OK, here's the update. The installer showed up from Hi-Tech (confirming that Southern Satellite and Hi-Tech are in-fact the same company) at 3:45PM. He did a quick survey and proposed running the cables around the house instead of through the attic. I rejected this plan and agreed to pay the $60/flat rate to fish the cables. Edson (the installer) was very thorough, although he needed to be persuaded to be at times. The flat rate was the way to go due to an unseen obstruction in the wall behind my HT setup. He ran two RG6 coax and 1 phone for me as I setup the Moto box in my rack and installed the OTA power / module. The install went very slow but deliberate which I didn't mind. We finally called to activate the box around 8:30PM, he went over all of the menus even the installer menus, and I am getting a constant 59-60 reading on the Sat signal. The Moto box was delivered with the old rev 00.05.08 (circa 2003), which hopefully updated during the night. I sampled all of the channels and was pleased with the overall PQ. I know that a few of the idiosyncrasies that I am observing will be rectified by the rev updates (channel switch time, etc). The program guide was still unavailable as of 11:00PM when I finished up my sampling, perhaps I will need to reset the box this evening to fix the issue. Overall I am pleased with how the Voom install went and now on to testing the service.

Check out this thread:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=170060

Looks like WSVN is getting an upgrade earlier than I expected.

Well, a very happy install of Voom today. Somehow we got it in between the tornado-type weather early this morning and the heavy rain we're getting now. After reading for many weeks about the horrible install stories all around the country I consider myself very fortunate. A true gentleman from All Services International in Ft. Lauderale by the name of Hugo (never did get his last name but he says he owns the company) did just an excellent job. Did everything the right way and clearly knew exactly what he was doing every step of the way. Locals are A-OK too with just a Silver Sensor except for the ABC station that is 25 miles in the opposite direction and on the far side of my townhouse (that's a problem I've got to think about for awhile). With all of the problem installs, Hugo deserves a public pat on the back for a job well done.

I live on A1A in Hollywood, just north of Hallendale Beach Blvd, and I KNOW the installers are preparing the neighborhood for Comcast HD, but I can't get any answers as to when it will be offered.

Anyone know of some magic/secret/underground way to find out when a neighborhood will be turned up for new Comcast services?

I am doing ok with OTA reception despite being ocean facing, but I want my cable channels already!

Thanks in advance.

Gentlemen, they're up and running. :)

Rudy1...are you saying WSVN is airing digital and HD as of NOW!!!
So 24 will be so sweet tonight!...

Hmmmm - would be interesting to see if it is. :D

Originally posted by truqui
Rudy1...are you saying WSVN is airing digital and HD as of NOW!!!
So 24 will be so sweet tonight!...

They are broadcasting SD upconverted to 720p right now.

Yes I also can confirm that WSVN channel 7 is now broadcasting a 720p signal. Also they are broadcasting a color weather Radar on 7-2. Finally the OC in Fox Widescreen!:D

I believe it!!!

7-2 is up and running with weather. I can only see 1080i, so I cannot speak to what res they are broadcasting at since everything upconverts to 1080i.

Now....if only they had something in HD to show us......

Originally posted by HofstraJet
I believe it!!!

7-2 is up and running with weather. I can only see 1080i, so I cannot speak to what res they are broadcasting at since everything upconverts to 1080i.

Now....if only they had something in HD to show us......

Channel 7-1 is being broadcast in 720p....channel 7-2 is being broadcast in 480i.

I've been back and forth with Rudy on this one.. it feels too surreal to think that WSVN.. the ugly duckling station that we've grown to hate has finally kicked the door down.. with authority.. 24 and NFL and MLB.. thats about all fox offers me..but with NFL in 720p in fall, 24 season 3's remaining eps in 480p and eventualy MLB too.. I'm a happy camper ;)

I wonder if they'll kill the subchannel when HD is on, and if not, how much compression will that add?

Originally posted by aviators99
I wonder if they'll kill the subchannel when HD is on, and if not, how much compression will that add?

On WPBT, the HD channel is broadcast at 1080i during the evenings and on the weekends with 2 of their 4 sub-channels broadcasting at 480i. They have tweaked their statistical multiplexer to minimize the adverse effects of having 2 sub-channels running while the HD channel is on, but the picture quality still tends to degrade during sequences involving rapid motion. WSVN would be well advised to kill the sub-channel when they're broadcasting actual HD content.

This is great news because, as tgenius stated, Fox's 24, NFL and MLB are what I mainly see on WSVN...Oh and that 70's show too.
24 was bumped last night due to the Prez's Conference...gues I'll have to wait for next week...

The O.C. on 7-1 looks great tonight. Thanks WSVN for finally installing your HD equipment.

is O.C in 720p or are they doing 480p? just wondering because I caught a piece of it tonight and the PQ looked like DVD quality. Also, when did Comcast make WPBT HD? I have had the digital channel fir a long time, but tonight was the first time I saw something they ran in HD.

I wrote Sean an email to add the WSVN subchannel(s) to the Voom PG, however he has not confirmed as of yet.

Wao WSVN , I can't beleive it ... :D

I just saw the NFL schedule and the Dolphins will be on two Monday Night games on ABC in HD and two Sunday Night games on ESPNHD.

Sweet! I was kinda in the dumps about FOX showing 6 HD games a week and none of them where going to be the Dolphins.

I can only get 7-1.
Is there more channels (like 7-2) or is this only in the testing phase?

Go Yankees !!!! That game is looking Sweet :D

George - I get 7-2 but 7-2 is only showing a weather map of Florida with the audio of 7-1. You're not missing anything by not receiving 7-2.

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
I just saw the NFL schedule and the Dolphins will be on two Monday Night games on ABC in HD and two Sunday Night games on ESPNHD.

Also, the Fins have a 4:15 home game that could easily be the National game and be in HD - the Jets game on Oct 3.

Originally posted by George33027
I can only get 7-1.
Is there more channels (like 7-2) or is this only in the testing phase?
Which service are you using OTA, Cable, D*, Voom?

Does anybody know what the network's plans are for the summer/fall? Do they intend to broadcast any HD movies or specials? Or is it all going to be sports?

Tonight, the O.C. on WSVN was not widescreen but 4:3. I checked 29-1 and they were showing it as widescreen. I hope WSVN is not having any problems with their new HD equipment.

Question

OIs it me only that can't get the Yes network activated in Fl ?
Does any1 have it here ? If so how did you accomplish this ! DTV does not want to activate it to me :(

Also are we suppose to get CBS HD from the West Coast ?

Thanks in advance

TC: OTA for 7-1

Is it me, or NBC 6-1 not on the air in High Def?
When the show is in HD, I get zero signal.
But when in SD, I get it solid.
So I go to 5-1 with a lot of pixelation and drop outs.
Same is with 29-1 with the OC.

Have a rotor, but can't get it tuned in lately.

NBC was fine for me on Tuesday (Frasier, etc), however since I have Voom and currently the box cannot scan for additional OTA locals, I cannot get 7-2 either.

Originally posted by George33027
TC: OTA for 7-1

Is it me, or NBC 6-1 not on the air in High Def?
When the show is in HD, I get zero signal.
But when in SD, I get it solid.
So I go to 5-1 with a lot of pixelation and drop outs.
Same is with 29-1 with the OC.

Have a rotor, but can't get it tuned in lately.

George, I am watching WTVJ in HD right now. it is fine, and my OTA tuner is showing a signal strength of 100%, as usual.

Has anyone tried the new Terk HDTVi antenna? I know in the past Terk antennas were junk. This looks a lot like the Zenith Silver Sensor but it gets both UHF and VHF.

Check it out here (http://www.terk.com/products.html#tv). If anyone has one and knows somethat has used please advise...

If anybody is interested, the Braves-Marlins game is on ESPNHD tonight at 8 PM.

Let's hope we're not blacked out in favor of PAX or FSN. Even though I think we'll be OK because the Marlins' website lists tonight's TV channel as ESPN and they usually forget to black out the HD channel when they black out the SD channel, I still have my fingers crossed. :D

Tonight, the O.C. on WSVN was not widescreen but 4:3. I checked 29-1 and they were showing it as widescreen. I hope WSVN is not having any problems with their new HD equipment.

Nascar race is 4:3 as well. What's the deal WSVN?

Forgot to mention that I can verify as well that Comcast Cable HDTV is now broadcasting the 2-1 HD channel for WPBT. Also they are sending along the 720p signal for WSVN. Hope this helps Rudy1.

Tonight, 24 on WSVN looked fantastic. It was widescreen.

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
Tonight, 24 on WSVN looked fantastic. It was widescreen.

And WFLX-DT 29-1 was off-the-air between 7PM and 10PM. GRRRRrrrr.:mad:

Originally posted by ElectricPickle
And WFLX-DT 29-1 was off-the-air between 7PM and 10PM. GRRRRrrrr.:mad:

May have something to do with tower work for WXEL-DT (they're on WFLX's tower.) WXEL-TV is at low power for that reason.

Originally posted by David McRoy
May have something to do with tower work for WXEL-DT (they're on WFLX's tower.) WXEL-TV is at low power for that reason.

At prime time when Fox's two highest rated shows are on?

Originally posted by holtwm
Forgot to mention that I can verify as well that Comcast Cable HDTV is now broadcasting the 2-1 HD channel for WPBT. Also they are sending along the 720p signal for WSVN. Hope this helps Rudy1.

I had received a phone call from the Comcast lab in Denver about that a couple of weeks ago. They apologized for the "inconvenience" and mentioned that they expect to have their Motorola DVR available by July here, though they didn't say which model they will be offering or how much it will cost.

For anybody who has Voom, Voom just added all of the ESPN channels today including ESPNHD.

PLEASE HELP!

I have called Channel Master...been to Radio Shack...and looked at a ton of other antennas...and I get different stories with each sales person I talk to.

Is there a good indoor OTA for use that does both UHF/VHF for us South Florida users? A guy at Radio Shack told me that nobody makes a good antenna that does both UHF/VHF...they usually do one or the other really well...but not both. Is that true?

I live just west of I-75 off Pines Blvd...but I am moving to Sterling/just west of I-75 next month. Can someone lead me in the right direction? If an indoor antenna will not work...then I will have to do an outdoor one...but I am just looking for some guidance.

Maybe someone here is using something that gets both UHF/VHF and can lead me in the right direction.

Thanks so much...

Slangley, I live in Weston and I use a Jenson amplified TV920 antenna to receive the OTA channels. I can get all of the South Florida channels and I can get two WPB stations 29-1 and 5-1 if I move the antenna around.

The Jenson only costs $40 at Best Buy and it does both UHF and VHF.

Hi, I just moved to Surfside last month and subscribed to this forum. It's good to be in touch with the local community.

Does anyone out there have a Terapin recorder? I've got one but without the remote, and it's no good without one. If anyone's got one, can I borrow your remote to access the menu and set up my inputs?

Thanks.
CB Gaines

Mike4HDTV...

I just sent you a PM...if you would please check it out and let me know what ya think.

Slangley - I just responded to your PM.

Blue snow on WPLG was out of control tonight. Does anyone have any answers on this? Did a search and came up with nothing.

I was watching WPLG last night and tonight between 8-9 and I did not have any problems with their reception.

NoUDont

I think the "blue snow" you are describing is a digital artifact in the ABC network transmission feed during HD programming. I see it also on the lower third of my screen during dark scenes very faintly. It can be seen on both WPLG and WPBF so I don't think it is coming from the local broadcasters.

I have noticed "blue snow" for awhile now. I always thought that I was seeing artifacts from the conversion of the 720p broadcast to 1080i that my display supports. Anyone seeing this in 720p native mode?

Great job WSVN by the way. Picture looks great and now PSIP data for my program guide! You guys have come a long way. I can't believe it.

Sound Advice will have the HR10-250 [HD TiVo] receiver available later this month. They are now taking deposits. Quantities are limited.

Got my hands on one of the new HR10-250 HD TiVo's. Love it so far...just have one problem/question...

Is there a way to get OTA channels to fill the whole screen on a 16:9 TV. I have a Sony KP-51WS500 TV. My TV has a "wide screen mode" and it works on video1...but it will not work on Video 6 or 7 (the component and DVI inputs). I'm using the HDMI-to-DVI connection. I went to the ratio and changed it to 16:9 and changed the aspect correction to full...but my local OTA channels still show up with the grey bars on the sides. When something is broadcast in HDTV...it fills the screen. Anyway to force fill the screen?

Thanks

I got my HD TiVo as well today. LOVE IT!!!!!!!

slangley,

It depends on what the station is broadcasting. If they are broadcasting a 4:3 picture, then the TiVo will expand it to fill the screen by pressing the ratio buttton. However, if the station is sending a 16:9 picture [b]that already includes the pillarbox sides as part of the image[b] then there is nothing you can do. The way to determine what the station is sending is to go to the TiVo menus and change the pillarbox color. If it changes, then ratio should work. Let me know if this helps.

The HR10-250 [HD TiVo] does not have "native pass through" and I think that is what you are looking for. It's my understanding that it could be added via a software update if D* chooses to do so.

Here is a link where people are giving their "First Impressions" of this unit.
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=171422&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

HofstraJet,

I am glad you receive your Tivo HD10-250 I saw your name in the Tivo forum. I also picked one up from CC last week but I took the free shipping so it will arrived on Monday. If you have not done it yet make sure you get from Directv the $250 programming credit they are offering to help offset the cost of the unit I called them last week and they have it noted down on my record so that as soon as I call them to activate the Tivo HDTV unit the credit will be applied to your account.

drguava...

What kind of credit are you talking about? Can anyone redeem it?

Slangley,

If you are an existing Directv customer I believe for more than two years you can get anywhere from $150 -$250 programming credit. You need to talk to their Customer Retention Department and really push for it.

Also check the TIVO forum in AVS forum there is topic on this.

Today was a great HD sports day. We had golf on CBS, NHL playoff hockey on ABC, and the Preakness horse racing on NBC. All three events looked great in HD even though the golf used mostly SD cameras.

Yes, they did look good. WPLG had their usual sports problem of indicating 5.1, but actually broadcasting only via front L and R speakers.

Today, I was reading the A & E section of the Sun-Sentinel and in their TV listings (grid) they are now listing which television shows and movies are being shown in HD. Each show or movie that is broadcast in HD has the letters 'HD' at the end of the show or movie description.

Unfortunately, at the Herald, neither the general TV critic nor the sports TV writer seem to recognize the existence of HD -- much less its availability in programming.

I have sent several e-mail messages to the sports person -- bjackson@herald.com All to no avail.

People still read newspapers??? :confused:

Originally posted by drguava
HofstraJet,

I am glad you receive your Tivo HD10-250 I saw your name in the Tivo forum. I also picked one up from CC last week but I took the free shipping so it will arrived on Monday. If you have not done it yet make sure you get from Directv the $250 programming credit they are offering to help offset the cost of the unit I called them last week and they have it noted down on my record so that as soon as I call them to activate the Tivo HDTV unit the credit will be applied to your account.

Thanks. Already asked for it and got it when I activated, but thanks for the info just the same. :)

They told me that the maximum credit is $150, but independently gave me $10 per month off of HBO for six months.

Perhaps this is because I already have from them a $99 HD receiver, a $99 DTiVo and an unsolicited six months of free Showtime, for which I was paying.

I will mention (unatributed) your $250 experiences upon activation; but will settle for the above.

Fellow South Floridians,

I am looking for a South Florida Plasma Tech recommendations. I am having some problems with my plasma and it needs work. Any success stories ?

I have a NEC 61MP1 and Panny hi-def stb.

Thanks in advance.

Doug in Lauderdale

Fellow South Floridians,

I am looking for a South Florida Plasma Tech recommendations. I am having some problems with my plasma and it needs work. Any success stories ?

I have a NEC 61MP1 and Panny hi-def stb.

Thanks in advance.

Doug in Lauderdale

(begin rant)

I was watching channel 6 via DishNetwork at a friend's house in Ft. Lauderdale the other day... It appears that they're using the WTVJ ATSC signal for their local-into-local retransmission service - you can see the chopped off NBC peacock bug on the lower right-hand corner of the screen, which is the same effect I get on my Hughes E-86 when I zoom in the 16:9 picture to fit in a 4:3 screen. Everything is cool when channel 6 is originating 4:3 programming, but that chopped off bug is even more annoying than the bug appearing as it should in all of its glory... :-0

Maybe they are figuring that the chopped off bug is better than snowy and staticky (is that a word?) low-band VHF video...

(end rant)

The good news is that EchoStar considers the digital signal to be more stable than anything else - that's great for most of us here who prefer to get their TV with an antenna!

Bill,

This what I received from Directv all at once:

$250.00 credit for HD10-250
$99.00 HDTV receiver
$79.00 TIVO receorder
Free oval dish & multi switch (which I didn't need)
Free Showtime for 6 months
HBO for $2/month for six months

Thanks

Hmm. There goes my theory. I will try again upon activation and refer to your experience. I believe that as an eight year timely bill payer with seven mirrored receivers, all premium movie channels plus Sunday Ticket and HD, I should get the maximum available.

Thanks for the information.

Bill,

I am a nine year Directv subscriber and I basically had to threaten them with cancelling my service and going to another satellite company. I sent them an Email stating this and within 24 hours one of their customer retention representatives call me they stated how they typically don't do this but since I was a long time Directv subscriber they would do it for me, which is bull because they have been doing this for a number of existing subscribers.

Good Luck!!!

Thanks. My problem will be that any threat to go elsewhere will appear to be empty -- as indeed it will be -- as they can look at my account and see that, in addition to the HD TiVo, I have already invested in two other HD receivers and four DTiVos, among others. That is possibly why they offered only $150 in the first place.

We shall see. I will not lose sleep over it either way.

I've just learned that WB has tentatively announced that they will air "Lord
of the Rings" in DD 5.1 in November. Also airing in HD:

Wednesday 5/26: 8-10pm - "Ace Ventura:
Pet Detective".

Tuesday 6/1: 8-10pm - Premiere of "Summerland".

Wednesday 6/2: 8-10pm - "The Brothers".

Wednesday 6/16: 8-10pm - "Soul Survivors".

WBZL-DT would like to know what services their local viewership would like to see or hear, full-time or on-demand.....National Weather Service
audio, hurricane specials, local top news stories updated hourly on a loop,
radar, etc. Please post your responses here and I'll pass them on.

Thanks. :)

---Rudy

Rudy - Is this the first Lord of the Rings movie?

I do not receive DD5.1 on 39-1 but I do receive it on 39-2. However, the audio is extremely low on 39-2.

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
Rudy - Is this the first Lord of the Rings movie?

I do not receive DD5.1 on 39-1 but I do receive it on 39-2. However, the audio is extremely low on 39-2.

Yes, this is the first movie. I will pass on your comment about DD 5.1 to the chief engineer.

Mike,

The engineer just informed me that they are not broadcasting DD 5.1 at this time. He believes something was wrong with the audio stream on 39-2 and your receiver may have been fooled into thinking it was DD 5.1. In any event, he has corrected the audio levels.

---Rudy

The sound level on 39-2 is a lot better. It's not as loud as 39-1 but it is very close. I thought 39-2 had DD5.1 because the blue light on my Sony receiver came on every time I tuned into 39-2. I rechecked it today and it's not DD5.1.

For anybody who has Voom, they added TNT-HD on Channel 521 today. The NBA western conference finals are being shown on TNT-HD.

A question for the Voom users: What direction does the satellite dish have to face? I have been searching other threads but could not find an answer. I know that a D* dish has to face SW but what about a Voom dish.

Voom uses the 61.5 sat. Go here and download the Zip Code 32 application and all you have to do is punch in your zip code for the 61.5 sat to find out the exact direction. It is basically SE.

http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/products/installation/azimuth/index.shtml

WPLG Ch. 10-1 has gone black on my VOOM receiver. Earlier this Saturday morning there was video and no sound. Now nothing.
Anyone else or is it a problem at my house that I need to troubleshoot?

CB Gaines,
Surfside

Originally posted by cbgaines
WPLG Ch. 10-1 has gone black on my VOOM receiver. Earlier this Saturday morning there was video and no sound. Now nothing.
Anyone else or is it a problem at my house that I need to troubleshoot?

CB Gaines,
Surfside

They are still off the air as of this writing. Neither of my 2 OTA receivers can find a signal for them.

Same here. I hope they use the down time to also once again adjust the audio output. For the umpteenth time, their sports broadcasts have indicated 5.1 while the audio emits from the front L & R speakers only.

Interestingly, the analog channel is running VOOM paid programming. Could it be an insidious plot? <g>

Those interested in the HR10-250 HD TiVo might want to peruse this thread in the TiVo PVR Forum:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=176204&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

ricksm3 - I downloaded the Zip code 32 app and entered my zip code for the 61.5 sat. My azimuth angle is 146 and my elevation angle is 53. What does this information mean?

My townhouse has a clear view of the NE, E, and SE.

Originally posted by wjbjr
Those interested in the HR10-250 HD TiVo might want to peruse this thread in the TiVo PVR Forum:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=176204&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

Thanks WJBJR. I already have my HR10-20 and I love it. I told my friend to check into it though because he is interested in one. Unfortunately the guy at Sound Advice that we buy from is on vacation.

For anybody in Weston with Advanced Cable, they are offering a free Starz/Encore preview until May 31.

Is any other cable company or satellite company in S. FL offering this free Starz preview?

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
ricksm3 - I downloaded the Zip code 32 app and entered my zip code for the 61.5 sat. My azimuth angle is 146 and my elevation angle is 53. What does this information mean?

My townhouse has a clear view of the NE, E, and SE.

Get a compass. Your dish will point at 146 degrees. We're fortunate on the east coast in that 53 degrees elevation is pretty high. The dish will point up at a 53 degree angle. Elevation for folks on the west coast is something like 10 degrees and that can cause lots of line-of-sight problems. I'm leaving out of the 146 degrees business any correction for magnetic deviation. If you've got a clear line-of-sight to the SE, you shouldn't have any problem. In any event, you won't be charged for the install if it doesn't work. Or, you can pay a local installer about $25 to come out for a site survey and they will be able to lock the sat for you (to make sure you can) without going through an install.

I've got Voom and think it's great. They have had some start up problems but continually work to solve them. Some have had funky STB's. Mine has been rock solid with never a problem for six weeks since my install. They keep adding more HD channels - they've added ESPN HD and TNT HD since I joined. Biggest complaint is the repetitive programming on the proprietary channels. There is validity to that complaint. My advice is that if you want HD - Voom is the only place to be. If you aren't willing to give them time to grow, then you may want to wait. But, if you have a tiny bit of patience in order to get in on the ground floor of an exciting new product, then jump in now. The word is that come October they will switch to MPEG4 and start utilizing an additional sat near the 61.5 sat. One larger dish will do the job. When this happens, their channel capacity will explode. I don't have a crystal ball, but I suspect Voom will still have some up's and down's in the near term. But, if Voom succeeds in their plan, nothing will come remotely close to what they will provide. If you hurry, the install is free and includes the OTA antenna. You lease the box and have no contract commitment. In other words, you have absolutely nothing to lose. You may need some patience on the OTA portion. So many variables exist for each individual location that the initial install may not be totally satisfactory. You may have to do some experimenting to get a perfect OTA situation. I had to try different things but now my OTA is perfect. People expect too much without understanding the situation. When things aren't perfect straight out of the box, they start ranting about Voom.

The key to the whole thing is to understand the dynamics and combine that understanding with a little patience. If you do that, I think you will be tremendously impressed by what Voom has to offer.

I would like to get Voom (Va Va Voom package) but I have a problem with the city of Weston and Advanced Cable.

The city of Weston requires its residents to subscribe to basic cable through its town foundation. Residents of weston have their cable bill included on their water/garbage bill. I talked to a couple of people at the City of Sunrise utilities department (Weston gets its water service through the city of Sunrise) about whether I could cancel my cable and they could not help me.

I do not think that a homeowner should be required to pay for cable service. It should be the homeowners choice if they want cable, satellite, or no service at all. If the cable was included in a HOA, then I would not have any complaints since I chose to live in that community but since the city is requiring it I feel that it is not fair to the people are who are not rich (I can't afford both cable service and satellite) or who do not want any service at all.

I would like to get a waiver (if possible) from the city of Weston but I am not sure who I should contact (i.e., city commission, city hall, mayor, etc.).

Any help with this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Mike,

Talk to the city officials in Weston. If they cannot resolve this for you, talk to the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. Make sure you put your complaint in writing, and copy the Sun Sentinel and the FCC. You should be able to email all of these parties.

For a democracy, we are sorely lacking in true choices in this country. It seems everybody has a set of rules and regulations specifically designed to control every single aspect of a law-abiding citizen's life.

---Rudy

Rudy - Thanks for the help.

I will start writing letters to various city officials in Weston and the B.C. Board of Commissioners.

My only question is: Why should I contact the Sun Sentinel? Do you think they will do a story on this situation or should I send them an opinion letter to print in the newspaper?

Hi, I live in the Miami Pinecrest Area and I just the Samsung 26" with built in OTA Tuner for HD. I bought the Digital HDTV antenna from Radio Shack because WPLG and WSVN are on the VHF for their HD channels. This antenna did help me pick up the other UHF stations but I still cant pick up ABC or Fox. Does anybody have any antenna recommendations or are those two channels dark yesterday and today for some reason. Any advice would be very helpful. I dont like this amplified antenna from radio shack, but I got little choice, I need an indoor antenna for this.

My first guess is that your antenna might be UHF only. The designation "Digital HDTV antenna" is meaningless, as far as receiving HD signals is concerned.

The second possibility is your distance from the transmitters. I am located 25 miles away (Sunset Dr area), so you can figure how much farther away you are. An indoor antenna might not be sufficient. I use an outdoor antenna with no problem.

I have little knowledge of indoor antennae. Perhaps others will chime in. Also, there are many antenna threads in the Hardware Forum.

If your need for an indoor antenna is HOA associated, remember that the same FCC regulation that allows one to have a dish also applies to antennae.

This antenna is VHF and UHF. As for not having an outdoor antenna, I moved back into my parents house and we have cable in the house, and I'm the only one who has HDTV right now and my mother is not gonna want to have an antenna outside. This antenna is able to pick up Channel 7 and 10 with snow on the analog side, but wont pick up anything on their digital counterparts 8 and 9. Sunset Dr. area shouldnt be 25 miles, according to AntennaWeb's map, I'm only around 23 miles away from the transmitter.

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
Rudy - Thanks for the help.

I will start writing letters to various city officials in Weston and the B.C. Board of Commissioners.

My only question is: Why should I contact the Sun Sentinel? Do you think they will do a story on this situation or should I send them an opinion letter to print in the newspaper?

Always copy the news media when dealing with politicians. It always gets their attention...politicians can't risk having an unflattering story being run in the papers if they neglect to take action on behalf of their constituents.

I don't have anything to add other than I am dumbfounded that a governmental organization can require you to pay for cable. I don't think I've ever heard of that before. I've also haven't heard of Advanced Cable. How long have you lived in Weston? This must be some sort of sat/cable service provided by the City and may have come about through a vote, etc. before your time where the citizens decided they'd rather pay for their own monopoly rather than pay the higher priced monopoly that whatever cable company that had the rights in that area was demanding. I just can't think of any other reason off the top of my head how they could get away with this. I would suggest you do some research to find out how this situation came about before you start ranting and raving to newspapers, etc. You may find out this is part and parcel to your decision to live in Weston - just as it would be with a HOA that banded together to get lower rates on cable (as mine did so I have cable and Voom since I have to pay for cable through my assoc. fees).

Originally posted by ricksm3
I would suggest you do some research to find out how this situation came about before you start ranting and raving to newspapers, etc. You may find out this is part and parcel to your decision to live in Weston - just as it would be with a HOA that banded together to get lower rates on cable (as mine did so I have cable and Voom since I have to pay for cable through my assoc. fees).

Try a search of the Sun-Sentinel archives - it will cost you a couple of bucks if you want to read the entire article. I remember reading about Weston sometime in the last year or so and how the cable deal came to be . You are not the only one unhappy about the situation, but if memory serves me, you're SOL, and stuck with it.

Just to update, I started getting WSVN-DT today on Channel 8, dont know why it wasnt coming in on sat. or sun. All thats left is getting WPLG-DT on Channel 9

Brad - I am not having any trouble picking up WPLG. A Beautiful Mind is on right now in HD and it looks very good.

ricksm3 - I have been living in Weston since August 2003. As long as I have lived in Weston, the cable service was added to my water & garbage bill. I believe that at one time that most HOA's in Weston included cable but that changed at some point.

I will follow your and online2much's advice and do some research into the topic. I will research the Sun Sentinel archives and see if I can determine how this problem started.

I just hope that I am not, as online2much said, "SOL and stuck with it".

I guess I will try a different antenna later on since I have a month to return the Radio Shack one. IS anyone else on this board using an indoors antenna and if so, which model and how far are you from the transmitter towers. Thanks

Yes. I'm using a Silver Sensor indoors for two of my stations. All of the remaining stations are SE of me (the remaining WPB stations and all Miami stations). Up here, the Ft. Pierce station and ABC have towers about 30 miles NW of me. I couldn't pick those up with my exterior antenna unless I misaimed it for all of the SE stations. I can pick up those two perfectly by using the Silver Sensor inside in my living room. I run both antenna cables through a remote A/B switch I picked up at Rat Shack. Don't even have to get up from the couch when channel surfing.

If you do a search of these forums, you will find many people raving about the Silver Sensor. You can find it at BB and CC. Runs around $35. Looks like a foot long arrow and is about a foot high. Feels like cheap plastic but does a wonderful job. Make sure you get the correct one. Zenith makes it but it also goes by another brand name I can't remember. Someone else (Terk?) makes one that looks similar but I can't vouch it's the real thing.

Hey guys, many of you are experts at this. A friend is installing HDTV at his new house in Ft. Lauderdale. Location is just off Davie Blvd, East of I-95. My set up will not necessarily work the best because I am in a high-rise.

Which OTA Antennas would you recommend for the best reception in this area. Thanks in advance for your responses.

Originally posted by bradbomb
I guess I will try a different antenna later on since I have a month to return the Radio Shack one. IS anyone else on this board using an indoors antenna and if so, which model and how far are you from the transmitter towers. Thanks

I am using a Silver Sensor on one STB and a MegaWave antenna on the other. Both are connected to Channel Master preamps (Model 7777, I think). I get excellent reception of all of the Miami locals, as well as pretty good reception of the Palm Beach Fox and NBC affiliates. I live just north of Broward Blvd. and just east of Federal Hwy. in downtown Fort Lauderdale on the 2nd floor of an apartment complex.

Yeah. I guess I should add I'm also using a Channel Master preamp (either 7777 or 7778, can't remember) with both the Silver Sensor and with the exterior antenna.

Here was an article in Friday's Sun Snetinel about local sports teams in HD:


This is a great time to check out high-definition sports.

Baseball, NBA, NHL, Triple Crown races, auto racing and golf all have been presented in the spectacular new viewing format in recent weeks.

So when are the local teams going to join the hi-def craze?

Fox Sports Net Florida, which televises the Marlins and Panthers, has a target date: 2006.

"That's our goal," said Jeff Genthner, senior vice president and general manager of Fox Sports Net Florida. "We hope to be testing it in the next 12 months and use it for the Marlins, Panthers and Devil Rays on a broad scale in 2006."

Everything has to be in place for high-definition, from the cameras to the cable connection.

"The industry is ramping up for high-definition," Genthner said. "They're creating HD facilities and making them available.

"Right now, they're relatively limited."

FSN Florida will focus first on what it can control -- the home stadiums, Pro Player Stadium and the Office Depot Center, making them ready for HD.

"Viewers who haven't seen HD are going to be amazed at the technology," Genthner said. "They're going to throw back their heads a good five inches and go `Oh my gosh.'"

2006, man that seems a long way off. But as I get older time seems to slip by faster and faster. Mike, did the article say anything about the Orange Bowl stadium? I would really like to see my Hurricanes in HD sometime soon (but I need to get an HD-DVR first).

TC - That was the entire article. No mention of the Orange Bowl or AAA. I believe that the Canes first game of the season against FSU will be shown in HD. The game is on ABC on a monday night in September.

Anyone here using a Winegard SS-1000? I have heard a ton of good things about this antenna but it's for Suburban/Metropolitan areas. I was at the home show yesterday at the Broward Convention Center and one of the guys there was selling it and raving it about it as well. I live between 9.9 and 11.9 miles from the antenna sites.

Please advise me as to what you all think!

Thanks in advance for the replies!

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
TC - That was the entire article. No mention of the Orange Bowl or AAA. I believe that the Canes first game of the season against FSU will be shown in HD. The game is on ABC on a monday night in September.

Labor Day, to be exact. Again next year.

They also have two HD possible Thursday night home games [Houston, 9/23 and Louisville, 10/14] on ESPN.

Originally posted by slangley
Anyone here using a Winegard SS-1000?

Yep, I have two of them. They work great. Not for distant VHF DTV signals, but great for everything else.

Any updates on their status? It would be nice to have a PBS station that ran their HD channel 24/7.

Rudy - On July 4th WXEL should start broadcasting.

I read on the main AVS HD Programming forum that Comcast signed a deal with DiscoveryHD. DiscoveryHD should start airing on Comcast by the end of the month.

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
I read on the main AVS HD Programming forum that Comcast signed a deal with DiscoveryHD. DiscoveryHD should start airing on Comcast by the end of the month.

The head end manager is supposed to give me an exact date. I'll try to remember to post it here when I hear from him.

I guess you are all aware that NBC will be offering 24/7 coverage of the games only on its HD channel.

Originally posted by Rudy1
I guess you are all aware that NBC will be offering 24/7 coverage of the games only on its HD channel.


Yes, but--

It will consist of eight hours of coverage, repeated twice.

It will be on 24 hour delay.

For more, see the thread at the Programming Forum.

Originally posted by Rudy1
I guess you are all aware that NBC will be offering 24/7 coverage of the games only on its HD channel.

??? Do you mean 5.1 or 6.1 will be different feeds than the analog channel?

What I mean is different programming or will the games schedule air as well on the analog.

Originally posted by truqui
??? Do you mean 5.1 or 6.1 will be different feeds than the analog channel?

What I mean is different programming or will the games schedule air as well on the analog.

I was told by Miami's NBC 6 that the extended coverage will only be available on the digital channel which will be carrying the HD feed. The analog channel will not have 24/7 airings of the games. Whether or not the local affiliates will follow this arrangement will be probably up to the individual stations in Palm Beach & Miami, but I don't see why they wouldn't.

Is anybody aware of any local cable company that will start using the new Cable Card technology so you do not have to rent a STB to receive digital cable or HD channels?

Does anybody know when Comcast South Dade, in the area of Pinecrest, will be getting HD channels. According to their website, my area still doesn't even get High Speed Internet over cable if I had wanted to sign up with it instead of Bellsouth DSL. They have really been behind on this area not offering DVR, HDTV, or high speed internet yet. Not to mention it strikes me as odd that they say regular digital cable is available in this area cause I would figure if you have the digital cable in the area, bringing those other services wouldn't be too hard.

The reason I ask is I have a HDTV with a built in ATSC & QAM tuner and I'm just looking to get all the broadcasts in without the hassle of antenna. I only subscribe to extended basic cable which is about 70 channels analog

Does anyone have programming contact information for WPBT (Channel 2)? I would like to ask them why they thought it acceptable to cut the digital (HD) broadcast of Soundstage last evening at exactly 11:00PM EST right in Fleetwood Mac's Landslide?

The University of Miami vs LSU College World Series game -- Saturday, 6/19, 7 PM -- will be televised in HD by ESPNHD.

Other HD games scheduled so far:

6/19 2:30 PM Cal State Fullerton vs South Carolina
Teams TBA
6/26 7 PM
6/27 3 PM
6/28 7 PM

EDIT: Note corrected time for CSF-SC game on 6/19.

Excellent news, I was starting to worry, because tonight's Texas/Arkansas game is in SD.

I can hardly wait to hear the ping of the bats in glorious 5.1 Circle Surround.

Well last night's game was back to SD on Espn2. Funny, because I noticed many camera's with HD logo's on them during the game. ESPNHD was showing a SD pro-baseball game last evening as well, at least the few times I switched channels. It didn't help that Miami was performing poorly. :(

Did anybody watch the HD Sheryl Crow concert on PBS soundstage tonight (Sunday)? The picture looked very good but not up to HD standards. Is this due to PBS (2-1) multi-casting?
I was getting good reception from my OTA antenna so this was not the problem.

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
Did anybody watch the HD Sheryl Crow concert on PBS soundstage tonight (Sunday)? The picture looked very good but not up to HD standards. Is this due to PBS (2-1) multi-casting?
I was getting good reception from my OTA antenna so this was not the problem.

Mike,

The reduced quality of the HD broadcast is indeed due to the multicasting. While the HD channel is up, WPBT has two 480i channels running, and the picture quality on those is worse than I get on Comcast cable. Why the FCC ever allowed stations to multicast is beyond me. Business models aside, this completely detracts from the most impressive selling point the DTV transition has: HDTV. Despite what broadcasters and others would have you believe, nobody wants to watch up to four channels of less-than-VHS quality 480i broadcasts when they can have one channel in stunning 1080i or 720p. But we live in a business world obsessed with short-term profits and they think multicasting is the answer. I cannot fathom why advertisers haven't realized the true potential of HDTV: one HDTV commercial for Wendy's (imagine how good the food would look!) would be enough to help catapult that franchise into the number one spot! :p

Our local office has begun the work necessary to bring you Discovery HD Theatre by August 1st.

Rudy - Thanks for the response.

Is there any reason why PBS has 2-3, 2-4, 2-5. In my opinion, these subchannels are useless. They are a complete waste of bandwidth. They should get rid of these subchannels and increase the bandwidth on 2-1.

Also, I see that WSVN has 7-2, which is completely useless. All they show is a 4:3 weather map with the audio of 7-1. Will this useless subchannel affect the picture quality of Fox's HD programming on 7-1 this fall?

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
Rudy - Thanks for the response.

Is there any reason why PBS has 2-3, 2-4, 2-5. In my opinion, these subchannels are useless. They are a complete waste of bandwidth. They should get rid of these subchannels and increase the bandwidth on 2-1.

Also, I see that WSVN has 7-2, which is completely useless. All they show is a 4:3 weather map with the audio of 7-1. Will this useless subchannel affect the picture quality of Fox's HD programming on 7-1 this fall?

Mike,

WPBT made a substantial investment in their statistical multiplexer, so I don't think the subchannels are going anywhere anytime soon. I don't mind them except for the negative effect their existence has on the HD channel; in addition, the subchannels always look horrible, even when it's just channels 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, and 2-5 broadcasting. You just can't have your cake and eat it too.

As for WSVN, their 720p broadcasts may be minimally affected by the existence of their subchannel if only because the image is just a radar loop. I guess we will all have to wait and see what happens in the fall.

Law & Order SVU started in HD 16:9 up to the first commercial break...then coming back, 4:3 SD Next break back to 16:9 HD...
What's up?
Does anyone know why NBC6 does this? It's happened before...

I have seen that happen with Leno as well. I guess they have to manually switch from commercials and the HD feed. Probably not the most exciting job to sit and switch back and forth all night.

If it's the digital channel...you'd think it should be automatic, right?
If not...well your right...not a fun job!!!

I was told the switching is supposed to be automatic. I'll relay your comments to the chief engineer.

I too have noticed the negative affects multiplexing is having on WPBT's HD channel during any show that contains fast motion. However, correct me if I am wrong, but this is a public television channel and relies heavily on viewer donations for its survival. I am not a rich man, however I do donate to various PBS stations. Perhaps we can politely ask that our money not go to programs if they are not guaranteed a minimum bandwidth?

For anybody interested, HDNET will show a Gloria Estefan concert tonight at 7:45 PM. It will be in HD and DD5.1.

Gloria Estefan Live & Unwrapped - Premiere
"In this exclusive engagement, Gloria Estefan Live & Unwrapped, Estefan brought to Las Vegas an explosive performance combining her unique blend of pop and Latin music. The show features hits from Gloria's extensive repertoire of music, including favorites such as "Conga", "Reach", "Mi Tierra", "Get On Your Feet", "Live For Loving You", and new songs from Unwrapped, such as "Your Picture", "Hoy", "I Wish You," & "Wrapped." Gloria Estefan Live & Unwrapped is an unforgettable concert experience."

WXEL is up and running. When I entered 27-1 on my Samsung STB it remapped to 80-3, 80-4, 80-5, and 80-6. Everything was in 4:3. There was no HD programming or PBS demo loop.

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
WXEL is up and running. When I entered 27-1 on my Samsung STB it remapped to 80-3, 80-4, 80-5, and 80-6. Everything was in 4:3. There was no HD programming or PBS demo loop.

Same here. Really odd numbering for the virtual channels.

I just got Comcast's HD service here in Ft Lauderdale area (Sunrise to be exact). Can anyone confirm that Im NOT getting INHD/INHD2 because I only have basic cable? They told me I was gonna get these 2 stations on the phone, but they both show Not Authorized......

Also - will I get Discovery HD when it rolls out, or do I need a better service plan for this too?

WXEL has now gone to 27-1, 27-2, 27-3 on my STB. Still no HD programming and everything is in 4:3.

Originally posted by rick420
I just got Comcast's HD service here in Ft Lauderdale area (Sunrise to be exact). Can anyone confirm that Im NOT getting INHD/INHD2 because I only have basic cable? They told me I was gonna get these 2 stations on the phone, but they both show Not Authorized......

Also - will I get Discovery HD when it rolls out, or do I need a better service plan for this too?

The Comcast CSRs (including the so-called HD specialists) don't have a clue as to what is going on at their own company. That is why I deal directly with the head end manager. You can only get the INHD channels if you subscribe to the Digital Classic package and up. The basic service does not include these channels, and will not include Discovery HD, which they expect to have online by August 1st.

---Rudy

So rudy, when HD service becomes available in my area, which Comcast has yet to say when, I can stay subscribed to analog standard and also subscribe to get the basic HD channels which would just be the locals? Or would I not have to worry because my built-in QAM tuner should pick up those unencrypted channels when they become available?

Originally posted by bradbomb
So rudy, when HD service becomes available in my area, which Comcast has yet to say when, I can stay subscribed to analog standard and also subscribe to get the basic HD channels which would just be the locals? Or would I not have to worry because my built-in QAM tuner should pick up those unencrypted channels when they become available?

Your tuner should decode and display all of the unencrypted channels, including the locals, with just your basic analog standard subscription. You would, however, have to subscribe to the entry level Digital Classic pagkage to get INHD1, INHD2, ESPN-HD, and Discovery HD Theater. This is according to the most recent conversation I had with their Denver labs, but it may change once all of the South Florida Comcast market has been standardized and they figure out a way to make us pay for everything. :D

----Rudy

Originally posted by Rudy1
Your tuner should decode and display all of the unencrypted channels, including the locals, with just your basic analog standard subscription. You would, however, have to subscribe to the entry level Digital Classic pagkage to get INHD1, INHD2, ESPN-HD, and Discovery HD Theater. This is according to the most recent conversation I had with their Denver labs, but it may change once all of the South Florida Comcast market has been standardized and they figure out a way to make us pay for everything. :D

----Rudy

Thanks, glad to hear that, let's hope they don't start figuring out new ways. :cool:

I just got an email from WSVN, the All Star game will be in 16:9, but not in high def. They will not have high def sports until week 1 of the NFL season.

Originally posted by Panth1
I have seen that happen with Leno as well. I guess they have to manually switch from commercials and the HD feed. Probably not the most exciting job to sit and switch back and forth all night.

This has been happening for the past two weeks, it happened last night again , it has to be an issue with WTVJ-DT (6-1)because WPTV (5.1) out of WPB is transmitting at the same time in WS-HD, although for some reason the audio is always out of sync for me.

Originally posted by tms1
I just got an email from WSVN, the All Star game will be in 16:9, but not in high def. They will not have high def sports until week 1 of the NFL season.

That sucks. I was really hoping to see the All-Star game in HD espscially since FOX will have a HD truck and HD cameras in Houston.

At least I can watch the home run derby in HD on ESPNHD Monday night.

No nascar in 16*9 from NBC 6 today. Thank god i get NBC from West Palm beach they had a great 16*9 picture upconverted to 1080I. I get both FOX and NBC from West Palm. They are way ahead of the broward county staions.
Only problem today with NBC in WPB was they have a very bad audio sync problem which i hope they takes care of soon.

Did anybody else have this problem.

Originally posted by obrook

Only problem today with NBC in WPB was they have a very bad audio sync problem which i hope they takes care of soon.

Did anybody else have this problem.

Yes, I have this problem all the time too, it has been like that for months; in addition to WPB stations FOX(29)and NBC(5) I can also pick up Paxson (67-4)and PBS (27-4).

I watched the All Star game tonight. It looked okay (typical Fox widescreen) but nothing great. I checked 7-1 and 29-1 and there was a minimal difference in picture quality.

My Drew Carey on ABC sucked tonite.... Froze up a few times for about 5 seconds each time. Also seems to have alot of little "artifacts" , little dots is the only way I can describe em...

Rudy1: Yea I finally got that answer from an email from Comcast. They also mentioned TNT-HD as another channel they are "working on adding"

Originally posted by rick420
My Drew Carey on ABC sucked tonite.... Froze up a few times for about 5 seconds each time. Also seems to have alot of little "artifacts" , little dots is the only way I can describe em...

Rudy1: Yea I finally got that answer from an email from Comcast. They also mentioned TNT-HD as another channel they are "working on adding"

Re: Drew Carey. Don't know which ABC you watched. I watched WPBF and halfway through it started freezing slightly and then near the end it went into a horrible audio sync problem. Surprising because WPBF generally is pretty solid. If you were watching Miami, guess we can conclude it was the national feed?

I had no problems at all with Drew Carey on WPBF-DT last night.

Originally posted by David McRoy
I had no problems at all with Drew Carey on WPBF-DT last night.

Hmmm. That certainly confuses me. I didn't have any problems last night anywhere else. But, Drew was the last show I watched and then went to bed. Now I wonder if I will find other problems when I get home tonight.

Im not really sure - I watch it on Comcast HDTV.... it wasnt horrible I guess, but it froze about 3 times. The 2nd episode only froze 1 time.

I do love the fact it was actually in Surround Sound. That was my first HDTV 5.1 I got to listen to - I loved it

rickm3,

Well, I am using a Winegard SquareShooter antenna mounted 30 feet up and aimed at WPBF's tower, so if anyone would have had a rock-solid signal, it would've been me. There was some nasty weather in the Boca/Delray area last night but since you're in West Palm that shouldn't have been an issue.

Originally posted by David McRoy
rickm3,

Well, I am using a Winegard SquareShooter antenna mounted 30 feet up and aimed at WPBF's tower, so if anyone would have had a rock-solid signal, it would've been me. There was some nasty weather in the Boca/Delray area last night but since you're in West Palm that shouldn't have been an issue.

I also use a Square Shooter, but not for ABC since it's 30 miles in the wrong direction from everything else. I use a Silver Sensor indoors for ABC and, up to last night, never noticed a problem. And, contrary, to the above, I don't recall any problems during the first 30 minute show. Half way through the second show I got some momentary pixelization (quite minor and not freezing as I incorrectly stated above) but about five minutes from the end it went into some of the worst audio sync I've seen. Think NBC but multiply it 10 times over. I'll just have to wait until I get home tonight and see if all problems are gone or if they appear throughout my system.

I'm trying to update a master list of OTA HD stations. MIAMI has not yet been updated. Can somebody that knows what networks are broadcasting in HD or HD/DD5.1 go to the following link and post the info?

National List of Stations Broadcasting HD / DD5.1 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=422073)

Just need the Network, Re-mapped Channel#, and if they're DD 5.1. For any of the networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, UPN & WB) that are currently broadcasting in HD.

Thanks....

Originally posted by CPanther95
I'm trying to update a master list of OTA HD stations. MIAMI has not yet been updated. Can somebody that knows what networks are broadcasting in HD or HD/DD5.1 go to the following link and post the info?

National List of Stations Broadcasting HD / DD5.1 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=422073)

Just need the Network, Re-mapped Channel#, and if they're DD 5.1. For any of the networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, UPN & WB) that are currently broadcasting in HD.

Thanks....

Done.

ricksm3,

It might have been caused by lightning. I've seen even strong DTV signals break up from lightning.

Originally posted by David McRoy
ricksm3,

It might have been caused by lightning. I've seen even strong DTV signals break up from lightning.

Yeah, it has to be something like that. I didn't check to see if there were any storms up that way but everything was fine when I got home last night.:)

I see that ABC has added a subchannel 10-2. This channel shows a weather map of Florida similar to 7-2 but there is no audio. I was getting some pixelation tonight watching the George Lopez Show. I don't know if this is due to the subchannel or due to the terrible weather that we are experiencing.

Too many pages to go through haha....Im moving to Miami (coconut grove) in 2 weeks and need to know which HDtv provider to get between directv and comcast. Please give your suggestions and reasons here.
Thanks,
BK

Get Voom. They have move HD than any other provider.

Interesting I never even considered voom... I live in a large condo complex and they gave me the options of comcast and directv so Ill have to check on voom...If not voom which of the other two?

Welcome to sometimes sunny South Florida.

Go to comcast.com and use the first link to determine what if any HD they offer at your Grove address. Their digital offerings differ in the various Miami area neighborhoods.

If the condo is providing the service, you might also check with them as to what HD they are receiving from each of the offered carriers.

The website said it was not yet available but when I called the other day they said it was... so basically I am still confused as to what the best one is between directv, voom, and comcast...

Voom has the most HD channels - HBOHD, SHOHD, StarzHD, EncoreHD, TMCHD. They have ESPNHD, DiscoveryHD, BravoHD, & TNTHD (which is barely a HD channel). They also have their exclusive HD channels.

Directv has the HD Tivo. It costs $1,000 but most people will agree that it's worth it. Directv has the 2 HDNET's, ESPNHD, and DiscoveryHD. They also have Sunday Ticket. I read today that Directv will offer 100 NFL games in HD this season.

Comcast offers the two INHD channels and most of the premium HD channels as well as some HD locals.

I would like the hdtivo but I wont be getting that anytime soon...I do watch a good deal of football but watch even more college bball... It sounds like Voom is the way to go so far but I will still wait for more opinions. Thanks for the info so far!

Voom offers the $0 upfront deal where you pay nothing to install the satellite dish and you rent their HD box for a monthly fee. If you don't like the programming on Voom, you can cancel at anytime and not pay any cancellation fees if you return the STB and dish.

Originally posted by Rudy1
Our local office has begun the work necessary to bring you Discovery HD Theatre by August 1st.

So is this looking like a reality? We're only a couple weeks away now from August 1. And any updates on VOD?

So that HD problem with the Tonight Show is happening again tonight on WTVJ. Its not a big deal, but I still wonder if its unique to us or do all NBC affiliates have this prob.

WPLG-DT is carrying 'ABC News Now', a 24/7 news program, on channel 10-2. It is scheduled to continue until the November election.

It will provide gavel to gavel convention coverage; although those interested in that might prefer to watch C-Span (DirecTV Channel 350), which will probably have little or no "expert" or otherwise irrelevant babble.

And don't forget HDNet coverage of the main speakers each night at 10.

Originally posted by wjbjr
WPLG-DT is carrying 'ABC News Now', a 24/7 news program, on channel 10-2. It is scheduled to continue until the November election.

It will provide gavel to gavel convention coverage; although those interested in that might prefer to watch C-Span (DirecTV Channel 350), which will probably have little or no "expert" or otherwise irrelevant babble.

And don't forget HDNet coverage of the main speakers each night at 10.

Or Voom, who has it on continuously in HD on channel 999.

Originally posted by jplumey

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Rudy1
Our local office has begun the work necessary to bring you Discovery HD Theatre by August 1st.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



So is this looking like a reality? We're only a couple weeks away now from August 1. And any updates on VOD? [/B]

Only 4 days away...are we going to get it or not?

Originally posted by jplumey
Only 4 days away...are we going to get it or not?

The head end manager is busy getting the VOD service up and running; when I hear anything else about Discovery HD I'll pass it on. I think it's going to be on channel 498, if I'm not mistaken.

Originally posted by Rudy1
The head end manager is busy getting the VOD service up and running; when I hear anything else about Discovery HD I'll pass it on. I think it's going to be on channel 498, if I'm not mistaken.

So does that mean that we're not going to get it tomorrow?

Originally posted by jplumey
So does that mean that we're not going to get it tomorrow?

I just spoke to someone in the PA headquarters about the glacial pace with which upgrades are being handled here in So. Florida....including the addition of Discovery HD (which has been available in some markets since mid-June), and the lack of HD PVRs (they're supposedly going to wait until the dual-tuner version comes out to deploy it locally). I'll post my results as soon as I get some answers.

I got a note today in my cable bill that Advanced Cable in Weston will be adding CBS and NBC in HD in early August to their Digital HD package. Nice to see!

NBCHD is going to be added on August 2 on Advanced Cable. CBSHD is new information that I wasn't aware of.

I don't know why they are wasting bandwidth on local HD channels when they should add more important HD channels such as INHD 1 and 2, TNTHD, and BravoHD.

I can receive all of the local Miami and some of the WPB HD channels via OTA.

The headend manager says that equipment had to be ordered to enable Discovery HD to go live; he should have it up and running on channel 205 shortly. He's still working on the VOD operation...the facility is supposedly so big it can house three 18-wheelers. And PVR deployment is due in September; they will be offering the dual-tuner Motorola PVR.

NBCHD was added to Advanced Cable's HD tier today.

Re: NBC National HD Feed

I have sent the following to WPTV in WPB. With WTVJ-DT, most of us do not need the network feed, but if DirecTV carries it we might as well have it available for when WTVJ pre-empts the network to cover a dog rescue or some such nonsense.

I will advise regarding any response.

Sent e-mail message

From: wjbjr@webtv.net(William_Brenner) Date: Fri, Aug 6, 2004, 9:48pm
To: dmmckinley@wptv.com
Subject: DirecTV HD Waiver

Mr McKinley --

As you are no doubt aware, DirecTV will soon be carrying a national NBC HD feed, available in O&O markets subject to waivers by nearby stations.

When DirecTV started carrying the CBS national HD feed, your friendly competitors at WPEC kindly issued (to DirecTV) a blanket waiver for all Miami-Dade viewers. In addition to helping said viewers, this action also saved them the trouble of issuing individual waivers.

I hope that your station will follow the WPEC example. If not, I hereby request an individual waiver. I have never been able to receive a signal from your DT station.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

William Brenner
Coral Gables
33146

Great job Bill. Please keep us updated so I know whether to bug them or not. Thanks.

Hmmm...maybe I should send a similar email to give them a taste of the oncoming flood? ;)

Thanks. As best I recall, the WPEC blanket waiver was for Miami-Dade only, and did not cover Broward.

Given the sporadic reception of WPTV-DT, it might not be too difficult to obtain a waiver by claiming no reception.

I see no harm - and perhaps some good - in piling on early.

Bill - you may be correct in the blanket waiver coverage area, but I know that David from WPEC stated in this thread that if you live south of the Broward/PB county line, a request for a waiver would be granted (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3294557#post3294557). I am in Coral Springs and I received a waiver a day after I requested it from Donn Colee. Let's see what happens with WPTV.

I was just informed by the Chief Engineer at WTVJ that the HD feed of the opening ceremonies will begin at 9pm whereas the SD feed will begin at 8pm. However, in the 8pm to 9pm time slot, the HD feed will feature a recap of the Salt Lake City games....in HD.

Guess I'll find out at 11:00p.m. Titantv had it flagged for HD tonight.

Whats up with Discovery HD Comcast already? Its mid-august and not even a peep from them yet

Originally posted by rick420
Whats up with Discovery HD Comcast already? Its mid-august and not even a peep from them yet

Per an email I received from the headend manager, Discovery HD Theater is scheduled for launch on all of the Broward systems on 9/7.

sweet thanks =)

Originally posted by Rudy1
Per an email I received from the headend manager, Discovery HD Theater is scheduled for launch on all of the Broward systems on 9/7.

We'll see. I'm not holding my breath until I can actually see it. How come Comcast doesn't keep us all updated? They have all our emails. It's bad enough their own reps don't even know what's going on, they can at least let us know what's on the schedule.

I mean, thanks for all your input and updates Rudy1, but we shouldn't have to rely on a third-party public forum to get scheduling and delivery information from Comcast.

Originally posted by wjbjr
Re: NBC National HD Feed

I have sent the following to WPTV in WPB. With WTVJ-DT, most of us do not need the network feed, but if DirecTV carries it we might as well have it available for when WTVJ pre-empts the network to cover a dog rescue or some such nonsense.

I will advise regarding any response.

Sent e-mail message

From: wjbjr@webtv.net(William_Brenner) Date: Fri, Aug 6, 2004, 9:48pm
To: dmmckinley@wptv.com
Subject: DirecTV HD Waiver

Mr McKinley --

As you are no doubt aware, DirecTV will soon be carrying a national NBC HD feed, available in O&O markets subject to waivers by nearby stations.

When DirecTV started carrying the CBS national HD feed, your friendly competitors at WPEC kindly issued (to DirecTV) a blanket waiver for all Miami-Dade viewers. In addition to helping said viewers, this action also saved them the trouble of issuing individual waivers.

I hope that your station will follow the WPEC example. If not, I hereby request an individual waiver. I have never been able to receive a signal from your DT station.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

William Brenner
Coral Gables
33146

To date, I have received no response. Perhaps someone else in Miami-Dade would like to try?

Those of you with Comcast's HD service: Check your Motorola DCT6200 to see if you have the new firmware (7.15). It showed up on my unit yesterday and it allows the Mitsubishi DVHS decks to "see" the cable box as a tuner. I've tried recording and it works, but you have to play back the recording through an OTA tuner with a FireWire connection.

The Olympics opening ceremonines on NBCHD looked very good on 6-1 and sounded great with DD5.1.

Originally posted by Rudy1
I was just informed by the Chief Engineer at WTVJ that the HD feed of the opening ceremonies will begin at 9pm whereas the SD feed will begin at 8pm. However, in the 8pm to 9pm time slot, the HD feed will feature a recap of the Salt Lake City games....in HD.

And in case you missed it, they replayed the opening ceremonies all day Saturday!

BTW, did the Chief Engineer mention if/when they would be multicasting? It's a shame we have to switch to the analog feed (channel 58 where I'm located) instead of 6.2 to see NBC's regular programming.

Originally posted by BarretoA
And in case you missed it, they replayed the opening ceremonies all day Saturday!

BTW, did the Chief Engineer mention if/when they would be multicasting? It's a shame we have to switch to the analog feed (channel 58 where I'm located) instead of 6.2 to see NBC's regular programming.

The opening ceremonies were rebroadcast all day and night Saturday because the NBC HD coverage is being provided on a 24/delay basis.

I have not been informed on whether WTVJ will be multicasting or not, but you need to be aware that multicasting has a detrimental effect on 1080i broadcasts. In fact, none of the local stations that are multicasting during 1080i HD broadcasts are producing a super-high quality picture on their HD channel. Statistical multiplexing may look good on paper, but it always sacrifices the extreme sharpness and 3-D depth inherent in 1080i broadcasts in the process of making bandwidth available for multiple channels. You just can't have your cake and eat it too.

As always, Rudy is 100% correct in his assessment. Further, there is nothing to be gained, as all of the multicasts that I know of in this market are SD.

Only WPBT duplicates its regular programming -- in SD. And that is because their HD programming is different. WSVN and WPLG show weather. There is no reason to multicast in HD, as it is already there once on the DT channel.

The Olympics are for only two weeks, after which WTVJ-DT will return to regular programming.

Originally posted by Rudy1
You just can't have your cake and eat it too.

Mmmm. Cake. I see you're point that degrading the signal is not worth the trouble to change the channel to analog. I think the difference in picture is not enough to be problem but I know others see it differently. If we can't have multi-casting then some synergy between the SD and HD feeds would be nice. It would be nice to be able to find something on the SD feed and change channels and find the same event on HD. That would be delicious!:p

Originally posted by HofstraJet
Bill - you may be correct in the blanket waiver coverage area, but I know that David from WPEC stated in this thread that if you live south of the Broward/PB county line, a request for a waiver would be granted I am in Coral Springs and I received a waiver a day after I requested it from Donn Colee. Let's see what happens with WPTV.
I too sent a msg. asking for a waiver, since it took Directv 45+ days to give
me CBS East feed. (missed the Superbowl)Judging from the reply, I think we are going to have a
fight on our hands(Broward)....
FYI

Dave McKinley
Director of Engineering
WPTV TV and WPTV DT
#1 Rated Television Station in Florida
561-653-5650 Office
561-653-5657 Fax
561-718-5940 Cell

-----Original Message-----
From: Mazurek, Lorraine
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2004 11:52 AM
To: McKinley, David
Subject: Directv HD Waiver
Importance: Low


DAVE: Please read and then send. Delete this line first.



August 19, 2004





Dear Mr. Mullen ~



Thank you for your interest in NBC programming.



Unfortunately, WPTV is not the designated NBC affiliate

in your area, and therefore has no jurisdiction over

your request. You need to contact the NBC affiliate,

WTVJ News 6 in Miami. This is the tv station that is

licensed to carry NBC programming for the Miami-Dade

and Broward Counties. (WPTV covers Palm Beach,

Indian River, Okeechobee and St. Lucie Counties

only).



I will tell you, Mr. Mullen, that according law, your

request must be sent on your behalf by your satellite

provider. Television stations are prohibited

from corresponding with the satellite subscriber

directly. So, having said that, I am a little

puzzled as to why WPEC granted your request

as they cover the same counties as WPTV.



Please have Direct TV contact WTVJ at nbc6.net

with your request.



Sincerely,





L Mazurek

WPTV Administration

add note....guess what Wtvj is gonna say...You don't need a waiver....
That's the same story as CBS in miami gave me!

They obviously do not understand the waiver rules.

Firstly, WTVJ and WFOR are O&O stations and, as such, do not (cannot) require a waiver for their own networks.

Despite their statement, Dade and Broward are listed as being in the reception area of the WPB stations. (I have seen the list, but cannot recall where it is. Anyone?)

Keep that response, as their statement that we are not in their marketing area might be sufficient to constitute a waiver.

You might consider sending a copy to DirecTV pointing that out, and suggesting that a blanket waiver has, in effect, been implied.

Let us know what happens.

(I did not receive a response to my inquiry.)

:rolleyes: I thought the very same thing. His statement that we(broward)
are not in the marketing area, was/is a waiver permission. I have saved
this responce, however I feel another fight coming on with Directv. When
CBS east H/D feed was added to Directv (ch80), I was all set to watch the
Superbowl in hi-def, however when that did not happen and I contacted
Directv, they said another CBS station in my O/A area(WPB), refused to
allow waivers. They contacted CBS Miami(WFOR), who in turn denied the
request, saying I did not need a waiver!! I guess they want their cake and eat it too??? Of course all my locals are via Directv & are Miami/Ft.Laud.
market area. I will be sure to stay in touch with this forum for advise/help.
Directv finally gave me CBS East(80) 45+ days later! I sure hope I don't
have to fight this again with Fox, or PBS or whoever else they add!!!
All this waiver stuff is new to me as is my registering with this forum, so
forgive my ignorance with the fine points!

By the way, welcome to the forum.

I assume that you cannot receive the DT channels OTA?

Yes, FOX and PBS could present a problem. Waivers would be required from both the Miami and WPB stations of each. The reason that WFOR said that you did not require a waiver is that it is owned and operated (O&O) by CBS. If the owning network tells them to not prevent viewers in their markets from receiving the network feed, they comply. The same will apply to WTVJ, which is owned by NBC.

I still believe that apprising DirecTV of the WPTV non-market situation is the way to go. I would do it, but you would carry much more weight as the recipient of their correspondence.

If I can be of assistance in constructing your correspondence, don't hesitate to contact me at wjbjr@webtv.net

Thanks a lot for your help and advise...BTW, I suppose I could get the
Miami stations O-T-A but doubt W.P.B. stations. I am connected to Directv
via Tivo 10-250:) via Satellite only connections. I have no antenna.!
Hopefully, Directv will just "turn on" NBC without a fight, as they did for
Miami(dade) for Broward as well...time will tell.. I do not understand
how we(broward) can be in 2 marketing area's at the same time. It
must have something to do with those "nielson" area's coverage?
Again thanks for your help...will keep you updated if I here of anything,
especially from Directv. Feel free to P.M. me or e-mail @ kmullen854@aol.com Thanks for your e-mail address also!
Ken.

You should be able to receive Miami OTA with the 10-250. I have no problem with mine and you are probably closer to the towers than I. Post a request here for an antenna recommendation. Give your location and someone in your area will no doubt reply. That is one of the beauties of this forum.

The DirecTV waiver policy applies to those within 70 miles of a station. Similar to the NFL blackout rule.

:p

WFOR-DT is not broadcasting the Dolphin's Game. What is the deal. They switched to the Amazing Race. What gives.

Originally posted by ANSEK
WFOR-DT is not broadcasting the Dolphin's Game. What is the deal. They switched to the Amazing Race. What gives.

The game is on here.

It's back. Thanks.

They must have switched briefly to the network feed.

I have switched to the Olympics. The game is too depressing. Also, I don't watch pre-season games past the first quarter -- if at all.

Blackout Rules?

Does anyone know if we will receive the Pats/Panthers game via Ch.80 (CBS-E) in addition to the local game. Miami has been quite depressing lately, I really hope the additional feed will give me an alternative.

Hey all, I haven't visited this thread in months, but today I thought I would post this. I have Comcast HD cable and today they finally added Discovery HD! I'm in the North Miami area, anyone else get it today? BTW it looks fantastic!! I didn't know American Chopper was in HD!?!?!

I'm still waiting for Comcast to add HD service in general to my area unfortunately. Weird cause Pinecrest and Gables by the Sea are a pretty wealthy area down here, I'd figure they'd want to please those rich folk who buy all the expensive tvs and stuff and will pay anything to get the best quality they can get

In Broward, check channels 205 and 772.

Figures, Comcast gets Discovery up and running and I am on vacation.

Hey all, I live in the Doral area in Miami, Florida and have a Mitsubishi WD-62525 (built in ATSC and QAM Tuner) - so naturally first thing I did was try and get OTA locals... bought myself a Radio Shack 15-880 indoor VHF/UHF antenna (based on great reviews from this forum) and checked out Antennaweb.org - pointed it at 53 degrees and voila I got PBS, CBS, NBC and WLRN etc. What I don't get are ABC and FOX...

Seems to be that I can get the UHF channels fine but no VHF channels (both ABC/FOX are channel 9/8 respectively)... any tips on what I could do? Do I need an outdoor antenna - I'm less than 20 miles from any of the stations!?

Thanks
Nick

Channel 180 on comcast = NFL Network =)

205 = Discovery HD

Here in Sunrise

was wondering if anyone in ft lauderdale uses in indoor antenna connected to hd receiver and if it works well. i am only like 10 miles from all local antennas. i'm off davie blvd and 95.

greg

Bravo HD is now on DirecTV Ch 74. It is currently carrying the USA channel's weeknight 7-11PM US Open tennis HD coverage.

Originally posted by wjbjr
Bravo HD is now on DirecTV Ch 74. It is currently carrying the USA channel's weeknight 7-11PM US Open tennis HD coverage.

Cool! Thanks for the heads up.:D

Originally posted by gregftlaud
was wondering if anyone in ft lauderdale uses in indoor antenna connected to hd receiver and if it works well. i am only like 10 miles from all local antennas. i'm off davie blvd and 95.

greg

I am currently using a $50 dollar radio shack antenna. I do not remember the model, but it was it supposed to be their most expensive indoor antenna(in 11/03). I have in connected to my D* Zenith 520 and I get all of the local channels with moderate to strong signal strength. I live in North Lauderdale just north of Mcnab between Rock Island Rd and University.

As many have conjectured based on the info that 91 would be used for an NFL channel, DirecTV has shuffled the channel numbers of the HD channels a bit.

70 HBO
71 Showtime
73 ESPN
74 Bravo
76 Discovery
78 HDNet Movies
79 HDNet
80 CBS East
81 CBS West
85 PPVH
98 HDTV Special Events
99 PPV

Also some new test channels:

ch. nbr:
490 Sat A test channel 101 ODD
491 " " 101 EVEN
492 Sat B 119 ODD
493 " " 119 EVEN
494 Sat C 110

For everybody who is sitting at home with their hurricane shutters up and having nowhere to go (since all businesses are closed), there is a triple header of college football on ESPNHD.

I will be watching my alumni, UCF battle Wisconsin at noon in glorious HD instead of watching the hurricane news footage on the local channels.

I'm not getting WPLG 10-1 after the storm. Is anybody else having same problem?
Other station's digitals seem fine.

Originally posted by mmburke
I'm not getting WPLG 10-1 after the storm. Is anybody else having same problem?
Other station's digitals seem fine.

I've had the same problem with my VOOM receiver tonight. I also could not get some other digital channels. I thought it was because of the storm redirecting my antenna.

CB Gaines
Surfside

Originally posted by mmburke
I'm not getting WPLG 10-1 after the storm. Is anybody else having same problem?
Other station's digitals seem fine.

I spoke with engineering yesterday (Saturday). They said that they had lost power and were running on generator. They turned off DT to conserve generator fuel.

Several other DTs were off last night.

10-1 and 10-2 are up and running.

The U.S. Open on 4-1 looks amazing. This has got be one of the best 1080i sports programs that I have ever seen.

TitanTV shows Channel 10 local news as being broadcast in HD. When I checked to see if they are broadcasting their news programs in HD on 10-1, they are not.

Are there any plans for WPLG to start broadcasting their evening news in HD or is this a mistake made by TitanTV?

I use a Turk 55 Indoor/Outdoor antenna. I live in an appartment building in Wilton Manors that faces north. I can only get the digital channels from West Palm Beach as my building is solid concreate. However, I get pretty good reception with it. I would think that it may work even better if you can point it to the Miami stations.:)

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
TitanTV shows Channel 10 local news as being broadcast in HD. When I checked to see if they are broadcasting their news programs in HD on 10-1, they are not.

Are there any plans for WPLG to start broadcasting their evening news in HD or is this a mistake made by TitanTV?

I haven't heard of any such plans for any of the Miami market DTV stations. Dave at WPTV once said that they are the only ones with the necessary equipment to do local newscasts in HD.

6-1 was breaking up fairly often last night. It's possible my antenna was moved in the storm but before I climb the ladder to adjust I was curious if others had this problem as well. It was coming in rock solid prior to, and even during, the storm.

Thanks.

Originally posted by KaGe0715
6-1 was breaking up fairly often last night. It's possible my antenna was moved in the storm but before I climb the ladder to adjust I was curious if others had this problem as well. It was coming in rock solid prior to, and even during, the storm.

Thanks.

I didn't experience any breakups from the station last night, though I noticed a weird "solarization" effect during some scenes in "Law & Order SVU".

Thanks... must be my antenna... I'll try to reposition it tonight.

Originally posted by Rudy1
I didn't experience any breakups from the station last night, though I noticed a weird "solarization" effect during some scenes in "Law & Order SVU".

Looking for some help from some of you guys who might have an HDTV with a built in QAM tuner for cable broadcasts...

I was thinking of purchasing one of the new Samsung HDTV with the built om QAM tuner. Currently, I have Comcast Basic Service mainly for the locals and as a backup if the D* signal goes down.

My question is if I purchase a new HDTV set w/ a built in QAM tuner will I be able to pick the local HD channels from Comcast?

BTW, I'm in the West Miami/Kendall area.

Thanks in advance for your help!

i need to know what antenna to buy to make sure i get all my local channels in HD! I see the highly recommended Channel Master 4228 and 4248 is UHF only - is that sure to get ALL my channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, ETC.)
i have a new mitsubishi hdtv on order and will be receiving it soon... in the meantime i am trying to get ready for its arrival. i am a directv subscriber and have a hughes hdtv tivo hr10-250 receiver and i already have the hdtv dish up and running.
what i want to know is what antenna to buy???
i live in Miami Florida zip code 33133 in a two story home with many tall trees to the south and west side of the house and another two story home to the north. the only use for the antenna will be to receive over the air HD programming on my local channels. i have a small 'attic'(if you can call it that - more like roof wood beam supports and insulation) under a spanish tile roof. obviously, if it is at all possible i would love to just stick the antenna in there rather than mount it to the eave of the roof but i will mount it if i have to.
please respond and let me know what my best options are --- basically i want to put an antenna somewhere and not have to screw around with it again!
give me your best advice please!
Thanks,
Anthony

I am getting sick and tired of the problems with NBC HD on 6-1. I wanted to watch Hawaii in HD tonight and the digital channel was having problems. It wasn't until 8:30 that the HD feed went through. However, I lost the HD feed about 15 minutes later and had to watch the rest of the show in SD. This also happened on Monday night with Hawaii.

Anthony--
I am a bit west of you -- near Sunset Dr and Maynada/Ponce.

I use the cheapest RS VHF/UHF outdoor antenna -- $40, sometimes on sale for $25 -- at about 25 feet and get excellent reception on all Miami DT stations plus WFXL in WPB.

It is aimed about 15° east of due north. The trees to your south and west should pose no problem for OTA, and apparently do not affect your DirecTV reception.

As for the house to your north, I really don't know what, if any, effect it will have, or whether you will need a clear shot over or around it. Only trying will tell.

PS-- WPLG (ABC) and WSVN (FOX) are VHF stations and will not work with a UHF only antenna. The other stations are UHF.

Due to the approach of hurricane Ivan, the Dolphin-Titan game has been moved up to 1PM SATURDAY.

Reportedly, it will be televised by the Miami and Tennessee CBS affiliates. This would be WFOR, but they might pass it on to Ch 33 (pure speculation) and stick with tennis from the network. Check your local listings. In either case, HD is undoubtedly out.

Frankly, given the Dolphins' prospects, I might prefer tennis, which will be available in HD on Ch 80.

Does anybody know if the UM/FSU game tomorrow night will be in HD on ABC? I have read threads about this subject but with no definitive answer.

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
Does anybody know if the UM/FSU game tomorrow night will be in HD on ABC? I have read threads about this subject but with no definitive answer.

I have seen nothing in guides, web sites, etc to indicate that it will be in HD.

With ABC doing Colts-Pats tonight and ESPN doing multiple games Saturday, it appears to be unlikely.

Isn't it interesting that the NFL forced Miami players to make the game
in New Orleans as scheduled so the players could not be with their
family's for hurricane Francis, yet are willing to change day/time in
anticipation of Ivan????

NBC screwed us again. I was watching Joey tonight and it started in HD and DD5.1. Then, after a commerical break (about 20 minutes into the show), it became SD. It remained SD for the remainder of the show.

This is the third time this week that this problem has happened. Why is NBC having problems with their shows starting in HD and then going to SD or starting in SD and eventually becoming HD? Why can't their shows remain in HD for the entire show.

As a side note, I thought that Joey was a very funny show and I hope that it lasts.

Originally posted by Mike4HDTV
I am getting sick and tired of the problems with NBC HD on 6-1. I wanted to watch Hawaii in HD tonight and the digital channel was having problems. It wasn't until 8:30 that the HD feed went through. However, I lost the HD feed about 15 minutes later and had to watch the rest of the show in SD. This also happened on Monday night with Hawaii.

I'm with you on that one!! I just sent an email to WTVJ's technical department to find out what's going on with that. It has been happening on a regular basis ever since just prior to the Olympics and has been an ongoing problem since the Olympics. I asked the to stop this most annoying practice.

Maybe we should complain to the sponsor, Brands Mart USA.

I took down my WPB antenna because of the hurricanes, so I am stuck with WTVJ for NBC. I haven't seen a sigal show on NBC that stayed in HD after the first commercial. They don't even bother to answer e-mails. WPTV may have had their early problems, but they give much better service than WTVJ.

Tonyv

Originally posted by tonyv
I took down my WPB antenna because of the hurricanes, so I am stuck with WTVJ for NBC. I haven't seen a sigal show on NBC that stayed in HD after the first commercial. They don't even bother to answer e-mails. WPTV may have had their early problems, but they give much better service than WTVJ.

Tonyv

I have an antenna also. I just may have to reconnect my HDTV tuner. When watching NBC shows. I only get WPB channels with the antenna because I live in an appartment building facing north.

Originally posted by wjbjr
Due to the approach of hurricane Ivan, the Dolphin-Titan game has been moved up to 1PM SATURDAY.

Reportedly, it will be televised by the Miami and Tennessee CBS affiliates. This would be WFOR, but they might pass it on to Ch 33 (pure speculation) and stick with tennis from the network. Check your local listings. In either case, HD is undoubtedly out.

Frankly, given the Dolphins' prospects, I might prefer tennis, which will be available in HD on Ch 80.

What I wonder is if it will be in HD since it was scheduled to be broadcast in HD originally. As far as the tennis over NFL anything, they'll move the tennis to 33. I, for one am glad they can do that, though I will be at the game. Shutters stayed up and would like to be outdoors for as long as I can before we might have to bunker down. Sister stations with HD capabilities are sweet.:D

Originally posted by tonyv
I took down my WPB antenna because of the hurricanes, so I am stuck with WTVJ for NBC. I haven't seen a sigal show on NBC that stayed in HD after the first commercial. They don't even bother to answer e-mails. WPTV may have had their early problems, but they give much better service than WTVJ.

Tonyv

I'll get a message to WTVJ engineering regarding this recurring issue. The last time I spoke to one of the staff, they explained that the shows are supposed to be flagged by the network so that the switching equipment will automatically detect an HD signal and display it correctly. If the equipment received incorrect flags, the program was not displayed in HD.

Last night, "Medical Investigation" began in HD but was in SD (with black bars on all four sides) when it came back from commercial; luckily, someone in MC must've noticed because it quickly switched back to HD before I could call them.

----Rudy

I'm going to buy a Samsung off air tuner for the HDTV today. Does anyone know what kind of antenna I should be using and what's the least I can get away with now on short notice since I'll be using it tonight?