Greenville, NC - HDTV [Text View] - Page 20

jspENC

03-24-08, 12:15 PM

Yeah, all stations have to do either one or the other of the two options they've been given. I already don't want to have to work switchoff day next February. I don't think it's gonna be too pretty.

WWAY is the only one I've seen doing a crawl so far. I have seen plenty of ads on the other channels with the DTV.gov numbers and warnings about "some antenna TV's going dead" if they don't get a converter.

I think the transition will go easier if crawls are used, because a lot of people don't watch the news, and they don't pay attention to commercials, but I think like you, even with all that the big day is going to be chaos.

I have some family over into Sampson county that have never used anything for TV other than a rooftop antenna, and they are (last I heard) planning to go with cable, because they are not able to run coax cable to their other two TV's from the antenna easily. They didn't even used to have cable in that area until the mid 90's!

foxeng

03-24-08, 01:30 PM

One of the options the FCC past is the crawl and the other option is the DTVAnswers commercials.

woodardhsd

03-24-08, 03:02 PM

How do the games look on WNCT to you guys? I think they look better on 9 and not so good on 5...

Looks good if there's not a lot of action. As soon as there is a fast break, the picture gets pixelated badly (this is on WNCT). I did notice something interesting, as soon as the games would come back in from commercial, they would be very blurry. Then after about a second, they seemed to come into focus.

jspENC

03-24-08, 03:39 PM

Looks good if there's not a lot of action. As soon as there is a fast break, the picture gets pixelated badly (this is on WNCT). I did notice something interesting, as soon as the games would come back in from commercial, they would be very blurry. Then after about a second, they seemed to come into focus.

That's what I was seeing on WRAL while I was in Fayetteville over the weekend. Maybe WNCT looked better because my TV is a bit smaller. It must be CBS and not the local stations fault for the blurriness...

jspENC

03-24-08, 05:11 PM

I can't believe how clear channel 14 comes in now. Ken has done an incredible job there. The reception used to be so snowy down here it wasn't fit to watch, and now it is barely grainy looking and I'm running the signal through a 3 way splitter.

Here's a pic for the curious... I'm probably 45 miles or so from the tower.

Electrico

03-26-08, 03:27 AM

D* CH 207 ESPN News will go HD next Sunday at 0800 per ESPN News themselves(their news ticker).

Electrico

03-26-08, 04:03 AM

RMartin631

03-26-08, 04:17 AM

I am still waiting for an answer.

You won't likely get an answer. I sent Jim Howard an email a few weeks ago asking about some weather related stuff and he never replied.

Electrico

03-26-08, 08:23 AM

You won't likely get an answer. I sent Jim Howard an email a few weeks ago asking about some weather related stuff and he never replied.
Thank you kindly Mr. Martin.

jspENC

03-26-08, 09:27 AM

I have read on WITN web site:
1. A little over a week ago a soldier from VA got killed in Iraq, got the purple heart. Further on the story the soldier is described as highly decorated. Asked about what decorations merit the term HIGHLY. I am still waiting for an answer. Getting the purple heart does NOT mean the member is highly decorated, thank you.
2. About two hours ago another soldier(from NC) got killed in Iraq. The catch: the title reads SOLIDER. I checked a few minutes SOLIDER still present. There isn't ANY excuse for such a misspelling mistake let alone SOLDIER. We see that word soldier everywhere, come-on WITN? The spell checker software is FREE on the web...

That is getting kind of slack isn't it... Firefox has a spell checker built-in to the browser, maybe they should start using it.;) They brag on being "#1" I would think they should show accuracy.

On another note, I have become hooked on FOX ENC News at 10. I think it is the best newscast in the area right now. I would like to see a new website though...:)

Ken12

03-26-08, 07:28 PM

RMartin631

03-26-08, 07:42 PM

Do we at least get color bars or is it off the air completely?

Ken12

03-26-08, 08:00 PM

completely I'm moving our stl rack

jspENC

03-26-08, 08:46 PM

We have a lot of things we want to do I believe is one of them it just takes time.

I will be taking WCTI and ENC down around 1:05 tonight for a few hours while I rearange some equipment will be back up as soon as possible.

Ken

So far what has been done, has been done well. I think all the bad things over the past years that have been associated with FOX 8/14 will be just a bad memory very soon. Keep up the great work!

Ken12

03-27-08, 06:15 AM

We still have a ways to go. There are quite a few places yet for potential problems but we will continue to get read of them one at a time.

Ken

jamieh1

03-27-08, 07:40 PM

Hello to all in ENC from Washington DC, Ive been up here all week. Visiting all the landmarks. Even saw (((XM))) satellite radios head qtrs. BET Networks, Cspan and Fox News. Flipped thru the local channels and It makes me miss the ENC locals.
Saw FED EX Field, RFK stadium(what a DUMP).

Really cant wait to get home on Friday, traffic is terrible here.

jspENC

03-27-08, 10:13 PM

Here's some pics to remind you of home, or for those who don't get these channels or don't live around here that are curios of what some of our channels graphics look like. They aren't the best, I could never do it like eastern used to.:) Hmmm now that I can run my camera, I might have to post more next time I get some of those far off channels.
http://img27.picoodle.com/img/img27/4/3/27/f_DTcaptures0m_deee490.jpg

http://img26.picoodle.com/img/img26/4/3/27/f_DTcaptures0m_594ddc6.jpg

http://img02.picoodle.com/img/img02/4/3/27/f_DTcaptures0m_8facce3.jpg

http://img33.picoodle.com/img/img33/4/3/27/f_DTcaptures0m_95cf2d6.jpg

http://img31.picoodle.com/img/img31/4/3/27/f_DTcaptures0m_13d7f91.jpg

Trip in VA

03-27-08, 10:39 PM

Whoa! That pic of WFXI and WYDO is so clear! How'd you do that? Every time I've seen them, it's been filled with noise!

- Trip

jspENC

03-27-08, 10:55 PM

I learned how to operate my camera! LOL

Trip in VA

03-28-08, 08:07 AM

No, I mean, I've never seen a clear picture from WFXI/WYDO.

- Trip

jspENC

03-28-08, 09:20 AM

Here are some more. I will put up something from each channel I get eventually.

http://img27.picoodle.com/img/img27/4/3/28/f_DTcaptures0m_c14f916.jpg

http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/4/3/28/f_DTcaptures0m_c911cb4.jpg

This has been up on 26.2 ever since The Tube went off the air

http://img26.picoodle.com/img/img26/4/3/28/f_DTcaptures0m_d5d4f32.jpg

jspENC

03-30-08, 11:42 AM

Last night my Motorola HD-100 STB went haywire and died while I was watching the basketball game. It just went blank like it sometimes does (reseting itself) but this time when it came back up, where the channels call letters normally show up it said "Analog". When I tried to change the channel from that, it went blank and started making a popping sound about every ten seconds. I couldn't do anything with it, so I unplugged it and left it all night. Today it's still doing the same thing. I took the cover off and pressed the reset button inside of it, but even that didn't fix it.

So this afternoon I guess I'll go to the stores around here and see if I can find one of those new DTV boxes....... I can't watch the news in my bedroom on the CW, get radar, or get ENC TV without one. This should be interesting to see if they even have any around this town!

AndThenScottSays

03-30-08, 01:40 PM

jspENC

03-30-08, 02:43 PM

Scott,
That's the one I bought and have it up and running right now. It's tuner is nothing like the Motorola's was. :( WFXI comes in at only 20 -24 on the signal meter, but is not pixelating or anything... WCTI and WITN only come in around 70 Motor. came in at 100 -WNCT about 55. WWAY only around 50 which was 87% with the Motorola, WSFX about 60 and WUNJ about 65
These numbers are even less than my Living room Samsung HD tuner which I thought was weak but I guess not? The Motorola will be missed because I bet I won't DX anything with these now...

The old Jacksonville Wal-mart had a huge self set up and half their stock was already gone!

AndThenScottSays

03-30-08, 06:16 PM

We have Dish network but have always kept the small local channel package on cable for when the Dish goes out and for WRAL. I'm planning to put these on every TV and replace cable, but I've found these boxes really take a hit when you split the antenna signal. Split 4 ways I lose WRAL and WNCN. I was thinking that was pretty drastic, but maybe this box just isn't all that good. Then again what can you expect for such a cheap price, you know?

Is the Channel Master 7777 a good amp? That's what I'm planning to order.

foxeng

03-30-08, 06:26 PM

A passive 4 way splitter will drop the signal level down 66% on every port. A passive 2 way splitter drops the signal 50% on each port. You do better to have an active splitter.

AndThenScottSays

03-30-08, 06:31 PM

AndThenScottSays

03-30-08, 06:34 PM

All of the splitters I see with built in amplifiers are for indoor use... I don't see one with a power injector so you can mount it outside. Where could I find such?

jspENC

03-30-08, 06:58 PM

Better off to amp and then go into the splitter or to actually get a splitter that amps itself?

The splitter is outside but the antenna is in the attic. I'd say there's at least 75 feet of cable between the antenna and the splitter. A couple TV's will probably have a good 120-130 feet of total run (figuring in both sides of the splitter).

The thing about pre-amps around Greenville is you can overload them so easily what with WITN, WNCT, WYDO, WPEX and WUNK being right on top of you. If you get a pre-amp, get a weaker one. I don't know the particulars of them right off hand, but there are 15-18 db pre-amps out there. (Must be for both UHF & VHF)Raleigh is a good shot from you. I think it would be better to put up a very powerful antenna like a Channel master 4228 and a low gain amp, and if that isn't enough, get an active splitter. It may work out to skip a pre-amp and just try an active splitter also. Thoughts on that?

AndThenScottSays

03-30-08, 07:01 PM

I live within sight of the 7/9 and 14 towers, but I have a UHF antenna pointed directly at the Wake County antenna farm. Dings my reception of 7/9 down a bit and I cannot get 12 at all.

I can't seem to find an active splitter anywhere. Anyone got a link to a good one?

jspENC

03-30-08, 07:54 PM

You used to be able to find these at Lowe's, but I don't know if they still have them...

Here's a link, but I'd shop around. I just took the first one that popped up.

http://www.starkelectronic.com/allmatv.htm

AndThenScottSays

03-30-08, 08:00 PM

I worded my last post poorly. I found a bunch of active splitters, but none that are meant to have power injected and the splitters themselves be mounted outside. My antenna is in the attic but my distribution point is on the side of the house.

I think I'm going to just have to amp at the antenna (or right at the splitter) and then go into the splitter. Maybe the bump of gain will even out the loss of the 4-way splitter.

RMartin631

03-31-08, 05:39 AM

Hello to all in ENC from Washington DC, Ive been up here all week. Really cant wait to get home on Friday, traffic is terrible here.

That's where I moved from. Traffic is part of the reason I moved from there. Traffic, taxes, the high cost of living, terrorism threat, blah, blah, blah. The only reason to stay there was the money was considerably better. I guess we know which was more important to me.

VARTV

03-31-08, 11:22 AM

Is the Channel Master 7777 a good amp? That's what I'm planning to order.Works great for me!

jspENC

03-31-08, 07:32 PM

I took back the "Maggotbox" and went to Radio Shack and picked up the Digital Stream! It works better than both the Magvox, Samsung and the Motorola! I now have signal levels like I should have. The menu is great, and the signal meter works really well. Ken I also am picking up 48-2 with this box.
The sound is much louder, and the EPG / PSIP is beautiful. The remote control is easy to work and the buttons are the right size. Radio Shack only had one box left over on US 17. I told the lady what channels I had been receiving since 05, and she was surprised? I guess they aren't well educated on what is on the air...

If anyone needs a box, this is the one I would recommend, especially for the tuner. My weakest station (WFXI) comes in with the level in the 40's vs. 20's with the maggotbox and low 30's on my HDTV.

PBS 19 and WCTI come in at 91 -- WNCT 73 -- WITN 72

ncgbrown

04-01-08, 12:22 PM

AndThenScottSays

04-01-08, 12:54 PM

I might return mine actually and purchase that one. I used a coupon to get it. I wonder what happens if you return it after you used a coupon? Seems like if not monitored that could be a way for people to convert these cards into money.

jspENC

04-01-08, 01:23 PM

Do you mean this one?
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=DSP7500T

I have to buy one for a relative. Haven't received my coupon yet.
Glenn

The one you posted is similar I think. This is the one I bought...

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?summary=summary&techSpecs=techSpecs&currentTab=summary&custRatings=custRatings&features=features&accessories=accessories&productId=3043012&support=support&tab=features

Electrico

04-02-08, 06:21 AM

D* has three new HD CH's and ALL with DD 5.1:
207 ESNH and Disneys': DIS1HD 290 and TDISHD 292. I don't understand WHY NOT 291. Oh well...

jspENC

04-02-08, 09:39 AM

I see Ken got his construction go ahead for channel 12 digital. Excellent! 12 will have the next biggest signal around here, with 9 being just a little greater I think... I checked some other stations around North Carolina, and many will be losing coverage and operating at a low VHF power rate, such as WTVD... I think 12 will gain some antenna viewers to the west because of this...
WTVD will operate at a whooping 17.9 kW http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=WTVD-- WCTI will operate at 22.2kW...http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=WCTI

AndThenScottSays

04-02-08, 09:42 AM

I checked some other stations around North Carolina, and many will be losing coverage and operating at a low VHF power rate, such as WTVD... I think 12 will gain some antenna viewers to the west because of this...

???????

WTVD Digital:
http://www.fcc.gov/ftp/Bureaus/MB/Databases/fm_tv_service_areas/maps/DT1238967.gif

WTVD Analog:
http://www.fcc.gov/ftp/Bureaus/MB/Databases/fm_tv_service_areas/maps/TV574371.gif

jspENC

04-02-08, 10:25 AM

If you look closely, WTVD is losing a few miles of ground. WRAL will be losing the most however, because they are going to use a directional antenna, away from their south and west viewers, and their analog VHF signal was a low band, which carries much further. WECT will be at the biggest loss of any station I have found in the state so far. I still believe losing ground is a bad thing and that receiving the digital signals will be quite difficult for people who are using "rabbit ears". I think people are going to hook up their new "converters" and get aggravated. JMO

AndThenScottSays

04-02-08, 10:41 AM

Yeah, it will definitely be aggravating with rabbit ears. I have a friend who lives in an apartment in Greenville and can't get anything but 7,9 and 25. And that's only if he gets the aerials perfectly aligned.

Trip in VA

04-02-08, 11:33 AM

Right now, the FCC has frozen the amount of coverage a station can have. Analog 11 carries further than digital 52 does, but the coverage area is based on digital 52's coverage area.

After that freeze is lifted, I'd expect to see a lot of stations file for more power.

WRAL, though, I'm not entirely certain what the deal is with that directional antenna. Are they protecting WJZY-DT? I didn't think the two were close enough that they'd have to... Or is it WACH-DT?

As far as WECT is concerned, I'd look for them to try and find a new channel after 2009. When I was last visiting Topsail, I had all the stations fine (3, 6, 35, 39, 26 was still at low power), except WECT-DT. My bet? Channel 7, though they may try to find a different UHF channel instead if they decide it's easier for viewers to receive.

- Trip

jspENC

04-02-08, 12:19 PM

Right now, the FCC has frozen the amount of coverage a station can have. Analog 11 carries further than digital 52 does, but the coverage area is based on digital 52's coverage area.

WCTI got approved for a much larger coverage area than their DT currently covers... So there must be some wiggle room,( I was kind of doubting they would, but did) and I would expect five miles could be obtained by other stations, or am I missing something?

My bet? Channel 7, though they may try to find a different UHF channel instead if they decide it's easier for viewers to receive.
Channel 9 is what I was thinking at one time. 7 would be a little harder to pick up. Also they had better go ahead and get a plan if they are thinking to move, because I bet other stations will be looking for those vacancies, and jump on it. If it were me, I would much rather have a VHF due to the much lower cost of operation. The FCC probably won't allow another hi VHF in this market due to the fact they already forbid the use of 7. I think Wilmington area is far enough away from WFXI that they may be given the OK to use a surrounding slot.

Trip in VA

04-02-08, 12:30 PM

Channel 9 is what I was thinking at one time. 7 would be a little harder to pick up. Also they had better go ahead and get a plan if they are thinking to move, because I bet other stations will be looking for those vacancies, and jump on it. If it were me, I would much rather have a VHF due to the much lower cost of operation. The FCC probably won't allow another hi VHF in this market due to the fact they already forbid the use of 7. I think Wilmington area is far enough away from WFXI that they may be given the OK to use a surrounding slot.

9 is out because of WHMC-DT in Conway SC.

7 no longer works in Greenville because of WHRE-DT in Virginia Beach.

I've already measured it out and at first glance, channel 7 in Wilmington would work. It's definitely far enough from WFXI, at least. And surrounding 7's.

Stations had a choice of getting protection based on their current digital facilities or on the FCC-given "replication facility" which was 1000 kW ND for WCTI. They likely filed that they wanted their coverage based on that signal rather than the current directional thing they've got. I could check, but I'm about to run to class.

- Trip

jspENC

04-02-08, 01:20 PM

I didn't even know WHMC DT- 9 existed. They got a much larger digital coverage area vs. their analog too. They are right on top of WNCT's signal edge...

I hope you're right and 7 gets used in Wilmington. Someone should jump on it, whether it WECT or some other entity. I'm hoping after the transition, that some of the DMA's will be redrawn. I think this is overdue for many areas.

Trip in VA

04-02-08, 02:13 PM

I just checked on WCTI, and here's the form they filed way back in '04:

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1022616&Service=TV&Form_id=381&Facility_id=18334

Note that they chose replication facilities. The FCC had originally granted them 1000 kW ND, but they chose to only build out 161 kW DA. When the FCC asked how they wanted their signal to be protected, they chose replication since it would provide greater coverage.

- Trip

brownover

04-02-08, 02:50 PM

jspENC

04-02-08, 03:31 PM

AndThenScottSays

04-02-08, 03:36 PM

The 7777 is a great amp and since your antenna is in the attic, you should not have any problem with overpowering.
Thanks for the info. I'm going to order one in just a little while here.

MitsuHelp

04-04-08, 10:28 AM

Anyone in this area have cable connected to their digital tuner? For some time now, the 19- channels (Fox HD is one) have been intermittent. All other HD locals come in fine. Had a tech out and he verified the signal level was good.

The reason I am asking is because it appears that it may be a head-end issue since it’s all 19- channels. We did check the error rate and it was high and would change erratically.

Anyone else losing the channel 19 and all subs (19-3, 19-5 & 19-7)?

jspENC

04-04-08, 10:59 AM

It sounds like an antenna problem on their end. Ken12 who posts here is the engineer for FOX. The UNC chief engineer doesn't check AVS very often, so they might not get onto cable very quickly, but someone should correct these problems. I don't know if the antennas for Newport are separate from the Jacksonville headend or not? They've done some major work on the Jacksonville system from what I've gathered over the last few months.

MitsuHelp

04-04-08, 02:36 PM

Does sound like it’s a Head-End problem since it has to do with only one channel (and all of it’s sub channels).

It used to only seem like intermittent micro blocking on HD Fox but now that the problem has become more frequent, I have noticed it’s happening on all the 19 subchannels.

It’s so intermittent that I went to another set and all of the 19s were there, went back to the other set and there they were…..then gone again…..almost thought it was the set!

Electrico

04-06-08, 02:25 AM

AP:
Kansas dismantles UNC! Say cheese!

Jaysv

04-06-08, 01:36 PM

Anyone else having problems for Fox 8 (WFXI) and 14(WYDO) this afternoon?

I'm not getting a signal from 8, and no HD on 14.

brewtus00

04-06-08, 01:51 PM

I having the same problem no HD at all and SD looks horrible. I love how this always happens during a sporting event.

beanpod

04-06-08, 01:52 PM

What-The-Fox??? Same problem here OTA. They pick a fine time to have issues. Really thought things had been ironed out.

Games on CBS looked great OTA. I'm a ABC fan...Anybody But Carolina.

Jaysv

04-06-08, 01:58 PM

Just checked Suddenlink, they don't have WYDO in HD either...blank screen.

WYDO in SD alway looks horrible.

Edit: Well, now Suddenlink has it in HD, my reception is still crap.

beanpod

04-06-08, 02:18 PM

Fox 14 OTA must be analog only. Same programming (NASCAR) on both 14.1 and 14.2. Both look terrible. Way it goes...

Well I guess if it's 14.1 and 14.2 it can't be analog, just looks like a poor analog signal.

jspENC

04-06-08, 02:33 PM

I'm getting FOX 8.1 in HD although weak as usual. 30 - 40% no pixelation though...

Looking at 14 analog here, it looks kind of distorted. Maybe they are in the process of moving the microwave?

jamieh1

04-06-08, 06:03 PM

14.1 is now in 480 resolution. I hope they get the HD feed back up, hated that the race was not in HD today, canceled my Nascar Hotpass yesterday, so no race in HD today.

Ken12

04-07-08, 06:16 AM

We lost our microwave repeater in Trenton Saturday night during the storms unfortunatly the electronics is mounted at 600' on the tower. I have somebody coming in today to take a look at it hopefuly we will be able to get it back up.

Ken

beanpod

04-07-08, 10:10 AM

Ken, thanks for the update. Ever get the feeling there's a "weekend curse" with regard to electronics? Good Luck.

jspENC

04-07-08, 12:18 PM

14 looks a lot better right now. They must be working on it.

Edit, looking rough again.

RMartin631

04-07-08, 06:07 PM

I'm not getting anything on 14.1 and 14.2. It's coming in on 21.1 and 21.2 though. It's pretty nasty looking. Thank God I can pick up WRAZ reliably. I would have been very upset if I hadn't seen Sunday's race. Jeff's not looking like much of a contender this year.

brewtus00

04-07-08, 06:50 PM

Question for OTA atenna users. I just got my 80 year old aunt a vizio digital tv. She lives in a rural area and uses an antenna. I bought her an indoor phillips hd antenna. She gets pretty good reception, mostly Raleigh stations. Im sure with some adjusting she could get better. But being that she is 80 she isnt very good with this technology and I cant get out there but so often. My question is would I be better off getting an outdoor HD antenna to mount on the roof. And if so what kind would any of you recommend to get.

RMartin631

04-07-08, 07:04 PM

She's probably going to want something that she doesn't have to fool with. In other words, no rotors, amps and what not.

You'll want an antenna on the roof that can capture a wide area. Something like the CM 4228 is too directional to get all of the Raleigh stations on one single direction all of the time. One of the larger more conventional appearing antennas mounted as high as you can get it should do the trick.

jspENC

04-07-08, 08:13 PM

You may have to choose between either Raleigh channels or ENC channels... Your best bet may be a Channel master 4221. I would aim for both directions with the front and see if I could get one areas stations off the back OK, if not I would take the screen off and see if this does the trick, if no go, then that will be when you have to decide on one direction or the other. If you must get both areas, it is possible to use two antennas joined together with a channel master "Joiner" but they would need to be separated about four feet so not to interfere with one another. One thing to think about also is, a few Raleigh channels will reduce antenna height and power to prepare for the final transition toward the end of the year, and will remain at this reduced level for quite a few months I believe. WRAL is one I know for sure that will be doing this.

jamieh1

04-08-08, 08:31 PM

WYDO is now back up in HD, picture quality does not appears as sharp, the HD seem a little grainy.
But alot better than the picture we had the last few days.

brewtus00

04-08-08, 09:11 PM

This might be a dumb question but I think its been metioned up here before. Can anyone explain to me why the blue FOX logo on WYDO HD is half way cut off.

jspENC

04-08-08, 09:55 PM

8/14 has not implemented their own logo into the splicer. It is the same way on 8.1 as you are seeing on 14.1-- Each FOX local station is supposed to insert their own bug somehow and the blue bug isn't even supposed to be on the air from what I remember reading.

There may be some technical reason why they haven't done so yet.

I'm sure foxeng can explain it more clearly if he sees the question, but that is the basics of it I believe. :)

jamieh1

04-09-08, 01:34 PM

On my Samsung LN-T4042H they have a picture size setting that is called JUST SCAN, this setting shows the full picture with no altering.

When in this mode the entire BLUE FOX LOGO shows with no cut off.

jspENC

04-09-08, 08:29 PM

Bobby Deskin said at noon today that they were doing some work on the open ground farm tower. Must be for the new microwave path.

I have not been getting PSIP on WITN or WFXI for quite some time. I still only get "The CW" as a program description on 9.2 - When I want to know what is on, I have to go online.

Electrico

04-09-08, 09:23 PM

Ken12

04-10-08, 05:39 AM

I'll look into it for wfxi.

You were right we were trying to work on the path but the weather didn't cooperate.

Ken

jspENC

04-10-08, 08:44 AM

Hi, it is 2123. At 2100 when Criminal Minds started on 9-1 the screen went green 3X with 4:3. What is going on?
Thnx

I didn't watch 9.1 last night. I had Amer. Idol on in the background, but didn't watch any TV until 11PM when Ghost Hunters came on.

I'll look into it for wfxi.

You were right we were trying to work on the path but the weather didn't cooperate.

Ken

Thanks Ken. This miserable weather hasn't been very cooperative for anything.

easternncnewswat

04-10-08, 10:15 AM

Hi, it is 2123. At 2100 when Criminal Minds started on 9-1 the screen went green 3X with 4:3. What is going on?
Thnx

Receiver crapped out and had to be rebooted. Sorry for the inconveinence.

AndThenScottSays

04-10-08, 12:50 PM

Is WNCT still automated and/or controlled from WSPA's studios?

brownover

04-10-08, 01:35 PM

Ken12, As you know, Dish Network has 7, 9, 8, and 12 HD uplinked on the 61.5 satellite. On Tuesday, they mapdowned the channels so that we can just use the channel number that we normally use to receive the channels. Do you know why they have not yet thrown the switch so they are available?

Ken12

04-10-08, 06:40 PM

Ken12

04-10-08, 06:43 PM

By the way I don't know how they are picking up WFXI digital they have no uhf antenna pointed at opengrounds at all. If it is up they must be picking it up on a vhf antenna.

Ken

jspENC

04-10-08, 07:30 PM

Ken,
PSIP generator is working great now. Thanks for giving it a kick in the pants!

I just noticed though the clock is about 12 minutes ahead. lol

jamieh1

04-10-08, 08:49 PM

WYDO HD pq looks better tonight.

brownover

04-11-08, 10:57 AM

No haven't heard a word from dish as far as I know they have not contacted us to get permission to carry our HD yet that will have to be there first step. I'll double check tomorrow to make sure.

We did get the psip generator fixed for WFXI (I hope)

KenPermission would not be a problem, would it? According to Mike at WITN they are all for it and ready to go. He has even made the statement on tv that it will be sooner rather than later.

jamieh1

04-11-08, 01:30 PM

I dont see why a station would not grant permission, especially if there SD signal is already carried.

foxeng

04-11-08, 02:16 PM

I dont see why a station would not grant permission, especially if there SD signal is already carried.

It has to do with carriage fees. Many companies charge for the SD feed and a separate charge for the HD. Sinclair is the most famous so far with allowing the SD and withholding the HD for money. Many systems with Sinclair stations in them will have the SD and not the HD because of this.

jspENC

04-12-08, 02:19 PM

Both 7 & 9 have their thunderstorm maps all painted in, but you can only view them on analog. I wonder if this issue will be fixed by the time analog goes away? I do like the way 9 got rid of that bug that didn't indicate what county was under the watch/warning.

beanpod

04-12-08, 11:43 PM

I know it's been acknowledged already, but it's good to see FOX 14 back to in HD for tonight's race. It was kind of humorous how FOX Sports handled the end of the baseball game vs beginning of the race. Bottom of ninth inning, 2 outs 2 strikes, 3 fouls and then...network switch to racing that had already begun. I know they wanted to finish the baseball game on air, but the switch-over really didn't do justice for either fan base. I kept it on the race, but was thinking by the time baseball fans switched to FX, the game was over.

jspENC

04-13-08, 10:13 AM

agregjones

04-14-08, 09:53 AM

Has anyone been having problems picking up VHF analog or WNCT DT with their UHF antenna lately? I am noticing the signal is much weaker on all these channels. I am not noticing a drop in signal on the UHF stations however... I think it is the trees. If this keeps up, I will have to get a VHF high band antenna.

I suspected water had gotten into the connectors at the antenna, but no sign of that when I checked them yesterday... I wouldn't think it would be the pre-amp, because like I say the UHF's have not changed. 14 analog looks better than 7 and 9 right now (weird) LOL

I have had more problems with 7 and 9 in HD lately. I was worried that the signal was amplified too much since I am in Ayden. I have noticed a significant problem with this over the last 2-3 weeks.

I have a small UHF antenna roof-mounted with a Spartan preamp. I pick up 7 and 9 perfectly with rabbit ears but cannot pull in a signal for 12 without the roof-mount.

Ken12

04-14-08, 10:34 AM

I'm having trouble with WNCT digital I pick it up fine on my HR20-100 but neither of my HR20-700's will pick it up. I have been to busy to try and figure out why.

Ken

jspENC

04-14-08, 11:57 AM

It was really strange. Yesterday afternoon, my problems went away on there own. I thought maybe they were having problems with the Grifton site originally, but 12 analog also had what I would call fading, with a pinkish like "dotting" going on. I checked everything, and could not find anything wrong on my end. I thought maybe it was cable TV leaking, trees, or something with the wiring in the house electrical system, being it only VHF that was the problem. 7, 9 and 12 analog look sharp now, and WNCT DT is coming in at 75% again. Weather perhaps?

jamieh1

04-14-08, 01:40 PM

I'm having trouble with WNCT digital I pick it up fine on my HR20-100 but neither of my HR20-700's will pick it up. I have been to busy to try and figure out why.

Ken

Try re-running the antenna set up, reset the set up.

Ken12

04-14-08, 03:47 PM

done that no luck

NewsNiner

04-15-08, 06:23 AM

Ken--

Always noticed WCTI's news video from Greenville & Jacksonville was "dark"--just thought it might be cameras, etc. But then I noticed "dark" video from that trial going on in Jacksonville this past week. Same video on 9 & 7 looks fine, but yours looks like it's in the mud. Pool camera being used in court...so we can rule out the cams. Is there something up with your ENG receive in Trenton, or maybe the record decks in New Bern?

jspENC

04-15-08, 10:29 AM

foxeng

04-15-08, 11:57 AM

I don't think there is a station now that I haven't seen a crawl about the DTV transition. I've seen them several times on The CW and MyNetwork 35/38 even. Last night I saw one on 6.1 during wheel of Fortune. I hope this time goes smoother than originally thought. I've seen the ads on 12 and FOX E.Carolina with the anchors and weather guys discussing new TV's. That was a good idea I think.

As of March 31st of this year, the FCC is requiring all full power stations on their analog and digital channels must run a set number of crawls, and a set number of PSAs and a set number of minutes detailing the transition and then report same to the FCC every quarter through March 31st, 2009.

jspENC

04-15-08, 02:54 PM

Thanks for the info foxeng. It seems the stations around here are doing what they are supposed to! :)

jamieh1

04-15-08, 05:25 PM

This Saturday night at 7:30 almost every tv station in NC will be airing a 30 minute show about the DTV transition. I want to say 28 stations.
Ive seen the show listed on WITN, WNCT and WRAL, Im sure there are more in the area.

Ive set my DVR just in case I forget.

AndThenScottSays

04-15-08, 06:42 PM

I just heard them mention this on WITN but I thought they only said 28... are there even 128 stations in NC?

popweaverhdtv

04-15-08, 07:59 PM

This Saturday night at 7:30 almost every tv station in NC will be airing a 30 minute show about the DTV transition. I want to say 128 stations.
Ive seen the show listed on WITN, WNCT and WRAL, Im sure there are more in the area.

Ive set my DVR just in case I forget.

Article from witntv.com about the show's airing on 28 NC stations: http://www.witntv.com/home/headlines/17739449.html

easternncnewswat

04-15-08, 08:46 PM

NAB (National Association Of Broadcasters) is "roadblocking" the half hour... That's why you'll see it on ALL stations in NC.

Electrico

04-16-08, 03:01 AM

That is getting kind of slack isn't it... Firefox has a spell checker built-in to the browser, maybe they should start using it.;) They brag on being "#1" I would think they should show accuracy.

On another note, I have become hooked on FOX ENC News at 10. I think it is the best newscast in the area right now. I would like to see a new website though...:)Check:
http://www.witntv.com/home/headlines/17757969.html
[Solider] again instead of soldier, isn't that inexcusable? This is the second time that I have noticed when reporting an Iraq war casualty.:rolleyes: Check my thread #4846. Maybe they should start using that Firefox with the incorporated spell checker as you eloquently suggested...

jspENC

04-16-08, 10:02 AM

If it will help the weather folks, At my place in Jacksonville, the temp dropped to 36 degrees this morning, and we had a few patches of light frost across the open areas of grass. You can tell it looks burnt. I saw on TV that the Air Station temp was 40, which was not what it was in town. Tonight it looks like the possibility for frost could be worse? Folks at the TV stations that read can pass that on if you want.

Thought it might help keep some plants alive.

Electrico, I'm shocked. Not!

woodardhsd

04-16-08, 11:19 AM

Has anything happened at WFXI 8.1 in the last couple of weeks? I used to consistently get 5-6 bars (out of 10) in the evenings, but now I'm lucky to get 1-2. I haven't changed anything on my end.

jamieh1

04-16-08, 04:06 PM

DishNetwork added CNN HD today.
Also 6 local HD markets added this week, maybe our market will be added soon.

jspENC

04-16-08, 06:27 PM

Has anything happened at WFXI 8.1 in the last couple of weeks? I used to consistently get 5-6 bars (out of 10) in the evenings, but now I'm lucky to get 1-2. I haven't changed anything on my end.

My signal dropped a bit on there as well, but I'm betting it's the trees. I'm going outside now and see if I can re position my height and hope that will stabalize the signal of WFXI. I raised it some when I was having issues last weekend... I gained signal capture for WTVD DT and WECT DT but lost WFXI DT enough to cause extreme pixelation.

I'd suggest moving the height of your antenna up and down slightly and see what happens.

Ken12

04-17-08, 05:53 AM

Ken12

04-17-08, 05:56 AM

Lost digital for a few minutes last night on WCTI had a microwave transmitter fail I had a backup so I was only out for about 10 min. Also I did have a DA going bad on my live system got it replaced so live should look a little better

Ken

jspENC

04-17-08, 08:38 AM

Another crazy happening... Radio Shack U-75R
Last night I pointed antenna at 8.1 and raised it up and down, (got nowhere) came in and turned it back to Wilmington to watch Wheel of Fortune on 6.1- for the hell of it decided to tune to 8.1 during a commercial and it came in at 45% with the antenna in the opposite direction with no problems. I figure it's got to be stronger with the antenna aimed right at it, so turned it back around, and lost the signal. So now I have to have the thing pointed the wrong way... but at least I don't have to turn it anymore, I get every station with it aimed at Wilmington channels PBS and NBC tower.

jamieh1

04-17-08, 05:44 PM

Unconfirmed launch date for local HD channels from Dish Network from sources with close ties with Dish Network.

4/24/08

jspENC

04-17-08, 08:06 PM

Why is the CW picture shrunk down? I've never seen this before...

beanpod

04-17-08, 10:00 PM

Maybe it'll shrink down to nothing, only to reappear under the control of a broadcaster that will transmit CW in HD...like other regions of our country.

jamieh1

04-18-08, 04:54 PM

SCIFI HD and USA HD have launched today on Dish Network.

Thats 3 new HD channels this week, CNN HD was launched a few days ago.

I guess with the recent HD satellite launch that didnt reach orbit and was later junked, they are moving ahead and adding a few HD channels to kinda tide the dish subs over.
The bandwidth must becoming from the capacity gained from SKY ANGEL.

brownover

04-18-08, 07:46 PM

Unconfirmed launch date for local HD channels from Dish Network from sources with close ties with Dish Network.

4/24/08Thanks!

jspENC

04-20-08, 04:17 PM

Phillip and Scott are sure burning up the airwaves! Good work.

There was a writeup in the Fayetteville paper about WNCT and WRAL being the number 1 stations in the state, and quite a few others around here, including the Wilmington stations in a tie for second. WCTI and WITN were second

popweaverhdtv

04-20-08, 04:28 PM

AndThenScottSays

04-20-08, 05:35 PM

ITN actually caught a tornado form and touch down from their Washington live camera. Pretty interesting stuff. Marvin was live in the studio (I guess Washington but I'm not sure) and Jamie Arnold was live via phone from his home also in Washington.

12 went wall to wall for awhile too but I didn't see any of their coverage.

jspENC

04-20-08, 05:41 PM

I saw the Tornado form on WITN's camera. Incredible footage. I guess the communications got shot up in Washington because WITN isn't passing on any more warnings?

I was lucky to be able to watch Hockey on 6 from Wilmington while Tornado coverage was going on ITN

12's weather bug still isn't right. They never showed the warning for Edgecombe, or the warning currently on for Bertie county.

AndThenScottSays

04-20-08, 08:20 PM

I notice now what someone posted earlier... that 7 can't do crawls and HD programming at the same time. I guess it's because HD is passed directly to the transmitter. 9 is showing the crawl, but they are in SD programming right now.

IMO if you're having severe weather and your equipment can't pass the crawls along, you should just go SD for the night.

AndThenScottSays

04-20-08, 09:33 PM

Actually, apparently that's not all that unheard of. I just noticed WNCN-17 is running SD to run a crawl right now, while WITN is running in HD with no crawl.

jspENC

04-20-08, 10:25 PM

WNCN doesn't include Duplin, Lenoir, Greene or Pitt counties in it's crawls though, even though they are in the viewing area. Some stations don't care about all their viewers I guess.
I will say that when there is foul weather in Onslow, Duplin or Sampson that the Wilmington stations are all over it, even though those are on the edge of their signal penetration and out of market, many times coverage is faster and better than our own market. NBC and FOX out of Wilmington go on the air live with weather coverage with the same weather person, since they are managed/owned together by Raycom.

AndThenScottSays

04-21-08, 06:29 AM

I don't mean that 17 should include us, just that they set a good precedent by doing what they have to do to get the message across to their local area. The stations around here should be doing the same.

Do WECT and WSFX simulcast during bad weather situations? I've wondered why 8/14 isn't doing that with 12.

CDRACING

04-21-08, 08:35 AM

For the past couple of weeks I haven't been able to pull in wnct 9-1 on my rabbit ears using dish's 722 receiver, I live outside of Jacksonville, southside. Has there been anything going on with them or anyone heard of issues with the 722 not picking up stations?

I get all stations except for 9-1, such as 3-1,7-1,12-1 and 26-1. Before this issue 9-1 it seemed like I couldn't lose signal from it lol. But now not a bleep or anything. I've erased 9-1 from my 722 to see if it would regrab it but to no avail. Any help be much appriciated.

Also I hope yall are right about the hd locals coming to dish for this area, that would be awesome. I hadn't heard a word til jumping on to this thread. Definitly a pleasant surprise to hear that it maybe happening soon. And if so I guess I could pack up my indoor anttenna :)

CDRACING

04-21-08, 08:42 AM

jspENC

04-21-08, 09:13 AM

Do WECT and WSFX simulcast during bad weather situations? I've wondered why 8/14 isn't doing that with 12.

WECT and WSFX yes they simulcast, actually on 3 channels. 6.1, 6.2 and 26.1(Couldn't think of that word last night, kept thinking of multicasting):rolleyes:

8/14 might do that when they get set up in New Bern. Time will tell I guess...

CD Racing, I haven't had a problem lately, but have had a weak signal at times over the last few weeks. I think it is the trees. If you are getting all that with rabbit ears, you're doing quite well! You might want to keep the rabbit ears anyway to get 3.1 and 26.1 when dish goes HD locals it won't include Wilmington.

brownover

04-21-08, 11:24 AM

I just looked over at SatelliteGuys.com and they mention greensboro in april and greenville s.c in may for hd locals. I hope that info on dish getting greenville n.c hd locals up wasn't misread info. Can anyone reconfirm dish's plans for Greenville n.c. hd locals. Just hate getting my hopes up lol.Greenville, NC was supposed to happen before the end of March, that is why they were not listed in April and May. They were uplinked on March 12 to transponder 7 on the 61.5 sat. and mapped down to the channel numbers we are used to on April 8. Channel 7 announced in Feb. that it would be soon. So there is activity, but the actual date of availability is anybody's guess. Latest rumor is this Wednesday.

CDRACING

04-21-08, 12:20 PM

Thanks for everyone replies. Also would there be a fox hd local when dish does go live with it? Especially since the wilmington fox want be included, if it isn't. Possibly out of morehead city, there is a fox station there right.

And yea I'll have to give 9-1 another shot, back to twisting and turning lol.

easternncnewswat

04-21-08, 01:10 PM

Out of market here, but ABC 11 in RDU launched local news in HD today from the looks of it.

jspENC

04-22-08, 01:10 PM

Who watched DTV 411 last weekend? I think they left out some good points, especially about antennas, and that some would need to get UHF antennas since major stations are going to move from low VHF, and I think they should have said those huge VHF antennas are no longer necessary around here except for one or two channels maybe.

foxeng

04-22-08, 01:14 PM

You are in luck. WRAL produced DTV 411. You can tell them!

jspENC

04-22-08, 02:24 PM

You are in luck. WRAL produced DTV 411. You can tell them!

They should know this without me having to tell them. LOL :D I didn't know WRAL put it together, but their engineer wrote some really good literature on the very subject that went with their antenna giveaway.

I was curious though if others thought this was a point that should have been brought up in the show to encourage antennas since they don't have to be huge for digital?

foxeng

04-22-08, 02:36 PM

Don't worry, plenty of time to get that info in. By law stations will have to air more of these in the next 9 months.

soso321

04-24-08, 11:42 PM

Hey everyone, I didn't know whether to post this in the wilmington forum or the greenville so I thought i would take a shot here... I know some of you are able to get both WECT and WITN. I recently got a new HDTV and was watching Nightly News on WECT and noticed when someone was wearing a bright red shirt that it looked noisy or something. I was hoping my new tv didn't have a problem with reds so i decided to change the channel to WITN. I have not been able to compare the two real good cause by the time i change usually they have moved on to something else, but it seems on WITN the problem isn't there. I was just wondering if anyone else had noticed this.

jspENC

04-25-08, 08:26 AM

How are you watching WECT- HD? Antenna? Where are you located? Nevermind I went way back and see you are in Duplin County. Duplin and Sampson areas are the places to be because you can get 3 to 4 markets...
I have been getting WECT pretty much all the time since I tinkered with my antenna after picking up the digital stream converter for my old TV in the back.

brownover

04-25-08, 11:22 AM

Unconfirmed launch date for local HD channels from Dish Network from sources with close ties with Dish Network.

4/24/08As you know, it did not happen. Over on the satelliteguys website, it was stated that a local retailer and a csr from dish both stated the locals would be on hd on 4/24. We have had several promises. Would some station engineers that look at this site please find out the truth for us? They have been uplinked since Mar. 12. What is the problem?

jspENC

04-25-08, 01:11 PM

WITN was the only TV station to air Clinton's speech in Jacksonville Live. I caught some of it, not a huge fan or anything of any of the candidates, but still I think it was an important event.

NewsNiner

04-26-08, 08:01 AM

WITN was the only TV station to air Clinton's speech in Jacksonville Live. I caught some of it, not a huge fan or anything of any of the candidates, but still I think it was an important event.

They were the only ones to carry Obama's speech live last week in Greenville as well. Some interesting insight on their blog page.

witntv.com/blogs (http://www.witntv.com/blogs)

popweaverhdtv

04-26-08, 08:42 PM

As you know, it did not happen. Over on the satelliteguys website, it was stated that a local retailer and a csr from dish both stated the locals would be on hd on 4/24. We have had several promises. Would some station engineers that look at this site please find out the truth for us? They have been uplinked since Mar. 12. What is the problem?

I bet somewhere in-between the various sources, the HD Local info for Greenville, NC and Greenville, SC got mixed up. Heck, it's easy for me to get people up here confused when I mention Greenville, NC (6-7 hrs. away) and they take it to mean Greenville, SC (1.5 hr. away) if I didn't say which city/state I referred to. HD Locals were made available by E* for Greenville, SC on 4/24. Hopefully, after all of the promises made, you folks will get the HD Locals on E* soon.

jamieh1

04-26-08, 09:42 PM

popweaverhdtv

04-27-08, 08:45 AM

Every week a Dish Network uplink activity report comes out and several weeks ago it had the Greenville NC locals listed, WITN-HD, WFXI-HD, WNCT-HD, WCTI-HD listed as uplinked as hidden channels.
Also WCTI engineers reported Dish was in the local recieve facility which is in the WCTI studios working on HD equipment.

Don't fret....I'm not disputing what you've heard; your sources are reliable. It's just pure coincidence, nothing more, that Greenville, SC's HD Locals went live on E* instead of Greenville, NC's. Please forgive me for implying or saying that your info was incorrect or had been mixed up. :o

jamieh1

04-27-08, 12:57 PM

No problem, just passing along what Ive been told, Greenville SC was on the list along with Greenville NC.
Im a 12 yr Directv customer and have no intention on going over to Dish, but I like to pass along info for both, especially if its new HD programming for us ENC viewers.

jspENC

04-29-08, 09:05 AM

Anybody know what happened to the outside tower camera they used to use on WNCT, or the Jacksonville skycam on WCTI? I know they tore down the old news 12 beureo building on Johnson Blvd here in Jacksonville some time ago for a parking lot I believe... I miss the camera's.

Ken12

04-29-08, 07:35 PM

I'm unable to get a microwave shot from the water tower in Jacksonville now. I'll move it to our new office when I get a chance. I'm pretty busy redoing master control right now hope to get more cameras up in the near future. I was hoping to have master control done by the end of May but more likely it will be the end of June

Ken

jspENC

04-29-08, 08:16 PM

Thanks Ken.
I also heard the cameras they had on 9 are out of service as well. I probably wouldn't even have noticed if it hadn't been for WITN capturing that Tornado on their cam. ;)

RMartin631

05-01-08, 06:57 AM

I'm pretty busy redoing master control right now hope to get more cameras up in the near future. I was hoping to have master control done by the end of May but more likely it will be the end of June

Ken

Hey Ken, is there any chance you guys can fix that darn video machine on FXI/YDO that keeps replaying local spots? It'll play a local spot and then when the spot is done it replays the last 2 seconds or so of the end of the spot.

Ken12

05-02-08, 06:51 AM

Hey Ken, is there any chance you guys can fix that darn video machine on FXI/YDO that keeps replaying local spots? It'll play a local spot and then when the spot is done it replays the last 2 seconds or so of the end of the spot.

Thats the first I've heard of that problem I'll look into it

Ken

newinmorehead

05-02-08, 11:43 AM

I havent read the whole thread, but all I want to know is when are the locals out of Greenville going to be broadcasting in HD for DirectTV?

thx

jspENC

05-02-08, 12:24 PM

I havent read the whole thread, but all I want to know is when are the locals out of Greenville going to be broadcasting in HD for DirectTV?

thx

We don't know yet, unfortunately... Directv has not begun to upgrade the local receive facility, but that will be our indicator as to when we can get a general idea of when HD locals will appear.

jspENC

05-06-08, 08:54 AM

Ken,
The WFXI PSIP generator is out again. I noticed it late last week, but didn't want to make extra work on a Friday, and meant to mention it yesterday and forgot.

Mafflerbach

05-06-08, 11:42 AM

WHEN WHEN WHEN WHEN???!???!?

When will we get the HD locals on Dish Network. I know they've been uplinked for something like 6 weeks. What can possibly be going on that takes time before they can turn them on to subs?

(I know that this is a rant since there is no Dish person here, but come on). Do any of you broadcast engineers hear from Dish before they are going to put you on? Or have any idea of what's holding it up?

And asking Dish is truly a waste of time....they already sent me an email telling me I could get my HD locals.... HAH! (BTW, I already am set up with a dish pointing at 61.5)

ARGHHH!

Thanks for reading my vent.....

--Mike

brownover

05-06-08, 04:31 PM

Mafflerbach

05-07-08, 08:47 AM

I have felt like doing the same thing Mike! When did you get the email? That sort of verifies the statement that a retailer made that they cut them on, but something was wrong so they had to cut them off.
It was April 29. I would post it here, but it was picture file... Anyway, still waiting, Charlie.

agregjones

05-07-08, 10:23 AM

Keep in mind that Dish has probably changed a number of priorities since they had to admit a complete loss on their new satellite. That completely changes their capacity plan.

jspENC

05-07-08, 10:40 AM

Here's some more distant stations from Monday night. WBTW first, then WPDE. Both stations had their svr. wx crawls on at the time. WPDE's is just like WCTI's with the rotating radar and painted in county. Only difference is WPDE puts the text beside the map, instead of on top like 12.
http://img28.picoodle.com/img/img28/4/5/6/f_DTcaptures0m_a76c13f.jpg

http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/4/5/7/f_DTcaptures0m_828a735.jpg

This is WPDE DT

http://img26.picoodle.com/img/img26/4/5/7/f_DTcaptures0m_d288089.jpg

Trip in VA

05-07-08, 11:03 AM

I got WITN-DT this morning, right over near-local WVIR-DT. I also had signal on 56 but it never decoded, and I had WFXB analog completely clear!

The data I got from those will show up on my website in the next day or two, whenever I get a chance to add it.

- Trip

foxeng

05-07-08, 12:53 PM

FCC Sets Wilmington, N.C., as Digital-Switch Test Market, Sources Say

By Michele Greppi and Ira Teinowitz

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin is set to announce Thursday that it will run a test of the switch to digital broadcasting signals in Wilmington, N.C., the smallest TV market in the Tarheel state, sources said.

The congressionally mandated national switch to digital takes place Feb. 19. The FCC didn't return multiple calls seeking comment.

The test in North Carolina, Mr. Martin's home state, is likely to take place before the November sweeps ratings period. If things do not go smoothly during the trial run, it could affect stations’ revenues during one of the months used to set advertising rates for the next fiscal quarter.

The Wilmington market, served by affiliates of all the major networks, is the 135th largest measured by Nielsen Media Research, which says 179,760 of the 182,500 homes in the area have televisions.

WWAY-TV, owned by Morris Multimedia, is the ABC affiliate in the area. NBC-affiliated WECT-TV and Fox-affiliated WSFX-TV are owned by Raycom Media. WILM-TV is the CBS affiliate owned by Capitol Broadcasting Co. WMYW-LP is the MyNetworkTV affiliate, and The CW has a cable-only affiliate. The market gets its public broadcast signal from WUNJ-TV.

Local broadcasters did not return calls seeking comment.

FCC Commissioner Michael Copps has been pushing for a test in a small market that met certain criteria, including that all broadcast stations’ digital signals already are on the air on the same channels where they will be found when the official digital switch takes place.

The idea is to learn, among other things, how many TV homes may be unprepared for the transition, which will require viewers to have digital sets, boxes that can convert digital broadcast signals to analog on older sets, or delivery of programs by cable or satellite services.

The sources who confirmed the announcement of the test weren't able to say when it may begin. However, the trial run will be preceded by a big education campaign by local stations about converter boxes and the availability of coupons worth $40 toward the purchase of the converters through local retailers.

Throughout the country, some 1 million coupons have been used as part of the National Telecommunications & Information Administration’s converter box coupon program, according to recent information.

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/05/sources_fcc_sets_wilmington_nc.php

jspENC

05-07-08, 07:17 PM

WECT and WSFX are running crawls that state on Sept. 08 the Wilmington market will be the first television market to broadcast only digital, and to please get ready for this change. This is a test period and will reflect on other areas it sounds like... I hope this goes well. I'm guessing this will include WWAY, WECT, WSFX and WUNJ and not the low power analogs like WILM?

foxeng

05-08-08, 07:08 AM

Wilmington DTV Switch: Sept. 8, 2008
135th Largest DMA To Become First Transition Test Market
By Ted Hearn -- Multichannel News, 5/7/2008 7:09:00 PM
Washington—Wilmington, N.C., will become the first market to switch to all-digital broadcasting on Sept.8, 2008, Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo said Wednesday.

“We'll be the first in the country,” Saffo said, adding that he was “honored” to have his city take the lead.

The test is slated to begin Monday Sept. 8, a week after Labor Day.

The Federal Communications Commission is planning to announce Wednesday afternoon that Wilmington will be selected as the TV transition test market, an FCC official said.

By law, all full-power TV stations need to terminate analog service on Feb. 17, 2009. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has been coming under pressure to find a test market to determine the level of preparation in a typical market prior to the national switch over.

FCC Democrat Michael Copps has been nagging Martin for months to find a test market.

"This is very good news for the DTV transition. Real-world experience is an extremely important step—although only one of many—that will help minimize consumer disruption next February. Broadway shows open on the road to work out the kinks before opening night. The DTV transition deserves no less," Copps said in a statement Wednesday night.

Saffo said he is optimistic that his city will be ready to conduct a smooth transition soon after Labor Day.

“The FCC has assured me that they are going to come down here and do everything in their power ...to make this as smooth as possible,” Saffo said. “We look at the FCC as being a partner in this.”

According to Nielsen Media Research, Wilmington is the 135th largest TV market out of 210.

Saffo said he was well-aware that the eyes of the nation would be following DTV developments in his coastal city.

“It's a huge opportunity for Wilmington to pave the way for the rest of country,” Saffo said. “I am looking forward to working with [the FCC] and honored to be the first community in the country to do it.”

Nielsen has cable and satellite TV providers serving 92.6% of Wilmington area households, leaving just 7.4% relying exclusively on free TV. Nationally, the broadcast-only audience ranges from 11% to 19% of households, depending on source of the data.

According to the Center for Public Integrity's media ownership database, the Wilmington market has 10 licensed TV stations.

The city of Wilmington, situated close to the Atlantic shoreline, has a population of 91,137, according to U.S. Census Bureau data for 2003.

Analog TV sets that rely exclusively on free over the air broadcasting will cease to function unless they are adapted to display digital signals.

The federal government plans to spend up to $1.5 billion to subsidize consumer acquisition of digital-to-analog converter boxes. The program allows each household to receive two $40 coupons to defray converter box costs. On Tuesday, the U.S. Commerce Department announced that 1 million coupons had been used since people began applying on Jan. 1.

Saffo said that ensuring broadcast-only viewers were not left behind was essential.

“Obviously we have some concerns,” Saffo said. “Our concern is at those folks who do not have a converter box are going to be given those converter boxes ...”

In theory, cable and satellite TV homes won't be affected by the transition unless they have analog TV sets not connected to one of the pay TV services.

foxeng

05-08-08, 04:57 PM

FCC Confirms Wilmington as Digital Test Market
By Ira Teinowitz and Julieanne Smolinski

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin has formally selected Wilmington, N.C., as the test market for the digital transition.

“It will help us spot issues that we need to address throughout the country,” Mr. Martin told a Washington news conference today, surrounded by the mayor of Wilmington and local broadcasters.

The announcement confirms TVWeek’s report that Mr. Martin would select his home state for the dry run of the congressionally mandated switch.

Nielsen ranks the Wilmington market as the 135th largest of major-network affiliates. Beginning at noon on Sept. 8, WWAY-TV (ABC), WSFX-TV (Fox), WECT-TV (NBC), WILM-LP (CBS), and W51CW (Trinity Broadcasting) will broadcast only digital signals to their viewers in the five North Carolina counties that make up the market.

Wilmington PBS station WUNJ-TV will continue to broadcast in both analog and digital until the national transition, set for Feb. 17. The station is part of UNC-TV, the state’s public TV network; it said today that it was concerned that turning off its analog signal in the midst of hurricane season might deprive viewers of needed emergency information.

Mr. Martin said today that the FCC would have full-time staff in Wilmington through the transition to speak and attend events ranging from the riverfront festival to the blueberry festival. He said the agency would prepare public service announcements, outdoor billboards and posters promoting the transition.

Wilmington was chosen for the test run because all of its commercial stations have completed construction of their DTV channels and are operating at full post-transition power.

Jonathan Collegio, the National Association of Broadcasters' VP of the digital television transition, said in a statement: “The FCC-initiated experiment in Wilmington can shed light on a number of issues surrounding the national DTV transition in February 2009. The results must be objectively reviewed to determine how or whether the findings can be applied nationwide. NAB will be fully supportive of our local television broadcasters in this effort."

FCC Commissioner Michael Copps, who had been to England to watch its switchover, had pushed for a test before the national switch. Today he praised both the FCC and local broadcasters for voluntarily agreeing to it.

“It’s not risk-free. It’s not problem-free,” he said.

While Mr. Martin suggested Wilmington’s switch would offer valuable information, Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein said he was concerned that Wilmington would be more a showplace than a real test. The kind of effort the agency is putting into making sure Wilmington goes right is unlikely to be there when the rest of the country switches.

“The question is whether it is a real test or a staged dress rehearsal,” said Mr. Adelstein.

Broadcasters said they expected some disruption in advertising and viewership during the switch, but that it would have occurred anyway in February.

“Whether we do the transition in September or we do it in February, we are going to have some disruption to work through,” said Jim Goodmon, president-CEO of Capitol Broadcasting, which owns WILM-LP.

“If you don’t know the transition is coming in Wilmington, you won’t be breathing. But I don’t know how we are not going to have a disruption. We are going to have a disruption. We are going to make it as small as we can.”

Paul McTear, president-CEO of Raycom Media, which owns WECT-TV, said the high level of cable and satellite households in the market—93%—together with the number that already have requested discount coupons for converter boxes, meant few households would lose TV service. He predicted the biggest problem would be with second sets.

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/05/fcc_confirms_wilmington_as_dig.php