You guys ever going to get U-Verse rolled out to Clayton? You'd figure with all the density, high-rises and income levels it would be high on the list. Then again I live in an area of Clayton where the fastest DSL I can get is the 1.5meg package.

My installation is scheduled for next week. I live in an area of Clayton where the fastest DSL I can get is around 300 kbps - just a few blocks from the business district but too far from the central switch at Delmar and Skinker. If nothing else, switching to U-verse should increase my speed at least five-fold. I was ready to throw in the towel on Charter a year ago, but a sat dish never could get a high enough WAF (wife approval factor). But Charter's decision to raise rates by about 10 bucks a month and the roll-out of U-Verse in Clayton came together quite nicely. We only have one HDTV so we can live with a single HD stream for now.

So, any predictions on how much trouble it will be for them to install the wiring in a house built in the 1920's?

Question for the collection:

My RPTV 65 in Mitsubishi has a blinking green light and won't turn on. I did a search and
found that could mean a bad board inside the thing.

It is still under warranty and I called and Mid America Service out in St. Charles,
basically across the street from me is the company to be called.

Any stories/problems with this company???

Mid America guy came out, was there about 20 minutes. He replaced 4 capacitors on the DM board.

Apparently Mits puts 95 degree capacitors on the board and he put 110 degree ones on.

TV turned on fine. Without the extended warranty it would have cost about $400 to fix it.

Well, well, well, the HD disc format war may be closer to "over" than ever.

As if Warner going Blu-Ray only weren't enough, apparently Paramount's contract with HD-DVD gave it an escape clause if Warner were to go Blu-Ray only.

To make a long story short, Paramount may now be dumping HD-DVD sooner rather than later:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dc409afa-bd75-11dc-b7e6-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1

On a personal note, the Warner announcement came the same day I received my Blade Runner HD-DVD limited box set from deepdiscountdvd.com. I still haven't bought a player in either format (was saving up for that LG combo drive for my HTPC). The Blade Runner set is still within deepdiscount's 30 day return policy, so back it goes today with a note to exchange it for the Blu-Ray version.

Well, well, well, the HD disc format war may be closer to "over" than ever.

As if Warner going Blu-Ray only weren't enough, apparently Paramount's contract with HD-DVD gave it an escape clause if Warner were to go Blu-Ray only.

To make a long story short, Paramount may now be dumping HD-DVD sooner rather than later:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dc409afa-bd75-11dc-b7e6-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1

On a personal note, the Warner announcement came the same day I received my Blade Runner HD-DVD limited box set from deepdiscountdvd.com. I still haven't bought a player in either format (was saving up for that LG combo drive for my HTPC). The Blade Runner set is still within deepdiscount's 30 day return policy, so back it goes today with a note to exchange it for the Blu-Ray version.

That hasn't been confirmed anywhere yet....It is coming from CES, so if you believe the smoke=fire equation, it may be confirmed soon...

So, any predictions on how much trouble it will be for them to install the wiring in a house built in the 1920's?

Last report I heard said the average installation takes about 8 hours.

On a personal note, the Warner announcement came the same day I received my Blade Runner HD-DVD limited box set from deepdiscountdvd.com. I still haven't bought a player in either format (was saving up for that LG combo drive for my HTPC). The Blade Runner set is still within deepdiscount's 30 day return policy, so back it goes today with a note to exchange it for the Blu-Ray version.
I bought the DVD version last month, thinking I would continue to sit on the sidelines of the format war, but I just bought a PS3 so now I've got the BD version as well. Guess I'll just craigslist the DVD version.

Update on the Paramount situation...

Paramount has denied the Financial Times story I linked to above, though the denial is pretty weak:

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=178864

Ok, this thread is huge, so where is the latest and greatest list of OTA HD for STL? Also, which stations are transmitting multipe channels and what is the programming on those?

Ok, this thread is huge, so where is the latest and greatest list of OTA HD for STL? Also, which stations are transmitting multipe channels and what is the programming on those?Look at the first page of this thread for info. It should have answers to your questions. Let us know if not.

Look at the first page of this thread for info. It should have answers to your questions. Let us know if not.


That hasn't been updated since March. So where is the real list??? I know PBS has at least 4 channels being transmitted.

That hasn't been updated since March. So where is the real list??? I know PBS has at least 4 channels being transmitted.

All PBS Channels are being broadcast on that same channel as subchannels. IIRC they are PBS HD, PBS KIDS, PBS SD, PBS CREATE. KSDK is broadcasting a subchannel for weather and KMOV is broadcasting a blank subchannel. KPLR Used to broadcast the Tube as a subchannel, but that channel died.....

Ok, this thread is huge, so where is the latest and greatest list of OTA HD for STL? Also, which stations are transmitting multipe channels and what is the programming on those?

"real" channels are in parenthesis

13 channels:

Fox 2.1 (43)
CBS 4.1 (56)
CBS 4.2...no content
NBC 5.1 (35)
Weather Plus 5.2 (weather, duh)
PBS National Feed HD 9.1 (39) (HD, better programming, imo)
PBS Sprout 9.2 (kids)
PBS St. Louis (KETC) 9.3 (SD simulcast of local PBS)
PBS Create 9.4 (cooking, house projects, arts and crafts, some travel)
CW 11.1 (26)
Religious (KNLC) 24.1 (14)
ABC 30.1 (31)
MNT 46.1 (47)...good luck picking it up!

sometime in the near future:
Retro TV: WPAX (21), KUMO-LD (10)
TBN: 33.1 (33)...religious

Big CES news for those of us with DirecTV and HTPC's....

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=115136

They talk about it like it's a tuner for your existing HTPC, but I'm wondering if it's a whole new PC you have to buy a la the CableCard PC's. I'd read more into the thread but it's 8 pages long and I have to get to work. :(

Did you look at the brochure on the first page? It is basically a USB addon. It's size is similar to a USB Hard Drive....

Well, well, well, the HD disc format war may be closer to "over" than ever.

As if Warner going Blu-Ray only weren't enough, apparently Paramount's contract with HD-DVD gave it an escape clause if Warner were to go Blu-Ray only.

To make a long story short, Paramount may now be dumping HD-DVD sooner rather than later:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dc409afa-bd75-11dc-b7e6-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1

On a personal note, the Warner announcement came the same day I received my Blade Runner HD-DVD limited box set from deepdiscountdvd.com. I still haven't bought a player in either format (was saving up for that LG combo drive for my HTPC). The Blade Runner set is still within deepdiscount's 30 day return policy, so back it goes today with a note to exchange it for the Blu-Ray version.

I'm sick of the whole HD farce. I just listed my entire HD-DVD catolog on *bay. I'm not buying into this crap anymore.

Scott
Go Bolts!

Go Colts!

Yeah baby!!!

I'm sick of the whole HD farce. I just listed my entire HD-DVD catolog on *bay. I'm not buying into this crap anymore.

Scott
Go Bolts!I knew the "war" was a farce from the beginning, so I sat on the sidelines and waited. My DVD purchase also went down to nearly nothing while I waited to see what would happen. I figured one would come out a clear winner, or they would both be replaced with something else.

I got a PS3 last Saturday morning and have started buying BD. I actually ordered the PS3 a week earlier on a SonyStyle/VISA store deal. I wanted to try out a HD movie on our new 1080p TV. I thought BD had taken a big enough edge, and decided if I was wrong at least I have a decent game console. At this point I just don't see HD DVD making a comeback significant enough to matter.

I have been looking at having my family leave Charter and going to satellite for over a year now, but have been hesitant to make the move for various reasons. But with Directv laucnhing so many HD channels (and Charter's lack of HD content), when I saw a nice deal I signed up the family with them. I cant wait to watch Scifi HD and all the other HD content I've been missing out on. Anyway Directv is scheduled to come by tomorrow and install service, after which I am locked into a 2-year contract. I can cancel anytime before installation. But I still have a number of questions about making the move to Directv and satellite in general. I know many of you, including Doug, have Directv and I was hoping you guys can give me your experiences with Directv, and/or making the switch from Charter.

Basically my questions are the following.
1. How is directv's HD picture quality compared to Charter? Do those of you that have Directv satisfied or unsatisfied with the HD PQ? The main reason i'm worried about PQ is that Directv uses (or used) HD Lite, down converting 1080i content to 1440x1080 or something like that. Charter is bad about many things, but the PQ of their HD content is as good as OTA transmissions imo.

2. How reliable is Directv satellite reception during light rain? and during really bad weather? How often has service been unavailable for you, like during thunderstorms, or ice storms (like last january)?

3. Is the Directv HD DVR controllable by a universal IR remote? (I requested a HR20 for OTA reception, we'll see what they bring tomorrow) I have a harmony 880 and of course want to use that.

Thats all the questions i can think of right now, so any feedback is welcome.

Sudhakar


-----THE DEAL I GOT FROM DIRECTV-----
$1680 - Choice Extra PLUS HD DVR Service ($70 x 24 months)
$120 - DIRECTV HD Extra Pack ($5 x 24 months)
$120 - Extra Standard Receiver Lease ($5 x 24 months)
$200 - DIRECTV HD DVR Price
$2120 Total not including discounts

-$240 - New Customer Discount ($20 x 12 months)
-$15 - HD Extra Pack free for 3 months ($5 x 3 months)
-$240 - AAA Membership Discount ($10 x 24 months)
$1625 Total less discounts
---Comes out $68 monthly price----

I also wanted to share that Toy's R US is having a Buy one get one free sale on Disney Blu-ray this week. Its been mentioned at Fatwallet, but I haven't seen it being mentioned here so I thought I would.

Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean 2
Pirates of the Caribbean 3
Casino Royale
Ratatoullie
Cars
Open Season
Meet the Robinsons
Bridge to Terebithia
High School Musical 2

In addition there is a legit $5 off coupon for any disney blu-ray movie. It requires installation of coupon.com software.
http://dvd.disneyemailcenter.com/functions/message_view.html?mid=1521370&mlid=72002&siteid=13493&uid=962c3e3bf6

I was able to buy pirates 2 & 3 blu-ray for a total of $20 yesterday.

...It requires installation of coupon.com software...That smells like spyware to me. It says you need the software in order to print scannable barcodes. That's bogus. I print pdfs of stuff with barcodes all the time.

Basically my questions are the following.
1. How is directv's HD picture quality compared to Charter? Do those of you that have Directv satisfied or unsatisfied with the HD PQ? The main reason i'm worried about PQ is that Directv uses (or used) HD Lite, down converting 1080i content to 1440x1080 or something like that. Charter is bad about many things, but the PQ of their HD content is as good as OTA transmissions imo.

2. How reliable is Directv satellite reception during light rain? and during really bad weather? How often has service been unavailable for you, like during thunderstorms, or ice storms (like last january)?

3. Is the Directv HD DVR controllable by a universal IR remote? (I requested a HR20 for OTA reception, we'll see what they bring tomorrow) I have a harmony 880 and of course want to use that.

Thats all the questions i can think of right now, so any feedback is welcome.

Sudhakar


-----THE DEAL I GOT FROM DIRECTV-----
$1680 - Choice Extra PLUS HD DVR Service ($70 x 24 months)
$120 - DIRECTV HD Extra Pack ($5 x 24 months)
$120 - Extra Standard Receiver Lease ($5 x 24 months)
$200 - DIRECTV HD DVR Price
$2120 Total not including discounts

-$240 - New Customer Discount ($20 x 12 months)
-$15 - HD Extra Pack free for 3 months ($5 x 3 months)
-$240 - AAA Membership Discount ($10 x 24 months)
$1625 Total less discounts
---Comes out $68 monthly price----

1) Picture quality varies, even on the mpeg4 stuff. At times, it looks awesome. OTA quality. Other times, it looks awful (like last night's BCS championship game on FOX mpeg4).

2) If the installer does his job correctly, it's going to take a HUGE storm for you to lose signal. When I lived in Tampa and Houston and went through 5 hurricanes, I barely lost signal even through that stuff.

3) Hopefully you get a HR20. I got one in Sept, but they gave me a HR21 last month when I get another free upgrade deal.

You got a pretty good deal there considering that you're a new customer. The HD Extra free for 3 months is standard, they don't even have a way to charge for it yet in the computer (a CSR told me this the other night when I called them to get my old Total Choice subscription as they switched me to the new Choice package when activating my HR21). Getting $20 off per month for a year is good though, that makes your HD DVR free. Standard offer is either the HD receiver or a SD DVR for free, so you got a $100 better receiver and $40 in your pocket... Outside of the AAA discount, you got $140 out of them over their standard advertised deal. Nice work.

After your 2yrs are up, or even 6 months into the current contract if you're good at dealing with retention reps, you can angle for another HD DVR for free. I've been doing that the last 2yrs and have run my total up to 4 HD DVR's and one mpeg4 receiver for free. :D If you like the service and plan to stay, just keep working them for better equipment as you go along.

That smells like spyware to me. It says you need the software in order to print scannable barcodes. That's bogus. I print pdfs of stuff with barcodes all the time.

It looks legit to me, i downloaded and installed it, and haven't had any problems yet. I have a ton of antispyware and antivirus software on my PC. I'll run ad aware scan just to be safe.

Yeah, the Chargers will beat the Colts baby!!!

You are always right Bill. :D

Go Bolts!

I knew the "war" was a farce from the beginning, so I sat on the sidelines and waited. My DVD purchase also went down to nearly nothing while I waited to see what would happen. I figured one would come out a clear winner, or they would both be replaced with something else.

I got a PS3 last Saturday morning and have started buying BD. I actually ordered the PS3 a week earlier on a SonyStyle/VISA store deal. I wanted to try out a HD movie on our new 1080p TV. I thought BD had taken a big enough edge, and decided if I was wrong at least I have a decent game console. At this point I just don't see HD DVD making a comeback significant enough to matter.


I felt pretty much like you did from the beginning. Considering I'm usually a very early adopter, I sat on the sidelines for what seemed like an eternity. I only got into HD-DVD because I already had the Xbox, and I could get the HD-DVD add-on for cheap. At least I considered it cheap compared to my SD-DVD player that retailed for $999. I guess being sick of the format war has made me evaluate why I buy DVD's period. Bottom line is I feel I've been wasting a lot of money for something I watch once maybe twice. Plus, I really don't see much of a difference in picture quality on my 720p projector from HD to SD on DVD's. Anyway, I'm done supporting either format for now, except that I'll continue to rent HD-DVD's via netflix.

Scott

Go Bolts!

I have been looking at having my family leave Charter and going to satellite for over a year now, but have been hesitant to make the move for various reasons. But with Directv laucnhing so many HD channels (and Charter's lack of HD content), when I saw a nice deal I signed up the family with them. I cant wait to watch Scifi HD and all the other HD content I've been missing out on. Anyway Directv is scheduled to come by tomorrow and install service, after which I am locked into a 2-year contract. I can cancel anytime before installation. But I still have a number of questions about making the move to Directv and satellite in general. I know many of you, including Doug, have Directv and I was hoping you guys can give me your experiences with Directv, and/or making the switch from Charter.

Basically my questions are the following.
1. How is directv's HD picture quality compared to Charter? Do those of you that have Directv satisfied or unsatisfied with the HD PQ? The main reason i'm worried about PQ is that Directv uses (or used) HD Lite, down converting 1080i content to 1440x1080 or something like that. Charter is bad about many things, but the PQ of their HD content is as good as OTA transmissions imo.

2. How reliable is Directv satellite reception during light rain? and during really bad weather? How often has service been unavailable for you, like during thunderstorms, or ice storms (like last january)?

3. Is the Directv HD DVR controllable by a universal IR remote? (I requested a HR20 for OTA reception, we'll see what they bring tomorrow) I have a harmony 880 and of course want to use that.

Thats all the questions i can think of right now, so any feedback is welcome.

Sudhakar


-----THE DEAL I GOT FROM DIRECTV-----
$1680 - Choice Extra PLUS HD DVR Service ($70 x 24 months)
$120 - DIRECTV HD Extra Pack ($5 x 24 months)
$120 - Extra Standard Receiver Lease ($5 x 24 months)
$200 - DIRECTV HD DVR Price
$2120 Total not including discounts

-$240 - New Customer Discount ($20 x 12 months)
-$15 - HD Extra Pack free for 3 months ($5 x 3 months)
-$240 - AAA Membership Discount ($10 x 24 months)
$1625 Total less discounts
---Comes out $68 monthly price----

1. Picture quality for me is and has always been more than acceptable. HD looks very good for the most part. Not sure why Jon thought the BCS game looked bad las night as it looked great on my TV.

2. Service reliability for me has been stellar. The picture will freeze up and go out completely sometimes, but it seems there is no rhyme or reason for it. Sometimes heavy rain will not affect it and sometimes light rain will. But, in 13 years of being a client, I can honestly say I've never been "mad" because of lack of signal. The longest time I've gone without signal is maybe 10 minutes once or twice in 13 years. And, if you have an antenna, that will still work if you lose signal.

3. Yes, you can use your Harmony 880. I use mine to perfection. If they bring you a HR21, don't fret. There is a OTA tuner add-on for it.

Good luck, and you have made a wise decision.

Not sure why Jon thought the BCS game looked bad las night as it looked great on my TV.


I didn't notice it much on my smaller HDTV's (56, 50 and 42), but on the 110" projector the compression artifacts were very obvious. Moving grass, halos around players, stuff like that. I went to the OTA signal and it wasn't quite as bad, but still there, so maybe it was a network thing that I was observing.

... If they bring you a HR21, don't fret. There is a OTA tuner add-on for it.I ended up with a HR21 on my third rcvr. What's the addon? Does it work with the DVR?

Bottom line is I feel I've been wasting a lot of money for something I watch once maybe twice. Plus, I really don't see much of a difference in picture quality on my 720p projector from HD to SD on DVD's. Anyway, I'm done supporting either format for now, except that I'll continue to rent HD-DVD's via netflix.I'm curious about how the Apple iTunes movie rentals works out. If they can deliver reasonable quality at low price I may spring for an Apple TV. Unfortunately, I think it'll be priced similarly to XBox Live, which is about $6 for a HD rental. That's about 3 times what I think is fair for a 1-2 day rental, so even at half what XBox Live charges I'm still not in.

Basically my questions are the following.
1. How is directv's HD picture quality compared to Charter? Do those of you that have Directv satisfied or unsatisfied with the HD PQ? The main reason i'm worried about PQ is that Directv uses (or used) HD Lite, down converting 1080i content to 1440x1080 or something like that. Charter is bad about many things, but the PQ of their HD content is as good as OTA transmissions imo.

2. How reliable is Directv satellite reception during light rain? and during really bad weather? How often has service been unavailable for you, like during thunderstorms, or ice storms (like last january)?

3. Is the Directv HD DVR controllable by a universal IR remote? (I requested a HR20 for OTA reception, we'll see what they bring tomorrow) I have a harmony 880 and of course want to use that.

Thats all the questions i can think of right now, so any feedback is welcome.

Sudhakar


-----THE DEAL I GOT FROM DIRECTV-----
$1680 - Choice Extra PLUS HD DVR Service ($70 x 24 months)
$120 - DIRECTV HD Extra Pack ($5 x 24 months)
$120 - Extra Standard Receiver Lease ($5 x 24 months)
$200 - DIRECTV HD DVR Price
$2120 Total not including discounts

-$240 - New Customer Discount ($20 x 12 months)
-$15 - HD Extra Pack free for 3 months ($5 x 3 months)
-$240 - AAA Membership Discount ($10 x 24 months)
$1625 Total less discounts
---Comes out $68 monthly price----

1) I switched from Charter around the first of November last year and could not be happier with D*. I had a great install and find the HD quality as good if not better than Charter and the quantity is obviously better.

2) I have had only about 2 minutes when the signal was down and that was this past Monday night during the huge downpour. I record a lot to my DVR and have found no outages even during the odd hours I record stuff.

3) I use a Harmony remote and it works fine. There are a lot of 'extra' buttons in the D* remote (colored buttons, list), it may take some messing around with it to get the buttons on your D* remote in a useful place on your Harmony.

The price you got is really close to what I got. I did get Showtime and Starz free for 3 months, but otherwise very close in pricing.

Brad

I ended up with a HR21 on my third rcvr. What's the addon? Does it work with the DVR?I saw that D* just announced it at CES for Feb. 08 availability at $60 or so.

On a sidenote: D* added the protection plan after installing my new HR21. Is this worthwhile? I've never carried it, and generally don't buy into extended warranties, protection plans (except on laptops and HVAC). I'm wondering if I should tell D* to take it off my account or keep it if it really has some value.

I saw that D* just announced it at CES for Feb. 08 availability at $60 or so.

On a sidenote: D* added the protection plan after installing my new HR21. Is this worthwhile? I've never carried it, and generally don't buy into extended warranties, protection plans (except on laptops and HVAC). I'm wondering if I should tell D* to take it off my account or keep it if it really has some value.

It saves you from paying the $19.95 shipping fee if they have to replace your equipment and it
also saves on the dish pointing fee if a tech needs to come out after a storm or something.

I don't have it.

I didn't notice it much on my smaller HDTV's (56, 50 and 42), but on the 110" projector the compression artifacts were very obvious. Moving grass, halos around players, stuff like that. I went to the OTA signal and it wasn't quite as bad, but still there, so maybe it was a network thing that I was observing.

I was watching on my 133" screen and it looked good on all channels. I ended up mostly watching 88 to avoid the weather alerts though.

I saw that D* just announced it at CES for Feb. 08 availability at $60 or so.

On a sidenote: D* added the protection plan after installing my new HR21. Is this worthwhile? I've never carried it, and generally don't buy into extended warranties, protection plans (except on laptops and HVAC). I'm wondering if I should tell D* to take it off my account or keep it if it really has some value.


I generally don't buy into these either, but with these new boxes and all their glitches I have the protection just in case.

I've had one HR20 for just over a year and got my second yesterday. I don't have the protection plan. I haven't had any issues with the HR20. I had 1 RBR(Red Button reset) in that entire year. I don't use the Media Share on it though, my PS3 is much better/faster right now.

You guys are my idols. I look forward to the day when I can talk about my "small" 52-inch HDTV or nonchalantly mention my 133-inch screen without missing a beat :)

And to think I'm perfectly happy with my 32 incher :o

Has anyone been having problems with KMOV lately? Last night it was SD and the audio was all static-y and tonight it was SD with major audio dropouts.

You guys are my idols. I look forward to the day when I can talk about my "small" 52-inch HDTV or nonchalantly mention my 133-inch screen without missing a beat :)

And to think I'm perfectly happy with my 32 incher :o

OOPS! My Wife thinks it's 200". :eek:

Basically my questions are the following.
1. How is directv's HD picture quality compared to Charter? Do those of you that have Directv satisfied or unsatisfied with the HD PQ? The main reason i'm worried about PQ is that Directv uses (or used) HD Lite, down converting 1080i content to 1440x1080 or something like that. Charter is bad about many things, but the PQ of their HD content is as good as OTA transmissions imo.

2. How reliable is Directv satellite reception during light rain? and during really bad weather? How often has service been unavailable for you, like during thunderstorms, or ice storms (like last january)?

3. Is the Directv HD DVR controllable by a universal IR remote? (I requested a HR20 for OTA reception, we'll see what they bring tomorrow) I have a harmony 880 and of course want to use that.

Thats all the questions i can think of right now, so any feedback is welcome.

Sudhakar

1. Can't comment from personal experience as I don't have HD service yet, but if you have a 720P display it is probably 1024x768 so it's scaling the resolution to that so you shouldn't notice any difference. I can't say I've noticed the rescaling of my 720P display on either 720P or 1080i OTA formats.

2. That last heavy wet snow I lost signal for a day, first ever that long in about 5 years. Without getting into the boring details, my roof geometry and dish location are a bit unique and the dish basically got covered by several inches of snow. Otherwise I lose signals only during severe storms while they are over my house or slightly south and the interruptions aren't very long. From a conversation of a friend with Charter, I have had way less outages than he. I have also had no service calls in 5 years. Very little stuff these days seems that reliable.

3. Can't comment.

Has anyone been having problems with KMOV lately? Last night it was SD and the audio was all static-y and tonight it was SD with major audio dropouts.

Same here. Something's broken. Letterman started out in HD with horrible audio. The show quickly reverted to SD.

That figures. Weren't Criminal Minds and CSI:NY last night the first new episodes in something like a month?

I emailed KDNL-30 to suggest they air the Missouri vs. Kansas basketball next Saturday evening -- currently it's only available to those that get ESPNU. Here is the response I got:
You have a really great point, but unfortunately we are not licensed to
air the game. Rest assured if we could air it, we would. Most of the
time when games are sold contractually, the game is bought with
exclusivity so that the licensee is the only one that can air it.

Broadcasting different programming on our analog and digital channel is
a good point as well, but we are not currently set up to do so.

I have a message in to a guy at ESPN to see if any station licensed it
locally and will let you know his reply as soon as I get it.

Thanks for taking the time to write.

Sincerely,

Sandy Habeck
KDNL ABC 30 Programming
If anyone else would like this to happen, then I suggest you email <info@abcstlouis.com> with your request. I was surprised to hear that they cannot air different programming on their analog and digital channels.

I emailed KDNL-30 to suggest they air the Missouri vs. Kansas basketball next Saturday evening -- currently it's only available to those that get ESPNU. Here is the response I got:

If anyone else would like this to happen, then I suggest you email <info@abcstlouis.com> with your request. I was surprised to hear that they cannot air different programming on their analog and digital channels.

Actually we can air different programming on HD...except without commercials. While you would like that the bottom line would not!
Jim

Has anyone been having problems with KMOV lately? Last night it was SD and the audio was all static-y and tonight it was SD with major audio dropouts.

Was a bit better tonight, but the 7pm CSI-NY was in SD and they had some serious audio noise for a short period during "Without a Trace"

I have been looking at having my family leave Charter and going to satellite for over a year now, but have been hesitant to make the move for various reasons. But with Directv laucnhing so many HD channels (and Charter's lack of HD content), when I saw a nice deal I signed up the family with them. I cant wait to watch Scifi HD and all the other HD content I've been missing out on. Anyway Directv is scheduled to come by tomorrow and install service, after which I am locked into a 2-year contract. I can cancel anytime before installation. But I still have a number of questions about making the move to Directv and satellite in general. I know many of you, including Doug, have Directv and I was hoping you guys can give me your experiences with Directv, and/or making the switch from Charter.

Basically my questions are the following.
1. How is directv's HD picture quality compared to Charter? Do those of you that have Directv satisfied or unsatisfied with the HD PQ? The main reason i'm worried about PQ is that Directv uses (or used) HD Lite, down converting 1080i content to 1440x1080 or something like that. Charter is bad about many things, but the PQ of their HD content is as good as OTA transmissions imo.

2. How reliable is Directv satellite reception during light rain? and during really bad weather? How often has service been unavailable for you, like during thunderstorms, or ice storms (like last january)?

3. Is the Directv HD DVR controllable by a universal IR remote? (I requested a HR20 for OTA reception, we'll see what they bring tomorrow) I have a harmony 880 and of course want to use that.

Thats all the questions i can think of right now, so any feedback is welcome.

Sudhakar


-----THE DEAL I GOT FROM DIRECTV-----
$1680 - Choice Extra PLUS HD DVR Service ($70 x 24 months)
$120 - DIRECTV HD Extra Pack ($5 x 24 months)
$120 - Extra Standard Receiver Lease ($5 x 24 months)
$200 - DIRECTV HD DVR Price
$2120 Total not including discounts

-$240 - New Customer Discount ($20 x 12 months)
-$15 - HD Extra Pack free for 3 months ($5 x 3 months)
-$240 - AAA Membership Discount ($10 x 24 months)
$1625 Total less discounts
---Comes out $68 monthly price----

I'm seriously thinking of signing on to Directv - again. I had it for 6 years or so when I lived out in the country near Columbia MO. I eventually upgraded to the HD service a few years back. Since moving to St. Louis, I've had basic Charter cable (since it's free in my duplex I'm renting). I do get all the OTA HD stuff using my old Directv HD receiver (Hughes HTL-HD). Question. Do you have to have a phone line to get Directv? I only have cell and I'm curious. I don't need a land line so I'd hope it wouldn't be required by DTV.

By looking at Sudhaker's deal - I could handle $68 a month. I'm in good standing as a former customer - so I'd expect a good deal.

Spencer

I don't have a phone line attached to any of my D* receivers

If a tree falls in the woods, but no one is there does it make a sound? If there is a writer's strike, but the local HD is so bad no one can watch, is there really a strike?

KMOV was awful with Criminal Minds and the like as previously mentioned. Now I watch My Name Is Earl from last night and our HD Leader airs Brian Williams' news for 2 minutes in the middle of the show, then came back with black bars all around. I'm not sure why I pay for HDTVs and receivers when they fail to broadcast our shows in HD.

While we're b*tching about local HD, I finally got around to watching the Christmas episode of Supernatural from KPLR a few weeks back.

TWENTY-FIVE audio dropouts (a second or so of dead silence) before the first commercial break. Didn't bother to resume counting after that.

I'm seriously thinking of signing on to Directv - again. I had it for 6 years or so when I lived out in the country near Columbia MO. I eventually upgraded to the HD service a few years back. Since moving to St. Louis, I've had basic Charter cable (since it's free in my duplex I'm renting). I do get all the OTA HD stuff using my old Directv HD receiver (Hughes HTL-HD). Question. Do you have to have a phone line to get Directv? I only have cell and I'm curious. I don't need a land line so I'd hope it wouldn't be required by DTV.

By looking at Sudhaker's deal - I could handle $68 a month. I'm in good standing as a former customer - so I'd expect a good deal.

Spencer

My understanding is that a phone line is not required. I ask the technician and he said the phone line is used for ordering paperview events (without fees) while ordering in any other method there are additional fees.

Directv was installed on wednesday. I will share my experiences/thought sometime this weekend.

Again, you don't need a phone to get Directv. Also, if you don't have a phone line you can save the charges of calling in a movie rental by renting from online.

Scott

Go Boltz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!

I haven't had a phone line attached to my D* receivers for a long time, and never to my third one (even during install).

Hey All:

I was watching KMOV HD, using D* and noticed that I did not hear that ever familiar audio pop when the switch is made from HD to SD and vise versa. This is great! Can one else confirm this?

Thanks!

Kmov has been fine for me also.

Hey All:

I was watching KMOV HD, using D* and noticed that I did not hear that ever familiar audio pop when the switch is made from HD to SD and vise versa. This is great! Can one else confirm this?

Thanks!

I was watching kmov as well, and the only pops I heard were the hits the Boltz put on the Colts. :eek:

Scott

Anybody else notice the Fox 2 bug was NOT in the corner of the screen during the entire Sarah Connor Chronicles premiere (NOT that I'm complaining)?

Anybody know anything about Netflix Streaming Movies? They just released that they will be offering unlimited viewing. Wouldn't think the quality would be that great if it is streaming, but if you could download the movie in it's original SD quality I'd be all for it.

I did a search on AVS but didn't see anyone else mentioning it. Not even sure what area to look on here. :confused:

Tonight's Sarah Connor episode was only 2.94gb after I removed the commercials and had a bitrate of only 9.01mbps. I've made standard DVD-R's with higher bitrates than that.

Tonight's Sarah Connor episode was only 2.94gb after I removed the commercials and had a bitrate of only 9.01mbps. I've made standard DVD-R's with higher bitrates than that.

You actually got to watch it? Dropouts were so long and so frequent during the second half I gave up. It was unwatchable. (Charter via Moxi).

barry

I was wondering how shipping times are for Blockbuster Online in our area? Also....

Any updates good or bad for locals using Unraid? Looks like I will be putting a system together for storage soon....:p

No dropouts at all either OTA or through HR20 *D local on Sarah Connor.

I have 12 750gb drives, a 1tb drive, and a 400gb drive in my UnRaid system. Works great for streaming my media files to the HTPC. Other than the drives and the huge case, I put it together completely out of spare parts I had lying around. I love it!

Anybody know anything about Netflix Streaming Movies? They just released that they will be offering unlimited viewing. Wouldn't think the quality would be that great if it is streaming, but if you could download the movie in it's original SD quality I'd be all for it.

I did a search on AVS but didn't see anyone else mentioning it. Not even sure what area to look on here. :confused:

It looks pretty damn good, i watch it on my hdtv and it looks like an upconverted dvd

No dropouts at all either OTA or through HR20 *D local on Sarah Connor.

I have 12 750gb drives, a 1tb drive, and a 400gb drive in my UnRaid system. Works great for streaming my media files to the HTPC. Other than the drives and the huge case, I put it together completely out of spare parts I had lying around. I love it!

hmmm, I had all kinds of audio dropout during Prison Break on FOX via OTA, I didn't get to check D*88.

hmmm, I had all kinds of audio dropout during Prison Break on FOX via OTA, I didn't get to check D*88.

Hmmm, haven't played back Prison Break yet. I'll let y'all know on that one later tonight.

Newbie-type question...

The in-laws just got a 'free' 42" LCD TV with their furniture purchase from American. Charter came out to set up their new HD cable box. I just assumed they would need an HDMI cable for HD, but my in-law told me over the phone it's just a regular coax.

How big of a difference in picture quality is there between using the HDMI and not...assuming you don't need an HDMI cable. I thought you did :o

I don't think Charter's HD capable boxes have a coax output...

The only coax that would carry HD is from the Antenna to the "antenna in" on the tv to get over the air HD.
Dug

I don't think Charter's HD capable boxes have a coax output...

The only coax that would carry HD is from the Antenna to the "antenna in" on the tv to get over the air HD.
Dug


Thanks guys.

Newbie-type question...

The in-laws just got a 'free' 42" LCD TV with their furniture purchase from American. Charter came out to set up their new HD cable box. I just assumed they would need an HDMI cable for HD, but my in-law told me over the phone it's just a regular coax.

How big of a difference in picture quality is there between using the HDMI and not...assuming you don't need an HDMI cable. I thought you did :o

I would think you would need a hdmi or component cable connection (I have component out of my charter hd box) to get HD.

If I remember correctly when I picked up my box they wanted to sell me a component cable for some high price. I just picked up my own.

All my other stations look great. It's just KSDK that looks bad. Somehow local chanels 4, 30, 9-1 and 2 look fine too.

My SS is fine, my OTA is good too. The video is not breaking up. I am griping about how poor the PQ is on KSDK. I wasn't even sure L&O was in HD. It looked that bad.

Well, it's a week later and since around Christmas, some days KSDK OTA signal is good, some days it's bad. On my Fusion PC tuner, signal strength varies from the high 70's to mid 80's. Everybody else, save KDNL is rock solid 100%. When KSDK is good, signal is rock solid 100%. I've ruled out my setup as all three ATSC tuners are having trouble at the same time. Can't believe it's multi-path because all the stations are very close to being in-line from out here in St. Charles (thanks for the maps Doug). I'm very close to upgrading my mother in law to HD. I hope I don't have to try to explain this to her. She doesn't get why analog is going away in a year, she sure as heck won't understand why the picture and sound stutters when signal is bad. Makes snow and ghosting not seem so bad. ;)

Anybody out there have an explanation or theory why KSDK signal comes and goes?

I think my signal strength has dipped a bit too for KSDK, but I'm still not having breakups or problems, just not as many bars.

I'm too new I think to OTA to give you any real quality advice.

But your situation just reminds of mine in sense that no real solution seems to present itself. OTA "science" seems so particular and random. My deal is that I can get 24.1 in at four bars, no breakups and its about the same compass reading, power and distance as 46.1, yet I can't even get 46.1 to show up, let alone watch. (And of course I could give a crap about 24.1)

I will ask you this though, 70 or 80% should be more than enough to have a rock solid signal. A few of mine have even less. Can you actively watch your signal strength meter while the channel is up? Because if its fine for several minutes and then just breaks up for a few seconds and comes back to about the same signal strength as before, then that's what multipathing is in digital OTA (they way it was explained to me).

Also is it one antenna feeding your three tuners, or three antennas?

Well, it's a week later and since around Christmas, some days KSDK OTA signal is good, some days it's bad. On my Fusion PC tuner, signal strength varies from the high 70's to mid 80's. Everybody else, save KDNL is rock solid 100%. When KSDK is good, signal is rock solid 100%. I've ruled out my setup as all three ATSC tuners are having trouble at the same time. Can't believe it's multi-path because all the stations are very close to being in-line from out here in St. Charles (thanks for the maps Doug). I'm very close to upgrading my mother in law to HD. I hope I don't have to try to explain this to her. She doesn't get why analog is going away in a year, she sure as heck won't understand why the picture and sound stutters when signal is bad. Makes snow and ghosting not seem so bad. ;)

Anybody out there have an explanation or theory why KSDK signal comes and goes?

I just got around to watching FNL which was recorded on Friday. It was HORRIBLE on charter. What was also strange is that when I would fast forward, it would not be really smooth like it should be. It was really tiled.

Tim

........Anybody out there have an explanation or theory why KSDK signal comes and goes?

I'm not having any picture issues with kSDk, just the usual dumb mistakes. However, here in Creve Coeur, channels 2,4,5 and 9 have always come in at a solid 100 on my 622 via OTA. Lately, (since last December?), channel 5 is now a consistent 85. So maybe they are not at full power for some reason.

Again, I see no difference in picture quality but someone further out in the fringe or with a weak antenna might see issues.

I don't know if anyone mentioned it, but supposedly KMOV will start their HD newscast next week.

I caught up on some DVR'd shows last night "Medium" & "Law & Order: SVU" both recorded from OTA. I've always had a rock solid signal in Troy, IL but both of these shows had so many breakups that they were almost unwatchable. All other locals still come in rock solid.

I was wondering how shipping times are for Blockbuster Online in our area?

I just signed up for the service with a free month trial and so far it's pretty good. My first 2 movies arrived 2 days after they were shipped and the next 3 movies all arrived the day after they were shipped. I like the fact that I can return them to the store and they log in instantly as returned. I will probably keep it after the trial based on my impressions so far.

Does anyone know why KPLR won't broadcast the Blues games in HD?

Does anyone know why KPLR won't broadcast the Blues games in HD?

For the same reason that KTVI doesn't broadcast anything in HD other than FOX network feeds that are HD. I'm guessing that it's a lack of HD cameras.

For the same reason that KTVI doesn't broadcast anything in HD other than FOX network feeds that are HD. I'm guessing that it's a lack of HD cameras.


Unfortunately, there were HD cameras at one of the last KPLR Blues games as it was on HDNET. I couldn't watch it on HDNET because it was blacked out because of KPLR.

I will ask you this though, 70 or 80% should be more than enough to have a rock solid signal. A few of mine have even less. Can you actively watch your signal strength meter while the channel is up? Because if its fine for several minutes and then just breaks up for a few seconds and comes back to about the same signal strength as before, then that's what multipathing is in digital OTA (they way it was explained to me).

Also is it one antenna feeding your three tuners, or three antennas?

I can watch signal strength on my PC and since my problem started with KSDK while everybody else is solid at 100%, KSDK number waver in what seems a random manner. Coincidentally, my PC tuner begins breaking up around 70% signal strength, but I've read elsewhere that the % strength doesn't mean anything when compared to the signal reported from a different tuner. I just watched the meter for a couple of minutes and strength varied from 87% to 98% no breakups. Tuner also reports signal strength in dB. The difference from 87% to 98% is 3 dB which is 30% in amplitude and 50% in power. Pretty large change assuming the measurement reported is correct.

My setup leaves a bit to be desired. I have one old (19 years) long range VHF/UHV antenna I'm planning to upgrade soon in the attic. RG59 cable to basement with one split in it for an analog TV on second level. 4-way split in basement to other sets, each amplified. Using RG6 cable from amplifier to other 4 sets. I probably need to check aim, but I did set it up with a compass when I installed it.

FWIW, 46.1 varies 80-89%, 2.3 dB difference, 30.1, 9.1, 4.1, and 2.1 are solid at 100% and interestingly they range from 27.8 dB to 32.6 dB. 11.1 is dead at 0%. I can get them, but their quality at my location has never been good.

Can anyone confirm KMOV is doing local HD newscasts starting next week? Any announcements etc.?

For the same reason that KTVI doesn't broadcast anything in HD other than FOX network feeds that are HD. I'm guessing that it's a lack of HD cameras.

It all goes back to BudSports. They do the production and they have to sign the agreement with KPLR.

they may not have the budget either as the Tribune Company is looking to sell. Bud Sports could possibly have even offered, but KPLR didn't have the extra dough.

Hmmm, haven't played back Prison Break yet. I'll let y'all know on that one later tonight.

Well Bob, did you notice any audio drops during Prison Break?

Sorry I still haven't watched it... been busy putting together what will be my *new* HTPC. Gonna try to sneak it in between football games this weekend.........

Hope this is the right section to post this.

Just saw a Charter message that said they were adding a few HD channels. One looked like a Versus/Golf Channel combo. I have those 2 separate channels now on my SD lineup.

Is it indeed a single HD channel featuring both Vs & GC?

Buckmasters, Hockey & Golf all on one channel???

Hope this is the right section to post this.

Just saw a Charter message that said they were adding a few HD channels. One looked like a Versus/Golf Channel combo. I have those 2 separate channels now on my SD lineup.

Is it indeed a single HD channel featuring both Vs & GC?

Buckmasters, Hockey & Golf all on one channel???

Yes, it is combined. They usually have a couple of HD Hockey games a week, then the Golf channel has just started showing real HD tournaments at the beginning of the year.

I don't know if Buckmasters is shot HD.

I just saw a commercial stating that KMOV newscasts are going to be broadcast HD soon. However, it didnt state when.

Mark

I just saw a commercial stating that KMOV newscasts are going to be broadcast HD soon. However, it didnt state when.

Mark
Yep, saw the commercial this morning.

I think KMOV is doing a little CYA just in case they have any issues. Don't promise a firm date and you won't look like a schmo.

Well, I just pulled the trigger on a switch to Dish from Charter.
I expect that when the installer shows on the 28th he'll tell me there's no way to get line of sight because of all the trees, but I'll have nine days to enjoy the idea of Dish.
Questions:
-- What is the HDD capacity (gigs) of the 722? CSR couldn't tell me.
-- I have a Panny DVD Recorder. I want to hook a standard Dish receiver directly to the Panny, and then the Panny to my TV. Can this be done? CSR didn't understand what I want to do.
-- Finally, I asked about an OTA antenna to be installed at the same time. CSR said I have to buy it retail and have it on hand when installer shows. Fine. But she said I would only be able to get OTA signals for CW and PBS from Atlanta and San Francisco. Huh???!!! What?
thx
barry

The News 4 This Morning blog says that they will broadcast the news in HD as soon as... Monday. Doesn't matter to me, I have Charter and won't be able to see it anyways. Maybe Charter will cave in and start carrying KMOV-DT.

The News 4 This Morning blog says that they will broadcast the news in HD as soon as... Monday. Doesn't matter to me, I have Charter and won't be able to see it anyways. Maybe Charter will cave in and start carrying KMOV-DT.

Get an antenna and you'll be able to get it...

Has anyone in the STl area gotten AT&T U-verse yet?

I just go the flyer in the mail with their rates. Here is a link to the offer for our area.

https://uverse1.att.com/un/loadSelectOfferAction.do?From_UMA_Iframe=True&UMA_Launch_Url=/uma/RetrieveCatalogContent?ITEMTYPE=COMPONENT&ITEMID=104297&DOCTYPE=LEARNMORE&FORMAT=IFRAME&APPID=AMSS


I'm thinking about getting so I can compare it to my E* All everything plan.

Well, I just pulled the trigger on a switch to Dish from Charter.
........ I asked about an OTA antenna to be installed at the same time. CSR said I have to buy it retail and have it on hand when installer shows. Fine. But she said I would only be able to get OTA signals for CW and PBS from Atlanta and San Francisco. Huh???!!! What?
thx
barry

Total confusion. If you live in St. Louis, you won't be eligible to receive the distant locals (NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox) from either coast. That's only available to folks who live in "white" areas where there is no local network service. We're talking the Boonies. But you should be able to get the local St. Louis channels (2,4,5,30). Not sure if CW is even an option with Dish.

Total confusion. If you live in St. Louis, you won't be eligible to receive the distant locals (NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox) from either coast.
But - but - but I thought the question was about OTA reception? Network shows from either coast is moot, it sounded to me like local, antenna-fed reception was being sought.

Has anyone in the STl area gotten AT&T U-verse yet?

I have had it installed since 12/20. I enjoy trying new technology and for the most part have enjoyed U-Verse. Channel lineup is better than what I had with Charter, and for a better price. Plus it includes a DVR. Downsides are HD quality is not as good (yet...plans are in the works to change their encoders), and only one HD stream allowed at a time (for now, also in the works). Whole house DVR is supposed to be rolled out soon (where you can watch recordings from any TV in the house), which IMHO will convince a lot of people to give it a try.

Lots more discussions here (http://utalk.att.com) and here (http://www.uverseusers.com).

But - but - but I thought the question was about OTA reception? Network shows from either coast is moot, it sounded to me like local, antenna-fed reception was being sought.

Right, that was the question. She and I understood about CBS/ABC/NBC/Fox HD local via Dish; I said I wanted PBS and CW in HD, therefore I'd need an OTA antenna. After she said Dish would install the antenna if I had it in hand when the installer came, then she said I'd get SF and Atlanta! Obviously some brain lock going on...
barry

Well, I just pulled the trigger on a switch to Dish from Charter.
I expect that when the installer shows on the 28th he'll tell me there's no way to get line of sight because of all the trees, but I'll have nine days to enjoy the idea of Dish.
Questions:
-- What is the HDD capacity (gigs) of the 722? CSR couldn't tell me.
-- I have a Panny DVD Recorder. I want to hook a standard Dish receiver directly to the Panny, and then the Panny to my TV. Can this be done? CSR didn't understand what I want to do.
-- Finally, I asked about an OTA antenna to be installed at the same time. CSR said I have to buy it retail and have it on hand when installer shows. Fine. But she said I would only be able to get OTA signals for CW and PBS from Atlanta and San Francisco. Huh???!!! What?
thx
barry


The VIP722 has a 500gig. hard drive. You also can add on up to a 750gig. external usb drive. Dish charges $40.00 to activate external hard drive usage but it covers all the dvr's in your house(if you have multiple 622-722's) The 722 also has an improved mpeg4 decoder chip over the 622. I am running my 625 standard to an LG dvd recorder and then to the tv, it works well. I haven't recorded very many things to it yet so don't know if or what Chanel's are flagged with copy protection, your recorder may refuse to record some of them. If you have a network drop the 722 will also do video on demand via the internet. It is a very nice box, hopefully the install goes well so you will be able to enjoy.

I finally hooked up my Tivo HD.

I still haven't switched out my cable, re-aimed my antenna or installed a pre-amp. I wanted to see how the Tivo worked with my system "as is".

I was shocked to find that I could only pick up one station. :eek::confused:

Odd because with my Samsung box I got all channels except 46.1

I had a hunch and plugged in an antenuator I had from back in the Charter/Moxi days (remember that bad microblocking problem with that box?)

I was shocked, really really shocked to find my signal was too strong. How can this be? 30-ish miles out, medium size attic antenna? weird. But knocking off a few db's did it...and with better strength than before.

But ****, still can't 46.1! :mad: Although, at least with Tivo I can get analog 46, which ironically looks "alright" (as best as an analog channel ota can look on an hd tv). I guess it'll work until a year from now. It frustrates the hell out of me. So I can get the analog station in fine. I can get other low-powered, or far away digitals (pbs, larry rice), but I can't this one. I'm done with attempting to figure it out.

Anyways I'm really happy so far with the Tivo HD and feel confident going OTA-only. I've never used a Tivo before and so far I dig the guide and menus.

I have a large powered UHF antenna in St. Louis city and KTVI (channel 2)'s HD signal seems to have gone silent. It has been like this since around 3:30 PM today (01/20/2008). My over-the-air tuner doesn't even recognize it any more, but it picks up every other local digital broadcast just fine (including 24-1 and 46-1).

Is anyone else experiencing this?

I have a large powered UHF antenna in St. Louis city and KTVI (channel 2)'s HD signal seems to have gone silent. It has been like this since around 3:30 PM today (01/20/2008). My over-the-air tuner doesn't even recognize it any more, but it picks up every other local digital broadcast just fine (including 24-1 and 46-1).

Is anyone else experiencing this?



I am watching the game on fox 2 right now and just checked my signal strength, it is pegged at 100. I am in St. Peters with my antenna sitting in the attic laying on the insulation. Maybe try rescanning all the channels in your setup to see if anything changes?

I am watching the game on fox 2 right now and just checked my signal strength, it is pegged at 100. I am in St. Peters with my antenna sitting in the attic laying on the insulation. Maybe try rescanning all the channels in your setup to see if anything changes?

Ah, just a minor aerial malfunction - all is well. Thanks for the quick feedback!

I have a large powered UHF antenna in St. Louis city and KTVI (channel 2)'s HD signal seems to have gone silent. It has been like this since around 3:30 PM today (01/20/2008). My over-the-air tuner doesn't even recognize it any more, but it picks up every other local digital broadcast just fine (including 24-1 and 46-1).

Is anyone else experiencing this?

I set up a Sony KDL-32ML130 for my mother in-law yesterday in St. Charles by Lindenwood University. Using her existing UHF/VHF antenna all the digitals came in except for 24.1. Today I went back to move around the DVD and VCR and 2.1 signal was showing 0% except for sporadic blips to 70%. This was early afternoon. When I got home in St. Charles in the area of Bogey Hills Country Club, 2.1 was fine. I'll be looking into antennas and amplifiers for her. My setup is amplified, 19 year old UHF/VHF antenna. I've said this here before, but I can't wait for the analog signal to be turned off. Although less than 20% of people rely on OTA, there's going to be a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth when they can't get the channels they've reliably received in the past.

Just curious...

What is the minimum signal strength to guarantee problem free viewing?

I just have a Walmart antenna sitting on the floor behind my entertainment center and the strength always seems to bounce between 100% and whatever the next lowest increment is.

Just curious...

What is the minimum signal strength to guarantee problem free viewing?

I just have a Walmart antenna sitting on the floor behind my entertainment center and the strength always seems to bounce between 100% and whatever the next lowest increment is.

Hard to say because each tuner "measures" differently.

My Samsung digital tuner it was one to two bars, and I could hold the picture. THere's 10 bars I think.

My new Tivo HD, around 40% seems to be when the picture comes in with pretty severe break-ups and high 40's/low 50's is where it holds a nice steady picture. Almost all my channels on the TivoHD are in the mid-80's, except PBS and 24.1, which are high 60's/low 70's...and no problems.

Well Bob, did you notice any audio drops during Prison Break?

Well, finally got to watch it...

Started to play back the copy I'd recorded with my brand spanking new quad core, HDHomeRun, and Vista Media Center. Had no sound at all. When I tried to do a Quickstream Fix with VideoReDo, VideoReDo puked and crashed.

Luckily, I also recorded it with my AMD dual core, Fusion card, and Fusion software. That copy had one or two freezes in both the picture and sound, but they lasted maybe half a second each. Otherwise, no problems.

The Sarah Connor episode that immediately followed it had no problems at all, other than the ridiculously low bitrate we've been bitching about for quite a while now.

Yesterday I installed an antenna to catch HDTV OTA. I live on the east side of Belleville, which is about 20-25 miles from most stations, and pointed it at about 280 degrees. It's a Radio Shack VU-90XR and I put it in the attic of a two-story house. Installation required 100feet of coax to reach the TV.

I was worried that I'd need a booster but all digital signals are strong including Channel 8 in Carbondale. Some of the normal analog channels aren't so good, but I can get them through Charter anyway.

I may need to move the antenna to the other side of the house. It's pointing towards a tree right now and I wonder what will happen this Spring with wet leaves.

Well, finally got to watch it...

Started to play back the copy I'd recorded with my brand spanking new quad core, HDHomeRun, and Vista Media Center. Had no sound at all. When I tried to do a Quickstream Fix with VideoReDo, VideoReDo puked and crashed.

Luckily, I also recorded it with my AMD dual core, Fusion card, and Fusion software. That copy had one or two freezes in both the picture and sound, but they lasted maybe half a second each. Otherwise, no problems.

The Sarah Connor episode that immediately followed it had no problems at all, other than the ridiculously low bitrate we've been bitching about for quite a while now.

Thanks for the update. I don't remember any picture freezes, only the sound blips. Anyway, the only sound blip I remember this week was during a commercial :)

Yesterday I installed an antenna to catch HDTV OTA. I live on the east side of Belleville, which is about 20-25 miles from most stations, and pointed it at about 280 degrees. It's a Radio Shack VU-90XR and I put it in the attic of a two-story house. Installation required 100feet of coax to reach the TV.

I was worried that I'd need a booster but all digital signals are strong including Channel 8 in Carbondale. Some of the normal analog channels aren't so good, but I can get them through Charter anyway.

I may need to move the antenna to the other side of the house. It's pointing towards a tree right now and I wonder what will happen this Spring with wet leaves.

what "normal analog channels" that you can get through Charter are you not getting the HD or SD simulcast version of?

FWIW, I have an attic antenna and I am surrounded by tall trees. I live farther north than you, though. However, I rarely had any problems. Once in awhile if the wind was crazy I would get some cutting out, but that was really it. My signals did go up in the winter, so the leaves make some difference, just in my experience, not a whole lot.

Also posted in the STL Charter thread:

If anyone uses a Tivo, you'll notice that the have logged the 3 new HD channels from Charter. They are not active yet though.

772 - Golfvs
776 - DSCHD
794 - TWCHD

Well, finally got to watch it...

Started to play back the copy I'd recorded with my brand spanking new quad core, HDHomeRun, and Vista Media Center. Had no sound at all. When I tried to do a Quickstream Fix with VideoReDo, VideoReDo puked and crashed.

Luckily, I also recorded it with my AMD dual core, Fusion card, and Fusion software. That copy had one or two freezes in both the picture and sound, but they lasted maybe half a second each. Otherwise, no problems.

The Sarah Connor episode that immediately followed it had no problems at all, other than the ridiculously low bitrate we've been bitching about for quite a while now.

Hey, Bob, did you figure out what caused the problem with the HDHomerun recordings?

Hey welcome back Joe!

Never did figure out why the HDHomeRun copy was flaky while the FusionHDTV copy was fine. But since that's the ONLY recording from the HDHomeRun so far that's been anything but flawless, and since the Sarah Connor recording right after it was also flawless, I'm just gonna assume that was a fluke.

BTW, the *new* HTPC (AMD X2 4400, Vista, PowerDVD Ultra, BluRay drive) also made a recording from the same HDHomeRun last week. It was Friday night's Grey's Anatomy (hey, my girlfriend MAKES me watch it). That recording was also flawless.

Overall, I love this HDHomeRun. Two HD tuners in the box that can be accessed from any computer on the network. Once you install the drivers for it, Windows Media Center recognizes it upon startup. Wish the Fusion cards were a third this easy to set up.

Hey welcome back Joe!

Never did figure out why the HDHomeRun copy was flaky while the FusionHDTV copy was fine. But since that's the ONLY recording from the HDHomeRun so far that's been anything but flawless, and since the Sarah Connor recording right after it was also flawless, I'm just gonna assume that was a fluke.

BTW, the *new* HTPC (AMD X2 4400, Vista, PowerDVD Ultra, BluRay drive) also made a recording from the same HDHomeRun last week. It was Friday night's Grey's Anatomy (hey, my girlfriend MAKES me watch it). That recording was also flawless.

Overall, I love this HDHomeRun. Two HD tuners in the box that can be accessed from any computer on the network. Once you install the drivers for it, Windows Media Center recognizes it upon startup. Wish the Fusion cards were a third this easy to set up.

What's your experience been with integrating the Vista box into your network? Any hassles? I'm thinking about upgrading my Athlon X2 4400 with a newer ATI 3850 or 3870 video card. The current nVidia 7950 stumbles with some higher bitrate video files, especially Blu-ray.

Vista's built-in ethernet driver was pretty flaky to start with (uninstalling itself at random times). But sure enough, the first set of Windows Updates included a new ethernet driver. Problem solved.

Network file transfers between a Vista PC and a non-Vista PC (including UnRaid servers) are dog-slow (barely 5 megs per second) even over gigabit ethernet connections. This is a known issue and is apparently fixed in the SP1 RC that's floating around out there.

My BIG issue at the moment is, 1080p H.264 .ts files stutter a wee bit while played in Vista Media Center. Those same .ts files are silky smooth in plain ol' Windows Media Player. I'm getting the feeling VMC isn't kicking in the video card's hardware acceleration like WMP does.

MediaPortal (on my old HTPC) has a menu where you can specify which H.264 codec to use... Cyberlink instead of ffdshow for instance. I haven't found any such option with VMC.

On the other hand, it's really nice to have live TV working in my HTPC (never did happen with MediaPortal).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KATV_Tower

Remember, many of these towers were put up when JFK was still alive- not to mention Ike.

To start our local Tower Dead Pool, I nominate KSDK's massively overloaded stick.

Additional, CH 7 (HSN) and CH 38 (moved from 21) are both off air. CH 16 now has Daystar operating on it.

Anyone looking to pick up some Blu-Ray or HD-DVD discs cheap, go here:

http://www.buy.com/specialty_store_6b/hd-and-blu-ray/63390.html

They have a bunch of 'em in both formats, $15 each.

I just stocked up on a bunch of Blu-Rays.............

Anyone looking to pick up some Blu-Ray or HD-DVD discs cheap, go here:

http://www.buy.com/specialty_store_6b/hd-and-blu-ray/63390.html

They have a bunch of 'em in both formats, $15 each.

I just stocked up on a bunch of Blu-Rays.............

Hah, I just sold ALL of my HD-DVD's on fleabay. If fact, I was/am so disgusted with the whole HD disc debacle, I sold/am selling off ALL of my DVD's. So far I've made over $900. One of my Hitchcock Criterions sold for $102. I'm done buying DVD's in any format, and will start attending DVD's Anonymous meetings. :)

Scott

Anyone else with D* notice they added 30 second skip in the latest update? :)

Scott

Anyone else with D* notice they added 30 second skip in the latest update? :)

ScottYup, saw that. Do a keyword search for 30SKIP and it's set on the HR20-700.

Yup, saw that. Do a keyword search for 30SKIP and it's set on the HR20-700.

Now you can forward through the commercials while watching NASCAR Dean. :eek:

Hah, I just sold ALL of my HD-DVD's on fleabay. If fact, I was/am so disgusted with the whole HD disc debacle, I sold/am selling off ALL of my DVD's. So far I've made over $900. One of my Hitchcock Criterions sold for $102. I'm done buying DVD's in any format, and will start attending DVD's Anonymous meetings.I just bought my second PS3 for use as a Blu-ray player. Best Buy mailed me a 20% off coupon for a Blu-ray Player and I used it on a 40GB PS3. It didn't really work, but a manager OK'd an override to apply the discount.

I plan to sell a selection of my DVDs but will probably keep many of them.

Now you can forward through the commercials while watching NASCAR Dean. :eek:You got it wrong. I can now forward through the NASCAR while watching the commercials. :D

Anyone else with D* notice they added 30 second skip in the latest update? :)

Scott

Hot damn!!!!!!! I'm a happy camper now!

BTW, those titles from buy.com in my earlier post about BluRay and HD-DVD discs cheap must be part of some Warner Brothers promotion. The exact same list of titles just appeared on amazon (though bluray only there) for the same price.

Fox is showing the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona (a great sports car classic) in HD. It switches to Speed Channel at 1:30. Speed has been promoting the Daytona 500 as it's HD launch, but they recently showed the Barrett-Jackson auctions in HD, so I'm hoping the Rolex 24 is HD as well.

Can't wait for Formula 1 and ALMS in HD.

Fox is showing the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona (a great sports car classic) in HD. It switches to Speed Channel at 1:30. Speed has been promoting the Daytona 500 as it's HD launch, but they recently showed the Barrett-Jackson auctions in HD, so I'm hoping the Rolex 24 is HD as well.

Can't wait for Formula 1 and ALMS in HD.The Fox feed is widescreen but doesn't look like HD after all.

Channel 4s News gone HD now, looks pretty nice.

KMOV is HD now, they took the opportunity to dig on charter a bit saying belo is ready to talk anytime. what's the history here? is charter paying ksdk's parent?

Bitch as much as we want about kSDk (and we *do*), I don't recall them ever making any noise about wanting to be paid for their signal. I think their demand was carriage of the weather subchannel rather than outright cash.

Channel 4 news in HD looks great. I can't say the same thing about Larry Conners in HD, but I like the non-busy backdrop.

Interestingly, their SD network content now contains black columns WITHIN the 4x3 box. This makes for an even smaller box within a box. What's that all about?

A 16x9 HDTV Larry Conners forehead almost seems scary. I guess KMOV could sell advertising on it during the news cast.

Has anyone else noticed, when KMOV cuts to a long shot, it is out of focus momentarily? I only watched a little tonight, but I saw it 3 times. One when they cut from a story to a 3 shot with the weather guy furthest away, once when he was doing weather and switched the maps and once when they cut to a 2 shot of the anchors. I realize they probably have bugs, but wanted to make sure I wasn't the only one seeing it.

Has anyone else noticed, when KMOV cuts to a long shot, it is out of focus momentarily? I only watched a little tonight, but I saw it 3 times. One when they cut from a story to a 3 shot with the weather guy furthest away, once when he was doing weather and switched the maps and once when they cut to a 2 shot of the anchors. I realize they probably have bugs, but wanted to make sure I wasn't the only one seeing it.


I've been noticing that for years now, but mostly during football games.

Scott

I've been noticing that for years now, but mostly during football games.

Scott
I'm not a football fan, but now that I think about it, every once in a while I'd notice it on baseball and hockey.

I guess it might be a limitation of the live switching device.

I'm not a football fan, but now that I think about it, every once in a while I'd notice it on baseball and hockey.

I guess it might be a limitation of the live switching device.

As far as I know, I've only ever seen the out of focus effect, to the point where I actually make a mental note of it, on KMOV-HD.

On Tonight show with jay leno it will happen at times also. and thats on KSDK. So im figuring its common sometimes.

On Tonight show with jay leno it will happen at times also. and thats on KSDK. So im figuring its common sometimes.

I too have noticed this on the Today show. Both OTA as well as the Dish HD locals.

I wasn't a regular viewer of the KMOV newscasts.

The two things that jump out at me the couple of HD episodes I've seen so far.

1. The monitors on set are not calibrated properly for a studio application. What is supposed to be white comes out as cyan. KSDK had the same trouble with their new set two years ago for about the first week or two until they got the calibration right.

2. The studio lighting looks poor to me. Lots of shadows and the Anchor on the right has too much light on the left side of his face.

2. The studio lighting looks poor to me. Lots of shadows and the Anchor on the right has too much light on the left side of his face.

That's my biggest complaint with kSDk's newscast. IMO, they have WAY to much of a spotlight on the anchors face.

Hey everyone,
I wanted put a quick post in here about having a HT meet in the St. Louis area. If you are interested in meeting up here is the link for information on it.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12976746#post12976746

I am planning on having the first meet at my place, if you are interested seeing the room go to my build link thread in my signature.

Cheers,
JJ

Your link isn't working, JJ. I checked out your Sunbeam Cinema and would love to be there for the meet. Where are you in southern Illinois?

Your link isn't working, JJ. I checked out your Sunbeam Cinema and would love to be there for the meet. Where are you in southern Illinois?

I will check the link and see what is going on with it. I hope you are able to make it! I am located in Highland Illinois about 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis. We are located right off Highway 70 just past Collinsville and Troy.

Cheers,
JJ

Bitch as much as we want about kSDk (and we *do*), I don't recall them ever making any noise about wanting to be paid for their signal. I think their demand was carriage of the weather subchannel rather than outright cash.

at least that gave charter some added value. now charter just has to wait out kmov and there will be no sd signal. I thought it lacked class for belo to have the anchor even say something about it. this should be behind closed door talk.

I'd love to make it to the meet, but the weekend being discussed (Feb 15-17), I'll be in Phoenix visiting my parents the whole weekend. :(

Belo gives me the feeling that when the analog signal goes away, they STILL won't let Charter have their digital signal.

It's because of stuff like that, that when DirecTV installed my new 5-lnb dish with new multiswitch (which can no longer diplex the OTA antenna signal), I told them to leave the old multiswitch in place... so I could still use it as an antenna splitter.

I believe with right to carry, they cannot deny charter the signal. Any legal experts on this out there?

The law is, the cable company can not refuse KMOV's request to carry their signal.
NO service provider has the RIGHT to carry a signal. Plain and simple. Charter being
able to carry HD Channels proves to benefit Charter, it is value added to them.

KMOV gets no value added by just letting Charter HAVE it's signal. Tell Charter to stop
charging for HD access and I would probably look at it differently.

I believe with right to carry, they cannot deny charter the signal. Any legal experts on this out there?

A local station has a choice...

A. "Must carry." A station exercising this option can compel Charter/DirecTV/Dish to carry its signal as long as the station doesn't charge the cable/sat provider for the signal and bears the cost of getting its signal to those providers. This is the route taken by KPLR, KNLC, and channel 46 (don't remember its call sign). Note this is up to the station, not the cable/sat provider.

B. "Broadcast consent." A station that thinks it has content worth paying for can charge a cable/sat provider for its signal. This is the route taken by KDNL and KMOV. Note the station can not force the cable/sat provider to agree. The cable/sat providers here do have the option of saying "Up yours" and not carrying the signal at all. This is why there is no KMOV-DT on Charter.

I'd love to make it to the meet, but the weekend being discussed (Feb 15-17), I'll be in Phoenix visiting my parents the whole weekend. :(

Belo gives me the feeling that when the analog signal goes away, they STILL won't let Charter have their digital signal.

It's because of stuff like that, that when DirecTV installed my new 5-lnb dish with new multiswitch (which can no longer diplex the OTA antenna signal), I told them to leave the old multiswitch in place... so I could still use it as an antenna splitter.

You can diplex in the OTA. You just don't have the OTA input on the multiswitch.

Thanks for the info, but my current setup with the old multiswitch being used as my antenna splitter works really well... what with needing several OTA lines for my PC tuners.

I can see the rub, charter charges for HD local package then doesn't want to pay the "suppliers" I wish I could get my merchandise for free. I guess charter may just wait out KMOV and then KMOV will have to decide in '09 if they want a presence on charter then they better hand it over, FREE.

Hey guys, I'm a Charter subscriber and pretty much hating it every minute. I want to look into switching to satellite, but I had some wiring questions I'd like to talk over with the satellite people before I make the leap. Is there anyone to call locally that does the installs that I could talk to, to see if it's even feasible for me? I've heard of a company called Digital Blue or something but I can't find a number for them. Thanks in advance.

I checked out KMOV's HD broadcast for the first time last night as I always watch KSDK. I think things look pretty good but...the "big head" shots are a little invasive. I know I'm just not used to it and I suspect it's just an attempt to differentiate themselves from KSDK. I figure the same with the backdrop too. I'm not crazy about either but having said that I'm all for experimenting and trying some different things with newscasts. Sitting behind the desks, reading scripts is way past it's time in my opinion.

HD weather graphics are great! Can't really figure out why KSDK was a little more proactive in this regard.

Hey guys, I'm a Charter subscriber and pretty much hating it every minute. I want to look into switching to satellite, but I had some wiring questions I'd like to talk over with the satellite people before I make the leap. Is there anyone to call locally that does the installs that I could talk to, to see if it's even feasible for me? I've heard of a company called Digital Blue or something but I can't find a number for them. Thanks in advance.
Premeire Communications does installs for D*, but I'm not sure how helpful they will be.

I checked out KMOV's HD broadcast for the first time last night as I always watch KSDK. I think things look pretty good but...the "big head" shots are a little invasive. I know I'm just not used to it and I suspect it's just an attempt to differentiate themselves from KSDK. I figure the same with the backdrop too. I'm not crazy about either but having said that I'm all for experimenting and trying some different things with newscasts. Sitting behind the desks, reading scripts is way past it's time in my opinion.

HD weather graphics are great! Can't really figure out why KSDK was a little more proactive in this regard.

keep in mind, kmov is 2 years behind ksdk, the benefit: buying the latest version of everything. ksdk is probably still paying the big bills from their upgrade.

I can see the rub, charter charges for HD local package then doesn't want to pay the "suppliers" I wish I could get my merchandise for free. I guess charter may just wait out KMOV and then KMOV will have to decide in '09 if they want a presence on charter then they better hand it over, FREE.

Charter does not Charge for the Local HD packages... There may be some mis-informed reps that will try to tell you different but as long as you have an HD cable box you should be able to get them to flip the switch on the Locals and any premium channels you subscribe to without any additional charge. Also Charter finally stopped encrypting the local HD channels in our area so if you have a QAM tuner you don't even need the HD box fee.

As far as the Belo stuff I can only say I am happy to have ABC/Lost back and could care less about CBS programming. I would hope that whatever deal Charter came to with Sinclair has been offered to Belo leaving the blame on Belo for being even more greedy than Sinclair was.

-Phatty

Hey guys, I'm a Charter subscriber and pretty much hating it every minute. I want to look into switching to satellite, but I had some wiring questions I'd like to talk over with the satellite people before I make the leap. Is there anyone to call locally that does the installs that I could talk to, to see if it's even feasible for me? I've heard of a company called Digital Blue or something but I can't find a number for them. Thanks in advance.

I don't know who you could call, but chances are those of us here can answer your questions.

I can see the rub, charter charges for HD local package then doesn't want to pay the "suppliers" I wish I could get my merchandise for free. I guess charter may just wait out KMOV and then KMOV will have to decide in '09 if they want a presence on charter then they better hand it over, FREE.

They don't charge for local HD.

Cable companies have a legit point. They never had to pay before for FREE OTA channels.

I think some companies are pissed about being "forced" to spend money to upgrade and are trying to find other ways to pay for it than their own pockets.

I would hope that whatever deal Charter came to with Sinclair has been offered to Belo leaving the blame on Belo for being even more greedy than Sinclair was.

-Phatty

Well said!

They don't charge for local HD.

Cable companies have a legit point. They never had to pay before for FREE OTA channels.

I think some companies are pissed about being "forced" to spend money to upgrade and are trying to find other ways to pay for it than their own pockets.

Yes, they do charge.

Yes, they do charge.

since when? the locals were always free when I had them.

Oh hey..stupid question for anyone to answer. As long as you have some sort of cable activated and have QAM tuner you'll get the "in the clear" channels right? So if i get the el cheapo $15 super basic cable I'll be able to play around with QAM?

They don't charge for local HD.

Cable companies have a legit point. They never had to pay before for FREE OTA channels.

I think some companies are pissed about being "forced" to spend money to upgrade and are trying to find other ways to pay for it than their own pockets.

All of this could have been avoided it they had an OTA tuner built in to the receiver. In hindsight, it would have been a lot cheaper than paying the stations.

Also, both satellite companies have come to terms with Belo and Sinclair, so I wouldn't put all of the blame on Belo. Although, it was a bit of bad taste to call out Charter on air.

since when? the locals were always free when I had them.

Oh hey..stupid question for anyone to answer. As long as you have some sort of cable activated and have QAM tuner you'll get the "in the clear" channels right? So if i get the el cheapo $15 super basic cable I'll be able to play around with QAM?



If you had the cheapo service they should technically install a filter on your lines that would more than likely block out any QAM channels.... Now if you had the expanded basic you would probably be good to go.

-Phatty

since when? the locals were always free when I had them.

Oh hey..stupid question for anyone to answer. As long as you have some sort of cable activated and have QAM tuner you'll get the "in the clear" channels right? So if i get the el cheapo $15 super basic cable I'll be able to play around with QAM?

According to their website they charge $3.00 for HDTV and $8.00 for the HDTV Digital Tier.

I do NOT pay for the local HD on Charter.

According to their website they charge $3.00 for HDTV and $8.00 for the HDTV Digital Tier.

I assure you they do not and as mentioned earlier some reps have been mis-informed about said charge as they originally tried to tell me I had to pay for locals when I first upgraded. I called back in an hour later when I realized their mistake and had the charge removed. When my parents initially activated HD service (without the HD Tier) no charge was ever mentioned or added to their bill.

The only HD charges include the additional fee for HD capable box, or cable card. & the 8 dollars for the HD tier if you wish to have that tier. In Fact before I had an HDTV I had Charter activate the HD channels on my Moxi just so that I could enjoy better picture & sound on my standard def TV. I did this for a good year+ and received both locals and the premium channels that I was subscribed to.

-Phatty

The only HD charges include the additional fee for HD capable box, or cable card.
-Phatty

That my friend, is a fee. Do they broadcast the local channels in the clear,
or do you need a box or cable card?

If they infact do broadcast them in the clear that a built in TV QAM tuner can
receive then you are correct, they don't charge for locals. However..........

edit: I just reread your email about broadcasting in the clear. So I guess there
is no identifiable way to say they charge for locals. But if your price increases, what
do you think their reasoning will be?

Cross Posted on the Stl Charter Forum, figured someone here might want to see this spreadsheet.

While setting up my PiP on my new sony 52 lcd. I went through the list that Type7 posted on the QAM channels from Charter this week and made a Google Spreadsheet to list the channel #'s, call sign, broadcast 480i, 720p, 1080i and notes.

From what I saw, 9 HD channels are coming through, 1 without Audio (A&E HD)

The link is http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=p1YUYjk2D8hxaBm7jr4r_dA&hl=en

I'm missing the Call Letters for 3 stations, I couldn't bear to watch the infomercials. If anyone can help, let me know. I'll continue to update this monthly.

thanks

Brent

It's really cropped up in my neck of the woods last couple of days. I was getting decode errors (skips, jumps, freezes; like multipath) from KMOV-DT Tuesday & Wednesday. The signal is really weak right now, causing the receiver to blink, but not lock on signal).

Analog is fine, however. Are they running KMOV-DT at low power for some reason?

I'll e-mail the Engineer today or tomorrow. I'm just puzzled what happened. Everything was fine and now it isn't. :confused:

Thanks in advance!

I don't post much, but I do occasionally drop in on these boards and really appreciate all the great information. I have been a Charter customer for a couple years since I live in an apartment. While I never had any serious issues I have been disappointed by the lack of HD and pricing.

I decided to try U-verse and overall I like the service so far. I have two TVs hooked up, only 1 HD (26" Samsung). Both boxes are HD capable and one is the HD DVR (Moto VIP1216). The picture quality on SD is very good and the HD channels are also usually good for me. Though AT&T looks softer, it can vary depending on the show. Sometimes the compression is very noticeable but other times not at all. I do have to say the Charter HD picture quality was better, but with so few HD channels a lot less useful. I get 2, 4, 5, 9, 11 and 30 in HD plus the East/West versions of the movie channels in HD. Add in the other cable stations it is all a drastic improvement over what I had with Charter.

The DVR seems to work well if not as advanced as some others I have seen (Dish/TiVo/Moxi). It can also be a little laggy/slow on picking up remote commands, but I have not seen any picture problems (stuttering, freezing, etc.). Unfortunately one HD stream at a time is a serious limitation to many so hopefully they will change that soon. I also read that whole-house DVR will be added, but don't know when. The entire service is still very new and still evolving, but if they deliver those features that would be a great step forward.

I haven't seen an actual U-verse bill yet, but I ordered a package that would be slightly less than Charter was. I did gain DVR and while internet is only 3M/1M it has been solid. I rarely got near my 5M Charter speed. The install took about 4 hours for one tech. Right now I am thinking I will keep it and drop Charter.

Anyway, sorry for the long post; just my experience so far. If anyone wants any more info just let me know... Thanks!

It's really cropped up in my neck of the woods last couple of days. I was getting decode errors (skips, jumps, freezes; like multipath) from KMOV-DT Tuesday & Wednesday. The signal is really weak right now, causing the receiver to blink, but not lock on signal).

Analog is fine, however. Are they running KMOV-DT at low power for some reason?

I'll e-mail the Engineer today or tomorrow. I'm just puzzled what happened. Everything was fine and now it isn't. :confused:

Thanks in advance!

Just guessing here, but if your antenna is in your attic, it might be due to snow on the roof. My signals were a bit worse Friday and Saturday until the snow melted off. It's going to take a lot of convincing for the wife to let me put an antenna up outside where it belongs. ;)

I don't post much, but I do occasionally drop in on these boards and really appreciate all the great information. I have been a Charter customer for a couple years since I live in an apartment. While I never had any serious issues I have been disappointed by the lack of HD and pricing.

I decided to try U-verse and overall I like the service so far. I have two TVs hooked up, only 1 HD (26" Samsung). Both boxes are HD capable and one is the HD DVR (Moto VIP1216). The picture quality on SD is very good and the HD channels are also usually good for me. Though AT&T looks softer, it can vary depending on the show. Sometimes the compression is very noticeable but other times not at all. I do have to say the Charter HD picture quality was better, but with so few HD channels a lot less useful. I get 2, 4, 5, 9, 11 and 30 in HD plus the East/West versions of the movie channels in HD. Add in the other cable stations it is all a drastic improvement over what I had with Charter.

The DVR seems to work well if not as advanced as some others I have seen (Dish/TiVo/Moxi). It can also be a little laggy/slow on picking up remote commands, but I have not seen any picture problems (stuttering, freezing, etc.). Unfortunately one HD stream at a time is a serious limitation to many so hopefully they will change that soon. I also read that whole-house DVR will be added, but don't know when. The entire service is still very new and still evolving, but if they deliver those features that would be a great step forward.

I haven't seen an actual U-verse bill yet, but I ordered a package that would be slightly less than Charter was. I did gain DVR and while internet is only 3M/1M it has been solid. I rarely got near my 5M Charter speed. The install took about 4 hours for one tech. Right now I am thinking I will keep it and drop Charter.

Anyway, sorry for the long post; just my experience so far. If anyone wants any more info just let me know... Thanks!

Yes, please keep us posted. What is the brand of the DVR?
Wayne

Yes, please keep us posted. What is the brand of the DVR?
Wayne

"...and one is the HD DVR (Moto VIP1216)."

A while back we discussed the fact that SciFi-HD was not showing "HD" in the channel guide even for Battlestar Galactica and movies that definitely were HD. They seemed to have finally gotten their act together there... the HD logo is all over their listings in the HR20 channel guide now!

Just guessing here, but if your antenna is in your attic, it might be due to snow on the roof. My signals were a bit worse Friday and Saturday until the snow melted off. It's going to take a lot of convincing for the wife to let me put an antenna up outside where it belongs. ;)

Same here. No problems with overall reception. Strength was just lower.

Also on wednesday the wind was C-R-A-Z-Y. For the most part I had reception, I couldn't keep PBS though.

And friggin' ironically, I was getting 46.1 in. WTF?

Antenna is in the living room. I live in an apartment building (1905 vintage), so no antenna on the building. The signal was there, but was really weak (it never would lock).

It popped back on yesterday. Everything is good now. I was suspecting a lower power on KMOV, but wasn't able to confirm it.

Thanks!

Also, I feel I must weigh in on the Superbowl last night. Great game, and the best part, they sent the Patriots home with a loss.

PQ was the usual exceptionally good FOX-HD. Kudos to KTVI!

Yes, please keep us posted. What is the brand of the DVR?
Wayne


Yes, the DVR is a Motorola VIP1216. The standard receiver is a VIP1200.

DVR has a 160GB hard drive and can record up to 4 streams (depending on how many you are otherwise using). Only one of those can be HD though.

Is it the writer's strike? Or has this forum suddenly died? I wish I had something enlightening to post.

Is it the writer's strike? Or has this forum suddenly died? I wish I had something enlightening to post.

FWIW,

I have been cable/sat free for seven days now.

Even during the weather (bad wind last week, and snow) I had few breakups. Really only PBS was a problem.

I really like the TivoHD. It's been awesome.

So far, I haven't even been able to keep up with the recordings. I thought I would miss a lot of programming. Especially during the writer's strike. But I also have an 11 month old, so that obviously takes up a lot of time.

The small hard drive hasn't been issue yet either, I don't see it being one since I won't be recording a bunch of movies.

So far I really dig being OTA-only.

Baseball season will be hard. However, I work at the stadium, so I don't watch home games on tv, so maybe it won't be so bad.

Originally I had planned on adding basic cable and using clear qam for FSN, but now I am told (in our Charter thread) that they put some kind of filter to prevent you from receiving the qam when you have basic cable. So I'd have to "bump up" to expanded basic, which kinda defeats the purpose of qam, but oh well.

Verizons suing Charter...

Verizon says Charter infringed eight patents

Verizon Communications Inc., the second-largest U.S. phone company, sued Charter Communications Inc., claiming infringement of eight patents for providing telephone services on a data network.

Charter, the U.S. cable-television company controlled by billionaire Paul Allen, should be ordered to pay cash compensation for using the inventions without permission, Verizon said in a complaint filed Monday in federal court in Texarkana, Tex., where many patent challenges have been heard.

Verizon is also asking for a court order blocking St. Louis-based Charter from using the technology.

Four of the eight patents were asserted by New York-based Verizon in its successful patent litigation against Vonage Holdings Corp. Vonage settled that case for $120 million (U.S.) about seven months after a Virginia jury found in March 2007 that the Holmdel, N.J.-based company violated three of the patents.


Sounds like charter will be no more if verizon wins due to they will lose alot of money when they are already in like 18 million dollars in debt.Even if they don't go charter will lose telephone.

Actually, Charter has about 20 BILLION in long term debt. Don't worry, though, because they have about 50 MILLION in cash.

Actually, Charter has about 20 BILLION in long term debt. Don't worry, though, because they have about 50 MILLION in cash.

Please tell me they will die soon. :mad:

Hey guys, I recently switched over to DishNetwork from Charter and I am loving it so far, but I have one question. For some reason I get all my locals in HD, but I'm not getting PBS, KETC, in HD? Is this what I should be expecting? Thanks in advance.

Hey guys, I recently switched over to DishNetwork from Charter and I am loving it so far, but I have one question. For some reason I get all my locals in HD, but I'm not getting PBS, KETC, in HD? Is this what I should be expecting? Thanks in advance.

That is correct. Dish only sends the big four networks in HD. In SD they carry all channels except sub-channels.

After 2 years of discussion, we are finally going to finish part of the basement, including a home theater! It looks like the projector choice is pretty easy. Almost all reviews are saying the Mitsubishi HC4900 with 1080P is the top choice under $2K, especially since PP has it for only $1399 after rebate right now.

Now all I have to do is pick out a receiver (7.1 with HDMI input and 1080p passthrough), speakers, and screen (106"). Any ideas out there on the best bang for the lowest cost?

Regarding screens, PP wants to bundle a Draper screen, but I see Elite is lower price. Anyone have any comparison info on these, or an alternative choice?

Thanks,

Mike

Might be interesting to start a screen discussion. I don't use a screen, I painted the wall with the whitest satin finish interior latex I could find. I have 90" diagonal screen and run projector in 'eco' mode to increase bulb life. With controlled lighting in my basement picture is great.

For the receiver, I went with Onkyo TX-SR605. Unfortunately it's in for warranty repair as it dropped a channel, but from other owners reports my experience appears to be highly unusual. When I did my research 4 months ago, I found only a few reasonably priced receivers to upconvert analog source to HDMI. The Onkyo won out because it could upconvert sources to either component or HDMI which was nice for me since I'm limited to component, but want the capability to upgrade projector later without having to buy a new receiver.

There is a thread or two in the Screen section of the Display devices forum here. IIRC, people have had good experience building with Designer White laminate over a smooth rigid board(MDF).
Dug

I had the Onkyo 605 at the top of my list as well. Thanks for confirming.

I also have the Panasonic BD30 Blue Ray on my list. I can get it under $400 direct from Panasonic through my work.

That leaves speakers. No clue on those yet. :confused:

Mike

IIRC, people have had good experience building with Designer White laminate over a smooth rigid board(MDF).
Dug

That's what I'm using. Designer White laminate, but I built a poplar wood frame and mounted to that (the laminate is rigid enough that it doesn't need a board to mount to, just a frame).

That is correct. Dish only sends the big four networks in HD. In SD they carry all channels except sub-channels.

Well, I've had DishNetwork for only 1 weekend now, but man, it is so much better than Charter. The DVR boxes they installed are just a better quality than the junk Charter was giving me (I went through 8 DVRs in 1.5 years with them). Anyway, thanks for the info on PBS-HD. That is the only thing I'm missing right now with Dish.

I just put in an order for one of the Zenith Silver Sensor antennas. This will be able to plug right into my 722 receiver, correct? And then I will be able to record programs on PBS-HD? I've also looked on antennaweb for the location of the PBS tower, but it doesn't show up for me. Is there something I have to do to find this? Thanks in advance.

Well, I've had DishNetwork for only 1 weekend now, but man, it is so much better than Charter. The DVR boxes they installed are just a better quality than the junk Charter was giving me (I went through 8 DVRs in 1.5 years with them). Anyway, thanks for the info on PBS-HD. That is the only thing I'm missing right now with Dish.

I just put in an order for one of the Zenith Silver Sensor antennas. This will be able to plug right into my 722 receiver, correct? And then I will be able to record programs on PBS-HD? I've also looked on antennaweb for the location of the PBS tower, but it doesn't show up for me. Is there something I have to do to find this? Thanks in advance.

The Silver Sensor will plug directly into the 722, but you may or may not get a consistently good signal on all the local OTA channels without frequent tweaking of the direction. I had a rooftop UHF antenna installed and haven't had a problem with any of the locals since.

... I've also looked on antennaweb for the location of the PBS tower, but it doesn't show up for me. Is there something I have to do to find this? Thanks in advance.

What is your Zip code. For me, from 63021(west county) PBS is SouthWest(looks like hwy21 south of the meramec). We used to have the tower locations in the first post of this thread, but i just looked and couldn't find it.
Dug

I've also looked on antennaweb for the location of the PBS tower, but it doesn't show up for me. Is there something I have to do to find this? Thanks in advance.

We used to have the tower locations in the first post of this thread, but i just looked and couldn't find it.
Dug

Here's a map showing the tower location.

To get more channels to show up in antennaweb, enter a large height value under "options". Alternatively, you can try the signal locator at www.tvfool.com (http://www.tvfool.com).

Best regards,
Andy

Looks like this is the nail in the coffin for me. :(
An email I received today:

"We're Going Blu-ray
Dear xxx,

You're receiving this email because you have asked to receive high-definition movies in the HD DVD format. As you may have heard, most of the major movie studios have recently decided to release their high-definition movies exclusively in the Blu-ray format. In order to provide the best selection of high-definition titles for our members, we have decided to go exclusively with Blu-ray as well.

While we will continue to make our current selection of HD DVD titles available to you for the next several months, we will not be adding additional HD DVD titles or reordering replacements.

Toward the end of February, HD DVDs in your Saved Queue will automatically be changed to standard definition DVDs. Then toward the end of this year, all HD DVDs in your Queue will be changed to standard definition DVDs. Don't worry, we will contact you before this happens.

You can click here to change your format preferences.

We're sorry for any inconvenience. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call us at 1 (888) 638-3549.

-The Netflix Team"

Looks like this is the nail in the coffin for me. :(
An email I received today:

"We're Going Blu-ray
Dear xxx,

You're receiving this email because you have asked to receive high-definition movies in the HD DVD format. As you may have heard, most of the major movie studios have recently decided to release their high-definition movies exclusively in the Blu-ray format. In order to provide the best selection of high-definition titles for our members, we have decided to go exclusively with Blu-ray as well.

While we will continue to make our current selection of HD DVD titles available to you for the next several months, we will not be adding additional HD DVD titles or reordering replacements.

Toward the end of February, HD DVDs in your Saved Queue will automatically be changed to standard definition DVDs. Then toward the end of this year, all HD DVDs in your Queue will be changed to standard definition DVDs. Don't worry, we will contact you before this happens.

You can click here to change your format preferences.

We're sorry for any inconvenience. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call us at 1 (888) 638-3549.

-The Netflix Team"

LOL,

I got the same email. I'm so glad I sold ALL my DVD's a few weeks ago. I got over$900 in my pocket and I'm no longer a DVD junkie. The netflix letter didn't even bother me, so I must be on the mend. :) Screw'em all! I'm done supporting format wars forever.

Slightly OT:

In a week, the converter box program kicks in. They are now available in the Monster Store. All these boxes have to meet the NTIA standards, so I decided to buy one, sans coupon, for a test.

Reciever performance is much improved over my 3rd and 4th gen boxes. So much so, that I'm getting WRBU-DT, indoors, on three seperate sets and antenna combo's.

Here's the AVS Thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=980052

..Screw'em all! I'm done supporting format wars forever.

I feel the same way :)
I guess I was a sucker for jumping on the $100 player . . .now I wonder if I will get my 5 free rebate. :rolleyes:

Token

...So much so, that I'm getting WRBU-DT...



I hate you. :mad:

:p

originally I had posted what I thought was a harmless smilie flipping you off. but it was deleted and I got an "infraction". whoops. It was funny though. if someone on here complained about it, know that it was meant in good humor. I think everyone knows I'm frustrated I can't get that channel in.

I'm getting this on both my HR20-700 & my standard HD receivers. SD broadcasts are fine on both my HD receivers & my 2 SD DirecTivos.

What's happening is that the audio is WAY ahead of the video, and the video is running really fast, although still behind the audio. First time I noticed it was yesterday morning, and it's still doing it today. Oddly enough, on the recording (from a Neuros MP4 recorder), the fast video issues don't show up. Maybe my TV is trying to figure how to sync it up?

I have a vid but since I can't post a link yet, will do it this way: www dot dorfmunder.com slash syncissues dot MP4

Anyone else? It's only on ABC-HD channel 30, with HD broadcasts.

Thanks!

I'm getting this on both my HR20-700 & my standard HD receivers. SD broadcasts are fine on both my HD receivers & my 2 SD DirecTivos.

What's happening is that the audio is WAY ahead of the video, and the video is running really fast, although still behind the audio. First time I noticed it was yesterday morning, and it's still doing it today. Oddly enough, on the recording (from a Neuros MP4 recorder), the fast video issues don't show up. Maybe my TV is trying to figure how to sync it up?

I have a vid but since I can't post a link yet, will do it this way: www dot dorfmunder.com slash syncissues dot MP4

Anyone else? It's only on ABC-HD channel 30, with HD broadcasts.

Thanks!


Here is the link www.dorfmunder.com/images/syncissue.MP4

I hate you. :mad:

:p

originally I had posted what I thought was a harmless smilie flipping you off. but it was deleted and I got an "infraction". whoops. It was funny though. if someone on here complained about it, know that it was meant in good humor. I think everyone knows I'm frustrated I can't get that channel in.

I didn't have a problem with it, in fact, I copied it for future use;)

I'm getting this on both my HR20-700 & my standard HD receivers. SD broadcasts are fine on both my HD receivers & my 2 SD DirecTivos.

What's happening is that the audio is WAY ahead of the video, and the video is running really fast, although still behind the audio. First time I noticed it was yesterday morning, and it's still doing it today. Oddly enough, on the recording (from a Neuros MP4 recorder), the fast video issues don't show up. Maybe my TV is trying to figure how to sync it up?

I have a vid but since I can't post a link yet, will do it this way: www dot dorfmunder.com slash syncissues dot MP4

Anyone else? It's only on ABC-HD channel 30, with HD broadcasts.

Thanks!

I have a similar problem with my TivoHD via OTA. Not just exclusive to 30.1, though.

It usually appears after some minor, not even major or disruptive, breakups. Simply pausing for a second and hitting play fixes it.

I feel the same way :)
I guess I was a sucker for jumping on the $100 player . . .now I wonder if I will get my 5 free rebate. :rolleyes:

Token

I guess I can sell the player now too, since netflix WAS the only way I was getting HD-DVD's after selling all mine.

Scott

I'm getting this on both my HR20-700 & my standard HD receivers. SD broadcasts are fine on both my HD receivers & my 2 SD DirecTivos.

What's happening is that the audio is WAY ahead of the video, and the video is running really fast, although still behind the audio. First time I noticed it was yesterday morning, and it's still doing it today. Oddly enough, on the recording (from a Neuros MP4 recorder), the fast video issues don't show up. Maybe my TV is trying to figure how to sync it up?

I have a vid but since I can't post a link yet, will do it this way: www dot dorfmunder.com slash syncissues dot MP4

Anyone else? It's only on ABC-HD channel 30, with HD broadcasts.

Thanks!

Yes, I too am having these issues. The audio is almost 2 seconds ahead of the video. The video is slow, fast, slow, stopped, fast, slow, and generally jumpy. I've never seen problems like this ever before. I did notice if I paused for a second, everything would sync up fine.

Scott

I've had that problem for several days on my HR20, over the air the sync is fine. I've had to change channel 30 recordings to use the OTA input. I'll try pausing/resuming and see if that has any effect.

I have had the same problems with recording channel 30 on my HR20. The OTA is fine, so I usually switch to that channel. I've tried stopping the recording and switching channels and then returning to the channel, but the problem still exists. I haven't noticed it on the shows that I'm not recording, but there are not many shows on 30 I record (besides Lost and reruns of Simpsons).

Jeremy

I have the HR20 and noticed over the past few cloudy days that my locals are pretty messed up. I notice this mostly on ABC channel 30. I have odd days off and was watching the View. It was almost as if the video was in slow motion and the audio was way, way off. OTA it was fine. I thought it may have been the cloud cover and checked my sat signal strength and everything was in the mid to high 90's and a few 100's. :confused:

Also, sometimes on NBC, the audio drops out a couple of seconds and I get a buzzing sound instead.

I have not noticed this on any other channels like CNN-HD, Nat Geo, History channels, etc.

Any ideas?

I have dish network and am getting a 722 pretty soon. It says that it can handle 50 hours of hd recording and also supports an external hard drive. My question is, how many gb is the 722 hd if it holds 50 hours? ...from that I'll get if I need to get a 250gb external hd or a 2tb :)

Edit: Just found the spec sheet online - it's 500gb. Guess I'll buy another 500gb WD MyBook to add to it for 100hrs.

I have dish network and am getting a 722 pretty soon. It says that it can handle 50 hours of hd recording and also supports an external hard drive. My question is, how many gb is the 722 hd if it holds 50 hours? ...from that I'll get if I need to get a 250gb external hd or a 2tb :)I don't know how the Dish system is, but on the D* HD-DVR a 750 GB external eSATA drive triples HD recording capacity from 50 to 150+ hrs. It has an internal 300 GB drive. A third is system and reserved space. Adding an external replaces -- rather than augments -- the internal drive, so you go from 200 GBs of recording space to 650 GBs.

I imagine the Dish DVR is somewhat similar - get at least a 750 GB.

I don't know how the Dish system is, but on the D* HD-DVR a 750 GB external eSATA drive triples HD recording capacity from 50 to 150+ hrs. It has an internal 300 GB drive. A third is system and reserved space. Adding an external replaces -- rather than augments -- the internal drive, so you go from 200 GBs of recording space to 650 GBs.

I imagine the Dish DVR is somewhat similar - get at least a 750 GB.
Adding a EHDD to the 722 uses both the internal 500gbt 722 HD plus the EHDD.
You will have the ability to move recordings to/from the DVR HD and EHDD at will, and all DVR functions work from either the DVR HD or EHDD. Basically, the EHDD is in addition to your internal DVR HD. Additionally, if you use a TV2, it will have full access to the EHDD. HD events downrezed to SD.

I get 130 hrs/HD MPEG4 with the 722 and a 750gbt EHDD. KIM, currently you can use as many EHDD's (up to 750gbt) as you like, but USB Hubbing is not supported yet, you would have to manually switch them.

Currently, the maximum size supported is 750gbt. This spring, a s/w update will allow for any size EHDD.
When the EHDD 622/722 s/w was developed, all EHDD's larger than 750gbt utilized 2 internal drives, and the s/w could not support that type of configuration.
With the spring update, the s/w will support any size EHDD, 1tb...2tb, etc.

An additional note, anyone who may have a ViP211, a s/w update this Summer, will enable EHDD for the 211, and the s/w will use the EHDD to make the 211 a full functioning HD DVR.

EDITED TO CHANGE: 211 s/w DVR update is scheduled for Summer, not Spring.

Sounds like a better arrangement than the D* system, but I'll happy with what I have.

Sounds like a better arrangement than the D* system, but I'll happy with what I have.
And that's all that matters :)

An additional note, anyone who may have a ViP211, a s/w update this Spring, will enable EHDD for the 211, and the s/w will use the EHDD to make the 211 a full functioning HD DVR.

Wow, might be time to cancel my 722 order then (install is Monday). I have a 211 and a 411. I was swapping the 411 for the 722 because I can't live without dvr anymore. The Dish'n it Up swap offer is costing me $125. One can get an external 750 gb eSATA drive for $200 (or 500gb for a little over $100).

I wonder if Dish would be able to charge the $6 dvr service fee per month for the 211->dvr (I'm assuming Dish WILL charge the $40 'enabling' fee to use a EHD like they would one of their 'real' dvrs). If I stick with the 722 then I'd also get the DVRAdvantage programming package which basically amounts to me moving from AT100 to AT200 and includes the dvr fee for $12 (so in the end I get a better programming package for +$6).

Well I just received a 45' HDMI cable from monoprice hoping to take advantage of the fact that all of the outputs of my HR20 are enabled. Currently, I'm using the component cables to feed my older 64" Pioneer Elite RPTV. The plan is to run the HDMI cable to my new Panasonic 32" LCD in my kitchen. Well, I ran the cable across the floor to test the connections prior to fishing the cable through the walls and attic. Anyway, when the cable is connected, I loose sound on my 64" (I didn't check the digital source) and I don't get a picture (or sound) on the 32" in the kitchen.

Suggestions?

Well I just received a 45' HDMI cable from monoprice hoping to take advantage of the fact that all of the outputs of my HR20 are enabled. Currently, I'm using the component cables to feed my older 64" Pioneer Elite RPTV. The plan is to run the HDMI cable to my new Panasonic 32" LCD in my kitchen. Well, I ran the cable across the floor to test the connections prior to fishing the cable through the walls and attic. Anyway, when the cable is connected, I loose sound on my 64" (I didn't check the digital source) and I don't get a picture (or sound) on the 32" in the kitchen.

Suggestions?

MY HR20-100 is feeding my projector via component, my upstairs DLP via 30' HDMI, and my whole house system via composite all simultaneously. When I added the HDMI connection to the TV upstairs, I didn't do anything special and it all just worked. Not really sure why you are having problems with this, but I'm glad you did a dry run before fishing through walls etc. Maybe check the menu on your receiver to see what resolutions you have set for your displays. Also, make sure the 32" in the kitchen has its HDMI input turned on and is active. Not sure why you would be losing sound on the Pioneer. Good luck.

Scott

Wow, might be time to cancel my 722 order then (install is Monday). I have a 211 and a 411. I was swapping the 411 for the 722 because I can't live without dvr anymore. The Dish'n it Up swap offer is costing me $125. One can get an external 750 gb eSATA drive for $200 (or 500gb for a little over $100).

I wonder if Dish would be able to charge the $6 dvr service fee per month for the 211->dvr (I'm assuming Dish WILL charge the $40 'enabling' fee to use a EHD like they would one of their 'real' dvrs). If I stick with the 722 then I'd also get the DVRAdvantage programming package which basically amounts to me moving from AT100 to AT200 and includes the dvr fee for $12 (so in the end I get a better programming package for +$6).
One correction, the update is scheduled for Summer '08, not Spring...sorry.
The update will support both the 211 and 411, the only difference being there is not Broadband connectivity on your 411, but I'd be willing to bet, since the 411 is DD, DISH would probably swap it out for a 211 for just shipping. Only your 211, with a Broadband connection will be able to access the DishONLINE and Web Scheduling features. Of course if you have the DHPP, and the 411 ever fails, it would be replaced with a 211. Hey...it happens, right?

By the time the update spools, the 750gbt EHDD's should be down around $150, especially as the 1tbt hit market.
You will pay the EHDD enabling fee, which is a one-time, all household receivers fee. I'm not certain about the monthly DVR fee, but I don't think so because all 211's will get the update, and only those that have a EHDD connected will have DVR capability.

My recordings on ABC were still messed up yesterday, but after tuning to it this morning, all seems to be synced again.

Also, sometimes on NBC, the audio drops out a couple of seconds and I get a buzzing sound instead.

Same, and it startles my 4-YO son every time!

MY HR20-100 is feeding my projector via component, my upstairs DLP via 30' HDMI, and my whole house system via composite all simultaneously. When I added the HDMI connection to the TV upstairs, I didn't do anything special and it all just worked. Not really sure why you are having problems with this, but I'm glad you did a dry run before fishing through walls etc. Maybe check the menu on your receiver to see what resolutions you have set for your displays. Also, make sure the 32" in the kitchen has its HDMI input turned on and is active. Not sure why you would be losing sound on the Pioneer. Good luck.

Scott

I think I may have found the problem with the picture. My 32" LCD is 720p, but when I checked the HR20, I had turned off 720p, since my 64" RPTV cannot handle that resolution. It was after midnight when I was found this, so I didn't check to see if the 720p source did, in fact, work on the 32" LCD. I will check that when I get home from work today.

If it does work, but 720p doesn't work on the 64" RPTV, is there a way to separate the resolutions? Or will I need to either 1) buy a 1080 LCD, 2) run coax to the LCD location and get an addtional D* receiver?

I think I may have found the problem with the picture. My 32" LCD is 720p, but when I checked the HR20, I had turned off 720p, since my 64" RPTV cannot handle that resolution. It was after midnight when I was found this, so I didn't check to see if the 720p source did, in fact, work on the 32" LCD. I will check that when I get home from work today.

If it does work, but 720p doesn't work on the 64" RPTV, is there a way to separate the resolutions? Or will I need to either 1) buy a 1080 LCD, 2) run coax to the LCD location and get an addtional D* receiver?


I would think you could just put check marks next to 1080i and 720p and be ok. If not try check marking all the resolutions. Mine are set to 720p and 480i.

Scott

My recordings on ABC were still messed up yesterday, but after tuning to it this morning, all seems to be synced again.



Same, and it startles my 4-YO son every time!

We have been in contact with D* and they have confirmed the problem is with them.
Jim

We have been in contact with D* and they have confirmed the problem is with them.
Jim

Woo hoo! Glad I watch LOST on the HTPC and not the HR20 right now!

Thanks Jim......

I think I may have found the problem with the picture. My 32" LCD is 720p, but when I checked the HR20, I had turned off 720p, since my 64" RPTV cannot handle that resolution. It was after midnight when I was found this, so I didn't check to see if the 720p source did, in fact, work on the 32" LCD. I will check that when I get home from work today.

If it does work, but 720p doesn't work on the 64" RPTV, is there a way to separate the resolutions? Or will I need to either 1) buy a 1080 LCD, 2) run coax to the LCD location and get an addtional D* receiver?

I'd use 1080i in your situation. That's the native resolution for the larger RPTV and your 720p LCD should be able to convert it just fine.

The HR20 can not output 2 different HD resolutions at one time, it's one or the other (unless you're using composite too, in which case you can get 480i out of that).

I have mine outputting 720p to my front PJ and a 42" LCD (both native 720p).

I would think you could just put check marks next to 1080i and 720p and be ok. If not try check marking all the resolutions. Mine are set to 720p and 480i.

Scott
Unfortunately, 720p won't work on my 64"

I'd use 1080i in your situation. That's the native resolution for the larger RPTV and your 720p LCD should be able to convert it just fine.

The HR20 can not output 2 different HD resolutions at one time, it's one or the other (unless you're using composite too, in which case you can get 480i out of that).

I have mine outputting 720p to my front PJ and a 42" LCD (both native 720p).
I'll try 1080i only the next time I get a chance.

Unfortunately, 720p won't work on my 64"


I'll try 1080i only the next time I get a chance.

Send 1080i to the Pioneer and 480p to the smaller TV.

Scott

Is there anyone on this board that has dtv and charter feeds? I was looking for some pictures of both providers SD channels on an LCD screen.

new software hit my HR21 tonight. they finally added on demand. downloading season 2 of Dexter now.

We have been in contact with D* and they have confirmed the problem is with them.
Jim

Hey Jim, I don't understand what could be so hard about synching audio and video. Can you shed any light on the issue? Thanks.

Send 1080i to the Pioneer and 480p to the smaller TV.

Scott
I thought I couldn't send 1080i over component and 480p over HDMI at the same time.

I think the last pictures I uploaded were of some framing and electrical work in my basement.

I finally received my last Berkline today, had a small issue with this, but all has worked out in the end.

Here is my final list:

Harmony 890 with RF Extender
Da-Lite Highpower 16X9 @ 119"
Mitsubishi HC 6000
Denon 3808CI
Klipsch 12" Sub
Infinity Fronts, Center, in-wall surrounds(4)
Dishnetwork VIP 722
Home Built HTPC playing HDDVD/Bluray stored on my Unraid server
Berline 088's X 6

This all started with a very full basement, so I installed 2 12' long industrial shelves. Along with the theater room we have a computer area and my wife has a nice area to scrap book. The bathroom will come later this year, the builder's ruff in has made it nearly impossible at this time, so I will be cutting concrete and moving the commode stack. :mad:

Not sure if they read much on here any more, but thanks need to go out to Bill Plemmons and Bob Diebold. I work with them and they introduced me to this hobby and AVS forums.

Hey Jim, I don't understand what could be so hard about synching audio and video. Can you shed any light on the issue? Thanks.

This is one of our biggest headaches!!! Since audio and video are now digital, there is delay in very piece of equipment each passes through. The amount of delay depends on how much processing is taking place. The audio and video take different paths though various pieces of equipment...such as Dolby decoders and encoders for audio and upconverters and encoders for video. This then all must be synced together in the final encode. The problem is the amount of processing can vary and/or the equipment just goes stupid for no reason and starts buffering and delaying audio or video. I don't know what caused the DirecTv problem, but I hope they have corrected it for now.
It will get better as automatic monitor and re-syncing equipment continues to develop.
Jim

It will get better as automatic monitor and re-syncing equipment continues to develop.
And that should be, of course, no big deal. There is plenty of bandwidth to carry a simple time code (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMPTE_time_code), and plenty of processing power so that any device that sees itself ahead of the others can buffer its output until the others catch up.

I thought I couldn't send 1080i over component and 480p over HDMI at the same time.

I think you can.

Scott

And that should be, of course, no big deal. There is plenty of bandwidth to carry a simple time code (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMPTE_time_code), and plenty of processing power so that any device that sees itself ahead of the others can buffer its output until the others catch up.

True...and actually some equipment already exists that does just that. It just came on the market recently, it's not fully de-bugged and it's not cheap!

I think you can.

Scott

No, the HR20/HR21 aren't that advanced. You can output
480i and what ever signal level you want out of the HDMI or component
but component and HDMI use the same resolution.

I think the last pictures I uploaded were of some framing and electrical work in my basement.

I finally received my last Berkline today, had a small issue with this, but all has worked out in the end.

Here is my final list:

Harmony 890 with RF Extender
Da-Lite Highpower 16X9 @ 119"
Mitsubishi HC 6000
Denon 3808CI
Klipsch 12" Sub
Infinity Fronts, Center, in-wall surrounds(4)
Dishnetwork VIP 722
Home Built HTPC playing HDDVD/Bluray stored on my Unraid server
Berline 088's X 6

This all started with a very full basement, so I installed 2 12' long industrial shelves. Along with the theater room we have a computer area and my wife has a nice area to scrap book. The bathroom will come later this year, the builder's ruff in has made it nearly impossible at this time, so I will be cutting concrete and moving the commode stack. :mad:

Not sure if they read much on here any more, but thanks need to go out to Bill Plemmons and Bob Diebold. I work with them and they introduced me to this hobby and AVS forums.

Nice looking job! How wide is that room? Just curios I am building mine out currently and having a hard time imagining how mine will look and how the speakers will sound. Did you paint your own ceiling tiles or buy them black?
Thanks

The room is 10' 10" wide. I purchased the tiles from Lowe's, special order, along with the Black Ceiling Max grid. They quote about 8 weeks on the tiles, but I received mine in 4 or 5 weeks.

The room is 10' 10" wide. I purchased the tiles from Lowe's, special order, along with the Black Ceiling Max grid. They quote about 8 weeks on the tiles, but I received mine in 4 or 5 weeks.


How was the ceilingmax grid to install? I am getting ready to buy it and put it in.
I was going to use ceilinglink because it is a better price but you you really don't see the savings untill you start getting in to large rooms.

I will just pass on what others told me, and I followed.

Take your time
Make sure the first row is straight
Check the grid for square as you install each additional row
It can be done with one person, but I wouldn't try it.

http://www.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUSL1643184420080216

http://www.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUSL1643184420080216

Sweet! :D

Thanks for the help guys. I switched my HR20 to 1080i only, turned Native Mode off, unplugged it and then connected the HDMI cable. Powered the HR20 back up and I'm good to go. I will check 480i and 480p after the race and hockey game.

Hi Folks,

I am a fellow St. Louisan and well, today, my DirecTV/Tivo no longer handles input from the Sattelite on input 1. It bounces from 0 to 95 signal strength consistently. So, I need to upgrade, and FAST! That said...

I have a Mac mini (Intel Core 2 Duo) that I have an El Gato 250 Plus hooked up to an antenna to receive HD. All I need is the perfect match to watch the Mac mini and/or a sattelite HD service (what do you like?)?

Bottom line: If you have a Mac mini or have a computer hooked up to your HDTV, what do you suggest that is on the market now that handles computer input well? I assume that I want something that has DVI input and has 1080p resolution. That's my guess.

Your help is VERY much appreciated.

Hi Folks,

I am a fellow St. Louisan and well, today, my DirecTV/Tivo no longer handles input from the Sattelite on input 1. It bounces from 0 to 95 signal strength consistently. So, I need to upgrade, and FAST! That said...

I have a Mac mini (Intel Core 2 Duo) that I have an El Gato 250 Plus hooked up to an antenna to receive HD. All I need is the perfect match to watch the Mac mini and/or a sattelite HD service (what do you like?)?

Bottom line: If you have a Mac mini or have a computer hooked up to your HDTV, what do you suggest that is on the market now that handles computer input well? I assume that I want something that has DVI input and has 1080p resolution. That's my guess.

Your help is VERY much appreciated.

Sorry I am a little confused, are you looking for recommendations on a new Satellite receiver or on a new TV? Is your signal good on sat input 2 on your directivo? If so try switching the inputs around to verify if your reciever is the problem or if your LNB or multiswitch is the problem.

I need a clarification for a friend who's getting DirecTV. My understanding is that the HR20 has a built-in OTA tuner but the HR21 does not. Is the older HR20 even available anymore? He's scheduled for a Mar. 1 install. If there's no OTA, will he be able to receive PBS and the CW in HD from satellite? Sorry, guys, I'm really out of the loop on issues like this.

I need a clarification for a friend who's getting DirecTV. My understanding is that the HR20 has a built-in OTA tuner but the HR21 does not. Is the older HR20 even available anymore? He's scheduled for a Mar. 1 install. If there's no OTA, will he be able to receive PBS and the CW in HD from satellite? Sorry, guys, I'm really out of the loop on issues like this.
I've only seen HR20s sent as replacements for HR10(TIVOs) lately. PBS and CW are currently not on the sat. Allegedly, PBS will begin before too long, CW, no idea. The HR21 will have an addon to get OTA, but I'm not sure when it will be released. Hopefully, at least their TV will have an ATSC tuner and be able to watch(not record) those two channels.
Dug

I need a clarification for a friend who's getting DirecTV. My understanding is that the HR20 has a built-in OTA tuner but the HR21 does not. Is the older HR20 even available anymore? He's scheduled for a Mar. 1 install. If there's no OTA, will he be able to receive PBS and the CW in HD from satellite? Sorry, guys, I'm really out of the loop on issues like this.

*D has pretty much completely switched over to the HR21. Have to admit the black cosmetics of it look nicer than the silver HR20. As noted, there will be an add-on available sometime soon for adding OTA to the HR21, but it's not available yet. No PBS or CW available through the sat yet, though PBS is coming soon and KPLR/CW still has so many audio dropouts I refuse to watch even Supernatural and Smallville anymore -- and as big a fan of Supernatural as I am, that's really saying something.

BTW, I'm in Phoenix right now visiting the parents. They're FINALLY ready to dump the VHS and get a DVR (insert Flintstones music here). This is in addition to the DVD player I was finally able to get them last Christmas. Last month they finally dumped their dialup internet too... I may get them into the 21st Century yet!

Unfortunately when they see the price of the Dish Network DVR that feeds two rooms (which they'll need because the E* receiver it will replace also feeds two rooms) is $350, they might change their minds unless I find it cheaper somewhere/somehow.

Thanks, guys. I spoke with a Premiere rep here who said my friend could request an HR20 from DirecTV. However, my friend says he probably wouldn't be watching anything on PBS or the CW anyway and isn't interested in the extra hassle/expense of the OTA antenna, so he's decided to go with the HR21. Good to know the 21 is likely to have the option down the line.

Sorry I am a little confused, are you looking for recommendations on a new Satellite receiver or on a new TV?

Well, really both. But I primarily came to this board looking for a TV recommendation.

Is your signal good on sat input 2 on your directivo? If so try switching the inputs around to verify if your reciever is the problem or if your LNB or multiswitch is the problem. Yes, I did try switching the inputs and the same satellite input exhibited the behavior I described (going from 0 to 95 sporadically).

By the way, I looked up the difference between an LNB and a multiswitch. I know I have a dual LNB because I have two coax cables coming off the dish to the receiver, BUT I don't think I have a multiswitch. Is this possible? Sorry, I don't mean to distract folks from the question I have at hand, but I was just curious (like a cat; they call me whiskers).

Well, really both. But I primarily came to this board looking for a TV recommendation.

Yes, I did try switching the inputs and the same satellite input exhibited the behavior I described (going from 0 to 95 sporadically).

By the way, I looked up the difference between an LNB and a multiswitch. I know I have a dual LNB because I have two coax cables coming off the dish to the receiver, BUT I don't think I have a multiswitch. Is this possible? Sorry, I don't mean to distract folks from the question I have at hand, but I was just curious (like a cat; they call me whiskers).

It is possible to have a dual LNB with no multiswitch. How many DirecTV receivers do
you have? If you have more than the one TIVO unit and the TIVO unit already has
has 2 feeds in it, then you have a multiswitch in line somewhere.

Well, really both. But I primarily came to this board looking for a TV recommendation.

Yes, I did try switching the inputs and the same satellite input exhibited the behavior I described (going from 0 to 95 sporadically).

By the way, I looked up the difference between an LNB and a multiswitch. I know I have a dual LNB because I have two coax cables coming off the dish to the receiver, BUT I don't think I have a multiswitch. Is this possible? Sorry, I don't mean to distract folks from the question I have at hand, but I was just curious (like a cat; they call me whiskers).

It is more than likely a bad tuner on your Directivo, it is very common for the tuners to fail in them. Just wanted to make sure you tried switching them first to rule out moisture in a connector, bad LNB or Switch. You can pick up Directivo's for usually around $50 on Craigslist. I sold 2 of my 3 Directivo's on craigslist(3rd one has a bad hard drive) The other avenue is to call Directv and try to work out a deal for a new dvr, if you threaten to cancel they will usually give out a free dvr to keep your monthly RMR coming in! On the tv front I wouldn't know where to start giving advice, everyone has their own opinion on LCD, Plasma, DLP. Go out and look and see what you prefer.

Now that the next-gen disc war is semi-officially "over", is anyone aware of any retailers selling off their HD DVD's cheap?

-Matt

Now that the next-gen disc war is semi-officially "over", is anyone aware of any retailers selling off their HD DVD's cheap?

-Matt

It's official now. Toshiba has issued a press release. HD DVD is dead. Expect to see the heavy discounts really soon on the media.

It's been a long time since I built a new PC, and I've not been up on the newer stuff...so I need help. I do know I want to use an Intel Quad CPU. What I need help is picking the motherboard. Again the emphasis is stability and multimedia (DVD, MP3, PVR, HDTV, etc...)capability. I don't need SLI, but do want the ability to add max memory and storage. Any ideas?