a rule. I constructerd a rhombic at Orlando AFB in the 50s, and received Channel 4 in Los Angeles for some 20 minutes. Perhaps DTV has more surprises...but now my only interest is to receive all locals.

Wow. I'm getting WIS10-NBC and WOLO-ABC(RF8-25.1) from Columbia 89.7 miles away off the backside of CM4221 with CM7777 preamp. Comes in only at night during primetime, but VHF sure does carry. Getting 51-53% signal strength, but steady.
I did a manual channel search after checking TVFool for my location.
Robby C

Last night I pulled in WGGS-16 for the first time. It only registered a signal strength of 22%, and wasn't really watchable, but at 110 miles away in Statesville, NC, I was surprised to find it.

I also found WAGT-26 in Augusta for the first time. It came in at a strong 77% at 185 miles away!

SNAFU -- old Army term -- never been in the Army, but I know what the acronym stands for... earlier tonight I was watching something on WLOS and back-to-back I saw the June 12 DTV transition PSAs... "Digital TV is COMING June 12! For more information... Yadda Yadda Yadda!" WHY THE HECK is ANYBODY still running those PSAs a week AFTER the fact?!? ANYBODY who would be impacted by them CAN NO LONGER SEE THEM!!!

I'm beginning to think it will be 2011 and we'll STILL be seeing repurcussions from this! Geesh, can NOTHING ever go smoothly?!? The FCC, the TV stations and the general public had only like, what, 10 freakin' years to prepare?!?
Jeff

P.S. You guys make me wish I wasn't at the bottom of a hill, so I could at least PLAY with what channels I could get, lol. Even back in the OLD DAYS, with a 30-foot mast and the best antenna we could find, we did good to get 7, 4, 13 and 29 on a VERY GOOD day, lol, which is why this has been a cable household (now satellite) for like 30 or more years, now. If I lived on the TOP part of my neighborhood, I'd install a good antenna just so I "could play," lol, and maybe get a few channels in HD DISH doesn't offer.

SNAFU -- old Army term -- never been in the Army, but I know what the acronym stands for... earlier tonight I was watching something on WLOS and back-to-back I saw the June 12 DTV transition PSAs... "Digital TV is COMING June 12! For more information... Yadda Yadda Yadda!" WHY THE HECK is ANYBODY still running those PSAs a week AFTER the fact?!? ANYBODY who would be impacted by them CAN NO LONGER SEE THEM!!!

I'm beginning to think it will be 2011 and we'll STILL be seeing repurcussions from this! Geesh, can NOTHING ever go smoothly?!? The FCC, the TV stations and the general public had only like, what, 10 freakin' years to prepare?!?
Jeff

The FCC is requiring some stations to continue consumer education for 30 days or if they have a CP that isn't completed until the CP is completed. Dumb rule, but that is the rules.

So everyone else is still tuning Fox with no problem? I have an Antennas Direct Clearstream4 in my attic (I'm in Simpsonville). Before June 12th I was able to tune WMYA, WNTV, WGGS, WYFF, WYCW, WSPA, WHNS, WUNF and WLOS all at 90%+ Signal Strength and Signal Quality.

After the conversion I am still able to tune every channel except WHNS. As a matter of fact I have seen a signal increase on every channel except WHNS.

The signal strength is over 90%+ constantly now; however, the signal quality jumps back and forth between 0% and 100%.

Does anyone have any guesses? I contacted Fox and all they did was point me to the same websites I used to set the antenna up in the first place.

I live about halfway between Brevard and Rosman, NC and receive WYFF on an amplified AntennasDirect 91XG. I think the switch to ch 36 has marginally improved my reception. It seems to vary with weather conditions, (sometimes several bars, othertimes none). I get fewer dropouts than with ch 59. I think the additional antenna height will definitely help so am looking forward to that.

I receive WLOS on an AntennasDirect LaCrosse along with Chs 21, 33, and 62. WLOS has a printed message that appears occasionally implying that there is some delayed DTV antenna work. The message is confusing as it indicates that programing may be seen on ch 13. I don't know if they are really addressing ch 13 or maybe MY40. The message doesn't immediately repeat and I always miss the first few words.

I can receive WSPA with a simple VHF dipole but too pixellated to view, I am watching ch 7 on ch 62-2. A significant change in the WSPA antenna height is scheduled to be completed by September 1, so I will wait to see what effect it has before making any change to my antenna configuration. The dipole worked well for analog before the WSPA tower failure so it may work for DTV after the antenna tower is rebuilt. If not I will probably build a simple VHF yagi with one director and one reflector and try to combine the signal with the UHF from the 91XG.

So everyone else is still tuning Fox with no problem? I have an Antennas Direct Clearstream4 in my attic (I'm in Simpsonville). Before June 12th I was able to tune WMYA, WNTV, WGGS, WYFF, WYCW, WSPA, WHNS, WUNF and WLOS all at 90%+ Signal Strength and Signal Quality.

After the conversion I am still able to tune every channel except WHNS. As a matter of fact I have seen a signal increase on every channel except WHNS.

The signal strength is over 90%+ constantly now; however, the signal quality jumps back and forth between 0% and 100%.

Does anyone have any guesses? I contacted Fox and all they did was point me to the same websites I used to set the antenna up in the first place.

Ditto! I had the same EXACT results...signal gains on everyone (except WYFF remained the same, but still an excellent signal), but I lost WHNS. I get some signal, but not enough to "lock-in" or it's "on the cliff". I got the same information from the WHNS engineer's email, too -- pretty useless info. I did send another email to the WHNS engineer to verify their transmitting power, but I've not heard back from him.

Eric

To douglasd5-

I live on the western edge of the city of Charlotte, NC.. Just inside Gaston county. Using a smaller version Channel Master VHF/UHF yagi mounted in my attic, I receive your digital transmissions reliably here with no loss or breakup. I am using EyeTV on a Mac computer (the newer modern version of the receiver with the XCV5000 demod chip). Your transmission site is received the best here of any of the GSP stations.. Channel 7 is a little more unstable but generally viewable.. I have lost WHNS altogether, even though I could receive them fairly reliably before the "big switch".. I also lost WLOS completely as well.

I can tell no difference in signal strength between DT36 and DT59. Both have been reliable from the beginning for me.

Kind Regards-
Steve

Wow, you are about 87 miles from our transmitter site and the predicted signal in Cramerton is very low. So this is good news. I think the situation with WHNS is they went back to ch 21 for digital and there is a ch 22 in Charlotte. The strong adjacent channel signal could be the problem. We had that problem with our analog on 4 and WBTV on ch 3.

Many of the stations that went back to their VHF channels for digital are having problems. So once that situation is resolved (assuming there is a solution) you may get WLOS back and a more reliable signal from WSPA.

Thank you for the report.
Doug

foxeng and Douglasd5, I certainly DON'T envy either of you guys right now!

Foxeng, what you just posted about why WLOS is probably still running that idiotic commercial makes PERFECT SENSE -- especially if it's an FCC mandate. FCC, FDA, FAA -- everything they do makes perfect sense -- TO COMEDIANS! :p Yaknow, I'm one of these folks who keeps agreeing we need MORE government regulation of things like, say, the BANKING industry, so we don't have another MEGA-COLLAPSE like we did last fall... but then I see the stellar job all the other regulatory agencies do (and just last Sunday "60 Minutes" had an EXCELLENT story about what a terrible job the SEC does of policing anyone until AFTER the fact, when their lawyers and officers come in and CLEAN UP THE MESS -- how they were warned, REPEATEDLY, FOR YEARS, about Bernie Madoff -- and others, but in Madoff's case he finally had to TURN HIMSELF IN when banking crises made his whole Ponzi Scheme crumble all by itself!).

Those agencies are supposed to both REGULATE and HELP FACILITATE things like this transition (i.e., help stations like yours make sure things GO SMOOTHLY). So why are things so rough? Maybe there are just bugs to work out that would be there no matter what, but I suspect the FCC also didn't have enough people put enough "brain trust" into this whole transition, which is typical with big government agencies -- oh, unless they wanna fine a bunch of network affiliates for letting a little bit of nudity or profanity slip by on the air! :mad:
Jeff

WLOS let the news department handle the PR for DTV. They wouldn't even tell the viewer what DT channel they were on, the news director said the DTV set takes care of it. She told me this back in December,

"Since we are returning to channel 13 in February, we've purposely left
the temporary channel number out of our discussions because DTV is
designed to be viewer transparent with regards to channel number. All
ATSC tuners, once they've scanned and found us, are tuned to our
channels by dialing in "13.1" or "13.2" or "13.3". This will continue to
be true after the February transition, so it doesn't seem in our best
interest to add to the confusion with public discussion of the temporary
channel number. Please let me know if you have other questions that may
help you with the transition. We certainly want to make sure all viewers
have the information they need."

Never you mind that the info might help with antenna selection!

So everyone else is still tuning Fox with no problem? I have an Antennas Direct Clearstream4 in my attic (I'm in Simpsonville). Before June 12th I was able to tune WMYA, WNTV, WGGS, WYFF, WYCW, WSPA, WHNS, WUNF and WLOS all at 90%+ Signal Strength and Signal Quality.

After the conversion I am still able to tune every channel except WHNS. As a matter of fact I have seen a signal increase on every channel except WHNS.

The signal strength is over 90%+ constantly now; however, the signal quality jumps back and forth between 0% and 100%.

Does anyone have any guesses? I contacted Fox and all they did was point me to the same websites I used to set the antenna up in the first place.

Same here on the lousy signal from FOX. See this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16642645#post16642645) post for one possible reason. Wow, 160 kW vs. 500!! You'd think that FOX would tell you this when you make inquiries about why you can no longer receive their signal. I'm starting to lose hope that it will improve in the near future.

Hey SuperDodge,

What are you using as a tuner that shows you signal quality?

I have a home-brew HTPC that uses HDHomerun tuners. An app that came with the tuners shows Signal Strength, Signal Quality, and Symbol Quality. Since the June 12 switch, WHNS has gone from a solid 100% Symbol Quality (required for an error-free recording) to jumping all over the place from 0 to 100 with the typical reading of 0. I can no longer record WHNS with my HTPC. What's strange is that if I watch WHNS directly on my TV (no HTPC), the picture/sound is fine.

Today is first time i`m getting pretty good strong signal for WHNS Fox 21 and WGGS 16 is droping out.and after the winds calm down the WGGS Signal is most Stable.

Live near Chickasaw Point on Hwy 11 by Westminster. Have a DB2 mast mounted was receiving 4, 21,32, 33, 62...now I'm luck to get 4 and 62. This is all amped. Do I need a different antenna, if so what is recommended or is this changeover just screwed up and I need to wait awhile...what a mess. Txs

both 13 and 7 have gone south tonight... I don't see any bad weather between here and there. Picture is still good, but signal strength has dropped below 60 on the scale.

13 is gone, and 7 is in and out. I think my stuff is working as 4,9, & 21 look good... I hope this is not a sign of things to come with dt vhf....

The fact that 21 works for you means that doug is probably right about adjacent channel interference killing it for me.

Oh well. I guess it's time to buy a directional antenna just so I can get Fox. I don't understand why they would WANT to be at 21 if there is a 22 in Charlotte. Especially since physical channel numbers mean nothing to most people anymore, only virtual ones.

Likely because they already had channel 21 analog equipment that could be recycled for digital use.

- Trip

Likely because they already had channel 21 analog equipment that could be recycled for digital use.

- Trip

Not only that, but there are almost no full power channels available in the GSAA market. When we were looking for a third channel that we could operate at full power, there was only one, 36. The second choice was 29 but we couldn't operate it at full power due to interference to another 29. When you list all the used channels in adjacent markets (Atlanta, Charlotte, Augusta, Columbia, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Kingsport-Johnson City-Bristol) there aren't many left. That's also a factor in why there were so many out-of-core digital channels (52 and higher) in this market.

I have charter hd and everytime we watch something in hd the dang hd commercials so loud? My girlfriend is about to the point where she would rather watch something in sd instead of hd because of this. I too have noticed it. We have a surround sound system and if the commercial is in sd (with the sidebars) the audio jump is not there, but if its in hd l(ike the car commercial with the people dressed up like plants and trees bringing man and earth together as one) its so loud we have to turn it down then turn it back up cause when the show comes back on you cant here it. Is it just our setup or is this something that has to do with the hd? Is everybodys this way? Just wondering...

Good afternoon,

Please PM me the following and we can take a look for you:


Name:
Phone Number on Account:
Contact Number:
Best Time To Call:
Email:
Address:


George

Live near Chickasaw Point on Hwy 11 by Westminster. Have a DB2 mast mounted was receiving 4, 21,32, 33, 62...now I'm luck to get 4 and 62. This is all amped. Do I need a different antenna, if so what is recommended or is this changeover just screwed up and I need to wait awhile...what a mess. Txs

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Want to make sure I purchase something that will work.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Want to make sure I purchase something that will work.

I have a channel master 4228 with amp that I sometimes turn to the Carolina signals and it does a good job for me. With 7 really on 7 I do have some problems with them. Weather really effects 13 & 7 even though the signals are strong.
According to channel master their new
4228HD will go down into the high vhf channels and may be a better choice. They have discontinued the older model, which could be a problem to find. Check this site, it will give you good comparson of different antennas. www.hdtvprimer/ANTENNAS/comparing.html[/url]
you will have to click on the 4228hd to find the results.
I am just across the river in Toccoa. I have an array of antennas I use for my normal viewing, the 4228 is mostly a hobby, but it would be the way to go without spending alot... Good luck, hope this helps..

Don, txs for the info. I've been looking at the Winegard 7694 or EZ HD as well. Pretty hard to determine what you need when the stations don't appear to be up to capacity yet??? I'm also waiting for a response from Solid Signal. Dave

Don, txs for the info. I've been looking at the Winegard 7694 or EZ HD as well. Pretty hard to determine what you need when the stations don't appear to be up to capacity yet??? I'm also waiting for a response from Solid Signal. Dave

Yesterday I ordered an Antennas Direct c4 from solid signal. Most everything I have read since ordering the c4 has been bad. It should be here in a couple of days. I will give it a chance and post my "opinion" of the c4.
Good luck in your selection.

Does anyone know when or if we will get TVGOS in Greenville? And when will WLOS and WSPA start at full power? I can get WLOS as a SD channel on 62.2 but not anything on 13.1 -13.3. When will 7's new tower be back to full stream?


Ok so that was several questions.

The chief engineer at WLOS advises, We are in the process of upgrading our current antenna to what will be our official DTV antenna. For someone in your area, this change will be unnoticeable as it will have more of an effect on reception at the outer reaches of our viewing area. . . .As to the timeframe for this work, it is very open-ended at the moment due to some structural engineering hurdles we have left to step through.
My area that he addresses is near Brevard, NC.

BTW orionzdrm, that would be WSPA you get on 62-2.

Yesterday I ordered an Antennas Direct c4 from solid signal. Most everything I have read since ordering the c4 has been bad. It should be here in a couple of days. I will give it a chance and post my "opinion" of the c4.
Good luck in your selection.

Well, this is my opinion of the Antennas Direct C4, as a friend use to say
" It's just like a 51 Mercury....all show and no go."

The unit arrived this morning, and was up and running in a couple of hours.
Now it is in the box and leaving here tomorrow. Before the install I took some readings from my cm4228.

Channel 13 cm= 88 C4=36, ch. 9 cm=66 C4=0
ch 7 cm=54 C4=0... neither antenna was amped... Antennas Direct's claim that it has 12 to 14 db gain across the hdtv band, is a little bit on the shady side.

I have a channel master 4228 with amp that I sometimes turn to the Carolina signals and it does a good job for me. With 7 really on 7 I do have some problems with them. Weather really effects 13 & 7 even though the signals are strong.
According to channel master their new
4228HD will go down into the high vhf channels and may be a better choice. They have discontinued the older model, which could be a problem to find. Check this site, it will give you good comparson of different antennas. www.hdtvprimer/ANTENNAS/comparing.html[/url]
you will have to click on the 4228hd to find the results.
I am just across the river in Toccoa. I have an array of antennas I use for my normal viewing, the 4228 is mostly a hobby, but it would be the way to go without spending alot... Good luck, hope this helps..

Don, just read your update on the C4 , I can rule that out. Solid Signal recommended a Winegard 7498, just seems like a lot of antenna. The 4228HD sounds like the better way to go compared to a 7494 as well. The reviews of old 4228 vs new HD are mixed, but if I can pull in 7 and 13 it is probably my best choice. Dave

Don, just read your update on the C4 , I can rule that out. Solid Signal recommended a Winegard 7498, just seems like a lot of antenna. The 4228HD sounds like the better way to go compared to a 7494 as well. The reviews of old 4228 vs new HD are mixed, but if I can pull in 7 and 13 it is probably my best choice. Dave

If you go with the cm 4228hd please let us (or me) know how it performs. I have a high vhf and an 91xg going to a cm 7777 on a rotor that takes care of all my needs, but I have an interest in new stuff. My cm4228 is just for fun... Good Luck..

None of the Antenna Direct C series antennas do VHF even though the boxes say "all digital channels." The FCC has taken note of that too by the way.

None of the Antenna Direct C series antennas do VHF even though the boxes say "all digital channels." The FCC has taken note of that too by the way.

What about the DB8?

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=AD-DB8

Product decscription states: High gain across entire UHF band (UHF channels 14-69) and Enhanced VHF reception

I would interperet this to mean that this is excellent for UHF and very good for VHF-hi, espcecially if I'm somewhat closer to the VHF-hi transmitters versus the UHF ones.

Any thoughts or guidance on this antenna?

What about the DB8?

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=AD-DB8

Product decscription states: High gain across entire UHF band (UHF channels 14-69) and Enhanced VHF reception

I would interperet this to mean that this is excellent for UHF and very good for VHF-hi, espcecially if I'm somewhat closer to the VHF-hi transmitters versus the UHF ones.

Any thoughts or guidance on this antenna?

The DB-8 doesn't state "all digital channels" like the CS antennas. The DB-8 states channels 14-69. They may have an issue with the vagueness of the "VHF enhanced" statement. Buyers don't have any reference to what that means (how many of the VHF channels, what is the gain, etc). The FCC doesn't have an issue with antennas that say UHF only or channels 14-69. What they have an issue is with antennas that say or imply they will do VHF and only do UHF. That is false marketing. Truth in advertising, meaning you better be able to back up your statements and the CS' can't and the FCC has seen it first hand in people's homes.

FYI

Was in Brookings, OR this past week and the Digital Transition has not occured. I was told they had until the 30th. This is a small town, population 6,000, with the Pacific to the west and mountains to the east.

In our cabin, we had cable provided by Charter, I believe originating in Cresent City, CA. The QAM tuner on the 26" Vizio picked up about 4 digital stations w/3 of them in HD, Weather, FSN, and TNT. I think Soap was the SD station.

Sure like to see FSN-HD & TNT-HD in the clear here in Simpsonville.

If you go with the cm 4228hd please let us (or me) know how it performs. I have a high vhf and an 91xg going to a cm 7777 on a rotor that takes care of all my needs, but I have an interest in new stuff. My cm4228 is just for fun... Good Luck..

I have a 4228HD mounted in my attic pointing out the end gable of the house (no shingles, just vinyl and some brick) and I pull in Channel 7 with 95% signal strength. The antenna is pointed at the WHNS tower (48° west of the WSPA tower for me). I am a couple of miles north of Hwy 29 near Hwy 14 in Greer. The WSPA tower is 14 miles from me.

I have a 4228HD mounted in my attic pointing out the end gable of the house (no shingles, just vinyl and some brick) and I pull in Channel 7 with 95% signal strength. The antenna is pointed at the WHNS tower (48° west of the WSPA tower for me). I am a couple of miles north of Hwy 29 near Hwy 14 in Greer. The WSPA tower is 14 miles from me.

Thanks for sharing. I'm about 55 miles from you and still concerned about 7 and 13 on the 4228 although I'm roof mounted and amped. Been looking at the Winegard 7696 or 7697, the 4228HD is intriquing just concerned about the vhf side. Txs Dave

Most local TV stations really blew it with their reporting on the DTV transition. They wasted time parroting the required government infomercial stuff, but neglected to provide real reporting on the details of frequency changes, schedules of antenna improvements and etc. One would have thought the transition to be important enough that the stations would have kept the viewers up to date on what to expect. As it turns out WSPA, WLOS and WYFF all still have antenna work going on. WSPA and WYFF apparently will complete their antenna work in the Aug-Sept time frame, but WLOS has no forecast on its completion.

Most local TV stations really blew it with their reporting on the DTV transition. They wasted time parroting the required government infomercial stuff, but neglected to provide real reporting on the details of frequency changes, schedules of antenna improvements and etc. One would have thought the transition to be important enough that the stations would have kept the viewers up to date on what to expect. As it turns out WSPA, WLOS and WYFF all still have antenna work going on. WSPA and WYFF apparently will complete their antenna work in the Aug-Sept time frame, but WLOS has no forecast on its completion.

I've seen mention on WSPA, WLOS and WYFF through commercials, lower screen crawls, news reports (On-Air and Online) and/or a combination of the three aforementioned avenues of frequency changes, antenna improvements, etc. Not only that, there are the generic DTV commercials that have been emphasizing the VHF/UHF Antennas to get the best reception of local channels. Pertaining to WLOS, if you'll watch their newscasts or their syndicated shows, they'll normally crawl the information during the "A" Block and/or the weather segment (during the former). The notifications continue at nauseum, but are required by the FCC. It's a necessary evil that we have to live with in the interim via OTA, Cable or Satellite.

Foxeng or douglasd5, please correct this if I misstated (you're in the know on this).

Once a station is operating on its authorized facilities (main antenna at authorized power) the announcements can stop.

Once a station is operating on its authorized facilities (main antenna at authorized power) the announcements can stop.

Thank you for the follow-up!

Most local TV stations really blew it with their reporting on the DTV transition. They wasted time parroting the required government infomercial stuff, but neglected to provide real reporting on the details of frequency changes, schedules of antenna improvements and etc. One would have thought the transition to be important enough that the stations would have kept the viewers up to date on what to expect. As it turns out WSPA, WLOS and WYFF all still have antenna work going on. WSPA and WYFF apparently will complete their antenna work in the Aug-Sept time frame, but WLOS has no forecast on its completion.

While I can't speak for other stations, WYFF ran a 60 second announcement 4 times a day, every day, for 30 days prior to the June 12th transition explaining the situation with our antenna. WYFF continues to run crawls with this information (and three additional crawls with other DTV related information) and will until the antenna changes have been completed (as stated above, an FCC requirement). Each announcement gives telephone numbers, web site info, and an email address if viewers have additional questions. There has also been information about this on WYFF4.com for months. http://www.wyff4.com/technology/18549792/detail.html

So it shouldn't have been a surprise to anyone if they were paying attention prior to June 12.

While I can't speak for other stations, WYFF ran a 60 second announcement 4 times a day, every day, for 30 days prior to the June 12th transition explaining the situation with our antenna. WYFF continues to run crawls with this information (and three additional crawls with other DTV related information) and will until the antenna changes have been completed (as stated above, an FCC requirement). Each announcement gives telephone numbers, web site info, and an email address if viewers have additional questions. There has also been information about this on WYFF4.com for months. http://www.wyff4.com/technology/18549792/detail.html

So it shouldn't have been a surprise to anyone if they were paying attention prior to June 12.
I was talking about a real informative news report not crawls and quickie sound bites, I do appreciate that when I emailed WYFF you always provided prompt answers.

Those FCC-required ongoing announcements about reduced signal strengths of DTV signals by stations that aren't at full power on some frequencies and so forth -- especially WLOS, with it's SERIOUSLY deficient situation (which I'm very thankfully not having to experience, since I'm not using an antenna), continue to just crack me up with their total lack of ANY common sense! The people those announcements are supposed to be "serving" can't see them to begin with, UNLESS they happen to be watching at someone else's house, or in a restaurant or bar or something... It's just hilarious... Like saying you have to have an automated telephone system to alert people who live in with no utilities about emergencies, or something.

Again, Douglas and Foxeng, at this point I'm letting you guys off the hook, for the most part (WLOS not included, since I feel they REALLY dropped the ball on this) -- of course they probably have "a sob story," too. Channel 7 actually DOES have a legitimate excuse, since the ice storm DID topple its tower... For that matter, I'm SURE the engineers at all the stations do all they can -- it's management and the corporations that are to blame, usually, if things like adequate antenna installation and maintenance "fall through the cracks." When it comes to "the bottom line," anything that doesn't produce income is always looked at as an inconvenience by management and "bean counters."
Jeff

Those FCC-required ongoing announcements about reduced signal strengths of DTV signals by stations that aren't at full power on some frequencies and so forth -- especially WLOS, with it's SERIOUSLY deficient situation (which I'm very thankfully not having to experience, since I'm not using an antenna), continue to just crack me up with their total lack of ANY common sense! The people those announcements are supposed to be "serving" can't see them to begin with, UNLESS they happen to be watching at someone else's house, or in a restaurant or bar or something... It's just hilarious... Like saying you have to have an automated telephone system to alert people who live in with no utilities about emergencies, or something.

Again, Douglas and Foxeng, at this point I'm letting you guys off the hook, for the most part (WLOS not included, since I feel they REALLY dropped the ball on this) -- of course they probably have "a sob story," too. Channel 7 actually DOES have a legitimate excuse, since the ice storm DID topple its tower... For that matter, I'm SURE the engineers at all the stations do all they can -- it's management and the corporations that are to blame, usually, if things like adequate antenna installation and maintenance "fall through the cracks." When it comes to "the bottom line," anything that doesn't produce income is always looked at as an inconvenience by management and "bean counters."
Jeff

Like has been said, the FCC is REQUIRING stations to run those announcements, laugh all you want, stations don't have a choice. It is also becoming obvious that most of the VHF stations in the country were allocated too low of power from the FCC. It is so bad that a Petition for Rule Making was filed Friday to allow VHF stations to increase power 4 times their current level.

My assumption is if the FCC does allow an increase in VHF power then the 4228HD would be more that adequate for my needs. I wonder how long it would take for this petition to be addressed. My neighbor bought a Radio Shack HD antenna, appears to be about 110 inches in length and they receive 7 and 13 just fine but not that much more than my DB2 does on the the UHF side so I think the 4228 would be okay if the VHF is stronger. I don't really want to go with a big antenna if not necessary.

I have a 110" deep fringe Yagi UHF antenna that I bought from Radio Shack at a clearance price several years ago with a CM Rotor and pre-amp and I get 13 and 7 just fine here in Enoree, i also get all of the Charlotte stations and WOLO and WIS from Columbia, it would seem that length of any kind is the key to VHF, some of the folks out there with reception issues might want to try a very long Yagi and see if it helps, BTW the clearance price on it was $5.

I was talking about a real informative news report not crawls and quickie sound bites, I do appreciate that when I emailed WYFF you always provided prompt answers.

UHF-DT signals remain fairly reliable for my address, but it appears VHF multi-path is a significant problem. My most narrow-beam VHF antenna cannot isolate a usable Channel 7 nor a 13 DT signal. Of course I do not have very effective analyzers for observing the signals.

Those FCC-required ongoing announcements about reduced signal strengths of DTV signals by stations that aren't at full power on some frequencies and so forth -- especially WLOS, with it's SERIOUSLY deficient situation (which I'm very thankfully not having to experience, since I'm not using an antenna), continue to just crack me up with their total lack of ANY common sense! The people those announcements are supposed to be "serving" can't see them to begin with, UNLESS they happen to be watching at someone else's house, or in a restaurant or bar or something... It's just hilarious... Like saying you have to have an automated telephone system to alert people who live in with no utilities about emergencies, or something.

Again, Douglas and Foxeng, at this point I'm letting you guys off the hook, for the most part (WLOS not included, since I feel they REALLY dropped the ball on this) -- of course they probably have "a sob story," too. Channel 7 actually DOES have a legitimate excuse, since the ice storm DID topple its tower... For that matter, I'm SURE the engineers at all the stations do all they can -- it's management and the corporations that are to blame, usually, if things like adequate antenna installation and maintenance "fall through the cracks." When it comes to "the bottom line," anything that doesn't produce income is always looked at as an inconvenience by management and "bean counters."
Jeff
I agree, my thought was that the stations could have spent a bit of money and time to go beyond those stupid info-mercials. WSPA let the news dept handle it and they ran a test. Like an idiot I got my VHF antenna ready and performed a scan to no avail. When I complained they admitted all they did is transmit noise. It's all about the revenue!

Anyone know anymore about ESPN's agreement with CSS to show at least 6 college football games this season? http://www.css-sports.com/images/2009_sec_espn_deal__kva__final.pdf

HD? On Peachtree TV channel?

Also, anymore news on when we will get the new channels at the 'end of summer' and which ones they'll be?

62 on direct tv in HD

62 on direct tv in HD

Congrats! Need My40 to be added to have a 6-pack on D*. :)

Is there anyone in the GSP area using an HDHomerun Tuner for OTA reception? I'm seeing a strange anomaly on CW and I'd like to see if anyone else is seeing it.

Looks like we're getting shafted again on Braves on FSS HD (listed in the cable box's guide, on charter's web site listings, and on the Braves' web site). What's the deal? The last few Sunday games have been blacked out as well.

Garbage.

EDIT: No Wheel of Fortune in HD either. Both seem to coincide with the DTV switch. How is it that these are affected? Wheel I can understand, but FSS-HD?

Is there anyone in the GSP area using an HDHomerun Tuner for OTA reception? I'm seeing a strange anomaly on CW and I'd like to see if anyone else is seeing it.
Yes I have a HDHomerun Tuner for OTA, im in Asheville, NC.
The CW 24/7 about every 30 seconds the Symbol Quality% goes from 100% to 4% for a second, that will sometime mess with the picture or sound at the same time Symbol Quality% drops.
And has done that for like a year now. :(
Assuming that's what your anomaly is, if not my bad. :o

Same Problem on the CW for me I've confirmed with friends that this is not HDHR specific. I contacted WYCW about it but they didn't seem to believe me.

Yep, that's the anomaly I'm seeing. I called WYCW and spoke with an engineer and they told me it must be local interference in my area. I wish there was a way to get their attention on this matter. Thanks for the feedback.

Txs to Don and Snakedoctor in my quest for an antenna. I've ordered the 4228hd and parts to mod it. I expect it will arrive by Wed or Thurs. I'll post you all on how it works for me.

Txs to Don and Snakedoctor in my quest for an antenna. I've ordered the 4228hd and parts to mod it. I expect it will arrive by Wed or Thurs. I'll post you all on how it works for me.

Care to elaborate on how you intend to mod it? I added "wings" to both sides of the reflector to mine which improved the channel 13 signal strength by about 10% (went from 75% to 85%).

Care to elaborate on how you intend to mod it? I added "wings" to both sides of the reflector to mine which improved the channel 13 signal strength by about 10% (went from 75% to 85%).


This forum gives an overview. http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=103749 within the thread is a link to hdtvprimer testing. What they have done is remove the exisiting balum and replace it with 2 baluns into a splitter. I may mount it check the strengths and then do the mod, just depends as I don't feel like crawling up and down a ladder.

Whoa- maybe everyone isn't asleep at the wheel over at Charter after all... Fox Sports South HD is coming in!

To the new communication folks at Charter checking this forum..any updates on when the Greenville SC area is getting the channel update...was wondering if BBC America HD is being added and if so will it be added on its launch day so we can check out Torchwood and Doctor Who in HD.
Thanks

Whoa- maybe everyone isn't asleep at the wheel over at Charter after all... Fox Sports South HD is coming in!

Are you saying that you're seeing a full-time HD signal on 772(?) for you folks? Checked 798 on this end (where it airs in AVL) and I'm only getting the test pattern at the moment.

Are you saying that you're seeing a full-time HD signal on 772(?) for you folks? Checked 798 on this end (where it airs in AVL) and I'm only getting the test pattern at the moment.

No. I only get 772 (Peachtree) when Braves games are on and it has been pretty reliable lately.
I was referring to 798 (FSNSH) for the Braves games that Fox Sports south picks up (which I also only get when Braves are on, some college football in the fall, and some unlisted events (one of the playoff hockey games was on this channel). Since the digital transition the games that have been scheduled and listed to air on 798 haven't been there. No signal, no nothing. Today's was finally showing up.

No. I only get 772 (Peachtree) when Braves games are on and it has been pretty reliable lately.
I was referring to 798 (FSNSH) for the Braves games that Fox Sports south picks up. Since the digital transition the games that have been scheduled and listed to air on 798 haven't been there. No signal, no nothing. Today's was finally showing up.

Oh, I thought FSNSH aired on 772 your way (and Peachtree vice-versa). Apologies for the misstate. :eek:

No. I only get 772 (Peachtree) when Braves games are on and it has been pretty reliable lately.
I was referring to 798 (FSNSH) for the Braves games that Fox Sports south picks up (which I also only get when Braves are on, some college football in the fall, and some unlisted events (one of the playoff hockey games was on this channel). Since the digital transition the games that have been scheduled and listed to air on 798 haven't been there. No signal, no nothing. Today's was finally showing up.

Saturday's game didn't show the first 15 or 20 minutes on 798. For some reason if finally switched on during the 2nd inning. It seems like Charter is having issues flipping the switch on 798 lately.

Saturday's game didn't show the first 15 or 20 minutes on 798. For some reason if finally switched on during the 2nd inning. It seems like Charter is having issues flipping the switch on 798 lately.Yeah, I'm positive they've forgotten the switch entirely the past two Sundays. I guess it could have been blacked out since it was on TBS too, but one of them should have had it.

I'd like to learn a bit more about how it works over there. Why not just leave the switch on all the time?

Yeah, I'm positive they've forgotten the switch entirely the past two Sundays. I guess it could have been blacked out since it was on TBS too, but one of them should have had it.

I'd like to learn a bit more about how it works over there. Why not just leave the switch on all the time?

Luckily it did work today on 798 however. Too bad you can't rely on 772 or 798 to actually show the games they are suppose to. Btw, the games on TBS are blacked out because of the local coverage. So games on TBS shouldn't cause 798 or 772 to blackout any games.

Luckily it did work today on 798 however. Too bad you can't rely on 772 or 798 to actually show the games they are suppose to. Btw, the games on TBS are blacked out because of the local coverage. So games on TBS shouldn't cause 798 or 772 to blackout any games.

You'd think by 2009 they'd have found a way to make a distinction between the NATIONAL CABLE DISTRIBUTION of TBS and the "local cable channel." Geesh, it's almost like it's 1973 again, and we're watching "Channel 17 from Atlanta!" (which was what helped me fail first period World History my sophomore year in high school, lol)
Jeff

You'd think by 2009 they'd have found a way to make a distinction between the NATIONAL CABLE DISTRIBUTION of TBS and the "local cable channel." Geesh, it's almost like it's 1973 again, and we're watching "Channel 17 from Atlanta!" (which was what helped me fail first period World History my sophomore year in high school, lol)
Jeff

Actually, it is a part of the MLB blackout rule. Because TBS provides national coverage, their games are subject to blackout. So if the Braves are on tv locally and on TBS, they will be blacked out on TBS in our market.

From @CharterCom on Twitter

WFN Press: Charter Adds WFN: World Fishing Network to Line-ups http://www.wfn.tv/about/press_releases.php?blog=2759 (http://*******.com/nc4upw) (via @WFN)

This mentions WFN will be added to Charter's SC Systems during July/August, as well.

(I'm sure this is already offered on D* or E*, so please don't pop the kid's balloon, OK?)

Anyone know when or if TVGOS info will be ota in Greenville? I live in Piedmont and would love to have this info. Does 29601 Greenville SC WNTV 29 have this?

From @CharterCom on Twitter

WFN Press: Charter Adds WFN: World Fishing Network to Line-ups http://www.wfn.tv/about/press_releases.php?blog=2759 (http://*******.com/nc4upw) (via @WFN)

This mentions WFN will be added to Charter's SC Systems during July/August, as well.


And I was worried they wouldn't be adding the HD channels that customers have been asking for forever. :)

And I was worried they wouldn't be adding the HD channels that customers have been asking for forever. :)

No kidding. :rolleyes:

It seems like Sinclair has always been mediocre. The thing is they should almost be at an advantage in that really they have two transmitters with the 13-1 running WLOS programming and 40-2 in SC. I don't understand why they are so inept except maybe that sinclair sucks to begin with.

BTW, I am curious Does WLOS run WMYA at HD resolution on their 13 subchannel in Asheville and do they run WLOS as HD resolution on their 40-2 in SC. Is that even possible? I am not sure that the channel would have enough bandwidth to do it (without compression artifacts) but I am curious anyway.

BTW, I am curious Does WLOS run WMYA at HD resolution on their 13 subchannel in Asheville

Not that I've ever observed.

I caught some of Road House in HD on WMYA in Easley/Greenville the other day, and while they had a proper ratio on a 16:9 signal, the pixelation was really pronounced. It was a pretty motion-heavy scene in the dark bar, but it was pretty weak. Still happy to have it though - especially if we can get a few more HD ACC football games later this year.

:confused:

I'm new to this area and have the converter box as well as I purchased an amplifier for the outdoor large directional antenna which is about 15' above roofline. I have entered the address of my location on antennaweb.org and I have the map in front of me - not sure how to interpret this information. Still seeing weak signal though and have gone 360. We installed the amplifer inside - which might be the problem, but who knows.

Has anyone had any luck in this area?

Anyone know when or if TVGOS info will be ota in Greenville? I live in Piedmont and would love to have this info. Does 29601 Greenville SC WNTV 29 have this?

I was wondering the same thing: ANY NEWS ON WHEN TVGOS (macrovision) WILL HAVE GUIDE DATA IN PLACE WITH SCETV?:confused:

I posted a few weeks back and never got a direct reply from anyone. I live in Penrose, actually on Jeter Mt. (Transylvania side) and am not getting WSPA except on channel 2. I can not get 62.2 at this time. When the change occured on 6/12 I got WSPA (7) in HD for about 5-10 minutes and then gone with the wind. I receive all the other networks clearly in HD (Fox, ABC, NBC). Can anyone give me any hope of ever receiving CBS - WSPA HD channel 7 at any time in the future. CBS is my favorite network.

Thanks for any replies.

Toyman

I posted a few weeks back and never got a direct reply from anyone. I live in Penrose, actually on Jeter Mt. (Transylvania side) and am not getting WSPA except on channel 2. I can not get 62.2 at this time. When the change occured on 6/12 I got WSPA (7) in HD for about 5-10 minutes and then gone with the wind. I receive all the other networks clearly in HD (Fox, ABC, NBC). Can anyone give me any hope of ever receiving CBS - WSPA HD channel 7 at any time in the future. CBS is my favorite network.

Thanks for any replies.

Toyman

First, reply with what kind and brand/model of antenna you have? Is it indoor, outdoor, VHF, UHF or combo VHF-UHF? Do you have a pre-amp? Are you using old twin-lead cable or coax like RG6?

The long answer (I actually typed this first)...

WSPA's main tower on Hogback Mtn fell due to ice back in late winter; they quickly got an antenna back up but to my knowledge it's in a temporary location until the tower is re-built. The other issue is that WSPA's digital signal was transmitted on UHF until 6/12. After their anlalog VHF signal was turned off on 6/12, the digital signal returned to VHF channel 7. In the past, were you able to view the old analog signal with a very good signal, especially prior to March which was about the time WSPA's tower fell? If so, you apparently have the proper antenna. There have also been issues around the country with digital signals not doing as well on high band VHF (channels 7-13) as was envisioned.

:confused:

I'm new to this area and have the converter box as well as I purchased an amplifier for the outdoor large directional antenna which is about 15' above roofline. I have entered the address of my location on antennaweb.org and I have the map in front of me - not sure how to interpret this information. Still seeing weak signal though and have gone 360. We installed the amplifer inside - which might be the problem, but who knows.

Has anyone had any luck in this area?

What kind of antenna (brand/model, VHF, UHF, or a combo VHF-UHF) do you have? Also what kind of amplifier? A pre-amp has two parts -- one which mounts near the antenna and the power supply which mounts indoors. Or you may have a "one-piece" amp which is likely a distrubution ampliflier -- these typically just compensate for lost or minimized signal due to long cable runs or splitting off to multiple TV sets.

I have an outdoor antenna-RCA 3036W (110"?). No pre-amp. Bought a preamplifer from Radio Shack and intstalled it, but it made all of the stations become weaker...it was no help at all. I wired the antenna with RG6 coax cable. I have only had the antenna up since the end of March/09. I am able to pick up WSPA on Channel 2 (a translator for WSPA???) in analog.

I know one of my problems for WSPA might be the height of my antenna. It is only about 8-9 feet high(live on the side of mountain and did not put it very high...at this time). But I pick up HD 13.1(ABC), HD 4.1(NBC), and 21.1 HD very well.

I also can not pick up WSPA 62.2 (another translator???) at all. I just would like to know when WSPA gets trhough with their tower what my odds would be of picking this station up in HD and not from an analog translator. Or if I maybe went to a 20/30 foot tower might help?

Thanks

Toyman

I have an outdoor antenna-RCA 3036W (110"?). No pre-amp. Bought a preamplifer from Radio Shack and intstalled it, but it made all of the stations become weaker...it was no help at all. I wired the antenna with RG6 coax cable. I have only had the antenna up since the end of March/09. I am able to pick up WSPA on Channel 2 (a translator for WSPA???) in analog.

I know one of my problems for WSPA might be the height of my antenna. It is only about 8-9 feet high(live on the side of mountain and did not put it very high...at this time). But I pick up HD 13.1(ABC), HD 4.1(NBC), and 21.1 HD very well.

I also can not pick up WSPA 62.2 (another translator???) at all. I just would like to know when WSPA gets trhough with their tower what my odds would be of picking this station up in HD and not from an analog translator. Or if I maybe went to a 20/30 foot tower might help?

Thanks

Toyman

WSPA's website does list a channel 2 analog translator on Rich Mtn southwest of Brevard...here's an FCC coverage map:
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=TX48653.html

And though you didn't mention UNC-TV, they also have a digital translator on
channel 19 from apparently the same mountain or nearby:
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=LD1315562.html

Also channel 62 is NOT a translator; it's a full-power station called WYCW which is co-owned with WSPA. To supplement the degraded WSPA signal (since their tower fall), WSPA began running their programming on WYCW's 62.2 -- you should also be getting 62.1 which is the main WYCW channel which is the CW network (formerly UPN).

You mentioned living on the side of a mountain, and from the way it sounds you must live on the west or nw side of this mountain? I am assuming this, because you indicate getting a good signal from WYFF, WLOS, and WHNS. I believe this is because their towers are closer to you and if you're on the west side of Jeter Mtn then their signals aren't getting blocked like WSPA's, which is SE of you. WSPA is on Hogback Mtn which is along the state line about halfway between Tuxedo NC and Gowensville SC. As for WCYW, its tower is in west centeral Henderson County apparently not too far west of you -- so even if the mountain is blocking WYCW, its close proximity is helping you. Also, your preamp may have given you too much signal (and overloaded your tuner) because of your close proximity to WHNS, WYCW, WLOS and WYFF -- even though your goal was to get WSPA on 7.1 . For more help, you may also want to try TV Fool website instead of antennaweb:

http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29

Fill in the blanks as described -- you'll see a chart showing your proximity and compass directions from the broadcast towers, plus a "compass" which also shows the different directions from which you're getting signals.

Also, the FCC DTV website has a pretty neat interactive map:

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps/

These maps aren't perfect, but they give you some good ideas. I like them better than the info antennaweb gives. Antennaweb shows me only getting 2-3 stations, and I actually get around 20 reliably.

Hope this helps.

Eric

Reception problems for VHF DT signals is widespread across the country. Here is what one station is doing about it:

<quote>
"In fact, widespread VHF signal loss was the reason Louisiana Media Co. recently decided to revert back to it UHF DTV channel assignment. The media company petitioned the FCC to restore WVUE Fox's UHF digital channel 29 assignment and terminate its VHF channel 8 assignment in order to reach the "significant number of viewers" who reported complete signal loss while the station was transmitting on the VHF band"

I caught some of Road House in HD on WMYA in Easley/Greenville the other day, and while they had a proper ratio on a 16:9 signal, the pixelation was really pronounced. It was a pretty motion-heavy scene in the dark bar, but it was pretty weak. Still happy to have it though - especially if we can get a few more HD ACC football games later this year.

It was WYCW that aired Road House on Sunday Night, not WMYA. The CW aired that as their Sunday Movie of the Week. I do agree with you on the pixelation, though. Anything that I've seen on WYCW HD since Charter added the channel has been pixelated (really pronounced during Local News and Network HD). Maybe the Charter Social Network Folks can look into this (if they're reading this).

What kind of antenna (brand/model, VHF, UHF, or a combo VHF-UHF) do you have? Also what kind of amplifier? A pre-amp has two parts -- one which mounts near the antenna and the power supply which mounts indoors. Or you may have a "one-piece" amp which is likely a distrubution ampliflier -- these typically just compensate for lost or minimized signal due to long cable runs or splitting off to multiple TV sets.

How do I tell why type of outdoor antenna I have - it's been here a while though as it is rusted for sure. (((((New info - I have a UHF/VHF Combo antenna with a Channel Master model # 9510 rotator)))))

I have a HDTV so I took out the converter and amplifier today and just hooked the antenna directly to TV - did a channel scan and I can pick up one channel. WYFF - channel 4, but all it is showing is information about the conversion. No other channels. I did call the FCC today and the rep did give me the channels and directions I should be able to receive here.

The amplifier I purchased is from Radio Shack and has two parts - my problem is since the antenna is so tall, my ladder will not reach close enough to install the outdoor amplifier.

I've already spent so much money for cable and the amplifier, I just can't swing paying someone to mount that part for me.

CRAP!!!

Thanks for your help.

And I was worried they wouldn't be adding the HD channels that customers have been asking for forever. :)

LOL We'll see if WFN is added in HD (or just SD) for you. ;)

I was wondering the same thing: ANY NEWS ON WHEN TVGOS (macrovision) WILL HAVE GUIDE DATA IN PLACE WITH SCETV?:confused:

The TVGOS equipment is now in place for WNTV. I would have had it installed sooner, but I was out sick last week.

-Shaun

What kind of antenna (brand/model, VHF, UHF, or a combo VHF-UHF) do you have? Also what kind of amplifier? A pre-amp has two parts -- one which mounts near the antenna and the power supply which mounts indoors. Or you may have a "one-piece" amp which is likely a distrubution ampliflier -- these typically just compensate for lost or minimized signal due to long cable runs or splitting off to multiple TV sets.

How do I tell why type of outdoor antenna I have - it's been here a while though as it is rusted for sure.

I have a HDTV so I took out the converter and amplifier today and just hooked the antenna directly to TV - did a channel scan and I can pick up one channel. WYFF - channel 4, but all it is showing is information about the conversion. No other channels. I did call the FCC today and the rep did give me the channels and directions I should be able to receive here.

The amplifier I purchased is from Radio Shack and has two parts - my problem is since the antenna is so tall, my ladder will not reach close enough to install the outdoor amplifier.

I've already spent so much money for cable and the amplifier, I just can't swing paying someone to mount that part for me.

CRAP!!!

Thanks for your help.

Not real sure how to help on the antenna, unless you can take a picture of it and post it in a message.

On your TV set, I'm a little confused. You say you have an "HDTV". If you have a HD Television Set and it has a tuner, you should not need the converter box. However, you apparently are getting analog channel 4 which has been showing conversion info since June 12, and it will be going off the air for good in a week or so. If your TV has a tuner, I am guessing it has an analog and a digital tuner? If the TV does not have a tuner -- or if it's only an analog tuner -- then the antenna needs to be FIRST connected to the converter box's coax input, then the output of the converter box needs to be connected to the TV's coax input or you may need to use audio/video cables to make the connection from the converter box to the TV set.

Without seeing your setup that's about the best advice I can give -- I don't own an HD TV set but it seems some have "on-board" tuners and others simply have inputs from which to get various signals whether it's from a DVD player; a cable, satellite, or off-the-air receiver/box; etc.

I looked up Jonesville, SC at this website:

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps/

It would seem that even with an old antenna, you should be getting more than just analog WYFF with minimal effort. This website bases its calculations on antennas that are 30 ft off the ground and it appears that at the very least you should be getting all of the Greenville-area stations along with some from Charlotte. I believe you should re-check the way you have made your connections, and verify everything is hooked up as it should be.
You can also go here to the FCC DTV website and get some help from a DTV call center:

http://www.dtv.gov/dtv_resources.htm

Not real sure how to help on the antenna, unless you can take a picture of it and post it in a message.

On your TV set, I'm a little confused. You say you have an "HDTV". If you have a HD Television Set and it has a tuner, you should not need the converter box. However, you apparently are getting analog channel 4 which has been showing conversion info since June 12, and it will be going off the air for good in a week or so. If your TV has a tuner, I am guessing it has an analog and a digital tuner? If the TV does not have a tuner -- or if it's only an analog tuner -- then the antenna needs to be FIRST connected to the converter box's coax input, then the output of the converter box needs to be connected to the TV's coax input or you may need to use audio/video cables to make the connection from the converter box to the TV set.

Without seeing your setup that's about the best advice I can give -- I don't own an HD TV set but it seems some have "on-board" tuners and others simply have inputs from which to get various signals whether it's from a DVD player; a cable, satellite, or off-the-air receiver/box; etc.

I looked up Jonesville, SC at this website:

It would seem that even with an old antenna, you should be getting more than just analog WYFF with minimal effort. This website bases its calculations on antennas that are 30 ft off the ground and it appears that at the very least you should be getting all of the Greenville-area stations along with some from Charlotte. I believe you should re-check the way you have made your connections, and verify everything is hooked up as it should be.
You can also go here to the FCC DTV website and get some help from a DTV call center.


My TV does have a digital tuner - I wasn't sure at first, but I checked the model number on a website so I don't need the converter box. I have connected the antenna directly to the TV.

The VHF/UHF combo antenna is probably 30 feet off the ground so I don't understand why I'm not getting any channels either. I have a Channel Master model 9510 rotator

I did leave a message for one of the FCC DTV contractors to see if they can help.

Thanks for your assistance too.

I have entered the address of my location on antennaweb.org and I have the map in front of me - not sure how to interpret this information. Still seeing weak signal though and have gone 360. We installed the amplifier inside - which might be the problem, but who knows.I put Jonesville into www.tvfool.com, a "better" site than antennaweb, and it is suggested that you should get a dozen with an indoor antenna and another dozen with an attic antenna. Unless your area of Jonesville is in a hole blocking signals, your results don't fit. Give us a little more info about your setup.

(The amp is slightly better on the mast, but we have gross problems to resolve first)

The TVGOS equipment is now in place for WNTV. I would have had it installed sooner, but I was out sick last week.

-Shaun

Can you tell me when WJWJ will be up with the TVGOS guide?

Can you tell me when WJWJ will be up with the TVGOS guide?

Not this week.

As long as no other projects come up, I should be able to install WJWJ and WITV next week. I have the equipment, but not the manpower at this time.

I appreciate the patience, but feel free to harass me into action if I cannot hit the South area next week.

-Shaun

The TVGOS equipment is now in place for WNTV.

Thanks!

By chance, your post was almost the first one I saw on AVS after returning from a three-week trip last night. I had unplugged all my A/V equipment before leaving, as a safety precaution. When I fired up my two Sony HD DVRs that use TVGOS, they still had their old channel lineups, but no program listings, i.e. "No Listing" in all the time slots. I had previously been getting listings from WLTX in Columbia.

I aimed my antenna so as to pick up WNTV (but not WLTX), verified in the Sony's diagnostic screens that the signal carries TVGOS packets, turned everything off and went to bed. This morning I have a full eight days of program listings. :D

Tonight I'll reset TVGOS on one of the Sonys to see if it can obtain a channel lineup from WNTV without assistance. Then I'll use a Dish DTVPal Plus converter box to see if the SCTE 127 ("legacy analog TVGOS") data stream works.

stanselk,

I live about 25 miles directly west of you and get my OTA from a home brew "coat hanger" antenna in my attic.

I have a Sharp SDTV that requires me to use the input button to cycle from Input 1, Input 2, Analog tuner, Digital tuner. I'm wondering if you digital tuner is "turned on"?

Please post the make and model of your HDTV. Perhaps we can find an answer with this info.

Also, with a good signal from channel 4 analog, manually select channel 4.1 or 4-1 to attempt to get WYFF Digital.

(((((New info - I have a UHF/VHF Combo antenna with a Channel Master model # 9510 rotator)))))

You're only about 10 miles from WRET (PBS on ch 49-1,2,3). With an outdoor antenna on a tower, you should be able to get at least that. You should be able to get it even with a simple indoor UHF loop antenna! WBTV (CBS on 3-1,2) should also be strong at your location, although it's further away, with WYFF (4-1,2) not far behind. Those are just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.

Can you use the rotator? WRET, WYFF and the other Greenville-area stations are mostly to your northwest. WBTV and the other Charlotte stations are to your northeast, about 90 degrees away from WRET etc.

Were you using the antenna for analog TV before June 12? If you've only just now tried to use it, you may be seeing the effect of an old weatherbeaten antenna cable or corroded connections. Or maybe the antenna has gotten bunged up so parts that shouldn't touch each other, do, which affects the electrical characteristics and usually degrades performance.

Another possibility is that it might have a dead pre-amp on it, which will pass hardly any signal at all.

Finally, if you have a round coaxial cable (75 ohms), there's probably a doohickey called a "balun" up at the antenna that provides the interface between the 300-ohm antenna leads and the coax. Baluns can go bad, too.

See this picture (http://web.presby.edu/~jtbell/TV/images/91XG+YA1713b.jpg) to get an idea of what to look for. The rotator is on the bottom, the pre-amp is about a foot above it on the mast, and the little boxes on the antennas contain the baluns. A balun can also be a small cylinder that dangles from the antenna leads.

(If you have flat twinlead cable instead of coax, then there should be no balun at the antenna.)

Not this week.

As long as no other projects come up, I should be able to install WJWJ and WITV next week. I have the equipment, but not the manpower at this time.

I appreciate the patience, but feel free to harass me into action if I cannot hit the South area next week.

-Shaun


You are the man. I have a DTVPAL DVR and was looking forward to this. Its great to have the option now. Thank you for your work. :D

[I]Not real sure how to help on the antenna, unless you can take a picture of it and post it in a message.



My TV does have a digital tuner - I wasn't sure at first, but I checked the model number on a website so I don't need the converter box. I have connected the antenna directly to the TV.

The VHF/UHF combo antenna is probably 30 feet off the ground so I don't understand why I'm not getting any channels either. I have a Channel Master model 9510 rotator

I did leave a message for one of the FCC DTV contractors to see if they can help.

Thanks for your assistance too.

Just another thought.... make sure you ran a "scan" as the channels must be entered into the tv's memory.. without that you will get nothing. good luck
I went back to your earlier post and saw where you did scan... tv fool shows Jonesville receiving very strong signals, you might try some rabbits just to see what happens, if those pull in anything you will know it is the lead in, the amp, a bad connection or something further up the line.

The TVGOS equipment is now in place for WNTV. I would have had it installed sooner, but I was out sick last week.

-Shaun

Thanks Shaun.


When will the data begin broadcasting?
What OTA digital channel here in Anderson?
Will it also be pigged back on your channel on Charter cable?

WNTV (ch 29-1) has TVGOS data right now. The program listings on my two Sony DVRs updated last night from a channel grid filled with "No Listing" entries (I had unplugged all my equipment while out of town on a three-week trip) to a full eight days'worth of data. I know it was from 29-1 because I had my antenna aimed so as to pick it up but not WLTX 19-1, where I had been getting listings before.

And (new development), the host channel field in the Sonys' diagnostic screens has now filled in as 0:9-0 (RF ch 9, where virtual ch 29-1 is actually located). WLTX never filled in that field.

The big question now is whether the Sony will fetch a channel lineup from 29-1, starting from scratch. I'm going to reset TVGOS on one of my units tonight to try it.

Eric,

Thanks for your reply. I am on the NW side of Jeter Mt. and that must be the problem with me getting WSPA. I can get channel 2 ok but was hoping to get the HD of WSPA. Maybe there is a chance I will still be able to get it when they get up to full power.(?) By the way all I get from 62.1 is a weak signal message so that is out also.

Thanks again,

Toyman

Eric,

Thanks for your reply. I am on the NW side of Jeter Mt. and that must be the problem with me getting WSPA. I can get channel 2 ok but was hoping to get the HD of WSPA. Maybe there is a chance I will still be able to get it when they get up to full power.(?) By the way all I get from 62.1 is a weak signal message so that is out also.

Thanks again,

Toyman

There is a chance -- no guarantee -- that the channel 2 translator you are viewing will become digital, and possibly HD in the future. The FCC did not require translators to go digital on the June 12 transition -- although there are several digital translators that have made the switch. At some point in the near future, the FCC will set a transition date that analog translators must go dark. I wonder what plans WLOS, WYFF, and WSPA have for their vast fleet of translators? Will they keep them all turned on and convert them to digital?

Would they not lose many, many viewers if they just turned off all of the translators that they (each of these stations) own and use?

Just my selfish thought.

Toyman

Would they not lose many, many viewers if they just turned off all of the translators that they (each of these stations) own and use?

Just my selfish thought.

Toyman

You could call WSPA and ask them what their translator plans are, especially the one on channel 2 which you watch. If they feel a translator does not have viewers, they could always turn it off. For many years until around 1990, the Morganton area had a WYFF translator. With the propagation of rural cable and an improved signal from the Charlotte NBC affiliate, the translator apparently lost viewers. During a routine maintenance visit to the translator site, the engineers found it to be off the air -- since no one had called the station complaining that it was off the air they simply never turned it back on. So, if you call WSPA at least they would know that someone is watching them on one of their translators.

Thanks Shaun.


When will the data begin broadcasting?
What OTA digital channel here in Anderson?
Will it also be pigged back on your channel on Charter cable?


1. The equipment is in line now, so as long as Gemstar pushes the data to the encoder it will always be broadcasting in our channel.

2. WNTV 29.1 (RF 9.1)

3. If the cable company is simply transcoding our services, the TVGOS PIDs will remain associated with our HD subchannel.

By transcoding, I mean converting the ATSC to QAM with no re-encoding. To my knowledge, this is the common practice.

-Shaun

It was WYCW that aired Road House on Sunday Night, not WMYA. The CW aired that as their Sunday Movie of the Week. I do agree with you on the pixelation, though. Anything that I've seen on WYCW HD since Charter added the channel has been pixelated (really pronounced during Local News and Network HD). Maybe the Charter Social Network Folks can look into this (if they're reading this).

WYCW's HD was fine until they added WSPA as a subchannel then the bit rate for WYCW HD went way down and has stayed that way since. It's not a Charter problem. The folks at WYCW/WSPA will have to fix this one.

My calculation is that the HD is only about 10Mb which is way too low if there is any significant motion. I find it hard to watch since it's no where near HD quality when anything moves. Even the static shots look soft to me.

WYCW's HD was fine until they added WSPA as a subchannel then the bit rate for WYCW HD went way down and has stayed that way since. It's not a Charter problem. The folks at WYCW/WSPA will have to fix this one.

My calculation is that the HD is only about 10Mb which is way too low if there is any significant motion. I find it hard to watch since it's no where near HD quality when anything moves. Even that static shots look soft to me.

Thank you for the info, douglasd5. Glad I didn't go to Charter on this one...I'm seeing the same thing you are with significant motion and soft static shots.

Thank you for the info, douglasd5. Glad I didn't go to Charter on this one...I'm seeing the same thing you are with significant motion and soft static shots.

If they are really only giving the main channel 10Mb, then they are giving the WSPA SD sub channel way too much bandwidth. I would hope this would be something they can change, but something tells me they won't do it. Now that analog is gone, I don't even see the need for the SD sub channel anyways. AFAIK, cable systems in the area aren't using it and any OTA users can use the main channel especially once they fix the antenna on 7.x.

1. The equipment is in line now, so as long as Gemstar pushes the data to the encoder it will always be broadcasting in our channel.

2. WNTV 29.1 (RF 9.1)

3. If the cable company is simply transcoding our services, the TVGOS PIDs will remain associated with our HD subchannel.

By transcoding, I mean converting the ATSC to QAM with no re-encoding. To my knowledge, this is the common practice.

-Shaun

Lastnight I did a system reboot for my DTVPAL DVR and found a few more listings using TVGOS from 29.1. I let the sytem download over night and found it great. I didnt notice that 29 has the sub channels backwards. the stuff from 29.1 was showing in 29.2's guide and vice versa but besides that its great. LOVE IT!

Now that analog is gone, I don't even see the need for the [WSPA] SD sub channel [on WYCW] anyways. AFAIK, cable systems in the area aren't using it and any OTA users can use the main channel especially once they fix the antenna on 7.x.

That subchannel was created after WSPA's tower collapsed in March. As I recall, it's a stopgap measure to improve coverage until they get the new tower up and can resume normal operations.

That subchannel was created after WSPA's tower collapsed in March. As I recall, it's a stopgap measure to improve coverage until they get the new tower up and can resume normal operations.

I have recently wondered why Media General (WSPA-WYCW owner) wishes to continue operating/maintaining two separate transmitter sites that are rather geographically close together? Just eyeballing a map, it appears that only 10-15 miles separate the two sites and each station's signal almost duplicate each other. I suppose it's possible that there could be some technical issue where two different stations' antennas could not co-habitate on the same tower -- certain channels or frequencies can and do interfere with each other. And there could be the introduction of co-channel interference with a distant TV station.

But aside from that possiblity, what would be technically wrong with WYCW moving to WSPA's Hogback Mtn tower or WSPA moving to WCYW's in Henderson County. The WSPA tower fall in March would have made me -- as an "armchair" engineer or station owner -- give serious thought to abandoning Hogback and moving WSPA to the WYCW site. That would be one less tower to paint, light, and the engineer would only need travel to one site. There are likely other savings I'm not aware or thinking of.

Here are two FCC maps depicting the tower locations:

WSPA http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT1289789.html

WYCW http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT423151.html

Lastnight I did a system reboot for my DTVPAL DVR and found a few more listings using TVGOS from 29.1. I let the sytem download over night and found it great. I didnt notice that 29 has the sub channels backwards. the stuff from 29.1 was showing in 29.2's guide and vice versa but besides that its great. LOVE IT!

Thanks for the information on the reversed listing, I will give Macrovision a call tommorrow. Is it only 29.1 & 29.2 that is reversed, or is 29.3 also incorrect?

FYI, it tentatively looks like the old Motorola VOOM HD receiver does not like the TVGOS encoder being inline. Apparently, it causes the receiver to reboot when tuned to our channel.

-Shaun

UPDATE: I have mentioned the problem with the listings, through PBS, with Gemstar/Macrovision.

33.2 has 33.3' is now messed up and 29 and subs look spot on. It may be my dtvpal dvr. I only have ota on one tv as a test so I havent checked it on the other tvs. It looks like I may be going OTA only soon. That and Netflix and Hulu with playon media servers.

But aside from that possiblity, what would be technically wrong with WYCW moving to WSPA's Hogback Mtn tower or WSPA moving to WCYW's in Henderson County. The WSPA tower fall in March would have made me -- as an "armchair" engineer or station owner -- give serious thought to abandoning Hogback and moving WSPA to the WYCW site. That would be one less tower to paint, light, and the engineer would only need travel to one site. There are likely other savings I'm not aware or thinking of.


There's much more to moving a transmitter site than you might think. The logistics are messy and there is significant expense to avoid downtime. This also assumes the WYCW tower could handle the additional load of the WSPA antenna and transmission line. The WSPA antenna it wouldn't be at the top of the tower since the WYCW antenna is in that position. (WMYI-FM is also on this tower I believe) So that's not an improvement. Is there room in the transmitter building for the additional equipment and will the backup generator have enough capacity to handle the additional load? There's more, but these are the highlights.

I have recently wondered why Media General (WSPA-WYCW owner) wishes to continue operating/maintaining two separate transmitter sites that are rather geographically close together?

Ever heard of "City of License"???

I think that WYCW is licensed to Asheville and WSPA to Spartanburg. They each have to provide a certain signal level in their respective city of license.

Ever heard of "City of License"???

I think that WYCW is licensed to Asheville and WSPA to Spartanburg. They each have to provide a certain signal level in their respective city of license.

Yep...I am familiar with COLs. And I thought WHNS had been licensed to Asheville at one time -- wasn't sure if that was still the case.

The TVGOS equipment is now in place for WNTV.

I see it's now also on WRET (49.1) and WNEH (38.1) in the upstate, and on WRLK (35.1) in Columbia. I'm glad to see it's on WRET because that's the SCETV station that I receive most strongly. In fact, one of my Sony DVRs has switched to using it as the TVGOS host channel.

I see it's now also on WRET (49.1) and WNEH (38.1) in the upstate, and on WRLK (35.1) in Columbia. I'm glad to see it's on WRET because that's the SCETV station that I receive most strongly. In fact, one of my Sony DVRs has switched to using it as the TVGOS host channel.

I currently have the TVGOS encoders installed at six of our eleven transmitter sites. Over the next two weeks I hope to finish out the installs. Here is the current status:

Online: WHMC, WJPM, WRET, WNTV, WNEH, WRLK
Pending: WRJA, WNSC, WJWJ, WITV, WEBA

-Shaun

WYCW has on their website, http://www.carolinascw.com , that they'll be airing "The Office" this fall. I'm doubting that it'll be HD given their not planning to air syndicated HD until next year (per my previous correspondences with them). There's TBS HD for those airings, I guess.

Anyone seen any ads for other new syndicated shows coming this fall to the locals?

How come there is no guide data for WSPA on its SD station? I cant get in 7 well but 62 is fine.

How come there is no guide data for WSPA on its SD station? I cant get in 7 well but 62 is fine.

Which station are you referring exactly? OTA, cable? Where does your guide data come from?

Any more word on the promised Charter channel updates in Greeville, SC? Last we heard they were coming in the first part of August but no new channels were announced.

How come there is no guide data for WSPA on its SD station? I cant get in 7 well but 62 is fine.

I looked at the PSIP guide data from 62.2 OTA, and all it says is "DTV Program" for all the time slots. Maybe that's because 62.2 is only a temporary stopgap until WSPA gets their new tower up.

Any more word on the promised Charter channel updates in Greeville, SC? Last we heard they were coming in the first part of August but no new channels were announced.

The usual 'yes, yes, 18 new channels, wait and see' business. Expect at least one of them to be QVC or HSN 'HD', everything else is complete unfounded speculation at the moment.

The usual 'yes, yes, 18 new channels, wait and see' business. Expect at least one of them to be QVC or HSN 'HD', everything else is complete unfounded speculation at the moment.

It most likely won't be QVC that's in HD (per Umatter2Charter on the "Atlanta, GA - HDTV" Message Board: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16669460#post16669460 ).

WYFF shut down its analog "nightlight" signal punctually at 11:59 PM. No fanfare, they simply pulled the plug in the middle of the DTV information loop.

Now the only analogs I see (very faintly) are the low-power religious stations on 51, 64 and 65, and a UNC-TV translator on 24.

WYFF shut down its analog "nightlight" signal punctually at 11:59 PM. No fanfare, they simply pulled the plug in the middle of the DTV information loop.

Now the only analogs I see (very faintly) are the low-power religious stations on 51, 64 and 65, and a UNC-TV translator on 24.

Now for WYFF...with the analog turned off, the process of improving the DT signal coverage begins, I believe. Right?

Now for WYFF...with the analog turned off, the process of improving the DT signal coverage begins, I believe. Right?

August 18th was what was announced as the date when they expect to have the transmitter move completed. So I think it will be at least late August before it happens.

Yep...I am familiar with COLs. And I thought WHNS had been licensed to Asheville at one time -- wasn't sure if that was still the case.

WHNS??? I thought you were talking about WSPA and WYCW.

BTW, I think that WHNS somehow got the FCC to go along with changing the COL to Greenville, SC. Another win for the "upstate" at the expense of Asheville.

WHNS??? I thought you were talking about WSPA and WYCW.

BTW, I think that WHNS somehow got the FCC to go along with changing the COL to Greenville, SC. Another win for the "upstate" at the expense of Asheville.

Regarding WHNS, I was commenting on douglasd5's post -- several posts back, right after yours. He commented on COLs after you brought it up regarding my WSPA/WYCW transmitter site consolidation suggestion.

Which station are you referring exactly? OTA, cable? Where does your guide data come from?

I get it OTA on a DTVpal DVR. I also have a media center but it gets its data over the net and doesnt have the issue. Its just the OTA stuff.

We thought about doing a sign-off, but figured no one would be watching so didn't see much of a point.

Well, I wasn't surprised. I figured you did a good enough sendoff back on June 12, when you had the advantage of the lead-in from the early morning news.

I wasn't around to see any of the other area nightlights sign off, since I was out of the country for a while.

We have 12 translators, all VHF, that are still operating in analog and will be for some time.

Did you have to convert them to receive a digital OTA signal from the main transmitter, or do you use a different method to feed them?

I check about once per week to see if WSPA HD will come in and it showed up a few days ago. I had scanned it on the day of transition and it was too pixelated to watch. then I added a diplexer to mix DT-36 and DT-7 and hadn't seen anymore of DT-7. I don't know if they have completed any of their work or if it's just atmospherics, but it's there with no bars. It's noticeably better than the SD picture on DT-62-2. My location is about 5 miles west of Brevard just off Hwy 64.

We installed satellite receivers at each site before the transition. Since I was moving to a third channel they all would have gone dark on transition day otherwise. The satellite feed ensured a seamless transition on June 12 (at least for the translators). The FCC has not set a date requiring translators to be converted to digital.
Are you saying you're using Dish or Direct satelite service to feed your translators? Interesting. I've had a theory for a long time that some outlying cable systems (not necessarily in the Greenville DMA) were using sat to recieve some of their "local DMA" broadcast channels. Others have said this is illegal and would never be done, but I disagree. I guess feeding a translator is about the same thing. Of course, I realize the sat provider and the cable or translator owner would have to have some kind of agreement...

Anybody know if Charter broadcasts Telemundo in-the-clear QAM? And if so, what channel? I've just learned that the big soccer match between US and Mexico on August 12 will be on friggin' Telemundo. I've got D* and basic cable and still don't get Telemundo (or Mun2, the English-equivalent). I'm hoping to avoid paying $20 for a month of the Spanish-tier. Any help is much appreciated...

Never noticed it, if it is.

Anybody know if Charter broadcasts Telemundo in-the-clear QAM? And if so, what channel? I've just learned that the big soccer match between US and Mexico on August 12 will be on friggin' Telemundo. I've got D* and basic cable and still don't get Telemundo (or Mun2, the English-equivalent). I'm hoping to avoid paying $20 for a month of the Spanish-tier. Any help is much appreciated...

Haven't seen Telemundo on Clear QAM on the NC Side of Charter's Footprint.

Perhaps someone with a DCT 6200 can help me out here.
I have the non-DVR model and run component cables to my television (Sony XBR). My HD content displays perfectly, but anytime I switch to standard definition channels, my picture is always off to the left. It's as if the black bars that should be on the left and right have doubled up on the right side. I have toggled settings on my television, but I think the problem is in the cable box.
I have powered off and hit menu to toggle the 480i options but nothing seems to work.
Can someone tell me what setting they have theirs on? Anyone else having this issue?

My dad has that same box and tv and does not have that problem. He leaves his in 1080i mode and it works fine. His is connected via HDMI though, with a DVI-HDMI cable like THIS (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023104&p_id=2404&seq=1&format=2), if you want to give that a try (you still need to run the audio separate). But it sounds like you need a new box.

I notice Last night that WSPA DT 7 is back on the air so i guess they gotten their new Tower Completed.

I notice Last night that WSPA DT 7 is back on the air so i guess they gotten their new Tower Completed.

I don't think the new tower is yet complete:

http://www.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/live_stream_news_channel_7_at_600pm/15132/#comments

Did WHNS do something with their transmission in the last 24 hours? I'm not sure why but for some reason my reception has improved dramatically since yesterday.

I can still only get channel 7 OTA on 62-2. Looks like it will be awhile before the tower is completed, judging by the photos on the link above.

However, channel 4 is coming in great on 4-1 and 4-2. I was having trouble picking them up before the digital switchover last month.

Did WHNS do something with their transmission in the last 24 hours? I'm not sure why but for some reason my reception has improved dramatically since yesterday.

I hear they tuned up their transmitter and did an error correction update.

I hear they tuned up their transmitter and did an error correction update.

Sounds good. Hopefully this means this will be a permanent improvement.

Just exactly what is an "error correction update"?

I see no improvement in my WHNS signal...it was there before June 12 and has been mostly gone ever since. A "Right on the cliff" signal is about the best I can do and we know how watchable that is. I guess it's still the issue of adjacent WCNC causing my signal conflict. WCNC(22) is 39 miles to my ESE; WHNS(21) is 64 miles to my SW.

However, I get very good reliable signals from both WGGS(16) which is 64 miles to my south and WUNE(17) which is 28 miles to my north. And because WUNE is my closest station, I can pick them up just about anywhere I aim my antenna. So, why is THIS adjacent channel scenario working out for me?

Eric

Did WHNS do something with their transmission in the last 24 hours? I'm not sure why but for some reason my reception has improved dramatically since yesterday.

Yay! I can finally get WHNS as well.

Just exactly what is an "error correction update"?

Basically it is making sure that the digital square wave that is generated is indeed square when it reaches your receiver. How the transmitter, feedline and antenna react to each other can cause the signal to distort. This error correction pre-distorts the signal so when it comes out, it is correct. That is where the measurements for "shoulders" and "SNR" come into play. The closer the correction factors are, the higher the SNR and the further out reception. You can have a fantastic signal out there and if the SNR is bad, no one is going to receive it. That is why you can have a signal with great SNR that is barely there stay locked all the time and a much stronger signal with bad SNR not lock at all.

Tribune just changed channel 318 on Charter from FSC to WFNUS (World Fishing Network). Of course 318 is still FSC. I know Charter is planning on adding WFN but why would they replace FSC? I hope this isn't true.

Dear WHNS,

Please contact our local ABC affiliate and learn how to or what equipment is needed to post weather warnings without going to 4:3.

Thank you.

Dear WHNS,

Please contact our local ABC affiliate and learn how to or what equipment is needed to post weather warnings without going to 4:3.

Thank you.

It's not a matter of not knowing what is needed. Fox's distribution model is much different than ABC. The issue has to do with the splicer.

They need to sort it out. It's annoying. Also, cutting into Saturday baseball with the lotto drawing? Please.

LMAO, fowlerbt. I'm not a baseball fan, but I can relate with other programming... Furthermore, of ALL the annoying local "TV meteorologists," I find Kendra Kent to definitely be WAY on top of the mountain!

When SHE does a weather break-in, she just talks all over herself, like she's just all excited about things and just doesn't know WHAT to say or do! Repeats the same thing two or three times... takes twice as long as needed (while you're missing your show in the meantime), to talk about some thunderstorm 100 miles away, or something... ACK!

I don't think I've seen such "talent" in a weather person since John Gallos left WSPA :p
Jeff

Tribune just changed channel 318 on Charter from FSC to WFNUS (World Fishing Network). Of course 318 is still FSC. I know Charter is planning on adding WFN but why would they replace FSC? I hope this isn't true.

Looks like Tribune made a mistake. WFN is now live on 313 and 318 is still FSC.

Dear WHNS,

Please contact our local ABC affiliate and learn how to or what equipment is needed to post weather warnings without going to 4:3.

Thank you.

It's not nearly as bad as when WSPA does something. Oi.

Just some FYI...

On my free to air satellite...

WSPA TV Spartanburg now has a "RTV: Retro TV" formerly "RTN Retro TV Network" showing up on RTV's master feed set of channels.

After watching it for an hour or so, it said "WSPA TV Spartanburg SC"

So I take it that WSPA is now going to carry RTV as a subchannel soon. Other markets like August and Myrtle Beach and across the USA already has this has a subchannel. I haven't heard anything about this on WSPA but maybe I am just spilling the beans on what I have found on my satellite system.

Enjoy, maybe someone who knows for sure can weigh in.

PS- WSPA is now showing up as an affiliate on RTV's website at http://www.myretrotv.com/affiliates.html#

Just some FYI...

On my free to air satellite...

WSPA TV Spartanburg now has a "RTV: Retro TV" formerly "RTN Retro TV Network" showing up on RTV's master feed set of channels.

After watching it for an hour or so, it said "WSPA TV Spartanburg SC"

So I take it that WSPA is now going to carry RTV as a subchannel soon. Other markets like August and Myrtle Beach and across the USA already has this has a subchannel. I haven't heard anything about this on WSPA but maybe I am just spilling the beans on what I have found on my satellite system.

Enjoy, maybe someone who knows for sure can weigh in.

PS- WSPA is now showing up as an affiliate on RTV's website at http://www.myretrotv.com/affiliates.html#

This is wonderful news...I just hope it's not some kind of "tease" that never materializes. This same news was advertised on RTV's website for WMYT in Charlotte. I called and someone at RTV had "jumped the gun" and posted the information before negotiations were complete and eventually the negotiations "fell through". If this comes to fruition, then the upstate will have two channels for classic tv, along with WGGS 16-2.

This is wonderful news...I just hope it's not some kind of "tease" that never materializes. This same news was advertised on RTV's website for WMYT in Charlotte. I called and someone at RTV had "jumped the gun" and posted the information before negotiations were complete and eventually the negotiations "fell through". If this comes to fruition, then the upstate will have two channels for classic tv, along with WGGS 16-2.

I remember when WMYT was on the affiliate site and when I checked RTV's master feed set of channels WMYT was never uplinked nor was its call letter information. However, I did see the WSPA Retro TV channel, it is launched on RTV's master feed set of channels, and during a commerical break, a yellow screen pops up with the RTV logo and in black letters across the bottom it said "WSPA TV Spartanburg SC", so I am hoping for the best as well, something must be materializing if RTV already has the channel setup and with station ID already. :)

we have been trying to get RTV as a subchannel in the Chicago and Peoria illinois also?

Got one of those oversized post cards for Charter yesterday. They will reorder the channels within a month (I think it said by Aug. 25th). It indicated they will group like channels, Movie, Sports, etc. It said additional info will be forthcoming.

Wonder if more of the "cable" channels will be going digital. I would like to see more digital channels as the quality is much better than the analog. I don't use a STB but my QAM tuners do the job. Sure hope the channels are grouped in QAM as well.

So here's an off-the-wall question...

Now that the digital transition is essentially complete, will WYFF continue to call themselves "Channel 4" or will the day come when they change their name to "Channel 36"?

WYFF will be channel 4 for the foreseeable future. The PSIP spec requires it.

- Trip

WYFF will be channel 4 for the foreseeable future. The PSIP spec requires it.

- Trip

So, NO television station -- aside from those who returned to their old analog channel -- is permitted to identify themselves by the channel on which they now transmit? If so, then I still feel the digital tuners/converter boxes should display BOTH channels -- the actual and "familiar". This would go a long way in helping consumers determine if they need a VHF, UHF, or both kinds of antennas. Most converter boxes are able to show the actual channel number, but it does require some effort of maneuvering through the menus to find it.

Eric

So, NO television station -- aside from those who returned to their old analog channel -- is permitted to identify themselves by the channel on which they now transmit?

The FCC does grant waivers of the rule from time to time and there are a few who are doing so, but in general, they're supposed to continue using the analog channel number.

- Trip

Good point. As with many FCC regulations, you may apply for a waiver of the rule.

The exception should become the rule. I've been saying this all along. It us deceitful to advertise something that you are not. WYFF is now on UHF 36 not VHF 4. Talk about confusing the masses. If WYFF wanted to be 4 they should have gone back to 4 like WSPA went back to 7 and WLOS went back to 13.

Then there is that joke of a station in Charlotte calling themselves TV 12 when they are not 12 and never were, either before the digital transition nor after.

Talk about "truth in advertising":cool:

This is wonderful news...I just hope it's not some kind of "tease" that never materializes. This same news was advertised on RTV's website for WMYT in Charlotte. I called and someone at RTV had "jumped the gun" and posted the information before negotiations were complete and eventually the negotiations "fell through". If this comes to fruition, then the upstate will have two channels for classic tv, along with WGGS 16-2.

This is Great News. I wonder if this will be on WSPA DT 7.3

here is the schedule
http://www.myretrotv.com/prog_schedules/WSPA.pdf

The exception should become the rule. I've been saying this all along. It us deceitful to advertise something that you are not. WYFF is now on UHF 36 not VHF 4. Talk about confusing the masses. If WYFF wanted to be 4 they should have gone back to 4 like WSPA went back to 7 and WLOS went back to 13.

Then there is that joke of a station in Charlotte calling themselves TV 12 when they are not 12 and never were, either before the digital transition nor after.

Talk about "truth in advertising":cool:

Charlotte's "TV 12" -- you're referring to MY TV 12, WMYT. They like "12" because of the cable systems that carry them on channel 12. But, their "familiar" channel is 55 (seen on DirecTV and DISH Network), and transmit on channel 39. Now THAT...is confusing.

WLOS signal perked up a bit, but still see the delay notice posted several times a day. I would just like to establish my final antenna configuration but here I sit two months into DTV with WLOS, WYFF and WSPA all still at work.

Charlotte's "TV 12" -- you're referring to MY TV 12, WMYT. They like "12" because of the cable systems that carry them on channel 12. But, their "familiar" channel is 55 (seen on DirecTV and DISH Network), and transmit on channel 39. Now THAT...is confusing.

No that is just STUPID.

There are plenty of places in the country where stations brand with their cable channel numbers.

Fort Myers, FL is the most famous of them, I think.
WINK-11 brands as "WINK-TV" without a channel number. (Cable 5)
WBBH-20 is "NBC 2"
WZVN-26 is "ABC 7"
WGCU-30 is "WGCU-TV 3" (PBS)
WFTX-36 is "Fox 4"
WXCW-46 is "CW 6"
My Network TV is cable-only "My 8"

San Diego does it too.
KPBS-15 brands as "KPBS" without a number, but IDs as "Cable 11 and 15.1 HD"
KNSD-39 is "NBC 7/39"
XHDTV-49 is "My 13"
KUSI-51 is "KUSI 9/51"
KSWB-69 is just "Fox 5"

As does Palm Springs.
KCWQ-LP 2 is "CW 5"
KDFX-CA 33 is "Fox 11"
KMIR-36 is "NBC 6"
KPSP-LP 38 is "CBS 2"
KESQ-42 is "Newschannel 3 HD"
KPSE-LP 50 is "My 13"

I could go on and on.

Most people are not confused by the mapping system. Shuffling all the channels around on them suddenly after 50 years of "channel 4," now that's confusing to them.

- Trip

I remember when WMYT was on the affiliate site and when I checked RTV's master feed set of channels WMYT was never uplinked nor was its call letter information. However, I did see the WSPA Retro TV channel, it is launched on RTV's master feed set of channels, and during a commerical break, a yellow screen pops up with the RTV logo and in black letters across the bottom it said "WSPA TV Spartanburg SC", so I am hoping for the best as well, something must be materializing if RTV already has the channel setup and with station ID already. :)


I found a news release about it on this site

http://www.tvnewscheck.com/articles/2009/07/23/daily.5/

I found a news release about it on this site

http://www.tvnewscheck.com/articles/2009/07/23/daily.5/

LMckin, thanks for the link. That's further verification of RTV being added to WSPA. Now, speculation on where it will go -- will they replace the 24-hour weather or add another sub-channel?

LMckin, thanks for the link. That's further verification of RTV being added to WSPA. Now, speculation on where it will go -- will they replace the 24-hour weather or add another sub-channel?

You`re welcome and I`ve emailed someone who work with WSPA/WYCW he said they are waiting on the equipment to arrive for them to received the RTV Programing and he said more likly it will go on 7.2 and WSPA will run some weather alerts/squeezebacks with weather info within the programming from time to time.

Well I thought I would share something folks may find hard to believe but today I was on the phone with AT&T about a DSL modem issue I was having and when the rep asked if there was anything else I needed I jokingly said "No, unless you can sign me up for U-verse." She checked my address and connected me with a sales rep who confirmed I was able to have it installed.

I signed up immediately and a tech will be at my house August 19th to install the whole deal (U-verse TV, internet, and VoiP phone). Now I admit I am waiting on them to call me back and say it was a mistake but she was adamant I was good to go. I verified my address with her no less than three times.

I live on the west side of Greer off Brushy Creek Road.

The sign up package consisted of a $300 install charge which was waived. Although I have AT&T phone and internet now I qualified for several package discount/rebates of around $400. I signed up for 12.5m/bit although 18m/bit is available (for $10 more a month) and boxes for 4 TVs (first one free, each one after $7 each). Includes a DVR (can record 4 shows at once) with the ability to watch recorded programs from any of the boxes. For channels, I got their total package which includes HD service and On-Demand. the VoiP telephony matches my current phone service.

All this will be $183 a month for 6 months and $194 after that. I assume that is before taxes and fees. There is no contract. I can repackage at any time and qualify for whatever current specials on going on for each month. I can cancel anytime.

I got a confirmation email right after hanging up the phone which includes a direct phone number for my own personal rep who will assist me with whatever I need with installation and setup and familiarization of the services to get started. The rep was adamant on me not cancelling any of my other services (Charter or phone and internet with Bellsouth) until all bugs and kinks have been worked out.

Needless to say I was floored. Charter will have to go a long ways to get close to what AT&T offered me feature wise. The key now for them is service. As we all know Charter has always been indifferent in this regard. If AT&T can be more responsive and with limited service issues, Charter will truly become the deafult service for those who have no other choice.

I will keep you updated.

Wonder if more of the "cable" channels will be going digital. I would like to see more digital channels as the quality is much better than the analog. I don't use a STB but my QAM tuners do the job.

Yes, in some cases. I will have a list of final changes next week.

George

Yes, in some cases. I will have a list of final changes next week.

George

Oh, I see now that your company's in bankruptcy and in serious jeopardy in the Upstate SC market from the impending AT&T U-Verse rollout over the next couple of years that Charter has decided to FINALLY start to act like you really "care" and even POST in our little ole board here.

This was NOT my experience the first couple of months of the year, George, when I finally got fed up and dropped your TV service in favor of DISH. While I DID get better reception from Charter during storms (it IS true that rain and wind will sometimes cause a loss of picture), my bang for the buck, channel-wise -- and particularly with HD channels, is so much higher with DISH that it's still well worth the switch...

Furthermore, at that time, since I wasn't aware of any option such as contacting someone like YOU, I sent a CS email from my account page on your website, asking about when and/or IF certain channels I regularly watch (such as Sci-Fi -- now SyFy) would go HD in this region -- especially since I knew Charter was already offering them in HD in some of its OTHER markets, and all I got was stonewalling, boiler-plate sort of replies that looked like form letters. Further inquiries just went unanswered or the answer was just that there was no more information available (what I was told was that there was No idea when ANY more HD channels would be added, although I got NO new channels, either HD or SD, at the first of the year, but the TV part of my bill increased by roughly $15!).

I'm happier with DISH, but not "thrilled," but I have to tell you that although I'm even less of a fan of the corporate attitude of AT&T, as soon as my contract with DISH expires, unless there are either MAJOR improvements with both Charter's offerings AND its pricing deals -- or Verizon, by some fluke -- moves into the area with its FIOS service, it's a pretty sure bet I'll be 100% AT&T (I still have Charter cable modem and phone for now -- added the phone to bring the other two back down a couple years ago, but as soon as the 1-year deal ran out, the price increase was well more than I feel was fair).

I'll give Charter credit for ONE thing. The service has been pretty good as far as it almost NEVER going down (short of a couple of ice storms that generally bring EVERYTHING down). The VERY infrequent internet server breakdowns seldom last more than an hour or two, and seem to be less than a year apart... Then again, the redneck moron independent contractor Charter sent out to wire our telephone connection shorted out our alarm system, then refused to check it before he left (got an "uh oh" look on his face when I asked him about the alarm system and said, "Oh, you have an ALARM SYSTEM?!?", and then said he was late for his appointment and couldn't check it." After three weeks of calling the Charter service department numerous times to get someone to come out and FIX his mess (and they actually sent a REGULAR cable repairman out ONE time, and he said he knew nothing about phone systems and dealt only with complete cable failures, gave me his SUPERVISOR'S phone number, and told me to call HIM, which we did -- 3 times -- and he NEVER returned our messages), we finally had to call the ALARM COMPANY to come fix it -- at a cost of $75 to US, for which we never got reimbursed, by the way...

So, when we finally DO leave Charter, expect $75 to be deducted from our final bill, George. You can explain that to your bosses now, or you can get it deducted from my next bill, if you care to email me and get my account information (I have a copy of the receipt from my alarm company)... I won't even charge Charter INTEREST for the almost 2 years (or is it 3 years?) since we paid that bill.

You may email me at JeffAHayes@aol.com, if you wish.

Sincerely,
Jeff Hayes

I currently have the TVGOS encoders installed at six of our eleven transmitter sites. Over the next two weeks I hope to finish out the installs. Here is the current status:

Online: WHMC, WJPM, WRET, WNTV, WNEH, WRLK
Pending: WRJA, WNSC, WJWJ, WITV, WEBA

-Shaun
Shaun,

Can you give an update on WJWJ when it might be completed.

Thanks,
Eddie

Oh, I see now that your company's in bankruptcy and in serious jeopardy in the Upstate SC market from the impending AT&T U-Verse rollout over the next couple of years that Charter has decided to FINALLY start to act like you really "care" and even POST in our little ole board here.Jeff,
I'm glad you got to vent (I've been happily rid of charter for a few years now), but U don't really Matter 2 George. Check out his profile and his other posts (says he's from Missouri, but I'd bet India). He's a national guy (or gal or spambot or what ever) that posts meaningless drivel to every local forum to give the illusion that he cares. Josh, on the other hand, was local, and had always given useful, helpful information. He actually did care, probably too much, so Charter shut him down.

Jeff you have an email.

Mdavej,

I'm not an illusion. We do care which is why I'm here. Our team is involved with all aspects of social media. When our team was formed we implemented a new internal online policy to avoid confusion online. I've spoken to CharterJosh on several occasions and his local knowledge is still an asset in this thread. We reach out to local reps everyday in all of our markets. We are indeed located in Missouri (a little ways down from our corporate HQ).

George

LOL...its always amusing to read about other folks issues with cable companies.

I had Mediacom in Hendersonville for years. For whatever reason, several of the channels stopped coming in well and I had to call customer service. After numerous trips, climbing poles, etc., they still couldn't fix the problem. Then we had an ice storm and one of my trees took out the power, phone, and cable lines to the house. Duke and Bellsouth did a great job getting me back up, but it took a couple of weeks for Mediacom to come out. They proceeded to run a line from the pole, across the sub-division street, through my neighbors yard, and across my yard to the house. I pointed out that they needed to hang it from the pole like before, but they said "we are busy, we will be back in a few days". The only thing that showed up "in a few days" was the monthly bill, which they had proceeded to charge me $75 on for a "service call". Well, after about an hour on the phone with a Mediacom CS rep and then her supervisor, I got the "service call" charge removed.

Well, winter turned to spring and the grass started to grow, so me and my neighbor both needed the wire out of the yard so we could mow the grass. After several calls from both myself and the neighbor, Mediacom finally sent some guys out and they buried the line in the yard. Of course, when my monthly bill showed up, they charged me and my neighbor BOTH a $75 service change!

Well, that was enough. I called DirecTV and they had an technician out in a couple of days to install our system, and the service has been great. Mediacom never got the last month payment and service charge...just a nasty letter attached to the unpaid bill saying that we were now even for the crappy service. Never heard another peep from them.

Well I thought I would share something folks may find hard to believe but today I was on the phone with AT&T about a DSL modem issue I was having and when the rep asked if there was anything else I needed I jokingly said "No, unless you can sign me up for U-verse." She checked my address and connected me with a sales rep who confirmed I was able to have it installed.

I live on the west side of Greer off Brushy Creek Road.They wouldn't let me order service for my house located near Five Forks / Woodruff Road.

Any others out there with any luck yet?

LOL...its always amusing to read about other folks issues with cable companies.

I had Mediacom in Hendersonville for years. For whatever reason, several of the channels stopped coming in well and I had to call customer service. After numerous trips, climbing poles, etc., they still couldn't fix the problem. Then we had an ice storm and one of my trees took out the power, phone, and cable lines to the house. Duke and Bellsouth did a great job getting me back up, but it took a couple of weeks for Mediacom to come out. They proceeded to run a line from the pole, across the sub-division street, through my neighbors yard, and across my yard to the house. I pointed out that they needed to hang it from the pole like before, but they said "we are busy, we will be back in a few days". The only thing that showed up "in a few days" was the monthly bill, which they had proceeded to charge me $75 on for a "service call". Well, after about an hour on the phone with a Mediacom CS rep and then her supervisor, I got the "service call" charge removed.

Well, winter turned to spring and the grass started to grow, so me and my neighbor both needed the wire out of the yard so we could mow the grass. After several calls from both myself and the neighbor, Mediacom finally sent some guys out and they buried the line in the yard. Of course, when my monthly bill showed up, they charged me and my neighbor BOTH a $75 service change!

Well, that was enough. I called DirecTV and they had an technician out in a couple of days to install our system, and the service has been great. Mediacom never got the last month payment and service charge...just a nasty letter attached to the unpaid bill saying that we were now even for the crappy service. Never heard another peep from them.
I switched from Charter to DirecTv just months after the service rolled out. I have never looked back! And yes, I do pay more than I wish for monthly service. I guess it's true, you get what you pay for.

I recently helped a friend hook up a 720P TV to the Charter HD box. All I can say is I was amazed at how terrible the picture looked. (I actually hooked up two different 720P TV's. They both looked terrible. And yes, I calibrated them both. Also, the source program was true HD, not unconverted. )

I have a 1080P Sony at home. Some of the DirecTV programs are in 720P. Honestly, I see little difference at home with 720P or 1080I. Directv rocks!

Rain fade is not an issue for me. It occasionally happens, maybe 3-5 times a year. I can live with it.

George,
My apologies. I'm pleasantly surprised, but somewhat disappointed there's no local rep on the forum.

I switched from Charter to DirecTv just months after the service rolled out. I have never looked back!...
I recently helped a friend hook up a 720P TV to the Charter HD box. All I can say is I was amazed at how terrible the picture looked.loggerhead,
Same here. Charter is HD in name only. The compress their HD so much it's almost as bad as D* SD, which I freely admit is also horrible. But, as you said, D*'s HD PQ is great. I hope Uverse can step up. D* is falling behind in HD content of late, failing to carry several new HD channels Dish and others have.

I hope the Charter PQ issues are temporary. Once they get all the bandwidth back from the analog they still carry, maybe they can dial back the compression on HD.

George, if you have any insight about HD PQ improvements on the horizon, please chime in. If you could match D* content and PQ, I'd seriously consider switching back.

George,
Thanks, I appreciate your response!

Re: "I will have a list of final changes next week."

Please feel free to post the list here when you get it :-)

Thanks again!
John

George, if you have any insight about HD PQ improvements on the horizon, please chime in. If you could match D* content and PQ, I'd seriously consider switching back.

I too would like to hear about this, however I would also be most highly appreciative if you could give us the secret password to say on the customer service line when you want to avoid talking to low-grade mental defectives, even after getting supposed supervisors.

You see, for the last 7 weeks, despite a few completely useless calls to the human tape players at Charter, various things about my service have been broken. I'll omit the parts of the internet service that are broken, because this is an AV forum, and my only other option is godawful and terrible enough to make me happy I have Charter HSI. Totally serious.

The primary problem, as it has been since I've had it installed, is that three channels ain't quite right to various degrees. TNT HD, HDNet, and HDNet Movies. The latter two being the best two channels on the system, which makes the situation a bit more annoying. If you'd sell only HD locals, MSNBC HD, USA/FX/TNT HD, The Universal HD channels (Including sports! Add it!), ESPN1/2, and HDNet, and stopped the bollocks with copy protection, I'd extremely happily pay $150 a month for it and never bother you lot if it worked, but I digress.

It's all of the usual problems you'll find in a digital cable system when something's broken: Audio dropouts, blocking, blackscreens, freezes, and et cetera. It doesn't happen to every channel. On the contrary, the only problem I've seen happen more than once or twice has been WSPA breaking up (In different ways. It was quite obviously their encoder.), but WSPA has more than it's fair share of problems these days. It only happens on those three. And a few people I've talked to have told me it happens to them as well, they also live in the same general geographic area.

I've called four or five times about this. The first time I was told to reboot the box. Which does about as much good as it does when CSRs anywhere tell you to reboot anything. Sometime later, I can't fully recall, I was told something about a firmware update. About the only thing I've seen firmware updates do on Mot DCH boxes is ruin firewire, so I was fairly unhappy with that possibility but waited. All the firmware update did was ruin a few recordings I was making, forcing me to waste an $8 D-VHS tape and wait 2 weeks for a program to re-air. Not long after that, a CSR ran the STB reset thing. Which did nothing. It was in this call that I had a service truckroll authorized. The tech was friendly and useful, and found a problem with a splitter in the demarc box. Fixed that, told me to call back if it didn't fix it, and left. I appreciate the effort, but it didn't do anything.

Now, I wasn't planning on calling again for a little while. Why? Well, to begin with, the 20 to 30 minutes that your entirely useless and utterly infuriating automatic voice recognition gullibility test that the Charter voicemail torture system forces you to use saps my will to live. Perhaps add a prompt at the beginning to skip it. Something like, 'Add 25 and 7, then subtract 4. Press the answer within 3 seconds.' It has the side benefit of being slightly complicated (and by slightly complicated, I mean completely simple), and unlikely to cause 'valuable CSR time' to be used to solve simple problems happening to the trained seals in trailers with 30 year old TVs who cry when bandwidth is reclaimed and awful, useless channels are moved from analog to digital, forcing them to learn how a remote works.

After that, I know precisely what the CSRs (and probably 'supervisors'!) will tell me: The DVR's broken. Yes, the DVR is broken on three channels, and not every other one. I will admit this has a slight chance of being possible, however it's about as likely as... well, Charter solving this problem in a timely fashion. No, the DVR's not broken (at least not in this capacity), and I don't need to have mine taken, and the programs on it erased. Especially because I'm going to find that the new one is doing the same garbage, and may or may not break my D-VHS VTR. I'll go through the futile measure of giving you the infernal silver bastard after my DF-420 extra-long tapes arrive, so I can archive some Soccer games and a few long movies.

As an aside, hearing that the DVR is broken won't actually come as a surprise to me. Anyone who uses a Mot DCH Guide+ device for more than two days is aware that the DVR is broken. Then again, I suppose the brotherhood of masochists known as Charter subscribers can count ourselves lucky that you haven't decided to do something as completely stupid as TWC and try to write your own IPG, and subject us to beta testing something we pay for. And at least it's not SA equipment. Ugh.

So, to recap: Reboot the box. Wait for an update. We'll reset the box. Truckroll. Splitter replaced. Absolutely no change. Call us back. No thanks. It feels futile, the amount of time and effort wasted. It would've been a bit more simple had the CSRs been trained in more than script reading, but that doesn't happen anywhere and it shouldn't be expected these days. At least they sound like they're probably in this country.

I would be endlessly appreciative if my local office could begin to rub multiple braincells together in uncharacteristic unison and have the headend engineering outfit check the TVRO equipment, IRDs, Codecs, or connection in my area or at the pole, because it isn't my equipment. By this time, however, I believe I'll be an E* customer.

I am not actually angry at you, George. You've been nothing but helpful to me, please realize my tone's directed to the people who make your policy. I find it somewhat repugnant that they'd put nice people who are competent and seemingly want to do their jobs well (like you, and very few of the supervisors) in the firing line when a lot of the reasons behind there needing to be a position for you to hear complaints and questions is caused by the ignorance of the CSRs and customer-interacting staff at local offices.

This is unfortunately not about GSP market OTA HD, for that I apologize. It is, however, relatively appropriate to the situation and conversation. If the mods so choose there's a Charter HDTV thread in the HDTV Programming forum this could be moved to.

True to his word, I DO have an email from George, promising to resolve all the issues I named above. If that does, in fact, happen, you folks will be the first to know.

Unlike a lot of people who only complain about bad experiences, I also try to let folks know when I have a good experience and/or when a bad one is rectified.
Jeff

Charter is HD in name only. The compress their HD so much it's almost as bad as D* SD, which I freely admit is also horrible.
I watch HD via Charter's clear QAM and see no difference in it and the signal I can get OTA. Perhaps those signals are better.

YES, they compress. There are 3 HD channels on "103", all 1080i. My Sony has 2 inputs and I can switch from Cable to Antenna with one button push ... I see them identical, except for a time delay.

I watch HD via Charter's clear QAM and see no difference in it and the signal I can get OTA. Perhaps those signals are better.

YES, they compress. There are 3 HD channels on "103", all 1080i. My Sony has 2 inputs and I can switch from Cable to Antenna with one button push ... I see them identical, except for a time delay.

I agree with this.

They wouldn't let me order service for my house located near Five Forks / Woodruff Road.

Any others out there with any luck yet?

I am in Greer also. Not too far west of the airport. According to the web site, no U-verse for my sub division yet. I asked them to let me know when it was available but....

Let us know how your experience goes.

Harry

Fall 2009 Syndication Checklist for New/Newly Offered Shows (OTA):
- The Office (WYCW; per recent CarolinasCW.com Web Poll)
- Dr. Oz (WLOS/WMYA; Source: http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20090423-tows-dr-oz-show-station/12; Confirmed to be offered in HD by Sony Pictures Television)

Any others that folks have seen advertised on the local stations?

I have a 1080P Sony at home. Some of the DirecTV programs are in 720P. Honestly, I see little difference at home with 720P or 1080I. Directv rocks!

Rain fade is not an issue for me. It occasionally happens, maybe 3-5 times a year. I can live with it.
I have a Vizio 720P and the son-in-law has a 1080I. Both of us have DirecTV and I can't tell a difference either, and neither can he, LOL.

I've had the same experience with rain fade...I do notice the HD channels seem to be more sensitive, but I can stand it just a few times a year, especially when you consider the great service DirecTV provides.

Maybe it's just DISH. I also thought maybe it was where or how they mounted the dish, so the last time I lost signal during a fairly heavy rain I grabbed an umbrella and a flashlight and went outside and took a good look, and the dish wasn't moving one bit from either wind nor rain -- and it didn't seem to have any rain accumulating on it. It happens pretty regularly with the local channels, but also with the non-locals, too, although not as much... More than I'd like with either. I may start keeping a log, lol.
Jeff

11 years ago when I moved near Enoree, Charter kept telling me that they would offer service on my road "soon", well....Soon never got here and I went with Sat service, and at this point with the lame HD that charter offers, they couldn't pay me to hook up to them if they did come to my area.

Maybe it's just DISH. I also thought maybe it was where or how they mounted the dish, so the last time I lost signal during a fairly heavy rain I grabbed an umbrella and a flashlight and went outside and took a good look, and the dish wasn't moving one bit from either wind nor rain -- and it didn't seem to have any rain accumulating on it. It happens pretty regularly with the local channels, but also with the non-locals, too, although not as much... More than I'd like with either. I may start keeping a log, lol.
Jeff

I have read that it is not the water on the dish that causes the fade out, but heavy rain in the signal path of the dish...this is what "somebody" wrote somewhere, but sounds good to me.

Maybe it's just DISH. I also thought maybe it was where or how they mounted the dish, so the last time I lost signal during a fairly heavy rain I grabbed an umbrella and a flashlight and went outside and took a good look, and the dish wasn't moving one bit from either wind nor rain -- and it didn't seem to have any rain accumulating on it. It happens pretty regularly with the local channels, but also with the non-locals, too, although not as much... More than I'd like with either. I may start keeping a log, lol.
Jeff

My son had the same sort of issues with DISH. He eventually called and they came out and it turned out the original installer did not do a good job of aiming and positioning the dish. When they fixed it, he has had very few problems and they have all been real short interruptions rather than the longer ourtages that he was getting.

Harry

Rain fade occurs by absorption of the RF over an approximate two mile path through the atmosphere. Water droplets on the feed window and dish surface have some effect but not as much.

Anyone that has Charter for cable service notice that their Theater System goes haywire (a.k.a. sound clicking off and back on) when a cable channel goes to local commercials (i.e. Charter's ads). It's happened at least a few times over the last week and I'm currently trying to isolate the issue being with Charter or with my theater system's DD5.1 receiver. Thanks for the info!

Update at 1:11 p.m.: Just noticed this during a commercial (the channel that I've noticed this is TVLand).

Eddie_T is right on.

I noticed, when camping in our RV and using DTV, that rain fade happened more frequently when we were in the northern states. The elevation adjustment on the dish is much lower there (the bird is lower in the sky) and this angle allows a storm to your south to affect your reception. Might not be raining at your location.

The RV is gone and I use Charter for TV and antenna for Vista Media Center DVR.

Anyone that has Charter for cable service notice that their Theater System goes haywire (a.k.a. sound clicking off and back on) when a cable channel goes to local commercials (i.e. Charter's ads). It's happened at least a few times over the last week and I'm currently trying to isolate the issue being with Charter or with my theater system's DD5.1 receiver. Thanks for the info!

Update at 1:11 p.m.: Just noticed this during a commercial (the channel that I've noticed this is TVLand).

I've noticed something similar, but only on a few channels (TBS, FX, and A&E), where it sounds like the last few milliseconds of a program/commercial stutters for a second or two as the broadcast transitions to/from the commercial. Happens irregularly, whether the program or commercial is HD or not.

To my untrained ears it sounded like audio stuttering (If you remember in the olden days when Real Audio would skip and buffer, it's almost like that), but it very well may be invalid AC3 data of some kind confusing the receivers. Which would seem to follow with your DD receiver going nuts.

... however I would also be most highly appreciative if you could give us the secret password to say on the customer service line when you want to avoid talking to low-grade mental defectives, even after getting supposed supervisors.

You see, for the last 7 weeks, despite a few completely useless calls to the human tape players at Charter, various things about my service have been broken......
I have had the same problems, and I can offer two potential solutions:

1. In Asheville, Charter has a customer service center with a very knowledgeable and helpful staff; unfortunately, they cannot be reached by phone, and you must physically go there to talk to them. It is located in South Asheville off Hendersonville Rd, on Peachtree Rd. Go there, rather than call Charter...you will be much happier with their service.

2. Reduce your dependency on Charter by purchasing your own equipment, rather than renting theirs, when possible. I now own my own cable modem, router, a two-way RF amplifier, two HD TiVos, and a Sony DHG DVR, and have had much less a need to contact Charter since purchasing this equipment. I do need to rent cable cards for the TiVos and Sony DVRs, but once they are setup properly, there is little reason for one to fail....plus having more than one DVR provides a quick check if as to whether I have Charter failure or equipment failure. In the long-term, it is cheaper to buy rather than rent equipment. TiVo is a much better DVR than any of Charter's DVRs, and you will have much less worry about losing recordings since TiVo recording can be transferred to either your computer, or another TiVo.

Don

2. Reduce your dependency on Charter by purchasing your own equipment, rather than renting theirs, when possible. I now own my own cable modem, router, a two-way RF amplifier, two HD TiVos, and a Sony DHG DVR, and have had much less a need to contact Charter since purchasing this equipment.

The problem with the Tivo HDs for me is that they lack an IEEE 1394 output for recording 5C copy protected content onto a D-VHS (or hopefully in the future, a Blu Ray). If they had that, I'd probably buy 3 in 15 minutes... :) And since nobody sells subscriber equipment pre-cablecard, and I don't believe anyone sells a DVR WITH cablecard and a 5C-compatible output, the only option I'd have would be to spend $890+ and have a DCP501 (Motorola DVD Player/Surround Sound Receiver with a DCT2000 cablebox shoved into it) R5000 modified, which is an investment I'm not willing to make in Charter.

I've been to the storefront on H'ville road a few times before, and they were somewhat helpful in getting a working DVR (after a few tries). After my STBs are emptied of any valuable content I'll try to find a weekday afternoon off to give them a ring. Certainly nothing to lose.

I've noticed something similar, but only on a few channels (TBS, FX, and A&E), where it sounds like the last few milliseconds of a program/commercial stutters for a second or two as the broadcast transitions to/from the commercial. Happens irregularly, whether the program or commercial is HD or not.

To my untrained ears it sounded like audio stuttering (If you remember in the olden days when Real Audio would skip and buffer, it's almost like that), but it very well may be invalid AC3 data of some kind confusing the receivers. Which would seem to follow with your DD receiver going nuts.

I noticed it on TVLand and Hallmark Channel over the past couple of days (both SD, of course). It's funny that it didn't happen when I watched something on DVR (just happened on the "live TV" stream). I did turn the internal volume on the TV on while the theater system was on to see if the audio actually dropped out on the TV's audio and it didn't. You're reasoning of invalid AC3 data might be very well justified.

Shaun,

Can you give an update on WJWJ when it might be completed.

Thanks,
Eddie

Sorry I did not respond sooner, I did not see your post. WJWJ went online today.

Online: WHMC, WJPM, WRET, WNTV, WNEH, WRLK, WRJA, WNSC, WJWJ, WEBA

Pending: WITV

So has anyone heard of what upcoming lineup changes are coming this month on Charter? I suspect they should be sending out a mailer about this before it happens. At least I would hope they would.