DrBri99 ,

So you know for sure that the DVD ATSC recorders will output directly in HD to your TV?

I always thought they would but several posters here have got me wondering.

BTW- I had mine for sale on Craigs list in Raleigh during January and did not get one bite.

Now I am glad I kept it. Well at least until they come out with the newer version :rolleyes:


-DonB2

So you know for sure that the DVD ATSC recorders will output directly in HD to your TV?

From what I've read the new dvd atsc recorders record in 480p and upconverts it to 720p/1080i for playback. May be it's a capacity issue...

From what I've read the new dvd atsc recorders record in 480p and upconverts it to 720p/1080i for playback. May be it's a capacity issue...
Yes, that is true. Blu-ray or HD-DVD would be needed.

But many of us are waiting for first reports to see if when using as a tuner, you get full ATSC broadcast formats. What I mean is, it is a substitute for an HD tuner. Since the tuner chipsets should provide for a full ATSC tuner, it's a matter of implementation. Inside the box, after the tuner, the signal must be downconverted to record to the DVD. If there is a multiplexer before the downconversion, then you have passthrough, and would get native(HD) resolution when viewing a live program. If, on the other hand, their objective is to show you how the recorded output will look, then they may tap off after downconvert, which means it will not look as good as a STB or built-in ATSC tuner.

If they were doing a new board, I think it would cost them the same either way. But someone trying to get to market quick, depending upon the existing design layout, may decide it's less work to just rework just the tuner portion, which could even be on a separate circuit board. If that was the case, passthrough may not exist, meaning not a substitude for a separate ATSC tuner.

I was told sometime in Mar but you know how this can be. I found just another ref to this:
http://beta.**************/forums/messageview.php?catid=18&threadid=708502&lastpage=1 if you look at the thread, yekim54 states that "Samsung is supposedly coming out with the newer DTB-H261F model this month." Farther more, they took off the option to select the 261 model from the Samsung site (could have been an error to allow this, they may still have the old 260 units to sell). The second level person said the 261 is the same as the 260 only that the 261 means the year 2007 and they have different model for different years (don't believe this).
Samsung should get their act in gear. There is a hell of a market for these tuners out there .Someone is missing the boat. There are millions of good analog sets still being used that if there owners knew how the picture could look would be amased at the picture.Best buy wants you to buy a new set with the tuner in it,they also want to sell you direct TV service. I had direct Tv, free over the air blows DirectTV away in picture quality. My built in tuner on my HDTV does not pull in the stations as good as my Samsung SIRt451 tuner! We should not have to beg and search the world for this equiptment, but I say again nobody cares about the people that depend on over the air for reception.

Samsung should get their act in gear. There is a hell of a market for these tuners out there ..
Doesn't Samsung also sell a lot of HDTVs? They make more profit on selling an HDTV for $2000 than a tuner box for $200. So they would rather you throw away your old TV and buy a new one. I'm convinced this is what's behind the total lack of tuner boxes.

I found a statement made to congress/FCC two years ago by an ATI executive who said that $50 tuner boxes would be a reality by fall 2006. So where are they? I have seen HDTV tuner cards for PCs getting down near that price, but where are all the tuner boxes? Isn't there a huge potential market for them? Smells like an industry conspiracy to me.

Yes, that is true. Blu-ray or HD-DVD would be needed.

But many of us are waiting for first reports to see if when using as a tuner, you get full ATSC broadcast formats. What I mean is, it is a substitute for an HD tuner.

Rich,
I was wondering that myself, if I could use the newer DVD recorders as a HDTV tuner. If so, most of us including me will be ditching the DTB-H260F.
The owners manual for the Philips DVDR3505 posted by "DanielCard" gives some clue to the upcoming DVD recorders.
First the logo on the machine says "SDTV"
Second on page 4 of the manual it states an output of 525p max.
I'm not sure what the output of our DTB-H260F is, but someone last week mentioned 540p even at the 720p and 1080i settings. Is this true?

Therefore, people can use the new SDTV DVD recorders as ATSC tuners, but it won't be true HDTV.

I can't tell with my 2 year old Toshiba CRT HDTV since it is only capable of 540p or 1080i. Maybe this is what the DTB-H260F is designed for not the newer 720p HDTVs.

Anyone else out there agree or disagree?

[QUOTE=armand1]Rich,
I was wondering that myself, if I could use the newer DVD recorders as a HDTV tuner. If so, most of us including me will be ditching the DTB-H260F.
The owners manual for the Philips DVDR3505 posted by "DanielCard" gives some clue to the upcoming DVD recorders.
First the logo on the machine says "SDTV"
Second on page 4 of the manual it states an output of 525p max.
QUOTE]

I read the same thing; that's what had me concerned. But then again, we all know how bad manuals can be.....

Thanks for the questions and discussion everyone. I just assumed a DVD recorder with an ATSC tuner would display full HD.

I guess a better option is a hard drive and and HD-PC tuner for viewing/recording full HD...and since I'm back to square one it sounds like a great option now.

I'm looking to pick up one of these Samsung tuners for ATSC, I see they are available at Best Buy and Circuit City for 179$ which is going to equal like $210 after exchange rate...etc

Is there some new tuner coming out I should wait for, I would hate to buy a tuner thats old and then weeks later a brand new one comes out. Will these DVD Recorders be under $200 as well, and when will they be coming out?

Is there some new tuner coming out I should wait for, I would hate to buy a tuner thats old and then weeks later a brand new one comes out. Will these DVD Recorders be under $200 as well, and when will they be coming out?

canada...
I'm not sure about any new tuners, but you can pick up an almost new one on FleEbay. The returned or display HTB-260f tuners from Circuit City usually end up there. There's always about a dozen listed for sale and go for $150 +/- 50. A little riskier than getting it at your local CC or BB, but an altenative for those who can't get it otherwise.

My experience has been that the HTB-260F is the best one on the market right now for OTA. Granted it's not perfect but compared to side-by side testing vs. older Samsung models, Sylvania/Funai and Zenith HDTV tuners. The 260f blows them all away. Better reception, better handling of multipath and interference, quicker response rate when changing channels and just easier to use.

Bottom line: Don't buy anything older than late 2006 or 2007 model year tuner, the technology of these new tuners are much better and tends to be cheaper in price.

I did see a Winegard HDTV tuner (the antenna people) while browsing the internet earlier this week on some RV website for $159, but can't seem to find it anymore. Not even on the Winegard website. Someone please start a new discussion on this.

Hope this helps.

Here's a link to a post I made regarding some phenomenal reception (for me) that I'm getting using a H260F. I'm using an outdoor antenna with the top of the antenna at 15.5'. :)

Thought you might be interested...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9972496&&#post9972496

Ed

canada_habs2004 ,

First you may find the SAMSUNG DTB-H260F really are not available from BB or CC online.

Secondly - I have been reading on other posts that a slightly different version number of the DTB-H260F will be released soon.

No one has stated what it will have over the DTB-H260F or even if it will actaully be better.

Maybe it will even be the $50.00 tuner $75 in Canada we have all been promised for years.

Not sure where profit margin falls between a Samsung $2000.00 Plasma vs a Samsung OTA Tuner. It is just possible that Samsung may clear a $100.00 on the tuner and only clear $100.00 on the Plasma the way prices of Plasmas keep dropping.

I am guessing the cost of an internal ATSC tuner in a Plasma is getting down to $50.00.

Also other people on other posts have pointed out that is is almost impossible to get a Plasma or a LCD that does not have a built in ATSC tuner. And I don't think 5 to 6 years ago the goverment expected so many people to be replacing their 4:3 Tube tvs and consequently there is not as much of a market for $50.00 ATSC tuners as the goverment expected.

In addition it is only recently that they have gotten ATSC tuners to the point where I think they have solved most of the major receive issue and the worst being the multipath issues.

So maybe in the very near future we will see $50.00 ATSC STB tuners to connect to the 4:3 tv's and or Plasma/LCD Monitors and Projection devices that are out there.

-DonB2

A lot of the Circuity City stores in California just got them in stock yesterday. Check your zipcode on their web site to see if they are available near you. They also have it in stock online with free shipping.

Rich,
I was wondering that myself, if I could use the newer DVD recorders as a HDTV tuner. If so, most of us including me will be ditching the DTB-H260F.


I don't see why. Right now I have 4 NTSC tuners and 2 ATSC tuners. Could always use another one. The main problem I have is my TV only has PIP functions on analog (internal NTSC - 2, or external). I have two digital inputs, but could maybe use a component in from an ATSC tuner to augment what I have now. Currently I have one ATSC tuner connected via composite to my DVR, which also has internal NTSC.

scott s.
.

I have a question about programmable remotes, someone mentioned they use the sony 6 function remote, does it control all functions with a code, or do you need to program some functions?

The reason I'm asking is, I see some available online (as returned merchandise) without remotes. And since there is only a power button on the unit, you can't do anything but power on/off without a remote.

Over Christmas, I bought a 27" Westinghouse LCD with a built-in HDTV tuner. I have Comcast Cable and also have another main LCD HDTV that has the Comcast HD Receiver. (NOTE: I receive 'free' and 'paid' HD stations via the Comcast HD Receiver.) When I direct connected the 27" Westy via cable wire, I was surprised that in addition to the Analog signals, the Westy also tuned in the Digital HD channels (not the 'paid for' ones though).

I am getting to where the Samsung DTB-H260F comes in...

I also have a third LCD HDTV, a 32" Westy that does NOT have a built-in HDTV tuner. I direct connect it via cable wire and it tunes to all the Analog stations. I wanted the Digital HD stations also, so I thought I could just buy the H260 and use it to tune to the free Digital HD signals that the 27" Westy was picking up. I just received the H260 and performed the auto cable scan and nothing was tuned in. I thought that was odd. I understand that the H260 won't tune in the Analog stations, but what happened with the Digital ones?

So I went to the 27" Westy and checked if the Digital stations were still tuned in. THEY WERE NOT. Apparently I lost the Digital HD signal that was present on the cable wiring around Christmas.

Is this possible for Comcast to disable this? Or, am I not receiving any Digital stations via Comcast, even to the main TV unit I mentioned?

I am learning this stuff, so please bear with me if these questions are basic in nature, or not explained well.

I've been attempting to get two networks from my semi-fringe area using the H260F but have not had any success. Here are three stations that I've been shooting at, the data is from the results from antennaweb.org using a 3500' height (I wish!) for my antenna:

WCOV-DT 20.1 FOX MONTGOMERY AL 7° 41.8 16
WNCF-DT 32.1 ABC MONTGOMERY AL 9° 44.2 51
WDFX-DT 33.1 FOX OZARK AL 132° 56.7 33

Interesting thing is that I consistently pick-up WTVY-DT 4.1 CBS DOTHAN AL 149° 66.9 36. But, I understand that WTVY is pushing high-power and I believe the other's are not.

What happens when running the autoprogram is that when the H260F gets to these channels is it "pauses" for 2-4 seconds but doesn't "lock on". On other channels it either simply passes over the empty channels without hesitating or flashes a channel number "red" apparently indicating that it's memorizing the station.

Am I correct in thinking that the hesitation means that the H260F is trying to lock on to the signal but that the signal quality/strength is just below the receivable threshhold for the H260F?

Ed

jeff2631 ,

Are these units the new model number or the existing DTB-H260F model number?

-DonB2

I've been attempting to get two networks from my semi-fringe area using the H260F but have not had any success. Here are three stations that I've been shooting at, the data is from the results from antennaweb.org using a 3500' height (I wish!) for my antenna:

WCOV-DT 20.1 FOX MONTGOMERY AL 7° 41.8 16
WNCF-DT 32.1 ABC MONTGOMERY AL 9° 44.2 51
WDFX-DT 33.1 FOX OZARK AL 132° 56.7 33

Interesting thing is that I consistently pick-up WTVY-DT 4.1 CBS DOTHAN AL 149° 66.9 36. But, I understand that WTVY is pushing high-power and I believe the other's are not.

What happens when running the autoprogram is that when the H260F gets to these channels is it "pauses" for 2-4 seconds but doesn't "lock on". On other channels it either simply passes over the empty channels without hesitating or flashes a channel number "red" apparently indicating that it's memorizing the station.

Am I correct in thinking that the hesitation means that the H260F is trying to lock on to the signal but that the signal quality/strength is just below the receivable threshhold for the H260F?

Ed
Probably, yes, they are below the threshold.

You may get more info in your area's Local HDTV Reception section of this forum. This sub-forum has a list:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=45

However, it appears from TV Queries that I did at:

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/tvq.html


the digital channels you are trying to get have low power (ERP), except WTVY. Here is what I found for the ones you mentioned:

WCOV - 16 - Operating at 1.1 kW ERP (Construction permit for 1000 kW ERP)
WNCF - 51 - Operating at 10.9 kW ERP (No higher power construction permit yet)
WDFX -33 - Operating at 15 kW ERP (No higher power construction permit yet)
WTVY -36- Operating at 1000 kW ERP (You can get this one already)

If you are anywhere near "fringe" area for these station's NTSC (analog) signals you probably won't be getting the ATSC (digital) version (except WTVY).

You can enter the "actual" channel number for a station and watch the signal for it on a Samsung SIR-T451 for tuning purposes. I believe (I certainly would hope) the Samsung DTB-H260F has the same feature. If not I'm sure someone will correct me on this. If the receiver finds a signal it will (at least the SIR-T451 will) add the actual channel and map it to a virtual channel. If so then there is no need to re-scan channels if you know the actual channel number for the stations (16,51,33,36 above).

Hope this helps.

dmatch

DonB2 - I just got a new (replacement) H260F (from J&R). It's still the same model - just manufactured a month later. No apparent changes in the way it works. The "261" remains a rumor as far as I can tell.

R Johnson ,

Thanks !!!

-DonB2

I have a question about programmable remotes, someone mentioned they use the sony 6 function remote, does it control all functions with a code, or do you need to program some functions?

The reason I'm asking is, I see some available online (as returned merchandise) without remotes. And since there is only a power button on the unit, you can't do anything but power on/off without a remote.

DrBri99,
Yes, the H260f tuner is useless without a remote.

The Sony Universal Learning Remote can only learn from the original remote, there is no code for it. I haven't seen any universal remote yet that has a code for it.

jeff2631 ,

Are these units the new model number or the existing DTB-H260F model number?

-DonB2

They are the DTB-H260F ones.

Guys.. maybe a bit off topic, but are there any other cheaper options besides the DTB-H260F that can do ATSC with HDMI ? Basically just getting HDTV to my projector.

http://www.samsung.com/Products/DigitalSetTopBox/DigitalTerrestrialReceiver/DigitalSetTopBox_DigitalTerrestrialReceiver_DTB_D700F.htm

"DTB-D700F is a triumph in product design. It brings together the best features in both the DTT receiver and the DVD player. The DTB-D700F actually contains both in one box. In addition to the range of DVD player functions. Enjoy the quality of digital TV(DTT) program broadcasts as well. New ways to have digital fun and enjoyment await you with the DTB-D700F "

Have not seen it in CC or BB so do not know the price yet. But its a player so I suspect will cost around the price of the DTB-H260F alone last year/so far. Hence, the DTB-H260F model may be replaced by a cheaper model without the DVD play function which may be the DTB-H261F. Just speculating here.

http://www.samsung.com/Products/DigitalSetTopBox/DigitalTerrestrialReceiver/index.htm
You can see the new product numbers of many off the air tuner boxes. Now they have a separate product line for cable (QAM) boxes:
http://www.samsung.com/Products/DigitalSetTopBox/DigitalCableReceiver/index.htm and sateline boxes: http://www.samsung.com/Products/DigitalSetTopBox/DigitalSatelliteReceiver/index.htm

The current DTB-H260F stock is old production they need to sell but it does not show anymore on Samsung site as far as I could tell. Price will drop as it become liquidation. New products seem more baked with better interface, better user features etc. Including cablecard for cables to get encrypted channels etc.

Well maybe it is not called the DTB-H261F but sure there are a lot of new products.

are there any other cheaper options besides the DTB-H260F that can do ATSC with HDMI ?

You really should post this as a new thread. Use the "New Thread" button at the top or bottom of the forum, in case you haven't noticed it yet.

That way more people will be likely to see your question, because almost certainly not everybody reads this particular thread.

Is the DTB-D700F a high-definition stb like the H260F? I haven't found anyplace that says it is, though I haven't downloaded the 6meg manual either.

Looking at Digital Broadcasting Australia (http://www.dba.org.au/index.asp?sectionID=18) , they are listing this box as a SD-STB...whatever the exchange rate is they're listing it at $499. This is a pretty long list of different boxes so you might want to look at it. The only Samsung box that they're listing as a HD-STB is a DTB-H550F, $499. They don't list the H260F.

It looks like the H260F is currently available at both Best Buy and CC websites...go to this link and click on the orange "Buy From Online Retailer" button: LINK (http://www.samsung.com/Products/DigitalSetTopBox/HDTVTuners/DTB_H260FXAA.asp)

Ed

http://www.samsung.com/Products/DigitalSetTopBox/DigitalTerrestrialReceiver/DigitalSetTopBox_DigitalTerrestrialReceiver_DTB_D700F.htm

"[...] Enjoy the quality of digital TV(DTT) program broadcasts as well. New ways to have digital fun and enjoyment await you with the DTB-D700F "

This looks like European digital TV (DVB-T), not American (ATSC).

http://www.samsung.com/Products/DigitalSetTopBox/DigitalTerrestrialReceiver/DigitalSetTopBox_DigitalTerrestrialReceiver_DTB_D700F.htm

"DTB-D700F is a triumph in product design. It brings together the best features in both the DTT receiver and the DVD player. The DTB-D700F actually contains both in one box. In addition to the range of DVD player functions. Enjoy the quality of digital TV(DTT) program broadcasts as well. New ways to have digital fun and enjoyment await you with the DTB-D700F "

Have not seen it in CC or BB so do not know the price yet. But its a player so I suspect will cost around the price of the DTB-H260F alone last year/so far. Hence, the DTB-H260F model may be replaced by a cheaper model without the DVD play function which may be the DTB-H261F. Just speculating here.


Don't get your hopes up too high to see this in any store in USA anytime soon it will never get to USA market :( . It a DVB-T and MPEG 2 type receiver and won't work with USA TV stations :( .

However it is a nice unit :cool: , and maybe something like the DBT-D700F but with different model number will come to the USA market and I do like the 9 different channel list one for each person to have a fav ch list and few others things. I did see they have DSB-9601C (PVR) a STB only with hard drive recorder also have good features. Hope some day they will come to USA market. maybe after 2009.

[url]

The current DTB-H260F stock is old production they need to sell but it does not show anymore on Samsung site as far as I could tell. Price will drop as it become liquidation. New products seem more baked with better interface, better user features etc. Including cablecard for cables to get encrypted channels etc.

Well maybe it is not called the DTB-H261F but sure there are a lot of new products.


The DTB-H260F is still listed in the Samsung USA products listing.

The DTB-H260F is still on Samsumg's web site at the following links for USA Products, TV, Video & Audio, Digital Set Top Box, HDTV Tuners:
http://www.samsung.com/products/digitalsettopbox/hdtvtuners/index.asp
and
http://www.samsung.com/Products/DigitalSetTopBox/HDTVTuners/DTB_H260FXAA.asp

I've seen several post regarding questions around remote options. I recently purchased a 260f that was supposed to come with a remote, however, no remote. Are there any options at all in getting a remote code for a universal remote? Help... :(

I've seen several post regarding questions around remote options. I recently purchased a 260f that was supposed to come with a remote, however, no remote. Are there any options at all in getting a remote code for a universal remote? Help... :(

As mentioned previously the DTB-H260F is useless without a remote. Currently there aren't any universal remotes with the 260f's code.

I would return it quickly if I were you. Especially with rumors lingering here on this forum that it will soon be discontinued. If you got it at fleeBay and can't, sorry to hear that, try contacting Samsung they do sell some replacement remotes in the $50-100 range. It's a lot of work but you may find it.

FYI- Most Cicuit City in the DC/MD/VA area have the DTB-H260F now in stock. And they were giving away some ??% off coupon at the store which would make it less than $179.

...Are there any options at all in getting a remote code for a universal remote? Help... :(If you have a jp1 (http://www.hifi-remote.com/jp1/) remote, a device upgrade ( http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=category&cat_id=14) is available which includes all buttons. Likely that protocol could be converted to pronto. Harmony remotes are also *functional* without the original remote, but last I heard a few non-essential buttons needed to be learned.

Otherwise, since previously existing Samsung codes do not control the DTB-H260F, capable universal remotes would need to learn from the original.

I've seen several post regarding questions around remote options. I recently purchased a 260f that was supposed to come with a remote, however, no remote. Are there any options at all in getting a remote code for a universal remote? Help... :(
1. If you have a Universal Remote with learning capability, find the H260F at a store, talk to a
manager and "teach" the commands to your remote.....or try to find a friend with an H260F.

2. If you have a Universal Remote with on-line download capability (e.g. Harmony, MX-series, etc)
simply download H260F codes.....

3. You should seriously consider buying one if you don't have one already....

4. Contact Samsung authorized service center re ordering a remote....

Thanks for the responses. I was able to locate a replacement remote from samsungparts.com for $28. Hopefully the order will go through and they actually have some in stock.

Still sucks... I chose to order the unit from this vendor because the ad said the the remote came with it. Some of the listings didn't have them, but this one did.

Really sucks to have the new toy, but no way to use it! :rolleyes:

http://www.samsung.com/Products/DigitalSetTopBox/DigitalTerrestrialReceiver/index.htm
You can see the new product numbers of many off the air tuner boxes. Now they have a separate product line for cable (QAM) boxes:
http://www.samsung.com/Products/DigitalSetTopBox/DigitalCableReceiver/index.htm and sateline boxes: http://www.samsung.com/Products/DigitalSetTopBox/DigitalSatelliteReceiver/index.htm

The current DTB-H260F stock is old production they need to sell but it does not show anymore on Samsung site as far as I could tell. Price will drop as it become liquidation. New products seem more baked with better interface, better user features etc. Including cablecard for cables to get encrypted channels etc.

Well maybe it is not called the DTB-H261F but sure there are a lot of new products.
Interesting, considering: http://www.samsung.com/Products/DigitalSetTopBox/HDTVTuners/DTB_H260FXAA.asp

I just picked up a DTB-H260F at Circuit City yesterday and after doing a channel scan in STD mode I have 3 of the 5 HD QAM channels I should be getting along with a few digital SD channels (getting DiscoveryHD, public television HD, and NBC-HD but no ABC or CBS). Is STD the correct mode to scan in (Time Warner Cable is my source)? Should I rescan? I keep reading of guys losing channels after a rescan and I'm wondering if this box is really picky about QAM reception versus it's supposedly great OTA reception. OTA isn't likely to work well for me since I have a power company substation about 100 feet from my yard (at least that's what a friend who does home theater install/setup told me).

Are you sure your cable company actually carries the ABC and CBS stations in HD? Do you have another unit that does receive them, or do you know someone who does receive them via QAM? The cable company in my area doesn't carry ABC or MNT in HD because their owner (Sinclair) wants them to pay for it. They don't carry the CW station in HD either, as far as I can tell from the online channel listing for my address.

It has been addressed in the local thread.

I think I've read every post in this thread, so pardon if this is a repeat.

There is a picture of a new Samusung DVD Recorder with ATSC tuner here:

http://hometheater.about.com/od/ontheroadatces/ig/CES-2007---Photo-Gallery/Samsung-DVD-Recorder-w--ATSC.htm

I can't read the full model number, partial is DVD-A**5*?

It does have an HDTV logo (instead of SDTV) and a Dolby Digital Logo. Some of the other DVD recorders just coming out don't have Dolby Digital capability.

http://www.samsung.com/common/microsite/exhibition/ices2007/presskit/ices2007_ce10.html

http://www.samsung.com/common/microsite/exhibition/ices2007/presskit/ices2007_ce10.html

2 questions on these samsung dvd atsc recorder:

1. does any of these recorders also have ntsc tuner? i have a pioneer 640 which has a ntsc tuner to record shows from my analog cable box. now if i were to replace my pioneer 640 with one of these samsung recorders...would i be able to record shows off my cable box with the samsung recorders?

2. does these samsung atsc recorder have a hard drive? if not, i would seriously reconsider buying it and may get the regular samsung 260 standalone atsc tuner box instead.

i got another idea...i posted this on another thread. im thinking of building a pc with atsc tuner card.

have any1 here have built one? how is it compare to the samsung 260 tuner?

I would rather record HD on the PC for full HD quality than use a DVD recorder. I have both the DTB-H260F and the OnAir GT to watch and record two HD shows at the same time.

2 questions on these samsung dvd atsc recorder:

1. does any of these recorders also have ntsc tuner? i have a pioneer 640 which has a ntsc tuner to record shows from my analog cable box. now if i were to replace my pioneer 640 with one of these samsung recorders...would i be able to record shows off my cable box with the samsung recorders?

2. does these samsung atsc recorder have a hard drive? if not, i would seriously reconsider buying it and may get the regular samsung 260 standalone atsc tuner box instead.
I would guess (but do not know for sure) that the DVD only models do not, but the DVD/VHS combos might.

....I have both the DTB-H260F and the OnAir GT to watch and record two HD shows at the same time.

How the reception bt. the samsung vs. the onair? I heard the samsung has the best reception. Is that true?

And how are u connecting the pc to ur tv? Dvi, hdmi, component or what?

Also what inputs/outputs does the samsung 260 have? I'm also thinking of connecting the 260 to my pioneer 640 DVR to record stuff. I know it would be hd that I will be recording to my 640.

jeff2631: and how are u able to connect the pc to ur surround sound system? what kinda audio card does ur pc need to have in order for 5.1 dolby surround sound thru optical or coaxial?

How the reception bt. the samsung vs. the onair? I heard the samsung has the best reception. Is that true?

Also what inputs/outputs does the samsung 260 have?

HDTVexpert.com reviewed the 260 and the OnAir GT, he stated they have the same 5th Gen. Tuner and have similar results.

The 260 has HDMI and Component output for HD, and S-Video for SD. Also, RCA analog audio and Optical Digital Audio. No inputs.

I'm also looking into a Home Theater PC, I've seen some with digital optical output for 5.1 audio, but most just have S-Video. Will a VGA connection be true HD? I haven't decided on an HD monitor yet.

Are Video cards available with component output or even HDMI?

HDTVexpert.com reviewed the 260 and the OnAir GT, he stated they have the same 5th Gen. Tuner and have similar results.

The 260 has HDMI and Component output for HD, and S-Video for SD. Also, RCA analog audio and Optical Digital Audio. No inputs.

I'm also looking into a Home Theater PC, I've seen some with digital optical output for 5.1 audio, but most just have S-Video. Will a VGA connection be true HD? I haven't decided on an HD monitor yet.

Are Video cards available with component output or even HDMI?

You should really ask these questions over in the HTPC area, but quickly -- you really need an HDMI/DVI output for HDTV (in most new video cards, which you could add), and you can get sound cards with SPDIF (digital audio). Do a little (re)search in the HTPC area and you'll find there is alot to it.

You should really ask these questions over in the HTPC area, but quickly -- you really need an HDMI/DVI output for HDTV (in most new video cards, which you could add), and you can get sound cards with SPDIF (digital audio). Do a little (re)search in the HTPC area and you'll find there is alot to it.

holy crap, a brand new slim pc that i want from hp would run me around $749:
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/12454-12454-64287-321860-3328898-3232030.html?jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

add $129.99 for 500 GB sata hd:
http://www.supergooddeal.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=WD5000KS-R

add another $154 for onair gt card:
http://www.2020pc.com/ssproduct.asp?pf_id=11647336

add a cheap audio card $10 for 5.1 surround sound

that would be a grand total of $1042.

man now i dont know if i should just get the samsung which would cost me $200...then plug that into my pioneer 640 and record sd stuff and call it a day!!!

2 questions on these samsung dvd atsc recorder:

1. does any of these recorders also have ntsc tuner? i have a pioneer 640 which has a ntsc tuner to record shows from my analog cable box. now if i were to replace my pioneer 640 with one of these samsung recorders...would i be able to record shows off my cable box with the samsung recorders?

2. does these samsung atsc recorder have a hard drive? if not, i would seriously reconsider buying it and may get the regular samsung 260 standalone atsc tuner box instead.


Question #1 Not sure if it will have NSTC tuner but I am sure it will have QAM tuner also. FYI it will not record HD only 480i.

Question #2 No it does not have Hard Drive. But Samsung do have a HDTV DVD w/ HDD recorder model that will record HD overseas, but it could come to USA in next few years with ATSC tuners.

-Willie

holy crap, a brand new slim pc that i want from hp would run me around $749:
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/12454-12454-64287-321860-3328898-3232030.html?jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

add $129.99 for 500 GB sata hd:
http://www.supergooddeal.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=WD5000KS-R

add another $154 for onair gt card:
http://www.2020pc.com/ssproduct.asp?pf_id=11647336

add a cheap audio card $10 for 5.1 surround sound

that would be a grand total of $1042.

man now i dont know if i should just get the samsung which would cost me $200...then plug that into my pioneer 640 and record sd stuff and call it a day!!!

Another negative to HTPCs -- power! A typical computer uses around 350 watts, while a DVD recorder or STB tuner uses maybe 25.

.....The 260 has HDMI and Component output for HD, and S-Video for SD. Also, RCA analog audio and Optical Digital Audio. No inputs.
...


i have a pioneer 640 right now connected to my cable box thru input1, 640's rf is connected to wall, and 640 is connected to my tv thru component...here its' specs:

http://reviews.cnet.com/Pioneer_DVR_640H_S_DVD_recorder_HDD_recorder_with_TV_tuner/4507-6463_7-31977315.html?tag=sub

Connector type: 1 RF input Rear, 1 RF output Rear, 1 Remote control Rear, 1 SPDIF output TOS Link Installed Rear, 1 Component video output RCA phono x 3 Installed Rear, 2 Composite video/audio output RCA phono x 3 Installed Rear, 2 Composite video/audio input RCA phono x 3 Installed Rear, 2 S-Video output 4 pin mini-DIN Installed Rear, 2 S-Video input 4 pin mini-DIN Installed Rear

so my question is if i were to get the samsung 260...can i connect the samsung 260 to my pioneer 640 to record hd stuff? when i record off my cable box which is 480i content and play it back on my 640...it display it as 480p. so IF, a big if, i could record stuff off samsung 260 with my pioneer 640...would it also display it as 480p?

i think i know the answer...it said on samsung website that the 260 unit has a composite output....so i would connect the composite to my pioneer 640 to record stuff?

i just order this samsung 260 from circuity online and the rep told me if i return this product back to the store if im not satisfy...i won't be get getting tax back? lol..is this true?

for example...this item cost $179.99 plus around $15 for tax...if i return this to the store..i would only get $179.99 credit back? wtf? i buy stuff from circuity store before and if i return it...they refund me the whole amount including tax.

so is this rep telling me the truth or she doesnt know wtf she is talking about?

I've seen several post regarding questions around remote options. I recently purchased a 260f that was supposed to come with a remote, however, no remote. Are there any options at all in getting a remote code for a universal remote? Help... :(

I purchased a "One For All URC-8910" universal remote for the H260F. None of the codes in the manual worked, but this remote is upgradeable. I had to call customer support to upgrade the remote. I gave them the DTB-H260F model number and nothing came up in there system for that exact #. But they did have a samsung DTB-xxxx which did work to upgrade my remote. It worked for all the functions on what the remote has buttons for. You will loose the color button functions if you do not have the OEM remote to learn them from. (Really not needed, I don't have them programed in). But you should be able to get the basic functions. Works a hell of a lot better than the OEM remote as well.

Hope this helps, if I'm not to late in posting this.

DB

if any1 is looking for samsung 260...circuity online have them..just give them a call.

but like i said..the rep told me if u were to return this product back to a store...they won't give u the tax money back...dont know if this is true or false?

"but like i said..the rep told me if u were to return this product back to a store...they won't give u the tax money back...dont know if this is true or false? "

I could see where they maybe charge you a restocking fee if you bought it on line vs in the store but I would think it illegal not to give you the tax back.

BTW- Do they still have the extra City of Yonkers section in the NY tax returns?

-DonB2

Question for you Samsung DTB-H260F S VIDIO and Composite users.

Can you see the "No Signal Found" pop up rectangle on your tv's screen when you momentarily lose ATSC signal?

-DonB2

Nope.

I have the H260F and the GT. The Samsung is better, it will hold on to a weak signal better than the GT. If you have 2 blue bars on the Samsung then the GT will lock.

"but like i said..the rep told me if u were to return this product back to a store...they won't give u the tax money back...dont know if this is true or false? "

I could see where they maybe charge you a restocking fee if you bought it on line vs in the store but I would think it illegal not to give you the tax back.

BTW- Do they still have the extra City of Yonkers section in the NY tax returns?

-DonB2

yeah we have extra taxes if u live in yonkers..but i dont live there. yes im gonna argue with them if i need to return this product. im gonna tell them im gonna sue their ass if they dont return my tax money.

btw rep told me that there is no restocking fee for samsung 260.

can any1 confirm from my previous post that i can connect the samsung to my pioneer 640 dvr to record stuff? yes or no?

and then when replay it on my 640...will it be 480p content? i told u that im currently recording stuff off my analog cable box that display 480i, but when i replay it on my 640...it said it is 480p. so once again..if i record stuff from the samsung 260...will it display 480p on my dvr?

can any1 confirm from my previous post that i can connect the samsung to my pioneer 640 dvr to record stuff? yes or no?

and then when replay it on my 640...will it be 480p content? i told u that im currently recording stuff off my analog cable box that display 480i, but when i replay it on my 640...it said it is 480p. so once again..if i record stuff from the samsung 260...will it display 480p on my dvr?

I don't see why it wouldn't record. But IF it outputs at 480P, it will be a conversion and no better looking than the signal that goes into the box (480i over composite). If you had an SVHS input on the 640, that would be the way to go, I'd think.

I have the H260F and the GT. The Samsung is better, it will hold on to a weak signal better than the GT. If you have 2 blue bars on the Samsung then the GT will lock.

I have the same experience (having both the Samsung & GT). I've often wondered what is the difference between the chipsets used by the Samsung and the GT that enables the Samsung to hold a weaker signal better (since both of them are categorized as 5th gen).

Also a blip in the signal (momentary lowering) causes a skip in the display by the GT. The Samsung on the other hand doesn't skip when there is a dip in the signal - there is a smoother flow with the Samsung regardless of signal variation.

Wonder if it is the chipset used by the Samsung or overall better system integration & management within the Samsung set of components (considering that Samsung has a history of turning out OTA receivers). Curious what makes the difference...

Since most 5th gen tuners are LG based, when the 6th gen LG-based receivers come out (just around the corner), will Samsung follow suite with their own 6 gen version (non LG)?

I don't see why it wouldn't record. But IF it outputs at 480P, it will be a conversion and no better looking than the signal that goes into the box (480i over composite). If you had an SVHS input on the 640, that would be the way to go, I'd think.

So let me get this straigt, with composite connection, the maximum u can get is 480i, correct?

And what would a SVHS look like? Is it a s-video input? If yes, I think my 640 has a s video input.

can any1 confirm from my previous post that i can connect the samsung to my pioneer 640 dvr to record stuff? yes or no?

and then when replay it on my 640...will it be 480p content? i told u that im currently recording stuff off my analog cable box that display 480i, but when i replay it on my 640...it said it is 480p. so once again..if i record stuff from the samsung 260...will it display 480p on my dvr?
I don't have the same DVD recorder, but I input the Samsung's s-video output to my RCA DRC-8052N and record at 480i as with all DVD recorders. It records and plays back in 16:9 aspect ratio, too,so if your recorder supports this capability, it should be able to record 16:9 aspect ratio stuff from the Samsung, too.

The RCA is an upscaling DVD player, i.e., it interpolates standard 480 DVD output to 720p or 1080i, so the playback of any HDTV recordings played back on the RCA look pretty good, though not quite as good as the original content of course.

If your DVD player/recorder is upscaling (i.e., supports 720p or 1080i output) then you should be able to get some pretty good output quality from stuff recorded from anyof the Samsung's output ports.

....but I input the Samsung's s-video output to my RCA DRC-8052N and record at 480i as with all DVD recorders. It records and plays back in 16:9 aspect ratio, too,so if your recorder supports this capability, it should be able to record 16:9 aspect ratio stuff from the Samsung, too....

If your DVD player/recorder is upscaling (i.e., supports 720p or 1080i output) then you should be able to get some pretty good output quality from stuff recorded from anyof the Samsung's output ports.


My pioneer has 3 composite input and 2 s video inputs. What is the difference between using the s video vs composite? Isn't both 480i? And my pioneer 640 is connected to my tv thru component and is only able to display up to 480p max. Also with 16:9...do u mean my 640 is able to record shows that have blackbars at the top and bottom? If so yes, the my 640 can record 16:9 shows.

How the reception bt. the samsung vs. the onair? I heard the samsung has the best reception. Is that true?

And how are u connecting the pc to ur tv? Dvi, hdmi, component or what?

Also what inputs/outputs does the samsung 260 have? I'm also thinking of connecting the 260 to my pioneer 640 DVR to record stuff. I know it would be hd that I will be recording to my 640.

jeff2631: and how are u able to connect the pc to ur surround sound system? what kinda audio card does ur pc need to have in order for 5.1 dolby surround sound thru optical or coaxial?


I have line of sight clearance to all my transmitters so I have no problem receiving with a cm-4221 in the attic. I have 10 stations 2, 20, 26 miles away and over 10 stations 105 miles away. My ViewSonic HDTV N3760W, Samsung DTV-H260F and OnAir GT all receive about equally well.

I use the DTB-H260F as my primary receiver since it has optical audio output to my Panasonic SC-HT40 surround system and HDMI to the N3760W. I can use the N3760W tuner to PIP a HD channel. The N3760W also has a PC VGA input if I get a 12 foot cable but I'm just using a 16" LCD display on the computer which gives me a bigger picture at a two foot viewing distance than the 37" LCD display at 8 feet.

The PC has a coaxial digital audio output on the motherboard using the Realtek ALC 883 which I confirmed will output bit perfect DTS and DD encoded files. I'll record or watch HDTV on the PC as a secondary function.

So let me get this straigt, with composite connection, the maximum u can get is 480i, correct?

And what would a SVHS look like? Is it a s-video input? If yes, I think my 640 has a s video input.

Well, 480i is can be sent a number of ways. It's analog. Because of that, the signal quality can vary. When it's sent over NTSC (and I think composite), it has the color sent via a 3.58MHz carrier. This limits the native frequency of the signal.

Now, when frequency is limited, you don't have a sharp transition between pixels.

SVHS or s-video has higher bandwidth, as I understand it, because it doesn't mix this color signal into the same line as the video. So transitions are sharper, and you are better "analog" quality than composite. Component goes further, by putting the Red, Green, and Blue signals on separate lines. So bandwidth can go way up.

In terms of increasing signal quality, the order is composite, S-video, component. (and then, of course, HDMI, which may or may not look better than component depending upon the quality of cable and/or whether you have an LCD or CRT based TV).

I've sorta simplified this a bit, but I hope this helps. The thing to remember is to always use the best quality outputs and inputs you have available. But the weakest link in the chain will always limit the quality.

thx RichBenn for clearing it up. so let me get this straight once again...for me...to get the best picture quality for recording...i will connect the following:

connect samsung 260 to my 640 thru s-video (since 640 only has 3 inputs: rf, composite, and s-video)...this will be the better analog of the two between composite and s-video.

what bout 16:9 recording? can my 640 handle that? i have a westy 37" lcd tv capable of doing 1080p with the 640...and i do see blackbars on top and bottom for certain shows like SNL when watching it with my 640? is that 16:9 recording? yes or no?

ok i got an email from circuitycity and it in 2 weeks.

just want to get a head start...what are the known issues/bugs with the samsung 260? and how do u fix them? thx in advance.

Just got my 260 in yesterday. I have a Samsung 42 inch plasma that comes without a QAM tuner so I bought the Samsung 260 STB to be able to receive the "free" HD channels the cable company sends over the coax (CBS, ABC, FOX, TNT, ESPN, UNIVERSAL, TMC, theTUBE, PBS).

I received my 260 yesterday plugged it in and did a channel search under cable STD. I had two other options, something like IRC and SRC???

AFter running the search I picked up the follosing HD channels: CBS, ABC, FOX, ESPN, UNIVERSAL, theTUBE, PBS, Cenime Mexico, GSN, and something else I can't recall. I could not pick up TNT or TMC for some reason.

Why could I only pick up the channels I did, why couldn't I get TNT and TMC? Should I run my channel search under one of the other options?

Also, what is the best way to receive my basic cable as well. I don't want to have to undo the STB and plug the coax back into my TV every time I decide to watch a channel that is not a HD shannel which requires the STB.

In other words, what is the optimal way to use the STB for its QAM feature to receive the HD channels when I want to, but to also be able to easily access my basic cable package that I have been watching before I got the 260?

Any thoughts or suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks ,MH

thx RichBenn for clearing it up. so let me get this straight once again...for me...to get the best picture quality for recording...i will connect the following:

connect samsung 260 to my 640 thru s-video (since 640 only has 3 inputs: rf, composite, and s-video)...this will be the better analog of the two between composite and s-video.

Right


what bout 16:9 recording? can my 640 handle that? i have a westy 37" lcd tv capable of doing 1080p with the 640...and i do see blackbars on top and bottom for certain shows like SNL when watching it with my 640? is that 16:9 recording? yes or no?
I don't have the 640, but it would certainly handle "letterboxed"(chopped top and bottom) recording. The aspect ratio would have to be accomodated by adjusting either the 640 output mode or the TV stretch mode. I have a stretch mode on my Toshiba that works pretty well for that.

Why could I only pick up the channels I did, why couldn't I get TNT and TMC?
Probably because they're encoded. (Being "free" doesn't necessarily mean channels are unencoded.)

The easiest way to switch back and forth between the tuners in your stb and the 260 is to connect them to different inputs on your TV, if you have them. Or, conceivably, your stb has an auxiliary component or HDMI video input you could connect the 260 to (but it's not likely). Otherwise I guess you'd have to invest in a component or HDMI switching device.

can any1 let me know what are the known issues/problems with this samsung 260 unit? im anxious waiting for this unit and would like to know once i get this unit and how to fix it?

so any1 know? thx in advance.

can any1 let me know what are the known issues/problems with this samsung 260 unit? im anxious waiting for this unit and would like to know once i get this unit and how to fix it?

so any1 know? thx in advance.

The only known issue is that on screen displays don't work with S-video and composite connection.
So if you are getting it for an old TV that does not support component inputs, it is hard (but not impossible) to set it up. Otherwise it is a very nice tuner.
I got two. One for myself for my Olevia 537 and one for my daughter, who is using an older Sony TV that luckily does have component video input.

You will be happy with the unit.

The only known issue is that on screen displays don't work with S-video and composite connection.
So if you are getting it for an old TV that does not support component inputs, it is hard (but not impossible) to set it up. Otherwise it is a very nice tuner.
I got two. One for myself for my Olevia 537 and one for my daughter, who is using an older Sony TV that luckily does have component video input.

You will be happy with the unit.

i dont have an old tv...i have a westinghouse w3 37" tv. it has 2 component, 2 dvi, 1 hdmi. look like this will work right?

so anymore problem i should anticipate? i read about something annoying that u need to switch something in the back between 480p/720p/1080i everytime when u watch something different? is that true?

i dont have an old tv...i have a westinghouse w3 37" tv. it has 2 component, 2 dvi, 1 hdmi. look like this will work right?

so anymore problem i should anticipate? i read about something annoying that u need to switch something in the back between 480p/720p/1080i everytime when u watch something different? is that true?
Just set the switch for the highest resolution your set supports and which output (HDMI or component) you want to output on and forget it.

By the way, vincentnyc, you may want to take a look at this forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=599173). It addresses a lot of stuff you may want to know about the DVD recording topic.

If you need a HDMI or optical cable, order it online for alot less. I had to wait a week after I got the DTB-H260F for the cables but it was worth it.

I just got the DTB-H260F last weekend @ circuit city for $179 plus tax... everything looks great for the first 30 minutes of watching it, but then the color on all channels and the on screen display goes to black & white/gray scale. This is only over HDMI connection to my Sony KV-30HS420 TV. When using the component cables, everything is fine. This happens when the tuner is set to ANY resolution, not just 1080i. Sony says this TV is HDCP compliant and shouldn't be the problem, but that's also what I expected them to say.

I've read a couple other posts with people having this problem but haven't heard back from anybody except one, and he didn't find a solution other than using component cables. I want to use HDMI though!

Any help or ideas?

Should I just return the unit and wait for the new DVD recorder/HD tuner units to come out this spring, the DVD recorders with HD tuners built in should be around the same price point or at least not much more shouldn't they? Just might be an issue of getting one in stock to buy, but for probably only a little more money, we'd be able to get a recorder/player & tuner. That's getting more for the $$$ and I'd get a new DVD player to take up only one rack space.
Thanks.

Are you sure your cable company actually carries the ABC and CBS stations in HD? Do you have another unit that does receive them, or do you know someone who does receive them via QAM? The cable company in my area doesn't carry ABC or MNT in HD because their owner (Sinclair) wants them to pay for it. They don't carry the CW station in HD either, as far as I can tell from the online channel listing for my address.


In answer to your question: I did a rescan in IRC (had used STD the first time) mode and found CBS. According to other people in the area, ABCHD is a recent addition and apparently is not being sent through QAM in the exact same way as the other channels. One guy has 3 QAM tuners in his house and gets ABCHD on 2 of them, not the 3rd. I am now getting all the others but have had no luck getting ABCHD through QAM.

Also today CBSHD started droppping in and out, a reboot of the tuner fixed it. It runs barely above room temp so I doubt it was heat. Are these things flakey about being on 24/7?

Just got my 260 in yesterday. I have a Samsung 42 inch plasma that comes without a QAM tuner so I bought the Samsung 260 STB to be able to receive the "free" HD channels the cable company sends over the coax (CBS, ABC, FOX, TNT, ESPN, UNIVERSAL, TMC, theTUBE, PBS).

I received my 260 yesterday plugged it in and did a channel search under cable STD. I had two other options, something like IRC and SRC???

AFter running the search I picked up the follosing HD channels: CBS, ABC, FOX, ESPN, UNIVERSAL, theTUBE, PBS, Cenime Mexico, GSN, and something else I can't recall. I could not pick up TNT or TMC for some reason.

Why could I only pick up the channels I did, why couldn't I get TNT and TMC? Should I run my channel search under one of the other options?

Also, what is the best way to receive my basic cable as well. I don't want to have to undo the STB and plug the coax back into my TV every time I decide to watch a channel that is not a HD shannel which requires the STB.

In other words, what is the optimal way to use the STB for its QAM feature to receive the HD channels when I want to, but to also be able to easily access my basic cable package that I have been watching before I got the 260?

Any thoughts or suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks ,MH



Try a rescan in IRC mode, I picked up 2 more stations than I did in STD mode. Wish we had as many HD channels in QAM here as you apparently do. We only have CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, DISCOVERY, and PBS and of those, I am unable to get ABCHD at all. I still feel paying $179 once rather than $40/month more for the TWC box (digital teir required also) is a better deal. Maybe if TWC had a decent HD package with more than 10 channels I'd think about it. Overall I'm pretty happy with the h260f so far although I've only had it since Saturday.

There's one big problem with this line of thought...VIDEO PROJECTORS.

I'll bet a lot of these tuners are purchased by people who recently bought video projectors. How come video projectors - for a front-projection setup - are exempt from the FCC ruling mandating the inclusion of an ATSC tuner?
Because the mandate states that if it has an NTSC tuner it must also have an ATSC tuner.
A projector doesn't have a tuner.
Not covered by the mandate.
I'm a projector person that's why I bought the 260.
:)

yes...my samsung 260 & philip silver sensor indoor antenna next week...wish me luck.

funny thing is that they gave a tracking link that said fexdex smart label...when i click on that link...it said data is from usps....wtf? they are using usps to ship my product? everyone know post office are lazy govt workers. my package better not be damage when it arrives.

vincentnyc,

It won't be damaged it just won't arrive :) .

My brother sent off his 2 gig mem stick to PNY for replacment after it died under warranty.

He received a tracking number which did not work and this concerned him, finally he checked with PNY and it appears the the 2 gigger is lost in the mail. :mad:


BTW- is your tv 4:3 or 16:9 screen?

It your tv is 4:3 and you hook up the 260 via Component you may see some screen issues as mentioned by some other posters.

-DoNB2

vincentnyc,

It won't be damaged it just won't arrive :) .

My brother sent off his 2 gig mem stick to PNY for replacment after it died under warranty.

He received a tracking number which did not work and this concerned him, finally he checked with PNY and it appears the the 2 gigger is lost in the mail. :mad:

BTW- is your tv 4:3 or 16:9 screen?

It your tv is 4:3 and you hook up the 260 via Component you may see some screen issues as mentioned by some other posters.

-DoNB2


yes usps sux...i just send something to someone and right now it is sitting in a recovery center somewhere in michigan.

good news...i just receive the philip silver sensor antenna today which supposed to come with the samsung 260 next wed. the tracking said...my 260 is sitting in edison nj right..cant believe it is gonna take them till next wed. to delivery to me.

my fingers are itching to get this baby fire up.

donb2: didn u read my previous post on my specs of my tv...my tv is is hdtv capable of 1080p!! of course..it is capable of 16:9 ratio.

hey..quick question...i have a pioneer 640 dvr..that has a ntsc built in tuner...can i test it with my philip silver sensor indoor antenna now?

if im able to get a good signal with it...i should be able do the same with the samsung 260 right?

hey..quick question...i have a pioneer 640 dvr..that has a ntsc built in tuner...can i test it with my philip silver sensor indoor antenna now?

if im able to get a good signal with it...i should be able do the same with the samsung 260 right?

Sure, I'd go ahead and try it with your ntsc receiver. If you get a *good* snow-free, no-ghosts, etc., signal then the 260 will probably do pretty good, too. But, there are caveats...

Remember that the digital counterparts to the analog stations probably aren't transmitting at the same power levels as the analog stations.

The sister analog/digital stations may be in different locations.

I have an analog FOX (WCOV) channel that is only twenty miles away from me but it's digital channel is located another 22 miles up the road and transmitting at a mere fraction of what the analog station xmits at...I have yet to be able to receive WCOV-DT.

Ed

another quick question...how is hot is this unit? i mean does it get very hot? i know my ps3 get hot. plus i dont think i have room on my av cabinet...im thinking putting vertically next to the cabinet?

do u think there will be any problem putting the samsung 260 vertically instead of horizontally?

I've heard a few people complaining about their H260F's Guide not being populated from a QAM source. I'm on TWC and my Guide isn't getting any info at all. Here's my question: Is anyone able to get Guide information from their Cable Co? Even one person? Or is the Guide just for ATSC? It's really lame not having any Guide info on QAM, especially since the channel numbers are so crazy. How am I supposed to remember that KNBCHD is on channel 93-502?!? They could have at least included some way to let me label channels.

I am not getting the guide info for QAM sources either on my H260F but as of a week or two ago Comcast is mapping the channel numbers to their OTA channel numbers not the actual channel that it is carried on. The subchannel numbering is not correct for all stations but I am told that they are working with an equipment vendor to fix a problem that is causing that. It is a big improvement not to have to remember the Comcast channel numbers any more.

Also for the question from vincetnyc: The 260F only consumes 15 watts so does not get very hot at all.

...I'm on TWC and my Guide isn't getting any info at all...


im on twc..but i have an analog cable box...do u need to upgrade to the digital box to use it with the samsung 260? and do u have to pay for those hd channel even though it is going thru ur 260? and how much?

im thinking going to this option if ota doesnt work for me.

...Also for the question from vincetnyc: The 260F only consumes 15 watts so does not get very hot at all.

what about standing the unit vertically instead of horizontally? would that do any damage to the samsung 260?

Just set the switch for the highest resolution your set supports and which output (HDMI or component) you want to output on and forget it.

my set support 1080i/p, 720p, 480i/p. and for samsung it would be 1080i...correct? if i set the samsung 260 in the back to 1080i...and i watch sd program on samsung 260...will it know to go down to 480i? or what about hd station that broadcast 720p or 1080i...would the samsung automatically knows to switch to it?

my set support 1080i/p, 720p, 480i/p. and for samsung it would be 1080i...correct? if i set the samsung 260 in the back to 1080i...and i watch sd program on samsung 260...will it know to go down to 480i? or what about hd station that broadcast 720p or 1080i...would the samsung automatically knows to switch to it?
Set it to 1080i and it will all work fine, even if not all the broadcasts it receives are in that resolution.

Basically, the switch acts like a limiter on the resolution output by the 260. If you had a set that only handled up to 720p, and a show was broadcast in 1080i, the 260 would be useful because it would limit the output resolution to 720p.

what about standing the unit vertically instead of horizontally? would that do any damage to the samsung 260?


There are vent holes on the bottom, top, and right side but not on the left so I would suggest making sure that the vents are not blocked and the right side is at the top. Other than that I see no reason it can not be put on end.

im on twc..but i have an analog cable box...do u need to upgrade to the digital box to use it with the samsung 260? and do u have to pay for those hd channel even though it is going thru ur 260? and how much?

im thinking going to this option if ota doesnt work for me.


^^^ any1???

There are vent holes on the bottom, top, and right side but not on the left so I would suggest making sure that the vents are not blocked and the right side is at the top. Other than that I see no reason it can not be put on end.
I don't know about that...

UHF signals are horizontally polarized so if you turn the receiver vertical your reception might suffer! :rolleyes:

Ed

I don't know about that...

UHF signals are horizontally polarized so if you turn the receiver vertical your reception might suffer! :rolleyes:

Ed
I moved mine vertical and horizontal while it was plugged in and running, it doesn't affect reception at all. Wait until you get the unit, it is very slim, and finding a space for it shouldn't be too hard.

I moved mine vertical and horizontal while it was plugged in and running, it doesn't affect reception at all. Wait until you get the unit, it is very slim, and finding a space for it shouldn't be too hard.
:D

any1 here connect their samsung 260 to their cable box? were u able to get hd channel like cbs, fox, for free? if not...what is the point of buying a 260 to connect to ur cable box instead of just getting a hd cable package?

Just thought I'd mention that there's a couple of 260 stb and antenna combos on ebay:

DTB-H260F Digital HDTV Receiver and a Phillips Contemporary HDTV Antenna model MANT950 (http://cgi.*********/SAMSUNG-Digital-HDTV-Receiver-and-Phillips-Antenna_W0QQitemZ290093174512QQcategoryZ61396QQrdZ1QQcmdZVie wItem)

Samsung DTB-H260F with RCA HDTV amplified antenna (http://cgi.*********/Samsung-DTB-H260F-with-RCA-HDTV-amplified-antenna_W0QQitemZ180097192322QQcategoryZ61396QQrdZ1QQcmdZVie wItem)

I have no connection, just passing on what I saw.

Ed

any1 here connect their samsung 260 to their cable box? were u able to get hd channel like cbs, fox, for free? if not...what is the point of buying a 260 to connect to ur cable box instead of just getting a hd cable package?

I, like you, am a NYC TWC analog customer with the 260f. QAM did not work for me. You have to be a digital subscriber for the signal to come through.

I, like you, am a NYC TWC analog customer with the 260f. QAM did not work for me. You have to be a digital subscriber for the signal to come through.

i believe i can switch over to digital and my monthly fee still remain the same. twc told me that i can bring my analog box to their office to swap it out with a digital box. but my question is once i get the digital box..will i be able to connect my samsung 260 to it and receive cbs, abc, nbc hd program for free? or do i need to tell twc to enable and that i have to pay additional monthly cost?

For any of you Raleigh NC people there is a Samsung DTB-H260F on a shelf in its box for sale at Best Buy near SouthPoint Mall.

They also just got in the LG digital DVD recorder although they have not yet put it on the shelf.

-DonB2

Remember, for all considering an HD tuner: The LG DVD recorder doesn't have OTA/QAM HD output like the Samsung standalone tuner has.

Samsung's coming out with its own DVD recorder, which is supposed to have a 5th gen tuner and genuine OTA HD support (not sure about QAM support).

yes it said on the tracking my 260 has been delivered today...

another question..right now in nyc..it is snowing and foggy...does weather affect the ota digital reception at all?

vincentnyc, i'm trying to find out the same thing. i am getting absoloutely no reception with a line of sight of the empire state building in Queens. Is the weather blocking out all the channels?

ok received this box when i came home...surprising...it was just shipped with the samsung box...no brown box with it. when i saw it..i was pissed..how could circuit shipped a product with the original product box w/o a brown box. my antenna was placed in a brown box. i though this doesnt look good...maybe post man or someone could open it up and put brick in there or like someone said..it could gone "missing" if someone know how much this product is worth!! but when i open it up and put this thing together tonite....one word!

WOW!!!!

im watching the cbs hd channel for ncaa right now...it is 1080i...way better than my analog 480i box!!! annoying thing even with weather this bad..i was still able to pick up this channel from my upper east side apt. one annoying this is when i move around the apt..it affected the reception...like losing signal or making signal weaker...maybe ur body generate electricity and somehow affecting my indoor antenna?

im able to get nbc hd, wb hd, fox hd, some some other channel either in 1080i or 720p or 480i. abc hd was losing signal on and off every 5 seconds and i wasn't able to get pbs hd..maybe when the weather clear up tomorrow...will see.

thx for everyone recommending this great tuner and setting it up!!!

ok im gonna play around some more...gonna give some more in depth review later.

vincentnyc, i'm trying to find out the same thing. i am getting absoloutely no reception with a line of sight of the empire state building in Queens. Is the weather blocking out all the channels?

You have something wrong. Weather can not block analog or digital TV signals. The largest effects from weather are the formation of inversion layers when the conditions are right on calm days that can cause signals to reflect off them and to go much farther than normal. If the signal must go through trees that are moving in the wind that can cause the signal to vary and multipath to come and go.

ok...i found one annoying thing...i finally got abc hd by moving the antenna to a different area...watching a show with barbara walter interview in 720p...the setting on the samsung 260 is set to "16:9 full" ratio and my tv is set to "fill" for aspect ratio.

when i watch the ncaa on cbs hd which is 1080i and set to 16:9 full and even my tv is set to just "standard" ratio...it FILL up my whole tv screen, no black bars at left, right, bottom or top. but for abc hd in 720p..it is set to "16:9 full" ratio on samsung 260 and even my tv is set to "fill" but there is black bar at the left and right. only when i use "16:9 zoom" then it fill up the whole screen for abc hd...but it crops out some of the pix i think and the resolution isn't that great compare to "16:9 full." why is that?

and also between commercial there are black bars left, right, bottom and top. i assume this is normal right cuz those commercial werent film in 1080i or 720p or even 16:9 ratio? do u guys that subscribe to their cable company for HD package also experience this same problem im experiencing?

overall cbs hd 1080i for ncaa has the best pq so far for me. will see when "24" and "heroes" air and then see they are better than cbs hd.

Finally got the 260 tonight from Circuit City. The antenna is basically worthless, I can't find a way to get it to pick up a signal worth a damn so I think I'm going to run my cable back here (not optimal, but what the heck, I gotta do something).

My main question is this: I tried hooking up my NES to the unit to see how that operates and I couldn't find the channel to tune to to play it. Am I screwed b/c it's a different type of frequency or is there something I'm doing wrong? I try typing in channel 3 but it just picks up our local DTV station on 3 (3-1). :-\ Any ideas?

quick update...now i got pbs hd and abc hd after moving the antenna around...6-7 bars out of 10 bars for signal. and reception is pretty solid except when i walk near the antenna..then it lose signal for like a sec.

man this samsung 260 is GREATEST THING SINCE SLICE BREAD! i would ditch my twc right now...but cough cough i got an illegal an analog box which allow me to watch "HBO" channel for free.

I tried hooking up my NES to the unit to see how that operates and I couldn't find the channel to tune to to play it. Am I screwed b/c it's a different type of frequency or is there something I'm doing wrong? I try typing in channel 3 but it just picks up our local DTV station on 3 (3-1). :-\ Any ideas?
You're trying to hook an NTSC signal source up to an ATSC tuner. It won't work. Your best bet is to hook the NES up to your TV or VCR instead, if you're actually looking to play it.

The most basic difference is NTSC is analog and ATSC is digital. Search around here for a definition of NTSC and ATSC if you need more info than that.

ok...i found one annoying thing...i finally got abc hd by moving the antenna to a different area...watching a show with barbara walter interview in 720p...the setting on the samsung 260 is set to "16:9 full" ratio and my tv is set to "fill" for aspect ratio.

when i watch the ncaa on cbs hd which is 1080i and set to 16:9 full and even my tv is set to just "standard" ratio...it FILL up my whole tv screen, no black bars at left, right, bottom or top. but for abc hd in 720p..it is set to "16:9 full" ratio on samsung 260 and even my tv is set to "fill" but there is black bar at the left and right. only when i use "16:9 zoom" then it fill up the whole screen for abc hd...but it crops out some of the pix i think and the resolution isn't that great compare to "16:9 full." why is that?

and also between commercial there are black bars left, right, bottom and top. i assume this is normal right cuz those commercial werent film in 1080i or 720p or even 16:9 ratio? do u guys that subscribe to their cable company for HD package also experience this same problem im experiencing?

overall cbs hd 1080i for ncaa has the best pq so far for me. will see when "24" and "heroes" air and then see they are better than cbs hd.

The wavelength for broacast TV is around 2 meters, so people are just about the right height to cause some interference.

I think it is common for SD 4:3 material to be pillared by the broacast station when formated to 16:9 for 720p/1080i. The problem I hae is my Pioneer TV has the best zoom for 4:3 of anything I've seen, but it only works on analog input. It won't zoom the digital inputs. The Sammy STB doesn't do nearly as good a job of zooming. My older Sammy SIR 351 couldn't zoom, so I didn't even have the option of bars or no bars.

scott s.
.

watching a show with barbara walter interview in 720p... [...] but there is black bar at the left and right. only when i use "16:9 zoom" then it fill up the whole screen for abc hd...but it crops out some of the pix i think and the resolution isn't that great compare to "16:9 full." why is that?

That sounds like "Primetime" or some similar newsmagazine show which is not produced in HD. It's not practical for a station to switch its broadcast signal back and forth between (say) 720p and 480i "on the fly," so they leave the signal at 720p full time. When they need to show 480i material (most news shows, reality shows, old reruns, etc.), they upconvert it to 720p by interpolating extra pixels and adding blank bars on the sides. As far as your Samsung and TV are concerned, it's a 720p signal, even though the content is really effectively 480i. When you zoom it you crop off some of the top and bottom in addition to the sides, and expand the rest, so the rest is effectively about 360i resolution. :p

I simply accept the blank bars on the sides in this case. It's the only way you can fit a square peg into a rectangular hole without taking a hacksaw to it, or mashing it into a rectangular shape with a sledgehammer.

ok this morning im getting good signal for cbs hd, fox hd, pbs hd, wb hd with a stead 6-7 bars of signal out of 10.

but im now im having problem with abc hd...which have about 5 bars of signal one minute and next minute when it loses signal it has zero bar..back and forth, back and forth. why is that happening? and how can i fix that? nbc hd was also happening earlier in the day..but not now.

You have something wrong. Weather can not block analog or digital TV signals. The largest effects from weather are the formation of inversion layers when the conditions are right on calm days that can cause signals to reflect off them and to go much farther than normal. If the signal must go through trees that are moving in the wind that can cause the signal to vary and multipath to come and go.
It can't?

In a simply stated situation... I can tell when a fair sized thunderstorm is coming from the southeast due to the satellite signal dropping out. Sure enough, five-ten minutes later we get the storm. As the storm passes...satellite signal returns. ???

Of course satellite signals might be different and weaker than terrestrial signals. But it's hard for me to believe that miles of heavy rain or snow between my antenna and the transmitting antenna won't block a broadcast signal of either kind...especially digital considering it's "all or none".

But I agree, if the weather isn't horrendous then there's probably something wrong with the setup. Check your coax connections, be sure you're scanning for "AIR" channels, move the antenna around a bit more, etc.,.

Ed

DBS satellite signals are transmitted at much higher frequencies than OTA television and are indeed attenuated by moisture in the atmosphere.

Can any1 answer my question that if u have a HDTV set that is capable of doing up to 1080i and u have getting HD thru ur cable provider (ie twc or direct tv), do u also experience the same problem I'm experiencing like black bars on top, bottom, right , and left even though the program said it is HD? Or this problem only happening for OTA HD only?

The only channel that I don't see any black bars anywhere is NCAA on cbs hd and psb HD? When cbs hd go yo commercial that when blackbars come back.

Would IR blasting enable this box to be controlled for recording by Samsung's own new DVD recorder? From the owner's manual http://www.**************.com/images/products/PDF_Files/DVD-R157_om.pdf I gather the answer is "no," but maybe I missed something.

Next question: Does anyone know of a DVD recorder with an IR blaster that will control this box?

... The only channel that I don't see any black bars anywhere is NCAA on cbs hd and psb HD? When cbs hd go yo commercial that when blackbars come back.On 4:3 commercials (and any other 4:3 programs), the bars on the sides are normal. They are there to fill up the part of the 16:9 screen left blank by the 4:3 image.

I just though of something. My twc told me I can bring in my analog box to swap out with a digital box anytime. That mean I'm aleady getting digital signal thru the RF coaxial. I'm gonna do some testing tonite and see if I can plug in the coaxial rf that would normally go into my cable box rf and put that in my Samsung 260? Then if everthing work I will get HD program like (cbs hd, NBC hd, PBS hd and of course not pay hd channel like discovery hd or HBO hd) for FREE thru my cable provider! YES I don't have to get a HD package where ppl are paying $60 or above per month!

Can any1 answer my question that if u have a HDTV set that is capable of doing up to 1080i and u have getting HD thru ur cable provider (ie twc or direct tv), do u also experience the same problem I'm experiencing like black bars on top, bottom, right , and left even though the program said it is HD? Or this problem only happening for OTA HD only?

The only channel that I don't see any black bars anywhere is NCAA on cbs hd and psb HD? When cbs hd go yo commercial that when blackbars come back.Also viewing with a 1080i (CRT RPTV) using NYC's TWC. Side pillars are normal for all 4:3 programs, of course, and most ads as well (while watching HDTV). The zoom or stretch control (# remote key) with TWC's 8300HD DVR cable STB (set here for 1080i YPbPr output only) eliminates the side pillars, but makes human figures too plump or loses captions (zoom) at the bottom of the screen. If you're watching a known HDTV movie and see top/bottom bars, that often means it's a 2.35:1 aspect ratio film instead of ~1.78:1, and should look like that.

Programs with both side pillars and top/bottom black bars are SD (480i) that has been letterboxed. They're ideal for zooming--unless foreign language are put in the bottom black bar, since it disappears. Most HD programming (NYC TWC's 700-series channels) should not have side pillars or black bars with the cable STB set up for a 16:9 display and 1080i (YPbPr) out. Titantv.com or HDTVgalaxy.com can help determine whether a program is really true HDTV, and the TWC program guide (2nd info page for each program) has a boxed 'HDTV' logo, too. -- John

Would IR blasting enable this box to be controlled for recording by Samsung's own new DVD recorder?...

Does this Samsung 260 have a timer where u set at a particular to change to a particular channel u want? Cuz on my cable box u can do that and then I plug my recorder on input L1 and set the timer to record at that particular time to record.

I just though of something. My twc told me I can bring in my analog box to swap out with a digital box anytime. That mean I'm aleady getting digital signal thru the RF coaxial. I'm gonna do some testing tonite and see if I can plug in the coaxial rf that would normally go into my cable box rf and put that in my Samsung 260? Then if everthing work I will get HD program for FREE thru my cable provider! YES I don't have to get a HD package where ppl are paying $60 or above per month!
Well not exactly. You would get the free open QAM channels but they will not give you access to all of their HD programming. That's where you need their box. For example, TNTHD is probably not open.

Well not exactly. You would get the free open QAM channels but they will not give you access to all of their HD programming. That's where you need their box. For example, TNTHD is probably not open.

So which channel are the free open QAM? And whst channel number are they? I believe samsung can only scan cable channel from 1-125 for cable.

Anybody else really disappointed in the guide for this set? You press the down arrow to go to the next channel in the guide, and it stops the little picture and sound of the current channel while it goes to fetch one lousy line of info for the next channel. And it usually takes 10-15 seconds to do it! Then, it's back to the down arrow again, and another 15 seconds of silence while it fetches the info. Are they all like this? I really hoped for better.

Anybody know if there's coming a firmware upgrade for this set?

The slowness of the guide comes from the fact that each channel's program listings are part of the broadcast signal for that channel. So to get the listings for a series of channels, the receiver has to tune to each channel in turn (which takes some time), and then wait long enough to receive, decode and display the listings. It can't do this in the background while you're watching one channel, because it can tune to only one channel at a time.

I have a US Digital box that starts scanning through all the channels that are in its list when you open the guide for the first time. After several minutes, it's received the data for all the channels, and cached it. You can close the guide and reopen it a bit later, and all the data will still be there. If you wait long enough, of course, the cached data "expires" and the unit has to fetch a fresh batch.

The only way around this delay is to have two tuners in each box, and devote one to scanning continuously through the channels for program listings, in the background.

The Samsung does cache whatever data it's found while it's turned on, so if you come back to the guide for the same group of channels later, the listings will pop up immediately, provided that they haven't "expired" yet.

ok i just plug in my cable rf to my samsung 260..im scanning channel now...it has the following selection: std, hrc, or irc.

i have time warner cable analog cable box in nyc...so any1 know what should i select? thx in advance.

ok went thru the scan of : std, hrc, irc...no difference. i was able to pick up cbs hd, nbc hd, fox hd, abc hd,, cw hd, pbs hd...but no tnt hd, hbo hd (i expected that since i know i didnt pay for these "premium channel")

now the tough decision is should i keep my philip sensor indoor antenna and return it for a refund or go with my cable signal with a signal splitter? on one hand..my antenna is able to get me more channels...like fox sd, qubo, those spanish channle which are sd (which i really dont care for) and give me program guide info. on the other hand...i can go with my cable signal and lose the clutter of an antenna and just pick up cbs hd, fox hd, pbs hd which i really care for...but the program guide DOESNT work..it doesnt show me future programs when i press it unlike the ota signal. any1 have any suggestion on what i should do?

decision decision.

also the picture quality between the antenna and cable signal is about the same. but the cable signal is more stable (no losing signal when i walk near the cable box) where as if i walk near the philip sensor antenna i would sometime loses signal. this maybe the deciding factor for me to go with cable instead.

Ok - I'm getting one of these tomorrow from Circuit City in Raleigh - will be using on NTSC sets only... for now.

will be using on NTSC sets only... for now.

You need to be aware (if you haven't seen this already) that this Samsung box displays the menus and on-screen displays only via the HDMI and component-video (red/green/blue) outputs. If your TV has only composite-video (yellow) or S-video inputs, I predict you'll be very frustrated in using this box because you'll have to poke buttons blindly.

I'm aware - I read all 47 pages of this thread yesterday. I'd like to pickup a TV with HDTV inputs or maybe find some cables / adapters to use a computer monitor if necessary... Got a couple spare CRTs laying around...

I'm aware - I read all 47 pages of this thread yesterday. I'd like to pickup a TV with HDTV inputs or maybe find some cables / adapters to use a computer monitor if necessary... Got a couple spare CRTs laying around...
Howdy Scooper. I tinkered with the 260 for a while with a tv that only had s-video and composite connections. It was a bit aggravating, but I survived. I got disheartened to begin with because I couldn't get to the menu screens doing the "hook the green wire up...". I finally figured I had to go in and disable the s-video when I wanted to use the menus. To me, the old Sony analog looked better than it ever had with the digital reception of the 260. :)

Oh yeah, be sure you have the switch on the back of the 260 set to the Y/Pb/Pr setting (mikemikeb saved the day on that one for me).

Ed

ok went thru the scan of : std, hrc, irc...no difference. i was able to pick up cbs hd, nbc hd, fox hd, abc hd,, cw hd, pbs hd...but no tnt hd, hbo hd (i expected that since i know i didnt pay for these "premium channel")

now the tough decision is should i keep my philip sensor indoor antenna and return it for a refund or go with my cable signal with a signal splitter? on one hand..my antenna is able to get me more channels...like fox sd, qubo, those spanish channle which are sd (which i really dont care for) and give me program guide info. on the other hand...i can go with my cable signal and lose the clutter of an antenna and just pick up cbs hd, fox hd, pbs hd which i really care for...but the program guide DOESNT work..it doesnt show me future programs when i press it unlike the ota signal. any1 have any suggestion on what i should do?

decision decision.

also the picture quality between the antenna and cable signal is about the same. but the cable signal is more stable (no losing signal when i walk near the cable box) where as if i walk near the philip sensor antenna i would sometime loses signal. this maybe the deciding factor for me to go with cable instead.

I would keep the antenna, that way you have a back up if the cable goes out that way you can fall back on the antenna for the OTA signal for viewing local news or programing. The Plus is you get the programing guide from the OTA for free. You can get programing guide from cable but that will cost you money and it allot cheaper with the antenna because you already have a antenna and it paid for with no monthly payment.

Beside OTA HD is better than cable HD and you get the sub-channel with OTA and not all cable will pass the OTA sub-channels.

I would keep the antenna, that way you have a back up if the cable goes out that way you can fall back on the antenna for the OTA signal for viewing local news or programing. The Plus is you get the programing guide from the OTA for free. You can get programing guide from cable but that will cost you money and it allot cheaper with the antenna because you already have a antenna and it paid for with no monthly payment.

Beside OTA HD is better than cable HD and you get the sub-channel with OTA and not all cable will pass the OTA sub-channels.

Good ideas...my cable already went out about a month ago for about 2 days cuz some stupid punks broke the cable pipe outside my apt. Looks like my cable is about to go out again cuz I saw those cable pipes was busted open this morning.

Interim report - got it home, and configured it using the Green component to composite video trick. As expected - I get pretty good reception on all the digital stations in the area except the "rimshot" PBS and Ion stations. Since I have a rotor on my antenna, that's easily dealt with.

Currently watching the NASCAR race on 50.2 .

Can any1 verify that u can set this unit to turn on and tune to a particular channel & time that u want?

Haven't tried turn on, but tune yes.

i found something strange...for example...everytime i watch cbs hd program..i have to adjust the volume on my sound system because the volumn is low...then when it skips to a commercial or i change to other channel it become loud. then i have to lower the sound setting. this become very annoying...does any1 know why is this happening and how to fix it?

is there a way to adjust the same volume for everything, channel and shows?

i found something strange...for example...everytime i watch cbs hd program..i have to adjust the volume on my sound system because the volumn is low...then when it skips to a commercial or i change to other channel it become loud. then i have to lower the sound setting. this become very annoying...does any1 know why is this happening and how to fix it?

is there a way to adjust the same volume for everything, channel and shows?

A Charter phone rep once told me, and this isn't a joke, "We don't turn up the volume for commercials, we just increase the amplitude." :rolleyes:

Try hooking the box up to a stereo with a volume attenuator?

i found something strange...for example...everytime i watch cbs hd program..i have to adjust the volume on my sound system because the volumn is low...then when it skips to a commercial or i change to other channel it become loud. then i have to lower the sound setting. this become very annoying...does any1 know why is this happening and how to fix it?

is there a way to adjust the same volume for everything, channel and shows?No.

You might try leaving the volume on the 260 set to MAX and adjusting the volume with your TV or stereo.

If it's happening on only one channel, it's a problem with the station or network. There's nothing you can do but complain to the station.

Hopefully when "Dolby Volume (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/01/08/BUGBMNE3T71.DTL&type=printable)" is available, it will solve this problem, which has actually been made worse by digital audio.

When I watched the NCAA basketball...it said Dolby digital on my surround sound system. Is that "digital volume?"

When I watched the NCAA basketball...it said Dolby digital on my surround sound system. Is that "digital volume?"
No, "digital volume" is for sources other than Dolby digital. See Dolby blurb here. (http://www.dolby.com/professional/pro_audio_engineering/solutions_broadcastloudness.html)

When I watched the NCAA basketball...it said Dolby digital on my surround sound system. Is that "digital volume?"No, that's Dolby Digital Audio, which often includes surround audio.

GregLee, it sounds like the Dolby Volume feature may be used on offending stations by switching an audio receiver to non-DD audio (on the audio L+R rca input).

ok i thing i know what why im getting louder sounds between shows, commercial, and channels.

for example, im watching leno on nbc and letterman on cbs right now and both is broadcast in HD. for leno, my surround sound system is reporting "digital" while for letterman it is reporting "stereo." and letterman is much louder than leno even when volume level are the same for both. also on commercial that is reported "stereo" on my surround sound are much louder than the ones that are reporting "digital." so here are my question...

1. how come im getting "digital" for leno and not for letterman even both show are broadcast in HD (no black bars anywhere)? and when i pressed the info button my the samsung remote, the information screen said "1080i and dolby digital" for letterman and yet my surround sound reporting "stereo?" why is that?

2. are you guys getting dolby "digital" for letterman show? if yes, then is there something wrong my my surround sound, optical cable, my samsung box, or what?

3. why is "stereo" louder than digital? is it because "digital" only uses the center speaker for dialogue while "stereo" uses left and right speakers?

4. when i watched pbs hd...my surround sound system said it is "digital." and it is almost as loud as the letterman show which was in "stereo." now why is that again?

3. why is "stereo" louder than digital? is it because "digital" only uses the center speaker for dialogue while "stereo" uses left and right speakers?
Dolby Digital can be either surround 5.1 or stereo 2.0. The sound on an HD channel can be either of those. Stereo DD 2.0 doesn't use the center speaker unless you have the receiver on a setting which synthesizes a center from the left and right signals. I guess you are comparing DD 2.0 (stereo) with DD 5.1 (surround), both digital. I don't know why one should sound louder.

Can any1 answer my question that if u have a HDTV set that is capable of doing up to 1080i and u have getting HD thru ur cable provider (ie twc or direct tv), do u also experience the same problem I'm experiencing like black bars on top, bottom, right , and left even though the program said it is HD? Or this problem only happening for OTA HD only?

The only channel that I don't see any black bars anywhere is NCAA on cbs hd and psb HD? When cbs hd go yo commercial that when blackbars come back.
I have the same issues.
Some HD 16:9, some HD a large 4:3
I have come to the conclusion that not everything that is filmed in HD is broadcast in the 16:9 aspect ratio, in my market.
There are shows that are broadcast in HD 16:9, but look like large 4:3 HD.
I know it is broadcast in 16:9 because the opaque station number and logo are in the lower right hand corner, between the picture and the edge of the screen.
Prime time HD is always 16:9, reruns aren't.
Daytime HD programs like The View are in the large 4:3.
Like someone said I just accept it.
My picture is still plenty huge.

I guess you are comparing DD 2.0 (stereo) with DD 5.1 (surround), both digital. I don't know why one should sound louder.
The way I have my AVR set up when stereo comes in it goes to 7 channel stereo, which is unlistenably loud compared to the same volume on a 5.1 station.

I thought I would let folks know my experience.
I am 18.1 miles from the antenna farm, on top of a hill, with no clear line of site to the towers.
I am using a RS yagi antenna mounted on the chimney and a RS VHF antenna mounted in the attic
I get at least 8 bars on the signal strength meter for every station.
Last Friday we had a huge storm, wind, 24 inches of snow.
I had solid reception the whole time, 0 dropouts.
I have been researching STB's for a while and read about the crap that is out there.
I can deal with the guide taking a few seconds to load up, I can't believe peole complain about this.
It works as advertised.
So far I am pleased.
:) :)

Snow should not cause dropouts while viewing OTA DTV.

Dolby Digital can be either surround 5.1 or stereo 2.0. The sound on an HD channel can be either of those. Stereo DD 2.0 doesn't use the center speaker unless you have the receiver on a setting which synthesizes a center from the left and right signals. I guess you are comparing DD 2.0 (stereo) with DD 5.1 (surround), both digital. I don't know why one should sound louder.

so on your system..does DD 2.0 (stereo) sounds louder than DD 5.1 (surround) even though both are set to the same volume?

The guide on the SAMSUNG DTB-H260F is a vast improvement over previous models.

I do sometimes find it peculiar when I select guide and it instantly has more than one channel listed but not all channels.

I would think it would only instantly list the channel I have selected.


-DonB2

Concerning Snow/Rain issues. I have lost reception many times during rain but my antenna is in the attic which may impact reception. Also I can't recall rain recently which was not also accompanied with high winds which I know impact my multipath reception issues.

-DonB2

QAM scan?
What should I use to scan?

STD
IRC = Interval Related Carrier
HRC = Harmonic Related Carrier

Is it true different channels can be found scanning via IRC & HRC instead of STD?

If i rescan using IRC or HRC will i lose my channel line up from the STD scan?

I hear rumor that 1 or more channels may show up using these other scans over using STD scan?

Thank You

P.S. This Box Rocks!

In regards to the guide taking a long time to display info. I have found that if you surf through all of your channels first, then hit the guide button, all the guide info is received and displays very quickly then.
Just a quick tip for all of you complaining about the guide taking too long.

DB

STD / IRC /HRC are dependent upon which system your cable company is using.

Question - Ok, I'm using this box on my NTSC stuff (reception is fine - generally). My question - if I tune to a 1080i 16x9 channel, my NTSC TV's / computer tuner show it as a 16x9 SD picture - pillerboxed (not letterboxed, like I expected). Is there something wrong with my box ? the 4x3 programs are fine, and it appears that the 720p 16x9 programs are OK as well.

The way I have my AVR set up when stereo comes in it goes to 7 channel stereo, which is unlistenably loud compared to the same volume on a 5.1 station.
You might be comparing analog stereo with digital DD 5.1. I have my receiver set to convert analog stereo into 6-8 channel (i.e., 5.1 - 7.1) surround. My receiver has an adjustment to balance analog and digital loudness -- yours may, also. Until receivers come with Dolby's "digital volume", this is the only fix I know of for this problem.

Sometimes HD channels show SD 4:3 material by pillar boxing and upconverting. Where I am, local stations have done a lot of that, because they are just not set up yet for HD programming.

"In regards to the guide taking a long time to display info. I have found that if you surf through all of your channels first, then hit the guide button, all the guide info is received and displays very quickly then.
Just a quick tip for all of you complaining about the guide taking too long."

Thanks for the tip!

-DonB2

so on your system..does DD 2.0 (stereo) sounds louder than DD 5.1 (surround) even though both are set to the same volume?
Not that I notice, though I find it a little difficult to compare when a different number of speakers is involved. I don't ordinarily listen to DD 2.0 in stereo, since I have my receiver convert it to surround using Dolby Pro-Logic II.

...since I have my receiver convert it to surround using Dolby Pro-Logic II.

yup...i just play around with my reciever last nite...change "stereo" to "dolby pro-logic" and same result.

any1 here who also experiencing the same thing that im experiencing that some commercials/tv programs are louder than others?

vincentnyc,

A lot of the problems are due to incorrect settings by the stations. The wide dynamic range of digital audio makes the incorrect settings much more noticeable than before.

http://www.dolby.com/assets/pdf/tech_library/AES5900.pdf

vincentnyc,

A lot of the problems are due to incorrect settings by the stations. The wide dynamic range of digital audio makes the incorrect settings much more noticeable than before.

http://www.dolby.com/assets/pdf/tech_library/AES5900.pdf


so are u experiencing the same problem as me? or any1 else? yes or no...that's just what i want to know.

I’ve been using a Samsung DTB-H260F tuner for a few months and I’ve been repeatedly experiencing a significant problem with HD reception. When a digital signal cuts out, it cuts out completely. This can be maddening when it happens every couple of minutes or so, and makes the channel unwatchable.

The signal strength of my local channels is pretty good, usually in the 8 -10 range. When I’m experiencing this problem I can watch the signal strength at 10 suddenly drop to zero for a few seconds and then return to 10.

This sort of begs the question – what’s the point of signal strength if even full strength can experience drop outs?

I was under the impression that if you had a strong OTA digital signal you would not be subjected to signal degradation like analog. In my book, OFF = 100% degradatrion.

Does anyone know of an explanation to this or, better yet, a way to correct it?

I’ve been using a Samsung DTB-H260F tuner for a few months and I’ve been repeatedly experiencing a significant problem with HD reception. When a digital signal cuts out, it cuts out completely. This can be maddening when it happens every couple of minutes or so, and makes the channel unwatchable.

The signal strength of my local channels is pretty good, usually in the 8 -10 range. When I’m experiencing this problem I can watch the signal strength at 10 suddenly drop to zero for a few seconds and then return to 10.

This sort of begs the question – what’s the point of signal strength if even full strength can experience drop outs?

I was under the impression that if you had a strong OTA digital signal you would not be subjected to signal degradation like analog. In my book, OFF = 100% degradatrion.

Does anyone know of an explanation to this or, better yet, a way to correct it?

do u have cable service? if yes..get a signal splitter...then connect one rf to ur cable box and the other to the 260. the downsize is program guide on the 260 won't work.

furrod1,
I'm no expert in OTA reception, but from what I've read, sounds like you have a bad multi-path issue.

On windy days I have the same problem with a few channels.

As far as correcting it, I don't think you can, other than playing around with the position of your antenna. Try to pick up the channel from the side of your antenna or from the back side if possible.

Haven't tried turn on, but tune yes.

Ok just play around with it and yes u can "reserve" to watch a program by going into channel listing and selecting the program. But how about selecting to watch a channel at a particular time? Cuz right now, on my channel list it is showing NO program info for cbs hd and fox hd at 8pm and thus u CAN NOT select it for "reserve watching.". What now?

Sounds like your not getting the PSIP info, Scroll through all your channels, slowly, then it should come up if their sending it correctly. I always have no info on pbs, but then for me, pbs is not watched often. Also, here's a little info that might explain it better:http://www.hdtvexpert.com/pages/reception_sanyo.htm

so are u experiencing the same problem as me? or any1 else? yes or no...that's just what i want to know.
YES.

I’ve been using a Samsung DTB-H260F tuner for a few months and I’ve been repeatedly experiencing a significant problem with HD reception. When a digital signal cuts out, it cuts out completely...

...Does anyone know of an explanation to this or, better yet, a way to correct it?Two big causes:
• Multipath (reflected signals) from hills, wind in trees, airplanes, etc.
• Interference of various kinds. Electrical noise, co-channel, adjacent channel interference. Electrical aka impulse noise is more common on VHF channels than UHF.

A better antenna can eliminate much of these problems. What antenna are you using?

Is this happening on every channel or just one? If it's just one channel, what are the station call letters?

Sounds like your not getting the PSIP info, Scroll through all your channels, slowly, then it should come up if their sending it correctly...

Well I did scrolled very slowly and it is still not showing up any program info while other channel does. And right now it is 8 and press info button on the remote and cbs hd say no title, no time info, no detail info. So which lead me to this question, is there an alternative way to tune to a particular channel at a particular time? Or there is no other way and I need to do it from channel list and make sure there is program info?

the reason i want to do this is eventually i want to hook it up to my dvr recorder...if it can't tune to that particular channel that i want...then it won't record properly and thus it is useless.

It sounds like that particular station is not providing PSIP info. If they aren't, it's their fault, not your STB's.

Check your local info thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453241) to see if others in your area are getting guide info for that channel.

It sounds like that particular station is not providing PSIP info. If they aren't, it's their fault, not your STB's.

Check your local info thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453241) to see if others in your area are getting guide info for that channel.


did u read my question carefully? my question is i want to force tune a channel. if there is no program info...is there other way to force tune a channel on my 260? yes or no?

.... is there an alternative way to tune to a particular channel at a particular time? Or there is no other way and I need to do it from channel list and make sure there is program info?


^^^^ any1?

with that attitude, you may not get an answer.

I'm trying to understand this. I have an older SONY XBR CRT (SVHS, COMPOSITE). According to what I have read I can use the Samsung 260 with this set. I would connect the green component to the yellow composite to get the menus needed for the set up. After set up would I, then, connect to my Sony via SVHS? What quality of picture can I expect when showing the Hi Def channels on this set? As the television is displaying what the 260 is delivering to it, would it be Hi Def? Somehow I think I am missing something here, as the television is not a HDTV monitor.

If anyone can help me out with this, I would appreciate it.

I have analog cable (Cablevision), with excellent reception. I have two HDTV televisions that receive the local Hi Def channels via QAM tuners.

THANK YOU.

You can't get HDTV out of a standard definition TV. The picture will be good over S-video or composite connection - very good. But not High Def.

with that attitude, you may not get an answer.

attitude like mine? i ask a specific question and u give me an answer that has nothing to do with it. all i ask is if there is a way to force tune a channel w/o program info? u give a bunch of mumbo jumbo...making it more confusing than what i ask for.

dont worry..i dont need an answer from u...i figure it out myself...is that ok with u?

After set up would I, then, connect to my Sony via SVHS? What quality of picture can I expect when showing the Hi Def channels on this set? As the television is displaying what the 260 is delivering to it, would it be Hi Def?

The 260 down-converts the signal to 480i before sending it out the S-video or composite ourputs, so it is no longer HD.

[corrected!] Also, the widescreen HD image is compressed horizontally (or stretched vertically, depending on you like to think about it) to fit into an old-style 4:3 image. And the Samsung's aspect-ratio controls don't work via the S-video or composite-video outputs, only via component video (red/green/blue) or HDMI. So the Samsung is not suitable for use with a 4:3 TV unless it has component-video or HDMI input.

^^^^ any1?
The simplest way is to go into the manual/over-ride menu, to "schedule". Onece theree

The simplest way is to go into the manual/over-ride menu, to "schedule". Onece theree


how do u do that? do u do that on the "reserve time" screen on the 260? if yes, what buttons do u press on the remote?

One last question...is there a way to delete a bunch channels all at once from the channnel list instead of one by one?

One last question...is there a way to delete a bunch channels all at once from the channnel list instead of one by one?
Don't take this the wrong way, but you really need to read the manual...its right there on page 24. If I remember correctly, when you go into the channel list through the remote, you can delete an entire page full of channels all at one time. Good luck.

i just brought a cheap ass 4 way splitter ($10) from radio shack cuz i want a consistant signal instead of relying on the antenna...so i just try to tune it again...and all i got this time was 3 channel this time...one sd and 2 hd...which was fox and cw. i didnt get cbs hd, abc hd, pbs hd etc. but when i had the 2 way splitter it was able to pick all of them up.

so any1 here can recommend a rf 3-4 way splitter? links would be great.

btw..the 2 way splitter was from my cable company and here are the model info:
2 way splitter
BSP1002DLI
5-1000Mhz
-140db EMI
-3.5dB

and the radio shack 4 way model info are:
75-Ohm Coax
4-way splitter/combiner
splits an antenna/cable lead to four tvs, vcrs or fm reciever.
4-way
4 set UHF-VHF-FM
Hybrid-Spillter-Combiner

btw...the 2 way tuner was able to tune in to all the local ota hd channel. so i dont know if the radioshack is a crappy 4 way splitter or i may have gotten a wrong model.

i just brought a cheap ass 4 way splitter ($10) from radio shack cuz i want a consistant signal instead of relying on the antenna...so i just try to tune it again...and all i got this time was 3 channel this time...one sd and 2 hd...which was fox and cw. i didnt get cbs hd, abc hd, pbs hd etc. but when i had the 2 way splitter it was able to pick all of them up.

You may be right in questioning the Radioshack splitter, but even with a theoretically perfect splitter the power level of the signal is going to drop.

I have no specific recommendations as to what splitter to use but can offer this information that derived from:

http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/glossaryR.html#splitters

A perfect 2-way splitter delivers 1/2 the original signal power to each tap (3 dB loss). A perfect 4-way splitter would deliver only 1/4 the original signal power to each tap (6 dB loss).

The bottom line is that if you want to split 4 ways and not lose power you will need an amplifier to boost the signal back to the original signal power level. Even then noise from the amplifier will not provide the same signal quality of the original. The amount of degradation will depend on the quality and specs of the amplifier.

The parent page to the one cited above is a very good source of information about digital TV and is:

http://www.hdtvprimer.com/

dmatch

thx dmatch...i will do some more research.

The simplest way is to go into the manual/over-ride menu, to "schedule". Onece theree

how the hell u go to manual/over-ride menu? i have been browing thru the menu for the last 10 minutes and i cant find this feature!!!??? where the hell is it?? any1 know?

rtfm

rtfm

yes i did read the manual and the only good use for the manual is for toilet paper. otherwise i wont have ask.

rtfm

listen if u dont wanna help..stop wasting space in this thread.

avsforum.com/avs-vb/profile.php?do=addlist&userlist=ignore&u=7597687 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/profile.php?do=addlist&userlist=ignore&u=7597687)

The 260 down-converts the signal to 480i before sending it out the S-video or composite ourputs, so it is no longer HD.

[corrected!] Also, the widescreen HD image is compressed horizontally (or stretched vertically, depending on you like to think about it) to fit into an old-style 4:3 image. And the Samsung's aspect-ratio controls don't work via the S-video or composite-video outputs, only via component video (red/green/blue) or HDMI. So the Samsung is not suitable for use with a 4:3 TV unless it has component-video or HDMI input.


I appreciate the information and the knowledge that it brings with it.

MISSY QUICK

You can't get HDTV out of a standard definition TV. The picture will be good over S-video or composite connection - very good. But not High Def.


Thank you. A decision to use one on a standard definition television would depend on whether one would gain enough to warrant the price, unless, of course, one happens to have one "laying around".
Thanks again.

MISSY QUICK

It depends.

If your analog OTA picture is full of ghosts and snow, OR if your local digital stations have lots of extra sub channels not available on analog, the DTB-H260F would be a good investment. OTOH, for about the same price, you can run down to wallworld and pick up a brand new standard-def TV with a built in digital tuner.

Regardless, you'll have to convert to digital by Feb 2009.

does this HDTV receiver have VGA out like the samsung sir-ts360 does??

you know so i can use a pc monitor?? i am not talking about component either.

could someone take a look for me please?

No it doesn't.

Outputs on the DTBH260F -
1 HDMI
1 set component
(Only one of the above can be active at a time)
1 SVideo
2 composite video
2 sets analog audio
1 TOSLINK digital Audio.
1 RF passthru

i guess i better go with a samsung sir-T451 then..

thanks.

The manual lists HDMI (1), S-Video (1), Component (Y, Pb, Pr) (1) and Video (Composite?). (1). No DVI or RGB listed.

Carl

If your monitor has DVI input, an adapter (or specialized cable) can be used to connect the HDMI output of the STB to a DVI input on a monitor, since they are electrically equivalent for the video portion. But there may be issues with copy protection not working with a non-TV DVI device.

Since hooking up the 260 I've really noticed how some commercials and even programs are transmitting the audio about 1/3 second ahead of the video. I'm using an old (as in woodgrain with no aux inputs old) TV with the 360 composite out piped through a VCR and RCA audio to a DD5.1-capable receiver (don't have an optical cable). If only Samsung hadn't hamstrung the composite output so badly.. it's quite watchable if you ignore the screwed up aspect, even on some 4:3 material (mainly the ones the station is transmitting in a pillarboxed 16:9 format though). Other than those things, the second of which any TV with component inputs would remedy, it works great.

BB has an optical cable for like $35, found one online elsewhere for about $5.50, "Steren 253-106IV, 6 ft Component Video/Toslink Fiber Optic Digital Audio Cable". Is there a reason not to get it?

Oh, by the way.. if you order one from CC pay the extra seven bucks for UPS to carry it. FedEx sent the thing in the original carton, I'm shocked it made it as far as my door since anyone with at least one eye can see what it was.

BB has an optical cable for like $35, found one online elsewhere for about $5.50, "Steren 253-106IV, 6 ft Component Video/Toslink Fiber Optic Digital Audio Cable". Is there a reason not to get it?

You might want to check the cable listed here (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022901&p_id=2764&seq=1&format=2&style=). To save on shipping you might want to see if you need any other cables such as component, etc.,. This vendor makes some good cables and at very good prices.

Ed

ok something weird...it never happens before...i have my samsung 260 hook up thru optical to my logitech 5.1 surround system. and every once in awhile my sound system turn off by itself...i beleive it started to happen last week...i think it happens about 6-7 times now. i dont have this problem hooking my ps3 and pioneer 640 dvr thru optical to my logitech 5.1 system.

so any1 here also experiencing the same problem as i am? im wondering if this is my surround sound system or the 260 that is defective?

You might want to check the cable listed here (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022901&p_id=2764&seq=1&format=2&style=). To save on shipping you might want to see if you need any other cables such as component, etc.,. This vendor makes some good cables and at very good prices.
Nice.. I've seen that site mentioned around here a few times too. Bookmarked, thanks!

--------

I've been trying to maximize the number of channels available to me. Right now I get 6 digital channels without having to resort to the rotor at all. Starting at the lowest channel, and using data from http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/audio/tvq.html and Google Earth (to determine the best antenna direction) I went through analog 2-5, verified the analog station came in first, then tried the digital channel which the FCC site claims in most cases is transmitting at up to 10x the power. 2 didn't come in digital or analog, but 3-5 analog came in pretty good.. nada on digital. The transmitters for analog and digital are at the same location for each channel, so 3 and 3-1 are the same transmitter for instance.

Any ideas? Right now I'm getting ABC, NBC, CW, PBS and Fox so it's not too bad, but then I look at my list of analog stations I *should* be getting and it's like nothing. Because someone is going to ask, my zip is 55906.

and every once in awhile my sound system turn off by itself
Most stereos have an overload protection built in these days, which would cause your stereo to turn itself off rather than fry itself. Check your speaker wires to make sure they're not shorting together somewhere.

I've been trying to maximize the number of channels available to me. Right now I get 6 digital channels without having to resort to the rotor at all. Starting at the lowest channel, and using data from http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/audio/tvq.html and Google Earth (to determine the best antenna direction) I went through analog 2-5, verified the analog station came in first, then tried the digital channel which the FCC site claims in most cases is transmitting at up to 10x the power. 2 didn't come in digital or analog, but 3-5 analog came in pretty good.. nada on digital. The transmitters for analog and digital are at the same location for each channel, so 3 and 3-1 are the same transmitter for instance.

Any ideas? Right now I'm getting ABC, NBC, CW, PBS and Fox so it's not too bad, but then I look at my list of analog stations I *should* be getting and it's like nothing. Because someone is going to ask, my zip is 55906.

dbsc, you might want to give us an idea of your antenna system, terrain, etc., too.

Your zipcode is used here (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Stations.aspx) to compute the stations close to you. Enter your zipcode and then at the bottom of that page click on "options" (small print link) and enter in something like 250' for your antenna height. Click "Submit". The next page will show a map which you can use to navigate to your precise location. Once you get your location pinpointed on the map hit "continue". A list of stations that you have a chance of receiving should result.

Looking at the results on my computer it looks like the stations...2, 3, 4, and 5 are all around 75 miles from the 55906 zipcode center (which is right at 35th Street NE)...that's definitely a long-haul for digital, but attainable for analog...with the right equipment and location.

Unless the station is putting out high-power, you've got a good location, and you've got something like a 91XG or a CM4228 up in the air along with a good pre-amp, I don't think you're going to pull in any of the digitals from 75 miles out.

From what I'm looking at, you have stations closer to you than the ones you are focusing on that will pretty much give you all the main networks...I think I would be shooting for these. Though, KARE-DT and WCCO-DT are both supposedly putting out 1000kW and sit around 1400' and could possibly be in reach...(I'm receiving a CBS affiliate from 67 miles out that is putting out 1000kW with their antenna at 1800').

Ed

I've used antennaweb before, I had completely missed that little link though. Putting in an antenna height of 250 it gets much closer to the list I compiled from FCC data. My list still has 3 more stations theirs doesn't, none of which I can tune at all though (KYIN WHWC and K27CW).

There are trees to the east blocking everything, but none of the stations are that direction anyway. Other than that there's nothing really in the way.

I have no idea what the antenna is, the dish installer put it up because they weren't offering locals yet. I could describe it but my antenna searches have shown me there are nearly a dozen that look just like it of varying capabilities. What I can tell you is that it's a combo VHF/UHF about 5ish feet long. They installed some sort of a preamp, with one part on the mast and the other in the basement hooked up to a power supply. I've forgotten what model it is but I think it's a Winegard of some kind. We hooked up a CM9521A rotor which really helped with the analog stations.

CBS is the only major one I'm missing really. I know it's foolish to expect *every* station to come in, but the few digitals I'm getting (4 actual stations, two with an extra subchannel) are less than a third of the analog list. I was kind of hoping for a little more than that.

Try punching my zip into here: http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tvlistings/GridAction.do
If even half of that were possible I'd be happy.

Here is the problem --- I can't receive QAM HD channels over cable with the DTB-H260F.

Here is the history --- I have been using a Samsung SIR-T165 since 2000 with various TVs and various antennas. Recently, I had it connected to a 23" Samsung LCD HD-ready TV. Using a small indoor radio shack antenna, the reception was good 80% of the time, but sometimes I couldn't tune in CBS. Anyway, I also have a Samsung HL-S5688W, which is a DLP with Cablecard functionality. I don't have a Cablecard installed, but I can receive unencrypted HD QAM channels (NBC, FOX, CBS, ABC, and PBS) on the DLP TV. Incidentally, I also have the DLP connected to an OTA antenna (Winegard SquareShooter) in the attic for OTA HD and a Comcast HD STB for HD DVR functionality.

Anyway, I recently purchased a DTB-H260F to support QAM and replace the SIR-T165, but when I connect to the cable and scan for channels, I can't receive any. The OTA reception is better than the DTB-H260F, but I was hoping to eliminate the small but unslightly radio shack antenna.

I even tried connecting the DTB-H260F to the same cable that is connected to my HL-S5688W and still nothing. I thought maybe a splitter or something might be getting in the way. I tried scanning Standard, HRC, and IRC; even though all of the other Samsung TVs I have are scanned with HRC.

What is the difference between a Cablecard (DCR) TV and the QAM tuner in the DTB-H260F? BTW, I have Comcast cable which was formerly Adelphia.

The simplest way is to go into the manual/over-ride menu, to "schedule". Onece theree


^^^^ any1 understand what this guy is saying? is there a manual/over ride menu for the 260? i been looking in the manual and there is no such thing...what is this guy smoking?

...What is the difference between a Cablecard (DCR) TV and the QAM tuner in the DTB-H260F? BTW, I have Comcast cable which was formerly Adelphia.DCR = Digital Cable Ready
Cablecards are obtained from your local cableco and are needed to receive scrambled digital channels. You will not receive the local stations' OTA guide or the cableco's guide with existing cablecard TVs. You have to rent their cable box to get the interactive cable guide.

It's possible that the cableco is using cable channels that your 260 can't tune to. Unlikely, but possible.

DCR = Digital Cable Ready
Cablecards are obtained from your local cableco and are needed to receive scrambled digital channels. You will not receive the local stations' OTA guide or the cableco's guide with existing cablecard TVs. You have to rent their cable box to get the interactive cable guide.

It's possible that the cableco is using cable channels that your 260 can't tune to. Unlikely, but possible.


Since I can see the unscrambled HD channels on my Samsung DLP, I know which channels are used. 83.1, 83.2, 103.2, 116.1, 116.2, 117.10

They have moved from time to time, but I checked my Samsung DLP this morning and they are all there.

Could the DTB-H260F be broken? I could return it to Circuit City.

Anyway, I recently purchased a DTB-H260F to support QAM and replace the SIR-T165, but when I connect to the cable and scan for channels, I can't receive any.

Have you set the scan for cable or cable+air through the menu--channel option?

Menu | Channel | Auto-Program | Cable or Air + Cable

Here is the problem --- I can't receive QAM HD channels over cable with the DTB-H260F.

Here is the history --- I have been using a Samsung SIR-T165 since 2000 with various TVs and various antennas. Recently, I had it connected to a 23" Samsung LCD HD-ready TV. Using a small indoor radio shack antenna, the reception was good 80% of the time, but sometimes I couldn't tune in CBS. Anyway, I also have a Samsung HL-S5688W, which is a DLP with Cablecard functionality. I don't have a Cablecard installed, but I can receive unencrypted HD QAM channels (NBC, FOX, CBS, ABC, and PBS) on the DLP TV. Incidentally, I also have the DLP connected to an OTA antenna (Winegard SquareShooter) in the attic for OTA HD and a Comcast HD STB for HD DVR functionality.

Anyway, I recently purchased a DTB-H260F to support QAM and replace the SIR-T165, but when I connect to the cable and scan for channels, I can't receive any. The OTA reception is better than the DTB-H260F, but I was hoping to eliminate the small but unslightly radio shack antenna.

I even tried connecting the DTB-H260F to the same cable that is connected to my HL-S5688W and still nothing. I thought maybe a splitter or something might be getting in the way. I tried scanning Standard, HRC, and IRC; even though all of the other Samsung TVs I have are scanned with HRC.

What is the difference between a Cablecard (DCR) TV and the QAM tuner in the DTB-H260F? BTW, I have Comcast cable which was formerly Adelphia.

***

FYI - DTB-H260F
You obviously noted the unit has only one RF "F" input for either OTA 8VSB or Cable QAM.

But you may not has realized that to view the selection between the Antenna OTA 8VSB channel frequencies and the Cable QAM frequencies, you must tap the R/C "Antenna" switch located at the top of the R/C between the red Power and FAV.Ch switches.

This unit will remember scans for Antenna OTA 8VSB and Cable QAM (Standard, HRC, IRC), but that menu is for scanning...not viewing.

AS stated in an earlier quote, you could also go to the list menu, and select the channels from the scan.

Hope that helps...

I'm on Comcast Bolton System in CT. My DTB-H260F line up:
Comcast Bolton System (Basic + Extended) 3/24/2007
QAM STB (VS Cable Ready TV Analog)

Samsung DTB-H260F STB.
0 WEDH-HD 1080i 16:9
3-1 WFSB HD 1080i 16:9
8-1 WTNH HD 720p 16:9
20-1 WTXX HD 1080i 16:9
20-2 WTXX Tu 480i 4:3
30-1 WVIT HD 1080i 16:9
30-4 WVIT We 480i 4:3
61-1 WTIC HD 720p 16:9

74-1 CVC Public (5)
74-11 CVC Gov Acc (17)
74-16 CVC Ed (19)
76-8 NECN (20)
77-7 TBS (16)
77-9 ESPN (29) - Noted no default audio from QAM?
79-1 C-SPAN (22)
79-2 C-SPAN2 / MSG (98) Time shares
79-7 CNN (62) - Noted no default audio from QAM?
79-9 HSN (71)
79-10 QVC (23)
79-12 Headlines News (61) - Noted no default audio from QAM?
80-2 WTXX (11)
80-3 WUVN (18)
80-4 WVIT (4)
80-5 WCTX (9)
80-6 CPTV (7)
80-7 WFSB (2)
80-8 WHPX (10)
80-9 WRDM (13)
80-11 WTIC (6)
80-12 WTNH (8)
81-1 CT-N (15)
81-5 Jewelry / Horse Racing etc. (96) Time shares
81-7 WGBY (12)
81-8 WWLP (14)
81-10 CN8 (3)
81-11 EWTN (21)
81-12 Color Bars - Noted no default audio from QAM?

83-3 ON DEMAND promos. Displays with two pictures.
83-6 > 121-9 Noted Random on Demand

Good Luck

Z

i'm having two issues right now with this Samsung tuner that I purchased from Circuit City.

1. I was trying to hook it up to an older 4:3 TV through the composite out. I wanted to set it up so that HD programs would appear letterboxed on the 4:3 but the HD image kept appeared squished, so it was taller than wider, and then a 4:3 picture would have black bars on the sides. What settings do i need to adjust so that an HD image will appear letterboxed on a CRT 4:3 TV?

2. The sound appear's relatively quiet on my HDTV. I'm using component video out, with the stereo audio out, but i have to turn my TV volume way up to hear the audio, I have the volume maxed on the STB. I also find that the audio control on the Samsung isn't very sensitive, ie turning it up or down doesn't make a big difference.

Have you set the scan for cable or cable+air through the menu--channel option?

Menu | Channel | Auto-Program | Cable or Air + Cable

I just tried to rescan with both Cable and Air + Cable, and it found 0 channels on both cable and air. I used the cable that feeds my cable modem, which I know has the strongest signal in the house (i.e. only one splitter in path).

Also, I tried the antenna button on the report. The screen display changes from DTV Air to DTV Cable. Even then when I directly tune to a channel such as 83, 103, 116, or 117, it reports Scrambled or Weak signal.

At this point, I am thinking that the QAM tuner in my unit is non-functional.

I just tried to rescan with both Cable and Air + Cable, and it found 0 channels on both cable and air. I used the cable that feeds my cable modem, which I know has the strongest signal in the house (i.e. only one splitter in path).

Also, I tried the antenna button on the report. The screen display changes from DTV Air to DTV Cable. Even then when I directly tune to a channel such as 83, 103, 116, or 117, it reports Scrambled or Weak signal.

At this point, I am thinking that the QAM tuner in my unit is non-functional.

***
Some basics to review..you probably did it...
There are two RF "F" connectors on the back of the unit, looking rear view left to right:

ANT Out = An amplified RF output of DTB-H260F
ANT / Cable IN = The RF input of the DTB-H260F

If connected wrong, then do a rescan Cable.

Please verify connection used and "F" cable stinger isn't bent or too short to engage STB connector center pin...

Your cable modem RF cable should have been good so make sure you are connected to the correct RF F connector on the back of the unit...

You obviously see the OSD, and scanned CableTV trying "standard" or "HRC".
You don't need to due Antenna + Cable if you're on cable only. Since it has only one input, that feature is kinda weird but provides a combined list.

After the scan completes, it should indicated it found maybe 100+/- to 375 +/- channels, but not all channels are unencrypted. Most would indicate low signal or scrambled.

If your other QAM STBs receive the channels you noted above,

Note, if it found a channel and it indicates low or scrambled, go to the channel menu signal strenght and see how many bars you get. I get 10 bars max for all channels listed. If you get no bars, or very very low....

Last is it could be dead, but if it found channels, you should see the unencrypted ones like you do on your other STB (That has no cable Card)...

Don't know if you noted, when you select a channel, and displays low signal or scrambled, does the OSD indicate in the upper left screen...
DTV AIR - It is trying to tune an OTA 8VSB Antenna channel.
DTV Cable - It is trying to tune a Cable QAM channel.

Also most channels need the "dash" like 83-1 (or what ever found in guide list) not just 83.

That's what the "Antenna" switch selects from. Put it in DTV Cable, try another Cable scan...if that doesn't work....

...your assumption may be correct...

Good luck..

Z

i'm having two issues right now with this Samsung tuner that I purchased from Circuit City.

1. I was trying to hook it up to an older 4:3 TV through the composite out. I wanted to set it up so that HD programs would appear letterboxed on the 4:3 but the HD image kept appeared squished, so it was taller than wider, and then a 4:3 picture would have black bars on the sides. What settings do i need to adjust so that an HD image will appear letterboxed on a CRT 4:3 TV?.

There are none. This is one of MY biggest complaints about this as well. All the aspect commands work ONLY on the HDMI / component video outputs ( i.e. the HDTV outputs). Using a tuner card in my PC, I can stretch the screen out to 16:9 so everything "looks" normal.

What's really ironic - you can probably buy a new TV with component video inputs for less than you can find a convertor box (from component to composite / s-video). I've been looking... :(

2. The sound appear's relatively quiet on my HDTV. I'm using component video out, with the stereo audio out, but i have to turn my TV volume way up to hear the audio, I have the volume maxed on the STB. I also find that the audio control on the Samsung isn't very sensitive, ie turning it up or down doesn't make a big difference.

Haven't noticed this on my equipment.

qestion then:

Let's say you have a 4:3 CRT tv, WITH Component inputs (ie for nicer looking SD DVD picture)

will the aspect ratio feature work in this case, AND will the OSD be viewable on a CRT-SD TV with a component input?

***
Some basics to review..you probably did it...
There are two RF "F" connectors on the back of the unit, looking rear view left to right:

ANT Out = An amplified RF output of DTB-H260F
ANT / Cable IN = The RF input of the DTB-H260F

If connected wrong, then do a rescan Cable.

I used the Ant/Cable IN. Same jack that the indoor antenna was connected to.

Please verify connection used and "F" cable stinger isn't bent or too short to engage STB connector center pin...

Not bent or short

Your cable modem RF cable should have been good so make sure you are connected to the correct RF F connector on the back of the unit...

You obviously see the OSD, and scanned CableTV trying "standard" or "HRC".
You don't need to due Antenna + Cable if you're on cable only. Since it has only one input, that feature is kinda weird but provides a combined list.

After the scan completes, it should indicated it found maybe 100+/- to 375 +/- channels, but not all channels are unencrypted. Most would indicate low signal or scrambled.

I scanned with both Standard and HRC. It found 0 Cable channels. With the antenna only, it finds 18 Air channels. My DLP TV finds hundreds most are encrypted, some are On demand previews, others are Digital Music channels, and lastly 5 are HD broadcast channels.

If your other QAM STBs receive the channels you noted above,

Note, if it found a channel and it indicates low or scrambled, go to the channel menu signal strenght and see how many bars you get. I get 10 bars max for all channels listed. If you get no bars, or very very low....

Last is it could be dead, but if it found channels, you should see the unencrypted ones like you do on your other STB (That has no cable Card)...

Cable : 0 (Channels found). Signal Strength meter shows 0 on all channels that I try to manually tune. The guide says that the channel map is empty. Try Auto program first. Even though I just did and it failed to find any cable channels. The guide works with OTA when the antenna is connected, and after I pushed the antenna button on the remote to change to OTA/ATSC.

Don't know if you noted, when you select a channel, and displays low signal or scrambled, does the OSD indicate in the upper left screen...
DTV AIR - It is trying to tune an OTA 8VSB Antenna channel.
DTV Cable - It is trying to tune a Cable QAM channel.

Also most channels need the "dash" like 83-1 (or what ever found in guide list) not just 83.

That's what the "Antenna" switch selects from. Put it in DTV Cable, try another Cable scan...if that doesn't work....

...your assumption may be correct...

Good luck..

Z

I will exchange for another unit and post the results.

qestion then:

Let's say you have a 4:3 CRT tv, WITH Component inputs (ie for nicer looking SD DVD picture)

will the aspect ratio feature work in this case, AND will the OSD be viewable on a CRT-SD TV with a component input?
Yes. But don't set the box to put out higher resolution than the TV can handle.

To see for yourself, hook the green of the component out on the 260 up to your composite input.

Yes. But don't set the box to put out higher resolution than the TV can handle.

To see for yourself, hook the green of the component out on the 260 up to your composite input.

BE SURE TO SET THE BOX TO 480i FIRST !!!

yep I was at someone else's house and experimented, seemed to work ok using the component cables as the cable choice for SD. Why do the ever put 2 composite and one S-Video out on the back then? They are basically useless.

The one issue i had was that when I was watching a 4:3 program on an HD channel (ie local news) it appeared window boxed, and the zoom aspect ratio seemed to zoom in too much and squish the picture, the bottom became chopped off.

yep I was at someone else's house and experimented, seemed to work ok using the component cables as the cable choice for SD. Why do the ever put 2 composite and one S-Video out on the back then? They are basically useless.

The one issue i had was that when I was watching a 4:3 program on an HD channel (ie local news) it appeared window boxed, and the zoom aspect ratio seemed to zoom in too much and squish the picture, the bottom became chopped off.

If you would have had more time to play with the settings (and read the manual), you'll find that you can set the default screen format (16:9 or 4:3) and format/zoom modes (various choices). You can also change the format on the fly with the "Aspect" button on the remote until you find the one that works best with that program.

Remember that setting the box to 480i requires a physical switch on the back of the unit to be set to 480i (and probably Y/Pb/Pr as well). Make sure that you have the unit turned off while doing this.

ya i had kept it on 4:3 mode, but neither of the different aspect ratio's worked to probably show a 4:3 program that is received as 'HD' with black bars on side.

I did switch the switch to 480i, but I just left the unit on while it turned it, it flickers and then switches over to the new mode.

It may also depend on how the station was sending the program - in some cases, the station is sending a 4:3 picture (pillorboxed) inside a 16:9 broadcast stream (which I assume you were watching letterboxed). In this case, you probably should have tried 4:3 Full or ZOOM. And in some cases, there is just nothing you can do.

ok i asked if there is a possiblity that u can "force tune" to a channel if the program guide doesn't provide any program info and thus u can't select a program to force turn to.

and this guy inthewswamp said u could...below with this answer.

The simplest way is to go into the manual/over-ride menu, to "schedule". Onece theree

i have look thru all the features and look at the manual a million times and can't find out what this guy wants me to do. so can some1 tell me if this guy is pulling my chain and lying to me and there is no way to force tune a channel w/o program info?

so once again. is there anyway to force tune a channel if there is no programs info?

Find the "real" station (not the analog that the PSIP goes to) of the channel and enter that. Assuming you get enough signal to pull it in, then the PSIP info will come in.

Example - Channel 4 analog => is broadcast on channel 59 (Digital). So, if my initial scan didn't pickup channel 4 (and it didn't - antenna wasn't pointed that direction), I rotated my antenna towards channel 4, then entered "59".

Find the "real" station (not the analog that the PSIP goes to) of the channel and enter that. Assuming you get enough signal to pull it in, then the PSIP info will come in.

Example - Channel 4 analog => is broadcast on channel 59 (Digital). So, if my initial scan didn't pickup channel 4 (and it didn't - antenna wasn't pointed that direction), I rotated my antenna towards channel 4, then entered "59".


are u talking to me?

im confused...my channel 4 has 4.1, 4.2, 4.3. 4.1 being nbc hd, 4.2 is some analog nbc weather channel, and 4.3 is the regular nbc sd channel. what happen when all of them provide no program info? and no i dont have signal on channel 59 or any other channel except for the one that was able to be scan and pick up.

for example...let say it is 10am in the morning...i want to "force tune" to channel fox hd at 8 pm tonight. what if there is no program info no matter what i do? intheswamp said yes u can still force tune a channel...but i dont think he knows what he is talking about.

...At this point, I am thinking that the QAM tuner in my unit is non-functional.That is possible.

are u talking to me?

im confused...my channel 4 has 4.1, 4.2, 4.3. 4.1 being nbc hd, 4.2 is some analog nbc weather channel, and 4.3 is the regular nbc sd channel. what happen when all of them provide no program info? and no i dont have signal on channel 59 or any other channel except for the one that was able to be scan and pick up.

for example...let say it is 10am in the morning...i want to "force tune" to channel fox hd at 8 pm tonight. what if there is no program info no matter what i do? intheswamp said yes u can still force tune a channel...but i dont think he knows what he is talking about.

ok let's put it this way...let forget what spid or whatever info u guys are talking about that a 260 is getting the program info from.

im gonna get a signal splitter soon to split it between my 260 and cable box. so if i get signal from my cable company..my 260 would NOT get any porgram info what so ever...so how am i gonna force tune a channel now?

are u talking to me?

im confused...my channel 4 has 4.1, 4.2, 4.3. 4.1 being nbc hd, 4.2 is some analog nbc weather channel, and 4.3 is the regular nbc sd channel. . . . .

IF you live in NYC, as your handle indicates, NBC channel 4.1 is actually transmitted on UHF channel 28. The PSIP data is what makes it show up as channel 4 on your TV. Try tuning to 28.1, etc., - your STB actually tunes to the transmitted signal.

BTW, none of the ".1 etc." channels are an analog signal - they're all digital.


Carl

IF you live in NYC, as your handle indicates, NBC channel 4.1 is actually transmitted on UHF channel 28. The PSIP data is what makes it show up as channel 4 on your TV. Try tuning to 28.1, etc., - your STB actually tunes to the transmitted signal.

BTW, none of the ".1 etc." channels are an analog signal - they're all digital.


Carl

carl: look at my latest post...im gonna get a signal splitter and forget the antenna all together. if im gonna signal to my 260 thru my cable company..it won't get any program info what so ever. so how am i gonna force tune to a channel now?

carl: look at my latest post...im gonna get a signal splitter and forget the antenna all together. if im gonna signal to my 260 thru my cable company..it won't get any program info what so ever. so how am i gonna force tune to a channel now?

Beats me! I'm not a cable guy -- I get my HD free, as in OTA.


Carl

Beats me! I'm not a cable guy -- I get my HD free, as in OTA.


Carl


that's what im trying to find out...if there is no program info what so ever...how the hell u gonna force tune a channel? swamp or whatever that guy name is...said yes.

im thinking he is probably lying or dont know what he is talking about.

Carl,
The good things about OTA digital:
It's free.
PQ is often better than sat or cable feeds.
It's usually more relible, since you're not relying on 3rd party provider.
If there is a reception problem, it's probably at the station - you're not wondering if it's a problem with the cable or sat provider.

...It's usually more relible, since you're not relying on 3rd party provider...

not in my case and someone here also. ocassionally....u get signal interference..for example...one minute u have 7 out of 10 bars and next minute u have none...how is that possible? that's y i have decided to get the signal from my cable...and one more thing...it is free also in my case since i ready have cable service. im not paying a dime more for cable signal to my samsung 260.

i rather have consistant signal then no program info. but w/o program info..i will not be able to use "force tune" feature. i wonder why u can get ota program info and not thru the cable signal...seems kinda strange.

vincentnyc,

With OTA ATSC yes, you can have the great signal one minute and no signal the next. This appears to be multipath interference or as in the days of analog NTSC tv it manifested itself as ghost images on your tv.

Even with the latest generation Samsung you can have multipath problems and I am worried that as Summer approaches and trees get leaves I will have different but just as annoying multipath issues.

With QAM via cable you will have other issues.

Some channels will still break up - may be a too strong signal issue.

Some channels will have video but no audio - these typically are the non free channels.

The channel number for a channel one day will mysteriously be mapped to another location the next day. Don't know why cable companies are doing this but maybe because they are still experimenting.

Channels will mysteriously appear and than disappear.

No info as you have found for shows. And BTW - I even notice this in Raleigh NC with OTA ATSC channels.

And your Cable issue which I would never have guessed about. And that is pranksters tampering with your cable in.

-DonB2

vincentnyc,

With OTA ATSC yes, you can have the great signal one minute and no signal the next. This appears to be multipath interference or as in the days of analog NTSC tv it manifested itself as ghost images on your tv.

Even with the latest generation Samsung you can have multipath problems and I am worried that as Summer approaches and trees get leaves I will have different but just as annoying multipath issues.

With QAM via cable you will have other issues.

Some channels will still break up - may be a too strong signal issue.

Some channels will have video but no audio - these typically are the non free channels.

The channel number for a channel one day will mysteriously be mapped to another location the next day. Don't know why cable companies are doing this but maybe because they are still experimenting.

Channels will mysteriously appear and than disappear.

No info as you have found for shows. And BTW - I even notice this in Raleigh NC with OTA ATSC channels.

And your Cable issue which I would never have guessed about. And that is pranksters tampering with your cable in.

-DonB2

DonB2...ok...i will see how my cable signal vs ota signal when i get the splitter this week. if there is no problem with the cable signal like some of the problem u mention...then i would rather go with the cable than ota even though it doesnt have program info.

but once again...can someone confirm if there is a way to force tune a channel even though there is no program info?

JAlso, what is the best way to receive my basic cable as well. I don't want to have to undo the STB and plug the coax back into my TV every time I decide to watch a channel that is not a HD channel which requires the STB.

In other words, what is the optimal way to use the STB for its QAM feature to receive the HD channels when I want to, but to also be able to easily access my basic cable package that I have been watching before I got the 260?

I'm curious about this to. I'm looking to ditch my comcast digital cable, and just go to basic cable.

Sounds like a job for that AB switch from the other thread..

...I used the cable that feeds my cable modem, which I know has the strongest signal in the house (i.e. only one splitter in path)...
If your cable modem outlet was wired directly to the cable junction box outside your home, there is a chance that particular feed has a low-pass filter on it (like it does at my house). That may block any TV signals from reaching the outlet. The cable modem uses spectrum below the cable TV channels, hence the low-pass (a.k.a., high-block) filter.

I hope you have tried the 260 at another cable outlet, away from the cable modem.

Then again, your home could be wired very differently from mine, which is wired according to the Comcast standard for our area.

Ok I have a simple question compare the force tune question that seems to stump u guys.

I have a tv that 1 hdmi, 2 dvi, 2 components, 1 vga that all support up to 1080p. Now the Samsung 260 that has a hdmi output and a component output.

Right now I'm using component and the max resolution saying the the 260 display info is 1080i thru component. Don't get me wrong. the pix looks great. But I'm thinking about getting a hdmi-hdmi cable or a hdmi-dvi cable to plug the 260 to my tv.

So my question is this, would it make a major difference or would I see a big difference in the picture quality between component 720p/1080i vs. Hdmi or dvi 720p/1080i?

Any1 here that have the same type of tv that I have and saw a major difference when connecting to component instead of hdmi/dvi port?

Ok I have a simple question compare the force tune question that seems to stump u guys.

I have a tv that 1 hdmi, 2 dvi, 2 components, 1 vga that all support up to 1080p. Now the Samsung 260 that has a hdmi output and a component output.

Right now I'm using component and the max resolution saying the the 260 display info is 1080i thru component. Don't get me wrong. the pix looks great. But I'm thinking about getting a hdmi-hdmi cable or a hdmi-dvi cable to plug the 260 to my tv.

So my question is this, would it make a major difference or would I see a big difference in the picture quality between component 720p/1080i vs. Hdmi or dvi 720p/1080i?

Any1 here that have the same type of tv that I have and saw a major difference when connecting to component instead of hdmi/dvi port?
I previously had the 260 hooked into my set with Component at 1080i but had to run a separate audio input to my A/V receiver. With the current setup, I use HDMI to the A/V receiver and on to the set. The one cable into the A/V receiver keeps the cable count down because it delivers both audio and video. I honestly don't notice any picture quality difference between the component at 1080i and the HDMI at 1080i.

If your cable modem outlet was wired directly to the cable junction box outside your home, there is a chance that particular feed has a low-pass filter on it (like it does at my house). That may block any TV signals from reaching the outlet. The cable modem uses spectrum below the cable TV channels, hence the low-pass (a.k.a., high-block) filter.

I hope you have tried the 260 at another cable outlet, away from the cable modem.

Then again, your home could be wired very differently from mine, which is wired according to the Comcast standard for our area.

I tried the cable that runs to my DLP TV where I can see the HD broadcast channels via cable, and I had the same results --- 0 channels.

I exchanged the STB, and the new one does the same thing. Basically there must be some difference between a Cablecard TV (without the CableCard installed) and the DTB-H260F with Comcast in Northern Virginia (formerly Adelphia). I found this article about the ability for a Cable company to be able to "address" the QAM tuner. That sounds likely on a CableCard capable tuner versus a pure QAM tuner.

www.hometheatersound.com/features/videonoise/vn_20040201.htm

ok got the signal splitter and ran a scan again..notice one thing...it was able to pick up all the local hd channels except for 9 WWOR and 9.1 WWORDT aka "my channel." so my question is....is time warner blocking that signal for that particular channel? if so, why?

i stop watching this channel like 2 years ago cuz all of the ghetto "negro" shows at prime time...dont get me wrong..but that aint my cup of tea. but i would like to get this channel cuz they have some ny mets and ny giants gm during the baseball and football seasons.

so any1 know why twc is blocking this free ota hd channel from their signal? and how would i be able to get this channel then?

There may be no agreement for TW to rebroadcast that station over their lines or something. It doesn't mean they're intentionally blocking it from you.

Ok I have a simple question compare the force tune question that seems to stump u guys.

I have a tv that 1 hdmi, 2 dvi, 2 components, 1 vga that all support up to 1080p. Now the Samsung 260 that has a hdmi output and a component output.

Right now I'm using component and the max resolution saying the the 260 display info is 1080i thru component. Don't get me wrong. the pix looks great. But I'm thinking about getting a hdmi-hdmi cable or a hdmi-dvi cable to plug the 260 to my tv.

So my question is this, would it make a major difference or would I see a big difference in the picture quality between component 720p/1080i vs. Hdmi or dvi 720p/1080i?

Any1 here that have the same type of tv that I have and saw a major difference when connecting to component instead of hdmi/dvi port?
****

FYI...I MAY HAVE MISSED THE POINT...???

FYI..The 260 component outputs are an ANALOG signal conversion of the digital signal. If you went to the expanse of having a Monitor with HDMI inputs, by all means use it...IT's then all digital...

FYI..You can force the 260 tuner to any channel it picked up in it's scan and or enter the "channel-sub channel" number if active at the time to select it.

Many cable systems are not passing the program guide information from individual OTA DTV stations. Even without the guide, you can view the list of selected OTA DTV stations by going to the 260 channel list page of the guide menu.

You can force the tuner to the actual channel, but on cable you don't know what it is, only where the cable company virtually puts it...so use the list.

So if on cable with the 260 the OTA channel shows up in the list as 3-1 or 82-1 that's what you would use to "force it". But it must be on at the time, else it will indicate low signal or scrambled.

Final note: The Cable TV channel listings that are provided when you subscribe to digital cable or found on-line are usually for their own STB boxes and normally are three digit virtual channels. The 260 and other "newer" QAM STB now mimic the OTA channel selection process, major channel-minor channel...Like 3-1 or less intuitively 82-1...or something whatever...

Anyone make a Cable QAM (three digit) to STB QAM (major-minor) conversion chart???

Z