Originally posted by dharding
I too have lost reception of WSVN channel 7 in the last few days. I have tried rescanning and the receivers will no longer memorize it. If I manually tune it the green digital signal light goes on and the signal strength meter shows lots of signal but I get the message no signal available. This is happening on both my Samsung SIR-T150 and Samsung SIR-T165. Reception of all other channels is perfect. I suspect they have screwed up the PSIP information and therefore some of us can no longer receive them. That would explain why some of us are receiving them and some are not. :confused:


That is exactly what happened to me and my SIR-T150.

Digital_uno - I am not having any problems picking up 2-1 and all of the subchannels.

WSVN-DT Reception:

HR10-250 Yes
Hughes HTL-HD Yes
Samsung 160 No

Originally posted by digital_uno
I'm in West Palm Beach I cannot tune into WPBT Channel 2 although the signal strength is 80%. It's there something wrong with that channel?

Thanks

The main problem is that it is off the air more than it is on. The signal stays on.

Currently, on weekdays it broadcasts from 8 PM to 11 PM. On weekends, it broadcasts from 6 AM to 1 AM.

Have you tried WXEL-DT, 42-1, PBS in WPB?

Yes I get 42-1, but I just installed an outdoor antenna to pick up the Miami stations, only WPBT 2-1 is the only one I don't get ( signal 91% but nothing on video/audio)

I am currently receiving WSVN on 8-1 on my Samsung receiver. This happened over the weekend, and both 7-1 and 7-2 moved to 8-1 and 8-1, not sure of the cause I use WPB 29-1 most of the time anyway.

If I punch in 8 on either my Samsung 150 or 165 the green digital signal light lights up and the signal meter indicates a strong signal but the screen says No Signal so I cannot receive them on 8-1. :(

On mine I get a similar situation, it initially comes back no signal but if I wait a second or two it pops back up.

A re-scan of the Samsung 160 resurrected channels 7-1 and 7-2 (weather), which were among the missing.

It also returned WTVJ-DT to 6-1 from 6-2, to which it had somehow migrated.

Originally posted by digital_uno
Yes I get 42-1, but I just installed an outdoor antenna to pick up the Miami stations, only WPBT 2-1 is the only one I don't get ( signal 91% but nothing on video/audio)

With that strong a signal strength, you should be receiving both audio and video. Try tuning to 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, and 2-5. If they come in, then you just have to wait until the weekend (or after 8 weekday evenings) as wjbr suggested to see 2-1.

Originally posted by wjbjr
A re-scan of the Samsung 160 resurrected channels 7-1 and 7-2 (weather), which were among the missing.

It also returned WTVJ-DT to 6-1 from 6-2, to which it had somehow migrated.

Comcast told me over the weekend that all of the local stations were to have made adjustments to their PSIP this month, per some new ruling from the FCC.

Originally posted by digital_uno
Yes I get 42-1, but I just installed an outdoor antenna to pick up the Miami stations, only WPBT 2-1 is the only one I don't get ( signal 91% but nothing on video/audio)

A brief look indicates that the daytime PBS programming is available on WLRN-DT, 17-1, the other Miami PBS station.

I need someone to install a real good antenna in the Davie area. Any recomendations?
Dick Hattan








d

I just tried rescanning both the Samsung SIR-T150 and SIR-T165. Both will still not receive WSVN digital. If I set either unit to 8 manually and leave it there after a few minutes still nothing! At least I get perfect analog reception of 7-0 with no ghosts on the 165. They need to fix their PSIP. Does anyone know any engineers at WSVN they can contact?:(

I neglected to mention that the rescan was preceded by a reboot. I don't know if this was a factor.

How do you do a reboot of a STB?

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
How do you do a reboot of a STB?

Pull the electrical plug and reinsert it after a few seconds.

I unplugged my Samsung for five minutes then plugged it back in, turned it on, and did a rescan. Still will not received WSVN. If I punch in 8 the green digital light comes on and signal is very strong but still no signal message. Their PSIP is screwed up. :(

WSVN. Chief Engineer: John Bak
Business (305) 751-6692
Business Fax (305) 795-2746
Business E-mail 7news@wsvn.com

Thanks Kmullen for the information. Called WSVN and reported problem and also sent an email explaining problem. Tonight Thursday I tried to view WSVN and it still is not receivable. I hope someone there got the message. I will try and call again next week after Christmas holiday.

Sorry to see that you are still sans WSVN-DT.

I don't know if they are of any more use than my previous ones, but two more thoughts come to mind:

You mentioned tuning to channel 8 without success. Have you tried 8-1? Also 7-2.

As I recall, you use indoor antennae but are at altitude. Can you receive WPB FOX Ch 29-1?

Thanks WJBJR for the suggestions. The Samsungs 150 and 165 do not let you input 8-1. Only 8. They then automatically find the sub channels and list them. They both detect WSVN on 8. The green light goes on and the signal meter indicates a strong signal but they will not produce a picture and they will ignore WSVN on a channel scan. I do not know what they changed on their PSIP but the Samsungs do not like it.

I can receive channel 28 and channel 55 from west palm on my bedroom HDTV as I am 150 feet high so I guess for now I will be watching them until I hope WSVN fixes the problem. I do get perfect analog reception of channel 7 with my rabbit ears. I do not have satellite or cable as I only watch OTA television. My reception for the last four years has been perfect on all channels.

I'm in Boynton and just upgrade to a 60mile range UHF/VHF so have started reading this thread as well. I was hoping to pickup 7-1 because I have problems with 29-1 that don't appear to be antenna/reception related. My HDTV wonder picks up sereral miami stations but doesn't find
7-1 or 10-1 on scan and I can't pick them up manually. Digital_uno says they are farther south but according to antennaweb they within .2 of a mile of 6.1 and 4.1 which are very strong for me. Can anyone confirm their physical location. I'm right off 95 and have my antenna pointed due south (not by compass). I'm thinking maybe I should shift it a little west... any thoughts?? I really want to get fox going before 24 starts.

All of the Miami towers are in a small area immediately east of I-95 and just north of the Miami-Dade/Broward county line. If you receive some, you should receive all of them.

All of the stations except 7-1 and 10-1 are UHF, while those two -- that you cannot receive -- are VHF. This suggests a possible antenna or tuner problem.

yeah, looking more closely at the list of channels those are the only vhf channels in my entire area (except 2-1 which I don't get). I'll play with the antenna and the connections and check if the Wonder will pickup VHF.

Thanks

Actually, 2-1 is UHF (18). It is on the air only from 8-11 PM weekdays and all day on weekends.

Hello I'm totally new to this HD stuff. I just got myself a SonyKDF-55Xs955 for xmas and it is HD built in. I purchased a Terk TV5 small indoor antenna to recieve the local HD channels.
I havent had the TV delivered yet but how will this thing work. antennaweb shows that I'm 3-5 miles away from the signal and I live in a single story house not close to an airport or anything, zip 33180.

* yellow - vhf WPLG-DT 10.1 ABC MIAMI FL 270° 3.9 9
* yellow - uhf WPPB-DT 44 IND BOCA RATON FL Awaiting FCC Permit 320° 2.1 44
* yellow - uhf WPXM-DT 35.1 PAX MIAMI FL 295° 2.9 26
* yellow - uhf WSCV-DT 51.1 TEL FORT LAUDERDALE FL 295° 2.9 52
* yellow - vhf WSVN-DT 7.1 FOX MIAMI FL 267° 3.9 8
* yellow - uhf WPBT-DT 2.1 PBS MIAMI FL 262° 4.0 18
* yellow - uhf WTVJ-DT 6.1 NBC MIAMI FL 273° 4.5 31
* yellow - uhf WLRN-DT 17.1 PBS MIAMI FL 286° 2.9 20
* yellow - uhf WLTV-DT 23.1 UNI MIAMI FL 273° 4.5 24
* yellow - uhf WFOR-DT 4.1 CBS MIAMI FL 273° 4.5 22
* yellow - uhf WBZL-DT 39.1 WB MIAMI FL 273° 4.5 19
* yellow - uhf WHDT-DT 44 IND MIAMI FL 274° 3.7 44
* yellow - uhf WHFT-DT 46.1 TBN MIAMI FL 320° 2.1 46
* yellow - uhf WBFS-DT 33.1 UPN MIAMI FL 271° 3.7 32
* yellow - uhf WAMI-DT 69.1 TFA HOLLYWOOD FL 295° 2.9 47


Do you think I will be able to get my locals in HD with this. If not what would you reccomend to purchase. Ive done some reading here but most people are talking about outdoor stuff but most seem to be much further than I am from the towers. Thank you in advance.

No luck for me:mad:

It would require a (not very likely) waiver from WSVN.

For those of you who had not been getting 7-1 and 10-1...

I gave up on them after getting 29-1 and 25-1 working well and had setup my antenna in such a way that I thought would not pick them up. Sure enough I do a new scan on my wonder and first 10-1 and then 7-1. I go back up and fine tune and they both come in strong.

So if you haven't tried picking them up lately, try giving it a shot.

I did a reboot of my Samsung OTA STB today and now I am able to get 7-1 & 7-2.

I recently got DirectTV and since a while back I have been wanting to get HDTV on my PC so I installed an addon TV antenna to the dish to recieve local OTA HDTV channels but when I connected everything I can only recieve SD channels unless I disconnect the satellite from the same line.

This is my setup: Satellite and OTA HDTV come to my room through one coaxial then split, one wire goes to Satellite reciever the other to HDTV tuner in PC. But the HD only works when the Satellite is not connected.

I have tried all types of antennas and I am just about all out of ideas.

Here is what atennaweb says about my area:
I couldn't post the image link because it says I need to have at least 5 posts to prevent spammers (understandable) But basically I am no more than 16 miles from the towers I need to recieve.
TitanTV.com says I should be able to get all the channels I want "Excellent".

Some more info: I am in Weston, FL and I live in a community with a home owners association :-/

Ok now that I have 5 posts I can post links so here is a screenshot of antennaweb. The circled channels are the only ones I care about recieving,
http://img146.exs.cx/img146/3072/hdtv2xs.th.png (http://img146.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img146&image=hdtv2xs.png)
Sorry about the double post.

blueice, when you say you are splitting it in the living room are you using a standard splitter?

I think you need something like this:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=16-2586

I'm curious what card you are using in the pc... I'm running a wonder.

I'm using the Terk diplexer that came with the OTA antenna (Which is made for what I am trying to do so I doubt its the problem.)

I also have the ATI HDTV Wonder but I recently got the MyHD MDP-120 which is much better, uses alot less CPU, records in real transport streams and just overall great. Heres a link from where I bought it: http://digitalconnection.com/Products/Video/mdp120.asp

I'm very familar with the MyHD from this forum and the differences. My neighbor has the 100 and I'm hoping he will get the 120 so I can take the other one off his hands. It sounds like you have it setup correctly but I run all individual cables so I don't know for sure.

Is it just me or is there a problem with 6.1?
Up to now it was fine but recently I'm getting a bad signal...couldn't watch Las Vegas or the new Medium in HD

Anyone else with this issue?
TIA

Originally posted by truqui
Is it just me or is there a problem with 6.1?
Up to now it was fine but recently I'm getting a bad signal...couldn't watch Las Vegas or the new Medium in HD

Anyone else with this issue?
TIA

OTA reception of "Medium" was excellent here last night -- as was the program.

Mine was fine also..could be a problem "local" to you?

I watched Las Vegas on 6.1 and I thought it was a little choppy but that could have been my setup. I'm still fine tuning my miami reception.

Hmmm...I guess I have to tweak the OTA some!!!
It was fine before... go figure!

Thanks POHNL for the update! I Just tried WSVN again this morning and it is now back on my Samsung SIR-T150 and Samsung SIR-T165! I am receiving both 7-1 and 7-2. I did not even have to rescan. I just turned on the receivers and it was back! :D

Same here for WSVN in Weston on a SIR-T351. Back to 7-1 and 7-2.

What has been going on with WSVN since I dont know. I tried picking it up Thursday to watch The O.C. and again today be able to watch 24 but its not coming in and I am getting everything else including Channel 10. My antenna is setup where I will normally receive WSVN-DT but i get nothing.

It just came in now, thank g-d

The problem with WSVN came back last night. Not only was it showing up on 8.1 but the content was stretched SD while the show was HD on 29.1

Could someone who lives in Weston let me know if it's possible to receive OTA HD signal with an indoor antenna? If so, is there any particular antenna that's better to use? I recently got LG LST-4200A tuner and a RadioShack amplified UFH/VHF HDTV antenna. I've been trying to pick up HDTV signal from Miami, but I'm not having much luck. I have pointed the antenna in the direction according to antennaweb, but I've only managed to sometimes pick up 4.1, 6.1, and 29.1. The 29.1 is somewhat strange because the antenna is pointed towards Miami, but this is Fox from West Palm. I'm only able to pick up these stations sometimes (usually works better in the evening) and the signal strength is never more than 50%-60%. Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong here? Other than the direction in which the antenna is pointing, are there any other guidelines for placing the antenna inside the house? Does the antenna need to have a fairly clear line of sight? Because right now my antenna basically faces the wall since I don't have any windows facing that direction. I'd apprieciate any pointers.

I am using the Radio Shack 15-1880 antenna. I get all of the Miami and some of the WPB stations just fine. You some times have to move the ears around a bit to get optimal reception. I have a Samsung TS351 and the antenna is pointed to the Southeast.

NIK23,

Don't rely on where Antennaweb says to point the antenna....move it around until you are able to lock on to the Miami channels you are trying to receive. I'm in downtown Fort Lauderdale, and I am able to tune all of the Miami digital stations with just an indoor antenna (I've tried several, and they all perform about the same so I won't recommend any single one in particular). The only station that sometimes gives me problems in UPN 33, but that has always been so. I find that the onboard amplifiers in all of the antennas I've tried don't do a very good job....some of them are simply too strong. So I use a ChannelMaster 7777 preamp with my antenna, and leave the antenna's onboard amp off.

WFOR (22-1), NBC (31-1), and PBS (18-1) are usually the easiest channels to tune into. Try locking onto one of them first, then make gradual adjustments in your aiming of the antenna in order to tune in the rest. WSVN (8-1) and WPLG (9-1) are in the VHF band and more difficult to tune.

Good luck, and don't forget that the new PSIP requirements become mandatory on February 1st, so you may have to do a rescan.

Rudy1 is correct. I'm in Boca and I was off by about 10 degrees... Antennaweb is good for giving you the frequency's you need to use to tune into though.

NIK - I live in Weston and I am able to get all of the Miami HD stations and the WPB FOX station using a Jensen amplified indoor antenna and a Samsung SIR-T150 STB.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I played around for quite a bit yesterday and I wasn't able to make any progress. I finally decided to take the receiver and the antenna upstairs to see if I'd get a better reception (I live in a two-story townhouse). Once I set it up upstairs and pointed the antenna in the right direction I was able to pick up all the Miami stations if I turned the antenna amplification all the way up.
However, even though the receiption was good (no picture or audio breakup) the signal stregth for all the channels was only about 60%. One thing that I realized yesterday is that when the antenna is pointed towards Miami, it just happens to point directly through all the townhouse units (there are quite few of them). I'm not an expert on this, but I'm guessing that having all those units in the way would probably cause all these problems. Any suggestions on how to get around this? I don't think I have an option of installing a large outdoor antenna for this.

I have been having the same problems in the Weston area.

The antennas I have tried are:

1. The antenna that comes with my old ATI HDTV Wonder. (i can only recieve WTVJ-DT with it)
2. Terk 55 mounted outside my window (recieves WPTV-DT with sync issues and occasionally WFLX-DT)
3. Terk 44 satellite addon but I have it connected to the existing house wiring which already has regular cable service (going to cancel) and satellite and for some reason the HD signal won't come through.

All this was used on a PC HDTV tunner, the MyHD MDP-120

NIK23 I think the solution for both of us is going to be an attic antenna; might be harder for you to install though since you have a two floor house :-/

Is it me, or has channel 7 (Fox) being having some BAD digital problems lately? I've lost the channel completely a couple of times, and it's come back the next day.

Just worried about superbowl.....

If you're talking about WSVN-HD then yeah I have had some problems getting a good signal from it also, but then again, I have problems with almost all networks except NBC :P

Yes I was. The problem is that it goes out then comes back. All other stations are Rock solid from here in Boca.

Here we go again! Last month it was WSVN psip problems that prevented me from receiving them. They finally fixed it two weeks ago. Now as of last night I cannot receive WFOR or UPN33. MY Samsung SIR-T150 and Samsung SIR-T165 both lock on the channel. The green signal light goes on and the signal strenght meter on both show very strong signal but no picture. They are mapping correctly but will not decode the channel. Is anyone else having this problem?:(

I have been having problems with 7-x lately, and also 6-x - I'll look more closely this afternoon.

All DTV stations in the country are required to get PSIP up and running correctly by the end of the month, so there may be some on-the-air experimentation taking place right now that may disrupt service.

Originally posted by dharding
Here we go again! Last month it was WSVN psip problems that prevented me from receiving them. They finally fixed it two weeks ago. Now as of last night I cannot receive WFOR or UPN33. MY Samsung SIR-T150 and Samsung SIR-T165 both lock on the channel. The green signal light goes on and the signal strenght meter on both show very strong signal but no picture. They are mapping correctly but will not decode the channel. Is anyone else having this problem?:(

dharding,
We made adjustments to the PSIP tables last week. Try a rescan on the receivers. If you are still unable to receive 4 or 33 call me at 305 639 4485.

Ken

Ken, Just FYI.

3 HR10-250's in boca with roof antenna...

Absolutely no problems with your stations. Just 7-1 right now coming and going....

I would like to thank Ken for the fast response to my post! The rescan fixed the problem on both my Samsung SIR-T150 and Samsung SIR-T165 receivers. :)

The saga continues. Now after rescanning for WFOR and UPN33 to restore them I have lost WSVN on my Samsung SIR-T165. The Samsung SIR-T150 does receive WSVN. From what I have read others are also having problems again with WSVN. I cannot wait for Feb 1st when hopefully all this will be fixed once and for all. :(

Am I the only one in Miami who's noticed a "tinny echo" on WPLG for the past few weeks, in the Dolby Digital signal? It's slightly apparent on dialogue & hugely apparent on louder sounds. It used to be fine, nothing in my setup has changed, and every single other channel I receive is just fine. I sent an email to their tech division, but of course I'm sure that went into a black hole...

Thanks,
Brent


P.S. -- using an HD-Tivo, but I really don't think that has anything to do with it. And I don't qualify for the D* national feed of ABC, so I can't test whether it's a local or national issue, but no one's mentioned it in the HDTV Programming forum...

Advanced Cable in Weston added ABC HD and FOX HD to its lineup today. We now have 3 local channels available thru Advanced.

I called up Advanced this evening and the CSR said they will have a HD DVR available in February.

Yes whatever was wrong WSVN fixed it and as of last night with a rescan I now have WSVN back on both my Samsung SIR-T150 and Samsung SIR-T165.:D

Mike4HDTV

Thanks for the info on Advanced, as soon as they get the DVR out I'm planning to add their HD service. Any word on the rental rate on the DVR?

I was told by the CSR that they would charge $10/month for the DVR. The CSR said that you would pay the $4.95 for the HD box plus $9.95 for the DVR service. I don't think what the CSR said was accurate.

I called Advanced about two weeks ago about the DVR and was told the same thing ($10/month).
BTW, ABC HD (through Advanced) is not working this morning for some reason.

Last night, ABC HD on Advanced was showing the subchannel. You couldn't watch any of the HD shows last night. All you could watch was ABC News Now in SD.

Originally posted by rungabic
Am I the only one in Miami who's noticed a "tinny echo" on WPLG for the past few weeks, in the Dolby Digital signal? It's slightly apparent on dialogue & hugely apparent on louder sounds. It used to be fine, nothing in my setup has changed, and every single other channel I receive is just fine. I sent an email to their tech division, but of course I'm sure that went into a black hole...

Thanks,
Brent


P.S. -- using an HD-Tivo, but I really don't think that has anything to do with it. And I don't qualify for the D* national feed of ABC, so I can't test whether it's a local or national issue, but no one's mentioned it in the HDTV Programming forum...

Well I also noticed the same thing... and I also have a hdtivo... makes me wonder if this is another bug of this box... are you using the tolink connection?

Originally posted by jluzbet
Well I also noticed the same thing... and I also have a hdtivo... makes me wonder if this is another bug of this box... are you using the tolink connection?

Yes, using Toslink. But it would seem strange to me that it would be the HDTivo, only because I'm positive the sound on ABC was fine several weeks ago, and also it's the only channel I've had a problem with. Maybe I'll hook up my old MyHD card and see if the same thing happens there -- that will rule in or out the HDTivo...

Brent

I checked on both an LG LST3410A and a Motorola 6412 last night, and could not detect the echo you guys are experiencing. While scanning through channels, however, I did notice that UPN 33 and CBS 4 were both using gray bars on their 4:3 broadcasts.

I lost the digital reception of both channel 4-1 and 33-1 for the last week or so on my Samsung TX-P2675WH. I have done numerous re-scans but no dice getting a picture. Channel info appears, signal strength is good but no picture or audio.

-Gary

I'm with gary, I haven had WFOR or WBFS all week

Edit: WBFS works, just not WFOR after numerous rescans on my Samsung TX-p2670. I really wanted to watch AFC Champ game in HD

Gary E and bradbomb,

Re WFOR-DT reception using Samsung TX-P2670/2675WH

Are you using DirecTV in addition to off air reception?

Has anyone else lost reception of WFOR or WBFS?

Ken
305 639 4485

Originally posted by Ken MacKinnon
Gary E and bradbomb,

Re WFOR-DT reception using Samsung TX-P2670/2675WH

Are you using DirecTV in addition to off air reception?

Has anyone else lost reception of WFOR or WBFS?

Ken
305 639 4485

Ken,

I meant to call you about this last week, but I got caught up with other issues. The Samsung TX-P2675WH in our Board Room lost both WFOR....no picture or sound, though I get the channel banner (and a signal strength of several bars). Two rescans did not resolve the problem. We're not using DirecTV.

At home, my LG LST3410A has been unable to lock on to WFOR's signal for the past few days.

Rudy

I do not use DirecTV at all, this is OTA using the Built-In tuner of the Samsung TX-P2670WH. Multiple rescans do not solve. I do get guide info and channel ID, but no picture or sound

Ken,

I do not use DirecTV at all, this is OTA using the Built-In tuner of the Samsung TX-P2670WH. Multiple rescans do not solve. I do get guide info and channel ID, but no picture or sound

Ditto for me but different model (Samsung TX-P2670WH) HDTV with built in tuner.

-Gary

Also: I have a Samsung SIR-T150 and an LG 3510a which receive both 4-1 and 33-1 without problem.

Could one of you who have the Samsung TX-P2670/2675 try disconnecting the antenna and then do a re-scan, then verify that all channels have been removed from memory, then reconnect the antenna and rescan again?

Then let us know if this helps.

Thanks,
Ken

Ken,

I did as you suggested:
1.) Powered off set
2.) Disconnected antenna
3.) Powered on set
4.) Re-scanned channels (found 3 [39,45 & 51)
5.) Powered off set
6.) Attached antenna
7.) Re-scanned channels

After re-scan 4-1 and 33-1 both re-appeared.

Thank you for your help.

Originally posted by NIK23
I called Advanced about two weeks ago about the DVR and was told the same thing ($10/month).
BTW, ABC HD (through Advanced) is not working this morning for some reason.

WPLG-DT was off the air Saturday from 8:30 AM until 2 PM. We are performing some tower repairs making this a necessity.

BTW, we will be performing the dreaded PSIP upgrade probably this Thursday 1/27, so be ready to rescan after that for 10-1.

One other thing, ABC News Now on 10-2 goes away this Friday 1/28/05. Not our decision, but ABC's. We would love to keep broadcasting it, but the network is pulling the plug. Unsure at this time exactly what WPLG will put on 10-2, if anything.

Steve Ellis
Assistant Chief Engineer
WPLG/WPLG-DT
305-576-1010

Originally posted by Ken MacKinnon
Could one of you who have the Samsung TX-P2670/2675 try disconnecting the antenna and then do a re-scan, then verify that all channels have been removed from memory, then reconnect the antenna and rescan again?

Then let us know if this helps.

Thanks,
Ken

Ken, it worked for me also, thanks. Didnt think about doing a scan to clear all and then rescan

bradbomb and Gary E,

Thanks. Glad that fixed it. Apparently when the receiver does the re-scan it doesn't store new data if the station is already in memory.

Originally posted by sellis
WPLG-DT was off the air Saturday from 8:30 AM until 2 PM. We are performing some tower repairs making this a necessity.

BTW, we will be performing the dreaded PSIP upgrade probably this Thursday 1/27, so be ready to rescan after that for 10-1.

One other thing, ABC News Now on 10-2 goes away this Friday 1/28/05. Not our decision, but ABC's. We would love to keep broadcasting it, but the network is pulling the plug. Unsure at this time exactly what WPLG will put on 10-2, if anything.

Steve Ellis
Assistant Chief Engineer
WPLG/WPLG-DT
305-576-1010

ABC News Now was terrible waste of bandwidth. I hope this means full bandwidth broadcast starting 1/28/05.

Agreed, I think if you check, most people would prefer the best picture possible on the primary DT channel rather than lots of low quality side channels. I don't need another 24hr weather or news channel, there are too many of these already. I spent my money on HD to get the best possible picture not more channels.

Originally posted by stonecrd
Agreed, I think if you check, most people would prefer the best picture possible on the primary DT channel rather than lots of low quality side channels. I don't need another 24hr weather or news channel, there are too many of these already. I spent my money on HD to get the best possible picture not more channels.

I couldn't have said it better. I don't understand why broadcasters (and advertisers) can't see the potential of HD. Even the most boring subject matter becomes much more watchable in hidef....so why would you want to risk degrading your HD channel by adding a subchannel devoted to news or the weather? The money they waste on multicasting should instead be invested in outfitting as many studios as possible with the capability to broadcast local newscasts in HD. I realize the cost of HD cameras is very high, but they could letterbox the 4:3 field shots and have actual HD for the studio sequences. And content from other sources could be shown in an inset window positioned next to the anchors. The networks need to try being a little more creative....they've relied on the same old formulas for far too long.

Absolutley, I was never a Alias fan but watching it in HD with the great 5.1 sound they provide, I'm now hooked. I watch three times more prime time network shows due to HD. If/When all cable someday goes to HD that may change, but for now the networks have a chance to pull back viewers they lost, they should jump on it.

I'm not a fan of the discovery channel and I dont get it in HD cause I only get OTA HD because comcast is still behind on my neighborhood, but when I walk into Best Buy and see most of the HDTVs showing sample broadcasts of Discovery HD, its amazing, I really get into the scenery and can enjoy watching it.

Originally posted by bradbomb
I'm not a fan of the discovery channel and I dont get it in HD cause I only get OTA HD because comcast is still behind on my neighborhood, but when I walk into Best Buy and see most of the HDTVs showing sample broadcasts of Discovery HD, its amazing, I really get into the scenery and can enjoy watching it.

Be sure to get one of the HD PVR's when Comcast finally offers HD service in your area. Discovery HD Theater has a lot of excellent programming, but the more "mainstream" shows take up much of the primetime hours. It is around midnight and very, very early in the morning that some of the more "HD-worthy" shows come on (like "Insectia", for example). So you'll definitely want to be able to record and watch later. The PQ is awesome....I've never experienced the "looking through a window" effect so often on any other channel. In fact, in terms of PQ, the two INHD channels and DHDT are without rivals. And with the On Demand project tentatively scheduled for completion in April, the best is yet to come. ;)

Originally posted by ANSEK
ABC News Now was terrible waste of bandwidth. I hope this means full bandwidth broadcast starting 1/28/05.

Sorry about that, but it is on for now...we'll continue to carry it until it goes away.

Also, WPLG performed the required PSIP change on Friday 1/28/05 at approximately 1 PM.

It is VERY likely that OTA HD viewers will need to reboot their receivers (pulling the plug is the best way I've found) and do a rescan. I had to do this on an RCA DTC-100 and two new Motorola STB's. I'll check out my Samsung 151 tonight.

This required upgrade of PSIP allows viewers a full Program Guide. It looks like a useful feature.

If you have any questions, feel free to call me at WPLG. I also check in to the Forum from time to time.

Steve Ellis
Assistant Chief Engineer
WPLG/WPLG-DT
305-576-1010

Thanks for the info, Steve.

Yes, Steve thanks for the info and its great that you pay attention to the viewers in the forum and provide us with your contact info. That is customer service that is sometimes difficult to get these days.

Thanks

ray

Yes, Steve thanks for the info and its great that you pay attention to the viewers in the forum and provide us with your contact info. That is customer service that is sometimes difficult to get these days.

Thanks

ray

Steve - My Samsung SIR-T150 OTA receiver picked up the PSIP info without a reboot or rescan.

Also, 6-1 is now showing PSIP info.

Now if ALL the stations could get accurate program info in their PSIP we would be really happy. :)

Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing no audio on channel 2.1 "Eye of the Beholder: Artistry of James Hubbell." There isn't much else
on OTA that's HD until "24." at 9pm.

Is it me or is someone at PBS asleep at the wheel?

Originally posted by dmercado
Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing no audio on channel 2.1 "Eye of the Beholder: Artistry of James Hubbell." There isn't much else
on OTA that's HD until "24." at 9pm.

Is it me or is someone at PBS asleep at the wheel?

Fret not. There is no audio at 8:50PM.

And, welcome to the group.

Thanks. I appreciate the welcome... This is a great group.

Comcast is multicasting WPBT and WTVJ.

Rudy,

This is probably the wrong place to ask, but do you have any idea when on demand will be launched in the north dade area?

Thanks

I spoke to the headend manager here recently about the VOD service, and he told me he's having serious problems getting equipment delivered from Motorola (they're averaging 120 days). He was unable to give me any specifics on the timeline for complete deployment due to this issue. As you may be aware, the service is currently available in some South Florida neighborhoods, but it will be another few months before everyone has access to VOD.

what's with the local miami digital stations 6-1 and 7-1 putting up the side grey bars. i like 'em better black and letting my hdtivo make that choice

I was told they expect to be fully operational by May 10th.

Rudy,

I am assuming this info was for the Fort. Lauderdale/Davie area, correct? Or was that info for all of South Florida’s Comcast systems? I know I am connected to the North Dade Head End. Hopefully we will get it sooner down here. Please post if you hear anything about my area that differs from yours.

Thanks again!

Originally posted by carsolo
Rudy,

I am assuming this info was for the Fort. Lauderdale/Davie area, correct? Or was that info for all of South Florida’s Comcast systems? I know I am connected to the North Dade Head End. Hopefully we will get it sooner down here. Please post if you hear anything about my area that differs from yours.

Thanks again!

Yes, the info I received was for the Fort Lauderdale/Davie area only. Other areas already have the service, so it's quite likely that North Dade will get it much sooner than we will. If I hear anything else I will post it here. At present I'm trying to convince headquarters that they should add UPN and WB to the lineup, as well as any VOOM channels they may be able to acquire now that the satellite service may be going off the air.

Originally posted by gregftlaud
what's with the local miami digital stations 6-1 and 7-1 putting up the side grey bars. i like 'em better black and letting my hdtivo make that choice

I've noticed more and more stations are using grey sidebars instead of black. This trend may be due to the increasing number of plasma owners out there. Those sets are extremely vulnerable to burn-in.

Originally posted by stonecrd
Yes, Steve thanks for the info and its great that you pay attention to the viewers in the forum and provide us with your contact info. That is customer service that is sometimes difficult to get these days.

Thanks

ray

Thank you for the compliment...believe it or not, the overwheming majority of OTA station engineering folks realize how important the rollout of HDTV is for our industry. It's great to have a place to come to where I can check out people's problem/concerns. As you can tell by Ken's reponses, most of us DO check out issues that you all bring up. Sometimes we can't do anything about it (like folks complaints about News Now), but we do listen!!

Steve

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
Steve - My Samsung SIR-T150 OTA receiver picked up the PSIP info without a reboot or rescan.

Also, 6-1 is now showing PSIP info.

Thanks for the feedback! Must have gone well because I have heard of very few issues with this, and it looks like all of the stations have their program guides up now.

Steve

it looks like someone fixed WSVN-DT on comcast... no more local programming forced in widescreen.

Is there a seperate S. Florida Comcast thread? Just thought I'd ask before posting some questions.

Originally posted by troll565
Is there a seperate S. Florida Comcast thread? Just thought I'd ask before posting some questions.

No. Just post here.

This has probably been beat to death, but I searched this forum and the Comcast 6412 thread and haven't really seen any answers so I thought I'd ask at the local level.

I had a 6412 installed on Saturday and I have a few questions/problems. I have it connected to my Sammy HLP5063W through DVI.


1. My clock is 43 seconds slow which is cutting off the beginning of my shows. I now have them set to record a minute early, but isn't this something that Comcast can fix on their end? Maybe send the clock signals to the STB's more often?

2. Is my In-Demand NOT supposed to work? I am in North Lauderdale.

3. Are The WB-HD and ESPN2 scheduled to come out soon?

Originally posted by troll565
This has probably been beat to death, but I searched this forum and the Comcast 6412 thread and haven't really seen any answers so I thought I'd ask at the local level.

I had a 6412 installed on Saturday and I have a few questions/problems. I have it connected to my Sammy HLP5063W through DVI.


1. My clock is 43 seconds slow which is cutting off the beginning of my shows. I now have them set to record a minute early, but isn't this something that Comcast can fix on their end? Maybe send the clock signals to the STB's more often?

2. Is my In-Demand NOT supposed to work? I am in North Lauderdale.

3. Are The WB-HD and ESPN2 scheduled to come out soon?


Question 1: That sounds like a box issue, Try calling comcast and ask them to replace the box or go to there store and they would replace it on the spot.

Question 2: Currently Video On Demand is in it's testing phase. Certain People got it and some do not. For instance, in my house i have two cable boxes (One HDTV and one standard) and on my standard on it works, on the HDTV box it doesnt.

Question 3: I do not know when those channels will be here but I have been e-mailing comcast and they said that they are in talks with the companies to bring WB-HD, TNT-HD, HDNET to comcast.


This is all i know from buggin different people within comcast.

Originally posted by renamed
it looks like someone fixed WSVN-DT on comcast... no more local programming forced in widescreen.

This was on WSVN-DT's OTA signal.

Originally posted by renamed
Question 1: That sounds like a box issue, Try calling comcast and ask them to replace the box or go to there store and they would replace it on the spot.


It's not a box issue. I'm on box #2 and they were both like that. There has to be a way for them to update the time for us either manually or have the boxes get updates more frequently.. An innacurate time defeats the purpose of a DVR.



Also, I'm getting some bad signal break up on channels 350-353. The tech yesterday checked my signal and everything was fine. He even ran a line from the utility room in my apartment building right to the box and the signal was still strong. He swapped boxes (My 2nd tuner was dead on that one anyway) and it seemed to go away. Now it's back. Any suggestions? Another tech is coming out tomorrow.

Has anyone been receiving Enterprise in 16:9 HD at 11:00 pm, Sundays? I have a strong 80+ OTA signal but all I'm getting is the up-converted grey bars version.

I also noticed that on my set (SONY 55XS955), UPN's right-side grey bar has a thin (one inch) black bar between it and the picture. It exists for UPN shows only, sometimes varying in width. Does anyone know if this is a transmission or set problem? Thanks.

During the main titles last night, the DD.5 started crackling on my home theater. I thought I was having some problems. So I checked the other networks carrying Dolby and no problem. Then when I went back to WW, the pic was SD for the rest of the broadcast. So I guess they had some issues.

CB Gaines
Surfside
watching OTA w/ VOOM box

Same here... Definate problem on their end.

Guys I have a question... I notice this only on channel 10-1 ABC.. During lost or some other shows the sound through the front speaker you will notice like a weird noise coming out of the fronts. It sort of sounds like if theres a fly flying around... it's annoying its a weird noise that channel 10 seesm to produce has anyone else experienced this before..

Originally posted by Eddy13
Guys I have a question... I notice this only on channel 10-1 ABC.. During lost or some other shows the sound through the front speaker you will notice like a weird noise coming out of the fronts. It sort of sounds like if theres a fly flying around... it's annoying its a weird noise that channel 10 seesm to produce has anyone else experienced this before..

I did not notice any abnormal noises coming from the front speakers during this week's episode, but I was watching the Comcast feed. I'll pay close attention next episode using my LG tuner instead.

yes do that on channel 10 sometimes there is a annoying hissing noise sounds like a bug or something

anyone watching nascar in hd on fox. there is alot of audio and pq droputs anyone esle expereince this

WFLX 29 is perfect - no dropouts during race

Originally posted by Eddy13
anyone watching nascar in hd on fox. there is alot of audio and pq droputs anyone esle expereince this

I experienced the same issues with WSVN....it became so annoying I turned it off.

Originally posted by bjn
Has anyone been receiving Enterprise in 16:9 HD at 11:00 pm, Sundays?...

I also noticed that on my set (SONY 55XS955), UPN's right-side grey bar has a thin (one inch) black bar between it and the picture. It exists for UPN shows only, sometimes varying in width. Does anyone know if this is a transmission or set problem? Thanks.

1) I checked Enterprise last night on UPN33 and even though the VOOM program guide said "HD" it was SD. When I lived in the SF Bay Area, the UPN affiliate had the same "problem." They had no way to record and rebroadcast the original network feed in HD so they could only "pass through" the network broadcasts in HD and the local rebroadcasts were in SD.

2) I also see the black bar (not quite 1" on my screen) using my VOOM Motorola OTA receiver on my Toshiba 34HDX82. When I use DishNetwork in Natural mode (i.e. my TV makes the grey bars) there's no black bar in the transmission. I don't know if that means anything.

Bummer that the show's been cancelled.

CB Gaines
VOOMing since 4/04

Originally posted by Eddy13
Guys I have a question... I notice this only on channel 10-1 ABC.. During lost or some other shows the sound through the front speaker you will notice like a weird noise coming out of the fronts. It sort of sounds like if theres a fly flying around... it's annoying its a weird noise that channel 10 seesm to produce has anyone else experienced this before..

Eddy:

Hate to pin you down, but a few questions are in order:

1) Are you hearing this during all HD programming on 10-1, just some shows or commercials only?

2) Are you watching off-air or cable?

3) What brand receiver or cable co. receiver?

I have an issue going with ABC where they are not always shutting off 5.1 during stereo commercials and this causes some strange sounds from some receivers, but this seems to only have occured during network commercials.

Let me know what you find out. I'll do what I can to get you some answers.

Steve Ellis
Assistant Chief Engineer
WPLG / WPLG-DT

I have a different issue of long standing with WPLG-DT. It has to do with the audio reception of HD programming -- primarily sports -- which is broadcast in 2.0 by ABC.

The most recent example is the BCS bowl games, of which three of the four were reportedly sent to you in 2.0 surround. In each case, my Denon A/V receiver indicated that it was receiving 5.1; and in each case I received audio from only the front left and right speakers, while the rear and center speakers were silent. (Your analog channel was received in 2.0 surround.)

I have had no problem with your HD programs broadcast by ABC in 5.1 such as the Orange Bowl BCS game, Monday night football, NYPD Blue and the current Sunday night programs. In fact, the 5.1 audio on these programs has been superior.

I am currently receiving HD OTA via HD TiVo. The same audio situation prevailed with three earlier HD receivers.

Thank you for looking into this and for anything you might do to correct the problem.

Ok this is while watching local channel 10-1 of the air.. I have a hd tivo receiver. I get thsi while watching programs in 5-1 on channel 10 like desperate house wives and lost and also on commercials while its on 5-1.. it sounds liek theres a bug flying around in my mains.. it only happens with channel 10.. it also happened before with my old hguhes hd receiver...

I do not hear the "bug" that Eddy describes.

Originally posted by Eddy13
Ok this is while watching local channel 10-1 of the air.. I have a hd tivo receiver. I get thsi while watching programs in 5-1 on channel 10 like desperate house wives and lost and also on commercials while its on 5-1.. it sounds liek theres a bug flying around in my mains.. it only happens with channel 10.. it also happened before with my old hguhes hd receiver...

I've set up my LG tuner to record "Lost" off the air. I'll check the audio on this show carefully to see if I encounter the same problem, and I'll report back.

thanks I hear it on dolby digital programs on channel 10 like desperate housewifes and so for.. Its annoying I doubt its my receiver or speakers because if that was the case wouldnt i experience issues with other channels not 10 only

now ont his channel i get signal strength readings right around 72 which is the llowest on all my channels

anyone else

hey rudy did you check

Originally posted by Eddy13
hey rudy did you check

I recorded "Lost" off the air, but I was not able to detect any buzzing or other odd noises coming from the front speakers. While the recording was in progress, I actually watched the broadcast via another OTA tuner in my living room and I didn't hear anything out of the ordinary. But that live test was interrupted by a phone call, so I had to wait until tonight to check the recording I made on my bedroom setup. For what it's worth, I did notice the infamous "blue sparkles" during the darkest scenes of the show. Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance.

Originally posted by wjbjr
I have a different issue of long standing with WPLG-DT. It has to do with the audio reception of HD programming -- primarily sports -- which is broadcast in 2.0 by ABC.

The most recent example is the BCS bowl games, of which three of the four were reportedly sent to you in 2.0 surround. In each case, my Denon A/V receiver indicated that it was receiving 5.1; and in each case I received audio from only the front left and right speakers, while the rear and center speakers were silent. (Your analog channel was received in 2.0 surround.)

I have had no problem with your HD programs broadcast by ABC in 5.1 such as the Orange Bowl BCS game, Monday night football, NYPD Blue and the current Sunday night programs. In fact, the 5.1 audio on these programs has been superior.

I am currently receiving HD OTA via HD TiVo. The same audio situation prevailed with three earlier HD receivers.

Thank you for looking into this and for anything you might do to correct the problem.

Bill,

Thanks for the feedback. I think we have faced this issue before, and I think it's because of the audio format used by the ESPN HD trucks for these games. They are set up to feed for the Cable market, which deals with surround in a different format than the OTA market, and I seem to remember that it caused receivers to "think" they were in 5.1 when actually stereo surround was being fed.

I have an email in to my engineering contact at ABC and I'll post when he replies.

Steve

so wait what can it be. My receiver with speakers dont have a problem with any other source.. Channel 10 is the only one. At this point what do I do

Originally posted by Eddy13
so wait what can it be. My receiver with speakers dont have a problem with any other source.. Channel 10 is the only one. At this point what do I do

You probably have much more sensitive equipment than I do (I've got a Sony receiver and small satellite-type speakers on the bedroom setup). Try adjusting your speaker volume and balance during the program the next time you encounter the problem to see if you can isolate exactly which of the 3 front speakers it's coming from. Maybe then I can check to see if I can reproduce what you're experiencing. The only thing I can think of besides that is that perhaps your signal strength might be a factor, but I really can't say how this could be. In the meantime, I will monitor WPLG's DD5.1 broadcasts on my living room setup (I've got huge floorstanding speakers there) this weekend to see if I encounter the audio problem.

Originally posted by Eddy13
so wait what can it be. My receiver with speakers dont have a problem with any other source.. Channel 10 is the only one. At this point what do I do

Eddy--
We all appreciate your frustration, and hope that your problem goes away.

Pending Rudy's next report, some thoughts have penetrated my addled mind. Remember that I am no expert at these things, but have learned a few things from AVS and more than five years of the HD experience.

It is true that WPLG-DT has the lowest signal level of all the Miami stations; however a reading of 72 should not result in reception problems. My 10-1 signal is in the upper 80s while all of the other Miamis are in the 90s. I receive WPB WFLX-DT in the 60s and 70s with no problem.

That you had the same problem with a previous HD receiver would seem to eliminate the current one as the source of the problem. I don't know your location, but if you are nearby, you are welcome to bring the HD TiVo here to check it out. If not, perhaps someone in your area will volunteer.

There might be something in the WPLG audio stream that irritates your A/V receiver (what brand?). I recall that a few years ago there was an issue with certain A/Vs. The audio -- from all sources -- was too strong. The solution was to loosen the toslink connection by pulling the cable part way out while retaining the audio.

Is it a problem to move your rear speakers to the front? The result should answer the speaker question.

Some of these things might seem far out, but, as someone* famously said: "Desperate times call for desperate measures".

[*Apparently, language experts have not been able to identify the origin of the phrase. Some think it goes back to ancient Roman times, others disagree. End of lesson.]

After one hour and twenty minutes of viewing, I still have not experienced the problem Eddy described. However, the broadcast has not been perfect as far as the audio is concerned. During the first few minutes, audio was only coming from the right front speaker. The audio cut in and out quite a few times during the broadcast (causing my Sony AV receiver to switch repeatedly between DD 5.1 and ProLogic II each time). The first time it happened, it was accompanied by loud popping (something I've been experiencing with WPLG DD 5.1 broadcasts for years). But even at the loudest volume I have not been able to hear any buzzing or static or anything remotely close to what Eddy is hearing. I tested the audio both OTA and with the Motorola HD DVR, using both the coaxial and the Toslink outputs.

This may be an issue with the way Eddy's receiver is handling WPLG's DD 5.1 signal.

I agree since that sound comes from all 3 front speakers... Does this mean my receiver is messed up yet it doesnt happen with no other channels or sources.... I have a yamaha rxv1400 with paradigm mini monitors....... I wish I could solve this issue if I turn it down I really dotn hear it it usually comes up when abs is running dolby 5.1 source

Not receiving channel 33-1 on Samsung TX-P2675WH, Samsung SIR T150 and LG 3510a.

Anyone else?

I am not receiving 33-1 on Samsung SIR T150 STB.

No signal from 33-1 on LG LST3410A either.

yeah me to no signal on 33..... so if in fact its my receiver the one with the problem with channel 10 then does this mean my amplifier is messed up.. it only happens to this channel so what should i do

Originally posted by Eddy13
yeah me to no signal on 33..... so if in fact its my receiver the one with the problem with channel 10 then does this mean my amplifier is messed up.. it only happens to this channel so what should i do

Eddy, I would suggest running new speaker cables (get something inexpensive, just to test). If you are getting a solid picture, with absolutely no breakups, then the low signal strength should not be causing audio issues. I don't think it's your amp....if all other channels sound fine during DD 5.1 broadcasts, then it must be something specific to WPLG. Call Mr. Ellis (his number is somewhere in the last few pages of this thread) and discuss this further with him. My Sony receivers are not the best sources to test for HDTV audio problems.....they seem to be affected by the slightest glitch in the digital audio stream.

I am now receiving 33-1.

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
I am now receiving 33-1.

Same here.

ok heres the funny thing it only happens when channel 10 goes to dolby digital. when its not at dolby digital no problems at all. I doubt speaker cables will mae a difference if that was the case wouldnt all channels sound the same... fact is everythign else is fine.. Does this mean my receiver is at fault if so if its under warranty shoudl it be fixed

Originally posted by Eddy13
ok heres the funny thing it only happens when channel 10 goes to dolby digital. when its not at dolby digital no problems at all. -snip- Does this mean my receiver is at fault if so if its under warranty shoudl it be fixed

I was just watching Tech Forum on Dish tonight and they were talking about a problem with Dolby Digital with one of their HD tuners. Seems that there are some rare compatibility issues with some Dolby chips that didn't even show up in Dolby testing. Certain Dolby receivers by various manufacturers can have the problems and the same model made later will not have the problem.

Maybe that's what's happening to Eddy13. It could be the Dolby encoding equipment that Channel 10 uses is sending some code that his receiver can't handle. But that's just a theory of mine.

CB Gaines
VOOMing since 4/04 in Surfside

Eddy, it may be worth it to have the receiver looked at, but I would suggest you discuss your problem with WPLG's engineer first. It may simply be a matter of your receiver's circuitry not handling this particular station's DD 5.1 audio stream properly. If the repair shop cannot find something visibly wrong with the receiver (or they cannot reproduce in the shop what you're experiencing at home) you may be disappointed with the outcome. Before you take the receiver in for repairs, try contacting the manufacturer to see if they have any suggestions or input on the matter. And if all else fails, you ought to be able to switch your receiver to Dolby ProLogic whenever the problem crops up during a broadcast.

I am now receiving 33-1.

Originally posted by wjbjr
I have a different issue of long standing with WPLG-DT. It has to do with the audio reception of HD programming -- primarily sports -- which is broadcast in 2.0 by ABC.

The most recent example is the BCS bowl games, of which three of the four were reportedly sent to you in 2.0 surround. In each case, my Denon A/V receiver indicated that it was receiving 5.1; and in each case I received audio from only the front left and right speakers, while the rear and center speakers were silent. (Your analog channel was received in 2.0 surround.)

I have had no problem with your HD programs broadcast by ABC in 5.1 such as the Orange Bowl BCS game, Monday night football, NYPD Blue and the current Sunday night programs. In fact, the 5.1 audio on these programs has been superior.

I am currently receiving HD OTA via HD TiVo. The same audio situation prevailed with three earlier HD receivers.

Thank you for looking into this and for anything you might do to correct the problem.


Bill,

Here is the verbatim answer from ABC (I'm sorry I'm not publishing my contact's name):

Steve,

When we send Dolby 2.0, we send 2 channels with audio and the 3.1
channels with silence, so I believe your viewer is receiving our audio
as we send it. We are sending all 5.1 channels so that is why the
receiver indicates 5.1.

As you mention, this circumstance is the same as in the past when ESPN
produced the games with their trucks -- we always feed Dolby 5.1 audio
when the production trucks can accommodate it.

ABC has investigated a device to "fake" 5.1 when we can't actually air
5.1 discrete channels, but I believe our upper management thinks the
cost outweighs the benefit since over 95% of our HDTV programs are fed
with true 5.1 audio.

If the truck feeds "Circle Surround" audio (as in ESPN's productions),
viewers would need a circle surround receiver to get the full effect,
but that is not something we support.


Bill, I hope this answer helps.

Steve

I'm getting loud static/whining from WPLG tonight. It's present on both the analog and the digital audio, and even affects the cable version of 10-1 on Comcast. Is this what Eddy has been complaining about?

Originally posted by sellis
Bill,

Here is the verbatim answer from ABC (I'm sorry I'm not publishing my contact's name):

Steve,

When we send Dolby 2.0, we send 2 channels with audio and the 3.1
channels with silence, so I believe your viewer is receiving our audio
as we send it. We are sending all 5.1 channels so that is why the
receiver indicates 5.1.

As you mention, this circumstance is the same as in the past when ESPN
produced the games with their trucks -- we always feed Dolby 5.1 audio
when the production trucks can accommodate it.

ABC has investigated a device to "fake" 5.1 when we can't actually air
5.1 discrete channels, but I believe our upper management thinks the
cost outweighs the benefit since over 95% of our HDTV programs are fed
with true 5.1 audio.

If the truck feeds "Circle Surround" audio (as in ESPN's productions),
viewers would need a circle surround receiver to get the full effect,
but that is not something we support.


Bill, I hope this answer helps.

Steve


Steve--

Thanks for the response. The explanation is quite clear.

However, I am puzzled regarding your contact's reference to ABC "send(ing) Dolby 2.0" via only the two front speakers.

I do not claim to be an audio expert, but in my five plus years of viewing HD [in which I do claim expertise<g>], I have always thought and heard of 2.0 as being Dolby Surround, which makes use of five speakers -- the major listening difference from 5.1 being that the rear speakers are not in stereo.

Am I wrong? Confused? Or could it be that ABC is not utilizing rear or center channel microphones and is incorrectly referring to the resulting audio as 2.0?

One more thing. If I remember correctly, the analog versions of these events are received in full Dolby Surround. Why cannot they send that audio with the HD video?

hey I am not receiving channel 33-1 from miami.. I lost the picture right about 4 days ago and it has yet to come on . I am showing a signal readign of 0 anyone else experiencing this.. Also I know that channel 10-2 is a news channel how come my receiver does not show this channel or mark this channel on the guide. Am I supposed to be gettign this channel!

Bill - when ABC is sending out a 5.1 signal (Dolby Digital), they are sending all of the information that goes to each speaker - ABC has already decided what information goes to each speaker - there is nothing for the receiver to do except to decode the signal and send the audio information to the appropriate speaker. They broadcast silence on 3.1 and then a separate right and left front channel - thus, your receiver decodes it properly and sends the signal to the right and left speaker thinking that is what you want it to do. Most receivers will not tinker with a 5.1 signal since the work is already done.

In contrast, when you get an analog stereo signal (Dolby Surround, Dolby Pro-Logic surround), the Pro-Logic decoder in your receiver then has work to do - the receiver decides what information goes to each speaker when it processes the signal - that is why you can get Pro-Logic surround from an analog stereo signal.

Dolby Digital can be 2.0, 5.1, or somewhere in between. However, what they all have in common is the predetermination of what information goes to each speaker and most receivers won't mess with that decision.

Hope that makes it clear as mud for you. ;) Please let me know if I can explain anything better.

HofstraJet--

Thanks for the concise and perfectly understandable explanation.

I was aware of most of that. My primary confusion and concern was the relatively minor matter of Steve Ellis' ABC contact's reference to ABC sending the two speaker result as "2.0". I had always heard and read (in these pages) of 2.0 as being Dolby Pro Logic Surround.

To me, something is lacking when viewing HD sports and having no surround audio ala CBS, NBC, MNF and even ESPN. More importantly, it is especially disappointing to not be able to turn down/off the center speaker volume, thus eliminating the announcer blabber while retaining the surrounding crowd noise.

so anyone else not receiving 33-1 and also I am not receiving channel 10=2

I am receiving 33-1. Last night I was not receiving 33-1.

Tonight, I was having some problems with 7-1 while watching the OC.

Originally posted by Eddy13
so anyone else not receiving 33-1 and also I am not receiving channel 10=2

33-1 was dark for me this morning. It's up tonight at 9 pm.

I think there was something on the thread a week or two ago about 10-2 discontinuing service.

CB Gaines
VOOMing since 04/04

I am receiving the same (SD) programming on 10-2 as on 10-1, including sidebars.

well yesterday i was watching the oc and there was horrible but horrible picture pixelation and pausing....

I've seen this on INHD several times. Must say I'm quite surprised to see that it's on right now on WFOR.

Originally posted by Rudy1
I've seen this on INHD several times. Must say I'm quite surprised to see that it's on right now on WFOR.

Rudy, there's a whole series of IMAX films scheduled to air over the next six months.

"Tropical Rainforest" airs tomorrow (Sunday) at 1 PM on WBFS.

Originally posted by Ken MacKinnon
Rudy, there's a whole series of IMAX films scheduled to air over the next six months.

"Tropical Rainforest" airs tomorrow (Sunday) at 1 PM on WBFS.

"Tropical Rainforest" is on right now, and it looks great. Excellent job, Ken!

I watched some of Tropical Rainforest and the PQ was fantastic.

i am getting awful, warbled sound during the oscars broadcast. this is happening on both the OTA transmission received via a Samsung 151 receiver, and also via the Comcast provided Motorola box. The problem exists on both my TV in stereo and through my Sony receiver in 5.1.

anyone else suffering with this problem? my friends in Detroit and NYC are not experiencing similar problems.

i am NOT having audio problems on DirecTV or the NTSC cable feed.

I'm getting this warbled audio too on the Oscars broadcast. I thought it was just me as my setup only went live tonight and my antenna isn't up to the job of pulling this station into Weston.

Cheers,
Tony

me too if were talking about the same thing.I thought something was wrong with the speakers tweeters.It was like a fluttering sound.Is this the same you guys are hearing?

Yes. It's kind of a hitch-pitched sound.

i feel better now.

i managed to get thru to master control on the phone (via the news dept). they did not see anything wrong on their end, but they admitted that the person involved with HD was not there.

not a great answer. understandable that individuals in engineering are home on a sunday night, but not understandable that the folks on duty at WPLG cannot self diagnose this issue.

it's also not the first time, but given that this was the oscars, people are over, etc., it's more significant. i would much prefer to blame this on comcast, my own gear, etc., but in this case it appears that it was a local issue.

I've noticed that sound also on the same channel before during the weekend and end of last week.

I've been lurking for some time but made the plunge over the weekend into HD. I have a Hughes HTL-HD receiver which decode NTSC, ATSC and D*.

I wanted to get a view of what people are using for antennas in Weston (The Meadows). I purchased the RadioShack 15-1868 yesterday by mistake (I meant to buy the 15-1880). I wanted to get the correct model tonight.

Presently I have to do a lot of fiddling to switch between the Miami and WPB antenna farms and I'm hoping that will go away if I change the antenna to the one above.

My friend in Weston has the RS 15-2151 connected to a Sammy SIR-T150 which pulls in everything. I was hoping to avoid an attic installation and the drilling, etc.

Any thoughts welcomed.

Cheers,
Tony

Looking for an OTA antenna for my brother who's at zip 33139.
It shows all but two stations (Fox and PBS) as red, the two listed are purple.

He'd like to get an outdoor antenna (currently using Silver Sensor) that will pick up all the stations. He's on a six storie condo but no buildings around him to block his line of site to the antenna's listed at antennaweb.org.

Any suggestions? Thanks

Voom to shut down:

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050301/cablevision_voom_4.html

I'll have to get in touch with Comcast...maybe they can add some of the Voom HD channels to their lineup.

Originally posted by wjbjr
HofstraJet--

Thanks for the concise and perfectly understandable explanation.

I was aware of most of that. My primary confusion and concern was the relatively minor matter of Steve Ellis' ABC contact's reference to ABC sending the two speaker result as "2.0". I had always heard and read (in these pages) of 2.0 as being Dolby Pro Logic Surround.

To me, something is lacking when viewing HD sports and having no surround audio ala CBS, NBC, MNF and even ESPN. More importantly, it is especially disappointing to not be able to turn down/off the center speaker volume, thus eliminating the announcer blabber while retaining the surrounding crowd noise.

Sorry, just reading this; HofstraJet's answer is how it is...all depends on the info sent. The "Circle Surround" has been particularly troubling for OTA viewers.

All of the networks seem to be lacking during live broadcasts' HD audio. It seems that they focused on getting the pictures right first. I suspect that will improve as network infrastructure improves (indeed, ABC is carrying out major distribution improvements to the affiliates in 05 and 06). We're all getting there....

Steve Ellis

Originally posted by wjbjr
I am receiving the same (SD) programming on 10-2 as on 10-1, including sidebars.

Bill,

You shouldn't be..10-2 has been shut off for about two weeks or so...try rebooting your receiver.

News Now has gone away....

Steve Ellis

Originally posted by radin
i managed to get thru to master control on the phone (via the news dept). they did not see anything wrong on their end, but they admitted that the person involved with HD was not there.

not a great answer. understandable that individuals in engineering are home on a sunday night, but not understandable that the folks on duty at WPLG cannot self diagnose this issue.

it's also not the first time, but given that this was the oscars, people are over, etc., it's more significant. i would much prefer to blame this on comcast, my own gear, etc., but in this case it appears that it was a local issue.

Our Engineer did check through all channels and listened via off-air receiver (he was on the phone with me) and heard no problems at all. At home, I heard no problems (although I was not happy with ABC's mix).

Something to understand, we pass whatever we are fed from ABC as far as audio goes on HD. We do not add additional processing, etc. We do not "fake" 5.1 or Pro-Logic.

The same audio that is great during "Alias" is dealt with the same way as the audio from the Oscars...that is, we don't touch it.

The best I can tell you is that ABC (as well as other networks) are often challanged by live broadcasts. The craft is evolving, they're not all the way there yet.

Sorry.

Steve Ellis

well i have been having problems with all dolby digital audio out of local channel 10 for the past 2 weeks. i hear soem fluttering sound like if my tweeters are damaged... I have been hearing this for 2-3 weeks with all dolby shows.. I called channel 10 and the guy said hes the first to hear of this. I was beginnign to think it was my yammy rxv1400 and with channel 10

Ocean's Oasis is showing right now on 4-1. It has stunning HD PQ and DD5.1 audio.

I am located in Plantation and receive ComCast Basic cable (no box). I am wanting to know first, if the basic signal itself carries the local HD broadcasts?

Second, I run my cable/ TV/ DVD/ etc through a computer. I have a TV card (ATI-9800 Pro) that outputs mt TV signal to my TV. I will be purchasing an HDTV card, most likely the MyHD 130 card, for receiving HDTV broadcasts, initially Over-The-Air broadcasts. The card is QAM enabled, meaning it will be able to recieve unencrypted QAM sgnals over cable.

My concern is, and hopefully someone can answer, with my badic cable, will I be able to plug the cable into the MyHD card and have it display HDTV signals from the local (hopefully unencrypted) channels? I know cable companies are required to supply the local O-T-A HD free and I would like to receive these but i DONT want to use their box

Originally posted by pglenn
I am located in Plantation and receive ComCast Basic cable (no box). I am wanting to know first, if the basic signal itself carries the local HD broadcasts?

Second, I run my cable/ TV/ DVD/ etc through a computer. I have a TV card (ATI-9800 Pro) that outputs mt TV signal to my TV. I will be purchasing an HDTV card, most likely the MyHD 130 card, for receiving HDTV broadcasts, initially Over-The-Air broadcasts. The card is QAM enabled, meaning it will be able to recieve unencrypted QAM sgnals over cable.

My concern is, and hopefully someone can answer, with my badic cable, will I be able to plug the cable into the MyHD card and have it display HDTV signals from the local (hopefully unencrypted) channels? I know cable companies are required to supply the local O-T-A HD free and I would like to receive these but i DONT want to use their box

The digital locals (WPLG, WFOR, WTVJ, WPBT, and WSVN) are unencrypted. Your hidef tuner card should be able to tune them without a problem. Comcast carries the sub-channels for WPBT, as well as for WSVN and WTVJ.

any news concerning on demand in south florida comcast areas?

Also, what kind od system is the north dade area? In other words, is there additional bandwith to add HD channels?

Thanks

Does anyone know what happens when you move out the area, but you want to keep CBS/NBC HD feeds. I will probably be relocating to Jax, FL sometime this year and from the threads I read, their OTA reception isn't nearly as good as what I receive here. Can anyone suggest any options. Also, is anyone receiving the ABC HD feed.

Originally posted by rbutts14
Does anyone know what happens when you move out the area, but you want to keep CBS/NBC HD feeds. I will probably be relocating to Jax, FL sometime this year and from the threads I read, their OTA reception isn't nearly as good as what I receive here. Can anyone suggest any options. Also, is anyone receiving the ABC HD feed.
---------------
Miami/Ftl no longer H/D O&O area?
Has anyone else noticed that D* has dropped several area's from the
qualified area's for NBC H/D/?? Miami/Ft. laud as well as some others
have been DROPPED!! Wonder what this mean's for us?
http://directv.com/see/landing/nbc_hd.html
also same for CBS
http://directv.com/see/landing/cbs_hd.html

kmullen:

Moved the new thread you started to the HDTV Programming forum and re-titled it to be area non-specific to see if there are any other areas similarly affected.

Originally posted by CPanther95
kmullen:

Moved the new thread you started to the HDTV Programming forum and re-titled it to be area non-specific to see if there are any other areas similarly affected.
Thanks for the "heads-up"...I don't think it is a cut&paste typo as others
think...I note that CBS list is also differant...also this quote from the new
H/D page..
Please note, that in the near future, DIRECTV will be launching new state-of-the-art satellites to deliver HD local channel feeds from additional markets. When local HD channels launch in your market, you may no longer be able to see the New York and Los Angeles programming feeds, and a new dish and HD receiver will be required to see your local market HD channels.
http://directv.com/see/landing/cbs_hd.html

Originally posted by kmullen
---------------
Miami/Ftl no longer H/D O&O area?
Has anyone else noticed that D* has dropped several area's from the
qualified area's for NBC H/D/?? Miami/Ft. laud as well as some others
have been DROPPED!! Wonder what this mean's for us?
http://directv.com/see/landing/nbc_hd.html
also same for CBS
http://directv.com/see/landing/cbs_hd.html

???
As I type this, NBCE HD is available on channel 82, as is CBSE HD on channel 80.

I have seen nothing to indicate that the Miami NBC and/or CBS stations are no longer O&O.

Bill... I think this maybe a cut & paste typo from d*...on the other hand
it appears to be in prep for "new" rules? only time will tell I guess.
I too still have the H/D feeds.
Sorry for the "cross-post", but there maybe something going on?
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=229467

In any case, none of this is necessarily of any consequence to those who can receive the local HD stations OTA.

Originally posted by wjbjr
In any case, none of this is necessarily of any consequence to those who can receive the local HD stations OTA.
This is quite true....by the way, I see that the FCC has included W.P.B.
stations to Broward Co's list of significant viewed stations, alto the list
is not final yet...Ken

I learned the other day that they will soon begin framing their 4:3 broadcasts with wallpaper. No more quibbling over gray or black bars, and no more worries about burn-in on susceptible displays.

hey channel 33-1 as of right now has no signal for me. Anyone else expereince this. This happened to me a few weeks back and now it seems its happenign again.. I have a 0 reading for thsi channel as of right now and no picture when before i had about 95

I'm receiving a signal for 33-1 tonight.

Not sure if this has been discussed before, but on the WB while watching the Simpsons at 5pm and 6pm, the left and right audio channels seem to be backwards. When someone or something pans from left to right, the sound goes from right to left. I am 100% positive it is not my setup/system.

Here, from the WFOR web site, is their NCAA (HD and SD) basketball schedule for Thursday and Friday.

Also, for those who can, remember to check CBSE on channel 80 for other games.

http://www.cbs4.com/finfour

CBS4 will show my UCF Knights take on Connecticut in HD on Friday and I will be at work.

Advanced Cable - Please have your HD DVR available by Thursday. (Not a chance in hell)

Looks like NBC6 started doing the framing thing last night.

For a while it seemed to kinda overlap the right side of the image a bit. But when I watched the news today at noon it looked right.

I noticed this last night as well. Not sure if I like it or not. I certainly don't like grey bars (CBS), too much contrast. Black bars work fine for me, but I have a DLP so I don't have to worry about burn in.

I like the new framing that 6-1 is using. However, I don't see them using it on Primetime shows such as Dateline tonight. I have black bars on the side.

I saw the framing during the daytime sports today and during the 6 PM news.

Im hoping the frequent fliers in here can help me out because Im completely lost with this OTA HD crap. I live in Pembroke Pines and recently purchased a Zenith Silver Sensor antenna. I finally hooked it up to my Mitsu 55513 and am getting nothing but static in the channels. I checked on Antennaweb and its says Im supposed to be able to receive a bunch of stations but Im getting bubkus. Can anyone point me in the right direction with this thing? I'd like to get some of the tournament in HD. Thanks.

Originally posted by clarkkent333
Im hoping the frequent fliers in here can help me out because Im completely lost with this OTA HD crap. I live in Pembroke Pines and recently purchased a Zenith Silver Sensor antenna. I finally hooked it up to my Mitsu 55513 and am getting nothing but static in the channels. I checked on Antennaweb and its says Im supposed to be able to receive a bunch of stations but Im getting bubkus. Can anyone point me in the right direction with this thing? I'd like to get some of the tournament in HD. Thanks.
The Silver Sensor is a excellant, but highly directional antenna. I live north
of you in Margate, and it works just fine for me. Remember that this is a
UHF antenna, and will not be any good for channels 7 and up. It should be
pointed in a general South/SW direction between 180-186 degrees. I am
not familiar with your T.V....do you need to switch input's in order to use
the digital tuner?

Originally posted by kmullen
The Silver Sensor is a excellant, but highly directional antenna. I live north
of you in Margate, and it works just fine for me. Remember that this is a
UHF antenna, and will not be any good for channels 7 and up. It should be
pointed in a general South/SW direction between 180-186 degrees. I am
not familiar with your T.V....do you need to switch input's in order to use
the digital tuner?

That's a good question. I have no idea unfortunately. Ill scan the manual and post what I find. I thought it was a plug and play type of thing.

Originally posted by clarkkent333
That's a good question. I have no idea unfortunately. Ill scan the manual and post what I find. I thought it was a plug and play type of thing.

Speaking of scan, did you scan to receive the available stations' signals after installing the antenna? The manual will tell how to do it.

Yeah I figured that much out myself. All the stations were full of snow. Heavy snow. I even tried kergiggering the antenna in all different directions to get a better reception.

For reference, the nearest window to my tv faces due east. west is at least 25 feet away.

Greetings from an HDTV newbie. I am moving to a two story home in a subdivision of Monarch Lakes in Miramar. I have DirecTV and will need to get an antenna to receive local digital channels.

My subdivision is about a mile east of I-75. According to the antennaweb.org website, my home is 6.5 to 7.1 miles west of the towers (?) that broadcast the digital channels for ABC (10.1), FOX (7.1), NBC (6.1) and CBS (4.1). Those are the channels that I am primarily worried about receiving. I don't care about any others. The website has a color coding chart which indicates that my home falls into the YELLOW category --- meaning that I will need a small multi-directional antenna. There are no apparent obstructions or tall buildings that I know of that would block the signals from getting to my home.

Having done a little research, I see that Terk has a satellite dish mount antenna (TV 44) that easily clips onto the DirecTV dish and should meet my needs. Has anyone had any experience with this antenna? Also, based on the location of my home am I right that this is a good option for me? Or, if not, is there any reason why I should go with a stronger antenna even though I'm so close to the signal towers? :confused:

I'm worried about the aesthetics and don't want to haggle with my homeowner's association about the placement of the antenna, so I'd prefer to go with a dish mount antenna, if possible.

Thanks in advance for any possible suggestions that you may have. :)

Digital simulcasting is now slated to go into effect in the 4th quarter of this year.

Originally posted by elephant98
Greetings from an HDTV newbie. I am moving to a two story home in a subdivision of Monarch Lakes in Miramar. I have DirecTV and will need to get an antenna to receive local digital channels.

My subdivision is about a mile east of I-75. According to the antennaweb.org website, my home is 6.5 to 7.1 miles west of the towers (?) that broadcast the digital channels for ABC (10.1), FOX (7.1), NBC (6.1) and CBS (4.1). Those are the channels that I am primarily worried about receiving. I don't care about any others. The website has a color coding chart which indicates that my home falls into the YELLOW category --- meaning that I will need a small multi-directional antenna. There are no apparent obstructions or tall buildings that I know of that would block the signals from getting to my home.

Having done a little research, I see that Terk has a satellite dish mount antenna (TV 44) that easily clips onto the DirecTV dish and should meet my needs. Has anyone had any experience with this antenna? Also, based on the location of my home am I right that this is a good option for me? Or, if not, is there any reason why I should go with a stronger antenna even though I'm so close to the signal towers? :confused:

I'm worried about the aesthetics and don't want to haggle with my homeowner's association about the placement of the antenna, so I'd prefer to go with a dish mount antenna, if possible.

Thanks in advance for any possible suggestions that you may have. :)

I would suggest, based on your stated location and lack of obstructions/tall buildings, that you try using an amplified indoor antenna (see the ones available at RadioShack.com) first. You may not need to have anything mounted on your dish or your roof. ABC & FOX are on the VHF band; CBS & NBC are UHF channels, so you'll need a VHF/UHF unit. Having the antenna inside will allow you to best aim it for optimal reception of all the channels you're interested in. If you use one of the varieties that clip onto your dish, you may not have this option as the dish needs to be aimed precisely at the satellite. In any event, if the indoor unit doesn't work, just pack it back up and return it to RS. ;)

I installed a Squareshooter outside yesterday and I can pick up all of the Miami HD stations plus the WPB FOX, NBC, and PBS HD stations. I was also able to received the WPB CBS station but I lost it when I moved the antenna to another side of my house.

Originally posted by elephant98
Greetings from an HDTV newbie. I am moving to a two story home in a subdivision of Monarch Lakes in Miramar. I have DirecTV and will need to get an antenna to receive local digital channels.

My subdivision is about a mile east of I-75. According to the antennaweb.org website, my home is 6.5 to 7.1 miles west of the towers (?) that broadcast the digital channels for ABC (10.1), FOX (7.1), NBC (6.1) and CBS (4.1). Those are the channels that I am primarily worried about receiving. I don't care about any others. The website has a color coding chart which indicates that my home falls into the YELLOW category --- meaning that I will need a small multi-directional antenna. There are no apparent obstructions or tall buildings that I know of that would block the signals from getting to my home.

Having done a little research, I see that Terk has a satellite dish mount antenna (TV 44) that easily clips onto the DirecTV dish and should meet my needs. Has anyone had any experience with this antenna? Also, based on the location of my home am I right that this is a good option for me? Or, if not, is there any reason why I should go with a stronger antenna even though I'm so close to the signal towers? :confused:

I'm worried about the aesthetics and don't want to haggle with my homeowner's association about the placement of the antenna, so I'd prefer to go with a dish mount antenna, if possible.

Thanks in advance for any possible suggestions that you may have. :)

Hello neighbor! Im on Hiatus between Pines and Pembroke. I also have D* and am in almost the same situation as you are. LMK which antenna you end up getting and how it works out for you.

Comcast
Digital simulcasting is now slated to go into effect in the 4th quarter of this year.


Is this for Broward and Dade, or just Broward? I am in North Dade, and already I am seeing digital simulcast on some channels: cbs, nbc, abc, fox. Are you seeing these up north as well?

Also, any new news on On Demand.

Thanks again.

Originally posted by Rudy1
I would suggest, based on your stated location and lack of obstructions/tall buildings, that you try using an amplified indoor antenna (see the ones available at RadioShack.com) first. You may not need to have anything mounted on your dish or your roof. ABC & FOX are on the VHF band; CBS & NBC are UHF channels, so you'll need a VHF/UHF unit. Having the antenna inside will allow you to best aim it for optimal reception of all the channels you're interested in. If you use one of the varieties that clip onto your dish, you may not have this option as the dish needs to be aimed precisely at the satellite. In any event, if the indoor unit doesn't work, just pack it back up and return it to RS. ;)

Thanks for the reply. I hadn't thought about the fact that my dish would be facing one way (to the SW?) and the digital signal would be coming from the opposite direction (almost due East of my home). I take it that the reception would be poor unless the outside antenna is facing directly at the source of the signal? If that's the case, then perhaps I should go with another type of outside antenna, so that I can be sure it faces to the East?

Also, as for an indoor amplified antenna, will it be necessary for me to move the antenna around all the time depending on which channel I will be watching? I realize that the ABC, FOX, CBS and NBC signals are all very near to one another in Miramar, but will it be like the old days where I had to adjust the rabbit ears on my t.v. whenever I changed channels between broadcast networks just to get a picture? I'm hoping not.

My hopes are that I will be able to hook the HD antenna up to my HD DVR to record programming off the local digital channels. If I have to be present to move the antenna around before I can set up the DVR to record something, that would be a less than optimal situation. But, perhaps I am getting ahead of myself. Any idea if the DirecTV HD-DVR allows you to tape your local digital programming? I've got a friend who has Dish Network and he can do it with their version.

Anyhow, thanks again for the reply. Each answer begets more questions, I'm afraid! :D

A very good choice from RS....set and forget.
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-1880

Originally posted by carsolo
Comcast
Digital simulcasting is now slated to go into effect in the 4th quarter of this year.


Is this for Broward and Dade, or just Broward? I am in North Dade, and already I am seeing digital simulcast on some channels: cbs, nbc, abc, fox. Are you seeing these up north as well?

Also, any new news on On Demand.

Thanks again.

On Demand should be live in your area now. Go into the TV Guide menu and see if you can find it. The digital simulcasting of all current analog channels (not just the broadcast networks) is expected to start in the 4th quarter, and this is for all Comcast service areas.

What do you guys recommend for a set top antenna? Im trying out the Silver Sensor but I've been hearing good things about a powered unit. Any suggestions or just stick with what I've got?

As an aside - it turns out that I had the antenna hooked up into the wrong input. Im going to try it out tonight and see if the reception improves. Hopefully it will.

Originally posted by clarkkent333
What do you guys recommend for a set top antenna? Im trying out the Silver Sensor but I've been hearing good things about a powered unit. Any suggestions or just stick with what I've got?

As an aside - it turns out that I had the antenna hooked up into the wrong input. Im going to try it out tonight and see if the reception improves. Hopefully it will.
-----------
The Silver Sensor is a very good antenna and works well, however remember it will not tune FOX(7) and ABC(10) as it is a UHF antenna.
I think the amplified RadioShack 15-1880 which I linked to in earlier
reply, is the better choice. Once I set it up, I have yet to readjust it!:)

Originally posted by kmullen
-----------
The Silver Sensor is a very good antenna and works well, however remember it will not tune FOX(7) and ABC(10) as it is a UHF antenna.
I think the amplified RadioShack 15-1880 which I linked to in earlier
reply, is the better choice. Once I set it up, I have yet to readjust it!:)


I checked this item out and it looks good. But, its currently out of stock :(
Hopefully, they'll be available soon.

Originally posted by elephant98
I checked this item out and it looks good. But, its currently out of stock :(
Hopefully, they'll be available soon.
----------------------------
Go back to the site and put in your zip-code on the product screen for in-store...most stores have it, while
it usually shows out of stock for the on-line store.

Sweet!

Hello. Has anyone been able to pick up local HD Channels using a built in QAM tuner. I have the Toshiba 51H93 with the built in tuner. However when I tried hooking up my Comcast cable to the tuner I get nothing. I pick up over the air channels fine but have to keep turning the indoor antenna to pick up a clear signal. I thought local HD chanels on cable were in the clear. I live in the Oakland Park (Ft Lauderdale)area of Broward County. Has the Qam tuner worked for anyone. ?Thanks for any help.

My son has a new Sony GW IV with a built in tuner and he is able to pick up the HD signals from Advanced cable with no problems.

Originally posted by Yardy
Hello. Has anyone been able to pick up local HD Channels using a built in QAM tuner. I have the Toshiba 51H93 with the built in tuner. However when I tried hooking up my Comcast cable to the tuner I get nothing. I pick up over the air channels fine but have to keep turning the indoor antenna to pick up a clear signal. I thought local HD chanels on cable were in the clear. I live in the Oakland Park (Ft Lauderdale)area of Broward County. Has the Qam tuner worked for anyone. ?Thanks for any help.

I would suggest you do another channel scan. Comcast is now on the STD band, so if your TV asks you to select between STD, HRC, and IRC for cable tuning, make sure you chose the correct setting. Currently, the only digital channels that are not encrypted are the local broadcast channels: NBC 6, FOX 7, PBS 2, ABC 10, and CBS 4. WB 39 will be added in the near future. Depending on your TV's tuner, you may also be able to receive the digital music channels. Once you've programmed the above channels into your Toshiba's memory, you can concentrate on trying to tune the remaining channels OTA. This should eliminate having to turn your antenna around.

Hello again. Thanks stonecrd for your input.
Rudy1. I followed your suggestion. My tv does not give me any choice between STD, HRC or IRC. When I hook up the cable to Input 1, which is the regular cable input I get all the channels. I then hook up the cable to input 2 which has a 8VSB/QAM tuner. I then select cable as the mode for that input did a scan. Tthe tv scans 125 channels but no channels are tuned in when its done. I'm wondering if the HD channels are the higher than 125. I notice on Comcast site that local channels are like 210, 211 etc. Is the problem that my tuner can only go ut tp channel 125. Is anyone receiving local HD with a built in tuner on channels lower than 125. I tried calling Comcast but no one even understands what I talking about. They keep saying HD is avaliable in my areaa but I need a box. I dont want a box. Just want to know if anyone is getting HD in the clear from Comcast and on what channels. Thanks.

Does anybody have any update on the status of Advanced Cable DVR for Weston? It was supposed to be ready in February, but we're at the end of March and still nothing. Also, does anybody know if/when Advanced is going to add more HD channels?

Originally posted by NIK23
Does anybody have any update on the status of Advanced Cable DVR for Weston? It was supposed to be ready in February, but we're at the end of March and still nothing. Also, does anybody know if/when Advanced is going to add more HD channels?

I speak to the Advanced Cable CSR's on a weekly basis regarding the DVR's. The lastest I heard from a CSR is that the demand for the DVR's is very high and Motorola can't make them fast enough. They have no idea when the DVR's will be available. I am really sick of waiting.

I hope the City of Weston wins the battle with Advanced and cable becomes voluntary.

Anyone having a problem with 4-1? I have been unable to pick it up for several days. Tried moving the antenna, but it didn't help. Thats the most annoying thing with OTA-never knowing if its me or them.

I'm getting 4-1 with no problems. I'm watching the NCAA game now and it looks great.

WFOR had the other game on the analog channel. They might do it again for the late games.

Originally posted by suerapp
Anyone having a problem with 4-1? I have been unable to pick it up for several days. Tried moving the antenna, but it didn't help. Thats the most annoying thing with OTA-never knowing if its me or them.


This time it is you.

Possible cure: Reboot (pull the plug). If that doesn't do it, scan.

Originally posted by Yardy
Hello again. Thanks stonecrd for your input.
Rudy1. I followed your suggestion. My tv does not give me any choice between STD, HRC or IRC. When I hook up the cable to Input 1, which is the regular cable input I get all the channels. I then hook up the cable to input 2 which has a 8VSB/QAM tuner. I then select cable as the mode for that input did a scan. Tthe tv scans 125 channels but no channels are tuned in when its done. I'm wondering if the HD channels are the higher than 125. I notice on Comcast site that local channels are like 210, 211 etc. Is the problem that my tuner can only go ut tp channel 125. Is anyone receiving local HD with a built in tuner on channels lower than 125. I tried calling Comcast but no one even understands what I talking about. They keep saying HD is avaliable in my areaa but I need a box. I dont want a box. Just want to know if anyone is getting HD in the clear from Comcast and on what channels. Thanks.

Those are virtual channel numbers (210, 211, etc.). The local digital channels (NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, ABC) are actually all grouped on channels 123, 124, and 127 on my LG-LST3410A. If I recall correctly, FOX is at 123-1, PBS is at 123-3, ABC is at 124-1, NBC is at 124-3, and CBS is at 127-2. It may vary with your TV's QAM tuner, so I suggest you try entering the channels directly using the remote. It will take a little while for the TV's QAM tuner to lock on to the signal, but it should be able to do so eventually if your cable signal strength is adequate.

I'll be moving soon to Miramar and DirecTv will be providing the installation for free. Because I will be getting an HD-DVR, DirecTv has offered to provide me with an outdoor OTA antenna AND install it for a total of $50. Unfortunately, noone I have spoken with has been able to give me any details on the model and/or quality of the antenna that DirecTv will provide.

One salesperson told me that she thought that the antenna looked like a flat circle, a bit smaller than the dish itself. She said another option was an antenna that looked like a flat circle with two wings. Does this type of antenna sound familiar to anyone? Or, better yet, has anyone used an antenna provided by DirecTv?

I'd like to think that DirecTv would try to provide me with a quality antenna so that I could get the local channels. But, you never know :eek:

Mike4HDTV,

I saw your reply on 21 March about your results with the squareshooter. I am in 33327 (The Meadows) and want to pick up the same channels you do. I can do this now with the RS 15-1880 but it's not reliable (too many local obstructions) and not pretty to look at.

My question is what orientation did you use to get everything ?

My friend in The Falls installed the RS 15-2151 in his attic and cannot get WPB CBS but wanted to be sure he could get Miami Fox and PBS so lived with it.

Second query is about outdoor vs. attic. I was against an outdoor mount because I didn't want the thing to become a projectile in hurricane season. It sounds like you mounted yours outdoors.

Cheers,
Tony

Thanks so much wjbjr, I unfortunately moved my antenna before reading your post and a reboot was what was really needed. So now of course, I'm having a problem with 6 and 7. I have the new dvr hd box from Dish and its very flukey, which I keep forgetting about. After the reboot the caller id on screen is working again. I called them to ask why the caller id wasnt working and they gave me some line about it not showing up on local channels or something. I guess I should just reboot on a regular basis!
Thanks again, Bill!

suerapp--

You are very welcome. Happy to help.

You don't show your location, but unless you are very close to the transmission towers -- and/or have an extremely directional antenna -- you should not have to adjust the antenna amongst the Miami stations. The towers are all in the same general location.

What is your problem with channels 6-1 and 7-1? If you cannot receive them, try a rescan. It is unlikely that it is an antenna problem if you are receiving the other Miami channels.

Alas, I know nothing about the Dish receiver, so I cannot help with that. I can say that with any receiver, one should not have to reboot on a "regular basis".

And finally, a belated welcome to the group.

tpalik - My squareshooter is outside. I have the antenna facing east which enables me to pick up all of the stations listed in the above post. The antenna is about 7 feet off the ground mounted to my patio screen frame.

When I had the antenna facing south, I was able to pick up the WPB CBS station.

elephant98,

I live in Pembroke Pines, just up 75 from Miramar (west of 75 between Pines and Sheridan). I have the outdoor antenna, and it's not a big deal but it does stand out. You can't see it from the front of my house, fortunately.

Reception is awesome out here, btw.

Mike4HDTV, thanks for the reply. Don't you find it odd that you picked up WPB with your antenna facing south ? I would have thought your easterly orientation would be best as a compromise between the two antenna farms but apparently not in your case.

As someone who has spent some years working in an RF environment (3.5GHz) relying on a reflected signal is never advisable.

Tony

Hello all this is my first post.

I wanted to know what is the consensus here in terms of which is the best indoor antenna to own? I live in Pembroke Pines off of Pembroke and Flamingo and can't decide which is the best one to get.

Please help.

I live in Pembroke Pines and went with the outdoor antenna, because my brother-in-law who also lives out here did not have good reception with his indoor and had to switch. We both live west of 75. You may have a little better luck being just a hair east of us, but I would seriously consider the outdoor. My reception with the outdoor is perfect on every channel. (I'm between Sheridan and Pines, around 184th.)

Originally posted by Pat Frank
I live in Pembroke Pines and went with the outdoor antenna, because my brother-in-law who also lives out here did not have good reception with his indoor and had to switch. We both live west of 75. You may have a little better luck being just a hair east of us, but I would seriously consider the outdoor. My reception with the outdoor is perfect on every channel. (I'm between Sheridan and Pines, around 184th.)

Thanks. Is your outdoor antenna pretty big? Is it hard to mount?

Hehe, you must have caught me online right now. It's pretty large, kinda like the outdoor antennas from the old days. The DirecTV installer mounted it. It's on an eave near the DirecTV dish.

I'll see if I can find my digital camera some time today and upload a picture.

On another note, CSI:NY had the sound problem again Thursday night (I think it was Thursday night). No dialog for the first 12 or 13 minutes of the show, just environmental noise and some of the music. That's the first time I've seen that happen after the credits.

This was OTA, so it was either CBS4 or Network causing the problem. It's getting to be a very regular thing with CBS HD programming, and it's really annoying. I wish they could fix this.

Originally posted by Pat Frank
Hehe, you must have caught me online right now. It's pretty large, kinda like the outdoor antennas from the old days. The DirecTV installer mounted it. It's on an eave near the DirecTV dish.

I'll see if I can find my digital camera some time today and upload a picture.


Thanks.

Well my serious camera's at the office, but I just grabbed my cellphone and popped outside for a moment and took these. Let's see if this works.

http://www.patfrank.com/pic1.jpg
http://www.patfrank.com/pic2.jpg
http://www.patfrank.com/pic3.jpg

I guess pics have to go in the gallery, but you should be able to just click on those links above and see them on my web site.

The second one is at a funny angle in order to include the DirecTV dish in the image, which is to the left a bit on a different edge. Gives you a sense of scale.

BTW, I have no idea what it is, who makes it, or anything else about it. The way it works with DirecTV is that it integrates into my HD Tivo unit and I have zero control over it whatsoever. I can't even scan for channels in, say, West Palm Beach, which I've heard can be received in my area. But on the plus side, because it's integrated with the Tivo, the Tivo can record programming off of it just as if it were getting programming off the satellite dish. Seasons passes, etc. No muss, no fuss.

(I've been kinda mulling over the idea of splitting its output and sending it to a standalone OTA receiver just to play around with. But I probably won't bother since I wouldn't be able to record any WPB signals on the Tivo.)

It is not as visible as I figured it would be. Can I call DTV and get it installed even though I already have the HD package?

Pat Frank,

Thanks for taking the picture of your antenna. That answered a question of mine as well. It is a little big. But, so long as you get good reception, DirecTv will install it, and it works with the Tivo, I guess I'm satisfied.

On that note, would you say that you receive ABC, FOX, NBC and CBS without many problems? Or, are there any problems of note that you feel are attributable to your antenna?

Thanks again.