Washington, DC / Baltimore, MD - HDTV [Text View] - Page 16

clifburns

11-29-07, 07:54 AM

[quote tags not working in Firefox]
____________________________________________________________ ______
Originally Posted by GoIrish
Coming January 8th in Baltimore City, Harford, Baltimore, Carroll and Howard counties;

USA HD, Sci-Fi HD, CNN HD, Disc HD, TLC HD, History HD

GoIrish

Originally posted by JACINDC
Maybe in DC we'll get one or two of those. Do those counties have HGTV-HD? (which I think is the only one of the recent additions that DC still doesn't have)
____________________________________________________________ ______

I wouldn't hold my breath about Comcast DC adding any of those anytime soon. They've been adding one channel every 6 months or so and we've gotten TBS pseudo HD and Food (Do you really want to see Paula Dean in) HD. Comcast is busy concentrating on areas with competition from FIOS, which doesn't include DC.

maestro73

11-29-07, 08:05 AM

Mid December to Mid January...

Nice....but one question: Is there a lot of native HD content on these channels, or are they like A&E and TBS-HD, which except for the MLB games were a huge disappointment (to me anyways)?

afiggatt

11-29-07, 09:41 AM

Nice....but one question: Is there a lot of native HD content on these channels, or are they like A&E and TBS-HD, which except for the MLB games were a huge disappointment (to me anyways)?
Check the HDTV Programming forum. I'm on Fios which does not have Sci-Fi, CNN, USA HD yet so this is from the posts there. Sci-Fi has reportedly been increasing the amount of HD programs they show. They started out with only the first run showings of their series on Friday night and the (usually awful) movies on Saturday night in HD. The CNN evening studio broadcasts out of NY are in HD, but not Atlanta. They are set up to do some live HD from the field as the Republican debate was in HD last night. Fios does have Food and HGTV HD which are all HD (with a lot of repeats).

I think the consensus is that TBS-HD is the worse because until last week, there had been no HD on it at all except for the MLB playoffs; only ugly stretched SD. But the sighting of a show or 2 in HD on TBS in the past week indicates that they may have gotten a HD tape machine and will start showing some real HD. But since TNT-HD still has stretch-o-vision after years of complaints, the SD stretch on TBS-HD is likely to stay.

maestro73

11-29-07, 10:09 AM

Cool. Thanks for the tip. What is bizarre about TBS-HD is they show The Office re-runs, which are in HD to begin with, in stretch-o-vision....that baffles me.

jsilva982

11-29-07, 10:38 AM

Any word on FXHD coming to RCN-DC? I was back up north this week and I was impressed with FX HD on Direc TV. Big time fan of The Shield and I would love to get the last season in HD, as Nip/Tuck is now and looks great.

Thanks,
Josh

jeff125va

11-29-07, 10:44 AM

Looks like we're still on target for Winter (Jan. 1 at latest) for WDCW in HD on DirecTV:
Sorry, I thought getting an update would spice up the thread, but whatever...

Stephen,

I have not heard any news that the time frame will be moved up. I will
check with our corporate office.

We hope you continue to enjoy the CW Washington!

Sincerely,
Tanya Pavluchuk
Programming
Any update on this? Is it still on target?

DVDO+WESTY=1080p

11-29-07, 01:15 PM

HGTV HD 229
Food Network HD 231
CNN HD 234
USA HD 235
SCIFI HD 236
History Channel HD 237
Discovery HD (?) 239 (Still shows HD Theater at 225)
TLC HD 240
Animal Planet (HD?) 241

I expect the same for Manassas thanks for the great news

Discovery HD 239 is the HD version of the regular Discovery Channel while Discovery HD Theater is a different channel and will stay at 225 AFAIK

jacindc

11-29-07, 01:45 PM

I wouldn't hold my breath about Comcast DC adding any of those anytime soon. They've been adding one channel every 6 months or so and we've gotten TBS pseudo HD and Food (Do you really want to see Paula Dean in) HD. Comcast is busy concentrating on areas with competition from FIOS, which doesn't include DC.

That might be a little harsh--right now HGTV HD is, I believe, the only channel that some DC/Baltimore-area Comcast lineups have that DC doesn't. So it's not like DC is clearly dragging their heels in comparison to their local brethren.

Comcast over all just didn't add all that many HD channels this year, at least not before this push of the past two months. There's plenty of Comcast subscribers elsewhere (especially on older systems) in far worse HD straits than DC.

dspadoni

11-29-07, 02:33 PM

[quote tags not working in Firefox]

Hmmm. They work just fine in mine. You sure you have v2.0 with the latest updates?

DVDO+WESTY=1080p

11-29-07, 03:08 PM

Joe in VA I can't find thelineup on comcast's website where it has these channels

HGTV HD 229
Food Network HD 231
CNN HD 234
USA HD 235
SCIFI HD 236
History Channel HD 237
Discovery HD (?) 239 (Still shows HD Theater at 225)
TLC HD 240
Animal Planet (HD?) 241

Lilscoy22

11-29-07, 03:23 PM

Comcast Arlington/Alexandria channel lineup now shows

HGTV HD 229
Food Network HD 231
CNN HD 234
USA HD 235
SCIFI HD 236
History Channel HD 237
Discovery HD (?) 239 (Still shows HD Theater at 225)
TLC HD 240
Animal Planet (HD?) 241

Any bets on when we'll actually see an of these?

Wow, that's cool...been looking forward to some of those for awhile. Where do you see this? I put in my zip code on their website, but they don't come up in the lineup... I do hope they appear soon though!

maestro73

11-29-07, 04:38 PM

Wow, that's cool...been looking forward to some of those for awhile. Where do you see this? I put in my zip code on their website, but they don't come up in the lineup... I do hope they appear soon though!

I had to log into my comcast.com account and then go to Programming, channel line up to see them. Using the main "what's on in your area" section of comcast.com (TV Planner) does not show them. I'm in 22314.

DVDO+WESTY=1080p

11-29-07, 05:15 PM

whoops I apologize to JoeinVa I looked at who wrote that too fast thanks maestro 73 for the info

DVDO+WESTY=1080p

11-29-07, 05:21 PM

mark_1581

11-29-07, 05:40 PM

what zip code are you using?

thanks

22311

mikemikeb

11-30-07, 07:54 AM

For those that still think that HDTV is needed to keep people's eyes tuned to local newscasts:

WJLA-TV achieves a landmark in local broadcasting history today as ABC 7 News at 11pm wins Washington’s late news race, upsetting WRC-TV’s nearly ten-year ratings reign. Anchored by the popular team of Leon Harris, Maureen Bunyan, Doug Hill and Tim Brant, ABC 7 News at 11 experienced spectacular year-to-year growth, turning Washington’s fastest growing 11pm newscast into the area’s #1 late local news. "Our news team has worked incredibly hard to raise the news bar here in Washington, and it’s encouraging to see our efforts pay off in the ratings,” said Fred Ryan, President & General Manager of ABC 7. “I couldn’t be more proud of Leon, Maureen, Doug and Tim, and the entire ABC 7 News team.” “This has been a truly amazing reversal of fortune,” said Bill Lord, ABC 7’s Executive VP of News. “We have assembled one of the most respected teams of journalists Washington has ever seen, and we’re thrilled that viewers are following them to ABC 7 News.“ Aside from the household ratings victory, ABC 7 News at 11 was #1 in the Adults 25-54, Females 25-54, Adults 18-49 and Females 18-49 demographics. ABC 7 also experienced significant successes in other newscasts: Good Morning Washington at 5am grew +23.5% YTY in HH ratings, while WRC and WUSA declined -17.1% and -9.0% respectively. Good Morning Washington at 6am remained flat YTY while WRC decreased -12.3% and WUSA was down -11.6%. ABC 7 News at Noon grew +4% YTY in HH ratings. WUSA was down -12%. ABC 7 News at 5pm grew +3.3% YTY in HH share. WRC experienced a -10% slide, WUSA was down -4.1%, and WTTG remained flat YTY. ABC 7 News at 5pm was #1 in the Adults 25-54, Females 25-54, Adults 18-49, and Females 18-49 demographics. ABC 7 News at 6pm grew +3.9% YTY in HH share. WRC, WUSA and WTTG all three slipped by -16.0%, -14.8% and -5.5% respectively.

Here's a Washington Post article about the subject. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/29/AR2007112902307.html)

Just a few years ago, WJLA was at the bottom of the barrel for local news ratings. However, they didn't spend their money on technical prowess like HDTV, or even a modern news set. (Heck, their weather graphics still stutter in horizontal "panning" transitions.) No, they spent it on TALENT. Doug Hill, Maureen Bunyan, Gordon Peterson, Doug McKelway, Allison Starling, and the like. Now look where they are. With talent like that, they don't need to switch to HD news until January 2009 at the earliest, in time for the Feb. 2009 sweeps and the transition to all-digital OTA broadcasting.

And Robert Forsyth, if you have any power in controlling or influencing what will get bought for the HDTV news broadcasts, please don't purchase the new graphics engine(s) from whatever supplier you got the previous lot of graphics equipment from. HDTV should mean no stuttering.

Lilscoy22

11-30-07, 09:02 AM

For those that still think that HDTV is needed to keep people's eyes tuned to local newscasts:

Just a few years ago, WJLA was at the bottom of the barrel for local news ratings. However, they didn't spend their money on technical prowess like HDTV, or even a modern news set. (Heck, their weather graphics still stutter in horizontal "panning" transitions.) No, they spent it on TALENT. Doug Hill, Maureen Bunyan, Gordon Peterson, Doug McKelway, Allison Starling, and the like. Now look where they are. With talent like that, they don't need to switch to HD news until January 2009 at the earliest, in time for the Feb. 2009 sweeps and the transition to all-digital OTA broadcasting.

And Robert Forsyth, if you have any power in controlling or influencing what will get bought for the HDTV news broadcasts, please don't purchase the new graphics engine(s) from whatever supplier you got the previous lot of graphics equipment from. HDTV should mean no stuttering.

Just for the record, I love watching Doug, Allison, Brian, and Lisa in the morning! :)

robertforsyth

11-30-07, 09:38 AM

And Robert Forsyth, if you have any power in controlling or influencing what will get bought for the HDTV news broadcasts, please don't purchase the new graphics engine(s) from whatever supplier you got the previous lot of graphics equipment from. HDTV should mean no stuttering.

We already have purchased and installed Deko 3000's and Deko 1000's, both SD/HD capability. They have been in use for about 2 months.

And so the migration begins....

Knicks_Fan

11-30-07, 09:40 AM

Allison is on the cover of the December Washingtonian with NBC 4's Lindsay Czarniak. ABC-7 definitely has an news all-star team compared to WUSA. Still would like to see the local news ops move to HD sooner than later. DC lags behind most major markets in this area, for some reason.

And Robert Forsyth, if you have any power in controlling or influencing what will get bought for the HDTV news broadcasts, please don't purchase the new graphics engine(s) from whatever supplier you got the previous lot of graphics equipment from. HDTV should mean no stuttering.
Lots of macroization lately on Jeopardy! and Wheel, Robert (who should be using a huge smiley icon given the latest ratings book).

carltonrice

11-30-07, 09:57 AM

So, just imagine how much their ratings would have grown if they'd gotten the talent AND upgraded to HD.

For those that still think that HDTV is needed to keep people's eyes tuned to local newscasts:

robertforsyth

11-30-07, 10:08 AM

So, just imagine how much their ratings would have grown if they'd gotten the talent AND upgraded to HD.

According to WUSA...nada. :)

dg28

11-30-07, 12:22 PM

According to WUSA...nada. :)

Robert, congratulations on WJLA's latest news ratings. Clearly, your posts here are the reason for this success, right? Where would you be without AVS Forum...:)

JoeInNVa

11-30-07, 12:23 PM

ABC has an evening news? That is the one channel I don't watch. I am not really sure why...
I am sure people could say that the lead in might have a lot do do with their news, be it Oprah or the fact that they were have a Hanna Montana promotion for their 11PM newscast during the sweeps period or it could be that people like their broadcasts. Beats me...

JoeInNVa

11-30-07, 12:26 PM

clifburns

11-30-07, 12:56 PM

Maybe in DC we'll get one or two of those. :) Do those counties have HGTV-HD? (which I think is the only one of the recent additions that DC still doesn't have)

Hmmm. They work just fine in mine. You sure you have v2.0 with the latest updates?

Yep, I have 2.0. For some reason whenever I used a quote tag I got a message from the editor saying that the message had no content. Seems to be working today however.

voltore

11-30-07, 01:47 PM

If you read between the lines on the ratings numbers, they're pretty darn close to each other. The one big thing is that WRC can no longer rely on being top the perch. And yes, it is key to have a strong lead-in :)

jeepmon

11-30-07, 02:00 PM

According to WUSA...nada. :)

I hate to sound so mean, however, WUSAs newscasters don't look all that good in HD. I really want to watch their HD news (simply because it's HD), but, it seems they put the newscasters too much in our face (especially the weather person).

Sorry to bring down the professionalism of this thread with my immature comment!!:(

JoeInNVa

11-30-07, 02:18 PM

I hate to sound so mean, however, WUSAs newscasters don't look all that good in HD. I really want to watch their HD news (simply because it's HD), but, it seems they put the newscasters too much in our face (especially the weather person).

Sorry to bring down the professionalism of this thread with my immature comment!!:(

then you must be REALLY happy that WJLA evening and night News is not in HD.

dspadoni

11-30-07, 02:23 PM

Any Comcast users in the Arlington/Alexandria area use a Tivo-HD or S3 with cable cards?

How was the install? Could you pick up the cards and install yourself or do you need a tech visit? are they working correctly with Premium stations like HBO-HD?

I am thinking of ditching the Comcast DVR and going TIVO.

I don't have a Tivo, but a Sony DHG DVR with cable card. Comcast will NOT let you pick up & install the card(s) yourself; that must be done with a tech home visit. After install, tech then needs to call the head-end in Manassas from your home to "authorize" the card with the Card ID and Host ID (you get these from the CableCard menu somewhere in your unit's Service Menu; there should be instructions for accessing this in the Tivo's manual).

If you decide to go with this, make sure to request the latest generation of cable cards. I don't have any premiums, but all other HD channels (e.g., NBC-HD, ESPN-HD, Discovery HD Theater) come in great (unless there's a hick-up at the head-end).

JoeInNVa

11-30-07, 02:25 PM

I don't have a Tivo, but a Sony DHG DVR with cable card. Comcast will NOT let you pick up & install the card(s) yourself; that must be done with a tech home visit. After install, tech then needs to call the head-end in Manassas from your home to "authorize" the card with the Card ID and Host ID (you get these from the CableCard menu somewhere in your unit's Service Menu; there should be instructions for accessing this in the Tivo's manual).

If you decide to go with this, make sure to request the latest generation of cable cards. I don't have any premiums, but all other HD channels (e.g., NBC-HD, ESPN-HD, Discovery HD Theater) come in great (unless there's a hick-up at the head-end).

Now, how do I get the wife to go along with it???

jeepmon

11-30-07, 02:39 PM

then you must be REALLY happy that WJLA evening and night News is not in HD.

:D

dspadoni

11-30-07, 02:44 PM

Now, how do I get the wife to go along with it???

You're on your own, Bro.

jacindc

11-30-07, 07:04 PM

Suddenly Comcast DC actually has guide information (on the iGuide/Moto box) for 200/WETA Children's and 201/WETA Family, plus the guide info for 202/WETA World is correct, for about the first time ever.

JoeInNVa

11-30-07, 07:39 PM

Anyone know when Comcast in Alexandria will be going SDV?

mikemikeb

11-30-07, 08:11 PM

We already have purchased and installed Deko 3000's and Deko 1000's, both SD/HD capability. They have been in use for about 2 months.You may have gotten me. I haven't paid too much attention to 7's news in about two months -- before then there was certainly stuttering. I'll have to double-check tonight at 11.

Ha-ha, I won't be focusing on you tonight for weather, WUSA and WRC!!!! :D:D:D

SUOrangeman

11-30-07, 08:36 PM

Does anyone know about versus, TBS-HD, and CNN-HD coming to Cox-Fairfax?

At least one Cox subscriber in my zip code has an HDHomeRun and pushed the following programming info back to SiliconDust: lineup (http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineupui?Cmd=LocationProgramsWeb&Country=US&Postcode=22003)

While I'm not 100% certain how SiliconDust as their lineup server designed, I'm sure that the link above is a "combined" lineup from however many OTA and Cox HDHR users there are in the immediate area. Nonetheless, I notice that on QAM "channels" 6 and 9 (scroll way down to see this) are 1080i instances of Versus, TBS, and CNN. I do know that the text labels are manually created, so they may not be correct. Nonetheless, the channels are there (now encrypted) on my HDHR. Is Cox preparing an early holiday present?

Yes, it also looks like Cox opened up (via unencrypted QAM) a good bit of their other programming. Most all of it is gone now, but I can still get the Home Shopping Network, NVCC-TV, and one other channel in the clear.

-SUO

SJKurtzke

12-01-07, 12:51 PM

We already have purchased and installed Deko 3000's and Deko 1000's, both SD/HD capability. They have been in use for about 2 months.

And so the migration begins....

Any idea when the migration will be done?
I think it would be really cool and unexpected if WJLA could get itself together and go HD before network-owned WRC and WTTG, both of whom have, for seemingly no reason, just stalled on HD when they're so close to being there.
They really do have an awesome newscast, but the set and graphics look aged. I think WJLA is (don't [/quote] me on this) the largest ABC affiliate without HD news now.

aaronwt

12-01-07, 12:59 PM

I hate to sound so mean, however, WUSAs newscasters don't look all that good in HD. I really want to watch their HD news (simply because it's HD), but, it seems they put the newscasters too much in our face (especially the weather person).

Sorry to bring down the professionalism of this thread with my immature comment!!:(

You should have seen how it looked at the beginning before they softened the picture to decrease the detail.

aaronwt

12-01-07, 01:06 PM

Any Comcast users in the Arlington/Alexandria area use a Tivo-HD or S3 with cable cards?

How was the install? Could you pick up the cards and install yourself or do you need a tech visit? are they working correctly with Premium stations like HBO-HD?

I am thinking of ditching the Comcast DVR and going TIVO.

One way to speed things up is to only use the TiVo remote yourself. I used to have 6 cables cards in Series 3 TiVos with Comcast(December 2005 to November 2006). Things go much faster with a person that knows how to navigate the menus. The bad thing about Comcast is they have to talk to a person on the phone to activate the cards so it usually takes several times of yelling the info on the phone until they get it right(plus they could be on hold for a long time, like 30 minutes or more). I now have 8 cable cards with FIOS(3 with Series 3 and 1 with the TiVoHD). FIOS is so much quicker with the installation since the tech can just enter the info in their laptop to activate the cards. When I finally dropped Comcast it only took the FIOS tech 1 hour to install 4 new cable cards and move two cards from another unit. Part of the reason it went so fast was because I navigated the TiVo menus.
You will be lucky if Comcast takes an hour with just two cable cards. It could take 2 or 3 hours if the tech has no idea what they are doing.

dg28

12-01-07, 03:11 PM

rviele

12-01-07, 09:46 PM

One way to speed things up is to only use the TiVo remote yourself. I used to have 6 cables cards in Series 3 TiVos with Comcast(December 2005 to November 2006). Things go much faster with a person that knows how to navigate the menus. The bad thing about Comcast is they have to talk to a person on the phone to activate the cards so it usually takes several times of yelling the info on the phone until they get it right(plus they could be on hold for a long time, like 30 minutes or more). I now have 8 cable cards with FIOS(3 with Series 3 and 1 with the TiVoHD). FIOS is so much quicker with the installation since the tech can just enter the info in their laptop to activate the cards. When I finally dropped Comcast it only took the FIOS tech 1 hour to install 4 new cable cards and move two cards from another unit. Part of the reason it went so fast was because I navigated the TiVo menus.
You will be lucky if Comcast takes an hour with just two cable cards. It could take 2 or 3 hours if the tech has no idea what they are doing.
aaron-went to your website and checked out your goodies. boss lady was griping about my so called"rats nest" of wires until she saw yours. now i don't have to worry anymore. she might even let me have that 60" pioneer elite pro150 plasma. do you use ota and if you do what kind of antenna setup do you have?

gdemery

12-01-07, 11:19 PM

aaronwt

12-02-07, 10:08 AM

aaron-went to your website and checked out your goodies. boss lady was griping about my so called"rats nest" of wires until she saw yours. now i don't have to worry anymore. she might even let me have that 60" pioneer elite pro150 plasma. do you use ota and if you do what kind of antenna setup do you have?
:) It used to be neat but I kept putting cable over cable. One day I need to clean it all out and get rid of all the analog cables since I'm only using HDMI now.
For OTA I use a couple of Squareshooter antennas mounted on the side of my condo. I only use OTA now as a backup to the local HD channels on FIOS TV.

afiggatt

12-02-07, 03:32 PM

Has anybody switched to Verizon and received the free 19inch Sharp Aquos tv deal? Anybody got any info on this? When do you get the TV? Anybody know the specs? I checked Sharp's website and it appears to be the LC-19D44U (http://www.sharpusa.com/products/ModelDetailedSpecs/0,1161,1934-,00.html#). Not a bad tv. I've been thinking of switching for several months and now seems like the right time.

For those that had comcast and switched to Fios are you happy? What has been your experience?
I switched from Adelphia/Comcast in Loudoun and have been satisfied with Fios for internet and TV. Your question has been asked many times, so that is likely why no one else has answered so far. Check the Fios threads in the HDTV Programming and the stickies in the Hardware reception and Recorders forum for more info. Verizon provides the same national SD and HD channels and the same STB/DVRs to everyone so there is not the differences you see between franchise areas with Comcast.

The biggest complaint with Fios at this time is the new very buggy IMG software for the STB and DVR they rolled out here in August. It was not ready for release IMO. The good news is that a patch for the IMG which apparently fixes many of the more serious bugs was rolled out last Wednesday in FL, western PA, and IN. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will roll it out to VA and MD this week.

Verizon Fios in the Washington Metro area has 8 HD locals and recently added Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD. Fios has 16 national HD channels and 5 premium HD movie channels. Check http://www22.verizon.com/content/FiosTV for channel line-up and prices.

One area where Comcast is ahead of Verizon is Video On Demand. Comcast has a much larger selection and HD VOD. Verizon has been testing HD VOD in central and SE VA. The rumor is that HD VOD will be formally added to FL and IN this week and maybe northern VA and MD next week.

hokiefan

12-02-07, 04:17 PM

WTTG has the Giants - Bears game in SD when its in HD on WBFF. I thought the splicer was supposed to prevent forgetting to flip the switch.

Edit: About 5 seconds after I hit reply, the picture switched to HD. Guess my post worked :)

gdemery

12-02-07, 04:29 PM

Thanks for the tip.

albertso

12-02-07, 08:25 PM

Hi All,

Anyone on MOCO COMCAST seeing many, many breakups of both sound and picture on the 300 series channels?? The 200 series seem pretty solid. Thanks.

SJKurtzke

12-02-07, 08:56 PM

I have a strong feeling we'll be getting WDCW-DT on D* sometime soon. Last week they uplinked two Tribune-owned CW affiliates in Houston and Dallas, and while they said "no later than January" in the email, they also told me it was more of a corporate thing preventing them from being on D*.
Only about two years late, but whatevs...

fmsjr

12-02-07, 09:58 PM

:) It used to be neat but I kept putting cable over cable. One day I need to clean it all out and get rid of all the analog cables since I'm only using HDMI now.

What rats nest? Yours is almost as neat as my setup:

lax01

12-02-07, 11:23 PM

We need Sci-Fi HD ASAP on Comcast MoCo...I'm absolutely fed up with this SD crap

aaronwt

12-03-07, 12:20 AM

We need Sci-Fi HD ASAP on Comcast MoCo...I'm absolutely fed up with this SD crap

That was me 6 years ago. I'm still waiting.

aaronwt

12-03-07, 12:26 AM

What rats nest? Yours is almost as neat as my setup:

:eek::eek::eek:

Wow! I thought mine was bad. At least my 3 UPS units are hidden. Two in my cabinet on the right and one behind my vertical A/V rack on the left. If I have time this Holiday I will rip all my cables out and rerun everything. Since I'm only using HDMI now for everything(except my 360 which I use optical and HDMI)once I rip everything out it should be much neater since I will only have 10% of the cables I have right now. I definitely don't miss using all those analog, optical, and coax cables.

dougotte

12-03-07, 12:20 PM

mchief99

12-03-07, 01:20 PM

Marcus Carr

12-03-07, 04:23 PM

Cox Communications Adds 11 New High-Definition Channels to Programming Lineup

Monday December 3, 1:57 pm ET

Cox now offers 31 HD channels; will launch dozens of additional high- definition channels in 2008

HERNDON, Va., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Northern Virginia announced today the launch of 11 new high-definition channels to its Fairfax County programming lineup, effective immediately. With these additions, Cox now offers a total of 31 high-definition channels, nearly double the amount of HD channels Cox offered at the beginning of 2007 and more than any local competitor.

"One of the things most important to our valued customers is the availability of compelling high-definition content," said Mark Snow, vice president of marketing for Cox Northern Virginia. "We are proud of the fact that we carry more HD channels than any of our local competitors here in Northern Virginia, and look forward to greatly expanding our high-definition offerings in 2008."

Effective immediately, Cox now offers the following new high-definition channels:

1. History Channel HD
2. The Science Channel HD
3. Animal Planet HD
4. CNN HD
5. Versus/Golf HD
6. TBS HD
7. Food Network HD
8. HGTV HD
9. TLC HD
10. Discovery HD
11. NHL Network HD

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/071203/nem100.html?.v=23

rviele

12-03-07, 04:29 PM

i have to admit that you take the gold medal for the best"rats nest". i also think that we ought to get pictures from everyone and see who has the best"rats nest" what do you think forum?

rviele

12-03-07, 04:34 PM

message above intended forfmsjr

bucnasty

12-03-07, 06:52 PM

none of the new cox channels work! im calling to get it fixed now..

mapper

12-03-07, 07:13 PM

The new Cox channels are SDV, so that may be your problem, of course I have a CableCARD, so I can't tell you what they look like.

fmsjr

12-03-07, 07:33 PM

i have to admit that you take the gold medal for the best"rats nest". i also think that we ought to get pictures from everyone and see who has the best"rats nest" what do you think forum?
You should've seen it before I cleaned it up!
Actually when the FiOS box went in I spent hours... if not days... and had every cable the exact length, labeled, tied down. Then the component switch went bad & had to be changed. Then I wanted to run the DirecTV output to the DVD recorder... "just for a day." Yeah right. Then a cable went bad. Then... you get the idea. :o

bucnasty

12-03-07, 07:45 PM

afiggatt

12-03-07, 09:28 PM

they dont even show up in the guide on my tv's, and i have two different kinds of boxes (SA4250HDC and SA8300HD)... i called and the lady on the phone (and her boss) had no idea of the additions. I had to tell them what was goin down...
Cox will have to send out an update to all the STBs for the new channels. You should try a cold reset to see that helps. If not, see if the channels show up tomorrow morning.

Interesting that Cox adds 11 HD channels which is nice, but they still don't have CSN Mid-Atlantic HD. Is there a contractual reason for this or Cox simply is not quite ready to add it? They also did not add 2 of the HD channels I would most like to see Fios add, Sci-Fi HD and USA HD. Presumably Cox will be adding more HD channels in the near future if SDV gives them enough bandwidth for them.

bucnasty

12-03-07, 09:46 PM

I personally reset two of my boxes, cycled the power and coaxial cable going into them. No dice there, so I called and had the lady reset all three of my boxes. Still nothin doin. They did however manage to botch up my internet.

cjs2000

12-04-07, 08:18 AM

RE: COX new channels - They all showed up on my SA HD DVR (I think 8300?) this morning.

bucnasty

12-04-07, 11:16 AM

food network high def is the jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam. i woke up and they all worked today..

rviele

12-04-07, 12:07 PM

unfortunately i do. I had a whole room with nothing but electronics,cable,antennas,and god only knows what else. glad our daughter moved out. of course the boss is mad 'cause she wants a sewing room so I've got to figure out what to do with all this stuff. any sugguestions?

Marcus Carr

12-04-07, 12:55 PM

Baltimore stations broadcast network and syndicated shows in HD during prime time, but, so far, local news is not. They plan to introduce the technology to live news broadcasts in the coming months.

...Donna Hamilton, anchor of the 5 p.m. news on WBAL (Channel 11), said she's looking forward to HD but sees positives and negatives about the technology.

When viewers see her in person, she said, they often tell her she looks better than on the air: "So I guess if HD makes me look more like I do in real life, that's a good thing," she said.

...CBS affiliate WJZ (Channel 13) also plans to broadcast in HD, but station management said it would not allow its news personnel to comment on the transition.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/technology/bal-to.highdef04dec04,0,4025365.story

CycloneGT

12-04-07, 02:57 PM

I find it funny that LifeTime movies went HD back in April and besides FiOS no one has added it.

Roberto Carlo

12-04-07, 03:25 PM

food network high def is the jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam. i woke up and they all worked today..

For some reason, I'm only getting only seven of the eleven new HD channels on Cox -- Food, Home & Garden, TLC and Discovery aren't coming in at all. When I try to tune them in, I get nothing. Anyone else having this problem?

afiggatt

12-04-07, 05:43 PM

I find it funny that LifeTime movies went HD back in April and besides FiOS no one has added it.
I checked the HD channel list in the HD Programming forum and it shows Lifetime Move Network HD is also carried by AT&T U-Verse. But that is it among the larger service providers. It is a little strange that DirecTV has not added it nor is it shown in the D* new channel sticky as an upcoming channel. You think D* would add it to increase the channel count. From my channel surfs pass LMT HD, it is somewhere around 25% to 50% true HD, so it does have HD content.

minkyboodle

12-04-07, 09:33 PM

For some reason, I'm only getting only seven of the eleven new HD channels on Cox -- Food, Home & Garden, TLC and Discovery aren't coming in at all. When I try to tune them in, I get nothing. Anyone else having this problem?

I'm having the exact same problem as you. I see those channels in the guide and can scroll to them but nothing appears when I select them (the channel never tunes in). I can confirm that its the exact same channels as you. I figured I'd give it a couple days and then call Cox. Thanks for sharing your experience its better to know its not just me :)
Scott

PS I've rebooted the box and all that jazz, though I'm sure when I call thats the first thing they will make me do :)

tonyd79

12-04-07, 10:34 PM

I checked the HD channel list in the HD Programming forum and it shows Lifetime Move Network HD is also carried by AT&T U-Verse. But that is it among the larger service providers. It is a little strange that DirecTV has not added it nor is it shown in the D* new channel sticky as an upcoming channel. You think D* would add it to increase the channel count. From my channel surfs pass LMT HD, it is somewhere around 25% to 50% true HD, so it does have HD content.

Probably a fallout of the lawsuit DirecTV had against Lifetime. They settled but they may be wary of doing more business with them.

http://www.multichannel.com/index.asp?layout=article&articleid=CA6452609

JoeInNVa

12-05-07, 07:00 AM

For some reason, I'm only getting only seven of the eleven new HD channels on Cox -- Food, Home & Garden, TLC and Discovery aren't coming in at all. When I try to tune them in, I get nothing. Anyone else having this problem?

What do you have for a Cable Box?

If it's a THD or S3, you probably will not get the new channels as COX is using SDV.

hokiefan

12-05-07, 08:55 AM

Anyone know which local channels will be showing the Skins game on thursday? Will it be one from Baltimore and one from DC or just DC?

tonyd79

12-05-07, 08:57 AM

Anyone know which local channels will be showing the Skins game on thursday? Will it be one from Baltimore and one from DC or just DC?

DC. Only the markets of the teams playing are on OTA.

Channel 20 is carrying the game.

machpost

12-05-07, 10:17 AM

DC. Only the markets of the teams playing are on OTA.

Channel 20 is carrying the game.

If it's on channel 20, will it be blacked out on NFL Network? I'd like to watch it in HD, and RCN doesn't carry WDCA-DT. Not that I'd expect them to broadcast the game in HD, anyway.

afiggatt

12-05-07, 10:26 AM

DC. Only the markets of the teams playing are on OTA.

Channel 20 is carrying the game.
Yes, WDCA-DT My 20 is carrying the game. Out of curiosity, I emailed them several days ago on whether they would be carrying the game in HD. No reply. Verizon Fios has NFL Network HD, so it will be available in HD for Fios subscribers. But the 2.0 sound for the NFL network game last Thursday was lousy and Bryant Gumble is not a good play-by-play announcer. HD won't fix that.

Anyone know if WDCA-DT My 20 will have the Skins game in HD?

boomster

12-05-07, 10:44 AM

Marcus Carr

12-05-07, 10:50 AM

Comcast moves more analog channels to digital tier

Wednesday, Dec 05, 2007 - 09:59 AM Updated: 10:20 AM

By DOUGLAS DURDEN
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

Continuing a trend started earlier this year, Comcast Cable has moved several more channels off its analog tier and made them digital-only.

In order to receive those channels, analog customers would need to upgrade to a digital tier by adding a digital box.

Included in this latest round are the TV Guide Network (which went from cable channel 20 to 100), Oxygen (59 to 123) and CMT (69 to 146).

Hallmark will be moved from 58 to 137 early next year.

Three other channels -- Toon Disney, AMC and Leased Access -- were moved off analog in September. Home Box Office, The Game Show Network and Great American Country went digital-only in the spring.

Although this affects a minority of Comcast subscribers -- the company estimates nearly 80 percent of customers in the metro Richmond area are digital cable customers -- analog-only customers have seen their channels decline over the past year. Their bills haven't.

Comcast spokeswoman Aimee Metrick said that customers paying for the full standard service can upgrade to the digital starter level for the price they're currently paying. The digital starter tier includes some On Demand options, 47 music channels, parental controls and an interactive program guide.

As part of the upgrade promotion, customers will receive a digital box for free for 12 months, then pay an additional $1 a month.

Metrick said several factors go into determining which channels "migrate" from the analog tier, including improving the channel's picture and sound, the ability to add On Demand features, and interactive program guides.

"We are responding to requests every day from customers that want more On Demand programming, more high definition viewing options--and that's an overwhelming factor in making these decisions," Metrick said.

Comcast has added more than 17 new channels to digital this year, according to Metrick, including three HD channels last month -- TLC, PBS and Discovery.

Under franchise agreements with Richmond localities, the only channels Comcast is required to carry on the basic service tier are the PEG channels, meaning public, educational and government access channels.

Richmond's loss of analog channels isn't isolated. Moving channels off analog gives cable operators more bandwidth to add high definition channels.

"There will always be a basic level of service," said Comcast spokesman Jeff Alexander, noting that, in February 2009, analog will cease to exist as digital becomes the broadcast standard as mandated by the government.

"The fact of the matter is, the world is moving to digital, and we're seeing the vast majority of our customers move in that direction," he said. "But we do want to offer options to our customers."

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-12-05-0175.html

afiggatt

12-05-07, 11:10 AM

Not sure if anyone wants to know this, but in Frederick MD Comcast issued a message this morning to us stating that our channel lineup will change 12/11/07 to add more then 130 new digital and HD TV channels.

Our line up isn't that bad right now. We could use a few more HD channels as I've said earlier. But we have about 20 right now. So I can't imagine 130 new channels and what they could be.
130 new digital channels? Maybe they are adding a bunch of music channels (audio only) which would bump the count up? Regardless, sounds like Comcast is doing a big upgrade in Frederick. Was Frederick an Adelphia franchise area that Comcast took over?

tonyd79

12-05-07, 11:33 AM

If it's on channel 20, will it be blacked out on NFL Network? I'd like to watch it in HD, and RCN doesn't carry WDCA-DT. Not that I'd expect them to broadcast the game in HD, anyway.

The NFL Network should not be blacked out.

Also, 20 will probably have the game in HD. I doubt the NFL would distribute the game to a channel that won't do HD. I mean, I could see it if all HD capable channels pass on the game but could you see ANY channel passing on the Redskins in DC?

tonyd79

12-05-07, 11:36 AM

Comcast moves more analog channels to digital tier

Well, that explains where they are getting the bandwidth for their announced HD additions. I assume that will happen to other areas, as well.

Good to see that it is not switched video, yet.

JoeInNVa

12-05-07, 11:49 AM

Comcast moves more analog channels to digital tier

Wednesday, Dec 05, 2007 - 09:59 AM Updated: 10:20 AM

By DOUGLAS DURDEN
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

"We are responding to requests every day from customers that want more On Demand programming, more high definition viewing options--and that's an overwhelming factor in making these decisions," Metrick said.

"The fact of the matter is, the world is moving to digital, and we're seeing the vast majority of our customers move in that direction," he said. "But we do want to offer options to our customers."

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-12-05-0175.html

I dont ever remember getting asked if I want more VoD....Personally I would not miss VOD at all, if it went away.

Deezul

12-05-07, 11:53 AM

The NFL Network should not be blacked out.

Also, 20 will probably have the game in HD. I doubt the NFL would distribute the game to a channel that won't do HD. I mean, I could see it if all HD capable channels pass on the game but could you see ANY channel passing on the Redskins in DC?

I'm sure the networks were all offered first crack, and THEY passed. Guess they didn't see this writer's strike going on this long back when bids were submitted. Then again, technically this IS a Fox owned station, so I wonder if Fox 5 thought about claiming it for themselves.

Deezul

JayMan007

12-05-07, 12:16 PM

But the 2.0 sound for the NFL network game last Thursday was lousy and Bryant Gumble is not a good play-by-play announcer. HD won't fix that.

Truer words have never been spoken.

CycloneGT

12-05-07, 02:01 PM

The trouble with Comcast is that they are now counting each HD VOD show as a "HD channel" to pad their numbers against directTV. So while you have visions of numerous new HD channels to watch, you likely just will have access to more HD repeats on VOD. Edit: I re-read this. Of course there will be some new HD channels, but I still think that a majority of those 130HD will be VOD offerings)

boomster

12-05-07, 03:22 PM

130 new digital channels? Maybe they are adding a bunch of music channels (audio only) which would bump the count up? Regardless, sounds like Comcast is doing a big upgrade in Frederick. Was Frederick an Adelphia franchise area that Comcast took over?

Yup, Frederick used to be Adelphia, and they have been saying we would have a major upgrade. It's been a long time since we first heard that though and I was beginning to lose hope.

I just wonder where all those new channels come from. They said we'll get more information about our new line up in the mail. Once I get those details I'll let people know here.

I hope those new 130 are not counting the Vod's as someone else suggested :(

Marcus Carr

12-05-07, 03:40 PM

ESPN Tackles Cable Audience Mark With 'MNF'

17.5 Million Viewers Watch Patriots-Ravens, Besting Disney Channel’s ‘HSM2’

By Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 12/5/2007 12:15:00 PM

Move over Troy, Gabriella and Sharpay. Tom, Randy and Ray Lewis have got you beat.

ESPN’s Dec. 3 Monday Night Football match-up between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens became the most-watched cable telecast ever, pushing Disney Channel’s premiere of telefilm High School Musical 2 out of the Nielsen record books.

New England’s controversial, last-second 27-24 victory that kept its perfect record intact tackled a 13.0 household rating, 12.5 million households and 17.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research data. For its part, the Aug. 17 debut of High School Musical 2 attracted 17.2 million viewers.

The Dec. 3 contest easily topped ESPN’s previous best MNF game—the Oct. 23, 2006 meeting between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants that drew a 12.8 rating, 11.8 million households and 16 million viewers, according to Nielsen data.

ESPN’s stellar MNF performance came just four days after NFL Network rang up a 14.6 coverage area rating with its Nov. 29 game in which the Dallas Cowboys beat the Green Bay Packers 37-27. The Thursday Night Football tilt posted the highest rating on cable since CNN’s Larry King Live presented a free trade debate by then Vice President Al Gore and Ross Perot in November 1993 that notched an 18.1 rating.

NFL Network garnered 10.1 million viewers for its match-up of then 10-1 clubs last Thursday.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6509938.html?desc=topstory

Roberto Carlo

12-05-07, 04:54 PM

I'm having the exact same problem as you. I see those channels in the guide and can scroll to them but nothing appears when I select them (the channel never tunes in). I can confirm that its the exact same channels as you. I figured I'd give it a couple days and then call Cox. Thanks for sharing your experience its better to know its not just me :)
Scott

PS I've rebooted the box and all that jazz, though I'm sure when I call thats the first thing they will make me do :)

When I turned on the set today, I could get them. Who knows why? :confused:
This happened when my old STB gave up the ghost a few months ago. I swapped it for a new SA 8300HD and I couldn't receive all of the HD channels. I called Cox; set up an appointment; and, then, the next day, they came in.

I'm less-than-whelmed at the knowledge of the technical support folks at Cox. It's not vanity or exaggeration to say that I always know more about their equipment than they do. :rolleyes:

CycloneGT

12-05-07, 05:08 PM

Looks like Dish might be getting SciFi and USA on Friday.

rob base

12-05-07, 06:48 PM

Yup, Frederick used to be Adelphia, and they have been saying we would have a major upgrade. It's been a long time since we first heard that though and I was beginning to lose hope.

I just wonder where all those new channels come from. They said we'll get more information about our new line up in the mail. Once I get those details I'll let people know here.

I hope those new 130 are not counting the Vod's as someone else suggested :(

Check out this site. This was posted a few weeks ago. I got the same message about the channels. The new channels are promising, although a lot of the channels are Music and Latino. Finally Comcast Sportsnet HD!! A guy scanned the new lineup that was in the Frederick News Post. VOD is not part of the 130.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19445173-New-cable-lineup-coming-to-Frederick-MD-on-December-11th

tonyd79

12-05-07, 08:06 PM

New England’s controversial, last-second 27-24 victory that kept its perfect record intact tackled a 13.0 household rating, 12.5 million households and 17.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research data.

Who would have thunk it as everyone thought it would be a blowout.

ESPN’s stellar MNF performance came just four days after NFL Network rang up a 14.6 coverage area rating with its Nov. 29 game in which the Dallas Cowboys beat the Green Bay Packers 37-27. The Thursday Night Football tilt posted the highest rating on cable since CNN’s Larry King Live presented a free trade debate by then Vice President Al Gore and Ross Perot in November 1993 that notched an 18.1 rating.

NFL Network garnered 10.1 million viewers for its match-up of then 10-1 clubs last Thursday.

Double wow! So much for no one getting to see the game.

minkyboodle

12-05-07, 09:14 PM

When I turned on the set today, I could get them. Who knows why? :confused:
This happened when my old STB gave up the ghost a few months ago. I swapped it for a new SA 8300HD and I couldn't receive all of the HD channels. I called Cox; set up an appointment; and, then, the next day, they came in.

I'm less-than-whelmed at the knowledge of the technical support folks at Cox. It's not vanity or exaggeration to say that I always know more about their equipment than they do. :rolleyes:

I am getting them all now as well. Lets just say I share your experience with cable technician knowledge ever since I was told that my signal was low because I was using S-Video instead of Coax to go to my TV... ugh

mikemikeb

12-06-07, 01:18 AM

Anyone know if WDCA-DT My 20 will have the Skins game in HD?Earlier in the year, the ESPN Monday Night Redskins game was carried by WDCA in HD.

aaronwt

12-06-07, 08:36 AM

Yes the guide shows that WDCA is carrying the game again.

mchief99

12-06-07, 04:35 PM

Just got my bill from Comcast Alexandria, VA and guess what? Service must be so good that they can increase prices again. Just had a price increase in April 07 and now Jan 1, 08 ...

My Digital Preferred goes from 70.05 to 73.30, etc.

fmsjr

12-06-07, 09:14 PM

CuseHokie

12-06-07, 09:28 PM

Same here. How can they stay in business charging $30 more than FiOS?

Because they charge $30 more than FiOS. :)

Question should be, how does Verizon stay in business?

JayMan007

12-06-07, 11:40 PM

boomster

12-07-07, 05:43 AM

Check out this site. This was posted a few weeks ago. I got the same message about the channels. The new channels are promising, although a lot of the channels are Music and Latino. Finally Comcast Sportsnet HD!! A guy scanned the new lineup that was in the Frederick News Post. VOD is not part of the 130.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19445173-New-cable-lineup-coming-to-Frederick-MD-on-December-11th

Thank you so much for that!!!! Made my day seeing Sci Fi HD and Universal HD... among the many other new channels :)

mikemikeb

12-07-07, 02:37 PM

Same here. How can they stay in business charging $30 more than FiOS?FiOS isn't available everywhere...

Besides, not many know enough or care about FiOS to switch. My granddad got FiOS, but only because he wanted highspeed Internet after getting a computer, and didn't want Comcast. (He had DirecTV.)

markbulla

12-07-07, 03:33 PM

Hi all -

Apparently, we're having a PSIP issue on WNUV 54-1. We know about it, and are working on it. We'll get it fixed as soon as we can.

Sorry for the problem!

Mark

BillFromMD

12-07-07, 04:23 PM

afiggatt

12-07-07, 04:29 PM

Apparently, we're having a PSIP issue on WNUV 54-1. We know about it, and are working on it. We'll get it fixed as soon as we can.
I noticed that last night. WNUV-DT CW 40 heh? It remapped my Samsung SIR-T451 tuner.

GoIrish

12-07-07, 07:31 PM

Wow, Comcast Anne Arundel Co. didn't even show the Redskins game last night on regular cable! Apparently we don't get DC Chan 20. I figured they would unlock the NFL chan last night since we are local market. :mad:

They are running a deal where you can get the sports pack for $1.99/mo, for 6 months and you get NFL, NBA, NHL, 4 college sports channels, couple soccer channels and something else. It's a good deal if you even just sorta like sports.

GoIrish

fmsjr

12-07-07, 07:51 PM

Wow, Comcast Anne Arundel Co. didn't even show the Redskins game last night on regular cable! Apparently we don't get DC Chan 20. I figured they would unlock the NFL chan last night since we are local market. :mad:
That's another reason for going with FiOS, when it's available.... no need for the Sports Tier for NFLNET (at least not at this time.) Plus they carry Baltimore and DC locals in Anne Arundel.... in standard and hi-def. Unfortunately not WDCA-20 though.
Fortunately channel 20 boosted their power enough that it now comes in easily OTA... analog and digital. Dig out those rabbit ears for the next time! :D

tonyd79

12-08-07, 11:48 AM

Just got an HD Tivo for my Comcast hookup (really, really hate the SA8300).

I will get cable cards for it but I'll be busy for a bit. The locals are coming in on the right channel (without guide data, of course) from Comcast. 2-1, etc are all there. Except the HD version of MPT. I get 67-X channels but none are the HD channel. Anyone know where they hide that one? Seems the PSIP data is wrong.

wmcbrine

12-08-07, 12:40 PM

Except the HD version of MPT. I get 67-X channels but none are the HD channel. Anyone know where they hide that one? Seems the PSIP data is wrong.67-1 is (now) the HD subchannel (at least on OTA), but it only shows upconverts most of the time. MPT no longer carries the PBS HD channel (or whatever it's called).

jorwex

12-09-07, 06:31 PM

I'm in College Park at school and use our Samsung H260F to get QAM Comcast signals through the walls in my dorms.

Should I be using IRC, HRC or STD when I let my tuner channel search?

Forgive me if I'm asking in the wrong place. Though I'd ask people about their successes in our region.

Thanks!

afiggatt

12-09-07, 11:45 PM

I'm in College Park at school and use our Samsung H260F to get QAM Comcast signals through the walls in my dorms.

Should I be using IRC, HRC or STD when I let my tuner channel search?

Use STD (standard) for the QAM channel scan for the Comcast cable hook-up.

tetu81

12-10-07, 01:14 PM

So I've read the recent pages on this thread, did some searching here and on dslreports and I still don't see any discussion of Comcast carrying Discovery HD in DC. I've called and emailed Comcast a few times and I've mostly been met with confusion (and had to explain that HD Theatre is not Discovery HD). I know other locales have gotten notifications about new channels (either in bills, newspapers, etc) but I haven't seen anything like that for DC. Anyone have any idea? Thanks :)

CycloneGT

12-10-07, 02:56 PM

carltonrice

12-10-07, 05:27 PM

http://www.baltimoresun.com/technology/bal-to.highdef04dec04,0,4025365.story

Interesting that the Baltimore Sun writes an article on the efforts of the Baltimore stations' efforts to upgrade for HD News and doesn't give even a hint of when any of them will start broadcasting HD News.

GoIrish

12-10-07, 06:00 PM

I think on 11/26 GoIrish posted that Comcast (in Baltmore) would be adding the new Discovery Channels on Jan 8th. Usually when Baltimore Comcast gets new channels, DC area systems getting shortly thereafter.

At least that is what I have in my notes on the first post of this thread.
On this subject I heard today that they pushed the launches of these six back to the week of Jan 15th but were going to preview USAHD, SciFiHD and DiscHD beginning next week. Don't have channel numbers but they will be on before next weekend and will air through the formal launch date.

GoIrish

Marcus Carr

12-10-07, 06:13 PM

Possibly 235 USA, 236 Sci-Fi, 239 Discovery Channel.

I wish they had a "preview" of CNN.

Marcus Carr

12-10-07, 08:05 PM

White Christmas is in HD on WDCA.

rallen

12-11-07, 08:16 AM

Down here in Salisbury, we just got a postcard yesterday from Comcast saying that on Jan 8th, they would be adding Discovery HD, History HD and Animal Planet HD. They are moving CMT, GAC and Game show network to digital to free up bandwidth for them.

Heck, move everything to digital and bring on more HD.

zebras23

12-11-07, 10:24 AM

Jimmy

12-11-07, 10:32 AM

Is anybody else with Directv seeing a really bad lip sync problem with WJLA HD (Wash Ch 7) the pas few days? All other local Hd is ok, just the ABC WJLA is doing it? Thanks guys:mad:

gr8one626

12-11-07, 11:25 AM

afiggatt

12-11-07, 04:45 PM

Fredfa posted the announcement to the Hot Off the Press sticky thread that PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer is going HD on December 17. See http://www.broadcastingcable.com/index.asp?layout=articlePrint&articleID=CA6511373 for the brief news article. What I found funny was "The program is produced out of WETA Washington, D.C., which built a new HD-friendly set for the show in part with money from the National Telecommunications & Information Administration". WETA-DT building a HD friendly set? How about a HD friendly broadcast with more bandwidth for the HD channel instead of the bit starved mess they send out with the 3 SD sub-channels? Maybe a new encoder will improve it someday, but the pixelation on WETA-DT 26.1 is just terrible every time there is fast motion.

voltore

12-11-07, 05:45 PM

Maybe a new encoder will improve it someday, but the pixelation on WETA-DT 26.1 is just terrible every time there is fast motion.

I think the only thing that will help them at the bitrates they use would be MPEG4! Sadly that wont fly with all our set top boxes etc. Oh well!

URFloorMatt

12-11-07, 05:47 PM

Here's a question that concerns a slightly different topic than we usually discuss here. What would it take to convince WUSA to air the marquee AFC games rather than Ravens games?

Case in point: on Dec. 23, we'll be "treated" to Ravens-Seahawks in SD rather than, say, Patriots-Dolphins in HD.

rob base

12-11-07, 07:24 PM

fmsjr

12-11-07, 07:43 PM

Apparently Verizon pushed the new software patch for FiOS this a.m. around 5:00 (I was leaving the house to catch a flight out of DCA and all my boxes were reseting). Hopefully this will address many of the issues that have been problematic since the new IMG was released. I won't be back until Thursday, but the FiOS threads are keeping track of this.

Yep, got it here in Anne Arundel too... probably the entire area. So far so good. Looks like the guide info is better too.. so much detail that I don't even have to watch some of the shows! :)

tokeydog

12-12-07, 09:59 AM

Wow! Me so Happy! Watching Wiz in HD finally on CSNHD. Life is good. Talked to Comcast Rep and she said more HD channels to come in Jan. Maybe History and Animal Planet. Would like BIG Ten HD, but I hear there is an issue with them and Comcast. I know Directv peeps will say Comcast still don't match up, but ON Demand is worth it for me. (No verizon fios option).

It is finally nice to not feel like the red-headed step child of Comcast. Though I don't agree with the channel placements (211 for NBC HD) the new line up is sweet!

Knicks_Fan

12-12-07, 01:41 PM

Case in point: on Dec. 23, we'll be "treated" to Ravens-Seahawks in SD rather than, say, Patriots-Dolphins in HD.
I wouldn't consider that one to be a marquee game either other than to see Brady and Bellecheck run up the score. None of the 4pm games look appealing on CBS.

Is anybody else with Directv seeing a really bad lip sync problem with WJLA HD (Wash Ch 7) the pas few days? All other local Hd is ok, just the ABC WJLA is doing it? Thanks guys
I am seeing the same thing with my DirecTV H20. Local and network shows.

boomster

12-12-07, 02:45 PM

I have been watching the local HD's from comcast via QAM, and today when I turned it on, I have been getting a "POOR SIGNAL QUALITY" on all local HD's... anyone else getting this error?

I live in Frederick MD.

I received that here in Frederick, but don't seem to have that anymore. I think it was due to that major upgrade they did with our HD channels. It's so nice to finually have ScifiHD, Universal HD and some of the others. I almost have enough HD to keep me satisfied for awhile ;)

I called up a request for Discovery HD, Animal HD, and History HD for our area. The lady said there is another major addition to HD channels in January for us and we may see those then.

robandjeanne

12-12-07, 03:21 PM

Hello,

Are you also receiving OTA HD in or around Sterling VA? I have an old Channel Master (not sure the model) UHF antenna and a CM pre-amp. I get 22, 26, 32,30 (sometimes), 50, 66 (sometimes), and of course 4,5,7,and 9. A total of 25 to 29 digital channels. My antenna is just in the attic, and it's a fairly long boom (guessing around 7 ft). What antenna do you use and how well does it work?

I've been thinking about another antenna for a different direction (Manassas), and was considering Antennacraft mxu59, CM 3023 (backordered most places so it must be good?), Winegard pr-8800 8bay, antennas direct 91xg, and winegard hd9095p. I noticed the multipath issue with the 9095 and remembered someone else had commented on same problem with the 9095. I can't imagine it being antenna specific however since this is a high gain yagi.

To confirm, Channel 30 is in Manassas? Surprised to hear Channels 7 and 9 are going to VHF when they convert to HD only? I like the 24 hour news on channel 30, and also some of the religious stuff on 66 which is the reason for another UHF to point at Manassas. Loved the gain charts posted here <http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html>

Unfortunately the Winegard 9095 wasn't shown on the gain charts, and I was thinking this might be the ultimate UHF antenna. I probably wouldn't need it for Manassas (although you lose a lot going through the roof), but I'd like to try it in Altoona, PA to see if a relative can get Penn State HD on ch 15 about 40 miles away with many mountains in between. Most Yagis seem to lose gain at ch 15 but Winegard claims 14 db.

Rob

rvdalton@yahoo.com

Jimmy

12-12-07, 04:01 PM

Is anybody else with Directv seeing a really bad lip sync problem with WJLA HD (Wash Ch 7) the pas few days? All other local Hd is ok, just the ABC WJLA is doing it? Thanks guys:mad:

Based on responses posted on other sites, DirecTV's local HD for Washington's WJLA channel 7, is having a real bad problem with audio/lip sync delay. It is not your box or TV. It is either WJLA's feed to Directv or Directv is having a problem with that station. It is only on channel 7. The other locals are ok.

afiggatt

12-12-07, 04:02 PM

Hello,

Are you also receiving OTA HD in or around Sterling VA? I have an old Channel Master (not sure the model) UHF antenna and a CM pre-amp. I get 22, 26, 32,30 (sometimes), 50, 66 (sometimes), and of course 4,5,7,and 9. A total of 25 to 29 digital channels. My antenna is just in the attic, and it's a fairly long boom (guessing around 7 ft). What antenna do you use and how well does it work?
Rob, following up on the private message. I'm in the Cascades in the north end of Sterling with a Channel Master 4221 4 bay in the attic with a CM 7777 pre-amp. I added a Winegard YA-1713 upper VHF antenna a few months ago to prepare for the 2009 switch. I use it to the WWPX-DT Ion 60 station out in Martinsburg which broadcasts on VHF 12. I can't get WPXW-DT Ion 66 out of Manassas from here without aiming the CM 4221 right at it.

Anyway, I get the following stations using the analog channel shorthand: 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11 (can get dropouts), 13, 14, 20, 26, 30 (have to adjust the antenna just right to get it off of a backlobe), 31 (WWPB-DT MPT station in Hagerstown, but will get dropouts in weather), 32, 45, 50, 54, 60, 62 (WFPT-DT MPT station south of Frederick). I never been able to get a lock for MPT 22, but probably would if I were to mount the CM 4221 on the roof.

Someday soon we should be able to get WUTB-DT My 24 (on UHF 41) in this area from out of west of Baltimore. Not that it matters much as we can get WDCA-DT My 20 out of DC for the occasional My Network HD broadcast, but it is the last low power STA holdout in the 2 markets.

In 2009, WPXW-DT Ion 66 will be making a big move to take over the current WUSA-DT digital antenna on UHF 34 (after WUSA-DT moves back to VHF 9). They will be modifying the broadcast pattern so people well to the north of DC may not be able to get it, but it will significantly increase the broadcast coverage of the Ion Network in the greater DC region. Ion has announced they will provide a 720p HD sub-channel in the 1st quarter of 2008, so there may be some HD stuff on Ion to watch. Or maybe HD infomercials by then. :eek:

The CM 4221 4 Bay and the more directional 4228 8 Bay bowtie antennas are useful for this area. The CM 4228 provides better gain for upper VHF so it offers a better chance at getting 7,9,11,13 in 2009.

gr8one626

12-12-07, 05:53 PM

I received that here in Frederick, but don't seem to have that anymore. I think it was due to that major upgrade they did with our HD channels. It's so nice to finually have ScifiHD, Universal HD and some of the others. I almost have enough HD to keep me satisfied for awhile ;)

I called up a request for Discovery HD, Animal HD, and History HD for our area. The lady said there is another major addition to HD channels in January for us and we may see those then.

What channel is Universal HD?

Coolgreany

12-12-07, 06:17 PM

Hello,
What antenna do you use and how well does it work?

I'm in Ashburn, VA (about 3 miles west of Rte 28) and just put a DB-2 antenna in the attic to feed 2 HD tvs in the bedrooms and am receiving great reception on all the local channels. Did I screw up by getting a UHF only antenna? Am I missing out on any OTA channels now or in the future?

dg28

12-12-07, 07:31 PM

Based on responses posted on other sites, DirecTV's local HD for Washington's WJLA channel 7, is having a real bad problem with audio/lip sync delay. It is not your box or TV. It is either WJLA's feed to Directv or Directv is having a problem with that station. It is only on channel 7. The other locals are ok.

Yup. I noticed the problem today. 7-1 OTA is fine.

Ladd

12-12-07, 09:01 PM

I live in Frederick, MD with Comcast, which as the locals know re-aligned their digital channels two days ago. I'm still unable to tune in several of the channels that I used to receive and a couple that are new. Is this happening to anyone else out here in the wilds?

comcast-supplied motorola HDTV-DVR

Channels I used to get fine but can't receive now (i.e "not authorized")
National Geographic HD (now channel 224)
Discovery HD (now channel 225)
MOJO (now channel 226)

New channels that I believe I should get but are also "not authorized"
MHD 227
UHD 260

afiggatt

12-12-07, 11:09 PM

I'm in Ashburn, VA (about 3 miles west of Rte 28) and just put a DB-2 antenna in the attic to feed 2 HD tvs in the bedrooms and am receiving great reception on all the local channels. Did I screw up by getting a UHF only antenna? Am I missing out on any OTA channels now or in the future?
The Antennas Direct DB-2 is a good short/medium UHF antenna, but won't do much for upper VHF because of the smaller size of the bowties. It may work for your medium range for WJLA-DT and WUSA-DT when they switch their digital signal from UHF to upper VHF 7 and 9, but may not. Which local stations do you get? The Baltimore stations will be more of a challenge from Ashburn than from north Sterling, but should be in reach of a rooftop antenna if the attic doesn't work.

afiggatt

12-12-07, 11:13 PM

I live in Frederick, MD with Comcast, which as the locals know re-aligned their digital channels two days ago. I'm still unable to tune in several of the channels that I used to receive and a couple that are new. Is this happening to anyone else out here in the wilds?
Have you tried a cold reset? Unplug the DVR for 30 seconds, then plug it in so it reloads the guide data. With Comcast, it may take several hours to restore most of the guide info. If that doesn't work, call Comcast for a reset.

robandjeanne

12-13-07, 01:08 AM

Afiggatt, thanks for the info on channel 30. It sounds like the signal will be better eventually after the switch to 34. You mentioned ION providing a HD subchannel once on 34. I guess I don't require HD for everything because the five subchannels on ch 30 seem OK. I got a kick out of watching the French anchor girls on 30.3 break up laughing on some news stories (very unprofessional but refreshing) when this news subchannel was newer.

I'd say you are doing very well with your CM4221 4 bay. It seems this 4 bay does better than the 8 bay at ch 66 and higher. I've got a lot of trees around me, and aluminum siding which I have to look through. I'm guessing my old UHF is equal to a CM3023 Yagi. I have a Panasonic DMR-EZ47 dvr with digital tuner. The panasonic picks up slightly better than my Philips 42 LCD. I have seen ch 2,11, and 13 but they are not real reliable and luckily their programming seems duplicated on other channels. Also snowy for me are 45 54,60, and 62 (assumed you were talking analog). Of course I get 14 and 22.3 but since I don't speak Spanish they don't do me much good (some of their game shows and movies look interesting though).

I'm surprised I pick up ch 22 (22.1 and 22.2) in Annapolis as well as I do. I'm estimating my yagi has about 1 db less gain at 22.1 (42) than your 4 bay. The Winegard hd9095p UHF which may be a super performer (per winegard specs) appears to have about 3 db more gain on ch 22 than your cm4221 so it may allow you to pick up Annapolis even in your attic. Also it's supposed to allow coupling in the VHF antenna, so one down lead can be used. Ch 22 sometimes has different (and time shifted) programming than 26 or 32 so I think it's worth trying for.

Rob

Jimmy

12-13-07, 08:29 AM

Well, it looks like I will be moving to Worman's Mill in Frederick. I have been a Directv customer since they started. The new home site may not have a clear shot at the satellites so I may have to co back to cable. Can anyone in that area tell me how the comcast Hd service is? I hear so many stories about how comcast sucks compared to DTV, especially where HD is concerned.:confused:

aaronwt

12-13-07, 08:46 AM

The quality of the HD with Comcast is better than DirecTV, but DirecTV obviously has HD more channels.

Jimmy

12-13-07, 09:22 AM

The quality of the HD with Comcast is better than DirecTV, but DirecTV obviously has HD more channels.

To be honest, we watch more local broadcast HD than cable channels. An occasional HBO or Showtime movie. I sometimes wonder why we even pay so much money for DTV when we can watch, what we watch, off of our antenna, for free---in HD. You are the first one I have heard say that the COMCAST HD is better than DTV. Why would it be better?

afiggatt

12-13-07, 09:37 AM

Afiggatt, thanks for the info on channel 30. It sounds like the signal will be better eventually after the switch to 34. You mentioned ION providing a HD subchannel once on 34. I guess I don't require HD for everything because the five subchannels on ch 30 seem OK. I got a kick out of watching the French anchor girls on 30.3 break up laughing on some news stories (very unprofessional but refreshing) when this news subchannel was newer.
My mistake. I meant that the WPXW-DT Ion 66 station would be taking over the WUSA-DT digital UHF antenna. Channel 30 is one of the two MHz stations that broadcasts the overseas programming. The Ion Network will upgrade to a HD sub-channel which will presumably have the programming that is on their primary x.1 sub-channel. Probably won't be much real HD on it except for the occasional movie.

I'd say you are doing very well with your CM4221 4 bay. It seems this 4 bay does better than the 8 bay at ch 66 and higher. I've got a lot of trees around me, and aluminum siding which I have to look through. I'm guessing my old UHF is equal to a CM3023 Yagi. I have a Panasonic DMR-EZ47 dvr with digital tuner. The panasonic picks up slightly better than my Philips 42 LCD. I have seen ch 2,11, and 13 but they are not real reliable and luckily their programming seems duplicated on other channels. Also snowy for me are 45 54,60, and 62 (assumed you were talking analog).
All the stations I listed that I get were the digital ones. I don't pay any attention to the analog broadcast stations. I have Verizon Fios TV, so the OTA stuff is primarily a secondary source and useful for getting the Baltimore stations when a DC station messes up or pre-empts the network HD feed.

Antenna performance at the higher UHF channels is only going to matter for another 14 months. On February 17, 2009 all TV broadcasting must cease on UHF channels 52 to 69 as those frequencies will be re-allocated and sold off. The stations on those upper UHF channels such as WFPT-DT MPT 62 and WPXW-DT Ion 66 will broadcast at the lower UHF channels, but will still display 62.1 and 66.1 on the TV or STB tuner. Yes, this can be confusing, but the FCC requires that the station stick to it's analog channel identity.

afiggatt

12-13-07, 09:46 AM

The quality of the HD with Comcast is better than DirecTV, but DirecTV obviously has HD more channels.
Maybe for the established MPEG-2 channels on the older satellites. But all the reports for the new MPEG-4 channels on the new satellite state that the picture quality - so far - is very good. Close to or same as Fios quality according to some. As a side note, there is nothing magical about MPEG-4, it just provides more efficient compression so DirecTV can fit up to 75 HD channels on their new satellite. If DirecTV set aside the bandwidth on their older satellite, the HD MPEG-2 channels there could look very good as well. The issue with DirecTV is whether they will maintain the HD picture quality for the new HD satellite (with the 2nd one going up in several months) if they decide to squeeze more HD channels on it. I noticed there is a thread already on this topic in the Programming forum. But this is all DirecTV stuff, not really a Washington-Baltimore related topic.

Isn't Frederick County about to get a major increase in the number of HD channels from Comcast?

iflyga

12-13-07, 12:07 PM

Ladd

12-13-07, 12:18 PM

Have you tried a cold reset? Yup, tried that first thing. Always hesitant to do so as it takes days to reload all the guide data. Didn't help.

Thanks for the tip though, in case I didn't know it. :)

Then tried the full reset -- using the front panel buttons along with unplugging/plugging to delete everything except the recordings and doing a full download of firmware and guide data. That didn't work either.

Called Comcast and they went "oh yeah, we're having some trouble". I'm in the third day now since the channel re-alignment and still can't access the aforementioned channels.

Jimmy

12-13-07, 12:20 PM

Maybe for the established MPEG-2 channels on the older satellites. But all the reports for the new MPEG-4 channels on the new satellite state that the picture quality - so far - is very good. Close to or same as Fios quality according to some. As a side note, there is nothing magical about MPEG-4, it just provides more efficient compression so DirecTV can fit up to 75 HD channels on their new satellite. If DirecTV set aside the bandwidth on their older satellite, the HD MPEG-2 channels there could look very good as well. The issue with DirecTV is whether they will maintain the HD picture quality for the new HD satellite (with the 2nd one going up in several months) if they decide to squeeze more HD channels on it. I noticed there is a thread already on this topic in the Programming forum. But this is all DirecTV stuff, not really a Washington-Baltimore related topic.

Isn't Frederick County about to get a major increase in the number of HD channels from Comcast?

Why do you say "but this is all Directv stuff, not really a Washington-Baltimore related topic?" I thought this site was for all AV type questions - focusing on those living in the Balt/Wash area? Are you saying that this thread has turned into a comcast only thread? Don't get me wrong. It is just that this thread has been very helpful to me since I have been a member (2001). We use to be able to discuss DTV problems as well as cable problems. I have noticed it takes awhile to get a response re a DTV problem. Have all the satellite guys been driven away?:confused:

aaronwt

12-13-07, 12:21 PM

Maybe for the established MPEG-2 channels on the older satellites. But all the reports for the new MPEG-4 channels on the new satellite state that the picture quality - so far - is very good. Close to or same as Fios quality according to some. As a side note, there is nothing magical about MPEG-4, it just provides more efficient compression so DirecTV can fit up to 75 HD channels on their new satellite. If DirecTV set aside the bandwidth on their older satellite, the HD MPEG-2 channels there could look very good as well. The issue with DirecTV is whether they will maintain the HD picture quality for the new HD satellite (with the 2nd one going up in several months) if they decide to squeeze more HD channels on it. I noticed there is a thread already on this topic in the Programming forum. But this is all DirecTV stuff, not really a Washington-Baltimore related topic.

Isn't Frederick County about to get a major increase in the number of HD channels from Comcast?

Supposedly DirecTv still downrezes the signal. Not as bad as the MPEG2 channels(1280x1080i) but I read that they downrez it to 1440x1080i.

With DirecTVs recent purchase of Replay Tv it looks like I will never be going back to DirecTV since it doesn't look like they will re-embrace tiVo. I'll have to stick with FIOS or Comast. Although DirecTV billing was top notch compared to Comcast and FIOS.

iflyga

12-13-07, 12:56 PM

Called Comcast and they went "oh yeah, we're having some trouble".

Thanks for the additional information. It saved me a call! I miss my Sunrise Earth <grin>.

boomster

12-13-07, 02:16 PM

What channel is Universal HD?

I'm at work so I'm not 100% sure, but I thought it was 250.

cogtooth

12-13-07, 05:53 PM

Jimmy

12-13-07, 06:42 PM

We have the basic cable that costs us $2 more than cable internet only service, and are discouraged to have lost HD Theater, which was our favorite HD channel by far with the new upgrade. We did add channels which makes up for it somewhat, but we hope the rumour is correct that Discover, Animal Planet, and others in HD may be coming. Here's our new HD channels: Food Network, Sci Fi, USA, local stations weather channels, MHZ channels, 20, 5, 50, HGTV, A&E, TBS, ESPN, ESPN2, Comcast Sportsnet, Versus (tdf!), and TNT. Anybody get any other new HDs in Frederick on basic cable?

You are saying you have these channels for 2 bucks more than internet only? I just have the comcast internet, now paying $39 for a year then it goes to $59. I get the HD TV via Directv and that is $91. So, I would get internet and TV, with a fair amount of HD, from comcast for around $62 per mo.?

cogtooth

12-13-07, 07:56 PM

In Frederick, Comcast internet only is $40 for the slower speed which is fine for me.
Comcast internet with cable is $25, and basic cable is $17, therefore $42 for the previously mentionned HD channels, basic cable channels, plus the other local HD stations which did not change with the upgrade.

iflyga

12-13-07, 09:23 PM

We have the basic cable that costs us $2 more than cable internet only service, and are discouraged to have lost HD Theater, which was our favorite HD channel by far with the new upgrade. We did add channels which makes up for it somewhat, but we hope the rumour is correct that Discover, Animal Planet, and others in HD may be coming. Here's our new HD channels: Food Network, Sci Fi, USA, local stations weather channels, MHZ channels, 20, 5, 50, HGTV, A&E, TBS, ESPN, ESPN2, Comcast Sportsnet, Versus (tdf!), and TNT. Anybody get any other new HDs in Frederick on basic cable?

That's the programming I now get after the upgrade, using a no-charge cable card and the limited basic subscription ($17 going to $19 in Jan). We lost the National Geographic channel too, in addition to Disc. HD Theater.

Since we have the 6mb internet servce, the monthly bill is ~ $60 but still below any other option, keeping our monthly cost for phone/HD/high-speed internet just over $100 total.

Coolgreany

12-13-07, 09:58 PM

The Antennas Direct DB-2 is a good short/medium UHF antenna, but won't do much for upper VHF because of the smaller size of the bowties. It may work for your medium range for WJLA-DT and WUSA-DT when they switch their digital signal from UHF to upper VHF 7 and 9, but may not. Which local stations do you get? The Baltimore stations will be more of a challenge from Ashburn than from north Sterling, but should be in reach of a rooftop antenna if the attic doesn't work.

Thanks, I get everything from the list of DSC channels on the first page of this thread except for the following. Looks like most/all of them are Baltimore so I don't think I'm missing much except Fox/NBC.

Would a powered amp help or playing with the pointing with the DB-2 if I wanted to try to squeek out a few more channels? I really don't want to go outside with the antenna if I don't have to.

# 002 01 52 ABC WMAR DT HDTV DD5.1 Nothing
# 002 02 52 ABC WMAR DT SD Nothing
# 002 03 52 ABC WMAR DT Weather Net Nothing
# 004 00 48 NBC WRC SD OK but snowy
# 011 00 59 NBC WBAL Baltimore Ghosting
# 011 01 59 NBC WBAL DT HDTV Baltimore Nothing
# 011 02 59 NBC WBAL SD Weather Plus Live Nothing
# 013 01 38 CBS WJZ DT HDTV DD5.1 Nothing
# 022 0 42 PBS WMPT OK but snowy?
# 023 0 OK but snowy?
# 022 01 42 PBS WMPT DT MPT Md Nothing
# 022 02 42 PBS WMPT DT MPT Select Md Nothing
# 022 03 42 PBS WMPT DT MPT V Md Nothing
# 024 01 41 MyNet WUTB DT SD (low power Nothing
# 045 01 46 FOX WBFF DT HDTV DD5.1 Nothing
# 045 02 46 FOX WBFF DT Good TV Nothing
# 049 0 OK but snowy
# 054 01 40 CW WNUV DT HDTV DD5.1 Nothing
# 057 01 57 MHz WNVC DT MHz1 WorldView Nothing
# 057 02 57 MHz WNVT DT MHz6 Japanese Nothing
# 057 03 57 MHz WNVC DT MHz7 Dutch Nothing
# 057 04 57 MHz WNVC DT MHz8 Taiwanese Nothing
# 062 01 28 PBS WFPT DT MPT Md Nothing
# 062 02 28 PBS WFPT DT MPT Select Md Nothing
# 062 03 28 PBS WFPT DT MPT V Md Nothing
# 067 01 29 PBS WMPB DT MPT Nothing
# 067 02 29 PBS WMPB DT MPT Select Nothing
# 067 03 29 PBS WMPB DT MPT V Nothing

Marcus Carr

12-14-07, 04:11 AM

This is weird. When I try to go to A&E HD on Comcast channel 223, it takes me to the Comcast Central Kids menu. I've never even seen the Comcast Central menus through the box before, just with a QAM tuner.:confused:

Also, HGTV HD is down. Don't know if there's a connection.

Marcus Carr

12-14-07, 05:07 AM

Both HD channels are back now.

JoeInNVa

12-14-07, 07:44 AM

Newstech

12-14-07, 08:12 AM

Re WUTB-DT (Channel 24) license:
For what it's worth, there was an application dated 11/13 for an extension to March 1.
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101219587&formid=337&fac_num=60552
It says they have most of the work done, but can't get their vendors to finish air conditioning installation and whatnot until then.

markbulla

12-14-07, 08:39 AM

afiggatt

12-14-07, 10:59 AM

Why do you say "but this is all Directv stuff, not really a Washington-Baltimore related topic?" I thought this site was for all AV type questions - focusing on those living in the Balt/Wash area? Are you saying that this thread has turned into a comcast only thread? Don't get me wrong. It is just that this thread has been very helpful to me since I have been a member (2001). We use to be able to discuss DTV problems as well as cable problems. I have noticed it takes awhile to get a response re a DTV problem. Have all the satellite guys been driven away?:confused:
I didn't mean to upset you. This is not a Comcast only thread, it covers the local stations, OTA, antennas, MASN & CSN-MA, Cox, RCN, and local Verizon Fios topics as well. It is just that the DirecTV picture quality applies to everyone on a national basis (except for the local-in-locals), so there are multiple threads in the HDTV programming forum that cover that subject in great detail. We also don't post that much about Verizon Fios national channels & DVR issues, because Verizon provides the same national SD and HD channels to all their subscribers across the US except when they are rolling out an upgrade to one or 2 markets at a time (which is what they are doing for the IMG software upgrades and HD VOD). I think posting short announcements that Verizon added HD channels or pushed out an update to the STD/DVR software are appropriate, but long discussions of the DVR issues are better left to the Fios dedicated threads which is where I post that stuff. However, posts on where Fios is building out or adding service to locations in the Balt-Wash area are valid for this thread.

The cable companies on the other hand are balkanized because of how they were built by taking over local franchise systems, one county/city or video head end at a time. Each county, city, or franchise area may have a different channel line-up and different levels of compression for the HD channels. So asking what the heck is going on with Comcast in Frederick county or where are the unencrypted local digital channels is what this thread is for. But I'm am not the thread police, I just posted some comments on the DirecTV picture quality and noted that it is a national topic, not really a local one.

Marcus Carr

12-14-07, 10:59 AM

THat is what happens when you watch TV so early in the Morning!

At least it happened during infomercial time.

afiggatt

12-14-07, 11:21 AM

Thanks, I get everything from the list of DSC channels on the first page of this thread except for the following. Looks like most/all of them are Baltimore so I don't think I'm missing much except Fox/NBC.

Would a powered amp help or playing with the pointing with the DB-2 if I wanted to try to squeek out a few more channels? I really don't want to go outside with the antenna if I don't have to.
There is no need to list all the digital sub-channels for a station. All of the sub-channels are carried in the same broadcast data stream. If you get one, you should get the others (unless there is a messed up PSIP issue or the sub-channel is blocked).

I'm confused on whether you are asking about only the digital stations with "004 00 48 NBC WRC SD OK but snowy". The dgital picture may have dropouts, but not snow or analog noise. If it is the digital 4.1 channel, you should be getting WRC-DT 4.1 as that is a strong signal. Try moving the antenna around to see if that helps. The bowties are on the front of the antenna so you want to aim the antenna at DC or a little north of DC to see if that brings in any of the Baltimore stations or WFMT-DT 62 located south of Frederick.

If you want to get the Baltimore stations, you will bery likely need to get a larger longer range antenna. The Baltimore main antenna farm is 43 miles from where I live in north Sterling, they will be around 48+ miles from Ashburn. You won't get WMPB-DT MPT 67 from Ashburn. WNVC-DT Mhz 57 is a weak signal with low antenna height. WNVC-DT 57 will raise the digital antenna height and increase it's power in 2009 after the analog shutdown, but until then it has poor coverage.

robandjeanne

12-14-07, 12:18 PM

I'm trying to help a relative in Altoona, PA receive Penn State's HD 3.1 (ch 15) which is about 40 miles away with mountains. I might be able to use a good tuner in Sterling VA also, so I thought I'd buy the best I could get and try it in PA. I noticed some on this list have the Samsung SIR-T451 and wondered how well it does and how well it compares to the Samsung DTB-H260F or any Sony tuner? Also if other great HD tuners are likely to be on sale (even on ebay) because of newer models this would be good to know. My limited testing of HDTVs and their tuners says that Sony is the best with Panasonic and Philips coming in a close second (didn't get a chance to test a Samsung TV).

So far, Sony HD tuners do not seem to be on sale and although Panasonic has a DMR-EZ47 with digital tuner, no similar offering has appeared from Sony. The DMR-EZ47 a $270 VCR and DVR is kind of a poor man's HD recorder using DVD disks rather than a hard drive to record HD (it won't record HD on the tape). It also converts HD and feeds it out on ch 3 for older TVs.

tonyd79

12-14-07, 12:33 PM

Supposedly DirecTv still downrezes the signal. Not as bad as the MPEG2 channels(1280x1080i) but I read that they downrez it to 1440x1080i.

How about posting what you know and not what you suppose. The MPEG4 channels are stunning.

Coolgreany

12-14-07, 10:47 PM

I'm confused on whether you are asking about only the digital stations with "004 00 48 NBC WRC SD OK but snowy". The dgital picture may have dropouts, but not snow or analog noise. If it is the digital 4.1 channel, you should be getting WRC-DT 4.1 as that is a strong signal.

Thanks for the info and sorry for the confusion. Yes, 4.1 is coming in loud and clear so 004 00 is redeundant (I just listed all info I could).

I'll try re-pointing the antenna. If I do want to try getting the Baltimore stations from an attic setup what antenna would be an upgrade to the db2 and would I need an amp?

Thanks again neighbor!

"Newbie in AShburn"

jcorwin

12-14-07, 11:55 PM

I'm with Comcast in Howard County. For the past couple of weeks, the clocks in both of my 8300HD DVRs have been early by 25 seconds. Every recording starts and ends 25 seconds early, cutting off the endings of many shows. Since both DVRs are off by exactly the same amount, I thought it must be Comcast's time reference itself that is wrong. I have unplugged the DVRs to force a reboot and hopefully get a new time sync, but they are still off by the same amount. I haven't seen any other mentions of this in the forum. Has anyone else noticed this? Does anyone know of a way to correct the clock?

afiggatt

12-15-07, 01:16 AM

I'm trying to help a relative in Altoona, PA receive Penn State's HD 3.1 (ch 15) which is about 40 miles away with mountains. I might be able to use a good tuner in Sterling VA also, so I thought I'd buy the best I could get and try it in PA. I noticed some on this list have the Samsung SIR-T451 and wondered how well it does and how well it compares to the Samsung DTB-H260F or any Sony tuner?
The Samsung SIR-T451 is the older model ATSC tuner. IIRC, it was first released in 2004. It was replaced by the DTB-H260F in 2006. The H260F gets good marks for locking onto to weak stations. The H260F has some drawbacks for use on SD TVs and in how it handle normal screen mode for 4:3 versus HD channels (or at least use to). The H260F QAM tuner is more capable than the T451 (both for clear QAM only). The list price for the H260F is still $180 which is pretty pricey compared to the $300 TivoHD or the ATSC equipped DVD recorders. But you have to be careful about the DVD recorders with ATSC tuners; I gather most of them only output SD and downrez HD. With the low cost converter tuner boxes for the digital transition coming out early next year, I wonder if Samsung will drop the price for the H260F or release a new lower cost model.

afiggatt

12-15-07, 01:29 AM

I'll try re-pointing the antenna. If I do want to try getting the Baltimore stations from an attic setup what antenna would be an upgrade to the db2 and would I need an amp?

A pre-amp? Maybe, but I would not get one until you try a better antenna by itself. The toss-up for antenna selection is the Channel Master 4221 4 Bay and the more directional CM 4228 8 Bay. The Cm 4228 has more gain & better performance for upper VHF, but has a narrower beamwidth which can be an issue in trying to pick up the Baltimore and Washington stations depending on the angle between the 2 cities. What is you zip code so I can see what the angle is from your location?

Coolgreany

12-15-07, 08:18 AM

What is you zip code so I can see what the angle is from your location?

I'm in 20147 (basically the Southeast corner of Farmwell Road and Ashburn Road)

When I plug in my address at antennaweb the stations range from 40 degrees at 18.8 miles (WFPT-DT 62.1) to about 162 degrees at 18 miles for WPXW-DT 66.1

The Baltimore stations that I don't get are 50 miles at 74 degrees.

I just redirected the antenna a little to the North and pulled in the SD versions of 45 and 54 and the HD versions of 45 (54.1 and 45.2)! I still kept a lock on 22 (which I'd like to improve or get HD version if there is one) and all the other stations I had ! I think this may be as good as it gets.

Thanks for any further suggestions.

Marcus Carr

12-15-07, 04:03 PM

I got a pamphlet from Comcast today that mentions the 6 upcoming HD channels. They are also adding IFC, Fuse, and Bloomberg in January. And of course the annual price increase.

AntAltMike

12-15-07, 05:34 PM

I got a pamphlet from Comcast today that mentions the 6 upcoming HD channels. They are also adding ...Bloomberg in January.

Oh, boy! Bloomberg in HD! I'll have to buy a new TV set.

rviele

12-15-07, 06:12 PM

Oh, boy! Bloomberg in HD! I'll have to buy a new TV set.

my question to you and anyone else who cares to reply, is out of all the sevices that say they broadcast in hd how many actually do. or is most of it just upconverted sd. are there any true hd stations that broadcast at least 4 hours a day in hd?

Marcus Carr

12-15-07, 07:58 PM

Oh, boy! Bloomberg in HD! I'll have to buy a new TV set.

SD.

afiggatt

12-15-07, 08:22 PM

I'm in 20147 (basically the Southeast corner of Farmwell Road and Ashburn Road)

When I plug in my address at antennaweb the stations range from 40 degrees at 18.8 miles (WFPT-DT 62.1) to about 162 degrees at 18 miles for WPXW-DT 66.1

The Baltimore stations that I don't get are 50 miles at 74 degrees.
From your location, the main DC stations at around 22 miles at 112 degrees. That puts the angle between DC and Baltimore at around 38 degrees. That is a significant consideration in choosing an antenna that can get both - or most of the time - without having to rotate the antenna. I went with the CM 4221 because I have a wider angle of ~52 degrees between the DC & Baltimore stations and my attic crawlspace is too tight for the CM 4228.

See http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html for info on the two antennas. Click on the links for the antenna models. The UHF antennas for VHF chart shows that the CM 4228 has good performance for upper VHF. It has a notch for VHF 8, but we won't have a station on that channel in the area.

At your greater distance and narrower angle between the main sets of stations, I suggest you get the Channel Master 4228 8 Bay bowtie if you have the room in the attic to try it. You may have to mount it outside for better performance depending on how your roof line is oriented and surrounding terrain. You will have to experiment with the aim, but probably somewhere just south of Baltimore to get the more distant stations in the main lobe and the closer DC stations off to the side is where I would start. You should be able to get WPXW-DT Ion 66 and WNVT-DT MHz 30 off in a sidelobe.

If you want to dive into it, check www.tvfool.com to see what signal strengths it predicts for your location. The next level would be to download the kmz files for the DC-Balt stations and load them into Google Earth to look at the broadcast patterns for your location. There is a sticky thread in HDTV hardware reception forum on the tvfool.com site.

maestro73

12-15-07, 08:23 PM

I'm pretty sure I noticed this last week too, but doesn't the NFL Network HD broadcast in DD 5.1? Last week and this week I'm getting 2.0. Am I mistaken? I'm on Comcast Alexandria.

afiggatt

12-15-07, 09:09 PM

I'm pretty sure I noticed this last week too, but doesn't the NFL Network HD broadcast in DD 5.1? Last week and this week I'm getting 2.0.
No, the NFL network does not do the games in DD 5.1 but 2.0 only. The 2.0 sound was quite uneven and poor for a game several weeks ago. Check the NFL network game threads in the HDTV programming forum for details. Obviously the NFL is too poor to afford 5.1 sound or to get a better play-by-play announcer. :rolleyes:

maestro73

12-15-07, 10:02 PM

Thanks Afiggatt. Yeah, that's just rediculous they don't do 5.1. I guess I assumed they did. And I agree with you on Gumble. He's....not good.

Coolgreany

12-16-07, 12:39 AM

From your location, the main DC stations at around 22 miles at 112 degrees. That puts the angle between DC and Baltimore at around 38 degrees. That is a significant consideration in choosing an antenna that can get both - or most of the time - without having to rotate the antenna. I went with the CM 4221 because I have a wider angle of ~52 degrees between the DC & Baltimore stations and my attic crawlspace is too tight for the CM 4228.

See http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html for info on the two antennas. Click on the links for the antenna models. The UHF antennas for VHF chart shows that the CM 4228 has good performance for upper VHF. It has a notch for VHF 8, but we won't have a station on that channel in the area.

At your greater distance and narrower angle between the main sets of stations, I suggest you get the Channel Master 4228 8 Bay bowtie if you have the room in the attic to try it. You may have to mount it outside for better performance depending on how your roof line is oriented and surrounding terrain. You will have to experiment with the aim, but probably somewhere just south of Baltimore to get the more distant stations in the main lobe and the closer DC stations off to the side is where I would start. You should be able to get WPXW-DT Ion 66 and WNVT-DT MHz 30 off in a sidelobe.

If you want to dive into it, check www.tvfool.com to see what signal strengths it predicts for your location. The next level would be to download the kmz files for the DC-Balt stations and load them into Google Earth to look at the broadcast patterns for your location. There is a sticky thread in HDTV hardware reception forum on the tvfool.com site.

Thanks Afiggatt!! I'll do some more research. There's loads of room in the attic so I have some options.

tonyd79

12-16-07, 01:07 AM

Thanks Afiggatt. Yeah, that's just rediculous they don't do 5.1. I guess I assumed they did. And I agree with you on Gumble. He's....not good.

When Gumbel is speaking, I wish they were in 0.0

robandjeanne

12-17-07, 10:56 AM

I've been using my attic antennas for over 20 years, but they aren't grounded. I've never had a lightning event. Do others ground their attic antennas?

robandjeanne

12-17-07, 11:24 AM

If you had a tuner like the Samsung DTB-H260F can you feed the output into a modulator and send it to other TVs on ch 3 or 4? I'm guessing this is how it might work. If the other TV was a HDTV it could then receive the HD signal on ch 3. If it was an older TV the Samsung could be set to 480i and the older set would receive the HD programming at standard resolution on ch 3.

This might have a slight advantage in some situations where you wanted to distribute HD programming at a low frequency over cheap cable (like RG59) because losses at ch 3 are so much smaller. The set top boxes that vouchers will be available for next year would do the same thing as the Samsung with the important limitation of not being able to distribute HD programming in high resolution. Actually since most modulators transmit on either 3 or 4, an HD distribution syatem could be configured over cheap cable (or maybe wirelessly using a VHF antenna aimed downwards) with ch 3 being high res HD and ch 4 being SD (from one of the new cheap set top boxes).

Rob

Bill Johnson

12-17-07, 11:50 AM

Do others ground their attic antennas?
I don't! There's no need to ground an attic antenna for one reason because there's no wind to build up static electricity. Besides, if that one in 20,000 or more chances happens and my house takes a direct hit and even less probably it somehow hits my attic antenna directly, the damage to the house will be pretty bad, ground or no ground!

CycloneGT

12-17-07, 12:10 PM

If you had a tuner like the Samsung DTB-H260F can you feed the output into a modulator and send it to other TVs on ch 3 or 4?
Rob

While that would make a lot of sense and be quite useful, the copy protection folks have axed the ability to do this. Dish Network used to have a RF modulator on their Dish 5000 HDTV receiver. People used to hook up D-VHS recorders to it and get perfect copies of HD programs. Later models from Dish omitted the RF modulator and Dish migrated to 8PSK and ceased all support for the QPSK modulation that was the only modulaton supported by the model 5000.

afiggatt

12-17-07, 12:52 PM

For those who want more news in HD, a reminder that Newshour with Jim Lehrer will be making it's HD debut tonight. WETA-DT 26.1 which is producing the show will have it in HD. The listings show HD on MPT, but we shall see. I wonder if the WETA-DT engineers have told Jim Lehrer - "remember for that pristine HD look, no fast moves, no fast pans, and for gods sake, no video of fires, waterfalls, or sports, or else it will break into bit starved macro blocking". :p

PaulGo

12-17-07, 01:01 PM

rvonder

12-17-07, 02:52 PM

Is there anyone out there in the Dale City / Woodbridge area with Comcast's HD service? I'm trying to find out which standard HD box (ie, non-DVR) they provide, and whether it has HDMI and/or optical outputs.

I have some friends near Potomac Mills that I'm trying to help buy a small home theatre (HTIB) audio system to go with their 47" Vizio LCD. They're both a bit "technology challenged", so a system that provides HDMI switching would make things a lot easier to use. But that's pointless if the Comcast box doesn't have an HDMI output (most of the HTIB systems with HDMI input switching no longer have component inputs).

Same with audio: Most of systems I'm considering have optical inputs, but not coaxial. So it's important to know if the cable box offers an optical output.

I tried calling Comcast's support, and the guy said that their boxes do have HDMI outputs but only RCA audio outs (ie, 2-channel analog). I find that very hard to believe in 2007, but he kept insisting that none of Comcast's HD boxes have either optical or coaxial digital outputs... I figured I'd get a better answer here than from Comcast!

Thanks in advance --
Rob

afiggatt

12-17-07, 03:02 PM

I tried calling Comcast's support, and the guy said that their boxes do have HDMI outputs but only RCA audio outs (ie, 2-channel analog). I find that very hard to believe in 2007, but he kept insisting that none of Comcast's HD boxes have either optical or coaxial digital outputs... I figured I'd get a better answer here than from Comcast!

I'm not up on the Comcast STBs, but all decent digital STBs have a digital audio output. The only ones that I know that don't are the low end models such as the Motorola DCT 700 intended to be used with analog TVs for the shutting down of the analog channels. Any STB with HDMI or component output is going to have a digital audio output - period. Which you can use to run the DD 5.1 sound to the sound system from the STB and DVD player while the video goes directly to the TV via component or HDMI. A Logitech Harmony remote can be set up to switch the TV, sound receiver, and cable box at the same time.

JayMan007

12-17-07, 03:17 PM

When Gumbel is speaking, I wish they were in 0.0

Funny... thats when they need to disable the center channel, and keep the other 4.1

rvonder

12-17-07, 03:18 PM

Any STB with HDMI or component output is going to have a digital audio output - period. Which you can use to run the DD 5.1 sound to the sound system from the STB and DVD player while the video goes directly to the TV via component or HDMI.Thanks for the quick reply! I just couldn't believe that Comcast's HD boxes wouldn't have an optical out.

The Samsung HTIB system I'm looking at for them has a 5-disk upscaling DVD player and wireless surround speakers. But best of all, it has both optical and HDMI inputs, which is pretty rare on a system that's only a bit over $300. That way, they don't even need the Harmony remote - the receiver neatly handles all the source switching for both video and audio.

Rob

tonyd79

12-17-07, 03:57 PM

Funny... thats when they need to disable the center channel, and keep the other 4.1

He is still talking in the stadium. Probably pick him up on a surround channel.

tonyd79

12-17-07, 03:57 PM

DirecTV seems to be adding more local HD markets as well as additional channels in a lot of markets. Any word on WNUV? Mark?

tonyd79

12-17-07, 04:02 PM

I tried calling Comcast's support, and the guy said that their boxes do have HDMI outputs but only RCA audio outs (ie, 2-channel analog). I find that very hard to believe in 2007, but he kept insisting that none of Comcast's HD boxes have either optical or coaxial digital outputs... I figured I'd get a better answer here than from Comcast!
Rob

What boxes do they have? Motorola or Scientific Atlanta? If the latter, I know for certain that the SA8300 has an optical digital out. I have used it for months. I'd be very surprised if the Moto (which is usually the better box) didn't have it.

And, on Comcast's own support page, they have this document:

http://www.comcast.com/MediaLibrary/1/1/Customers/Customer_Support/Digital_Cable_with_OD/Digital_Cable/MO_General/Cable_box_connections.pdf

rvonder

12-17-07, 04:15 PM

What boxes do they have? Motorola or Scientific Atlanta?I'm not sure - which is why I was hoping that someone with Comcast in the same area (Dale City/Woodbridge) could tell me. It appears that Comcast uses different boxes in different areas?

Interestingly, it seems that all of their boxes (including the SA8300 and the Moto DCT-5100/6200) have only DVI outputs, not HDMI? Should I have any problems using a DVI-to-HDMI cable to connect the cable box to the HDMI input on the receiver, and then a regular HDMI connection from the receiver to the TV? (I seem to recall reading about some kind of issue when the connection is "relayed" through a switch rather than doing straight to the TV due to stupid copy-protection...?)

Rob

fmsjr

12-17-07, 08:25 PM

No. The modulator is analog not digital.

Yeah, I haven't been able to find an HDMI or component to ATSC modulator. Copy prevention explains it.... at least for component. A smart HDMI version could look at the copy bit.

Damnationdoormat

12-17-07, 09:26 PM

I'm unsure if Comcast is planning new HD channels, but when I was just flipping around on a football commercial break and noticed new channel listings and programming listed for USAD (USA Network), SCIFI (Sci-fi Channel), and HDC (Discovery Channel) around Food Network and TBS-HD. None of the 3 channels would come in though.

But now the listings are gone...?

I'm in the Sparrows Point, MD area.

tonyd79

12-17-07, 09:33 PM

Interestingly, it seems that all of their boxes (including the SA8300 and the Moto DCT-5100/6200) have only DVI outputs, not HDMI?

My 8300 had HDMI.

hokierob

12-17-07, 10:36 PM

I have Cox in Fairfax County. Never had any complaints until now but lately my ESPNHD (Channel 716) has been coming in constantly skipping audio and sometimes video. Has anyone else noticed this? Everything is fine in SD on channle 56.

Marcus Carr

12-17-07, 11:38 PM

Marcus Carr

12-17-07, 11:38 PM

The Comcast Central menus have been added in Baltimore, channels 960-963. They showed up after i rebooted the cable box.

Only shows up on my Motorola 3412, not my 3416.

raidbuck

12-18-07, 07:58 AM

Same thing here. These channels are supposed to be added this week. I called Customer Service just to make sure somebody knew these channels weren't available yet.

I'm in Harford county and I saw them appear last night about 11pm. They are in the guide and I recorded L&O CI on USAHD. We'll see how it recorded tonight (USAHD, SCIFIHD and DiscoveryHD). I don't remember the channel numbers.

Rich N.

Potatoehead

12-18-07, 08:09 AM

TLCHD, USAHD, SCIHD, HistoryHD and DiscoveryHD appeared in Calvert County MD this morning on Comcast. Yeah!

Marcus Carr

12-18-07, 08:27 AM

Still gone from the guide as of about 7:10 this morning. Channel numbers were 235 USA, 236 Sci Fi, 239 Discovery Channel.

PaulGo

12-18-07, 11:03 AM

USA HD and Sci Fi HD has been added to Montgomery County Comcast.

iontyre

12-18-07, 12:42 PM

I'm in Harford county and I saw them appear last night about 11pm. They are in the guide and I recorded L&O CI on USAHD. We'll see how it recorded tonight (USAHD, SCIFIHD and DiscoveryHD). I don't remember the channel numbers.

Rich N.

I had those channels (Harford County) as of about 10:00pm last night. Very excited about ScifiHD!!!!!

GregAnnapolis

12-18-07, 07:14 PM

Effective 12/18/2007, the following channels are newly available on my Comcast in Anne Arundel County (Annapolis MD).

235 USAHD
236 SCIHD
237 HISTD
239 TDCHD
240 TLCHD

(Still want NHLHD and GAMEHD... :))

aaronwt

12-18-07, 07:25 PM

I'll trade you NFLHD on my FIOS for SciFiHD.

GregAnnapolis

12-18-07, 07:35 PM

I'll trade you NFLHD on my FIOS for SciFiHD.
NFLHD is on 246. I want NHLHD, though. :)

hokiefan

12-18-07, 08:18 PM

Just a heads up for anyone with Dish Network.. If you sign up for autopay and paperless billing, you can get cinemax for 2 years @ $0.01 per year.

First seen at slickdeals, more info at satguys:
http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-network-forum/118191-cinemax-1-year-01-w-autopay-paperless-billing.html

CycloneGT

12-18-07, 08:59 PM

n7PEMGuA6tw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7PEMGuA6tw

Joon Rhee comercial

jacindc

12-18-07, 10:14 PM

Joon Rhee commercial

BLESS you for posting this. Suddenly it's 1980 all over again. To this day, I still say "Nobody bothers me, either!"

Now, when's someone going to uncover Nils's "Bullet Fever"?

ETA: Okay, I'll stay on topic. When are these bountiful new channels going to show up on Comcast DC, darn it?

Marcus Carr

12-18-07, 10:57 PM

Still NOTHING in Baltimore City.

clifburns

12-19-07, 07:28 AM

Now, when's someone going to uncover Nils's "Bullet Fever"?

ETA: Okay, I'll stay on topic. When are these bountiful new channels going to show up on Comcast DC, darn it?

Uh, pretty much after every other place in the area that has competition from FIOS. Since there isn't FIOS in DC, and no plans for FIOS in DC, well, we will just have to wait.

raidbuck

12-19-07, 07:50 AM

CycloneGT:

Harford County did not get TLC and HistoryHD, just USAHD, SciFiHD and DiscoveryHD. It's a preview until Jan 15 when we add TLC, History and CNNHD.

Thanks,

Rich N.

aaronwt

12-19-07, 07:51 AM

NFLHD is on 246. I want NHLHD, though. :)
Doh! i misread it.

mikepinkerton

12-19-07, 10:28 AM

afiggatt

12-19-07, 10:58 AM

My friend (really!) in Leesburg just got FIOS TV and he's really unhappy (coming from Dish). He says that there's no way to get the analog channels to stop from automatically stretching to widescreen from the box, he has to use his TV to reverse the stretch manually.

He also says that the DVR only holds about 8hrs of HD content, down from 10x that with his Dish receiver. He guesses it's because the signal isn't compressed, therefore it's recording the raw signal.
First, there are no analog channels using the Fios STB or DVR. All of the SD channels he sees are sent digitally. The DVR must be outputting upconverted stretched SD. He needs to set the DVR up to output 480i or 480p for the SD channels. Tell him to turn the DVR off (but not the TV), press Select, and then Menu on the remote to access the setup menu. Change 4:3 Override to 480i or 480p. If he needs help with closed caption setup, I can provide more info. Turn the DVR off to save the settings. See http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Setup for details on the Motorola setup menu.

The Fios Motorola QIP 6416 DVR has a 160 GB hard drive. It holds around 20 hours of HD. Yes, that is small. If his DVR has the original IMG release 1.0.3 firmware, then it will show an inaccurate # for the HD hours remaining in the recording space. This was fixed with the IMG 1.0.4 release that was sent out last week. It is possible that if he just got the DVR, they gave him one that was sitting on a shelf when the 1.0.4 patch was sent out a week ago. If his settings info shows release 1.0.3, he should call Verizon and have them push the update to his DVR or swap it.

Of course, the digital signal is compressed, in this case, using MPEG-2. No one sends out a uncompressed HD signal, there is not the bandwidth for it. Verizon passes what they get from the local broadcast stations and the national HD cable channels with no additional compression, so they do provide the best picture quality available. The DBS companies are switching to MPEG-4 to save on bandwidth which does make for smaller HD files.

Perhaps the biggest limit to Verizon Fios at this time is the 160 GB hard drive in the DVR. They have not activated the eSATA port (and not all of the QIP 6416s Verizon out there have the eSATA port) so there is no external expansion hard drive option. The only real solution, which many have done, is to get the TivoHD and lease 2 cable cards.

drewdc

12-19-07, 04:32 PM

TLCHD, USAHD, SCIHD, HistoryHD and DiscoveryHD appeared in Calvert County MD this morning on Comcast. Yeah!

got'em here in huntingtown!!!!

lax01

12-19-07, 05:36 PM

Montgomery County got USAHD, SCIFIHD, NFLHDTV sometime yesterday

BRING ON BSG!

Marcus Carr

12-19-07, 05:43 PM

Baltimore City got USA, Sci Fi, Discovery Channel today.

lax01

12-19-07, 05:43 PM

Baltimore City got USA, Sci Fi, Discovery Channel today.

I'm still shocked that people don't have Discovery HD-Theater...we've had it so long I just don't think I could understand TV without it

GregAnnapolis

12-19-07, 06:01 PM

I'm still shocked that people don't have Discovery HD-Theater...we've had it so long I just don't think I could understand TV without it
He said "Discovery Channel" not "Discovery HD-Theater". They are two completely different channels, the latter of which is now called "HD Theatre" -- and we've had HD Theatre for at least 2.5 years -- maybe even before that, but my HD experience begins in June 2005 or so.

Potatoehead

12-19-07, 06:21 PM

Originally we got SCIHD in the comcast upgrade - now they have switched it to SCIFIHD. I am happy, but did someone make a mistake?

lax01

12-19-07, 07:35 PM

He said "Discovery Channel" not "Discovery HD-Theater". They are two completely different channels, the latter of which is now called "HD Theatre" -- and we've had HD Theatre for at least 2.5 years -- maybe even before that, but my HD experience begins in June 2005 or so.

OH ok...so this is part of their new platform of HD channels...gotcha

JoeInNVa

12-19-07, 09:03 PM

Maybe when I get back on the 30th Comcast of Alexandria will have the new channels.

drbuford

12-19-07, 09:25 PM

I'm hoping someone can help me here...

I recently upgraded to an HDTV and am trying to figure out what I need to do with my Comcast service. I have a dedicated HTPC with Windows Media Center that I currently use to watch and record all of my TV (a HD video card outputs the video to the TV). I know I need a new TV tuner for the PC, but when I called Comcast tech support, they didn't seem like they knew anything about QAM or CableCARD and certainly didn't know if the local HD channels were being encrypted. They also said they had never heard of anyone using a computer to record the TV.

All I really care about is receiving the local network channels in HD. I'm too remote for an antenna to be really effective, so I can't go that route. Does anyone know what Comcast is really doing? (I know I'm asking for sarcasm here ;-)

I can easily find QAM tuners for my Media Center, but the CableCARD tuners are harder to find and much more expensive. I don't mind spending the money if that's what is really needed, but I also want to make sure I get the right thing.

Thanks in advance for any help!

azitnay

12-19-07, 10:04 PM

Uh, pretty much after every other place in the area that has competition from FIOS. Since there isn't FIOS in DC, and no plans for FIOS in DC, well, we will just have to wait.

I wouldn't say there are no plans for FIOS in DC... I received a telephone survey about the possibility a couple months ago.

If anything, I'd say Verizon wants to do it, but the city is dragging its feet as usual (probably due to pressure from Comcast).

Drew

MrChad

12-19-07, 10:06 PM

CuseHokie

12-19-07, 10:26 PM

New HD channels are starting to come in here in Loudoun Co. So far I see Food Network HD, HGTV HD, USA HD and SCI FI HD, and it looks like there are placeholders for others that haven't yet appeared on the guide.

Beat me to it!!

Just noticed this...

By scanning the unnamed, seems like we have CNN, Animal Planet, History, and a few others I'm still figuring out.

JoeInNVa

12-20-07, 07:18 AM

clifburns

12-20-07, 07:33 AM

I wouldn't say there are no plans for FIOS in DC... I received a telephone survey about the possibility a couple months ago.

If anything, I'd say Verizon wants to do it, but the city is dragging its feet as usual (probably due to pressure from Comcast).

Drew

Well, then you'd be wrong according to this article (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/26/AR2007092602468.html) in the Washington Post which suggests that the District is asking Verizon about its deployment plans and Verizon won't say.

azitnay

12-20-07, 08:24 AM

Well, then you'd be wrong according to this article in the Washington Post which suggests that the District is asking Verizon about its deployment plans and Verizon won't say.

Verizon certainly isn't alone in its clandestine approach to FIOS rollouts... I remember calling Comcast every day back in the summer of 1997, asking when Comcast@Home cable modem service would be available in my Columbia, MD neighborhood. They never gave me any indication either way until the day I was able to order service.

I remember reading that Post article... It can certainly be frustrating, but I certainly didn't take from it that Verizon isn't planning on deploying FIOS in DC any time soon. It was also printed over a month before my phone survey took place.

Drew

drbuford

12-20-07, 08:27 AM

get a Tuner card, install it and plug in the cable and do a scan and yhou should see all of the locals in HD.
Thanks for the quick reply! I'm assuming you mean a QAM tuner card will work? Then, do you have any idea what package I need from Comcast just to get the local networks in HD? Believe it or not, the Comcast person on the phone couldn't tell me and the only channel list I found shows all the channels, not the breakout by package.

azitnay

12-20-07, 09:06 AM

Thanks for the quick reply! I'm assuming you mean a QAM tuner card will work? Then, do you have any idea what package I need from Comcast just to get the local networks in HD? Believe it or not, the Comcast person on the phone couldn't tell me and the only channel list I found shows all the channels, not the breakout by package.

No guarantees, but it's certainly possible that you'll get them with the cheapo ~$13 a month "basic" plan... I'd start there and work your way up.

I wouldn't expect many straight answers from Comcast on this one... If you're not going for one of their digital packages, they're probably not going to spend a lot of time on you.

Drew

machpost

12-20-07, 09:53 AM

I'm not holding my breath for FiOS availability in the District. And even after they start rolling it out, single-family homes in wealthy neighborhoods will probably be the first to get it, while they take their time rolling it out to MDUs (large apartment or condo buildings) and less fashionable neighborhoods.

DocWB

12-20-07, 09:56 AM

JayMan007

12-20-07, 10:35 AM

Originally we got SCIHD in the comcast upgrade - now they have switched it to SCIFIHD. I am happy, but did someone make a mistake?

Potatoehead,

Is that Mr. Potatoehead?

I'm not sure where you are, but Richmond, VA got USA-HD and SciFi-HD yesterday... although the guide had SCIHD. That has been corrected and today the guide shows SCIFI.
I would say that someone made a mistake... I'd also think that SCI-HD will be added soon.
It makes me think that NoVA/DC/Baltimore and Richmond have the same technicians since we have the same channel lineup and had that same error.

Speqtre

12-20-07, 10:35 AM

Might be a little OT, but i was thinking about switching to Verizon FiOS. I currently have DishNetwork. You guys think its worth it? The bill will probably be around the same but thats with the sports and movie package on the FiOS. Also, when i get the HD Box, i should be able to get all the HD channels they offer, correct?

I currently have FIOS and will probably switch to Comcast for a couple reasons. I don't feel that the Feb '08 price jump in FIOS is justified at this point. I just picked up a Tivo HD and need cablecards - FIOS wants $3.99 per, Comcast will charge $1.98 for two. I also just got a card from Comcast offering their Digital Preferred Plus Package with HBO and Starz for $29.95 a month for a year.

FIOS is ok, but it certainly isn't the panacea that people make it out to be.