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

Any others out there with any luck yet?Well, I came home this afternoon to find two AT&T trucks directly across the street from my house. Needless to say, I went to get the mail, said hello, they responded. I followed up with, "so, you guys hooking up u-verse for me?" They said, "No, we're doing some setup work for U-Verse though." So, that kind of surprised me. They said it shouldn't be more than 2-3 weeks, and when I told them about the gentleman on this thread who was able to order near the Brushy Creek Rd area, they actually said they were brought up here from Charleston to work on the U-Verse launch, so they weren't too familiar with the area. Interesting that they would bring a crew from Charleston, when I don't even think they have U-Verse yet.

Just thought I would share.

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.

I'll post the channel additions as soon as they're available this week. A mailer will go out asap.

I am in Easley and I have done signed up for it with an install date of August 22nd. The rep told me it is available, but the install dates are towards the end of august or later. The install takes about 6-8 hours.

There have been AT&T trucks all over the place in the Five Forks area yesterday and today. They were doing some work at the corner of Five Forks and Woodruff Rd all day yesterday, and then I saw some more at the corner of Woodruff/296 this morning.

Looks like it's definitely getting closer, but I'm still debating whether I should wait to hear other people's experiences prior to ordering.

Have anybody heard any updates on RTV (RTN) Coming to WSPA DT

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.

Here's the prospective channel addition list. It's still awaiting corporate sign off but I don't anticipate anymore changes.

FamilyNet SD

Ovation SD

World Fishing Network SD

TV One SD

Bravo HD

Smithsonian HD

Science Channel HD

USA HD

Fox News Channel HD

Versus HD

Speed HD

ScyFy HD

The Movie Channel HD



George

Thanks for the list George..very happy to see USA HD, SYFY HD and The Movie Channel HD in that lineup....
Wish we were getting the Fox Reality Channel...any chance we could replace Ovation Tv or FamilyNet with Fox Reality..I can pretty much guarantee it will get higher ratings here.

Thanks for the list George..very happy to see USA HD, SYFY HD and The Movie Channel HD in that lineup....
Wish we were getting the Fox Reality Channel...any chance we could replace Ovation Tv or FamilyNet with Fox Reality..I can pretty much guarantee it will get higher ratings here.

Maybe next time if we get enough requests for it.

I was hoping that CNN-HD would have been on the list. :(

I was hoping that CNN-HD would have been on the list. :(

It's definitely the biggest omission. But I can't say I am surprised. Charter can't even work out a deal with the NFL Network even though most major cable operators now have.

Thank for the line-up update, George!

I think my mailer said this would be completed by August 26th, are you on schedule?

Also, I thought channels were to be re-aligned. Is this so? If so, can you share or will we have to wait for the promised mail update?

Thanks!

Here's the prospective channel addition list. It's still awaiting corporate sign off but I don't anticipate anymore changes.

FamilyNet SD

Ovation SD

World Fishing Network SD

TV One SD

Bravo HD

Smithsonian HD

Science Channel HD

USA HD

Fox News Channel HD

Versus HD

Speed HD

ScyFy HD

The Movie Channel HD



George

so you dont have these yet? Man glad iI have the satellite
D12 is suppose to go up in the next couple of months . We should get AMCHD
which is the only one left I care about. Probably Feb before we actually see the channels.
AMCHD/ WYFF TV local in HD / and PBS on satellitte in HD and
I 'll have everything I'll ever watch

Synopsis updated 8/8/2009 - Orbit Location (TLE) update after Launch

Status of the DirecTV-12 (D12) Satellite:
D12 Launch Info:
Launch expected in November/December 2009
Provider is ILS
Via a Proton-M/Briz-M rocket
From Baikonaur (same as D10)
Construction by Boeing expected to be completed in October 2009
Target location is 103° W.L. (102.765°)
D12 CONUS:
16 transponders (TP9-TP24) of national bandwidth for MPEG4 HD from 103°
Each transponder supporting 5 HD channels for a total capacity of 80 national HD channels Within the Ka-Hi (19890-20200 MHz) frequency range

It looks like WYFF, WHNS and WSPA's HD and Subchannels on Charter Cable are down (as of 8:31 a.m.; have been down since yesterday evening).

I searched this thread back several months and didn't find verification to my findings, but wanted to report that there has been a clear improvement in my signal for WLOS. I'm near the intersection of Hwy11 and Hwy25, just north of Travelers Rest, SC

Official U-Verse Launch in Upstate SC/Western NC Is Tomorrow!

Source (Courtesy @suehuskins via Twitter): http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2009-08/14642599-at-t-u-verse-arrives-in-greenville-greenville-customers-get-new-tv-service-that-ranks-highest-in-customer-satisfaction-in-j-d-power-and-associates-008.htm

This article in the 8/9/09 AVL Citizen-Slime (http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090809/NEWS01/908090342) (this link will break in a few days.) is about the arrival of U-verse in Asheville.

ASHEVILLE — Many mountain residents will have another option for television services starting Monday.
AT&T is launching its “U-verse TV,” which the company describes as its answer to cable television.
The system will be delivered through existing Internet cables, enabling AT&T to offer TV, broadband, home phone and wireless services on one bill, the company said.
The network uses the company's “Internet Protocol” network, a private network, to deliver television and video, said Bob Sellman, AT&T's general manager for home solutions for the Carolinas.
“It gives us a lot more flexibility in how we provide programming to the customer,” Sellman said. “In the traditional network, they send you every program. With IP TV, we only send you the programs you are watching or recording.
“It also allows us to weave in content you typically only would find on your PC — we can provide weather, sports updates, stock quotes. If you play fantasy football you can get on Yahoo and manage your players and teams.”
Customers will have access to traditional channels, as well as to local and premium channels, he said.
Base packages will start at $50 a month, which includes a DVR service, with top-of-the line packages hitting $109.
By comparison, Charter, the dominant local cable service provider, offers a basic TV platform at $25 a month, an expanded version with more channels at $57 a month and the most extensive packages topping $100.
The U-verse TV service will be available in many areas, but not all, Sellman said. Service availability for now is somewhat of a patchwork, he said.

I went on AT and T webiste and ran the costs
phone internet and TV are about the same as what I pay with Direct TV and ATT (for phone and internet).
The channel lists are close enough. maybe a few more channels with Direct.
Big advantage with U Universe is when there is a thunderstorm. Satellites almost always go out in a bad storm

I went on AT and T webiste and ran the costs
phone internet and TV are about the same as what I pay with Direct TV and ATT (for phone and internet).
The channel lists are close enough. maybe a few more channels with Direct.
Big advantage with U Universe is when there is a thunderstorm. Satellites almost always go out in a bad storm

The big disadavantage is the limit of the number of streams on the television. If you live in a household with several televisions or you want to record a lot of programs you will run into this restriction.

WYFF was talking today about UVerse launching today in the Upstate and NC. I suppose in the next few months Charter may start making a few changes whether it be with pricing or channel additions.

...Satellites almost always go out in a bad storm

For me, no more than 10 minutes per event -- and this has happened about 6 times since I've had sat TV starting in 2001. So, I've been without sat TV for about an hour total over the past 8 years. I know we're talking U-verse, but I seriously doubt any cable subscriber has gone 8 years with no more than 1-hour's total of down time.

For me, no more than 10 minutes per event -- and this has happened about 6 times since I've had sat TV starting in 2001. So, I've been without sat TV for about an hour total over the past 8 years. I know we're talking U-verse, but I seriously doubt any cable subscriber has gone 8 years with no more than 1-hour's total of down time.Totally agree. I've had D* for about 3 years now, and I've lost signal for about 10 total minutes over that time. Cable companies just like to brainwash people into thinking otherwise.

I'm still curious to see what U-Verse brings to the table, in terms of PQ, price, and reliability.

Retro Television on WSPA DT Update

I received an reply back from someone who works at WSPA/WYCW

He said they are getting close but no date been set yet on Launch of RTV and he said they may also moved the weather channel to 62.2 they are still working on that possiable also.

so this is my thinking that they may wait till end of August or First week in September to launch RTN.

WLOS just had a news segment on U-verse. They stated that it would be available in Buncombe and Henderson counties. I have sort of guessed that the Arden / Fletcher area would be the location that they would serve. I have seen no sign of any VRADs in north Asheville.

Regarding Charter, I am no fan, but since I have no LOS for D* or E* it has been my only choice. Looking at the above posts I was trying to think of how often the cable has been out. It took me a while, but I finally remembered the last time. It was in 1998 or so when they (it was Intermedia at the time) were replacing the cable plant with the hybrid fiber coax system that they now use. they forgot to connect me to the new system so when the old one was down my cable went out for a few hours. To my knowledge it has not been out since then.

Retro Television on WSPA DT Update

I received an reply back from someone who works at WSPA/WYCW

He said they are getting close but no date been set yet on Launch of RTV and he said they may also moved the weather channel to 62.2 they are still working on that possiable also.

so this is my thinking that they may wait till end of August or First week in September to launch RTN. and

Thanks for the update. I am so looking forward to RTN.

Thanks for the update. I am so looking forward to RTN.

I'm not looking forward to it if they designate more bandwidth for that sub channel.

Official U-Verse Launch in Upstate SC/Western NC Is Tomorrow!

Source (Courtesy @suehuskins via Twitter): http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2009-08/14642599-at-t-u-verse-arrives-in-greenville-greenville-customers-get-new-tv-service-that-ranks-highest-in-customer-satisfaction-in-j-d-power-and-associates-008.htm

I noticed that Simpsonville is excluded from the U-Verse rollout since our area is "serviced" by Verizon (and Charter). Too bad since Verizon has not installed FIOS in our area and can't offer local DSL either. Stuck with Charter only for my broadband and TV options. Neighbor's trees block sat. service too, bummer. At least there will be some pressure on Charter with the U Verse launch.

I noticed that Simpsonville is excluded from the U-Verse rollout since our area is "serviced" by Verizon (and Charter). Too bad since Verizon has not installed FIOS in our area and can't offer local DSL either. Stuck with Charter only for my broadband and TV options. Neighbor's trees block sat. service too, bummer. At least there will be some pressure on Charter with the U Verse launch.

Well Dish Network now offers installers 2 opposite directions to aim a dish now, so unless your neighbors trees are over 150ft tall and laying over your house, then don't rule out Dish Network as an option. :)

I'm not looking forward to it if they designate more bandwidth for that sub channel.

I am so happy I still have SD sets in my home -- until they die, no HD for me and even then I will go as cheap and small as possible. I just want to distinguish male from female -- I don't need to be able to count nose hairs.

Eric

I am so happy I still have SD sets in my home -- until they die, no HD for me and even then I will go as cheap and small as possible. I just want to distinguish male from female -- I don't need to be able to count nose hairs.

Eric

That's fine for you. But there are people who do care how their picture looks, and they're SOL with this.

I am so happy I still have SD sets in my home -- until they die, no HD for me and even then I will go as cheap and small as possible. I just want to distinguish male from female -- I don't need to be able to count nose hairs.

Eric

You will be affected. Less bandwidth for the digital channel means when they convert the digital feed to SD, you will get a lot of the same issues the rest of us will have. In fact, it will probably be a lot worse for SD users.

Thanks for the update. I am so looking forward to RTN.

You`re welcome I`m looking forward to it also. it has abunch of my Favorite shows on that channel. Such as Emergency!,Adam-12, and a show i haven`t seen in Years Sheriff Lobo.

Anyone using Vista Media Center or Win7 Media Center and can't view WHNS Fox 21 Over The Air?

I can use Windows Media PLAYER using the HDHomerun setup view feature to see Fox 21 OTA. But no luck with Win7 Media Center it just gives me a Service is unavailable. And when i look at the HDHomerun config tuner tab the PSIP data reads as 0 for both 21.1 and 21.2.

After a bit of searching this link. (cant post URL as link not enough post yet)
(www)thegreenbutton.com/blogs/pnear/archive/2006/09/12/202708.aspx

Under Incorrect Data in the Data Stream seems to give the reason why Vista and Win7 Media Center cant tune into Fox 21 OTA

:o Unless its just my Win7 Media Center that's broke :o

I am so happy I still have SD sets in my home -- until they die, no HD for me and even then I will go as cheap and small as possible. I just want to distinguish male from female -- I don't need to be able to count nose hairs.

EricIf that's the case, I'm curious why you would be posting in a thread dedicated to HDTV?

As others have said, that's great for you, and I'm sure there are people out there still clinging to their laserdisc players. The problem: good luck finding anything new on laserdisc, but maybe they like watching the original Jaws over and over again.

Look up this word....obsolete.

If that's the case, I'm curious why you would be posting in a thread dedicated to HDTV?


Because I cannot find a "Greenville, SC - OTA" thread, which is generally my only interest. The Charlotte forum has 3 threads -- 2 for cable, 1 for OTA. Other market forums have multiple threads, too. Don't know if Greenville ever had an "OTA Thread", but I cannot find it. So, that's why I participate in this thread. I'm sorry for being an old obsolete fart.

Eric

Because I cannot find a "Greenville, SC - OTA" thread, which is generally my only interest. The Charlotte forum has 3 threads -- 2 for cable, 1 for OTA. Other market forums have multiple threads, too. Don't know if Greenville ever had an "OTA Thread", but I cannot find it. So, that's why I participate in this thread. I'm sorry for being an old obsolete fart.

Eric

If you are using OTA, I'm curious to know how you think you will not be affected by losing bandwidth on a main channel?

If you are using OTA, I'm curious to know how you think you will not be affected by losing bandwidth on a main channel?

Presumably he's using ancient CRTs with converter boxes and would never notice.

Presumably he's using ancient CRTs with converter boxes and would never notice.

Yep, my TV sets are ancient -- they average 8-10 years old.

Presumably he's using ancient CRTs with converter boxes and would never notice.

How would he not notice? The converter boxes are converting the HD signal. If you are getting pixelation or blurring, you are going to notice it on a analog television set as well. So to say you aren't affected by it, is not correct.

Anyone using Vista Media Center or Win7 Media Center and can't view WHNS Fox 21 Over The Air?

I can use Windows Media PLAYER using the HDHomerun setup view feature to see Fox 21 OTA. But no luck with Win7 Media Center it just gives me a Service is unavailable. And when i look at the HDHomerun config tuner tab the PSIP data reads as 0 for both 21.1 and 21.2.

After a bit of searching this link. (cant post URL as link not enough post yet)
(www)thegreenbutton.com/blogs/pnear/archive/2006/09/12/202708.aspx

Under Incorrect Data in the Data Stream seems to give the reason why Vista and Win7 Media Center cant tune into Fox 21 OTA

:o Unless its just my Win7 Media Center that's broke :o


Nope Im having the same issue. Works fine with my DTVPAL DVR but not my meida center. I also use to get it in fine and now I dont.... Strange.

is anybody else getting incorrect channel numbers for Fox21 on my Digital converter box it shows channel 21.3 and channel 21.4 for 21.1 and 21.2

and on my small tv with digital turner i get the correct channel numbers for 21.1 and 21.2 so i wonder if anybody else getting same thing.

How would he not notice? The converter boxes are converting the HD signal. If you are getting pixelation or blurring, you are going to notice it on a analog television set as well. So to say you aren't affected by it, is not correct.

You would be surprised. I'm also guilty of not having an HDTV, and using a CECB on a small TV can look a lot better even though it's being downscaled from an ugly source. I watch most TV on a 17" computer monitor, and on a bigger screen a see a lot more artifacts than I do

is anybody else getting incorrect channel numbers for Fox21 on my Digital converter box it shows channel 21.3 and channel 21.4 for 21.1 and 21.2

Sounds like your box lost the PSIP for WHNS. You might need to rescan.

- Trip

Nope Im having the same issue. Works fine with my DTVPAL DVR but not my meida center. I also use to get it in fine and now I dont.... Strange.

Thanks, so it's not just me.

Yes the signal strength and quality are both great, yet only WMP will play the WHNS Fox 21 OTA data stream.

It seems the straw that is breaking the camels back for Windows Media Center is that something in the PSIP data has changed. Windows Media Center uses that PSIP data and if it's not correct it won't display the station.

Maybe the Fox engineer can look at this page below under "Incorrect Data in the Data Stream" and change the PSIP data back so that Windows Media Center will work again. Many thanks in advance.

(Can't post a URL as a hyperlink yet. Just copy & paste the link in the address bar and add www. in front of the link):o


thegreenbutton.com/blogs/pnear/archive/2006/09/12/202708.aspx

You would be surprised. I'm also guilty of not having an HDTV, and using a CECB on a small TV can look a lot better even though it's being downscaled from an ugly source. I watch most TV on a 17" computer monitor, and on a bigger screen a see a lot more artifacts than I do



Sounds like your box lost the PSIP for WHNS. You might need to rescan.

- Trip

I did do a rescan and even after the scan the PSIP still show the incorrect PSIP for WHNS

Maybe the PSIP is wrong or the PSIP computer is locked up at the station if people with Media Center are having problems with it.

- Trip

Maybe the PSIP is wrong or the PSIP computer is locked up at the station if people with Media Center are having problems with it.

- Trip
I lost it right after the big thunderstorm yesterday. I rescanned and now can't even pick up 21 at all. I will rescan later this evening, as I get better results towards midnight.

I was hoping that they didn't have a Channel 7 type accident.

Maybe the PSIP is wrong or the PSIP computer is locked up at the station if people with Media Center are having problems with it.

- Trip

I sent an email to whns tv 21 engineer this morning an never got an reply back. i first notice it yesterday evening. i notice this evening i was able to pickup channel 40 WMYA for little while this evening and at night and early mornings i can pickup 18.1-3 and sometimes 9.1 9.2 at night and early mornings

right now i`m able to pickup 3.1-2,4.1-2,7.1-2,16.1-3,21.1-2(21.3-4)36.1-2,49.1-3,62.1-2 with amp rabbit ears. daily.

I lost it right after the big thunderstorm yesterday. I rescanned and now can't even pick up 21 at all. I will rescan later this evening, as I get better results towards midnight.

I was hoping that they didn't have a Channel 7 type accident.

DoctorCad,

I can get 21 ok over here in Spartanburg,SC

I did rescan last night at 11:00.

I got nothing on 21 at all.

I rescanned this morning at 6:00 and got 21-3 and 21-4 with no PSIP information again.

I in Greenwood, and can generally get:

4.1&2, 21.1&2, 38-1&2&3, 40.1&2, 62.1&2

Some scans show all of those plus 3 Charlotte stations and 1 Augusta and 16 out of Greenville.

Not bad for living in the sticks and having a cheap RS antenna in the attic.

I was hoping after the digital transition newness fades, antenna prices would come back down and I will buy a proper antenna and mount it to the roof, where it belongs.

I did rescan last night at 11:00.

I got nothing on 21 at all.

I rescanned this morning at 6:00 and got 21-3 and 21-4 with no PSIP information again.

I in Greenwood, and can generally get:

4.1&2, 21.1&2, 38-1&2&3, 40.1&2, 62.1&2

Some scans show all of those plus 3 Charlotte stations and 1 Augusta and 16 out of Greenville.

Not bad for living in the sticks and having a cheap RS antenna in the attic.

I was hoping after the digital transition newness fades, antenna prices would come back down and I will buy a proper antenna and mount it to the roof, where it belongs.


have you check out the Monoprice HDtv Antenna for about $23.00 the reviews of this antenna say it works great

here is the url for it http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10901&cs_id=1090102&p_id=4730&seq=1&format=2

Maybe the PSIP is wrong or the PSIP computer is locked up at the station if people with Media Center are having problems with it.

- Trip


I just got an reply from WHNS fox 21 Engineer they had a PSIP Breakdown here is his reply

We have a failure in our PSIP (program system information
protocol) generator which establishes the minor .1 and .2 channels that
your TV receives.

This unit is on emergency back order and will be replaced as
soon as it arrives.

Every TV handles this PSIP information differently based on the
manufactures design. You will see erratic readings on minor channel
numbers (.1 or .2 or .3 or .4) and no TV guide information when the PSIP
information is missing.

We are sorry for any difficulties this has caused your television
watching and appreciate you being a loyal Foxcarolina viewer.

Jim Barnes CPBE
Chief Engineer
WHNS-TV

have you check out the Monoprice HDtv Antenna for about $23.00 the reviews of this antenna say it works great

here is the url for it http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10901&cs_id=1090102&p_id=4730&seq=1&format=2


Thanks, but NO

That would NOT work at the 60 - 80 miles I need to pull in a signal.

Uh-Oh! Hold onto a chair or table so you don't fall over at this news (especially those who've read my posts over the past couple of years). I've switched affiliation from Charter to D* as of this afternoon. I can hear it now: "Say what?" No trees cut down or mountains were bulldozed; just moved to a new apartment a few weeks ago and it happened to have a D* dish on the patio. Combine that with frustrations with billing during the move. The Result: I made the decision last week to switch allegiances for my cable TV business (still have Charter's HSI). Here's to DirecTV for the next 2 years. :)

just moved to a new apartment a few weeks ago

The ultimate way to solve a line-of-sight problem, eh? ;)

The ultimate way to solve a line-of-sight problem, eh? ;)

It's also the ultimate way to solve the laundromat problem, as well! ;)

Now, tell me this fellow D* folks, channel # for PeachtreeTV's HD Broadcasts of Braves Games?

Edit at 8:27 p.m.: Found it on 651(?).

Maybe the PSIP is wrong or the PSIP computer is locked up at the station if people with Media Center are having problems with it.

- Trip

I Just notice this afternoon that the PSIP information been fixed on WHNS Fox 21 it now showing correct channel and programing data information

Have anybody heard any updates on RTV (RTN) Coming to WSPA DT

We should be carrying all of WSPA’s digital subchannels and will make the necessary changes when the station does so and communicates the details to us. However, we will not be carrying WSPA’s subchannels in lineups that do not carry WSPA HD.

George

It's also the ultimate way to solve the laundromat problem, as well! ;)

Now, tell me this fellow D* folks, channel # for PeachtreeTV's HD Broadcasts of Braves Games?

Edit at 8:27 p.m.: Found it on 651(?).

not HD :( are you going to get uverse when it becomes available?

not HD :( are you going to get uverse when it becomes available?

I'm not in AT&T's service area here in Buncombe Co., NC. Besides, I have a 2-year deal with DirecTV. Not looking to jump ship again for a while.

Uh-Oh! Hold onto a chair or table so you don't fall over at this news (especially those who've read my posts over the past couple of years). I've switched affiliation from Charter to D* as of this afternoon. I can hear it now: "Say what?" No trees cut down or mountains were bulldozed; just moved to a new apartment a few weeks ago and it happened to have a D* dish on the patio. Combine that with frustrations with billing during the move. The Result: I made the decision last week to switch allegiances for my cable TV business (still have Charter's HSI). Here's to DirecTV for the next 2 years. :)

guess i should read all the posts. Welcome to the D waters.

guess i should read all the posts. Welcome to the D waters.

Not a problem. I am in Verizon land-line territory {which will become Frontier Communications territory when the sale closes later this year(?)}.

We should be carrying all of WSPA’s digital subchannels and will make the necessary changes when the station does so and communicates the details to us. However, we will not be carrying WSPA’s subchannels in lineups that do not carry WSPA HD.

George

George,

Anything on the WGGS's Digital sub channels. coming to charter.
WGGS DT 16

Uh-Oh! Hold onto a chair or table so you don't fall over at this news (especially those who've read my posts over the past couple of years). I've switched affiliation from Charter to D* as of this afternoon. I can hear it now: "Say what?" No trees cut down or mountains were bulldozed; just moved to a new apartment a few weeks ago and it happened to have a D* dish on the patio. Combine that with frustrations with billing during the move. The Result: I made the decision last week to switch allegiances for my cable TV business (still have Charter's HSI). Here's to DirecTV for the next 2 years. :)

It looks like February before D12 gets up there should get plenty of HD channels. D* have always favored guy HD channels over girly channels
but I think the ladies are going to get Lifetime etc. I think they deserve to be a priority at this point.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=914047
here is where I go to find latest HD channels coming for D*

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=914047
here is where I go to find latest HD channels coming for D*Holy crap, thanks for the link. I didn't even know DirecTV2PC existed, not to mention being free! I know it's slightly off-topic, but wow!

I currently live in Simpsonville and have charter communications. I recently purchased a high definition TV and my experience with the HD quality is that it's not bad but could it be better with another service? My understanding is that U-verse will not be available in Simpsonville and don't hold your breath waiting for FIOS in my area. Simply from a quality viewpoint and not pricing or quanity would it be worth my while to consider switching to Direc TV or Dish network. Thanks for the input.

My 2 cents is that D* and Dish have excellent HD PQ and many more HD channels than charter. I haven't seen charter HD in this area in a while, but I recently saw it in another city and it was so highly compressed, it looked like SD. It may be fine here. Satellite does have terrible SD though (more obvious on a big tv), possibly worse than cable. However, cable SD is pretty bad too these days. Uverse and FIOS SD are excellent from what I've read.

The main reason I dropped charter a few years ago was because D* had more HD, and it still does. Also charter's DVR service was more expensive.

I'm looking forward to trying Uverse if it ever comes to my part of Greenville. It has even more HD and better SD than sat or cable. I've heard HD isn't as good, but I'm reserving judgement until I see for myself.

I currently live in Simpsonville and have charter communications. I recently purchased a high definition TV and my experience with the HD quality is that it's not bad but could it be better with another service?I have Charter in "Greer". I have tried an antenna which received a very good signal on several of our local stations. The TV will do no better than an over-the-air HD signal.

Try that and compare them. I don't know what signals are for you, but just a 2 ft piece of wire did a great job at home. My experience was that they were substantially equal.

Second issue ... I found Charter's box really messes up SD, stretching it. I use no box at all and get more than I can watch, including 7 in HD. When their "upgrade" comes later this month, I'll possibly have to reconsider.

George

dump the charter..............Direct or dish

HERE's (http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20090810/NEWS/908100313)the greenville news story about the uverse rollout. The one in the paper had a map showing the areas with no service planned. I'd love to hear from someone who's switched from satellite to uverse comment on the HD quality difference. I think everything else is pretty well documented, but the HD PQ reports are all over the map. That's the only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger (and that it's still not available in my part of town, LOL).

EDIT: Well, I went down to the AT&T store on Woodruff Rd (across from Racetrack at the I-85 exit) and checked it out for myself. They had D* and Uverse side by side on identical TVs. I could tell absolutely no difference between Uverse and D* HD in terms of PQ besides slightly higher brightness/lower contrast on Uverse. I stood there a good 20 minutes comparing several channels. Uverse HD was just as good as D* in terms of resolution, frame rates, macro blocking, compression, pixellation, to my eye at least. SD was markedly better on Uverse. I didn't see any of the compression artifacts obvious on D*.

I played with the DVR a bit too. The guide itself looks really sharp (unlike D*) and is very fast. FFwd/Rew will take some getting used to since it takes bigger/faster jumps than D*. There is no frame advance that I could find. Recording management was functionally very similar to D*. Uverse has only one favorite channel list. I don't think there was a native resolution option either. The box itself (Cisco) is quite a bit smaller than an HR2x.

The smaller recording capacity, limited HD streams, etc. have already been discussed quite a bit, so I'm aware of all that. But I was happy to see the high HD quality. I expected it to be terrible.

Pricing out an equivalent package myself comes out a little cheaper than my current AT&T/D* bundle. Uverse also has about a half dozen more HD channels than D* at the moment, including Travel Channel HD and PBS in HD (channel 33, not 29). They also have multi-room viewing of your recordings, which D* hasn't rolled out yet. I also like the fact that there is no contract.

If you're a big sports fan (Sunday Ticket subscriber) or have lots of DVR's, then D* is still the way to go. I'm neither, so I'm leaning heavily towards Uverse to save a few bucks and to get more HD and better SD and not get trapped in a contract.

mdavej

I am supposed to be getting UVerse installed on Saturday, the 22nd, I will be glad to share my comparison between them and Dish Network, which I plan to suspend to try out AT&T UVerse.

Has anyone received a mailer yet from Charter in regards to the new channel lineup rearrangement that is supposed to take place on August 25th?

Someone at WLOS told me they now are going to wait a year to change antennas and go full power. Very disappointing.

Has anyone received a mailer yet from Charter in regards to the new channel lineup rearrangement that is supposed to take place on August 25th?That they are going to do it but not what is going to be done, yes. I've forgotten the details they DID give, but I pay for digital and use no box (clear QAM) so they won't document anything much that matters to me anyway.

The only non-HD digital I get are ETV-World, WNTV-2, WYFF/WHNS/WSPA weather, and music. In HD, there are NBC, CBS, PBS, FOX, ABC, MY, CW, and Weather. I'll rescan when I see some gone and update things here.

Has anyone received a mailer yet from Charter in regards to the new channel lineup rearrangement that is supposed to take place on August 25th?

Two days ago, I received a letter from Charter saying that Asheville would "perform technical upgrades" that would "allow us to launch additional high definition channels...beginning on or after September 15th". The letter when on to say that as a TiVo Cable Card user, Charter would have "to install a tuning adaptor in order to continue to receiving and recording all of your favorite channels."

Of course what this really means is that Charter plans Switched Digital Video (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switched_video) (SDV) for this area, beginning Sept 15. I believe that TiVo may be the only cable card device that will accept a tuning adaptor, so Cable Card HDTVs and the Sony DVR will not be able to receive all of the Charter channels. The letter gave the phone number 888-487-7959 to call to get the free tuning adaptor. I called, but was told they did not yet have a work code to have the adaptors installed, and I should call back later... 2 weeks before Sept 15.

I was impressed that Charter sent such a letter; however, if they are not prepared to installed the adaptors, the letter seems meaningless. Does anyone have any added information, such as what channels would be switched, what areas would be affected, and exactly when?

Don

Edit: Here (http://www.accessduarte.com/content/CommunityServices/pdf/2009-TiVoCard.pdf) is the form letter I got from Charter, except the beginning date for the change here is September 15th, and it is signed by Anthony Pope as Vice President and General Manager. Anthony Pope has this title with Charter over Virginia and the Carolinas, and is the person quoted in response to AT&T's U-verse roll-out as saying, “Competition is nothing new for us....We feel very comfortable in our product.” However, from a TiVo forum, where others have received this form letter, it appears that none of the Charter managers are fully aware of their operations when they sign a letter saying -"-just call 888-487-7959 today!", and the respond to such a call is to call back within 2 weeks of the change date.

Edit Edit: I called just called the number again, and they were able to set up an appointment to install the tuning adapter to my two TiVos, saying they just got a copy of the letter allowing them to do so. They are also going to attempt to install one my Sony DHG DVR...so I'll see if it works on the Sony.

Thanks for that Greenville News article link, Mdave.

Interesting read, there.
Jeff

Retro Television Update on WSPA

I emailed a WSPA Engineer here is his reply

We are currently waiting on equipment to ship so we don’t have a firm date at this time. This will replace our current 7.2 weather channel and will be full screen RTN with commercials played inside the current weather L-bar. RTN is also being slightly held up by our priority project to air SEC and Panthers preseason football in HD on WSPA and WYCW.



Thanks,



Engineering Supervisor
WSPA

RTN is also being slightly held up by our priority project to air SEC and Panthers preseason football in HD on WSPA and WYCW.


This is good news. Much better news than RTN. This is the first year the Panthers have done preseason in HD on their Panthers network. I was planning on sending a message to WSPA to see if they were going to be able to support it but I guess that answers that. Of course the first game on WSPA will be this Saturday so we will see if they get that done in time. :)

They are also going to attempt to install one my Sony DHG DVR...so I'll see if it works on the Sony.

The Sony software will not support it, so it will be impossible for it to work.

Retro Television Update on WSPA

I emailed a WSPA Engineer here is his reply

We are currently waiting on equipment to ship so we don’t have a firm date at this time. This will replace our current 7.2 weather channel and will be full screen RTN with commercials played inside the current weather L-bar. RTN is also being slightly held up by our priority project to air SEC and Panthers preseason football in HD on WSPA and WYCW.



Thanks,



Engineering Supervisor
WSPA

Really, why can't they just get rid of the weather bar altogether, put the weather channel on 62.2!

Why watch RTN with a weather L-bar on the screen?

He said RTN will be full-screen, but they'll put up the L-bar during commercials.

- Trip

WLOS, WYFF and WSPA share something in common, they do not consider it important to let viewers know the status of their antenna rework. One would think it might just be more newsworthy in this area than Michael Jackson's meds?

WLOS, WYFF and WSPA share something in common, they do not consider it important to let viewers know the status of their antenna rework. One would think it might just be more newsworthy in this area than Michael Jackson's meds?

WYFF reported on their news broadcast yesterday that all of their antenna work is complete.

WYFF reported on their news broadcast yesterday that all of their antenna work is complete.
Thanks, if it is I guess it didn't help me any.

WYFF is now showing up for me in the Saluda NC mountains, so that extra height helped.

Really, why can't they just get rid of the weather bar altogether, put the weather channel on 62.2!

Why watch RTN with a weather L-bar on the screen?

I live in Piedmont and can rarely get 7 in on 7.1 and 7.2. Please dont take away 62.2 until 7 is up and running full stream or I will loose cbs all together.

Taking a slight hit from 20/2mbps to 18/1.5mbps to switch from Charter to U-verse, but I think gaining triple the HD channels more than makes up for it.

The only thing that worries me is what's bolded below:

AT&T provides their U-verse services primarily through fiber-to-the-node and recently fiber-to-the-premises. Both methods employ a VRAD, in FTTN it is a DSLAM, in FTTP the VRAD is a fiber multiplexer with the conversion to copper taking place at the demarcation point on the customer property. FTTN is more common, with FTTP only in new housing developments or areas not otherwise served by copper POTS. VDSL is used with speeds up to 32Mbit/s down and 3Mbit/s up, but as with all DSL systems, speed can vary with increased distance from the VRAD. Currently 7Mbit/s is used for Cable television with the remaining 18Mbit/s for internet service and VOIP. VDSL can provide faster speeds but AT&T does not offer them. Once inside the customer's property, service is carried over Ethernet or the existing coax network using HomePNA.

Seems to be the same ballpark as Dish/DirecTV, but is that something that can be improved in the future, or is it limited?

Two days ago, I received a letter from Charter saying that Asheville would "perform technical upgrades" that would "allow us to launch additional high definition channels...beginning on or after September 15th". The letter when on to say that as a TiVo Cable Card user, Charter would have "to install a tuning adaptor in order to continue to receiving and recording all of your favorite channels."


Does anyone know when this is being implemented in the Greenville area? Also, did you get a special number to call to order the tuning adapters?

Taking a slight hit from 20/2mbps to 18/1.5mbps to switch from Charter to U-verse, but I think gaining triple the HD channels more than makes up for it.

{VDSL} Seems to be the same ballpark as Dish/DirecTV, but is that something that can be improved in the future, or is it limited?VDSL2 (100mbps) is next on the horizon (not sure where or when), so I'd imagine it will only get better, but probably not anytime soon.

BTW, what do you think of the HD picture quality? The in-store demo looked identical to D* to me, but many claim Uverse isn't even close. Either I'm blind, or those reports have been highly exaggerated.

I'm itching to switch from DSL/D* for the speed and many more HD channels.

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

Its been up for a few weeks now. It works great. Try a fresh reboot and rescan.

I have been doing a bit of globetrotting as part of a job and will be making at least a 6 month stop in Greenville, SC as part of that job. I was initially hired when I was unemployed in Cary, NC despite having a Master of Science in computer engineering degree thanks to the rotten economy, and had to move to Bangalore, Karnataka, in India. I then moved to Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, in India. I finally will return to the U.S. and will arrive in Greenville, SC by August 31.

Unfortunately, my job requires that I be able to possibly move again within six months of arriving at a site. Therefore, satellite is not an option unless I want to buy a dish up to once every six months and have it professionally installed. That is economically unsound, so I am stuck with cable unless the apartment I will have to rent allows some form of fiber (like FiOS) or VDSL (like U-verse) connection. I know that from my experience with Time Warner Cable that different areas can be very different in terms of customer satisfaction. In Cary, NC, TWC was great. Other areas (especially in the western U.S.) have reported that TWC was garbage. How is Charter Communications in your area? Is it great, good, so-so, or so bad that your fondest wish is the conversion of Charter Communications' Chapter 11 bankruptcy case into a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, which liquidates insolvent companies and the property of insolvent individuals?

Second, can someone let me know what set top box hardware is available, and what IPG software does Charter put on its boxes?

Third, what threads cover the hardware adn IPG software that Charter provides?

Fourth, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with your various local TV stations?

Fifth, which ISP do you recommend in this area? Charter? AT&T? Does anyone use their cell phone as a modem, and if they do, how good are the various cell phone providers doing as ISPs? In India, I have been forced to purchase a standalone CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev. A cellular modem (3.1Mb/s up/1.8Mb/s down) due to the lack of acceptable Internet connections at the hotels I have been staying at, and it works well. I am considering getting a BlackBerry that my computer could use as a wireless broadband modem using its integrated USB port and its integrated CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev. A and/or UMTS/HSPA modem, depending on which carrier I chose. However, I will admit that my wireless experience has shown that I have slower latency compared to cable or DSL, so it is bad for online gamers.

here is a blog post on Tom crabtree wspa blog

http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/news_channel_7s_new_hogback_tower_expected_to_be_ready_in_a_ few_weeks/25393/

about the WSPA DT 7 Tower and said the new tower should be ready by Sept 1

Well Dish Network now offers installers 2 opposite directions to aim a dish now, so unless your neighbors trees are over 150ft tall and laying over your house, then don't rule out Dish Network as an option. :)

Newbie :)

Is the above true?? The whole rear of my house faces trees (towards the southern sky). You can now aim Dish Network's dish to the northern skies?

Thanks, Phillip

The caveat is you'd have to move to Australia. I'm pretty certain tv satellites are in geostationary orbit at the equator, hence south facing dishes for us in SC. The poster probably meant opposite as in east-west, not north-south. Even so, I didn't know that was an option either.

Newbie :)

Is the above true?? The whole rear of my house faces trees (towards the southern sky). You can now aim Dish Network's dish to the northern skies?

Thanks, Phillip

No, Dish Network has the regular 110/119/129 setup which points south/southwest at a much lower elevation. They also have a 61.5/72/77 degree location that receives the same channels but points south/southeast at a much higher elevation meaning that if the trees is on the dish then you won't get signal!

Retro Television Update on WSPA

I emailed a WSPA Engineer here is his reply

We are currently waiting on equipment to ship so we don’t have a firm date at this time. This will replace our current 7.2 weather channel and will be full screen RTN with commercials played inside the current weather L-bar. RTN is also being slightly held up by our priority project to air SEC and Panthers preseason football in HD on WSPA and WYCW.

Thanks,
Engineering Supervisor
WSPA

I guess this means that FOX Carolina couldn't either deliver the HD Goods for SEC Football or pay to renew the broadcast rights?

I guess this means that FOX Carolina couldn't either deliver the HD Goods for SEC Football or pay to renew the broadcast rights?

That would be fantastic- it's been annoying watching those early afternoon SEC games in SD :(

VDSL2 (100mbps) is next on the horizon (not sure where or when), so I'd imagine it will only get better, but probably not anytime soon.

BTW, what do you think of the HD picture quality? The in-store demo looked identical to D* to me, but many claim Uverse isn't even close. Either I'm blind, or those reports have been highly exaggerated.

I'm itching to switch from DSL/D* for the speed and many more HD channels.

I can honestly say i'm going into it blind- haven't seen the in-store demo up close. Suppose I could go by and check it out. I can't imagine it being terribly worse than Charter though, and even then, going from 35 HD channels to roughly 150 it really doesn't matter. :)

That would be fantastic- it's been annoying watching those early afternoon SEC games in SD :(


Most of the SEC games on WHNS last year were not even watchable. We will see tonight if WSPA got their setup working in time for HD with the Panthers playing.

Does anyone know when this is being implemented in the Greenville area? Also, did you get a special number to call to order the tuning adapters?
Yes, the special number I got is the same as the one given on the form letter sent to other areas...it is 888-487-7959. A real person answers the phone at this number without going through a phone tree...that makes this Charter number very special. My experience suggests that they will not know when other areas are to be scheduled, but will only be able to tell you if your area is already schedule by being able to set up an appointment for a tuning adapter to be installed because they received a letter authorizing it for your area. The people at this number didn't even seem to be aware that the adapter only works on a very limited number of cable card devices, or what channels would be affected.

Here's the prospective channel addition list. It's still awaiting corporate sign off but I don't anticipate anymore changes.

FamilyNet SD

Ovation SD

World Fishing Network SD

TV One SD

Bravo HD

Smithsonian HD

Science Channel HD

USA HD

Fox News Channel HD

Versus HD

Speed HD

ScyFy HD

The Movie Channel HD




When are these channels going live? Is there a list of the changes so it can be reported to Tribune. Lately there have been issues with Charter sending random channel deletion notices to Tribune so I do not have a good feeling the guide data is going to be set correctly when this change occurs.

It's very nice to watch Panthers Preseason in HD on WSPA. I hope SEC Football looks just as good when the college season begins.

Most of the SEC games on WHNS last year were not even watchable. We will see tonight if WSPA got their setup working in time for HD with the Panthers playing.

I'm right there with you, rrainwater. I'm an ACC Fan, but I couldn't watch SEC that much due to the very poor picture quality they were transmitting. Let's hope WSPA/WYCW do it right this time around (very hopeful based on tonight's Panthers Preseason). I wouldn't mind seeing some SEC Matchups locally in HD.

When are these channels going live? Is there a list of the changes so it can be reported to Tribune. Lately there have been issues with Charter sending random channel deletion notices to Tribune so I do not have a good feeling the guide data is going to be set correctly when this change occurs.
I had a message on my box saying changes were happening this Tuesday the 25th. Not sure if that means the order will be adjusted so that all the HD channels will be together, or if those channels will be added then, but it would make sense to do both and for it to happen then.

That said, I won't be holding my breath.

It's very nice to watch Panthers Preseason in HD on WSPA. I hope SEC Football looks just as good when the college season begins.

Yes, the Panthers game looked very good and I didn't see any issues on WSPA's end. WSPA also shows Panthers Huddle every week and it looks like it is originally shot in HD but it is shown in SD. Perhaps they can't show recorded content in HD yet.

coming on Aug 25 or 'by' Sept 15?... I've seen both dates quoted online
will the new ones be on clear QAM for a bit ya think?


thanks in advance, Kevin ;)

Does anybody have a list of the new Charter Channel Lineup changes? i have a Cousin who has Charter who been trying find out what the new channel line up going to be.

Yes, the Panthers game looked very good and I didn't see any issues on WSPA's end. WSPA also shows Panthers Huddle every week and it looks like it is originally shot in HD but it is shown in SD. Perhaps they can't show recorded content in HD yet.

rrainwater: You are correct that WSPA doesn't have an automated way to playback HD content. Panthers huddle is recorded in SD.

Saturdays Panthers game had some minor problems that we were able to workout in the first 15 min or so.

This Saturday 8/29 CBS preseason game will air on WYCW at 8pm.
San Diego vs Atlanta.

The 8/29 Panthers preseason game will still be on WSPA at 8pm.
Ravens vs Panthers

Our first HD SEC game will be on WYCW Sept 5. WSPA's first game isn't untill 8/19. The SEC games will be using our same setup as the Panthers preseason games. We have completed several HD SEC tests and are looking forward to airing the games in HD.

coming on Aug 25 or 'by' Sept 15?... I've seen both dates quoted online
will the new ones be on clear QAM for a bit ya think?



Most of the new channels aren't in the basic package so its doubtful they will be in the clear.

In terms of the channel changes, Charter doesn't seem to know when or what they are changing. The list Umatter2Charter provided already includes channels we are receiving. So it is clear they have no clue what is going on. It's a shame Charter got rid of the one local forum member who worked for Charter who actually provided correct information and was actually helpful.

Does anybody have a list of the new Charter Channel Lineup changes? i have a Cousin who has Charter who been trying find out what the new channel line up going to be.


In terms of the channel changes, Charter doesn't seem to know when or what they are changing. The list Umatter2Charter provided already includes channels we are receiving. So it is clear they have no clue what is going on.


Sorry we've been swapped the past week.

On 8/25/09 the following changes will be made to this lineup:

The Weather Channel will move from Ch. 3 to 40
Telefutura will move from Ch. 64 to 202
BET will move from Ch. 19 to 72
The Weather Channel HD will move from Ch. 712
to 797
MTV TR3S will move from Ch. 205 to 220
Flix-E will move from Ch. 743 to 410
Univision will move from Ch. 96 to 200
HBO 2 West will be added to Ch. 706
HBO Signature West will be added to Ch. 707
HBO Family West will be added to Ch. 708
Cinemax West will be added to Ch. 723
More Max West will be added to Ch. 724
Action Max West will be added to Ch. 727
Showtime Too West will be added to Ch. 739
Showtime Showcase West will be added to
Ch. 740
Flix W will be added to Ch. 744
Showtime Beyond West will be added to Ch. 746
The Movie Channel West will be added to
Ch. 752
TMC Xtra West will be added to Ch. 753

RRAinwater I assume you're refering to TV One and World Fishing Network SD? There are areas within the market that do not have these channels currently.



Have a great day everyone.

George

Sorry we've been swapped the past week.

On 8/25/09 the following changes will be made to this lineup:

The Weather Channel will move from Ch. 3 to 40
Telefutura will move from Ch. 64 to 202
BET will move from Ch. 19 to 72
The Weather Channel HD will move from Ch. 712
to 797
MTV TR3S will move from Ch. 205 to 220
Flix-E will move from Ch. 743 to 410
Univision will move from Ch. 96 to 200
HBO 2 West will be added to Ch. 706
HBO Signature West will be added to Ch. 707
HBO Family West will be added to Ch. 708
Cinemax West will be added to Ch. 723
More Max West will be added to Ch. 724
Action Max West will be added to Ch. 727
Showtime Too West will be added to Ch. 739
Showtime Showcase West will be added to
Ch. 740
Flix W will be added to Ch. 744
Showtime Beyond West will be added to Ch. 746
The Movie Channel West will be added to
Ch. 752
TMC Xtra West will be added to Ch. 753

RRAinwater I assume you're refering to TV One and World Fishing Network SD? There are areas within the market that do not have these channels currently.



Have a great day everyone.

George

Are any of these adds HD?

On 8/25/09 the following changes will be made to this lineup:


So none of the channels you posted earlier are being added on 8/25?

The Weather Channel will move from Ch. 3 to 40
Telefutura will move from Ch. 64 to 202
BET will move from Ch. 19 to 72
The Weather Channel HD will move from Ch. 712
to 797
MTV TR3S will move from Ch. 205 to 220
Flix-E will move from Ch. 743 to 410
Univision will move from Ch. 96 to 200
HBO 2 West will be added to Ch. 706
HBO Signature West will be added to Ch. 707
HBO Family West will be added to Ch. 708
Cinemax West will be added to Ch. 723
More Max West will be added to Ch. 724
Action Max West will be added to Ch. 727
Showtime Too West will be added to Ch. 739
Showtime Showcase West will be added to
Ch. 740
Flix W will be added to Ch. 744
Showtime Beyond West will be added to Ch. 746
The Movie Channel West will be added to
Ch. 752
TMC Xtra West will be added to Ch. 753


I assume this is just a partial list of changes since TNT HD already exists on 797.

Also, most of those channel additions already exist in the lineup and have for more than a year or two.

Sorry we've been swapped the past week.

On 8/25/09 the following changes will be made to this lineup:

The Weather Channel will move from Ch. 3 to 40
Telefutura will m.......

Have a great day everyone.

George

Looks like we will all need to re-scan tomorrow.
For me, much re-work will be needed in Windows Media Center Guide/Listings most likely.
(Won't complain if I see some more Clear QAM's switched on!) :cool:

rrainwater: You are correct that WSPA doesn't have an automated way to playback HD content. Panthers huddle is recorded in SD.

Saturdays Panthers game had some minor problems that we were able to workout in the first 15 min or so.

This Saturday 8/29 CBS preseason game will air on WYCW at 8pm.
San Diego vs Atlanta.

The 8/29 Panthers preseason game will still be on WSPA at 8pm.
Ravens vs Panthers

Our first HD SEC game will be on WYCW Sept 5. WSPA's first game isn't untill 8/19. The SEC games will be using our same setup as the Panthers preseason games. We have completed several HD SEC tests and are looking forward to airing the games in HD.

Thank you for the information, cwofford. Any news on when you'll air Recorded Syndicated HD on WSPA and WYCW (i.e. "Dr. Phil", "The Office", "Everybody Loves Raymond, etc.)? BTW, welcome to AVSForum.com!

popweaverhdtv, how do you feel about the PQ difference between D* and Charter?

popweaverhdtv, how do you feel about the PQ difference between D* and Charter?

Call me insane (yes, I said it!), but I don't notice that much difference in PQ with the HD channels that are offered by both D* and Charter (hold back the critical comments on this, please). Granted, I don't have any sophisticated tools to measure the signal bandwidth being transmitted and it's never really been my main focus (me=grew up in area where sometimes fuzzy OTA from 3 overlapping DMA's was the only game). The biggest differences that I've seen is the signal quality of SD channels between the two (in favor of D*) and the number of HD channels offered by D* (that aren't offered by Charter). No buyer's remorse from me (nearly two weeks in)! :D

I do miss having UNC HD and WMYA in HD and not having WYFF, WHNS and WSPA's DT subchannels, though (will hate not having RTV when WSPA begins airing it on 7.2).

Call me insane (yes, I said it!), but I don't notice that much difference in PQ with the HD channels that are offered by both D* and Charter (hold back the critical comments on this, please). Granted, I don't have any sophisticated tools to measure the signal bandwidth being transmitted and it's never really been my main focus (me=grew up in area where sometimes fuzzy OTA from 3 overlapping DMA's was the only game). The biggest differences that I've seen is the signal quality of SD channels between the two (in favor of D*) and the number of HD channels offered by D* (that aren't offered by Charter). No buyer's remorse from me (nearly two weeks in)! :D

I do miss having UNC HD and WMYA in HD and not having WYFF, WHNS and WSPA's DT subchannels, though (will hate not having RTV when WSPA begins airing it on 7.2).

I guess I was hoping I had grown accustomed to Charter's HD PQ and that it was inferior to D*- in which case switching to U-verse would be roughly a lateral move.

The amount of HD programming is hard to ignore, but I've yet to see a positive review of U-verse HD PQ, and seen countless negative reviews.

I suppose since there is no contract I'll go through with it and see what I think. If I don't like it, I'll move on to satellite and a 2yr contract...

My area is covered, but they hadn't added the condo units in my building into their system, so they're doing that now and should be done by Friday.

It will be interesting to see what HD adds shake out tomorrow, but no matter how you slice it, Charter is charging way too much for their lack of HD programming compared to the competition- it's ridiculous.

mdavej

I am supposed to be getting UVerse installed on Saturday, the 22nd, I will be glad to share my comparison between them and Dish Network, which I plan to suspend to try out AT&T UVerse.

Would love to hear your thoughts on the comparison!

I guess I was hoping I had grown accustomed to Charter's HD PQ and that it was inferior to D*- in which case switching to U-verse would be roughly a lateral move.


I don't think Charter has done much HD compression in our area (although this may change after the latest changes). The locals were comparable to OTA even if slightly compressed. The only channel I have noticed issues with is HDNet and HDNet movies. It seems they do not provide much bandwidth for those 2 channels.

Sorry we've been swapped the past week.

On 8/25/09 the following changes will be made to this lineup:

The Weather Channel will move from Ch. 3 to 40
Telefutura will move from Ch. 64 to 202
BET will move from Ch. 19 to 72
The Weather Channel HD will move from Ch. 712
to 797
MTV TR3S will move from Ch. 205 to 220
Flix-E will move from Ch. 743 to 410
Univision will move from Ch. 96 to 200
HBO 2 West will be added to Ch. 706
HBO Signature West will be added to Ch. 707
HBO Family West will be added to Ch. 708
Cinemax West will be added to Ch. 723
More Max West will be added to Ch. 724
Action Max West will be added to Ch. 727
Showtime Too West will be added to Ch. 739
Showtime Showcase West will be added to
Ch. 740
Flix W will be added to Ch. 744
Showtime Beyond West will be added to Ch. 746
The Movie Channel West will be added to
Ch. 752
TMC Xtra West will be added to Ch. 753

RRAinwater I assume you're refering to TV One and World Fishing Network SD? There are areas within the market that do not have these channels currently.



Have a great day everyone.

George

This really isn't the news I was hoping for. Been waiting a l-o-n-g time for Charter to improve it's HD lineup and thought this would finally be a big step forward. I hope this post was only a first step in a series of quick upgrades.

I have UVerse now installed as of this past Saturday with their U450 package.

With AT&T Uverse, you will need to learn how to "calibrate" a good Plasma or LCD tv. I am so far happy with Uverse. The standard definition picture quality is superb compared to Dish Network and Charter (which I have both as well). The HD on UVerse, while they have a ton of HD channels, the PQ is just a notch below Dish Network on some channels but the locals in HD are outstanding on UVerse.

The UVerse equipment is miles easier to operate compared to Charter. The channels change really fast and the user interface is simple if you sit and play around with it for a good 30 minutes. In my opinion, Charter is just awful compared to UVerse or Dish Network. I personally still think that Dish Network has the best receivers.

I did not get UVoice or Internet thru AT&T so I can't evaluate them. I am on the 25/2 profile which means I get 2 HD streams, 2 SD streams. I haven't had an issue yet since I only have 2 HD TV's in my home.

I feel UVerse has the most channels in both standard definition and high definition. Dish Network has quite a few as well but not near as many. Charter, well... even with their proclaimed HD they are supposed to be adding--they still won't compare to either AT&T or Dish Network.

I have read a lot of bad reviews on AT&T Uverse HD pq but honestly, if you sit down and fine tune the picture/color/sharpness settings on your TV (you can google your TV model and sometimes find other people with equipment who posts pic settings for your TV online to help you get the best out of your TV). I feel that the HD pq is a 7 out of 10 on the national HD channels, but a 9 out of 10 on our GSP local channels.

What UVerse doesn't have is the local subchannels, nor do they have ch. 29 PBS in HD, however, they do have ch. 33 UNC in HD. UVerse has an immaculate premium channel selection as well. They also offer some west coast feeds of the Turner channels like TBS, TNT, and TruTV. They have VOD but... its not as great as Charter's. One good thing about AT&T VOD is that they have a few movies available on VOD that is available on the same day as the DVD release.

My installer said one thing that does make sense... if you have UVoice or the internet thru AT&T plus UVerse, then yes, your HD PQ will suffer when someone is using the internet or telephone because on a 25/2 profile, that means your TV uses at least 7mb of the 25mb profile, and then the other 18mb is for internet unless someone is on the phone, and if you are too far out from the VRAD, then you get on a lower profile and usually results in a lower amount of HD streams and/or MAX internet speed or UVoice availablility. With that said, my HD pq may be better than customers who also have UVoice or their internet since I didn't sign up for those and don't plan to.

Sorry so long, hopes this helps most of you out.

Here's the actual channel changes on Charter (I can't guarantee they are completely accurate):

New Channels:
156 OVATION
206 MUN2
222 TF
710 QVC
747 BRAVOHD
763 SMITHHD
768 SCHIHD
782 USAHD
787 FNCHD
800 HDPPV
825 VSHD
826 SPEEDHD
843 SYFYHD
889 AUTOSDM
898 TMCHD
967 PLAYPR

Deleted Channels:
64 TFSAT
799 PPVHDSE
850 SIMPSCF

The list of channel moves is huge so I am not going to post those.

Here's the actual channel changes on Charter (I can't guarantee they are completely accurate):

New Channels:
151 OVATION
206 MUN2
222 TF
710 QVC
747 BRAVOHD
763 SMITHHD
768 SCHIHD
782 USAHD
787 FNCHD
800 HDPPV
825 VSHD
826 SPEEDHD
843 SYFYHD
889 AUTOSDM
898 TMCHD
967 PLAYPR

Deleted Channels:
64 TFSAT
799 PPVHDSE
850 SIMPSCF

The list of channel moves is huge so I am not going to post those.

If you can't post them, do you have a link for us to view where you got your info from?

Thank you for the information, cwofford. Any news on when you'll air Recorded Syndicated HD on WSPA and WYCW (i.e. "Dr. Phil", "The Office", "Everybody Loves Raymond, etc.)? BTW, welcome to AVSForum.com!


Cwofford is the WSPA's Engineer he is the one that i got the previous info about the HD SEC And Panthers HD Football From.

If you can't post them, do you have a link for us to view where you got your info from?

The changes should be live on http://tvlistings.zap2it.com soon. The info I posted is what changes Tribune is making. There are well over 200 channel moves, so I wouldn't dare try to post this list here. :)

Basically, almost all analog and digital channels are being regrouped.

Charter.net listings are updated.
My cable box is 'handling' the update at this moment.

edit: 12:57 AM - appears to be complete.

Charter.net listings are updated.
My cable box is 'handling' the update at this moment.

edit: 12:57 AM - appears to be complete.

My cablecard devices updated to the new channel mappings as well.

Sweet Maria... doesn't look like QAM channels have changed. EDIT: the HD ones anyway.

It looks like Charter moved more channels than they announced as well. So far I see HSN on 3 even though charter.net shows it on 19. I also see a lot of channels that are mapped to channels without guide data completely.

Update: It looks like most of the spanish channels moved but Charter didn't move the guide data. All of the PPV Sports channels moved but the guide data is still on the original channel. Channels 199 and 350 don't have guide data and I couldn't determine what they should be.

Agreeing that the channel 97 guide is still old ... and that well over half of the analog channels changed locations.

I found no changes in the clear QAM unless 91.11 is different ... I skip it anyway.

Yesterday, a scan found 71 analog and 65 digital; today, it is 68 and 65. The 8 HD seem to have remained where they were.

Darn, no new clear QAM.

I have UVerse now installed...Thanks for the report. What part of town are you in, if you don't mind my asking? Uverse still isn't available for me on the Eastside of Gvl. I was also wondering if you saw any signs of new equipment (VRAD's) in recent months/weeks. They would be fridge sized boxes with a power meter on the side in or near your neighborhood?

If you can't post them, do you have a link for us to view where you got your info from?

I'm guessing that it was copied manually from a list in the lineup change message in a Tivo with cablecard. So, no link. That's the same list I had this morning.

I think 800 is a rename and move of 799

64 (TFSAT) seems to have moved to 222 and was renamed to TF.

Abel

I'm guessing that it was copied manually from a list in the lineup change message in a Tivo with cablecard. So, no link. That's the same list I had this morning.

I think 800 is a rename and move of 799

64 (TFSAT) seems to have moved to 222 and was renamed to TF.

Abel

About 30 of the channels are still incorrect in the Tribune guide data. Thankfully most of them are PPV channels. TF was actually moved to 202 but Tribune has it wrong (along with most of the spanish channels).

I still don't see why we need a analog QVC and a digital QVC. It isn't even QVC HD.

Here is a Link to charter.net new channel line up

http://www.charter.net/tv/?sc_cid=directory_tv

Charter "Communications" LOL!

This is a big change and Charter has provided no details for the end users. TV Guide channel has not been updated. Website has old info. No new list included with my last bill. Zap2it left in the dark. How can a large corporate organization implement something so large without keeping all informed? No "communication" with this big change!

I'm not a Charter basher. They have provided decent service to me for the year I have had them. There was a glitch at install, cable left on the ground and no one scheduled to bury. The digital box did not provide a very good picture so I returned it and use my TV tuners. My HD signal is close to OTA quality. Analog is well, analog.

I must say that this channel realignment has be handled very poorly. I am also disappointed that more HD channels were not added in the clear.(channels included with extended basic cable such as, TNT,TBS, Golf etc.)

I'll be keeping my "communications" options open for future. Maybe looking @ Sat or ATT.

Here is a Link to charter.net new channel line up

http://www.charter.net/tv/?sc_cid=directory_tv

Here's a list of the channels that Charter did not update the guide data with Tribune correctly. I am probably missing some in the 400-500 range as I do not get all of these channels.

Missing or incorrect guide data: 3 199 203 207 208 211 212 215 216 224 225 226 229 350-374

Guide data but no channel: 18 190 214 218 222 223 227 230 234 235 236 240 245 247 508 524 971-976 981-994

Unfortunately as we have no real local contact with Charter anymore, it is doubtful we have a way to report this issue to them.

Thank you for the information, cwofford. Any news on when you'll air Recorded Syndicated HD on WSPA and WYCW (i.e. "Dr. Phil", "The Office", "Everybody Loves Raymond, etc.)? BTW, welcome to AVSForum.com!

Unfortunately WSPA nor WYCW have a firm date on when we will be able to record and playback HD syndicated programs. Our primary playback server is due to be replaced but we don’t know when that will occur due to budget constraints. CBS, Warner Bros, and AMG syndication are planning to deliver HD content to stations starting sometime before the end of the year. There is some speculation that our automation system could possibly control the syndicator’s server but that has yet to be determined.

About 30 of the channels are still incorrect in the Tribune guide data. Thankfully most of them are PPV channels. TF was actually moved to 202 but Tribune has it wrong (along with most of the spanish channels).

I still don't see why we need a analog QVC and a digital QVC. It isn't even QVC HD.

Thanks. I only spotchecked the channels that I have season passes on for now, so I didn't see the wrong channels yet.

I was also surprised by that QVC channel. As far as I can tell, it's the only SD channel in the HD channel number range. Maybe they're preparing for an HD feed, not that I'd care for that one.

Abel

Charter "Communications" LOL!

This is a big change and Charter has provided no details for the end users. TV Guide channel has not been updated. Website has old info. No new list included with my last bill. Zap2it left in the dark. How can a large corporate organization implement something so large without keeping all informed? No "communication" with this big change!

I'm not a Charter basher. They have provided decent service to me for the year I have had them. There was a glitch at install, cable left on the ground and no one scheduled to bury. The digital box did not provide a very good picture so I returned it and use my TV tuners. My HD signal is close to OTA quality. Analog is well, analog.

I must say that this channel realignment has be handled very poorly. I am also disappointed that more HD channels were not added in the clear.(channels included with extended basic cable such as, TNT,TBS, Golf etc.)

I'll be keeping my "communications" options open for future. Maybe looking @ Sat or ATT.

You are right. There has been next to no communication regarding this change. There was the postcard without a new channel lineup. Last week the "fight light" came on my cable boxes to let me know that there was a message. So looked at it and it said that they were rearranging the channels and to check CH 97 for the new line up. What channel 97? On Charter AVL there is no 97. Did they mean the TVGuide ch on 13? Well, that does not have the channel lineup either. It is nice that the HD ch numbers match the SD ones better but WYCW SD ch 5 and HD 710 does not quite do it.

Well, looky here. The AVL Citizen Slime has the Charter PDF of the channel line up (http://www.citizen-times.com/assets/pdf/B0141188825.PDF)

Here's a list of the channels that Charter did not update the guide data with Tribune correctly. I am probably missing some in the 400-500 range as I do not get all of these channels.

Missing or incorrect guide data: 3 199 203 207 208 211 212 215 216 224 225 226 229 350-374

Guide data but no channel: 18 190 214 218 222 223 227 230 234 235 236 240 245 247 508 524 971-976 981-994

Unfortunately as we have no real local contact with Charter anymore, it is doubtful we have a way to report this issue to them.
I have placed the problem of non-updated schedule info on the Charter Direct discussion group at http://www.dslreports.com/forum/charterdirect . Charter has people who look at that and try to fix things.

I have done system changeovers in other contexts, I can tell you that this problem would have been avoided by a competent planner. Failure to distribute the new channel lineup was inexcusable.

I have placed the problem of non-updated schedule info on the Charter Direct discussion group at http://www.dslreports.com/forum/charterdirect . Charter has people who look at that and try to fix things.

I have done system changeovers in other contexts, I can tell you that this problem would have been avoided by a competent planner. Failure to distribute the new channel lineup was inexcusable.

Thanks. I am in the Greenville area but I would assume Asheville is going to have similar issues some of the channel numbers are different.

Good afternoon everyone. I definitely understand your frustration with the changing channel line-ups in SC and NC. We have received PDFs of the new channel line-ups from marketing, and would be more than happy to email the correct channel lineup to anyone who needs it. You can also see this at the Charter.net link listed above. http://www.charter.net/tv/?sc_cid=directory_tv

George

Good afternoon everyone. I definitely understand your frustration with the changing channel line-ups in SC and NC. We have received PDFs of the new channel line-ups from marketing, and would be more than happy to email the correct channel lineup to anyone who needs it. You can also see this at the Charter.net link listed above. http://www.charter.net/tv/?sc_cid=directory_tv


Unfortunately the charter.net lineup is not fully correct. I suspect that marketing's lineups do not reflect the real lineups we are seeing. Like I posted earlier, there are around 30 or so channels that are not the same as what Charter.net is posting.

For what zip code? Greenville markets are still being updated.

For what zip code? Greenville markets are still being updated.

29607. What do you mean "still being updated"? Did Tribune not get the entire channel updates list? I use TiVos which gets their data from Tribune (the same source for Moxi afaik). We already got the complete update which doesn't include the changes posted earlier. I'm not sure how Charter pushes out Moxi guide updates, but it will surely be wrong on that end as well.

29607. What do you mean "still being updated"? Did Tribune not get the entire channel updates list? I use TiVos which gets their data from Tribune (the same source for Moxi afaik). We already got the complete update which doesn't include the changes posted earlier. I'm not sure how Charter pushes out Moxi guide updates, but it will surely be wrong on that end as well.

The Charter.net programming guide is still being updated. Tribune as well as local media were notified of lineup changes last week. The MOXI Guide information is currently being updated to reflect the new channel lineup as well. These changes should be completed by mid-day 8/26/09.

George

here is a pdf file of the charter line up that was posted to the goupstate.com

http://www.goupstate.com/assets/pdf/SJ17941825.PDF

The Charter.net programming guide is still being updated. Tribune as well as local media were notified of lineup changes last week. The MOXI Guide information is currently being updated to reflect the new channel lineup as well. These changes should be completed by mid-day 8/26/09.

George

Thanks. It looks like Tribune has the updated channels now. The only thing missing that I see now is that they deleted ESPNPPV6 from the lineup even though it is on 356.

I've attached the doc that highlights the new channels and locations.

Unfortunately WSPA nor WYCW have a firm date on when we will be able to record and playback HD syndicated programs. Our primary playback server is due to be replaced but we don’t know when that will occur due to budget constraints. CBS, Warner Bros, and AMG syndication are planning to deliver HD content to stations starting sometime before the end of the year. There is some speculation that our automation system could possibly control the syndicator’s server but that has yet to be determined.

At least it's an honest answer. The Panthers Preseason NFL and SEC Football and Local News (all three in HD) will fill the void of Syndicated HD on WSPA/WYCW until then. Thank you for the reply!

I've attached the doc that highlights the new channels and locations.

Interesting ... file created August 13. Why IN THE WORLD wasn't this put on the website? The charter.com is still wrong as of 5:30 on Tuesday the 26th.

Umatter, YOU may care, but you seem to be employed by Charter Miscommunications.

George Bynum, Greenville eastside

The charter.com is still wrong as of 5:30 on Tuesday the 26th.

Today is Tuesday the 25th. He did mention that some things wouldn't be done until mid-day on the 26th (tomorrow).

I do agree that it would have been very useful to have this channel flyer before the changes.

Luckily all my Season Pass channels are correct now.

Abel

Today is Tuesday the 25th. He did mention that some things wouldn't be done until mid-day on the 26th (tomorrow).

I do agree that it would have been very useful to have this channel flyer before the changes.

Luckily all my Season Pass channels are correct now.

Abel

The guide data is now correct except for one PPV channel. Charter boxes may take some time to get the changes pushed to them but everything seems correct otherwise. The charter.com channel list is not updated regularly afaik so I wouldn't count on it being updated right away. The charter.net guide is the one you should go by.

Thanks for the report. What part of town are you in, if you don't mind my asking? Uverse still isn't available for me on the Eastside of Gvl. I was also wondering if you saw any signs of new equipment (VRAD's) in recent months/weeks. They would be fridge sized boxes with a power meter on the side in or near your neighborhood?

I'm in Easley. We have VRAD's all over town.

Today is Tuesday the 25th. He did mention that some things wouldn't be done until mid-day on the 26th (tomorrow).Over 4 years of college and over 35 years of work experience ... I still cannot use a calender or read the date from the window on my watch ... SORRY.

Over 4 years of college and over 35 years of work experience ... I still cannot use a calender or read the date from the window on my watch ... SORRY.

That's ok. I've sent out numerous emails with incorrect day/date combinations in the past. Nowadays I cheat by checking my computer date which clearly lists both day and date. :D

BTW, the Tivo had another update message this morning that seems to have pretty much everything in sync with the official channel list now, although I haven't gone over it on a channel-by-channel basis.

Abel

I've attached the doc that highlights the new channels and locations.

My Moxi Box is not showing any channel at 787 in Spartanburg now. Where is Fox News HD ? It was WSPA HD before this . Is it going to be there or not ? The 787 channel was gone Yesterday during the time when my Guide data still did not match the new channel map at all yet, then last night the Moxi updated/corrected the guide data, for the most part, but still no Channel 787 exists at all. Anyone have this problem?

BTW, the Tivo had another update message this morning that seems to have pretty much everything in sync with the official channel list now, although I haven't gone over it on a channel-by-channel basis.

The only channels now missing guide data are 350 and 356. 356 is ESPNPPV6. I'm not sure what 350 is or if it is even a channel. But Charter is mapping something to that channel for cablecard users.

but still no Channel 787 exists at all. Anyone have this problem?

It was working this morning on my Tivo with CableCard in Greenville. May be something specific to the Moxi lineup

Abel

The only channels now missing guide data are 350 and 356. 356 is ESPNPPV6. I'm not sure what 350 is or if it is even a channel. But Charter is mapping something to that channel for cablecard users.

Thanks. I noticed another channel (888, AUTOSDM) listed in the Tivo message yesterday that is not in the lineup and doesn't actually show anything. I figured that those are data channels of some kind for cable equipment.

Abel

Thanks. I noticed another channel (888, AUTOSDM) listed in the Tivo message yesterday that is not in the lineup and doesn't actually show anything. I figured that those are data channels of some kind for cable equipment.


This channel (actually 889) existed before but didn't have any channel data mapped to it. I believe Charter called it "Auto VOD" or something like that. It does actually exist (cablecards map it to a channel). Although I have no clue what it is.

Why on Earth does Charter have Science Channel HD (768) in "Digital View Plus" and not in "Expanded Basic" or "HD Ultra View" with ALL the other HD channels? :confused:

Why on Earth does Charter have Science Channel HD (768) in "Digital View Plus" and not in "Expanded Basic" or "HD Ultra View" with ALL the other HD channels? :confused:

I believe it is because if you subscribe to a tier, you will get the cooresponding channel in HD. Since the Science channel is in the digital view plus tier, if you subscribe to that tier, you get the HD version automatically. This is why all of the HD channels in expanded basic are there since their SD counterpart is also there.

HD Ultra View is where they put channels that are HD only.

I believe it is because if you subscribe to a tier, you will get the cooresponding channel in HD. Since the Science channel is in the digital view plus tier, if you subscribe to that tier, you get the HD version automatically. This is why all of the HD channels in expanded basic are there since their SD counterpart is also there.

HD Ultra View is where they put channels that are HD only.

Oh I see, it is listed as "The Science Channel" (SD) and "Science Channel HD" in the "Digital View Plus" tier. I just thought they added Science Channel HD as a completely new channel and did not already have an SD version in any tier.

Sometime after the channel realignment this week, TheWeatherChannel HD was removed from the clear QAM offerings.

I pay for and receive expanded basic channels, and want no box. I understand that there are many digital channels I will not get, but I hoped the otherwise included HD in the expanded basic would be clear. All that are broadcast "locally" are still there; has anyone heard if this is all we can expect? Is this to prevent basic subscribers from getting expanded basic services without their needing to install filters? Otherwise, all expanded basic could be clear.

Thanks!

Sometime after the channel realignment this week, TheWeatherChannel HD was removed from the clear QAM offerings.

I pay for and receive expanded basic channels, and want no box. I understand that there are many digital channels I will not get, but I hoped the otherwise included HD in the expanded basic would be clear. All that are broadcast "locally" are still there; has anyone heard if this is all we can expect? Is this to prevent basic subscribers from getting expanded basic services without their needing to install filters? Otherwise, all expanded basic could be clear.

Thanks!

When I've asked various techs, CSRs, supervisors, and etc about Charter's policy of 5Cing/encrypting channels, I've been told there is no official policy to any of it, and that the local headend people can do whatever they want, essentially. Basically, they've all said "don't complain to me."

Encrypting something like The Weather Channel seems to fit right in with Charter's trend of awful decisions. I doubt they'll ever change it.

When I've asked various techs, CSRs, supervisors, and etc about Charter's policy of 5Cing/encrypting channels, I've been told there is no official policy to any of it, and that the local headend people can do whatever they want, essentially. Basically, they've all said "don't complain to me."

Encrypting something like The Weather Channel seems to fit right in with Charter's trend of awful decisions. I doubt they'll ever change it.

I only have basic and do enjoy the HD QAM Charter provides.
I wish more was included, but I think they only have to provide the locals digital/HD for free along with basic cable.

Guess if I want more HD, I would need to pay much more for digital Charter or switch to satellite or the new U-Verse.

What is the consensus here for the new U-Verse?

Charter is certainly permitted to 5C and/or encrypt anything it wants above and beyond the locals, but doing so on things like TWC, news channels, and basic cable channels that don't require content encryption in their carriage is ridiculous and pointless.

What is the consensus here for the new U-Verse?

It depends on your situation. If you only have 2 or 3 televisions, then getting the U-Verse package (phone, tv, internet) is probably a really good deal. From what I have read, the DVR is pretty terrible. And the limited streams can be a deal breaker with larger households (afaik 2 HD streams at once).

If station revenue is based upon coverage then I suspect stations are taking more of a hit than just the hardware changes the DT transition required.

What is the consensus here for the new U-Verse?Some AT&T stores have it running in the store so you can check it out for yourself. I personally thought the PQ was excellent. The DVR seemed to work fine, although I only used it a few minutes. I searched, recorded and played back with no problems. I plan to try it as soon as it gets to my neck of the woods.

I have D* at the moment. My gripes about D* are that they've fallen behind quite a bit adding new HD channels (still nowhere near as bad as Charter), their SD picture is terrible, and every time I sneeze I'm locked into another 2 yr contract. So I'm looking forward to more HD, better SD and no contract.

Last time I checked, these were the HD channel counts:
D* 71, Uverse 104, Charter 20

Charter's count should probably be a little higher since the new additions yesterday.
As for locals, D* and Uverse carry no sub-channels. But Uverse has our local PBS in HD (33), and D* only has PBS in SD.

It depends on your situation. If you only have 2 or 3 televisions, then getting the U-Verse package (phone, tv, internet) is probably a really good deal. From what I have read, the DVR is pretty terrible. And the limited streams can be a deal breaker with larger households (afaik 2 HD streams at once).

I have UVerse and the DVR in my opinion is complicated, but if you take about 30 good uninterupted minutes to sit and "tinker" with the menus and such then it gets a little easier. However, no DVR out there will ever be better than the one I have with Dish Network, in my opinion.

I have UVerse and the DVR in my opinion is complicated, but if you take about 30 good uninterupted minutes to sit and "tinker" with the menus and such then it gets a little easier. However, no DVR out there will ever be better than the one I have with Dish Network, in my opinion.

Glad you say that b/c I think I will keep my basic Charter and cable modem, locals in HD via QAM and order DISH for just our main/sports TV. I can lock in right now for 2 years for $36/month! (free install, free Cinemax with paperless pay set-up, bronze package with HD DVR, HD $10 package included, no locals needed)

But I was kinda waiting for that 912 DVR with Sling built in. Any news on that?

And do y'all DISH folks think the offer I might get is a good one?

Glad you say that b/c I think I will keep my basic Charter and cable modem, locals in HD via QAM and order DISH for just our main/sports TV. I can lock in right now for 2 years for $36/month! (free install, free Cinemax with paperless pay set-up, bronze package with HD DVR, HD $10 package included, no locals needed)

But I was kinda waiting for that 912 DVR with Sling built in. Any news on that?

And do y'all DISH folks think the offer I might get is a good one?

Ya that's a good deal, plus you refer up to 5 ppl a year, which is what I did. I get an extra 25 dollars a month off my bill ($5 X 5 ppl). The 922 won't be out til this time next year. I have the 722 and it's great!

Some AT&T stores have it running in the store so you can check it out for yourself. I personally thought the PQ was excellent. The DVR seemed to work fine, although I only used it a few minutes. I searched, recorded and played back with no problems. I plan to try it as soon as it gets to my neck of the woods.

I have D* at the moment. My gripes about D* are that they've fallen behind quite a bit adding new HD channels (still nowhere near as bad as Charter), their SD picture is terrible, and every time I sneeze I'm locked into another 2 yr contract. So I'm looking forward to more HD, better SD and no contract.

Last time I checked, these were the HD channel counts:
D* 71, Uverse 104, Charter 20

Charter's count should probably be a little higher since the new additions yesterday.
As for locals, D* and Uverse carry no sub-channels. But Uverse has our local PBS in HD (33), and D* only has PBS in SD.

I now have about 44-45 with Charter, and I get every HD channel they offer aside from ScienceHD (including Premiums). Pales in comparison with what you get from the competition for the same money.

DirecTV has 86, Dish has 106, and U-verse has 148.

Glad you say that b/c I think I will keep my basic Charter and cable modem, locals in HD via QAM and order DISH for just our main/sports TV. I can lock in right now for 2 years for $36/month! (free install, free Cinemax with paperless pay set-up, bronze package with HD DVR, HD $10 package included, no locals needed)

But I was kinda waiting for that 912 DVR with Sling built in. Any news on that?

And do y'all DISH folks think the offer I might get is a good one?

As a longtime and current Dish customer, read ALL the fine print on any offer from Dish Network. That $36/month might not be but for only 6 months, then regular pricing after that. Additionally, it is $4.98 for the DVR service, it is $7 for each additional receiver per month, the promotions usually require you to sign up for the Dish Home Protection Plan at $5.99 a month, the locals is $5.99 a month...ALSO, I don't think Dish will be offering many HD-only packages at all in the future, if they haven't already done away with them by now. Not trying to send you away from Dish, but a lot of people don't know what you will be charged for until you see the bill, if you know someone with a Club Dish card...you will get a $50 credit on your 2nd bill though...!!!

The club dish referral is actually $30 credit for the new customer and $50 ($5 x 10 months) for the person who referred you. If you decide to go with Dish I can provide you with a referral code :)

DirecTV subs, do you have UNC-TV in HD now as their website indicates?

DirecTV subs, do you have UNC-TV in HD now as their website indicates?

Yes for 2 days now
33 in 1080i
33-2 in 720p

Nice, thanks for the quick response! I thought all of the -2 UNC-TV's were in SD.

I thought all of the -2 UNC-TV's were in SD.

Depends on which station you're looking at. Most UNC-TV stations, including WUNF-33 in Asheville, have the following lineup:

xx.1 UNC-TV (HD)
xx.2 UNC-KD (SD)
xx.3 UNC-NC (SD)

However, a couple of them, including WUNE-17 in Linville, have the following:

xx.1 UNC-KD (SD)
xx.2 UNC-TV (HD)
xx.3 UNC-NC (SD)

Has UNC TV in Asheville changed their transmission power or location? A couple of years ago I could easily get all their channels (1 HD+ 4 sub channels) without any problems at all using a 4221 CM antenna 15 feet from ground. For the past 6 months I have not been able to get them at all except on one occasion for a few minutes. I changed to Antennacraft HBU-22 antenna yesterday in order to get Channel 13 ( which it is picking up nicely) but still no UNC. I miss the kids sub channel, which my daughter used to watch regularly.

I am 47 miles from the tower as per TVfool.

Depends on which station you're looking at. Most UNC-TV stations, including WUNF-33 in Asheville, have the following lineup:

xx.1 UNC-TV (HD)
xx.2 UNC-KD (SD)
xx.3 UNC-NC (SD)

However, a couple of them, including WUNE-17 in Linville, have the following:

xx.1 UNC-KD (SD)
xx.2 UNC-TV (HD)
xx.3 UNC-NC (SD)

Thanks for the clarification. That seems unusual that they would vary the lineup like that.

I guess what I meant to say is that I thought UNC-KD was always SD. Also, the DirecTV website makes it seem that the UNC-TV feeds for the GSP market come from the Greensboro, NC affiliate.

It gets UNC-KD must-carry.

- Trip

Ahh, so that's why DirecTV is carrying it in markets where they already have an HD channel. Makes much more sense now!

Just got the mailing from Charter notifying us about the upcoming changes on Aug 25. Thanks Charter! :)

I would like to assume someone's contract agreement.

So if you are wanting to try U-Verse or whatever, shoot me an email at clemsonkev at yahoo

Yes for 2 days now
33 in 1080i
33-2 in 720p

Woohoo! I was hoping D* would step up and offer it in HD (out of town and can't enjoy it right now). If we can get WMYA in HD on D* in time for ACC Saturday Football and ETV in HD, we'd be set.

Umatter2Charter,

Have you heard anything about whether Charter in Greenville (or anywhere else for that matter) is goin got get HBO On Demand HD? I know Comcast got it "exclusively" for a few weeks. But was under the impression that other cable companies (hopefully that includes Charter)) would follow suit.

OK, here it is, the end of August and I still cannot pick up channel 7. Did they get their final antenna up yet?

I used to get them before the tower collapse and have been awaiting the ONLY HD local news feed in the upstate (13 is in NC, and I lost it due to my antenna).

OK, here it is, the end of August and I still cannot pick up channel 7. Did they get their final antenna up yet?

I used to get them before the tower collapse and have been awaiting the ONLY HD local news feed in the upstate (13 is in NC, and I lost it due to my antenna).



From WSPA.com website they said September 1 when their Tower will be finsh.

new photos
http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/live_stream_news_channel_7_at_600pm/15132/

Tom Crabtree blog on the new Tower
http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/news_channel_7s_new_hogback_tower_expected_to_be_ready_in_a_ few_weeks/25393/

It was good to see that D* finally added UNC-HD, as well as one of the subchannels (-2, UNC-KD). Being in SC, I would have preferred that they add SCETV and the SC Channel, but at least it's a step in the right direction. I wonder if DirecTV was able to add the UNC streams across NC using only one transponder for every market (much more efficient)? If so, they could do the same thing with SCETV as well.

I really wish that D* had picked up WMYA-HD instead of WYCW-HD...I think the Raycom games in HD (ACC football) are of more interest in the upstate.

From WSPA.com website they said September 1 when their Tower will be finsh.

new photos
http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/live_stream_news_channel_7_at_600pm/15132/

Tom Crabtree blog on the new Tower
http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/news_channel_7s_new_hogback_tower_expected_to_be_ready_in_a_ few_weeks/25393/


That article says September 15th.

Hope it stays on schedule.

It was good to see that D* finally added UNC-HD, as well as one of the subchannels (-2, UNC-KD). Being in SC, I would have preferred that they add SCETV and the SC Channel, but at least it's a step in the right direction. I wonder if DirecTV was able to add the UNC streams across NC using only one transponder for every market (much more efficient)? If so, they could do the same thing with SCETV as well.

I really wish that D* had picked up WMYA-HD instead of WYCW-HD...I think the Raycom games in HD (ACC football) are of more interest in the upstate.

I believe D* adds each market's UNC station on an individual basis (any of the NC TV Station Engineers might be able to answer this one). That would indeed be complicated if there's more than one UNC station within the respective DMA.

It looks like ACC Football is on WLOS at least for the first two weeks of the College Football Season, so no worries on that one for now. (Source: http://www.raycomsports.com/index.php/ACC-Information/2009-acc-football-regional-package-presented-by-raycom-sports.html )

It looks like ACC Football is on WLOS at least for the first two weeks of the College Football Season, so no worries on that one for now. (Source: http://www.raycomsports.com/index.php/ACC-Information/2009-acc-football-regional-package-presented-by-raycom-sports.html )

I believe last year Raycom always listed WLOS even when it was shown on the sister station.

That article says September 15th.

Hope it stays on schedule.

Did you see this line in that same article.

General Manager Phil Lane told station employees at a staff meeting today that the target date remains September 1st.



Charlie Wofford can you confirm witch dates that the tower be finsh.

I believe last year Raycom always listed WLOS even when it was shown on the sister station.

Good point...I guess it's time for all of us to submit our requests to D* for WMYA HD.

Just to provide a quick update on what is available via Clear QAM on Northland Cable in Clemson/Seneca:

63-3 - WHNS-DT1
63-4 - WHNS-DT2 (Weather)
63-11 - WSPA-DT1
63-12 - WSPA-DT2 (Weather)
64 - WYFF-DT1
64-1 - WYFF-DT1 (Duplicate)
64-11 - WNTV-DT1
65-1 - ESPN HD
65-12 - NFL Network HD
67-1 - WLOS-DT1
67-2 - Outdoor Network HD
68-1 - C-SPAN (SD)
68-22 - C-SPAN2 (SD)
70 - Atlanta Braves HD
71-1 - Food HD
71-2 - HGTV HD
72-1 - Golf HD
72-2 - Versus HD
73-1 - E! HD
73-2 - ESPNU HD

Northland Cable is doing a lot better with their HD offerings than a year or two ago, but they still don't compete at all with the offerings of the other local cable companies (Charter) and the satellite carriers. However, all of these offerings are included with even basic cable and do not require a cable box or CableCARD to access.

That said, Northland NEEDS to pickup WMYA-DT1 and WYCW-DT1 ASAP to cover all bases for football/basketball. It took them forever to pickup ESPNU in a college town...WMYA carriage shouldn't be nearly as big of an issue. I'd like to see them pick the SC Channel back up as well as ETV World (they were sending out the SC Channel in place of ETV HD up until this summer).

I saw in my Spartanburg Hearld Journal Newspaper this morning where

Att U-verse is now available in parts of Spartanburg area

http://www.goupstate.com/article/20090831/ARTICLES/908311017/1083/ARTICLES?Title=AT-T-offers-Spartanburg-viewers-another-option

I saw in my Spartanburg Hearld Journal Newspaper this morning where

Att U-verse is now available in parts of Spartanburg area

http://www.goupstate.com/article/20090831/ARTICLES/908311017/1083/ARTICLES?Title=AT-T-offers-Spartanburg-viewers-another-option

As you mentioned, it is only in certain areas of Spartanburg. Looks like Converse Heights has it, I'm a half-mile away and it's not available to me yet.

Umatter2Charter,

Have you heard anything about whether Charter in Greenville (or anywhere else for that matter) is goin got get HBO On Demand HD? I know Comcast got it "exclusively" for a few weeks. But was under the impression that other cable companies (hopefully that includes Charter)) would follow suit.

We're currently working with HBO to bring this to all Charter subs soon.

George

I found a listing of the Att u-verse channel line up for Spartanburg AREA

https://uma.att.com/uma/RetrieveChannelLineup?ZIP=29307&packgeList_select=0&channelList_select=&APPID=UMA&actionType=ZIPSUBMIT&FORMAT=POPUP

Good point...I guess it's time for all of us to submit our requests to D* for WMYA HD.

Sent the following e-mail to D* this morning via their website's submit:

Customer (******) - 08/31/2009 03:48 AM (PT)
Good Morning!

I'd like to request that you add WMYA HD to your lineup. WMYA HD (MyNetworkTV Affiliate) offers ACC Football and Basketball in HD, Syndicated Programming in HD and, most importantly, WLOS' Local News in HD at 7 a.m., 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. It would be nice to enjoy ACC Football and Basketball in HD like your competitors AT&T U-verse and Charter Cable (the latter being my previous cable programming provider). Thank you in advance for considering this request and have a great day!

Regards,
******

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

Their reply was the following:

Response (****** - ******) - 08/31/2009 04:35 AM (PT)
Dear ******,

Thanks for writing. Allow me to take this opportunity to welcome and thank you for choosing DIRECTV.

While we don't have plans to add WMYA in HD at this time, we're working to bring you even more HD channels in the near future. Stay tuned to directv.com/hd (http://directv.com/hd) to keep up with the latest HD news.

We value your opinions about our programming, so I have also forwarded your request to DIRECTV management, who review every suggestion, inquiry and complaint for trends from our most important customers to determine what channels should be considered.

In addition, whenever we add channels to our lineup, we release a statement to the press, so keep an eye on the news to find out about the newest channels or visit our web site at directv.com/pr (http://directv.com/pr)

I hope I was able to assist you. Thanks again for writing.

Sincerely,

******
Employee ID ******
DIRECTV Customer Service

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

It's time to speak up, D* folks, and trend WMYA HD higher on their list of future channel adds!

We're currently working with HBO to bring this to all Charter subs soon.

George

Thanks, George. Remember way back when I first got HD having it On Demand and then HBO pulling it away due to something like pirating concerns (which makes no sense since Cinemax, which they own, has continued to have HD On Demand). Would save me a lot of DVR space to watch things like True Blood in HD On Demand.

And as much as Charter gets flack here, it certain is better than it was a few years back when I first got it and really, really wanted to dump it for Dish (of course, I still may consider uVerse if it ever hits my neighborhood).

The one thing that's always kept me with Charter is that we have 7 TVs in our house and I couldn't afford the extra fees for all of those satellite boxes!

Umatter2Charter,

Forgive me, I am new here and relatively new to the world of HDTV and QAM. I recently moved into the digital and HDTV world when my old SD television finally died and I replaced it with a 1080p LCD. I live in the Spartanburg, SC area and I have been a Charter customer for many years.

From the time I got my new HDTV (about 2 months ago) until late last week (aka right after the huge channel moves) I was able to get 7 unencrypted QAM channels on 117-1 to 117-7. These included CNN, TNT, and TBS. These channels were only 480i, but since they were digital they looked much better (aka not grainy) than their analog counterparts. Now these channels are gone, and yes... I am well aware that no cable provider is legally obligated to provide DTV feeds for anything except local channels that can be received OTA, but....

I have a suggestion for Charter. Why not provide 480i digital feeds (unencrypted QAM) for channels that are considered "expanded basic" like USA, FX, TNT, TBS, etc.? Some of the analog signals in my area are quite weak (and as a result) the picture quality looks like crap. Channels 3 and 4 are almost unwatchable. This is also an area where Charter, as a cable and not satellite provider, could differentiate itself to customers who have built their own DVRs with multiple tuners. Since cards/USB devices are readily available which can tune NTSC, ATSC, and unencrypted QAM signals, this would allow those customers the ability to record shows without requiring a STB or cablecard for every tuner.

Zaphod

I have a suggestion for Charter. Why not provide 480i digital feeds (unencrypted QAM) for channels that are considered "expanded basic" like USA, FX, TNT, TBS, etc.? Some of the analog signals in my area are quite weak (and as a result) the picture quality looks like crap. Channels 3 and 4 are almost unwatchable. This is also an area where Charter, as a cable and not satellite provider, could differentiate itself to customers who have built their own DVRs with multiple tuners. Since cards/USB devices are readily available which can tune NTSC, ATSC, and unencrypted QAM signals, this would allow those customers the ability to record shows without requiring a STB or cablecard for every tuner.

Zaphod

What you want requires ADS. Many cable companies already use this to provide the analog channels in digital. However, Charter has no plans to implement this anytime soon the last I heard. Perhaps plans have changed since they are moving to SDV and will now have more room.

What you want requires ADS.What is ADS? Google was not my friend http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/images/icons/icon9.gif

They have some expanded basic channels that have been, at one time or another, clear QAM; do you have any idea what the reason would be to not continue that? Is it that the clear QAM are not filtered by the filter removing expanded basic ANALOG from basic subscribers?

I know that my son has cable only, no TV, no phone. I carried a small QAM TV to his apartment and found the analogs really were blocked, but the clear QAM HDs are there. He doesn't have a TV so it is moot, but it makes one wonder ...

What is ADS?

Analog-Digital Simulcast. It means all the analogs will still be available but if you use a cable box/cablecard device, you will get the analogs replaced with the digital version. So 4 on a cable box would point to digital WYFF while 4 using coax in to a tv would be analog. And presumably, these QAM digital channels would be in the clear, however it isn't required.

Perhaps plans have changed since they are moving to SDV and will now have more room.

When did they announce that? That's certainly a productive development. :)

Analog-Digital Simulcast. It means all the analogs will still be available but if you use a cable box/cablecard device, you will get the analogs replaced with the digital version. So 4 on a cable box would point to digital WYFF while 4 using coax in to a tv would be analog.Ah, thanks. That would allow the minimum basic (only) to be analog and Charter would not have to provide any equipment to the baseline subscriber. But all expanded could be digital and require equipment ... or clear QAM which Charter doesn't.And presumably, these QAM digital channels would be in the clear, however it isn't required.Hmm ... time to go to my Sony which lets me see RF frequency of the QAM channel ... to answer for myself the issue of "channel" frequency not being such that pass or block filters would allow their being segregated. Else, they could make legal customers happier without giving anything away. WAIT ... Charter doesn't want happy and satisfied customers, do they.

Well since there were already SD (480i) digital feeds of CNN, TNT, TBS, etc. on 117-1 to 117-7 in my area, it's obviously already possible on Charter. Although HD would be nice, I would be quite happy with just the SD channels provided digitally as they were prior to August 25.

I was just thinking it might be a way for a company in bankruptcy proceedings to differentiate itself from competitors and also be a win for customers.

Well since there were already SD (480i) digital feeds of CNN, TNT, TBS, etc. on 117-1 to 117-7 in my area, it's obviously already possible on Charter.

I doubt they have ADS support yet so I don't think it is possible. I have never seen those channels in the clear so it is possible it was just a test on a few channels or an accident. Either way, having those channels in digital doesn't mean they can actually support digital simulcasting over analog. Without ADS, they could only move the analogs to digital only. I doubt they are planning on doing that with those channels any time soon. Perhaps Umatter2Charter could provide a status update of when SDV and ADS is going to be implemented in the area.

Forgive my ignorance, but why not just have 2 channels with the same content, 1 analog and another digital, at least for really popular channels? From the scans my TV has done, it does not appear that every channel/sub-channel currently has a signal on it. Obviously I do not know about future planned expansions which might use up the currently "open" channels.

Bottom line, I'd like to get more digital feeds since the analog signal quality is not great on some channels and I have absolutely no desire to have to use a set top box when my TV is perfectly capable of tuning unencrypted QAM. One of the few real advantages in cable vs satellite is that (for the old analog channels anyway) you don't have to have a set top box for every TV.

Hey.. I also submitted an email to DirecTV, similar to popweaverhdtv's, requesting the addition of WMYA-HD, and received free Showtime Unlimited until 12/1/09 as a consolation prize :)

My purpose in this post is this does make me think that DirecTV is taking seriously these channel requests and suggestions.

Following is an edited version of the response:

Thank you for taking the time to let us know how you feel about WMYA in HD. I see that you have been a loyal DIRECTV customer for many years. I would like to personally assure you that your feedback is very important to us.

Thanks for your suggestion. As you know, we're not offering WMYA right now, but we're very interested in knowing the types of programming our customers are interested in. I've forwarded your email to DIRECTV's Management Team, who review every suggestion, inquiry and complaint for trends from our most important customers to determine what changes should be considered.

We're glad you're one of our loyal customers. It's feedback like yours that helps us remain America's #1 Satellite provider.

Furthermore, as a way of thanking you for choosing DIRECTV I've added complementary SHOWTIME UNLIMITED to your service. SHOWTIME UNLIMITED will remain active on your account until 12/01/09. We hope you enjoy your gift.

We thank you for your continued support!

Thanks again for writing.

Forgive my ignorance, but why not just have 2 channels with the same content, 1 analog and another digital, at least for really popular channels? From the scans my TV has done, it does not appear that every channel/sub-channel currently has a signal on it. Obviously I do not know about future planned expansions which might use up the currently "open" channels.

There isn't enough room to do that atm afaik. Plus, the ADS system is required so that cable boxes will properly map to the digital channel when the user tunes channel 4 for example. Otherwise, they would be duplicating all the analog channels somewhere else in the lineup and that would be extremely confusing for customers.

Well, it's not like Charter or any other cable company has ever been forthcoming or helpful to customers trying to find and tune in unencrypted QAM channels. The vast majority of customer service reps will insist that a set top box is needed, which is untrue if your TV can tune QAM and the channel is not encrypted. I've never seen an officially published list of QAM channels, hence people get that information from places like this forum. The cable companies have also been known to move the unencrypted QAM channels around on a whim (partly to perhaps make life difficult and partly because it shouldn't affect those with a set top box since the virtual channel number need not change).

Seeing that there are maybe 70 analog channels in my area, I am sure they could take the more popular ones and offer them in unencrypted QAM. For those with set top boxes, it should not be necessary to even offer the unencrypted QAM version of a channel.

Obviously I am coming at this from the perspective of what would work best for me.

There isn't enough room to do that atm afaik. Plus, the ADS system is required so that cable boxes will properly map to the digital channel when the user tunes channel 4 for example. Otherwise, they would be duplicating all the analog channels somewhere else in the lineup and that would be extremely confusing for customers.

+1 ... but, the HD of the networks and the SD of the networks are both there on different channels; does ADS convert, in the STB, HD to SD ... that is, if I select channel 4 (WYFF) will they only be broadcasting it once? That would mean that they would have to furnish some sort of box to the analog (over RF) users which I believe is true ... and I understand ALL will be digital.

I'd still like to get the expanded basic (to which I subscribe) that are digital only in clear QAM. There are 6 SD (none of which I really care about) and 24 HD. I do NOT want their power hungry, "has to stay on to work" box.

Umatter, why not ... oh, I forgot, your employer wants to be unhelpful and unfriendly. If they can find a way to alienate customers, they will. I'm glad for your help, as well as the guys on DSLReports. You are a breath of fresh air.

+1 ... but, the HD of the networks and the SD of the networks are both there on different channels; does ADS convert, in the STB, HD to SD ... that is, if I select channel 4 (WYFF) will they only be broadcasting it once? That would mean that they would have to furnish some sort of box to the analog (over RF) users which I believe is true ... and I understand ALL will be digital.


With ADS, all current boxes should work. 4 WYFF would be the digital SD version, not the HD version. And since all cable boxes can view digital channels at 480i, then they continue to work as before but customers will see much better picture quality on the same channels that use to be analog. So from a regular customer perspective, the lineup would stay exactly the same.

Video of the Heilcopter Lifts Tower Segments of WSPA`s Tower

http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/live_stream_news_channel_7_at_600pm2335/15132/

The Antenna is going up today you can watch it live at

http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/live_video_antenna_going_up_on_wspa_tower/15132/

Hey.. I also submitted an email to DirecTV, similar to popweaverhdtv's, requesting the addition of WMYA-HD, and received free Showtime Unlimited until 12/1/09 as a consolation prize :)

My purpose in this post is this does make me think that DirecTV is taking seriously these channel requests and suggestions.


Yes, I'm glad that you got a similar response and do agree that they're taking customer's suggestions very seriously. I guess I haven't been one of their customers long enough to get any consolation prizes. Keep up the e-mails to D* to add WMYA HD!

With ADS, all current boxes should work.There are those of us without boxes ...4 WYFF would be the digital SD version, not the HD version. And since all cable boxes can view digital channels at 480i, then they continue to work as before but customers will see much better picture quality on the same channels that use to be analog.For the 2 hours I had an HD box, the picture quality was MUCH poorer on the analog and digital 480i than with a direct connection ... the box insisted on stretching 4:3 to 16:9 and the installer said there was no way around it.
So from a regular customer perspective, the lineup would stay exactly the same.for box users ... how about we who don't want their POS box?

There are those of us without boxes ...For the 2 hours I had an HD box, the picture quality was MUCH poorer on the analog and digital 480i than with a direct connection ... the box insisted on stretching 4:3 to 16:9 and the installer said there was no way around it.
for box users ... how about we who don't want their POS box?

Yeah, I feel the same way PLUS having to use a set top box prevents you from using your own DVR to record one thing while watching another on TV or from using multiple tuners to record >1 thing at a time without getting several more set top boxes.

Since my TV is perfectly capable of tuning unencrypted QAM feeds, it would be nice if Charter would offer digital SD feeds of "expanded basic" channels. I'd even be willing to pay extra per month to get that and/or HD feeds for those channels that have them (Syfy comes to mind).

There are those of us without boxes ...For the 2 hours I had an HD box, the picture quality was MUCH poorer on the analog and digital 480i than with a direct connection ... the box insisted on stretching 4:3 to 16:9 and the installer said there was no way around it.
for box users ... how about we who don't want their POS box?

I don't use Charter's box personally. I use TiVo HDs and I have been quite happy with the picture quality. As for people with no box, I can only assume nothing would change for your except more channels may be in the clear. Analogs would not go away (until Charter goes all digital). Charter could choose to encrypt the digital version of the analogs but I have no clue whether they would do such a thing. Face it, not using a cable STB or a cablecard device is going to be complicated. Charter doesn't really provide any support for that other than keeping the required channels in the clear. ADS doesn't remove any abilities of users without cable STBs, so I don't see the issue.

Video of the Heilcopter Lifts Tower Segments of WSPA`s Tower

http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/live_stream_news_channel_7_at_600pm2335/15132/

The Antenna is going up today you can watch it live at

http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/live_video_antenna_going_up_on_wspa_tower/15132/

Thanks for this link...awesome "live" video earlier of the tower riggers securing what appeared to be the antenna to the top of the tower. Or, they started to then took it back down to the ground. These guys have nerves of steel -- I don't see how they are able work in that environment. I had to pop an extra blood pressure pill just watching them.

Thanks for this link...awesome "live" video earlier of the tower riggers securing what appeared to be the antenna to the top of the tower. Or, they started to then took it back down to the ground. These guys have nerves of steel -- I don't see how they are able work in that environment. I had to pop an extra blood pressure pill just watching them.

You`re welcome I watch the video this morning about 11:30am they had to bring the antenna back to the ground. they said on the noon news that they had little trouble with the antenna not installing correctly. they have a youtube video of the antenna been install. and they said at 5pm newscast it should be online by late next week.

Hey.. I also submitted an email to DirecTV, similar to popweaverhdtv's, requesting the addition of WMYA-HD, and received free Showtime Unlimited until 12/1/09 as a consolation prize :)



Furthermore, as a way of thanking you for choosing DIRECTV I've added complementary SHOWTIME UNLIMITED to your service. SHOWTIME UNLIMITED will remain active on your account until 12/01/09. We hope you enjoy your gift.

.

Thanks for the motivation . I just sent ina email will see what they say.

I guess the App. State/ECU Game on MASN HD is blacked out on D*?

(Update at 1:20 p.m.: SD Feed of the above game is now showing on their HD Feed.)

The WKY/Tenn. Game on WYCW HD (via SEC Network from ESPN) looks halfway decent (better than what FOX Carolina ever offered).

Thanks for this link...awesome "live" video earlier of the tower riggers securing what appeared to be the antenna to the top of the tower. Or, they started to then took it back down to the ground. These guys have nerves of steel -- I don't see how they are able work in that environment. I had to pop an extra blood pressure pill just watching them.

I've had my share of issues with WSPA, but at least they seem to have really worked dilligently to get this new and improved tower online -- unlike at least ONE of our local network affiliates, which seems to be in NO hurry to get a decent digital feed available to all the poor folks who have no option other than antenna feeds -- not like they didn't have 10 years to get ready.
Jeff

Has anyone else noticed that the listings for 33.2 and 33.3 are reversed? :eek: I just recently got TVGOS working - thanks to 29 I think - has it been this way for awhile or is there something wrong on my end?

Thanks!

Has anyone else noticed that the listings for 33.2 and 33.3 are reversed? :eek: I just recently got TVGOS working - thanks to 29 I think - has it been this way for awhile or is there something wrong on my end?

Thanks!

Thier tvguide/PISP generator may have broken down kindle like what happen to WHNS Fox 21 few months back.

Yes, the TVGOS listings for 33.x have the wrong subchannel numbers. They never updated properly after UNC-TV shuffled the subchannels around almost a year ago. Fortunately my Sony DVRs let me edit the channel number for a particular channel, so whenever I have to reset them and get a fresh channel lineup, I can change WUNFHD to 33.1, WUNFK to 33.2 and WUNFN to 33.3.

Does WHNS really have to have a test tone on their radar sub channel? I mean either the audio from WHNS, weather radio, or nothing would be better than what they have.

jtbell,
Thanks for the info! Hard to believe that wouldn't be fixed by now. I have the DTV PAL, so I had to disable the TVGOS function for my sanity...:D

Does WHNS really have to have a test tone on their radar sub channel? I mean either the audio from WHNS, weather radio, or nothing would be better than what they have.

on WCCB DT 18 Charlotte radar sub channel they have the weather radio audio on their that would be nice if WHNS add the GSP Weather radio audio to their radar channel.

WLOS certainly seems in no hurry to complete their antenna work. I asked for a date but couldn't get even an estimate. I wanted to know so I could finalize my antenna configuration (antenna type, amplifiers, switches or combiners). I was told I should be OK in the Brevard area and to go ahead and finalize. However my antenna and HDTV seems to think I am fringe as reception comes and goes. I am hoping it might improve when the work (whatever that means) is completed.

The confusing message is still running several times a day, I rewrote it for them but apparently they were not interested in clarifying it.

Has anyone received any info, official or word of mouth?

I must be in some sort of "sweet spot". I am over 80 miles away from WLOS and I get 58%. I do get some breaking up, but for the most part it's reliable.

on WCCB DT 18 Charlotte radar sub channel they have the weather radio audio on their that would be nice if WHNS add the GSP Weather radio audio to their radar channel.

It's funny, I'm over 60 miles (maybe more) from WHNS and I get 70% signal from them, while WCCB which is less than 35 miles, I get low 60's.

WLOS certainly seems in no hurry to complete their antenna work. I asked for a date but couldn't get even an estimate. I wanted to know so I could finalize my antenna configuration (antenna type, amplifiers, switches or combiners). I was told I should be OK in the Brevard area and to go ahead and finalize. However my antenna and HDTV seems to think I am fringe as reception comes and goes. I am hoping it might improve when the work (whatever that means) is completed.

The confusing message is still running several times a day, I rewrote it for them but apparently they were not interested in clarifying it.

Has anyone received any info, official or word of mouth?

That's amazing, to me, that with the WLOS tower being on top of Mt. Pisgah, which is basically the top of the mountain to which Brevard is in the Valley (I've HIKED to the tower, before, and LOVE that drive up through the Pisgah National Forest to the Parkway, so I'm very aware of where Brevard is in relation to that tower). Even though it IS in a valley in relation to the tower, it just amazes me that anyone down there with anything approaching a serious antenna configuration would be getting a "fringe" signal with dropout -- and even more amazing that WLOS would continue to take this attitude.

I don't know what's wrong with that station. They're great in some ways (have a wonderful local news team, for instance -- best of the three locals, and if they covered more news in the Spartanburg area, that's who I'd watch), but I think the company that owns them just isn't willing to spend what it takes for maintenance and upgrades. If you ask me, the FCC should offer the license to another company, as they certainly don't seem to be "acting in the public interest," but maybe nobody else wants to spend the money, either?
Jeff

The confusing message is still running several times a day, I rewrote it for them but apparently they were not interested in clarifying it.

The FCC requires stations that are not operating on their final antennas to run those messages until the work is complete, no matter how long it takes. The wording is also critical and is FCC mandated so stations can't just "change it" because they feel like it.

I belive this is what is the hold up with the WLOS 13 new tower

http://www.bookrags.com/wiki/Mount_Pisgah_(North_Carolina)

I belive this is what is the hold up with the WLOS 13 new tower

http://www.bookrags.com/wiki/Mount_Pisgah_(North_Carolina)

I can't read the contents of the link above; looks like I need to be a premium member to login or something. Can you give us the jist of the link as it pertains to WLOS's Tower?

By the way, I'm 5 miles SW of Morganton and get about 90% signal strength from Mt Pisgah. Alternatively, I get an 80-85% signal from their WMYA tower in Anderson, which also broadcasts WLOS programming on channel 40-2. This delay in WLOS's antenna work I believe is also contributing to a weaker NOAA weather radio signal. The antenna was damaged last winter and a temporary one placed on a lower part of the tower. The National Weather Service was awaiting work on the WLOS antenna to be complete before returning their antenna to its designated spot on the tower.

Check out the interactive coverage map for WLOS (http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=80&q=call%3dwlos%26type%3dD) at tvfool.com. Zoom in on Brevard and you'll see that location is critical. Generally, locations to the southeast of US 64 get a fairly good signal (yellow, green and light blue, from stronger to weaker), whereas locations to the northwest are much worse off (dark blue and violet).

Here in Clinton, about 83 miles from Mt. Pisgah, I'm in a light blue zone. With a Winegard YA-1713 high-VHF-only antenna on the roof, I can usually get WLOS at the low 90% level if I aim the antenna properly, with occasional breakups (maybe once an hour) from local electrical noise, and more breakups when a thunderstorm goes by.

Some organized group has a website "Stop the Pisgah Tower" here:

http://www.pisgahtower.org/background.html

Is this "old" news or still a current and valid ongoing fight? Maybe the new tower has already been built which is the point of the website. I actually think such towers are pretty -- I REALLY do -- as most broadcasters or such enthusiasts do. If they've existed for 40 or more years, I see them as landmarks. I feel that people who complain about any kind of tower are the first ones to complain about spotty cell phone coverage. Most of our one-way or two-way communications would not exist today if it were not for some sort of "unsightly" antenna.

I can't read the contents of the link above; looks like I need to be a premium member to login or something. Can you give us the jist of the link as it pertains to WLOS's Tower?

By the way, I'm 5 miles SW of Morganton and get about 90% signal strength from Mt Pisgah. Alternatively, I get an 80-85% signal from their WMYA tower in Anderson, which also broadcasts WLOS programming on channel 40-2. This delay in WLOS's antenna work I believe is also contributing to a weaker NOAA weather radio signal. The antenna was damaged last winter and a temporary one placed on a lower part of the tower. The National Weather Service was awaiting work on the WLOS antenna to be complete before returning their antenna to its designated spot on the tower.


I had to access it through google i didn't know wouldn't direct link so here is the information on that web page


Broadcasting controversy
The tower visible in the picture above at the crest of Mount Pisgah, is a television broadcast tower owned by Chesapeake Television, Incorporated, doing business as the Sinclair Broadcast Group, licensee of WLOS-TV, Channel 13, in nearby Asheville, North Carolina. The tower visible in the picture above is 339 feet tall and from there, WLOS-TV is broadcasting from the highest television antenna east of the Mississippi River, at 2,814 feet above the surrounding valley floor, and 6,023 above mean sea level, according to the Federal Communications TV License Division. Co-located on the tower is WUNF-TV, Channel 33, and WKSF-FM99.9. On May 22, 2001, the United States Forest Service decided to allow WLOS-TV to build a new television transmission tower on top of Mount Pisgah, to replace the one that is there now. The new tower was to support the station's government-ordered transfer to digital transmission, as the old tower would not support the added weight of a full power digital antenna. The Blue Ridge Parkway and several conservation organizations have opposed building a new tower on the peak located adjacent to the Parkway and have repeatedly requested the Forest Service explore alternative locations. As of this writing, Sinclair has not yet erected a new tower, but has side-mounted a low power digital antenna on the same tower in the picture above, that weighs far less than the one the station is supposed to have. While the tower controversy continues, the WLOS-TV digital signal is not at the full power allocated to it by the Federal Communications Commission, but until the tower controversy is settled, the station's lower digital transmission is being permitted, to meet the federal mandate of digital transmission by all TV stations by 2009.

Geesh! After reading those links, plus what's posted above, unless WLOS finds a suitable replacement location for its new digital antenna anyone who doesn't have satellite or cable and can't get a decent signal via antenna better get used to it! My guess is that this court battle with the environmental protestors who want say the new technology makes an antenna that high unnecessary -- and particularly spoiling even more mountaintop to replace and add to the current site of their existing antenna... Well, they might have a point. Even if they don't, from the sound of things, WLOS hasn't even gotten STARTED building the new antenna due to restraining orders and whatnot while all this works through the courts.

I'm surprised there wasn't a "Save Hogback Mountain" coalition, too, lol... And one for Caesar's Head and wherever the WHNS tower is, too.

Maybe somebody will file a lawsuit, yet, for all the ants who had their winter homes demolished when the WSPA tower collapsed under the weight of winter ice last March. :rolleyes:

Maybe somebody will file a lawsuit, yet, for all the ants who had their winter homes demolished when the WSPA tower collapsed under the weight of winter ice last March. :rolleyes:

Shhhh...don't give the ant huggers any ideas! :D

I think it's perfectly reasonable to consider alternate locations for the tower. I don't see any mention of lawsuits, only requests and foot dragging by the Forest Service . Sinclair could have compromised long ago. I like to watch TV, but the Blue Ridge Parkway is a jewel and much more important than some TV station. I don't see why there can't be a reasonable solution.

the Signal could be down for 3 hours. for Over the Air Signal.
news posted here

http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/wspa_tower_shutdown_thursday_morning_at_1235_am/26532/

What will happen to 62.2 when wspa is back up to full steam? I would love to get another station or even retro on that spot. Will they just keep 62.2 as a copy of 7.1?

What will happen to 62.2 when wspa is back up to full steam? I would love to get another station or even retro on that spot. Will they just keep 62.2 as a copy of 7.1?

I wouldn't know they might put the weather channel on 62.2 since Reto Tv is going on 7.2 soon
we may have wait and see on what they do.

unless Charlie Wofford reply and tell what plans is for 62.2 after 7.1 is back at full power.