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.....??????

ABC tells us which shows are in stereo or 5.1. We switch the Dolby encoder between the two modes. However they don't tell us which commercials are in 5.1...therefore no center channel if it's a stereo show like GMA or The View. There are more and more 5.1 commercials, so as of last week we're leaving the switch in 5.1. On February 16 ABC is switching to HD feeds with embeded audio so that will also correct the problem.

So Jim,

Was the sub-par audio Jedi35 and I heard on Lost this last Wednesday (actually Friday when we played it back on my HR20 DVR) something that was noticed at the station as well? The entire show sounded like the microphones were buried inside big hankerchiefs... severely muffled with no high end at all. We played back Monday night's 24 right before it and Friday night's Battlestar Galactica right after it (both also through the HR20) and both were fine.

24 is my yardstick for the sound quality of all other shows on TV, so Lost always suffers a little in comparison. But there was something else going on with this episode. It sounded like the linear stereo tracks of my old VCR from before "VHS Hi-Fi" was invented. It was really that bad.

Any insights?

Thanks!

Do they have some government ties which aren't obvious from my quick poke around?

- Trip

nah, you are right.

Doug doesn't like PBS. He said little things here and there over the years...

Back to the topic...

I've got mixed feeling about the switch...I like the idea of PBS World, but I don't like KETC's "normal" programming...I've always watched the 9.1 version...going back to when I had Charter.

I'm OTA-only, so PBS is a must for me. I've loved PBS since I was a kid.

It's a bummer the HD version has gone away. I noticed they had switched their programming times, but since I have season passes, I didn't think much of it.

Just to correct you its 720p not 780p.

I knew that but my fingers were being stubborn that day.:)

So Jim,

Was the sub-par audio Jedi35 and I heard on Lost this last Wednesday (actually Friday when we played it back on my HR20 DVR) something that was noticed at the station as well? The entire show sounded like the microphones were buried inside big hankerchiefs... severely muffled with no high end at all. We played back Monday night's 24 right before it and Friday night's Battlestar Galactica right after it (both also through the HR20) and both were fine.

24 is my yardstick for the sound quality of all other shows on TV, so Lost always suffers a little in comparison. But there was something else going on with this episode. It sounded like the linear stereo tracks of my old VCR from before "VHS Hi-Fi" was invented. It was really that bad.

Any insights?




Thanks!
I didn't monitor the audio on that show, but we just pass through the audio from ABC except for some level processing that is done at another location that I can't monitor. We received no complaints, but that would be expected unless the audio was really bad. Anyone else on the forum notice a problem?

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?I was going to let this pass so as not to be tedious (yeah, I know -- too late :) ), but my point is that without government funding, PBS would not exist, as there are no signs the public would not support it directly through larger voluntary contributions. PBS struggles mightily to get what it needs to operate now.

So, if PBS is dependent on government funding, that makes it a government enterprise, no different from the current situation with the banks and the two lesser auto companies. PBS (and the banks and auto companies) are clearly beholden to their government paymasters and this trickles down in myriad ways.

If you doubt me, you can actually pull up a ringside seat and watch the process unfold in real time. For example, Congress is already dictating to the banks collectively on executive pay, and in the specific case of Citibank it is trying to dictate how it allocates marketing dollars, specifically naming rights for a NY baseball stadium being one of the current political footballs. While regulating government pay of executives at companies receiving government subsidies is probably justified, telling them how to promote and market their services is where things get very hazy.

Exactly how this government dependence impacts PBS on a day to day basis, I can't detail for you, but the fact that this has been the status quo for as long as I remember seals the deal -- it is a government entity in everything but name. The managers at PBS know -- as their counterparts at the banks and car companies are learning -- who calls the shots and who sets the tone. And incompetence trickles down.

A simpler way of putting this is that if it walks like a duck, if it sounds like a duck, and if it looks like a duck, you'd be silly to bet your last dollar that it's Sea Biscuit.

And yes, I would be happy if PBS did not depend on the government teat, even if that meant it no longer existed. I doubt that even 5% of the population would notice it missing, even if it was boarded up and sold for broadcast scrap tomorrow.

...
And yes, I would be happy if PBS did not depend on the government teat, even if that meant it no longer existed. I doubt that even 5% of the population would notice it missing, even if it was boarded up and sold for broadcast scrap tomorrow.

Sorry to keep it going, but you obviously don't have kids.
Many people's kids watch Sesame Street among other childrens programs. Also, no one would know who Bob Ross was without PBS and there is practically a cult of Bob Ross Happy Trees. DIY network and HGTV may never have started without This Old House and Hometime.

Several of my favorite shows are on PBS. Travels to the Edge with Art Wolfe(Internationally known wildlife photographer), Red Dwarf, Doctor Who(before the reboot), Charlie Rose and Austin City Limits to name a few.

If pbs went commercial, the government wouldn't have to subsidize, but I would much prefer to have a FREE channel that has WORTHWHILE programming without commercials than yet another channel that whore's out airtime both during the show and in commercial breaks. I have never seen Charlie Rose drinking a coke with the logo facing the camera just before a coke commercial or Jane Seymour giving someone her 2hearts necklace then cut to a commercial for Kay Jewellers where you can get that annoying 2hearts necklace.

According to the pbs website, http://www.pbs.org/aboutpbs/aboutpbs_corp_audience.html 67% of us households watch per month. I realize they could read the numbers however they want, but even if you aggressively assume they bumped the number to four times its correct amount, that is still better than 15% of households.

Sorry to keep it going, but you obviously don't have kids.
Many people's kids watch Sesame Street among other childrens programs. Also, no one would know who Bob Ross was without PBS and there is practically a cult of Bob Ross Happy Trees. DIY network and HGTV may never have started without This Old House and Hometime.And this actually makes my point. None of these programs are dependent on the existence of PBS, or at least they wouldn't be if PBS ceased to exist. If there's good programming out there, it would find a new home if PBS were no longer.

I would not argue against the idea that PBS served a useful purpose back in the days when there were only three national networks and maybe a handful of local independent stations in the larger metropolitan markets. At that point, PBS provided unique and valuable programming outside the prevailing commercial mainstream.

But with all the avenues we have today for programming, a television network funded in anyway by the government is a nothing but an anachronism. If the government pulled the plug today, the worthwhile programming would find a new home in short order and the rest would be properly forgotten.

For me, PBS is a classic illustration of a government initiative that once started, never stops and only grows bigger. If government were remotely focused on efficiency of the use of taxpayer funds, the plug would have pulled on PBS back in early 1990s.

But fear not, the federal government has engineered and mastered so many other bigger and badder ways to waste taxpayer money that even a future administration with a 24-hour/7-day-per-week dedication to right-sizing government programs probably wouldn't get around to yanking the PBS plug for at least a couple of decades. Meanwhile, we're running headlong in the opposite direction, getting ready to piss a couple of trillion dollars over the ledge.

PBS could not be in safer, more forgiving hands. Breathe easy... :)

And this actually makes my point. None of these programs are dependent on the existence of PBS, or at least they wouldn't be if PBS ceased to exist. If there's good programming out there, it would find a new home if PBS were no longer.

I would not argue against the idea that PBS served a useful purpose back in the days when there were only three national networks and maybe a handful of local independent stations in the larger metropolitan markets. At that point, PBS provided unique and valuable programming outside the prevailing commercial mainstream.

But with all the avenues we have today for programming, a television network funded in anyway by the government is a nothing but an anachronism. If the government pulled the plug today, the worthwhile programming would find a new home in short order and the rest would be properly forgotten.

For me, PBS is a classic illustration of a government initiative that once started, never stops and only grows bigger. If government were remotely focused on efficiency of the use of taxpayer funds, the plug would have pulled on PBS back in early 1990s.

But fear not, the federal government has engineered and mastered so many other bigger and badder ways to waste taxpayer money that even a future administration with a 24-hour/7-day-per-week dedication to right-sizing government programs probably wouldn't get around to yanking the PBS plug for at least a couple of decades. Meanwhile, we're running headlong in the opposite direction, getting ready to piss a couple of trillion dollars over the ledge.

PBS could not be in safer, more forgiving hands. Breathe easy... :)

I agree 100%

And this actually makes my point. None of these programs are dependent on the existence of PBS, or at least they wouldn't be if PBS ceased to exist. If there's good programming out there, it would find a new home if PBS were no longer.

I would not argue against the idea that PBS served a useful purpose back in the days when there were only three national networks and maybe a handful of local independent stations in the larger metropolitan markets. At that point, PBS provided unique and valuable programming outside the prevailing commercial mainstream.

But with all the avenues we have today for programming, a television network funded in anyway by the government is a nothing but an anachronism. If the government pulled the plug today, the worthwhile programming would find a new home in short order and the rest would be properly forgotten.

For me, PBS is a classic illustration of a government initiative that once started, never stops and only grows bigger. If government were remotely focused on efficiency of the use of taxpayer funds, the plug would have pulled on PBS back in early 1990s.

But fear not, the federal government has engineered and mastered so many other bigger and badder ways to waste taxpayer money that even a future administration with a 24-hour/7-day-per-week dedication to right-sizing government programs probably wouldn't get around to yanking the PBS plug for at least a couple of decades. Meanwhile, we're running headlong in the opposite direction, getting ready to piss a couple of trillion dollars over the ledge.

PBS could not be in safer, more forgiving hands. Breathe easy... :)

Only 15% of PBS budget comes from the taxpayers, so you would be wrong, Doug it's not going to "disappear" if the government pulled money out.

I'm not for sure what your beef is, because there are lots of worse things the government wastes money on.

Only 15% of PBS budget comes from the taxpayers, so you would be wrong, Doug it's not going to "disappear" if the government pulled money out.

I'm not for sure what your beef is, because there are lots of worse things the government wastes money on.My "beef" is simple and to the point -- I am tired of ALL GOVERNMENT WASTE and believe the focus should be exposing it and ending it, not shrugging it off. And, I sincerely believe, every penny we're spending on PBS or NPR is a waste of taxpayer money.

In any event, I would love to test your assertion that PBS could get by fine without government money.

And speaking of NPR, there's this from the American Spectator Online:
__________________________________________________________

Buried inside Howard Kurtz's report on shrinking mainstream bureaus in DC -- e.g., the three broadcast networks down to 51 journalists last year, from 110 in 1985 -- is that "National Public Radio's Washington staff ballooned from 267 in 2000 to more than 400 last year. But NPR recently cut 64 jobs."

Maybe the stimulus package can restore them.
__________________________________________________________

I need some help with TVGOS EPG.

I have an OTA DTVPal DVR. I'm using TVGOS to populate the EPG. For most channels I get apprx. 7 days worth of guide content, however for 2-1 and 30-1 I only get about maybe 24 hrs and have never gotten any content for ch. 46. This is a PIA when trying to set up timers to record shows on these channels. I believe kmov is the cbs affiliate that is suppose to broadcast this TVGOS data. I've sent them an email but no response yet. Why is my EPG not populating data for the full 7 days on 2-1 and 30-1?:confused:

Erik

I need some help with TVGOS EPG.

I have an OTA DTVPal DVR. I'm using TVGOS to populate the EPG. For most channels I get apprx. 7 days worth of guide content, however for 2-1 and 30-1 I only get about maybe 24 hrs and have never gotten any content for ch. 46. This is a PIA when trying to set up timers to record shows on these channels. I believe kmov is the cbs affiliate that is suppose to broadcast this TVGOS data. I've sent them an email but no response yet. Why is my EPG not populating data for the full 7 days on 2-1 and 30-1?:confused:

Erik

I thought the guide data is from the local PBS channel...at least that is were my TV gets the information from.

I think the pbs talk should probably stop so we don't end up getting moderated for Political disagreements.

I thought the guide data is from the local PBS channel...at least that is were my TV gets the information from.

On analog it's from PBS, on digital it's on CBS.

- Trip

I thought the guide data is from the local PBS channel...at least that is were my TV gets the information from.

You can get your EPG data from two sources. First source is something called PSIP from your local broadcastin service AKA channel 9. This should provide atleast 12 hrs of content The other is is TVGOS (tv guide on screen) which is broadcast by CBS affiliates. Here is a description PSIP vs TVGOS from a DTVPal thread.
--------
The DTVPal DVR features an electronic program guide (EPG) with 8-days of program information from TV Guide On Screen (TVGOS), when available. TVGOS is distributed by CBS affiliates across the country, and should be available to 90+% of the U.S. population by February 17. You can check here to determine whether TVGuide service is currently available in your area. If TVGuide service is not available, the DTVPal will display the more limited program information -- typically 24-72 hours worth -- offered by your local broadcasters via PSIP. If TVGuide service is available, but does not have information for a particular channel, then the PSIP information from that broadcaster will be shown instead.
-----------

Does kmov the cbs affiliate not have the TVGOS data for 2-1 and 30-1 to broadcast?

Tonight during Lost, my signal continuously broke up except during commercials, but right after Lost was over, I am watching Life on Mars with very little problem. Is this a typical OTA experience? I just had an antenna installed on my roof, and since I was having pretty good reception with a set top antenna, I thought that would be all I needed. Is it unusual for a single program on to have signal breakup, with no problem with later programs?

Jane

I didn't monitor the audio on that show, but we just pass through the audio from ABC except for some level processing that is done at another location that I can't monitor. We received no complaints, but that would be expected unless the audio was really bad. Anyone else on the forum notice a problem?

Jim,

It appears by the posts that everyone here thinks you work for PBS, just kidding. To be honest I noticed quite a fair amount of muffled sound on Lost last week. I have not seen tonight's episode yet.

FWIW, last night's "Lost" was for me without any problems (via DirecTV).

Yesterday, President Obama signed the bill that extends the mandatory digital TV switchover to June. Also, yesterday it was revealed that 40% of local stations intend to carry on and shut down analog broadcasting before the new June deadline, as allowed in the new legislation.

I am truly dazzled by the brilliance of our governing elite in Washington. May I have another, sir?

The following excerpt is from today's TV Predictions:
_____________________________________________________

...however, despite the president's assurance that citizens would have more time to prepare, Reuters reported yesterday that 40 percent of local stations planned to switch to all-digital by Feb 17 anyway.

If they proceed, it means that their viewers will need to be ready with converter boxes, a Digital TV or a pay TV service by next week -- not four months from now as the president just promised.

"Regulators were caught off guard by the steep number of stations that want to transition early, even after lawmakers delayed a mandatory nationwide switch to 'DTV' by months,"Reuters wrote.

Perhaps embarrassed -- as well as caught off-guard -- by the large number of stations getting ready to go all-digital, acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps held a press conference yesterday to say that the agency will review the list of stations planning to make the switch early. He said the FCC may even stop some of them from switching.

"We are six days from the most demanding consumer technology transition in the history of broadcasting," Copps said, referring to the old Digital TV transition date of Feb. 17, which actually could still be the current transition date for hundreds of local stations.

So, the FCC has six days to determine whether some local stations can go all-digital early. Well, actually, that's not true. Because the transition date was scheduled on Feb. 17, the agency has already permitted roughly 150 stations to switch to all-digital signals.

There's no bringing them back.
_____________________________________________________

Full story is available here (http://www.tvpredictions.com/dmess021209.htm).

FWIW, last night's "Lost" was for me without any problems (via DirecTV).

Same here via DirectTV w/ HR20. The only beef I have with it lately is that the volume is a bit on the low side compared to the commercials or other programming. Not a big deal as I just turn it up, but still slightly annoying.

Same here via DirectTV w/ HR20. The only beef I have with it lately is that the volume is a bit on the low side compared to the commercials or other programming. Not a big deal as I just turn it up, but still slightly annoying.

Good to hear the LOST sound quality issue didn't return... I'm currently visiting my folks in Phoenix and won't be able to watch any TV that *I* like til I get back this weekend.

While I agree about the volume level of program vs. commercials, that's an issue with nearly EVERY station here... same problem with 24 on KTVI, and was an issue with Smallville and Supernatural on KraPLR before I stopped watching that channel altogether... and the broadcasters wonder why we use that SKIP button!

Apparently last week was indeed a network issue....

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1119179

Jim,

It appears by the posts that everyone here thinks you work for PBS, just kidding. To be honest I noticed quite a fair amount of muffled sound on Lost last week. I have not seen tonight's episode yet.

I checked Lost last night and it seemed fine. The networks, as noted, still are having some issues. Today, for example, the eastcoast feed of GMA had bad audio, so they fed the second hour to central in 4x3. Loudness is a problem for everyone. We've installed some equipment to control it, but it's not perfect yet.

It's official -- Charter says it will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy:

http://triangle.bizjournals.com/triangle/othercities/stlouis/stories/2009/02/09/daily82.html

KSDK must have changed something in their digital signal - it no longer shows the current program title and it's been like that for a couple of weeks now. All the other channels are okay, it's just on 5.1 & 5.2 it displays "No Program Information Available" - I have 4 Sony Bravia sets and they're all like that, however on a Philips and a Panasonic set they still show the title on 5.1 & 5.2 fine. Anyone else with a Sony Bravia series set notice this anomaly?

Click here for some interesting news about a new Sony product (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AyVh1_vWYQ&eurl=http://newmodernluxury.ning.com/&feature=player_embedded), but don't click if you are easily offended by 4-letter words. In this "news" story, Sony is a 4-letter word. (I'm still laughing.) :D

I didn't catch this episode of Letterman (http://weblogs.variety.com/thompsononhollywood/2009/02/career-watch-joaquin-phoenix-selfdestructs-on-letterman.html) when it was on, so I wasn't sure what to make of the stories about Joaquin Phoenix leaving acting and moving to hip-hop. Seems the move was really not to hip-hop but to a distant planet in our solar system.

Remember, folks, "The Simpsons" light up Springfield in HD on Sunday.

Remember, folks, "The Simpsons" light up Springfield in HD on Sunday.
I put a reminder in my Outlook Calendar when I first heard about it.

Remember, folks, "The Simpsons" light up Springfield in HD on Sunday.

I just scheduled my VIP 722 to record it from my desktop in my office via my slingbox. Aint technology great (when it works)!

Here's some details on the restructuring that Charter is going to do under bankruptcy protection.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/02/13/ap6052582.html

Two key things I don't get about this: 1) debt is only reduced to $13 billion from current level of more than $20 billion; and 2), while Charter founder Paul Allen loses his controlling stake, he still ends up with 35% of the voting rights.

The debt level still seems high in light of the sort of net revenue and cash flow the company has been producing. And how can anyone justify keeping Allen in place, when he was the architect of this mess? To make matters worse, he gets $175 million in cash that ought to be going back into the business as operating capital or be used to further pay down debt.

I also read in a separate story that no job cuts are expected, which seems hard to believe.

So Paul Allen gets $175 million while all the other shareholders see their shares basically wiped out and worth nothing?

If the SEC isn't looking into this already, it should be.........

Here's an interesting take on Comcast's use of bandwidth throttling (http://blogs.zdnet.com/storage/?p=397) that applies equally well to Charter. The author makes the point that Comcast has the problem of being in the business of selling television programming to a customer base that is discovering more and more that high speed Internet allows them wide and inexpensive access to, wait for it, television programming. Open the Internet spigot wider and drown your own television business. Close it off and enrage your customers.

All cable companies have basically the same problem. I just decided to go with MajicJack as my telephone service. Cost vs. Charter telephone: less than $2/month vs. $58/month for basically the same thing. The equation isn't quite that clear, since I was getting a discount for multiple services with Charter, and now I only have high speed Internet with them. Still, I'm saving well over $40 a month (over $500/year).

The WWW is a game changer for everyone.

I enjoyed tonight's episode of Sarah Connor, except for the inexplicable temporary shift to SD for a few minutes after a commercial break. The sound has improved dramatically since last year and the beginning of the season. This show has really grown on me.

I did, however, miss the premiere of Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse." I could kick myself. I was never a big Eliza Dushku fan when she was on Buffy, but apparently Whedon is. Anyone have any thoughts about the show?

I'm a big Whedon fan: Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Serenity. I think everything he's done has a unique signature. Apparently, they're not doing one of those encore performances of "Dollhouse" this week.

I enjoyed tonight's episode of Sarah Connor, except for the inexplicable temporary shift to SD for a few minutes after a commercial break. The sound has improved dramatically since last year and the beginning of the season. This show has really grown on me.

I did, however, miss the premiere of Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse." I could kick myself. I was never a big Eliza Dushku fan when she was on Buffy, but apparently Whedon is. Anyone have any thoughts about the show?

I'm a big Whedon fan: Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Serenity. I think everything he's done has a unique signature. Apparently, they're not doing one of those encore performances of "Dollhouse" this week.

It was an OK premiere ... I'll watch a few more weeks before passing judgement, it had promise, but it wasn't mindblowing.

One cool thing FOX did (I don't think on purpose for DVR users) was to announce at every break "Dollhouse will return in 60 (or 90) seconds" so I was like cool, 2 pushes of 30sec skip button, or 3. Perfect timing!

I was a huge Buffy fan (until the last two seasons.) Never liked Angel. Watched 4 eps of Firefly before I gave that up. Thought Serenity was corny. I'm hoping Dollhouse returns Whedon to my fav list.

It was an OK premiere ... I'll watch a few more weeks before passing judgement, it had promise, but it wasn't mindblowing.

One cool thing FOX did (I don't think on purpose for DVR users) was to announce at every break "Dollhouse will return in 60 (or 90) seconds" so I was like cool, 2 pushes of 30sec skip button, or 3. Perfect timing!

I was a huge Buffy fan (until the last two seasons.) Never liked Angel. Watched 4 eps of Firefly before I gave that up. Thought Serenity was corny. I'm hoping Dollhouse returns Whedon to my fav list.

Fringe does the same thing with the 60/90 seconds of commercials, and I use the skip button the same way you do. I doubt the tactic will catch on with a lot of shows.

Whedon got it just right with Buffy. Everything fell into place from casting to writing to direction. Not as much, maybe, with his other series. Angel suffered from too small a cast and the storytelling became claustrophobic. Of course Firefly never had the chance to unfold. Too bad it was canceled so early (and that Fox fouled up the works by meddling with the show). I still think Whedon's one of the brightest minds in the business.

I'm assuming Dollhouse will make it to Fox in the next few days, so I can see it online.

Fringe does the same thing with the 60/90 seconds of commercials, and I use the skip button the same way you do. I doubt the tactic will catch on with a lot of shows.

Whedon got it just right with Buffy. Everything fell into place from casting to writing to direction. Not as much, maybe, with his other series. Angel suffered from too small a cast and the storytelling became claustrophobic. Of course Firefly never had the chance to unfold. Too bad it was canceled so early (and that Fox fouled up the works by meddling with the show). I still think Whedon's one of the brightest minds in the business.

I'm assuming Dollhouse will make it to Fox in the next few days, so I can see it online.

Fringe was another show I really wanted, and tried, to like. But it just seemed like it was trying too hard :)

BTW ... don't you have a DVR? :P

Fringe was another show I really wanted, and tried, to like. But it just seemed like it was trying too hard :)

BTW ... don't you have a DVR? :P

A DVR works only if you set it. :confused:

And I agree about Fringe. I tried to like it, but as much as I try, I can't empathize with any of the characters, especially the one played by Joshua Jackson. I'm giving it to the end of the season before I take it off my DVR, but I don't expect it will improve much.

KSDK must have changed something in their digital signal - it no longer shows the current program title...

As of Friday afternoon they appear to have fix the issue.

As of Friday afternoon they appear to have fix the issue.

Yeah, but now the KETC program info in the E* EPG is off. Ever since 9-1 and 9-3 flipped, identical info appears for both channels 24 x 7 while only 9-1 seems to be correct. I wonder if this is an E* issue or a Tribune issue.

Yeah, but now the KETC program info in the E* EPG is off. Ever since 9-1 and 9-3 flipped, identical info appears for both channels 24 x 7 while only 9-1 seems to be correct. I wonder if this is an E* issue or a Tribune issue.

They both have issues as the TV guide on my flat screen shows different programing for both channels. 9.3 still has the analog data and 9.1 is split with the old HD feed and with a message "OFF AIR". E* does have the correct data for 9.1 but not for 9.3.

KSDK must have changed something in their digital signal - it no longer shows the current program title...

As of Friday afternoon they appear to have fix the issue.

Spoke too soon - problem has reappeared. On the Sony Bravias it shows "No Program Title Available." Funny that it worked all day Friday through primetime, then around 3:00 Saturday morning I saw that the title information was missing and as of primetime Saturday night it's still broken.

My emails to dhummert@ksdk.gannett.com seem to be falling on deaf ears - I had thought that *maybe* my prodding made them look into it when I saw that on Friday for the first time in a couple of weeks titles were appearing again, but I guess not.

Anyone have the ability to analyze KSDK's OTA DTV signal to see what's different with the title packets they send compared to all the other locals?

What is the E* dish setup to receive locals in HD? At one time the STL market required a 1000+ dish correct? How many wires come from the current dish setup? Wasn't there four at one time that needed to go into a switch and then a single cable would go to each device.

I guess what I'm ultimately getting at, is could someone give an update on how an E* setup would need to be wired from the dish down to the receiver.

I just watched Dollhouse at Fox online. The quality of the video was pretty good for an Internet stream - a little soft but clean. The Dollhouse premise reminds me of My Own Worst Enemy, the canceled NBC drama with Christian Slater. So far, it's more plausible than Enemy, but I wasn't that impressed with the first episode. For one thing, I still have a hard time getting past Eliza Dushku. She's too edgy and unsympathetic.

What is the E* dish setup to receive locals in HD? At one time the STL market required a 1000+ dish correct? How many wires come from the current dish setup? Wasn't there four at one time that needed to go into a switch and then a single cable would go to each device.

I guess what I'm ultimately getting at, is could someone give an update on how an E* setup would need to be wired from the dish down to the receiver.

My switch is on the roof, with 2 cables running into the house. One goes to a Dish 211 HD receiver, the other to a Dish 622 DVR. The one going to the 622 splits out to the inputs for the 2 tuners. Depends on how many receivers you're going to have as to how it will be configured for you.

Edit: The OTA tuners also have to be fed by an antenna signal. That cable runs from my rooftop antenna to a splitter/amplifier in the basement, then to the Dish HD boxes.

For Dish, HD Locals are currently coming from the 118.75 satellite, and scheduled to move to 129 on the CIEL-2 satellite on a spotbeam.

I don't know how long before the move occurs, but probably within the next 3-4 weeks.

For Dish, HD Locals are currently coming from the 118.75 satellite, and scheduled to move to 129 on the CIEL-2 satellite on a spotbeam.

I don't know how long before the move occurs, but probably within the next 3-4 weeks.

When the move occurs, the 1000+ should no longer be required since you'll only need to see three birds instead of four. The St. Louis HD locals are the only items of interest on 118.75 unless you subscribe to an international package. This may result in a different dish configuration for new users. Existing users of the 1000+ need make no change.

So now I'm confused ... does Dish provide HD Locals from a Sat, or from an OTA feed to the receiver? Seems the last three posts have said both things.

So now I'm confused ... does Dish provide HD Locals from a Sat, or from an OTA feed to the receiver? Seems the last three posts have said both things.

You can receive them either way, though if you don't subscribe to the sat. locals you will not get guide data.

So now I'm confused ... does Dish provide HD Locals from a Sat, or from an OTA feed to the receiver? Seems the last three posts have said both things.

You get HD locals BOTH ways with Dish. With my 622 I can record 3 local HD channels at the same time - 2 from satellite and 1 from the built-in OTA tuner. You can also watch a 4th recorded HD program at the same time you're recording 3 others. It's a very versatile box.

Speaking of DVRs, Best Buy has some good deals on hard drives in this week's ad. You can get a 1.5TB USB2 drive for $130, or a 1TB drive for $100. I have a 1TB drive on my Dish 622. I haven't tried a 1.5TB drive on it yet. Has anyone here done that? Officially, I still think they're saying 750GB is the max, but my 1TB USB2 drive works fine.

They talked about the hard drives on the last tech chat. As long as the external unit contains one physical drive it should work. They also stated they expect support for multiple drive units later this year.

Speaking of hard drives, did you see the 2TB drive from WD? Currently $299 at the Egg, more capacity for the Unraid. :)

Joe, have you signed up for the Slingguide beta for your Dish DVR? https://dish.sling.com/

I wanted to pass along that FOX 2 news should be starting there newscast in HD today with KPLR stating tomorrow. Making all the local newcasts in St. Louis HD.

They talked about the hard drives on the last tech chat. As long as the external unit contains one physical drive it should work. They also stated they expect support for multiple drive units later this year.

Speaking of hard drives, did you see the 2TB drive from WD? Currently $299 at the Egg, more capacity for the Unraid. :)

Joe, have you signed up for the Slingguide beta for your Dish DVR? https://dish.sling.com/

I just started replacing the 500GB drives in my unRAID boxes with 1.5TB drives. They're at my sweet spot now - a little over $100 per drive. I've replaced 7 of the 16 drives. 500GB was the sweet spot back when I built my first unRAID system.

I haven't signed up for the Sling beta, but thanks for the link. I'll check it out.

I wanted to pass along that FOX 2 news should be starting there newscast in HD today with KPLR stating tomorrow. Making all the local newcasts in St. Louis HD.

Thanks for that info. I'm interested in finding out how their newsrooms compare to the others. I think KSDK is still doing all their local stories in SD, which they upconvert to HD for their newscasts. I don't think anyone is doing acquisition in HD yet, but I haven't been following the local news closely for some time now.

Thanks for that info. I'm interested in finding out how their newsrooms compare to the others. I think KSDK is still doing all their local stories in SD, which they upconvert to HD for their newscasts. I don't think anyone is doing acquisition in HD yet, but I haven't been following the local news closely for some time now.

Tim Ezell in HD in the morning? My world is now complete!

:D:cool::eek::(:p

Thanks to all for answering my questions.

Thanks for that info. I'm interested in finding out how their newsrooms compare to the others. I think KSDK is still doing all their local stories in SD, which they upconvert to HD for their newscasts. I don't think anyone is doing acquisition in HD yet, but I haven't been following the local news closely for some time now.


They showed a bit of the new set last night on a special they had called Goodbye Brerthold and even showed the there new HD cameras.

They talked about the hard drives on the last tech chat. As long as the external unit contains one physical drive it should work. They also stated they expect support for multiple drive units later this year.

Speaking of hard drives, did you see the 2TB drive from WD? Currently $299 at the Egg, more capacity for the Unraid. :)

Joe, have you signed up for the Slingguide beta for your Dish DVR? https://dish.sling.com/

I signed up and quickly did a scheduled recording from both my home computer and my Samsung Instinct phone. Both worked just fine.

Sweet!

I just started replacing the 500GB drives in my unRAID boxes with 1.5TB drives. They're at my sweet spot now - a little over $100 per drive. I've replaced 7 of the 16 drives. 500GB was the sweet spot back when I built my first unRAID system.

I haven't signed up for the Sling beta, but thanks for the link. I'll check it out.

Too bad most of the drives in my UnRaid are PATA, gotta replace the controller cards as well as the drives. :(

Notice on Charter's web site from CEO Neil Smit:

Dear Valued Charter Customer:

At Charter, we are committed to bringing your home to life through advanced video services, including a growing high-definition offering, faster Internet speeds, and a choice for telephone service. We know that you rely on us for your entertainment and communications needs. We are committed to bringing you the best, most reliable services and we look forward to serving you both now, and in the many years to come.

No matter what you may have heard, rest assured that our operations are strong, and that we continue to focus on enhancing our products and services. We know that speed and reliability are what Internet customers value most, and just last month we launched Charter High-Speed Internet Ultra60 with 60 Mbps speed, the fastest residential Internet service in the country. We will soon boost Charter High-Speed Internet Max from 16 Mbps to 20 Mbps, at no additional charge. We also continue to expand our high-definition video offerings, including over 400 movies and shows in HD On Demand.

Please check Charter.com frequently to learn about our new products and services. In the meantime, our family of more than 16,000 employees will continue to deliver the same great entertainment and keep the millions of families we serve connected to the things that matter most.

Sincerely,
Neil Smit

Finally got around to watching last week's episodes of 24 and Lost tonight.

Very happy to report the sound on Lost was back to its awesome self last week. Still not as good as the sound from 24, but *nothing* sounds as good as 24.

On the other hand, I wish 24 had half the picture quality that Lost has every week.

In a perfect world, KDNL's picture quality on Lost and KTVI's sound quality on 24 would be the norm for every channel.

KTVI Fox2 news is now in HD. Looks very nice!!

Ya gotta love the smell of new electronics in the air. The Ch. 2 newsroom cameras look great. The newsroom itself is not as grand as the Ch. 5 set, and the green screen is not as clean for weathercasts. Overall, though, it's a big improvement. Just like 4 and 5, they still shoot in SD and upconvert. Changing that gear over to HD is an investment none of them has been able to make quite yet.

Thanks for that info. I'm interested in finding out how their newsrooms compare to the others. I think KSDK is still doing all their local stories in SD, which they upconvert to HD for their newscasts. I don't think anyone is doing acquisition in HD yet, but I haven't been following the local news closely for some time now.

Channel 4 seemingly has one or two HD field cameras. I notice it most often on Todd Schumacher's sports packages. They're almost always in HD. Most everything else is still upconverted SD, though.

Channel 4 seemingly has one or two HD field cameras. I notice it most often on Todd Schumacher's sports packages. They're almost always in HD. Most everything else is still upconverted SD, though.

Thanks. I'll have to check that out. HD field cameras mean they must have a means of editing HD footage. Are the stories ones that look like they might have taken a while to put together (like a day or two), or are they same-day kinds of stories (look like they were shot a few hours ago)?

They talked about the hard drives on the last tech chat. As long as the external unit contains one physical drive it should work. They also stated they expect support for multiple drive units later this year.

Speaking of hard drives, did you see the 2TB drive from WD? Currently $299 at the Egg, more capacity for the Unraid. :)

Joe, have you signed up for the Slingguide beta for your Dish DVR? https://dish.sling.com/

Thanks for the link!
I just signed up.
I've been waiting for this.
Very cool. Now just waiting for the 922!
Dave

Well, today would have been the big DTV switchover date, if not for the meddling weasels and second-guessing hacks known as Congress.

There's a worthwhile editorial about the DTV switch in the Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123482718276095125.html?mod=rss_opinion_main

Also, the Morning Bridge has an item that indicates that nearly 650 stations are going ahead and ceasing analog broadcasting today.
___________________________________________________

According to information released today by the FCC, 421 television stations are set to make the DTV switch by midnight Tuesday. Including the 220 stations that have already gone digital, that means a total of 641 stations will have transitioned by the original Feb. 17 DTV cutoff date. The FCC said it will have staffers in the 72 highest analog penetration markets tomorrow to help ensure that the transition goes smoothly.
___________________________________________________

I'm betting the FCC's efforts to ensure a smooth transition will be every bit as genuine as Charter telling its customers they should "rest assured that our (Charter's) operations are strong."

That's right -- "trillion" is the new "black," and "bankrupt" is the new "strong."

Didn't KDNL cut over today?

Didn't KDNL cut over today?

If I read their scroll correctly the switchover takes place at 11:59 PM tonight.

In case you haven't read about it, Pioneer and Vizio are getting out of the plasma business. And NEC and Hitachi are getting out of the LCD business. Samsung is not going to make any more of its amazing LED DLP rear projectors, so get one if you can. When they're gone, they're gone. These are really tough times for everyone in the HDTV business.

Didn't KDNL cut over today?

We're stopping analog programming tonight at 11:59 pm as originally scheduled. The FCC, however, wants us and all other 17th shut off stations, to run information on how to get a converter box and other transition information for a minimum of two weeks on the analog channel. They also require it to be in both English and Spanish. So if you want some really interesting programming you can watch both versions run over and over 24/7 for two weeks! Then we'll finally be able to shut down the analog transmitter.

We're stopping analog programming tonight at 11:59 pm as originally scheduled. The FCC, however, wants us and all other 17th shut off stations, to run information on how to get a converter box and other transition information for a minimum of two weeks on the analog channel. They also require it to be in both English and Spanish. So if you want some really interesting programming you can watch both versions run over and over 24/7 for two weeks! Then we'll finally be able to shut down the analog transmitter.

Will there be a power boost at that point, or have you been broadcasting at full power on the digital channel? Out of curiosity, do you know how much it will cost your station to continue to run the analog signal during that period? We all know it'll cost money to blast out that signal past the date you expected.

Will there be a power boost at that point, or have you been broadcasting at full power on the digital channel? Out of curiosity, do you know how much it will cost your station to continue to run the analog signal during that period? We all know it'll cost money to blast out that signal past the date you expected.

We've been at full power since 2004, so nothing changes. Since 30 is next to 31, when we turn off 30 it might help some receivers. The analog transmitter power bill alone runs from $8500/mo in winter to $15,000/mo in summer. Multiply that times the 58 stations we own!!!

We've been at full power since 2004, so nothing changes. Since 30 is next to 31, when we turn off 30 it might help some receivers. The analog transmitter power bill alone runs from $8500/mo in winter to $15,000/mo in summer. Multiply that times the 58 stations we own!!!

Ouch!

We're glad we have you here in St. Louis. I know when your other stations were converting to digital, you were busy making the rounds helping out with that process. Is your life a little more back to normal since they've made that transition, or are you still putting out lots of fires around the country?

In case you haven't read about it, Pioneer and Vizio are getting out of the plasma business. And NEC and Hitachi are getting out of the LCD business. Samsung is not going to make any more of its amazing LED DLP rear projectors, so get one if you can. When they're gone, they're gone. These are really tough times for everyone in the HDTV business.Pioneer's departure is a bummer, but no one but the bean counters at Costco should miss Vizio.

Likewise, it's too bad that Samsung is leaving the rear-projection business, but that is looking more and more like a dead category. Mitsubishi is probably going to hang in there with RP for the long run, due to the money they have invested in LaserVue, which is currently restricted to a DLP rear-projection form factor. Unfortunately, Mitsubishi is more focused on marketing than quality, and I doubt that having an effective stranglehold on what remains of the rear-projection market is going to lead them to spend more on performance.

Samsung's most recent plasma and LCD TVs are much improved though I've recently seen isolated complaints about quality control issues. Very nice picture quality, though.

Hitachi, like Mitsubishi, lost the plot years ago and their departure will hardly be noticed. NEC? I didn't even know they were still making TVs. Whoa!

Once Pioneer completes its market exit and Samsung stops making DLP RP, I think the quality choices for consumer HDTVs will boil down to Panasonic plasma, Samsung plasma, Sony LCD and Samsung LCD, with LG plasma and LCD possibly coming up the inside rail. Not necessarily in that order, but roughly so.

Just my two cents...your mileage may vary.

I'd like to second (and not for the first time) Joe's comments about Jim at KDNL (WRacer).

For me, Jim has been the consummate professional in doing his job and supporting his customers here in St. Louis and other markets. It is a rare thing to see in the broadcast business and I'm grateful for that. Thank you very much!

I'd like to second (and not for the first time) Joe's comments about Jim at KDNL (WRacer).

For me, Jim has been the consummate professional in doing his job and supporting his customers here in St. Louis and other markets. It is a rare thing to see in the broadcast business and I'm grateful for that. Thank you very much!
For me, the pleasure has included finding someone who can talk to me in terms I can understand (I taught electronic communications and other EE classes for 33 years).

For me, the pleasure has included finding someone who can talk to me in terms I can understand (I taught electronic communications and other EE classes for 33 years).

Where did you teach, Dan?

Ouch!

We're glad we have you here in St. Louis. I know when your other stations were converting to digital, you were busy making the rounds helping out with that process. Is your life a little more back to normal since they've made that transition, or are you still putting out lots of fires around the country?

Thanks for the complements. All of you have been very helpful is sorting out issues. It sure helps to have knowledgeable viewers with a variety of equipment to sort through problems. The digital world has a way to go to make everything work right all the time.
And yes, I'm on the road almost every week...in town this week due to the transition.

Thanks for the complements. All of you have been very helpful is sorting out issues. It sure helps to have knowledgeable viewers with a variety of equipment to sort through problems. The digital world has a way to go to make everything work right all the time.
And yes, I'm on the road almost every week...in town this week due to the transition.

I'm sure most towns don't have anyone like you. You are the exception to the norm here in St. Louis, where ignoring emails and phone calls about problems is such a common practice that most of us have simply given up trying.

I remember there was an engineer (KTVI or KPLR, I think) who was on this thread for a while - a nice person, I'm sure. I think one of his last posts, though, could be interpreted as, "It's difficult for us to figure out what's going wrong with our signal, so we're not going to do anything about it." Obviously not a quote, but that was the gist. Then he disappeared.

With KDNL problems, we knew you were on top of them. Even if it meant you had to use twine and nose tweezers, you McGyvered a solution as soon as you could figure it out. And we always knew you would.

Kudos.

Where did you teach, Dan?

SLCC at FP, then FV.

Does anyone know why 9.2 (PBS Kids) isn't showing any programs today? Black screen with the logo in the corner.

Star Trek TOS is coming this spring to Blu-ray. (http://www.tvpredictions.com/star021809.htm) At about the same time, they're releasing 4 of the Trek films (coinciding with the release of the new movie).

Star Trek TOS is coming this spring to Blu-ray. (http://www.tvpredictions.com/star021809.htm) At about the same time, they're releasing 4 of the Trek films (coinciding with the release of the new movie).
Actually, it's all of the original series movies (http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=2408) with the next gen movies coming, most likely, when the new trek arrives on disc.

I have 5 of the 10 Trek films recorded from Dish HD (and all of them on DVD). The Dish broadcasts are certainly not Blu-ray quality, but IMO they are far better than standard DVD. I really want the Next Gen movies the most, especially Insurrection and First Contact. I'll be waiting in line for the new Trek film, even if it means uncomfortable seats. :)

I have 5 of the 10 Trek films recorded from Dish HD (and all of them on DVD). The Dish broadcasts are certainly not Blu-ray quality, but IMO they are far better than standard DVD. I really want the Next Gen movies the most, especially Insurrection and First Contact. I'll be waiting in line for the new Trek film, even if it means uncomfortable seats. :)I wouldn't mind a good BRD of Khan, and maybe Undiscovered Country and/or First Contact. But I will probably pass on the rest other than as rentals.

My favorite OS Trek is IV, The Voyage Home. For me, it's Shatner and Nimoy at their best, with loads of comic relief and a great performance by James Doohan. But, I still find myself watching the Next Gen movies the most. Every 18 months of so, I'll get nostalgic and break out Insurrection or First Contact. Nemesis just never grabbed me the way the earlier 2 did. The Blu-ray discs will replace what I have when they're released, which includes ST:TOS on DVD.

Where did you teach, Dan?
Saint Louis Community College, Forest Park and FloValley.

SLCC at FP, then FV.
Colleague or former student?

Here are some pros/cons of 3D. (http://www.philly.com/philly/news/homepage/38741627.html) I can't see 3D becoming a home theater reality in the near term, but hopefully the many heavy-hitters (Jeffrey Katzenberg, James Cameron, John Lassiter, to name a few) will give 3D the boost it needs to succeed in commercial theaters.

As hard as that 3D episode of Chuck was to watch because of the colored glasses, I have viewed it 3 times just to get a glimpse of the few 3D shots that work half way decently. Every once in a while, I am able to see through the colored filters to get a glimpse of what 3D could be like in my home theater.

The opening scene with Yvonne Strahovsky is interesting. That scene could help sell 3D to the porn industry, though Ms. Strahovsky is not (nearly) nude (enough) because of prime time restrictions. Enterprising porn producers are already at work creating their own 3D content. Stories about that abound in reporting about 3D.

In the link above, Jeffrey Katzenberg says 3D is the third great revolution in cinema, after sound and color. I completely agree with this assessment, and hope it takes off this time around (unlike the previous attempts). This time, we do have the digital technology in place that will give it a greater chance of succeeding. I'm still extremely skeptical that it's going to happen for quite a while in the home, but I think eventually 3D broadcasts will be commonplace, even there.

Does anybody else get KSDK (NBC) audio drop-outs on DISH? The OTA seems to be OK. It used to be mostly on commercials, but some on shows as well.

Does anybody else get KSDK (NBC) audio drop-outs on DISH? The OTA seems to be OK. It used to be mostly on commercials, but some on shows as well.

It's not your imagination and is a major topic of discussion here: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=149309. You probably won't notice it in real time (LIVE) but it is quite apparent when viewing a delayed/buffered event.

It's an issue experienced in only a few markets but St. Louis seems to be affected really bad. If you notice this on KSDK it's probably on KMOV as well. Feel free to report your findings on that forum. This has been going on for a few months now and a fix is pending, but the million dollar question is WHEN?

I'm sure most towns don't have anyone like you. You are the exception to the norm here in St. Louis, where ignoring emails and phone calls about problems is such a common practice that most of us have simply given up trying.

I remember there was an engineer (KTVI or KPLR, I think) who was on this thread for a while - a nice person, I'm sure. I think one of his last posts, though, could be interpreted as, "It's difficult for us to figure out what's going wrong with our signal, so we're not going to do anything about it." Obviously not a quote, but that was the gist. Then he disappeared.

With KDNL problems, we knew you were on top of them. Even if it meant you had to use twine and nose tweezers, you McGyvered a solution as soon as you could figure it out. And we always knew you would.

Kudos.

Add me to the agree list here. KDNL is a godsend to HDTV in the St. Louis area.

The other guy you're thinking of was from KPLR, and his last visit here was February 17... of 2008. Almost exactly a year ago.

KPLR has gone steadily downhill since. Any reports of 5.1 channel audio on a CW show since KPLR moved its newscast to 7PM? Didn't think so.

I just flipped on KPLR to make sure they hadn't fixed that issue before posting this... not only is 90210 in 2-channel stereo, it's a 4x3 upconvert!!!

I plan to be at the Galaxy for Star Trek's opening night. How 'bout you?

The only Next Generation movie that really grabbed me was First Contact. Far as Generations, Insurrection, and Nemesis went... there were several episodes of the TV series that would have made better movies in my opinion.

Interesting that the TOS movie Blu-Rays will initially be available only as a box set of all six... probably because nobody would buy the first and fifth ones otherwise! :D

I'd agree with your assessments of those Trek films, except that I thought Insurrection had several moments that transcended the small screen and became much grander in scope. I guess The Voyage Home tops my list, for sheer fun, while Nemesis has not warranted even a second viewing. Still, Patrick Stewart is far and away my favorite Trek captain. He's an amazing actor.

Funny, when I was watching Heroes the other night, I kept seeing Spock in Zachary Quinto's face. I have a feeling he'll be remembered far more for that role than as Sylar on Heroes.

I don't know which theater I'll be attending yet. I'll look for the theater with the best projector and sound system, and get there early. Maybe you, Adrian and I can agree on one, although we live on opposite sides of the planet. :)

Yeah, Paramount wants every fan to buy the whole Trek movie set. In a year and a half or two, they'll come out with the definitive Blu-ray edition that fans just must add to their collection of VHS, laserdisc, DVD and original Blu-ray releases. I'll be renting this time around. When the movies are released individually, I'll consider a purchase for some of them.

CNET has an interesting look at Paul Allen's investment track record, including some new details on how he makes out on his Charter holdings in the near term:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-10167010-75.html?tag=nl.e703

I'm not a fan of the ST TOS, though I do appreciate what it did in terms of helping to make science fiction more mainstream.

But I'm curious about the Blu-ray release. Does this mean that the shows have been remastered to 1080p? And if so, have they been given "widescreen treatment" or do they remain stuck in 4x3 purgatory?

I'd also read repeatedly that one of the problems in doing HD transfer of TOS is that it would readily expose the relatively lame production values, including the tackiness of the sets and the primitive special effects. Not much you can do about the sets, but maybe they reworked some special effects?

I'm not a fan of the ST TOS, though I do appreciate what it did in terms of helping to make science fiction more mainstream.

But I'm curious about the Blu-ray release. Does this mean that the shows have been remastered to 1080p? And if so, have they been given "widescreen treatment" or do they remain stuck in 4x3 purgatory?

I'd also read repeatedly that one of the problems in doing HD transfer of TOS is that it would readily expose the relatively lame production values, including the tackiness of the sets and the primitive special effects. Not much you can do about the sets, but maybe they reworked some special effects?

The Blu-ray discs should retain the 4x3 aspect ratio of the original broadcasts. And yes, the special effects have been recreated using the computer. Viewers can toggle back and forth between the original FX and the new ones, but the new FX do retain much of the look and feel of the originals.

I have no problem with the show being mastered in 1080p at 4x3. It's no different than films that retain the original widescreen aspect of their theatrical releases. Those shows sacrifice vertical resolution to maintain the wider scope of what the director intended to be seen in the theater. They are not true 1080p, since the top and bottom of the frame are black bars. They contain 1920 lines of horizontal resolution, but less than 1080 lines vertically. On the other hand, a 4x3 film in HD is mastered with 1080 lines of vertical resolution and less than 1920 lines of horizontal resolution. The intent is the same, though. You maintain the original aspect ratio.

To stretch Trek to widescreen would remove top and bottom information, cropping what are often unusually tight closeups even more. I think there's as much an argument against doing that as there is against typical VHS pan and scan. Some people still hate the black bars at the top and bottom of a movie when it's shown in its original aspect ratio on a 4x3 display. Many argue you shouldn't chop off the sides of a widescreen film to fill a 4x3 shape. I'd argue the same against filling a 16x9 frame with a film or show shot and displayed originally in 4x3.

No doubt the original Trek had an extremely limited budget for FX. It was a product of its era. I'd argue that newer FX, although certainly more convincing, can do as much or more to detract from a film, in that they are used all too often as a substitute for good story telling. I'll take the original Trek for what it was, an evolutionary step in the scifi genre. I don't mind the cheesy effects and I really wouldn't have cared if they hadn't recreated them digitally at all.

What I would like to see is the Next Gen series redone in HD. That will be harder. The show was shot on film, but it was edited on video. Being more effects heavy, it will take more effort to recreate those shots digitally.

What I would like to see is the Next Gen series redone in HD. That will be harder. The show was shot on film, but it was edited on video. Being more effects heavy, it will take more effort to recreate those shots digitally.I vote for DS9 in HD.

Of course, HDNet is running episodes of Star Trek: Enterprise in HD. One thing I've noticed with broadcasts of that Trek series is that some of the shows are terrific, with clean detail and extremely good contrast. Other broadcasts are really soft and the contrast is so weak, it's like watching through wax paper. Does anyone know why that is? Were there production differences during the show that would account for the variations?

I'm sorry if this has been covered before in this thread; I did a search but didn't see anything immediately relevent. Has anyone else not been receiving KSDK program guide data recently? What's the deal with that?

Hate to say I told you so, Jeffrey. (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/2009/02/jeffrey-katzenb.html)

Joe,

Thanks for the background.

While I understand the "original aspect ratio" purists when it comes to panning/scanning widescreen films to 4:3, or even from Panavision to 16:9, I think that conversion of 4:3 to widescreen is more likely to be an enhancement rather than debasement, so long as it doesn't result in cropping out of key parts of images. I'm thinking specifically of the example of "Seinfeld," which I think gives the entire sitcom series a sort of new life. I've thoroughly enjoyed watching the shows in widescreen over the past few months.

I agree with you on Next Generation being a more interesting HD proposition. I'd say the same for Deep Space Nine, which is my overall favorite out of all the Trek stories.

Joe,

Thanks for the background.

While I understand the "original aspect ratio" purists when it comes to panning/scanning widescreen films to 4:3, or even from Panavision to 16:9, I think that conversion of 4:3 to widescreen is more likely to be an enhancement rather than debasement, so long as it doesn't result in cropping out of key parts of images. I'm thinking specifically of the example of "Seinfeld," which I think gives the entire sitcom series a sort of new life. I've thoroughly enjoyed watching the shows in widescreen over the past few months.

I agree with you on Next Generation being a more interesting HD proposition. I'd say the same for Deep Space Nine, which is my overall favorite out of all the Trek stories.

I like the Seinfeld transfers, too. I don't think they've damaged the show one bit. I think the original Star Trek, on the other hand, would suffer. I remember lots of shots that were serious closeups. They liked shooting tight. I think I'd be bothered by what cropping more from the top and bottom of those shows would do. I haven't watched much Next Gen for years, so I'd have to revisit that show to see if I think widescreen might do more harm than good. Paramount's going to have to look at each series closely to make a determination. Fortunately, it's probably doable with all of the Treks. The investment almost certainly would pay for itself. Trek fans have shown again and again that they're willing to pay for what they love.

BTW, when they showed Northern Exposure on Universal HD, I didn't mind the 4x3 aspect ratio. That's how they shot it, and seeing it in HD was a real treat. Something many people don't know is that the aspect ratio of 35mm film set by Thomas Edison is 4x3 (1.33:1), the same as our old analog TV system. Films have adopted a number of different aspect ratios along the way to try to differentiate themselves from the small screen, so it's impossible to make one "standard" TV size to match. That's another reason I like having a big screen. It can accommodate a large number of different screen sizes without making the resulting image appear too small.

Colleague or former student?

Both, in a way. I work at CC, and took classes from you 20 years ago.

The VC for TESS is in the process of killing Media Services. He's in the process of eliminating all the AV personnel, and making the computer techs take on AV duties, at no increase in pay. They've already eliminated Telelearning. (Phil Hanson is the only survivor, working for the VCE) Both full-time Master Control operators have been either fired or re-assigned. Aaron Linder has been exiled to FV.

I give you one guess why I would know all this. Hint: I already service 300+ customers at the CC. By myself.

The Help Desk also remembers you. :)

When you go downstairs, if Mrs. Hill still works as manager, you can complete the circle- I think I helped you run coax for the antennas on top of the Hawthorne.

Has anyone else not been receiving KSDK program guide data recently? What's the deal with that?

I posted about that situation sometime last week - have you noticed it affecting any other TV brands beside the Sony Bravia series? Funny thing is that it worked last Friday for a few hours and since then there has been nothing.

I've tried on numerous occasion over the last month emailing the technical contact at KSDK at the email address that was posted on here awhile ago, but I have not received any response.

"Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series" on BLU-RAY for JULY 28, 2009.

They're also preparing a 4.0/4.5/Caprica Pilot triple pack post-finale.

The VC for TESS is in the process of killing Media Services.
Klimczak? He started off well, seemed to have his heart in the right place, and his bosses slapped his hands for it. He learned how College Center works.

He's in the process of eliminating all the AV personnel, and making the computer techs take on AV duties, at no increase in pay.
Poor Herb Niemeyer must be beside himself.
The Help Desk also remembers you. :)
Oh, I'll bet! They never could get over having it pointed out that refusing to let me choose my own password was in direct violation of Board Policy!

It never dawned on them that the reason I was noting the bandwidth we used to and from MORENet was that I was teaching those concepts in class. They were sure I was somehow using bandwidth measurements to crack the system.
When you go downstairs, if Mrs. Hill still works as manager, you can complete the circle- I think I helped you run coax for the antennas on top of the Hawthorne.
Now I'm lost. I don't know a Mrs. Hill, nor what "Hawthorne" is. PM me?

"Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series" on BLU-RAY for JULY 28, 2009.

They're also preparing a 4.0/4.5/Caprica Pilot triple pack post-finale.I recently started watching Season 1 via Netflix (I know...it's just that I missed getting into at the start and never quite got with the program). Maybe I'll hold off and wait for the BRD since it's coming out a week before my birthday.

I recently started watching Season 1 via Netflix (I know...it's just that I missed getting into at the start and never quite got with the program). Maybe I'll hold off and wait for the BRD since it's coming out a week before my birthday.

I think that's probably a good idea. BSG is not what I'd call "reference quality" HD. It's grainy and dark, but that's on purpose. If I hadn't seen it at all, I'd wait for the Blu-ray transfer. You just lose too much with an SD version.

I just finished watching Sarah Connor. The last couple of weeks have had a sort of anti-Fugitive feel to them. Remember how Richard Kimble used to befriend and help people every episode? They grew to trust and believe in him. At the end of Sarah Connor the past 2 weeks, the people she's come into contact with (and who trusted her) end up with a "WTF just happened" look on their faces as she walks away. It's not just simple, cliched story telling. I like it.

This week I went OTA only, dumping Dish Network. I have a Toshiba Plasma that uses the TV Guide service, plus the Toshiba Symbio to record shows with. All in all this system works quite well. My problem is signal strength of some of the channels. I'm using a roof mounted Channel Master 4221A pointed almost due south. I live just about a mile south of Lambert Field just east of Woodson Road. Most of the channels come in fine, but KETC and WRBU cut out at times, like tonight. Seems strange as I had no problems last night. What options do I have to take care of this problem. Should I add another five foot section of mast? I'm using a tripod mount.

Klimczak? He started off well, seemed to have his heart in the right place, and his bosses slapped his hands for it. He learned how College Center works.


Poor Herb Niemeyer must be beside himself.

Oh, I'll bet! They never could get over having it pointed out that refusing to let me choose my own password was in direct violation of Board Policy!

It never dawned on them that the reason I was noting the bandwidth we used to and from MORENet was that I was teaching those concepts in class. They were sure I was somehow using bandwidth measurements to crack the system.

Now I'm lost. I don't know a Mrs. Hill, nor what "Hawthorne" is. PM me?

Will PM.

The College has never recovered from the lost bond issue, and Henry's replacement with the Chancellor Of Death. The TIE fighters stopped circling the Mercantile Tower, and started hovering outside CC 500... :)

This week I went OTA only, dumping Dish Network. I have a Toshiba Plasma that uses the TV Guide service, plus the Toshiba Symbio to record shows with. All in all this system works quite well. My problem is signal strength of some of the channels. I'm using a roof mounted Channel Master 4221A pointed almost due south. I live just about a mile south of Lambert Field just east of Woodson Road. Most of the channels come in fine, but KETC and WRBU cut out at times, like tonight. Seems strange as I had no problems last night. What options do I have to take care of this problem. Should I add another five foot section of mast? I'm using a tripod mount.

If you're really patient, both stations have plans to increase power and/or tower height.

- Trip

This is probably borderline irrelevant, but Jorge Garcia, the actor who plays Hurley on "Lost," is an advocate of 3-D standards. From his personal blog:

http://dispatchesfromtheisland.blogspot.com/2009/02/modest-request.html

Dollhouse has one more week before it disappears from my "Record Series" menu. I'm totally disappointed.

If they release the DVD's unrated with nudity, I will buy.

Dollhouse has one more week before it disappears from my "Record Series" menu. I'm totally disappointed.

If they release the DVD's unrated with nudity, I will buy.

I'll give it a few more weeks because it's Joss Whedon, but I was thinking the same thing about the show. There's not a single character or situation or writing moment that's grabbed me. Part of it is having My Own Worst Enemy from the fall season as a reminder of how a secret-agent-amnesiac premise might play out (that is, not well). Part of it is Eliza Dushku. Sorry, but I don't think even nudity could save it with her. As an actress, she leaves me cold.

I'll give it a few more weeks because it's Joss Whedon, but I was thinking the same thing about the show. There's not a single character or situation or writing moment that's grabbed me. Part of it is having My Own Worst Enemy from the fall season as a reminder of how a secret-agent-amnesiac premise might play out (that is, not well). Part of it is Eliza Dushku. Sorry, but I don't think even nudity could save it with her. As an actress, she leaves me cold.

Agreed. Know what else? Whedon recycles too much. The FBI agents neighbor talks JUST like Tara from Buffy - mannerisms, dialog. Boo!

This is probably borderline irrelevant, but Jorge Garcia, the actor who plays Hurley on "Lost," is an advocate of 3-D standards. From his personal blog:

http://dispatchesfromtheisland.blogspot.com/2009/02/modest-request.html

The results are in. The millions spent promoting 3D through the Super Bowl and Chuck were a bust. Jeffrey Katzenberg didn't have his thinking cap on with this one. He had an epiphany moment about how great 3D could be when he saw "The Polar Express," then handed people colored glasses and expected them to feel the same way.

It's like trying to convince people to eat at a fine French restaurant by handing them a can of spam (and telling them they have to open it themselves, and that little metal twist-key breaks off, and they cut themselves).

It's like trying to convince people of the health benefits of having a pet by giving them a Black Mamba.

It's like trying to convince devout Muslims that female nudity is OK by showing them Phyllis Diller in a mud wrestling video (in standard definition).

It's like... well, you get it.

Agreed. Know what else? Whedon recycles too much. The FBI agents neighbor talks JUST like Tara from Buffy - mannerisms, dialog. Boo!

You're right. Dollhouse already feels stale, doesn't it? Amy Acker (the doctor with the scarred face) is from Angel. Tim Minear, who was a part of Whedon's other shows, is back as producer. In the beginning, Whedon practically killed himself making each episode of Buffy a little movie, but the thought and setup that went into each shot was unsustainable for a weekly show. However, it did make each episode a real treasure (for me, anyway). Now, all the people who are involved have learned the writing/directing/producing shorthand that makes it easier to crank out half a movie in just a few days. It's a retread. Been down this road, done this before.

Here's more Star Trek news:

"These sets are just the Spring releases that Paramount and CBS are officially announcing, however TrekMovie and Digital Bits sources have confirmed additional titles for 2009. In the Fall, Paramount will obviously be releasing the 2009 JJ Abrams Star Trek movie on Blu-ray and DVD. Paramount is also planning a Fall release of a four-movie Next Generation movie box set with Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis, complete with new bonus features. CBS is also readying seasons 2 and 3 of The Original Series for Blu-ray for the Fall as well.

In addition to the Next Gen movie set and the rest of the TOS series on Blu-ray, there are also some ‘maybes.’ There may be a ten-movie Blu-ray box set combining all the ten previous feature Star Trek films, or possibly an eleven-film set which would include the 2009 Star Trek movie as well. CBS may release two more TV episode collection DVD sets: a ‘best of TOS’ and a best of TNG,’ although those may be Europe only."

So, apparently, I may not have to wait long for Insurrection, and even the new J. J. Abrams film will be here in the fall.

Color me happy if this all happens.

Hehe, this is so cool. True or not.

http://www.prisonplanet.com/hidden-spy-camera-mic-found-inside-digital-tv-box.html

Hehe, this is so cool. True or not.

http://www.prisonplanet.com/hidden-spy-camera-mic-found-inside-digital-tv-box.html

Of course its not true....That is right by ac/dc converter a camera that small wouldn't handle that heat.... and a microphone in a boxed in environment would be horrible.

Of course its not true....That is right by ac/dc converter a camera that small wouldn't handle that heat.... and a microphone in a boxed in environment would be horrible.

Dude, of course its not true. It just proves the awesomness of the internet.

But someone should open up a box just in case. :D

You're right. Dollhouse already feels stale, doesn't it? Amy Acker (the doctor with the scarred face) is from Angel. Tim Minear, who was a part of Whedon's other shows, is back as producer. In the beginning, Whedon practically killed himself making each episode of Buffy a little movie, but the thought and setup that went into each shot was unsustainable for a weekly show. However, it did make each episode a real treasure (for me, anyway). Now, all the people who are involved have learned the writing/directing/producing shorthand that makes it easier to crank out half a movie in just a few days. It's a retread. Been down this road, done this before.I didn't see the first episode of "Dollhouse" but watched the second one over the weekend. Not sure how to size this up, but so far I don't think it's headed for the the level of "Firefly."

However, there was one great line in this past week's episode. When handed a gun and asked whether she knew how to use it, Echo replied in the affirmative, "I have four brothers, none of them Democrats." :)

I didn't see the first episode of "Dollhouse" but watched the second one over the weekend. Not sure how to size this up, but so far I don't think it's headed for the the level of "Firefly."

However, there was one great line in this past week's episode. When handed a gun and asked whether she knew how to use it, Echo replied in the affirmative, "I have four brothers, none of them Democrats." :)

I don't know the writers well on this show yet, but that could well be a Joss Whedon line. It has that feel to it, even if he didn't get the writing credit.

Doll house won't leave my DVR timer list for the whole season. Whedon deserves a chance to develop a show and grow it. He watches the Internet and knows what the fans are saying. He won't have any trouble finding honest comments, and he's plenty capable of finding solutions to the problems.

How'd you folks like the Oscars last night? I thought it was one of the most entertaining of the last few years. Who knew Hugh Jackman was so versatile and funny? Unfortunately, my film IQ is really pathetic these days. I haven't seen a lot of the movies that were nominated.

For you Mac guys out there, here's a tutorial on turning a Dell Mini 9 Netbook into a killer OSX machine (http://i.gizmodo.com/5156903/how-to-hackintosh-a-dell-mini-9-into-the-ultimate-os-x-netbook). I think the netbook is a great device for a lot of people and this gives you the ability to leapfrog Apple's own possible development. Beware: it's a Hackintosh, but they show you how to use a legit retail copy of OSX.

The Oscars were better than I thought they would be, but way too long. I actually watched up until the first commercial break (almost 39 minutes into the show) and switched over to the middle of the first half of a college basketball game I had recorded earlier in the day. I watched until halftime, switched back to the Oscars to catch everything from the first break through real time, then went back to the basketball game. I watched the second half almost uninterrupted, then went back to the Oscars to catch up. It took about an hour, but I ended up running in real time before they got to the Best Leading Actress award. Granted, I didn't watch every award and every speech, but I caught most of what looked interesting.

That's all a long-winded way of saying there was a lot of fluff in there.

I thought it was good that they tried a new format for the best supporting/lead actors and actresses, but it seemed weird in the end. In a lot of cases, I didn't actually believe that the "mini-tributes" were actually written by the presenter, and even where they seemed genuine, they also seemed over-the-top in terms of genuflection. I mean, who knew Meryl Streep was an acting goddess?

I recognize that it's easy to slam the Oscars for all the self-congratulation and pious PC BS, but that's Hollywood and if you don't know what you're gonna get by now, you haven't been paying attention. And really, apart from having a higher profile, Hollywood is no worse than other industries with similar events (the ESPYs come to mind).

Lowlight: Bill Maher. But then, Bill Maher is a lowlight whether he's on the Oscars on or on his regular HBO gig pawing through his own feces, presenting the best bits as entertainment.

Hey, you asked... ;)

Like the title says, my Pioneer Elite Pro-720HD RPTV died last Friday. A-1 Antenna came to the house today and diagnosed a power supply problem and are scheduled to pick up the TV on Wednesday. Depending on the final cost to repair, I may need to replace the TV. Do they even make TV's that have similar cabinet features? I really don't want to replce my entertainment center and the TV, if that's the route I need to go.

Really just venting, but suggestions are welcome.

Like the title says, my Pioneer Elite Pro-720HD RPTV died last Friday. A-1 Antenna came to the house today and diagnosed a power supply problem and are scheduled to pick up the TV on Wednesday. Depending on the final cost to repair, I may need to replace the TV. Do they even make TV's that have similar cabinet features? I really don't want to replce my entertainment center and the TV, if that's the route I need to go.

Really just venting, but suggestions are welcome.

Why don't you get an estimate from them on the repair costs and factor that against a new set. You should be able to find a great plasma set that will be a big improvement and fit the space fairly well. I saw a 42" or 46" Panasonic plasma with an absolutely gorgeous image on sale at Costco South County last week for $750 (display model). Plasma sets are fairly cheap these days, since their popularity is waning because of the runaway success of LCD. And they still have much better pictures, IMHO.

The Oscars were better than I thought they would be, but way too long. I actually watched up until the first commercial break (almost 39 minutes into the show) and switched over to the middle of the first half of a college basketball game I had recorded earlier in the day. I watched until halftime, switched back to the Oscars to catch everything from the first break through real time, then went back to the basketball game. I watched the second half almost uninterrupted, then went back to the Oscars to catch up. It took about an hour, but I ended up running in real time before they got to the Best Leading Actress award. Granted, I didn't watch every award and every speech, but I caught most of what looked interesting.

That's all a long-winded way of saying there was a lot of fluff in there.

I thought it was good that they tried a new format for the best supporting/lead actors and actresses, but it seemed weird in the end. In a lot of cases, I didn't actually believe that the "mini-tributes" were actually written by the presenter, and even where they seemed genuine, they also seemed over-the-top in terms of genuflection. I mean, who knew Meryl Streep was an acting goddess?

I recognize that it's easy to slam the Oscars for all the self-congratulation and pious PC BS, but that's Hollywood and if you don't know what you're gonna get by now, you haven't been paying attention. And really, apart from having a higher profile, Hollywood is no worse than other industries with similar events (the ESPYs come to mind).

Lowlight: Bill Maher. But then, Bill Maher is a lowlight whether he's on the Oscars on or on his regular HBO gig pawing through his own feces, presenting the best bits as entertainment.

Hey, you asked... ;)

Bill Maher seemed sleazy, a real low point in what seemed an above average year for presenters. I thought the whole "the musical is back" theme, and the lessons on the film making process that were woven into the show worked well. I used the 30sec skip numerous times, but, as you say, if you're used to the Oscars, long-winded speeches shouldn't come as any great surprise.

Gotta say, though, I think Meryl Streep *is* an acting goddess. I was convinced she could do anything when I saw her in "Postcards from the Edge." She exceeds every standard I have for good acting.

Anyway, I think it was a good Oscars show. Now all I have to do is wait for some of the movies to come out on Blu-ray.

I've noticed quite a bit of talk referencing Josh Whedon and the various series he's created. I enjoyed the heck out of Firefly, very sad it only had a single season. Is there really anything to "Buffy" that would interest a middle-age gentleman (aside from Buffy herself)? I do enjoy Supernatural, Stargate Atlantis and even Smallville, would you think I might enjoy this, that I ought to give it a try? Thanks.

(Oh, and Bill Maher, was embarassing to watch, even making snide comments as the Man on Wire winners left the stage. Maher leaves me cold.)

Kurt,

I replied to your PM separately, but just thought I'd add to Joe's comments.

I think the Elite 720 is definitely worth saving if the CRTs are in good shape. The best way to check this is to use a full white field pattern and check the edges of the images for discoloration (this indicates the CRTs have been driven hard or are reaching the end of the life cycle). If everything looks pretty clean, then it's definitely worth hanging on to. If you don't have any test patterns and you have a DVR, just watch for programs or (more likely) commercials where there's a mostly white background. Some of the "I'm a PC/I'm a Mac" commercials are probably good for that purpose.

If you do decide to bury the CRT, the only choice for something approaching the same form factor would be a Samsung DLP. This is apparently the last year for Samsung RPTVs, and this year's Samsung DLPs are very nice, and the price per screen inch is hard to beat. I have seen the 67-inch LED-based model selling for as little as $1800. If you go flat screen, I agree that plasma is the best route if you're focused on picture quality. The Pioneer Kuros -- both the Elites and non-Elites -- are excellent though not great in terms of bang-for-buck. I have been a longtime fan of the Panasonic plasmas, and I heard a radio ad last week where UE was selling a 50-inch Panny for under $1,000. Unfortunately, there's a nasty elbow with plasma pricing once you go beyond 50 inches. I've been holding out for a 58-inch Panny, but they are still higher than what I want to pay. The Samsung plasmas are also worth a look, and from a calibration standpoint, they are indisputably the most flexible.

For LCD, I think Sony and Samsung are the best current choices.

None of that is to say that other brands are worthless, but these are IMO the best bets in terms of potential picture quality.

I've noticed quite a bit of talk referencing Josh Whedon and the various series he's created. I enjoyed the heck out of Firefly, very sad it only had a single season. Is there really anything to "Buffy" that would interest a middle-age gentleman (aside from Buffy herself)? I do enjoy Supernatural, Stargate Atlantis and even Smallville, would you think I might enjoy this, that I ought to give it a try? Thanks.

(Oh, and Bill Maher, was embarassing to watch, even making snide comments as the Man on Wire winners left the stage. Maher leaves me cold.)

OK, you've opened a can of worms asking me anything about Buffy. It's probably my favorite show of all time. Add to that the fact that I don't really care at all for vampire movies. I just like good story telling.

Buffy has always been popular among a huge variety of audiences, from all walks of life - from guys like me (not too far from the middle-age side) to prison populations. I'd love the opportunity to watch that show without having seen it at all. That's not going to happen until my memory has gotten a lot worse, though, because I've seen each episode multiple times.

Buffy was like the '99 Rams - every piece fell into place at the right time to make magic. It's a rarity in television history.

LOL, "to prison populations." Well, that's a given, LOL.

Appreciate your feedback. Given the praise I've seen I'll give it a try and pick up the first season. I've somehow missed out on many series while they were first airing and have found watching them on dvd after the fact is a great way to catch up. Rescue Me, The Sopranos, Stargate Atlantis among them. Looks like Buffy will be another. Thanks.

LOL, "to prison populations." Well, that's a given, LOL.

Appreciate your feedback. Given the praise I've seen I'll give it a try and pick up the first season. I've somehow missed out on many series while they were first airing and have found watching them on dvd after the fact is a great way to catch up. Rescue Me, The Sopranos, Stargate Atlantis among them. Looks like Buffy will be another. Thanks.

Hope you like it. You kinda have to open up your mind, but since you're a scifi person, that shouldn't be hard. Willing suspension of disbelief is a required trait for residing in that realm.

I discovered MASH, ER and several other shows through syndication and DVD. Talk about immediate gratification! Buffy, though, I locked onto immediately and had to wait a week or more for each episode. There's something to be said for that. It gives you a chance to digest each episode and build anticipation for where the show might be headed.

Enjoy!

Like the title says, my Pioneer Elite Pro-720HD RPTV died last Friday. A-1 Antenna came to the house today and diagnosed a power supply problem and are scheduled to pick up the TV on Wednesday. Depending on the final cost to repair, I may need to replace the TV. Do they even make TV's that have similar cabinet features? I really don't want to replce my entertainment center and the TV, if that's the route I need to go.

Really just venting, but suggestions are welcome.

The only CRT sets I see these days are older units with massively misconverged tubes and dull, washed out images. At their best, they're still really good display devices. You might want to factor in a good tuneup if you decide to keep the set. I've never owned a rear projection CRT, but the ones I used to see at the AV specialty stores years ago looked good.

I'll admit that I lean toward the newer digital displays, especially DLP, which by its very nature will never have convergence issues (nothing to misconverge in a single chip DLP). To second what Doug said, the Samsung DLP rear projectors should be in the same ballpark in terms of size as your Pioneer Elite. I'd go with one of the LED DLP sets, not the regular bulb units. The lamp-based ones will be a little cheaper, but with LED you'd never have to worry about replacing a lamp. I'd wager the 61" unit down at South County Best Buy is the last rear projector they'll ever have at that store. It's $1,750, but it can still be found online for as cheap as $1,500. There's no better bang for the buck in dollars per square inch right now.

Thanks guys for the opinions. I'm definitely not afraid of the new technology, I'm just wanting to get more time out of my TV and entertainment center. The only real shortcoming I can think of about staying with this TV is that it has no HDMI inputs....this model pre-dates DVI too. I should know something about the cost to fix before the end of the week.


Now for some real news:

Who else had problems with House and 24 tonight. There were definitely audio and video glitches throughout both shows.

Now for some real news:

Who else had problems with House and 24 tonight. There were definitely audio and video glitches throughout both shows.

I will find out in the morning, hope not. :( My wife made me watch an episode of House over the weekend, so I decided to record it for watching on the projector. I recently started recording 24 again, currently these are the only two programs I am watching. The life of a second shift worker! ;)

Now for some real news:

Who else had problems with House and 24 tonight. There were definitely audio and video glitches throughout both shows.

24 was dead nuts perfect, I haven't watched House yet

I will find out in the morning, hope not. :( My wife made me watch an episode of House over the weekend, so I decided to record it for watching on the projector. I recently started recording 24 again, currently these are the only two programs I am watching. The life of a second shift worker! ;)

I worked second shift a long time ago, and I really didn't like it.

Wanna know what's a great show to help you wind down after the second shift? Chuck. Another great episode tonight. Yvonne Strahovsky's performance almost made me cry.

(Did I say that out loud?)

Thanks guys for the opinions. I'm definitely not afraid of the new technology, I'm just wanting to get more time out of my TV and entertainment center. The only real shortcoming I can think of about staying with this TV is that it has no HDMI inputs....this model pre-dates DVI too. I should know something about the cost to fix before the end of the week.


Now for some real news:

Who else had problems with House and 24 tonight. There were definitely audio and video glitches throughout both shows.

It's amazing how much HDMI has simplified my home theater wiring. I pulled about 700 pounds of cables out of my gear when I installed HDMI equipment.

24 was dead nuts perfect, I haven't watched House yet
24 was perfect for me. House had one small audio/video hiccup that lasted less than one second. Both were KTVI-DT, OTA.

Wanna know what's a great show to help you wind down after the second shift? Chuck. Another great episode tonight. Yvonne Strahovsky's performance almost made me cry.

(Did I say that out loud?)
EVERYONE should be watching Chuck. It's an incredibly entertaining show, mixing comedy, action, and romance brilliantly. The pop culture references that are peppered throughout the show are awesome as well. Yet people continue to watch crappy reality shows instead (*cough* The Bachelor *cough*)....it boggles the mind.

In view of the recent discussion of 3-D here, I thought this might be interesting:

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/smason/2009/02/23/coraline/

Joe Posnanski, who writes for the KC Star, Sports Illustrated and his own very popular blog, is definitely one of my favorite sports columnists/humorists these days. Although this isn't representative of his best stuff, I thought his take on the Oscars was pretty interesting:

http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2009/02/23/oscar-recap/

Also, a lot of people were pulling for Mickey Rourke to win out over Sean Penn for Best Actor, for lots of different reasons. One of those reasons was that many were banking on Rourke delivering one of the best all-time acceptance speeches if he won, and that explains Hugh Jackman's joke about a 20-minute delay. This was primarily based on the speech Rourke gave after winning Best Actor at the "Spirit Awards," which was captured on You Tube.

Coarse Language Warning:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v19168_AOfA&eurl=http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/smason/2009/02/22/mickey/

24 was perfect for me. House had one small audio/video hiccup that lasted less than one second. Both were KTVI-DT, OTA.

Same on my OTA Media Center recordings, no issue with 24, one small blip in house.

The only real shortcoming I can think of about staying with this TV is that it has no HDMI inputs....this model pre-dates DVI too.


There are ways around this.

Walt

Joe Posnanski, who writes for the KC Star, Sports Illustrated and his own very popular blog, is definitely one of my favorite sports columnists/humorists these days. Although this isn't representative of his best stuff, I thought his take on the Oscars was pretty interesting:

http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2009/02/23/oscar-recap/

Also, a lot of people were pulling for Mickey Rourke to win out over Sean Penn for Best Actor, for lots of different reasons. One of those reasons was that many were banking on Rourke delivering one of the best all-time acceptance speeches if he won, and that explains Hugh Jackman's joke about a 20-minute delay. This was primarily based on the speech Rourke gave after winning Best Actor at the "Spirit Awards," which was captured on You Tube.

Coarse Language Warning:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v19168_AOfA&eurl=http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/smason/2009/02/22/mickey/

Wow, I'd use way too many words to describe how much I disagree with this assessment of the 2008 Oscars. I won't. How can you argue with a point of view that starts off with the basic premise that the whole point of the Oscars is to be bad, and then rips it apart for not being bad in just the ways he thinks it should?

Let's be clear. I'm not a huge Oscars fan, but, I think this year's show had more energy and fun than most recent ones. Different strokes for different folks. He gets paid for his opinion and I don't. 'Nuff said.

I've never been a big fan of Sean Penn, but I have to say his stock went up with me when he married Robin Wright. I'd put her in the same league as Meryl Streep. I've seen her in movies in which I had to check the credits to make sure it was her. Amazing ability to transform herself in creating a part - The Princess Bride, Forrest Gump, even Toys (a very forgettable Robin Williams film).

When Penn got up to accept, all I could see was her.

In view of the recent discussion of 3-D here, I thought this might be interesting:

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/smason/2009/02/23/coraline/

Anyone know if the film Coraline is still in 3D down at the Ronnie's in South County? The Jonas Brothers will be in 3D this weekend, but there's no mention of Coraline being in 3D now. Good luck talking to a real person to find out.

Anyone know if the film Coraline is still in 3D down at the Ronnie's in South County? The Jonas Brothers will be in 3D this weekend, but there's no mention of Coraline being in 3D now. Good luck talking to a real person to find out.

I'm not sure if it was at Ronnies, but we saw it at the Galaxy in Chesterfield.

As for the Oscars, I didn't need to see the strokefest of the best actor/actress/supporting categories, or the retarded Memorium where you COULDN'T SEE any of the people that passed or the fact that they skipped George Carlin and the Voiceover King....Overall, the show didn't bug me too much. I am glad the Leo woman didn't win, she did at the Spirit awards and she was annoying.

edit: if you check the Coraline 3D link, it is NOT at Ronnies anymore(if it ever was, I thought I checked and they didn't have it opening weekend in 3D)
http://wehrenberg.com/movieDetail.asp?title=featurefilm&MovieId=3809

Subtle observations after watching a huge Blues win on FSN-MW HD:

1) The pre-game and post-game show are all broadcast in HD, which I believe is a change from earlier in the season and definitely a change from the baseball season, when they were only SD.
2) Some commercials are now in HD; previously, all commercials during the game were SD.

What does this mean? It appears as if the network's capacity for HD broadcasts is improving, and that can only lead to better things in the future.

For you Mac guys out there, here's a tutorial on turning a Dell Mini 9 Netbook into a killer OSX machine (http://i.gizmodo.com/5156903/how-to-hackintosh-a-dell-mini-9-into-the-ultimate-os-x-netbook). I think the netbook is a great device for a lot of people and this gives you the ability to leapfrog Apple's own possible development. Beware: it's a Hackintosh, but they show you how to use a legit retail copy of OSX.

I love my Mini 9. Mini 10 is launching as well but the video card in the 10 will make it no longer "hackintoshable".

I love my Mini 9. Mini 10 is launching as well but the video card in the 10 will make it no longer "hackintoshable".

Is your Mini 9 Hackintoshed? I thought you were strictly PC, Mo.

You are correct. I am running Windows 7. Which runs great on this. Recognizes the SSD and even turns off defrag.

I was just pointing out the different video card will be in the 10 and won't work.

I hang out a lot in a forum that is high in hackintosh guys.

Let's be clear. I'm not a huge Oscars fan, but, I think this year's show had more energy and fun than most recent ones. Different strokes for different folks. He gets paid for his opinion and I don't. 'Nuff said.Actually, like most bloggers, he doesn't get paid. But no big deal, I was just passing it on as a different, outside-the-box viewpoint.

As I noted, that wasn't really Posnanski's best work. Here's a few links to stuff that I think is a much better indicator. All of these are great, but the one on Stan Musial hits home:

http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2008/05/12/i-really-didnt-need-that-stew/

http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2008/07/07/view-from-the-press-box/

http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2008/10/21/from-the-notebook-lolo/

http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2008/07/19/musial/

Speaking of Windows 7-----Does anyone know how I can get a good copy? I downloaded it and I have a valid Product key but my copy apparently contains errors and won't install. Microsoft has removed it from the Beta site so I cannot try to download it again.

Your best bet is B-I-T-T-O-R-R-E-N-T for a quick fix. That's where I got mine.

You are correct. I am running Windows 7. Which runs great on this. Recognizes the SSD and even turns off defrag.

I was just pointing out the different video card will be in the 10 and won't work.

I hang out a lot in a forum that is high in hackintosh guys.

Gotcha. I have a Hackintosh system (OSX Leo) running on one of my machines, but I find I don't use it, so I've lost touch with that community of hackers. I do occasionally read some of the reports and I understand that it's even easier than when I was into it to get a Mac running on a PC.

I think I would have loved a Mini 9 running Windows *and* OSX when I was teaching. By the end of a semester, my shoulder was aching from dragging an increasingly heavy laptop case around with all my stuff in it.

Actually, like most bloggers, he doesn't get paid. But no big deal, I was just passing it on as a different, outside-the-box viewpoint.

As I noted, that wasn't really Posnanski's best work. Here's a few links to stuff that I think is a much better indicator. All of these are great, but the one on Stan Musial hits home:

http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2008/05/12/i-really-didnt-need-that-stew/

http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2008/07/07/view-from-the-press-box/

http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2008/10/21/from-the-notebook-lolo/

http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2008/07/19/musial/

I wish I had read his Musial story before I read the one on the Oscars. The Musial piece helped put both into perspective. I can understand now why you like him.

Your best bet is B-I-T-T-O-R-R-E-N-T for a quick fix. That's where I got mine.

Yeah, I know, but I hear horror stories.

I got one TV to find channel 4 (KMOV) HD programming, I think it renamed from ch 24. But, I cant get my computer (Hauppage tuner) to do the same. I had it scan repeatedly last night and finally gave up.

any suggestions?

I got one TV to find channel 4 (KMOV) HD programming, I think it renamed from ch 24. But, I cant get my computer (Hauppage tuner) to do the same. I had it scan repeatedly last night and finally gave up.

any suggestions?

I had the same problem with my TV. I don't know if this will help but I had to reset the TV to factory defaults, then do the scan. The only thing I have a problem with is the channel label for 9.3.

Slickdeals.net has another good MP3 deal - 99 Essential Mozart Masterpieces for $3. (http://slickdeals.net/#p3787) I've been happy with the quality of these downloads. They're pretty high bitrate MP3s - from 256kbps, but most at 320.

Slickdeals.net has another good MP3 deal - 99 Essential Mozart Masterpieces for $3. (http://slickdeals.net/#p3787) I've been happy with the quality of these downloads. They're pretty high bitrate MP3s - from 256kbps, but most at 320.What I don't like about these collections is you get single movements/arias/etc of pieces. I know them well enough that when I hear one part I want to hear the rest of the same work.

What I don't like about these collections is you get single movements/arias/etc of pieces. I know them well enough that when I hear one part I want to hear the rest of the same work.

Yeah, I don't like that at all. But I listen to them mainly when I'm walking the dog and thinking about other things, not at home. In that context, they're certainly a cheap way of getting some quality music for pennies a track.

I got one TV to find channel 4 (KMOV) HD programming, I think it renamed from ch 24. But, I cant get my computer (Hauppage tuner) to do the same. I had it scan repeatedly last night and finally gave up.

any suggestions?

From an old post:

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?

More information: http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/thread/328843.aspx

I'm interested in getting this... (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11313856&search=%23343557&Mo=0&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=%23343557&Ntt=%23343557&No=0&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1#)

Hauppauge WinTV HVR-950Q TV Tuner Stick Personal Video Recorder

Costco has them for online order only on sale from 3/02 to 3/22 for $49.00. I thought this would be great for my laptop. Any thoughts from all of the computer/multimedia folks would be greatly appreciated.

I've owned 2 mini-stick type OTA tuners. I had trouble with the software on both and ended up returning one and not using the other very much. I have no idea about the Hauppauge unit, but there's probably a thread (or discussion, at least) over in the Home Theater Computers forum. Use search there at the top of the page to see if you can find something. My quick search found people with issues, which has been my experience with such units.

I have 2 Pinnacle HD sticks, use them with Windows Media Center and didn't install the software (which I understood was crap and didn't need anyway). These tuners are excellent, rock solid. Sticks seem to be generally viewed as a low-cost and inferior solution. While I can't vouch for Hauppauge, I couldn't imagine a better tuner than what I'm using (software excepted).

24 was dead nuts perfect, I haven't watched House yet
Hmmm, I was watching my DVR recording of OTA and there were numerous blips. I wonder if my DVR is having issues.



BTW, they picked up my TV today. I've built a bigger garage since I bought the garage and apparently there almost wasn't enough width on my sidewalk to get the TV to the front of the house....they actually made my wife measure before they started the move. I'm waiting to find out the verdict.

Speaking of Windows 7-----Does anyone know how I can get a good copy? I downloaded it and I have a valid Product key but my copy apparently contains errors and won't install. Microsoft has removed it from the Beta site so I cannot try to download it again.

PM me with your phone number. I downloaded 3 copies & only have 2 computers.

From an old post:



More information: http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/thread/328843.aspx



the greenbutton link was just what I needed. Thanks,

When I added the channel, I had to add the frequency so I put 24 in for that input, and it worked great.

I just read that the CW is bringing back "Reaper" for another run. Not sure of the time. I'll give it another try, even though the technical quality was so bad when it first aired that I often couldn't watch it.

i hope it does come back. I was a fan.

I just read that the CW is bringing back "Reaper" for another run. Not sure of the time. I'll give it another try, even though the technical quality was so bad when it first aired that I often couldn't watch it.

Season 2 begins next Tuesday, 8pm central.

Talk about bang for the buck (B4B) - Tigerdirect.com has a Mitsubishi 65" DLP rear projector for $1298, shipped to St. Louis. (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=4032496&sku=M402-6514) Although it might not be the preferred set for calibration control, it's hard to knock that price.

Season 2 begins next Tuesday, 8pm central.

Thanks. I took it off timer recently because I thought it was gone for good. Reaper was light entertainment, and it had several really fun characters.

Talk about bang for the buck (B4B) - Tigerdirect.com has a Mitsubishi 65" DLP rear projector for $1298, shipped to St. Louis. (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=4032496&sku=M402-6514) Although it might not be the preferred set for calibration control, it's hard to knock that price.
Hmm, even if I fix my old Elite I might want to get this deal too.

Hmm, even if I fix my old Elite I might want to get this deal too.

Hey, Kurt, I just noticed that they're including a stand in a bundle package with that same projector for $100 more. (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=4131856&sku=M402-6522) It's a perfect match in width.

Scroll down to see the exact dimensions of the projector and check whether it would fit your space.

Hey, Kurt, I just noticed that they're including a stand in a bundle package with that same projector for $100 more. (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=4131856&sku=M402-6522) It's a perfect match in width.

Scroll down to see the exact dimensions of the projector and check whether it would fit your space.Well, I should find out on Monday what it's going to cost to fix my Elite. If it's too expensive, then I'll start some serious research. Thanks for the info.

Here's a good deal - a Samsung 52" LCD (A550) for $1,299. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16889102204) Unlike the Mitsubishi, Doug wouldn't be muttering under his breath during calibration that, "Mits are poo." If anyone hears of a good deal on an 1080p LCD or plasma in the 40-46" range, I'd appreciate a heads up. I'm putting together another HD system for a spare bedroom. The plasma I saw at Costco the other day was gone already.

Here's a good deal - a Samsung 52" LCD (A550) for $1,299. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16889102204) Unlike the Mitsubishi, Doug wouldn't be muttering under his breath during calibration that, "Mits are poo." If anyone hears of a good deal on an 1080p LCD or plasma in the 40-46" range, I'd appreciate a heads up. I'm putting together another HD system for a spare bedroom. The plasma I saw at Costco the other day was gone already.Now, I don't recall using the word "poo." ;)

Now, I don't recall using the word "poo." ;)

Sorry. Didn't mean to misquote. :)

Anybody HERE... Here... here... her...?

No posts in 2 days???

I watched Reaper on The CW tonight and was surprised. Got through the whole show without a single audio or video hiccup. Surprising. And Reaper was funny. I had several laugh out loud moments, a rarity for me these days on shows not called Chuck.

Just curious.... did Reaper have 5.1 channel sound?

Just curious.... did Reaper have 5.1 channel sound?

I'll have to check on that later, Bob. My receiver is set up for automatic Dolby Pro Logic decoding if it gets a stereo signal, so I hear surround effects with stereo or Dolby Digital broadcasts.

BTW, speaking of sound, Idol last night sounded a little better in the center channel. Anyone else notice that?

Also speaking of sound, I got an amazing deal the other day on some Energy speakers. Woot! had them on closeout for $40 each (C-100 series). No one is going to confuse them with high end speakers, but it's shocking how good they sound for that price. I'm still in the market for a 1080p TV for the bedroom where I put them (hopefully on the low end of the 1080p price scale, like the speakers). If anyone hears about a good deal, please let me know.

Anybody know of a decent repair center in STL that could come out to Illinois to look at my RPTV (Mits 65613)? It's on the fritz with a known issue and before I just buy a new tv, the ol' wife would like me to give her a cost to repair (naturally, I'll inflate the estimate...). Thanks.

Anybody know of a decent repair center in STL that could come out to Illinois to look at my RPTV (Mits 65613)? It's on the fritz with a known issue and before I just buy a new tv, the ol' wife would like me to give her a cost to repair (naturally, I'll inflate the estimate...). Thanks.In the past I had Samsung warranty service done by Schneider TV. They always did an outstanding job taking care of me. They were on Olive near I-170, but have moved.

Just curious.... did Reaper have 5.1 channel sound?

No, Bob, just stereo. My Denon does decode it as Dolby Pro Logic surround, so I get three channels across the front and mono in the surround speakers.

In the past I had Samsung warranty service done by Schneider TV. They always did an outstanding job taking care of me. They were on Olive near I-170, but have moved.

Thanks, I gave them a call but they directed me to Belle (or Bell) TV in STL since they don't service my make. Belle said it would either be $200 to fix if it was the simple problem (replacing some capacitors on some circuit board) or $800 to fix if it was the bigger problem (replacing the whole circuit board). If it was the $800 fix, I'd just be out the $105 for the service call since no way I'd sink that much money into a 6 year old tv that can't do 1080p.

Hmm... maybe time to shoot Doug (Droptheremote) and email for his professional opinion on 3 possible DLP tv sets I'm looking at since I would naturally put his calibration services to use... Now I just need to convince my wife that spending $1500-2000 is the much smarter path than spending either $200 to fix the old one, or $105 to determine if we have to buy a new tv if it can't be fixed on th cheap... That logic seems fuzzy, even to me.

Hmm... maybe time to shoot Doug (Droptheremote) and email for his professional opinion on 3 possible DLP tv sets I'm looking at since I would naturally put his calibration services to use... Now I just need to convince my wife that spending $1500-2000 is the much smarter path than spending either $200 to fix the old one, or $105 to determine if we have to buy a new tv if it can't be fixed on th cheap... That logic seems fuzzy, even to me.I just got a Samsung HL67A750 LED based DLP. It is an awesome set. I love it. I have yet to get Doug to calibrate it.

Anybody HERE... Here... here... her...?

No posts in 2 days???
The last exchange between you and Doug has left us speechless.

The last exchange between you and Doug has left us speechless.

It was deeply profound.

I just got a Samsung HL67A750 LED based DLP. It is an awesome set. I love it. I have yet to get Doug to calibrate it.

I'm toying with the idea of getting the 61" Samsung LED DLP set for that spare bedroom where I just put the new Energy speakers. It doesn't exactly fit the bill for an inexpensive set, though, does it? What I should do is hold out on buying a set at all and hope American has one of the LEDs left come time for their annual employee sale. That's a few months off, though, and they may be really hard to find by then. The supply is getting smaller.

No, Bob, just stereo. My Denon does decode it as Dolby Pro Logic surround, so I get three channels across the front and mono in the surround speakers.

Figures. I don't think KPLR has had 5.1 channel sound on ANY program since they moved their newscast to 7PM????

KDNL has ceased analog nightlighting on 30.

KDNL has ceased analog nightlighting on 30.

"Analog nightlighting," what is that?

Just curious.... did Reaper have 5.1 channel sound?

Reaper season 1 never had 5.1 not even on the dvd so i dont think it was made or will ever been in 5.1

Reaper season 1 never had 5.1 not even on the dvd so i dont think it was made or will ever been in 5.1

Guess that's not so bad then... reason I asked is, Supernatural runs a blurb at the beginning of every episode advertising its availability in 5.1 channel Dolby Digital... yet only lights the Pro Logic indicator on my receiver. It's been this way ever since KPLR moved its newscast to 7PM. Before that it was always 5.1 (though with a lot of dropouts).

My e-mails to KPLR on this subject have gone unanswered.

Guess that's not so bad then... reason I asked is, Supernatural runs a blurb at the beginning of every episode advertising its availability in 5.1 channel Dolby Digital... yet only lights the Pro Logic indicator on my receiver. It's been this way ever since KPLR moved its newscast to 7PM. Before that it was always 5.1 (though with a lot of dropouts).

My e-mails to KPLR on this subject have gone unanswered.

My emails have gone unanswered, too. Maybe it isn't just that I'm snotty.

Hey, back after awhile for another post... :)

Finally got my antenna set up a couple months ago after over a year here in Wentzville just using Dish locals. :o After assuming I was going to put the big Radio Shack one outside again (possible complications), I decided to try hanging just its UHF half in the attic, and was happy to see how well it works compared to on the second story roof in Warren County (33-36 miles vs. ~45). :cool: Still using CM 7777 pre-amp, which helped slightly before any splitting; hoped it wouldn't overload. Very high levels on the main networks; 11's the lowest, but it hasn't had a problem yet; 9 will have an occasional dropout even though it's nearly 100%.

Anyway, wanted to have OTA available again for recording flexibility, and the new season of Reaper. I still haven't seen the last 10 episodes from last season after moving, so still have to rent those DVDs before watching the new season! No room to store that much OTA on the DVR, so am recording to the computer with the HDHomeRun I also got a couple months ago. I'm thinking I will be able to play them back with the PS3 later, though I'm not exactly sure on the details. :confused:

One of the reasons I got the HDHomeRun is because I wanted to try saving the American Idol season, hehe, since it can't be seen again after broadcast. :D It's all been perfect so far, I think, other than a couple broadcast glitches (not reception), and the stupid weather alert last Wed. :rolleyes:

Until last night that is. I have been adding about 5 minutes to the end, and they've never ran over more than a minute or so (thought that might only be the finale). It was too late to finish playing last night's one, but as I started it from the DVR, I kinda had a bad feeling when I heard what they were going to have to squeeze into an hour for Wild Cards. So after stopping it, I went to check the end of the computer recording, and sure enough, it was still going. :eek: :mad: Don't know how close it was to ending, but... (I'll look online if I missed someone, but wanted to save all the video, of course. :()

I figured I'd ask here if one of you guys had a full HDHomeRun type recording (I guess any MPEG-2 OTA capture could work?) of Thursday's Idol that I could get the end of somehow and add it to what I have? Probably wouldn't be more than a few hundred MB. Well, if anyone could help, let me know. :) Thanks!


Another post coming in a bit about a couple general technical things [recently] that I thought might have already been mentioned here...

I'm moving soon (late May/early June) to a place with no line of sight issues (I hope) and will try (for a third time) to get Dish. Has anyone heard when the ViP 922 DVR will come online? Best I can find is "second quarter."
thx
barry

I'm moving soon (late May/early June) to a place with no line of sight issues (I hope) and will try (for a third time) to get Dish. Has anyone heard when the ViP 922 DVR will come online? Best I can find is "second quarter."
thx
barry

That's the latest I've heard, too. Sounds like a really interesting box, and it's on my list.

Hey, back after awhile for another post... :)

Finally got my antenna set up a couple months ago after over a year here in Wentzville just using Dish locals. :o After assuming I was going to put the big Radio Shack one outside again (possible complications), I decided to try hanging just its UHF half in the attic, and was happy to see how well it works compared to on the second story roof in Warren County (33-36 miles vs. ~45). :cool: Still using CM 7777 pre-amp, which helped slightly before any splitting; hoped it wouldn't overload. Very high levels on the main networks; 11's the lowest, but it hasn't had a problem yet; 9 will have an occasional dropout even though it's nearly 100%.

Anyway, wanted to have OTA available again for recording flexibility, and the new season of Reaper. I still haven't seen the last 10 episodes from last season after moving, so still have to rent those DVDs before watching the new season! No room to store that much OTA on the DVR, so am recording to the computer with the HDHomeRun I also got a couple months ago. I'm thinking I will be able to play them back with the PS3 later, though I'm not exactly sure on the details. :confused:

One of the reasons I got the HDHomeRun is because I wanted to try saving the American Idol season, hehe, since it can't be seen again after broadcast. :D It's all been perfect so far, I think, other than a couple broadcast glitches (not reception), and the stupid weather alert last Wed. :rolleyes:

Until last night that is. I have been adding about 5 minutes to the end, and they've never ran over more than a minute or so (thought that might only be the finale). It was too late to finish playing last night's one, but as I started it from the DVR, I kinda had a bad feeling when I heard what they were going to have to squeeze into an hour for Wild Cards. So after stopping it, I went to check the end of the computer recording, and sure enough, it was still going. :eek: :mad: Don't know how close it was to ending, but... (I'll look online if I missed someone, but wanted to save all the video, of course. :()

I figured I'd ask here if one of you guys had a full HDHomeRun type recording (I guess any MPEG-2 OTA capture could work?) of Thursday's Idol that I could get the end of somehow and add it to what I have? Probably wouldn't be more than a few hundred MB. Well, if anyone could help, let me know. :) Thanks!


Another post coming in a bit about a couple general technical things [recently] that I thought might have already been mentioned here...

I recorded it with my Dish 622, and all the finalists had been announced. Seacrest was just about to say goodnight when my recording stopped, so I missed the closing credits. Unfortunately, one of my systems is down and I can't get the show out of the 622 until I get it running again (Hauppauge 1212 HD recorder).

As to getting such programs to play on the PS3, I have some experience with that. I've converted many the current season Chuck episodes to Blu-ray format. They play from the computer as Blu-ray iso images (using PowerDVD and Virtual Clone Drive), and they play from single layer DVD directly from the PS3 - all in HD, of course. Dish uses MPEG4 compression, as does the Hauppauge recorder. Local OTA is MPEG2. The PS3 plays back all the files. You'll need the original recording, tsMuxer and ImgBurn. The software is freeware (except PowerDVD) and the process is easy. Shoot me a PM and I'll detail how it's done.

Shocking news here: Jessica Biel will strip for "Powder Blue," a direct-to-disc Blu-ray release coming in May. (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Disc_Announcements/Direct-to-High-Def_Premieres/Image_Entertainment/May_Direct-to-Blu_Premiere_Set_for_Powder_Blue/2544)

That's just wrong, so show you're disapproval by not clicking of the big-ole link above and not finding out more about the all-star cast.

OK, now that the forum's back up, some things I've noticed...

1) In the short time I've had the HDHomeRun, recording mostly Fox shows (other than Reaper now), and I noticed the 24fps/filmed shows (24, Dollhouse) were 4-something GB per hour, and the video-based Idol around 6 GB (makes sense, with same compression level). But last week's Dollhouse was up around 6 GB as well. Same thing with 24 Monday -- its 2 hours were actually bigger than Idol Tuesday! Thought someone else would have noticed, so has Fox now increased their pre-compressed bitrate on these shows (to their "max")? Maybe letting all bandwidth be used, rather than applying a fixed amount of compression.

2) The St. Louis HD locals were uplinked to Dish's 129 sat. mid-Jan. (DBS Talk report (www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=150003)), which I hoped would be used instead soon (wonder if they'll go away on 118? or which would the receiver use if they both exist?), since they're all on one transponder, which I assumed would finally be using the newer, more efficient MPEG-4 encoders, so the DVR space needed would be more like the national channels.

There have been a couple times where local HD recordings took a lot less space, and I thought "new encoders?", but they were just flukes. Well, not this time it seems. Sometime between Leno Monday night and Today/GMA Tuesday, something definitely changed with the bitrate (I assume encoders of course), though there's still just 2 channels on each 118 transponder, so kinda strange that it's not using all the bandwidth (unless other stuff was uplinked; didn't look into it). Now stuff has been using the same or less space as national stuff. Idol 30-32m instead of 55-58m per hour. 24fps shows about the same I think, instead of 40-50m. The 58-minute* Life on Mars only took 22m though. :eek: (And I thought 26m for Monk was small!)

I hope this stays now, whatever sat., assuming PQ isn't worse. I've mostly only been playing network shows right away since they took the most space, but now maybe I can get caught up on 14 Psych eps. going back to the summer. :D They've used 30-35m apiece...

3) Then I also realized on Tuesday's Leno that it was actually in stereo and NOT flagged as 5.1! (I'm always on analog input for it so it's correct, but happened to be set to digital; Monday's was still 5.1). I was amazed if they finally fixed this. But then when I played Knight Rider yesterday (season finale I think, can't believe I actually watched them all :p), there was NO 5.1! :rolleyes: So now it looks like kSDk has a new screw-up instead?! Is everything stereo only?

I was just thinking before, I can't remember if there were audio dropouts during Knight Rider though. I'm so used to them (on 24fps material), it's hard to say for sure. Maybe different encoders could've fixed something, but I was under the impression that it was a DVR software issue... I'll see what happens when I play Eleventh Hour later, as well as Life on Mars when I get to it.



* Yes, with Dish, I have to set up manual 58-minute recordings or whatever for shows that start late. They have a completely dumb guide system as far as times go, that you can never trust, "rounding" to 5-minute points. At least DirecTV used the correct times the provider sends out. I always recheck Zap2it. Pathetic. Dish says "Never miss your favorite shows," which is a joke in these cases: last 2 minutes of Lost since it thinks Mars starts at 9, last 2 minutes of music on Leno, etc. I think they figure the default paddings should cover those cases, but that's unacceptable. I set the default padding to 0, since I'm not gonna have 5 extra minutes recorded for no reason.

I recorded it with my Dish 622, and all the finalists had been announced. Seacrest was just about to say goodnight when my recording stopped, so I missed the closing credits. Unfortunately, one of my systems is down and I can't get the show out of the 622 until I get it running again (Hauppauge 1212 HD recorder).

Thanks for the reply Joe. But that's OK, if you were talking about using the Hauppauge HD PVR to send me the video of what I missed or something, since I couldn't combine the MPEG-4 with what I have. Well, maybe it could be converted back to -2 or such, but that's not worth it just to archive the video. ;) That's why I was wondering if anyone had a recording in the same OTA format. Does Robert watch/record Idol? I think a couple people here have the HDHomeRun, but never remember who...

Oh, and I was wanting to get the 1212 HD PVR too, but since most of the stuff I want to save is from the local networks, the HDHR is good for now.

As to getting such programs to play on the PS3, I have some experience with that. I've converted many the current season Chuck episodes to Blu-ray format. They play from the computer as Blu-ray iso images (using PowerDVD and Virtual Clone Drive), and they play from single layer DVD directly from the PS3 - all in HD, of course. Dish uses MPEG4 compression, as does the Hauppauge recorder. Local OTA is MPEG2. The PS3 plays back all the files. You'll need the original recording, tsMuxer and ImgBurn. The software is freeware (except PowerDVD) and the process is easy. Shoot me a PM and I'll detail how it's done.

Thanks for info and offer, I might PM ya sometime. I haven't looked into it much myself yet, so don't like to ask for too much help without doing something on my own. :D

As you can tell, I'm only using the HDHR for archiving at the moment, and still recording with the 722 for watching "right now," until I want see these Reapers. MPEG-2 files can be used for BD format also, I guess? Well, even with commercials removed, it looks like a full Reaper would still be too big for a single layer DVD (convert to h.264/AVC? :cool:). Of course, if nothing else, I could just convert the recording to DVD video format and watch that. :p

I tried some small test recordings on a USB drive/SD card, after having to convert the MPEG-2 TS file to a PS file (with .mpg extension!) using VLC in order for the PS3 to play it. I found that in the PS3 thread here, looking for a quick solution. But then I'll still hit the 4 GB FAT32 file limit with Reaper, without splitting it up.

I've heard about the network streaming to the PS3 from a media server (TVersity or something...?), which sounds like a good option if I get a wired connection to the PS3. I don't know any details of getting that to work either, or if I'd still need to convert something, etc.

Speaking of taking out commercials, I also haven't attempted to edit down any recording yet. :o Not exactly sure what to use for that. I was going to look at TSPE (www.bitstreamtools.com), which also looks like it could be used for future Hauppauge HD PVR h.264 recordings. I don't know much about this, but it sounds like it's not always exactly frame-accurate, depending on the frame type, but maybe it's closest you can really get? :confused: I thought there'd be an editor that would re-encode a few frames if needed.

Just watched last night's Eleventh Hour and specifically payed attention to the audio. And... absolutely, perfectly, flawless! :cool: (Knight Rider was probably OK too, just that kSDk has that new audio problem.) Looking like the presumed-new encoders fixed the audio dropouts. That's been like 9 months I guess. I remember it starting in June (?) right after NBC's Fear Itself started (which never returned after Olympics for the remaining eps...).

I don't see any other reports of this on DBS Talk yet. I wonder if other markets also got new encoders.



BTW, finished playing Idol, and actually had more than I thought. Like Joe, I just saw a couple seconds of the credits starting, so if I just would have had maybe 10 seconds more even, it may have been all there. Just my OCD wanting to have up to the final logos, LOL. :D So still curious if anyone else has it all.

Thanks for the reply Joe. But that's OK, if you were talking about using the Hauppauge HD PVR to send me the video of what I missed or something, since I couldn't combine the MPEG-4 with what I have. Well, maybe it could be converted back to -2 or such, but that's not worth it just to archive the video. ;) That's why I was wondering if anyone had a recording in the same OTA format. Does Robert watch/record Idol? I think a couple people here have the HDHomeRun, but never remember who...

Oh, and I was wanting to get the 1212 HD PVR too, but since most of the stuff I want to save is from the local networks, the HDHR is good for now.



Thanks for info and offer, I might PM ya sometime. I haven't looked into it much myself yet, so don't like to ask for too much help without doing something on my own. :D

As you can tell, I'm only using the HDHR for archiving at the moment, and still recording with the 722 for watching "right now," until I want see these Reapers. MPEG-2 files can be used for BD format also, I guess? Well, even with commercials removed, it looks like a full Reaper would still be too big for a single layer DVD (convert to h.264/AVC? :cool:). Of course, if nothing else, I could just convert the recording to DVD video format and watch that. :p

I tried some small test recordings on a USB drive/SD card, after having to convert the MPEG-2 TS file to a PS file (with .mpg extension!) using VLC in order for the PS3 to play it. I found that in the PS3 thread here, looking for a quick solution. But then I'll still hit the 4 GB FAT32 file limit with Reaper, without splitting it up.

I've heard about the network streaming to the PS3 from a media server (TVersity or something...?), which sounds like a good option if I get a wired connection to the PS3. I don't know any details of getting that to work either, or if I'd still need to convert something, etc.

Speaking of taking out commercials, I also haven't attempted to edit down any recording yet. :o Not exactly sure what to use for that. I was going to look at TSPE (www.bitstreamtools.com), which also looks like it could be used for future Hauppauge HD PVR h.264 recordings. I don't know much about this, but it sounds like it's not always exactly frame-accurate, depending on the frame type, but maybe it's closest you can really get? :confused: I thought there'd be an editor that would re-encode a few frames if needed.

I don't know if Bob is an Idol fan, although he does have an HDHomerun. PM him. Some people work hard to hide their Idolatry. Must be a religious thing. :D

The Hauppauge software will allow you to convert MPEG2 to MPEG4, I think, but I've never done it. It's not a real time process, though. MPEG2 works just fine as an AVCHD DVD disc in the PS3. tsMuxer and ImgBurn make it incredibly easy to burn those discs. Just a few clicks.

Frame accurate editing of OTA MPEG2 programs is easy as can be with VideoRedo, and fast. The company is also supposed to be working on an H.264 version, but I don't know when it will hit. The Hauppauge editing software that comes with their recorder gives me lipsync issues, and I've had other problems trying to edit commercials from H.264 files. tsMuxer gives you some rudimentary editing capabilities, but I wouldn't want to use it to edit commercials out of a broadcast show.

The nice thing about 264 is the file sizes - tiny compared to local broadcast ATSC. I have some amazing recordings from Dish's MPEG4 channels. I could get a whole Star Trek movie in HD on one single layer DVD - under 4GB. They're not Blu-ray quality, but they beat the stuffing out of regular DVD.

Streaming video via the PS3 is certainly being done by a lot of people, but I'm not one of them. I have my computers hooked up to the projector, so I can get to anything quickly and easily with Windows Explorer. PS3 streaming just adds an unnecessary step to the process.

Have you thought about converting your drives to NTFS? No more file size limits. I don't have a single FAT32 hard drive.

"Analog nightlighting," what is that?

KDNL has been transmitting a DTV conversion infomercial since 17 FEB 09 on their analog channel, 30. This is called "night lighting", to allow notice to those who do not have a digital receiver to get one. Night-lighting also provides for the EAS/NWS warnings to go out in case of bad weather, etc, for those who have not yet converted.

Typically, Sinclair did no retrospective show, or old-style signoff,; it just switched over to to the infomercial during "Extra".

That ended, and the analog transmitter is off the air for good. KDNL is now DTV-only, on RF channel 31. It's still branded as "ABC 30", and virtually mapped on your set as 30.1.

So far, no mass rioting has occurred as St. Louis' ABC affiliate is not available on analog.

"Analog nightlighting," what is that?

And, a low-quality YouTube video of KDNL's transition to the infomercial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXGzbNodh54&feature=related

Have you thought about converting your drives to NTFS? No more file size limits. I don't have a single FAT32 hard drive.

The PS3 will only handle FAT32 external drives, which is why so many people choose streaming solutions. However, if your PS3 is wireless like mine, streaming isn't always optimal. But I still use a streaming app (Medialink on my Mac) which allows the transfer of files up to the PS3, which has no file size limitation (the internal drive I mean - well, you're limited by the size of the HD, but they are very easy to upgrade). So in cases where I've converted a large HD mkv to a vob file, I'll just copy it up to the PS3 over the network.

However its a nice app to access my large music collection on that Mac as well.

Mostly though I just find it easier to hook my MacBook directly to my TV and use VLC or Front Row. VLC will do DTS from mkv's which is nice too.

Anybody watch Saturday Night Live last night?

I DVR the new episodes, mainly to watch the political sketch that usually airs right at the beginning. I don't bother to watch the rest of the episode.

So last night's episode started with the video of one of the cast members playing Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, but with the audio of local commercials!

Pausing, rewinding, etc., didn't help. I'm wondering if this is just my HR20 FUBAR'ing the recording, or did KSDK FUBAR it before it left their transmitter?

Anybody watch Saturday Night Live last night?

I DVR the new episodes, mainly to watch the political sketch that usually airs right at the beginning. I don't bother to watch the rest of the episode.

So last night's episode started with the video of one of the cast members playing Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, but with the audio of local commercials!

Pausing, rewinding, etc., didn't help. I'm wondering if this is just my HR20 FUBAR'ing the recording, or did KSDK FUBAR it before it left their transmitter?

Given the mess that was the Bruins/Rangers game today, I'd blame them.

Anybody watch Saturday Night Live last night?

I DVR the new episodes, mainly to watch the political sketch that usually airs right at the beginning. I don't bother to watch the rest of the episode.

So last night's episode started with the video of one of the cast members playing Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, but with the audio of local commercials!

Pausing, rewinding, etc., didn't help. I'm wondering if this is just my HR20 FUBAR'ing the recording, or did KSDK FUBAR it before it left their transmitter?

It was them I recorded it last night also and got the same thing. Also didn't bother turning on the HD until about midway through the opening monologue.

kSDk is hopeless. Their lame plan to delay SNL 5 minutes just to insert extra local commercials is a joke! There ought to be a law.....

The show was hosed up thru the opening bit, but check out the rest of it. It was hilarious. Especially the "Hulk" sketch.

It was deeply profound.Our speciality, eh? ;)

Anyone catch the premiere of Castle with Nathan Fillion on ABC? I think I have another good reason to watch TV on Monday night. Good chemistry on screen, like Bones.

Haven't seen "Castle" yet but it is in my DVR queue.

FWIW, another "Firefly" alumnus, Summer Glau, was prominent last night on the CBS sitcom, "The Big Bang Theory." She was playing herself and looked every bit the part. :)

There was even a reference to "Firefly," though she was generally noted for her role in "The Sarah Conner Chronicles." Not really that remarkable considering the regular genuflection toward all things sci-fi by the four lead geeks on the show.

More Summer Glau here:

http://www.vanityfair.com/fame/features/2007/05/vanities_portfolio200705?slide=12

Oh great. As if my PC tuners and DVR's weren't busy enough on Mondays already (Chuck, Heroes, 24, CSI Miami).

Can't the networks move at least one of these shows to Thursdays, so I'd have an excuse not to record Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, or E.R. for my girlfriend????

But then, if KPLR would ever get 5.1 channel sound on Supernatural again, that would help too.

Oh great. As if my PC tuners and DVR's weren't busy enough on Mondays already (Chuck, Heroes, 24, CSI Miami).

That's my problem. I only have one DVR and I'm already skipping 'How I met Your Mother'.

That's my problem. I only have one DVR and I'm already skipping 'How I met Your Mother'.

Solution - Dish DVR with the capability to record 3 local HD channels at once. :D

Chuck was really good last night. Looks like they're starting to build toward some important revelations that may determine the long term direction of the show.

Speaking of Dish, here's info on new HD offerings some may find interesting: (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=154070)

New National HD Channels

Fox News HD
Fox Business HD
Crime & Investigation HD

Launch on Wednesday:

The Movie Channel HD, Showcase HD, Showtime 2 HD
plus New channel BET Jazz (Platinum HD package).

More HD coming April 1st:

Nick HD, Comedy Central HD, MTV HD, VH1 HD, CMT HD, Bet HD, Spike HD

Solution - Dish DVR with the capability to record 3 local HD channels at once. :D

Or 4 with the new 722k...:cool:

Or 4 with the new 722k...:cool:

Or 2 by just adding an external USB2 drive to a 211, which was a non-DVR receiver until recently. Dish knows how to innovate. I can record up to 5 local HD programs at the same time with my Dish 211 and 622. I hope talks of a merger or buyout don't happen. I'm too used to the flexibility Dish DVRs provide.

The new 722 can have 2 OTA tuners, right?

Or 2 by just adding an external USB2 drive to a 211, which was a non-DVR receiver until recently. Dish knows how to innovate. I can record up to 5 local HD programs at the same time with my Dish 211 and 622. I hope talks of a merger or buyout don't happen. I'm too used to the flexibility Dish DVRs provide.

The new 722 can have 2 OTA tuners, right?

Yep, you have to purchase the OTA module for it. I did read that the tuner was not as good as the current tuners, hopefully just a bad report. I am down to a 722 and my HTPC. The 922 has my attention, hopefully the job will allow, business is very slow and we have only been working 32 hours. :(

I live near the U. City loop area and I have trouble getting 4.1 and the 9's with rabbit ears. I've noticed that many folks say some of the inexpensive antennas are no better than rabbit ears and sometimes worse. I'm curious what antennas people have in the area and where they have located them. I'd prefer not to have to get a roof antenna. An attic antenna would be easier, but I'd really prefer not to have to run all that cable. Something I cant stick next to the TV in my family room would be best. I'm looking for the least expensive and easiest to install option that will let me pull in the main OTA channels.

Thanks in advance!

Yep, you have to purchase the OTA module for it. I did read that the tuner was not as good as the current tuners, hopefully just a bad report. I am down to a 722 and my HTPC. The 922 has my attention, hopefully the job will allow, business is very slow and we have only been working 32 hours. :(

I'll have to take a close look at the reports, especially the tuner situation, in the 922. I like the specs I've read, though. I don't think the Sling technology will work with my Instinct, but who knows. By the time it hits, it just might. It will work with iPhone and some Blackberry devices, according to what I've read. I'd have limited use for the Sling technology at this point in my life, and I'd be extremely reluctant to give up my Instinct. It's a great phone/GPS/organizer.

I use Windows Media Center and have had no problem up to the last few days. Now the program guide for channel 30 says "no data available." All other channel listings are fine. I've rerun the various setup wizards, downloaded and redownloaded guide data and nothing has fixed this. Still no programming shown for channel 30 despite the fact that I can tune in the KDNL DTV signal and watch programming fine.

Any ideas? Haven't had this problem in the last 3 years I've been using MCE, wondering if this has something to do with eventual DTV transition. I'd hate to have to manually create program entries for Lost etc, as that wouldn't compensate for reruns and programming changes.

Thanks.

I'm looking for the least expensive and easiest to install option that will let me pull in the main OTA channels.

Thanks in advance!
There is some antenna advice in the very first message (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=2995718#post2995718) of this thread.

I use Windows Media Center and have had no problem up to the last few days. Now the program guide for channel 30 says "no data available." All other channel listings are fine. I've rerun the various setup wizards, downloaded and redownloaded guide data and nothing has fixed this. Still no programming shown for channel 30 despite the fact that I can tune in the KDNL DTV signal and watch programming fine.



dabrooks: What are you using as your input source? I have been in the same fix for the last several days, where every other station except KDNL has guide info. I'm on Vista Media Center with the HD Home Run device as my tuner.

dabrooks: What are you using as your input source? I have been in the same fix for the last several days, where every other station except KDNL has guide info. I'm on Vista Media Center with the HD Home Run device as my tuner.

Yes, that's what I'm seeing. I'm using rock-solid Pinnacle HD USB sticks.

Yes, that's what I'm seeing. I'm using rock-solid Pinnacle HD USB sticks.

Tell me again which software you're using with the Pinnacles. Link?

dabrooks: What are you using as your input source? I have been in the same fix for the last several days, where every other station except KDNL has guide info. I'm on Vista Media Center with the HD Home Run device as my tuner.

FYI, We're transmitting the program guide. I t does lock up sometimes, but has been error free for sometime now. The problem must be in you receiver...strange that it would only happen on one channel.
Jim

Tell me again which software you're using with the Pinnacles. Link?

No software other than Windows drivers and Vista Windows Media Center. Never had this problem before.
http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us/Products/Consumer+Products/PCTV+Tuners/PCTV+Analog_Digital+PVR/PCTV+HD+Pro+Stick.htm

There is some antenna advice in the very first message of this thread.

Thanks. I did a bit more research and realized I had an old bow-tie antenna. The rabbit ears and loop were on top of a media center shelf against a brick wall on the east side of the room. There are windows on the south side of the room. The bow tie is small enough that I can stick it against the window and run a cable around to the media center. When I did that, I found that 4.1 and the 9's all come in clearly. Radio shack sells an antenna similar to the one I had sitting in my old cables box for $4.19 (UHF Outline Bow-Tie Antenna Catalog #15-234).

FYI, We're transmitting the program guide. I t does lock up sometimes, but has been error free for sometime now. The problem must be in you receiver...strange that it would only happen on one channel.
Jim

I'm having the same issue on my Vista Media Center HTPC. I also never got any Guide data for KDNL on my Samsung HDTV's ATSC tuner. Both the TV and Media Center get guide data for every other station. This has been happening for at least a couple months.

My Vista tuner is the Avertv Hybrid Volar Max (USB).

Hey folks - I have a few networking questions I'm sure more than one of you can answer. I would like to wirelessly connect my HR20-700 and Sony BDP-S350 to my home network. The HR20 is already successfully connected via a wireless ethernet adapter. Rather than buy another wireless ethernet adapter, can I just use an ethernet switch like the one in the link below, connect the wireless ethernet adapter to the input port, and run cables out of the switch to the DVR and BDP?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127085

Seems like this would be a much cheaper option at $9 after rebate compared to spending $40+ for another wireless ethernet adapter. This may seem like a dumb question, but I'm not clear if this thing acts as a splitter where it shares the connection with any device or more like a switch where only one device can access the signal at a time? What's the difference between an ethernet splitter and an ethernet hub? Should I be looking at a hub instead?Also, it seems most people use this in wired networks - just want to be sure I can feed the signal via a wireless adapter too.

Thanks,
Mike

Mike, a switch just provides a way to connect more devices to a network. If you're running out of free ports on your router, connect a switch to one of the ports to provide more. Unlike a router there are no IPs assigned by a switch, multiple devices can be connected to the switch at the same time and they all lead back to the router from which they receive their IPs.

I use a switch for my home theater setup, that way I only have to run one ethernet cable from my upstairs router to the downstairs setup and can connect 4 more devices to the network.

As to connecting a wireless ethernet adapter to the switch input, I would think the wireless adapter obtains an IP (just as an ethernet card does in a PC) from your network router and thus connecting a switch to it would result in problems. It can only be used for one device at a time. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I'm sure there are wireless devices to do what you want, but they wouldn't be cheap.

Good News: They returned my 64" Pioneer Elite after repairs.

Bad News: The crew delivering my TV knocked a small corner (about 2" x 3") off the front of the cabinet. Lucky for them, I was stuck at work and they didn't have to hear from me yet. I'll find out what their plan is to repair the damages. They suggested to my wife that they had a furniture repair company that they have worked with in the past.

Here are 2 deals some of you might be interested in:

Seagate 1.5TB drive for $120 from Newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148337). Must use coupon code: EMCHDD10 while ordering.

Samsung 61" LED DLP rear projector (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001415FIG?ie=UTF8&tag=tvpredictions-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001415FIG) for $1,448 from Amazon (no tax or shipping).

Someone please stop me from ordering the Samsung LED projector. :eek: