Yes, a digital signal will require people to have a cable box or digital tuner to receive the signal.

Digital picture quality is greater than analog, and HD quality is better than SD digital. Compare channels over 100 on comcast to channels under 100. Those over 100 are digital broadcasts, those under 100 are analog.

Scifi surely is already digital, but is not HD.

Neon

**Not sure I understand this. Switching all analog to digital would require everyone who does not already have one to use a digital tuner/cable box. Also, I don't think that will necessarily improve PQ, since poor quality analog usually looks worse when digitized.**


That's why they call it simulcast. Systems have to come up with a way to offer both the analog and digitized signals.

How will simulcast free up bandwidth? The bandwidth used by the analog channels won't be freed up until those channels are shut down.

I just spoke with Mike Brown, the engineer at WTLH. He said the HD equipment is on order, and should get there in 3 to 4 weeks. Once it arrives, it will take 3-4 days to get it installed and up and running. The link to comcast (fiber optic cable) is all set up and ready to go, as are contractual issues. So, look for FOX HD on comcast sometime by mid-July.

So, WTLH-DT isn't currently broadcasting in HD?! Are they and WTLF-DT the only Tallahassee stations not broadcasting in HD?!

Someone might want to inform CPanther95 to update Tallahassee's stats on The Official AVS List of all DTV stations broadcasting HDTV / DD5.1 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=422073&page=1&pp=30).

~Alan

They are broadcasting OTA in HD, but at very low power. The equipment on order is to get their signal onto the Comcast system via fiber optic cable.

Neon

They are broadcasting OTA in HD, but at very low power. The equipment on order is to get their signal onto the Comcast system via fiber optic cable.

Then every station (besides WTLF-DT) is broadcasting HD in Tallahassee?!

Last I remember, WCTV-DT doesn't offer DD5.1, so how many stations besides WTLH-DT broadcast DD5.1?!

~Alan<~~~~~~~~~~Who watched a little Conan O'Brien last night on WTWC-DT...

They are broadcasting OTA in HD, but at very low power. The equipment on order is to get their signal onto the Comcast system via fiber optic cable.

Neon

Did they give you any idea if they have a target date for moving over to the Midway tower farm with full power? (for those of us that don't have/want cable)

Did they give you any idea if they have a target date for moving over to the Midway tower farm with full power? (for those of us that don't have/want cable)

Odds are that they probably won't bother until full power rules go into effect next year for the Tallahassee DMA.

~Alan

Not all local stations are HD yet. WB and UPN have local stations and they are not yet broadcasting HD. I know WB has HD shows on their network; not sure about UPN.

Not all local stations are HD yet. WB and UPN have local stations and they are not yet broadcasting HD. I know WB has HD shows on their network; not sure about UPN.

I knew that the WB was not in HD in Tallahassee, not that I can receive WTLF-DT, heck, I can't even pick up their analog station, but I've read enough on here to know that they aren't broadcasting in HD yet.

I can pick up WCTV-DT enough to actually know that their UPN sub-channel doesn't broadcast HD, but then with it being a UPN subchannel, odds are that it will never be available in HD even though the UPN network does offer HD programming.

I was referring to the top four networks, ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX, and of course PBS. I have managed to pick up four of these five networks, with the exception of FOX, but with the exception of WCTV-DT and WFSU-DT, the rest mainly during non-HD hours.

As I said before, I was just double checking my facts to update Tallahassee's HD status, which is why I also wanted to know how many stations in Tallahassee are DD5.1.

~Alan

As I recall, at one time WB and UPN were sharing a digital broadcast transmitter, and I was hoping they would simultaneously jump to HD. UPN moving to WCTV-D probably killed that deal. Some of my favorite shows are on WB and are broadcast in HD - just wish I could see them that way. But as far as I know you can't even get WB or UPN in HD on satellite either.

Is anyone else that has Comcast HD been able to get Dolby Digital sound recently? I haven't for a few days, on any channel. I didn't know if the problem was my cable box, or more widespread.

Neon

I currently (Thurs 12:30PM) have a DD5.1 signal, confirmed by Denon AVR-2805 receiver on Discovery HD, both of the INHD channels, and TNTHD.

John

Thanks. The problem was with my cable box. If your cable box stops receiving/outputting dolby digital sound, here is the fix:

Turn power off (on the cable box), but leave TV on.
Hit "menu", to bring up the user settings.
Scroll down to the bottom and hit "restore user defaults"
Then, reset the settings to your liking.
Hit power again to turn off the cable box.
Hit power again to turn on the cable box.

BTW, I know NBC broadcasts, when available, in DD5.1.
What about ABC and CBS? Also, the channel indicator indicated ESPNHD was in DD5.1, but I only received DD2.0. Is this what everyone else receives?

Neon

My Comcast 6412 DVR sometimes appears to lose 5.1 also, but I think the problem is the signal is not always properly recognized by my H/K AVR520. I think the fault lies with the DVR more than the receiver, because it mostly happens on local channels, and I too learned that you can turn off the DVR, or unplug it, and it will send 5.1 properly to my receiver. But unplugging it loses the channel guide for a while, and that is an annoyance. I recently learned that if I hit my source input button on my receiver a couple of times, or go back and forth between sources, it suddenly picked up the signal properly and switched to 5.1 DD. Makes me wonder if the signal strength from the DVR, at least with some channels, is too low, which would also account for those frequent dropouts on ABC, NBC, that are cured by backing up the playback.

Since we were so successful in our campign above to get NBC and CBS to broadcast their digital signal in OAR, how about if we try the same (for those of us without cable) to get ABC to increase the power of their digital OTA broadcast?

I sent the following e-mail to: ssheridan@wtxl.com


"I'm wondering if/when you plan to increase the signal on your HD-Digital OTA broadcast signal.

I get NBC and CBS beautifully, but can't get a good lock on ABC's signal. My research indicates that you are broadcasting at a fairly low power level.

As you can understand if you have HD equipment with a big screen, if there is a choice between a CBS HD or NBC HD program vs an ABC Analog SD program (via Satellite), the other two networks get our viewership. Even non-HD programming looks significantly better than analog.

Your response would be appreciated."

Anyone got an update on FOX in HD on Comcast?

NBC sound was crappy again last night on re-runs of "Joey," and strangely, and for the first time I can recall, I also heard dropouts on some of the SD channels, such as the music videos (139-145), which was annoying because I was trying to copy some to my E80H. So when will Comcast get all their sh_t together on both video AND audio?!!

I've been having problems with my Comcast box too. I lose all sound, or at least digital sound, till I unplug everything and let it reset.

Sure wish Comcast would add ESPN-2 HD before football season.

I've been having problems with my Comcast box too. I lose all sound, or at least digital sound, till I unplug everything and let it reset.

Sure wish Comcast would add ESPN-2 HD before football season.

You may want to swap out that box, sounds like it may be defective.

Here's a thought based on two recent Supreme Court decisions which are:

1. The court today ruled that cable companies do not have to share their network lines with competitors. This means Comcast's cable monopoloy is now 100% ironclad. They are free to jack their rates to the skies.

2. Last week the Court ruled that cities can force private property owners to give up their property to the City whenever they want it for "public use" under very liberal interpretation. Now no one owns anything - it all belongs to the government which lets us use it until they want it for "public use."

So now, how about we get the City of Tallahassee to force Comcast to sell its transmission lines for public use by the citizens, and then the City can lease the lines to Comcast and any other cable providers that wish to compete?

Or, if that doesn't work, let's impeach the whole damn Supreme Court!!

Didn't Comcast pay for those lines?

If so, why should another company be allowed to use them?

Further, if Comcast raises their rates to unreasonable levels, the City of Tallahassee is free to negotiate a contract with another cable provider.

Neon

The opposition theory is that they are like streets.
You can't tell someone "You can't use my streets, even if you pay for it. If you want to drive, build your own road.", because there is a finite amount of space in which to place roadways. You can't just kick down someone's house and build a new road right next to the other one.
Similarly, Comcast already has the easement for (let's say) the west side of Meridian Road. Joe's FTTC Incorporated can't dig there, because they would be cutting through Comcast fibre to do so. There are a limited number of accessible places in Tallahassee to lay fibre that don't require cutting down miles of heritage oak trees.

Even prior to this ruling, nobody was suggesting that Comcast give free access to their network. Earlier regulations required them to offer service to other ISPs at fair rates. It's a sticky question, because it treads a line between unfair competition, and overregulation.

Actually easements within most private subdivisions are "general" utility easements, so any number of utilities can lay lines within it. The new lines just must not interfere with the exisiting lines. Along public roads, the utilites use right of way. Thus, the only real impediment to competition is the cost of the infrastructure which is tremendous.

I have not read the supreme court case yet, but if it just holds that a cable company does not have to let another company use its lines, that's not too surprising. Especially if the competing company can lay its own lines. How'd you like it if you had to let your neighbor use your car to get to work? You'd say buy your own car.

I think the basis for the ruling was that cable lines used for high speed internet are not "telecommunications" lines. Therefore the cable companies are not subject to the same rules under which the telephone companies operate and will not be compelled to share their lines with other companies, even for a reasonable price. The decision marks a move from the total deregulation of utilities, which really hasn't worked as well as was originally thought, toward a balance between some regulation and free market. I can't help but think the presence of competition from OTA and satellite providers affected the ruling.

Given that cable companies and telcos are using identical fibre optic cables in identical conduit, just with different gear packed into boxes at either end, I find the distinction hard to credit.

Anyone who thinks the city can deny Comcast a permit and negotiate with another cable company is kidding themself. No other company would even consider such a thing. The other company would have to commit tens of millions of dollars to build their own separate system or buy Comcast's system - if they would sell. Even if they did we would be right back where we are with a new monopoly, since the City cannot control cable rates. And of course Comcast would take the City to court and cost taxpayers millions of dollars in legal fees - and probably win in the end. Sorry, but that ain't gonna happen.

But there is more to this. Cable and phone companies are attempting through legislation to prohibit cities from building their own fiber optic systems, which they (cities) have very right to do (IMO). Cable and telecoms don't want competition in any form, public or private, which is understandable, but they have become defacto monopolies and everyone knows it. The fact is that broadband systems are a public utility and essential to the economy. If cities can take private property for public use they can take (with compensation) cable/phone systems for public use also. While I never want the government to control content of what I see/hear, I have no problem with government owning the pipeline and allowing competing private parties to use it - for a fee in - a competitive environment that provides more service at less cost to the consuming public. At the same time it provides income to the local government and eases the burden upon other taxes, such as property/sales. This is exactly what the Supremes were saying in their ruling. IMO it is a win-win situation for the public.

I think the basis for the ruling was that cable lines used for high speed internet are not "telecommunications" lines. Therefore the cable companies are not subject to the same rules under which the telephone companies operate and will not be compelled to share their lines with other companies, even for a reasonable price. The decision marks a move from the total deregulation of utilities, which really hasn't worked as well as was originally thought, toward a balance between some regulation and free market. I can't help but think the presence of competition from OTA and satellite providers affected the ruling.

I've skimmed the opinion and you are correct the decission was about whether broadband cable is form of telecommunication subject to the common carrier rules. However the part about competition via OTA and satellite providers, if a reference to programming, is incorrect. The opinion IS NOT about television/programming transmission. Its about broadband internet access. Even if the decision went the other way, the cable companies would only have had to allow access to other telecommunication companies that also wanted to provide internet access. It was not about access to other cable companies to provide programming.

I've skimmed the opinion and you are correct the decission was about whether broadband cable is form of telecommunication subject to the common carrier rules. However the part about competition via OTA and satellite providers, if a reference to programming, is incorrect. The opinion IS NOT about television/programming transmission. Its about broadband internet access. Even if the decision went the other way, the cable companies would only have had to allow access to other telecommunication companies that also wanted to provide internet access. It was not about access to other cable companies to provide programming.

Yes, agreed, but the near future will see a blurring of the line between video broadcasting and internet streaming that provides the same service. In the not too distant future it will be possible for anyone with broadband access to stream live video equal in quality to what we now get from cable, including HD. This is what VOD really is, after all.

I called Comcast about FOX HD and was told no update is availalble - and no schedule for when it will start. If anyone has something to add please do.

I called Comcast about FOX HD and was told no update is availalble - and no schedule for when it will start. If anyone has something to add please do.


I sent an email to Fox49 on Tuesday (Jun 27) asking about HD on Comcast and received a reply on Jun 30th stating that the work was progressing and the signal should be available in 2-3 weeks (mid July).

OK, I have been following this thread for quite a while now. Many of you seem to have issues with the local cable service for HD programing.
I am ready to make the change from a crt to a plasma, and am wondering if I am wasting my money at this point.
What would you do if you were in my shoes? Is it worth the money at this time?
BTW, I don't want to put up an antenna, that seems archaic.

OK, I have been following this thread for quite a while now. Many of you seem to have issues with the local cable service for HD programing.
I am ready to make the change from a crt to a plasma, and am wondering if I am wasting my money at this point.
What would you do if you were in my shoes? Is it worth the money at this time?
BTW, I don't want to put up an antenna, that seems archaic.

After purchasing a new TV, I switched to Comcast (after 7 years w/ satellite) for HD service. Even though there could always be more HD channels, I have thoroughly enjoyed the ones that are provided. The ability to record HD on the DVR is also a plus. I think you will find that even though many of us complain about Comcast, not many are going to go back to all SD signal. Make the change, you won't be sorry.

By all means get the plasma - HD on Comcast (when the stations do it right) is outstanding, and the Motorola 6412 dual tuner DVR is a bargain. Even without HD, widescreen DVDs look spectacular. If you are okay with ED instead of HD (and saving a couple thousand dollars) Sams Club has the Panasonic 42PA25U for under $2K. I have this model and recommend it highly.

Thanks for the replies, I guess its time to pull the trigger.
I have my eye on a Pioneer 5050 :)

I sent an email to Fox49 on Tuesday (Jun 27) asking about HD on Comcast and received a reply on Jun 30th stating that the work was progressing and the signal should be available in 2-3 weeks (mid July).

Does anyone know what kind of signal? My ABC/NBC signal is weak and looks like garbage compared to the other channels.

Does anyone know what kind of signal? My ABC/NBC signal is weak and looks like garbage compared to the other channels.

I believe they are talking about the "signal" being on Comcast, digital channel 183. I think FOX is already in HD OTA, but it is broadcast out of Georgia and not a strong signal. I think it is 720p if you can get it.

I am thinking about upgrading to Comcast's HD for local channels only service. The customer service rep I spoke with told me it's 19.99/month with no 29.99 techincian filter removal service fee required. Does this sound right? My current guess is that there is no filter on the digital signal range. Which would mean that they restrict the decoding to OTA HD only via a control signal.

Also, does anybody know what outputs their plain HD box has? I need to know if I would need to buy a Component-to-RGB conveter for my projector.

Retaj

I am thinking about upgrading to Comcast's HD for local channels only service. The customer service rep I spoke with told me it's 19.99/month with no 29.99 techincian filter removal service fee required. Does this sound right? My current guess is that there is no filter on the digital signal range. Which would mean that they restrict the decoding to OTA HD only via a control signal.

Also, does anybody know what outputs their plain HD box has? I need to know if I would need to buy a Component-to-RGB conveter for my projector.

Retaj

I am pretty sure the standard digital tuner has DVI or HDMI as well as the standard composite/component/S video. I have the dual tuner Motorola 6412 HD DVR and I highly recommend it. It has all of the above, and output format is selectable between 480p/720p/1080i. As for the price - if you already have standard service I think that is correct - $19.99 in addition to the standard level charge. I believe Comcast has a promotion for upgrading to HD that will include three months free HBO, so be sure and ask for that. My brother just upgraded to HD, and he got the HBO but he had to ask.

Not having to do with HD but the internet is out because a fiber optic cable has snapped in pensacola. Just to think one cable can take out an entire city's internet gateway.

Anything new on FOX HD?

I called FOX affiliate this morning, talked to the Chief Engineer. I got the same response as I did a month ago: equipment is on order, once it gets here in a few weeks, they will install it and be ready to go. So, I am guessing that it won't be in July anytime.

Neon

I called FOX affiliate this morning, talked to the Chief Engineer. I got the same response as I did a month ago: equipment is on order, once it gets here in a few weeks, they will install it and be ready to go. So, I am guessing that it won't be in July anytime.

Neon

Where did they order it from - Mars? If they don't get their crap together by the time football season starts I am gonna be really PO'd.

Where did they order it from - Mars? If they don't get their crap together by the time football season starts I am gonna be really PO'd.

Exactly...season starts in a month and a half. They have been saying this since last season

I sent an email to the FOX station asking about these delays. I received a response from the station GM and the Chief Engineer. Here they are:

From the GM:
Yes, we're waiting for equipment to be custom made. If all goes well it should be installed in a couple of weeks. I'd like to give a positive date but we have pieces of the puzzle that we can't control.
Thanks for viewing FOX49.
dh

From the Chief Engineer
The equipment has indeed been ordered and the arrival for it should be any time now. The factory was hit with a number of orders as the "Top 100" market stations were mandated to be up and running before July 1st. While our order is important to them, stations with an FCC mandate do get higher priority. The bill for this equipment is also rather high and is a major hit to smaller stations like ours where the number of viewers able to take advantage of it is smaller. Please bear with us and we hope to have everything up and running very shortly.
Mike Brown, WTLH-TV

Exactly what equipment are they buying? I thought they were already broadcasting HD out of GA, but the signal was weak and they just needed to make a line connection to Comcast. Are they now moving to broadcast HD full power in the Tallahassee area?

Exactly what equipment are they buying? I thought they were already broadcasting HD out of GA, but the signal was weak and they just needed to make a line connection to Comcast. Are they now moving to broadcast HD full power in the Tallahassee area?


Yea something about an optical connection. This doesnt make much sense of how does abc and nbc beat them to the punch. I'm sure they have the same concerns of being in a smaller market with not enough customers to cover costs also but they still got the job done months ago.

I'm not an engineer, but from what I understand, FOX's HD broadcasting system is very different than the other networks, so that would explain why they might need additional equipment. Go see the "PROGRAMMING" forum on this site, and there is a long thread about FOX-HD.

I don't think the people from WTLH are lying to us. After all, they've already spent the money on the upgrade, so it is in their best interest to be broadcasting ASAP. I suspect we will have it up and running by the end of August, just in time for football season.

Neon

I thought FOX was broadcasting 720p, just like ABC, and the ATSC standard is used by everyone, so what is different? My understanding was they planned to run a land line (fiber optic?) cable to Comcast, but I don't see why that calls for expensive equipment. Oh, well, I guess it doesn't matter as long as they get it done soon.

now im moving and i am about 26.7 miles from the nbc tower. if i get a deep fringe channel master at lowes and mount it on my 1 story duplex roof. will i be able to get a signal. and why is it that abc is not showing up on antennaweb.org? also has anyone tried using a qam hdtv card to see if they can pick up local hd through comcast?

now im moving and i am about 26.7 miles from the nbc tower. if i get a deep fringe channel master at lowes and mount it on my 1 story duplex roof. will i be able to get a signal. and why is it that abc is not showing up on antennaweb.org? also has anyone tried using a qam hdtv card to see if they can pick up local hd through comcast?

You might try this low VHF from Antennas Direct http://www.antennasdirect.com/V4_antenna.html

I'm getting a rock solid signal from NBC and have combined it with a UHF http://www.antennasdirect.com/DB4_HDTV_antenna.html for the others (still can't get ABC worth squat though). Hopefully will be able to get FOX when they start broadcasting a real signal.

I'm new to the forum, but I've been running HDTV for the last year and a half.

I'm now to the point that I want to optimize my setup. My locationis in Bobbin Brook off of Maclay Road in NE Tallahassee. I'm six miles from CBS, 21 miles from ABC and NBC/UPN and 23 miles from PBS (In the opposite direction for PBS).

I have a Channel Master "near fringe" antenna and a Winegard preamp on a 30 ft. mast at the back of my house. It's approximately a 50 foot run to the Winegard amp/power supply. All cables are RG-6 and have just been replaced, along with the antenna. The amp is about two years old. My receiver is a fairly new DirecTV HD DVR. I have a Channel Master rotator.

The locations I have plotted for the stations are using LAT/LON and I think they are correct, but some of the notes I've seen mention the Midway antenna farm, and others mention the Metcalf location moving to the Midway location so my first question is: Where are the HDTV transmitters located around here?

Next, this morning I was getting a 92% signal from NBC aiming at 87 degrees (indicated), but my best signal for CBS is when aiming at 282 degrees (indicated), or close to the opposite direction. There was a comment earlier from Michael Hicks that the amp may not be needed in this area. Would it be sensible to take the Winegard amp out of the setup, and what may be the results?

The reception I'm getting is a lot of pixelation, but complete dropouts are rare. However, it's awfully hard to get enthusiastic about HDTV when I can't watch my favorite shows. I'm generally getting this on CBS, some on NBC, and I'm not receiving ABC for all intents.

All suggestions are gratefully accepted.

And HI, Wade!

BK

Hello everyone,

I was wondering what the subchannels on WFSU-DT were. Is 4FSU one of them? Thanks!

bkimbel,

I always thought that with OTA digital you either got it or you didn't, and that pixelization and artifacts were in the datastream, not caused by reception gear, which is just picking up the signal, and not doing any decoding or processing. If that is true, the problem is not with your gear but with the station and/or the broadcaster. Maybe one of the experts can clear this up.

One of my other friends mentioned that the HD DVRs may have a problem with too strong of a signal, in that it overdrives the input.

Once I removed the Winegard amplifier, CBS is coming in strongly, without any problems in HD, as is NBC. ABC still seems to be a problem, though, and when I aim the antenna at WFSU, I'm getting all four of their channels.

Still very strange, but I'd decided not to argue with the facts.

BK

One of my other friends mentioned that the HD DVRs may have a problem with too strong of a signal, in that it overdrives the input.

BK

I don't think he is referring to the OTA signal, but the cable signal, which is a different animal. I have never heard of a OTA signal being too strong, though I suppose a really strong signal could create reflection path problems that would confuse a tuner.

Here is a big "thank you, thank you, thank you" to WCTV-DT for being smart and broadcasting "Veronica Mars" re-runs in real HD on Fridays. That is one of my new favorite shows. I just hope they continue that into the new season.

Here is a big "thank you, thank you, thank you" to WCTV-DT for being smart and broadcasting "Veronica Mars" re-runs in real HD on Fridays. That is one of my new favorite shows. I just hope they continue that into the new season.

That was not a local decision, but rather a decision by CBS to try and get VM more viewers before it begins it's second season on UPN this Fall. CBS will air two (?) more episodes.

~Alan<~~~~~~~Who looks forward to "Season One" of "Veronica Mars" on DVD later this year...

That was not a local decision, but rather a decision by CBS to try and get VM more viewers before it begins it's second season on UPN this Fall. CBS will air two (?) more episodes.

~Alan<~~~~~~~Who looks forward to "Season One" of "Veronica Mars" on DVD later this year...

Yeah, it was nice watching them in HD. I've already pre-ordered two copies of the Veronica Mars box set from Amazon. One for me and one to loan out to get other people interested.

Yeah, it was nice watching them in HD. I've already pre-ordered two copies of the Veronica Mars box set from Amazon. One for me and one to loan out to get other people interested.

I've never seen it before last Friday, but decided to check it out in HD myself... turned on the TV to the CBS affiliate out of New York, and they forgot to switch it to HD, I tried WCTV-DT, and could actually pick them up that night, but had already missed several minutes, so ended up catching it later on the CBS affiliate out of Los Angeles. Kudos goes out to WCTV-DT for managing to get it in HD before New York did...

WLGA, a UPN affiliate out of the Columbus, GA DMA is moving their tower closer to me, and will offer me a Grade A (or B) analog signal come this October, so I'll probably tape VM until I finish the First Season set, and cross my fingers for a third season (which I might actually get to see in HD!)...

~Alan

Does CBS own UPN? If not, why do they care what UPN does? More importantly, if they own UPN why would they not appropriate VM for their own pathetic lineup, which could use a show that appeals to someone under 90 years of age. Now that JAG and Joan have departed there is nothing to watch on CBS (obviously I am not a fan of those CIS -whatever shows). And how many people who caught VM in HD will still want to watch when it returns to fuzzy-image TV.

Does CBS own UPN?

CBS, and UPN are both owned by Viacom.

~Alan

CBS, and UPN are both owned by Viacom.

~Alan

Thanks, Alan. Now can you tell me this - why doesn't Comcast go ahead and carry UPN, WB, and Sci-Fi in HD? I suspect they have many more viewers than PBS, which is HD. If bandwidth is limited, they could drop a couple dozen digital channels that no-one watches, like channels 100-130, for example.

Thanks, Alan. Now can you tell me this - why doesn't Comcast go ahead and carry UPN, WB, and Sci-Fi in HD? I suspect they have many more viewers than PBS, which is HD. If bandwidth is limited, they could drop a couple dozen digital channels that no-one watches, like channels 100-130, for example.

Well, first of all, they can't carry a UPN-HD feed, because WCTV-DT is the local UPN affiliate, and since they are a sub-channel of another network affiliate, the chances of UPN going HD in the Tallahassee, FL DMA is totally dependent on another station picking up the affiliation with UPN, and WCTV-DT losing it.

They can't offer a WB-HD feed, since WFXU is now a WB affiliate, though Comcast will probably offer it once WFXU-DT goes HD, and goes online next July.

They also can't offer Sci-Fi in HD, since Sci-Fi does not offer an HD channel at the current time. Though some Sci-Fi programming, like Battlestar Galactica is shown in HD on Universal-HD. Why they don't offer Universal-HD (if they don't), I don't know...

I'm pretty lucky in that WLGA, the UPN affiliate out of the Columbus, GA market intends to broadcast their analog signal from a tower closer to me, currently being built, that should be finished in October. Though I'm not sure how easy it will be to get their digital signal (they will be on digital channel #31, of which I have an analog channel with the same frequency in my market), they also stated that they hope to upgrade to HD this Fall.

Also, according to the FCC website, WFXU will transmit their digital signal from a tower much closer to me, and will offer a signal that will reach me, so when they upgrade to HD, I will be able to receive SIX networks in HD (my local PBS stations won't go HD until 2007... last time I looked!).

~Alan

Does anyone know of any changes made recently at WCTV? I've been experiencing an annoying number of dropouts over the last few weeks. It happens on my RPTV and my DISH 921 so I don't think it is equipment related on my end (I had thought it migtht be the new 921 software at first but it happens on the RPTV tuner also, so I don't think that is the problem). Thanks.

Walt

Alan, do I understand you to say that the local WB affiliate WFXU will move to HD next July? That would be great, assuming that Comcast carries them in HD also, and I can't think of any reason why they would not.

Just curious - do you work in broadcasting, else where do you get all your info?

I know this is off topic, but does anyone have any positive experiences with having a rear projection tv repaired in Tallahassee? Any recommendations would be appreciated.Thanks.

Ok guys, the first preseason NFL game is this Saturday...

Should we all storm Fox and Comcast with pitchforks and torches?

Alan, do I understand you to say that the local WB affiliate WFXU will move to HD next July? That would be great, assuming that Comcast carries them in HD also, and I can't think of any reason why they would not.

Just curious - do you work in broadcasting, else where do you get all your info?

Actually, I work in the newspaper business, although if I worked in broadcasting, maybe I'd have a decent paycheck!! ;) My information comes strictly from these boards and from checking around the internet.

However, I do not know whether or not WFXU will start broadcasting in HD next July, but I do know that they will have a different transmitter site, one that will even reach me (I'm within Grade B coverage area of ALL the big four Tallahassee stations, and can even pick up WFSU and WFSU-DT occasionally, but I have NEVER been able to pick up WFXU at ALL!! ), and since WFXU will have to go full power with a digital signal by July 1, 2006 (I think they can apply for a 6 month extension, but hopefully they won't ), they MAY try to offer HD around the same time.

Check out this map (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT276213.html) that shows what WFXU-DT's full power service area will be.

~Alan

Gray Television to spin off newspaper, wireless operations (http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=3682503&nav=5kZPcxCR)

~Alan

I know this is off topic, but does anyone have any positive experiences with having a rear projection tv repaired in Tallahassee? Any recommendations would be appreciated.Thanks.

Barbers out Apalachee Pkwy does a lot of warranty work on TVs, though I have never used them. They have my brother's TV for repair right now - it was hit by a lightning surge. I don't think VideoTech does house calls, but if they do I would also consult them - they repair a lot of professional video equipment.

I know this is off topic, but does anyone have any positive experiences with having a rear projection tv repaired in Tallahassee? Any recommendations would be appreciated.Thanks.


Lou's TV is very good. I've had him fix a 36" TV and two VCR's in 97' and a few years ago he repaired a very old tube amp for me.

http://www.superpages.com/yellowpages/C-Radio+Sales+&+Service/S-FL/T-Tallahassee/

I'm considering getting an antenna to pick up analog/DTV/HDTV. All I watch is local channels here in Tallahassee. Any suggestions for an antenna in Tallahassee? I want to be able to pick up HDTV, but strong signals, even if they are only analog, for all local channels is a must.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I am moving to tallahassee this month and would like to upgrade to an HDTV (although I havent yet). I am looking for suggestions of cable service, comcast or DirectTV? I am new to the forum and any advice would be helpful. Thanks

I am moving to tallahassee this month and would like to upgrade to an HDTV (although I havent yet). I am looking for suggestions of cable service, comcast or DirectTV? I am new to the forum and any advice would be helpful. Thanks

Sams Club has a good price on a 42" Panasonic ED plasma. They have some other digital panels as well, and their return policy is outstanding, plus their extended warranty is the cheapest around. Otherwise you are stuck with CC, BB, Sears, Rex, and Walmart. Sound Advice just closed their Tallahasse store last month. With the ED Panny, which I have, if you sit more than 8 feet away it looks as good as most HD sets that are twice the price. I have Comcast digital, and they are pretty good for HD, especially the dual tuner HD PVR at $9.95/mo. ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS are available in HD at no extra charge, and FOX is due to join the list in a few weeks (we keep hearing, anyway). Of course Comcast rates are high, but with a monopoly what do you expect? I have too many trees to go with satellite, but if I did I would probably go with D*SH - from what I hear they are better than DirecTV.

Welcome to Tally, just in time for football season1

thanks for the advice, I am leaning toward the sony wega A10 LCD 42 inch that I just saw in person today at Sears for the first time. Which Panny exactly are you referring to, so I can look into those as well?

The particular model I refer to is only available at Sams and Coscto AFAIK. It is the 42PA25U, and it is the only Panasonic plasma that Sams carries right now. It is the same as the discontinued 42PD25U except it does not have a HDTV tuner or cable card slot.

I live within 50 miles of all the Tallahassee stations and was fixing to get an antenna, I was wondering what channels with sub channels should I be looking to get. Where will they be located on me digital tuner. Example WCTV: 6.01,6.02? etc.

I live within 50 miles of all the Tallahassee stations and was fixing to get an antenna, I was wondering what channels with sub channels should I be looking to get. Where will they be located on me digital tuner. Example WCTV: 6.01,6.02? etc.

Your best bet is to go to www.antennaweb.org and enter your zip code and/or address. It will give you ideas for antennas and all of the frequency assignments.

Anyone have any info on NFL Network or ESPN2 HD in regard to Comcast providing these options?

Hopefully Fox is almost ready...

Anyone with updates on FOX HD on Comcast please post. Thanks.

From their chief engineer:

We are still waiting for the equipment to arrive. As the Top 100 market stations were required to do this this year, their equipment is getting first priority and we are at a lower priority for delivery. We do hope to see it any day now...thanks for your patience....Mike


Neon

Well the first FOX NFL preseason game is Thurday (Saints and Patriots)...

Thanks a lot, FOX and Comcast. You said it would be ready for last years Super Bowl.

ESPN was brilliant last night for Philadephia vs Pittsburgh. I'd also like to thanks CBS, ABC and NBC for providing the necessary service.

From their chief engineer:

We are still waiting for the equipment to arrive. As the Top 100 market stations were required to do this this year, their equipment is getting first priority and we are at a lower priority for delivery. We do hope to see it any day now...thanks for your patience....Mike

This guy is obviously talking about putting up a full power tower, so unless Comcast is waiting on WTLH-DT to be full-power, I don't really see what this has to do with Fox's availability on Comcast.

~Alan

I think it has everything to do with it.
Their current setup can't get the signal to comcast.
So, they need to change it.

Neon

I hope they don't have to built a whole new tower - that would take a long time. Hopefully they will just install a more powerful transmitter?

I'm thinking it is a piece of equipment to connect their signal to Fiber (or some other high bandwidth connection) to get the signal to Comcast. I believe it was stated earlier in this thread that their plans for full power HD broadcast from the Midway tower farm are NOT in the near future. They are currently broadcasting their analog signal from Midway, and their low power HD signal from Bainbridge.

But then again, I may be wrong...

I think it has everything to do with it.
Their current setup can't get the signal to comcast.
So, they need to change it.

What I had an issue with, was when he said was when he stated that "As the Top 100 market stations were required to do this this year, their equipment is getting first priority and we are at a lower priority for delivery".

The stations in the Top 100 markets were required to go full-power this year, July 1, to be exact... though they can get (and some have gotten) extensions, I wouldn't think that full power antenna equipment would slow down the equipment going out that would allow Comcast to pick up WTLH-DT, unless it's one and the same.

~Alan

It could simply mean that the equipment for both types of broadcasting is made by the same people.

Neon

It could simply mean that the equipment for both types of broadcasting is made by the same people.

True! However, as I said above, I wouldn't think it would slow down the equipment that much since I would think that it would be two different manufacturing lines, especially since the majority of stations has already gone full power over a month ago... but I could be wrong... not really my area of expertise... I just couldn't figure out what he meant by that is all.

~Alan

WTLH is running digital (not HD) from a tower in Bainbridge, their city of license, currently to stay legal. Their full power site is at Metcalf, near most of the other Tallahassee stations. Before they can broadcast HD, there are a number of things that need to be done. First, the equipment at the studio must be upgraded to handle HD signals and the switching necessary to insert commercials (gotta pay the bills, you know). Then their studio to transmitter link that goes from Midway, FL to Metcalf, GA (easily 30+ miles) will need to be upgraded. I'm not sure if that is one microwave hop or multiple hops. Finally, the high power transmitter and antenna will need to be installed. Since they are running adjecent channels (analog 49 and digital 50), they may be able to use the same antenna. WFXU's digital will also be there on channel 48.

Even if WTLH was only going to send HD to the cable company over fiber, they would still need to upgrade equipment at their studios.

With all of the upgrading (there are about 2000 full power TV stations), stations are having trouble getting equipment and hiring tower riggers. There's simply more demand than supply. Tower work is especially difficult because there are only a small number of people qualified to climb 1000' and higher towers. The engineering folks at these stations want all of this to happen, but they really have to push management since this process costs millions of dollars and has no immediate return.

When you look back at the switch from black and white to color TV, it took over 15 years from the first stations converted until some small stations finally completed the process. This was a technology that didn't obselete older sets and that there was great consumer demand for. As much as we all like it, HDTV was an answer looking for a problem. It makes older equipment obselete, most consumers have little awareness of it (as they pick up a new analog set for $75 at Walmart), and the transition is supposed to occur in less than 10 years.

DSmith901:

Actually, I was referring to the over the air signal. And removing the amplifier from my antenna cleared up my signal nicely.

FYI, I cancelled Comcast well over a year ago. I'm using DirecTV for most channels, and the setup I previously mentioned for local over the air HD reception.

BK

I know this is off topic, but does anyone have any positive experiences with having a rear projection tv repaired in Tallahassee? Any recommendations would be appreciated.Thanks.

I had a Hitachi 50" RPTV repaired twice at Lou's TV on South Magnolia, and then when I upgraded my set to HD, he also found a buyer for the unit.

Delivery may be a challenge, depending on where you are.

What I had an issue with, was when he said was when he stated that "As the Top 100 market stations were required to do this this year, their equipment is getting first priority and we are at a lower priority for delivery".

The stations in the Top 100 markets were required to go full-power this year, July 1, to be exact... though they can get (and some have gotten) extensions, I wouldn't think that full power antenna equipment would slow down the equipment going out that would allow Comcast to pick up WTLH-DT, unless it's one and the same.

~Alan

So now it looks like we can write off FOX HD this FB season? Tell me they are not carrying the SuperBowl this year! Or, as Cubs fans say - "maybe next year!"

So now it looks like we can write off FOX HD this FB season? Tell me they are not carrying the SuperBowl this year! Or, as Cubs fans say - "maybe next year!"

Neil Griffin could be correct as I'm quick to admit that there is much I do not know about the issue... although I still think there was either some confusion on the engineer's part, or perhaps he was just making an excuse. Not that it's an issue for me (I currently get my own FOX affiliate in HD), and I'm more excited for WFXU's power going up (I cannot receive ANY WB affiliate OTA).

However, I can tell you that FOX is NOT carrying the SuperBowl this year, ABC is.

~Alan

So now it looks like we can write off FOX HD this FB season? Tell me they are not carrying the SuperBowl this year! Or, as Cubs fans say - "maybe next year!"

They said that they were expecting the equipment any day now.
I am aware that sometimes football season passes in the blink of an eye, but I do think FOX will be up on Comcast in HD before football season is over. I would be willing to bet it would be before the baseball playoffs.

neon

Even if equipment arrives today, how long would it take to have it installed, tested, staff trained, and made live? 30 days? 60? I am afraid we will be looking at completion for more like the NFL playoffs.

Even if equipment arrives today, how long would it take to have it installed, tested, staff trained, and made live? 30 days? 60? I am afraid we will be looking at completion for more like the NFL playoffs.

It depends on what kind of equipment they need.

First of all, if WTLH-DT is still not HD, they can do some work prior to installation of the splicer. My local FOX affiliate, WFXL went ahead and did preperation work in anticpation of the splicer, which enabled them to start broadcasting HD shortly after the splicer was installed.

Then, it will depend on how Comcast will receive WTLH-DT's signal. Will Comcast get WTLH-DT's signal straight from WTLH-DT via fiber, or will they use an antenna to pick up WTLH-DT's signal, which brings up the question of where Comcast will pick up the signal, and whether or not WTLH-DT will need to use higher power to allow Comcast to pick it up.

~Alan

Even if equipment arrives today, how long would it take to have it installed, tested, staff trained, and made live? 30 days? 60? I am afraid we will be looking at completion for more like the NFL playoffs.

They mentioned previously it would take 1 week or so to get it installed.
They are already broadcasting in HD, but at very low power, from a remote location.

Through googling, I have come to believe that Comcast may broadcast local HDTV stations using unencrypted QAM-256. My hope is that I can view these using a QAM-capable TV or TV tuner card.

Does Comcast use this transmission format, and has anyone had success with either types of these equipment?

They mentioned previously it would take 1 week or so to get it installed.
They are already broadcasting in HD, but at very low power, from a remote location.

That sounds optimistic to me, but I hope they are right. But it appears they still don't have an ETA on the equipment.

That sounds optimistic to me, but I hope they are right. But it appears they still don't have an ETA on the equipment.

Here are the names to contact for more info:

David Hinterschied, General Manager
Mike Brown, Chief Engineer

They can be reached at 850-576-4990

Feel free to give them a call and ask for updates. I have done so several times. They now probably have my phone number blocked with their caller ID!

Neon

I live in Adel, GA, and am receiving WCTV's digital signal via my antenna and 942 Dish receiver very well. But I cannot receive WTWC or WTXL's. Has anyone else had this problem is it a receiver or antenna issue? Also does WCTV broadcast in 5.1 sound, cause I only receive 2.0.

I live in Adel, GA, and am receiving WCTV's digital signal via my antenna and 942 Dish receiver very well. But I cannot receive WTWC or WTXL's. Has anyone else had this problem is it a receiver or antenna issue? Also does WCTV broadcast in 5.1 sound, cause I only receive 2.0.

WCTV broadcasts 2.0. Not sure, but I think their HD antenna is somewhat directional, so you may be in the wrong direction.

SO what is the deal with Fox. Football starts in 2 weeks

Did anyone watch NBC on Comcast last night (Monday, 29th: "Vegas" and "Medium"). The PQ was appalling - color smearing all over the place. It was the worst HD picture I have ever seen. Don't know what the problem was but I hope they get it fixed before the new season starts.

WCTV broadcasts 2.0. Not sure, but I think their HD antenna is somewhat directional, so you may be in the wrong direction.

In the last few days, I have managed to pick up WCTV-DT 24 hours a day, instead of only during Primetime and twilight hours. They must have increased their power, or raised their antenna height one. Has anyone (OTA viewers) noticed this?!

~Alan

In the last few days, I have managed to pick up WCTV-DT 24 hours a day, instead of only during Primetime and twilight hours. They must have increased their power, or raised their antenna height one. Has anyone (OTA viewers) noticed this?!

~Alan

Maybe that hurricane blew the signal your way. ;)

Seriously, it could be weather related - or possibly the wind turned the broadcast antenna in your direction.

Maybe that hurricane blew the signal your way. ;)

Seriously, it could be weather related - or possibly the wind turned the broadcast antenna in your direction.

LOL!! It could be weather related, but since it started happening last week before Katrina was that close, and has been on 24 hours a day (I've NEVER received WCTV-DT at ALL before 7:00 P.M.) every day since Wednesday, and heat and clear skies are usually when I get the best reception (I hardly ever picked up WCTV-DT this past Winter), I suspect it is something they have done.

~Alan

WCTV has been advertising that their digital signal is now at 1,000,000 watts and that they have the strongest signal of any local station.

Could be a fluke, but I tuned in the other evening and got a much higher and more stable signal strength than ever before.

when will wtcv broadcast in 5.1? and what is going on with fox-hd

Yup, on the fcc database it has posted that the station filled the application for full license back on August 16th. The odds are it has been approved and that the database has not updated the approval part yet (very normal)

anyone notice, CBS isn't broadcasting letterman in HD, they aren't flipping the switch, someone get a hold of them

anyone notice, CBS isn't broadcasting letterman in HD, they aren't flipping the switch, someone get a hold of them

I am constantly amazed at how little local stations monitor their output signal(especially audio). They are always surprised when I contact them with a apparent transmission problem.

I'm new to this great forum and thread. Just installed rooftop medium directional antenna and can only get digital channels 6.1 CBS, 6.2 UPN, 27 .1 and 27.2 ABC and 11.1 to 11.4 PBS. I live in SE Leon County near Chaires. Knowing the GPS coordinates or at least sreet addresses of all local transmit antennas would help me a lot to search for and tune all available DT stations. Does anyone post such a list (or does anyone in SE Leon know what is reasonable to expect regarding reception of local OTA DT?)? Thanks,

Svenfran

As football season gets underway I'd like to figure out how to suggest to the local HD stations that they should carry the national HD game on their HD channel when the local market game is not in HD. For example, if the local broadcaster determines we would rather see a non-FSU ACC game than the national game and the ACC game is not an HD game they should show the national game on the HD channel while still making their choice available in SD. It's possible they may not have the resources to mix in the local commercials for two telecasts like they do in bigger markets, but they should be aware that most HD viewers would rather see Texas or Michigan in HD than North Carolina in SD. Of course, many of us addicts will watch both of them.

Nice idea, but ABC is done with HD college football, until the BCS games, I believe.
At most, they have 1 or 2 more HD telecasts of regular season games remaining.
See the programming forum on this site for more info.

Neon

Nice idea, but ABC is done with HD college football, until the BCS games, I believe.
At most, they have 1 or 2 more HD telecasts of regular season games remaining.
See the programming forum on this site for more info.

Neon

Are you kidding me? Man, what a bummer. The FSU-UM game was awesome in HD, and I just assumed most ABC college games would be also. At least they could show their national games in HD, and the major regional game.

nbc has been breaking up like crazy tonight. getting audio drops and all, what local affliates do 5.1?

nbc has been breaking up like crazy tonight. getting audio drops and all, what local affliates do 5.1?

I think NBC, ABC, and WFSU-DT do 5.1, but not sure about WFSU. NBC has always had audio dropouts. If you have the Comcast DMR you can back-up and recover the lost audio. WCTV, meanwhile, remains clueless on audio - I think they use 8-track tapes for sound recordings.

I sent the following question to FOX 49:

Will WTLH be providing any HD programming to Comcast anytime soon (NFL?)

Recieved the following reply on Sep 8:

Unfortunately, we are still waiting on the last part or 2 to be delivered here. Apparently it was inadvertently shipped by the supplier to one of our sister stations in Chattanooga where it arrived earlier this week. Our engineers are trying to locate it now as it was to arrive here today. If everything goes smoothly and it does show up here, there is a possibility that we could have an HD signal to Comcast by Saturday.
But it is also possible that it could be next week before everything comes together.
We do understand any frustration this may be causing you, please know that we also are frustrated by the continuing delays, most of which have been out of our control.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Don Abel
Program Director
WTLH/FOX 49

I guess this is good news.

That sounds good. I thought it was another excuse for them to wait another 2 months to get it. This is the first station to have the dolby 5.1 also for football. The only other that does sports in surround is TNT.

abc doesnt do 5.1? come on now i have to watch lost in lousy 2.0. when is abc going to broadcast 5.1 that is ridiculous that nbc does and abc doesn't when they are owned by sinclair.

I am pretty sure ABC does their prime time shows in 5.1, but probably not sports. "Lost" in HD is stupendous. But I will scream if they take Evangeline Lilly off.

I just had a comcast tech out to my apt on fri morning and he told me that they are in the process of adding the necessary equipment to be able to offer broadband phone service. he told me that as soon as this upgrade was done that they were going to be offering all of there channels digitally. (no more crappy analog from 1-99)

heres to hoping fox gets us HD soon

OK, here's the comment from an ABC press release a few days ago regarding ABC's plans for HD college football:

College Football in HD
ABC Sports, ESPN and ESPN2 will provide high definition telecasts of many college football games throughout the season. Every ESPN Saturday and Thursday prime-time telecast -- ESPN College Football Saturday (for the third consecutive year) and ESPN College Football Thursday (for the second straight year), respectively, will be offered in high definition on ESPN HD. For the first time, every ESPN2 College Football Saturday game will be offered in high definition on ESPN2 HD. ABC Sports will televise Miami at Florida State (Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. ET), two other regular-season games and all five bowl games in high definition.


So it's a total of 3 regular season games from ABC in HD. And what will you bet one of them is the Army-Navy game? At least ESPN is making a solid effort to give us HD games. Even the late LSU-AZ St game the other night was in HD. It's getting better.

I still don't understand why the Dolphins on CBS was not in HD when it was available out of market on DT* in HD.

I just had a comcast tech out to my apt on fri morning and he told me that they are in the process of adding the necessary equipment to be able to offer broadband phone service. he told me that as soon as this upgrade was done that they were going to be offering all of there channels digitally. (no more crappy analog from 1-99)

heres to hoping fox gets us HD soon

They will still have to digitize analog sources (most of the channels under 120), which already happens with their digital tuners, so I don't see a big difference. If you mean they will kill their analog connection then everyone without a digital tuner (90% of viewers) will have to be provided one (at a fee of course) so maybe its just their way of raising their price.

OK, here's the comment from an ABC press release a few days ago regarding ABC's plans for HD college football:

College Football in HD
ABC Sports, ESPN and ESPN2 will provide high definition telecasts of many college football games throughout the season. Every ESPN Saturday and Thursday prime-time telecast -- ESPN College Football Saturday (for the third consecutive year) and ESPN College Football Thursday (for the second straight year), respectively, will be offered in high definition on ESPN HD. For the first time, every ESPN2 College Football Saturday game will be offered in high definition on ESPN2 HD. ABC Sports will televise Miami at Florida State (Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. ET), two other regular-season games and all five bowl games in high definition.


So it's a total of 3 regular season games from ABC in HD. And what will you bet one of them is the Army-Navy game? At least ESPN is making a solid effort to give us HD games. Even the late LSU-AZ St game the other night was in HD. It's getting better.

I still don't understand why the Dolphins on CBS was not in HD when it was available out of market on DT* in HD.

Either it is a slack effort on ABC's part or Epsn is hogging the HD camera's :D

Just got back from comcast here in tallahassee to switch out my dual tuner dvr. i requested a new box (never been used) and the one they gave me has HDMI. i havent tried it with the hdmi b/c i dont have the cable but will be ordering one online tonite to test it out and i'll let you know how it goes.

does anyone know if the new guide that comcast is talking about is for all of their boxes or just their old SD (black) boxes running the old guide system?

I just recently took the leap and bought a Pioneer PDP4354HD HDTV ready set and retired my old Sony 27" XBR. Right now, I still have the econo analog Comcast cable deal (no box). I plugged the cable TV wire into the cable input on the Pioneer HDTV box, did an auto-scan, and came up with a few extra channels, most notably on ch 1.1, WCTV-HD. In full mode, ch 1.1 always has black bars on the sides, except for once for a about an hour on Friday mid-day during the tennis match. This broadcast obviously appeared to be HD, but before the match was over, the black bars re-appeared and resolution was back to SD. I also checked out the NFL games Sunday, one of which was advertised "HD", but there was no HD NFL on 1.1. What gives with ch 1.1? It's digital, but why don't we see HD broadcasts on 1.1? The only other "dot" channels that the Pioneer HDTV tuner found with content on the "analog" cable service, was the music stations (114.x) and another channel of a continous running sports package commerical. I realize that I need to pony up more bucks to Tallahassee's most hated monolopy to get HDTV over cable, but I'm still wondering what's the deal on WCTV-HD's ch 1.1? Also, I am going to give the outside antenna thing a try soon.

what's the deal on WCTV-HD's ch 1.1?

Ch 1.1 is exactly the same programming you will find on ch. 182 if you use Comcast's digital STB. For some reason, the dolphin game was not shown in HD here even though CBS produced the game in HD. You can also find WTXL-HD and WTWC-HD in the 70s or 80s. I don't remember the exact channel but the two of them are right next to each other.

Even HD channels do not always carry everything in HD, or at least not in true HD with 16:9 aspect. Even during a true HD broadcast you will often find commercials and info breaks are not HD, so sidebars will be used there. Sometimes there is a HD delay when switching back to true HD. The biggest blunder the FCC made in digital broadcast rules was not requiring ALL digital transmissions to be in the wide-screen aspect, and not just HD.

Comcast broadcasts the local HD channels in the clear so if you have a Qam tuner you can pick them up. However ESPN, Discovery HD and the other cable only HD channels are encrypted and you need the cable box.

They will still have to digitize analog sources (most of the channels under 120), which already happens with their digital tuners, so I don't see a big difference. If you mean they will kill their analog connection then everyone without a digital tuner (90% of viewers) will have to be provided one (at a fee of course) so maybe its just their way of raising their price.

It's kind of weird that I know this (since I don't live in a Comcast area, nor am I eligible for any cable company's service), but Comcast is switching to all digital, and using newer, smaller, cheaper digital boxes. Three boxes are provided, free of charge, and each additional box is $1.99.

Read Comcast New Technology Test (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=542401) for more info.

BTW, on a (sorta) un-related topic, WFXU-DT's construction permit runs out this Thursday, and while they could try to get another extension (I think), I was wondering if anyone has heard anything about construction?!

~Alan

It's kind of weird that I know this (since I don't live in a Comcast area, nor am I eligible for any cable company's service), but Comcast is switching to all digital, and using newer, smaller, cheaper digital boxes. Three boxes are provided, free of charge, and each additional box is $1.99.

Read Comcast New Technology Test (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=542401) for more info.

BTW, on a (sorta) un-related topic, WFXU-DT's construction permit runs out this Thursday, and while they could try to get another extension (I think), I was wondering if anyone has heard anything about construction?!

~Alan

Three digital tuners aint' nearly enough for me. I have three TVs and three DVRs, so I am looking at an additional $6 per month, not to mention additional cables I will have to buy. I don't think the public is gonna like this very much.

Okay, here is an update on the Comcast all-digital issue straight from the horse's mouth, and its good news. Ginger Johnson at Tallahassee Comcast said they are working to have all source feeds in digital format, but those channels will be converted to analog for current non-digital subscribers. So digital tuners will not be mandatory. But this is really good news because the biggest problem with the analog channels is they are analog from the source - getting them all in digital feed should greatly improve PQ on channels <120. She did not have a time-line or start date, but let's hope its soon.

. . . You can also find WTXL-HD and WTWC-HD in the 70s or 80s. I don't remember the exact channel but the two of them are right next to each other . . .

Thanks Texadillo! I'll take a look to see if I can find them. I saw a couple of prime-time broadcasts in HD over the last two nights and think I now have the HD bug!

Thanks Texadillo! I'll take a look to see if I can find them. I saw a couple of prime-time broadcasts in HD over the last two nights and think I now have the HD bug!

FWC, WTWC-HD is on 92.2 and WTXL-HD is 92.22

I'm still scanning the digital channels for programming in-the-clear and so far this is what I found with my Pioneer QAM reciever connected to Comcast's basic (no-box) service:

79.10 - On-Demand feed
80.24 - On-Demand feed
80.25 - On-Demand feed
81.40 - On-Demand feed
82.55 - On-Demand feed
85.1 - WTWC-DT HD (NBC)
85.2 - WTXL-DT HD (ABC)
87.1 - WTLH-DT HD (FOX)
94.1 thru 94.54 - Music Choice
96.1 - WCTV-DT HD (CBS)
96.2 - WFSU-DT HD (PBS) (Not HD during the day)
96.3 - 96.5 (WFSU multi-cast programming - daytime only)

Anyone know of any more?

What's update on FOx?

What's update on FOx?

The rumor is FOX has decided to forget about digital TV, which is just way too hard for them, and go back to analog (LOL). Maybe next year.

What's update on FOx?

Just talked to Comcast and was told by rep that FOX-HD would be available on Oct. 30

Just talked to Comcast and was told by rep that FOX-HD would be available on Oct. 30

Great - but what year? :p

get the message saying fox hd will be added soon. i guess soon to them is a month?

Anybody noticed NBC not being in widescreen? Last night (West Wing) and tonight (Las Vegas) I've gotten 4 black bars surrounding the picture - like they're showing it letterboxed in 4:3 instead of widescreen HD. Now Leno's on and it's straight 4:3.

What gives?

Anybody noticed NBC not being in widescreen? Last night (West Wing) and tonight (Las Vegas) I've gotten 4 black bars surrounding the picture - like they're showing it letterboxed in 4:3 instead of widescreen HD. Now Leno's on and it's straight 4:3.

What gives?

NBC 5.1 audio drops this season (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=584471)

~Alan

NBC 5.1 audio drops this season (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=584471)

~Alan

Not sure what I'm looking for in that post. What I'm seeing is not related to audio (although there are audio problems as well), it's about the picture not being full-screen HD the last few nights for me on NBC.

Not sure what I'm looking for in that post. What I'm seeing is not related to audio (although there are audio problems as well), it's about the picture not being full-screen HD the last few nights for me on NBC.

NBC 5.1 audio drops this season (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6258366&&#post6258366)

Down near the bottom (the post the link above will take you directly to), it was stated that NBC told their affiliates that they were having trouble with their HD feed, so they told their affiliates to switch off the HD, and go to SD.

My local NBC affiliate, WALB-DT started "Surface" in SD, and stayed that way for the first 8-10 minutes, then switched to HD and the audio problems began. Halfway through the show, WALB-DT switched back to SD for one to two minutes, and then once again back to HD for the rest of the show.

I can't say I know whether or not "Las Vegas" was in HD here (I TiVo'ed it, haven't watched it yet as I was watching "Prison Break" at the time), but I suspect that WTWC-DT just did not turn the HD feed back on. Can't speak for Sunday night though...

~Alan

An email I got from the station today indicated that they were having technical problems, but should have it resolved "soon."

Neon

Both "Vegas" and "Medium" were in SD instead of HD. NBC continues to screw up their HD broadcasting, both on video and audio. Locally, ABC and CBS both usually get the video right but audio is 2.0.

But Law and Order: SVU was in high definition last night (Tuesday).

Sounds like they are continuing to make adjustments.

Neon

Monday (Oct. 3) NBC had Vegas and Medium back in HD and the 5.1 audio was almost dropout free. Hurray, maybe they have finally figured it out.

Update: A recording at Comcast says FOX HD is to start October 20. Let us spray.

I moved to the Tallahassee area last month and got hooked up with the Moto HD DVR box running on DVR and optical audio.
The line up is good and picture quality is fantastic, but the line up is rather thin.

I'd love to see WB added and probably a fantasy but TBS as well so I could get the Braves in HD.
But where I am really hurting this fall is for FOX. HD from FOX has been available for well over a year and I can't believe it's not up and running yet. I have contacted the local office, and while CS is less than helpful I managed to dig my way to finding out that FOX should be added on Oct. 21st. So if they stick to that date we should get the second half of the football season in HD, which would be fantastic.

Just wondering if any of you guys had any inside info on any other channels that will be added soon, and if anyone else can verify that date on FOX?

Thanks!
Cheers,
Nick

Right now, there really aren't that many more channels that could be added.
ESPN2 has an HD version of that channel, and there are rumors floating around that Comcast may pick that up after January (they are currently negotiating with ESPN/ABC). This is a national issue between Comcast and ESPN, and the Tallahassee franchise is just waiting for the parent company to finalize the agreement.

The local WB does not broadcast in HD, so Comcast cannot pick up a non-existent HD signal.

TBS does not broadcast in HD, and as far as I have heard, have no plans to do so.

FOX by all accounts will be up on Oct 20th. If it is anything like CBS/ABC/NBC when those HD channels were added, you may see it a few days before the official launch date as they "test" it.

Neon

Someone said in an earlier post that WB is supposed to move to HD in Tally sometime next year, and presumably Comcast will carry it in HD also. I would rather see WB in HD than FOX, but that is just a personal preference. Both would be even better of course.

TBS does not broadcast in HD, and as far as I have heard, have no plans to do so.


I assume you mean in Tallahassee? Because I had TBS in HD through Charter in Atlanta. I also had BravesVision, a channel that is also carried by Comcast in Atlanta that would carry the Braves games in HD when they were not on TBS HD.



dsmith, I guess as far as content goes, WB vs. FOX is personal preference, but if you are a football and baseball fan, to not have FOX in HD at this time of the year is a stab in the heart. But only 2 more weeks. If all goes well it will be in before the world series. :fingerscrossed:

I assume you mean in Tallahassee? Because I had TBS in HD through Charter in Atlanta. I also had BravesVision, a channel that is also carried by Comcast in Atlanta that would carry the Braves games in HD when they were not on TBS HD.

Most people (outside Atlanta) are not aware of the fact that WTBS broadcasts Braves games in HD.

~Alan

Someone said in an earlier post that WB is supposed to move to HD in Tally sometime next year, and presumably Comcast will carry it in HD also. I would rather see WB in HD than FOX, but that is just a personal preference. Both would be even better of course.

Actually, I stated that WFXU had a contruction permit to build a full-power digital signal (which will have to be full power by July 1, 2006, or a little later if they get an extension), and I wouldn't be surprised to see them go HD sometime around that time (or at least I'm hoping that's the case). Once they go HD, it probably wouldn't be too long before Comcast made a deal with them.

~Alan

I assume you mean in Tallahassee? Because I had TBS in HD through Charter in Atlanta. I also had BravesVision, a channel that is also carried by Comcast in Atlanta that would carry the Braves games in HD when they were not on TBS HD.
This is not entirely correct. Comcast in Atlanta carries WTBS (OTA) and not Superstation TBS off the satellite. WTBS-DT is HD upconvert except with the Braves home games which are true HD. So far nothing else on WTBS has been in HD. With all the movies they show, this is really sad.

Al

Just got this email from engineering at FOX here in Tall.

"Nick,

Comcast will begin offering FOX HD signal on 10/20. Will be sometime before we completely switch our broadcast signal to HD.

Thanks for your email.

WTLH/FOX 49 TV


---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: Nick Brown <thehondaboy@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 06 Oct 2005 22:31:18 -0400


>>
>>Do you guys offer Fox49 in HD over-the-air? For whatever reason Fox
>>isn't offered in HD on Comcast yet so I can't get any Fox sports in HD
>>which is very irritating. And Comcast customer service is less than
>>friendly when asking them about when Fox will be added to the line up.
>>Any info you have would be greatly appreciated.
>>Thanks
>>Nick B."

dsmith, I guess as far as content goes, WB vs. FOX is personal preference, but if you are a football and baseball fan, to not have FOX in HD at this time of the year is a stab in the heart. But only 2 more weeks. If all goes well it will be in before the world series. :fingerscrossed:

Agree on the personal preference of course. I am not a huge BB fan, and I see plenty of it in HD on ESPN anyway. As for FB, I prefer college to pro, but it is always better to see it in HD if possible. In terms of hours of viewing, I watch about ten times as much WB as I do FOX. None of the prime time FOX shows is of interest to me, with the possible exception of "Bones" which has already disappeared.

Agree on the personal preference of course. I am not a huge BB fan, and I see plenty of it in HD on ESPN anyway. As for FB, I prefer college to pro, but it is always better to see it in HD if possible. In terms of hours of viewing, I watch about ten times as much WB as I do FOX. None of the prime time FOX shows is of interest to me, with the possible exception of "Bones" which has already disappeared.

All of FOX's shows are on hiatus til November due to Baseball. Since I haven't heard of "Bones" getting cancelled, it should be back then.

I've never been a big fan of FOX's shows (most of the ones I did like got cancelled) with the exception of "King Of The Hill" and "The Simpsons", but with my local FOX affiliate in HD, and an HD-TiVo, I've gotten into watching more of FOX's programming. I like ALL of FOX's Monday and Tuesday's shows, and watch "The O.C" on Thursday. I also watch "Reunion" on Thursday... not that it's very good, but I'm curious as to who the killer is...

WB, however is one of my favorite networks (DirecTV used to carry the WB feed from Chicago, and I've managed to catch up with others shows on DVD and TV), and I'm anxiously awaiting for either DirecTV to carry Albany, GA LIL (they offer a "regional" WB to markets without a WB) or for WFXU-DT to go full-power!

~Alan

Re WB I agree. "Buffy" was one of my all-time favorite shows but it was always in really crappy quality locally, and fared no better when it switched to UPN. I bought each season on DVD and have the whole collection. Viewing the show on DVD was like seeing it for the first time in virtual HD - and no commercials! Same with "Roswell." A current favorite is "Veronica Mars" and when CBS replayed a few episodes in HD a while back it was fantastic. Now going back to SD on UPN is almost depressing. I wish CBS would snatch the show from UPN and put it in their regular lineup - in HD of course.

Can anyone explain why the Dolphins/Bucs game is not in HD in Tallahassee? It is in HD everywhere else. We have a CBS station that claims it broadcasts in HD. Also, Comcast advertises that 182 is an HD channel and they collect money from me every month for HD programming. I'm ready to file a class action.

I don't know what is going on with CBSHD. I have noticed on more than one occasion when watching football, like last weeks Falcons game and the Georgia-UT game that it would flip flop from HD to SD sparatically. Very strange...maybe they are having issues with their gear.

As for Fox, I am just very excited that they are going HD in 4 days! I can't wait to get my NFC football and baseball playoffs in HD. As well as looking forward to finally getting 24 in HD.

Bones fans, I wouldn't worry. This show seems to be Fox' best shot at replacing X-Files (minus the alien mythology of course). I don't think its going anywhere. And if you are missing good shows on Fox, check out House. DVR it or whatever you have to do. It is one of the only medical shows I have ever liked because the dialog feels fresh and as real as one could expect from a tv show. And very humorous at that.

I will be reseting my box once a day monday onto the 20th to see if Fox pops up early for testing. If it does I will post up the info.

Now just gotta get them to add ESPN2 HD. I'd love it if they would replace that stupid HD FSU channel that never seems to work anyway or have anything good on for that matter. I don't want to pay for stuff like that. The truth is we shouldn't be having to pay for HD anyway. We are all the test bunnies that are helping draw the HD crowd to cabel over satellite...

Bones fans, I wouldn't worry. This show seems to be Fox' best shot at replacing X-Files (minus the alien mythology of course).

I don't really consider "Bones" to be similar to "The X-Files" other than maybe the chemistry of the partners, but "Bones" has recently been picked up for a full season.

~Alan

I don't really consider "Bones" to be similar to "The X-Files" other than maybe the chemistry of the partners, but "Bones" has recently been picked up for a full season.

~Alan

Agreed - there was only one X-Files; it will never be duplicated.

As for WCTV (CBS), they have twice in a row now screwed up their Friday night HD lineup. Two weeks ago their HD was unviewable, and this past Friday there was no audio until well into "Threshold." I love just looking at JLH in HD, but I would like to know what the hell the actors are saying as well. Knowing WCTV, the 16 year old nerd they rely on for technical support was probably on a date (his first!).

As for WCTV (CBS), they have twice in a row now screwed up their Friday night HD lineup. Two weeks ago their HD was unviewable, and this past Friday there was no audio until well into "Threshold." I love just looking at JLH in HD, but I would like to know what the hell the actors are saying as well. Knowing WCTV, the 16 year old nerd they rely on for technical support was probably on a date (his first!).

Which is why I'm glad I have the CBS-HD affiliate from NY even though I can receive WCTV-DT full time now. First, it has DD5.1 (CBS has the BEST DD5.1 of ANY of the networks!), and second of all, they're usually pretty good about their HD channel (though the first episode of "Veronica Mars" on CBS was in HD on WCTV-DT, yet in SD for the first ten minutes on the CBS-HD feed out of NY).

I do use WCTV-DT to record "Veronica Mars" on 6-2 though...

~Alan

I do use WCTV-DT to record "Veronica Mars" on 6-2 though...

~Alan

Please explain. Do you mean you record VM in HD on WCTV-DT? How and when? I know they broadcast some VM reruns in HD this summer on Comcast 182, but it bugs me that it is only available in SD on Comcast 24.

FOX - Nothing yet. I'm thinking they have to start testing it wed for a thursday release... maybe not, maybe they just let it rip on thursday and see what happens.

Please explain. Do you mean you record VM in HD on WCTV-DT? How and when? I know they broadcast some VM reruns in HD this summer on Comcast 182, but it bugs me that it is only available in SD on Comcast 24.

No, unfortunately not. I recently (August) purchased a DirecTV HR10-250 (HD-TiVo) that allows me to record VM off of WCTV-DT.

This works out really good for me, since I work really late on Tuesday (when Veronica Mars was broadcast last year) and I had to be home to be able to fine tune WVAG (the UPN affiliate in Moultrie that's licensed to Valdosta and broadcasts out of Adel) since it's hard to pick up in analog (and virtually non-existant digitally), and even after WCTV-DT started broadcasting UPN on their sub-channel, I would have had to be home to turn the antenna from recording an earlier program to get a different WCTV-DT to record VM, and only 50% of the time would I be able to pick up WCTV-DT... so I didn't get to watch ANY VM until this Summer when I watched VM when CBS aired the four episodes, and now that WCTV-DT is full-power, I have been TiVo'ing VM until I can watch the first season on DVD.

WLGA, the UPN affiliate from the Columbus, GA market is moving their analog tower to give me a Grade A or Grade B signal by the end of this month... but not moving their digital signal until next year when full power goes into effect, and they intend to go HD at the same time, so hopefully I'll have a chance to watch VM in HD for its third season (should it get picked up for a third!).

Now, I'm just waiting for WFXU-DT to go full-power since I currently don't have access to ANY WB affiliate, HD or SD!!

~Alan

FoxHD starts this Thursday, October 20th!

Channel 183

The wait is finally over!

Yup. Saw in a Comcast message today that Fox HD is on 183 tomorrow. Maybe I'll stay up till midnight . . . I'm that excited for football, not to mention the World Series. Wonder if it'll be up for tonights NLCS game.

Oh, good question. Maybe they activate it early for us for testing and we can catch the game like it should be seen.

Yay for FOX, but I won't be happy until WB and UPN are available in HD.

Yay for FOX, but I won't be happy until WB and UPN are available in HD.

Better ESPN2 and NFL Network

What is on WB and UPN?

Better ESPN2 and NFL Network

What is on WB and UPN?

ESPN2 has college FB on weekends and not all originate in HD. Yeah I would like to see them go HD also, but I have no interest in watching poker or billiards in HD. AFAIK, all NFL games are already available in HD now that FOX is on board.

WB has a prime time lineup that is the equal of ABC, NBC and easily better than FOX: Smallville; Everwood; Gilmore Girls; Supernatural; Charmed; 7th Heaven, just to name a few.

UPN is not so competitive - I just want to see more of Veronica Mars in HD.

BTW, tuned into FOX HD on Comcast ch. 183 about 6:45 this AM just in time to see that scam artist, Benny Hinn, in really lousy SD of course.

world series isn't up in Hd on fox whats going on?

I was just about to post the same thing. I tuned in and immediately saw that it was a better picture than the SD channel 10 on Comcast, but it was also obvious that it was not an HD picture. FOX broadcasts sports in 720p, and this is the WS so I know it's not on their end. Probably some issues locally. They might still be working out some bugs, because as far as I know this is the first actual HD programing they have carried since thursday. Everything else would have been upconverted. I doubt it, but here's crossing my fingers that they get the issues worked out by tomorrows football coverage.

Well, still not sure what was going on with baseball last night, but football on FOX looks fantastic today!

FOX HD is a big disappointment. Yes the NFL game looked good, but they are broadcasting everything else in SD and it is the worst SD I have ever seen - more like FD (Fuzzy Definition) IMO. Should have known FOX was not committed to HD broadcasting. If they are not broadcasting the WS in HD they should have their license revoked!

Did anyone success getting Fox HD (WTLH-DT) over the air ?

FOX HD is a big disappointment. Yes the NFL game looked good, but they are broadcasting everything else in SD and it is the worst SD I have ever seen - more like FD (Fuzzy Definition) IMO. Should have known FOX was not committed to HD broadcasting. If they are not broadcasting the WS in HD they should have their license revoked!

For the most part, I've found FOX's HD presentations to be done quite well. And yes, the World Series is in HD (not that I'm watching it)...

This year's SuperBowl looked excellent, and I've enjoyed watching "Arrested Development", "Kitchen Confidential", "Prison Break", "House" and "Bones" in HD.

"American Idol" fans will also enjoy seeing AI in HD and DD5.1.

~Alan

For the most part, I've found FOX's HD presentations to be done quite well. And yes, the World Series is in HD (not that I'm watching it)...

This year's SuperBowl looked excellent, and I've enjoyed watching "Arrested Development", "Kitchen Confidential", "Prison Break", "House" and "Bones" in HD.

"American Idol" fans will also enjoy seeing AI in HD and DD5.1.

~Alan

Alan, as I recall you don't get FOX HD via Tallahassee Comcast, am I right?

Alan, as I recall you don't get FOX HD via Tallahassee Comcast, am I right?

Correct! I get it in my own DMA (via WFXL-DT), which is ironic considering I can often get a better signal from WTLH (analog) OTA with an indoor antenna than I can WFXL (analog) via the same.

While I've never seen WTLH-DT (OTA or Comcast), I've been quite pleased with WFXL-DT OTA, so I doubt it's a FOX issue, but rather WTLH-DT.

~Alan

Correct! I get it in my own DMA (via WFXL-DT), which is ironic considering I can often get a better signal from WTLH (analog) OTA with an indoor antenna than I can WFXL (analog) via the same.

While I've never seen WTLH-DT (OTA or Comcast), I've been quite pleased with WFXL-DT OTA, so I doubt it's a FOX issue, but rather WTLH-DT.

~Alan

I think your absolutely correct. We are always bashing Sinclair on this forum, but IMHO, WTLH owners and FOX should be ashamed.

1. Their Ultra Low power HD OTA signal is just that, ultra low. I live in Havana and can't pull it in with an Outdoor antenna. I've even got 2 friends that live in Bainbridge and can't pull in the signal.

2. Their signal they send to Mediacom absolutely is the worste quality SD signal I've EVER seen, especially lately. It's soooo bad, you have to turn the contrast up to almost max just too see it. When you do that, it makes anything pretty unwatchable.

3. Their Tech support is pretty much non-existant. I would really really really like to know how members get them to respond to their emails??? Mine go completely ignored.

To make matters worse. Living in Havana and wanting HD SUCKS. Mediacom is just as bad as WTLH, not responding to emails and not giving any signs of offering HD in the near or very distant future

Sorry for the rant...AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think your absolutely correct. We are always bashing Sinclair on this forum, but IMHO, WTLH owners and FOX should be ashamed.

WTLH is owned by Pegasus, and as a DirecTV customer who had to deal with Pegasus for years, I can say that Pegasus should be ashamed for their behavior in a lot of ways.

3. Their Tech support is pretty much non-existant. I would really really really like to know how members get them to respond to their emails??? Mine go completely ignored.

My local NBC affiliate is owned by Liberty Corporation which recently merged with RayCom Media (I don't know how that's going to affect the ownership), and I've NEVER been able to get them to respond to E-Mail, and someone I know couldn't get them to comment on their digital signal when they called them on the phone. My local FOX affiliate (owned by RayCom Media) has (with the exception of the first time), been very reliable regarding questions. My local NBC affiliate, WALB, is the most popular station in my DMA, so I guess they don't have to work as hard at dealing with people.

To make matters worse. Living in Havana and wanting HD SUCKS. Mediacom is just as bad as WTLH, not responding to emails and not giving any signs of offering HD in the near or very distant future.

MediaCom doesn't offer cable to my house, but they are the provider for the area. They offer HBO-HD, Showtime-HD, The Movie Channel HD, Starz-HD, HDNet, HDNet Movies, Discovery HD Theater, Universal-HD, ESPN-HD, ESPN2-HD as well as WALB-DT (NBC) and WFXL-DT (FOX).

~Alan

Does anyone know if WCTV-DT will broadcast the Florida vs Florida State game on November 26 in high def?

Does anyone know if WCTV-DT will broadcast the Florida vs Florida State game on November 26 in high def?

Is this game on CBS, Jefferson Pilot, or Sun Sports? Does CBS even do college games anymore? And if yes, are they HD? AFAIK, only NBC (Notre Damn) and ESPN/ABC night games are in HD.

BTW, saw some of the WS on FOX HD last night (Comcast ch 183) and video was pretty good, but audio was awesome - DD 5.1 and lots of ambience in the surrounds. I felt like I was sitting in the stands! Now if the local NBC station could just get their audio sh_t together! Monday night on NBC was again full of dropouts and and audio static, clicks and pops. Guess their Radio Shack equipment is out of warranty!

I am seriously considering picking up a Pioneer 5060 for my principal TV.
However I cant find a store with cable(they all seem to have dish) to sample how SD looks on these units.
Is it watchable? I wont be very popular around here if it is not.
Does anyone have a cablecard set up with Comcast ,and if so, how do you like it?

Does anyone know if WCTV-DT will broadcast the Florida vs Florida State game on November 26 in high def?

Okay, found this list at the CBS Sports website:

http://www.sportsline.com/cbssports/schedules/page/collegefootball

It shows only the UF-UGA game this Saturday will be in HDTV. Even the SEC championship game is not scheduled for HD, according to this schedule! That sucks! Somebody at CBS sports needs to get a clue!

Here is a slightly OT question - does anyone here know of any local radio station plans to go to HD (digital) radio? Granted I don't know of any stores selling HD radio receivers yet, but stations will broadcast analog along with the digital, so the receivers will come and will tune in both. FYI, here is a list of stations in Florida that are making the move - even Hogtown gets one. Tallahassee is a big radio town, why no HD-Radio here?

http://www.ibiquity.com/cgi-bin/liststations?state=FL

Also, here is an information site about HD radio:

http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/ISEO-rgbtcspd/learningcenter/car/hdradio.html

Okay, found this list at the CBS Sports website:

http://www.sportsline.com/cbssports/schedules/page/collegefootball

It shows only the UF-UGA game this Saturday will be in HDTV. Even the SEC championship game is not scheduled for HD, according to this schedule! That sucks! Somebody at CBS sports needs to get a clue!


That's a big time bummer. :(

Maybe that will change before then.

*** UPDATE ***

I just called WCTV and ask if the FSU v UF game will be broadcast in HD and FWIW, the person on the other end responded with, after a look on their PC, "I don't see anything here saying that it won't be in HD."

What the #$&! does that mean? Geee, this is Tallahassee isn't it? Don't ya think that this game might be the number one viewed program in WCTV's viewer area since the first landing on the moon? Sheeeh!

Oh heck, I'll plan a party at the house anyway!

***

I am seriously considering picking up a Pioneer 5060 for my principal TV.
However I cant find a store with cable(they all seem to have dish) to sample how SD looks on these units.
Is it watchable? I wont be very popular around here if it is not.
Does anyone have a cablecard set up with Comcast ,and if so, how do you like it?

We have a Pioneer 4345 and Comcast cable, no cable card or box. I do a combination of OTA reception, basic cable, and QAM cable reception for HD channels (I just hate paying Comcast any more than I absolutly have to). Analog cable SD is quite watchable with some channels being better than others - but that pretty much the same with any TV. Digital SD still is much better than analog; but, once you start watching HD on it, it tough to watch the other stuff. My guess is that you will be very happy with a 5060.

Also, you might check out AVS Forum's Official 2005 Pioneer Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=550398&page=1&pp=30&highlight=4345) for lots of good Pioneer info.

I have a question regarding the FOX HD broadcast, does it look like they are expanding or zooming the broadcast? In the corner were it should say FOX I see the top of the F and part of the O. This does not seem to be the case for the football though, just the regular shows. I know they are doing for all the other shows, since they are not 4:3 like the show on CBS, NBC, and ABC. If they are would they fix this problem or do we have to live with it.

I have a question regarding the FOX HD broadcast, does it look like they are expanding or zooming the broadcast? In the corner were it should say FOX I see the top of the F and part of the O. This does not seem to be the case for the football though, just the regular shows. I know they are doing for all the other shows, since they are not 4:3 like the show on CBS, NBC, and ABC. If they are would they fix this problem or do we have to live with it.

What is your display? Does it have a Zoom mode, and if so are you using it? I sometimes use Zoom on my Panasonic plasma to fill the screen when the signal is SD broadcast of a HD (16:9) picture, such as Smallville on WB (Comcast ch. 6). That eliminates the side bars and letterboxing, but it does cut off some of the top and bottom. AFAIK, a true HD broadcast should not cut off anything on a 16:9 display, but it would not surprise me if FOX is doing something weird. However, be sure your display is properly calibrated for overscan, if it is a digital display. If you are using a cable STB, be sure it has been adjusted in the setup menu to fit your screen.

I have a question regarding the FOX HD broadcast, does it look like they are expanding or zooming the broadcast? In the corner were it should say FOX I see the top of the F and part of the O. This does not seem to be the case for the football though, just the regular shows. I know they are doing for all the other shows, since they are not 4:3 like the show on CBS, NBC, and ABC. If they are would they fix this problem or do we have to live with it.

This is a common issue, and if I remember correctly, DSmith901 nailed it on the head when he mentioned "overscan".

~Alan

5/31/05Today I spoke with the head engineer, Steve Sheridan, at ABC's local station, and he confirmed the audio glitch and said they have had some equipment problems, and that storms in the area caused some of it. I also discussed with him the general opinion of viewers here being mostly unhappy with the stretched SD signals, and he seemed surprised, but said he would consider making a change. I don't know if it is up to him or upper management, but let's think positive.

6/8/05More on NBC/ABC

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

Ok--just got off the phone with Brian Sadler again.
Here is what he told me.

Right now, they are broadcasting a 14:9 signal, which is characterized by their parent company (Sinclair) as a happy medium between a stretched signal and a 4:3 signal. Comcast, however, may be doing some additional stretching or zooming beyond what is being broadcast OTA--he wasn't sure what Comcast was doing. I mentioned that because of the "zooming", you can't see the score boxes for some sporting events, and he better brace himself for irate phone calls once football season starts. He agreed that would be an issue.

They are still working with their equipment to get things "better", and though no time frame was indicated, my impression was this is a relatively high priority item that they work on every day. I talked about how the CBS affiliate managed to have a 4:3 signal for the non-HD stuff and a 16:9 signal for the HD stuff, and he seemed to agree that was the ideal, but their equipment couldn't do that right now. Not sure why, but then again, I'm not an engineer.


What is your display? Does it have a Zoom mode, and if so are you using it? I sometimes use Zoom on my Panasonic plasma to fill the screen when the signal is SD broadcast of a HD (16:9) picture, such as Smallville on WB (Comcast ch. 6). That eliminates the side bars and letterboxing, but it does cut off some of the top and bottom. AFAIK, a true HD broadcast should not cut off anything on a 16:9 display, but it would not surprise me if FOX is doing something weird. However, be sure your display is properly calibrated for overscan, if it is a digital display. If you are using a cable STB, be sure it has been adjusted in the setup menu to fit your screen.

No I never use the TV's zoom feature, and my TV is calibrated for overscan.

Fox is doing what NBC and ABC did when they first started broacasting HD on Comcast running all their programs in full screen, not 4:3. The picture I am getting on the HD channel is the same as the regualr Fox channel except for the picture quality. I have called(left voice mail for the chief engineer) Fox to ask them if they are expanding or strecting the images to fill the screen for there non HD that is not turning off when HD are on. I will let you know what I find out.

ETA:
Spoke with Mike Brown Fox's chief engineer. He was unaware that fox was broadcasting the shows before 8 in a stretched format not 4:3. He was also unsure of the primetime shows, wheter they are strected or not, he said the feed from FOX is fed directly from a splicer to Comcast. I did let him know that on NBC, CBS, and ABC shows that are not primetime are being broadcast as 4:3 with the black bars on the side and on the HD broadcast they do not seem to be stretched.

He was nice and said he will look into it, don't know if anything will come from my call or not but it was worth a try.

Well I must admit I have not been watching much FOX, and what I have seen of their SD stuff is almost unwatchable anyway - it looks better through my TV tuner. They are apparently converting analog to digital using some cheap and wholly inadequate video encoder. Their HD during the WS was good, and audio was 5.1 DD and sounded very good.

No I never use the TV's zoom feature, and my TV is calibrated for overscan.

Whoops!! I'm sorry, I assumed you were referring to FOX's HD programming, and not their SD programming. Some people, myself included have issues with the location of FOX's location of affiliation "bugs". Check out this photo (http://members.aol.com/dreamworker23/100_0239.jpg) to see what I mean.

~Alan

I have attached an example of what I think is a stretched image on Comcast FOX HD.

Last night I watched "Bones" (pretty good show) in HD and I saw what 1998Nole was talking about. Even though the picture seemed to be properly framed (at least to my eyes) the FOX logo was about half way off the bottom right corner, which means they are half way to doing us a favor. Whether this is deliberate or not I don't know, but I think the picture itself is fully framed and we aren't missing anything. I say just be happy the logo is cropped and not taking up more screen. So don't say anything to FOX and maybe they will leave it that way.

Following info from CBS should make everybody happy.
CM


Re: HOME DEPOT SEC ON CBS - HDTV Update

November 19, 25 & 26, 2005



* * *ATTENTION HDTV STATIONS* * *



The following college football games will be available in HDTV via your regular Network HD transponders.



Saturday, November 19

3:30-7:00pm cnyt/12:30-4:00pm cpt

Alabama @ Auburn



Friday, November 25

2:30-6:00pm cnyt/11:30am-3:00pm cpt

Arkansas @ LSU



Saturday, November 26

3:30-7:00pm cnyt/12:30-4:00pm cpt

Florida State @ Florida

Who is carrying the ACC Championship game? ABC?

ABC is carrying ACC Championship Game

ABC is carrying ACC Championship Game

I would expect it to be HD, but don't know for sure. Good news about the UF/FSU game.

OK guys, here is my pet peave. Why, oh why can't the local commercial stations get their switching right. Shows that the network have in HD show up on the local dtv as upconverted SD and then change to HD somewhere into the show (or never) CBS has gotten better, but NBC & ABC are horrible.
I've taken to calling the news department (they are there at night) and having them go to the control room to ask the operator to make the change. Example: last night's Desperate Housewives did not go to HD until 15 minutes into the show (5 minutes after I called)
Jeez - there are people who are watching in HD.

OK guys, here is my pet peave. Why, oh why can't the local commercial stations get their switching right. Shows that the network have in HD show up on the local dtv as upconverted SD and then change to HD somewhere into the show (or never) CBS has gotten better, but NBC & ABC are horrible.
I've taken to calling the news department (they are there at night) and having them go to the control room to ask the operator to make the change. Example: last night's Desperate Housewives did not go to HD until 15 minutes into the show (5 minutes after I called)
Jeez - there are people who are watching in HD.

Thanks for calling them - it switched to HD as soon as I turned to that channel. I am constantly amazed that these stations do not better monitor their signal output (nor does Comcast). Surely someone that works there watches the shows - you would think they would say something to management.

FYI, I was told by someone at Comcast a month or so back that they are working to get all digital feeds, so maybe then that won't be such a problem, and PQ on all analog channels should improve noticeably.

when is abc going 5.1 im tired of watching lost in 2.0

and of course abc drops the ball tonight, no mnf in hd. im gonna call

and of course abc drops the ball tonight, no mnf in hd. im gonna call


I guess Channel 27 doesn't care it now the second half and still no HD. If I have time tomorrow I will give them a call.

I guess Channel 27 doesn't care it now the second half and still no HD. If I have time tomorrow I will give them a call.

after you call post the response on here

ABC (Comcast ch. 180) did it again Tuesday night - no HD until about 15 minutes into "Commander." Right now FOX is the only station doing HD right with any consistency (but their SD is garbage). NBC continues with the annoying audio dropouts every few seconds, and CBS is still broadcasting audio in DD 2.0.

ABC (Comcast ch. 180) did it again Tuesday night - no HD until about 15 minutes into "Commander." Right now FOX is the only station doing HD right with any consistency (but their SD is garbage). NBC continues with the annoying audio dropouts every few seconds, and CBS is still broadcasting audio in DD 2.0.

Is there a reason for not switching HD on for ABC? That is very slack the way they are going about things

yep again no hd on abc again, lost in on in 30 if its not up in hd im gonna be upset

yep again no hd on abc again, lost in on in 30 if its not up in hd im gonna be upset


Just started watching Lost off my DVR... 15min in and no HD. Did it ever come back?

Where abouts are you guys in Tallahassee? I would love getting together with other forum members to see their setups. Maybe some of us Tallahassee guys could start meeting up once a month or so. We could pick maybe 2-3 houses, and do a demo at each house, or watch a football game or something. We could even work in some food, which I know would be fantastic for me. Could do like an appatizer at one house, burgers/hotdogs at second, and a dessert at the final stop.

Anyway, just a thought. Details are relative.

The other night, I noticed that the Tonight Show HDTV was missing video for about 10 minutes.

On another note, Comcast changed their channels around. 85 is now NBC/ABC, 86 is PBS/CBS, and 87 is FOX. This messed up some important recordings for me.

Well I called ABC just a few minutes ago, and spoke with an Engineer who said I was the 1st to bring this problem to his attention. I let him know MNF, Lost, and Invasion were not being broadcast in HD on Comcast 180. He is going to call me back later when or if he finds out the problem.

Well I called ABC just a few minutes ago, and spoke with an Engineer who said I was the 1st to bring this problem to his attention. I let him know MNF, Lost, and Invasion were not being broadcast in HD on Comcast 180. He is going to call me back later when or if he finds out the problem.

He lied. I spoke with the ABC Station Manager this morning and he said they were aware of a problem with the HD transmitter, and that they hoped to have it fixed in a day or so. He also said they were still broadcasting under a construction license and were not at full power. They plan to go to full power some time early next year. I was shocked to learn he does not own a HD television set - shows you how seriously they take HD broadcasting.

We all as a group need to call and complain to any station that fails to deliver HD as scheduled. The more that call the more they feel the heat.

The number for the ABC station is 893-4140. I believe the ABC station manager is Mike Plummer. The Engineers are Brian Sadler and Steve Sheridan.

As an over the air watcher, I'm glad to hear that they'll be increasing their power relatively soon. I can't get their signal currently so ALL I get is SD. (And therefore usually watch another channel :) .

As an over the air watcher, I'm glad to hear that they'll be increasing their power relatively soon. I can't get their signal currently so ALL I get is SD. (And therefore usually watch another channel :) .

DITTO that.

I cannot wait until they broadcast in full power.

Then all I will have to do is wait for Fox to get a clue and broadcast something a little more powerful than my sons star wars walkie talkie.

(I'm in Havana and only get Mediacrap cable. Which btw, doesn't know squat about HDTV or any tv for that matter)

Brian Sadler did call me back and this actually was the 1st he heard of the shows not switching to HD, but the PD apparently had gotten a few calls. He also said they are upgrading all of thier analog equipment to digital and they hope to have it all done in a few days.

It looks like Alias is in HD right now. Maybe they calls helped out.

Did anyone find that the volume during the HD broadcast of alias was almost non existent? I turned up the comcast cable box and my TV all the way and could barely hear it. Other HD channels were OK.
I ended up having to watch SD just so I could hear it.
Neon

I spoke with the ABC Station Manager this morning and he said they were aware of a problem with the HD transmitter, and that they hoped to have it fixed in a day or so. He also said they were still broadcasting under a construction license and were not at full power. They plan to go to full power some time early next year. I was shocked to learn he does not own a HD television set - shows you how seriously they take HD broadcasting.


This issue got worse about two weeks ago when my OTA level dropped significantly to not receivable level.

Resulted in my Tivo DVR (OTA) recording got garbage for two days (missing episodes).

I ended up switching all my ABC recordings to SD for now.

Did anyone find that the volume during the HD broadcast of alias was almost non existent? I turned up the comcast cable box and my TV all the way and could barely hear it. Other HD channels were OK.
I ended up having to watch SD just so I could hear it.
Neon


Yes, I called Mike Plummer (ABC station manager) about that this morning and advised him of the problem. Imagine my shock when he said his engineers were not aware (until I told him yesterday) that they were broadcasting audio in 2.0 instead of 5.1! Apparently they have a 5.1 decoder but not a 5.1 encoder (don't know why they need an encoder on 5.1 feeds) so they need another piece of equipment. That may explain why they seemed to be trying to broadcast 5.1 but the center channel information was missing. I suggested they go back to the 2.0 audio that worked for matrix surround until they can get 5.1 working properly, which he says will probably be a few weeks. I also strongly advised him to have his engineers be better trained in digital audio and surround sound. The good news is Alias was back in HD and looked fabulous - but it would have been nice if I did not have to crank up the SPL just to hear dialogue leaking into the left/right channels. Maybe if their engineers visited the FOX station they could see how it is done right (at least on HD transmission).

Maybe if their engineers visited the FOX station they could see how it is done right (at least on HD transmission).


Looks like Fox dropped the ball tonight, Malcom & Killer Instinct are not in HD or 5.1.

I flipped to ABC and they are broadcasting in HD tonight, but I don't watch those shows.

The football game on fox is SD today also, I guess I will have to call Fox tomorrow to see what is going on.


On a side note are the 4 pm games the only broadcast in HD on CBS?

The football game on fox is SD today also, I guess I will have to call Fox tomorrow to see what is going on.


On a side note are the 4 pm games the only broadcast in HD on CBS?


This is BS man. I'm from Atlanta. I hardly ever get to see my birds play. Finally a game is broadcast down here and FOX blows it and no HD...

This is BS man. I'm from Atlanta. I hardly ever get to see my birds play. Finally a game is broadcast down here and FOX blows it and no HD...

Does anyone have a contact # for the Fox control room?

The only number I found was 576-4990 and no one is there, it just goes to voicemail.

Well, I am not a big fan of FOX, but at least when they decide to broadcast HD they do it right - 5.1 audio with no sound dropouts and no picture pixelation. None of the other local stations can say that. Of course watching FOX SD is like watching an old home movie in Super 8!

FYI,
I emailed Fox yesterday to try to get an update on the Falcons non-HD situation. I received a reply back today from Mike Brown at the station and thought I would post it here. I also replied back to him and sent him a link to this thread so that hopefully they can use it as a feedback tool on any issues they might have in the future. The text of his response is below...

"Mr.Pope,
Master Control reported no problems and the HD Splicer (the device that
handles the direct injection of Fox HD) shows no faults. Did you watch any
of the Fox network programming last night and if so was it also not true HD?
I'm curious becuase we received no other feedback about any problems. If you
will, please check it during the prime block tonight (8-10pm) and email me
direct whether it's there or not..thanks for your help and
feedback...Mike,CE,WTLH..."

Perhaps someone else that may have watched Fox network programming last night can chime in with some help.

And Mike, if you make it to the thread and are reading - welcome aboard! We welcome knowledgeable people from stations around here who are eager to get our HD programming right!

FYI,
I emailed Fox yesterday to try to get an update on the Falcons non-HD situation. I received a reply back today from Mike Brown at the station and thought I would post it here. I also replied back to him and sent him a link to this thread so that hopefully they can use it as a feedback tool on any issues they might have in the future. The text of his response is below...

"Mr.Pope,
Master Control reported no problems and the HD Splicer (the device that
handles the direct injection of Fox HD) shows no faults. Did you watch any
of the Fox network programming last night and if so was it also not true HD?
I'm curious becuase we received no other feedback about any problems. If you
will, please check it during the prime block tonight (8-10pm) and email me
direct whether it's there or not..thanks for your help and
feedback...Mike,CE,WTLH..."

Perhaps someone else that may have watched Fox network programming last night can chime in with some help.

And Mike, if you make it to the thread and are reading - welcome aboard! We welcome knowledgeable people from stations around here who are eager to get our HD programming right!

I did call today but Mike was out of the office in Jasper.

Last night's(Sunday) shows and the football were not in HD. I know Friday was not in HD also, don't watch any Fox shows on Wed or Thursday, but Bones was in HD Tuesday.

I will check tonight also even though I don't watch Prison Break.

Good to hear Mike is listening to our concerns and is trying to fix any issues, it is appreciated.

Here's what CBS will be providing for NFL in HD.
Chris


RE: 2005/2006 NFL FOOTBALL REGULAR SEASON - HDTV GAME UPDATE


* * * * *ATTENTION HDTV STATIONS* * * * *

THE FOLLOWING LISTS THE NFL GAMES TO BE BROADCAST IN HDTV FOR THE UPCOMING WEEKS OF THE SCHEDULE.

THUR, NOV. 24 4:00-7:00PM CNYT/1:00-4:00PM CPT
DENVER @ DALLAS


SUN, NOV. 27 1:00-5:00PM CNYT/10:00AM-2:00PM CPT
SAN DIEGO @ WASHINGTON
NEW ENGLAND @ KANSAS CITY
BALTIMORE @ CINCINNATI

*SUN, DEC. 4 1:00-4:00PM CNYT/10:00AM-1:00PM CPT
CINCINNATI @ PITTSBURGH

4:00-7:00PM CNYT/1:00-4:00PM CPT
NEW YORK JETS @ NEW ENGLAND
DENVER @ KANSAS CITY


*DENOTES UPDATE.

Hello all, I am an Engineer with WTLH Fox 49 I have read through some of the posts and would like to offer some of my time to answer questions about our SD and HD feeds. So lets hear what you have.

Hello all, I am an Engineer with WTLH Fox 49 I have read through some of the posts and would like to offer some of my time to answer questions about our SD and HD feeds. So lets hear what you have.

Glad to have you aboard.

Looks like whatever the glitch was that affected the HD the last couple of days is fixed. I turned on 183 and it haa a beautiful picture and 5.1.

Hello all, I am an Engineer with WTLH Fox 49 I have read through some of the posts and would like to offer some of my time to answer questions about our SD and HD feeds. So lets hear what you have.

Hello, WTLHFOXHD! I am actually not in the Tallahassee, FL DMA, but in the Albany, GA DMA, and though I cannot receive your HD feed, I can receive your analog feed OTA (over-the-air) just as well as my own FOX affiliate's (WFXL) analog feed.

A few months ago, I purchased an HD-TiVo from DirecTV which allows me to record HD via satellite from DirecTV, and OTA HD from my local affiliates. The HD-TiVo allows you to receive Guide Information from my own DMA (Albany, GA) as well as one "Neighboring Local Market", and since WCTV-DT went full-power at that time, I chose Tallahassee, FL as my "Neighboring Local Market". However, there are some noticable mistakes in the guide information for Tallahassee, FL, as it doesn't list the sub-channels on WTXL-DT, or WTWC-DT, as well as failing to even list WTLH-DT at all.

In case you didn't know, DirecTV gets their OTA data for their HD receivers (including the HD-TiVo) not from the PSIP information sent out by the local stations, but by guide date received by Tribune Media Services (http://tms.tribune.com/) and then sent down via satellite to each subscriber's receiver. The same guide data that Tribune gives to DirecTV, they also use on their own programming guide website, called Zap2it.com (http://www.zap2it.com), and if you'd notice on that website, they also don't list WTLH-DT info.

While I can't receive WTLH-DT, I'm sure there are DirecTV HD customers in the area that can receive WTLH-DT that would like to have the guide data available to them... so anything you can do to correct this would be a good thing for your viewers.

~Alan

Our HD signal is only on Comcast Cable at this time. We do have a digital transmitter up and running but it is only an analog off the air upconverted to sd digital signal over city of licence.

DirecTV has there uplink equipment at our station for the Tallahassee/Thomasville market (as does Dish) and I am the local hands on person for them both. At this time they do not take in digital signals. They should by the end of 06.

As we don't have an over the air HD signal we should not be listed. Also we are doing our build out for Digital and we are looking at 1 megawatt at 2000 ft so you should see us.....

Our HD signal is only on Comcast Cable at this time. We do have a digital transmitter up and running but it is only an analog off the air upconverted to sd digital signal over city of licence.

DirecTV has there uplink equipment at our station for the Tallahassee/Thomasville market (as does Dish) and I am the local hands on person for them both. At this time they do not take in digital signals. They should by the end of 06.

As we don't have an over the air HD signal we should not be listed. Also we are doing our build out for Digital and we are looking at 1 megawatt at 2000 ft so you should see us.....

Is that why your analog signal (via Comcast Motorola 6412) is so awful? Comcast is moving to all digital sources, so presumably you will need to replace your analog SD with digital SD, and that should make a big improvement.

Is that why your analog signal (via Comcast Motorola 6412) is so awful? Comcast is moving to all digital sources, so presumably you will need to replace your analog SD with digital SD, and that should make a big improvement.

We provide Comcast our analog signal (same one that goes to the tx) by fiber the converters they use are not the best in my opinion but do work. I will have to try to take a look at the analog signal on one of those boxes and check with Comcast as they convert in there plant for there system. We will not be doing in house digital for in the near future so we will have to upconvert our signal to digital to send out.

As we don't have an over the air HD signal we should not be listed.

Actually, that's incorrect! As long as you have a digital signal broadcasting, it should be listed. For instance, my local FOX affiliate had guide data available back before FOX even started HD, and they provide guide data for their subchannel, "The Tube", as well as WCTV-DT offers guide information for their UPN affiliate (which I use to record "Veronica Mars"), and WFSU-DT has guide data available for all their sub-channels, and WTLF-DT has guide information available, and to my knowledge, WTLF-DT doesn't broadcast in HD either?!

Also, another question which you may have knowledge of. WFXU has a construction permit listed on the FCC website for a full power digital transmitter operating on digital channel 48. The "Service Contour Map" shows that I will get a signal once this is in operation, and since I can't receive a WB affiliate over-the-air, analog or digital, I'm very interested in whether or not WFXU is planning on being up by the full-power deadline for sub-100 markets this July?! Considering WTLH and WFXU's relationship, I thought you might know.

Thanks!
~Alan

Actually, that's incorrect! As long as you have a digital signal broadcasting, it should be listed. For instance, my local FOX affiliate had guide data available back before FOX even started HD, and they provide guide data for their subchannel, "The Tube", as well as WCTV-DT offers guide information for their UPN affiliate (which I use to record "Veronica Mars"), and WFSU-DT has guide data available for all their sub-channels, and WTLF-DT has guide information available, and to my knowledge, WTLF-DT doesn't broadcast in HD either?!

Also, another question which you may have knowledge of. WFXU has a construction permit listed on the FCC website for a full power digital transmitter operating on digital channel 48. The "Service Contour Map" shows that I will get a signal once this is in operation, and since I can't receive a WB affiliate over-the-air, analog or digital, I'm very interested in whether or not WFXU is planning on being up by the full-power deadline for sub-100 markets this July?! Considering WTLH and WFXU's relationship, I thought you might know.

Thanks!
~Alan

I don't do any of the guide stuff so I will ask those who do. WFXU is owned by the old parent company which lost us in the bankruispy. We do not have any information as of yet on the build out of WFXU digital.

WTLHFOXHD, I see from the above post you are the "hands on" person for the DirecTV and Dish Network local uplinks. That being the case, can you do something to improve the picture quality of WCTV-CBS and WTLH-FOX as delivered thru DirecTV? I receive the Tallahassee locals thru DirecTV and the CBS and FOX channels seem to be sorely lacking in picture quality compared to the ABC and NBC affiliates. The CBS channel appears to be kind of "washed out" color wise and slightly out of focus with some artifacting. The FOX channel often appears to be too dark and slightly out of focus periodically. A lot of us in this area (Hamilton County) depend upon satellite delivered locals due to the fact we are at the edge of the DMA and do not get very good reception via OTA antenna. Thanks, HAMCO.

We have been having trouble with our feed to DirecTv and Dish and have installed new equipment to help that. Let me know how it looks after a few days. As for WCTV you will have to contact them or DirecTV as I only can make changes to my feed unless asked by there engineering dept.

Can any of you out there receive our digital channel 50?

Thank you, WTLHFOXHD, for the quick response. It is certainly very nice to be able to have contact with an engineer who will respond to questions with answers and/or solutions. I have contacted WCTV via e-mail twice within the last two weeks regarding the mentioned issues. I have not received any response from them. Perhaps you could drop a hint to their engineering department or point them to this website? I believe WCTV and WTLH must have some interaction with each other, as they seem to share or sub-contract some of their news personnel. Thanks again, HAMCO.

I can not receive digital channel 50 at all (not even a blip). The only Tallahassee digital I can receive reliably is channel 46 (WCTV). I'm looking forward to the day when WTLH goes full power. (EDIT: The above mentioned satellite/locals issue was e-mailed to DirecTV today)

I can not receive digital channel 50 at all (not even a blip). The only Tallahassee digital I can receive reliably is channel 46 (WCTV). I'm looking forward to the day when WTLH goes full power. (EDIT: The above mentioned satellite/locals issue was e-mailed to DirecTV today)

If any one out side of Bainbridge can receive this I will be surprised. Also on the guide I remember them saying until we go full power they don't really count 50dt. But I will check.

I will send a link to the other Engineers in Tallahassee. We will just have to see if they show up.