If switched video results in more HD, then I may just switch to OTW from my Dish network setup. When they really cutover, will it be obvious?

-Tom

With regard to that "Start from Beginning" feature . . . on our 8300HD it showed up a couple days ago, but the SD 8300 we have didn't get it until last night. When I tried to FF to catch up with real time, it indicated that the FF feature was "unavailable." So, while I could watch the beginning, I missed the ending. :rolleyes:

What channels do you see an "interactive popup box" I have never seen it in Waikiki. Is it on HD channels or all channels. Perhaps on channels that you have a recording in process?
Channels where I have noticed that "start over" is active are FXM, G4TTV. BOOM, SLETV. You get a popup menu on those channels when you press the SEL button. Choices are StartOver or Resume, Exit, LiveTV.

I haven't seen it on any HD channels yet. I don't think it has anything to do with whether there is a recording in progress.

I've seen that "start over" feature on TBS the other day too. I think their just testing it out and putting it on different channels.

Is there anyone out there unable to get any "on-demand" channels? My friend just moved to a new house and for some reason he can't get them anymore. Oceanic checked up and they didn't know why either, they just told him to get a new DVR and see what happens. They did test a new one out and didn't work though so I don't see how it will help. What's interesting is he said the tech guy told him it was a brand new model box that they were testing. My friend said it was smaller and looked more like a VCR. Does anyone know what model this could be? The tech guy ended up taking it back because my friend wanted to watch some shows that he had on the DVR before he swapped it out.

I don't see any new boxes on SA's website.

http://www.sciatl.com/products/consumers/new_cableboxes.htm

Maybe they were testing another manufacterers box (Motorola?). Unlikely, but possible.

The good news is Oceanic is offering 8Mbps/512K service for $54.95 now.
It is available on Oahu for sure. The availability for other islands is uncertain.
The bad news is there will be no free speed upgrade, as what has happened
in the past.

I pay $34.95/month now for 5000/384 cause it's bundled with digital service. At $44.95/month, assuming the discount holds, that's still not really worth it, especially considering most places on the mainland have been getting their upgrades for free. And the upload is still short of what Hawaiian Telcom's DSL service provides. If it were 10Mps/1Mps I'd bite.

MySpeed Results
Download 4,825,016 bps
Upload 365,200 bps

The "Start Over" button operate's just the like OnDemand feature. They buffer it on their own servers at headquarters.... that's what it look like to me. I would like to see it on HD movie channels.

My father in-law just got a sony HDTV and can also get the channels on RustyC's list.

I just got a Panasonic TH-42PX60U Plasma with NTSC/QAM tuner and I can only get 108.2 C-Span 2 and 108.5 C-Span 3.

Anybody else out there with a Panasonic got more than I could get?

There is a striking difference between the picture quality between the CBS and Fox telecasts. I would prefer to watch the New England and Jacksonville game on CBS but it's so hard because the superior picture quality on Fox.

If Circuit City and Best Buy wanted to increase sales of HDTV's, all they have to do is play the games side by side.

Just got a QAM capable TV as well and can only pick up all the stations on Rusty's list when I plug the cable in directly to the wall. When I hook up the rest of the equipment (VCR, DVD recorder, other TVs, cable modem etc) I have a hard time catching all the channels. I think my signal's being split too many times in my house, weakening it enough so the tuner can't catch the higher stations (e.g. 114.2 ABC-HD)

Anyway, are there any other ISF certified calibrators on Oahu, or is WDS Hawaii the only place that is qualified?

Sure sounds like you're splitting it too much without amplification. I'd recommend using a quality 2-way splitter on the cable coming in, sending one output to the cable modem and the other to a cable amplifier. From there, another splitter with enough ouputs to cover all the TVs in the household. I would try to find a way to connect the VCRs and DVD recorders via some other means than coaxial (composite, component, etc), keeping them out of the loop. Depending on what your doing with them, this may not be possible. Also, only use quality coaxial on all your runs.

Of course, you probably already know all this.

Yeah, what I want to do is replace the splitters and cables in the wall with the highest quality stuff . . . but they're in the wall so that'll be a bit tricky. Also, I have to run the cable through all the components since I want to record with the VCRs and DVD recorders. I believe the cable modem is running from a line off of the first split from the main line since my upload and download performance is okay. What I'm concerned with are all the other pieces of equipment further down the line that are getting an increasingly split and weakened line. Sometimes, the HD cable box from Oceanic can't even catch the channels past 300.

I just stopped by Radio Shack at Ala Moana while doing some Christmas shopping the other day and saw that they had a bi-directional amplifier for $35. I was wondering, though, how that one compares to that Motorola Signal Booster that a lot of people on this forum seem to like. I think Circuit City sells one for $60 before rebates or something like that.

Yeah, what I want to do is replace the splitters and cables in the wall with the highest quality stuff . . . but they're in the wall so that'll be a bit tricky. Also, I have to run the cable through all the components since I want to record with the VCRs and DVD recorders. I believe the cable modem is running from a line off of the first split from the main line since my upload and download performance is okay. What I'm concerned with are all the other pieces of equipment further down the line that are getting an increasingly split and weakened line. Sometimes, the HD cable box from Oceanic can't even catch the channels past 300.

I just stopped by Radio Shack at Ala Moana while doing some Christmas shopping the other day and saw that they had a bi-directional amplifier for $35. I was wondering, though, how that one compares to that Motorola Signal Booster that a lot of people on this forum seem to like. I think Circuit City sells one for $60 before rebates or something like that.

I'm pretty sure if you call Oceanic and tell them the problems you have (not getting channels past 300) they'll come and replace the cables themselves. This is what happened to my friend when they were trying to diagnose why he couldn't get On-Demand stuff. They replaced his cables, and even put up one of those surge-gap drop amps, which is what I would recommend over the ones at Radio Shack. The one thing they won't do for free is dig up the ground to replace cables going into the house, if the cables are underground where you live. They told him they would have to hire people to do that.

I started noticing some momentary drop-out... just a second... and only once in a while. We use HDMI. Didn't have it yesterday. I don't know if its related to the updated features or just coincidence. I just watch an entire movie from a few days ago and no problems. I saw it do it on CNN a moment ago. I am in Waikiki... this morning RR was out for a few hours, some kind a power outage on the system the phone message said.

Anyway, has anyone else notice a moment of black... only once in a while (so far).

Thanks...

I currently have Oceanic cable that I pay $160 per month. I have two HD boxes (one with DVR - 8300hd) and a standard definition box. I have hbo/showtime, encore and road runner. The road runner is included with the DVR surfpak.

My question is can I get comperable service with either Dish or Direct TV? I want to keep the road runner for $45 per month plus tax.

I live in Kahaluu right next to the mountain. My view to the west is somewhat obstructed by the mountain.

I hear that if it rains, the signal is degraded. Is that true?

...snip...

I hear that if it rains, the signal is degraded. Is that true?


If it rains hard you'll lose the signal entirely.

Eric

Pressed "guide" for ch933 and it has tv show info now listed? Hope this is a permanent thing!

I currently have Oceanic cable that I pay $160 per month. I have two HD boxes (one with DVR - 8300hd) and a standard definition box. I have hbo/showtime, encore and road runner. The road runner is included with the DVR surfpak.

My question is can I get comperable service with either Dish or Direct TV? I want to keep the road runner for $45 per month plus tax.

I live in Kahaluu right next to the mountain. My view to the west is somewhat obstructed by the mountain.

I hear that if it rains, the signal is degraded. Is that true?


I just signed up for DirecTV yesterday, and plan to keep RR and basic cable also, but this is all we pay for now anyhow so no changes. They told me I need a view of S/SE for the satellite but I live close to the east side of Niu Valley near the mountain, so it could be obstructed and I'd be SOL. If I were you I would be worried about your view in that direction. I saw someone's Direct dish pointing in this direction also, but they live on Kalanianiole hwy with 2 dishes. One pointing about 45 degrees to SE and one a little higher in similar direction. Could someone tell me where Dish needs to be pointed to?

BTW does anyone know who the local installer of DirecTv is? Thanks

Directv's satellites are at 101w, 110w and 119w.
Dish Network's satellites are at 110w, 119w and 129w.

So the locations are fairly similar with Dish more south in direction.

As for Rain Fade with DBS, yes during periods of very heavy rain you will lose signal.
In the past year though, I have lost the Dish 110w signal a few times. But I didn't lose the 119w signal at all.

The Weather Channel is now on QAM channel 85.5.

OTW is still encrypting CW. I read somewhere else (maybe on hawaiithreads.com) that OTW subscribers with basic can get CW "free" by trading in their analog cablebox and/or renting a digital box for $7.20.

Seems that CW should be broadcast in-the-clear if it's available for "free" on OTW's basic tier. If it actually is included in the basic tier then I believe that OTW is not allowed by law to encrypt the signal. Is this correct? Anyway, I emailed KHON today to see if their carriage agreement with OTW allows OTW to encrypt CW.

The weird thing is I heard Time Warner Inc. owns half of CW. Wouldn't they want as many eyes as possible watching their shows to boost their ad rates? Isn't this why TBS is a part of the basic tier?

The Weather Channel is now on QAM channel 85.5.

And on channel 121 for those with a digital box.

Thanks for the discovery. Oceanic never mentioned anything on channel 911. It seems to show local weather too.

Is anyone here getting Oceanic's digital package via cable card? If so, how is it?

I have 3 cable cards from OTW. 2 going into a S3 tivo and 1 directly into a tv in my bedroom. The digital service is fine. The only thing I don't get is the PPV and on demand channels. But I don't use those anyways. also none of those pet/hmsa/411/view your bill online channels either. and I can't order pizza from the tv anymore either. but I don't miss any of it. I definately don't miss the HD-DVR. The Scientific Atlanta box was the most useless POS I have ever had under my TV. Not to mention an eyesore.

How much does using your Tivo cost you per month (you are getting HD?) How much did it cost and did you buy it online or locally. If it breaks who pays for that?

I know the TIVO is a great machine but I just wonder if all the costs is worth the gain. We do have the SA8300 HD-DVR and I love it... but of course I have never had a Tivo to compare it with. What would you say the total difference in price would be compared to our single 8300 with HD and HBO and Showtime. Thanks ...

Another Tivo question; after a big investment in a Tivo and cards, what will happen when Time Warner implements Switched Digital Video. Will that have an affect on the Tivo?

I found this on a forum:

However, CableCARD v1 (which is what TiVo supports) does not support switched digital video (a way to send channels to your home) which TW is testing in many of their markets.

So TiVo may not be able to tune digital channels TW uses SDV to broadcast.

I got a recorded phone message from Oceanic TW today. It said they are dropping INHD2 on 12/31 (combining the best of both INHDs into one chennel) and Fox HD has been added. At the end it said they will add more HD channels in 2007 but nothing specific.

I got a recorded phone message from Oceanic TW today. It said they are dropping INHD2 on 12/31 (combining the best of both INHDs into one chennel) and Fox HD has been added. At the end it said they will add more HD channels in 2007 but nothing specific.


I got the same recording yesterday. Yes, the INHD consolidation was done by InDemand Networks because of the dearth of slots available for HD programming on various cable systems. The systems said because they are so bandwidth constrained they need to attempt greater diversity in HD programming with the space they have available. Thus Two Become One.

Eric

It looks like Time Warner has been able to reach an carriage extension
for Encore,HGTV as Ch.911 has been updated to say that Showtime, TMC,Flix
may be removed in the near future. It also list InDemand2 HD, but as
far as I understand it was going to be removed anyway.

I found this on a forum:

However, CableCARD v1 (which is what TiVo supports) does not support switched digital video (a way to send channels to your home) which TW is testing in many of their markets.

So TiVo may not be able to tune digital channels TW uses SDV to broadcast.

Correct.

The H260 did not (AUTO) tune all the clearQAM channels that RustyC listed as found by his unit. However, to the credit of the H260, I could manually add a channel that the auto function did not find and low and behold, the manually added channel signal is actually there and the PQ looks great.
I wonder how the picture quality compares with what comes from the SA-8300HD.

For those who don't already know, TitanTV's quick guide is pretty useful to see what you can catch over the air with your ATSC tuner.

http://ww1.titantv.com/quickguide/quickguide.aspx

I mainly just use it to see what's gonna be in HD on the networks.

I'm not sure if there is a guide for what you can get using QAM, since it's all hammajang and changing all the time. Thanks, Oceanic.

I have found TitanTV.com to be inaccurate in its listings of OTA programing for this market. Not only content but format (HD v. SD) as well.

For those who don't already know, TitanTV's quick guide is pretty useful to see what you can catch over the air with your ATSC tuner.

http://ww1.titantv.com/quickguide/quickguide.aspx

I mainly just use it to see what's gonna be in HD on the networks.

I'm not sure if there is a guide for what you can get using QAM, since it's all hammajang and changing all the time. Thanks, Oceanic.

kind of new to this. Just got an Olevia 4 series...37". I didn't even think that it would pick up any HD channels but my wife accidently found ABC HD on 114.2. Is there a channel for Fox HD on the tunner. I looked at Rusty C's tuner listing and it shows 85.5 as fox but that is not recognized. I live in Waikiki. Also is there any type of box i could get(not through OTW) to use as a DVR? I have OTW DVR in another room but do not have the HD package for it. I just want to try to keep keep costs down. If there is a DVR not through OTW, would it be able to record the HD channels i get on the tuner? Thank for the help in advace

Just a quick question - Has anyone ever seen any HD content on the OTA KGMB-DT feed? I tried to watch some of the OTA CBS primetime shows (although I avoid CSI Miami - fire Caruso already...), but nothing came through in HD (using cable line through Sony's Bravia QAM tuner).

<opinion>
Although I've heard opinions favoring KGMB's stance against Oceanic on the topic of HD carriage, I've got to admit that KGMB isn't doing anyone any favors by omitting HD content via OTA. And that's despite the other network channels coming to an agreement with TW OCI.
</opinion>

Also, I'm in town. Anyone around this area able to catch the PBS/KHET-DT feed? Thanks!

Is there a channel for Fox HD on the tunner. I looked at Rusty C's tuner listing and it shows 85.5 as fox but that is not recognized.
Try 85.3 for FOX. Sorry, I had a typo in my original post which I edited. I was just watching Taylor Hicks in HD *yuck*. I'm now doing a rescan to check if any channels changed.

No Weather Channel or Canvas and Clay Network anymore. There's an NGN free preview on channels 84.1, 84.5 and 84.13.

If there is a DVR not through OTW, would it be able to record the HD channels i get on the tuner?
I use a SONY DHG-HDD250 as a DVR. It might not work well after 2009 since it gets its tv guide information from analog PBS which gets shutoff in '09. You could get a QAM tuner card for around $100-$150 for your PC and use that to record and timeshift.
I live in Waikiki.
You should try using an HD antenna to try to catch the over-the-air stations if you don't mind the look and can find somewhere to put the antenna. I think alot of posters here are using and recommend the Silver Sensor indoor antenna. As a bonus you'll get cleaner signals than OTW due to there being less signal compression and you might even get KGMB in HD. Just buy it from somewhere you can return it to easily if it doesn't work.

Just a quick question - Has anyone ever seen any HD content on the OTA KGMB-DT feed? I tried to watch some of the OTA CBS primetime shows (although I avoid CSI Miami - fire Caruso already...), but nothing came through in HD (using cable line through Sony's Bravia QAM tuner)
KGMB is unable to time delay primetime HD programming because of the lack of a working HD recorder. For a short time they were doing so, but apparently the machine broke and the owners of KGMB appear to be too cheap to have the equipment fixed or replaced. Thus, we only get to see live feeds of HD programming which are primarily weekend sporting events. That's how I understand it anyway. I think we'll have to wait for the owners of KGMB to sell the station before we see a change. Charles might know more specifics.

KGMB is unable to time delay primetime HD programming because of the lack of a working HD recorder. For a short time they were doing so, but apparently the machine broke and the owners of KGMB appear to be too cheap to have the equipment fixed or replaced. Thus, we only get to see live feeds of HD programming which are primarily weekend sporting events. That's how I understand it anyway. I think we'll have to wait for the owners of KGMB to sell the station before we see a change. Charles might know more specifics.


Did it actually break? I wasn't aware that it was ever functional. I think some of the issues have to do with the fact that KHON and KGMB were owned by the same company. When KHON sold, I'm not sure how they split up the engineering aspects of the two stations. They had one chief engineer who ran both operations. I should give him a buzz...

Eric

Just a quick question - Has anyone ever seen any HD content on the OTA KGMB-DT feed? I tried to watch some of the OTA CBS primetime shows (although I avoid CSI Miami - fire Caruso already...), but nothing came through in HD (using cable line through Sony's Bravia QAM tuner).

<opinion>
Although I've heard opinions favoring KGMB's stance against Oceanic on the topic of HD carriage, I've got to admit that KGMB isn't doing anyone any favors by omitting HD content via OTA. And that's despite the other network channels coming to an agreement with TW OCI.
</opinion>

Also, I'm in town. Anyone around this area able to catch the PBS/KHET-DT feed? Thanks!

OTA signals, ATSC (digital) and NTSC (analog) signals, are broadcast by the television stations. The ATSC digital signals are separate from what OTW broadcasts. If you're only hooked up to OTW you're getting their QAM (digital) and NTSC (analog) signals. ATSC signals can only be picked up by antennas and QAM is only received thru cable systems AFAIK.

So you won't be able to catch any digital OTA stations if you're only using OTW's cable. OTW does not carry KHET's digtal feed.

If you have a built-in QAM tuner, you should also have a built-in ATSC tuner. You'll need an antenna and a bit of luck to catch those OTA signals.

Odds are they were using a D5 which probably broke and hasnt been repaired. They aren't the cheapest things to buy either.

Also, I'm in town. Anyone around this area able to catch the PBS/KHET-DT feed? Thanks!

Yes. I live in the Ward area and get KHET-DT(low 70's signal strength). Nova in HD is on right now, the also have a sub-channel 11.2 that is create-tv (cooking show on now). I use a Dish 811 receiver and a Silver Sensor indoor antenna.

We should be getting KHET-DT Real Soon Now on Oceanic. They have been feeding them four signals via a closed circuit since last June or so. I really don't know what's taking so long. They aren't asking for money like Some Other Stations.

Eric

Did it actually break? I wasn't aware that it was ever functional.
Something was working there for a couple of weeks back in '05. Would be interesting to know exactly what the scoop was/is.

As far as PBS-HD.....with the dropping of INHD2, there's all kinds of room for adding this channel. I'd prefer it over that music video channel I hear some TWC systems are adding to their lineups. Ugh.

Thank you everyone, for the info and tips!

(This thread is very informative, I'm glad to say. Cheers!)

Will OTW at least work out a temporary agreement with KGMB so that we can watch the Superbowl in HD? Sure wish FOX or ABC had it this year.

I hope so. Otherwise we'd have to hook up an antenna to catch KGMB's OTA HD broadcast, right?


Anyway, one more question about Oceanic and cable cards. Is there anyone who is using a cable card while only subscribing to Oceanic's standard digital package? Can you still catch the networks' HD broadcasts?

I ask this because Oceanic doesn't allow you to use their HD capable set top box if you don't subscribe to their HD package. That means that if you want digital cable and just the HD programs from the networks, you'd have to split your cable so that one feed goes to the STB to catch the digital stations while the other feed goes to your TV's QAM tuner to catch HD programming.

I'm wondering if I have a cable card and just subscribe to the regular digital package, would I still be able to get the network HD broadcasts. I'm not sure how that works.

has anyone noticed that the voicing on 106.1(when i was watching Jay Leno) that his voice is alot deeper on 106.1 compared to the regular channel? I don't know if its my tv or if that is how the feed is sent out. I notice it on some of the other channels i catch off the air compared to the analog stations.

There is less compression and more dynamic range on the HD Channel with the Dolby audio.

Remember that standard NTSC buries the audio in video signal - and before that it was transmitted by AT&T Long Lines.

"Speaking" of audio, has there been any improvement in the "lip sync" delays on the local HD station on Oceanic? KHNL-HD seems to be the worst.

We should be getting KHET-DT Real Soon Now on Oceanic. They have been feeding them four signals via a closed circuit since last June or so. I really don't know what's taking so long. They aren't asking for money like Some Other Stations.

Eric
Really, what is taking so long??? Maybe HD customers need to call in and request KHET HD. I would, but I'm no longer subscribing to the HD pak.

The remote control OTW gave me for the SA8300HD is an "Atlas DVR" model made by UEI, and in the battery case it has a 6 pin male connector labeled "JP1". I'm thinking of trying to reprogram the remote to work better with some of my other stuff, but so far I've only found programming info on variants of the Atlas that have Day+/- buttons or connectors JP1.2 or JP1.3 (rather than JP1). So I'm just wondering whether any of you have Atlas remotes with JP1.2 or JP1.3 interfaces or have worked out a way to reprogram your remotes.

Just a quick question - Has anyone ever seen any HD content on the OTA KGMB-DT feed? I tried to watch some of the OTA CBS primetime shows (although I avoid CSI Miami - fire Caruso already...), but nothing came through in HD (using cable line through Sony's Bravia QAM tuner).

<opinion>
Although I've heard opinions favoring KGMB's stance against Oceanic on the topic of HD carriage, I've got to admit that KGMB isn't doing anyone any favors by omitting HD content via OTA. And that's despite the other network channels coming to an agreement with TW OCI.
</opinion>


Well, when you're wrong, you're wrong. And I stand corrected.

While using the OTW straight to my QAM tuner (via a splitter), I am currently watching the NE/NYCJ Playoff game in HD. It appears that either KGMB is indeed passing their HD feed to OTW or that OTW is somehow passing the HD feed on through its system. Can someone verify this?

I do see some artifacts versus the Fox HD feed, but who cares? I'm thrilled to see this, and I hope that this means that the Super Bowl will also be viewable in HD.

Hmmm... did I just reveal something publicly that shouldn't have been revealed? Uh oh...

Hmmm... did I just reveal something publicly that shouldn't have been revealed? Uh oh...
No worry, you did the right thing. Good find. OTW is probably gearing up to provide the Superbowl in HD to its customers is what I'm thinking. What channel do you find it on?

No worry, you did the right thing. Good find. OTW is probably gearing up to provide the Superbowl in HD to its customers is what I'm thinking. What channel do you find it on?

I found it on channel 9.1 (KGMB9-DT). Now if only we could get KHET-DT from OTW.

Any news on the replacement HD channel (if any) to replace InHD2?

So you're seeing KGMB-HD on 9.1 via your QAM tuner and on 9.1 via your ATSC (OTA) tuner? Can you compare the picture quality between these 2 sources (assuming you are still receiving KGMB-HD OTA as stated in a previous post).

The remote control OTW gave me for the SA8300HD is an "Atlas DVR" model made by UEI, and in the battery case it has a 6 pin male connector labeled "JP1". I'm thinking of trying to reprogram the remote to work better with some of my other stuff, but so far I've only found programming info on variants of the Atlas that have Day+/- buttons or connectors JP1.2 or JP1.3 (rather than JP1). So I'm just wondering whether any of you have Atlas remotes with JP1.2 or JP1.3 interfaces or have worked out a way to reprogram your remotes.

That's interesting Greg. I take it you've already been to the JP1 forum, http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/ ? I'd be interested in hearing what you find out.

So you're seeing KGMB-HD on 9.1 via your QAM tuner and on 9.1 via your ATSC (OTA) tuner? Can you compare the picture quality between these 2 sources (assuming you are still receiving KGMB-HD OTA as stated in a previous post).

Actually, no. I'm only receiving KGMB-HD by using a splitter and connecting a separate coax cable (Oceanic) to my QAM tuner on my tv. I am not using an OTA antenna of any sort.

Somehow, my Sony is bringing in the HD feed from KGMB for the football game. When I check the channel for other things (including primetime shows), they are not shown in HD (but instead in 4:3).

Today's football game was the first that I've seen anything in HD on that channel.

Sorry about the confusion.

No problem. The OTA (over the air) remark was what I was referring to, but you go on to mention QAM tuner, which has nothing to do with OTA and I didn't pick up on that. All this terminology can get confusing.I tried to watch some of the OTA CBS primetime shows (although I avoid CSI Miami - fire Caruso already...), but nothing came through in HD (using cable line through Sony's Bravia QAM tuner).
Anyway, I'm curious to hear what other QAM tuner users are seeing in regards to the KGMB signal, esp those users who can receive KGMB OTA so a PQ comparison can be done (in my opinion, KGMB OTA, when broadcasting HD, has better PQ over OTW HD channels). CBS has an AFC Divisional game this coming Saturday. Would be a good opportunity. I'd try this myself, but my Mits TV's QAM tuner doesn't work properly. It only picks up half the stations and doesn't properly map them.

Edit: As previously stated, KGMB-DT doesn't broadcast any tape delayed HD OTA, only live HD feeds. All their primetime programming is SD. OTW is probably passing the same signal we're seeing OTA.

Actually, no. I'm only receiving KGMB-HD by using a splitter and connecting a separate coax cable (Oceanic) to my QAM tuner on my tv. I am not using an OTA antenna of any sort.

Somehow, my Sony is bringing in the HD feed from KGMB for the football game. When I check the channel for other things (including primetime shows), they are not shown in HD (but instead in 4:3).You must live really close to KGMB's DT broadcast tower. 9.1 is an ATSC digital channel which is not being broadcast by OTW. I checked this by trying to tune to channel 9.1 through both the cable QAM inputs and ATSC antenna inputs on my Sony. After I attached the OTW cable to the antenna input all I got was the analog stations. You are somehow picking up the OTA station even without an antenna. Maybe the OTW cable itself is acting as an antenna? Or you have a really good ATSC tuner built into your TV.

I take it that you have two F-connectors on your tv, one for an antenna input and one for the cable input. The OTW cable is connected to the cable in and nothing is connected to the antenna input, correct?

I watched a part of the Jets/Pats game on KGMB-DT and it wasn't in HD.

I assumed that in the Bravia, like most other TVs, you manually select the input you wish to view. If this is the case, then I'm assuming he's seeing KGMB-HD after selecting the cable input (QAM tuner) for viewing. I also assumed that the Bravia is remapping this channel from some other channel designation to 9.1 on his set.

Yes, that's a lot of assumtions. If the Bravia operates differently then I've described, then I guess it's possible that the poster is watching KGMB OTA without knowing it.

My sony tuner shows the channel you're watching and under that the connection being used either "CABLE" or "ANT". The input selection is setup when the channels are autotuned or manually added. The tuner then automatically switches between its three tuners when the channel is changed. I just assumed it was the same for the Sony HDTV's built-in tuner. Although I can't confirm that my ATSC tuner works since I can't catch a signal.

Now if only we could get KHET-DT from OTW.

I tune KHET-DT over the air, and so far it has been pretty disappointing, showing mainly upscaled SD content. I had the opportunity to see some of the same programming in HD on the Sacramento public station last month, it was spectacular by comparison. - DR

That's interesting Greg. I take it you've already been to the JP1 forum, http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/ ? I'd be interested in hearing what you find out.
Yes, I've been reading the JP1 forum. It seems the Atlas controller from OTW that I (and many of you, probably) have is supported, and there is nothing to keep me from reprogramming it except the lack of a JP1 cable. They're not in stock right now -- cost about $15.

I take it that you have two F-connectors on your tv, one for an antenna input and one for the cable input. The OTW cable is connected to the cable in and nothing is connected to the antenna input, correct?


Actually, the OTW cable is connected to my antenna in ("VHF/UHF"), which is what I was told is the QAM tuner. Nothing is connected to the cable in.

When I did try to use a cheap OTA antenna, all I could receive was a very intermittent KITV-HD and nothing else. That's why I was surprised to receive KGMB-DT using this method.

Although I live in town, I heard this all through a friend who lives just before Hawaii Kai. He told me to try it since he was able to receive it as well.

Again, I am not using OTA for anything. Just a basic Oceanic cable coming from a splitter (I also have an 8300HD stb).

Actually, the OTW cable is connected to my antenna in ("VHF/UHF"), which is what I was told is the QAM tuner. Nothing is connected to the cable in.
It's possible that your TV can take either an 8VSB OTA-type signal or a QAM cable-type signal from the very same input, but it would be rather odd, if there is a separate cable input. Since you get QAM over cable, not from an antenna, you'd think the TV would look for QAM signals on the cable input. Maybe OTW has 8VSB HD signals on its cable. It's all rather puzzling.

It's possible that your TV can take either an 8VSB OTA-type signal or a QAM cable-type signal from the very same input, but it would be rather odd, if there is a separate cable input. Since you get QAM over cable, not from an antenna, you'd think the TV would look for QAM signals on the cable input. Maybe OTW has 8VSB HD signals on its cable. It's all rather puzzling.

Actually when I'm performing an "auto-search" for available channels, the Bravia displays the number of channels found for both analog and digital channels. Perhaps that's where the KGMB-DT reception is possible.

Thanks for the info!

Actually, the OTW cable is connected to my antenna in ("VHF/UHF"), which is what I was told is the QAM tuner. Nothing is connected to the cable in.That is the input for the NTSC and ATSC tuners using an antenna. The "cable" input is for the NTSC and QAM tuners. Try switching the inputs and performing an autotune or try tuning in KITV-HD on 114.2. Can you tune that station now?

That is the input for the NTSC and ATSC tuners using an antenna. The "cable" input is for the NTSC and QAM tuners. Try switching the inputs and performing an autotune or try tuning in KITV-HD on 114.2. Can you tune that station now?Nvm. I just looked up a Bravia manual it says that the VHF/UHF is for both analog and digital signals. To connect an antenna you need to use an A/B RF switch to manually select between the antenna or cable. The other input you mentioned is not shown in the manual for the tv I looked at. It's probably for the input from a cablebox.

It's possible that your TV can take either an 8VSB OTA-type signal or a QAM cable-type signal from the very same input, but it would be rather odd, if there is a separate cable input. Since you get QAM over cable, not from an antenna, you'd think the TV would look for QAM signals on the cable input. Maybe OTW has 8VSB HD signals on its cable. It's all rather puzzling.
Unlikely that the input would accept both QAM and ATSC/NTSC signals, else it wouldn't be called "Antenna In" as the poster described but rather "Antenna In / Cable In" combo or some such. Plus, I haven't read of any input on any TV I've looked at that does this (though it's possible I missed it on the Sony). Seems likely that he's seeing KGMB OTA with the cable lead-in acting as his antenna. It's possible that the lead-in acts as a better antenna than the store purchased one, or that the latter provided a signal too strong for the tuner to handle. Someone else with a QAM tuner needs to prove or disprove this theory.

Rusty, when you say the Sony manual says the VHF/UHF is for both analog and digital, doesn't that mean it's for NTSC and ATSC signals? That's how I would read it. Hard to imagine a Bravia HDTV requiring an external manual A/B switch.

Rusty, when you say the Sony manual says the VHF/UHF is for both analog and digital, doesn't that mean it's for NTSC and ATSC signals? That's how I would read it. Hard to imagine a Bravia HDTV requiring an external manual A/B switch.The VHF/UHF input is also for QAM according to the manual I read. And yup, you need to buy and use a separate A/B RF switch to attach both an antenna and OTW's cable to that Bravia. Strange, but true. The manual I am referring to is for the KDL40V2500 and KDL46V2500.

Here is the quote from the Bravia manual:

"Connecting a cable system or an external VHF/UHF antenna to the VHF/UHF input will allow you to enjoy high definition and standard definition digital programming (if available in your area) along with the standard analog programming.

This TV is capable of receiving unscrambled digital programming for both cable (QAM and 8VSB) and external VHF/UHF antenna (ATSC).

Cable or VHF/UHF (or VHF only)

[image]

Cable and VHF/UHF (or VHF only)
If you want to watch both cable and antenna (over-the-air) programming, you will need to use an optional A-B RF Switch (not supplied) to switch between the cable and over-the-air antenna programming, as shown.

[image]

Be sure to set the Cable setting option to Cable On or Cable Off in the Setup settings for the type of input signal you choose (see page 34)."

So to use an antenna and cable you would need you manually flip the switch then change the setting in the Bravia's option menu. The manual also says that "You should run Auto Program after changing the Cable setting".

Thanks for that info Rusty. I haven't researched that particular model Sony before. It is kinda odd.

I have the Sony Bravia Model KDL-23S2010. There is only one RF input. You must select between cable (QAM) and antennae (ATSC). Using QAM with OTW, I'm getting KGMB-DT on 106.4. I believe the Jets-Patriots game was in HD. Can't be really sure. May have been watching on another large screen HDTV.

Yeah... I can pick up a digital version of CBS on my sony's QAM tuner too at the 106.4. Not sure if it's the HD version or just the channel 87 equivalent. there is no label on the QAM signal like there is for KHON-DT, KITV-DT etc... Will have to wait till Saturday (11:30a) for the Colts Ravens game to verify that OTW is carrying the KGMB-HD feed. I hope so (crossing phalanges). Would love to see the Superbowl in HD again!

According to Rusty's list 106.4 is the Oceanic Digital Ch.87 feed of KGMB.

I've been trying to find a complete listing of Oceanic's QAM stations but haven't found one. This is what I have from auto-scan. Anyone else have anything different?

77.1 SportsChoice
79.4 Discovery Health
79.6 Discovery Spanish
79.7 Fit TV
81.8 DIY
83.1 BET <----no longer unencrypted
83.3 KHNL-HD (NBC)
85.3 KHON-HD (Fox)
85.4 CW <----no longer unencrypted
102.8 HMSA
102.9 Pentagon
102.10 Inspiration
104.3 America's Store
104.5 GSNw
104.9 QVC
104.10 PPV Previewx
104.11 HSN
106.1 KHNL-DT (NBC)
106.2 KFVE
106.3 KIKU
106.4 KGMB-DT (CBS)
106.5 KBFD
106.7 Jewelry TV
106.8 KBS
108.2 C-Span 2
108.5 C-Span 3
114.2 KITV-HD (ABC)

updated 1/2/2007

84.1 NGN free preview
84.5 NGN free preview
84.13 NGN free preview

I tune KHET-DT over the air, and so far it has been pretty disappointing, showing mainly upscaled SD content. I had the opportunity to see some of the same programming in HD on the Sacramento public station last month, it was spectacular by comparison. - DR


KHET did verify that they are only showing upscaled stuff on their HD channel. They are indeed sending Oceanic four different feeds and don't know what the holdup with OTW airing them might be. I think that Oceanic wants "Real" HD content before they put it on the HD tier.

I dunno if KHET is planning to get the necessary equipment to timeshift the HD stuff IN HD.

I guess we need to increase those pledges!!

Eric

there is no label on the QAM signal like there is for KHON-DT, KITV-DT etc...By law, 76 cfr 76.640(b)(1)(iv)(D), OTW is required to identify each digital channel carried in-the-clear by a one- or two-part channel number and a textual channel name. I used to get those text labels which made it easy to tell what channel was assigned to each station but haven't seen them recently after doing a new autoscan. :mad:

So far KHON has only broadcast live HD programming. Has anybody seen anything to indicate when they will start showing delayed regular network programming such as "24", House, American Idol? I imagine it is an equipment problem but sure would like to know when we will get full use out of this channel.

Yes, I've been reading the JP1 forum. It seems the Atlas controller from OTW that I (and many of you, probably) have is supported, and there is nothing to keep me from reprogramming it except the lack of a JP1 cable. They're not in stock right now -- cost about $15.
Thanks Greg. Looks like I'll have to try and learn JP1, hope it's not too hard.

Here is the quote from the Bravia manual:

"Connecting a cable system or an external VHF/UHF antenna to the VHF/UHF input will allow you to enjoy high definition and standard definition digital programming (if available in your area) along with the standard analog programming.


- For the record, I have a Sony Bravia KDL-46XBR3 that was purchased a month ago (Dec. 2006).

- I don't think that the OTW cable is acting as a RF antenna, and yes there are two RF inputs on the back of the tv: 1) Cable and 2) VHF/UHF.

- I've previously tried to catch HD OTA from the local channels using a crappy RCA indoor antenna from Best Buy and could catch nothing other than an intermittent KITV-HD (I live in a small condo in Makiki).

- I do subscribe to the OTW HD Package and have the SA 8300HD unit.

Can someone with the same TV model attempt this too? FWIW, The 46XBR2 and 46XBR3 tv's have the same electronics, just a different exterior.

Thanks. Great thread!

- For the record, I have a Sony Bravia KDL-46XBR3 that was purchased a month ago (Dec. 2006).

- I don't think that the OTW cable is acting as a RF antenna, and yes there are two RF inputs on the back of the tv: 1) Cable and 2) VHF/UHF.

- I've previously tried to catch HD OTA from the local channels using a crappy RCA indoor antenna from Best Buy and could catch nothing other than an intermittent KITV-HD (I live in a small condo in Makiki).

- I do subscribe to the OTW HD Package and have the SA 8300HD unit.

Can someone with the same TV model attempt this too? FWIW, The 46XBR2 and 46XBR3 tv's have the same electronics, just a different exterior.

Thanks. Great thread!
I have a 40XBR2 with a Terk HDTVi indoor antenna hooked up to the VHF/UHF input (nothing in the Cable in). I'm also in Makiki and can get KHON-DT, KITV-DT, and KGMB-DT, along w/ a few others. No KHNL/KFVE or KHET digitals though. Do you have a pretty good view towards Ala Moana/Kapiolani area? I think that's where these guys are broadcasting from (if I remember correctly).

BTW, I got the antenna for $22 from Amazon in November. Seems like it's now ~$28, http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Technology-HDTVi-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B0001FV36E/sr=1-1/qid=1164507040/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-6602572-5867652?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

Actually, the OTW cable is connected to my antenna in ("VHF/UHF"), which is what I was told is the QAM tuner. Nothing is connected to the cable in.

Again, I am not using OTA for anything. Just a basic Oceanic cable coming from a splitter (I also have an 8300HD stb).
The manual for your TV states on page 17 that "the VHF/UHF connects to your antenna" and "the CABLE connects to your cable signal". It also says "VHF/UHF input receives over-the-air broadcast signal frequencies and CABLE input receives CATV signal frequencies".

This tells us that there is no QAM tuner on the VHF/UHF input. So, if you're seeing KGMB-DT only when attaching OTW's cable lead-in to the VHF/UHF input, and there's nothing on the CABLE input, then you are seeing KGMB-DT over the air. Your TV showing it at channel 9.1 (the channel designation for KGMB-DT OTA) is further evidence of this.

What about all the other channels on Rusty's list? Can you see those too? If not, I recommend you attach the cable lead-in to the CABLE input on you TV, do a channel scan and see what comes up.

What about all the other channels on Rusty's list? Can you see those too? If not, I recommend you attach the cable lead-in to the CABLE input on you TV, do a channel scan and see what comes up.

Hm... you may be right. I connected the basic coax cable to the cable input and did an auto-scan. I found 5 analog channels and 2 digital channels. Something's not right here.

I can only get channels 2-13 (yes, I'm trying to find the CATV setting in the menu) and *only* KHON-HD. I have yet to figure out how to receive the higher channels.

So what does this mean? Am I only getting the OTA channels this way?

Page 52 of the manual states that you can receive digital cable channels 1-135 via the QAM (Cable) input, so I'm not sure why it's not working. I suggest you find the thread for your model TV in the LCD Flat Panel Display forum and post your problem there.

For a while now I haven't been able to get any analog channels on my Sony 34XBR960 . Whenever I do a channel search, it finds zero analog channels. It only finds channels above 78. I can't even manually tune into them. I remember when I first got the tv I was able to split the cable and put one of the splits directly into the tv to watch regular cable channels. Has anyone else had this kind of problem?

I can only get channels 2-13 (yes, I'm trying to find the CATV setting in the menu) and *only* KHON-HD. I have yet to figure out how to receive the higher channels.
You mean w/ the antenna, right? I thnk that's because the antenna you're using to get OTA catches VHF but not UHF. Antennaweb has a bit of info here, http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/info.aspx?page=FAQ#_Ref28770295 , see the second to last question.

(yes, I'm trying to find the CATV setting in the menu)Find that setting! Maybe it's called "cable".

Yes, I've been reading the JP1 forum. It seems the Atlas controller from OTW that I (and many of you, probably) have is supported, and there is nothing to keep me from reprogramming it except the lack of a JP1 cable. They're not in stock right now -- cost about $15.

I first programmed my remote about a year ago or longer. I got my JP1 cable off of Ebay. Don't remember how much it costed. It's pretty easy to use. My other remotes in the house are URC-8910 which are also JP1 compatible.

Find that setting! Maybe it's called "cable".

Actually, I don't see that anywhere in the menu system (a.k.a. settings). On older tv's, there was a *Button* that said something to that effect (or tv/catv).

If you know where that could be found on the 46XBR3, please let me know!

Thanks.

Actually, I don't see that anywhere in the menu system (a.k.a. settings). On older tv's, there was a *Button* that said something to that effect (or tv/catv).

If you know where that could be found on the 46XBR3, please let me know!

Thanks.

I'm not exactly sure what you're trying to do, but have you tried toggling the 'Ant' button on the remote?

If you know where that could be found on the 46XBR3, please let me know!
I will. I'm downloading the manual. However, on further thought, I doubt there is such a menu option. I have one on my TV, but that's because a single coaxial input on mine has to serve for both antenna and cable. The TV has to know which of these you have connected, so there is a way on the menu for you to tell it. But your TV has two separate inputs for antenna and cable, right? So the expectation would be that you connect an antenna to the antenna input and cable to the cable input. Then there is no need for the TV to switch modes when cable is connected to the antenna input, because it never will be. Cable should always be connected to the cable input.

However, if I've understood you, you have OTW cable connected to the antenna input instead of to the cable input. I think this may explain why you're getting some unexpected results. Try connecting cable to the cable input.

Edit: I'm looking at the manual now in the section "Connecting the TV". What I see does not seem to be 100% coherent. There is a picture showing a cable labeled "CATV cable" connected to the TV input labeled "cable" and another cable labeled "Antenna cable" connected to the TV input labeled "VHF/UHF". So far so good. But in the text, it refers to "the antenna/cable input", as though there were just a single input, and there is a notation "Press ANT to switch between VHF/UHF and cable."

Yes, the manual is poorly worded. I think the "antenna/cable input" reference is an either/or thing. Use the supplied cable on either the antenna or cable input. And "press ANT to switch between VHF/UHF and cable." means that pressing this switch will toggle between the VHF/UHF and Cable inputs.

Noticed KHET-DT (PBS) has been off the air last couple of days. I called PBS Hawaii, but got no answer to my query. Of course, their web page doesn't even acknowledge the presence of the DT/HT channel --- not surprising, as seen in other OTA HD channels. Living in Kapolei, I can almost pick up their strong signal with my teeth!

Noticed KHET-DT (PBS) has been off the air last couple of days. I called PBS Hawaii, but got no answer to my query. Of course, their web page doesn't even acknowledge the presence of the DT/HT channel --- not surprising, as seen in other OTA HD channels. Living in Kapolei, I can almost pick up their strong signal with my teeth!

Here's the text from KHET's Digital TV page.

Digital TV
The transition from analog to digital television is the biggest advancement in television since color. What it offers you, the viewer, is the capability of watching programs in high definition, a much sharper picture than you are currently viewing, with CD quality sound. Called “PBS Hawaii HD”, this channel will make primetime programs look stunning and nearly three dimensional. Digital television will also allow us to multicast, which means that PBS Hawaii will be able to bring you as many as four unique channels of quality television simultaneously.

In addition to the “PBS Hawaii HD” channel, we plan to simultaneously broadcast the “PBS Hawaii CREATE” channel. It will feature the helpful “how to” programs you enjoy on Saturdays afternoons on PBS Hawaii as well as other shows which may not make it on to our normal schedule due to time constraints. “PBS Hawaii CREATE” contains shows on travel, cooking, sewing, home repair and more.

Though “PBS Hawaii HD” and “PBS Hawaii CREATE” are limited to the daily broadcast schedule, we are in negotiations with the local cable company to carry these program streams 24 hours a day, much the way our children’s channel, PBS Hawaii Kids, is carried on digital channel 443. PBS Hawaii Kids features all of the great children’s television shows you see on our regular channel, but for 24 hours a day. We will let you know when we reach an agreement and where you will be able to find all the multiple streams of programming PBS Hawaii distributes.

The FCC requires all stations to make the transition to digital television by February 17, 2009. We are currently broadcasting digitally, so if you have a UHF aerial antenna, you should be able to receive our digital television signal. In the meantime, if you want to learn more about this exciting new advancement, the best website we have seen that covers just about anything you would want or need to know is:

www.dtvprimer.com/index.html

Yes, I am fully aware of their capabilities. In fact, I have been viewing -- and recording OTA their good signal for six months. I believe they may share some facilities with another DT station on Palehua Ridge -- there's an antenna farm up there.
But they've been down for a few days; this is on DT 11, not to be confused with
NTSC 11.

Update: To answer my own query, someone at PBS Hawaii told me "its Broken", but will be up next week. Good enough.

Got the following response from KHON when asking how long until they start showing delayed programming in HD over OTW:

"KHON is near completion of our HD infrastructure. We have spent
significant resources in building our HD system for the future. We're in
the last phase of updating firmware updates for our newly acquired HD
servers, encoders and Decoders. This system will allow us to store,
process and playback approximately 80hrs of HD programming and 148 hrs
of SD programming for KHON and CW. Once completed, KHON will have the
most state of the art platform to entertain all formats of HD and SD
programming to better server our viewers."

Kenny Elcock
Director of Engineering

Guess this also means "Wheel of Fortune" in HD also. :)

Although I know quite a few people who hope they finish the upgrade in 2 days. :D

heheh Yea I hear Vanna White is pissed about being broadcast in HD.. I guess we'll soon see why!

Guess this also means "Wheel of Fortune" in HD also. :)

Although I know quite a few people who hope they finish the upgrade in 2 days. :D


24 in HD please! :D

What's happening in 2 days?

What's happening in 2 days?

I think it's the "24" season premiere. Not sure I don't watch that show!

I think it's the "24" season premiere. Not sure I don't watch that show!

It's a fun show to watch.

...This system will allow us to store,
process and playback approximately 80hrs of HD programming and 148 hrs
of SD programming for KHON and CW.
And CW...interesting, hope he's right.

Thanks Squid :cool:

What's happening in 2 days?"Something Wonderful."

I was David Bowman

And CW...interesting, hope he's right.

Thanks Squid :cool:

but will oceanic TW pass the CW HD on to us?

but will oceanic TW pass the CW HD on to us?

Did they mention CW in HD? I didn't read it like that.

I am sitting here watching the playoffs on CBS without the benefit of HD. I called Oceanic to confirm, and there will be no Superbowl in HD either. What a waste. I was going to write to the advertiser about who in Hawaii didn't see this coming, and if it was Oceanic, it would be news, but I suspect it's KGMB, and therefore not really worth my time. For if it was Oceanic, supported by Time-Warner, it would look like they had the ability but because of their monopoly they didn't care, since it's KGMB, it's just local ineptitude or as the mainland calls "slowhana".

I guess I was wrong about seeing the NFL game on KGMB in HD last week via OTW. This week's game between the Ravens and Colts is definitely not HD via OTW. However, it is HD OTA on 9-1.

Did they mention CW in HD? I didn't read it like that.

i read this part "This system will allow us to store, process and playback approximately 80hrs of HD programming and 148 hrs of SD programming for KHON and CW." as HD and SD for both KHON and CW -- but is certainly vague enough not to mean anything at all.

Since the programming on both FOX and CW is a blend of HD and SD, and the local affiliates carry both HD and SD programming of all flavors, I think Kenny's statement is pretty clear that they will be able to timeshift all programming on both networks and other sources in whatever format is necessary. Now since the CW in Hawaii is on a digital subchannel and the main channel is a 720p channel (CW is 1080i), there may be enough bandwidth for them to offer both Fox and CW in HD simultaneously. They could also feed the signals via closed circuit to OTW, who could then provide pristine HD signals on both, regardless of OTA bandwidth.

But, of course, OTW has not publicly committed to an HD channel for CW...yet...

Eric

So anyone think we might get Fox in HD tonight? *hoping*

So anyone think we might get Fox in HD tonight? *hoping*


I'm not optimistic...

Eric

Well, this is interesting: right now TitanTV's OTA listings shows CW at both 2.2 (under KHON) and 4.2 (under KITV). No actual signal yet at 4.2, as far as I can tell. - DR

It's been like that for over a month. It's an error that TitanTV has yet to correct.

So anyone think we might get Fox in HD tonight? *hoping*

I predict we'll get it around June or July, if at all.

So anyone think we might get Fox in HD tonight? *hoping*


The answer for tonite is NO!

Yup, that sucked.

On OTW's local HD channels, is anyone else getting the commerical breaks audio thru the rear channels, but when the network programming comes back, it reverts to ProLogic?

On OTW's local HD channels, is anyone else getting the commerical breaks audio thru the rear channels, but when the network programming comes back, it reverts to ProLogic?
I just checked HKHON, HKHNL, HKITV, and I don't see any change in mode going between commercial and non-commercial network programming, but I couldn't take the time to compare local commercials and network commercials (since my wife is watching a show). Do you mean that the audio changes from digital to analog? (My receiver does ProLogic for both analog stereo and for the equivalent Dolby Digital 2.0 that we get for the local HD channels.)

When watching the local HD channels on OTW (KHON, KITV, KHNL), the network content is in fairly decent 5.1 "surround" but lately, perhaps that past week or so, whenever they switch to local commercials or news teaser, then I lose the complete front side of the 5.1 (left, center, right and sub) and only have the rear surrounds providing audio, until the network programming returns, then it's back to 5.1

okay guys,

please dont' get mad if i ask this question in this site but i don't know which forum to ask. Okay i got OTW in living room and running just coaxil cable in the bedroom. What i am trying to do is watch what is in the living room (the OTW cable box....Exploer 8000) in the bedroom w/o moving the OTW to the bedroom. Reason is cause we can't have the tv too loud in the living room cause neighbors complain and all our shows are on the DVR. The way i have it hooked up now (OTW box) is using A/V cables from the box to the TV. On the OTW box i have an open S-Video, Digital audio out, and a Coaxil out. I also have a VCR out that has A/V. If i were to get long enough cords could i just plug it in the bedroom and it would loop the OTW box to the bedroom? And if that works which gives best picture(s-video, coaxil, A/V?)I know it won't work as a seperate box but all i want to do is Watch my shows in the bedroom w/o pissing off the neighbors. Thanks for the info

Cantu

I suppose the easiest way would be to use a splitter on the output from the 8000, one running to the living room tv and the other to the bedroom. Then get a remote control repeater from Radio Shack so that the remote can go into the bedroom to control the 8000 still in the living room.

When watching the local HD channels on OTW (KHON, KITV, KHNL), the network content is in fairly decent 5.1 "surround" ...
According to the read-out on my receiver, the HD locals have Dolby Digital 2.0, not Dolby Digital 5.1. The national HD channels are in DD 5.1. Of course, DD 2.0 can have matrixed surround information, but I don't understand how what you've described could happen.

Hmm, this morning it's just KHNL-HD on OTW that is doing the "rear surround only" issue. There is some audio, at a very low level coming from the front and center speakers, but the rears are the loudest.

All the other HD channels are behaving. My Onkyo AV receiver only gives two options (Stereo, Dolby D or Dolby Pro Logic II) for the Vid 1 input and it didn't seem to matter which of the surround options were selected, KHNL-HD still favored the rear speakers, while all the other HD channels were fine.

http://www.hawaiithreads.com/showpost.php?p=127835&postcount=7

My friend complained. He got this response from a KGMB9 exec:

"..there is a "one-time" deal in the works for Oceanic to carry our HD feed on Super Bowl Sunday only. The agreement has not been worked out yet, but in all likelihood if you have the Oceanic HD package you'll see KGMB's HD feed for the Super Bowl."

Woo hoo!

The exec further encourages us to call Oceanic to add KGMB to their lineup. He closes with "the ball is in their court".

The exec further encourages us to call Oceanic to add KGMB to their lineup. He closes with "the ball is in their court".Yeah right....Sure. After KITV, KHNL, and KHON all agree to provide their HD feeds for free, OTW is gonna decide to pay KGMB for their feed. We should all call KGMB to have them provide their lineup to OTW for free. I guess the exec didn't say if they could actually provide a delayed HD feed even if OTW agreed to buy it.

Anyway, good news about the superbowl. THANKS for the heads up! Hopefully they'll broadcast in-the-clear so I can record it in HD. I think I'll pick up a digital box the day before the game and return it the day after just in case.

After further review...I better pick up the box at least a week before to make sure they have one that has a working HDMI or DVI port and a firewire port too. Or do all their boxes have working ports now?

And a little off-topic but who's gonna turn in their integrated boxes for one of the new reengineered boxes with cablecard July 1st?

Anyone gonna pick up an integrated box BEFORE the distribution ban goes into effect?

I believe that the new boxes will NOT be able to tune to any switched digital channels, which Time Warner is rolling out in other areas, unless a next gen cablecard is being put into the new boxes. This could be important for HD programming on OTW over the next two years as they are near maxing out the bandwidth capacity of the coaxial cable in people's homes. To keep adding more HD channels they'll have to get rid of analog stations or go with switched digital or compress the HD channels even more than now.

After further review...I better pick up the box at least a week before to make sure they have one that has a working HDMI or DVI port and a firewire port too. Or do all their boxes have working ports now?

And a little off-topic but who's gonna turn in their integrated boxes for one of the new reengineered boxes with cablecard July 1st?

Anyone gonna pick up an integrated box BEFORE the distribution ban goes into effect?

I believe that the new boxes will NOT be able to tune to any switched digital channels, which Time Warner is rolling out in other areas, unless a next gen cablecard is being put into the new boxes. This could be important for HD programming on OTW over the next two years as they are near maxing out the bandwidth capacity of the coaxial cable in people's homes. To keep adding more HD channels they'll have to get rid of analog stations or go with switched digital or compress the HD channels even more than now.


Didn't egcarter mention that Oceanic is going to switched digital?

We should all call KGMB to have them provide their lineup to OTW for free. I guess the exec didn't say if they could actually provide a delayed HD feed even if OTW agreed to buy it.
After emailing KGMB a couple of times regarding HD over-the-air, they told me this:In answer to your question regarding prime time programs in high definition:

Here in Hawaii we have to record and playback west coast programming to allow for the time difference. Our current video servers will not record/playback the high-def signal provided by CBS. We have a new server budgeted for 2007. Look for true high-def sometime in Q1 of 2007.

I think, to sum up Eric's posts from the end of last year, he pretty much said that OTW engineers are working on switched digital video (SDV) and its coming really soon. I got the feeling from reading his posts that SDV will absolutely be rolled out here, it is just a matter of when.

But it that's true, new customers or existing analog subscribers who switch to digital (or digital customers who upgrade to an HD box) after July 1st will not be able to watch those SDV channels since OTW won't be able to hand out the 2-way integrated boxes anymore. To tune those stations without a 2-way box you'd have to telephone OTW and ask them to switch the video on your cablecard-equipped box kinda like ordering PPV by phone way back when.

Even if they have a huge stock of integrated cableboxes and DVRS or get returns from existing customers, by law, they won't be able to give those out. AFAIK there will be no blanket waiver for the cable industry and there will be no more extensions granted by the FCC on the July 1st deadline.

I haven't heard anything about the availability of a 2-way cablecard yet either. Maybe there is one and the new boxes will use it but the cable companies are keeping it under wraps until the last possible moment to keep the possibility of an extension alive. But I think that moment has already passed. Motorola and SA will need time to design and manufacture those boxes to get enough in the pipeline by July 1st. I don't care how much engineering OTW does, without a 2-way capable device SDV is a no-go.

I just thought of another question. You can get KITV, KHNL, and KHON in HD with the regular digital box and with basic service only, right? 'Cause those channels are free, right? Or do I need to rent an HD box?

And a little off-topic but who's gonna turn in their integrated boxes for one of the new reengineered boxes with cablecard July 1st?

Anyone gonna pick up an integrated box BEFORE the distribution ban goes into effect?

I believe that the new boxes will NOT be able to tune to any switched digital channels, which Time Warner is rolling out in other areas, unless a next gen cablecard is being put into the new boxes. This could be important for HD programming on OTW over the next two years as they are near maxing out the bandwidth capacity of the coaxial cable in people's homes. To keep adding more HD channels they'll have to get rid of analog stations or go with switched digital or compress the HD channels even more than now.
I'm kinda lost here. Are you saying that come July 1 all new boxes deployed are to use only the onboard cablecard as the decrypter? If so, these will be CC 1.0 because CC 2.0 doesn't appear anywhere near ready for mass deployment. That doesn't sound right. I'm missing something. Could you elaborate, or point to somewhere I can read about it?

As far as KGMB, he said the deal for the Superbowl isn't finalized yet, so don't count your chickens. (KGMB is probably asking for some beer money). If KGMB were smart, they would not sign such a one time deal but continue to hold out for a carriage agreement. Then, if one can't be reached by Superbowl time, take out a full page ad in the papers blaming Oceanic for no Superbowl in HD.

Don't flame me. I'm on Oceanic's side on this one.

I did some googling (is that even a word?) on the integration ban. The integration ban is codified in 47 C.F.R. 76.1204(a)(1):

§76.1204 Availability of equipment performing conditional access or security functions.
(a)(1) A multichannel video programming distributor that utilizes navigation devices to perform conditional access functions shall make available equipment that incorporates only the conditional access functions of such devices. Commencing on July 1, 2006, no multichannel video programming distributor subject to this section shall place in service new navigation devices for sale, lease, or use that perform both conditional access and other functions in a single integrated device.

Looks like OTW can redeploy boxes that are returned by existing subscribers since the subsection clearly states “new” navigation devices.

Here is a discussion on a TIVO forum on waivers companies have requested:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=335852

According to the discussions on the thread, cablecard 1.0 does support 2-way, it’s the third-party hardware that does not support 2-way. So I’m guessing I was wrong again that the new cablecard boxes from OTW would not support SDV.

Here’s the National Cable and Telecommunications Association Integration Ban webpage: http://www.ncta.com/IssueBrief.aspx?contentId=3553

And the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s web petition to the FCC regarding the waivers: https://secure.eff.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=261

Sorry for the misinformation in my earlier posts.

From Erika Engle's Friday 1/19 "Buzz" Column: http://starbulletin.com/2007/01/19/business/engle.html

Highlights

KHON airs a locally produced show in HD!?

KHON airs FOX-HD in a "reduced" format!?

KHON might be a beta-tester for it's media server software solution.

KHET and Oceanic are close to an agreement on carriage.
Personal Comment: KHET used it's subchannel as a chip to get PBS-HD on Oceanic

KGMB and Oceanic are close to agreement for SuperBowl XLI...and possibly beyond.

Thanks for the info and links Rusty. Informative reads, esp the Tivo link.

Quote from the article:

"Oceanic currently offers 16 channels in its $6.95 a month HD package."

Lets see now:

933 KHON HD Available Free
936 KITV HD Available Free
938 KHNL HD Available Free
940 Discovery HD Theater
942 HD Net
944 HD Net Movies
946 iN Demand HD1
948 iN Demand HD2 Gone
950 HD PPV Need to pay more $ to use
951 FSN HD At best 3 hours of programming a month
952 ESPN HD
954 TNT HD
956 Universal HD
970 HBO HD Need to pay extra $ to subscribe
972 Showtime HD Need to pay extra $ to subscribe
977 HD On Demand Need to pay more $ to use

So thats really 7 channels a month for $6.95. Talk about stretching the truth!

edit.... Another thought for those of you who use HD-PPV. Do you find it odd to have to pay more for the HD version of a movie? I mean according to oceanic we are already paying more $ for the ability to access to channel 977 why should we then have to pay $2.00 more (vs the SD version) for the HD version of the movie you want to watch? Just wondering if anyone else thinks OTW is screwing us?

Hi guys. I have a Sony 46" XBR LCD with OTWC digital box. When I am watching KHON (channel 933) I see 4 to 6 stuck pixels, each at different locations on the screen. They only show up at certain times depending on the color but mostly when a person's face is up close. LIke when I watch Joe Moore, I see one bright pixel near his forehead and another near the neck area. the other pixels are more to the left.

When I change to KITV (channel 936) or KHNL (channel 938) or any other HD channel. there is no problem. I tried to check it without the digital box with just a straight coax and get the same results. I even went as far as to use the digital tuner on my sony and get the same results

When I use non-digital channels, every channel shows up normal, even KHON (channel 3) is normal and doesn't show the bright pixel.

Is there a problem with my LCD screen or is it KHON. Are you guys getting Channel 933 okay without the pixel problem I am having?

Thanks for any help.

It's not you LCD. I see the same thing on KHON-DT OTA. But since I really only watch movies or sports and not the regular programming doesn't bother me.

I think, to sum up Eric's posts from the end of last year, he pretty much said that OTW engineers are working on switched digital video (SDV) and its coming really soon. I got the feeling from reading his posts that SDV will absolutely be rolled out here, it is just a matter of when.


My understanding is that SDV is already there...I thought the new "start programming over" feature requires SDV (see channel 214 amongst others). My friend who works at Oceanic confirmed this, although he's on the business services side.

-Ken

edit.... Another thought for those of you who use HD-PPV. Do you find it odd to have to pay more for the HD version of a movie? I mean according to oceanic we are already paying more $ for the ability to access to channel 977 why should we then have to pay $2.00 more (vs the SD version) for the HD version of the movie you want to watch? Just wondering if anyone else thinks OTW is screwing us?

IMHO, HD-PPV is a total joke. AFAIK, all it does is zoom the picture that you would get with the widescreen PPV available, which you can do yourself with the STB or TV zoom capability. True HD-PPV would require HD source content which is pretty limited right now, and when I did order HD-PPV once, the picture was not true HD source (I asked for a refund and ordered the widescreen SD-PPV).

-Ken

I have noticed the same problem with dead pixels when watching channel 933. It only seems to be a problem when they are showing local live programming such as the news. Must be something wrong wth a camera or other piece of gear.

I have noticed the same problem with dead pixels when watching channel 933. It only seems to be a problem when they are showing local live programming such as the news. Must be something wrong wth a camera or other piece of gear.


I noticed this during American Idol the other night so it is a problem with the national feed as well.

Thanks guys. What worried me most is that I see the same dead pixels at the same locations on every show on channel 933. Even when the person moves, the pixels stay in one place so I thought it was our LCD screen.

Thanks again for the feedback.

I was wondering, what's size hard drive is Oceanic currently using in the 8300HDs? Is there a way to check, maybe in the diagnostics screen?

I think 160 gigs???

Thanks Brad.

Here's a question for anyone with ties to OTW. Why doesn't PPV have 5.1 sound?

I just got home from almost two weeks on your beautiful islands - stayed in Maui and Oahu. Hawaii would be a great place for me to live (I'm retired) if your real estate wouldn't cost me my kids' inheritance and my right arm! But that's a subject for a different forum.

During my stay, I noticed that KHNL identified themselves with channel 8 even though they broadcast on analog channel 13 (and I presume remap to 13 on digital OTA). I was wondering why they refer to channel 8 instead of channel 13. Is is due to cable coverage? They weren't on channel 8 in either of the two places I stayed. Also, are they following FCC ID rules when they ID themselves as channel 8 instead of channel 13?

In most cases KHNL is on cable channel 8. Back when KHNL was a FOX affiliate they were known as FOX13 but when they switched to NBC and added a news department started referring themselves by their cable channel number.

That gives my F-I-L trouble because he keeps trying to tune OTA channel 8 for KHNL and either gets nothing or KHON-DT depending on the input.

scott s.
.

I just thought of another question. You can get KITV, KHNL, and KHON in HD with the regular digital box and with basic service only, right? 'Cause those channels are free, right? Or do I need to rent an HD box?


OTW doesn't let you rent an HD box unless you also subscribe to their HD package as well. I asked them that very same question last month.

If you have regular digital service and want to tune to the networks' HD programming, you'd have to split the cable and use your TV's QAM tuner to access it.

From Erika Engle's Friday 1/19 "Buzz" Column: http://starbulletin.com/2007/01/19/business/engle.html

Highlights

KHON airs a locally produced show in HD!?I'm watching "In Tune" on OTW's HD KHON feed and its not in being broadcast in HD. It's formatted for a 16:9 display and broadcast in 720p but there is a thick black frame around the entire picture. If it's shot with HD equipment why not broadcast the HD signal instead of a masked 480?

I recorded "In Tune".... yep, it's not HD thats for sure.

And none of their primetime shows are in any type of HD... Can I ask people to keep calling and asking about when we are going to have primetime HD on Khon?

General Manager (808) 591-4249
Kenny Elcock chief engineer 591-4241

Now Heroes is in SD!? What's going on?

I second your question about why Heroes is in SD. It's been a long time since the last episode, and I've been looking forward to seeing a new one....IN HD!

I think we need to call and let them know we are watching and paying attention. Also call KHON and find out what is really happening... don't bother talking to anyone other than the manager or the head engineer Elcock. The lady in programing doesn't know anything and will just try and tell you what you want to hear... BS in other words. I don't know why its so hard to get a straight forward answer... and a time estimate.

The problem is that the local networks aren't motivated to support HDTV for their viewers sake. They get their money through advertising, and in the case of KGMB, they are trying to also get money from OTW for providing the HD version of programming.

Now suppose the lack of HD programming meant a lot of people chose to watch different stations, hence reducing exposure to the advertising associated with that progaramming. Well then they could stand to lose advertising revenue. The real power lies in the advertisers!

What if you started to contact the companies that advertise on KGMB and tell them your will advoid their products and services in protest to KGMB's reluctance "pass on HDTV programming to OTW". I would think that most advertisers are expecting the TV stations to try to get as much exposure as possible for their ads, not to turn around and try to resell it to another provider, making a profit at both ends.

...anyway, my 2 cents...

Sports Illustrated On Demand comes to Oceanic on February 14th on channel 713. It's timed to coincide with the annual Swimsuit issue and features, what else, swimsuits (occupied, of course)! It will also have content from various sports clinics.

Just more cross-promotion from the properties of Time Warner.

Last December, I emailed KHON and also left a phone message for Mr. Elcock asking if OTW is allowed to encrypt The CW Channel according to their carriage agreement. Mr. Elcock hasn’t replied yet and I’m not sure if he’s ever going to. So I wouldn’t expect to get anywhere asking for HD primetime programming.

After not getting anywhere with KHON I did email the State’s Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Cable Television Division and cc’ed my State Representative, Ken Ito who is on the House’s Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, regarding OTW’s encryption of The CW Channel. I didn’t keep a copy of my email but here is the gist of what I had written:

I am writing to request that Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations and the Hawaii Administrative Rules administered by the State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs be enforced against Oceanic Time Warner Cable (Oceanic) as they pertain to The CW Network in Hawaii.

I subscribe to Oceanic’s basic service tier since I am unable to receive any over-the-air television broadcasts from my home. However, I have been unable to tune to The CW Network which KHON2 began broadcasting over-the-air digitally in the islands on October 30, 2006. The CW Network has been carried on Oceanic’s digital channel 93 since December 10, 2006. The reasons I have been unable to tune to the station is because the digital QAM signal is being encrypted by Oceanic and I do not rent a cablebox.

The Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR), Chapter 16-133, requires all local television broadcast stations received by Oceanic and provided to any of their subscribers to be included in their basic service tier.

Furthermore, FCC rules and regulations codified in Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically 47 CFR 76.630(a), prohibits Oceanic from scrambling or otherwise encrypting any channels on their basic tier of service.

The HAR and CFR do not distinguish between analog or digital services received by Oceanic. Therefore, The CW Network must be included in Oceanic’s basic service tier and retransmitted by Oceanic “in the clear”.

These prohibitions ensure that consumers who have TVs and VCRs capable of tuning basic service channels are able to continue to receive service on those channels without a set-top device.

For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to assess whether or not Oceanic is in violation of its license and to demand Oceanic’s compliance with FCC rules and regulations and the Hawaii Administrative Rules. I left out the part about KHON’s carriage agreement since I figured they must have received a copy of it. I haven’t heard anything yet from DCCA but this is what I got back from Rep. Ito today:
Thank you for your e-mail of January 2, 2007 expressing concerns on the services being provided by Oceanic Cable Television. My staff has contacted the Cable Television Division of the Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs regarding your concern. Per the staff at the Cable Television Division, 'the federal law requiring the cable television industry to transmit their signals digitally does not go into effect until January 2008. The federal government delayed the implementation from 2006 to 2008.' One of my staff members has also expressed that when he purchased a flat-screen television over the holidays the sales person informed him that he needed to get a digital box from Oceanic because come January 2008 the federal government is requiring that all cable television providers transmit their signals digitally.

The staff at the Cable Television Division of DCCA stated that they do have your e-mail and that you should be receiving a response shortly.

I hope the information I have provided answers your concern. Please feel free to call my office (586-8470) or e-mail (repito@capitol.hawaii.gov) me should you have any other concerns. Ummm……Okay….But I didn’t ask anything about the digital switchover which has nothing (or almost nothing) to do with OTW’s basic service tier. I am left wondering if anyone at the DCCA-CATV knows what the heck they’re supposed to be doing. You know, like protecting consumers? Is OTW running the CATV division? Really this is something that Mr. Elcock at KHON could and should be able to clear up and fairly quickly too.

I guess if DCCA replies with the same digital switchover mumble jumble, I’ll have send a formal complaint letter to OTW and KHON. Then I’ll have to send OTW’s reply (not holding my breath on getting a reply from KHON) to DCCA along with DCCA’s formal complaint form with a copy to the FCC. Maybe by 2009, The CW will be in the clear and in HD.

Hahaha... Goes to show that our publicly elected officials are not the most technology advanced. You'd probably have better luck contacting the DCCA-CATV yourself as your question seems to have been lost in translation!

My 8300 downloaded SARA 1.89.17.1 just now, starting at 5:09am, Jan 25. It's faster.

Edit: Some notes on SARA 1.89 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9500406&&#post9500406) in another thread.

From Erika Engle's Friday 1/19 "Buzz" Column: http://starbulletin.com/2007/01/19/business/engle.html
KGMB and Oceanic are close to agreement for SuperBowl XLI...and possibly beyond.
I just wanted to highlight how it seems strange that Time Warner/Oceanic would bother negotiating with KGMB for long term HD at this point. KGMB is about to be sold, and the new owners might be willing to give Oceanic the HD signal free of charge or in exchange for something else. KHON HD is a good example of this and it used to have the same owners as KGMB.

In The Official AVS List of all DTV stations broadcasting HDTV / DD5.1 here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=4046569&&#post4046569) , Honolulu's entry is
Honolulu, HI - abc (4) - CBS (9) - FOX (2) - nbc (13) - mntv (5)
where the caps are supposed to mean DD 5.1. But judging from what I get on cable (I don't get OTA), it should read:

Honolulu, HI - abc (4) - cbs (9) - fox (2) - nbc (13)

Please correct me if I'm wrong, or post a correction yourself in the above thread.

KGMB-DT(CBS) broadcast in DD5.1 at all times. However, when it's not passing the 5.1 content from CBS, audio is only present in the L+R channels.

KHON-DT(FOX) broadcast in DD2.0 for local and FOX SD telecast. All FOX HD programming is DD5.1, sent out by the network that way.

All FOX HD programming is DD5.1, sent out by the network that way.
Thanks. Does this mean KHON does broadcast some shows with DD5.1 sound?

My 8300 downloaded SARA 1.89.17.1 just now, starting at 5:09am, Jan 25. It's faster.

Edit: Some notes on SARA 1.89 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9500406&&#post9500406) in another thread.

Ahh good info thanks.
I knew that our boxes had self-upgraded, but couldn't put my finger on it. Overnight the fonts on the bottom of the screen info had changed. And I had to reboot our non-HD DVR as if it needed a "push" to finish the upgrade.

I haven't test this out yet, but according to the update list:
16. If you set up a recording for "On this channel any day in this time slot" or "On this channel any time" and adjust the start and/or end times, the adjustment will be applied to all recordings for that title. ie 8:05, Done "intelligently". This is good because sometimes the end of our shows get "chopped off" by ending exactly on the hour. :eek:

Also happy to see 4x FF/REW.

Thanks. Does this mean KHON does broadcast some shows with DD5.1 sound?


Yes, all of the live stuff in HD that KHON airs from FOX is DD5.1. Once KHON's media server is able to timeshift HD for primetime it too should be DD5.1

I was wondering if you subscribe to basic tw cable and have a QAM tuner, would i be able to catch HD? Also, ATSC is only for on air programming?

You should be able to tune KITV (ABC), KHNL (NBC), and KHON(FOX) in HD with basic cable and your HDTV's QAM tuner. I say should because some QAM tuners aren't as good as others.

You're correct that an ATSC tuner will only tune over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts. If you get those you may be able to get the OTA HD feed too.

My 8300 downloaded SARA 1.89.17.1 just now, starting at 5:09am, Jan 25. It's faster.

Edit: Some notes on SARA 1.89 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9500406&&#post9500406) in another thread.


I noticed my STB's have downloaded the new firmware too. After the download, I noticed that the volume on both boxes have been set back to 17. I usually set mine to 25. Something to look out for.

The first day after the upgrade I had no problems... but yesterday there have been 3 new incidences that are not normal. I turned on the TV/ DVR (HDMI output) early this morning and things were fine... shut off TV, left DVR on, came back 4 hours later and when the TV came on there was a gray screen that said "press any key to watch TV" Ok, so I did that and the picture came on. Thinking this was a new power saving mode I decide to turn off the DVR when I was finished watching... there happened to be a movie recording at the time. When I came back a fe hours later and turned on both the TV and DVR there was no picture and a bit of sound coming in and out. I figured it was a HDCP handshake issue and rebooted the DVR... fine, that solved the no picture problem. Then looking in the list I noticed that movied I had recorded hours ago and been split in two... at the point that I think I turned off the DVR.... I decided not to turn of the DVR the rest of the day. I do have it set up to turn off about midnight. This morning, so far, everything has been fine. Just thought I would report this in case it might help anyone
Aloha .... brad

My 8300 downloaded SARA 1.89.17.1 just now, starting at 5:09am, Jan 25. It's faster.Nothing new here on Maui. :confused: I've tried rebooting my 8300HD several times but no luck. Are all you guys with the new firmware on Oahu???

Nothing new here on Maui. :confused: I've tried rebooting my 8300HD several times but no luck. Are all you guys with the new firmware on Oahu???


Each system is upgraded separately. Oahu always gets to be the guinea pig, getting updates first. If everything is nominal, then they direct the other systems (Maui, Kauai, Big Island, etc, to apply the upgrade). Sometimes they even "forget" to tell the other systems.

Eric

I don't know if this is related to the recent upgrade to the SA8300HD but my Road Runner stops working around 9:30-10:30pm for the last three nights (my cable box and RR are off the same outlet). Are they related?


Also, for those of you with the SA8300HD, do you prefer using HDMI or component to your display? HDMI seems the logical choice, but I have read of handshake and audio problems on the SA8300HD forum thread.

An update on my SARA 1.89 .... The problems I had on day2 have not recurred, HDMI/HDCP has been working fine since I rebooted. Keeping fingers crossed. I like the new features It's odd that Oceanic has not posted anywhere what this update entailed. It would make sense for them to post it on their site or somewhere??? Good PR if anything...

Aloha .... brad

Also, for those of you with the SA8300HD, do you prefer using HDMI or component to your display? HDMI seems the logical choice, but I have read of handshake and audio problems on the SA8300HD forum thread.

Since I have only one HDMI input on my SONY, I've been using that for my upconvert DVD player. I did try using HDMI on my 8300 last Sunday. Didn't have too much success with it. Got a picture but no sound. Maybe had things hooked up wrong. :confused:

Will try again this week (I have to move all the equipment in preparation for a new floor). :(

Also, for those of you with the SA8300HD, do you prefer using HDMI or component to your display? HDMI seems the logical choice, but I have read of handshake and audio problems on the SA8300HD forum thread.I have my 8300HD hooked up with both HDMI and Component (input 5) to my Sony A10. No handshake or audio problems w/HDMI. That may change when/if my firmware is updated, which as of this morning, hasn't happend yet. A/B'ing HDMI and Component through the box shows a slight improvement in picture quality w/HDMI. But as always YMMV. Give it a try as every setup is different. Go with what your eyes tell you. And hope Oceanic and KGMB get their s**t together for Sunday!!!

An update on my SARA 1.89 .... The problems I had on day2 have not recurred, HDMI/HDCP has been working fine since I rebooted. Keeping fingers crossed. I like the new features It's odd that Oceanic has not posted anywhere what this update entailed. It would make sense for them to post it on their site or somewhere??? Good PR if anything...

Aloha .... brad


Brad,

Have you had HDMI/HDCP issues in the past? That's been my problem for months now, and it only got worse when SA updated my 8300HD with 1.88.22.1 several months ago.

Eric

I have my 8300HD hooked up with both HDMI and Component (input 5) to my Sony A10. No handshake or audio problems w/HDMI. That may change when/if my firmware is updated, which as of this morning, hasn't happend yet. A/B'ing HDMI and Component through the box shows a slight improvement in picture quality w/HDMI. But as always YMMV. Give it a try as every setup is different. Go with what your eyes tell you. And hope Oceanic and KGMB get their s**t together for Sunday!!!


Thanks. I am pretty sure my firmware has been updated (the box was reset to Ch. 001 twice this weekend), but will confirm when I play with my setup.

Thanks. I am pretty sure my firmware has been updated (the box was reset to Ch. 001 twice this weekend), but will confirm when I play with my setup.To check your firmware version, enter the Diagnostic Mode by pressing and holding the SELECT button on the front of the box until the Mail Light starts to flash, then press the INFO button at the same time. The Diagnostic Mode Screen will be displayed. Then use the Page Up button on the remote and go to Page 3. There you will find what SARA version your box has. To exit Diagnostic Mode just press exit on your remote. Lots more info on the 8300HD can be found on this thread...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859

BTW, I just got off the phone with Oceanic regarding the upgrade here on Maui and the rep told me that it might be at least a month before we get it. :mad: Oahu and Kauai are on the same system/server and have received the upgrade. Maui and the Big Island are on separate systems/servers (from what I was told) and will receive the upgrade after additional compatability testing is done. :confused:

I was also told that Oceanic will soon make their "Channel Select" program available, which means that you will be able to CHOOSE which channels you want and those you don't. :D He wouldn't give me any additional info other than that, including cost or when it will be availalble.

Also asked if Oceanic and KGMB have reached an agreement (at least temporary) to broadcast the Super Bowl in HD this Sunday. He said he hadn't heard as of yet, but wouldn't confirm or deny it. So there's still hope. Has anyone else heard anything on this??? C'MON KGMB... WE WAN'T AN HD SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!!!

You should be able to tune KITV (ABC), KHNL (NBC), and KHON(FOX) in HD with basic cable and your HDTV's QAM tuner. I say should because some QAM tuners aren't as good as others.Not only a matter of tuner, there is also the questioh of what OTW chooses to broadcast (or filter) to your neighborhood. I lost KITV (and all other digital signals except KHNL) for a couple of months, they just came back a couple of weeks ago, but I still do not get KHON. (Fortunately, I have a separate tuner for OTA which pulls in pretty much everything...) - DR

The first day after the upgrade I had no problems... but yesterday there have been 3 new incidences that are not normal. I turned on the TV/ DVR (HDMI output) early this morning and things were fine... shut off TV, left DVR on, came back 4 hours later and when the TV came on there was a gray screen that said "press any key to watch TV" Ok, so I did that and the picture came on.
Aloha .... brad

Okay since sometime last week I have notice the same thing. It seems to happen after the DVR has been on for over 3 hours straight without anyone pressing any buttons on the remote.

First you get a message that pops on that screen that says. The heading says "Attention" below that the message says "Your DVR will automatically enter power-save mode in 5 minutes. Please press any remote key to continue watching TV.

After 5 minutes you get the gray/black screen with the words "Press any key to watch tv". It moves all over the screen like a screen saver.

I also see this same message every morning when i turn on my tv, My dvr is always on.

The problem with this is if I am recording something from the DVR to my Panasonic DVD Recorder I will also record both messages over the screen. It just happen to me this friday night. When the screen saver pops up you can hear the sound from the program in the background but you get the stupid black/grey screen with that message. By the time I came home I had recorded 1 hour of this onto my dvd recoorder HD.

I called Oceanic yesterday and they had not idea as to what I was talking about. They told me to return the HD DVR. Any way to disable this message?

The later firmware does have the auto-spindown feature for the hard drive. I have had this for several months now and when you start it up you get the "Press any key to watch tv" message. When you press it, it spins the hard drive up.

I haven't seen it pop-on while actually watching anything, though. I've yet to let it run 3 hours without pushing a button.

I dunno if you can turn off the auto-spin down feature.

Eric

Enhanced HDD Spin Down - After 15 minutes of inactivity between 1:00am and 1:15am, the HDD will spin-down without powering off the STB, and a screen saver with an MSO configurable logo/graphic will be displayed while the HDD is spun-down. If an external SATA HDD is attached to the DVR, it will also spin down when the internal HDD spins down.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070130/BUSINESS13/701300337/1071

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070130/BUSINESS13/701300337/1071
No one should be surprised by this. Thank you Emmis. :mad:

Brad,

Have you had HDMI/HDCP issues in the past? That's been my problem for months now, and it only got worse when SA updated my 8300HD with 1.88.22.1 several months ago.

Eric

I have had to reboot a few times when the system has been updated, or crashes in order to reestablish the handshake. I've been lucky its been fine most of the time. But every time they do an update I just wonder what else will be broken :)

Too bad about the Super Bowl. I can't get any reception with a OTA where I live so I guess it is SD for the big game.

As for my HDMI experiment, I hooked my 8300HD to my display with HDMI and switched between HDMI and component - can't really tell a difference on SD and HD channels. I tried to determine my firmware version (I am on Oahu), by doing the select, info, go to page 3 trick - but couldn't find any field close to 1.88 or 1.89 on the screen. I know theoretically that HDMI should be better, but can any one else tell the difference?

Another thing, I have the 8300HD connected to my Onkyo receiver via a digital optical audio cable. To get sound on my TV as well, I had to change the digital audio output setting on the 8300HD from Dolby Digital to HDMI. I get sound out of the receiver on either setting. Question: Is the sound sent to the receiver "worse" since I turned off Dolby Digital, or does the HDMI setting "include" Dolby Digital" as well? The only other choice is "other." Thanks.

Fortunately I get a good lock on KGMB-DT here in Mililani.

Fortunately I get a good lock on KGMB-DT here in Mililani.

Scott,

Where in Mililani are you located, and what type of antenna are you using? I'm in Mauka and when I tried OTA a few months ago I couldn't get KGMB. May have to go get an antenna for the game and return it the next day.

Another thing, I have the 8300HD connected to my Onkyo receiver via a digital optical audio cable. To get sound on my TV as well, I had to change the digital audio output setting on the 8300HD from Dolby Digital to HDMI. I get sound out of the receiver on either setting. Question: Is the sound sent to the receiver "worse" since I turned off Dolby Digital, or does the HDMI setting "include" Dolby Digital" as well? The only other choice is "other." Thanks.
HDMI does include DD 5.1, but your receiver doesn't necessarily know how to decode DD 5.1 from HDMI (if that's where you've plugged HDMI in), and your TV probably doesn't know how. Likely answer to your first question is "worse" unless maybe your receiver is late model and high-end.

If your TV has external analog stereo audio inputs, perhaps you could get sound to it from the 8300 through those (and leave the 8300 digital audio setting at Dolby Digital).

HDMI does include DD 5.1, but your receiver doesn't necessarily know how to decode DD 5.1 from HDMI (if that's where you've plugged HDMI in), and your TV probably doesn't know how. Likely answer to your first question is "worse" unless maybe your receiver is late model and high-end.

If your TV has external analog stereo audio inputs, perhaps you could get sound to it from the 8300 through those (and leave the 8300 digital audio setting at Dolby Digital).


The receiver doesn't have HDMI - it is connected to the cable box via the digital optical cable. I can check tonight to see if my receiver is receiving 2.0 or 5.1 from that connection, when the cable box is set to "HDMI."

My display does have external analog stereo audio inputs (red/white) that are linked with one of the HDMI inputs - and according to a post in the SA8300HD thread, my Panasonic plasma doesn't accept 5.1 over HDMI (evidently a common problem with HDTVs).

If setting the cable box to HDMI limits the receiver to only receiving 2.0, I will definitely stick with component cable between the cable box and display, especially since I see little if any difference in video quality between HDMI and Component on my display.

If setting the cable box to HDMI limits the receiver to only receiving 2.0, I will definitely stick with component cable between the cable box and display, especially since I see little if any difference in video quality between HDMI and Component on my display.
I don't think you have to use component cables. I had in mind this arrangement: 8300 ->(HDMI) TV; 8300 ->(analog stereo) TV; 8300 ->(optical digital) receiver, with 8300 digital sound setting at Dolby Digital. (I don't know why you want sound from the TV, but I sure you have a reason.)

The above is almost what I have, except I connect the 8300 analog stereo to my receiver, which automatically switches to analog mode when it doesn't sense any input from optical digital.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070130/BUSINESS13/701300337/1071

UPDATE....

Got an e-mail from Lonnie Shupp at Oceanic. They're still trying.....

Just an fyi. More info on OTW "start over" feature can be found here (http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=115819&site=cdn&WT.svl=news1_1)

UPDATE....

Got an e-mail from Lonnie Shupp at Oceanic. They're still trying.....

I kinda remember we went through this a few years ago when the superbowl was going to be on KGMB. I think someone from KGMB or Oceanic was on here saying it was going to happen, but there was no official announcement and it never happened. Being that we're dealing with the same two parties I'm not holding my breath.

I don't think you have to use component cables. I had in mind this arrangement: 8300 ->(HDMI) TV; 8300 ->(analog stereo) TV; 8300 ->(optical digital) receiver, with 8300 digital sound setting at Dolby Digital. (I don't know why you want sound from the TV, but I sure you have a reason.)

The above is almost what I have, except I connect the 8300 analog stereo to my receiver, which automatically switches to analog mode when it doesn't sense any input from optical digital.



That might work. I did confirm that when the 8300 is set to HDMI, the optical cable sends only 2.0 to the receiver, even on HD channels which should be 5.1. However, I just decided to keep it as is with component video to the display for now, since I can't tell a difference and running another analog set for the audio in addition to the HDMI to the display seems kind of silly.

By the way, this whole thing is only for the 5% of the time we listen to the TV speakers (most of the time I use the receiver) - because sometimes you just don't want to hear the weather report blasting out of your HT.

Hi

Is there any chance of getting KGMB OTA in Kailua?

I know the chances are probably slim to none, but this is the first time I've fallen into a Hawaii specific forum. Am totally desperate :eek: and hoping against hope for an HD Sunday

Thanks

Is there any chance of getting KGMB OTA in Kailua?

If you can build a 4000' tower for your antenna, I think there is some chance. I was just fooling with the antennaweb site and got the results below for receiving digital stations from my home in Waimanalo. The last column is the height of the antenna.
DTV Antenna - Type CallSgn Channel Network City State LiveDte Compass Miles Freq Alt
* yellow - uhf KPXO-DT 66.1 i KANEOHE HI 251° 3.7 41 0.1
* lt green - uhf KAII-DT 36 FOX WAILUKU HI TBD 104° 102.6 36 100
* red - uhf KGMV-DT 24 CBS WAILUKU HI TBD 104° 102.5 24 100

* yellow - uhf KWBN-DT 43 DAY HONO HI FCC Ext 268° 26.0 43 3000
* blue - vhf KHON-DT 2.1 FOX HONO HI 242° 9.7 8 3000
* violet - uhf KIKU-DT 19.1 IND HONO HI 269° 26.0 19 3000
* violet - uhf KFVE-DT 5.1 MNT HONO HI 269° 26.3 23 3000

* yellow - uhf KHNL-DT 13.1 NBC HONO HI 237° 9.6 35 4000
* yellow - uhf KGMB-DT 9.1 CBS HONO HI 242° 9.7 22 4000
* green - uhf KITV-DT 4.1 ABC HONO HI 241° 9.7 40 4000
* green - uhf KHET-DT 18 PBS HONO HI TBD 269° 26.3 18 4000
* violet - uhf KWHE-DT 14.1 REL HONO HI 250° 10.6 31 4000
* violet - uhf KAAH-DT 26.1 TBN HONO HI 269° 25.1 27 4000
* violet - uhf KBFD-DT 33.1 IND HONO HI 250° 10.6 33 4000

If you want HD superbowl... make your displeasure known to both KGMB and OTW. To me it is a big F.U. to the state of Hawaii from Emmis. If they cared at all about good will with the community they would allow a special like this to be available in HD

No one should be surprised by this. Thank you Emmis. :mad:

I too have been following this situation from afar.

My response:
http://www.geocities.com/desmobobinparadise/soapbox
...Though if SB XLI does make it to HD on OTW, I shall promptly give proper credit on that page... and perhaps find a crow recipe.

One of my complaints with the 8300 program guide as opposed to TIVO was the fact that there was no way of telling if a program was a rerun or not. Last night I noticed that when looking at the info for a program, on the bottom line, where the rating, sound, etc. is shown the word NEW is now displayed for new episodes of shows. Either this is a new function that came with the recent SARA upgrade or I have been blind and complaining for nothing. Either way, it is a nice feature. Someday the 8300 might actually get close to being as impressive as a TIVO.

"NEW" is new. I like it, too.

Scott,

Where in Mililani are you located, and what type of antenna are you using? I'm in Mauka and when I tried OTA a few months ago I couldn't get KGMB. May have to go get an antenna for the game and return it the next day.

I'm way down by the Safeway on lower Meheula, so might get a better view of the xmit antennas. I'm in a single story. I put a yagi-style antenna that I bought from RS many years ago in my attic. There isn't much room but I was able to direct it at the antennas. I get everything but KHNL/KFVE but I think that is because they are located about 120 degrees away in Makakilo and from what I see they are only putting out about 4.5 kw. I put an amplifier on the antenna and that helped quite a bit, but for some reason with the amp on my FM tuner won't work, so I put a simple set of rabbit ears up for that.

scott s.
.

4000', is that all? Don't underestimate how bad I want it :D
Brings back memories of the very first time I went to antennaweb, the crushing-sinking feeling
Why GregLee? Why?

I thought as much. Was hoping for a miracle, wasn't expecting to get it

Thanks for the replies

Well Greg if you build that tower please be sure throw up a repeater for the rest of us! :p

I got the IR extender for the 8300HD.. wow it makes a huge difference. I had put my 8300 too low in my component cabinet, and to change it would be a huge hassle. The extender has made the remote work almost from any angle in the room now. A simple solution. It arrived from SA in only 2 days ferderal express.. only $6 shipping. I can recommend it.... brad

To all Hawaii HD viewers,

KGMB has recently shown what their all about!!

No one wants to buy them and for good reason, this is a all about me and has NO realistic viewpoint of their market.

Point in case, All their competion broadcast in HD in Hawaii via Oceanic but they still want to have Oceanic Cable to pay them for the expenditures they have made to add HD which they broadcast (sometimes) over-the-air. Wakeup KGMB !!!!!

I think it's about time we subscribers take a stand by boycotting KGMB programming altogether!!!

Simply put email KGMB and let them know how you feel and don't watch any local or network programming (all their network programming is available on-line if you need to see it).

TAKE A STAND NOW.


Aloha

The following message is currenlt posted on KGMB web site. They must be taking a lot of flack over the superbowl.

"The Super Bowl airs this Sunday right here on KGMB9. Negotiations between KGMB9 and Oceanic Cable to telecast the game in high definition have failed to produce an agreement. But that could change.

As of tonight, cable viewers will only be able to see the game in standard definition and not high definition. KGMB9 broadcasts in high definition, but hasn't reached an agreement with Oceanic Time Warner Cable to allow the cable company to show KGMB9 in high definition.

KGMB9 spent a lot of money upgrading to HDTV and has asked the cable company to share in the cost by paying KGMB for the improved signal. Time Warner refused, saying it has a policy of not paying any broadcast outlet for content available over the air.

"We really, really wanted to provide this service, and we really feel very badly that we weren't able to reach the kind of agreement, which was really the agreement we sought all along in this deal to make it happen. So it is in great frustration and disappointment that we've come to this point in time," said KGMB9's general manager Rick Blangiardi.

KGMB9 is disappointed, but not done looking for solutions. We are still talking with Oceanic.

"It is getting pretty late in the game, but I think technically we're prepared to do it and now it's just getting everyone's signature on the dotted line to make sure it happens. So we're still working," said Norman Santos, vice president of operations at Oceanic Cable.

We'll be the first to let you know if an agreement is reached. If it's not, you may still be able to watch the game in high definition. You'll just need to hook an antenna to your HDTV so you can pick up the off-air signal.

People in and around Honolulu should have little trouble receiving the signal. But people on windward Oahu, in valleys, on neighbor islands or in other rural areas may not be able to get the off-air signal."

What you need to boycott is not just their programming but their advertisers. We need a list of all the local companies that advertise on KGMB and let then know that we will boycott their product/service should they continue to advertise on KGMB. Also gotta contact CBS and let them know we are boycotting their programming (superbowl/primetime lineup) and maybe we can get CBS to lean on KGMB/Emmis.

I'm going to TIVO the 5,6 and 10 o'clock KGMB news and compile a list of local companies that advertise on there. We'll start there. :cool:

I sent the following e-mail to KGMB for what it's worth. I imagine they have been getting plenty of complaints.

"KGMB should be ashamed of itself for putting greed ahead of the viewing public by demanding Oceanic help pay for some of the cost of upgrading to HD (as stated in the message currently posted on your web site). KHON, KITV, and KHNL have not had any problem providing the feed to Oceanic without charge. Upgrading your equipment is a necessary part of providing the best programming to your public. HD is the wave of the future and although only about 30,000 of Oceanic's current subscribers get HD programming, the number is growing constantly. When all the local stations broadcast in HD, the number will grow even more. The fact that you can't even provide one program, the Super Bowl, to Oceanic in HD is sad. The Super Bowl is one program that people wait for all year. To view it in HD just makes it an even greater experience. I and other HD viewers will just have to ignore KGMB and view CBS programs on their web site. Eventually maybe your advertisers will realize that they are missing out on an ever increasing portion of the viewing public because of the greed of KGMB, and stop spending money on ads. Perhaps a boycott of KGMB by the viewing public would get the point across."

Isn't KGMB's 10pm newcast now the top rated evening newscast? They actually dethroned Joe Moore for that time slot, probably because of the prime time lead-ins like CSI and whatever else. I wouldn't be suprised if their the #1 ranked (most viewers) station in Hawaii. Because of this I don't think their in any rush to get HD on Oceanic, since their doing just fine without it.

Isn't KGMB's 10pm newcast now the top rated evening newscast? They actually dethroned Joe Moore for that time slot, probably because of the prime time lead-ins like CSI and whatever else. I wouldn't be suprised if their the #1 ranked (most viewers) station in Hawaii. Because of this I don't think their in any rush to get HD on Oceanic, since their doing just fine without it.

That would surprise me if it was true because KGMB's news casts are a complete joke. They have the absolute WORST reporters and writers. It is literally painful to watch!

On another note.... I'm so fed up with KGMB I have just registered boycottkgmb.com. The page is active but there is nothing there. I atleast want to put some info on there... any of you have any copy you want to contribute?

Well a lot of guys think Liz Chun is cute. But I'd rather tune into Robert. At least FOX has the big game next year...

Star Bulletin reports deal was reached. :)

That's good news.... but still not enough.... I want to see their primetime lineup made available in HD

The high-definition channel will be activated at 9 a.m. Sunday, in time for pre-game coverage, and last until 7 p.m., the companies said. After the game, a KGMB-produced special on the University of Hawaii football season will be shown.

Bah, I'd rather see Criminal Minds in HD than a stupid UH footbal special... :p

Star Bulletin reports deal was reached. :)


Star Bulletin article (http://starbulletin.com/breaking/breaking.php?id=5393)



Posted on: Thursday, February 1, 2007 3:15 PM HST
Oceanic to carry Super Bowl in HDTV
A last-minute deal covers only the day of the game
Erika Engle
eengle@starbulletin.com



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



This Sunday’s Super Bowl will be available in high definition, as part of a special one-time agreement between KGMB-TV and Oceanic Time Warner Cable, the companies said today.
Subscribers to the cable system’s high-definition package will be able to see the game on channel 937, according to Rick Blangiardi, senior vice president and general manager of KGMB, and Norman Santos, vice president of operations for Oceanic.

The high-definition channel will be activated at 9 a.m. Sunday, in time for pre-game coverage, and last until 7 p.m., the companies said. After the game, a KGMB-produced special on the University of Hawaii football season will be shown.

As with their counterparts in a number of other cities on the mainland, KGMB and Oceanic so far have been unable to come to financial terms to allow Oceanic’s subscribers to see other KGMB programming in high definition.

I hope OTW doesn't encrypt the QAM signal.... Is 937 the existing SD channel or is that a new channel number?

936 is KITV and 938 is KHNL. 937 doesn't come up at all.

936 is KITV and 938 is KHNL. 937 doesn't come up at all.Thanks for checking delar. Guess those of us with QAM tuners will have to do a channel scan Sunday morning.

Star Bulletin article (http://starbulletin.com/breaking/breaking.php?id=5393)

The high-definition channel will be activated at 9 a.m. Sunday, in time for pre-game coverage, and last until 7 p.m., the companies said. After the game, a KGMB-produced special on the University of Hawaii football season will be shown.GREAT NEWS!!! A friend of mine bought a big a** plasma just in time for the Super Bowl, only to find out the game wasn't going to be in HD... until today. The party's on again!

On another note, when I turned on my 8300HD tonight to watch a program I recorded last night, ALL my recorded programs, as well as ALL my scheduled programs disappeared. All gone. What happened???

Yes, Oceanic just called (all their HD customers, I guess) and left a message about the Super Bowl in HD on 937 from 9AM to 7PM on Sunday.


Eric

Guess those of us with QAM tuners will have to do a channel scan Sunday morning.
From KGMB's website

"Norman Santos, Oceanic's Vice President of Operations, added, "It's great that we were able to work this out locally, and Oceanic is just as happy to get this service to our customers. This means we're going to get the Super Bowl to anyone with an HD Box around the State.""

He doesn't say anything about people with QAM tuners only, though I wouldn't expect him to. I guess we'll see Sunday.

Both newspapers today skirted the issue of what kind of deal was made. If OTW did pay for the feed, then kudos to them for the effort on behalf of the subscribers. If KGMB did it gratis, double the thanks.

I would also say props to Erika Engle at Star-Bulletin for writing on the KGMB/OTW Superbowl squabble. She also noted in a response email that it's looking like Fox will upgrade its HD capabilities around the end of this month.

She also noted in a response email that it's looking like Fox will upgrade its HD capabilities around the end of this month.
Aaahh, no wonder why they're showing those KHON HD commercials. I thought they were pretty lame, since they're not showing anything but the few live events there are in HD. :rolleyes:

Anyone know what they will be broadcasting the game in (720p or 1080i)?

I would also say props to Erika Engle at Star-Bulletin for writing on the KGMB/OTW Superbowl squabble. She also noted in a response email that it's looking like Fox will upgrade its HD capabilities around the end of this month.


It's about time. 24 in HD! :D

KGMB broadcast in 1080i.

Let's see what the after effect will be in other "must see" programming available on CBS-HD between KGMB and Oceanic, such as the Final Four or The Masters.

As for FOX-HD Primetime on KHON. Git 'r done already!

They turned Ch. 937 on this afternoon on the Big Island. They ran a bunch of OC16 test clips. Now it just has a slide about the Super Bowl in HD starting Sunday morning.

BTW, Oceanic started carrying a low power Hilo TV station (I didn't even know it existed before) KHHB-TV Channel 5 about 3 weeks ago only on the Big Island system. It's on analog 46 and digital 49. Currently it has automated weather all day long (with music running) and shows old syndicated shows starting in the late afternoon through primetime. Stuff like STARSKY and HUTCH, SOAP and MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE.

They recently started interviewing people to staff local news programming. Kinda kool.
KHHB eventually plans to open another station in Kona.

Oceanic has started carrying:

Ocean Network on 349 (locally originated channel about all things ocean)
NewsChoice Multiscreen on 112 (CNN, CNN Headline, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC and TWC all at the same time)

Eric

They turned Ch. 937 on this afternoon on the Big Island. They ran a bunch of OC16 test clips. Now it just has a slide about the Super Bowl in HD starting Sunday morning.
anybody catching it in the clear with a QAM tuner?

anybody catching it in the clear with a QAM tuner?


I'm doubtful...Oceanic brass are quoted as saying "We're bringing the Super Bowl in High Definition to all Oceanic customers who have an HDTV and an HD cable box."

BTW, it looks like they are paying $$ to KGMB for this deal...I received another recorded call from them this morning saying it's presented by Oceanic Time Warner Cable and the MTV family of networks.

So it's a sponsored event, just like that Olympic MultiView thing they had.

It's also been reported in the press that those HD boxes are going like hotcakes. On Oahu they distributed FOUR times as many HD boxes on Friday as they normally do ALL WEEK! They will sell out of them today (1000 left in the warehouse). They had to replenish the supply at Sears Ala Moana four times on Friday.

Seems a bit krazy to me...

Eric

Anybody watching the Ohio State - Michigan State game (CBS) right now? I'm getting the OTA 1080i signal but the PQ seems pretty bad, especially the halfcourt cam.

Hey Guys,

Great news about the HD Superbowl on KGMB. My Dad just bought a new Sony Bravia LCD KDL40S2010, which I believe has a QAM tuner. As the game was going to be in SD anyway, we decided to watch the game at his house instead of mine with what would be my useless HD package. If the game is sent out in the clear then we should be able to tune it with the QAM tuner. Has anyone tried this yet? How does one do a scan for the HD channels with a set like this? If this isn't possible, do you know if I can take my 8300HD over to his house for the game? He has OTW "basic" package. Direct cable to the set- channels 2-78 only via NTSC. Thanks everyone.

BTW- I don't necessarily believe that just because it's been reported that you need an HD box to watch the game necessarily makes it so. OTW needs to get a benefit from all the publicity around this and/or the potential money they are paying KGMB. Getting several thousand new cable boxes into people's homes isn't a bad deal for them even if they had to pay KGMB.

How do I include a picture with my post? Is this the slide?

Oceanic is also saying (as quoted by The Honolulu Advertiser) that customers will have to pay an additional fee of $6.95 a month to see the game in HD. This is of course the HD Entertainment Pak. I read that to mean that it will be encrypted.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t288/RustyC_337/snapshot.jpgI hope not.

Oceanic is also saying (as quoted by The Honolulu Advertiser) that customers will have to pay an additional fee of $6.95 a month to see the game in HD. This is of course the HD Entertainment Pak. I read that to mean that it will be encrypted.
"HD Entertainment Pak required" = you need to pay extra to take that HD box home. Most people wouldn't know that it might be possible to get the game in the clear with QAM tuner ("Q-wha?"), nor do they know how to set it up even if they have a TV equipped with such a tuner. My TV doesn't have a QAM tuner, but my neighbor's does... I helped him set it up a few months ago, though I never even plugged the cable into the digital tuner input. We might try tomorrow.

Well that screen shot came off my FusionHDTV's QAM tuner.

Kenneth, What's the Frequency! :D

Yes, Rusty, what channel are you tuned to with your QAM tuner?

"HD Entertainment Pak required" = you need to pay extra to take that HD box home.
Yeah, that's what I thought about the mention of the $6.95. However, keep in mind that one can also pickup an HD box if you merely subscribe to HBO or SHO.

That said, it's probable that the Superbowl will be shown in the clear. HD viewers are a mere blip on Oceanic's radar, and viewers tuning in via their QAM tuners are a mere blip on the blip on their radar. They don't care about you. Couple that with Rusty's capture of OTW's Superbowl preview screen, I'd say you QAM guys are good to go.

I'll be watching it OTA nonetheless.

Well that screen shot came off my FusionHDTV's QAM tuner.
I did a scan this morning on my Sony KDL46S2000. That screen came up on channel 0. I'll do another scan tomorrow morning to see what happens.

46.3

Channel 0 on Sonys with autoscan.

Keep your fingers (and toes) crossed that OTW's lurkers don't see this post and they keep it unencrypted!

My Dad just bought a new Sony Bravia LCD KDL40S2010, which I believe has a QAM tuner. As the game was going to be in SD anyway, we decided to watch the game at his house instead of mine with what would be my useless HD package. If the game is sent out in the clear then we should be able to tune it with the QAM tuner. Has anyone tried this yet? How does one do a scan for the HD channels with a set like this? If this isn't possible, do you know if I can take my 8300HD over to his house for the game? He has OTW "basic" package. Direct cable to the set- channels 2-78 only via NTSC. Thanks everyone. Your box should work on your Dad's set. People pay for the HD pak PER BOX not per house, right? Anyway, those boxes also tune the same QAM signals.

BTW- I don't necessarily believe that just because it's been reported that you need an HD box to watch the game necessarily makes it so. OTW needs to get a benefit from all the publicity around this and/or the potential money they are paying KGMB. Getting several thousand new cable boxes into people's homes isn't a bad deal for them even if they had to pay KGMB.OTW could easily encrypt the signal. So the only guarantee that you'll get the Superbowl in HD is to have the HD box. That said, maybe they can't encrypt KGMB-HD because they expect people will be picking up HD tuners right up until the start of the game and those tuners need to be activated before they can get encrypted signals and OTW wouldn't want those people having problems because of any encryption? Not to mention those people using cablecards for the HD pak with their Tivos and built-in card slots on their HDTVs; they'd all have to be activated too.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t288/RustyC_337/snapshot2.jpg

10 o' clock on game day and all's well. :D

Thank you KGMB and OTW!