Reportedly there are no UHF frequencies available if WSPA and WLOS wanted to change. And the directional pattern of the WLOS signal makes it problematic to receive in the Upstate. But they have an agreement with WBTW RF13 in Florence. WSPA has a better signal but could use a boost in power to better serve fringe areas.

I guess it was drop so they could add the CoolTV to 40-2

What I meant was why didn't they, for example, put TheCoolTV on WMYA 40.3 and then put The Country Network on WLOS 13.3 and get rid of the unnecessary WLOS SD simulcast? Both channels are still using the same bandwidth regardless, and then viewers like myself that can receive WMYA on UHF 14 but not WLOS on VHF 13 could still watch WLOS on 40.2. Plus, WMYA is still on 13.2, so that doesn't make much sense to me.

Did Charter lose the HD feed for WHNS sometime between 9-9:30 last night?
Or was it a signal issue altogether?

It may also have been a DVR issue because I only got the last 5 minutes of New Girl while it still did manage to record Ringer (which was less important because I'm probably going to drop that from my recording list).

WSPA is airing MeTV in widescreen 16x9 format with the images somewhat stretched and zoomed in. WCCB is airing it in 4x3 format with the black bars on the left and right.


WSPA was stretching the previous programming to 16:9 as well. Makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

WSPA was stretching the previous programming to 16:9 as well. Makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

ME-TV looks much better on WCCB. WSPA's logic behind this is unfounded. Anybody with a high-def TV or converter box can select "stretch" if they so choose.

I'm fine with the stretch on WSPA 7.2

WCCB's 18.3 never filled the screen with my stretch feature.

What I meant was why didn't they, for example, put TheCoolTV on WMYA 40.3 and then put The Country Network on WLOS 13.3 and get rid of the unnecessary WLOS SD simulcast? Both channels are still using the same bandwidth regardless, and then viewers like myself that can receive WMYA on UHF 14 but not WLOS on VHF 13 could still watch WLOS on 40.2. Plus, WMYA is still on 13.2, so that doesn't make much sense to me.
I have been wondering the same thing for a year now. Initially I was told that the new WLOS antenna would fix that - HAHA. It went from spotty signal to zero. If you have a Charter cable modem - you should be able to receive a few channels including the locals.

I'm fine with the stretch on WSPA 7.2

WCCB's 18.3 never filled the screen with my stretch feature.

The METV on WSPA has now been changed to the normal 4:3 aspect ratio instead of the wide.

The METV on WSPA has now been changed to the normal 4:3 aspect ratio instead of the wide.

Gee, I just called WSPA about an hour ago and left a message for the engineer - thought he said he was out of the office until Monday. Hmmm....

Regardless of how or why they changed it, I'm glad they did.

Eric

Gee, I just called WSPA about an hour ago and left a message for the engineer - thought he said he was out of the office until Monday. Hmmm....

Regardless of how or why they changed it, I'm glad they did.

Eric

Nope. Watching Dick Van Dyke right now on 7.2 and image is badly stretched. Not as sharp as 18-3. But I'm glad to see MeTV on 7.2 regardless as I do not regularly receive 18-3. But would prefer 4x3.

Interesting. I definitely can confirm that it WAS 4:3 earlier today.

And here I thought it was the result of my having sent an email complaint about the stretching to their standard email inbox.

I have been wondering the same thing for a year now. Initially I was told that the new WLOS antenna would fix that - HAHA. It went from spotty signal to zero. If you have a Charter cable modem - you should be able to receive a few channels including the locals.

I've got cable at my house anyway, but I live in the Charlotte DMA. It really isn't that important for me to pick up WLOS, but I still wonder why they dropped the 40.2 simulcast. I guess I'm lucky I can even pick up out-of-market stations where I'm located! :D

Interesting. I definitely can confirm that it WAS 4:3 earlier today.

And here I thought it was the result of my having sent an email complaint about the stretching to their standard email inbox.

I just now turned on WSPA 7.2 and the aspect ratio is set to 4:3. But, they STILL show RTV's schedule! :confused:

I've got cable at my house anyway, but I live in the Charlotte DMA. It really isn't that important for me to pick up WLOS, but I still wonder why they dropped the 40.2 simulcast. I guess I'm lucky I can even pick up out-of-market stations where I'm located! :D

If you could post a TV Fool analysis of your location, it could more accurately predict which channels you should reliably receive at your location with a good outdoor antenna. I would think with a good UHF antenna you should at least get some of the Clt stations, unless absolutely blocked by the mountains. And perhaps more of the GSP channels, such as WYFF4 and WHNS21 which are UHF. And a dedicated HiVHF antenna outside may give you better luck with 13.

I just now turned on WSPA 7.2 and the aspect ratio is set to 4:3. But, they STILL show RTV's schedule! :confused:

7.2 aspect ratio is still 16x9 unless you change it yourself on your own TV. After I did that, the 4x3 on 18.3 was extremely squeezed. But on my Samsung TV, I can manually change my aspect ratio to 4x3 on 7.2 and watch it correctly.

If you could post a TV Fool analysis of your location, it could more accurately predict which channels you should reliably receive at your location with a good outdoor antenna. I would think with a good UHF antenna you should at least get some of the Clt stations, unless absolutely blocked by the mountains. And perhaps more of the GSP channels, such as WYFF4 and WHNS21 which are UHF. And a dedicated HiVHF antenna outside may give you better luck with 13.

I appreciate the advice, but I can receive stations from three different DMAs with cable and OTA. What I have now is more than enough, and it would be difficult to install an outdoor antenna where I live anyway. I did enter my address into TV Fool just to see what I might get, and I already receive the two Greenville DMA stations that show up near the top of the list (WSPA and WMYA). I also picked up WNTV one day last week, which is the only other GSA station besides WRET that is listed in the red category. As for the Charlotte stations, the only one I can get that is even in the DMA is WUNE, but that is no surprise at all since I am so close to it. I did pick up three Charlotte stations a few days ago, but it was on the other end of the house where I don't stay!

7.2 aspect ratio is still 16x9 unless you change it yourself on your own TV. After I did that, the 4x3 on 18.3 was extremely squeezed. But on my Samsung TV, I can manually change my aspect ratio to 4x3 on 7.2 and watch it correctly.

That is interesting about WSPA 7.2 on your TV. It is locked in fullscreen on my digital converter box, but I am VERY happy because that is what I wanted! :)

Why would WSPA or WLOS use VHF? Why? Look at this thread and there are numerous issues with VHF. You would think they would want the most amount of people to watch as they can. I have no issues with UHF but VHF is always an issue. Why would they just not switch?

The short answer is no available full-power UHF channels. All four major network affiliates in this market had transition DTV channels in the 50's (53, 56, 57, & 59) and one of the requirements of the DTV switch was to give back all the spectrum above channel 51. That leaves only two choices: go back to your analog channel or find a third channel. Three of the four elected to return to their analog channel and the conventional wisdom at the time was high VHF would be okay. WYFF, due to the conventional wisdom being low VHF would be a big problem, began a search for a third channel. Of all the channels from 7-51, there was only one post-transition channel that was available for full power operation, channel 36, so we took it. The other factor involved is that transmitter operating costs are much lower on VHF. So with the cost and the thinking high V would be okay, a number of stations elected to stay on high V. We all know how that turned out. Most got significant power increases after the transition which helped but doesn't solve all the issues.

So there were good reasons at the time. Now the FCC wants to move all OTA television to channels 2-31. Let me know how you think that will work out.

Now the FCC wants to move all OTA television to channels 2-31. Let me know how you think that will work out.

This is a wonderful example of how those "inside the beltway" are clueless about life "outside the beltway". Or, they just don't care.

This is a wonderful example of how those "inside the beltway" are clueless about life "outside the beltway". Or, they just don't care.

They certainly don't care about OTA television. They do think there is a need for more wireless broadband and in their opinion there isn't enough available spectrum. Not everyone agrees with that assessment.

I have no problem with hi-vhf. Doesn't lower rf travel & penetrate better?

I really hope there isn't a change to 2-31 as that would force me to reconfigure my antenna's once again.

I'm still pissed about the psip/real rf fcc decision which I feel was a big mistake.

I have no problem with hi-vhf. Doesn't lower rf travel & penetrate better?

I really hope there isn't a change to 2-31 as that would force me to reconfigure my antenna's once again.

I'm still pissed about the psip/real rf fcc decision which I feel was a big mistake.

VHF doesn't require as much power to cover the same area as UHF. As for penetration, in ways yes but signal strength is still the most important factor. The original power allocations for digital VHF were based on an outside antenna 30 feet above the ground. That's why inside antennas didn't work and the stations got power increases.

Sorry about the virtual channel thing. It's a big deal for us since we spent 50+ years promoting "4".

I feel that us "rooftop antenna" people are doomed long term because of cable & satellite convenience + all the money they can flex lobbying. Not much can be done about that me thinks....

I understand completely about retaining the station's identity through your long term analog number, but with the digital changeover more thought should have been given to making things more simple & less confusing. I consider myself to be a technical person & it confuses me a bit, so i can imagine how bad the average person feels.

I see losing the whole spectrum in 10 years unless the fcc starts acting on our behalf instead of big money.

The WLOS signal on RF13 would not be quite so problematic if they could somehow modify their directional pattern to better serve the Upstate. But I know they have an agreement with WBTW13 in Florence. As for WSPA, their signal on RF7 is stronger and easier to receive at my location in Mauldin.

If/when the FCC allows WBTW to move off 13, WLOS maybe in a position to improve coverage.

I just now turned on WSPA 7.2 and the aspect ratio is set to 4:3. But, they STILL show RTV's schedule! :confused:

The WSPA Engineer told me the psip download the schedule info a week advance

so it may have download the old RTV Schedule week of Sept 17 for Week of September 24 before the METV schedule was uploaded so it may have download the new schedule information week of Sept 24 for the week of OCT 3 so next week we should be seeing the METV schedule if it download the new schedule last week.

so if you need the wspa metv schedule
http://www2.wspa.com/mgmedia/file/781/metv-schedule/

The WSPA Engineer told me the psip download the schedule info a week advance

so it may have download the old RTV Schedule week of Sept 17 for Week of September 24 before the METV schedule was uploaded so it may have download the new schedule information week of Sept 24 for the week of OCT 3 so next week we should be seeing the METV schedule if it download the new schedule last week.

so if you need the wspa metv schedule
http://www2.wspa.com/mgmedia/file/781/metv-schedule/

I appreciate the update! :)

The WLOS signal on RF13 would not be quite so problematic if they could somehow modify their directional pattern to better serve the Upstate. But I know they have an agreement with WBTW13 in Florence. As for WSPA, their signal on RF7 is stronger and easier to receive at my location in Mauldin.


In the meantime some of us can now say we live in such a podunk area we're not serviced by ALL of the major networks. Something I have not been able to say for over 40 years. I have sent multiple letters to ABC and the FCC regarding the fact we do not have ABC coverage and it appears no one cares.

Regarding WLOS, like I said before, their signal is there, but at some locations it just requires some precision tuning in regard to antenna selection and placement. A HiVHF or HiVHF/UHF combo antenna outdoors or in the attic may be required, and perhaps a preamp. Indoor rabbit ears may or may not work depending upon location. But again, their directional pattern does not really favor the Upstate. However, if you obtain a 91XG or MXU59 and a very low noise preamp such as Kitztech or AbilityHDTV, you will in many cases receive WSOC on 9.1 or 9.5 in northern Greenville and Spartanburg counties. But, of course, for overall Upstate market coverage, it would be nice if WLOS could upgrade their RF13 signal as the designated ABC affiliate. But truth be told, I much prefer WSOC and WBTV. Of the GSP stations, my only preferences are WYFF and WSPA.

I appreciate the update! :)


You're welcome. and I notice the Program Guide still showing the old guide data. i guess i was wrong when i thought it would be correct by this week.:-( maybe it be changed soon.

You're welcome. and I notice the Program Guide still showing the old guide data. i guess i was wrong when i thought it would be correct by this week.:-( maybe it be changed soon.

It's all good. The only place I get good reception for WSPA is at the window near my computer. Because of that, I only watch WSPA with my computer's TV tuner card and the digital converter box I used when I lived in Lenoir. I can always get the listings on the Internet while I'm watching WSPA if necessary! :D

The entire DTV transition, and the way the Government handled it can be summed up in a 5 word phrase that fits their methods and solutions...."we didn't think about that"

WHKY14 new transmitter/antenna is now up and running from Hickory, NC and is apparently receivable here in Greenville-Spartanburg area. New source for RTV since being dropped by WSPA 7.2 for MeTV. Broadcasting on RF40. Rescan required because of WMYA40 on RF14.

I realized I hadn't yet thanked some of the helpful posters from a week or so ago. Jtbell, that map was helpful. I'm at best in the upper middle, with a splash of purple. So, that explains alot of it. The 4228 can do the job, the problem is, I have to put the antenna at one particular spot that happens to be right in the doorway of my back porch! :)

I'm ready to place the order today on a VHF antenna and the special splitter. Jtbell mentioned the Wineguard model. Is there any other model to consider? Is there one model that is clearly the best performer?

Antennacraft makes two models you might want to consider. Y10-7-13 & Y5-7-13.

Just another option as your final choice will depend on your location & gain requirements. If your using a preamp a smaller yagi would probably work fine. A roof mount is highly suggested:)

The short answer is no available full-power UHF channels. All four major network affiliates in this market had transition DTV channels in the 50's (53, 56, 57, & 59) and one of the requirements of the DTV switch was to give back all the spectrum above channel 51. That leaves only two choices: go back to your analog channel or find a third channel. Three of the four elected to return to their analog channel and the conventional wisdom at the time was high VHF would be okay. WYFF, due to the conventional wisdom being low VHF would be a big problem, began a search for a third channel. Of all the channels from 7-51, there was only one post-transition channel that was available for full power operation, channel 36, so we took it. The other factor involved is that transmitter operating costs are much lower on VHF. So with the cost and the thinking high V would be okay, a number of stations elected to stay on high V. We all know how that turned out. Most got significant power increases after the transition which helped but doesn't solve all the issues.

So there were good reasons at the time. Now the FCC wants to move all OTA television to channels 2-31. Let me know how you think that will work out.

Right now is OTAs best chance to get a permanent foothold in the tv landscape. With people cord cutting and moving to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu Plus and Roku 2 OTA is perfect to fill in the live tv gap and keep tv local but with the UHF and VHF issues I see the opportunity slowly dying. The feds are pushing to put DTV on the low band and give the rest of the band to the net providers that also sell tv content. Its funny how this would be a win win situation for the cable and net providers. WYFF has one of the strongest signals in my area (Agusta Road side of Piedmont).
I love all the new DTV stations but really want to get 7.2 content and 13.1-13.3 for the home. I will need to do a more powerful outdoor antenna to get everything. Im looking at the Winegard HD7694P HDTV High Band VHF Antenna or the Antennacraft HUB44. This paired with my Channel Master DVR (old DTVPal DVR), Xbox 360 and Roku 2, I have all the content I could ever watch but still find it problematic to get all the locals easily.

The On Screen Guide on WSPA 7.2 for METV is now showing the METV Program Guide information i notice it Last night.

Hey gang. Is WYFF NBC available OTA in west asheville?

I just set up a monoprice HDA-5700 digital outdoor antenna (20dB, UHF/VHF, powered). I have this on top of a furnace cap about 15 off ground, running 35' of rg6 to one Insignia hdtv. I've tried approx 230degrees and now about 180degrees, not much change in strength on the channels I am getting. WLOS/ABC 13 about 60% and WHNS FOX 21 is strongest at 95%.

Here's my tvfool report:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d60b51f6459aae6

Thanks for your help!
/neil

Sorry, but there is no such thing as a digital antenna, only hipe. Antennas will pick up digital signals, as will a coathanger....I know nothing about the HDA-5700, I doubt you will be happy with the results, at least they offer a money back gurantee...Looks like you get signals from many directions. The 5700 may be your only option... but a regular antenna about 30 ft up with rotor would be your best bet, if possible...

Hey gang. Is WYFF NBC available OTA in west asheville?

I just set up a monoprice HDA-5700 digital outdoor antenna (20dB, UHF/VHF, powered). I have this on top of a furnace cap about 15 off ground, running 35' of rg6 to one Insignia hdtv. I've tried approx 230degrees and now about 180degrees, not much change in strength on the channels I am getting. WLOS/ABC 13 about 60% and WHNS FOX 21 is strongest at 95%.

Here's my tvfool report:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d60b51f6459aae6

Thanks for your help!
/neil

WYFF 36 isn't on the list, most likely due to terrain blockage. But our Canton translator, W11AU-D is. It is on ch 11 and it is digital. Give it a try.

I do see WYFF-DT (36) in that list, just below the top of the red zone, at NM(dB) 12.9. W11AU-D (11) is further down, at 5.2.

Judging from the size of that antenna, I would not expect it to work well with VHF channels such as 11 and 13, even though the description claims VHF capability. WLOS is very strong at that location and he's still getting only 60%. Simple rabbit ears would probably give him better reception for WLOS.

WYFF 36 isn't on the list, most likely due to terrain blockage. But our Canton translator, W11AU-D is. It is on ch 11 and it is digital. Give it a try.

WYFF is higher on the list than W11AU-D. Noise margin of 12.9 versus 5.2. But WYFF is 2Edge while W11AU-D is 1Edge.

EDIT: jtbell beat me to it.

- Trip

Thanks. This is obviously my first go at an OTA setup. Not sure how to give a channel a try, seeing as that all I'm doing is using the tv's tuner to auto search for channels and I get what it gives me. I don't think my tv has a manual search function.

WHNS Fox 21 at 191degrees and 27 miles is coming in at 95%. Auto search doesn't find WYFF 36 at 182degrees and 32 miles. Likely something to do with tower strength or broadcast frequency?

From the monoprice reviews, I was optimistic with a small powered multi directional on the roof. It may simply be my area. This antenna is afterall a small hunk of chinese plastic. I may give Radio Shack a visit today and see what options I have for a few bucks more. I'm not really interested in a 30 footer and rotor.

Thanks again!
/neil

WHNS Fox 21 at 191degrees and 27 miles is coming in at 95%. Auto search doesn't find WYFF 36 at 182degrees and 32 miles. Likely something to do with tower strength or broadcast frequency?

I'm not really interested in a 30 footer and rotor.

Your issue is that WHNS21 has a 28dB noise margin and -63dBm level vs WYFF36 with a 13dB NM and -78dBm level ... 15dB is about a 30:1 power level difference ... so it can be attributed to "tower strength" or path loss, effectively about the same thing. Making that much loss up with an antenna won't be trivial.

You have a moderate number of strong signals, too, so I'd be wary of an amplifier; either it or your set may be overloaded from the strong signals. If you choose to try one, be sure you can return it if overload causes a problem. If you buy one, put it as close to the antenna as practical and get a good one; there are numerous threads here.

Me ... in your shoes ... I'd try a highly directional antenna, but WYCW, WLOS, and WUNF are strong and roughly in the same direction and overload may be a problem. If that works (with or without a good amplifier) you can either use an A-B switch or one of the antenna joining devices to get the rest with your omni.

You probably don't need a 30 foot pole & rotor. You DO however need a REAL ANTENNA (looks sort of like what your dad or granddad used back in the day). The uglier ones usually work the best:)

WYFF is higher on the list than W11AU-D. Noise margin of 12.9 versus 5.2. But WYFF is 2Edge while W11AU-D is 1Edge.

EDIT: jtbell beat me to it.

- Trip

Trip & jtbell: Thanks for the correction. I'm claiming a "senior moment" on this one.

A -78dBm isn't a great signal but should be usable with the right antenna.

Does anyone know what channels I would be able to receive through Charter in Greenville if I only subscribe to their "TV Basic" when I connect the coax directly to a TiVo Premiere? The price I'd be paying for this lineup, whatever it is, is essentially $10 ($10 over what the internet would be by itself).

If it's not much more than locals that I can already pickup via OTA antenna, then I will just sign up for the internet only option.

Thanks!

Does anyone know what channels I would be able to receive through Charter in Greenville if I only subscribe to their "TV Basic" when I connect the coax directly to a TiVo Premiere? The price I'd be paying for this lineup, whatever it is, is essentially $10 ($10 over what the internet would be by itself).

If it's not much more than locals that I can already pickup via OTA antenna, then I will just sign up for the internet only option.

Thanks!

Good Morning,

This is the current lineup for Basic in Greenville, SC. Please be aware that this lineup may change at any time.

Channel Program Name
3 Home Shopping Network
4 WYFF - NBC
5 WMYA - MyTV
6 WGGS - IND
7 WSPA - CBS
8 WNTV - PBS
9 WYCW - CW
10 Access Television
10 Charter Media
10 Education Showcase
11 QVC
12 WHNS - FOX
13 WLOS - ABC
14 Government Access
15 Government Access
16 WUNF - PBS
22 WGN America -
95 CSPAN
99 Local Access

Did you have any other questions we could assist with?

Thanks,

Dylan
http://www.charter.com/Umatter2Charter

Good Morning,

This is the current lineup for Basic in Greenville, SC. Please be aware that this lineup may change at any time.

Channel Program Name
3 Home Shopping Network
4 WYFF - NBC
5 WMYA - MyTV
6 WGGS - IND
7 WSPA - CBS
8 WNTV - PBS
9 WYCW - CW
10 Access Television
10 Charter Media
10 Education Showcase
11 QVC
12 WHNS - FOX
13 WLOS - ABC
14 Government Access
15 Government Access
16 WUNF - PBS
22 WGN America -
95 CSPAN
99 Local Access

Did you have any other questions we could assist with?

Thanks,

Dylan
http://www.charter.com/Umatter2Charter


I can get most of those channels just fine with my TiVo currently, so the Internet-only option seems to be the better play for me. Thanks

Hey UMatter, I do have one other question ... I have an old cable modem from about 8 years ago that was used with Charter in Birmingham AL. How can I tell if this is OK to use today so that I don't have to lease one from Charter again?

Hey UMatter, I do have one other question ... I have an old cable modem from about 8 years ago that was used with Charter in Birmingham AL. How can I tell if this is OK to use today so that I don't have to lease one from Charter again?

Good Afternoon :)

If it's 8 years old there is a good chance that it is a DOCSIS 1.1 modem which is being phased out on our system. Do you happen to have the model number? If you are interested in purchasing a new modem we highly recommend getting a modem that is DOCSIS 3.0 compliant.

Thanks,

Dylan
http://www.charter.com/Umatter2Charter

It wasn't as old as I thought

Scientific Atlanta DPC2100R2

Good Morning,

This is the current lineup for Basic in Greenville, SC. Please be aware that this lineup may change at any time.

Channel Program Name
3 Home Shopping Network
4 WYFF - NBC
5 WMYA - MyTV
6 WGGS - IND
7 WSPA - CBS
8 WNTV - PBS
9 WYCW - CW
10 Access Television
10 Charter Media
10 Education Showcase
11 QVC
12 WHNS - FOX
13 WLOS - ABC
14 Government Access
15 Government Access
16 WUNF - PBS
22 WGN America -
95 CSPAN
99 Local Access
http://www.charter.com/Umatter2Charter
With a good OTA you can get
4.1 WYFF
4.2 THIS TV
7.1 WSPA
7.2 METV
13.1 WLOS
13.2
13.3 WLOS SD
16.1
16.2
16.3
21.1
21.2
6 PBS stations (I love the 3 from NC. My Kid loves the PBSKIDS all day long on their system)
40.1
40.2 COOLTV
40.3
62.1
62.2
Add a Roku (one time fee) you can get Crackle, Fox News Live from 9-3 pm plus HSN, HULU Plus, Netflix, Amazon VOD,HGTV, FOOD NETWORK NIGHT TIME, and many many many more.
I prefer the Roku's netflix app better than Tivo's. If you have a xbox 360 you will see Crackle on there soon too.
Since you have Charter net you will also get ESPN3 too for your sports fix. If you have a 360

I already have TiVo and AppleTV, so I get all those OTA stations already plus Amazon, Hulu+, Netflix, Vimeo, Wall St Journal TV, iTunss, and Netflix. I agree that Roku offers a lot of options but I'm knee deep in the Apple ecosystem by choice.

It wasn't as old as I thought

Scientific Atlanta DPC2100R2

This should be able to work on our HSI Express (12/1) package. Anything higher and we suggest using a DOCSIS 3.0 device. :)

If you ever have any other questions please feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to help!

Thanks,

Dylan

Just caught a quick glance at work, but looks like WSPA may have a new set for the news. Or at least they appear to have renovated the backdrops in the studio.

Just caught a quick glance at work, but looks like WSPA may have a new set for the news. Or at least they appear to have renovated the backdrops in the studio.

they Just have a new backdrop it is the same set

they Just have a new backdrop it is the same set

Yea, new backdrop. Not a new set. But looks better.

I already have TiVo and AppleTV, so I get all those OTA stations already plus Amazon, Hulu+, Netflix, Vimeo, Wall St Journal TV, iTunss, and Netflix. I agree that Roku offers a lot of options but I'm knee deep in the Apple ecosystem by choice.

Apple Tv will give you a better netflix and Hulu set up than Tivo did for me but it does work. What makes Roku so good is the private channels. I have HGTV, Foodnetwork and many more free. You can still get these things with AppleTv if you look into Playon software running on your pc. Its free to try so check it out. http://www.playon.tv/press/20100105
I bet you will like it. It adds TBS, Hulu (all of it not just the plus stuff)
Netflix2 +
Adult Swim +
Amazon VOD2 +
BET +
Cartoon Network +
CBS +
CNN +
Comedy Central +
ESPN +
ESPN3 +
FOX News +
FoxSoccer.tv +
Live News: Al Jazeera (English) +
Live News: BBC +
Live News: Bloomberg +
Live News: C-Span +
Live News: NHK (English) +
Live News: RT (English) +
MLB.tv2 +
MTV +
National Geographic +
NFL Rewind +
NHL.com2 +
Nick +
OWN +
PBS +
PBS Kids +
SpikeTV +
Syfy Rewind +
TBS +
TV.com +
VEVO

Just a commentary here. After watching way too many months of programming with the audio out of sync with the lips or even worse sounding like it's hissing with every breath, after watching shows that have aired 5 times in the same 2 week period, I have quit watching channel 16.2. Since ME TV come on the air my tuner has not come off 7.2 except to watch the news which I do on channel 3 or Fox 21.

I'm an all night watcher and the only problem is due to the lack of commercials they are playing the same 4 promos for channel 7 during every break. But the programming choices are much better than my previous classic programming station. I don't see how they have many viewers anymore. You can't keep watching the same show over and over but so many times.

Hello from Asheville! Forgive me for not reading through all 294 pages of this thread... I am wondering what INDOOR antennas people are using in Asheville? I am going to Radioshack later today to pick up an Antennacraft Omnidirectional Amplified Antenna (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11694069&retainProdsInSession=1&filterName=Type&filterValue=HDTV) and give that a try. Is anyone else using this antenna? I would be happy picking up CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX....but I REALLY need CBS for the NFL games!

Thanks!

I never had any luck with indoor antennas down here in Greenville. I doubt this one will work too well, but you have got nothing to lose by giving it a try.

Hello from Asheville! Forgive me for not reading through all 294 pages of this thread... I am wondering what INDOOR antennas people are using in Asheville? I am going to Radioshack later today to pick up an Antennacraft Omnidirectional Amplified Antenna (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11694069&retainProdsInSession=1&filterName=Type&filterValue=HDTV) and give that a try. Is anyone else using this antenna? I would be happy picking up CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX....but I REALLY need CBS for the NFL games!

Thanks!

Omni directional antennas do not work well with digital television especially in the mountains with signals bouncing off those mountains. Reflected signals (ghosts in analog tv) can kill digital reception and omnis will pick up every reflected signal and make it very difficult for the digital receiver to decode the signal. For best results, you should get a directional antenna. You will have much better results with an outdoor antenna. Go to http://transition.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps/ and enter your street address to get an idea of the signal strength you will receive. Anything moderate or below will most likely require an outside antenna.

I never had any luck with indoor antennas down here in Greenville. I doubt this one will work too well, but you have got nothing to lose by giving it a try.

I don't have high expectations for an indoor antenna, but like you say I have nothing to lose! I can always return the antenna if it doesn't work and go to an outdoor.

Omni directional antennas do not work well with digital television especially in the mountains with signals bouncing off those mountains. Reflected signals (ghosts in analog tv) can kill digital reception and omnis will pick up every reflected signal and make it very difficult for the digital receiver to decode the signal. For best results, you should get a directional antenna. You will have much better results with an outdoor antenna. Go to http://transition.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps/ and enter your street address to get an idea of the signal strength you will receive. Anything moderate or below will most likely require an outside antenna.

That is a great website!

It lists ABC, CW, PBS, and FOX as strong, and NBC and CBS as moderate:

Strong Signal WLOS ABC 13-1 Hi-V
Network: ABC
[x]
Channel: 13 (RF 13)
Receive Power: -29 dBm
Compass Direction to Tower: WSW (229)
Gain/Loss Map
Strong Signal WYCW CW 62-1 UHF
Network: CW
[x]
Channel: 62 (RF 45)
Receive Power: -31 dBm
Compass Direction to Tower: S (182)
Gain/Loss Map
Strong Signal WUNF PBS 33-1 UHF
Network: PBS
[x]
Channel: 33 (RF 25)
Receive Power: -32 dBm
Compass Direction to Tower: WSW (229)
Gain/Loss Map
Strong Signal WEMT FOX 39-1 UHF
Strong Signal WHNS FOX 21-1 UHF
Network: FOX
[x]
Channel: 21 (RF 21)
Receive Power: -43 dBm
Compass Direction to Tower: SSW (198)
Gain/Loss Map
Moderate Signal WYFF NBC 4-1 UHF
Network: NBC
[x]
Channel: 4 (RF 36)
Receive Power: -56 dBm
Compass Direction to Tower: S (189)
Gain/Loss Map
Moderate Signal WSPA CBS 7-1 Hi-V
Network: CBS
[x]
Channel: 7 (RF 7)
Receive Power: -65 dBm
Compass Direction to Tower: SSE (156)
Gain/Loss Map
Weak Signal WCYB NBC/CW(DIG) 5-1 Lo-V
Network: NBC/CW(DIG)
[x]
Channel: 5 (RF 5)
Receive Power: -80 dBm
Compass Direction to Tower: NNE (29)
Gain/Loss Map
No Signal WNTV PBS 29-1 Hi-V
Network: PBS
[x]
Channel: 29 (RF 9)
Receive Power: -91 dBm
Compass Direction to Tower: S (174)
Gain/Loss Map

I am still going to try an indoor omnidirectional antenna first. My neighbor two houses down is picking up CBS with one...

As for an outdoor antenna under $100...any recommendations?

Thanks!

One of the better indoor antennas is the Terk HDTVi/HDTVa. It has a good arrow shaped UHF element, and rabbit ears for VHF. The HDTVa is the amplified version. And for those flat panel type antennas, the Mohu Leaf has gotten good reviews, although it is optimized for UHF. And the Clearstream 1 or 2 make very good indoor antennas, and there is a new CS2 version with a VHF dipole. But remember, those flat panel, omnidirectional antennas such as you are considering don't always work very well, and they tend to be designed more for UHF, meaning you may have problems with CBS and ABC. But you can always try it and see.

As for an outdoor antenna, the Asheville-Greenville-Spartanburg market requires a HiVHF/UHF antenna for best reception, as NBC and Fox are UHF, and CBS and ABC are VHF. And the Antennacraft HBU22 or HBU33, also sold at Radioshack, should work, but mountain reception can be problematic depending upon your location. Or you could try a Channel Master 4228HD in the attic, as it is a very good UHF antenna that also can possibly receive HiVHF as well. Some things to consider, as well as trial and error.

I never had any luck with indoor antennas down here in Greenville. I doubt this one will work too well, but you have got nothing to lose by giving it a try.

Well, that must depend upon location, as I have used both an HDTVa and CS1here in Mauldin, and received all GSP stations as well as several Charlotte signals, including WBTV, no problem. Of course, in most cases, a good outdoor antenna will work better.

As for an outdoor antenna under $100...any recommendations?

Thanks!

I highly recommend the Channel Master 4228HD. I got mine as an "open box" special directly from Channel Master at this link:

http://www.channelmasterstore.com/Digital_HDTV_Outdoor_TV_Antenna_p/cm-4228hdr.htm

It is $69.99, plus a minimum $22 S&H. You get faster deliveries by paying higher shipping, but I got mine within a week with the cheapest shipping. Also, if this antenna doesn't do the trick for you, Channel Master offers a no-hassle refund.

I believe your are going to have to purchase an outdoor antenna. I lived in Leicester for several years and found what your neighbor receives will not guarantee same results for you because of the way signals bounce off the mountains. I had to go with an outdoor antenna if I wanted anything more than channel 13. I received 13 fine with an indoor antenna because I could see Mt Pisgah while sitting on my porch

I highly recommend the Channel Master 4228HD. I got mine as an "open box" special directly from Channel Master at this link:

http://www.channelmasterstore.com/Digital_HDTV_Outdoor_TV_Antenna_p/cm-4228hdr.htm

It is $69.99, plus a minimum $22 S&H. You get faster deliveries by paying higher shipping, but I got mine within a week with the cheapest shipping. Also, if this antenna doesn't do the trick for you, Channel Master offers a no-hassle refund.

How do you mount one of these? Will it require constant adjustments?

How do you mount one of these? Will it require constant adjustments?

Mine's on the roof, mounted to a regular antenna mast (with 2 supplied u-bolts), and on a rotor. If you don't have a rotor and don't want or can afford one, you can probably start by aiming it in the direction you desire, then tweak it (small aiming adjustments) until you're satisfied with the results. Then tighten up the mast or secure it in some manner to prevent unwanted movement.

Looking over your potential reception a few posts back, you will probably need to aim the antenna toward Greenville or Spartanburg. With WLOS and WUNF on Mt Pisgah being your strongest signals, you should have no problem receiving them even with the antenna NOT aimed toward Mt Pisgah.

I am a Charter subscriber in the Canton, NC area and I noticed earlier this week that the Music Choice channels, which I have received for 2 years without a cable box, are no longer there. Anyone know what's happened to them? I re-scanned this morning just to be sure and they are definitely gone.

I am a Charter subscriber in the Canton, NC area and I noticed earlier this week that the Music Choice channels, which I have received for 2 years without a cable box, are no longer there. Anyone know what's happened to them? I re-scanned this morning just to be sure and they are definitely gone.

I am sorry for the trouble. The Music Choice channels are now digitally encrypted and no longer available over QAM. A digital box (or cable card /w tuner) will be needed to get them. Let me know if you need any other help, or have any other questions!

The Music Choice channels are now digitally encrypted and no longer available over QAM.I see it is true in Greenville/Spartanburg, too ... ah well, that's life.

Anyone else seeing an issue with signal quality on 29.1-29.3 Wntv lately? I'm getting weird minor stuttering/pixelation that just seems to have started this weekend.

Anyone else seeing an issue with signal quality on 29.1-29.3 Wntv lately? I'm getting weird minor stuttering/pixelation that just seems to have started this weekend.

Same here, but appears to be a signal quality problem rather than signal strength, as I am still getting a full 10 bars. No problem with SCETV on 49.1.

Thx tyler & am glad your seeing it also:D

Just spoke to one of the engineer's & they have some complaints about it so they know about it. Good to not be routed to india & actually talk to someone that can speak geek:D:D

This is my local PBS station that does a great job with a great antenna location.

I am a Charter subscriber in the Canton, NC area and I noticed earlier this week that the Music Choice channels, which I have received for 2 years without a cable box, are no longer there. Anyone know what's happened to them? I re-scanned this morning just to be sure and they are definitely gone.

Good afternoon, I wanted to follow up and make sure you didn't have any other questions/concerns regardinging the Music choice channels. Let me know if I can help!

In Taylors here with a decent pre-amp and an old rooftop antenna we get a good OTA signal from most of the stations. We are using converter boxes on old analog tvs, an older insignia digital tv, and a digital tuner for the computer. When we upgrade to a new digital set, do you have recommendations for which models have the best tuners for OTA signals. With the same signal, there is a significant difference in how well the tuners work. What shows clearly on the computer and one tuner will not come in at all on the insignia tv and one of the converter boxes.

Look at a Samsung 720p plasma. They display local OTA antenna TV very nicely, and have good tuners. They are a good bargain, as the PN51D450 has been at $549-$599 recently. The PN51D490 adds 3D, more features, and a more detailed signal meter. Also, the LG/Zenith 720p versions are similar and also have good tuners. If you consider Panasonic, I prefer their mid level 1080p versions such as the ST30.

Last week (Sat. nite) I watched Austin City Limits on UNC and the PQ was very odd. My receiver and TV noted the broadcast was in 1080p! I don't think ATSC is spec'd for that, has anyone else noticed this?

Anyone else seeing an issue with signal quality on 29.1-29.3 Wntv lately? I'm getting weird minor stuttering/pixelation that just seems to have started this weekend.

Same here, but appears to be a signal quality problem rather than signal strength, as I am still getting a full 10 bars. No problem with SCETV on 49.1.

Thx tyler & am glad your seeing it also:D

Just spoke to one of the engineer's & they have some complaints about it so they know about it. Good to not be routed to india & actually talk to someone that can speak geek:D:D

This is my local PBS station that does a great job with a great antenna location.Any new developments? Still getting breakups in G'ville in spite of 100% signal strength.

They had it fixed the next day after i called them. It was a signal quality not quantity problem.

I'm OTA only, so if your viewing WNTV through cable or sat.......

Hmm... still having breakups OTA. Just wanted to rule out broadcast issues before more troubleshooting on my end.

Thanks

I get both OTA and Directv and the pixelation was appearing on Directv as well.

At one point, DirecTV's local HD signals were retransmissions of what they captured OTA here locally. I'm not sure if that's still the case for all the locals, but it sounds like it is for 29.

-c

In Mauldin, I receive 3 SCETV signals with an antenna: 29, 38, and 49. And from NC, I get UNCTV on 33 and 17. So good reception of PBS here. And as far as I can tell, the technical problem on 29.1 has been corrected.

Last week (Sat. nite) I watched Austin City Limits on UNC and the PQ was very odd. My receiver and TV noted the broadcast was in 1080p! I don't think ATSC is spec'd for that, has anyone else noticed this?



That is a mistake because OTA broadcasts can only go as high as 1080i and you cannot see any 1080p unless you use Blu Ray or perhaps an On Demand PPV movie.

Doug would know best of course why you might be seeing the errant setting.

@Doug ....why would chroma601 be receiving a display reading that indicates 1080p? I'm thinking that the program was recorded using blu ray HD technology or something similar and it is "fooling" the TVs display data .


The OTA posibilities are 480i ,480p, 720p and 1080i.

ATSC does support 1080p/24 or 1080p/30, but not 1080p/60.

- Trip

On DirecTV, my UNC public tv channel 33 is also coming in at 1080p and though the receiver supports that resolution for PPV and OnDemand, the bottom part of the screen exhibits pretty bad tearing on channel 33. I don't have a decent enough antenna to test reception OTA.

-c

Hi all i am new here but hoping to get some advice.

My mom, up until recently, has been in the dark ages using 3 SD tv's wiith OTA reception through digital converter boxes.

I recently talked her into buying a Digital HDTV (she chose the Toshiba 46SL412) When the Best Buy guy delivered the TV and hooked it up for her, he set it on antenna and went through the autotune. For some reason, none of the Channel 13's would program. Her other two TV's (still on converter boxes) get 13 fine and she has a good antenna mounted on top of the house.

My question is, anyone else in the Asheville NC area having similar problem and could this be a bad reciever on the Toshiba? Doesnt make sense to me that a popular brand would be unable to tune a strong network station. I am out of state and unable to help her.

thanks for any advice you may have.

ATSC does support 1080p/24 or 1080p/30, but not 1080p/60.

- Trip

I was certain that when I was reading engineering articles about ATSC that no OTA broadcasts could utilize any form of 1080p only 1080i .

Trip or Doug has this always been possible since the broadcasters in the US began ATSC digital broadcasts to the general public some years ago?

Maybe only recently they have been offering 1080p? Hmm very interesting for sure.

Hi all i am new here but hoping to get some advice.

My mom, up until recently, has been in the dark ages using 3 SD tv's wiith OTA reception through digital converter boxes.

I recently talked her into buying a Digital HDTV (she chose the Toshiba 46SL412) When the Best Buy guy delivered the TV and hooked it up for her, he set it on antenna and went through the autotune. For some reason, none of the Channel 13's would program. Her other two TV's (still on converter boxes) get 13 fine and she has a good antenna mounted on top of the house.

My question is, anyone else in the Asheville NC area having similar problem and could this be a bad reciever on the Toshiba? Doesnt make sense to me that a popular brand would be unable to tune a strong network station. I am out of state and unable to help her.

thanks for any advice you may have.

Did she indicate what channels she IS getting?

Well. i know she IS getting the other networks like Fox, CBS, and NBC. Not sure about PBS. I will have to ask her. I think she is a victim of a poor signal. She lives in the mountains of western NC so maybe she needs a powered antenna? But its weird that the station comes in through the el-cheapo digital converter boxes to her old SD televisions.

Asheville has a rep for difficult digital reception that's real. From what you've said I would recommend a small Hi-VHF antenna like an Antennacraft Y5 7-13 to grab Wlos better. You'll need a UVSJ combiner & a couple patch RG6 cables.

However,I could be wrong. AVille is a tough nut to crack....

Well. i know she IS getting the other networks like Fox, CBS, and NBC. Not sure about PBS. I will have to ask her. I think she is a victim of a poor signal. She lives in the mountains of western NC so maybe she needs a powered antenna? But its weird that the station comes in through the el-cheapo digital converter boxes to her old SD televisions.

There are many possibilities as to what may have happened to her WLOS reception, and I'm sure it's frustrating because she previously received it. There can be noticeable differences in performance between tuners, and one would think that a newer one (especially built-in to the set) would perform as good or better. Without knowing her exact setup it would all be pure speculation. Is she using a rooftop or indoor antenna? If outdoor, how old is it? The weather can takes it toll on an antenna after an average of 20 years. Weather also takes its toll on the cable (preferably RG6) running from the antenna to the TV. If this is an outdoor antenna, is there a preamp? If so, it's possible the new TV's tuner is more sensitive to signal overload (from WLOS), which would cause WLOS to be unwatchable. You can also input your mother's address into these websites to determine the channels she can potentially receive:

http://www.tvfool.com/

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

Asheville has a rep for difficult digital reception that's real. From what you've said I would recommend a small Hi-VHF antenna like an Antennacraft Y5 7-13 to grab Wlos better. You'll need a UVSJ combiner & a couple patch RG6 cables.

However,I could be wrong. AVille is a tough nut to crack....

Strange though that he says his mother gets CBS - I'm assuming WSPA - as it's on VHF. However, she could be watching WSPA on channel 62-2.

Thanks for all your replies. Its defintiely an odd situation because the other two TV sets are still using the digital converter boxes and working well so perhaps the tuner int he new tv is a bit wonky.

Thanks for the links to the websites to find out what stations she should get that will be helpful.

To answer some other folowup questions.. The antenna is under two years old and is roof mounted. All associated wiring is new as well. Apparently she is NOT getting PBS as well. I will let you know if i get this resolved

Has there been any word from Charter if they're adding AMC HD in time for Mad Men season 3?

Have we heard why we don't get ESPNU HD? or is that on a sports/premium tier? (Charter, Greenville)

Just heard back from the marketing director. Unfortunately we won't be adding either of these channels this year. :(

Do you have any updates on these two channels?

Do you have any updates on these two channels?

Good Afternoon,

We do in fact have some news on those as well as quite a few other channels! :)

Here's a list of upcoming changes:

Effective 12/6/2011,
ADDS:
E! HD on ch. 744 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Style HD on ch. 745 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Oxygen HD on ch. 746 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Nickelodeon HD-East on ch. 758 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
ABC Family HD on ch. 760 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Cartoon Network HD on ch. 759 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Turner Classic Movies HD on ch. 771 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Travel Channel HD on ch. 764 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
AMC HD on ch. 772 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
TruTV HD on ch. 774 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
OWN HD on ch. 775 (Digital View Plus (HD Only))
ESPN U HD on ch. 810 (Digital View (HD Only))
ESPN U HD on ch. 810 (Sports View (HD Only))
Lifetime Movie Network HD on ch. 750 (Digital View (HD Only))
MSNBC HD on ch. 790 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
HLN HD on ch. 791 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
VH-1 HD-East on ch. 875 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Spike TV HD-East on ch. 844 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
CMT HD-East on ch. 876 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
BET HD on ch. 877 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Investigation Discovery HD on ch. 769 (Digital View Plus (HD Only))
EPIX HD on ch. 894 (HD Premium)
Disney XD HD on ch. 757 (Exp Basic (HD Only))


Did you have any other questions we could assist with?

Thanks,

Dylan
http://www.charter.com/Umatter2Charter

That is a mistake because OTA broadcasts can only go as high as 1080i and you cannot see any 1080p unless you use Blu Ray or perhaps an On Demand PPV movie.

Doug would know best of course why you might be seeing the errant setting.

@Doug ....why would chroma601 be receiving a display reading that indicates 1080p? I'm thinking that the program was recorded using blu ray HD technology or something similar and it is "fooling" the TVs display data .

The OTA posibilities are 480i ,480p, 720p and 1080i.

There is no OTA 1080p. Chroma601 mentioned two pieces of equipment, receiver an TV. What is the receiver? A mediacenter PC receiver will output a progressive display effectively converting interlaced to progressive. I'm not aware of other receiivers that do the same but I suppose it's possible. Need more info to know for sure whats going on.

Was disappointed that WSPA did not carry the full 2 hours of the Republican presidential debate on CBS last night. Moderator Scott Pelley said most SC stations would carry the full 2nd hour, but Channel 7 right there in Spartanburg, where the debate was held, cut away and showed a rerun of NCIS instead. And WBTV, which also serves SC, did the same thing. Was aggravated as I felt both of these stations, especially WSPA, should have carried the full 2 hours. If not on the main channel, it certainly could have been shown on one of the subchannels, such as 7.2 or 3.2.

I'm pretty sure all CBS stations across the country only carried the first hour, so far as I can tell. TitanTV shows that WDEF, WGCL, WDBJ, WTVR, WRAL, WFMY, WBTW, WLTX, WCSC, WRDW, and WTOC all only carried one hour.

- Trip

I've looked thru posts on the forum and can not find my exact answer.. sometime this week I will install a channel master cm7777 preamp for a friend... I have one in my system, 30 ft up so I can't look at it...and the last time I saw the instructions they were useless
I can not remember where the "seperate/combined switch ( inside the unit) is to be sat,,, and Channel master will not respond to email.....turdheads...

I'm not worried about fm or overload... We will have a hi-vhf & a uhf antenna (two antennas) installed. is the internal switch set to seperate or combined.????

It comes with inside switch set to UHF/VHF combined. Unscrew the top and change switch to VHF and UHF separate inputs.

It comes with inside switch set to UHF/VHF combined. Unscrew the top and change switch to VHF and UHF separate inputs.

Thanks Tyler... the unit came in today and I decided to hook it up to a second antenna system I have, Winegard high vhf & cm 4228.
With the amp installed, ch 7 was showing signal of 89 & ch 13 signal strength 76...
with OUT the amp ch 7 was 85 strength and ch 13 came in at 68. I tried the internal switch in both positions and there was no change in signal...
I have installed three amps on other systems in the past with much better results. I took these readings with circuit board out of the metal box, would that make any difference? I'm not sure I want to put this 7777 up near the antennas with not much improvement... any suggestions?

Good Afternoon,

We do in fact have some news on those as well as quite a few other channels! :)

Here's a list of upcoming changes:

Effective 12/6/2011,
ADDS: ...This is great news. Is just for the Greenville/Spartanburg market? Will Chattanooga TN get these as well?

I dumped cable 6 years ago for lack of basic HD. Now, 6 years later, you've surpassed DirecTV and nearly matched Dish. As soon as my contract runs out, I'm coming back. I'm absolutely thrilled about this news.

Where did you get the bandwidth for all these? Did you drop analog and go to SDV?

Thanks

This is great news. Is just for the Greenville/Spartanburg market? Will Chattanooga TN get these as well?

I dumped cable 6 years ago for lack of basic HD. Now, 6 years later, you've surpassed DirecTV and nearly matched Dish. As soon as my contract runs out, I'm coming back. I'm absolutely thrilled about this news.

Where did you get the bandwidth for all these? Did you drop analog and go to SDV?

Thanks

These additions are only gor Greenville, SC area. Additions are done by market to Chattanooga would have a different lineup.

We are in progress of migrating all systems to SDV which is indeed allowing us to add many more HD channels. Adding them was a main driver for us as a company in 2011 and will continue through 2012 :)

Did you have any other questions we could assist with?

Thanks,

Dylan
http://www.charter.com/Umatter2Charter

I use a DTV Pal DVR to watch/record OTA channels in Greenville. Since the time change a week and a half ago, I have only been getting PSIP program guide data (24 hours) and no TVGOS data (7 days). I tried a complete factory reset to try and restore TVGOS - didn't do it. Anyone else with an OTA device out there not getting TVGOS data? Want to make sure I'm not the only one before I email TVGOS. Thanks.

@ Dylan (Umatter2Charter)

Just want to thank everyone at Charter for the recent upgrade of my Internet Lite service
(From 1.1 Mbps to 3.3 Mbps ) AT NO INCREASE IN PRICE!

After seven months of service I can say that the reliability of the service has been outstanding, with no noticeable service outages. Also any time I have had a question I have had excellent experiences with US based CSRs....As I compare my experience in customer service to DirecTV all I can say is night and day. I never thought I would be saying that Charter is superior to D* in every way!

My time with DirecTV was terrible from the start to finish, with a horrible installer who failed to install a new dish and lnb, to outrageously bad customer service from the DirecTV CSRs on phone, to the outrageous interaction I had with the retention CSR when I was requesting to cancel at the end of my contract. I never in all my years have had such a horrid experience with any other CSR in any other business! I am very glad I am rid of them!

@ Dylan (Umatter2Charter)

Just want to thank everyone at Charter for the recent upgrade of my Internet Lite service
(From 1.1 Mbps to 3.3 Mbps ) AT NO INCREASE IN PRICE!

After seven months of service I can say that the reliability of the service has been outstanding, with no noticeable service outages. Also any time I have had a question I have had excellent experiences with US based CSRs....As I compare my experience in customer service to DirecTV all I can say is night and day. I never thought I would be saying that Charter is superior to D* in every way!

My time with DirecTV was terrible from the start to finish, with a horrible installer who failed to install a new dish and lnb, to outrageously bad customer service from the DirecTV CSRs on phone, to the outrageous interaction I had with the retention CSR when I was requesting to cancel at the end of my contract. I never in all my years have had such a horrid experience with any other CSR in any other business! I am very glad I am rid of them!

Hey dubber,

We appreciate your business and are happy to see you enjoying the speeds! We are always here and ready to help if you need us.

-Abby

hey dubber,

we appreciate your business and are happy to see you enjoying the speeds! We are always here and ready to help if you need us.

-abby

@ dylan (umatter2charter)

just want to thank everyone at charter for the recent upgrade of my internet lite service
(from 1.1 mbps to 3.3 mbps ) at no increase in price!

After seven months of service i can say that the reliability of the service has been outstanding, with no noticeable service outages. Also any time i have had a question i have had excellent experiences with us based csrs....as i compare my experience in customer service to directv all i can say is night and day. I never thought i would be saying that charter is superior to d* in every way!

My time with directv was terrible from the start to finish, with a horrible installer who failed to install a new dish and lnb, to outrageously bad customer service from the directv csrs on phone, to the outrageous interaction i had with the retention csr when i was requesting to cancel at the end of my contract. I never in all my years have had such a horrid experience with any other csr in any other business! I am very glad i am rid of them!

yawn.

Anyone else with an OTA device out there not getting TVGOS data?

TVGOS has been working OK on my Sony HD DVRs. When I get home I'll try to remember to check which host station they're using at the moment. They usually switch more or less randomly among 29.x (Greenville), 38.x (Greenwood) and 49.x (Spartanburg).

I hope it is still 29 - I don't get 38 or 49. Thanks for checking.

I used the Sony's TVGOS diagnostic menus to check all three channels a few minutes ago. 38 (WNEH) is currently sending data, but 29 (WNTV) and 49 (WRET) are not. I suggest you contact SCETV with a message to that effect for their engineering staff. Hopefully they just need to reboot the TVGOS inserters or something like that.

Does Charter have any plans to add Current TV to the lineup?

Does Charter have any plans to add Current TV to the lineup?

Good Morning,

Thanks for contacting us! We do not have plans to add Current TV at this time. We can submit a channel request for you though. Please DM the Name, Phone Number, and Address on the account and we'll be happy to help!

Thanks,

Dylan
http://www.charter.com/Umatter2Charter

I checked TVGOS again on the SCETV channels tonight. 49 now has data, 29 still does not, and 38 seems to be down (no picture).

I checked TVGOS again on the SCETV channels tonight. 49 now has data, 29 still does not, and 38 seems to be down (no picture).
I sent an email off to SCETV over the weekend - haven't heard anything back.

I checked TVGOS again on the SCETV channels tonight. 49 now has data, 29 still does not, and 38 seems to be down (no picture).

In many markets, the CBS affiliate carries TVGOS data, but not here. It would be nice if WSPA or WBTV would be inclined to do so.

I've looked thru posts on the forum and can not find my exact answer.. sometime this week I will install a channel master cm7777 preamp for a friend... I have one in my system, 30 ft up so I can't look at it...and the last time I saw the instructions they were useless
I can not remember where the "seperate/combined switch ( inside the unit) is to be sat,,, and Channel master will not respond to email.....turdheads...

I'm not worried about fm or overload... We will have a hi-vhf & a uhf antenna (two antennas) installed. is the internal switch set to seperate or combined.????

What progress did you make with the CM777?

I sent an email off to SCETV over the weekend - haven't heard anything back.
Reply today from SCTV regarding TVGOS in Greenville -
We have had two failures of our TVGOS encoders at WNTV in the last few weeks. Another unit was sent up there last week and should be installed tomorrow.

What progress did you make with the CM777?

I installed this amp for a friend, the result was very good... when I tried the amp at my place there was 25ft of coax in front of it... at my firends I located just under the antennas,, could that make a difference??... I don't understand why the "input" switch made no difference in signal strenght..
He is in Hollywood Ga. now with a Winegard 8888 pointed toward Atlanta, he gets a steady signal on WSB ch 2 (31) and a storm damaged Winegard hi vhf toward Greenville... he gets all the networks, the Carolina uhf stations coming on the back of the 8888... he is very happy... he had an indoor amped rabbit ear style before with two channels every now and then....I think he now has 20 something ch to view...he is a Braves fan, we are trying to get Peach tv 17 (20), gets a signal late at night... We are still working on that....

Place that preamp closer to your antenna - about 6ft cable - and see if that will improve your signal. Works much better for me that way.

Here's a list of upcoming changes:

Effective 12/6/2011,

Thanks,

Dylan
http://www.charter.com/Umatter2Charter

Dylan, I just received my bill, and it mentioned a couple of changes (swapping 59 and 61, Golf, Versus, Style TCM requiring a box) and says "Look for new HD channels coming to your area soon." Is this list still accurate? I try to keep the current list printed for my family.

Is this list still accurate? I try to keep the current list printed for my family.

Good afternoon,

Here is the list I am showing for 12/6:

Channel Changes 12/6/2011
Effective 12/6/2011,
ADDS:
E! HD on ch. 744 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Style HD on ch. 745 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Oxygen HD on ch. 746 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Nickelodeon HD-East on ch. 758 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
ABC Family HD on ch. 760 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Cartoon Network HD on ch. 759 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Turner Classic Movies HD on ch. 771 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Travel Channel HD on ch. 764 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
AMC HD on ch. 772 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
TruTV HD on ch. 774 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
OWN HD on ch. 775 (Digital View Plus (HD Only))
ESPN U HD on ch. 810 (Digital View (HD Only))
ESPN U HD on ch. 810 (Sports View (HD Only))
Lifetime Movie Network HD on ch. 750 (Digital View (HD Only))
MSNBC HD on ch. 790 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
HLN HD on ch. 791 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
VH-1 HD-East on ch. 875 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Spike TV HD-East on ch. 844 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
CMT HD-East on ch. 876 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
BET HD on ch. 877 (Exp Basic (HD Only))
Investigation Discovery HD on ch. 769 (Digital View Plus (HD Only))
EPIX HD on ch. 894 (HD Premium)
Disney XD HD on ch. 757 (Exp Basic (HD Only))


Additional information on channels that are moving spots:
MOVES:
Turner Classic Movies from ch. 61 (Exp Basic) to ch. 59 (Exp Basic (Digital Only))
Golf Channel from ch. 37 (Exp Basic) to ch. 37 (Exp Basic (Digital Only))
Versus from ch. 38 (Exp Basic) to ch. 38 (Exp Basic (Digital Only))
Style from ch. 25 (Exp Basic) to ch. 25 (Exp Basic (Digital Only))
TV Land from ch. 59 (Exp Basic) to ch. 61 (Exp Basic)

Since we are incresing the lineup quite a bit this list still has the possibility to change. If you are missing anything a few days after the 6th let us know and we can see if any were delayed for you.

Thanks,

Jeremy

I have three feet of coax from each antenna before combining them into the preamp, with good results ....I was wondering if 25 ft of coax ahead of the preamp could make such a difference in signal strength...
with 25ft ahead of amp it's as though the preamp was not in the line...??

There are several good RF experts that monitor this forum, and while I am not one of those that are formally educated in the subject, I have had many years of personal interests and use of various devices to DX television frequencies. I found statements regarding use of the CM 777 somewhat misleading. The instructions with the unit are clear: If the antenna has a combined UHF and VHF signal, used the combined input and set the internal switch to "combined." If seperate UHF and VHF antennas are used, insert according to input label, and set the switch for Seperate inputs. Note the CM777 has a FM trap switch and I strongly suggest it be set "in."
Hopefully a professional RF expert will jump in to correct any misleading information.

For the record, I now use homemade Channel 7 & 13 Yagis, combined into a single lead to the CM777; UHF signals are from a CM 4-bay antenna on a rotor which is seldom used because one sweet spot received all very well. At 3300', I receive all ADI TV singnals, plus most Charlotte and Rock Hill stations. (I am surrounded by tall trees.) My only marginal station is WLOS on 13. It crosses two ridge lines. Use TV Fool to check your signals! WLOS became a problem only after returning to a V signal. I went to the Yagi to help solve problems with 13.

Good luck solving your reception problems.

jb


I installed this amp for a friend, the result was very good... when I tried the amp at my place there was 25ft of coax in front of it... at my firends I located just under the antennas,, could that make a difference??... I don't understand why the "input" switch made no difference in signal strenght..
He is in Hollywood Ga. now with a Winegard 8888 pointed toward Atlanta, he gets a steady signal on WSB ch 2 (31) and a storm damaged Winegard hi vhf toward Greenville... he gets all the networks, the Carolina uhf stations coming on the back of the 8888... he is very happy... he had an indoor amped rabbit ear style before with two channels every now and then....I think he now has 20 something ch to view...he is a Braves fan, we are trying to get Peach tv 17 (20), gets a signal late at night... We are still working on that....

I checked TVGOS again on the SCETV channels tonight. 49 now has data, 29 still does not, and 38 seems to be down (no picture).
Can you please test TVGOS on SCETV 29 again? I received an email that it was fixed, but I'm still not seeing anything. Thanks

For the record, I now use homemade Channel 7 & 13 Yagis, combined into a single lead

jb

Mind sharing how you combine two vhf antennas into a single lead? Would be interested to hear how you avoid problems doing that.

Here is the list I am showing for 12/6:

ADDS:
OWN HD on ch. 775 (Digital View Plus (HD Only))
ESPN U HD on ch. 810 (Digital View (HD Only))
Lifetime Movie Network HD on ch. 750 (Digital View (HD Only))

Thanks,

JeremyTHANK YOU!

*********EDIT hours after posting ************ I DO NOT HAVE DIGITAL VIEW ... At one time, one "view" was standard. Apparently when we negotiated to lower our bill, we gave up a view and have Digital Home instead

At my house with Digital View, but not Plus, OWN is there, likely a mistake since the on-line lineup doesn't include it either. They'll probably fix that, especially now that I've posted here <sad>.

ESPN U HD and Lifetime Movie Network appear to require Digital View Plus by inspection. The lineup website filters are broken at the moment ... ESPN U doesn't show no matter what is checked in either SD or HD ... it isn't either place (302, I think SD; 810 you show, HD)

ESPN U is one I'd like to see added without additional cost, even if only in SD.

Mind sharing how you combine two vhf antennas into a single lead? Would be interested to hear how you avoid problems doing that.

Most quality coax 2-way splitters also combine two antenna feeds into one output (Just reverse normal connections). Few are labeled accordingly, but will do so with about 3 Db loss (to the best of my memory). If the two exact antennas are stacked for higher gain for a single frequency, the leads from the two antennas must be the exact length...and I observe this rule when combining two different channels. By the way, for others thinking of using Yagis, they are easily made from old all-band antennas; the dimensions are available on-line...with a google search...or jkust ask and I will search for my formulas.

I oriented my two antennas before combining. Mine were stacked on a single mast, but now are in the attic about six feet apart.

My Yagis, after combining, feed into the CM7777 amp, but I have used the signals without amplification and had no significant problems.

Jerry,
I kinda figured you were using a standard wideband splitter. I tried that with two UHF antennas(pointed in different directions) with not so great results because of phasing problems. It was so bad i lost a couple of stations.Yes i used equal length feeds & spaced them well apart. Guess it works for you in that your only going for two stations on the vhf band. Did you require two because WLOS & WSPA are very different compass wise?

Thats a great trick to recycle old antenna's, but most VHF sections are made for 2-13 & are much larger than required for the hi-vhf band in our area.Also most are so fragile because of the extreme length of there elements they don't last very long. But hey, if you can find them there usually free!

Can you please test TVGOS on SCETV 29 again? I received an email that it was fixed, but I'm still not seeing anything. Thanks

29 has TVGOS data now. In fact, one of my Sonys is using it as the host channel. :)

I see TVGOS has updated their channel listings to include some subchannels that were missing before: 16-2, 16-3, 40-2, 40-3 and 62-2. They already had 4-2 and 7-2. I don't see 13-2 or 13-3, though.

29 has TVGOS data now. In fact, one of my Sonys is using it as the host channel. :)

I see TVGOS has updated their channel listings to include some subchannels that were missing before: 16-2, 16-3, 40-2, 40-3 and 62-2. They already had 4-2 and 7-2. I don't see 13-2 or 13-3, though.
Thanks!

29 has TVGOS data now. In fact, one of my Sonys is using it as the host channel. :)

I see TVGOS has updated their channel listings to include some subchannels that were missing before: 16-2, 16-3, 40-2, 40-3 and 62-2. They already had 4-2 and 7-2. I don't see 13-2 or 13-3, though.

I am looking for the TVGOS on 29, I get 29.1 29.2 29.3 but no program guide.. what do I need to do???? Thanks...

I am looking for the TVGOS on 29, I get 29.1 29.2 29.3 but no program guide.. what do I need to do???? Thanks...
I haven't seen TVGOS info since the time change weeks ago. I know they did some work to the equipment at 29 and it should be working now - but I still only see the PSIP guide data.

I was fortunate to have several old antennas on hand. Removing all elements (except the driven element) is not a problem. I shortened the over all boom length to the required length of the antennas for channels 7 and 13. Then I shortened the driven elements to the required frequency length. New placement of the elements on the boom was a snap.

The reason for going to Yagis was to orient the 7 and 13 signals for maximum strength of the two stations some 70 degrees apart. The Yagi gain overcomes any concern about loss in a combiner. Actually, if i send the individual Yagi signals directly to my set, the strength is not much greater than when going thru a combiner.

The CM 4-bay UHF antenna seems to have strong side-lobes, and one orientation allows me to receive Charlotte, Rock Hill, and all local market digital Uhf transmissions from one setting. It achieved my goal!

jb
Jerry,
I kinda figured you were using a standard wideband splitter. I tried that with two UHF antennas(pointed in different directions) with not so great results because of phasing problems. It was so bad i lost a couple of stations.Yes i used equal length feeds & spaced them well apart. Guess it works for you in that your only going for two stations on the vhf band. Did you require two because WLOS & WSPA are very different compass wise?

Thats a great trick to recycle old antenna's, but most VHF sections are made for 2-13 & are much larger than required for the hi-vhf band in our area.Also most are so fragile because of the extreme length of there elements they don't last very long. But hey, if you can find them there usually free!

I am looking for the TVGOS on 29, I get 29.1 29.2 29.3 but no program guide.. what do I need to do???? Thanks...

Which TVGOS device are you using?

I haven't seen TVGOS info since the time change weeks ago. I know they did some work to the equipment at 29 and it should be working now - but I still only see the PSIP guide data.

I just checked again... TVG packets are coming in on 29 right now. You might try resetting your device (is it a DTVPAL DVR? I've never used one of those) so it has to start over from scratch.

During the last few days I reset TVGOS on both of my Sony DVRs (which I didn't really need to do, but I was curious), and both times a channel lineup and program listings came back within a day.

Which TVGOS device are you using?



I just checked again... TVG packets are coming in on 29 right now. You might try resetting your device (is it a DTVPAL DVR? I've never used one of those) so it has to start over from scratch.

During the last few days I reset TVGOS on both of my Sony DVRs (which I didn't really need to do, but I was curious), and both times a channel lineup and program listings came back within a day.
I have done soft reboots, hard reboots, factory resets, unplugging for a few hours. I am just accepting TVGOS is gone for me...

[QUOTE=jtbell;21345749]Which TVGOS device are you using?



I receive ota
signals via my Dish receiver, and have tried the tuner on the LG tv.

Do you need a dedicated divce to receive the guide? thanks

Has anyone noticed a degraded WHNS signal the past 2-3 days?

Eric

Not here (Greer, SC). Signal is as strong as usual.

WHNS is always weak here because it's a half power station(400kW).

Do you need a dedicated divce to receive [TVGOS]?

You need a device that has TV Guide on Screen capability built in. The manufacturer pays a licensing fee to Rovicorp (formerly Macrovision) for it. Examples:

Some DVD recorders with hard disks (Panasonic, Pioneer, Toshiba)
Some high-end TVs
The short-lived Sony OTA/CableCard HD DVRs (DHG-HDD250 and 50)
The Dish DTVPal and Channel Master CM7000 OTA DVRs

There should be a "TV Guide" logo somewhere in the on-screen display and in the manual.

All the DVD recorders, and older TVs, received TVGOS via analog OTA broadcasts, which are now gone of course. A couple of the "coupon converter boxes" for the digital TV transition have the ability to convert digital TVGOS to analog TVGOS, for the benefit of these devices. These converter boxes work only with devices that can receive analog TVGOS in the first place.

My only complaint about Greenville, SC television is a lack of syndicated talk shows hosted by African-Americans since Oprah went off the air. As we know that Wendy Williams was dropped by WHNS 21 this year. That means WW will be unseen in this market unless you watch it on BET.

My only complaint about Greenville, SC television is a lack of syndicated talk shows hosted by African-Americans since Oprah went off the air. As we know that Wendy Williams was dropped by WHNS 21 this year. That means WW will be unseen in this market unless you watch it on BET.


I'm half way between Greenville and Spartanburg in a poor reception area. But I am able to get channel 3 from Charlotte all the time. 3.3 is now the Bounce network, 24 hour African American network. It is high quality, all kinds of broadcasting

[QUOTE=jtbell;21354884]You need a device that has TV Guide on Screen capability built in. Some DVD recorders with hard disks (Panasonic, Pioneer, Toshiba)
There should be a "TV Guide" logo somewhere in the on-screen display and in the manual.

Thanks for the info J T...Merry Christmas...

Delete

I have done soft reboots, hard reboots, factory resets, unplugging for a few hours. I am just accepting TVGOS is gone for me...
Did another factory reset last night - picked up TVGOS after a few hours. Anyone else out there w/ a DTVPAL missing the TVGOS - do a factory reset and wait.

My friend Sally set the timer to Divorce Court at 3pm. Sally is my older brother's friend (who's partly blind). Then it turned on to WHNS 21 (FOX), it had the "No Need To Call Us" slide. I've checked out FOX Carolina's website, that the transmitter is out. What's going on channel 21?

As a result, my brother had to miss "Divorce Court" because of this and they have to watch Jerry Springer instead on WMYA 40 (MNT).

I am wondering too
they have been off the air since I woke up this morning.
I'll do a web search and see if I can see what's up

My friend Sally set the timer to Divorce Court at 3pm. Sally is my older brother's friend (who's partly blind). Then it turned on to WHNS 21 (FOX), it had the "No Need To Call Us" slide. I've checked out FOX Carolina's website, that the transmitter is out. What's going on channel 21?

As a result, my brother had to miss "Divorce Court" because of this and they have to watch Jerry Springer instead on WMYA 40 (MNT).

I hope the problem is the new exciter that the WHNS engineer told me was installed a while back. Ever since, my WHNS reception has been problematic. I got a 2nd engineer's opinion and he said that a new exciter can contribute to a degradation of some viewers' reception. So, maybe the transmitter is suffering a type of "organ transplant rejection".

I saw this page on WHNS website - the story does not reference the specific problem, but the accompanying picture looks like there was a fire at the transmitter site:

http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/16497730/whns-transmitter-out-until-tonight-for-some-viewers

I just checked there home web page.
No explanation of the interuption, but they are back on the air.
P.S. where is the spell check on this page?
Chris

Maybe they can "excite" more signal my way.

I talked with an employee of WHNS this afternoon and they took a lightning strike this morning that started a fire in their transmitter building. It messed up quite a bit of the building, but the transmitter only suffered smoke damage and at that time they were trying to clean enough of the transmitter up to get something on air. At that time, they didn't know when that would be.

I checked my tv about little after 8pm tonight WHNS was back on.

Maybe they can "excite" more signal my way.

I'm clicking my virtual LIKE button - since this site does not have one:)

Thanks to the solar flare there was a band opening. During this opening I was receiving channel 14 (WSKY). 14.1 was independent programming, 14.2 was RTV, 14.3 was Tuff TV and 14.4 was ME TV.

Then I had to ask myself, if an independent channel can provide 4 total channels with interesting programming, what is the excuse in the Greenville Spartanburg market besides running the operations on the cheap?

Independent 16 has 2 sub channels. PBS in NC and SC has 2 sub channels. But 4, 7 and 21 have one sub channel. 21 is playing a boring weather radar on theirs, 62 is playing a simulcast of channel 7 on theirs. Don't we deserve better programming than this?

WHKY, not WSKY. And I believe 14-4 is My Family TV (found on WGGS 16-2 as well), not Me-TV.

- Trip

Thanks to the solar flare there was a band opening. During this opening I was receiving channel 14 (WSKY). 14.1 was independent programming, 14.2 was RTV, 14.3 was Tuff TV and 14.4 was ME TV.

Then I had to ask myself, if an independent channel can provide 4 total channels with interesting programming, what is the excuse in the Greenville Spartanburg market besides running the operations on the cheap?

Independent 16 has 2 sub channels. PBS in NC and SC has 2 sub channels. But 4, 7 and 21 have one sub channel. 21 is playing a boring weather radar on theirs, 62 is playing a simulcast of channel 7 on theirs. Don't we deserve better programming than this?
Also in NC, WBTV-3 has 2 subchannels, and WJZY-46 and WMYT-55 should soon have 2 subchannels.

Also in NC, WBTV-3 has 2 subchannels, and WJZY-46 and WMYT-55 should soon have 2 subchannels.

And WBTV's 3.1 channel quality is terrible. I do hope the major affiliates in GSP don't add more sub channels. Otherwise, watching high quality HD content will no longer be available in this market.

Thanks for the correction Trip. Here channel 3 is excellent. Excellent video quality and it comes in when none of the other Charlotte channels do. I'm in the highway 101 and I-85 area. 14.4 I noticed bounces around different networks like 16.2. It did have some of the lagging video/audio problems 16.2 seems to have alot. Tuff TV is good. Watched it for hours.

And WBTV's 3.1 channel quality is terrible. I do hope the major affiliates in GSP don't add more sub channels. Otherwise, watching high quality HD content will no longer be available in this market.

That was my concern when they added Bounce on 3.3. But overall I think it still looks good. Looks pretty similar to 7.1 for CBS. And overall, they have a very stable, strong signal. No problem with interference or weather related dropouts. Always 10 bars.

That was my concern when they added Bounce on 3.3. But overall I think it still looks good. Looks pretty similar to 7.1 for CBS. And overall, they have a very stable, strong signal. No problem with interference or weather related dropouts. Always 10 bars.

When I said "signal", I wasn't referring to the OTA signal but the quality of the feed. Try watching sports on WSPA 7.1 and WBTV 3.1. There's a pretty big difference in the quality.

That could be why I don't notice it. I don't watch any sports. I watch mostly the sub channels because I'm pretty much fed up with what network TV has to offer

All 3 WBTV channels look pretty good to me. And 3.1 may not be quite as good as 7.1, but I don't see a dramatic difference. Sometimes CBS Sports looks very good, other times, not as good.

All 3 WBTV channels look pretty good to me. And 3.1 may not be quite as good as 7.1, but I don't see a dramatic difference. Sometimes CBS Sports looks very good, other times, not as good.

When everything becomes pixelated during any type of motion, then it is bad. If WSPA adds another sub channel, I'm not sure I will be watching any more of their content if 7.1 ends up as bad as 3.1.

Nevertheless, it is good that you are able to receive WSPA on RF7 in Mecklenburg County, as HiVHF digital reception can be problematic. You must have a good antenna setup. Do you also receive WLOS-13 or WYFF-4? And because I have good Samsung and Panasonic plasma displays, issues with motion blur and pixelation are minimized moreso than with LCD/LED. But I appreciate your concerns, regardless of what type of TV you may have. And I would rather see WBTV have 1 rather than 2 suchannels unless there is some way they could improve the HD pic quality on 3.1.

Why WLOS 13 doesn't carry the ABC Saturday Morning block called LITTON'S WEEKEND ADVENTURE every week? I know over the years channel 13 was pre-emption crazy (when they didn't carry ALL AMERICAN GIRL, THE EDGE OF NIGHT during the ABC era, MIKE and MATY, the final years of RYAN'S HOPE, and the early years of DARK SHADOWS, THE DREW CAREY SHOW, THE VIEW, and OLTL in which recently ended on January 13th).

While channel surfing I noticed the SEC basketball telecast with Auburn v. Miss St appeared much sharper on 9.5 than 62.1. Much better pic quality on WSOC rather than WYCW. And I don't know if it's a factor, but WSOC broadcasts in 720p as does the ESPN produced SEC, and WYCW is 1080i. But both channels are one HD channel and one SD subchannel, so all things should be about equal in that regard. Just an observation. And come tomorrow, I will check out the NBC Superbowl broadcast on both WCNC-36 and WYFF-4. It would be nice if WCNC would drop the Live Well channel for a few hours to increase the pic quality on the HD telecast. Same for This on channel 4. But we'll see tomorrow.

While channel surfing I noticed the SEC basketball telecast with Auburn v. Miss St appeared much sharper on 9.5 than 62.1. Much better pic quality on WSOC rather than WYCW. And I don't know if it's a factor, but WSOC broadcasts in 720p as does the ESPN produced SEC, and WYCW is 1080i. But both channels are one HD channel and one SD subchannel, so all things should be about equal in that regard. Just an observation. And come tomorrow, I will check out the NBC Superbowl broadcast on both WCNC-36 and WYFF-4. It would be nice if WCNC would drop the Live Well channel for a few hours to increase the pic quality on the HD telecast. Same for This on channel 4. But we'll see tomorrow.

There are a number of factors that determine picture quality and certainly bandwidth is the most important but not the only one. It would be interesting to know if the basketball game was actually produced and transmitted to stations in 720p or 1080i. One station had to cross convert to their transmit format. Most cross conversions don't significantly impact video quality but it's possible.

Every station has an MPEG2 encoder to compress the video for transmission. As you can imagine, current encoders do a much better job of encoding than early models. Depending on the age of encoders, two stations can devote the same bandwidth to their HD video but not have identical picture quality. One very important factor is how the encoder deals with fast motion which requires more bandwidth to prevent pixelization. Those that use statmuxing (VBR) will generally do better than those using CBR. The majority of stations use statmuxing for that reason.

As for dropping sub-channels, reconfiguring an encoding system is not a trivial task and not recommended on Super Bowl Sunday. A small configuration error in encoding can cause problems with receivers and the last thing you want is receivers unable to decode your bit-stream. Many DTV receivers don't handle major encoding changes well, especially when a whole program stream is eliminated.

I will be interested to know how you think WYFF and WCNC compare for Super Bowl video quality.

Doug

My choice for the super bowl is 4 ota, and 11 (Atlanta) via sat. ota rules, so much better...I do receive 11 ota but not dependable....

Looked good on both WCNC and WYFF. Perhaps just a tad sharper on 36, but 4 looked good too, so I can't really say one was significantly better than the other. Both well done.

Can someone tell me if the over-the-air signal for WMYA is at 360 kW or 1000 kW? Their Wikipedia page says 1000 kW, but both RabbitEars and the FCC query for WMYA show 360 kW with a construction permit for 1000 kW. I am wondering because I sometimes receive WMYA over-the-air where I live and it would be nice if I could receive it more often in the future (mainly for TheCoolTV!).

I would trust the FCC query, but the one for WHKY in Hickory shows them still broadcasting at 600 kW. They had a construction permit for 950 kW at their main tower and for 18 kW at another tower in Charlotte. However, that work was completed in late September.

360 kW. The 1000 kW permit was allowed to expire.

- Trip

Despite the lower power, WMYA does have a decent UHF signal in Upstate areas where their sister station WLOS on VHF13 does not. And since My network has subpar programming, they would be better served to simulcast ABC from WLOS on 40.1 in HD. That way they could provide a strong ABC signal into the Upstate part of the market that 13 does not quite reach.

... they would be better served to simulcast ABC from WLOS on 40.1 in HD. That way they could provide a strong ABC signal into the Upstate part of the market that 13 does not quite reach.

I second that!!!:)

Anybody know the actual clear qam channel number for WSPA, WMYA, and WYCW on Charter in Greenville County? I know WYFF4 is 114, WLOS 113, and WHNS 115. Trying a manual input into a tuner. Thanks.

Anybody know the actual clear qam channel number for WSPA, WMYA, and WYCW on Charter in Greenville County? I know WYFF4 is 114, WLOS 113, and WHNS 115. Trying a manual input into a tuner. Thanks.more than you asked for ...

HD on these
wlos 113.1
wmya 113.2
wycw 113.3
wyff 114.1
wspa 114.3
whns 115.1
scetv 115.3

SD on these
wyff (4.2) 114.2
wspa (7.2) 114.4
cspan2 114.5
inspirational 114.6
whns weather 115.2
scc 115.4
scetw 115.5
univision 115.6

Anybody know the actual clear qam channel number for WSPA, WMYA, and WYCW on Charter in Greenville County? I know WYFF4 is 114, WLOS 113, and WHNS 115. Trying a manual input into a tuner. Thanks.

http://www.hdhomerun.com/support/channels/

Thank you, gentlemen. Project completed.

I'm near Brevard, NC and essentially lost WYFF when it switched from Ch 59 to Ch 36. I say essentially as it sometimes comes in when rainy or when leaves are on the trees. Since I don't have line of sight to Caesar's Head I must be getting it by reflection.

I can't get it to scan into my new HDTV so am having to start over. Since I am going to have to scamper all over my roof and property to find a signal I was wondering if an inexpensive field strength meter would help or if my signal would be to low to register? My antenna is the Antenna Direct 91XG.

Any suggestions or comment?

Slightly off topic, but it pertains to the HD side of things too. Does anyone know why Charter doesn't have On Demand for Fox and CBS???

I believe they do in other areas and visited my father in Myrtle Beach, where he has all the networks On Demand including HD via Time-Warner.

It's incredibly annoying, particularly when a conflict or something causes something to not be recorded on Fox or CBS.

Still around here Umatter2Charter?

I'm near Brevard, NC and essentially lost WYFF when it switched from Ch 59 to Ch 36. I say essentially as it sometimes comes in when rainy or when leaves are on the trees. Since I don't have line of sight to Caesar's Head I must be getting it by reflection.

I can't get it to scan into my new HDTV so am having to start over. Since I am going to have to scamper all over my roof and property to find a signal I was wondering if an inexpensive field strength meter would help or if my signal would be to low to register? My antenna is the Antenna Direct 91XG.

Any suggestions or comment?

It would be helpful if you posted your tvfool info/link. Your signal strength bars on your tv should be useful enough. WYFF shouldn't be a problem with that antenna.

Slightly off topic, but it pertains to the HD side of things too. Does anyone know why Charter doesn't have On Demand for Fox and CBS???

I believe they do in other areas and visited my father in Myrtle Beach, where he has all the networks On Demand including HD via Time-Warner.

It's incredibly annoying, particularly when a conflict or something causes something to not be recorded on Fox or CBS.

Still around here Umatter2Charter?

Good Evening,

I have forwarded your inquiry along to the are marketing director to see if we have any plans in place to add this On Demand content. I'll follow up with you as soon as I hear back.

George





Edit- We currently do not have agreements in place with those broadcasters to be able to offer their content on demand.

I'm near Brevard, NC and essentially lost WYFF when it switched from Ch 59 to Ch 36. I say essentially as it sometimes comes in when rainy or when leaves are on the trees. Since I don't have line of sight to Caesar's Head I must be getting it by reflection.

I can't get it to scan into my new HDTV so am having to start over. Since I am going to have to scamper all over my roof and property to find a signal I was wondering if an inexpensive field strength meter would help or if my signal would be to low to register? My antenna is the Antenna Direct 91XG.

Any suggestions or comment?

That antenna is about as good as you can get for ch 39... an antenna amp may help... I use the 91xg with cm amp to receive Atlanta stations 80 miles away with very good results.. good luck...

It would be helpful if you posted your tvfool info/link. Your signal strength bars on your tv should be useful enough. WYFF shouldn't be a problem with that antenna.
My new TV is Vizio which doesn't have signal strength bars which I miss greatly. However bars do not help until a channel has been recognized by the scan. I was able to get WYFF to scan in after I realized my goof. Since the original scan failed to pick it up I was doing the add-on scans but only for ch 2-4, I woke up the other morning realizing that I needed to scan through ch 36. I now have WYFF in memory but have to peak by swinging from loss of signal to loss of signal then splitting the arc since I have no SS bars. The 91G is amped for better S/N but I don't have line of sight so I may be on a reflection which comes and goes with weather. Strangely Ch 59 was OK but Ch 36 is erratic.

Someo of the Vizio TVs reportedly do not have good tuners, so you may have better luck with an LG, Samsung, or Sony.

I've checked channel 21 on D* and I recieve this message "NO NEED TO CALL US" instead of Fox Carolina. What's going on with WHNS 21?

I've checked channel 21 on D* and I recieve this message "NO NEED TO CALL US" instead of Fox Carolina. What's going on with WHNS 21?


I guess the Storm Last night may had knock their power off as the over the air digital channel was off also.

I've checked channel 21 on D* and I recieve this message "NO NEED TO CALL US" instead of Fox Carolina. What's going on with WHNS 21?

Channel 21-1 video has been ok in the past week or so, but audio continues to be very bad...especially the mix of 3/2 sound. However, 21-2 is my greatest concern, the audio blasts me out of the room if I check weather. The staff has promissed to make adjustments, but nothing changes.

NOTE TO WHNS STAFF: PLEASE CORRECT YOUR AUDIO PROBLEMS!

From the rumor mill...

WSPA weekend meteorologist Justin Cooper is reportedly "out the door" at the end of the month. I say let Jack Roper do weekend weather, if he likes. Jack's sarcasm is a hoot on "Your Carolina" weekdays at 10am. Given a comment he made a month or so back on that show, I think he really misses weather and/or is still bitter he's not doing weather. He apparently got his meteorology credentials (to make the suits happy) while still doing weather, then he got bumped to "Your Carolina".

From the rumor mill...

WSPA weekend meteorologist Justin Cooper is reportedly "out the door" at the end of the month. I say let Jack Roper do weekend weather, if he likes. Jack's sarcasm is a hoot on "Your Carolina" weekdays at 10am. Given a comment he made a month or so back on that show, I think he really misses weather and/or is still bitter he's not doing weather. He apparently got his meteorology credentials (to make the suits happy) while still doing weather, then he got bumped to "Your Carolina".

I agree. I always like to see at least one station in the market have a folksy/friendly style weatherman with an entertaining personality, rather than just the boring, clinical approach. They should definitely let Jack Roper do the weather again, and I would make a point to watch. I always made a point to watch WSOC back in the day when Jerry Peterson did the weather, and also now enjoy Larry Sprinkle's presentation on WCNC. Although when Mark Mathis was on WCCB, that circus became a bit extreme. But absolutely they should allow Jack Roper to do the weather again on WSPA.

I made a post on WSPA-DT Facebook about Justin leaving and saying that Jack should be brought back, well.....guess what? They removed it, nothing like a confirmation. these media outlets think they have a right to get into everyone else's business, but do not try to ask about theirs, they act like it is a state secret as to the on air talent and their future plans or status.

What is the reason Justin Cooper is leaving? I thought he did a good job and performed well when presenting his reports. He was a good communicator with a pleasing personality.

Yesterday while I was watching WHNS 21 (aka Fox Carolina) in the afternoons, the audio wasn't on, instead the sound of a beat of a drum. But everything's fixed. BTW, I wished that WLOS 13 had an un-inadequate signal to cover the rest of the viewing area. WLOS 13 doesn't cover OTA signals in entire viewing area unlike other ABC stations.

Also last night, NBC station WYFF 4 pre-empted a repeat of Harry's Law on NBC for a repeat of a local Chroncile special called Where Miracle's Happen, I don't understand why WYFF 4 scheduled it at 8pm (and pre-empting NBC's Harry's Law) instead of scheduling at non-network hours at 7pm pre-empting Andy Griffith reruns? Just a hunch.

On WYFF News 4 newscasts, why they take the WYFF 4 logo bug off during the weather forecasts (along with WSPA 7, WLOS 13, and WHNS 21)? In Augusta, GA ABC station WJBF 6 (also owned by WSPA's owners) doesn't take their logo bug off during their weathercasts. And why they call Keisha Kirkland and Kim Quintero Weather Anchor instead of Meteorologist like Dale Gilbert in the mornings?

If I was operating a commercial independent station in the Greenville, SC market with the call letters WSHK-TV. I would picked up last night's repeat of Harry's Law if I had a consent from the affiliate relations at NBC and other network programs that the other affiliates pre-empts for specials or telethons, and or local sporting events. Remember the days of when indies carrying un-cleared network programs from the big 3 networks (like in the 1980s WAXA 40 which is now WMYA carried the late Bert Convy's Super Password which wasn't cleared by NBC affiliate WYFF 4 because of their NewsCenter4 at Noon newscasts)? If I owned a license to broadcast an Independent station by the calls WSHK-TV, I would pick up other syndicated shows that's not shown in this market incluing Cash Cab, Reno 911, Storm Stories, Punk'd,Chapelle Show, Ugly Betty (for those who don't get TV Guide network on cable), Brad Garrett's Til' Death (for those who don't get WGN America on cable), DaVinci's Inquest, and the current season of The Wendy Williams Show (for those who don't get BET on cable) which was unfortuantely dropped by WHNS 21 last year and remain unseen in this market which means there's a lack of African-American syndicated talk shows since Oprah went off the air in May 2011. Plus, I would pick up the ABC's Saturday Morning block called Litton's Weekend Adventure (which is not cleared by WLOS 13) includes all six shows to air in this market if I had a consent from affiliate relations at ABC. Ironically, distribitor Litton Entertainment is HQ in Charleston, South Carolina.

"And why they call Keisha Kirkland and Kim Quintero Weather Anchor instead of Meteorologist like Dale Gilbert in the mornings?"


Because they are not Meteorologists. Meteorology is a degree not just a title used by TV stations.

What is the reason Justin Cooper is leaving? I thought he did a good job and performed well when presenting his reports. He was a good communicator with a pleasing personality.

He does state his departure on His Facebook page - not WSPA's. He's not real specific with the reason, other than family. However, this is often the "default" reason for TV personality departures. Here's Justin's FB page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justin-Cooper-WSPA/153935144663974

I would rather watch Andy Griffith than Harry's Law, but I understand your point.

I'm curious to know how CharterTV sends their copy protect flags for their digital TV. I am considering getting Charter, but want to be able to use it with my SageTV system. If the normal channels (not premium movie channels, etc) are broadcast as copy freely, then I can use a multi-tuner cable card tuner. If they are not broadcast as copy freely, then I will have to use a HD-PVR along with a cable box.

This would be in the Seneca, Wahalla area if that would make a difference.

Thanks!

I'm curious to know how CharterTV sends their copy protect flags for their digital TV. I am considering getting Charter, but want to be able to use it with my SageTV system. If the normal channels (not premium movie channels, etc) are broadcast as copy freely, then I can use a multi-tuner cable card tuner. If they are not broadcast as copy freely, then I will have to use a HD-PVR along with a cable box.

This would be in the Seneca, Wahalla area if that would make a difference.

Thanks!

Hi Brian,

Here's a link with Copy Control Information: http://www.myaccount.charter.com/customers/Support.aspx?SupportArticleID=2383. In either case, if you are wanting programming that is not analog or ClearQAM then you will need a CableCARD and tuning adapter or a cable box to enjoy the full spectrum of digitally encrypted channels. Are there any other questions that we can answer?

Thanks,
Abby

Thanks for responding Abby. I realize I would need a cable card and compatible cable card tuner which I would gladly purchase. However, if the Charter simply blanket codes all their channels as "High Value” with a CCI value of Copy Once, Copy No More or Copy Never, then even a cable card compatible DVR tuner will not work.

Therefore I am trying to find out what channels, if any, does Charter code as "high value" and therefore use a flag of copy once, copy no more, or copy never. Specifically channels like History, Discover Channel, TLC, Spike, etc, etc, etc.

There is no point in purchasing a cable card compatible DVR tuner only to find out that Charter flags all their channels as high value. The equipment would be worthless in that situation.

So if you could check and see if your normal digital channels are flagged as "high value" with a CCI value of Copy Once, Copy No More or Copy Never, I would greatly appreciate it.

Speaking of cable cards, what is the monthly fee from Charter for a cable card here in Greenville, SC? We have expanded basic package, through channel 99, which only offers the locals in clear qam HD. We don't want any additional channels, but would like to have our current available channels in HD. We use a TiVo which will require a cable card for HD. We have been told it will cost $10 a month to upgrade. Does that sound about right?

Speaking of cable cards, what is the monthly fee from Charter for a cable card here in Greenville, SC? We have expanded basic package, through channel 99, which only offers the locals in clear qam HD. We don't want any additional channels, but would like to have our current available channels in HD. We use a TiVo which will require a cable card for HD. We have been told it will cost $10 a month to upgrade. Does that sound about right?

Good Morning,

Cable Card rental is currently $2/mo if that's all you were looking to do :)

Thanks,

Dylan

Thanks for responding Abby. I realize I would need a cable card and compatible cable card tuner which I would gladly purchase. However, if the Charter simply blanket codes all their channels as "High Value” with a CCI value of Copy Once, Copy No More or Copy Never, then even a cable card compatible DVR tuner will not work.

Therefore I am trying to find out what channels, if any, does Charter code as "high value" and therefore use a flag of copy once, copy no more, or copy never. Specifically channels like History, Discover Channel, TLC, Spike, etc, etc, etc.

There is no point in purchasing a cable card compatible DVR tuner only to find out that Charter flags all their channels as high value. The equipment would be worthless in that situation.

So if you could check and see if your normal digital channels are flagged as "high value" with a CCI value of Copy Once, Copy No More or Copy Never, I would greatly appreciate it.

Generally, digital basic services (such as History, Discovery, TLC, Spike, etc.) are tagged as Copy Freely; Premium services (such as HBO, Cinemax, Starz, Encore, Showtime, TMC, etc.) are tagged as Copy Once; and Pay-Per-View and Video on Demand services are tagged as Copy Never.

-Abby

From the rumor mill...

WSPA weekend meteorologist Justin Cooper is reportedly "out the door" at the end of the month. I say let Jack Roper do weekend weather, if he likes. Jack's sarcasm is a hoot on "Your Carolina" weekdays at 10am. Given a comment he made a month or so back on that show, I think he really misses weather and/or is still bitter he's not doing weather. He apparently got his meteorology credentials (to make the suits happy) while still doing weather, then he got bumped to "Your Carolina".

I wish Jack Roper would do the weather again after he went and got his Meteorology degree. back when he first got his degree is when they shift him over to the Your Carolina along with the other Sport Anchor sub.

i wrote to Amy Wood about Jack Roper she suggested write to onyourside@wspa.com.about bring back Jack Roper do the weekend weather.

It looks like FOX Carolina is going to begin doing something that they've never done before as of Tomorrow (4/9). I wonder if it is finally going to be Local News in HD, not just the Widescreen SD that they're airing now.

It looks like WYFF is currently updating their news set and possibly getting ready to do the same thing. They've already updated their weather graphics and have slightly altered their Live Super Doppler 4 HD Logo. Maybe they'll possibly follow WSPA, WLOS and, possibly, FOX Carolina into the HD Local News waters?

An HD upgrade would be very nice for both stations; we'll see if it indeed happens. But I have noticed that WYFF4 has recently upgraded their weather graphics and made some modifications to their news set. And rumor has it that sister station WXII12 in Winston-Salem/Greensboro may be preparing to go HD as well, so maybe Hearst has something planned for these stations. again, we shall see.

WHNS 21 (aka Fox Carolina) is debuting their 11pm news tonight actually after their 10 O'Clock News.

WHNS 21 (aka Fox Carolina) is debuting their 11pm news tonight actually after their 10 O'Clock News.

...and effective replacing their 6:30 p.m. News. It looks like "Two and a Half Men" are now on during the 6 p.m. Hour and "The Big Bang Theory" occupy the 7 p.m. Hour.

As I suspected, they are not ready to go HD just yet. But interesting that 21 is going to try an 11:00 news, as most Fox stations do not.

As I suspected, they are not ready to go HD just yet. But interesting that 21 is going to try an 11:00 news, as most Fox stations do not.

Actually many do (of those that produce their own newscasts) with both 10 and 11 pm (10/9pm CT) newscasts. The FOX affiliates "locally" do not.

An HD upgrade would be very nice for both stations; we'll see if it indeed happens. But I have noticed that WYFF4 has recently upgraded their weather graphics and made some modifications to their news set. And rumor has it that sister station WXII12 in Winston-Salem/Greensboro may be preparing to go HD as well, so maybe Hearst has something planned for these stations. again, we shall see.

wyff channel 4 also redid their website also.

It looks like FOX Carolina is going to begin doing something that they've never done before as of Tomorrow (4/9). I wonder if it is finally going to be Local News in HD, not just the Widescreen SD that they're airing now.

It looks like WYFF is currently updating their news set and possibly getting ready to do the same thing. They've already updated their weather graphics and have slightly altered their Live Super Doppler 4 HD Logo. Maybe they'll possibly follow WSPA, WLOS and, possibly, FOX Carolina into the HD Local News waters?

Inside scoop......... HD is coming to WYFF 4. If all goes according to plan, we will debut a new news set and HD April 22 at 6:00 pm.

Inside scoop......... HD is coming to WYFF 4. If all goes according to plan, we will debut a new news set and HD April 22 at 6:00 pm.

That is very good news ... looking forward to it.

+1

No HD is the only reason I don't watch even though it used to be my favorite newscast, back when everybody was still SD. It will be nice to be able to watch again after all these years.

WYFF News 4 will begin a new era in HD soon. When it was WFBC, they begun local color telecasts in February 1967. HD is like the new Living Color a la NBC's 1956-1975 peacock intro on color TV shows on NBC. I was around during the "Arrow 4 logo" era (remember the 4 with an arrow at the end?) (blue/red from late 1974-circa Summer 1986, gold from cicra Summer 1986-1991 after the late great Charlie Gertz retired on March 8, 1991). Yes, I remember the NewsCenter4 era from most of the 1980s. Carl Clark, Annette Estes, Kenn Sparks, and veterans Carol Anderson (Goldsmith), Michael Cogdill, and Dale Gilbert have been on Your Friend 4 during the "Arrow 4 logo" era. Yes, I've saw the ads of the WFBC/WYFF 4 logos mostly from 1970s-1991. I even saw a Herald Journal ad for Your Friend Four's 25th anniversary in late 1978/early 1979 with the "Arrow 4 logo" plus the 1976-1979 NBC Trapezoid 'N' logo. Also from the September 1979 ads (all the vintage ads from Herald Journal) when NBC was "Proud as a Peacock", they used the 1979-86 NBC's Proud "N" logo next to the Arrow 4 logo. Unfortunately nearby Charleston, SC's then-NBC (sadly ABC) WCIV 4 still using the 1976-79 NBC logo next to their 4 logo after 1980 until 1987 on their ads on News and Courier which is now Post and Courier (Instead of NBC's Proud "N" logo from 1979-86 and the current logo since May 1986). WFBC also used the "Proud N" logo next to the Arrow 4 logo when it became WYFF in 1983 (in the picture where then GM Doug Smith looking at the studios where they put the new logo with the new call letters plus using the 1976-79 NBC logo next to it). And the first appearance of the current NBC 6 feathered logo next to the Arrow 4 logo was on a Herald Journal ad from May 12, 1986 (the airing of NBC's 60th anniversary special where they introduced the current logo of course).

WYFF-4 is now airing a promo announcing their upgrade to HD news, which I believe will begin Monday April 23. I will be watching.

And I saw the Hearst station in Orlando, WESH-2, and the HD looked very good on the news down there, so I hope it will be an impressive improvement on WYFF-4 as well.

Here is a new report from Spartanburg Herald Journal about the new WYFF HD Set http://www.goupstate.com/article/20120419/ARTICLES/204201012

note from Saturday night News 4 11pm newscast they going to have a sneak peek of the new WYFF HD Set on Tonight (Sunday April 22,) 6pm news,

In memory of the late Dick Clark (1929-2012), do you remember when he appeared locally to do a promo for WSPA 98.9FM in the 1990s? That was a memorable promo.

RIP Dick Clark, and Jonathan "Barnabas Collins" Frid of Dark Shadows fame. On the latter, Dark Shadows was a TV show on ABC from 1966-1971. Unfortunately it wasn't cleared by WLOS 13 until 4/1/1968 (continued to air until it's series finale on 4/2/1971) because it was pre-empted for Dennis The Meanace reruns :( (the same episode where Victoria Winters returns to the Present Day Collinsport after a time travelling trip to 1795) three days later MLK was fatally wounded. Upstate South Carolina/Western North Carolina/Northeast Georgia viewers missed out on the first two years of the glory days of the show (from the B&W pre-Barnabas episodes to the colorful 1795 flashback storyline) unless watching reruns on Syfy years back or DVDs from MPI. The passings of Dick Clark and Jonathan Frid is like a piece of my childhood and teenage memories gone. Thanks for the memories.

There is an article discussing WYFF-4 and the HD upgrade in the Sunday Greenville News on the first page of the Business section. Will debut on Monday.

WYFF News-4 is now in HD as of 6:30pm Sunday. Big improvement, looks very nice so far.

WYFF News-4 is now in HD as of 6:30pm Sunday. Big improvement, looks very nice so far.

Yes, but I'm not sure why they choose to get so close to the hosts. It was a bit startling. I really wish they would zoom out a bit.

Yes, but I'm not sure why they choose to get so close to the hosts. It was a bit startling. I really wish they would zoom out a bit.

I agree the anchor shots are too tight. Perhaps it could be make the change more obvious to viewers for the introduction of HD.

The quality looks very good, one other small niggle I have with the new format also is the graphics animation motion, it is really too busy and distracts from the viewers ability to focus on the anchor or the video content being shown.

@Doug:

Congrats you and everybody that made the transition to HD at WYFF4 possible, as you've mentioned before the technical complexity involved with HD production is something to behold.

How about a small news package that shows a little more of behind the scenes especially the new control room equipment? Of course they can put you on air too, right? (-:

Just one suggestion.....
Maybe at some point they can reduce the number of banners with motion.
It is especially annoying when there is the traditional box content next to the anchors head, the scrolling bars are extreme.

The visual upgrade is very nice, as the pic quality is much improved. But it does appear as the anchor shots are a bit tight, as they seem to zoom in too close. And the anchor desk also appears to be placed too close to the backdrop. But overall very nice improvement.

Doug,

Congrats on the HD upgrade. I know it had to be a lot of work for you an your team. It was worth all your efforts. I am really enjoying the new newscasts. Thanks

WYFF 4's new graphics looks like simiar to it's sister station WESH 2 in Orlando, FL. Same newscast intro with variations, different announcer. And too bad WESH doesn't run local news scrolls on NBC's Today Show like WYFF 4 does. I've seen the scrolls on NBC's Today Show from WCBD 2 from Charleston, SC (they used the six featered peacock logo instead of local logo on scrolls), but KNBC 4 used the NBC 4 logo on the scrolls in Los Angeles just like WYFF 4 does.

Doug,

Congrats on the HD upgrade. I know it had to be a lot of work for you an your team. It was worth all your efforts. I am really enjoying the new newscasts. Thanks

The new Studio look Nice maybe it will last for several years before have it replace again.

The new WYFF studio looks similar to NBC Nightly News and Today show, with a bright, modern image that corresponds well with the network. Overall a very nice job.

here is some photos of other sets that this fxgroup also Design who did the WYFF HD Set

http://fxgroup.tv/portfolio/

FX Group also designed the set for Hearst station WESH-2 in Orlando, as well as WSOC-9 in Charlotte.

I am not a fan of S C , especially I-85, I don't like the Gamecocks, the Tigers are ok, they are just 50 miles away... but I love S C pbs...WAY ahead of Ga. pbs... watching Song of the Mountains... Michael Reno Harrell. What joy...

here is some photos of other sets that this fxgroup also Design who did the WYFF HD Set

http://fxgroup.tv/portfolio/

Thank you for the comments about our new set and switch to HD. We are pleased with the way it turned out. If you want a closer look at the set, check out this link. WYFF News 4 Studio (http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=9b0f68b9-dc0e-4218-93b3-bc0cead0b5c7&m=false&i=0:0:0&c=0:0:0&z=550.503481672308&d=-1.38404574905118:-0.814902195464503:-0.836646408923103&p=0:0&t=False)

Spencer: Our graphics look like WESH since the guys at WESH did our graphics too. Don't get too used to them, there is a new graphics package coming in July.

dubber: I think the graphics motion is here to stay. We're trying to hold off the sound effects. The new graphics machines do some really fancy real-time 3D animations. They are not easy to create though.

If you think the anchor tight shots are too tight, write the News Department and let them know. Viewer comments do have an impact.

Doug

Was anybody able to Picked up the Augusta Ga Stations 11,26 this week in the Greenville-Spartanburg Area via Over the air

and at times i can pickup channel 14 in Hickory NC with my pre amp rabbit ears antenna.

I was Looking at RTV Website and under North Carolina it list soon Asheville NC so i wonder what station is fixing get a RTV network in North Carolina http://www.myretrotv.com/affiliates.html

I was Looking at RTV Website and under North Carolina it list soon Asheville NC so i wonder what station is fixing get a RTV network in North Carolina http://www.myretrotv.com/affiliates.html

It could also be a SC station as their website also lists coming soon to Greenville. Perhaps WGGS-16 or some other channel.

It could also be a SC station as their website also lists coming soon to Greenville. Perhaps WGGS-16 or some other channel.

I missed that Part. I was hoping that a Greenville -Spartanburg station would picked up the AntennaTV since some lower Parts of the county can't get the Charlotte Station WJZY 46. WGGS TV 16 is a MyFamilyTv affilate unless they going switch over to the RTV. and it could be WLOS TV 13 also

With a decent outside antenna and possible preamp, you should be able to get WJZY-46 in most parts of Spartanburg County, as I receive it further south here in Greenville with a strong signal.

With a decent outside antenna and possible preamp, you should be able to get WJZY-46 in most parts of Spartanburg County, as I receive it further south here in Greenville with a strong signal.

I can get WJZY 46 No problem with a Pre amp Indoor antenna but i have a friend who live in Lauren SC and he can not get WZY 46 where he live

Is anybody else getting constant audio and video dropouts on ESPN HD on Charter (channel 808)? It has been happening all day for me. I checked the diagnostics and there are no SNR errors so it seems to be coming this way from Charter.

Is anybody else getting constant audio and video dropouts on ESPN HD on Charter (channel 808)? It has been happening all day for me. I checked the diagnostics and there are no SNR errors so it seems to be coming this way from Charter.

Hi rrainwater,

I am sorry to see you having some trouble with that channel. Please PM your name, address, and phone number and I will be happy to investigate.

Thanks,
Abby

WSPA had some sort of major technical problem and was unable to broadcast the evening news. They aired reruns of Judge Judy on Channel 7 instead. Looks like they would have some sort of back up plan, but not really exactly sure what happened. But I switched back to WBTV because I wanted to watch NC election coverage.

Was anybody able to Picked up the Augusta Ga Stations 11,26 this week in the Greenville-Spartanburg Area via Over the air

and at times i can pickup channel 14 in Hickory NC with my pre amp rabbit ears antenna.
The other day I've picked up every Augusta, GA commercial TV stations (WJBF's transmitters is 52.1 miles from here, WRDW 12's transmitters is 51.6 miles from here, and WAGT 26's transmitters is 52.1 miles from here despite being LMA with WJBF) except WFXG 54, the transmitters is 51.3 miles from here. That same day, I've picked up one from Savannah WJCL 22, but unfortunately bad signal. I've also picked up WBTV out of Charlotte, NC (transmitter is 100.6 miles from here) and WLTX and WACH from Columbia, SC (their transmitters are both 77 miles from here). Days ago, I've picked up one station from Atlanta, GA WAGA 5 (FOX O&O), this is the first time I've picked up a network O&O station over-the-air on my indoor TV antenna eventhough I'm on the violet zone according to AntennaWeb.org

The other day I've picked up every Augusta, GA commercial TV stations (WJBF's transmitters is 52.1 miles from here, WRDW 12's transmitters is 51.6 miles from here, and WAGT 26's transmitters is 52.1 miles from here despite being LMA with WJBF) except WFXG 54, the transmitters is 51.3 miles from here. That same day, I've picked up one from Savannah WJCL 22, but unfortunately bad signal. I've also picked up WBTV out of Charlotte, NC (transmitter is 100.6 miles from here) and WLTX and WACH from Columbia, SC (their transmitters are both 77 miles from here). Days ago, I've picked up one station from Atlanta, GA WAGA 5 (FOX O&O), this is the first time I've picked up a network O&O station over-the-air on my indoor TV antenna eventhough I'm on the violet zone according to AntennaWeb.org

If you were to install a good outside antenna and preamp, you may be able to recieve these out of market channels more consistently, especially Augusta and Columbia.