Well let me get 3 posts in =)

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d23c5b196c6d1bf

Any help would be appreciated

If Im reading this right I should be about to get about 6 different channels..If I can pull in the channel I should be able to pull it in HD right??....My main channel I want is ABC....So I if the Seminoles play I can catch it

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d23c5b196c6d1bf

Any help would be appreciated

If Im reading this right I should be about to get about 6 different channels..If I can pull in the channel I should be able to pull it in HD right??....My main channel I want is ABC....So I if the Seminoles play I can catch it

You live closer to two Dothan, AL (30-35 mi.) stations than Tallahasse-Thomasville stations (over 70 mi.); one of the Dothan stations is ABC on channel 21.

According to ESPN's schedule (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3901962), FSU will not play on ABC at all this season. Also, there's one Panama City market station (FOX) that is about 33 miles but you'd have to the turn the antenna southwest to get it.

Unless you're adventurous and want a large outdoor fringe antenna installed, you'll need an UHF antenna with 35 mile range or better that will cover the two stations listed closest to you.

You may get much better assistance at the Dothan thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16924586); also TV Fool has a FAQ posted (http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=57#how_to_read) about how to read their charts.

You live closer to two Dothan, AL (30-35 mi.) stations than Tallahasse-Thomasville stations (over 70 mi.); one of the Dothan stations is ABC on channel 21.

According to ESPN's schedule (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3901962), FSU will not play on ABC at all this season. Also, there's one Panama City market station (FOX) that is about 33 miles but you'd have to the turn the antenna southwest to get it.

Unless you're adventurous and want a large outdoor fringe antenna installed, you'll need an UHF antenna with 35 mile range or better that will cover the two stations listed closest to you.

You may get much better assistance at the Dothan thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16924586); also TV Fool has a FAQ posted (http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=57#how_to_read) about how to read their charts.

Hope you are wrong about FSU on ABC. If they do things as they did in the past they will wait until the season starts to assign most of the games they will televise. Of course they schedule certain big games in advance, but the entire TV game schedule will often fill out once the season progresses and they see who looks more marketable. Some games are scheduled as late as the Monday prior (to the game). At least we now get ESPNU on Comcast, and ESPN360 on Comcast ISP.

Hope you are wrong about FSU on ABC. If they do things as they did in the past they will wait until the season starts to assign most of the games they will televise.
One of the scheduled ESPN games is the usual Labor Day opener against Miami; the other is a Thursday night game.

Do they normally re-schedule Thursday night games to Saturday nights? I've never noticed that.

Does anyone know if fox49 will once again be broadcasting Raycom HD games in SD like they have the past few years?

I keep hoping this is the year fox49 finally gets the equipment to show them in HD.

Also, ClarenceD, could you reword "Do they normally re-schedule Thursday night games to Saturday nights? I've never noticed that." for clarity or give an example, because I'm not sure at all what you mean.

Comcast has added ESPNU HD on Channel 396. Looks great!

Capefsih, you are the man! I never would have stumbled on a channel in the 300's.

How did you find it?

Capefsih, you are the man! I never would have stumbled on a channel in the 300's.

How did you find it?

By accident. Finished with the Marlins game on 401 and hit channel down instead of channel up. I thought it was ESPN HD until I saw the ESPNU HD logo.

One of the scheduled ESPN games is the usual Labor Day opener against Miami; the other is a Thursday night game.

Do they normally re-schedule Thursday night games to Saturday nights? I've never noticed that.

No, Thursday night games are set before the season starts because of the issues of scheduling travel, missed classes, etc., not to mention the problems of holding a game on campus in the middle of the week. And of course many big games of interest and traditional rivalries are also scheduled at the start. But as the season shakes out the networks and ESPN all have options to pick up games, many just for regional broadcasts, that are not already scheduled if they think they will appeal to viewers. And of course the independents like Jefferson Pilot, Raycom, et al can pick up what is left over.

I know this has nothing to do with Local HD in Tallahassee, but didn't know where else to go. I apologize in advance.

I'd like to calibrate my plasma TV and according to imagingscience.com there are only two ISF Certified opitions in Tallahassee: Geek Squad and Smart Systems Home Automation Corp. Has anyone used either of these services? I'm particularly interest in Smart Systems Home Automation Corp.

Thanks!

I know this has nothing to do with Local HD in Tallahassee, but didn't know where else to go. I apologize in advance.

I'd like to calibrate my plasma TV and according to imagingscience.com there are only two ISF Certified opitions in Tallahassee: Geek Squad and Smart Systems Home Automation Corp. Has anyone used either of these services? I'm particularly interest in Smart Systems Home Automation Corp.

Thanks!

I don't know, but I would verify their ISF certification, either on-line or ask to see the actual certificate (especially the Geek Squad).

Well, now I see the football fans at FSU are riled that the FSU-BYU game will NOT be on DirecTV as anticipated. Seems the game rights are contracted to somebody named Versus, who happens to be owned by Comcast, and DirecTV refused to pay what they considered an exorbitant fee to renew with Comcast for the rights, which expired 8/31/09. So now the question is will Comcast customers get the game free or as PPV? I'm guessing the latter.

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=16&f=2947&t=4673599

Well, now I see the football fans at FSU are riled that the FSU-BYU game will NOT be on DirecTV as anticipated. Seems the game rights are contracted to somebody named Versus, who happens to be owned by Comcast, and DirecTV refused to pay what they considered an exorbitant fee to renew with Comcast for the rights, which expired 8/31/09. So now the question is will Comcast customers get the game free or as PPV? I'm guessing the latter.

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=16&f=2947&t=4673599

Comcast and Dish Network should be able to see the game in HD on Versus HD. All Comcast subscribers in Tallahassee that get ESPN also get Versus in the same Digital Basic package. With Dish you have a free preview of Versus coming due to DirecTV dropping it.

The Big XII holds the rights to this game as they are the home team conference. Big XII rights are held be ABC for broadcast and Fox Sports Net for cable. Since FSN cannot air all the games, they sell some to ESPN and Versus. This one ended up with Versus.

"Do they normally re-schedule Thursday night games to Saturday nights? I've never noticed that."

No, Thursday night games are a separate package that cannot change to Saturdays. The ACC gets a lot of exposure for those games. As mentioned, a lot goes into planning for those games. UNC is only able to host the game due to Fall Break. The impact on the on-campus medical center is huge. Parking can be a nightmare during normal workdays at UNC. Adding 60,000 fans to the mix is a big, big deal. UNC once moved a Thursday night game to Charlotte to avoid thiat situation.

Yesterday, while jumping ahead in the guide on my DirecTV HD-DVR to set up some Series Links, I noticed that WCTV-DT2 (6-2) was showing the same programming as WALB-DT2... that of This TV.

Looking ahead at Zap2it.com, they show the same programming WCTV-DT2 usually airs. Is this a DirecTV glitch or has WCTV-DT2 switched affiliations?

~Alan

A number of Gray's subchannels have picked up This TV for about 18 hours per day with My Network TV and select syndication taking up the other six hours. Could that be the case with WCTV?

- Trip

A number of Gray's subchannels have picked up MyNet for about 18 hours per day with My Network TV and select syndication taking up the other six hours. Could that be the case with WCTV?

I'll double check later, but I think that is indeed the case.

~Alan

Comcast and Dish Network should be able to see the game in HD on Versus HD. All Comcast subscribers in Tallahassee that get ESPN also get Versus in the same Digital Basic package. With Dish you have a free preview of Versus coming due to DirecTV dropping it.

The Big XII holds the rights to this game as they are the home team conference. Big XII rights are held be ABC for broadcast and Fox Sports Net for cable. Since FSN cannot air all the games, they sell some to ESPN and Versus. This one ended up with Versus.

Sorry, but no - BYU is not in the Big 12 - they are in the Mountain West Conference. You may be right about how Versus got the game, however.

It appears that we should have a new channel today, NFL RedZone (http://redzonetv.nfl.com/2009/08/27/nfl-redzone-is-here/).

But I've scanned the Comcast channels here in Tallahassee and don't see anything. Anybody have any ideas?

Check Comcast channel 741.

Sorry, but no - BYU is not in the Big 12 - they are in the Mountain West Conference. You may be right about how Versus got the game, however.

Sorry, had a mindless moment placing BYU in the Big XII. The Big XII and Pac 10 also have games on Versus. The Duke-Kansas game will be on Versus before ours in the afternoon as part of the Big XII contract.

The MountainWest Conference has contracts with Comcast and CBS for games to air on CBS College Sports, Versus, and The Mtn.

"Check Comcast channel 741."

I checked 741. Tuning in, I got a "Not Authorized". I don't have the Comcast sports tier, but really didn't think I needed it for this. Nothing in the Comcast program guide either. In fact it didn't even show what was assigned to 741.

So Capefish, are you on Tallahassee Comcast? If so do you have the sports tier? I'm guessing your program guide doesn't show anything either.

Yesterday, while jumping ahead in the guide on my DirecTV HD-DVR to set up some Series Links, I noticed that WCTV-DT2 (6-2) was showing the same programming as WALB-DT2... that of This TV.

Looking ahead at Zap2it.com, they show the same programming WCTV-DT2 usually airs. Is this a DirecTV glitch or has WCTV-DT2 switched affiliations?

~Alan

Well at my house, "This TV" comes in on OTA Walb-D2 (10.2) But on Valdosta Mediacom channel 26 guide shows "This TV" as the channel and the guide schedule info however the picture (video and audio) is that of WALB ?? 24/7 Weather channel. Go figure???????????:(

Well at my house, "This TV" comes in on OTA Walb-D2 (10.2)

Now I'm seeing ThisTV content on WCTV2.

But on Valdosta Mediacom channel 26 guide shows "This TV" as the channel and the guide schedule info however the picture (video and audio) is that of WALB ?? 24/7 Weather channel.
Zap2It has this error listed for several months. A Tribune-related mishap?

"Check Comcast channel 741."

I checked 741. Tuning in, I got a "Not Authorized". I don't have the Comcast sports tier, but really didn't think I needed it for this. Nothing in the Comcast program guide either. In fact it didn't even show what was assigned to 741.

So Capefish, are you on Tallahassee Comcast? If so do you have the sports tier? I'm guessing your program guide doesn't show anything either.
I have the Sports Pack on Comcast Tallahassee, Channel 741 has no data shown in the guide, and is now a slide saying to tune in on Sundays at 1PM for the RedZone Channel.

Is anyone having trouble with FOX on Comcast? Up until this weekend I've been able to tune FOX in on 87-1, but now there's some ESPN Radio stuff going on. Anyone have any idea what channel FOX is now on? Thanks.

Is anyone having trouble with FOX on Comcast? Up until this weekend I've been able to tune FOX in on 87-1, but now there's some ESPN Radio stuff going on. Anyone have any idea what channel FOX is now on? Thanks.

It is on 104 or 106. Don't remember the sub-channel number.

This past Saturday very early in the afternoon I'm flipping channels, watching about six football games at one time. And it was mainly great except for one thing.

Here it is, another fall, and Fox49 is still carrying the noon Raycom ACC game (UNC at UConn) in SD. Meanwhile, WCTV is carrying the noon SEC (Troy at UF) network game in HD.

sigh.

So is this a case of WCTV scraping together the money to get the proper equipment, but Fox49 still being unable to do so?

This past Saturday very early in the afternoon I'm flipping channels, watching about six football games at one time. And it was mainly great except for one thing.

Here it is, another fall, and Fox49 is still carrying the noon Raycom ACC game (UNC at UConn) in SD. Meanwhile, WCTV is carrying the noon SEC (Troy at UF) network game in HD.

sigh.

So is this a case of WCTV scraping together the money to get the proper equipment, but Fox49 still being unable to do so?

I thought the same thing too initially, but I'm not so sure that SEC game of the week was really in HD on WCTV. Upon further inspection it looked like they had zoomed in on the picture, and we were getting a 16:9 SD picture. Maybe I'm crazy, but that's what it looked like to me, and not HD.

It is on 104 or 106. Don't remember the sub-channel number.

Thanks Texadillo.

106.4 in case anyone else reads this.

Well at my house, "This TV" comes in on OTA Walb-D2 (10.2) But on Valdosta Mediacom channel 26 guide shows "This TV" as the channel and the guide schedule info however the picture (video and audio) is that of WALB ?? 24/7 Weather channel. Go figure???????????:(

Well now today(9-18) I notice Mediacom has corrected channel 26 guide to read WALB 24/7 weather to agree with the actual video and audio on the screen. Also OTA changes ( at least for now) This TV which was on both 6.2 and 10.2 has been dropped from 6.2. Could someone who actually has the ability to make these changes be viewing this Forum??? :eek:

I thought the same thing too initially, but I'm not so sure that SEC game of the week was really in HD on WCTV. Upon further inspection it looked like they had zoomed in on the picture, and we were getting a 16:9 SD picture. Maybe I'm crazy, but that's what it looked like to me, and not HD.

The GAME was in HD, but maybe not on WCTV. It would not be normal procedure to zoom-and-crop SD (I highly doubt it was), and would be totally asinine to do so, but if you couldn't see the scorebox or the Bottom Line, then it was zoomed-and-cropped. If that was the case, then the folks on non-HD cable and satellite would've been ringing the phones off the hooks, since they would be getting a zoomed, cropped, and chopped picture (missing a third of it horizontally and vertically). Then the WCTV master control operator would be spanked for playing with the buttons!

Well "This TV" channel is back on WCTV-dt2 OTA when checked at 2:00PM. :confused:

Well "This TV" channel is back on WCTV-dt2 OTA when checked at 2:00PM. :confused:

WCTV2 airs This TV during the day then changes to My Network at night.

The GAME was in HD, but maybe not on WCTV.
Could it also be some sort of image quality degradation somewhere in the ESPN syndie (SEC Network) -> WCTV -> consumer chain?

ESPN's syndicated games are most likely 720p; WCTV (is supposed to) upconvert to 1080i then the WCTV's signal is received and displayed by the consumer's equipment.

It would be very strange if WCTV downconverts the signal to 480i at 16:9 ratio.

Also WALB broadcasts these games in HD; I'm looking into recording portions of the next SEC Network from WALB and WCTV and making comparisons.

ESPN's syndicated games are most likely 720p; WCTV (is supposed to) upconvert to 1080i then the WCTV's signal is received and displayed by the consumer's equipment.

True. 720p so they can cut to those games on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and use for highlights/archive. WCTV should be receiving the signal on an HD receiver/decoder, which uses its built-in cross-converter to output the 720p program in 1080i, sending 1080i through WCTV's master-control/transmission chain, to OTA, DBS, and CATV.

It would be very strange if WCTV downconverts the signal to 480i at 16:9 ratio.

Yes, VERY strange. But then aspects of DTV/HDTV still confound some broadcasters (and producers). DTV will be shaky for several years.

True. 720p so they can cut to those games on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and use for highlights/archive. WCTV should be receiving the signal on an HD receiver/decoder, which uses its built-in cross-converter to output the 720p program in 1080i, sending 1080i through WCTV's master-control/transmission chain, to OTA, DBS, and CATV.



Yes, VERY strange. But then aspects of DTV/HDTV still confound some broadcasters (and producers). DTV will be shaky for several years.

FWIW the top and bottom lines were half hidden for that broadcast, which is why I assume some sort of zooming. It'll be interesting to see what Alabama / North Texas is like today.

FWIW the top and bottom lines were half hidden for that broadcast, which is why I assume some sort of zooming. It'll be interesting to see what Alabama / North Texas is like today.

Looks much better today!

Meanwhile, over on Fox49, they are still showing the Raycom game in SD. This is just sad.

Retro Television Network
Ok lets see who will be first to add Retro Television Network to the tallahassee fl market since wctv2 added this tv. Think this was a bad move being walb2 already had this tv. Retro Television Network shows good old shows you grew up with

Retro Television Network
Ok lets see who will be first to add Retro Television Network to the tallahassee fl market since wctv2 added this tv. Think this was a bad move being walb2 already had this tv. Retro Television Network shows good old shows you grew up with
Supposedly, RTN had already made a deal with WTLH's parent, New Age Media, but WTLH hasn't added it.

IMO unless WTWC is somehow able to replace their SD mirror with it, one subchannel amongst the Big Four's market affiliates is enough.

Supposedly, RTN had already made a deal with WTLH's parent, New Age Media, but WTLH hasn't added it.

IMO unless WTWC is somehow able to replace their SD mirror with it, one subchannel amongst the Big Four's market affiliates is enough.

I probably shouldn't type this, as I don't want to give WCTV any ideas, but Gray isn't averse to doing two sub-channels... :(

I'm curious where WTLH would add it? In addition to The CW (as WTLH-DT3), or replace The CW? As far as WTLH-DT2 goes, I rarely watch it (Most of the CW programming I care about comes out on Blu-ray), so I just wait, but I do like having it there.

If a channel were to do two sub-channels, a 720p network like FOX or ABC would be preferable...

~Alan

I probably shouldn't type this, as I don't want to give WCTV any ideas, but Gray isn't averse to doing two sub-channels... :(

I'm curious where WTLH would add it? In addition to The CW (as WTLH-DT3), or replace The CW? As far as WTLH-DT2 goes, I rarely watch it (Most of the CW programming I care about comes out on Blu-ray), so I just wait, but I do like having it there.

If a channel were to do two sub-channels, a 720p network like FOX or ABC would be preferable...

~Alan

Even though the show I want to watch originates in HD, the CW channel on Comcast from WTLH is almost unwatchable and the audio sucks big time (probably the only station in the US broadcasting in mono). It is so bad I have decided to forego watching Smallville this season and I will just wait and buy it on DVD. Either WTLH has the worst engineers in the area or they just don't give a crap about whatever they broadcast on the CW sub-channel.

Anyone else having issues with their WTXL HD? I'm on Directv and the picture is all out of whack. The feed is jumpy and keeps changing colors like you are on an LSD trip. No other channel is doing it so I assume WTXL is just being stupid.

So much for enjoying the Miami vs. Virginia Tech game :mad:

Anyone else having issues with their WTXL HD? I'm on Directv and the picture is all out of whack. The feed is jumpy and keeps changing colors like you are on an LSD trip. No other channel is doing it so I assume WTXL is just being stupid.

So much for enjoying the Miami vs. Virginia Tech game :mad:

OTA is good , so it must have something with the feed going to DirecTV.
I'm getting the same whack on DirecTV. @3.37

OTA is good , so it must have something with the feed going to DirecTV.
I'm getting the same whack on DirecTV. @3.37

Thanks for the info. They fixed it about halfway through the 2nd quarter. Thank goodness!

I noticed the same color issues that you did on Saturday. It was a problem with DirecTV - I also have the lowest Comcast cable tier, so I could view WTXL-HD via QAM, and it had no problems. I had also been having serious DVR problems since last Tuesday's software push. I just had a technician over to check it out. He looked at the performance for about 5 or 10 minutes and said, "I'm gonna change the box out." (exactly what I was hoping for btw). I ended up with several components changed out. I still have a BRRRIIPPP problem (which I think a lot of us have), but I'm hoping the major problems I've been seeing will be cleared up by this.

I noticed the same color issues that you did on Saturday. It was a problem with DirecTV - I also have the lowest Comcast cable tier, so I could view WTXL-HD via QAM, and it had no problems. I had also been having serious DVR problems since last Tuesday's software push. I just had a technician over to check it out. He looked at the performance for about 5 or 10 minutes and said, "I'm gonna change the box out." (exactly what I was hoping for btw). I ended up with several components changed out. I still have a BRRRIIPPP problem (which I think a lot of us have), but I'm hoping the major problems I've been seeing will be cleared up by this.

Ya I've been having the same BRRIPPP problem.. using the latest CE firmware.

I noticed the same color issues that you did on Saturday. It was a problem with DirecTV - I also have the lowest Comcast cable tier, so I could view WTXL-HD via QAM, and it had no problems. I had also been having serious DVR problems since last Tuesday's software push. I just had a technician over to check it out. He looked at the performance for about 5 or 10 minutes and said, "I'm gonna change the box out." (exactly what I was hoping for btw). I ended up with several components changed out. I still have a BRRRIIPPP problem (which I think a lot of us have), but I'm hoping the major problems I've been seeing will be cleared up by this.

This seems to be a fairly widespread problem. The Directv forums have a ton of posts about it. This is the best summary I could find:

"The issue is apparently caused by problems with the Dolby Digital audio signal coming from the stations, screwing up DirecTV's encoders that convert from the MPEG-2 compression system used by the local stations, to the MPEG-4 compression system used by DirecTV. It's particularly noticeable on network programming - with most local stations if you watch locally-sourced programs like the news it never seems to happen. This indicates it's something to do with the equipment the station has to merge the network feed with its own programming. Most local stations it seems don't have anyone on staff who really understands digital audio, and so it's difficult for them to find/fix the problems. It can be done though - here in DFW the CBS signal was almost unwatchable in November last year but a tech at the station worked through the problems and now they have almost gone away.
This takes far more than "just a phone call" from DirecTV to fix."

I first noticed it in Crawfordville last week, which is odd since I've had Directv since July. So something must have changed that has caused this problem in the area. The problem is most apparent on WTLH (FOX) and WCTV (CBS). I've seen it once or twice on WTXL (ABC) and have not seen it once on WTWC (NBC). I also have not seen the problem on any of the non-local HD stations.

From what I could gather from the Directv forums it seems this is a problem that needs to be fixed by the local station. Do we know if any of the local stations are aware of the problem here?

I love reading your comments they make my day. Thanks.

Actually I was hoping to irritate you (or whoever it takes) enough that you/they would try and fix the problem, or at least offer a good explanation as to why you/they cannot. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, and all that. If you can't do anything about the problem would you at least pass it on to higher ups that their viewers (one at least) is complaining? Thanks.

wctv2
So will wctv2 be This Tv Or Mytv Network or both. Also still waiting on someone to add Retro Tv. Still say This Tv was a bad move since walb already airs it and the two markets over lap. Are we will running scared ? Guess time will tell

wctv2
So will wctv2 be This Tv Or Mytv Network or both. Also still waiting on someone to add Retro Tv. Still say This Tv was a bad move since walb already airs it and the two markets over lap. Are we will running scared ? Guess time will tell
ThisTV on WCTV2 wasn't a "WCTV" decision as much as a "WCTV's parent company" decision. WALB and WCTV are indeed in different markets thus ThisTV is likely on a exclusive "one station per market" basis, like many other syndicated programs carried in both markets (e.g. Oprah at 4 pm). This means you won't see WSWG carry ThisTV.

Running scared...from what? Personally I say "No Thanks" to Retro as its programming should be already available on DVD and possibly some video sites like YouTube.

They over lap ota in the south ga market and a little in the north Fl area.

They over lap ota in the south ga market and a little in the north Fl area.
Tallahassee and Albany markets are still distinct markets such that many syndicated programs appear in stations in both markets.

Overlapping coverage does not nullify that; even so, the southern GA counties that are in the Tally market are secondary to the counties within Albany market. Example: Oprah airs at 4 pm on WCTV and WALB.

Also, not everyone in either market can receive all stations from the other. I live too far away to get signals from WTLF, WFSU, and WSST.

With many thanks to WTLHFOXHD, I now have TSReader data for all the stations in Tallahassee except for WTLF. :)

- Trip

I get the wtlh dt2 cw over the air, and the picture was so dark that even when I turned the brightness all the way up it was still unwatchable especially when the scenes in smallville were at night or indoors. Has anyone else experienced this problem?

Simple Question WCTV DT2
Are they This TV or MY TV network ? Do the plan to run both networks or what is going on with them ?

martymtiger: IIRC, they now run This TV during the day and MNTV in prime time.

Looks like Comcast Tallahassee has added Sun Sports HD on Channel 402. They have had FS Florida HD running 24/7 on Channel 401 lately. Hopefully this means we will get more HD sports from Comcast including all the Magic and Marlins games we have been missing.

I have a question for those with both Comcast and DirecTV - Is there any difference in picture quality between the two providers on the non-local channels? There are finally installing Comcast in our neighborhood.

I have read that DirecTV offers a better HD picture. However, I just wanted to check this out. Analog cable TV used to have awful picture quality.

Thanks!

I have a question for those with both Comcast and DirecTV - Is there any difference in picture quality between the two providers on the non-local channels? There are finally installing Comcast in our neighborhood.

I have read that DirecTV offers a better HD picture. However, I just wanted to check this out. Analog cable TV used to have awful picture quality.

Thanks!

Remember your ABC's

Anybody
But
Cable

Yes picture quaility is better on DirecTV. But, you must have the right stuff.
If you want the "best" picture you must use HDMI cable.
Also don't fall for the bundle pack (you lose one, you lose all) if something happens to the cable line. Just ask those with Mediacom in Valdosta.

Remember your ABC's

Anybody
But
Cable

Yes picture quaility is better on DirecTV. But, you must have the right stuff.
If you want the "best" picture you must use HDMI cable.
Also don't fall for the bundle pack (you lose one, you lose all) if something happens to the cable line. Just ask those with Mediacom in Valdosta.
I've had the Comcast service for more than 8 years and its HDTV since it was available in Tallahassee and DirecTV for almost a month and in my opinion standard definition still looks awful in DirecTV, some channels looks slightly better but in general the pic quality is bad in big screens (46" & 61").
For HDTV is more like a mix, some HDTV channels looked better in Comcast and some better with DirecTV, the compression is a growing issue since both are competing based on the number of channels and not quality. I still remember the ultra-compressed channels with Comcast such as Versus and ScyFy. With DirecTV, I felt I little disappointed with HDNet since I only read good things in these forums about its impressive pic quality but I noticed some of compression artifacts, blu-ray still is much better than broadcast HDTV with any of these two provider.
Hope this helps.

Remember your ABC's

Anybody
But
Cable

Yes picture quaility is better on DirecTV. But, you must have the right stuff.
If you want the "best" picture you must use HDMI cable.
Also don't fall for the bundle pack (you lose one, you lose all) if something happens to the cable line. Just ask those with Mediacom in Valdosta.

It is easy to slam the cable companies, and I have done it myself, but having used Tally Comcast for almost 20 years I have to admit that both service and PQ has improved by leaps and bounds, mostly due to the initiation of digital TV, and my internet service is now reliable and extremely fast. My biggest complaint with Comcast is mainly one of cost, cost, cost. They have almost no competition and they take full advantage to regularly raise rates well above the rate of inflation. Even that would be not be so bad if I could choose the channels I pay for, instead of being forced to pay for useless (to me) channels, including many that are eating up HD bandwidth. I have considered trying satellite TV, but apart from the fact that I have so many trees around on my lot I am not sure I could even get service, the hassle of even testing it makes me hesitant. And I still would want to keep Comcast ISP service, which would go up in price if I drop TV.

Thanks for the info on Comcast vs. DirecTV. The crew is making progress laying cable in the neighborhood. My old RCA UltimateTV box is starting to have problems. Thus, I will have to either upgrade to a HD DirecTV dish and box or get cable.

Thanks again!

Is this Tallahassee HD forum dead or is everyone here now just completely happy with their local HD?

Is this Tallahassee HD forum dead or is everyone here now just completely happy with their local HD?

I'm not happy. Fox49 pretty much stinks at being the local broadcaster of the noon Raycom ACC games due to their inability to show those games in HD.

But I've complained before, both in this forum and to the station. No need to do it again any time soon.

Plus I was in Nashville this weekend and saw several channels in HD there on Comcast that we don't get here on Comcast, like G4 and Comedy Central.

And Saturday's game also had horrendous video work -- obvious even through the noisy, poor picture on Fox49.

With many thanks to WTLHFOXHD, I now have TSReader data for all the stations in Tallahassee except for WTLF. :)

I'm fascinated by the data on WTWC-DT. A few Thursdays ago when we had some storms, I switched to recording them on WTWC-DT, and was disappointed in the PQ difference compared to WALB-DT, but your data shows only a small difference in bandwidth between the two.

~Alan

I'm fascinated by the data on WTWC-DT. A few Thursdays ago when we had some storms, I switched to recording them on WTWC-DT, and was disappointed in the PQ difference compared to WALB-DT, but your data shows only a small difference in bandwidth between the two.

~Alan

I get the impression that Sinclair is using older encoders that just don't compress as well as some of the newer ones.

I also do not know if WALB was using a variable bitrate encoder or a constant bitrate encoder (which I'm almost 100% certain Sinclair is using across the country). If WALB is variable, it could be spiking as high as 17 Mbps during high-motion scenes.

- Trip

Is this Tallahassee HD forum dead or is everyone here now just completely happy with their local HD?
I'm just wondering why there's no HD PBS feed from WFSU on DirecTV. The local channel packages in other places includes their local
PBS station but not here. Anyone have an answer?

I'm just wondering why there's no HD PBS feed from WFSU on DirecTV. The local channel packages in other places includes their local
PBS station but not here. Anyone have an answer?

I don't know the answer to that, but Georgia PBS (Valdosta or Albany?) usually carries the same programs in HD, and they are carried on Tallahassee Comcast as a local HD station, so why can't you get them?

I'm just wondering why there's no HD PBS feed from WFSU on DirecTV. The local channel packages in other places includes their local
PBS station but not here. Anyone have an answer?

I believe WFSU HD is uplinked in test mode. So, who knows when they could flip the switch. Do you think they might be holding back since WFSU isn't full time HD?

I don't know the answer to that, but Georgia PBS (Valdosta or Albany?) usually carries the same programs in HD, and they are carried on Tallahassee Comcast as a local HD station, so why can't you get them?

I don't have Comcast service. I have DirecTV which only has one SD PBS channel, WFSU.

I don't have Comcast service. I have DirecTV which only has one SD PBS channel, WFSU.

Have you tried using an OTA antenna/tuner to pick up the Georgia PBS station in Albany or Valdosta?

Have you tried using an OTA antenna/tuner to pick up the Georgia PBS station in Albany or Valdosta?
The PBS station in "Valdosta", WXGA, is actually transmitting from near Waycross, which is about 50 miles east of Valdosta.

The other PBS station, WABW, transmits from Pelham.

Have you tried using an OTA antenna/tuner to pick up the Georgia PBS station in Albany or Valdosta?

No, I haven't. I'm not interesting in installing an antenna to pick up a signal from one station. It ought to be included in the local channel package for Tallahassee as it is for most of the other LIL packs on DirecTV. I just thought someone might know why it isn't. Thanks for the suggestion anyway.

The PBS station in "Valdosta", WXGA, is actually transmitting from near Waycross, which is about 50 miles east of Valdosta.

The other PBS station, WABW, transmits from Pelham.

Thanks, I was not sure exactly where they were located. Years ago when I lived in Atlanta I was so impressed with the statewide Georgia PBS network compared to the independent PBS stations in Florida. Georgia does PBS much better than Florida.

Can someone tell me why WTLH can't re-broadcast the Raycom sports events in HD like most every other Raycom affiliate seemingly can?

Is there any hopes that this can be fixed since college basketball season is upon us?

Can someone tell me why WTLH can't re-broadcast the Raycom sports events in HD like most every other Raycom affiliate seemingly can?

Is there any hopes that this can be fixed since college basketball season is upon us?

Maybe because it would cost them an extra $25 for the HD rights and they don't want to pay it. LOL! :D

I get the impression that Sinclair is using older encoders that just don't compress as well as some of the newer ones.

I also do not know if WALB was using a variable bitrate encoder or a constant bitrate encoder (which I'm almost 100% certain Sinclair is using across the country). If WALB is variable, it could be spiking as high as 17 Mbps during high-motion scenes.

That would certainly explain it. WALB-DT's PQ doesn't look as good as it did back when they didn't have any sub-channels, BUT it looks considerably better than WTWC-DT.

I'm just wondering why there's no HD PBS feed from WFSU on DirecTV. The local channel packages in other places includes their local PBS station but not here. Anyone have an answer?

Back when DirecTV first started offering HD locals, they only offered the main four (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC). A year or two later, DirecTV reached a deal with PBS to offer PBS in HD, and DirecTV started adding PBS-HD to individual markets on a case by case basis.

When DirecTV first started offering HD-LIL in Tallahassee, they uplinked all four networks, AND WFSU, but as we all know, only three channels were offered at the start. DirecTV has since come to a deal with WTXL-DT and it's now available. I do not have Excel here at work, so I can't check to see if WFSU is still uplinked until I get home later tonight, but odds are good that it is still uplinked.

At this time, DirecTV offers PBS-HD in 85 of the 132 DMAs it serves. For instance, in the state of Georgia, DirecTV offers HD-LIL to four markets (note that the four DMAs referred to are Atlanta, Augusta, Macon, and Savannah, and the list does not count Dothan, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, etc). Of those four DMAs, three of them have PBS. Augusta & Savannah have a PBS from SC, and Atlanta has an independent PBS, WPBA. GPB is not available ANYWHERE in Georgia.

Of course, it beats the amount of DMAs in which Dish Network offers PBS in HD....

Do you think they might be holding back since WFSU isn't full time HD?

No, it's most likely something else.

Thanks, I was not sure exactly where they were located. Years ago when I lived in Atlanta I was so impressed with the statewide Georgia PBS network compared to the independent PBS stations in Florida. Georgia does PBS much better than Florida.

Ironic! I'd prefer WFSU over WACS any day...

~Alan

At this time, DirecTV offers PBS-HD in 85 of the 132 DMAs it serves. For instance, in the state of Georgia, DirecTV offers HD-LIL to four markets (note that the four DMAs referred to are Atlanta, Augusta, Macon, and Savannah, and the list does not count Dothan, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, etc). Of those four DMAs, only two have PBS (Augusta & Savannah), and it's a PBS from SC. GPB is not available ANYWHERE in Georgia.

Though Atlanta doesn't receive GPB in HD, they do get WPBA. Hopefully they'll begin offering GPB HD soon as they have it uplinked for all four of those markets.

Though Atlanta doesn't receive GPB in HD, they do get WPBA. Hopefully they'll begin offering GPB HD soon as they have it uplinked for all four of those markets.

DOH!! I knew that... I've been dealing with a hurt back the last couple of days, and my memory apparently took a hit for it.

I went back and edited my post.

~Alan

Does anyone know of an updated QAM channel map for tallahassee comcast? I have an HD set connected with no box and pick up various channels like cspan on 77.12 and ABC on 106.4. I know of a few others, but my TV won't scan for channels automatically in this range, and manually checking through hundreds of empty subchannels is really annoying.

Is anybody have any issues with OnDemand? I used it on Sunday, but since yesterday I have been getting an E5080 with a message that says unable to display video. This error occurs on all 3 of my boxes. I can't seem to find anything on this error. I called Comcast and did the whole unplug thing along with them sending some signal but no luck. Thanks.

Is anybody have any issues with OnDemand? I used it on Sunday, but since yesterday I have been getting an E5080 with a message that says unable to display video. This error occurs on all 3 of my boxes. I can't seem to find anything on this error. I called Comcast and did the whole unplug thing along with them sending some signal but no luck. Thanks.

Used OnDemand last night. No problems.

Does anyone know of an updated QAM channel map for tallahassee comcast? I have an HD set connected with no box and pick up various channels like cspan on 77.12 and ABC on 106.4. I know of a few others, but my TV won't scan for channels automatically in this range, and manually checking through hundreds of empty subchannels is really annoying.


106-4 WTXLDT
115-1 WTLHDT
86-1 WCTVDT
106-1 WABWDT
115-2 WTWCDT
http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineup_web/US:32312#lineup_1126993

Used OnDemand last night. No problems.


Thanks for checking.

It seems to be working again. I did not do anything to the other boxes but they are good too.

Senate Passes Satellite Reauthorization Bill
Bill still has to be reconciled with House version before end of year
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 11/19/2009 11:25:48 AM
The Senate Commerce Committee wasted no time Thursday passing the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA), its version of the satellite reauthorization bill.

That came by voice vote as part of a package of bills that were fast-tracked through the process so legislators could meet other commitments.

The bill extends satellite operators' license to carry distant out-of-market network TV station signals for viewers who can't received a viewable signal from their in-market station.

The bill updates the language to reflect the switch to digital TV, like the Senate Judiciary version requires the FCC to study whether the license should be phased out in favor of marketplace negotiations.

It does not mandate or incentivize local service in smaller markets where local stations aren't delivered, but Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-Va.) said that was not the end of the story. "I have heard from colleagues about their desire to incentivize satellite carriers to provide more local programming in rural markets and I agree with that. As we merge the Commerce Committee bill with the judiciary's part of the reauthorization, I will make this one of my highest priorities."

The Judiciary version does not have a local-into-local incentive, though a House version does.

As reported by B&C, Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) backed off from her amendment that would have mandated that DISH and DirecTV deliver local-into-local signals to all 210 markets within three years. Instead, the bill contains a mandate to the FCC to conduct a study of whether the lack of service to the remaining 30 or so markets is a matter of satellite capacity or economics.

But McCaskill said the issue should not be forgotten, and Rockefeller said it would not be. "This matter really is important. It is just stunning that all of a sudden you start hearing from people that are getting ABC out of New York in West Virgina and they're not getting anything local, and it is extremely frustrating." He likened it to the fear Congress had with DTV that screens would go black, adding that some did. "This is something we need to correct, and be hard-nosed about it and push."

Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) withdrew an amendment that would have allowed satellite operators to deliver New Mexico stations to viewers who are currently only receiving out-of-state versions of those affiliates because of the way the Nielsen market is structured.

That mirrored the withdrawal of similar bills by his colleagues in the Judiciary committee with issues in their particular states. A handful of states were taken care of in a previous incarnation of the bill's reauthorization, which has led others to seek similar carve-outs.

The bill must still be reconciled with a Senate Judiciary version that includes a provision fixing so-called short markets, where a market lacks one or more network affiliate. Then, that must be voted on in the full Senate, then conference with a House version, which must be reconciled between Commerce and Judiciary versions there and voted in the full House.

That all needs to happen by the end of the year or the license expires.

While the bill does not deal with local-into-local, split markets--Udall's issue--or short markets, it does contain an amendment that could threaten a local-into-local deal struck by Echostar in the House version.

The satellite operator agreed to deliver to all 210 markets in exchange for being allowed back into the distant network signal delivery business, unless other bandwidth obligations arose.

The Senate Commerce bill has a provision essentially cutting in half the current FCC timetable--from four years to two--for satellite operators to deliver noncommercial stations' HD signals.

DISH commented in a statement that it "continues to have concerns about the practical and constitutional problems associated with the PBS HD mandate."

Not surprisingly, the Association of Public Television Stations say it differently, applauding the provision.

"APTS is pleased with the firm action taken today by the Senate Commerce Committee to end the discriminatory behavior by DISH Network against local public television stations. There is no justification for DISH Network continuing to deny its subscribers the extraordinary brilliance and clarity of public television's high definition broadcasts in local markets all across America," said APTS President/CEO Larry Sidman in a statement.

But he also said APTS would still try to negotiate a private carriage deal, as it has done with DirecTV and cable operators.

The bill also includes an incentive, but not a requirement, that satellite operators carry state public affairs networks--essentially C-SPAN's for state governments.

So does this allow us to get walb/wfxl in all the south ga dma including cairo/thomasville area

Senate Passes Satellite Reauthorization Bill
Bill still has to be reconciled with House version before end of year
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 11/19/2009 11:25:48 AM
The Senate Commerce Committee wasted no time Thursday passing the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA), its version of the satellite reauthorization bill.

While the bill does not deal with local-into-local, split markets--Udall's issue--or short markets, it does contain an amendment that could threaten a local-into-local deal struck by Echostar in the House version.


So does this allow us to get walb/wfxl in all the south ga dma including cairo/thomasville area

Nope As long as Cairo/Thomasville and Valdosta are in the Tallahassee DMA it will not happen.

Also some can get WALB over the air.

Can someone tell me why WTLH can't re-broadcast the Raycom sports events in HD like most every other Raycom affiliate seemingly can?

Is there any hopes that this can be fixed since college basketball season is upon us?

I took the time to send a nicely worded inquiry about this to WTLH - Fox49 two months ago and never got a response.

I talked to the Fox engineer last week. He said it is a matter of money. Maybe if you call the GM, something could be done. They are currently in budget talks with the corporate owners. They need to hear the needs of the viewers.

I talked to the Fox engineer last week. He said it is a matter of money. Maybe if you call the GM, something could be done. They are currently in budget talks with the corporate owners. They need to hear the needs of the viewers.

A nice article on the topic in the Tallahassee Democrat in mid-October would have done the trick if FSU's football team were playing well. But given how the team was playing, nobody besides us hardcore HD guys would care.

First episode of Scrubs on ABC had no Voice... I thought this problem was a afterthought..

106-4 WTXLDT
115-1 WTLHDT
86-1 WCTVDT
106-1 WABWDT
115-2 WTWCDT
http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineup_web/US:32312#lineup_1126993

My check of QAM channels on Comcast Tallahassee shows:

NBC HD is 115-2

FOX HD is 115-1

ABC HD is 106-4

CBS HD is 86-6 (86-1 is WCTV2)

GPB HD is 106-1

Not sure what FSU HD is - anyone?

11-1 = 86.2 (HD 6 pm to 6 am)
11-2 = 86.3
11-3 = 86.4
11-4 = 86.5
4FSU (Cable only ch 4) = 78-1

86-6 WCTV 2
106-5 WTXL 2

When DirecTV first started offering HD-LIL in Tallahassee, they uplinked all four networks, AND WFSU, but as we all know, only three channels were offered at the start. DirecTV has since come to a deal with WTXL-DT and it's now available. I do not have Excel here at work, so I can't check to see if WFSU is still uplinked until I get home later tonight, but odds are good that it is still uplinked.

Nothing's changed, but I just realized that I never checked this.

It's still uplinked... just not available yet.

~Alan

To me it looks like a 3rd generation (at best) VHS copy that is being accessed via composite video and run through a 20 year old digitizer that is in need of repair. It doesn't get any worse than that. Apparently WTLH has absolutely no pride in the quality of their transmission. Total losers. :mad:

It was a long time ago that I worked there, but not that long ago. I can say with certainty that most of those who worked there when I did (I believe there are a few left from that time?) did care what viewers thought (over the phone--especially polite ones), they were very good people. I was just a "little person" when I worked there, so I didn't know a great deal about those over us and their decisions about money. But I knew the quality wasn't simply the fault of WTLH. Who wants to work somewhere where they have absolutely no pride in what they do? The problem could instead be traced to the FOX itself, or people who owned WTLH? It was Pegasus at the time I was there. I don't know who owns them now. It probably is completely a money issue.

It was a long time ago that I worked there, but not that long ago. I can say with certainty that most of those who worked there when I did (I believe there are a few left from that time?) did care what viewers thought (over the phone--especially polite ones), they were very good people. I was just a "little person" when I worked there, so I didn't know a great deal about those over us and their decisions about money. But I knew the quality wasn't simply the fault of WTLH. Who wants to work somewhere where they have absolutely no pride in what they do? The problem could instead be traced to the FOX itself, or people who owned WTLH? It was Pegasus at the time I was there. I don't know who owns them now. It probably is completely a money issue.

Thanks for the input, and it doesn't surprise me that it is most likely a money issue. But I am of the opinion that if you are going to do something, do it right, or don't do it at all. If they just dropped CW altogether for Tallahassee coverage then maybe it would then be available in HD via satellite. Granted CW no longer carries much worth watching other than Smallville. Here is how bad it is - I have been a fan of Smallville since it started about 9 years ago and never missed an episode. This year I gave up and just stopped watching live. Instead I will buy this season on DVD when it comes out. I already have Seasons 1-8 and I can't tell you how enjoyable it is to watch this terrific series in WS format in near HD quality.

Now here is an alert for Tallahassee residents. In case you have not heard Vinyl Fever is closing and has everything on sale 30-50% off and I expect greater discounts as they approach final closure. This is the end of an era as there will no longer be a store that buys or sells used CDs and DVDs (and of course used/new vinyl), at least AFAIK. Okay I guess someone at the Flea Market will still do that, but I have not been a customer there, though that may change. As for VF, I think they will close for good sometime in January but you may want to check them out now for the best selection.

The CW+ service that the network makes available in Tallahassee is not currently available in HD. This has nothing to do with WTLH.

- Trip

Last night I caught the F$U at Georgia Tech game on Fox Sports Network. I assumed that like most college basketball games shown last year, this game would be in SD, even if it was on FSN HD, Comcast 401.

So it was a nice surprise to tune in and see this game in HD!

Hopefully it won't only be games broadcast from big city venues like Tech and that most of the ACC games this year will be in HD.

It was part of the national FSN package of ACC Sunday Night Hoops which has been in HD for a while now from all kinds of venues including the Civic Center.

who dropped the ball
well south ga did not have they falcons game last sunday. did wctv drop the ball and did not carry the falcon game for south ga? maybe when the new shiva bill goes into effect south ga can get all sations that we give us all our ga teams

who dropped the ball
well south ga did not have they falcons game last sunday. did wctv drop the ball and did not carry the falcon game for south ga? maybe when the new shiva bill goes into effect south ga can get all sations that we give us all our ga teams
Marty,
The Dolphins and Jaguars (maybe the Bucs?) have priority for CBS games on WCTV; ultimately it is CBS' call to decide what games are shown.

No law is going to "force" the networks/NFL to get the Falcons or any other team; you'd need Sunday Ticket on DirecTV.

The CW+ service that the network makes available in Tallahassee is not currently available in HD. This has nothing to do with WTLH.

- Trip

That doesn't explain the garbage PQ and absurdly bad audio. I no longer watch the local CW channel period, so I am not going to worry about it anymore.

So my Comcast bill is about to go up and I called to see if I could talk them down. They can offer me their "Digital Economy" TV package for $29/month, but for the life of me I can't find a channel lineup anywhere. They keep this service secret because they want you to buy the $55 Digital Starter package. It's not mentioned on their website and neither is the channel lineup.

According to the CSR I spoke to, the Economy package contains most of the Digital Starter channels, but most noticeably lacks ESPN networks. I just want to go over the full list before I pull the trigger on the offer. Does anybody happen to know where the list is?

Last year when Comcast Tallahassee rolled out ESPNU and ESPNU HD, I contacted them and asked for the URL of the page containing the current channel lineup for each package. They were unable to do so!

If they had their collective heads out of ...the sand, they would have a page containing a table with channels down the left side and package names across the top. Each interior cell would have contain an "X" if the package corresponding to that column carried the channel corresponding to that row.

Since Comcast can't even display a page containing the current channel line-up for packages they are trying to sell us, you'd have to be dreaming to think they would offer an up-to-date page displaying the channels in a package they don't want to to sell.

I understand the backend side of the business being inept, but sales and marketing?

I know this has nothing to do with Local HD in Tallahassee, but didn't know where else to go. I apologize in advance.

I'd like to calibrate my plasma TV and according to imagingscience.com there are only two ISF Certified opitions in Tallahassee: Geek Squad and Smart Systems Home Automation Corp. Has anyone used either of these services? I'm particularly interest in Smart Systems Home Automation Corp.

Thanks!
Hey, jmb04law, did you ever find a calibrator? I'm thinking Geek Squad would only do the basic which you could do yourself with a calibration disc, and it appears Smart Systems home Auto is no longer in existence...

Hey, jmb04law, did you ever find a calibrator? I'm thinking Geek Squad would only do the basic which you could do yourself with a calibration disc, and it appears Smart Systems home Auto is no longer in existence...

Geek Squad is Best Buy, so I wouldn't get too excited about them. There are probably certified technicians in Jacksonville and Gainesville who will travel to Tallahassee for an added fee. I would try Gainesville first, then Jax. You might try up in Georgia also.

Yep, I wouldn't go with Geek Squad, either; from what I can tell all they will do, for $300, is nothing more than I can do with my Avia disc. I did get the following from Jim Gray, who installed my system:

general cleaning/repairing: Larry Deramus at Barber Electronics
ISF: Dave Kent, who was formerly with Smart Systems before it shut down, now with N. Fla Sound & Security
Then there is a guy who comes over from Jax occassionally, Bryan Jones

Looks like they added a few new HD channels.
Cartoon Network 442
E! 457
Travel 458

I only need comedy central and basically all the channels I watch will be on the HD tier.

"I only need comedy central and basically all the channels I watch will be on the HD tier."

Quite a few of the movies shown on Turner Classic have be remastered from the original prints for sale in Blu-Ray format. If there are enough of them out there, it would be great to have Turner Classic HD. The ones before the mid-50's would still be 4:3 format, but would still look great.

I agree, 4x3 HD from 35mm film is way better than 480i.

Anyone else having issues with WTWC NBC? On DirecTV here.. HD has been out for 2 days and audio is dropping in and out.

You weren't alone; Dish and OTA, too

comcast tallahassee seems to have decided to stop pushing CBS through its cable wire, i dropped service a few months ago...and now just in time for the tournament 86.1 and 86.6 do not show anything, this just happened in the last week or so.

Figures that friends of mine still get their full basic cable package for free just because they have internet from comcast, yet when i try the same thing i cant even get the CBS channels.

comcast tallahassee seems to have decided to stop pushing CBS through its cable wire, i dropped service a few months ago...and now just in time for the tournament 86.1 and 86.6 do not show anything, this just happened in the last week or so.

Figures that friends of mine still get their full basic cable package for free just because they have internet from comcast, yet when i try the same thing i cant even get the CBS channels.

I can never remember the local stations call signs. Is CBS WCTV? If yes, the link below shows WCTV is on 70.1.
http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineup_web/US:32312#lineup_1848158

They are not dropping off-air channels. They just move them around -- seems like every other week.
Re-scan
or
ABC 106-4
CBC 70-1
NBC 115-2
FOX 115-1
PBS 70-2
All the secondary channels and a bunch of other stuff is there in the clear, but no other HDs

hmm i did a rescan last night and it did not show up, tried manually going there to, will try again when i get home. Thank you.

They are not dropping off-air channels. They just move them around -- seems like every other week.
Re-scan
or
ABC 106-4
CBC 70-1
NBC 115-2
FOX 115-1
PBS 70-2
All the secondary channels and a bunch of other stuff is there in the clear, but no other HDs

I assume you meant CBS not CBC, and thanks. My brother and I installed a new TV in his remodeled Florida room today and could not get CBS HD to show (used to be 86.6). I just now called him to try 70.1 and there it was. So thanks again.

How many local DTV stations are at full power? It seems in most cities with stations at full power people can pick up signals using rabbit ears, but when I tried it nada. Anyone in Tally picking up any local stations with indoor antennas?

Did any of you subscribe to MLB Extra Innings for the 2009 season?

I had MLB Extra Innings for the 2008 season and my $199 covered the entire regular season, but I got tired of all the blackouts and the lack of HD, so I didn't renew it for 2009.

A friend of mine just told me that he got it for 2009 season, paying $199 to Comcast Tallahassee. Then in September it stopped working. He called Comcast support and they told him that "the stretch run" (games in September) weren't included as part of the regular season package and that to get the remaining games would cost another $40. Since his team was out of it, he declined the shakedown.

I think he just got a uninformed customer service rep on the phone and that an additional phone call would have resulted in getting the entire season without paying any additional money.

On the other hand, it might have been Comcast Tallahassee running a scam. Do you guys have any experience or thoughts on this?

WOW! It has been over a year since I posted! Anyway; We are buying a new house in Centerville Trace and are moving from Havana Florida. We currently have Mediacom for internet, AT&T for phone, and Dishnetwork for video services.

Comcast will be my service provider for internet were we are moving. They have a VERY good deal (and not just a short term one) for their all inclusive package of phone, internet, and cable. I will have to pay $15 x 2 for two additional HD DVR's (I have/need full HD service for 3 TV's) and have added that into their pricing plan.

Here are my questions. Please help me out were you can:

1. If I have Dish Turbo HD with all of the channels, and I switch to Comcast HD with all the channels, what will I loose?

2. I guess another question or way to ask my question is does someone have a current HD channel list for Tallahassee from Comcast?

3. How does the Comcast HD Picture quality compare to Dishnetwork Turbo HD?

4. How is the Comcast Blast Internet service in the area? I like Mediacom but I would get a 3mbs download and 1mbs upload "bump" with comcast.

5. What would you do for services if moving to the area?

Thank you in advance for you replies!
Michael

My Comcast download speed is 16-20 Mbps on average, and uploads are 2.5-4 Mbps. I am paying $42/mo, so if you are paying that and not getting those speeds you are not getting your money's worth.

WOW! It has been over a year since I posted! Anyway; We are buying a new house in Centerville Trace and are moving from Havana Florida. We currently have Mediacom for internet, AT&T for phone, and Dishnetwork for video services.

Comcast will be my service provider for internet were we are moving. They have a VERY good deal (and not just a short term one) for their all inclusive package of phone, internet, and cable. I will have to pay $15 x 2 for two additional HD DVR's (I have/need full HD service for 3 TV's) and have added that into their pricing plan.

Here are my questions. Please help me out were you can:

1. If I have Dish Turbo HD with all of the channels, and I switch to Comcast HD with all the channels, what will I loose?

2. I guess another question or way to ask my question is does someone have a current HD channel list for Tallahassee from Comcast?

3. How does the Comcast HD Picture quality compare to Dishnetwork Turbo HD?

4. How is the Comcast Blast Internet service in the area? I like Mediacom but I would get a 3mbs download and 1mbs upload "bump" with comcast.

5. What would you do for services if moving to the area?

Thank you in advance for you replies!
Michael

Welcome to the neighborhood, I have lived in Centerville Trace for almost 10 years. I have had Comcast for tv and internet for the whole time with no real issues. The picture quality of my Comcast is great, but I rewired my whole house a few years ago with rg-6 and reduced the amount of splits. As for internet the speeds are good and very consistant. The test below is from my wireless connection and I get the same on my wired. If you have any other questions about C T feel free to ask.

http://www.speedtest.net/result/778513889.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

How many local DTV stations are at full power? It seems in most cities with stations at full power people can pick up signals using rabbit ears, but when I tried it nada. Anyone in Tally picking up any local stations with indoor antennas?

Well, now I did have success with a new 7" portable TV (MyGoTV) that has a built-in monopole antenna that will receive most of the local stations. But I did get better results and a much stronger signal using a $10 set of rabbit ears from Walmart - I received 8 channels very easily. And I must say this little TV (which has a high resolution display) has a beautiful picture - much better than all the lower resolution TVs I tried. Sound quality is not so great, as you might imagine, but if anyone is looking for an excellent portable, battery powered TV I highly recommend the MyGoTv. Amazon has it for $119 and free shipping.

How many local DTV stations are at full power? It seems in most cities with stations at full power people can pick up signals using rabbit ears, but when I tried it nada. Anyone in Tally picking up any local stations with indoor antennas?

I have had problems getting OTA digital in my concrete block apartment with westward facing windows with an indoor antenna :( The only channels I can pick up are WFSU (32/"11") and WTLH (50/"49"). I can get WFSU quite easily since its tower is almost due west of me. With some turning, I can get WTLH. Sometimes the channel goes in and out, though.

Because of this, I am paying Comcast ~$13 monthly so I can watch local TV :(

They all supposed to be at full power. However, WTWC (40) runs a scroll at the bottom of the screen stating that they aren't at full power and folks on the "fringe" coverage areas will have signal issues. Not sure whether this has been fixed since I haven't seen the scroll in a while.

I pulled in Gray's main CBS affiliate, WCTV-DT, early Saturday morning. I am 238 nautical miles from the transmitter in Williston, S.C.

They are not dropping off-air channels. They just move them around -- seems like every other week.
Re-scan
or
ABC 106-4
CBC 70-1
NBC 115-2
FOX 115-1
PBS 70-2
All the secondary channels and a bunch of other stuff is there in the clear, but no other HDs

As a local engineer maybe you can answer a question I have been pondering lately. I archive a lot of music videos off of Comcast (Tally) to DVD-R and occasionally listen to their music only channels as well. I have a fairly expensive audio system and am often surprised at the quality of the 2 ch stereo audio I hear on both the videos (channels and VOD) and the music-only channels and am wondering what the bit rate is for the various audio sources on Comcast, and especially the music (2 ch) channels (as opposed to DD 5.1). Comcast claims CD quality sound on their music-only channels (819 and up) so I am wondering if it is being sent out in lossless (WAV, FLAC) format, or MP3 or some other lossy codec? MP3 has always sounded less than great to me, even at high bitrates, and I don't hear the MP3 nasties here. I am not saying the music audio on Comcast is audiophile quality, but it's a hell of a lot better than FM radio, so do you know what codecs and/or bitrates are used for 2 ch audio on Comcast?

Thanks.

Edited to add information I found here:


http://www.expandore.com/product/Sony/Proav/model/HDV/QNA.htm

I don't know current it is, but it includes the following re HDTV audio transmission:

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

Q What is the audio compression method for HDV?
A The audio compression format is MPEG-1 Audio Layer II. This format can compress and record a signal with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz and quantization of 16 bits, at a bit rate of 384 Kbps


Q Which has better sound quality, HDV or DV?
A With DV's 16-bit 2-ch mode sound and HDV's audio recording, DV has better quality sound for the parts where compression is not carried out. However, since HDV uses a very high bit rate (384 Kbps) for sound compression, the sound quality is almost on par with uncompressed audio.


Q Is the HDV sound quality comparable to a music CD?
A Since HDV audio is compressed, theoretically it is inferior to CD sound quality. However, as mentioned above, by securing a high bit rate after compression, the sound quality is almost on par with that of a CD.

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

The above seems to indicate that audio quality is potentially superior on DV (standard digital) 2 ch transmission, which is what most of the music channels use (Comcast does have a HD music channel), as compared to higher compression used on HDV (HD digital) which may use DD 5.1 compression, albeit at a fairly high bit rate. For sure HDV or DV audio is not of (good) CD quality based on my experience (nor is high bit rate MP3), but except for the channels that can't seem to do anything right audio-wise (CW) I have been pleasantly surprised at how good Comcast music videos sound, especially considering that I have to record them as analog 2 ch, which adds audio processing. Again I don't know how current the above information is, or if better audio compression is being used today than when the above was written.

Is Fox 49 News at Ten now in HD?

Is Fox 49 News at Ten now in HD?
it was a test run

we want retro tv on 49-3

....
They all supposed to be at full power. However, WTWC (40) runs a scroll at the bottom of the screen stating that they aren't at full power and folks on the "fringe" coverage areas will have signal issues. Not sure whether this has been fixed since I haven't seen the scroll in a while.

It's been a year since WTWC transitioned to digital... and I just saw their DTV scroll across the screen regarding the lack of power at their site. I guess they don't have facilities to run a scroll at the top of the screen without killing the HD programming either. Law & Order was knocked down to a box within a box display :(

Is Sinclair generally this cheap with its stations???? Sheesh.

it was a test run

They are airing commercials boasting of their HD newscast now. Havent seen the news on that channel in months, though.

we want retro tv on 49-3
I don't.

Since my post a year ago, Comcast has arrived in my neighborhood. Centurylink is installing its 25M/IPTV service. I have SD DirecTV service and need to upgrade. I need your help with your review of Comcast. Any information on any of these queries or any other information will be very helpful.

1. How is Comcast HD? I know that they have fewer HD channels than DirecTV. Is the quality high?
2. How is Comcast SD? I have read widely differing reviews of SD quality.
3. How satisfied are you with the DVR? Or is anyone using TIVO's new HD box?
4. Finally, does anyone have a direct comparison between DirecTV and Comcast.

Thanks very much!
UNC81

Since my post a year ago, Comcast has arrived in my neighborhood. Centurylink is installing its 25M/IPTV service. I have SD DirecTV service and need to upgrade. I need your help with your review of Comcast. Any information on any of these queries or any other information will be very helpful.

1. How is Comcast HD? I know that they have fewer HD channels than DirecTV. Is the quality high?
2. How is Comcast SD? I have read widely differing reviews of SD quality.
3. How satisfied are you with the DVR? Or is anyone using TIVO's new HD box?
4. Finally, does anyone have a direct comparison between DirecTV and Comcast.

Thanks very much!
UNC81

I don't know how much this helps since I don't have any experience with satellite or other providers for comparision, so here goes:

1. Comcast HD quality varies by channel - the best PQ is on the premium channels. HBO is pretty good, and ESPN also. Some other non-premium HD channels seem to use less bandwidth so their PQ is sometimes a little soft, but I suspect the same would apply to satellite as well. While Comcast has fewer HD channels they do have HD VOD, which greatly expands HD viewing options. I am not sure but I don't think satellite offers HD VOD.

2. SD quality has improved dramatically on Comcast in the past year and I would rate it quite good, but again it varies by channel since they can only transmit what they get. Garbage in, garbage out, as they say. Occasionally you will get breakups on some channels but my guess is that is what Comcast is getting from the network/program feeds more than problems at Comcast.

3. Overall I have been pleased with the HD DVR except my Motorola 6412 is getting old and needs replacing. Individual units will sometimes act up, but overall the DVR service is quite good IMO. Newer models I think are more responsive and reliable but my complaint is the newer model I tried (before going back to the 6412) had really crappy S-video output, which matters to me but probably not to you. I copy a lot of Comcast material onto DVD-R using a Panasonic EH55 recorder and it appears to me that the newer DVR models do a poor job with S-video. OTOH very few people will ever use the S-video output so I don't think they give a crap. I will probably have to spend money on a good component to S-video converter when I get a new DVR.

4. Can't help you there.

In summary and in hindsight (compared to when I first started with Comcast) I have been generally pleased with the service I get from Comcast. My biggest complaint is their prices, which continue to increase.


Now I have a question - does anyone know the brand and model number of the newest Comcast HD DVR they are dispensing now?

Now I have a question - does anyone know the brand and model number of the newest Comcast HD DVR they are dispensing now?

A friend moved to a new house last week. The Comcast installer showed up with a new 6412 and remote.

Actually I need to go to Comcast to replace my 6412 and remote.

The 6412 just doesn't respond as it used to, 4x fast-forwarding is much jerkier than it used to be, for example.

In addition, the "Exit" and volume keys are worn out on my remote.

The acid test for Comcast SD quality is coming up. Tune into any of the noon football games being played outdoors starting in September. In the past it's almost been unwatchable.

Thanks for the information!

Comcast's marketing leaves much to be desired. We got very little information after cable was installed in the neighborhood. The mailings have been infrequent. The website raises as many questions as it answers.

The pending offerings from CenturyLink have complicated the decision. They will offer a competitive package of TV channels. However, the TV reduces the available bandwidth on the fiber optic cables. With HD, I understand that you would be limited to 5M internet service. If I stay with DirecTV, I would be more interested in their 25M service without TV.

A friend moved to a new house last week. The Comcast installer showed up with a new 6412 and remote.

Actually I need to go to Comcast to replace my 6412 and remote.

The 6412 just doesn't respond as it used to, 4x fast-forwarding is much jerkier than it used to be, for example.

In addition, the "Exit" and volume keys are worn out on my remote.

The acid test for Comcast SD quality is coming up. Tune into any of the noon football games being played outdoors starting in September. In the past it's almost been unwatchable.

I was under the impression that Comcast had phased out the 6412, which is their oldest model (replaced by the 6416, also being phased out) and I was told no more 6412/6416 units are being released. I don't recall the model number of the new models they are using now but it has the plain silver face without the two ovals on the front like the 6412/6416 models had, and it is the one with the crappy S-video output. I guess they might be using the same model numbers for the new device but that makes no sense.

I guess I will have to spend a morning going way across town to their office to see what's what.

Anyone else watching the Hall of Fame NFL Pre-season game on NBC (WTWC)? Getting a combination of regular announcers with Spanish - on DirecTV.

Anyone else watching the Hall of Fame NFL Pre-season game on NBC (WTWC)? Getting a combination of regular announcers with Spanish - on DirecTV.

Yes, same here in south Ga. Over the air doing the same thing. So the problem is with WTWC. :mad:

Yes, same here in south Ga. Over the air doing the same thing. So the problem is with WTWC. :mad:
Yep, WALB does not have this problem.

Anyone else watching the Hall of Fame NFL Pre-season game on NBC (WTWC)? Getting a combination of regular announcers with Spanish - on DirecTV.

Yes, quite annoying. You'd think the board op would have noticed Left=English; Right=Spanish.

The problem was most likely in the set-up and connection of their net receiver.
No engineer at WTWC?

Yes, quite annoying. You'd think the board op would have noticed Left=English; Right=Spanish.

The problem was most likely in the set-up and connection of their net receiver.
No engineer at WTWC?

WHY?? Football Hall of Fame game and no engineer on duty or on call?

Recent contacts with Tallahassee Comcast is giving me conflicting information, and now it appears that 6412 and 6416 models are still much in use. Also, as many of you may know, Tallahassee Comcast is going all-digital later in September and will no longer transmit any analog channels at all. Now everyone will have to use a analog to digital adapter or a Comcast STB or DVR on all TVs. Even brand new SOTA digital HDTVs with QAM tuners will need a STB or DVR since Comcast will be scrambling all digital channels except the seven local stations (and SD only apprently). So I guess TV manufacturers can stop building TVs with QAM tuners since they are now useless, at least with Comcast. Comcast will provide one STB and two adapters free to their customers; additional STBs and adapters will be charged a monthly fee.

The good/bad news is that by dropping the analog channels Comcast will free up a huge amount of bandwidth and we will see more HD channels (for which Comcast will no doubt raise their rates).

Recent contacts with Tallahassee Comcast is giving me conflicting information, and now it appears that 6412 and 6416 models are still much in use.

So if I go to Comcast and ask to switch out DVR's, which model do you think I should ask for?

So if I go to Comcast and ask to switch out DVR's, which model do you think I should ask for?

Until recently I would have said the 6416, but the second 3416 I tried (the first had a really bad S-video output) seems to be equivalent. Both have a 160 GB HDD; the 3416 seems to have much better response to the remote (meaning you don't have to aim as carefully) than the 6412 or 6416, and appears to be quieter in operation as well. All Comcast DVRs seem to have firmware issues as they too frequently freeze during a command. Either these units lack processing power or memory (or both) for what they need to do, or the firmware version has issues.

Comcast needs a new generation of DVRs - they are milking these old Motorola units for all they are worth, but they are badly outdated technology I suspect. Several years ago I read that Comcast had contracted with Panasonic to develop a new DVR/STB but apparently nothing ever came of that, which is a shame. The latest Motorola model, the DCX3400 would appear to be a big step up and has a larger (250 GB) HDD, but they are too expensive for Comcast to buy in quantity and they are mostly reserved for pricey multi-room-viewing DVR installs which the older models will not support.

Tailgating season is upon us and I was wondering what, if any, HD signals I should be able to pick up around Doak Campbell stadium. Last year I could only get the PBS station and had to use a dish for everything else.

thanks

What were you using for an antenna? I bet a small bowtie antenna with reflector pointed northeast would get CBS (46.1), ABC (27.1), NBC (40.1), and Fox (50.1). Transmitters are about 30 miles away. What do you mount the dish on? I'd try to get it above people to reduce drop-outs. The good thing is that you will only need to worry about peaking your antenna for the one channel carrying the game. Have fun and go Noles!

It was just some cheap rabbit ears but I would have thought I could have picked up something other than the FSU PBS channel. I'll try a better antenna and try and remember the NE directional.

Recent contacts with Tallahassee Comcast is giving me conflicting information, and now it appears that 6412 and 6416 models are still much in use. Also, as many of you may know, Tallahassee Comcast is going all-digital later in September and will no longer transmit any analog channels at all. Now everyone will have to use a analog to digital adapter or a Comcast STB or DVR on all TVs. Even brand new SOTA digital HDTVs with QAM tuners will need a STB or DVR since Comcast will be scrambling all digital channels except the seven local stations (and SD only apprently). So I guess TV manufacturers can stop building TVs with QAM tuners since they are now useless, at least with Comcast. Comcast will provide one STB and two adapters free to their customers; additional STBs and adapters will be charged a monthly fee.

The good/bad news is that by dropping the analog channels Comcast will free up a huge amount of bandwidth and we will see more HD channels (for which Comcast will no doubt raise their rates).

Whoa!!! This is definitely news to me. I am a limited basic customer with a QAM TV and only a cord. Where is this info? I get a paper bill and I only received 1 insert, back in June when Comcast announced its rate hikes!

Whoa!!! This is definitely news to me. I am a limited basic customer with a QAM TV and only a cord. Where is this info? I get a paper bill and I only received 1 insert, back in June when Comcast announced its rate hikes!

Comcast sent out a notice in the mail about 2 weeks ago with instructions on how to order self install kits for the adaptors.

Hmmm... I will have to keep an eye out for the mailer. I havent heard a peep from them. I only received my bill on the 23rd.

EDIT: Perhaps they are doing a rollout by area? I entered my account number and I received an error message on http://digitalnow.comcast.com

Hmmm... I will have to keep an eye out for the mailer. I havent heard a peep from them. I only received my bill on the 23rd.

EDIT: Perhaps they are doing a rollout by area? I entered my account number and I received an error message on http://digitalnow.comcast.com

I'll check and see if I still have the notice. If so, then I will post the phone number to call to order the adaptors.

EDIT: I am in Killearn Lakes.

Ah... I am near the Mag Lab. Thanks for the heads up though.

wtwc
i see wtwc has no 40-2 at this time maybe they are going to add something new on 40-2 maybe they can go retro tv being wtlh is not doing anything with it at this time

wtwc
i see wtwc has no 40-2 at this time maybe they are going to add something new on 40-2 maybe they can go retro tv being wtlh is not doing anything with it at this time

http://www.thecooltv.com/THECOOLTV_SinclairTelevisionGroup.php

- Trip

http://www.thecooltv.com/THECOOLTV_SinclairTelevisionGroup.php

- Trip
when is it going to launch

when is it going to launch

No HD, No DD 5.1 who cares!

No HD, No DD 5.1 who cares!
If WTWC is going to have a subchannel they might as well have some separate content. All the other locals have their HD feed downconverted for SD so why not WTWC?

I'll check and see if I still have the notice. If so, then I will post the phone number to call to order the adaptors.

EDIT: I am in Killearn Lakes.

Go here and you can apply for the two free adapters on-line. They will ship them to your house for free. There is a monthly charge if you need more than two. If you already use a digital STB or HD DVR you don't need to change anything. But most people have smaller TVs throughout the house and if they don't use a digital STB or DVR they will need an adapter regardless of whether they are analog or HD sets. The adapters just replace your current TV tuner and will also turn on/off and adjust volume. Installation is simple but you want to connect both or all before calling for activiation.

http://digitalnow.comcast.com/

The Tallahassee Democrat did a write up about the upcoming transition to digital... I received nothing yet. However, I wanted a few more channels, so I decided to try out the digital economy package and just pay extra for HD

The Tallahassee Democrat did a write up about the upcoming transition to digital... I received nothing yet. However, I wanted a few more channels, so I decided to try out the digital economy package and just pay extra for HD

Multiple HD channels added last wednesday (22nd).

The QAM channels were shuffled around as well...

The QAM channels were shuffled around as well...

Look for all QAM channels to be scrambled soon (including HD versions of the local nets). Comcast wants you to use a digital box or DTA.

I know... I decided I wanted a few more channels so I decided to get digital economy cable and HD... I am moaning over truck roll to my place and the set up fee

Multiple HD channels added last wednesday (22nd).

What were the channels? I only have a TivoHD w/an MCard. I looked at the online channel listings on Comcast's website and I didn't notice any new HD channels, but maybe that just hasn't been updated.

What are some of the channel numbers?

What were the channels? I only have a TivoHD w/an MCard. I looked at the online channel listings on Comcast's website and I didn't notice any new HD channels, but maybe that just hasn't been updated.

What are some of the channel numbers?

The new HD channels filled in a lot of the empty slots between about 390 (the end of the Starz channels) through 500. I don' remember specific numbers but some of the channels I can remember off the top of my head are:
ESPN News, Spike, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Tru TV, History International, Disney X, Nick, MGM, NBA, Big 10, NFL Red Zone.

There are more, but they slip my mind. If I get a chance, I will post a list with channel numbers.

The new HD channels filled in a lot of the empty slots between about 390 (the end of the Starz channels) through 500. I don' remember specific numbers but some of the channels I can remember off the top of my head are:
ESPN News, Spike, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Tru TV, History International, Disney X, Nick, MGM, NBA, Big 10, NFL Red Zone.

There are more, but they slip my mind. If I get a chance, I will post a list with channel numbers.

I just went through the channels in diagnostic mode on my Tivo and it doesn't see any of those. Interesting

I just went through the channels in diagnostic mode on my Tivo and it doesn't see any of those. Interesting

They are there. I would not kid about new HD channels. Comcast adds them so frequently.

They are there. I would not kid about new HD channels. Comcast adds them so frequently.
Oh, I believe you. Guessing I'll be calling Comcast to have my card refreshed.

Oh, I believe you. Guessing I'll be calling Comcast to have my card refreshed.

Called Comcast... Gonna have to do a truck roll since the tech support refused to do anything.

453 is Comedy Central HD, according to her.

453 is Comedy Central HD, according to her.

That sounds right.

I'm going to try rebooting the Tivo. Maybe that will force the Cable Card to regrab the channels, but I doubt it.

I'm going to try rebooting the Tivo. Maybe that will force the Cable Card to regrab the channels, but I doubt it.

If your Tivo is anything like the DVRs we have, I would shut it down and disconnect everything (Cable, phone, network, power) , reconnect and power back up.

No new HD channels for me yet either. I got a letter about the transition saying I had to request a digital box by October 27th if I needed one whereas a coworkers letter said October 6th. I called and they did tell me they are rolling it out in phases so I hope to have they channels around the 27th.

No new HD channels for me yet either. I got a letter about the transition saying I had to request a digital box by October 27th if I needed one whereas a coworkers letter said October 6th. I called and they did tell me they are rolling it out in phases so I hope to have they channels around the 27th.

The letter I received had a transition date of Sep. 22 and the new HD channels showed up on the 22nd. You might get them a little earlier than the 27th, yesterday I talked to a Comcast technician that was working on the lines outside my office and he said they expected to have the HD channels up everywhere by the end of next week. I am sure you are aware of how reliable that information is.

I don't appreciate being toyed with being told there's new HD channels when there aren't. I mean unless both my TIVO box and my Comcast box, are lying to me, and the xfinity.com tv listings, and the TVguide.com tv listings. There's no new HD channels, and no comedy central on "453" but thanks for making me waste 15 minutes out of my life figuring that out :)

Anyay, just came to say I hate comcast. No UFC in PPV? Im ordering a $45 and you can't dedicate a HD channel to it?

I can't wait till im out of tally. I will never use comcast again, ever, ever, and if there's another town where its the only internet option and they want to sucker me into the TV, I will move to another town.

Don't get any new channels till December, awesome.

Tallahassee All Digital Rollover Schedule

Stage 1 (Wednesday, September 22, 2010)

Zip Codes Affected (North / Northeast side of town):

32308, 32309, 32312

Stage 2 (Wednesday, October 6, 2010)

Zip Codes Affected (Northwest side of town):

32303, 32304

Stage 3 (Wednesday, October 27, 2010)

Zip Codes Affected (Northeast side of town):

32308, 32309, 32311

Stage 4 (Wednesday, December 1, 2010)

Zip Codes Affected (Southeast side of town):

32301, 32311

Stage 5 (Wednesday, January 19, 2011)

Zip Codes Affected (South side of town):

32305, 32310, 32362

Stage 6 (Wednesday, March 16, 2011)

Zip Codes Affected (Central side of town):

32303, 32399

Stage 7 (Wednesday, April 13, 2011)

Zip Codes Affected (Southwest side of town):

32304, 32310, 32343

LOL... it figures that my area will fall into the January transition schedule (if this holds)... My state building located downtown received and installed the DTAs yesterday on the TVs; a few channels were picked up like Hallmark.

jevman, where did you find that info? I ask because I have a comcast service call scheduled for Monday to have them check to see why I'm not receiving the channels.

I'm in the 12/1 rollout according to your schedule (Southwood).

I got it from here:

http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/103705214.html

That's funny that would send someone out though. Either we are supposed to be getting them and aren't. Or we aren't and they are so inept they can't figure out what areas they've already rolled out service too. It's comcast, I vote inept, but please post what happens with the service call tomorrow. Cause I live in Southwood too, and I would prefer not to wait till December to get all this stuff. :)

I got it from here:

http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/103705214.html

That's funny that would send someone out though. Either we are supposed to be getting them and aren't. Or we aren't and they are so inept they can't figure out what areas they've already rolled out service too. It's comcast, I vote inept, but please post what happens with the service call tomorrow. Cause I live in Southwood too, and I would prefer not to wait till December to get all this stuff. :)

Chalk one up to ineptness. He came in, called his supervisor, who told him Dec 1st for Southwood. We chatted for a bit then he left.

So... :(

Anyone with 5.1 sound system having problems with ABC 27 audio? Last night I played back a recording of Detroit 1-8-7 which aired Tue the 27th. My default 5.1 sound is Dolby Digital. The middle or dialog sound was missing on the program but sounded perfect on commercials and breaks. I had to manually revert from Dolby digital to just pro logic ( stereo surround) to hear the program dialog. Bummer. My TV source is Media Com Cable.:confused:

Anyone with 5.1 sound system having problems with ABC 27 audio? Last night I played back a recording of Detroit 1-8-7 which aired Tue the 27th. My default 5.1 sound is Dolby Digital. The middle or dialog sound was missing on the program but sounded perfect on commercials and breaks. I had to manually revert from Dolby digital to just pro logic ( stereo surround) to hear the program dialog. Bummer. My TV source is Media Com Cable.:confused:

I have complained about bad DD 5.1 audio on the entire family of ABC shows, including the ABCFamily channel, in the past year. I have not been able to figure out if it is a bad or poorly calibrated decoder, or the main audio engineer at ABC is just incompetent. I think part of it is badly mixed soundtracks. I use a JBL Synthesis AV-1 (Lexicon MC-4 clone) processor that is properly calibrated and have no issues at all with DVDs or other DD soundtracks on Comcast. But ABC prime time shows often have side channel info in the center channel plus overdriven rear channels, so often dialogue is hard to understand. Gray's Anatomy, with it's ever present musical accompanient, is the worst - dialogue is often unintelligible. But other ABC shows are not much better, including some shows on ABCFamily. Last week GA lost center channel dialogue completely for about 30 seconds, so I had no clue what was said. I have asked our local engineers on this forum if they know what they problem is but none have responded. I don't know if the problem is at the network end or at WTXL. My guess is it is the network, but at this point I don't know. But at least it appears Comcast is not the culprit.

I have complained about bad DD 5.1 audio on the entire family of ABC shows, including the ABCFamily channel, in the past year. I have not been able to figure out if it is a bad or poorly calibrated decoder, or the main audio engineer at ABC is just incompetent. I think part of it is badly mixed soundtracks. I use a JBL Synthesis AV-1 (Lexicon MC-4 clone) processor that is properly calibrated and have no issues at all with DVDs or other DD soundtracks on Comcast. But ABC prime time shows often have side channel info in the center channel plus overdriven rear channels, so often dialogue is hard to understand. Gray's Anatomy, with it's ever present musical accompanient, is the worst - dialogue is often unintelligible. But other ABC shows are not much better, including some shows on ABCFamily. Last week GA lost center channel dialogue completely for about 30 seconds, so I had no clue what was said. I have asked our local engineers on this forum if they know what they problem is but none have responded. I don't know if the problem is at the network end or at WTXL. My guess is it is the network, but at this point I don't know. But at least it appears Comcast is not the culprit.

Thanks for quick response. Reassuring to confirm that my equipment is not the culprit. I firmly agree that this "background music" on many new shows is a pain in the butt. To me it is a poor cover for lousy script writing. Where are the Hitchcock's anymore?? By-the-way as Digital OTA was is the early stages I tried to get assistance from the Channel 27 engineer and at that time it was poor. I am not sure if the same crew is tweaking the 5.1 audio or not. Thanks again, Ross

Okay, so I'm not getting these channels until 12/1 according to Comcast, but the Windows Media Center Guide already shows them, so I figured I'd post them. I haven't checked for non-HD channels, so you can assume all of these channels are HD w/o me putting "HD" at the end. There are also some channels that have moved, I may miss some of those in this list. This is just me going through the guide and typing.

384 - Home Shopping Network
385 - Hallmark Channel
386 - Gospel Music Channel
387 - Investigation Discovery
388 - History International
389 - NFL Red Zone
392 - Outdoor Channel
393 - CBS College Sports Network
394 - The Tennis Channel
395 - Turner Classic Movies
397 - Headline News
398 - TruTV
399 - MSNBC
430 - Bravo
437 - WGN
443 - Nickelodeon
447 - Disney XD (this is different from Disney, I'm just not sure how)
449 - ESPN News
452 - Spike
453 - Comedy Central
454 - Fuse
455 - WE tv
456 - Independent Film Channel
459 - Lifetime
460 - MGM
461 - Style
462 - G4
463 - TV ONE
470 - CNBC
471 - QVC
472 - Big Ten Network
473 - MTV
474 - VH1
475 - BET
476 - CMT
477 - NHL Network
478 - NBA TV
480 - HBO 2
481 - HBO Zone
482 - HBO Latino
483 - HBO Comedy
484 - HBO Signature
485 - HBO Family
486 - ActionMAX
487 - 5 StarMAX
488 - MoreMax
489 - ThrillerMAX
490 - WMAX
491 - OuterMAX
492 - Showtime 2
493 - Showtime Showcase
494 - Showtime Extreme
495 - Starz Comedy
496 - Starz Kids
497 - Starz Edge
498 - The Movie Channel HD
499 - The Movie Channel Extra

I may have missed some in there, but I'm fairly sure that's a good starting point for a list of added channels 38 or 39 without the Premiums and about 50 if you include them.

I'm sure the sports channels will be part of the sports package, but it becomes a decent deal now.

Plus
790 - ESPN3D

Plus
790 - ESPN3D

I could have sworn they already had that channel, but maybe I'm wrong.

I could have sworn they already had that channel, but maybe I'm wrong.

Didn't show up at my house until they went all digital.

i've seen HD football on fox in other areas (miami/ft lauderdale) and fox tallahassee is the worst HD football i've ever seen (although the game this week is not as bad as the 1:00 game last week, which looked like upconverted HD)

Another complaint is for how compressed cbs Tallahassee is compared to south florida, it's as if CBS and NBC are opposite in tallahassee and south florida, because down there NBC is heavily compressed and CBS looks amazing.


And a question for anyone, is there a CW station in HD in tallahassee? I've seen the CW on a substation but it was in 480i and was stretched...

i've seen HD football on fox in other areas (miami/ft lauderdale) and fox tallahassee is the worst HD football i've ever seen (although the game this week is not as bad as the 1:00 game last week, which looked like upconverted HD)

Another complaint is for how compressed cbs Tallahassee is compared to south florida, it's as if CBS and NBC are opposite in tallahassee and south florida, because down there NBC is heavily compressed and CBS looks amazing.


And a question for anyone, is there a CW station in HD in tallahassee? I've seen the CW on a substation but it was in 480i and was stretched...

The CW station is carried by the Fox affiliate WTLH (channel 50.2) and is only available in SD.

I have to agree with you about the horrible picture on WTWC (NBC 40)... Only the primetime programming looks decent on there. WTXL (ABC) and WCTV (CBS) are better than WTLH and WTWC in terms of picture, IMO... then again, I am watching them on Comcast, so YMMV.

PBS and ABC are amazing OTA...

In south Florida, aren't the stations owned & operated by the networks? Maybe that has something to do with it. There are no network O&O's here... WCTV is owned by Gray, the largest owner of TV stations in these parts.

With the new year approaching, has there been any recent info concerning adding the Tally PBS local in HD on Directv? PBSengineer, could you shed any light on the subject? I am too far away to receive WFSU OTA.

Watching V last night WTXL on DirecTV I was getting a lot of quick drop outs. Anyone else?

Well, I retired at end of Nov. But, I was at the station last week and they put a call through to me. Seems that DirectTV is looking for a new receive site -- maybe WFSU? Know nothing else ab out it.

Still getting drop-outs on Directv feed WTXL. Any hope?

Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy are now in FULL HD 16:9 widescreen!
Thanks WCTV!

Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy are now in FULL HD 16:9 widescreen!
Thanks WCTV!

I pondered a few years ago after reading some threads whether the shows are switching to a new digital distribution system or WCTV gets pre-recorded syndication capabilities or both. I gave up on that but now I might send a congratulatory email.

Add "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to the list of shows on WCTV now in full 16:9 HD widescreen. Can't wait for football.

Still getting drop-outs on Directv feed WTXL. Any hope?
yes, we're getting them also. no one here seems to be responding. Guess I will call the station and ask them.

yes, we're getting them also. no one here seems to be responding. Guess I will call the station and ask them.

It's been a while since I logged on to the forum; I am a Comcast user in Tallahassee and I also have had the issues as well. Last week, WTXL ran a crawl across the screen instructing viewers to tune to 27.2... I forget what day of the week it was; I recorded One Life To Live and General Hospital on my DVR and there was no sound on the main channel :( It looks like it has been fixed... now, WTWC has been on the fritz; it seems to be behaving now.

This is not a new inquiry, but does anyone have an update on when WFSU might be in HD on DirecTV? I'm a newbie to DirecTV, because Comcast finally pushed me over the edge, price-wise. Happy so far with sat TV except for some installation issues that are now solved. Svenfran

This is not a new inquiry, but does anyone have an update on when WFSU might be in HD on DirecTV? I'm a newbie to DirecTV, because Comcast finally pushed me over the edge, price-wise. Happy so far with sat TV except for some installation issues that are now solved. Svenfran

Have you tried picking them up OTA?

Does anyone else have limited basic cable from Comcast? I just noticed TruTV, TVLand, ABC Family, and Animal Planet are gone. :( I wish we could get a cable competitor in town.

Does anyone else have limited basic cable from Comcast? I just noticed TruTV, TVLand, ABC Family, and Animal Planet are gone. :( I wish we could get a cable competitor in town.

They finally removed channels 65+ (that are not local) off the limited basic... per their transition to digital :( I removed the box and hooked the TV thru the wall and saw that channels 65-69 were removed; a box is required to see those. I got 2-24 (even Speed and Golf were removed), GPB, channel 19 & 21 (under a different channel #). And after that, I got the limited basic tier in SD & HD (depending on channel) again.

Limited basic has never included TruTV, et. al... it just happened we were able to see it without charge. I ended up upgrading my plan to Digital Economy. It's $30 and not advertised on the site... I called in last summer when I saw a commercial... you may have to call in and ask.

Do Comcast provide boxes or adapters for limited basic users... When I had that plan, it was the wall or nothing. other tiers had boxes.

CenturyLink is about to launch Prism TV as an IPTV service like AT&T's UVerse. Hope that more folks will have access to it... Only heard of it via online ads... went all the way thru and found that it's not available.

Thanks for the reply! No box for limited basic. It's direct to the wall.

At least it was a good run. It will be nice if/when we can get à la carte channel service from cable providers. At least I have online streaming to the TV so it's not too bad.

Hey guys, remember me?
I am only part time at the TV station nowdays, but am enjoying the time to pursue other interests. Please forgive this off-topic post, but I know many of you Tallahassee folk only hang out in this thread.

I am having an "Analog only" Listening party this Saturday starting at 3pm in Thomasville (my hometown) 218 West Jackson street. I'll be playing records, cassettes, reel-to-reel, and maybe even a few 8-tracks through tube amps and Klipsch LaScala speakers. bring something to play if you want. I don't have anything really high end (no McIntosh amps, etc.) but it will sound good enough.. There is no cost.

Cheers,

John Clark

Anyone with information on Me TV?

Anyone with information on Me TV?

I saw a promo clip saying that ME TV will be on WTLH 49.3 soon (no date) . Same info is verified on metvnetwork.com

Anyone in Tallahassee tried or using the CenturyLink Prism bundle with TV? If so, how about some feedback. It would be nice to have some competition for Comcast. Thanks.

Hey guys, remember me?
I am only part time at the TV station nowdays, but am enjoying the time to pursue other interests. Please forgive this off-topic post, but I know many of you Tallahassee folk only hang out in this thread.

I am having an "Analog only" Listening party this Saturday starting at 3pm in Thomasville (my hometown) 218 West Jackson street. I'll be playing records, cassettes, reel-to-reel, and maybe even a few 8-tracks through tube amps and Klipsch LaScala speakers. bring something to play if you want. I don't have anything really high end (no McIntosh amps, etc.) but it will sound good enough.. There is no cost.

Cheers,

John Clark

8-tracks, seriously! LOL!! Just kidding you. Good to know there are a still few audiophiles in the area. I am a strictly digital man myself, and I have discovered that digital (CD) sounds a better coming off a HDD in lossless (WAV) format than off a CD player. I lucked out on the Harman Kardon DMC 1000 Media Center when they cleared them out at 80% discount. Unfortunately it does not handle FLAC, and has a small HDD (250GB), but it is nothing short of a revolution to have immediate access to all that music without having to change a disc (or record, or tape, etc). The DMC feeds a Benchmark DAC-1 and a pair of full range Digital Phase AP-2.1 speakers powered by an Innersound ESL amp.

Just to stay on topic for video, I record a lot of music videos off the Comcast music video channels onto DVD-Rs using a Panasonic EH55 HDD recorder, and then play them back while listening in surround, either DPLII music or Logic7 music. I love 2 ch listening off the DMC, but I still wish the music industry would put out more music videos recorded in DD 5.1. When done right it can be awesome.

Anyone with information on Me TV?

MeTV is live on 49.3

I just noticed it tonight; wife said its been there for about a week.

MeTV is live on 49.3

I just noticed it tonight; wife said its been there for about a week.

Here is a press release on the Fox 49 site:
http://www.myfoxtallahassee.com/Global/story.asp?S=14539538

Per the dated release, it has been available for two and a half weeks now.

It isnt on my Comcast guide yet...

MeTV is live on 49.3

I just noticed it tonight; wife said its been there for about a week.

Is anyone in Valdosta picking it up (over the air)?

Is anyone in Valdosta picking it up (over the air)?

i'm getting it in hahira

What is up with WTLF Channel 24 CW, Are they going HD? I see that they have been off the air mostly in the AM.

Anyone in area between Governor's Mansion and Tallahassee Police have Prism?

I received a Prism pamphlet. Called them and was told it's available. Went to the store to see it in action and I signed up.

Monday the 24th, they started a pre-install check process and called me Mon afternoon to tell me Prism just can't get to my house :( - not quite yet. There's no way they can do the work necessary to fix it in the next week. Perhaps another month or 2.

Anyway, I'd like TV for football. I can't do DirecTV. It needs a 2 yr contract, and in 11 months I'm moving to Tampa Bay area. One major reason being - real Internet (and TV) with Verizon FiOS.

I am anti Comcast. I can't do it. I was pondering the Limited Basic, but apparently they've changed their broadcasting to all Digital and Partial encryption - and requires some form of a Receiver Box.

Can someone tell me what they get with Comcast Limited Basic - with a Digital TV and No Receiver Box. Comcast says only local.

Ideally I'd like Local + ESPN + Comedy Central

When I had the limited basic with my HD TV(up to March of last year), I only had the locals and shopping channels. BTW, I am about 1 mile south of FSU. Some of my co-workers have limited basic as well and they told me they only get locals as well.

I eventually upgraded to Digital Economy (which provides the channels you mentioned) and pay $29.95 for it. The other offerings are outrageously expensive ($58 and $78).

If you get Digital Economy, a truck roll is also required, resulting in a $30 fee if you don't have digital service.

You do get a box; in my case, I have a HD/DVR at no cost to me. Not sure how that happened. Also, an "economy" trap is placed.

I do envy you... it is either 1.5M DSL with a DirecTV bundle or faster Comcast for me :(

I eventually upgraded to Digital Economy (which provides the channels you mentioned) and pay $29.95 for it. The other offerings are outrageously expensive ($58 and $78).

If you get Digital Economy, a truck roll is also required, resulting in a $30 fee if you don't have digital service.


Comcast would have to come out to my house. The previous residents moved out, but didn't cancel their service. Normally Comcast doesn't come out and disconnect on a customer cancellation - least not in my observation. Unfortunately, there was a 3 months of unpaid Comcast bill from previous resident. Naturally, they came out to do an audit or something and physically disconnected the Coax from the tap on the utility pole.


I do envy you... it is either 1.5M DSL with a DirecTV bundle or faster Comcast for me :(

I had Comcast from 06 - '10 up here in Tally. It drained my patience - outages, billing mistakes, Internet working like garbage. For the longest time NFL channel had no audio and they would not help me.
Last year when I moved, I decided no more Comcast.

Did CenturyLink 10M. Been extremely happy, but I do miss live TV. I'll probably wait it out a month and try to put pressure on Prism to fix their issues to my house.

I'm extremely jealous of my dad who has FiOS. He has no idea how good he has it. There was a month they had him on a 35M/35M symmetric Internet and Ultimate TV - needless to say I was going out of my mind when I visited.

I'm extremely jealous of my dad who has FiOS. He has no idea how good he has it. There was a month they had him on a 35M/35M symmetric Internet and Ultimate TV - needless to say I was going out of my mind when I visited.

I went to Tampa a week ago and I got envious of the Bright House and Verizon offerings... they really do leave Tallahassee in the dust :(

I must be one of the lucky ones, I only had 2 billing screw ups (a few dollars) and I have had near flawless service. Some issues with the channels, which I suspect is due to the economy trap, but nothing catastrophic. I had no problems with Embarq (now CL)... just hated my pitiful speed. I stay in an ancient apartment with no room for a Dish... contract is a deal killer as well. I thought about going back to centurylink, but I qualify for only 1.5 and they want all these fees to start up. So, it wasn't worth it for me... also, I would be paying almost as much as comcast anyway :(

I'm not getting psip information from the nbc affiliate OTA.

Anyone know why WTXL has stopped broadcasting audio in 5.1? Or do they even know? They sometimes seem to be almost cluelesss about their audio.

Anyone know why WTXL has stopped broadcasting audio in 5.1? Or do they even know? They sometimes seem to be almost cluelesss about their audio.

I receive the following local Tallahassee , FL Network TV stations on my Dish Package. CBS,FOX, NBC, and ABC. All of these channels offer 5.1 audio when included in the program signal, EXCEPT ABC WTXL Channel 27! They deliver "pro-logic" audio, never 5.1 regardless of the program. Also most "major so-called" cable channels that I receive on Dish deliver 5.1 audio. I also recall they (WTXL) dragged their feet when digital OTA was first introduced. I would hate to own stock in their company.;)

Any news of Comcast bringing any more HD channels to Tallahassee?