Miami, FL - HDTV [Text View] - Page 23

97Strat

03-06-08, 07:03 AM

Extremely glad to see that NBC6 is now HD! Last night's 6pm news opener said something to the effect of "South Florida's only HD news". Hopefully, this will put pressure on Channels 4 and 7. Channel 10 is out of the picture until they move.

Live studio shots looked absolutely stunning; weather graphics were just super. Now they need to start shooting footage in HD. Animated blue curtains for SD within HD are a nice touch.

What I don't understand is why no HD promotion, unless they're doing a "test drive" and the promos will be forthcoming - like when a new store opens and the "grand opening" occurs weeks after the actual opening...

Doom878

03-06-08, 09:11 AM

Here's one for marketing. I'm more likely to watch local news on WTVJ because of HD. Take that competitors. LOL

stonecrd

03-06-08, 09:18 AM

Did look good last night. Now you can get both the national and local news in HD on NBC back to back. This is what I will be watching.

Doom878

03-06-08, 11:58 AM

So did VOD change?

cubsrock

03-06-08, 02:21 PM

Not yet...but did have another message on the cable box today reminding us that we might experience interruptions today as they update the VOD.....fingers still crossed....

deharry

03-06-08, 03:53 PM

Great for them....But what about that peacock logo and 6 HD. It is so bright that I am afraid of burn in on my plasma now, if I watch too long. What do you guys think????

They always do a good job of responding to e-mails. At least that's been my experience in dealing with them.

Guess I'll have to watch the 6 PM news!

ziltomil

03-06-08, 05:32 PM

About the WSVN HD promo

http://www.sfltv.com/2008/02/03/first-7news-promo-in-hd/

Snchpnz

03-06-08, 11:30 PM

Nevermind, I read older posts and found the answer to my question about Telemundo 51 in HD.

kmullen

03-07-08, 11:54 AM

NBC6 is in HD and it looks very good.

The weather map is in HD.
---------------
Also glad to see some "live" H/D camera work as well..
http://www.tvpredictions.com/localhd030708.htm

MartyS

03-07-08, 03:12 PM

fscguy

03-08-08, 03:47 PM

does comcast in broward do digital simulcasting? also does anyone else have horrible analog picture quality with the motorola 6416?

Rudy1

03-08-08, 05:08 PM

does comcast in broward do digital simulcasting? also does anyone else have horrible analog picture quality with the motorola 6416?

Comcast has a digital simulcast of the analog channels in Broward (and probably all of their South Florida service areas as well). You can tell whether you're viewing the digital simulcast channels by pressing the INFO button on the STB's remote....if you are, you'll see the Dolby Digital logo.

The picture quality on SD channels with ALL of the Motorola boxes is well-known; I would suggest that you try disabling upscaling of these channels to HD. Turn the unit off, then immediately press the MENU button; you'll see the setup menu where you can change 4:3 OVERRIDE to 480i. This will allow the standard definition channels to be viewed at their native resolution (the HD channels will still be viewed at the resolution your STB is set for....either 720p or 1080i). If your display has a FireWire (IEEE 1394) input, you don't need to do this; you simply switch to the FireWire input for native-resolution viewing. However, you lose access to the onscreen graphics generated by the STB because they're not transmitted over FireWire.

vikajakub

03-08-08, 08:32 PM

New VOD HD options? So far I see half of the movies gone from Free HD Movies as well as Stars HD movies... Thanks for the update... movie list is much shorter now.:confused:

jstrazz

03-09-08, 11:55 AM

Noticed yesterday that some of the 16:9 stuff was being shown squeezed down to 4:3 with the curtains. I think they're trying to work out the bugs in the automated system and get the aspect ratios right before the "official" soft rollout next week.

All in all, I'm glad to see it. I may even switch to NBC6 on a regular basis from Channel 10.

That squeezed down look that you see on NBC6 is because they are not able to show recorded material in HD (yet). At this time, they are only able to show live material in HD.

michael1248

03-09-08, 03:30 PM

Anyone having problems with the HD picture on FOX for today's NASCAR race?

MartyS

03-09-08, 03:58 PM

That squeezed down look that you see on NBC6 is because they are not able to show recorded material in HD (yet). At this time, they are only able to show live material in HD.

THanks for the update... I was wondering why. Hopefully they'll get that fixed soon.

smalls102k7

03-11-08, 10:12 PM

I woke up this morning and I lost the OTA signal for ch. 7. I moved my antenna but couldn't find anything. It was coming in strong for weeks before today. Anyone else having similar problems?

jstrazz

03-12-08, 08:53 AM

I woke up this morning and I lost the OTA signal for ch. 7. I moved my antenna but couldn't find anything. It was coming in strong for weeks before today. Anyone else having similar problems?

I can't get channel 7-1 over the air at all. I hope they're working on a signal improvement. I live in Northern Broward County. I also can't get channel 10-1 over the air either.

wjbjr

03-12-08, 09:19 AM

7-1 and 10-1 OTA coming in here loud, clear...and stretched.

Mike4HDTV

03-12-08, 11:22 AM

I had no problems getting 7-1 and 10-1 in Weston this morning.

97Strat

03-12-08, 04:29 PM

No problems here either (except for the cursed stretch-o-vision).

That said, I did notice that Ch. 33 dropped off my 'favorites' list (usually a PSIP glitch causes this). Also, Ch. 44 is back on the air after another hiatus.

ziltomil

03-13-08, 12:40 AM

directv now carries 39 in HD.

cybrjoe

03-16-08, 09:44 PM

I woke up this morning and I lost the OTA signal for ch. 7. I moved my antenna but couldn't find anything. It was coming in strong for weeks before today. Anyone else having similar problems?

I lost OTA 7-1 sometime on Wed. I figured the signal changed, so I got around to adjusting the ant. today, but no luck. Something definitely changed. I'm in East Central Broward, so it's the only FOX I can get.

jstrazz

03-17-08, 12:51 PM

I lost OTA 7-1 sometime on Wed. I figured the signal changed, so I got around to adjusting the ant. today, but no luck. Something definitely changed. I'm in East Central Broward, so it's the only FOX I can get.

Have you contacted the station to find out what's going on? I receive it only on cable. I have not been able to receive it OTA since I've lived in this apartment (in Northeast Broward County). I'm going to be moving to a nearby house soon and using a rooftop antenna and if I still have trouble, I will be contacting them myself.

As I said on an earlier post, OTA signals need to be improved if the digital transition is going to be successful. I often get intermittent disruptions of my OTA signals on the channels that I receive. This is going to be a serious problem for the elderly and other people who choose not to have cable/satellite.

wjbjr

03-17-08, 01:57 PM

I do not now, nor have I had a problem with OTA 7-1 via outdoor antenna twenty miles SSW of the tower. Perhaps it is an anti-Broward plot. <g>

Doom878

03-17-08, 03:03 PM

Any former Adelphia's having problems watching Heat games on Sun HD? I get sound but no screen except when they played Orlando. Is there a blackout rule with Sun HD and Heat games that I don't know about? Sun in SD looks horrible.

cybrjoe

03-17-08, 06:19 PM

Have you contacted the station to find out what's going on?

I haven't yet. How does one go about getting a technical contact for a station? Should I just email a generic email address from their website? I'd like a little more confidence that it'll get to someone in the right department.

kmullen

03-17-08, 06:40 PM

I haven't yet. How does one go about getting a technical contact for a station? Should I just email a generic email address from their website? I'd like a little more confidence that it'll get to someone in the right department.
===============
Send your E-mail to: Chief Engineer Joseph Hesrreira

wjbjr

03-17-08, 09:07 PM

I haven't yet. How does one go about getting a technical contact for a station? Should I just email a generic email address from their website? I'd like a little more confidence that it'll get to someone in the right department.

Have you tried a re-scan of the OTA digital stations?

If that does not work, phone the station (daytime) and ask to speak to the chief engineer.

BDCat

03-18-08, 09:37 AM

FWIW: Yesterday I had an AT&T rep come to my front door to discuss my phone service. (Plantation). Before he left I asked him when we could expect to see U-Verse in the area. He smiled and said words to the effect of “I can't say much but give it two or three months, maybe mid-summer and you should have it available.”

I then said, “Well, I hope there will be support for multiple HD streams because a single stream makes it a no-no.” Another smile and “Oh yes, all that will be taken care of!”

I don’t usually place much faith in comments from reps but you never know! :)

jstrazz

03-18-08, 10:52 AM

BDCat

03-18-08, 01:35 PM

So far, I haven't heard any good things about U-Verse. The only way I would even consider it is if I can use my TIVO Series 3 with it and use both tuners...and somehow, I don't think that is going to happen.Actually, neither have I! There have been a few who are satisfied though.

Depending on the cost, the HD channel selection and having support for multiple HD streams I might be prepared to try it. It is still up in the air; I'll wait and see how it looks if and when it becomes available!

Now, if Comcast have added CNN-HD and Weather-HD at that point I may just not even bother!

cubsrock

03-18-08, 02:31 PM

I agree.....Maybe even ESPNNews HD

Doom878

03-19-08, 09:38 AM

I agree.....Maybe even ESPNNews HD

That and all the channels in HD that Comcast offers in other regions like Spike TV, A&E HD, etc. Hopefully eventually they get one of the movie package with all the channels in HD.

BDCat

03-19-08, 09:59 AM

... Now, if Comcast have added CNN-HD and Weather-HD at that point I may just not even bother!This presupposes that Comcast will maintain it current picture quality! Presently they are in the process of changing their format to three channels per QAM with an associated drop in bit-rates. I am not sure if that has happened here yet or not but if not it almost certainly will before too long.

There will supposedly be some sort of automatic balancing going on that should make the difference all but unnoticeable. We shall see!

Now, if this has already happened here then it is not too bad. I have noticed some pixilation recently (DHD was almost impossible to watch for a couple of days) but I don’t know if it is related or not.

Doom878

03-19-08, 12:26 PM

The recent channels such as History HD and SciFi HD don't compare to my original channels such as ESPN HD or Disc Theatre HD.

cubsrock

03-19-08, 11:27 PM

Actually, FoodNetwork HD and Discovery HD are very high quality......at least in Coral Gables

Rudy1

03-20-08, 05:04 PM

NBC-Universal has put WTVJ up for sale (they're keeping Telemundo).

cubsrock

03-21-08, 08:51 PM

ESPN News HD will be available on March 30th (Link (http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/21/espnews-hd-set-for-launch-march-30/#comments))
I hope Comcast offers it locally on that date.

Grampaw

03-22-08, 10:28 AM

WTVJ-DT was having trouble this morning with their local breaks at :25 and :55 during the Today Show. At 7:55 they showed the WeatherPlus screen for 4 minutes, then got the last commercial cut in before returning to the network. At 8:25 only the side curtains showed with a blank center.

Walt

DaveInFL

03-22-08, 12:27 PM

For some reason I have lost the signal for Digital Channels 7, 10, 51. I cant receive them on my Windows Media Center, but they seem to be fine on my regular TV.

Am I the only one seeing this? Is this some sort of copywright issue keeping me from seeing it on my computer?

Hmmm

Trip in VA

03-22-08, 03:45 PM

There's a known problem with Microsoft sending out an update that's making MCE look for the channels on their post-Feb 17 2009 channel number instead of their current channel.

See if these links help:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13392481&postcount=5808
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13373004&postcount=4855
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13393009&postcount=5813

WSVN is currently on 8, WPLG is currently on 9, and WSCV is on channel 52.

- Trip

HIGHbyDEFINITION

03-22-08, 09:33 PM

Anyone make the switch from Comcast to Direct tv. I'm getting sick of the high comcast prices. Are the HD and SD channels better,worse or the same. Does Direct tv go out during storms? Thanks in advance for any response.

MartyS

03-22-08, 09:56 PM

I dumped Comcast for DirecTV and am very happy with my decision. My overall costs went down substantially and I'm getting more HD than I ever did with Comcast/Adelphia.

In the event of a Heavy rainstorm, yeah, I do lose the HD signal, but I still get the SD signals most of the time.

All in all, I've been very happy, and the rain outages are much less than the service outages I kept having with Comcast.

Doom878

03-25-08, 02:47 PM

Anyone know if Comcast will ESPNews HD next Monday? I know they have carraige agreements but for everyone to get a new channel on the same day is unheard of with Comcast.

cubsrock

03-25-08, 05:37 PM

I am also eager to find out about ESPNews HD...It goes live this Sunday at 8:00am. Does anyone know if we will get it in south Florida????? Thanks...

97Strat

03-26-08, 08:19 PM

When analog goes away, the corresponding analog channel numbers we know so well will also disappear. While the analog channels are still alive and well, digital PSIP informs us of the very real analog channel number that's associated with the digital channel we've tuned in to.

However, considering the fact that real channel numbers for the majority of stations will change, I'm wondering how that switch will affect stations' identities.

For instance, NBC6 will no longer be channel 6; CBS4 won't be channel 4. Will these stations retain their old analog numbers for posterity's sake? Or will they start to use their real RF broadcast channel numbers as part of their identities?

To make the point, if WSVN-DT switches to RF channel 7, no problem. But if they retain their current digital RF at channel 8, will they change their call letters to WATE-DT? I doubt that channel 4 will switch their digital signal to RF 4, so the same question goes for WFOR-DT.

Does anybody have a take on this?

wjbjr

03-26-08, 11:20 PM

"Does anybody have a take on this?"

Indeed I do. Not unike the DT channels, the visible channel numbers will not change.

jstrazz

03-26-08, 11:23 PM

97Strat

03-27-08, 08:07 AM

If this is all true, then the analog channel numbers reflected in stations' call letters and logos will be strictly for identity and not because that's their actual channel number.

Assuming this continues after analog goes away, what's to prevent any station from using any ficticious channel number in their identity? For example, could channel 51 start calling themselves channel 3 if they wanted an identity makeover, and start mapping their RF channel to 3-1? Is there any legislation regarding this?

jstrazz

03-27-08, 09:01 AM

Trip in VA

03-27-08, 09:11 AM

It's not the FCC, but the ATSC spec that the FCC has adopted in full, which says that stations are to map to their analog channel number from now until the end of time.

If a station signs on after the transition, there are three courses of action.

If a station is on a digital channel that no one is mapping to, they will map to that channel. Per your example, if someone signed on a digital channel 3 (why someone would do this I have no idea), they could map to 3-1, since there is no one else on 3-1.

If a station signs on on a channel being mapped to by another station, then they must map to the channel of that station's digital. For example, if someone signed on a digital 39, they would map to 19-1, since WSFL-DT 19 maps to 39-1.

If they sign on a channel being mapped to and their digital channel's number is also unavailable, then they must choose an open channel to map to. Let's assume that Fort Myers causes a problem for Miami stations, just so I can make an example. Let's say a channel 49 were able to sign on in Miami (it can't because of WFGC, but let's pretend). It would be unable to map to 49-1 because of WRXY, but also unable to map to 33-1 (WRXY-DT) because of WBFS. They would have to select a channel that is not in use to broadcast as their major channel number. I don't think there's any fixed procedure for this.

I hope that helps somewhat.

- Trip

97Strat

03-27-08, 11:41 AM

Trip in VA

03-27-08, 12:32 PM

That said, years from now when analog channels have long been forgotten, I'll bet folks will be wondering why the analog channel number references weren't ditched along with the signals themselves...

To reduce consumer confusion.

First of all, people on cable and satellite won't notice anyway. That's 85% of viewers right there.

The ones remaining will get confused with their stations moving all over the place. In addition, I'm sure stations wouldn't want to lose their branding. Why would WFOR want to change their CBS4 brand they've been building for almost 20 years to become CBS22? Or, worse, brand as CBS4 but show up on receivers as 22-1?

- Trip

97Strat

03-27-08, 07:22 PM

I think it'll be interesting to see how stations that have their branding aligned with cable channels fare. Granted, there aren't any in South Florida, but most of the Ft. Myers/Cape Coral stations are like that. Their identity is at the mercy of the cable monopoly.

Grampaw

03-28-08, 05:24 PM

FYI:
WPLG-DT has received a Construction Permit to increase their power to 30 kW on channel 10, the post-transition DT channel.

Walt

cubsrock

03-30-08, 08:43 AM

Any news on ESPNNews HD? They have been running it on ESPN HD for the last 40 minutes. It is amazing. It is very high tech looking and the picture is great. Is there a process for calling or emailing Comcast to add a new HD channel? I know that Comcast has a carriage agreement in place to carry the channel.

clfnole

03-30-08, 10:48 AM

They can have an agreement in place but the channel doesn't automatically roll out when the channel goes live. My guess is it will be awhile before we see it in South FLorida. Hope I am wrong but that has been the history for our area, we get the channels long after they have agreements and after many of Comcast's other markets.

Doom878

03-31-08, 10:01 AM

I posted this at the ESPNEWS HD thread:

My friend in SW Florida claimed to have the channel in the morning past 9am EST but when he got home he did not have it anymore so that's kind of fishy. My friend's not one to lie but he hasn't the brightest either.

I called Comcast and when you go to the Tech Support they now have a prompt for High Definition Television. When I went there I spoke with a rep who did not see anything at all for ESPNEWS HD on their national web site. She checked my friend's area and did not see the channel also. As expected, she stated that she has no news nor knows when ANY new HD including this channel will be brought to my area

jstrazz

03-31-08, 10:32 AM

Doom878

03-31-08, 12:35 PM

I believe someone linked on that thread a press release that Comcast will carry it. It's more when with them if anything.

Bill1313

04-02-08, 10:28 PM

jstrazz

04-03-08, 08:56 AM

Not sure if this is the right forum or not? But can someone tell me what Brand & Model Number Cable Box that has HD "Component" Outputs (No I Don't Want One With An HDMI Output) I should ask for from Comcast?

I would also want one that has Analog A/V Outputs on it so I can connect it to a DVD Recorder. Thanks.

Comcast has an HD cable box either with or without a DVR. It has component outputs, and S-Video output and regular A/V outputs. It also has a DVI output, but no HDMI output. I don't know the model number, but it is a Motorola box. If you contact Comcast and request an HD cable box, you will get the one model that they have.

Doom878

04-03-08, 09:44 AM

In my area the HD boxes with DVR were only Scientific Atlanta 8300HD which has component and HDMI. I saw the Motorola when I went to swap cable modems but I don't know the model # nor specs

vikajakub

04-03-08, 09:57 AM

Hi Guys, with Motorola HDbox, do you have a heat problem? My box is always hot you can fry eggs on it ( almost). It is sitting in a cabinet with glass door, not much of ventilation there, but all other devices are just warm when this box is simply overheating IMHO. Is it normal?

Bill1313

04-03-08, 10:22 AM

Thanks Guys, So I guess I'll have to be careful & make sure the Hi-Def Box has "Component Outputs" Will Comcast come & install it without charging me or am I better off picking it up & am I going to have to fight with them to get Component & Audio Cables or will they just bring them or just give them to me? Thanks again.

Doom878

04-03-08, 05:21 PM

If they go to your house to install they'll just give you whatever box they have in the truck. Make sure you tell the rep and tape it like another poster did. LOL

Bill1313

04-03-08, 09:09 PM

Thanks, And I think I'm going to have her go to the office herself & pick it up & if she has any problems I can talk to them on her cell phone. Thanks again guys & if anyone knows off hand how much more is HDTV anyway?

Doom878

04-04-08, 10:11 AM

The pricing is really hard to identify as it varies. I am former Adelphia and if I cut HBO, I only save like $2/month so thanks to John Adams, I'll hang onto it. I can't even switch to Starz or Showtime because then my plan goes up a lot.

BDCat

04-04-08, 12:18 PM

My Comcast bill shows $11.95 for DVR/HD Service. I believe that HD with out the DVR is only $5.00. You automatically receive the HD channels that are part of the tiers you subscribe to.

BTW and FWIW, I have just done a cost comparison between Comcast, DirecTV and Dish using standard rates (no deals or discounts) and trying to duplicate the current service I have (as much as possible).

While they are all similar, Comcast is actually the least expensive at $104. Dish is next at $107 and DirecTV is the most expensive at $110. DirecTV also has an up-front fee of $99 (for the HD DVR) and requires a commitment. Dish has an up-front “activation” fee of $49.99 which is waived if you make a commitment.

acegolfer

04-04-08, 04:38 PM

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?

Did they drop local HDTV channels from the basic cable lineup? Isn't it against the law?

Doom878

04-04-08, 05:38 PM

BDCat

04-05-08, 09:20 AM

I know AT&T was going E* exclusive shortly but if you have them and sign up with D* through them, you'll get all the HD channels, all the movie channels, and 2 HD DVR boxes for $99/mo. I would've done it but they wanted a $200 deposit.How long will the $99/month last? If it's not a promo then that's not too bad. However, the $200 up-front (deposit or whatever) is bad thing and a big turn-off! :(

grybeard

04-05-08, 09:59 AM

I have had the basic cable package from Atlantic Broadband for more than two months and am able to get several HD channels, including TNT and ESPN HD. As of a couple of days ago I am no longer able to access more than half of the HD channels - I lost about 6 HD channels - 925,960,970,980,990,991. I have the PIO 5080. Was this the cable company or my TV? Anyone else in Miami have an idea? Can I get them back from my end? From what I understand from the cable company, I was not supposed to have access to HD with the basic package, but apparently my tuner was able to provide access.

Thanks

BDCat

04-05-08, 12:52 PM

greybeard, more than likely those HD channels were being sent in the clear so you were able to receive them even though they were not part of what you were subscribing to.

Now, it would appear, they are encrypting them and you only have access to what you are entitled to! Welcome the world of paying for what you want! (Nothing bad intended).

grybeard

04-05-08, 03:35 PM

PKinSFLA

04-06-08, 10:41 AM

I helped my neighbor install the Motorola 3416 box to replace the 6412 box. He was told by Comcast that this box should run cooler and will have a better picture. The 64 series boxes do run hot.

Is there any other valid reason to get the 3416 box?

He had a non HD tv hooked up the 3416 so I could not make a direct comparison.

PKinSFLA

BDCat

04-06-08, 03:02 PM

... Is there any other valid reason to get the 3416 box? ...Yes, much more storage capacity; 160 for the 3416 against 120 for the 6412!

PKinSFLA

04-06-08, 04:54 PM

Yes, much more storage capacity; 160 for the 3416 against 120 for the 6412!

I could use the extra capacity. I would rather have more time to watch what I record though so I would not need to store programming for so long. Each weekend is like a marathon to watch what I record during the week.

Is there any difference in picture quality?

BTW, I noticed you have "N Scale" on your moniker. My interest is also in trains except I have Lionel, standard and O scale. Home theater and trains, two hobbies which can fill up a basement, except in Florida where there are very few, if any basements.

PKinSFLA

Bill1313

04-06-08, 05:03 PM

Do both of these HDD boxes have "Component" Outputs, "HDMI" Output or both?

My daughter will be looking for one with "Component" HD Outputs. Anyone know the model numbers of the HD boxes with & without the HDD's in them but with Component outputs? Thanks Again.

PKinSFLA

04-06-08, 06:31 PM

Both boxes should have both. I really can't tell a difference between either on a 96 inch screen with a Panasonic 720P projector when I switch between them. On many stations I find that component seems better to my eyes.

I have a feeling that except for storage and heat, both boxes will have an identical pictures. I wonder if there will eb a difference next year when everything is digital. Food Network looks incredible on certain programs and they finally had the programing in sinc with the analog channel this weekend.

PKinSFLA

BDCat

04-06-08, 08:32 PM

... Food Network looks incredible on certain programs and they finally had the programing in sinc with the analog channel this weekend.Actually they started doing that on March 31st! Trouble is they are stretchinng the non-HD shows which is a bad thing! (Which is why some programs look better than others).

There have been reports of them even stretching some of the HD programs! Can't say I've noticed that though!

MartyS

04-07-08, 07:46 AM

Actually they started doing that on March 31st! Trouble is they are stretchinng the non-HD shows which is a bad thing! (Which is why some programs look better than others).

There have been reports of them even stretching some of the HD programs! Can't say I've noticed that though!

Yeah, they've stretched a number of non HD programs. Annoying, but no different than anyone else has been doing for a while, like channel 10, 7 and 4 on local stuff,

Doom878

04-07-08, 10:08 AM

How long will the $99/month last? If it's not a promo then that's not too bad. However, the $200 up-front (deposit or whatever) is bad thing and a big turn-off! :(

I was told permanent. I think it was like $20 off for 6 mos or so

ziltomil

04-07-08, 01:39 PM

I'm getting Disney and ABC family HD here in broward....

cubsrock

04-07-08, 06:50 PM

I'm getting Disney and ABC family HD here in broward....

With Comcast or Satelitte??? What channels???

ziltomil

04-07-08, 07:23 PM

comcast, but it's only with clear QAM.

ltownsend

04-07-08, 11:21 PM

:confused: Could that be the reason all the station logos on the right bottom are only partially there???

BDCat

04-08-08, 05:49 PM

:confused: Could that be the reason all the station logos on the right bottom are only partially there???No disrespect, but might I be so bold as to ask what you are referring to?

What you describe sounds like a simple case of overscan, something that seems to be quite common with HD TVs. (Just my opinion).

vikajakub

04-10-08, 11:57 AM

comcast, but it's only with clear QAM.

Do you still get it? On what QAM channel?

ziltomil

04-10-08, 01:44 PM

I don't get it anymore, it was on channels 49.22 and 49.23

vikajakub

04-14-08, 05:07 PM

Hi, this weekend I swapped my old HD box 6200 for the latest Motorola 3200 HD, black/silver, smooth front. It has HDMI that I hooked up to my plasma. Old box had DVI plus sound cables. Interestingly, with HDMI connection, voice level up/down on HDbox makes no difference, I see the bar on the screen moving higher or lower, but level stays the same. Is this normal with HDMI connection ?

sma

04-15-08, 12:15 PM

cubsrock

04-15-08, 12:30 PM

Happy Tax Day..... Comcast added ABC FAMily, SCIence, and DISney in Coral Gables....444, 445, 446

BDCat

04-15-08, 01:27 PM

Happy Tax Day..... Comcast added ABC FAMily, SCIence, and DISney in Coral Gables....444, 445, 446We got the same three channels here in Broward PLUS we got CNN HD on 423 and AMC HD on 429. Check those two channels, maybe you did too!

Of them all, the only one I am happy about is CNN HD. I will watch Science also but the rest will hardly ever be tuned in!

cubsrock

04-15-08, 01:45 PM

Awesome. I will have to check when I get back home. I looked briefly over lunch but did not notice CNN and AMC. Thanks for the heads up.

cubsrock

04-15-08, 01:52 PM

Did you get a notice on your cable box about the newly added channels? I did not....I just always check the listing on Tuesdays.

BDCat

04-15-08, 02:03 PM

^^^ Nope, the only time that ever happened was with the last six! (I just checked after reading your post).

cubsrock

04-15-08, 02:26 PM

Just checked...NO CNN or AMC down in Coral Gables.....Hopefully next week.....

LRZNole

04-15-08, 02:55 PM

I'll have to check when I get home for Palm Beach County, we typically lag behind Broward but may have what Coral Gables has. I still can't believe we don't have Cinemax HD yet.

Doom878

04-15-08, 03:15 PM

For some reason last week they gave me StarzHD and CinemaxHD. I hope I don't lose them again if I got the lastest 3 channels.

Doom878

04-15-08, 03:17 PM

BDCat

04-15-08, 04:18 PM

I have not read much of this thread but plan to read much of the recent stuff. I spend most of my time in the Plasma area... anyway, given that, pardon the question.... but what is the consensus regarding Comcast HDTV compression from South FL customers related to this:
http://gizmodo.com/374193/comcast-compressing-hdtv-signals-to-fit-three-shows-into-two-shows-bandwidth

thanks.I have not heard it confirmed that Comcast in South Florida is doing this 3-1 QAM compression. However, I would be more surprised if they were NOT doing it than if they are! (Especially since they have added 11 HD channels recently). I went through a period where a few channels showed lots of macro blocking with a large number of audio drop outs. Of the channels I watch, this was especially true for Discovery (not HD Theater).

After a few days it seems they did some tweaking and things have, for the most part, been fine. I still get some macro blocking and audio dropouts but they are really few and far between. Overall, the PQ is still excellent, from my perspective and I am quite happy.

Now, the TV you use can make all the difference! Mine is a six year old 46 inch Mits RPTV which is still serving me very well!

Hope this helps!

cubsrock

04-15-08, 09:31 PM

I guess our next channels will be 423 CNN, 425 TLC, and 429 AMC. I would not be surprised to see channel 402 ESPN News at some point.....

hooked01

04-15-08, 11:50 PM

Wow, I'm glad I checked this thread. Didn't notice the additions tonight. Pembroke Pines (SW Broward) has all the new channels!

BDCat

04-16-08, 08:13 AM

Well, we finally got a message on the box this morning (Wednesday the 16th) say the channels would be added on Tuesday the 15th!!!! :rolleyes:

cubsrock: Where did 425 TLC come from? Just a guess or do know something more specific? I would seem like a very reasonable guess!

cubsrock

04-16-08, 09:26 AM

A buddy in Tallahassee Florida has TLC on that channel......(along with CNN on 423 and AMC on 429)....

Doom878

04-16-08, 09:36 AM

Let us know when he gets ESPNewsHD. When did he get TLC HD and the others?

I got the 3 Dade-designated channels as well (ABC Fam, Disney, Science) down here in Kendall (former Adelphia). Guide not yet updated. What's the HD content on ABC Family and Disney? Does Family show the Harry Porter movies in HD when they play them?

BDCat

04-16-08, 11:58 AM

sma

04-16-08, 11:00 PM

Thanks for the replies Doom and BDCat.

I am currently a basic analog subscriber in Western Broward just getting the 6 clear QAM HD channels by plugging cable straight into my TV. I was just looking over the Comcast site. I noticed some strange things using their channel lineup tool on comcast.com for my zip.

1) If I look at the "Full Basic" (analog package) HD offerings (24 total) there are 6 channels listed that are not listed when I look at the channel listings for any of the Digital packages (Digital Starter, Dig Classic, Dig Preferred, Dig Premier). They are 419 (Food HD), 420 (USA HD), 422 (History HD), 424 (Discovery HD), 426 (Animal Planet HD), and 427 (Scifi HD). Question is this... are those channels really only available on the Full Basic plan or do you get them if you get one of the digital packages too?

2) 413 (National Geographic HD) does not show up on the channel listing on the website for Digital Starter... it is included on Digital Classic/Preferred/Premium. Is this correct or does it really also come on Digital Starter? Seems odd to leave only one non-premium HD channel off Digital Starter. (413 and 406 NFL HD also do not show up on Full Basic).

3) If I put in "View All" on the pull down menu for channel lineup for my area I then see the 5 new channels listed. They are 423 (CNN HD), 429 (AMC HD), 444 (ABC Family HD), 445 (Disney HD), and 446 (Science Channel HD). But they are not listed under any package that I select. So question is this to South FL comcast subscribers.... What package includes these 5 new HD channels (Full Basic, Digital Starter, Digital Classic, Digital Preferred, or Digital Premium)?

Thanks. I know Comcast Cust support would be another route on these q's but they are not my favorite to deal with.

97Strat

04-17-08, 07:50 AM

sma, what are those 6 clear QAM HD channels? Are those channels available throughout Broward, or do they change based on location? I'm currently OTA-only, looking for info. TIA.

BDCat

04-17-08, 07:51 AM

BDCat

04-17-08, 07:54 AM

So, unless I have missed something, it looks like Broward is getting everything that Comcast currently has available in HD EXCEPT for:

ESPN News
TLC
NHL

The only other channel I would really like to see is the Weather Channel HD! But that's just me!I guess The Weather Channel HD has to be moved to the list! It has just been deployed in the Boston area!

That means we'll be seeing it in about six plus months!

Doom878

04-17-08, 09:26 AM

You're welcome, sma.

Unfortunately I cannot answer nor comment on your billing questions as I am a former Adelphia customer still on their plans. I would be curious to know what other members here pay that have full blown Comcast. For example I have all the HD channels (for some glitchy reason Cinemax and Starz HD also but not the package), all digital SD channels, and the HBO package. I pay about $128/mo for that plus my internet which is $22.99 intro for 6 mos.

vikajakub

04-17-08, 10:14 AM

I can see TLC HD on clear QAM 88.6, should be coming to regular line up very soon. First impression with new HD channels: Disney HD looks terrible, black bars and non HD content, the same for ABC Family. Even my kids don't wanna watch it this way, they say "Dad, TV is broken". lol. Science HD and CnnHD superrior. Respect to Comcast!

BDCat

04-17-08, 12:13 PM

... Unfortunately I cannot answer nor comment on your billing questions as I am a former Adelphia customer still on their plans. I would be curious to know what other members here pay that have full blown Comcast. For example I have all the HD channels (for some glitchy reason Cinemax and Starz HD also but not the package), all digital SD channels, and the HBO package. I pay about $128/mo for that plus my internet which is $22.99 intro for 6 mos.Doom878, since you ask and for anyone else who might be interested, my monthly Comcast bill for four TVs, one HD, one digital and two “out the wall” (no internet or phone service) is:

Standard Cable Package 52.95
DVR/HD 11.95
Digital Plus HBO 24.99 (now named Digital Preferred)
Cinemax 7.00
One extra digital box 6.99

Total 103.88 plus tax.

About a week or so ago I compared a similar setup with DirecTV and Dish.

DirecTV is 109.96 plus tax. They also require a $99 up front fee (for the DVR) and a two year commitment.

Dish is 106.99 plus tax. They have a 49.99 “activation” fee that they will waive with a commitment (not sure how long).

These costs are all based on regular charges; no promotional pricing is taken into account.

Doom878

04-17-08, 02:53 PM

I forgot to mention I have 2 HD/DVR boxes but my other TV is an SD tube that they didn't have the regular DVR/digital box.

BDCat

04-17-08, 04:00 PM

^^^ I didn't know there was an SD DVR! I thought there was only the HD DVR which got used for both since it works with both!

sma

04-17-08, 05:10 PM

sma, what are those 6 clear QAM HD channels? Are those channels available throughout Broward, or do they change based on location? I'm currently OTA-only, looking for info. TIA.

Sure, they are these HD channels. I just had my pioneer plasma do a channel search and it found them with some other non-HD clear QAM channels:

431 WPLG-10 HD (ABC Miami) I receive on 86.431
432 WTVJ-6 HD (NBC Miami) I receive on 86.432
433 WFOR-4 HD (CBS Miami) I receive on 85.433
434 WSVN-7 HD (FOX Miami) I receive on 87.001
435 WSFL-39 HD (CW Network Miami) I receive on 92.214
440 WPBT-2 HD (PBS Miami) I receive on 85.440

Comcast normal channel number on far left. I am not sure if they are the same all throughout Broward.

sma

04-17-08, 05:14 PM

sma - Try clicking the "print version" button (or whatever it's called)! You'll get another type of listing altogether that makes a lot more sense! At least, it used to!

Edit: Just checked it. They messed with it and it no longer helps to determine which tier the various HD channels belong to!

The standard channel lineup display actually seems to do a better job but doesn't include the most recent additions!

But, Basic includes the locals and, I believe, Digital Classic includes most of the other HD channels (if not all) except for premiums and NFL.

Thanks, yeah I just tried the print option too and it just put all the 35 HD channels that are available in some package (just like if I did "view all"). Guess I will have to call. Yeah, I am amazed that basic would have 6 HD channels that the digital packages don't have.

cubsrock

04-18-08, 12:02 AM

BDCat

04-18-08, 08:10 AM

For NJ Motorola customers: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13669425#post13669425

"... AnyRoom allows customers to select Channel 1 On Demand programs on one TV set and view them on any other TV in the home that has a digital-cable box. Digital-cable customers with On Demand don’t need to make any changes or add equipment to take advantage of the AnyRoom feature, and it is completely free of charge.

New Jersey residents with Scientific Atlanta digital boxes will receive the new service later this year. The rollout of AnyRoom in other Comcast markets is expected to occur throughout 2008. ..."

Emphasis mine.

Doom878

04-18-08, 09:49 AM

In Coral Gables (Miami Dade) we do not have the following...... TLC, CNN, AMC, EspnNews, and Weather Channel (TWC). It seems like CNN and AMC should be very soon with TLC not too far behind. No idea about TWC or ESPN News. The nice thing is that we do have most of the HD that Comcast offers nationally. SO....Way to Go, Comcast South Florida!!

I don't have A&EHD but I think regular Comcasters have it. Also our VOD sucks the big one. Every commercial for what is now on Demand doesn't apply to us. We have no free HD movies, only PPV.

Doom878

04-18-08, 09:49 AM

^^^ I didn't know there was an SD DVR! I thought there was only the HD DVR which got used for both since it works with both!

I think the Scientific Atlanta 8000 model is this.

cubsrock

04-20-08, 10:44 AM

Doom...I agree VOD is still not where it should be. At least VOD seems to be working without error messages.

I am hopeful that this Tuesday Miami will get CNN and AMC. This would be great with the presidential primary coverage on CNN Tuesday night.

Doom878

04-21-08, 09:28 AM

Do you regular Comcasters (can I call you Commies :D), get free HD movies on VOD out of curiousity? Any kind of HD programs?

cubsrock

04-21-08, 10:13 AM

Yes. We get a few (around 10) free HD movies. I did notice that there is already a listing for AMC under HD on channel 1. Fingers crossed we pick up AMC and CNN HD in Miami tomorrow.....

BDCat

04-21-08, 12:06 PM

vikajakub

04-21-08, 02:04 PM

Here we have some 27 free HD movies and well over 30 PPV HD movies. Plus, with the exception of HBO (at their design), HD movies and series for the premium services (if you subscribe, of course) are available. There is quite a bit of other HD VOD stuff as well (including a number of music videos).

While not overwhelming, the choices are actually quite good! Still, we only use VOD very sparingly. One exception is that I always use it to watch CSI rather than using DVR space by recording it. (I'm asleep when it's being broadcast)!

If you have Starz, you get about 30 fresh HD movies on StarzHD on deemand. I pay only $10 for it a month and I feel it is well worth it. But even with that, i still do not know where Comcast takes 1000 HD choices from...maybe it is a typo and they should advertise 100 HD choices, lol. :D

BDCat

04-21-08, 02:34 PM

... i still do not know where Comcast takes 1000 HD choices from...maybe it is a typo and they should advertise 100 HD choices, lol. :DAgreed! Maybe in some areas but not South Florida!

gaborm

04-21-08, 03:49 PM

Whoever asked, here's my monthly bill, I have everything but voice (full cable, regular internet in Broward, Sunrise):

Full Basic (limited Basic $14.50, Expanded Basic $38.45) - $52.95
Digital Premier 5 - $49.99
DVR/HDTV - $11.95
Additional outlet - $6.99
-------------------------------------------------------
$121.88

Comcast High-Speed - $42.95
-------------------------------------------------------
$42.95

Taxes - $16.98
-------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------
$181.81

Doom878

04-21-08, 04:22 PM

What's Digital Premier 5? All the movie channels?

gaborm

04-21-08, 05:27 PM

I guess yes. HBO, SHO, Cinemax, Starz, The Movie Channel. Plus all the channels they have (except some country specific from the latino package).

Doom878

04-22-08, 09:43 AM

You have a great deal. How did you get that? I have the equivalent of Digital plus 1 for $123 after taxes. You got all the other movie channels for the same price? Yet when I call to just drop HBO for Showtime, I have to pay more.

Unfortunately I did not see AMCHD added yet. No new channels. cubsrock should be able to confirm as we seem to get channels the same day. Any news Broward?

cubsrock

04-22-08, 09:55 AM

No new channels here Doom. Last time Broward received all their new channels it took 2 weeks for them to get down to us. Maybe next week.......lol

vikajakub

04-22-08, 10:45 AM

Guys, how do you like new Disney HD ? Isn't that the worst quality HD on this planet? Blurry, black wide bars on each side...Worse then non HD on channel 51. Total waste of bandwith. The same for ABC Family HD... Why to offer such channel if it is not even close to HD quality ?

BDCat

04-22-08, 11:06 AM

Doom878

04-22-08, 12:37 PM

Yes, I'd trade Disney, ABC Family, and Science for ESPNEWS.

slimoli

04-22-08, 12:40 PM

Yes, I'd trade Disney, ABC Family, and Science for ESPNEWS.

I'd trade Disney,ABC Family,Science and ESPNEWS for FXHD.

97Strat

04-22-08, 01:21 PM

Very interesting article re cable companies' HD compression in today's paper:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzhighdef0422sbapr22,0,4506100.story

Doom878

04-22-08, 03:33 PM

I read this the other day. It was an AP article so no local insight. Nonetheless interesting that mainstream is learning about this. I smell more complaints for Comcast. Hopefully this won't slow down any progress for us to get new channels.

Bill1313

04-22-08, 06:01 PM

Just thought I'd post this about the channel line up in CT because my daughter is in Miami & it seems like her network channels are the same? so maybe Comast is trying to have standard channels through out the country?

HD CHANNEL / NEWTWOK / LOCAL CHANNEL:
231 / ABC / CH 8 WTNH New Haven
232 / NBC / CH 30 WVIT New Britian
233 / CBS / CH 3 WFSB Hartford
234 / FOX / CH 61 WTIC Hartford
235 / CW / CH 20 WTXX Waterbury
240 / PBS / CH 24 CPTV Hartford

I don't receiver any HD channels & I got these from my neighbor so I don't know what other HD channels are available in my area or what Comcast has assigned other HD Cable Networks to.

Doom878

04-23-08, 05:24 PM

PS Nothing new in Broward today.

Check this out. He has AMC and CNN.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13710528#post13710528

BDCat

04-24-08, 07:58 AM

Check this out. He has AMC and CNN.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13710528#post13710528So does all of Broward. We got them along with Disney, Family and Science a couple of weeks ago! Check my post #5631 a couple of pages back.

cubsrock

04-24-08, 09:01 AM

Yeah, Doom. This is why I am hopeful we will get them soon. Last time the new channels took two weeks to trickle down to us. This time 3 channels launched the same time as Broward and we are still waiting for CNN and AMC. Two weeks will be next Tuesday......fingers crossed!!! TLC seems to be the next channel after CNN and AMC.

Doom878

04-24-08, 10:11 AM

See what happens when you post before you go home from work. :D Totally missed that BDcat.

vikajakub

04-24-08, 11:16 AM

Hi guys, does having AMC HD make any sense to you? All those old movies were filmed in the 60s and 70s where word "digital" was not in dictionary, not to mention HiDef. It is all VHS quality upconverted to 1080i. Who would enjoy that?

Doom878

04-24-08, 11:57 AM

I thought it would be shown in its old format. Weren't movies even back then widescreen? I think they cleaned it up a bit.

slimoli

04-24-08, 12:25 PM

ABB just launched A&E,TBS,Discovery and Animal Planet in HD. Couldn't be worse ! Cheap company, highest price, worst service.

vikajakub

04-24-08, 01:53 PM

Look at this one, put your zipcode and see how much real HD you are getting, you will be surprized! http://whereishd.com/ CNN HD is only 30% HD, others are only 26%, only few come close to 100%.

Doom878

04-24-08, 03:43 PM

^ Nice link. I notified them that Family HD was missing.

LRZNole

04-24-08, 03:48 PM

Do any of you guys in Broward & Miami-Dade have the 5StarMax channel in the 300s showing the HD symbol when view the channel but nothing is actually shown in HD?

gaborm

04-24-08, 04:35 PM

You have a great deal. How did you get that? I have the equivalent of Digital plus 1 for $123 after taxes. You got all the other movie channels for the same price? Yet when I call to just drop HBO for Showtime, I have to pay more.

Ehm... When I moved to sunrise in 2006 I got a good 6 month deal on all digital + hbo, plus $5 for each other premium. When it ended I called and asked to consolidate everything on my account (as the bill started to look like a monthly grocery shopping list). That time on comcast . com they had Digital Premier 1, Digital Premier 3 and Digital Premier 5 for full cable plus 1, 3 or 5 premium. That's how I ended up with DP 5. It was $49.99 full price (plus full basic $52.95) making it a $102.94. I guess since then they changed the package deals again but left the non-promotional users alone. If you check their site now they offer Digital Premier (no numbers) as the full package for $107.99

That's how :]

97Strat

04-24-08, 08:22 PM

Look at this one, put your zipcode and see how much real HD you are getting, you will be surprized! http://whereishd.com/ CNN HD is only 30% HD, others are only 26%, only few come close to 100%.In looking at the Local Broadcast (assumed to be OTA), there's some room for error:

WPBT-DT2 broadcasts in SD, as does every other sub-channel. All those should read 0% HD.

WLRN-DT is SD; there is no WLRN-DT2.

WSFL-DT2 has been off the air since The Tube went out of business.

sma

04-24-08, 08:54 PM

Very interesting article re cable companies' HD compression in today's paper:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzhighdef0422sbapr22,0,4506100.story

Cool that it mentioned AVS...
Here is a related AVS thread and gizmodo story:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1008271
http://gizmodo.com/374193/comcast-compressing-hdtv-signals-to-fit-three-shows-into-two-shows-bandwidth

97Strat

04-25-08, 08:00 AM

Cool that it mentioned AVS...
Here is a related AVS thread and gizmodo story:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1008271
http://gizmodo.com/374193/comcast-compressing-hdtv-signals-to-fit-three-shows-into-two-shows-bandwidthGreat threads. Reading them begs this question: When does HD content legally become "non-HD" (if at all) due to a rebroadcaster's compression? I'm thinking about this as it relates to false advertising.

Unless I'm missing something, it seems that the FCC dropped the ball on this one, at least in terms of guaranteeing a minimum level of HD picture quality.

Eddy13

04-27-08, 09:37 PM

guys i am getting a vertical static line running across the screen on the left edge on channel 10-1 ota and direct tv mpeg 4 10.. its only happening on this channel no other channel is experiencing this problem.. is anyone else seeing it...

gaborm

04-28-08, 10:20 AM

same thing on comcast (ABC-HD it is), a thin vertical static line on the left edge

cubsrock

04-28-08, 02:21 PM

Any rumblings about new Comcast channels tomorrow? Fingers crossed for CNN and AMC for Miami Dade....

robozepp

04-28-08, 03:35 PM

Just gotta say... I've been officially converted - for good.

I bailed on Comcast last year... went with Directv... much cleaner picture... even on HD. Cable will always have noise... especially apparent on bigger screens.

And, directv has more hd channels. They already have CNNHD, fxhd, sunsportsHD for heat games, foxsportshd for marlins games, NFLNetworkhd, kids networks, etc.

And I can't emphasize enough how much CLEANER the picture is. I kept cable for a month after getting dtv before cancelling it... and I was blown away by the difference.
And now Directv is getting ondemand too. You hook up their DVR to your home network, and it downloads movies, shows, etc. that you choose over the internet.

BDCat

04-28-08, 04:43 PM

Robozepp, I am very glad you are happy with your decision to leave Comcast and go with DirecTV! I am sure you have a lot of company that feel the same and more power to you all.

For me, I’ve had Comcast for quite awhile now and I am more than happy with the PQ that I am presently receiving. Plus, for me, it’s not the number of HD channels but, rather, the channels I want to watch. Truth be told, I have every current HD channel that I am interested in, save one, on Comcast!

Plus, I really don’t want to have my house looking like an FBI/CIA field office (as a couple of neighbor's do) and nor do I want the hassle of having my house rewired! As far as On Demand goes, my understanding is that DirecTV’s version has little or no HD on it and it will probably be awhile until they do. Personally, I only use On Demand very sparingly but when I do, once again, what I want is there!

Having said all that, I am certainly not wedded to Comcast and when DirecTV (or Dish) becomes a viable option I will certainly not hesitate to move! But for now, Comcast is providing all but one channel that I want and that will be coming in the not too distant future. And, once again, for me the PQ is more than satisfactory. Now, that may be because my HDTV is a six year old RPTV, but it is just great for now!

robozepp

04-28-08, 05:04 PM

No big deal. As long as you're happy.

Others in this thread do seem to care about choice and picture quality. For me, that's all that matters.

Now that I have a 63" HiDef plasma, believe me, every flaw from cable was coming through. And you may THINK you've got a good picture (I did too before I switched) - because you've got nothing to compare it to... kinda like driving around with a dirty windshield. You can see fine, and might not realize just how dirty it is - until you wash it.:eek:

Looking at DTV and Comcast side-by-side - literally no comparison.

BTW, when you order it, they will come rewire your house for free.
And, they just got ESPNewsHD

Not sure about the weather channelHD - not on MY list of priorties. I got DTV because I wanted the NFL Sunday ticket. I'm a sports nut. What can I say? And I like a clean crisp picture - in HD.

Maybe that's just me... but I don't think I'm alone.;)

Grampaw

04-28-08, 07:39 PM

I watched the NBC Nightly News on WTVJ-DT tonight and they dropped the feed into SD to put in a local promo for the 7 PM newscast. Guess they forgot they can do HD inserts.

Walt

BDCat

04-29-08, 08:12 AM

A message on my box this morning says TLC HD will be added today the 29th on 425. But it has not shown up as yet!

Maybe later?

cubsrock

04-29-08, 08:21 AM

No new channels and No new messages in Coral Gables....I hope you get TLC today in Broward.....

BDCat

04-29-08, 11:24 AM

TLC HD now up and running on channel 425 (Comcast in Broward).

cubsrock

04-29-08, 11:30 AM

I am going to be at work all day today, so I cannot check in Miami Dade. Can anyone in Miami Dade can check to see if we get 423 (CNN) 425 (TLC) or 429 AMC on Comcast?

Doom878

04-29-08, 11:59 AM

Called the wife and the box just gives ??? so no placeholder yet.

cubsrock

04-29-08, 04:09 PM

Just checked...no new channels today here in Coral Gables. That puts Broward 3 up on us now.....(CNN, AMC, and TLC).

hooked01

04-29-08, 07:10 PM

Miracle of miracles, I (S. Broward) have TLC-HD today and at the same time there's a message on the box saying so!

gaborm

05-02-08, 09:17 AM

I have the list of all QAM channels for Broward Comcast. Below is a quick overview, as soon as I get home I'll post the details (like pid, vid and such).

I kept the format as CSV (comma separated) if anyone wants to put it in Excel or OpenOffice Calc.

Starting with HD:

Channel,Call,Comcast Ch#,QAM Ch#,Frequency,Service ID,Transport Steam ID,PMT PID,PCR PID

PBS HD,DWBPT,440,1850,591000,220,10393,49,2048
CBS HD,WFORD,433,1853,591000,212,10393,51,2176
ABC HD,DWPLG,431,1861,597000,210,10528,48,1984
NBC HD,WTVJD,432,1862,597000,211,10528,49,2048
FOX HD,DWSVN,434,1871,603000,213,0,49,2048
CW HD,WSFLD,435,1924,633000,214,10273,48,1984

Other clear QAM channels:

Channel,Call,Comcast Ch#,QAM Ch#,Frequency,Service ID,Transport Steam ID,PMT PID,PCR PID

PBS,WPBT,2,1001,651000,101,10540,48,1984
NBC,WTVJ,6,1002,651000,102,10540,49,2048
Univision,WLTV,9,1003,651000,103,10540,50,2112
CW,WSFL,11,1004,651000,104,10540,51,2176
Telemundo,WSCV,13,1005,651000,105,10540,52,2240
ION,ION,16,1006,651000,106,10540,53,2304
PBS Miami,WLRN,17,1007,651000,107,10540,54,2368
PBS Palm Beach,WXEL,20,1008,651000,108,10540,55,2432
My33,WBFS,3,1009,651000,109,10540,56,2496
Lease,Lease,76,1046,675000,76,10467,56,2496
TV Guide,TVGN,18,1048,675000,18,10467,55,2432
C-SPAN,CSPAN,14,1054,681000,14,10532,50,2112
C-SPAN 2,CSPN2,104,1055,681000,15,10532,52,2240
Superstation WGN,WGN,25,1055,681000,25,10532,55,2432
QVC,QVC,5,1055,681000,5,10532,49,2048
EWTN,EWTN,243,1171,753000,291,10508,57,2560
Comcast Community Programming,CCAST,12,1142,735000,12,10505,49,2048
NBA League Pass Preview,NBAPC,750,1190,765000,750,10510,48,1984
Speed,SPEED,40,1131,729000,271,10196,56,2496
OnDemand Preview 1,VOD,1,1811,567000,101,9011,1616,1617
OnDemand Preview 2,VOD,1,1831,579000,101,9201,1616,1617
Create,WPBTC,202,1851,591000,221,10393,48,1984
V me,WPBT3,201,1851,591000,223,10393,50,2112
NBC Weather Plus,WTVJ,216,1866,597000,250,10528,50,2112
LATV,LATV,209,1869,597000,209,10528,51,2176
Government Access Programing,GA,78,1878,603000,278,0,48,1984
BECON,WBEC,19,1940,645000,210,10539,55,2432
CBS,WFOR,4,1941,645000,201,10539,52,2240
FOX,WSVN,7,1942,645000,202,10539,54,2368
ABC,WPGL,10,1943,645000,203,10539,48,1984
TBN,WHFT,21,1944,645000,204,10539,49,2048
Mega TV,WSBS,22,1945,645000,205,10539,50,2112
Telefutura,WAMI,23,1946,645000,206,10539,53,2304
GenTV,WGEN,8,1947,645000,207,10539,51,2176

Bonus question:
Should I open a new topic for "Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Comcast" or it does not matter and keep the info burried in a thread with thousands of post? :rolleyes:

cubsrock

05-02-08, 10:24 AM

WGN....that is great! Thanks for the QAM post....

Yardy

05-02-08, 10:45 AM

Not all QAM tuners are the same and therefore a particular channels may show up on a completely different frequency depending on the tuner. For instance, none of my qam channels are on the same frequencies listed above by gaborn. Even within the television brand, qam tuners may be different.

gaborm

05-02-08, 11:04 AM

I think those numbers are not frequencies. As I said I'll post the channel details when I get home.

BTW, I am using a Pinnacle HD Pro Stick, the latest version (i think 801e) with clearQAM support (picked up at Best Buy yesterday). The software coming with it plays/displays and records even the HD channels without problem, and can record directly to DiVx or record to DVD using the computer DVD drive. I need to setup the EPG and I'll report back (possibly with screen shots) how it is going.

gaborm

05-03-08, 06:02 PM

updated the list with detailed channel information (all I could get out of pinnacle tv program)

cubsrock

05-06-08, 07:52 AM

Tuesday check-in - No new channels for Comcast in Coral Gables.......Anything in Broward?

Doom878

05-06-08, 06:42 PM

They changed my channel 1 yesterday for former Adelphia. Now it's the same as pushing the Guide button on the remote. Other than that nothing new.

cubsrock

05-08-08, 08:38 PM

TLC-HD 425 was added today in Coral Gables.....

Doom878

05-08-08, 11:20 PM

Excellent. I got A&E, TLC, and HGTV so it looks like Adelphia has finally caught up with linear Comcast HD. Now they just have to fix the HD on Demand to be fully compliant. Just in time for my new HTIB!!!

BDCat

05-13-08, 10:06 AM

Presently I have Comcast service with HD, HBO and Cinemax for four TVs (one is HD), no internet or phone service. Periodically I go through the exercise of comparing my present service with the DirecTV and Dish. Of course DirecTV added a bunch of HD channels awhile ago and Dish also added some 20 new HD channels yesterday. Of course they also took away most of the old Voom channels!

From a cost perspective (standard pricing) Comcast remains the least expensive with DirecTV being the most expensive but there is only a $10 per month difference so it is not a big deal. To this point it has mainly been an exercise with no real intent of switching. But now things have changed! Comcast PQ has gone down hill and the others had added quite a bit more HD.

Dish’s latest offering includes all the channels I want, including at least one that isn’t on DirecTV as yet (The Travel Channel HD) so I am starting to think a little more seriously about changing.

Being completely unfamiliar with dish installs I am wondering:

1. Is it necessary to have two dishes to receive all channels?
2. How much of the cable cabling can be salvaged and reused or is it necessary to rewire the entire house?
3. If the house is rewired will it be as neat and tidy as with cable or will there be coax cables strung around the outside of the house with holes drilled into the necessary rooms?
4. Do the DVRs require multiple inputs (one for each tuner)?
5. If you have switched from cable have you ever regretted doing so?
6. Any installations “gotchas” you can think of?

Thank you for any responses, they will be/are appreciated.

Grampaw

05-13-08, 11:44 AM

Bryan,

Best place to get all the answers is satelliteguys.us web site.

I can answer a couple of the questions;

Yes, currently you need two dishes, but, Dish is working on getting the East Coast on one dish (postponed by loss of AMC-14 satellite).

When I got my Dish service the installer used the existing cables to distribute to 4 TVs, (2 HD, 2 SD).

Walt

isyp

05-13-08, 12:34 PM

Bryan,

In the event you decide to look at DirecTV:

1. You can get all the channels with the newer 5LNB dish.
2. I've had 2 DirecTV installs in the past 5 years. One ran all new cabling and the other recycled the existing when it was available.
3. I've had good and bad experiences with Cable company installers and Satellite installers, depends on who does the install. In rooms where I was picky I've done the install myself.
4. The DirecTV DVRs require an input for each tuner and depending on the model have another input for an antenna to tune HD locals via OTA where available. I have marginal success with indoor rabbit ears in Plantation.
5. I've had no regrets switching from cable. I miss MOJO on Comcast a little but HDNet makes up for it. Cable can't bring me Sunday Ticket either.
6. A couple of gotchas: Although the new dishes are better than the old ones DirecTV still suffers from reception issues when it rains (mosty at the beginning or end of a storm from my experience). The standard install includes 4 cable runs even though it's commonly sold as 4 rooms. If you want 2 DVRs in 1 room you've blown your cable runs and have to pay extra for more.

Again my experience is with DirecTV and not Dish. Their installers may treat things differently.

Isy

JeffBowser

05-13-08, 12:37 PM

Rain fade can be next to non-existent, or a major pain in the arse, depending on your installer's skill in aiming the dish for peak signal levels. Don't let your installer cheese out on good aiming.

BDCat

05-14-08, 09:39 AM

Walt, Isy and Jeff, thank you all very much for your responses and insight! It is really appreciated!

It is good to hear that existing wiring might be able to be used. I have read that the splitters used for cable won’t work with satellite and will need changing, at the very least.

So far as rain fade goes, it is my understanding, as Jeff says that it only becomes a real issue if the dish is not aligned correctly! Of course, no experience!

I had been leaning towards Dish because of the Travel Channel HD and the Voom channels but now Dish has just removed the Voom channels (added 22 and removed 15). Their HD only package is also attractive except that my wife considers Life Style a “must have” and non-negotiable! Of course, it is in the AT250 package! (I had been hoping to persuade her that the Voom Ultra channel was an acceptable substitute for Fine Living). The one cent Cinemax deal is also worthwhile!

Anyway, I guess it is time to re-evaluate things. I wish DirecTV would move the MPEG2 channels over to MPEG4! If Comcast can get rid of the excessive macro-blocking/pixelating and drop-outs that seem to show up on virtually any channel at anytime, I could stay with them a little longer.

Thanks again, guys!

JeffBowser

05-14-08, 09:47 AM

Re DirecTV and MPEG4 - all new HD channels are in MPEG4, as are our locals. DirecTV11 is nearing final orbit, and will be broadcasting by September, at which point, I expect a transition of the remaing MPEG2 to MPEG4. Dish, on the other hand, lost AMC14 last month, so they are currently behind the game.

Rain-fade - it will happen, don't get me wrong, but it happens far, far less often (for me, less often that my cable went out) if you have a good aim.

igotthatfire247

05-19-08, 03:19 PM

Can anyone tell me why I can't get any of my new LOCAL HD stations? I know they were tweaking the satellites a couple of weeks ago, because it would come in/out.

Now I don't get anything but an extension on the screen. Anyone else?

Broward County, Florida here.

JeffBowser

05-19-08, 03:30 PM

What provider service are you talking about ?

michael1248

05-20-08, 10:55 AM

Anyone know when Channels 4, 7, and 10 are going to "Un-Stretch-O-Vision" their pictures?

Do we have to wait until February/2009 when everything goes digital?

jstrazz

05-20-08, 05:10 PM

I hear through the grapevine that Channel 7 is about to go HD with their local news. Channel 10 is building a new studio. As for Channel 4, I don't know what's going on with them. For now, I only watch NBC 6 HD and will continue to do so even after everybody makes the switch.

jstrazz

05-20-08, 05:12 PM

Anyone know when Channels 4, 7, and 10 are going to "Un-Stretch-O-Vision" their pictures?

Do we have to wait until February/2009 when everything goes digital?

I hear through the grapevine that Channel 7 is about to go HD with their local news. Channel 10 is building a new studio. As for Channel 4, I don't know what's going on with them. For now, I only watch NBC 6 HD and will continue to do so even after everybody makes the switch.

MartyS

05-20-08, 09:10 PM

Anyone know when Channels 4, 7, and 10 are going to "Un-Stretch-O-Vision" their pictures?

Do we have to wait until February/2009 when everything goes digital?

Feb 2009 is not the date for Hi Def... it's the date for digital. Currently, I get 4,7 and 10 in digital from my antenna... so stretch-o-vision will be there until they go HD... and most likely only for their HD broadcasts. I don't think they'll ever pillar box a SD (digital) broadcast, since most people aren't smart enough to know that just because it fills the 16:9 screen doesn't mean its HD.

That said, all the Palm Beach stations that Have HD local broadcasts do pillar box or screen their SD broadcasts, and don't stretch anything. That I like and wish all the stations would do what Channel 6 is doing. That's the right way to handle a digital SD broadcast on a 16:9 screen.

hefeweizan

05-21-08, 07:32 PM

I live in an apartment in miami fl and cannot get directv bc my apartment faces northeast...bummer...
should i get comcast or dish(if this is even an option)?

slimoli

05-21-08, 08:54 PM

Facing northest makes cable your only choice.

vikajakub

05-23-08, 01:49 PM

Don't you feel the way Comcast sends their monthly bill is a joke ? There is no breakdown of any fees, no package name, what is included etc. Just total plus tax. When I called them to have exact list of all charges, they sent me to their local billing office for printout as they have nothing to mail other then this bill. I feel this is highly misleading to the consumer, but easier for Comcast as nobody will question anything they do not show on the bill. :mad:

gaborm

05-23-08, 04:28 PM

cubsrock

05-26-08, 06:19 AM

"Ready for a change in the weather? On June 2, The Weather Channel will broadcast from its new state-of-the-art, eco-friendly, High Definition TV studio for the very first time. With the help of Cisco technology, the Studio of the Future will connect our HD viewers with the latest forecasts and weather news -- all in vivid HD. Check back June 2 to explore our interactive studio tour, right here at weather.com/studio." - From the weather channel website.....This would be a great addition for Comcast!!!

BDCat

05-27-08, 11:41 AM

I agree, cubsrock, it would be a great addition! But don't hold your breath! I am sure it will get here eventually but in the mean time, well ......

My guess (just that) is six months, give or take!

vikajakub

05-27-08, 04:18 PM

That's the first page of the bill. On the second you have the details. Plus you can always see your bills online at comcast.com if they forgot to send you the additional pages :] Log in, click View my bill, and select the view paper statement online.

Thanks, I did, but nobody in their call center knew that, they suggested I drive to local billing office to get details of my bill (lol) but luckily online chat person explained to me where I can see details of what I pay for. Really cool, but call center is useless!

cubsrock

06-02-08, 06:56 PM

Any rumors about new channels for Comcast? We still do not have CNN or AMC in Coral Gables. ESPNNews and The Weather Channel are the two I am most interested in.

vikajakub

06-03-08, 12:50 PM

Any rumors about new channels for Comcast? We still do not have CNN or AMC in Coral Gables. ESPNNews and The Weather Channel are the two I am most interested in.

CNN HD is great, you are not missing much on AMC HD, those old movies were done when word DIGITAL was not in dictionary.

DigitalPlayer

06-04-08, 08:31 AM

Built my own rooftop UHF hdtv antenna. Although low VHF & UHF stations come in great I get nothing in the HIGH VHF (chs 7-13). Anyone successful getting high VHF by building your own? Will an FM antenna add on work? Thanks for your input.

JeffBowser

06-04-08, 10:20 AM

Don't know how to answer your question, but for $60 I bought commercially made, and I pull in both Miami and WPB. Surely it can't be more cost effective in time and materials to craft your own antenna.......

DigitalPlayer

06-05-08, 05:07 PM

Built my own rooftop UHF hdtv antenna placed on a 1 story house. Although low VHF & UHF stations come in great I get nothing in the HIGH VHF (chs 7-13). Anyone successful getting high VHF by building your own? Will an FM antenna add on work? Thanks for your input.

Connected an old amplifier I had lying around to coax out on antenna & now receive 7.1 & 10.1. Solved that issue. 12.1 out of WPB still no go. 25.1 & 34.1 transmission towers are 60 miles away & If i get a signal at all it's usually in wee hours of morning. My antenna is a directional DB4 aimed North/North west. Happy with results of home made antenna for now until I upgrade.

97Strat

06-05-08, 09:21 PM

Connected an old amplifier I had lying around to coax out on antenna & now receive 7.1 & 10.1. Solved that issue. 12.1 out of WPB still no go. 25.1 & 34.1 transmission towers are 60 miles away & If i get a signal at all it's usually in wee hours of morning. My antenna is a directional DB4 aimed North/North west. Happy with results of home made antenna for now until I upgrade.IIRC, 12 out of WPB is RF 13, so it's high VHF and not UHF. Good luck with 25 & 34, as you're probably going to need some decent height to get them if at all.

97Strat

06-12-08, 09:08 PM

Jeopardy has been broadcast in HD for quite a while now - the bug at the lower left even says 'Jeopardy HD'.

If that's the case, then why does WPLG-DT always broadcast it in stretched SD? Is it because the guy who hits the HD button doesn't start his shift until 9pm or something? :confused:

Doom878

06-13-08, 08:34 AM

Maybe Jeopardy calls it "HD" and sends a stretched SD signal?

gaborm

06-13-08, 10:06 AM

Just a note (I know it does not mean anything), onDemand HD section has Smithsonian since this Monday (or Tuesday)

97Strat

06-13-08, 12:16 PM

Maybe Jeopardy calls it "HD" and sends a stretched SD signal?It's more like WPLG management is trying to fool the public with their absurd stretch-o-vision. Jeopardy HD really is in HD.

Grampaw

06-14-08, 02:17 PM

I watch Jeopardy in SD because I don't really like Stretch-O-Vision. Last night the Jeopardy Logo in bottom left did not have HD on it.
Maybe WPLG finally got called on it.
WSFL does show sindicated "Two and a Half Men" and "Raymond" in HD.

Walt

MartyS

06-16-08, 07:10 AM

Maybe Jeopardy calls it "HD" and sends a stretched SD signal?

Nope...Jeapordy is on the same time at one of the WPB stations (can't remember which one) and it's 4:3 HD and broadcast that way by the WPB station.

Channel 10 uses stretch-o-vision with anything that they broadcast locally. All the network stuff is broadcast in the correct aspect ratios.

97Strat

06-16-08, 08:23 PM

jstrazz

06-18-08, 01:19 PM

I've since learned that syndicated content (e.g., Jeopardy) is recorded from a feed then broadcast at a later time from the recording.

Apparently, stations that broadcast such content do so in the format the feed was recorded in. So if a station records a feed in SD, the broadcast will also be SD even though the actual content may very well be HD.

The local channels here have not yet upgraded their recording equipment with HD recorders. Hence, you get SD versions of Jeopardy and recorded news reports. My understanding is that as equipment wears out, it will be replaced with HD equipment. Let's hope Channel 10 blows their old equipment soon.

97Strat

06-19-08, 08:27 PM

The local channels here have not yet upgraded their recording equipment with HD recorders. Hence, you get SD versions of Jeopardy and recorded news reports. My understanding is that as equipment wears out, it will be replaced with HD equipment. Let's hope Channel 10 blows their old equipment soon.I'm amazed that at this late (??) date most local stations' management still appear to be mired in the SD mindset. Except for WTVJ, it seems like there are a gazillion reasons why this market won't/can't embrace digital and HD.