Since the New National Networks are launching on DirecTV in HD next month could we see KHNL & KFVE added in HD then?

Since the New National Networks are launching on DirecTV in HD next month could we see KHNL & KFVE added in HD then?
It's possible. The new satellite D12 adds capacity for locals, as well as national channels. (But then so did D11, the previous satellite, and we got nothing when they sent that up.)

It's possible. The new satellite D12 adds capacity for locals, as well as national channels. (But then so D11, the previous satellite, and we got nothing when they sent that up.)

Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't the reason why it wasn't up in the first place was because of a lack of Satellite Capacity?

Just wondering do Dish Network and DirecTV get their signals from the same or a very similar source?

I know it's like a wait and see game so it's very hard to predict but are any new channels even running off the D12 yet? or will the 1st new channel signals begin when the National Networks go HD?

Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't the reason why it wasn't up in the first place was because of a lack of Satellite Capacity?

I thought the reason was because DirecTV was not able to recieve a strong enough OTA HD signal for KHNL at their collection facility. Not sure if that is still the case.

... are any new channels even running off the D12 yet?
Not yet. D12 cannot give us anything until it is in the orbital position it's licensed for, at 103 deg. W longitude, and now it's at 76 deg., in a testing location. It was expected by DirecTV outsiders to be moved away from 76 deg. before now. Supposedly, it will take at least 3 weeks to move it from the 76 to the 103 location, and it hasn't started moving yet.

There have been several stories why we haven't yet gotten KHNL in HD --- insufficient capacity is just one. DirecTV has been vague.

Emailed DirecTV and got this back. I'm pretty sure this is what everyone else gets back too.



Subject
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HD Locals with D12 Launch


Discussion Thread
---------------------------------------------------------------
Response (Aubrey S. - 100126090) - 04/27/2010 07:46 PM
Dear Mr. Lee,

Thanks for taking the time to write us back.

I understand that getting your local channels in HD is important to you.

We can't currently offer all of your local channels in HD because our satellite capacity doesn't allow us to do that yet.

We're continuing to expand our HD capacity and hope to offer more HD channels in your area in the near future. However, we cannot comment on channels, national or local, that are in negotiations.

I’ve also forwarded your request to DIRECTV management, so be assured that your voice is being heard.

The best way to find out about the exciting offers we have for returning customers is to call us at 1-800-739-4388. We have a team of specialists waiting to hear from you so give us a call.

Sincerely,

Aubrey S.
Employee ID 100126090
DIRECTV Customer Service

P.S. Have a question? Anytime, any topic, instant answers - support.directv.com The Answer Center provides you helpful information, 24/7, all at your fingertips.

Customer (Lee) - 04/27/2010 07:24 PM
Hi,
I live in Honolulu, HI and DirecTV currently doesn't have the local affiliates KHNL (NBC) and KFVE (MyNetwork TV) in HD.

I've heard that it was due to contract negation problems with Raycom Media but KHNL & KFVE merged operations with KGMB and KGMB is now owned by Raycom and is in HD but KHNL is not.

Another rumor I heard was that it could be a lack of capacity on a satellite so I'm just wondering could KHNL and KFVE be added in HD anytime in the near future?


[---001:001508:12076---]

Not yet. D12 cannot give us anything until it is in the orbital position it's licensed for, at 103 deg. W longitude, and now it's at 76 deg., in a testing location. It was expected by DirecTV outsiders to be moved away from 76 deg. before now. Supposedly, it will take at least 3 weeks to move it from the 76 to the 103 location, and it hasn't started moving yet.

There have been several stories why we haven't yet gotten KHNL in HD --- insufficient capacity is just one. DirecTV has been vague.

So the other channels like WGN HD are running off another satellite like the D11?
If they're supposed to be available in HD before the end of May and the D12 satellite isn't moving then making the advertised date of the month of May might even be hard.

... making the advertised date of the month of May might even be hard.
Yes, it might be. Then again, they might be holding enough capacity in reserve on the other working satellites that they could use, short term, for the sake of making their May deadline. It's sort of fun to speculate.

Just wondering do Dish Network and DirecTV get their signals from the same or a very similar source?

I may not be correct here, but I thought that as well... i.e. both DirectTV and Dish Network used the same POP, then up linked separately. It's strange that Dish Network has offered KHNL HD (5663) since Aug 2009, and KFVE HD (5659/5671) since Oct 2009.

Art

I emailed Duane Shimogawa.
Asked Duane if he ever did or possibly could do a follow up on this story.

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/global/story.asp?s=9758431

Also asked Rick Blangiardi if he had any details. I specified that I knew he didn't take the job a long time ago and that I was aware that he wasn't the reason why KHNL & KFVE were not in HD on DirecTV but I asked him if it's possible that with the launch of the D12 that the go HD and if they use the same signal as Dish Network.

I know I'll probably never get a reply but if you see a story on KHNL, KFVE and KGMB any time soon then I think I know what may have "motivated" them to do it.

What I don't understand is why KHNL won't grant waiver requests for DirecTV subs to recieve the LA based NBC HD feed, knowing this issue exists.

I'd love to see an updated story on this. If we do, thanks! :)

What I don't understand is why KHNL won't grant waiver requests for DirecTV subs to recieve the LA based NBC HD feed, knowing this issue exists.

I'd love to see an updated story on this. If we do, thanks! :)

I heard that they granted requests during the Super Bowl weekend last year but I had already went back to Oceanic before that happened after my request was denied 3 times.

In a perfect world I'd get an answer today or asap and by Tuesday (which is my DirecTV installation date) we get KHNL & KFVE in HD and maybe WGN America HD.

Hasn't happened for years but we can dream. :)


Edit: Try email or call Hawaii News Now to ask them. I'm thinking with my luck Duane Shimogawa might answer and think man this guy again.
Maybe if different people keep asking about it they'll give us a clear answer. Hopefully better then the one we got before the Super Bowl. I'm thinking that it takes more then 1 guy asking about it to make them possibly give us an answer.

As a matter a fact all of us DirecTV customers should ask KHNL & KFVE what's up. If more people keep asking they may do something about it or let us have the waivers approved for NBC LA.

Based on the people I've asked through the years I think Jason Gardner at the Satellite Guy (Oahu Dish) has given me the best answers.
jason@thesatguy.com He's been straight up. Like in 2009 when we had KFVE HD for one day he said that it was because the signal wasn't strong which is why the picture was very "soft".

In a little bit of an update Duane emailed me back and let me know that my message has been forwarded to the engineering department.

Hopefully we get a clear answer from them.

Got a reply back from KFVE, KGMB & KHNL. The rumor is pretty much confirmed that DirecTV is at fault. (Like no onbe knew :) )
Maybe with the D12 launch they'll have "enough bandwidth" to send out KHNL & KFVE's HD Signal.

Here's the reply-


Since trying to get DirecTV to air Super Bowl 2009 in HD on KHNL/NBC, their stance has been (and probably still is today) that they do not have the necessary bandwidth to carry that station in HD. As an engineer or even just an everyday viewer, this makes no sense at all if you ask yourself the following questions:


1.Why is it that Dish Network is able to carry KHNL/NBC in HD and DirecTV does not? Doesn’t seem to be a bandwidth issue there or Dish Network would have the same problem. Is it due to the use of inferior equipment versus what Dish Network uses? Both Dish Network and DirecTV get our HD feed all the way to their home bases in Denver, CO via fiber.

2.If bandwidth was an issue, why not put less-watched or non-network-affiliated programming in SD to make room for a major network like NBC to be put up in HD?

3.Why is it that a non-subscriber can go to Wal-Mart, buy a cheap $20 indoor antenna, hook it up to their flatscreen TV and watch KHNL/NBC (and KGMB/CBS for that matter) in HD over-the-air yet with all the expensive DirecTV equipment you have at your home, you can’t?


If you can find the answer to these questions then you have solved the mystery. Subscribers that I’ve spoken to over the phone think it’s some type of conspiracy or conflict between DirecTV and the owner of NBC but no matter what the reason, you should be getting some type of discount on your subscription because you are not getting 100% for what you’ve paid for and if they refuse, you should change over to Dish Network since they do carry KHNL/NBC in HD.

I hope some of this information helps you see the bigger picture and, you are correct, WE are not to blame.


Sincerely,
MILES MIYAHARA | Fleet & Facility Maintenance Engineer | HAWAII NEWS NOW: KFVE/KGMB/KHNL
Phone: 808.847.9371 Fax: 808.845.3616
E-mail: MMiyahara@HawaiiNewsNow.com
Address: 420 Waiakamilo Road, Suite 205, Honolulu, HI 96817
Always on HawaiiNewsNow.com

Here's the reply-

IMHO, that reply makes very little sense. For 1., since Dish and DirecTV have different satellites, different equipment, and use it in different ways, just because Dish has no bandwidth problem, that doesn't mean DirecTV doesn't. For instance, it is said that Dish uses 1 satellite transponder for 6 HD stations, while DirecTV uses 1 transponder for 4 HD stations, so that DirecTV requires more bandwidth for each HD station (enabling DirecTV to supply a better picture).

For 2., DirecTV uses different technology for national channels and local channels, so giving up national channels would not make more bandwidth available for local channels.

There is no truth to 3. My DirecTV HR20 satellite receiver has an internal over-the-air tuner. It cost me nothing above the subscription rates for national satellite service. For the models of satellite receiver that do not have such an internal over-the-air tuner, DirecTV supplies an accessory AM21 tuner which attaches to and integrates with the main satellite receiver.

I am not saying DirecTV has been truthful about all this. I'm just saying that Miles is full of it.

I am not saying DirecTV has been truthful about all this. I'm just saying that Miles is full of it.

I agree. Even though the "issue" may be at DirecTV's end, you'd think "as an engineer" he would understand the bandwidth issue a little better.

For instance, it is said that Dish uses 1 satellite transponder for 6 HD stations, while DirecTV uses 1 transponder for 4 HD stations, so that DirecTV requires more bandwidth for each HD station (enabling DirecTV to supply a better picture.

I won't start a flame war here on PQ - but that said I do know that Dish Network uses MP4 to encode and decode their HD. YMMV but from what I have seen there is no difference in PQ.

Keep in mind that I'm clueless so I'm not taking sides. I just want what everyone else wants. KHNL in HD on DirecTV.

Just got back with DirecTV today.

How long has KHNL had the widescreen HD style picture in 480i resolution?

When I left in Feb 2009 it was a standard def picture.

EDIT: That Standard def picture wasn't wide screen. It was like the current CW & KITV Island Weather Now Feeds.

I think since last summer, maybe?

That other way they used to have it was afwul. It looked like it was a cropped widescreen picture. At least now you can see the whole picture, albeit in a 4:3 window.

Copied and pasted from Email in reply to my KFVE HD Question. While it may not sound truthful to some I'm guessing it is.

RE: KFVE HD

From:
"Fink, John" <JFink@kfve.com>

DirecTV claims that it does not have enough capacity to put KFVE or KHNL on its HD lineup. It is 100% their choice, and they are choosing to ignore the local consumer needs in exchange for providing a lot of mainland cable channels. They have indicated to us no sense of urgency to correct this mater, which is very frustrating. The KGMB deal was cut a long time ago, but DirecTV never bothered to include KHNL or KFVE in HD from the start. Any other claims by DirecTV are false- they simply have not decided to include KFVE or KHNL in HD-their call, nothing to do with KHNL or KFVE. As for the wide screen, again, DirecTV could be up converting if they choose to.

Just wondering if I get the DirecTV Off Air Tuner would it work with the HR-23 receiver?

If so would KHNL & KFVE be in HD on alternate or the same channel numbers after I purchase this? Would any other independent channels such as KBFD (Korean) also be received?

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/equipment/accessories?footernavtype=-1

BTW - I'm located in the zip code 96818.

There is no truth to 3. DirecTV supplies an accessory AM21 tuner which attaches to and integrates with the main satellite receiver.



So if I buy the AM21 Off-Air Tuner would I be able to receive KHNL & KFVE in HD?
BTW - I'm located in the zip code 96818.

So if I buy the AM21 Off-Air Tuner would I be able to receive KHNL & KFVE in HD?
BTW - I'm located in the zip code 96818.
Theoretically, yes, if you can receive them over-the-air. I can't tell you as a matter of fact, because from where I live, I can't receive anything over-the-air. So I can't experiment. What matters to whether you can get any digital signals over the air is not so much zip code as whether there are hills intervening between you and the transmitting towers. You can try the antennaweb site for an opinion about whether a house at your street address can get a TV signal, given an antenna of a certain type. (I am told that I could possibly get a signal if I had an antenna tower in excess of 4000 feet.)

I am told that I could possibly get a signal if I had an antenna tower in excess of 4000 feet.

Shouldn't be a problem with aircraft interference. :)

Theoretically, yes, if you can receive them over-the-air. I can't tell you as a matter of fact, because from where I live, I can't receive anything over-the-air. So I can't experiment. What matters to whether you can get any digital signals over the air is not so much zip code as whether there are hills intervening between you and the transmitting towers. You can try the antennaweb site for an opinion about whether a house at your street address can get a TV signal, given an antenna of a certain type. (I am told that I could possibly get a signal if I had an antenna tower in excess of 4000 feet.)

So it's pretty much like an indoor antenna from DirecTV or would I need to buy an antenna too?

So it's pretty much like an indoor antenna from DirecTV or would I need to buy an antenna too?
DirecTV can supply a tuner for over-the-air signals, but it can't supply the signals -- those are your problem. Maybe you can get OTA signals with an indoor antenna, or maybe you need a roof antenna, or maybe a tower, or maybe (like me) you just can't get them at all. DirecTV doesn't come into it until you've arranged to get OTA signals by some means or other.

I live in 96818 and have several different antennas with different levels of sucess. I live on the AFB and can't have outdoor antenna, but have two different UHF antennas and get great reception on everything offered locally except FOX since it is VHF. I have another cheapo antenna with the circle ring and two rabbit ears that doesn't work at all. Best thing to do is hook an antenna up to one of your tvs that has a digital tuner and scan for what stations you get and then maybe adjust. If you are buying an antenna only for KHNL then you only need UHF. I have a Zenith Silver Sensor that is really small but works awesome, and also an outdoor antenna that is just sitting up in the corner of the room and it works good too. I can't tell you about Directv hookup as I have Dish and OTA stuff into the computer. Best of luck, but it is definitely worth trying.

Mike

DirecTV is having a problem with its DVRs, apparently caused by bad data for its Guide. Those who hang out in online forums will already know about it. The DVRs stop responding to commands. There is a simple fix: do an RBR, then within 30 minutes, do another. "RBR" means "red button reset", and you do one by pressing the small red button just to the upper left of the access card behind the door at the lower right of the front panel. (Doing 2 RBRs purges Guide data, so for a day or so, until it rebuilds, the Guide may not go all 14 days into the future and may be missing some cast and crew pictures.)

Edit: DirecTV recommends "HDDVR customers: If your HDDVR will NOT power on, unplug the unit from the wall, wait 15sec, then replug, & repeat 1x to restore service."

I'm curious why certain HDTV channels television feed is different than the SDTV version? I've noticed this difference on A&E's HD and SD channels.

I'm curious if I should replace the component video cable (which Oceanic supplied) with a HDMI cable. Is there any discernible benefit to do this? The HDTV set top box has a HDMI outlet.

I'm curious if I should replace the component video cable (which Oceanic supplied) with a HDMI cable. Is there any discernible benefit to do this?
There might be. Of the various connection types, HDMI has the reputation of giving the best quality picture. Assuming you have a modern digital type display and digital cable, it should in theory give a better picture, because it saves you a step of digital-analog-digital conversion. Also, the signal over HDMI can be protected by HDCP, so there might in the future be some programs you can view that are not watchable over a component connection.

Greg, mahalo for the insight. I recently had to swap my digital cable box due to some technical issues with the VOD channels. The lady gave me a HDTV cable box after I told her I had a HDTV.

She gave me component video cables to connect to my TV. However, I found a place online where I can buy cheap HDMI cabling. So, I was mulling over swapping the cabling.

I was surprised to see how many more HD channels are available without subscribing to the HD Entertainment Pak.

It was my understanding you had to subscribe to the latter package to get HD channels. However, it appears Oceanic has moved several HD channels to the digital cable tier.

However, I found a place online where I can buy cheap HDMI cabling.
Monoprice.com is the AVSforum favorite. I've bought HDMI and other cables there. Good stuff, cheap prices, fast service.

Monoprice.com is the AVSforum favorite. I've bought HDMI and other cables there. Good stuff, cheap prices, fast service.

You read my mind. Monoprice was the site I was contemplating ordering from.

Greg, I received a comment in another forum regarding this question. The person states that since the HD set top box outputs at 1080i it doesn't make any difference if I use HDMI or component.

However, I'm strongly leaning towards replacing the component cable with HDMI.

The person states that since the HD set top box outputs at 1080i it doesn't make any difference if I use HDMI or component.

That doesn't make any sense. There is no relation to the output resolution. But I'm not saying you'll see a difference. I said there might be a difference. I've made the comparison several times and usually I saw no difference. Once, when I was routing the component signal through an AVR, I saw some crawling fringes on the set top box's screen graphics, which distortion was not there for the HDMI signal.

I'm going to place an order this week with that site and order a HDMI cable. I'll certainly post my results here after I swap the cables.

I received another comment regarding using HDMI cable versus component video to connect the HD box and the HD TV on another forum.


"Often the HDMI connections will suffer from odd handshake issues and HDCP (copy protect) issues. Component cables tend to be much more reliable and trouble free."

I received another comment regarding using HDMI cable versus component video to connect the HD box and the HD TV on another forum.


"Often the HDMI connections will suffer from odd handshake issues and HDCP (copy protect) issues. Component cables tend to be much more reliable and trouble free."
Both those things are true. The potential HDCP issue is the other side of the advantage I mentioned above. If you want to view something not available by component because the purveyor insists on HDCP copy protection, you'll need HDMI. I think some DirecTV "Cinema" VOD downloads may fall into this category. There are other potential future advantages of HDMI -- it provides for HDMI-CEC control signals for coordinating your equipment, 3D, "audio return channel", and ethernet over the HDMI cable.

I'm curious why certain HDTV channels television feed is different than the SDTV version? I've noticed this difference on A&E's HD and SD channels.

You mean program times? I had Oceanic before and it is because the SD feed runs on a tape delay. The HD feed is a live East Coast HD feed so the programming airs earlier.

In trying to reduce my bill, I had the Digital Variety Pak and HD Entertainment Pak removed. It removed all of my SDV channels and only left a handful of non-SDV channels such as the networks. This is despite what the OTW mailer stated. According to their mailer, I should have been able to receive far more HD channels just through their basic digital service subscription. When I asked that they add back the least expensive of the two (the HD Ent Pak), I got back the channels that I expected to receive.

Do you know if you currently subscribe to the Digital Variety Pak?


I was surprised to see how many more HD channels are available without subscribing to the HD Entertainment Pak.

It was my understanding you had to subscribe to the latter package to get HD channels. However, it appears Oceanic has moved several HD channels to the digital cable tier.

Do you know if you currently subscribe to the Digital Variety Pak?

I believe my dad subscribes to that package. It used to be called Digital Cable
Service?

The funny thing is I recently had to swap my digital cable box due to technical issues. They gave me a HD cable box. I was awfully surprised to be able to access all these HD channels. I previously was able to access them when I had HD Entertainment Pak. However, I dropped that service when TWC dropped HDNet.

I'm going to place an order this week with that site and order a HDMI cable. I'll certainly post my results here after I swap the cables.

The obvious advantage of the HDMI cable is a serious reduction in clutter behind your equipment. One HDMI cable for video and audio vs the triple component cable and an audio cable. If you are using a stereo RCA cable for analog audio instead of digital audio, then you MIGHT notice an improvement in sound quality as well.

The obvious advantage of the HDMI cable is a serious reduction in clutter behind your equipment. One HDMI cable for video and audio vs the triple component cable and an audio cable. If you are using a stereo RCA cable for analog audio instead of digital audio, then you MIGHT notice an improvement in sound quality as well.

I compared the two and my conclusion was that the component cables provided better SD picture and I could not notice a difference between the two cables in HD, so I keep using the component

I swapped the composite cabling for a HDMI cable between my HD set top box and my HD TV. However, the picture would frequently black out between a black screen and the TV feed. This doesn't happen when I use the composite cable.

It seems it may be the HDMI cable. I've swapped another HDMI cable between the set top box and the TV- no problems thus far.

It seems it may be the HDMI cable.
You probably know this, but when a connection socket has been unused for several years, exposed to the air, some dirt or corrosion may have gotten in there. Then, sometimes just unplugging a cable and replugging it several times may get it working, since that can rub the stuff off the electrical contacts.

I tried a different HDMI cable and the said problem went away. However, the picture started to pixellate instead. Nonetheless, I'll try the HDMI cabling for a few days to see if these problems clear up.

Has anyone ever tried to add an external hard drive to the DVR box? Recording HD shows is quickly using up space and I was wondering if its possible to add an external drive. Ive done some research and found that Time Warner might be disabling the esata port on the back. Anyone know if this is true? I dont want to buy a drive and later find out that its not useable.

Has anyone ever tried to add an external hard drive to the DVR box? Recording HD shows is quickly using up space and I was wondering if its possible to add an external drive. Ive done some research and found that Time Warner might be disabling the esata port on the back. Anyone know if this is true? I dont want to buy a drive and later find out that its not useable.

I have a Seagate external hard drive (500GB) and it works fine. Bunch of people I know all have some sort of external HD.

I have a Seagate external hard drive (500GB) and it works fine. Bunch of people I know all have some sort of external HD.

Thanks for the info. I'll give it a try.

I'm a UH football fan that just recently switched to Directv to get NFL Sunday ticket. After reading the article in Sunday's paper about all the away games appearing on Oceanic PPV, what are my options for watching the away games? Most likely I'll be at Aloha Stadium for all the home games.

UH and the WAC have a contract with ESPN that includes games as part of ESPN's GamePlan package. Some games may also be included on other teams SportsNets as part of Directv's SportsPak.
When I lived in Hawaii I had Dish and they didn't blackout the UH games on other packages but you may want to call Directv and ask if they will blackout UH games in Hawaii.

you may want to call Directv and ask if they will blackout UH games in Hawaii.

DirecTV doesn't block out UH football games if they're available on a regional sports network UNLESS it's on an ESPN Game Plan Pay Per View Channel as well as the regional network.

I remember in 2008 when UH played Utah State. Oceanic charged for the game but DirecTV had it for free on a regional sports channel.
However when UH played Florida it was on a regional sports network but blacked out because it was also on a ESPN Gameplan PPV channel.

Basically it's a hit or miss but most of the games are on a RSN unless UH plays a big name team like Florida again.

On the feed of KHNL on DirecTV I've noticed that the screen for "Non HD" programs shrinks to the size of about half the screen when I leave the DirecTV feed on "1080i - Pillar Box" Mode.
Before KHNL went to the 480i "HD" picture wasn't KHNL in a full screen 480i SD picture?

I doubt HD for KHNL & KFVE will even come before 2012 on DTV because DTV is adding new local markets in HD. I doubt they'd expand HD for a market that already has locals.

I know this is purely based on opinions here but wouldn't KHNL look better as a full screen SD "Pillar Box" picture?

Today and last Saturday couldn't receive KHON on OTA. Any one know if something is happening with their transmitter / antenna?

scott s.
.

Anyone know of Oceanic's plans regarding 3D programming? ESPN 3D? Discovery's 3D channel? I know they occasionally provide special 3D programming (PGA Championship later this month) but what about dedicated 3D channels?

Anyone know of Oceanic's plans regarding 3D programming? ESPN 3D? Discovery's 3D channel? I know they occasionally provide special 3D programming (PGA Championship later this month) but what about dedicated 3D channels?

Spotted channel 1201 called 3DTV1 tonight. Nothing on it yet although I don't have a 3D HDTV so it could be why I don't see anything.

From the Oceanic website:
Within 30 days we will add CBS College Sports HD to the Sports Tier on Channel 1247.

From time to time we make certain changes in the services we offer. KPXO HD will be added to Digital Basic September 16, 2010 and CBS College Sports HD will be added to the digital Sports Tier September 10,2010. Within the next 30-60 days, TruTV and ShopNBC will be available only in digital format on Oahu and Hawaii Ch. 78 will cease to exist statewide, however, CSPAN2 and Wize Buys will be available on digital statewide.

The following channels cannot be accessed on Cable CARD-Equipped Uni-Directional Digital Cable Products purchased at retail outlets without additional two-way capable equipment: TruTV, ShopNBC and CBS College Sports HD.

Is Oceanic Cable adding a new ESPN channel?

There was an ESPN logo on Channel 1239 which indicated there would be a switching between broadcasts of college football games as teams were scoring or about to score.

There is a test pattern on that channel today.

DirecTV doesn't block out UH football games if they're available on a regional sports network UNLESS it's on an ESPN Game Plan Pay Per View Channel as well as the regional network.

I remember in 2008 when UH played Utah State. Oceanic charged for the game but DirecTV had it for free on a regional sports channel.
However when UH played Florida it was on a regional sports network but blacked out because it was also on a ESPN Gameplan PPV channel.

Basically it's a hit or miss but most of the games are on a RSN unless UH plays a big name team like Florida again.

If the game was blacked out. Would it appear on the guide? Am I going to be watching my channel at 6:00 tomorrow waiting to see if it's blocked or not? :confused:

I have Oceanic basic service - that's basic as in the $13.52/month very basic package. Up until a few days ago I was able to get NBC, ABC, CBS, KFVE and PBS using my television's built in tuner. In other words I have cable but don't have a cable box.

Now only NBC comes in via HD and only sometimes. I did a rescan of all channels to see if they have moved, but they're just not there anymore.

Does anyone know what's going on?

Thanks in advance.

I have Oceanic basic service - that's basic as in the $13.52/month very basic package. Up until a few days ago I was able to get NBC, ABC, CBS, KFVE and PBS using my television's built in tuner. In other words I have cable but don't have a cable box.

Now only NBC comes in via HD and only sometimes. I did a rescan of all channels to see if they have moved, but they're just not there anymore.

Does anyone know what's going on?

Thanks in advance.

Oceanic moves things around some times. What channels are you using for those stations?

Oceanic moves things around some times. What channels are you using for those stations?

Here are the channels I'm using:

83.3 KHON
114.2 KITV
116.1 KGMB
118.1 KFVE
120.12 PBS

114.2 came in for a short while last night but it was unwatchable since the sound would cut in an out along with very heavy pixelation and picture freezes.

As of right now, only KHON is working.

Not sure how recent these screen grabs are, but this page might help to see what QAM channels are valid. http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineup_web/US:96813#lineup_3292477

Oceanic gives a listing, but it's a year old. http://www.oceanic.com/products/television/digital_cable/lineups-for-direct-digital-tv-or-tivo-hookups

Your channel lineups seem okay. Could be a number of issues. Connectors, signal strength, maybe even weather since it's been really humid this week. Maybe you can call and ask for a technician to check your cabling and signal strength to improve your signal?

The past few days every time I tune into KHNL on DirecTV (albeit not very often) I get "NO NEED TO CALL US" Service will be restored as soon as technical difficulties are resolved."

Anyone know why this keeps occurring recently?

Thanks

The past few days every time I tune into KHNL on DirecTV (albeit not very often) I get "NO NEED TO CALL US" Service will be restored as soon as technical difficulties are resolved."

Anyone know why this keeps occurring recently?

Thanks

KHNL has had Technical Problems recently a lot where I live. (96818) I'm pretty sure it's due to the weather though. However people have carelessly said before it could be a tactic to get you away from DTV due to the contract negotiations.

If you ask me I blame the recent weather conditions.

I'm in Hilo and lost KHNL and KMGB (13-1 and 13-2) via OTA antenna on Wednesday, Jan 19. The odd thing about it is that neither my Tivo nor my new HDTV can receive those channels as of Wednesday but my older TV can still receive them. The Tivo locks on the signal but reports that it unable to get a program lock. Has anyone else lost these channels?

I'm in Hilo and lost KHNL and KMGB (13-1 and 13-2) via OTA antenna on Wednesday, Jan 19. The odd thing about it is that neither my Tivo nor my new HDTV can receive those channels as of Wednesday but my older TV can still receive them. The Tivo locks on the signal but reports that it unable to get a program lock. Has anyone else lost these channels?

Yes, same kinda' problems here in Wailuku.
I think it might be something with transport stream(?) because my one year old Visio can display the guide data, but says No Video or Audio. My friends 3 yr old Samsung is working fine, but his 3 other, newer, Sharp/ProScan sets don't work.
I guess it's time to let them know at KHNL.

E-mail sent to:
Engineer On Call- Miles Miyahara
Telephone: (808)- 843-3619
Fax: (808)- 845-3616

E-mail: mmiyahara@hawaiinewsnow.com

E-mail sent to:
Engineer On Call- Miles Miyahara
Telephone: (808)- 843-3619
Fax: (808)- 845-3616

E-mail: mmiyahara@hawaiinewsnow.com

Thanks for the contact info. I left a message on Saturday with 847-3246 which was the number listed on the KHNL website for Engineerring. I'll email this morning as well.

I talked to the engineer this afternoon. He said he has other reports of the same problem but has no idea what is causing it. He mentioned the only thing that changed last week was them including guide data to Maui and the Big Island. It could be a very long time before we get NBC and CBS back.

Anyone in the impacted coverage area with TSReader, or a Windows computer with an OTA receiver attached to it that could thus run TSReader? Output from that could help in solving the problem.

- Trip

Just a quick update. I received an email from the engineer stating they have discovered the problem equipment at the station and have restored video but are still working on the audio.

Anyone in the impacted coverage area with TSReader, or a Windows computer with an OTA receiver attached to it that could thus run TSReader? Output from that could help in solving the problem.

- Trip

I'm pretty much retired now and I can't justify the $399 for the Pro version, but can come up with the $99 for the reg. version and load it on my laptop.
If you have a recommendation or preference for an OTA receiver it would be appreciated.

--Michael

The free Lite version would actually work just fine for pretty much anything you'd need to do to look at the stream. http://www.tsreader.com/tsreader/TSReaderLite2.8.46g.exe

As far as a receiver goes, almost any PCI or USB receiver that supports Windows Media Center should work fine. Despite that, avoid the ATI and some older Pinnacle receivers, as I know some people with them and they have had trouble or an outright inability to make it work. I'm also not a fan of Hauppauge receivers. If cost is a major concern, there's a USB receiver on eBay for $17.95 (AVerMedia) which I've used extensively as a cheap throwaway to mail off to people on loan. It's not the world's most amazing tuner, but it gets the job done in places where one is simply looking at local stations and not trying to DX with it.

As for recommendations, I like DViCO, I like SiliconDust's HDHomeRun line, I like the Artec T18AR, and there might be a few others I can't think of at the moment.

- Trip

The free Lite version would actually work just fine for pretty much anything you'd need to do to look at the stream. http://www.tsreader.com/tsreader/TSReaderLite2.8.46g.exe

As far as a receiver goes, almost any PCI or USB receiver that supports Windows Media Center should work fine. Despite that, avoid the ATI and some older Pinnacle receivers, as I know some people with them and they have had trouble or an outright inability to make it work. I'm also not a fan of Hauppauge receivers. If cost is a major concern, there's a USB receiver on eBay for $17.95 (AVerMedia) which I've used extensively as a cheap throwaway to mail off to people on loan. It's not the world's most amazing tuner, but it gets the job done in places where one is simply looking at local stations and not trying to DX with it.

As for recommendations, I like DViCO, I like SiliconDust's HDHomeRun line, I like the Artec T18AR, and there might be a few others I can't think of at the moment.

- Trip

Mahalo Trip...that's exactly the info. I needed, much appreciated. I bought one of the 9 AVerMedia on E-bay to get started and I'll look into the others you suggested.

This forum may be a good place to ask this:
I am trying to find out if there are any display mfgrs. which have the ability to scan both qam and 8vsb channels and make them available simutaneously i.e. without having to change any setting from 'Cable' to 'Antenna'.
I really need to be able to do that.

Its mainly happening on the local HD channel. Picture skips, and the second tv it "pixels". Tech came and replaced the sensors on both dishes, new cables, connectors and that box that splits everything. Still same problem. Gonna give it a day or so to call that 800 number again. Anyone having this problems with their local channels? I have reasons to believe that nothing hardware in this home is causing it.

Is there anyone watching OTA in Honolulu who might be able to check for the presence of a signal on channel 29? It would be airing HSN on 29-2.

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineup_web/US:96782#lineup_3954441

I can't find any licensed or permitted stations on 29 anywhere in Hawaii except for a KHET translator on a different island. I'm just interested to find out if SiliconDust is confused or if there's actually a signal on channel 29.

- Trip

DN send out another technician. He said there is no problem in the home, its lies with DN. Bummers why didn't DN say that insteasd of sending out a tech?? Should have gone with TW instead.

Its mainly happening on the local HD channel. Picture skips, and the second tv it "pixels". Tech came and replaced the sensors on both dishes, new cables, connectors and that box that splits everything. Still same problem. Gonna give it a day or so to call that 800 number again. Anyone having this problems with their local channels? I have reasons to believe that nothing hardware in this home is causing it.

Hey! It finally happened!!!

KHNL (NBC) is now in HD for Direct tv!!! Yay!!!

Hey! It finally happened!!!

KHNL (NBC) is now in HD for Direct tv!!! Yay!!!

I'm stunned, I almost fell out of my chair when I saw it! Never thought we'd see the day!

Hawaiian Telcom has been printing a new billing summary form for the past couple of weeks and just looked at the most recent.

On the top of the summary is a new marketing phrase "Always on" and in the section about moving/equipment return is the following:

"Charges for unreturned equipment are $200 per Set Top Box, $200 per Residential Gateway, $49.95 per Wired Modem, $129 per Wireless Modem and $50 per Remote Control."

They have been planning their IPTV service for a couple of years now and it looks like they are close to finally giving Oceanic some competition.

I was surfing channels and came across channel 1247.

It is the CBS Sports station in high definition. The programming I saw previewed the upcoming NCAA tournament.

I don't know if any of the tournament games will be broadcast here.

KITV/ABC HD on Oceanic QAM 114.2 just stopped working last night and still isn't working. Is this happening for anyone else?

Also does anyone know what KBFD (analog ch 4) is on QAM now? 113.5 does not work.

114-2 has disappeared for me too. :-(

120-12 (PBS) appears to have moved to 118-12 and 107-107 is now msnbc. I don't know if the Malamud signal on 107-107 is new or not, but vie never seen it before.

Stupid autocorrect... I don't know if the msnbc signal on 107-107 is new or not, but I've never seen it before.

Lost qam 114-2 too. Noticed it at my parents place too. I have yet to rescan my tv but my parents tv picked up a hd digital surfing channel. I hope this doesn't mean a whole lot of shuffling of qam stations. I don't think i can bear reconfiguring my hdhomerun and sagetv setup.

Rechecked and this seems to be the current QAM lineup:

46-1 ION HD (720p)
46-3 FOX HD (720p)
116-1 CBS HD (1080i)
116-2 ABC HD (720p)
118-1 KFVE HD (1080i)
118-3 NBC HD (1080i)
118-12 PBS HD (1080i)

Hawaiian Telcom has been printing a new billing summary form for the past couple of weeks and just looked at the most recent.

On the top of the summary is a new marketing phrase "Always on" and in the section about moving/equipment return is the following:

"Charges for unreturned equipment are $200 per Set Top Box, $200 per Residential Gateway, $49.95 per Wired Modem, $129 per Wireless Modem and $50 per Remote Control."

They have been planning their IPTV service for a couple of years now and it looks like they are close to finally giving Oceanic some competition.

I am currently trying out Hawaiian Tel's digital TV service. The deal is, I get DSL and TV service in exchange for filling out a weekly or monthly survey. I currently have my directv account suspended while I give this a test drive. From what I understand, the service is the same as ATT's digital TV service on the mainland.

What I like about it so far:

No lag when changing channels. With directv, I sometimes had to wait 5+ seconds between the time I press the channel # to when the channel actually changes. The way the guy explained it to me, it's IPTV so everythings fast.

Box set is small and doesn't get that hot.

Can use phone line or existing coax to setup. (not fiber)

Sharing the DVR with the other tuners is so convenient. Being able to watch or record from any TV is something I'll have to setup if I go back to Directv.

Don't have to worry about the weather for reception.

What I don't like so far:

Out of all your set boxes, you can only watch/record 2 SD and 2 HD channles. This means, if you're watching something in HD, and also recording another channel in HD, you can't watch HD on the other set boxes. It'll give you a message to interrupt another tv or cancel a recording.

Scheduling series recordings has glitches. For some reason, all my scheduled series recordings stopped on 3/23. Don't know why. Had to setup all over again. Who knows how long before I find out it stopped again.

HD quality is not as good as Directv. Compression artifact (i believe) is more visible and picture breakup and freezing happens occasionally (no issues with directv).

Sound. Whether it's from the tv speakers or thru optical. It just doesn't seem full and crisp. Could just be perception.

It takes 22 clicks on the remote to stumble through the menu and turn on CC. With directv, 3.

I haven't really tried the DSL yet since I still have my RR. I did try testing the download speed wired and it's almost the same as what I get with RR (8-10Mbps). I'm not sure what service they're letting me try though. Probably their most expensive package. The modem is also a 4 port (actually 3 since the dvr uses a port) wireless router (G not N).



The main reason I got Directv was because of the NFL Ticket. With the lockout pending, I could go a few years without it. Besides, Hawaiian Tel does carry the NFLC and I'm hoping they'll carry the Redzone channel too (att carries it).

Only 22 clicks to turn on CCing eh?
What is going through these guys heads that design this stuff...not to mention the execs who buy it? Oh, never mind.<s>
Thanks very much for the report, btw.

I'd be interested in the DSL and ATM Statistics as well as the speed reported from the modem. On my old Westell 6100, I was able to download/install a Diagnostic program, but I'm sure you have the latest and greatest, so possibly you can browse to its IP address.(?)

Rechecked and this seems to be the current QAM lineup:

46-1 ION HD (720p)
46-3 FOX HD (720p)
116-1 CBS HD (1080i)
116-2 ABC HD (720p)
118-1 KFVE HD (1080i)
118-3 NBC HD (1080i)
118-12 PBS HD (1080i)
Thank you very much for the update!

Has anyone found digital KBFD yet? It's quality was never much better than analog anyway, but it would be nice to have options.

how does direct tv compare to Oceanic. It looks like the new Navigator software will not support an external HD, that might be enough for me to switch. Is DT affected that much by the weather? I live in Kaneohe and we get some pretty hard rains

Thank you very much for the update!

Has anyone found digital KBFD yet? It's quality was never much better than analog anyway, but it would be nice to have options.

I just did a check, everything worked for me except for ABC/KITV-HD, anyone sniff it out?

Here's the channel lineup for HT's digital TV service if anyone's interested:

I've been pretty happy with it so far. Not as much HD channels as DTV but for what I normally watch, I haven't felt like I'm missing much.

Only 22 clicks to turn on CCing eh?
What is going through these guys heads that design this stuff...not to mention the execs who buy it? Oh, never mind.<s>
Thanks very much for the report, btw.

I'd be interested in the DSL and ATM Statistics as well as the speed reported from the modem. On my old Westell 6100, I was able to download/install a Diagnostic program, but I'm sure you have the latest and greatest, so possibly you can browse to its IP address.(?)


I'm not familiar with what you're looking for. If you tell me what and how, I can get the numbers for you. Never had DSL before.

It's a 2WIRE Router model # 3801 HGV.

Here's the channel lineup for HT's digital TV service if anyone's interested:

I've been pretty happy with it so far. Not as much HD channels as DTV but for what I normally watch, I haven't felt like I'm missing much.

Thanks for posting this! I may try this service for my bedroom tv; was hoping there would be more channels that Oceanic doesn't have but seems to be pretty much the same. Would be good to get HDNET back though. What would rate the HD quality on a scale of 1-10 with Oceanic being a 10?

My cable set top box (SA Explorer 4250HDC) was updated with the new Navigator software. However, I had bit of a trouble w/ it initially. I had to reboot the set top a couple times because there was a issue with the HDMI cable connection. The TV would disconnect from the set top every time I change the channel.

I suspect the combination of rebooting, setting the screen resolution, the software recognizing the HDMI cable, solved the latter problem.

Here's the channel lineup for HT's digital TV service if anyone's interested:

I've been pretty happy with it so far. Not as much HD channels as DTV but for what I normally watch, I haven't felt like I'm missing much.

Thanks for posting this. I noticed several channels, such as NFL Network and HDNet, which Oceanic doesn't carry. This is a huge plus for HawTel's service.

Thanks for posting this. I noticed several channels, such as NFL Network and HDNet, which Oceanic doesn't carry. This is a huge plus for HawTel's service.

Good point...Huge plus.
I can't believe this pissing contest between TW and the NFL has gone on this long. The parties doing the negotiating must hate each others guts.

Thanks for posting this! I may try this service for my bedroom tv; was hoping there would be more channels that Oceanic doesn't have but seems to be pretty much the same. Would be good to get HDNET back though. What would rate the HD quality on a scale of 1-10 with Oceanic being a 10?

Sorry, I've never subscribed to Oceanic HD. My relatives have it but I never watched enough to be able to compare. Compared to DTV, HT is not as good but pretty close. There are also times were the picture breaks up but I'm pretty happy with the PQ so far. I sure do miss DTV's multi-channel coverage of the Masters though.

Thanks for posting this. I noticed several channels, such as NFL Network and HDNet, which Oceanic doesn't carry. This is a huge plus for HawTel's service.

and since the NFLN produces the NFL Redzone channel, I'm hoping HT will carry it as well.

I'm not familiar with what you're looking for. If you tell me what and how, I can get the numbers for you. Never had DSL before.

It's a 2WIRE Router model # 3801 HGV.

And your DSL appears to be different than my DSL, in that the 3801 uses VDSL and I have ADSL2.

Found this (might work):
Quote from: tedken on April 06, 2011, 04:18:55 PM
What is this software that's displaying these stats??

It's a little utility called U-Verse Realtime. It's available for download (free) from www.uverserealtime.com/
http://www.uverserealtime.com/default.aspx

As you say it's like ATT's uverse, so questions you might have could have answers here:
http://www.uverseusers.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=2

Looks like the CCing click count has been an ongoing issue:
http://forums.att.com/t5/Features-and-How-To/Closed-Caption-Access-Formal-Complaint/td-p/2236519/highlight/true

And your DSL appears to be different than my DSL, in that the 3801 uses VDSL and I have ADSL2.

Found this (might work):
Quote from: tedken on April 06, 2011, 04:18:55 PM
What is this software that's displaying these stats??

It's a little utility called U-Verse Realtime. It's available for download (free) from www.uverserealtime.com/
http://www.uverserealtime.com/default.aspx

As you say it's like ATT's uverse, so questions you might have could have answers here:
http://www.uverseusers.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=2

Looks like the CCing click count has been an ongoing issue:
http://forums.att.com/t5/Features-and-How-To/Closed-Caption-Access-Formal-Complaint/td-p/2236519/highlight/true

Thanks for the info. It's very discouraging knowing the company has done nothing about the CC problem for over 2 years now.

I tried getting the U-Verse Realtime to work but it can't connect to my router for some reason. It see's it but can't access it. I've tried a couple of things mentioned in forums but no luck.

One think I do like about DSL, no shared bandwidth. My RR connection usually bogs down after work but DSL has been very steady all times of the day.

Oh, one more thing I found on HT's digital service, no CC on recorded programs. Hearing imparied (or households with kids), you may want to stay away from this service.

From the Oceanic website:

On February 1, 2010 we will add the following channels to our lineup:

* Military History to DVP
* NBA TV HD to HDE
* Starz Kids and Family HD
* Starz EdgeHD and Starz Comedy to STARZ Premium
* GameHD (MLBXI)
* GameHD2 (MLBXI) and TeamHD (NBALP to HD PPV)


On February 10 we will add NHK World to DVP and NHK World HD to HDE.

Within 30-60 days we will add:

* MTV
* Comedy Central
* Spike TV
* Nickelodeon
* VH1
* CMT
* AMC
* WE to CPSTHD
* BET and IFC to DVPHD
* More Max HD
* Action Max HD and Thriller Max HD to Cinemax Premium Svc.
* TMC Xtra HD to TMC Premium Svc.

30-60 days? Over a year now!

Maybe I should switch to DirectTV or Hawaii Telecom.

One think I do like about DSL, no shared bandwidth. My RR connection usually bogs down after work but DLS has been very steady all times of the day.


I'm still curious about what kinda' speed they are giving you.
This is usually pretty close:
http://honolulu.speedtest.net/

I'm still curious about what kinda' speed they are giving you.
This is usually pretty close:
http://honolulu.speedtest.net/

I believe its the 11Mbps tier. They can't offer IPTV service over anything less.

I miss the add favorites functionality which was available in the previous SA Explorer 4250HDC set top box. I could easily add favorite channels by pressing the info button. However, the new Navigator software makes adding favorites a bit more difficult.

The stability issues (e.g screen freezing,etc) have worked themselves out. However, there is still a a lag between changing channels.

I'm still curious about what kinda' speed they are giving you.
This is usually pretty close:
http://honolulu.speedtest.net/

11pm on a friday.

Both tested through wireless router:

RR 9.82Mbps/.97
HT 17.56Mbps/.94

Was pretty surprised at the HT speed. I normally see between 9-11Mbps.

Thinking TV has something to do with the speed difference, I tried it with and without the TV boxes on.

With the max number of HD stations on (2), speed dropped to 8.9Mbps.
Turning all TV boxes off, download speed jumped back up to 18.9Mbps
The 17.56Mbps I got earlier was with 1 SD running. So I'm guessing if you have the max number of TV's on (2 HD, 2 SD), you'll probably see your download speed drop to 6 or 7 Mbps.

Both tested through wireless router:

RR 9.82Mbps/.97
HT 17.56Mbps/.94

Was pretty surprised at the HT speed. I normally see between 9-11Mbps.



Looks great, hope they roll it out before summer.

Scanning new channels produced KGMB "This TV" on 5.2 featuring classics from the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s like Seahunt, Outer Limits, Bat Masterson, Stargate SG1. This TV looks like the sister network of Me TV which features classics like Star Trek (TOS and TNG), Three Stooges, Perry Mason, Cannon, Bonanza and much more.

http://honolulu.thistv.com/

Looking at the schedule for April 29, This TV will feature two classic movies that are rarely seen (except on TCM): famed Honolulu detective Charlie Chan in Monte Carlo and Egypt.

The max DSL speed tier which Hawaiian Tel offers is 11Mbps http://www.hawaiiantel.com/Residential/Internet/Overview/tabid/210/Default.aspx So, I'm surprised by your speed test results...unless you live in a new development which HawTel has rolled out FTTH?

I just did a check, everything worked for me except for ABC/KITV-HD, anyone sniff it out?
Anyone?

Does anybody have any experiences to share comparing DTV to Oceanic? I currently have Oceanic and with the upcoming Navigator update, my DVR will no longer be able to use an external HD, also about 2 years ago TWC dropped HDNet (which I liked). It seems that DirecTV would be a bit cheaper than Oceanic. How is the DVR with Directv? How about the picture quality? are there any concerns of losing the signal? Seems like HawaiianTel will be in the TV market soon, so that might also be an option.

The max DSL speed tier which Hawaiian Tel offers is 11Mbps http://www.hawaiiantel.com/Residential/Internet/Overview/tabid/210/Default.aspx So, I'm surprised by your speed test results...unless you live in a new development which HawTel has rolled out FTTH?

Talked to an operator. From what it sounds like, with video subscription, you will get a faster internet service, up to 21Mbps. Asked if it was because of fiber and she didn't think so. There may be fiber leading up to the remote station, but not to the residence. This is from a billing representative so I'm not sure how accurate the info is. I do live in a relatively new neighborhood (20 years new) but I know I don't have fiber to my house.

Talked to an operator. From what it sounds like, with video subscription, you will get a faster internet service, up to 21Mbps. Asked if it was because of fiber and she didn't think so. There may be fiber leading up to the remote station, but not to the residence. This is from a billing representative so I'm not sure how accurate the info is. I do live in a relatively new neighborhood (20 years new) but I know I don't have fiber to my house.

The billing person was likely mistaken. HawTel's highest residential tier DSL service is 11Mbps. The last mile copper loops can handle up to 100Mbps (if you live ridiculously close to the CO/RT). However, HawTel hasn't progressed that far yet.

HawTel rolled out FTTH only to new subdivisions on Maui and Oahu. Nevertheless, their website doesn't make any mention of this service. So, I figure the roll out is pretty limited.

Does anybody have any experiences to share comparing DTV to Oceanic? I currently have Oceanic and with the upcoming Navigator update, my DVR will no longer be able to use an external HD, also about 2 years ago TWC dropped HDNet (which I liked). It seems that DirecTV would be a bit cheaper than Oceanic. How is the DVR with Directv? How about the picture quality? are there any concerns of losing the signal? Seems like HawaiianTel will be in the TV market soon, so that might also be an option.
As of October of 2007, when I switched from Oceanic, DirecTV was ahead in all categories. Their DVRs, especially, were miles ahead. Probably still are, since D* has continued to improve the user interface firmware in their DVRs. This Fall, supposedly, an HD version of the user interface will be introduced.

(I'm sorry that I didn't see this post before -- I realize my reply isn't timely.)

Anyone sign-up yet for Hawaiian Telcom's TV service? If so, how difficult was the installation and what are you thoughts thus far of the service relative to Oceanic? Thanks!

I would like to hear as well. I once had DSL from HawTel, but they would only take responsibility up to the network interface on the outside of my house, and if that's the way it is for video service it would not interest me.

scott s.
.

I just upgraded my tv to a 55" Samsung 6050 series from Costco. Previously I only paid for basic cable channels 2-13 since I hardly watch and use my computer more. It could pickup a few scattered value package channels like ESPN news or TNT, etc... It was a nice to have them but nothing special. I plugged just the coaxial line in and let the Sammy autoscan the channels at setup. Now I can get analog, digital, and HD local channels, etc. The numbering is weird in that there's two numbers separated by a dash now. They also don't correspond to the Oceanic cable guide now so I can't remember so many channels unlike before. What happened? Is there a guide that I can use for the channel lineup?

OT, the tv has an optical out. So can I use a PS3 or Xbox 360 with HDMI to tv and run the optical out to a receiver and still get surround sound? Or do I run the optical directly from the PS3/Xbox to the receiver?

OT, the tv has an optical out. So can I use a PS3 or Xbox 360 with HDMI to tv and run the optical out to a receiver and still get surround sound? Or do I run the optical directly from the PS3/Xbox to the receiver?
Probably you can only get 2-channel sound if you send it through the TV, since most TVs will only do Dolby Digital 5.1 when the signal comes from their own digital tuner. So if possible, you want to run the optical directly from the game console to your receiver. (Unless your receiver has an HDMI input, in which case that might be better to use.)

However, "surround sound" can refer to Dolby ProLogic 5.1 sound derived from a 2-channel source, and I think you could get that through your TV from a game console signal. It can sound very good.

Probably you can only get 2-channel sound if you send it through the TV, since most TVs will only do Dolby Digital 5.1 when the signal comes from their own digital tuner. So if possible, you want to run the optical directly from the game console to your receiver. (Unless your receiver has an HDMI input, in which case that might be better to use.)

However, "surround sound" can refer to Dolby ProLogic 5.1 sound derived from a 2-channel source, and I think you could get that through your TV from a game console signal. It can sound very good.

I'm not sure what 2-channel means. I assume 5.1 is still surround not left and right sides of the room. So I should use HDMI directly into the receiver and then HDMI into the tv? This would eliminate the need for optical?

Also, I did some reading earlier on this thread and realize it's QAM that is giving me the channels. Is there a channel lineup for this? I have two series3 HD tivos. Does that mean in order to get info on my channels, I need to get cablecards? Each tivo has dual tuners so I would need a total of 4 cablecards to maximize their usage?

I'm not sure what 2-channel means. I assume 5.1 is still surround not left and right sides of the room. So I should use HDMI directly into the receiver and then HDMI into the tv? This would eliminate the need for optical?
Probably HDMI to your receiver and then from the receiver to the TV is your best bet. But for that to work, the receiver has to process digital sound from its HDMI input (I have an old Pioneer receiver that doesn't do that), and your cable box has to be set to output Dolby Digital (DD) sound.

Surround sound can either be matrixed or discrete. Matrixed surround is not as good -- it has been around a long time. It uses only two discrete channels, so it can be carried over two wires, and the other surround channels are encoded within those two. DD 5.1 (digital) sound is available on some digital TV channels and has 6 discrete channels. DD 5.1 can be carried over HDMI or an optical connection, but not over a two-wire connection.

I have satellite TV not cable, so I can't help with your detailed questions about cable.

Anyone?

it's never been a secret? always posted on this page (http://www.oceanic.com/products/television/digital_cable/lineups-for-direct-digital-tv-or-tivo-hookups), and updated when they switch around the channel assignments.

boneless, not sure if this is what youre asking about, but hopefully it is.

also, i dont know if any or all tv's have a pass-through on the optical out. meaning connecting the gaming device/or video player to the tv, then sending the optical cable to the receiver would output any audio. i think the optical audio is for the digital (QAM) tuner. So when you watch those digital broadcasts, you can output the full surround sound. These are awesome when watching sports broadcasts. I found that this is the way you need to watch them. It can get very loud and muddled when watching football games in stereo on the SD simulcast optimized for surround sound.

im curious to know what areas of Oahu are being offered Hawaiian Telcom's tv service. I like their lineup and price point. The website has all the information to get me interested, but nothing about availability. I dont watch too much primetime tv, but glued to the set during football season. When I'm not watching tv I could see some pretty blazing internet speeds. This seems to fit my needs...

it's never been a secret? always posted on this page (http://www.oceanic.com/products/television/digital_cable/lineups-for-direct-digital-tv-or-tivo-hookups), and updated when they switch around the channel assignments.

boneless, not sure if this is what youre asking about, but hopefully it is.

also, i dont know if any or all tv's have a pass-through on the optical out. meaning connecting the gaming device/or video player to the tv, then sending the optical cable to the receiver would output any audio. i think the optical audio is for the digital (QAM) tuner. So when you watch those digital broadcasts, you can output the full surround sound. These are awesome when watching sports broadcasts. I found that this is the way you need to watch them. It can get very loud and muddled when watching football games in stereo on the SD simulcast optimized for surround sound.

im curious to know what areas of Oahu are being offered Hawaiian Telcom's tv service. I like their lineup and price point. The website has all the information to get me interested, but nothing about availability. I dont watch too much primetime tv, but glued to the set during football season. When I'm not watching tv I could see some pretty blazing internet speeds. This seems to fit my needs...

I have to setup the Sony receiver I picked up from Costco model STRDH720hp. It has upscaling so I'm wondering if it'll help the 480i channels at all. I was planning on going HDMI -> receiver -> Samsung D6050. I love this tv, also from Costco. If I read correctly, tv's upscale images already and this one makes some shows very clear. But I wanted to see if the Sony still helps.

BTW, anyone know what happened to Scenic Hawaii channel on QAM? I had it about 2 wks ago when I first got the tv, but can't get it now. And I saw the QAM lineup you have with the link. I just had to manually write down which channels I get on QAM and identify it against Oceanic's lineup since that's only a partial list for me.

Hadn't updated this post in years.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=9138760&postcount=2424

Hadn't updated this post in years.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=9138760&postcount=2424

Thanks. I spent some time and mapped out what I receive. It's pretty similar to yours and when I have time, I'll post an update.

I just got a cablecard for my HD tivo and picked it up at 5pm today. As luck would have it, the cablecard activation office closed at 4:30 and reopens monday.

Does anyone have info of any hardware equipment upgrade for Oceanic Cable. New DVR boxes?

Any ideas how to mount the 2 big directv dishes other than penetrating the roof? Roofers say this voids workmanship warranty along with manufacturers warranty. I'm guessing some type of bracket on the eaves but most I see on the internet are for the smaller sized dishes. No LOS from the ground. Not so excited about a pole mount. DTV is coming out for a relocate but I would like to know some alternatives before they tell me the roof is the only way.

Any ideas how to mount the 2 big directv dishes other than penetrating the roof?
No -- I have both my DirecTV dishes on tripods which are screwed down, penetrating my roof. DirecTV did it that way because that's what I asked them to do. I never had any warranties from my roofers, so no problem there, for me. I've never had any leaks, since 10/2007 when the dishes were installed. You probably don't need 2 big (1.5m) dishes -- just one will do for everything except for a few Sonic Tap music channels.

Possibly you could get more information about dish mounting at the dbstalk forum on DirecTV installation issues: http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=113

No -- I have both my DirecTV dishes on tripods which are screwed down, penetrating my roof. DirecTV did it that way because that's what I asked them to do. I never had any warranties from my roofers, so no problem there, for me. I've never had any leaks, since 10/2007 when the dishes were installed. You probably don't need 2 big (1.5m) dishes -- just one will do for everything except for a few Sonic Tap music channels.

Possibly you could get more information about dish mounting at the dbstalk forum on DirecTV installation issues: http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=113

Thanks Greg.

Yeah, I had both my dishes mounted on my roof but I just re-roofed my house and don't want to void the warranty.

I had DTV come out today. With the size of the dishes, DTV gives you only two choices, roof or ground. I had him mount it on the ground. I thought I didn't have a clear LOS but I guess my smartphone compass is not very accurate. Using my compass, it seems DTV has it pointing to an azimuth around 118 (should be 93 i believe). The tech dug a hole and set a pole in a matter of an hour. Had me surfing channels a lot quicker than I had anticipated. Oh yeah, you were right about just needing one dish. It's funny because when DTV came out a few weeks ago to install the whole home network, the guy told me I needed two dishes for the Sunday Ticket.

FYI. Just got an email from HT. They will be carrying the OCSPORTS channel, and UH PPV.

http://www.hawaiiantel.com/tv/TV/WhatsIncluded/HDChannels/tabid/767/Default.aspx

Hawaiian Tel tv is a bit of a unicorn, but on the surface, the HD offerings seem decent. I wonder if NFL Network is an add-on or part of the base package. If it's included, I'd be tempted to switch even though it's not significantly cheaper than OTW. http://www.hawaiiantel.com/tv/TV/WhatsIncluded/HDChannels/tabid/767/Default.aspx

Are you still using Hawaiian Tel's service? Has the service or your opions changed since you first posted? I just word that my neighborhood can receive HT's tv service and they're throwing a few incentives in. Free dvr for life and gift card. I'm seriously considering it, but wanted a little more feedback. Plus, I'm going to wait until the whole strike thing is settled before moving on anything.



I am currently trying out Hawaiian Tel's digital TV service. The deal is, I get DSL and TV service in exchange for filling out a weekly or monthly survey. I currently have my directv account suspended while I give this a test drive. From what I understand, the service is the same as ATT's digital TV service on the mainland.

What I like about it so far:

No lag when changing channels. With directv, I sometimes had to wait 5+ seconds between the time I press the channel # to when the channel actually changes. The way the guy explained it to me, it's IPTV so everythings fast.

Box set is small and doesn't get that hot.

Can use phone line or existing coax to setup. (not fiber)

Sharing the DVR with the other tuners is so convenient. Being able to watch or record from any TV is something I'll have to setup if I go back to Directv.

Don't have to worry about the weather for reception.

What I don't like so far:

Out of all your set boxes, you can only watch/record 2 SD and 2 HD channles. This means, if you're watching something in HD, and also recording another channel in HD, you can't watch HD on the other set boxes. It'll give you a message to interrupt another tv or cancel a recording.

Scheduling series recordings has glitches. For some reason, all my scheduled series recordings stopped on 3/23. Don't know why. Had to setup all over again. Who knows how long before I find out it stopped again.

HD quality is not as good as Directv. Compression artifact (i believe) is more visible and picture breakup and freezing happens occasionally (no issues with directv).

Sound. Whether it's from the tv speakers or thru optical. It just doesn't seem full and crisp. Could just be perception.

It takes 22 clicks on the remote to stumble through the menu and turn on CC. With directv, 3.

I haven't really tried the DSL yet since I still have my RR. I did try testing the download speed wired and it's almost the same as what I get with RR (8-10Mbps). I'm not sure what service they're letting me try though. Probably their most expensive package. The modem is also a 4 port (actually 3 since the dvr uses a port) wireless router (G not N).



The main reason I got Directv was because of the NFL Ticket. With the lockout pending, I could go a few years without it. Besides, Hawaiian Tel does carry the NFLC and I'm hoping they'll carry the Redzone channel too (att carries it).

Are you still using Hawaiian Tel's service? Has the service or your opions changed since you first posted? I just word that my neighborhood can receive HT's tv service and they're throwing a few incentives in. Free dvr for life and gift card. I'm seriously considering it, but wanted a little more feedback. Plus, I'm going to wait until the whole strike thing is settled before moving on anything.

I would strongly suggest holding off on the HawaiianTel service. I switched from Oceanic to HawaiianTel two weeks ago. For the last three days the dvr feature has been malfunctioning and HawaiianTel has no idea when it will be fixed.

If HawaiianTel ever gets the system working properly it might be a good alternative to Oceanic. But right now I'd advise people to hold off.

Thanks. I got to see the service last night at an event that Hawn Tel hosted in Pearl City. The picture was fine, but I thought that the channel changes lagged a bit. While I signed up for an appointment, I'll be canceling it after thinking about it overnight. I have a good sized investment in my Tivo and I'd hate to have to shelve it when it is working perfectly fine. I saw no cost advantage to the Hawn Tel service since I'd have to rent two additional STBs for my other tvs.

There may be cost advantages for those who are leasing their dvr and other boxes, but I don't have those costs, so the cost/benefit doesn't quite work out right now.

That's a big problem since the DVR is their biggest selling point, but isn't functioning correctly. Thanks.

I was wondering if someone could help me out. I have Oceanic basic cable 13channels,etc... I have a direct cable into my Samsung tv and using the QAM tuner in it. I get most of the normal cable package in addition to what I pay for because it seems to be a glitch on their side that's passing the digital package to my house, except no HD other than the OTA local channels. The funny thing some channels come and go and some change channel/frequency so I re-scan and pick it up again. I even has syfy once and while watching it the signal cut out.

Is this a continuous feed from Oceanic except some signals are weak? Or can I use a booster to increase the amount of channels I receive if they are weak? I tried this but it doesn't really seem to help despite positive reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPGRKK/ref=oh_o01_s00_i00_details

Anyone do a speed test on their internet in the last week? Looks like we got a christmas gift. Now if they could increase the up it would be all good...

I was wondering if someone could help me out. I have Oceanic basic cable 13channels,etc... I have a direct cable into my Samsung tv and using the QAM tuner in it. I get most of the normal cable package in addition to what I pay for because it seems to be a glitch on their side that's passing the digital package to my house, except no HD other than the OTA local channels. The funny thing some channels come and go and some change channel/frequency so I re-scan and pick it up again. I even has syfy once and while watching it the signal cut out.

Is this a continuous feed from Oceanic except some signals are weak? Or can I use a booster to increase the amount of channels I receive if they are weak? I tried this but it doesn't really seem to help despite positive reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPGRKK/ref=oh_o01_s00_i00_details

Sounds like SDV....if that's the case, enjoy what you get.

Sounds like SDV....if that's the case, enjoy what you get.

That's a bummer. i was hoping to at least squeeze out Syfy since that seems to be the only missing one that I'd really want.

Is there anything on the market for PC or otherwise that replicates the tuner in a Samsung smartTV? I tried to configure a windows 7 MCE and that works pretty well as a DVR. The remote I have is horrible, or there's lag in the PC when switching channels. Plus it doesn't receive all the same channels as the tv.

I have a direct cable into my Samsung tv and using the QAM tuner in it. I get most of the normal cable package in addition to what I pay for because it seems to be a glitch on their side that's passing the digital package to my house, except no HD other than the OTA local channels.
I believe I recall reading that cable companies are prohibited from blocking local channels on their cable, so my guess is that that is no glitch. Oceanic is obligated to pass you the local channels, but nothing else, so whatever else you can see on their cable, and which channel it's on, is an accident and will vary from time to time. If you want regular and convenient access, Oceanic would like you to pay for it.

I believe I recall reading that cable companies are prohibited from blocking local channels on their cable, so my guess is that that is no glitch. Oceanic is obligated to pass you the local channels, but nothing else, so whatever else you can see on their cable, and which channel it's on, is an accident and will vary from time to time. If you want regular and convenient access, Oceanic would like you to pay for it.

FCC is considering a new rule that allows CATV systems that have gone "all digital" to encrypt all programming, including locals. Supposedly Cablevision in NYC has an FCC waiver already to do this, and other cablecos (IIRC Comcast) are talking about it. I guess they would provide one cable box per account, and additional would have to be rented. Has Oceanic made any noises about this?

scott s.
.

Well, my free QAM cable stations has taken a hit. This week I lost digital ESPN 1+2, Spike, TBS, and a few others. I'm down to 1/3rd of the normal cable lineup and local HD which is still better than before but the loss of ESPN will be hard. :(

It's bittersweet, but I'll live...until Monday Night Football next year. :)

BTW, the channels lost were in the 50-1 to 50-11 QAM range. And those were stable since I got my tv in August, and were posted previously from years ago. Something's up at Oceanic. :mad:

Seems like KFVE has been added to the DirecTV HD Lineup.
Were any other new channels added today?

I've lost most of my QAM digital channels now. Only HD locals and a few others like OC Sports, Ion, and occasional random channels that change frequency everyday needing a channel scan. I'm building a HTPC so hopefully that should cover what's missing.

Just wondering if it's possible to get OC Sports OTA on DirecTV in HD.
Has anyone tried to use the AM-21 to possibly access OC Sports on DirecTV?

Oceanic changed most of their QAM channels today...

-Mike

My digital tv has been working fine until Oceanic changed QAM as Mike-50 reports. I have rescanned with two different devices but for some reason I dont get anything in thr lower range of 47 49 etc for those local tv stations.

does anyone else have problems since the new QAMs in early April?

I'm able to pick up the 4 major networks on my Samsung in the 47 - 49 range. My Magnavox recorder can pick them up as well.