Kurt Warner was supposed to washed up and done.

Apparently somebody forgot to convince Warner of that.

Congratulations to Kurt and the Cardinals. Here's hoping they win the Super Bowl!!!!

Well said and I couldn't agree more!!!!!

Well said and I couldn't agree more!!!!!

It was an exciting game. The Cardinals win felt very personal, because of Kurt. Had he not been playing I could have cared less. The Cardinals have been the underdog in all their games so far, so here's hoping they surprise the AFC victor, too. A win by Warner would cap off a brilliant career. He is one of the nicest guys in pro sports, and his story will go down as one of the most inspirational in sports history.

It was an exciting game. The Cardinals win felt very personal, because of Kurt. Had he not been playing I could have cared less. The Cardinals have been the underdog in all their games so far, so here's hoping they surprise the AFC victor, too. A win by Warner would cap off a brilliant career. He is one of the nicest guys in pro sports, and his story will go down as one of the most inspirational in sports history.

Well said again!!!!

BTW, when HAVEN'T the Cards been the underdog!!!!!

As much as I like Warner, I never would have guessed he would still be able to play at this level...at his age. It's amazing what the compo of a good offensive line, GREAT receivers, & good coaching can do for a quarterback.

Jedi was over at my place Friday night, and while waiting for the Galactica season premiere to start, we watched the webisodes that I'd downloaded from DirecTV on Demand (DoD).

Pretty cool storyline, the webisodes via DoD were letterboxed 4x3. When we were done with webisode 7 and the story hadn't ended yet, I hit the DoD menu and found DoD didn't have webisodes 8 and up available.

So what to do?

Well, since Galactica is a SciFi Channel show, and SciFi is owned by NBC, and NBC also owns half of hulu.com, I fired up the Music Movies and More option on the HR20 menu and hit my PlayOn server. Sure enough, Hulu had webisodes 8-10 available for streaming. This not only let us finish the story, it let us compare DoD to Hulu with the same programming material.

On audio, not a significant difference. 2-channel, decoding to Pro Logic.

On video, though, the Hulu feeds blew away the DoD feeds. Unlike the letterboxed 4x3 webisodes on DoD, the Hulu webisodes were genuine 16x9 (though I had to manually trigger the 16x9 squeeze on my 4x3 CRT HDTV to watch them). The Hulu webisodes appeared to have quite a bit higher bitrate, too. Less artifacting. more detail... though nobody's gonna confuse either feed with a BluRay disc.

My $30 investment in the PlayOn software just made itself well worth it (again).

It was an exciting game. The Cardinals win felt very personal, because of Kurt. Had he not been playing I could have cared less. The Cardinals have been the underdog in all their games so far, so here's hoping they surprise the AFC victor, too. A win by Warner would cap off a brilliant career. He is one of the nicest guys in pro sports, and his story will go down as one of the most inspirational in sports history.

Ironically, I'm no longer mad at the Rams for cutting Warner... even though I was 100% in the Warner camp during the quarterback controversy years. In the long run, the Rams did him a favor and he's found a better place.

I may have to subscribe to Sunday Ticket next year.

Ironically, I'm no longer mad at the Rams for cutting Warner... even though I was 100% in the Warner camp during the quarterback controversy years. In the long run, the Rams did him a favor and he's found a better place.

I may have to subscribe to Sunday Ticket next year.

I agree the Rams did him a favor. Better to finish out his career with a contender than with the hapless Rams. It was still a raw deal and he deserved better from this franchise. I have to think, though, that he probably looks on this whole experience as yet another opportunity to overcome adversity and doubt. His strength comes from a better place - his spirituality. I have great admiration for him.

12:12 AM.
KMOV on DirecTV is a magenta screen.

Quick note for Dish VIP 622/722 users for the the KMOV rescan. Just performed the rescan on my Dish VIP622 and found that you must first delete 4.1 from your local channel list and then scan for locals for it to pick up the new position for KMOV. All timers that are tied to 4.1 will stay assigned to the new 4.1. The good news is my signal strength went up from an 80 to an 85.

Geez, wouldn't have thought it was possible, but KNLC looks even WORSE on 4-2 than it did (still does) on 24-1.

And 4-2 was not picked up by my bedroom HR20's autoscan this morning, though the built-in tuner on my Vizio TV picked it up just fine. The Vizio also picked up a channel 26-4, though tuning to it gets a "no signal" message.

The HR20 still picks up channel 11-2, which the Vizio doesn't. "No signal" when I try to view it.

Despite the switch to digital, looks like OTA broadcasting/reception is still more of an art than a science.

And I'd also say putting KNLC on 4-2 has to be almost as ridiculous a waste of bandwidth as the blank screen KMOV had on 4-2 for a year and a half.

Here's hoping this experiment dies a quick and painful death.

KMOV doesn't pick up at all during Windows Media Center autoscan on the HTPC... most likely due to the manual fix we had to do when Microsoft told our guides to use channel 24 prematurely. Gonna have to figure out how to undo that manual fix.

Here's the post from last March which sums up the KMOV/Media Center problem back then. Unfortunately, what fixed KMOV back then, FUBAR's it now. I deleted the actual link since the link is no longer valid.

But at the time, it involved finding hidden file atscchannels.xml and editing it manually. Looks like we need to undo that edit today. Or maybe delete the file entirely and rescan?

Yeah Trip, you're right on. I just used remote desktop to connect to one of my HTPC's to get a look at the mysterious atscchannels.xml file. and in that file my KMOV is set as follows:

<channel callsign="KMOV" version="0" physical="24" major="4" />

Which is incorrect. That physical channel should be 56. Man alive. Technology is supposed to be simple. How many people would have been able to resolve this?

Sigh.

Thanks for your help Trip. I think that i have what i need now.

How is everyone's signal strength for the new kmov?

Mine took a huge hit.

Fox: 92
CBS: 58(!)
NBC: 93
PBS: 81
CW: 89
KNLC: 65
ABC: 91
WRBU: 59

eh, I'm getting a stronger signal on the original 24-1, PBS and of all things, WRBU!

This makes me nervous.

I have no guide data yet either...which will problematic for my Tivo.

I agree the Rams did him a favor. Better to finish out his career with a contender than with the hapless Rams. It was still a raw deal and he deserved better from this franchise. I have to think, though, that he probably looks on this whole experience as yet another opportunity to overcome adversity and doubt. His strength comes from a better place - his spirituality. I have great admiration for him.

yeah but the Rams are "hapless" right now because of the same people that decided to let Warner leave in the first place.

Very bad front office decisions.

Alllllllrighty then....

Finally got KMOV's new locale to appear correctly in Media Center.

Had to call up the HDhomerun setup utility and do a rescan THERE. THEN fire up Media Center and rescan in Media Center... yes, had to rescan in both programs. But KMOV is running in Media Center again.

Also picked up a KCRG 13-1 during scan, but not enough signal strength to actually watch.

Media Center Guide data for 4-2, 5-2, and 9-all are incorrect. All subchannel listings simply mirror the main channel listings. This has been an issue for years, you'd think they'd fix it by now. Oh well.....

How is everyone's signal strength for the new kmov?

Mine took a huge hit......

I live in Creve Coeur, which is less than 20 miles from most DTV transmitters. Although I have a good rooftop antenna, KMOV has been flakey the last month or so, hovering around 75. Today, it's a rock-solid 100.

How is everyone's signal strength for the new kmov?

Mine is actually up a few points, but I'm only about 5 miles from their tower.

The new KMOV won't be at full power until March 1 or so. So hopefully your signal strength will go up then.

The weaker signal isn't too surprising. The current channel 24 antenna is about 250 feet lower on the tower, which will restrict coverage to some degree. Now the process of removing the channel 56 antenna begins so it can be replaced with a new top-mounted channel 24 antenna, which will correct the signal.

- Trip

The weaker signal isn't too surprising.
KMOV-DT is stronger here on 24. I noticed that 4.2 identifies itself as KMOV-SD, even though the programming is clearly KNLC.

Details attached.

KMOV-DT is stronger here on 24. I noticed that 4.2 identifies itself as KMOV-SD, even though the programming is clearly KNLC.

Details attached.

Thanks for the new data. I've posted it.

I'm not really surprised they're continuing to ID it as KMOV-SD, since it's technically on KMOV's digital. I've seen it done both ways, IDing the station being simulcast and IDing as the station doing the simulcasting. I don't know that there's any fixed standard for how to do that.

- Trip

Lower signal strength but better quality.
Just north of University City.

http://www.salaman.org/kmov56.JPG
http://www.salaman.org/kmov24.JPG

So, now neither of my HR20's can pick up channel 4 OTA. Great!! Now I need to go back into my Series Links and make sure I don't have anything set to record on 4-1. Hopefully DirecTv will fix this soon.

So, now neither of my HR20's can pick up channel 4 OTA. Great!! Now I need to go back into my Series Links and make sure I don't have anything set to record on 4-1. Hopefully DirecTv will fix this soon.

I'm in St. Peters, not far from you, and my HR20's pick up 4-1 just fine. When you did your channel rescan, did you lose any other channels, or just 4-1?

(My HR20's didn't pick up 4-2, not that I really care).

I'm in St. Peters, not far from you, and my HR20's pick up 4-1 just fine. When you did your channel rescan, did you lose any other channels, or just 4-1?

(My HR20's didn't pick up 4-2, not that I really care).

Just 4-1. All other OTA's are okay. I just redid the antenna setup about an hour ago and still no 4-1. Just get 771 Error - Searching for Signal.

Edit: Finally got it figured out. Had to go in to the HR20 Setup Menu --> Sat & Ant --> Antenna Setup --> Reset Off-Air Settings. That appears to just wipe all OTA out of HR20. Then had to go back in and do "Initial Setup" for OTA. Now 4-1 is back. I initially had just gone into Setup Menu and redid Initial Setup without resetting anything and that didn't seem to work.

On the Dish 622/722 you don't have to do a rescan. I simply deleted 4-1 and then manually added 24. I then had both 4-1 and 4-2.

So, now neither of my HR20's can pick up channel 4 OTA. Great!! Now I need to go back into my Series Links and make sure I don't have anything set to record on 4-1. Hopefully DirecTv will fix this soon.

I have a request in over at DBStalk to see if someone in the know can find out how we can get the Directv receivers to do a rescan.

I have a request in over at DBStalk to see if someone in the know can find out how we can get the Directv receivers to do a rescan.

What you're going to have to do is go into Setup Menu --> Sat & Ant --> Antenna Setup --> Reset Off-Air Settings. That will take out all of the OTA settings. Then select "Initial Setup". It will then re-setup your OTA and 4-1 should then be there. It worked for me.

Has anyone seen the 3D glasses on Pepsi / SoBe displays at any local grocery stores? They're supposed to be used for the 3D episode of Chuck on February 2, but I haven't been able to locate any glasses in my limited searches.

I've checked in the last day: Schnucks, Telegraph; Dierbergs, Telegraph

I know someone mentioned earlier they'd seen them at Schnucks...but they weren't specific.

Has anyone seen the 3D glasses on Pepsi / SoBe displays at any local grocery stores? They're supposed to be used for the 3D episode of Chuck on February 2, but I haven't been able to locate any glasses in my limited searches.

I've checked in the last day: Schnucks, Telegraph; Dierbergs, Telegraph

I know someone mentioned earlier they'd seen them at Schnucks...but they weren't specific.

I checked 2 Schnucks in OFallon and Dardenne Prairie,MO and they didn't have them :( Wish they would have just put em in a tv guide or something.

So I've been thinking about ditching Charter. I've had DishNet before, but was checking out DirecTV .... on their website ordering I get this (for my zip code 63119)

"
Our information shows that you live in an area that cannot receive local channels (i.e., NBC, CBS, ABC) from our DIRECTV satellite. However, if you're able to receive these channels over the air with an off-air antenna (rooftop antenna), DIRECTV can offer you a seamless solution. Simply upgrade your receiver(s) to a receiver with a built-in tuner. By connecting your off-air antenna to the receiver, you'll be able to access your local channels within DIRECTV's interactive program guide, as you do with the rest of your channels."

Is that right? I got locals over DishNets satellite. Why is D* different? They charge an extra $50 per receiver for an OTA option. Lame.

So I've been thinking about ditching Charter. I've had DishNet before, but was checking out DirecTV .... on their website ordering I get this (for my zip code 63119)

"
Our information shows that you live in an area that cannot receive local channels (i.e., NBC, CBS, ABC) from our DIRECTV satellite. However, if you're able to receive these channels over the air with an off-air antenna (rooftop antenna), DIRECTV can offer you a seamless solution. Simply upgrade your receiver(s) to a receiver with a built-in tuner. By connecting your off-air antenna to the receiver, you'll be able to access your local channels within DIRECTV's interactive program guide, as you do with the rest of your channels."

Is that right? I got locals over DishNets satellite. Why is D* different? They charge an extra $50 per receiver for an OTA option. Lame.

I think the website must of been messing up or something because i just checked your zip code and you do receive em. Get direct though ive had both direct and dish, Direct is much better. And ditching Charter is the best.

I think the website must of been messing up or something because i just checked your zip code and you do receive em. Get direct though ive had both direct and dish, Direct is much better. And ditching Charter is the best.

Word! Thanks :)

Has anyone seen the 3D glasses on Pepsi / SoBe displays at any local grocery stores? They're supposed to be used for the 3D episode of Chuck on February 2, but I haven't been able to locate any glasses in my limited searches.

I've checked in the last day: Schnucks, Telegraph; Dierbergs, Telegraph

I know someone mentioned earlier they'd seen them at Schnucks...but they weren't specific.

I picked mine up at Dollar General.

Has anyone seen the 3D glasses on Pepsi / SoBe displays at any local grocery stores? They're supposed to be used for the 3D episode of Chuck on February 2, but I haven't been able to locate any glasses in my limited searches.

I've checked in the last day: Schnucks, Telegraph; Dierbergs, Telegraph

I know someone mentioned earlier they'd seen them at Schnucks...but they weren't specific.
My wife and daughter found them at the Schnucks at 141 and Big Bend.

What you're going to have to do is go into Setup Menu --> Sat & Ant --> Antenna Setup --> Reset Off-Air Settings. That will take out all of the OTA settings. Then select "Initial Setup". It will then re-setup your OTA and 4-1 should then be there. It worked for me.

Yes, I did. But, I am thinking part of my problem is that we are on the edge of the reception area now. So, I might have to wait until the first part of Feb when they up the power a little bit. I am glad to see that works and we don't have to wait on Directv to change anything. :)

Just when I was about to post something nice about KTVI for a change (their broadcast of 24 last night was about flawless, finally)....

Why the Hell is KTVI's inauguration coverage a 4x3 SD upconvert????

The exact same coverage on DirecTV Fox HD channel 88 (WNYW) is HD!

So did anybody watch CSI Miami last night?

Now that KMOV is multicasting again, the file size after I edited out the commercials was 4.64gb. The last several episodes before the multicasting started were 5.5 to 5.7gb each, so 4-1 has significantly less bandwidth now.

I haven't watched the episode closely... has anyone noticed a difference in picture quality?

Has anyone seen the 3D glasses on Pepsi / SoBe displays at any local grocery stores? They're supposed to be used for the 3D episode of Chuck on February 2, but I haven't been able to locate any glasses in my limited searches.

I've checked in the last day: Schnucks, Telegraph; Dierbergs, Telegraph

I know someone mentioned earlier they'd seen them at Schnucks...but they weren't specific.

I found them at Schnucks Cross Keys.

So did anybody watch CSI Miami last night?

Now that KMOV is multicasting again, the file size after I edited out the commercials was 4.64gb. The last several episodes before the multicasting started were 5.5 to 5.7gb each, so 4-1 has significantly less bandwidth now.

I haven't watched the episode closely... has anyone noticed a difference in picture quality?

I haven't watched last weeks or this week but the file size unedited for last week is 7.396 GB and the file size for this week is 7.302 GB. I did watch their comedy set last night recorded through media center and the quality looked excellent to me.

I have no way to measure file size, but by mere observation, KMOV's picture is very sharp and clean with (finally) no more occasional breakups. It looks great!

Just when I was about to post something nice about KTVI for a change (their broadcast of 24 last night was about flawless, finally)....

Why the Hell is KTVI's inauguration coverage a 4x3 SD upconvert????

The exact same coverage on DirecTV Fox HD channel 88 (WNYW) is HD!Hmmm..I think I set my DVR to record KMOV or KSDK. Hope they are HD.

And why is FOX's coverage crappy? Hmmm...FOX...hmmm...Democratic president... ;)

Hmmm..I think I set my DVR to record KMOV or KSDK. Hope they are HD.

And why is FOX's coverage crappy? Hmmm...FOX...hmmm...Democratic president... ;)

I know KSDK was HD, been watching it. Not sure about KMOV though.

Anybody with TIVO have guide info for the new KMOV-DT signal yet? Seems like it should be there by now.

Anybody with TIVO have guide info for the new KMOV-DT signal yet? Seems like it should be there by now.

I have a high def Tivo (HR10-250) and forgot to rescan for the new KMOV-DT channel until Monday evening ..

Last night, I had to manually record everything because the only guide data I have shows "Regular Schedule" with no program times or program names or details.. I figured it would be taken care of overnight ..

Here it is almost 4pm the next day and I still have no guide data on KMOV-DT (4-1) over the air on my HR10-250 ..

Is there something I need to do manually on my end to fix or what is wrong?

KSDK had inauguration coverage in HD until 4, then switched to the MSNBC feed which was in SD, so I switched to KMOV which was still in HD.

Hmmm..I think I set my DVR to record KMOV or KSDK. Hope they are HD.

And why is FOX's coverage crappy? Hmmm...FOX...hmmm...Democratic president... ;)

It should be pointed out that the lack of HD was strictly a local KTVI issue. The DirecTV Fox channel 88 had the exact same coverage in HD, and Fox News Channel's coverage (different from KTVI/broadcast Fox) was HD, too.

Anybody with TIVO have guide info for the new KMOV-DT signal yet? Seems like it should be there by now.

I called Tivo to let them know, but it's really up to the Tribune who takes care of scheduling. I've also emailed KMOV to let them know. All I can suggest is calling both Tivo and KMOV.

Tivo said they'd pass it along to Tribune, but it might take a couple of weeks.

I called Tivo to let them know, but it's really up to the Tribune who takes care of scheduling. I've also emailed KMOV to let them know. All I can suggest is calling both Tivo and KMOV.

Tivo said they'd pass it along to Tribune, but it might take a couple of weeks.

I'm glad I am not the only one with this issue. I don't know whether I had to do this, but I went into my season passes and removed everything recorded on KMOV. I will send a note to KMOV as well.

For those of you with an extra 12k laying around:

http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/01/21/leica.intros.dlp.projector/

Having owned a few Leica rangefinder cameras in my day, I still drool at the name ... but geeeeeez!

Did WRBU shut off there analog signal? Because I see it hasn't been on all day today.

It should be pointed out that the lack of HD was strictly a local KTVI issue. The DirecTV Fox channel 88 had the exact same coverage in HD, and Fox News Channel's coverage (different from KTVI/broadcast Fox) was HD, too.

It could have been because they were doing some type of simulcast with KPLR.
I don't know what that entailed because I was at work and didn't watch it.

Did WRBU shut off there analog signal? Because I see it hasn't been on all day today.
People actually watch WRBU? Wow.

Did WRBU shut off there analog signal? Because I see it hasn't been on all day today.

If a tree falls in the woods and nobody is around to hear it, does it make a sound? :D

Apparently, Twilight (the teen vampire movie) will be available for sale only at Target and Best Buy for 2 months after its release. Is it just me, or does this seem incredibly stupid? Does anyone know what the rationale for doing this is?

3D is far from the home theater, according to this study (http://www.tvpredictions.com/3d012209.htm). I'd really like to see 3D become more widespread, but it's not likely any time soon.

Apparently, Twilight (the teen vampire movie) will be available for sale only at Target and Best Buy for 2 months after its release. Is it just me, or does this seem incredibly stupid? Does anyone know what the rationale for doing this is?

With the money it made and the teens that will be forcing their parents to get it, it's a great deal for BB and Target. Similar deals have been going for music, and apparently they went well, so I don't think the studio is getting a bad deal by getting some extra cash from BB and Target.

I get that stuff is usually cheaper at amazon, but I usually buy my bluray at BB or another b&m because I am impatient and I usually don't buy it opening day, unless it's something I've been waiting for for a long time.

If a tree falls in the woods and nobody is around to hear it, does it make a sound? :D

If a man says something in the woods and there's no woman around to hear him, is he still wrong? :D

It looks like the KMOV-DT guide issue on the HR10-250 is at least partially fixed. A rescan now maps the 4-1 entry in the guide to 24-1 correctly. 4-2 still points to channel KNLC-DT, and now there are two 24-1 entries, one pointing to KNLC-DT and one pointing to KMOV-DT. Perhaps the latter are related to the old data not getting cleared out correctly, but at least my wife's KMOV season passes will now record correctly...

It looks like the KMOV-DT guide issue on the HR10-250 is at least partially fixed. A rescan now maps the 4-1 entry in the guide to 24-1 correctly. 4-2 still points to channel KNLC-DT, and now there are two 24-1 entries, one pointing to KNLC-DT and one pointing to KMOV-DT. Perhaps the latter are related to the old data not getting cleared out correctly, but at least my wife's KMOV season passes will now record correctly...
Guide data on the TiVo HD for OTA KMOV-DT channel 4-1 (digital frequency 24) is also now present.

Anyone notice that there is a bad lipsync issue with Smallville, started about 8:30 or so?

I haven't watched Smallville yet, but everything I've watched on 30 lately has had a serious lipsync issue. Very distracting. (Maybe they cleared that up. I haven't watched much lately - not even last night's ep of Lost. I'll check it tonight.)

I haven't watched Smallville yet, but everything I've watched on 30 lately has had a serious lipsync issue. Very distracting. (Maybe they cleared that up. I haven't watched much lately - not even last night's ep of Lost. I'll check it tonight.)

Well Supernatural isn't being shown in HD but letterboxed 4x3

Well Supernatural isn't being shown in HD but letterboxed 4x3

Yes, it looks like another KPLR screw up. I have e-mailed them before about issues like this and they never respond.

I haven't watched Smallville yet, but everything I've watched on 30 lately has had a serious lipsync issue. Very distracting. (Maybe they cleared that up. I haven't watched much lately - not even last night's ep of Lost. I'll check it tonight.)

No sync issues on Lost here, through the HR20.

People actually watch WRBU? Wow.

Being the Big XII provider for this market, there are probably more than you think there would.

WRBU Analog off second day (RF 46). Have noted better signal on WRBU-DT (RF 47), about 5% here in Webster Groves.

I haven't watched Smallville yet, but everything I've watched on 30 lately has had a serious lipsync issue. Very distracting. (Maybe they cleared that up. I haven't watched much lately - not even last night's ep of Lost. I'll check it tonight.)

Joe, I don't think the lipsync issue is here. We've had trouble with D and E and cable companies receivers getting out of sync in several of our markets. They reboot and it solves it. The problem seems to be with the early version Sencore receiver.

Joe, I don't think the lipsync issue is here. We've had trouble with D and E and cable companies receivers getting out of sync in several of our markets. They reboot and it solves it. The problem seems to be with the early version Sencore receiver.

Thanks. I'm sure it's my 622 causing the problem then. Maybe you can fill me in on how that issue works. Does the captured video have an inherent lipsync problem? That is, does the problem go away for a recorded show once the receiver is rebooted, or is some sort of sync data in the recorded stream permanently changed?

Thanks. I'm sure it's my 622 causing the problem then. Maybe you can fill me in on how that issue works. Does the captured video have an inherent lipsync problem? That is, does the problem go away for a recorded show once the receiver is rebooted, or is some sort of sync data in the recorded stream permanently changed?

The buffering in the receiver overflows and the video and audio no longer match. Restarting the receiver clears the buffer and it works fine until something upsets it again. Lipsync is a major industry issue...much of it software problems just like closed captioning is a DTV problem. It's getiing better, but not perfect yet.

The buffering in the receiver overflows and the video and audio no longer match. Restarting the receiver clears the buffer and it works fine until something upsets it again. Lipsync is a major industry issue...much of it software problems just like closed captioning is a DTV problem. It's getiing better, but not perfect yet.

Jim,

Two nerves are being touched here. As an E* subscriber, CC and audio sync both seem to be experiencing issues on KDNL. In both cases the issues seem to come and go on the sat HD channels while the OTA broadcasts seem fine. So while the issues appear to be E*-related and have been reported, the problems remain.

I don't experience either issue with the other HD locals via sat, but some are not without their set of unique quirks.

Lipsync is a major industry issue...much of it software problems just like closed captioning is a DTV problem.
It is still hard for me to believe that there are no timecode tracks to link video and audio. With all the experience in the industry...........

Or, could there be sync tracks but current receivers ignore them?

It is still hard for me to believe that there are no timecode tracks to link video and audio. With all the experience in the industry...........

Or, could there be sync tracks but current receivers ignore them?

No Dan, there's no sync track! The ATSC standard does not specify receiver standards in detail. Every receiver is different. In our plant the only way we have to check lip sync is with the eyeball. There's some new test equipment coming out that watermarks the video and audio to try to test for sync, but very few have it. Just like the new receivers are worlds better at decoding ATSC than the 1st gen...these other issues will eventually be resolved.

Early solutions for syncing analog audio and video tracks with time code were expensive, but they worked. Then came DV, and sync issues looked like they might become a thing of the past with the new digital technology. But constant bit rate (CBR) DV and HDV didn't translate into the sync nirvana I originally hoped for. With AVCHD camcorders (which I love in so many ways) becoming commonplace, I'm re-experiencing many of the same editing issues I had years ago. It feels as though the editing landscape is starting to stabilize a little bit, but the opportunities for lip sync issues with OTA and satellite signals are still troubling.

Ever since the switchover I have had major signal issues with KMOV. Am I the only one?

Ever since the switchover I have had major signal issues with KMOV. Am I the only one?

This must be location dependent. In my case, signal quality & consistency improved significantly in Creve Coeur. I wonder why.......

No Dan, there's no sync track!
Outrageous. Simply outrageous.

This must be location dependent. In my case, signal quality & consistency improved significantly in Creve Coeur. I wonder why.......

I'm in Ofallon, IL. Channel 4 was rock solid before, now on my 622s and 722 it barely holds the signal most of the time and loses signal entirely so frequently I had to change all the timers we had set for OTA.

Hey guys,

This is off topic, but I don't know who else to ask and feel like I'll get the best and right answers.

I have some VHS tapes (home movies of the family, etc.) that I want to convert to DVDs. I have capture devices on my computer (its a Sony Vaio with the capture built in.)

What's the best way to do this that will result in the best video quality and will be most efficient? I truly appreciate any help.

I'm in Ofallon, IL. Channel 4 was rock solid before, now on my 622s and 722 it barely holds the signal most of the time and loses signal entirely so frequently I had to change all the timers we had set for OTA.

Side mount on tower. Tower shadow null to the east/southeast, probably. Full strength here in Webster Groves.

WRBU Analog (RF 46) still off.

Hey guys,

This is off topic, but I don't know who else to ask and feel like I'll get the best and right answers.

I have some VHS tapes (home movies of the family, etc.) that I want to convert to DVDs. I have capture devices on my computer (its a Sony Vaio with the capture built in.)

What's the best way to do this that will result in the best video quality and will be most efficient? I truly appreciate any help.

Your Vaio should have the right software to accomplish this, I think. I forget what it's called, but it came installed on the 2 Vaio laptops I owned. If not, you can use Nero, Cyberlink or, maybe, Microsoft Movie Maker to convert the captured footage directly to DVD. Cyberlink and Nero both have DVD templates that make creating a custom DVD with professional looking menus a snap. You import the footage, select a template, set chapter points and customize the whole thing with your own music and background pictures. I used to do this for my student works at Webster. I'd capture their DV projects, burn them to DVD with menus and give them copies of their work. A single DVD would hold all their works for a given assignment (and they always had the option of not including their work on the class DVD). It was a good tool for them and for me to archive their works and give them a way of reviewing everything easily.

The process is easy and usually takes just a few minutes to set up. Rendering the DVD may take a while, depending on your captures, but that's all in the background. Use the built-in templates and everyone will appreciate how good it makes home movies look. It also allows you to scan through Aunt Betty's birthday party a little quicker if you want.

Joe,

Thanks for the advice. Click2DVD and DVGate are the options installed on the Vaio.

I have hooked up my VCR to the computer and I'm watching some video through that. It doesn't look good. Is there any way to improve it, clean it up?

I realize the old -- but true axioms -- of "garbage in, garbage out" and "you can't make chicken salad out of chicken ________."

Nonetheless, hoping for the best. Thanks!

Edit: I should have probably added earlier that my source tapes are VHS and VHS-C (the compact VHS tapes.)

Joe,

Thanks for the advice. Click2DVD and DVGate are the options installed on the Vaio.

I have hooked up my VCR to the computer and I'm watching some video through that. It doesn't look good. Is there any way to improve it, clean it up?

I realize the old -- but true axioms -- of "garbage in, garbage out" and "you can't make chicken salad out of chicken ________."

Nonetheless, hoping for the best. Thanks!

There might not be much you can do with it. If it's like a lot of VHS footage that's been around for years, it's deteriorated substantially just sitting on the shelf. The filters in a program like Adobe Premiere can clean up some noise and help with contrast, but it's still not going to look good. You might try adjusting noise and contrast settings in your software (if they're there) and see how much it helps. Not matter what, though, don't wait. It's not going to get any better, and it's better to have bad footage than no footage at all.

You guys have a wealth of expertise, so I thought I'd start here. I'm not a newbie, I've troubleshooted and fixed lots of stuff, tinkered with the innards, etc. But my computer (out of warranty Velocity Micro/Vista) won't boot beyond the VM splash screen; can't get into Windows, safe mode or setup. Won't even boot from the Windows CD.
This happened all of a sudden. Scanner wasn't recognized, but unplug/plug USB cable fixed that. Then iTunes was having trouble recognizing optical drive. So I decided to reboot; as it was shutting down I got a message "configuring updates, don't turn off your computer". Well, I hadn't manually started any updates, and the restart process had already begun.

Looking for any ideas.
Also looking for service recommendations; anyone have experience with places that do house calls?
thx
barry

You guys have a wealth of expertise, so I thought I'd start here. I'm not a newbie, I've troubleshooted and fixed lots of stuff, tinkered with the innards, etc. But my computer (out of warranty Velocity Micro/Vista) won't boot beyond the VM splash screen; can't get into Windows, safe mode or setup. Won't even boot from the Windows CD.
This happened all of a sudden. Scanner wasn't recognized, but unplug/plug USB cable fixed that. Then iTunes was having trouble recognizing optical drive. So I decided to reboot; as it was shutting down I got a message "configuring updates, don't turn off your computer". Well, I hadn't manually started any updates, and the restart process had already begun.

Looking for any ideas.
Also looking for service recommendations; anyone have experience with places that do house calls?
thx
barry

Your operating system is corrupt. Mount your hard drive as a slave drive in a working computer, and get your data off. Depending on how old your box is, either get the restore disk and wipe the original, after recovering your data, or buy a new box (best option), and restore your data to the new computer.

Did I mention getting your data off the original drive first? :) And making a duplicate backup? :) A USB external drive is perfect (on the computer you are mounting the original drive as a slave), or a drive cage for your original corrupt drive to use as a data drive. Once.

Lots of A-B contractors, and the Firedog guys from CC are looking for work now. I just service 400, by myself, and like my weekends off...

You may scream now.

You guys have a wealth of expertise, so I thought I'd start here. I'm not a newbie, I've troubleshooted and fixed lots of stuff, tinkered with the innards, etc. But my computer (out of warranty Velocity Micro/Vista) won't boot beyond the VM splash screen; can't get into Windows, safe mode or setup. Won't even boot from the Windows CD.
This happened all of a sudden. Scanner wasn't recognized, but unplug/plug USB cable fixed that. Then iTunes was having trouble recognizing optical drive. So I decided to reboot; as it was shutting down I got a message "configuring updates, don't turn off your computer". Well, I hadn't manually started any updates, and the restart process had already begun.

Looking for any ideas.
Also looking for service recommendations; anyone have experience with places that do house calls?
thx
barry

This could be a lot of things.

Try unplugging all your USB devices. I've had this problem in the past, where the system didn't like some USB device I had plugged in.

Make sure there are no discs in the optical drives when you try to boot. A bad Blu-ray disc once caused a similar problem for me. The system just hung and wouldn't even let me into BIOS.

I'm having an intermittent problem myself with one of my machines. I suspect mine is the power supply. Memory might also be the culprit.

Best Buy is the only place I'm aware of that does "house calls." I think your success may depend on the individual tech you get, but their Geek Squad might be able to help. Don't bet the farm on it, though.

Sounds like the registry is corrupted especially since it was updating. Or, it could be your hard drive was having issues. I sent you a PM with some basic steps and tools to try.

Edit: Worst case scenerio is you can disco power and remove the battery, wait about 20 minutes and put it back in. There is also a jumper pin that may need to be reset after pulling the battery that clears the CMOS. The CMOS battery keeps settings in the BIOS from being lost, as well as maintaining the system time. I would Google the exact steps for your PC. But try the other stuff I sent first.

PinkSplice, Mo and Joe
Thanks thanks thanks for all of your responses. After a couple of cups of coffee and a few minutes of screaming, I started trying things with the simplest first and, Joe -- it was an external drive gone bad (apparently). I unplugged an old firewire external drive, my USB hub, printer, scanner and other external drives and the machine booted fine. Then I started plugging in each device and everything worked until one of the 500g externals wouldn't boot. Bad drive. It is my music drive; I have a mirror drive as a backup, so I haven't lost anything.
Again, thanks to all. I'll file all your tips away for the next time and, as we all know, there will be a next time!
barry

I just downloaded Windows 7 and I was wondered it anyone else is running it.

...there will be a next time!
barry

Yep - death, taxes and the next time. :)

I just downloaded Windows 7 and I was wondered it anyone else is running it.

I downloaded it but haven't installed it yet. I tried a couple of times, but had some bad luck with the attempts. I'm going to put it on a separate drive - just have to get around to installing it internally. An eSATA drive wouldn't work, nor a USB. I've read that it's a surprisingly stable build. Some pundits are expecting a release about July - not closer to the end of the year, as some are saying.

I've been running Windows 7 since the first of the year (I was bored on New Year's Day).

I agree that it is extremely stable -- I haven't had any crashes, though very recently I had a problem with the screen resolution reverting to 800x600 and not letting me go back go 1680x1050 without rebooting. I think I've isolated that to a specific screen saver, and it hasn't happened since Monday morning.

I'm coming from Vista SP1, which was a really good experience for me. I didn't see or experience the original release of Vista, but it seems (and I've read other accounts reinforcing this) that SP1 eliminated most of the big initial Vista issues.

One nice thing about Windows 7 is that it seems to use less memory and uses it more efficiently when programs are closed down. I have 3GB of RAM, and with Vista I would occasionally dip down to below 1.2GB and very, very occasionally below 1GB free. With Windows 7, I rarely see free RAM falling below 1.5GB. I was doing some customer reports on Friday, and I had a double-high taskbar filled with running programs -- multiple Excel, Word and Foxit Reader windows along with Firefox 3.1 with a dozen open tabs, and I had very nearly 1.8GB free.

My only real gripe with Windows 7 is the new taskbar. I have two problems with it. One, at the default setting, it comingles running applications and shortcuts on the same bar, which I believe is similar to the way the dock works in OSX. To me, this is incredibly confusing, made worse by the fact that the default settings shows only large icons with no text labels. The second issue is the elimination of the Quick Launch section of the task bar due to the fact that these frequently used shortcuts appear along with running applications in the taskbar.

To fix the first issue, there's a setting in Properties that allows you to restore Text Labels to running applications, but the options are structured in a way that won't allow you to "group" multiple windows of the same application as a single tile; however, it does group the tiles together, so when you open a new Excel worksheet, that tile moves behind the last-opened Excel window.

I did some hunting around to find a way to restore the Quick Launch section of the taskbar. If this is important to you, do a Google search and look for a solution that explains how to change this behavior in the Group Policy Editor (not as hard as it sounds). I've misplaced the link but if I come across it I'll post it here.

Also, here's some other Windows 7 tips from one of the Win7 team bloggers:

http://blogs.msdn.com/tims/archive/2009/01/12/the-bumper-list-of-windows-7-secrets.aspx

Note that the blog item includes a fix for Quick Launch, but it didn't work for me and seems to be missing the Group Policy change instructions.

A couple security-related issues. The User Access Control stuff has been toned down, but it is still sometimes a nuisance. It's easy enough to turn it off. Don't do this, though, unless you have all your security pinned down. There a link in the Action Center (replaces Security Center in the Control Panel) that takes you to a list of beta versions of firewalls, anti-virus and anti-spyware applications that work with Win7. I'm using Comodo and Kaspersky, and they seem to be keeping me out of trouble.

Oh, one other niggle. Maybe it's just my machine, but whenever I click the Control Panel item in the Taskbar Menu it takes forever for the flyout menu to appear. This might be due to the fact that it doesn't seem to be cached and the number of items in CP is very long (more than 50).

All in all, Windows 7 is pretty nice, but then the OS really isn't all that relevant anymore. I'm personally more browser-focused these days, so I'm jonesing to get all my favorite add-ons working in the Firefox 3.1 beta.

Ah, the life of an accidental beta tester... ;)

My only real gripe with Windows 7 is the new taskbar. I have two problems with it. One, at the default setting, it comingles running applications and shortcuts on the same bar, which I believe is similar to the way the dock works in OSX. To me, this is incredibly confusing,

In OSX you can easily have only running apps in the Dock. You don't have to put any shortcuts to anything down there if you don't want. Just drag em out. I use command-tab to cycle through running apps anyhow. Also in the dock there is an indicator showing which apps are running vs the dormant shortcuts. But never having a "Start" menu in my OS, this is the way its always been and what I'm used to.

Maybe there is a similar function in Windows 7.

In OSX you can easily have only running apps in the Dock. You don't have to put any shortcuts to anything down there if you don't want. Just drag em out. I use command-tab to cycle through running apps anyhow. Also in the dock there is an indicator showing which apps are running vs the dormant shortcuts. But never having a "Start" menu in my OS, this is the way its always been and what I'm used to.

Maybe there is a similar function in Windows 7.On my Mac nothing is in the dock until I run it (which causes it to appear in the dock automatically) and when apps quit they disappear again. I also keep it hidden. I don't need it so I don't use it & it doesn't take up space on my screen.

I use Quicksilver, which is great and Windows doesn't have anything as good that I know of. I think Launchy is about as close as you can get.

I just downloaded Windows 7 and I was wondered it anyone else is running it.

Yep, did a clean install to dual boot on my 32 bit desktop and an upgrade install over my 64 bit Vista laptop. Both seem to work well with minor niggles:

The desktop install couldn't find the wireless adapter so i had to boot back to Vista, find it, and re-reboot back to 7, and install the vista driver, worked fine from there.

The 64 bit laptop install was a little more problematic. I lost the ability to play dvd's as the drive was only recognized as a CD drive. Couldnt find the vista driver for my laptops drive, but found the registry hack to make it work. Had to delete 2 registry entries and reboot, now I can play DVD's again. However, this messed up itunes' ability to burn a cd. Itunes works as a player, but advises a re-install to restore cd burning capability. The only problem: Itunes installer seems to not like windows 7 64 bit. No big deal as I really dont need to burn cd's anymore, but a minor hassle to click through a warning screen every time I fire up itunes.

In both cases, everything seems very stable, a little bit faster, and less resource-dependent. The new taskbar takes some getting used to, but seems OK. The loss of a "recent items" option on the start menu really confused me at first until I realized that the "recent" feature is actually context specific: If I hover over Word in the start menu, for example, my most recent word docs appear. Same with Excel and so on... That, to me, is pretty sweet.

I just checked my local Schnuck's for the 3d glasses. Without and displays to be found, I asked at customer service and they had plenty. Therefore, ask at customer service :)

I don't have a link, but ksdk just announced that the DTV transition has been postponed until June 12th.

Seinfeld is on and surprise, surprise.

NO HD FOR THE LOU. :)

I just checked my local Schnuck's for the 3d glasses. Without and displays to be found, I asked at customer service and they had plenty. Therefore, ask at customer service :)

I picked up several pairs at Wal-Mart last Tuesday.

If you think your old 3D glasses from another movie (DVD or Blu-ray) might work with the Super-Bowl and Chuck 3D shots, think again. The Chuck glasses are blue/yellow, not red/green. My oldest 3D glasses, from a set of DVDs I got years ago, have just about the same color red/green glasses as the Blu-ray glasses that came with Journey to the Center of the Earth, but the lenses are reversed. They DO work, if you wear the glasses upside down. Quite the fashion statement. :D

Here's a link to some local St. Louis landmarks in 3D. (http://www.3djournal.com/001/gal_USA_St_Louis_3D.php) Be forwarned: looking at these images with red/green glasses for extended periods of time actually affected my vision for a time. One of my eyes saw everything a bit red, the other eye a bit green. I kid you not. It took several minutes for the effect to wear off completely.

I don't have a link, but ksdk just announced that the DTV transition has been postponed until June 12th.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/27/digital.tv.transition.delay/index.html

I don't have a link, but ksdk just announced that the DTV transition has been postponed until June 12th.

And we thought that this election put SMART people in Washington.

Walt

And we thought that this election put SMART people in Washington.

Walt

I hate to see this delay, too, but I've also been saying for years that the transition was being mismanaged. I went so far as to call how they were handling it "borderline criminal." That was an exaggeration, no doubt, but blame for the mess right now can't be placed solely on the results of an election.

Amazon has the Samsung 61" DLP rear projection HDTV (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001415FIG?ie=UTF8&tag=tvpredictions-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001415FIG#) for $1,399. I've read that these sets will be discontinued soon. It's a consequence of the runaway popularity of flat screen TVs. I still believe, though, that they represent the best bang for the buck in screen size. A comparable LCD or plasma would cost easily 2-3 times more. And no lamp to wear out.

The Simpsons will air its first HD show on Feb. 15th. That's sort of like having chocolate cake with chocolate syrup, then putting some more chocolate syrup on top, giving you chocolaty goodness. Ummmmm - chocolate.

Look for some extra funny stuff to be going on in the edges of the frame. I'd be disappointed if they didn't do that, especially for this first episode (like production gear or crew).

And we thought that this election put SMART people in Washington.

Walt

Who thought that???? :D

Careful here, gentlemen. We wouldn't want to have the mods come a knockin'. Let's not head down that road.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/27/digital.tv.transition.delay/index.html

While it's a virtual certainty that the delay will happen (ugh), the House has yet to act and there's a chance it may produce its own version of the Bill that would have to go to the Senate for approval.

And come June 12 we'll still have "alarming" numbers of people "unprepared."

Amazon has the Samsung 61" DLP rear projection HDTV (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001415FIG?ie=UTF8&tag=tvpredictions-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001415FIG#) for $1,399. I've read that these sets will be discontinued soon. It's a consequence of the runaway popularity of flat screen TVs. I still believe, though, that they represent the best bang for the buck in screen size. A comparable LCD or plasma would cost easily 2-3 times more. And no lamp to wear out.Vanns and Crutchfield also have these on sale. Samsung stated they are not doing DLP anymore. There are no new models for 2009, but they will continue selling the current ones. However, these are on sale and I'll bet when current inventory is exhausted that will be it. I think Crutchfield has already stopped taking orders.

These TVs are fantastic. I have the 67" version (about $1700 right now) and love it. The picture is awesome and I haven't even gotten it calibrated yet.

Vanns and Crutchfield also have these on sale. Samsung stated they are not doing DLP anymore. There are no new models for 2009, but they will continue selling the current ones. However, these are on sale and I'll bet when current inventory is exhausted that will be it. I think Crutchfield has already stopped taking orders.

These TVs are fantastic. I have the 67" version (about $1700 right now) and love it. The picture is awesome and I haven't even gotten it calibrated yet.

I love these sets, too. If I didn't have a front projector, this is the set I'd own. People hear that they can't mount these on the wall and they say no, but most people don't wall mount their flat screens anyway. They put them on a stand or a piece of furniture. The DLP rear projectors are not at all deep, and they fit well on such furniture. LED DLP = home theater nirvana, as far as I'm concerned. I can't wait for them to get the LED front projectors a little brighter (and cheaper).

Seinfeld is on and surprise, surprise.

NO HD FOR THE LOU. :)

Truly shocking, 'cause KTVI is usually totally on the ball... ;)

Truly shocking, 'cause KTVI is usually totally on the ball... ;)

Heh. Anyone know when (if) KTVI's news is going HD?

Heh. Anyone know when (if) KTVI's news is going HD?

Any questions revolving around KTVI should also consider KPLR. Same owners,
correct? I think they are looking to cut costs, not incur more costs. What I
don't understand is that they could buy the HD cameras and such and
depreciate the cost of the hardware via taxes.

Any questions revolving around KTVI should also consider KPLR. Same owners,
correct? I think they are looking to cut costs, not incur more costs. What I
don't understand is that they could buy the HD cameras and such and
depreciate the cost of the hardware via taxes.

Yeah I don't see them making the upgrade any time soon. And its a damn shame too since they have the most news coverage of any local station and has always been my preferred station of choice.

They're building new studios in West county as we speak, and KTVI is moving in because their ancient Hampton facility is being demolished. I find it difficult to imagine them NOT building them with full HD capability. That would be really short-sighted.

.....Sort of like building a brand new facility in the sixties with only black & white cameras!

KDNL's going on 02/17.

- Trip

wrbu has been coming so good and so reliable that I can actually set season passes to record.

for the past 2+ years, I've never been able to pick it up other than maybe summer mornings.

My reception of PBS, although always reliable, has increased in "signal strength" too, before it was in the high 50's/low60's and now it is in the 80's.

OMG I am so over KSDK constantly running school closures all the way through the Tonight Show. Does anyone have a good number to call? Every time I have called I get someone's voice mail.

OMG I am so over KSDK constantly running school closures all the way through the Tonight Show. Does anyone have a good number to call? Every time I have called I get someone's voice mail.

Heh, that won't do any good. 10000 mom's would call in if they WEREN'T there.

OMG I am so over KSDK constantly running school closures all the way through the Tonight Show. Does anyone have a good number to call? Every time I have called I get someone's voice mail.

KMOV did the same thing with Letterman. At least KMOV shrinks the broadcast less than KSDK does.

OMG I am so over KSDK constantly running school closures all the way through the Tonight Show. Does anyone have a good number to call? Every time I have called I get someone's voice mail.Mo, Mo, Mo --

Don't you understand, we MUST think of the children. It's the modern-day catch-all for "I'm going to do stuff that you hate and shove it down your throat, no matter how loud you yell."

So, please -- just think of the children...or England. ;)

My kids' school district has a laundry list of ways to contact us. As a result, when the decision was made to close the schools, we were notified on our home phone, my mobile phone, my wife's mobile phone, my Blackberry, my home e-mail and my wife's e-mail.

WE GOT THE MESSAGE!!!!!!!

How many families with TV's don't have one of the above methods of communication? Channel 5 reported there were 999 closings. If you need to sit in front of the screen to wait to see your school come up, you have way too much time on your hands.

They're building new studios in West county as we speak, and KTVI is moving in because their ancient Hampton facility is being demolished. I find it difficult to imagine them NOT building them with full HD capability. That would be really short-sighted.

.....Sort of like building a brand new facility in the sixties with only black & white cameras!

I thought they were moving over to the KPLR facilities which were just built in the westport area.

My kids' school district has a laundry list of ways to contact us. As a result, when the decision was made to close the schools, we were notified on our home phone, my mobile phone, my wife's mobile phone, my Blackberry, my home e-mail and my wife's e-mail.


Same here, except ours only contacts the home phone after school hours, but you better pick up or the "system" will call back in 20 minutes. :)

I do appreciate a call the night before the last two days, nothing worse than the phone ringing at 5 am after working second shift! :confused:

I thought they were moving over to the KPLR facilities which were just built in the westport area.

True, but according to reports, the facility is under construction and being renovated. I have no clue what that really means but I sure hope it includes an upgrade to HD---at least for KTVI.

True, but according to reports, the facility is under construction and being renovated. I have no clue what that really means but I sure hope it includes an upgrade to HD---at least for KTVI.

Well, Westport is not West County, I guess I that is where I was getting
confused. I know all the people who move to Creve Coeur and Westport try to
make it west county, but it ain't. The older I get the more West County
becomes anywhere close to 270.

Story here... (http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-01-28-digital-tv-congress_N.htm?csp=YahooModule_Money)

Can someone tell me if there's an issue with KMOV's digital channel? I'm in Maryland Heights, and I recently got an LCD TV, so I decided to try to get some local HD channels.

I started with a 9 dollar antenna from Best Buy (just to see what it would pick up). Reception on a few channels was spotty, but I don't remember which ones, since I just took it right back and decided to look for a better antenna. I do know, however, that it did pick up 4.1 (KMOV DT) to some extent, because it found it during the channel search.

Then I went and got a Terk HDTVa.... this didn't work any better than the 9 dollar one. I couldn't even get half the channels (no PBS, no WRBU, choppy KTVI). The problem now, though, was that KMOV's DT channel (4.1) was at ZERO signal strength. The channel search didn't even find it. The only reason I know it's supposed to be there is because apparently, the 9 dollar antenna picked it up.

So I went and got a big roof antenna (RCA ANT3020X) and set it up. After the channel search, I got every HD channel that I'm supposed to get (even WRBU and all the PBSs)... but not KMOV! It's still at ZERO signal strength. How is that even possible? WRBU is way farther away than KMOV, and I can get the SD KMOV channel (which I'm assuming broadcasts from the same location).

I'm guessing that an amp won't help, since amplifying zero is still zero. :p

Can anyone help me? I don't want to buy an even bigger antenna, if KMOV is still gonna be at zero.


WATYF

Then I went and got a Terk HDTVa....

The $9 antennae was probably better than the Terk :D

but not KMOV! It's still at ZERO signal strength. How is that even possible?
I'd clear the scanned data out and start fresh. I'm in the Central West End with a Silver Sensor antenna indoors, shooting through three courses of 19th century brick, and 4 is just as strong as 2, 5, 11 and 30; stronger than 9.

What do you get if you manually tune to 24? (That is the actual RF channel for what is labeled "4.1.")

.........................

I'm guessing that an amp won't help, since amplifying zero is still zero. :p

Can anyone help me? I don't want to buy an even bigger antenna, if KMOV is still gonna be at zero.


WATYF

I am in Washington, MO (50 miles west of the Arch) and can get all channels, mostly clear. KMOV was the hardest for me, but now don't have a problem

I have a large antenna mounted in my attic. It has Radio Shack 2-piece booster (one part at the antenna; the other in the basement) and am using a second booster on it as well. Without the boosters, I GET NOTHING!!!!

Not conventional, but it works for me. HTH

I live in Creve Coeur with a roof top antenna. KMOV comes in at 100%. Perhaps you're not pointing the antenna correctly, especially if you're getting WRBU. That station is almost due south of Maryland Heights while KMOV is more like South East.Try rotating your antenna 20 degrees towards the East. Of course, I don't know where your starting point is, but you don't want to point exactly due South.

Also, make sure you clear out any old 4.1 channel that may be present on the set. They used to transmit on ch. 56 and are now at 24. Perhaps that's where your tuner is still looking for the signal. Delete and re-scan.

just some free advice.............

I also have had problems getting KMOV in Maryland Heights. Had no problem before the change.

My mother in law has an old roof top antenna and I went to her house to rescan for channel 4 and the Zenith tuner failed several times to pick up channel 4. She is at the moment watching the analog channel.

My attic antenna (DB-2 from Antennas Direct with amp) a few blocks away pulls in the channel on the two MYHD's and is very watchable but the HDTivo has been able to scan the channel but it fails to have the strength to be watched.

Then two miles away near HWY 70 and St Charles Rock Road with a Radio Shack 40" UHF only Boom Antenna in the attic with amp the three computers with MYHD tuners have all been unable to pick up channel 4. One scanned and shows the 4-1 channel the other two show 2 24-1 channels and none have shown a watchable picture. Have deleted all channels and recanned daily but no changes.

So I am just waiting to see if KMOV comes back when they complete their changes.

Ron

All tuner brands are different, but if you were able to catch KMOV before the transistion in Maryland Hts, it should be stronger now. Just make sure you're tuning to Ch 24 and not 56. If you can't manually delete channels, I would un-plug your tuner (set box, tv, whatever) a good half-hour and then do a full re-scan. It should find 24-1 and 24-2 if you have a decent antenna.

Good luck.

Charter is going to 60mb.. Never thought they would attempt to lead the pack at anything..

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/sciencemedicine/story/75B69582485FE07E8625754D0015271F?OpenDocument


I have to say its a nice move of Charter but I'm sure they are well aware that only a small handful of people would even consider paying that much a month, little lone follow through with the purchase. I just thought the Tech that was at my house the other day for the Moxi install was talking out his butt when he mentioned 50mb... Guess he actually knew what he was talking about..

-Phatty

It looks like the House of Representatives has rejected legislation that would have delayed the Feb 17 analog shutdown:

http://www.twice.com/article/CA6633043.html

Of course, this is probably not the end of the quest to preserve every citizen's inalienable Right to Guaranteed, Effort-Free TV.

After all, there's this thing called an "executive order" that seems much in favor the past week or so...but it's also possible this will get tacked onto to some other pending legislation.

Charter is going to 60mb.. Never thought they would attempt to lead the pack at anything..



Geez, my so-called 16mb service varies between 7 and 13mb on a GOOD day!

KDNL's going on 02/17.

- Trip

HUZZAH! 2+ MW ERP of front-end overload going away.

Here's a preview of the 3D footage coming up on Chuck Monday night. (http://www.sendspace.com/file/mcwq93) The download is really slow, so I haven't seen the clip yet. The still I found looks no better than standard 3D anaglyph, if that good. Obviously, colored glasses will never provide good 3D at home.

Edit: Apparently, the whole episode is in 3D, not just select clips. I'll be in my chair, dorky glasses on. I just watched the clip, but wasn't any more impressed than with standard anaglyph.

Somebody please remind me again of the name of the antenna store near St. Charles that is so often recommended? Thank you!

Skywalker? They are in Ofallon, I believe they are only open M-F.

I have used with much success the UHF antenna from Radio Shack, http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103088

Skywalker?
Thanks!

My mind keeps going to what a great movie Kurt Warner's story would make. I'm sure a lot of people have approached him about it. The story would practically write itself: college football and anonymity, struggles to have his talent recognized, the famous "tossing toilet paper rolls" in an Iowa grocery store, the storybook romance with Brenda, and her special needs child, the Super Bowl victory, his faith - on and on. No matter what happens tomorrow, it's a story made for Hollywood. If he does manage to bring home another Super Bowl ring, it would be unbelievable.

The hardest part might be finding a guy better looking than Kurt to play the part. I'll be glued to my seat.

Somebody please remind me again of the name of the antenna store near St. Charles that is so often recommended? Thank you!

Skywalker?

http://www.skywalker.com/

Dan, it's Skywalker Communications -- near Wentzville/O'Fallon.

Skywalker?
Thanks, Moman.

Skywalker
Thanks!

KMOV must be back on their primary transmitter now. Signal strength is back to 100%.

If I had only one word to describe 3D television in 2009 is would be......"Horrible!" :rolleyes:

If I had only one word to describe 3D television in 2009 is would be......"Horrible!" :rolleyes:

No, what's horrible is 3D television from 1950. That's what you saw during the Super Bowl. 3D television circa 2009 is much better than the awful process we just witnessed. I think what's happening right now is that a few people in positions of power have decided that we need 3D, and this is one way they tried to get us interested. The big mistake they made was to try to do it with a process that has been tried often before, and failed every time.

As I sat in the dark, my projector's brightness cranked up all the way and my eyes straining with the awful color distortions, I thought - this may have done more to set 3D back than anything in a long time. When people think 3D, the first thing they're going to remember is this visual disaster.

The best 3D I've ever seen was at the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC. That process used dual projectors and polarizing glasses. Each eye sees only what it's supposed to see. The effect was quite good. The Samsung and Mitsubishi rear projectors use shuttered LCD glasses to create the 3D effect. I've never actually seen that sort of 3D. No actual movie using the technique is available to the public, at least that I'm aware of - just computer games.

3D has a lot of potential, and I really want to see it happen, but events such as this will help convince people that 3D sucks. It doesn't have to. We have the technology to do it right. We just have to agree on the standard. Easier said than done. I'll be sending a note to my ex-student in Hollywood, detailing my thoughts. I'll use your quote, Tom, to help make my point. He may be in a position to pass it along to a couple of people who helped promote this attempt.

No, what's horrible is 3D television from 1950. That's what you saw during the Super Bowl. 3D television circa 2009 is much better than the awful process we just witnessed. I think what's happening right now is that a few people in positions of power have decided that we need 3D, and this is one way they tried to get us interested. The big mistake they made was to try to do it with a process that has been tried often before, and failed every time.

As I sat in the dark, my projector's brightness cranked up all the way and my eyes straining with the awful color distortions, I thought - this may have done more to set 3D back than anything in a long time. When people think 3D, the first thing they're going to remember is this visual disaster.

The best 3D I've ever seen was at the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC. That process used dual projectors and polarizing glasses. Each eye sees only what it's supposed to see. The effect was quite good. The Samsung and Mitsubishi rear projectors use shuttered LCD glasses to create the 3D effect. I've never actually seen that sort of 3D. No actual movie using the technique is available to the public, at least that I'm aware of - just computer games.

3D has a lot of potential, and I really want to see it happen, but events such as this will help convince people that 3D sucks. It doesn't have to. We have the technology to do it right. We just have to agree on the standard. Easier said than done. I'll be sending a note to my ex-student in Hollywood, detailing my thoughts. I'll use your quote, Tom, to help make my point. He may be in a position to pass it along to a couple of people who helped promote this attempt.

Also tell them this .. focus on quality programming, good writing, and good acting and just leave the gimmicks out of TV. 3D isn't needed ... good shows are, and they are lacking. I wouldn't watch Chuck if the actors performed as holograms in my living room.

Also tell them this .. focus on quality programming, good writing, and good acting and just leave the gimmicks out of TV. 3D isn't needed ... good shows are, and they are lacking. I wouldn't watch Chuck if the actors performed as holograms in my living room.

I think I'll just concentrate on telling my ex-student what I think, not what you think, especially since I think Chuck is one of the best shows on TV right now. I think it's well written and extremely well acted. I also think that 3D is a tool that one day will be considered as valuable as any other in the filmmaker's kit, although I agree it has been used in very gimmicky ways in the past. Lots of film making tools have been and continue to be used as gimmicks in the hands of lesser artists - cheesy rack focus, inappropriate vertigo shots, poorly done hand held work. I once heard Siskel and Ebert say that, if they had to watch films in only color or black and white, they'd choose black and white. I agree with that statement about as much as I do that 3D is only a gimmick. If I had to choose only one type of film, I'd watch color, because that's the way I see. I'd also choose to view movies in 3D if I had only one choice, because that's also how I see. Of course, poorly done 3D, like what we will see with Chuck tomorrow, takes away from the experience. Well done 3D, like the 3D movie of the space shuttle that I saw in Washington, can add dramatically to the viewing experience.

That, as always, is just my opinion. Lots of people would disagree.

Oops. I forgot to mention that I was watching an episode of Chuck on Blu-ray when I got your post. When I saw Sarah Lancaster and Yvonne Strahovsky, I got to thinkin' how very much I'd like to see these two women as holograms in my living room. :)

I've got a 100 ft. cable that was an outdoor run. This is larger than RG-6 cable. I've got it run for my OTA, but I need to split out for two other TV's. I can't find ends that are big enough for this cable. Does anyone know where I can get ends locally for this RG-11(?) sized cable? It's larger than the ends you can get at Radio Shack or Lowes. Any ideas?

style0,

Your best bet is Skywalker Communications. Although Skywalker are usually discussed here as a primary source for buying OTA antennae, the primary business of Skywalker is supplying cable, satellite, home theater installation specialists.

So, if anyone is going to have what you need, it is Skywalker. The company is located at 9300 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O'Fallon, MO. Phone is (636) 272-8025. Website is www.skywalker.com.

Charter Bankruptcy Filing Near

Reuters is reporting this morning that a bankruptcy filing by Charter Communications is imminent. In addition, CNBC has picked up on this report and indicated that the general credit market environment may make it difficult for Charter to secure debtor-in-possession financing and that that may ultimately result in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, where the company and all of its assets are completely liquidated.
_______________________________________________

Reuters this morning reports that cable operator Charter Communications (CHRT) of St. Louis, Missouri, “is preparing a bankruptcy filing,” citing sources “familiar with the situation.” The piece notes that Charter missed an interest payment of $73.7 million last month, and has $21 billion in debt, $1.9 billion of which is due in September of 2010. Reuters says timing of a Chapter 11 filing is “unclear,” and says the company could try for a “prepackaged” filing, where creditors would approve the filing before it is submitted to the court, giving the bankruptcy a faster process.

CNBC’s David Faber picks up the story on his video report this morning, as part of a feature on a “tsunami of bankruptcies” on the horizon, he claims.

“The key for them is getting a debtor in possession financing,” said Faber. “it’s got to be enormous.” Because of the difficulty of getting debtor-in-possession financing, there’s a hightened likelihood of a Chapter 7 filing, aka, liquidation, said Faber.

Charter shares today are down a little over a penny, or 14%, at 7.77 cents.
________________________________________________

http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2009/02/02/reuters-cable-operator-charter-close-to-bankruptcy/

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?play=1&video=1019602908&__source=yahoo%7Cheadline%7Cquote%7Cvideo%7C&par=yahoo

So, should one upgrade from expanded basic to the HD package in hopes of free equipment?

Here's a clip of Dreamworks' Jeffrey Katzenberg talking about the 3D process. (http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=12033&tag=nl.e539) The pertinent comments: the Super Bowl/Chuck 3D process is an improvement over standard anaglyph colored glasses (very debatable) but the movie theater experience is a huge step above that. He also mentions how Larabee (Intel's new graphics architecture) will be utilized by Dreamworks artists to see in real time the effect of what they're creating in 3D - no need to wait hours for 3D rendering.

<<<<< Only watches HD exclusively


So, should one upgrade from expanded basic to the HD package in hopes of free equipment? NO, one should upgrade to the HD package for the content. Are there people on this forum that still watch "old school" TV?

Hey, guys, I decided to send our comments from last night to the ex-student I was talking about. Here's the response he just sent:

Heya Joe!

I'll forward your email along to someone who works in Katzenberg's camp. I didn't watch the clip in 3D, don't own glasses, and barely turned my office desk chair around in time to catch the STAR TREK (more of the same) spot as it aired.

I'm gonna watch most of the spots in a bit at that website I blasted out.

Poor 3D.

You're well, I hope?

****'s crazy with the Oscar show, but I think it could be great!

Cheers!

J.



Katzenberg is one of the major players in the most current 3D push. Our comments probably won't get to him directly, but someone on the Dreamworks team may read them. I doubt we'll get any feedback. :)

So, should one upgrade from expanded basic to the HD package in hopes of free equipment?What good is free equipment going to do you, if Charter is no longer around? There's no guarantee that equipment provided by Charter would work unaltered when another company comes in to clean up the mess.

Looks like you'll have to find something else to steal.

...Looks like you'll have to find something else to steal.That was pretty funny Doug. :p

Here are some of last night's Super Bowl commercials. (http://www.hitfix.com/articles/2009-2-1-video-watch-transformers-2-g-i-joe-up-race-to-witch-mountain-and-more)

I just finished watching Chuck. You know, maybe one shot in 10 almost worked. The night-time shots in Chuck's apartment courtyard and the club scenes (at least the ones with really good contrast) actually had a fairly realistic 3D effect. Bright scenes, in the Buy More, were just plain bad. The few shots that did work were enough to remind me why I like 3D so much. They create an "I am there" feeling that no 2D photography has ever done for me. I don't think the new process (with amber/blue glasses) is significantly better than the old red/green anaglyph one, but at least my eyes didn't each have a different tint for several minutes. That happens when I watch the recent Brendan Fraser anaglyph movie, Journey to the Center of the Earth.

If you follow the link I sent earlier, Katzenberg says that the colored-glasses 3D doesn't really compare to what will be done with all the Dreamworks movies in the theaters. As much as I don't like going to the movies anymore, I'll be there, all the while hoping they bring the technology to the home before they box me up and stick me in the ground (or my ashes anyway). I think the most likely candidate for realistic home 3D is shuttered LCD glasses. I'd pay that dork-vision price anytime.

I just finished watching Chuck. You know, maybe one shot in 10 almost worked. The night-time shots in Chuck's apartment courtyard and the club scenes (at least the ones with really good contrast) actually had a fairly realistic 3D effect. Bright scenes, in the Buy More, were just plain bad. The few shots that did work were enough to remind me why I like 3D so much.
3D effect was okay, but the glasses gave me a headache after about 20 minutes. The episode was awesome as usual, though.

I just finished watching Chuck. You know, maybe one shot in 10 almost worked.

I think its your eyes man; my wife and I definitely saw more than "1 in 10" that worked.

I just finished watching Chuck. You know, maybe one shot in 10 almost worked. The night-time shots in Chuck's apartment courtyard and the club scenes (at least the ones with really good contrast) actually had a fairly realistic 3D effect. Bright scenes, in the Buy More, were just plain bad. The few shots that did work were enough to remind me why I like 3D so much. They create an "I am there" feeling that no 2D photography has ever done for me. I don't think the new process (with amber/blue glasses) is significantly better than the old red/green anaglyph one, but at least my eyes didn't each have a different tint for several minutes. That happens when I watch the recent Brendan Fraser anaglyph movie, Journey to the Center of the Earth.

If you follow the link I sent earlier, Katzenberg says that the colored-glasses 3D doesn't really compare to what will be done with all the Dreamworks movies in the theaters. As much as I don't like going to the movies anymore, I'll be there, all the while hoping they bring the technology to the home before they box me up and stick me in the ground (or my ashes anyway). I think the most likely candidate for realistic home 3D is shuttered LCD glasses. I'd pay that dork-vision price anytime.

Joe, did you watch on your projector? We ended up sitting about 6 feet from our 60" and the effect was as good or better than the theatrical 3d last 20 minutes of the Harry Potter movie. Harry Potter was using the polarized glasses.

I watched "Chuck," but didn't see it in 3-D. But since I DVRed it, I will try to get some glasses and give it another shot.

But even without the pros/cons of the 3D effects, I have to say that this was, from a pure story-telling perspective, the worst episode of the show I have seen so far. It's almost like the writer of the episode wasn't completely familiar and up-to-speed with the characters. At one point, I chalked this up to the entire episode being a dream within a dream, but that's not the way it played out at the end of the show. The "to be continued" tag at the end may resolve that, but if ever there was an episode unworthy of a multiple parts, this was it.

If I wanted to be cynical, I'd say this is the sort of thing that happens when a movie or TV show overly focuses on technical gimmicks rather than good story-telling and good writing. Comparing this episode's "entertainment value" with the "Chuck vs. the DeLorean" episode from earlier this season and I think there there's really no comparison. It's almost as if the writers took a break from the grind of producing a show, knowing that the focus would be on the 3-D effects.

Maybe another way of looking at this is that NBC wanted/demanded one 3-D episode of Chuck this season, so the producers went ahead and picked the weakest script in the 2008-09 pile.

Disclosure: In general, I am not a fan of 3-D, as I find the effect more distracting than helpful. The whole point of a quality film or TV experience is to help the viewer into a "willing suspension of disbelief," meaning that you're not just watching the film or program, you're experiencing it in a more direct and involved way. Bigger and wider screens, higher image resolution, and deeper, more lifelike color palettes are all positive contributors to SOD. But for me, 3-D undermines the SOD by getting in the way of the story-telling. Perhaps this is because 3-D content is rare and is a novelty, but at this point 3-D seems to be more about showing off "technical chops." If I'm constantly sitting there thinking, "Is this 3-D effect convincing?" it inevitably ends up pulling me back to reality, rather than allowing me to get more deeply immersed in the story.

I think Swanni of TV Predictions has completely gone round "the bipolar curve."

For months (years actually) he's been ranting about the need and inevitability of the analog TV shutdown being delayed. So, today's lead story from Swanni is headlined, "Hey, I Don't Want the DTV Switch Delayed!" And if you actually read the article, he actually contradicts his viewpoint about a delay right within today's story.

http://phillipswann.c.topica.com/maamNtbabNNWkaKAi2VeaeQCSn/

The only thing I agree with Swanni here is that this whole charade is a shining example of the utter and complete incompetence of the federal government. While the latest legislation set out to delay the transition to a hard date in June, now the revised bill will allow broadcasters to make the switch any time they like between February and June. How in the world does that make things better than a hard date in February?

Our elected nimrods are a menace to every man, woman and child in this country (with plenty of unintended consequences outside our borders), and it seems to be getting worse by the day. It is beyond my comprehension how anyone, for even a minute, can think that government will do a better job of running health care than private citizens and the private sector, notwithstanding the very real issues with the health care system currently. These blowhard bastards can't even manage something as simple and straightforward and an A-to-B switch from one TV system to another.

But, now we're thinking it might be a good idea to put them in charge of actual life-and-death decisions. OMG!

...

http://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/11f3bc9b97052756

...Don't have access to your gmail inbox Doug. :p

Don't have access to your gmail inbox Doug. :pWhoa! -- speaking of incompetence...I seem to have stepped up to the plate.

Link now corrected.

Thanks for pointing this out, RT...

I watched "Chuck," but didn't see it in 3-D. But since I DVRed it, I will try to get some glasses and give it another shot.

But even without the pros/cons of the 3D effects, I have to say that this was, from a pure story-telling perspective, the worst episode of the show I have seen so far. It's almost like the writer of the episode wasn't completely familiar and up-to-speed with the characters. At one point, I chalked this up to the entire episode being a dream within a dream, but that's not the way it played out at the end of the show. The "to be continued" tag at the end may resolve that, but if ever there was an episode unworthy of a multiple parts, this was it.

If I wanted to be cynical, I'd say this is the sort of thing that happens when a movie or TV show overly focuses on technical gimmicks rather than good story-telling and good writing. Comparing this episode's "entertainment value" with the "Chuck vs. the DeLorean" episode from earlier this season and I think there there's really no comparison. It's almost as if the writers took a break from the grind of producing a show, knowing that the focus would be on the 3-D effects.

Maybe another way of looking at this is that NBC wanted/demanded one 3-D episode of Chuck this season, so the producers went ahead and picked the weakest script in the 2008-09 pile.
...

I think the blandness of the story was probably dictated by the superbowl advertising. There were probably more people that had never seen the show before to see the 3d ep and they needed less previous knowledge of the Chuck universe.

Joe, did you watch on your projector? We ended up sitting about 6 feet from our 60" and the effect was as good or better than the theatrical 3d last 20 minutes of the Harry Potter movie. Harry Potter was using the polarized glasses.

Yes, I watched on my Sharp 20000 projector. Normally, I keep the iris closed down for better contrast and the lamp on low. I opened the iris and put the lamp on high, to get enough brightness to overcome what the filters blocked out. I actually watched it again last night after I posted, and, if anything, I found fewer shots that really worked well for me - maybe 1 in 15. The color is an improvement over the red/green process, perhaps, with fewer color artifacts, but there are still too many compromises.

I'm glad it worked for you better than it did for me. I really, really want 3D to succeed. If this 3D event convinces more people that 3D is a good thing, it will have been worth it.

Our elected nimrods are a menace to every man, woman and child in this country (with plenty of unintended consequences outside our borders), and it seems to be getting worse by the day. It is beyond my comprehension how anyone, for even a minute, can think that government will do a better job of running health care than private citizens and the private sector, notwithstanding the very real issues with the health care system currently. These blowhard bastards can't even manage something as simple and straightforward and an A-to-B switch from one TV system to another.

But, now we're thinking it might be a good idea to put them in charge of actual life-and-death decisions. OMG!

Good stuff there Doug!

I didnt get a chance to see "Chuck last night. It was on those rare occurrences were I was "out of tuners". House and 24 are not be be missed and the wife and kid love Big Bang, How I met your Mother and Two and 1/2 men. After the short intro of 3D tech Sunday and Doug's review, looks like I didn't miss much.

I watched "Chuck," but didn't see it in 3-D. But since I DVRed it, I will try to get some glasses and give it another shot.

But even without the pros/cons of the 3D effects, I have to say that this was, from a pure story-telling perspective, the worst episode of the show I have seen so far. It's almost like the writer of the episode wasn't completely familiar and up-to-speed with the characters. At one point, I chalked this up to the entire episode being a dream within a dream, but that's not the way it played out at the end of the show. The "to be continued" tag at the end may resolve that, but if ever there was an episode unworthy of a multiple parts, this was it.

If I wanted to be cynical, I'd say this is the sort of thing that happens when a movie or TV show overly focuses on technical gimmicks rather than good story-telling and good writing. Comparing this episode's "entertainment value" with the "Chuck vs. the DeLorean" episode from earlier this season and I think there there's really no comparison. It's almost as if the writers took a break from the grind of producing a show, knowing that the focus would be on the 3-D effects.

Maybe another way of looking at this is that NBC wanted/demanded one 3-D episode of Chuck this season, so the producers went ahead and picked the weakest script in the 2008-09 pile.

Disclosure: In general, I am not a fan of 3-D, as I find the effect more distracting than helpful. The whole point of a quality film or TV experience is to help the viewer into a "willing suspension of disbelief," meaning that you're not just watching the film or program, you're experiencing it in a more direct and involved way. Bigger and wider screens, higher image resolution, and deeper, more lifelike color palettes are all positive contributors to SOD. But for me, 3-D undermines the SOD by getting in the way of the story-telling. Perhaps this is because 3-D content is rare and is a novelty, but at this point 3-D seems to be more about showing off "technical chops." If I'm constantly sitting there thinking, "Is this 3-D effect convincing?" it inevitably ends up pulling me back to reality, rather than allowing me to get more deeply immersed in the story.

This was far from my favorite episode of Chuck, but it was penned by Chris Fedak, who is one of the show's main producers/writers. He knows the Chuck universe better than almost anyone else. There are reasons, though, that the story took a backseat to the 3D.

It was obvious to me that there were things going on that were dictated by the 3D production process. There were subtle framing issues: opening shots (such as the back of Chuck's head as he's briefed by the general in the CIA bunker under the Orange Orange); more use of foreground objects in general (carts, chairs, fountains), and other framing and focusing issues.

3D is definitely more challenging to shoot than 2D. Rack focus (a common cinematic technique that involves focusing through from someone in the foreground to another person already in frame in the background, or vice versa) doesn't really work very well in 3D. The reason is that, as human beings, we have the ability to focus at will on objects in 3D space in the real world. In low light situations (such as the dark courtyard or interiors at night) depth of field is reduced. Background objects will be out of focus. (Not so in bright situations.) We can't focus on objects that the camera isn't focused on, so in 2D photography the director compensates by revealing things in the background with a rack focus. The lens shifts focus from foreground to background objects. For example, in 2D photography, a horror film director may deliberately rack focus from our hero in the frame to reveal the monster in the background, there all along, but hidden because of the lens focus.

Such cinematic techniques (which Chuck uses effectively all the time, BTW) are subtly or dramatically different when you shoot in 3D. When crews are shooting, time is "pulled out." Setting up what appears to be a simple shot can take a lot of time. I'm certain that the disruption of the production process created by shooting in 3D affected the show's pacing and storytelling. They're just not used to shooting that way. No doubt, they spent much of their time discussing how to shoot this episode for 3D and weren't able to use much of the production shorthand that a crew develops for the 2D production process. Remember that episodic television has a crazy-fast schedule. What's amazing to me is how they can cram so much production value into this show on a weekly basis. What they do is the equivalent of shooting half a feature film in just a few days. It's also comedy, which to me is harder to shoot than drama, because split second timing is important (and thus often harder to edit).

It's funny, Doug, how different our concept of willing suspension of disbelief is. 3D, for me, is so powerful precisely because it allows me to suspend my disbelief more than anything else. I'm not saying it's right for every situation or every movie, but as I said earlier, if I had only one choice of how to watch film (or television), I'd choose 3D. When everyone knows how to shoot 3D, disruptions to the production process will be less extreme than they are now. Gimmicks (like the knife thrown at the camera by the girl) will be less hokey and crews will have time to concentrate on production, and not how different 3D is than what they're used to.

Another thing to consider with 3D is that the very equipment that's used to shoot is going to be different. Imagine you're a carpenter and suddenly someone tells you that you have to finish a house but takes away many of the tools you ordinarily use to do the job. The new tools are a little different, some of them a lot different. You can't even use some of your favorite tools at all. You don't get any extra time to do it, either.

Way too many things are different about the 3D process now. One day 3D will be commonplace, at least I hope so. Some would say that only one way of producing films is the "right" way, or that one technique is somehow less "right" than another. I say nonsense. Some films need to be shot in black and white, because that's what the filmmaker/artist needs to express the vision. Others call out for color. Others call out for 3D. To me, a well done 3D film, when it comes along, will convince a lot of people of its ability to enhance the storytelling and pull the audience in.

Good stuff there Doug!

I didnt get a chance to see "Chuck last night. It was on those rare occurrences were I was "out of tuners". House and 24 are not be be missed and the wife and kid love Big Bang, How I met your Mother and Two and 1/2 men. After the short intro of 3D tech Sunday and Doug's review, looks like I didn't miss much.
I too ran out of DVR's last night, but I passed on 'How I Met Your Mother' so I could check out 3D Chuck. Like you, I will not miss House or 24. I hope to be able to watch Chuck tonight.

Comparing this episode's "entertainment value" with the "Chuck vs. the DeLorean" episode from earlier this season and I think there there's really no comparison. It's almost as if the writers took a break from the grind of producing a show, knowing that the focus would be on the 3-D effects.

I forgot to say earlier how much I enjoyed the "Chuck vs. the DeLorean" episode from earlier this year. That's my favorite ep of the season. Gary Cole turns in a great performance as Sarah's con-man father, with just the right mix of sleazy criminal and loving dad. I also think it was Yvonne Strahovsky's (Sarah) best performance to date.

Although I'd never sit down and just listen to a lot of the music in Chuck, I can't imagine the show without it. The closing song from "DeLorean" is a perfect complement to the mood they set. I must have watched that scene half a dozen times, where she lets her father walk out the door into what she thinks will be the handcuffs of the police. At its best, Chuck can have me almost in tears. Then, of course, it sends me rolling on the floor in laughter.

Later this season you can expect to see Scott Bakula as Chuck's dad, in a story arc that will include Chevy Chase as Bakula's Bryce Larkin-like nemesis. Can't wait for that one.

BTW, if you want to catch Chuck episodes from this season, you can watch them at NBC.com. (http://www.nbc.com/Chuck/)

Oh, I just thought of a better Yvonne Strahovsky moment - last season's closing episode, "Chuck vs. the Marlin." When Sarah believes Chuck is going to be taken away to an NSA holding cell, she struggles with her emotions and almost does the unthinkable. If you haven't seen it, you'll have to watch to find out what that is.

(I should get residuals from this show, as much as I promote it. I'd settle for a wink from Yvonne. 'Bout the same chance of my getting either.)

Blu-ray movies use a lot of storage space. 3D Blu-ray will use even more. If we want to see more 3D in the future, storage technology will need to improve. Here's a fun read on quantum storage technology. (http://blogs.zdnet.com/storage/?p=383&tag=nl.e589) Right now, researchers have figured out how to store 35 bits in the quantum space surrounding a single electron. You can't store too many high definition 3D movies in 35 bits, you say? In 5 years, or maybe 25, we'll see all our current storage technologies utterly obsolete. My unRAID servers (about 86,000 pounds each) could be replaced by a device I could carry in my pocket.

What's on 24-2?

- Trip

D* is raising prices next month. Starting to consider options again.

DISH looks to be about the same price, but I'm getting a sense they have better HD DVR hardware. D* lack of MRV is a big minus. D* hardware performance/responsiveness (i.e. sluggish) with eSATA drive attached is a big minus. DISH doesn't have Speed HD - that's a minus for watching F1/ALMS. I'm starting to rethink again going service-less with free OTA and streaming video off the web.

I would consider trying DISH but upfront cost to start service is over $300.

D* is raising prices next month. Starting to consider options again.

DISH looks to be about the same price, but I'm getting a sense they have better HD DVR hardware. D* lack of MRV is a big minus. D* hardware performance/responsiveness (i.e. sluggish) with eSATA drive attached is a big minus. DISH doesn't have Speed HD - that's a minus for watching F1/ALMS. I'm starting to rethink again going service-less with free OTA and streaming video off the web.

I would consider trying DISH but upfront cost to start service is over $300.

If you have ATT services you can bundle D* in with it and get $5 off your bill, offsets this years price increase at least.

Not that it matters all that much, but it was interesting to see this line included in the wire report on Disney's operating results for fiscal first-quarter:
____________________________________________________________

...The ESPN sports unit has a $25 million reserve against money owed by Charter Communications Inc.
____________________________________________________________

Full story can be found here. (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=ahaKuIA.0lgU&refer=home)

D* is raising prices next month. Starting to consider options again.

DISH looks to be about the same price, but I'm getting a sense they have better HD DVR hardware. D* lack of MRV is a big minus. D* hardware performance/responsiveness (i.e. sluggish) with eSATA drive attached is a big minus. DISH doesn't have Speed HD - that's a minus for watching F1/ALMS. I'm starting to rethink again going service-less with free OTA and streaming video off the web.

I would consider trying DISH but upfront cost to start service is over $300.

Dish has a price increase going in effect also. :(

They should be adding additional HD this month. The new satellite was turned over to Dish for use on Tuesday, increased capacity and a stronger signal from the 129 location. :)

If you have ATT services you can bundle D* in with it and get $5 off your bill, offsets this years price increase at least.

AT&T is another company I'd like to be rid of, so I'm not about to add more to that account. I'm looking into going landline-less as it is.

The other problem I have with D* is they have stagnated technologically -- there have been no real equipment improvements in a long time. They've added HD, but so have others. My HD DVRs are pretty much the same they were a couple years ago. They've added minor wizzy little features, but nothing substantial. Adding external storage is still an unsupported feature that causes UI sluggishness as the drive fills up. Even though my three HD DVRs have had networking for years, they still can't talk to each other. If I want to watch something on two DVRs I have to record it on both of them. That is ridiculous.

Dish has a price increase going in effect also. :(

They should be adding additional HD this month. The new satellite was turned over to Dish for use on Tuesday, increased capacity and a stronger signal from the 129 location. :)I looked at their packages. They cost about the same for what I have, but if the hardware is better then that might be something to consider.

Google the Dish 922. It promises some new and interesting technologies (and won raves at CES). I also love my 622, with its OTA and 2 satellite tuners. It's a great box, with USB2 storage that works very reliably. The Dish 211 (and other variations of it) can be turned into DVRs by adding a USB drive, even though they are just receivers out of the box.

AT&T is another company I'd like to be rid of, so I'm not about to add more to that account. I'm looking into going landline-less as it is.

The other problem I have with D* is they have stagnated technologically -- there have been no real equipment improvements in a long time. They've added HD, but so have others. My HD DVRs are pretty much the same they were a couple years ago. They've added minor wizzy little features, but nothing substantial. Adding external storage is still an unsupported feature that causes UI sluggishness as the drive fills up. Even though my three HD DVRs have had networking for years, they still can't talk to each other. If I want to watch something on two DVRs I have to record it on both of them. That is ridiculous.

I got the iphone and a landline strictly for my alarm system, also switched from Charter internet to DSL. The DSL is slower but I did it in anticipation for U-verse internet, plus I got $175 cash back, which isn't a bad deal.

I've only had D* for a little over a year and half now, so I'm much happier with it than I was Charter moxi dvr and honestly I haven't looked at Dish at all, so I can't comment on their stuff. The only thing I am disappointed about in D* is the fact they scrapped their tuner for media center project. If Dish rolls that out, I'll switch because I want my fully integrated media center.

Google the Dish 922. It promises some new and interesting technologies (and won raves a CES)....Oh....me likely!!! I wonder if I could get DISH to provide me three on rollout to get me to switch. :)

DishNets requirement for a landline (or a service charge) still boggles me .. I haven't had a landline in over 3 years.

I have reason to believe KNLC-DT added an SD sub on 24-2, can anyone confirm that and/or tell me what kind of programming is on it?

- Trip

DishNets requirement for a landline (or a service charge) still boggles me .. I haven't had a landline in over 3 years.

With the 622/722 you can use an ethernet connection to replace the phone line. Not sure if any other receivers have the ethernet port enabled.

Well, I put DirecTV on notice for being un-compelling and technologically stagnant. They're giving me free HD and $10/off for a year, with no commitment. I told them I still might cancel.

When DISH comes out with their 922, I'll look at the HD lineup & think about making a switch.

The DirecTV CSR mentioned the new TIVOs & said they'll be out at the end of the year. I'll believe it when I see it. Still want multi-room viewing/transfer though.

I have reason to believe KNLC-DT added an SD sub on 24-2, can anyone confirm that and/or tell me what kind of programming is on it?

- Trip

Just checked, the current program appeared to be on renewable energy.

Just checked, the current program appeared to be on renewable energy.

Thanks. =)

If anyone can figure out what the source is, I'd greatly appreciate it so I can add it to my listings...

- Trip

I have reason to believe KNLC-DT added an SD sub on 24-2, can anyone confirm that and/or tell me what kind of programming is on it?

- Trip

I'm not sure what it is. There was no guide data. The channel displayed as "RES" and when I turned it on, they were showing some homemade video of a guy demonstrating magnets and how they will help us become energy efficient.

I'll check it out again tonight and see if I can nail down any other details.

Edit: I see I was beat to the punch :)

With the 622/722 you can use an ethernet connection to replace the phone line. Not sure if any other receivers have the ethernet port enabled.

My Dish 211 has a phone line connection, but it's not required that I have it plugged in. My Dish 622 works just fine with MajicJack, or I could use the Ethernet port.

Oh....me likely!!! I wonder if I could get DISH to provide me three on rollout to get me to switch. :)

I called the other day to find out when it's going to be available. They couldn't say. I'm going to upgrade as soon as I can.

I called the other day to find out when it's going to be available. They couldn't say. I'm going to upgrade as soon as I can.On DBSTalk some are talking about August.

D* is raising prices next month. Starting to consider options again.

DISH looks to be about the same price, but I'm getting a sense they have better HD DVR hardware. D* lack of MRV is a big minus. D* hardware performance/responsiveness (i.e. sluggish) with eSATA drive attached is a big minus. DISH doesn't have Speed HD - that's a minus for watching F1/ALMS. I'm starting to rethink again going service-less with free OTA and streaming video off the web.

I would consider trying DISH but upfront cost to start service is over $300.

One other minus on DISH is that everytime there is a contract dispute the drop/hold hostage the channel. That never happens with Directv.

Since D* made some concessions to me that more than reverse the increase, maybe I'll hold out for the mythical new DirectHDTIVO that is supposed to be due this year (the CSR said by year end, for what that's worth).

I have reason to believe KNLC-DT added an SD sub on 24-2, can anyone confirm that and/or tell me what kind of programming is on it?

- Trip

Two changes in regards to 24 on my end...KNLC is now labeled (through TIVO) has 24-1 KNLC-HD (it used to be KNLC-DT)and 24-2 as RES which I assume is short for "renewable energy show" which is one of their programs.

Well, Congress has passed a bill to delay the analog TV shutdown, which now goes to the president for signature. But by my reading of the TWICE story, broadcasters still have the option to shutdown analog broadcasting on Feb 17. So, really the only thing this bill accomplishes (if I'm reading this right and TWICE is reporting this correctly) is to throw more money at consumers for subsidized converters/coupons.

That sounds about right, as the only thing our elected representatives know how to do is throw money at problems via solutions that don't solve the problem.

Leadership -- it's nothing more than a concept in Washington D.C.
____________________________________________________________

The House of Representatives approved legislation Wednesday, 264-158, to delay the analog cutoff TV date 115 days to June 12, 2009.

The measure, which was identical to a bill passed unanimously by the Senate for a second time, will now be sent to President Obama, who is expected to sign it into law.

House Republicans, who had voted down the delay last week under a rules suspension that required a two-thirds majority vote, failed to win a procedural change that would have opened the bill to amendments.

The House Rules Committee granted ground rules proposed by House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), who had asked the bill be brought up under the so-called “closed rule,” which prevented the proposal of and votes on amendments that could slow down the process.

Rep. Joe Barton, (R-Texas) pointed out repeatedly that the delay measure had never been given an opportunity for mark-up discussion in the House Energy & Commerce Committee. He said Republicans had prepared six amendments that would have made the delay better, including the authorization of up to $250 million of already allocated funds to clear up a waiting list for converter-box coupons.

The funds would have come from the $1.3 billion National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) coupon budget that has been tied up since December, when the program ran out of money. Under rules, the NTIA cannot issue new coupons until funds have cleared from the expiration of coupons in the field after 90 days.

Prior to the vote discussion, Waxman and House Telecommunications & Internet Chairman Rick Boucher (D-Va.) updated figures on the number of households in each congressional district that are on a waiting list for DTV-to-analog converter-box coupons.

Democrats pointed to Nielsen estimates for January, showing some 6.5 million people, who receive television only via terrestrial analog signals, were still not prepared for the transition date with 13 days remaining until the previously established cutoff date.

Boucher argued that even if the funds for converter-box coupons were in hand today, there wouldn’t be sufficient time to get impacted people ready to receive digital broadcasts.

Boucher and Waxman also indicated in a letter to House members prior to the vote reaching the floor that another 200,000 households had been added to the coupon waiting list, raising the number to 1.8 million overall.

Barton also sought unsuccessfully to establish an amendment that would have enabled the Federal Communications Commission to take back on or before Feb.17 analog frequencies from TV broadcasters whose analog stations sit on frequencies that have been allocated to new broadband communications for emergency first responders.

During the floor debate, Rep. Darrell Issa, (R-Calif.) also questioned the motives of advisors to President Obama on the DTV transition question. Issa said that one of the president’s advisors was associated with Clearwire, a wireless communications company that will benefit in a delay in analog spectrum being turned over to competitors who have purchased that spectrum at auction.

In addition to changing the analog cutoff date, the delay in the all-digital TV broadcasting measure allows broadcasters to end their analog transmissions on the previous Feb. 17 deadline. The bill also allows TV households to reapply for expired coupons using $650 million currently in the economic stimulus package to fund the new coupons. Some of the money will also be used for additional education and outreach.

The measure also contributes more resources to DTV education and outreach efforts, including improving and expanding call centers that will handle consumer questions and problems during the transition process.

Commenting on the House action Wedneday, Gary Shapiro, Consumer Electronics Association president and CEO, said: “Our nation is leading the world in the digital migration, and CEA again pledges full support for a successful transition to digital television. We will quickly update our consumer education material as necessary and we will devote a significant portion of our Washington Forum event in April to DTV education.

“As CEA has repeatedly cautioned, this date change will inject uncertainty into the market and may result in a shortage of converter boxes, because manufacturers and retailers planned box inventory based on a February 17 transition date. CEA urges Congress and the Administration to take the necessary steps to ensure converter box availability and to urge consumers to act immediately to enjoy the benefits of DTV.”

Acting FCC Chairman Michael J. Copps said: "I welcome Congressional passage of the DTV Delay Act. It has long been clear to me--and it's even clearer since I became Acting FCC Chairman two weeks ago--that the country is not prepared to undertake a nationwide transition in twelve days without unacceptably high consumer dislocation.

"The additional four months provided by the law affords urgently-needed time for a more phased transition, including a consumer-friendly converter box coupon program, stepped-up consumer outreach and support--particularly for vulnerable populations -- and dealing with coverage, antenna and reception issues that went too long unaddressed. We've got a lot of work to do, but thanks to great leadership in the Senate and House of Representatives, we now have an opportunity to do it better."

http://www.twice.com/article/CA6634777.html

I just saw a commercial on KDNL 30 that said they will terminate their analog broadcast at 11:59 on Feb 17th. Seems like they will not be pushing back the date to June 12th, unless they ran the commercial by mistake.

Any other local stations keeping the Feb 17th date? Seems to me that allowing some stations to switch on 2/17 and others in the same market to push back to 6/12 will just further confuse consumers.

Until it's signed by President Obama, the law still says February 17 is the shutoff date, and stations must continue running notices about it.

In KDNL's case, they filed with the FCC a week or so ago to say they would not be delaying their transition.

- Trip

I have reason to believe KNLC-DT added an SD sub on 24-2, can anyone confirm that and/or tell me what kind of programming is on it?

- Trip

Here's the way I understand it and I'm not sure all this is correct:

Analog KNLC Ch. 24 gave up their frequency to KMOV-DT, which had to vacate ch. 56. As a result, KMOV-DT is a (soon to be) full power, CBS affiliate operating on ch. 24 as ch. 4.1.

KNLC-DT, is a small, local family/religious operation now broadcasting on UHF channel 24 in SD as "Channel 24" on ch. 4.2. I find this quite odd since KNLC has been operating a digital mirror of the analog Channel 24 on ch. 14.1 for some time from another location south of St. Louis. It's notorious for being a weak signal. I assume the new 4.2 channel gives them much further reach.

Why KMOV has agreed to allow KNLC to operate on their 4.2 sub channel and for how long is anybody's guess.

Here's the way I understand it and I'm not sure all this is correct:

Analog KNLC Ch. 24 gave up their frequency to KMOV-DT, which had to vacate ch. 56. As a result, KMOV-DT is a (soon to be) full power, CBS affiliate operating on ch. 24 as ch. 4.1.

KNLC-DT, is a small, local family/religious operation now broadcasting on UHF channel 24 in SD as "Channel 24" on ch. 4.2. I find this quite odd since KNLC has been operating a digital mirror of the analog Channel 24 on ch. 14.1 for some time from another location south of St. Louis. It's notorious for being a weak signal. I assume the new 4.2 channel gives them much further reach.

Why KMOV has agreed to allow KNLC to operate on their 4.2 sub channel and for how long is anybody's guess.

That's actually all correct, but I'm referring to KNLC's signal on channel 14, mapped to 24-x. They added 24-2, apparently.

- Trip

Two changes in regards to 24 on my end...KNLC is now labeled (through TIVO) has 24-1 KNLC-HD (it used to be KNLC-DT)and 24-2 as RES which I assume is short for "renewable energy show" which is one of their programs.

Renewable Energy Satellite channel, according to the slideshow they were running on 24.2 last I checked.

I updated it on my site... decided to call it "Independent" and listed a website I found for Missouri Renewable Energy and the name given by madlobster.

Any chance I could get some new data on KNLC-DT?

- Trip

That's actually all correct, but I'm referring to KNLC's signal on channel 14, mapped to 24-x. They added 24-2, apparently.

- Trip

Oh........

Not too many people will see it, including yours truly. (Unless they boost power.) Still scratching my head as to how they managed to be in two places at once.

Charter Announces Imposition of Internet Access Bandwidth Caps

From an Online Media Daily story:
___________________________________________________

As of Feb. 9, Charter--the fourth-largest cable company in the U.S.-- will limit customers who purchase speeds of up to 15 Mbps to 100 gigabytes a month, while those who purchase up to 25 Mbps will be capped at 250 gigabytes. People who pay for speeds up of to 60 Mbps will not face any limits. News of the caps was first reported by BroadbandReports.com.
___________________________________________________

Charter Announces Imposition of Internet Access Bandwidth Caps

From an Online Media Daily story:
___________________________________________________

As of Feb. 9, Charter--the fourth-largest cable company in the U.S.-- will limit customers who purchase speeds of up to 15 Mbps to 100 gigabytes a month, while those who purchase up to 25 Mbps will be capped at 250 gigabytes. People who pay for speeds up of to 60 Mbps will not face any limits. News of the caps was first reported by BroadbandReports.com.
___________________________________________________

Way to go out with a bang and not a whimper, Charter. Maybe they want to make sure that their customers are as unhappy as possible before they walk into the courtroom and file bankruptcy.

I'm not likely to exceed that cap, but I know a lot of people who aren't going to like this at all.

Want a 1.5TB hard drive for as little as $103 from Dell? (http://slickdeals.net/#p3787) You have to include the code from the Slickdeals.net post.

2TB drives are already out, but it's unlikely you'll find a better deal for a while.

Way to go out with a bang and not a whimper, Charter. Maybe they want to make sure that their customers are as unhappy as possible before they walk into the courtroom and file bankruptcy.

I'm not likely to exceed that cap, but I know a lot of people who aren't going to like this at all.This is actually an industry-wide trend. Charter has at least set semi-reasonable limits for bandwidth usage, though make no mistake I don't think this is a good idea and I'm not happy about it. But I have seen other ISPs set the lower limit as low as 10 GB per month.

One of the beefs I have with these limits is that I like stream live radio via my PC, and even for something with little dynamic range (talk radio), the bits add up very fast.

I still believe that the reason that there's no mad panic among viewers about the analog shutdown is that the overriding majority of people who rely solely on OTA reception just don't care that much about TV in the first place.

Unlike most of us sorry suckers here, they have higher priorities and more interesting lives. ;)

And ultimately that's why all the legislative hand-wringing over the need to delay the transition is just the business-as-usual political grandstanding -- "Oooooh, we REALLY care about you little people...and no, you CANNOT have a look at my Form 1040."

So it follows that I'm not at all surprised that the analog shutdown hasn't resulted in a big payday for the cable/satellite/teleco business. This is definitely one of those cases where "it's NOT the economy, stupid."

From the Morning Bridge newsletter:
_____________________________________________

DTV Switch Not Turning Into Cable, Satellite Payday

It would seem like a logical progression ... free analog TV goes away, pay TV providers move in to take up the slack.

That was the idea at least, when SNL Kagan analysts estimated that as many as 20 percent of the 16 million over-the-air viewers in this country would move over to cable or satellite before the switch.

But, according to a report released this week, as we close in on the (now postponed to June 12) digital television transition date, cable and satellite providers aren't seeing anywhere near the subscribership bump they had expected. In fact, by all accounts OTA viewers are sticking with their free TV, converter boxes and transition hassles and all. As a result, SNL Kagan recently cut its expectations on pay TV conversions related to the transition to 10 percent.

What's up? In a word: the economy (which is actually down, but now we're just splitting hairs). With job losses mounting, more and more consumers are reevaluating their household expenses and finding ways to cut back. For OTA households, the economic sense of "free" TV is just too compelling to ignore, no matter what temporary DTV-related hassles they have to overcome.

And, for the cable and satellite folks out there (and telcos, too), that's really what this is all about: the one time expense of a converter box versus the lifetime expense of a pay TV subscription.
_____________________________________________

I've been reading the reports about other providers doing the same thing. I can't help but think, though, that it may backfire on all of them. Why pay for the higher speeds they've been promoting, when you know it'll just mean you reach your cap even sooner. It's hard to sympathize with Charter when they've done so many things wrong and their customer service is so terrible.

I may have told this story before, but recently I went to a friend's house to oversee the installation of Charter cable for a new HDTV. We were using my phone number on the bill. I sat there all morning waiting, only to find out that Charter had canceled the appointment. They had called my number and couldn't verify someone was at home. I called the night before the re-scheduled appointment to verify that someone would be there, only to be told the system was automated and that another phone call to my home number would cancel the new appointment. No way around it. None of this, by the way, was explained to me beforehand. I worked it out, but not before blood bubbled into my eyeballs.

Charter's products have been OK for me (although I dropped their phone service for MajicJack recently, and I'd never use them for video). But, when I've had to deal with problems, the service has been mind-numbingly bad.

I've been reading the reports about other providers doing the same thing. I can't help but think, though, that it may backfire on all of them. Why pay for the higher speeds they've been promoting, when you know it'll just mean you reach your cap even sooner. It's hard to sympathize with Charter when they've done so many things wrong and their customer service is so terrible.

I may have told this story before, but recently I went to a friend's house to oversee the installation of Charter cable for a new HDTV. We were using my phone number on the bill. I sat there all morning waiting, only to find out that Charter had canceled the appointment. They had called my number and couldn't verify someone was at home. I called the night before the re-scheduled appointment to verify that someone would be there, only to be told the system was automated and that another phone call to my home number would cancel the new appointment. No way around it. None of this, by the way, was explained to me beforehand. I worked it out, but not before blood bubbled into my eyeballs.

Charter's products have been OK for me (although I dropped their phone service for MajicJack recently, and I'd never use them for video). But, when I've had to deal with problems, the service has been mind-numbingly bad.Amen. I would not dispute a word of this.

My gf and I have been discussing living OTA only -- wondering if any of you are running a Mac only DVR solution for OTA programming. I'm pretty familiar with the products available, but was looking for practical use opinions. Thanks!

ps - i have the computing hardware, i'm talking about the DVR solutions.

Any chance I could get some new data on KNLC-DT?
Like this?

Why, yes, exactly like that. =)

Thanks!

- Trip

My gf and I have been discussing living OTA only -- wondering if any of you are running a Mac only DVR solution for OTA programming. I'm pretty familiar with the products available, but was looking for practical use opinions. Thanks!

ps - i have the computing hardware, i'm talking about the DVR solutions.

I can't comment on the Mac but I was using vista media center and then just recently changed to windows 7 beta to test it out. So far I'm very pleased with Windows 7. I have 3 tuners, Fusion RT5, Avermedia card and catseye 150. No problems with drivers or anything like that. I have 3, 250gig hard drives in a raid for storage but with 1.5 TB drives coming down in price and 2 TB drives on the market, I'm going to be upgrading soon because I'd like to put a dvd library on the media center.

Charter Announces Imposition of Internet Access Bandwidth Caps

From an Online Media Daily story:
___________________________________________________

As of Feb. 9, Charter--the fourth-largest cable company in the U.S.-- will limit customers who purchase speeds of up to 15 Mbps to 100 gigabytes a month, while those who purchase up to 25 Mbps will be capped at 250 gigabytes. People who pay for speeds up of to 60 Mbps will not face any limits. News of the caps was first reported by BroadbandReports.com.
___________________________________________________

I think by law if the company's had bandwidth limits they should be required to post a meter on their site saying how much bandwidth you've used.

For Battlestar Galactica fans - Caprica in April. (http://io9.com/5147547/caprica-comes-to-dvd-early-allowing-you-to-influence-cylon-evolution)

The White House wants your opinion on The DTV Delay ACT Bill
President Obama wants to hear what the public has to say, you can comment here

http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing_room/dtv_delay_act/

The bandwidth thing is to discourage subscribers of cable to not drop their cable and use OTA and internet streaming?

Battlestar Galactica just keeps getting better and better, as it approaches the end. I have a feeling the same thing is happening with Lost. Death becomes television.

The bandwidth thing is to discourage subscribers of cable to not drop their cable and use OTA and internet streaming?I think the online streaming concern is far down the list. I think the real focus is to use "metering" as a way to better manage increasingly limited bandwidth (HD channels, local phone and Internet) and in the process to wring out a few more dollars. If there's any type of cannibalization concern, it's probably more focused on competitive threats like Vonage.

What will be interesting is to see how non-cable, non-wireless ISPs look at metering. If they don't embrace it, it could work out to be a big competitive advantage.

The biggest problem I have with metering is that it will over the long haul artificially stifle innovation in products and services. In addition, it flies in the face of other national markets where average speeds are significantly higher and there are generally no ceilings on how those super-fast connections can be used.

Although this is obviously not government-driven, this is effectively a tax on both users and providers of Internet services, and like all taxes it will ultimately inhibit commerce and retard productivity gains.

Battlestar Galactica just keeps getting better and better, as it approaches the end. I have a feeling the same thing is happening with Lost. Death becomes television.Seconded.

Hard to say which show has been better this season -- in fact, these are two of only a handful of shows that I watch live (or nearly live), because I can't wait to see what's going to happen next.

I have 10Mbps Charter service. I believe it stated limits don't start until you have at least the 15Mbs service. Could this be an attempt to catch folks running a business from their residential Charter connection? I assume business rates are higher.

I use the Netflix streaming a bunch and could probably reach limits quickly.

I have 10Mbps Charter service. I believe it stated limits don't start until you have at least the 15Mbs service. Could this be an attempt to catch folks running a business from their residential Charter connection? I assume business rates are higher.

I use the Netflix streaming a bunch and could probably reach limits quickly.

From the article at dslreports:
"Today, Charter's Eric Ketzer confirmed the plans, and informed us that Charter's new, $140 60Mbps tier will not have any limitations. Speeds of 15Mbps or slower will have a 100GB monthly cap, while 15-25Mbps speeds will have a 250GB monthly cap."

From the article at dslreports:
"Today, Charter's Eric Ketzer confirmed the plans, and informed us that Charter's new, $140 60Mbps tier will not have any limitations. Speeds of 15Mbps or slower will have a 100GB monthly cap, while 15-25Mbps speeds will have a 250GB monthly cap."

Of course all of this becomes academic when Charter assumes room temperature any day now. From what I'm reading it will be chapter 7 and liquidation. Whoever buys the part of the carcass that serves our area might have different ideas, for better or worse.

Has anyone else noticed that KETC has changed?

Apparently, 9.1 is no longer the national HD feed...they seem to be mixing in local shows and lineups. Example: Austin City Limits and Nova are not on tonight, but movies (like what used to be on 9.3...and no it doesn't appear that 9.1 and 9.3 have switched spots.

Since I've observed this, I haven't seen an HD show...480i and picture frame letterboxed! :mad:

Has anyone else noticed that KETC has changed?

Apparently, 9.1 is no longer the national HD feed...they seem to be mixing in local shows and lineups. Example: Austin City Limits and Nova are not on tonight, but movies (like what used to be on 9.3...and no it doesn't appear that 9.1 and 9.3 have switched spots.

Since I've observed this, I haven't seen an HD show...480i and picture frame letterboxed! :mad:

Brilliant. I used to rely on 9.1 to have the programming that for some reason 9.3 won't air.

Update: Looking at KETC's website, they appear to be flipping 9.1 and 9.3. 9.3 will become KETC "World" and will run essentially the "PBS HD" Channel that's is/was on currently. Keep your ringers crossed.

Has anyone else noticed that KETC has changed?

Apparently, 9.1 is no longer the national HD feed...they seem to be mixing in local shows and lineups. Example: Austin City Limits and Nova are not on tonight, but movies (like what used to be on 9.3...and no it doesn't appear that 9.1 and 9.3 have switched spots.

Since I've observed this, I haven't seen an HD show...480i and picture frame letterboxed! :mad:Evidently, to prepare for the switch. This might also be an indication that KETC will finally be on D*'s HD locals.

Has anyone else noticed that KETC has changed?

Apparently, 9.1 is no longer the national HD feed...they seem to be mixing in local shows and lineups. Example: Austin City Limits and Nova are not on tonight, but movies (like what used to be on 9.3...and no it doesn't appear that 9.1 and 9.3 have switched spots.

Since I've observed this, I haven't seen an HD show...480i and picture frame letterboxed! :mad:As you know, PBS is basically a government-run operation...so it's little wonder that you're mad about how they "do business." ;)

As you know, PBS is basically a government-run operation...so it's little wonder that you're mad about how they "do business." ;)That makes them incompetent by default. :p

Man, folks here can jump so high to conclusions you'd need a rocket ship to reach them! :D

The 24/7 PBS-HD feed ended on December 21, replaced with a "national" PBS feed which contains a generic PBS schedule which includes a lot of upconverted SD and duplication with the local affiliates. PBS has encouraged its affiliates to begin doing the "HD when available" thing that the network stations are doing. Most PBS stations are moving this way.

Now they may be having problems getting the HD switched, thus the postage stamp problem. I'm sure they'll get it sorted soon enough.

- Trip

My observations this week are they have indeed moved their primary feed from 9.3 to 9.1 and most programing is in SD. They do air in HD though when their schedule happens to coincide with the network feed (ex: News Hour). There have been a few switch flipping issues and they do not appear to have the ability to timeshift HD. Programs that were fed as HD on the network are upconverts (ex: This Old House).

Snapstream.net program guide picked up the change right away but Charter was slow, up until today they were still listing the national feed. As of today they show "off air" so we'll still have to wait for them to mirror the 9 schedule to 789.

Too bad they didn't take advatage of the oppotunity to drop a subchannel and go 1080i.

Just got done watching this week's episodes of 24, Lost, and Galactica back to back to back.

I haven't seen it mentioned here this week, but are Jedi and I the only ones who thought the sound quality on Lost this week was pretty godawful?

The entire episode sounded muffled, as if it were missing the high end. It was painfully apparent immediately after 24, which was, as usual, flawless.

Galactica after it had fantastic sound too... so this was definitely an issue with just this particular episode of Lost (via the HR20 recorded from DirecTV's MPEG-4 feed of KDNL).

Anybody else have sound issues with Lost this week?

I have 10Mbps Charter service. I believe it stated limits don't start until you have at least the 15Mbs service. Could this be an attempt to catch folks running a business from their residential Charter connection? I assume business rates are higher.

I use the Netflix streaming a bunch and could probably reach limits quickly.

Ummm netflix could never come close to 100gbs on streaming, 100gb is pretty high the only people that will reach that will be people downloading huge torrents.

Ummm netflix could never come close to 100gbs on streaming, 100gb is pretty high the only people that will reach that will be people downloading huge torrents.

I am a "heavy" user, I occasionally download torrents or newsgroups. In 3-1/2 days I have received over 6 gigs and uploaded 14 gigs. This is with no torrents or newsgroups.

Not sure of the size of Netflix movies, but some of the HD VOD downloads on Dish can run 2.5-3 gigs. Along with normal usage people will be at the caps fairly quick. Online video is just starting to take off beyond sites like U tube and others. It is crazy to look at the devices connected to the internet now, I have 5 pc's, 1 satellite box(down from 2), the Wii, my Denon 3808 for updates and online audio, my TV even has an ethernet port for updates, picture viewing, and playing mp3's.

Charter needs to provide a usage report accessible to the customer. Currently they have said they will contact you when you get close or go over. Here buy this car with no gas gauge, we will call you just before or after you run out of gas. ;)

Just to note, I don't use Charter and I am not trying to flame anyone, just had some figures and thoughts to share.

Anyone else have data usage reports? :)

I am a "heavy" user, I occasionally download torrents or newsgroups. In 3-1/2 days I have received over 6 gigs and uploaded 14 gigs. This is with no torrents or newsgroups.

Not sure of the size of Netflix movies, but some of the HD VOD downloads on Dish can run 2.5-3 gigs. Along with normal usage people will be at the caps fairly quick. Online video is just starting to take off beyond sites like U tube and others. It is crazy to look at the devices connected to the internet now, I have 5 pc's, 1 satellite box(down from 2), the Wii, my Denon 3808 for updates and online audio, my TV even has an ethernet port for updates, picture viewing, and playing mp3's.

Charter needs to provide a usage report accessible to the customer. Currently they have said they will contact you when you get close or go over. Here buy this car with no gas gauge, we will call you just before or after you run out of gas. ;)

Just to note, I don't use Charter and I am not trying to flame anyone, just had some figures and thoughts to share.

Anyone else have data usage reports? :)

Yeah they need to provide a meter, everyone can thank comcast for starting this and it catching on....I hate charter ive distanced myself the fartherest i can away from them....i got D* for television, Vonage for phone and the only thing i cant go somewhere else is charter for the internet.

You guys are probably tired of hearing me rant on about Chuck and 3D, but I just discovered something.

I took a close look at last Monday night's 3D episode. Someone really screwed up either the production or post production process. I Googled the problem, but I didn't come up with any hits as to whether this has been reported on.

After being baffled at how inconsistent the 3D effect was, I actually took a close look with my Dish 622, using freeze frames to examine individual shots. Some shots show a double image, usually in the right eye, but on a few occasions in the left as well. When this happens, it's impossible to get a clean 3D image. You don't have to search too hard to find the problem. It happens again and again. If you close your left eye, the double image in the right is obvious. The next shot may be perfectly fine.

I watched much of the recent Brendan Fraser film, "Journey to the Center of the Earth," to see if my recollection was correct. It was clean and the 3D effect worked (at least as well as anaglyph 3D can). I wasn't able to pick up on double imaging except in a few shots. The effect was much less severe, too, when it did occur.

Chuck was a real mess, and it didn't matter if it was long shots, medium shots or closeups. There were good and bad examples of all of them, and in the same locations. For example, in the dark interiors of the club, one shot would be fine and the next a blurry mess.

We may never here about it, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone lost his/her job over this. I have to say that the process, when it did work, was better than the red/green anaglyph process. The color was better and the 3D had more "pop." And it didn't tint my eyes as the red/green process does. If the mistake is correctable (that is, if it was a post mistake rather than a problem with camera setup) we might have an opportunity to see it the way it should have been seen. I'd like that.

I'm sure a lot of people complained about the 3D, but I haven't read any reports that it was as bad as it was because someone screwed up. People just seem to think it looked bad because 3D is bad. As problematic as colored glasses are, this would have been received much better if it had been done right. As much money as was spent on it, it's a shame we didn't get to see it the way it should have looked.

I bought Bluray players with Netflix for Christmas and love the service. They have some HD (780P) movies which I'm sure use large downloads.

If Charter contacts me about exceeding limits that will make my decision. Do any of you who have CenturyTel know if they have download limits yet? That is my only other choice.

I work from home on occasion and would hate to be cut off when I need service for my job.

I have 10Mbps Charter service. I believe it stated limits don't start until you have at least the 15Mbs service. Could this be an attempt to catch folks running a business from their residential Charter connection? I assume business rates are higher.

I use the Netflix streaming a bunch and could probably reach limits quickly.

"Speeds of 15Mbps or slower will have a 100GB monthly cap, while 15-25Mbps speeds will have a 250GB monthly cap."

I bought Bluray players with Netflix for Christmas and love the service. They have some HD (780P) movies which I'm sure use large downloads.

If Charter contacts me about exceeding limits that will make my decision. Do any of you who have CenturyTel know if they have download limits yet? That is my only other choice.

I work from home on occasion and would hate to be cut off when I need service for my job.

As of now Centurytel has no caps or any type of throttling.

Just got done watching this week's episodes of 24, Lost, and Galactica back to back to back.

I haven't seen it mentioned here this week, but are Jedi and I the only ones who thought the sound quality on Lost this week was pretty godawful?

The entire episode sounded muffled, as if it were missing the high end. It was painfully apparent immediately after 24, which was, as usual, flawless.

Galactica after it had fantastic sound too... so this was definitely an issue with just this particular episode of Lost (via the HR20 recorded from DirecTV's MPEG-4 feed of KDNL).

Anybody else have sound issues with Lost this week?

I don't know if this is related, as I don't watch Lost. But I have noticed a new audio phenomenon on KDNL:

On occasion during national commercial breaks in HD during Prime Time, I have noticed a few spots where the entire 30 seconds completely lacks any voice-overs or narration---I hear just the stereo music that would normally be in the background. At first glance, it looks and sounds quite different and almost refreshing. But obviously, this was not the intention of the advertiser. I wonder if this is a local issue or does it comes this way from the network.

Jim.....??????

I bought Bluray players with Netflix for Christmas and love the service. They have some HD (780P) movies which I'm sure use large downloads.

If Charter contacts me about exceeding limits that will make my decision. Do any of you who have CenturyTel know if they have download limits yet? That is my only other choice.

I work from home on occasion and would hate to be cut off when I need service for my job.

Just to correct you its 720p not 780p.

Man, folks here can jump so high to conclusions you'd need a rocket ship to reach them! :D

The 24/7 PBS-HD feed ended on December 21, replaced with a "national" PBS feed which contains a generic PBS schedule which includes a lot of upconverted SD and duplication with the local affiliates. PBS has encouraged its affiliates to begin doing the "HD when available" thing that the network stations are doing. Most PBS stations are moving this way.

Now they may be having problems getting the HD switched, thus the postage stamp problem. I'm sure they'll get it sorted soon enough.Of course. By all means. Let's step back and cut them some slack.

After all, they've only had a decade to prepare for this and learn from the problems encountered and solutions discovered by others.

Of course, in this particular instance we are talking about a government enterprise. Dysfunction is the natural state and will/must continue to be handsomely rewarded.

Of course. By all means. Let's step back and cut them some slack.

After all, they've only had a decade to prepare for this and learn from the problems encountered and solutions discovered by others.

Up until this point, their entire HD operation has been (1) receive signal from satellite, (2) convert to 720p, (3) transmit. Now, unless they're passing through live programming, they have to receive it, record it, archive it for later showings, play it back at the appropriate time, convert to 720p, transmit. On top of that, PBS is changing their distribution system later this year, so some stations are not spending the money on the current system. Lots of PBS stations are having trouble with this at this time.

My NBC station has been doing HD syndication for over a year now, and they're one of the most advanced stations as far as HD goes that I've seen anywhere (HD news, HD commercials, HD remotes, HD everything). They missed many many HD programs when they first tried to get it going, and even now miss some due to equipment misbehavior or reception problems.

Of course, in this particular instance we are talking about a government enterprise. Dysfunction is the natural state and will/must continue to be handsomely rewarded.

I'm confused about KETC's status as a government enterprise. Their FAQ says they are a 501c (3) organization. While some percentage of their budget comes from government funds, the rest is from donations. Do they have some government ties which aren't obvious from my quick poke around?

- Trip