Thanks for the update Doom. We do not have it either. Do you have CNN HD yet? Also, still waiting for Comcast to add The Weather Channel and ESPNNews in HD....

Nope. No CNN HD, AMC HD, Weather HD, and nobody in the USA through Comcast has ESPNNews HD.

I just read that Miami will be getting AT&T U-Verse in 3 weeks.

http://www.john-michaeldelvalle.com/2008/06/26/att-u-verse-in-miami/

I just read that Miami will be getting AT&T U-Verse in 3 weeks.

http://www.john-michaeldelvalle.com/2008/06/26/att-u-verse-in-miami/

All I heard about this service is pretty bad. This is not "FIOS quality" as far as I know and the HD-PVR is very poor. Not having FIOS in south Florida is a real bummer.

I have to agree with slimoli ! Check out the main U-Verse thread over on the HDTV Programming Forum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=700011 While some are happy with it, most are not, even though they are starting to add a second HD stream.

Those with multiple HD sets and DVRs are still left out in the cold since they need more than two streams. Right now, I only need two streams but comments on the hardware make you think twice!

Anyway, it is always good to have new options!

Anyone else not have AMC-HD? I'm renting Mad Men season 1 and season 2 starts in a month. I'd really like to see this in HD.

Is WPLG - channel 10 streching everything now? I used to enjoy the early morning and evening news in the original full frame and it seems that both are being stretched. UGH! :mad:

I thought they always stretched. It doesn't do Laurie Jennings any favors...

Is WPLG - channel 10 streching everything now? I used to enjoy the early morning and evening news in the original full frame and it seems that both are being stretched. UGH! :mad:

I've seen WPLG stretch the Network HD programs before a local break, so, nothing new here.

Walt

Anyone else not have AMC-HD? I'm renting Mad Men season 1 and season 2 starts in a month. I'd really like to see this in HD.

In Broward we have the 1st season available in HD onDemand. Even if you do not have the channel itself in HD, you can always check the onDemand HD section for TV Entertainment/AMC down there in Miami.

I've seen WPLG stretch the Network HD programs before a local break, so, nothing new here.

Walt


Actually, they never stretched the early morning (430am) national newsfeed. Now they do and it looks horrible.

Actually, they never stretched the early morning (430am) national newsfeed. Now they do and it looks horrible.

THey Stretch anything that's not network or network HD, or that they pre-record for re-broadcast.

WHat really bugs me is when they stretch out GMA right before the local break...

Jeers to CBS for showing a watered down recording of the Boston Pops concert on July 4th in "Low Definition". The picture was so bad, they must have used the oldest equipment they could find to broadcast it. I used to enjoy the concert when it was on A&E network live and in it's entirety. I hope that A&E gets the rights to show it again some day.

In Broward we have the 1st season available in HD onDemand. Even if you do not have the channel itself in HD, you can always check the onDemand HD section for TV Entertainment/AMC down there in Miami.

I wish. Ex-Adelphia is stuck with a lame watered down ON Demand. Barely any programming in HD period.

THey Stretch anything that's not network or network HD, or that they pre-record for re-broadcast.

WHat really bugs me is when they stretch out GMA right before the local break...

And now I see that they've started stretching network based SD as well. My wife was watching ABC Daytime and soaps that previously were in SD 4:3 are now stretched too.

Wish they would get their act together. It's amazing that all the locals in WPB are HD and only Channel 6 has any local HD in Miami.

And now I see that they've started stretching network based SD as well. My wife was watching ABC Daytime and soaps that previously were in SD 4:3 are now stretched too.

Wish they would get their act together. It's amazing that all the locals in WPB are HD and only Channel 6 has any local HD in Miami.Sort of says something about our market. And yes, 4, 7, 10, 17, and 33 employ some sort of stretch-o-vision.

A short while ago I sent an e-mail to WPLG engineering asking why Jeopardy HD was always being shown in SD on Channel 10. The reply said that they don't have any HD recorders to record the syndicated HD feed, so they record it in SD and play it back in SD (stretched, of course). It's interesting that private homeowners have them but a major network affiliate doesn't.

I also asked why they stretched SD content, and the reply from engineering, in so many words, was that they thought the public would prefer a picture that filled up the whole screen. Wow! :confused:

A short while ago I sent an e-mail to WPLG engineering asking why Jeopardy HD was always being shown in SD on Channel 10. The reply said that they don't have any HD recorders to record the syndicated HD feed, so they record it in SD and play it back in SD (stretched, of course).

Hmm... at least you got an answer from them. I've e-mailed them a number of times and never got a response.

I also asked why they stretched SD content, and the reply from engineering, in so many words, was that they thought the public would prefer a picture that filled up the whole screen. Wow! :confused:

This is a pretty common practice, because most people who really don't know much about HD, call the stations and ask why their screen isn't filled with a picture when they spent all this money on a High Def Television. They don't want black (or grey) bars around their picture. THat's one of the reasons a number of the local stations are using the curtains (ala channel 6, 12, 25, 5 and others) whey they do have to do a local segment in SD versus HD.

Many broadcasters simply gave up, since people who do know about aspect ratios, aren't as vocal as those that want to use all the real estate on the big screen that they paid for.

This is a pretty common practice, because most people who really don't know much about HD, call the stations and ask why their screen isn't filled with a picture when they spent all this money on a High Def Television. They don't want black (or grey) bars around their picture. THat's one of the reasons a number of the local stations are using the curtains (ala channel 6, 12, 25, 5 and others) whey they do have to do a local segment in SD versus HD.

Many broadcasters simply gave up, since people who do know about aspect ratios, aren't as vocal as those that want to use all the real estate on the big screen that they paid for.WPB doesn't employ stretch-o-vision, but almost all of MIA/FTL does.

Plain and simple, that sucks.

IMO black curtains > non-black curtains. Although ESPN's unfocused echo looks ok.

Looks like the Washington Post, owners of WPLG, are buying WTVJ. That should be interesting, article says they will both be moving into the new WPLG studio in Hallandale. Hopefully this doesn't mean that WTVJ goes to stretch-o-vision before the move

I guess this means we'll all have to watch channel 51 for local news in HD. :D

Walt

Looks like the Washington Post, owners of WPLG, are buying WTVJ. That should be interesting, article says they will both be moving into the new WPLG studio in Hallandale. Hopefully this doesn't mean that WTVJ goes to stretch-o-vision before the move

DO you have a link to that story?

UPDATE: Found the link on NBC6.net and Local10.com

Does anybody get 51 in HD?

I was told the equipment and the station (WTVJ) were sold, so I don't think 51 will have any HD equipment to broadcast with. And if I recall correctly, the only time 51 broadcast anything in HD was a while ago when they had an episode of one of their "telenovelas" on in hidef.

I was told the equipment and the station (WTVJ) were sold, so I don't think 51 will have any HD equipment to broadcast with. And if I recall correctly, the only time 51 broadcast anything in HD was a while ago when they had an episode of one of their "telenovelas" on in hidef.I believe Local news on 51 is in HD, just as it is on 6.

Is WSVN-DT's PSIP information gone, or is my tuner acting up?

After two rescans, I've have to tune to 8-1 to pick up WSVN-DT - it doesn't recognize 7-1. Signal strength is wall-to-wall as usual.

Is WSVN-DT's PSIP information gone, or is my tuner acting up?

After two rescans, I've have to tune to 8-1 to pick up WSVN-DT - it doesn't recognize 7-1. Signal strength is wall-to-wall as usual.Working fine now.

From Marcus Carr over in the HDTY Programming Forum http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14335129#post14335129 :

Quote:
AT&T Inc. today announced the launch of AT&T U-verse(SM) TV and AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet in parts of Miami-Dade and Broward counties. AT&T U-verse services will be launched in Palm Beach County on July 28

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/stor...4%7D&dist=hppr

However, I don't think they have updated their web site yet. Let us know if it becomes available in your area!

U-Verse is a bad technology. It's no match to Verizon Fios and this quote from their site says everything :
"Each receiver will have all of the cabling that is required. While all receivers are High Definition (HD) content enabled, only one live HD channel can be viewed at a time. " It's like watching TV through the internet, with all its restrictions.

It's tough to live in South Florida, we always get the worst. My options are Atlantic Broadband and U-Verse , very exciting isn't it ?

^^^ Not sure if it will be available here, initially anyway, but they are now offering 2/2 capability. Two HD channels and two SD chanels at the same time. In other areas it is currently necessary to call them to update your profile to enable this capability.

What if you have one HD and three SD TVs?

Even with a single TV I want at least 2 HD at the same time. I record 2 HD almost every night. Although I have never seen the U-Verse picture, I also wonder how good the quality is on a 73" display. I hate Atlantic Broadband but the picture is fine and the bitrate is better than Directv used to be when I had it 3 years ago (I think Directv is much better now with the new satellites). It's all about bandwidth.

BTW, does anybody here know if our existing coax cables will be used to send the signal to the receiver or everything is done through the phone lines ? Anybody can make a comment about picture quality in HD and the receivers ?

Thanks

I'm in Weston Hills in Weston and we have ATT sign up at the gate saying they are upgrading the infrastructure so I expect it to be available in my area. I also understand they are saying they can handle 2HD and 2 SD streams or 4 SD streams now so they may have worked out some of the early issues. Since I have ATT for landline, cell phone and DSL I may try a package and see how it works out.

Hell, I can't get over 1.5mb downstream let alone TV over my AT&T DSL. Every time I call inquiring when my area will be upgraded, nobody knows anything.

So typical.

Well they are digging up the phone lines outside the house. I came home yesterday with a big hole in the ground and no water!. They broke the main going into my house. So I walk down the block and find a couple of guys that speak no english and I am yelling No Agua and they are just shaking their heads. Get the Weston PW people by and they say it is AT&Ts problem but they have had a dozen calls this week. Finally someone shows up and repairs the water connection. Man what a mess.

Using Comcast and their DVR I recorded The Closer on TNTHD on Monday. I just got around to (trying) to watch it and it is completely useless! The whole hour is nothing but macro blocking and audio dropouts, even during the commercials!

I was just wondering if anyone else experienced this? Basically, I want to know if it was a Comcast issue or a TNT issue! Everything else and all other channels appear to be just fine (including TNT today)!

Aside: Come August 1st Dish Network is starting to offer its HD only packages! It is looking really good!

I thought they were already offering the $30/mo HD package for a few months now?

I thought they were already offering the $30/mo HD package for a few months now?You may very well be right. I was talking about this: http://links.mkt024.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MjA4NDMwOAS2&r=MTM1OTc2MTMxMzIS1&j=NTQyMDU4ODUS1&mt=1

Yeah it seems they added features and channels. My only concern is all the rain we get down here. Everyone I know that owns a dish is accustomed to the fact they won't be able to watch TV in a bad storm. That's unacceptable to me. Also I'm skeptical how they can send out 1080p for their OD service. I would wait a little bit and see some customers' reaction. Cinemax for 1 cent is very appealing since they show movies unlike HBO.

I just got the dish hd only programing. And all I can say is comcast needs a lot of work to catch up to dish. Dish has better picture, better tuner, and much better dvr. Just be careful when ordering.

mlc

What to you mean by "be careful when ordering", what specifically should we look out for? I have been thinking of dumping Comcast for some time now and since I rarely ever watch anything in SD, Dish's all HD package sounds intriguing.

What to you mean by "be careful when ordering", what specifically should be look out for? ...Exactly! Please be little more specific and not leave people wondering!;)

I order hd package with locals and two 1 room dvr tuners. I was quoted $41 and change per month.
Well they came to install and they wanted to install two hd receivers no dvrs.
It was then change out by the installer for two 1 room dvr tuners. When the installer called to get authorization to turn on the dvrs, the csr said you can not have two 1 room dvrs.
So the installer installed one 2 tuner dvr and one 1 room dvr tuner. This whole process of instillation took about 12 hours for 2 hd tvs.
I went online yesterday to fine out what my monthly bill would be and it was $56. I am trying to gets this settled.
So be careful.

As a side note their two tuner hd dvr box outputs 1 hd signal and 1 sd signal.


nn

I am still sceptical. They even removed the HD only package from their site ( http://www.dishnetwork.com/turbo_is_coming ), it shows only a default customer service page. In the non-official forum the HD only package start date is August 1st. I'm surprised it's already available to customers... ( http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=133730&highlight=dish+turbo , the same link has a screenshot of the HD only offering which was online for only a few hours)

I am still sceptical. They even removed the HD only package from their site ( http://www.dishnetwork.com/turbo_is_coming ), it shows only a default customer service page. In the non-official forum the HD only package start date is August 1st. I'm surprised it's already available to customers... ( http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=133730&highlight=dish+turbo , the same link has a screenshot of the HD only offering which was online for only a few hours)Actually, the original link still works:

http://links.mkt024.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MjA4NDMwOAS2&r=MTM1OTc2MTMxMzIS1&j=NTQyMDU4ODUS1&mt=1

This is the source of the screen shot referenced above. It’s the See More… link on that page that fails. The Continue link on the page does appear work, however, taking you to a page to enter your email address to receive TurboHD alerts. I did this and it said to look for an alert on August 1!

Not too much longer, so we shall see!

Hi. I am having trouble getting channel 7 and channel 10 in dtv broadcast. I get 7 and 10 in analog (and it is horrible at that) but I do not get the dtv signal (channel 8 and 9 right). How would I be able to receive those?

Hi. I am having trouble getting channel 7 and channel 10 in dtv broadcast. I get 7 and 10 in analog (and it is horrible at that) but I do not get the dtv signal (channel 8 and 9 right). How would I be able to receive those?It sounds like you don't have a combination VHF/UHF antenna. You are correct in that digital 7 and 10 are RF channels 8 and 9 respectively, so you will need a VHF/UHF antenna to pick up all MIA/FTL digital channels.

It sounds like you don't have a combination VHF/UHF antenna. You are correct in that digital 7 and 10 are RF channels 8 and 9 respectively, so you will need a VHF/UHF antenna to pick up all MIA/FTL digital channels.

well the antenna is a phillips PHDTV3 VHF/UHF/FM amplified signal antenna, so maybe its just not getting the job done? I am down in south miami btw if that helps any.

Hi. I am having trouble getting channel 7 and channel 10 in dtv broadcast. I get 7 and 10 in analog (and it is horrible at that) but I do not get the dtv signal (channel 8 and 9 right). How would I be able to receive those

It sounds like you have the same problem I have with receiving the digital versions of 7 and 10. There are several causes:

- There is a lot of natural and man-made noise on VHF. Any interference generated by appliances, computers, and other electronics kills reception. As you noted, with analog you get a terrible picture and with digital you get nothing.

- In-building penetration on VHF is poor as compared with UHF.

- The 7 and 10 DTV broadcasts on RF 8 and 9, respectively, are relatively low power. Both have applied to increase by a factor of 10 after the transition (from about 15 kW to roughly 150 kW) but it will take them at least a couple of years to build out.

The only way I get reception is with an outside antenna, I'm afraid that's the only way you'll get any reception, too. You might have better results with an indoor antenna after the power increase.

It sounds like you have the same problem I have with receiving the digital versions of 7 and 10. There are several causes:

- There is a lot of natural and man-made noise on VHF. Any interference generated by appliances, computers, and other electronics kills reception. As you noted, with analog you get a terrible picture and with digital you get nothing.

- In-building penetration on VHF is poor as compared with UHF.

- The 7 and 10 DTV broadcasts on RF 8 and 9, respectively, are relatively low power. Both have applied to increase by a factor of 10 after the transition (from about 15 kW to roughly 150 kW) but it will take them at least a couple of years to build out.

The only way I get reception is with an outside antenna, I'm afraid that's the only way you'll get any reception, too. You might have better results with an indoor antenna after the power increase.

Would an amplifier make any significance, or is the built in amplifier the only amplification I would be able to get. Also, when the RF channels 8 and 9 move to 7 and 10 would this still be happening?

The amplifier most likely isn't the issue - it's your location and the fact that the antenna is indoors.

South Miami's a bit far from the antenna farm for indoor VHF, so you might have to experiment with the antenna location inside, or better yet go to a directional roof antenna if possible.

The amplifier most likely isn't the issue - it's your location and the fact that the antenna is indoors.

South Miami's a bit far from the antenna farm for indoor VHF, so you might have to experiment with the antenna location inside, or better yet go to a directional roof antenna if possible.

alright thanks for the info. I might just upgrade my satellite service then since it will be more worth it and less of a hassle! thanks again.

Has anyone had any problems lately within the last month receiving NBC affiliates with the Channel Mater CM-7000 D2A converter box? For some reason I am unable to lock in and receive WPTV NBC with this box. It will not lock on to their signal. However, when I am using the TV's built in ATSC tuner, it locks it in without any problems. I have also connected a Zenith DTT901 to the same source and it locks it in without any problems, too. My signal strength is excellent (in the upper 90s). The CM-7000 was working fine on this affiliate up until a week ago. My other stations are fine and remained unchanged. I had contacted the engineer at the affiliate and I had addressed this problem. He had told me that they had recently done some work on their transmitter but that should not have caused my problem. My CM-7000 is now useless on this affiliate. This almost reminds me of the problems I had with a Voom OTA receiver when trying to tune into a CBS affiliate after CBS did some changes to their transmitter after adding a TVGuide feature. Any input is welcomed.I'm getting WPTV-DT with no problems at all on my SIR-T451. Have you tried unplugging your box for a while, reconnecting, then rescanning?

Did any else experience audio noise and break up on the opening ceremony to the olympics?

Did any else experience audio noise and break up on the opening ceremony to the olympics?What service are you using?

With Comcast, here in Broward, there were no issues at all! (Other than the awful number of commercials!)

What service are you using?

With Comcast, here in Broward, there were no issues at all! (Other than the awful number of commercials!)

I have Comcast and live in Broward, and during the opening cermonies, there were quite a few occurrences of audio interferrence. It was present regardless of whether the sound was coming through the receiver or if the sound was coming out of the TV speakers.

Picture Quality was good though. The sound hasn't been a problem since after the first night.

I have Comcast and live in Broward, and during the opening cermonies, there were quite a few occurrences of audio interferrence. It was present regardless of whether the sound was coming through the receiver or if the sound was coming out of the TV speakers.

Picture Quality was good though. The sound hasn't been a problem since after the first night.

WTVJ has been having problems for weeks now, not just in the Olympics. I hear it on cable and OTA.

I have Direct tv and a ota, both were sounding awfull in east kendall area.

3 different families in the Kendall area heard the noise.

I order hd package with locals and two 1 room dvr tuners. I was quoted $41 and change per month.
Well they came to install and they wanted to install two hd receivers no dvrs.
It was then change out by the installer for two 1 room dvr tuners. When the installer called to get authorization to turn on the dvrs, the csr said you can not have two 1 room dvrs.
So the installer installed one 2 tuner dvr and one 1 room dvr tuner. This whole process of instillation took about 12 hours for 2 hd tvs.
I went online yesterday to fine out what my monthly bill would be and it was $56. I am trying to gets this settled.
So be careful.

How is the TurboHD picture quality? Macroblocking? Artifacts? Also, please state your HD comparison point (comcast box, OTA HD, comcast Clear QAM without box, DirectTV HD, etc.). I must say, the TurboHD packages for HD only look pretty good if the quality is there.

Can you get an HD only package but then get a SD box for a 2nd SD TV? Thanks.

Anyone signed up for AT&T U-Verse service here in the Miami area yet? Their website says the service is not available in my area (Coral Gables) yet.

... Can you get an HD only package but then get a SD box for a 2nd SD TV? Thanks.See post #906 here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14427096#post14427096

Anybody having audio issues with 39-1?

Anybody having audio issues with 39-1?Nope - coming lound and clear OTA. And I do mean loud - 39 is about twice as loud as 6, which is the softest audio in SoFla.

Speaking of audio issues, does anybody know why is 63-1 missing the right channel (not that anyone's watching)?

See post #906 here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14427096#post14427096

Thanks. That is unfortunate if true. But I think it also disagrees with this post (press announcement) here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14341174#post14341174):

"In addition, DISH Network is thrilled to introduce TurboHD, the first-ever 100 percent, all-HD programming package in the pay-TV industry, with advanced equipment that works on all TVs. TurboHD offers the most-watched HD channels in four separate tiers and can be viewed on analog, digital and high definition TVs, making it the perfect solution for consumers who have or are considering upgrading to HD programming. All TurboHD packages can include HD locals where available. "
The posts following mine here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14444207#post14444207)seem to agree.

Apolgoies for the OT post, but does anyone know what happened to sfltv.com?

Apolgoies for the OT post, but does anyone know what happened to sfltv.com?After sevaral days it's back - sorry again for the OT.

Thanks. That is unfortunate if true. But I think it also disagrees with this post (press announcement) here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14341174#post14341174):

"In addition, DISH Network is thrilled to introduce TurboHD, the first-ever 100 percent, all-HD programming package in the pay-TV industry, with advanced equipment that works on all TVs. TurboHD offers the most-watched HD channels in four separate tiers and can be viewed on analog, digital and high definition TVs, making it the perfect solution for consumers who have or are considering upgrading to HD programming. All TurboHD packages can include HD locals where available. "
The posts following mine here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14444207#post14444207)seem to agree.I asked the question specific over in the HDTV Programming Forum; here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14477676#post14477676
It seems that you get the same HD channels, on the SD TVs, in a down-converted form rather than the actual SD equivalent channels.

My guess is that that means everything is letterboxed!

^^^ If this topic is of interest to you, you should follow the thread that I posted a link to above. Bottom line is that that I still don't know the answer! Seems different people are having different experiences!

Go figure!

We have been "commuting" back and forth between Aventura and SF Bay area for almost 2 years. Both our home in Bkly. and the Condo in Fl. are on Comcast using the same model DVR - 6412.
Since our Condo doesn't face south, sat. is not an option. Besides, except for the DVR cost, most channels (incl. premiums) are included in our (high<G>) HOA dues. (For several years we had Canadian sat. in Ca. - which gave us HD long before Comcast had it - and gave us the great Canadian coverage of the Olympics- live.)
Like in SF, we have a 50" Panny plasma. My non-scientific observation is that PQ is better in Fl., especially on SD channels - altho the SD PQ in Bkly seems to have improved in the past year. It is now quite good in both. AVSers on the SF forum are now complaining about the degraded quality of HD as Comcast has added more channels. HD quality seems to vary widely from channel to channel on both systems. Some of this is probably not Comcast's fault.
ATT U-verse is in some parts of the Bay Area and seems to be gettin bad reviews. I don't see how ATT can offer it in Miami area where they don't even offer fast DSL in many main business (and residential) areas. Our office is in a complex of hirise office bldgs. on Biscayne (208th) and they only offer 3M. Our previous location on another main street (Ives Dairy Rd.) only had 1.5!!. ATT offers hi-speed DSL thruout the Bay Area.
It appears that Comcast is trying to add lots of HD - but a lot of so called HD channels are really still 90% SD - like CNNHD.

Does anyone here havr ATT U-verse? How does it compare w. Comcast?

Does Comcast offer any upgrade to the 6412 DVR anywhere in this area? We have the same remote lag problems in Fl. as in Ca. and would like more space as everything we watch is in space hogging HD.

...mike

mike:

Check this Wiki entry for descriptions of all Motorola DVRs: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Identifying_your_model

I know Comcast in South Florida uses the DCT series but I am not sure about the DCH series. Anyone know for sure?

You may also find the DVR Chatter forum of interest: DVR Chatter com

For some reason AVS doen't like you posting links to this forum! :rolleyes: So add the prefix, remove the first space and replace the second space with a period! You know how to do it!

Oprah is supposed to be in HD today but was not on WFOR.

Ellen is supposed to be in HD today but was not on WTVJ.

Oprah is supposed to be in HD today but was not on WFOR.

Ellen is supposed to be in HD today but was not on WTVJ.Studio guys probably fell asleep at the wheel and forgot to flip the switch (welcome to the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale market).

What are you watching that stuff for anyway? ;)

Studio guys probably fell asleep at the wheel and forgot to flip the switch ...While that’s a possibility I doubt that is the case here.

From what I have read over on the HDTV Programming forum a great many stations across the country showed these shows in SD. Apparently, handling syndicated shows that are in HD presents a unique set of problems than many stations have yet to tackle. Thus they end up being broadcast in SD!

They differ from network shows in that (I believe) they need to be recorded by the station before they are actually broadcast and that requires special recording equipment for the HD version.

Note how the WFOR show had black side bars and was not in their normal stretch 'o vision!

If this assessment is in error or is missing some important information, please jump in and correct or add to!

Having made those comments above, it appears that today’s show is in HD (on WFOR)! (I’m recording it for my wife and decided to take peek!)

Given that yesterday’s show (first show of the season) was not the advertised one, maybe it wasn’t in HD anyway! Who knows! Although some claim it was in HD in other areas. So we are back to the man at the switch!

It appears that the guy fell asleep at WTVJ for Ellen.

Also, Dr. Phil on WPLG (10-1) should be in HD but is not.

WFOR (4-1) is not stretching their news today at 5PM. Let's hope it stays like this or they start showing the news in HD.

I noticed the "non-stretch-o-vision" picture tonight as well. Let's see what that Early News (430 am) does.....and yes, it sucks to get up that early for work!

Well, other than Monday, Oprah has been in HD all week. As are Entertainment Tonight and The Insider (don't ask)!

So my guess is that channel 4 has solved the syndicated HD problems and channels 6 and 10 haven't! Ellen still has the bars and Dr. Phil is streeeeeechd!

FWIW, I can't stand any of these programs (especially Dr. Phil).

Well, other than Monday, Oprah has been in HD all week. As are Entertainment Tonight and The Insider (don't ask)!

So my guess is that channel 4 has solved the syndicated HD problems and channels 6 and 10 haven't! Ellen still has the bars and Dr. Phil is streeeeeechd!

FWIW, I can't stand any of these programs (especially Dr. Phil).The way it was explained to me, WPLG doesn't have a HD recorder to record the syndicated feeds that are in fact HD, so they record them to disk in SD. That's how they're aired.

WFOR may now have a HD recorder (if so, I hope that's an indication that they may be going local HD), but at least they've stopped showing SD in stretch-o-vision.

You'd think that WTVJ would have a HD recorder, as they're broadcasting locally in HD. It's anybody's guess as to why those programs are airing in SD...

Finally I have the Comcast On Demand interface. It took long as I'm ex-Adelphia. However, there's only like a total of 2 movies in HD that I could watch. Is there different servers for us and those that had VOD for a while?

I ventured today to the online comcast interface to see what package I have. To say the least as for IT giant, one would expect a sophisticated menu of options, but instead it is so basic it made me laugh. The whole menu consists of
View My Bill
Pay My Bill
Recent Activity
View/Update Profile

Under Channel Lineup:
Find out about all the fantastic programming available in your area. After pressing you get : We're sorry, we can't find the page you're looking for.

Let me try now :Upgrade Services: Add new services that are available, or make changes to the Comcast services you currently receive.

What do you see ? We're sorry, an error has occurred. Please use the link below to return home. :eek: Are you kidding me? This is the largest Internet provider in FL ? My kid would build a nicer website on a frontpage.

I ventured today to the online comcast interface to see what package I have. To say the least as for IT giant, one would expect a sophisticated menu of options, but instead it is so basic it made me laugh. The whole menu consists of
View My Bill
Pay My Bill
Recent Activity
View/Update Profile

Under Channel Lineup:
Find out about all the fantastic programming available in your area. After pressing you get : We're sorry, we can't find the page you're looking for.

Let me try now :Upgrade Services: Add new services that are available, or make changes to the Comcast services you currently receive.

What do you see ? We're sorry, an error has occurred. Please use the link below to return home. :eek: Are you kidding me? This is the largest Internet provider in FL ? My kid would build a nicer website on a frontpage.It's Comcastic! :D

Speaking of Comcast, what's with the "more HD than DirecTV" commercials? Both claim that they have the most HD, so who's lying?

Comcast doesn't say "more HD CHANNELS" , just "more HD". That's because they count the several video on demand channels with many HD titles to choose. Ridiculous ! Directv and Dish have twice more HD channels and that's what really matters. Anyway, much better than my poor Atlantic Broadband which will add USA HD and SCIFI HD next week.

The way it was explained to me, WPLG doesn't have a HD recorder to record the syndicated feeds that are in fact HD, so they record them to disk in SD. That's how they're aired.


I'll be more than glad to loan WPLG my TiVo Series 3.... I can't believe that they don't have an HD recorder that they can use. They're building a new studio, for gods sake... why don't they just get the HD recorder and move it over to the new place when they move there :confused::confused:

Comcast doesn't say "more HD CHANNELS" , just "more HD". That's because they count the several video on demand channels with many HD titles to choose. Ridiculous ! Directv and Dish have twice more HD channels and that's what really matters. Anyway, much better than my poor Atlantic Broadband which will add USA HD and SCIFI HD next week.Thanks for the explanation. If that's not marketing bull**** I don't know what is...

I'll be more than glad to loan WPLG my TiVo Series 3.... I can't believe that they don't have an HD recorder that they can use. They're building a new studio, for gods sake... why don't they just get the HD recorder and move it over to the new place when they move there :confused::confused:Yeah, that's exactly what I thought when I got that explanation from WPLG. But then I thought: "OK, these are the same guys that think stretch-o-vision is a good thing". :confused:

Even more interesting is that almost all the West Palm stations are running local HD news and none are using stretch-o-vision.

You would think that in a market the size of Miami/Ft. Lauderdale that everyone would be on board already with local HD, not just one station (channel 6).

Ah well... such is life. Hopefully they'll get on board soon.

Yeah, that's exactly what I thought when I got that explanation from WPLG. But then I thought: "OK, these are the same guys that think stretch-o-vision is a good thing". :confused:

...just wait until WPLG and WTVJ are both operating out of the same building, with the same engineering crew and producers. From what I've been told, it's the WPLG crew that will be "in charge".

I guess somebody is asleep at the switch at WFOR because the Georgia/South Carolina game is in SD when it should be HD.

...just wait until WPLG and WTVJ are both operating out of the same building, with the same engineering crew and producers. From what I've been told, it's the WPLG crew that will be "in charge".I just read yesterday that the deal may be in jeopardy. Apparently, the DOJ is concerned that "Post Newsweek may have too much of the market". Guess we'll just have to stay tuned.

If the deal does go through, it would certainly be in WPLG's interest to take advantage of WTVJ's HD equipment. Hopefully they'd at least get a HD recorder so Wheel Of Fortune and Jeopardy would actually be aired in HD. That said, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if WPLG sold it all and remained in distorted SD.

It never ceases to amaze me how cheesy this market is...

Yeah is it possible for our CBS affiliate to have cameras made this decade for Dolphin pre-season games. My eyes literally hurt trying to watch their games in stretch.

My folks have basic cable (Comcast) that's provided by the hi-rise where they live. They're interested in going to digital and HD, as they just got a new 32" 720p widescreen TV that included a $100 rebate after the digital/HD upgrade.

The Comcast rep I spoke with on the phone says that all we have to do is go up to their store in Deerfield (closest one to the apartment), sign up for a digital upgrade with HD (6.99 + 2.99 per month, or something like that), pick up a box (DVR not necessary), and go back and do a self-install with component cables for video and a pair of RCAs for audio (cables are included with box). No contract, no one-time fees, no installation fees, and no up-front fees.

My question: Is this actually true?

Doom: WFOR has NOT been doing stretch since at least September 8! Every non-HD program I've seen has been 4 x 3 with black side bars.

Note: The pre-season has been over for two weeks! It is quite possible the last pre-season games were still in stretch, but I bet they wouldn't be now!

My folks have basic cable (Comcast) that's provided by the hi-rise where they live. They're interested in going to digital and HD, as they just got a new 32" 720p widescreen TV that included a $100 rebate after the digital/HD upgrade.

The Comcast rep I spoke with on the phone says that all we have to do is go up to their store in Deerfield (closest one to the apartment), sign up for a digital upgrade with HD (6.99 + 2.99 per month, or something like that), pick up a box (DVR not necessary), and go back and do a self-install with component cables for video and a pair of RCAs for audio (cables are included with box). No contract, no one-time fees, no installation fees, and no up-front fees.

My question: Is this actually true?My guess is that, yes it is true! Just be sure there is no building block or some sort of switch that needs turning on for those folks who want more than the provided basic!

You MAY also need to call Comcast to activate the box once installed; I'm not sure quite how that works, maybe they activate it when it is picked up.

Does our local Comcast provide HD boxes that are non-DVR? I didn't think they did.

Doom: WFOR has NOT been doing stretch since at least September 8! Every non-HD program I've seen has been 4 x 3 with black side bars.

Note: The pre-season has been over for two weeks! It is quite possible the last pre-season games were still in stretch, but I bet they wouldn't be now!

One of the games wasn't fully stretched but stretched between 4x3 and 16x9

One of the games wasn't fully stretched but stretched between 4x3 and 16x9This was their normal stretch mode - narrow black bars on each side.

Then they went to 100% stretch for a few days and then stopped stretching altogther!

My guess is that, yes it is true! Just be sure there is no building block or some sort of switch that needs turning on for those folks who want more than the provided basic!

You MAY also need to call Comcast to activate the box once installed; I'm not sure quite how that works, maybe they activate it when it is picked up.

Does our local Comcast provide HD boxes that are non-DVR? I didn't think they did.That's great - no hidden "gotchas". BDCat, I hear you on the blocks/switch/activation. Thanks much for all the info.

According to the person I spoke with, Comcast does in fact have non-DVR boxes - that's what the roughly $10/month gets you. DVR is another added fee above that.

Is there a chart of clear QAM channels available so that I can find them quickly?

I'm in Comcastville, in West Miami-Dade.

I told my new TV to autoprogram but it seems to have added dozens and dozens of channels that have no signal. I'm not sure why it did this but it leaves me searching endlessly for the actual clear QAM channels.

I have found WFOR, WPBT, and WTVJ so far, but that's it.

Also, does Comcast recompress their clear QAM feeds of local stations? They don't look as good as you'd think they should look...

That's great - no hidden "gotchas". BDCat, I hear you on the blocks/switch/activation. Thanks much for all the info.

According to the person I spoke with, Comcast does in fact have non-DVR boxes - that's what the roughly $10/month gets you. DVR is another added fee above that.

I have NON- DVR HD box and no monthly fee for that, it is free with Digital Classic package. You should not pay for HD box. HD service fee is $6.95. Comcast charges only for DVR box I was told by comcast.

I have NON- DVR HD box and no monthly fee for that, it is free with Digital Classic package. You should not pay for HD box. HD service fee is $6.95. Comcast charges only for DVR box I was told by comcast.

WHen I had Comcast I was paying either $14 or $18 for the HD-DVR box and $9.99 for the non-HD non DVR box. One of the reasons I dropped Comcast is that it started to become very expensive.

According to the Comcast rep I spoke with last weekend, the set top box (non-DVR) is required for digital service at $6.95/month. HD is $2.99/month on top of that. All of this is above and beyond the regular service. I didn't price the DVR, as I'm not interested in that.

All that said, it's very difficult to find this out without actually speaking to someone at Comcast. Even then, you may get different stories depending on who you speak with.

At this point, I think the only way to know for sure what's offered at what price is to visit the Comcast store and try to purchase digital and HD service. They've got to know what to sell me at what prices.

[QUOTE
At this point, I think the only way to know for sure what's offered at what price is to visit the Comcast store and try to purchase digital and HD service. They've got to know what to sell me at what prices.[/QUOTE]

Haha, I tried that, they send you back to 800 number to order service directly. " We have no idea here about packages, we only give boxes and receive money if you pay your bill" I was told. Actually, the best luck I had to talk to someone who made sense was online chat. Guy even offered me a discount I did not know about ( 6 months starz for $5/mo ). Give it a try. Website is worthless, you cannot even get a channel line up for your area/package. It's Comcastic !!

If I'm in the store and they refuse to take an order and give me a box and tell me to call the 800 number, I'll ask them to call right there in the store for me. If they refuse that, I'll ask for the manager and tell him he's lost a customer unless he signs me up and gives me the box.

If it all comes to that, then Comcast can kiss my fuzzy butt bye-bye. At that point, I wouldn't purchase anything from them just on principle.

THey don't care, you will be in line of 20 people in front of you and 30 people behind you yelling at you to move away since you are not picking up your box or paying your bill. Supervisor will have a polite line of not being able to help as they have only billing system there for existing clients, and they are not a sales office. As you can tell I have been there ;-)

I want to know if anyone else is having this issue. I have my 50pz800u hooked up via DishNetwork to a Vip622. The HD channels leave a lot to be desired, i.e. they seem grainy and the grass on the football field (ESPN) looks like it's moving around.

I've played a few HD DVD's via blu-ray and the picture quality is fantastic. I recently switched from Comcast which had a pretty good HD PQ.

Should I be concerned about the Panny or the Satellite system? I have a tech scheduled to come out next week, but I'm afraid he going to say that there's not much else they can do! I live in a 44 story high rise is S.Fl. if they makes any difference.

If BD looks fine and Sat doesn't it's likely NOT your TV. If both looked crappy I'd be worried. BD>cable in quality anyways.

I agree with the above (5859), but to make certain, you might want to try a different TV input. If that does nothing, try a different connecting cable.

Before doing that, do you have OTA via an antenna along with the Dish dish? Is there a difference in the HD from the two sources? If so, that should tell you where the problem lies -- which might be as simple as aiming. If the HD is bad from both sources, the receiver would be suspect.

THey don't care, you will be in line of 20 people in front of you and 30 people behind you yelling at you to move away since you are not picking up your box or paying your bill. Supervisor will have a polite line of not being able to help as they have only billing system there for existing clients, and they are not a sales office. As you can tell I have been there ;-)I just got off the phone with a Comcast rep not more than two minutes ago, and he told me the same thing the first rep told me:

If we have full basic (or expanded basic, which we do), we can go to the store, put the order in for digital service and HD ($2.99 for box, $6.95 for HD) right then and there, pick up the box immediately, go home and do a self install, and we'll have digital service with HD as soon as I turn everything on.

Did you miss my earlier comments about already having service (i.e., we are existing customers), or did the two reps I spoke with outright lie to me?

I agree with the above (5859), but to make certain, you might want to try a different TV input. If that does nothing, try a different connecting cable.

Before doing that, do you have OTA via an antenna along with the Dish dish? Is there a difference in the HD from the two sources? If so, that should tell you where the problem lies -- which might be as simple as aiming. If the HD is bad from both sources, the receiver would be suspect.

I do not have an OTA via an antenna. I have a tech coming out to check it out on Wednesday. I really really hope the problem isn't with the the fact that it's a 50" 1080p TV.

THey don't care, you will be in line of 20 people in front of you and 30 people behind you yelling at you to move away since you are not picking up your box or paying your bill. Supervisor will have a polite line of not being able to help as they have only billing system there for existing clients, and they are not a sales office. As you can tell I have been there ;-)Saturday we went to the Pompano Comcast store and signed up for digital and HD with no problems and no deposit. We picked up a box, went home hooked everything up, and everything worked great. Wait time in the store was about 10 minutes.

That said, the box ended up having problems, so we're exchanging it tomorrow at the same store. When the box is powered off (but I leave the TV on), the front display shows 'standby' and the sound cuts off, but the picture from the current channel is still showing. Even though the box is "off", the picture is still going through. These boxes have got to be recycled as opposed to new.

I'm also amazed that there is no closed caption button on the remote. Apparently, it's impossible to turn cc on/off without going into the box's setup when it's powered off. That's pretty bogus.

Can anybody here with Atlantic Broadband confirm that channel 935 (Disney HD) has no audio at all most of the time ? I am complaining about this for several days but they don't do anything.

Thanks

Saturday we went to the Pompano Comcast store and signed up for digital and HD with no problems and no deposit. We picked up a box, went home hooked everything up, and everything worked great. Wait time in the store was about 10 minutes.

That said, the box ended up having problems, so we're exchanging it tomorrow at the same store. When the box is powered off (but I leave the TV on), the front display shows 'standby' and the sound cuts off, but the picture from the current channel is still showing. Even though the box is "off", the picture is still going through. These boxes have got to be recycled as opposed to new.

I'm also amazed that there is no closed caption button on the remote. Apparently, it's impossible to turn cc on/off without going into the box's setup when it's powered off. That's pretty bogus.Follow-up for anyone reading:

Yesterday we went back to the Comcast store to exchange the box, and it was a horrorshow compared to Saturday. The minute we walked in, we saw 20 customers in line, each one looking more pissed off then the next. A girl was yelling at a rep saying "Then I'll just wait here for the next two hours until a supervisor shows up!", and the other two customers at the windows looked very upset.

So, after about 1/2 hour waiting, we got to a window to exchange the box. The rep said they only had the "old" boxes (the ones with the oval display) and they didn't have a manual to go with it. She spent a good 15 minutes searching for one but came up empty-handed. She then told us that she'd call us later that day to come back and exchange the old box for another new one (similar to the one we just exchanged), as they were expecting another shipment.

We went home and connected the old box, and it seemed to work perfectly. Of course, we did not receive a call from Comcast as promised, but we fully expected that. Because the old box was working, we didn't want to tempt fate and go for another new one. So far so good with the old box, but the way Comcast runs their stores is atrocious. Inadequate supply of boxes and literature, no instruction manuals or quick-help cards, inadquately staffed store.

I can also say for sure that the HD channels we now receive are certainly compressed to the point of being bothersome. Watching something like golf or football, it's very easy to see the compression while watching detail like the grass on the fairway or field. The compression is certainly worse on Comcast than on DirecTV (I've seen both).

All in all, the "Comcast Experience" is disheartening at best.

To be fair, we did receive a callback today (about an hour ago) from the Comcast rep I dealt with yesterday. She was the one bright spot in an otherwise disappointing experience.

Finally got approved for D*. Installer comes today so cross your fingers. I've heard of nightmares about these installs.

Finally got approved for D*. Installer comes today so cross your fingers. I've heard of nightmares about these installs.

It all depends on the installer. Make sure that the 103 sats are where he peaks the satellite signals. If he gets a strong signal on those, it will minimize rain fade problems.

I've had my system for almost 2 years now and can't be happier with it. I had a great installer and he went above an beyond the call of duty to make sure it was done right.

I still use the same guy when I want things tweaked.

Thanks for the tip!

However like clockwork nobody showed. I called D* an hour before the time window expired and they confirmed and gave me the subcontractor's number. The sub even confirmed, tried the guy, left him a v/m, and then left a v/m for the supervisor to call me back in 10 mins. 30 mins later since nobody called, I called the sub again. Retard told me that I was having my install done the day after from 1-5 and it was always done like that even though 3 other people from both companies confirmed the original one. Best part was that he couldn't reschedule until next week. So I called back D*, had them change me for the next day between 4-8 (it was already 8:30 by then), and then called back the sub to confirm since it shows "instantly" on their end. The sub (after holding 15 mins) told me it was confirmed for 12-4. I told them that I just got off the phone and it's 4-8. Sub changed it no prob and told me to call today at noon if I hadn't heard from the installer to confirm. What pisses me off is that I had to call D* to get the appt. which set it up for tomorrow instead of retard sub who works directly with the installer. I verified my equipment with the sub too so cross your fingers.

Hey Doom...So how did the install go? I am about ready to switch from comcast. We still do not have CNN hd down here in Miami. How did you choose D? Did you have to sign a commitment?

Hey Doom...So how did the install go? I am about ready to switch from comcast. We still do not have CNN hd down here in Miami. How did you choose D? Did you have to sign a commitment?
If you check Doom's entries in the Comcast HDVT thread over in the HDTV Programming forum, it would seem that things went OK: Goodbye Comcast. I just switched to D* yesterday. The inconsistency of what market got what channels really pissed me off. Maybe I'll consider them again if their infrastructure ever gets up to date (next decade maybe?). I still carry their internet and VOIP (on life support as I will go all cell soon) so I can't send them to hell. D* even connected service to my daughter's room which Comcast wanted to charge me for. I'll still monitor this thread as it is informative. :) But like you, I'd be interested in more details. I have to admit I'm not the far from switching either!

If you, or a loved one, are disappointed that Ellen is not being shown in HD even though it is available in HD. This thread may provide the reason: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1070452 :confused:

Yeah as you can see the install went good. CNNHD is right next to ESPNHD followed by ESPNewsHD. I got my deal through a D* rep that set up at my Costco. They gave me a free HD DVR (HR22) and free standard receivers, NFL SD Ticket free, 4 mos of the best package that includes all the movie channels. The rep was able to get my application through without a deposit needed as I had required before. Plus he called customer service for me to get a few things straightened out. If you want to get D*, PM me because when you refer someone both parties get a $50 credit to their account spread out $10 x 5 months. Oh and I forgot to mention, we recorded Ugly Betty, Office, Earl all in HD with a few more hours of SD programming and only used 6% memory where the SA 8300HD boxes would use like 15-20%. Bigger HDD FTW!!!

So Doom, how's the PQ for HD channels on D* as compared to Comcast? Better?

I'm also amazed that there is no closed caption button on the remote. Apparently, it's impossible to turn cc on/off without going into the box's setup when it's powered off. That's pretty bogus.

This has been a major complaint about their DVR boxes since they came out. TV sets are required to have CC easily available. I would have thought cable companies would need to have easy CC ability as well.

...mike

Hey Doom...So how did the install go? I am about ready to switch from comcast. We still do not have CNN hd down here in Miami. How did you choose D? Did you have to sign a commitment?

Comcast in our Bkly. Ca. home has CNN HD. I am a news junkie. The few times i've tried CNNHD it is std. TV (4:3) 90% of the time. Using HD bandwidth for news is kind of a waste anyway.


...mike

This has been a major complaint about their DVR boxes since they came out. TV sets are required to have CC easily available. I would have thought cable companies would need to have easy CC ability as well.

...mikeThe box is just a digital/HD box - no DVR. But Comcast's remote is basically the same for all, and there's no way to control CC from the remote. To toggle CC, you have to power the box off, go into 'menu', enable/disable it, then power the box back on. A true PITA.

That said, a lot of what comes over the wire doesn't have any CC available - and I have to wonder if it's Comcast that's not passing it through. I don't think the HD locals have CC over Comcast, but they certainly do OTA.

Comcast in our Bkly. Ca. home has CNN HD. I am a news junkie. The few times i've tried CNNHD it is std. TV (4:3) 90% of the time. Using HD bandwidth for news is kind of a waste anyway.

...mikeCNNHD is on Comcast, but as you say the main pic is mostly SD. Crawls across the bottom are full width, and the vertical bars are on the sides most of the time, but until crews start shooting HD footage, I guess it'll remain mostly SD. At least it's not stretch-o-vision like WSVN-DT and WPLG-DT...

CNNHD is on Comcast in Broward...but NOT in Miami Dade.

Is there a chart of clear QAM channels available so that I can find them quickly?

I'm in Comcastville, in West Miami-Dade.

I told my new TV to autoprogram but it seems to have added dozens and dozens of channels that have no signal. I'm not sure why it did this but it leaves me searching endlessly for the actual clear QAM channels.

I have found WFOR, WPBT, and WTVJ so far, but that's it.

Also, does Comcast recompress their clear QAM feeds of local stations? They don't look as good as you'd think they should look...

There is no charts or guides to clear QAM channels. Cable companies change the channel lineups of QAM frequently. The only thing you can do is the channel scan and look for the channels. Unfortunately, many of the hundreds of channels that the TV finds will have no signal. That's what I found out when I first bought my HDTV. I just use the cable box and the Tivo box. It's easier.

Many people here think that Comcast over-compresses the signals of local channels, however, I use both cable and an antenna and I do not see any difference. Perhaps it depends on where you live and which Comcast office you are getting your service from. I have a Samsung LCD TV with 1080p resolution and all my HDTV channels look great.

On another subject, I watched the first broadcast of 60 Minutes tonight in HD. I thought the picture was stunning! Also, it was nice to finally watch a news program that was completely in HD with no SD segments. I wish the other networks would get their act together and upgrade their equipment (including CNN which has half of it's schedule in SD and most of it's HD programs with lots of SD segments).

There is no charts or guides to clear QAM channels. Cable companies change the channel lineups of QAM frequently. The only thing you can do is the channel scan and look for the channels. Unfortunately, many of the hundreds of channels that the TV finds will have no signal. That's what I found out when I first bought my HDTV. I just use the cable box and the Tivo box. It's easier.There's no reason why clear QAM channels can't be static (or published, for that matter). I'm convinced that cable companies play the shell game with the QAM HD channels to dissuade viewers from easily finding them, as they'd rather sell premium packages than provide "free" HD programming. I also believe these companies also fail to provide easily readable channel info in their program guides for those channels for the same reasons.

Many people here think that Comcast over-compresses the signals of local channels, however, I use both cable and an antenna and I do not see any difference. Perhaps it depends on where you live and which Comcast office you are getting your service from. I have a Samsung LCD TV with 1080p resolution and all my HDTV channels look great.I'm not sure where you are, but there is most certainly a distinct quality difference between the HD locals that Comcast provides and the OTA signals from the same stations. It's easily visible on scenes with high detail, such as the grass on a golf course or football field.

So Doom, how's the PQ for HD channels on D* as compared to Comcast? Better?

I'm not sure if I have the strongest signal alignment as with yesterday's bad storm I lost HD channels for a while. SD channels were down around 15-30 mins. This was my biggest fear but with proper alignments, the folks at dbstalk.com can help me remedy that. That being said the HD quality is pretty good but seems slightly fuzzier than Comcast's. Comcast's PQ seems a little brighter. Don't get me wrong both are crisp though. I'm going to work on my alignment as I was having rain issues. Then I'll see about calibrating my TV.

… Many people here think that Comcast over-compresses the signals of local channels, however, I use both cable and an antenna and I do not see any difference. Perhaps it depends on where you live and which Comcast office you are getting your service from. I have a Samsung LCD TV with 1080p resolution and all my HDTV channels look great.Funny, just last week my wife and I were commenting on how improved the PQ on Comcast’s HD channels appeared! When they started the 3-to-1 QM compression the quality definitely went down plus there was lots and lots of macro-blocking and pixilation.

All that seems to have been corrected now! With the exception of some very minor pixilation once in a blue moon all looks really excellent!

Let’s not forget that PQ is a very subjective thing depending on such things as the age of the TV, the size of the screen, your viewing distance and, of course, the viewer’s eyesight! My TV is a six year old Mits RPTV that is still working great. My biggest complaint is that there is no HDMI inputs so I can’t get an HD DVD player!


I'm not sure if I have the strongest signal alignment as with yesterday's bad storm I lost HD channels for a while. SD channels were down around 15-30 mins. This was my biggest fear but with proper alignments, the folks at dbstalk.com can help me remedy that. That being said the HD quality is pretty good but seems slightly fuzzier than Comcast's. Comcast's PQ seems a little brighter. Don't get me wrong both are crisp though. I'm going to work on my alignment as I was having rain issues. Then I'll see about calibrating my TV. Thank you Doom! I have never had D* or E* so I have no comparisons! But from what I’ve read, alignment of the dish is critical for these systems!

You PQ comments seem to be inline with jstrazz’s comments above and my recent experiences so I don’t think I want the hassle of switching (at least not just yet). If Comcast’s PQ had not improved (for me, anyway) I would have given serious thought to switching, but not yet! But then again, one never knows!

Yeah it's all in what you want from your system. I posted my signal strength over at the D* forum so hopefully they can help. It's not where I wanted it (70s-80s) and as you all know we get tons of rain here. My mother-in-law wants to kill me as Sur Peru is extra on D* while free on Comcast so I gotta have signal all the time.

In addition to my comments, above, about the improvement in Comcast's HD PQ let me also add that the quality of their DD 5.1 sound has also markedly improved! On shows as Cold Case, CSI: Miami, NCIS, T:SCC, etc I really do receive five distinct sound channels now which never happened in the past!

There's no reason why clear QAM channels can't be static (or published, for that matter). I'm convinced that cable companies play the shell game with the QAM HD channels to dissuade viewers from easily finding them, as they'd rather sell premium packages than provide "free" HD programming. I also believe these companies also fail to provide easily readable channel info in their program guides for those channels for the same reasons.

I'm not sure where you are, but there is most certainly a distinct quality difference between the HD locals that Comcast provides and the OTA signals from the same stations. It's easily visible on scenes with high detail, such as the grass on a golf course or football field.

I agree with you that clear QAM channels should be published. However, cable companies are mainly concerned with maximizing revenues, therefore, they depend on the average customer that would not want to go through the ordeal of doing a channel scan to find clear QAM channels.

I live in Wilton Manors and I get my cable reception out of Comcast's Pompano Beach Office. I'll need to take a closer look when I'm watching local channels in HD.

I agree with you that clear QAM channels should be published. However, cable companies are mainly concerned with maximizing revenues, therefore, they depend on the average customer that would not want to go through the ordeal of doing a channel scan to find clear QAM channels.Bingo. Cable companies' practices are akin to most car dealers in that it's quite obvious that their customers don't come first.

I live in Wilton Manors and I get my cable reception out of Comcast's Pompano Beach Office. I'll need to take a closer look when I'm watching local channels in HD.I usually watch OTA locals, so I'm quite used to seeing all the detail. When you can switch inputs on the TV to compare the same channel from different sources (i.e., OTA vs. cable box), it's not difficult at all to see the difference in pq.

In addition to my comments, above, about the improvement in Comcast's HD PQ let me also add that the quality of their DD 5.1 sound has also markedly improved! On shows as Cold Case, CSI: Miami, NCIS, T:SCC, etc I really do receive five distinct sound channels now which never happened in the past!

I have the Sony sound bar so it's hard for me to differentiate channels. However, I had a problem with some channels having low audio on Comcast. I have to see if the same channels suffer on D* for me as it may just be because of the channel rather than the provider.

So here's a basic question for all of those in my area. I moved from North Miami and now reside in West Kendall. In both places, because of the condos, I'm limited to only Comcast (no dish allowed). Is there literally no competition other than just going OTA here?

I'm sure prices can't be discussed here, but I will say that with HD cable, DVR, and internet my backside hurts from the lack of lubrication Comcast supplies. Is any other competetive company making their way down here? With the economy the way it is I can see myself downgrading service very soon.

During tonight's VP debate, my NBC6 HD, clear QAM signal on comcast cable (no box) kept freezing up... even going into a repeat loop a couple of times. It is still having issues now with the national feed over and the local HD news playing. I'm in Plantation/Davie/Weston area. Anyone else see this?

So here's a basic question for all of those in my area. I moved from North Miami and now reside in West Kendall. In both places, because of the condos, I'm limited to only Comcast (no dish allowed). Is there literally no competition other than just going OTA here?

I'm sure prices can't be discussed here, but I will say that with HD cable, DVR, and internet my backside hurts from the lack of lubrication Comcast supplies. Is any other competetive company making their way down here? With the economy the way it is I can see myself downgrading service very soon.

Go to www.dbstalk.com and there's a section regarding HOA's. I think you're pretty much out of gas as there's no other cable other than Comcast that I know of in Kendall.

Funny, just last week my wife and I were commenting on how improved the PQ on Comcast’s HD channels appeared! When they started the 3-to-1 QM compression the quality definitely went down plus there was lots and lots of macro-blocking and pixilation.

All that seems to have been corrected now! With the exception of some very minor pixilation once in a blue moon all looks really excellent!

<snip>

BDCat, what model box are you using from Comcast? You seem happy, so if I get Comcast I may request the box you have. Thanks.

I'm in the Homestead area. Anyone have any suggestions on an indoor antenna or do I have to get an outdoor type due to the distance. I currently have comcast and only get local hd using my QAM tuner. Thanks.

BDCat, what model box are you using from Comcast? You seem happy, so if I get Comcast I may request the box you have. Thanks.sma, I have a DCT 6412 Phase 2 DVR that is really quite old! I keep it because it still works well and I have heard many horror stories about them. Further, we have recorded stuff we’re not ready to loose just yet!

It also shows the record light “on” when turned off and it also passes through the last watched channel (video and audio) when “off”! It is not supposed to do either!

If available go with a DCH model. They are newer and look nicer (IMO). Also try to get a “3416” box as against a “xx12” box. This will give you another 4 gigs of recording space. I have also read the “34” boxes, which are all digital, provide a slightly better PQ.

But nothing stops the buffering of remote commands! :mad:

Check this link for more information about the boxes: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_...ing_your_model

Hope this helps!

<snip>
If available go with a DCH model. They are newer and look nicer (IMO). Also try to get a “3416” box as against a “xx12” box. This will give you another 4 gigs of recording space. I have also read the “34” boxes, which are all digital, provide a slightly better PQ.
<snip>
Hope this helps!BDCat, are you saying that the box itself affects picture quality?

If so, let me understand this. First, Comcast compresses the signal that hits the box, then the box does something else to it aside from simply "tuning it in"?

Hey all. I'm trying to find an OTA HDTV antenna setup that will get me near perfect signal quality for all the locals. I've got a Radio Shack indoor/outdoor amplified unit that works pretty well outside, but I don't get 10.1 very well. I'm in an apartment about a block away from Kendall drive and US1 but I think I have the option of putting an antenna on the roof of the building with a clear view to the N-NE (four stories). Any recommendations?

Thanks.

BDCat, are you saying that the box itself affects picture quality?

If so, let me understand this. First, Comcast compresses the signal that hits the box, then the box does something else to it aside from simply "tuning it in"?What I am saying is that, based on what I have read (I have no first hand experience) the 34xx boxes, which are all digital, produce a slightly better picture than the 64xx boxes which are analog and digital. I have had the same 6412 box for several years now so take it for what it’s worth!

When Comcast started to compress their HD channels, three per QAM from two, it was obvious that it was being done selectively based on the quality of the channels involved. Besides a certain degradation there was also excessive macro-blocking and pixilation and it moved around from channel to channel every few days! Eventually this got better until a few weeks both my wife and noticed a marked improvement in both picture and audio quality across the board.

I have absolutely no idea what they did or even if there is still any compression going on. They (our office) never admitted they were doing in the first place (so far as I know) but they seem to have tweaked things pretty well!

We still need some additional HD channels in South Florida which means they are going to have to something else Hopefully they will start moving analog channels into the digital tiers! SDV is being used in some areas but I’ve not heard of anything about that here.

If you are interested in seeing the HD channels that Comcast has agreements with, check the first post of this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=424081 We are missing quite a few!

During tonight's VP debate, my NBC6 HD, clear QAM signal on comcast cable (no box) kept freezing up... even going into a repeat loop a couple of times. It is still having issues now with the national feed over and the local HD news playing. I'm in Plantation/Davie/Weston area. Anyone else see this?

I was watching the debate OTA and I saw some interruptions there as well. As a matter of fact, NBC6 has been having some broadcast problems for a few weeks now. I hope they fix it soon as I had to switch to different channel to finish the debate and it gets quite annoying sometimes.

What I am saying is that, based on what I have read (I have no first hand experience) the 34xx boxes, which are all digital, produce a slightly better picture than the 64xx boxes which are analog and digital. I have had the same 6412 box for several years now so take it for what it’s worth!Interesting, but (a) not being an engineer, I'd like to know how digital service works with a combo analog/digital box, and (b) I don't understand how the box could provide a better or worse picture. Digital being what it is, I'm under the impression (possibly incorrectly) that the picture is either there or it isn't. That said, the box should display what it receives without affecting anything, no?

When Comcast started to compress their HD channels, three per QAM from two, it was obvious that it was being done selectively based on the quality of the channels involved. Besides a certain degradation there was also excessive macro-blocking and pixilation and it moved around from channel to channel every few days! Eventually this got better until a few weeks both my wife and noticed a marked improvement in both picture and audio quality across the board.This may be true, but I can still see a difference between OTA channels and the same channels through Comcast.

I have absolutely no idea what they did or even if there is still any compression going on. They (our office) never admitted they were doing in the first place (so far as I know) but they seem to have tweaked things pretty well!I've never known Comcast to be forthcoming with that kind of information, either. :) We are still experiencing pixellation once in a while on ESPNHD and ESPN2HD, but it's gotten much better.

We still need some additional HD channels in South Florida which means they are going to have to something else Hopefully they will start moving analog channels into the digital tiers! SDV is being used in some areas but I’ve not heard of anything about that here.What's interesting to me is that after the analog death date, cable systems will still be providing analog content (if I understand this correctly). I wonder if cable-only outlets (e.g., CNN, MTV, etc.) will be providing analog signals, or if the cable companies will be "downgrading" digital content they receive to analog. I can't imagine why they'd retain analog when they need the bandwidth for digital and HD.

I was watching the debate OTA and I saw some interruptions there as well. As a matter of fact, NBC6 has been having some broadcast problems for a few weeks now. I hope they fix it soon as I had to switch to different channel to finish the debate and it gets quite annoying sometimes.Last night while watching Heroes OTA on WTVJ-DT, there was a very annoying sporadic flicker along the bottom of the screen along with an accompanying audio problem. It disappeared after 20 minutes or so, but I wasn't able to compare WTVJ-DT with WPTV-DT to see if the issue was from NBC or the local outlet, as I couldn't get a strong enough signal from WPB.

Hey all. I'm trying to find an OTA HDTV antenna setup that will get me near perfect signal quality for all the locals. I've got a Radio Shack indoor/outdoor amplified unit that works pretty well outside, but I don't get 10.1 very well. I'm in an apartment about a block away from Kendall drive and US1 but I think I have the option of putting an antenna on the roof of the building with a clear view to the N-NE (four stories). Any recommendations?

Thanks.The Channel Master 3016 will probably work very well, especially given that it will be 4 stories up. Fairly inexpensive and not too large.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=ANC3016

I was watching the debate OTA and I saw some interruptions there as well. As a matter of fact, NBC6 has been having some broadcast problems for a few weeks now. I hope they fix it soon as I had to switch to different channel to finish the debate and it gets quite annoying sometimes.

I've been seeing issues with NBC6 on Clear QAM. Not sure if the problem is on Comcast's network, or NBC6's side, since I don't have an OTA antenna connected.

The problems range from just minor audio distortion to full on freezing and blackout of the stream. I get macroblocking now and then too, and for a while on Sunday night, the same 6 second or so from the show "Knight Rider" were repeating again and again in an endless loop.

So something is definitely up!

97Strat, you raise some very good points! Like you I am no engineer and know little of the ins and outs of this kind of all this stuff!

Regarding digital PQ, however, a thought does occur to me. I agree with your premise that with digital you either have a picture or you don’t but that that doesn’t seem to cover the whole spectrum! Consider D* for a moment. I’ve never seen D* but it would seem that that their MPEG2 PQ is infinitely inferior to their MPEG4 PQ. Yet they are both digital and they both provide a picture, albeit not equal in quality!

Obviously these are two different forms of compression but they both fit the premise of “if it’s digital you have a picture”!

Could it not also be true that using the same form of compression, various forms of “tweaking” could produce varying picture quality?

Like you, I don’t know, but our PQ has definitely improved while using the same (rather old) box!

97Strat, you raise some very good points! Like you I am no engineer and know little of the ins and outs of this kind of all this stuff!Indeed - it's quite interesting, and a lot of it reminds me of the "man behind the curtain" from the Wizard of Oz. :)

Regarding digital PQ, however, a thought does occur to me. I agree with your premise that with digital you either have a picture or you don’t but that that doesn’t seem to cover the whole spectrum! Consider D* for a moment. I’ve never seen D* but it would seem that that their MPEG2 PQ is infinitely inferior to their MPEG4 PQ. Yet they are both digital and they both provide a picture, albeit not equal in quality!

Obviously these are two different forms of compression but they both fit the premise of “if it’s digital you have a picture”!

Could it not also be true that using the same form of compression, various forms of “tweaking” could produce varying picture quality?Agreed, but only before the signal reaches the box (or TV) on the consumer end. I can't think of a reason why the supplier would have the box compress the picture further, and I seriously doubt that the box "enhances" the signal somehow. Of course I'm not positive about any of this; I'm just logically (at least I hope) reaching these conclusions.

To put it another way, here's an experiment: Select an HD channel that's available on both clear QAM and through the box - a local channel that's broadcasting HD content should suffice. First, connect the cable coming out of the wall to the set, then tune in that channel with the set's tuner. Note the picture quality. Next, disconnect the cable from the set, connect it to the box, connect the box to your set, then tune in the same channel. If what I supsect is true, picture quality should be the same coming from the box as it was coming right off the cable directly. If not, I would absolutely love to know the cause of the difference.

BTW, when we first picked up our box, they gave us one of the brand new silver ones with the rectangular display. Picture quality was what it was, but we had to return it because it would not turn off. We turned it in for one of the "old" boxes with the oval display, and picture quality was virtually identical. We noticed absolutely no difference between the old and new boxes.

Like you, I don’t know, but our PQ has definitely improved while using the same (rather old) box!Better PQ is always a good thing! :)

I think the true test to see how much compression any supplier is using would be to compare their signal to an OTA signal. It's certainly possible to do this if you can receive the locals OTA and you have a STB from your cable/sat supplier. By toggling the inputs on the TV with both tuned to the same channel, you can feasibly do an A/B comparison of the two sources. I'd be very interested in those results.

Hey all. I'm trying to find an OTA HDTV antenna setup that will get me near perfect signal quality for all the locals. I've got a Radio Shack indoor/outdoor amplified unit that works pretty well outside, but I don't get 10.1 very well. I'm in an apartment about a block away from Kendall drive and US1 but I think I have the option of putting an antenna on the roof of the building with a clear view to the N-NE (four stories). Any recommendations?

Thanks.

I've got the AntennaCraft HDX1000 which does a great job picking up VHF 10.1 and 7.1 as well as UHF. I have it facing south from West Palm Beach,thats 46 miles away and I got all WP and MIA channels. Radio Shack also sells it.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HDX1000

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2348191&cp=2032057.2032187.2032189.2032205&parentPage=family

I've got the AntennaCraft HDX1000 which does a great job picking up VHF 10.1 and 7.1 as well as UHF. I have it facing south from West Palm Beach,thats 46 miles away and I got all WP and MIA channels. Radio Shack also sells it.That's pretty damn good, albeit a bit on the expensive side.

How high up is it to get that kind of reception? Do you also get WPBF-DT with it facing south? IIRC, WPBF-DT originates northwest of West Palm Beach.

That's pretty damn good, albeit a bit on the expensive side.

How high up is it to get that kind of reception? Do you also get WPBF-DT with it facing south? IIRC, WPBF-DT originates northwest of West Palm Beach.

Actually, I'm in Wellington and WPBF is hitting the back side of the antenna as well as WTVX. Both come in pretty strong. I live in one story house so the antenna is about 15 feet of the ground. This antenna is great. I'm still amazed at how well it picks up VHF.

I'd also like to know how high you have it mounted. If I can avoid setting it up on the roof, that would be ideal, but if it's as good as they say it is, I'll do whatever it takes. :)

Thanks!

I'd also like to know how high you have it mounted. If I can avoid setting it up on the roof, that would be ideal, but if it's as good as they say it is, I'll do whatever it takes. :)

Thanks!

It definetly has to be mounted outside on the roof or on the side. I have attached a picture as to how I mounted mine. Hope this is helpful.121631

So, who do we complain to about the freezing, skipping and continuously looping video on NBC6? Is it Comcast, the DVR, NBC6?

It is just ridiculous now. About two weeks ago I was watching a recording of SNL when towards the end during one of the skits the video just started looping over and over. Anna Farris said some stupid line and the people sitting with her at the table laughed. At first, like an idiot, I thought it was part of the skit. Eventually I caught on and decided to fast forward and it did it all the way to the end of the recording.

I'm thinking it is not an NBC problem because it also happens with ABC. The difference is that with ABC it is less often and it doesn't happen at night. For me it only happens during "The View". Sometimes it is just unwatchable. It started about a month back with the audio slowly going up in pitch and becoming "computerized" until it was unintelligible (So many jokes there, I know!) but now the image and audio just freeze and then it skips forward a few seconds. I thought maybe the DVR was corrupting the recordings but that can't be it because it doesn't do it for every recording and it is also happening to other people here with NBC.

That only leaves Comcast as the source of the problem but now that I think of it some more the problem could be with live HD broadcasts! It happens during SNL and The View which I believe are both live. That audio problem I mentioned also happened during one of the speeches during the conventions or a debate or maybe it was a presidential speech (I don't really remember) I can't say what channel it was on since I flip around a lot but it was probably ABC or NBC since those are the two I mostly watch on HD. Any ideas?

No more NBC Weather-Plus
NBC is shutting down it's 'Weather Plus' service nationwide
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http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/10/n...ather_plus.php
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I've seen another thread about NBC in another message board and they're not local.

Aaaand just when I notice that Comcast has never changed their QAM channels, they start doing so. They moved CBS, PBS, and SFL to other "major" channel numbers, leaving the sub channel numbers the same.

I wonder if they're reallocating bandwidth; why else would they do this?

Aaaand just when I notice that Comcast has never changed their QAM channels, they start doing so. They moved CBS, PBS, and SFL to other "major" channel numbers, leaving the sub channel numbers the same.

I wonder if they're reallocating bandwidth; why else would they do this?How about to make it difficult for customers without STBs so they "upgrade" (for more money) to digital and/or HD with a STB?

So, who do we complain to about the freezing, skipping and continuously looping video on NBC6? Is it Comcast, the DVR, NBC6?

It is just ridiculous now. About two weeks ago I was watching a recording of SNL when towards the end during one of the skits the video just started looping over and over. Anna Farris said some stupid line and the people sitting with her at the table laughed. At first, like an idiot, I thought it was part of the skit. Eventually I caught on and decided to fast forward and it did it all the way to the end of the recording.

I'm thinking it is not an NBC problem because it also happens with ABC. The difference is that with ABC it is less often and it doesn't happen at night. For me it only happens during "The View". Sometimes it is just unwatchable. It started about a month back with the audio slowly going up in pitch and becoming "computerized" until it was unintelligible (So many jokes there, I know!) but now the image and audio just freeze and then it skips forward a few seconds. I thought maybe the DVR was corrupting the recordings but that can't be it because it doesn't do it for every recording and it is also happening to other people here with NBC.

That only leaves Comcast as the source of the problem but now that I think of it some more the problem could be with live HD broadcasts! It happens during SNL and The View which I believe are both live. That audio problem I mentioned also happened during one of the speeches during the conventions or a debate or maybe it was a presidential speech (I don't really remember) I can't say what channel it was on since I flip around a lot but it was probably ABC or NBC since those are the two I mostly watch on HD. Any ideas?

The problem is (or was) definitely with NBC6. They are constantly having problems on digital 6.1. Between the back and forth switching between HD and SD and the freezing and audio dropouts and the looping, I'm getting VERY loopy. I have written to the Technical Operations department via email on numerous occasions and usually after I write to them the problems are corrected.

I read that after the sale of the station goes through, they will be moving to the new "state of the art" facility in Hallendale (with channel 10 WPLG). Hopefully, this will resolve all of these issues.

Can anyone with Dish Network tell me how the Discovery Channel in HD looks? My Discovery HD channel with Dish is not sharp at all and almost blurry at times. Both my plasmas don't really display Discovery very well so I know it's not the TVs but the source itself.

For me it's on channel 182 and the satellite is 61.5. I used to have comcast and it came in very sharp.

Any info would help.

I was watching the debate OTA and I saw some interruptions there as well. As a matter of fact, NBC6 has been having some broadcast problems for a few weeks now. I hope they fix it soon as I had to switch to different channel to finish the debate and it gets quite annoying sometimes.

The problem is (or was) definitely with NBC6. They are constantly having problems on digital 6.1. Between the back and forth switching between HD and SD and the freezing and audio dropouts and the looping, I'm getting VERY loopy. I have written to the Technical Operations department via email on numerous occasions and usually after I write to them the problems are corrected.

I just came here to double check, but yes, the problem is with NBC6's channel 6.1, and it started a few weeks back, the reason I know for sure is because I've been forced to switch over to West Palm's channel 5.1 during Leno and Conan's show and the signal here is without any freeze ups or audio dropouts....


On a different issue...Can someone here verify for me if they are able or not to pick up a good OTA digital signal for the Spanish channel 41?

Both my Sansung box and Panny internal tuners refuse to Tune In this channel.

I never cared before but I'm dropping Cable and switching over my Parents' TV using one of those 'converter boxes' soon and even though I can pick up with my OTA antenna every channel including WPB I can't pick up channel 41.

And I wonder if my OTA antenna needs adjusting or if this local channel is not sending out a good signal yet...

Thanks..

Channel 41 is a "Class A Low Power" TV station. Their transmitter is west of Miami (Tamiami, West Dade) with a directional antenna toward the city. You're not going to get good analog reception unless you're in the main lobe. They rely on cable and satellite for most of their audience. WJAN has permits for higher power analog and flea power digital, I don't know if they have built out either one.

How about ABC? Is anyone else having problems with them too? Last night during the debate it did that pause/skip thing about two or three times.

Channel 41 is a "Class A Low Power" TV station. Their transmitter is west of Miami (Tamiami, West Dade) with a directional antenna toward the city. You're not going to get good analog reception unless you're in the main lobe. They rely on cable and satellite for most of their audience. WJAN has permits for higher power analog and flea power digital, I don't know if they have built out either one.

Thanks Ace, but I'm talking about 'Digital' over the air reception, with my Panasonic's built in digital tuner I get a very weak signal, my other Samsung digital tuner can't find the station at all.... isn't this station supposed to comply with the FCC Digital OTA Transmissions regulations?

I hope so, cause I was planning to drop cable as my senior parents spend a lot of time watching this station...

Thanks Ace, but I'm talking about 'Digital' over the air reception, with my Panasonic's built in digital tuner I get a very weak signal, my other Samsung digital tuner can't find the station at all.... isn't this station supposed to comply with the FCC Digital OTA Transmissions regulations?

I hope so, cause I was planning to drop cable as my senior parents spend a lot of time watching this station...

WJAN-CA does not yet have a digital signal. As a low-powered station, they are not impacted by the analog shutoff next year.

- Trip

WJAN-CA does not yet have a digital signal. As a low-powered station, they are not impacted by the analog shutoff next year.

- Trip

Ok, thanks Trip, I get it now, I didn't know 'low-power stations' were exempt..I guess my Panny's tuner is picking up a weak analog signal then... I thought these tuners were 'digital' only, but it makes sense now, Channel's 41's weak signal is reminiscent to the old bad Analog signal behavior....I should have picked up on that :eek:

Well, this info really throws a monkey range in my plans now.......Hmmmm:mad:

Edit: Well, I just went over to WJan/AmericaTEVE's web page, and apparently they are not planning to switch over to Digital anytime soon, as they are recommending a converter with an "Analog Pass-through' feature or you won't be able to see the channel.....since I can't even pick up the Analog signal now, I'm SOL ... or maybe they are?

Ok, thanks Trip, I get it now, I didn't know 'low-power stations' were exempt..I guess my Panny's tuner is picking up a weak analog signal then... I thought these tuners were 'digital' only, but it makes sense now, Channel's 41's weak signal is reminiscent to the old bad Analog signal behavior....I should have picked up on that :eek:

Well, this info really throws a monkey range in my plans now.......Hmmmm:mad:

They actually do have a construction permit for a digital signal, but it's at very low power and on channel 9 (so they couldn't possibly use it until WPLG-DT vacates channel 9 next year). I wouldn't expect it to stay there for long either, because I figure that the full-power WPLG-DT at 156 kW will absolutely demolish the 0.01 kW WJAN-CA has a permit for on channel 9.

I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to flash-cut on channel 41 at some point instead of building channel 9.

- Trip

They actually do have a construction permit for a digital signal, but it's at very low power and on channel 9 (so they couldn't possibly use it until WPLG-DT vacates channel 9 next year). I wouldn't expect it to stay there for long either, because I figure that the full-power WPLG-DT at 156 kW will absolutely demolish the 0.01 kW WJAN-CA has a permit for on channel 9.

I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to flash-cut on channel 41 at some point instead of building channel 9.

- Trip

Thanks again Trip, according to your post it looks like I won't be able to get this channel's Digital signal for a while , even after the cut-over...
At least you guys saved me the hassle of climbing on the roof to play around with the antenna looking for the non-existing digital channel 41... Thanks

wsvn (local 7) hasn't been coming in too well OTA on sundays. That's not good w/ football on sundays. anyone else having a problem. im in coral gables.

wsvn (local 7) hasn't been coming in too well OTA on sundays. That's not good w/ football on sundays. anyone else having a problem. im in coral gables.

A brief look revealed excellent reception in this part of CG (Sunset/Ponce).

Perhaps watching the Lions for any length of time disrupts one's eyeballs.

JEERS TO WSVN for cutting off the post game coverage of the World Series. Who needs to watch news on that station when you have the National Enquirer? GRRR!!!

Have you guys in Miami gotten new channels since ScienceHD?

No. How are you liking D*?

In case you haven’t seen it, a message on my DVR this morning indicates that Comcast is adding three HD channels in Broward (don’t know about Miami-Dade).

428 Fox News HD
450 Speed HD
451 FX HD

The effective date is the 29th which is a little strange since that is Wednesday and they usually add channels on Tuesdays!

I know a lot of people will be very happy with these additions but they do nothing for me whatsoever! :mad:

Thanks for the update. Since we still do not have CNN down here, I am only a tiny bit optimistic that we will get these new channels. I would love to have CNN or Fox News HD for election night coverage. At this point, I do not care which one......lol

Still waiting for The Weather Channel in HD....

No. How are you liking D*?

I love it. The only downside was like on Saturday for example when the rain really came down really really hard I didn't have TV for 5 minutes. I already had an installer to realign the dish. However, the DVR is not affected since it's off the hard drive obviously.

The other thing is that I need to buy a network powerline adapter so that I can run internet to the box. This is so that I can watch On Demand and connect my Wii and PS3 to the internet (I have a wireless G router that my cousin gave me but it doesn't get a signal out). If you have a wireless router already, you have to get a non-USB ethernet adapter to plug into the RJ-45 connection in the back of the box. It's not like the PS3 where it has WiFi built in already. The adapter kit is $50 plus $10 shipping.

I love it for one thing because not only the package I have gives me way more HD channels, it costs me about the same as Comcast did with way more movie channels.

The little features too like being able to program your DVR from the web or your phone, customizing the alerts for your fantasy players via NFL Ticket, huge hard drive, RF remotes, a real web site. It's such a better experience. Even at the dbstalk forums you see people that have had D* users for 10 years+.

Doom, how's the HD PQ?

Is there anybody here with experience on Directv on a MDU building ? My condiminium is upgrading the system to the MFH2 but I use Atlantic Broadband now. I heard horror thinks about MDU but I guess the new system is much better. Thanks.

The HD PQ is great. I love watching Red Zone channel in HD seeing all the football games. Obviously HD is way superior to SD. I had mentioned that Comcast's PQ was slightly better but the overall experience of D* is well worth the difference.

Last week while I was watching the World Series game 2, I was flipping around during commercials (Comcast) and noticed that a few HD channels were very bad. One in particular had a lot of macroblocking - I think it was AMC or something like that.

The one thing that I noticed on WSVN-DT over Comcast was that the close-up detail was fairly washed out - like the grass on the field. Looked pretty blotchy. Same thing on ESPN (forgot what game was on). But I guess it is what it is.

Does anyone have channel 5422 Sun Sports HD with Dish?

The HD PQ is great. I love watching Red Zone channel in HD seeing all the football games. Obviously HD is way superior to SD. I had mentioned that Comcast's PQ was slightly better but the overall experience of D* is well worth the difference.

...but what is "D*"?

Thanks. :)

...but what is "D*"?

Thanks. :)

DirecTV.

Echostar Dish Network is, similarly, E*.

- Trip

In case you haven’t seen it, a message on my DVR this morning indicates that Comcast is adding three HD channels in Broward (don’t know about Miami-Dade).

428 Fox News HD
450 Speed HD
451 FX HD

The effective date is the 29th which is a little strange since that is Wednesday and they usually add channels on Tuesdays! ...
All three channels are up and running. I just checked to see if they were there; I didn't look at PQ or content.

Last week while I was watching the World Series game 2, I was flipping around during commercials (Comcast) and noticed that a few HD channels were very bad. One in particular had a lot of macroblocking - I think it was AMC or something like that.

The one thing that I noticed on WSVN-DT over Comcast was that the close-up detail was fairly washed out - like the grass on the field. Looked pretty blotchy. Same thing on ESPN (forgot what game was on). But I guess it is what it is.

The good thing is that I haven't seen any macroblocking with D* like I did with Comcast. Comcast's still picture was a little better but when movement occurred D* shines.

No new channels in Coral Gables (Miami/Dade)......UGHHHHH!

I wonder if FOX HD will show up as an on demand option, they have good movies.

Today there was a message on my DVR box about channel changes. Channels 19 and 25 are moving to the 500's. Maybe this will free up some space to add more HD channels in Miami/Dade? The two channels are being changed on 11/11/08. Hopeful......

Today there was a message on my DVR box about channel changes. Channels 19 and 25 are moving to the 500's. Maybe this will free up some space to add more HD channels in Miami/Dade? The two channels are being changed on 11/11/08. Hopeful......

I wonder what's replacing 19 and 25? Right now they seem to be spanish language channels; maybe they might put something in those slots that I might actually be interested in watching?

That would be nice since I'm still on expanded basic. :)

The channels 19 and 25 have been moved to the 500's. Hopefully this will allow Comcast to add some new HD channels. From my count, we are now 5 behind Ft. Lauderdale....CNN, Fox News, FX, Speed, and AMC. Maybe tomorrow....(1 week ago on Wednesday when new channels were added in Ft. Lauderdale....)

No new channels huh? BTW, congrats on Lou's award, cubsrock.

Guys, is anyone using the amplified Winegard GS2200 OTA antenna in Miami with good results? This is a VHF/UHF bidirectional unit that's supposedly good up to approx. 40 miles to transmitter towers.
I am interested in getting as many channels as possible, including HDTV... of course!

Thanks.

Guys, is anyone using the amplified Winegard GS2200 OTA antenna in Miami with good results? This is a VHF/UHF bidirectional unit that's supposedly good up to approx. 40 miles to transmitter towers.
I am interested in getting as many channels as possible, including HDTV... of course!

Thanks.

I live in Boca and have the Winegard GS2200 and love it. I have it pointed to WPB and pick up all the WPB and Miami Stations with the exception of Channel 34.

Ditto on Marty's statement. It's a great antenna for this area.

Marty & Jeff, many thanks for your valuable input. I think I'll get the GS2200 based on your positive experiences.

Marty, Jeff or any other member:

I forgot to ask you... how do you connect two TVs to a single GS2200? Would I use a 2-way coaxial splitter, just like for cable TV?

Thanks again!

Marty, Jeff or any other member:

I forgot to ask you... how do you connect two TVs to a single GS2200? Would I use a 2-way coaxial splitter, just like for cable TV?

Thanks again!That'll work, as long as the splitter's after the amplifier. IOW, antenna -> amp -> splitter.

Marty, Jeff or any other member:

I forgot to ask you... how do you connect two TVs to a single GS2200? Would I use a 2-way coaxial splitter, just like for cable TV?

Thanks again!

I have a 4 way splitter (after the amplifier) behind my entertainment center and split the signal to my 2 DirecTV receivers, my HD TiVo and directly into my TV.

Works just fine.

Many thanks to all of you for the suggestions, guys. I'm gonna get a GS2200 for sure!

I used to get NBC 6 as 116.001 on my tuner, but it's no longer there! Is anyone else having this problem? Can anyone else help please? Where is the channel now? Reply here or to my e-mail at Phlmn8r@aol.com.

Thank you so so much! This is really frustrating me!

I used to get NBC 6 as 116.001 on my tuner, but it's no longer there! Is anyone else having this problem? Can anyone else help please? Where is the channel now? Reply here or to my e-mail at Phlmn8r@aol.com.

Thank you so so much! This is really frustrating me!If you're using QAM, do a rescan to see if your set picks it up. If you have some kind of box, check your program guide or contact your provider.

Thank you so much for your reply. I see you're in Sunrise - I'm in Coral Springs and receive Channel 4 on 116.1, Channel 7 on 89.1, and Channel 10 on 89.2, but I still cannot find Channel 6. I don't use a box and the cable company has no idea what I'm talking about - they say they have nothing to do with this. What channel do you get NBC 6 on? Thank you for any help.

Thank you so much for your reply. I see you're in Sunrise - I'm in Coral Springs and receive Channel 4 on 116.1, Channel 7 on 89.1, and Channel 10 on 89.2, but I still cannot find Channel 6. I don't use a box and the cable company has no idea what I'm talking about - they say they have nothing to do with this. What channel do you get NBC 6 on? Thank you for any help.I have an antenna, so my channels will be different from yours. That said, if you are using your TV's tuner, you'll have to do a complete rescan to make sure you're getting all your channels. It's not out of the question to expect that your provider has switched channels or even eliminated channels.

Thank you so much for your reply. I see you're in Sunrise - I'm in Coral Springs and receive Channel 4 on 116.1, Channel 7 on 89.1, and Channel 10 on 89.2, but I still cannot find Channel 6. I don't use a box and the cable company has no idea what I'm talking about - they say they have nothing to do with this. What channel do you get NBC 6 on? Thank you for any help.

I also live in Coral Springs and found my locals missing the other day. This is the first time Advanced Cable has changed this in the 2+ years I've had a TV with a QAM tuner. I was able to find all the channels using the TV's auto scan feature.

This is from memory so it may not be 100% correct but the channels for me are:
Ch 2 - 80.2
Ch 4 - 116.8
Ch 6 - 80.1
Ch 7 - 89.1
Ch 10 - 89.2
Ch 33 - 83.1

I'm hoping this change is a sign that they're about to add more local HD channels like Ch 39, 23 or 51.

I just finished chat with Comcast, they have a promo Starz $5 / 6 mo and HBO,TMC, Cinemax $9.99 for 12 months. Their fastest Internet is $29.95/ 6 mo- in case you were thinking of getting in without breaking your budget. :p

You have made my mother's holiday weekend, now that she's able to watch her soaps in HD again! Could we please have your e-mail address? If we find any more channels, we'll let you know and vice versa. Hers is stutzie69@aol.com.
Thank you, thank you, thank you again!! Have an amazing holiday!!

I just finished chat with Comcast, they have a promo Starz $5 / 6 mo and HBO,TMC, Cinemax $9.99 for 12 months. Their fastest Internet is $29.95/ 6 mo- in case you were thinking of getting in without breaking your budget. :pWhat are the normal prices for those things after the specials run out? And what's the length of the committment?

So did anyone get visited by an AT&T rep yet pushing U-Verse. They can't help me since I have a contract but they're certainly better than Comcast. Way more channels (no ESPNewsHD nor SpikeHD though) and I think it's like $170 for all the HD channels including movie channels, home phone, and 6.0MB internet.

... but they're certainly better than Comcast. Way more channels (no ESPNewsHD nor SpikeHD though) ...If you read this thread (it is long, start with the last page and work backwards) http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=700011 You will see that while some are OK with U-Verse, many (most?) believe the HD PQ leaves a lot to be desired!

And do they really offer more HD channels than Comcast? It wouldn’t surprise me but I have never seen a channel line-up!

Another thing to bear in mind is that they only provide two HD threads at the present time. While this is lot better than the one they used to have it is still not good if you add a second HD TV, especially if one of them has a DVR attached! For example, you would not be able to watch different HD channels on the two TVs and record a third at the same time. I can certainly see this as a big drawback and I will probably be getting a second HD TV early in the New Year!

U-Verse is not available in my area as yet and when (if) it does become an option I will look more closely to form my own opinion.

The owners of MOJO (of which Comcast is one) have decided to discontinue the channel as of 12/01/2008.

As of 12/09/2008 Versus HD (presently shared with Golf HD) will become full-time and will move to channel 448. Golf HD will also become full-time on channel 405.

This is according to a message on my box this morning. This is pretty much what Comcast is doing across the country so it is not much of a surprise. However, as someone who has little or no interest in sports this means another non-sports channel lost while adding a new sports channel. Not the best for me!

My guess is that is effective in all areas of South Florida.

That's been happening all over the US about Mojo.

As for U-Verse, it's true about the streams. Through a network is that DVR able to work. I only have one HDTV in my house with 2 CRT sets in the bedrooms so it works for me. You can see a lineup if you go to their site and put in the zip code of 33334 in Ft. Lauderdale. I don't know if Miami will be different but I put in a Kendall zip and a South Beach zip and neither worked even though both have AT&T stores with U-Verse sales centers. In it's infancy U-Verse is risky but Comcast's service is bar none awful.

Thanks for the update about channel changes. No new message on my DVR box in Coral Gables. Also, still waiting for FOX News and CNN.....

... You can see a lineup if you go to their site and put in the zip code of 33334 in Ft. Lauderdale. ...No joy! Simply get a message to the effect that UVerse is not available in that area and to try another zip code!

To this date I've not seen a channel lineup for them! Could you post a direct link? Thanks!

U-Verse lineup is not bad but that's the only good news. Limit of 2 hd programs at the same time, only one DVR per household, recording of 4 programs at the same time but they don't say only one can be HD. Picture quality is worse than cable and satellite but more noticeable if your display is over 50".

Bottom line: U-Verse is no FIOS, acceptable if you still mostly watch SD and are happy with only one DVR. Not my case.

hey folks, i'm in plantation and thinking about trying OTA. i'm with comcast and have never watched anything OTA. antennaweb says we're about 10 miles from the transmitter towers, and all the channels i'd be interested in watching are about 180 or 183 degrees (almost due south). is there a consensus indoor or outdoor antenna people around here are using? i figured i'd ask my neighbors before i started trying to become an antenna expert on my own. also, anything else i need to know about trying to watch NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX OTA around here? thanks!

another question. anybody in south florida using a Tivo HD or a Tivo Series 3 HD with a cablecard (or cablecards) from Comcast? that might be an option for me to get OTA and get rid of the motorola HD DVR. i've heard of some problems with pixellation or audio dropouts with the non-series 3 Tivo's, as well as cablecard installation and setup issues. i'd like to hear other people in the area's experiences.

hey folks, i'm in plantation and thinking about trying OTA. i'm with comcast and have never watched anything OTA. antennaweb says we're about 10 miles from the transmitter towers, and all the channels i'd be interested in watching are about 180 or 183 degrees (almost due south). is there a consensus indoor or outdoor antenna people around here are using? i figured i'd ask my neighbors before i started trying to become an antenna expert on my own. also, anything else i need to know about trying to watch NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX OTA around here? thanks!Welcome to the OTA club. Best pq available, but obviously limited choices.

That said, you'll need a VHF/UHF antenna in order to pick up all digitals, as WSVN-DT and WPLG-DT both broadcast on VHF (all others are on UHF). Best antenna is roof, next is attic, then indoor. From Plantation, an indoor should suffice unless you've got a lot of stuff (e.g., trees, walls, buildings, etc.) between you and the antenna farm.

Another web site to check is TVFool (http://www.tvfool.com). Halfway down the home page, click on 'Start Here' and follow the directions. Personally, I like TVFool better than antennaweb, but that's just my preference.

Once you get everything hooked up and aimed, make sure you do a complete OTA scan to pick up all available signals. From there you can delete the unwanted stations.

It appears that WPLG-DT has abandoned Stretch-O-Vision. Today marks the second day in a row that the local SD digital pic is being broadcast in "natural" 4:3 over WPLG-DT.

Finally, an undistorted pic from Channel 10!!! :)

Now, if WSVN-DT would get it together...

Welcome to the OTA club. Best pq available, but obviously limited choices.

That said, you'll need a VHF/UHF antenna in order to pick up all digitals, as WSVN-DT and WPLG-DT both broadcast on VHF (all others are on UHF). Best antenna is roof, next is attic, then indoor. From Plantation, an indoor should suffice unless you've got a lot of stuff (e.g., trees, walls, buildings, etc.) between you and the antenna farm.

Another web site to check is TVFool (http://www.tvfool.com). Halfway down the home page, click on 'Start Here' and follow the directions. Personally, I like TVFool better than antennaweb, but that's just my preference.

Once you get everything hooked up and aimed, make sure you do a complete OTA scan to pick up all available signals. From there you can delete the unwanted stations.

thanks for all the info. is the vhf/uhf antenna necessity going to change after 2/17/09? it seemed like after that date HD ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX would all be available on UHF. i might have read it wrong, or i'm remembering it incorrectly. regardless, i'm going to need some advice on types of antennas and how much they should cost. i know absolutely nothing about them. from your screenname i take it you play guitar. i'm a musician myself. i have a lot of guitars, but my strat is an '84 tobacco burst japanese. thanks again.

thanks for all the info. is the vhf/uhf antenna necessity going to change after 2/17/09? it seemed like after that date HD ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX would all be available on UHF. i might have read it wrong, or i'm remembering it incorrectly. regardless, i'm going to need some advice on types of antennas and how much they should cost. i know absolutely nothing about them. from your screenname i take it you play guitar. i'm a musician myself. i have a lot of guitars, but my strat is an '84 tobacco burst japanese. thanks again.Both WPLG-DT and WSVN-DT will remain on VHF after the cutoff date, so you'll still need a combo antenna for OTA. WPLG-DT will broadcast over channel 10; WSVN-DT will broadcast over channel 7 (currently WPLG-DT is on 9 and WSVN-DT is on 8). TVFool has all the channel assignments for both current and post-cutoff.

As for antennas, I'd start at the bottom and work up. Try plain old rabbit ears first, then if you're not satisfied, check out some of the store-bought indoors (there are tests and opinions all over the AVS forums), then finally go to attic/roof antennas if you must. Just make sure you do complete scans with each different antenna. BTW, my Strat is an American '97 Roadhouse.

I am in Plantation, east of University Drive. The Channel Master 3010 has been in my attic for years and picks up everything from Miami with no problem. WPB, now that's another story. Because we live in the lightning capital of the world, I am extremely hesitant to mount anything outside with a wire that runs into my house/electronics. This has worked well for me for the last 4 years, and I can live without Channels: 5, 12, 29, 34, etc..

BTW: I connect it (with an amplifier) to a DirecTV Tivo (HR10).

http://www.starkelectronic.com/stealth.htm

I am in Plantation, east of University Drive. The Channel Master 3010 has been in my attic for years and picks up everything from Miami with no problem. WPB, now that's another story. Because we live in the lightning capital of the world, I am extremely hesitant to mount anything outside with a wire that runs into my house/electronics. This has worked well for me for the last 4 years, and I can live without Channels: 5, 12, 29, 34, etc..

BTW: I connect it (with an amplifier) to a DirecTV Tivo (HR10).

http://www.starkelectronic.com/stealth.htm

thanks for the info.

i just pulled the trigger and ordered Directv to replace comcast cable.

likely getting HR22's (no over the air tuner).

i plan to run OTA to the directv hd dvrs, via AM21's. antenna type and placement still unknown.

any tips, hints, help, or cautionary tales regarding my new directv and installation, and how to proceed to include OTA, please comment. they come monday, december 15th, between 8am and 12pm.

Beware of DirecTV installers! Great service...horrible customer service/installers.

Make sure the dish is secured to the side of the house or tap-conned into something secure.

I got lucky with my initial installer. He spoke English and knew what he was doing. After Hurricane Wilma, my dish didn't move one bit.

Make sure you request an English speaker (unless you're bilingual) and make sure you're both on the exact same page as far as to where and as to how many holes they're going to drill into your house.

Test everything before he leaves. Everything. Don't hestiaite to send him on his way if you get bad vibes.

Mastec was assigned as the local install company. i have a call in to them to have a supervisor call me so i can speak with the installer directly well before the day of installation. i happen to be bilingual (i'm not hispanic, i just learned spanish since i live here) but i'd prefer to do technical-oriented stuff in english to avoid any possible miscommunication.

thanks for the tips. i'll report back with how things go with mastec.

I live in Aventura and have Comcast Digital-HD. I cannot believe that Comcast does not have FOX NEWS or CNN in HD but they do in Ft. Lauderdale. I am furious. In as large of a market as Miami is how can they not have the #1 & #2 news channel in HD the US. And then to have it available jut over the county line? So here I am stuck watching these channels in SD when I got all this cool HD equipment? I wrote then an email but would like to talk to someone who actually is in the know. Any ideas?

As for D* install the most important thing you can do is test the signal strength for the HD channels while they are there. Read up at dbsforum for more details. Being that we're in south FL, if it rains, the HD channels are the first to go. The closer to 100% the better. If you have a poor signal, they have to send someone there. For my install and follow up signal realignment, they came hours before their assigned times.

will do.

I agree 100%. They did add the Versus channel recently since it separated from the Golf channel.

didn't see new topic button, so I'm using quick reply. In case I'm not the only one subscribing to Advanced Cable in Weston or Coral springs and also using the "TV Guide On Screen" feature that came with my TV, it stopped working a few weeks ago. Here is the response from Advanced Cable on the cause:

The signal/data for this guide service is transmitted within the vertical blanking interval of over-the-air Ch. 17 (WLRN). In preparation for the upcoming DTV transition we have switched to WLRN's digital signal feed and it currently doesn't contain this data. We've spoken to their engineering staff and they do not have a time frame on when this data will be included in their digital feed.

directv has come and gone and all is working wonderfully. thanks for all the tips. while they were here i had them install an antenna on the roof in the location i desired. it is a tiny cheap GE antenna i had lying around from home depot. i plan on switching it out for a better rooftop antenna in the next few days. i did the solidsignal.com antenna help form to see what they suggest for my location.

any other outdoor models you guys can suggest while i'm shopping? excellent performance and value would be ideal :D

(no rush as directv did not bring the AM21, so i am awaiting its arrival)

Which DVR did you get?

two HR22

directv has come and gone and all is working wonderfully. thanks for all the tips. while they were here i had them install an antenna on the roof in the location i desired. it is a tiny cheap GE antenna i had lying around from home depot. i plan on switching it out for a better rooftop antenna in the next few days. i did the solidsignal.com antenna help form to see what they suggest for my location.


ONe of the other things that you might want to do is to check out www.dbstalk.com, another great source for satellite and particularly DirecTV information, support and troubleshooting.

thanks. i have been over there and read up quite a bit. right now my focus is on settling my OTA antenna issues. i'll check over there for advice on that as well.

How are your HR22 boxes? Mine is slow as hell compared to my regular non-HD, non-DVR boxes.

mine seem fine. i haven't used the regular non-HD, non-DVR boxes yet.

i have the HR22's set to "Native," so i expected them to be slow while changing channels, but i was pleasantly surprised. maybe i just have a world of patience :)

i posted this over in the HDTV Technical section yesterday, but haven't received any replies, so i'm reposting here:

"hey guys. i currently have a GE home depot special on my roof that isn't really doing the job for me. i did the help-select-an-antenna thing on solidsignal.com, and they replied that they think i should use the clearstream2.

after reading through this thread (and the clearstream2 review links you posted), i'm not so sure that's the way i want to go.

i am really only interested in getting WSVN, WTVJ, WPLG and WFOR over the air (getting other channels would be nice, but i'm more concerned with FOX, ABC, NBC and CBS).

here is the tvfool chart for my location. single story house, antenna mounted on the roof. only interested in the stations to the south of me.

thanks for any help you can offer!"

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=127116&stc=1&d=1229578143

I remember someone here asked about WJAN a while back. Just to let you know, if you're still reading, WJAN-CA has asked for a power boost on their channel 9 to go up to 0.3 kW, the FCC limit for those stations. WDLP-LD on channel 8 wants the same, and they both apparently want to do it on 02/17/09. We'll see if it gets done.

- Trip

i posted this over in the HDTV Technical section yesterday, but haven't received any replies, so i'm reposting here:

"hey guys. i currently have a GE home depot special on my roof that isn't really doing the job for me. i did the help-select-an-antenna thing on solidsignal.com, and they replied that they think i should use the clearstream2.

after reading through this thread (and the clearstream2 review links you posted), i'm not so sure that's the way i want to go.

i am really only interested in getting WSVN, WTVJ, WPLG and WFOR over the air (getting other channels would be nice, but i'm more concerned with FOX, ABC, NBC and CBS).

here is the tvfool chart for my location. single story house, antenna mounted on the roof. only interested in the stations to the south of me.

thanks for any help you can offer!"

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=127116&stc=1&d=1229578143

I have a Winegard 2200 that lets me pick up both Miami and West Palm stations here in Boca and it works like a charm.

If you go to www.solidsignal.com they have a great selection of antennas and if you call them their CSR's will do a good job of linking you up with an antenna that works for what you want it to do.

thanks. i did the solid signal online matching thing and they recommended the C2. i might just have to call them.

Decided to try AT&T Uverse out. Placed my order the install is scheduled for 12/31. We shall see how this works out, I like the idea of a whole house DVR and future linking of VOIP and other services managed both from the internet and your TV. Will be interested in seeing how they execute this.

Make sure you have component cables (red, blue, green) handy. I don't think the U-Verse box takes HDMI yet.

Whats up guys..

Question, whats the best small footprint indoor antenna ?

I currently have an RCA ANT301: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882125057

While its good, and picks up for me in Doral 33178. I get NBC, CBS, CW, and PBS Digital and HD looks great on them, however I missing ABC and FOX because they are on VHF I presume? It is a UHF/VHF atenna but seems like it can't pick up the VHF signals, why? Would another better antenna pick these up? Both ABC and FOX (VHF) are not picked up by the antenna, is it marketed at VHF but can't pick them up? I just find it strange these are not picked up and happen to both be VHF.. something i'm missing?

What antenna can I buy that is better than this but small? I'm looking for just an indoor small footprint antenna to stay by the tv or behind the tv....

Any inputs? really want to pick up ABC and FOX....

For people living in Weston and who have Advanced Cable HD - They updated their website with new HD channels.

These are the new HD channels:
662 Animal Planet HD
663 Discovery Channel HD
664 TLC HD
665 The Science Channel
666 HGTV HD
667 Food Network HD
668 Bravo HD
669 USA Network HD
670 SciFi HD
671 CNBC HD
672 Planet Green HD

Make sure you have component cables (red, blue, green) handy. I don't think the U-Verse box takes HDMI yet.

Actually they do have HDMI on the boxes now, understand there may be some audio (5.1) issues with it and may need to use optical for sound. We shall see