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!

Are you in a High Rise Condo or Walk-up Apt.?

The reason I ask is that there are quite a few high-rises in Makiki/Punchbowl that don't have upgraded cabling in their buildings which make for problems for HD reception from Oceanic.
If your in a high-rise, find out from your neighbors in your building if any of them have HD or call Oceanic directly about it(you just have to ask, don't have to buy :) ).
I also am always leary when people have reception issues with analog cable, it's a recipe for disaster for HD cable.
If your in a walk-up building, I would call Oceanic about your reception issue with KHNL. They may replace a splitter, connector or wiring that fixes that problem and helps with your ability to receive the QAM "in the clear" channels.

If worse come to worse with Oceanic, you are probably in a very good area to get the OTA HD channels from ABC, CBS and FOX(maybe even NBC) and those cost, minus a indoor antenna, nothing.

Hi Gang...anyone know what is going on with 11.1 KHET-DT? I'm still picking it up as a digital signal, per se...but it's blank. 11.2 and analog 11 are still broadcasting fine...it's just the digital OTA feed I'm not seeing.

Also, FWIW, 4.2 is actually broadcasting the weather. The regular KITV feed is shown in a smaller window with the weather at the bottom. 4.3 remains a test screen.

Are you in a High Rise Condo or Walk-up Apt.?

The reason I ask is that there are quite a few high-rises in Makiki/Punchbowl that don't have upgraded cabling in their buildings which make for problems for HD reception from Oceanic.
If your in a high-rise, find out from your neighbors in your building if any of them have HD or call Oceanic directly about it(you just have to ask, don't have to buy :) ).
I also am always leary when people have reception issues with analog cable, it's a recipe for disaster for HD cable.
If your in a walk-up building, I would call Oceanic about your reception issue with KHNL. They may replace a splitter, connector or wiring that fixes that problem and helps with your ability to receive the QAM "in the clear" channels.

If worse come to worse with Oceanic, you are probably in a very good area to get the OTA HD channels from ABC, CBS and FOX(maybe even NBC) and those cost, minus a indoor antenna, nothing.

I was rearranging some of my mess of cables behind my TV yesterday, and the reception on Channel 8 improved a bit. I now remember having this issue at my old apartment, but forgot after my move to try playing with the positioning of cables. Still, not as good a picture as I'd like.

I phoned Oceanic this morning to verify that Digital Cable is available in my building. (My co-worker's building in the same area vetoed the idea of putting in necessary wiring so he is unable to get Digital -- what would this mean for him when in 2009 or thereabouts, there are no analog signals?) If I upgraded to digital cable, should my picture look better and would that give me any of the unencrypted local HD channels? (I don't plan to get the HD package.)

And the indoor antenna might be fun to try, too. :)

People can't believe I came to work today instead of watching DVDs at home all day. :D

Hi Gang...anyone know what is going on with 11.1 KHET-DT? I'm still picking it up as a digital signal, per se...but it's blank. 11.2 and analog 11 are still broadcasting fine...it's just the digital OTA feed I'm not seeing.


Here in Ewa Genty we get the same thing. Try 18.1 for PBS, though not 1080i, it is still digital in 480i.

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

That sounds very hit and miss! My co-worker with the Sony is able to catch the HD channels of 3 local stations with his QAM tuner. He said KHNL would disappear once in a while in the beginning, but has been OK lately.

I tried inputting 83 on the remote yesterday and got a "weak or no signal" message. Is 83.3 inputted as 833 on the remote, as it just reverts to 83 and again the "no signal".

BTW, this morning, I picked up the KITV morning news on 114-2. It's the first things I was able to see which said 720p 16:9. But it shows up as 4:3 with bars on the side. The picture was infinitely better than the one on Ch. 6, though.
I'm confused. . .

I changed one of my cables and did another scan this evening. I was finally able to pick up 83-3 (KHON) in 1080i, plus 85-3 (FOX) and 114-2 (KITV) in 720P. Actually, the 720P stations look better than the 1080i. I think I actually have my cable split too much, and therefore, I was getting the weak signal message (different cable helped). But it's necessary for my present setup.

Wish I could get K5 on 106.5! (Looking at an earlier list from RustyC, if it's still current.) Might I be able to pick it up with an indoor antenna?

Thank you very much for your help.

EPlay,

K5 apparently uses 2 field mice to power it's digital transmitter, so reception via an indoor antenna is very spotty.
All the HD channels transmit in an HD resolution 24/7. During periods of non-HD programming, the SD programming is "up-converted" for broadcast.
The HD programming is mostly Primetime and Weekend Sports programming.

Glad that you now receiving the QAM Channels.
People can't believe I came to work today instead of watching DVDs at home all day. :D
Save up some money and buy a PS3 and get a Netflix or Blockbuster "Total Access" account, que-up a few Blu-Ray movies and let the real fun begin. :D

Good Luck,

Charles

As for KITV, TSReader during "Dancing with the Stars" shows KITV giving 15mb to the HD feed, 2mb to the Weather Now Channel and 1mb for the color bars on 4.3.

Also glad to see that KHON 2.1 stopped stretching the 4:3 programming, but still wondering about the FOX-HD programming.

K5 apparently uses 2 field mice to power it's digital transmitter....
I asked about that and was told by the station engineer that pending funding approval, they will be upgrading to a mongoose sometime around mid June.

I picked up the Toshiba HD DVD A2 for only $309 at Amazon with free shipping to Hawaii and 5 free discs rebate. Netflix has been sending us movies and it's great. It is a shame about the format war, but it might have spurred these prices drops. Now if BlueRay comes down to that price range I'll probably get one of those too. I am only renting the discs, I will not buy. There are alot of movies out and more arriving all the time. Once nice thing the Toshiba does is great upconverting... better than my Oppo. Very good job.

I curently have OTW 8300SA High Def DVR. TV is a Plasma Monitor withOUT tuner. Question: Is it possible to buy aftermarket high definition tuner with DVR that would catch OTW signal? (basically replace OTW's tuner w/ aftermarket and have same capabilities) I thought about saving money by buying outright instead of renting month after month. How much for such a product? which brand/model is recommended? Any pros or cons about this thought?

I live in a house in Aiea Heights. I do not know if I am able to catch signal if needed.

Thanks in advance

I have a HD Tivo that I paid $800 for. It takes 2 cable cards, each of which you need to pay a $6.95 HD subscription fee. You won't be able to access any of the on-demand programming or the "start over" feature. Also with the upcoming introduction of SDV it may render the box useless. So in conclusion:

Cons:
-No on-demand
-No "start over"
-It may stop working when they implement SDV
-Oceanic need to come out to install the cable cards
-Expensive ($800 but price is falling)
-Costly (Paying for duplication of services per cablecard is more than renting oceanics DVR)

Pros:
-It's a TIVO
Nice UI
Easy to use
Schedule recordings via the internet (from work etc...etc..)
TivoNet
MRV (someday maybe)
-Don't need to use the crappy 8300 DVR
-Upgradable (Stuck a 500 gig drive inside... will up again when the 1TB drives are available)

Is it worth it? To me...Yes...

~Sy

I picked up the Toshiba HD DVD A2 for only $309 at Amazon with free shipping to Hawaii and 5 free discs rebate. Netflix has been sending us movies and it's great. It is a shame about the format war, but it might have spurred these prices drops. Now if BlueRay comes down to that price range I'll probably get one of those too. I am only renting the discs, I will not buy. There are alot of movies out and more arriving all the time. Once nice thing the Toshiba does is great upconverting... better than my Oppo. Very good job.



Thanks for the info, Charles O!

BradWhite,

Which Oppo do you have?

Would an upconverting player always look better with SD DVD than letting the LCD convert a standard DVD player's feed?

I have the Oppo 970 HD, which I was very happy with. It can play just about any video format. However now that I have the A2 I am using that for both HD and SD upconversion. The difference in price is only $150 at the moment. We watched Happy Feet in HD DVD and it was simply stunning quality HD!!! I am not taking sides in this format war, because I will only rent discs. I would say we now watch over 90% HD programing. HBO and Showtime in HD plus all of the channels such as HDNET, HDMOV, UNVERSALHD, DISCOVERYHD, NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC, the Local HD network primetime channels and now HD DVD.

Things are getting better :) I will never go to a movie theater again and sit in uncomfortable seats with sticky floors, overpriced popcorn, ringing cel phones and dirty bathrooms... not to mention the inflated ticket prices and parking hassles.

-Don't need to use the crappy 8300 DVR

~Sy


I love my 8300! Record 2 HD shows at once for $10/month? Sold. The last firmware update solved all of my minor gripes. My only wishes now are for 3 shows at once, and twice the recording capacity.

Did I mention you can get a replacement if it EVER breaks, LOCALLY? ;) I'm far from an Oceanic TW fanboy(Is there such a thing??), but like I said, I love my DVR.

I love my 8300 too! I've had no problems in a long time. When my remote wore out from pushing certain keys a million times I ran down the block and swapped it for a brand new one... no questions asked. If it ever breaks, same thing, just swap it.

I can record 2 HD shows, watch a 3rd HD already recorded and at the same time send an entirely different show (analog only) out to be recorded onto DVD or VCR or even a second TV. That is 4 shows all happening at the same time. Digital 5.1 surround sound, 160 Gigs built in, add extra ATA hard drives even for more. The last update fixed many things and added new features. That's not too bad. $10 a month, no commitment. When a new model comes out.... just swap it for the new one.

I've heard great things about TIVO... But the amount of money for a new HD Tivo with two cable cards and monthly fees both TWC and Tivo's... is more than I can justify for a nicer OS. If it breaks or gets old, you are really committed. If TWC changes the system to switched as I hear they will... then what?

I love my 8300! Record 2 HD shows at once for $10/month? Sold. The last firmware update solved all of my minor gripes. My only wishes now are for 3 shows at once, and twice the recording capacity.

Did I mention you can get a replacement if it EVER breaks, LOCALLY? ;) I'm far from an Oceanic TW fanboy(Is there such a thing??), but like I said, I love my DVR.

A usable search function would be nice, too.

I searched this site and found a group on this board that was discussing the possibility of offloading recorded data from the SA 8300HD to a pc. The answer was pretty much "no can do" for pc's, but apparently Macs can somehow do it. Anyone attempt it?

Sy,

Are you having any problems with KHNL-HD (NBC) on your Series 3 TiVo? Mine locks up reliably whenever I view the channel; sometimes after twenty minutes, sometimes after twenty seconds, but sooner or later it invariably locks up the box and forces me to pull the plug. Every other HD and SD channel works just fine, though. It'd be nice to see if any other Series 3 owner was experiencing the same problem.

I love my 8300 too! I've had no problems in a long time. When my remote wore out from pushing certain keys a million times I ran down the block and swapped it for a brand new one... no questions asked. If it ever breaks, same thing, just swap it.

I can record 2 HD shows, watch a 3rd HD already recorded and at the same time send an entirely different show (analog only) out to be recorded onto DVD or VCR or even a second TV. That is 4 shows all happening at the same time. Digital 5.1 surround sound, 160 Gigs built in, add extra ATA hard drives even for more. The last update fixed many things and added new features. That's not too bad. $10 a month, no commitment. When a new model comes out.... just swap it for the new one.



This sounds exactly like the kind of setup I would like. Presently, I have 3 DVD recorders, and I would like to retain the ability to record 3 shows at once. (I only have analog right now, but on my 27" CRT, the quality was acceptable. I'm frankly having a hard time watching the recordings now on my LCD.) I imagine the analog out from the 8300 to my DVD recorder would probably look nicer than my split signal going to 3 recorders right now. :D

I may have to call OTW tomorrow and look into this. . .So for this 8300, I presume you subscribe to digital cable plus pay for the HD package and HD DVR? When I had inquired about digital cable earlier, the rep was telling me about the 40Gig DVR. . .that's awfully small. . . I have 240Gig combined on my recorders right now and still run out of room.

I searched this site and found a group on this board that was discussing the possibility of offloading recorded data from the SA 8300HD to a pc. The answer was pretty much "no can do" for pc's, but apparently Macs can somehow do it. Anyone attempt it?

Saw this...

Follow the steps here:
http://www.pressleypress.com/blog/?p=35

The Firewire SDK package has the AVCVideoCap application already built in. I followed his "AVCVideoCap" method, those were easier than fooling around with the Virtual DVHS "channel 63" weirdness. So, to paraphrase the Pressley site:


AVCVideoCap :

1a) Perform steps 1-4 ...

1) Download and install Apple’s Firewire SDK found at ftp://ftp.apple.com/developer/Devel...reWireSDK22.dmg
2) Connect your Mac to either firewire port located at the back of the 8300HD while the Mac is off.
3) Power on the Mac
4) Tune to the HD channel you wish to capture. (On your STB)

2a) Run the AVCVideoCap app located under /Developer/FirewireSDK22/Applications/
3a) Select your device in the AVCVideoCap UI.
4a) Click the Capture from Device button.
5a) Choose where you want the video saved.
6a) Enter how long you want to capture in minutes.
7a) Hit continue.
8a) Capturing occurs!

I may have to call OTW tomorrow and look into this. . .So for this 8300, I presume you subscribe to digital cable plus pay for the HD package and HD DVR? When I had inquired about digital cable earlier, the rep was telling me about the 40Gig DVR. . .that's awfully small. . . I have 240Gig combined on my recorders right now and still run out of room.

The SA 8300HD has 160 Gigs... you can also add ATA hard drives if you want.

The SA 8300HD has 160 Gigs... you can also add ATA hard drives if you want.
Don't you mean eSATA?

... and at the same time send an entirely different show (analog only) out to be recorded onto DVD or VCR ...
I tried the copy-to-VCR feature a couple of weeks ago for the first time. Didn't work. After a while the 8300 started repeating the same 2-3 minute part of the recording, looping over and over.

I have the Oppo 970 HD, which I was very happy with. It can play just about any video format. However now that I have the A2 I am using that for both HD and SD upconversion. The difference in price is only $150 at the moment. We watched Happy Feet in HD DVD and it was simply stunning quality HD!!! I am not taking sides in this format war, because I will only rent discs. I would say we now watch over 90% HD programing. HBO and Showtime in HD plus all of the channels such as HDNET, HDMOV, UNVERSALHD, DISCOVERYHD, NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC, the Local HD network primetime channels and now HD DVD.



Though the Toshiba would be very cool, I'm considering the Oppo as it would replace my cheap multi-region player as well.

What I'm a little confused about is the 970 does 1080i and the 981 1080p. Being my Samsung is 1080p, is it better to get the 981? I've read that some people feel outputting at 720p to the TV looks better anyway, in which case it wouldn't seem to matter? On a purely aesthetic basis, I love the black of the 981. But the cost of about $80 difference at Amazon, is a consideration for me.

When I had inquired about digital cable earlier, the rep was telling me about the 40Gig DVR. . .that's awfully small. . . I have 240Gig combined on my recorders right now and still run out of room.
As Brad says, the 8300HD has 160 gigs. I got a 300 gig external drive last October, and it's worked fine. I understand from this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=516559) thread that some people are using 500 gig external drives successfully.

I think the people who dislike the SA 8300 DVR previously had a TIVO. I bought a TIVO when it first came out years ago, but switched to the SA DVR recorder as soon as Oceanic brought it in to make my setup simpler (all in one box) and for the dual tuners. The SA interface is far worse and has/had a lot of glitches. The tivo interface was much more advanced and "smarter" so it was annoying for a while. If you 've never had a Tivo or Replay, the little glitches and crappy interface of the SA dvr probably wouldn't bother you as much.

Eplay, in case you haven't figured out by now, 83.3 and 83-3 are the same, but not the same as 833. It mainly depends on whether your remote has a '-' key or a '.' key.

As for your Oppo questions, you should take a look at the SD DVD Player forum, these are common questions there. Incidentally, there are several other players coming out soon at 1080p, but there's a good chance that the 1080i Oppo 970 will still give you better picture quality than any 1080p player in the same price range; resolution is not such a big factor in PQ, unless you are watching your movies 10 inches from the screen. - DR

Eplay, in case you haven't figured out by now, 83.3 and 83-3 are the same, but not the same as 833. It mainly depends on whether your remote has a '-' key or a '.' key.

As for your Oppo questions, you should take a look at the SD DVD Player forum, these are common questions there. Incidentally, there are several other players coming out soon at 1080p, but there's a good chance that the 1080i Oppo 970 will still give you better picture quality than any 1080p player in the same price range; resolution is not such a big factor in PQ, unless you are watching your movies 10 inches from the screen. - DR

I have the Oppo 970 HD, which I was very happy with. It can play just about any video format. However now that I have the A2 I am using that for both HD and SD upconversion. The difference in price is only $150 at the moment. We watched Happy Feet in HD DVD and it was simply stunning quality HD!!! I am not taking sides in this format war, because I will only rent discs. I would say we now watch over 90% HD programing. HBO and Showtime in HD plus all of the channels such as HDNET, HDMOV, UNVERSALHD, DISCOVERYHD, NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC, the Local HD network primetime channels and now HD DVD.

Things are getting better :) I will never go to a movie theater again and sit in uncomfortable seats with sticky floors, overpriced popcorn, ringing cel phones and dirty bathrooms... not to mention the inflated ticket prices and parking hassles.

I hear you Brad. I used a LG upconversion DVD player which did a very good job until I bought the Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD player last August. After the last 2 firmware upgrades it's been flawless and it's upconversion is outstanding. I added in a PS3 for Blu-Ray a couple of months ago and with KGMB fixing it's media server am pretty much HD only now.

Although I did go to the theater to watch "Grindhouse" which to me is a movie that needs to be seen in a theater.

I tried the copy-to-VCR feature a couple of weeks ago for the first time. Didn't work. After a while the 8300 started repeating the same 2-3 minute part of the recording, looping over and over.

I use it all the time... it has always worked pefectly. I would reboot your unit and if that doesn't work swap it for a new one. You shouldn't have a problem with this feature, it works. Did you try a different recording? I don't even think about it anymore it has just become normal.

Eplay, in case you haven't figured out by now, 83.3 and 83-3 are the same, but not the same as 833. It mainly depends on whether your remote has a '-' key or a '.' key.

As for your Oppo questions, you should take a look at the SD DVD Player forum, these are common questions there. Incidentally, there are several other players coming out soon at 1080p, but there's a good chance that the 1080i Oppo 970 will still give you better picture quality than any 1080p player in the same price range; resolution is not such a big factor in PQ, unless you are watching your movies 10 inches from the screen. - DR

Thanks, dr0s -- I did a more thorough reading of the manual and discovered that "-" key! :)

And I've been reading the SD DVD Player forum. I'm actually quite pleased with the quality of my SD DVDs right now using S-Video (my components are on the way). However, I felt maybe I should hurry and get an upconverting player just to make sure my HDMI inputs are working properly. Otherwise, I could certainly live with my present quality for a while. (The whole upgrade from 27" CRT to 40" LCD is such a leap in quality already for me!)

Sy,

Are you having any problems with KHNL-HD (NBC) on your Series 3 TiVo? Mine locks up reliably whenever I view the channel; sometimes after twenty minutes, sometimes after twenty seconds, but sooner or later it invariably locks up the box and forces me to pull the plug. Every other HD and SD channel works just fine, though. It'd be nice to see if any other Series 3 owner was experiencing the same problem.

No mine never locked up. I was getting some strange pixelation last week but that has cleared itself up since.

Thanks. I notice that these instructions apply to live recording ("Tune to the HD channel you wish to capture"), but would it work on recorded content?



Saw this...

Follow the steps here:
http://www.pressleypress.com/blog/?p=35

The Firewire SDK package has the AVCVideoCap application already built in. I followed his "AVCVideoCap" method, those were easier than fooling around with the Virtual DVHS "channel 63" weirdness. So, to paraphrase the Pressley site:


AVCVideoCap :

1a) Perform steps 1-4 ...

1) Download and install Apple’s Firewire SDK found at ftp://ftp.apple.com/developer/Devel...reWireSDK22.dmg
2) Connect your Mac to either firewire port located at the back of the 8300HD while the Mac is off.
3) Power on the Mac
4) Tune to the HD channel you wish to capture. (On your STB)

2a) Run the AVCVideoCap app located under /Developer/FirewireSDK22/Applications/
3a) Select your device in the AVCVideoCap UI.
4a) Click the Capture from Device button.
5a) Choose where you want the video saved.
6a) Enter how long you want to capture in minutes.
7a) Hit continue.
8a) Capturing occurs!

Hello fellow HD headz . . .

I was wondering if any of you have a contact at the local NBC station . . . I'd like to petition them to get a digital transmitter working downtown. Seems like only 'Ewa folks get the KHNL signal, and KHET (PBS) for that matter. Seems like they'd want to extend their signal for a greater market share . . . we're an ABC household, thanks to OTA HD. So anyway, if you know which department to contact, have an email address, or a name, that would be great.

Evan.

Hello fellow HD headz . . .

I was wondering if any of you have a contact at the local NBC station . . . I'd like to petition them to get a digital transmitter working downtown. Seems like only 'Ewa folks get the KHNL signal, and KHET (PBS) for that matter. Seems like they'd want to extend their signal for a greater market share . . . we're an ABC household, thanks to OTA HD. So anyway, if you know which department to contact, have an email address, or a name, that would be great.

Evan.


Evan,

I doubt they are interested...with the highest cable TV penetration in the nation (and the sats carrying HNL locals), why would they care?

The expense would not be worth it to them.

Eric

I just wanted mention that monoprice.com has switchers for both HDMI and Component video connections.. I have both and they work perfectly. They were inexpensive and really expanded my possibles. I use the Component for a DVD writer and HD Canon Camcorder and the HDMI switcher for the SA8300, Toshiba HDA2 and the Oppo 970.

I just wanted mention that monoprice.com has switchers for both HDMI and Component video connections.. I have both and they work perfectly.

YMMV. I just had a Monoprice 3/1 HDMI switch come in recently...compatibility issues arose, so they sent a 4/1 switch which works OK.

I don't suppose anyone has tried to catch over the air digital TV from inside the Ala Moana Building? I'm currently trying to make a good setup, but so far I can only catch channels 2.1 and 2.2 (KHON and CW). Those are the only channels that show up when I do the auto-program function.

I tried using two of the antennas you can buy at Radio shack (Don't remember the names, but they both cost $59). The ATSC tuner is the one that comes in the Sony Bravia 2010s.

So far, I'm not sure what I can do to improve the reception. Any ideas?

Your within 1 block of KGMB's tower and 2 blocks from KITV's tower.
You are probably so close that the tuner is being overloaded.
The best suggestion is buy an attenuator from Radio Shack, cost about $7, and install that between the antenna and tuner.

Best of Luck,

Charles

YMMV. I just had a Monoprice 3/1 HDMI switch come in recently...compatibility issues arose, so they sent a 4/1 switch which works OK.

I got the 5/1 switcher and I am using 3 of them with perfect results. Such a good price too. I shopped around and the competition cost several times more. I've had this about a year now.

Your within 1 block of KGMB's tower and 2 blocks from KITV's tower.
You are probably so close that the tuner is being overloaded.
The best suggestion is buy an attenuator from Radio Shack, cost about $7, and install that between the antenna and tuner.

Best of Luck,

Charles

Thanks for the advice, I'll try it out.

One thing: isn't KHON's transmitter right down the street too? If the other stations' signals are too strong, why isn't it the same with KHON's signal?

Sy,

Are you having any problems with KHNL-HD (NBC) on your Series 3 TiVo? Mine locks up reliably whenever I view the channel; sometimes after twenty minutes, sometimes after twenty seconds, but sooner or later it invariably locks up the box and forces me to pull the plug. Every other HD and SD channel works just fine, though. It'd be nice to see if any other Series 3 owner was experiencing the same problem.

I don't have any problems with my Series 3 TiVo locking up on KHNL-HD (or any other channel).

I do have a different problem, though. On my local HD channels, I frequently have static/pixelation (not exactly macroblocking, but I wouldn't argue if you said it was). When I flip around channels and diagnostics and such, it eventually goes away. But then the pixelation returns some time later. This only happens on local HD channels (KHNL, KHON, KITV). And it only happens on the TV that has the Series 3 TiVo. I have another TV (both are Samsungs) that uses OTW's HD set top box, and I don't have the same problem. Since the Series 3 uses cablecards, I thinking they may be the source of the problem.

Does anybody have any suggestions what might be causing this?

I'm honestly going to stop watching KHON because they are not broadcasting their good shows in HD...what a huge waste!

Seems like only 'Ewa folks get the KHNL signal, and KHET (PBS) for that matter. We get KHET digital fairly easily, and KHNL with a bit of fiddling (though rarely bother since usually we get it clear QAM over the cable). Kaimuki/Wilhelmina area. - DR

We get KHET digital fairly easily, and KHNL with a bit of fiddling (though rarely bother since usually we get it clear QAM over the cable). Kaimuki/Wilhelmina area. - DR


What kind of fiddling do you do to get KHNL? I'm still messing around with getting OTA digital TV from the Ala Moana Building and I'm able to pull in 11 channels. 3 of them are KITV, KHON and KGMB, but KHNL (13.1) still doesn't catch no matter what I do. Apparently, it's the only channel that antenna web lists as blue, though I'm not quite sure what that means exactly.

I'm honestly going to stop watching KHON because they are not broadcasting their good shows in HD...what a huge waste!

As they know its all about content and refuse to watch something you really want to see because its not in HD is an empty threat, I am sure they won't care about you or the other 3 viewers they lost.

As they know its all about content and refuse to watch something you really want to see because its not in HD is an empty threat, I am sure they won't care about you or the other 3 viewers they lost.

i think it's probably more than you think. i don't think i watch any shows on cbs besides amazing race and survivor because OTW doesn't carry that channel in HD. i don't even bother checking out any new sitcoms on cbs because i won't be able to see them in HD. i have enough HD shows saved on my dvr from the other channels so why bother wasting my time. i can't be the only one.

What kind of fiddling do you do to get KHNL?I am using a small indoor-type double-bowtie antenna, but for KHNL and KHET I have to put it outside, and position it just perfectly to catch the signal. I am fortunate, in that our TV is next to sliding doors to the back lanai with fairly unblocked views south and east, so the antenna reaches even with a fairly short cable.

BTW, antennaweb says that KITV is a blue-antenna station for us, but in fact it is one of the easiest stations for us to tune. - DR

i think it's probably more than you think. i don't think i watch any shows on cbs besides amazing race and survivor because OTW doesn't carry that channel in HD. i don't even bother checking out any new sitcoms on cbs because i won't be able to see them in HD. i have enough HD shows saved on my dvr from the other channels so why bother wasting my time. i can't be the only one.

I also only watch a few shows that are not HD... On a large screen SD show just look so bad I have a hard watching them. KHON said they were going to have primetime ready for the last several weeks. Yet each week no HD. I wish they would at least publish the reason and when they might be ready. I started watching 24 this season because they were going to be in HD. In the past I would wait for the DVDs, never watched it live. It would be nice to see a couple of episodes in HD before it is over....

Do you guys get home from work, turn on your cable box, and scroll through the HD channels, seeing if they added anything new? Hint, hint, ESPN2HD......

Could summer come here any faster.

ESPN2 HD is good, but I couldn't live w/out NFL Network HD. I'm on E* by the way. I do envy you guys for getting National Geographic HD. Seems like E* is mirroring what OTW offers in terms of # of HD channels.

I also only watch a few shows that are not HD... On a large screen SD show just look so bad I have a hard watching them. KHON said they were going to have primetime ready for the last several weeks. Yet each week no HD. I wish they would at least publish the reason and when they might be ready. I started watching 24 this season because they were going to be in HD. In the past I would wait for the DVDs, never watched it live. It would be nice to see a couple of episodes in HD before it is over....
Isn't KHON recording the HD shows for now in widescreen SD downconverted from HD, then re-upconverting for broadcast? Seems like that'd be decent quality. Sorry, but I haven't seen KHON-DT, yet. I'm out of the loop here, being on the north of the Big Island and not subscribing to HD cable or having a QAM tuner.

Isn't KHON recording the HD shows for now in widescreen SD downconverted from HD, then re-upconverting for broadcast? Seems like that'd be decent quality. Sorry, but I haven't seen KHON-DT, yet. I'm out of the loop here, being on the north of the Big Island and not subscribing to HD cable or having a QAM tuner.
Not sure what Khon is doing, but whatever it is, it isn't true 720 or 1080 HD. I'd like to see at least one episode of 24 in HD before the season is over.

KHON isn't doing time-shifted HD yet. Only live sports is broadcast in HD.

and it's not widescreen either.

Hey guys,

I just got my HDTV finally since the move down here and wanted to catch up on the situation. there's no summary on the first page, so can someone fill me in on the oahu HDTV situation overall?

Hey guys,

I just got my HDTV finally since the move down here and wanted to catch up on the situation. there's no summary on the first page, so can someone fill me in on the oahu HDTV situation overall?
Easiest way is through Oceanic for the HD package - however, it does not yet have KGMB-HD or PBS-HD.

Alternatively, you can try a satellite service, such as DirectTv or DISH. Never tried this myself, but I heard that its more challenging to get this installed due to dish setups and somewhat sparse Hawaii satelllite coverage.

The cheapest but perhaps least consistent method is to buy an HD antenna to try to capture HD channels over the air. You are limited to local channels and your success will depend on your geographic location. However, it is free which is nice and is the only way you can get KGMB-HD right now that I'm aware of.

thanks. Are all the other locals on TW and broadcasting HD?

I used Direct and cable back in texas and prefered cable other than the lack of NFL Network. I hate not having it.

i already have TW here now and am upgrading to the HD package this weekend to check it out, but I wanted to find out if it was the best way to go.

thanks. Are all the other locals on TW and broadcasting HD?

I used Direct and cable back in texas and prefered cable other than the lack of NFL Network. I hate not having it.

i already have TW here now and am upgrading to the HD package this weekend to check it out, but I wanted to find out if it was the best way to go.

we don't get the CW in HD but we get ABC and NBC. And we get FOX but right now they only pass through live HD events (like football games) and show the primetime in SD. Allegedly they will have the ability very soon to show the primetime lineup in HD.

the HD line-up on OTW is not too bad and they promise more channels coming soon (ESPN2hD, MHD, A&EHD, I'm guessing). They HD DVR is nice too. Well, the interface is kind of ugly and there is no good search feature but it gets the job done.

thanks. Are all the other locals on TW and broadcasting HD?

I used Direct and cable back in texas and prefered cable other than the lack of NFL Network. I hate not having it.

i already have TW here now and am upgrading to the HD package this weekend to check it out, but I wanted to find out if it was the best way to go.
You get KHON, KITV, and KHNL in HD through Oceanic (Time Warner). I would say it is the easiest and argubly the best as a result. You might also want to consider the HD-DVR that they also offer. I also wish that they had NFL Network, which sadly they do not.

Also note that if you only want local HD stations via Oceanic, you don't need the HD package since you can get that as part of basic cable, provide that your HD-TV has a digital tuner (most do these days). Get the HD package if you also want ESPN-HD, Discovery HD, etc.

That's not too bad. I'm not a big CBS fan anyway. I'll definately get the HD package for the others. Hopefully Fox will start showing prime time soon. I hadn't even considered the time shifting issue.

Just called again and spoke with another CSR drone. Told me that due to contracts, FSN-HD is only available on Oahu. :mad: Doesn't make any sense to me. Told me he'd send my question upstairs and someone would call me back to explain. So no Dodgers/Giants games in HD next week... again. :(

PS. Just received a reply from an e-mail I sent to Oceanic asking about FSN-HD. It states:

"Fox Sports HD has never been available anywhere but Oahu due to lack of underwater fiber. Fox Sports HD only has an occasional game and, for the most part, is blank. All full time HD channels go to neighbor islands. We limited underwater fiber and wish to reserve any remaining space for the 24/7 HD channels. Fox HD is only on Oahu and they only film a few HD games each month."

Not true as FSN-HD was available on Maui. I know because I watched several games in HD on CH 951 until it was removed from our line-up. Maybe we should eat more bran or shredded wheat so we'd have more fiber. :rolleyes:

Just called again and spoke with another CSR drone. Told me that due to contracts, FSN-HD is only available on Oahu. :mad: Doesn't make any sense to me. Told me he'd send my question upstairs and someone would call me back to explain. So no Dodgers/Giants games in HD next week... again. :(

PS. Just received a reply from an e-mail I sent to Oceanic asking about FSN-HD. It states:

"Fox Sports HD has never been available anywhere but Oahu due to lack of underwater fiber. Fox Sports HD only has an occasional game and, for the most part, is blank. All full time HD channels go to neighbor islands. We limited underwater fiber and wish to reserve any remaining space for the 24/7 HD channels. Fox HD is only on Oahu and they only film a few HD games each month."

Not true as FSN-HD was available on Maui. I know because I watched several games in HD on CH 951 until it was removed from our line-up. Maybe we should eat more bran or shredded wheat so we'd have more fiber. :rolleyes:
Obviously, they can send it to that island, but instead he says they wish to reserve the fiber bandwidth for 24/7 HD channels. I think more likely the reason is they don't want to pay for the use of the fiber bandwidth, cuz I believe the bandwidth is there.

Sucks for you Dodger baseball fans on the neighbor islands.

Also note that if you only want local HD stations via Oceanic, you don't need the HD package since you can get that as part of basic cable, provide that your HD-TV has a digital tuner (most do these days).This is highly variable. We currently get only KHNL-HD clear over our basic cable (we had KITV until around a month ago, then it disappeared). Fortunately, we get everything else over the air. - DR

This is highly variable. We currently get only KHNL-HD clear over our basic cable (we had KITV until around a month ago, then it disappeared). Fortunately, we get everything else over the air. - DR

Strange, I've never had a problem with local HD stations via cable wire. I have heard though that cable companies may compress the HD signal over the wire, which would mean the an over the air reception would have a better picture as a result.

Easiest way is through Oceanic for the HD package - however, it does not yet have KGMB-HD or PBS-HD.

...snip...


KHET (PBS) only upconverts on their HD channel, anyway...

We need to send them bigger pledges so that they can afford to install a video server for HD time-shifting.

The stations in Hawaii have huge infrastructure expenditures that mainland stations don't necessarily have. On the mainland, they just pass through the live network HD feeds. Because of our location, they must record the network feeds and play them back later for our time zone.

Eric

A weekend of Yankees @ Boston in HD . . . on FOX and ESPN . . . I hope. :D

A weekend of Yankees @ Boston in HD . . . on FOX and ESPN . . . I hope. :D


It's on in HD right now. And yes, Oceanic shows all the live Fox sports stuff in HD...even NASCAR...

Yes, but no HD or cable @ work.

KHET (PBS) only upconverts on their HD channel, anyway...

We need to send them bigger pledges so that they can afford to install a video server for HD time-shifting.

The stations in Hawaii have huge infrastructure expenditures that mainland stations don't necessarily have. On the mainland, they just pass through the live network HD feeds. Because of our location, they must record the network feeds and play them back later for our time zone.

Eric
Hmmm... wasn't aware of this -- hopefully they can get enough funding to deal with the time-shift, as I've heard that PBS does have some pretty good HD content.

Hmmm... wasn't aware of this -- hopefully they can get enough funding to deal with the time-shift, as I've heard that PBS does have some pretty good HD content.

Let's hope so. KHET just spent a ton of $$ moving into a new facility, as they had lost their lease a few years ago.

Eric

Strange, I've never had a problem with local HD stations via cable wire. It comes and goes with us, sometimes I see an OTW truck in the neighborhood when it happens, leading me to believe that there might be some filtration being installed or removed. I have heard though that cable companies may compress the HD signal over the wire, which would mean the an over the air reception would have a better picture as a result.When I've done the comparison. OTA did look better to me, though this might have just been a calibration issue (cable/QAM is tuned directly through the set, OTA comes from an external box through component cables, the two feeds have different calibration settings). - DR

I wish KHET could just pass on network HD without time-shifting, until they can afford time-shifting equipment. I can do my own time-shifting. But I suppose there might be policies about what times of the day they can show various types of programming.

I wish KHET could just pass on network HD without time-shifting, until they can afford time-shifting equipment. I can do my own time-shifting. But I suppose there might be policies about what times of the day they can show various types of programming.


Won't happen. Prime Time is Prime Time, after all.

What could possibly happen, though, is that they work out a deal with Oceanic to utilize their video servers to store the programming for Oceanic's HD customers...

Eric

Tell me why this wouldn't be a good deal. For $100 installtion (after rebate) and about $80 per month I got the following:

Two receivers (four room capability). First receiver is an HD DVR with second room SD DVR. Second receiver (for third room) is SD DVR with SD DVR for the fourth room.

American's choice 200 channel with 20+ HD channels, HBO, Showtime, and local channels.

It is an 18 month commitment. I have Oceanic now and don't feel comfortable leave the local cable company (no more oc16) but this seems like a good deal.

Tell me why this wouldn't be a good deal. For $100 installtion (after rebate) and about $80 per month I got the following:

Two receivers (four room capability). First receiver is an HD DVR with second room SD DVR. Second receiver (for third room) is SD DVR with SD DVR for the fourth room.

American's choice 200 channel with 20+ HD channels, HBO, Showtime, and local channels.

It is an 18 month commitment. I have Oceanic now and don't feel comfortable leave the local cable company (no more oc16) but this seems like a good deal.

Nice...except if you live in an area that gets lots of rain...

Eric

Tell me why this wouldn't be a good deal. For $100 installtion (after rebate) and about $80 per month I got the following:

Two receivers (four room capability). First receiver is an HD DVR with second room SD DVR. Second receiver (for third room) is SD DVR with SD DVR for the fourth room.

American's choice 200 channel with 20+ HD channels, HBO, Showtime, and local channels.

It is an 18 month commitment. I have Oceanic now and don't feel comfortable leave the local cable company (no more oc16) but this seems like a good deal.

Towards the end of the year I am going to with the provider which has the most HD channels. I mean thats what buying a HD television is all about. I had Direct tv until I brought my HD tv. I had Direct tv for about 2 weeks before I switched over to TWC for the HD channels. My only complaint with TWC is their digital channels are nowhere as good as quality as Direct tv was. A major downgrade as far as i am concened. When I switch between a local digital channel and the same analog channel. I really do not see much difference between the 2.

American's choice 200 channel with 20+ HD channels, HBO, Showtime, and local channels.
No local HD channels, according to this (https://customersupport.dishnetwork.com/customernetqual/prepAddress.do) info on their current local channel package. As you know probably, OTW has 3 locals in HD (if you count KHON). And for HD, there is a reference here (http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/whats_on_dish/programming_packages/hawaii/index.shtml) to a special page for Hawaii customers that mentions possible additional hardware charges.

When I switch between a local digital channel and the same analog channel. I really do not see much difference between the 2.
There isn't any, for the locals. But some digital channels on OTW are good. The Encore channels (which sometimes also have DD 5.1), e.g., or Discovery Science.

No local HD channels, according to this (https://customersupport.dishnetwork.com/customernetqual/prepAddress.do) info on their current local channel package. As you know probably, OTW has 3 locals in HD (if you count KHON). And for HD, there is a reference here (http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/whats_on_dish/programming_packages/hawaii/index.shtml) to a special page for Hawaii customers that mentions possible additional hardware charges.

I believe there is local stations. I am paying $5 extra for that service.

Another benefit would be the 100% digital service. My kids watch a lot of Disney Channel. The analog Disney Channel is probably the worst looking station there is.

Can someone chime in on the rain problem. I here that it is not nearly as bad as rumored.

I believe there is local stations.
I believe so, too. When I wrote "No local HD channels", I didn't mean no local channels. I meant no local channels in high definition.

Tell me why this wouldn't be a good deal. For $100 installtion (after rebate) and about $80 per month I got the following:

Two receivers (four room capability). First receiver is an HD DVR with second room SD DVR. Second receiver (for third room) is SD DVR with SD DVR for the fourth room.

American's choice 200 channel with 20+ HD channels, HBO, Showtime, and local channels.

It is an 18 month commitment. I have Oceanic now and don't feel comfortable leave the local cable company (no more oc16) but this seems like a good deal.

Hope my info helps you make a more informed decision. I have had E* since Sept. and I am happy I switched from OTW. I did however go from OTW analog straight to E* without ever having tried OTW digital. As happy as I am with E*, I do have some complaints.

First off, I did not know the TVs would need to be physically connected. For example, room 1 has the HD DVR box. That box obviously is connected to the 2 dishes from the outside. However, for the TV in room 2 to work, a coax cable from the TV in room 2 needs to be run from the STB in room 1. That's a lot of coax cable running along the outside of your house. Even worse if it is upstairs/downstairs. It works the same way for the SD DVR box. 2 STB for 4 rooms, that's how it works. Also note that the 2nd TV connected to the HD DVR box, will not be able to show anything in HD. All HD channels will be down converted to 480p resolution.

As far as 20+ HD channels go, that's not exactly true because we live in HI. The only HD channels available to us are UniversalHD, HDNet, HDNet Movies, NFLHD, ESPNHD, ESPN2HD, TNTHD, and Discovery HD. Along with the HBOHD, CinemaxHD, etc. It still doesn't come out to 20. There are no Local HDs available yet, just Locals, but I think I read an article about having it by June 8, but who knows with E*. E* HD package is very similar to OTW, except OTW just got National Geographic HD, which E* does not offer its HI customers.

So far as Local HD is concerned, you could have an outdoor antenna installed or depending on where you live, you could use rabbit ears. The neat thing about this is that when you plug it into the the back of the HD DVR, it will scan local channels, and if you also subscribe to Locals through E*, they will appear in the program guide. The best part about it though is that you now have 3 tuners for the one box. The 2 E* and the OTA. Which means you can record 3 shows and watch a pre-recorded show at the same time. I live in Kapahulu and am fortunate enough to catch all the OTA digital signals except KHET. KGMB broadcasts HD OTA but OTW does not offer it.

To receive ALL the channels of E* top 200, you're going to need a bigger dish than they offer with the deal. This would probably be considered an upgrade, and you'll have to pay for it. The larger dish is about 4ft. in diameter. Still not as big as the 2 D* wants their customers to install. If you live in a townhouse, make sure you have the associations approval. Also be aware that their is no time-shifting with satellite TV, except for your Locals. Everything is live, which means networks such as Food Network go off the air earlier than they would if you were watching it through OTW. If you enjoy the CW, you'll have to subscribe to the Superstation pack for an additional $6. You get KTLA, KWGN, WPIX, and 2 more that I can't remember. You can catch the local CW with on off-air antenna though.

I have a Sony RP and the SD PQ is ok at best. The HD is great, though, including local OTA. I also have a old Sony VEGA and all the SD channels look really good.

As far as rain goes, I haven't had any problems with dropped signals, but if you live on the windward side, it could pose a problem. Drive around the neighborhood to see who has sats., that's what I did.

Last complaint, there's no native pass-through on the HD DVR box.

There were some start-up costs involved, but in the end, I'm still happy that I went with E*

"The Satellite Guy" said something about reception improving on the June 8th cutover date. I believe he said something about some of the fringe reception channels getting better. I'm not sure if one or two of the dishes have to be realigned.

I don't care for pass-though issue. I know that on my previous oceanic box (8000hd I believe), SD through 1080i looked horrid. Hopefully at some point, there will be a firmware upgrade to resolve the issue.

"The Satellite Guy" said something about reception improving on the June 8th cutover date. I believe he said something about some of the fringe reception channels getting better. I'm not sure if one or two of the dishes have to be realigned.

I don't care for pass-though issue. I know that on my previous oceanic box (8000hd I believe), SD through 1080i looked horrid. Hopefully at some point, there will be a firmware upgrade to resolve the issue.

"The Satellite Guy" said something about reception improving on the June 8th cutover date. I believe he said something about some of the fringe reception channels getting better. I'm not sure if one or two of the dishes have to be realigned.

I don't care for pass-though issue. I know that on my previous oceanic box (8000hd I believe), SD through 1080i looked horrid. Hopefully at some point, there will be a firmware upgrade to resolve the issue.

"The Satellite Guy" did my install also. They did an ok job. You may want to make sure they use faceplates when they come through the wall. The same kind of faceplates that you plug your coax into when it comes out of the wall. When they did my install, they used round plugs and the rest of the coax just snakes into my room. looks a little ugly. They may charge you for the "normal" faceplates that we're accustomed to.

Also, E* updates don't come too often. We just got L4.03 which added a few new features such as HD down-mapping and better PIP. Still no native pass-through which sucks if your TV has a better scaler than the 622. Garbge in/garbage out.

has anyone talked to oceanic about nfl network to see what their plans are? I'm sure I have contacts who know the right folks over there, but I assume someone here has already talked to them.

has anyone talked to oceanic about nfl network to see what their plans are? I'm sure I have contacts who know the right folks over there, but I assume someone here has already talked to them.


I don't think that Time Warner has reached a carriage deal with the NFL Network. The only places where they were carrying it were in systems that TWC recently acquired that already had it.

I know that TWC wanted to charge for NFL Network and the NFL wanted it as a basic service.

Eric

Almost all of Dish's AT200 is at 119w. The "missing" channels at 110w are mostly public interest channels that you need at least a 36" dish at 110w in order to receive, exception are CSTV, SoapNet and Univision West.
If you have Muli-Sport you also need a dish at 110w for several of the RSN, including FSN Prime Ticket, and NBA-TV.
As far as HD channels currently:
HD Pack($9.99 monthly) 8 channels
TNT-HD, DiscoveryHD, HDNet, HDNet Movies, ESPN-HD, ESPN2HD, UniversalHD, NFL-HD
HD Premiums(included in respective package) 2 channels
HBO-HD and Showtime HD
Additional channels 3
HD PPV
NBA-TV HD (Games Only) must subscribe to either Multi-Sport or NBA League Pass
NHL-HD (Games Only) must subscribe to either NHL Center Ice or AT250(Versus)

That equals 13 channels at this point.

We'll see what happens on June 8th as far as HD locals and improved reception of 110w.

That's interesting. I knew some time warner's were carrying it, but I didn't know it was just stationed recently acquired. I thought it was a city by city decision.

That's interesting. I knew some time warner's were carrying it, but I didn't know it was just stationed recently acquired. I thought it was a city by city decision.

With the Adelphia cable bankruptcy, Comcast and TWC acquired the systems and divved them up, as well as exchanged some other systems with each other. That's where the NFL Network situation arose.

that makes sense. I just wish time warner could get their stuff together before we miss another draft/preseason/regular season.

Charles,

Do you need 2 dishes from E* to get any HD?

I was watching Charley Chat last month and they seem to be offering an upgraded dish that will pull in 2 sats.They called it the "Dish it up" offer. It requried a long term comitment
but with rebates it was nearly free. Or is this just for the mainland.


All,
To the subject of rain- I have had DISH for near 5 years and have lost signal hear in Pearl City maybe 10-15 times most durations of about 5-15 min. So I'm saying 2-3 times a year
5-15 min . How does that compare to cable? Maybe not too different.
James

Leslie Wilcox, former KHON anchor, now heading KHET, said in an Advertiser "hot seat" interview that PBS Hawaii is just waiting for Oceanic to put their HD feed on cable. Perhaps there's some misunderstanding about the technology, but she seemed to be putting the HD ball in OTW's court.

Leslie Wilcox, former KHON anchor, now heading KHET, said in an Advertiser "hot seat" interview that PBS Hawaii is just waiting for Oceanic to put their HD feed on cable. Perhaps there's some misunderstanding about the technology, but she seemed to be putting the HD ball in OTW's court.


Well, it's been almost a year now that KHET has been feeding four signals to Oceanic...the "HD" signal is strictly an upconvert (according to KHET themselves). I think Oceanic wants "real" HD before adding that signal. I can imagine that they don't want disgruntled customers who look at that "HD" signal and can see that it doesn't measure up.

Eric

So I'm saying 2-3 times a year
5-15 min . How does that compare to cable? Maybe not too different.
Not too different.

Charles,

Do you need 2 dishes from E* to get any HD?

I was watching Charley Chat last month and they seem to be offering an upgraded dish that will pull in 2 sats.They called it the "Dish it up" offer. It requried a long term comitment
but with rebates it was nearly free. Or is this just for the mainland.


All,
To the subject of rain- I have had DISH for near 5 years and have lost signal hear in Pearl City maybe 10-15 times most durations of about 5-15 min. So I'm saying 2-3 times a year
5-15 min . How does that compare to cable? Maybe not too different.
James

Here on the East Side of the Big Island, I know quite a few people who jumped from sat to Cable when it became available because of the significant rain fade issues. Of course, we get much more rain here than you do in Pearl City!

Eric

Reminder: The 3 game series between the Giants and the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium should be televised on FSN-HD starting Tuesday afternoon at 4pm HST.

Also, there's talk of amending baseball's blackout rule as early as this year. This would be good for baseball fans here in Hawaii, plus places like Iowa and Las Vegas, where up to 6 teams have claimed as their market (!).

Edited to correct game start time.

Aloha,

I've had DirectTV since August (got the NFL Sunday Ticket) and I've only had problems once or twice, and that was due to heavy, heavy, cloud cover. It never lasted more than 3-5 minutes, as others have reported.

- Ardent

Here on the East Side of the Big Island, I know quite a few people who jumped from sat to Cable when it became available because of the significant rain fade issues. Of course, we get much more rain here than you do in Pearl City!

Eric

It's official. May 1st, we are getting ESPN2HD. Tune into channel 911, second page.

It's official. May 1st, we are getting ESPN2HD. Tune into channel 911, second page.

Huzzah!

Aloha,

I've had DirectTV since August (got the NFL Sunday Ticket) and I've only had problems once or twice, and that was due to heavy, heavy, cloud cover. It never lasted more than 3-5 minutes, as others have reported.

- Ardent


I used to get rain fade sometimes on both DirecTV and DISH back in Manhattan!

Is there a way of finding out the dates and times of programs on FSN-HD?

Well, it's been almost a year now that KHET has been feeding four signals to Oceanic...the "HD" signal is strictly an upconvert (according to KHET themselves). I think Oceanic wants "real" HD before adding that signal. I can imagine that they don't want disgruntled customers who look at that "HD" signal and can see that it doesn't measure up.

Eric

Here's what she "typed" during the online chat:

For months, PBS Hawaii has been sending out its High Definition signal over the air. However, most viewers receive our programs by cable.

Oceanic Time Warner Cable has verbally agreed to connect us to the cable system.

However, it has not taken action yet and we are most eager to see this happen. I fully expect it'll take place soon. As I said, we are more than ready; we're already transmitting the signal over the air.

Reminder: The 3 game series between the Giants and the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium should be televised on FSN-HD starting Tuesday afternoon at 4pm HST.You just had to rub it in, didn't you. :( C'mon Oceanic! GIVE ME MY DODGERS!!!!!!!!! OK, please? Pretty please... with haupia on top. :)

It's official. May 1st, we are getting ESPN2HD. Tune into channel 911, second page.Do I have to eat 500 bowls of All Bran for this channel too? :rolleyes:

It's official. May 1st, we are getting ESPN2HD. Tune into channel 911, second page.
But only Oahu customers. Bandwidth contraints prevent them delivering this channel to the neighbor islands at this time. :D

Seriously Yawny, I didn't mean to rub it in. I posted a reminder because I had nearly forgotten the games myself because FSN-HD isn't listed on TitanTV.

Reminder: The 3 game series between the Giants and the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium should be televised on FSN-HD starting Tuesday afternoon at 4pm HST.

Did anyone else have problems with FSN-HD yesterday? I tuned to it when I got home (5PM) and it was beyond unwatchable. Picture and sound constantly breaking up.

Did anyone else have problems with FSN-HD yesterday? I tuned to it when I got home (5PM) and it was beyond unwatchable. Picture and sound constantly breaking up.

No it was perfect at our apartment in Waikiki... I tuned in more in the middle of the game.

I've been away from this board for about 6mos and was wondering what the deal with the local channels in HD. Are the HD ones only primetime and how is the quality? Is the HD package good now? Thanks

It's official. May 1st, we are getting ESPN2HD. Tune into channel 911, second page.No such notice over here. :mad:

But only Oahu customers. Bandwidth contraints prevent them delivering this channel to the neighbor islands at this time.But according to the e-mail reply I received regarding FSN-HD, Oceanic is "reserving" bandwidth for the 24/7 HD channels. ESPN2HD is/will be 24/7, right?? :confused: Seems Oceanic's bandwidth excuse is just that. Very frustrating. Maybe I'll move to Oahu. :rolleyes:

No such notice over here. :mad:

But according to the e-mail reply I received regarding FSN-HD, Oceanic is "reserving" bandwidth for the 24/7 HD channels. ESPN2HD is/will be 24/7, right?? :confused: Seems Oceanic's bandwidth excuse is just that. Very frustrating. Maybe I'll move to Oahu. :rolleyes:
That sucks. Why does Maui always get the short end of the stick.

But according to the e-mail reply I received regarding FSN-HD, Oceanic is "reserving" bandwidth for the 24/7 HD channels. ESPN2HD is/will be 24/7, right?? :confused:
But according to the emoticon I placed at the end of my sentence, I must have been kidding, right? ;)

I'm pretty certain there'd be a big to-do if Oahu was the only island to get ESPN2HD. I don't think you have to worry.

Here's what she "typed" during the online chat:

For months, PBS Hawaii has been sending out its High Definition signal over the air. However, most viewers receive our programs by cable.

Oceanic Time Warner Cable has verbally agreed to connect us to the cable system.

However, it has not taken action yet and we are most eager to see this happen. I fully expect it'll take place soon. As I said, we are more than ready; we're already transmitting the signal over the air.

But what will be transmitted via Oceanic, a true HD signal or just a standard def signal upconverted to HD? Hopefully it is the former rather than the latter.

But what will be transmitted via Oceanic, a true HD signal or just a standard def signal upconverted to HD? Hopefully it is the former rather than the latter.

AFAIK, it's the upconvert. They don't have the equipment to time-shift HD programming at PBS Hawaii.

Now, if they made a deal (like I alluded to in a previous post) with Oceanic for using Oceanic's video servers to timeshift...then we could get the real HD stuff from PBS.


Eric

For the life of me I still can't understand why people in Hawaii don't go DBS, have them set it up and then "move" to Los Angeles or New York so you could get all the network programming earlier (and a better selection of HD), record it to DVR and just watch as you want at night.

For the life of me I still can't understand why people in Hawaii don't go DBS, have them set it up and then "move" to Los Angeles or New York so you could get all the network programming earlier (and a better selection of HD), record it to DVR and just watch as you want at night.


Rain fade is bad here in E. Hawaii.

Cable has as much HD as DBS here, AFAIK. I've seen what my clients get with DISH and I get more on Oceanic (and it's not HD Lite).

Is it that simple to "move?" Do I need to get my bills sent to NY or LA, or do they care?

I got my Dish network installed today. I got the vip622 and vip625 receivers with two 30" dishes. The satellite guy did a nice job on the install.

The picture quality on these are really bad. Both receivers have the same type of picture - low contrast, low resolution. The HD is okay but I think the Oceanic is still better. I'm not sure that I can get used to this picture.

I got my Dish network installed today. I got the vip622 and vip625 receivers with two 30" dishes. The satellite guy did a nice job on the install.

The picture quality on these are really bad. Both receivers have the same type of picture - low contrast, low resolution. The HD is okay but I think the Oceanic is still better. I'm not sure that I can get used to this picture.

Same story with a client who was a longtime DISH customer...upgraded to DISH HD recently and switched after two weeks to Oceanic. He said Oceanic looks better (and doesn't blank out with heavy rain!)

But according to the emoticon I placed at the end of my sentence, I must have been kidding, right? ;)I knew that. :o

I'm pretty certain there'd be a big to-do if Oahu was the only island to get ESPN2HD. I don't think you have to worry.Still no announcement here on 911 though. Just a blurb about KLIFE On Demand and KITV Island Weather. Who cares?!?! Guess we'll see about ESPN2HD on the 1st.

ESPN2HD just popped up on channel 1224.

ESPN2HD just popped up on channel 1224.

Yay... Now I can watch Arm Wrestling, Hot Rod TV, and Womens College Basketball in HD :p ?

Yay... Now I can watch Arm Wrestling, Hot Rod TV, and Womens College Basketball in HD :p ?

actually i like women's college basketball so that's good news for me. our hd line-up is starting to actually look respectable now. if OTW could get a deal done with the new owners of the local CBS then i'd be pretty happy.

Agreed.
Getting PBS in high definition would be pretty sweet too.

and KHON.. when are the finally going to go primetime HD. After telling people just another week or two... about 2 months ago.

ewa folks which OTA channels do you get and what antenna (i do not want to build one)

I have dish network, does anyone know if they will offer locals in HD, and on the same 119 dish?

What are you folks spaking of E* satelite?

and KHON.. when are the finally going to go primetime HD. After telling people just another week or two... about 2 months ago.

No kidding, the American Idol season is almost over for crying out loud! BTW, does anyone get Lost in 5.1 via Oceanic? It's always in stereo for me.

With the addition of these new HD channels I figured I better add some more storage. Just added a Seagate eSATA 500GB external drive to the 8300HD. Just plugged it in, followed the instructions and now I have 660GB of space. I picked it up at CompUSA for right around 150, came with all the cables needed.

BTW, does anyone get Lost in 5.1 via Oceanic? It's always in stereo for me.
No, and I've never found any DD 5.1 on any local channel. The local digital channels are always DD 2.0, so far as I know.

ewa folks which OTA channels do you get and what antenna (i do not want to build one)

I have dish network, does anyone know if they will offer locals in HD, and on the same 119 dish?

What are you folks spaking of E* satelite?


No. Dish will provide the HD locals on the 110w satellite, so you will need a separate dish for 110 plus a multi-switch so your receiver will "see" both satellites.

Can anybody here recommend a place/person in Honolulu that installs (hangs) plasma tv's? I'm finally thinking about getting one and would like to get it hung on my wall. I assume this would be pretty expensive, but it looks pretty cool. I was wondering where do the wires go? Do they make an opening near the floor where the wires can be plugged into the dvr's/dvd players?

With the addition of these new HD channels I figured I better add some more storage. Just added a Seagate eSATA 500GB external drive to the 8300HD. Just plugged it in, followed the instructions and now I have 660GB of space. I picked it up at CompUSA for right around 150, came with all the cables needed.

Please let us know how it goes... any problems. I had a drive I got from Amazon but before the 30 days were up I had some trouble. It would disconnect, I guess you would say. In any case because there was still time I decided to just return it. I was afraid it would be a hassle. But it was so nice to have that extra space. I would consider it again if it is stable. So I am really interested to hear how it goes for you.... brad

With the addition of these new HD channels I figured I better add some more storage. Just added a Seagate eSATA 500GB external drive to the 8300HD. Just plugged it in, followed the instructions and now I have 660GB of space. I picked it up at CompUSA for right around 150, came with all the cables needed
Could you tell me the specific model? I'm interested in getting more storage space too.

Can anybody here recommend a place/person in Honolulu that installs (hangs) plasma tv's? I'm finally thinking about getting one and would like to get it hung on my wall. I assume this would be pretty expensive, but it looks pretty cool. I was wondering where do the wires go? Do they make an opening near the floor where the wires can be plugged into the dvr's/dvd players?The problem is the power cable, you're not supposed to run a power cord through the wall. You can get an electrician to put a code-compliant outlet where you plan to put the TV (and a separate conduit in the wall for the other cables) for not a whole lot of money. - DR

ewa folks which OTA channels do you get and what antenna (i do not want to build one)

I have dish network, does anyone know if they will offer locals in HD, and on the same 119 dish?

What are you folks spaking of E* satelite?

You can get KHON, KITV, KHNL, KGMB and other smaller channels.
I got an indoor antenna from K-Mart for about $40.00.

It's pointed towards town. Great reception and HD programs looks sharp.

Could you tell me the specific model? I'm interested in getting more storage space too.

It is the Seagate eSATA 500-GB External Hard Drive ST3500601XS-RK. They did not have it on the floor at CompUSA (Ala Moana Store), I had to ask a sales rep and he went and got me one.

So far it seems to work ok. I live out in Kaneohe and the power does tend to dip now and then. I will keep you all informed of how it goes.

I'd have to second chalankanoa's recommendation. I've been using a ST3500601XS-RK for a couple of months now with no issue. $170 @ CompUSA. (You can get it cheaper at newegg, (but I didn't feel like the return hassle if it didn't work.) It comes with the cable (and even a serial card for your PC if you ever decide to use it as a regular EHD.) Also...it's very quiet.

Bottom line: You might be able to do it a little cheaper with an internal HDD and an enclosure, but the ST3500601XS-RK is tried and true. Heck, even the reviews on amazon and compusa mention success with the 8300hd.

This week Comp USA has the external Seagate FreeAgent 500GB Hard Drive Mfg Part #: ST305004FDA1E1-RK on sale for 139. 99. Not sure if they have any more in stock. I should of picked one up since I am always running out of room on my 8300HD DVR. My friend brought 4 of them this past sunday.

But only Oahu customers. Bandwidth contraints prevent them delivering ESPN2-HD to the neighbor islands at this time. :DYou thought you were kidding, but remember the reply I got back from Oceanic regarding my previous question about FSN-HD on Maui...

Oceanic's reply: "All full time HD channels go to neighbor islands. We limited underwater fiber and wish to reserve any remaining space for the 24/7 HD channels."

My reply question about ESPN2-HD: "OK. Fair enough, but since ESPN2-HD is a "24/7 channel", any reason we are not getting this HD channel on Maui either?"

Oceanic's reply: "On April 19th, when I told you that, it was true. On April 25th the announcement was made that no further HD channels could be sent to neighbor islands until our undersea fiber upgrade was completed. The good news from our VP of Operations (today) he thinks we will complete the upgrade by June 2007."

More fiber... great! Guess I can stop eating All-Bran. :)

With the addition of these new HD channels I figured I better add some more storage. Just added a Seagate eSATA 500GB external drive to the 8300HD. Just plugged it in, followed the instructions and now I have 660GB of space. I picked it up at CompUSA for right around 150, came with all the cables needed.

I have been looking to add storage to 8300, but was timid to try. Let us know if you run into any problems. As much as I hate to shop at crapusa, I might just go pick this up.

Chingu, I'm not 100% sure, but i think that Seagate model you mention is a USB hard drive and not eSATA. In that case, I don't think it is compatible with the 8300hd...

Chingu, I'm not 100% sure, but i think that Seagate model you mention is a USB hard drive and not eSATA. In that case, I don't think it is compatible with the 8300hd...

Your right it is the USB version. The Segate 500gb eSATA version is $169.

With the addition of these new HD channels I figured I better add some more storage. Just added a Seagate eSATA 500GB external drive to the 8300HD. Just plugged it in, followed the instructions and now I have 660GB of space. I picked it up at CompUSA for right around 150, came with all the cables needed.
You guys that have added external storage, when you have time try and record 2 HD shows at the same time while playing back 1 of the 2 on a delay. Get any glitches? You could post your result here, http://baseportal.com/baseportal/xnappo/main , where they're keeping track of variuos set ups. I'd be interested in you results, as well as anything else you notice. :cool:

It is the Seagate eSATA 500-GB External Hard Drive ST3500601XS-RK. They did not have it on the floor at CompUSA (Ala Moana Store), I had to ask a sales rep and he went and got me one.
Thanks, I checked Newegg.com and they don't have that model. I guess I'll check out CompUSA.

I went with the Apricorn DVR Xpander 250GB. Works great with the 8300HD.

rsthi
which antenna are you using in EWA?
thanks

rsthi
which antenna are you using in EWA?
thanksNot in Ewa, but for us after much experimentation the best antenna was a simple unamplified dual-bowtie. On the mainland you can find these for well under $20, I got mine for under $10 from a Radio Shack here on Oahu that had one left in the back room (it was a discontinued model), and these are also very easy to construct with a bit of wire. - DR

ewa folks which OTA channels do you get and what antenna (i do not want to build one)

I have dish network, does anyone know if they will offer locals in HD, and on the same 119 dish?

What are you folks spaking of E* satelite?


My antenna. It is a Winegard Squareshooter clone that I made.

My antenna. It is a Winegard Squareshooter clone that I made.BluBtl, you should maybe point out that there are much easier antennas one can make! Everyone on the LumenLabs thread is in awe of the job you did, but even the really ugly dual-quads kludged together in minutes with coathangers and baker's cooling racks can be as effective as the expensive "HDTV antennas" for sale at the local electronics shops. - DR

Question for those of you that connected an external HD to your 8300HD. I bought and installed the Seagate eSATA 500 GB that was talked about up-thread. The 8300HD seemed to find it and asked if I wanted to format it (which I did). However, when I look at the screen with the recording space used, it is still at 36% (which is where I believe it was before I connected the external drive). With an extra 500 GB, the percent used should have gone way down if they are showing the total capacity of both drives. Is only the space on the internal HD shown? Is there a way to see what capacity is used on the external drive too?

ETA: I guess I answered my own question. Did a reboot of the 8300HD and now it shows used space as 8%, so it now recognizes the external drive. Very cool stuff. Thanks for the recommendation on the Seagate HD!

Oceanic's reply: "On April 25th the announcement was made that no further HD channels could be sent to neighbor islands until our undersea fiber upgrade was completed. The good news from our VP of Operations (today) he thinks we will complete the upgrade by June 2007."I replied "That is good news (hopefully). Will we then get to view HD channels at their full bandwidth, as intended, rather than compressed and pixilated i.e. TNT etc.?"

Their reply... "We do stat mux the HD channels and, while stat muxing does contribute to some compression we stat mux all channels under the same rule and customers are happy with other HD channels. Increased bandwidth to NIs on fiber will just help adding new channels, but not improve the quality of any channel. We believe the TNT problem is poor encoding on the program provider (TNT-HD) side. I will pass you comments along to them."

My reply... "Thanks for the info. Guess I'll have to live with TNT they way it is for now. Hopefully the fiber upgrades will be completed soon so those of us on the outer islands can enjoy the HD channels those on Oahu do. Any news on when/if Switched Digital will be implemented? That would alleviate the bandwidth problem, wouldn't it?"

Their reply... "We're testing switch digital now. I know it is supposed to give us more bandwidth but think we aren't yet able to tell how much. I'll keep you posted as I learn more."

Thought some of you might find this info interesting/helpful. Aloha...

BluBtl, you should maybe point out that there are much easier antennas one can make! Everyone on the LumenLabs thread is in awe of the job you did, but even the really ugly dual-quads kludged together in minutes with coathangers and baker's cooling racks can be as effective as the expensive "HDTV antennas" for sale at the local electronics shops. - DR

True that.

The double bowtie is easier (no soldering) but can get bulky and hard to mount. Can only recieve UHF, so no KHON or CW.

The dual-quad is a little harder as you would need to solder the coaxial cable and the difficulty of mounting and aiming is a biatch. Mostly UHF and some VHF if tuned correctly.

The sqare shooter clone does takes some time to bend into shape and I think it is worth the trouble. No soldering required. Easy to mount. Easy to aim and recieve (it is multiband so you can get ALL the channels). Looks good and works great inside the house (get association rules where I live and cant mount outside). Basically it is an install anywhere option. The commercial model does sell for $120-$150, the clone is $free-$5.00.

One that is easiest to build would be the folded dipole (also multiband as discussed at lumenlab forums).

One other reason for going multiband design would be, by Feb 2009 all stations broadcasting would be transmitting in the VHF range. Hopefully by June 2007 we will have no need for an antenna as all the channels (including PBS HD) would be on Oceanic.

You guys that have added external storage, when you have time try and record 2 HD shows at the same time while playing back 1 of the 2 on a delay. Get any glitches?
Anybody try this yet? I'm interested in seeing how the Seagate drive handles the load. Does it cause any skipping, etc? With just the normal internal HD there's no problem.

Their reply... "We do stat mux the HD channels and, while stat muxing does contribute to some compression we stat mux all channels under the same rule and customers are happy with other HD channels. Increased bandwidth to NIs on fiber will just help adding new channels, but not improve the quality of any channel. We believe the TNT problem is poor encoding on the program provider (TNT-HD) side. I will pass you comments along to them."
What about HDNet Movies, etc? :(

The double bowtie is easier (no soldering) but can get bulky and hard to mount. Can only recieve UHF, so no KHON or CW.I posted a photo of the antenna I use earlier in the thread (post 2795). It is small, and pulls in KHON and CW fine, though I'm in Kaimuki not Ewa and the signal is strong here. Your SS clone is prettier, but not smaller!

One other reason for going multiband design would be, by Feb 2009 all stations broadcasting would be transmitting in the VHF range. Hopefully by June 2007 we will have no need for an antenna as all the channels (including PBS HD) would be on Oceanic.I would rather get my signal OTA than through cable. Honestly, if it wasn't for a tiny set of shows, I would drop cable altogether. - DR

I replied "That is good news (hopefully). Will we then get to view HD channels at their full bandwidth, as intended, rather than compressed and pixilated i.e. TNT etc.?"

Their reply... "We do stat mux the HD channels and, while stat muxing does contribute to some compression we stat mux all channels under the same rule and customers are happy with other HD channels. Increased bandwidth to NIs on fiber will just help adding new channels, but not improve the quality of any channel. We believe the TNT problem is poor encoding on the program provider (TNT-HD) side. I will pass you comments along to them."

My reply... "Thanks for the info. Guess I'll have to live with TNT they way it is for now. Hopefully the fiber upgrades will be completed soon so those of us on the outer islands can enjoy the HD channels those on Oahu do. Any news on when/if Switched Digital will be implemented? That would alleviate the bandwidth problem, wouldn't it?"

Their reply... "We're testing switch digital now. I know it is supposed to give us more bandwidth but think we aren't yet able to tell how much. I'll keep you posted as I learn more."

Thought some of you might find this info interesting/helpful. Aloha...
Thanks Yawny, and to the Oceanic employee who volunteered this technical information. Based on what was said, it would seem that any increase in bandwidth gained via implimentation of switched digital would be used for additional channels rather than reduction or elimination of channel compression like that which HDNetMovies seems to suffer from. I'd be okay with it if the added channels were ones people actually watched and not some filler crap.

There seems to be a time delay on KITV/ABC and it's been driving me nuts. I'm wondering if anyone noticed this problem also.

For the past two nights, it seems that KITV's programming is either starting about two minutes late or ending two minutes late. No big problem, right? Well if you're "tivo'g" the shows on OTW's HD-DVR, the recording actually cuts off with two minutes of footage to go. So you miss the two minutes of the show.

Last night this happened with Lost and if you saw the end of the episode, you can understand why I was upset. Tonight it was with Grey's Anatomy, and it was my girlfriend's time to get upset when she missed the last two minutes of the show.

In both examples, the storyline was building to a big climax at the end, but we missed it. Fortunately, we were able to watch the episodes on ABC.com but it was still sloppy on either KITV's or ABC's part.

Is there anyone that we can contact at KITV to ask when this timing issue will be corrected? I thought we were at the stage of TV broadcasting where shows actually start *and end* on the hour. Unfortunately, we were two for two AGAINST.

Any suggestions? Thanks for your help.

There seems to be a time delay on KITV/ABC and it's been driving me nuts. I'm wondering if anyone noticed this problem also.

For the past two nights, it seems that KITV's programming is either starting about two minutes late or ending two minutes late. No big problem, right? Well if you're "tivo'g" the shows on OTW's HD-DVR, the recording actually cuts off with two minutes of footage to go. So you miss the two minutes of the show.

Last night this happened with Lost and if you saw the end of the episode, you can understand why I was upset. Tonight it was with Grey's Anatomy, and it was my girlfriend's time to get upset when she missed the last two minutes of the show.

In both examples, the storyline was building to a big climax at the end, but we missed it. Fortunately, we were able to watch the episodes on ABC.com but it was still sloppy on either KITV's or ABC's part.

Is there anyone that we can contact at KITV to ask when this timing issue will be corrected? I thought we were at the stage of TV broadcasting where shows actually start *and end* on the hour. Unfortunately, we were two for two AGAINST.

Any suggestions? Thanks for your help.


I noticed that the clock on my box was a minute or so faster than my other clock. The two are normally the same. Today, the box and the other clock are in sync again. I never adjusted either of them. Maybe Oceanic had a glitch somewhere... :p

Did I mention that we got the Toshiba HD DVD A2 for $309 at Amazon with free shipping to Honolulu and 5 free HD discs?

It's been working perfectly and the picture is amazing. Its nice to have another option than just broadcast HD. Planet Earth on HD DVD is awesome.

It appears that both foxsports.com and hdsportsguide.com are unreliable regarding scheduled simulcasts of FSN West and Prime Ticket games. Both show no HD programming scheduled for today and yet I turn to channel 951 this Saturday evening and find the Dodgers hosting the Reds in HD. Foxsports.com goes so far as to say there is no HD programming scheduled for the entire month of May. That's obviously baloney. Gonna have to find someplace else with better info lest I miss more games.

delar,

DBS Forums "Sports Arena" have a daily list of telecast of MLB games, although only a day in advance.
During the NFL/College Football Season also have weekly list of games.

Direct link to the Sports Arena here:http://www.dbsforums.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=16

Sunday's MLB TV Schedule here:http://www.dbsforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=73314

Thanks Charles.

It appears that both foxsports.com and hdsportsguide.com are unreliable regarding scheduled simulcasts of FSN West and Prime Ticket games. Both show no HD programming scheduled for today and yet I turn to channel 951 this Saturday evening and find the Dodgers hosting the Reds in HD. Foxsports.com goes so far as to say there is no HD programming scheduled for the entire month of May. That's obviously baloney. Gonna have to find someplace else with better info lest I miss more games.edit: I just checked out the DBS link from Charles, which does list a lot of games but doesn't seem to denote which are in HD. However, the FSN web site has a list of HD Angels and Dodgers games for the 2007 season:

<http://msn.foxsports.com/story/6471002>
I KNEW IT!!! LOOK AT ALL THOSE GAMES!!! C'MON OCEANIC, ON WITH THE FIBER UPGRADES WIKI WIKI!!!!!!!!! Please??? Pretty please... :)

Delar, yesterday I noticed for the first time that the guide listed a sports event for FSN HD (the Dodger game). I was surprised because I had been checking hdsportsguide.com and it wasn't listed there. So, I suppose if we see something on the guide there we should email hdsportsguide.

edit: I just checked out the DBS link from Charles, which does list a lot of games but doesn't seem to denote which are in HD. However, the FSN web site has a list of HD Angels and Dodgers games for the 2007 season:

<http://msn.foxsports.com/story/6471002>

Thanks for the additional info likerice. Foxsports.com appears to have very recently updated that site....a mere 2 weeks into May. The page you linked to has only Tuesdays Cardinals-Dodgers game in HD, but this (http://msn.foxsports.com/name/HD) page from the same website has the Wednesday game in HD as well. I hope they can do a better job keeping that website up-to-date from here on out. And it's nice to know there are several more games coming in HD this May, including the Dodgers interleague games against the Angels this weekend.

Actually, if I read the FOX website right there is a HD game from either the Angels or Dodgers everyday remaining in May.

Actually, if I read the FOX website right there is a HD game from either the Angels or Dodgers everyday remaining in May.
Yep, every day except for the 2 Saturdays remaining (reserved for FOX) and Thur May 24. If true this is pretty cool.

rsthi
which antenna are you using in EWA?
thanks

RCA Brand- Model ANT537 which I purhased from K-Mart in Kapolei.
I tried several with this one giving me the best results.

Wonder if anyone else has noticed the apparent poor signal from PBS Hawaii on KHET-DT 11. This can only be viewed OTA with an antenna --- no TWC yet.

I typically record many shows (Nature, NOVA, etc), but in the last month there has been a mess of dropouts, and Audio/Video Sync problems, even though the signal is strong and there is a good S/N ratio.

Calls to PBS get nowhere --- I often think there is noone there; when you check out their site (or the monthly VIEW magazine), there is virtually no mention of the splended HD offering. It's almost like all the stations are embarrassed to admit that they simulcast HD as well as SD.

More: I see KHET has been down for a couple of days --- so I guess something is happening.

Actually, if I read the FOX website right there is a HD game from either the Angels or Dodgers everyday remaining in May. :( :(
Yep, every day except for the 2 Saturdays remaining (reserved for FOX) and Thur May 24. This is pretty cool. :mad: :mad: :mad:

Wonder if anyone else has noticed the apparent poor signal from PBS Hawaii on KHET-DT 11. This can only be viewed OTA with an antenna --- no TWC yet.

I typically record many shows (Nature, NOVA, etc), but in the last month there has been a mess of dropouts, and Audio/Video Sync problems, even though the signal is strong and there is a good S/N ratio.

Calls to PBS get nowhere --- I often think there is noone there; when you check out their site (or the monthly VIEW magazine), there is virtually no mention of the splended HD offering. It's almost like all the stations are embarrassed to admit that they simulcast HD as well as SD.


Well, maybe splendid upconverts... KHET does not transmit real HD, as they don't have a video server to timeshift the programming. We must increase our member donations!

E

No game tonight on 951 even though dbsforums.com shows that there is a Cardinals/Dodgers game on FSN Prime Ticket HD. Foxsports.com also shows an FSN-West HD feed for the Indians/Angels game tonight as well. Looks like either Oceanic dropped the ball or has decided to show only select games.

blubtl
will the square shooter clone/real antenna receive analog/digital uhf/vhf stations

rsthi
do you receive all the local stations with your antenna in ewa

hello all,

why can't OTW actually "serve" it's customer?**isn't it enough that they are given a monopoly to make windfall profits as a result of a monopoly granted by our government?**and why can't "our" government that grants that monopoly, make OTW actually comply with regulations?

ok, i'm off my soap box...**i don't think OTW is in compliance with FCC regulation 47CFR76.640.

if i understand, this reg requires cable operators to provide something called PSIP and from what i understand, PSIP is channel (channel program) information.

does anyone know if there is an FCC rep on Oahu and if there is, how to contact that individual?**also, how does someone file a formal complaint with the FCC?

thank you all.

The Honolulu Digital stations have been uplinked on Dish Network, but not yet available(June 7th).
HD Stations uplinked: KITV, KGMB, KHON, KHNL, KHET and KFVE.
Digital stations(SD) uplinked: KHON-CW, Weather Plus(KHNL), Weather Now(KITV), Create TV(KHET) plus SD versions of KITV, KWHE and KIKU.

hello all,

why can't OTW actually "serve" it's customer?**isn't it enough that they are given a monopoly to make windfall profits as a result of a monopoly granted by our government?**and why can't "our" government that grants that monopoly, make OTW actually comply with regulations?

ok, i'm off my soap box...**i don't think OTW is in compliance with FCC regulation 47CFR76.640.

if i understand, this reg requires cable operators to provide something called PSIP and from what i understand, PSIP is channel (channel program) information.

does anyone know if there is an FCC rep on Oahu and if there is, how to contact that individual?**also, how does someone file a formal complaint with the FCC?

thank you all.

To what, exactly, are you referring?

Are you having trouble with your firewire?

Apparently, Scientific Atlanta only deems it necessary to work with a 1394-equipped display. If you are attempting to use it for anything else, they don't care. And it ain't Oceanic...it's SA.

Eric

Quote:
Originally Posted by clark_kent
hello all,

why can't OTW actually "serve" it's customer?**isn't it enough that they are given a monopoly to make windfall profits as a result of a monopoly granted by our government?**and why can't "our" government that grants that monopoly, make OTW actually comply with regulations?

ok, i'm off my soap box...**i don't think OTW is in compliance with FCC regulation 47CFR76.640.

if i understand, this reg requires cable operators to provide something called PSIP and from what i understand, PSIP is channel (channel program) information.

does anyone know if there is an FCC rep on Oahu and if there is, how to contact that individual?**also, how does someone file a formal complaint with the FCC?

thank you all.


from "egcarter"
To what, exactly, are you referring?

Eric:

i've had a QAM tuner with EyeTV software on my Mac for some time.**even though OTW is not embedding channel info (EPG and/or PSIP) into the "stream" it all works fairly well.**the tuner tunes all the QAM (clear as well as scrambles) channels, the software downloads the EPG line-up and then you get to manually align the "QAM channel" with the EPG line-up.**it is a pain in the @#$, but once you do that, channel (line-up) guide info is available (from TitanTV) for all identified channels (both analog and digital).**the EyeTV software allows you to look at "what on" the channel guide and push a record button to record that show.**as nice as all that is, it's not a TiVo Series 3.

so i save up and got a S3.**it tunes the channels, but there is no guide info for the clear QAM channels.**apparently the PSIP is missing (and i'm sure that this is the way OTW likes it).**i think the FCC requires that cable operators carry local digital channels "in the clear" and OTW does do that, but to to help them selves further line there pockets, they don't follow through with all the regulatory requirements by leaving out the PSIP info.**i've been told that a cablecard will fix that.**i'm sure it would.**but, i don't think that the FCC intended (or requires) me to need to have a cablecard in order to "know" what local digital channel i am watching.**and without the PSIP, there is no info in the "stream" to identify the channel.**not everyone wants "all" those various level of "digital service" that OTW loves to peddle and i shouldn't be coerced into singing up for a cablecard.

blubtl
will the square shooter clone/real antenna receive analog/digital uhf/vhf stations


Analog: Some good, some not so good. I hide all analog channels and stick to the digital.

Digital: All clear, VHF and UHF, if it wasnt for the wife I would cancel my Oceanic subscription. Since I have cable I mostly leave the antenna orientation for recieve UHF. Mainly for KGMB 22.3 [9.1], KHET 18.1, 18.2 [11.1, 11.2], KFVE 5.1

blibtl
do you get channel 2 and 13?

For the last few days baseball games have been showing up in the guide for channel 951 (1226), but all I have seen is a black screen, including this Sunday morning's game between the Angels and Dodgers. It should be a simulcast of the game that can be seen in SD on channel 226, so the blackout rule should have nothing to do with it. Anyone know why?

For the last few days baseball games have been showing up in the guide for channel 951 (1226), but all I have seen is a black screen, including this Sunday morning's game between the Angels and Dodgers. It should be a simulcast of the game that can be seen in SD on channel 226, so the blackout rule should have nothing to do with it. Anyone know why?

I had Oceanic here today fixing a related issue. Most ot the time I was either getting a broken picture / audio on not getting anything on FSN-HD and ESPN2HD. They replaced my 8300HD and installed a house amplifier. Still wasn't getting FSN-HD. Apparently they were having a problem in receiving / transmitting the broadcast. Not too long after they left FSN-HD came in. I think someone forgot to throw the switch.

What's up with KHET OTA lately? I was getting just the 11.2 for a while, now no signal at all.
scott s.
.

Its quite possible that a few of you have heard about this already, it looks like Dish will start broadcasting 'the big 4' locals in HD off of orbit 110 by June 10 or so, we may also see another 4-8 HD channels added as well, exciting times.

What's up with KHET OTA lately? I was getting just the 11.2 for a while, now no signal at all.
scott s.
Perhaps their titmouse took a leave of absence.

Its quite possible that a few of you have heard about this already, it looks like Dish will start broadcasting 'the big 4' locals in HD off of orbit 110 by June 10 or so, we may also see another 4-8 HD channels added as well, exciting times.

Thats great Sat. Guy. Any idea on what the HD channels they are adding?

Its quite possible that a few of you have heard about this already, it looks like Dish will start broadcasting 'the big 4' locals in HD off of orbit 110 by June 10 or so, we may also see another 4-8 HD channels added as well, exciting times.

Will they show the live mainland feeds, which would mean prime time shows here in the afternoon? Or time shifted to match our local broadcast times?

Will they show the live mainland feeds, which would mean prime time shows here in the afternoon? Or time shifted to match our local broadcast times?

They will show the local channels, not the network feeds.

Thats great Sat. Guy. Any idea on what the HD channels they are adding?
-------------------------------------------------------
What we are pushing for and have strongly suggested is:
RaveHD, National GeoHD, Food NetworkHD, and EquatorHD

Any suggestions to this list?

They will show the local channels, not the network feeds.

Eric,

just was wondering how will they be able to get a local HD feed from KGMB and FOX when they aren't even giving the feed to Oceanic yet. I might have to start looking into getting DISH.

Eric,

just was wondering how will they be able to get a local HD feed from KGMB and FOX when they aren't even giving the feed to Oceanic yet. I might have to start looking into getting DISH.


It'll be just like watching it OTA. (Fox will be SD except for live sports). I don't know if DISH has contracted with KGMB as yet, but that has nothing to do with Oceanic.

E

Will they show the live mainland feeds, which would mean prime time shows here in the afternoon? Or time shifted to match our local broadcast times?

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Looks like they have been recording some of the 'primetime' programming already from the mainland as we have been getting some 'delayed' HD OTA on a few of the channels. Possible that they are now set up to pull in HD primetime programming from LA or NY, store it on multiple hard drives, and edit or insert commercials then send it out? Not certain how this is done. I do know however in the recent past, it was not possible for the local channels to do this, or they chose not to do it as the only HD available OTA were live events (Superbowl, world series, olympics. nascar, NFL etc) So yes makes good business sense to broadcast primetime programming during peak viewing hours.

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Looks like they have been recording some of the 'primetime' programming already from the mainland as we have been getting some 'delayed' HD OTA on a few of the channels. Possible that they are now set up to pull in HD primetime programming from LA or NY, store it on multiple hard drives, and edit or insert commercials then send it out? Not certain how this is done. I do know however in the recent past, it was not possible for the local channels to do this, or they chose not to do it as the only HD available OTA were live events (Superbowl, world series, olympics. nascar, NFL etc) So yes makes good business sense to broadcast primetime programming during peak viewing hours.

They have very expensive video servers to timeshift programming. Something that mainland stations don't have to do. KHON still doesn't have theirs in normal operation, otherwise we would have the Fox primetime lineup in HD. KHET doesn't even have a video server. They just upconvert.

E

Eric,

just was wondering how will they be able to get a local HD feed from KGMB and FOX when they aren't even giving the feed to Oceanic yet. I might have to start looking into getting DISH.

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

Not to elbow my way in here, so I apologize in advance but if you are presently getting oceanic digital/HD, the Vip 622 HD DVR completely blows anything they have out of the water. And with the availability of double the HD content from OTM, there really is no reason to stay with them. :) just my 2.0cents
If dish doesnt blow your skirt up, maybe DirecTV would be a better mix for you...not sure, but I can tell you for certain Dish or DTV will be leading by far on the HD content with in the next few weeks. Ive got a list of new HD programming that will be available via DTV for Hawaii, will post soon

They have very expensive video servers to timeshift programming. Something that mainland stations don't have to do. KHON still doesn't have theirs in normal operation, otherwise we would have the Fox primetime lineup in HD. KHET doesn't even have a video server. They just upconvert.

E
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Well all they would really need to do is have dish adjust the spotbeam carrying local HD for LA, encrypt it and send it to the local affiliate, the local affiliate would then record it to a 622, or multiple 622's via dish out side of the building. Then wa-la you have it, you can then firewire it to a digital storage device, edit, store it again and send it out! Not that this is a likely prospect, but interesting to think about. Vip 622 retail? About 500 bucks, video servers? quite a bit more I am sure.
Has anyone been noticing problems with KHNL video and audio, Ive been having problems with the audio popping and video tearing, just overall poor quality, almost as if a crappy low power analog feed is being unconverted into digital frequency, this has been going on now for about 4 months. on different accounts, imcluding mine :(

Following article was pulled from satelliteguys.us.
Looks like DTV is continuing the huge push into HD into 2007-2008


DIRECTVEL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 23, 2007--DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television service provider, continues to set the stage for its unprecedented expansion of HD services. With agreements in place to launch four Discovery HD channels, five HD channels from Starz, CNBC and Chiller in HD, along with recently completed deals with The History Channel and A&E, DIRECTV is on schedule to roll out up to 100 national HD channels by year-end to satisfy the appetite of its HD customers, who have doubled over the last year.

"Earlier this year we called 2007 the 'Year of HD' and we're going to deliver on our commitment to offer more HD channels than any other multichannel provider," said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Strategy and Development, DIRECTV, Inc. "In addition to the networks we've signed to date, we will continue to add more HD programming to our launch list between now and year-end. Demand for HD continues to grow, and with the dramatic expansion of our capacity this summer and the nationwide reach of our service, we are uniquely positioned to lead the industry in the carriage and delivery of HD programming."

Under the agreement with Discovery Communications, DIRECTV will launch four simulcasts - Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and The Science Channel - and two other channels to be named and launched by Discovery at a later date. The HD feeds of the four existing networks will launch in September.

DIRECTV also has an agreement in place with Starz to launch three new HD movie channels: Starz Edge, Starz Comedy and Starz Kids & Family, as well as Starz's East and West coast HD feeds. The new Starz HD channels, featuring first-run hit movies, and the Starz East and West HD channels, will also launch in September.

The History Channel and DIRECTV recently announced that DIRECTV will be the first to launch The History Channel HD, a new 24-hour HD network, and A&E HD in September.

As it continues to beef up its HD channel lineup, DIRECTV has also become the platform of choice for the debut of exclusive HD programming. Disney Channel is providing DIRECTV the exclusive rights to broadcast the premiere HD version of High School Musical 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the global sensation for kids and families. DIRECTV will air the movie in HD a few days after its standard-definition premiere Friday, August 17 on Disney Channel.

In addition to the networks listed below, DIRECTV also plans to offer the HD feeds of regional sports networks on a nationwide basis this fall, and has commitments from a number of other networks to launch their HD simulcasts. They will be added to the lineup for launch by year-end and will be announced at a later date.

To date, DIRECTV has signed agreements or agreements in principle, to launch the following networks.

-- A&E -- National Geographic
-- Bravo -- NFL Network
-- Cartoon Network -- SciFi Channel
-- CNN -- Speed
-- Food Network -- TBS
-- Big Ten Network -- The History Channel
-- HGTV -- The Weather Channel
-- MTV -- USA Network
-- Disney Channel -- Versus HD
-- Toon Disney -- TLC
-- ABC Family -- Animal Planet
-- ESPNNEWS HD -- The Science Channel
-- Starz E/W feeds -- Discovery Channel
-- Starz Edge -- The Tennis Channel
-- Starz Comedy -- Showtime West
-- Starz Kids & Family -- The Movie Channel
-- CNBC -- Chiller
HD networks currently offered by DIRECTV include ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Discovery HD Theater, HDNet, HDNet Movies, TNT in HD, Universal HD, HBO HD, Showtime HD, an HD pay per view/special events channel and HD feeds from NY- and LA-based broadcast networks ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX (for eligible customers). DIRECTV also offers local HD broadcast channels in 60 cities, representing more than 70 percent of U.S. TV households.

DIRECTV's industry leading lineup of HD sports programming includes up to 10 MLB games a week in HD, and DIRECTV plans to offer all MLB games produced in HD beginning with the 2008 season. DIRECTV also offers NBA and NHL games in HD, and through its exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET(TM) Superfan subscription, DIRECTV customers have access to more than 150 NFL games in HD. In total DIRECTV offered more than 200 HD games last season, nearly twice as many as cable.

DIRECTV announced earlier this year that it will have the capacity to launch up to 100 national HD channels by the end of 2007, and offer local HD channels in up to 75 markets, following the launch of its D10 satellite this summer. The satellite will be operational and new HD services will begin rolling out in Q3.

The DIRECTV 11 satellite will be launched early next year to support further HD expansion. With the two satellites, DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD and digital channels and 150 national HD channels, in addition to new advanced programming services for customers.

Will all those directv channels be available here in hawaii? not that i can get directv from my location anyway.

Will all those directv channels be available here in hawaii? not that i can get directv from my location anyway.

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Yes all those channels in HD, at least thats the plan, should see this happen as mentioned in the article a month or so after DirecTV 11 is powered up. They are looking at late 2007 early 2008 launch, yes we should see them here. Why cant you get DirecTV at your location? What area are you at?

I too would like to know what channels will be available at years end from both Dish and Direct TV. I am very disappointed with TWC over here on Maui.

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Yes all those channels in HD, at least thats the plan, should see this happen as mentioned in the article a month or so after DirecTV 11 is powered up. They are looking at late 2007 early 2008 launch, yes we should see them here. Why cant you get DirecTV at your location? What area are you at?

Thanks for the info Satellite Guy HI

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Yes all those channels in HD, at least thats the plan, should see this happen as mentioned in the article a month or so after DirecTV 11 is powered up. They are looking at late 2007 early 2008 launch, yes we should see them here. Why cant you get DirecTV at your location? What area are you at?

I'm in kaneohe tucked in a little valley next to the mountains. Plus my apartment faces the wrong way (I think) and my complex doesn't allow dishes -- I know I could fight it but I would have to be pretty motivated. We'll probably move in another year so I will keep my eyes out for developments from D* and E* and switch at that time if they are better than OTW. I used to have E* on the mainland and was pretty happy with the ViP DVR and HD channels.

OTW is getting better but they need to also add all these new channels in the not-too-distant future.

I'm in kaneohe tucked in a little valley next to the mountains. Plus my apartment faces the wrong way (I think) and my complex doesn't allow dishes -- I know I could fight it but I would have to be pretty motivated. We'll probably move in another year so I will keep my eyes out for developments from D* and E* and switch at that time if they are better than OTW. I used to have E* on the mainland and was pretty happy with the ViP DVR and HD channels.

OTW is getting better but they need to also add all these new channels in the not-too-distant future.
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Yea, there are a few spots in Kaneohe that you cant see the birds needed for full blown DTV. Tucked up against the mountains, apartment lanai facing west?, 2 each 1.2 meter dishes required, there are quite a few problems here in getting you DTV service!
Id say definitely 'not do-able'. looks as though you are stuck with OTM for a while.
As far as fighting to get DTV installed on your lanai (If you had a clear line of site to the east) Not do-able either, as the dishes required for DTV here in Hawaii are 1.2 mtr in dia! (4 foot dish ) You would need 2 of these installed. One dish for orbit 99, 101, 103 one dish for 110, 119. The max size allowed per FCC ruling in Hawaii is a 1.0 mtr dish (Roughly 3 feet across) Dish on the other hand, one .76 mtr dish for satellite 119, one .76 for satellite 110. In some cases where space is a concern we will install a .60 or 24 inch dish to 119 and .76 dish for 110 (High Def) Rain fade obviously more of a concern if a .60 dish installed compared, to a .76 with almost 0 signal loss due to rain fade.

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Id say definitely 'not do-able'.

i figured. thanks for the info though.

i figured. thanks for the info though.

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Yes sorry for the news :(

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Yes sorry for the news :(

Hi Satellite Guy,

What about if I'm in Salt Lake. I live in a condo on the ground floor thus mounting is no problem since I have a yard instead of a balcony to install the dish. How big is the dish for HD programing?

Hello everyone. I live in a crappy condo in downtown that doesn't even have Oceanic/Time Warner. They have a stupid analog company called Satellite Star or something like that. I'm planning on getting a 42inch LCD with built-in HD-tuner. What else am I going to need to be able to catch some ota HD channels? I don't have room for a huge dish since I have no balcony. Thanks in advance.

Again, Dodger baseball is dark this Sunday morning on FSN-HD 951 & 1226.

Again, Dodger baseball is dark this Sunday morning on FSN-HD 951 & 1226.

Delar,

Just got off the phone with Oceanic. They tried to tell me that MLB is blacking it out. I went round and round with her for a couple of minutes saying that this is not a National broadcast and should not be blacked out. Once again she said that this was a MLB channel and MLB is blacking it out. I said if FSN-HD is blacked out so should regular FSN.

She investigated and came back she said I was right and apologized profusely. She did confirm that they were getting black on HD-FSN as well. She said she will contact the appropriate people and hopefully it will be back on soon.

So DISH customer service personnel are not the only ones that are clueless.

Two hours into the game it is finally on 1226.

Thanks for making the call to OTW customer service hebsan. Sounds like the CSR contacted the right person to "throw the switch", albeit a bit late.

Dear S,
You state that you live downtown-so if you can see any of the towers from your condo you would need only a cheepo ant. from k or w mart. Save your box and recipt so you can return it if you dont get enough stations. From downtown you should be able to get KGMB ,KHON ,KITV . Their towers are in the Ala Moana area. KHNL, K-5 & KHET towers are on top of Makakilo so you need a clear view in that direction and you would need a larger ant. The "HD" content is mostly at night and live sports on weekends. Good luck!!!

James

Hi Satellite Guy,

What about if I'm in Salt Lake. I live in a condo on the ground floor thus mounting is no problem since I have a yard instead of a balcony to install the dish. How big is the dish for HD programing?
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Hi Steevan,
Does your back yard face towards Diamond head/Koko head? (East facing) If so, do you have any tall buildings or trees towards the east? Are you looking for Dishnetwork or DTV? Both of these services have their pro's and con's. The main difference between the two services is the dish size. In Hawaii, the maximum size allowed is a 1.0 mtr or 3 foot dish. DTV installs a 1.2 mtr dish or 4 foot dish, if you would like High definition, add another 1.2 mtr dish. Bad thing about this is of course the dish size, if your neighbors complain to the board or association, you will have to remove the dishes by law. Good thing, you get up to 4 high def MPEG 4 compatible receivers, a 6x8 switch, 2 1.2 mtr prodelin dishes installed for a nominal charge. Both services require you to sign an agreement. Dishnetwork has a 18 mo commitment period, DTV has a 12 month commitment. Dishnetwork service with HD is 2 each .76 or '30 inch' dishes. In your situation I would go with a dishnetwork HD system, smaller dishes and in my opinion better receivers. The monthly on both are fairly close, I believe off of the top of my head DTV is a little more on the monthly

Hello everyone. I live in a crappy condo in downtown that doesn't even have Oceanic/Time Warner. They have a stupid analog company called Satellite Star or something like that. I'm planning on getting a 42inch LCD with built-in HD-tuner. What else am I going to need to be able to catch some ota HD channels? I don't have room for a huge dish since I have no balcony. Thanks in advance.
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If you are downtown, are you in the tall MDU over by Aloha tower? At any rate, try the cheapo indoor version (About 20.00) From wall-mart it sits on its own base and is about 8 inches tall and about 6 inches across. If you are level 6 or higher you should be good.

Satellite Guy HI
how come some people have those big white dishes on their roofs? more than 1 meter

Satellite Guy
which one dish or direct tv offer the best for the buck?
i have dish 200 pack and do not get all the stations, it is more like dish 70 pack for the 200
how many channels do you get for direct tv, and which stations do you really get

Delar,

Just got off the phone with Oceanic. They tried to tell me that MLB is blacking it out. I went round and round with her for a couple of minutes saying that this is not a National broadcast and should not be blacked out. Once again she said that this was a MLB channel and MLB is blacking it out. I said if FSN-HD is blacked out so should regular FSN.

She investigated and came back she said I was right and apologized profusely. She did confirm that they were getting black on HD-FSN as well. She said she will contact the appropriate people and hopefully it will be back on soon.

So DISH customer service personnel are not the only ones that are clueless.
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The black out rules are at best confusing. Seems as though this is by design, or maybe just everyone is confused when it comes to why certain regions are blacked out. I personally feel that Hawaii and Alaska should have no black outs, as it is impossible for Hawaii residents to hop in a car and go see 'the game'

Satellite Guy HI
how come some people have those big white dishes on their roofs? more than 1 meter
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Cheskie,
Those big white 'solid' dishes are for DTV service. In most cases these homes are not involved or belong to any associations. If they are in an association, they can be asked to have the dishes removed. If dish size is at or below the 1.0 meter mark, and the dish is installed in or on an exclusive use surface, then the home owner can not be asked to remove the dish.

Satellite Guy HI
thanks
what about the deals between, dish and direct-what gives you the most tv stations with 1 dish
thanks

Satellite Guy
which one dish or direct tv offer the best for the buck?
i have dish 200 pack and do not get all the stations, it is more like dish 70 pack for the 200
how many channels do you get for direct tv, and which stations do you really get

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Best bang for buck, well it just depends on which shows you enjoy watching.
If you would like the MLB package or NFL Sunday ticket, then your only only option is DTV.
If you are looking for standard def quantity DTV will probably be your best bet. directv.com has the info on that, almost everything programming wise on that site is available in Hawaii.

Dish on the other hand for HD receivers and good overall packages is most likely the way to go, with the advent of locals in HD and an additional 4 or so more HD channels added (Cross your fingers, on that) Dish would be best bang as it stands now.
As far as which stations actually come in with your single dish hooked into 119? I do not believe you are getting 200 channels, some of the '200' include quite a few channels off of the 110 satellite, and some of the channels off that satellite require a 1.0 meter dish to see them. If you would like to see how many channels (Total number) Its tedious, but I would go through the channels and count them
Hope that helps!

While I appreciate the additional info that Satellite Guy HI is providing, may I suggest that perhaps another separate thread for Hawaii Satellite topics be created?

I think we might be straying away from the HDTV topic with these posts, but I don't want them to go away either. A separate thread would work best for our purposes.

Thanks.

satelite guy
is more than one satelite required for hdtv w locals from directtv

I think we might be straying away from the HDTV topic with these posts, but I don't want them to go away either. A separate thread would work best for our purposes.
If someone does start a separate thread, please post here, since I don't keep track of any relevant subforum. Every time I look at OTW's guide and don't see HKGMB or HFOOD, I think of jumping ship to a satellite service.

Hi guys, new to HD. Just bought the Samsung 4665f and signed up with Oceanic Time Warner for digital plus HD. I have the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD DVR. So far so good. Here's my issue...

When watching certain programming, things don't always appear to be quite as sharp as HD should be, specifically the Discovery Channel HD theater shows, which I love. I've noticed a couple problems...
1. In darker or constant color images (a plain red shirt or such), things tend to appear blocky or a little bit pixelated, like zooming in on a jpeg image. These blocky areas tend to jump or shift every 1/2 second or so.

2. Also, after a quick scene change, straight lines, such as text, are occasionally extremely jaggy for maybe a 1/4 to 1/2 a second and then suddenly straighten out.

Has anybody every seen something like this? Is this my TV, or is it just the signal/DVR compression? In CNET's review, they mentioned that on a pixel by pixel level, this TV (4665F) doesn't de-interlace 1080i perfectly, but then promptly dismissed it as being nearly un-noticable. If that's what I'm seeing, it's definitely noticable, and I want to exchange the TV before my 30-days are up. If it's just issues with the signal, then I'll have to live with that and I won't worry about the TV itself.

My big concern is that I have 30 days to return the TV if I'm not happy, so I've gotta make a decision soon, and I have no High Def source other than cable.

Hi guys, new to HD. Just bought the Samsung 4665f and signed up with Oceanic Time Warner for digital plus HD. I have the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD DVR. So far so good. Here's my issue...

When watching certain programming, things don't always appear to be quite as sharp as HD should be, specifically the Discovery Channel HD theater shows, which I love. I've noticed a couple problems...
1. In darker or constant color images (a plain red shirt or such), things tend to appear blocky or a little bit pixelated, like zooming in on a jpeg image. These blocky areas tend to jump or shift every 1/2 second or so.

2. Also, after a quick scene change, straight lines, such as text, are occasionally extremely jaggy for maybe a 1/4 to 1/2 a second and then suddenly straighten out.

Has anybody every seen something like this? Is this my TV, or is it just the signal/DVR compression? In CNET's review, they mentioned that on a pixel by pixel level, this TV (4665F) doesn't de-interlace 1080i perfectly, but then promptly dismissed it as being nearly un-noticable. If that's what I'm seeing, it's definitely noticable, and I want to exchange the TV before my 30-days are up. If it's just issues with the signal, then I'll have to live with that and I won't worry about the TV itself.

My big concern is that I have 30 days to return the TV if I'm not happy, so I've gotta make a decision soon, and I have no High Def source other than cable.

It may be the TV. I have a client with a new 71" 1080p Samsung DLP and I don't like a lot of what I see on it. Things look terrific on my projector and LCD.

E

1. In darker or constant color images (a plain red shirt or such), things tend to appear blocky or a little bit pixelated, like zooming in on a jpeg image. These blocky areas tend to jump or shift every 1/2 second or so.

2. Also, after a quick scene change, straight lines, such as text, are occasionally extremely jaggy for maybe a 1/4 to 1/2 a second and then suddenly straighten out.
It's not your TV. I see both of these phenomena on my 3 year old Mits 720p DLP exactly as you describe them. I've written it off to Oceanic's compression/rate-shaping of these few channels that I see this happen on, notably Discovery-HD, HDNet and HDNetMovies. The other HD channels don't seem to exhibit this problem. I'm still hoping that the introduction of Switched Digital Video will allow Oceanic to deliver these channels to us at better data rates.

It's not your TV. I see both of these phenomena on my 3 year old Mits 720p DLP exactly as you describe them. I've written it off to Oceanic's compression/rate-shaping of these few channels that I see this happen on, notably Discovery-HD, HDNet and HDNetMovies. The other HD channels don't seem to exhibit this problem. I'm still hoping that the introduction of Switched Digital Video will allow Oceanic to deliver these channels to us at better data rates.


Maybe you should move to the Big Island...mo bettah reception ovah heah.

E

Discovery is one of the better ones for us... but I do see that macro blocking on quick scene changes. Recently I've noticed it more on Showtime. We should probably call to make a report. Otherwise they will think no one notices and they can compress even further. We have to let them know that we see it.

Finally added ESPN2HD and FSNHD on the Big Island today...also I see Bloomberg popped up on 118.

E

Thanks a ton for the help guys, now I can rest easy that my TV is not totally messed up. I was hoping that was the case, considering that some channels were fine even in 1080i.

We haven't gone with any of the premium channels yet (HBO, Showtime, etc) just for $$ reasons, but we'll see. I may get hooked on the HD picture and not want to watch anything else.

I agree on calling the cable company to report it. Maybe they can do something about it. Either way, it ticks me off. We're paying for these channels specifically for the high quality picture... I want my money's worth.

Does anyone know how the satellite signals compare as far as compression and quality? It would be a tough option for us given that we live in a apartment building, but maybe we could convince the owners association to throw some dishes on the roof.

ESPN University was added on 6/01/07 to the Oceanic digital cable lineup. Also, ESPN/ESPN2 have been added to basic cable, ESPN News/ShopNBC to standard cable service as of today.

I may get hooked on the HD picture and not want to watch anything else..


Yes you do become hooked.. especially on a brilliant picture from some of the networks. HBO is pretty good too. I avoid SD if I can.

While I appreciate the additional info that Satellite Guy HI is providing, may I suggest that perhaps another separate thread for Hawaii Satellite topics be created?

I think we might be straying away from the HDTV topic with these posts, but I don't want them to go away either. A separate thread would work best for our purposes.

Thanks.


Agreed, the thread here has gone off in other directions here and there. Will attempt to keep it more on topic

satelite guy
is more than one satelite required for hdtv w locals from directtv

Cheskie,
No, only one dish is needed to get locals with DirecTV service. The locals are not available in High Def yet, but they do come in at MPEG 4. DirecTV is in a better position then Dish to provide High def locals to Hawaii, but it seems Dish will offer them first. On the whole, DirecTV is consistently behind the 'curve' when it comes to new services, and equipment to Alaska and Hawaii. However, they have demonstrated a good 'catch up' game in the past.

Hi guys, new to HD. Just bought the Samsung 4665f and signed up with Oceanic Time Warner for digital plus HD. I have the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD DVR. So far so good. Here's my issue...

When watching certain programming, things don't always appear to be quite as sharp as HD should be, specifically the Discovery Channel HD theater shows, which I love. I've noticed a couple problems...
1. In darker or constant color images (a plain red shirt or such), things tend to appear blocky or a little bit pixelated, like zooming in on a jpeg image. These blocky areas tend to jump or shift every 1/2 second or so.

2. Also, after a quick scene change, straight lines, such as text, are occasionally extremely jaggy for maybe a 1/4 to 1/2 a second and then suddenly straighten out.

Has anybody every seen something like this? Is this my TV, or is it just the signal/DVR compression? In CNET's review, they mentioned that on a pixel by pixel level, this TV (4665F) doesn't de-interlace 1080i perfectly, but then promptly dismissed it as being nearly un-noticable. If that's what I'm seeing, it's definitely noticable, and I want to exchange the TV before my 30-days are up. If it's just issues with the signal, then I'll have to live with that and I won't worry about the TV itself.

My big concern is that I have 30 days to return the TV if I'm not happy, so I've gotta make a decision soon, and I have no High Def source other than cable.
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Mike,
Ive read reports of that monitor dropping power, but as far as artifacts and such I didnt see much problem there. It doesnt sound like your LCD is to blame, so I wouldnt return it just yet. It seems you are having some digitizing issues, quite possible your wiring is to blame, possibly the STB (Set top box) How old is your internal wiring inside of your house? Also what are you using to run signal from your Oceanic receiver to the monitor? i.e. are you using HDMI or component? What brand of cables are you using?

Maybe you should move to the Big Island...mo bettah reception ovah heah.

E

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He he mo bettah, chaaa-hoo!

In general terms the wiring infrastructure on the big isle is newer and mo bettah
when comparing overall cable signal delivery on Oahu.

Finally added ESPN2HD and FSNHD on the Big Island today...also I see Bloomberg popped up on 118.

E
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Dish doesnt have FSNHD available yet, but they've had ESPN2 in HD for quite a while now, should see (waiting patiently) natl Geo HD and A&E, maybe foodie network HD soon.... how is your picture quality on the FSN?

Thanks a ton for the help guys, now I can rest easy that my TV is not totally messed up. I was hoping that was the case, considering that some channels were fine even in 1080i.

We haven't gone with any of the premium channels yet (HBO, Showtime, etc) just for $$ reasons, but we'll see. I may get hooked on the HD picture and not want to watch anything else.

I agree on calling the cable company to report it. Maybe they can do something about it. Either way, it ticks me off. We're paying for these channels specifically for the high quality picture... I want my money's worth.

Does anyone know how the satellite signals compare as far as compression and quality? It would be a tough option for us given that we live in a apartment building, but maybe we could convince the owners association to throw some dishes on the roof.
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Mike,
Im sure the cable company gets a ton of complaints about the video quality in HD and SD, even the audio is spotty at best. The complaints are probably old hat for them there really isnt a lot they can do about it now. They need to remain competitive by offering more and more HD programming, the consumer demands it. However, OTW wiring infrastructure is antiquated at best, until they go to fiber they will continue to have signal issues. As far as the compression, what comes to mind is Chris Farleys scene 'Fat man in a little coat' in that gem of a movie Tommy boy. As far as the HD from satellite, its quite good since the 'line runs' are so much shorter from your dish or dishes, you are starting off in a much better position to receive a clean signal. And when satellite goes to full HD MPEG4 compression? Wow look out. I watched Underworld evolution on a plasma in MPEG 4, resolution on monitor is only about 1078x768 or so but it was amazing.

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Dish doesnt have FSNHD available yet, but they've had ESPN2 in HD for quite a while now, should see (waiting patiently) natl Geo HD and A&E, maybe foodie network HD soon.... how is your picture quality on the FSN?


The color bars look kinda nice... :D

ESPN2HD looks great. NGCHD is fantastic, too. In the system where I am, all the HD looks rather dynamite.

E

I feel sorry for those of you on Oahu who aren't getting excellent Oceanic reception on HD (or SD for that matter). Too many folks crammed into too little space, I guess.

E

The color bars look kinda nice... :D

ESPN2HD looks great. NGCHD is fantastic, too. In the system where I am, all the HD looks rather dynamite.

E
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Hum, well Im a satellite HD fan as I know from having oceanic HD package for a few months, and satellite DVR MPEG2 at the same time, but good to hear you guys are doing good out in your neck of da woods. If you want to go see what Dish HD looks like I installed a new bar over by the airport just last week, ABBA bar and grill, its up the hill from the 'hwy' first main left town side coming from the airport.

I feel sorry for those of you on Oahu who aren't getting excellent Oceanic reception on HD (or SD for that matter). Too many folks crammed into too little space, I guess.

E

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yea, some issues. But quite a few options for folks here, from OTA HD to DirecTV HD and Dish HD

Having lived on Oahu in the Glory Days from 1960 thru when cable was established there, for most people it's too much of a hassle if not impossible to try for the OTA thing, especially when you want to get it all. We couldn't get TV without cable AT ALL where I lived starting in 1966. That's why Oceanic has the highest market penetration of any major cable system in the country.

And yes, we even have HD OTA here in East Hawaii.

E

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Hum, well Im a satellite HD fan as I know from having oceanic HD package for a few months, and satellite DVR MPEG2 at the same time, but good to hear you guys are doing good out in your neck of da woods. If you want to go see what Dish HD looks like I installed a new bar over by the airport just last week, ABBA bar and grill, its up the hill from the 'hwy' first main left town side coming from the airport.


I have clients with DISH HD here who love it. I still don't like the look of non-HD DBS in general. Very "flat" looking, which I attribute to low bandwidth...a lack of detail. And let's not even talk about HD-Lite!!

When I lived in NY, I had DirecTV, DISH AND TWC all at the same time.

Rain fade over here is a BIG problem with sat tv (except during drought periods like now!)

Some new clients recently got DISH HD and sent it back after 2 weeks, switching to Oceanic. They are tickled pink.

E

Having lived on Oahu in the Glory Days from 1960 thru when cable was established there, for most people it's too much of a hassle if not impossible to try for the OTA thing, especially when you want to get it all. We couldn't get TV without cable AT ALL where I lived starting in 1966. That's why Oceanic has the highest market penetration of any major cable system in the country.

And yes, we even have HD OTA here in East Hawaii.

E

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I had no idea how old OTWs wiring was here, 1966 amazing!! :)
yea they got a huge head start here in the TV business, and in some cases they have a few loyal subjects. Another factor is the general the population here doesnt like change, even if that change is for the better (switching from cable to satellite)

Do you know where the towers are? Can most of Kona get OTA HD?

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I had no idea how old OTWs wiring was here, 1966 amazing!! :)
yea they got a huge head start here in the TV business, and in some cases they have a few loyal subjects. Another factor is the general the population here doesnt like change, even if that change is for the better (switching from cable to satellite)

Do you know where the towers are? Can most of Kona get OTA HD?

I'm sure that old wiring has been replaced by now... reception was lousy back in those days.

Kona doesn't get any OTA HD stuff...it's Hilo that has it. In fact, if you want to try to get OTA anything in Kona, you have to get it from Maui.

Hilo has the first HD station in the U.S.!!

License #1 from 1997. KHVO-DT, Digital Ch. 18 (ABC)

E

I have clients with DISH HD here who love it. I still don't like the look of non-HD DBS in general. Very "flat" looking, which I attribute to low bandwidth...a lack of detail. And let's not even talk about HD-Lite!!

When I lived in NY, I had DirecTV, DISH AND TWC all at the same time.

Rain fade over here is a BIG problem with sat tv (except during drought periods like now!)

Some new clients recently got DISH HD and sent it back after 2 weeks, switching to Oceanic. They are tickled pink.

E

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Hum, well yes SD on a flat pannel monitor never really looks too good. But I would guess Dish standard def at 480i and 100% digital would look better then oceanic cable SD coming in analog and at about 150-225i. Rain fade is always an issue, but we have solved that in the most part with a larger primary dish for 119 instead of a 24 inch dish we install a 30 inch dish for free, also on the high def side we use a 30 inch dish now, the HD content is primarily on spot beams for Hawaii, basically what that means is its got to get very nasty for you to have rain fade issues now.

I'm sure that old wiring has been replaced by now... reception was lousy back in those days.

Kona doesn't get any OTA HD stuff...it's Hilo that has it. In fact, if you want to try to get OTA anything in Kona, you have to get it from Maui.

Hilo has the first HD station in the U.S.!!

License #1 from 1997. KHVO-DT, Digital Ch. 18 (ABC)

E
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It was a bit of a nudge to oceanic about the wire, Im sure there is still some 40 year old RG-59 floating around in most of the apt buildings built around that time.
But yea most of it is gone now I hope:)
Amazing, licence #1 for HD OTA, Id never guess that Hilo would be first
And I apologise I thought you were in Kailua Kona.

I have clients with DISH HD here who love it. I still don't like the look of non-HD DBS in general. Very "flat" looking, which I attribute to low bandwidth...a lack of detail. And let's not even talk about HD-Lite!!

When I lived in NY, I had DirecTV, DISH AND TWC all at the same time.

Rain fade over here is a BIG problem with sat tv (except during drought periods like now!)

Some new clients recently got DISH HD and sent it back after 2 weeks, switching to Oceanic. They are tickled pink.

E

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Any idea why they sent it back after two weeks? Returns are very unusual I cant even remember the last time a customer wanted to return his/her Dish system after we had installed it. Which company installed it?

Another factor is the general the population here doesnt like change.
Another factor is people don't forget easily. Remember AlphaStar?

I have clients with DISH HD here who love it. I still don't like the look of non-HD DBS in general. Very "flat" looking, which I attribute to low bandwidth...a lack of detail. And let's not even talk about HD-Lite!!

When I lived in NY, I had DirecTV, DISH AND TWC all at the same time.

Rain fade over here is a BIG problem with sat tv (except during drought periods like now!)

Some new clients recently got DISH HD and sent it back after 2 weeks, switching to Oceanic. They are tickled pink.

E

I'll agree that Dish's SD channels for the most part are very flat. It's actually the encoding that's more the problem than bandwidth. Dish encodes it's SD at 480x480.
I avoid the SD channels as much as I can. :)

But I must say that I have been very surprised at how well the Mpeg4 channels on Dish look.
I just upgraded from the old 811(Mpeg2) receiver to the Vip211(Mpeg4) receiver, even the OTA tuner is a vast improvement.
I use a 24" for 119 and a 30" for 110, and had only one brief outage at 119 in the last year. Yes 110 did lose signal more often, but it wasn't too often or for long periods that it really bugged myself.

Sat Guy
So Local HDs will be available from DirectTV and most packages with 1 dish on my roof

ESPN News to standard cable service as of today.
I was wondering why it looks so much worse. Went from digital to analog signal I guess. :mad:

I'll agree that Dish's SD channels for the most part are very flat. It's actually the encoding that's more the problem than bandwidth. Dish encodes it's SD at 480x480.
I avoid the SD channels as much as I can. :)

But I must say that I have been very surprised at how well the Mpeg4 channels on Dish look.
I just upgraded from the old 811(Mpeg2) receiver to the Vip211(Mpeg4) receiver, even the OTA tuner is a vast improvement.
I use a 24" for 119 and a 30" for 110, and had only one brief outage at 119 in the last year. Yes 110 did lose signal more often, but it wasn't too often or for long periods that it really bugged myself.

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Yea, on the Starz MPEG 4 from orbit 129, impressive. I run as well at my place a 24 for 119 and 30 for 110, I can count on one hand the ammount of times my HD went out (Maybe 5 to 15 mins at a time) and those were on the standard transponders, I dont get the spots as I am still on a 942. Spot beam high def off of 110 that the MPEG 4 receivers see average 100+ signal on a 30 inch dish, you would have to have a whole lotta rain come down to knock those out