Just read this in the OTWC Ohana Newsletter...

Oceanic Time Warner Cable is the first cable system in the United States to launch HSN Shop by Remote! Now you can buy your favorite HSN merchandise simply by using your remote control – it's fast and easy – just tune to Oceanic Interactive Digital Channel 105 and Press Select to enter HSN Shop by Remote.

Does anyone actually use this crap? To me it seems a complete waste of bandwidth. Just my opinion.

Does anyone actually use this crap? To me it seems a complete waste of bandwidth. Just my opinion.

I concur it is a waste of bandwith. The worse thing about it is HSN is the tip of the iceberg. There is ShopNBC,QVC etc also. All consuming bandwith.It is my understanding that there is two things going on here. That Oceanic is getting a cut
of the proceeds from any sales on these channels, and Oceanic was forced to
carry these channels as a "must carry." Example NBC required Time Warner to carry
ShopNBC if they wanted to carry MSNBC.

The shop by remote channels (and in fact, the other interactive ones) apparently don't gobble up a lot of bandwidth. It's that analog stuff. There are channels like National Georgraphic where the contract states it must be on BOTH analog and digital tiers. So there are two copies of it on Oceanic. We just need to get rid of all of those analog folks out there. Digital for everyone!

Eric

BTW,

I read the FCC mandate concerning firewire ports on HD boxes. It does not say that the firewire ports on all HD set-top boxes must be active; it says that upon request of the subscriber the cable company must provide the subscriber with an HD box that has active firewire ports. Like your 3250HD... Does anyone in Oceanic-land have an 8300HD that has firewire ports? Mine doesn't.

Eric

BTW,

I read the FCC mandate concerning firewire ports on HD boxes. It does not say that the firewire ports on all HD set-top boxes must be active; it says that upon request of the subscriber the cable company must provide the subscriber with an HD box that has active firewire ports. Like your 3250HD... Does anyone in Oceanic-land have an 8300HD that has firewire ports? Mine doesn't.

Eric
You are correct. I was troubled when I read that the FCC required firewire ports on all newly acquired boxes after July 2005, but didn't specifically mandate that it be active. OTOH, the April 2004 firewire requirement did specifically state functional. To me it reads that they are obligated to purchase firewire ported boxes from SA (SA does not sell 8300s without them anymore) and issue them to the customer, but they are not obligated to make them work. I asked about this in the HD Recorders forum but didn't receive a response.

Oceanic is not happy that the firewire ports don't work with all standard 1394 devices, either. Apparently SA has a cavalier attitude about it and doesn't necessarily feel that it's their duty to make it do so.

Eric

You are correct. I was troubled when I read that the FCC required firewire ports on all newly acquired boxes after July 2005, but didn't specifically mandate that it be active. OTOH, the April 2004 firewire requirement did specifically state functional. To me it reads that they are obligated to purchase firewire ported boxes from SA (SA does not sell 8300s without them anymore) and issue them to the customer, but they are not obligated to make them work. I asked about this in the HD Recorders forum but didn't receive a response.


Yes, but in this day and age, what does "functional" mean in this context? If they demonstrate that it works with a particular model of 1394 VCR (and not some other particular gizmo) does that make it "functional?"

Look at the HDMI compatibility issues that people are experiencing. (and cablecard, etc.)

Eric

Test run for Waikele OTA

Background:
My goal is to get channel 4.1 KITV OTA. Trying to cover my bases as I don't expect OTW to have any HD boxes in time for the Superbowl. A nice bonus would be 9.1 KGMB... and this weekend's playoffs.
TV says it's compliant with NTSC, ATSC, QAM.

Went to Best Buy yesterday, got the "Terk HDTVs" square antenna. It looks identical to the Winegard SS-1000 Square Shooter. I searched high & low for technical specs so I could compare it with the Winegard. The best I could google was that the average front to back ratio was 13db, identical to the Winegard. Dimensions (16x16x4) were also identical, as was optional amped gain (although I have tne un-amped model), and reception rated at CEA red zone. Same unit, but rebranded? I don't know for certain.

Location: Waikele Village on the Green
For the test run I first set it up in the house, immediately got some dynamite OTA DT channels, even got a Latino station I never even knew existed. Rotated it several degrees through the compass direction indicated on antennaweb. Still no channel 4.1 or 9.1.
Took it outside to the back yard. Although I'd never be able to permanently install it there, I wanted to see if I'd catch anything at all. Stuck it up on a home-made mast, rotated it through the compass direction again. Poop. Large dense foliage in the next several neighbors' back yards. Analog 4 and 9 were much better but still no 4.1 or 9.1. Even did a 180º with no luck.
It turns out I can't do an attic install; because of the vaulted ceiling, the crawlspace is limited to the opposite end of the house! And if I pointed the antenna in the right direction, it'd be going through my roof elements PLUS the neighbor's roof elements (duplex).

I'll be returning the antenna this weekend. I'll have to verify this on a topo map, but adding the the problem is that I suspect Red Hill is in my direct line of sight.

Thanks for taking the time to make this report -- I have a friend who lives nearby you in Waipio who was wondering if he would be able to get reception; I'll tell him probably not. Were you able to get any of KHON? They got some playoff games in HD too this weekend. BTW, I live right in town and I can't get a good signal from KITV OTA either, the picture keeps breaking up.


Test run for Waikele OTA

Background:
My goal is to get channel 4.1 KITV OTA. Trying to cover my bases as I don't expect OTW to have any HD boxes in time for the Superbowl. A nice bonus would be 9.1 KGMB... and this weekend's playoffs.
TV says it's compliant with NTSC, ATSC, QAM.

Went to Best Buy yesterday, got the "Terk HDTVs" square antenna. It looks identical to the Winegard SS-1000 Square Shooter. I searched high & low for technical specs so I could compare it with the Winegard. The best I could google was that the average front to back ratio was 13db, identical to the Winegard. Dimensions (16x16x4) were also identical, as was optional amped gain (although I have tne un-amped model), and reception rated at CEA red zone. Same unit, but rebranded? I don't know for certain.

Location: Waikele Village on the Green
For the test run I first set it up in the house, immediately got some dynamite OTA DT channels, even got a Latino station I never even knew existed. Rotated it several degrees through the compass direction indicated on antennaweb. Still no channel 4.1 or 9.1.
Took it outside to the back yard. Although I'd never be able to permanently install it there, I wanted to see if I'd catch anything at all. Stuck it up on a home-made mast, rotated it through the compass direction again. Poop. Large dense foliage in the next several neighbors' back yards. Analog 4 and 9 were much better but still no 4.1 or 9.1. Even did a 180º with no luck.
It turns out I can't do an attic install; because of the vaulted ceiling, the crawlspace is limited to the opposite end of the house! And if I pointed the antenna in the right direction, it'd be going through my roof elements PLUS the neighbor's roof elements (duplex).

I'll be returning the antenna this weekend. I'll have to verify this on a topo map, but adding the the problem is that I suspect Red Hill is in my direct line of sight.

interesting. I am in Mililani, Ewa of Kam Hwy. It used to be that KITV was knid of spotty, and KGMB was mostly good, but sometimes a little off. But around Christmas time, it seems like KITV did something to their signal, and for the Bowl Games and NFL last week I got excellent signal. I have a Yagi-style directional VHF/UHF antenna in the attic. I used it on th mainland with an antenna rotator. This attic is so small all I can do is point it at Honolulu. I'm also getting KGMB pretty good lately. KHON has always been good.

I used to get KIKU with no problem (it comes in great on Analog 20) but for a couple months I get a strong signal strength on the signal display, but no program. I can't get a whiff of a signal for KHNL or KFVE (I assume these are co-located). It's supposed to be above Makakilo? Maybe because my antenna is pointing about 120 out from there, but the analog stations there come in OK.

I think you are right that Red Hill is going to block your line of sight towards KITV.

scott s.
.

Were you able to get any of KHON?
Not in the house. But in the back yard on the big godzilla of a mast, I got analog KHON 2. As far as I can remember, I was able to get all the analog stations, but only a select few digital.

I have a Yagi-style directional VHF/UHF antenna in the attic. I used it on th mainland with an antenna rotator. This attic is so small all I can do is point it at Honolulu.
Yeah I'd imagine the yagi is ultimately the best. I'll have to re-examine my attic, but I'm pretty sure the crawlspace is too small.


(edit)
RobertCEO: For your friend in Waipio, it may not hurt just to give it a try. My next 3 or 4 neighbors, all in a line, have big king kong trees directly in my line of sight, so that may be a big factor for my situation. Plus, Waipio is actually quite a bit higher in elevation than Waikele. Before he tries it out, just be sure the store will honor returns if it doesn't work out.

I live on the Koko Head facing side of Kaimuki, actually on the bottom of the hill with no line of site to KITV, KHON, or KGMB towers but I receive a stong digital signal from these stations. I also catch a couple of UHF stations well: 14, 20, 26, 33, and 66. However I cannot even catch a weak KHNL or KFVE signal. Are they really broadcasting their normal programming in digital like KGMB?

For whatever reason, I have not been able to receive KHON-HD OTA for the last couple of weeks. Not a hint of a signal where before I could receive it with only minor pixelation. KITV-HD and KGMB-HD continue to come in fine. I'm wondering if the've changed something like signal direction or power. With football playoffs upon us, timing is unfortunate.

That's strange; I'm watching the Seattle/Washington game now and am getting a perfect signal. Maybe you just got to move your antenna around. I checked KITV and still it doesn't come in good for me.


For whatever reason, I have not been able to receive KHON-HD OTA for the last couple of weeks. Not a hint of a signal where before I could receive it with only minor pixelation. KITV-HD and KGMB-HD continue to come in fine. I'm wondering if the've changed something like signal direction or power. With football playoffs upon us, timing is unfortunate.

BTW, anyone know whats going on with KGMB? How long does it take to fix a HD video recorder, or whatever the thing is called? I remember someone posted here a while back saying they knew someone at KGMB and that it would be up at the end of last year or something but no luck. The only network prime time drama show I watch is CSI: Vegas and it sucks not being able to see it in HD.

That's strange; I'm watching the Seattle/Washington game now and am getting a perfect signal. Maybe you just got to move your antenna around. I checked KITV and still it doesn't come in good for me.
Invite me over and I'll bring chips and beer ;)

I've spent considerable time moving the antenna around the apartment and even outside with no luck. Before, I was grabbing a signal bounce off the Discovery Bay Towers with no problem. Same with KGMB-HD and KITV-HD (I'm a few blocks away from the towers, but no line of sight). Perhaps another condominium went up between here and there while I wasn't looking. :p Matters are made only worse by the fact that KHON's analog OTA signal is a ghosting mess and channel 3 on Oceanic looks horrid on my display.

I guess I can be thankful the Superbowl is not on Fox this year.

Maybe things will change after KHON and KGMB are sold.

scott s.
.

Update: OTWC, KITV-HD, and other random thoughts

Got a call earlier this week saying OTW's HD-DVRs are in! I immediately ordered an HDMI cable (among other things) from monoprice. Finally picked up the 8300HD yesterday at Ala Moana, I estimate the monoprice cables to arrive mid-next week, in the meantime I'm using the included component cables. PQ is rather nice nonetheless. I didn't get to noodle around with it much late last night, only really got to hook it up and do a quick look-see.

I have to admit, I didn't expect the STBs to come in until after the Superbowl, considering the guy originally told us there was a waiting list since late November. So this was a pleasant surprise. Kudos to SA & OTWC.

Minor (or soon to be major) problem: KITV-HD is blank. Just an empty gray screen. All the other HD channels come in fine. Is KITV-HD currently kaput? Or is it just me? Couldn't deal with it last night (late), I'm going to call OTWC after work today if it's still blank.

OT:
Can anybody recommend any LOCAL audio stores? I'm looking for 5.1 speakers (speakers only, not HTIBs). I've tried Circuit City, Best Buy, Sears, Shirokiya (was getting desperate). But I don't know much about the smaller stores. Recommendations?

It's about 8 a.m. now an KITV-HD is coming in fine for me. Goodmorning America in HD is on I think. Two stores you should check out for speakers is Elite Electronics in the Samsung Plaza across from Walmart/Sams Club and Video Life. Elite use to carry Energy and Definitive speakers and Video Life in Ward Center has Atlantic. I haven't been to either for a while but I assume they still carry them.


I also notice Universal HD is now on the grid guide on the digital box on channel 960. Hopefully we get that soon.


Update: OTWC, KITV-HD, and other random thoughts

Got a call earlier this week saying OTW's HD-DVRs are in! I immediately ordered an HDMI cable (among other things) from monoprice. Finally picked up the 8300HD yesterday at Ala Moana, I estimate the monoprice cables to arrive mid-next week, in the meantime I'm using the included component cables. PQ is rather nice nonetheless. I didn't get to noodle around with it much late last night, only really got to hook it up and do a quick look-see.

I have to admit, I didn't expect the STBs to come in until after the Superbowl, considering the guy originally told us there was a waiting list since late November. So this was a pleasant surprise. Kudos to SA & OTWC.

Minor (or soon to be major) problem: KITV-HD is blank. Just an empty gray screen. All the other HD channels come in fine. Is KITV-HD currently kaput? Or is it just me? Couldn't deal with it last night (late), I'm going to call OTWC after work today if it's still blank.

OT:
Can anybody recommend any LOCAL audio stores? I'm looking for 5.1 speakers (speakers only, not HTIBs). I've tried Circuit City, Best Buy, Sears, Shirokiya (was getting desperate). But I don't know much about the smaller stores. Recommendations?

OT:
Can anybody recommend any LOCAL audio stores? I'm looking for 5.1 speakers (speakers only, not HTIBs). I've tried Circuit City, Best Buy, Sears, Shirokiya (was getting desperate). But I don't know much about the smaller stores. Recommendations?

If you are looking for "higher-end" stuff, you can also check out Audio Byte. They are located in the complex across from CompUSA in town, where the Sprint Store is. They carry some high-end stuff but also some medium range things too. Tom, the owner, is cool but you should go when you got some time because he can be very passionate.

I was in the Hilo Oceanic office on Wednesday and they were surrounded by stacks of new HD DVRs, too. So I reserved one to trade in my "vintage" 8300HD that doesn't have firewire ports. Gotta watch the stuff I recorded before taking it in!

Eric

I was in the Hilo Oceanic office on Wednesday and they were surrounded by stacks of new HD DVRs, too. So I reserved one to trade in my "vintage" 8300HD that doesn't have firewire ports. Gotta watch the stuff I recorded before taking it in!

Eric


Ooooooo...Firewire!! :D

Do you know if the firewire ports are suppose to be operational? I'm paying an extra $15 or so renting a firewired 3250 which I'd rather use to subscribe to Howard Stern on Demand.



I was in the Hilo Oceanic office on Wednesday and they were surrounded by stacks of new HD DVRs, too. So I reserved one to trade in my "vintage" 8300HD that doesn't have firewire ports. Gotta watch the stuff I recorded before taking it in!

Eric

I bought my Energy speakers from Elite - they were pleasant and pricing was reasonable. Good news about the HD-DVRs - maybe I'll finally get around to exchanging my 8000HD for a 8300HD. :)

Spleen

KITV-HD was still blank when I returned home today. :(
I called OTWC, we did the usual resetting routine, then the CS guy checked the signal at their end, and finally he scheduled a tech to visit me next Thursday.

Also, forgot to mention this in the earlier post. When I picked up the 8300HD at Ala Moana, they gave me the one with a USB jack in front, two firewire jacks & one SATA jack in the back, without even requesting it. So it leads me to believe that now 8300HD shipments have these features.

OT:
I checked out Elite and Audio Lab, and WHOA I was in way over my head. Couldn't find Video Life though. The manager (Shane) at Audio Lab started talking to me and I realized I was way out of my league here. Mercifully, I was rescued when another client walked in.

My budget is (insert studio laughter) around $300. I guess I should have stated that earlier LOL. Since returning home I've been searching avsforum and others, and may be settling for some Athena Micras.

My budget is (insert studio laughter) around $300. I guess I should have stated that earlier LOL. Since returning home I've been searching avsforum and others, and may be settling for some Athena Micras.

Another place to check out is Audio Directions on Algaroba. It's a small, crowded place but Stewart (owner) carries speakers at different price points. Some of the lines he has are Athena, NHT, and Martin Logan.

Other thoughts:
you might want to check Hsu Technologies Ventiloquist system. http://www.hsustore.com/vt12.html
Doesn't include a sub but you could always add one later. I've got a Hsu sub and VERY pleased with its performance.

But I think the Athenas are a good deal for the price. You'll probably end up upgrading though at some point.

Oh, and Video Life is now on the corner of Ward and Auahi - it's in the same complex as that newly opened Wahoo's Fish Tacos. They just moved there, it looks like - I saw it when I was driving through the area.

Spleen

My budget is (insert studio laughter) around $300.

Another place to check out is Audio Directions on Algaroba. It's a small, crowded place but Stewart (owner) carries speakers at different price points. Some of the lines he has are Athena, NHT, and Martin Logan.

When you can find NHT and Martin Logan 5.1 systems for $300, you can be sure "they fell off the back of a truck".

DesmoBob, thanks for the 8300HD availability update. Will reserve a new unit with firewire ports to replace my archaic 8300HD unit tomorrow.

I've also bought from Elite, and also Sam Sung, which they used to be called. Video Life seems to be mainly a Sony outlet.

scott s.
.

When you can find NHT and Martin Logan 5.1 systems for $300, you can be sure "they fell off the back of a truck".

Not saying that he sells those brands for $300, just mentioning a couple of brands he carries at different price points.

So, anyone try the firewire ports to see if they are active?

So, anyone try the firewire ports to see if they are active?

Oceanic says that the firewire ports are active, but they don't work with my JVC D-VHS recorder.

I think it's a currently compatibilty issue that SA needs to address. My HDMI output results in a hideous green picture on my SIM2 projector. Oceanic will take this up with SA, too. SA apparently has a very cavalier attitude about these features of their products. They don't want to spend the resources to make them widely compatible. I think they figure if they work with one component, then they work!


Eric

Oceanic says that the firewire ports are active, but they don't work with my JVC D-VHS recorder.

I think it's a currently compatibilty issue that SA needs to address. My HDMI output results in a hideous green picture on my SIM2 projector. Oceanic will take this up with SA, too. SA apparently has a very cavalier attitude about these features of their products. They don't want to spend the resources to make them widely compatible. I think they figure if they work with one component, then they work!


Eric

The HDMI that used to give me "snow" works fine now. Been debating on whether to pick up a firewire box...still lots of thing on the HDD I need to watch.

Other thoughts:
you might want to check Hsu Technologies Ventiloquist system. http://www.hsustore.com/vt12.html
Doesn't include a sub but you could always add one later. I've got a Hsu sub and VERY pleased with its performance.

spleen, where did you get your Hsu system?

spleen, where did you get your Hsu system?

Mailordered directly from Hsu. Don't think that they have any outlets in Hawaii (in fact, they may be completely direct buy).

Spleen

I was just researching some HT systems for a friend, and one of my suggestions was the Hsu Ventriloquist system too. If you buy the system, they discount any sub you buy with it by $100, so it looks like a good deal. I believe they only sell from their website.

One question for you all while this thread is slightly off-topic. Does anyone know anyplace in Hawaii that sells the Paradigm Reference series? I was looking at buying Studio 20 speakers, but they don't have any online authorized dealers.

Don't know of any place in Hawaii that carries Paradigm. Would be nice to see somebody carry them. I checked the website and it didn't list any dealers in Hawaii either. You might need to email them at: techsup@paradigm.ca and see what they say, since they don't sell by mail order either.

Spleen

Thanks Spleen. I emailed them a week or so ago, and haven't got a response yet. I guess they don't care about making any sales in Hawaii. Ahh well, at least I've saved myself some money.

Another place to check out is Audio Directions on Algaroba. It's a small, crowded place but Stewart (owner) carries speakers at different price points. Some of the lines he has are Athena, NHT, and Martin Logan.

I would also recommend Audio Directions. I bought my Athena speakers and H/K receiver from Stewart.

-Ken

Oceanic says that the firewire ports are active, but they don't work with my JVC D-VHS recorder.
It should come as no surprise that they don't work with my Mits DVHS either. I can confirm, however, that the ports are active.

Delar,

How did you get the box so fast? I got put on a waiting list when I found out they were available. Too bad it doesn't work with the Mits. VCR since I have the same. I guess there's not much rush now to get the box now.


It should come as no surprise that they don't work with my Mits DVHS either. I can confirm, however, that the ports are active.

Delar,

How did you get the box so fast? I got put on a waiting list when I found out they were available. Too bad it doesn't work with the Mits. VCR since I have the same. I guess there's not much rush now to get the box now.
I wasn't on a waiting list. For the heck of it I stopped by the Ala Moana store to ask if they had the new DVRs in stock. When they said they did, I asked to look at one to make sure it had the firewire ports on the back. It did. Today I returned to the store with my old 8300HD and had it swapped out. It was a snap; no hassles. Just bring your old 8000/8300 box....keep your cables and remote at home.

By the way, they appeared to have a ton of them in the back.

Is there any advantage in getting one of those now? Is there any difference anywhere else with the box than the current 8300HD without firewire? i guess it would be good to get the firewire box now and hope they fix it to work with vcrs soon.




I wasn't on a waiting list. For the heck of it I stopped by the Ala Moana store to ask if they had the new DVRs in stock. When they said they did, I asked to look at one to make sure it had the firewire ports on the back. It did. Today I returned to the store with my old 8300HD and had it swapped out. It was a snap; no hassles. Just bring your old 8000/8300 box....keep your cables and remote at home.

By the way, they appeared to have a ton of them in the back.

Is there any advantage in getting one of those now? Is there any difference anywhere else with the box than the current 8300HD without firewire? i guess it would be good to get the firewire box now and hope they fix it to work with vcrs soon.
Except for the firewire ports, the DVR appears identical to my old one, so there's no advantage to getting it other than to have those ports ready to go when they are (hopefully) made operable.

KITV-HD update:

The saga finale. A happy resolution, but also an admission of ignorance on my part. :o

OTWC guy came today, checked the signals on all the jacks. It turns out that one of my DIY splitter jobs in the 2nd bedroom wasn't up to par; all our jacks are wired in series throughout the house, so a weak link in one jack will FUBAR the rest of the house. I was using a Radio Shack pake special, the cable guy replaced it with a TVC splitter. And in the living room where the HDTV is, he replaced our Radio Shack splitter and "UHF/VHF/FM amp" with some high-tech looking "multimedia drop amp" and a TVC splitter.

I guess the Radio Shack stuff was good enough for plain vanilla DTV, but not for HD. I'm pretty sure this was the reason I also initially couldn't get QAM KITV-HD.

Superbowl in HD!!!! WOOHOO!!! :) :) :)

As of February 1, 2006 KHNL-HD and Universal -HD will be available on OTW.
According to Channel 911.

As of February 1, 2006 KHNL-HD and Universal -HD will be available on OTW.
According to Channel 911.
Thanks for the heads up konadude. I'm a bit surprised that KHNL-HD is the local being added to Oceanic's HD lineup at this time as they aren't currently broadcasting HD OTA. Thought it might be KHON-HD or KGMB-HD instead. Still, this is good news if true.

KHNL-HD and UHD... Hey, their HD offering is getting pretty decent! KHNL is a bit of a surprise for not having an OTA HD channel, like delar mentioned. Does anyone know if they will do primetime in HD programming or will it only be live pass-through HD so they can show the Winter Olympics?

I've read that TWC is looking to add National Geographic HD very soon. Then they'll try to get ESPN2HD on their lineup, as well. I think TWC's carriage agreement with Disney expires this spring, but don't quote me on that.

As of February 1, 2006 KHNL-HD and Universal -HD will be available on OTW.
According to Channel 911.


Huzzah! I sure hope we get them here on Da Big Island at the same time.

Eric

This is fantastic!! Saturday Night Live in HD! :D Battlestar Galactica in HD!(soon again I believe).

Now all we need are the other "big two" stations and we'll have one of the best HD lineups around.

Yay finally! Yeah, only KGMB, KHON, and possible CW station KFVE (and the multiplexed channels if that deal still exists) :) Cmon guys get your HD recorders already :P Any one heard any news from those places yet?

Any addition of HD channels is great news. :D Now I just need to determine if I should get a new bulb for my X1(sp fw) or just save up for a HD projector? :confused:

Wow Jay Leno and Will and Grace in HD!!! Yeheeeeey!!!!!!!!!!!

Too bad it's the last season for W&G and West Wing.

Too bad it's the last season for W&G and West Wing.

Yep, and Ed is also long gone.

Yay finally! Yeah, only KGMB, KHON, and possible CW station KFVE (and the multiplexed channels if that deal still exists) :) Cmon guys get your HD recorders already :P Any one heard any news from those places yet?


Also KHET... PBS was actually the first to go HD in a big way.

Eric

Also KHET... PBS was actually the first to go HD in a big way.
Does anyone know what's holding KHET/PBS Hawaii from broadcasting HD? They've had the new digital master control operational since last November (2005)...

Does anyone know what's holding KHET/PBS Hawaii from broadcasting HD? They've had the new digital master control operational since last November (2005)...


Is their digital transmitter functional yet?

Eric

I'm still happy that I'll see an episode of BSG in HD this Sunday.

I was in the Hilo Oceanic office on Wednesday and they were surrounded by stacks of new HD DVRs, too. So I reserved one to trade in my "vintage" 8300HD that doesn't have firewire ports. Gotta watch the stuff I recorded before taking it in!

10 days later, I just called Oceanic and was told by customer service in Oahu that they are all out of DVRs and HD-DVRs on the Big Island and Oahu! :eek: Did you guys snap them all up ;)? or does Oceanic have a bug in their inventory system? I'm thinking if I go to the Kona office they might have some boxes. Apparently, there is no way to call the local office directly...

edit: they do have non-DVR HD boxes in Kona.

Also, I was quoted $98.55 for surf DVR pak + $6.95 for HD pak = $105.50 + taxes. Did the price for the surf dvr pak go up?

Is their digital transmitter functional yet?
D'oh! Should've thought of that. It is probably the next step for them.

Thanks for the heads up konadude. I'm a bit surprised that KHNL-HD is the local being added to Oceanic's HD lineup at this time as they aren't currently broadcasting HD OTA. Thought it might be KHON-HD or KGMB-HD instead. Still, this is good news if true.
This is pure speculation, but I think KHNL may be catering more to their cable viewers as a whole, as opposed to their OTA viewers.

Just like several years ago (last century was it?) when KHNL debuted their 6 & 10:00 news, all their promo & hype called it "KHNL News-8" (named after their cable channel), even though OTA they were 13. I don't know, maybe after market analysis they concluded the bulk of their viewers were cable viewers? Also guessing here, but maybe KHNL is the smallest player among the local KHON/KITV/KGMB/KHNL broadcast game, so instead of committing time/expense/infrastructure for two broadcasts (OTA and cable), maybe they're concentrating their premium product (HD) soley on cable, at least for now.

This is fantastic!! Saturday Night Live in HD! :D Battlestar Galactica in HD!(soon again I believe).

Now all we need are the other "big two" stations and we'll have one of the best HD lineups around.

:D :D Another BSG fan :D :D

During the past week, I did notice by accident a blank "UHD" channel while surfing. As if it were a bookmarker saying "Insert channel here." :p

Also, I was quoted $98.55 for surf DVR pak + $6.95 for HD pak = $105.50 + taxes. Did the price for the surf dvr pak go up?

What exactly is included in the Surf DVR pack, again? I've been thinking of upgrading to a HD-DVR, but I already feel like my cable costs are out of hand with just digital, HBO/SHO, and roadrunner.

I would recommend anyone who has a DVR & Roadrunner to call and ask for the Surf Pak since it comes out cheaper. I'm paying $91.95 for it. On my bill it says that's a savings of $19.75 . Up until I read a post on this thread a few months ago I didn't even know there was such a promotion. I had RR with the digital cable and DVR from Oceanic ever since the DVR came out and they never let me know I could have been saving the $19.75/mo. I felt kind of cheated.

Anyway I'm still kind of skeptical about the KHNL HD thing, although I hope it really shows up on the 1st.

edit: Linda, I believe the surf pak is Digital Cable, the DVR, and Road Runner. I was in the same boat as you, was paying over $150 to Oceanic every month, and was actually going to cancel RR and switch to netzero since I have RR at work where i'm mostly on the computer anyway. the oceanic rep said he would try and figure out if he can make my payments lower, which he did by about $20. When I got my bill I saw that all he actually did was give me the surf pak promotion.


What exactly is included in the Surf DVR pack, again? I've been thinking of upgrading to a HD-DVR, but I already feel like my cable costs are out of hand with just digital, HBO/SHO, and roadrunner.

Thanks for the info Robert. That's one thing that I hate about Oceanic, YOU need to make the effort to figure out what package would be cheapest for you. Like you, I'd never even seen the Surf DVR pack mentioned anywhere but here.

I would recommend anyone who has a DVR & Roadrunner to call and ask for the Surf Pak since it comes out cheaper. I'm paying $91.95 for it. On my bill it says that's a savings of $19.75 ...

Anyway I'm still kind of skeptical about the KHNL HD thing, although I hope it really shows up on the 1st...
A-ha! So, either the surf pak went up in price (by $7!!) or I was quoted the wrong price ($98.55). I'll verify which it is tomorrow.

Speaking with a TWC CSR on the phone today, she mentioned Universal HD coming soon, but nothing about KHNL. I'm still skeptical, even though someone posted an e-mail here from the station a couple of months ago saying they were going to start "passing" HD soon. Now it's like all of a sudden they're going to flip a switch and presto! HD on the air! I dunno...

KHON was finally handed over to its new owners on 1/27 (http://starbulletin.com/2006/01/28/news/story02.html)...
Emmis Communications Corp., which announced last year it was selling KHON and three mainland television stations to Montecito, completed the sale of KHON yesterday
KHON's new owners are going to lay off about 35 people (http://starbulletin.com/2006/01/13/news/story01.html). They've already bought a system to automate newscasts (I don't know what automating newscasts means, but they might be able to buy some HD recorders w/ $19m gross revenue the station has been turning??).

Greetings,

I understand from most of the posts I have read that Oceanic is the way to go for HDTV quality programming in Hawaii. With the recent additions of local channels for DirecTV, does this change anyone's mind? I have a lot of questions, any and all comments are welcome.

I'm actually in love with TIVO, the Series 2 Tivos, at least. I have had one that worked for cable and one that was a Series 2 DirecTIVO. The DirecTIVO, from what I understand, will be going away and some DirecTV DVR will replace it. Additionally, regular Tivo's arent that great if you need a cable box to drive it (my wife is an avid channel flipper, and remote->tivo->cable box takes too long for flipping). I have many problems with the oceanic DVR

Oceanic DVR issues:
1) hard to navigate for recording by program name (you have to find it in the list)
2) While watching a show that is recording live, when the live version is done being recorded, it auto-jumps you to the end (even if you were 25% of the way through).
3) No play from beginning option while the program is being recorded
4) No 25/50/75% markers to jump quickly through (to help speed up recovery from #2 and #3).
5) Unable to hide channels you do not want to see (hide the non-digital versions of the local channels, hide the QVC, foreign channels, etc).

So that's a little tangent i went off on, anyway, my questions about DirecTV/Oceanic/Hawaii

1) Will DirecTV subscribers in hawaii be able to use a pre-existing directivo (even if a new dish is required)
2) Does/will direcTV carry any HD local channels?
3) Are the direcTV channels time-delayed (so the daily show is on at 10 or 11pm not 5pm on comedy central?)
4) How does the cloud cover on Oahu (Kailua) affect DirecTV reception?
5) Is Oceanic ever going to fix the DVR complaints i have above?
6) When is KHON getting a HDTV broadcast?
7) Where is the best price for a 60" HDTV these days on Oahu?
8) Am I missing anything :-)

Thanks for all your feedback, I realize this probably comes off abrassive, just trying to catch up with what this television market has to offer, future plans, etc.

Best wishes,

Ardent

10 days later, I just called Oceanic and was told by customer service in Oahu that they are all out of DVRs, HD boxes, and HD-DVRs on the Big Island and Oahu! :eek:


People are probably signing up for HD service in time for the Super Bowl and Olympics (both will be show in HD locally)!

1) Will DirecTV subscribers in hawaii be able to use a pre-existing directivo (even if a new dish is required)
You can, but you will not qualify for new customer installation or programming package deal.
2) Does/will direcTV carry any HD local channels?
At this time Directv does not carry the HD locals, it's not known if Directv will carry the HD locals.
3) Are the direcTV channels time-delayed (so the daily show is on at 10 or 11pm not 5pm on comedy central?)
No. Both Dish and Directv offer mainly the eastern feed of cable networks.
4) How does the cloud cover on Oahu (Kailua) affect DirecTV reception?
I don't have DIrectv, I have Dish, but judging from the 110 feed from Dish only during very heavy rainfall do I lose reception.
5) Is Oceanic ever going to fix the DVR complaints i have above?
I don't have Oceanic, but people I know that have it say the 8300HD is far superior to the older 8000HD. You might look into that.
6) When is KHON getting a HDTV broadcast?
KHON is currently only able to offer live telecast in HD. New owner Montecito Broadcasting doesn't look like a company interested in spending money on things like HD media servers, or personnel. Sad to say but maybe Emmis wasn't that bad afterall, they at least spent some money on upgrading KHON/KGMB to offer at some HD.
7) Where is the best price for a 60" HDTV these days on Oahu?
Costco or Sam's Club

Hope this helps,

Charles

Charles,

Thanks for the information. I'll see what I can find on the HD DVRs to see if they are better. What made you decide DISH was the way to go over Oceanic and DirecTV?

Thanks,

- Ardent

The new owners are going to lay off about 35 people (http://starbulletin.com/2006/01/13/news/story01.html). They've already bought a system to automate newscasts (I don't know what that means, but they might be able to keep their staff AND buy some HD recorders w/ $19m yearly profits the station has been turning).

Learn the difference in Gross Revenue and Yearly Profits. When you give McDonalds $1.08 for a double cheesburger and tax, that isn't $1.08 in profit.

If KHNL even turned a profit on $19M in Gross Revenue given its huge staff and Hawaii's high cost of doing business, its a miracle.

This is exactly how false information gets started.

If they were making $19M a year profit, you would have seen HD in every area of the station long ago.

If KHNL even turned a profit on $19M in Gross Revenue given its huge staff and Hawaii's high cost of doing business, its a miracle.

This is exactly how false information gets started.

If they were making $19M a year profit, you would have seen HD in every area of the station long ago.
Thanks for pointing that out. It is $19 million gross revenue, not yearly profits, as I misread, then wrote here. My mistake and now corrected. I was referring to KHON, though, not KHNL.

KHON is also the highest-rated FOX affiliate in the country.

Eric

Ardent,

I was probably one the first Dish subscribers in Hawaii. I started with Dish in 1998, I also had Oceanic Digital Cable service. I added Dish because of Oceanic's 3 hour delay of TNT. I am a HUGE sports nut, so during the NBA playoffs it would drive me crazy. Directv wasn't available here at the time, so Dish was the only other option. As Dish's offering in Hawaii improved, I just decided to drop Oceanic in late 2000. Nothing bad to say about Oceanic, it just that Dish has and continues to meet my needs. In fact, I am waiting to hear if KHNL is in fact airing HD over Oceanic. I may try to see if it's possible to add them under a minimum package. Where I live now in town, I can't lock a signal from them OTA.

Charles

According to Oceanic KHNL/NBC is suppose to be working already but they have engineers looking into the problem. Universal HD has been delayed until 2/8. Not a very smooth start for the two new HD channels.

Oceanic actually called me back after I spole with them earlier. The equipment for KHNL/NBC was not ready for the switch over so it has been delayed until 2/10, but universal HD is now working.

I get nothing. 911 says 2/10 for both now. :(

I get nothing. 911 says 2/10 for both now. :(

Called Oceanic.... and they said the same thing. KHNL is having problems with their signal therefore a new date has been set Feb 10. Universal HD is on now! I wished Oceanic had posted this on their Bulletin! This sure is a but oman for KHNL-HD!

Darn it was so excited about watching Will and Grace on HD!!!

In fact, I am waiting to hear if KHNL is in fact airing HD over Oceanic. I may try to see if it's possible to add them under a minimum package. Where I live now in town, I can't lock a signal from them OTA.
When I called to inquire about the HD DVR I asked out of curiosity what the minimum subscription was to get the box. They quoted me $44.33. Subtracting the DVR fee, the minimum to get an HD box would probably be about $34. Apparently, I'd have to subscribe to the basic locals tier, HD tier, and digital cable service in order to get an HD STB from Oceanic. Sounds like a bit too much if someone just wants to have locals in HD over cable.

There is also the chance that you could watch KHNL-HD with a QAM tuner when it comes on, if the channel is in the clear, while subscribing to the basic locals-only package. Someone correct me here if I'm wrong, though... Oceanic probably uses a filter to block the standard tier channels from basic-only subscribers and the filter could be set to block digital channels like KITV-HD, ESPNHD, too. I guess the only way to find out would be to try it...

There is also the chance that you could watch KHNL-HD with a QAM tuner when it comes on, if the channel is in the clear, while subscribing to the basic locals-only package. Someone correct me here if I'm wrong, though... Oceanic probably uses a filter to block the standard tier channels from basic-only subscribers and the filter could be set to block digital channels like KITV-HD, ESPNHD, too. I guess the only way to find out would be to try it...

This would be highly unlikely as you can't get any other HD channels currently with the tuner. When TNTHD first came on you could get it via the QAM tuner for about a day or so, then they apparently blocked it.

They haven't brought HDUNI up on the Big Island as yet. It will probably happen tomorrow. Oceanic is devoting 10 (!) channels to Olympic coverage, 200-209. 200 will have Multiview with 4 channels on a split screen with different Olympic coverage. With your remote you will be able to zoom full screen on any of them of interest. Each other channel will be mirroring an NBC U station. KHNL HD, CNBC, MSNBC, USA, etc. And some of those channels will offer On Demand Olympic event viewing. Kewl.

Eric

KHON is also the highest-rated FOX affiliate in the country.

Eric

Honolulu is the worst broadcast market for revenue for its size in the country as well - with essentially no growth for 5 years.

$19M in revenue is ridiculously low - and they are the leader.

Honolulu is the worst broadcast market for revenue for its size in the country as well - with essentially no growth for 5 years.

$19M in revenue is ridiculously low - and they are the leader.

Honolulu is the worst broadcast market for it's size period. Both the tv and radio stations here suck badly. I'm sure everybody who reads this thread isn't suprised that KHNL-HD didn't make it on air today. And I still can't believe for a city this size to have such pathetic radio stations. We need to get Sirius or XM coverage over here.

I would LOVE to see satellite radio to make an entry here!

Spleen

Nothing in Hilo yet but they do have the two channels listed in the guide though they are blank.

The Hilo system is having tech difficulties getting HDUNI on the air. Techs here and on Oahu are working on it.

HKHNL is in the guide, but it's still not expected until 2/10. When the station gets their tech act together, it will show up. But 2/10 (Olympics) is the Drop Dead Date.

Eric

Hello,
New to this board. I would appreciate any feedback on Dish reception when it is overcast or storming. Live in the Ewa Gentry Ewa. Also any recommendation on a Dish provider?

Thanks

Hello,
New to this board. I would appreciate any feedback on Dish reception when it is overcast or storming. Live in the Ewa Gentry Ewa. Also any recommendation on a Dish provider?

Thanks


Heavy rain typically means no TV with DBS systems. Overcast isn't a problem, though.

Eric

I would LOVE to see satellite radio to make an entry here!

Spleen

Won't happen.

You will have high speed wireless internet to choose stations from long before either put a footprint on the Islands.

A reply I got from KHNL regarding KHNL-HD:

Thank you for your email. Oceanic is still working on turning on our
signal so viewers can watch KHNL-HD. We are all hoping to get it
running by the time the Olympics starts.

Jamie Inayoshi
Community Services Coordinator
KHNL/KFVE

Yes, that would be nice...

My 3250 works great on pictures (HD/SD).

However, when I press the Progam guide, the guide looks like a very bad 480 (fuzzy letters etc).

My set up is 1080/720 our to DVI. Ive tired other ouputs but the guide looks the same! Again pictures are great!

Any one else have this problem or a suggestion?

Here's hoping they get it done before 2/10.

HD Universal and HKHNL are up in Hilo. Notice that nothing in the guide on is listed with the HD icons though. Hope that the HD programs will actually be HD.

HD Universal and HKHNL are up in Hilo. Notice that nothing in the guide on is listed with the HD icons though. Hope that the HD programs will actually be HD.


Yeah, I saw them earlier today. HD Universal looks fine. HKHNL has a hideous stretch-to-fit conversion that doesn't even look like they upconvert the resolution like TNT HD does. Hopefully the primetime stuff will be true HD.

Eric

Yeah, it does look terrible.

I have the sinking feeling that we will only get live HD stuff (i.e. sports) in HD on HKHNL. I don't think they have installed the fancy video servers necessary to timeshift HD programming for us. But, I DO have my fingers and toes crossed.

Eric

If that's the case, I hope much of the Olympic coverage is passed through 'live' from the network feed.

Yes, the lack of the HD icon in the guide has me worried too. Oh well.....bye bye SNL in HD. Maybe my future children someday will be able to watch the major networks in HD in Hilo. :D

Hopefully that's not the case. I never see any HD icons in the KITVHD portion of the guide either. Anyway, let us know, should have a few HD programs tonight.


Yes, the lack of the HD icon in the guide has me worried too. Oh well.....bye bye SNL in HD. Maybe my future children someday will be able to watch the major networks in HD in Hilo. :D

Surface I would assume be in HD...notghing but stretched SD. :(

Surface I would assume be in HD...notghing but stretched SD. :(


Oh well.

Eric

Surface I would assume be in HD...notghing but stretched SD. :(
I can't really believe that they won't show primetime HD. They are supposedly getting the HD feed ready in time to show the Olympics and, from what I've seen, most of KHNL's Olympic coverage is taped and scheduled to air at primetime, with a few morning events here and there.

Maybe they forgot to flip the proverbial HD switch? that is, if an HD "switch" for time-shifted feeds even exists. They could still be working something out. The HD night is young for NBC: Surface, Las Vegas, Medium (still on the air PST), Leno, Conan.

The stretched picture is at least suspicious... I wonder if they could pull in the HD feed and downconvert it, then put an SD widescreen version on the air... just curious if that's technically possible (I don't know of any SD widescreen channels in the US).

I called Oceanic and asked...the rep I talked to said that everything KHNL that was supposed to be in HD should be in HD. She also said no one had called to complain so she left a note for the techs to look into it. She said the only complaints that they had received about the HD KHNL was some audio problems. Everyone else might want to call so they "get the message".

HD Universal and HKHNL are up in Hilo.

Darn it! Why is Honolulu left out?????

Honolulu is still out? According to the rep I spoke to, she said Honolulu was supposed to be up as they were watching it.

I called Oceanic and asked...the rep I talked to said that everything KHNL that was supposed to be in HD should be in HD. She also said no one had called to complain so she left a note for the techs to look into it. She said the only complaints that they had received about the HD KHNL was some audio problems. Everyone else might want to call so they "get the message".

I've learned a thing or two about talking to tech support at Oceanic.... they don't know what they are talking about. I went directly to the source, KHNL, and here is what they said.....



So far, only Law and Order SVU and The Tonight Show are in HD plus the
Olympics are in HD.


Jamie Inayoshi
Community Services Coordinator
KHNL/KFVE

Yeah, the cust. service reps at Oceanic are clueless. I'm happy to hear that The Tonight Show will be in HD -- it supposedly has one of the better HD pic quality. What's with the show Law and Order? I've never watched it but it seems like HD overkilll on this. Now it's on TNTHD, UniversalHD and soon KHNL.


I've learned a thing or two about talking to tech support at Oceanic.... they don't know what they are talking about. I went directly to the source, KHNL, and here is what they said.....



So far, only Law and Order SVU and The Tonight Show are in HD plus the
Olympics are in HD.


Jamie Inayoshi
Community Services Coordinator
KHNL/KFVE

I wished they would have more shows on HD... but at least they have the tonight show.

Yeah, the cust. service reps at Oceanic are clueless. I'm happy to hear that The Tonight Show will be in HD -- it supposedly has one of the better HD pic quality. What's with the show Law and Order? I've never watched it but it seems like HD overkilll on this. Now it's on TNTHD, UniversalHD and soon KHNL.

Law and Order SVU on HKHNL was in SD stretched last night. Looked frakkin' awful. Missed the Tonight Show...was it in HD?

Like I suspected, HKHNL can only passthrough live HD feeds right now. That means sports...namely the Olympics.

It's an entirely different level of functionality to be able to timeshift HD programming for our timezone. They need the fancy (AND pricey) video servers.

Eric

I suspect this KHNL CSR doesn't know anything either; check out the name, it's most likely a chick . And she's just a "community services coordinator". We need to get in touch someone from the technical side at that station to post here.

I've learned a thing or two about talking to tech support at Oceanic.... they don't know what they are talking about. I went directly to the source, KHNL, and here is what they said.....



So far, only Law and Order SVU and The Tonight Show are in HD plus the
Olympics are in HD.


Jamie Inayoshi
Community Services Coordinator
KHNL/KFVE

I've learned a thing or two about talking to tech support at Oceanic.... they don't know what they are talking about. I went directly to the source, KHNL, and here is what they said.....



So far, only Law and Order SVU and The Tonight Show are in HD plus the
Olympics are in HD.


Jamie Inayoshi
Community Services Coordinator
KHNL/KFVE

Well, it appears Jamie may be off a bit as well. Either that, Oceanic messed something up.

What channel is KHNL HD? I can't find it on the guide?

Spleen

938

I called Oceanic and asked...the rep I talked to said that everything KHNL that was supposed to be in HD should be in HD. She also said no one had called to complain so she left a note for the techs to look into it. She said the only complaints that they had received about the HD KHNL was some audio problems. Everyone else might want to call so they "get the message".

FYI - I haven't seen Channel 938 yet but I'm assuming that it's similar to the OTA signal that I get from DT-KHNL. I have Oceanic but I also have a HD OTA Tuner so I can watch Live CBS and FOX NFL games and NCAA BBall in HD. Just like FOX and CBS the OTA signal coming from KHNL is recognized by my tuner as an HD signal. However, FOX and CBS come in at 4:3 and black bars when the source is SD, but DT-KHNL's normal OTA Digital broadcasts are always stretched. Even when they broadcasted Notre Dame and live Arena football.

I get the feeling this is might be the norm for HKHNL until they do get a video server.

On a related note what ever happened to CBS's HD lineup? For a short period they used broadcast primetime in HD OTA.

On a related note what ever happened to CBS's HD lineup? For a short period they used broadcast primetime in HD OTA.


Maybe the sale of KHON had something to do with it? They had one engineering staff for both stations before. Perhaps they had one video server for both stations, too? I'm not sure, though...

Eric

Like I suspected, HKHNL can only passthrough live HD feeds right now. That means sports...namely the Olympics.

It's an entirely different level of functionality to be able to timeshift HD programming for our timezone. They need the fancy (AND pricey) video servers.

Eric
What do those pricey HD servers cost? about $20k? KHNL not having an HD video server means even Olympics HD programming will most likely be limited to live passthrough of ET/PT feed of the few Olympic events broadcast during daytime. Then, later this year they will be able to do Notre Dame and Sunday Night Football in HD, since those are live, a few other events... and that would be about it for KHNL HD programming w/o timeshifting.

I suspect this KHNL CSR doesn't know anything either; check out the name, it's most likely a chick . And she's just a "community services coordinator". We need to get in touch someone from the technical side at that station to post here.
Yup, gotta talk to the engineers. The fact that she's (probably) a chick doesn't make much difference here, though.

On a related note what ever happened to CBS's HD lineup? For a short period they used broadcast primetime in HD OTA.
Search this thread. there was some discussion about it a while back. I remember reading that KGMB had an HD video server and it broke down...

Search this thread. there was some discussion about it a while back. I remember reading that KGMB had an HD video server and it broke down...

I'm aware that the server went down. I'm wondering if there is an update. I think it went down in Oct/Nov of 05, so it's been about 4 months. Obviously it's still down but what's the update? Is there a timeframe?

I understand the comment from Eric. I guess there would be no rush to fix the machine if there was a changover in mgmt.

I just talked to engineering at KHNL. Starting Friday, everything primetime from NBC that's an HD program should be in HD and that includes timeshifted stuff. The Olympics is HD on "tape". The regular schedule will also be real HD after that. That includes live sports stuff that's HD, too!

Eric

I'm aware that the server went down. I'm wondering if there is an update. I think it went down in Oct/Nov of 05, so it's been about 4 months. Obviously it's still down but what's the update? Is there a timeframe?
.

It's been down way longer than that-- I think sometime in July. I emailed KGMB about it back then and a few months later and both times they told me they were repairing it. Don't know how long it would take to repair but obviously it's another issue. And with all the apparent cost cutting at KHON now I doubt we'll see any time-shifted HD programming from them anytime soon.

938

Thanks! (off to check the guide again)

Spleen

Thanks! (off to check the guide again)

Spleen

Spleen: I don't get HKHNL on 938. I see it on 208 but it's not HD. It's the same signal that I get from the OTA DT-KHNL. They also have a repeat of the Universal HD station on 207. It appears channels 200 to 209 are repeats of all NBC's network of channels - MSNBC, CNBC, USA etc. I'm assuming for easy access to all the Olympic Events.

UPDATE: It's 9:20 pm right now and Law and Order is in HD on Oceanic Ch 208 and it's also in HD OTA on DT-KHNL ch 35.

I just turned on Law and Order on 938. It's in true HD!! :)

Spleen: I don't get HKHNL on 938. I see it on 208 but it's not HD. It's the same signal that I get from the OTA DT-KHNL. They also have a repeat of the Universal HD station on 207. It appears channels 200 to 209 are repeats of all NBC's network of channels - MSNBC, CNBC, USA etc. I'm assuming for easy access to all the Olympic Events.

UPDATE: It's 9:20 pm right now and Law and Order is in HD on Oceanic Ch 208 and it's also in HD OTA on DT-KHNL ch 35.

For Oahu customers, it seems 938 is still not working. I did check 208 and my HD-DVR does recognize it as an HD signal. Hopefully the Tonight Show will be on real HD.

If I had not checked this website I would have not known ch 208 was KHNL's HD signal. It would serve Oceanic right if they posted this info on ch 911. Does anyone know why HKHNL is not on 938???

UPDATE:
According to TJR Law and Order was on HD on 208 but it seems The Tonight Show is not in True HD format on the same channel. I guess we'lll have to wait til ch 938 goes live to watch The Tonight Show on HD.

Eric, thanks for that information. If you get a chance to talk with them again, please ask them if their plan is to show SD stretched like it is now or will it go back to 4:3 after they get things squared away. I abhor distorted pictures and find it (almost) unwatchable as it is.

UPDATE:
According to TJR Law and Order was on HD on 208 but it seems The Tonight Show is not in True HD format on the same channel. I guess we'lll have to wait til ch 938 goes live to watch The Tonight Show on HD.

You're right the Tonight show was not in HD, just Law and Order. But I did see some Tonight Show commercial clips on Universal HD of Jay Leno making fun of newspaper headlines and ads. The picture was amazing. I'm looking forward to seeing an entire show in HD.

Hopefully soon.

You're right the Tonight show was not in HD, just Law and Order. But I did see some Tonight Show commercial clips on Universal HD of Jay Leno making fun of newspaper headlines and ads. The picture was amazing. I'm looking forward to seeing an entire show in HD.

Didn't see the Leno clips but I did see the SNL one -- it was amzing! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaa this is just torture! I can't WAIT!!!!

Ah, SNL in HD...I hope it will happen here.

Yehey Will And Grace Is In True Hd On Ch 208

Anyone know when Oceanic will begin offering Cable Card2? I started reading about the Tivo Series 3 device, and I think that is the route I will ultimately be going....

I also wonder if Dish/directv will create cable-card outputs from a receiver so you can use tivo3's without their properitary dvr's, etc.

Thanks for all the help. I guess I'll be holding off on things until the Tivo S3 comes out, even with CC1, I think that will be my desired format unless anyone has any reason to suggest its a bad idea.

Thanks again,

- ardent

Anyone know when Oceanic will begin offering Cable Card2?


I think they are trying to get CableCard 1 to work properly first...

Eric

Thanks. It seems weird that the HD signal is being sent out on something that's not on the HD tier. What happens when a non HD digital cable box tries to tune into that station when they're broadcasting a HD signal?

Spleen

Yeck, Tonight Show and Conan were in stretched mode tonite on channel 208... weird that they haven't added it to 938 yet though...

Hopefully everything is squared awa later today... The opening ceremonies start today, taped delayed here of course. So let's cross our fingers that their recorders are working right... that and it's not SD stretched to widescreen :P

Oh yeah, and if you try to tune to an HD channel on a non-HD box, nothing shows up on screen. You might be able to hear the audio track though. If you have an HD box, but not connected to a HDTV monitor, then it just converts it to 480i.

Thanks. It seems weird that the HD signal is being sent out on something that's not on the HD tier. What happens when a non HD digital cable box tries to tune into that station when they're broadcasting a HD signal?

Spleen

It'll just be a blank screen!

We caught "The Office" on HKHNL Ch 208 last night in true HD, but about 80% through the show, they switched to SD stretch mode. That was painful, so we switched channels to the digital signal on 88.

Now, that's what I call "a tease." :rolleyes:

ER looked spectacular on both 938 and 208 last nite in HD. It was really "illuminating" to switch back and forth between 204 (non-HD) and 208 (HD) NBC.

Eric

Hoping everything is up perfect for the Olympic run.

Okay today is February 10th and still no channel 938 (HDKHNL) .

At first it was to premiere on Feb. 1st then they said wait until the 10th.

Posting this from Oahu as I understand HDKHNL is only available on the Big Island.

Going to turn into 938 at 6:30 PM and see if true HD is available.

I bet they'll only have it on 208.

Okay today is February 10th and still no channel 938 (HDKHNL) .

At first it was to premiere on Feb. 1st then they said wait until the 10th.

Posting this from Oahu as I understand HDKHNL is only available on the Big Island.

Going to turn into 938 at 6:30 PM and see if true HD is available.

I bet they'll only have it on 208.

Are you saying that you have a blank channel on 938?

Here in the Hilo system, all systems are go! We have 938 and 200-209 with Multiview on 200. Kewl.

Eric

Channel 938 does not even register on either of my boxes. Channel 208 is currently showing Olympic coverage in HD.

There IS a new channel, albeit a dark one, that I just noticed. CSPN2, channel 960. For a moment I thought it said ESPN2 and my heart skipped a beat.

Isn't ch 208 temporary (for the Olympics)? I hope they do get ch 398 up soon?

CSPN2... Bush lying in HD!!! Great:mad:

CSPN2... Bush lying in HD!!! Great:mad:
Please keep this thread apolitical. Thanks.

What's this about the Olympics being shown on 208? I have nothing there. I do have channel 200 coming in, but there are just 4 "windows" showing CNBC, MSNBC, NBC and USA channels, and I'm not able to select any of them. I love Oceanic....

ETA: Okay, I unplugged my box and after several weird reboots (and another unplug), I have 956 (HDUNI) and 208 (HKNL) now. Of course, without this forum I wouldn't have had a clue that I was missing anything. Thanks!

Anybody getting lots of drop outs? The picture is nice when it's on, but there are lots of points when things get choppy...

-Ken

My picture of the Olympics hasn't been choppy, but there have been a few times when the screen went black for a couple of seconds.

I notice the normal SD programming on 938 is no longer stretched as it once was, and now is just like 936 KITV. :)

Battlestar Galactica on Uni HD looks so good. :D

Battlestar Galactica on Uni HD looks so good. :D

I'll say! What a dramatic improvement.

Eric

Anybody getting lots of drop outs? The picture is nice when it's on, but there are lots of points when things get choppy...

-Ken
I got lots of drop outs from channel 208. I connect my 8300HD via HDMI, wonder if that had anything to do with it?

Only if you get dropouts on other channels. I've noticed some quirkiness myself. I think the KHNL crew is working out the bugs and glitches and things should improve over time

Jay Leno was on true HD on Monday... it certainly was one of the best HD pictures I've seen so far.


Why is HKHNL still on 938? I've got a feeling that once the Olympics is done and over with... so will HKHNL?!?

Jay Leno was on true HD on Monday... it certainly was one of the best HD pictures I've seen so far.


Why is HKHNL still on 938? I've got a feeling that once the Olympics is done and over with... so will HKHNL?!?


Are you in Honolulu? I stayed up just to see if it would be in HD-- since it wasn't where I'm at I went to sleep. I didn't have/check 938 though, just checked 208 which is what I'm watching the olympics in HD on. Since they apparently have some kind of HD video recorders I don't see why they would stop showing HD stuff after the olympics. I think they just working out the kinks since this is still new to them.

I'm just speculating here, but I'm wondering if the reason Oahu doesn't have 938 (although it is listed on the Oceanic home page channel lineup) and the neighbor islands do, is that it's a bandwith issue.

Do the neighbor islands have all the stations and interactive features that Oahu has: pizza ordering, music stations, interactived tv listing vs the scrolling automatic guides, channels 52-56 are all Oahu public access, interactive home shopping network, online Billing, news on demand, OC16 on demand, sports on demand, AOL music on demand,on demand movie channels (HBO, SHOW, CINMX), interactive bulletin boards, iAds, Job Postings, PETS, etc

I'm sure that after the Olympics is over and 200 to 209 channels go away, we'll see HD KHNL on 938.

Are you in Honolulu? I stayed up just to see if it would be in HD-- since it wasn't where I'm at I went to sleep. I didn't have/check 938 though, just checked 208 which is what I'm watching the olympics in HD on. Since they apparently have some kind of HD video recorders I don't see why they would stop showing HD stuff after the olympics. I think they just working out the kinks since this is still new to them.
It (Jay Leno) didn't start out in HD. Somwhere along the way they "flipped the switch". It was a fantastic picture. Such rich colors. I think last night was the first night. They didn't have the usual ending to the show as Jay pitched it back to the Olympic coverage.

I stayed up just to see if it would be in HD-- since it wasn't where I'm at I went to sleep. I didn't have/check 938 though, just checked 208 which is what I'm watching the olympics in HD on.

Just like ninja said... Jay didn't start off in HD! But when it did it was spectacular!!! BEST HD PICTURE I'VE SEEN!!!!

Just like ninja said... Jay didn't start off in HD! But when it did it was spectacular!!! BEST HD PICTURE I'VE SEEN!!!!


I think I need to check this out for myself, because for me the best HD picture I've ever seen is live sporting events on ESPNHD. :eek:
Not the lame ones with the gray bars on the side but rather true 1080i.

For some reason ESPN pre-recorded shows aren't very spectacular and every other HD channel (936-954) is most likely scaled down by Oceanic to save bandwidth. Thus resulting in an inferior picture.

For some reason ESPN pre-recorded shows aren't very spectacular and every other HD channel (936-954) is most likely scaled down by Oceanic to save bandwidth. Thus resulting in an inferior picture.
I have a suspicion that Oceanic might be using some sort of bit-starving technology on some of their HD channels, but it's only a suspicion. Channels between 936 and 954 do look soft compared to HBO-HD and SHO-HD. It's also evident when recording programs using CapDVHS. According to CapDVHS, bitrates of movies recorded off of HDNetMovies are much lower that those recorded off the premiums. I'm not entirely sure what stats I'm seeing with that program, however.

Good to see the Tonight Show in HD-- doesn't look as good as I was hoping though; it looks kind of grainy to me. Hopefully when Conan comes back on that'll be in HD too. For some reason that World News Report show on HDNET has one of the best pictures I've seen; was hoping the Tonight Show would be as good as that.





Just like ninja said... Jay didn't start off in HD! But when it did it was spectacular!!! BEST HD PICTURE I'VE SEEN!!!!

Again, anyone that knows me knows I cannot say enough bad stuff about NBC - but NBC has admitted after seeing Letterman's HD production that the equipment is showing its age for Leno.

What that means or what they do about it remains to be seen.

After this latest Olympics fiasco, hopefully they will either spend to get things done right or fire all their techs.

Although with a 25% drop in Revenue last year and another 10% coming this year, I doubt they are in a spending mood.

I have a suspicion that Oceanic might be using some sort of bit-starving technology on some of their HD channels, but it's only a suspicion. Channels between 936 and 954 do look soft compared to HBO-HD and SHO-HD. It's also evident when recording programs using CapDVHS. According to CapDVHS, bitrates of movies recorded off of HDNetMovies are much lower that those recorded off the premiums. I'm not entirely sure what stats I'm seeing with that program, however.

I finally found post #287 in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=3578726&&#post3578726), mentioning something like that. So, anyone know the details as they are right now? Would be interested to find out...

Tonight Show past couple nights looked great to me.

Nevermind

RobertCEO and Delar , I just picked up the SA 8300 HD box today with the firewire ports and it is now working. I was able to record to my DVHS shows as I was watching and shows that I taped. Glad this works since now I can save some money and return the 3250.

RobertCEO and Delar , I just picked up the SA 8300 HD box today with the firewire ports and it is now working. I was able to record to my DVHS shows as I was watching and shows that I taped. Glad this works since now I can save some money and return the 3250.


Hiloboy,

Since there are two tuners on the 8300HD, can you choose which one to record on the DVHS? How does that work?

Eric

Thanks. I'll give it another try with my DVHS tonight.

Hiloboy,

Since there are two tuners on the 8300HD, can you choose which one to record on the DVHS? How does that work?

Eric

Not exactly sure what you mean, but I was able to tape whatever I was watching at the time. For example, while I was trying to figure this thing out, "Saw" was on ShowtimeHD. I could tape that to the DVHS player while I was watching it. At the same time I was DVR'ing "Bikini Destinations" on HDNET. When I tried to play back Bikini Destinations, I could also record that.

My Mits HDTV died last night so I will be unable to properly test. Anyone able to duplicate Hiloboy's results?

Damn, I knew I shoulda reserved one of those new boxes. I never got around to it, didn't think it would be up and running this fast. I'll call them tonight and see if they have any available. Thanks for the info Hiloboy!

Since i've had time to experiment and actually record a full movie, I've found out that you can't make a perfect copy when taping something that has been saved to the machine. I recorded "Independence Day' to the DVR this morning, and when I came home from work transferred it to the DVHS player. When I played it back there would be occasional "glitches" in the picture. I don't know if this is what people call "dropouts" , but once in a while there would be these little squares messing up the picture, that wasn't in the dvr'd version. When I rewind the tape and play back the same part the glitches happen at the same place so I assume it's being recorded to the tape.

I can however make perfect copies when recording a program that's happening "live". It's kind of dissapointing though, since the whole point of getting this was to be able to tape stuff off the hard drive. I'm hoping this is just a software glitch that will be corrected in the future and not a compatibility issue with my DVHS player.

Just read this article in the advertiser. Do any of you guys know anything about this technology? I suppose it's good for us; more choice and competition for Oceanic.


Phone company will offer new TV service


By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer



Time Warner Oceanic Cable, the dominant television provider in Hawai'i, soon will face a major new competitor, which could result in lower prices for all viewers.

Hawaiian Telcom, the state's largest telephone provider, is preparing to launch a television service via high-speed phone lines as soon as August.

Hawaiian Telcom would not say yesterday what it will charge, but a similar service on the Mainland charges $35 a month for 180 channels. Oceanic's standard service with 77 channels costs $41.70 per month, and its digital service with 198 channels costs $52.70, according to the company's Web site.

The lines among providers of telephone, television and Internet services has blurred in recent years. Hawaiian Telcom was first to move into Oceanic's territory when it launched high-speed Internet service several years ago, competing with Oceanic's RoadRunner service. Oceanic answered back last year when it began offering telephone service.

The competition often leads to lower prices for consumers.

"If they (Hawaiian Telcom) were to offer local channels at a price that's the same or lower than the cable company, I'd be happy," said Stan Tomyl in Kailua, Kona, who subscribes to DirecTV satellite television but buys local channels from Oceanic Cable. "They (Oceanic) have an attitude, and their attitude is they know they're the only business in town."

An Oceanic employee in Ho-nolulu said yesterday no one was available to comment for this story.

Ann Nishida, Hawaiian Telcom spokeswoman, said the ability to deliver television programming over high-speed phone lines is "one of the hottest technologies in telecommunications today, and it has the potential to really shake up the video market."

"We're excited about bringing this innovation to Hawai'i," Nishida said.

Competition from telephone companies has helped push the cost of TV services down by 28 percent to 48 percent in markets where both are available, according to a study by the Phoenix Center for Advanced Legal & Economic Public Policy in Washington, D.C.

With it's entry into television, Hawaiian Telcom would be the first local company to offer Internet, television, telephone and wireless telephone services in Hawai'i. Companies such as Hawaiian Telcom and Oceanic seek to bundle several services as a means of building loyalty among customers.

Offering TV service could help Hawaiian Telcom win back customers from Oceanic while keeping others from migrating to the cable company. Already cable's grip on the multichannel video market has slipped because of competition from satellite providers, including Dish Network and DirecTV.

Cable's share fell from 71.6 percent last year to 69.4 percent this year, according to a Federal Communications Commission report issued this month.

Phone companies have long sought to offer TV services. But that was delayed by high costs and technical challenges. Now high-speed digital subscriber lines (DSL) have made TV over phone lines a reality.

Hawaiian Telcom's planned TV service will be available only to the company's DSL customers.

On the Mainland, Verizon Communications offers television service to DSL customers for $34.95 a month. That includes 180 channels, including local channels and 20 high-definition channels. That excludes a separate $39.95 a month fee for high-speed Internet access. Premium cable channels such as HBO and sports programming packages also cost extra.

The new technology that Hawaiian Telcom would use is known as Internet Protocol Television, or IPTV, and uses the Internet to send video to customers. Customers must have a special set-top box to receive the TV service. Such services are available to only a small number of Mainland homes. At the end of 2004, there were 1.6 million telcom TV subscribers nationwide, according to tech research firm In-Stat. That number is forecast to reach 32 million by the end of 2009.

Hawaiian Telcom's plan to launch IPTV was mentioned earlier this month in comments submitted to the Federal Communications Commission. Hawaiian Telcom and other phone companies were asking the federal government to make it easier for them to obtain state and local government permission needed to offer video over telephone lines.

"We believe consumers will find our entertainment offerings very attractive," Hawaiian Telcom's Nishida said yesterday. "Consumers benefit from more choices, and we're excited to be entering this market sooner than IPTV may have been introduced to our state under our previous owner."

Hawaiian Telcom was created when Verizon Communications sold Verizon Hawaii to The Carlyle Group last year for $1.7 billion.

This is great news! If Hawaiian Telcom offers all available local HD channels and the two Filipino Channels available (Oceanic doesn't carry GMA 7 "Pinoy TV)... I will certainly move to Hawaiian Telcom... my 150 dollar bill is simply too much!!!

From what I've read about IPTV, I remain highly skeptical about this. It would seem that the channels, including the HD ones, would have to be highly compressed due to the limited bandwidth, with resulting PQ degradation. I'd rather see them do what Verizon is doing on the mainland with fiber (FIOS). Then they could blow Oceanic out of the water on all fronts. Still, I withhold final judgement until I can see it with my own eyes. At the very least, it is another option for people, and that's a good thing.

I still wonder if Verizon would have built out FIOS here had they not sold the Hawaii franchise to Carlyle. What could have been.

Hi everyone. I'm new to the whole HDTV thing and I have a few questions. I will be getting a Westinghouse 32" LCD tv soon. If using Oceanic's digital cable with their DVR, is it possible to get HD programming? Is it a special extra "HD" service that I have to sign up for? I'm moving into a new house and the best package they offered was their Surf Pack which includes the DVR.

Also, anyone else have the Westinghouse LTV-32W1? How is it?

imiloa,

You need a "HD" specific DVR..the current one is the 8300HD.
You will also need to sign up for a HD package from Oceanic($7 extra a month).
I'm not sure, the Oceanic subs here may be able to answer, but I would think you would need to specify that you want the HD-DVR and HD package when they install(shouldn't cost any extra upfront).

Don't know much about the Westy LCD...you might want to go to the LCD/Plasma forum and check out other's opinions there.

Charles


As for HawTel's entry into TV service, I highly doubt that means Fiber-to-the-door like Verizon's FiOS service. More likely is that of Qwest ChoiceTV that is available in Phoenix and Denver http://www.qwest.com/residential/products/tv/index.html which offers virtually the same programming as the old Americast/CraigTV..just a different means of delivery and probably little chance of HD.
We'll see.
As for Verizon in Hawaii, they sold it in part to finance the FiOS project on the Mainland. It was an unconnected piece of the network that could easily be sold off to raise capitol.

From what I've read about IPTV, I remain highly skeptical about this. It would seem that the channels, including the HD ones, would have to be highly compressed due to the limited bandwidth, with resulting PQ degradation. I'd rather see them do what Verizon is doing on the mainland with fiber (FIOS). Then they could blow Oceanic out of the water on all fronts. Still, I withhold final judgement until I can see it with my own eyes. At the very least, it is another option for people, and that's a good thing.

I still wonder if Verizon would have built out FIOS here had they not sold the Hawaii franchise to Carlyle. What could have been.

I agree, delar. I know a little about IPTV since my company builds test equipment to test IPTV devices. Basically, the video is switched data streams, which means the STB "asks" a server to feed it the video for the particular channel the viewer wants. This presents problems when you start to talk about multiple TVs in a house, DVRs with multiple tuners, HD, etc. You can see where this quickly runs up against the bandwidth limits of DSL.

Incidentally, they will probably go to some type of high speed DSL to help with the BW issues. But with even an MPEG 4 HD stream taking "only" 10Mbs, you won't be feeding many of those to a home simultaneously.

-Ken

From what I've read about IPTV, I remain highly skeptical about this. It would seem that the channels, including the HD ones, would have to be highly compressed due to the limited bandwidth, with resulting PQ degradation. I'd rather see them do what Verizon is doing on the mainland with fiber (FIOS). Then they could blow Oceanic out of the water on all fronts. Still, I withhold final judgement until I can see it with my own eyes. At the very least, it is another option for people, and that's a good thing.

I still wonder if Verizon would have built out FIOS here had they not sold the Hawaii franchise to Carlyle. What could have been.

Bummers -- I was reading that thread on these forums about Verizon FIOS and I just assumed this was the same thing. I tried looking for IPTV but couldn't find much info on that. Hopefully if anything this will cause Oceanic to lower prices a little.

Aloha From Iraq

Help: Probably someone asked this before. I live on the Big Island Kalapana Black Sand Beach Kaimu area when I am not working in Iraq. I have tried via the internet to get the Satellite TV folks either Direct TV or Dish Network to give me information on whether HDTV is available via satellite in Hawaii.

My location is such that I have to use Starband satellite for my internet.

Satellite is my only option.

Can anyone tell me if HDTV is provide via any of the satellite TV providers to the islands?

Mahalo

Bummers -- I was reading that thread on these forums about Verizon FIOS and I just assumed this was the same thing. I tried looking for IPTV but couldn't find much info on that. Hopefully if anything this will cause Oceanic to lower prices a little.


Here is start :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPTV

Bob,

Both Dish and Directv offer HD programming in Hawaii. With both services it requires the use of 3 dishes. Directv 2 90cm and 1 1.2m dishes. Dish a 90cm, 76cm and 54cm dish. There is an issue with Dish in Hawaii, the 129 satellite that the Voom and Mpeg4 programming is on has isses with the AK/HI spot beam. Dish is working on the problem but will not authorize new equipment in Hawaii(Vip211 and 622) until the issue is resolved.

Charles.

I still wonder if Verizon would have built out FIOS here had they not sold the Hawaii franchise to Carlyle. What could have been.


Nah. After all, they sold Verizon Hawaii because the rates that they could charge here are too low. (And it's part of their GTE acquisition). Oceanic already has a VERY large market penetration. Fiber to the Home is extremely expensive to implement. Honolulu does have substantial areas with high population density, which is important, but the cost of pulling the fiber here is on the very high side compared to the markets in which FIOS is being implemented.

Eric

Aloha From Iraq

Help: Probably someone asked this before. I live on the Big Island Kalapana Black Sand Beach Kaimu area when I am not working in Iraq. I have tried via the internet to get the Satellite TV folks either Direct TV or Dish Network to give me information on whether HDTV is available via satellite in Hawaii.

My location is such that I have to use Starband satellite for my internet.

Satellite is my only option.

Can anyone tell me if HDTV is provide via any of the satellite TV providers to the islands?

Mahalo


I know that at least parts of Kalapana have DSL now. Friends in Seaview got it a couple of months ago.

Eric

Bob,

Both Dish and Directv offer HD programming in Hawaii. With both services it requires the use of 3 dishes. Directv 2 90cm and 1 1.2m dishes. Dish a 90cm, 76cm and 54cm dish. There is an issue with Dish in Hawaii, the 129 satellite that the Voom and Mpeg4 programming is on has isses with the AK/HI spot beam. Dish is working on the problem but will not authorize new equipment in Hawaii(Vip211 and 622) until the issue is resolved.

Charles.

I have clients here on the Big Island with DISH HD and they only have two dishes. They love it on the big Fujitsu plasma we installed there.

Eric

Here is start :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPTV

Thanks for the link! Great site; I heard about it but never used/seen it before.

Aloha: Mahalo on all the satellite information. I am located at the Kalapana Shores area only about 7 homes in the area up against the edge of the 1990 lava flow just past the 130 and 137 junction. I am about a year into my satellite internet and use VoIP with it so DSL probably will not give me any cost advantage but thanks for the information.

Mahalo

Bob

I have clients here on the Big Island with DISH HD and they only have two dishes. They love it on the big Fujitsu plasma we installed there.

Eric

My bad...should have clarified. As of Feb. 1st, Dish will no longer activate for new customers the old HD package at 110 only(2 dish setup). All new HD services are the "Dish HD" bundles, on the mainland either using the "Dish 1000" 3 LNB dish or a "Dish 500" and an additional dish at either 129 or 61.5, which in Hawaii would require 3 dishes(110, 119 and 129).
So, in a round about way, Dish isn't offering the HD package in Hawaii until the issue with the AK/HI beam at 129 is resolved.

:o Sorry for so many questions in a row, but...

I still have analog Oceanic and I'm currently paying $43.18 a month. No cable box. I guess that digital cable is "only" $11 more a month, but I imagine that I would need either a cable box or cable card correct? Is there a way to avoid having to pay cable box/card fee similar to plugging straight into an analog line into a cable ready tv? Does the Oceanic dvr replace the cable box cost ($9.95 vs. $7.20) or is the $9.95 in addition to the cost of the cable box? Do you think that their Digital Encore is worth it? I have a Series 2 Tivo with an upgraded drive, will it still do the job with digital?

As you can tell, I'm thinking about making the leap this year with a new tv and all. I'm glad that I found this thread. Thanks!

-- Rob in Pearl City

:o Sorry for so many questions in a row, but...

I still have analog Oceanic and I'm currently paying $43.18 a month. No cable box. I guess that digital cable is "only" $11 more a month, but I imagine that I would need either a cable box or cable card correct? Is there a way to avoid having to pay cable box/card fee similar to plugging straight into an analog line into a cable ready tv? Does the Oceanic dvr replace the cable box cost ($9.95 vs. $7.20) or is the $9.95 in addition to the cost of the cable box? Do you think that their Digital Encore is worth it? I have a Series 2 Tivo with an upgraded drive, will it still do the job with digital?


To get digital cable you need to rent the cable card or set top box from Oceanic.
Simply sticking an analog line into a cable ready tv won't cut it. The way Oceanic
has it setup is each box is assigned an IP address. Thus they can activate/deactivate channels over the phone, do VoD, do all those interactive TV stuff. In short the Set top box is like a mini 60Mhz computer decoding the digital channels. As it stands right now the cable card (or the decoder card) is not
two way compatible. Thus the VoD won't work or the interactive stuff.Plus
I heard there is a lot of compatibility issues with TV's

As far as the DVR, what was told to me was the 9.95 per month cost does NOT
include the rental fee for the set top box. Yes they are the same unit, but they
charge 9.95 on top of 7.20 .

Digital Encore is worth it, their Sports Pak is worth it, along with HBO and
Cinemax bundles. But Starz is totally useless,lousy movies play on there.
Hence I switch to Cinemax.

OK, asked this in the TV thread, but got no responses. Maybe it is an Oceanic problem? Here is the problem:

My in-laws have a Vizio L37 LCD TV hooked up to a Oceanic 3100HD (non-DVR) cable box through component cable. At random times, sometimes weeks apart, on different channels (so far, on regular SD channels), the picture will turn blank (as if the TV was turned off), but the sound is not affected. If you turn off the TV then turn it back on, it will work again. If you turn the cable box off and then on, it switches to channel 001, and then the TV works again. The strange part is that the same problem occured with the same model TV and their older Oceanic digital cable box (hooked up via S-video) - we returned both the TV and the cable box.

Would switching to HDMI fix this? I would hate to return the TV again.

Any thoughts?

:o Sorry for so many questions in a row, but...


As you can tell, I'm thinking about making the leap this year with a new tv and all. I'm glad that I found this thread. Thanks!

-- Rob in Pearl City

If you already have Road Runner. Consider the Surf Pack. For 91.95... it Includes Standard, Digital Cable Service, Box, DVR and Road Runner Internet service. That's a saving of $19.75 if purchased separately.

Do you guys think it's worth it to get the HD package from Oceanic? I just bought an HD ready LCD tv so I want to check out the HD quality.

Do you guys think it's worth it to get the HD package from Oceanic? I just bought an HD ready LCD tv so I want to check out the HD quality.

Well worth it.

OK, asked this in the TV thread, but got no responses. Maybe it is an Oceanic problem? Here is the problem:

My in-laws have a Vizio L37 LCD TV hooked up to a Oceanic 3100HD (non-DVR) cable box through component cable. At random times, sometimes weeks apart, on different channels (so far, on regular SD channels), the picture will turn blank (as if the TV was turned off), but the sound is not affected. If you turn off the TV then turn it back on, it will work again. If you turn the cable box off and then on, it switches to channel 001, and then the TV works again. The strange part is that the same problem occured with the same model TV and their older Oceanic digital cable box (hooked up via S-video) - we returned both the TV and the cable box.

Would switching to HDMI fix this? I would hate to return the TV again.

Any thoughts?


Tigershark - I saw your post on the Vizio thread but really had nothing to add. Possibly a loss of visual sync? I don't know - I've never seen this before on my Vizio and using our 3250HD box. I would suggest that you return it and try again but you've already tried that :(

I suspect switching to HDMI won't help the issue but you could certainly give it a shot. Mine is hooked up through component.

imiloa - I agree with Gai - well worth it.

Spleen

Do you guys think it's worth it to get the HD package from Oceanic? I just bought an HD ready LCD tv so I want to check out the HD quality.

Yes it's worth it! Oceanic just added HKHNL!!!

If you already have Road Runner. Consider the Surf Pack. For 91.95... it Includes Standard, Digital Cable Service, Box, DVR and Road Runner Internet service. That's a saving of $19.75 if purchased separately.

How do you get the Surf Pack, it's not advertised on their website?

How do you get the Surf Pack, it's not advertised on their website?

When you call to order the service just ask the reps-- they know about it. I just told my friend who just signed up for cable last week and he was able to get it for around $97/mo. total, including the taxes. They don't advertise it. He has to wait until march 10 to get his cable hook up though.

When you call to order the service just ask the reps-- they know about it. I just told my friend who just signed up for cable last week and he was able to get it for around $97/mo. total, including the taxes. They don't advertise it. He has to wait until march 10 to get his cable hook up though.

Thanks.

I can confirm that the firewire port on the 8300HD is working. I've connected it to my Mits HDTV via firewire and am watching HBO over the connection. I have not tried to record to my DVHS yet, but I suspect it will work as Hiloboy described. However, because the firewire connection on the 8300HD is not as functional as the one on my 3250HD, I will have to keep the latter for now.

Tigershark - I saw your post on the Vizio thread but really had nothing to add. Possibly a loss of visual sync? I don't know - I've never seen this before on my Vizio and using our 3250HD box. I would suggest that you return it and try again but you've already tried that :(

I suspect switching to HDMI won't help the issue but you could certainly give it a shot. Mine is hooked up through component.

Spleen


I just confirmed that my in-laws' 3100HD box does not have a HDMI out, so I guess that option is out. My only other video output option is S-video, but that PQ is worse than component, right?

Anyone else have had the picture (but not the sound) go out at random times?

They could exchange the box for a 3250HD ...

Spleen

They could exchange the box for a 3250HD ...

Spleen

Is it an even exchange? They don't need (or want) the DVR (yet), so if the 3250HD adds the HDMI output, I will recommend it to them. Is the 3250HD newer than the 3100HD? I just signed up for Oceanic HD and they gave me a 8300HD (DVR) and 3100HD (non-DVR). Maybe I should get the 3250HD as well ...

The 3250HD is newer than the 3100HD. I have both at my place (including a 8100HD DVR) and I really think the 3250HD is superior to the 3100HD (better responsiveness to remote and I think better options but I'm not entirely sure about that). Check with Oceanic.

Spleen

OTA I saw WB channel 23 was in HD from 8 to 9pm. Is this old news that WB is starting to broadcast in HD over the air or are they just starting?

It was some show called Related. I don't know anything about it but Jennifer Esposito was in it. Checking the rest of the weeks primetime lineup there are UH baseball tournament games on Tues, Wed, & Fri and UH basketball on Thurs. So that means the WB primetime programming that might be in HD is pushed to Saturday. I'll have to remind myself to turn on the HD OTA tuner and see if Supernatural, Smallville or Gilmore Girls is in HD this weekend.

I noticed the local commercials were still streched SD while the mainland commercials were 4:3 with the black pillar boxes. After the show, the 9pm news and everything after that reverted back to being streched SD programming.

Not exactly sure what you mean, but I was able to tape whatever I was watching at the time. For example, while I was trying to figure this thing out, "Saw" was on ShowtimeHD. I could tape that to the DVHS player while I was watching it. At the same time I was DVR'ing "Bikini Destinations" on HDNET. When I tried to play back Bikini Destinations, I could also record that.

HiloBoy,

When I record an HD program on my DVHS and 3250HD, I just use the cable guide to select a program to record. Using the built-in VCR Commander (IR blaster) on the cable box, it turns on the DVHS machine and starts it recording at the proper time...turns it off when the program is done.

How do you do this with your 8300HD and DVHS? It sounds like you are only recording something while watching it. That doesn't suit my needs.

I haven't tried it in the past couple of weeks, but my 8300HD and JVC DVHS recorder did not work via firewire. It didn't even register on the VCR.

Eric

OTA I saw WB channel 23 was in HD from 8 to 9pm. Is this old news that WB is starting to broadcast in HD over the air or are they just starting?




Sounds new to me. I guess it will be on Oceanic soon...same owners as KHNL.

Eric

Great to hear another station is going HD!!!

WB and UPN are going to merge to form a new network called CW. How will this affect KFVE?

Jay Leno wasn't in HD last night! :( :( :(

Great to hear another station is going HD!!!

WB and UPN are going to merge to form a new network called CW. How will this affect KFVE?

Jay Leno wasn't in HD last night! :( :( :(

If KFVE can come to terms with CW, I assume they will be an affiliate. I'm sure it won't be KIKU. But, who knows?

Eric

Jay Leno wasn't in HD last night! :( :( :(

At least Medium was. It was the only HD show last night on NBC.

Great to hear another station is going HD!!!

WB and UPN are going to merge to form a new network called CW. How will this affect KFVE?

Jay Leno wasn't in HD last night! :( :( :(
Do KHNL and KFVE operate out of the same building? They could be using the same HD server for both.

My guess is that KFVE will inherit CW... but there's two question marks. Will the FCC object to it, since KFVE and KHNL share the same owner and CW will likely be a stronger network? Will KFVE be able to do UH primetime sports and delay so much CW programming into the weekend?

No Leno or Conan in HD. I wonder if somebody has to be there to "flip the HD switch" on these or maybe they're not being recorded in HD? There's also a little bit of interference or whatever you call it on a thin strip atop of the SD picture... sort of looks like a blank tape playing. I'll e-mail KHNL when I have time.

HKHNL not on Oceanic....


HKHNL is no longer on Ch. 208. It's not on Ch. 938 either!

Eric,

I used the same setup, only with a mitsubishi DVHS deck. I haven't had time to experiment more with the 8300HD, but I guess the only way I can make a timer recording would be leave the 8300HD on , already tuned to the channel I want to record, and set the timer on the VCR. I noticed there is a "IR" port in the back of the 8300HD, but I couldn't find anywhere in the settings menu to program it. I will experiment more this weekend to figure out if there is an easier way to make a timer recording. I noticed there is a "remind" function on the dvr; maybe that would automatically change the channel so all I have to do is leave the dvr on and set the vcr? Even it is more of a hassle to record this way, I think it would be worth saving the $15 or so a month I'm paying for the 3250HD.

One odd thing about the recording part. When I first got the 8300HD, I just swapped places with the 3250HD, and kept all the connections the same. The VCR did not recognize any signal coming from the 8300HD and would give me an error message when I hit record. I was ready to just give up thinking the firewire ports still aren't working, but for some reason decided to toggle through the inputs on the vcr. I always have it set on D1 , which was the firewire cable box. D2 was when recording OTA from KGMB (via firewire tv out). I didn't realize there was a D3 option. But I tried recording with it set on D3 and it works on that. Very strange since I didn't change any of the wires and just basically swapped out the boxes. I thought for a while maybe I was somehow just taping the output firewire signal from my tv, so I tried making a firewire recording without the tv firewire ports active and it still worked so I know I was taping directly from the 8300 HD.

Are you guys still getting KHNL-HD in Hilo? I see here in Honolulu they already took off channel 208 and didn't replace it with 238 yet. :(




HiloBoy,

When I record an HD program on my DVHS and 3250HD, I just use the cable guide to select a program to record. Using the built-in VCR Commander (IR blaster) on the cable box, it turns on the DVHS machine and starts it recording at the proper time...turns it off when the program is done.

How do you do this with your 8300HD and DVHS? It sounds like you are only recording something while watching it. That doesn't suit my needs.

I haven't tried it in the past couple of weeks, but my 8300HD and JVC DVHS recorder did not work via firewire. It didn't even register on the VCR.

Eric

Is it an even exchange? They don't need (or want) the DVR (yet), so if the 3250HD adds the HDMI output, I will recommend it to them.

I just got a new 3250HD because I thought the old one was acting up (it turned out to be my cable connection). In any case, the new 3250HD I received does have an active HDMI output (but my old one didn't).

HKHNL not on Oceanic....


HKHNL is no longer on Ch. 208. It's not on Ch. 938 either!

I'm sure at some point ch 938 will be up and running. KHNL is still showing HD content OTA. Tuesday night on ch 35 KHNL-DT: both episodes of Scrubs were in SD, Law and Order was in HD and the first 10 minutes the Tonight Show was SD then they switched to HD.

HKHNL should be authorized for Oahu on Wednesday (Ch. 938), as well as NBC Weather Plus on Ch. 115. For you OTA guys that can get KHNL-DT, Weather Plus should also become active on 13.2.
YMMV :)

KFVE-DT is a work in progress, once the digital switchover is complete 5.1 will be WB(CW?)and 5.2 will be Raycom's "The Tube" video music channel.

I'm sure at some point ch 938 will be up and running. KHNL is still showing HD content OTA. Tuesday night on ch 35 KHNL-DT: both episodes of Scrubs were in SD, Law and Order was in HD and the first 10 minutes the Tonight Show was SD then they switched to HD.

This is great news.... I was getting a bit worried!

I think Scrubs is not filmed in HD!

I just got a new 3250HD because I thought the old one was acting up (it turned out to be my cable connection). In any case, the new 3250HD I received does have an active HDMI output (but my old one didn't).

THERE'S A 3250HD THAT HAS AN HDMI OUTPUT?!? Mines doesn't! I think I'll call OTW and get one!

HKHNL should be authorized for Oahu on Wednesday (Ch. 938), as well as NBC Weather Plus on Ch. 115. For you OTA guys that can get KHNL-DT, Weather Plus should also become active on 13.2.
YMMV :)

KFVE-DT is a work in progress, once the digital switchover is complete 5.1 will be WB(CW?)and 5.2 will be Raycom's "The Tube" video music channel.
I had hoped that Hawaii might be spared the new wave of (imo useless) multicasted subchannels on OTA HD stations on the mainland.

Why in the world would Oceanic tell me this:

"KHNL only installed the HD equipment temporarily for the Olympics. They
are no longer sending us an HD signal."

when I emailed them about KHNL HD not being up on ch 938?

redsandvb, I still have HKHNL on 938. Somebody at Oceanic may be guessing or making assumptions or they don't have a clue. KHNL stated before the Olympics that they'll keep showing HD programming.

I have a suspicion that Oceanic might be using some sort of bit-starving technology on some of their HD channels, but it's only a suspicion. Channels between 936 and 954 do look soft compared to HBO-HD and SHO-HD. It's also evident when recording programs using CapDVHS. According to CapDVHS, bitrates of movies recorded off of HDNetMovies are much lower that those recorded off the premiums. I'm not entirely sure what stats I'm seeing with that program, however.

On Saturday I watched Forrest Gump on ABC/KITV in HD. Gorgeous picture.
On Sunday I watched Big Night from HDNetMovies. The picture was not quite macroblocking, but pixelating if you looked close, and edges were often blurry. Looks like another HD-related e-mail needs to go out... this time to Oceanic.

Forrest Gump was letterboxed and 720p, which means it took less bandwidth to make a good picture, while Big Night was full widescreen and 1080i, so Oceanic might be bit-starving it. Could TWC somehow not be getting a full-quality feed from HDNet?

While we're on the subject of bit-starving, will we see the degradation of picture quality on KHNL-DT's on Oceanic due to Weather Plus multicasting?

Also, does anyone have news on KHET's progress getting their digital station on the air?

Why in the world would Oceanic tell me this:

"KHNL only installed the HD equipment temporarily for the Olympics. They
are no longer sending us an HD signal."

when I emailed them about KHNL HD not being up on ch 938?

I called Oceanic and I was told this too!

KHNL Community Services Director's number.... 808-847-3246

KHNL-HD available on the Big Island but not Oahu? Something is definately screwy here. Maybe Eric can shed some light on this.

On Sunday I watched Big Night from HDNetMovies. The picture was not quite macroblocking, but pixelating if you looked close, and edges were often blurry. Looks like another HD-related e-mail needs to go out... this time to Oceanic.
Oceanic is 'rate shaping' HDNetMovies and some other HD channels. That's why you see that pixelation-like effect. They do this because of bandwidth issues, and it's here to stay (at least until they dump analog). Pray they don't also start reducing the resolution of these channels to squeeze even more out of them. KITV-HD, HBO-HD and SHO-HD are still being sent at full resolution and bitrate.

I think KHNL is trying to get money from Oceanic to allow them to broadcast HD programing.

Why did Oceanic put all the info out there about the new channel if it was only going to be for the Olympics? Something definitely changed.

Caught a few mins of the Tonight Show this evening on 938...was in SD. :(

Question:

Should Oceanic pay stations for something you get free through an HD antenna?

Caught a few mins of the Tonight Show this evening on 938...was in SD. :(

The good thing is two episodes of Law and Order were both HD. I think they are just forgetting to turn the HD on. The Tonight Show for about 10 minutes was SD on Tuesday before they switched over.

Ugh....wth is going on now? Tuned into Conan tonight and it was stretched SD.

KHNL-HD available on the Big Island but not Oahu? Something is definately screwy here. Maybe Eric can shed some light on this.
I have had KHNL-HD 938 uninterrupted on the Big Island. Does Oahu have it back?

By the way, from what I've seen and what's been reported here, the following NBC shows were on KHNL in HD this past week:
Medium
Law & Order (2)
My Name Is Earl
The Office
ER
Leno (partially)
I'm not sure about Friday's HD shows Las Vegas and Conviction.

Shows that are filmed in HD, but KHNL has been airing in SD:
Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno (most days aired in SD)
Late Night w/ Conan

Looks like they're having a little trouble with late night HD. Their late-night HD "baptism of fire" is SNL this Saturday at 10:35 PM. Natalie Portman hosts.

Oceanic is 'rate shaping' HDNetMovies and some other HD channels. That's why you see that pixelation-like effect. They do this because of bandwidth issues, and it's here to stay (at least until they dump analog). Pray they don't also start reducing the resolution of these channels to squeeze even more out of them. KITV-HD, HBO-HD and SHO-HD are still being sent at full resolution and bitrate.
So, Oceanic has bandwidth issues? May I be skeptic, please? If they have bandwidth issues, what's with the VOD services? They lower the bitrate on HDNet and HDNetMovies, the latter being my favorite HD-exclusive channel so far, while Discovery and the inHDs can look damn good... :mad: And what are they going to do when we get KHET, KHON, KFVE, and KGMB showing HD in primetime? It's going to happen some day! We may be getting a couple of those this year, in fact. Then what? Crappy HD picture for all who pay $7/month extra?

Yeah, HKHNL never went away here in the Hilo system. They really have to do something about that unwatchable stretched SD, though.

KHNL engineering told me that the HD would be from the Olympics forward...not just FOR the Olympics.

And yes, Oceanic has bandwidth issues. They are working on some solutions...some less palatable than others. Some are even suggesting <gasp> down-rezzing HD where their contracts with the program suppliers permit it.

Eric

KHNL engineering told me that the HD would be from the Olympics forward...not just FOR the Olympics.


Eric

Oceanic Customer Service Representatives have repeatedly told me that its was only for the Olympics! But again they've wrong before. Anyway HKHNL is not on 938 for Oahu customers!

Hello fellow TWC customers, the following is info gathered from emails to TWC Executive Fred Dressler. These are his quotes.

Future HD channel update

ESPN2-HD - hopeful to have espn2hd in time for baseball.
STARZ-HD - End of the year at the earliest
CINEMAX-HD – is almost done
TMC-HD - is done
Wealth TV-HD - are not in the works
Outdoor Channel 2-HD – are not in the works
MHD (MTV) - will take many months to conclude.
National Geographic-HD - No Word
Food Network-HD - Scripps has not yet made us a proposal.
HGTV-HD - Scripps has not yet made us a proposal.

Hello fellow TWC customers, the following is info gathered from emails to TWC Executive Fred Dressler. These are his quotes.

Future HD channel update

ESPN2-HD - hopeful to have espn2hd in time for baseball.
STARZ-HD - End of the year at the earliest
CINEMAX-HD – is almost done
TMC-HD - is done
Wealth TV-HD - are not in the works
Outdoor Channel 2-HD – are not in the works
MHD (MTV) - will take many months to conclude.
National Geographic-HD - No Word
Food Network-HD - Scripps has not yet made us a proposal.
HGTV-HD - Scripps has not yet made us a proposal.

I'll take Fox and CBS over that list. :D

Yeah, HKHNL never went away here in the Hilo system. They really have to do something about that unwatchable stretched SD, though.

KHNL engineering told me that the HD would be from the Olympics forward...not just FOR the Olympics.

And yes, Oceanic has bandwidth issues. They are working on some solutions...some less palatable than others. Some are even suggesting <gasp> down-rezzing HD where their contracts with the program suppliers permit it.

Eric

KHNL - if we want the SD stretched, we can do it ourselves...

About Oceanic's bandwidth issues, I'd really like to see them poring over their contracts to figure out what channels they can dump from analog... Discovery Health, Game Show, shop NBC, Inspiration, anyone? I guess if they start downrezzing HD, then premium channels and 720p feeds like KITV and ESPN/2HD, are the only ones that won't suffer... that's sad.

Did anyone watch JFK today on HDMovies? Picture looked horrible. Picture was getting blocky even during slow or no moving scenes. I remember watching part of this before last time it was on a few months ago and it wasn't this bad. I guess it may be true about Oceanic and their bandwith problems. I remember reading something elsewhere on these forums that Mark Cuban insists that cable companies that carry his stations cannot do things like this but maybe that was just speculation.

Did anyone watch JFK today on HDMovies? Picture looked horrible. Picture was getting blocky even during slow or no moving scenes. I remember watching part of this before last time it was on a few months ago and it wasn't this bad. I guess it may be true about Oceanic and their bandwith problems. I remember reading something elsewhere on these forums that Mark Cuban insists that cable companies that carry his stations cannot do things like this but maybe that was just speculation.
What's frustrating is that when I watch a movie like JFK on this channel and it looks rather poor to me, suffering from the problems described by you and others, I check out the programming forum and see people elsewhere commenting at how stunning it looks. Grrrr.

Hello fellow TWC customers, the following is info gathered from emails to TWC Executive Fred Dressler. These are his quotes.

Future HD channel update

ESPN2-HD - hopeful to have espn2hd in time for baseball.
STARZ-HD - End of the year at the earliest
CINEMAX-HD – is almost done
TMC-HD - is done
Wealth TV-HD - are not in the works
Outdoor Channel 2-HD – are not in the works
MHD (MTV) - will take many months to conclude.
National Geographic-HD - No Word
Food Network-HD - Scripps has not yet made us a proposal.
HGTV-HD - Scripps has not yet made us a proposal.
Cinemax is owned by Time Warner, so what's there to be done with? ESPN2-HD would be very nice to have for baseball. TMC is the worst premium movie channel imo. Starz-HD would be nice to have....lots of first run movies. Most of the others would be nice additions to the HD tier, so long as their addition doesn't cause heavier bit starving of existing channels.

Start dumping analog stations. It's time. Or better yet, raise analog cable prices to higher than digital...they are taking up all the bandwidth. :D

Ugh...dunno about the first hour but the last 30 mins of Saturday Night Live on HKHNL 938 is stretched SD

FYI - I inquired about the HKHNL timeline for Oahu as well with the CSR dept and got this reply yesterday:

From: csrsupport@twchawaii.net
Subject: Re: Help Desk
Date: March 4, 2006 10:54:38 PM HST
Reply-To: csrsupport@twchawaii.net

Aloha,

Thank you for your recent inquiry. We were unable to successfully
negotiate a contract with KHNL for carriage of the channel after the
Olympics. The neighbor islands should not be receiving the channel
either. It is an error that will be corrected as soon as
possible.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to e-mail us again
or contact our Customer Care Department at the appropriate number below.
When replying to this e-mail, please include this message as well as all
previous correspondence regarding this issue.

Cable TV or Internet:
Billing: 643-2100
Sales: 643-2337
Repair: 643-2300

Digital Phones:
Billing: 643-3333
Sales: 643-3663
Repair: 611 from your digital phone or 643-6611

Thank you,
Nick S.
Oceanic Time Warner Cable

I don't know how accurate it is but it is consistent with what most people have been told.

The neighbor islands should not be receiving the channel
either. It is an error that will be corrected as soon as
possible..

Should have known that if they did something nice for us out here that it would be a mistake and need to be f**king corrected >:-<

I believe you but it makes so little sense. Someone has been making choices of which programs come on in HD or SD and changing aspect ratio for most but not all commercials. How could they not know that it was happening?

We were unable to successfully negotiate a contract with KHNL for carriage of the channel after the Olympics. The neighbor islands should not be receiving the channel either. It is an error that will be corrected as soon as possible.
What a joke!!! :eek:

Does anyone know if KHNL is broadcasting OTA HD? I tried tuning it in but can't get any kind of signal. Are they still on 35.1? According to Antennaweb.org i'm only 1.6 miles from the antenna but I can't catch anything.

Well, I'm in Kapolei and I can see them OTA. Even though I'm just 4 miles below their ridge antenna, reception was difficult --- until I constructed a 10-element high gain yagi, and stuck it on the porch of my condo. From the FCC filing, KHNL's antenna is directed primarily into downtown Honolulu (110 degrees, I think). My antenna is also good for KGMB-HD as well.
I made a separate, special yagi antenna just for KITV --- which was all but inaccessible, until I found the right "spot".

Since my principle goal was to record (on Hard Disk) on a specially-prepared PC, I use a Fusion5 HDTV card. Earlier attempts to dig out valid QAM from TWC was met with all the above frustration. Seems, even if you pay -- for Digitial---there's no guarantees of continual channel coverage. So I focussed on OTA reception techniques. It's been fun, actually to get back into antenna design --- I was an engineer in a past life!

Interesting about KHNL and Oceanic...from what I heard NBC Weather Plus was part of the the package. Guess it wasn't. :(

SuperBob, is KHNL-DT multicasting Weather Plus(13.2)?

I guess I have 5 months to figure out how to get KHNL-DT.

So are they still on 35.1 and broadcasting in HD?

Well, I'm in Kapolei and I can see them OTA. Even though I'm just 4 miles below their ridge antenna, reception was difficult --- until I constructed a 10-element high gain yagi, and stuck it on the porch of my condo. From the FCC filing, KHNL's antenna is directed primarily into downtown Honolulu (110 degrees, I think). My antenna is also good for KGMB-HD as well.
I made a separate, special yagi antenna just for KITV --- which was all but inaccessible, until I found the right "spot".

Since my principle goal was to record (on Hard Disk) on a specially-prepared PC, I use a Fusion5 HDTV card. Earlier attempts to dig out valid QAM from TWC was met with all the above frustration. Seems, even if you pay -- for Digitial---there's no guarantees of continual channel coverage. So I focussed on OTA reception techniques. It's been fun, actually to get back into antenna design --- I was an engineer in a past life!

KHNL is holding all the cards. They would sustain no viewership loss if their HD signal is not carried by Oceanic. With the addition of Sunday Night Football, their HD product has more value. With their 'HD one day, gone the next' Olympic tease, they've succeeded in getting local HD enthusiasts like us to call and complain to Oceanic. And besides, if KGMB and KHON are withholding their HD signal until Oceanic pays for it, why should they be any different.

If Oceanic continues to hold its ground (and I can't blame them for doing so), we might not see them on cable for a long time.

Isn't there a US gov. mandate for HD and digital? We're a backwater, but still, last time I looked we were part of the US.

So are they still on 35.1 and broadcasting in HD?

Yes they are still broadcasting in HD over the air on ch 35. Tonight (Sunday) Crossing Jordan and Law & Order: Criminal Intent were both in HD.

But it's been inconsistent. On Friday Las Vegas, which is an HD show was NOT broadcast in HD. Conviction which is a new series that followed Las Vegas WAS in HD. And that same night Leno and Conan, both HD shows, were not shown in HD. Saturday Night Live was also not in HD. Go figure.

Thanks, I may try and get a better antenna and see if I can catch anything. I'm right in Makiki so maybe their signal is being blocked by condos or something.

On another note, I noticed it looks like KITV did something to their OTA signal to make it better. I can get a strong, clean signal now without any breakups. It was unwatchable before since every few seconds I would lose signal and the screen would go blank. My friends were over the other night watching LOST and it came in perfect through the whole show. I would usually just watch it on 936 but I wanted to show them what OTA HD was.

Yes they are still broadcasting in HD over the air on ch 35. Tonight (Sunday) Crossing Jordan and Law & Order: Criminal Intent were both in HD.

But it's been inconsistent. On Friday Las Vegas, which is an HD show was NOT broadcast in HD. Conviction which is a new series that followed Las Vegas WAS in HD. And that same night Leno and Conan, both HD shows, were not shown in HD. Saturday Night Live was also not in HD. Go figure.