How about changing names on the account? If the account is in the name of "Mr. Jones", cancel, and put new acct. in Mrs. Jones name (better yet, her maiden name) - worst that can happen if you "make up" a name is yoou'llneed yo pay a deposit.

...mike

Most companies like this- if you threaten to cancel, will transfer you to "retentions" where you will ofter be offered "new" customer deals to stay. Comcast did offer to do this when I wanted to cancel their internet after the promotion period. It was too late as we already had switched to DSL. Cell companies do this as well.

Thanks. I actually just had pretty good luck being nice with comcast customer service. I was trying to get one of the internet deals for new customers only. I said that I was online doing it now and that the site seems to know I am an existing customer and still shows the lower special price (therefore, I felt I should get the special). He said that my order would be bounced later when it sees that service is all ready on for that address. I said that if I had to pay the normal price for the Digital package I wanted that I would likely switch to Directv. He said that he could look for specials for existing customer. He found one that was not quite as good as the new-customer one but still pretty good.... so I took it. I said that I would only accept the newer DCX3400 HDDVR.

BTW, so far I have been pretty happy with the HD quality. Looks much better than it did at my friend's house that made me think I would not go with comcast (he did not have the DCX box). I split the signal out of my wall to go to the box (then HDMI to the TV) and the other to go coax directly to the TV. This is so that I could do a comparison of the 7 clear-QAM HD channnels that I have been living on for the past 18 months with the same 7 channels going through the DCX3400 box. I cannot see any real difference and I am pretty picky about PQ. BTW, I am running the DCX3400 in "native" mode so that it always puts out the resolution that the channel was broadcasted in... thus letting my Pioneer Kuro do the resolution conversion.

If you really want a true comparison and you can get OTA, hook up an antenna directly to the Pioneer and do an A/B between the same channel OTA vs. the box (or wall). I'd wager that you'll see a difference.

If you really want a true comparison and you can get OTA, hook up an antenna directly to the Pioneer and do an A/B between the same channel OTA vs. the box (or wall). I'd wager that you'll see a difference.


Thanks. I guess I incorrectly thought that clear-QAM HD from the wall was the same quality as OTA HD. Maybe I will get an HD antenna and throw that in the mix.

Thanks. I guess I incorrectly thought that clear-QAM HD from the wall was the same quality as OTA HD. Maybe I will get an HD antenna and throw that in the mix.I'd think that the clear-QAM and the box would be virtually identical, as the source for each is the same. I'd also think that digital OTA is as good as it gets, as there's absolutely nothing between you and the original signal except literally thin air. Using that logic, OTA would be the benchmark for which other broadcast sources can be compared.

Also, if you're in Davie, you're not all that far from the antenna farm, so you should get most if not all stations fine OTA unless you've got structures in the way. You're aware that there's really no such thing as an "HD" antenna, right? Just make sure you use something that can receive both VHF and UHF, as 7 & 10 are VHF on RF 7 & 10 respectively.

I'd think that the clear-QAM and the box would be virtually identical, as the source for each is the same. I'd also think that digital OTA is as good as it gets, as there's absolutely nothing between you and the original signal except literally thin air. Using that logic, OTA would be the benchmark for which other broadcast sources can be compared. ....Unless, of course, the station in question has one or more sub-channels. This is something that can definitely impact the OTA quality. I have no idea if that may or may not be the case here.

Unless, of course, the station in question has one or more sub-channels. This is something that can definitely impact the OTA quality. I have no idea if that may or may not be the case here.Except for stations like Ion that have 3 or 4 subs, I'd still think that the primary OTA HD broadcast will be clearer to the eye than any sat/cable transmission. I'm thinking that sat/cable compression looks "dirtier" than an HD OTA broadcast, even with that station carrying a sub-channel OTA.

That said, this begs the question: How do sat/cable providers receive signals that they broadcast over their systems that are also broadcast OTA? Do the have direct feeds for each channel/sub-channel from each station, or do they just have massive OTA antenna complexes? Or is it a combination of both? Inquiring minds want to know...

You Comcast subscribers may care to check this post over at Broadband DSL Reports (if you haven’t already seen it): http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23165682-South-Florida-Guide-Upgrades-iGuide-A28 (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23165682-South-Florida-Guide-Upgrades-iGuide-A28)

“We have all received notices that in our area our network will be going all digital on 10/20/09 and that those without boxes will need DTA adapters for viewing their channels above 25.”

I do not recall seeing this particular message, notice, or however it was delivered. Has anyone else received this notification?

I did receive the message regarding the iGuide update on the 14th.

Anyone have any further information?

Except for stations like Ion that have 3 or 4 subs, I'd still think that the primary OTA HD broadcast will be clearer to the eye than any sat/cable transmission. I'm thinking that sat/cable compression looks "dirtier" than an HD OTA broadcast, even with that station carrying a sub-channel OTA.

That said, this begs the question: How do sat/cable providers receive signals that they broadcast over their systems that are also broadcast OTA? Do the have direct feeds for each channel/sub-channel from each station, or do they just have massive OTA antenna complexes? Or is it a combination of both? Inquiring minds want to know...

I definitely agree that OTA is superior to satellite. I use OTA and satellite and can see the difference. I'd like to know why cable/satellite sends out separate transmissions for SD and HD. I would think that a lot of space would be saved by just resending the HD and let the equipment on the receiving end do the downgrading. Then again, I'm not an expert on this.

I definitely agree that OTA is superior to satellite. I use OTA and satellite and can see the difference. I'd like to know why cable/satellite sends out separate transmissions for SD and HD. I would think that a lot of space would be saved by just resending the HD and let the equipment on the receiving end do the downgrading. Then again, I'm not an expert on this.

The answer is simple: Backwards compatibility.

There are older digital cable boxes out there, for example the GI DCT 2000, which can't decode HD channels at all, much less downscale them. In order to stop broadcasting the digital SD channel, they would have to upgrade every last cable box out there at a significant expense.

This means we're going to be stuck with SD versions of HD channels for a long time, until the cable company sees fit to replace all those older digital cable boxes that can't handle the higher resolutions of HD channels.

Has anyone else received this notification

Yup, I got it in Davie. This is what finally motivated me to get the DTA's for my SD TVs and the DCX3400 for my main HDTV. I was running straight from the wall until now with Comcast. I've read that we'll loose channels 25-75 even on Digital TVs since they plan to encrypt those. Although, I would still get my Clear QAM comcast HD channels without the box...

Anyway, for now I am happy with the DCX3400. Hoping the switch to digital for the expanded basic does what you wrote about in your July post from this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16789353#post16789353).... i.e. adds more HD channels... I hope they also return to 2 HD channels per QAM channel instead of 3 that I believe they went to.

Has anyone been to the Sunrise Comcast office to exchange their old box for the newer
DCX3400 HDDVR box? You can not find out from the 1-800 comcast number if it is available.

You Comcast subscribers may care to check this post over at Broadband DSL Reports (if you haven’t already seen it): http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23165682-South-Florida-Guide-Upgrades-iGuide-A28 (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23165682-South-Florida-Guide-Upgrades-iGuide-A28)

“We have all received notices that in our area our network will be going all digital on 10/20/09 and that those without boxes will need DTA adapters for viewing their channels above 25.”

I do not recall seeing this particular message, notice, or however it was delivered. Has anyone else received this notification?

I did receive the message regarding the iGuide update on the 14th.

Anyone have any further information?

I got this notification as well but the date has come and gone and I don't see any of the features described. Has anyone seen anything different on your box?

BTW, when did the HSN interactive purchase button show up? That's pretty wild, and might I say, dangerous?

I got this notification as well but the date has come and gone and I don't see any of the features described. Has anyone seen anything different on your box?

BTW, when did the HSN interactive purchase button show up? That's pretty wild, and might I say, dangerous?Yes, the date has come and gone and according to an update posted in the thread I linked to, the new date is the 27th!!!!

I'll believe it when I see it! :D

I know nothing about the interactive button on HSN! :confused:

Comcast just turned off analog channels here in broward county.

Has anyone been to the Sunrise Comcast office to exchange their old box for the newer
DCX3400 HDDVR box? You can not find out from the 1-800 comcast number if it is available.

I'd like to know this as well. Have you tried calling 954-comcast?

Has anyone been to the Sunrise Comcast office to exchange their old box for the newer
DCX3400 HDDVR box? You can not find out from the 1-800 comcast number if it is available.

I picked up a DCX3400 at the Plantation office on Sunrise Blvd. Friend also picked one up there later. Not sure on Sunrise office.

BTW, I saw that Comcast added 402 in the last couple of days... which is SunSports HD. It used to be combined on 401 with FSN Florida. Now it seems 401 is FSN Florida HD and 402 is SunSports HD.

Did anyone else notice that ESPN (403) HD for the Gator-MissSt game Saturday night was complete crap picture quality? The ESPN2 HD (404) broadcast at the same time was quite good. Wondering if it was on the camera/Tx end by ESPN.

Comcast just turned off analog channels here in broward county.Maybe in some areas but not here in Plantation! (Actually, I think that Comcast considers me more of a part of Lauderhill or Pompano rather than Plantation).

Please identify exactly what area you are speaking of! :confused:

I picked up a DCX3400 at the Plantation office on Sunrise Blvd. Friend also picked one up there later. Not sure on Sunrise office. ...My understanding is that you cannot order a specific model of set-top box or DVR but you can certainly ask if a specific model is available and if it is they will give it to you.

This applies to store pickup or a service call! At least this has been my experience.

Maybe in some areas but not here in Plantation! (Actually, I think that Comcast considers me more of a part of Lauderhill or Pompano rather than Plantation).

Please identify exactly what area you are speaking of! :confused:
Im in Lauderhill, but this mourning the channels were back. Maybe someone messup started too early, but it wasn't some accident because only channels 2-25 worked..

Im in Lauderhill, but this mourning the channels were back. Maybe someone messup started too early, but it wasn't some accident because only channels 2-25 worked..Ah ... thank you! I checked just before I made that post so you would have had them back as well!

The new date is supposedly the 27th (tomorrow) so we'll see. I received the message about the new guide but never received any messages about needing DTAs!

My understanding is that you cannot order a specific model of set-top box or DVR but you can certainly ask if a specific model is available and if it is they will give it to you.

This applies to store pickup or a service call! At least this has been my experience.

Yup, that is how I handled it. Fully prepared to leave if they did not have the box I wanted. I wanted the Native mode of the DCX3400. 320Gig hard drive was a bonus though.

I picked up the new box at the Plantation office last Sat. It does run cooler and seems to change channels faster. Very hard to determine if HD channels are any better than old box. This weekend I will spend a lot more time with the box on my 100 inch screen. So far, on the 40 inch LCD TV , the picture is very clear. I find that picture quality seems to depend more on the network and the quality they put it to their programs.

Fodd Network and HGTV are fantastic while some of the network college games were below average.

Monday night football was very good. In fact, did anyone notice how in the beginning a fly or gnat hovered in front of the camera and then landed on the announcer's forehead? It was so real on my 40 inch LCD that I though that there really was a gnat on my screen for a few seconds. I was hypnotized by the gnat which sat on the forehead for a few minutes before it flew away. I kept on waiting for him to shew it away , but he talked without missing a beat.

Has anyone been to the Sunrise Comcast office to exchange their old box for the newer
DCX3400 HDDVR box? You can not find out from the 1-800 comcast number if it is available.

I got my new comcast 3400 box from the Sunrise comcast store. They had a few of them. They got there boxes in after 2:00 pm everyday. If your going to get one there I would get there after 2:00

I picked up the new box at the Plantation office last Sat. It does run cooler and seems to change channels faster. Very hard to determine if HD channels are any better than old box. This weekend I will spend a lot more time with the box on my 100 inch screen. So far, on the 40 inch LCD TV , the picture is very clear. I find that picture quality seems to depend more on the network and the quality they put it to their programs.

Fodd Network and HGTV are fantastic while some of the network college games were below average.

Monday night football was very good. In fact, did anyone notice how in the beginning a fly or gnat hovered in front of the camera and then landed on the announcer's forehead? It was so real on my 40 inch LCD that I though that there really was a gnat on my screen for a few seconds. I was hypnotized by the gnat which sat on the forehead for a few minutes before it flew away. I kept on waiting for him to shew it away , but he talked without missing a beat.

I have been using the box for a week now. I have it set on native and the channels have delay between them but not to bad. Most of my HD channels look fuzzy though. Things like local HD channels like 7 look good. Don't know why.

My understanding is that you cannot order a specific model of set-top box or DVR but you can certainly ask if a specific model is available and if it is they will give it to you.

This applies to store pickup or a service call! At least this has been my experience.

Is there a way to call these people ahead of time? I tried calling the number but it just goes to the customer service department somewhere else and they say there is no way to directly call that location.

Is there a way to call these people ahead of time? I tried calling the number but it just goes to the customer service department somewhere else and they say there is no way to directly call that location.I assume you mean the service/payment center? To be honest I have no idea! :(

There appears to be three in this area (Plantation, Davie and Ft. Lauderdale) and they all specify the same phone number: 954-252-1937. If you haven't tried this number, maybe it would be worth giving it a go. If you have already tried the number then I guess the answer is "no" unless you have inside information!

I assume you mean the service/payment center? To be honest I have no idea! :(

There appears to be three in this area (Plantation, Davie and Ft. Lauderdale) and they all specify the same phone number: 954-252-1937. If you haven't tried this number, maybe it would be worth giving it a go. If you have already tried the number then I guess the answer is "no" unless you have inside information!

Yeah with that number they won't let you talk to anyone in the service/payment centers.

Im in Lauderhill, but this mourning the channels were back. Maybe someone messup started too early, but it wasn't some accident because only channels 2-25 worked..

My Comcast Extended Basic channels (26-75) now seem to have gone digital (as of this morning in Davie). I really hope they divert some of this bandwidth to improving quality on the HD channels. I have noticed a degredation on ESPN HD lately.

I cannot get channel 10 HD on my digital without the HD box. It was 86-431 - anyone know where it went?

Better reception next summer, maybe...

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_list.pl

WSVN(TV) MIAMI, FLORIDA, TIMELY TRANSITIONED FROM ITS DIGITAL PRE-TRANSITION OPERATION ON CHANNEL 8 TO ITS AUTHORIZED POST-TRANSITION OPERATION ON CHANNEL 7. HOWEVER, WSVN SUBSEQUENTLY RECEIVED MANY HUNDREDS OF CALLS FROM VIEWERS UNABLE TO RECEIVE ITS CHANNEL 7 SIGNAL. IN ADDITION, A MEMBER OF THE FCC'S STAFF INFORMED WSVN BY E-MAIL THAT THE FCC CONSUMER CENTER RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY 3,720 CALLS DURING THE PERIOD OF JUNE 12 THROUGH JUNE 14, 2009 FROM VIEWERS EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY RECEIVING WSVN ON CHANNEL 7. WSVN BELIEVES THIS SITUATION IS SIMILAR TO REPORTS HEARD FROM OTHER CHANNEL 7 OPERATIONS IN OTHER MARKETS.

AS A CONSEQUENCE, ON JUNE 16, 2009, IN ORDER TO IMMEDIATELY SERVE THE INTERESTS OF WSVN VIEWERS, WSVN REQUESTED SPECIAL TEMPORARY AUTHORIZATION ('STA') TO INCREASE ITS EFFECTIVE RADIATED POWER ('ERP') FROM 31 KW TO 63 KW (SEE FILE NO. BDSTA-20090616ABJ). THE COMMISSION GRANTED THIS STA ON JUNE 17, 2009. THESE INCREASED POWER STA OPERATIONS ALLOW WSVN TO BETTER SERVE VIEWERS IN AND AROUND ITS COMMUNITY OF LICENSE WHILE THE STATION PURSUES A PERMANENT SOLUTION FOR ITS DTV SERVICE ISSUES. AS DEMONSTRATED IN THE ENGINEERING STATEMENT ATTACHED TO WSVN'S INITIAL STA REQUEST, THE PROPOSED POWER INCREASE DOES NOT CAUSE ANY NEW PROHIBITED INTERFERENCE.

SINCE FILING THE INITIAL STA REQUEST, WSVN HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS TOWARD A PERMANENT SOLUTION FOR ITS DTV SERVICES ISSUES. SPECIFICALLY, ON JUNE 19, 2009, WSVN FILED A MINOR MODIFICATION APPLICATION PROPOSING A NEW TOWER SUPPORT STRUCTURE LOCATED NEARBY, A NEW DIRECTIONAL ANTENNA, AND AN INCREASE IN ERP TO 158 KW (SEE FILE NO. BPCDT-20090619ACI). THE COMMISSION GRANTED THIS CONSTRUCTION PERMIT ON JUNE 22, 2009 WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE OF JUNE 22, 2012.

SINCE THAT TIME, TOWER CONSTRUCTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND WSVN HAS BEEN PREPARING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THESE NEW FACILITIES. HOWEVER, THIS CONSTRUCTION LIKELY WILL NOT COMPLETED UNTIL APPROXIMATELY MAY 2010. WSVN'S CURRENT STA EXPIRES ON DECEMBER 12, 2009. WSVN THEREFORE RESPECTFULLY REQUESTS THAT THE COMMISSION EXTEND ITS STA. THE INCREASED POWER PERMITTED BY CONTINUED STA OPERATIONS WILL ALLOW WSVN TO BETTER SERVE THE VIEWERS IN AND AROUND ITS COMMUNITY OF LICENSE WHILE IT COMPLETES CONSTRUCTION OF ITS MODIFIED DTV FACILITIES. ACCORDINGLY, AN EXTENSION OF WSVN'S STA WOULD SERVE THE PUBLIC INTEREST.

I cannot get channel 10 HD on my digital without the HD box. It was 86-431 - anyone know where it went?
10 HD for me used to be on 86.431 too. Here is lmy list of update hd channel locations:

2 73.220
4 73.212
6 74.211
7 129.213
10 74.210

10 HD for me used to be on 86.431 too. Here is lmy list of update hd channel locations:

2 73.220
4 73.212
6 74.211
7 129.213
10 74.210

Thanks!!

Why is CBS 4 still in the dark ages with HD? Their news programs look very shabby. Unless you have an old TV, why would anybody want to watch it?

Why is CBS 4 still in the dark ages with HD? Their news programs look very shabby. Unless you have an old TV, why would anybody want to watch it?Great question. At this point, they are simply out of the equation. Is CBS really that cheap that they're not upgrading this market to HD? I have to wonder how the anchors feel about looking so fuzzy (not to mention the godawful color) compared to the competition.

I am new here, but potentially helpful. I need a question answered.

Why does everyone use a . instead of a -. Most of the posts about Comcast cable channels use a . However, on all of my Televisions with QAM, I use a -. It's just a bit weird to me.

I don't know what time occupies all of you, but it takes an hour or two to track Comcast's shifts of QAM channels. They, of course, refuse to publish what they are doing to anyone and have changed twice in the past three weeks. I have the current listing. I created a spreadsheet. It's about 80% finished with all channels listed and most identifiers provided.

Why are none of you doing this? Someone should sue this fricking company for not publishing the channels I am entitled to and paying for. And no, I am not going to pay the $16 a month to translate those channels for me to their published information.

So, how do I post my spreadsheet. What's with all the dots (am I missing something) and is anyone interested? Why has no one spent the short time to do this? Why is a list not kept current?

I will be back once or twice to check for a response.

John

johnboy, welcome.

First, there's no difference between the period and the dash. It's personal preference. Now if you want to start bashing personal preference, you're on your own.

Next, Comcast wants everyone to have a box and not use the QAM tuner on their set, so they'll do the best they can to piss you off if you're using QAM. In your case, it seems to be working.

As for posting attachments, I think you might have to have posted a certain number of posts first - not sure of that though. I'm sure someone here will pipe up with that information.

Finally, as a Comcast customer, you'll get no sympathy from me - I'm strictly OTA for free with the best quality picture available. :)

John - Welcome.
There is a requirement that a new user make a certain number of posts before being able to post attachments. It is to prevent spammers from creating an account and immediately spamming. I don't know what the number is.
If you can, pm me the spreadsheet and i'll try to post it.

...mike

Ok, this is not perfect, but seems to be a whole lot more info than anyone else provided. A few comments. I recommend you all use . (dots) to refer to OTA and - (dash) to refer to QAM channels. Using them interchangably with both is confusing to me and maybe others.

Next, Comcast has shifted its QAM channels twice in three weeks. Some of these may be the same channel. I haven't taken the time to finish this so anyone who wants to contribute and post corrections / additions, I will try to check back and incorporate them.

Next, this applies to West Broward. I was in East Broward. One comcast customer still had 86-432 as NBC6HD So if you are on that system, the notes below will not apply.


QAM CH COMCAST CH DESCRIPTION CHANNEL NAME

LOCAL HD abstracted from below

46-433 CBS4 WFOR
46-440 PBS
47-209 LATV
47-216 WEATHER
47-217
47-431 LOCAL 10 WPLG
47-432 NBC6 WTVJ
48-435 CW WSFL
48-436 MY 33
48-593 SPANISH
129-213 Channel 7 WSVN


26-4 WFOR
26-7 WSVN
26-8 spanish
26-10 WPLG
26-15
26-19
26-21
26-22 spanish
26-23 spanish
26-689 spanish
27-2 PBS
27-3
27-6 NBC6
27-9 spanish
27-11 CW
27-13
27-16
27-17 WLRN
27-20 WXEL PBS
28-30
28-31
28-32 FOX NEWS
28-40
28-41 FX
28-53
28-66
29-25
29-60
29-61
29-62
29-64 A&E
29-65 HISTORY
29-119
29-243 RELIG
30-5 QVC
30-14 CSPAN
30-26 HSN
30-28 CNN
30-29
30-36
30-54
30-57
30-70 GAC
30-104 CSPAN2
31-45 USA
31-47 AMC
31-50
31-51
31-52
31-55
31-56
31-67
31-68
31-69 MTV
31-71
31-72
32-18 GUIDE
32-33
32-34 SPORTS
32-35
32-38
32-39
32-41
32-42 TNT
32-43 TBS
32-48 TVLAND
33-58 E!
33-59
33-63
33-70 CMT
33-137 HALLMARK



41-58 E!
41-59 Style
41-63 Spike
41-70 CMT
41-137 Hallmark

46-201 PBS SPANISH
46-202 PBS CREATE
46-433 WFOR
46-440 PBS

47-209 LATV
47-216 WEATHER
47-217
47-431 WPLG
47-432 NBC6
48-435 CW WSFL
48-436 MY 33
48-593 SPANISH
67-12
67-27 TWC
77-636


93-785 spanish


94-4
94-7
94-8

94-9 WGEN
94-10 WPLG
94-15 spanish
94-19
94-21
94-22 spanish
94-23 spanish
94-689 spanish
119- mostly music
120- mostly music
124-45 USA
124-47 AMC
124-50 NICK
124-51 Disney
124-52 Cartoon Network
124-55 Discovery
124-56 TLC
124-67 Comedy Central
124-68 SYFY
124-69 MTV
124-71 VH1
124-72
125-18 GUIDE
125-33 Tru TV
125-34 SPORTS
125-35 Sports
125-38 Sports
125-39 Sports
125-41 Sports
125-42 TNT
125-43 TBS
125-48 TV LAND
129-2
129-213 WSVN FOX HD

I'm pretty sure you have to have five posts under your belt before you can include links or make an attachment.

TTBOMK Comcast does not officially support QAM. It is just something that is, essentially, a by-product of their cable service. As such they move the channel mapping around at will and without letting anyone know!

Ok.... I am too new here... What is ttbomk?

Really? Pleading with Comcast? They won't publish QAM information and we are going to nicely ask them to add a channel? I want to know what you are smoking? I think someone needs to sue them. I need to know if they are required by the FCC to carry local channels, local HD channels??? I know this went both ways but don't know the current law. Because if they are and if they refuse to publish the channels on which they carry mandated broadcasts, I think a judge would take a dim view of that? Anyone know any of these answers??

And while we are talking lawsuits. How about Harmony Remotes.... will not accept xxx-xxx for favorite channels on their software - - only 6 characters allowed...

ttbomk = to the best of my knowledge

TTBOMK = To The Best Of My Knowledge.

Comcast and other cable companies do not support QAM; it just happens to be there! Local channels are always available OTA (Over The Air).

Good luck with your law suit!! :eek:

I have been having a problem the last couple of days and I trying to figure out if it's the DVR or my TV to blame!

A dark translucent gray rectangle is appearing on the screen. It is centered vertically and over to right horizontally. It is possible to view the underlying picture but it looks like a shadow over the area.

It is there on all SD pictures (channel or guide), all the time. On the HD channels it comes and goes (luckily it “gos” more than it “comes”).

It only happens on the DVR input (I am using component). It does not happen on the two DVD player inputs. These are the only inputs I am using.

If it is set to an SD channel (rectangle is always there) and I change the TV’s viewing modes (I have four of them) the rectangle goes away for about three seconds and then it returns!

Has anybody seen this before or have any ideas as to who the culprit might be?

^^^ Problem appears to be solved. Looks like it was the result of my playing around with the captioning option on the TV (for some guests) and leaving it set to "Text 4".

Once turned back to "off" the gray box appears to have gone away!

Bryan:

You / we should all reconsider your position. First, I am not sure that they cannot be compelled to provide QAM information for local channels including HD. Yes, they are huge, but I can tell you that this would be the second lawsuit I have filed. I won / settled the first against a company I cannot mention nor why on a QAM issue. I am a litigation attorney but do not know or work in FCC law. I had to learn some of it for the last suit.

OF COURSE THEY "support" QAM, unless you mean by 'support' that they will help you with it. They PROVIDE QAM signals. Lack of their "help" with them is not the equal of they are not required to disclose their channel listings.

Again, I am relatively certain that the FCC law requires them to carry local channels and they are taking the ludicrious position that they may have to carry them on their QAM or Analog band, but they don't have to tell you what the numbers are. This position, if I am correct on the law, is untenable, but can only be proven so by someone willing to fight. I am too busy now and don't have enough knowledge of the Federal code. That's why I posted this looking for help.

Another of their defenses is that they provide them on the analog band (one of the reasons they still have 2-26 or so on analog??)

This is a potential class action issue and I will pursue it when I have time. And there's lots more. They may be committing fraud on a daily basis in my opinion in a second way. Before I accuse them publicly of certain acts, I would like someone to verify my view. At this point, it's only my opinion and I would not detail it here without proof. No one likes the big guy, but making false allegations is wrong and I won't do it.

Most of the people I talk to for help get lost in seconds. Just say QAM to someone who has no interest.

I have posted my listing for those who it can help. I am done here, but will check back to see if anyone can help me with the FCC law.

Stop begging. If you are entitled to something then demand it or take action. Within the next year, I hope to do so.

johnboy, you might want to ease up on the coffee just a bit.

johnboy, you might want to ease up on the coffee just a bit.+1

I had that issue to years ago, BDCat. Luckily you found the culprit.

Johnboy you missed 2 HD local channels.

18.437 ION
18.438 Spanish

They were actually going to give it a try on low VHF. The experiment must have flopped... Did anybody catch their test? STA for ch. 3 is from September 9th:

https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101331976&formid=911&fac_num=167208

WSBS LICENSING, INC. ('WSBS LICENSING'), THE PERMITTEE OF WSBS-CD, IS IN THE PROCESS OF CONSTRUCTING THE FACILITIES AUTHORIZED IN FCC FILE NO. BDCCDVL-20081209ACP, AND HAS ENCOUNTERED TECHNICAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERACTION OF WSBS-CD'S AUTHORIZED ANTENNA AND TOWER. IN ORDER TO CONFIRM THE VIABILITY OF OPERATION OF WSBS-CD ON CHANNEL 3 ON AN ANTENNA OPTIMIZED FOR LOW-VHF TRANSMISSIONS, WSBS LICENSING PROPOSES TO OPERATE WSBS-CD TEMPORARILY USING THE FORMERLY-LICENSED MAIN ANTENNA FOR WPBT(TV), MIAMI, FLORIDA (FACILITY ID NO. 13456) ORIGINALLY TUNED TO CHANNEL 2. THE LICENSEE OF WPBT-DT HAS CONSENTED TO THIS TEMPORARY OPERATION.

I think we can expect Comcast to shift around their QAM mappings over the next months as they settle on a new allocation of bandwidth.

There's really nothing that can be done about this; the ability to receive clear QAM is a bonus, not an actual service that comcast provides.

I myself no longer have cable but if I subscribe again I will likely just get a box, as it makes things a lot more convenient. I noticed they move much of the channels down into the former analog space, probably because these lower frequencies propagate better in the coax system.


Ok, this is not perfect, but seems to be a whole lot more info than anyone else provided. A few comments. I recommend you all use . (dots) to refer to OTA and - (dash) to refer to QAM channels. Using them interchangably with both is confusing to me and maybe others.

Next, Comcast has shifted its QAM channels twice in three weeks. Some of these may be the same channel. I haven't taken the time to finish this so anyone who wants to contribute and post corrections / additions, I will try to check back and incorporate them.

Next, this applies to West Broward. I was in East Broward. One comcast customer still had 86-432 as NBC6HD So if you are on that system, the notes below will not apply.


QAM CH COMCAST CH DESCRIPTION CHANNEL NAME

LOCAL HD abstracted from below

46-433 CBS4 WFOR
46-440 PBS

The channels are up!!!!!!

452 Spike HD
453 Comedy Central HD
454 Fuse HD
455 WE TV HD
456 IFC HD
457 E! HD
458 Travel Channel HD
459 Lifetime HD
460 MGM HD
461 Style HD
462 G4 HD
463 TV One HD
464 Bio: The Biography Channel HD
465 Lifetime Movie Network HD
466 Planet Green HD
467 Encore HD
468 Hallmark Movie Channel HD
469 Fox Business Channel HD
470 CNBC HD
471 QVC HD
472 Big Ten Network HD
473 MTV HD
474 VH-1 HD
475 BET HD
476 CMT HD
477 NHL Network HD
478 NBA TV HD Sports
479 MLB Network HD
480 HBO 2 HD
481 HBO Signature HD
482 HBO Family HD
483 HBO Comedy HD
484 HBO Zone HD
485 HBO Latino HD
486 MoreMax HD
487 ActionMax HD
488 ThrillerMax HD
489 WMax HD
490 5 StarMax HD
491 Outermax HD
495 Starz Comedy HD
496 Starz Kids & Family HD
497 Starz Edge HD
501 - 503 iN DEMAND Pay-Per-View Pay-Per-View
509 iN DEMAND PPV HD High-Definition TV
515 The Movie Channel HD
516 The Movie Channel Xtra HD
517 Showtime 2 HD
518 Showtime Showcase HD
519 Showtime Extreme HD

wait it gets better
380 The Weather Channel HD
381 Cartoon Network HD
382 Nickelodeon HD
383 ABC Family HD
384 Disney Channel HD
385 Disney XD HD
394 Tennis Channel HD
395 Turner Classic Movies HD
396 ESPN U HD
397 CNN Headline News HD
398 TruTV HD
399 MSNBC HD

The channels are up!!!!!!Would you care to share what area you are in?

They are certainly not up in my part of Plantation!

yes i am in Davie Pine Island Ridge Area (33324 zip)

Oh and BDcat weather channel in HD is 380

438 WSBS-22 Mega TV HD
439 WGN HD
440 WPBT-2 HD (PBS Miami) High-Definition TV
441 WSCV-51 HD (Telemundo)
442 WLTV-23 HD (Univision) - Coming Soon!
443 WAMI-69 HD (Telefutura) - Coming Soon!
449 ESPNews HD

sorry i missed a couple

Yup, I happened upon all the new HD channels last night too. Davie... 33328. I guess the Comcast digital migration of enhanced basic channels in Davie (and eventually to all of Broward) is paying off as BDCat told us about back in July. Now if Comcast would just go back to 2 channels per QAM instead of 3 and get the HD picture quality improved on some of the more-compressed HD channels (especially on ESPN/ESPN2 HD).. things will be really good.

Thank you, ortegaj, for that information. Unfortunately my area has not even received a notice about going digital as yet! :( :mad:

However, as sma notes, it will happen eventually to all of Broward and then I am sure Miami-Dade as well!

Oh yes, what a great selection of HD channels! :)

WOW!! All those new HD channels! I may actually consider going back to cable when my Dish Network commitment is up.

My mom who lives in Plantation (zip code 33324) does not have any of the new channels yet.

Just checked my guide and I don't have those channels either! Lucky :eek:

BTW i'm in Coconut Creek/Margate area 33063.

Just checked my guide and I don't have those channels either! Lucky :eek:

BTW i'm in Coconut Creek/Margate area 33063.Since Davie was the first area to go all digital they are also the first area to get the additional channels. The new channels usually follow a month or two or three after going all digital.

I called Comcast yesterday to ask about Plantation and I was told there is no date set for my area! :(:mad:

it does make sense that it would start in my part of Davie, as about four months ago, they had all people with analog cable to come to a meeting and get 2 free boxes, I guess freeing up the necessary space, I am also in an apartment building.

if you want to see the channel lineup use the address 9400 live oak place and pick any apartment up to 409 and zip code 33324. You can see the channel lineup.

Thanks for the info ortegaj. How does the PQ look? Are there any changes in the guide interface? Any change to On Demand? do you have High Speed Internet with Comcast also? Has that sped up?

No change to On Demand or the guide (some HD channels on the guide are still left blank even though the channel is there such as ESPNnews which does not say the name or programming), The internet has been significantly faster for about a month now. What is PQ?

No change to On Demand or the guide (some HD channels on the guide are still left blank even though the channel is there such as ESPNnews which does not say the name or programming), The internet has been significantly faster for about a month now. What is PQ?

PQ is picture quality.

Has anyone experienced AT&T U-Verse yet? It just became available in my area, and I'm curious as to how it is.

Comments on PQ, HD channel selection, installation, technical apspects, etc. are all welcome.

Has anyone experienced AT&T U-Verse yet? It just became available in my area, and I'm curious as to how it is.

Comments on PQ, HD channel selection, installation, technical apspects, etc. are all welcome.

I have been using it for a year now:

HDPQ < Cable but for me it is still very good, others have complained, you will need to evaluate for yourself
SDPQ > Cable
Channel Selection is very good they have a lot of HD channels, VOD<comcast
see http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15464035&highlight=#post15464035
Internet service > DSL <Cable but maintains peak rate 95% of the time
I am not using the phone service
Price < Cable

Overall I like the service the DVR is nice and works well in my home, note that there are some technical limitations. If you are within 3000' of the VRAD you should get 2HD/2SD streams, if farther you may get 1HD/3SD. You are limited to a total of (4) video streams right now but you can record 4 and watch 4 recordings at once. Also two TVs watching the same channel only count as a single stream.

AT&T is heading toward VDSL2 which will allow 3HD/2SD streams and 2HD/2SD out to 5000'. If they get this in place and can make a bit of improvement to their HD PQ the service would be perfect.

The picture quality is dependent upon the channel, some look downright terrible such as spike tv or surprisingly strong ex. ESPNnews

Are you watching HD programming on Spike? Try to catch The Ultimate Fighter. Some of the stuff might be stretched SD posing as HD.

I have been using it for a year now:

HDPQ < Cable but for me it is still very good, others have complained, you will need to evaluate for yourself
SDPQ > Cable
Channel Selection is very good they have a lot of HD channels, VOD<comcast
see http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15464035&highlight=#post15464035
Internet service > DSL <Cable but maintains peak rate 95% of the time
I am not using the phone service
Price < Cable

Overall I like the service the DVR is nice and works well in my home, note that there are some technical limitations. If you are within 3000' of the VRAD you should get 2HD/2SD streams, if farther you may get 1HD/3SD. You are limited to a total of (4) video streams right now but you can record 4 and watch 4 recordings at once. Also two TVs watching the same channel only count as a single stream.

AT&T is heading toward VDSL2 which will allow 3HD/2SD streams and 2HD/2SD out to 5000'. If they get this in place and can make a bit of improvement to their HD PQ the service would be perfect.Thanks for the detailed response. Very interesting, to say the least.

Is there any way to find out how far I am from the VRAD? I've seen BellSouth/AT&T trucks working in the area, but I have no idea what they've been doing.

Thanks for the detailed response. Very interesting, to say the least.

Is there any way to find out how far I am from the VRAD? I've seen BellSouth/AT&T trucks working in the area, but I have no idea what they've been doing.

Not really since the copper lines are not necessarily a straight line run from the VRAD. Really can't tell until they come out and run the test.

I do know, however, that nothing's been disturbed for at least a mile in any direction from my home. So I'm assuming that they ran something to a point further away, then they connect that to the existing phone lines. Good guess or bad guess?

I do know, however, that nothing's been disturbed for at least a mile in any direction from my home. So I'm assuming that they ran something to a point further away, then they connect that to the existing phone lines. Good guess or bad guess?

AT&T will install the VRAD somewhere local to you, probably next to their other equipment. They run Fiber to the VRAD and then wire up the local copper line to your house using your existing phone lines. The location of the VRAD is critical to your ability to get service levels as the copper line is the weak link in their architecture. A VRAD looks like:

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa32/stonecrd/vrad2.jpg

Any updates on Comcast in South Florida? Is Davie still the only city with the new HD channels?

Thanks!

There have been a lot of hickups with some of the system. Examples with some channels not showing any information on the channel lineup and some channels that I pay for not showing up such as NFL redzone saying i have no authorization. I called and they said many are having these problems, so I think until they iron out the hickups it might be a little while for the rest of you guys.

AT&T will install the VRAD somewhere local to you, probably next to their other equipment. They run Fiber to the VRAD and then wire up the local copper line to your house using your existing phone lines. The location of the VRAD is critical to your ability to get service levels as the copper line is the weak link in their architecture. (snipped image)stonecrd, thanks for the visual and the info. Time to go looking for one of these beasts to get an approximation.

A couple more questions:
a) If they use my existing phone line, would that affect my POTS (or vice-versa)?
b) Since I already have a roof antenna hooked up to my in-house coax wiring, would I still be able to use that as is?

Thanks in advance.

There have been a lot of hickups with some of the system. Examples with some channels not showing any information on the channel lineup and some channels that I pay for not showing up such as NFL redzone saying i have no authorization. I called and they said many are having these problems, so I think until they iron out the hickups it might be a little while for the rest of you guys.

Oh wow. Thanks for the update ortegaj!

I just noticed that Comcast added a new HD channel to my lineup last night.

465 - Lifetime HD

Granted I don't watch Lifetime but I'm glad at least the process as begun. I live in Coral Springs/Parkland area in North Broward. I would advise other Comcast customers in that area to see if any other HD channels has been added to their collection.

stonecrd, thanks for the visual and the info. Time to go looking for one of these beasts to get an approximation.

A couple more questions:
a) If they use my existing phone line, would that affect my POTS (or vice-versa)?
b) Since I already have a roof antenna hooked up to my in-house coax wiring, would I still be able to use that as is?

Thanks in advance.

A) yes you can leave your phone line and they will split it or you can subscribe to their VOIP service. If you have DSL coming in that has to be shutdown as they will convert you to the AT&T VDSL service

B) Depends, the STBs are connected to the Router either by RG45 or Coax (HPNA), if your house is wired for ethernet then the RG45 is best if not they may wire this for you if it is easy (ask politely) or try to use the existing coax. If they use the existing coax then you would need a seperate segment for the antenna since you cannot mix the HPNA with any other signal.

A) yes you can leave your phone line and they will split it or you can subscribe to their VOIP service. If you have DSL coming in that has to be shutdown as they will convert you to the AT&T VDSL serviceMy DSL is already split off from the POTS (aka "home run" I believe), as the house is wired for 2 discreet POTS lines. If I wanted to keep my POTS as is, could they use the other line already used by the DSL modem for U-verse?

B) Depends, the STBs are connected to the Router either by RG45 or Coax (HPNA), if your house is wired for ethernet then the RG45 is best if not they may wire this for you if it is easy (ask politely) or try to use the existing coax. If they use the existing coax then you would need a seperate segment for the antenna since you cannot mix the HPNA with any other signal.Aside from the 2-line POTS wiring, the house only has coax (really meant for cable) coming in from outside through a central point going up to the attic, then branching out to various rooms from there via splitters. Right now the coax is connected to my roof antenna.

In trying to figure out the complete wiring, it appears that:
a) Fiber optic goes from some central AT&T location to each of the VRADs.
b) Existing copper that the POTS runs on carries everything from the VRAD to each house.
c) Within the house, a router (or some device) is connected to a wall phone jack, and everything is distributed from there via Coax or ethernet (TV/Internet), or POTS wiring (digital phone).

Am I close?

Just ordered the 18mbps U-Verse high-speed to replace my 6mbps DSL. I will be using just the internet service since I live in a building with Directv included in the common charges. I hope I can keep my netwok "as is' and just use the residential Gateway as a modem to my wireless N router. The U-Verse gateway sucks with wireless G only.

My DSL is already split off from the POTS (aka "home run" I believe), as the house is wired for 2 discreet POTS lines. If I wanted to keep my POTS as is, could they use the other line already used by the DSL modem for U-verse?

Aside from the 2-line POTS wiring, the house only has coax (really meant for cable) coming in from outside through a central point going up to the attic, then branching out to various rooms from there via splitters. Right now the coax is connected to my roof antenna.

In trying to figure out the complete wiring, it appears that:
a) Fiber optic goes from some central AT&T location to each of the VRADs.
b) Existing copper that the POTS runs on carries everything from the VRAD to each house.
c) Within the house, a router (or some device) is connected to a wall phone jack, and everything is distributed from there via Coax or ethernet (TV/Internet), or POTS wiring (digital phone).

Am I close?

Not sure about your POTS, I would think so.

The copper line is terminated with somethign called a NID. The NID can be twisted pair or coax. If coax they run a line to a diplexer and this goes to the Router (RG) if not coax then it is just twisted pair ethernet. The coax line is bidirectional for the RG, the coax is split at teh diplexer and fed back into your home coax through a splitter. UV requires good coax to work correctly so they will replace all of the cable ends with compression ends both on the jacks and any cables you use to the STB.

Again if twisted pair they just run a line from the RG to the STB. You can also be mixed so in my system the RG is next to my HT and I use ethernet to the STB for my 65" DLP and use coax for all of the other rooms.

Just ordered the 18mbps U-Verse high-speed to replace my 6mbps DSL. I will be using just the internet service since I live in a building with Directv included in the common charges. I hope I can keep my netwok "as is' and just use the residential Gateway as a modem to my wireless N router. The U-Verse gateway sucks with wireless G only.

You can set it up so that your wireless lan sits in the DMZ of the UV router and it will work fine. I do this as I segregate the TV traffic from the computer traffic. You just have to use to different IP networks, turn off the internal UV wireless and let your N router do the DHCP.

You can set it up so that your wireless lan sits in the DMZ of the UV router and it will work fine. I do this as I segregate the TV traffic from the computer traffic. You just have to use to different IP networks, turn off the internal UV wireless and let your N router do the DHCP.

Thanks for the info. I actually plan to run everything from the existing router and use the RG exclusively as a modem. There will be just 1 network, the one I already have.I can use the other LAN ports on the RG to hook up devices that will only use the internet but not the local network, like my TV for example. Tech is coming and I will know how things go very soon.

Got everyting working but I have an issue wih my Xbox-360. I connected everything wih my D-Link dir-655 router but left the Xbox connected directly to the Residential Gateway. There is nothing I can do to make a device connected directly to the RG to be recognized by my local network, managed by the router. In other words, I can't make he Xbox see the other devices connected to the router, including my PC.

I put the DIR-655 in the DMZplus mode on the RG and that's basically the only thing I changed ,besides deactivating the RG wireless. How can I make the devices hooked to the RG see the other ones connected to the router ?

Thanks.

stonecrd, thanks very much for all the info. Super big help.

Got everyting working but I have an issue wih my Xbox-360. I connected everything wih my D-Link dir-655 router but left the Xbox connected directly to the Residential Gateway. There is nothing I can do to make a device connected directly to the RG to be recognized by my local network, managed by the router. In other words, I can't make he Xbox see the other devices connected to the router, including my PC.

I put the DIR-655 in the DMZplus mode on the RG and that's basically the only thing I changed ,besides deactivating the RG wireless. How can I make the devices hooked to the RG see the other ones connected to the router ?

Thanks.

Try checking the internet forum on UTalk, they have some very technical IT people doing more advanced routing and can probably help.

http://utalk.att.com/utalk/board?board.id=HSIA

I just noticed that Comcast added a new HD channel to my lineup last night.

465 - Lifetime HD

.


Also noticed 479 - MLB Network HD a few days ago.

most importantly NFL Redzone HD Ch. 390

Question for those using ota. I noticed WLTV TV 23 signal is now displaying with the black bars on the sides including their hd. I noticed the same for Telefutura. Why? WPLG for example displays the black bars for its non hd but displays full screen during the hd news for example not so with WLTV 23 or Telefutura. Therefore it appears to be an issue with the stations I mentioned as all others have seen no change in the way the image self adjust

On another note I remember about a year ago The Doctors transmitted hd in full screen for several weeks then went back to bars on the side. So is all hd now going the route of the bars on the side like WLTV even on hd programming? that makes no sense at all.

EDIT: I just found this which makes even less sense http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?cid=2194649

So they're claiming I will now see black bars on the screen after their Dec 21, 2009 on their station. They say you will know its hd because the image will be "spectacular" and you will see a "symbol" on the screen. Wait what? so now I get to see a spectacular image with black bars on the side on my big screen unlike others that transmit hd program where you not only know its on hd because of the sharpness but also because "THEY EXPAND THE IMAGE".

As far as I'm aware, Univision has no HD programming at this time. They've started converting their stations over, but no actual HD programming yet.

- Trip

As far as I'm aware, Univision has no HD programming at this time. They've started converting their stations over, but no actual HD programming yet.

- Trip

Hello Trip, would that explain why in other stations the image expands in some programs and the news for example and in 23 everything is with the black bars on the sides? Does that mean their news is also not hd either? I see no difference in Channel 23 image quality now vs old other than those annoying black bars they now have.

When the image expands, that is HD content, or at the very least wide SD. When the black bars are shown, you're seeing SD content that's being upconverted to HD.

- Trip

Catch WLTV first program" Tournament of Roses Parade" in high definition, which will be seen in 16x9 HD live on January 1st.

Two questions for those in Weston and Coral Springs with Advanced Cable Communications. The DVR I have (I believe) is the DCH6416. I recently bought a wireless bridge and switch to connect my BD player and Panny to the internet. The DCH has an input for ethernet connection but I don't know if that is active and if so what it does. Anyone know?

The other question has to do with program information which is transmitted from ACC. When I connect my two TVs to OTA, I get the station identifier, program name, remaining time and brief synopsis of the program. No program information is received when going through the cable card on my 2nd TV. I guess that is because it is assumed that the guide would be used, which of course is not available on the cable card. This is probably more of a statement then a question as I don't expect that this is a user setting.

WLTV (Tournament of Roses parade) and WAMI (Telefutura dubbed movie, HD and SD versions of the same program).

Thanks. :)

- Trip

Have they announced when they are going all digital - meaning we will need to get their (free) data converter box?
If when that happens, we should get additional HD about 6 months later.

In our Oakland home they started to push everyone to get the data box (necessary to watch digital channels), about 4 months before they went all digital, Even so, some number of people wondered why they lost their picture despite a large number of Comcast announcements on TV and mailing inserts and notices on bills. In less than a month, a couple dozen new (mostly HD) channels were added.

...mike

Most of the SF Bay Area now has the expanded lineup - called out there - The World of MORE (WOM). They started most of the expansion in the past 10 months there.

Saw something about this airing on pbs and thought I would share it.

Life on Mars
Thu 1/14 9:00-10:00pm 2.1 WPBTDT
Premiere: Jul 24, 2006
Original Network: BBC America

Saw something about this airing on pbs and thought I would share it.

Life on Mars
Thu 1/14 9:00-10:00pm 2.1 WPBTDT
Premiere: Jul 24, 2006
Original Network: BBC AmericaAlso saw this. It's the original show that the ABC show was cloned from. Should be interesting.

Strat have you experienced any issues with your Samsung recently? Anyone else experience any issues with Samsung or other.

Samsung hdtv is using ota.

Upon startup the set displays only a black screen and repeatedly scrolls through all channels without stopping. Refuses to shut down. Not responding. At least once the volume bar also displayed and filled up while above was going on.

test

Does anyone know the status of the vod feeds on Advanced Cable's Coral Springs system? I use to watch unencrypted feeds on a Samsung with Qam tuner on channels 107, 108, 109, and 110. The feeds went away several months ago and I haven't seen them since. Did they move or did Advanced start encrypting these channels so they won't work with Qam tuners?

Strat have you experienced any issues with your Samsung recently? Anyone else experience any issues with Samsung or other.

Samsung hdtv is using ota.

Upon startup the set displays only a black screen and repeatedly scrolls through all channels without stopping. Refuses to shut down. Not responding. At least once the volume bar also displayed and filled up while above was going on.My 37" 720p Sammy, which is a bit over a year old, is working perfectly. I get all my TV OTA with its internal tuner, and I've had no problems at all.

Sounds like yours might have an issue. Is there some kind of reset thing you can do? Maybe unplug it for a day and see if it "resets"? If not, might be time for a service call.

One of the best things I've done is to purchase a UPS battery backup power conditioner (rated high enough to power the TV, stereo, and assorted other stuff) and connect everything to it. Considering FPL's crappy service, a UPS/BB is a small investment considering the cost of replacing all your equipment.

A few observations in general:
a) Ch. 6 definitely takes longer to "come in" than all other channels (I haven't checked 51).

b) As of a few days ago, Ch. 12 seems to have lost its PSIP - it was coming in on 13 (true RF). Haven't checked it in a while.

c) Recently connected an Xbox360 and a laptop - both look just awesome. Had to muck around with the screen settings on the laptop, but once I got it set no problems.

d) The Auto-Volume thing is great for TV, but sucks for music and PC. I wish the setting was per input, but it's global.

Anyone seeing any signal from WGEN-LD? Physical channel is 45.

- Trip

I see that CBS 4 has changed its studio set. Is this a sign that they might start producing the news in HD. We can only hope.

I see that CBS 4 has changed its studio set. Is this a sign that they might start producing the news in HD. We can only hope.Yes, I believe it is! Around two to three weeks, about Superbowl time! And it is certainly about time!

I have a Pioneer Plasma n watching channel 10 local miami via direct tv hd is anyone experiencing slight picture stuttering.. its like sometimes the picture lags or skip[s ever so slightly every few minutes or so...

Moderators Note: A new Miami / Ft. Lauderdale topic dedicated to Comcast has been created, and can be found here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1216983

Please direct all Comcast discussion to the new topic, thanks.

For those of you looking for WJAN Channel 41 (AmericaTeVe) over the air digitally, they are broadcasting on channel 48.1. WFUN Channel 48 (CaribeVision) is broadcasting on channel 48.2. Not sure how this affects WJAN's VHF-9 plans that have been reported.

Does anyone know the status of the vod feeds on Advanced Cable's Coral Springs system? I use to watch unencrypted feeds on a Samsung with Qam tuner on channels 107, 108, 109, and 110. The feeds went away several months ago and I haven't seen them since. Did they move or did Advanced start encrypting these channels so they won't work with Qam tuners?

I don't want my kids to accidentally come accross any unencrypted VOD feeds. Can anyone confirm whether Advanced Cable is scrambling the feeds now. If not, can you tell me what channels the feeds were moved to so I can be sure to block them on my TV? THanks.

WFOR is supposed to be HD for local news starting tonight at 6:30.

Walt

Getting a lot of static in the audio in the AFC Championship on CBS4. This is a local issue.

CBS4 news is in HD. Looks very good. The field cameras are not HD. Weather is also not in HD.

CBS4 news is in HD. Looks very good. The field cameras are not HD. Weather is also not in HD.Yes, it does look pretty good! As they said during the newscast, weather is next followed by the field!

CBS4 was doing the Super Bowl pregame show outside Dolphins Stadium in HD today. It looked beautiful. Hopefully they get the local news field reports in HD soon.

I set up an OTA antenna on my office's roof in Hialeah to pick up and record the HD Metropolitan Opera broadcasts on WPBT (2.1). On the "premiere" airings, I get a relatively decent picture, give or take a little noise and occasional pixelated dropouts. I usually cap one repeat showing in case something goes wrong on the first broadcast date.

I have noticed a **huge** picture quality drop between the first airing and the repeats, with the repeats being darker and way softer than the premieres. In fact, they look like SD upscaled through a cheap DVD player! I wrote to the station's tech staff about this but never received an answer. I suppose they broadcast the premiere directly from their satellite feed, while they record it, compress the bejesus out of it and use this copy for the reruns, assuming no one cares enough to notice the difference.

I know PBS has to be shabby by nature, in order to promote their "struggling, desperately in need of funding" profile during pledge week, but are they really so broke that they can't afford a 1TB hard drive ($69.95 ea. at Best Buy and big enough to store all ten broadcasts of the season uncompressed) to keep the picture quality of their reruns? Heck, I'd be willing to give them a copy of my own ElGato caps of their premiere MET broadcasts!

Since they usually air two reruns of these shows, I'll cut down my yearly donation by two thirds, but I am sure this will not change anything...

Has anyone else noticed this?

Just posted QAM Channel list for Comcast Doral FL 33178 as received in a LCD TV with Digital Card

Its here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1216983
if anybody is interested

I set up an OTA antenna on my office's roof in Hialeah to pick up and record the HD Metropolitan Opera broadcasts on WPBT (2.1). On the "premiere" airings, I get a relatively decent picture, give or take a little noise and occasional pixelated dropouts. I usually cap one repeat showing in case something goes wrong on the first broadcast date.

I have noticed a **huge** picture quality drop between the first airing and the repeats, with the repeats being darker and way softer than the premieres. In fact, they look like SD upscaled through a cheap DVD player! I wrote to the station's tech staff about this but never received an answer. I suppose they broadcast the premiere directly from their satellite feed, while they record it, compress the bejesus out of it and use this copy for the reruns, assuming no one cares enough to notice the difference.


Received response from WPBT:

I am in receipt of your e-mail regarding HD re-broadcasts. While I
don't agree with your comment about our HD up-converted broadcast
looking like VHS we are on the road to improve this area of our
operation. Although it won't happen right away we are hopeful to add HD
record capability to our server by years end. Currently we have to
record in standard definition and up-convert for broadcast. While yours
is the first complaint I have received about questionable quality issues
we know that that adding HD record capability is necessary. I'm sorry
for your dismay with our broadcast.

Graham Simmons
Sr. VP Engineering/Operations
WPBT2

So I was not imagining things...

While yours
is the first complaint I have received about questionable quality issues
we know that that adding HD record capability is necessary. I'm sorry
for your dismay with our broadcast.


This further supports the theory that 99% of viewers simply don't care about quality.

It's any wonder stations ever upgrade equipment at all!

This further supports the theory that 99% of viewers simply don't care about quality.

It's any wonder stations ever upgrade equipment at all!

And this is the wind we all are pushing against. While maybe not 99% the vast majority think stretched SD content is adequate. This unfortunate fact will continue to mean less bandwidth per channel and lower pq.

And this is the wind we all are pushing against. While maybe not 99% the vast majority think stretched SD content is adequate. This unfortunate fact will continue to mean less bandwidth per channel and lower pq.Hopefully, as more people watch Blu-Ray and play Xbox on their TV, their standards with regards to picture quality will become higher. The only way providers will increase the quality of their content is if the public demands it.

Hopefully, as more people watch Blu-Ray and play Xbox on their TV, their standards with regards to picture quality will become higher. The only way providers will increase the quality of their content is if the public demands it.

Do you mean the same way they have wanted more quality in audio by demanding more SACD & DVD-A releases? The iPOD/iPHONE MP3 mentality rules unfortunantely.

But HD channels have 5.1DD

Anyone seeing WEYS-LD on channel 54?

- Trip

Several days ago they acknowledged numerous calls with the problem but today they completely failed to address the problem on their end. NBC 6 instead of addressing viewers concern point their finger at the viewing public using ota.

After numerous rescans the problem was still there as expected but their response was again to cast blame on the viewer.

The telephone number to NBC 6 is 305-379-6666 and the person I spoke with is Kirk Davis who claimed was an engineer.


Reception is still on on 31.3 31.4 31.5 and and not on 6.1 6.2 6.3 as should be and there is nothing NBC 6 is apparently willing to do about it.

If you have over the air and are experiencing the same problems please contact them so hopefully they can be resolved.

Also please post the results of your conversation. Thanks

I would report it to the FCC. They'll stop real quick once they get a call from them. You can not broadcast on frequencies that are not licensed to you.

I would report it to the FCC. They'll stop real quick once they get a call from them. You can not broadcast on frequencies that are not licensed to you.

What evidence is there that the station is broadcasting on an unlicensed frequency?

- Trip

Happy Friday To Everyone,
Yesterday channel 6 experienced rare problem with a PSIP generator. This generator glitched and went offline. The PSIP generator translates NBC 6’s actual channel, which is RF 31, to our virtual channel 6. Off air viewers saw this as a drop out on channel 6. Doing a rescan of converter boxes and off air receivers brought the signal back to viewers’ boxes but not on our virtual channel of 6 but our actual channel of 31. We replaced the faulty component yesterday so a rescan of your converter box or receiver will now bring you back to channel 6.

You see, in this age of digital technology, the channel that you view broadcasts stations may or may not be the actual channel frequency that is broadcast from the digital transmitter. Here at NBC our digital transmitter broadcasts on RF channel 31 (575 MHz). We digitally translate that channel to channel 6. This was done when I first turned on the digital transmitter on July 1, 2003. We did this to minimize confusion. Our off air analog was channel 6 and our off air digital virtual reception is channel 6. I hope this clears things up.

Please understand that at times it may seem that the engineers at the station are not interested in ensuring the best reception quality to the public, but in truth this is far from the truth. We all care a great deal about quality and are willing to work around the clock to ensure that you’re getting the best possible picture, sound and customer service. We all know how hard the bad economy has hit our great nation. The television industry has not been immune to its effects. The engineer that you spoke to over the phone was busy trying to resolve the problem at the same time as speaking to you. We are two-handed people doing jobs that require a dozen hands. But, with that said, we are determined to make sure that you the customer are taken care of.

If you have any more questions please feel free to email me at Earnest.Walker@nbcuni.com

Happy Friday To Everyone,
Yesterday channel 6 experienced rare problem with a PSIP generator. This generator glitched and went offline. The PSIP generator translates NBC 6’s actual channel, which is RF 31, to our virtual channel 6. Off air viewers saw this as a drop out on channel 6. Doing a rescan of converter boxes and off air receivers brought the signal back to viewers’ boxes but not on our virtual channel of 6 but our actual channel of 31. We replaced the faulty component yesterday so a rescan of your converter box or receiver will now bring you back to channel 6.

You see, in this age of digital technology, the channel that you view broadcasts stations may or may not be the actual channel frequency that is broadcast from the digital transmitter. Here at NBC our digital transmitter broadcasts on RF channel 31 (575 MHz). We digitally translate that channel to channel 6. This was done when I first turned on the digital transmitter on July 1, 2003. We did this to minimize confusion. Our off air analog was channel 6 and our off air digital virtual reception is channel 6. I hope this clears things up.

Please understand that at times it may seem that the engineers at the station are not interested in ensuring the best reception quality to the public, but in truth this is far from the truth. We all care a great deal about quality and are willing to work around the clock to ensure that you’re getting the best possible picture, sound and customer service. We all know how hard the bad economy has hit our great nation. The television industry has not been immune to its effects. The engineer that you spoke to over the phone was busy trying to resolve the problem at the same time as speaking to you. We are two-handed people doing jobs that require a dozen hands. But, with that said, we are determined to make sure that you the customer are taken care of.

If you have any more questions please feel free to email me at Earnest.Walker@nbcuni.com


I’ve been hoping/waiting for better response

It was time for channel 6 to step up and acknowledge there was a problem although I'm disappointed some of your statements are inaccurate or disingenuous.

How could channel 6 be working on a solution as you claim when they failed to acknowledge the problem.

In the interest of accuracy channel 6 and its engineering department were informed of the problems, therefore claims it was a rare incident are inaccurate or disingenuous.

It became incredibly frustrating channel 6 engineering kept denying having further problems and instead continued its state of denial when they suggested the viewer should rotate their ota rooftop antenna or call the manufacturer of the unit because the station was transmitting properly according to them.

I'm disappointed by the lack of communication, the viewers notifying the station of the problems who left their number and were instructed by the engineering department to rotate the antenna or call the manufacture of the unit based on the claims by engineering that no problems existed should have been called and informed the ongoing problems were as a result of the stations equipment not the viewers. Let's make one thing perfectly clear, the continuous issues were not isolated to just one day as you would have others believe.

Although I disagree with your version of events, thank you for taking the time to post on avs forum and acknowledging that channel 6 was in fact experiencing problems.

I’ve been hoping/waiting for better response

It was time for channel 6 to step up and acknowledge there was a problem although I'm disappointed some of your statements are inaccurate or disingenuous.

How could channel 6 be working on a solution as you claim when they failed to acknowledge the problem.

In the interest of accuracy channel 6 and its engineering department were informed of the problems, therefore claims it was a rare incident are inaccurate.

It became incredibly frustrating channel 6 engineering kept denying having further problems and instead continued its state of denial when they suggested the viewer should rotate their ota antenna or call the manufacturer of the unit because station was transmitting properly according to them.

I'm disappointed by the lack of communication, the viewers notifying the station of the problems who left their number and were instructed by the engineering department to rotate the antenna or call the manufacture of the unit based on the claims by engineering that no problems existed should have been called and informed the ongoing problems were as a result of the stations equipment not the viewers. Let's make one thing perfectly clear, the continuous issues were not isolated to not just one day as you would have others believe.

Although I disagree with your version of events, thank you for taking the time to post on avs forum and acknowledging that channel 6 was in fact experiencing problems.I just e-mailed Earnest to find out what's happening with the out-of-phase audio on live studio broadcasts (e.g., local news).

The audio has been this way for probably over a year (I lost count of how many months), and nobody seems to acknowledge this or care about it, including the viewing public as well as people on this board.

When I see an announcer/anchor/reporter in the middle of my screen, I expect their voice to come directly from the center channel. It's this way on every other newscast in South Florida except for NBC6. On 6, anchors' voices come from all around without any kind of focus whatsoever. It's extremely annoying, and I really wish that NBC6 would either admit that's the way they want it, or fix it!

I just e-mailed Earnest to find out what's happening with the out-of-phase audio on live studio broadcasts (e.g., local news).

The audio has been this way for probably over a year (I lost count of how many months), and nobody seems to acknowledge this or care about it, including the viewing public as well as people on this board.

When I see an announcer/anchor/reporter in the middle of my screen, I expect their voice to come directly from the center channel. It's this way on every other newscast in South Florida except for NBC6. On 6, anchors' voices come from all around without any kind of focus whatsoever. It's extremely annoying, and I really wish that NBC6 would either admit that's the way they want it, or fix it!

I reported this same problem to Earnest 2 years ago. I think they have problems to figure what a 5.1 system is.

I reported this same problem to Earnest 2 years ago. I think they have problems to figure what a 5.1 system is.I received a reply from Earnest earlier. He advised that he'd get back to me on this. I'm hopeful.

What evidence is there that the station is broadcasting on an unlicensed frequency?

- Trip

Did you not read vtpsystems' post?

Reception is still on on 31.3 31.4 31.5 and and not on 6.1 6.2 6.3

If he's picking up NBC6 OTA on those frequencies, they don't belong to Ch. 6.

WTVJ is licensed to operate on channel 31 with a virtual channel 6-1. In the event of equipment failure, WTVJ would instead begin displaying as 31-3 on some TVs. I see nothing relating to unlicensed broadcasting.

- Trip

Exactly, they're not licensed to operate on virtual channel 31.3, 31.4, or 31.5.

Exactly, they're not licensed to operate on virtual channel 31.3, 31.4, or 31.5.OK, let's try this again.

WTVJ is licensed to broadcast on RF channel 31 and virtual channel 6. Nowhere did anyone say that channel 31 was virtual.

When your digital TV shows 6, that's the PSIP simply telling you what the "fake" channel is. All the while, the signal is being broadcast over true channel 31.

When the PSIP takes a dump, there's nothing to tell the TV what the "fake" channel is, so the TV has no choice but to indicate the real channel.

The bottom line here is that they are in fact broadcasting over their licensed frequency.

I see, thanks.

Kudos to Earnest Walker and the engineering staff at NBC6. They finally fixed the out-of-phase sound for their local news broadcast!

I'm new to this forum. I just got a TERK HDTVo antenna, which is mounted on a balcony 9 flights up in South Beach, with a clear view of where the broadcast antennas are.

When I first ran the auto-selection program on a TV, it found "3 analog and 56 digital" stations. After removing those stations not in English, and a few that looked like an old analog signal with mostly static, and a few more that couldn't decode, I ended up with around 25 stations. After removing the shopping channels, and anything else that wasn't a good clear signal (in English) I now have 15 channels.

Is 15 channels a reasonable number for the Miami area?
Should I post a list of what channels I ended up with?
Is there any kind of list of what others have found?


I was hoping I would find more channels showing movies, but I guess that's not the case. There are very few of those.

I'm new to this forum. I just got a TERK HDTVo antenna, which is mounted on a balcony 9 flights up in South Beach, with a clear view of where the broadcast antennas are.

When I first ran the auto-selection program on a TV, it found "3 analog and 56 digital" stations. After removing those stations not in English, and a few that looked like an old analog signal with mostly static, and a few more that couldn't decode, I ended up with around 25 stations. After removing the shopping channels, and anything else that wasn't a good clear signal (in English) I now have 15 channels.

Is 15 channels a reasonable number for the Miami area?
Should I post a list of what channels I ended up with?
Is there any kind of list of what others have found?


I was hoping I would find more channels showing movies, but I guess that's not the case. There are very few of those.

Go to http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php -- select Miami (market #15) and click on "Expand All". You will get a list of all the local stations with their sub-channels along identification of the content, if known.

I guess I'm just too new here to realize how all this stuff works. I'm confused about the digital channel numbers - let me use one for an example.

On the above link, there is one line for WIMP-CD (whatever the CD means???) and it is on "Display Channel" 25, also listed as "Digital Channel 25.

On my TV, I found the following:
WIMP D1 on 25-1
WIMP D2 on 25-2
WIMP D3 on 25-3
WIMP D4 on 25-4

How would someone know from the link listed above that instead of one station to watch, there are four?

Why does the link say these are on "25" when I have to type in "25.2" for example, to get the second one?



My best guess is that the link is not up to date, as when I click on "expand all" I get to see multiple listings for many of the other stations (but not WIMP).

===================================

How about WLRN? On my set, I've found it to be accessible as 17-1 and 17-2, but on the link up above, it says that there is a digital channel of 20.1 and 20.2????

===================================

While I'm at it, is there a difference between 20.2 and 20-2????


.....am I just dense, and ignorant, or is the "general public" expected to understand how all this works?

I guess I'm just too new here to realize how all this stuff works. I'm confused about the digital channel numbers - let me use one for an example.

Hello:

I own and operate RabbitEars. Let me see if I can clear up your confusion.

First of all, I want you to bear in mind that RabbitEars exists primarily as my personal project. As I'm a very technical person, the website contains a lot of technical details which may be hard for people who are not as familiar with digital broadcasting to understand. Your confusion may stem from this.

On the above link, there is one line for WIMP-CD (whatever the CD means???)

CD = Class A Digital. I may have mentioned that on the FAQ page. If I did not, my apologies.

and it is on "Display Channel" 25, also listed as "Digital Channel 25.

On my TV, I found the following:
WIMP D1 on 25-1
WIMP D2 on 25-2
WIMP D3 on 25-3
WIMP D4 on 25-4

How would someone know from the link listed above that instead of one station to watch, there are four?

[...]

My best guess is that the link is not up to date, as when I click on "expand all" I get to see multiple listings for many of the other stations (but not WIMP).

My listings rely on the information of others, and to date, nobody has told me what programming is on WIMP-CD. In the absence of any information, I erred on the side of caution and listed only the programming I could confirm was present on the channel.

You note there are four services on WIMP-CD. Would you be able to fill me in on what programming each subchannel has on it? :)

Why does the link say these are on "25" when I have to type in "25.2" for example, to get the second one?

As you noted, the other stations have this listed correctly. My listings are simply incomplete.

How about WLRN? On my set, I've found it to be accessible as 17-1 and 17-2, but on the link up above, it says that there is a digital channel of 20.1 and 20.2????

If you hover over the little gray headers, it pops up additional information about each column. The 17-x channels are what you see on your receiver. For the 20.x listings, the 20 represents the channel WLRN transmits on, which is now channel 20 rather than 17 even though it displays as 17. The FCC decided that since people know WLRN as channel 17, it made sense to ensure that it would display on the TV as channel 17-1, 17-2, etc regardless of what channel it was actually on. The technology responsible for this is known as "PSIP," but that's unnecessary knowledge if you're just watching. :)

The .x (in 20.x) refers to the MPEG-2 program number, which is something technical that most people will never see. (Some TVs such as Sony models make use of this information for manually entering in missing channels.)

While I'm at it, is there a difference between 20.2 and 20-2????

I think I explained this adequately above. If not, I can try again.

.....am I just dense, and ignorant, or is the "general public" expected to understand how all this works?

As I said, some of it is a case of incomplete information through no fault of my own, and some of it is that my site caters to my taste for more technical information than most people need. I hope I've managed to clear up some of your questions. If there's anything further I can explain, please let me know.

- Trip

Thanks, Trip. It's amazing that a private individual, even with the help you've got, could put all that together! I've just spent a lot of time going through your site, some of which I do understand, and some of which is beyond my ability to deal with yet - I need to learn more.


I am entering all the information on the channels I receive into an Excel spreadsheet, with two groups - one with the channels in English, and another with all the other languages (mostly Spanish).

I will compare that with what you've got listed on your chart (which will also tell me how many of those stations I am actually able to receive). If I find listings that are not on your chart, I will try to figure out what format you want this submitted in. Specifically, you asked "Would you be able to fill me in on what programming each subchannel has on it?" Are you looking for something similar to "English, product selling advertisements, only daytime" or whatever the case might be?


There is really only one thing right now that I'm thoroughly confused by. In the case of WLRN, you say it's really broadcasting on channel 20, but it displays as channel 17. I think that's confusing already, but it's not a problem. To me, it means that if I do a search somehow for WLRN, it will start playing (having been found on channel 20) but my TV will say it is tuned in to channel 17. Strange, but I guess that's the way things are.

What has me floored, is if I turn on my TV to channel 17.
If I tune to 17, I get static.
If I tune to 17.1 I get PBS.
If I tune to 17.2 I get PBS in Spanish.

How in the world does my TV know that when I try to tune in channel 17, it should switch and show me something on a different channel???? ....and suppose someone wanted to actually broadcast on channel 17, how can they do this when the other station is taking up TWO of the available numbers, both 17 and 20??

Since I can actually tune in both of the PBS stations by going to 20.1 and 20.2, why should I be tuning my set to a "fake" number?


(When I grew up in NYC, I got used to one set of numbers for ABC, CBS, NBC, etc. When I moved to Michigan, the networks were there, but the channel numbers were different. So, I'm used to using different numbers, as needed. It seems to me that we all ought to be using what you have called the "Physical Channel", not the "Display Channel".)

A handy addition to your table would be to list the language that the station broadcasts in. For example, for me, I'm only interested in channels that are in English. Others will have different desires. I think that would make your chart a bit more useful.

Thanks, Trip. It's amazing that a private individual, even with the help you've got, could put all that together! I've just spent a lot of time going through your site, some of which I do understand, and some of which is beyond my ability to deal with yet - I need to learn more.

I'm glad you like it, and I'm always glad to help explain things when I can.

I am entering all the information on the channels I receive into an Excel spreadsheet, with two groups - one with the channels in English, and another with all the other languages (mostly Spanish).

I will compare that with what you've got listed on your chart (which will also tell me how many of those stations I am actually able to receive). If I find listings that are not on your chart, I will try to figure out what format you want this submitted in. Specifically, you asked "Would you be able to fill me in on what programming each subchannel has on it?" Are you looking for something similar to "English, product selling advertisements, only daytime" or whatever the case might be?

Sounds good to me. Basically, if it's just all English-language infomercials, then you can just say "English Infomercials." If it has a network name (like WPLG 10-2 is LATV and the logo clearly says so) then I'll take that.

How in the world does my TV know that when I try to tune in channel 17, it should switch and show me something on a different channel???? ....and suppose someone wanted to actually broadcast on channel 17, how can they do this when the other station is taking up TWO of the available numbers, both 17 and 20??

When you scan your TV, it generates a table so that it knows when you put in 17-1 to actually go to 20.1 instead.

For a station which transmits on 17, it will need to show up with a different display channel. W64AN-D has a permit to relocate to channel 17 and should display as 64-x. If a new station was to pop up on 17, the PSIP standard states that it should display as 20-x.

Since I can actually tune in both of the PBS stations by going to 20.1 and 20.2, why should I be tuning my set to a "fake" number?

It's your decision whether you want to or not, but most people like to stick with the channel numbers they remembered from analog.

(When I grew up in NYC, I got used to one set of numbers for ABC, CBS, NBC, etc. When I moved to Michigan, the networks were there, but the channel numbers were different. So, I'm used to using different numbers, as needed. It seems to me that we all ought to be using what you have called the "Physical Channel", not the "Display Channel".)

My parents lived much of their lives in NJ outside of NYC. After 15 years, my dad still calls CBS "channel 2" from time to time.

Of course, when you're moving, you expect the channel numbers to be different. The transition was confusing enough for people, telling them to relearn the channel numbers was unlikely to make them any happier.

(Disclaimer: I am a strong proponent of so-called "virtual" channels, to the point that I wrote a blog entry on RabbitEars (http://www.rabbitears.info/blog/index.php?post/2010/04/07/Opinion%3A-Virtual-Channel-Numbers) about it.)

By the way, after your post last night, I immediately went into my code and changed the column labeled "digital channel" to "physical channel" in hopes that it will reduce confusion.

A handy addition to your table would be to list the language that the station broadcasts in. For example, for me, I'm only interested in channels that are in English. Others will have different desires. I think that would make your chart a bit more useful.

This is a very interesting suggestion. I will definitely take it into consideration; however, I wonder what to do about stations which transmit different languages in SAP.

As a general idea, though, it should be pretty easy to implement. Most network stations should be able to be automated. I'll definitely be thinking this over.

- Trip

Trip, all of the above makes sense to me, and after reading your article write-up on virtual channels, I do see your point. Of course, as I see things myself, your dad is spot-on. Of course CBS is "2", just as NBC should be "4", and ABC should be "7". (If I grew up in Detroit rather than NYC, I'd feel differently...)


There is one thing in your explanation that maybe you could elaborate on a bit more. If I understand you correctly, when someone in Miami does an "auto-tune" with their new TV, the information tells the TV about WLRN for example, and that it should display "17" while tuning in channel "20".

Suppose I get a brand new HDTV, set it up, but do NOT do any of the auto-tuning. I then select the channel "17.1" using the remote control. Since the TV doesn't yet know it's even in Miami (no auto tuning yet), and I haven't yet gone to channel "20.1" which perhaps would tell my TV to indicate that it was on "17.1", my TV doesn't yet know any of this virtual stuff. So, would my TV show an empty "real" channel of 17.1, or would some other function I don't yet know about be able to tell the TV that it's really supposed to tune in 20.1??




Maybe you can answer one other thing for me that I've been puzzling about. I got a Sony XBR7, which includes free TV Guide. I have learned how it works, but I don't have a clue why it does anything. Is TV Guide on a channel? I assume it's probably downloading something from each channel I tune in, or that it's been programmed to look at, and from that data, it puts together the TV Guide display. Is this correct? If not, how does it work?

Suppose I wanted to add TV Guide to a different TV that didn't come with it. Can this be done? Would I need to subscribe?



Also, I like your change - it's more obvious when you say "Display Channel" and "Physical Channel".

...however, I wonder what to do about stations which transmit different languages in SAP.


Perhaps English(Spanish,Tamil) for a program broadcast in English, with the ability to select other language(s)?

There is one thing in your explanation that maybe you could elaborate on a bit more. If I understand you correctly, when someone in Miami does an "auto-tune" with their new TV, the information tells the TV about WLRN for example, and that it should display "17" while tuning in channel "20".

Suppose I get a brand new HDTV, set it up, but do NOT do any of the auto-tuning. I then select the channel "17.1" using the remote control. Since the TV doesn't yet know it's even in Miami (no auto tuning yet), and I haven't yet gone to channel "20.1" which perhaps would tell my TV to indicate that it was on "17.1", my TV doesn't yet know any of this virtual stuff. So, would my TV show an empty "real" channel of 17.1, or would some other function I don't yet know about be able to tell the TV that it's really supposed to tune in 20.1??

Yes, it would show the empty real channel 17.1. The tuner has no way of knowing anything until its first scan.

Some TVs simply refuse to tune to channels that are not scanned in.

Maybe you can answer one other thing for me that I've been puzzling about. I got a Sony XBR7, which includes free TV Guide. I have learned how it works, but I don't have a clue why it does anything. Is TV Guide on a channel? I assume it's probably downloading something from each channel I tune in, or that it's been programmed to look at, and from that data, it puts together the TV Guide display. Is this correct? If not, how does it work?

Suppose I wanted to add TV Guide to a different TV that didn't come with it. Can this be done? Would I need to subscribe?

TVGOS is transmitted by WFOR in Miami (note the nifty red TVGOS icon on RabbitEars). It's a free on-screen guide service that your TV can use to display program listings for you. To my knowledge, this is not something that can be added to a receiver that does not have it built in.

Don't confuse TVGOS with the "EIT" data, which is transmitted by each station to show their programming. TVGOS is a proprietary service, whereas the EIT data is publicly accessible. But there's less consistency with EIT, as if I'm recalling correctly, I believe the FCC rules only require guide listings 12 hours out for EIT.

- Trip

TVGOS is transmitted by WFOR in Miami (note the nifty red TVGOS icon on RabbitEars). It's a free on-screen guide service that your TV can use to display program listings for you. To my knowledge, this is not something that can be added to a receiver that does not have it built in.


Several things are now starting to make a bit more sense to me.

Regarding TV Guide, the note up above explains it completely - even though I clicked on that TVGOS icon, I had no idea what it meant or what it was trying to tell me. (Maybe you can elaborate a bit more when someone puts the cursor over the icon, and the explanation message shows up?).

You've also got one for "Update Tv" on WPBT up above - what does that mean? (Hovering over it I see the message "Update TV Affiliate", but I don't know what this means.) I clicked on several links on your page, and found the link to "www.updatelogic.com/network.html". Suggestion - let this link show up when someone places a cursor over the icon. I'm not even sure right now how I got to the link, as I was just "clicking" trying to figure out why the listing was changing when I clicked on "expand". Anyway, I'm now wondering if this is a service I already have, and if updates to my Sony are being sent out.... one more thing to try to figure out...


.....TV Guide.... I spent several hours trying to put something like this together, before I clicked on "Guide" on my new Sony and there it all was! Now that I know what this feature can do, I'd never purchase a TV that didn't allow it to function. Thanks for the note. Had I known of your site before buying the big (for me) Sony, that would have prevented me from making a mistake. I guess I got lucky - even more so, for having read your explanation here in the forum.

Several things are now starting to make a bit more sense to me.

Regarding TV Guide, the note up above explains it completely - even though I clicked on that TVGOS icon, I had no idea what it meant or what it was trying to tell me. (Maybe you can elaborate a bit more when someone puts the cursor over the icon, and the explanation message shows up?).

You've also got one for "Update Tv" on WPBT up above - what does that mean? (Hovering over it I see the message "Update TV Affiliate", but I don't know what this means.) I clicked on several links on your page, and found the link to "www.updatelogic.com/network.html". Suggestion - let this link show up when someone places a cursor over the icon.

As per your suggestions, those icons now link to the appropriate informational page on RabbitEars. :)

I'm not even sure right now how I got to the link, as I was just "clicking" trying to figure out why the listing was changing when I clicked on "expand".

I'm confused by this sentence, can you elaborate?

Anyway, I'm now wondering if this is a service I already have, and if updates to my Sony are being sent out.... one more thing to try to figure out...

If your TV is compatible, then as long as you receive WPBT, you should receive any updates they send out. I remember a few months/years ago, a number of folks with a particular TV model woke up one morning to find their TVs on saying, "a software update has been installed" or something to that effect.

.....TV Guide.... I spent several hours trying to put something like this together, before I clicked on "Guide" on my new Sony and there it all was! Now that I know what this feature can do, I'd never purchase a TV that didn't allow it to function. Thanks for the note. Had I known of your site before buying the big (for me) Sony, that would have prevented me from making a mistake. I guess I got lucky - even more so, for having read your explanation here in the forum.

Glad you enjoy it! :)

- Trip

I'm confused by this sentence, can you elaborate?

Let's see if I can replicate what I did...
a) click on http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php
b) click on "Miami, Florida"
c) in the new box, click on "Expand All" near the top.

Now that I know what we're talking about, it all seems obvious, and my comment is silly. I think I clicked on "Expand All" again (which really should change to "Contract") and eventually got myself back to the screen that is intended to be the "Expand All" screen.


....and now I see why I was confused. Do only "a" and "b" as described above, and then click on the link for Update Tv. I may have done that, but I don't remember which page it took me to - possibly "http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php" which is where it takes me now.

...and now do "a", "b", and "c" as described above, and click on the logo after you've already done the "Expand All", and then click on the words "Update TV", not the logo closer to the top. This will take you to "http://www.updatelogic.com/network.html" which was the page that told me what was going on.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

I guess I get off-track too easily, and also confused when I think I'm doing something right but get unexpected results. I've got just two minor suggestions here:
a) Once someone clicks on "Expand All", change that wording on the new page to something that means you go back to the original page, and
b) change the text "Update TV" to something slightly different, as clicking on the logo up above with that same wording takes a person to different sites.

This has nothing to do with our discussion, but I found a fascinating website that I think a lot of people here might enjoy reading. I don't know enough to understand much of it, but here goes:
http://www.fybush.com/site-031120.html

Anyone from NYC will probably be fascinated by this page.

In looking around for more information, I came across a fascinating site where I could enter my location and get the relevant data. In my case, here's the data:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dcd72ddff86b721

Here's the explanation of what this all means (for people here like me, who are just learning a lot of this stuff...)
http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=57#how_to_read

The scary thing is, thanks to all your advice, I think I actually understood most of this (unlike the Empire State Building link, which left me totally lost).


I also got the answer to a question I hadn't yet asked you. When I set up my new antenna with a small Toshiba TV, I got around 50 stations during the auto-tune. As I was curious about all this, I did the first test without using the antenna amplifier that came with the Terk antenna. Once I thought I knew what I was doing a little better, I added in the amp, plugged it into the AC outlook, turned it on, and....... yikes, many of the stations were gone! I called the Terk service number to ask about this, and the tech guy at the other end told me that the amplifier was over-amplifying the signals, so my TV probably rejected them. It sounded fishy to me, but that didn't matter - I removed it, thinking that a better answer was that it was probably defective, which I'd test out later.

From reading the above "help" link, I now know the real answer, that adding one of these devices is ONLY to help reduce losses in the cabling that is used, and actually REDUCES the signal strength!! At first this made no sense to me, but after thinking about it for a while, it now makes perfect sense. I'm guessing that a "real" signal amplifier can be purchased, but would probably cost far more than the antenna and come in a good-sized case, not a little two-inch device with a slide switch.

Anyway, for anyone else reading this forum, between your information and what I've just posted, it adds up to a pretty good explanation of what's going on. (I'm sure I'll have more questions later on..... )

Let's see if I can replicate what I did...
a) click on http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php
b) click on "Miami, Florida"
c) in the new box, click on "Expand All" near the top.

Now that I know what we're talking about, it all seems obvious, and my comment is silly. I think I clicked on "Expand All" again (which really should change to "Contract") and eventually got myself back to the screen that is intended to be the "Expand All" screen.


....and now I see why I was confused. Do only "a" and "b" as described above, and then click on the link for Update Tv. I may have done that, but I don't remember which page it took me to - possibly "http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php" which is where it takes me now.

...and now do "a", "b", and "c" as described above, and click on the logo after you've already done the "Expand All", and then click on the words "Update TV", not the logo closer to the top. This will take you to "http://www.updatelogic.com/network.html" which was the page that told me what was going on.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

I guess I get off-track too easily, and also confused when I think I'm doing something right but get unexpected results. I've got just two minor suggestions here:
a) Once someone clicks on "Expand All", change that wording on the new page to something that means you go back to the original page, and
b) change the text "Update TV" to something slightly different, as clicking on the logo up above with that same wording takes a person to different sites.

Sorry for my delay in answering.

I understand. I don't know how to swap the text, but I understand what you're saying at least. I'm not sure there's much I can do there, since my knowledge of JavaScript is very limited.

The UpdateTV link within RabbitEars still links off to the Update Logic website. You think they should both link to the same place, am I understanding correctly?

I have links to lots of interesting sites on my site's Links page, Scott Fybush's page included. He actually collects data for RabbitEars. :)

- Trip

I understand. I don't know how to swap the text, but I understand what you're saying at least. I'm not sure there's much I can do there, since my knowledge of JavaScript is very limited.


I wouldn't know javascript from a piece of newspaper floating in coffee, but you can always take the easy way out....

Change "Expand All" to "Expand/Contract" and it's fixed! :-)

I am curious if anyone has received WSBS-DT in South Florida? If so, are they running sub-channels and what are they carrying?

I notice there is NO forum for the Key West area on the AVS Forums and that is why I am posting here. Thanks for any replies in advance.

I wouldn't know javascript from a piece of newspaper floating in coffee, but you can always take the easy way out....

Change "Expand All" to "Expand/Contract" and it's fixed! :-)

Done. And I fixed the Update TV link.

Jim: I don't know anyone in Key West and so I don't know what either WGEN or WSBS are carrying down that way.

- Trip

I am curious if anyone has received WSBS-DT in South Florida? If so, are they running sub-channels and what are they carrying?

I notice there is NO forum for the Key West area on the AVS Forums and that is why I am posting here. Thanks for any replies in advance.


WSBS-DT 22-1 Mega-Spanish Language

Rejecting reality and substituting with Rampant erroneous information that is propagated by pseudo journalists making a career of misreporting the truth, disinformation, misinformation and attacks that are methodically propagated.

What Mega and Maria Elvira Salazar Fail To Report:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/02/22/1492970/trial-for-posada-continues-to.html
http://www.familiesforjustice.net/interface.en/design/static/multimedia/videos.tpl.html
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB153/index.htm
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB202/index.htm
http://www.elnuevoherald.com/2008/10/22/307613_ex-nuera-de-fidel-castro-condenada.html

WSBS-DT 22-1 Mega-Spanish Language

Rejecting reality and substituting with Rampant erroneous information that is propagated by pseudo journalists making a career of misreporting the truth, disinformation, misinformation and attacks that are methodically propagated.

What Mega and Maria Elvira Salazar Fail To Report:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/02/22/1492970/trial-for-posada-continues-to.html
http://www.familiesforjustice.net/interface.en/design/static/multimedia/videos.tpl.html
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB153/index.htm
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB202/index.htm
http://www.elnuevoherald.com/2008/10/22/307613_ex-nuera-de-fidel-castro-condenada.html


What does this all have to do with whether anyone has seen WSBS-DT in south Florida????? All I would like to know is whether WSBS-DT is actually on the air and how many sub-channels they are running.

Man, the Miami AVS OTA forum is one really slow place. Does anyone discuss OTA tv in the Miami area on this forum????

Man, the Miami AVS OTA forum is one really slow place. Does anyone discuss OTA tv in the Miami area on this forum????


I'd like to, but I haven't found that much to discuss. When I grew up, all I had access to was broadcast TV, and there was lots of stuff I wanted to watch. Now it seems like much of what I want to see is on satellite or cable.

Anyway, I've been working on a chart of what stations I can pick up from my outdoor antenna. It's nine flights up, so reception ought to be pretty good. I need to get back to updating this, but the intent was to list all the stations I can get (Miami Beach), what's on them, if they're in English or Spanish, what format they broadcast in, and whether I can see them on my Sony, Toshiba, or Samsung TV. If I can upload it, the chart (for better or worse) should now be attached...

I need to test this again from each of my TVs, and double check all the information. Eventually I need to find a way of getting a TV Guide style listing for all of them.

(Trip, that's the information I'll be sending you, once I double check it, and then put it into the format you suggested.)

West Palm isn't much better - that forum segment has mostly turned into a Comcast event.

What does this all have to do with whether anyone has seen WSBS-DT in south Florida????? All I would like to know is whether WSBS-DT is actually on the air and how many sub-channels they are running.

Man, the Miami AVS OTA forum is one really slow place. Does anyone discuss OTA tv in the Miami area on this forum????

(Trip, that's the information I'll be sending you, once I double check it, and then put it into the format you suggested.)

Thanks. :)

- Trip

WLTV (Tournament of Roses parade) and WAMI (Telefutura dubbed movie, HD and SD versions of the same program).

Hey acesk8er:

I don't know if you're still reading, but I was wondering if you could do me a favor. Could you look at the Miami stations and check for the presence of a number of bars in the usage line in TSReader that are flashing red and green (or just solid red) with PIDs that are roughly in the 0x0200 range and if you spot them, send me new captures for them? It's for this service:

http://www.tvnewscheck.com/articles/2010/06/18/daily.4/

And I don't know which stations are involved. I suspect WLTV/WAMI and WSFL possibly might be involved, but those stations don't have nearly enough bandwidth to make it happen, so it has to be on some other broadcasters as well.

Thanks. :)

- Trip

Something is up with WSCV but I don't think it's what you are looking for.

Interesting.

Yes, WSCV is doing something strange, and has been for some time. I'm not sure what NBC is up to with that one.

No, it's not what I'm looking for. Apparently, they announced the launch without actually launching anything yet. That said, keep an eye open. You may still see it pop up in the next week or two.

- Trip

I am curious if anyone has received WSBS-DT in South Florida? If so, are they running sub-channels and what are they carrying?

I notice there is NO forum for the Key West area on the AVS Forums and that is why I am posting here. Thanks for any replies in advance.

I'm in Pembroke Pines and I receive WSBS-DT with perfect reception using my homemade indoor DB-2 antenna.

As far as sub-channels go, I have no idea because I only found out I was receiving the signal after I downloaded PowerDirector 8 and there it was. I knew Comcast was offering it, but I thought WSBS only had a low-powered repeater in Miami, so I thought I had to be in Key West to get WSBS-DT. I can't be pulling in the Key West signal from 130 miles away so it must be local, but I'm receiving it in HD at 18 Mbps and I wouldn't think a low-powered station could do that.

I e-mailed the station a couple of months ago to ask them what the channel's frequency was so I could manually enter it in Media Center and they blew me off. I assume they didn't know and didn't care to find out. Although it's a pain in the ass because I have to manually enter a lot of channels, I may do another signal set-up in Media Center and hopefully WSBS-DT or WSBS-LD or whatever will be automatically detected and I could check for sub-channels.

WSBS-CD is on channel 50 in Miami. The query is regarding the WSBS-DT signal on channel 3 in Key West, as people looking to receive low-VHF signals over very long distances would love to try to receive it. :)

- Trip

WSBS-CD is on channel 50 in Miami. The query is regarding the WSBS-DT signal on channel 3 in Key West, as people looking to receive low-VHF signals over very long distances would love to try to receive it. :)

- Trip

Thanks for clearing that up. I remember coming across your site a year ago during the digital transition. I should have bookmarked it. Anyway, I entered 50 as the RF for WSBS-CD and there it was.

I'm just surprised to find a low-powered station transmitting an HD signal at 18 Mbps. Other low-powered stations transmit SDTV at 8 Mbps whereas full-powered stations transmit SDTV at 12+ Mbps, so I wouldn't have expected low-powered HDTV to look that good. But, obviously, it's possible.

Thanks for rabbitears.info

A digital signal is a digital signal. Power level has no bearing on the amount of bandwidth they have available. It just happens that WSBS-CD has chosen to dedicate it all to a single HD feed whereas many low-power stations split it into multiple SD subchannels.

Do you receive any of the other low-power stations in Miami? And what kind of receivers do you have in your Media Center PC (or do you know)? Is it a 32-bit version of Windows? (I've yet to encounter a person in Miami for which all three of those questions have satisfactory answers, meaning I'm missing a significant amount of information on Miami's low-power stations. Depending on what your answers to those questions are, I may ask if you'd be willing to lend me a hand with correcting some things on RabbitEars. :))

Thanks for your kind words about RabbitEars; I'm glad you enjoy it.

- Trip

I just came home to find that WXTV has dropped Retro TV in favor of LATV, a Spanish programming channel. OK, the demographic is what it is, but aren't there several affiliates down here who carry LATV? Is RTV available anywhere else? I was really enjoying Magnum PI, Incredible Hulk, Adam 12 etc.

Ch. 4 is now using HD weather graphics. It took 6 months but they look very good.

I just came home to find that WXTV has dropped Retro TV in favor of LATV, a Spanish programming channel. OK, the demographic is what it is, but aren't there several affiliates down here who carry LATV? Is RTV available anywhere else? I was really enjoying Magnum PI, Incredible Hulk, Adam 12 etc.

I think the Spanish channels out number the English channels down here. You have the all spanish channels and the English channels that have Spanish sub-channels. This digital transition is NOT providing the variety that I thought it would. The local stations are finding the cheapest programming possible for there multi-casts. The only sub channel that's worth watching is universal sports and that's only if you can tolerate the sub-standard picture quality. I'd love to see someone in this area pick up Retro TV, but HEAVEN FORBID we should lose a Spanish channel or a useless channel showing weather graphics.

WSFL is supposed to be adding This TV at some point.

- Trip

WSFL has added This TV as channel 39-3, I saw it the other day. Cartoons on now.

Walt

WSFL has added This TV as channel 39-3, I saw it the other day. Cartoons on now.

Walt

It's about time too.

http://www.thistv.com/

Apologies if this has been covered or I'm in the wrong forum but is there someplace I can find an installer for a rooftop antenna? My knees are telling me it's a bad idea to try it myself. FWIW, I'm in Broward County. Thanks.

Apologies if this has been covered or I'm in the wrong forum but is there someplace I can find an installer for a rooftop antenna? My knees are telling me it's a bad idea to try it myself. FWIW, I'm in Broward County. Thanks.

Latta TV and Video Service 305 251 5848
They are located in Miami-Dade, but might also do Broward.

Thanks for the lead on Latta - I'll call them Monday but I'm doubtful. They're in Kendall, about 50 miles from me.

If anyone knows another company, I'd appreciate it.

Apologies if this has been covered or I'm in the wrong forum but is there someplace I can find an installer for a rooftop antenna? My knees are telling me it's a bad idea to try it myself. FWIW, I'm in Broward County. Thanks.

Try Hank at Half Moon... 954-946-0950. He's done a bunch of work for me, including an outside antenna and does a really good job.

Thanks Marty. I'll give him a call.

RetroTV in HD

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DMA 17, 38
RetroTV Launches In HD In Miami
TVNewsCheck, Aug 16 2010, 12:49 PM ET

On Friday, Aug. 20, RetroTV will become available to more than 4 million Florida viewers with a new high-definition service.

RTV HD will be carried by independents WHDT-CA Miami (DMA 17) and by WHDT Stuart (West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce, DMA 38) on the stations' primary channels. Both stations are owned by Günter Marksteiner.

"As the first RTV HD affiliate, WHDT viewers can watch their favorite old TV shows in studio-grade quality direct from the master archives of RTV," Marksteiner said.

RTV's Neal Ardman added: "We are thrilled to both return to West Palm Beach. Now even more Floridians will be able to watch RTV. We couldn't be happier about launching our first HD feed, it is the beginning of a new era for RTV," he added.

RTV provides each of its affiliate a customized feed with classic hit shows, in addition to local programming including news, weather and sports.

RetroTV in HD

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DMA 17, 38
RetroTV Launches In HD In Miami
TVNewsCheck, Aug 16 2010, 12:49 PM ET

On Friday, Aug. 20, RetroTV will become available to more than 4 million Florida viewers with a new high-definition service.

RTV HD will be carried by independents WHDT-CA Miami (DMA 17) and by WHDT Stuart (West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce, DMA 38) on the stations' primary channels. Both stations are owned by Günter Marksteiner.

"As the first RTV HD affiliate, WHDT viewers can watch their favorite old TV shows in studio-grade quality direct from the master archives of RTV," Marksteiner said.

RTV's Neal Ardman added: "We are thrilled to both return to West Palm Beach. Now even more Floridians will be able to watch RTV. We couldn't be happier about launching our first HD feed, it is the beginning of a new era for RTV," he added.

RTV provides each of its affiliate a customized feed with classic hit shows, in addition to local programming including news, weather and sports.

Nice! I live in Broward County. That channel is non-existent in my area.

RetroTV returns to WPB as HD service RTV HD. It is carried exclusively by local TV station WHDT STUART on COMCAST 9.1 (QAM), 17 (SD), 438 (HD); DIRECTV 44 [soon to move to 9]; AT&T 9 (SD), 1009 (HD).

In Miami, RTV HD is carried by WHDT MIAMI. It is available on AT&T 9 (SD), 1009 (HD).

You should have no trouble receiving WHDT MIAMI in Fort Lauderdale on OTA 9.1.

RTN launched its RTV HD service at 10 pm tonight in South Florida. Local Miami station WHDT MIAMI (9.1) is carrying the feed, which tonight is primarily a test assortment of RTV fare.

In the West Palm Beach market, RTV HD affiliate WHDT Stuart is carried on: AT&T channels 9 (SD), 1009 (HD); DIRECTV channel 44 (SD) [soon to be moved to channel 9]; COMCAST channels 9.1 (QAM), 17 (SD), 438 (HD).

The regular schedule will begin this weekend. A full program grid can be downloaded by visiting < www.x2c.us > "WHDT World Television Service".

30 hours of original HD content is part of the programming. This includes hunting, fishing, boating, diving, racing shows produced in HD 720p/60, plus nationally syndicated first-run HD programs such as "Heartland".

Retro shows are being aired in "component video" quality direct from the master tape archives. RTN is using the bandwidth offered by the HD transport stream to deliver what was formerly "studio grade" to viewer's home screens. The video images appear without side bars to avoid screen "burn-out" through use of a mathematically-correct non-linear expansion algorithm that duplicates the human vision off-axis correction system. Of course some material from 16mm film stock cannot be fully restored without creating "animation" artifacts so these shows appear closer to the degraded originals.

If you liked the old shows when they aired in NTSC, then you should like them again.

I live in North Broward and am still not able to pick up this signal with a 30 element UHF Yagi. Just a faint "haystack" on the spectrum analyzer ( RF Ch. 44 ). I was told that they are on "emergency power". Hopefully, they will be at full power soon.

I'm in downtown Fort Lauderdale, and I don't get that channel either (OTA 9.1).

I live in North Broward and am still not able to pick up this signal with a 30 element UHF Yagi. Just a faint "haystack" on the spectrum analyzer ( RF Ch. 44 ). I was told that they are on "emergency power". Hopefully, they will be at full power soon.

I thought that WHDT was a low power station. If that's the case we'll never be able to receive it in Broward. I have the channel listed on my TiVo lineup but have no signal detected in my tuner.

I think by sometime in September, WHDT is suppose to put out enough power to reach southern / central Palm Beach County from the South Broward / north Dade transmitter facility.

I think by sometime in September, WHDT is suppose to put out enough power to reach southern / central Palm Beach County from the South Broward / north Dade transmitter facility.

Thanks! That's great news.

Does Comcast carry HDNet or HDNet Movies in this area?

No, Comcast carries neither in this area! It would be nice if they would!

Tomorrow is the big day when I dump cable TV ($$ savings biggest motivation) and have a rooftop antenna professionally installed. Does anyone live due south of MIA ? How do other people handle the inevitable rooftop antenna/hurricane dilemma ? I am having a telescoping antenna mast installed with the antenna (Channel Master UHF/VHF) so I can at least get the thing down to roof top level. Suggestions, advice welcome.

No, Comcast carries neither in this area! It would be nice if they would!

Thx.

Why doesn't Comcast in Broward carry WHDT? It carries every other local channel and subchannel.:confused:




Isn't RetroTV HD an oxymoron? How can old tv programs be aired in HD? They weren't filmed in HD. Just because its HD resolution doesn't make it actual HD.

Tomorrow is the big day when I dump cable TV ($$ savings biggest motivation) and have a rooftop antenna professionally installed. Does anyone live due south of MIA ? How do other people handle the inevitable rooftop antenna/hurricane dilemma ? I am having a telescoping antenna mast installed with the antenna (Channel Master UHF/VHF) so I can at least get the thing down to roof top level. Suggestions, advice welcome. Why does it need to be professionally installed? Its just an antenna. Its not like its a dish that needs to be aimed at at specific point.

I imagine you could just unmount it if a hurricane is coming. Andrew was the first Hurricane that hit this area in my lifetime(33 years) and most people had cable by then. So somebody who's really old:p would be better to answer this.

According to my friend in Boynton Beach, the WHDT version of Retro TV is vastly different from the one we are all used to. Mainly for me, no Adam-12 or Dragnet at 5 and 5:30...

Isn't RetroTV HD an oxymoron? How can old tv programs be aired in HD? They weren't filmed in HD. Just because its HD resolution doesn't make it actual HD.

The "old programs" you refer to were not filmed in widescreen but they were filmed using the highest quality equipment available at the time. That high quality will shine through perfectly on an HD channel. You will see these programs in a way you never thought possible.

The "old programs" you refer to were not filmed in widescreen but they were filmed using the highest quality equipment available at the time. That high quality will shine through perfectly on an HD channel. You will see these programs in a way you never thought possible.True, except for the stretch-o-vision. I can't watch a distorted picture no matter how its high quality shines through.

True, except for the stretch-o-vision. I can't watch a distorted picture no matter how its high quality shines through.

I haven't been able to receive the Retro Channel yet, but I do not believe they are stretching their programs. They may be reformatted to widescreen in such a way that the original picture is not distorted. This process was done with the old Seinfeld episodes shown on channel 39-1. The picture is widescreen but the image looks normal. They crop the top and bottom of the picture to make it wider. If you have not seen it check it out.

I haven't been able to receive the Retro Channel yet, but I do not believe they are stretching their programs.

RTN launched its RTV HD service at 10 pm tonight in South Florida. Local Miami station WHDT MIAMI (9.1) is carrying the feed, which tonight is primarily a test assortment of RTV fare.

[...]

The video images appear without side bars to avoid screen "burn-out" through use of a mathematically-correct non-linear expansion algorithm that duplicates the human vision off-axis correction system. Of course some material from 16mm film stock cannot be fully restored without creating "animation" artifacts so these shows appear closer to the degraded originals.

Mr. Marksteiner is the owner of WHDT.

Also from http://rickcaylor.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=4867538 :

The RTV HD is very hard to wtch the picture on old 4:3 programmes as ben strecthed out to fit a 16:9 screen.

- Trip

This WPLG FCC "application to cover" (https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101397021&formid=2&fac_num=53113) made me pull the OTA stuff out of the garage. (DTT-901, Winegard SS-3000.)

The extra power definitely helps a lot here in central Palm Beach County. I was hoping that a power increase would make indoor reception of Miami's VHF stations as easy getting the Miami UHF's but it still took quite a bit of tinkering to find a good spot. Those of you who are closer to the Dade / Broward line will get more out of it. By comparison WSVN barely registers a blip with the same setup.

Anyone having issues with WSFL-DT (39.1) lately?
I'm about 23 miles from the transmitters, but it seems the signal quality is poor.
Tried watching the Dolphins/Pats game last Monday, and the stream kept breaking up every few seconds. Totally unwatchable..

By contrast, WFOR-DT (4.1), whose transmitter is at the same location (Distance/Compass direction according to antennaweb.org), I have perfect reception.

Good morning guys,

I have a comcast tech coming saturday to do a cablecard install. I have been trying to find out if miami is using SDV or not but cant find anything conclusive. Does anyone know if Miami is in fact using SDV?

Thanks!

acesk8er:

Any chance you can catch me new TSReader data on WTVJ, WSCV, and WSFL? If you're able to pick up any of the low-power stations, I'm missing most of those as well.

WSFL added This TV, and I'm hearing that WTVJ and WSCV may be dedicating some bandwidth to Mobile DTV.

Thanks.

- Trip

Any using U-Verse in the 33173 area or close? I just ordered and they state they can now feed 4 HDTV's at the same time. I will check with the installer when they come out.

Also, how do you like U-Verse?
I have had D* for 15 yrs now but my isp is crap.

Any using U-Verse in the 33173 area or close? I just ordered and they state they can now feed 4 HDTV's at the same time. I will check with the installer when they come out.

Also, how do you like U-Verse?
I have had D* for 15 yrs now but my isp is crap.

I have Directv for TV and U-Verse 24 Mbps for isp. I would stick to Directv and get U-Verse for the internet only.

Hey Trip, I captured the stream data from the easy-to-get stations. The Decontis viewer decodes the M/H stream from WSCV. It's a down-conversion of the main HD program, see enclosed screen cap. I can't get the Miami LPTV's.

Cool, thanks. Wonder why you couldn't catch WTVJ...

- Trip

Anyone having issues with WSFL-DT (39.1) lately?
I'm about 23 miles from the transmitters, but it seems the signal quality is poor.
Tried watching the Dolphins/Pats game last Monday, and the stream kept breaking up every few seconds. Totally unwatchable..

By contrast, WFOR-DT (4.1), whose transmitter is at the same location (Distance/Compass direction according to antennaweb.org), I have perfect reception.

I have the same problem with both channels from time to time and, to a greater degree, with WTVJ 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3. It's caused by multi-path interference. The same interference that caused ghosting in the old analog system causes a breakup of the signal in the new digital system. If it's really bad, you may need to switch to a good outdoor antenna that picks up UHF signals.

Has anyone heard any news about when WHDT 9.1 is going to operate at full power. I still cannot get this channel and it is not carried by Comcast in Broward County.

Check out: http://www.sfltv.com/2010/10/22/wtvj-to-launch-247-news-channel/

Early next year!

Has anyone heard any news about when WHDT 9.1 is going to operate at full power. I still cannot get this channel and it is not carried by Comcast in Broward County.

This station's OTA signal is for all practical purposes its STL to Comcast's Palm Beach cable headend. You're not missing anything as most of the programming is infomercials. No more "WHDT Sports World Exclusive" horse jumping re-runs... ;-)

For anybody in Weston who has Advanced Cable, have they added any new HD channels lately?

I'm moving from Memphis, TN to Coral Springs in 2 weeks. Is this the correct thread I should follow or the West Palm Beach one? Coming in to say hi.

Ok next question, we will be in zip code 33065. I use Comcast internet currently and they said they don't service the range of the house we are going to rent. Are my other options only Advanced Cable or ATT? If so how are the speeds? I will be working from home temporarily so I need to have a reliable internet connection.

I use OTA and record as much as possible from that instead of the D* feeds. Doing a antennaweb search looks like we are mostly around 20 - 23 30 miles from the different towers. Good times for me!

I'm moving from Memphis, TN to Coral Springs in 2 weeks. Is this the correct thread I should follow or the West Palm Beach one? Coming in to say hi.

Ok next question, we will be in zip code 33065. I use Comcast internet currently and they said they don't service the range of the house we are going to rent. Are my other options only Advanced Cable or ATT? If so how are the speeds? I will be working from home temporarily so I need to have a reliable internet connection.

I use OTA and record as much as possible from that instead of the D* feeds. Doing a antennaweb search looks like we are mostly around 20 - 23 30 miles from the different towers. Good times for me!
Welcome to South Florida. You're in the right place for Coral Springs. In CS, your options for internet are AT&T and Advanced Cable. I had a business in Coral Springs for a while and had Advanced for both TV and Internet. They were OK... there were periodic outages as I used to have with Comcast in my home. Also, speeds would vary depending on how many people were using the shared bandwidth, but that wasn't a major problem that we had. We also offered free WiFi to our customers using Advanced so it worked well.

At home I use AT&T and their 6 Mb package for internet. It's worked very reliably and I get good throughput. Both are good, so I suspect you might want to consider what other options you might need, via TV and Phone and make your decision that way.

Any using U-Verse in the 33173 area or close? I just ordered and they state they can now feed 4 HDTV's at the same time. I will check with the installer when they come out.

Also, how do you like U-Verse?
I have had D* for 15 yrs now but my isp is crap.

U verse told me the same thing. Its been 8 months and I noticed when I am recording 2 shows my wife can't watch anything in HD in the bedroom. Call ATT and they said thats how it is. So 4 HDTV my BUTT! Looks like I am going back to Comcast. Hopefully they are not compressing the channels too bad.

Cool, thanks. Wonder why you couldn't catch WTVJ...

- Trip

I tried again, this time the the latest version of the Decontis viewer. The WTVJ M/H service was present this time, however, neither it nor the M/H service from WSCV play for more than a couple of seconds before freezing. No problem with the normal MPEG2 services.

Notice the exclamation mark next to the 'WTVJ' mobility icon in the enclosed screen capture. Also note that the ESG icon is off. The Decontis manual says that ESG is "mostly unnecessary" for ATSC M/H so this may or may not be the problem.

Cool, thanks. I wonder what's up with the MH services not working right for you. I'll get to test the New York ones in about a month and a half and see if they work any better for me than you. I actually bought a license for the Decontis software since I was so pleased just to see something that could go so far as to display the channel names.

- Trip

Hey Trip, here are TSReader captures for some of Miami's LPTV's.

Thanks! Very much appreciated. :)

- Trip

Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same thing as I am.

All channels BUT Channel 7/WSVN comes in loud and clear. Channel 7 comes in clear picture wise, but the audio has a bit of a garble to it.

If it helps at all, HDTV with OTA outside antenna.

Is it just me???:confused:

Advanced Cable added some more HD channels:

ION HD
Weather Channel HD
Disney Channel HD
Lifetime HD
Lifetime Movie Network HD
FX HD
Speed Channel HD
Golf Channel HD
Versus HD
CNN HD
Fox Business HD
NFL Redzone HD
TMC HD.

- WSFL added a sub-channel (39-3 "AntTV", which was showing the same program as 39-4 "ThisTV").
- WPTV and WPXM are transmitting mobility signals. ("WPTV Mobile" is a low-bandwidth version of the main HD channel; WPXM's M/H signal wouldn't decode on the Decontis player.)
- CTN HD TSReader capture is on the West Palm Beach thread.

- WSFL added a sub-channel (39-3 "AntTV", which was showing the same program as 39-4 "ThisTV").
- WPTV and WPXM are transmitting mobility signals. ("WPTV Mobile" is a low-bandwidth version of the main HD channel; WPXM's M/H signal wouldn't decode on the Decontis player.)
- CTN HD TSReader capture is on the West Palm Beach thread.

Thanks! I got the WPB set from the other thread as well. :)

- Trip

At my old house in TN I was able to pull in the various stations on my pc and get their TSReader info. Not so lucky at this house, it isn't wired for my "needs". Could you also pull the streams for WFOR, WTVJ, and WFLX. Those and WSFL are the major ones I can get. I'm curious if WFOR is sending the full 19.39 mbps for the channel or if they are sending a bunch of null data. The CBS where I cam from only sent a max 15 mbps and it looked terrible. The NBC also had 2 subs and had the same blocky look as WTVJ.

It puzzles me why WSFL is sending so much null when they only give ~7.6 mbps of video to -1 and it looks so crappy. Do they always do that?

I have the other stations on my website from past captures by acesk8er. Click the call sign of the station you want, then click "Technical Data and Screencaps." At the bottom of the listing I have the bitrate data, but you can also click "TSReader Data" and see the raw output. http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?mktid=22

WSFL isn't limiting it to 7.6 Mbps. They're using a variable bitrate encoder, and acesk8er just happened to catch it during a scene with little motion that required little bandwidth. That said, the three SD subs certainly aren't helping the HD quality, but it's not quite as bad as it looks.

If the CBS in Miami is like the other CBS O&O stations, it's using a very new variable bitrate encoder that has a very high upper bound on bitrates. Most people I know of who have a CBS O&O claim it to have the best picture quality of any HD they've seen outside of raw network satellite feeds. I have seen some of these stations captured at low-looking bitrates as well, but that definitely does not tell the whole story.

I'm going to guess from your description that you lived in Memphis. (No other NBC in the state has two SD subs. :) ) NBC is probably worse in Miami since NBC Universal Sports is very bandwidth-intensive compared to This TV on WMC. It may be mitigated if WTVJ has a significantly better encoder than WMC had, but I have no way of knowing that off-hand. WTVJ also has a variable bitrate encoder.

Getting data from WFLX doesn't really help anything. The Fox splicer delivers the exact network feed to all affiliates, unless a local station is bypassing it which I believe to be in violation of their affiliation agreement. It's a variable bitrate feed but should be the same no matter which station you look at.

- Trip

Yep, Memphis it is. I know WMC got a new encoder maybe 2 years ago, and the station engineer said it isn't near as good as the manufacturer claimed it to be on their demo. I politely said "yes I know". Just more of an fyi.

I knew that about FOX, just had a brain fart after a 17 hour drive back from there. During local programming WHBQ upped the bitrate to the 17 mbps range.

To hear that the CBS down here is O&O is music to my ears, I have suffered with low quality CBS for years. Most of our viewing is from CBS and FOX.

Antenna TV launching Jan 01, 2011 12AM on subchannel 39-3.
AntTV is currently airing a preview.

http://www.wgnamerica.com/shows/antenna/

Antenna TV launching Jan 01, 2011 12AM on subchannel 39-3.
AntTV is currently airing a preview.

http://www.wgnamerica.com/shows/antenna/

Loving AntTv so far! Kinda takes the sting out of losing retrotv to YET ANOTHER latv feed.
Now if I can only get a reliable signal from my17 on 34 I'll be set.

Anyone know when Comcast plans to add more HD channels in the North Dade/Aventura area?

If anyone is interested, I have an owned H20 that I would like to get rid of. $20, nothing wrong with it, just don't have a need for it now that I have moved down here.

Just a note to inform that a Miami / Ft. Lauderdale topic dedicated to Comcast can be found here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=19879189

Power on VHF helps... A lot!

https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101414933&formid=2&fac_num=63840

I had to move the antenna around a little bit to find a sweet spot. Previously receiving WSVN here in central Palm Beach was a once or twice a year occurrence.

Pardon my ignorance, but what does that mean? Did they put in a permit to increase their power, or have they already increased it? Where I'm at I can get 29-1 sometimes sporadic, sometimes perfectly fine. I don't get a blip on 7. Does this mean I have the possibility of picking 7-1 up now?

They were at 60 kW, and now have increased to 158 kW.

- Trip

They were at 60 kW, and now have increased to 158 kW.

The higher power helps but so far WSVN 7 isn't as solid as WPLG 10 at my location with an indoor antenna. I still need a little bit of propagation enhancement for 7 to come in solid. I'm pretty sure that reliable reception is/was always possible here with an outdoor antenna.

Interesting, because I think WPLG is at 127.7 kW, a lower power level.

- Trip

any word on 9.1? Did they ever increase their signal strength?
I still can't pick this up.
Also, whenever I enter 19 my LG tunes to 39.

Holy crap WSFL's PQ is awful. The basketball game this weekend looked flat and Smallville was terrible. I'm 18 ft away from our 42" RPTV, my wife and is 12 and she commented on it. Ugh.

Holy crap WSFL's PQ is awful. The basketball game this weekend looked flat and Smallville was terrible. I'm 18 ft away from our 42" RPTV, my wife and is 12 and she commented on it. Ugh.

Yep... This happened beginning 1-1-11 when they added yet another sub-channel (39.4) in order to carry Antenna TV on 39.3 in addition to Azteca America (39.2) and This TV (39.4)....

It's absolutely disgusting what they've done to their signal.... How can they call it HD ?.... The basketball games you're talking about look like they're out of focus all the time because of the limited digital bandwidth they assigned to 39.1 cannot handle the fast movements of the sports action...

Check out all their other "HD" shows (syndicated, etc.) and you'll see they look like washed-out SD video.... As far as I'm concerned, we have sadly "lost" a local HD channel here in South Florida (WSFL).... RIP Channel 39 !

(Trip in Virginia should remove WSFL as an HD channel from his list.)

(Trip in Virginia should remove WSFL as an HD channel from his list.)

It's HD in the sense they're transmitting 1080 lines. How many of those lines you can actually see is another story.

Tribune needs to invest in some new encoders. I have WSFL listed as variable bitrate just because the TSReader capture I have has the HD at such a low bitrate as to be unbelievable if it's not variable. However, it would be the only Tribune station to have a variable bitrate encoder, which makes me skeptical that it actually is variable.

- Trip

The past couple of days I have been losing signal from the HD channels when the storms came rolling through. Up in Memphis it would take storms harder than that to lose HD signal. What should my signal strengths look like down here? I was in the mid to high 90's on the new sat. Here it looks like I average about 95%. Is that good?

Are you talking satellite or OTA ?
I have Dish network, and didn't lose the signal yesterday, even with the
front that moved through.

Walt

My bad, D*.