They probably have it set on a timer, and if it goes over it switches automatically. I wish they wouldn't do that and have someone manually switching it. I've noticed that happens towards the ends of games on various networks. It pisses the crap out of me. :mad:

Could be, but it certainly seemed like someone was messing with something, especially when the other source appeared (the pic of the girl) and when they went to their annoying "local stretch SD" mode. Also, with something like the NBA Finals, you'd think that they'd be a bit more careful as a lot of viewers were probably tuned in.

Joe

I think someone realized that the Heat looked like they were going to win so they inserted the "please don't burn down Miami when we win" infomercial. It was local and probably not scheduled so it threw everything off. I had a picture of Heidi going through my mind and thought they were going to blow the game end.

I think someone realized that the Heat looked like they were going to win so they inserted the "please don't burn down Miami when we win" infomercial. It was local and probably not scheduled so it threw everything off.


And that would be a bad thing!

Ericglo

i was watching the game ota with my hd tivo....and although when the game did come back from commercial and was sd 3 or 4 minutes later it came back to widescreen hd.

I have 3 h20-600's from D*, my dad has had 3 different units, all replaced, that all reboot when going to channel 17-1 here in Miami. I live in Cooper City, my dad in S. Miami. It seems there is some sort of inherent problem with this unit. Want to know if others have this same issue. Only happens on 17-1, all other OTA's are fine.

I have 3 h20-600's from D*, my dad has had 3 different units, all replaced, that all reboot when going to channel 17-1 here in Miami. I live in Cooper City, my dad in S. Miami. It seems there is some sort of inherent problem with this unit. Want to know if others have this same issue. Only happens on 17-1, all other OTA's are fine.


The receivers are probably experiencing some difficulty with the station's PSIP stream. In the early days of DTV broadcasts in this area, it was a common problem among many receivers. Try contacting WLRN's chief engineer to discuss the issue...the receptionist should be able to put you through to him if you call during normal business hours.

I have 3 h20-600's from D*, my dad has had 3 different units, all replaced, that all reboot when going to channel 17-1 here in Miami. I live in Cooper City, my dad in S. Miami. It seems there is some sort of inherent problem with this unit. Want to know if others have this same issue. Only happens on 17-1, all other OTA's are fine.


I had the same issue just the other day. I have the 600 as well and while channel surfing I ran across 17.1 and got into a rebooting cycle. I finally had to get it to reboot to another channel once I figured out what was going on. I had read so much about the trouble with the 600s and when this happend I was like "go figure". But I guess I'll just stay away from that channel for now.

I'm having picture and sound dropouts with 3 HD channels on Atlantic Broadband. HBO-HD,ABC-HD and FOX-HD. Called service and they told me they need few DAYS to fix the problems. I'm already missing my TIVO and satellite....

Sergio

Can someone with a AT9 and H20 in Miami with D* please look in the menu and see which of the few tranpsonders on 99 and 103 they have a signal on with more than 0 or N/A?

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

Crap! :mad:

did any of you who could pick those channels above just lose ESPN2HD? :confused:

85.203 is not getting ESPN2HD since this morning....I wonder if it's just a temporary thing, or they moved the channel elsewhere..

can someone please confirm this!

anyone??? :(

Crap! :mad:

did any of you who could pick those channels above just lose ESPN2HD? :confused:

85.203 is not getting ESPN2HD since this morning....I wonder if it's just a temporary thing, or they moved the channel elsewhere..

can someone please confirm this!


Its gone as of Tuesday evening. I picked it up on 85.1 here in Fort Lauderdale. We also lost TNT last week. I now get it on 117-55. There seems to be a lot of activity with channel realignment. The 74.X, 75.X, 79.X, 118.X and 119.X series now have scrambled programming. I guess we will soon also lose ESPN, WB and Discovery. This is Comcasts' way of getting us switched to their HD and digital service.

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.

Thanks Rudy for the explanation!

Now PLEASE tell us where did ESPN2 HD go? Will it comeback? Hate to watch some remaining World Cup games on ESPN2 SD.

Its gone as of Tuesday evening. I picked it up on 85.1 here in Fort Lauderdale. We also lost TNT last week. There seems to be a lot of activity with channel realignment. The 74.X, 75.X, 79.X, 118.X and 119.X series now have scrambled programming. I guess we will soon also lose ESPN, WB and Discovery. This is Comcasts' way of getting us switched to their HD and digital service.
Crud! :(

well, at least it worked during the World Cup :p

I’ve been having on and off HDTV channels. Yesterday morning I was able to watch the World Cup in ESPNHD, and then lost the signal in the afternoon and it never came back. I also lost all the other HDTV channels. The strange thing is that my TV said “No signal” while if the channels were scrambled, they would say “Not authorized”, Am I correct? Does “No Signal” means a channel is scrambled too?

I am in zip code 33134, with “friendly Comcast”. How do I get those channels back? Do I have to pay the 5 extra bucks they say need to be paid to get HDTV signal? I have a DCR TV with HDTV tuner so I guess I don’t need the box Comcast say is needed to get HDTV channels, but do I have to subscribe to digital cable to get HDTV from now on?

Thanks for your guidance

Thanks Rudy for the explanation!

Now PLEASE tell us where did ESPN2 HD go? Will it comeback? Hate to watch some remaining World Cup games on ESPN2 SD.

Yes Rudy....PLEASE, share the wealth with your fellow AVSers!! ;)

will it be back? is it in another channel alignment? *cough* 33324 * cough * :D

Yes Rudy....PLEASE, share the wealth with your fellow AVSers!! ;)

will it be back? is it in another channel alignment? *cough* 33324 * cough * :D

Just got off the phone with management, and I'm told that ESPN2-HD is a B2 service so it's encrypted. They had to program and send out macros to all subscribers with high-end boxes before they could activate the encryption, and that's why the ClearQAM tuners were able to see the channel.

I’ve been having on and off HDTV channels. Yesterday morning I was able to watch the World Cup in ESPNHD, and then lost the signal in the afternoon and it never came back. I also lost all the other HDTV channels. The strange thing is that my TV said “No signal” while if the channels were scrambled, they would say “Not authorized”, Am I correct? Does “No Signal” means a channel is scrambled too?

I am in zip code 33134, with “friendly Comcast”. How do I get those channels back? Do I have to pay the 5 extra bucks they say need to be paid to get HDTV signal? I have a DCR TV with HDTV tuner so I guess I don’t need the box Comcast say is needed to get HDTV channels, but do I have to subscribe to digital cable to get HDTV from now on?

Thanks for your guidance

ESPN2-HD has indeed been scrambled...my 3 QAM tuners confirm this. If your TV has CableCard capability (and not just a ClearQAM tuner), you can obtain a CableCard from Comcast which would enable you to view whatever channels you want (with the proper subscription). I don't know what the cost of the cards is (though my TV supports that feature) because I use the Motorola DVR. To see everything (except the premium movie channels HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX & STARZ), you only need to subscribe to the Digital Plus tier. Without any sort of digital cable subscription, you should still be able to view all of the unencrypted digital cable channels, including the HD local network broadcasts.

I read on HDbeat.com that D* added the Miami HD locals today.

Just got off the phone with management, and I'm told that ESPN2-HD is a B2 service so it's encrypted. They had to program and send out macros to all subscribers with high-end boxes before they could activate the encryption, and that's why the ClearQAM tuners were able to see the channel.

Like a knife through one's aorta! :(

so I guess is now up to waiting for the 3412 right? what do you suggest (given that I dont have the 6412 or any STBs right now), for me to go forward now and get a 6412, or sit tight and get the 3412 later?

Like a knife through one's aorta! :(

so I guess is now up to waiting for the 3412 right? what do you suggest (given that I dont have the 6412 or any STBs right now), for me to go forward now and get a 6412, or sit tight and get the 3412 later?

Go in and pick up whatever HD DVR your local Comcast office happens to have available so you can enjoy the digital programming, including the World Cup matches. You can always trade that unit in for the 3412 when the digital simulcast project is completed.

Did anyone else notice that the Lost episodes on last night on both OTA and DirectTV were not in HD even though they were supposed to be?

I have been out of touch with this forum for a while. what happened to DirecTV and HBO HD?
I don't get 509 HD any more.
I assume that I just got screwed?

well, DirecTV went to down rez HDLITE of 1280x1080i about 18 months ago. HBO continues broadcast in HD. Besides that, you probably havent missed much. If you paid for 509HD, call a CSR and fill out a trouble ticket. If not, then one wonders how you got screwed.

No doubt you read Rudi's explanation why certain QAM tuners will not unscramble 92-X and 93-X. I had a Panny 50" 500U something plasma that last December that would not receive the channels. I tried everything, including going out for servicing. (At that time, nobody was aware of this priblem with Comcast in So. Florida) The techniciam hooked up to Comcast in Pompano and saw first hand what I was complaining about. After a new tuner did not resolve the problem, Panasonic refunded my purchase price.

That was a good thing for me, because I was able to find out about the Toshiba 50HPX95, which is a superior TV to the Panny, a great picture and many more features. After installation, it had the same problem as the Panny on the Toshiba, with the QAM tuner. I resolved the problem by hooking up a Radio Shack 16" Dia. pizza like antenna I have on my balcony, to the ANT, input on the TV, keeping the Cable on CABLE input. The Toshiba has both inputs, Panny only one.

I now do all my tuning from the TV Guide screen, where if I select a cable channel or a local OTA, the switching of inputs is done automatically, and I get either OTA or Cable as selected.

The purpose of this post is if we can share exactly which QAM's will work with Comcast and which not, so that someone elsr may be guided in their decision for purchasing their TV.

No doubt you read Rudi's explanation why certain QAM tuners will not unscramble 92-X and 93-X. I had a Panny 50" 500U something plasma that last December that would not receive the channels. I tried everything, including going out for servicing. (At that time, nobody was aware of this priblem with Comcast in So. Florida) The techniciam hooked up to Comcast in Pompano and saw first hand what I was complaining about. After a new tuner did not resolve the problem, Panasonic refunded my purchase price.

That was a good thing for me, because I was able to find out about the Toshiba 50HPX95, which is a superior TV to the Panny, a great picture and many more features. After installation, it had the same problem as the Panny on the Toshiba, with the QAM tuner. I resolved the problem by hooking up a Radio Shack 16" Dia. pizza like antenna I have on my balcony, to the ANT, input on the TV, keeping the Cable on CABLE input. The Toshiba has both inputs, Panny only one.

I now do all my tuning from the TV Guide screen, where if I select a cable channel or a local OTA, the switching of inputs is done automatically, and I get either OTA or Cable as selected.

The purpose of this post is if we can share exactly which QAM's will work with Comcast and which not, so that someone elsr may be guided in their decision for purchasing their TV.

The Toshiba 32/37HL95 models as mentioned have issues with 92-x and 93-x however in a previous post of mine (couple pages back) I uploaded links that seemed to show the problem was not so much with the receivers themselves as it is with incorrect PSID data broadcast by COMCAST for those channels. so the problem appears not that the different QAMs rcv'ers cant get the channels but rather how strict or loose the QAM rcv'ers are in interpretting incorrect info sent in the streams by COMCAST. (BTW the post of mine was never addressed or commented on by anyone)

In the end it amounts to the same thing (which can and which cant show the channels) but it is something that should ideally be addressed by COMCAST

The Toshiba 32/37HL95 models as mentioned have issues with 92-x and 93-x however in a previous post of mine (couple pages back) I uploaded links that seemed to show the problem was not so much with the receivers themselves as it is with incorrect PSID data broadcast by COMCAST for those channels. so the problem appears not that the different QAMs rcv'ers cant get the channels but rather how strict or loose the QAM rcv'ers are in interpretting incorrect info sent in the streams by COMCAST. (BTW the post of mine was never addressed or commented on by anyone)

In the end it amounts to the same thing (which can and which cant show the channels) but it is something that should ideally be addressed by COMCAST

Patrick,

Sorry that I never got back to you on that. Shortly after I read your post, I had the headend manager review his equipment settings. He maintained that (per his equipment) they were within parameters for QAM transmissions and that the QAM-equipped set they have was able to tune the unencrypted channels properly (he never told me what brand TV it was). However, I think he must've made some changes, though the results were less than stellar: my TV now reports the missing channels as being there, but scrambled!

The next morning, I spoke with an engineer at Toshiba (took the better part of the morning just to reach someone other than a CSR). Toshiba acknowledged that there were "issues" with the way some of the QAM tuners in their sets interpreted the streams from the various cable headends. They tried to convince me to have the TV serviced, but I refused because they'd probably just makes things worse. The same inconsistencies in the way the chips are programmed is what allows many of them to decode scrambled channels---my Samsung at the office is still able to tune 3 of Comcast's scrambled PPV channels, and I believe several posters here have reported that they can view a couple of the encrypted Encore movie channels.

Just like it is with the PSIP streams from the OTA channels, it is impossible to get consistent results from brand to brand with all broadcasters. The impression I've gotten over the past 3 years from both the cable company and the manufacturers is that they're putting all of their efforts into Cable Cards and OCAP so that they can fully control what channels you have access to, rather than dealing with the ClearQAM tuner issues.

---Rudy

I should have some more info on this within the next 48 hours. All of the channels have been duplicated in the digital tier; I will try to find out when those with ClearQAM tuners might be able to tune all of them (several are already viewable). But I can tell you that they look pretty good on the DCT6412, as well as on the DCT3412 (which will be available as soon as the digital simulcast is fully deployed throughout South Florida).

I am certainly no expert in the PSIP stream data so I rely on my limited knowledge and the input of others.

I find it very interesting that it is only the ranges (92-x, 93-x) that containly solely "local/ota" channels that the toshiba cant receive, for whatever reason. The only difference I see in those ranges and in the 102-x, 104-x, etc ranges is the 92-x and 93-x claim to be terrestrial data and the other ranges do not. and also the 92-x maps a "virtual channel" within the PSIP data and the toshiba actually redirects all subchannels in the 92-x range to 5.1 (which is the defined virtual channel)


here is the original thread where the COMCAST stream was discussed:
-- http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=493691&page=229&pp=30


and here are a couple relevant excerpts from that thread:

-------------------------------------
If you examine the HTML files in MSIE, you'll see that the DISC-HD channel has two programs: "1" in 1920x1080i HDTV format that's encrypted (DC-II video) and "3" that's in a lower-res format 1440x1080i and unencrypted (MPEG-2 video). I presume that both your DTV and MyHD are showing you program 3 (and MyHD will indicate another subchannel on that channel that's blank). MyHD will say that the nonblank one is "1440x1080i" in the OSD's upper lefthand side.

The Fox one has 5 subchannels, programs "1", "3", "5", "6", and "7". Only two of these seem to have proper PSIP Virtual channel and EPG info ("5" and "7", called "5.1" and "7.1" as virtual channels). I suspect that your DTV is having problems with this stream either because of the missing VC info for some of the subchannels or because of the combination of the missing info and the rather odd ordering of the PIDs for the subchannels.
-------------------------------------

and

-------------------------------------
Good work. I think that you now need to stare at those HTML pages for a bit and read the help materials at TSReader's site (e.g., see this spot for information on the claimed video type of the Discovery channel on your rf 104. Be aware that TSRL shows the data descriptions in the PSIP stream, not its interpretation of the actual video or audio data. If that stream really were DC-II, AIUI, you'd see no video on either DTV or MyHD (or TSRL), since both handle only MPEG-2 decoding--and DC-II is how the cableco encrypts QAM transmissions. I.e., the PSIP data is messed up in at least this one regard.
-------------------------------------

mind you that the stream interpretations uploaded were directly from the streams themselves, and not from any interpretation of any QAM tuner of those streams

it would be interesting if one of the comcast technicians could review the stream data I uploaded and could comment on the differences contained within it to the defined PSIP specifications. however on the other hand I do understand they would rather concentrate on how their own equiptment handles those streams rather than other peoples equiptment. Like I said previously the end result mounts to the same thing --- what non-comcast consumer equiptment can and cant decode that information.

PS - no flame or debate intended, just my 2-cents :-)

I read on HDbeat.com that D* added the Miami HD locals today.

Too little, too late for me. Given the failure of the Weston city commission weenies to see the Advanced Cable lawsuit through, I'm stuck paying Advanced through 2013 (!!!), so I canceled my D* service and will (reluctantly) just get comfy with Advanced. I'll miss NFL Sunday Ticket but not to the tune of more than a grand a year in redundant service fees/NFL subscription!

On a related note, I'm obviously more interested than ever in Advanced FINALLY getting CBS-HD up and running. Here's their response today to an email I sent about that subject:

"We are very anxious to launch CBS HD we are currently in contract negotiations with them. We will keep you informed as to when we might launch the network.

Advanced Cable Communications"


Er, riiiight. :rolleyes:

I gave up on Advanced over a year ago and got Dish Network. I know I am paying for redundant SD channels but I only watch HD channels and Dish offers the most channels.

I don't know what Weston was thinking when they made that deal with Advanced. The original deal was going to expire on 12/31/07. Now we are stuck paying for cable thru 2013. Somebody in the city gov't probably got a very nice kickback for this deal.

i read dtv upgraded the miami/ft laud area's local hd's on june 28th and was wondering if anyone here has done the upgrade with the new dish and hardware yet and how it went?

personally i can pull down the local hd's with my ota antenna and my hd tivo...and since dtv doesnt have a new hd dvr out yet to replace the hr10 250 i'm gonna wait until the new dvr comes out.

but just wondering if the installers are experienced yet on setting up the new bigger dish

greg

I had D* do HD local upgrade in April. It is true that on 6/28 cbs, nbc, abc & fox hd locals became available, as well as, FSN Florida when Marlins or Devil Ray games are being broadcast in HD. As far as the install I had to have Mastec, D*'s installer for Dade & Broward, come out 2 times to properly align the dish, my dad has had them come out 4 times. Alot of the problem is that many of these installers don't have the equipment to test the two new satellites. It appears not all these tech's have been schooled on how to set them up. You have to go inside and check signal strength meter on unit, then go back out and re-adjust dish until satisfactory. Satellites at 101, 110 & 119 are no problem, its 99 & 103. If you get your HD locals currently on OTA antenna, you may want to wait. The upgrade will be more important when D* changes their HD programming from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4, and when they add additional HD network channels. As a side note, if they do come out, if you do not speak any spanish, request an installer who speaks english.

As a side note, if they do come out, if you do not speak any spanish, request an installer who speaks english.

:D

Can I just get confirmation that D* Sat 110 is still transmitting, or better yet can someone confirm that they can recieve Sat 110 signal?
I believe my Sat equipment may be at fault.
I get zero for all 3 transponders for Sat C 110. That is the reason I do not get HBO HD.
Thanks in advance.

Can I just get confirmation that D* Sat 110 is still transmitting, or better yet can someone confirm that they can recieve Sat 110 signal?
I believe my Sat equipment may be at fault.
I get zero for all 3 transponders for Sat C 110. That is the reason I do not get HBO HD.
Thanks in advance.
-------------
Yes 110 is still live.....
http://www.lyngsat.com/packages/directvusa110.html
What result do you get on the test channel for the 110 (ch.494)??
What kind of dish do you have (oval with the added c sat kit) or phase 111??
If you have the old oval with the added middle LNB, you could get a replacement
LNB if it is bad...if you have the phase 3 with the 3 lnb's built in, you will have to
replace the dish, as the LNB's are not removable/replaceable.

I've just learned that the final channel lineup (as your tuners perceive it) has not been determined. The headend manager plans to move channels around, so he recommends that we wait until the digital simulcast channels are available to the general public to do a rescan with your tuners. Right now they're concentrating on getting the best possible PQ on the B1 channels, as well as dealing with some issues with the DCT3412 DVR. Last but not least, the issues some of us are having with ABC, PBS, WSVN & NBC (the hidef versions) will be addressed to see if the matter can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction. I will keep you posted as I learn more.

I got the old oval with middle LNB. Thanks again. I wanted to make sure it was me and not D*.
Sorry if I have a negative attitude with D*.
Now I have to check if it is the LNB since the other 2 LNB are working.
I hope it may be a cable, but I feel it is not.
Since it starting to rain is when I lost 110. No problems with 101 or 119.
Thank you again for checking and confirming that is my equipment.

I've just learned that the final channel lineup (as your tuners perceive it) has not been determined. The headend manager plans to move channels around, so he recommends that we wait until the digital simulcast channels are available to the general public to do a rescan with your tuners. Right now they're concentrating on getting the best possible PQ on the B1 channels, as well as dealing with some issues with the DCT3412 DVR. Last but not least, the issues some of us are having with ABC, PBS, WSVN & NBC (the hidef versions) will be addressed to see if the matter can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction. I will keep you posted as I learn more.

thanks Rudy.

so I followed your recommendation, and picked up a motorola 6412 stb coupel of days ago...it's ok at best.

what advantages/features/etc will the panny DCT 3412 have?

I got the old oval with middle LNB. Thanks again. I wanted to make sure it was me and not D*.
Sorry if I have a negative attitude with D*.
Now I have to check if it is the LNB since the other 2 LNB are working.
I hope it may be a cable, but I feel it is not.
Since it starting to rain is when I lost 110. No problems with 101 or 119.
Thank you again for checking and confirming that is my equipment.
----------
Since you mention the trouble started afer the rain, be sure to check any cable
connections for water intrusion....if the middle LNB has gone bad as mine did
with the same symtoms, you can get them at various places, but they are getting
rare to find. Keep in mind the c kit LNB is a special freq. one that "blends" the
other 2 sats into the stream... you can't use a regular one you may check here for it...
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=SASATC&xzoom=zoom#xview
:)

thanks Rudy.

so I followed your recommendation, and picked up a motorola 6412 stb coupel of days ago...it's ok at best.

what advantages/features/etc will the panny DCT 3412 have?

The DCT3412 is from Motorola. You can find details on it here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=604142

New Comcast Digital Channels Available

Looks like some of the simulcast has begun. I just found these channels today...

77-1 ... PBS
77-2 ... NBC
77-3 ... (spanish)
77-4 ... WB
77-5 ... (spanish)
77-6 ... WPXM
77-7 ... WLRN
77-8 ... WXEL
77-9 ... UPN

quality was not spectacular for me (digital simulcast of SPEED is SO much better) but it is something

of course, based on your receiver, your "mileage" and sub-channels will vary

New Comcast Digital Channels Available

Looks like some of the simulcast has begun. I just found these channels today...

77-1 ... PBS
77-2 ... NBC
77-3 ... (spanish)
77-4 ... WB
77-5 ... (spanish)
77-6 ... WPXM
77-7 ... WLRN
77-8 ... WXEL
77-9 ... UPN

quality was not spectacular for me (digital simulcast of SPEED is SO much better) but it is something

of course, based on your receiver, your "mileage" and sub-channels will vary

I assume the above are non-HD, right?!

These are indeed the analog signals (on the B1 tier) from these local broadcasters.

Adelphia in Miami doesn't seem to broadcast WB in HDTV free over their cable..aren't they supposed to do it? On their website, it shows that they broadcast it. I am using QAM, and it doesn't seem to pick up WB...and I really want WB :(

Anyone seem to get FOX OTA?? The signal is totally gone!

A friend just called me from the Sound Advice store on Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale. They have the Mitsubishi Alpha (a 1080p DLP) on sale for just under $6,000 (original retail was over $20,000!). There's a note on the unit that states that the bulb needs to be replaced, but my friend says the unit is working.

A friend just called me from the Sound Advice store on Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale. They have the Mitsubishi Alpha (a 1080p DLP) on sale for just under $6,000 (original retail was over $20,000!). There's a note on the unit that states that the bulb needs to be replaced, but my friend says the unit is working.

Why? There will be a plethora of FP 1080p digitals coming in the fall. The Panny AE110 should have a $3500 MSRP. The 1080 DLPs should be in the same range. Of course, the much heralded Ruby isn't much more than $6k.

Ericglo

Not everyone can use a FP in their set up.I for one cant. For those that want a humongous screen, a 82" or larger (if one exists) rear projection of some kind might be the only way to go. I might go down to that store tonight, just to take a look at it.

Not everyone can use a FP in their set up.I for one cant. For those that want a humongous screen, a 82" or larger (if one exists) rear projection of some kind might be the only way to go. I might go down to that store tonight, just to take a look at it.

http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/televisions/details.asp?id=94

Yardy,
I understand, but I think there are a lot of people that it could work for that think it can't.

Bill,
That is a link to a LCOS. Rudy said it is a DLP. I don't pay attention to RP, but I know the first FP 1080p DLPs won't be out till Cedia.

Ericglo

Yardy,
I understand, but I think there are a lot of people that it could work for that think it can't.

Bill,
That is a link to a LCOS. Rudy said it is a DLP. I don't pay attention to RP, but I know the first FP 1080p DLPs won't be out till Cedia.

Ericglo

Sorry about that guys...the Alpha IS an LCoS set. My buddy was asking me about my DLP when I posted yesterday and I made a typo.

I had D* do HD local upgrade in April. It is true that on 6/28 cbs, nbc, abc & fox hd locals became available, as well as, FSN Florida when Marlins or Devil Ray games are being broadcast in HD. As far as the install I had to have Mastec, D*'s installer for Dade & Broward, come out 2 times to properly align the dish, my dad has had them come out 4 times. Alot of the problem is that many of these installers don't have the equipment to test the two new satellites. It appears not all these tech's have been schooled on how to set them up. You have to go inside and check signal strength meter on unit, then go back out and re-adjust dish until satisfactory. Satellites at 101, 110 & 119 are no problem, its 99 & 103. If you get your HD locals currently on OTA antenna, you may want to wait. The upgrade will be more important when D* changes their HD programming from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4, and when they add additional HD network channels. As a side note, if they do come out, if you do not speak any spanish, request an installer who speaks english.


I had the same problem with Mastec - I had a installer actually come out and didnt know one word of english - He had to call his office for every question i asked :confused: I just had the new AT9 installed, The installed who did it said they only will install it on flat roofs ? ( my original 3LNB was installed on my fascia board, Which i agree is a crappy way to install ) how many flat roofs in south florida ? I had to install a pole, which works out better for me.

if you do not speak any spanish, request an installer who speaks english.


I was beginning to think i was the last english only speaker in Broward - I had to ask for a english speaking installer...

Can anybody recommend a OTA antenna for Ft Lauderdale ? I have the Directv supplied antenna which is only UHF, so i don't get FOX & ABC which are VHF. Ideally i would like a " low profile " UHF/VHF antenna. Maybe even one that would pick up West Palm Beach as well as Miami ? Thanks - :confused:

I was beginning to think i was the last english only speaker in Broward - I had to ask for a english speaking installer...

Yeah, that is funny. Down here outside the U.S., I am the only American and I only speak English.


Can anybody recommend a OTA antenna for Ft Lauderdale ? I have the Directv supplied antenna which is only UHF, so i don't get FOX & ABC which are VHF. Ideally i would like a " low profile " UHF/VHF antenna. Maybe even one that would pick up West Palm Beach as well as Miami ? Thanks - :confused:


Look around on the site here. I think any decent antenna (Winegard, Channelmaster, etc) that is outside will work great. I built my own Yagi antenna just for Fox and ABC.

Ericglo

http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060713/NEWS01/60713035/1003/BUSINESS

perhaps you misunderstood the installer when he said they can only install on flat roofs. maybe he meant they have to install it on top of the roof instead of on an overhang since it is so big.

hard for me to believe dtv would produce a dish that could only be installed on flat roofs. imagine how many customers they would lose!

I've just learned that the final channel lineup (as your tuners perceive it) has not been determined. The headend manager plans to move channels around, so he recommends that we wait until the digital simulcast channels are available to the general public to do a rescan with your tuners. Right now they're concentrating on getting the best possible PQ on the B1 channels, as well as dealing with some issues with the DCT3412 DVR. Last but not least, the issues some of us are having with ABC, PBS, WSVN & NBC (the hidef versions) will be addressed to see if the matter can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction. I will keep you posted as I learn more.

Thats great news! I can offer some additional information on this 92-X and 93-X issue, from a consumer point of view as I am not technical on this. Of course you know it is not a Toshiba TV issue, but also a Panasonic and who knows what other brands of QAM tuners.

Scanning shows no signal for for 92-X and 93-X, but on the "found channels" lineup, it will indicate 5-1 and 7-1, which is really PBS 2-2 OTA and 2-3 OTA. Manually tuning to any 92-X channels will tune 5-1. For 93-X, manually tuning 93-1, 93-2 and up, will show the scrambled notice.

Last year, I had no problem with a LC LCD TV's QAM tuner and with a Samsung SIR-450 tuner. That is why I was convinced that the Panasonic plasma I had purchased was at fault and tried to have it fixed.

perhaps you misunderstood the installer when he said they can only install on flat roofs. maybe he meant they have to install it on top of the roof instead of on an overhang since it is so big.

hard for me to believe dtv would produce a dish that could only be installed on flat roofs. imagine how many customers they would lose!


Thats what he told me. he told me the roof pitch wouldnt allow him room for adjustments. I knew they couldnt install it on the fascia board like they do all others. I did a little research before and installed a 2" pole for the mount. I did get the vibe that he didnt want to install it at all that day. I drove around looking for the new dishes, and the ones i saw were mounted on fascia boards - which when we get our storms this year they will be goners ! I think once they install it and you sign for it, the job is done.

I was hoping that someone in Broward county has a low profile antenna ( like those round ones ? ), and wanted to know how they picked up signals. Ideally i would like to pick up WPB as well as Miami.

I have an old Channel Master antenna, approx 5' long, along with a pre-amp with 21 db gain in my attic and pull in Miami and Palm Bch 5-1, 12-1, 29-1, 42-1, 67-1. Only one missing is 25-1, but their transmitter is north palm bch county. I live in Cooper City. I've tried those small jobs outside the house and truthfully, I have an indoor RCA u/v antenna I bought at Best Buy with a 40db adjustable gain that works much better. I pull in all Miami as well as 5-1 and sometimes 29-1. Bottom line is, either put up something substantial outside, or if HOA doesn't allow, place in attic. Otherwise you are better off with a good indoor job.

how many flat roofs in south florida?

I have a flat roof with 3 dishes on it, but I like to scan the skies :) However I do pickup all of the Miami/Broward stations with a ChannelMaster Stealth and an amplifier left over from my Voom installation years ago. It lasted on the fascia through Wilma and the other storms we had last year.

Your one of the lucky ones - I had to reattach mine after Wilma ( we satellite people were much better off than cable after the hurricanes :cool: ). It seems the installers here only use tapcons for everything even though their made for concrete. Do you have the 5LNB/AT9 attached to your fascia board ? thanks for the reply...

I was hoping that someone in Broward county has a low profile antenna ( like those round ones ? ), and wanted to know how they picked up signals. Ideally i would like to pick up WPB as well as Miami.

Go to Radio Shack and check out a round antenna 16" Dia. with amplifier. It is only 2 " wide and works great. It is multi directional, picks up all Miami and PB stations (no 25-1). I have it on my 5th. floor condo balcony that faces east, but with the antenna aimed into the building, facing SW, it gives me 80+ signals. I have it mounted on a stand meant to hold a patio table umbrella.

All of the other fancy ones did not work for me.

Thats great news! I can offer some additional information on this 92-X and 93-X issue, from a consumer point of view as I am not technical on this. Of course you know it is not a Toshiba TV issue, but also a Panasonic and who knows what other brands of QAM tuners.

Scanning shows no signal for for 92-X and 93-X, but on the "found channels" lineup, it will indicate 5-1 and 7-1, which is really PBS 2-2 OTA and 2-3 OTA. Manually tuning to any 92-X channels will tune 5-1. For 93-X, manually tuning 93-1, 93-2 and up, will show the scrambled notice.

Last year, I had no problem with a LC LCD TV's QAM tuner and with a Samsung SIR-450 tuner. That is why I was convinced that the Panasonic plasma I had purchased was at fault and tried to have it fixed.

The problem does in fact lie within the PSIP data in the streams provided by COMCAST, though dont expect that to be fixed since their own equiptment works fine. Within the PSIP data for the 92-x stream for example, the "Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table" actually lists 5.1 and 7.1. Although this table isnt actually needed for digital cable signals, it is indeed included and the Toshiba (and others) read it and use it.

What is happening is the Toshiba, and whatever other brands dont work, is very strict in the interpretation of the PSIP data. Not their fault.

I had a AT9 installed a few weeks ago along with a Directv supplied OTA antenna. The OTA antenna wasn't getting all the networks, so Directv gave me a credit to buy a new correct antenna. When i was installing the new antenna I noticed that my new AT9 dish's LNB's are connected to the arm that holds them with tie-wraps ??? It looks like the arm connects to the LNB's, thru some sort of bracket. Well the bracket looks bent so they just used tie wraps. This isn't noticeable from the ground since my dish is mounted on a pole about 14'. I called Directv and told them of this unacceptable installation and they are supposed to have the area manager for the local installer ( Mastec ) straighten this out. I told Directv since i recommited for 2 years that i want it installed right, as this "setup" obviously wont last...

i dont see what a sloped roof would have any difference i mean my 3lnb dish practically sticks straight up as it is so i'm not sure why the new dish would have to be angled so much more downward..

besides...if you wait for the upgrade like i am so i can get the new hd dvr....they are coming out with a new SLIMLINE dish that sort of looks like the 3lnb dish so it will be easier to install. patience is a virtue i think in this matter. i get my ota's fine off air with my hd tivo so i'm good to go for a while

greg

:eek: Unbelievable! :eek:

Now WSVN-DT is using the same anamorphic distortion as WPLG-DT to stretch local 4:3 content to fit a 16:9 screen.

South Florida digital TV is rapidly going down the drain. Except for network HD content, I might as well watch Ch 7 & 10 analog - at least they can't screw around with the aspect ratio.

Joe

:eek: Unbelievable! :eek:

Now WSVN-DT is using the same anamorphic distortion as WPLG-DT to stretch local 4:3 content to fit a 16:9 screen.

South Florida digital TV is rapidly going down the drain. Except for network HD content, I might as well watch Ch 7 & 10 analog - at least they can't screw around with the aspect ratio.

Joe

Keep on complaining. In Las Vegas our complaints got strech-o-vision nipped in the bud when KVVU signed on and after years of effort we finally got longtime offender KTNV to stop.

I haven't watched WPLG since they began stretching 4:3 content. But I'm quite sure they don't miss me as a viewer.

I have also stop watching WPLG for stretching and i guess i will stop watching WSVN programming too.

Same here, I can't believe after experimenting with stretching when they first came out WSVN has gone back to it. I am now watching news on WTVJ. It is too bad since I prefer WFOR for news but with no digital on Advanced I started watching WPLG, then when they went to stretch I went to WSVN. I will send WSVN the same message I sent WPLG, if I want to stretch my picture I will do it myself. I don't watch distorted TV.

Just looked at the Noon News, and it's back to SD. Maybe the News Readers complained that the stretch-o-vision made them look fat..

stonecrd, your sig is great, but incomplete:
__________________
The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard

And the shallow end is much too large

Walt

Grampaw - Great addition to the signature!

Thank you WSVN for listening!

I'm comming into this discussion really late and did a search for bitrate and comcast to see if my question was already answered but I couldn't find it.

Does Comcast compress the HDTV channels compared to the OTA stations if I used an antenna. I'm sure someone has both the antenna/atsc tuner and comcast. Do you notice a difference?

Second question: I hooked up my 6412 to my computer to timeshift some stuff off the DVR. When I changed the channel to ABC I couldn't see a picture on the computer, kinda like a 5C flag issue. But it's a network station and all the other networks are fine. Has anyone else seen this happen here in Fort Lauderdale?

Tim

The streams OTA and from Comcast are identical. I have captured both and compared.
Second question I'm not sure I understand. You were streaming from firewire to your PC?

The streams OTA and from Comcast are identical. I have captured both and compared.
Second question I'm not sure I understand. You were streaming from firewire to your PC?

Well that's good to know about them not compressing the signal. Way to go Comcast.

I am using a firewire, and like I said, CBS, NBC, etc show up. But ABC, HBO don't. ABC used to but the other day I couldn't see it. It is like they activated their 5C flag....but on a newcast?

Tim

Just looked at the Noon News, and it's back to SD. Maybe the News Readers complained that the stretch-o-vision made them look fat..

stonecrd, your sig is great, but incomplete:
__________________
The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard
And the shallow end is much too large
Walt

I'll bet 10 to 1 that WSVN-DT was just checking out their new Picture Distorter that they plan to roll out later on full time after they finish playing with it. It's WSVN's nature to screw up something or other...

Joe

Well that's good to know about them not compressing the signal. Way to go Comcast.
<snip>
Tim

That's interesting that Comcast doesn't appear to compress the signal; I'd have thought different, even by just a bit.

Does Comcast carry all the sub-channels that are available OTA?

Joe

That's interesting that Comcast doesn't appear to compress the signal; I'd have thought different, even by just a bit.

Does Comcast carry all the sub-channels that are available OTA?

Joe

The only sub channel Comcast carries that I'm aware of is that stupid weather+ channel. I wanna just see the radar. Everyone in south fla in the summer wants to see the radar. Not the tampa radar, the south fla radar. I don't care what its doing in Gainesville. I don't need a personality on the screen just give me a radar, no talking weather guy.

Tim

+1

I don't need to see Weather+, I can get a forecast multiple times a day or watch TWC if I want a full forecast. The radar WPLG carries on 10-2 is what I like, just give me a Florida/Miami doppler that I can watch and I will be happy. They can even run ads in a crawl at the bottom if they want

Just sent an email to comcast to either replace channel 250 with 10-2 or just add 10-2 to the HDTV lineup.

Tim

The only sub channel Comcast carries that I'm aware of is that stupid weather+ channel. I wanna just see the radar. Everyone in south fla in the summer wants to see the radar. Not the tampa radar, the south fla radar. I don't care what its doing in Gainesville. I don't need a personality on the screen just give me a radar, no talking weather guy.

Tim

The NBC WeatherPlus channel is on there because of a formal agreement between NBC and Comcast, so don't expect it to go away until NBC decides to take it off. As for radar...well, I can tell you that the chances of having a cable channel entirely dedicated to local radar 24/7 are very, very slim. Perhaps once the system goes all digital (and they have "excess" bandwidth) they might consider it, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Incidentally, I'm told that the WeatherPlus channel's detailed area forecasts (as they appear in the banners at the bottom of the screen) are very popular with viewers across the nation.

So your saying Comcast would rather not have the weather plus station at all but that they do it grudgingly because it was part of an agreement with NBC. So is it NBC I should be contacting to get rid of the weather heads that tell us stuff we don't need. I hate having to wait till "on the eights" comes on TWC when all I need is a radar. The computer is in the other room and it's a hassle to go in there and click on the radar links.

Tim

Does Comcast carry all the sub-channels that are available OTA?
Joe

Comcast carries the PBS (WPBT / Channel 2) sub-channels as well. I really wish WPBT would dump their sub-channels when they broadcast an HD program. I can't stand watching when HD programming is on due to all the artifacts and motion issues. Just take a look and you can plainly see they are not dedicating enough bandwidth to their primary feed. :confused:

Well, based on what I've seen on Comcast, I'm certainly glad I'm not a subscriber. I just can't see paying anything for 100 channels of fluff-'n'-stuff. Same goes for satellite. And that's not to mention missing digital sub-channels (yes, I watch 'Create' sometimes on 2-3), questionable quality (how do we know they're really sending an uncompressed signal as good as the OTA signal), and the guess-what-channel shell game.

Sure, I'm missing out on stuff like HD Discovery and some other decent channels, but are the few channels I don't get OTA that I'd really watch worth $65-$100/month? Nope.

Thank God for my roof antenna. :)

Joe

Well, based on what I've seen on Comcast, I'm certainly glad I'm not a subscriber. I just can't see paying anything for 100 channels of fluff-'n'-stuff. Same goes for satellite. And that's not to mention missing digital sub-channels (yes, I watch 'Create' sometimes on 2-3), questionable quality (how do we know they're really sending an uncompressed signal as good as the OTA signal), and the guess-what-channel shell game.

Sure, I'm missing out on stuff like HD Discovery and some other decent channels, but are the few channels I don't get OTA that I'd really watch worth $65-$100/month? Nope.

Thank God for my roof antenna. :)

Joe

The digital sub-channels that Comcast carries are there because of specific contractual agreements. WPBT uses a statistical multiplexer to broadcast 3 channels 24/7, so that is the reason the PQ on all 3 is less than ideal. But this was a management decision at WPBT, as it is with all stations that chose to multicast (there is money to be made from doing it!).

Besides converting the ATSC signal to QAM for broadcast on their system, the local Comcast headend does not further compress the OTA digital signal from NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, PBS, and the WB. Depending on your equipment (display type, ATSC tuner, and QAM tuner) you may notice slightly more detail in the OTA source with a few programs. However, I can personally attest to the fact that the local broadcaster's primary concern when Comcast began carrying the signals was that the PQ was not being degraded. At one point I even did comparison tests for both the station engineers and the Comcast headend manager on the quality of the images from both sources. And I routinely pass on comments and complaints posted here to the appropriate parties so they get feedback on how they're doing...particularly as it pertains to the introduction of new HD channels on Comcast. But as you all know, bandwidth availability severely limits what Comcast can do about HD...as long as they have to deal with the bandwidth-hogging analog tier we will not have as many HD channels as we'd like. With the launch of the digital simulcast of the analog tier, it is hoped that more subscribers will switch to digital service so that the analog tier can eventually be reduced to 15 to 20 channels, with the ultimate goal being to eliminate it altogether.

The digital sub-channels that Comcast carries are there because of specific contractual agreements. WPBT uses a statistical multiplexer to broadcast 3 channels 24/7, so that is the reason the PQ on all 3 is less than ideal. But this was a management decision at WPBT, as it is with all stations that chose to multicast (there is money to be made from doing it!).
Obviously there is only so much bandwidth on a single channel assignment. WPBT has chosen to "spread the wealth" so to speak, and that's what we viewers have to live with. 2-1 is a bit better than 2-2 and 2-3 (both of which are pretty nasty-looking), but at least I have three for the price of one, and that's free anyway.

Besides converting the ATSC signal to QAM for broadcast on their system, the local Comcast headend does not further compress the OTA digital signal from NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, PBS, and the WB. Depending on your equipment (display type, ATSC tuner, and QAM tuner) you may notice slightly more detail in the OTA source with a few programs. However, I can personally attest to the fact that the local broadcaster's primary concern when Comcast began carrying the signals was that the PQ was not being degraded. At one point I even did comparison tests for both the station engineers and the Comcast headend manager on the quality of the images from both sources. And I routinely pass on comments and complaints posted here to the appropriate parties so they get feedback on how they're doing...particularly as it pertains to the introduction of new HD channels on Comcast. But as you all know, bandwidth availability severely limits what Comcast can do about HD...as long as they have to deal with the bandwidth-hogging analog tier we will not have as many HD channels as we'd like. With the launch of the digital simulcast of the analog tier, it is hoped that more subscribers will switch to digital service so that the analog tier can eventually be reduced to 15 to 20 channels, with the ultimate goal being to eliminate it altogether.
Of course, analog will be a thing of the past eventually. However, the interesting thing with digital is that cable can't improve the picture quality compared to OTA as they could with analog. Years ago, one of the major benefits that cable provided was a "crystal clear" picture that simply wasn't possible with OTA reception. Digital has flipped that around. OTA is the best possible signal, with cable and satellite coming very close at best.

Why pay for something that's simply not as good as the free version? Of course channel selection is the obvious answer, but if I really want to watch special programming that's not OTA, I'll go down the street to my buddy's house and watch it on his 61" DLP. :)

In the meantime, I'm very happy with my roof antenna.

Joe

And I routinely pass on comments and complaints posted here to the appropriate parties so they get feedback on how they're doing...particularly as it pertains to the introduction of new HD channels on Comcast.

has it been passed on to the engineers that the PSIP data they are passing on the 92-x and 93-x ranges is incorrect? specifically the Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table? For example the 92-x range has 5.1 and 7.1 mapped, resulting in some receivers redirecting those ranges incorrectly to 5.1, and for the 93-x range the Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table is blank, in this case causing certain receivers to not even display the data.

Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table information is not needed and really shouldnt even be included for cable digital streams. None of the other ranges even seem to carry this table, only the 92-x and 93-x. seems to truly be correct it should be one way or the other (include the table or dont include the table) and not use it on some sub-channels and not use it on others. and again on cable it should not be included, especially as terrestrial channel numbering has nothing to do with cable channel numbering

has it been passed on to the engineers that the PSIP data they are passing on the 92-x and 93-x ranges is incorrect? specifically the Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table? For example the 92-x range has 5.1 and 7.1 mapped, resulting in some receivers redirecting those ranges incorrectly to 5.1, and for the 93-x range the Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table is blank, in this case causing certain receivers to not even display the data.

Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table information is not needed and really shouldnt even be included for cable digital streams. None of the other ranges even seem to carry this table, only the 92-x and 93-x. seems to truly be correct it should be one way or the other (include the table or dont include the table) and not use it on some sub-channels and not use it on others. and again on cable it should not be included, especially as terrestrial channel numbering has nothing to do with cable channel numbering

I have discussed this issue with the engineer at WTVJ. He says that he just purchased equipment that allows them to analyze their streams in realtime, and he's noticed some anomalies that they're currently investigating. I've also discussed this with the headend manager at Comcast, and he promised to look into it again as soon as he has time (as I reported previously, his first attempt at identifying the cause of the problem was unsuccessful).

I have discussed this issue with the engineer at WTVJ. He says that he just purchased equipment that allows them to analyze their streams in realtime, and he's noticed some anomalies that they're currently investigating. I've also discussed this with the headend manager at Comcast, and he promised to look into it again as soon as he has time (as I reported previously, his first attempt at identifying the cause of the problem was unsuccessful).

admittedly I am not an expert in the streams or the PSIP data, but I would be sure it wouldnt be as issue with WTVJ or any individual channel at all but rather just with COMCAST. The majority of the PSIP data that would be found OTA is irrelevant on cable. It is Comcast that is constructing the "streams" over their cable signal. Alot of the default stream data, such as the Terestrial Virtual Channels, dont really have relevance over cable and shouldnt be included (or at least are not required to be included). As Comcast is combining OTA channels/sub-channels into their own format, so to speak, it is up to ComCast to construct everything in the stream from the ground up themselves with the possible exception of the information contained within the individual records of the "Event Information Table" data (which defines the bitrate/framereat/aspect ratio/etc of each sub-channel).

AT its simplest, I would be willing to bet that just removing the "Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table" would clear up most problems with most receivers. at the very least maybe ask someone "in the know" why that table is even included.

I know and I have stated before, ComCast has no reason to change what they are doing if their own equiptment works correctly. But I would also think they would want to be broadcasting a correct stream with correct PSIP info, which they are not doing.

Just an update on my DirecTV 3 LNB Sat C problem.
Last week I found replacing the coax cable to the Sat C fixed my signal problem. Then when I tried to re-adjust the dish, it seems to be in the best position. Then I had 85 - 93 signals on all TP's on Sat C.
Then a few days later, I get 40's on TP 8 and 10 (which is HBO HD), and 89 on TP 12.
What confuses me is why the signal of TP 12 is so high compared to TP 10?
TP 10 varies from pixelation in the 40's to a nice picture in the 70's.
I know it has to be my hardware, but would anyone know why some transponders are high and others real low? Would alignment cause this? And why?

So I bought the bullet and got a Adelphia DVR with the HD channels. This works nice, but I can not seem to make their universal remote change channels on my TV. I tried all the program codes, and all I can do is turn on/off and volume.
Can I assume that Adelphia did not add WB to the High Def list?

admittedly I am not an expert in the streams or the PSIP data, but I would be sure it wouldnt be as issue with WTVJ or any individual channel at all but rather just with COMCAST. The majority of the PSIP data that would be found OTA is irrelevant on cable. It is Comcast that is constructing the "streams" over their cable signal. Alot of the default stream data, such as the Terestrial Virtual Channels, dont really have relevance over cable and shouldnt be included (or at least are not required to be included). As Comcast is combining OTA channels/sub-channels into their own format, so to speak, it is up to ComCast to construct everything in the stream from the ground up themselves with the possible exception of the information contained within the individual records of the "Event Information Table" data (which defines the bitrate/framereat/aspect ratio/etc of each sub-channel).

AT its simplest, I would be willing to bet that just removing the "Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table" would clear up most problems with most receivers. at the very least maybe ask someone "in the know" why that table is even included.

I know and I have stated before, ComCast has no reason to change what they are doing if their own equiptment works correctly. But I would also think they would want to be broadcasting a correct stream with correct PSIP info, which they are not doing.

Patrick,

The only reason this is not a major priority for Comcast is that the problem is not universal among ClearQAM-equipped devices. In fact, we've tested different models from a single manufacturer and not all of the devices have problems with these streams. Though I have the problem with one of my Toshiba DLPs, it is absent from my other ClearQAM-equipped devices---plus I have a couple of the Comcast DVRs, so I do have other options.

I will forward your post of 12:34 a.m. today to the headend manager, and I will discuss the matter further with him once he returns from Comcast's engineering facility in Denver. Perhaps with the additional information you have provided he can resolve this issue eventually. :)

Rudy

Patrick,

The only reason this is not a major priority for Comcast is that the problem is not universal among ClearQAM-equipped devices. In fact, we've tested different models from a single manufacturer and not all of the devices have problems with these streams. Though I have the problem with one of my Toshiba DLPs, it is absent from my other ClearQAM-equipped devices---plus I have a couple of the Comcast DVRs, so I do have other options.

I will forward your post of 12:34 a.m. today to the headend manager, and I will discuss the matter further with him once he returns from Comcast's engineering facility in Denver. Perhaps with the additional information you have provided he can resolve this issue eventually. :)

Rudy

yeah its not universal because it depends on how strict the QAM receiver is in following the PSIP stream standards. Even within the same brands individual models may vary based on firmware version and who OEM'ed the firmware/receiver for that particular model (ie sony and sharp OEM alot of their inards, and that changes based on manufacture date of the same model and also differs based on LCD/Plasma/projection). its the 1/2 full/ 1/2 empty saga - you blame the receiver caz it is too dumb to know it is receiving cable and not OTA (and how would it know anyways) and can therefor ignore some of the info, or do you blame the cable company for sending incorrect info?

anyways enuf on this for now, again it is not expected of COMCAST to change what they are doing since their own equiptment works. (would be nice tho)

Anybody here with Atlantic Broadband and the Explorer 8300? I wonder if anybody knows when and if we will get a new SARA software (version 1.88). the current version (1.87) really sucks and the new one makes the DVR much more user friendly.

Thanks

Sergio

So your saying Comcast would rather not have the weather plus station at all but that they do it grudgingly because it was part of an agreement with NBC. So is it NBC I should be contacting to get rid of the weather plus

Tim


I just sent an email to NBC6 programming for what it's worth. One person obviously wont have much of an impact but several emails would. I just told them there are gobs of places to get national weather reports, TWC, HNN, etc but NONE for local. Hope we get our radar.

Tim Huey

yeah its not universal because it depends on how strict the QAM receiver is in following the PSIP stream standards. Even within the same brands individual models may vary based on firmware version and who OEM'ed the firmware/receiver for that particular model (ie sony and sharp OEM alot of their inards, and that changes based on manufacture date of the same model and also differs based on LCD/Plasma/projection). its the 1/2 full/ 1/2 empty saga - you blame the receiver caz it is too dumb to know it is receiving cable and not OTA (and how would it know anyways) and can therefor ignore some of the info, or do you blame the cable company for sending incorrect info?

anyways enuf on this for now, again it is not expected of COMCAST to change what they are doing since their own equiptment works. (would be nice tho)
And yet one more reason for me to stay strictly with OTA. PSIP is just one more thing for rebroadcasters to have to get right that they sometimes don't.

Joe

I just sent an email to NBC6 programming for what it's worth. One person obviously wont have much of an impact but several emails would. I just told them there are gobs of places to get national weather reports, TWC, HNN, etc but NONE for local. Hope we get our radar.

Tim Huey

Tim,

I think you may have misunderstood my previous post regarding WeatherPlus. If I recall the conversation I had with the station engineer several months ago, ALL NBC stations broadcasting in digital are required to carry this sub-channel. So if the NBC corporate office wants WeatherPlus as a sub-channel, and an MSO (in this case, Comcast) contracted with NBC to carry its affiliate's sub-channels, they can't arbitrarily change it. I would suggest you contact management at FOX-WSVN 7 or ABC-WPLG 10 and ask them to get Comcast to carry their sub-channel. As far as I know, there's no advertising or weather reports on either of these two radar screens.

Rudy

Tim,

I think you may have misunderstood my previous post regarding WeatherPlus. If I recall the conversation I had with the station engineer several months ago, ALL NBC stations broadcasting in digital are required to carry this sub-channel.

Rudy


Your right, I totally misunderstood. Oh well, maybe they will pass on my observation and request to the NBC network programming department. Probably not. It keeps a couple of local weather men gainfully employed. I think someone previously posted a bandwidth problem with getting Comcast to carry another HD channel. It should compress easily.

Tim Huey

Just an update on my DirecTV 3 LNB Sat C problem.
Last week I found replacing the coax cable to the Sat C fixed my signal problem. Then when I tried to re-adjust the dish, it seems to be in the best position. Then I had 85 - 93 signals on all TP's on Sat C.
Then a few days later, I get 40's on TP 8 and 10 (which is HBO HD), and 89 on TP 12.
What confuses me is why the signal of TP 12 is so high compared to TP 10?
TP 10 varies from pixelation in the 40's to a nice picture in the 70's.
I know it has to be my hardware, but would anyone know why some transponders are high and others real low? Would alignment cause this? And why?

So I bought the bullet and got a Adelphia DVR with the HD channels. This works nice, but I can not seem to make their universal remote change channels on my TV. I tried all the program codes, and all I can do is turn on/off and volume.
Can I assume that Adelphia did not add WB to the High Def list?

OK, I'll take a stab at a few of these. I don't have DTV so I bare with me here on this, many of Dish and DTV's TP's are now Spot Beams, which means they are targeted for particular part of the country. Since both are launching new satellites all the time, they constantly move channels around from TP to TP. If you can give me the position of what your are referring to as SAT C, I can give you more accurate information. Also, are you using a SAT meter when aiming your dish/lnb? This can greatly increase your chances of getting the strongest signal possible, as some TP's are stronger than others naturally, this is due to the aging of the birds in orbit.

As for your remote, if it is a learning remote, you can point your TV remote at the universal and press the button you want it to learn. The procedure varies from model to model, so check the manufacturer's web sites for more detail.

Tim,

I think you may have misunderstood my previous post regarding WeatherPlus. If I recall the conversation I had with the station engineer several months ago, ALL NBC stations broadcasting in digital are required to carry this sub-channel. So if the NBC corporate office wants WeatherPlus as a sub-channel, and an MSO (in this case, Comcast) contracted with NBC to carry its affiliate's sub-channels, they can't arbitrarily change it. I would suggest you contact management at FOX-WSVN 7 or ABC-WPLG 10 and ask them to get Comcast to carry their sub-channel. As far as I know, there's no advertising or weather reports on either of these two radar screens.

Rudy
Rudy, if you're saying that all digital NBC OTAs must broadcast the WeatherPlus sub-channel, why doesn't WPTV-DT broadcast it? AFAIK, there is only 5-1 out of WPB; there is no 5-2.

Joe

Rudy, if you're saying that all digital NBC OTAs must broadcast the WeatherPlus sub-channel, why doesn't WPTV-DT broadcast it? AFAIK, there is only 5-1 out of WPB; there is no 5-2.

Joe

Joe,

I was told (several months ago, before the WeatherPlus service was launched) that all NBC affiliates with a sub-channel would be carrying the service, per headquarters. It is conceivable that a few may have been able to get a "waiver", but I cannot say for sure. I too have never seen a sub-channel for WPTV-DT.

Rudy

Joe,

I was told (several months ago, before the WeatherPlus service was launched) that all NBC affiliates with a sub-channel would be carrying the service, per headquarters. It is conceivable that a few may have been able to get a "waiver", but I cannot say for sure. I too have never seen a sub-channel for WPTV-DT.

Rudy
Sounds like the key phrase might be "NBC affiliates with a sub-channel ". WPTV-DT doesn't have a sub-channel, so they don't have to run one just to carry WeatherPlus.

Thanks for the reply, Rudy. Always good to read your posts.

Joe

Looks like WSVN-DT is back to the stretch-o-vision again.
Saw it last night and this morning. Not anamorphic like WPLG, just stretched.

Walt

Looks like WSVN-DT is back to the stretch-o-vision again.
Saw it last night and this morning. Not anamorphic like WPLG, just stretched.

Walt
Yeah, I saw the distortion too. Didn't want to say "I told you so", but I just knew WSVN-DT would go back to it.

WPLG-DT, WSVN-DT, and WLRN-DT management doesn't have a clue. Digital Idiots.

Joe

I was watching a HD baseball game this weekend on WSVN 7-1 and was not overly impressed with the picture. Seemed like the contrast was set to high. All other HD channels looked fine. Anyone else notice this?

Fox doesn't have HD baseball - only Fox Widescreen, which is broadcast at 480p, upconverted by local Fox WSVN to 720p. The next time you see real HD baseball on Fox will be either the playoffs or World Series.

I'm going to be moving to Davie in the near future and am wondering if anybody here knows of any DirecTv friendly apartments in the area. As a Sunday Ticket subscriber I'd really like to find a place that won't have a problem putting up a dish or getting HD content.

Thanks,
Isy

You can put up a dish in any condo or apt building, as long as it is in an area exclusively controlled by you. The landlord cannot say no. Just make sure you find one with a window or balcony facing SW.

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/consumerdish.html

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

Search this site and you will find many threads about it. Also, www.tivocommunity.com (a sister site of AVS Forum) has many threads about dishes in apt buildings.

Fox doesn't have HD baseball - only Fox Widescreen, which is broadcast at 480p, upconverted by local Fox WSVN to 720p. The next time you see real HD baseball on Fox will be either the playoffs or World Series.

That would explain it..thanks

Boo WSVN
Hooray Beer

I have problems with this station too sometimes, the picture looks stretched out or the audio drops

Hi all, I live in downtown Miami in a high rise and was lucky enough to get a lot of local channels in HD using a Terk indoor antenna. I get the big 4 (Fox, NBC, CBS, ABC) plus WB, UPN, and WPBT.

The only channel that I can't get for some reason is WLRN, the signal ranges from 10-20 and then every 30 seconds or so it jumps to 50-60 and says "signal acquired" for a second or two and then goes back to 10-20.

based on that website that tells you the location of the antennas, it looks like WLRN's antenna is the same distance and direction as the other channels, so I don't get why this particular channel won't work. Is WLRN's signal weak or something or is it just me that's having this problem?

Thanks in advance

how does just having a window facing sw help u?

Boo WSVN
Hooray Beer

More like Boo Fox Network - it's the network that dictates the format, not the local affiliate. We know they can do it since they do it for the baseball playoffs and NFL games, but I guess regular season baseball isn't worth the money to do in real HD.

how does just having a window facing sw help u?

You can put the dish in the apt looking out the SW window. Not an ideal solution, but it should work.

You can put the dish in the apt looking out the SW window. Not an ideal solution, but it should work.


Hmm ok I'll try it, I guess I shouldn't complain about not getting WLRN, I'm surprised I'm even getting as many channels as I am considering I'm using an indoor antenna and that most of the broadcast towers are to the north, while I face south

Hmm ok I'll try it, I guess I shouldn't complain about not getting WLRN, I'm surprised I'm even getting as many channels as I am considering I'm using an indoor antenna and that most of the broadcast towers are to the north, while I face south


He was talking about Directv. What kind of antenna do you have? I am right below you and I get all of the channels with my DIY Yagi antenna in the attic.

Ericglo

He was talking about Directv. What kind of antenna do you have? I am right below you and I get all of the channels with my DIY Yagi antenna in the attic.

Ericglo

Oh duh, sorry. I use a Terk HDTVi amplified that I put on top of my tv, I was thinking of trying the HDTVs, it's supposed to pick up more signals (it's "red" category as opposed to my current one, which is "yellow")

The Tube is now on Comcast channel 241, in Dolby Digital 5.1.

I know Comcast bought Adelphia sometime back, but I assume that they are still operate independently. In particular, the programs they offer are basically not connected in any meanningful way. Am I right?

I am in Boynton Beach, and have Adelphia. I saw most of the discussion here is Comcast. The discussion are interesting, but do not seems to apply to me... Hence the question.

With Atlantic Broadband is even worse. Nobody seems to care about this company. I have a lot of issues I would like to discuss but every time I post something about AB I get no answer. Guys in Miami Beach don't watch TV, I think.

I know Comcast bought Adelphia sometime back, but I assume that they are still operate independently. In particular, the programs they offer are basically not connected in any meanningful way. Am I right?

I am in Boynton Beach, and have Adelphia. I saw most of the discussion here is Comcast. The discussion are interesting, but do not seems to apply to me... Hence the question.

I was told that, once the transfer is complete in the next several months, current Adelphia customers should enjoy the same lineup currently available to Comcast customers. MTV-HD and National Geographic HD are expected to be the next HD channels to be added on Comcast; the digital simulcast of the analog tier is currently being tested (those with ClearQAM tuners can already pick up a few of the channels), and rollout is supposed to begin any day now. They are also testing the DCT3412 Phase I digital-only STB, as well as a no-frills digital cable STB designed specifically for current analog-only subscribers.

With Atlantic Broadband is even worse. Nobody seems to care about this company. I have a lot of issues I would like to discuss but every time I post something about AB I get no answer. Guys in Miami Beach don't watch TV, I think.

You need to contact the company directly. Kevin Maguire is the VP/General Manager at the Miami Beach office. There's got to be a listing (e-mail or telephone) somewhere for his office...if you can get through to him, I'm sure you'll eventually be able to obtain information on the company and its future plans. That is what I did with Comcast...I emailed the CEO a very detailed message, and the next morning I had a phone call from one of the members of his executive team. I eventually was put in touch not only with the local headend manager, but also with the head of the engineering center in Denver and with the engineering team at Motorola responsible for the DCT6200 (I was having problems using the FireWire ports with my DVHS deck). This was over 3 years ago. Now I periodically get updates from them on channels being added, and I provide direct feedback to the headend manager on the quality of the signal, as well as passing on info contained in the various postings on this thread.

Good luck.

I know Comcast bought Adelphia sometime back, but I assume that they are still operate independently. In particular, the programs they offer are basically not connected in any meanningful way. Am I right?

I am in Boynton Beach, and have Adelphia. I saw most of the discussion here is Comcast. The discussion are interesting, but do not seems to apply to me... Hence the question.
The transaction actually took place yesterday and is effective today. Time Warner and Comcast bought Adelphia together. The Adelphia systems in Florida are now owned by Time Warner and will then be swapped to Comcast.

Our tv guide channel now has Time Warner's logo, so lets see how fast we can go through 3 cable companies.

With Atlantic Broadband is even worse. Nobody seems to care about this company. I have a lot of issues I would like to discuss but every time I post something about AB I get no answer. Guys in Miami Beach don't watch TV, I think.

Maybe they are using satellite and OTA.

Ericglo

Rudy, thanks for the info. I will try what you suggested. I had a very bad experience dealing with small cable companies in the past and they seem to be always behind in technology and programming. I left Directv because I could no longer deal with a terrible compressed picture and so far I'm happy with AB , specially SD. My big beef is the Explorer 8300 not being updated , still with an old software version that makes the DVR experience much worse than it should be.

Sergio

More like Boo Fox Network - it's the network that dictates the format, not the local affiliate. We know they can do it since they do it for the baseball playoffs and NFL games, but I guess regular season baseball isn't worth the money to do in real HD.

Actually I was refering to stretch o' vision. I am not a big baseball fan, other than enjoying going to the games.

More like Boo Fox Network - it's the network that dictates the format, not the local affiliate. We know they can do it since they do it for the baseball playoffs and NFL games, but I guess regular season baseball isn't worth the money to do in real HD.
I guess they're too cheap to do their Sat games in HD. The All-Star and Playoff games looks great in HD, it's a shame they don't do their Sat games in HD because they're often pretty good games. Everybody else does it in HD, you'd wish Fox would get with the program.

I've just read that Firefly will be shown on Universial HD (starting on Sept. 24th), I'm assuming in HD. Ok Comcast, another reason to get that channel back and running (the 1st so we can get back BSG in it's glorious HD, even if they are repeats and not new eps which I don't get why).

Last night I tivo'd Windfall and it looked strange, instead of it taking up the full screeen there were 2 vertical bars that said HDTV, same thing with Leno. Also there was no 5.1 sound. Is the station having problems?

Last night I tivo'd Windfall and it looked strange, instead of it taking up the full screeen there were 2 vertical bars that said HDTV, same thing with Leno. Also there was no 5.1 sound. Is the station having problems?
I didn't see Windfall, but WTVJ-DT certainly was not broadcasting The Tonight Show in HD, as the familiar blue curtains were there bordering the 4:3 picture. However, WPTV-DT was broadcasting Leno in HD. Perhaps something was up at WTVJ-DT, but NBC's feed was most definitely HD.

Joe

i'm pretty sure dtv signals wont travel through windows

I didn't see Windfall, but WTVJ-DT certainly was not broadcasting The Tonight Show in HD, as the familiar blue curtains were there bordering the 4:3 picture. However, WPTV-DT was broadcasting Leno in HD. Perhaps something was up at WTVJ-DT, but NBC's feed was most definitely HD.

Joe
WPTV-DT was broadcasting Windfall in HD as well, but WTVJ-DT wasn't. It's annoying when the station does this. I mostly watch this show just because it's in HD and nothing else is on, last night I didn't even bother watching it lol when I saw it wasn't in HD. My signal for WPTV-DT was pretty shotty, so I gave up on it.

I spoke to the DT engineer today about what happened last night, and he checked the equipment and found that it had been set incorrectly...so the automatic switching did not take place. He's not there in the evenings, and the engineer who was on duty didn't notice the problem as he had nine consoles to monitor and his backup is on vacation. Anyway, the settings have been corrected and should be fine tonight and throughout the weekend.

I spoke to the DT engineer today about what happened last night, and he checked the equipment and found that it had been set incorrectly...so the automatic switching did not take place. He's not there in the evenings, and the engineer who was on duty didn't notice the problem as he had nine consoles to monitor and his backup is on vacation. Anyway, the settings have been corrected and should be fine tonight and throughout the weekend.

Thanks for this and other replies, it's good to know it's not my equipment...

I see comcast added "The Tube Network" channel, not a bad channel just wish they didnt put it between 2 HD channels. Drives me insane when channel surfing.

i'm pretty sure dtv signals wont travel through windows

Back in the bad old pre-HD days, there were many references to through the window reception on the DirecTV forum. Reportedly, one can receive the signals if the glass is lead free.

Thanks for this and other replies, it's good to know it's not my equipment...

Welcome to the group.

Paranoia is rampant among HD owners, many of whom assume that any reception problem such as yours is the fault of their equipment. Over time, some realize that the problem almost always emanates from either the local station or the satellite/cable company.

The first thing to do is to change the channel. In most cases, the problem will not follow, indicating that the problem is not yours.

Hi, first time poster. I've tried searching this forum but have not had any luck in finding out whether it is possible to get NBA League Pass with Atlantic Broadband on Miami Beach (33139). Can anybody provide some insight on this subject? Thanks!

Do any of you guys know for sure if the Dolphins game on Saturday is going to be in SD?

This article (http://cbs4.com/sports/local_story_221163934.html) on the CBS4 site does not specify HD. Also this article (http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=4642) on the Miami Dolphins site does not specify HD either.

Also this listing (http://titantvguide.titantv.com/details/default.aspx?stationId=1478&psipId=0&scheduleId=281306093&siteid=50508) on their site does not mention HD. The Titan TV listing does not mention HD.

I guess all signs point to no. :rolleyes:

I thought all games shot in Dolphins stadium where going to be in HD this season. Since they acquired those two huge HD screens, don't they only have HD cams shooting footage now? Or are the jumbotron cams separate from the network cams? It would be a real shame if it is all shot in HD and CBS4 just decided not to air it in HD. A real waste of HD footage.

We should see MHD on the system by September, with National Geographic HD to follow. Also, they're moving ahead with VoIP and the digital simulcast, which will be rolled out gradually throughout the service areas in South Florida. Adelphia subs should begin to see changes over the next several months as all the headend hardware & software is converted and the plants upgraded.

Any news on what Comcast channel NFL Network will be in HDTV for Miami? I would assume channel 200 like last year. Also will live games be shown on it? It was great watching the game recaps in HDTV last year so hopefully that will continue. Sorry if this has been covered already. Thanks.

Will

Any news on what Comcast channel NFL Network will be in HDTV for Miami? I would assume channel 200 like last year. Also will live games be shown on it? It was great watching the game recaps in HDTV last year so hopefully that will continue. Sorry if this has been covered already. Thanks.

Will

As far as I know, the format they followed last year will be repeated this year, though I believe the games are going to be aired on the INHD channels. FSN (channel 200) is supposed to be strictly for Florida team sports.

Oh yeah, that's right Rudy1. I remember now that it was channel 208 (Special Events) last year, not channel 200. Thanks for the reply.

Will

We should see MHD on the system by September, with National Geographic HD to follow.
Thanks for the update Rudy. Great news about National Geographic HD, but what's MHD? Was that a typo for UHD? Please let that be a typo. ;)

Thanks for the update Rudy. Great news about National Geographic HD, but what's MHD? Was that a typo for UHD? Please let that be a typo. ;)

I wish it HAD been a typo...I know how much you want that channel to return. MHD is the HD all-music channel from MTV. It has been hinted the Universal HD will return once some additional bandwidth has been freed up, but with the main focus now being the transition of the Adelphia operation it could be several months before they even begin to address that issue.

yeah its not universal because it depends on how strict the QAM receiver is in following the PSIP stream standards. Even within the same brands individual models may vary based on firmware version and who OEM'ed the firmware/receiver for that particular model (ie sony and sharp OEM alot of their inards, and that changes based on manufacture date of the same model and also differs based on LCD/Plasma/projection). its the 1/2 full/ 1/2 empty saga - you blame the receiver caz it is too dumb to know it is receiving cable and not OTA (and how would it know anyways) and can therefor ignore some of the info, or do you blame the cable company for sending incorrect info?

anyways enuf on this for now, again it is not expected of COMCAST to change what they are doing since their own equiptment works. (would be nice tho)


I spoke to the headend manager again last night about this issue, and he has not had an opportunity to take a look at the streams in detail...specifically to look for the anomaly that you've described. However, he seemed fairly optimistic that he would be able to correct it once he pinpoints exactly where in the stream the errors are happening. He said that he might request the purchase of special equipment to analyze the streams.

I wish it HAD been a typo...I know how much you want that channel to return. MHD is the HD all-music channel from MTV. It has been hinted the Universal HD will return once some additional bandwidth has been freed up, but with the main focus now being the transition of the Adelphia operation it could be several months before they even begin to address that issue.
Funny, I would have thought they'd call it MtvHD. Just curious, does UHD require more bandwidth then the other HD channels and that's why it's not being added or it's just falls in the pecking order and by the time the channel is added you're out of the neccessary bandwidth? Bummer it looks like we won't be getting UHD anytime soon, I really wanted to watch Firefly in HD. :(

Thanks for the great updates Rudy, keep it up!

Funny, I would have thought they'd call it MtvHD. Just curious, does UHD require more bandwidth then the other HD channels and that's why it's not being added or it's just falls in the pecking order and by the time the channel is added you're out of the neccessary bandwidth? Bummer it looks like we won't be getting UHD anytime soon, I really wanted to watch Firefly in HD. :(

Thanks for the great updates Rudy, keep it up!

When I spoke to the corporate manager who deals with programming a few months ago, he said that our area could expect to see "5 new HD channels by the end of the year". So far we've gotten FSN & ESPN2 in HD, so MHD would be the third. The addition of more HD channels is currently limited by two things: the vast number of analog-only subscribers (whose channels are hogging precious bandwidth), and the glacial speed of contractual negotiations necessary to actually add the channels to the systems nationally. Locally, they're trying to reduce the impact of the first issue by introducing the digital simulcast of the analog tier, in the hopes that analog-only subs will want to migrate to digital service in return for much improved PQ and sound. As I mentioned previously, they're also in the process of beta testing a small digital STB which would be made available to those subs for free or at nominal cost, and would enable them to access VOD services as well. If all current analog-only subs had one of these mini-STBs, the analog tier could be dramatically reduced in size, if not eliminated altogether, leaving tons of bandwidth for HD channels.

Damn, as much as i like comcast adding more HD channels, i wish they add back UHD first since Battlestar Galactica is on that channel.

What are they smoking over there, today Windfall and Leno were both shown with those stupid blue bars just like last week, what the hell

What are they smoking over there, today Windfall and Leno were both shown with those stupid blue bars just like last week, what the hell

The number for master control is 954-622-6516.

I made another inquiry about UHD, and the response was that management is not entirely satisfied with the content (basically, repurposed shows). They would rather add HD channels with new material. Since MHD will replace INHD2, you will see less repetition of programming on INHD1; the channel should be available here by September 5th, barring any unforseen complications. But as of this writing there's still no contract in place for National Geographic HD, which as I mentioned in my previous post is the channel they want to add next.

I made another inquiry about UHD, and the response was that management is not entirely satisfied with the content (basically, repurposed shows). They would rather add HD channels with new material. Since MHD will replace INHD2, you will see less repetition of programming on INHD1; the channel should be available here by September 5th, barring any unforseen complications. But as of this writing there's still no contract in place for National Geographic HD, which as I mentioned in my previous post is the channel they want to add next.
Rudy, thanks again for the updates. While disappointing, I can totally see where management's coming from on this. The fact is, we're really only wanting to see 1 show (1 more with Firefly coming) on the channel and those are repeats (though seeing repeats of Knight Rider and Quantum Leap was nice also).

OK, here's a new thought all together. Would it be at all possible for Comcast to offer those shows (Battlestar Galactica and Firefly in HD) as their OnDemand service? I realize a lot of paper work would have to happen, but that could be a comprimise that would I'm sure make a lot of people down here happy since we don't get UHD for those shows.

Can anyone explain to me why the channel doesn't show new eps of Battlestar Galactica and just repeats? Since there isn't a SciFi HD (to my knowledge at least), I'd think Universal would want to show new eps on that channel.

Can anyone explain to me why the channel doesn't show new eps of Battlestar Galactica and just repeats? Since there isn't a SciFi HD (to my knowledge at least), I'd think Universal would want to show new eps on that channel.

What new episodes? Every show is a repeat.


Ericglo

I made another inquiry about UHD, and the response was that management is not entirely satisfied with the content (basically, repurposed shows). They would rather add HD channels with new material. Since MHD will replace INHD2, you will see less repetition of programming on INHD1; the channel should be available here by September 5th, barring any unforseen complications. But as of this writing there's still no contract in place for National Geographic HD, which as I mentioned in my previous post is the channel they want to add next.

Rudy1,

who do we need to contact to put in a request for adding a particular channel, in this case, worldsportsHD (www.worldsportshd.com) ? This channel is part of the old VOOM channels, and is currently shown only on E*. I know there are obvious contractual channels, etc, but it would be nice to see this kind of channel added.

with MHD and NGHD coming, I think worldsportshd would fill the big gap left for world sports and entertainment in HD.

let me know...

Rudy1,

who do we need to contact to put in a request for adding a particular channel, in this case, worldsportsHD (www.worldsportshd.com) ? This channel is part of the old VOOM channels, and is currently shown only on E*. I know there are obvious contractual channels, etc, but it would be nice to see this kind of channel added.

with MHD and NGHD coming, I think worldsportshd would fill the big gap left for world sports and entertainment in HD.

let me know...

Unfortunately, they don't actually take requests for adding particular channels. The entire VOOM lineup was discussed months ago, and it was felt that the timing was not right due to bandwidth and contractual issues. However, I've been told by corporate management that HD is a priority with them, and that emphasis is being placed on substantially reducing the bandwidth drain caused by the analog tier in order to add more HD channels. However, as long as the vast majority of Comcast subs do not use set top boxes, it will not be feasible to add any of the "special interest" HD channels formerly carried on the VOOM satellite system.

There's speculation that Comcast may reduce the analog tier to just 20 channels once the analog broadcast cutoff goes into effect. If the government allows this to happen, we could see triple the number of HD channels available on cable today.

What new episodes? Every show is a repeat.


Ericglo
Right now yes, but when the season is going on, it's still repeats and not the new eps SciFi airs.

That is because there are contractual obligations that SciFi gets it first. I believe SciFi is footing a huge part of the bill. Of course it doesn't matter. My best friend told me that they are going to be reducing the quality of the animation once again. They started at Zoic and then went to Canada to save money. Now, they have come up with something new to save even more money on the animation. You may not want to see this in HD (or HD lite as UHD seems to be).:)

Ericglo

Rudy,
Verizon FIOS gets a lot of pub. If they are able to reduce the analog tier, then will they be able to compete on quality with Verizon?

Ericglo

Rudy,
Verizon FIOS gets a lot of pub. If they are able to reduce the analog tier, then will they be able to compete on quality with Verizon?

Ericglo

I'm not allowed to discuss details, but I can tell you that they are working on a strategy that they feel will neutralize the threat from providers such as Verizon.

Rudy,
I understand if you can't talk about it, but one question. I am about to sign a two year extension with Direc for a free HD TIVO. Is this to long of an extension?:)

Ericglo

Rudy,
I understand if you can't talk about it, but one question. I am about to sign a two year extension with Direc for a free HD TIVO. Is this to long of an extension?:)

Ericglo

Eric,

There are many variables at play here, but I would say that extension may be about a year too long. I wish I could be more specific, but one of the variables has to do with potential regulatory changes---and you know how unpredictable those can be. What I can tell you is that the "triple play" package they will be launching is definitely something you might want to consider.

Rudy

Anyone who uses Atlantic Broadband , can you tell me if you are able to get any of the network HD channels through a QAM tuner?

Anyone who uses Atlantic Broadband , can you tell me if you are able to get any of the network HD channels through a QAM tuner?


There are several HD channels through the QAM but I don't remember if the major (CBS,NBC,FOX,ABC) are included. I have everything through the boxes now and I don't want to mess with cables again but I used to watch some HD channels using my TV tuner only. I also found that 1 or 2 of these channels are actually not availble with the boxes, which suggest some kind of test or new channels coming. They were all at 91-x, 92-x, or something close.

Sergio

Now UHD from Comcast via internal QAM tuner is not working for me anymore. So much for watching US Open tennis coverage in HD during the week. :( Comcast should broadcast this just like they did for the Olympics. Probably won't happen though...

Now UHD from Comcast via internal QAM tuner is not working for me anymore. So much for watching US Open tennis coverage in HD during the week. :( Comcast should broadcast this just like they did for the Olympics. Probably won't happen though...

Comcast will not add this channel anytime soon because they're not happy with the content...too much syndicated programming. They feel that their HD subs are more interested in channels with new programming. However, once they have enough bandwidth to spare (probably not until they eliminate about half of the present analog lineup), I think they will be looking EVERYWHERE for HD content...old OR new. ;)

I just moved to Sunny Isles from New Orleans, and I am forced to get my HD OTA. Before I go out and buy anything, without knowing anything about the area.

So, I am looking for any advice about the hardware that I should get. Here are the details, I live on the 19th floor with a balcony facing North. I would rather get an indoor, but if it's neccessary I'll go with outdoor......I need my HD!

I really don't know how far I am from the broadcasting stations, and I haven't been able to get any answers from retail stores.

Thanks in advance,
Javier

The farm is almost straight west of you. A small antenna on the balcony will probably pick up everything. Keeping it indoors will be a crapshoot.

Long-time reader, first-time poster here.

My question is not technically an HD question, but we seem to have a few people in the know about Comcast so I thought I'd ask anway.

I live in Oakland Park and have Comcast digital, HD, the whole nine yards. I've discovered that Fox Soccer Channel is available in much of Broward County, including other portions of Oakland Park, on Comcast ch. 267, but we don't get it in my part of Oakland Park.

Anyone have any idea as to why this might be?

By the way, we are on a system that is at least 750Mhz, if not 850Mhz.

Thanks!

Long-time reader, first-time poster here.

My question is not technically an HD question, but we seem to have a few people in the know about Comcast so I thought I'd ask anway.

I live in Oakland Park and have Comcast digital, HD, the whole nine yards. I've discovered that Fox Soccer Channel is available in much of Broward County, including other portions of Oakland Park, on Comcast ch. 267, but we don't get it in my part of Oakland Park.

Anyone have any idea as to why this might be?

By the way, we are on a system that is at least 750Mhz, if not 850Mhz.

Thanks!

I've never heard of that channel, and it's not on our system in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. Though the channel lineups were standardized a year ago, some areas still have channels that are not part of the general lineup. This may eventually change once the system goes all digital in the next couple of years.

Hi, I need an over-the-air small multidirectional antenna to recieve local hd broadcasts. I think i need it to be VHF/UHF but i dont know very much about them so im not sure. i also need one thats fairly cheap and it has to be indoors. I don't really have any tall buildings or trees very close to me either and i live in a 1 story house. If anyone has any more info for me it would be appreciated. Thanks.

I live in Davie, Florida

and incase you need to know, this is the tv im using:

and i also have a surround sound system that i want to use with it, here it is:

well nevermind about the tv and surround sound, it wont let me post links yet. Hopefully you guys dont need them

I just moved to Sunny Isles from New Orleans, and I am forced to get my HD OTA. Before I go out and buy anything, without knowing anything about the area.

So, I am looking for any advice about the hardware that I should get. Here are the details, I live on the 19th floor with a balcony facing North. I would rather get an indoor, but if it's neccessary I'll go with outdoor......I need my HD!

I really don't know how far I am from the broadcasting stations, and I haven't been able to get any answers from retail stores.

Thanks in advance,
Javier

Javier, I also live in Sunny Isles , on the 8th floor, facing N and NW, and with a cheap indoor antenna I get all the HD channels without any problem. On the 19th floor it should be a piece of cake. A small TERK without amplifier will do the job.

Sergio

I also live in Sunny Isles on the 15th Floor and I face the ocean. The worst possible direction. However, I use the Terk HDTVi indoor antenna (It's cheap) and I receive all the HD broadcasts perfectly. Most of the towers are to the west northwest, so you should even do better than me. You will not need an amplified or outdoor antenna.
You should be aware tha ch. 7 Fox, and ch.10 ABC brodcast in VHF and all of the other stations broadcast in UHF. So you will need the rabbit ears for those 2 stations. The Terk comes with both types of antenna. If you read the instructions, you will see that the best reception for those 2 stations is obtained by keeping the rabbit ears only slightly extended and close together. This is good because it results in the smallest profile for the antenna.

I use the same antenna , TERK HDTV , and use it the way redgtconv described. Perfect.

I'm moving from Aventura to Plantation later this fall. So I'm going from Atlantic Broadband to Comcast. Is there anything that I should request from Comcast regarding any special deals or equipment? I have two boxes now, a HD DVR and a regular box. I've seen the Comcast HD-DVR at my in-laws place. Do they only offer one version? The interface seems a bit clunky compared to the ABB box, but the picture quality a bit better. Thanks for any info you can provide!

Those Terks don't look that small. Also, the cheapest I could find was $23.

Ericglo

I'm moving from Aventura to Plantation later this fall. So I'm going from Atlantic Broadband to Comcast. Is there anything that I should request from Comcast regarding any special deals or equipment? I have two boxes now, a HD DVR and a regular box. I've seen the Comcast HD-DVR at my in-laws place. Do they only offer one version? The interface seems a bit clunky compared to the ABB box, but the picture quality a bit better. Thanks for any info you can provide!

I'm surprised that you found the Comcast HD-DVR interface even worse than the Explorer 8300 from ABB. After using Directv HD-TIVO I thought that nothing could be worse than the SARA E-8300. Interesting that you think the PQ will be better with Comcast since I'm quite happy with ABB vis a vis Directv (nothing can be worse than D* regarding PQ).

My softwrae version on the E-8300 is still the 1.87 but the 1.88 is MUCH better according to users reports. Do you have any idea if ABB will update the E-8300 software? I called them but nobody seems to know what I'm talking about. Do you know about any new HD channel coming with ABB?

Thanks

Sergio

Does anyone know of a good outdoor antenna installer in the coral gables/pinecrest area? Thanks in advance. Will

I'm surprised that you found the Comcast HD-DVR interface even worse than the Explorer 8300 from ABB. After using Directv HD-TIVO I thought that nothing could be worse than the SARA E-8300. Interesting that you think the PQ will be better with Comcast since I'm quite happy with ABB vis a vis Directv (nothing can be worse than D* regarding PQ).

My softwrae version on the E-8300 is still the 1.87 but the 1.88 is MUCH better according to users reports. Do you have any idea if ABB will update the E-8300 software? I called them but nobody seems to know what I'm talking about. Do you know about any new HD channel coming with ABB?

Thanks

Sergio

Well, I'm comparing the picture to the one I get from a Canadian satellite service. The ABB picture seems to have less shapness and more macroblocking. I have found it almost worthless to try and talk to the CS people over there. One bonus is that for the past two seasons I've been getting free MLB games. I subscribe to the NHL center ice package and after each season they forget to turn off those channels. I told them, but they are still there! I won't miss that! :cool:

I'm also not liking the new VOD banner that comes up EVERY time you press the guide button or turn on the box, with ABB! The comcast guide seems slow and I hate the TV guide logo, I'm already paying comcast directly, why do I need ads that come directly from them? I guess I'll get used to it, I'm just really nitpicking...

I also live in Sunny Isles on the 15th Floor and I face the ocean. The worst possible direction. However, I use the Terk HDTVi indoor antenna (It's cheap) and I receive all the HD broadcasts perfectly. Most of the towers are to the west northwest, so you should even do better than me. You will not need an amplified or outdoor antenna.
You should be aware tha ch. 7 Fox, and ch.10 ABC brodcast in VHF and all of the other stations broadcast in UHF. So you will need the rabbit ears for those 2 stations. The Terk comes with both types of antenna. If you read the instructions, you will see that the best reception for those 2 stations is obtained by keeping the rabbit ears only slightly extended and close together. This is good because it results in the smallest profile for the antenna.


Thank you very much for all your help guys. I'm gonna go by the terk today, I'll let you know how it works.

Thank you very much for all your help guys. I'm gonna go by the terk today, I'll let you know how it works.

Good luck, but I would have said try rabbit ears first before spending any money. The UHF stations are easy to pick up. It is the VHF stations that can be difficult.

Ericglo

...I've discovered that Fox Soccer Channel is available in much of Broward County, including other portions of Oakland Park, on Comcast ch. 267, but we don't get it in my part of Oakland Park.

I also have this channel available although I cannot access it. I presume it is part of some Sports Pack (something I will never subscribe to).

This is in the north area of Plantation. Comcast used to (and maybe they still do) lump this area in with Lauderhill.

i'm curious to know how many people out there with dtv have done the mpeg4 upgrade to the new 5lnb dish. i'm gonna wait to do this until the their new hd dvr is available in our area. but i'd appreciate on any feedback on how the install of the bigger dish went/and/or if they installed the smaller, new, slimline dish.

thanks
greg

I have the new dish sitting in my garage. I got the free Tivo deal, but it became an ordeal. It is a long story, but both installers said I probably wouldn't be able to install it. I thought they were both idiots. It would not work in the spot my dish is in now. I have a spot that I think it would go perfectly though, but I am going to stick with the old dish until I have to upgrade. The new spot would require a six foot mast for the dish.

Ericglo

why wont the spot you currently have your dish installed at work for the new 5lnb dish?

i'm just asking becaue i'm concerned about the size of the AT9 5lnb dish and am hopeful the new smaller "slimline" 5lnb dish will be out soon because, right now, my 3lnb dish is installed in the back of my apartment complex on the side of a roof overhang. the side it is installed on it about 10 inches or so from top to bottom and is just basically a 3 or 4 inch thick piece of wood. it held up during hurricane wilma. didnt get blown off just got unaligned, but i'm concerned the AT9 is too big for this side piece that i have my 3lnb dish installed on.

well...i'm gonna try and wait until the last minute to upgrade anyway i get my local hd's fine ota with my hr10 250 so hopefully by then the smaller 5lnb dish will be out.

greg

Mine is very close to the roof of the house. None of the overhangs would give enough clearance to mount the dish without some sort of extension. On one side of the house I have trees. On the other side is where I would mount my mast. It is where the antenna used to mounted. Since I use OTA locals and won't switch, I will stick with the current dish till they start moving the non-locals over to MPEG4.
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/8369/dishcustomtk2.th.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dishcustomtk2.jpg)

Ericglo

well...you know they are coming out with a smaller less clunky, and lighter dish called "slimline" later this month or in september. it is supposed to be alot easier to install. i'm waiting for that to come out and for them to add alot more HD content before i upgrade. plus i'm waiting to find out if i am going to get my hd tivo hr10-250 which i paid 999 bucks for upgraded for free.

Can someone please provide the QAM #'s for these stations in Hollywood/Miami?
Thanks.

COMCAST HD CHANNELS
TNT HD - 1080i / DD5.1 - QAM #
Discovery Theater HD - 1080i / DD5.1
FOX HD () - 720p / DD5.1 - QAM #
Starz! HD - 1080i / DD5.1
CinemaxHD - 1080i / DD5.1
INHD - 1080i / DD5.1 - QAM #
INHD2 - 1080i / DD5.1 - QAM #
ESPN-HD - 720p / CS 5.1 - QAM #
WB HD () - 1080i / DD5.1 - QAM #
CBS HD () - 1080i / DD2.0 - QAM #
NBC HD () - 1080i / DD2.0 - QAM #
ABC HD () - 720p / DD2.0 - QAM #
Showtime HD - 1080i / DD5.1
HBO HD - 1080i / DD5.1
UHD HD - 1080i/ DD5.1 - QAM #
PBS HD (WLRN) - 1080i / DD5.1 - QAM #

anybody else experiencing issues receiving Discovery HD (QAM)? I am suddenly unable to receive it from either of my receivers tonite

ComCast - Plantation

i'm curious to know how many people out there with dtv have done the mpeg4 upgrade to the new 5lnb dish. i'm gonna wait to do this until the their new hd dvr is available in our area. but i'd appreciate on any feedback on how the install of the bigger dish went/and/or if they installed the smaller, new, slimline dish.

thanks
greg
I had no problem with the installation of the 5lnb dish; put it in the same spot the previous dishes were installed. DTV provides the network locals (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox only) not all local HD broadcasts.

I have been reading this and the HDTV Programming forums for a long time and, Rudy1, I want to thank you for the ongoing information you have been providing about Comcast in this area. (We get little enough from Comcast themselves).

But now I have question: What is going on with HD channel 208 (HDSE). We had this channel prior to the Olympics and that was the channel used for UHD. When UHD went away so did 208 HDSE.

Recently it has come back and is now showing the INHD logo but was used for some NFL HD presentations and then simply duplicated INHD for awhile. It is now back to the INHD logo.

Is this channel going to be used for NFL HD presentations or will this be the channel MHD ends up on? (Still early September?)

One last question. In an earlier post you mentioned FoodTV-HD as a possible upcoming channel. Are you certain? This is first I have heard of Comcast and FoodTV-HD being mentioned in the same breath! (This, and HGTV-HD, are channels I would really like to see. I know how popular sports are but we have enough of those channels. Time for some more main stream channels with a broader appeal).

Thanks
Bryan

Patrick,

All of my QAM tuners are reporting DHDT as being encrypted, which is odd since the headend manager (who's at another location attending meetings) was not aware of it. He said he would look into it and get back to me.

Bryan,

MHD will be taking over the channel currently assigned to INHD2. The NFL-HD programs should be returning to HDSE. FoodTV and HGTV were mentioned earlier this year as possible future additions to the lineup, but I don't expect to see them anytime soon. Not until more bandwidth is freed up.

Patrick,

All of my QAM tuners are reporting DHDT as being encrypted, which is odd since the headend manager (who's at another location attending meetings) was not aware of it. He said he would look into it and get back to me.

well I do hope it becomes "unencrypted" again as I currently only have basic cable, with the few QAM digital channles that come thru, and I dont intend to upgrade to digital ($60+ vs $10? no way)... not that I am cheap just I wont pay that much when I only watch 5 or 6 channels period...

Patrick

well I do hope it becomes "unencrypted" again as I currently only have basic cable, with the few QAM digital channles that come thru, and I dont intend to upgrade to digital ($60+ vs $10? no way)... not that I am cheap just I wont pay that much when I only watch 5 or 6 channels period...

Patrick

I was just informed that DHDT is a B2 service and will remain encrypted. The reason we enjoyed it in the clear for so long is that when they launched the service locally they had it on a Modular Processing System and they experienced problems when they tried to encrypt it. They just acquired new equipment and switched the channel over to a SmartStream Encryptor/Modulator.

I was just informed that DHDT is a B2 service and will remain encrypted. The reason we enjoyed it in the clear for so long is that when they launched the service locally they had it on a Modular Processing System and they experienced problems when they tried to encrypt it. They just acquired new equipment and switched the channel over to a SmartStream Encryptor/Modulator.

so does that include SPEED-TV also? I am also unable to receive that one now too...

the head-end manager was not aware of this before? isnt he the one in charge of the equiptment, signals, encryptions, and such?

so does that include SPEED-TV also? I am also unable to receive that one now too...

the head-end manager was not aware of this before? isnt he the one in charge of the equiptment, signals, encryptions, and such?

Patrick,

The headend manager was not aware that the changeover had already taken place. He has been attending technology meetings in Denver and budget meetings in Atlanta. You need to do a re-scan to find SPEED...it is not only still there and (for now anyway) unencrypted, but it is at two separate frequencies. All of my QAM tuners still show it.

Once the digital simulcast goes live, I am pretty sure only the B1 services will remain unencrypted. I don't have a chart handy, but I believe B1 is their lowest level of service in the analog tier.

---Rudy

I woulda thought that decision (changeover time/date) would have been made by the headend manager, or at the very least that it should have gone through him, while on the way up or down the "command-chain"

Does anyone know of a good outdoor antenna installer in the coral gables/pinecrest area? Thanks in advance. Will

Will--
I used Latta TV & Video Service. In addition to antennae, they also do satellite installation. I would use them again.

305 235 1771 / 305 251 5848

Patrick,

The headend manager was not aware that the changeover had already taken place. He has been attending technology meetings in Denver and budget meetings in Atlanta. You need to do a re-scan to find SPEED...it is not only still there and (for now anyway) unencrypted, but it is at two separate frequencies. All of my QAM tuners still show it. ---Rudy


Doesnt make much sense when supposedly the person in charge of decisions regarding the cable broadcasts has no knowledge what is going on... the head-end manager is supposed to be the guy making the decision on when equiptment changes take place and not find out about them after the fact. gives me no confidence in comcast in general.

so anyone know what channel/sub-channel SPEED can be found on now??

Hi, Just purchased the hp hdtv. Can anyone in the homestead area recommend an antenna to pick up ota hd. Preferably an indoor type. thanks..

You are probably not going to pick up ABC and Fox with an indoor antenna, since they are VHF. Your only chance would be a an outdoor antenna mounted in the attic. If you only care about UHF, then you may have a chance with an indoor.

Ericglo

You are probably not going to pick up ABC and Fox with an indoor antenna, since they are VHF. Your only chance would be a an outdoor antenna mounted in the attic. If you only care about UHF, then you may have a chance with an indoor.

Ericglo

Ok, I don't know much about antenna. Do you have to get a digital antenna or just a regular one. Any type you would recommend?

Check out FSNhd. What is up with that? They are showing RealMadrid which is one Spain's Soccer teams. Oh now it is full screen before it was only a quater of the bottom of the screen. Real weird. They are messing with the sound too.

Wow it looks like they are testing the cameras. Pretty wierd

Ok, I don't know much about antenna. Do you have to get a digital antenna or just a regular one. Any type you would recommend?

Any VHF/UHF antenna is capable of picking up digital signals. Go to www.antennaweb.org and enter your info and they will recommend antennas that will work for your particular situation/location.

aww now its gone that stadium was cool as hell

Ok, I don't know much about antenna. Do you have to get a digital antenna or just a regular one. Any type you would recommend?

Go read up in the HDTV reception hardware forum. There is lots of info over there. Like I said, are you interested in Fox and ABC? If so, then you are going to have to put an antenna outside. I just checked and you are around 35 miles from the towers. That is a pretty good distance and may pose some problems for indoor UHF.

Ericglo

Can anybody with Atlantic Broadband confirm if the TVGUIDE is working ? I have a DVD recorder linked to an ABB box and for the last 10 days I can't make the listings populate. It looks like ABB is no longer sending the info through channel 22 (PBS).

Thanks

Sergio

has anyone else done a recent scan for open-QAM channels? I just did one tonight and wasnt able to find SPEED-TV (which I had but apparently has been moved) but I did find a couple new ones for me -- BRAVO (119.8) and some shopping channel - TVSS? (119-9)...

of course your-sub-channels-may-vary...

COMCAST / Plantation

I would appreciate seeing what anyone else is receiving for unencrypted QAM right now, as these change

anyone else lose signal strength tonite on ota 7-1 and 10-1? mine went from around 80 on both to upper 60's on both

OTA 7.1 (FOX) has been bad for the past 1-2 weeks. It has become a weak fluctuating signal. I don't know if this is permanent or temporary, but it is really annoying. Prior to this I had always had a strong signal.

WSVN 7.1 has been really bad the lately. I had to switch to the analog channel last night to watch Celebrity Duets. Don't the engineers monitor the transmissions anymore at these stations. I know for a fact it is not my setup. A friend of mine across town has the same drop outs at the same time verified during telephone conversations. It seems to be a common problem that the digital side gets ignored by the stations. The other day wlrn 17-1 was stuck in a loop but the analog 17-0 was fine, this went on for hours.

What are they smoking over there, today Windfall and Leno were both shown with those stupid blue bars just like last week, what the hell

At first I figured they only did this with repeats but last night they did the same thing with Leno and it was a new show.

For Weston residents who have Advanced Cable - I checked there website and it appears that they added several HD channels recently:

Cinemax HD
Starz HD
PBS HD
FSN FL HD
Universal HD

They still don't have CBS HD yet.

At first I figured they only did this with repeats but last night they did the same thing with Leno and it was a new show.

I emailed WTVJ to ask why Leno was in SD last night and this was the answer: " HD switcher was still in the "Ernesto" mode...Leno will be back in HD tonight."

I don't understand why an HD switcher would have to be in any special mode due to a tropical storm. The signal was still there and working so why not send in HD.

I emailed WTVJ to ask why Leno was in SD last night and this was the answer: " HD switcher was still in the "Ernesto" mode...Leno will be back in HD tonight."

I don't understand why an HD switcher would have to be in any special mode due to a tropical storm. The signal was still there and working so why not send in HD.


For running the Weather Crawl/alerts at the bottom of the screen. They can't do it in 16:9 HD.

For running the Weather Crawl/alerts at the bottom of the screen. They can't do it in 16:9 HD.
Ok that explains it then. I hope they upgrade before the 2009 analog cut off.

If anyone cares..Comcast is now carring The Tube music video channel on clear-qam. I'm in the Ft Laud/Oakland Park area of Broward county. I'm picking it up on 109.3.

So it looks like WFORD isn't carrying Dolphin games in HD, or is this just for the pre-season games? I would have thought with the new displays at Dolphin Stadium they would have HD broadcasts by now.

Side rant: I hate how different networks have to use their own camera's. Obviously FSN have the camera's at Dolphin Stadium for the Marlins, it'd be nice if WFORD could use them for the Dolphins. I find it hilarious you'll see 2 or more camera sources for Yankees games (for example). There will be one for ESPN-HD, YES-HD, NESN-HD and so on (all using their own camera's). The INHD broadcasts I find pretty bad b/c they use their own camera, but the home team's announcers so you'll hear the home teams highlights and stuff, but INHD stays on the game and sometimes the camera's aren't on the actual game, just facing down. Really annoying when that happens. Can't there just be 1 camera and different graphics for all channels?

has anyone else done a recent scan for open-QAM channels? I just did one tonight and wasnt able to find SPEED-TV (which I had but apparently has been moved) but I did find a couple new ones for me -- BRAVO (119.8) and some shopping channel - TVSS? (119-9)...

of course your-sub-channels-may-vary...

COMCAST / Plantation

I would appreciate seeing what anyone else is receiving for unencrypted QAM right now, as these change

On my Toshiba DLP, the unencrypted QAM channels include...

ESPNHD 49-1 (also at 89-2)
CBSHD 89-1
ENCORE MULTIPLEX 90-3
WB/CWHD 109-1
THE TUBE 109-2
TNTHD 117-55
SPEED 119-8 (also at 120-4)
STYLE 120-7
WGN 120-8
OLN 120-9
ENCORE WESTERNS 123-9
COMEDY CENTRAL 124-1
BRAVO 127-2
ABC 130-4
CBS 130-8
FOX 130-9
PBS (WPBT) 131-1
UPN 131-2
NBC 131-5
PBS (WXEL) 131-7
WB/CW 131-8
PBS (WLRN) 131-10

Please note that the HD channels are identified as such in this list...everything else is standard def.

Does anyone know what Comcast HDSE 208 is going to be? It shows the INHD logo but we already have INHD 1and 2.

Does anyone know what Comcast HDSE 208 is going to be? It shows the INHD logo but we already have INHD 1and 2.

I could venture to guess its HD Special Events.

Ok, I don't know much about antenna. Do you have to get a digital antenna or just a regular one. Any type you would recommend?

I just picked up a uhf/vhf RCA antenna at home depot for $70, and have it wedged in my attic. I live next to Black Point Marina and pick up ABC and FOX just fine as well as the rest of the OTA digital channels. I just set it up outside on my patio furniture to get the direction just right and then set it the same way in the attic. hope this helps.

Hi Rudy1

Is this still the weekend, so far as you know, that Comcast users can expect to see INHD2 replaced by MHD? I believe you originally said the 5th?

Do you know if South Florida is a 850Mhz or 750Mhz system – or does it vary by area?

Further, next time you are speaking with those Comcast folks please pass on the comment that I am very unhappy with those ads that now appear on and off at the bottom of the program guide. Very, very annoying! :mad:

Thanks
Bryan

Does anyone know what Comcast HDSE 208 is going to be? It shows the INHD logo but we already have INHD 1and 2.

Last weekend they used it to show NFL Network HD games with INHD content between games (thus, I guess, the INHD logo).

Bryan

I just picked up a uhf/vhf RCA antenna at home depot for $70, and have it wedged in my attic. I live next to Black Point Marina and pick up ABC and FOX just fine as well as the rest of the OTA digital channels. I just set it up outside on my patio furniture to get the direction just right and then set it the same way in the attic. hope this helps.

That is great. Check it out during the day to see how well you pick up ABC and FOX. Also, what kind of tuner are you using?

Ericglo

Hi Rudy1

Is this still the weekend, so far as you know, that Comcast users can expect to see INHD2 replaced by MHD? I believe you originally said the 5th?

Do you know if South Florida is a 850Mhz or 750Mhz system – or does it vary by area?

Further, next time you are speaking with those Comcast folks please pass on the comment that I am very unhappy with those ads that now appear on and off at the bottom of the program guide. Very, very annoying! :mad:

Thanks
Bryan

Bryan,

MHD is supposed to debut on our system on Sept. 5th. Each area has a different capacity system; for example, downtown Fort Lauderdale is on a 850 Mhz system, while Plantation is on a 750 Mhz system.

---Rudy

On my Toshiba DLP, the unencrypted QAM channels include...

ESPNHD 49-1 (also at 89-2)
CBSHD 89-1
ENCORE MULTIPLEX 90-3
WB/CWHD 109-1
THE TUBE 109-2
TNTHD 117-55
SPEED 119-8 (also at 120-4)
STYLE 120-7
WGN 120-8
OLN 120-9
ENCORE WESTERNS 123-9
COMEDY CENTRAL 124-1
BRAVO 127-2
ABC 130-4
CBS 130-8
FOX 130-9
PBS (WPBT) 131-1
UPN 131-2
NBC 131-5
PBS (WXEL) 131-7
WB/CW 131-8
PBS (WLRN) 131-10

Please note that the HD channels are identified as such in this list...everything else is standard def.

Well once again it seems improper PSIP data encountered from ComCast
-- 89-x ... 89-1 thru 89-11 shows "digital channel is encrypted", 89-12 up all redirect back to 89-1
-- 90-x ... same as above
-- 109-x ... same as above

I didnt review the PSIP data but I really dont have to, The TV would not "re-direct" any channels unless the PSIP mapped the channels that way... The TV is only doing what the stream tells it to, any receivers that dont are not interpretting the data "by-the-book". This is the same behaviour as the previous streams I examined

also odd that I have 2 different receivers here, and neither of them received the channels you listed above...

what I DO receive on both...
(one of the 2 gets the "standard" PBS/FOX/SVN/PLG on 92-x/93-x that alot of people get)
102-1 -- CBS-HD
102-2 -- ESPN-HD
104-3 -- The Tube
110-1 - MoviePLEX
112-8 -- E-Westerns
117-2 -- TNT-HD
117-1 to 117-54 -- music choice channels (except 117-2)
-- 119-1 ... bravo
-- 119-7 ... TV-Guide channel
-- 119-9 ... some home-shopping channel (logo TVSS over a shopping cart)
-- 119-10 up ... all redirect back to 110-1
-- no signal received at all on any channels/subchannels 120up though I believe they are both capable of this

anyone else using Toshiba 37HL95 (or 32HL95) that can confirm what channels they are able to receive? and/or anyone in Comcast/Plantation that can confirm their channels

Rudy, thanks for that info.

It makes senses that each area has different capacity since, originally, they were all different systems.

But does that mean that future channel additions might appear on, say, Ft. Lauderdale but not Plantation or do all areas in South Florida have to live with the lowest common denominator? Plus, are there plans to upgrade the lower level systems? (You may have mentioned that earlier but I don’t remember).

Thanks again for keeping us all up to date!

Anyone order the new Dtv HR20 HD Dvr yet or on a waiting list for it???

Rudy, thanks for that info.

It makes senses that each area has different capacity since, originally, they were all different systems.

But does that mean that future channel additions might appear on, say, Ft. Lauderdale but not Plantation or do all areas in South Florida have to live with the lowest common denominator? Plus, are there plans to upgrade the lower level systems? (You may have mentioned that earlier but I don’t remember).

Thanks again for keeping us all up to date!

The channel lineups will remain consistent throughout the service area, with a few minor variations to accommodate specific contractual agreements. All current Comcast systems in the area are fully up to spec and will have additional capacity as the conversion to digital broadcasting progresses (more basic tier analog channels will be moved into the digital tiers, freeing up bandwidth).

Well once again it seems improper PSIP data encountered from ComCast
-- 89-x ... 89-1 thru 89-11 shows "digital channel is encrypted", 89-12 up all redirect back to 89-1
-- 90-x ... same as above
-- 109-x ... same as above

I didnt review the PSIP data but I really dont have to, The TV would not "re-direct" any channels unless the PSIP mapped the channels that way... The TV is only doing what the stream tells it to, any receivers that dont are not interpretting the data "by-the-book". This is the same behaviour as the previous streams I examined

also odd that I have 2 different receivers here, and neither of them received the channels you listed above...

what I DO receive on both...
(one of the 2 gets the "standard" PBS/FOX/SVN/PLG on 92-x/93-x that alot of people get)
102-1 -- CBS-HD
102-2 -- ESPN-HD
104-3 -- The Tube
110-1 - MoviePLEX
112-8 -- E-Westerns
117-2 -- TNT-HD
117-1 to 117-54 -- music choice channels (except 117-2)
-- 119-1 ... bravo
-- 119-7 ... TV-Guide channel
-- 119-9 ... some home-shopping channel (logo TVSS over a shopping cart)
-- 119-10 up ... all redirect back to 110-1
-- no signal received at all on any channels/subchannels 120up though I believe they are both capable of this

anyone else using Toshiba 37HL95 (or 32HL95) that can confirm what channels they are able to receive? and/or anyone in Comcast/Plantation that can confirm their channels

The frequencies assigned to the channels changed since the time I posted the channel listings for my Toshiba DLP---my channel lineup on all of my QAM-capable devices has changed. Also, since you're in Plantation it is unlikely that my channel listings will be the same as yours. So I'll let someone else try to help you with this.

Anyone order the new Dtv HR20 HD Dvr yet or on a waiting list for it???

I don't think they are going to be available for awhile longer. I was told November by the guy that installed my receiver a couple of weeks ago.


On a different note, is there any way we can split the threads for Miami? No offense to the Comcast guys, but I have no interest in reading your posts. The only thing that interests me in here is the OTA posts. I am sure there are a lot of other satellite owners that feel the same way.

Ericglo

Edit - I guess that should include all of the cable companies since there is more than one. Maybe a Miami - Cable thread and a Miami - OTA thread.

hmmm... no MHD and still have INHD2, go Comcast :-P

Has anybody heard whether 33 or 39 will be carrying the remastered Star Trek (original series), and/or whether they'll have it in HD? Paramount is supposedly transmitting them to affiliates beginning September 19th.

<snip>
On a different note, is there any way we can split the threads for Miami? No offense to the Comcast guys, but I have no interest in reading your posts. The only thing that interests me in here is the OTA posts. I am sure there are a lot of other satellite owners that feel the same way.

Ericglo

Edit - I guess that should include all of the cable companies since there is more than one. Maybe a Miami - Cable thread and a Miami - OTA thread.
I agree, Ericglo. I watch OTA exclusively at home, although I have to admit having a few chuckles over what seems to be the constant channel shell game with the cable companies.

On a tangent, I find it interesting that with the advent of digital, OTA provides the best possible picture quality available. Cable and satellite simply can't match OTA in that respect.

Joe

OK, getting difficult to follow changes with QAM channels on ComCast (plantation area). I was receiving *102-2 -- ESPN-HD*, *104-3 -- The Tube* and *119-1 --bravo* but not now. *The Tube* seems to have moved to 119-1 for me and I dont really care much about *Bravo* but has *ESPN-DT* been moved or is it now encrypted also?

IM in ft lauderdale and most all of the HD channels I was pulling in direct through my basic cable from comcast have dissapeared. Discovery HD ESPN and a bunch of others all seem to have been removed. Anybody else having these issues or knows about it? Im just east of federal and just north of oakland pk. for reference.

IM in ft lauderdale and most all of the HD channels I was pulling in direct through my basic cable from comcast have dissapeared. Discovery HD ESPN and a bunch of others all seem to have been removed. Anybody else having these issues or knows about it? Im just east of federal and just north of oakland pk. for reference.


Discovery HD is no longer in the clear. It is now encrypted. Read Rudy1's post about it 2 pages back. AS far as I now ESPNHD is still in the clear..last time I watched that channel was about a week ago.

Discovery HD is no longer in the clear. It is now encrypted. Read Rudy1's post about it 2 pages back. AS far as I now ESPNHD is still in the clear..last time I watched that channel was about a week ago.

well as of yesterday ESPN-HD appears to have joined D-HD as MIA

Pglenn - were you able to find everything but ESPNHD?

I too practically lost everything and am wondering if somewhere just moved to a different channel.

Thanks

hey, is anyone watching the dolphins game right now? it looks like total crap! i just got a new tv, and i'm quite disappointed with all the macro-blocking / artifacts / pixelization. does anybody else see this?? :eek:

OK, new scan this afternoon, sub-channels will likely vary between receivers and Comcast is likely to change the channels yet again in a few days :-(

this is for plantation area also

100-5 ... spanish (WSCV I believe)
100-3 ... spanish (WLTV I believe)
94-7 ... G-TV (WGEN I believe)
94-7 ... Mega-TV

94-4 ... tbn/whft
90-3 ... ewtn / religious

77-1 ... QVC
104-8 ... shopping (dont know the station but it has TV-SS logo)

92-2 PBS-HD
92-3 ARTS/ OPERA
92-4 FLORIDA
92-5 PBS-DT3
100-7 WLRN
100-8 WXEL
94-8 BEACON IND.

79-2 ... CBS-HD
93-2 ... NBC-HD
92-1 ... FOX-HD
93-1 ... ABC-HD
119-2 ... CW HD
100-9 ... MY33 (non-hd)
93-3 ... NBC-WEATHER

94-1 CBS (non-hd)
100-2 NBC (non-hd)
94-2 FOX (non-hd)
94-3 ABC (non-hd)
100-4 CW (non-hd)

77-5 ... WGN
77-7 ... OLN
77-9 ... STYLE
77-12 ... SPEED
79-1 ... ESPN-HD
100-6 ... I-TV / WPXM
101-8 ... COMEDY CENTRAL
104-7 ... BRAVO
110-2 ... MOVIEPLEX
112-8 ... E-WESTERNS
119-3 ... THE TUBE

117.x ... MUSIC CHOICE (55 channels?)
117-2 ... TNT-HD

in addition in my area, dont know about all areas, I get ON-DEMAND broadcasts on the following channels. I guess I see these when a neighbor orders ON-DEMAND content. it is both funny and annoying to be watching one when the neighbor FF's, RW's or FREEZE's the content (yeah I see that too). I scan these every so often to see if a neighbor ordered anything interesting
81-10
82-10
83-10
84-10
85-10 / 85-11 / 85-12
86-10
88-10
89-10
80-1 ... League Pass (usually just advertising)

hey, is anyone watching the dolphins game right now? it looks like total crap! i just got a new tv, and i'm quite disappointed with all the macro-blocking / artifacts / pixelization. does anybody else see this?? :eek:

Yeah, I saw the same thing. It seems whenever NBC's airing live sports in HD (NHL, Olympics, now NFL) the picture looks pretty bad and suffers from a lot of pixelization, etc. None of the other networks seem to have this problem so frequently.

Anybody know email for WTVJ (nbc) engineering dept. Others in HD programming thread say macroblocking and other issues are a local problem which can be overcome with proper adjustments.
The Dolphins game pq was really appalling and the sound was out of sync.

Total crap ? I watched 6-1 last night instead of 5-1. You want total crap, you guys need better perspective. 5-1 was bad. 6-1 looked fantastic in comparison. Even not in comparison, I did not see "total crap", or "appalling" in any way shape or form.

Anybody know email for WTVJ (nbc) engineering dept. Others in HD programming thread say macroblocking and other issues are a local problem which can be overcome with proper adjustments.
The Dolphins game pq was really appalling and the sound was out of sync.

"Contact us" is easily found on the web site (WTVJ.com). I would imagine that "Technical Operations" is the place to go.

My OTA PQ was quite satisfactory. Yes, the audio was off, but only noticeable when the announcers were on camera. At such times, I tune out their interminable blabber. That is when I have not turned off the center speaker completely.

Apologies to all you OTA people, but I have a Comcast question.

Rudy1, any word from Comcast about MHD? It obviously didn’t start September 5th as had been indicated.

Thanks
Bryan