Miami / Ft. Lauderdale, FL - HDTV [Text View] - Page 20

yanksno1

02-27-07, 04:29 PM

Do the Dish boxes have an OTA antenna input in addition to the Sat input? If so, you wouldn't need the switch as the box would handle both inputs simultaneously. My neighbor's got that setup on his DirecTV box - works great for him since he can't get local HD through the Sat.

Joe
Yeah you can. I read that with the OTA antenna you can have up to 3 HD (2 sat & 1 OTA) recordings at once while watching a 4th HD recording already currently recorded program. That's a pretty sweet feature.

Wish they had the CW in HD for Smallville. I do get it OTA but don't feel that comfortable strictly using OTA for it. My comcast bill is pretty high though, might have to switch anyway. Their new deal is pretty good (plus they get ESPN full court which comcast down here doesn't get). I don't need the NFL package, so only reason I'd switch to D* is if the MLB package goes through (which I hope it doesn't). That'd suck big time because their HD lineup and equipment are by far the worst deal (especially since Dish started offering free HD-DVR's).

EDIT: Reworded my "watching a 4th recording". It's not really a recording since it's already recorded. I think you guys got my point though. ;)

97Strat

02-27-07, 10:21 PM

WPBT-DT's PSIP was back working again last night, guess the computer took the weekend off.

Walt
Yup, I saw that yesterday as well. Glad it wasn't my tuner taking a proverbial dump.

Joe

97Strat

02-27-07, 10:31 PM

From looking at the dish network website, I'm guessing that's what the TV ANTENNA/CABLE IN input would be on the box? If so then I see what you mean. Anyone know if you could pick up local HD through the QAM this way also if connected to the tv and getting basic comcast?

Thank you
Just did a quick check of the box on the web site and it does have the ability to do OTA HD as well as Sat SD/HD. I imagine the OTA antenna input would handle a cable signal pretty much the same way that a regular HD tuner would, although I didn't see that the Dish box had QAM capability. If it did, I'd guess that you could receive HD through QAM if the tuner was capable of receiving those channels in the clear.

Joe

97Strat

02-27-07, 10:36 PM

Yeah you can. I read that with the OTA antenna you can have up to 3 HD (2 sat & 1 OTA) recordings at once while watching a 4th HD recording. That's a pretty sweet feature.
Indeed. Sounds like a deluxe box.

Wish they had the CW in HD for Smallville. I do get it OTA but don't feel that comfortable strictly using OTA for it. My comcast bill is pretty high though, might have to switch anyway. Their new deal is pretty good (plus they get ESPN full court which comcast down here doesn't get). I don't need the NFL package, so only reason I'd switch to D* is if the MLB package goes through (which I hope it doesn't). That'd suck big time because their HD lineup and equipment are by far the worst deal (especially since Dish started offering free HD-DVR's).
If I got the same channel through Sat/Cable and OTA, I'd watch the OTA all the time as you can't beat the signal. Personally, I can't see paying upwards of $50/month for what, a half-dozen or so HD channels? Until the Big Switch, I think I'll stick with OTA for free.

Joe

wally34949

02-28-07, 08:56 AM

I picked up 6.1's news this morning from 5:00 - 5:30 a.m. No reception problems. BTW, I live in Fort Pierce, Florida.

vikajakub

02-28-07, 10:11 AM

Yardy

02-28-07, 02:54 PM

I have noticed as soon as we post the name of a channel available on QAM clear - it mysteriously disappears right after. I have noticed that with Comcast. Is Comcast reading our posts ? Hmmm..... :rolleyes:

Yeah..It does seem like it..doesn't it. I finally picked up channel 7 (FOXHD) last night on my qam..but I'm not saying what channel. :)

vikajakub

02-28-07, 02:59 PM

Yeah..It does seem like it..doesn't it. I finally picked up channel 7 (FOXHD) last night on my qam..but I'm not saying what channel. :)

TNT is gone today, 3 days after I posted its location and my town- that was my last time posting about available channels. Can you hear me, Comcast ? :mad:

dealdoug

02-28-07, 08:00 PM

Do you think we could get comcast to fix cable or internet outages if we mention them here too? Ha Ha :D

Experiencing missing channels in Cooper City, tonight, they know which ones, nuf said.

BDCat

03-01-07, 08:25 AM

Yardy

03-01-07, 09:49 AM

As of this morning: :)

208 UHD (replaced HDSE)
215 NGHD
216 A&EHD

Typically for comcast in this area, no announcements - they just show up!

Now, if we can just get HGTVHD that Rudy was speaking about!

That's good news. Will check it out when I get home.

By the way vikajakub..THTHD is gone from my qam tuner as well.

wally34949

03-01-07, 11:44 AM

Do you find VHF (2-13) or UHF (14-69) signals of better quality and easier to pick up? I just found out that Channel 5 will be switching from digital 55 to digital 12.

I would like your opinion.

JeffBowser

03-01-07, 11:47 AM

I see no difference, with the right antenna. I pick them all up just the same. However, if you have a UHF only antenna, and are some distance away, then you will have some issues to deal with.

kennyf1130

03-01-07, 02:28 PM

Just did a quick check of the box on the web site and it does have the ability to do OTA HD as well as Sat SD/HD. I imagine the OTA antenna input would handle a cable signal pretty much the same way that a regular HD tuner would, although I didn't see that the Dish box had QAM capability. If it did, I'd guess that you could receive HD through QAM if the tuner was capable of receiving those channels in the clear.

Joe

Thanks for your help. Just out of curiosity, from just looking online, it seems that Dish has a better package or value for the price, so what are some of the reasons you guys have Comcast? Maybe I'm missing something, but if you could give me a quick pro/cons of each that you've noticed, that'd be great.

vikajakub

03-01-07, 05:31 PM

As of this morning: :)

208 UHD (replaced HDSE)
215 NGHD
216 A&EHD

Typically for comcast in this area, no announcements - they just show up!

Now, if we can just get HGTVHD that Rudy was speaking about!

Hehe, showed up and today are gone, told you NOT TO POST any clear QAM new channels, Comcast is watching here.

BDCat

03-01-07, 05:46 PM

This has nothing to do with QAM - the world doesn't revolve around QAM.

It it for Comcast customers with a box! Don't expect something for nothing!

renamed

03-01-07, 08:30 PM

Now that UHD has returned, i can get BSG in HD.

dealdoug

03-02-07, 07:22 AM

Is anyone else's QAM HD's coming in with lots of digital pixelization or do I just have a weak signal all of a sudden?

hardballpete

03-02-07, 07:50 AM

Yardy

03-02-07, 08:43 AM

dealdoug

03-02-07, 08:48 AM

Just wanted to give a shout out to the Comcastic regime for throwing us the 3 new HD channels. And I appreciate the high quality of the HD channels as well, after seceding from the Directv republic and it's HD Lite.

How 'bout dem Comcasts?

...and enough already with the daily anal reports of QAM activity! Geez it's ponderous!

Hey hardball, what exactly do you want to discuss under the topic of "HDTV Info and Reception" anyway? I'm sure you can get a lineup card for your STB directly from comcast. If you are not having a problem why don't you just watch your great service and let us exchange information amoungst ourselves? I think you been drinking to much of that High Speed Stuff!

BDCat

03-02-07, 09:06 AM

This thread, for better or worse, is presently being shared by three major and different groups of users:

Comcast users with a box and/or DVR
QAM users
OTA users

Beyond these we also have users with other cable systems as well as DirecTV and Dish Network users (from whom very little is heard).

In the past there has been talk of splitting this thread up but nothing has ever come of it.

So we are stuck with each other! Let’s try and get along, however boring we may find posts on topics of no interest to us individually!

Yardy

03-02-07, 10:08 AM

Maybe we should all do as Hardballpete suggests. Get a cablebox, shut up and close this "ponderous" thread. By the way, anyone knows what ponderous means..I'm too busy doing a rescan on my qam tuner to look it up.

Well I'm now picking up all the Local HDs with my qam so comcast must have made some changes. Most are in the 66.xx range except for Fox which comes in on 1.1. I no longer get TNTHD and thats fine with me. I have a tv with cablecard in my bedroom for that. I pay $5 extra for it.

Some people think qam users are trying to get something for nothing. That is not the case. We are trying to get what we paid for and what by law we are entitled to. That is local hd stations in the clear..without the need for cablebox. Comcast is not doing us any favors. Continuing to ignore a significant portion of your customer base it not good business.

BDCat

03-02-07, 10:56 AM

... We are trying to get what we paid for and what by law we are entitled to. That is local hd stations in the clear..without the need for cablebox. ...
Not to open a can of worms but there are many who would disagree with the above statement. The thinking goes like this: Yes, they have to provide the basic channels in the clear but when there are duplicates (analog and digital) the requirement is that only one has to be in the clear, the other may be encrypted. (Apparently the wording of the rules has not been updated and is open to all kinds of interpretation).

In fact some suppliers do encrypt the digital locals; so far as I know Comcast has never done this.

Further, I cannot understand why Comcast, or any other cable company, should be required to support a TV’s built-in QAM tuner when they have no control over it whatsoever. I would think that any success with QAM tuners should be considered gravy! Just MHO. :D

ssabripo

03-02-07, 12:23 PM

As of this morning: :)

208 UHD (replaced HDSE)
215 NGHD
216 A&EHD

Typically for comcast in this area, no announcements - they just show up!

Now, if we can just get HGTVHD that Rudy was speaking about!
Yup!! I saw that last nite actually!!! WOOOHOOO....finallY! :) :cool:

chasw98

03-02-07, 12:49 PM

Beyond these we also have users with other cable systems as well as DirecTV and Dish Network users (from whom very little is heard).

I have DirecTV and you hear very little from me because it just works, doesn't go out, and the new HD channels will be there when they get there. I can do nothing to speed them up. Except for the fact that D has been saying they are coming now for over a year, I have no complaints. I also have OTA capabilities and they work fine.

Chuck

Yardy

03-02-07, 01:54 PM

Not to open a can of worms but there are many who would disagree with the above statement. The thinking goes like this: Yes, they have to provide the basic channels in the clear but when there are duplicates (analog and digital) the requirement is that only one has to be in the clear, the other may be encrypted. (Apparently the wording of the rules has not been updated and is open to all kinds of interpretation).

In fact some suppliers do encrypt the digital locals; so far as I know Comcast has never done this.

Further, I cannot understand why Comcast, or any other cable company, should be required to support a TV’s built-in QAM tuner when they have no control over it whatsoever. I would think that any success with QAM tuners should be considered gravy! Just MHO. :D

BDCat : I dont buy the argument that comcast is not required to support qam. Whats going to happen then when analog is cut off and its all digital. Everyone with cable will be forced to get a box, even though their brand new HDTV has a qam tuner? Most cable customers I know dont use a box and will be pissed if they are forced to in the future.

BDCat

03-02-07, 02:32 PM

97Strat

03-02-07, 02:55 PM

BDCat

03-02-07, 03:09 PM

Maybe I have this wrong, but isn't the QAM section of the HD tuner similar in nature to the 'cable' setting on regular NTSC tuners? Most all TVs have the option to set channels above 13 to either 'OTA' or 'cable'. Isn't QAM sort of the same thing as setting the NTSC side to 'cable'? Please educate me if I've got it wrong.
Joe, you may very well be right. I know little about QAM and I based my comments on various posts made in this thread. Even if you are correct, do cable companies actually support this "cable" option or is it just an option provided by the manufacturers?

If this is the case then the QAM issues are probably just growing pains as both cable companies and TV manufacturers tweak their systems and introduce incompatibilities.

BDCat

03-02-07, 03:17 PM

To add to the discussion of the last few posts, I also believe the biggest motivation for cable companies to drop analog is simply the need for more bandwidth and has nothing to do with the broadcasters having to do so! Many channels have announced HD versions for later in the year and DirectTV has said it will be carrying most of them. Cable companies have to compete and they will be able to do so by using a combination of reducing the number of analog channels and technological changes such as “Switched Networking”.

Because they have (at least presently) superior quality, the cable companies may not have to offer the same number that D* will but they can’t lag behind too much and they will have to offer the more popular ones. I think we will see many changes in the world of HD before this year is out!

Yardy

03-02-07, 03:29 PM

The analog cutoff in 2009 is strictly for broadcasters; cable companies can keep analog for as long as they want and most of the so-called experts seem to believe they will keep the “very basic” channels in analog for years to come. Of course, if you want any of the other channels you will probably need a box of some sort. And I agree, that can be a pain! I have three analog outlets and really don’t want to have to put a box on each of those.

There has been talk of a very small box that would be provided free or for a very nominal charge. I have also read of a “global” box that could be placed outside a house to provide analog on all outlets within that house! There is no doubt there are many subscribers (maybe even most) that are analog only and Comcast and others will need to address this! The first thrust is to get as many subscribers to accept digital as they can before they really have to address the situation!

Thus we have digital promotions and the Enhanced tier (basic channels in digital with VOD, menus, etc.) for only a dollar or two more a month.

So far as QAM tuners go, each TV manufacturer has their own set of specifications and each seems to work a little differently. At least that seems to be the case based on the posts in this thread. Is it really fair to expect any cable company to fully support these foreign (to the cable companies) tuners? Cable-cards, yes, but I’m not so sure about these!

All just my 2 cents!

It sounds then like TV manufacturers shoud be working closer with cable companies to set universal standards for Qam tuners. Unless, as you suggest, cable companies may not be using Qam in the future. The FCC should address this issue.

Believe it or not, it is not a matter of money why most people (myself included) refuse to get a box. I wouldn't want one even for free. I have no space for it; it is cumbersome; dont want another remote; and quite frankly its an eye sore. I went out and bought a tv with cablecard just to avoid the box. So, even though a smaller box would be better, it still may not satisfy some people. I mighy change in the future but for now I prefer to go without one.

You mentioned cablecards. My cablecard works perfectly and the HD picture and sound I get from comcast is quite excellent. However, my installer was very surprized that it worked. He told me those motorolla cablecards are a nightmare. In over 14 installs, mine was the only one to work immediately. So there are still issues with cablecards.

You made some pretty good points and I appreciate your comments. :)

vikajakub

03-02-07, 03:57 PM

This has nothing to do with QAM - the world doesn't revolve around QAM.

It it for Comcast customers with a box! Don't expect something for nothing!

I bet 6 months from now Comcast will have 1 clear QAM channel to force existing customers to pay $30 for 3 boxes on top $100 that they already collect for regular service. Is there any limit for corporate greed? I guess not as long as they can get it. $100 I can hardly say it is nothing... maybe for you.

BDCat

03-02-07, 06:02 PM

jstrazz

03-03-07, 03:28 PM

Yup!! I saw that last nite actually!!! WOOOHOOO....finallY! :) :cool:
I just found the new HD channels on my Tivo Series 3. I get UHD just fine, but when I tune to A&EHD and NGHD I get a message telling me to call the cable company to start the service ( I have two cable cards ). Does anybody know what's up with that?

kmullen

03-03-07, 03:41 PM

In Today's Sun-Sentinel (Sat. 3/3, there is posted a notice from Comcast, which states
the changes (by area) of all the channel changes...page 9B...it is very lengthy.

pglenn

03-03-07, 08:57 PM

I bet 6 months from now Comcast will have 1 clear QAM channel to force existing customers to pay $30 for 3 boxes on top $100 that they already collect for regular service. Is there any limit for corporate greed? I guess not as long as they can get it. $100 I can hardly say it is nothing... maybe for you

If you are anti-Comcast then you are anti-Comcast, there is not much I (or anyone else) can say to change your mind! The bottom line is that Comcast is a company in business to make money for its investors - and it is doing quite a reasonable job!

You may be right, I have no idea!

Well I have to agree - as much as I like to complain about ComCast, the truth is that the ONLY channels they are REQUIRED BY FCC to provide unencrypted, are those that the customer is able to get OTA - which of course is the local fox/cbs/abc/nbc/pbs/cw... any other channels that are clear/unencrypted-QAM just be happy you get them for the time that you get them with a 3rd party QAM receiver

97Strat

03-04-07, 12:59 AM

Well I have to agree - as much as I like to complain about ComCast, the truth is that the ONLY channels they are REQUIRED BY FCC to provide unencrypted, are those that the customer is able to get OTA - which of course is the local fox/cbs/abc/nbc/pbs/cw... any other channels that are clear/unencrypted-QAM just be happy you get them for the time that you get them with a 3rd party QAM receiverBased on your first statement above, it appears that cable would have to carry the sub-channels that are currently being broadcast OTA, i.e., 2-2, 2-3, 6-2, 7-2, 10-2, 39-2 in the clear. Or does the FCC require cable to carry only NTSC OTA channels? If so, then what happens when NTSC goes away?

Joe

hardballpete

03-04-07, 09:56 AM

Qam, qam, qam, qam, qam, qam, qam, qam...blah, blah, blah...qam, qam, qam, qam...yada, yada, yada, yada!

Geezus christmas, enough with the qam already! So excruciatingly ponderous. This is becoming major league ponderous like the following:

1. Jared on Subway commercials - quite ponderous and deserving of a healthy geek bitch slap!

2. Enough with the pizza hut commercial featuring the big eyes, big nose, etc. Arrghhhhhhhh!

That's some exclusive ponderous territory boys...Congrats & mazeltov!

I feel better now. Oh one more thing.

Have you qam talking heads ordered your "qam queens" club T-shirts and matching g-strings yet?

BDCat

03-04-07, 10:41 AM

In Today's Sun-Sentinel (Sat. 3/3, there is posted a notice from Comcast, which states
the changes (by area) of all the channel changes...page 9B...it is very lengthy.
Thank you for pointing that out. I would have missed it otherwise. For those of you who haven’t seen it, it shows a remapping of the Comcast HD channels and their sub-channels, to be effective April 3rd.

Basically, the HD channels are moving from the 200s to the 400s; the sub-channels are staying in the 200s but on different channel numbers and the music channels are moving from the 400s to the 800s. There are some very changes for the PPV channels as well.

At least now all the HD channels will be together without any intervening SD channels! There are also sufficient gaps to allow for the easy insertion of additional channels as they become available.

pglenn

03-04-07, 11:22 AM

Based on your first statement above, it appears that cable would have to carry the sub-channels that are currently being broadcast OTA, i.e., 2-2, 2-3, 6-2, 7-2, 10-2, 39-2 in the clear. Or does the FCC require cable to carry only NTSC OTA channels? If so, then what happens when NTSC goes away?

Joe

actually, to my knowledge they arent REQUIRED to carry ANYTHING - just that for now any channels that they DO provide (at their own choice and discretion) that can be received OTA, must be provided unencrypted by them...

Mister Julian

03-04-07, 12:30 PM

Hello Miami Crew-

I've managed to get CBS and NBC Digital OTA, but I cannot seem to get Fox or ABC. This is going to be terrible if I don't figure it out before 24 is on tomorrow. I live on the beach, and I am forced to use an indoor antenna. Can you guys get Fox or ABC? Any ideas?

hardballpete

03-04-07, 05:32 PM

Whoa, a non qam post! Shocking! I knew it could be done!

Fox and ABC are broadcasting their OTA HD on the VHF band, and can be difficult to pick up a solid signal. You might need an outdoor antenna or a better indoor one. Placement and facing of the antenna can be critical.

You need a uhf/vhf antenna. Not all are!

BDCat

03-04-07, 06:03 PM

Mr. HP,

Your recent posts imply that you assume QAM and Comcast posts are on the same topic. I'm sure you realize this is not the case!

stonecrd

03-05-07, 07:42 AM

HofstraJet

03-05-07, 08:16 AM

Yardy

03-05-07, 08:47 AM

BDCat

03-05-07, 04:24 PM

Hey, don't foget us poor Advanced Cable users in Westin and Coral Springs :)No, you were not being forgotten, just included in the fourth and "Beyond these" group. I lived in Coral Springs awhile ago and had Advanced Cable, but that was long before HD! ;)

But look at it this way, you have HDNET, the one HD channel most Comcast HD subscribers would love to have, probably even willing to trade a number of the other channels for it!

Oh well, what are you going to do! :confused:

slimoli

03-05-07, 05:17 PM

HEY! Don't forget our Atlantic Broadband cable ...almost 5000 posts and only 2 or 3 about ABB. Anybody know any news? Any new HD channels in the pipeline? What about Comcast buying them out (wishful thinking) ?

Sergio

Petteri

03-05-07, 05:42 PM

miami580

03-05-07, 08:04 PM

Does anyone know what happened to 44-1 in Miami? I'm not getting any signal.

deharry

03-05-07, 08:36 PM

If you don't mind, what brand, model set are you using? Was yours one of the ones that did not get all the locals previously? Thanks for your assistance.

I had the problem with the "famous" Panasonic, 50" plasma, model from last year that I do not remember...and my present Toshiba 50HPX95, last years version 50".

Mike4HDTV

03-05-07, 10:13 PM

Does Advanced Cable have any HD channels aside from the few on their website (HDNet, HDNet Movies, ESPN, HBO, SHO, TNT, Discovery)? I find their offerings pretty bad....if they got more than D*, I may consider switching.

ACC offers the following HD channels:

ESPNHD
ESPN2HD
Discovery HD
HDNET
HDNET Movies
NFL Network HD
TNT HD
FSN HD
Universal HD
Nat Geo HD
HBO HD
Showtime HD
Cinemax HD
Starz HD
ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and PBS HD

97Strat

03-06-07, 07:09 AM

Does anyone know what happened to 44-1 in Miami? I'm not getting any signal.Not sure, but they've gone off and come back on in the past. That said, this is one of the longest stints I've seen them off the air.

Joe

stonecrd

03-06-07, 07:36 AM

ACC offers the following HD channels:

ESPNHD
ESPN2HD
Discovery HD
HDNET
HDNET Movies
NFL Network HD
TNT HD
FSN HD
Universal HD
Nat Geo HD
HBO HD
Showtime HD
Cinemax HD
Starz HD
ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and PBS HD

And they just announced MyNetwork. Why they would waste bandwidth on this is beyond me, but at least they seem to be interested in adding new channels. Also placing TNT-HD as a HD channel may be a stretch (get it) :rolleyes:

Mike4HDTV

03-06-07, 03:49 PM

stone - ACC needs to add CW HD before they add MyNetworkHD.

miami580

03-06-07, 09:42 PM

Not sure, but they've gone off and come back on in the past. That said, this is one of the longest stints I've seen them off the air.

Joe

44-1 is back tonight.

Andres

03-07-07, 11:38 AM

Hi everyone,
I live in downtown Miami (SE 3rd AVE@SE 1st St) and I have a Winegard Squareshooter SS-2000 aimed North (I would like to have it a little bit more to NW, but its not possible) to get OTA HD.
Long story short: the antennas 12db pre-amp is overloading my pc's tuner card; black screen on every channel. I get reception, even though only in the 60s for DTV, when I cut the power to the antenna. Apparently the built-in amp is not designed to be pass-through that way, so I'm only getting about 10% of the signal. I was told by the antenna company to get an attenuator and even though at the time it didn't make any sense to me (most stations are 13 miles from me) I have one on the way.
Today I've found out (antennweb.org) that I have one station, WIMP-CA, at only 0.1 miles from here. Could this station, even though it only has 7.1 kW of power and it's located to the South (antenna aimed North), be the cause of my overload?

Thanks for the help,
Andres

Andres

03-08-07, 08:27 AM

Mmm... there seems to be a discrepancy between Antennaweb, who shows WIMP-CA to the south of me at 0.1 miles, and the FCC (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=4366) who shows the channel north of me at around 16 miles, and with 150kW of power.
I couldn't find a source for Antennaweb's data anywhere. If the FCC is right, then that channel couldn't possibly be the cause of my problems.
Anyone can think of a way to verify this info?
Thanks,
Andres

Yardy

03-08-07, 08:52 AM

If WIMP-CA was only .1 miles away you be able to see the tower. Best way to verify is to call or e-mail the station.

vikajakub

03-08-07, 01:09 PM

andy.s.lee

03-08-07, 05:02 PM

I live in downtown Miami (SE 3rd AVE@SE 1st St) and I have a Winegard Squareshooter SS-2000 aimed North (I would like to have it a little bit more to NW, but its not possible) to get OTA HD.
Long story short: the antennas 12db pre-amp is overloading my pc's tuner card; black screen on every channel. I get reception, even though only in the 60s for DTV, when I cut the power to the antenna. Apparently the built-in amp is not designed to be pass-through that way, so I'm only getting about 10% of the signal. I was told by the antenna company to get an attenuator and even though at the time it didn't make any sense to me (most stations are 13 miles from me) I have one on the way.
Today I've found out (antennweb.org) that I have one station, WIMP-CA, at only 0.1 miles from here. Could this station, even though it only has 7.1 kW of power and it's located to the South (antenna aimed North), be the cause of my overload?
Mmm... there seems to be a discrepancy between Antennaweb, who shows WIMP-CA to the south of me at 0.1 miles, and the FCC (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=4366) who shows the channel north of me at around 16 miles, and with 150kW of power.
I couldn't find a source for Antennaweb's data anywhere. If the FCC is right, then that channel couldn't possibly be the cause of my problems.
Anyone can think of a way to verify this info?
There are three other low power transmitters also on file with the FCC within 1500 feet of your location: WPMF-LP (ch 38, 14 kW), WGEN-LP (ch 30, 150 kW), and WGEN-LD (ch 45, 0.05 kW). They can all potentially pose a problem.

In addition to the nearby low power transmitters, the transmitter towers 16 miles to the north are still quite close and still quite strong, especially if you're high up with a clear view toward the towers. I have a feeling that your problem may be overloading of the pre-amp (built into the antenna) rather than the overloading of your tuner (which might also be happening). How high is your antenna off the ground?

The pre-amp actually has a very hard time with this much signal. Your antenna and pre-amp must capture and amplify the entire UHF spectrum (since they do not know which channel you are actually going to tuning to, they must pass the entire spectrum down the cable to your tuner). The output stage of the amp has a limited amount of field strength (dBuV) that it can drive. Given the 30+ strong signals hitting your antenna (and the pre-amp), I have a feeling that it's too much signal for the pre-amp to drive.

This can cause some bad effects (clipping, distortion, intermodulation products, etc.). If you are driving the pre-amp above and beyond its "linear operating range", you will be getting noise / interference on channels across the entire spectrum. The corruption of the signal can be bad to the point where none of the channels can be decoded.

Have you ever tried a passive / non-amplified antenna?

Best regards,
Andy

renamed

03-08-07, 09:57 PM

Since clear QAM channels melt like ice , I called Comcast , they sayd HD would cost me $5 and HD box $4,20/mo - fine. But they do not even have HD boxes, they put me on wait list.... Gee, what'scup Comcast? Too many clients or what?

Just go to a Comcast store, they always seem to have them. I have two HDDVR boxes from comcast in my house.

Andres

03-09-07, 08:23 AM

BDCat

03-09-07, 08:36 AM

Rudy1

03-09-07, 12:22 PM

Question for Rudy –

Does the South Florida Comcast system use OCAP and has it been upgraded?

OCAP = Open Cable Applications Platform. See this link for further information if interested:
http://www.opencable.com/ocap/

The reason I ask is that a new “J Guide” is supposed to be making an appearance a little later in the year but it will only work on systems with an upgraded OCAP system. Apparently it will work on all Comcast boxes, Motorola, SA, PACE and the upcoming Panasonic as they are all OCAP compliant, but the head end must also be compliant!

I've read about that, but I don't recall the headend manager mentioning anything about it coming online here soon. I know that CE manufacturers have announced products which include this technology, but when they'll make it to market is anyone's guess.

vikajakub

03-09-07, 12:32 PM

Just go to a Comcast store, they always seem to have them. I have two HDDVR boxes from comcast in my house.

You were right, I made a second call later to verify how long was the wait, CS rep said 3 weeks but if I do not wanna wait I can pick up DVR today for special rent fee only $4.95 ( since HD box was $4.20- what the hell:-) I arrived at Comcast office to find out that they had plenty of HD boxes ( poor communication I guess) so I came back home with what I thought was HD box but now I see it is called DCT62008 - looks like DVR to me. Hope it records. Question- will Video in-puts work on it, I have no more inputs left on my TV for VCR....

vikajakub

03-09-07, 12:39 PM

I've read about that, but I don't recall the headend manager mentioning anything about it coming online here soon. I know that CE manufacturers have announced products which include this technology, but when they'll make it to market is anyone's guess.

Hi Rudy, can you tell me what HD channels we should get for extra $5 HD fee - I assume all locals, Discovery, TNT, ESPN1 and 2 that I see fine - is National GeographicHD ,UniversalHD , INHD or A&E HD I cannot see ,a part of a different package? How are HD channels/packages broken down?

BDCat

03-09-07, 01:08 PM

... so I came back home with what I thought was HD box but now I see it is called DCT62008 - looks like DVR to me. Hope it records. Question- will Video in-puts work on it, I have no more inputs left on my TV for VCR....
vikajakub:

The DCT6208 is a DVR but it is an older version of the 6412. Its big disadvantages are that it only has an 80 GB drive and it is only a single tuner box! I didn’t even know they were still being distributed!

If you are going to have a DVR you want a 6412, 3412 or 3416. I’d march right back to the office and exchange it for a more modern one!

Also, be aware the video and audio inputs are NOT supported (on any of them). Sorry!

vikajakub

03-09-07, 01:31 PM

vikajakub:

The DCT6208 is a DVR but it is an older version of the 6412. Its big disadvantages are that it only has an 80 GB drive and it is only a single tuner box! I didn’t even know they were still being distributed!

If you are going to have a DVR you want a 6412, 3412 or 3416. I’d march right back to the office and exchange it for a more modern one!

Also, be aware the video and audio inputs are NOT supported (on any of them). Sorry!

Thanks Brian, makes you think why they would stick video in and USB if none work...all already hooked up so will see how it works, maybe will switch later on :-) 80 GB it is 10 hours HD... should be plenty. I am lazy... :)

kromix

03-09-07, 03:13 PM

Hi Rudy, can you tell me what HD channels we should get for extra $5 HD fee - I assume all locals, Discovery, TNT, ESPN1 and 2 that I see fine - is National GeographicHD ,UniversalHD , INHD or A&E HD I cannot see ,a part of a different package? How are HD channels/packages broken down?

Yea, Rudy, I had the same question and get a different answer everytime from 800-comcast. I have enhanced cable and added the +$5/HDTV package. I get Disc HD/ESPN/TNT-HD/SunSports Regional/Locals in HD but i dont get inHD/Nat Geo/UHD/Music HD/A&EHD or Golf-HD. I thought the +$5 would get me those but it doesnt. Obviously not the movie ones (Premium channels like HBO/Starz/Showtime HD) because i dont have a subscription to those premiums but why are we not getting inhd/nat geo/uhd/a&e hd with that "$5 hdtv charge"

Sometimes when i call they say "Yes your supposed to have it, we'll send the hit to your box", but I never get it working.
Sometimes they say well the $5 fee is for the STB you have not HDTV channels. I mean I understand that to a certain extent but it clearly states on comcast $5 is for HDTV channels and even goes on to list a few that you would get it says nothing of "this fee is for a set top box". Whats the story with this comcast has no idea whats going on when I call????

Want to feel like you’re really THERE? HDTV is for you. Enjoy crystal-clear primetime shows, sports programs, and local broadcast channels — without an antenna, or any other clunky gear. Just install the HD box, and for a small monthly fee you’ll dive into the huge and expanding universe of great HD networks like ESPN HD and Discovery HD Theater. And of course when you subscribe to premium channels like HBO® or Starz!® , they are all available in HD, too. Plus, you get great HD networks like ESPN HD which offers over 100 high definition games a year and selected ESPN original programming. Also, the INHD and INHD2 channels offer an exceptional variety of sports, movies, travel, and nature programming – all in high definition.

Finally, at no extra cost, premium subscribers can catch their favorite hit movies and many ground breaking original series from HBO HD and SHOWTIME HD. And for HD movie lovers, STARZ HD and CINEMAX HD are now available in most areas.

So all i see is install a HD-set-top box and for an extra free u get XXXX channels, and for premium subscrubers u get hbo showtime starz cinemax HD etc... Why is comcast's site/reps/channel line-up so "Deceiving" in their wording? lol

BDCat

03-09-07, 05:05 PM

Hi kromix

I’m no Rudy but I maybe able to shed some light on things. First, as I’m sure you are aware, Comcast has no HD package as such. All the HD channels are part of regular programming tiers. If you subscribe to that tier, you get those HD channels that are part of that tier.

The $5 HD fee is for the HD service for the tiers you subscribe to. It will not change even if you change the tiers you subscribe to. The line item on my bill looks like "DVR/HDTV Service $9.95."

The trick, of course, is in knowing which tiers which HD channels belong to! And, as you have experienced, even the CSRs seem to have a hard time with that one! And their web site is of no help what-so-ever!

Seeing as how you only subscribe to Enhanced (which is very similar to Standard) I would guess you are getting what you are supposed to but I am not completely sure. Maybe this is where Rudy could really help!

As an aside, overall I am very happy with Comcast but when it comes to customer communication they leave an awful lot to be desired! They just treat us like a bunch of mushrooms!

hardballpete

03-09-07, 06:58 PM

BDCat

03-10-07, 09:08 AM

Hey, here's a NON qam post. All qam queens should turn away and ignore this...ahhh, just messin' with you!

There has been lots of audio & video glitches lately. Momentary freezes, pixellation, blank scrrens, audio dropouts, etc, etc..

Youze guyz seeing this as well? Happening regularly for me.

Anyone know whazzup?
'Pete, which service? We know it's not QAM! ;)

OTA, Comcast Cable Card, Comcast Box?

I have a DVR and have been having no issues (recently) at all. In fact the picture, both SD and HD, is as good or better than ever! :p

hardballpete

03-10-07, 11:52 AM

Comcast digital cable with the Moto 6416 HD DVR is my profile.

Nobody else seeing any issues as described in my previous post?

Has one of y'alls QAM Queens put the whammy on me? LOL!

andy.s.lee

03-11-07, 04:47 AM

Andy,
The antenna is on a second floor (15ft?). The view north is obstructed by 20+ story buildings about 4 blocks away.
I've just tested a 20db variable attenuator with mixed results: I now have a picture on the tuner, but it's still unwatchable. Video and audio clip every few seconds on channel 4.1 (the digital with the best results). The signal meter, however accurate it might be, is giving me a maximum of 70 on that channel.

Now that you know the specifics of my location, do you think that a passive antenna could work better? I could take the antenna apart to see if it's possible to bypass the pre-amp.

I really appreciate the help.

I do think that testing with a passive antenna will tell you if your existing antenna's pre-amp is overloaded. Any basic rabbit ears / loop antenna should suffice, if you have one or can borrow one. Another option is to buy something like this (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Philips-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna-PHDTV1/sem/rpsm/oid/158311/catOid/-15607/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) with the option to return it if you end up not wanting it.

I don't know if a passive antenna will do better than your amplified antenna. That's what this test will tell. Knowing that you're behind some tall buildings means there's the possibility of signal attenuation, but there's no way to predict that for sure. If a simple passive antenna gets more channels than your amplified one, then it probably means that you are swimming in some pretty strong signals and it's probably your antenna's built-in amp that is overloaded and causing problems.

If the passive antenna test fails, then you may be faced with a different problem (most likely multipath interference), so let's see how the first simple test goes.

I wouldn't recommend opening the amplified antenna to bypass the amp unless it's designed to let you easily switch it on or off. It's an expensive antenna that might be useful to you or a friend in the future. Plus if the passive antenna test does not implicate the pre-amp, then you don't want to end up with an accidentally messed up amplifier on your hands.

Best regards,
Andy

Rudy1

03-11-07, 11:50 AM

I believe a subscription to Comcast's Digital Plus package gets you all of the HD channels (except, of course, the movie channels).

Andres

03-11-07, 12:43 PM

I do think that testing with a passive antenna will tell you if your existing antenna's pre-amp is overloaded. Any basic rabbit ears / loop antenna should suffice, if you have one or can borrow one. Another option is to buy something like this (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Philips-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna-PHDTV1/sem/rpsm/oid/158311/catOid/-15607/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) with the option to return it if you end up not wanting it.

I don't know if a passive antenna will do better than your amplified antenna. That's what this test will tell. Knowing that you're behind some tall buildings means there's the possibility of signal attenuation, but there's no way to predict that for sure. If a simple passive antenna gets more channels than your amplified one, then it probably means that you are swimming in some pretty strong signals and it's probably your antenna's built-in amp that is overloaded and causing problems.

If the passive antenna test fails, then you may be faced with a different problem (most likely multipath interference), so let's see how the first simple test goes.

I wouldn't recommend opening the amplified antenna to bypass the amp unless it's designed to let you easily switch it on or off. It's an expensive antenna that might be useful to you or a friend in the future. Plus if the passive antenna test does not implicate the pre-amp, then you don't want to end up with an accidentally messed up amplifier on your hands.

Best regards,
Andy

It was actually quite easy, just a couple screws and the amp comes right off. Completely reversible also :)
You were right, I get better reception now than ever before. Channel 4.1 is now watchable (it drops every few minutes instead of every few seconds) ant the tuner even detected some channels, albeit with very low signals. Channels 7.1, 6.1 and 10.1 (the other Big ones) even though they are at the same distance and direction than 4.1, remain unwatchable. I can't get a lock on any of those, not even for a few seconds. I understand that 7.1 and 10.1 transmit in VHF (channels 8 and 9) so that's a different deal altogether, but 6.1 does so in UHF (channel 31) just as 4.1, which I receive good enough.

So, what now, any other ideas? Can anything be done to improve it further?

Thanks again,
Andres

rob762

03-11-07, 01:25 PM

There has been lots of audio & video glitches lately. Momentary freezes, pixellation, blank scrrens, audio dropouts, etc, etc..

Youze guyz seeing this as well? Happening regularly for me.

Anyone know whazzup?

I'm seeing the same thing. Tech came to my house last Sunday and said they're having trouble through out Pompano, Davie, and Pembroke Pines. My SNR ratios were off the charts. (bad)

Rob Adams
Davie, FL
HD service Mot 3416

andy.s.lee

03-11-07, 03:46 PM

It was actually quite easy, just a couple screws and the amp comes right off. Completely reversible also :)
You were right, I get better reception now than ever before. Channel 4.1 is now watchable (it drops every few minutes instead of every few seconds) ant the tuner even detected some channels, albeit with very low signals. Channels 7.1, 6.1 and 10.1 (the other Big ones) even though they are at the same distance and direction than 4.1, remain unwatchable. I can't get a lock on any of those, not even for a few seconds. I understand that 7.1 and 10.1 transmit in VHF (channels 8 and 9) so that's a different deal altogether, but 6.1 does so in UHF (channel 31) just as 4.1, which I receive good enough.

So, what now, any other ideas? Can anything be done to improve it further?
Now the main issue it probably going to be multipath. Since the TV signals need to bounce around and pass through a lot of random building materials to reach your antenna, there are actually multiple copies of each channel reaching your antenna at the same time. Each of these multiple paths can arrive with a different amount of delay since the time-of-flight will be slightly different (e.g., a multi-bounce signal will arrive slightly later than the direct line-of-sight signal). If there are many multipath signals and their signal strengths are high enough, then what you get is each channel interfering with copies of itself.

If you were watching an analog signal, these multipath reflections would show up as ghosts (one or more after-images) in the picture. With digital channels, it's a different story. Digital channel decoding is more of an all-or-nothing proposition. If a signal can be decoded, you get a nice clean picture on your screen. If the signal gets noisy and cannot be decoded, you get no picture at all. There's not much to "see" between a digital channel working and not working.

In multipath scenarios, if it were possible to look at any one path (and ignore all the others) the signal would actually be clean. It's only when many signal paths are combined that we have a problem. That's where a directional antenna can help. Since multipath signals might be coming at you from a bunch of different directions, you can try to use the directional nature of the antenna to concentrate on only one of the clean paths. By picking out one of the cleaner paths and ignoring most of the "extra" signals, your tuner will have a better chance of being able to decode the channel.

Unfortunately multipath is very hard to predict. From the RF perspective, buildings and other objects are semi-transparent objects with a lot of holes and cavities. The signals can pass through, reflect, refract, diffract, or be absorbed in many different ways that are usually not obvious or directly observable by us. All we can do, in practice, is to try different antenna locations and orientations to see if we can find a cleaner signal path. Sometimes the cleanest signal direction is not with the antenna pointed directly at the transmitter. Only experimentation will tell.

If you were able to install the antenna in a location like the roof, you'd probably have an easier time since that gets above most of the multipath cross-talk that's bouncing amongst the buildings below.

If you are restricted to indoor antenna placement, a lot of experimentation is encouraged since you never know where you might find a sweet spot that happens to get a clean signal. Also note that the sweet spot for each channel might be different even if they are transmitting from the same location. That's because multipath varies with frequency, and the hot / cold spots may be different from channel to channel.

It also helps to have a very directional antenna. Highly directional antennas have tighter "beam widths" and do a better job ignoring unwanted signals from their backs and sides. It gives you a better chance at isolating the elusive clean signal paths.

At this point, it's mostly about experimenting with placement and orientation. It helps to have a lot of patence for this part.

BTW, if you haven't done so already, you might want to try tilting your SS 45 or 90 degrees when you're looking for VHF channels. TV transmissions are all horizonally polarized, but the SS was built with UHF horizontally polarized and VHF vertically polarized. When trying to pick up VHF channels, you may need to tilt the antenna to snag more signal power. A 45 degree tilt is a compromise to get both UHF and VHF partially working simultaneously.

Good luck!

Best regards,
Andy

hardballpete

03-11-07, 06:00 PM

Hey, I'm in Davie too. In Shenandoah.

Thanks for the 411 my Davie brotha!

pglenn

03-13-07, 11:59 AM

BDCat

03-13-07, 01:07 PM

... perhaps we can get an impromptu "poll" from our actual users here as to which package they have and which HD channels they are getting
Patrick, all I can do is confirm what Rudy said above. I subscribe to Digital Plus and I get all the HD channels. I also subscribe to HBO and Cinemax and get those HD channels as well.

I'm afraid I have no idea what Digital Classic entitles you to! Anyone?

Petteri

03-13-07, 09:03 PM

Getting terrible breakups in picture and sound on FSN (39) on Comcast here in Plantation. Trying to watch the Panthers game. The VSGLF channel is also not coming in at all with the message "This channel will be available soon"

vikajakub

03-14-07, 05:21 PM

as already mentioned even ComCast cant give a straight answer - per my own research (email to comcast and then call to CSR) I have been told only that the $5 fee plus box fee does NOT give any extra HD channels per-se - you get only the channels that are HD equivalent to the ones you already get with your current package (ie just locals = just HD locals, espn/espn2/discovery = espnHD/espn2HD/discoveryHD etc).

perhaps we can get an impromptu "poll" from our actual users here as to which package they have and which HD channels they are getting

I am mostly interested in National Geographic HD - what package do you have to have to be able to enjoy that channel? ( I do have Nat.Geogr. in non HD line up but it is not showing in HD or rather is telling me to contact comcast to sign up so the story about having both non HD and HD version automatically does not stick here:-)

pglenn

03-14-07, 05:53 PM

97Strat

03-14-07, 07:58 PM

OK, so I went to comcast.com to see what's up. They have no less than 16 different offerings, all pretty nebulous as to exactly what is included. Nothing at all about equipment, just some vague advertising mumbo jumbo about "premium" channels, digital-plus-1/2/3/whatever, "multiplexes", premier, plus, and tons of other meaningless garbage.

Just for kicks, I selected only HDTV for $5/month (with no other packages - even basic), and it let me proceed all the way through checkout - not that I actually went through with it.

So for a one-time fee of $29.95 (for who knows what) and a cost of $5/month, I will supposedly get these HD channels:
1 ON DEMAND
149 MoviePlex
200 FSN Florida HD
202 ESPN HD
203 ESPN 2 HD
204 TNT HD
205 Discovery Theater HD
206 iNHD
209 MHD
210 WPLG-10 HD (ABC Miami)
211 WTVJ-6 HD (NBC Miami)
212 WFOR-4 HD (CBS Miami)
213 WSVN-7 HD (FOX Miami)
214 WSFL-39 HD (CW Network Miami)
220 WPBT-2 HD (PBS Miami)
228 HBO HDTV
233 Cinemax HDTV
238 Showtime HD
248 STARZ HDTV
401 - 445 Digital Music
450 - 457 DMX Espanol Music

Hmm, why no Ch. 33? :confused: Of course nowhere does it say that some channels are extra cost or that I would need a box, or that I would actually need to purchase a package in order to get HDTV. But hey, for $5/month, should I complain?? ;)

So it let me go through with my HDTV order without actually ordering a package. :D Wonder how that would go through their system? :eek: Somehow I get the feeling that they'd stick me with a "default" ultimate package for over $100/month and not even give me a box. Just a hunch, of course. :)

In short, I've never seen a more ludicrous ordering system in my life. It's specifically set up to confuse the potential subscriber and make them simply order things they may not want or need. I can only imagine the complete waste of time if I actually tried calling Comcast and tried getting real information from them. :(

So, my question for all you cable subscribers is: How in the world do you deal with this company and still retain your sanity? :eek:

Joe

renamed

03-14-07, 10:31 PM

Well its either comcast or HD-lite.... i take comcast. Once AT&T comes out with there fiber to home project here in South FL. or IPTV with HD content, i will dump comcast in a heart beat.

vikajakub

03-15-07, 09:19 AM

pglenn

03-15-07, 11:48 AM

BDCat

03-15-07, 03:22 PM

well the $5 HD package is what I specifically called and emailed about, and was told it actually provided NO channels per-se, that the box ONLY allows to de-crypt the HD channels that come with your current package (and they were unable to tell me what channels with what package). its is truly insane, their lack of knowledge
Errr... isn't that what I said in post 4862 above?

But I really agree that the inability of a CSR to tell you which HD channels go with which tier is assinine. As I said, they treat their (potential) subscribers like mushrooms!

97Strat

03-15-07, 08:11 PM

The worst thing about Comcast (and other cable providers, I'm sure) is that their general attitude simply sucks. At best, it's insulting to the consumer. And it's all because they have a monopoly on the wire. At least with satellite there is more than one choice.

Hopefully, when television over phone lines becomes commonplace, smug, pompous entities like Comcast will lose business and be forced to change their ways. But until then, there's really no alternative if you want non-OTA channels and can't use a sat dish.

Between NTSC and loathsome cable providers, the future can't come soon enough.

Joe

BDCat

03-16-07, 08:46 AM

... Once AT&T comes out with there fiber to home project here in South FL. or IPTV with HD content, i will dump comcast in a heart beat.
While it would be nice, don't hold your breath:

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=109292

(Link originated in HDTV Programming forum).

Grampaw

03-16-07, 10:15 AM

97Strat

03-16-07, 05:49 PM

WTVJ is apparantly having problems with their HD switching system.
Last night watching the "Tonight Show", the screen went to black every time there was supposed to be a local commercial insert.
The "Today Show" this morning was shown in SD with the blue side curtains.
WaltThe 4:3 'Blue Curtain' effect was present during 'Raines' (10-11 slot) last night as well when it should've been 16:9.

This isn't the first time we've seen HD content shown in SD on ch. 6 - the explanation before was that there was a new guy on the evening shift and there were issues with the equipment or something.

Bottom line is that it's unprofessional and unacceptable in a market of this size IMO. If "minor" stations like 33 and 39 have no problems with switching between SD and HD, I have to wonder what's going on at ch. 6...

Joe

hardballpete

03-19-07, 08:03 AM

Petteri

03-19-07, 09:22 AM

Was trying to watch Galapagos last night on Comcast's National Geo HD Channel, and was experiencing picture tearing, pic freezing, audio dropouts every minute or so for hours! What a fricken mess. Anyone else?

I'm in Davie, Shenandoah subdivision. Using the Moto 6416 HD DVR.

I'm in Plantation and have been seeing this problem on various channels HD and otherwise for the last few days. Every now and then a channel will give me the "This channel will be available shortly" message. Comcast was supposed to come over yesterday, but I needed to re-schedule. I doubt its my box now.

Is there a way to off load material that you have on the DVR? If they need to ever replace a box I'd like to be able to save some of my recorded stuff?

BDCat

03-19-07, 10:44 AM

Comcast, Plantation:

I didn’t watch last night but it was fine during the afternoon.

A few weeks ago I had similar problems as well. Digital picture would break up and disappear on the HD set and the analog channels would become excessively grainy and snowy on the three analog sets. This would come and go. Sometimes it would last a minute or two, sometimes hours!

A Tech came out and determined it wasn’t a problem in my house and that two neighbors were also having the same problem (but they didn’t bother calling it in). He said it would be fixed within 48 hours. In 24 it was fixed!

The digital picture is now stunning, even better than it was before! (SD and HD). The analog picture is not quite where it was; the lower channels are OK but the channels above the mid-50s are still a little grainy (but still watchable). I haven’t called about it but I will sometime soon!

vikajakub

03-19-07, 11:11 AM

Yardy

03-19-07, 02:38 PM

You owe it to yourself to call Comcast and ask about HD line up as I did yesterday. Man, what a confusion and run arround- I got Charles first who could not give me straight answer which HD channels I am to get, first said all of them but movie channels, then would put me on hold 3 times to ask someone, 4th time he blind transfered me to some nice lady who was looking at the website and could not find A&E HD at all, never heard of Universal HD and tried to convince me that INHD is hd on demand only, and MTVHD is digital music only, not a TV channel. Golf TV and National Geographic HD according to her is not available in my area yet and no idea when will be ( I could not really believe anything these guys say at that point:-) How can one get a correct information ?

Funny we must have gotten the 2 same CSR's. Sorry I cant remember their names.

Apparently I called at the wrong time because the guy who answered was having lunch. Before he said hello, I could hear him telling his co-worker that she gave him the wrong sandwitch. He didn't want any tomatoes on his. It was someone else who wanted tomatoes!!.

So I asked him straight up what HD channels I should be getting for the $5 extra. He put me on hold. Five minutes later he come back on the line and proceeded to list every HD channel except the premiums. So I asked if that the case, why am I not getting them all. I told him I'm not getting INHD, MTVHD, NGHD etc)He then put me on hold. Eight minutes later he comes back and tells me his system is showing that I am receiving them all. Said he will send a signal to my cablecard and I should rescan. I said go ahead but I will not hang up. After he said he sent the signal, I did a rescan with him holding for a change. Still nothing diffrent. It sounded like he took a sip of his beverage and made a long sigh. I could hear laughter in the background as he mumbled something about how he dont really understand why I'm not getting those channels even though his "system" was showing that I should. I asked if I could speak to another rep.

He then blind transferred me to what sounded like a very nice polite old lady. Only problem is she has no clue whats going on. She basically told me the same thing she told you vikajakub. INHD was "on demand", never heard of MTVHD or NGHD. Asked her what hd channels should I be getting but she could not tell me because her "connection" was down. She asked me to go online and tell her what comcast.com says I should be getting. Thats right, I must tell her what I should be getting!! So I told her about INHD, NGHD, MTVHD etc; none of which she had ever heard of. She wanted me to rescan.Told her I already did. Said she didn't want to send another signal to my cablecard because it might "fry" the card. I told her please dont, I would not want my tv to explode.

She offered to schedule a technician to come out but I explained that would do not good because I'm not the only one with this issue. She was very polite and I felt bad that comcast threw her out in the field without proper training or information.

I had been on the phone for close to an hour at this point so I just politely told her to have a blessed day and hung up.

BDCat

03-19-07, 02:56 PM

… and MTVHD is digital music only, not a TV channel …
… never heard of MTVHD …
Just to be picky – there is no such channel as MTVHD; it’s MHD, or Music HD, and includes programming from MTV, VH1 and CMT but it is all music oriented there are no sitcoms, reality shows, etc.

Calling Comcast can always be an adventure! I don’t think I’ve ever had someone who was eating their lunch and carrying on a background conversation with another rep, though!

The question is really quite simple: Which HD channels are part of the basic tier, part of the standard/enhanced tier and part of the Digital Classic tier? (We already know they are all part of the Digital Plus tier except for the premiums). Why someone cannot answer this question is really rather astounding!

Surely we have some members here who have HD and only subscribe to a tier that is below Plus?

Yardy

03-19-07, 05:13 PM

Just to be picky – there is no such channel as MTVHD; it’s MHD, or Music HD, and includes programming from MTV, VH1 and CMT but it is all music oriented there are no sitcoms, reality shows, etc.

Calling Comcast can always be an adventure! I don’t think I’ve ever had someone who was eating their lunch and carrying on a background conversation with another rep, though!

The question is really quite simple: Which HD channels are part of the basic tier, part of the standard/enhanced tier and part of the Digital Classic tier? (We already know they are all part of the Digital Plus tier except for the premiums). Why someone cannot answer this question is really rather astounding!

Surely we have some members here who have HD and only subscribe to a tier that is below Plus?

The reps can't answer because they don't know. I'm not even mad at them because its not their fault. Anyone who can answer this question needs to be on Jeapordy. I didn't press the issue because I dont really care that much for those channels (even though they would be nice to have). Its just not worth the time or effort.

I'm not even sure what tier I'm on. My association gets me channels 1 thru about 79 I think. What tier is that?. The charged me $29.95 to upgrade to "digital" cable and $5 per month for HDTV. Am I now on a digital basic tier?

I'm not looking forward to calling Comcast again, so if I get those channels then I get them, if not then so be it. They certainly are not getting any more of my money.

MartyS

03-20-07, 07:35 AM

The 4:3 'Blue Curtain' effect was present during 'Raines' (10-11 slot) last night as well when it should've been 16:9.

This isn't the first time we've seen HD content shown in SD on ch. 6 - the explanation before was that there was a new guy on the evening shift and there were issues with the equipment or something.

Bottom line is that it's unprofessional and unacceptable in a market of this size IMO. If "minor" stations like 33 and 39 have no problems with switching between SD and HD, I have to wonder what's going on at ch. 6...

Joe

Anyone have any idea when WPLG will START using curtains on their non-HD broadcasts? Their constant 16:9 stretching is making me nuts... especially during Good Morning America where its in full HD until WPLG inserts their crawl, or gets ready for a local insert and drops the signal to a stretched SD 16:9.

Letters and e-mails to them have yielded no responses. :(

MartyS

03-20-07, 09:07 PM

Just to be picky – there is no such channel as MTVHD; it’s MHD, or Music HD,?

Actually, on my Comcast box in Boca Raton, FL I do get MTVHD...

renamed

03-20-07, 11:01 PM

Anyone have any idea when WPLG will START using curtains on their non-HD broadcasts? Their constant 16:9 stretching is making me nuts... especially during Good Morning America where its in full HD until WPLG inserts their crawl, or gets ready for a local insert and drops the signal to a stretched SD 16:9.

Letters and e-mails to them have yielded no responses. :(

Everyone in this forum has sent e-mails to WPLG about this and little to no response back from management.

BDCat

03-21-07, 08:26 AM

Actually, on my Comcast box in Boca Raton, FL I do get MTVHD...
Not to start an argument but I stand by what I said: There is no such channel as MTV-HD, be it in Boca Raton, Plantation or anywhere else. It is MHD (Music HD) and its programming originates from MTV, VH1 and CMT.

Check this link: http://www.mhd.tv/ and click on “About”. You may also be interested in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MHD_%28TV_network%29

Now, having said that, the channel is owned and operated by MTV and so it is sometimes mistakenly referred to as MTV-HD and I think everyone recognizes which channel is being spoken of but it is still not correct!

vikajakub

03-21-07, 09:50 AM

Yeah, whatever we wanna call it MTVhd or Mhd, Comcast should know which channel we are talking about, but they do not know what it is or what tier it belongs to. As Yardy said before, nothing against the reps, they are nice and polite people, simply company does not train them well so they relay on Comcast outdated website that can confuse the hell out of anybody and consumer gets different answer each time you call. It is simply not right for the company of that caliber that doubled their revenues last year - according to recent press release. C'mon Comcast !

deharry

03-21-07, 05:35 PM

Everyone in this forum has sent e-mails to WPLG about this and little to no response back from management.

As they say, vote with your tuner. I have not tuned to local content from this station since they started this nonsense.. At 11 PM, I get sea sick looking at Laurie's WIDE eyes, and simply switch to Ch4 or 6.

97Strat

03-21-07, 08:34 PM

renamed

03-21-07, 09:11 PM

vikajakub

03-22-07, 09:30 AM

Just a few observations...

I can only believe that Comcast is still in business because they are a monopoly. The horror stories I've just read are testimony to their pompous, "the hell with the customer" attitude. My question remains: Why do people actually pay for this abuse when they can go satellite? Or is sat customer service just as bad? I don't know, as I view strictly OTA. It's free and I don't have to deal with 3rd party idiots who screw up my feed.

WPLG, WLRN, and now WHDT (Ch. 44.1) currently employ stretch-o-vision. As has already been posted, people have complained to WPLG management, and the only thing WPLG has done is switched 10.2 from pseudo-weather to SD Channel 10. So now we can watch "fattened up" Dwight and Laurie on 10.1 stretch-o-vision, or the SD 4:3 Channel 10.

Thanks for the bandwidth. ;)

Joe

Hi Joe, the only reason for me to stay with Comcast is the fact my HOA got the deal with them for only $22/mo I pay another 20 or so for digital package HD so the deal is ok. Plus I always try to be a good local citizen and help local companies- these sales reps and support are real Floridians, your nighbours :-) That means something to me. Satellite is all the way up in space somewhere;-) April 5th comes big line up change in Comcast, hope for better.

BDCat

03-22-07, 10:25 AM

... April 5th comes big line up change in Comcast, hope for better.
Isn't that just a remapping of the channels (HD goes from the 200s to the 400s and the music channels also change)?

Or is something else going to happen then as well?

I don't think thay can add any more HD channels as we now have every national HD channel they offer.

vikajakub

03-23-07, 09:55 AM

Maybe HDNET ? THat would be a super gift to us:-)

BDCat

03-23-07, 12:58 PM

Maybe HDNET ? THat would be a super gift to us:-)
I agree, it would, but...

There is new thread over in the HDTV Programming Forum on the topic of HDNET and Comcast. Ken H, one of the moderators and a very knowledgeable insider, made the following post:

- All the HD channels Comcast carries are contractually bundled with the SD counterpart, with the exception of INHD (soon to be Mojo) of which Comcast is part owner.

- Comcast does not want to pay extra for HD channels, nor do they want to charge subscribers for an HD tier.

- HDNet has no SD counterpart channel, so they would have to be compensated solely for the HD channel. Therein lies the rub. Well, that and perhaps the price HDNet wants.

- Another factor is that Comcast may look at INHD (Mojo) as being a suitable alternative to HDNet.

If interested, this is a link to the thread itself:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=822901

bigboyhf

03-24-07, 12:22 AM

97Strat

03-25-07, 12:46 PM

I have a call in to Directv for an upgrade to the HD DVR. I'm wondering if I might be be better off with DISH, or even Advanced cable. Does anyone know how the HD signals compare? Not sure about the Directv HD DVR either. I've heard it has some issues. I live in Coral Springs.

I currently have a slight shadow on local channels with regular Directv and am wondering if that will improve with the HD signals... The cable channels are crystal clear.If you can put an outdoor antenna up, you can pull locals in OTA while still receiving sat-only stations. My neighbor with DirecTV is doing that now, as his sat box has two inputs - one for OTA and the other for the sat dish. The box tunes both OTA and sat without any issues. The digital OTA looks better than anything that either sat or cable could provide.

If you are in Coral Springs, you should be able to get both WPB and FTL/MIA OTA with a non-directional antenna. But be sure your antenna receives both VHF and UHF, as 7 & 10 from FTL/MIA are both VHF.

Joe

jstrazz

03-26-07, 12:30 PM

Just a few observations...

I can only believe that Comcast is still in business because they are a monopoly. The horror stories I've just read are testimony to their pompous, "the hell with the customer" attitude. My question remains: Why do people actually pay for this abuse when they can go satellite? Or is sat customer service just as bad? I don't know, as I view strictly OTA. It's free and I don't have to deal with 3rd party idiots who screw up my feed.

WPLG, WLRN, and now WHDT (Ch. 44.1) currently employ stretch-o-vision. As has already been posted, people have complained to WPLG management, and the only thing WPLG has done is switched 10.2 from pseudo-weather to SD Channel 10. So now we can watch "fattened up" Dwight and Laurie on 10.1 stretch-o-vision, or the SD 4:3 Channel 10.

Thanks for the bandwidth. ;)

Joe

Hey Joe,

The only reason I have Comcast is that I cannot get satalite in my building. I live in a condo and I can't have satalite unless I can put the dish out on my porch. The only problem with that is...I DON'T HAVE A PORCH! Therefore, I'm stuck with Comcast until a better alternative comes along.

As far as WPLG's "Stretch-o-Vision" is concerned, I am able to undo that by switching my 16:9 picture to 4:3. If your tv is capable of doing that I highly recommend it. If you're worried about "burn-in" on you tv, you can simply change the picture back to 16:9 for a few moments from time to time and then switch it back. You should be able to watch a 4:3 picture for at least an hour or more before having that worry.

MartyS

03-27-07, 06:48 AM

]

As far as WPLG's "Stretch-o-Vision" is concerned, I am able to undo that by switching my 16:9 picture to 4:3. If your tv is capable of doing that I highly recommend it. If you're worried about "burn-in" on you tv, you can simply change the picture back to 16:9 for a few moments from time to time and then switch it back. You should be able to watch a 4:3 picture for at least an hour or more before having that worry.

The issue is that you should NOT have to do that. Every other local station does it right. Why should we have to go through a series of menus to get a signal that should be there to begin with.

I just send Channel 10 e-mails telling them to put their anchors and reporters on a diet, since they seem to be getting wider and wider.

Also, I don't know if you noticed, but on their "stretch-o-vision" the picture is almost perfect in the center of the screen and only stretches on either side... very weird and interesting.

97Strat

03-27-07, 07:43 AM

stonecrd

03-27-07, 01:32 PM

Ch. 10 comes in undistorted, albeit in SD, on 10-2 in 4:3, which is what I usually watch when they broadcast local, non-HD content such as the news.

10-1 is using an anamorphic stretch, which leaves the center of the picture relatively undistorted, but stretches out the edges to fill a 16:9 screen. This is nothing short of nauseating during panned shots.

By changing the aspect ratio of the screen to 4:3 on Ch. 10-1, the picture is still distorted because the anamorphic stretch is still present, but "squeezed". As I've said in the past, it's impossible to watch an undistorted picture on 10-1 unless it's true HD.

I've written to Dwight and Laurie in an attempt to appeal to their vanity, telling them they look like they've gained 30 lbs. when they appear on stretch-o-vision, but upper management apparently has a firm stretch-o-vision policy. I would guess they think they're serving the community by showing stretch-o-vision on 10-1 and an undistorted 4:3 picture on 10-2.

As for screen burn in, I believe the only screens susceptible to that are plasmas, which I do not have. Even so, the aspect ratio really has nothing to do with burn in, except for perhaps the side curtains.

Joe

The problem with their thinking is that unless you use OTA you won't get 10-2. All of the cable stations carry 10-1 since that is where the HD is broadcast. I just don't watch any SD shows on WPLG anymore. They lost my news viewership over this.

Grampaw

03-28-07, 08:19 AM

I noticed this morning that WTVJ 6-1 now has a local crawl working during the Today Show in
HD. Matches the local news crawl on the Analog channel.

Walt

97Strat

03-28-07, 10:05 AM

The problem with their thinking is that unless you use OTA you won't get 10-2. All of the cable stations carry 10-1 since that is where the HD is broadcast. I just don't watch any SD shows on WPLG anymore. They lost my news viewership over this.I tend to agree with boycotting Ch. 10 because of their stretch-o-vision, but ultimately if I want to watch Ch. 10 news for whatever reason, I'll watch it undistorted on 10-2 OTA.

Having said that, the cable/sat companies are also part of the problem, as they simply don't offer all the available channels (i.e., the secondary "-2" channels). Sure, bandwidth is an issue, but that's their problem as media vendors to work out. With the advent of digital and HD, they're trying to sell an inadequate product (limited bandwidth, reduced pq, missing secondary channels, lousy customer service) for a premium price. Shabby at best.

Joe

Rudy1

03-28-07, 02:26 PM

Ch. 10 comes in undistorted, albeit in SD, on 10-2 in 4:3, which is what I usually watch when they broadcast local, non-HD content such as the news.

10-1 is using an anamorphic stretch, which leaves the center of the picture relatively undistorted, but stretches out the edges to fill a 16:9 screen. This is nothing short of nauseating during panned shots.

By changing the aspect ratio of the screen to 4:3 on Ch. 10-1, the picture is still distorted because the anamorphic stretch is still present, but "squeezed". As I've said in the past, it's impossible to watch an undistorted picture on 10-1 unless it's true HD.

I've written to Dwight and Laurie in an attempt to appeal to their vanity, telling them they look like they've gained 30 lbs. when they appear on stretch-o-vision, but upper management apparently has a firm stretch-o-vision policy. I would guess they think they're serving the community by showing stretch-o-vision on 10-1 and an undistorted 4:3 picture on 10-2.

As for screen burn in, I believe the only screens susceptible to that are plasmas, which I do not have. Even so, the aspect ratio really has nothing to do with burn in, except for perhaps the side curtains.

Joe

Joe,

I've discussed this at length with the chief engineer at one of the local TV stations (no, not the one at WPLG). If I recall correctly, the stretch mode that WPLG uses on 10-1 is more commonly refered to as a "panoramic" or non-linear stretch mode. A true anamorphic stretching of the image can be undone (by most, but not all tuners) by selecting the device's 4:3 or "standard" picture format.

Incidentally, I was told many months ago by WPLG that their management decided the image was to be stretched. I deleted the channel from all of my tuner memories the next day, and haven't watched them since. It was bad enough that they continually have DD audio problems....the image stretching was just a liitle more than I could bear.

97Strat

03-28-07, 02:35 PM

Joe,

I've discussed this at length with the chief engineer at one of the local TV stations (no, not the one at WPLG). If I recall correctly, the stretch mode that WPLG uses on 10-1 is more commonly refered to as a "panoramic" or non-linear stretch mode. A true anamorphic stretching of the image can be undone (by most, but not all tuners) by selecting the device's 4:3 or "standard" picture format.

Incidentally, I was told many months ago by WPLG that their management decided the image was to be stretched. I deleted the channel from all of my tuner memories the next day, and haven't watched them since. It was bad enough that they continually have DD audio problems....the image stretching was just a liitle more than I could bear.Rudy, thanks for the clarification. I recall this discussion a while ago, but I incorrectly termed WPLG's willful distortion as anamorphic rather than panoramic.

Also, I hope no hard feeling regarding my cable/sat rants... ;)

Joe

skeets13

03-29-07, 08:40 PM

Anybody having problems this week with reception? My other OTA channels are fine but Ch 6 is 0 on the recpeption meter:confused:

MartyS

03-30-07, 07:31 AM

I noticed this morning that WTVJ 6-1 now has a local crawl working during the Today Show in
HD. Matches the local news crawl on the Analog channel.

Walt

Do the screw up the picture with Stretch-o-vision like channel 10 does when they put their local crawl on GMA?

Grampaw

03-30-07, 08:14 AM

No. It's an HD crawl inserted into the proper place on the screen.
First noticed it on Weds morning. Watching 'Today' now, and it's not stretched.

Walt

Yardy

03-30-07, 10:27 AM

MY cablecard had lost TNTHD and DiscoveryHD since monday 3/26. So finally last night I got a chance to call about it. I got a nice rep named Sabrina. She was very polite and knowledgeable. She explained the HD line up to me like this.

I am only entitled to these channels in HD. The Locals, ESPN 1 & 2, TNT, Discovery and A&E. Why, because I get cable through my association (channels 2-79) and should only get the HD versions of channels on my tier.

Subscribers to the digital tier, (100+ channels) the level where you get multiple versions of the same channels (like MTV, MTVhits, MTVjamz, VH1, VH1soul etc) in addition to the above, also get MHD, UHD, INHD, NGHD and GOLF.

If you subscribe to a premium such as HBO, you are automatically on the digital and get all the HD channels avaliable. (except other premiums of course). Hope this helps to clear up any confusion as to who gets what.

They have a special now on HBO for $14.95 for 3 months, then it goes up to $24.95. So for $24.95 + $5 for cablecard, I can get all HBO channels and all HD channels.

She tried to reset my card was unable. She mentioned that some of the channels have been remapped and I might need a new card. For instance, she said NBCHD was now on 208. I'm still getting it on 211 so I'm not sure whats that about. She put in a service call for me tomorrow morning.

jstrazz

03-31-07, 12:48 PM

Does anybody know what's up with FSN/SUNHEAT in HD? I haven't seen a program on it in quite a while...even though the SD counterparts are showing basketball and hockey. With baseball season starting I am looking forward to watching some Marlins and Devilrays games in HD.

On another note, I am VERY upset that there will be no baseball on INHD this year...thanks to Directv gobbling up the baseball contract with MLB. I think that "exclusive contracts" like that should be outlawed.

Morphx2

04-02-07, 05:11 PM

Where did DiscoveryHD go??? I can't find it anymore. I am in South Miami with Comcast.....it went poof on me :( I was using a QAM tuner to watch it, but it is gone!!

Any ideas on where it went to?

BDCat

04-02-07, 08:58 PM

I dunno, QAM and cable cards seem to be a royal pain in the rear-end!

Tomorrow the channels are to be re-aligned. Let's see what issues that causes!

Yardy

04-03-07, 08:43 AM

I dunno, QAM and cable cards seem to be a royal pain in the rear-end!

Tomorrow the channels are to be re-aligned. Let's see what issues that causes!

Yeah..This morning I woke up and HD channels were in the 400's. So far I'm missing ABChd, ESPNhd 1 & 2 and Discoveryhd. I'll see if they come in later.

yanksno1

04-03-07, 10:55 AM

Yeah..This morning I woke up and HD channels were in the 400's.
They must have just did it after 7:00 or so. Before I left for work they were still in the old spot. My brother had DTV HD and he told me they had their HD channels aligned with their SD channels (all he has to do is push up 1 channel and it switches to HD). I think is the best way, easiest to find the channels that way. I don't know how D* does their HD channels.

vikajakub

04-03-07, 11:55 AM

I had a chance to stay in Amerisuites, they had 42" plasmas with HD in all rooms, that was a surprise :-) Between several HD channels they had HDnet that Comcast does not carry. I wanna tell you my impression: what a one great channel to watch! So interesting, informative and mind engaging. World Report is top notch. We can only dream that maybe one day here... I know it is expensive channel for Comcast to buy, but it is worth more then InHD, MHD, and UHD all together. I would replace all of them with one HDnet if I could :-)

Yardy

04-03-07, 01:58 PM

They must have just did it after 7:00 or so. Before I left for work they were still in the old spot. My brother had DTV HD and he told me they had their HD channels aligned with their SD channels (all he has to do is push up 1 channel and it switches to HD). I think is the best way, easiest to find the channels that way. I don't know how D* does their HD channels.

Yes, it was after 7. Comcast likes to bunch their Hd channels together. I prefer when they are bunched together since I rarely watch SD.

kennyf1130

04-03-07, 02:51 PM

jstrazz

04-03-07, 03:42 PM

Quick question from a future Comcast customer: I'm planning on getting the digital package, I see on the website that there is a HD box option for $5/month. In addition, in order to have a DVR, there is a 9.95/month charge. Are these two separate boxes? I know while I was looking at Dish, they had a HDDVR box, not sure if Comcast is the same. Also, if anyone can tell me what connection options are available for these boxes? HDMI, component, coaxial, etc.

Thanks

Comstast's DVR's have the HD tuner built into them. They are dual tuners so you can record two programs at the same time. They have both HDMI and component video outputs.

neptune100

04-04-07, 12:45 AM

It just showed up on my comcast box, never seen any programming on it, when are we gonna get some HD marlins over here in kendall!

kennyf1130

04-04-07, 10:08 AM

Comstast's DVR's have the HD tuner built into them. They are dual tuners so you can record two programs at the same time. They have both HDMI and component video outputs.

Thank you very much! I was trying to make a decision on what type of home theater in a box system, maybe now I'll finally get to use that HDMI output for my HDTV.

vikajakub

04-04-07, 11:00 AM

Quick question from a future Comcast customer: I'm planning on getting the digital package, I see on the website that there is a HD box option for $5/month. In addition, in order to have a DVR, there is a 9.95/month charge. Are these two separate boxes? I know while I was looking at Dish, they had a HDDVR box, not sure if Comcast is the same. Also, if anyone can tell me what connection options are available for these boxes? HDMI, component, coaxial, etc.

Thanks

Comcast told me they charge $5 per each HD box and $5 for HD package per each box as well on top of the regular package. Why do they charge twice HD package fee I wonder, shouldn't that be one time per account?

BDCat

04-04-07, 01:18 PM

We may finally have an answer as to which tier each of the HD channels belongs to. Earlier today I went to the Comcast web site to see if they had updated the channel guide to match yesterday’s re-alignment. And yes, surprising as it may be, the guide was updated. However, just as before, there was no real indication as to which HD channel belonged to which tier.

On a whim I clicked the link for the print version of the channel line up. Ah-ha, it is coded to indicate which channel belongs in which tier, including the HD channels! This is the link to that page: http://www.comcast.com/customers/clu/ChannelLineup.ashx?print=1&CGID=4171

Based on the information in that page, this is a list the HD channels and which tier they belong to:

Basic 1
431 WPLG (ABC)
432 WTVC (NBC)
433 WFOR (CBS)
434 WSVN (FOX)
435 WSFL (CW)
440 WPBT (PBS)

Basic 2
401 SunSports Regional HD
403 ESPN HD
404 ESPN2 HD
407 TNT HD
412 Discovery Theater HD

Digital Classic
405 Versus/Golf HD
408 INHD
409 Universal HD
410 A&E HD
411 MHD
413 National Geographic HD

Premium
416 HBO HD
417 Cinemax HD
418 Showtime
419 STARZ

Hope this helps you determine exactly which HD channels you are entitled to receive. Remember, this information is only as accurate as the web site!

jstrazz

04-04-07, 01:23 PM

Comcast told me they charge $5 per each HD box and $5 for HD package per each box as well on top of the regular package. Why do they charge twice HD package fee I wonder, shouldn't that be one time per account?

That is not correct. They charge $5.00 per cable box, but only one $5.00 monthly fee for the HD service.

Mike4HDTV

04-04-07, 03:14 PM

FSN Florida HD just became available on Dish Network today. It's on channel 373 if you subscribe to the AT100+ or higher package.

Yardy

04-04-07, 03:28 PM

slimoli

04-04-07, 08:42 PM

I envy you Comcast people. You are discussing in which tier the new HD channel belong and we Atlantic Broadband users have no hope for any new decent channel. I called ABB today and was told that they have no plans for new HD channels. When I asked for an email address to send an email to the senior managemnt the customer service rep told me that they no longer communicate via email with customers. Can you believe that?

Sergio

BDCat

04-05-07, 09:19 AM

As a follow up to my earlier post regarding the HD channels and their tiers, the channel re-alignment also provided direct access to the HD groups within On Demand (or Ch1 as it is to be known):

487 HDDO HD On Demand
488 HDOD2 Free HD Movies
490 HDPRE HD Premium Channels
491 HDMUS HD Music

kennyf1130

04-05-07, 09:35 AM

That is not correct. They charge $5.00 per cable box, but only one $5.00 monthly fee for the HD service.

So it's only $5 per box and $5 for HD service? On the website it states $9.95 for the DVR. I have to agree that the comcast website is poorly designed for people wanting to know what packages are available.

vikajakub

04-05-07, 03:30 PM

That is not correct. They charge $5.00 per cable box, but only one $5.00 monthly fee for the HD service.

thanks man, it did not make sense to me, but the comcast rep was insisting that was coming twice, per each TV :-)

hooked01

04-05-07, 06:58 PM

Wow, Comcast HD in Pembroke Pines doesn't have:

401 SunSports Regional HD
407 TNT HD

405 Versus/Golf HD
409 Universal HD
410 A&E HD
411 MHD
413 National Geographic HD

What's up with that???

MartyS

04-06-07, 07:22 AM

Hmmm.... this morning when I turned on Channel 10 for the news, it looks like they're not using stretch o vision... the picture was at 4:3 and looked just like everyone else.

Hopefully they'll keep it that way!

BDCat

04-06-07, 09:32 AM

Wow, Comcast HD in Pembroke Pines doesn't have:

401 SunSports Regional HD
407 TNT HD

405 Versus/Golf HD
409 Universal HD
410 A&E HD
411 MHD
413 National Geographic HD

What's up with that???
Well, hooked, I would have to guess that your local system simply doesn’t have the bandwidth for these channels. There are a number of systems (country wide) that are still missing the last four, but the vast majority has the first three (with their own sports channel).

How long has Comcast owned this particular system? Who were the previous owners?

Comcast has been on a mission to upgrade all of South Florida and I thought they were just about done but it seems not! Call and ask when these channels will be made available. You probably won’t get much of an answer but it’s worth a try. You could also try “Contact Us” on their web site.

I have to believe that whatever the issue is, it’s being worked on.

JeffBowser

04-06-07, 09:45 AM

I've seen Comcast all over my neighborhood laying fiber. However, these boys must be from yankee country. They are burying these lines bare in trenches only 3-4ft deep, right underneath huge ficus trees lining the road. Whatcha bet this fiber gets killed after the next windstorm topples these badly trimmed trees ?

BDCat

04-06-07, 09:59 AM

MartyS

04-06-07, 02:27 PM

I know that this is completely off topic, but I can't find anything in the FAQ's. Does anyone know why the AVS forums will not remember the last message that I read?

When I read through the full thread here, leave the forum and come back the next day, I still get taken to a page in the middle of the thread, and not to the last item viewed.

I suspect that it has something to do with cookies, but this is the only forum that I have this problem with. I would say it's OK, if I always had to start with the first page, but I get taken somewhere in the middle... same page each time, and have to click back to the end and scroll through a bunch of stuff.

Not major, but it's just a question that I have.

THanks!

Rudy1

04-06-07, 03:01 PM

There is a thread over in the HDTV Programming forum that includes a press release about Comcast in the Chicago area going all digital. City by July; suburbs by the end of 2008. This will provide them with the capacity for 120 HD channels. Note, this is not ADS but 100% digital where a box will be required for each outlet.

Here’s the thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=830402

This is obviously something that is going to spread across the entire country and I (and a lot of others, I am sure) would like to know when it may happen here in South Florida!

Rudy, have you heard anything about this?

Actually, I haven't. Would be nice, though, if they could go completely digital here within the next few months so they would have more capacity for HD channels. I'm hoping we'll get HGTV-HD next, but it would also be nice if there was a SPEED-HD channel....the SD digital version looks great, but I can just imagine the F1 and superbike races in high definition. ;)

Now that I think of it, I never watch SD-only channels anymore except for SPEED and HGTV. Especially now that I've been watching BluRay.....I just can't stand the way standard definition looks.

slimoli

04-06-07, 03:35 PM

ABB is going all digital soon but I don't know if it means anything hidefwise.

hooked01

04-06-07, 03:37 PM

In my area, we've only been Comcast for a few months. It used to be Adelphia before that and something else (smaller company) before that. It sounds like there's hope that we will be getting a few more HD channels.

It's very addicting watching shows with such great quality. It hurts to go back to watching SD programs!

BDCat

04-06-07, 05:50 PM

In my area, we've only been Comcast for a few months. It used to be Adelphia before that and something else (smaller company) before that.
Well, hooked, that is probably the reason! I would certainly expect Comcast to upgrade the system in the coming months. Be patient though, doesn't happen overnight!

BDCat

04-06-07, 06:00 PM

... I'm hoping we'll get HGTV-HD next, ...
Some am I! Although, in all honesty I would prefer FoodTV-HD first but either would be more than welcome and if one comes, the other will not be far behind!

Is Comcast in negations with Scripps regarding these two channels? I understand that Comcast negotiates for HD channels in conjunction with the SD version so they are all included in the same contract (one of the problems for HDNET). I don’t believe there is any hope of getting either locally without a national contract first.

I believe it is crucial for Comcast to add these two channels before the end of the year when they will probably be available on both satellite systems. If they don’t, a lot of HD customers will jump ship!

pglenn

04-06-07, 08:23 PM

seems since the latest channel move that ZAP2IT data is now missing the local HD channels (at least). I use ZAP2IT to download my channel listings/schedule and all the local HD channels are now missing - actually the entire 400 range is missing (it goes from 375 to 501).

BTW I am in west Plantation and use "Comcast Broward CO - Pompano Beach - Digital Rebuild". anyone else notice this and anyone perhaps use a different listing from ZAP2IT that may still be "correct"?

hardballpete

04-07-07, 07:49 AM

Anyone local getting the Extra Innnings games above game 10?
What the frick is going on?

Panth1

04-07-07, 11:15 AM

Anyone local getting the Extra Innnings games above game 10?
What the frick is going on?Comcast added ch's 781-784 yesterday here in the West Palm market.

MartyS

04-07-07, 01:58 PM

slimoli

04-08-07, 03:43 PM

Rudy1

04-08-07, 08:07 PM

While the Comcast guys discuss the new National Geographic and other HD channels, we with Atlantic bRoadband can commemorate the new LATV, a Latino music channel and PLUM TV , a local news channel coming in May. Isn't that great to be part of such wonderful cable service? Maybe they can add other 10 shopping channels before year end or anything else they can certainly get for free.

You should contact whomever is responsible at your location for the cable franchise and let them know that you're not happy with Atlantic Broadband. They might be able to get another provider when the franchise comes up for renewal if enough people complain.

vikajakub

04-11-07, 09:29 AM

You should contact whomever is responsible at your location for the cable franchise and let them know that you're not happy with Atlantic Broadband. They might be able to get another provider when the franchise comes up for renewal if enough people complain.

Hey Rudy, can you ask your bosses to remove that annoying loud screaming music in the background when you are in OnDemand menus - it kills everybody's ears and makes me hate OnDemand since I have to mute the voice before making selection. PLEASE!!!!! NO BACKGROUND MUSIC in ONDEMAND, beg you!!!! MAKE IT SILENT or just talk about shows but do not force that screaming loud noisy music that makes me jump 5 feet when press ONDemand button !!!!

frank_f

04-12-07, 02:57 PM

Anyone know what happened with the QAM high definition channels on Comcast in Miami?

A couple of days ago, everything was moved around to different channels.

Rudy1

04-12-07, 05:32 PM

Hey Rudy, can you ask your bosses to remove that annoying loud screaming music in the background when you are in OnDemand menus - it kills everybody's ears and makes me hate OnDemand since I have to mute the voice before making selection. PLEASE!!!!! NO BACKGROUND MUSIC in ONDEMAND, beg you!!!! MAKE IT SILENT or just talk about shows but do not force that screaming loud noisy music that makes me jump 5 feet when press ONDemand button !!!!

Sorry...I don't work for Comcast. :)

vikajakub

04-13-07, 10:02 AM

Sorry...I don't work for Comcast. :)

sorry man, I am not sure why I got impression you were sort of an insider for Comcast. You are very well informed, maybe that is why :-)

dealdoug

04-13-07, 11:21 AM

Is anyone still getting On-Demand feeds on their QAM tuner? I switched from a Sceptre LCD to a Vizio LCD and the new set pulls in the channels in the scan but if their is content then just get black screen.

No problem with the local HD's and several other channels over QAM on the new set.

Just wondering? No QAM Flame please!! :D

Yardy

04-13-07, 12:31 PM

Yardy

04-13-07, 12:32 PM

Anyone know what happened with the QAM high definition channels on Comcast in Miami?

A couple of days ago, everything was moved around to different channels.

Did you do a rescan of your tuner?

frank_f

04-13-07, 03:07 PM

Did you do a rescan of your tuner?

All the QAM unscrambled HD channels moved. I think all of the other channels stayed the same. I had to do a rescan after that happened so I could pick up the new channel numbers. I hate doing that, because I have a Sharp Aquos. It appears that when you do a channel search, the Sharp records ALL channels that it finds signal on. My cable is just screwed into my TV (no cable box). The problem is that all the "scrambled" channels (like HBO, etc.) the Sharp will set those channels as being valid channels. However, you can't actually watch anything on those channels without a box. So, when I rescan for channels, I then have to manually go through all the channels and delete out the channels that don't work (all the scrambled ones). The problem is that this is probably over 100 channels that have to be manually deleted. Plus, the tuner on the Sharp is so slow that it literally takes me about 45 minutes to "clean up" the channels after a rescan.

So, I only rescan if absolutely necessary.

My previous TV (a Vizio) would only record channels that you actually could see when doing a rescan. The Sharp records every channel that carries a signal, regardless of whether you can see it or not (scrambled and unscrambled). Which is a royal pain. If it is a scrambled channel that you can't see, then the auto programming should skip that channel, not record it.

frank_f

04-13-07, 03:11 PM

frank_f

04-13-07, 03:16 PM

I am. Watched Casino Royale last night.

Man, I've got to move to another neighborhood.

I keep reading about all the great movies everyone sees on neighbor's On-Demand.

All I ever get is some lame old-time movies that you can see on regular TV.

I never get to see any kind of first-cut movies that just came out, just 10+ year old boring movies and stuff.

MartyS

04-14-07, 08:44 AM

97Strat

04-14-07, 09:36 AM

Has anyone else noticed that Channel 7 (WSVN) went to stretch-o-vision on the SD shows, just like channel 10?

I stopped watching Channel 10 local broadcasts, and now it looks like I'll have to stop watching channel 7 :(Yes, WSVN-DT finally got their stretch-o-vision fixed and it's now back up and running. The least they could do is put the SD 4:3 pic up on 7.2 like WPLG does on 10.2 so we can watch an undistorted picture.

So, that's two down (unless we want to count WLRN, which doesn't even run HD). Guess I'll have to start watching My33 or CW. At least they do digital right...

Joe

JeffBowser

04-14-07, 09:59 AM

Not everyone hates stretch-o-vision, and others find they get used to it after awhile.

MartyS

04-14-07, 04:11 PM

Not everyone hates stretch-o-vision, and others find they get used to it after awhile.

Very true, which is why on virtually any HD set you have the ability to set the screen to full screen and have your own stretch-o-vision.

The problem here is that the way Channels 7 & 10 do stretch-o-vision is that the edges of the screen are stretched fairly wide, and the center of the screen doesn't have the same amount of stretch. Just look at a crawl along the bottom of the screen during the local news. The letters in the center are closer together than the letters on the edges and you can see the difference in stretch easily. Also, there are many non-HD shows on the network that aren't stretched, with pillar bars coming from the network not the local station.

So, now when I watch Good morning America, in true HD and then channel 10 gets ready for it's local insert of weather, they set my HD picture to SD, waiting for their cut in, and really screwing up my enjoyment of GMA, messing up my Dolby sound, etc. as opposed to the way Channel 6 does their broadcast and cut ins on the TOday show.

Regardless, since they're broadcasting their local stuff in SD, why force something that a viewer is able to do themselves, in the event that they like that picture in the wide view. Why can't they let us decide and keep consistency between local and network broadcasts. That's really all I'm saying.

JeffBowser

04-14-07, 04:51 PM

MartyS

04-15-07, 08:09 AM

I suspect it is because the mass market and their newfound widescreen sets are moaning and groaning over why the picture doesn't fill the screen. Those of us who know why and what to do with it are a minority, so they pander to the great unwashed masses. :D

Yeah, I just saw that on the Sattelite Guys Comcast forum, where someone was complaining that when he went HDMI all of a sudden "vertical letter box lines" appeared and the picture was 4:3 for SD... which it should have been, but he wanted it large on his "large" screen.

Guess I'll just have to find a way to deal with it.

wOoOzZy

04-15-07, 03:42 PM

stonecrd

04-16-07, 07:49 AM

I suspect it is because the mass market and their newfound widescreen sets are moaning and groaning over why the picture doesn't fill the screen. Those of us who know why and what to do with it are a minority, so they pander to the great unwashed masses. :D

Yeah, I've just given up on this issue as it is clear the stations don't care. I have sent e-mails to wplg and wsvn and no one even replies. I'll just watch other stations until things finally get converted over to HD and stretch-o-vision goes away.

Yardy

04-16-07, 08:40 AM

All the QAM unscrambled HD channels moved. I think all of the other channels stayed the same. I had to do a rescan after that happened so I could pick up the new channel numbers. I hate doing that, because I have a Sharp Aquos. It appears that when you do a channel search, the Sharp records ALL channels that it finds signal on. My cable is just screwed into my TV (no cable box). The problem is that all the "scrambled" channels (like HBO, etc.) the Sharp will set those channels as being valid channels. However, you can't actually watch anything on those channels without a box. So, when I rescan for channels, I then have to manually go through all the channels and delete out the channels that don't work (all the scrambled ones). The problem is that this is probably over 100 channels that have to be manually deleted. Plus, the tuner on the Sharp is so slow that it literally takes me about 45 minutes to "clean up" the channels after a rescan.

So, I only rescan if absolutely necessary.

My previous TV (a Vizio) would only record channels that you actually could see when doing a rescan. The Sharp records every channel that carries a signal, regardless of whether you can see it or not (scrambled and unscrambled). Which is a royal pain. If it is a scrambled channel that you can't see, then the auto programming should skip that channel, not record it.

My Toshiba does this as well. What I do is delete ALL the channels in memory with the press of a button , then manually put in only the channels I want to see. This is faster than deleting the unwanted channels. Not sure if yout tv has this option.

Also you could just delete a few channels at a time. Maybe 10 minutes each time instead of a full 45 minutes. Makes it less tedious.

Yardy

04-16-07, 08:46 AM

Man, I've got to move to another neighborhood.

I keep reading about all the great movies everyone sees on neighbor's On-Demand.

All I ever get is some lame old-time movies that you can see on regular TV.

I never get to see any kind of first-cut movies that just came out, just 10+ year old boring movies and stuff.

You're right, you need to move to a better neighborhood. :) I also pick up FEAR.net. They show slasher movies all day. :D

97Strat

04-16-07, 06:11 PM

Yeah, I've just given up on this issue as it is clear the stations don't care. I have sent e-mails to wplg and wsvn and no one even replies. I'll just watch other stations until things finally get converted over to HD and stretch-o-vision goes away.Don't count on it. I'll bet you'll still see stations broadcasting digital 4:3 local content that's stretched long after analog goes away.

Unfortunately, station managers will still think that the general masses are fine with stretched, distorted pictures (the sad part is that they're probably right). There is no incentive for them to switch to true HD, simply because it's more profitable for them to do what they're doing now.

It's actually pretty funny - people are spending thousands of dollars to watch a huge, distorted, standard definition picture on their 1080p sets and they think they're watching "Digital HD". Unbelievable.

Joe

97Strat

04-16-07, 08:49 PM

Hey. I was wondering if there's anyone in Pinecrest that can give any recommendation on which antenna works well with our area for HD.

I used AntennaWeb and, for digital stations, it recommends a medium directional antenna. All of the channels are between 19 and 25 degrees and are all within 25 miles away.

If this has been posted somewhere else please just direct me to the post.You didn't specify indoor/outdoor, and what's between you and the antenna farm up by the county line. If you can do outdoor, then by all means do it; roof mount if possible. I have excellent reception with my roof-mounted Channel Master 3015.

Because WPLG-DT and WSVN-DT are VHF, you'll need a VHF/UHF combo. All other MIA/FTL digital stations are UHF. Obviously, the higher you can mount the antenna the better.

BTW, there's no such thing as a "digital" antenna. Digital signals are broadcast over a subset of the analog channels, so "analog" antennas pick up digital signals just fine. ;)

Joe

wOoOzZy

04-17-07, 02:49 AM

97Strat

04-17-07, 07:55 AM

Thanks for the info. I'll definetly be going outdoor if I can. The only problem is my antenna pole was taken out by hurricane andrew and I haven't had one ever sense, so I'll have to put up a new one lol.

I don't know exactly where the towers are but I'm south of downtown miami and the airport. I don't know how badly that would affect my signal.

I'll probably go with a bigger antenna though. The 3015's UHF range is 25 miles and some stations are 25 miles away. The 3016/7 should do just fine, it seems. I'd appreciate any other input you, or anyone, could add.Certainly bigger is better. ;) As long as you don't have any structures immediately blocking your line of sight to the antenna farm, you should be just fine with a 3016/7. Antennaweb should be able to provide you with the direction to point to. Due north is a good start, as most of the antennas are right next to Dolphins' Stadium.

For mounting, I just went with one of those sat mounts that bolts directly to the eaves with huge wood screws. It's sort of a J-shaped thing with a swivel on the mounting flange so you can position the pole vertically. I have a 4-ft (I think) section stuck in the J-mount, and the 3015 at the top of that. The only "extra" thing I did was drill two holes through the j-mount and pole with a couple of machine screws stuck in so the pole wouldn't turn in the j-mount. Also, make sure you properly ground the whole thing.

Joe

jstrazz

04-17-07, 09:53 AM

Don't count on it. I'll bet you'll still see stations broadcasting digital 4:3 local content that's stretched long after analog goes away.

Unfortunately, station managers will still think that the general masses are fine with stretched, distorted pictures (the sad part is that they're probably right). There is no incentive for them to switch to true HD, simply because it's more profitable for them to do what they're doing now.

It's actually pretty funny - people are spending thousands of dollars to watch a huge, distorted, standard definition picture on their 1080p sets and they think they're watching "Digital HD". Unbelievable.

Joe

I think the real problem is that the local broadcasters don't want to spend the big bucks that are needed to convert to HD until they absolutely have to. After all, if it were up to local broadcasters, we wouldn't have HD at all. They have been reluctant, up to this point, to give up their analog channels until the Federal Government gave them a mandate in which to do so.

BTW...has anyone noticed the new "curtains" on WTVJ? The look like the old curtains except that they're clearer and there are no thin black vertical lines across the edge of the screen before the curtains. It looks like they upgraded their SD picture. Instead of going full HD, they just made their SD look better. That's what I call "progress".

wOoOzZy

04-17-07, 10:54 AM

Certainly bigger is better. ;) As long as you don't have any structures immediately blocking your line of sight to the antenna farm, you should be just fine with a 3016/7. Antennaweb should be able to provide you with the direction to point to. Due north is a good start, as most of the antennas are right next to Dolphins' Stadium.

For mounting, I just went with one of those sat mounts that bolts directly to the eaves with huge wood screws. It's sort of a J-shaped thing with a swivel on the mounting flange so you can position the pole vertically. I have a 4-ft (I think) section stuck in the J-mount, and the 3015 at the top of that. The only "extra" thing I did was drill two holes through the j-mount and pole with a couple of machine screws stuck in so the pole wouldn't turn in the j-mount. Also, make sure you properly ground the whole thing.

Joe
Excellent. That kind of a mount sounds like it'd be pretty simple to set up. A few inches of the old mount is still up and that goes straight to the ground so I can ground it to that. This is turning out to be much less complicated than I expected it to be. :)

Do you know if I can use the old RF wires running through my house to hook it up?

wjbjr

04-17-07, 11:55 AM

97Strat

04-18-07, 07:23 AM

Excellent. That kind of a mount sounds like it'd be pretty simple to set up. A few inches of the old mount is still up and that goes straight to the ground so I can ground it to that. This is turning out to be much less complicated than I expected it to be. :)

Do you know if I can use the old RF wires running through my house to hook it up?If it's not too difficult, I'd run new RG6 from the antenna into the house. If the old wire has any cuts or slices from the hurricane, it may not be up to snuff. New wire would guarantee the best pq anyway.

I'm running around 60' of coax from the antenna to the house, then through the house wiring into a splitter (to two different rooms) with no amplification at all. Perfect picture (even analog is great including Channel 6) with the CM 3015, and I'm up by Commercial Blvd. BTW, the 3015 was under $40 at Lowe's.

Joe

deharry

04-18-07, 03:06 PM

Man, I've got to move to another neighborhood.

I keep reading about all the great movies everyone sees on neighbor's On-Demand.

All I ever get is some lame old-time movies that you can see on regular TV.

I never get to see any kind of first-cut movies that just came out, just 10+ year old boring movies and stuff.

I seem to catch On-Demand old movies on 81-10 and 82-10, always after they start of course. Just how is this possible? Are they really neighbors viewing them or some one else a distance away?

wOoOzZy

04-19-07, 11:50 PM

If it's not too difficult, I'd run new RG6 from the antenna into the house. If the old wire has any cuts or slices from the hurricane, it may not be up to snuff. New wire would guarantee the best pq anyway.

I'm running around 60' of coax from the antenna to the house, then through the house wiring into a splitter (to two different rooms) with no amplification at all. Perfect picture (even analog is great including Channel 6) with the CM 3015, and I'm up by Commercial Blvd. BTW, the 3015 was under $40 at Lowe's.

Joe
I'm actualy gonna subscribe to directv HD for a while and see how that works. I know I can get almost all their channels for free with the antenna but I'm dying to see Planet Eart in HD anyway lol.

HDTVFanAtic

04-20-07, 05:37 AM

I'm actualy gonna subscribe to directv HD for a while and see how that works. I know I can get almost all their channels for free with the antenna but I'm dying to see Planet Eart in HD anyway lol.

Buy it on HD-DVD or Blu-Ray - will look much better than D* - and probably cheaper.

BDCat

04-20-07, 07:32 AM

... I'm dying to see Planet Eart in HD anyway lol.
DirectTV? You do mean HD Lite don't you? :D

slimoli

04-20-07, 11:15 AM

DirectTV? You do mean HD Lite don't you? :D

and SD that looks like an old VHS tape.

wOoOzZy

04-20-07, 04:36 PM

All 3 of you are right. Basicaly DTV sucks. But it's what I have and I don't want to go through the hassle of changing right now. I'm gonna switch to Dishnetwork eventualy but there's no real good option out there right now, imo... Maybe after DTV and DN get their "100 new HD channels" set up. :rolleyes:

Btw, how does dish network stack up against directv for sd? I know their hd is better for now. And I was lookin at comcast but I can't seem to get a straight figure of what SD/HD channels they actualy offer.

CapeFish

04-21-07, 09:37 PM

Anybody got some screenshots of tonight's Marlins game? :D

DonW4WJ

04-22-07, 11:03 PM

I think the real problem is that the local broadcasters don't want to spend the big bucks that are needed to convert to HD until they absolutely have to. After all, if it were up to local broadcasters, we wouldn't have HD at all. They have been reluctant, up to this point, to give up their analog channels until the Federal Government gave them a mandate in which to do so.

BTW...has anyone noticed the new "curtains" on WTVJ? The look like the old curtains except that they're clearer and there are no thin black vertical lines across the edge of the screen before the curtains. It looks like they upgraded their SD picture. Instead of going full HD, they just made their SD look better. That's what I call "progress".

Hello JSTRAZZ...

As far as digital television (ATSC) is concerned, I'd just like to mention that the transmission of HD program material is not an FCC requirement. Remember, ALL HD is digital but NOT ALL digital is HD!

HD, either 1080i or 720P, are just 2 of the 18 formats that fall under the digital transmission umbrella, the ATSC umbrella. A digital station can continue to transmit 480i SD video without penalty. That may not be the best business model, but it could happen.

In reference to the "giving up" of the analog channels, that was a forgone conclusion. But there had to be transition time. This was not like going from B&W to color, or adding stereo audio. This is an entirely new system that is not compatible with NTSC. New equipment is needed at both ends: the station end and the viewer end. This is not something that could be done overnight.

At this moment, the majority of TV viewers are unaware of the analog shutdown and how they might be affected. In some cases there are still decisions to be made that will impact the analog TV owner after that February 2009 date.

Thank you for mentioning the change in our curtains. We are continuing to update our equipment to bring South Florida the best possible digital picture and sound.

DonW4WJ

04-23-07, 12:10 AM

Anybody having problems this week with reception? My other OTA channels are fine but Ch 6 is 0 on the recpeption meter:confused:

Hello Skeets...

Are you OK with 6.1? If not, where are you located?

TNX...

97Strat

04-23-07, 07:44 AM

Hello JSTRAZZ...

As far as digital television (ATSC) is concerned, I'd just like to mention that the transmission of HD program material is not an FCC requirement. Remember, ALL HD is digital but NOT ALL digital is HD!

HD, either 1080i or 720P, are just 2 of the 18 formats that fall under the digital transmission umbrella, the ATSC umbrella. A digital station can continue to transmit 480i SD video without penalty. That may not be the best business model, but it could happen.

In reference to the "giving up" of the analog channels, that was a forgone conclusion. But there had to be transition time. This was not like going from B&W to color, or adding stereo audio. This is an entirely new system that is not compatible with NTSC. New equipment is needed at both ends: the station end and the viewer end. This is not something that could be done overnight.

At this moment, the majority of TV viewers are unaware of the analog shutdown and how they might be affected. In some cases there are still decisions to be made that will impact the analog TV owner after that February 2009 date.

Thank you for mentioning the change in our curtains. We are continuing to update our equipment to bring South Florida the best possible digital picture and sound.Don, a big kudos to you and WTVJ-DT for not stretching your SD local content like some others are doing in this market. The curtains are most certainly preferable to a streteched, distorted picture.

Without divulging "company secrets", can you advise if there are any plans to go local HD any time soon?

Thanks again for putting out a quality picture!

Joe

DonW4WJ

04-23-07, 09:16 AM

Don, a big kudos to you and WTVJ-DT for not stretching your SD local content like some others are doing in this market. The curtains are most certainly preferable to a streteched, distorted picture.

Without divulging "company secrets", can you advise if there are any plans to go local HD any time soon?

Thanks again for putting out a quality picture!

Joe

Hi Joe...

As with most stations in this market, we do not believe in any type of video distortion. that should be left up to the viewer.

In my opinion, and this has not been mentioned lately, picture distortion is a type of consumer deception. Station management is playing the bait and switch card. AVS members learn about this deception as a part of their "training" on these forums. But the "average" new HD viewer is not aware of these opportunities and has to go with: It's widescreed (16:9) it MUST be HD! Even more vague: It's DIGITAL, it MUST be HD!

Marketing of digital TV, be it in the store, or on the air, leaves the average consumer on the short end of the stick.

In regards to local HD... Since we are a member of the NBC O&O family, that timetable is being set by NBC Engineering. The rollout of The Today Show, NBC Nightly News and the local news from WNBC in HD was a part of that timetable. It was done and continues as a platform for equipment evaluation for expansion out to the O&O division. Stay Tuned!!

Thank you for the compliments which I will pass along to the rest of the Engineering Team at our Miramar campus.

Don

Grampaw

04-24-07, 11:55 AM

I noticed this morning that WPLG 10-2 is carrying a service called LATV (Latin American TV ?).
It has mixed English/Spanish programming, and promo says they will be nationwide on May 7th.

Don, thanks for the info about WTVJ. I worked with some of your predecessors back in the 70's in the old downtown Miami studios.

Walt

DonW4WJ

04-24-07, 07:29 PM

Don, thanks for the info about WTVJ. I worked with some of your predecessors back in the 70's in the old downtown Miami studios.

Walt

Hi Walt...

I'm sure we have many many common acquaintances...

I've been with TVJ since October of '72... Before that I was
with the original channel 6 WCIX, starting in July of '68...

Always happy to pass along any information when I have it!! :)

Don

97Strat

04-24-07, 07:38 PM

Hi Joe...

As with most stations in this market, we do not believe in any type of video distortion. that should be left up to the viewer.

In my opinion, and this has not been mentioned lately, picture distortion is a type of consumer deception. Station management is playing the bait and switch card. AVS members learn about this deception as a part of their "training" on these forums. But the "average" new HD viewer is not aware of these opportunities and has to go with: It's widescreed (16:9) it MUST be HD! Even more vague: It's DIGITAL, it MUST be HD!

Marketing of digital TV, be it in the store, or on the air, leaves the average consumer on the short end of the stick.

In regards to local HD... Since we are a member of the NBC O&O family, that timetable is being set by NBC Engineering. The rollout of The Today Show, NBC Nightly News and the local news from WNBC in HD was a part of that timetable. It was done and continues as a platform for equipment evaluation for expansion out to the O&O division. Stay Tuned!!

Thank you for the compliments which I will pass along to the rest of the Engineering Team at our Miramar campus.

DonDon, thanks for the great reply.

It's very good to hear that WTVJ does not believe in altering the picture, although I wonder who else will be jumping on the "stretch-o-vision" bandwagon. So far, there are at least five OTA stations in the MIA/FTL area that use it sometimes or all the time.

I couldn't agree more about the picture distortion being a type of consumer deception. Of course the stations that are doing it will probably argue that it "enhances the viewing experience" or something else just as ludicrous, but it's simply a ploy to get uneducated viewers to tune in.

Hopefully as time goes on, viewers will become more educated and will eventually realize they are being taken for the proverbial ride by these shady practices.

Again, thanks to Don and the staff and management at WTVJ for putting out quality Digital and HD.

Joe