The NBA rules are possibly a bit different than the NHL. If you are more than 75 miles outside of the core market, then although the team can claim your area, providers have to pay extra $$ to bring you their games. This wasn't an issue when we got the Bobcats games on channel 40, but became an issue with the move to FSN last year.

Yes, I know. This is exactly why we don't have the Bobcats games on FSN. That is why I said Charter isn't going to pay the fee because they don't have a good history when it comes to caring about local issues. Unfortunately, it seems everyone else (the other major cable carriers in NC/SC) have caught up and are now paying to show the Bobcats on FSN this year. That is, everyone but Charter. Of course, the games will be on AT&T U-Verse this year so this will be a moot point once they move into my neighborhood.

Watching WNTV 29 on DirecTV which only in SD. There's some complaints about it. It's unwatchable, and I can't see the full letters of words like "High Definition", all I could see is "High Defin..." and I couldn't see the complete number to the ETV endowment for example because the half the numbers are off-the-screen. Every SC market got SCETV in HD on DirecTV (except Greenville), I felt like we're being treated like poor relations.

Also, when will Fox Carolina do their newscasts in high definition?

Watching WNTV 29 on DirecTV which only in SD. There's some complaints about it. It's unwatchable, and I can't see the full letters of words like "High Definition", all I could see is "High Defin..." and I couldn't see the complete number to the ETV endowment for example because the half the numbers are off-the-screen. Every SC market got SCETV in HD on DirecTV (except Greenville), I felt like we're being treated like poor relations.

Also, when will Fox Carolina do their newscasts in high definition?

Assuming that you have the Directv HD unit and a wide screen TV, there are different formats for stretching the picture to fill a 16:9 TV. I suspect that you either are stretching the Directv picture via a setting on the unit or you have some type of stretch setting on your TV in play. I have the Directv HD box and do not have a problem. I choose to have the black bars on the right and left sides of my screen for 4:3 shows. I hate stretch-o-vision.

BTW, on the Directv remote play with the "format" button on the remote. You may also have to go into the Directv menu and see how you choose to feed your picture to the TV.I use the native format.

I have no comment on the other question.

"I have no comment with the other question" that's a boring answer :(

Well, someone at WSPA was asleep at the wheel this morning. "Sunday Morning" was not in HD like it's supposed to be. Usually this kind of thing is corrected in a few minutes. But this episode was screwed up the whole time. Is it really that hard to press a button?

Is it really that hard to press a button?

If there are technical problems, yes.

"I have no comment with the other question" that's a boring answer :(

What? No "Thank You" for the OTHER part of the answer, which explained how to adjust the various views on your TV using your remote control so that you CAN see everything you're supposed to see on your TV screen -- something you could have figured out on your own had you merely bothered to thoroughly look over your remote control, as I did when I discovered I was having similar issues with one of my TVs on some non-HD shows???

Five posts in and you're already calling someone "boring" for answering only half your question, when it's likely NOBODY has an answer to the second half, anyway? Don't be surprised if you get few more answers.
Jeff

For those of you with UVerse,

We are getting 2 more HD channels. These two are on your guide, but it has a screen that says coming soon.

The following 2 is now on the guide:

1155 BET HD
1260 ID HD: Investigation Discovery HD

As far as I am concerned, UVerse can add all the HD they want, but there isn't much more to add.. :)

jself, what about public television, and the CW, which aren't being offered in HD on DISH (and as far as I know not on DirecTV, either -- I know you can get at least one Public TV feed on Charter -- not sure about the CW network)???
Jeff

jself, what about public television, and the CW, which aren't being offered in HD on DISH (and as far as I know not on DirecTV, either -- I know you can get at least one Public TV feed on Charter -- not sure about the CW network)???
Jeff

Just FYI, DirecTV is now offering 62 (CW) and two UNCTV PBS stations (the main, and the kids version) in HD.

jself, what about public television, and the CW, which aren't being offered in HD on DISH (and as far as I know not on DirecTV, either -- I know you can get at least one Public TV feed on Charter -- not sure about the CW network)???
Jeff

JeffAHayes, Uverse has WYCW HD on channel 1062, and WUNC HD on channel 1033. WNTV in HD is not on UVerse (which I don't understand) but I get it OTA on my Dish Network box, plus on Charter free QAM. UVerse has all the locals in HD except WNTV HD.

Just FYI, DirecTV is now offering 62 (CW) and two UNCTV PBS stations (the main, and the kids version) in HD.

Since when did WUNC DT 33.2 Kids become HD as well, double check that, it sure is NOT in HD on my OTA.

Doug, is there any info you can provide about when HD newscasts will be coming to WYFF? I know you've been asked before but I keep hoping to hear something somewhat specific.

Let me give you a little background before I answer your question.

As you know, WYFF's digital signal moved from channel 59 to channel 36 on June 12. What this meant was that we had to install a second full-power transmitter on channel 36 (you can't just turn the dial to change the channel on a high-power UHF transmitter), then we converted the channel 59 transmitter to channel 36 for a backup. That process was over $2 million and was what we had to do just to stay on the air. We've spent about $5.5 million in transmission alone in converting from an analog to digital OTA signal.

If you refer back to a post that foxeng made on 10/18, he mentioned the cost of converting a newscast to HD. It's a 7 digit figure and what he says is true "in this economy you don't just throw that kind of money around just because you want to". Due to economic limitations, we are working on producing our newscasts in 16x9 standard definition. This will fill the wide-screen displays but obviously won't have the same resolution. We can do this for a fraction of the cost of moving to full HD. Look for this change after the first of the year. My goal is to have a much real 16x9 video as possible. We have never and will not stretch video (at least not intentionally) to make it "wide-screen".

So that's were we stand now. If there are other questions, I'll do my best to answer them.

Doug
WYFF 4

You definitely matter. I'm taking a look at this for you now.

So did you find an answer Umatter2Charter? Will Charter ever show Bobcats games like the rest of the cable companies in NC/SC?

We have never and will not stretch video (at least not intentionally) to make it "wide-screen".

<clap clap> :D

So did you find an answer Umatter2Charter? Will Charter ever show Bobcats games like the rest of the cable companies in NC/SC?

Charter is committed to providing a wide variety of quality programming and services to our customers. Unfortunately, Fox Sports South is demanding a significant fee from every Charter customer for viewing Bobcat games this season. In order to prevent impacting nearly all of our customers by passing along this significant additional cost required by Fox Sports South, Charter has made the decision not to accept these additional fees that would affect our customers.

Charter is committed to providing a wide variety of quality programming and services to our customers. Unfortunately, Fox Sports South is demanding a significant fee from every Charter customer for viewing Bobcat games this season. In order to prevent impacting nearly all of our customers by passing along this significant additional cost required by Fox Sports South, Charter has made the decision not to accept these additional fees that would affect our customers.

That's pretty much what I figured. Thankfully U-Verse is moving into the area as we speak. I certainly will be dumping Charter at first opportunity. The fact that all of the other cable carriers are carrying Bobcats games tells you all you need to know about how Charter cares about their customers.

That's pretty much what I figured. Thankfully U-Verse is moving into the area as we speak. I certainly will be dumping Charter at first opportunity. The fact that all of the other cable carriers are carrying Bobcats games tells you all you need to know about how Charter cares about their customers.

Sorry to hear you'll be leaving. We care enough not to charge those that have no interest in those games. We cannot speak for other providers.


George

Sorry to hear you'll be leaving. We care enough not to charge those that have no interest in those games. We cannot speak for other providers.

I have no interest in a lot of things on Charter cable that I pay for. The fact is, I still pay for them. The Bobcats are a local NBA team that I care about, so I will be moving to a provider that shows them. Personally, I don't care about who charges who and how much. I can get better service with other providers for the same or less cost, why would I keep Charter? The fact that Charter doesn't understand that doesn't really bother me.

I have no interest in a lot of things on Charter cable that I pay for. The fact is, I still pay for them. The Bobcats are a local NBA team that I care about, so I will be moving to a provider that shows them. Personally, I don't care about who charges who and how much. I can get better service with other providers for the same or less cost, why would I keep Charter? The fact that Charter doesn't understand that doesn't really bother me.

Very well said, and I am in the same boat as you. That is why I dumped Charter and Dish Network and honestly have been very happy with UVerse here in Easley.

Since when did WUNC DT 33.2 Kids become HD as well, double check that, it sure is NOT in HD on my OTA.OP was mistaken. 33.2 is SD. But it is a recent addition to D* in the upstate.

Question for you though. Does Uverse have Cartoon Network HD yet? That's one thing holding me back at the moment.

Dan Bickford | WSPA's Meteorologist udated his blog about the 24x7 weather channel on 62.3



http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/dan_bickford/article/update_on_24-7_weather/29161/

Doug
WYFF 4You would think that WYFF and other NBC affiliates would be more concerned about losing viewers to competing stations broadcasting their local news in HD, as opposed to the up front cost for the conversion. Expecially considering NBC's pitiful show lineup this year (IMO). I mean, last year practically every show I watched was on NBC, while this year I may watch 1 show on NBC.

Does anyone know where a list of Charter's current clearQAM channels can be found for Asheville, NC? I can scan using my TV, but then I have to figure out where everything is and write it down, and then repeat every time it changes.

OP was mistaken. 33.2 is SD. But it is a recent addition to D* in the upstate.

Question for you though. Does Uverse have Cartoon Network HD yet? That's one thing holding me back at the moment.

No Cartoon Network HD yet, however, with UVerse you really never know when something new will show up. I happened to just notice the BETHD and IDHD, when I posted earlier, had just magically appeared but I still haven't received any written notification or email, etc., that they added them 2.

You would think that WYFF and other NBC affiliates would be more concerned about losing viewers to competing stations broadcasting their local news in HD, as opposed to the up front cost for the conversion. Expecially considering NBC's pitiful show lineup this year (IMO). I mean, last year practically every show I watched was on NBC, while this year I may watch 1 show on NBC.

The outlay for HD production is immense. Cameras, lenses, switchers, broadcast engineering, microwave equipment, VTRs, etc etc. It would most likely range in the 7-figure range for a station like WYFF. Given the economic situation, I doubt it can be justified. 16:9 480p can look quite good and cost significantly less.

The outlay for HD production is immense. Cameras, lenses, switchers, broadcast engineering, microwave equipment, VTRs, etc etc. It would most likely range in the 7-figure range for a station like WYFF. Given the economic situation, I doubt it can be justified. 16:9 480p can look quite good and cost significantly less.

I agree with you, bwer, "given the economic situation." The thing is, however, that for ALL but the final year leading up to the mandatory switch to digital TV, "the economic situation" was going gangbusters -- at least as far as all the economic indicators went (I felt like it was all built on a house of cards all along, even though I'm no economist and not really in a position to see the big picture; I just knew things weren't right because the only people really "feeling the wealth" were the wealthy).

It was the roughly 10-year period prior to the mandatory switch to all-digital broadcasts, during which time both a slow digital and a slow, but steady growth of high-definition television grew during which all TV stations in markets of any size and profitability should have been investing in the newer equipment as they could and preparing to transition not only to digital, but also to high-definition for their local broadcasts, as did WSPA. Waiting, instead, until AFTER the digital transition (and when the economy HAS taken a turn for the worse -- and the advertising market, overall, isn't likely to ever get back to where it once was).

WYFF may still have the means (or ability to borrow) to make the HD transition at this point, but either way, unless they have large capital reserves in excess of what that will take, they're going to be BEHIND the eight-ball when doing this... It may be the sort of short-sighted, "next-quarter profits" business mentality that probably kept them from making the transition earlier. If so, when will they do it? Will they ever be able to? At some point they'll have to replace old and worn-out equipment, but even when that time comes, they may still have SD digital equipment available at much lower prices... It just might not be an issue for them (it's not really for me, for that matter... Although I almost exclusively limit my viewing to HD, with the rare exception of a few scripted shows I like that either aren't offered in HD, or those channels aren't carried in HD on DISH, I seldom even consider whether the picture I'm watching on LOCAL NEWS is in HD, or not). The OVERALL quality of much of local news quality is generally so low, HD or SD often just doesn't matter much (like tonight at 6 p.m. on WSPA, when Tom Crabtree went to his on-the-scene reporter for her report on their lead story, and she was talking away... TO A DEAD MIKE!). After a few seconds of that, without even really apologizing, Crabtree just cut the feed and told the audience what the reporter WOULD have told them. That sort of thing is so common -- at least on Channel 7 -- that I don't even give it a second thought any more.

It'll be interesting to see exactly WHEN WYFF does go HD. Is WLOS HD on ITS local programming? I believe I read on here where WHNS isn't HD, either, but I'm not sure. It's my understanding that local network affiliates make a HUGE percentage of their profits from their local news broadcasts, which is why most of them went from 30 to 90 minutes of local news a few years back (and WSPA added yet ANOTHER 30 minutes AFTER the CBS Evening News a few months back). Assuming this is true, if WYFF IS losing audience share to WSPA due to the rapidly growing consumer base that has gone HD (HD is almost mainstream at this point), then continuing to drag their feet could be like shooting themselves in the foot, regardless of the transition costs!
Jeff

It'll be interesting to see exactly WHEN WYFF does go HD. Is WLOS HD on ITS local programming?

WLOS and WSPA have HD studio equipment and a very limited amount of HD ENG stuff. Most location stuff on WLOS has their stylized pillarbars around an SD feed, and WSPA stretches. I'm not entirely sure I've ever seen either of them have HD on location, either.

Perhaps it's just an institutional choice by the GM or Owner at WYFF. A lot of shops were probably betting that the transition would be delayed again. And, of course, there's a lot of broadcasters who have thought for a while that HD is only worth implementing for primetime and sports/events. Look at the preponderance of multicasting. Or maybe the helicopter went over budget? :)

You would think that WYFF and other NBC affiliates would be more concerned about losing viewers to competing stations broadcasting their local news in HD, as opposed to the up front cost for the conversion.

I think you have missed several important points here.

First, without the conversions at the station, you CAN'T do HD. You can't put the cart before the horse.

Second, a major number of viewers STILL do not have HD service to their TV's, no matter if it is a HD set or not. If over 60% of your viewers can't watch you in HD, how are you going to loose viewers by not being HD? The viewers who don't have the service don't know what they are missing anyway.

You are looking at this through your own view of point, not the reality of the situation.

The outlay for HD production is immense. Cameras, lenses, switchers, broadcast engineering, microwave equipment, VTRs, etc etc. It would most likely range in the 7-figure range for a station like WYFF. Given the economic situation, I doubt it can be justified. 16:9 480p can look quite good and cost significantly less.

Average cost to convert to HD news, cameras, microwaves, switchers, graphic engines, editors, servers, monitors; $2 million dollars. Whose ponying up?

Assuming this is true, if WYFF IS losing audience share to WSPA due to the rapidly growing consumer base that has gone HD (HD is almost mainstream at this point), then continuing to drag their feet could be like shooting themselves in the foot, regardless of the transition costs!
Jeff

You're making the assumption that people with HDTVs outside AVS have any idea what they're doing. I've seen so many HDTVs that are showing stretched SD pictures even today that I sincerely doubt the lack of HD news is hurting anyone.

- Trip

One of the points in my reply to cityslicker, which seems to have gone unnoticed, is that WYFF has spent as much (or more) as our competitors in the transition to HDTV. It's just gone to transmission rather than the studio since we had to move to a third channel.

I'm an HD snob too. I watch very little SD TV. Eventually all new programming will be in HD but it won't come as soon as we would like and economics plays a big role.

Believe me, these decisions are not made lightly and we are very aware of the competitive aspects of our business. You can speculate and second-guess these decisions, but if you want the facts, then ask.

Doug
WYFF 4

You're making the assumption that people with HDTVs outside AVS have any idea what they're doing. I've seen so many HDTVs that are showing stretched SD pictures even today that I sincerely doubt the lack of HD news is hurting anyone.

- Trip

You're quite likely right, Trip.

I have a friend I had help me move my first family-sized (42" 720P DLP Samsung set) into the house 3 years ago this coming Christmas, and at the time, he was THRILLED that I was willing to give him the 31" GE tube TV it was replacing, as the family TV they HAD been using was like a 19" or something...

A few months back, I was discussing HD with him, and he sort of casually mentioned that, oh yeah, he'd finally gotten HD -- got a good deal on a display model at Wal-Mart (all he's ever had is basic cable -- NO box, so I started asking him about what his upconversion costs were for going HD). He had NO IDEA what I was talking about, and thought he was getting HD through his basic cable input, which I'm almost 100% sure is wrong, and when I told him what I think he needs to do to truly get HD (get an HD cable box), he said he isn't going to pay any more for cable, and he's perfectly happy with the picture he's getting, and "it looks high-definition to me."

And that probably IS the "average Joe" response... So long as their 16/9 or 16/10 screen is somehow filled (via stretch, or whatever), and it's not so fuzzy it doesn't at least meet 480 standards, most of them will NEVER know the difference! Heck, to be honest, half the time when I think I'm watching an HD program and I'm not (like on "So You Think You Can Dance"), it's really hard to tell... That show is supposedly SHOT in 480 and then upconverted to 720, though. Straight 480 can still look pretty grainy if you're used to watching only 720 or better.

So I think you and Foxeng are probably right -- at least at THIS point, the percentage of local news viewers who care (or know) enough about HD to switch local news habits based on which channel(s) are broadcasting in HD is likely VERY low -- probably less than 10, or even 5 percent.
Jeff
Jeff

Due to economic limitations, we are working on producing our newscasts in 16x9 standard definition.

That will be awesome. My guess is most HD viewers will not know the difference between 16x9 SD and HD especially for studio shots. Does this mean the analog channel on Charter will show the news in 16x9 and not center cut (I'm not sure how Charter is handling the feed now)?

A few months back, I was discussing HD with him, and he sort of casually mentioned that, oh yeah, he'd finally gotten HD -- got a good deal on a display model at Wal-Mart (all he's ever had is basic cable -- NO box, so I started asking him about what his upconversion costs were for going HD). He had NO IDEA what I was talking about, and thought he was getting HD through his basic cable input, which I'm almost 100% sure is wrong, ...If Spartanburg Cable is similar to Greenville/Greer Charter, he will get the networks in HD. If Silicondust is to be trusted (they show zip 29301 getting digital cable from York), that will be true. He will also get, if as here, a FEW SD clear QAM channels and the music channels.

Most likely, the PSIP won't be correct and he'll see RF channel numbers, things like 73.1 or 73-1 depending on how the TV software writer chose to display them.

I'm quite satisfied not having that power hungry Charter box.

That will be awesome. My guess is most HD viewers will not know the difference between 16x9 SD and HD especially for studio shots. Does this mean the analog channel on Charter will show the news in 16x9 and not center cut (I'm not sure how Charter is handling the feed now)?

It will be possible to letterbox wide-screen newscasts for the SD feed to Charter. NBC does this for most of their HD shows as many of them are not "center-cut safe". But experience says that most SD viewers want a full-screen image which means a 4x3 center-cut. Our plans at this point are to make the newscasts center-cut safe since center-cut is usually the default method of handling wide-screen material.

Doug
WYFF 4

I think you have missed several important points here.

First, without the conversions at the station, you CAN'T do HD. You can't put the cart before the horse.

Second, a major number of viewers STILL do not have HD service to their TV's, no matter if it is a HD set or not. If over 60% of your viewers can't watch you in HD, how are you going to loose viewers by not being HD? The viewers who don't have the service don't know what they are missing anyway.

You are looking at this through your own view of point, not the reality of the situation.The whole point is that you can choose to spend more now, and satisfy the viewers who do know what they've doing, or spend less (like WYFF) in going 16:9 and partially satisfy some. I went through the same thought process when I bought my first HDTV. Do I go with a 1080p set (when at the time, there was nothing outputing 1080p), or go with a 720p set for 30-40% less? Obviously I went with spending more money for the 1080p set. If a station wants to simply upgrade to 16:9, rather than going to HD, then obviously I'm not on the budget committee, but I think it's a waste of money and resources, since the switch to an HD studio is inevitable.

Maybe Mr. Hayes over at WYFF can do an editorial about it! :D

The whole point is that you can choose to spend more now

It isn't a choice for most.

The whole point is that you can choose to spend more now, and satisfy the viewers who do know what they've doing, or spend less (like WYFF) in going 16:9 and partially satisfy some. I went through the same thought process when I bought my first HDTV. Do I go with a 1080p set (when at the time, there was nothing outputing 1080p), or go with a 720p set for 30-40% less? Obviously I went with spending more money for the 1080p set. If a station wants to simply upgrade to 16:9, rather than going to HD, then obviously I'm not on the budget committee, but I think it's a waste of money and resources, since the switch to an HD studio is inevitable.

Maybe Mr. Hayes over at WYFF can do an editorial about it! :D

If the price difference between 16x9 SD and full HD was only 40%, then I would agree with you. The actual price difference between in going HD rather than 16x9 SD is > 1000% :eek: I suspect if that 1080 set had been 10 times the cost of the 720, you might have made a different decision.

Doug

Ummmmm, just for the record here, folks, I'm not related to ANY "Hayes" in ANY of the local media outlets. I WAS part owner of a small weekly newspaper in Spartanburg from 1994-97, but that's all.

There are at least THREE Jeff Hayes in the Spartanburg Directory, alone, and I'm only ONE of them... Not sure who all is listed in the Greenville and surrounding areas, but my dad was originally from Pennsylvania, and his only brother lives in Florida -- small family... NO local relations, in case someone thinks otherwise, lol.
Jeff

Ummmmm, just for the record here, folks, I'm not related to ANY "Hayes" in ANY of the local media outlets. I WAS part owner of a small weekly newspaper in Spartanburg from 1994-97, but that's all.

Jeff

Hi Jeff,
The Weekly newspaper that you was a part owner of that paper wasn't "The Paper" that used to be mailed out to everybody in Spartanburg.

No, I was assistant editor of that the last 1.5 years it was published, LM -- it was published by The Greenville News, which ceased publication at the end of 1993 because it was losing money.

After that, a friend and I and a few investors started a free paper sort of based on that concept, that was a "pickup paper," available in racks at supermarkets at convenience stores, and other high-traffic locations, called Your Paper, and NOBODY named Hayes other than me was involved in that.

Lawson Hayes was the original General Manager of The Paper, but he's no relation to me, and someone else took over as GM about the same time I came onboard. Some people still try to make a connection between us, but there never was, or has been one, other than that I've met him a few times.
Jeff

No, I was assistant editor of that the last 1.5 years it was published, LM -- it was published by The Greenville News, which ceased publication at the end of 1993 because it was losing money.

After that, a friend and I and a few investors started a free paper sort of based on that concept, that was a "pickup paper," available in racks at supermarkets at convenience stores, and other high-traffic locations, called Your Paper, and NOBODY named Hayes other than me was involved in that.

Lawson Hayes was the original General Manager of The Paper, but he's no relation to me, and someone else took over as GM about the same time I came onboard. Some people still try to make a connection between us, but there never was, or has been one, other than that I've met him a few times.
Jeff


Ok I belive i remember that "Your Paper" also I've enjoy "The Paper" witch had some local community news.

What towers are there that I saw? It appears there to be a TV and cell at least. MAN what a view for line-of-sight to the GSP area. 3800+ ft at the ground ...

Hey guys. I have a quick question. I have a TV that's hooked up to charter cable, but it's not running through a cable box. Up until 2 days ago I could receive all the normal channels; both SD and HD. However, within the past 2 days, something has changed and I can no longer get the HD channels: 103-1, 103-2, 103-3, 104-1, 77-2. When I go to these channels the TV goes black and tell me "No Signal". Has something been changed that's causing this problem? I've rescanned the channels and they're still not working. Thanks for your help!

I have a TV that's hooked up to charter cable, but it's not running through a cable box. Up until 2 days ago I could receive all the normal channels; both SD and HD. However, within the past 2 days, something has changed and I can no longer get the HD channels: 103-1, 103-2, 103-3, 104-1, 77-2. When I go to these channels the TV goes black and tell me "No Signal". Has something been changed that's causing this problem? I've rescanned the channels and they're still not working.Charter Greenville here, Greer address (near Riverside High); no problems with them.

What towers are there that I saw? It appears there to be a TV and cell at least. MAN what a view for line-of-sight to the GSP area. 3800+ ft at the ground ...

If you are referring to the towers on Pinnacle Mt Road near Tuxedo and Hendersonville, then WYCW-TV is there as is WMYI-FM. They are co-located. There are other communication towers nearby, none are broadcast as far as I know, but it's been a number of years since I've been there.

Doug

The Clemson/NC State game has been relegated to My40 (WMYA) this weekend...meaning the only people watching it in HD will be those who can get it OTA or who are on only a handful of cable systems in the upstate.

My Charter has it via QAM on ch. 77.1 in HD.

But I think I may travel to Raleigh with some friends for the Spiller Show before it can only be viewed with the NFL ;)

The Clemson/NC State game has been relegated to My40 (WMYA) this weekend...meaning the only people watching it in HD will be those who can get it OTA or who are on only a handful of cable systems in the upstate.

So everyone but Dish and Directv? :)

Dish, Directv, and Northland cable....the only options other than OTA in Clemson and the surrounding area (where WMYA can be spotty OTA, especially on the other side of the lake and north of Clemson).

The WSPA program guide has never been activated on 62.2. I wish WSPA/WYCW would add the program guide.

The WSPA program guide has never been activated on 62.2. I wish WSPA/WYCW would add the program guide.

They may have to update the WYCW PSiP equipment also along with the WSPA channel 7 PISP equipment as the 7.2 RTV Program Guide not working either. these may get corrected when they get the 62.3 up.

The WSPA program guide has never been activated on 62.2. I wish WSPA/WYCW would add the program guide.

You are correct that the PSIP program guide is not active on 62.2 nor is it correct on 7.2. This is a known issue and will hopefully be corrected in the coming months. Our PSIP gear needs to be upgraded which in the computer world means thrown out and buy a new one for both WSPA & WYCW. WSPA has been very fortunate to have gotten a lot of HD gear but in today’s economy $$ are hard to come by. I guess 15 furlough days and multiple layoffs can only fix so much.

62.3 Which may carry the former 24/7 wx channel is being held up by the lack of EAS capability and children’s programming. We have a solution to manually play out children’s programming but EAS is the problem. Then there is also the question of whether it is worth taking up the extra bandwidth for a subchannel that’s not producing income.

Speaking of income, where do those of you who work in local TV see the networks heading? Local TV stations are likely to survive because they can find programming one way or another that will draw enough viewers to get enough ratings to satisfy advertisers, but with the market now split more than 200 ways, the networks are now having to either settle for what used to be unacceptable ratings on scripted shows, or else cancel popular niche shows (take a look at the "Dollhouse" thread, for an example), and piss off a lot of loyal fans who can legitimately make the case that in the time slot it was in, even the 2 million or so viewers it was pulling was probably a "decent" rating, and likely no other scripted shows Fox puts on at 9 p.m. Friday will do much better (I also make that case).

Some are saying Network TV is nearing its deathbed -- at least as far as scripted shows go (and there's only so much reality TV that will appeal to large audiences). If that happens, how will that impact the local markets?

I know this is a bit off-topic, but there are A LOT of posters in here who work for one of the local affiliates, so I thought perhaps we could get some perspective.
Jeff

WHNS had lots of video dropouts during the Panthers game today. I am still seeing it on the Cowboys/Packers game as well. Quite annoying. Noticing it through Charter. I haven't checked OTA yet.

I am receiving signals tonight from Columbus Ga. Montgomery Al. and Pensacola Fl ...
Good night for the DX ers...

Speaking of income, where do those of you who work in local TV see the networks heading? Local TV stations are likely to survive because they can find programming one way or another that will draw enough viewers to get enough ratings to satisfy advertisers, but with the market now split more than 200 ways, the networks are now having to either settle for what used to be unacceptable ratings on scripted shows, or else cancel popular niche shows (take a look at the "Dollhouse" thread, for an example), and piss off a lot of loyal fans who can legitimately make the case that in the time slot it was in, even the 2 million or so viewers it was pulling was probably a "decent" rating, and likely no other scripted shows Fox puts on at 9 p.m. Friday will do much better (I also make that case).

Some are saying Network TV is nearing its deathbed -- at least as far as scripted shows go (and there's only so much reality TV that will appeal to large audiences). If that happens, how will that impact the local markets?

I know this is a bit off-topic, but there are A LOT of posters in here who work for one of the local affiliates, so I thought perhaps we could get some perspective.
Jeff

Most of the participants from local stations on the forum are technical types so not the best people to ask about ratings and the economics of programming.

I doubt the networks are going "belly-up" any time soon. Prime-time is only a portion of the network's profits, and not the largest portion in some cases. We still need each other, at least for the forseeable future. The loss of a network affiliation would be a serious blow. Just check the history of KRON in San Francisco after they lost the NBC affiliation several years ago.

NBC is part of NBCU http://www.nbcuni.com/ which is quite diversified.

Most of the participants from local stations on the forum are technical types so not the best people to ask about ratings and the economics of programming.

I doubt the networks are going "belly-up" any time soon. Prime-time is only a portion of the network's profits, and not the largest portion in some cases. We still need each other, at least for the forseeable future. The loss of a network affiliation would be a serious blow. Just check the history of KRON in San Francisco after they lost the NBC affiliation several years ago.

NBC is part of NBCU http://www.nbcuni.com/ which is quite diversified.

Oh, I'm familiar with the fact that NBC is a part of NBC Universal, and just how BIG that is... It's all a part of the General Electric family of companies, as well, and GE, alone is HUMONGOUS. That's part of my thinking/wondering on all this... All four major networks are, at this point, only A SMALL PART of a HUGE conglomerate, so were they to simply "evaporate" it wouldn't make a very big difference to their parent companies -- especially if their business models simply went from broadcast to internet, for example, which is quite feasible if broadband continues to expand and somebody finally gets enough infrastructure in place to support TRUE high-speed broadband nationwide.

If you look at the success of websites such as Hulu.com (I have no idea how well they're doing financially), it's already something ALL the networks COULD be doing. I regularly go to Hulu to catch a show I've missed and stream it, full-screen. They don't offer true HD, but the quality is close, and I seldom have any problems with a show hanging due to bandwidth issues.

I know that sort of thing is NOT good news for local affiliates, if it comes to pass It will probably mean lower salaries for people making programs, as well, I think, if they're "net-streaming" instead of on a broadcast network... I was just wondering if anyone had some perspectives.
Jeff

WHNS had lots of video dropouts during the Panthers game today. I am still seeing it on the Cowboys/Packers game as well. Quite annoying. Noticing it through Charter. I haven't checked OTA yet.

We had the same issue here in Greensboro. It appeared to be a network issue and not a station issue.

If you look at the success of websites such as Hulu.com (I have no idea how well they're doing financially), it's already something ALL the networks COULD be doing. I regularly go to Hulu to catch a show I've missed and stream it, full-screen. They don't offer true HD, but the quality is close, and I seldom have any problems with a show hanging due to bandwidth issues.

I know that sort of thing is NOT good news for local affiliates, if it comes to pass It will probably mean lower salaries for people making programs, as well, I think, if they're "net-streaming" instead of on a broadcast network... I was just wondering if anyone had some perspectives.
Jeff

Hulu has been a big success in attracting users, but from what I understand has not turned a profit. There have been recent articles in the industry trades that Hulu is looking into a subscription model. Evidently the ad revenue hasn't yet covered operating costs. There are also concerns among program providers about giving this content away for free. There is now concern this will erode regular viewing and I think that is a valid concern.

The video quality from internet streaming sites is good, but not HD quality. It will be a while before the a majority of homes have enough bandwidth for streaming true HD. Video compression technology and computer processing power are factors as well.

Live television still has the upper hand with live sports, especially in HD. Our business has changed a great deal over the years and it will continue to evolve. I'm just glad our product doesn't require ink and paper.

The video quality from internet streaming sites is good, but not HD quality. It will be a while before the a majority of homes have enough bandwidth for streaming true HD. Video compression technology and computer processing power are factors as well.I don't know about others, but it is not just the bandwidth, it is the continuity; with Charter, I can have 1-5 second drops in throughput, and others where I've watched the "modem" are similar.

Although it is an anathema to the providers, I think some sort of short term storage, as is kinda implemented with BD-Live, is a major requirement. If it is just 10 seconds, it will cover the drops I've seen. The problem, I suspect, is that it is nigh impossible to maintain intellectual property control if storage of any form is allowed ... thus probalby no HD that way.

I've zero experience with NetFlix and Blockbuster downloads ... real HD? Watch more than once? I think that technology, when developed to a suitable level, is what will open streaming up.

The broadcasters have to worry about TiVo and other DVR recording with ad-stripping capabilities, and with intellectual property issues as well. Ads are your cash flow.

I've zero experience with NetFlix and Blockbuster downloads ... real HD? Watch more than once? I think that technology, when developed to a suitable level, is what will open streaming up.

I've streamed Netflix in HD and at 720p, it looks pretty good. There are some compression artifacts, and it's certainly not Bluray, but it's acceptable for most movies. It's also surprisingly consistent on the PS3. It takes about 25 seconds to get the movie/show started, but once started I never seem to drop. The biggest gap for that service right now is it doesn't do 5.1 sound.

-c

Looks like Thursday's Panthers game will not be seen by anyone in the Upstate SC this year unless they have Dish/Directv. It's on WAXN in Charlotte. Unfortunately, I can't receive this channel with my antenna. Is anyone able to receive this channel? If they are, I wonder what their setup is.

I am so glad I am getting rid of Charter as soon as U-verse get's to my neighborhood. The fact that they are holding out and blaming the NFL Network in this fiasco isn't surprising. I wouldn't expect anything less from the same cable company that just over charged many customers the last few months in the Upstate and still can't seem to show the Bobcats despite every other cable/satellite company already doing so.

I am so glad I am getting rid of Charter as soon as U-verse get's to my neighborhood. The fact that they are holding out and blaming the NFL Network in this fiasco isn't surprising. I wouldn't expect anything less from the same cable company that just over charged many customers the last few months in the Upstate and still can't seem to show the Bobcats despite every other cable/satellite company already doing so.

Again we do not feel that what the NFL is offering us is in our customer's best interest.

Charter is committed to providing a wide variety of quality programming and services to our customers. Unfortunately, Fox Sports South is demanding a significant fee from every Charter customer for viewing Charlotte Bobcat basketball games this season. In order to prevent impacting nearly all of our customers by passing along this significant additional cost required by Fox Sports South, Charter has made the decision not to accept these additional fees that would affect our customers.

Charter has identified that approximately 16,000 customers in this area received a 2% percent increase in Sales Tax in error. We will apply a credit to affected customers on their next bill statement.

Again we do not feel that what the NFL is offering us is in our customer's best interest.

Charter is committed to providing a wide variety of quality programming and services to our customers. Unfortunately, Fox Sports South is demanding a significant fee from every Charter customer for viewing Charlotte Bobcat basketball games this season. In order to prevent impacting nearly all of our customers by passing along this significant additional cost required by Fox Sports South, Charter has made the decision not to accept these additional fees that would affect our customers.


I can understand the economic situation Charter is in. However, it really isn't my problem to have to deal with. Charter in the last 2 years has fallen below every other competitor in the Upstate in terms of price and what they offer. So while Charter is protecting our "best interests", I choose to go with a provider that offers what I want. Unfortunately for Charter, they no longer have a very unique offering in the upstate SC and they basically are choosing to not compete at all.

I've zero experience with NetFlix and Blockbuster downloads ... real HD? Watch more than once? I think that technology, when developed to a suitable level, is what will open streaming up.
NetFlix streaming on my Insignia Blu-ray player is quite good, on par with or a little better than DVD. Theoretically it's 720p as other's have said, but with more compression than you'd see on a 720p broadcast. And you can watch as many times as you like, and pause/ffwd/rew at will, although you have to allow for buffering time. The technology is pretty close. The amount of content has a long way to go, although it's making rapid progress. That being said, I'm getting a lot more use out of my streaming player than I did out of my non-streaming one.

I don't think streaming will have a detrimental effect on broadcasters. I still watch as much network tv as ever. It's the movie channels that I see taking a hit. The movie content on HBO, Showtime, etc. is abysmal compared to streaming netflix. Starz did the smart thing and partnered with netflix to stream their content.

This past monday night, when we watched Dancing with the Stars, WLOS now has a logo bug on the bottom right of the screen, before the ABC logo comes up. Also they put the "ABC 13" logo on the bottom right of the screen at nearly the end of the ABC promos from the network feed.

What do you think?

What is the status of the translator for WLOS at Hot Springs on Ch 12? It does not seem to be in the list of WLOS translators, but it is still listed by the FCC as licensed. Will this translator and others be converted to digital or shut off? When will this analog translator shut off likely happen?

This past monday night, when we watched Dancing with the Stars, WLOS now has a logo bug on the bottom right of the screen, before the ABC logo comes up. Also they put the "ABC 13" logo on the bottom right of the screen at nearly the end of the ABC promos from the network feed.

What do you think?

Also noticed this during this afternoon's Clemson vs. UVA Game. Kudos from me to WLOS. I also noticed on the Today Show where WYFF now has their logo inserted in the Today Show News Ticker. It amazes me how technology has advanced in the last decade or so (for better or worse).