Delays, delays, delays! They'd better get it right when they finally get it up. :mad:

Do you notice that they don't tell you why?

Originally posted by George33027
Do you notice that they don't tell you why?

I would ask them, but I'm sure I've heard it all before. Then they whine and bitch about the lack of a "business model" for HDTV. Pathetic, simply pathetic. No wonder the economy is in such a sorry state....:rolleyes:

Originally posted by drguava
This was just posted on the Channel 6 website:

HDTV Coming To WTVJ
Viewers Will Have Picture Perfect Reception

POSTED: 1:50 p.m. EST February 19, 2003
UPDATED: 11:12 a.m. EST June 9, 2003

MIRAMAR, Fla. -- By the middle of July 2003, WTVJ will begin broadcasting its HDTV signal on channel 31 from a new location.

I guess that the on the air date has been changed from June to July.

Dr Guava

I would guess that the mid June testing would still be on schedule. I don't think any Digital TV station would assume that their offical launch date would be the first day they even turned on the equipment. I think any engineer watching Palm Beach's NBC disaster would be demanding about 3 months of testing.

Tim Huey

Originally posted by Rudy1
Delays, delays, delays! They'd better get it right when they finally get it up. :mad:

Rudy --

We should be grateful that they are still saying 2003. (At least for the present.)

How true!

http://www.nbc6.net/nbc6/1991032/detail.html

They even have a slide show of the antenna installation. At least they have an antenna!

Anxiously awaiting.

John

Here is a link to a poll that I created to allow you to indicate which receiver you are using that has trouble receiving WPTV-DT in West Palm Beach:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=269073

I have a Samsung SIR-T150 and a Samsung SIR-T165. I still cannot receive WPTV-DT. I get perfect reception on WFLX DT 29 with a signal strenght of 5 bars. I also get all miami stations perfectly. I get 3 bars on WPTV DT but it keeps dropping to 0 then back to 3 then 0. The led keeps changing from green to red and back. My receiver will lock and produce a perfect picture with only 1 bar of signal so I know that is not the problem. I only get 3 bars on WPLG and it locks perfectly. The receivers have both remapped to 5-1. :confused:

Guys, I finally created a second poll where you can select any eceiver that you may have which receives WPTV-DT at least as well as any other DTV station:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=2316840#post2316840

Any word on when Comcast intends on bringing HDTV to Fort Lauderdale?

Tim Huey

Don't hold your breath. They're still upgrading their system here in Fort Lauderdale, with no definite timeline on introducing HDTV. According to one of their engineers, the upgrades won't be completed before the end of the year.

Originally posted by TimHuey
Any word on when Comcast intends on bringing HDTV to Fort Lauderdale?

Tim Huey

I read somewhere that it will be on 2006, I will try to find the link and post it..
:p

Comcast is currently offering close to 500 channels (including approximately 50 music-only channels & 37 In Demand channels) on their uppermost digital tier. None of my friends who have the digital service consider the PQ even remotely comparable to the picture my Toshiba HDTV produces from just the analog service, so it appears they're already using the maximum possible amount of compression on the digital channels. Therefore, I'm not expecting any miracles as far as HD channels (when they finally become available) are concerned.

If I remember correctly the information I was given late last year, Comcast is upgrading its system mainly to comply with their franchise contract with the city of Fort Lauderdale. When they'll get around to offering HD service in this market is debatable.

The tech who installed my high-speed internet informed me that HD would not be available for at least a year.
Another issue is that most ignorant south floridians would rather have 1 billion crappy channels than 100 HD channels.

Barry

Good Day Fellas,

I am moving to Ft Lauderdale from Denver. I was one of the fortunates in Denver able to get all of the locals OTA. I was wondering what the reception possiblities are from the highrises near the coast. Thanks in advance.

I have a Panasonic STB and would be restricted to an "on the balcony" type antenna.

Doug

Originally posted by Doug888
Good Day Fellas,

I am moving to Ft Lauderdale from Denver. I was one of the fortunates in Denver able to get all of the locals OTA. I was wondering what the reception possiblities are from the highrises near the coast. Thanks in advance.

I have a Panasonic STB and would be restricted to an "on the balcony" type antenna.

Doug

Hi Doug,

Welcome in advance. You should be able to get everything from there.

Ron

Well, you won't get NBC local for a while and it's debatable whether or not you might be able to get NBC Palm Beach.

Our Fox station down here is kinda strange. It's mostly news stuff during the day, borders on sensationalism, but it's got a lot of bright colors and shiny stuff so it's fun to watch for a while. I'm on the beach in a medium rise condo at Las Olas. I get ABC, CBS, FOX, UPN, WB fine. My condo faces west and I'm on the 10th floor. All I use is a Silver Sensor antenna with an amp, but I'm not even sure I need the amp. I have it to pull in Fort Myers NBC.

Tim Huey

TimHuey,

Do you get Ft. Myers NBC reliably or sporadically? Do you pull in any other Ft. Myers stations?

Darryl,

I only get Ft Myers when I aim the antenna at it, it is usually at night, the trop has to be favorable. For example, I got Fort Myers in Early December last year but then lost it for 3 to 4 months until the trop got better this late spring. Now it's back again. My signal is in the low 30's on my DTC-100. It is sporadic.

Tim Huey

Fellas,

Thanks for the response. It sounds promising, save NBC.

One less OTA viewer in Denver, one more in South Florida.

Doug

Just got WPTV ch 5-1 in Ft. Laud. with a DTC-100 with strength of 50-60 somewhat unstable.
Must have finally found source of problem.
Hurrah.

I am getting a pretty strong reading on 55-1 in South West Miami-Dade, with an E86... but my reading is moving from 25-79 quite erratically... I hope it levels off....

I think they're still tweaking, guys. Getting a nice solid 100 signal up here with slight lip-sync error and around 6 PM they were dropping out a bit. Solid since then, though.

Still erratic here... Hope it settles down for Leno tonight... I have never seen Leno on HD... To be honest though, I wouldn't watch him save for the fact that it will be in HD... HD makes picture quality better, but it doesn't make his voice any deeper nor his jokes any funnier.

minus_3,

How's your reception of WFLX-DT, 29-1 down there?

Got a 100 here on 29-1, but I did need an antenna booster to take me over the 90 hump... I have my antenna pointed between the WPB and the South Florida antennas at about 28 degrees, so I needed the booster to get me back up to 100 on most stations. I pull in 29-1 better that I do WSVN's 8-1 and 29-1 actually does widescreen, so I am very happy. My 55-1 is still acting erratic over here at 7 pm.

Hey David... just wanted to let you know that I have a nice and steady 79 on 55-1 now... not a 100 like 29-1, but I am not complaining... I think it is time to crack open a beer...

55 is on a considerably higher frequency than 28 (29-1's real channel) so it might be a bit more of a challenge where you are, minus_3. You might need "more antenna" from your distance.

Yehhaa!!! RCA-DTC-100 on the beach in Fort lauderdale recieving 55-2 at 70-73 signal strenght and good picture. Very stable for the 3 mins I watched!!! Feeling giddy like a little school girl!!!

No no... you should see the monster I have on my roof... From my understanding, 79 is just as good as 100, so I should be alright. Maybe I lean my antenna just a tad more toward 15 degrees... that should get me close enough... thanks for the help... This has been a long time coming... It's a shame I have to key in on WPB channels to get FOX and NBC when I live in major market like Miami. Maybe WTVJ will finally get there thing going, but I am not holding my breathe for WSVN... With WPB HD and the new D* HD channels, I think I will be just fine!

Yes...mess with the lateral angle. If that doesn't work you should try dialing-in a little positive vertical angle (by angling the front of the antenna up a few degrees) since you're so far over the "radio horizon". (I know this sounds like a joke but I'm serious!)

Cool... I'll give it a try...

David, really (no joke)? I'm in the reverse situation: I'd like to do a little better with Miami stations from Hobe Sound. If I tip the front of the antenna up a few degrees, would you suspect I will pay (significantly?) with reception problems for WPB? They are all very strong now (with perfectly flat balance). I have a big Blake (JBX21) and can pull in Miami most of the time pretty well, though I would love to move closer to getting Miami ALL of the time.

Getting WPTV-DT on e86 FINALLY!!! Signal keeps bouncing like a pogo stick, but picture seems stable.

I am finally getting 55-1 at strength of 88% on RCA DTC 100 in Weston.

:mad: My signal is @ low 30's I cant even remap the chanell..:confused:

What a disappointment! I finally got WPTV-DT and what happens?

Law and Order was shown in SD.

Is this a real TV station or just another So. FL. nightmare? We'll hold out hope for Leno.

Darryl,

No, it won't adversely affect the locals, it'll just help signals that emminate from just over the radio horizon. I've got a few degrees of tilt on the antenna I use to get the Miami stations. You can just loosen the U-bolts that attach your antenna to the mast slightly, torque the front of the antenna up a little and then tighten the U-bolts down again. This will have more of an affect on UHF than VHF.

I have a question. My reciever is picking up NTSC 33 already, I'm not sure what station it is. If 33-1 ATSC starts broadcasting what happens to 33. I don't think my reciever is capable of getting an analog station and a digital station on the same channel.

I have a RCA DTC-100 and remapping turned off.

Tim Huey

33-1? WTVJ-DT will be on 31-1.

Oh cool! Much better thanx.

Tim

Tim,

The DTC100 is able to tune both analog and digital channels even if the have exactly the same number. At least the unit I had a year ago could.

Rudy

33-1 is UPN (WBFS) out of Miami or the surrounding area. I know each STB has its own abilities, but I have had situations where I have 2 39-1 DTV stations at the same time. It seems like wierd things can work with digital signals that would not with analog.

Anybody have any idea when the local DTV stations are going to start including program data in their PSIP? It appears only WSVN-DT is doing so, and they're only transmitting SD signals. Do any of the Palm Beach stations transmit program info?

Yes, we do at WPEC-DT.

It figures it would be one of the stations I can't receive.

Originally posted by David McRoy
Yes, we do at WPEC-DT.

Do you guys at WPEC use Triveni GuideBuilder ?

...

Got back from a trip.
I too now get 5-1 at 95.
Last night Watched ER in HD !

Sounds like someone forgot to throw a swithch or setting.
Anyway, nice picture, sound and signal.
Thanks 5-1 !

Crap !!! I was able to see the news and friends yesterday from wptv, but in the middle of friends my signal dropped below 30's again and I could not see any HD last night ... did any1 else experince this ?:confused:

I had a pretty strong signal during the news, but shortly afterwards the signal disappeared completely. I tried adjusting my antenna, but only lost a couple of other stations in the process. I'm not going to bother with WPTV-DT anymore....I'll just wait for WTVJ-DT to go live.

I checked last night about 9:30pm and I had about 45% signal strength on WPTV-5 and no picture or sound whatsoever. Strangely enough, both WPEC-12 and WFLX-29 had 80% signal strength, by far the best I've ever gotten for those stations.

signal was strong during the news but then disappeared and would not lock for first five minutes of Leno, then it locked and was perfect for the rest of the show. The HD quality was incredible. I could see the scratches on his desk and stains on the couch. Thanks WPTV for finally giving us NBC HD!:D

Finally I am getting WPTV-HD in SW Dade County, close to the Tamiami Trail by FIU. 95% signal on my HD100, which is one of the old generation receivers. Watching Crossing Jordan very nicely, no drop outs so far from airport traffic.

Jose
W2JD

PS- I hope it's not because of tropo tonight.

Cool... I am right next to FIU too... My signal just went flat... Not getting anything now...

HDTV fans,

The movie "Foul Play" will be broadcast in HD on WBFS (33.1) on Sunday, June 22nd, at 5 PM.

Ken

Thanks for the info, and welcome to the AVS Forum, Ken. When are you guys going to start listing program info for WFOR & WBFS using PSIP? The online guides are seldom correct, and it's such a hassle to check them anyway when you're in the middle of watching TV. I meant to ask Marcelo Sanchez @ WFOR about that the last time we spoke, but I got sidetracked and forgot.

---Rudy

5-1 is finally solid.
Definitly not an older generation receiver problem, but that what we all have been saying.

How does the PSIP program info work?
I thought this was from the Guide of DirecTV?

Originally posted by Rudy1
Thanks for the info, and welcome to the AVS Forum, Ken. When are you guys going to start listing program info for WFOR & WBFS using PSIP? The online guides are seldom correct, and it's such a hassle to check them anyway when you're in the middle of watching TV. I meant to ask Marcelo Sanchez @ WFOR about that the last time we spoke, but I got sidetracked and forgot.

---Rudy

Hey Rudy... what receiver are you using? I get WFOR guide info just fine using my e86... of course, that comes through the D* datastream.

Thanks Ken for the update. I am going to warm up the set now. Please keep us updated when upn 33 schedules HD movies. There is no other place to get that information. :D

minus_3 & George33027,

The PSIP datastream not only allows OTA receivers to tune broadcast digital signals, it also has the capability to provide a program guide like the one you get from DirecTV and Dish Network or from digital cable. I use the Samsung T150 & T165 receivers, and all of their advanced features are designed around PSIP. For example, when PSIP is fully implemented by a station, you can not only view the titles & show times of programs, but you can also get in-depth information on specific episodes. And, as I'm sure you're all aware, PSIP is what makes it possible for us to use the T165 to set up DVHS recorders for time-shifting.

I just wish all our local DTV stations were fully implementing PSIP.

----Rudy

Rudy --
I -- and apparently others -- DO get program episode descriptions for local stations in the guide.

I get them for all of the major (including WFOR-DT) and most of the minor Miami stations, but not for WPB. It is most likely a zip code thing. Try a Dade zip code (mine) 33146 and see what happens.

Originally posted by wjbjr
Rudy --
I -- and apparently others -- DO get program episode descriptions for local stations in the guide.

I get them for all of the major (including WFOR-DT) and most of the minor Miami stations, but not for WPB. It is most likely a zip code thing. Try a Dade zip code (mine) 33146 and see what happens.


Bill,

Thanks for the suggestion, but I use OTA-only tuners. Only the satellite tuners get the programming info.

---Rudy

So, now I ask, does anyone get 5-1 programming info?
And if yes, and via Sat, what is the zip code to get it?

George, I know I don't get it via OTA...not sure about DirecTV (and can't tell right now since I'm not at home.) Feel free to use my zip code (33460) and try for yourself!

Thanks, will try it.

Originally posted by Rudy1
Bill,

Thanks for the suggestion, but I use OTA-only tuners. Only the satellite tuners get the programming info.

---Rudy

Rudy --
Sorry about that. Just another example proving that one who does not know what one is talking about, should not. <g>

Rudy,

Re PSIP program info, we will be doing it but I can't say exactly when it will happen. We are looking at various options for doing it efficiently and accurately.

Ken

Originally posted by Ken MacKinnon
Rudy,

Re PSIP program info, we will be doing it but I can't say exactly when it will happen. We are looking at various options for doing it efficiently and accurately.

Ken

Thanks, Ken.

Does PSIP override the DirecTV guide for that channel ?

Is anybody else getting a signal on 31-0? There's no sound or picture, but I get a strong lock. I suppose the Miami NBC affiliate has begun testing their equipment.

Originally posted by Rudy1
Is anybody else getting a signal on 31-0? There's no sound or picture, but I get a strong lock. I suppose the Miami NBC affiliate has begun testing their equipment.

Rudy --
Yes, I am currently getting a solid 100 signal on 31. No video or audio. 31-1 and 6-1 show "Channel Unavailable".

zero signal in lake worth on channel 31 - probably not at full power yet.

Originally posted by hdtvis4me
zero signal in lake worth on channel 31 - probably not at full power yet.

Panic not! No signal here now either. They must have turned it off for the night.

Checked real quick after seeing a post on this forum... I was getting a ~70% signal strength indication on channel 31 at about 6:30 p.m. on a Dish 6k. However the signal was "unlocked" (red background on bargraph). Basically the same signal strength as WFOR on channel 22, so if you can get WFOR you should have no problem pulling in WTVJ.

I just spoke with Richard van Hook, WTVJ Chief Engineer, and reported the strong receipt of their test signal of yesterday.

He stated that, barring unexpected problems, they plan to be on the air with NBC HD programming sometime next week -- or the following week at the latest.

DISCLAIMER: I am merely reporting what I was told, and assume no responsibility for its accuracy. If it does not happen, please don't shoot the messenger.<g>

I am getting signal strength of ~94 for 55 (5-1) but it is showing Unlocked for the status. I tried it last night around 7pm. I am using a Sony HD100 and I am located in NW Coral Gables. Are they officially live now?

Hi All.. if you read through this comment I posted in 'programming' it should relate to WSVN, Channel 7, which has had 7.1 digital, but not carried any of the FOX widescreen programming... and they don't respond either.

Surprised noone noticed this; but the NY Times today reports that our HDTV nemisis over at FOX have 'seen the light', and will now go to the expense of reconfiguring ALL their affiliates to broadcast 720P (same as ABC does), with the plan to complete it before the 2003-4 season starts.

This should finally do a couple things: a) squelch the absurd discussion (because it would deviate from compeition in DBS and in cable) that the DirecTv full-HD may revert (though compression is another issue) due to some anti-HDTV mentality of Mr. Murdoch (it's more likely engineers from another school, not Rupert himself), though it doesn't matter; while b) a few of their affiliates, like WSVN, ch. 7 (and 7.1) in Miami, which have not passed-through the FOX widescreen programming, may feel vindicated as now they can go straight to 720p broadcasts (though they aren't very responsive to the public, and have never told anyone why that's been so) as WLFX Ch. 29.1 in West Palm does a good job of pass-through.

And of course, now you have a more-or-less complete capitulation to an embrace of HDTV itself, as opposed to 'enhanced' definition fears down the road. A very favorable development for the HD community, and probably an expensive mistake for FOX, since they have to redo so many stations.

Now if only CNN would announce what they plan to do with the 200 HD cameras they ordered.... interesting way to one-up FOX news; maybe?

best to all.. and continuing to enjoy HD when the market's not open :-}.

cheers..

gene

__________________
gene inger
www.ingerletter.com

Gene,

I spoke to one of their engineers a couple of years ago, and he said the reason they've never passed through any of the Fox network widescreen offerings is because they "don't have the budget" to upgrade their equipment. Hopefully, WSVN will be among the first Fox stations to be reconfigured. The West Palm Fox affiliate currently upconverts everything to 1080i for broadcast, including the network's widescreen offerings.

Rudy

Gene Inger wrote "
Surprised no one noticed this; but the NY Times today reports that our HDTV nemisis over at FOX have 'seen the light', and will now go to the expense of reconfiguring ALL their affiliates to broadcast 720P (same as ABC does), with the plan to complete it before the 2003-4 season starts. "

Actually the report says they will start HDTV broadcasting FALL 2004. Of course I have the feeling WSVN will still be sending out 480i. No matter we still have WFLX 29. :D

Actually, one of the Forum members who works for Fox stated that for those affiliates who're currently only doing SD broadcasts it may cost more than $50,000 to upgrade their hardware, so hell may just have to freeze over a SECOND time for WSVN to start doing HDTV.

Hi, Gene,

Actually, there's a lengthy (and growing) thread on that on the HDTV Programming Forum. Here's a link to the thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=273720

Rudy, $50,000 is chump change in broadcast TV equipment budgets. I'm certain WFLX-DT will jump on this (their parent company, Raycom, is bullish on HDTV). If Sunbeam Television doesn't do it at WSVN I'd be rather surprised, too, even considering they'd need to spend even more to get a 720p or 1080i encoder (as all they can do now is 480i.)

Whoa... I got color bars and a header that says "WTVJ-DT CH 31.1, Miami/FTL" on channel 31-1! Sweet! It's not mapping to 6-1 yet, but it looks like WTVJ will be here soon! :D

Yep, same here, minus_3!

Getting a nice, solid 100 up here!

I feel bad for WFLX since they spent a bunch of money on 1080i.

WTVJ-DT appears to be sending 4:3 480i color bars upconverted to 1080i with black side panels in the 16:9 frame at the moment. It's good to see that they're testing.

Originally posted by aviators99
I feel bad for WFLX since they spent a bunch of money on 1080i.

Don't feel too bad. At least those of us with native 1080i displays will benefit from viewing 720p-to-1080i upconversion on their end that's bound to be superior to what our consumer gear could do if they were to pass Fox HD as 720p.

I am getting audio from the local news on WTVJ 31-1 right now, but no picture... still no mapping to 6-1... nice...

Ha! Now I am getting video, but no audio! Come one baby... just put them together...

The audio is still a test tone, but the video looks excellent even though it's just the upconverted SD feed of their newscast.

Originally posted by Rudy1
The audio is still a test tone, but the video looks excellent even though it's just the upconverted SD feed of their newscast.

Yes sir it does...

Back to FOX, was "24" made in HD ? and only aired in widescreen, or was it recorded in 480 wide screen ?

George,

I don't think PSIP info broadcast from the local stations would override the program data you receive from DirecTV. I don't think those control freaks would allow it in the first place. ;)

I couldn't find any info on how "24" was shot. I only got to see a couple of episodes of that show, and I don't recall how it "looked". I guess we will have to wait and see what Fox brings us in the way of HD programming.

Rudy

Originally posted by David McRoy
Don't feel too bad. At least those of us with native 1080i displays will benefit from viewing 720p-to-1080i upconversion on their end that's bound to be superior to what our consumer gear could do if they were to pass Fox HD as 720p.

Of course, I have a 720p display :eek:

Originally posted by aviators99
Of course, I have a 720p display :eek:

LOL...

Dolby Digital &reg; test going on WTVJ-DT now! This may be the most flawless station test in history!

They've been doing that for the last 4 hours... I hope they get the video back up soon, although Leno for tonight might be too much to ask...

doh.. DP

I am getting 9 bars on my Samsung SIR-T150 and 9 bars on my Samsung SIR-T165 on WTVJ. This is the strongest signal of any station. Now I cannot lock WFXL DT or WPTV DT anymore. The LED just flickers and the signal jumps from o to 5 bars on each channel and back. Is it possible that WTVJ DT is causing this? I have a Radio Shack double bow tie connecting directly to the Samsung. No Amp. Every other channel is OK. Until they turned on 31 everything was fine. I live in Coral Gables. I really do not care about WPTV because we now have WTVJ but I watch WFXL DT for my FOX shows because WSVN will not pass the 480p widescreen. :confused:

I've got the same tuners you have and nothing's changed as far as reception of WFLX-DT is concerned. You'd probably benefit from one of the Channel Master amps.

My reception of WFLX-DT and WPTV-DT is unchanged since the emergence of WTVJ-DT. The former is excellent while the latter is non-existent.

Thanks Rudy1, will wait and see

Dharding,

Being that you are located high up in an apartment, you are probably experiencing a slight overload in signal on that particular channel (31). I would suggest buying a variable attenuator at Radio Shack ($8.00) and installing it on your antenna coax lead in. The overload can cause other weaker channels to be washed out. I need to use about -6db at my 150' location just to get a strong signal from 55-1. With no attenuator on my antenna, 55-1 drops to 50. But when I reduce the signal, the meter jumps up to 80+. The same goes for other WPB stations at my location. Sometimes having too strong a signal can hurt performance. Try it and re-scan your STB to see what happens.

Mark_T

MARK_T you may be right. I did have two inline attenuators that reduce it 6db each. I put first one then two inline to reduce signal strenght. It did not get rid of the problem but it did wipe out any signal from WPTV and WFXL. The reason I think you may be right is with 12db attenuation I still get 8 bars of signal on WTVJ. Without the attenuator WTVJ is now showing 12 bars of signal. In other words I am getting blasted by a super strong WTVJ signal. By playing with my antenna a little I was able to get WFXL to lock on the 165 but it will not lock on the 150. WPTV is now a lost cause. Do not get me wrong I am very happy we now have WTVJ and all the miami stations are coming in great. At least it looks like I can watch FOX after all on the Samsung SIR-T165. Of course there is always the hope WSVN will start passing the FOX widescreen signal but I will not hold my breath. I want to thank everyone for their suggestions! :)

I suspect you gentlemen are exactly right about attenuation.. that's why they say not to use too strong an amplifier on digital signals (conversely to the excessive strength complaint).

However, do note that WTVJ is barely started in terms of test-patterns; and they are smarter than some to leave programming off of it entirely; lest any consumer presume they intend it to be a viewable signal as yet. I know a bit about this, because when (years ago) we had to replace the core component of a transmitter at my old NJ/NY station, we made the decision to put a test pattern up; which meant testing, not broadcasting. It saved a lot of unnecessary telephone calls I'm sure; people understood.

Today WTVJ went off and on a number of times, as they're sorting things out; and my reception here in Lauderdale is 5x5. Anyway, just thinking it might be safe to give them a few days to finesse things, before trying to add inline attenuators or anything; which might hobble reception from the other stations. Just a thought.

Good luck!

gene

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www.ingerletter.com

God I can't wait until WTVJ is online... WPTV is so freakin' unreliable... One hour it is 79, the other it is 13, the next it is gone completely!

I think WPTV is still "testing".
or are they "officially" on the air?

According to Dave McRoy of WPEC, WPTV is still officially in test mode.

WPTV is in test mode, and that's perfectly fine. When I ran a station up in NJ/NY and had to replace a klystron (core transmitter old days tube), we put up the test pattern to deter too many calls from viewers until we were reading...that's why testing is testing and broadcasting is broadcasting.

In the case of WTVJ, I think they're very smart to do as much tweaking as possible before trying to throughput programming, so as to minimize the number of viewers who might think they intend it to be of viewing quality.

My kudos to WPTV for a job well done, and an unusually superb public personna on this forum, during what could easily be a couple months of necessary finessing of some serious equipment. After all, in a few years these transmitters will not be novelties for them, but their primary signal vehicles; as analog will be gone; so it is meant to be stable for years; not just for short-term HD, and viewers need to understand that while they'd love to have it all done, these things take time... imagine if we get a storm of size this summer; everything better be secured very permanently.

WTVJ is Florida's first television station; they ought to (for the sale of the history) use the original test patterns:-}, or maybe a Ralph Renick or Lou Wolfson picture:-}. A few of you will know what I mean; though clearly it's not Wometco these days .. but it is going to be part of the NBC-digital hub and that's a big deal, so NBC will want it right, stable, and superior (we'll cross fingers for WTVJ to be the first local news digital station in a couple years or less... that would be a coup). Meanwhile, Dave at WPEC and the other Dave at WPTV have carried-on a yoman's job communicating here, and we should all express our appreciation for that, as do I... thanks!

cheers....
gene

_________________
www.ingerletter.com

Gene --
Instead of Ralph Renick, they could display the visages of their two recent hires: Rick Sanchez (yes, that one, last seen locally on WSVN) and the third Ballart brother, Jose Diaz, who reportedly will be splitting time between WTVJ and Telemundo. I can hardly wait.<s>

Bill- that's amuzing...

BTW, I understand Rick Sanchez is leaving MSNBC, and returning sort of to his roots, and will be on WFOR, as an anchorman this fall.. not back to ch7.

Also; as of 11:30 a.m. ET, it appears WTVJ 31.1 is PASSING-THROUGH NBC programming for the first time that I've noticed... maybe just started.. of course they're smart not to remap it to 6.1 until really ready to do.. note they already have it working for local inserts rather than just the network feed. Looks like a very good (and procedural as it should be) test phase.

cheers...

gene (and I don't miss Ralphie all that much; just the characters of those days, which hardly exists in local personages in this homogenized era)

____________________
www.ingerletter.com

Originally posted by wjbjr
Gene --
Instead of Ralph Renick, they could display the visages of their two recent hires: Rick Sanchez (yes, that one, last seen locally on WSVN) and the third Ballart brother, Jose Diaz, who reportedly will be splitting time between WTVJ and Telemundo. I can hardly wait.<s>

I can't stand Rick Sanchez, and I never cared for any of the Diaz-Ballart clan. I guess it's back to ignoring the local newscasts and watching CNN Headline News.:D

Originally posted by wjbjr
Gene --
I forgot to welcome you back. Welcome back.

The WTVJ-DT broadcast looks good.

As I thought, Rick Sanchez will indeed be on WTVJ:

http://www.nbc6.net/station/2287130/detail.html

Hi Bill...

Thanks for the welcome back! (Always nice to be remembered..)

Sorry for the error on where Rick's going; you were right; WTVJ.

By the way, my signal up here off Las Olas is 5/5 (solid good on the HD200's) .. though one of the antennas (separatge feeds so as not to split the OTA signal) is a little stronger than another... and 5.1 only comes in well on one of the two; not surprisingly the one that can be micro-aimed on top of the armoire:-}.

Regards,

gene

_________________
www.ingerletter.com

Originally posted by Rudy1
I can't stand Rick Sanchez, and I never cared for any of the Diaz-Ballart clan. I guess it's back to ignoring the local newscasts and watching CNN Headline News.:D

Rudy1, Please don't start me started on the news or lack of. I came from the D.C. area. I got real spoiled from good local news. I think it's number two stepping stone to the networks.

It's sad that all local news has regressed to Police beat, sports and weather (If it bleeds it leads) with a complete disregard for local news.

The weather is about all that is done with any competence. I guess that's why it's segmented through the show.

Oh well. See got started....

Ken

For the past three days, I have been having a strange intermittent reception problem with WTVJ-DT.

Frequently, when I switch to it from another HD station or DirecTV channel, the frozen, heavily pixillated last image from the previous station appears on the screen over the WTVJ video. There is no audio. It lasts anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes -- maybe longer because I will have eventually switched away. It repeats with additional switching from the same or different channels. Turning the STB off or rebooting does not eliminate it.

At other times, like right now, the previous channel image goes away and the 31-1 picture is heavily pixillated and silent like rain fade, while the signal maintains a solid, unchanging E86 100 reading. This occurs only on WTVJ-DT.

On other occasions, there are no such problems. I guess that it is a function of the station and have not contacted them yet in hopes that it has to do with their testing and will go away as regular broadcasting gets under way.

Is anyone else experiencing this?

Originally posted by W4ZOO
Rudy1, Please don't start me started on the news or lack of. I came from the D.C. area. I got real spoiled from good local news. I think it's number two stepping stone to the networks.

It's sad that all local news has regressed to Police beat, sports and weather (If it bleeds it leads) with a complete disregard for local news.

The weather is about all that is done with any competence. I guess that's why it's segmented through the show.

Oh well. See got started....

Ken I agree. Someone should take a chance and revolutionize local news. It sure needs it. If I were to do it I would not lead with a national news story that every 24 hour news channel has already covered for the last 8 hours. And do you always have to do the "local spin" on national stories? Are we really that different than the rest of the country that you have to interview some local person that has absolutely nothing to do with what the report is about? My favorite is the reporter that is "on location" giving us the sense that the reporter is right there, on the job - never-mind that it happened 16 hours ago, it's dark, raining, and everyone involved in the report is probably home by now. :D

Heavily pixilated here, too...

"heavily pixillated last image from the previous station appears on the screen over the WTVJ video"

I experience the same thing with my e86, but in all fairness, I experience this on all channels that have trouble locking an HD signal. This same thing has happened to me on 5-1, and 9-1, so I think it is just the way our receiver responds when we aren't locked on well...

WTVJ-DT is still testing. Don't expect any kind of consistency just yet.

The NBC-6 news is on, and remapping is enabled.

WTVJ looking good here! I guess with 51-1, they already had the know-how to get this done quickly and efficiently... Great work so far guys! Let's hope for Leno tonight!

EDIT: Bah... two minutes later it turned to crap... even so, keep up the great work guys!

As we all know, they're still testing. Per a message I just received from their general manager, they still have engineers working at the transmitter and they are cycling them on and off..."this reduces power and shows up as signal loss". They will be working out the kinks over the next couple of weeks, but Leno may be in HD tonight (he did warn that it would be unmanned and automated, so if there's a problem it may not happen).

Bah.... WTVJ didn't flip the switch for Leno HDTV!... Oh well... maybe Monday...

I posted earlier that WTVJ when they were sending the color bars was interfering with my reception of WFXL DT and WPTV DT. Well now that they are sending regular programming I am again receiving WPTV and WFXL perfectly with 5 bars of signal on both my Samsung SIR-T150 and SIR-T165. In fact WPTV is now perfect! I watched Leno last night and it did not drop out once. I also watched conan and I switched back between WPTV and WTVJ and noticed that WPTV looked a lot sharper and clearer. Conan looked almost HD on WPTV where on WTVJ it looked like blurry 480. Conan was not in HD on WPTV it is just that their upconvert looks much better. Anyway it is a happy ending for HDTV here in Coral Gables. :D

Originally posted by minus_3
Bah.... WTVJ didn't flip the switch for Leno HDTV!... Oh well... maybe Monday...

As I stated in my post, the general manager said the carriage of the network's HD feed of The Tonight Show would be "unmanned and automated". In other words, there was no one there to "throw the switch". We've waited years for NBC6 to go live with a digital signal....a few more weeks shouldn't matter. :)

You would think in this world of High Tech, that there would be an automated switch, that switches when it receives an HD signal?

2 steps forward, and one step back?

about the news.
There is too much time allocated for news, that is why so much repeats.
AND, they should fire the news casters that lie and sensationalize.

Advertisers should have a say in what they pay for, and stop the waste of viewers time.

Originally posted by Rudy1
As I stated in my post, the general manager said the carriage of the network's HD feed of The Tonight Show would be "unmanned and automated". In other words, there was no one there to "throw the switch". We've waited years for NBC6 to go live with a digital signal....a few more weeks shouldn't matter. :)

I remember reading last year that NBC sends out their whole primetime lineup via the HD Satellite channel on AMC-1. Even the non-HD stuff is send upconverted from network control. This means that affiliates don't have to worry about "flipping the switch", as they can just always take the feed from the HD satellite channel. Has that changed? If not, I'm confused about the above statement. It should be no different than going from affiliate programming to network at 8pm. Keep in mind, I'm not complaining that it isn't working yet---I know we're still testing, but I'm into this kind of stuff and want to understand how it works!

Steven didn't elaborate on exactly what he meant by "unmanned and automated". But I have been told in the past by engineers at other digital stations that they get network HD feeds off a different satellite, just like you stated. Perhaps it has something to do with being able to insert local ads during network programming? I noticed that neither "Crossing Jordan" nor "Law & Order" were in HD, so at that point I didn't expect Leno to be in HD either.

Hey, maybe you can get yourself invited to one of the local TV studios for a tour. I've had a couple of offers, but I've never gone. ;)

But I watch "Crossing Jordan" and "Law & Order" in HD on 5-1.
It will be nice to get both.
Now if only FOX will Tx the games in HD or even in widescreen that would be a plus.
Just turned it off, only in SD.

George,

WFLX has transmitted some of the network's sports programs in widescreen SD, but not all. In fact, I've been monitoring their sportscasts since Fox made the announcement that all sports programs would be transmitted in widescreen and DD 5.1, and they have been rather inconsistent and have never even had the 5.1 audio. I've seen a few baseball games in widescreen on WFLX, as well as several NASCAR races, but none had DD 5.1 audio.

WSVN continues to be our local "bare bones digital TV" poster child, and I don't hold much hope for a change even after the network starts doing HD.

Rudy

PS---I agree with you that way too much time is allocated to the local news. And it seems most of the local anchors consider themselves full-fledged TV stars and concentrate more on their "image" than on the job they're doing. What's really amusing is that I've met several of them over the years (including our Mr. Sanchez), and they're all pretty short. Must be that Napoleon thing going on....;)

In HD and looking good on WTVJ. :)

They may be short, but they have BIG ego's.

I'm getting 31-2 not 31-1. I have remapping turned off. I sure wish they would have come up with a better way to assign channels. Everyone is getting something different.

Tim Huey

Tim,

When I had a DTC100 I hated that it would seem to always come up with odd channel numbers, so I always kept remapping on. You may want to try that, if only just so you know exactly what channel you're actually viewing.

Rudy

Tim,

My DTC100 did that when WFLX-DT first went on the air. It said 28-2 instead of 29-1 but eventually it started showing 29-1. Probably something with WTVJ-DT's PSIP that's not set quite right yet. My Mitsubishi receiver is already remapping them to 6-1. I'm sure they'll fix the DTC100 compatibility issue eventually.

Leno looks great on WTVJ! Congratulations!

Is it supposed to be DD5.1?

I had a problem with one of the Digital channels and how it implemented its PSIP and SAP. They conflicted somehow. The workaround was to turn off remmapping and then you could get the picture. If you didnt' turn off remmapping you would get 80% signal strength and no image.

Tim Huey

What times do they seem to be testing? Can I just pop the channel in and pick it up or do I have to let the receiver scan it in to get it? I have the Sony HD200. Also, what number should I be typing in 31.1 or 6.1?

(I'm in Miami and getting all other locals perfect)

Thanks -

John

jjmcgraw,

I had to do a rescan and it picked it up. I'm using a Samsung 165. Your receiver will probably remap it to 6-1, mine did.

Is anyone else experiencing periods of severe pixellation on 6-1? It occurs at random, gets pretty bad, lasts for several minutes, then eventually disappears. Signal strength appears to remain unchanged throughout.

Originally posted by Rudy1
Is anyone else experiencing periods of severe pixellation on 6-1? It occurs at random, gets pretty bad, lasts for several minutes, then eventually disappears. Signal strength appears to remain unchanged throughout.

Panic not, Rudy. You are not alone. In addition to what you describe, I also sometimes experience another phenomenon where, when switching from another station/channel, the former image appears frozen and pixillated over the WTVJ video. As best I can recall, most of the problems seem to occur at night -- whatever that means.

I have never seen a signal less than 100.

They seem to have fixed the audio, which originally indicated 5.1 at all times, while the audio was coming from the LF and center speakers only. First they went to LF and RF. Now the indicator says Pro Logic and the audio is 2.0 when appropriate. At least it was last night.

Originally posted by wjbjr
Panic not, Rudy. You are not alone. In addition to what you describe, I also sometimes experience another phenomenon where, when switching from another station/channel, the former image appears frozen and pixillated over the WTVJ video. As best I can recall, most of the problems seem to occur at night -- whatever that means.

I have never seen a signal less than 100.

They seem to have fixed the audio, which originally indicated 5.1 at all times, while the audio was coming from the LF and center speakers only. First they went to LF and RF. Now the indicator says Pro Logic and the audio is 2.0 when appropriate. At least it was last night.

Is Leno supposed to be 5.1 or not?

Originally posted by aviators99
Is Leno supposed to be 5.1 or not?

I don't know what audio form any NBC programs are supposed to be.

RUDY1 you are not alone. I am also having the problem of WTVJ being fine for a half hour then horrible pixilation. The other strange thing is I have been receiving WPTV perfectly with no pixilation since last week. I am now just tunning to WPTV to watch NBC. I know eventually WTVJ will get it fixed but at least I can watch WPTV now. :)

I received an email from the GM early this evening advising me that they had found something at the transmitter that they believe may have been causing the problems we've been experiencing. Based on my viewing of the news, "ER", and "Tonight Show", they seem to have eliminated the problem. Absolutely flawless signal here in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Originally posted by Rudy1
I received an email from the GM early this evening advising me that they had found something at the transmitter that they believe may have been causing the problems we've been experiencing. Based on my viewing of the news, "ER", and "Tonight Show", they seem to have eliminated the problem. Absolutely flawless signal here in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Rudy --
I looked in many times today and did not see one misbehaving pixel.

I hope you realize that your post earlier today was the direct cause of this wonderful development. Well done!

Fingers crossed. Knocking wood.

I had the same problem too.
Was like 5-1 where I had to point the antenna at different points to stop pixelation.
The the same on 6
Now, 5-1 is good and I haven't look at 6 yet, but now I see they may have fix it.

I can't seem to pick it up. I get all other locals perfect, even WBFS & WBZL!. I was under the impression that I would not have to move my antenna to get the new WTVJ, has anyone else had to move their antenna? I thought they were putting the new one near all the others, is this true? Every night I tell my receiver (Sony SAT-HD200) to scan for local channels and it never picks up WTVJ. Should I try another ZIP code? Can anyone provide one for me that is getting it so I can try this? I'm getting fidgety reading that you guys are picking it up and I cannot get anything.

Thanks a lot for your help guys.

-John

Ok guys.. sorry to beat a dead horse.. but there's talk that Sinclair is forking the dough over to bring their affiliates up to 720p as per Fox's decision to go HD... Wouldn't that mean WSVN would FINALLY do HD? :D

Originally posted by jjmcgraw
I can't seem to pick it up. I get all other locals perfect, even WBFS & WBZL!. I was under the impression that I would not have to move my antenna to get the new WTVJ, has anyone else had to move their antenna? I thought they were putting the new one near all the others, is this true? Every night I tell my receiver (Sony SAT-HD200) to scan for local channels and it never picks up WTVJ. Should I try another ZIP code? Can anyone provide one for me that is getting it so I can try this? I'm getting fidgety reading that you guys are picking it up and I cannot get anything.

Thanks a lot for your help guys.

-John

When talking about reception issues, we always give our location.

The GM was right. I watched Leno last night on WTVJ and it was perfect. What ever they did at the transmitter fixed the problem.

On another note WSVN is owned by Sunbeam not Sinclair so we are stuck with NO HD ever from them. I hope someday I am proved wrong. :rolleyes:

Yeah. I noticed that after I had posted it. :( I would think they would have to EVENTUALLY do it.. the pressure when HD NFL games on Fox starts up will be WAY too much for them to handle.

Originally posted by jjmcgraw
I can't seem to pick it up. I get all other locals perfect, even WBFS & WBZL!. I was under the impression that I would not have to move my antenna to get the new WTVJ, has anyone else had to move their antenna? I thought they were putting the new one near all the others, is this true? Every night I tell my receiver (Sony SAT-HD200) to scan for local channels and it never picks up WTVJ. Should I try another ZIP code? Can anyone provide one for me that is getting it so I can try this? I'm getting fidgety reading that you guys are picking it up and I cannot get anything.

Thanks a lot for your help guys.

-John

It would help to know where you are located, but wherever you are, you should be able to receive WTVJ if you receive the other Miami stations.

The WTVJ-DT transmitter is located with those of the other Miami DT stations and should not require an antenna adjustment. If you receive the others, a zip code change is not necessary. But if you want to try, mine is 33146. Keep in mind that it will result in a Miami oriented guide.

Have you tried a manual (from the remote) insertion of 31-1, which is the "real" WTVJ frequency? This will remap to 6-1. If that does not work, you will need help from someone more technically knowledgeable than I -- or someone more familiar with your receiver.

As for my location - I'm considered Kendall, fairly South, I can walk to "Metro Zoo" it's right down the street. I get ALL other digital stations perfect (2, 4, 7, 10, 33 & 39). Using a Radio Shack VU-120 XR outdoor antenna (VHF - 120mi., UHF - 90mi.) I figured I'm about 35mi. from the broadcasting antenna's. I'm also using a Radio Shack High-Gain Antenna-Mounted Signal Amplifier (without it I get zero channels).

I guess I'll just have to hang in there. Sooner or later it should come in.

[frustrated sigh]

Thanks again.

John

John --
Unless there is a problem from your amplifier -- about which I know nothing -- you should be receiving WTVJ from that location.

It is possible that you are outside the current "footprint" of their signal. This happened in my location during the early days of WFOR-DT transmission. Being advised of the situation caused them to correct the unintended problem.

My suggestion is that you phone the station and discuss the situation with the chief engineer, who might be unaware of the problem.

John...

You should be seeing WTVJ-DT with no problem at your location.
As mentioned by others, our digital transmitter/antenna is located
in the North Dade antenna farm with all the other digital transmitters
that serve the Mia/FTL market.

The fact that we are transmitting from North Dade is the reason why
WTVJ-DT was not on the air many years ago! We were originally
licensed to digital Ch 30 from the Ch 6 transmitter site in South Dade...
but obviously, with a UHF assignment and very directional antennas,
the North Dade location was paramount. The Ch 31 assignment
took a few years to sucessfully attain.

Incidentally, we received our CP (construction permit) on January
4th... the transmitter was first put on the antenna at full power on
June 22nd.. a fairly quick build!!!

One thing that you mention worries me... NO AMPLIFIER means ZERO SIGNALS... With that antenna and a normal length of good quality RG6 you should have no problem receiving signals from the North Dade antennas!! Can you see any analog signals with this antenna
with no amp??

I don't have an immediate answer as to your failure to receive WTVJ-DT
on Ch 31 (mapped to 6.1). I know you realize that WBFS-DT is on
Ch 32 (mapped to 33.1) ... and two channels can't get much closer
together than this.

The WTVJ-DT transmit antenna is non-directional, so there is no favoritism
as to any area.

Needless to say, I am very interested in your problem. If it persists
let me know and I will do a followup for you.

John --
Don has answered the footprint question, so there is no obvious reason for your not receiving WTVJ.

I agree with him that there is something amiss with the antenna/amplifier situation. I use a much smaller RS VU-75-XR without amplification and receive all of the Miami stations, including WTVJ, at 100% from about 25 miles. I also receive WFLX from West Palm Beach in the 80s.

Forgive me for asking, but do you have the small end of the antenna pointed at the towers as it should be? From your location, the antenna should be aimed a little past 1 o'clock from due north. Also, is the antenna lead split to service other TVs? This would weaken the signal.


I also want to take this opportunity to praise Don for the speed with which they got on the air and especially for fixing the reception problem so efficiently.

Bill...

Thank you for the kind remarks. Needless to say, I am just a small part
of a very talented team that did the work to get the digital stream up
and running.

There were quite a few challenges and we are happy to have things stabilized.

I am a QC freak and spent many hours watching (and listening) at home, (3 different HD receivers and a 34" 16:9 flat screen) while adjustments were being made at the studio and the transmitter.

All audio and video comments are welcome and appreciated!!!


While I have a moment...

Let me make a few comments on the somewhat misunderstood world of
the pre-amp:

A pre-amp has two jobs...

The first is to establish the noise figure of the receiving system. The best place to mount a pre-amp is right at the antenna. Connecting the pre-amp inside is counter productive and will not give you the best system
noise figure.

The second is to overcome any line loss (and splitter loss) in your receiving system while not generating any spurious signals.

All pre-amps have a noise figure rating, in dB. The LOWER the noise figure the BETTER. A noise figure of 2dB is available in good consumer units.

The gain figures (VHF and UHF) are also given in dB and could be as high as 25dB.

If you buy a pre-amp and it does not give the noise figure take it back.

Another important aspect of a good pre-amp is that it does not generate any garbage... i.e. the output matches the input, plus any gain.

An interesting site with good antenna and pre-amp information is:

www.starkelectronic.com

If anyone has any questions, please don't hesitate to ask...
or if you prefer, e-mail me at:

don.murray@nbc.com


________________

Mr. Murray,

It's really refreshing to see this kind of attention given to quality. We've experienced both ends of the spectrum here at avsforum, and I've been really happy with WTVJ's foree into HDTV. I know that Miami is an important market to the Network---we've even heard from network people on this very forum that the delay in getting the Miami O&O online actually delayed the network's introducing more shows in HD! I'm glad that NBC took the time to get it right and as I mentioned elsewhere here we're finally getting some justice from that rotten channel 4 <-> channel 6 deal.

In Pembroke Pines I'm getting a perfect signal with both RCA and Zenith receivers/recorders.

I remember hearing that the new studio (down the road from me) is built up for HDTV. Any chance we will see local news in HD any time in the near future? WTVJ would be the second affiliate in the country to have it, I believe.

What are NBC plans for football?

Don,

Welcome to the forum!

I too cannot lock in a signal for 6-1. I am in Pinecrest and I have a DTC 100. All other OTA DT stations come in perfectly. I hope to get it sometime.

Also, I echo aviators99's hope for in loco programming done in HD. The local news would be great!

Cheers

Let me answer what I can guys...

For Aviators99... Thank you for the kind comments. As far as local news
in HD... I am not sure of the timetable... I guess that is a stay-tuned!!

For George33027... A neighbor (!)... If you are referring to NFL, I don't know what NBC is planning... I am hoping that the HiDef preview on
HDNet of the 2001 Olympics was just a hint of 2004!!!

For JJMcGraw... Duly noted that you are having trouble with a SAT-HD200
near MetroZoo...

For RacingF1... Thanks for the WELCOME... I have been lurking here
for quite some time... But I didn't want to say anything and then get bombarded with questions about air dates... that I could not answer...
especially before the CP was finally granted on Jan 4th...!!! I have also noted that you are having problems with your DTC-100 in Pinecrest.

I will check to see if the NBC Digital Experts know of any quirks with
those particular receivers, when they are receiving the data stream
from a Tiernan THE-1 Digital Encoder.

For those of you not getting a lock on 6.1... a quick question... and since I
am not familiar with these particular receivers please excuse any dumb questions... Do you see a signal level on a meter or screen bar graph, or
does the receiver need to be locked first??

Also, anyone else on this Forum with one of these receivers?? Any problems with a lock on 6.1??

Any information greatly appreciated.

We will figure this one out for you guys!!

Also, those of you that are having no problems with 6.1, please let me
know your receiving setup.

It's that inquiring mind thing!!!!!!

Questions about 6.1...?? Let me know...

Thanks from the Pines...

Don --
Per your request:

Location: Near Sunset Drive (SW 72 St) about midway between LeJeune Rd (SW 42 Ave) and Red Rd (SW 57 Ave)

Hughes E-86

RS VU-75-XR at 25 feet from about 25 miles.

Receiver locked at 100% from beginning of transmission. Serious reception problems and audio dropouts prior to last week's fix; although signal meter never indicated less than 100% (All Miami stations are at constant 100%)

Query: Does NBC currently or have future plans to broadcast in DD 5.1?

[i]

Also, those of you that are having no problems with 6.1, please let me
know your receiving setup.

[/B]


No problems from the start

Sony SAT HD 200

95% sig with no flux.

Ant is at 65' pointed South in the very north of Coral Springs close to the Sawgarss and 441.

Ken W4ZOO

Don,

Location: Downtown Ft. Lauderdale, just north of Broward Blvd. and east of US 1.

Antenna/Preamp: Antiference Silver Sensor Indoor Antenna & Channel Master Model 7777 Preamp

Receivers: Samsung SIR-T150 & Samsung SIR-T165

Both receivers had a strong lock on your test signal from the start, but I experienced intermittent reception issues which I reported to Mr. Kaplan back on July 2nd. Thanks to all of your efforts, reception's fine now and I'm enjoying NBC programming for the first time in many years!

---Rudy

Don / Bill -

I finally got it!

Bill - just to answer a few, yes I have RG6 and antenna pointed (small end) at 35deg. which is about 1 o'clock, no splits other than the amp (thought this was necessary because my RG6 run is 100ft). (Antennaweb also recommended I may need it so I picked it up).

Don - thank you very much for your input and support. I'm very impressed that you would take the time even down to the one-on-one level to help out. It makes me feel good that you guys are that concerned. Your professionalism is well noted.

Here's what I ended up doing - unplugged receiver (I think this is what ultimately did it) for 15 mins. to reset it. I then bypassed my amp, and have a straight RG6 from my antenna directly (through the wall plate) to my receiver (no cuts, no splits). Powered up and let it do a scan again. Bingo, there it was.

Don / WTVJ, you are doing a great job (problem was my equipment) you can scratch me from your list!

Thanks again guys.

John

I too would like to welcome DONW4WJ.

At first I was having problems with pixilation and it appeared WTVJ was jamming WFXL and WPTV. After the fix last week reception on all channels was perfect again including WTVJ! It is still perfect!

I am using both a Samsung SIR-T150 and Samsung SIR-T165. Each is connected to a Radio Shack double bow tie with no amp. I am in a penthouse 150 feet in the air facing north. WTVJ is my strongest signal with 10 bars on both receivers. My weakest signal is WFXL and WPTV at 4 bars.

I agree with everyone that you guys did a great job fixing the problems quickly!:D

No problems while I write this .

I have a DST-3000 I am on border of I75 and 138 NW, coming in at 100% no blinks ... Last week I was having problems with audio, pixelation etc but all is well now ...
Congratulations on a hell of a Job ..oh and THANKS !!!!!

jl:D

Originally posted by DonW4WJ

Also, those of you that are having no problems with 6.1, please let me
know your receiving setup.
Thanks from the Pines...

I have three receivers here in West Pembroke Pines, an RCA DTC-100, a Hipix DTV-200 (a PC HDTV capture card), and a Zenith HDR230 (an HDTV digital video recorder). All receive 6-1 at maximum strength. In fact, I receive all of the stations in the Miami/Palm Beach DMAs except ABC in Palm Beach---all with my $20 Radio Shack indoor antenna sitting on my desk. Actually, I receive an astounding 15 digital stations.

I'm in SilverLakes in Pembroke Pines, located at
25 59' 41.30"
80 22' 49.62"

Let me know if you want me to try anything with any of these receivers, or if you would like a tour of my setup, which can be seen here (http://www.gumbas.com/walls.jpg)

Hello All...


For wjbjr, Bill... Thanks for the report...Yes, last week was pretty "ruff" with lots of audio and pixelation problems... there were several
"adjustments" that we had to do, one at a time!! Things finally fell together!!

REF DD5.1 ... as some of you noted... we did have our DD5.1 encoder
running for a while to check it out and get it dialed in. Obviously we have
gone back to ProLogic, and we will stay there until NBC starts sending
some DD5.1 in our direction. DD5.1 is in the future network plans and we
are already wired for it. Our object during network DD5.1 events is
not to have any audio switching pop or snaps during switching events.

Network HD events will be passed on as such, except during transmission or equipment failures. The switching to the NBC HD feed is under computer control, so unless there is some type of logging error, we should be right
there with the network!! Thanks again Bill...!!



For Ken, W4ZOO... So, Ken, do you work at the ZOO??!! Good CW call!!
(amateur radio joke guys!!) Thanks for the report. What are you seeing
with your high antenna?? Do you have a pre-amp and rotor setup?
What type of antenna??

Once a DXer (Broadcast Band, SW, TV, etc...) always a DXer!! How is the 6.1 signal strength comparing with everyone else??

A DXer wants to know!!!... 73 Ken...



For Rudy1... Yes, Steve mentioned your calls. We appreciate your input and the time you took early on to call.

Your location is of particular interest to me. Are you being blocked
by any of the downtown FTL buildings from a direct line of sight to
the North Dade antenna farm, or are you far enough east to look around them??. Do you need to adjust your indoor antenna for any station?
Are you seeing all the North Dade Digital signals?? Are you seeing any stations from the north on a bounce shot??

Thanks again for the input Rudy...!!



For John... SUPER... But, what about the NO AMP NO SIGNALS thing??
Once you got 6.1 into the memory did you try it again with the amp??
Are you still seeing everyone OK without the amp?? Did you see
28.1 before, and not now??

Very happy to help out... You realize that you guys will be helping
your neighbors sort out their digital reception problems once they see
what they are missing!!! This is one of the benefits of 1-on-1, but I also
enjoy the challenge, and I love solving the weird problems. That is why
I am asking about the amp!! Down the road... this problem is going to
re-appear somewhere else, and I would like to figure out wether it was signal overload.. or better yet... since you are looking right at Datran..
(the Ch 35 antenna and about 2 megawatts is on the tower on the roof) some spurious stuff was being generated that "spooked" your receiver!! I can't explain why 33.1 (Ch 32)was good and 6.1 (Ch31) was nil!!

Anyway John... Good show, and if you get a chance to do a bit more detective work, please let us know what you find!! THANKS!!!



For dharding... Thanks for the welcome... As I mentioned earlier... I have been lurking for a while!!

When I saw your original note about the bars on 6.1 and the loss of 29.1 and 5.1 I was really surprised. These digital transmitters have very aggressive filtering (called THE MASK) which allows you to stack a digital channel next to another digital channel [6.1 (31) next to 33.1 (32)] without destructive interference. The MASK also lets analog and digital co-exist next to one another. We see that right here in Miami with 7 analog and 8 digital (7.1) and the reverse with 9 digital (10.1) next to 10 analog.

My only explanation to the "interference" was that during our testing
period, your receiver was getting some bad data from our stream, causing
the loss of 29.1 and 5.1... An interesting event, with no better explanation!!

I envy your location!! But I would have HUGE antennas sticking out all the
windows and bolted to the balcony railings!!!

It's that DXer thing!!



For jluzbet... Thanks for the comments... I also have the DST-3000... nice
receiver... Appreciate your report...!!


And to everyone...

I appreciate your kind comments on the signal quality and the quick launch. I will pass these along to the entire team...!!!

Aviators99...

I LOVE your setup... takes the FOUR screens surrounding my TOSH
16:9 to a better level!!! Needless to say you are doing quite well
with your desk-mounted antenna!! A real "hot" spot!!

Your lack of ABC (WPBF) digital 25.1 (16) out of WPB is probably
because of adjacent channel 17 analog. There are situations
where an adjacent analog (especially if it is on the high side
of the desired digital) will not allow the digital receiver to
lock to the digital signal if there is a differential (in signal strength)
between the two. I don't have my charts with me to tell you
what that differential must not exceed... but I am certain that is the case.

Yes, we need to get together... I am in the Falls of Pembroke...
Immediately east of I-75, behind the new Mercedes-Benz
dealership!!

Later...

Tried again several times today...Played with my antenna on the roof but after much ado, no cigar. I give up for now. Will try again some other time.

Don... kudo's on your aggressive and impressive start. You wanted a signal assessment with/wo amps from East Ft. Lauderdale, and I can give you a bit of a reflection on that.. a couple blocks North of Las Olas, probably far enough to the east so as to avoid multipath from downtown buildings.

Had to orient a 'stealthlike' (not sure of model from RS) antenna indoors; which works (atop a 2nd story armoire) better 'split' to 2 HD200's than a TV55 mounted on first story with tapcons outside (now discarcded).

For the first couple weeks had the same occasional pixilization others had (you found a glitch as I recall) with strenth maintained; now flawless at all times. As to orientation, I did have to tweak aiming, but the result was the perfect reception (solid 'good' probably equivalent to 90 or so) on HD200's of 2.1 (etc.; and easy to drift off with slight movement), 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 10.1, 17.1, 33.1, 39.1, and importantly (for future widescreen games) 29.1 too. Cannot get sufficient lock on 12.1 or 25.1; just PSIP info. and 'bad' signal.

The only way to hold all stations was to use two of the mini-amps that do come with these antennas; 1 from the old one, and the replacement.. not sure why; because I feared attenuation, but it works well (total 20 db). It is all running through a wideband 2 gig splitter and no artifacts seen in the wake of trying the unusual combination.

Only mentioning this because you asked about the other stations; but on the upstairs HD can't get 7.1 (not important); though on the downstairs (identical HD200's; one power-pass on the splitter; maybe that makes a difference) set it comes in fine too... your automation appears better than 5.1, as sometimes they fail to throw the switch to move to HD, whereas your's appears automated; otherwise picture quality virtually the same, as it should be in digital. Not sure if 2.1 and 7.1 put out a megawatt or not; as they are the touchiest in antenna alignment; and the ability of an easily adjustable indoor (well lots of fiddling but found a sweetspot) antenna in fact made the difference in obtaining consistent simultaneous reception.

Very glad WTVJ took the time to nurse Ch. 31 through the FCC in order to make the 'countyline' location, and look forward to NBC HD/DD programs of course. Now; if only you could multicast MSNBC and CNBC on 6.2 and 6.3, we'd really see why cable companies were so loath to embrace digital:-}. Of course most of us (presumably) really prefer to see full HD quality for sure than quantity; and will be pleased to get the others from satellite.

Thanks for the thorough explanations, and good luck with the hub setup

Regards,

gene
(industry alumni from years ago)
___________________
www.ingerletter.com

Racing F1...

Please do a full power reset on your receiver and try to do another
scan.

The digital receiver is a very complicated device and the learning curve on these is just at the beginning.

With some luck... and the usual smoking mirror... the signal should
appear...

Let me know... Thanks...

For Gene...

Thanks for all the interesting observations.

The situation with 7.1 is a challenge!! Have you swapped receivers? Are you seeing the signal on the upstairs unit with no lock? Are other signal levels on both receivers the same?

Only UHF digital stations can go to the 1 megawatt level. Ch 2.1 is
licensed for 1 megawatt. Ch 7.1 , runs a lot less power. It should be just
as effective though because of different path loss and other factors. Not
all the "U's" are running the "max." WSCV, for example, is running
500KW.

One thing I should mention... Ch 2.1 amd 7.1 are on the towers to the
south in the antenna farm. From your location you may not have as favorable a view to those two towers as you do to the other stations
and their tower locations.

REF 6.2 and 6.3... we have no immediate plans for multi-casting.

The NBC Hub operational model was developed at WTVJ when we
started "hubbing" WVTM in Birmingham, over two years ago.

Everything seen in Birmingham, plays out from the network receivers and video servers in Miramar. Only the locally produced news shows originate from the Birmingham studio.

That system was eventually enlarged to encompass Raleigh
and Dallas.

Last year, after the NBC purchase of Telemundo, and a lot of planning,
the WSCV operation was merged into the Miramar facilities. The Dallas
Telemundo play out will be added soon.

Never a dull moment!!!

So Gene... where were you an alumni???

For those of you who can see both 5.1 and 6.1

I am interested in any comparisons you might have with
the two signals vis-a-vis video and audio quality.

Please start by comparing the NBC SD and HD feeds and
go from there.

Unfortunately I cannot see 5.1 because of blockage from the North.
Even though the signal is quite good on my spectrum analyzer, from
a bounce shot..., it is not the magic number above the noise floor
(about 17dB).

As before, any information is greatly appreciated.

TIA...

Don - I get both 5.1 and 6.1 here in eastern P. Pines on my DST-3000 and a medium size outdoor antenna and rotor. For 5.1 I have to have the antenna pointed a tad east of due north. I get 6.1 with the antenna in pretty much any direction - it has the best reception of any channel I receive. Channels 2.1, 7.1 and 10.1 seem to be the most finicky.

As for the picture quality, 5.1 has a clearer, sharper picture on both network and local programs. 5.1 also has an audio sync problem on local programs only...it is fine on network stuff. 6.1 has no audio problems at all anymore.

When oh when will Charter pick up the local HD networks? I'm moving soon to an apartment and will need to make a decision on cable or sat. Anyone heard anything?

Don - I get both 5.1 and 6.1 here in Margate, and I agree with a previous reply. 5.1 is definitly clearer and sharper on both the studio and network 4:3 transmissions. The HD seems pretty much the same, with 5.1 possibly just a tad better. I use DISH 6000 on a 65" Mitsu HD with an outside rotatable antenna. You signal is very strong and steady.

As far as sound, I can't help you. I'm 74 with hearing aids in both ears so if I can just understand it, I'm happy.

Tony

tonyv:

I also have a 65" Mits w/HD tuner. I am receiving 2, 4, 33, 39 and now 6 (NBC) pretty well, but have lost 7 and 10. I get my HD OTA but don't have an adjustable antenna. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
David

Don I too must agree with what has been said so far. I was watching Conan last week and WPTV looks a lot clearer and almost HD in quality on SD compared to WTVJ. I do not see any difference in HD broadcast.

Don,

I read your brief comment regarding multicasting, and I must say that multicasting would definitely NOT be in the best interest of NBC viewers who favor HD. WPBT is currently doing that on 18-1 & 18-2, and the result is that there is visible PQ degradation on the HD channel (especially in sequences containing rapid movement) while the SD channel often looks worse than analog cable. Personally, I can't see any reason for wanting to multicast cable channels (such as MSNBC & CNBC, as Gene suggested), but I suppose a workable idea would be to have the network group them on their own separate multicast "SD" channel and offer them 24/7, preferably in 480p widescreen format. That way the HD channel could remain separate and completely unaffected by having to share bandwidth with other channels through multicasting.

As for the picture/sound quality differences between WTVJ and WPTV: I can no longer get a steady signal lock on the Palm Beach NBC affiliate, but I have seen it in the past enough that I can respond to your query. As others have stated, the SD picture quality on WPTV is excellent (if you want to get an idea of what it's like, tune into WPLG's local newscasts....the PQ of their studio sequences approaches HD on my setup), and sharper than what I've seen so far on WTVJ. This comment is based solely on each station's local newscast (in-studio). My experience with network HD programming on WPTV was limited because of their frequent signal problems (which seemed to become much worse in the evenings), so I cannot comment.

---Rudy

Hi Don...

I agree with Rudy (actually said so with my prior remark) that multicasts would not be desirable for full-HD fans, or the embrace of HDTV by a lot of consumers; who wouldn't be quite so in 'awe', if their first introduction was other than to full HDTV.

(And yes, Rudy, as most cable business models find their feeds charging per-subscriber or a combination allowing local add insertions; revenues of cable feeds like MSNBC/CNBC and others are bolstered by not being over air; though many viewers in the business world would enjoy being able to have such channels during the work-day over--air, as most office buildings still don't have cable, and adds might command slightly higher rate-cards.

In the old days, we had more than a couple over-air financial stations, of which Ch. 51 in So. Florida was one (daytime only), prior to becomming FNN and later CNBC affiliates before they became cable/satellite only. A lot of viewers were professionals who received daytime stock programming over-air, using a simple loop antenna.)

Anyway, to the SD/HD question; 5.1 consistent at midstream (on Sony HD200 hangs-solidly in the 'normal range); whereas 6.1 is solid good. SD is fine on both; though I'd give an edge to WTVJ 6.1 for 'details'; at least as viewed in 4:3 mode during live newscasts (on an XBR800 LCD-projection).

Antenna angle; slightly west of North; the only 'sweetspot' (for me in Ft. Laud) that brings in everything. Moving it an inch (degree or two) will not diminish 6.1 or 5.1, but eliminates 2.1, and in some cases 7.1. WFOR and WTVJ are the strongest overall here, with WPLG not far behind, and WPTV surprisingly and consistantly solid (I say it thusly because it has lower overall signal strength, but holds very well). Using the twiin-tiny-amps; all stations hold solidly now; so have not been motivated to experimenting.

Don; to your question.. the local alumni aspect was financial programming here before the earlier sale of what is now Telemundo, when Ch. 51 was known as WKID. We had financial programming in several cities. There's an indirect connection to WTVJ; as I had Ch. 68 NY/NJ (in partnership with Blonder/Tongue); sold it to Wometco; the former Ch. 4 parent. More recent years I ran into your news studio, for uplink-chats to 30 Rock and CNBC; ran into Mike Williams a few times before he went to Network. I rarely go on-air these days; reflected on post-9-11 psychology for WPBT; that's about it (aside from 'net comments). Thanks for asking!

Regards,

--gene

_________________
www.ingerletter.com

Hey Don,
Wasupp with the strecthing ? The full screen looks horrible but the one with the bars on the top & bottom during dog eat dog looked good, is WTVJ planning on doing this ? or will they keep the sd on 4:3 ?

Don,

As I recall from information I received earlier, NBC's HD feed on AMC-1 is transmitting full-time during network prime---even for SD shows. This means if you are taking the network feed from 8pm-11pm there will be no need to switch except for local insertions and upconversion is done by network control. I am imagining a situation where WPTV and WTVJ are either taking that feed or not but they aren't both doing the same thing, which might explain the difference in upconversion quality?

Hi Don,

Welcome to the DTV Party! You guys have done a great job getting on the air quickly and smoothly. Pictures are looking great and I'm happy to see more HD on the air.

Congratulations.

Ken

WPTV-DT's upconverted SD video originates as digital component in-house and, at its best, looks almost like HD wit a 4:3 aspect ratio. Their live studio cameras look best. In fact, it's the best looking upcoverted video I've seen.

Since WTVJ-DT first went on the air I thought their upconverted SD video looked soft when compared to just about any other area DTV station, let alone WPTV-DT.

As for the two stations' HD feeds, I see no difference.

I find both WTVJ-DT's HD and upconverted broadcasts far superior to those of WPVT-DT.

A major contributing factor might be that I still do not receive any signal from WPTV-DT. (But then, who needs it?)

Well, tonight WPTV-DT did Law & Order in upconverted SD while WTVJ-DT sent it in HD. It looked soft on both stations.

HD movie info

"Murphy's Law" will air in HD on WBFS-DT on Sunday, July 13th, at 1 PM and on WTVX-DT on Sunday at 2 PM.

Ken

Originally posted by Ken MacKinnon
HD movie info

"Murphy's Law" will air in HD on WBFS-DT on Sunday, July 13th, at 1 PM and on WTVX-DT on Sunday at 2 PM.

Ken

Thanks, Ken.:)

I am still having problems with WTVJ signal fluctuates between 30 and 75 with picture freezing. On the other hand WPTV comes in steady no problems.

I have an RCA DTC 100 and I live in Weston.

Is anybody else experiencing dropuots with WTVJ 6.

Thanks

Dr. Guava... that was the case for me (at one time) with almost every one of the digital stations... the freezing is merely a momentary lock as signal is no longer being acquired... it was necessary to move the antenna really in minute increments to find a 'sweetspot', which fortunately received all ..

good luck!

gene

_________________
www.ingerletter.com

Drguava,

I get a great signal from 6-1 on my Mitsubishi. I had loaned my RCA DTC100 to an engineer here. He's left the station and returned it to me the other day. I'll hook it up and let you know what I get.

A little tidbit from our friends at DTV Mag....


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To unsubscribe go here: http://www.ilovehdtv.com/hdtvmagazine/unsubscribe.html

Sorry.... it's HDTV Mag.

I too found that the antenna pointing to ch 6-1 can get you no pix or solid pix.
I found if I pointed directly north, and the ch 6 ant is directly east, I get a solid picture at 100%

Drguava,

I just hooked-up the DTC100 this afternoon and I'm getting 6-1 just fine on it up here with signal in the 80s. Not seeing any dropouts or anything.

Antenna aiming is not very critical up here...no more so than any other Miami DTV stations.

This situation reminds me of what happened during WPTV-DT's (NBC, West Palm Beach) first several weeks of operation. Viewers 50 or so miles away had better reception than those of us who lived close-in. I'm only 10 miles from their transmitter and had to aim my antenna within +/- 2 degrees to get anything at all at first...then saw a few weeks of no signal at all until they identified problems on their end. They're fine now that they've taken care of some transmitter and coding problems.

I have a new problem with WTVJ. I am getting brite white retrace lines and the picture starts jumping when there is a brite scene. Example last night on Leno when they went outside the studio the lines appeared and the picture started jumping. This has been going on for a week and not just during Leno. I do not see this problem on WPTV. This happens when I use my Samsung SIR-T150.

When I use my Samsung SIR-T165 it will not lock at all on WTVJ

I own two Panasonic CT34WX50 TVs and one SONY 17" LCD screen. I also have three Samsung SIR-T150s and two SIR-T165s which are connected to DVHS decks. All three 150s have the brite white lines and jumping picture and both 165s will no longer lock on WTVJ.

I have the same problem with WFOR but only on standard definition broadcast. During HD the picture is perfect. When I ask WFOR about it they ignored my emails and would not respond. However in WFOR's case since it only happens on SD it does not bother me. Both the 150s and 165s lock on WFOR with no problem.

All other stations are perfect. I only have this problem on WTVJ during HD broadcast and WFOR during SD broadcast.
:confused:

dharding,

Re the retrace lines on WFOR during upconverted programming, give me a call next week (305 639 4485) and I'll see if I can help you get this resolved. What you describe is pretty unusual so I don't have an immediate explanation.

Anyone else on the forum seeing anything like this?

Ken

Thanks Ken for the offer to help!

I first reported this problem with WFOR over a year ago on the forum. I believe there were two others who experienced the same problem and they also had the same panny set. I never brought it up again because it only happens sometimes on the SD, never on HD. Your HD picture has always been perfect. I will try and call you next week.

thanks again!:)

Ken I forgot to add that last year when I first reported the problem I was still using a Panasonic TUDST51 set top along with my Samsung SIR-T150 and the TUDST51 also showed the retrace lines during SD broadcast on WFOR during brite scenes.

:confused:

Ken,

PQ was great on this afternoon's broadcast....I wish you guys had more HD content than just the occasional movie.

Rudy

Hi guys, new question. I've noticed that I can pull in just about every DTV channel from Miami and most from Orlando in the early AM with very strong signals that lock (and are stable). However, as the day progresses, more and more signals become unstable until I return to the "core" (mostly WPB locals) for evening "prime time" hours. Why exactly does this happen?

I've read about the tropospheric effect, but isn't a clear morning the same as a clear evening? Is it a temperature thing (and if so, why aren't the winters like these summer mornings)? Is it the morning dew on things in the general vicinity that might cause multipath?

In the morning, these signals are strong stable locks. By evening, they are fluctuating from very strong to weak or from "normal" to weak. Does that sound more like multipath problems, or is this all about the ducting effect? Thanks for any suggestions.

What you're getting in the morning is signal bounce off of a compressed layer of moist air that rose overnight as the earth cooled. Sunlight dries it up and you start losing the distant signals when the moist air aloft dries out. The condition won't return until the next morning because it takes all night for the process to repeat itself.

This is unlikely to occur in the winter since there's less heat and moisture around.

Some summer mornings we have trouble getting clean microwave signals from our live trucks and Sky12 due to interference from microwave signals on the same frequencies that are being used for the same purpose by stations in distant Florida cities.

If you want to try to improve distant, over-the-radio-horizon reception, try elevating the front of your antenna a few degrees.

Originally posted by Rudy1
Ken,

PQ was great on this afternoon's broadcast....I wish you guys had more HD content than just the occasional movie.

Rudy

Thanks for the comments Rudy. Hopefully we will be doing more HD.

Ken

Just called wflx, 29-1, since faux 480i-to-480p widescreen passed at 1080i is better than nothing (i.e., 4x3), re the all star game. (I did this more to prod that anything else, since they too often forget to throw the switch). They said yes, the all star game will be in widescreen on 29-1. Of course, after watching the home run contest and the celeb softball game in beautiful 720p on my native 720p display via espnhd last night, it'll be a bummer, but hey, it's better than 4x3 at 480i (WSVN - BOO!). bye.

p.s. Ken MacKinnon, welcome to the party. Now that Rich Paleski is in Philly, it's nice to have someone with wfor back with us.

Just a quick question, but is anyone else having problems with HBO-HD ch 509 and HDnet 199 ?
I wonder if it is the weather or my cables are going again.
I get 90's + but occasional drop outs and pixelations.
501 is solid.

There's been a fair amount of discussion on the HDTV Programming Forum about DirecTV screwing around with some of the channels on their HD tier.

Sorry to post this here, but it's a very localized question: I live in Coral Springs and would like to have a professional install a ChannelMaster 4228 and rotator on my roof. I already have the antenna - just need to purchase a rotator (any suggestions on which one?).

What I need is a reputable installer who can get the job done well. Does anybody have any reccommendations?

Thanks. :D

I've been extremely happy with this remote controlled ChannelMaster rotator that I got at Radio Shack:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F003%5F006&product%5Fid=930%2D0670

It's on their website today:

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/6309490.htm

From the 'Miami Herald' 7/16

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/6311210.htm

Originally posted by HofstraJet
Sorry to post this here, but it's a very localized question: I live in Coral Springs and would like to have a professional install a ChannelMaster 4228 and rotator on my roof. I already have the antenna - just need to purchase a rotator (any suggestions on which one?).

What I need is a reputable installer who can get the job done well. Does anybody have any reccommendations?

Thanks. :D

I don't make a practice of recommending, but I had a very satisfactory antenna installation experience with Latta Television & Video Service Center, 305 235 1771. They also do satellite dishes. I don't know if they do Broward.

I reported in a earlier posting that I sometimes had retrace lines during brite scenes on WTVJ in HD and WFOR during SD. The problem seems to only show itself on my two Panasonic CT34WX50 TVs. I do not get the retrace lines on my Sony Flatscreen LCD HDTV even though all three use Samsung SIR-T150s as their set top box. The Samsungs output 1080i for the Pannys and 720p for the Sony. So it seems to be a problem only with the Pannys but why only on those two stations? Why on WTVJ only during HD broadcast and why on WFOR only during SD broadcast. Every other station is perfect.

It does not bother me on WFOR since their HD picture is perfect. I guess I can always watch WPTV for my NBC since their SD and HD picture is always perfect on my Pannys. It just seems weird.:confused:

I've got the Channel Master 9521 unit which I believe is the same one as David McRoy has and I love it. I wouldn't get an antenna without one for two reasons. First it's great during the initial scanning process to set the antenna in the middle of the range for your stations. Second, it's great for fine tuning when weather or leaves on trees cause a momentary problem.

Originally posted by dharding
I reported in a earlier posting that I sometimes had retrace lines during brite scenes on WTVJ in HD and WFOR during SD. The problem seems to only show itself on my two Panasonic CT34WX50 TVs. I do not get the retrace lines on my Sony Flatscreen LCD HDTV even though all three use Samsung SIR-T150s as their set top box. The Samsungs output 1080i for the Pannys and 720p for the Sony. So it seems to be a problem only with the Pannys but why only on those two stations? Why on WTVJ only during HD broadcast and why on WFOR only during SD broadcast. Every other station is perfect.

It does not bother me on WFOR since their HD picture is perfect. I guess I can always watch WPTV for my NBC since their SD and HD picture is always perfect on my Pannys. It just seems weird.:confused:

Do the two offending receivers have separate antennae or do they share one via a splitter?

If the latter, try bypassing the splitter to each receiver in turn using a barrel connector (Radio Shack). If this eliminates the problem, you will know that you need a new splitter. If not, it could be the antenna.

Even prior to the above, make certain that the splitter connections are tight and that the male protrusions (whatever they are called) are making good contact. (I recently found that to be causing a reception problem following an hour of panic and troubleshooting.)

By the way, what are retrace lines?

The retrace lines are five or six white horizontal llines that appear across the screen and the picture shakes. It looks like the video level is too hot. It is not a reception problem. Each TV is in a seperate room and has its own antenna, a RS double bow tie. There apparently is something in the signal on these two stations that drives my Pannys crazy. It happens when there is a brite white object or background on the screen. I also had this problem when I used my Panasonic TUDST51 set top box. :confused:

Originally posted by wjbjr
From the 'Miami Herald' 7/16

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/6311210.htm

Thanks for posting that link, Bill. Now I know why, whenever I ask them about HDTV service here, they tell me instead where else in the country it's being offered.

Hey this is great! My DTC-100 pulled in 6-1 today! Don't quite know how this happened, as I have never been able to get a signal to pop in. I did unplug the reciever for about 10 min, maybe that had something to do with it.

Great! Looking forward to my first Leno show tonight!

Cheers

Charter Cable has added NBCHD to their onscreen guide. Can anyone confirm that it is actually on the system?

After several millenia of research I finally broke down and bought a rear projection hdtv and hdtv receiver. I was wondering what antennas you all used to pick up the over the air hd channels. It seems like Miami has all the stations I need and won't need to point to West Palm.

I really would like an antenna that either sits on the satellite dish or a small one for the attic. If an antenna goes in the attic does it connect to the coax that is used for cable ? If not, does that mean wires will need to be run from the attic ?

Thanks for all the info. I live in the South East corner of Weston.

Succorso

Best indoor rabit ears I have found is the Radio Shack 15-1862. Only problem is that it is discontinued and can only be found on ebay. The 15-1890 was a close second.

I am having trouble receiving the NBC 6 HD signal. I live in Plantation (zip code 33324). I have a Samsung SIR-T150 HDTV receiver with a Jension amplified antenna(model # TV920). I can receive all of the other local HD signals perfectly. When I enter Ch. 31 on my remote, I receive a signal. I know this because the green light comes on my receiver and I can go to the signal strength meter and it shows 7-8 bars. However, I do not receive a picture on Ch. 31. I have tried to enter Ch. 6 on the remote but I get no signal and no picture. I tried a different antenna but this has not helped. If anyone can give me some hints or ideaa on how to receive NBC 6 HD, I would appreciate it. I have been waiting months to get NBC in HD (I can get Ch. 5 - WPB NBC station) and now that it is available, I would like to see it.

Mike--
Welcome to the club.

Have you entered 31-1 (not just 31) via your remote? If you get a picture, your receiver should remap the station to 6-1 and you are all set.

Others who have originally had trouble getting WTVJ-DT have reported success after pulling the receiver plug for several minutes and then repeating the above.

If your problem lies elsewhere, those with more technical knowledge than I will come to your assistance.

[By the way, you will get better response by posting in this thread. It is not necessary to post separately on local subjects.]

Welcome to the forum Mike!

I have no problem receiving WTVJ on my samsung SIR-T150s however I cannot receive them on my SIR-T165s. On the 165s I have the same problem as you. Their signal is also driving my Panasonic CT34WX50 TV nuts sometimes producing retrace lines during brite scenes. :(

Just a heads up about Dave Gravelines call in radio show
http://www.graveline.com/
One of the several guests will be the Chief Engineer from WFOR.

"HDTV Update
Get a front row seat to the latest in the Digital Television transition.
Guests scheduled to join Dave this week include:
Daniel Sparrow, Director & CTO - S Squared Technologies
Marcelo Sanchez, Chief Engineer - WFOR, CBS TV
Joe Piccirilli, Managing Director - AVAD
Gary Shapiro, President & CEO - CEA
Greg Keys, Executive VP - Terk Technologies
? and more."

Thanks, Frank.

From the link:

"You can hear us in all of South Florida on NewsRadio 610 WIOD - LIVE from 2-4pm." (Sundays.)

I'll be in Atlanta this Sunday so I look forward to an online highlights report by any Forum members who hear the show.

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
I am having trouble receiving the NBC 6 HD signal. I live in Plantation (zip code 33324). I have a Samsung SIR-T150 HDTV receiver with a Jension amplified antenna(model # TV920). I can receive all of the other local HD signals perfectly. When I enter Ch. 31 on my remote, I receive a signal. I know this because the green light comes on my receiver and I can go to the signal strength meter and it shows 7-8 bars. However, I do not receive a picture on Ch. 31. I have tried to enter Ch. 6 on the remote but I get no signal and no picture. I tried a different antenna but this has not helped. If anyone can give me some hints or ideaa on how to receive NBC 6 HD, I would appreciate it. I have been waiting months to get NBC in HD (I can get Ch. 5 - WPB NBC station) and now that it is available, I would like to see it.

I get excellent reception with both the SIR-T150 & SIR-T165. You probably need to reboot your unit as wjbjr suggested.

Again a Sat request here in South Florida.
I had a problem with my DirecTV sat dish 2 months ago and thanks to DrDon I found it to be my cables to the LNB. Once changed my signal and picture were high and solid.

Now in the past week I have a strong (90's) Sat B signal (with random drop out) and pixelation and signal drop outs for Ch 509 HBO-HD, and HDnet.

So I made 2 new cables and changed them, and still have the same problem.

So since DirecTV is making all these changes for the HD channels, I would like to know if anyone here in So. Fla. is also having picture problems , or is it good and my system is a problem again.

Concern is ch 509 and 199. (There are also mirror channels I think is 86 and 79, but still comes from the Sat B)

My Sat A is solid without any drop outs.
I also get a solid NASA channel which is also from Sat B.
This is why I am asking, it seems to be only HD channels.

Hi George... here in Ft. Lauderdale there are no problems on any of the HD DirecTV channels, OR any of the over-air digital channels locally. Everything has been rock-steady in this dry weather for the bird-delivered HD's, and in the weeks following the new NBC premiers, that has settled-down into very routine solid signal reception too (HD200's).

A neighbor had a problem not unlike what you describe, and he had tried to use 'combiners' to rout over-air antenna through the sat cable. Once the cables were separated (rather than trying to figure it out), so that there were totally separate RG6 'homeruns' from the triple-sat to the HDTV STB, and separately from the external antenna to the STB over-air input, there has been no problem. Don't know if this helps, but might be a thought.

good luck!

gene
__________________
www.ingerletter.com

Gene Inger wrote, in part:
"In the old days, we had more than a couple over-air financial stations, of which Ch. 51 in So. Florida was one (daytime only), prior to becomming FNN and later CNBC affiliates before they became cable/satellite only. A lot of viewers were professionals who received daytime stock programming over-air, using a simple loop antenna.)"

Gene--
Were you, perchance, the on-air host of a daytime stock market program out of Los Angeles on channel 51(?) during the mid to late '70s? If so, I knew you then on a (week)daily basis.

I can not enter on my remote 31-1. I usually enter the channel # (such as 4) and the -1 is automatically detected. However, this does not happen for Ch. 31. All I get is 31-0. I also unplugged my unit and let it sit for 5 minutes unplugged. When I plugged it in and I tried to get Ch. 31, I still was not receiving any picture but I was receiving a signal.

gene inger
Thanks.
You confirmed what I though.
I just did not want to go up to the dish if it were not me.
It must be another cable, or I might be on the edge of the alignment and the wind may be just moving it enough to shake it.

My opinion is the cable.
If the ground is slightly bad, can cause oscillations that can cause a lot of high signal errors so the receiver does not pass through the video.

So back to the dish and checking the cables,
Thanks again.

Just thinking about entering the HDTV arena with a new set. I was just wondering what would be the best way to take advantage of this technology. Does anyone know if and when Comcast in Ft Lauderdale will offer HDTV?

Hi everyone-

I have a Mits 65911 with built in HD tuner. I still have cable, but get HD OTA. PBS, CBS, NBC, UPN, WB all come in great, but I can't get ABC. I've tried moving the antenna (manually). Would appreciate suggestions.

Thanks,
David

Originally posted by davrun
Hi everyone-

I have a Mits 65911 with built in HD tuner. I still have cable, but get HD OTA. PBS, CBS, NBC, UPN, WB all come in great, but I can't get ABC. I've tried moving the antenna (manually). Would appreciate suggestions.

Thanks,
David

All of the Miami station transmitters are in the same location; so turning the antenna is not the solution.

Can you reboot that receiver? If so, try that. Unfortunately, that is all I know that might help you.

Originally posted by B737Pilot
Just thinking about entering the HDTV arena with a new set. I was just wondering what would be the best way to take advantage of this technology. Does anyone know if and when Comcast in Ft Lauderdale will offer HDTV?

See Post #1465 on the page before this one (74).

Originally posted by davrun
Hi everyone-

I have a Mits 65911 with built in HD tuner. I still have cable, but get HD OTA. PBS, CBS, NBC, UPN, WB all come in great, but I can't get ABC. I've tried moving the antenna (manually). Would appreciate suggestions.

Thanks,
David

David,

Do you get WSVN, 7.1? All of the DTV stations that you mention are on UHF. WPLG-DT is on channel 9 and WSVN-DT is on channel 8, both of which are VHF channels. Are you using a UHF only antenna?

Ken

I can get channel 10-1, but it is the most sensitive station relative to antenna position of any of the local channels. I had the British Open on yesterday for 5 1/2 hours, and must have adjusted the antenna position 4 or 5 times throughout the broadcast. It would be fine for a while, then a little breakup would start, I'd readjust, and a little later the same thing. Kind of makes me glad I put up the power rotor a few weeks back....heh heh. It might be a mulitpath issue for me....I'm in eastern P. Pines, only a few miles from the towers.

Bill Brenner (wjbjr)- I checked the manual and it said nothing about rebooting, so I tried pulling the power plug, but no help. Thanks anyway!

Ken MacKinnon- When I bought the antenna, it picked up 7.1 and 10, but both are now missing. Perhaps the VHF element is broken or disconnected. I'll check it out, and if not, buy another antenna. Thanks for the info, this is probably the problem.

my reciever tunes wtvj as channel 31.1 not 6.1
try entering 31.1 with remote

I already have a mast and a uhf antenna and realize after reading this forum why I probably don't get good reception on WPLG and WSVN.

So, I am looking to either have a vhf antenna installed and connected to the existing feed or replace the existing uhf antenna with one that handles both vhf and uhf.

I also have an interest in picking up channels north of me in Palm Beach County.

I live in Weston in zip code 33326. I would appreciate suggestions as to what is the best approach.

I will need to have someone install whatever solution I decide on since I am a wheelchair rider and would appreciate recommendations for that also.

Originally posted by rogelah
I already have a mast and a uhf antenna and realize after reading this forum why I probably don't get good reception on WPLG and WSVN.

So, I am looking to either have a vhf antenna installed and connected to the existing feed or replace the existing uhf antenna with one that handles both vhf and uhf.

I also have an interest in picking up channels north of me in Palm Beach County.

I live in Weston in zip code 33326. I would appreciate suggestions as to what is the best approach.

I will need to have someone install whatever solution I decide on since I am a wheelchair rider and would appreciate recommendations for that also.

I second rogelah's request (especially since I asked a similar question in post #1462 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2437265#post2437265)). I am in a wheelchair as well and need someone to get on my roof and install my CM 4228 and rotator.

I have called Lata. Nice folks, but, they do not do work in Broward County.

Radio Shack does inststallation. Their installation charge seems to cover the worst case (read that as high priced for a simple antenna mount on an existing mast). Antennas and rotators are extra. Installation covers wire and I assume connectors.

The problem I have with Radio Shack (and other referral services) is that you don't know the quality of the work to expect. I prefer personal recommendations.

Gene--
Were you, perchance, the on-air host of a daytime stock market program out of Los Angeles on channel 51(?) during the mid to late '70s? If so, I knew you then on a (week)daily basis.

```

Hey Bill-

Yes, hosting that was my TV entry, back in my youth, after a brief stint on Wall Street. Thanks for recalling:-}, and pre-CNBC days and so on. It was Channel 22 in LA, and among others later, Ch. 51/Ft. Laud. before its sale.

As an enthusiast all along, I'm pleased to find large numbers of digital stations both in Calif. and Florida; where both terrain and availability likely provide FL the best combination anywhere in the Country I'm aware of. (If I tally the combination of over-air and D-TV, it nearing around 16 or so.)

regards,

gene

_________________
www.ingerletter.com

I don't mean to steal business from avsforum since I love it here, but I saw this forum which devotes an entire area to each region (http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=373). Perhaps, if avsforum doesn't have the space for a section for each region, we could move this discussion over there so we can have more threads for our region? Just a suggestion. :D Sorry if I offended anyone at avsforum or if this post is verboten for mentioning another forum.

Hey DonW4WJ,

How are things going over there? It's been so quiet lately regarding WTVJ's new roll-out it seems to have gone off without a hitch! Ever since I reset my receiver and rescanned to pick up this station I have had 100% reception. I have not seen any dropouts yet. My only question to you now is... I'm still not receiving any program info in the banner (it always says "Regular Programming" or something to that effect) not the actual show and description, any news on when this will hit? or has it already and maybe I need another reset to get it? Also... when I save the channel to my "favorites" it doesn't have the "NBC" logo yet (just says 6.1) I imagine these will both come at the same time, just wondering. Other than that PQ has been fantastic for me even in a couple of storms we had lately I didn't catch any pixelization.

Keep up the good work.


- John