I have basic cable (no box) from Oceanic Time Warner 96730. I own a Sony KDL-V32XBR2 and recently did a digital channel scan and picked up like 20 channels digital and all my local channels in HDTV. How is this? TW claims you need a box to receive their HDTV.

I get: ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, FOX, FOOD, a few others. I even get a few channels I don't get in analog mode. What is going on? Can someone explain....

It only leads me to more questions:

How many people waste their $ for Digital (box) cable because they want HDTV? Especially when they're only interested in the local channels ie: the big time sporting event channels. I mean, how many people would turn in their box and cancel D service if they knew they didn't have to pay more to get the Super Bowl in HD??

Signed,

Could have watched the Super Bowl in HD and didn't.

Most, but not all, HDTV's with digital tuners include a tuner for ATSC(over the air) and QAM(unencrypted digital cable).
In many cases, other than local channels, only a few PI, barker and preview channels are left unencrypted by cable companies. They do it that way so if customers add a HD cable box no other intervention is needed, it makes things easy.
Using a QAM tuner in your HDTV sounds great in theory, but the cable companies do not support them, ie. if you suddenly can't find KGMB-HD and call Oceanic they are under no obligation to assist you other than recommend that you get a HD cable box.
The channel numbers are cyptic(46.3, 114.3, 99.11) and change often and not all QAM tuners work alike, making it a kind of cat-and-mouse game.

For some people, the QAM option is worthwhile and works for them, YMMV.

[QUOTE=shadyone72;13473710]I have basic cable (no box) from Oceanic Time Warner 96730. I own a Sony KDL-V32XBR2 and recently did a digital channel scan and picked up like 20 channels digital and all my local channels in HDTV. How is this? TW claims you need a box to receive their HDTV.

I get: ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, FOX, FOOD, a few others. I even get a few channels I don't get in analog mode. What is going on? Can someone explain....

It only leads me to more questions:

How many people waste their $ for Digital (box) cable because they want HDTV? Especially when they're only interested in the local channels ie: the big time sporting event channels. I mean, how many people would turn in their box and cancel D service if they knew they didn't have to pay more to get the Super Bowl in HD??

Shady:

I'm surprised you can get any HD channels without a DVR or Box. Reason, I understand that OTW uses SDV (Switched Digital Video) for the HD channels & others. Even TVs & Tivos with cable card can't receive those because SDV requries bi-directional communication. Can anyone here explain?

Also: Anyone know when the next group of HD channels is due to be added?

Mahalo

Has their been anymore information about these channels appearing on TWC of Hawaii?
I think it was repoted as coming soon back in January.
Any updates would be great.

IFC-HD --- (Coming soon to Hawaii)
AMC-HD --- (Coming soon to Hawaii)
WE-HD --- (Coming soon to Hawaii)
FUSE-HD --- (Coming soon to Hawaii)
Sci-Fi-HD --- (Coming soon to Hawaii)
Bravo-HD --- (Coming soon to Hawaii)

Not all of Oceanic's HD channels are SDV'd, the locals plus HBO and SHO are not.
The way SDV works is not a headend to cable box system, instead it's headend to node, meaning if someone in your neighborhood "request" ESPN-HD others that then "request" it they are simply sharing the same feed.
Until QAM started to become a common tuner in DTV's Oceanic rarely encrypted PPV, VOD and some "basic" channels, but you would have to know the QAM channel and what was actually requested to see the programs. Oceanic now encrypts these offerings but occasionally make a mistake and leaves the channel unencrypted...that might explain the FOOD HD being available when he did the scan.

I have basic cable (no box) from Oceanic Time Warner 96730. I own a Sony KDL-V32XBR2 and recently did a digital channel scan and picked up like 20 channels digital and all my local channels in HDTV. How is this? TW claims you need a box to receive their HDTV.

I get: ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, FOX, FOOD, a few others. I even get a few channels I don't get in analog mode. What is going on? Can someone explain....

It only leads me to more questions:

How many people waste their $ for Digital (box) cable because they want HDTV? Especially when they're only interested in the local channels ie: the big time sporting event channels. I mean, how many people would turn in their box and cancel D service if they knew they didn't have to pay more to get the Super Bowl in HD??

Signed,

Could have watched the Super Bowl in HD and didn't.

The Super Bowl and the Sugerbowl (UH vs Georgia) were both on OTWC in HD on a clear QAM channel.
There are two reasons why a basic cable subscriber with a QAM tuner can receive some digital cable channels. Reason number one, the frequencies that OTWC is currently using for digital cable are not trapped out by a basic cable trap (ch. 46, Ch. 77, Ch. 99 and Ch. 80 - Ch. 127). Reason number two has been quoted here before that some of the non SDV QAM channels are in the clear.
As for the digital cable box being a waste of money, it is not a waste of money for me because I want every HD channel I can get, I love the I.P.G., the music choice and the free VOD channels (both HD and SD). Another great thing about the cable box is THE CHANNELS ARE EASY TO FIND BECAUSE THEY ALWAYS HAVE THE SAME CHANNEL NUMBER. :)

Originally, the local HD channels were part of the "HD Pak" which you had to pay for and needed the box to receive...
Now that the local HD channels are free, I was wondering if anyone knew if Oceanic had any more non-DVR HD boxes? I remember reading in the paper (forgot which one) that they stopped buying those and only wanted DVR HD boxes. Anyone know? I got a couple of friends w/ HDTV's and no HD Pak.

Thx

Another great thing about the cable box is THE CHANNELS ARE EASY TO FIND BECAUSE THEY ALWAYS HAVE THE SAME CHANNEL NUMBER. :)
They always have the same channel number because OTWC sends the boxes a map of which QAM frequency each channel is in. They could just keep the non-SDV channels in the same frequency, but probably don't want to bother.

If OTWC wanted to be a tad smarter in their marketing of HD services, they could make sure all the HD local stations stayed in the same QAM channels for easy tuning and pass the PSIP data thru so TV tuners could identify the station names.

Finally, they could advertise that high definition local channels are available for free using an HDTV's built-in tuner.

HD hooks people once they get used to it. Just let them know month after month that subscription channels like ESPN, Discovery, Food, etc. are available in HD with a box for just $10... the money would roll right in.

Instead, they'll probably just increase the rates for all customers as usual without adding anything worthwhile.

RE: Compression. Article - "Is Comcast Squeezing your HD Picture?
http://www.tvpredictions.com/2008/03/is-comcast-squeezing-your-hd-picture.html
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1008271.

"Previously, Comcast allocated a maximum of two HD channels per 38.8Mbps QAM, so each channel had the full 19.4Mbps available if needed. Now, with the addition of new channels, Comcast is squeezing three HD channels into each 38.8Mbps QAM. Furthermore, some existing QAMs with two HD channels are being recompressed in preparation for new channel additions."

The question here is, will OTWC be next? I'm noticing some pixelization & "macro blocking" on some of the HD channels and was wondering if over-compression might be the cause or simply satellite glitches. It's especially noticable when I select slo-motion or pause. There are also some comments on the AVS article indicating similar problems with TWC in other areas.

Can any of you senior guys shed some light on this? Thanks.

Now that the local HD channels are free, I was wondering if anyone knew if Oceanic had any more non-DVR HD boxes? I remember reading in the paper (forgot which one) that they stopped buying those and only wanted DVR HD boxes. Anyone know? I got a couple of friends w/ HDTV's and no HD Pak.

Thx

I got a non-DVR HD box in January. I already have a DVR HD box in my living room and wanted a regular HD one for the bedroom. I didn't want to pay an additional $7 for the HD package and since OTW has the local HD channels for free (ABC, NBC, etc), I switched my regular cable box for an HD one. I did the exchange at the Ala Moana counter.

The question here is, will OTWC be next? I'm noticing some pixelization & "macro blocking" on some of the HD channels and was wondering if over-compression might be the cause or simply satellite glitches.
Another possible cause is your wiring. I was getting bad pixelization on some of the Encore channels. Oceanic came out and redid some of my cabling -- fixed it.

Oceanic's SDV system may make it possible for them to avoid the compression that Comcast is resorting to. I don't think we know what limitations on SDV there are.

There's no reason to think that DirecTV will have to return to over-compression, since their mpeg4 HD channels are economical of band width, and anyhow they have available potentially 8 times more bandwidth than cable.

I got a non-DVR HD box in January. I already have a DVR HD box in my living room and wanted a regular HD one for the bedroom. I didn't want to pay an additional $7 for the HD package and since OTW has the local HD channels for free (ABC, NBC, etc), I switched my regular cable box for an HD one. I did the exchange at the Ala Moana counter.
Thanks Jim. I'll pass that on to my friends.

DirecTV started carrying three new HD channels, ESPN News HD (207), Disney HD (290), and Toon Disney HD (292), but the last one I can't pull in. So I'm wondering if everyone in Hawaii is having the problem, or I have misaligned dishes.

same here. I'm getting a 'searching for signal' message with a blank screen for 292. Thanks for the info on ESPNEWS. Nice looking channel.

On another note. Does anyone know if SpikeHD's showings of the StarWars saga will be in HD? I'm thinking about adding on an external SATA drive just to records all six movies. The only thing that's holding me back is I'm guessing they'll have the 'spike' logo at the bottom right of the screen.

same here. I'm getting a 'searching for signal' message with a blank screen for 292. Thanks for the info on ESPNEWS. Nice looking channel.

On another note. Does anyone know if SpikeHD's showings of the StarWars saga will be in HD? I'm thinking about adding on an external SATA drive just to records all six movies. The only thing that's holding me back is I'm guessing they'll have the 'spike' logo at the bottom right of the screen.

I'm getting the "searching" msg as well, but I don't have good reception from 119 deg.
Kinda' late, but I see that SW is in HD, soft logo and all. Did you get the external drive?

--Michael

KHON in HD!?! finally? looks like theyre testing it. House, one of the few shows I've been waiting to catch in HD. Switched between HD and SD during the broadcast. Quality wasnt that great when in HD, but better than SD of course. And they must've had problems with the HD recording or playback because it was jumpy.

yep...can confirm KHON is in HD tonight...although slightly embarrassed to say that as that would mean I'm watching American Idol.

the crap my wife makes me watch...

anyways, picture-wise, I noticed a couple sluggish moments in the feed...kinda like skipping...but minimal. all in all the picture looks pretty good.

save for the fact it's American idol...

I'm getting the "searching" msg as well, but I don't have good reception from 119 deg.
Kinda' late, but I see that SW is in HD, soft logo and all. Did you get the external drive?

--Michael

No I did not. No DolbyDigital kinda did it for me. Great picture though. I compared it to the DVD with upconvert 1080p and there no comparison. The Spike broadcast is way sharper with more detail IMO. But for me, your'e missing half the experience without the surround sound. I think I'll just wait for the Blu Ray release (if it ever happens).

But with hard drive prices dropping, I'm tempted to just replace the internal drive with a 1TB drive. Monk in HD on USA network is filling my DVR fast.:)

Wow, I turned on American Idol tonight (I'm not embarassed:)) and there it was in HD! That makes me happy.

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Congratulations KHON!!!

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Congratulations KHON!!!

I can't believe it. I have called many times over the last couple of years. In my last call they said just another couple of months. I was not holding my breath.. but seeing is believing!

Anyone run into a similar problem?: When HD programming goes to commercial and the commercial is in SD, when programming goes back to the HD program, the sound disappears. It's corrected by changing the channel on the SA3250HD box then changing back. I haven't tested to see if it's the tv or the cable box, but changing the channel on the cable box corrects the sound.

Anyone run into a similar problem?: When HD programming goes to commercial and the commercial is in SD, when programming goes back to the HD program, the sound disappears. It's corrected by changing the channel on the SA3250HD box then changing back. I haven't tested to see if it's the tv or the cable box, but changing the channel on the cable box corrects the sound.

I have HDDVR.. but have not had that particular problem. I use HDMI cables.

Anyone run into a similar problem?
Somewhat similar. My last AV receiver, a Kenwood, would not automatically resume a surround mode set for DD 2.0 after the signal changed to DD 5.1 then back to DD 2.0. Very irritating.

Anyone run into a similar problem?: When HD programming goes to commercial and the commercial is in SD, when programming goes back to the HD program, the sound disappears. It's corrected by changing the channel on the SA3250HD box then changing back. I haven't tested to see if it's the tv or the cable box, but changing the channel on the cable box corrects the sound.

I had that problem too with the SA3250. I lived with it for a while. I ended up getting a HDDVR SA8300.

I just notice Oceanic has a channel 1000. It's just Hawaii scenery in HD.

I have HDDVR.. but have not had that particular problem. I use HDMI cables.

The 3250 uses component.

The 3250 uses component.

Yes, but he mentions the DVR, so it's prob an 8300.

Yes, but he mentions the DVR, so it's prob an 8300.

Yes the 8300 DVR. .. brad

I can't believe it. I have called many times over the last couple of years. In my last call they said just another couple of months. I was not holding my breath.. but seeing is believing!

I have to admit that I am spoiled enough to expect the local broadcasters to transmit HD to their customers, especially after the KGMB/Oceanic issue.

Except for KHON.

With all of the ownership changes and staff layoffs they've gone through recently, I didn't expect them to ever be able to transmit HD with limited budgets and manpower. Ever.

So to see them now in HD, well... my hat's off to them. Congratulations!

(p.s. I can't wait to watch Summer Glau - Terminator - in HD!)

Does anyone here know if KHNL will ever broadcast in HD for Direct-TV or even Dish?

I switched form Dish to Direct-TV last month and it's been an awesome experience. Less interruptions (due to the bigger dishes), more HD channels, and more sports!

The only thing I'm really disappointed in is KHNL in SD, not HD. Does anyone have any new update on KHNL?

Dish and Directv are sharing in the same uplink center for the Honolulu Digital stations. At that location they are unable to maintain a signal for KHNL, they pick off the OTA signals, and the answer is to install a direct fiber link at KHNL.
None of the parties involved want to pay for the fiber link, expensive especially for only one station, and the very low number of subs in Hawaii don't expect KHNL anytime soon.

BTW, is KHNL's DT repeater in Hilo still SD or have they upgraded it to HD.

p.s. I can't wait to watch Summer Glau - Terminator - in HD!

I'd love to see her in HD too, but the last I heard, Terminator's future was TBD. Fox hasn't decided yet whether to renew it for the fall, at least, not according to TV Guide's web site where they've had a running tally on returning shows. If you have better information, please share! I really hope they pick it up.

One of the disadvantage of saving the HD feed on a hard drive here in Hawaii is that we lose the Dolby Digital sound. I guess the local channels decided to cut the 5.1 sound in order to save disk space?

One way around it is to broadcast the HD feed live. Which is what Oceanic is doing with TNTHD, TBSHD, and some other channels.

not sure how it works, but my friend was able to record on his pc hdd and retain the 5.1 audio. he uses his pc as dvr. he doesnt have HD from oceanic though. his HD feeds were OTA.

not sure how it works, but my friend was able to record on his pc hdd and retain the 5.1 audio. he uses his pc as dvr. he doesnt have HD from oceanic though. his HD feeds were OTA.

Hey, is there a way you could provide info on what your friend used to create a PC DVR? Specifically, what software and hardware did he use? Thanks!

I'm experiencing audio loss on OTW, but it's exclusively KHNL's HD channel. All the other HD channels are problem free, but KHNL drops audio until I switch to another channel and switch back. Anyone else?

I just notice Oceanic has a channel 1000. It's just Hawaii scenery in HD.

yeah, kind of odd. they call it the hawaii scenic channel or something. when i was flipping through they were showing scenery but also said the channel was "coming soon" so i wonder if they will have some kind of programming other than scenery.

First thanks & congrats to KHON for the new HD recording. Their new Chief Engineer is from my home town of San Diego & he kept me updated throughout the project. He set a goal of early April & met that goal - how often does that happen here!

Are any others here experiencing Macro Blocking on various HD channels - most noticeable on Skin tones when subjects are moving. It was really bad on Miss USA on Friday Night. I also notice it on HDNet, HDTLC, etc. Also I notice might be a bit worse when watching the DVR recording (8300 HDC). This shouldn't be a factor because the DVR records the actual digital without any video conversion to my knowledge. I know they are compressing the video but to what extent - if they try to pack too many channels on a QAM channel, the quality will continue to worsen.

I believe they should give HD channels the highest priority in quality. OTW's market is going to come down to the high end viewers with HDTV and those who want just the basics. I was a digital subscriber before getting the HDTV but I no long watch all those SD channels on digital. They are wasting valuable bandwidth on hundreds of channels - many of which are redundant. For example why have FOOD & HGTV in the 700's? Their Switched Digital Video (SDV) implemented last October was supposed to solve the bandwidth problems. HDTV viewers in Hawaii need to let OTW know about any picture quality problems or they are just going to continue to compress & ruin our PQ.

Feedback & help appreciated.

First thanks & congrats to KHON for the new HD recording. Their new Chief Engineer is from my home town of San Diego & he kept me updated throughout the project. He set a goal of early April & met that goal - how often does that happen here!
Maybe you can find out when they're going to do CW programming in HD? So far their OTA signal hasn't shown any HD.

Are any others here experiencing Macro Blocking on various HD channels...
I am. Been like that for a while for me.

Hey, is there a way you could provide info on what your friend used to create a PC DVR? Specifically, what software and hardware did he use? Thanks!

he didnt build it himself. he recently bought a gateway pc that has a hd tuner card and windows media center for vista installed. the only problem with this set up is that the media center will not let you tune qam, so for him to catch HD since he doesnt not have oceanic's HD package he needs to use an antenna. for a while we couldnt figure out why we couldnt pull up those channels on his PC until we read that right now it's impossible.
not sure which ones are capable, but when we were surfing the net we read about AVerMedia having cards w/ free software that essentially replaced win media center and would allow you to tune qam. of course he already has a tuner card so the convenience really wasnt worth spending the extra money to him.
i have to admit though these pc media centers are pretty good. it can download EPGs so it's just like working a dvr. video quality seems great. just a matter of whether or not you like a PC in your living room, which i personally dont think is a big deal.

Hey, is there a way you could provide info on what your friend used to create a PC DVR? Specifically, what software and hardware did he use? Thanks!

Sorry to stick my nose in the middle of a conversation, but I thought I'd share some info on this subject.

I have been running a HTPC/PVR continuously for about 3 years, using SageTV for all media center and PVR duties. I am currently running a client/server setup with the server located in the garage, a PC client in the living room and an HD media extender (SageTV STX-HD100) in our bedroom.

The server handles all recording and storage. I currently have 5 tuners connected. Two tuners are from an HDHomeRun which I am using to record unencrypted QAM, two tuners are connected to two SA3250HD cable boxes (I'm using the firewire connections for changing channels) and the last is an analog tuner connected directly to the cable. I am up to about 2.5TB of HDD storage for recordings and another 1TB for music/photos/DVD's. All of this is located at the server.

All of the content is available from any client and can be accessed independantly. For example, two people can be watching the same program on two different clients at the same time if they want. The STX-HD100 provides the full SageTV UI and natively handles playback of just about anything you can throw at it.

I have a preorder in for one if the new Hauppauge HD PVR capture devices, which will allow HD capture (up to 1080i) via cable/satellite box component outputs. I'm planning on getting a second one once I get the first operational.

There are a number of media center software packages available for the PC. Windows Media Center, SageTV, BeyondTV (PVR only), Media Portal (free), MythTV (free, linux), GBPVR (free), etc. I personally think SageTV provides the most complete and flexible solution, but I'm probably a bit biased.

That's just a quick summary. For more information, check the Home Theater PC forum here at AVSForum and any HTPC-specific sites such as missingremote.com. You can also check the SageTV forums for more info on that.

Aloha,
Mike

The server handles all recording and storage. I currently have 5 tuners connected. Two tuners are from an HDHomeRun which I am using to record unencrypted QAM, two tuners are connected to two SA3250HD cable boxes (I'm using the firewire connections for changing channels) and the last is an analog tuner connected directly to the cable. I am up to about 2.5TB of HDD storage for recordings and another 1TB for music/photos/DVD's. All of this is located at the server.

I have a preorder in for one if the new Hauppauge HD PVR capture devices, which will allow HD capture (up to 1080i) via cable/satellite box component outputs. I'm planning on getting a second one once I get the first operational.

Excellent setup. You probably have my dream setup, so I'm quite envious.

I'll definitely head to one of those websites for further research into this. Thanks for the tips.

I have a preorder in for one if the new Hauppauge HD PVR capture devices, which will allow HD capture (up to 1080i) via cable/satellite box component outputs.

I thought component outputs were only capable of delivering analog, which at best is 480i. Am I wrong?

I thought component outputs were only capable of delivering analog, which at best is 480i. Am I wrong?

Component outputs are analog, however they are capable of up to 1080p output. IMO component output looks almost indistiguishable from HDMI. You may be thinking of Composite, which is only capable of 480i.

The HD PVR takes advantage of this 'analog hole' to allow recording of HD material without having to deal with the whole OCUR/cable card fiasco. It contains a hardware h.264 encoder and can encode up to 13.5mb/sec at up to 1080p. I just hope it lives up to the expectations. Guess I'll find out once they ship.

Aloha,
Mike

meinmaui,
Where are you getting the Hauppauge HD PVR capture device and how much are you paying?

meinmaui,
Where are you getting the Hauppauge HD PVR capture device and how much are you paying?

I pre-ordered it direct from the Hauppauge (http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hd_pvr.html) web site. It is $249 + $12 shipping.

meinmaui,
One more question: If the Hauppauge is sending through the component output, does it mean that there's no problem with copyright flags, etc?

meinmaui,
One more question: If the Hauppauge is sending through the component output, does it mean that there's no problem with copyright flags, etc?

Exactly. :D

And the resulting files are DRM free.

Does Makakilo get decent ATSC reception? I was thinking of getting an ATSC tuner for my pc so I could record HD shows from network channels like abc, cbs etc. I was looking at the eyetv usb tuner. Also would I have to get a rooftop type antenna or could I use a little one sitting on my desk?

according to antenna web, it looks like I could get most network channels except abc in hd

meinmaui,
One more question: If the Hauppauge is sending through the component output, does it mean that there's no problem with copyright flags, etc?

Exactly. :D

And the resulting files are DRM free.

Which is exactly why a lot of HD sources restrict output on the analog component outputs to 480p.

if that broadcast flag gets enabled, these hauppage hd pvr's are gonna become pretty lame :P

man, wth. I just got an 8300hd and tried component, it was fine.. then I tried the hdmi port with y hdmi to dvi cable.. my tv has a hdcp compliant dvi port.. no picture or sound at all! pressing info+guide showed nothing on the screen but the stb did click.. I have no idea wtf. went back to component.

man, wth. I just got an 8300hd and tried component, it was fine.. then I tried the hdmi port with y hdmi to dvi cable.. my tv has a hdcp compliant dvi port.. no picture or sound at all! pressing info+guide showed nothing on the screen but the stb did click.. I have no idea wtf. went back to component.

Could be something simple like having your TV on the right input for the right channel. My Philips has to be on the correct channel for the particular input. Its probably something basic...

I just notice Oceanic has a channel 1000. It's just Hawaii scenery in HD.

Has anyone else been checking this channel out? It's beautiful! Maui aerials, gorgeous beach shots, sunrises, sunsets, big wave surfing...all in HD! This is my new favorite channel.

I'd love to see her in HD too, but the last I heard, Terminator's future was TBD. Fox hasn't decided yet whether to renew it for the fall, at least, not according to TV Guide's web site where they've had a running tally on returning shows. If you have better information, please share! I really hope they pick it up.

Well, guess what (http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Ausiello-Scoop-Fox/800037914)? ;)

Dodgers vs Braves on TBS-HD is blacked out this Sunday morning. I thought that TBS had the same kind of deal like ESPN or FOX has with MLB where blackout rules don't apply to their broadcasts. Guess I was wrong. Also, I wouldn't have minded too much if the game was being shown elsewhere, but it isn't, so I'm SOL.

Well, guess what (http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Ausiello-Scoop-Fox/800037914)? ;)

Yes, I saw that the other day. Woohoo! I'm lusting already... :D

Dodgers vs Braves on TBS-HD is blacked out this Sunday morning. I thought that TBS had the same kind of deal like ESPN or FOX has with MLB where blackout rules don't apply to their broadcasts. Guess I was wrong. Also, I wouldn't have minded too much if the game was being shown elsewhere, but it isn't, so I'm SOL.

TBS has non-exclusive rights for it's Sunday games. TBS only has exclusive rights to the playoffs.
ESPN only has exclusive rights for Sunday Night Baseball, it's Monday and Wednesday games are non-exclusive.
FWIW it's actually the teams that are the ones that enforce the blackouts.
When TBS and ESPN announce the games it wishes to televise, the teams then either accept or decline home area exclusivity(it's on a game by game basis).
Since yesterday's game was on KCAL in LA, the Dodgers knew that Las Vegas and Hawaii wouldn't get the game at all by enforcing the blackout.

two tuners are connected to two SA3250HD cable boxes (I'm using the firewire connections for changing channels)

I tried to do a very similar setup about a year or to ago, and had the boxes working great through Firewire, but after Oceanic updated the boxes, it seemed to kill recording through firewire and forced me to get the stupid Oceanic DVR. If Firewire is fixed, I may have to resurrect my HTPC and media server.

P.S. how is the HDHomeRun (PQ, ease of use, etc.)

I tried to do a very similar setup about a year or to ago, and had the boxes working great through Firewire, but after Oceanic updated the boxes, it seemed to kill recording through firewire and forced me to get the stupid Oceanic DVR. If Firewire is fixed, I may have to resurrect my HTPC and media server.

I was never able to get firewire recording to work on the 3250HD's. I assumed at the time that either it was broken or OTW had 5c'd all channels. So I'm just using firewire for channel changing and I'm running the s-video outputs from my two boxes into the inputs of a PVR500 for recording. Even though I can't record in HD with this setup, it still seems a much better use of resources, since I can record from every channel I subscribe to. I ended up getting the HDHomerun to digitally record the channels I might have expected to get via firewire.

P.S. how is the HDHomeRun (PQ, ease of use, etc.)

The HDHR is a bit tedious to set up, but it isn't really hard to do. It requires manually mapping all of the channels in your PVR program, which is time consuming. The results are mostly good. When a recording doesn't have any problems it looks stellar, since you are just writing the digital stream to your hard drive as it comes from the cable co. Unfortunately I have intermittent issues with a few channels where there is severe stuttering and pixelation. I suspect this is due to weak signal, but I haven't had the time to troubleshoot it yet. Overall I'm happy with it, but I've learned not to rely on it for wife-critical recordings.

Aloha,
Mike

Thanks for the clarification, Charles.

Since yesterday's game was on KCAL in LA, the Dodgers knew that Las Vegas and Hawaii wouldn't get the game at all by enforcing the blackout.

How thoughtful of them.

I just got an avermedia hybrid volar max usb tvtuner. I tried the mini antenna it came with but I just got kitv and weather. I'm now using it with clear qam and I get a bunch of channels. Would it be useful to post a list of the channels I get, to inform other people thinking about using a tv tuner?

Noticed Channel 1003 is now (finally) broadcasting in HD on primetime programming -

Saw BONES Monday 4/21/08 hope that all other programming is in HD !!!

I have a friend who has basic cable from Oceanic and this is the current line up of digital channels based on using a Sony DHG-HDD500 QAM tuner/DVR and TGOS for channel ID, guaranteed to last at least 5 minutes before customer-hating Oceanic switches everything around again (which seems to be almost weekly):

TVGOS     Network   QAM Channel
KHON-DT    (FOX)        85.3
KITVH          (ABC)     114.2
KGMBHD      (CBS)       99.3
KHNLHD      (NBC)       83.3
KHETHD       (PBS)      120.12
KIKU-DT       (Ind)      106.3
KFVE-DT       (Ind)      106.2
KBFD            (Ind)       106.5
KOR?            (KBS)      106.8
USAh            (USA)     117.219
TBSw            (TBS)      117.217
TNTw          (TNT)     117.218
ESPN           (ESPN)     117.214
ESPN2        (ESPN2)   117.220
DIS             (Disney)   117.221
FOODh      (FOOD)        46.1
NICKh        (Nick)      117.215
OC16          (ind)        117.216
HCP?     (Disc Health)    79.4

Only KITVH, KGMBHD, KHNLHD, KHETHD, FOODh, and HCP are in HD, the rest are SD. There are also a handful of SD versions of the local HD channels and some shop-o-rama channels, as well as an HMSA channel.

For a week or two, CineMax HD was available on 104.1021, which was nice. Almost makes you want to pay for cable. Unless you're allergic to having a gun put to your head.

When people talk about new HD channels like USA HD, are these SDV or just encrypted on a fixed carrier? Because we haven't found them.

What about The CW (I sure do miss "Supernatural" and a few other CW shows)? I've seen the ads that say "available for free on OTW, for an additional fee". WTF? Let me guess, it's an encrypted DTV/HDTV channel locked up by OTW? Why is there no local OTA CW, much less a mandated must carry?

And OTA is OOTQ (that's Out Of The Question) as even using a ChannelMaster 4224 antenna, we get squat-ola here in the valley.

Andrew

there's a couple of new hd channels
animal planet hd 100.4
lifetime hd 105.4
hawaii scenic hd 105.3
some channel I've only seen with infomercials is hd 92.4
KHNL HD changed from your list.. it's now 83.1

RE: CW

The main problem with CW was that KFVE Ch 5 didn't sign up with CW as expected so we were no other OTA options for CW. KHON took over CW on one of their digital channels assigned to #93 but that requires a converter to receive. KFVE was stupid to take MyNetworkTV which is a loser IMO. I'm betting they regret that decision, but they pretty much screwed over Hawaii with that move.

KHON plans on adding CW HD but they had to get the FOX version up & running first and reliable. I hope CW HD is in place by the new fall season.

there's a couple of new hd channels
animal planet hd 100.4
lifetime hd 105.4
hawaii scenic hd 105.3
some channel I've only seen with infomercials is hd 92.4
KHNL HD changed from your list.. it's now 83.1
That's odd. KHNLHD is still 83.3 here and none of the other channels you list can be found. It looks like OTW is too screwed up to manage the same channel assignments on different cable segments. Why am I not surprised? It's not like they are recruiting from the local Mensa chapter.

RE: CW

The main problem with CW was that KFVE Ch 5 didn't sign up with CW as expected so we were no other OTA options for CW. KHON took over CW on one of their digital channels assigned to #93 but that requires a converter to receive. KFVE was stupid to take MyNetworkTV which is a loser IMO. I'm betting they regret that decision, but they pretty much screwed over Hawaii with that move.

KHON plans on adding CW HD but they had to get the FOX version up & running first and reliable. I hope CW HD is in place by the new fall season.
I would settle for CW in SD for the time being. Sounds like KFVE management has been recruiting from the dry well that KHON & OTW share. And about Hawaiian Telcom - if you think those jokers are going to provide any kind of video salvation, then you are fooling yourself. I expect Carlyle Group to run HT into the ground like they did with Carlyle Capital - taking billions of investors money with them. They are nothing but pointy haired bidness marketing managers with zero useful skills. Enjoy this financial analysis:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aaTdhmzxnz1k&refer=home

RE: HiTel & CW

I have no expectations about HiTel providing TV service. I regret Verizon selling out here because perhaps we would have gotten their fantastic FIOS service. VZ does not further compress any video signals distributed to the customer. Of course the signals are compressed in transmission to them but I'm guessing that is far less detrimental. They are free to use the best compression scheme possible because they only have to equip a few providers with the proper decoding equipment. I've read on other AV threads that customers of FIOS get fantastic PQ. I'm sure it's more expensive, tho.

RE: CW - I think you can get it if you have a converter box from digital service. Since I got HD in January, I pretty much abandoned all SD viewing. Aside from the obvious amazing PQ of HD, SD pgms look much worse on a big HDTV for a couple reasons: SD doesn't have enough video bits to fill a 50" screen or larger. Also Plasma & some LCD sets can suffer burn-in by displaying 4:3 SD pgms due to the black side bars. This means zooming in an already deficient picture to fill the whole screen which results in a horrible picture. If I have any SD viewing to do, I route Video2 output from the DVR to my old 20" tube set in an adjacent room & it looks much better.

Channel 85.3 is KHON-DT (FOX), and now there is a 85.4 which seems to be KHON/Fox related. Does anyone know what this is?

Channel 85.3 is KHON-DT (FOX), and now there is a 85.4 which seems to be KHON/Fox related. Does anyone know what this is?
CW? (On DirecTV I have 2 KHON-DT and 2.2 CW.)

CW? (On DirecTV I have 2 KHON-DT and 2.2 CW.)
It does appear to be The CW! Jackpot. Too bad it is SD but that is all you can expect from a secondary program stream. I guess I was spoiled by the HDTV in the Bay Area (a dozen HD channels OTA, and a dozen more SD as well as HDNet during the day and BBC & DW OTA), and even Austin where the hick locals are all doing their own HD newscast production (and The CW was HD). I predict that Hawaii will have flying monkeys before the locals get in-house HD.

Aloha all,

CW is also on 2.2 OTA in 480i 4x3.
Very strong in Pearl City---about 85-90 sig.[also Khon-HD]
But lately KGMB which I understand comes off the same antenna [KGMB's on Kapiolani Blvd.] has been very up and down. Does anyone know if they have problems on should I maybe adjust my antenna---which I don't want to do because it is in my attic

It does appear to be The CW! Jackpot. Too bad it is SD but that is all you can expect from a secondary program stream. I guess I was spoiled by the HDTV in the Bay Area (a dozen HD channels OTA, and a dozen more SD as well as HDNet during the day and BBC & DW OTA), and even Austin where the hick locals are all doing their own HD newscast production (and The CW was HD). I predict that Hawaii will have flying monkeys before the locals get in-house HD.

KGMB has had the Kamehameha Song Contest, some other Hawaiian programming in conjunction with Kam Schools and it's current special "Back to Romance" in HD.
KGMB also is awaiting on finishing touches in equipment in order to do it's Newscast in HD (likely by end of summer).

the new HD hawaii scenic channel had some nice footage of the flying monkeys. those monkey butts sure are pink.

...KHON plans on adding CW HD but they had to get the FOX version up & running first and reliable. I hope CW HD is in place by the new fall season.
Any particular reason this can't be done rather easily/quickly? With everything in place to do FOX, what's holding them back from doing CW stuff OTA? I'm interested in finding out... :cool:

Any particular reason this can't be done rather easily/quickly? With everything in place to do FOX, what's holding them back from doing CW stuff OTA? I'm interested in finding out... :cool:

I would suspect that the problem would be the need to go through the process of getting another FCC broadcast license for another channel. You can't shoehorn two 13 - 19Mbps HD program streams into one 19.4 Mbps 8VSB ATSC broadcast channel. You can put a 13 Mbps HD primary program stream and a 6 Mbps SD secondary stream into one ATSC channel. One PBS station in San Francisco tried to cram one HD stream and something like 4 or 5 SD program streams on one carrier - the last one seemed to be the runt of the litter with a measely 500 - 1000 Kbps rate - it was the most awful video I had ever seen.

On the cable, the channels use 38.8 Mbps QAM256 modulation. Which theoretically could allow for 2 full HD streams per channel. However I have seen no evidence of this; I see that OTW has crammed upto 55 streams on one QAM256 carrier (567MHz, ch 81). Another channel, 84 at 585MHz, has 22 program streams. I can't check these out because they are encrypted. My guess is those are the absolutely hideous "digital cable" channels that I have seen at a friend's house which made me want to vomit on his TV. Am I to understand that people are happy to pay for this low-bitrate highly pixelated 4:3 format rubbish? I guess if you've never left the islands, you really don't know what TV is supposed to look like.

That could explain why channel 443 (PBS Kids HI) on Oceanic Digital is highly pixelated.

And since Oceanic is the ONLY cable service provider in Hawaii, they can do whatever they want and picture quality is the least of their concerns.

Oceanic also has to balance it's network, the analog service is run from each of the Neighbor Islands while digital is run from Oahu. Which is why Oahu and Kauai has exactly the same service while the Maui and Big Island have somewhat different services.

It is technically possible for KHON to output two HD streams OTA, but would require a retrofit at KHON for new high-end Mpeg2 encoders and statmuxers.
Primetime programming for Hawaii from both FOX and CW are not very bandwidth intensive. FOX's sports programming would be in the daytime/early afternoon with no HD from CW. KHON's owners would likely be too cheap to do it that way, instead expect a fiber link to Oceanic for CW-HD and SD for OTA viewers.

Andrew: Those 55 streams I believe are all the Music Choice channels which are Audio-only except for the still album covers & captions.

Anyone else experiencing major macro blocking and audio drop outs since Oceanic did their software upgrades a few days ago? It's happening on ALL their HD channels! I can't even watch any HD it is so bad....And it has gotten worse the past 2 days. I'm going to call TW this weekend and find out what is being done abut this. Direct looks better ever day as my I wait for my $600.00 from Uncle Sam.

I would suspect that the problem would be the need to go through the process of getting another FCC broadcast license for another channel. You can't shoehorn two 13 - 19Mbps HD program streams into one 19.4 Mbps 8VSB ATSC broadcast channel. You can put a 13 Mbps HD primary program stream and a 6 Mbps SD secondary stream into one ATSC channel. One PBS station in San Francisco tried to cram one HD stream and something like 4 or 5 SD program streams on one carrier - the last one seemed to be the runt of the litter with a measely 500 - 1000 Kbps rate - it was the most awful video I had ever seen.

On the cable, the channels use 38.8 Mbps QAM256 modulation. Which theoretically could allow for 2 full HD streams per channel. However I have seen no evidence of this; I see that OTW has crammed upto 55 streams on one QAM256 carrier (567MHz, ch 81). Another channel, 84 at 585MHz, has 22 program streams. I can't check these out because they are encrypted. My guess is those are the absolutely hideous "digital cable" channels that I have seen at a friend's house which made me want to vomit on his TV. Am I to understand that people are happy to pay for this low-bitrate highly pixelated 4:3 format rubbish? I guess if you've never left the islands, you really don't know what TV is supposed to look like.

Oceanic also has to balance it's network, the analog service is run from each of the Neighbor Islands while digital is run from Oahu. Which is why Oahu and Kauai has exactly the same service while the Maui and Big Island have somewhat different services.

It is technically possible for KHON to output two HD streams OTA, but would require a retrofit at KHON for new high-end Mpeg2 encoders and statmuxers.
Primetime programming for Hawaii from both FOX and CW are not very bandwidth intensive. FOX's sports programming would be in the daytime/early afternoon with no HD from CW. KHON's owners would likely be too cheap to do it that way, instead expect a fiber link to Oceanic for CW-HD and SD for OTA viewers.
Great info, thanks. :cool:

Anyone else experiencing major macro blocking and audio drop outs since Oceanic did their software upgrades a few days ago? It's happening on ALL their HD channels! I can't even watch any HD it is so bad....And it has gotten worse the past 2 days. I'm going to call TW this weekend and find out what is being done abut this. Direct looks better ever day as my I wait for my $600.00 from Uncle Sam.

I haven't notice any big change in the last few days. believe me I would notice it.

I haven't notice any big change in the last few days. believe me I would notice it.

Brad, I belevie ya ;)
I think we got the software update called navigator.. Went from 3x fast forward to 4x f.f. I think it was installed Sunday night or early Monday morning. I haven't been following this thread for awhile, but if I remember correctly, the folks got it, (Nav.) awhile back (6 months or longer). But here on Maui ever since they did the up-grade, (I'll call it a downgrade) Macro blocking and audio is terrible. M.B. every 5 secs. and audio almost as bad, as in , it stops, then a few second's later, starts again, but ya lost a few words when it starts again. (total audio dropout) It was bad Monday morning but it has gotten worse as described above. I'll give em a call tomorrow. A dude that lives next door got Direct last month. Impressive..........

Brad, I belevie ya ;)
I think we got the software update called navigator.. Went from 3x fast forward to 4x f.f. I think it was installed Sunday night or early Monday morning. I haven't been following this thread for awhile, but if I remember correctly, the folks got it, (Nav.) awhile back (6 months or longer). But here on Maui ever since they did the up-grade, (I'll call it a downgrade) Macro blocking and audio is terrible. M.B. every 5 secs. and audio almost as bad, as in , it stops, then a few second's later, starts again, but ya lost a few words when it starts again. (total audio dropout) It was bad Monday morning but it has gotten worse as described above. I'll give em a call tomorrow. A dude that lives next door got Direct last month. Impressive..........
We don't have Navigator here yet. The 4X FF/RW speeds were upgraded over a year ago in Oahu but it is still SARA software version 1.90.5.110 on 8300HDC DVRs & 1.89 on HD versions.

Navigator is being deployed on the mainland & it is a mess - you'll know it when you get it. Reported symptoms: Super slow navigating, constant reboots, missed recordings, fewer recording features, sleep mode that interferes with expander drives, etc.

- you'll know it when you get it. Reported symptoms: Super slow navigating, constant reboots, missed recordings, fewer recording features, sleep mode that interferes with expander drives, etc.

Oh joy! I can hardly wait! :rolleyes:

is there any way to skip 30 seconds forward in a recording? I have a sa 8300hd

is there any way to skip 30 seconds forward in a recording? I have a sa 8300hd

No. The Powers that Be don't want it to be that easy to skip through commercials. I believe some of the aftermarket DVRs still have that feature.

Has anyone here with an 8300HD swapped out the drive for a bigger one? A search tells me that this can be done with SARA but want to be sure it works with the version Oceanic uses.

I'm not much of a saver but as more HD becomes available, the quicker the little drive gets stuffed.

Hairy: You can try an expander drive which has worked for some & not for others - make sure you buy one that can be returned. But if OTW ever changes the software to Navigator as they are doing on the mainland, you will have problems. This is why I've held off buying one. Check the AVS forums on Navigator & Expander drives.

Don't know of anyone who has actually swapped drives, but it is an interesting idea. Except OTW may frown on tampering with their equipment - if they find out.

No. The Powers that Be don't want it to be that easy to skip through commercials. I believe some of the aftermarket DVRs still have that feature.

The DirecTV HR2x DVRs have 30 second skip as a selectable option. I use it often.

looks like ESPN News HD and DisneyHD have been added (didn't get a chance to check them out but they are in the guide). on oceanic that is.

looks like ESPN News HD and DisneyHD have been added (didn't get a chance to check them out but they are in the guide). on oceanic that is.

yup both channels are up

No. The Powers that Be don't want it to be that easy to skip through commercials. I believe some of the aftermarket DVRs still have that feature.

The Sony DHG-HDD500 has it; I use it a lot. Ooops, sorry, that product was discontinued in less than a year and not replaced with anything like it. I wonder why? It's the "screw the customer" attitudes from cable, satellite, mobile phone, telco, and other "service businesses" that which drive me away from them. Unfortunately, it seems to be the standard business practice these days to treat people like cash-filled piñatas just waiting to be beaten with sticks until money falls out.

For the users of OTA HDTV, have you had this problem?

First of all the basic hardware configuration.

Time Warner Cable
Terk amplified indoor antenna
Tivo HD
Manoa valley area (Oahu > Honolulu > Manoa)

The basic setup was quite simple (to Tivo's credit) with 2 feeds for cable and OTA antenna. Up to quite recently, I received KHON (2.1, 2.2) reasonably well with strong signals in the mid to high 80's in terms of antenna strength. Then within the last few days, there was an odd shift in KHON ... I could not get 2.1 (on 2.1 - although the diagnostic meter indicated a strong signal) in addition to 2.1 being shifted onto KHON 2.2??

Possibilities that have occured to me ...

1. KHON is fiddling with the channels
2. Something has affected the TVHD's tuner

All of this is made more perplexing because KHON used to be one of the stronger signals for my setup?

Sam

For the users of OTA HDTV, have you had this problem?

First of all the basic hardware configuration.

Time Warner Cable
Terk amplified indoor antenna
Tivo HD
Manoa valley area (Oahu > Honolulu > Manoa)


Dude, be thankful you get anything. On the Paradise Park side of the valley, I couldn't get squat with a Channel Master 4228 - an antenna that should be able to receive signals from Alpha Centuri.

Sam,

I am having the same problems with KHON. I'm in the Ward Area and having issues holding KHON(OTA via Dish Vip211 receiver).
As you mentioned also, KHON 2.1 is a blank screen and 2.2 is FOX.
I'm planning to do some diagnostics on KHON to see what's up and shoot an e-mail to them about what's up.

Just emailed KFVE to find out if they will be converting to HD. We love UH Wahine Volleyball & want to see the games in HD. I believe KFVE made a huge error not affiliating with CW. I think they would have been well on their way to HD by now. Of course they would still have to buy HD cameras to cover local sports so that cost may keep them from doing that anyway.

Here's the reply from KFVE:

Aloha: Thank you for your email, regarding our KFVE programming. Unfortunately, we have no plans to go to HD for UH sports at this time. We appreciate the time you took to write us. Please keep it on KHNL/KFVE. Mahalo

Also had bad reception on both 2.1 and 2.2 this past weekend. I didn't try to troubleshoot it, just changed channel when the breakups were getting too bad. As you say, KHON normally has good reception.

OTOH, I can't get any sound on KHET 11.1 or 11.2.

scott s.
.

looks like ESPN News HD and DisneyHD have been added (didn't get a chance to check them out but they are in the guide). on oceanic that is.DisneyHD was added on ch1444 on Maui, but not ESPN NewsHD as of yet. I do see HDX1 on ch1260 that says is for PPV Events. What channel is ESPN NewsHD on over there?

Also received the software upgrade, although I haven't noticed any of the symptoms mentioned above... yet. One thing I did notice is that I was receiving ShowtimeHD on ch1633 before the upgrade, but now I get the "Not Authorized" screen with the phone number to order...

DisneyHD was added on ch1444 on Maui, but not ESPN NewsHD as of yet. I do see HDX1 on ch1260 that says is for PPV Events. What channel is ESPN NewsHD on over there?



On Oahu, DisneyHD is also 1444 and ESPN NewsHD is channel 1225. And we have the HDX1 channel too.

American Idol Tuesday May 6 was in SD. Looks like still bugs to work out with the new HD servers.

Anyone know when we're getting USA & SciFi HD? Supposedly in contract talks.

Sam,

I am having the same problems with KHON. I'm in the Ward Area and having issues holding KHON(OTA via Dish Vip211 receiver).
As you mentioned also, KHON 2.1 is a blank screen and 2.2 is FOX.
I'm planning to do some diagnostics on KHON to see what's up and shoot an e-mail to them about what's up.

Hmmm .... Well, to further investigate this strange situation, I called KHON (programming and scheduling department) and was told that things looked okay from their end, but that its possible that something happened during the ongoing refinement of their OTA broadcast signals. She said that a technician would look into it and get back to me ... but so far no calls.

Interestingly, I was able to test the signal from 2 sources with the same antenna (with and without the amplifier) ... and in both cases, I could reliably duplicate the strange shift in KHON where 2.1 disappears and replaces 2.2 (whereby 2.2 is sent to oblivion in the bump).

So, this has lead me to believe the following:

1. The problem most likely originates from the transmission itself (seems likely, because the KHON individual: Programming Comments or Questions gwelch@khon2.com or ph. 591-4223. said that from their end, the scheduling info that was being sent out was right )

2. The change in lineup is intentional and that the scheduling information (zap2it) has not been updated thus throwing Tivo off.

I suppose it is possible that both my tvs atsc tuners are going wonky ... but unlikely at exactly the same time (especially since both were recieving KHON reliably beforehand). I am guessing though that the numbers of individuals who are using OTA HD for KHON in my area are very small and as such, the reportage is low to non-existent (G. Welch was not aware of any issues or problems of this nature)

Oh well, there is always the manual record option for KHON on OTW cable 85.3 - which seems to be 720p, but Tivo identifies as analog by means of the record menu option offering of "best quality" (high def digital recordings for Tivo give no such options) ... but all in all, the quality is not bad for KHON.

Sam

Familiy wanted to watch Idol last night -- nothing on 2.1 and FOX/Idol was on 2.2 in SD.

scott s.
.

On Oahu, DisneyHD is also 1444 and ESPN NewsHD is channel 1225. And we have the HDX1 channel too.Just got off the phone with Oceanic, curious as to why ESPN NewsHD on ch1225 has not been added over here, although I had a feeling what they were going to tell me. Sure enough, those on Oahu and Kauai have it (you're on the same system), but those of us on Maui & the Big Island will have to wait. Oh well, back to more bowls of All Bran again. ;)

I suppose it is possible that both my tvs atsc tuners are going wonky ...
Nah, I'm getting the same. 2.1 = blank, no signal & 2.2 = KHON. Wierd 'cause Oceanic's 93 is still CW. :confused:

KHON 1003 had audio problems last night during prime time. Anyone else? Mistracking with the video, distortion, cutting out, etc.

I believe the analog version was ok.

I have a DTV tuner for my laptop and it shows both CW and FOX feeds, but no info at all for the CW feed(no PSIP info either) and identifies 2.2 has KHON-HD but logs programming as "Events".
This would explain why Oceanic and possibly those at KHON see no problems with the feeds, but since CW lacks any PSIP info TV tuners can't see the CW feed.

For the users of OTA HDTV, have you had this problem?

First of all the basic hardware configuration.

Time Warner Cable
Terk amplified indoor antenna
Tivo HD
Manoa valley area (Oahu > Honolulu > Manoa)

The basic setup was quite simple (to Tivo's credit) with 2 feeds for cable and OTA antenna. Up to quite recently, I received KHON (2.1, 2.2) reasonably well with strong signals in the mid to high 80's in terms of antenna strength. Then within the last few days, there was an odd shift in KHON ... I could not get 2.1 (on 2.1 - although the diagnostic meter indicated a strong signal) in addition to 2.1 being shifted onto KHON 2.2??

Possibilities that have occured to me ...

1. KHON is fiddling with the channels
2. Something has affected the TVHD's tuner

All of this is made more perplexing because KHON used to be one of the stronger signals for my setup?

Sam

this is exactly the same problem I am experiencing. I also use a TivoHD with OTA HD broadcasts. This problem surfaced about 4 days ago or so for me. 2.1 KHONDT is blank and 2.2 KHONDT2 is now fox (i double checked with my TV's ATSC tuner to make sure it wasn't my Tivo going nuts on me). It has really messed up all my recordings...had to change all my recordings to the 2.2 channel which of course has incorrect TV lineup (shows CW). My guess is that KHON switched it up (hopefully temporarily). anybody in the know?

KHON 1003 had audio problems last night during prime time. Anyone else? Mistracking with the video, distortion, cutting out, etc.

I believe the analog version was ok.

Same for me. The HD channel was (almost) unwatchable. The SD channel was fine.

KHON 1003 had audio problems last night during prime time. Anyone else? Mistracking with the video, distortion, cutting out, etc.

I believe the analog version was ok.

It was ... once I saw how bad the audio synching was (85.3), I switched back to the analog which was fine.

.....Don't know of anyone who has actually swapped drives, but it is an interesting idea. Except OTW may frown on tampering with their equipment - if they find out.

Tried it and it worked out fine.

Diagnostics now shows 279GB of storage. The original drive in mine was a 160. When it got near full, I'd get posterization, probably from fragmentation.

There is a tamper sticker but its easy to get under, remove and replace with a razorblade. Also needed a security torx bit which of course was unavailable on Big Island.

If interested but unfamiliar with computer construction and grounding practice would recommend having one of the independent shops like Computer Store or Falcon here or the guy across the street from where CompUSA used to be in Honolulu do it for you. Any of these guys could do it in their sleep.

I didn't want to use a SATA external as it takes away some scanning features and from other threads often gives people grief eventually.

Tried it and it worked out fine.

Diagnostics now shows 279GB of storage. The original drive in mine was a 160. When it got near full, I'd get posterization, probably from fragmentation.

There is a tamper sticker but its easy to get under, remove and replace with a razorblade. Also needed a security torx bit which of course was unavailable on Big Island.

If interested but unfamiliar with computer construction and grounding practice would recommend having one of the independent shops like Computer Store or Falcon here or the guy across the street from where CompUSA used to be in Honolulu do it for you. Any of these guys could do it in their sleep.

I didn't want to use a SATA external as it takes away some scanning features and from other threads often gives people grief eventually.
Great info, thanks. What is a security torx bit? Assume a tool to remove screws with special heads? As to drive type, any Sata drive of the same size OK?

Great info, thanks. What is a security torx bit? Assume a tool to remove screws with special heads? As to drive type, any Sata drive of the same size OK?


You're right. Like a normal torx but with an indent in the center: <http://shop1.frys.com/ac/largerimg/index.jsp?sku=4922491>
It takes a #10. This is for the screws on the chassis top and a few inside. The others inside are philips and standard torx.

It takes an IDE (PATA) not a SATA. I would expect any to work. Personally, I like Seagate because of the 5year warranty.

I went with a 300G because an old posting on another forum suggested the firmware would format up to 300GB and I had an extra 300 just back from warranty. The posting was old enough that larger drives were rare and expensive at that time. Because of this, I suspect a larger one might work. The worst I'd expect would be for a 500 or a 1TB to format as a 300. If anyone tries anything bigger, I'd like to know the results.

Well I just had a service tech. from TWC over my house to check on all the macro-blocking on my Pio TV.
First thing he did was take out the cable in from my surge protector (a expensive Monster one ) Which by the way is made for HD signals. Then he disconnects my second cable from my splitter which goes into my bedroom, and tells me that he did that because it's not their cable (tho it is RG 11, I believe) so he has to disconnect it. Funny thing was , he didn't say anything about my HDMI cable which TWC didn't supply. The macro blocking problem is Island wide according to him. I live in Kihei and he in Haiku and he has it on his HD channels as well. Funny thing is after all he did it's still happening as I type. I'm watching Alaska Experiment on Discovery HD. So, if I re-hookup my TV in my bedroom and am having problems and have them come out again the will have to charge me. Not only that if I want them to reconnect my bedroom TV (using their cable) they will charge me for that as well. He told me that I am limited on the number of TV's I can hook up because the cable comes from the street to the main house where it is split, then is rerouted back out to the street, then back out to my place. So because of the distance that the signal has to travel, by the time the signal gets to my place it has degraded so much that adding a second line to it really degrades the signal so bad (as it did with my bedroom TV) that, they cannot promise me a strong signal to my main TV. So instead of fixing it by give me a new line from the pole directly to my place he f-k's up my setup and did nothing. 5 weeks now with the macro blocking. And no end in site. Funny thing was when I told him when I woke up about 5 or so weeks ago and found the cable box tuned to channel 0002 and we now have a 4x fast forward and same in reverse. (which is when all this macroblocking started) He knew nothing about the software update. He didn't even know there was a 4x ff. He thought it was still 3x. Nice to see TWC keeps their tech's up to date. Don't worry about me TWC, I just took care of the too long of a cable problem. I just made a call to Direct TV and will be subscribing to their service.

Megabyte,

If you otherwise like Oceanic's services, I'd urge you to call their office and tell them about the visit.

I once had a visit much like your's. The guy treated me like I was a pirate for hooking his modem to a router and a switch. When I told their office about the problems I was having and the non-help I got from their tech, they sent out another guy who verified my measurements, found out they needed to add hardware to my area because they had oversold the network and got authorization to give me free service for two months until the needed hardware went on-line.

If you don't tell them, they won't know they have a jerk representing them in the field.

Regarding the signal loss from running your second line; unless your cable has massively degraded from our tropical climate, a line amp, which their techs carry in their trucks, should fix this problem. They can charge you for this, but at least on Big Island, most won't.

Well I just had a service tech. from TWC over my house to check on all the macro-blocking on my Pio TV.
First thing he did was take out the cable in from my surge protector (a expensive Monster one ) Which by the way is made for HD signals.

Hmmm .... all else being equal, I don't see how this would improve the signal significantly ... especially since you had a reasonably good quality surge unit.


Then he disconnects my second cable from my splitter which goes into my bedroom, and tells me that he did that because it's not their cable (tho it is RG 11, I believe) so he has to disconnect it.

Well, I suppose that he might have been trying to eliminate the signal lost when using any passive splitter ... but it seems apparent that he was motivated by some kind of company directive to "passively sabotage" any attempt at unauthorized signal distribution. The bottom line being that a good quality multiline distribution amp with 2 way communication would generally eliminate most forms of "splitter" leeching problems ... and as side note, RG-59 and RG-6 are the usual coaxial cable types used in this type of application ( where RG-6 quad shielding is generally considered to be the present standard )


... He told me that I am limited on the number of TV's I can hook up because the cable comes from the street to the main house where it is split, then is rerouted back out to the street, then back out to my place. So because of the distance that the signal has to travel, by the time the signal gets to my place it has degraded so much that adding a second line to it really degrades the signal so bad (as it did with my bedroom TV) that, they cannot promise me a strong signal to my main TV. So instead of fixing it by give me a new line from the pole directly to my place he f-k's up my setup and did nothing. 5 weeks now with the macro blocking. And no end in site.

... that does not make any sense?! Okay, granted that due to the nature of on demand material and such, the communication pathway has to be 2-way ... but for all intents and purposes, that only applies to actual cable box usage. Now, if the removal of the splitter (and the consequent consolidation of the signal to 1 souce) did not improve the image, then that scenario is most likely not the cause (or at least not the primary one if the problem is cumulative.

In all honesty, I am thinking that his "explanation" is deliberate rubbish propaganda to "punish" you for your second tv. Its also a very convenient scapegoat for a hashed digital signal. Which is even more depressing from the standpoint that a cable based system, while having to contend with issues of bandwidth, should be more stable due to the distributive format ... as opposed to the limitations of OTA HD in terms of signal direction and line of sight variables.

I am visiting Honolulu next month, and am staying in a Central Waikiki highrise condo.

What are the chances of getting any OTA HD reception with a laptop ATSC USB tuner? Antenna Web says all the antennas roughly to the west of there. If I get an east facing room, I'm probably toast.

Has anyone had any experience with this?

...but it seems apparent that he was motivated by some kind of company directive to "passively sabotage" any attempt at unauthorized signal distribution.

The only problem Oceanic will have is the use of unauthorized equipment to distribute the signal within the house. That's probably the root cause of many a service call. Removing cables and splitters that aren't provided or installed by Oceanic is probably part of their troubleshooting playbook. This alone likely solves a ton of problems. And I don't think they're obligated to replace such things free of charge as their responsibility ends at where the lead in enters the house. I think policy is to charge for such services, though some techs might not.

My mom had a problem where all the TVs in the house were picking up some radio station on a certain channel. I was able to eliminate the house wiring as the problem by connecting the lead in cable from the pole directly to a TV. The tech who came out claimed that he still needed to check the house wiring because he still heard 'noise' after the lead in termination. I insisted that the problem is on the pole or the cable coming from it. Sure enough, he ended up replacing the lead in cable. It was an original, at least a few decades old. From it's condition, he was shocked it was still working up to that point.

I am visiting Honolulu next month, and am staying in a Central Waikiki highrise condo.

What are the chances of getting any OTA HD reception with a laptop ATSC USB tuner? Antenna Web says all the antennas roughly to the west of there. If I get an east facing room, I'm probably toast.

Has anyone had any experience with this?

Your likely only going to get ABC, CBS and FOX, they all transmit by Ala Moana Center. The other all are located nearly 15 miles west and fairly low powered, I'm in the Ward Area (just west of Ala Moana Center) and can sometime lock on PBS but have no signal at all for NBC and MyNet.

BTW, I have a Hauppauge WinTV 950 that I use for traveling and sometimes as a additional feed and with the included mini antenna and get ABC, CBS and FOX with no problems.

The only problem Oceanic will have is the use of unauthorized equipment to distribute the signal within the house. That's probably the root cause of many a service call. Removing cables and splitters that aren't provided or installed by Oceanic is probably part of their troubleshooting playbook. This alone likely solves a ton of problems. And I don't think they're obligated to replace such things free of charge as their responsibility ends at where the lead in enters the house. I think policy is to charge for such services, though some techs might not.

My mom had a problem where all the TVs in the house were picking up some radio station on a certain channel. I was able to eliminate the house wiring as the problem by connecting the lead in cable from the pole directly to a TV. The tech who came out claimed that he still needed to check the house wiring because he still heard 'noise' after the lead in termination. I insisted that the problem is on the pole or the cable coming from it. Sure enough, he ended up replacing the lead in cable. It was an original, at least a few decades old. From it's condition, he was shocked it was still working up to that point.

Thats reaasonable, but in regards to the presented scenario, the techs explanation for pixelation tied into the splitter seems very suspect to me.

Thats reaasonable, but in regards to the presented scenario, the techs explanation for pixelation tied into the splitter seems very suspect to me.

Part of the reason I commented above is that I had precisely the same problem here from the DVR being signal starved. The diagnostics screen generated by the DVR gave the low reading that proved it. A line amp made the problem go away. Alternatively a Oceanic tech offered to re-wire under my roof line to replace my house's internal wiring. While electrically it would have been a better and possibly longer lasting solution, it would have been visible from our lanai so I declined.

I don't know if anyone else is having a specific pixelation problem I've been having intermittently but thought I should mention it and a work around:

I will occasionally get pixelation usually accompanied by tearing sounds on hi def recordings on the DVR. When this happens, if I go to a live analog station like CNN at channel 14 and back to the Hi Def recording, the distortions usually go away. Sometimes I need to do this twice. I'm not yet sure if this is an HDMI communication problem caused by my DVR or by my plasma. In order to isolate it I need to take the time to move the DVR to another room where I have an HDMI input on an LCD.

I am visiting Honolulu next month, and am staying in a Central Waikiki highrise condo.

What are the chances of getting any OTA HD reception with a laptop ATSC USB tuner? Antenna Web says all the antennas roughly to the west of there. If I get an east facing room, I'm probably toast.

Has anyone had any experience with this?

I live at the East end of Waikiki near the zoo. My unit faces East & South to Diamond Head & ocean. I cannot receive any OTA TV here. Chances are your unit will have TWC cable service or a proprietary service from the building.

Thats reaasonable, but in regards to the presented scenario, the techs explanation for pixelation tied into the splitter seems very suspect to me.
My TWC cable feeds 5 outlets - Roadrunner, 2 analog tvs, the HDTV cable input, and the DVR. A service tech came out and installed a booster-splitter at no charge. He also replaced a couple older style cables and told me to toss them. The analog reception did improve a bit.

I still experience some pixelation and macro-blocking sometimes on certain channels and shows. Some of it can also result from the source programming compression or satellite interference.

I live at the East end of Waikiki near the zoo. My unit faces East & South to Diamond Head & ocean. I cannot receive any OTA TV here. Chances are your unit will have TWC cable service or a proprietary service from the building.

Major bummer!! How are you coping with High def? You mention a DVR ... is that TWC's or did you opt for third party (like TIVO)?

I live at the East end of Waikiki near the zoo. My unit faces East & South to Diamond Head & ocean. I cannot receive any OTA TV here. Chances are your unit will have TWC cable service or a proprietary service from the building.

Yeah, they get Oceanic Cable, but analog only. No HD, unless they've installed LCDs since I last stayed there.

I can probably try to play with Clear QAM off the cable, although playing around with the coax is frowned upon.

My unit faces East & South to Diamond Head & ocean.
East & South is the direction of the DirecTV satellites.

Major bummer!! How are you coping with High def? You mention a DVR ... is that TWC's or did you opt for third party (like TIVO)?
Sam: Actually my picture is excellent most of the time and I am pleased. I use TWC's 8300 HDC DVR running Sara 1.90. Hi Def is provided using SDV so Tivo Folks currently cannot receive SDV channels even with a cable card beccause it requires bi-directional communication. I understand all the HD channels except for the 5 major networks (which are free) are on SDV. Also I hear many SD channels including those with "START OVER" are on SDV but not sure which since I hardly watch an SD anymore.

SeattleAl: If you grab the cable, you should be able to get the 5 major networks on your QAM receiver, but only if your building uses TWC's service. Some buildings have their own antenna systems and there's no way to know if HD is provided for.

East & South is the direction of the DirecTV satellites.
Greg: Yes theoretically Satellite is possible however I understand 2 dishes are required in order to receive all the channels here. Plus I live in a condo building and don't want to clutter my Lanai with dishes. It would truly have to be a last resort option.

My TWC cable feeds 5 outlets - Roadrunner, 2 analog tvs, the HDTV cable input, and the DVR. A service tech came out and installed a booster-splitter at no charge. He also replaced a couple older style cables and told me to toss them. The analog reception did improve a bit.

I still experience some pixelation and macro-blocking sometimes on certain channels and shows. Some of it can also result from the source programming compression or satellite interference.

Same situation here. Our house was built about 15 years ago, but the splitters used at each room's cable outlet were the older ones. Oceanic went room by room and replaced them all for free. I added a Motorola cable amp when I switched to digital and HD.

I live in a condo building and don't want to clutter my Lanai with dishes.
Yes, two 4 foot dishes would be some clutter on most lanais. (Though DirecTV may someday require only one dish for us.)

I have a DTV tuner for my laptop and it shows both CW and FOX feeds, but no info at all for the CW feed(no PSIP info either) and identifies 2.2 has KHON-HD but logs programming as "Events".
This would explain why Oceanic and possibly those at KHON see no problems with the feeds, but since CW lacks any PSIP info TV tuners can't see the CW feed.

Any change? For me, I still see this odd shift (check every so often to see what shows up on the secondary tv with antenna) ... but its a pain as far as Tivo goes ... while I can manually record any shift or alternate channel, the automated guide is what I really bought the TivoHD for ... without this or a linking channel feature, the system is only marginally better than a conventional recording setup.

Sam,


Still the same FOX is 2.2 and CW can't be tuned. I sent an e-mail detailing the situation to KHON but have received no response from them.

I have a question for you since you have a TivoHD, what are you receiving for KGMB. In my system guide both KGMB and KHON are listed as DT channel 8 and receive KGMB as scanned in. Because of this I can only record KGMB manually, which sucks since most of the tv shows I watch are from CBS. Like you say, it kinda makes a TivoHD little more than a expensive VCR.

Sam,


Still the same FOX is 2.2 and CW can't be tuned. I sent an e-mail detailing the situation to KHON but have received no response from them.

I have a question for you since you have a TivoHD, what are you receiving for KGMB. In my system guide both KGMB and KHON are listed as DT channel 8 and receive KGMB as scanned in. Because of this I can only record KGMB manually, which sucks since most of the tv shows I watch are from CBS. Like you say, it kinda makes a TivoHD little more than a expensive VCR.

Since I was having such reliability issues with KHON, I temporarily disconnected the antenna into the TivoHD and rescanned for the SD channels ... my thought was that the lower quality (but more reliable transmission) was an expedient temporary tradeoff until things sorted themselves out with the OTA HD stuff.

I have been periodically checking the reception by means of my secondary atsc lcd (Sceptre 37) with an amplifed Terk indoor antenna ...

Interestingly enough, on a whim, I rescanned the tuner tonight, and this is what came up ... very interesting.

Out of nowhere I am now getting an 8_1 with KHON HD AND 2_2 KHON HD (see pics 1 & 2) Note that these screens are from the epg guide built into the sceptre.

2_3 I think is the CW if anyone can reference this Stargate SG1 was playing

As for KGMB, it comes in as the predicted 9_1 as KGMB DT (image 3)

Not exactly sure how the programming guide is now for the Tivo, but will try to do a test rescan if time permits ....

Since I was having such reliability issues with KHON, I temporarily disconnected the antenna into the TivoHD and rescanned
Out of nowhere I am now getting an 8_1 with KHON HD AND 2_2 KHON HD (see pics 1 & 2) Note that these screens are from the epg guide built into the sceptre.

2_3 I think is the CW if anyone can reference this Stargate SG1 was playing

As for KGMB, it comes in as the predicted 9_1 as KGMB DT (image 3)
....

============================
KHON DTV broadcasts on RF channel 8. When PSIP data is flawed or missing, some tuners will display the RF channel numbers instead of the vitual channel numbers.

============================
KHON DTV broadcasts on RF channel 8. When PSIP data is flawed or missing, some tuners will display the RF channel numbers instead of the vitual channel numbers.

That makes sense, and my hardware tests (from 2 atsc tvs) seem to point to a problem with the signal ... but I find it curious that if it was the signal, then why not more complaints ... there seems to be only a handful of individuals on this forum that have experienced similar phenomena? Earlier, I half joked that there was only about 5 people using a similar setup and as such a stat "zero" ... but I am beginning to wonder ...

That makes sense, and my hardware tests (from 2 atsc tvs) seem to point to a problem with the signal ... but I find it curious that if it was the signal, then why not more complaints ... there seems to be only a handful of individuals on this forum that have experienced similar phenomena? Earlier, I half joked that there was only about 5 people using a similar setup and as such a stat "zero" ... but I am beginning to wonder ...
================================
Cable penetration is about 90% in this state. As for myself, I called KHON and got a such a vague response, I could not care less about what they do. Also I rarely watch their programming.

I was getting FOX shown as 2-2. Today I went in and tuned "8" on my Sammy STB, and it stored it as 8-3 (720p FOX) and 8-4 (480i CW?). I assume it's CW, didn't watch long enough to check and it seems like no PSIP is being transmitted?

scott s.
.

I was getting FOX shown as 2-2. Today I went in and tuned "8" on my Sammy STB, and it stored it as 8-3 (720p FOX) and 8-4 (480i CW?). I assume it's CW, didn't watch long enough to check and it seems like no PSIP is being transmitted?

scott s.
.

Hmmmm ... the evidence seems to be mounting in favor of signal defect in the form of missing PSIP ... mthinks it time once again to call KHON to see whats up. I called earlier (others as well) but their answer then was that nothing seems to be wrong from their end and that they were going to check it out.

I was getting FOX shown as 2-2. Today I went in and tuned "8" on my Sammy STB, and it stored it as 8-3 (720p FOX) and 8-4 (480i CW?). I assume it's CW, didn't watch long enough to check and it seems like no PSIP is being transmitted?

scott s.
.

==============
They have PSIP. If it was missing, you would not have 2.2.....It is just that a portion of it is defective. The part that tells your tv where to find 2.1. Also the program guide portion of the PSIP for 2.2 is missing real data, but it has been like that for a long time.

Does the "vog" affect sat reception?

==============
They have PSIP. If it was missing, you would not have 2.2.....It is just that a portion of it is defective. The part that tells your tv where to find 2.1. Also the program guide portion of the PSIP for 2.2 is missing real data, but it has been like that for a long time.

I went back to look and now I can't get 8-3 nor 8-4, just 2-2 (FOX) like in the past.

scott s.
.

==============
They have PSIP. If it was missing, you would not have 2.2.....It is just that a portion of it is defective. The part that tells your tv where to find 2.1. Also the program guide portion of the PSIP for 2.2 is missing real data, but it has been like that for a long time.

Actually what I think what happened is that it has reset. When KHON went from 480i to 720p and FOX installed the splicer(same time) KHON went from 2.1 to 2.2 and stayed that way for sometime. I forget the exact timeframe but KHON moved the HD feed to 2.1 and used 2.2 for a SD feed of KHON with the SD feed eventually morphing into CW in Oct. 2006.

Actually what I think what happened is that it has reset. When KHON went from 480i to 720p and FOX installed the splicer(same time) KHON went from 2.1 to 2.2 and stayed that way for sometime. I forget the exact timeframe but KHON moved the HD feed to 2.1 and used 2.2 for a SD feed of KHON with the SD feed eventually morphing into CW in Oct. 2006.

It seems like it was set up 2-1 720p (FOX) and 2-2 480i (CW) for a long time, until about 3 weeks ago. I notice also KBFD (32/33) cut the power on the NTSC side (32) a couple weeks ago.

scott s.
.

I guess then, the probable question will become ...

will this channel "change" become recognized in a future lineup for Tivo scheduling? Cable HD (analog) is nice, but IMO OTA is superior when the signal strength is adequate.

Sam

I guess then, the probable question will become ...

will this channel "change" become recognized in a future lineup for Tivo scheduling? Cable HD (analog) is nice, but IMO OTA is superior when the signal strength is adequate.

Sam
=============
I am fairly certain that 2.1-2.2 problem is not intentional. Welcome to the wonderful world of DTV. The technology is far from perfected.:(

Wondering if anyone on Oahu is having a similar problem with OTW HD DVR.

I have a SA 8300 HD DVR box from OTW on Oahu. The problem is that the programs will start to freeze up on live or DVR recordings. It usually is relatively minor then gradually increases to the point that you cannot watch the program. The only way to remedy the problem is to unplug the power & hard boot the box. Once that is done everything operates normally...even recorded programs that were skipping. I've called OTW & a tech (the same guy each time) has come out 3 times and they have yet to reslove the problem.

1st visit - Just pulled up a diag screen on the box, said everything looked ok then left.
Trouble came back next day.

2nd visit - Pulled up diag screen said everything was ok. Changed connectors outside @ JB. Replaced box, said could be hard drive on DVR causing problem.
ok for about a month.

3rd visit - Laughed that he was here again. Sat around looking confused. Diag screen was within specs. Inspected all connections, visibly traced wiring. Installed filter to prevent AC backfeed. Said could be DVR hard drive (again).He said that I would be better changing the box at the OTW store/customer service counter because the ones that he has are not brand new, they are refurbs, but the ones at the store are brand new.
So far so good...its only been a day though.

The problem has no rhyme or reason. I cannot find any consistancy to the occurances. It can work ok for day, week or month with no problem, but it keeps coming back. I've asked for the area supv Ambrose to call me, he hasn't called yet. Been waiting for 2 weeks.

SO...Has anyone out there been having a problem like this? Pretty much ONLY with HD. If its happening on ch 1003, I can change to 3 and its fine & once I hard boot it, its fine for a while...then it sneaks back.

Any insight would be appreciated.

I would get another box... then see if you continue to have problems. In the past I have gotten new boxes and whatever DVR trouble I was having disappeared. You've checked everything else out... Sounds like a new box is probably the fix. The beauty of it is there is no charge for getting a new box... so why not try it. Let us know what happens.

You could also reformat the drive.. I wrote down this set of instructions when I tried this sometime in the past... not sure if its still current

-----reformat disk
press pause on remote for 11 seconds
then page down (-)
press list 3 times, will see; hdd1-2-hddf
wait until reboot and finished

Also had this written down:

----- 8300 reformat
The SA8000HD (and presummably the SA8300HD) has a fairly simple procedure to erase the drive (start clean). Note that this process will erase all scheduled programming and will cause the unit to reload all programming data from your cable provider. On the plus side, it will repair any fragmenting problems.

Press and hold PAUSE until Mail led is lit. Press PAGE down or (-),
and then press LIST three times. Turn box off. When turned back on,
formatting will begin.

So far so good...its only been a day though.
I think your new box will work okay, and your problems are over.

I would settle for CW in SD for the time being. Sounds like KFVE management has been recruiting from the dry well that KHON & OTW share. And about Hawaiian Telcom - if you think those jokers are going to provide any kind of video salvation, then you are fooling yourself. I expect Carlyle Group to run HT into the ground like they did with Carlyle Capital - taking billions of investors money with them. They are nothing but pointy haired bidness marketing managers with zero useful skills. Enjoy this financial analysis:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aaTdhmzxnz1k&refer=home
Andrew:

I have found CW on channel 85-4. Not sure how long it will be there, but hope that helps.

Notice KGMBHD is also on 46-3 - wonder why they gave it 2 spots?

The reason for 2 spots for KGMB-HD is due to channel 46 being used in Hilo, low powered station KHBB is there. As mentioned before, the outer islands each run the analog service but digital all comes from Oahu. So the Hilo office has to filter out the digital channels on 46 for KHBB and passes through 99. On the other islands including the Kona side of the Big Island the STB's ignore 99 and tune to 46 instead.

So why not use 99 statewide? The likely answer is that the leftover frequency on 99 used for SDV for all islands but because of KHBB you can't do it with 46, would cause too many problems in Hilo since it's filtered locally.

Looks like on the OTA side that KHON has finally fixed it's problems.

FOX is showing up as KHON-HD 2.1 and CW is showing up as KHON-CW 2.2.

Same here. Now if I could get sound again on 11-1 and 11-2 I would be all set.

scott s.
.

With 147 pages, this topic has probably been discussed... Frankly, I'm not going to look over all 147 pages. So if you guys will allow me... I'm thinking of switching to Directv, mainly because everyone in my family is pestering me about Directv's bigger selection of Filipino channels than OTW. But my concern is HD service and reception when it's raining. I live in Kalihi valley and it rains here a lot.. will it be problem? How many dishes will I need? And how's their HD package. Talked to Directv but felt like I was being pressured to place an order instead of them trying to answer my questions.

But my concern is HD service and reception when it's raining. I live in Kalihi valley and it rains here a lot.. will it be problem? How many dishes will I need? And how's their HD package.
I switched to D* in October using The Satellite Guy. I've had two rain outages, but none so far in 2008. It has to be a big rain. Sensitivity to rain depends on how well the dishes (two 4 foot ones) are aligned, so you don't want to sign off on the installation until the installer has shown you that the signal levels are good. The satellite receiver will display the levels for the various satellite transponders. Opinions may differ on what levels you need. Level "0" or "NA" is okay -- that's a transponder not in use. In the 60s is probably okay, but mediocre. In the 90s is ideal.

How's their HD package? The best, with more on the way when their new satellite D11 goes into operation (probably in August).

Hello everyone,

As I recently purchased the 19" Dynex LCD HDTV, with internal ATSC and QAM tuners, this list was very helpful to find HD channels on the basic cable service here in the University of Hawaii dormitories:

83.3 KHNL (NBC) 1080i
85.3 KHON (FOX) 720p
106.2 KFVE 480i
114.2 KITV (ABC) 720p
46.3 KGMB (CBS) 1080i
*not included in list, but in the thread
120.12 (PBS) 720p

I felt I should add that I've found
104.1021 (FSN) 720p
projecting their MLB games (atleast at the time I found it) in High Definition.
Thanks for the help everyone.

you should also be able to pick up the food network in HD on 46.1
the FSN hd channel you picked up is for live sports events on fsn. they had nba games in HD during the regular season as well as ucla games i think. since fsn covers the dodgers, anytime the dodgers are playing, it wouldnt hurt to tune in to see if theyre carrying it. or any sports event that fsn would show.
kfve isnt HD. it's just the digital cable SD channel youre tuning in. but i suppose since UH only has basic cable the signal for kfve is probably crap compared to what your digital tuner is pulling in.
also 85.4 is CW. and you should also be able to tune in SD versions of USA, TNT, ESPN, ESPN2, etc.

Oh thank you.
It appears I spoke too soon as you pointed out, FSN on 104.1021 is limited to live shows, and most of the time it's off air. I wanted to add that...

So the list as of 6/3/08:
83.3 KHNL (NBC) 1080i
85.3 KHON (FOX) 720p
106.2 KFVE 480i
114.2 KITV (ABC) 720p
46.3 KGMB (CBS) 1080i
120.12 (PBS) 720p
104.1021 (FSN) 720p
46.1 (FOOD) 720p

It seems like ABC on channel 114-2 suddenly went down to a non-existent signal in some areas a few days ago, which sucks...but Lost is over for now, so I guess it's no big deal for now.

RE: Channel Numbers

I recently emailed Oceanic asking for a list of Digital Channel assigments. They replied that they don't provide those because they can and do make changes to assignments based on needs. Sounds like the channel assignments are not cast in stone.

Is it safe to get a Tivo HD to use with owtc (with cablecard)? I saw a few selling for $250 over the weekend, but stopped because I remembered the whole SDV kerfluffel a few months ago.

I switched to D* in October using The Satellite Guy. I've had two rain outages, but none so far in 2008. It has to be a big rain. Sensitivity to rain depends on how well the dishes (two 4 foot ones) are aligned, so you don't want to sign off on the installation until the installer has shown you that the signal levels are good. The satellite receiver will display the levels for the various satellite transponders. Opinions may differ on what levels you need. Level "0" or "NA" is okay -- that's a transponder not in use. In the 60s is probably okay, but mediocre. In the 90s is ideal.

How's their HD package? The best, with more on the way when their new satellite D11 goes into operation (probably in August).

Thanks for the info...

Got more questions:

Info from DirecTV website

The DIRECTV Plus DVR (Digital Video Recorder) enable users... to record two shows at once**...

**For full functionality, the receiver requires... continuous connection to land-based phone line.

QUESTION

I've got Digital Phone from Oceanic and the phone line is only available through my room. I plan to have a regular HD receiver in my room and a HD DVR in the living room. Will it be alright to just connect the regular HD receiver to the phone line to enable full functionality to the HD DVR in the living room?

Is it safe to get a Tivo HD to use with owtc (with cablecard)? I saw a few selling for $250 over the weekend, but stopped because I remembered the whole SDV kerfluffel a few months ago.

SDV is still in affect and still limits your HD viewing via Tivo to just the networks. You won't be able to view channels like ESPNHD and NGCHD that are included in the HD Pack.

That being said, there is a lot of talk about a Tuning Adaptor coming out this year that will allow you to watch the SDV channels over a cable card device like Tivo HD (google around for more details). This is an external box that will connect to the coax from the wall, and via coax and USB to Tivo. Devices were actually demo'ed at a cable industry show last month and have been confirmed to be in certification testing at cable labs, so they are real. Cox Cable on the mainland actually sent a letter to their cablecard customers saying that they plan to provide this device to them for FREE.

The big question is when will OTW make them available to us, and for how much?

In the meantime, I continue to use my Series 3 for most of my TV viewing, and the SA DVR when I'm desperate to watch non-network HD. But as soon as OTW has the Tuning Adaptors, I will be first in line to pick one up and return the DVR.

snakpak

Will it be alright to just connect the regular HD receiver to the phone line to enable full functionality to the HD DVR in the living room?
No, but you really don't need to attach a phone line at all. I don't have one attached -- it wasn't even mentioned by my installer. If you do have a phone line connected to a receiver, you can use it to order pay-per-view on that receiver and it may display caller-id information (though that feature is said not to work very well). I suppose that a pay-per-view ordered on one receiver could also be watched on the other, but I don't know, since I've never used pay-per-view.

Several features depend on a broadband network connection, however. VOD, remote scheduling, media sharing (displaying stuff from your computer or another network storage device).

SDV is still in affect and still limits your HD viewing via Tivo to just the networks. You won't be able to view channels like ESPNHD and NGCHD that are included in the HD Pack.

That being said, there is a lot of talk about a Tuning Adaptor coming out this year that will allow you to watch the SDV channels over a cable card device like Tivo HD (google around for more details). This is an external box that will connect to the coax from the wall, and via coax and USB to Tivo. Devices were actually demo'ed at a cable industry show last month and have been confirmed to be in certification testing at cable labs, so they are real. Cox Cable on the mainland actually sent a letter to their cablecard customers saying that they plan to provide this device to them for FREE.

The big question is when will OTW make them available to us, and for how much?

In the meantime, I continue to use my Series 3 for most of my TV viewing, and the SA DVR when I'm desperate to watch non-network HD. But as soon as OTW has the Tuning Adaptors, I will be first in line to pick one up and return the DVR.

snakpak
Thanks, I'll just save my money and wait until the Tuning Adapter comes out.

[QUOTE=BongNpinoy;14017941]Thanks for the info...

Got more questions:

Info from DirecTV website

The DIRECTV Plus DVR (Digital Video Recorder) enable users... to record two shows at once**...

**For full functionality, the receiver requires... continuous connection to land-based phone line.

QUOTE]

=====================
I have to wonder if that DVR phone line connection would work with IP-based phone lines like Oceanic Digital Phone. It was my understanding that phone modems and fax machines do not work with digtal phone services. Anybody know for sure?

SDV is still in affect and still limits your HD viewing via Tivo to just the networks. You won't be able to view channels like ESPNHD and NGCHD that are included in the HD Pack.

That being said, there is a lot of talk about a Tuning Adaptor coming out this year that will allow you to watch the SDV channels over a cable card device like Tivo HD (google around for more details). This is an external box that will connect to the coax from the wall, and via coax and USB to Tivo. Devices were actually demo'ed at a cable industry show last month and have been confirmed to be in certification testing at cable labs, so they are real. Cox Cable on the mainland actually sent a letter to their cablecard customers saying that they plan to provide this device to them for FREE.

The big question is when will OTW make them available to us, and for how much?

In the meantime, I continue to use my Series 3 for most of my TV viewing, and the SA DVR when I'm desperate to watch non-network HD. But as soon as OTW has the Tuning Adaptors, I will be first in line to pick one up and return the DVR.

snakpak
RE: Using Tivo.

The SA DVR records shows in digital form which means there's no loss in quality viewing recorded shows. Does the Tivo record the digital stream, similarly?

RE: Using Tivo.

The SA DVR records shows in digital form which means there's no loss in quality viewing recorded shows. Does the Tivo record the digital stream, similarly?

Yes.

A Star Bulletin article said that DirecTV does not carry KHNL-HD because of technical issues. Does anyone know more about this issue?

A Star Bulletin article said that DirecTV does not carry KHNL-HD because of technical issues. Does anyone know more about this issue?
Earlier in this thread, Charles (?) reported that the satellite uplink facility couldn't receive the KHNL signal OTA. A land line would have to be installed, and apparently no one wants to pay for that.

Also, we don't get Toon Disney HD here, for some reason. I called DirecTV about this, but I didn't actually complain, because I don't myself care.

I guess that I can call this an update.
Both Dish and Directv use the same faciility to uplink the Honolulu local stations back to the mainland for each own service. At that location, it's on Bishop St., they are unable to maintan KHNL's DT signal. The solution is installing a direct link from KHNL, they currently use the OTA signal for all the locals.
Here's the update part, in August all the locals will be switched to the DT signals in order to prep for the analog shutdown in Feb. '09. They will downconvert the HD signals to SD for the SD locals so one of three things will happen.
1. A fiber link to KHNL is done at that time and both Dish and Directv customer will get KHNL-HD.
2. Only KHNL is left with an analog feed and wait until the shutdown to do the conversion.
3. Do nothing and after the shutdown not offer KHNL period and each blame the other for the mess.

Rumor has it that No.1 is the most likely.

I guess that I can call this an update.
Both Dish and Directv use the same faciility to uplink the Honolulu local stations back to the mainland for each own service. At that location, it's on Bishop St., they are unable to maintan KHNL's DT signal. The solution is installing a direct link from KHNL, they currently use the OTA signal for all the locals.
Here's the update part, in August all the locals will be switched to the DT signals in order to prep for the analog shutdown in Feb. '09. They will downconvert the HD signals to SD for the SD locals so one of three things will happen.
1. A fiber link to KHNL is done at that time and both Dish and Directv customer will get KHNL-HD.
2. Only KHNL is left with an analog feed and wait until the shutdown to do the conversion.
3. Do nothing and after the shutdown not offer KHNL period and each blame the other for the mess.

Rumor has it that No.1 is the most likely.

Charles,

That information is very interesting. Do you have any information on when the outer islands will be changing to digital? Maui is still in the dark. The new area is set up, but " special interests" have managed to keep them shut down until all of the environmental studies, and then cultural studies can be finished.

They will downconvert the HD signals to SD for the SD locals so one of three things will happen.
1. A fiber link to KHNL is done at that time and both Dish and Directv customer will get KHNL-HD.
2. Only KHNL is left with an analog feed and wait until the shutdown to do the conversion.
3. Do nothing and after the shutdown not offer KHNL period and each blame the other for the mess.

Rumor has it that No.1 is the most likely.

Thanks for the info., Charles.
A fiber from Net Enterprise to where, exactly? Wouldn't an STL Microwave link be quicker/cheaper/easier?
Maybe NE could subscribe to OTW?<g>
Since this 'transition' is supposed to occur the week beginning Aug. 4, what is your opinion of it being completed by the beginning of the Olympics on Aug. 8?

--Michael

Michael,

My understanding is that in cases that Dish or Directv have had issues with a station at the local POP, they go with a fiber link since they are already are contracted for the backhaul. It also is a sneaky way to prevent fringe stations from carriage since fiber is much more expensive. :D
The fiber link is usually done at the stations Master Control although one wonders if per the FCC ruling on DT station carriage in AK/HI they also must carry NBC Weather Plus.
As for in time for the Olympics, Directv has it easier since in order to receive the Honolulu locals you need a Mpeg4(HD) receiver and KFVE/KHNL the only stations they need to convert. Dish offers the SD and HD locals on separate platforms. As the changeover gets closer, maybe more info will trickle out.

MauiGuy,
You probably know as much as I do. It looks though as if a true "flash cut" will happen on Maui with the Haleakala transmitters being shutodwn as the same time as Ulupalakua goes live.

Michael,

My understanding is that in cases that Dish or Directv have had issues with a station at the local POP, they go with a fiber link since they are already are contracted for the backhaul. It also is a sneaky way to prevent fringe stations from carriage since fiber is much more expensive. :D
The fiber link is usually done at the stations Master Control although one wonders if per the FCC ruling on DT station carriage in AK/HI they also must carry NBC Weather Plus.

Is KHNL Master Control at 150 Puuhale Rd in Kalihi Kai? If so, it appears to be ~3 miles to Net Enterprise no matter which route is taken.
I must be missing something since I don't see how this could get completed in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics, not to mention who's going to come up with the quarter million bucks to do the job. Running dark fiber two miles down the Nimitz just can't be cheap.
Thanks again for your insight.

--Michael

I will be traveling to Maui next week and staying in a friends unit that has only analog cable for his HDTV. Are any of the networks broadcasting over the air HDTV signals on Maui. My friend has an HD Tivo and I would like to see if I can set up his HDTV signals for him.

He does not want to upgrade to digital cable since he is only there for a few months a year and the basic analog cable is included in his fees. Is there an OTA option?

Thanks.

I will be traveling to Maui next week and staying in a friends unit that has only analog cable for his HDTV. Are any of the networks broadcasting over the air HDTV signals on Maui. My friend has an HD Tivo and I would like to see if I can set up his HDTV signals for him.

He does not want to upgrade to digital cable since he is only there for a few months a year and the basic analog cable is included in his fees. Is there an OTA option?

Thanks.

None are currently active on Maui. However, if the unit is located up country as in Kula, Digital statons maybe receivable from Honolulu.

Is KHNL Master Control at 150 Puuhale Rd in Kalihi Kai? If so, it appears to be ~3 miles to Net Enterprise no matter which route is taken.
I must be missing something since I don't see how this could get completed in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics, not to mention who's going to come up with the quarter million bucks to do the job. Running dark fiber two miles down the Nimitz just can't be cheap.
Thanks again for your insight.

--Michael

Gee, and I was thinkin a man of your means might be able to help with the down payment.

Will send you an email shortly with interesting things happening with DVBS-2 signals on big dish satellite....

None are currently active on Maui. However, if the unit is located up country as in Kula, Digital statons maybe receivable from Honolulu.

I recall trying to get OTA in Lahaina in the early '80s (unsuccessfully, it's terrain-shadowed from Haleakala by the West Maui Mountains and the ~100 mile path to Honolulu doesn't have radio line-of-site at sea level...duhh). The Cable Co. (TCI ) had their head-end up the mountain a bit in a cane field, (roughly) above the Civic Center.
I finally got lucky and found an open gate to the cane-haul road and got up to the head-end. They had two ~80 ft. wood poles ~15 ft. apart with a 'bridge' between them at the ~70 ft. level where they had mounted an impressive array of stacked, commercial OTA antennas for Ch.2, 4, 9 and 11 (FOX wasn't around yet). Back then it wasn't uncommon for the signals to fade in and out depending upon the conditions in the Kalohi Channel.
I went back up there a few years later and there were many thousands of dollars worth of antennas laying in the weeds...they had gone to a microwave link.

Gee, and I was thinkin a man of your means might be able to help with the down payment.

Umm, I don't think my whole S.S. Retirement check would make much of a dent.<g>

Will send you an email shortly with interesting things happening with DVBS-2 signals on big dish satellite....

Cool. I got a call yesterday from the owner of the first 16 ft. reflector I installed in '85. He was only using it for ESPN-HD and Discovery Theater-HD and wanted to know the best way to take it down. It's mostly raw aluminum, so probably worth a couple of hundred bucks as scrap.<sigh>

To get back on topic, and I apologize for being so long-winded, is any DirecTV customer able to get Channel 393 NBCWHD or any of the Network HD channels?
A friend says he gets Ch. 383, but has spent hours on the phone with DirecTV trying to get the HD Networks only to be told that he already gets them locally.

Thanks,

--Michael

Cool. I got a call yesterday from the owner of the first 16 ft. reflector I installed in '85. He was only using it for ESPN-HD and Discovery Theater-HD and wanted to know the best way to take it down. It's mostly raw aluminum, so probably worth a couple of hundred bucks as scrap.<sigh>

To get back on topic, and I apologize for being so long-winded, is any DirecTV customer able to get Channel 393 NBCWHD or any of the Network HD channels?
A friend says he gets Ch. 383, but has spent hours on the phone with DirecTV trying to get the HD Networks only to be told that he already gets them locally.

Thanks,

--Michael[/QUOTE]

Man I wish I had the gumption to get that 16 footer. Getting too old to deeal with them any more. I have two twelve foot paraclypses under the house and a fourteen footer in the back yard. The sixteen would be sweet to locate some of the more difficult signals, but wife would probably not desire another dish.

Now about Directv. I have it, and cannot get any of the distant network feeds from there. Ofcourse, keep in mind that we need MPEG 4 HD receivers to get our locals on Directv, so I am sure Direct thinks we actually get HD on them.

I just checked 383 and it says channel not purchased. I would expect that if I called they would say that I already receive digital channels thru my locals on Directv. I do receive CBS, FOX, and ABC HD on Direct, just no HD on NBC.

I do not think the satellite home viewers extension act applies here. I believe it called for reception of distant networks only when we could not get them via OTA or satellite. So No ammo there....

To get back on topic, and I apologize for being so long-winded, is any DirecTV customer able to get Channel 393 NBCWHD or any of the Network HD channels?

No. We'd have to be unable to receive local network affiliates. It's a law.

I do not think the satellite home viewers extension act applies here. I believe it called for reception of distant networks only when we could not get them via OTA or satellite. So No ammo there....

No. We'd have to be unable to receive local network affiliates. It's a law.

I liked the 'Act' the way it used to be...you were eligible for distant networks if you couldn't get the locals OTA.
I have a friend in Kahana who still gets the distant networks from DISH via All American Direct. He was grandfathered in because of his Lahaina zip code. Too bad they don't uplink the HD channels.
I know for a fact that something similar is available from DirecTV. When the 2007 Superbowl pi$$ing contest was going on between KGMB and Oceanic, I discovered that a 'business acquaintance' on the Big Island could get the CBS-HD feed via DirecTV. I gave him the serial/card numbers from an extra H20 I had and he added it to his account for a couple of weeks. Good thing, too, because it turned out that the feed from Oceanic (on Maui) was worthless and we would have had ~200 disappointed people.

Man, it's starting to look like I'll have to subscribe to Oceanic if I want to watch the Summer Olympics in HD. Is there an 'early termination' fee? <s>

--Michael

(Robert...I just woke up and noticed you called earlier. My roommate gave me the bug that's going around and I can barely talk. E-mail is definitely better.<g>)

Man, it's starting to look like I'll have to subscribe to Oceanic if I want to watch the Summer Olympics in HD. Is there an 'early termination' fee? <s>

--Michael

(Robert...I just woke up and noticed you called earlier. My roommate gave me the bug that's going around and I can barely talk. E-mail is definitely better.<g>)[/QUOTE]

No Problem about the phone call, i just wanted to clarify about some of the network stuff.

I just checked with the NBC site about the olympics. Keep in mind that NBC is not the only station that will be carrying the stuff. I quote from their site:

"BROADCAST
Beginning with soccer games on August 6th -- two days before the Opening Ceremony -- and concluding with the Closing Ceremony on August 24th, NBC Universal will offer an estimated 1,200 hours of coverage across the network and its cable stations.

The nightly Primetime shows will feature live swimming, gymnastics and beach volleyball action, broadcast the following morning from Beijing (12 hours ahead of Eastern Time). Extensive cable coverage will be offered on USA, MSNBC, CNBC and Oxygen, with high-definition broadcasts on NBC's HD affiliates, USA HD and Universal HD. Spanish-language coverage will be provided by Telemundo. "

Ugh, the Oceanic feed of HD KGMB is totally screwed up. I wanted to see the Tonys in HD.

KHON Fox HD problems:

Don't know if anyone else has noticed, but most of KHON HD primetime shows are NOT broadcasting in HD. They have had intermittent problems along the way but now it seems to be dead. All that new HD recording equipment they launched in April is giving them problems. In the past weeks, some shows would start out in SD & then switch over to HD within 1/2 hour or so. Recent episodes of our favorite show "So You Think You Can Dance" have been SD only, which is very dissapointing. KHON confirmed the troubles via email but provided no plan or timetable for repair.

Ugh, the Oceanic feed of HD KGMB is totally screwed up. I wanted to see the Tonys in HD.

============================
Tony's were not produced in HD.

Any one else experiencing this? This was happening yesterday, as far as I can tell.

On Saturday I was watching the US Open and sound was fine. Yesterday, I noticed sound would stop after watching for a while. It comes back if I change channel and then go back, but after a while sound would disappear again. It was also happening during the Mike Meyer's special. It hasn't happened on any other channel, that I have noticed yet, so I don't think its my TV.

So anyway, just was wondering if anyone else experienced this.

Thanks.

Does the DirecTV dishes require to be connected to a power source? I was told I need two oversize dishes and a third regular sized dish.

Does the DirecTV dishes require to be connected to a power source? I was told I need two oversize dishes and a third regular sized dish.
I don't think there is a power source other than the antenna cables that connect to the satellite receiver. I just have the two big dishes. Perhaps you'd need a third for international channels.

I am visiting Honolulu next month, and am staying in a Central Waikiki highrise condo.

What are the chances of getting any OTA HD reception with a laptop ATSC USB tuner? Antenna Web says all the antennas roughly to the west of there. If I get an east facing room, I'm probably toast.

Has anyone had any experience with this?

To follow up on this, I stayed on the 19th floor of a condo at Seaside and Kuhio. I had a corner unit facing the canal and Diamond Head.

With a PCTV HD Pro Stick and the provided antenna, I was able to pick up KHON HD, and KITV HD, and a handful of SD digitals. Ths scan showed several analog OTA channels were found, but none of them came in worth a crap.

I did not play around with connecting up the Oceanic Time Warner cable to the Pro Stick. I just wanted to see if I could get some quick and dirty HD channels as an alternative to the in-room TV set, and I got a couple.

KHON Fox HD problems:

Don't know if anyone else has noticed, but most of KHON HD primetime shows are NOT broadcasting in HD. KHON confirmed the troubles via email but provided no plan or timetable for repair.

Who do we write to? Can you post the address?

Who do we write to? Can you post the address?
Here's the KHON contact page: http://www.khon2.com/inside/contact

I usually email the programming dept. Let us know if you get any useful updates. My last communication acknowledged the problems but provided no timetable for resolution.

from my experience dealing with programming at khon, gelene welch should be doing something else. if anything, ask her to forward your inquiries to their engineering dept.
i recently started gaining interest in "bones" and was disappointed that it was not in HD the other night. funny i changed the station because it was SD. i guess i wont be watching for a while. I wonder how much of a priority this would be if american idol was still going on.

from my experience dealing with programming at khon, gelene welch should be doing something else. if anything, ask her to forward your inquiries to their engineering dept.
i recently started gaining interest in "bones" and was disappointed that it was not in HD the other night. funny i changed the station because it was SD. i guess i wont be watching for a while. I wonder how much of a priority this would be if american idol was still going on.
I was emailing engineering for awhile during the HD system installation and for a while after. But recent emails haven't been returned. I'm sensing some trouble with the staff along with the equipment. Like many, I have stopped watching most SD programs and I use our old Tube set for the couple that we still watch.

The worst part of KHON's problems is that they also impact their ability to convert CW to HD. I understand the same HD equipment would have been used for both. We have become fans of "Reaper" and have watched Smallville for years. Fortunately HDNET re-runs all the Smallville episodes daily so we get to see those in HD. For us, HDNET is the best channel and gets most of our viewing time. We love their committment to 100% HD along with an interesting variety of programming.

Yes, I have the same issue, but only wth KHON-HD on OCTW.

Any one else experiencing this? This was happening yesterday, as far as I can tell.

On Saturday I was watching the US Open and sound was fine. Yesterday, I noticed sound would stop after watching for a while. It comes back if I change channel and then go back, but after a while sound would disappear again. It was also happening during the Mike Meyer's special. It hasn't happened on any other channel, that I have noticed yet, so I don't think its my TV.

So anyway, just was wondering if anyone else experienced this.

Thanks.

UPDATE:

Directv installers came today, unfortunately from my location in the valley, I could not get the Filipino Direct satellite signal. The HD and SD channels where clear.... darn it!!!

Installer said that international channels are suppose to move to a higher elevation soon. He didn't say when. Does anyone know? Is this related to the DirecTV 11 satellite that was just recently launched?

I guess I'm stuck with plain and old Oceanic! :(

Installer said that international channels are suppose to move to a higher elevation soon.
I've seen some speculation, here, (http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=1651031&postcount=3359) for example. The reasoning is that DirecTV seems to have plenty of bandwidth coming on line for the satellite locations 99, 101, 103 (which require just one antenna for us), and it would seem to make sense for them to shift all of their programming to there. They have a new satellite up there in testing at 101 which will move to 99 in September (probably), and they're now testing a new 400MHz frequency band. But it's all just guessing.

KHET OTA change something?

For quite a while I haven't been able to get sound on either 11.1 or 11.2 OTA. The only thing sort of unique about KHET is my sammy STB shows that the sound is multi-track (I am using digital out from the STB). Just about every other OTA channel has a single audio.

Anyway, was channel surfing saturday, and had sound (first time in over 2 months I think). It still shows multi sound, but only a single channel (English).

scott s.
.

KHNL HD using QUAM.... vs Oceanic Scientific Atlanta HD box..

Can anyone verify for me whether or not the audio locks up using "QUAM" on the TV's tuner vs using the box from Oceanic. I notice it locks on my box but I notice alot of members watch via QUAM.

Another question - (If the Audio doesn't disapper on Quam Tuners), can anyone suggest a external QUAM tuner with a DVI output.

thanks

KHNL HD using QUAM.... vs Oceanic Scientific Atlanta HD box..

Can anyone verify for me whether or not the audio locks up using "QUAM" on the TV's tuner vs using the box from Oceanic. I notice it locks on my box but I notice alot of members watch via QUAM.

Another question - (If the Audio doesn't disapper on Quam Tuners), can anyone suggest a external QUAM tuner with a DVI output.

thanks

Just wondering what you are experiencing ... Is it that from time to time sound disappears while watching TV through the STB? If you change channels does the sound come back? The reason I ask is that I am experiencing this phenomenon and if others are too, the I can stop worrying that something is wrong with my TV and assume that it my be time to exchange my STB. :)

Since other people are discussing their audio troubles, I will add my experience.
I just picked up an RCA DTV converter box from Wal-Mart with the $40 gov. coupon. Net cost was $12. Occasionally, I will lose audio from all DT stations. The only way to get audio back is to power cycle the converter box.
I live in Waipahu and use rabbit ears into the DTV converter.

I use the SA3250HD box and I often lose audio on channel 1008 whenever the signal switches from HD to standard. This is mostly during commercials when HD programs go to local commercials. The sound cuts out about half the time. Sound doesn't return when the HD program resumes, but changing the channel on the STB will restore sound until they go to the next local commercial.

Using a Vizio HDTV's QAM tuner, I'm getting the following HD stations:
KHNL HD 84-3
KGMB HD 104-3
KITV HD 114-2

KHET HD and KHON HD are missing for me. Is anyone getting those via QAM? What numbers?
I'm on the Big Island - Kona system.

Using a Vizio HDTV's QAM tuner, I'm getting the following HD stations:
KHNL HD 84-3
KGMB HD 104-3
KITV HD 114-2

KHET HD and KHON HD are missing for me. Is anyone getting those via QAM? What numbers?
I'm on the Big Island - Kona system.From what I understand, Maui & the Big lsland are on the same system. The channels you listed are the same for me, except KITV-HD is 115.2. I get KHON-HD on 109.3 and KHET-HD on 120.12 through my Sony's QAM tuner. Try tuning manually and see if they show up.

Also still waiting for Oceanic to add ESPNews-HD over here. I've been eating as much fiber as I can, but still no luck. :rolleyes: ;) :p

tv type and location might play a part in the qam channel #s? some people seem to have different results. although mine seem to be among the common assignments majority here have reported. also i think the quality of the cable (and signal strength of course) might make a difference in what you pick up. I know I had a lot of garbage with r59 cable so i made the switch to r6. picked up a few channels i couldnt get before, and it improved one or two that would break up every now and then.

an old list compiled by rustyc is here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9138760#post9138760
but old is last updated in 07.
since then users have been reporting other channels they picked up. near the top right corner is a "search this thread" button. i'd suggest using it and use the keyword "QAM" and then you'll only have a few pages to read through versus 149 :)

Recommend On TWC

HD SHOWCASE ON DEMAND: Mad Men 13 episodes in HD.

This is a great series :)

I agree about Mad Men! Great show! Coincidentally, I started a marathon viewing of the show on HD on Demand yesterday. I'd heard it was good, but had never watched before I noticed it was On Demand. Only three more shows to go, which makes me sad. Luckily, a new season starts in a couple of weeks.

It looks like Oceanic added HBO/Cinemax OnDemand to their Digital Cable HBO/Cinemax packages. I was a bit surprised when I was channel surfing when I noticed I could access these channels recently. Previously I would get a "not authorized" message on these channels.

Oceanic has started carrying:

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

Eric

I'm not sure if Fox News Channel is listed. If it is I haven't found it yet via QAM.

Edited: It may be scrambled.

In Honolulu (local QAM channels):

KHON HD: 85-3 (720p/16:9)
KITV HD: 114-2 (720p/16:9)
KGMB HD: 99-3 (1080i/16:9)
KHNL HD: 83-3 (1080i/16:9)
KHET HD: 120-12 (1080i/16:9)


KIKU: 106-3 (480i/4:3)
KBFD: 106-5 (480i/4:3)

Gmo0ve, the last three are not HD channels. they're the qam #'s for oceanic's digital channels. khet hd is 120.10 or 120.12 i forget. it's one of those.

Thanks for the correction. I edited the list above. I wondered why the specs didn't look right. :)

EchoStar XI Coasts into Space
As of press time late Tuesday, things appeared to be going well for the launch of EchoStar XI, a mission that was conducted by launch services provider Sea Launch.

The Zenit-3SL launch vehicle carrying the satellite cleared the Odyssey Launch Platform located in the Pacific Ocean at about 10:21 p.m. Pacific Time. Signal acquisition from the satellite occurred about an hour and 10 minutes after launch.

EchoStar XI, built by Space Systems/Loral, will support the expansion of DISH Network capacity, including high-def services. It's expected that the satellite will be located at the 110-degree orbital position.

It looks like Oceanic added HBO/Cinemax OnDemand to their Digital Cable HBO/Cinemax packages. I was a bit surprised when I was channel surfing when I noticed I could access these channels recently. Previously I would get a "not authorized" message on these channels.

KonaGuy - Thanks for the heads up. I wasn't aware that HBO OnDemand is now available if you subscribe to HBO.

Me too. I guess I'll have to re-hookup my box since I'm running straight cable atm. :)

On a related note, it looks like Oceanic Time Warner is going to be rolling out
Fiber-Optic To The Home service here on the Big Island. The initial speeds
will be 100Mbps/100Mbps. There is more about this on my blog.

http://thekonablog.wordpress.com/

100mbps up 100mbps down is incredible. When I pick up my HD box I'll inquire about upgrading the line if available. :)

As it stands now, only the residents of Hualalai Resort at Historic Kaupulehu
on the Kohala Coast will be able to get these super fast speeds. It will likely
be available later this year.

As for the other islands such as Oahu, isn't Fiber Optic available for consumer services?

As for the other islands such as Oahu, isn't Fiber Optic available for consumer services?

Not yet. I keep hoping though...

Bummerz.

Anyone know when Oceanic is adding SciFi-HD & USA-HD? USA is airing new seasons of great shows (Psych) & the pix quality even on their so-called digital channels is awful - both are upconverted analog. Supposedly they have been in negotiations for months & are slated to be added next.

I just saw the HD lineup at Oceanic.com and I'm surprised Sci-fi isn't in HD. I'm also surprised there's only one HBO channel listed for HD. We gotta get with the programming down here. :)

I just saw the HD lineup at Oceanic.com and I'm surprised Sci-fi isn't in HD. I'm also surprised there's only one HBO channel listed for HD. We gotta get with the programming down here. :)
Their website isn't even current with the existing channel offerings. Their monthly newsletter is also a waste - a bunch of area activities but never any meaningful updates on channel additions.

Wonder if it is my sound system or KHON? When KHON is broadcasting HD programming, when they switch to local commercials/promos the sound becomes choppy and echos. Network commercials that were taped along with the programming are fine. A few weeks ago it seemed the network stuff had the sound problem. Does anybody else have this trouble? I am using OTW 8300HD DVR. The other channels are all fine.

Aloha All,

Could some one give me the QAM channel number for KGMB HD? I can get the other three networks in the clear but not KGMB. I tried both 99-3 and 46-3 without luck.

Mahalo,
Vatraps

Wonder if it is my sound system or KHON? When KHON is broadcasting HD programming, when they switch to local commercials/promos the sound becomes choppy and echos. Network commercials that were taped along with the programming are fine. A few weeks ago it seemed the network stuff had the sound problem. Does anybody else have this trouble? I am using OTW 8300HD DVR. The other channels are all fine.

It's not your sound system ... I notice a similar problem. I'm still on the older 8000HD DVR. I'm sure its a KHON problem.

It's not your sound system ... I notice a similar problem. I'm still on the older 8000HD DVR. I'm sure its a KHON problem.

As long as the HD is working I am not complaining. I just forward the ads anyway :)

vatraps,

I just checked and I am getting KGMB-DT on 99-3. Check tonight during prime time.

Speaking of CBS...from broadcastingcable.com...

CBS Sets Date for Evening News in HD
CBS to officially take Evening News with Katie Couric into HDTV era Monday, July 28, will begin broadcasting in 1080-line interlace format.
By Glen Dickson -- Broadcasting & Cable, 7/15/2008 12:01:00 AM

CBS will officially take Evening News with Katie Couric into the HDTV era Monday, July 28, when it will begin broadcasting in the 1080-line interlace format.

CBS Evening News in HDThe network spent a year-and-a-half building a new HD control room and graphics facility for the switch, and it has been conducting successful rehearsals for several weeks.

From a technical perspective, the newscast is ready to go HD next Monday, CBS News spokeswoman Sandy Genelius said, but due to the show’s broadcast schedule and some staff vacations, CBS decided to hold off another week.

CBS News has lagged behind other major news organizations in moving to HD, but the network is now moving aggressively to take its offerings to the higher-resolution format. Flagship magazine show 60 Minutes will go HD in September, while 48 Hours and CBS Sunday Morning will make the switch in 2009. The Early Show could go to HD later this year or in 2010, depending on whether it renews its lease of studio space at the General Motors Building.

I just hooked up my new Sony 40Z4100 and here are the channels I currently receive via Oceanic Basic service.

The call letters may not be entirely accurate, I made an educated guess on some of them:

Analog
2 QVC
3 KHON (FOX)
4 KBFD
5 KFVE (MY TV)
6 KITV (ABC)
7 KGMB (CBS)
8 KHNL (NBC)
9 KIKU
10 KHET (PBS)
11 KWHE
12 ZAP2IT (Oceanic Guide)
13 CNN
23 ESPN
24 SNBC
25 KALO
26 KAAH
27 KPXO (Ion)
28 KWBN
43 TNT
44 TCM
45 TBS
47 CSPAN2
48 CSPAN
49 FOCUS (Olelo)
50 DHCP (Discovery Health)
51 FITV
52 OAHU (Olelo)
53 NATV (Olelo)
54 VIEWS (Olelo)
55 OCKNOW (Olelo)
56 TEC2 (Olelo)
57 HSN
58 TRAVP Travel Channel
75 Comedy Central
76 Spike
78 Jewelry Television

Digital
77.1 Sports Choice
77.3 News Choice
85.4 KHONDT2
91.1019
91.1039 Paid Advertisements
104.1004 SportsInDemand
106.3 Paid Advertisements
106.5 KBFD
106.8 KBS World
115.3 PBS Kids
117.5 KFVE (MY TV)
117.6 KITV (ABC)
117.7 KGMB (CBS)
117.8 KHNL (NBC)
117.10 KHET (PBS)
117.211 KHON (FOX)
117.214 ESPN
117.215 Nickeldeon
117.216 OC16
117.217 TBS
117.218 TNT
117.219 USA
117.220 ESPN News
117.221 Disney
119.8 HMSA Now
121.10 Movie On Demand Advertisements
121.11 HSN


HD
46.1 FoodNetwork
46.3 KGMB (CBS)
83.3 KHNL (NBC)
114.2 KITV (ABC)
120.12 KHET (PBS)

At some point this evening (7/23/08) channels 46.1 (FoodNetwork HD) and 46.3 (KGMB HD) quit working. I no longer receive a signal on those channels.

vatraps,

I just checked and I am getting KGMB-DT on 99-3. Check tonight during prime time.



Thanks essbee. I checked again but no luck. Today, my Mitsubishi WD-60737 was delivered and I am using the built-in tuners. I will look into this more over the weekend and post updates here.

Mahalo,
Vatraps

It's not your sound system ... I notice a similar problem. I'm still on the older 8000HD DVR. I'm sure its a KHON problem.

I have Directv and also notice the sound problems only on commercials.

Wonder if it is my sound system or KHON? When KHON is broadcasting HD programming, when they switch to local commercials/promos the sound becomes choppy and echos. Network commercials that were taped along with the programming are fine. A few weeks ago it seemed the network stuff had the sound problem. Does anybody else have this trouble? I am using OTW 8300HD DVR. The other channels are all fine.
The problem with KHON is their new HD recording servers. It's been 3 months since they installed them & it still isn't working right. We watch So You Think You Can Dance - it was on HD Wednesday evening, then the sound problems started, & for the Thursday results show, it wasn't in HD at all. At this rate we'll never see CW in HD either.

Still no HD on KHNL for dish and directv. I spk w/the satellite guy who said they may have the HD working by the end of the olympics along with about 8 other HD stations for dish. Supposedly they are in the testing stage. I'm really thinking of swapping to Directv for more HD stations I really feel that Oceanic is overpriced.

... along with about 8 other HD stations for dish.
DirecTV is also adding 4 HD national channels tonight at midnight: 2 Showtime channels, ABC Family, and Planet Green, along with 9 HD RSNs becoming full-time and some more PPV channels.

Edit: There were only 9 HD RSNs that became full-time -- I changed the figure above.

I currently live in an apt in Aiea. I'm facing the Diamond head direction i can see diamond head, the stadium. I'm not catching anything other than 2.1 and 2.2. I've tried repositioning my antenna numerous ways and still can't catch anything. I'm guessing all the channels except 2.1 and 2.2 are uhf thus far. I've tried using the two terk antennas they have at Best buy (both amplifying). Both don't help at all. Any other people living in Aiea? what antennas to you use?

Are you using your TV or some other equipment to scan for digital OTA?

Are you receiving any of the analog UHF stations like KIKU-20?

What's the "signal strength" of KHON-HD?

Something seems alittle weird with the forum.

There seems to be a bunch of posts missing (unless the Administrator deleted it). One time I checked, it went to page 151. These last weeks or so, it has been stuck on page 150.

:confused::confused:

AVS Forums suffered a database crash on Aug. 11th, lost a weeks work post due to the crash.

Thanks for your response. I've come to the conclusion that it is my TV tuner (from a sony V4100). I borrowed a friend's SiliconDust HDHomerun tuner and i picked up everything except KHNL (which i'm still confused as to why). Now to figure out how to get that last channel, then i'm going to cancel Oceanic's inflated cable. Thanks again for your help!

i posted a while back a conversation i had with Oceanic Cable. Seems now they have went back on exactly everything that they were saying. Heres what they wrote back to me when i inquired what the status of everything was.
Aloha!

At this time we do not have any plans for a digital simulcast of all
available channels. We have already downloaded updated software to the
cable boxes to enable features such as Start Over and Look Back on a
number of channels. When tuning to these channels you will now have the
option to start the program over from the beginning or look back over
the past 4 hours of programming on the channel to select a program to
watch.

The DTV countdown does not affect cable TV services in any way. The FCC
mandate that analog TV broadcasts stop on February 17, 2009 only affects
full-power television broadcast stations and only affects the signal
they transmit from their antennas. It does not apply to Cable TV
networks and companies.

Per the current FCC Rules regarding the topic, cable TV companies are
required to make local broadcast stations viewable by all customers,
including customers with analog TVs through February 2012.

Our current plans are that all analog TV services will continue
unchanged on cable TV and we will convert the digital signal from the TV
station into an analog signal to be transmitted over the cable.

based on that i'll prolly wait till the digital transition on feb 12, and if nothing changes on oceanic. Dish or DTV is looking mighty promising. what are your thoughts.

I think that Oceanic is taking it's users for granted. They are charging waaaay too much for service and also compressing too many channels so they can provide telephone and internet at the same time. They are also taking an 'i don't care response' when it comes to updating their channel lineup, if i were you i would move to DTV especially with all the deals that they have now.

Colin.. if you live in Mililani.. You won't get KHNL.

i posted a while back a conversation i had with Oceanic Cable. Seems now they have went back on exactly everything that they were saying. Heres what they wrote back to me when i inquired what the status of everything was.


based on that i'll prolly wait till the digital transition on feb 12, and if nothing changes on oceanic. Dish or DTV is looking mighty promising. what are your thoughts.
I'm not understanding your complaint. The DTV transition has nothing to do with HDTV channels. What was your question to them? Whether TWC continues to provide analog cable service doesn't affect HDTV subscribers. TWC Oceanic now offers Switched Digital Video which enables them to provide as many HD channels as they want to - I just wish they would start adding some more.

I have been with Dish for over a year now and I have about 9 HD stations that I can watch. Dish has been telling me that they will be upgrading HD stations for over a year now and I do not believe they will be doing this any time soon. I have been speaking with the local Satellite guys and Everytime I speak with them, the story changes. Last I spoke with them, there was about 8 stations that would be added this week. Now they cannot tell me if it will be eight stations or one. Last I spoke with them, they were testing the stations "as we speak". Now the testing is due till next week. I believe I will be switching to DirecTV in the next month or so.

i posted a while back and oceanic had stated that they were going to have a digital simulcast of all their available channels to digital subscribers. They had said that lots of the channels that already come to them are in a digital format and they currently convert them to analog thus losing quality and crispness. I think i posted this about 6 to 8 months ago. That idea had me really excited as we too could now have a 100% digital lineup. but based on this latest response, nothing is going to change. They will continue to convert the 100% digital channels that the stations will now be broadcasting to ANALOG and we'll get to watch that.

quick question for those with DTV, how the channel times etc. one of my friends was telling me that with DTV, everything is like on east coast time so when you come home at like 1:00AM theres only paid programs on etc. Or is he wrong and the tiems are the same as TWC. thanks.

Both Dish and Directv primarily use the East feeds for it's networks, both the SD and HD feeds.

Oceanic either uses the West feeds live or delays them 2-3 hours to "time correct" for Hawaii for the SD feeds, but uses primarily the East feeds for HD.

Most networks don't have East and West feeds for HD yet.

so for DTV is it really off on the times or what. Like at 7:00PM am i watching primetime like i normally would or would i have to watch like 3-5 hours earlier? These are teh only things holding me back from switching off of oceanic.

also i know its been discussed thousands of times b4, but hows the clarity for SD/HD on channels here in hawaii with satellite. Since its 100% digital is it better than that of cable, or is it worse as some of the national forums i have read lead me to believe. i would hate to switch hoping for 100% digital hype then i get squashed by very pixelated/boxy compression that may be on satellite.

i know DTV is WAY MORE bang for your buck. 10x's the HD channels etc. but just need some "confidence boosters" if you wanna call it that. Just looking for some input of former OCEANIC customer that switched to DISH/DTV (satellite).

Examples:"The Closer" on TNT airs at 9pm on the East and West Feeds
On Dish and Directv you would see it 3pm in Hawaii.
On Oceanic you would see it at 6pm on the SD channel and 3pm on the HD channel.

"Adult Swim" on Cartoon Network starts at 11pm on the East and West feeds.
On Dish and Directv that would be at 5pm in Hawaii.
On Oceanic though it starts at 8pm.

So basically, YES, programming designed for primetime on the mainland will be seen in the early afternoon here if you have satellite. On Oceanic it will be mostly seen in the late afternoon, but on some channels in primetime.

so for DTV is it really off on the times or what. Like at 7:00PM am i watching primetime like i normally would or would i have to watch like 3-5 hours earlier? These are teh only things holding me back from switching off of oceanic.

also i know its been discussed thousands of times b4, but hows the clarity for SD/HD on channels here in hawaii with satellite. Since its 100% digital is it better than that of cable, or is it worse as some of the national forums i have read lead me to believe. i would hate to switch hoping for 100% digital hype then i get squashed by very pixelated/boxy compression that may be on satellite.

i know DTV is WAY MORE bang for your buck. 10x's the HD channels etc. but just need some "confidence boosters" if you wanna call it that. Just looking for some input of former OCEANIC customer that switched to DISH/DTV (satellite).

I have been able to view the HD stuff on cable on Maui. I do not have it installed.

I have a current subscription with one of those old fashioned Big dishes.

I have the remains of a subscription to DIshnetwork, and Have a current subscription to Directv.

The Big dish beats anything offered by any of the othr companoies. However it is going away, and there are no plans to make it a viable option for a residential viewer.

I had DIshnetwork, and got tired of waiting for the additional HD offerings and switched to Directv. Right now I only have the nine channel HD pack and TV Japan still on Dishnetwork. ( my other half must have TVJapan and it is not offered on DIrect)

Directv offers way more HD to us in Hawaii. With my package I have about thirty HD channels. More are scheduled to launch in September.

The major drawback to Directv is the two large dishes you need to receive their programming. Each dish is about 1.2 meters (four feet)

On Both Directv and Dishnetwork, some of the standard definition channels do not look good at all. However, on both HD looks good.

In my opinion the Old Big dish is far superior in both HD and SD. However it will soon go the way of the dinosaur.

Directv is a close second. Their customer support on Maui is great.

Dishnetwork is OK. I would not go back to them. I think directv is the better quality service and picture, not to mention availability of HD at present.

Do to my not having Cable installed in my home I cannot honestly compare them with the others. I will say that I have seen their HD picture quality, and think Directv is better.


The above is a personal opinion only.