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

Thank you KGMB and OTW!Not so well on Maui... I get 937 on both my 8300HD and QAM tuner (Sony A10), but both are stuttering and horribly pixelated. Sound is fine though. Tried to call Oceanic and receive the "All circuits are busy. Please try again later" message. :mad: Hope they get it together by game time...

FSN HD, channel 951, is showing the Duke-FSU bball game right now. It is the first time I've seen anything on that channel in the 5 weeks since I've had the box.

The guide doesn't list the the game though, just says "signing off" for the whole day.

FSN HD, channel 951, is showing the Duke-FSU bball game right now. It is the first time I've seen anything on that channel in the 5 weeks since I've had the box.

The guide doesn't list the the game though, just says "signing off" for the whole day.We had FSN-HD 951 in our lineup for one day when they added KHNL-HD and then they removed it. Haven't seen it since. Time to call again and voice my displeasure, if I can ever get through. Enjoy the game everyone...

RustyC (other QAM experts),

Are you getting any audio/video dropout's??? I just got a new Sony KDF-55E2000. It found the clearQAM channel, but I'm getting lots of "errors" (audio/video drops). The set has a diagnostic menu page that displays the signal info and it says that "channel 0" is QAM64 (the other OTW QAM signal is QAM256); and it says the frequency is 357012KHz; and the physical channel is 46; and the SNR is 35dB. The signal goes in and out of "Lock" and the "Errors" is going nuts (over 200 at times), which is probably the reason for the dropouts. Any thoughts on what's going on???

My signal is totally clear with a very few instances of the live signal tearing or the announcers' mic not working. The commericals and pre-recorded stuff is all good, no dropouts at all. I don't think the problems are coming from the broadcast; it must be something local.

You could try pulling all the splitters out of your system. What is your signal strength?

It will be interesting to see how the 1080i broadcast handles the speed of the game.

Go Olin!

FWIW, comparing the analog broadcast to the highdef one, you're missing about 25% of the sides of the HD picture. But the HD broadcast is 1/2 second behind.

RustyC

The menu doesn't give a signal "strength" but the SNR is 33-35dB and the AGC is 43%. I tried a direct "in" (no splitters) but it did not help.

I'm no QAM expert, but I suspect that it is OTW shenanigans! I suspect OTW deliberately chose a delivery method that has the least likely hood of being compatibility with clearQAM tuner users! Why else would OTW use QAM64 instead of QAM256 like they use for the other QAM channels (like KHNL-HD, or KGMB on 106.4)?

Does anyone know what the center frequency of "QAM64 channel 46" is suppose to be? Is it 357012 KHz? Any QAM experts out there with some food for though?

My picture and 5.1 sound for HKGMB are just fine, both using the 8300HD and clear QAM w. Samsung tuner DTB-H260F. I flipped back and forth several times looking for a difference, but didn't see any (except the 8300HD signal is delayed by a couple minutes).

Edit: I just changed back to clear QAM and asked my wife if she thought the picture was better. She said it was better, clearly.

I'm no QAM expert, but I suspect that it is OTW shenanigans! I suspect OTW deliberately chose a delivery method that has the least likely hood of being compatibility with clearQAM tuner users! Why else would OTW use QAM64 instead of QAM256 like they use for the other QAM channels (like KHNL-HD, or KGMB on 106.4)? I don't know very much about QAM myself. AFAIK you shouldn't notice a difference watching either 64QAM or 256QAM. 64QAM should, in fact, be more reliable. More data can be sent using 256QAM but those data are consequently more prone to errors. All digital QAM capable tuners are supposed to be compatible with both schemes.

Again, I didn't notice any significant problems with the HD signal during the game. Although that wet sideline camera was pretty bad.

As a side note, I wonder how many of the roughly 1,000 to 2,000 new HD pak subs will keep their service past the first month. And how many of their friends will run out and buy a new HDTV for themselves now that they've all seen real HD. Hopefully, this will lead to cheaper HD prices and more HD programming here.

I hope with this surge in HD subscribers OTW will start treating us HD-Pak subscribers better and give us more than 7 channels for the $6.95 we are paying.

BTW props to KGMB... That was a very nice feed for SB-XLI. Looked great on my TV... CBS does HD right!!! Now work out a deal so we can get 937 all the time!

I hope with this surge in HD subscribers OTW will start treating us HD-Pak subscribers better and give us more than 7 channels for the $6.95 we are paying.
Behold the never-ending search for the free lunch. If I were OTW, I'd be stockpiling new HD channels until I had enough for another tier I could charge for.

I had good HD signals both on the the cable and over the air, so of course I did a lot of A/B comparisons. The cable signal was superior in almost every respect - fewer compression artifacts, fewer line jaggies, etc. Now, the differences could be due to the fact that my TV is calibrated differently for cable and OTA , and due to the difference in tuner quality (I use QAM in the TV, but ATSC from an external tuner). However: when I do the same A/B switching on the other HD channels we get both ways, the OTA is generally superior to the cable feed.

I don't quite know what to conclude from this, but it would be interesting to know how the KGMB OTA/QAM HD setup differs the corresponding setup for KHNL etc. - DR

Behold the never-ending search for the free lunch. If I were OTW, I'd be stockpiling new HD channels until I had enough for another tier I could charge for.

Are you saying I'm searching for a FREE lunch? I'm probably paying more for my HD feed than 99% of everyone in Hawaii... Why? because I use cablecards. 4 of them to be precise. And according to OTW's pricing structure the HD Pak needs to be charged per box/card so I'm paying, on top of the regular cable fees, $28/month for 7 HD channels. So if you still think I'm looking for a free lunch then you can kiss my ass!

And on that note, as of January 30, 2007 the cost for OTW's Basic Service Tier is now down to $11.82 on Oahu ($9.76 Hilo and $11.42 Maui). But the State tax rate went up to 4.712% for Oahu subs.

And it's not a free lunch if you're paying for the service. Especially if OTW is required by law to provide more than it does now. If you ask me, it's just like paying for a happy meal but not getting the toy.

I hope with this surge in HD subscribers OTW will start treating us HD-Pak subscribers better and give us more than 7 channels for the $6.95 we are paying.

BTW props to KGMB... That was a very nice feed for SB-XLI. Looked great on my TV... CBS does HD right!!! Now work out a deal so we can get 937 all the time!

I think the props go to Oceanic. They are the ones that really made this happen, not KGMB.

Eric

Not so well on Maui... I get 937 on both my 8300HD and QAM tuner (Sony A10), but both are stuttering and horribly pixelated. Sound is fine though. Tried to call Oceanic and receive the "All circuits are busy. Please try again later" message. :mad: Hope they get it together by game time...


It was the same on the Big Island...but I got through to them and made 'em fix it!

BTW props to KGMB... That was a very nice feed for SB-XLI. Looked great on my TV... CBS does HD right!!! Now work out a deal so we can get 937 all the time!
Props to Oceanic and CBS. Emmis (KGMB) should make like a tree and get out of here.

I hope with this surge in HD subscribers OTW will start treating us HD-Pak subscribers better and give us more than 7 channels for the $6.95 we are paying.


Dish Network charges $9.99 for 8 channels.
Directv charges $10.99 for 8 channels, plus effective 2/6 an "HD enabling fee".

All things considered Oceanic offers a reasonable HD package with ABC, NBC and FOX as a throw-in.

Does anyone out there get their HD through DirecTV? I wonder if NFL Sunday Ticket comes in HD, and whether you can get any of the HD regional sports networks. For example, on the East Coast people can watch the Yankees on Yes network, or the Red Sox on New England Sports Network.

Dish Network charges $9.99 for 8 channels.
Directv charges $10.99 for 8 channels, plus effective 2/6 an "HD enabling fee".

All things considered Oceanic offers a reasonable HD package with ABC, NBC and FOX as a throw-in.

Time Warner in Los Angeles is charging $5.00 for 17 channels (not including premium ie HBO, Showtime, etc). Same company and we're being charged more for less.

Props to Oceanic and CBS. Emmis (KGMB) should make like a tree and get out of here.


I too enjoyed the Super Bowl in HD. I switched to Ch. 007 just to check it out in SD - yikes! Here's hoping that we get CBS fulltime in HD soon.

By the way, I am assuming from last line that you caught Back to the Future I & II on HD this past weekend. I caught II and Empire Strikes Back on HD HBO at my in-laws. A great weekend of HD viewing.

By the way, I am assuming from last line that you caught Back to the Future I & II on HD this past weekend. I caught II and Empire Strikes Back on HD HBO at my in-laws. A great weekend of HD viewing.

& III!

Eric

Time Warner in Los Angeles is charging $5.00 for 17 channels (not including premium ie HBO, Showtime, etc). Same company and we're being charged more for less.


Hawaii ain't LA.

They also have SEVEN OTA HD stations in LA on cable, with more to come.

And of course, being the media (and population) center that it is, the media brass bend over backwards to get their stations on cable there in HD.

Eric

Time Warner in Los Angeles is charging $5.00 for 17 channels (not including premium ie HBO, Showtime, etc). Same company and we're being charged more for less.

I read in the HDTV programming forums here there are other Time Warner places where the tier is only $4, and it has about twice more channels than we do. Same for the HBO and Showtime on Demand-- some places give it to you for free if you subscribe to the channel, where us Hawaiians gotta pay exta for it. I think we just pay more for everything being in Hawaii.

I will soon be living in aiea closer to the toysrus side of pearlridge facing toward diamond head side without that many obstuctions in the way. according to antennaweb i'll only catch kbfd and khon...is there any chance that i'll be able to catch more channels, (like kitv, kgmb, and kfve)?

Time Warner in Los Angeles is charging $5.00 for 17 channels (not including premium ie HBO, Showtime, etc). Same company and we're being charged more for less.If Oceanic would offer more HD programming on par with the mainland, and not charge an arm and a leg just because we live in Hawaii, maybe they would attract more HD subscribers. Are you listening Oceanic???

I think that Oceanic needs to be regulated. Did you see the latest bill where they say costs are going up a few bucks again? Seems like their prices go up (at least) once a year.

If Oceanic would offer more HD programming on par with the mainland, and not charge an arm and a leg just because we live in Hawaii, maybe they would attract more HD subscribers. Are you listening Oceanic???


I have looked at what other cable systems charge for HD packages and Oceanic is not way out of line there. When you talk about LA...they are about the cheapest I have found, so that's not a fair comparison (and also economies of scale).

And folks, face the facts...it's MORE EXPENSIVE to do business here in Hawaii!

This is not a biz-friendly place.

As for regulation, there isn't regulation over cable per se...but when the franchise agreement is up for renewal...

That happened in New York City years ago. The worst cable company on the planet, Manhattan Cable, was getting their rears put to the fire. So they anted up and fixed everything! What a change.

They are also a Time Warner company...

But Oceanic is very good. Believe me, I've seen "Both Sides." Yes, they are expensive, but they are a technological pioneer in the field, too. And those bills go up largely because the programming providers raise their rates.


Eric

I think that Oceanic needs to be regulated. Did you see the latest bill where they say costs are going up a few bucks again? Seems like their prices go up (at least) once a year.

Dish Network just raised rates again.
Directv just raised rates again.
Comcast just raised rates again.

So that means Time Warner just raised rates again.

What happened with Hawaiian Telcom's plans to offer tv services?

http://www.kpua.net/news.php?id=7559

What happened with Hawaiian Telcom's plans to offer tv services?

http://www.kpua.net/news.php?id=7559

I think with all of the troubles that Hawaiian Telcom has had with customer service and network issues, they probably wouldn't want to jump into a high-profile venture such as TV service to the home.

It would be nice to drop my OTW bill though, considering it's a little over $200 (ip phone, Dig STB w/ Dig. Recording, HBO/SHO/STARZ+HD, Road Runner, aches, pains, etc.).

But Oceanic is very good. Believe me, I've seen "Both Sides." Yes, they are expensive, but they are a technological pioneer in the field, too. And those bills go up largely because the programming providers raise their rates.
Eric

Yes I agree for the most what you said. But on the flip side, their customer service
leaves ALOT to be desired. Their entry level CSR's are extremely clueless. You try
to get answer from them and you get different answer from each CSR. I switched
to DSL from Road Runner because of this.

Hawaiian Telcom has overbilled me (by hundreds of dollars) every single month since I moved here in August of last year. I call and explain and speak to supervisors and their supervisors, all of whom swear it will never happen again. But it does. Plus they send me disconnect notices for the unpaid overbilled not-yet-credited amounts. Every month.

I'd rather watch the lizards mate on my ceiling than watch any TV service provided by Hawaiian Telcom.

If only I could get cell phone coverage in my apartment. If only Oceanic would wire my building for digital phone. Oceanic may not be perfect but at least they have their billing system under control.

What happened with Hawaiian Telcom's plans to offer tv services?

http://www.kpua.net/news.php?id=7559

I can assure you it will happen. But due to their customer service/back office issues,
it has been pushed back to mid 2007.

I would bet it will get pushed back further, as they haven't gotten approval from
the DCCA-CATV division yet. HawTel has requested a delay six times in making
any final decision on IPTV service.

http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/catv/cable_operators/hawaiian_telcom/

Hawaiian Telcom has overbilled me (by hundreds of dollars) every single month since I moved here in August of last year. I call and explain and speak to supervisors and their supervisors, all of whom swear it will never happen again. But it does. Plus they send me disconnect notices for the unpaid overbilled not-yet-credited amounts. Every month.

I'd rather watch the lizards mate on my ceiling than watch any TV service provided by Hawaiian Telcom.

If only I could get cell phone coverage in my apartment. If only Oceanic would wire my building for digital phone. Oceanic may not be perfect but at least they have their billing system under control.

You can thank BearingPoint for this mess. If hindsight was 20/20 9 months was too short of a period time to re-create from scratch 80 different back office systems here in Hawaii.

Its gotten to the point that Bearing Point has been removed from its capacity
of building HawTel's backoffice systems. Accenture (formerly Arthur Andersen Consulting) is taking over in May 2007 to clean up the mess left by BearingPoint.

For those of you with Panasonic Plasmas trying to tune in Oceanic's digital channels with the QAM tuner.

It seems that the panasonics plamas have a tempermental tuner. People with other brands have told me that they could catch all the channels on RustyC's list but my panasonic could catch only 2 digital channels. I called panasonic's plasma concierge customer support who then had a local service center replace my tuner.

It did not help. I then had Oceanic check out my signal strength. Signal strength was good. A week later for some reason I could catch everything except KHON. I don't know if Oceanic did something or if the tuner is just fussy.

Panasonic customer service then sent me a firmware update and now I can get KHON. Panasonic customer support was good. If any of you other panasonic plasma owners have trouble I highly suggest calling their plasma concierge support.

Oceanic telelphone customer service insists that you can only get the HD local channels via cable box only. They did not understand getting it through the QAM. The panasonic support called them too and gave him the same feedback.

The Oceanic tech that came to my house said that they are providing no support at this time for anything you catch through the QAM. I guess that makes sense since it is relatively new and not mentioned on their website or ads.

rascalmarc,
I really doubt there was anything wrong with your tv, because something similar happened to me. I bought a vizio 47" lcd about three weeks ago and when I first scaned for qam
channels I got around 25. A few days later it was down to 10 and a few days later down to 2 like you. Also, I was getting these channels in what seemed to be scrambled condition. I was going crazy, cause I too thought it was my tuner. Then I thought it was probably a problem with the my apt building cable wiring. Anyway, right before I was going to call octw, I decided to scan one more time a few days ago, and to my surprise. I now recieved over 30 qam stations. After reading your post, it leads me to believe that the problem was definitely on oceanic's end. Also. I doubt that calling oceanic would of done any good, as it seems that their customer service are clueless! :(

rascalmarc, thanks for the anecdote. I have a Panasonic TH-42PX60U and subscribe to digital cable through OTW, but a few weeks ago I tried the QAM out of curiosity. I couldn't get FOX-HD but I could get ABC and NBC. Most channels, such as 80.132 through 80.157, were blank. It was a nuisance checking all the channels the tuner picked up, and in the end less than 20% of them showed any content.

Too bad ESPNHD is encrypted, or else I'd just go with the QAM and an antenna!

For those of you with Panasonic Plasmas trying to tune in Oceanic's digital channels with the QAM tuner.

It seems that the panasonics plamas have a tempermental tuner. People with other brands have told me that they could catch all the channels on RustyC's list but my panasonic could catch only 2 digital channels. I called panasonic's plasma concierge customer support who then had a local service center replace my tuner.

It did not help. I then had Oceanic check out my signal strength. Signal strength was good. A week later for some reason I could catch everything except KHON. I don't know if Oceanic did something or if the tuner is just fussy.

Panasonic customer service then sent me a firmware update and now I can get KHON. Panasonic customer support was good. If any of you other panasonic plasma owners have trouble I highly suggest calling their plasma concierge support.

Oceanic telelphone customer service insists that you can only get the HD local channels via cable box only. They did not understand getting it through the QAM. The panasonic support called them too and gave him the same feedback.

The Oceanic tech that came to my house said that they are providing no support at this time for anything you catch through the QAM. I guess that makes sense since it is relatively new and not mentioned on their website or ads.

I forgot to mention that at the time I got the Panasonic Plasma TH-42PX60U I also got a Sony LCD KDL-S2000. This was in mid December 2006. The Sony could catch all of the QAM digital channels from day one. That's what led me to believe the Panasonic's tuner was the problem. But as others have pointed out not all QAM tuners are equal.

FWIW, All of my HDTV's have no problems with any of the QAM signals:
60" Sony, 42" Samsung, 20" Sharp

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.

Anyone else watch KGMB over-the-air last nite? I don't know about the earlier programs, but CSI Miami was in HD. First time I've seen anything HD time shifted for us...though Letterman was not HD. Anyway, hope more is on the way tonite! :cool:

I can confirm what RedsandVB posted last night...KGMB is timeshifting HD OTA. Without A Trace was in HD tonight. Very nice indeed...

Navy NCIS was also in HD OTA last night, but didn't look that great (film grain?). That might be intended though.

What kind of antennas are you guys using? i tried a passive loop, loop through an amplifier, i might try the log periodic ones from either zenith or phillips. What would you all recommend for indoor?

What kind of antennas are you guys using? i tried a passive loop, loop through an amplifier, i might try the log periodic ones from either zenith or phillips. What would you all recommend for indoor?I had very bad luck with a wide variety of indoor antennas, but a classic Radio Shack double bowtie, placed just outside our lanai doors (ground floor in Kaimuki), pulls in everything for us. (BTW, this is no longer in the RS catalogue, but at one store in town they still had one in the back room last fall, and the manager sold it to me for under $10.)

For KHON-DT you are not going to do better than a set of rabbit ears. - DR

Maybe KGMB is just testing it's HD equipment. I peaked at Jericho and CSI-NY and both were SD.

Yeah, CBS prime time last night was definitely back to SD. As you said, probably testing out new equipment.

Antennawise, I use a Terk TV5 and am able to pick up KHON, KITV, KGMB, KHET, and KHNL (and some other stations that aren't my main focus). Given that, my house is on the hill behind Diamond Head and facing town. (I'm sure that is a bigger factor in my reception capabilities than the $35 antenna.)

What kind of antennas are you guys using? i tried a passive loop, loop through an amplifier, i might try the log periodic ones from either zenith or phillips. What would you all recommend for indoor?
I use an unamplified Terk indoor antenna, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0001FV36E/ref=pd_luc_mri/102-9708486-2604947?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance . Was just $21 when I got it, price seems to have jumped in the last few months. From the Diamond Head side of a Makiki apartment I get KHON, KITV, and KGMB DTs along w/ some others.

Hope KGMB 'tests' things out again tonite. :cool:

I'm watching Shark on KGMB-DT and sure enough it's HD.

It's also appears from the audio that KGMB is now using a 5.1 surrond simulator(the name eludes me) for periods of 2.0 audio output from CBS.

Hello all. I'm a newbie to the island, and to this forum, but I'm excited to see that there's a discussion going on about over-the-air HD here. My question is about reception. Upon my last visit to antennaweb, the broadcast direction for KHNL had moved downtown (previously it was Makakilo, I think). I'm in Manoa Valley. So I got all excited, since I'm receiving all other downtown digital channels (2.1, 4.1, 9.1) with my little amplified RCA loop-and-rabbit-ears from Sears.

Alas, "channel not available". Are any of your successfully receiving NBC over the air from this area? And if so, what are you using?

Thanks to all of you for your fellowship in the infancy of Hawaii's HD future.

Hello all. I'm a newbie to the island, and to this forum, but I'm excited to see that there's a discussion going on about over-the-air HD here. My question is about reception. Upon my last visit to antennaweb, the broadcast direction for KHNL had moved downtown (previously it was Makakilo, I think). I'm in Manoa Valley. So I got all excited, since I'm receiving all other downtown digital channels (2.1, 4.1, 9.1) with my little amplified RCA loop-and-rabbit-ears from Sears.

Alas, "channel not available". Are any of your successfully receiving NBC over the air from this area? And if so, what are you using?

Thanks to all of you for your fellowship in the infancy of Hawaii's HD future.
KHNL's transmitter is located on Palehua Ridge above Makakilo. I believe the transmitter is directing the signal towards town, but is isn't putting out much power. If you can't see the ridgetop, it's unlikely you'll be able to receive this or the other stations that broadcast from there.

FYI- KGMB DT 9.1 (CBS) is testing new HD time shifting equipment OTA. But not all cbs shows are produced in HD.

Upon my last visit to antennaweb, the broadcast direction for KHNL had moved downtown (previously it was Makakilo, I think).
I'm guessing, like delar said, it's still there 'cause I can't KHNL-DT but can get analog KHNL.

I don't remember if it was posted before, but why is it that they're broadcasting analog from one place and digital from another? Anyone know?

Antennaweb is wrong. They place KHNL's digital transmitter as the same as analog.
The reason KHNL transmits from different locations is that the Hilton Hawaiian Village refused to let KHNL install a digital transmitter there. Thus KHNL-DT uses the same tower as sister station KFVE.
KHON had similar problem with Century Center, which is why KHON-DT transmits from KGMB's tower on Kapiolani.

The reason KHNL transmits from different locations is that the Hilton Hawaiian Village refused to let KHNL install a digital transmitter there. Thus KHNL-DT uses the same tower as sister station KFVE.
KHON had similar problem with Century Center, which is why KHON-DT transmits from KGMB's tower on Kapiolani.

Interesting. Thanks. :cool:

Has anyone heard anything about KHON in full primetime HD? This month maybe?

KGMB Sold!

Pacific Business News just reported that KGMB is being sold by the evil Emmis Broadcasting for $40 million to HITV Operating Co., a mainland investment group. But, sadly, they are buying it because the land the station occupies on Kapiolani Blvd is so valuable. They plan to move the station and build Yet Another High-rise condo there. HITV Operating Co., is itself a subsidiary of MCG Capital Corp. of Arlington, VA. Another bunch of money shufflers.
Deal is all-cash, and expected to close in the 1st half of this year.

Eric

Anyone know what frequency KHNL-HD is on now for OTW? I tried going to it last night (I think it was 83.3), but didn't get a signal.

Anyone know what frequency KHNL-HD is on now for OTW? I tried going to it last night (I think it was 83.3), but didn't get a signal.FWIW, I recorded Heroes in HD last night on 83.3.

KGMB Sold!

Pacific Business News just reported that KGMB is being sold by the evil Emmis Broadcasting for $40 million to HITV Operating Co., a mainland investment group. But, sadly, they are buying it because the land the station occupies on Kapiolani Blvd is so valuable. They plan to move the station and build Yet Another High-rise condo there. HITV Operating Co., is itself a subsidiary of MCG Capital Corp. of Arlington, VA. Another bunch of money shufflers.
Deal is all-cash, and expected to close in the 1st half of this year.

Eric

Hopefully it will make sense to them to have their HD channel added to OTW for free. There must be other people like me who end up not watching KGMB at all because it is not available in HD on cable.

FWIW, I recorded Heroes in HD last night on 83.3.
Thanks Rusty, I'll have to check again.

KGMB Sold!At the KGMB website they emphasize, "The transaction will not have any affect on CBS programming or the quality of our newscasts." A pity twice over :D - DR

anyone gte OTA in Ewa Beach by gentry if so what antenna and where younpointing it?

At the KGMB website they emphasize, "The transaction will not have any affect on CBS programming or the quality of our newscasts." A pity twice over :D - DR

Dammit.... you made me blow Mt. Dew outta my nose...

sorry fat fingered my question
does anyone have OTA in Ewa Beach Working.
If so what kind of antenna
I live in Gentry and have a 2 story house

I tried a couple of different inside antennas (both unamplified and amplified) on the 1st floor of my house and couldn't pick up anything in Ewa. Might need to go with an outside antenna. I get my HD through Oceanic now.

Spleen

I had one for a while indoors in EWA and could get about 20 stations. Looking at an attic antenna, but do not know which one

Found some QAM channels coming in clear: 81.26 (MC 815 Retro), 82.11 (611 HBO), 82.12 (612 HBOP), 107.2 (349 Ocean, with no sound).

Thanks Greg. I can think of a couple in there that prolly won't last long:-) - DR

Thanks Greg. I can think of a couple in there that prolly won't last long:-) - DR

:D

Spleen

I asked Erika Engle if she heard anything new about KHON HD

---------2-23-07

Last I heard from Pres./GM Joe McNamara, they were to have the improved HD thing up and running at the end of Feb.

I don't have HD, so if, come March 1, you're not seeing Fox prime in HD, will you please let me know? Also, if you DO start seeing Fox prime in HD by end Feb., please let me know that, too.

Thanks!

-- Erika

Thanks Greg. I can think of a couple in there that prolly won't last long:-) - DR

yup-- last year some bright guy here mentioned the Hawaii Pay per view football games were coming in the clear over QAM and from the next week on they disappeared forever. This after we were getting it for the past 3 years. :mad:

Any news on KHON in HD?

Sent the following message to KHON:

"I and the other HD fanatics have been waiting with great anticipation
for KHON to start broadcasting prime time shows in HD . Thought
everything was on track. What's happened? Sure would be great to see
American Idol, House, and 24 in HD. By the way, while watching KHON on
Oceanic Channel 933, I and other watchers have noticed some burned out
pixels in the center of the picture. This appears to be a glitch in
your equipment. Shows up on local and mainland programming."

Got the following response:

"Thanks for alerting us to the "burned out pixels" problem. Our
engineering department will look into this.

We're still working on resolving our HD issues.

Thank you."

Sent the following message to KHON:

"I and the other HD fanatics have been waiting with great anticipation
for KHON to start broadcasting prime time shows in HD . Thought


Speak for yourself....I quit watching KHON when Malia Mattoch left.

Why are they so stingy with the information??? Why can't they just say it is not going to happen until fall or 3 months... or next year maybe? Just give us the facts, why not?

Sounds like they're having problems and don't know when they'll get the HD active. Too bad, though I'm thinking that Joe Moore in HD would not be a good thing.

Anyone else getting sound but no picture on Heroes QAM tonight?

Same here on OTA. I need my heroes in HD

Sweet. Looks like they fixed it.

Sweet. Looks like they fixed it.Thanks, for the heads up. Got to see the Spiderman 3 exclusive look in HD.

It was KHNL's Big Screwup...only audio on HD from before 7 to 8:30...

They screwed up the start of HEROES on SD as well. You could hear the speedy audio as they rewound for a couple of minutes with "dead air" before it started.

Anyone else having problems with Oceanics "Start Over" feature and DVR boxes? Box locks up sometimes, and I've lost a few of my recorded shows. I wish they'd get rid of that damn thing. If anyone is interested in a one month box credit, call Oceanic and complain, asking them about compensation for the irritating problem.

The CW on QAM 85.4 is now in-the-clear!!!!! :D

Any recent news about the status of CBS in HD?

I was hoping to see the NCCA basketball tournament in HD but the tournament is right around the corner.

Any recent news about the status of CBS in HD?

I was hoping to see the NCCA basketball tournament in HD but the tournament is right around the corner.
I would be very surprised to see KGMB-DT on Oceanic before then.

Just an idea, but Elite Electronics on Keeaumoku has many of their floor models tuned to KGMB-DT OTA. :D

Can everyone call KHON and ask about the status of HD in primetime.

Does anyone know what the transfer speeds are suppose to be around? Using speedtest.net , I register only 1200 kb/s download and 343 kb/s upload. When compared to the rest of North America (info I got from the site) it seems kind of slow. Is this right? I was at my in-laws this past weekend in Hilo and they were only registering around 750 kb/s downloading with roadrunner there.

Does anyone know what the transfer speeds are suppose to be around? Using speedtest.net , I register only 1200 kb/s download and 343 kb/s upload. When compared to the rest of North America (info I got from the site) it seems kind of slow. Is this right? I was at my in-laws this past weekend in Hilo and they were only registering around 750 kb/s downloading with roadrunner there.
I was able to get almost 4000 kb/s to San Jose from Honolulu (late nite). Perhaps you were testing during a period of high activity (say mid-to-late afternoon)?

Does anyone know what the transfer speeds are suppose to be around? Using speedtest.net , I register only 1200 kb/s download and 343 kb/s upload. When compared to the rest of North America (info I got from the site) it seems kind of slow. Is this right? I was at my in-laws this past weekend in Hilo and they were only registering around 750 kb/s downloading with roadrunner there.


Isn't it supposed to nominally be 5Mb/sec?

Eric

Isn't it supposed to nominally be 5Mb/sec?

Eric

I can't find anywhere on their web site where they tell you what speeds you're suppose to be getting. I can't get past 1.5Mb/sec, but can't call and complain since I don't know what speed they are advertising. Does 1.5Mb/sec seem kind of slow? When I compare it to other peoples speeds that are posted on that site it is much slower.

Edit: I just found a place where it says up to 50 times faster than 28.8 kbps dial up modems. so 50 x 28.8 =1440 kbps. So I guess I am getting what they are advertising. It's weird that practically everybody else on the mainland and other countries seem to be much much faster. How the heck is HDLantern getting 4000 kbps?!?!

The "official" current Oceanic Road Runner Residential service speed is 5000/384. For $10 a month more you can now get "Turbo" service, which is a measly 8000/512.

If you get Business Class service you get greater bandwidth (and a coveted real boost in upload speed).

Because of the monopoly Oceanic has in HI and since Hawaiian Tel DSL is only 3Mbs download, they feel no pressure to increase the bandwidth like many cable operators on the mainland where such animals as FIOS and U-Verse are proliferating.

Yes, 1.5Mbs is rather slow...but it depends on all of your neighbors' surfing habits as well. RobertCEO, do you live in a very urban area with lotsa neighbors?

You get the best speed living in the boondocks with Road Runner (few neighbors hogging the bandwidth...)

Eric

The "official" current Oceanic Road Runner Residential service speed is 5000/384. For $10 a month more you can now get "Turbo" service, which is a measly 8000/512.

If you get Business Class service you get greater bandwidth (and a coveted real boost in upload speed).

Because of the monopoly Oceanic has in HI and since Hawaiian Tel DSL is only 3Mbs download, they feel no pressure to increase the bandwidth like many cable operators on the mainland where such animals as FIOS and U-Verse are proliferating.

Yes, 1.5Mbs is rather slow...but it depends on all of your neighbors' surfing habits as well. RobertCEO, do you live in a very urban area with lotsa neighbors?

You get the best speed living in the boondocks with Road Runner (few neighbors hogging the bandwidth...)

Eric

thanks for the info; I live in Makiki, with lots of condos concentrated in one area. I guess that could be a reason why it's so slow. It would be worth it for me to pay that $10 for turbo service, since I assume that speed would be guaranteed, and since I'm only getting in at around 1300/350, it would be a big jump. Anyone else pay extra for this service? I'm on their "surf pak" promotion and wonder if can still qualify for it just by adding on another $10. Sucks how Oceanic isn't upgrading their RR service here because of their monoply; just another way we get screwed by living out here.

RobertCEO, try http://www.dslreports.com/speedtest. The DSL Reports speed tests are one of the most accurate speed tests online. But to me, it would seem that something is amiss if you are getting only 1.5Mbps. As the official speeds are 5Mbps. With overhead, you should be getting 4.5-4.6Mbps.

I can't find anywhere on their web site where they tell you what speeds you're suppose to be getting. I can't get past 1.5Mb/sec, but can't call and complain since I don't know what speed they are advertising. Does 1.5Mb/sec seem kind of slow? When I compare it to other peoples speeds that are posted on that site it is much slower.

Edit: I just found a place where it says up to 50 times faster than 28.8 kbps dial up modems. so 50 x 28.8 =1440 kbps. So I guess I am getting what they are advertising. It's weird that practically everybody else on the mainland and other countries seem to be much much faster. How the heck is HDLantern getting 4000 kbps?!?!
Well, this was late at night and a relatively short hop to San Jose. I later tried to test the connection to New York, and the speed fell to the low 3,000's.

RobertCEO, try http://www.dslreports.com/speedtest. The DSL Reports speed tests are one of the most accurate speed tests online. But to me, it would seem that something is amiss if you are getting only 1.5Mbps. As the official speeds are 5Mbps. With overhead, you should be getting 4.5-4.6Mbps.

I just tried this and got the same results, so I called Oceanic asking about the turbo service. He said it just an added $9.95 to your bill, regardless if you're on the surf pak. I told him about my slow results, and he said those kind of tests (using another server on the mainland) don't count, but to try speedtest.oceanic.com . when I tried it there, I did get a 4.6mbps download speed. Strange. He gave some technical reason about why those other types of speedtests don't count, and since I don't know much about this I really couldn't say anything. One thing I don't understand is how come others are taking the same tests at speedtest.net and dslreports, but getting in the 5 Mbps range while the most I got is 1.5 Mbps. If we're all using the same site to test from Oahu, shouldn't the results be similar?

If anyone has the turbo service, is it any good? I'm thinking with the baseball season coming up i'm going to need the extra speed to watch the games on mlb.com. I'm also thinking about getting the Sling device to watch shows while I travel so could use the extra upload speed too.

I just tried this and got the same results, so I called Oceanic asking about the turbo service. He said it just an added $9.95 to your bill, regardless if you're on the surf pak. I told him about my slow results, and he said those kind of tests (using another server on the mainland) don't count, but to try speedtest.oceanic.com . when I tried it there, I did get a 4.6mbps download speed. Strange. He gave some technical reason about why those other types of speedtests don't count, and since I don't know much about this I really couldn't say anything. One thing I don't understand is how come others are taking the same tests at speedtest.net and dslreports, but getting in the 5 Mbps range while the most I got is 1.5 Mbps. If we're all using the same site to test from Oahu, shouldn't the results be similar?

If anyone has the turbo service, is it any good? I'm thinking with the baseball season coming up i'm going to need the extra speed to watch the games on mlb.com. I'm also thinking about getting the Sling device to watch shows while I travel so could use the extra upload speed too.

Hi Robert,

Did you try the Flash or the Java based test at dslreports? I've never tried the Flash test, but using the Java tests from Megapath (SF) and Speakeasy (Palo Alto) I got 4817/364 and 4759/363 here in Makiki. I used Firefox 1.5.0.10 and java 5 somethin'. There's gotta be something going on...

Edit:
Oceanic's test just gave me 4.88Mbps, seems right.

I wonder what's going on?

speed test to San Jose 3-8-07 6:09PM

4891 and 365

Waikiki area

speed test to San Jose 3-8-07 6:09PM

4891 and 365

Waikiki area
I got a nearly identical result, with test done at the same time from the same area.

Thanks for the heads up on the Turbo option Eric. $44.95 a month for 8000/512 is inviting. The speeds I get now are pretty fast and consistant, but being a heavy downloader, it might be worth a try.

Robert, you should be getting better results on those DSLReports speed tests. Upgrading to Turbo may not increase your speed any if there is a problem with your computer, modem or the node you happen to be on. Besides, Oceanic doesn't guarantee speeds. I believe they use the words "up to 50 times dialup" when stating download speeds, which could be anything.

ditto here in Ewa Beach (Ocean Pointe) to be exact.
4910 and 375 using www.speedtest.net .
If you are getting bottlenecks in your neighborhood buying more "maximum" bandwidth probably won't net you any more speed than you are already getting.
Sy

thanks for the help everybody; I still can't figure this out, and after thinking this through won't waste the extra $10 since what Delar said is probably true. I tried all the tests at DSL reports and have slow results, less than 1.5 mbps, yet the speedtest.oceanic.com test tells me I have 4.5 mbps speed. I actually can't tell that my connection is "slow", it's only after I use the speed tests sites I see that it's on the slow side. If I have problems with the MLB gameday service I'll probably have to do something.

I would ask a neighbor who is also using RR to give you a speed test as well. Can you watch videos online without pausing? It never pauses at the speeds I have been getting. I have a friend in Century Center and his speed are terrible. The problem is the Board of the building won't allow RR to do updates on the system in the building... they don't want any new wires. If I could not get RR I would not live in a building.

Robert,

You might try using the tweak test at http://www.dslreports.com/tweaks, it might identify a problem in your configuration. MLB also has a speedtest at it's site: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/subscriptions/premium.jsp?c_id=mlb
Can't hurt.

Brad,

I have similar issues in the building I live in, lucky that I am able to use Dish for HD and Clearwire for broadband.

Hi Folks!

My wife and I will be moving to Hilo in a few months, and I'm trying to figure out how I should plan on configuring things. Is cable the only way to get HD locals? Is there even an OTA signal available there? I don't think DirecTv offers the HI locals in HD...or do they?

Thanks for any advice!
Bob

There digital station relays for ABC, NBC, and FOX broadcasting in Hilo, if you look it up on http://antennaweb.org

FOX (KHAW-DT 21) seems to have a strong signal according to this site (http://radiostationworld.com/locations/hawaii/TV.asp), while the others are fairly weak. I'm on the other side of the island, so I've never actually tried picking up any of those stations (waiting on the Maui transmitters).

So far, Hilo is the only place in the state other than Honolulu with digital stations broadcasting. Is anyone on this forum in Hilo able to try picking up digital OTA and let us know how it goes?

If i pick up the analog counterparts pretty strong, is it ok to assume that the digital ones should come good too? reason i'm asking is because i see channel 9 pretty good, but the digital counterpart doesn't come out at all i'm also using a broadband amplifier using my condo's antenna, (i'm not sure, but i would assume it some kind of yagi) and it's still not finding it. I live in Aiea.

If i pick up the analog counterparts pretty strong, is it ok to assume that the digital ones should come good too? reason i'm asking is because i see channel 9 pretty good, but the digital counterpart doesn't come out at all i'm also using a broadband amplifier using my condo's antenna, (i'm not sure, but i would assume it some kind of yagi) and it's still not finding it. I live in Aiea.I think the analogs are on VHF and the digital stations are on UHF. Maybe your condo's antenna is VHF only?

according to antenna web.org 2.1 should work since it is vhf, any ideas why it won't work?

Have you tried tunning it on channel 8? FWIW, that site says its freq assign. is 8.

In case anybody is having similar "slow" RR speeds, I have fixed the problem. It had to do with something called RWIN in TCP control panel(?). I did a tweak test at dslreports and it said my RWIN number should be changed. I couldn't figure out the ideal number to set it to since I didn't understand how to do the formula, so I just did the max number in the range they suggested, 125560. My old settings were at 14600. This made my speeds like everybody else here, at about 4911 download. Thanks to Charles who suggested using the tweak test. I already notice a difference. Using Netflix's streaming watch-now movies, I now show "excellent" speed compared to "basic" which I had before, and the picture looks much better.

has anyone been experiencing problems w/ DVR from OTW? Some of the problems that I encountered were. not recording when programed, playback issues like freezing up.
Would purchasing my own set top box i.e. tivo DVR be a option worth researching?

has anyone been experiencing problems w/ DVR from OTW? Some of the problems that I encountered were. not recording when programed, playback issues like freezing up.
Would purchasing my own set top box i.e. tivo DVR be a option worth researching?

I have had the OTW DVR since day one... I have taken back a few. But it's been a long time since I have had any real problems. I have the HD8300. If you are having problems swap your machine for a new one... its free.

A reboot can fix a lot of problems as well... try that first.

I also swapped out a couple of HD8300's before I got the present one that has worked without problems for over 1 year. There was never any hassle swappiing one that was not working properly at the Mililani OTW office.

Hi I live in Ewa I'm a long time Dish user and I just got OTW. Just wondering if any body out there has a real fine snowy affect on some channels Spike, USA, VH1, MTV ect. I never had that before with Dish. It seems to be happening to those basic cable channels. While G4, MTV2, VH1 classic ect. which are stated digital look just fine also my HD looks real good too. I'm just wondering if its just me, Ewa, or everyone who has oceanic. Thanks in advance and sorry if this post is in the wrong spot. Also, I have HD thru the 8300HD.

Good News! I just got off the phone with the GM at KHON and he said they are now installing the equipment for primetime HD. He thinks it will be up and running in a week, maybe two.

Lets hope he's right.

has anyone been experiencing problems w/ DVR from OTW? Some of the problems that I encountered were. not recording when programed, playback issues like freezing up.
Would purchasing my own set top box i.e. tivo DVR be a option worth researching?

I'm having issues too. I swear it's that blasted "Start Over" feature that's the culprit. Doesn't play nicely with DVRs. OTW rep admitted they're having problems.

BRAD, good job getting to the top and finalling getting a straight answer from KHON!

OTA in ewa/kapolei
is anyone getting it, and what antenna are you using
thanx

Cheskie,

I live in Ewa Gentry and am using a homemade antenna which you can make yourself. I only spent like 5 bucks. I think I get all channels, I will know more after I install the reflecting plate and try again this weekend.

Go to dubdubdub lumenlab dot come, and look for the diy hd antenna.
(this is my first post so i cant directly link)

You will also need to go to antennaweb dot orgs to find the compass bering of where to point your antenna.

Give it a try, good luck.

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed a marked increase in macroblocking during scene transitions and high motion sequences on programs showing on HDNetMovies and DiscoveryHD channels. This seems to have started a few weeks ago. I hope this isn't the future of HD on Oceanic. SDV, where art thou.

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed a marked increase in macroblocking during scene transitions and high motion sequences on programs showing on HDNetMovies and DiscoveryHD channels. ...
No, I haven't noticed that. I did see an increase in macroblocking on ENCORE and WAM -- just those two channels -- about a month ago. I complained, and the Oceanic CSR said it sounded like an interference problem, to him. He sent a technician out to my house, who decided the cable in from the street needed replacing. Replacing the cabling did fix the problem.

So, especially if no one else has noticed the specific problem you've told us about, Oceanic might be able to help.

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed a marked increase in macroblocking during scene transitions and high motion sequences on programs showing on HDNetMovies and DiscoveryHD channels. This seems to have started a few weeks ago. I hope this isn't the future of HD on Oceanic. SDV, where art thou.

Yes I have been noticing that myself.

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed a marked increase in macroblocking during scene transitions and high motion sequences on programs showing on HDNetMovies and DiscoveryHD channels. This seems to have started a few weeks ago. I hope this isn't the future of HD on Oceanic. SDV, where art thou.
That has always been a problem for me. While watching Wayne's World 2 on Friday it did look particularly bad, though.

BluBtl
what statiions do you get OTA
do you get all the stations if you go to zap2it and type
96706 and go to tv tvlistings local broadcast
thanx

BluBtl
what statiions do you get OTA
do you get all the stations if you go to zap2it and type
96706 and go to tv tvlistings local broadcast
thanx

Using the DB2 knockoff (lumenlab dot come DiY):
KITV-HD(4.1)40 ABC
KHET-HD(11.1)18 PBS
KHET-SD(11.2)18 Create TV
KHNL-HD(13.1/35.4)35 NBC
KHNL-SD(13.2/35.5)35 Weather Plus
KWHE-DT(14.1)31 Ind.
KIKU-DT(20.1)19 Japanese/Asian
KAAH D-*(26)27 ?
KBFD-DT(32.1)33 Korean
KPXO-DT(66.1)41 "i" Network(Delayed)
qubo (66.2)41 Children's TV
"i" East(66.3)41 "i" Network (Live)
Worship(66.4)41 Religion
(difficult to dial in Fox and CW and CBS with this antenna)

Using a Folded Dipole antenna tuned for 180-183Mhz:
KHON-HD(2.1)8 Fox
KHON-SD(2.2)8 CW
KFVE-DT(5.1)23 My NetworkTV
KGMB-DT(9.1)22 CBS
plus the list above
(difficult to dial in ABC with this antenna)

I put CBS and KFVE on the list because they are supposed to be brodcasting from the same locations as the other channels. CBS - FOX, KFVE - KHNL. I think they are not broadcasting at the moment, Im going to call them today to find out. (I just called and they are not broadcasting digital just analog).

All this from wood/balun/copperwire(not stolen) found around the house to test what signals I can pick up and this is all being done inside the home on the first floor. Since I know that the signals are present, I may end up purchasing a 20 dollar VHF/UHF at daiea (the one with rabbit ears and wire circle combo).

PS. Nova on PBS HD last night was awsome.

Good luck,
BluBtl

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed a marked increase in macroblocking during scene transitions and high motion sequences on programs showing on HDNetMovies and DiscoveryHD channels. This seems to have started a few weeks ago. I hope this isn't the future of HD on Oceanic. SDV, where art thou.
That has always been a problem for me. While watching Wayne's World 2 on Friday it did look particularly bad, though.
Ya know what, things are definitely worse. I mean, things were bad before but this is just ridiculous. :mad: What the heck is going on w/ Oceanic!?

Ya know what, things are definitely worse. I mean, things were bad before but this is just ridiculous. :mad: What the heck is going on w/ Oceanic!?

I've been noticing this too-- even shows like "Nothing But Trailers" on HDNET is getting a lot of problems; usually it's one of the best. It's not even when there's fast action or scene transitions, it just happens anytime. Don't know how to describe it in technical terms, but I've been getting a whole line of blocks going horizontally.

DiscoveryHD, HDNet and HDNetMovies are currently being squeezed onto the same QAM channel. Not sure if they always have been, but this practice sure doesn't help PQ. At times it's so bad I can't bring myself to watch those channels. I really, really hope that implimentation of SDV will make these problems go away.

I am looking at them this morning and they are looking good. Hope it stays this way.

I wonder if the inplementation of that "Start Over" feature is eating too much bandwidth forcing them to piggy back the HD channels. I sure hope they get their priorities straight:
1. HDTV
2. SDTV
3. PPV
4. Stupid interactive sh!t

If TWC doesn't get it their sh!t together before Direct TV comes out with their new HD package. I'm a switching.......... I hope your listening TWC. I'm not the only one on Maui who feels the same.

Oceanic must be tinkering with things because the PQ of the channels in question has improved greatly beginning yesterday. In fact DiscoveryHD looks great.....better than I've ever seen it. HDNetMovies is about the same as it was before the problems started.

DON'T MISS THIS!!!

Starting on Discovery HD this Sunday....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/23/AR2007032301868.html?referrer=email

"Planet Earth" sets a new standard in nature documentaries. The 11-part BBC series is full of astonishing sights -- views of the Earth and its nonhuman creatures that outshine virtually anything seen on the screen before.

Years will pass before another program poses a serious challenge to this landmark.

Oceanic must be tinkering with things because the PQ of the channels in question has improved greatly beginning yesterday. In fact DiscoveryHD looks great.....better than I've ever seen it. HDNetMovies is about the same as it was before the problems started.

Hmm, still looks bad for me. Watching the Trailers show on HDNET right now and the picture keeps breaking up; also some audio glithches. Manchurian Candidate on TNT is even worse. Picture is always blocky, even in still scenes. I wonder if my cable signal is too weak or something. Even Waterworld on UHD, which seems to always have a great picture is getting glitches.

Discovery did look better... but I have also seen problems on HDNET recently. It seem to vary. Call and complain, I think it is system wide, not just your house

No, you guys are right. Was watching part of an NHL game today and HDNet still looks bad.....as does HDNetMovies. It looks like those 2 channels are sacrificing bandwidth for DiscoveryHD (all on same QAM channel), which continues to look very good.

Baseball starts in a week and still no ESPN2HD.

FSN-HD 951 is not in our line-up on Maui. It was in there a few months back when they added KHNL-HD, but was quickly removed. Do you guys on the other islands still have it?

FSN (http://msn.foxsports.com/name/HD) hasn't updated their listings since 1/31/07, and am interested to know if they will be broadcasting Dodgers games in HD.

And, as mentioned above, is there any news on ESPN2-HD???

FSN-HD 951 is not in our line-up on Maui. It was in there a few months back when they added KHNL-HD, but was quickly removed. Do you guys on the other islands still have it?

FSN (http://msn.foxsports.com/name/HD) hasn't updated their listings since 1/31/07, and am interested to know if they will be broadcasting Dodgers games in HD.

And, as mentioned above, is there any news on ESPN2-HD???


No....it's long gone on Da Big Eyeland, too.

No news on ESPN2 HD.

Lotsa new on Demand channels, tho'.

Eric

Still have FSN-HD 951 here on Oahu, though I have only seen two Sunday college basketball games in three months. And for those, the guide didn't even list the games.

The only reason I checked for those games was that hdsportsguide.com listed them as "FSN-HD," and the guide listed channel 226 (FSN west) as showing the same game.

Haven't heard about ESPN2HD but it seems to be an issue with Time Warner national. Even their customers in New York City can't get it. Either way it is irritating. If they dont get their act together before football season I may switch to satellite.

So is Oceanic actually delivering on the HD channels that they advertise in their HD package or are there still problems?

So is Oceanic actually delivering on the HD channels that they advertise in their HD package or are there still problems?

Yes for the most part they are... I watch 90% HD now.

Yes for the most part they are... I watch 90% HD now.

Thanks. Good to know. I was wondering whether to struggle with OTA or pony up and pay the price for the Oceanic service. Seems like OTA, while free, is a real challenge.

Just turned on the TV to ch.933 and wheel of fortune is in 16x9 full HD. It does not appeared to be stretched. Does anyone know if they have turned up their HD equipment?

Just turned on the TV to ch.933 and wheel of fortune is in 16x9 full HD. It does not appeared to be stretched. Does anyone know if they have turned up their HD equipment?
I don't know what that is, but it looks horrible.

It appears to be nothing more than stretched SD. (I changed the picture size on my TV to fit it in a 4:3 ratio and it then looks normal...for SD)

Hopefully they are goofing around getting ready for time delayed HD...

Yep, i see it now, it is stretched. Hope they are doing only testing.

Anyone else noticed that tonight's Lost on KITV ch. 936 was in standard broadcast tonight?

I think they screwed up the HD recording again, and the audio was also lost in the first few minutes. They showed the standard broadcast throughout...

I know the previous sitcom was not shown in HD either.

I'm so disappointed because I really wanted to see the two annoying characters, Nikki and Paulo, face their future tonight. But... no.

RE: "Lost"

Last night I turned on KITV-HD "Lost" on my relatively new HDTV on clearQAM channel (no OTW set-top box) just before Lost started.**The picture was in 3:4 format even though the "info" said 720p at 16:9.**When Lost started, the picture switched into 19:9 format, but the sound went dead after a few seconds.**Then the picture switched back to 3:4 then back to 16:9 (I think it did this twice) then back to 3:4 and after about a minute the sound came back but the picture stayed in 3:4 even though the "info" said 720p @ 16:9.**Did anyone else notice this?**Does anyone have any thoughts?**Is it my TV (a new Sony SXRB) which is suppose to automatically switch formats.**Thanks for your thoughts.

RE: "Lost"

Last night I turned on KITV-HD "Lost" on my relatively new HDTV on clearQAM channel (no OTW set-top box) just before Lost started.**The picture was in 3:4 format even though the "info" said 720p at 16:9.**When Lost started, the picture switched into 19:9 format, but the sound went dead after a few seconds.**Then the picture switched back to 3:4 then back to 16:9 (I think it did this twice) then back to 3:4 and after about a minute the sound came back but the picture stayed in 3:4 even though the "info" said 720p @ 16:9.**Did anyone else notice this?**Does anyone have any thoughts?**Is it my TV (a new Sony SXRB) which is suppose to automatically switch formats.**Thanks for your thoughts.

Practically the same thing that I saw on my Sony LCD. I think KITV screwed up and resorted back to the SD 4:3 format. I've seen this happen before, but they usually keep trying to restore the HD format if they've already got it on tape.

Bottom line: I think KITV had a problem with recording the HD feed earlier in the day and just left us with the SD version.

That's too bad because I'd loved to have seen Nikki in her bikini in HD. Seems that won't be the case anymore...

RE: "Lost"

Last night I turned on KITV-HD "Lost" on my relatively new HDTV on clearQAM channel (no OTW set-top box) just before Lost started.**The picture was in 3:4 format even though the "info" said 720p at 16:9.**When Lost started, the picture switched into 19:9 format, but the sound went dead after a few seconds.**Then the picture switched back to 3:4 then back to 16:9 (I think it did this twice) then back to 3:4 and after about a minute the sound came back but the picture stayed in 3:4 even though the "info" said 720p @ 16:9.**Did anyone else notice this?**Does anyone have any thoughts?**Is it my TV (a new Sony SXRB) which is suppose to automatically switch formats.**Thanks for your thoughts.

Even if you're watching a 4:3 SD source on an HD channel (936), it will say 720p, 16:9, because all SD material is upconverted to 720p for that channel.

Follow-up RE: "Lost"

Found out KITV had trouble with equipment...**so it's nit my new Sony**:-)

cheer up, guys. once analog shuts off there will only be the HD feed for the local stations to record and they'll have redundant systems in place. only 23 more months! ;)

speaking of analog shutoff… any word on when the digital transmitters on Maui will go up?

cheer up, guys. once analog shuts off there will only be the HD feed for the local stations to record and they'll have redundant systems in place. only 23 more months! ;)

speaking of analog shutoff… any word on when the digital transmitters on Maui will go up?

not necessairly the case... Just because they stop broadcasting analog doesn't mean they have to broadcast HD. There are plenty of digital channels that don't have a HD counterpart.

not necessairly the case... Just because they stop broadcasting analog doesn't mean they have to broadcast HD. There are plenty of digital channels that don't have a HD counterpart.
The ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX affiliates will most likely be HD when HD shows are on... but you are right. They don't necessarily have to record the feed in HD. SD widescreen is an alternative. Isn't that what KHON has been doing?

Anyone else now have to enter 4 digits to go to a channel using a HD8300?

Now instead of hitting 9-4-0, you have to hit 0-9-4-0 or 9-4-0-Select. Not complaining about hitting an extra button, but what in the world is OTW planning in the 1000's?

Anyone else now have to enter 4 digits to go to a channel using a HD8300?

Now instead of hitting 9-4-0, you have to hit 0-9-4-0 or 9-4-0-Select. Not complaining about hitting an extra button, but what in the world is OTW planning in the 1000's?


I noticed that last night as well. No channel in the 1000s in the guide yet. Hmm...

wondering if OTW added any additional remote codes for my MAXENT monitor. The original codes did not work with when I tried previously.

A friend of mine ran into Joe (GM at KHON) and he wrote me:

"I spoke to Joe again at Ch 2 and he said 24 a week from Monday should be in HD. Joe said they already have the 16x9? format. "

Does anyone know if the OTA digital antennas that show up in annentaweb for Maui are active? I live in Kihei and antennaweb shows Fox to be re-transmitted on channel 36 and CBS to be on channel 24.

Both of these antennas appear to be upcountry from the location from me.

BUT, I have not had any luck picking them up, so just wondering if it is me, or if they are yet to go live.

Thanks.

Anyone else now have to enter 4 digits to go to a channel using a HD8300?

Now instead of hitting 9-4-0, you have to hit 0-9-4-0 or 9-4-0-Select. Not complaining about hitting an extra button, but what in the world is OTW planning in the 1000's?

Happened to the 3250HD, too.

They have repeated all the HD channels in the 1000's...and weird numbers, too!

No rhyme or reason about the numbers, but they seem to be well-spaced.

I noticed the 1000 series too. Strange.

Oceanic is apparently preparing for new channel additions...this new 1000+ channel range is permanent...in about a month, after all of the subscribers have been informed of the new 1000+ HD channel numbers, they will discontinue the HD channels in the 900 range. They are also spreading the channels out to provide more room for "stuff".

Eric

Looks like KITV is going the multicast route.

4.1 KITV-HD
4.2 Weather...currently blank picture
4.3 KITV-SD...currently showing color bars with "3KITV 4" as the indentifier.

Will have to watch "The Rookie" tonight to see how much this affects the HD PQ.

OTW now has some channels up in the 1000's:

1008: HD KHNL
1222: HD ESPN
1333: HD discovery
and a few more, looks like most of the HD channels.

TSReader on KITV during "The Rookie" had the HD feed at 16mb, the static color bars on 4.3 at 1mb and 4.2 was at 400kb.

Lets see what happens when all 3 feeds become active.

A friend of mine ran into Joe (GM at KHON) and he wrote me:

"I spoke to Joe again at Ch 2 and he said 24 a week from Monday should be in HD. Joe said they already have the 16x9? format. "
About that "widescreen format" . . . Everything coming from FOX digital OTA right now is stretched to 16:9 . . . and my TV (Panasonic plasma) can't shrink it, it just crops the edges, leaving it stretched. Please tell your friend, next time you see him, that they need to figure out a way to switch back-and-forth between 4:3 and 16:9, depending on content. Otherwise, I won't be watching any FOX unless it's HD. Yikes. I didn't imagine this change-over to digital was going to be so hard for folks to figure out.

That's awesome! One of the perks of living on the plains, yeah? I can't get PBS HD with my rabbit ears here in Manoa. Anyone else in Manoa have an antenna that's working for NBC and PBS? Or is Tantalus blocking my sight-line?

Looking forward to the future, when repeaters are as common as cell towers . . .

Using the DB2 knockoff (lumenlab dot come DiY):
KITV-HD(4.1)40 ABC
KHET-HD(11.1)18 PBS
KHET-SD(11.2)18 Create TV
KHNL-HD(13.1/35.4)35 NBC
KHNL-SD(13.2/35.5)35 Weather Plus
KWHE-DT(14.1)31 Ind.
KIKU-DT(20.1)19 Japanese/Asian
KAAH D-*(26)27 ?
KBFD-DT(32.1)33 Korean
KPXO-DT(66.1)41 "i" Network(Delayed)
qubo (66.2)41 Children's TV
"i" East(66.3)41 "i" Network (Live)
Worship(66.4)41 Religion
(difficult to dial in Fox and CW and CBS with this antenna)

Using a Folded Dipole antenna tuned for 180-183Mhz:
KHON-HD(2.1)8 Fox
KHON-SD(2.2)8 CW
KFVE-DT(5.1)23 My NetworkTV
KGMB-DT(9.1)22 CBS
plus the list above
(difficult to dial in ABC with this antenna)

I put CBS and KFVE on the list because they are supposed to be brodcasting from the same locations as the other channels. CBS - FOX, KFVE - KHNL. I think they are not broadcasting at the moment, Im going to call them today to find out. (I just called and they are not broadcasting digital just analog).

All this from wood/balun/copperwire(not stolen) found around the house to test what signals I can pick up and this is all being done inside the home on the first floor. Since I know that the signals are present, I may end up purchasing a 20 dollar VHF/UHF at daiea (the one with rabbit ears and wire circle combo).

PS. Nova on PBS HD last night was awsome.

Good luck,
BluBtl

Oceanic is apparently preparing for new channel additions...this new 1000+ channel range is permanent...in about a month, after all of the subscribers have been informed of the new 1000+ HD channel numbers, they will discontinue the HD channels in the 900 range. They are also spreading the channels out to provide more room for "stuff".

Eric
Are my olfactories deceiving me or do I smell ESPN2HD around the corner?

About that "widescreen format" . . . Everything coming from FOX digital OTA right now is stretched to 16:9 . . . and my TV (Panasonic plasma) can't shrink it, it just crops the edges, leaving it stretched. Please tell your friend, next time you see him, that they need to figure out a way to switch back-and-forth between 4:3 and 16:9, depending on content. Otherwise, I won't be watching any FOX unless it's HD. Yikes. I didn't imagine this change-over to digital was going to be so hard for folks to figure out.


Actually, Sunday is when KHON has real HD stuff on. NASCAR, today. Live sporting events are it until they complete the HD plant.

Has anyone checked to see if KHNL is now showing the NBC Nightly News in HD? NBC started about a week ago.

Eric

Are my olfactories deceiving me or do I smell ESPN2HD around the corner?


Could be. There are also MHD, CinemaxHD, StarzHD, Nat GeoHD, FoodHD, HGTVHD, A&EHD, KHETHD, KGMBHD, and others.

TSReader on KITV during "The Rookie" had the HD feed at 16mb, the static color bars on 4.3 at 1mb and 4.2 was at 400kb.

Lets see what happens when all 3 feeds become active.

Thanks. I was channel surfing today and came across 4.2 and 4.3. I also got a 19.2 which I haven't seen before (black screen).

scott s.
.

Has anyone checked to see if KHNL is now showing the NBC Nightly News in HD? NBC started about a week ago.

Eric

Yep, they are. I've seen it a couple of times. Although tonight was in SD.

Oceanic is apparently preparing for new channel additions...this new 1000+ channel range is permanent...in about a month, after all of the subscribers have been informed of the new 1000+ HD channel numbers, they will discontinue the HD channels in the 900 range. They are also spreading the channels out to provide more room for "stuff".

Eric

Do you think we'll have to reset all of our DVR series recordings for the new channel numbers or will it automatically recognize the switch.

Do you think we'll have to reset all of our DVR series recordings for the new channel numbers or will it automatically recognize the switch.


Just to be safe, I'd do a reset.

Eric

Are my olfactories deceiving me or do I smell ESPN2HD around the corner?


Do I smell a price increase around the corner???????

I am sure you have to change your series recordings for the new numbers.

Do I smell a price increase around the corner???????

Already happened.

Oceanic is apparently preparing for new channel additions...this new 1000+ channel range is permanent...in about a month, after all of the subscribers have been informed of the new 1000+ HD channel numbers, they will discontinue the HD channels in the 900 range. They are also spreading the channels out to provide more room for "stuff".

Eric

More stuff being the "on-demand" crap that they've been pushing lately?

More stuff being the "on-demand" crap that they've been pushing lately?

I do believe it's for new HD stuff. On Demand (except for HD On Demand) is not in the 1000+ channel range

I do believe it's for new HD stuff. On Demand (except for HD On Demand) is not in the 1000+ channel range
Eric, you seem to have insider contacts, so I'll ask.......are these supposed HD channel additions related to the implimentation of SDV?

And to anyone in general.....is anyone familiar of any MSO's that have implimented SDV and returned previously bit-starved or rate-shaped channels back to full bitrate?

Thanks.

Eric, you seem to have insider contacts, so I'll ask.......are these supposed HD channel additions related to the implimentation of SDV?

And to anyone in general.....is anyone familiar of any MSO's that have implimented SDV and returned previously bit-starved or rate-shaped channels back to full bitrate?

Thanks.


delar,

I dunno... I'll see if I can get more info.

Eric

As of Tuesday 10:30am...

National Geographic HD now broadcasting on 1347. Not duplicated in the 900's.

Keep 'em coming OTW...how 'bout a little ESPN2HD?

Yowza! Yes, it's active here Da Big Eyeland, too. Looks great.

Eric

Could be. There are also MHD, CinemaxHD, StarzHD, Nat GeoHD, FoodHD, HGTVHD, A&EHD, KHETHD, KGMBHD, and others.

Eric,

are you expecting, or did you hear, that these channels will show up soon or are these just channels that are on some Time Warner systems that we're currently not getting and hopefully will soon? I was suprised to see Nat'l Geo HD show up today, I barely even heard about that channel. I'm hoping for MHD; would be nice to see concerts in HD.

Eric,

are you expecting, or did you hear, that these channels will show up soon or are these just channels that are on some Time Warner systems that we're currently not getting and hopefully will soon? I was suprised to see Nat'l Geo HD show up today, I barely even heard about that channel. I'm hoping for MHD; would be nice to see concerts in HD.


RobertCEO,

I have no inside info...I just go by the channels that TWC negotiates national carriage deals with (some of those have yet to come to fruition).

I was very pleasantly surprised to see NatGeoHD pop up today, too. I knew it would happen eventually, since they do have a national deal with them.

It was an Oceanic CSR who told me about the channel reassignment issue. She had no specific info on new channels at that time.

Eric

As of Tuesday 10:30am...

National Geographic HD now broadcasting on 1347. Not duplicated in the 900's.

Keep 'em coming OTW...how 'bout a little ESPN2HD?

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.........

Not on Maui

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.........

Not on Maui

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:


Call and complain...sometimes they just forget to throw the switch...

This arrived in the mail today from Oceanic, dated March 30, 2007:

Thank you for choosing Oceanic Time Warner Cable as your cable TV provider. (eg: like I have a choice?) To provide more HDTV channels in the future, we are creating a new 4-digit HDTV channel number sequence. The new HDTV channel numbers are as follows:


New HDTV Channel Numbers effective immediately

Channel Now New


KHON (Fox) HD 933 1003
KITV (ABC) HD 936 1006
KHNL (NBC) HD 938 1008
Discovery HD Theater 940 1333
National Geographic HD N/A 1347
HD Net 942 1355
HD Net Movies 944 1603
INDemand HD 946 1561
HD PPV 950 1700
Fox Sports Network HD 951 1226
ESPN HD 952 1222
TNT HD 954 1553
Universal HD 956 1605
HBO HD 970 1611
Showtime HD 972 1633
HD On Demand 977 1990



Watch for more HDTV channels coming soon!


Mahalo,

Oceanic Time Warner Cable

Call and complain...sometimes they just forget to throw the switch...

Just got off the phone with a CSR.
He stated they are having some trouble with the feed and it's off line.
Hopefully it will be on later in the day. I ask him about more HD channels.
He said more are comming, but no time frame on them. Said it will take awhile.
At least we got another. I look forward to National Geographic HD. :cool:

ch 1347 National Geographic HD is on right now in HD

ch 1347 National Geographic HD is on right now in HDNot here on Maui either. Just got off the phone with Oceanic and was told that the "official" date for National Geographic HD ch 1347 and Fox Sports Network HD ch 1226 is April 7th. So much for "effective immediately". Guess we wait a few more days over here...

For folks in Ewa area who are catching OTA, KGMB is on channel 22.3. Weird channel number because for weeks I have been trying channel 9.1. Maybe its my tuner, I have a Sony HD set. Last night I caught NCIS and The Unit in HD.

Ewa Gentry area can recieve all channels OTA, except I am missing KFVE, gotta try 23.1-23.3 range. Who watches KFVE anyway?

Time Warner Cable just signed a new carriage deal with Disney. That means later this year, it will launch ESPN2 HD and ESPNU.

As for on-demand content, certain systems will offer Disney Channel on Demand subscription VOD. And Time Warner Cable said Disney will provide shows from some of its networks for its Start Over platform. Start Over gives Time Warner Cable digital subscribers the ability to restart certain live programs, when they are in progress, without any pre-planning or in-home recording devices.

Three high-def services from Disney and ESPN Media Networks - ABC Family HD, Disney Channel HD and ESPNEWS HD - also will launch among Time Warner Cable systems when they become available in 2008.

Eric

National Geographic HD is now on.... 1347

Are the shows on Nat'l Geographic HD actually being shown in HD? They were showing SD material last night, but I haven't yet checked the channel today.

Are the shows on Nat'l Geographic HD actually being shown in HD? They were showing SD material last night, but I haven't yet checked the channel today.

Most of the shows I were watching yesterday were in HD; only the Vegas Implosion and Borgata show was in SD. I was suprised so many of their documentaries were originally shot in HD; they must've been looking ahead. I was looking at the dvr guide to see what shows would be in HD, but turns out it wasn't that accurate. Last night there was a show about an attempted hijacked UPS plane that wasn't listed in the guide as HD, but it was.

Funny enough, the Implosion and Borgata shows were the exact episodes that I saw last night in SD.

Ok, so the HD picture looks good? I wonder if it's being provided on its own channel, and not related to the HD Discovery/HDNet/etc. issue that was happening last week?

Thanks.

Does anyone know if the OTA digital antennas that show up in annentaweb for Maui are active? I live in Kihei and antennaweb shows Fox to be re-transmitted on channel 36 and CBS to be on channel 24.

Both of these antennas appear to be upcountry from the location from me.

BUT, I have not had any luck picking them up, so just wondering if it is me, or if they are yet to go live.

Thanks.
If you look at what Antennaweb says, those stations' live dates are TBD (to be determined). The OTA stations have yet to build a new antenna farm on Maui with digital transmitters to serve both Maui and North/West Big Island. They will build it at Ulupalakua Ranch, a lower location than Haleakala, where the current antenna farm is, and most likely some time in 2009, I think after they turn off the analog broadcasts. So I'm guessing there will not be any OTA TV there for at least a few months in 2009.

Was anyone having problems with OTW's HD feeds for KHNL shows the past couple of nights? I TIVO'ed Law and Orders on tuesday and Friday night lights last night and they all had some pretty bad macroblocking and pixelation. I use cable cards and usually don't have any problems. Did you guys have any problems with your OTW set top boxes?

Was anyone having problems with OTW's HD feeds for KHNL shows the past couple of nights? I TIVO'ed Law and Orders on tuesday and Friday night lights last night and they all had some pretty bad macroblocking and pixelation. I use cable cards and usually don't have any problems. Did you guys have any problems with your OTW set top boxes?


Looked great here in East Hawaii.

Eric

During a chat with an HD specialist at Oceanic yesterday, I was informed that the new Switched Digital Video fabric is now indeed being tested in some employee homes. They are currently ramping up the channels in that system, so that major upgrade is coming in the not too distant future. They are also in the process of many system field upgrades.

Erika Engle's Star Bulletin column today addressed the changing from three to four digit channels for increased capacity (most of which will come in the HD area). That ESPN2 HD is coming this Summer, along with another HD channel that will be shared between the Golf Channel and Versus, and that KGMB HD won't happen until at least June (I guess after the station formally switches ownership).

Eric

KGMB HD won't happen until at least June (I guess after the station formally switches ownership).

Eric

Was hoping it would happen before this week. The Masters in HD has to be magnificent. Maybe next year.

Any word on Cinemax HD or Starz HD?

What's the word on Direct TV and the Dish Network vs. Oceanic?
How many more channels in HD do they get?

Best Buy gave me some bunk info. Thought I'd ask.

What's the word on Direct TV and the Dish Network vs. Oceanic?
How many more channels in HD do they get?

I was told by a DirecTV CSR a few days ago that they deliver no HD at all to Hawaii.

Any word on Cinemax HD or Starz HD?

What's the word on Direct TV and the Dish Network vs. Oceanic?
How many more channels in HD do they get?

Best Buy gave me some bunk info. Thought I'd ask some local folks.


Aloha Dumb Haole (couldn't resist!),

There's no specific word beyond what's been blabbed here. They do say that there's lots of new stuff coming, though.

BTW, yesterday Hawaii Telcom announced that their new video service would be put off until Spring 2008. They still need to get a franchise from the State, too.

Eric

I was told by a DirecTV CSR a few days ago that they deliver no HD at all to Hawaii.


Direct from the DirecTV website (for Hawaii):

"HD Programming
For DIRECTV CHOICE programming (along with premium packages and seasonal sports subscriptions) and HD Programming, you will need two (2) 1.2-meter DIRECTV® Dishes."

Time Warner Adds National Geographic HD In Hawaii


http://www.tvpredictions.com/twhawaii040507.htm

Time Warner Adds National Geographic HD In Hawaii


http://www.tvpredictions.com/twhawaii040507.htm


I guess we should consider ourselves quite fortunate, then...

yea... but considering that most mainland markets get CBS in HD I'd still rather be in their shoes

yea... but considering that most mainland markets get CBS in HD I'd still rather be in their shoes


Yes, but not the ones with Emmis-owned CBS stations... :mad:

There are plenty of similar situations in other markets around the country. If only this market had network O&O stations...then there would be no such issues.

Still no FSN-HD on either 951 or 1226 on Maui (although I'm getting NatGeo-HD now). Are any of you on the other islands getting the Angels game on FSN in HD right now??

And does anyone know if the Dodgers/Giants games listed at http://msn.foxsports.com/name/HD#FSWest on Prime Ticket will be broadcast as well. Mahalo for your kokua!

Also from tv predictions: http://www.tvpredictions.com/tw040407.htm

Time warner to add 4 ABC HD channels including ESPN-HD.... Yummy! I wonder if this is why they are moving the HD channels to the 1000's. Maybe they are just being proactive so that they don't run out of 900 series channel numbers.

Still no FSN-HD on either 951 or 1226 on Maui (although I'm getting NatGeo-HD now). Are any of you on the other islands getting the Angels game on FSN in HD right now??



Yeah, it's on right now, even tho the on screen guide says Sign Off.

Not sure if the Dodgers/Giants game will be on 1226 tomorrow. Just got to check the channel to see if they are broadcasting it.

Yeah, it's on right now, even tho the on screen guide says Sign Off.

Not sure if the Dodgers/Giants game will be on 1226 tomorrow. Just got to check the channel to see if they are broadcasting it.
I'm watching the A's/Angels game right now on 951. This is a FSN West feed and I believe FSN West telecasts listed on that site Yawny pointed to are shown on 951. The Dodger/Giants game is a FSN Prime Ticket telecast, so I don't believe it will be seen on 951.

That guide also shows no further FSN West events for the month of April.

Direct from the DirecTV website (for Hawaii):

"HD Programming
For DIRECTV CHOICE programming (along with premium packages and seasonal sports subscriptions) and HD Programming, you will need two (2) 1.2-meter DIRECTV® Dishes."
Yes, I saw that, and asked the D* CSR about it, after she told me I'd need one dish for HD in Hawaii. She didn't answer, but went away and consulted someone, eventually returning to tell me there just wasn't any HD available. She also said that although I couldn't get any HD locals, I could get some HD DNS stations from California, but when I pressed for details, it turned out those HD stations could only be delivered in SD, in Hawaii.

It was a lengthy conversation, with two timeouts for consults. The conclusion that no HD at all was available in Hawaii didn't emerge until the end. I can't guarantee that this is correct.

I'm watching the A's/Angels game right now on 951. This is a FSN West feed and I believe FSN West telecasts listed on that site Yawny pointed to are shown on 951. The Dodger/Giants game is a FSN Prime Ticket telecast, so I don't believe it will be seen on 951.

That guide also shows no further FSN West events for the month of April.

Don't despair. I've seen other FSN-PT telecasts on 951. The Dodgers/Gnats may be in HD tonite. No way to tell until it actually starts.

BTW, Oceanic has added the dreaded "Fox Reality Channel" on 561...make that 0561...

Eric

Oceanic burps when it makes changes.

The last few weeks I've been getting blocky video distortion off and on on HD channels that I previously didn't have and my receiver in one room and my surround processor in another room exhibit occasional but severe audio dropouts. Also my daytime RR download speed has gone down to 500-900K while at 3AM I can sometimes get the previous norm of 3.5-4Mb.

Before coming to my house Oceanic said that it must be that I had screwed up my wiring or that maybe my modem had gone bad since no one else was complaining. On the video problems, they refused to comment, saying that they didn't support the HDMI on their own DVR. Now that they have been here they say that there is a problem in scattered areas on Big Island and that it will be repaired in a few weeks.

I'm curious. Are others having these problems? If you want to check your RoadRunner speed, http://speedtest.oceanic.com/ is the approved site. I think http://www.speedtest.net/ may be more accurate.

Still no FSN-HD on either 951 or 1226 on Maui (although I'm getting NatGeo-HD now). Are any of you on the other islands getting the Angels game on FSN in HD right now??

And does anyone know if the Dodgers/Giants games listed at http://msn.foxsports.com/name/HD#FSWest on Prime Ticket will be broadcast as well. Mahalo for your kokua!


Apparently they were only testing FSN-HD...it was not supposed to be on the system yet.

Was hoping it would happen before this week. The Masters in HD has to be magnificent. Maybe next year.

The Masters is on Universal HD right now (Friday afternoon). They will repeat Friday's coverage on Saturday, followed by Saturday's round.

The final round on Sunday is a CBS exclusive, however.

Eric

Oceanic burps when it makes changes.

The last few weeks I've been getting blocky video distortion off and on on HD channels that I previously didn't have and my receiver in one room and my surround processor in another room exhibit occasional but severe audio dropouts. Also my daytime RR download speed has gone down to 500-900K while at 3AM I can sometimes get the previous norm of 3.5-4Mb.

Before coming to my house Oceanic said that it must be that I had screwed up my wiring or that maybe my modem had gone bad since no one else was complaining. On the video problems, they refused to comment, saying that they didn't support the HDMI on their own DVR. Now that they have been here they say that there is a problem in scattered areas on Big Island and that it will be repaired in a few weeks.

I'm curious. Are others having these problems? If you want to check your RoadRunner speed, http://speedtest.oceanic.com/ is the approved site. I think http://www.speedtest.net/ may be more accurate.

It has been uncharacteristically balky of late...but it's gotten better for me (no more macroblocking). A chat with an Oceanic HD support person yesterday revealed that there are lots of system upgrades going on in the field right now. She said that would explain some of the issues.

Eric

I'm curious. Are others having these problems? If you want to check your RoadRunner speed, http://speedtest.oceanic.com/ is the approved site. I think http://www.speedtest.net/ may be more accurate.

HH, I just did the speedtest around 4:30PM... I got 4786 kbps download.

Eric

Don't despair. I've seen other FSN-PT telecasts on 951. The Dodgers/Gnats may be in HD tonite. No way to tell until it actually starts.It's on "regular" FSN-PT. Anyone getting it in HD???

It's on "regular" FSN-PT. Anyone getting it in HD???
Hebsan is correct. I am watching the Giants/Dodgers, a FSN Prime Ticket feed, on 951, in HD....I guess....because it looks really bad....like an upconvert.

Okay, I just saw an advert during the game saying all Giants/Dodgers games this year will be shown on FSN-HD. I'm going to assume the games that fall on a Saturday (like tommorow's game) will be in HD on FOX. I'm expecting that game to be shown here in Hawaii.

The Masters is on Universal HD right now (Friday afternoon). They will repeat Friday's coverage on Saturday, followed by Saturday's round.

The final round on Sunday is a CBS exclusive, however.

Eric

Eric,

My guide is showing rounds 1 and 2 being repeated on Saturday. Did you see something different?

Thanks,

-Ken

Okay, I just saw an advert during the game saying all Giants/Dodgers games this year will be shown on FSN-HD. I'm going to assume the games that fall on a Saturday (like tommorow's game) will be in HD on FOX. I'm expecting that game to be shown here in Hawaii.


Yes, FOX is finally doing HD for it's Saturday games. This weeks HD game is Giants/Dodgers and will be shown on KHON-HD beginning with the pre-game at 9:30 and first pitch at 9:55am.

Sunday's game will be carried by FSN-Prime Ticket on FSN-HD at 10am.

Eric,

My guide is showing rounds 1 and 2 being repeated on Saturday. Did you see something different?

Thanks,

-Ken

I don't thnk HDUNI will be broadcasting the 3rd round of the Masters. It is strictly on CBS.
I am watching the 2nd round right now. I was right, Augusta looks absolutely beautiful in HD.

I don't thnk HDUNI will be broadcasting the 3rd round of the Masters. It is strictly on CBS.
I am watching the 2nd round right now. I was right, Augusta looks absolutely beautiful in HD.

Is CBS not doing the Masters in HD? I'm watching the OTA broadcast now and it's in SD. :confused: ...I thought I remembered past years in HD on CBS...

Ha! They just flipped the switch! Masters in HD now (OTA)...thanks KGMB! :)

HH, I just did the speedtest around 4:30PM... I got 4786 kbps download.

Eric

Thanks for checking Eric. Looks like they're telling the truth. I can be patient.

I don'y watch INHD much but tonight I tuned in for the isel of white concert (6pm David Bowie) and the picture quality was horrible. Macroblocking galore.

Maybe it was just my cable box having problems -- did anyone else notice it? If it was that bad for everybody then I hope it was just a one-time thing and not something we can expect from TW HD.

I don'y watch INHD much but tonight I tuned in for the isel of white concert (6pm David Bowie) and the picture quality was horrible. Macroblocking galore.

Maybe it was just my cable box having problems -- did anyone else notice it? If it was that bad for everybody then I hope it was just a one-time thing and not something we can expect from TW HD.

They're re-running it now and the PQ looks great.

Okay, I just saw an advert during the game saying all Giants/Dodgers games this year will be shown on FSN-HD.Just checkin'. Is the Dodgers/Giants game today being broadcast on FSN-HD on other islands??? Still no ch 0951 or ch 1226 on Maui.

Just checkin'. Is the Dodgers/Giants game today being broadcast on FSN-HD on other islands??? Still no ch 0951 or ch 1226 on Maui.

Yes it is on Oahu. Hope they do this all year.

Delar, do you mean all games between the Dodgers and the Giants, or all games played by both the Dodgers and Giants? I know the latter wouldn't be entirely possible since they'll be playing a lot of games at the same time, but it would be nice to see both teams games in HD whenever possible.

Just checkin'. Is the Dodgers/Giants game today being broadcast on FSN-HD on other islands??? Still no ch 0951 or ch 1226 on Maui.Yes it is on Oahu. Hope they do this all year.I called earlier in the week and spoke with a CSR, who told me that the "official date" for Fox Sports-HD was April 7th, and to look for it at that time. Anyway, I called again this morning since Fox Sports-HD on 951/1226 is still not in my lineup over here, and was told by another CSR that this channel is not available on Maui. :mad: WTF?!?! WHY??? Does anyone have any idea???

I was REALLY looking forward to watching the Dodgers/Giants game today on 951/1226. Had to watch it on 228 in SD while going back and forth between the Lakers/Suns (in HD on 1006) and The Masters (in SD on 87). BTW, was anyone able to catch The Masters in HD OTA on KGMB? How'd it look??? Thanks again and Happy Easter.

BTW, was anyone able to catch The Masters in HD OTA on KGMB? How'd it look??? Thanks again and Happy Easter.

The Masters coverage on KGMB-DT was outstanding. Very clean and vibrant with no macroblocking.



Happy Easter to everyone.

I called earlier in the week and spoke with a CSR, who told me that the "official date" for Fox Sports-HD was April 7th, and to look for it at that time. Anyway, I called again this morning since Fox Sports-HD on 951/1226 is still not in my lineup over here, and was told by another CSR that this channel is not available on Maui. :mad: WTF?!?! WHY??? Does anyone have any idea???

I was REALLY looking forward to watching the Dodgers/Giants game today on 951/1226. Had to watch it on 228 in SD while going back and forth between the Lakers/Suns (in HD on 1006) and The Masters (in SD on 87). BTW, was anyone able to catch The Masters in HD OTA on KGMB? How'd it look??? Thanks again and Happy Easter.

From my experience the CSR's don't know jack; every one could tell you something different. I wouldn't worry, I'm sure Maui will get it soon. From what I can see Oahu doesn't have any channels that the neighbor islands don't.

Delar, do you mean all games between the Dodgers and the Giants, or all games played by both the Dodgers and Giants? I know the latter wouldn't be entirely possible since they'll be playing a lot of games at the same time, but it would be nice to see both teams games in HD whenever possible.
Dodgers/Giants matchups only. The FSN-HD guide shows that their next matchup, three games at Dodger stadium April 24, 25, and 26, will be shown on that channel. It appears no other games, Dodgers or otherwise, will be seen on FSN-HD here in April.

It doesn't look good for baseball on INHD this year. No games appear in their schedule.....so far. INHD provided 3 games a week here, so no baseball on this channel would result in a net loss of HD baseball games for us compared with last year, even taking into account the addition of an HD game on FOX saturdays and the FSN-HD games. Oceanic's addition of ESPN2 would help rectify this. Too bad we have to wait for half the season or more before that happens.

The Masters coverage on KGMB-DT was outstanding. Very clean and vibrant with no macroblocking.
I agree 100%. The PQ was stunning. Again, the HD signal from KGMB OTA/CBS blows the others away. This is what HD should be.

Did anyone see this Sean Hao article in the Advertiser the other day?

<http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/06/bz/FP704060345.html>

It says that Dish Network and DirecTV will have the local networks in HD by June 8.

Did anyone see this Sean Hao article in the Advertiser the other day?

<http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/06/bz/FP704060345.html>

It says that Dish Network and DirecTV will have the local networks in HD by June 8.


That's good. Well, at least they are supposed to have HD locals by June 8th.

Hi everybody,

I've periodically been peeking in on this thread although I did not have an HDTV until today. It's a bit overwhelming, so I hoped someone could kindly give me "simple" answers. :D

First, I have a Samsung 4061f with QAM Tuner. Presently, I only have analog cable. Would I be able to get any "in the clear" HD channels? Doing the autoprogramming today only registered "basic" channels. Are Sony QAM tuners stronger, as I know my co-worker a few blocks away gets some HD channels with analog cable. I'm in the upper Ward Avenue area. I've only been "playing" with the TV for several hours, and I knew SD quality would suffer, but Ch. 8 looks quite horrendous. (Even on my former CRT, it was quite a grainy signal.) However, I love my movies and had long wanted a bigger screen for DVD viewing.

Any help for this newbie would be much appreciated!

Hi everybody,

I've periodically been peeking in on this thread although I did not have an HDTV until today. It's a bit overwhelming, so I hoped someone could kindly give me "simple" answers. :D

First, I have a Samsung 4061f with QAM Tuner. Presently, I only have analog cable. Would I be able to get any "in the clear" HD channels? Doing the autoprogramming today only registered "basic" channels. Are Sony QAM tuners stronger, as I know my co-worker a few blocks away gets some HD channels with analog cable. I'm in the upper Ward Avenue area. I've only been "playing" with the TV for several hours, and I knew SD quality would suffer, but Ch. 8 looks quite horrendous. (Even on my former CRT, it was quite a grainy signal.) However, I love my movies and had long wanted a bigger screen for DVD viewing.

Any help for this newbie would be much appreciated!

I'm no expert but here are a couple of thoughts:

1. I have two Samsungs -- a plasma and an LCD. I can't seem to pick up any QAM channels at all. I haven't tried more than once on each TV though since I subscribe to the HD channels with DVR anyway. Others may be able to give advice.

2. My SD channels don't look too bad. Have you tried playing with the settings on your TV -- that can make quite a difference. If you go to the Display Devices area of AVS you might be able to find a thread on your TV model where people smetimes post the settings they use.

Hi everybody,

I've periodically been peeking in on this thread although I did not have an HDTV until today. It's a bit overwhelming, so I hoped someone could kindly give me "simple" answers. :D

First, I have a Samsung 4061f with QAM Tuner. Presently, I only have analog cable. Would I be able to get any "in the clear" HD channels? Doing the autoprogramming today only registered "basic" channels. Are Sony QAM tuners stronger, as I know my co-worker a few blocks away gets some HD channels with analog cable. I'm in the upper Ward Avenue area. I've only been "playing" with the TV for several hours, and I knew SD quality would suffer, but Ch. 8 looks quite horrendous. (Even on my former CRT, it was quite a grainy signal.) However, I love my movies and had long wanted a bigger screen for DVD viewing.

Any help for this newbie would be much appreciated!

Why don't you take the Oceanic plunge? They have some promotions running these days...subscribe to digital cable's nearly 400 channels (well, not all of them) and the HD Pack. If you don't dig it, you can always cancel.

Eric

Did anyone see this Sean Hao article in the Advertiser the other day?

<http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/06/bz/FP704060345.html>

It says that Dish Network and DirecTV will have the local networks in HD by June 8.

"When local HD is available in Hawai'i, customers who are receiving (standard definition) locals there now will not need new equipment and will have access to the full complement of national HD channels when we roll them out," said DirecTV spokesman Robert Mercer.

How will they not need new equipment? If their STB doesn't have component or HDMI output how can they get HD??????

"When local HD is available in Hawai'i, customers who are receiving (standard definition) locals there now will not need new equipment and will have access to the full complement of national HD channels when we roll them out," said DirecTV spokesman Robert Mercer.

How will they not need new equipment? If their STB doesn't have component or HDMI output how can they get HD??????


If you're a relatively recent DirecTV or DISH customer in Hawaii, you'll already have MPEG-4 equipment with a giant dish or two, I guess...

But if you've been a customer for a long time with old stuff, then you most certainly will need new equipment.

I think he's talking about the customers here who already get HD from them...they won't need new stuff to get HD Locals or the slew of new HD channels that they keep threatening to introduce...

Eric

Thanks for the replies, DeathRay and egcarter!

DeathRay, if you can't pick up anything through your QAM tuner, I wonder if that means the Samsungs don't have very good ones. . . I finetuned Channel 8 a bit to make it less grainy, but it will be an adjustment from how the CRT looked overall. I've been following the Sammy thread for this line for any hints. . .

egcarter, I may eventually look into digital cable. But man, I was supposed to be cutting DOWN on expenses! :D

I'm a bit bleary-eyed from fussing with the TV and being on the computer all day! If I can't get the QAM tuner to pick anything up, I don't know if this is a keeper. . . Very frustrating, though, because I've been mulling over choosing the model for about 18 months. Between the Sony's clouds and the Sharp's banding, it's very daunting.

By the way, when I autoscan for channels, it gives me the choice of STD, HRC and IRC for both analog and digital. Should I pick STD for both?

Thanks for the replies, DeathRay and egcarter!

I may eventually look into digital cable. But man, I was supposed to be cutting DOWN on expenses! :D



Just bite the bullet and get HD on Oceanic cable. Not only that but you won't have to deal with channel 8, because you can tune in to 88 or 938 and now 1008 HD.

I love having these channels... don't miss Planet Earth on DiscoveryHD, spectacular!!!

First, I have a Samsung 4061f with QAM Tuner. Presently, I only have analog cable. Would I be able to get any "in the clear" HD channels?It is very variable, by location and even by time - the fact that you can't pik it up now does not mean that you won't be able to next week.

Meanwhile, try manually tuning to 83.3 - and, if you get nothing, try 83 and let the TV sit for 10 seconds. You mght be pleasantly surprised. - DR

"When local HD is available in Hawai'i, customers who are receiving (standard definition) locals there now will not need new equipment and will have access to the full complement of national HD channels when we roll them out," said DirecTV spokesman Robert Mercer.

How will they not need new equipment? If their STB doesn't have component or HDMI output how can they get HD??????


The SD Honolulu Locals on Directv are on a Ka-band satellite and required a MPEG-4(HD) receiver in order to subscribe to them.
Thus, it's true that Directv customers who already have the SD locals will receive the HD locals as well with no extra equipment to install or buy plus have access to the expanded HD offering that Directv will launch late this year.