My experience with signal drops and DirecTV is that they are actually fewer and shorter duration than Comcast in my neighborhood. The contract is a consideration, though. They will want you to commit to 1 year for standard equipment, and 2 for HD equipment.

My experience with signal drops and DirecTV is that they are actually fewer and shorter duration than Comcast in my neighborhood. The contract is a consideration, though. They will want you to commit to 1 year for standard equipment, and 2 for HD equipment.

I think any contract for cable/cell phone coverage is f'd up, but sadly the way it is. I guess paying X hundred amount of dollars to get out if anything isn't the end of the world, but it's ANNOYING.

Look, I just want to get the best out of my tv before my time runs out on a clean return or return and switch. So here I've come and have been trying to find out which HD provider to get to test it (My Sharp 52D64U). I mean if all works out I'm still going to keep the provider but I wanted to get one as quickly as possible within my 30 days to see HD material on the set. I guess I could just get a HD player and see it that way too. Anyhow feedback is so appreciated.

If you have Bellsouth/ATT home phone, contact them for a bundle price. See if you have to put a deposit. It was cheaper than Comcast. I would've done it but they wanted $200.

If you have Bellsouth/ATT home phone, contact them for a bundle price. See if you have to put a deposit. It was cheaper than Comcast. I would've done it but they wanted $200.

What do they have? HD? I have to see this, I never knew.

No it's through DirecTV. They have a deal going.

Yeah I went and checked it out, but thanks for the heads up cuss I didn't know. I have to see how to get three HD boxs for free or at around a hundred for the group cuss any other way is retarded.

If you've ever leased a car, you can't argue. Bottom line -you sign a contract, you pay x-dollars up front, and some monthly payment on something you don't own, and have to give back at the end. I don't like it either, and I don't lease vehicles, but it is what it is.


I think any contract for cable/cell phone coverage is f'd up, but sadly the way it is. I guess paying X hundred amount of dollars to get out if anything isn't the end of the world, but it's ANNOYING.

Look, I just want to get the best out of my tv before my time runs out on a clean return or return and switch. So here I've come and have been trying to find out which HD provider to get to test it (My Sharp 52D64U). I mean if all works out I'm still going to keep the provider but I wanted to get one as quickly as possible within my 30 days to see HD material on the set. I guess I could just get a HD player and see it that way too. Anyhow feedback is so appreciated.

That took me a couple of reads to make sense of. Let me help you out:

CUSS = http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cuss
BECAUSE = http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/because

Yeah I went and checked it out, but thanks for the heads up cuss I didn't know. I have to see how to get three HD boxs for free or at around a hundred for the group cuss any other way is retarded.

I guess I have to be literal or proper with my word usage on here, which is good. All in all, I got a special on the HD stuff with Direct TV but I had to basically cancel what I have now to open a new account. I told the customer care people but I guess Direct TV wants to annoy customers with such polices and rules that make no real word sense. Leasing boxes makes no sense to me when you want people to use your service for an indefinite amount of time. Dumb business move from where I'm sitting, but we all know, or maybe we all don't know, that corporations know little of logic or real world sense, let alone ethics.

Like the deal they're offering online and via phone for new customers shows more than one thing that leads anyone to thinking they will get either two free DVR Recievers or one DVR Reciever and one HD Reciever. Unfortunately they, Direct TV's Customer Care and Sales, don't agree... even with their own logic staring back at them from their screens. Suspect. i'm still sitting here thinking I got ripped of one DVR. Anyhow I hope I do not have issues with Direct TV. I've never delt with their customer care and I don't want to. I want HD at it's best compression and amount.

I love DirecTV, so long as I don't have to talk to them. Their customer service is on par with cable, ie, abysmal. And, I don't even look at my bill. As long as my Amex shows the proper amount, I avoid getting worked up over their fee structure, weird gyrations, and seemingly bizarre rules.

I love DirecTV, so long as I don't have to talk to them. Their customer service is on par with cable, ie, abysmal. And, I don't even look at my bill. As long as my Amex shows the proper amount, I avoid getting worked up over their fee structure, weird gyrations, and seemingly bizarre rules.

Since I can't get satellite if I wanted to (and, after reading these recent posts, I don't want to) I am gonna stick with Comcast (and all of their problems). Sooner or later, they will provide all the HD content that we want without the outrageous amounts of money for deposits and long term commitments that satellite providers want. At&T/Bell South/DirecTv seriously needs to lose a considerable amount of business so that they can come back down to earth again with regard to their arrogant, public be dammed attitude. But as long as people are willing to fork over their money to them, they will continue to thumb their noses at all of those who pay it.

Since I can't get satellite if I wanted to (and, after reading these recent posts, I don't want to) I am gonna stick with Comcast (and all of their problems). Sooner or later, they will provide all the HD content that we want without the outrageous amounts of money for deposits and long term commitments that satellite providers want. At&T/Bell South/DirecTv seriously needs to lose a considerable amount of business so that they can come back down to earth again with regard to their arrogant, public be dammed attitude. But as long as people are willing to fork over their money to them, they will continue to thumb their noses at all of those who pay it.

DOn't disagree, but you're leasing your HDDVR from Comcast as well... and you're paying over $18 per month for EACH box, compared to the up front fee for the HD DVE and the monthly fee of $4.99.

So, in the course of a year, you're paying Comcast $227.40 for each of their boxes, and you're paying an up front fee from $99 to $299 to D* plus $72 per year.

So, be careful when you talk about lease fees. Nothing is free with Comcast.

I only pay like $9 per box but I'm ex-Adelphia. Plus I didn't request HD DVR's, luckily my regular gave out.

DOn't disagree, but you're leasing your HDDVR from Comcast as well... and you're paying over $18 per month for EACH box, compared to the up front fee for the HD DVE and the monthly fee of $4.99.

So, in the course of a year, you're paying Comcast $227.40 for each of their boxes, and you're paying an up front fee from $99 to $299 to D* plus $72 per year.

So, be careful when you talk about lease fees. Nothing is free with Comcast.

Actually, I'm using a TiVo HD DVR with CableCards and I have a Comcast HD cable box without the DVR. My TiVo HD has more capacity and I can do more with it than with Comcast's DVR. It's worth the extra money to me. And I'm not committed to any contracts with them so I can drop them any time I want. Plus the Comcast Cable Box gives me the Video on Demand...which doesn't work half the time and is the subject of my next post.

I have pretty much had it with Comcast and their Video On Demand. I tried to use it this evening and once again...IT DOESN'T WORK. I have written another nasty email to Comcast complaining about their "non-existent" VOD service and that they have a lot of nerve advertising it when it almost never works. I told them that I have had it with trying to deal with them. I have written emails to the Media to expose Comcast for the frauds that they are.

Make sure you tell the media that our HD lineup sucks

What email address did you send it to? I will do the same thing, if you don't complain Comcast won't move their toe.

What email address did you send it to? I will do the same thing, if you don't complain Comcast won't move their toe.

I sent emails to the news department at WTVJ (NBC6.NET) and also to the Sun Sentinel. I complained to Comcast as well and told them that I would be telling the Media.

I need HELP with a signal question/issue I have.

Direct TV came this morning and installed a new (bigger) sat for HD, I'm assuming. So Everything gets installed and I notice the picture isn't all that better than it was before, before being the account I disconnected on Friday and which hasn't apparently been disconnected as requested, but this was the only way to get an HD box without forking over any money. All in all, the new deal is good considering that I should have been offered it being an account holder for years now. Anyhow we all know how current service holders are regarded by Direct TV and even Comcast for that matter.

So now I'm looking at the TV and it's saying my signal through my HD from the HD box is 480p although from the HD box it's saying I should be getting my HD channels at the max of 1080i. I'm not getting it.

Is it a set issue that I have to manually set up or change? Or is it a service issue? Like I've said, I disconnected our old account (Friday, which never went away) to get the newer HD deal (the account that was installed this morning)? Could it be that I'm still getting my old account? That makes no sense to me because HD channels are apparently being shown, they just don't look HD and my set is saying the signal it is receiving is 480p, not even 720p let alone the top 1080i setting that the HD box was set to?

HELP!!!!

I need HELP with a signal question/issue I have.

Direct TV came this morning and installed a new (bigger) sat for HD, I'm assuming. So Everything gets installed and I notice the picture isn't all that better than it was before, before being the account I disconnected on Friday and which hasn't apparently been disconnected as requested, but this was the only way to get an HD box without forking over any money. All in all, the new deal is good considering that I should have been offered it being an account holder for years now. Anyhow we all know how current service holders are regarded by Direct TV and even Comcast for that matter.

So now I'm looking at the TV and it's saying my signal through my HD from the HD box is 480p although from the HD box it's saying I should be getting my HD channels at the max of 1080i. I'm not getting it.

Is it a set issue that I have to manually set up or change? Or is it a service issue? Like I've said, I disconnected our old account (Friday, which never went away) to get the newer HD deal (the account that was installed this morning)? Could it be that I'm still getting my old account? That makes no sense to me because HD channels are apparently being shown, they just don't look HD and my set is saying the signal it is receiving is 480p, not even 720p let alone the top 1080i setting that the HD box was set to?

HELP!!!!

While I'm not that familiar with Directv receivers, I am under the impression that all receivers have a switch or a menu that you can go to that lets you change the signal output between 480p, 720p and 1080i, etc. If that is not the case with the DirecTV receiver, then you should call them and tell them that you have a problem. However I believe there is a way to change the signal output on the receiver.

While I'm not that familiar with Directv receivers, I am under the impression that all receivers have a switch or a menu that you can go to that lets you change the signal output between 480p, 720p and 1080i, etc. If that is not the case with the DirecTV receiver, then you should call them and tell them that you have a problem. However I believe there is a way to change the signal output on the receiver.

Yeah it was changed by the tech (Installer) to 1080i within the HD reciever but my set says the signal coming in is 480p.

Yeah it was changed by the tech (Installer) to 1080i within the HD reciever but my set says the signal coming in is 480p.

That's strange...Does your TV have settings on it that can be changed? Are you using Component or HDMI inputs? Anything other than those types of connections will only give you no more than a 480p signal. You may end up having to call DirecTV and let them no that your receiver was changed but your picture quality remains the same.

That's strange...Does your TV have settings on it that can be changed? Are you using Component or HDMI inputs? Anything other than those types of connections will only give you no more than a 480p signal. You may end up having to call DirecTV and let them no that your receiver was changed but your picture quality remains the same.

The TV's set for 1080p, which I would imagine would be scaled down if anything.
I'm using HDMI in this setting.
I'm leaning towards my having to call and see what's what with Direct TV directly. DAMN.

The TV's set for 1080p, which I would imagine would be scaled down if anything.
I'm using HDMI in this setting.
I'm leaning towards my having to call and see what's what with Direct TV directly. DAMN.

Sorry I couldn't be more help. Hopefully, it's just a simple programming change that they have to do in the DirecTV office. Good luck!

Sorry I couldn't be more help. Hopefully, it's just a simple programming change that they have to do in the DirecTV office. Good luck!

I think you're going to be right. No worries, a simple reply was good enough and you did that. Here's to fingers being crossed working.

Hark! Rejoice. In front of my condo on A1A and all along the stretch between Commercial and Atlantic Blvd, there are ATT trucks installing wiring below ground to feed all the buildings. In a matter of months, I may have another choice to Comcast (Direct TV will not work for eastern exposures). They are furiously installing FiberOptic I guess all over the place, and should soon give Comcast a run for their money.

I need HELP with a signal question/issue I have.

Direct TV came this morning and installed a new (bigger) sat for HD, I'm assuming. So Everything gets installed and I notice the picture isn't all that better than it was before, before being the account I disconnected on Friday and which hasn't apparently been disconnected as requested, but this was the only way to get an HD box without forking over any money. All in all, the new deal is good considering that I should have been offered it being an account holder for years now. Anyhow we all know how current service holders are regarded by Direct TV and even Comcast for that matter.

So now I'm looking at the TV and it's saying my signal through my HD from the HD box is 480p although from the HD box it's saying I should be getting my HD channels at the max of 1080i. I'm not getting it.

Is it a set issue that I have to manually set up or change? Or is it a service issue? Like I've said, I disconnected our old account (Friday, which never went away) to get the newer HD deal (the account that was installed this morning)? Could it be that I'm still getting my old account? That makes no sense to me because HD channels are apparently being shown, they just don't look HD and my set is saying the signal it is receiving is 480p, not even 720p let alone the top 1080i setting that the HD box was set to?

HELP!!!!

There is an option in the settings menu somewhere to enable resolutions other than 480p (the default out of the box). I can't remember where off the top of my head. I can check when I'm home tonight if you are still having issues. That may be something that needs to be done in addition to whatever the tech did. Also, have you tried changing the output to 720p to see if that makes a difference?

Is anyone getting the NBA League Pass Channels in HD? I am helping a friend in Coconut Creek who can't seem to find the HD versions of the league pass channels. Working with a DCT6412. Having no problems with the other HD channels and SD League Pass channels but can't seem to find the HD League Pass channels. Any idea where to find them?

There is an option in the settings menu somewhere to enable resolutions other than 480p (the default out of the box). I can't remember where off the top of my head. I can check when I'm home tonight if you are still having issues. That may be something that needs to be done in addition to whatever the tech did. Also, have you tried changing the output to 720p to see if that makes a difference?

After being berated for my post (considered ramble lacking spec points) comment, I decided to go back to just finding out what's the deal myself. It so happens that the issue was just an obvious click of a button on the front of the HD box setting it to 1080i. I clicked and bingo, 1080i was and is now being finally pumped to the Sharp. Now all is right with the half baked world known as HD.

Now a personal question to all of you which has been mentioned before on this forum. I've noticed not all HD channels look HD. Some look standard grainy, while others look HD sharp. Some hold color settings, while others go blah in the color department. What do you guys think this is? I'm more than sure it is not the Sharp but the source providers. But I'm just thinking does the FCC have to make an HD standard to control HD quality? I think some should because I doubt we can control theses issues.

What the hell is going on down here in Broward County? There hasn't been an HD channel added since Methusela was knee high to a gators' blowhole!

Gettin' real antsy here...all those HD/Semi HD stations on Directv are lookin' better & better everyday.

Give us some friggen more HD channels! You feelin' me Comcast?

Don't make me come down there to your office...
__________________

I have a Sharp LC46D64U, LC52D64U and Direct-TV with HD.

Now my question to you all is, does HD tv look good to you over all? because to me it's suspect. Colors, sound and picture vary from one HD channel to the next. So far more than 90% of the channels in HD don;t look as amazing as say a Blu-Ray or HD player playing a movie or an HD kicking video game. What gives? is this the norm of the current HD cable situation or am I possible having some sort of issue with signal, interference or tvs?

Give me some insight because I'm beginning to think HD Direct-TV isn't really doing it like it should which makes it a waste of my time and money. I just want LOST, for example, to look amazing against how nice I thought it looked on my old old school flat screen Sony Trinitron 27".

I have a 65" RPTV and DirecTV. Channel\program quality will vary by content. Lost, for example, looked pretty darn good to me. Next time check your locals on DirecTV versus antenna - if they look the same to you, your problem may simply be in your TV set adjustments. That being said, nothing on broadcast is going to look as good as 1080p Blu-ray or the like. I have no comment on video games - kids toys are not a good comparison point to broadcast TV.

I have a Sharp LC46D64U, LC52D64U and Direct-TV with HD.

Now my question to you all is, does HD tv look good to you over all? because to me it's suspect. Colors, sound and picture vary from one HD channel to the next. So far more than 90% of the channels in HD don;t look as amazing as say a Blu-Ray or HD player playing a movie or an HD kicking video game. What gives? is this the norm of the current HD cable situation or am I possible having some sort of issue with signal, interference or tvs?

Give me some insight because I'm beginning to think HD Direct-TV isn't really doing it like it should which makes it a waste of my time and money. I just want LOST, for example, to look amazing against how nice I thought it looked on my old old school flat screen Sony Trinitron 27".

I have a Samsung 52" 1080p TV with Comcast and all of my HD content looks great. I can't compare picture quality with Blu-Ray or HD DVD because I do not have either of those players yet. However I am able to compare Cable with Over the Air pictures and, to be perfectly honest, I can't see any difference in the picture quality (the TV's electronics up-converts everything to 1080p). If you are not seeing great picture quality with Satellite, then you are wasting your money. All those extra channels that you get in HD with satellite are not worth it if the quality isn't there.

Quality is there on DirecTV, expecially since LiL and the new channels all use MPEG4


I have a Samsung 52" 1080p TV with Comcast and all of my HD content looks great. I can't compare picture quality with Blu-Ray or HD DVD because I do not have either of those players yet. However I am able to compare Cable with Over the Air pictures and, to be perfectly honest, I can't see any difference in the picture quality (the TV's electronics up-converts everything to 1080p). If you are not seeing great picture quality with Satellite, then you are wasting your money. All those extra channels that you get in HD with satellite are not worth it if the quality isn't there.

I have a Samsung 52" 1080p TV with Comcast and all of my HD content looks great. I can't compare picture quality with Blu-Ray or HD DVD because I do not have either of those players yet. However I am able to compare Cable with Over the Air pictures and, to be perfectly honest, I can't see any difference in the picture quality (the TV's electronics up-converts everything to 1080p). If you are not seeing great picture quality with Satellite, then you are wasting your money. All those extra channels that you get in HD with satellite are not worth it if the quality isn't there.

I fear more than 90% of the HD channels are lacking it, HD. I got Direct-Tv over Comcast because I was under the impression MPEG4 was better than MPEG3, which Comcast uses. I'm not seeing anything in the majority that is WOW, so I'm pissed.

Quality is there on DirecTV, expecially since LiL and the new channels all use MPEG4

How can I make sure I'm getting what I should be getting in quality? Cuss seriously there has to be an issue. Either companies are watering it down too much or they are lying about their HD resolution. 720p or 1080i has to look better than I've been seeing overall. Not happy over here. Here being Miami.

Like I said, hook up an antenna and compare to OTA. If OTA doesn't wow you either, the problem is your set, or your settings. I'm telling you - I am more than happy with DirecTV HD, and with the new sat, word is DirecTV is not cutting the resolution and is sending an adequate bit rate.

Comcast uses MPEG2. Depending on bitrate, MPEG2 can look as good as MPEG4

Speaking of settings - are you plugging your DirecTV box in via either HDMI or component ? Do you have it set to output 1080i or 720P ? I've seen people try to get HD out of composite or S-video (it doesn't do HD). I have also seen people who inadvertently set the DTV box to only output 480p

Hello,
Im brand new to the forum and HDTV.
Over the Thanksgiving holiday I bought a Westinghouse TX-42F430S 1080p 42" LCD HDTV and here I am.
I am currently using an old rabbit ears antenna and I am amazed with the clarity of digital TV (HD and nonHD).

With my primitive antenna I receive the following channels:
2.1 10.1 35.4 45.5
2.2 10.2 35.5 51.1
2.3 17.1 39.1 69.1
4.1 23.1 44.1
6.1 33.1 45.1
6.2 35.1 45.2
7.1 35.2 45.3
7.2 35.3 45.4

Is there anything that I am missing on besides the 29.1 & 29.2 from WPB?

Also, on some of the channels, the picture is a fraction of a second slower than the audio - is this normal?

You are missing some WPB channels (5,12,25, off the top of my head), but that's pretty good for rabbit ears. And yes, audio sync can be an issue at times, it usually gets corrected by the station sooner or later.

Like I said, hook up an antenna and compare to OTA. If OTA doesn't wow you either, the problem is your set, or your settings. I'm telling you - I am more than happy with DirecTV HD, and with the new sat, word is DirecTV is not cutting the resolution and is sending an adequate bit rate.

Comcast uses MPEG2. Depending on bitrate, MPEG2 can look as good as MPEG4

I got Direct tv for this reason, I wanted more HD channels and better picture, as uncompressed as possible. I fear I might not be totally or truly getting that right now.

Speaking of settings - are you plugging your DirecTV box in via either HDMI or component ? Do you have it set to output 1080i or 720P ? I've seen people try to get HD out of composite or S-video (it doesn't do HD). I have also seen people who inadvertently set the DTV box to only output 480p

I got the thing going HDMI at 1080i.

I tried some HD (720p) movie trailers last night off of my 360 LIVE and BANG, money well spent (speaking of the picture). I can't wait to see some 1080p film content off of a disk (HD/Blu-Ray).
Anyhow I love what I've gotten to see in those (720p) samples. I'd just like to watch a movie in it's entirety in HD for a better example of what I got though, just because I'm kind of picky... expecially considering HD content and the sets & players that play that content aren't cheap. So far I'm leaning towards either it being a sat issue (source) or compression issue and not a set one. I wonder how I can go about making sure. Calling Direct Tv to come out and check the signal again and the hook up would be a decent start, no? Thanx for all the help guys.

With DirecTV, either you get the signal or you don't. If you are not getting pixelation, then there is nothing DirecTV can do, it is what it is. Once again, plug in an antenna for comparison, that is the ultimate test.

Well, my discounted rates are over after a year after switching from Directv to Comcast a year ago. Now they want $139 a month for 4 tv's, one with an HD DVR, and HBO & Shotime!

I can switch again to Directv for $88 for the 1st year, a savings of $50/Month! I do have to pay the net of $100 for the HD DVR though.

Oh yeah, I get a LOT more HD channels. Comcast hasn't added nuttin' in HD lately.

I'm real close to switching back my brothers...

With DirecTV, either you get the signal or you don't. If you are not getting pixelation, then there is nothing DirecTV can do, it is what it is. Once again, plug in an antenna for comparison, that is the ultimate test.

I'll try this comparison. I need to know.

I will say the HD trailers I watched off of Microsoft LIVE at 720p were NICE. I think an HD/Blu-Ray player is more than a MUST for anyone who wants gold in entertainment as much as I love watching Films. Now I need to figure out if I should go with a PS3/Toshiba HD player combo or wait for Samsungs coming soon dual player.

I'm from Hialeah Florida, Which is right next to Miami, And for some reason I'm no longer getting the signal for CBS, NBC, NBC Weather Plus and CW, Is this happening to anyone around Miami as well?

Same thing happened to me in Hollywood last night but they are back up.
I think most people on this board would know that Hialeah is near Miami:):):)

Yep, The signals are working now, Perhaps one of the towers was down last night.

Do you guys get a crystal clear picture on HD channels? I mean seriously? Because I swear HD content is sporadic at best and not as uniform as it should be. Picture, Color and sound change from channel to channel and show to show. I think the FCC needs to regulate on what is expected to be considered HD. I fear something could be wrong on my end some where. Whether from my Direct-TV hook up or HDTV's.

Anyhow like I've said I currently have Direct-TV HD playing on a Sharp 64U (52") LCD. So far content off of my Xbox through live and games look NICE so I'm doubting it's the actual screen but could or has to be my connection or sat, TV connection or my own eyes and paranoia.

p.s. I haven't watch any standard channels or enough TV to have known about the dropped channels. Sorry.

I went to New Chinatown in South Miami and they have 3 flat screens playing sports. I was expecting stretch-o-vision but the quality was great. It was natural HD because there were commercials that were 4:3 and the game was 16:9. I saw the boxes behind the TV and it was Direct TV. Well I thought it looked just as good as my Comcast HD limited content. The Colts game was on 2 channels and the Lakers on NBA TV HD.

For you guys wondering about externally received HD signal quality (i.e., cable, sat, OTA), do yourselves a favor once and for all and watch HD content OTA. Assuming you are receiving it w/o dropouts, OTA is simply as good as it gets.

Simply put, here's the deal:

a) If a good OTA signal doesn't look good on your set, your set (or setup) is the problem.

b) If a good OTA signal looks great but cable/sat doesn't, then it's the provider and/or components and/or hookup.

Assuming my Sharps can't grab the OTA content without an external antenna, where do you all recommend I got to get one and which one would be good enough? Preemptive sorry for the lame question.

Any antenna will do for a test. If you live in Miami, a simple pair of indoor rabbit ears will get you enough channels to make a test.

Assuming my Sharps can't grab the OTA content without an external antenna, where do you all recommend I got to get one and which one would be good enough? Preemptive sorry for the lame question.

Try www.solidsignal.com

Any antenna will do for a test. If you live in Miami, a simple pair of indoor rabbit ears will get you enough channels to make a test.

I guess I'm going to grab an old school antenna from some where in the closet then. Thanx.

Try www.solidsignal.com

If not at least I got this site. Another thanx.

Drives me nuts when the local papers run sensationalist headlines showing a picture of a normal antenna, and blare in big bold letters that these will soon no longer work. Of course they will, you just need a new (ATSC) tuner, the antennas stay the same. I guess ordinary everyday truth doesn't sell papers :D

Drives me nuts when the local papers run sensationalist headlines showing a picture of a normal antenna, and blare in big bold letters that these will soon no longer work. Of course they will, you just need a new (ATSC) tuner, the antennas stay the same. I guess ordinary everyday truth doesn't sell papers :D

That's one of too many often used tactics and lies regarding HD content and the whole HD switch over that I fear won't happen till 2012, with all the constant extensions being granted to the cheap cable providers. For one I think FCC should make it a rule and law to have a certain standard for HD entitlement before any content can be called HD. Seriously.


Anyhow I didn't take the 52" 64U back last night but plan to tomorrow. Fingers are CROSSED. CC extended their return window for all who do not know already. Here it is from there page.

"Holiday return policy

During the holidays, we give you extra time to make returns so you can shop with peace of mind.

We've extended our return policy for purchases made November 15, 2007, through December 24, 2007. Items with a 30-day return policy can now be returned through January 25, 2008, and items with a 14-day return policy can be returned through January 8, 2008."

Good luck with your return.

There are actually broadcast standards in place, however, they are so loose that any provider can cut corners with bit-rates and compression all they like and still meet the basic criteria. Keep in mind, the switchover isn't anything to do with HD, the switchover is to digital. It's up to the broadcasters and content providers to decide to do or not do HD, and how well they do it.

Good luck with your return.

There are actually broadcast standards in place, however, they are so loose that any provider can cut corners with bit-rates and compression all they like and still meet the basic criteria. Keep in mind, the switchover isn't anything to do with HD, the switchover is to digital. It's up to the broadcasters and content providers to decide to do or not do HD, and how well they do it.

Pretty sad... oh and thanx, I hope for the best at this rate. Getting it back to the store is the first pain.

Good luck with your return.

There are actually broadcast standards in place, however, they are so loose that any provider can cut corners with bit-rates and compression all they like and still meet the basic criteria. Keep in mind, the switchover isn't anything to do with HD, the switchover is to digital. It's up to the broadcasters and content providers to decide to do or not do HD, and how well they do it.

Yes...and there are many broadcasters in the Miami area that are broadcasting their primary digital channels in 480i, and multi casting as many as five channels, which, for the most part, consist of content that few (if anyone) would want to watch. In addition, some of the content on these channels have picture quality that is no better than a poorly recorded VHS tape. Is this the digital revolution that we have to look forward to?

Forgive me if I'm getting off the subject and/or rambling but...
I hope that, once the transition to digital is complete, broadcasters will offer programming that provides a TRUE ALTERNATIVE to both cable/satellite and to what broadcast TV is now offering. For example, when broadcast TV is showing sports programs on their main channel, their second or third channel should provide news programing at the time when a news program would normally be shown on that channel. I have seen countless occasions where news programs are preempted due to the sports programing that is being shown at that time. Also, CBS's Sunday Night schedule is a joke with their programs starting at odd times due to the football games running late. CBS could easily start their regular programming on a second channel and the main channel can pick the program up in progress after the game.

jstrazz, all valid points. However, one thing remains: Providing alternate content requires the money to do so. Until they start seeing their revenue decrease from lost audience shares, broadcasters will spend as little as possible. They're in business to make money.

Unfortunately, switching from analog to digital doesn't necessarily mean that content will improve.

Also keep in mind - these sub-channels require a piece of their fixed bandwidth. As available bandwidth goes down, so does the picture quality. I, for one, prefer they use none or only a single low quality sub-channel, in order to maintain top quality on their main channel, but I know I'm just dreaming.

PBS 2 in Miami is one with a lot of sub-channels, but when they show a good prime-time HD program, they shut these off.

Also keep in mind - these sub-channels require a piece of their fixed bandwidth. As available bandwidth goes down, so does the picture quality. I, for one, prefer they use none or only a single low quality sub-channel, in order to maintain top quality on their main channel, but I know I'm just dreaming.

PBS 2 in Miami is one with a lot of sub-channels, but when they show a good prime-time HD program, they shut these off.

+1, no subchannels, My fear is that each network will try to have their own sub for weather, shopping, bilingual etc and HD will no longer be HD. It is happening already, I prefer less content better quality.

Also keep in mind - these sub-channels require a piece of their fixed bandwidth. As available bandwidth goes down, so does the picture quality. I, for one, prefer they use none or only a single low quality sub-channel, in order to maintain top quality on their main channel, but I know I'm just dreaming.

PBS 2 in Miami is one with a lot of sub-channels, but when they show a good prime-time HD program, they shut these off.
+1, no subchannels, My fear is that each network will try to have their own sub for weather, shopping, bilingual etc and HD will no longer be HD. It is happening already, I prefer less content better quality.
a) I've never seen WPBS-DT turn off their -2 and -3 channels, even when true, prime-time HD content was airing.

b) OTA, 1 sub-channel still allows the primary channel to be pretty decent, but more than that is pushing it.

Thinking of moving to Weston, FL. Several questions.

1. To get OTA HD, can I use Silver Sensor antenna? Most TV antennas are 16 miles to SE.

2. What HD channels does Advanced provide in QAM? I know all major networks are okay. What about ESPN-HD, TNT-HD?

Thinking of moving to Weston, FL. Several questions.

1. To get OTA HD, can I use Silver Sensor antenna? Most TV antennas are 16 miles to SE.

2. What HD channels does Advanced provide in QAM? I know all major networks are okay. What about ESPN-HD, TNT-HD?

You should be able to get all of the Miami and a few of the WPB OTAs with that antenna. I use a Radio Shack inside and it works fine.

Just the local stations via QAM, you need the HD box for ESPN1/2, NFL, TNT-HD, TBS-HD(:mad:), Discovery HD Theater, HDNet, HDMovies, NGeo-HD, History-HD, FSNSU and the premium movie channels in HD.

Comcast in Jacksonville has recently added the following HD channels:

USA HD
TLC HD
History Channel HD
Sci-Fi HD
CNN HD
Animal Planet HD
Discovery Channel HD

Hopefully these channels will be added soon to Comcast in South Florida.

While looking at LCDs in Best Buy the other day, I ended up talking to a salesman who seemed to know what he was talking about. He told me that DirecTV's new HD channels (I think he said there were something like 70 available now) are broadcast uncompressed, whereas Comcast compresses their HD.

Anybody have any more info on this? TIA.

While looking at LCDs in Best Buy the other day, I ended up talking to a salesman who seemed to know what he was talking about. He told me that DirecTV's new HD channels (I think he said there were something like 70 available now) are broadcast uncompressed, whereas Comcast compresses their HD.

Anybody have any more info on this? TIA.

All digital broadcasts require compression...it is the only way to squeeze the massive amounts of data required for the audio & video into the available bandwidth. Over the air digital broadcasts use 8VSB modulation with a bitrate of 19.39 megabits per second. Digital cable broadcasts use 256-QAM modulation with a bitrate of 38.78 megabits per second (and they can get at least two HD channels into that space). Direct broadcast satellite systems must use the most compression to achieve maximum channel capacity possible (bitrates have been reported to be as low as 8 megabits per second), but the use of much more advanced compression techniques minimizes the impact on (apparent) picture quality.

So, to answer your question, DirecTV's new HD channels are made possible only through MPEG 4 compression. Anything you may have heard regarding "HD Lite" on DirecTV or Dish is due to their practice of downsampling 1920 x 1080 signals to 1440 x 1080 or 1280 x 1080. This downsampling reduces the spatial (horizontal and/or vertical) resolution of the program, reducing the TV-signal's pixel-rate, and therefore its bandwidth requirements. And so they're able to squeeze more channels into the same amount of space.

I recently saw a news item on TV regarding how much DirecTV pays to launch, keep and operate satellites in orbit, and I'm not at all surprised that they'd resort to downsampling (or anything else) to maximize profits and recoup their investment.

Hi Rudy, nice to hear from you again.

I've been researching since my last post, and it appears that there is a lot of confusion and speculation about who's broadcasting what.

Here's something I found from October about Comcast using MPEG-2, albeit with "improved" compression:
http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=135458&site=cdn

And here's something from September about DirecTV's compression and encoding:
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6475308.html

This one's an interesting read either way (make sure you read the entire thread):
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19386783-Comcast-shows-no-fear

Having read many interesting articles and forums on both Comcast and DirecTV, it appears that there's no general concensus yet as to which is better. I guess we will have to wait until sometime next year to see how it all shakes out.

any news on Comcast additions for Miami? Other places in Florida are adding rapidly.....Maybe January 8th??

We can but hope but the answer is "wait and see!" As you know, Comcasr here never pre-publishes their plans; things just show up (or vanish).

For me, if Comcast does nothing further with its HD selection by the end of the month I'll seriously consider other options. (Initial research shows both D* and Dish to be in the same ballpark cost-wise as Comcast for similar service).

From today's paper: "Comcast on Thursday blamed the cold weather for isolated cable television and Internet outages in Broward County. Spokesman Spero Canton wouldn't say how many homes were affected but said there were no widespread outages. He said crews spent the day trying to restore service."

Apparently satellite isn't the only service that's succeptable to weather-related outages. :o

Now that I think about it, a lot of cable homes were without service for up to a month after hurricane Wilma.

Cold weather ? How on earth do they keep it running where it actually does get "cold", and stays cold for more than a couple days. Sheesh, if I were Comcast Florida, I'd be seriously embarrassed right now.

maybe they will be embarrassed enough to offer us a few more HD channels........

From today's paper: "Comcast on Thursday blamed the cold weather for isolated cable television and Internet outages in Broward County. Spokesman Spero Canton wouldn't say how many homes were affected but said there were no widespread outages. He said crews spent the day trying to restore service."

Apparently satellite isn't the only service that's succeptable to weather-related outages. :o

Now that I think about it, a lot of cable homes were without service for up to a month after hurricane Wilma.

Cold weather??? Do these people think we were born yesterday???

I think Comcast is getting ready to add more HD soon as they remapped several QAM clear channels in Broward. It always happens before additions take place. CNN HD, please.....:-)

From today's paper: "Comcast on Thursday blamed the cold weather for isolated cable television and Internet outages in Broward County. Spokesman Spero Canton wouldn't say how many homes were affected but said there were no widespread outages. He said crews spent the day trying to restore service."

Apparently satellite isn't the only service that's succeptable to weather-related outages. :o

Now that I think about it, a lot of cable homes were without service for up to a month after hurricane Wilma.

So that must be the reason why on Jan 4 and 5, I went into the support chat and there were nearly 200 in the hold queue :eek: and that must also explain why in a three day period, I didn't receive a reply from Comcast other than "your message was received. Sorry we can't respond right now."

Anyways, as far as HD, I hope something new is coming soon. I suppose that what will be coming will be Sci-FI, Animal Planet, and CNN but the question is are those going to be "real" HD channels or just an upconverted format?

Anyways, as far as HD, I hope something new is coming soon. I suppose that what will be coming will be Sci-FI, Animal Planet, and CNN but the question is are those going to be "real" HD channels or just an upconverted format?History and Discovery are two other strong possibilities but you are right: So long as they are stretch 'o vision, cropped or 4:3 it doesn't really mean much (even CNN-HD is still mostly non-HD).

This is the primary reason I haven't switched from Comcast - as of now. But I wont wait forever.

Is anyone having intermitent brief signal on FoxHD thru Direct tv.
My OTA is fine but, I get a very brief signal loss for a few seconds and then returns. This is happening for the last week now and I see it on all my tv's.

Comcast plans to offer more than 1,000 High-Definition "choices" by year's end, including channels and HD VOD programs.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcast010807.htm

I am ready for it:-)

Comcast plans to offer more than 1,000 High-Definition "choices" by year's end, including channels and HD VOD programs.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcast010807.htm

I am ready for it:-)

Comcast in this area is so full of crap it's not even funny. They can't even keep their VOD servers up most of the time. I'll believe that when I see it.

I must agree, I only like their Internet, the only reason why I keep Comcast. Looks like they are shifting to be more of a phone company these days then cable TV service provider. Most of my friends are shifting to satellite due to much bigger HD choice. Isn't that HD why we have big TVs on the wall?

They've lost the channel count battle so badly, now they have resorted to counting "choices" ? That's insane.

I must agree, I only like their Internet, the only reason why I keep Comcast. Looks like they are shifting to be more of a phone company these days then cable TV service provider. Most of my friends are shifting to satellite due to much bigger HD choice. Isn't that HD why we have big TVs on the wall?


PHONE COMPANY??? Their phone service is the WORST! I have it! Whenever I talk on the phone to someone, I get a constant intermittent clicking sound. If they can't do better than that, then they should ditch the phone service and concentrate on providing better digital (and HD) TV and internet. By MY estimation, THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING RIGHT!

Yeah their commercial is a joke. More HD than D*. Teh fine print is from October. Losers!!!

You guys are not happy with Comcast ? Try Atlantic Broadband, Just got a letter about new price rise but with great news: 4 "new" HD channels soon, including Discovery which is already up for 2 years! The other channels, Animal,A&E and TBS look like "2nd tier" to me. The most expensive cable with the cheapest line up.

On Tueday (15th) Comcast in South Florida will be adding the following six HD channels:

Food-HD 414
USA-HD 420
History-HD 422
Discovery-HD 424
Animal Planet-HD 426
Sci-Fi-HD 427

Personally, I wish they had included CNN-HD :( (for me, they could have replaced Sci-Fi with it).

Note: This from a message on the box this morning - a first for announcing new channels before they happen - I think! :)

On Tueday (15th) Comcast in South Florida will be adding the following six HD channels:

Food-HD 414
USA-HD 420
History-HD 422
Discovery-HD 424
Animal Planet-HD 426
Sci-Fi-HD 427

Personally, I wish they had included CNN-HD :( (for me, they could have replaced Sci-Fi with it).

Note: This from a message on the box this morning - a first for announcing new channels before they happen - I think! :)

That's great news for Comcast customers.

On Tueday (15th) Comcast in South Florida will be adding the following six HD channels:

Food-HD 414
USA-HD 420
History-HD 422
Discovery-HD 424
Animal Planet-HD 426
Sci-Fi-HD 427

Personally, I wish they had included CNN-HD :( (for me, they could have replaced Sci-Fi with it).

Note: This from a message on the box this morning - a first for announcing new channels before they happen - I think! :)

Although not having CNN-HD is a disappointment, the addition of six new HD channels is a big step in the right direction. Most of CNN's programs are still in SD anyway, while many of the above channels programs are in HD.

We need FNC to go HD. Lots of hot, HD worthy, babes on there.

Great news....I hope Miami is included in this 6 channel addition on Tuesday. According to the first post on the main thread, we will have most of the available Comcast HD channels. Seem to only be missing...TLC, NHL, and CNN. I was hoping they would add a cable news network for the upcoming election coverage......Good job Comcast for adding 6 new channels!!!

Does anyone with Comcast in South Florida have the six new channels yet? Still waiting in Coral Gables.....

Yep, all six are up and running in Plantation.

Does anyone with Comcast in South Florida have the six new channels yet? Still waiting in Coral Gables.....

Yes. I got them on my Comcast Cable Box this morning. I'm in Broward County. If you are using a TIVO box, the channels are not yet identified by Tivo. It usually takes several days before Tivo knows that they're there. If you change the Tivo guide to All Channels, you will see them as unknown channels with ????????s until the service is updated.

Great. I guess not all of South Florida Comcast is getting the new channels. UGHHH!!

Ex-Adelphia here and the news wasn't updated on channel 1. I didn't get to check this morning before I left but I'll call the wife. I'm almost positive nothing happened for us. And we still have the crappy Adelphia VOD.

Great. I guess not all of South Florida Comcast is getting the new channels. UGHHH!!

Don't fret! I'm sure it's just a matter of time. Probably within the week or two.

Nobody in Dade got it?

Don't fret! I'm sure it's just a matter of time. Probably within the week or two.

Our fingers are crossed! At least Broward is moving forward. That does give us some hope down south....

I know nothing about 6 new channels...will look tonight after work...what are the 6 new channels?

Got it...sorry...
Food-HD 414
USA-HD 420
History-HD 422
Discovery-HD 424
Animal Planet-HD 426
Sci-Fi-HD 427

I live by the airport. Will look tonight.

Our fingers are crossed! At least Broward is moving forward. That does give us some hope down south....

They're probably working one or two counties at a time. Their engineers can only do so much. Listen to me...defending Comcast:rolleyes:

F that. Dade is more important!!!! :D

Wife says no changes on channel 1 messages. However I checked Yahoo TV listings for South Dade Broadband Digital Comcast (I'm in Kendall and this was the only one that matched my channels) and it had National Geographic HD and A&E HD. I hope that's for Adelphia converts.

Bleh. Nothing new last night. Same ol channels. I swear to God if I didn't have to give D* a deposit, I would've been switched.

All six up & running in Oakland Park since Tuesday morning when I woke up. I guess all of Broward is up.

All new channels up and running in Hollywood Lakes! I was about to make my idle threat I made a month about to a comcast csr a reality and jump over to DirecTV.

I'm still waiting to get more information on AT&T U-Verse....supposed to be sweeeeet like fios.

They said 1st quarter this year up and running in broward.

I've seen AT&T trucks doing some installs in the middle of the street. Is that what that is? details?

don't know much just do a google search for u-verse in south florida and see what pops up. YOu'll find all kinds of information.

Ex-Adelphia here and the news wasn't updated on channel 1. I didn't get to check this morning before I left but I'll call the wife. I'm almost positive nothing happened for us. And we still have the crappy Adelphia VOD.

Same stuff here, did they adjust your Guide screen that lists the VOD stuff, where you see Program Guide / Movies On Demand etc? They added a few things for us in farther south Dade (Naranja) such as CBS, WWE, Howard Stern, and Playboy On Demand that weren't there .. CBS had 5 things two days ago, but its just down to one show now [CSI Miami, who'da thought?!] and no channels, btw, do you also get any HD On Demand offered via any premium channels there? We get nada though its "suppose to be there"

... I'm still waiting to get more information on AT&T U-Verse....supposed to be sweeeeet like fios.

They said 1st quarter this year up and running in broward.
Check this thread over in the HDTV Programming forum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=700011

It is long so you may want to start at the end and work backwards.

While some like it many do not - especially the DVR and HD aspects. (They can only handle one HD stream at a time - no recording one channel while watching another, no watching different HD channels on different sets, etc.)

Hallandale Beach, Broward County, FL - DirecTv

Well, I just got off the phone with DirecTv, scheduling an upgrade to an MPEG4 box/5 LNB dish.

This is after my 4 year old Hughes HD box crapped out on me two days ago.

I will be using Monster components as my TV doesn't have HDMI.

Can't wait!

DirecTv was really nice about it, as usual. Only billed me $69 for the box (H-20 or H-21, don't know until it arrives), including the 5 LNB dish. They also gave me $5 for 6 months for my interruption in service. I also got free HD for 6 months (a $60 value).

Bleh. Nothing new last night. Same ol channels. I swear to God if I didn't have to give D* a deposit, I would've been switched.

As I told someone earlier this week, DON'T FRET! Comcast is probably working on one county at a time. You may see the new channels in Miami Dade in a week or two. BTW, the new channels are generally added on Tuesday...so check your guide on Tuesdays for new upgrades. If you have a TiVo HD box with CableCards, it takes a few more days for the TiVo service to recognize the new channels.

... BTW, the new channels are generally added on Tuesday...so check your guide on Tuesdays for new upgrades. ...Sometimes they show up in the guide on Mondays as TBA, but not this last time. The six new channels were simply there at 6.00 am when I checked!

Damn, no CNN HD, even Canadians got it now by their satellites.

Anyone have any info. on DirecTv's new channels? I'm getting my new 5LNB dish and MPEG4 box next Saturday.

Anyone have any info. on DirecTv's new channels? I'm getting my new 5LNB dish and MPEG4 box next Saturday.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=914047

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=914047

Oh WOW! So many new HD channels!!! I can't wait!!! Thanks so much!!!

Damn, no CNN HD, even Canadians got it now by their satellites.Yeah, I was a little POed as well! On the positive side, presently CNN has very little HD; just shows originating from their NY studios. I am sure it will be added before too long. At least, it better be!

igotthatfire247, I can’t believe you signed up for DirecTV without knowing what channels you would be getting! Makes very little sense to me! (Nothing derogatory, just my observation).

Yeah, I was a little POed as well! On the positive side, presently CNN has very little HD; just shows originating from their NY studios. I am sure it will be added before too long. At least, it better be!

igotthatfire247, I can’t believe you signed up for DirecTV without knowing what channels you would be getting! Makes very little sense to me! (Nothing derogatory, just my observation).

Well, I have been a customer for over 6 years, so I was just "upgrading" my equipment (for a nice price, too). Comcast is way too expensive for my taste ... and I've had way too many bad experiences with them in the past (formerly Comcast of Hallandale).

In any case, I was confident of the upcoming lineup, but more importantly, I am satisfied with the current listings ... did you see the link provided above?

So what are we now 20 HDs on Comcast versus 85 on Directv? Only 400% more choices. And where is those 6000 on demand Comcast movies with 2000 movies in HD they were talkin on CES in Vegas ??? Hey Comcast, HELLLLLOOO!!

As I told someone earlier this week, DON'T FRET! Comcast is probably working on one county at a time. You may see the new channels in Miami Dade in a week or two. BTW, the new channels are generally added on Tuesday...so check your guide on Tuesdays for new upgrades. If you have a TiVo HD box with CableCards, it takes a few more days for the TiVo service to recognize the new channels.

Likely depends on if they're previous Adelphia too, as we're still waiting for Channel 1 (we even now have ondemand programming showing us what CH1 is, how it works, etc) but we still don't have "Channel 1 On Demand" and probably won't get the new channels for awhile, atleast they've finally added CBS OD for us, though.

So what are we now 20 HDs on Comcast versus 85 on Directv? Only 400% more choices. And where is those 6000 on demand Comcast movies with 2000 movies in HD they were talkin on CES in Vegas ??? Hey Comcast, HELLLLLOOO!!

That's the other reason I stuck with DirecTv ;)

Quick question, I was trying to see if I could watch some NBC, FOX, CBS and ABC etc in HD and I got nothing. I have the HD package and I'm now under the assumption that I might have to pay an additional $10 fee to get those channels that I think are under another additional HD plan... Is this correct? because if this is the case, what the hell am I paying for? Are the pimping two HD tiers?

Help!!

I'm getting confused. I want to be able to watch, for examples, LOST (when it returns), Terminator, 24 and the Super Bowl in HD. I mean really, what the hell?

p.s. Does anyone else feel that Direct-TVs HD offerings differ in quality? I see compression artifacts. It's nothing near watching an HD disked programming (Blu-Ray). I know they compress them and all but i think they might be compressing too much. Plus I know not all showings are in HD no matter if they are on an HD channel.

Quick question, I was trying to see if I could watch some NBC, FOX, CBS and ABC etc in HD and I got nothing. I have the HD package and I'm now under the assumption that I might have to pay an additional $10 fee to get those channels that I think are under another additional HD plan... Is this correct? because if this is the case, what the hell am I paying for? Are the pimping two HD tiers?

Help!!

I'm getting confused. I want to be able to watch, for examples, LOST (when it returns), Terminator, 24 and the Super Bowl in HD. I mean really, what the hell?

p.s. Does anyone else feel that Direct-TVs HD offerings differ in quality? I see compression artifacts. It's nothing near watching an HD disked programming (Blu-Ray). I know they compress them and all but i think they might be compressing too much. Plus I know not all showings are in HD no matter if they are on an HD channel.

No, DirecTv doesn't offer the locals down here for some reason (only CH.82 for me, which is NBC New York). I get all my locals using an OTA antenna.

No, DirecTv doesn't offer the locals down here for some reason (only CH.82 for me, which is NBC New York). I get all my locals using an OTA antenna.Are you sure about that? Check this D* page for zip 33313: http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/packProg/localChannels.jsp?_requestid=137339

Just the big four in HD with PBS to be added soon.

?? DirecTV doesn't offer the locals in Miami ? They do in West Palm, I don't see why Miami would be any different. But, anyway, locals are provided in the base package, you don't need to pay extra for them.

As for your comparison to Blu-ray, no boradcast source is going to be anywhere near that, not OTA, not cable, not satellite.

No, DirecTv doesn't offer the locals down here for some reason (only CH.82 for me, which is NBC New York). I get all my locals using an OTA antenna.

Great, I have to get a soon to be obsolete antenna to watch what I assumed I was getting in my Direct-tv package. Crap.

?? DirecTV doesn't offer the locals in Miami ? They do in West Palm, I don't see why Miami would be any different. But, anyway, locals are provided in the base package, you don't need to pay extra for them.

As for your comparison to Blu-ray, no boradcast source is going to be anywhere near that, not OTA, not cable, not satellite.

That makes sense, or not any sense. I mean they are free anyhow right?

Also I figured that, but they need to chill with the compression crap. Cheap bastards. Maybe in 09.

I get the local channels via D* and I'm in zipe code 33185. Another question, is the difference notable when viewing HD programming on local channels with an OTA as compared to D*? I have both and can't see a difference.

Are you sure about that? Check this D* page for zip 33313: http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/packProg/localChannels.jsp?_requestid=137339

Just the big four in HD with PBS to be added soon.

That link is not operating.

Could it be this?
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/packProg/localChannels.jsp?assetId=900018

Your antenna will not be obsolete, ever.

As for the compression - their MPEG 4 is nealry indistinguishable from OTA - the new HD channels are of very high quality.

Great, I have to get a soon to be obsolete antenna to watch what I assumed I was getting in my Direct-tv package. Crap.



That makes sense, or not any sense. I mean they are free anyhow right?

Also I figured that, but they need to chill with the compression crap. Cheap bastards. Maybe in 09.

Your antenna will not be obsolete, ever.

As for the compression - their MPEG 4 is nealry indistinguishable from OTA - the new HD channels are of very high quality.

Aren't they going to cut off Analog over the air programming?

Also I think that is MPEG 4 is a good as Compression free OTA than we have an issue, cuss I'd rather stick to blu-ray/hd-dvd content if available. At least till things lose compression and or there is an established requirement to be even considered HD which is uniform.

You are going to have a looooooong wait if you want Blu-ray quality from broadcast.

Yes, analog is going to be cut off, but that same antenna can (and does now) pick up the digital broadcast. It's still the same analog VHF or UHF carrier wave, it just encodes a digital signal now instead of an analog one.

Aren't they going to cut off Analog over the air programming?

Also I think that is MPEG 4 is a good as Compression free OTA than we have an issue, cuss I'd rather stick to blu-ray/hd-dvd content if available. At least till things lose compression and or there is an established requirement to be even considered HD which is uniform.

You are going to have a looooooong wait if you want Blu-ray quality from broadcast.

Yes, analog is going to be cut off, but that same antenna can (and does now) pick up the digital broadcast. It's still the same analog VHF or UHF carrier wave, it just encodes a digital signal now instead of an analog one.

Wow, that sucks!

What antenna are you using, if I may ask. I'm curious about what I'd have to get to enjoy what i should be getting now. I really hope all I have to do to see local channels in HD is go to their basic number on my Direct TV and whenever an HD show (24 and Terminator etc) come on I'm good through my HD box.

I am using a small wing-type bi-directional antenna on my roof, and from my spot in NE Boca, I can pick up all stations from Miami to West Palm. Antenna reception of locals is very easy - depending on where you are, you can get away with an indoor or in attic antenna just as well. Mine is outside because I just couldn't reach Miami's signals from an indoor install.

I am using a small wing-type bi-directional antenna on my roof, and from my spot in NE Boca, I can pick up all stations from Miami to West Palm. Antenna reception of locals is very easy - depending on where you are, you can get away with an indoor or in attic antenna just as well. Mine is outside because I just couldn't reach Miami's signals from an indoor install.

I get the feeling 50 or so is going to come out of my pocket on this one.
Thanks for the info.

Well it seems these are in HD by this Chart:
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/packProg/localChannels.jsp?_requestid=1677167


CBS WFOR
Local Channel # 4
3-Digit Channel # (older receivers) 980
HD Channel # 4

NBC WTVJ
Local Channel # 6
3-Digit Channel # (older receivers) 981
HD Channel # 6

FOX WSVN
Local Channel # 7
3-Digit Channel # (older receivers) 982
HD Channel # 7

ABC WPLG
Local Channel # 10
3-Digit Channel # (older receivers) 983
HD Channel # 10

If interested for your own area go to...
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/packProg/localChannels.jsp?_requestid=1677167

That is correct - I actually prefer to watch these stations, to my WPB equivalents. $50 is about right, for a small amplified antenna. I don't know where you are, but if you have any indoor antenna at all, and a built in HD tuner on any of your equipment, hook it up and see what you get.

Well it seems these are in HD by this CHART (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/packProg/localChannels.jsp?_requestid=1677167)...


CBS WFOR
Local Channel # 4
3-Digit Channel # (older receivers) 980
HD Channel # 4

NBC WTVJ
Local Channel # 6
3-Digit Channel # (older receivers) 981
HD Channel # 6

FOX WSVN
Local Channel # 7
3-Digit Channel # (older receivers) 982
HD Channel # 7

ABC WPLG
Local Channel # 10
3-Digit Channel # (older receivers) 983
HD Channel # 10

Go HERE (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/packProg/localChannels.jsp?_requestid=1677167)if interested.

That is correct - I actually prefer to watch these stations, to my WPB equivalents. $50 is about right, for a small amplified antenna. I don't know where you are, but if you have any indoor antenna at all, and a built in HD tuner on any of your equipment, hook it up and see what you get.

I'm currently in Miami, closer to MIA.
I'm going to experiment this weekend with an antenna if possible and hope for the best.

If you are near MIA, just point the antenna toward the Broward Line.
Most of the Miami digital transmitters are at 441 and County Line Road.
(NW 2 Av and NW 215 St).
Be careful watching channels 7 and 10 local programs, they stretch the analog picture
and attempt to fool people into thinking it's HD.

Walt

Well, quite honestly guys, it could be that my MPEG2 box wasn't able to pick these stations up. However, the last time I spoke to a CSR, they told me NO, these are not yet available in your market. As such, I have always watched my locals with a $10 RCA OTA antenna (works wonders).

I get the local channels via D* and I'm in zipe code 33185. Another question, is the difference notable when viewing HD programming on local channels with an OTA as compared to D*? I have both and can't see a difference.

I can't really see a difference, but I can definitely HEAR a difference. Not sure if it's the Dolby formats they're using or what ... ???

Are local hd channels 4-1, 6-1, and 39-1 off the air tonite i'm not getting any of them on either of my hd hr20 receivers. They also dont come up via satellite mpeg4.

I am unable to receive channels 7-1 and 10-1 OTA. I use an indoor antenna and I live in an apt building. An outdoor antenna is NOT an option for me. I use the antenna as a back-up to cable, however, I also use it to watch Ch 33-1 which is not on the cable system. I live in Fort Lauderdale and I know that both channels 7-1 and 10-1 are VHF as opposed to UHF on all the other local digitals. Can anyone recommend a good indoor antenna? I have no problem getting ANY other local channels OTA.

Try 29-1 for Fox. I live in Miami and have no problem getting 29-1. No alternative for ABC, however.

Any news on Miami/Dade Comcast HD channel additions? From what I understand Tuesdays seems like the upgrade days......

Check channel 1

Well guys I checked out the GBP vs NYG game and it was in HD and SD. Both were channel 7 next to each other. I'm glad, now I have to check out NBC and ABC. BTW I'm using Direct-TV with HD box and new sat.

I've seen AT&T trucks doing some installs in the middle of the street. Is that what that is? details?

Saw them over the weekend in Hollywood Lakes. The streets are all marked up with spray painted dotted lines and marked occasionally with AT&T leading to fresh installed boxes on utility slabs in islands in the street.

After a full month of enjoying a few HD channels (including a few PPV's on the wknd) coming through the Advanced Cable basic service that the QAM/NTSC? built-in tuner in my new Philips HDTV picked up, they suddenly all disappeared last night. A new scan indicates they didn't move anywhere on the dial...anyone else notice this, or have a speculation as to why?

After a full month of enjoying a few HD channels (including a few PPV's on the wknd) coming through the Advanced Cable basic service that the QAM/NTSC? built-in tuner in my new Philips HDTV picked up, they suddenly all disappeared last night. A new scan indicates they didn't move anywhere on the dial...anyone else notice this, or have a speculation as to why?

The cable company removes more and more of unscrambled channels so force people to pay fore service. Comcast does the same thing.

Looks like we're going to have to shell out some bucks for this if we want ALL of our local channels ... (what a crock)

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/01/09/directv-intros-two-atsc-tuner-am21-to-piggyback-hr21/

By the way, I got my box yesterday; it's an H21-200 ...

Will Miami/Dade Comcast get new HD channels tomorrow???..........drum roll please.......

I called Comcast last week to check on my delayed internet modem order. I was asking the guy about HD availability since they're local how Broward got some channels a few weeks ago and Dade didn't. He said something about a month later but wasn't very coherent. So don't hold your breath until tomorrow.

That must be one difficult switch to flip in Miami/Dade......

Any luck today?

Anyone know local places to buy an antenna? I'm not sure my antenna will work and am afraid of shipping/restocking fees. :)
Thanks

Anyone know local places to buy an antenna? I'm not sure my antenna will work and am afraid of shipping/restocking fees. :)
Thanks

Try Circuit City. I got a Philips HDTV stand alone antenna there for $15.

Sorry. I should have been more specific. I'm looking at a Winegard (or Channel Master, AntennasDirect, etc...). I was wondering if anyone bought any of these locally.
Thanks

Bought a Channel Master 3016 for around $35 @ Lowes about a year or so ago, put it up on the roof (single-story home). Pointed at the antenna farm, all MIA/FTL stations come in full blast.

Any luck today?

NO....maybe next Tuesday!

Bought a Channel Master 3016 for around $35 @ Lowes about a year or so ago, put it up on the roof (single-story home). Pointed at the antenna farm, all MIA/FTL stations come in full blast.

Hmmmm... Lowes' website doesn't have anything. I'll call the store this afternoon. Thank you.

NO....maybe next Tuesday!

C U Next Tuesday. :p

:(

My $15 stand alone pulls 'em in just fine, thank you very much.

;)

:(

My $15 stand alone pulls 'em in just fine, thank you very much.

;)


Well, I put some rabbit ears in the attic. All the stations are coming in. However, 7.1 (channel 8) is getting some pixelation at 50% strength. I'm trying to find something small I can put up there & not mess with it again. If I have to go outside, I will. However, it would be nice not to deal with it during hurricane season. :) I don't want to order something like DB2/CM4221 online b/c I don't know if they receive VHF-high any better than the rabbit ears. If I can't get a 'good' antenna locally, I might try some amplified rabbit ears. At least, if it doesn't work, I can just take them back and order a large antenna online. :)

Well, I put some rabbit ears in the attic. All the stations are coming in. However, 7.1 (channel 8) is getting some pixelation at 50% strength. I'm trying to find something small I can put up there & not mess with it again. If I have to go outside, I will. However, it would be nice not to deal with it during hurricane season. :) I don't want to order something like DB2/CM4221 online b/c I don't know if they receive VHF-high any better than the rabbit ears. If I can't get a 'good' antenna locally, I might try some amplified rabbit ears. At least, if it doesn't work, I can just take them back and order a large antenna online. :)

Wow man I would really try some amplified rabbit ears and just stick them behind your set (not in the attic). My stand-alone doesn't sit in any particular position, it is just thrown around the back of my entertainment center (it picks up just about all the stations just fine). I think we can contribute living in the city to such great reception.

BTW: antenna+hurricane=damaged neighbor's house

Wow man I would really try some amplified rabbit ears and just stick them behind your set (not in the attic). My stand-alone doesn't sit in any particular position, it is just thrown around the back of my entertainment center (it picks up just about all the stations just fine). I think we can contribute living in the city to such great reception.

BTW: antenna+hurricane=damaged neighbor's house
Antenna type/size depends on your location, what's around the antenna, and what's between the antenna and the transmitters.

Mangokm40, how far are you from the transmitters and what direction are they from you? Also, are there any large buildings/trees between you and the transmitters?

Digital Ch. 7 & 10 are VHF, so you may have issues with them using only rabbit ears, even in the attic. When you get tired of messing with rabbit ears, powered indoor units, and other riff-raff, you'll see that a directional roof-mount is the only way to go. 100% wall-to-wall 24/7/365.

BTW: properly installed roof antenna + hurricane = great reception when everything else is down.

I have a Radio Shack Model: U-75R | Catalog #: 15-2160 antenna in my attic in Weston and get all Miami stations including the high VHF stations for Fox and ABC (7.1 and 10.1). Worth a try with an easy return policy. Crutchfield has some Channel Master antennas and they also have a liberal return policy. I have the Channel Master 3010 outdoors mounted only about 7' off the ground and pick up Miami and a couple of Palm Beach stations. These two antennas (for different TV's) both work great and provide crystal clear reception.

igotthatfire247: I had that experience a few hurricanes ago, hence my fear. :)

97Strat: You are right. However, I will 'feel' better if I can have it in the attic. You may be right though, I may end up going with what I KNOW will work. That's why I wanted a good return option. :)

nortynorty: Thanks for the info. I actually went to RS, but they didn't offer me that one. I guess b/c they don't have it in stock. :) Now that I know it exists, I will go to a different store & give it a try this week.

I appreciate everyone's attention. I feel dumb b/c I know 97Strat (& many others) are right. The damn thing should just be outside, aimed, and forgotten. However, having had one blow down and bust some stuff, I'm leery (sp?).

Grassy ass

BTW: properly installed roof antenna + hurricane = great reception when everything else is down.

Considering you have power, sure ... he he ... (God, I HATE hurricanes)

Grassy ass

De nalga.

Considering you have power, sure ... he he ... (God, I HATE hurricanes)
Boy, do I love my generator... :)

It's wired into the house circuit so I've got everything except central A/C.

I've had great luck with a GS2200 wing antenna. From my location, I get both WPB and Mia markets, and furthermore, that antenna survived through the last 4 hurricanes. I had it mounted low on the peak of my roof with cement screws and construction adhesive.

igotthatfire247: I had that experience a few hurricanes ago, hence my fear. :)

97Strat: You are right. However, I will 'feel' better if I can have it in the attic. You may be right though, I may end up going with what I KNOW will work. That's why I wanted a good return option. :)

nortynorty: Thanks for the info. I actually went to RS, but they didn't offer me that one. I guess b/c they don't have it in stock. :) Now that I know it exists, I will go to a different store & give it a try this week.

I appreciate everyone's attention. I feel dumb b/c I know 97Strat (& many others) are right. The damn thing should just be outside, aimed, and forgotten. However, having had one blow down and bust some stuff, I'm leery (sp?).

Grassy ass

i just got a indoor vhf/uhf antenna. I've been able to pick up the uhf hd channels (cbs, nbc, cw, mynet), but cannot get the vhf channels (fox/abc) the 2 channels i watch. haha I'm on the campus of UMiami, so I'm close to the city. Any help?

Can anybody explain why Channel 25-1 out of West Palm Beach has a non-existent signal down here in Broward County? It's nice to have an OTA alternative to cable and the local channels and I find it frustrating that ABC doesn't have alternative channel that reaches my area. I also cannot receive 12-1 (CBS) out of WPB either (equally frustrating).

Channel 25's transmitter is in Martin county so it is much further north then 12, 5, and 29.

Channel 12's digital signal is on channel 13 so you will need a VHF antenna to receive it. Also make sure your antenna is pointed towards their transmitter which is west of the turnpike and lantana road.

I can't believe Comcast. My friend in Lehigh Acres has Telemundo and Univision in HD. But Miami, the main latin market in Florida doesn't (for ex-Adelphia anyways). Unbelievable.

Oh and I ordered the internet service and going on about a month of not getting the modem.

I can't believe Comcast. My friend in Lehigh Acres has Telemundo and Univision in HD. But Miami, the main latin market in Florida doesn't (for ex-Adelphia anyways). Unbelievable.

Oh and I ordered the internet service and going on about a month of not getting the modem.

For some reason Comcast in Miami/Dade is much slower than the rest of the state. I am hoping that we get some of the channels our friends in Broward currently have........Would CNN HD be too much to ask for by tomorrow, Super Tuesday?????!!!

i just got a indoor vhf/uhf antenna. I've been able to pick up the uhf hd channels (cbs, nbc, cw, mynet), but cannot get the vhf channels (fox/abc) the 2 channels i watch. haha I'm on the campus of UMiami, so I'm close to the city. Any help?

I have the same problem with Fox and ABC here in Broward County. I live in a first floor apartment which is part of the problem and have no option for a rooftop antenna. If these channels are putting out the maximum signal allowed by law, then the law needs to be changed. People without cable/satellite are going to be at a disadvantage in this new digital world if they have to jump through hoops to get their TV reception.

WTVJ seems to have made a habit of switching to SD during the last segment of the Tonight Show. Every time they go to local commercial and come back with the show's musical guest, it is almost always in SD. This happens to them more often than ANY other channel. It not the network doing it either. It never happens on WPTV in WPB.

You mean there's actually a guy that gets paid to sit by a switch?!
Just kidding ...
I noticed this issue years ago, but still no change ...

You mean there's actually a guy that gets paid to sit by a switch?!
Just kidding ...
I noticed this issue years ago, but still no change ...

They keep saying that it's a problem with software. If that's the case, why doesn't WPTV in WPB have the same problem from time to time? I have to assume that they all use similar software to make their video display correctly. Maybe they need to get the same software program as the folks in West Palm.

Is just me, or has WFOR (channel 4) decided to do stretch 'o vision for its digital channel? :(

First noticed it yesterday. Not quite full screen; there are very narrow vertical black bars on each side. An interesting aspect is that they seem to be doing it for both local and network shows! At least, the Early Show this morning is being broadcast that way!

Weekly Rant.....lol Comcast please give us Discovery Channel in Miami........

Is just me, or has WFOR (channel 4) decided to do stretch 'o vision for its digital channel? :(

First noticed it yesterday. Not quite full screen; there are very narrow vertical black bars on each side. An interesting aspect is that they seem to be doing it for both local and network shows! At least, the Early Show this morning is being broadcast that way!

Yes, it appears that they have gone to some modified version of stretch 'o vision. It's not as bad as channels 7 & 10. They appear to have split the difference between wide-screen and standard screen.

I don't understand why "The Early Show" hasn't gone HD yet. They just did a complete make over of their studios and they're STILL broadcasting in SD. Frankly, I'd rather watch The Today Show anyway.

BTW: CBS primetime shows are in Full HD and not that silly stretch 'o vision.

I just noticed that FOX 29 in WPB now has local news in HD. It seems as if everybody is going HD except our local channels in Miami.

^They probably figure stretch-o-vision is enough :>). Actually WPLG is waiting on their move to the Pembroke Pines studio to go HD. I hear maybe end of year? Hopefully the others will feel the pressure from WPB and get moving on this. I have given up on trying to convince them that side curtains are better than stretching SD.

I noticed this morning that WFOR-DT and WBFS-DT are now doing the stretch-o-vision with their local stuff and the network 4:3 programs.

All hope is lost for local HD......

Walt

I noticed this morning that WFOR-DT and WBFS-DT are now doing the stretch-o-vision with their local stuff and the network 4:3 programs.

All hope is lost for local HD......

WaltWalt, did you not read the last few posts in this thread? :)

Sorry, I missed a page in reading the updates.

Walt

Yes, it appears that they have gone to some modified version of stretch 'o vision. It's not as bad as channels 7 & 10. They appear to have split the difference between wide-screen and standard screen.

I don't understand why "The Early Show" hasn't gone HD yet. They just did a complete make over of their studios and they're STILL broadcasting in SD. Frankly, I'd rather watch The Today Show anyway.

BTW: CBS primetime shows are in Full HD and not that silly stretch 'o vision.

Not only that, but channel 33 did the same thing. It's really getting annoying that many of the WPB stations now broadcast in HD for their local news and stuff, and none of the Miami stations have gotten there.

I fear that CHannel 6 will start going with the crowd and stretching local stuff as well.

Not only that, but channel 33 did the same thing. It's really getting annoying that many of the WPB stations now broadcast in HD for their local news and stuff, and none of the Miami stations have gotten there.

I fear that CHannel 6 will start going with the crowd and stretching local stuff as well.

Channel 6 claims that they are waiting on the engineers at NBC (their parent company) to make the switch. I first heard that in 2006. They must be working on one station per year...and we're last on the list.

I just noticed that FOX 29 in WPB now has local news in HD. It seems as if everybody is going HD except our local channels in Miami.

One of the few benefits to living in Palm Beach is three local news stations broadcasting in HD. :-)

You can expect NBC6 to begin broadcasting the local news in high definition any day now. The cameras have been operational (in SD mode) for a while now, an HD makeup artist was hired, and final modifications to the sets are underway. I'm told that the on-air talent is looking forward to the transition to HD broadcasting, and special segments are being planned.

You can expect NBC6 to begin broadcasting the local news in high definition any day now. The cameras have been operational (in SD mode) for a while now, an HD makeup artist was hired, and final modifications to the sets are underway. I'm told that the on-air talent is looking forward to the transition to HD broadcasting, and special segments are being planned.Rudy, I hope you're right, as I am really sick of the distorted stretch-o-vision that everyone (except, of course, WTVJ-DT, WSFL-DT, and WPBT-DT) uses.

However, I can't help but wonder why there haven't been any teasers or promos regarding "HD any day now" on WTVJ-DT. I'd think that being the first local HD outlet would be a major coup, especially if the others can't/don't start broadcasting local HD for several months. There has been no shortage of speculation, and it's at the point where I believe what I see - which is still local SD across the board.

All things considered, when local HD debuts in South Florida, that's who I'll be watching.

GREAT NEWS!!!!!

I noticed Friday night new HD channels for former Adelphia customers in Kendall (where I'm located). Probably available to actually view on Tuesday but there to view. No data is shown and we go to the channel it shows to call.

USAHD
SciFiHD
Animal Planet HD
History Channel HD
Discovery Channel HD

That is great news. Nothing here in Coral Gables. I talked with a CSR a few days ago, who told me a month or a month and a half......UGH!!!

Anyone else having issues getting NBC 6 DT in South Dade? Did I miss something? No signal at all for me right now.

Thanks.

Will

Anyone else having issues getting NBC 6 DT in South Dade? Did I miss something? No signal at all for me right now.

Thanks.

Will

Will--
Loud and clear here OTA and DirecTv MPEG4

AWESOME! Saturday night, there was a basketball game (CHI vs. UTAH) and it was only on NBATV, which is a channel you pay for ...

But my new H21-200 can access the "HD" version of NBATV, so I was able to watch the game after all! (Yes, there were bars, but at least I had access to the game!)

GREAT NEWS!!!!!

I noticed Friday night new HD channels for former Adelphia customers in Kendall (where I'm located). Probably available to actually view on Tuesday but there to view. No data is shown and we go to the channel it shows to call.

USAHD
SciFiHD
Animal Planet HD
History Channel HD
Discovery Channel HD

Excellent!!! These are now up and active. I only saw them for 2 seconds this morning at like 8am so I couldn't grade quality, etc. I will watch some SVU when I get home. :)

USA HD does not even look like HD to be honest... so soft and dull comparing to for ex. TNT HD.

Good News!!!

The 6 new HD channels are up now in Coral Gables....no announcement on box....Food HD is amazing!!!

Wow, finally the new HD channels are up. I haven't watched any of them for more than 5 minutes yet. I don't know which one to start with and I just keep flipping around.

Oh and thanks for the local news update Rudy! Can't wait! :D

I am wondering if anybody has been experiencing problems with the latest HD channels (Sci-Fi, USA, History Channel, etc.). Basically about a week after they were added in, I began having problems which have continued to this day. At first, the audio would drop out every 3 seconds. That seemed to get fixed and then the picture would begin to tile at about the same rate. Once that got fixed, the image would start to run in slow motion and then just pause. Mixed in between those problems, I would go to tune to USA-HD and find no image at all. Lately, all the seperate issues described have now combined to form another problem. Tuesday afternoon, USA and Sci-Fi HD had no programming. It seems that Comcast has no idea how to fix the problem, because according to their test equipment, everything is working fine.

I am wondering if anybody has been experiencing problems with the latest HD channels (Sci-Fi, USA, History Channel, etc.). Basically about a week after they were added in, I began having problems which have continued to this day. At first, the audio would drop out every 3 seconds. That seemed to get fixed and then the picture would begin to tile at about the same rate. Once that got fixed, the image would start to run in slow motion and then just pause. Mixed in between those problems, I would go to tune to USA-HD and find no image at all. Lately, all the seperate issues described have now combined to form another problem. Tuesday afternoon, USA and Sci-Fi HD had no programming. It seems that Comcast has no idea how to fix the problem, because according to their test equipment, everything is working fine.

I am having problems with History Channel HD, Animal Planet HD, and HD Theater when using my Tivo Series 3 DVR. When I measure the signal strength on the DVR, I get a signal strength in the 60's to low 70's as opposed to the 80's and 90's on the other channels. I only get the signal on one tuner. The second tuner gets no signal at all. If I try to record something on those channels, I only get a partial recording as the signal gets too weak and the recording automatically stops when I lose the signal. I have contacted Comcast about this problem FOUR times now. Somebody is supposed to check the signal strength in my area (Wilton Manors) this week. So far, I have not heard back and I'm still having the problem.

BTW, I also have a Comcast Cable Box and I have no problem getting these channels with that box. I think it's a conspiracy by Comcast to make you use THEIR equipment.:mad:

I did NOT realize we got Food HD also. I would've preferred something like FX HD but that's my opinion.

I used to get that problem and it still happens sporadically where an HD channel is not coming in. Sometimes when I would record Everybody Hates Chris in HD, I would have like 6 segments of recording. Some for 1-2 mins and then like two for 10-15 mins.

I was disappointed that Law and Order CI and SVU weren't in HD but I believe it was older episodes that were originally broadcast in SD. I guess USA doesn't stretcho like TNT.

I did notice that the new channels don't have HD in the title like the older ones so they're probably still updating. Some of the channels have directories while others don't. Probably in a week or so we'll see these fully up and running correctly.

I am not sure if I am in the right forum but this seems to be the only region specific forum I have found relating to HD reception.

I am looking into getting HDTV (as well as DVR/Tivo functions... I go to class until 10 and work all day so I like to record and watch at my convenience).

As old as I am, the main channel I watch is cartoon network. Then select programming (LOST, House, Law and Order on USA/TNT, some MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Disney Channel). And Food Network when trying to work up an appetite... also I saw it at a buddy's house and food has never looked so good.

So what service do you recommend? I am not overly concerned with non-HDTV as I will primarily be viewing in HD. I just want as much HD as possible with a decent price. Also, I have basica adelphia cabling throughout my home.

For what it's worth. I have an Onkyo 705, PS3, Wii connected to a 32" Sharp Aquos 1080p.

Thanks and my apologies if I posted in the wrong area.

PSK - my personal bias is showing (dang, I need to remember to zip my pants...), but I would recommend DirecTV for HD. Despite Comcast claims of more HD, for pure channel count, DirecTV has the most, including HD versions of the specific channels you mention above.

I am not sure if I am in the right forum but this seems to be the only region specific forum I have found relating to HD reception.

I am looking into getting HDTV (as well as DVR/Tivo functions... I go to class until 10 and work all day so I like to record and watch at my convenience).

As old as I am, the main channel I watch is cartoon network. Then select programming (LOST, House, Law and Order on USA/TNT, some MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Disney Channel). And Food Network when trying to work up an appetite... also I saw it at a buddy's house and food has never looked so good.

So what service do you recommend? I am not overly concerned with non-HDTV as I will primarily be viewing in HD. I just want as much HD as possible with a decent price. Also, I have basica adelphia cabling throughout my home.

For what it's worth. I have an Onkyo 705, PS3, Wii connected to a 32" Sharp Aquos 1080p.

Thanks and my apologies if I posted in the wrong area.

Before you decide, evaluate how much recording you want to do. The Tivo Series 3 DVR will give you up to 30 hours in HD and 300 hours in SD. If you add the "My DVR Expander (as I just did) you can get up to 98 hours in HD and 998 hours in SD. The Tivo HD (newer model) has a smaller built in hard drive, but you can still add the DVR Expander to increase the capacity. I do not believe a DirecTV dvr will give you that, plus you may not have an option to add a second hard drive.

If you decide to go that route, I would also get a Comcast HD cable box without the DVR function so that you can get Video on Demand.

I did NOT realize we got Food HD also. I would've preferred something like FX HD but that's my opinion.

I used to get that problem and it still happens sporadically where an HD channel is not coming in. Sometimes when I would record Everybody Hates Chris in HD, I would have like 6 segments of recording. Some for 1-2 mins and then like two for 10-15 mins.

I was disappointed that Law and Order CI and SVU weren't in HD but I believe it was older episodes that were originally broadcast in SD. I guess USA doesn't stretcho like TNT.

I did notice that the new channels don't have HD in the title like the older ones so they're probably still updating. Some of the channels have directories while others don't. Probably in a week or so we'll see these fully up and running correctly.
I unplugged the cable box and waited about 30 sec and then plugged it back in. All the channel guide info works perfectly now......just FYI

All this talking about new HD channels makes me wonder if anybody knows anything about Atlantic Broadband plans. It looks like ABB is not even mentioned here.

Thanks

All this talking about new HD channels makes me wonder if anybody knows anything about Atlantic Broadband plans. It looks like ABB is not even mentioned here.

Thanks

Do they have a local administrative office? Perhaps you should pay them a visit and find out what plans (if any) they may have.

I unplugged the cable box and waited about 30 sec and then plugged it back in. All the channel guide info works perfectly now......just FYI

Thx for the tip

Does anyone know if Comcast is providing the weather channel hd yet? I have not seen it on a list for Comcast, but know it is on other providers......

Does anyone know if Comcast is providing the weather channel hd yet? I have not seen it on a list for Comcast, but know it is on other providers......While Comcast has a carriage agreement with The Weather Channel HD it has not, to the best of my knowledge, shown up on any Comcast (or any cable) system yet. I read there are issues with getting the Local On The Eights to work correctly in HD and they are waiting for this to be fixed before deployment.

Direct TV is the only provider with it at the present time and they don’t have Local On The Eights so they are not concerned with this issue.

Were any of you guys getting free CinemaxHD and ShowtimeHD prior to Super Tuesday (day we got more HD channels). I pay for HBO so naturally I get its channels, but when they added TBSHD last year, they also gave me those two for free. I lost them on Tuesday. Did anyone here have them and keep them without paying?

I noticed this morning that WFOR-DT and WBFS-DT are now doing the stretch-o-vision with their local stuff and the network 4:3 programs.

All hope is lost for local HD......


Just for "sh*ts and giggles" I sent Channel 4 the following email via the web site complaint form:

Consider this a "Thumbs Down" regarding your recent decision to transmit your
digital signal in "stretch-o-vision." It is horrible. Go back to an unskewed
view or join the 21st century and go HD.


Surprise! (The "giggles part!) I received this response today:

From: viewerfeedback@cbslocal.com
Sent: Sat 2/9/2008 1:49 PM
To: Letize, Tracy
Subject: Complaint - WFOR Management
Hello-

We have been experimenting with adjusting the picture. We are looking forward
to going HD. Thanks for your feedback. It really helps.
We are assessing the plan now.

Thanks,
Tracy Letize
Program Director


What do you guys think. Is WFOR really going to HD?

I am still (NOT!) holding my breath for the WTVJ (6) HD conversion.

I'll believe local HD when I see promos and teasers being broadcast. Until then, it's all a bunch of hype.

I think the fact that other, smaller markets are currently doing HD and South Florida has absolutely nothing publically in the works says quite a lot. South Florida television management is a lot "smaller" than its DMA might indicate.

Oh, I agree 100% - West Palm included. You'd think this was buttf*** Alabama, by the TV mgmt.

I'll believe local HD when I see promos and teasers being broadcast. Until then, it's all a bunch of hype.

I think the fact that other, smaller markets are currently doing HD and South Florida has absolutely nothing publically in the works says quite a lot. South Florida television management is a lot "smaller" than its DMA might indicate.

That's because customer service has always been piss poor in south FL.

On a brighter note, I got UHD and NGHD. I couldn't believe it. All I need now is A&EHD and i'll have what all the Comcast people get here. Of course ON Demand still sucks.

Why PBS HD is such low quality, washed out, streched, almost like analog in comparison with TNT HD or any other network. Is this Comcast fault?

If you are referring to Miami channel 2, it should have some of the best HD quality around. If you are referring to the WestPalm market channel 42, it is terrible. I watch them both OTA, so I don't know what Comcast does, and DirecTV doesn't yet carry local PBS.

Why PBS HD is such low quality, washed out, streched, almost like analog in comparison with TNT HD or any other network. Is this Comcast fault?

If you are referring to Miami channel 2, it should have some of the best HD quality around. If you are referring to the WestPalm market channel 42, it is terrible. I watch them both OTA, so I don't know what Comcast does, and DirecTV doesn't yet carry local PBS.

I don't think it is channel 2 public TV, TBS HD is 421 on Comcast, I was watching "Cast Away" on Sunday on it and as always on that channel it was such low quality- tinted, streched, washed away and faded in comparison with other HD channels. I watched the same movie on TNT HD some time ago and due to scenery shown there I was blown away. Not here though. Similar difference I can notice on USA HD. Makes me wonder it that is Comast doing it or Channel itself. :confused:

Ah, OK. I am confused as to whether we are now talking about PBS or TBS. Either way, I know very little about Comcast, so I'll bow out.

Castaway when on TBS"HD" over the weekend didn't work at my house. I just had a black screen with no audio for however many hours it was on.

Also, I did the 30 second reset someone suggested and my program guide still has NGHD and UHD with No Data Available. Also all HD channels on Thursday have NO Data Available, so I can't program my DVR to record. I'll have to see if I can do a manual one.

TBS HD is such a waste of space on the cable system (except during baseball season). ALL of it's programs are in stretch o vision. They show NOTHING in real HD.

Just for "sh*ts and giggles" I sent Channel 4 the following email via the web site complaint form:

Consider this a "Thumbs Down" regarding your recent decision to transmit your
digital signal in "stretch-o-vision." It is horrible. Go back to an unskewed
view or join the 21st century and go HD.


Surprise! (The "giggles part!) I received this response today:

From: viewerfeedback@cbslocal.com
Sent: Sat 2/9/2008 1:49 PM
To: Letize, Tracy
Subject: Complaint - WFOR Management
Hello-

We have been experimenting with adjusting the picture. We are looking forward
to going HD. Thanks for your feedback. It really helps.
We are assessing the plan now.

Thanks,
Tracy Letize
Program Director

I'm surprised that you even got a response. That's better than the other 2 dorky broadcasters that just simply ignore everybody's comments on how bad their pictures look in stretch o vision.

Hey guys I have a quick question for people in the West Kendall (33183) area...
My gf is going to buy an HDTV but isn't going to get digital cable right away so won't be using a box. Could anyone here tell me what station numbers the local HD stations should come in on in that area using (formerly Adelphia) Comcast?
This thread is so long I can't seem to find if anyone has said them yet.
Any help would be appreciated.

Hey guys I have a quick question for people in the West Kendall (33183) area...
My gf is going to buy an HDTV but isn't going to get digital cable right away so won't be using a box. Could anyone here tell me what station numbers the local HD stations should come in on in that area using (formerly Adelphia) Comcast?
This thread is so long I can't seem to find if anyone has said them yet.
Any help would be appreciated.

If you don't have Digital Cable Service with HD, you may not get ANY HD reception on cable. You will need to use an antenna to get local HD channels.

The QAM tuner on the new TV may receive unencrypted channels, but you have to hunt for them as there is no set channel line up for channels received on a QAM tuner. They are not on the same channels as they are on the cable box and the cable company switches them around frequently.

If you get the box for the HD cable as a former Adelphia you'll get the same channels as me. Go to yahoo.com to the TV section. Under the listings switch it to South Dade Comcast Digital. I get all those HD channels except for A&E HD.

If you don't have Digital Cable Service with HD, you may not get ANY HD reception on cable. You will need to use an antenna to get local HD channels.

The QAM tuner on the new TV may receive unencrypted channels, but you have to hunt for them as there is no set channel line up for channels received on a QAM tuner. They are not on the same channels as they are on the cable box and the cable company switches them around frequently.

Hmm alright. I'm not from South Florida that's why I was asking. Where I live we can get the local HD stations without the use of an antenna, but as you said they change in channel number occasionally.

With the tv she plans on purchasing (the same one i have) you can easily see a channel list once it auto programs. So finding them shouldn't be too hard if they do end up coming in.

She was just asking me which she should expect to get, if any, until she gets digital cable with HD.

With Comcast, a subscription to the digital tier is NOT required to receive the unencrypted digital channels if your set has QAM tuning capability. The local broadcasters are all viewable (including their HD programs), and most sets display accurate program guide info and the station call letters for FOX, NBC, CBS, WB, ABC, and PBS.

With Comcast, a subscription to the digital tier is NOT required to receive the unencrypted digital channels if your set has QAM tuning capability. The local broadcasters are all viewable (including their HD programs), and most sets display accurate program guide info and the station call letters for FOX, NBC, CBS, WB, ABC, and PBS.This is interesting. If a subscriber has the base (i.e., least expensive) cable package with no cable box and a HDTV tuner with QAM capability, what HD channels can be viewed through cable?

Everywhere I drive in South Miami Dade there are ATT vans working on the side of the road. I am assuming that U-verse might be an option down here sometime this year? Looks like they offer around 40 HD channels currently....

AT&T have been said to be adding U-verse in South Florida for some time now and I believe it will only be a matter of time until it starts to become an option.

However, be careful! Over in the HDTV Programming forum there is a 28 page thread on U-verse. Here is a link http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=700011

If you view it you may care to go to the last page and work your way backwards! Basically people are not overly happy with it! Basically a good product but still needs quite a bit of work - so say most!

Biggest single complaint is the fact that it can only handle a single HD stream at any one time! No watching one HD program while recording another one; no watching different HD channels on different HDTVs at the same time, etc!

They are said to be working on this restriction but they really need to have at least three streams, possibly higher to be really useful as an HD supplier!

This is interesting. If a subscriber has the base (i.e., least expensive) cable package with no cable box and a HDTV tuner with QAM capability, what HD channels can be viewed through cable?

The ones I mentioned in my original post...the local network affiliates.

I totally bailed on AT&T with the pricey phone and slow DSL. I'll avoid U-Verse for a while.

I have Comcast and live in the Kendall area (33176) and cant seem to find the HD ON Demand channel? I swear I used to be able to find it, but now I cant find any HD programming on demand. What gives? Where is Comcast Channel 1? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

The ones I mentioned in my original post...the local network affiliates.Just a few follow-up questions:
a) What cable channels do these channels show up on?
b) Why no MyNetwork?
c) Even though they're not HD, what about digital sub-channels?
d) Any other cable-only HD channels?

TIA.

I have Comcast and live in the Kendall area (33176) and cant seem to find the HD ON Demand channel? I swear I used to be able to find it, but now I cant find any HD programming on demand. What gives? Where is Comcast Channel 1? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Were you ex-Adelphia? We only have HD on Demand for PPV movies. As far as I know....

Were you ex-Adelphia? We only have HD on Demand for PPV movies. As far as I know....

Yep, ex Adelphia. I am pretty sure I used to see HD on HBO on Demand as well as some others. Oh well.

Hello all,
was wondering if someone could point me to the right post(s) to find what i need for the setup i'm looking for.
I'm currently watching basic, non digital Atlantic Broadband in Miami, with a non-hd tuner on my PC, running window vista media center as my DVR. I want to watch HD content from atlantic broadband. ATI sells the 'TV Wonder' card, which will see unencrypted QAM from the cable. What I have not been able to find on the forums, is if ABB in Miami encrypts the QAM in the basic cable feed? So can i get away with just the HD tuner from ATI, or do i need to pay ABB for their digital HD decoder? Hopefully someone has a similar setup and can help me out... Thanks!

Yep, ex Adelphia. I am pretty sure I used to see HD on HBO on Demand as well as some others. Oh well. For reasons known only to themselves, HBO pulled the plug on HBO HD On Demand; it is not available anywhere!

Just a few follow-up questions:
a) What cable channels do these channels show up on?
b) Why no MyNetwork?
c) Even though they're not HD, what about digital sub-channels?
d) Any other cable-only HD channels?

TIA.

a) I don't recall, and I'm using a CableCard now.
b) I don't even know what that is.
c) You get the digital versions of the first dozen or so analog channels in the basic tier.
d) No.

a) I don't recall, and I'm using a CableCard now.
b) I don't even know what that is.
c) You get the digital versions of the first dozen or so analog channels in the basic tier.
d) No.

Rudy,

My Network is on Channel 33 (WBFS) in Miami/Fort Lauderdale (it's the former UPN 33). It is the only local HD Channel not yet available on Comcast. You can only get it over the air. With all the additional HD channels that have been added recently, it seems weird that Comcast has not added channel 33-1 (WBFS-DT). I, too, would like to know why it is not on the cable system.

Rudy,

My Network is on Channel 33 (WBFS) in Miami/Fort Lauderdale (it's the former UPN 33). It is the only local HD Channel not yet available on Comcast. You can only get it over the air. With all the additional HD channels that have been added recently, it seems weird that Comcast has not added channel 33-1 (WBFS-DT). I, too, would like to know why it is not on the cable system.

It may be a contractual issue, or something to do with the amount of HD content. I would expect that they will eventually be added to the lineup, however.

Hi Rudy, any take on CNN HD on Comcast in Broward?

Hi Rudy, any take on CNN HD on Comcast in Broward?

I haven't heard anything so far.

Were any of you guys getting free CinemaxHD and ShowtimeHD prior to Super Tuesday (day we got more HD channels). I pay for HBO so naturally I get its channels, but when they added TBSHD last year, they also gave me those two for free. I lost them on Tuesday. Did anyone here have them and keep them without paying?
I experienced the same exact loss of channels and am also a subscriber to HBO only.

Thanks for replying ^. I guess Comcast felt bad since we were getting shafted on HD channels for a while. Now I'm finding myself deciding what to watch in HD so I'm pretty happy. Man at 10 last night I was between WEC on VSHD, NBA game on MOJO, and NBA Coast 2 Coast on ESPN2HD. All I need is Spike TV HD (UFC) and all the Starz (I'm probably switching from HBO since Entourage and Big Love got pushed back by the strike) channels in HD and I'm good.

Any rumors about the next round of HD for south Florida? Some of the other sites have mentioned CNN, Fox Business, TLC, and the Starz channels.....

Thanks for replying ^. I guess Comcast felt bad since we were getting shafted on HD channels for a while. Now I'm finding myself deciding what to watch in HD so I'm pretty happy. Man at 10 last night I was between WEC on VSHD, NBA game on MOJO, and NBA Coast 2 Coast on ESPN2HD. All I need is Spike TV HD (UFC) and all the Starz (I'm probably switching from HBO since Entourage and Big Love got pushed back by the strike) channels in HD and I'm good.
I wish I could agree that Comcast felt bad for us, but I surmise that they just caught on at the headend and shut us off! It was a nice bonus, however, while it lasted.

You can expect NBC6 to begin broadcasting the local news in high definition any day now. The cameras have been operational (in SD mode) for a while now, an HD makeup artist was hired, and final modifications to the sets are underway. I'm told that the on-air talent is looking forward to the transition to HD broadcasting, and special segments are being planned.

I'm still waiting:rolleyes:

Any rumors about the next round of HD for south Florida? Some of the other sites have mentioned CNN, Fox Business, TLC, and the Starz channels.....

I looked at the thread that lists all Comcast channels regardless of market and the only thing that caught my eye was ESPNewsHD. Honestly, now I need more is with my existing channels to have more HD broadcasts. And why doesn't NFL Network HD have Total Access in HD????