Miami / Ft. Lauderdale, FL - HDTV [Text View] - Page 16

slimoli

03-31-06, 07:52 PM

First time on this thread, sorry if this has been discussed.
I live in the North Miami/ Sunny Isles area and I have Atlantic Broadband. Are there any QAM channels available? Thanks

Did you find any answer to your question? I am trying to figure how good (or bad) is the SD and HD picture on a large screen TV (73") compared to satellite but it seems that very few people here care about Atlantic Broadband. I had a very bad experience with a small cable company before and I'm concerned about picture quality. Do you know if they use fiber optics like most of the big cable companies or they are still with the traditional cables to send the signal? I just moved to Sunny Isles and would feel more confortable with Comcast.

Rudy1

04-01-06, 03:08 PM

slimoli & redgtconv,

If you guys have the option to choose, I would recommend that you go with Comcast cable if you're not able to get Dish satellite service. I have no experience with Atlantic Broadband, but I know the headend manager for Comcast personally, and he cares a lot about the quality of the signal he sends out....both SD and HD. He's currently working on the digital simulcast of their analog tier channels, and their systems have been fully upgraded. The quality of the SD digital channels is very good, and the HD PQ is second only to OTA broadcasts.

---Rudy

slimoli

04-02-06, 05:17 AM

Thank you Rudy. I can only have Atlantic Broadband in my building. I currently have Directv but I think the picture is awful for SD (too much compressed). I tried to get info on picture quality from AB here in this board several times and so far I had only one answer that the picture is "OK". I actually need to know if it is any better than Directv on a 73" TV. I had DishNetwork before but with so many problems with their HD-DVR I decided to move to Directv to try a TIVO-HD. I deeply regret leaving Dish for Directv.

Ericglo

04-03-06, 01:03 PM

Do you watch more local stations or the cable channels? If it is the locals, then go with OTA. You should be able to get it easily from your location.

Ericglo

dchristie

04-03-06, 04:10 PM

Hey guys, I'm living in the Cutler Bay area and I'm about to finally jump into some sort of cable or sat service. I've been trying to read up on who has the better pq and deals for my area, but I can't seem to get a good answer. I hear that Comcast has better SD pictures and that their HD is not as compressed, but unfortunately Comcast in not in my area, only Adelphia. My other option is DirecTV, but I keep reading posts about the poor pq.

What in the general consensus between Adelphia versus DirecTV? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

slimoli

04-03-06, 10:19 PM

I don't know about Adelphia but one thing is for sure: Directv has a terrible SD picture and HD is the so called HD-LITE. Dishnetwork has a better picture if you wanna go with satellite.

holtwm

04-04-06, 08:36 PM

Mike4HDTV

04-05-06, 08:44 PM

Just wanted to again express my disgust with WPBT. Now they aren't even showing HD primetime programs (like the Nova: Voyage to the Mystery Moon program tonight) in HD. What a waste. Can anyone do anything about this?

Tonight, WPBT is showing Jean-Michel Cousteau: Ocean Adventures in HD. The PQ looks very good.

97Strat

04-07-06, 11:56 AM

Is WSVN-DT having PSIP issues again?

I know WLRN-DT has had these problems for a while now (WLRN-DT only comes in on RF Ch. 20), and WSVN-DT has had them in the past. But now it seems like they've got issues again, as my Samsung SIR-T451 only picks up WSVN-DT on RF Ch. 8 with no program info. Signal strength is way up there (btw, I'm north of the farm), but no PSIP.

I've been experiencing this for several days now. Anybody also seeing this?

Joe

wjbjr

04-07-06, 01:23 PM

Joe--
As of now, both channels are located as they should be -- and show program information -- via HR10-250. I don't watch WLRN-DT very often, and have not
had any past problems with WSVN-DT.

97Strat

04-09-06, 09:13 PM

Joe--
As of now, both channels are located as they should be -- and show program information -- via HR10-250. I don't watch WLRN-DT very often, and have not
had any past problems with WSVN-DT.

Bill, thanks for the response. It figures, of course - soon after I posted, WSVN-DT came back on 7 with full program info. Everything's back to normal except for WLRN-DT, which is still coming in on RF 20 with no program info.

Joe

yanksno1

04-10-06, 11:15 PM

Saw this (http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/10/dolphin-stadium-gets-worlds-largest-720p-display/) and thought you guys might be interested. Now we should be finally be getting dolphin games in 1080i right? :p

Rudy1

04-11-06, 05:59 PM

Comcast will be introducing new HD channels here soon. I don't have the launch dates yet, but if I recall correctly ESPN 2 will be the first.

renamed

04-13-06, 12:27 AM

OMG.... are u joking Rudy1..... If u are not, i want my Unversial HD back so i can watch BSG in HD.

Gary E

04-13-06, 04:52 PM

Strange problem here:

WBZL-39 on LG 3510 comes in looking scrambled, with green and purple blocks throughout the image. signal strength is strong and all other channels are received OK.

I disconnected the antenna feed and re-scanned the unit twice with no luck.

Three other HD receivers, including LG 4200 receive WBZL-39 signal without a problem.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks,

Mike4HDTV

04-13-06, 08:01 PM

I'm not experiencing this problem. 39-1 is coming in fine on my Dish 622 receiver.

kmullen

04-20-06, 02:45 PM

Despite the fact that we are in the #17 Market size area, yesterday April 19
D* by-passed us in favor of lesser markets, and now has us sked. for June.
CBS and NBC are both O&O for us so they cannot be any hold-up for any
retransmission battle, however Fox and ABC are private owned. Can this be
the probem? Any idea's??
----------------
Area Locals start to broadcast

Atlanta November 22, 2005
Milwaukee May 2006
Baltimore June 2006
Minneapolis April 19, 2006
Birmingham April 19, 2006
Nashville April 19, 2006
Boston December 8, 2005
New York since 2003
Charlotte June 2006
Orlando June 2006
Chicago November 22, 2005
Philadelphia November 22, 2005
Cleveland June 2006
Phoenix May 2006
Columbus- not CBS April 19, 2006
Pittsburgh April 19, 2006
Dallas- not ABC December 8, 2005
Raleigh J June 2006
Denver June 2006
Sacramento- not FOX April 19, 2006
Detroit October 20, 2005
St. Louis May 2006
Fresno May 2006
Salt Lake City May 2006
Hartford June 2006
San Antonio June 2006
Houston- not CBS December 8, 2005
San Diego- not CBS, FOX April 19, 2006
Indianapolis June 2006
San Francisco November 22, 2005
Kansas City April 19, 2006
Seattle June 2006
Los Angeles since 2003
Tampa. December 8, 2005
Miami June 2006
Washington, D.C. December 8, 2005
W. Palm Beach June 2006

Ericglo

04-20-06, 04:47 PM

kmullen,
How do you get your HDTV now? I will still go with OTA, as it will never get any better than OTA. Plus, it is free.

Ericglo

kmullen

04-21-06, 11:19 AM

kmullen,
How do you get your HDTV now? I will still go with OTA, as it will never get any better than OTA. Plus, it is free.

Ericglo
---------
You are right of course, and especially since I have a D* Tivo HR10-250, you
would think I should not be in any hurry, but despite trying a number of antenna's
reception is at best spotty for me. At some point in time, D* will be sending all
H/D programs in MPEG4..... (including national non-ota programs)it would be nice of D* to let us know what their plans are,
and stick to them...they pretty much have been following the DMA list until now.

Ericglo

04-21-06, 05:29 PM

If you don't watch Fox or ABC, then you could make a small Yagi for the UHF channels. They would come in loud and clear.

Ericglo

slimoli

04-21-06, 08:00 PM

Could anybody with a large screen TV (more than 50") make any comment on the quality of SD and HD from Atlantic Broadband ? I have D* but the SD picture is almost unwatchable on my 73" TV and wonder if changing to cable would be a good move.

Thanks for any info on Atlantic Broadband, I am always reluctant to go with a small cable company.

Sergio

97Strat

04-26-06, 12:10 PM

Last night I noticed that WSVN-DT 7-1 content is being carried in full HD (when applicable) on 27-5. Bounced between 7-1 and 27-5 all night with apparently identical signals and pq; 27-5 is still on today. Anyone know anything about this?

Joe

Grampaw

04-26-06, 12:27 PM

I noticed it last night, also. The PSIP ID's it as 'East", not WSVN. I also saw this a couple of months ago, then it disappeared.

Walt

Rudy1

04-26-06, 03:04 PM

I noticed it last night, also. The PSIP ID's it as 'East", not WSVN. I also saw this a couple of months ago, then it disappeared.

Walt

I wish they'd stop doing this. It interferes with my reception of WXEL 27-1 (42 analog). I can't seem to get anywhere with WSVN, so I just called WXEL to alert them to the problem.

97Strat

04-26-06, 03:51 PM

I wish they'd stop doing this. It interferes with my reception of WXEL 27-1 (42 analog). I can't seem to get anywhere with WSVN, so I just called WXEL to alert them to the problem.

Considering that 27 has been already been assigned to WXEL, isn't WSVN flagrantly breaking the law by broadcasting on someone else's frequency, even if it's a sub-channel?

Let me ask this a different way: If a channel is assigned to a station, aren't all the sub-channels included in the assignment? From that standpoint, isn't WSVN in violation?

Joe

sayanythingrock

04-27-06, 01:24 AM

deharry

04-27-06, 04:50 PM

hey guys im moving back home from lousy tallahassee and their crappy hd signals but im still 28 miles away from the antenna's down there im in cutler bay and i don't want to get adelphia, any chance of picking up anything inside without having to go up and mount a antenna i did that here and it was a pain in my ... let alone all the cable to run inside

I live in a condo in Ft. Lauderdfale, facing east. My building blocks the antenna farm. I solved the problem with a Radio Shack Amplified Omnidirectional TV antenna, Model 15-1634. It is flat, about 16" Dia., 2' thick, with a power injector that gets all signals. I receive all Miami digitals and HDTV stations that are on the air PLUS 12-1 and 29-1 from West Palm Beach.

I have it mounted on a patio umbrella base, about 4 feet high, vertically, so I can rotate it for the best picture. I found that facing southeast, towards the antenna farm, I get signal strengths of 75 to 95. Tickled pink, do not need Comcast!

All of you guys with difficult reception problems should check this antenna out, for about $70 bucks, you may also be in HDTV heaven!

deharry

04-27-06, 04:54 PM

QAM is working for me in Pompano Beach on 102.2

Are you also getting ABC, FOX, PBS and NBC on 92-X and 93-X on QAM in Pompano? I cannot get those.

JeffBowser

04-27-06, 04:57 PM

Wow, you are getting 12-x from Ft. Laud ? I can barely grab that from Boca, although I get all of Miami and the rest of WPB except for 25.

deharry

04-27-06, 05:11 PM

Wow, you are getting 12-x from Ft. Laud ? I can barely grab that from Boca, although I get all of Miami and the rest of WPB except for 25.

Try the antenna, youi can always bring it back. I tried every so called amplified antenna there is on my balcony, and this one is the best.

JeffBowser

04-27-06, 05:52 PM

I never had any luck at all with omnidirectional antennas from my house. Too much multi-path, troo far from the Miami antenna farms.

Spindizzy

04-28-06, 08:03 AM

Are you also getting ABC, FOX, PBS and NBC on 92-X and 93-X on QAM in Pompano? I cannot get those.

Yeap - no problem either. All come clean through...

97Strat

04-28-06, 04:34 PM

Rudy1

04-28-06, 06:12 PM

WSVN has stopped broadcasting on 27-5 (at least for the moment), but their PSIP is gone as well. WSVN-DT now only comes in on RF 8 on my Samsung SIR-T451; 7 is nowhere to be found.

I can't help but wonder why WSVN can't seem to get their act together. Even WBZL-DT and WBFS-DT have been extremely reliable (as has been WFLX-DT, Fox from WPB). WSVN seems to be the only station in the area that is incompetent with regards to HD, or they just don't care. Probably a combination of the two...

Joe

Both WPLG & WSVN went live with digital broadcasting back in 1999. While WPLG has had its share of issues, WSVN has been consistently sloppy (and unresponsive) in the management of their digital signal from the very beginning. What happens there (as well as at other stations) happens mainly because the digital signal is not yet their primary source of income. Things will inevitably change (for better or worse) when analog broadcasting comes to an end.

You would think that station engineers across the country would be using the transition time to fine tune their digital operations and simplify the processes involved as much as possible, but I suppose management has other priorities. I used to keep in contact with the chief engineers at the local stations to advise them of any problems with their digital broadcasts, and for the most part the response I received was very positive and professional. Unfortunately, such has never been the case with WSVN. Personally, if I ran a TV station that had invested millions in new digital broadcasting equipment I would do everything possible to ensure that the results were something I could be proud of.

I won't be too surprised if this posts elicits another round of the "lack of a business model for digital/expensive equipment/dearth of viewers" comments from the one or two local engineers who occasionally post on here. That is frequently the ONLY thing that happens when digital signal viewers complain.
:rolleyes:

pglenn

04-29-06, 12:43 PM

deharry

05-01-06, 02:13 PM

I recently purchased a Toshiba 37hl95, QAM enabled, and am having trouble receiving some local HD channels on the TV. I am in west broward (plantation) and use comcast cable.

on the TOSHIBA I am able to receive TNT (105-1) Discovery (104-2) WB39 (104-1) ESPN (102-2) and CBS (102-1). In the 92-x range it seems EVERY sub-channel re-directs me to PBS 5-1, very odd.

I also have a HD card in my PC, which actually received more HD channels that the TV over the same cable. it is additionally able to receive WPLG, WTVJ, WWFOR, and WSVN.

I am sure the two devices are doing something different regarding receiving the QAM signals. I'd love to hear any other experiences, or perhaps what channels/sub-channels someone else if picking these up on over COMCAST.

I too have the same problem here in Fort Lauderdale with Comcast. Cannot pickup 92-X and 93-X where PBS, FOX, NBC and ABC reside. I have a Toshiba 50HPX95 Plasma...but prior to this TV I had the famous Panasonic TH50PX500U that everybody on this forum seemed to be ready to kill their first born in order to own one, with the same problem. I was able to get Panasonic to refund me, because of this.

LG tuners worked fine for these channels, so did a LG QAM set. The SIR400 tuner had no problems either, the Panny tuner did not, so I gort my money back.

Now to the Toshiba. The TV evidently shares the tuner with the Panasonic, with the same supplier in Japan or ?. That is why the same problem. Fortunatelly, the Toshiba allows two antenna connections, the Panny one. I solved my problem, by hooking up a Radio Shack antenna, small multidirectional ampliified model, and setting the TV guide on setup to two sources, antenna and cable. So I simply select any of the missing channels that cable does not pickup on the TV guide screen and VOILA! There it is on screen. I can also switch Cable and Antenna with the remote, and then scroll the stations. As a bonus, the antenna picks up all Miami UHF stations transmitting digital, plus 29-1 FOX and 12-1CBS from West Palm Beach. I am gratified with this setup, for I do not have to pay Comcast for digital service, plus HDTV service, and do not need a cable card or unsightly box. As the Sprint commercial says, "my way of sticking it to the man".

Yes I get on cable ESPN-HD, Discovery, TNT and WB, no UPN, but that I get OTA.

pglenn

05-01-06, 04:17 PM

deharry - do you also experience the re-directs that I get in the 92-x range to 5-1?

at least I know its not me/ my individual TV now...

One thing I did notice, I also have the MYHD HD-card in my PC, which IS able to receive the 92-x and 93-x ranges. I recorded a full stream of all sub-channels for the 92-x, 93-x, 102-x, 104-x and 105-x using the MYHD. I then used a program (TS-Reader) to examine those streams. The ones that had TERRESTRIAL data in them (92-x and 93-x) were the ones that TOSHIBA could not read properly. the others were read just fine. Within this I noticed the 92-x TERRESTRIAL data had 5.1 listed, which is EXACTLY the channel that TOSHIBA redirected to.... very odd again... I sent this off to TOSHIBA support, lets just see if they respond or not.

files are here in case you are interested:
-----------------------------------
veriotrainingpglenn.testgroup24.com/hd/92-x.htm
veriotrainingpglenn.testgroup24.com/hd/93-x.htm
veriotrainingpglenn.testgroup24.com/hd/102-x.htm
veriotrainingpglenn.testgroup24.com/hd/104-x.htm
veriotrainingpglenn.testgroup24.com/hd/105-x.htm
__________________

Yardy

05-01-06, 04:37 PM

I have a Toshiba RP-CRT 51H93 with built in Qam tuner. I'm in the same position as you guys. I'm using comcast in Oakland Park. Cannot pick up nbc, fox or abc hd channels. I get CBS(89.2), Discovery HD(102.9), ESPNHD(89.1), WBHD(109.1) and plenty of music choice stations. Last year I was getting NBCHD on 6.1 but it suddenly went away. So you guys think its the tuner thats bad and it has nothing to do with the cable company?

pglenn

05-01-06, 05:02 PM

I dont beleive it is the TV tuner itself. I believe it may be a combination of the TV tuner being "too specific" in its definitions of the PSIP data, and comcast possibly sending invalid PSIP data.

case in point, if you look at my link below
- http://veriotrainingpglenn.testgroup24.com/hd/104-x.htm
you see that the first channel has "Stream Type: 0x80 DC-II Video PID 2112 (0x0840)" and the second has "Stream Type: 0x02 MPEG-2 Video PID 2048 (0x0800)". now theoretically only the MPEG-2 should be unencrypted but we receive both of them anyways.

not the best example and I dont know enuf of the stream technology to explain more but that is just one stray away from the standard... but I do know my MYHD card is able to receive all of the channels 92-x and 93-x so they are there, just perhaps the MYHD has a more liberal interpretation of the HD stream information that the TOSHIBA does...

my problem then (and maybe yours??) is that since I am not "paying" for the digital signal from comcast, as I get the signal "free" over the basic cable connection, I cant really complain to them in an effort to get them to examine and possibly correct their signal... I have to be happy for what I have...

Yardy

05-02-06, 09:36 AM

my problem then (and maybe yours??) is that since I am not "paying" for the digital signal from comcast, as I get the signal "free" over the basic cable connection, I cant really complain to them in an effort to get them to examine and possibly correct their signal... I have to be happy for what I have...

But by FCC regulations, all local channels should be in the clear, so I believe we have a reason to complain. Like you I have the extended basic cable that my association pays for. I'm glad to get ESPNHD & TNTHD which I suppose they are not required to leave in the clear but I would really like to get PBS, ABC, FOX and NBC HD channels without a box. I can still pick them up over the air but its a pain to switch especially since I'm in an apartment and have to use an indoor antenna.

So if comcast was aware of this problem they could move those channels to diffrent frequencies right?

Rudy1

05-02-06, 02:33 PM

But by FCC regulations, all local channels should be in the clear, so I believe we have a reason to complain. Like you I have the extended basic cable that my association pays for. I'm glad to get ESPNHD & TNTHD which I suppose they are not required to leave in the clear but I would really like to get PBS, ABC, FOX and NBC HD channels without a box. I can still pick them up over the air but its a pain to switch especially since I'm in an apartment and have to use an indoor antenna.

So if comcast was aware of this problem they could move those channels to diffrent frequencies right?

Comcast is aware of the issues, and the frequencies assigned to the local digitals have been changed. Unfortunately, not all ClearQAM tuners are able to lock onto the signals properly...especially if (as is the case with WPBT, WSVN, WPLG and WTVJ) different channels share frequencies on the cable band. For example, on my LG DVRs if I tune to the frequency assigned to WSVN, I will at first get channel 7-1....but within a minute or so the tuner will lock onto one of the WPBT sub-channels (usually 2-2 or 2-3). This only happens with my LG DVRs...it does not ever happen with my Samsung SIR-T451. It is able to discriminate among the various sub-channels for both WSVN and WPBT, and keep them separated as distinct channels.

ESPN-HD is encrypted, but TNT-HD is not. Neither are Discovery HD Theater, WPLG, WTVJ, WSVN, WFOR, WBZL & WPBT. The reason some tuners are able to lock onto and display the signal for ESPN-HD is because these tuners can scan all three cable bands, and on the IRC band (Comcast "moved" all channels to the STD cable band last year) ESPN-HD can be received "in the clear" by those tuners. However, this may change as the local system is upgraded further, they introduce digital simulcasts, and additional HD channels are added, thus possibly requiring another change to the channel frequency assignments.

WPLG and WTVJ share frequencies, so my Toshiba DLP cannot properly tune them. It does find two of the WPBT sub-channels, but it cannot find the main channel...nor can it find either of WSVN's two channels. However, my LG DVRs and Samsung STB have no problem whatsoever locking onto WPLG and WTVJ and keeping them as separate channels.

ClearQAM tuners are not guaranteed to work with every cable system in all areas. Though they are supposed to tune "in the clear" channels on digital cable, limited bandwidth means that most cable systems will often group the "in the clear" channels in with encrypted channels, often making them virtually impossible to find using typical channel scan routines. Though having a subscription to digital cable service is not required to access the in the clear channels, differing ClearQAM protocol implementations by manufacturers mean that the same tuners will often "find" the same channel (TNT-HD, for example) at different frequencies (117-1 on my Toshiba DLP vs. 117-300 on my LG DVR). With OCAP soon to become standard equipment in set top boxes, TVs, and recorders, I doubt any manufacturer is going to waste time and money addressing these issues. Once Comcast launches the digital simulcast of its current analog lineup, these channels will be available via the ClearQAM tuners (I'm already getting a digital SD version of SPEED). Hopefully, at that time we may be able to get the issues affecting some of the local digitals corrected.

pglenn

05-02-06, 03:28 PM

sorry about more questions, just real close to getting a full understanding now...

interesting about ESPN - according to a review of the stream recorded by the MYHD card it is MPEG-II which "should" be unencrypted (again assuming I am reading the data correctly)
- veriotrainingpglenn.testgroup24.com/hd/102-x.htm

In regards to "WPLG and WTVJ share frequencies" are you referring to the fact that they are both located in the 93-x range? and how would this then explain why I can get ESPN and CBS both on 102-x range? (I still feel the "terrestrial mapping" data included or not included in the stream may be having some effect)

and yes, I also get the digital version of SPEED which I LOVE getting...

Yardy

05-02-06, 03:47 PM

With OCAP soon to become standard equipment in set top boxes, TVs, and recorders, I doubt any manufacturer is going to waste time and money addressing these issues. Once Comcast launches the digital simulcast of its current analog lineup, these channels will be available via the ClearQAM tuners (I'm already getting a digital SD version of SPEED). Hopefully, at that time we may be able to get the issues affecting some of the local digitals corrected.

Can you tell me more about OCAP or point me to an article?

I'm also getting a digital SD version of SPEED, TBN and several other SD channels. Do you suppose that afer Comcast launches the digital simulcast of its analog lineup they would leave each channel's HD version (if there is one) in the clear. I mean for instance, with extended basic we get TNT, Discovery and ESPN so why would they try to charge us (by having us rent a box & pay a fee) for the HD version.
Last question. What time frame are we looking at in terms of OCAP or Comcast's simulcast.

Rudy1

05-02-06, 07:11 PM

pglenn

Yes, both WPLG & WTVJ share the same frequency range, though it varies slightly from device to device. As you've already discovered, some tuner's rigid programming as it pertains to decoding the PSIP stream makes it difficult for the firmware governing some ATSC/QAM tuner chips to "separate" them into discrete channels. The close proximity between individuality assigned channel frequencies within a range can also render some channels "invisible" to the tuners...especially during the standard channel scan procedures. Unfortunately, until cable companies can eliminate the analog tier, bandwidth restrictions will continue to create "overcrowding" issues. Computer tuner cards are much more sophisticated than those used in CE equipment, and do a much better job of locating and successfully tuning into QAM channels, encrypted or not. FWIW, the original firmware for the Samsung SIR-T451 STB effectively made the first shipment of those tuners "black boxes"...you could view ALL QAM channels, regardless of the encryption schemes used at the cable headends. That is why the first run was recalled from the stores, and subsequent shipments made very little mention of the STB's QAM tuning capabilities. Of course, the firmware was revised, and the units now behave the way the cable companies want them to.

Yardy,

Here is a link to OCAP: http://www.opencable.com/ocap/ocap.html

The digital (or HD) versions of the local OTA channels will remain free of charge on the cable lineup, according to the most recent information I have from Comcast (MSO's are required to carry in the clear the digital signal of any local station that has a digital OTA signal). However, please keep in mind that TNT-HD & ESPN-HD are actual simulcasts of the analog channels, but Discovery HDT is a separate and different channel from the analog Discovery Channel. Since ESPN-HD is encrypted (some are just lucky enough to be able to tune it), the digital simulcast would not change anything for that particular channel. According to what I was told last month, the simulcast should launch in six to eight weeks. Comcast would like for extended basic customers to switch to digital (so they can eliminate the analog tier altogether); to that end, they've come up with a small, stripped down version of their basic digital set top box which may be rented to such customers for a nominal fee. I understand that the STB and the "enhanced basic" service which accompanies it are completing field trials up north.

Grampaw

05-02-06, 10:23 PM

[QUOTE=Rudy1]Both WPLG & WSVN went live with digital broadcasting back in 1999. While WPLG has had its share of issues, WSVN has been consistently sloppy (and unresponsive) in the management of their digital signal from the very beginning.

For those interested in OTA reception, both WSVN and WPLG have been granted Construction Permits by the FCC to increase their power, so eventually it may be easier to receive them.

WSVN will go from 14.4 KW to 145 KW, and WPLG will raise from 15.8 KW to 30 KW.

No idea when they will accomplish the increases.

Walt

deharry

05-02-06, 10:52 PM

Ericglo

05-03-06, 09:16 AM

WSVN will go from 14.4 KW to 145 KW, and WPLG will raise from 15.8 KW to 30 KW.

No idea when they will accomplish the increases.

Walt

Is that a typo or is WSVN getting a ten times increase? Do you have a link to where you heard this?

Ericglo

Grampaw

05-03-06, 10:14 AM

Peter Lemongello

05-03-06, 12:00 PM

Hi all,

Lot of great info in here. PLease bare with me if this has been asked already. I will be getting a Sony 50" a10 soon and I have basic comcast service in the Oakland Park/ Coral Ridge area of Ft. Laud. and I was wondering if this antenna would be a good choice. It seems to have gotten good reviews from a few of the retailers I have seen it at and for the price it seems like its worth a try.

Zenith ZHD-TV1 Digital Indoor HDTV Antenna

Has anyone here had any experience with this unit? Or can someone point me to the best thread that has already covered the best antenna choices?

Thanks for the help.

Yardy

05-03-06, 01:00 PM

[QUOTE=Peter Lemongello]Hi all,

Lot of great info in here. PLease bare with me if this has been asked already. I will be getting a Sony 50" a10 soon and I have basic comcast service in the Oakland Park/ Coral Ridge area of Ft. Laud. and I was wondering if this antenna would be a good choice. It seems to have gotten good reviews from a few of the retailers I have seen it at and for the price it seems like its worth a try.

Zenith ZHD-TV1 Digital Indoor HDTV Antenna

Has anyone here had any experience with this unit? Or can someone point me to the best thread that has already covered the best antenna choices?

Thanks for the help.[/QUOTE
Peter..I believe your tv has a built in HD tuner with Cable card slot. Therefore, since you have a cable signal coming into your home, you dont need an antenna. Just hook the cable to your tv to get HD channels that are in the clear, or get a cable card from comcast to get premium or encrypted HD channels if you so desire.

Peter Lemongello

05-03-06, 02:09 PM

Rudy1

05-03-06, 03:37 PM

Thanks for your response yardy,

I thought that over the air reception can be greatly improved by the use of an antenna.
As Im not sure what stations I will get with my basic cable hook up I guess I will have to wait and see.

I will have to do some experimenting once I get everything set up but I appreciate any other info on this antenna.

I have the original version of this antenna (the Silver Sensor). It is a very highly directional UHF only antenna, so you will need fairly precise aiming towards the antenna farm in Miramar in order to get good reception. You will not, however, be able to get good reception of the two Miami VHF stations (WPLG & WSVN) with this antenna.

I would suggest you try one of the inexpensive amplified VHF/UHF indoor antennas available at Radio Shack (no need to seek out a particular model...just buy a couple different models and keep the one that works best). An amplified antenna will give you better signal levels, and improve your chances of locking onto the "problem" stations (ABC 10, FOX 7 and UPN 33).

Have a look at recent posts in this thread to get an idea of what you can expect from Comcast in the way of QAM channels. All of the local digital stations (with the exception of UPN) are available for free with your standard basic subscription; you should also be able to tune into Discovery HD Theater and TNT-HD.

Yardy

05-03-06, 03:54 PM

There is also a thread about best HD antennain the HDTV reception harware section. You might get other suggestions there, but Rudy1 is local, so his advise might be more relevant to you. Hopefully ther tuner in your tv will not have the issues as some of the Toshibas and you wont need an antenna to get some of the local channels.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=668278

Rudy..Thanks for the OCAP link.

Peter Lemongello

05-03-06, 06:55 PM

Thanks guys . Appreciate the info on the antennas Rudy. I will wait till the TV is here and setup before I get one. I got a lot more reading to do here ;)

Ericglo

05-03-06, 07:10 PM

It's not a typo.

Info is from the FCC's Media Bureau website.

www.fcc.gov/mb/video/tv.html

Click on TVQuery and fill in the blanks. It's kind of convoluted, but I'm used to working with the FCC's government speak. I usually just use my home Latitude/Longitude for the center of the search.

BTW, WSVN's analog power is 316 KW.

Walt

That is great news. Fox should be easy to pick up now with a dipole.:) ABC has always been my nemesis. With this doubling of power though, it should not be a problem anymore. Matter of fact, I may put my DIY UHF Yagi up outside. The VHF Yagi is in the attic, but is to big for outside. The UHF is only about a foot wide and two feet long.

Ericglo

cubanismo

05-03-06, 09:51 PM

Yes, the very same thing other posts are talking about. When I manually select 92-1,2,3,4,5, it will redirect to 5-1

I was getting the same redirect so I manually deleted 5-1 from my program list. After deleting 5-1, I would be redirected to 5-7 when going to 92! So I deleted 5-7 and now get PBS in HD on channel 92. Although it shows it's coming in at 1080i it looks to me like a widescreen 480 SD signal.

Give it a try!

Grampaw

05-04-06, 08:34 AM

That is great news. Fox should be easy to pick up now with a dipole.:) ABC has always been my nemesis. With this doubling of power though, it should not be a problem anymore. Matter of fact, I may put my DIY UHF Yagi up outside. The VHF Yagi is in the attic, but is to big for outside. The UHF is only about a foot wide and two feet long.

Ericglo

That doesn't mean that they are currently using the upgraded power, just that they are permitted to intall and test the equipment.
Construction Permits usually have time limits on them, anywhere from six months to two years, depending on complexity.
Your UHF antenna may not help, since WSVN is transmitting on Digital Channel 8, VHF-Hi, WPLG is transmitting on Digital Channel 9, also VHF-Hi.

Walt

gregftlaud

05-04-06, 10:21 AM

holtwm

05-04-06, 11:12 AM

Didn't see this mentioned but I can receive UHD from Comcast on my built-in QAM tuner if I don't use my CableCard. Wonder why it isn't offered as an official channel?

Ericglo

05-04-06, 06:44 PM

That doesn't mean that they are currently using the upgraded power, just that they are permitted to intall and test the equipment.
Construction Permits usually have time limits on them, anywhere from six months to two years, depending on complexity.

Well hopefully, Fox will be ready by football season.

Your UHF antenna may not help, since WSVN is transmitting on Digital Channel 8, VHF-Hi, WPLG is transmitting on Digital Channel 9, also VHF-Hi.

Walt

I am using a VHF Yagi right now and I am picking up every channel. I could either stand pat or move to UHF outside. The outside solution would have a lot of benefits. When my old antenna went bad, I was able to get reception on Fox with a dipole. I had to play with it outside, but I was able to get a signal. With that much power, I don't think Fox would be a problem.

Ericglo

Rudy1

05-04-06, 08:37 PM

Didn't see this mentioned but I can receive UHD from Comcast on my built-in QAM tuner if I don't use my CableCard. Wonder why it isn't offered as an official channel?

Would you mind telling us what brand/model TV do you have and channel are you getting it on? I thought UHD had been removed from the lineup.

Thanks.

pglenn

05-04-06, 08:51 PM

I was getting the same redirect so I manually deleted 5-1 from my program list. After deleting 5-1, I would be redirected to 5-7 when going to 92! So I deleted 5-7 and now get PBS in HD on channel 92. Although it shows it's coming in at 1080i it looks to me like a widescreen 480 SD signal.

Give it a try!

hmmm... On my toshiba 37hl95 I went to "add/delete channel" and deleted (unclicked) 5.1, then went to 92.1, but it still re-directed to 5.1 and even "re-checked" 5.1... I then set 5.1 as a "BLOCK"-ed channel, saved and then tried to go to 92.1, but now it wont even change to 92.1

cubanismo

05-05-06, 09:38 AM

hmmm... On my toshiba 37hl95 I went to "add/delete channel" and deleted (unclicked) 5.1, then went to 92.1, but it still re-directed to 5.1 and even "re-checked" 5.1... I then set 5.1 as a "BLOCK"-ed channel, saved and then tried to go to 92.1, but now it wont even change to 92.1

Are you going to 92 by scrolling through the channels or actually entering "9" "2" in the remote?

My tv (Panasonic 50px60u) does not save 92 and it skips right over it if I scroll through the channels, but when I manually enter 92 I get static for 3 seconds, then the screen flickers and I get pbs hd.

Quirky QAM tuners!

97Strat

05-05-06, 10:35 PM

anyone else having loss of signal the past couple of days ota wsvn 7-1?

my signal strength holds steady around 75 or so for about 15 seconds then for a second it will drop down in the 30's, 40's and the signal breaks up. havent had this problem before. i'm using the hr10 250 and the signal meter drops on both tuners when this happens.

ok, well i just called them and they rudely said they were having some problems. not sure what that means or when it will be fixed.

greg

At this point, I'm quite convinced that WSVN-DT is nothing but a hack operation. Every other week it seems there's an issue, whether it's missing PSIP, erratic signal strength, illegal broadcasting (RF 27-5), or whatever. By far, they have the most issues of any SoFla digital station.

BTW, I've noticed that WPLG has changed their SD signal to be "widescreen" just like WPBT-DT and WLRN-DT. On my Samsung SIR-T451 (OTA), WPLG-DT, WPBT-DT, and WLRN-DT all show 4:3 program content (e.g., local news) in 13:9 format, thus screwing up the aspect ratio and distorting the image. Anyone else seeing this?

Joe

Rudy1

05-06-06, 01:51 PM

Joe,

I noticed that this morning. What I find most annoying about this is that broadcst grade equipment (upconverters) have provisions for scaling 4:3 images much more efficiently, but it seems some engineers don't want to RTFM. This is why the AUTO ASPECT feature on TVs and set top boxes never works...they just can't be bothered with flagging their SD signals accordingly. Too busy with "other things", I've been told.

---Rudy

97Strat

05-06-06, 05:06 PM

Rudy,

Indeed. Seems like these guys always an excuse for not getting their act together (although admittedly WSVN-DT doesn't even care). The most annoying thing is that WPLG-DT was fine for quite a while, then somebody apparently started "tweaking" and screwed things up.

At this point in time (i.e., while analog still "rules"), the entire digital thing is very interesting in that it really exposes the stations with engineering departments that can't seem to get it together.

Joe

pglenn

05-06-06, 05:07 PM

Are you going to 92 by scrolling through the channels or actually entering "9" "2" in the remote?

My tv (Panasonic 50px60u) does not save 92 and it skips right over it if I scroll through the channels, but when I manually enter 92 I get static for 3 seconds, then the screen flickers and I get pbs hd.

Quirky QAM tuners!

I type in 92-1 or 92-2 (or whatever) to try to go to the channel directly.doesnt work for me

HofstraJet

05-07-06, 01:07 PM

Cardinals vs. Marlins on in HD on D* - Ch 95

Finally! A Marlins game in HD! :D

Rudy1

05-07-06, 02:07 PM

Cardinals vs. Marlins on in HD on D* - Ch 95

Finally! A Marlins game in HD! :D

I've seen them a couple of times on FSNHD on Comcast.

HofstraJet

05-07-06, 02:36 PM

Sorry - should've said what I meant more clearly:

Finall! A Marlins game in HD on D* that's not on ESPN or network TV! :D

stonecrd

05-08-06, 07:27 AM

yanksno1

05-08-06, 09:20 AM

Sorry - should've said what I meant more clearly:

Finall! A Marlins game in HD on D* that's not on ESPN or network TV! :D
They've actually had a few Marlins game on FSNHD, only they've been all (at least the ones I've seen) away games. Haven't seen any home games yet in HD. Saw a couple Devil Rays games in HD on the network as well. Watching the Yankees in HD was a real treat. Wish we got YESHD as part of the EIs package.

Rudy1

05-08-06, 12:39 PM

I agree completely that WPLG is screwing up. First they have a ton of sound problems they get that fixed and now they are stretching SD content. I hate stretched SD, I hated it when WSVN was doing it, I hated when ESPN was doing it. When are these guys going to learn that big and distorted is not better. If I want big and distorted I or anyone else can do it themselves. I was a pretty frequent viewer of the news on WPLG, at this point I will stop watching any SD content including the news on their station until they get this fixed.

I've tested two different sets (a Toshiba DLP and a Samsung direct view CRT), and on both you can restore the 4:3 aspect ratio by toggling through the TV's available picture format options. I suppose they expect all viewers to know that might be possible, but it would've been nice if they had at least mentioned it on air.

I suspect they've decided to stretch the image because of complaints from viewers with CRT or plasma-based sets. Personally, I think WTVJ's solution (wallpaper) is much more acceptable.

97Strat

05-08-06, 07:23 PM

I've tested two different sets (a Toshiba DLP and a Samsung direct view CRT), and on both you can restore the 4:3 aspect ratio by toggling through the TV's available picture format options. I suppose they expect all viewers to know that might be possible, but it would've been nice if they had at least mentioned it on air.

I suspect they've decided to stretch the image because of complaints from viewers with CRT or plasma-based sets. Personally, I think WTVJ's solution (wallpaper) is much more acceptable.

I can restore the 4:3 as well on my SIR-T451, but there is still noticeable distortion from the expansion/compression. The picture is stretched at the source (the station), then compressed back at my set. A hokey situation at best, as the final picture is a distorted 4:3.

If WPLG-DT has had complaints from viewers with CRT or plasma sets, then they should simply start broadcasting local content in true 16:9 and stop screwing with the aspect ratio. They're going to have to do it in a few years anyway, so they should just bite the bullet and get on with it. Same with WPBT-DT and WLRN-DT.

Joe

blueice41188

05-08-06, 10:16 PM

redgtconv

05-09-06, 06:05 AM

Does anyone know if Atlantic Broadband broadcasts any HD channels which can be picked up from basic cable by a QAM receiver?

stonecrd

05-09-06, 07:22 AM

Rudy1

05-09-06, 09:03 AM

Tonight on Medium (NBC), the beginning wasn't HD. Last week it had about 10 minutes or so that wasn't HD either. I've only seen this happen on Medium and no other show. Does WTVJ have profiles for different shows and Medium's is messed up, or is it just a coincidence?

That is usually caused by equipment malfunction...the switching is set up to work automatically, but if the originating signal is not "flagged" correctly this can happen. The problem does not show up on the control room's studio monitors (they're all 4:3), but hopefully WTVJ will be able to get new displays that will allow the engineers to closely monitor the digital signal more accurately. I know they're in the process of replacing their 480p plasma displays in the studio with HD displays.

97Strat

05-09-06, 02:44 PM

HofstraJet

05-09-06, 06:44 PM

Does anybody know why DirecTV moves Marlins games off the regular Fox Sports Net RSN channel 634 onto the alternate 635 and put up a sign on 634 telling you to tune to 635 for the game?

TC_Lauderdale

05-09-06, 06:54 PM

HofstraJet, I don't have DirectTV, but can you tell what TP # channels 634 or 635 are on? Are they different? If so, if the game is in HD, it could be a bandwidth issue where there isn't enough spare headroom on the TP that 634 is on. Just a thought.

HofstraJet

05-09-06, 07:47 PM

Game is not in HD tonight. When it is, it is on 94 or 95.

634 - TP 22
635 - TP 32

Not sure if bandwidth for SD is a problem. Could be, but does baseball take more bandwidth than the usual stuff on FSN?

I just thought of the possible answer: checking 634, it says that to get up tp 49 additional games, subscribe to Total Choice Plus or Premier........ I thought if you are in the local RSN, you are entitled to all the games on the local RSN? How does DirecTV get away with forcing you to move up from standard Total Choice to get local baseball games? I'm going to email FSN and see what they say.

Panth1

05-09-06, 08:18 PM

Looking at D*s schedule on their site, its says FLA1 for channel 635. Also, if you look at todays schdule on FSN Florida's site, http://www.fsnflorida.com/schedule_fsn.jhtml?method=displayTodaysSchedule you will see there is alternate programming for 7pm. Says "NON-MARLINS" in the 7-10pm time slots.

So someone is not receiving the game. Maybe the feed is for satellite customers so they don't just get a black screen out side of Florida or maybe FSN is now charging a premium for the games and non paying cable companies dont get the games. Maybe only parts of Florida are receiving the game? FSN is using an alternate feed for the game for some reason.

bgall

05-09-06, 08:32 PM

This sucks! :(

dish is carrying the FSN Florida Feed on 9467 but it's only programmed to be available to out of market MLB EI subs. But it's our friggin network :(

This is how they always do it though. With D* they're smarter and actually have it available to the market as well

For directv the game on the 11th will be availble

yanksno1

05-09-06, 08:45 PM

They've actually had a few Marlins game on FSNHD, only they've been all (at least the ones I've seen) away games. Haven't seen any home games yet in HD. Saw a couple Devil Rays games in HD on the network as well. Watching the Yankees in HD was a real treat. Wish we got YESHD as part of the EIs package.
To follow up, watching the Braves vs. Marlins game on FSNHD and it looks great! Is this the 1st time they've done a home game in HD?

HofstraJet

05-09-06, 08:56 PM

They did last Sunday's home game vs. the Cardinals in HD and it was on D*. Wish more were on D*. :(

holtwm

05-10-06, 02:25 PM

Rudy1 on my Sharp LC-45GD4U I am getting UHD from Comcast on 100.1.

Mike4HDTV

05-10-06, 06:27 PM

For all Dish Network customers: Miami HD networks for ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX are now available.

ABC is Ch. 6401
CBS is Ch. 6402
NBC is Ch. 6403
FOX is Ch. 6404

RedMed427

05-11-06, 12:02 AM

All right guys i'm in a dilemma here, about a week ago I lost all my atsc(hd, and all the other stuff) channels, but I still have my regular ntsc channels. Is it possible that the tuner in my 30xs955 took a crap, or did comcast stop sending the digital signal(if that is possible). I have yet to call sony or comcast, because im thinking they will either have no idea what i'm talking about or will tell me to call the other.
Im using regular extended cable(non digital). Someone please help me i'm going on "HD withdrawals" :eek:

RedMed427

05-11-06, 12:04 AM

renamed

05-11-06, 01:01 AM

Rudy1 on my Sharp LC-45GD4U I am getting UHD from Comcast on 100.1.

Thats some BS, im in Sunrise area, and i got a STB and i dont get UHD

Nmlobo

05-11-06, 06:22 AM

RedMed427

05-11-06, 11:40 AM

I was getting what i should be getting because they are ota digital signals

RedMed427

05-11-06, 12:24 PM

RedMed427

05-11-06, 12:28 PM

I guess im gonna have to buy an antenna... oh well :(

Rudy1

05-11-06, 12:42 PM

OK I just got off the phone with a hdtv tech from comcast... He told me i'm not even supposed to be getting the high def channels :eek: . He told me another guy had a sony and he had the same problem. He said I was lucky to get the channels for the time I did. He also said to do an auto program. Doin that right now. Other than that thanks alot comcast :mad:

If I recall the spec sheet correctly, your TV comes equipped with an ATSC tuner (for reception of over the air broadcasts with an antenna), a QAM tuner (for reception of unencrypted digital channels via cable), and a Cable Card slot (for reception of encrypted digital channels via cable).

Your options are as follows:

1. Use the QAM tuner to receive only the unencrypted digital signals from Comcast (possible without a digital service subscription, as long as there isn't a hardware filter on the cable line feeding your home).

2. Use the TV's Cable Card to receive all the channels available from Comcast (possible only if you subscribe to one of the digital packages & obtain a Cable Card from them).

3. Get an antenna and receive free over the air channels from the Miami/Palm Beach market.

Before you make a decision, disconnect all of the coax wiring from the TV, make sure everything is okay, check the line feed to make sure a filter hasn't been added without your knowledge, and reconnect everything and do a channel scan.

RedMed427

05-11-06, 12:46 PM

will qam have more channels/better picture quality than atsc?

Rudy1

05-11-06, 12:47 PM

Comcast may have put a filter on the line or is scrambling their digital feed. I don't think a call to Sony or Comcast will help, unless you order the digital feed from comcast. It sounds like you are getting what you pay for........an analog feed.

All TVs equipped with ClearQAM tuners are able to receive and decode unencrypted digital cable signals. These signals are present whether or not you subscribe to digital service...unless there is a hardware filter placed on the cable line. So one would not necessarily need to be a "digital subscriber" to receive the signals. :)

Rudy1

05-11-06, 12:51 PM

will qam have more channels/better picture quality than atsc?

Not necessarily. QAM is a method of compression used by cable companies to get more channels out of the same bandwidth, so OTA HD (ATSC) signals will always look better if the channel in question is not multicasting.

Your TVs tuner may have malfunctioned; as far as I know (and I communicate with Comcast management on a regular basis), they're still allowing reception of unencrypted HD signals from the local stations (that much is required by the FCC and is the sole reason QAM tuners were added to TVs...to make them "digital cable ready"). And if you're lucky, you might just be able to view Discovery HD Theatre, ESPN-HD, & TNT-HD as well, depending on your QAM tuner's capabilities. With the CableCard subscription, you determine what level of digital service you want and pay for just that.

Rudy1

05-11-06, 12:58 PM

Comcast will launch the digital simulcast project within the next several weeks; TVs with QAM tuners may then gain access to the digital versions of the analog tier, in addition to the HD signal from the local stations. But the encrypted digital channels will remain unavailable unless you rent a cable card or a Comcast set top box.

Rudy1

05-11-06, 01:09 PM

Thats some BS, im in Sunrise area, and i got a STB and i dont get UHD

Mmmm....I'll definitely have to look into this sometime this weekend. I've got two of Comcast's set top boxes, along with 3 QAM tuner-equipped devices and I don't recall seeing UHD on any of them.

holtwm

05-11-06, 02:27 PM

yanksno1

05-11-06, 03:04 PM

As I said, I only get UHD through the LC-45GD4U's built-in QAM tuner when I am not using the Comcast CableCard. I'll take some pictures with my digital camera and post them here as proof. Strange that Comcast doesn't just offer it since they are broadcasting it. Maybe then they would need to pay some sort of fee.
I suspect that (or they don't have the rights to it yet). Remember we only got it for the Olympics, so they must have had certain broadcast rights to it. What was strange about that though that Discovery HD went off the air during that time when UHD came in. After UHD left, Discovery came back on. I always assummed it was bandwidth issues, but if they still are broadcasting it and just not showing it to us it must be some sort of rights issues. I wonder whey they took away Discovery HD during the Olympics though, perhaps they didn't upgrade to their new system then?

Rudy1

05-11-06, 03:34 PM

I suspect that (or they don't have the rights to it yet). Remember we only got it for the Olympics, so they must have had certain broadcast rights to it. What was strange about that though that Discovery HD went off the air during that time when UHD came in. After UHD left, Discovery came back on. I always assummed it was bandwidth issues, but if they still are broadcasting it and just not showing it to us it must be some sort of rights issues. I wonder whey they took away Discovery HD during the Olympics though, perhaps they didn't upgrade to their new system then?

I thought the programming and channel lineups were exactly the same throughout Comcast's South Florida service area, but obviously this is not so...it only appears that way because of the virtual channel numbers used in their lineups on the STBs.

I did not lose Discovery HDT during the Olympics broadcasts on UHD. While the games were being aired, I was able to tune to UHD as well as DHDT on all of my QAM tuners.

holtwm

05-12-06, 12:33 AM

Here are images of what was playing tonight at around 8:30 and 9:30 on UHD.

Rudy1

05-12-06, 04:21 PM

Here are images of what was playing tonight at around 8:30 and 9:30 on UHD.

None of my QAM tuners can find UHD, so I guess I'll have to wait until Comcast officially restores that channel. It's supposed to be reinstated sometime this year, and there's plans to add five more HD channels by year's end, including ESPN2-HD & National Geographic HD.

Herby

05-12-06, 08:33 PM

I saw on the channel line-up post for Comcast HD Cable : LINK (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=4022698&&#post4022698)

They show OLN HD and NFL HD checked. Do any of you guys know when we will be getting these down here in Miami?

Mike4HDTV

05-12-06, 08:50 PM

Rudy - If you want to get HD from Comcast, do you need to subcribe to one of their digital packages or can you just add the HD package to the Standard Cable package? Will this include the National HD channels as well as the local HD channels?

Herby

05-12-06, 09:45 PM

Rudy - If you want to get HD from Comcast, do you need to subcribe to one of their digital packages or can you just add the HD package to the Standard Cable package?

I currently only have the Standard Channel Package and I pay $15 dollars extra for the HD lineup. $10 for the rental of the box and controller and $5 for the HD channels.

Will this include the National HD channels as well as the local HD channels?
The HD channels that I have are the locals and ESPNHD, TNTHD, FSNHD, DISCHD.
To be able to receive INHD and INHD2 you need a Digital Package and to get the Premium HD channels (HBOHD,ShowtimeHD, etc.) you need a premium package.

Mike4HDTV

05-12-06, 11:08 PM

Thanks Herby. Are you renting a HD DVR or just a HD STB for the $10 fee?

Herby

05-14-06, 08:43 AM

Thanks Herby. Are you renting a HD DVR or just a HD STB for the $10 fee?

I pay $10 for both the service and the box. Sorry about that.
HDTV= 5.00
Digital Remote= .28
Digital Converter= 4.80

And it just the HD STB not the HD DVR.
EDIT: If you want the HD DVR it is 5 dollars extra.

blueice41188

05-15-06, 03:18 AM

Rudy1

05-15-06, 09:04 AM

On WTVJ tonight, 'The West Wing' started as regular WS SD then went to HD alittle before the second commercial break, and some time after that it flipped back and forth again. I hope they don't have a faulty encoder over there, considering this has been happening quite often lately :confused:

On another note, I captured a show from WBZL and the resulting bitrate was only about 13mbps avg (after cutting out the commercials). Compared to NBC, CBS, etc which are usally in the high 16mbps. They also downed the horizonal resolution to 1440 for a few weeks then recently put it back to 1920. Anyone know why they are doing this?

The problem at WTVJ appears to only affect only some shows...usually the first HD show on any particular evening. I watch all of the Law & Order shows and I have not seen what you've described in a very long time, but I can tell you it usually happens when the show is not flagged correctly from NY so the engineer has to do the change over manually.

As for WBZL, they're supposed to start carrying The Tube as a sub-channel, so they're probably testing the statistical multiplexing equipment (The Tube is an all music channel currently carried by WFLX in Palm Beach; early last year I had suggested to the chief engineer at WBZL that it might be a better use of their sub-channel than the spanish-dubbed version of their primary channel that they were airing at the time).

Grampaw

05-15-06, 10:33 AM

"On WTVJ tonight, 'The West Wing' started as regular WS SD then went to HD alittle before the second commercial break, and some time after that it flipped back and forth again. I hope they don't have a faulty encoder over there, considering this has been happening quite often lately "

When this happened on WTVJ, I switched over to WPTV in West Palm, they were normal HD. Later WPTV had the same problem coming out of a local commercial break, and I switched back to WTVJ which was working in HD. Maybe the HD Flags from the network were screwed up, since it only seemed to happen after local inserts, not network breaks.

The other bone I have to pick with NBC is the bottom third of the screen taken up by promos for other shows, after we've already seen five minutes of commercials.

Walt

yanksno1

05-15-06, 12:28 PM

So is the switching back and forth between HD and SD done by a person or machine?

Rudy1

05-15-06, 12:54 PM

So is the switching back and forth between HD and SD done by a person or machine?

Switching is performed automatically, but the engineers can intervene manually when necessary.

sellis

05-15-06, 03:13 PM

Rudy,

I think that's **s backwords if you ask me. 4:3 programming should be sent in that aspect ratio. If people with their new fangled 16:9 tv's want to see the whole screen covered then read your manual and stretch the signal. Don't force me to have to mess around with my set on a single station because people can't read their manuals or understand aspect ratio. What do these people do on WSVN or WTVJ who present in 4:3? I will send a complaint to WPLG directly as well.

Maybe Steve Ellis is checking the board and will enlighten us on this change, Steve you out there?

All:

We currently have the Terrenex Imageconvert upconverter on line to "stretch" all SD 4 x 3 programming except what ABC sends us in 4 x 3 ( we can not alter ABC's programming). This is the latest and greatest anamorphic HD simulator ( it's the one that Turner uses quite regularly). I realize that there is a great range of opinion pro and con about whether we should or should not be doing this, but understand that this was a corporate decision to give this a try, and honestly, we appreciate the feedback of whether or not this is a solution to bridge us until our conversion to 16x 9 origination is a reality. We are taking comments very seriously.

To the fellow that thinks we should just "bite the bullet" and go totally 16 x 9 all the time...you'll need to be patient...you're talking a multi million dollar project that is on the boards, but will take a while to pull off.

Lastly, it is true we have a construction permit to increase power and improve our pattern, but that project will not be complete for some time...it is planned for NTSC switchoff in Feb '09 (HD will actually be on channel 10) when we will have our new HDTV transmission facilities completed. That project is already underway. Don't necessarily go to the "bank" on the power levels you see on construction permits. Everyone is refining studies to determine optimum power versus optimum picture and reception. More power does not necessarily equal better reception...large increases in power often equal a lot of power to the everglades or the ocean or way off the horizon where people can't receive it anyway.

Steve Ellis
WPLG/WPLG-DT

TC_Lauderdale

05-15-06, 08:03 PM

As for WBZL, they're supposed to start carrying The Tube as a sub-channel, so they're probably testing the statistical multiplexing equipment (The Tube is an all music channel currently carried by WFLX in Palm Beach

That's excellent news, I loved The Tube when it was on Galaxy 10 in the clear! It's like MTV was in the 80's. :)

slimoli

05-15-06, 08:49 PM

Prison Break is in SD only today...They forgot to switch... Too bad, last episode!!!

hatchet

05-15-06, 09:32 PM

I'm glad I'm not the only one with pixelation issues on WPLG and WSVN. Since I'm not with Comcast or Advanced out here in Westonzuela, I was worried my TV's were crapping out. I've got a Sony 42" A10 and a 32" Sharp Aquos both purchased back in January. I have also picked up WSVN on 27.5 without having done a re-scan.

I think I'm going to try a TERK HDTV antenna (or something similar). Would this work for OTA? My cable service re-broadcasts CBS 4.1, NBC 6.1, FOX 7.1, ABC 10.1 and WB on 109.13 (and also Univision I think). I'd like to pick up more HD stations OTA with an antenna but would that necessarily clear up WPLG and WSVN? The feed from my cable company is a re-broadcast of DirecTV.

Just like most places, my cable subscription is included in my HOA dues (what a racket). I did not pre-wire for satellite so that is pretty much out of the question. I'm not looking to pay twice for TV programming for that matter either. I just want some good quality HD programming to utilize my HDTV sets like they were meant to be. I guess I'm asking for too much at this point and time. What did we ever do before cable TV and HD...*sheesh*!

renamed

05-16-06, 12:05 AM

Thanx Steve for taking our comments seriously and honestly, the upconvert makes me sick sometimes.

btw, Has anyone have issues with Comcast Channel Guide all my channels show "To be announced", i called comcast eariler in the day and said its a system issue and it would be back tomorrow.

nortynorty

05-16-06, 08:41 AM

I live in Weston and installed a Rat Shack Model: U-75R outdoor antenna in my attic...took my compass and aimed as close as I could based on antennaweb's directions and have been receiving very clean HD OTA on the network stations. I am very pleased...

Ericglo

05-16-06, 11:20 AM

hatchet,
The VHF channels (ABC and Fox) are the difficult ones to get. The rest are UHF and can be picked up quite easily. Mounting high and outside is the best, but I don't have many problems with my DIY antenna mounted in the attic. If you are interested in DIY, then I started a thread about it somewhere around here. I think I have about $7 into the project. I am going to add a corner reflector at some point to increase reception and broaden the bandwidth.

Ericglo

Ericglo

05-16-06, 11:25 AM

All:
More power does not necessarily equal better reception...large increases in power often equal a lot of power to the everglades or the ocean or way off the horizon where people can't receive it anyway.

Steve Ellis
WPLG/WPLG-DT

What about the alligators?:) I am sure some ultra liberal/communist will say "What about the Park Ranger living in the Everglades?". You will then be forced to accomodate the one at the expense of everyone else.

Ericglo

Rudy1

05-16-06, 01:14 PM

Thanx Steve for taking our comments seriously and honestly, the upconvert makes me sick sometimes.

I've often seen shows which are produced primarily for the British/European market broadcast on American TV in a manner that could possibly eliminate the need for the horizontal stretching (though it would require that all current SD content be filmed in anamorphic format). On a 4:3 TV, the images appear perfectly normal to the casual viewer...there is only a slight vertical stretching that most people don't even notice. It is only when you view this material on a widescreen TV set to 16:9 mode that you realize that it was compressed horizontally to fit on a 4:3 screen. Perhaps if the broadcasters could somehow modify their existing 4:3 cameras to produce an anamorphic 16:9 image, they could meet the needs of all viewers without seriously degrading picture quality by broadcasting non-HD content in this manner.

97Strat

05-16-06, 01:44 PM

All:

We currently have the Terrenex Imageconvert upconverter on line to "stretch" all SD 4 x 3 programming except what ABC sends us in 4 x 3 ( we can not alter ABC's programming). This is the latest and greatest anamorphic HD simulator ( it's the one that Turner uses quite regularly). I realize that there is a great range of opinion pro and con about whether we should or should not be doing this, but understand that this was a corporate decision to give this a try, and honestly, we appreciate the feedback of whether or not this is a solution to bridge us until our conversion to 16x 9 origination is a reality. We are taking comments very seriously.

To the fellow that thinks we should just "bite the bullet" and go totally 16 x 9 all the time...you'll need to be patient...you're talking a multi million dollar project that is on the boards, but will take a while to pull off.

...snip...

Steve Ellis
WPLG/WPLG-DT

Steve, thanks very much for the response. I understand corporate decisions, but the bottom line is that because of the way the Terrenex works, there is no way we can view an undistorted 4:3 picture over WPLG-DT. Changing the aspect ratio on the set to compensate for the stretching doesn't restore the original aspect ratio, so either way the picture is distorted. This is a bad thing. It's absolutely horrible when the camera pans during newscasts, especially when an anchor goes from center screen to the side. Instant swelling of the head.

My comment about "biting the bullet" and going totally widescreen was sort of tonge in cheek, as I certainly realize that nobody's going to do that this early in the game. However, the decision to distort the picture for viewers who are too lazy to switch their aspect ratio on their set goes against one of the benefits of HDTV: picture accuracy and clarity. I simply can't see why distorting (i.e., stretching) the picture is desirable.

BTW, WPBT-DT seems to have ditched their stretching and they're back to broadcasting 4:3 content on 2-1 as it was intended to be seen. Hopefully, WPLG-DT will follow suit.

Joe

P.S. - Steve, tell management they should've saved the money from the Terrenex and bought widescreen monitors instead. When all the newscasters see how fat they look on the stretched picture, they'll freak. :)

P.P.S. - Revenue-generating note to management: Put the picture back to 4.3 and sell vertical banner ads to fill the sides. Just kidding... ;)

97Strat

05-16-06, 01:53 PM

I've often seen shows which are produced primarily for the British/European market broadcast on American TV in a manner that could possibly eliminate the need for the horizontal stretching (though it would require that all current SD content be filmed in anamorphic format). On a 4:3 TV, the images appear perfectly normal to the casual viewer...there is only a slight vertical stretching that most people don't even notice. It is only when you view this material on a widescreen TV set to 16:9 mode that you realize that it was compressed horizontally to fit on a 4:3 screen. Perhaps if the broadcasters could somehow modify their existing 4:3 cameras to produce an anamorphic 16:9 image, they could meet the needs of all viewers without seriously degrading picture quality by broadcasting non-HD content in this manner.

Rudy, the thing I don't get is why viewers can't simply change the aspect ratio of their set to fill the screen if they want wall-to-wall picture.

For broadcasters to distort the picture so that it's impossible to view correctly simply to satisfy lazy viewers is beyond me.

I guess the reasoning is that there are more lazy viewers with dollars to spend on advertised products than there are critical viewers like myself. ;)

Joe

sellis

05-16-06, 05:01 PM

Steve, thanks very much for the response. I understand corporate decisions, but the bottom line is that because of the way the Terrenex works, there is no way we can view an undistorted 4:3 picture over WPLG-DT. Changing the aspect ratio on the set to compensate for the stretching doesn't restore the original aspect ratio, so either way the picture is distorted. This is a bad thing. It's absolutely horrible when the camera pans during newscasts, especially when an anchor goes from center screen to the side. Instant swelling of the head.

My comment about "biting the bullet" and going totally widescreen was sort of tonge in cheek, as I certainly realize that nobody's going to do that this early in the game. However, the decision to distort the picture for viewers who are too lazy to switch their aspect ratio on their set goes against one of the benefits of HDTV: picture accuracy and clarity. I simply can't see why distorting (i.e., stretching) the picture is desirable.

BTW, WPBT-DT seems to have ditched their stretching and they're back to broadcasting 4:3 content on 2-1 as it was intended to be seen. Hopefully, WPLG-DT will follow suit.

Joe

P.S. - Steve, tell management they should've saved the money from the Terrenex and bought widescreen monitors instead. When all the newscasters see how fat they look on the stretched picture, they'll freak. :)

P.P.S. - Revenue-generating note to management: Put the picture back to 4.3 and sell vertical banner ads to fill the sides. Just kidding... ;)

Ah, we needed the upconverter anyway, our 1999 Snell and wilcox is getting a bit long in the tooth...so we got this one with the added feature!

Trust me, I am passing these comments on...as an HDTV viewer, I understand the complaints very well!

Steve

Ericglo

05-16-06, 05:38 PM

Steve,
Let me be the first to say THANKS for investing in new technology. Here (http://teranexlive.dimentians.com/home/applications/imageConvert.cfm) is the spec sheet on the Teranex. It is one impressive piece of equipment and means that we are getting a better image now than before. Any chance that I could demo it in my home with my NEC XG.:)
On the stretching, I don't watch the programs that are manipulated. That being said whenever I have seen stretched programs, I do not like it.

Ericglo

Rudy1

05-16-06, 07:30 PM

97Stat,

Most displays (except for the Toshibas) will not allow you to change the aspect ratio on a 1080i signal (upconverted SD or actual HD); and even the Toshibas will not allow you to change the aspect ratio on 720p signals. As for WPBT, they're all over the place since they began multicasting, and they rarely if ever broadcast anything in HD anymore...even the actual HD programs look upconverted because so much bandwidth is sacrificed to multicasting. I've been watching WXEL instead...at least I can count on them to air shows in the correct aspect ratio and provide a decent picture for viewing on my DLPs. The cameras used on the productions I mentioned in my previous post produce anamorphic images (I believe they may be 14:9 aspect ratio) that work for both standard and widescreen displays. I guess no one's ever though of using them here in the US because they are not actually HD, but I wish someone would look into it. It would be a very cheap way to instantly provide American viewers with widescreen content for daytime shows, newscasts, etc.

Steve Ellis,

Why not use wallpaper like NBC6 does? It doesn't have to be static (I've seen slowly moving wallpaper during football games on other channels), and despite what many believe it is NOT distracting...if you're actually paying attention to what you're watching there is no way something as insignificant as wallpaper will "distract" you. It just seems ridiculous to use the non-linear (or any other kind of) stretch when there are viable options. I cannot believe that in this day and age the TV stations cannot do something that will make viewing 4:3 content on widescreen sets pleasurable. HDTV has been around for 25 years! The Japanese pioneered it, worked out all the major bugs, and Americans digitized it. I realize true HD equipment is ridiculously expensive, but you do what you have to do to remain competitive. Every single time there's an HD program (or even a commercial) onscreen at my place when I have visitors, they sit up and take notice. "Wow...that looks awesome!", they usually remark...and when it's a commercial they always pay close attention and want to check out the product in person. Your advertisers need to know this and take advantage of the "newness" of the technology. If we had more widescreen content (even if it's just upconverted 4:3 with wallpaper), more people would want widescreen TVs.

Up until the stretching began, WPLG-DT had the best looking newscasts of all the local stations. Colors were vibrant and images were sharp and clear (as far as the studio shots are concerned). I even pointed that out years ago to Bob Ross, VP of East Coast Operations for CBS while we were discussing WFOR's newscasts. The only thing I really hated was the black bars (the grey ones used by WFOR are no better). But after scanning WFOR, WTVJ, WSVN, and WPLG today during the 5 to 6:30 newscasts, I had to go right back to WTVJ...the blue wallpaper has become a bit dated (I'm working on convincing the engineer to change it), but at least they're attractive and do not distort the onscreen image of the anchors.

Steve, we all appreciate your participation on this forum and respect your input. I personally realize you can only do what management wants you to do...I've been through this with most of the local engineers at all four major stations. But I hope you can get management to listen to the viewers....the intended recipients of the product they produce.

hatchet

05-16-06, 08:54 PM

nortynorty and ericglo,

Thanks for the advice guys. Rat Shack may well get some of my hard earned money! My cable provider recognizes the difficulty in picking up the VHF channels. Everything was fine and then BAM, crap HD!

Why the most effortless of actions in this lifetime (watching the idiot box) has to be such a major undertaking is beyond me...just give me my MTV (HDTV)!!!

DownPat

05-16-06, 11:23 PM

I think the stretch looks horrible. Add me to the list of "dump it now"!

I guess it's back to paying D* five bucks a month for locals. I won't watch StretchTV, period.

stonecrd

05-17-06, 07:41 AM

Steve,

I will add my thanks for coming in and taking the lumps on this. Knowing that the station is willing to communicate helps us feel involved and not just a mass audience that no one listens to.

The 'anamorphic HD simulator ' does a poor job in my opinion. I don't like the streteched pictured on TNT-HD either. People look distorted, not natural, and the colors and sharpness suffer from the changes. Please, please go back to normal 4:3 for SD until all of the programming becomes proper 16:9

Thanks

97Strat

05-17-06, 08:29 AM

Rudy1

05-17-06, 10:52 AM

Rudy, my SIR-T451 allows me to change any 16:9 1080i picture to a 4:3 aspect ratio with the 'Pillar Box' setting. In 16:9 mode, I have 'Pillar Box' (horizontally compressed) and 'Full' (normal) settings. Maybe I simply lucked out with this unit, but I find it hard to believe that other units don't have what I consider this basic capability.

At any rate, I appreciate your comments, but I'm still interested in watching a distortion-free picture. Manipulating the aspect ratio of the picture (and thus distorting it) is simply not a good thing. Because of the anamorphic strecthing, it's virtually impossible to obtain a distortion-free picture from WPLG-DT.

I also wonder what advertisers think of their products being shown in a distorted fashion. It would be very interesting to hear sponsors' comments about this.

Joe

Joe,

I was only referring to displays, not tuners. Most TVs still don't allow you to change the aspect ratio of a 720p or 1080i signal because the ATSC has designated those signals to be 16:9 in nature. So the display assumes every 720p or 1080i signal is widescreen and will lock into 16:9 (or FULL) mode when displaying such signals. Set top boxes work differently, though some older ones did not have the flexibility of current models such as the SIR-T451.

Incidentally, the reason you cannot obtain an undistorted image when you try to compress the stretched WPLG signal is because they're using the non-linear stretch mode (also known as Panorama) of their upconverter. This mode stretches the image more and more as you progress from the center to the edges. If they were using the linear stretch mode (16:9 or FULL), the people in the image would appear even shorter and wider...but you could achieve a normal image by selecting the PILLARBOX option.

tonyv

05-17-06, 10:59 AM

A funny thing happened last night. On Jeopardy, Alex Trebeck emerged from the left side of the screen as a little short fat man, but by the time he got to the center of the screen, he had gradually become himself again. WPLG, why oh why are you foisting this travesty upon us. You were one of the first Digital stations in our area and always gave us an undistorted picture. One by one as the new stations came on they tried to stretch their picture, but then finally deceided that it was wrong (with the exception of WPBT, and who knows what they are doing or will do next). Please WPLG, please go back to undistorted video. There is nothing we can do to undistort it, but the TV owners who want to watch distorted video can always do it through their TV. I would like to hear the opinion of the lovely ladies who work as newscasters when they see one side of their face ballon out like they had a bad toothache as they approach one side of the screen.
Tony

97Strat

05-17-06, 11:31 AM

Joe,

I was only referring to displays, not tuners. Most TVs still don't allow you to change the aspect ratio of a 720p or 1080i signal because the ATSC has designated those signals to be 16:9 in nature. So the display assumes every 720p or 1080i signal is widescreen and will lock into 16:9 (or FULL) mode when displaying such signals. Set top boxes work differently, though some older ones did not have the flexibility of current models such as the SIR-T451.

Thanks for the clarification. Not having had the opportunity to play with current sets, I assumed they had the same basic features of STBs. So, the stretching is even more of an issue IMO.

Incidentally, the reason you cannot obtain an undistorted image when you try to compress the stretched WPLG signal is because they're using the non-linear stretch mode (also known as Panorama) of their upconverter. This mode stretches the image more and more as you progress from the center to the edges. If they were using the linear stretch mode (16:9 or FULL), the people in the image would appear even shorter and wider...but you could achieve a normal image by selecting the PILLARBOX option.

Yes, I found that out the first time I tried to compensate on my set. As I've already pointed out, unless your equipment has infinitely adjustable horizontal compression to compensate for the WPLG-DT's upconverted, it is virtually impossible to view an undistorted picture.

At the risk of beating the proverbial dead horse, the bottom line is WPLG-DT is forcing distortion on me, which I don't appreciate.

Joe

97Strat

05-17-06, 11:35 AM

Ericglo

05-17-06, 12:22 PM

The 'anamorphic HD simulator ' does a poor job in my opinion. I don't like the streteched pictured on TNT-HD either. People look distorted, not natural, and the colors and sharpness suffer from the changes. Please, please go back to normal 4:3 for SD until all of the programming becomes proper 16:9

Thanks

I just put "two and two" together. I guess I have watched some of this on TNT and it really bothered me. Since they are using the same unit, I guess this is the same thing everyone is talking about. I would definitely agree with everyone else to go back to unstretched. At least this is easy to do.

Ericglo

DownPat

05-17-06, 06:11 PM

Incidentally, the reason you cannot obtain an undistorted image when you try to compress the stretched WPLG signal is because they're using the non-linear stretch mode (also known as Panorama) of their upconverter. This mode stretches the image more and more as you progress from the center to the edges. If they were using the linear stretch mode (16:9 or FULL), the people in the image would appear even shorter and wider...but you could achieve a normal image by selecting the PILLARBOX option.

Ah... That must be why the current 10-1 image doesn't look normal on my old 4:3 TV either. Local10 was just running a story about an aligator being captured, and I noticed when the camera panned a huge sweep of grass rapidly from left to right there was a ton of vertical distortion in the image (like prison bars or something).

DownPat

05-17-06, 06:12 PM

Just as a side note, for what it's worth, D* subscribers can still get an undistorted SD image of WPLG off the satellite.

deharry

05-18-06, 06:09 PM

Just as a side note, for what it's worth, D* subscribers can still get an undistorted SD image of WPLG off the satellite.

SD Channel 10 is normal..Remember that the digital signal is broadcast by a separate transmitter, and now I see the problem discussed earlier. It is insane for them to do that. Mr. Lauderdale of the evening news seems to have gained 40 Lbs. and the woman, ouch...Please go to weight watchers quick! Just joking.

What has been done with the station and how can we get them back on their senses????

Rudy1

05-18-06, 11:25 PM

Still no picture or sound, but a very strong signal. :)

Yardy

05-19-06, 10:17 AM

Still no picture or sound, but a very strong signal. :)

Is comcast carrying this sub channel? I get WB's HD channel on 109.1 with my QAM tuner.

Rudy1

05-19-06, 12:37 PM

Is comcast carrying this sub channel? I get WB's HD channel on 109.1 with my QAM tuner.

I had asked them about it several weeks ago, but at the time the agreement hadn't been finalized. In all likelihood they will eventually.

97Strat

05-19-06, 02:30 PM

For those of you who can receive WPB stations, The Tube is now being broadcast over WFLX-DT 29-2 (OTA). Very cool - sort of like MTV when it first started.

Joe

holtwm

05-19-06, 04:40 PM

I like the virtual aquarium they show on FSNHD (Comcast channel 200). Now I don't need a real one :)

johnml

05-20-06, 06:59 PM

anybody have any thoughts on a antenna ? i live in ft lauderdale and would like to get by without a outdoor antenna ( i lost mine due to wilma ) any good indoor antennas ? i just bought a ota hdtv reciever ( wanted to wait untill directv gets more hd channels.

Rudy1

05-20-06, 07:14 PM

Ericglo

05-20-06, 07:45 PM

If you don't care about ABC and Fox then almost any decent antenna will do. I made my own Yagi and put it in my attic. It is working fine.

Also, I would stick with OTA as opposed to Direc. When D gets HD locals, they will still be of poorer quality than the OTA. Plus, OTA is free.

Ericglo

pglenn

05-22-06, 11:21 AM

I'm moving soon, possibly from an area covered by comcast to an area covered by adelphia (ugh).

I am interested, what is the minimum package needed with adelphia to get HD/Digitals channels (such as the very basic comcast package rcv's some digital/HD even tho it isnt "supposed" to), and how is unencrypted QAM with them on that package (what channels would I get/ could I get if any on the minimal package). their website isnt very helpful or informative...

W2JD

05-22-06, 09:30 PM

I set up my Hughes HTL-HD to record on Ch. 39-1 tonight. Happens that I was watching, and it showed that channel unavailable. I did a setup on Ch. 19, and it picks it up as 19-3, not 39-1. I have never had this problem. On my Sony HD100, 39-1 comes in at it's regular 39-1. Is there something wrong with their PSID? Please let me know if you have the same problem.

Thanks,

Jose
W2JD

DownPat

05-23-06, 12:45 PM

On a different subject, has anybody heard anything about which of our local stations is going to become the affiliate of the new combined WB-UPN network? Since we had affiliates of both (33 and 39), it seems like one of them will get the short end of the stick. Anybody know how that's going to be resolved?

wjbjr

05-23-06, 01:37 PM

Rudy1

05-23-06, 03:51 PM

DownPat

05-23-06, 04:00 PM

Thanks. I wonder if that means UPN33 will go dark. I think it's a sister station of NBC6, if memory serves, so they have resources to fight with, but without a network one would think it would be pretty hard to keep it on the air.

Personally I think there's a market for local HDTV programming, along the lines of what Discovery HD Theater does. The economics of it may not be there yet in terms of the engineering equipment and so forth, but the potential is interesting because I think a lot of people will be coming to HDTV over the next few years, and not all of them are going to want to pay for cable or sat.

So there's my wild idea for the day. :-)

yanksno1

05-23-06, 05:21 PM

Last I heard, WBZL 39 was supposed to remain on-air. But this is Florida, so who knows. :rolleyes:
I just spoke with a friend who works at the WB39 (soon to be CW) doing all their broadcast graphics and he said they're being taken over by the CW this fall. UPN will either be bought or cancelled.

Grampaw

05-24-06, 05:43 PM

Ericglo

05-24-06, 11:17 PM

I will check the Lost thread, but was that a national or local problem tonight?

Ericglo

Rudy1

05-25-06, 11:29 AM

WBFS, UPN33 is owned by CBS-Viacom, so I don't think it will be going dark. Maybe it will be part of the new MyNetworkTV from Fox.
In a market this size, there's room for an independent station.

Walt

There may be room for an independent station, but not much local HD content. Also, UPN33 is notoriously difficult to tune (in downtown Ft. Lauderdale) without adversely affecting reception of the other local digital channels (when you reposition your antenna for the best reception of UPN, you tend to lose several other stations). Whomever ends up with the frequency needs to get a lot of HD content or they won't be getting on Comcast cable anytime soon.

97Strat

05-25-06, 05:00 PM

WSVN-DT is at it again. They're broadcasting 7-1 content over 27-5 (East) and 27-6 (Mntn). And last night everyone's PSIP went nuts, with everybody's coming back ok except for WSVN-DT. Today WSVN's PSIP is back along with 27-5 and 27-6. What the heck are those yo-yos doing? :confused:

Joe

ssabripo

05-26-06, 12:51 PM

Yardy

05-26-06, 01:36 PM

A coworker just bought an HP 42" with the integrated QAM tuner, and he says he is picking up ESPN-HD on 102.4 in Comcast (Broward county).....my Display's QAM tuner can't seem to pick it up.

can any one please try this and confirm? I get CBS-HD on 102.2 and then onto DiscoveryHD on 104.1 .....no espnHD so far. Again, this is broward county Comcast

I'm getting ESPNHD on 89.1 on Comcast in Oakland Park. I'm so glad too with the world cup coming up. Apparently no all QAM tuners can pick it up. I can't pick up FOX, PBS, or ABC HD though.

Rudy1

05-26-06, 01:51 PM

ESPN-HD is right next to CBS-HD in the QAM frequency range on Comcast, regardless of what your QAM tuner's channel assignments show. So for ssabripo it could be something like 102.1 or 102.3 or 102.4...the only way to find it is to go from channel to channel within the QAM frequencies (a normal channel scan sometimes misses it). However, this is a scrambled channel, and some tuners are decoding it by chance...it is not intended to be that way. Some QAM tuners allow you to select cable bands (STD, HRC, & IRC); usually, the ESPN-HD signal can be decoded if you scan in the IRC range on Comcast (they "moved" to the STD range late last year).

ssabripo

05-26-06, 02:02 PM

I'm getting ESPNHD on 89.1 on Comcast in Oakland Park. I'm so glad too with the world cup coming up. Apparently no all QAM tuners can pick it up. I can't pick up FOX, PBS, or ABC HD though.
what;s your other channels? (so I can see if yours match mine).

ESPN-HD is right next to CBS-HD in the QAM frequency range on Comcast, regardless of what your QAM tuner's channel assignments show. So for ssabripo it could be something like 102.1 or 102.3 or 102.4...the only way to find it is to go from channel to channel within the QAM frequencies (a normal channel scan sometimes misses it). However, this is a scrambled channel, and some tuners are decoding it by chance...it is not intended to be that way. Some QAM tuners allow you to select cable bands (STD, HRC, & IRC); usually, the ESPN-HD signal can be decoded if you scan in the IRC range on Comcast (they "moved" to the STD range late last year).
I've scanned the channels several times in the past 6 weeks, and no ESPN-HD...I was just wanting to see if it was something new or not.

I get all the channels (locals) except UPN, and I also get discoveryHD and TNTHD...

Yardy

05-26-06, 04:02 PM

what;s your other channels? (so I can see if yours match mine).

I've scanned the channels several times in the past 6 weeks, and no ESPN-HD...I was just wanting to see if it was something new or not.

I get all the channels (locals) except UPN, and I also get discoveryHD and TNTHD...

89.1 ESPNHD
89.2 CBSHD
109.1 WBHD
109.2 DISCOVERYHD
117.54 TNTHD

ssabripo

05-26-06, 04:10 PM

89.1 ESPNHD
89.2 CBSHD
109.1 WBHD
109.2 DISCOVERYHD
117.54 TNTHD
totally different on mine :o

92.1 foxhd
92.3 pbshd
93.1 abchd
93.3 nbchd
102.2 cbshd
104.1 discoveryHD
104.3 wb-hd
105.300 and 117.300 tntHD

no espn so far :(

Yardy

05-26-06, 05:08 PM

totally different on mine :o

92.1 foxhd
92.3 pbshd
93.1 abchd
93.3 nbchd
102.2 cbshd
104.1 discoveryHD
104.3 wb-hd
105.300 and 117.300 tntHD

no espn so far :(

I'll trade you my ESPNHD for your NBCHD, FOXHD, PBSHD and ABCHD.
Deal or no Deal :)

Koeppel

05-26-06, 05:31 PM

That's strange! Two days ago I had a completely different list. Some channels on mine now (and the old channels):

89.10 and 118.03: abc HD (was 89.1)
103.11: NBA TV (new! but no audio... :o )
115.1: Discovery HD (was 86.1)
115.2: TNT HD (new!)
110.45: ESPN HD :D (was 94.2)
112.1: FOX HD (was 88.1)
117.4: CBS HD (was 94.1)
118.1:NBC HD (was 89.2)
and more...

This time I got new channels...but I'll wait until Comcast messes it up again!

Tuneman640

05-27-06, 08:14 AM

I noticed that Fox is still showing the Saturday afternoon baseball games in 480p. What's with those people at Fox? I think it's time for MLB to change channels.

gregftlaud

05-27-06, 10:08 PM

are 7-1 and 39-1 ota off the air/having problems? i'm getting no signal from either

greg

chasw98

05-27-06, 10:18 PM

are 7-1 and 39-1 ota off the air/having problems? i'm getting no signal from either

greg

7-1 is on the air for me in margate using OTA.

97Strat

05-30-06, 04:23 PM

WBZL-DT finally started broadcasting The Tube over 39-2 (OTA). Sound is also much better quality than WFLX-DT 29-2.

Joe

trini0

05-31-06, 12:11 AM

I'm so glad too with the world cup coming up
Does anyone know if the world cup would be broadcast OTA.
Just curious, as that is all I have at the moment for HD...

wjbjr

05-31-06, 12:53 AM

Does anyone know if the world cup would be broadcast OTA.
Just curious, as that is all I have at the moment for HD...

Univision will broadcast many games in Spanish via Miami channel 23.
I don't know if they will be in HD on 23-1.

WPLG-DT (10-1) will have the ABC HD games.

trini0

05-31-06, 07:59 AM

Univision will broadcast many games in Spanish via Miami channel 23.
I don't know if they will be in HD on 23-1.

WPLG-DT (10-1) will have the ABC HD games.
Thanks. I'll keep an eye out for these...

Ericglo

05-31-06, 10:10 AM

Univision will broadcast many games in Spanish via Miami channel 23.
I don't know if they will be in HD on 23-1.

WPLG-DT (10-1) will have the ABC HD games.

What if you don't speak Spanish?

Ericglo

trini0

05-31-06, 10:16 AM

What if you don't speak Spanish?

Ericglo
:rolleyes:
Have to take a crash course :)

Rudy1

05-31-06, 12:07 PM

The games on 23-1 will not be in HD. And if they're closed-captioned (and the engineers have the whole ATSC/PSIP thing set up correctly) you should be able to read the captions in english. But of course, that would be asking way too much.

Rudy1

05-31-06, 01:29 PM

trini0

05-31-06, 03:01 PM

The games on 23-1 will not be in HD
Damn :(

Herby

05-31-06, 04:15 PM

Here is a link to a site that I found very useful and easy to understand. It has been put together very well. It has all the info you need on HD broadcast games and even reruns.
World Cup 2006 TV listings
www.worldcup2006ontv.com (http://www.worldcup2006ontv.com)

97Strat

05-31-06, 04:51 PM

They seem to have stopped stretching the 4:3 content. I've noticed black bars on their 4:3 broadcasts for the past few days. Though I have DLP displays, I find the black bars highly objectionable and wish they'd use colorful wallpaper like WTVJ 6.1 does.

WPBT-DT 2-1 has been correctly broadcasting 4:3 content for about two weeks now (see my post from 5/16). Their HD content correctly shows up as true 13:9 as well.

I certainly find the black curtains highly preferable to stretched 4:3 content as WPLG-DT is unfortunately doing. However, if one must have curtains, I prefer they remain as subdued as possible to keep distraction at a minimum.

Joe

Ericglo

05-31-06, 10:47 PM

:rolleyes:
Have to take a crash course :)

Or I guess I could move back to the United States.:)

Ericglo

renamed

06-01-06, 12:20 AM

Herby

06-02-06, 04:58 PM

I hope comcast will have ESPN2-HD in time for the World Cup

Don't hold your breath, but I hope so too.

Turtleboy

06-04-06, 10:41 AM

Rudy1

06-04-06, 05:20 PM

I just got my first HDTV. I live in an apartment building in Ft. Lauderdale on Sunrise Blvd and A1A.

My windows face north. Comcast is coming out next week.

I hooked up an antenna. A get the Palm Beach stations, OK (5, 12, 29?) NBC, CBS, FOX. But I don't get ABC, and I don't get any of the Miami channels at all. Weird?

Not really...you are facing in the right direction to receive the Palm Beach channels. The Miami stations have their transmission towers at the antenna farm in Miramar...you would need to face south to receive them without interference. My indoor antenna faces west (I'm near Broward Blvd and US1), and I receive all of the Miami stations except for UPN (always difficult for me, for some reason), as well as the Palm Beach FOX & PBS affiliates.

Mike4HDTV

06-08-06, 09:26 PM

There is talk of Comcast adding ESPN2HD in many cities by tomorrow.

renamed

06-08-06, 09:32 PM

Yea, I just hope were one of those cities..... (Fingers crossed) :D

trini0

06-08-06, 10:37 PM

Damn...
The NBA finals tonight, is not in HD on ABC. :(
Its annoying, to watch the commentator's microphone decorated
with "HD", and Im getting jacked up with SD...

renamed

06-08-06, 10:39 PM

Damn...
The NBA finals tonight, is not in HD on ABC. :(
Its annoying, to watch the commentator's microphone decorated
with "HD", and Im getting jacked up with SD...

.... Its HD on Comcast

wjbjr

06-08-06, 10:47 PM

.... Its HD on Comcast

It is HD via WPLG-DT OTA.

Rick Fehnel

06-09-06, 02:47 AM

Supermans

06-09-06, 03:00 AM

I'm living in Miami in the 33196 Kendall area. What direction do I need to point my antenna to be able to get FOX? Thanks

stonecrd

06-09-06, 08:40 AM

Advance Cable totally screwed up last night and was off the air with WPLG-DT all night. Good thing I had OTA for the game. Looks like they added WPBT-DT as 611, maybe this messed things up.

97Strat

06-09-06, 10:09 AM

I'm living in Miami in the 33196 Kendall area. What direction do I need to point my antenna to be able to get FOX? Thanks
WSVN-DT (Fox) is broadcast on VHF 8, so you will need a combo VHF/UHF to pick up all local stations. By the same token, WPLG-DT (ABC) is broadcast on VHF 9.

All the major DTV signals come from the antenna farm located on the Broward/Miami-Dade county line, so you'll have to point your antenna north and very slightly to the east from Kendall. Depending on your location, you may have to go with an outdoor antenna.

Rudy1

06-09-06, 10:58 AM

My friend in Ft Lauderdale with Comcast cable just got a new plasma with QAM tuner (HP PL4260N).

What digital channel numbers may she get via the QAM tuner on Comcast (without cable card or STB)?

And, does the QAM tuner on the HP plasma need to be set to a certain mode to get the digitals?

thanks,
Rick

Rick,

The channels your friend will get depends on her TV's QAM tuner...not all tuners can find and lock onto ALL of the unencrypted digital cable channels. Channel numbers vary from tuner to tuner, even within the different models from the same manufacturer. She does not need to do anything other than a channel scan routine after selecting "CABLE' as her source. Currently, she should be able to receive ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, FOX, TNT, DISCOVERY, SPEED, and if she's lucky, ESPN in high definition. Once the digital simulcast project is completed, she will also get digital versions of the channels currently available only in the analog tier. They expect to launch the project within the next few weeks.

Rudy

Yardy

06-09-06, 11:11 AM

Anyone knows if comcast will carry ESPN2 HD in this market? Most of the world cup games will be on this station.

cubanismo

06-09-06, 11:56 AM

Anyone confirm they are getting ESPN2 in the S FL area? Comcast users are receiving the channel in certain markets based upon this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=686272&page=1&pp=30

Please post if you are picking up the channel and if so what channel? how you are picking it up (i.e. Cable card, QAM, Etc.)

Thank you!!

jaspir

06-09-06, 03:28 PM

I can confirm that ESPN2HD is available on Comcast in the Miami Shores area. I have the standard Motorola STB and ESPN2HD is on channel 203.

renamed

06-09-06, 05:18 PM

cubanismo

06-09-06, 06:38 PM

Anyone able to pick up ESPN2HD on Comcast through a QAM tuner? I am looking for it but unable to find it.

I am able to pick up ESPN HD through my QAM tuner, so I hope to get ESPN2HD as well!

Thanks!

renamed

06-09-06, 07:47 PM

Rudy, Could u confirm that comcast is starting to move certain channels from there analog lineup to there digital lineup. I notice today when i got ESPN2HD that they moved GSN from ch.49 to 179

cubanismo

06-09-06, 11:56 PM

Supermans

06-10-06, 04:17 AM

I wanted to let you all know I found ESPN2HD through my QAM tuner! It's coming in on 85-203 for me in the Broward area. Pulling it through standard cable without the STB or cable card. It's free and clear for anyone trying to find it. I'm off to see every world cup game in HD! :)

How many cable channels are free and in HD??

Rudy1

06-10-06, 12:54 PM

Rudy, Could u confirm that comcast is starting to move certain channels from there analog lineup to there digital lineup. I notice today when i got ESPN2HD that they moved GSN from ch.49 to 179

They may move additional channels to the digital tier. Also, the digital simulcast project has begun, so you should start seeing digital versions of the analog channels pop up over the next few weeks. Bravo and The Comedy Channel are up right now.

wjbjr

06-10-06, 01:35 PM

Rudy1

06-11-06, 01:45 PM

Is anyone receiving the ABC (WPLG-DT) World Cup or NBA broadcasts in surround sound? For some time, I have received ABC sports program audio from the front L and R speakers only, although the Denon receiver indicates 5.1.

I have spoken with Steve Ellis about this. He indicated that these games are ESPN originated and that the audio is circle surround. He contacted someone at ABC in New York who suggested that my receiver had a circle surround problem. The trouble with that is I have no problem with circle surround directly from the ESPN channels or with 5.1 from regular ABC programs.

Please respond either way so that we can determine where the problem might be. Please include your A/V receiver brand.

Many thanks for your help.

Bill,

I've tested both of my Sony receivers. The ABC high World Cup presentation of this morning did not have surround channel sound; audio was present only on the left/right front channels. However, it triggered the DD 5.1 circuit on the receivers. I don't know about other brands, but on the Sony receivers any change in the audio format is immediately reflected in the display, even if the changes are just temporary and intermittent.

---Rudy

wjbjr

06-11-06, 02:10 PM

Bill,

I've tested both of my Sony receivers. The ABC high World Cup presentation of this morning did not have surround channel sound; audio was present only on the left/right front channels. However, it triggered the DD 5.1 circuit on the receivers. I don't know about other brands, but on the Sony receivers any change in the audio format is immediately reflected in the display, even if the changes are just temporary and intermittent.

---Rudy

Thanks Rudy. That would appear to make my case. The Denon receiver works the same way in showing the audio status. In this situation, it indicates 5.1 for all ABC generated audio, including SD commercials. It switches out of 5.1 during local WPLG cut-ins.

yanksno1

06-12-06, 09:49 AM

Sunrise area has it on Ch. 203..... Thank you Comcast, now i need UHD, and National Geographic HD
You can say that again, though do we know Comcast is keeping ESPN2HD or just showing it for the world cup? You know, like how they took UHD from us when the Olympics was over. :(

Yardy

06-12-06, 10:11 AM

Rudy1

06-12-06, 12:28 PM

You can say that again, though do we know Comcast is keeping ESPN2HD or just showing it for the world cup? You know, like how they took UHD from us when the Olympics was over. :(

ESPN2 HD is here to stay, but I'm not sure whether the next HD channel to be added will be UHD or National Geographic.

deharry

06-12-06, 10:43 PM

A little tip to those of you watching the World Cup in HD. If you simply ZOOM into the picture, you will eliminate all of the annoying garbage on the top of the screen and the scrolling stuff on the bottom. You will see the screen clean and enjoy the games. I don't seem to lose any of the action, in fact the players appear a little bigger. Try it.

TC_Lauderdale

06-13-06, 04:46 PM

ESPN2 HD is here to stay, but I'm not sure whether the next HD channel to be added will be UHD or National Geographic.

Add to that the Voom and HDNet channels, and I will be back in HD Heaven!
Although it's good to hear that ESPN2HD is not going away. :)

TC_Lauderdale

06-13-06, 06:03 PM

I actually found a petition to add your name to the list of people wanting Comcast to add HDNet to their lineup. Here: http://www.**************.com/comcast1/petition.html

Brundlefly1138

06-13-06, 06:09 PM

Rudy1

What channels are Bravo and Comedy Channel on in digital on Comcast? I found GSN moved to 179, but the other two are not on their guide in Hollywood, FL

Rudy1

06-13-06, 09:33 PM

Add to that the Voom and HDNet channels, and I will be back in HD Heaven!
Although it's good to hear that ESPN2HD is not going away. :)

Management has informed me that they are in the process of negotiating contracts for additional HD channels, but bandwidth continues to be a huge obstacle to the introduction of these services. The majority of Comcast customers nationwide subscribe only to the Basic package; they would need to convert to completely digital plants in order to free up the bandwidth needed to carry more HD services.

Rudy1

06-13-06, 09:36 PM

Rudy1

What channels are Bravo and Comedy Channel on in digital on Comcast? I found GSN moved to 179, but the other two are not on their guide in Hollywood, FL

I'm sorry...I should've been a little clearer in my statement. ClearQAM tuners can now find the digital versions of Bravo and Comedy Central (as well as Speed). The digital simulcast channels won't appear in the iGuide until they have been assigned virtual channel numbers. On my LG-LST3410A, Bravo is at 127-66, Speed is at 119-55, and Comedy Central is at 124-67.

pglenn

06-13-06, 09:51 PM

comcast / Plantation / Toshiba 37HL95 / my SPEED is on 90-9, havent found the BRAVO and Comedy Central, if they are on here... dont have BRAVO or Comedy Central on the MyHD card either

stonecrd

06-14-06, 08:47 AM

Management has informed me that they are in the process of negotiating contracts for additional HD channels, but bandwidth continues to be a huge obstacle to the introduction of these services. The majority of Comcast customers nationwide subscribe only to the Basic package; they would need to convert to completely digital plants in order to free up the bandwidth needed to carry more HD services.

It should be interesting to see how cable is going to handle their early success. By offering so many channels in the basic tier via analog they are kind of stuck with continuing to offer this service for some time as there are so many existing sets that don't have digital tuners. This is going to give a leg up to Satellite and services like FIOS who came in later all digital. If D* can get their act together on HD they may start pulling more customers. I think cable is going to need some technical solution to resolve this. Do you know if they are looking at any cheap digital tuner boxes that they can basically give away to allow a move to all digital?

Rudy1

06-14-06, 10:19 AM

It should be interesting to see how cable is going to handle their early success. By offering so many channels in the basic tier via analog they are kind of stuck with continuing to offer this service for some time as there are so many existing sets that don't have digital tuners. This is going to give a leg up to Satellite and services like FIOS who came in later all digital. If D* can get their act together on HD they may start pulling more customers. I think cable is going to need some technical solution to resolve this. Do you know if they are looking at any cheap digital tuner boxes that they can basically give away to allow a move to all digital?

Actually, the CEO discussed that during a meeting a few months ago. The proposed STB is smaller and has less features than their full size models, but it would give current analog subscribers access to the VOD service as well as the digital channels on a new tier. And they were indeed thinking of deploying the units for free with a subscription to the new tier (to be called "Enhanced Basic"). The CEO was really hyped about the idea, but I don't know if anything's been decided. The final decision may be up to the bean counters.

gregftlaud

06-14-06, 12:24 PM

anyone know when directv is going to flip the switch on for the hd locals this month?

slimoli

06-14-06, 11:37 PM

June 28 is the day I heard. Tomorrow I will have Atlantic Broadband replacing my Directv. SD picture on Directv became unwatchable on a 73" TV. HD locals on D* will require a new receiver and a new dish. There is no replacement for the HD-DVR (TIVO) yet.

ssabripo

06-15-06, 10:24 AM

comcast / Plantation / Toshiba 37HL95 / my SPEED is on 90-9, havent found the BRAVO and Comedy Central, if they are on here... dont have BRAVO or Comedy Central on the MyHD card either
Wierd....what part of plantation are you in? I'm around Nob hill and Cleary

I get speed on 90.55

also, can you confirm whether you get ESPNHD and/or ESPN2HD, and if so, what channel???

thanks man!

ps- I lost TNT-HD on 105.300, but I'm still on 117.300

pglenn

06-15-06, 02:15 PM

Wierd....what part of plantation are you in? I'm around Nob hill and Cleary

I get speed on 90.55

also, can you confirm whether you get ESPNHD and/or ESPN2HD, and if so, what channel???

thanks man!

ps- I lost TNT-HD on 105.300, but I'm still on 117.300

I'll verify the channels and channel numbers when I get home, but I think I did lose TNT on 105.xx also. The sub-channels also differ depending on if I watch via my Toshiba TV (nothing rcv'ed at all on 92.xx) and my MYHD PC card. and I am receiving ESPN-HD and ESPN2-HD, ESPN2 on 85.xx (will confirm sub-channel later) and ESPN on 102.xx (again confirm later)

ssabripo

06-15-06, 02:35 PM

I'll verify the channels and channel numbers when I get home, but I think I did lose TNT on 105.xx also. The sub-channels also differ depending on if I watch via my Toshiba TV (nothing rcv'ed at all on 92.xx) and my MYHD PC card. and I am receiving ESPN-HD and ESPN2-HD, ESPN2 on 85.xx (will confirm sub-channel later) and ESPN on 102.xx (again confirm later)

YES! Confirmed!!!!

I now get the following HD channels:

85.203 ESPN2
92.1 Fox
92.3 PBS
93.1 ABC
93.3 NBC
102.1 ESPN
102.2 CBS
104.1 DiscoveryHD
104.3 WB
117.300 TNT

:eek: :) This rules!!!!!! I get everything I need south of HBO-HD and worldsportsHD :p

this is at zip code 33324, using Pioneer Elite PRO-1130 Plasma QAM tuner

Patrick Doyle

06-16-06, 07:27 AM

DirecTV response to my question about local HD:

"...we expect to offer the local HD channels in Miami-Ft Lauderdale FL by June 28, 2006. Once local HD programming launches in your city, you will be eligible for an MPEG-4-capable receiver replacement. If you want to replace your HD DVR, you may need to wait a bit longer. Our new MPEG-4-capable DIRECTV HD DVR is expected to be available sometime this year."

DownPat

06-16-06, 06:10 PM

Thanks Patrick.

deharry

06-16-06, 06:12 PM

Rudy1

06-16-06, 07:14 PM

You are very lucky to get the 92.XX and 93.XX channels. You may not know that some of us with Comcast cannot get them QAM on our TV's. I had to supplement the cable with a OTA antenna for those stations. I consider myself lucky to have a Toshiba Plasma with both inputs, cable and antenna.

FOR RUDY:

You say that some channels on Comcast analog are now switched to the digital side. I cannot get them up to now. Are they scrambled or in the clear? What happens when they switch all to digital side, will I get them with my QAM tuner?

It appears that the performance of the ClearQAM tuners varies greatly according to their firmware. The Toshiba ClearQAM tuners don't seem to be able to decode the channels on Comcast in the 92.XX and 93.XX range (my DLPs won't do it either---they erroneously see these channels as being encrypted even though they're not). The discontinued Samsung SIR-T165 had serious issues with its QAM tuner (which caused it to decode even the encrypted channels), and when the STBs were eventually released the QAM tuning feature was disabled. Even as recently as two years ago it was possible to buy direct view Samsung HDTVs that had a QAM tuner that could decode the Pay Per View movie streams, but couldn't reliably tune into the unscrambled QAM channels on Comcast.

As of this writing, Comcast is broadcasting (in the clear) digital versions of Speed, Comedy Central, and Bravo. When all of the analog tier is switched over, you should be able to tune most if not all of the channels via your ClearQAM tuner. I've seen what the analog tier will look like once the digital simulcast project is completed; you can expect sharper, clearer images with much more natural color rendition. Currently, the channels from The Weather Channel (channel 27) on up are being tested. They expect to add the remaining channels over the next two weeks, and once testing has been satisfactorily completed they will begin activating the simulcast throughout the system. We are fortunate that the headend manager is a stickler for detail and high quality, and truly loves his work...he will not launch the simulcast until everything is precisely to his liking.

pglenn

06-16-06, 07:18 PM

YES! Confirmed!!!!

I now get the following HD channels:

85.203 ESPN2
92.1 Fox
92.3 PBS
93.1 ABC
93.3 NBC
102.1 ESPN
102.2 CBS
104.1 DiscoveryHD
104.3 WB
117.300 TNT

:eek: :) This rules!!!!!! I get everything I need south of HBO-HD and worldsportsHD :p

this is at zip code 33324, using Pioneer Elite PRO-1130 Plasma QAM tuner

In addition to the channels you have found above, you may want to see if you can get the following as well (as you know I am just down the road and I get these). DIfferent QAM receivers will likely find these on different sub-channels

90-9 --- Speed-TV

92-2 --- PBS-HD
92-3 --- PBS (florida channel I think?)
92-4 --- Arts
92-5 --- PBS Create

93-3 --- NBC Weather

110-2 --- MoviePlex

112-4 --- E-Westerns

117-xx --- about 40-45 Music Choice channels

in addition in the 80-xx to 89-xx range (usually on -1, -9, -10, and -11 on both my Toshiba and my MYHD card) you may be able to pick-up On Demand channels (movies, TV shows, etc) that other subscribers have ordered. It is both funny and frustrating to be watching one of these and have the subscriber Pause, FF, RW, and even STOP the video play. You can only find these when something is actually playing, and of course no listings for them, ya never know what ya may get :-)

pglenn

06-16-06, 07:38 PM

It appears that the performance of the ClearQAM tuners varies greatly according to their firmware. The Toshiba ClearQAM tuners don't seem to be able to decode the channels on Comcast in the 92.XX and 93.XX range (my DLPs won't do it either---they erroneously see these channels as being encrypted even though they're not). The discontinued Samsung SIR-T165 had serious issues with its QAM tuner (which caused it to decode even the encrypted channels), and when the STBs were eventually released the QAM tuning feature was disabled. Even as recently as two years ago it was possible to buy direct view Samsung HDTVs that had a QAM tuner that could decode the Pay Per View movie streams, but couldn't reliably tune into the unscrambled QAM channels on Comcast.

As of this writing, Comcast is broadcasting (in the clear) digital versions of Speed, Comedy Central, and Bravo. When all of the analog tier is switched over, you should be able to tune most if not all of the channels via your ClearQAM tuner. I've seen what the analog tier will look like once the digital simulcast project is completed; you can expect sharper, clearer images with much more natural color rendition. Currently, the channels from The Weather Channel (channel 27) on up are being tested. They expect to add the remaining channels over the next two weeks, and once testing has been satisfactorily completed they will begin activating the simulcast throughout the system. We are fortunate that the headend manager is a stickler for detail and high quality, and truly loves his work...he will not launch the simulcast until everything is precisely to his liking.

I had posted a while ago in another thread, a question specifically relating to why my MYHD PC card could pick up channels that my TOSHIBA TV could not. The response there was that the actual data sent by the cable company was incorrect - in the case of the 92-xx and 93-xx channels the cable company stream was actually saying these were terrestrial channels? (therefore it was assumed the MYHD was looser in its interpretation of that data than the Toshiba)

My Toshiba actually redirects all the 92-xx channels to 5-1, and indeed 5.1 is listed in the information stream as the terrestrial channel

anyways the link below shows that conversation and my posting of the stream capture information

TexanExile

06-16-06, 10:07 PM

DirecTV response to my question about local HD:

"...Our new MPEG-4-capable DIRECTV HD DVR is expected to be available sometime this year."

It'd sure be nice to get that DVR here by the time football season starts. :cool: Now that my family is DirecTivo-addicted, that'd be the only thing that'll move me into DirecTV HD!

Given that I'm still forced to pay Advanced-Bloodsucker Cable, most of the major local HD's already coming in anyway, 'cept WFOR...doggone it. I do wish they'd get that resolved.

pglenn

06-16-06, 11:19 PM

I had posted a while ago in another thread, a question specifically relating to why my MYHD PC card could pick up channels that my TOSHIBA TV could not. The response there was that the actual data sent by the cable company was incorrect - in the case of the 92-xx and 93-xx channels the cable company stream was actually saying these were terrestrial channels? (therefore it was assumed the MYHD was looser in its interpretation of that data than the Toshiba)

My Toshiba actually redirects all the 92-xx channels to 5-1, and indeed 5.1 is listed in the information stream as the terrestrial channel

anyways the link below shows that conversation and my posting of the stream capture information

[/URL]

OOPS - forgot the link :-(

[url]http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=493691&page=229&pp=30 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=493691&page=229&pp=30)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=493691&page=229&pp=30

Rick Fehnel

06-16-06, 11:42 PM

Can anyone tell me if I should easily get (with a cheap indoor antenna) ABC digital WPLG from Miami via OTA (for the NBA Finals) in Coconut Grove -- my specific location is near S. Douglas Rd. & St. Gaudens Rd.

Antennaweb.org shows that the ABC digital transmitter is just 17 miles from my location (single story home, no tall building really close by) and they recommend just a multidirectional antenna.

thanks,
Rick

DownPat

06-18-06, 02:17 PM

Anybody else catching this weirdness on 10-1 between soccer games? It looks like some sort of HD demo reel. The regular SD channel is running an infomercial.

Herby

06-18-06, 02:17 PM

Are you guys hearing the 5.1 Audio Tests they are doing on ABC-HD?
What is that all about? Does that mean they are upgrading there Sound?
If so it is about time.

slimoli

06-18-06, 06:08 PM

Anybody here with Atlantic Broadband can tell me if there are new HD channels being released soon? I had my cable installed last Friday I'm a bit disappointed with the Explorer 8300 box. Guide is ridiculous compared to my HD-TIVO and the software was updated more than a year ago. How can I have the new software version on he Explorer 8300? I don't see many comments about AB here, which is a bit scary.

Thanks

Sergio

pglenn

06-20-06, 07:33 AM

are Bravo and Comedy Channel channels being sent unencrypted? I wasnt able to find them on my Toshiba 37hl95 (but then again it doesnt get 92-xx channels either)...
comcast/plantation

Rudy1

06-20-06, 11:08 AM

are Bravo and Comedy Channel channels being sent unencrypted? I wasnt able to find them on my Toshiba 37hl95 (but then again it doesnt get 92-xx channels either)...
comcast/plantation

Comedy Central & Bravo are not encrypted. Try the 124-127 range...that's where they show up on my QAM tuners.

97Strat

06-21-06, 09:25 AM

So what happened on WPLG-DT last night at the end of the Finals?

Towards the end of the 4th quarter coming back from a series of local commercials, the pic never snapped back to HD widescreen, then some other source with a girl (instead of the game) appeared for a second or two, then the game reappeared but in SD.

A short time later, the network feed (it was 4:3 SD), suddenly went to the analog SD (I knew it was local because it was that horriffic morph stretch that WPLG-DT is still using for their local SD 4:3 content). Finally, during the presentations after the game was over, the pic returned to the HD network feed in widescreen.

I can only wonder what was going on at WPLG last night...

Joe

yanksno1

06-21-06, 10:56 AM