I don't have the Premiums listed right now, but at least here are all the "free" HD Channels for FiOs:

http://www22.verizon.com/NROneRetail/NR/rdonlyres/F7A9CAA9-BE55-48D2-82C0-037AB914D0EF/0/CCT_WASH.pdf

503 CW HD - WDCW (50)
504 NBC HD - WRC (4)
505 FOX HD - WTTG (5)
506 My WDCA HD (20)
507 ABC HD - WJLA (7)
509 CBS HD - WUSA (9)
522 PBS HD - WMPT(22)
526 PBS HD - WETA (26)
550 USA HD
551 TNT HD
552 TBS HD
567 Universal HD
569 HDNet
570 ESPN HD
573 ESPNU HD
574 ESPN2 HD
576 Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD
585 Big Ten Network HD
588 NFL Network HD
590 Versus/Golf HD
591 Outdoor Channel 2 HD
600 CNN HD
602 CNBC HD+
619 The Weather Channel HD
620 Discovery Channel HD
621 National Geographic Channel HD
622 Science Channel HD
625 Smithsonian Channel HD
628 History Channel HD
630 Animal Planet HD
631 HD Theater
639 TLC HD
640 Lifetime HD
641 Lifetime Movie Network HD
664 Food Network HD
665 HGTV HD
669 Wealth TV HD
680 Sci-Fi Channel HD
681 A&E HD
685 Bravo HD
711 Palladia HD
746 HD Net Movies

I saw where the new channels were up this morning.

Both WDCA-DT My 20 (7 & 8 PM) and WUTB-DT My 24 (6 & 7 PM) are showing Desperate Housewives in HD tonight. So we have some more shows in HD syndication in our area. It is a little odd that the two My Network stations are able to present syndicated shows in HD while many of the big four stations - WRC-DT 4, WUSA-DT 9, WBAL-DT 11, WJZ-DT 13 - are not yet able to do so.

On the other hand, the two My Network stations are owned and operated by FOX. They've got deep pockets. By the way, did we decide that WUTB-DT is up to full power? It's still the weakest signal from Baltimore for me and in a slightly different direction.

It is a little odd that the two My Network stations are able to present syndicated shows in HD while many of the big four stations - WRC-DT 4, WUSA-DT 9, WBAL-DT 11, WJZ-DT 13 - are not yet able to do so.
I've never seen WTTG shown anything in HD syndication either. The Saturday airings of "Everybody Loves Raymond" are always SD despite My20 being in the same building and having the equipment.

Not sure it this question belongs here on in the FIOS thread but...

Has anyone had any problems doing a QAM channel scan on FIOS lately? I have a VIZIO that I've got the signal split - 1 to the STB, 1 to the ANT input. Up til about a week ago I was able to scan and watch all the unencrypted channels. Since then everytime I scanned I got an error message. Noticed the channel lineup change and tried a scan today, now I get a bunch of channels on the scan but none of the locals.

Tony

FIOS just had a channel re-alignment this morning in teh DC area. maybe that is part of the problem?
I'll check tonight when I get home to see what one of my TVs does with the unencrypted channels.

Not sure it this question belongs here on in the FIOS thread but...

Has anyone had any problems doing a QAM channel scan on FIOS lately? I have a VIZIO that I've got the signal split - 1 to the STB, 1 to the ANT input. Up til about a week ago I was able to scan and watch all the unencrypted channels. Since then everytime I scanned I got an error message. Noticed the channel lineup change and tried a scan today, but now I a bunch of channels on the scan but none of the locals.
I did a QAM channel scan yesterday with a Samsung TV to see if Verizon had added any more QAM channels since they added a bunch at the Sterling CO last Wednesday (or was it Thursday?). Had no problems. The locals were all there in the same place with the HD & SD digital locals mapped to the broadcast channel number and the other SD & non-encrypted channels at the same QAM sub-channels where they have been for many months. But if we are going to have Washington area Verizon thread, we should move followup posts on issues this specific to Fios there.

To summarize for this thread, Verizon Fios added 16 new HD channels this morning. Missing are the 6 additional Starz, Showtime, TMC HD channels shown in the channel line-up at Verizon web site. Figure those will be added in the near future.

On the other hand, the two My Network stations are owned and operated by FOX. They've got deep pockets. By the way, did we decide that WUTB-DT is up to full power? It's still the weakest signal from Baltimore for me and in a slightly different direction.

Due to WUTB-DT 41 having to protect WMPT-DT 42, they have a very directional antenna. If I'm calculating correctly, you're only receiving about 10.76 kW in your direction with the full-powered signal.

- Trip

I've never seen WTTG shown anything in HD syndication either. The Saturday airings of "Everybody Loves Raymond" are always SD despite My20 being in the same building and having the equipment.

I've actually mentioned that on this thread a few weeks ago and last week I noticed that WTTG showed it in HD at midnight as part of a new lineup.

For those of you with FIOS and Tivo, your channel guides have probably not been updated so this will screw up your season passes. If you have this problem, the best temporary solution is to re-do your guide set-up and put in the zip code 21044 and choose the Ann Arundel line-up. It is virtually identical to northern Virginia except for a few of the HD locals (e.g., they don't have the DC WB 50 in the Guide).

For those of you with FIOS and Tivo, your channel guides have probably not been updated so this will screw up your season passes. If you have this problem, the best temporary solution is to re-do your guide set-up and put in the zip code 21044 and choose the Ann Arundel line-up. It is virtually identical to northern Virginia except for a few of the HD locals (e.g., they don't have the DC WB 50 in the Guide).

Pick 20872 and then pick Ann Arundel. You get all the right locals (and just need to remove the Baltimore ones).

So I got the new HD lineup yesterday, but the extra channels for premiums, like all the new Starz HD's and Showtime HD's aren't anywhere to be found. Tuning to the channel is blank, so it's not just a guide issue.

The PDF says they are part of the lineup, but the on-line guide doesn't have them.

What's up with this? Did we get screwed?

I've actually mentioned that on this thread a few weeks ago and last week I noticed that WTTG showed it in HD at midnight as part of a new lineup.
Checked last night and WTTG-DT Fox 5 was indeed showing Everybody Loves Raymond in HD at midnight. So WTTG-DT can provide syndicated shows in HD. Should check their schedule and see what syndicated shows they might be able to provide in HD.

For those of you with FIOS and Tivo, your channel guides have probably not been updated so this will screw up your season passes. If you have this problem, the best temporary solution is to re-do your guide set-up and put in the zip code 21044 and choose the Ann Arundel line-up. It is virtually identical to northern Virginia except for a few of the HD locals (e.g., they don't have the DC WB 50 in the Guide).

Thank you Thank you Thank you
I could not figure out what to do - my zip just pulled in the same as before. I wonder why 21044 is updated but ours is not.

This is off-topic, but may be of interest to the OTA people here on this forum. It seems that WDCN-LP in Arlington, formerly W06CJ, is pretty much just operating as an FM radio station on 87.7. Given that their video would interfere with WTTG and that other channel 6 LP's in other markets have done the same thing, it seems like the video is off (which I believe the FCC allows for an LP) but the audio is up and running.

I don't have any proof or confirmation, but since I couldn't get a video signal from them even close to the transmitter, their audio is in FM stereo (the radio kind--my radio lights up the "stereo" indicator, which it does not do for WTTG's audio) and the volume is on par with other radio stations it seems pretty likely.

Not praise or criticism, just a note I thought would be of interest to some.

Hello all -

We've gotten a couple of calls from Comcast saying that their customers in southern Howard County get no audio during prime-time programming, when they record WBFF on their Comcast supplied DVRs. They will get audio during commercials, just not on the programs...

They told the boss that that area is where they give out Scientific Atlanta boxes. Where they use the Motorola boxes, there is no issue...

Anyone else having this problem?

Thanks -

Anybody else not getting HD locals 4,5,7,9 and 20 on D*?

Edit: They came back around 7:30pm last night. Must have been happening across the country.

Mine have been out for about an hour. Cannont get through to D*

Pick 20872 and then pick Ann Arundel. You get all the right locals (and just need to remove the Baltimore ones).

The FIOS Wash DC channel lineup is correct now. I re- did my guided setup on the four boxes I have on FIOS this evening and everything shows up correctly the same as when I picked the Anne Arundal/Howard County Lineup yesterday.

Hello all -

We've gotten a couple of calls from Comcast saying that their customers in southern Howard County get no audio during prime-time programming, when they record WBFF on their Comcast supplied DVRs. They will get audio during commercials, just not on the programs...

They told the boss that that area is where they give out Scientific Atlanta boxes. Where they use the Motorola boxes, there is no issue...

Anyone else having this problem?

Thanks -

I'm in Columbia and both the SD (15) and HD (213) feeds were fine on my TiVo with SA cablecards. The SA SD box was also OK with the SD feed on 15. I don't have a Comcast SA DVR or HD box.

Hope that helps.

Not sure if its true or not, but www.dcrtv.com is reporting that the Greaseman has died. Bummer.

Not sure if its true or not, but www.dcrtv.com is reporting that the Greaseman has died. Bummer.

It's not true.

Grease Is Alive, Angry About Death Rumor - 9/24 - A reliable source confirms to DCRTV that DC radio veteran Doug "Greaseman" Tracht is alive and well. Despite the announcement of his demise on his station, Clear Channel rocker DC101, yesterday afternoon and a video on YouTube and wording on a Greaseman fan website that alluded he was a gonner. "Doug is still trying to put the pieces together," a source close to Tracht tells us. "Family members were in tears not knowing his true fate. He was making calls all night just to put things right. He was on his boat and found out about the story last night. He had nothing to do with the rumor and is not too pleased." More in DCRTV's 9/23 newsblurb.....

http://www.dcrtv.com/

So he's not dead anymore. That's great.

Got one or two very basic questions that I can't seem to get a straight answer to. Thanks for your patience...

I'm in the MD suburbs of DC, and have had RCN, using QAM tuner. Now that RCN has decided to spit on their customers by encrypting all of the digital channels (leaving basic broadcast in SD, what a joke) :mad: I have decided I'm done with RCN. The idea of having to spend anything to rent an HD box when I have a tuner built-in is unacceptable.

My only other option at the moment is Comcast. FIOS hasn't hit my neighborhood yet but should be here in the near future.

So, q#1: From what I've been reading in these threads, I don't have to rent a box with Comcast, correct? And I should still be able to receive HD programming through QAM?

q#2: I'm having trouble deciphering packages and prices on Comcast's site, and I don't fully trust their sales people.
If I order the 'extended basic', will that give me the usual suspects (aside from broadcast networks, CNN, Comedy Central, ESPN, etc) in DIGITAL or is it just analog? And would I be able to utilize the HD versions of those channels through QAM?
The have some sort of 'digital' package and I simply can't tell the difference.

Advice welcome. Thanks.

Hello all -

We've gotten a couple of calls from Comcast saying that their customers in southern Howard County get no audio during prime-time programming, when they record WBFF on their Comcast supplied DVRs. They will get audio during commercials, just not on the programs...

They told the boss that that area is where they give out Scientific Atlanta boxes. Where they use the Motorola boxes, there is no issue...

Anyone else having this problem?

Thanks -

Mark-
Sounds like a PID issue. Maybe the viewer(s) have the box defaulted to SAP and you aren't providing anything on that PID? OR it might be and AC3 vs MPEG2L2 issue...

Just a thought (or two)!

Anybody else having a problem with clear QAM network channels for Montgomery county Comcast. In the last couple of days 7.1 and 9.1 are no longer available. The other HD networks are still available.

Got one or two very basic questions that I can't seem to get a straight answer to. Thanks for your patience...

I'm in the MD suburbs of DC, and have had RCN, using QAM tuner. Now that RCN has decided to spit on their customers by encrypting all of the digital channels (leaving basic broadcast in SD, what a joke) :mad: I have decided I'm done with RCN. The idea of having to spend anything to rent an HD box when I have a tuner built-in is unacceptable.

My only other option at the moment is Comcast. FIOS hasn't hit my neighborhood yet but should be here in the near future.

So, q#1: From what I've been reading in these threads, I don't have to rent a box with Comcast, correct? And I should still be able to receive HD programming through QAM?

q#2: I'm having trouble deciphering packages and prices on Comcast's site, and I don't fully trust their sales people.
If I order the 'extended basic', will that give me the usual suspects (aside from broadcast networks, CNN, Comedy Central, ESPN, etc) in DIGITAL or is it just analog? And would I be able to utilize the HD versions of those channels through QAM?
The have some sort of 'digital' package and I simply can't tell the difference.

Advice welcome. Thanks.

If your TV has a cable card slot you can get those channels, otherwise don't expect much more than the local digital channels.

Hello all -

We've gotten a couple of calls from Comcast saying that their customers in southern Howard County get no audio during prime-time programming, when they record WBFF on their Comcast supplied DVRs. They will get audio during commercials, just not on the programs...

They told the boss that that area is where they give out Scientific Atlanta boxes. Where they use the Motorola boxes, there is no issue...

Anyone else having this problem?

Thanks -

Mark,

Yes, this a an honest to god problem. I live in Harford County, using a SA 8300HD DVR, and if I DVR a program on WBFF-DT (213) (specifically I have had this happen with two episodes of Fringe and an episode of Sarah Conner Chronicles) the picture plays back fine, but the audio is full of breakups. If I rewind and watch the same part over, the breakups do not occur in the same place!! Very frustrating, has been going on for at least three weeks. Does not seem to happen on any other channel (definitely not SciFi or WBAL-DT, as I have tried those in recent days without incident.)

For me, the problem continues during commercials too! Looks like a weak audio signal, as my receiver's signal reception lights keep blinking on and off with the audio.

Got one or two very basic questions that I can't seem to get a straight answer to. Thanks for your patience...

I'm in the MD suburbs of DC, and have had RCN, using QAM tuner. Now that RCN has decided to spit on their customers by encrypting all of the digital channels (leaving basic broadcast in SD, what a joke) :mad: I have decided I'm done with RCN. The idea of having to spend anything to rent an HD box when I have a tuner built-in is unacceptable.

My only other option at the moment is Comcast. FIOS hasn't hit my neighborhood yet but should be here in the near future.

So, q#1: From what I've been reading in these threads, I don't have to rent a box with Comcast, correct? And I should still be able to receive HD programming through QAM?

q#2: I'm having trouble deciphering packages and prices on Comcast's site, and I don't fully trust their sales people.
If I order the 'extended basic', will that give me the usual suspects (aside from broadcast networks, CNN, Comedy Central, ESPN, etc) in DIGITAL or is it just analog? And would I be able to utilize the HD versions of those channels through QAM?
The have some sort of 'digital' package and I simply can't tell the difference.

Advice welcome. Thanks.
Go to http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels and enter in your zip code. That should give you an idea of what you'll be able to receive. Assuming someone has an HDHomerun in your area. My zip code 20164 has many more channels in clear QAM than Comcast in Reston 20190. So your results will vary depending on location.

Your best bet is to go with a cable card if you don't want a box.

Just saw this on a Cox promo channel. The following are being added:

Setanta Sports
MBC Plus
MTV HD
Spike HD
VH1 HD
CMT HD
Nickelodeon HD
NBC Universal Sports

No ESPN-U or Weather Channel...a bit bummed about that.

Does anyone know when WRC will offer Ellen and Dr. Phil in HD?

Are 20/20 and Fox News Sunday still in SD nationally or locally?

unfortunately, I don't have a cable card slot. So I guess I have no option but to get the box, eh? Seems odd, considering so many others here seem to be using QAM and Comcast.

I also don't particularly understand that link: http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels

my zip 20912 Lists pretty much everything as 'unencrypted'. This is to watch tv on my computer? Not really what I was getting at.

I'd really just like to know.. if I go w/Comcast, do I have to get the digital package and the hd box to watch HD channels? Will the basic (expanded basic) channel just give me analog and some local broadcast digital/hd?
Why is a cable card being suggested when others here clearly use QAM?

unfortunately, I don't have a cable card slot. So I guess I have no option but to get the box, eh? Seems odd, considering so many others here seem to be using QAM and Comcast.

I also don't particularly understand that link: http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels

my zip 20912 Lists pretty much everything as 'unencrypted'. This is to watch tv on my computer? Not really what I was getting at.

I'd really just like to know.. if I go w/Comcast, do I have to get the digital package and the hd box to watch HD channels? Will the basic (expanded basic) channel just give me analog and some local broadcast digital/hd?
Why is a cable card being suggested when others here clearly use QAM?

Cable Card = QAM.

I think you're asking about unencrypted QAM?

I think what he's asking is: what, if any, is the lowest level of service from Comcast that doesn't require a box and will pass unencrypted QAM HD channels.

stuttsdc - Sorry I don't know the answer; I just use the HD box and haven't really explored using my TV's QAM tuner.

WUTB was 480i on Comcast in Baltimore for a few days but is back to 720p. Walking Tall is in HD. No bug on WUTB or WDCA.

Anybody else having a problem with clear QAM network channels for Montgomery county Comcast. In the last couple of days 7.1 and 9.1 are no longer available. The other HD networks are still available.
Comcast customer service was no help, but while on hold and talking to the tech, I found some of the "lost" channels myself for Montgomery County, MD. It seems that Comcast moved the ABC digital signals to 17.1/17.2/17.3, the WETA (PBS) signals to 17.4/17.5/17.6/17.7 and the CBS signals to 108.21/108.22 on the QAM tuner.

Just saw this on a Cox promo channel. The following are being added:

Setanta Sports
MBC Plus
MTV HD
Spike HD
VH1 HD
CMT HD
Nickelodeon HD
NBC Universal Sports

No ESPN-U or Weather Channel...a bit bummed about that.

I saw that, too. I'm very disappointed and this meager addition to Cox's already-meager HD offering has me strongly considering switching to FIOS when it becomes available in my development (Verizon already wired the neighborhood so it shouldn't be very long.)

Cox had made a lot of promises but has delivered very little in this area. While Comcast is adding HDNet, we're getting CMTHD? I like country music okay but are they kidding me? Setanta isn't even HD as far as I can tell.

I saw that, too. I'm very disappointed and this meager addition to Cox's already-meager HD offering has me strongly considering switching to FIOS when it becomes available in my development (Verizon already wired the neighborhood so it shouldn't be very long.)

Cox had made a lot of promises but has delivered very little in this area. While Comcast is adding HDNet, we're getting CMTHD? I like country music okay but are they kidding me? Setanta isn't even HD as far as I can tell.

Yeah, I don't think Universal Sports or Setanta are HD channels. I'm leaning towards switching to FIOS as well, and just had Verizon digging in my area. Once Verizon digs and lays down the wiring, any idea on how long it takes to actually have the service?

It only took a few months for us.

Comcast Baltimore City will add NFL HD on 10/1.

I'd really just like to know.. if I go w/Comcast, do I have to get the digital package and the hd box to watch HD channels? Will the basic (expanded basic) channel just give me analog and some local broadcast digital/hd?
Why is a cable card being suggested when others here clearly use QAM?

No - you don't need the digital package to watch "some" HD chs.
Getting the basic will suffice but good luck getting that - you have to be firm with them - they'll try to upsell you to lots of things you don't need
Cablecard can be used in lieu of an STB (to save space/money) to get all the chs, even encrypted ones (of course you have to pay for the higher tier programming package).

Clear QAM = locals (including HD)
Encrypted QAM + cablecard = all chs

No - you don't need the digital package to watch "some" HD chs.
Getting the basic will suffice but good luck getting that - you have to be firm with them - they'll try to upsell you to lots of things you don't need
Cablecard can be used in lieu of an STB (to save space/money) to get all the chs, even encrypted ones (of course you have to pay for the higher tier programming package).

Clear QAM = locals (including HD)
Encrypted QAM + cablecard = all chs
Thanks, guys. Yes, I'm talking about unencrypted QAM. Having had RCN, I could just plug the cable into my tv and not have to deal w/the box. But that option is now gone, and I wanted to avoid RCN b/c of it.

It seems that what I'm hearing (correct me if I'm wrong) is that w/Comcast I'd have to get the digital package AND a cablebox (card is not an option) to get HD on all channels.
If I got the basic package and no box, I'd just get locals on HD.
If I got the digital package and no box, I'd see nothing other than the local channels.

This sound about right?

Thanks, guys. Yes, I'm talking about unencrypted QAM. Having had RCN, I could just plug the cable into my tv and not have to deal w/the box. But that option is now gone, and I wanted to avoid RCN b/c of it.

It seems that what I'm hearing (correct me if I'm wrong) is that w/Comcast I'd have to get the digital package AND a cablebox (card is not an option) to get HD on all channels.
If I got the basic package and no box, I'd just get locals on HD.
If I got the digital package and no box, I'd see nothing other than the local channels.

This sound about right?

Yes.

Thanks, guys. Yes, I'm talking about unencrypted QAM. Having had RCN, I could just plug the cable into my tv and not have to deal w/the box. But that option is now gone, and I wanted to avoid RCN b/c of it.

It seems that what I'm hearing (correct me if I'm wrong) is that w/Comcast I'd have to get the digital package AND a cablebox (card is not an option) to get HD on all channels.
If I got the basic package and no box, I'd just get locals on HD.
If I got the digital package and no box, I'd see nothing other than the local channels.

This sound about right?
The link I gave you just shows someone who has RCN so that won't help with determining what comes in on clear QAM (the channels with blue highlighting, the green are OTA from an antenna).

Its difficult to determine what you'll get because each Comcast system is different. Some people get lots of channels in clear QAM while others get barely the locals. When you order any digital expanded service, Comcast just puts authorization codes in their system that allow the cable box or cable card to decode the encrypted QAM channels. Some basic channels may be digitaly encrypted as well if they aren't coming in via Analog.

My area seems to be moving to digital simulcast of some sort so thats why 20164 shows lots of channels available in clear QAM.

Off-topic, it would be nice if the cable operators and especially those with addressable NIDs (Verizon) could just deliver whatever you subscribe to unencrypted inside your home. However the content providers will prevent this from happening.

Also, just be glad none of the providers near you are doing Switched Digital Video. That would really force you to have the box as Cable Cards won't work on SDV.

Just saw this on a Cox promo channel. The following are being added:

Setanta Sports
MBC Plus
MTV HD
Spike HD
VH1 HD
CMT HD
Nickelodeon HD
NBC Universal Sports

No ESPN-U or Weather Channel...a bit bummed about that.
Yeah. And dont they already carry MTVHD?

The link I gave you just shows someone who has RCN so that won't help with determining what comes in on clear QAM (the channels with blue highlighting, the green are OTA from an antenna).

Its difficult to determine what you'll get because each Comcast system is different. Some people get lots of channels in clear QAM while others get barely the locals. When you order any digital expanded service, Comcast just puts authorization codes in their system that allow the cable box or cable card to decode the encrypted QAM channels. Some basic channels may be digitaly encrypted as well if they aren't coming in via Analog.

My area seems to be moving to digital simulcast of some sort so thats why 20164 shows lots of channels available in clear QAM.

Off-topic, it would be nice if the cable operators and especially those with addressable NIDs (Verizon) could just deliver whatever you subscribe to unencrypted inside your home. However the content providers will prevent this from happening.

Also, just be glad none of the providers near you are doing Switched Digital Video. That would really force you to have the box as Cable Cards won't work on SDV.
I guess it's a bit confusing b/c I thought the point of having a QAM tuner was so you didn't have to have a cable box. On one hand, I can go back and read dozen of posts pertaining to clear QAM channels. On the other, the info I'm getting says you have to have a box or cable card. So, I'm guessing all these companies are encrypting basic cable channels and not allowing the use of the built-in tuners. Up until this week, I could use my built-in tuner to watch RCN digital just fine. But now, they've encrypted everything except SD broadcast. The posts here more or less confirm the same is true for Comcast.
Seems like a great big scam from the cable companies to force you to rent their gear when it clearly shouldn't be necessary.

Yeah. And dont they already carry MTVHD?


Isn't MTV-HD now called Palladia?

Isn't MTV-HD now called Palladia?
No. Palladia was MHD or Music HD which is all HD (where everything gets repeated 100s of times). MTV-HD is a simulcast of the regular MTV channel which reportedly does not have much HD on it.

Surprising that Cox is not adding Weather Channel HD in place of one of those on that list. The Weather Channel HD now has a high percentage of real HD and looks pretty dang good. But corporate bundles control which gets added so the Cox subscribers will get MTV-HD, VH1-HD, CMT-HD as a group.

Does anyone know when WRC will offer Ellen and Dr. Phil in HD?
Are 20/20 and Fox News Sunday still in SD nationally or locally?
20/20 and Fox News Sunday are network programs so it is up to the network to provide them in HD. ABC news has made a big move to HD with the nightly news and Nightline in HD for several weeks now. According to this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1059947), 20/20 and Primetime should be in HD by now.

Ellen and Dr. Phil are syndicated programs. As for the NBC O&O WRC-DT 4, with the big budget cuts for the NBC owned stations, there have been no recent reports on when WRC-DT will upgrade the local news to HD or provide syndicated programming in HD. I would not count on it anytime soon. There have been reports here that WUSA-DT 9 in DC, WJZ-DT 13 in Baltimore will be able to provide syndicated programs in HD soon.

Comcast has added NFL Network HD. Looks like it's a full-time channel this time judging by the guide.

No. Palladia was MHD or Music HD which is all HD (where everything gets repeated 100s of times). MTV-HD is a simulcast of the regular MTV channel which reportedly does not have much HD on it.

Surprising that Cox is not adding Weather Channel HD in place of one of those on that list. The Weather Channel HD now has a high percentage of real HD and looks pretty dang good. But corporate bundles control which gets added so the Cox subscribers will get MTV-HD, VH1-HD, CMT-HD as a group.

So Palladia/Music-Hd actually shows video music? That's a new concept isn't it? To have a music video channel actually show music videos.
I'll have to check it out somwtime.

So Palladia/Music-Hd actually shows video music? That's a new concept isn't it? To have a music video channel actually show music videos.
I'll have to check it out somwtime.


Well, it did actually show music when it was MHD, but I wonder whether the name change presaged putting this channel on the same downward spiral as other MTV-family stations and whether we should expect any day now to see the debut on Palladia of "Reality TV with Hulk Hogan's Daughter" and "Ten No-Talent Bimbos Competing For a Cameo on Poison's Comeback Video".

I've never seen WTTG shown anything in HD syndication either. The Saturday airings of "Everybody Loves Raymond" are always SD despite My20 being in the same building and having the equipment.


WTTG and WDCA are both FOX owned; however, they are in different buildings. Their antennas are shared (both atop the VNA Building, where WTTG-TV/DT itself has studios; FOX' Washington, DC bureau has offices in the building), but WDCA-TV/DT is still located in Bethesda (specifically, at 5202 River Road). WJLA has an even wider spread between sdtudios and transmitter; their antenna is shared with WUSA-TV/DT (behind WUSA-TV/DT's spaces at 4100 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, in the Tenleytown section of Upper Northwest), while the studios are now in Rosslyn, VA.

I guess it's a bit confusing b/c I thought the point of having a QAM tuner was so you didn't have to have a cable box. On one hand, I can go back and read dozen of posts pertaining to clear QAM channels. On the other, the info I'm getting says you have to have a box or cable card. So, I'm guessing all these companies are encrypting basic cable channels and not allowing the use of the built-in tuners. Up until this week, I could use my built-in tuner to watch RCN digital just fine. But now, they've encrypted everything except SD broadcast. The posts here more or less confirm the same is true for Comcast.
Seems like a great big scam from the cable companies to force you to rent their gear when it clearly shouldn't be necessary.
I have Comcast P.G.County basic cable @$15.00 per month. I raceive all of the local D.C. and Baltimore channels plus many others without a box or cable card.
Unfortunately, Comcast service is different for different counties in Maryland, so I can't predict what you should receive with Comcast, unless you are in P.G. county. The specific location of the available clear QAM channels changes from time to time, but when they change I do a new search to find them. I have been happy with the Comcast signals, although they are not required at present to provide digital local channels, and they could be discontinued at any time.

Just saw this on a Cox promo channel. The following are being added:

Setanta Sports
MBC Plus
MTV HD
Spike HD
VH1 HD
CMT HD
Nickelodeon HD
NBC Universal Sports

No ESPN-U or Weather Channel...a bit bummed about that.

I assume that Setanta is ala carte, and $15 a month like it is on Fios, and both satellite services?

I wonder what MBC Plus is? I know of CNBC+, maybe thats it.

Is anybody else having reception issues with Comcast HD in DC today? FOX isn't even available for me, and the CBS game reception is pretty scrambled.

I wonder what MBC Plus is? I know of CNBC+, maybe thats it.

MBC Plus is a international channel that is not in HD. I don't think the poster meant to put that here, as this is a HDTV thread.

I think its interesting that The Weather Channel didn't get added for Cox, as it is quite popular(and it has awesome weather maps). Cox was going to add it in February when they added Travel Channel and Cinemax in HD, but it mysteriously dissappeared. :eek:

To that person in the Hagerstown area who was worried about that West Virginia PBS translator stomping on WMAR-DT 38 next year, they've now filed for displacement and instead want channel 34.

- Trip

To that person in the Hagerstown area who was worried about that West Virginia PBS translator stomping on WMAR-DT 38 next year, they've now filed for displacement and instead want channel 34.

- Trip

Thanks for the update, thats the same as WPXW-DT 34, which we get on WWPX-DT 12.
Also I ran TV Fool with my current analog and post digital (which I posted in another thread) there is a hugh difference in some dBm values, do you think I have much chance of these digitals?

Cox Fairfax: Please add HDNET now!!!!! We're tired of the crap HD channels...

To that person in the Hagerstown area who was worried about that West Virginia PBS translator stomping on WMAR-DT 38 next year, they've now filed for displacement and instead want channel 34.

- TripIsn't WPXW going to 34?

Cox Fairfax: Please add HDNET now!!!!! We're tired of the crap HD channels...

It still will be crap if they are stingy with the bitrate.

Isn't WPXW going to 34?

In DC. Not in West Virginia.

- Trip

Cox Fairfax: Please add HDNET now!!!!! We're tired of the crap HD channels...

I can't recall ever watching a single thing on HDNET. I could think of 30 other HD channels I'd want instead of HDNET.

I can't recall ever watching a single thing on HDNET. I could think of 30 other HD channels I'd want instead of HDNET.

Me too, but if you're in to MMA, it's apparently a cool channel. I'm not.

And HDNetMovies is pretty good, which I assume you'd get as well.

Me too, but if you're in to MMA, it's apparently a cool channel. I'm not.

And HDNetMovies is pretty good, which I assume you'd get as well.

Until FiOS removes all their "X-*** has moved to channel ****" entries in the guide(supposed to be 2 weeks from lineup change, so one more to go), I have no idea what channels I have. It's a huge mess as the guide is near useless until this goes away.

I can't recall ever watching a single thing on HDNET. I could think of 30 other HD channels I'd want instead of HDNET.
Count,
Amadeus, 'the Color of Money', and similar in HD is really pretty impressive if free or even $4.95/mo compared to HBO. We also like to watch HD movie trailers which is a big feature of HDNet apparently. The movie trailers on Cox InDemand HD are a big joke..

Count,
Amadeus, 'the Color of Money', and similar in HD is really pretty impressive if free or even $4.95/mo compared to HBO. We also like to watch HD movie trailers which is a big feature of HDNet apparently. The movie trailers on Cox InDemand HD are a big joke..

My best friend (who does not have HD yet) was visiting this weekend. We watched the Ultimate Trailer Show and he said "What channel is this on? Is it HD only?" He wanted the show.

I can't recall ever watching a single thing on HDNET. I could think of 30 other HD channels I'd want instead of HDNET.

For years a heallthy percentage of the HD I watched was on the HDnet channels.
I still watch a fair amount of content on HDNet and HDNet movies, but with many more HD channels available now I don't watch as much as I would like.

I use HDNet for Arrested Development. That show was too damn funny. I had also gone through watching all of the Smallville, Star Trek Enterprise, and Andy Richter shows. Add to that HDNet movies which does show some really good movies. Sure its a not a 24/7 always a good film on, but hey, HBO wasn't that way either and I had about 7 of their channels to choose from when I paid them years ago (Sapranos, Band Of Brothers, and Sex & City ((wife))).

HDNet movies had some really good movies, but you really need a DVR to take advantage of them. Many of the good movies are on a 3am or 8am on a weekday when I wouldn't be abel to watch them. But with a DVR no problem.

Blues Brothers, The Man who would be king, Caddyshack, The Searchers. Not sure that I would ever see any of those films uncut, OAR, and un-interrupted on any other network. Universal HD used to compete with HDNet movies, but they went with commericals, MGM is close, but I don't see any good movies on there when I check. I have ended up not checking MGM anymore.

There seems to be an audio lag and frames dropping on OTA WRC-DT. Anyone else noticing this?

20/20 and Fox News Sunday are network programs so it is up to the network to provide them in HD.

Both shows were still SD this last weekend.

Hi all -

I've gotten three calls in the last week where viewers were complaining about the lip-sync being about a second off, and the video speeding up and slowing down on WNUV-DT, both OTA and, in one case, on cable. All of them only mentioned watching shows during prime-time. I've never been able to see any problem at home, and it isn't showing up in master control, so I'm having trouble finding the problem...

Two of the viewers have Sanyo TVs, and one had a Samsung.

Anyone else experiencing this problem?

Thanks -

Hi all -

I've gotten three calls in the last week where viewers were complaining about the lip-sync being about a second off, and the video speeding up and slowing down on WNUV-DT, both OTA and, in one case, on cable. All of them only mentioned watching shows during prime-time. I've never been able to see any problem at home, and it isn't showing up in master control, so I'm having trouble finding the problem...

Two of the viewers have Sanyo TVs, and one had a Samsung.

Anyone else experiencing this problem?

Thanks -

I've seen this jerkiness on two tuners--both cheap, built-in tuners to no-name TV's. One is a "Polaroid" from Walmart, the other an Insignia from BB. Both have the same general look on the on-screen menus so I'm assuming they have some shared (low-quality) components.

At the exact same time, I plugged in my Samsung tuner and found it had no problem. Note, I saw this personally on WNUV, but my dad also noticed it on WBFF. Also note that this happened a few months ago; I haven't checked recently.

I see Good TV is going off for WBFF. Did I miss that notice? What is coming?

Tonight on FOX 5 - both on Comcast in HD and on Dish Network in SD - the signal was quite choppy at times during the first half hour of House. It looked worse on Comcast so we switched which was how we noticed it on Dish. Every few seconds it was as if a few frames were missing. Anyone else notice this. We switched back after about that first half hour and everything was okay from then on.

Tonight on FOX 5 - both on Comcast in HD and on Dish Network in SD - the signal was quite choppy at times during the first half hour of House. It looked worse on Comcast so we switched which was how we noticed it on Dish. Every few seconds it was as if a few frames were missing. Anyone else notice this.
Yes. There were frequent dropouts and some sort of frame glitches for the early part of House for WTTG-DT 5 on Verizon. I switched to OTA and saw dropouts occurring on WTTG-DT 5 and then several on WBFF-DT 45 before the dropouts stopped. Probably from the network feed.

Also saw the static screen announcement on WBFF-DT 45.2 that Good TV has "retired". "Retired"? Did they give Good TV a gold watch or something? Or did it just go to bed for the night? :p So will WBFF-DT drop the 45.2 sub-channel or put something else there? RTN maybe?

Tonight on FOX 5 - both on Comcast in HD and on Dish Network in SD - the signal was quite choppy at times during the first half hour of House. It looked worse on Comcast so we switched which was how we noticed it on Dish. Every few seconds it was as if a few frames were missing. Anyone else notice this. We switched back after about that first half hour and everything was okay from then on.

Yup, I had it OTA as well. Annoying. Went away after about 20-30 minutes, and never came back. Probably network feed issues.

I'm glad they fixed it before Fringe.

I see Good TV is going off for WBFF. Did I miss that notice? What is coming?
Well, according to their website
http://goodtvbaltimore.com/sections/entertainment/program_changes.shtml

They will be off the air 3/18/08 from 12-4 for urgent maintenance. Talk about out of date. :)

Verizon is installing fiber in downtown Baltimore City. Since there is no video franchise agreement, at least FiOS internet may be on the way.

VERIZON CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER 01- 30, 2008

Baltimore City-
Baltimore - DTN
Clement St EXT
E Fort Av
Harper St
Hull St
Pratt St E
Reynolds St
South St
Steuart St

http://www22.verizon.com/about/community/md/files/MDFTTP_sep08.pdf

I see Good TV is going off for WBFF. Did I miss that notice? What is coming?

According to dcrtv.com, it's being replaced with RTN.

According to dcrtv.com, it's being replaced with RTN.

If you read the mailbag post he bases it on, the poster only speculates that they may add RTN. There's absolutely nothing other than that one "I wish they'd add RTN!" that I've seen that suggests RTN on 45-2.

If I wasn't sitting in class, I'd e-mail DCRTV Dave myself and note this. Maybe someone else can do it?

- Trip

Hello all -

We've gotten a couple of calls from Comcast saying that their customers in southern Howard County get no audio during prime-time programming, when they record WBFF on their Comcast supplied DVRs. They will get audio during commercials, just not on the programs...

They told the boss that that area is where they give out Scientific Atlanta boxes. Where they use the Motorola boxes, there is no issue...

Anyone else having this problem?

Thanks -

Mark,

Any progress on this issue? I recorded The Sarah Conner Chronicles this monday night and the audio dropouts are still there. If you watch the show all is fine, but if you record and watch it later, you get constant dropouts every few seconds. Doesn't matter whether you are using digital or analog output from the SA8300 either, both have the dropouts. I can no longer record anything from WBFF DT.

And I live in Harford County, so its not limited to Howard County either.

Tonight on FOX 5 - both on Comcast in HD and on Dish Network in SD - the signal was quite choppy at times during the first half hour of House. It looked worse on Comcast so we switched which was how we noticed it on Dish. Every few seconds it was as if a few frames were missing. Anyone else notice this. We switched back after about that first half hour and everything was okay from then on.

I was watching NOVA on WETA at that time (via Comcast), and they, too, were experiencing signal disruptions on both the SD channel (26) and the analog feed (92). This happened as a thunderstorm was passing through the area, and cleared up afterward. Perhaps both problems were weather related, messing with the two networks' satellite downlinks.

I just noticed that Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic has upgraded their logo and graphics package today, to match the look they applied to CSN Bay Area some time ago. Looks nice.

Until FiOS removes all their "X-*** has moved to channel ****" entries in the guide(supposed to be 2 weeks from lineup change, so one more to go), I have no idea what channels I have. It's a huge mess as the guide is near useless until this goes away.

You can avoid this. If you're like me, the other 2000 channels on FiOS mean nothing b/c they aren't HD.
Press the DOWN arrow to get the lower third program display.
Press the LEFT arrow to get the guide browse option
Select HD CHANNELS
Now all you see is HD channels.

I agree the X-*** is annoying, but this is an easy work around. I haven't found the DTV sub channels though; they aren't list in HD only (which makes sense.)

JS

According to their website, WMDT-DT ABC 47 in Salisbury, MD fired up their new digital signal at 250 kW on UHF 47 today. WMDT-DT will increase the power to 350 kW next February. Anyone on the eastern edge of the DC-Baltimore area now able to get WMDT-DT? Is WMDT-DT still broadcasting their digital lower power signal on UHF 53?

According to their website, WMDT-DT ABC 47 in Salisbury, MD fired up their new digital signal at 250 kW on UHF 47 today. WMDT-DT will increase the power to 350 kW next February. Anyone on the eastern edge of the DC-Baltimore area now able to get WMDT-DT? Is WMDT-DT still broadcasting their digital lower power signal on UHF 53?Arlington, VA

WBOC-DT16 -30%-40% reading
WMDT-DT47- 0%

Mark,

Any progress on this issue? I recorded The Sarah Conner Chronicles this monday night and the audio dropouts are still there. If you watch the show all is fine, but if you record and watch it later, you get constant dropouts every few seconds. Doesn't matter whether you are using digital or analog output from the SA8300 either, both have the dropouts. I can no longer record anything from WBFF DT.

And I live in Harford County, so its not limited to Howard County either.

Lots of phone calls... Everyone from Comcast to Scientific Atlanta to Fox looking at it, but it's going to end up being some sort of digital interaction between something that each of them is doing that's causing the problem. I'm sure it will be worked out, but it will probably take some time...

Sorry for the problem.

BTW, Fox reloaded some settings into their "Splicer" on Tuesday afternoon. Since I have no way to test the SA DDRs on Comcast, if anyone could tell me if that made a difference on Tuesday night or after, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks -

New graphics on WUSA news tonight -- no more red sidebars.

The new logo is in almost constant motion. Very annoying.

According to their website, WMDT-DT ABC 47 in Salisbury, MD fired up their new digital signal at 250 kW on UHF 47 today. WMDT-DT will increase the power to 350 kW next February. Anyone on the eastern edge of the DC-Baltimore area now able to get WMDT-DT? Is WMDT-DT still broadcasting their digital lower power signal on UHF 53?

I am in Northern Calvert County, almost straight east of DC, a few miles from the Bay. According to TVFOOL, I should be on the edge of the viewing range for WMDT. I am much closer to the transmitter than Digital Rules (but may not have as good of an antenna set up). Just like Digital Rules, I get no signal from WMDT even though I get a weak signal from WBOC. I used to be able to get a very snowy picture from the analog channel. Now I seem to get a very very snowy picture from a Telemundo channel. Perhaps this is part of the problem. I hope I can get WMDT when the go to 350 kW and the noise decreases in Feb.

I am in Northern Calvert County, almost straight east of DC, a few miles from the Bay. According to TVFOOL, I should be on the edge of the viewing range for WMDT. I am much closer to the transmitter than Digital Rules (but may not have as good of an antenna set up). Just like Digital Rules, I get no signal from WMDT even though I get a weak signal from WBOC. I used to be able to get a very snowy picture from the analog channel. Now I seem to get a very very snowy picture from a Telemundo channel. Perhaps this is part of the problem. I hope I can get WMDT when the go to 350 kW and the noise decreases in Feb.
WMDT and WBOC both have directional antenna patterns that cover the Delmarva area and limit the range east-west (WMDT-DT FCC nominal coverage map for 250 kW: http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT1257838.html). I'm suprised that WBOC-DT 16 on UHF 21 can be received at all in Arlington. I was curious if those on the western shore like where you are or those on the other side of the bay who couldn't get the digital station before could now get WMDT-DT 47. If you are not getting anything for WMDT-DT 47 at 250 kW, an increase to 350 kW is not much from a dB power standpoint.

In Arlington and close to DC, the signal from the analog Class A WMDO-CA 47 is going to interfere with WMDT-DT 47. WMDO-CA now has a digital signal on VHF 8, but they are a low power station and are not required to shut off their analog signal on February 17. Unless there are some interference issues for WMDO-CA 47 with full power stations in their respective official coverage areas (say WBFF-DT on UHF 46), it is likely up to WMDO to decide when to shut off the analog signal until the FCC decides when the LP stations have to all convert.

I was curious if those on the Eastern shore like where you are or those on the other side of the bay who couldn't get the digital station before could now get WMDT-DT 47. If you are not getting anything for WMDT-DT 47 at 250 kW, an increase to 350 kW is not much from a dB power standpoint.



Actually Calvert County is on the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay(just south of Anne Arundel county). Even though I am now just outside nominal region of coverage, it sounds like the increase to 305kW will not help enough to make it so I can receive WMDT. Thanks for the info.

Actually Calvert County is on the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay(just south of Anne Arundel county).
Oops, that was a typo for Calvert county.

According to their website, WMDT-DT ABC 47 in Salisbury, MD fired up their new digital signal at 250 kW on UHF 47 today. WMDT-DT will increase the power to 350 kW next February. Anyone on the eastern edge of the DC-Baltimore area now able to get WMDT-DT? Is WMDT-DT still broadcasting their digital lower power signal on UHF 53?

I can receive a solid signal from WMDT-DT at my home in Shady Side, MD. I do have to point my antenna at a fairly precise Easterly direction to null out the LP DC analog. WBOC-DT is still much stronger.

I have a fringe Channel Master UHF/VHF yagi about 15 feet above my 2nd story roofline. I don't live on the bay side of the peninsula, so I was never able to receive the very weak WMDT-DT on channel 53 before Oct 1st. People that live a couple of miles East of me right on the bay were able to decode DT53 most of the time.

Steve

I can receive a solid signal from WMDT-DT at my home in Shady Side, MD. I do have to point my antenna at a fairly precise Easterly direction to null out the LP DC analog. WBOC-DT is still much stronger.

I have a fringe Channel Master UHF/VHF yagi about 15 feet above my 2nd story roofline. I don't live on the bay side of the peninsula, so I was never able to receive the very weak WMDT-DT on channel 53 before Oct 1st. People that live a couple of miles East of me right on the bay were able to decode DT53 most of the time.

SteveAre you sure you aren't receiving WMDT-DT on channel 53 now? I'm getting about a 30% reading on channel 53 this morning; but no activity on 47 from the east.(47 is strong from the south from WUPV Richmond though). The tropo is really strong this morning. WBOC is full strength here now.

Last night all appeared to be working while watching HD (clear QAM) on Comcast from 8 to 9 PM. Then we started watching the VP candidate debates. There started to be some dropouts and pixelation at times. We switched between all the network channels and it was the same problem. Eventually we gave up on the HD signal and watched the rest of it on the analog SD signal. I then tried to see if it was just the debate feed and none of the HD channels were coming in at all. Still, the SD was coming in and the one TV with a box was not having any problem. Our internet power, though, wasn't very strong. Not all the lights on our modem were on and my son said that he was having problems when he came home from school. I unplugged the modem and decided to wait until morning to see if things improved.

This morning there was no Comcast TV signal at all on any TV - SD or HD. So, I called Comcast. They said that there were no reported outages and unless there is something more than just our house, the earliest they could get someone out is Saturday morning. I am guessing that there is a short in the line somewhere. Anyone like to guess how long it will take to fix?

New graphics on WUSA news tonight -- no more red sidebars.

The new logo is in almost constant motion. Very annoying.

Send an e-mail here: rpeace@wusa9.com

This seems to be the latest thing, animated logos like on NBC, ABC, and CBS during the debates last night. CNN-HD is even more annoying with the useless trivia banner on the bottom and a "logo" that has up to three different graphics on it in the lower right.

Mark,

Any progress on this issue? I recorded The Sarah Conner Chronicles this monday night and the audio dropouts are still there. If you watch the show all is fine, but if you record and watch it later, you get constant dropouts every few seconds. Doesn't matter whether you are using digital or analog output from the SA8300 either, both have the dropouts. I can no longer record anything from WBFF DT.

And I live in Harford County, so its not limited to Howard County either.

The latest is that Scientific Atlanta is blaming the problem on the Fox audio bitrate being too high. I've looked at it, and although it is occasionally higher than it should be, it's not higher than other channels that I know about. In addition, the SA people told Comcast that the problem only occurs on this particular model, so apparently boxes can be made that work (including other SA boxes...).

Anyhow, Comcast and we are trying to get SA and Fox together, to work things out.

Progress, I guess.

BTW, this problem isn't confined to around here. Apparently it is going on in other areas using this box, that have Fox HD signals.

This morning there was no Comcast TV signal at all on any TV - SD or HD. So, I called Comcast. They said that there were no reported outages and unless there is something more than just our house, the earliest they could get someone out is Saturday morning. I am guessing that there is a short in the line somewhere. Anyone like to guess how long it will take to fix?A miracle seems to have occurred. When I returned home from work, everything was working - internet, TV, clear QAM HD signal. When i called Comcast to cancel tomorrow morning's appointment, they had no idea whether there was any work done in the area. That gives me a bad feeling. Maybe it was something temperature related and when it gets cold tonight we'll have problems again. We'll have to wait and see.

FYI-

Yesterday Comcast sent a flyer informing us of their latest rate increase due to their rising costs.

Buried in there is a statement about 18 new channels effective 11/1.

I called 1-800-COMCAST to ask what they were. The CSR had no idea what I was talking about.

I called their "executive care" number in Philadelphia and explained the situation.

About an hour later, someone from the local office called me. He said that one of the changes was that "Digital Classic" and "Digital Preferred" were being combined, and since I had the latter, no new channels for me.

I asked about why Howard County doesn't get the Travel Channel on realigned 48 (which is not used here), but adjacent systems (Baltimore /both Anne Arundel/DC) do. His first answer was because Howard and Harford County are Scientifc Atlanta systems, and the others are Motorola. When I pushed him by saying they could put anything they wanted on any brand of head end and that the realignment was just a way to ease their dealing with their "big head end in the sky", he admitted that some systems just carried different channels and he didn't know why. I also asked why FIOS carried the DC HD feeds and they don't. This will be a real issue on Sunday when the Redskins game will not be available in HD because of the blackout on WBFF due to the Ravens home game.

I suggest anyone who wants the Travel Channel, some sort of system equality, and carriage of the DC locals in HD call Comcast executive care (215-640-8960) and make their feelings known. I also plan to write Comcast and the Howard County Cable Administrator about the misleading language concerning the 18 new channels.

The latest is that Scientific Atlanta is blaming the problem on the Fox audio bitrate being too high. I've looked at it, and although it is occasionally higher than it should be, it's not higher than other channels that I know about. In addition, the SA people told Comcast that the problem only occurs on this particular model, so apparently boxes can be made that work (including other SA boxes...).

Anyhow, Comcast and we are trying to get SA and Fox together, to work things out.

Progress, I guess.

BTW, this problem isn't confined to around here. Apparently it is going on in other areas using this box, that have Fox HD signals.

Thanks for the update Mark!

For anyone affected, I have found the subtitles work if you want to watch the picture and still be able to follow what is happening. Annoying, but at least a temporary 'solution'.

Are you sure you aren't receiving WMDT-DT on channel 53 now? I'm getting about a 30% reading on channel 53 this morning; but no activity on 47 from the east.(47 is strong from the south from WUPV Richmond though). The tropo is really strong this morning. WBOC is full strength here now.

Nope, there's nothing on channel 53 around here anymore. I can pick up WRAL-DT Raleigh on 53 during tropo when the Richmond stations are coming in strong for me. When WMDT-DT was on channel 53, the signal was there (PSIP showed up once or twice), but was always too weak to decode. Previously, the analog WMDT 47 came in great here with no snow. On Oct 1st, just as promised, WMDT-DT showed up on physical channel 47 (671 MHz). They have ABC in HD (720P) on their main channel 47.1 and the CW in SD on 47.2. I'm watching the 10:00 news right now on their SD subchannel. I can post an image if you'd like.

Thanks Steve,

Maybe I was getting some tropo from Raleigh. I was seeing about 30% on real channels 53 & 56 (Not enough to decode).

One question though; is Fox 21.2 in HD? The local news on 21.2 doesn't look near as good as it does on 16.1; but Fox network programming looks great. 16.1 looks incredibly good

Thanks, Glen

Thanks Steve,

Maybe I was getting some tropo from Raleigh. I was seeing about 30% on real channels 53 & 56 (Not enough to decode).

One question though; is Fox 21.2 in HD? The local news on 21.2 doesn't look near as good as it does on 16.1; but Fox network programming looks great. 16.1 looks incredibly good

Thanks, Glen

Glen,

Fox 21.2 is in 480i standard definition over the air. I seem to remember hearing on a WBOC ad that cable systems on Delmarva may have a direct HD feed from the station so people in that market with cable may actually have Fox in HD.

Steve

Strange, no MD vs VA football game on FOX 5 today? I thought I had heard it was advertised earlier in the week to be on today. Looks like it has been moved to ESPNU at 7pm? Any local OTA channels going to be carrying it?

MD/VA is a huge deal in the DC area but our cable company won't show it because they refuse to add ESPN U. I'm sure that this has nothing to do with the fact that Comcast is without an ownership interest in this channel. I'm amazed that Comcast has such an interest in U MD sports to the extent that it sponsors their basketball arena but yet, it won't show many of their games because they are on ESPN U.

New graphics on WUSA news tonight -- no more red sidebars.

The new logo is in almost constant motion. Very annoying.

The old graphics were almost as busy; however, the new set are much sharper than the old (hence the increase in annoy factor). They made the change between the noon and 5 PM newscasts on Friday. WUSA still owns the local-news-in-HD category (all their newscasts are available in HD still); however, no thanks to the Eyeball (CBS) they trail in public-affairs-in-HD programming (no FTN in HD; however, none of the Sunday PA network talk shows are in HD). I would like to see some of the local stations (WUSA in particular) actually *produce* local public-affairs programs in HD (Inside Washington is carried by WJLA, but produced by Post-Newsweek TV in WUSA's studios; why isn'ty it in HD?).

Also, any news on TWC-HD availability locally (DC area)?

Send an e-mail here: rpeace@wusa9.com

This seems to be the latest thing, animated logos like on NBC, ABC, and CBS during the debates last night. CNN-HD is even more annoying with the useless trivia banner on the bottom and a "logo" that has up to three different graphics on it in the lower right.

It is not limited to the HD channels. In fact, we don't get CNN-HD (Comcast of Prince George's County doesn't offer it), and the new graphics pack is over main CNN (29).

Also, any news on TWC-HD availability locally (DC area)?

If you are talking about the channel's availability, it is on Verizon FiOS now.

If you were talking about the local weather in HD, or known as the Local on the 8s(LOT8s), I believe there is no timeline for that until some provider announces it is installing new Intellistars(or unoffically WeatherSTAR HDs) at their headends to provide HD LOT8s.

Hope that answers your question. :D

If you are talking about the channel's availability, it is on Verizon FiOS now.

If you were talking about the local weather in HD, or known as the Local on the 8s(LOT8s), I believe there is no timeline for that until some provider announces it is installing new Intellistars(or unoffically WeatherSTAR HDs) at their headends to provide HD LOT8s.

Hope that answers your question. :D

Also, both Dish and DirecTV have the Weather Channel HD. DirecTV just added local on the 8s on their SD channel and plan to have it for the HD channel eventually.

FYI-

Yesterday Comcast sent a flyer informing us of their latest rate increase due to their rising costs.

[major snippage of mark_e's post]

I suggest anyone who wants the Travel Channel, some sort of system equality, and carriage of the DC locals in HD call Comcast executive care (215-640-8960) and make their feelings known. I also plan to write Comcast and the Howard County Cable Administrator about the misleading language concerning the 18 new channels.

I made my feelings known - I switched to FIOS and I'm not looking back.

I laughed when I got that Comcast flyer in the mail - raising rates again!!!

SEE YA COMCRAP!

I made my feelings known - I switched to FIOS and I'm not looking back.

I laughed when I got that Comcast flyer in the mail - raising rates again!!!

SEE YA COMCRAP!

Comcast's continued provision of analog channels, and the need for some infrastructure changes to use the FIOS internet have the balance (and cost) currently tipped (just barely) on the Comcast side. Each irritation moves it a little closer to a switch. If they abandon the analog channels (as they started with the DC locals) it will happen sooner!:)

(Inside Washington is carried by WJLA, but produced by Post-Newsweek TV in WUSA's studios; why isn'ty it in HD?).


Just wanted to add a correction here; I'm the editor for Inside Washington, and WJLA has been producing the show ever since Gordon Peterson joined us. As for when we will be in HD, well the station is installing an HD switcher and adding HD cameras to the studio this month. However, we won't be HD for quite some time. I think the last major hurdle before we go HD will be updating the editing equipment, which could take a while. Stay tuned.

WRC has updated the music and graphics for their news... I wonder if that's in preparation for HD?

Straight from the horses mouth.

WRC has updated the music and graphics for their news... I wonder if that's in preparation for HD?
I'm not holding my breath with any of the remaining three going HD anytime soon. New music, new graphic, same ol' SD and Babbles Harrison.

WIth three subchannels it won't look very good.(I have no idea what 4-4 will eventually show but right now it is showing the same thing as 4-2) The picture quality has already suffered by having these subchannels with a main channel at 1080i.

So who will be the next station in D.C. with HD local news? Fox 5, maybe?

So who will be the next station in D.C. with HD local news? Fox 5, maybe?

At this rate, no one.

Heh, at this rate: WJLA. That's egg in all our faces.

Five an Seven are the ones always mentioned. We know that WJLA is making motions towards HD, but they don't seem to be in a hurry. Just getting pieces here and there as time and money warrant. Not sure where the weight behind WTTG's HD rumour comes from. It just gets mentioned from time to time. At least with WJLA we hear it from their own mouths that stuff is in the works.

WIth three subchannels it won't look very good.(I have no idea what 4-4 will eventually show but right now it is showing the same thing as 4-2) The picture quality has already suffered by having these subchannels with a main channel at 1080i.Three things:

1. You can use PSIP to point two subchannels to a single encoded stream. That said, I checked my OTA tuner (which auto-updates subchannel info when needed; it did when 4-3 went online), and 4-4 doesn't exist.

2. 4-4, if it exists, will probably air NBC-initiated programming with a local bend, like WNBC-DT was doing before it went to Universal Sports, or what all ABC O&O stations currently do on one of their DT subchannels.

3. NBC WeatherPlus is shutting down this year (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1073475). 4-2 is where WRC should place whatever local content it was going to place. (Of course, 4-2's bandwidth should be pumped into 4-1 video, but that's probably wishful thinking.)

By the way, I might as well add this while I'm talking about WRC-DT: I was watching Sunday Night Football on WRC-DT a couple of nights ago, and I noticed that there was no SAP (Spanish) audio like there should have been. Not that it matters to me, but some people moving over to coupon boxes won't like that oversight. It would be easy to place SAP audio online in terms of ATSC payload; just take 192 kbps from the null packets. In practice, it might take more equipment-wise.

Anybody from WRC, WBAL, WJLA, WJZ, WUSA, et al, have a timeline providing SAP audio OTA digitally?

[EDIT: Speaking of using PSIP creatively, I just remembered a neat trick that WCCB-DT in Charlotte does. They point 18-1 to the standard English audio track, and point 18-2 to the SAP audio stream. However, 18-1 and 18-2 point to the exact same encoded video stream. Here's a message from the WCCB-DT engineer (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5756380&highlight=sap#post5756380), and here's a sample WCCB-DT TSReader grab (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=102468&d=1203280063).]
_________________________________________

My guess is that Fox 5 news goes HD next, but that's pretty low-confidence.

I don't have the Premiums listed right now, but at least here are all the "free" HD Channels for FiOs:

http://www22.verizon.com/NROneRetail/NR/rdonlyres/F7A9CAA9-BE55-48D2-82C0-037AB914D0EF/0/CCT_WASH.pdf

503 CW HD - WDCW (50)
504 NBC HD - WRC (4)
505 FOX HD - WTTG (5)
506 My WDCA HD (20)
507 ABC HD - WJLA (7)
509 CBS HD - WUSA (9)
522 PBS HD - WMPT(22)
526 PBS HD - WETA (26)
550 USA HD
551 TNT HD
552 TBS HD
567 Universal HD
569 HDNet
570 ESPN HD
573 ESPNU HD
574 ESPN2 HD
576 Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD
585 Big Ten Network HD
588 NFL Network HD
590 Versus/Golf HD
591 Outdoor Channel 2 HD
600 CNN HD
602 CNBC HD+
619 The Weather Channel HD
620 Discovery Channel HD
621 National Geographic Channel HD
622 Science Channel HD
625 Smithsonian Channel HD
628 History Channel HD
630 Animal Planet HD
631 HD Theater
639 TLC HD
640 Lifetime HD
641 Lifetime Movie Network HD
664 Food Network HD
665 HGTV HD
669 Wealth TV HD
680 Sci-Fi Channel HD
681 A&E HD
685 Bravo HD
711 Palladia HD
746 HD Net Movies

Just got set up with FIOS yesterday but Versus HD (tied to Golf HD...for now) isn't free. It seems to be tied to the sports package (as long as the sd version of Golf is part of the sports package.) Wish I knew if they'd move Versus HD to the regular package later this year. Seems really stupid to have to pay extra to watch Versus HD when SD is included.

Three things:

1. You can use PSIP to point two subchannels to a single encoded stream. That said, I checked my OTA tuner (which auto-updates subchannel info when needed; it did when 4-3 went online), and 4-4 doesn't exist.

2. 4-4, if it exists, will probably air NBC-initiated programming with a local bend, like WNBC-DT was doing before it went to Universal Sports, or what all ABC O&O stations currently do on one of their DT subchannels.

3. NBC WeatherPlus is shutting down this year (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1073475). 4-2 is where WRC should place whatever local content it was going to place. (Of course, 4-2's bandwidth should be pumped into 4-1 video, but that's probably wishful thinking.)

By the way, I might as well add this while I'm talking about WRC-DT: I was watching Sunday Night Football on WRC-DT a couple of nights ago, and I noticed that there was no SAP (Spanish) audio like there should have been. Not that it matters to me, but some people moving over to coupon boxes won't like that oversight. It would be easy to place SAP audio online in terms of ATSC payload; just take 192 kbps from the null packets. In practice, it might take more equipment-wise.

Anybody from WRC, WBAL, WJLA, WJZ, WUSA, et al, have a timeline providing SAP audio OTA digitally?

[EDIT: Speaking of using PSIP creatively, I just remembered a neat trick that WCCB-DT in Charlotte does. They point 18-1 to the standard English audio track, and point 18-2 to the SAP audio stream. However, 18-1 and 18-2 point to the exact same encoded video stream. Here's a message from the WCCB-DT engineer (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5756380&highlight=sap#post5756380), and here's a sample WCCB-DT TSReader grab (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=102468&d=1203280063).]
_________________________________________

My guess is that Fox 5 news goes HD next, but that's pretty low-confidence.

Either way they have at least two subchannels that rob bandwidth from the main channel. If it was 720P on the main channel it would be fine, but with 1080i, the subchannels have more of a detrimental effect.

Just got set up with FIOS yesterday but Versus HD (tied to Golf HD...for now) isn't free. It seems to be tied to the sports package (as long as the sd version of Golf is part of the sports package.) Wish I knew if they'd move Versus HD to the regular package later this year. Seems really stupid to have to pay extra to watch Versus HD when SD is included.
That the combined Versus/Golf HD currently requires the sport package subscription is a national issue with Verizon as it applies to all markets. Verizon has Versus SD in the basic "Premiere" package while Golf SD is in the extra Sports tier. This puts them in a bind as they can't show Golf programming on the combined HD channel w/o implementing special black out features. Since the HD channel will be splitting into 2 in December, the problem goes away then. But the issue may be moot when the new Essentials and HD Extreme price packages come to the Washington and Baltimore markets after we get the upgrade to 100+ HD channels. I'm still not clear whether the HD Extreme package includes the HD version of the current Sports package channels. But we have a Washington Verizon thread and a national Verizon HD thread which are the better places to discuss this.

Verizon Negotiates Tentative Franchise Agreement In Washington, D.C.

Telco Agrees On Template For Portland, Ore. Suburbs

By Linda Haugsted -- Multichannel News, 10/7/2008 3:00:00 PM

Verizon Communications Inc. and the District of Columbia Office of Cable Television have negotiated a tentative franchise which is now headed to the District's Council.

Elsewhere, the telco has reached an agreement on a franchise template for the Portland, Ore. suburbs.

In both DC and the Portland areas, Verizon will compete with Comcast Corp.

The DC regulators and the company have been negotiating operating terms for 10 months. According to Verizon, the franchise commits to nine public, educational and government channels, with the possibility of adding five more; support for those channels in the form of a three percent fee on gross revenues, and an "extensive and appropriate set of customer service provisions."

The franchise still needs the approval of the council, a vote that should take place before the end of the year. If approved, Verizon anticipates launching FiOS video services within a year. Within three years, the company should offers service to all residences in the northwest and southeast quadrants of the District.

Across the country, the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission has adopted a recommended franchising agreement for its member cities, which include Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview and Wood Village, as well as unincorporated parts of east Multnomah County.

The template calls for a 10-year franchise. Verizon would be committed to building its service out to a "significant number" of dwelling units in the first year of operation and would build to all residences within three years. As long as there are 20 residences per mile, Verizon would have to build out to serve them, according to the document.

Verizon would activate eight PEG channels, plus one for the local municipality, and reserve capacity to offer seven more in the future. The company must also comply with local customer service standards.
This template must still be approved by the municipalities that participate in the MHCRC.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6602907.html

Can anyone tell me if Comcast in D.C. offers the channels for the alternate feeds of the Big Ten Network here?

As of about 9:20 this morning, WBFF 45.2 is off the air.

I don't know what the plans are for this channel, although I know that there are some ideas kicking around.

Hi Guys,

Bit of an unusual question, but I hope I came to the right place! Will be moving to the area and not sure whether I will be getting the Washington or Baltimore affils - I guess maybe I can set up an antenna for either, depending on where exactly I end up (long story, not sure where I'll be living yet).

Can someone please tell me how the affils in the 2 markets compare, e.g. which have the better quality equipment / reliable HD switching / higher bandwidth for main channel / less local overlays / less SD drops for local news crawls? I would really appreciate that info!

Just got set up with FIOS yesterday but Versus HD (tied to Golf HD...for now) isn't free. It seems to be tied to the sports package (as long as the sd version of Golf is part of the sports package.) Wish I knew if they'd move Versus HD to the regular package later this year. Seems really stupid to have to pay extra to watch Versus HD when SD is included.

Verizon is restructuring its tiers into Essentials and Extreme HD packages. Once that occurs, all HD will essentially rest in the Sports package (which will effectively become their HD tier). If Verizon keeps its promise, that will probably happen before Golf and Versus split on Dec. 8, so there are no savings to be made.

WMAR DT refuses to switch into hi def here in Harford County this evening on Comcast (channel 210). All other hi def channels are fine, but when you change to 210 it switches to 480p! What is going on??? Pushing Daisies looks like crap in SD!!!

WMAR is stretched SD on the HD channel. Both OTA and through Comcast. WJLA in DC is HD.

Finally back to HD on WMAR 2.1

Verizon is restructuring its tiers into Essentials and Extreme HD packages. Once that occurs, all HD will essentially rest in the Sports package (which will effectively become their HD tier). If Verizon keeps its promise, that will probably happen before Golf and Versus split on Dec. 8, so there are no savings to be made.

This would include ESPN HD and Comcast SportsNet HD? If so, wtf???

Can anyone tell me if Comcast in D.C. offers the channels for the alternate feeds of the Big Ten Network here?
Since nobody from DC seems to have noticed your comment, I guess I'll reply. I'm in Anne Arundel County, so I can't speak for DC, but the overflow channels are like 800-803 I think -- at least in Annapolis.

Hi Guys,

Bit of an unusual question, but I hope I came to the right place! Will be moving to the area and not sure whether I will be getting the Washington or Baltimore affils - I guess maybe I can set up an antenna for either, depending on where exactly I end up (long story, not sure where I'll be living yet).

Can someone please tell me how the affils in the 2 markets compare, e.g. which have the better quality equipment / reliable HD switching / higher bandwidth for main channel / less local overlays / less SD drops for local news crawls? I would really appreciate that info!
I live in Annapolis which is about 20mi from both DC and Baltimore. I use both sets of affiliates depending on the circumstances.

For NFL, I recommend being able to access both FOX and both CBS stations, because often they play different games.

For CBS, I think Baltimore's WJZ wins over WUSA for PQ, but WUSA has HD news and WJZ does not. WJZ also carries Raycom sports, which is cool if you like college football.

For FOX, I like Baltimore's WBFF over WTTG, but pretty much only because someone from WBFF hangs out here. (The channels are largely the same due to "The Splicer".) I'm pretty sure WBFF has HD news now.

For ABC, it's a toss up, but I guess I like Baltimore's WMAR over WJLA... mostly because of a temporary situation where WJLA isn't passing DD5.1. Both stations carry Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune in HD, and they carry the shows in opposite order. I think WMAR plays Wheel while WJLA plays Jeopardy and vice versa.

For NBC, it's a toss up, they're both really bad. DC's WRC passes DD5.1 and Baltimore's WBAL does not. For a while, WRC had terrible audio sync issues, but I *think* they're fixed now. WBAL stretches some local content (like commercial breaks) ... or at least they did the last time I checked. I'm hoping that things will improve after WeatherPlus goes down.

For PBS, CW, MyTV, or whatever else you want to watch, you're on your own... maybe someone else can pipe in.

If you're going the antenna route, some of these decisions might be swayed by which stations are easier to pick up at your location... so your answers may be location-dependent.

Sorry for the wordy answer, hopefully you and/or someone else finds it useful. And of course, these are just my own personal opinions. I'm not affiliated with any of them other than as a viewer.

WHUT-DT PBS 32 Question

Has anyone heard updates on when WHUT-DT 32 might go HD? Or add SD sub-channels? I did a QAM channel scan this morning on Verizon Fios to see if they had added any QAM channels for the "coming soon" promise of more HD channels. Verizon recently added 1 QAM channel in the digital broadcast locals block at QAM 78 which was WHUT-DT. The local stations they have in this block are the 8 digital locals (all in the clear) with HD & SD sub-channels (WJLA-DT, WRC-DT, MPT, etc) and WNVC-DT MHz 56 and WNVT-DT Mhz 30 at QAM 75 with the 8 MHz SD sub-channels. For example, Verizon does not provide WFDC-DT Univision 14 which has only 1 SD sub-channel in this block; WFDC is in the packed SD only block with the SD versions of the locals, LPs, and PEGs in the QAM 63-68 range. This makes me wonder if Verizon is preparing to add WHUT-DT as a HD local or whether WHUT-DT is planning to add sub-channels? (WHUT-DT was not mapped to the broadcast channel #, so Verizon is not yet passing the PSIP channel mapping data through as they do for the 8 HD locals.)

BTW, I don't recall if this was posted here, but the Ion Network head honcho announced last week that the Ion Network would be upgrading to HD in January. So this should mean that WPXW-DT Ion 66.1 will be HD when the station takes over WUSA-DT's UHF 34 transmitter on February 18 and significantly improves it's broadcast coverage. If Ion has not sold WWPX-DT 60 out in Martinsburg, I would figure that it will be going HD in January as well.

Any ANTENNA recommendations from OTA viewers in the DC/Baltimore metro area.

I live in NW DC and been using the Winegard HD4400 on the roof for the past 2 years with very good success, getting all the DC stations without any dropouts pointed to the east-NE. Occasionally, I would like to watch Baltimore and Annapolis programming since they seem to be more family and sports friendly. I missed Monday night football Ravens Vs. Steelers (bummer)and it would be nice to have kid friendly programming on Sunday mornings instead of McLochlin/political mumbo jumbo/news/etc. The Baltimore and Annapolis stations are just over 30 miles from my house and I only get them nightime and on cloudy days. Any recommendations on which antenna I should try, from people in the DC/Baltimore area who have experience with OTA antennas?

A quick search revealed the CM4228 is a safe bet, but I'm concerned that it would look so ugly on top of my house and the weight. I am also worried about loosing reception from my local channels 7 and 9 and possibly 13 after the transition when they revert to the VHF band with the CM4228 since its performance is low in the VHF band.

Sorry for the wordy answer, hopefully you and/or someone else finds it useful. And of course, these are just my own personal opinions. I'm not affiliated with any of them other than as a viewer.That's great, really appreciate those details. If you don't mind, I'll ask for a few more of your 'personal opinions'!

- Do you know what is causing the temporary 5.1 issue with WJLA? Did they officially say they will 'fix' it soon?

- I assume the comment about the NBC stations is relating to a low bitrate to the main channel? I was hoping actually that WBAL would be decent, since it's owned by the same company as in my previous location and their local has some of the best HD quality around! I guess maybe once they renew the equipment here, it could leapfrog the others in quality terms.

Didn't find out the info for my area unfortunately, but a chat with tech support did reveal the following schedule for Comcast Guide updates for several other DC Metro area systems:

Prince Georges County and DC: October 15-16
Montgomery County: October 22-23

Nothing listed yet for Anne Arundel. Ugh. Though, the fact that we're between PG and Montgomery gives me hope. :)

- Do you know what is causing the temporary 5.1 issue with WJLA? Did they officially say they will 'fix' it soon?
I don't remember what's causing it off the top of my head... it's mentioned somewhere in this thread, probably some time in the last month or so? I think some piece of equipment blew up.

- I assume the comment about the NBC stations is relating to a low bitrate to the main channel? I was hoping actually that WBAL would be decent, since it's owned by the same company as in my previous location and their local has some of the best HD quality around! I guess maybe once they renew the equipment here, it could leapfrog the others in quality terms.
Yeah, low bitrate on the main channel -- or at least that's what it looks like to me. I hope that you're right about leapfrogging the others. Sunday Night Football looks like crap except when nobody is moving. But the audio is great on WRC. Still sounds somewhat mediocre on WBAL because they don't pass DD5.1. I don't really watch much else other than sports on NBC, but I'd have to imagine that their scripted programming and late-night shows must look better (I hope...)!

Any ANTENNA recommendations from OTA viewers in the DC/Baltimore metro area.

I live in NW DC and been using the Winegard HD4400 on the roof for the past 2 years with very good success, getting all the DC stations without any dropouts pointed to the east-NE. Occasionally, I would like to watch Baltimore and Annapolis programming have experience with OTA antennas? I would avoid the 4228 in your situation. You will be better off with one of the Winegard or Channel Master channel 7-52 antennas. Even the Winegard Ghost Killer would be a good choice if you can get a good deal on one.


Just point the antenna towards Baltimore, and you may get Annapolis without a rotor. You will have to experiment. If you get lucky, you may be able to pick up MPT out of Baltimore (channel 67), but it is very weak here in the DC area.

WHUT-DT PBS 32 Question

Has anyone heard updates on when WHUT-DT 32 might go HD? Or add SD sub-channels? I doubt that WHUT is going to make any HD efforts anytime soon. They just needed to get digital in time for the shutoff. They are just a college station, with a PBS affiliation to secure funding. It would be nice if they ran 1080i instead of 480i, even when just showing SD material, it usually looks much nicer.

I would avoid the 4228 in your situation. You will be better off with one of the Winegard or Channel Master channel 7-52 antennas. Even the Winegard Ghost Killer would be a good choice if you can get a good deal on one.


Just point the antenna towards Baltimore, and you may get Annapolis without a rotor. You will have to experiment. If you get lucky, you may be able to pick up MPT out of Baltimore (channel 67), but it is very weak here in the DC area.

Thanks for the tip "Digital Rules"
What kind of antenna do you have and do you get Baltimore?

Thanks for the tip "Digital Rules"
What kind of antenna do you have and do you get Baltimore?Baltimore shouldn't be a problem with any of the smaller Winegard HD series antennas (except for the HD-1080; avoid this model). I have a much better antenna system than Is really needed for Baltimore(91-XG UHF & YA-1713-VHF). I tried a Winegard HD7210P(Ghost Killer) first; and it worked fine for Baltimore; except for WUTB-DT24 & WMPB -DT67.

Any ANTENNA recommendations from OTA viewers in the DC/Baltimore metro area.

I live in NW DC and been using the Winegard HD4400 on the roof for the past 2 years with very good success, getting all the DC stations without any dropouts pointed to the east-NE.


What part of NW, if you don't mind me asking, and could you post your TVfool.com results?

I can get Baltimore and Annapolis with a CM4220, indoors and outdoors, but it needs to be pointed just right. My Annapolis signal is ghosty on analog but the digital receiver does OK. I'm currently using a CM-2001, which is not a particularly good antenna, with satisfactory results for WMPT as long as its pointed right.

You will of course need the upper VHF coverage for next year if you want to get Baltimore (but should be OK with DC; My roof-mounted CM4220 picked up low-power WMDO-LD 8 off-axis very well by virtue of proximity) but you probably will need a rotor. I have experimented with reception in various parts of the District and find that multipath is the biggest problem, not signal strength. The direct path is blocked in some neighborhoods by hills or buildings (as is my case) and I've found better reception by aiming at reflections. That's how I can get Baltimore indoors, and it works a good 95% of the time.

With current digital tuners I've found it that even very directional antennas pick up all the DC channels off-axis simply because it's close. That should help you if you need such an antenna (91XG, for example) to better reject reflections.

Any ANTENNA recommendations from OTA viewers in the DC/Baltimore metro area.

I live in NW DC and been using the Winegard HD4400 on the roof for the past 2 years with very good success, getting all the DC stations without any dropouts pointed to the east-NE. ...
A quick search revealed the CM4228 is a safe bet, but I'm concerned that it would look so ugly on top of my house and the weight. I am also worried about loosing reception from my local channels 7 and 9 and possibly 13 after the transition when they revert to the VHF band with the CM4228 since its performance is low in the VHF band.
From NW DC, the CM 4228 should have no problems getting WJLA-DT 7 and WUSA-DT 9. I would expect a CM 4221 4 bay to work fine for upper VHF 7 & 9 at those ranges. The drawback to the CM 4228 is that is a directional antenna and you need a multi-directional antenna at that location (as do many of us around the DC-Baltimore area). You should be able to get the Baltimore stations reliably with a HD 4400 4 bay from NW DC. Have you experiment with the aim of the HD 4400? I would aim it towards Baltimore & Annapolis, figuring you should be able to get the DC stations in the sidelobe at such close ranges if you can find the right aim. Remember the bowties are on the front of the antenna, not the back (hope this is not insulting, but quite a few people aim the 4 bay bowties backwards). Also, what are you using for cabling: RG-59 or RG-6? I do agree that you should have a rotator regardless of what antenna you have so you can tweak the aim as the seasons change.

To prepare for next February, you could keep the HD 4400 and look into adding a upper VHF antenna - even a simple dipole antenna out on the roof (rabbit ears) might work. The question mark is WBAL-DT 11 in Baltimore as it will be operating at a rather modest power level compared to 7, 9, 13. Isn't Channel Master introducing a CM 4228 replacement optimized for VHF 7 to UHF 59?

Getting strumming sounds on WBFF for the NL playoffs tonight (Thursday, Dodgers at Phillies) on DirecTV. Not getting it OTA or on Comcast through my HD Tivo.

Sounds like a bad sound card on a robot.

I doubt that WHUT is going to make any HD efforts anytime soon. They just needed to get digital in time for the shutoff. They are just a college station, with a PBS affiliation to secure funding. It would be nice if they ran 1080i instead of 480i, even when just showing SD material, it usually looks much nicer.


There was a rumor that WETA would move some of their SD channels to the WHUT channel to free up some bandwidth for their HD channel.

Looks like someone forgot to flip the switch on the series premier of Life on Mars on WMAR tonight. Looked like the same thing on Greys Anatomy, though I only caught the last 5 mins. The audio sync was off by about a second on GA, but it's on for Life on Mars.

I've been looking forward to watching this for weeks. Figures.

Second night in a row WMAR in Baltimore has shown stretched SD on 2.1. Someone over there needs a kick in the pants.

:rolleyes:

Second night in a row WMAR in Baltimore has shown stretched SD on 2.1. Someone over there needs a kick in the pants.

:rolleyes:

I called their tip line and told them I had a great idea for an editorial.

How local tv stations are absolutely screwing the pooch on the digital switchover, and their viewer base in general.

The girl I talked too didn't seem to appreciate it, though she did say she'd pass it along to engineering. Apparently that didn't happen, because it was SD for the entirety of Life on Mars. Maybe I'll call today and try to get a warm body on the phone.

Last night WMAR was 480i in the HD channel location on Comcast.

I emailed the Engineering Director, Paul Wilkinson, about the SD on WMAR and got the following response:


Second night in a row WMAR has shown stretched SD on the HD channel. Is there a problem, or is someone just forgetting to flip the switch? Thanks

Equipment problem. We are working on the problem…

Getting strumming sounds on WBFF for the NL playoffs tonight (Thursday, Dodgers at Phillies) on DirecTV. Not getting it OTA or on Comcast through my HD Tivo.

Sounds like a bad sound card on a robot.

I've gotten two other compmlaints from DirecTV customers about audio problems, but none of the symptoms match...

I did call DirecTV, though, and the guy checked it there, and said that everything was fine... Then we got a phone call at the beginning of this afternoon's game and a DirecTV customer said that the audio was 3-4 seconds off of the video... We're back on the phone with them...

Thanks for the update Mark!

For anyone affected, I have found the subtitles work if you want to watch the picture and still be able to follow what is happening. Annoying, but at least a temporary 'solution'.

According to Comcast, the audio problem went away - at least none of their testers have experienced the problem for the last couple of nights. Has anyone had any odd audio problems with WBFF on their Comcast DVRs in the last couple of nights?

Thanks -

Getting strumming sounds on WBFF for the NL playoffs tonight (Thursday, Dodgers at Phillies) on DirecTV. Not getting it OTA or on Comcast through my HD Tivo.

Sounds like a bad sound card on a robot.

After repeated phone calls (see, we have to do it, too...), DirecTV changed their local encoder, which apprently resolved the problem... As far as we've heard...

After repeated phone calls (see, we have to do it, too...), DirecTV changed their local encoder, which apprently resolved the problem... As far as we've heard...

Thanks, I will let you know if I hear any other problems.

Hi, Mark Bulla, how possible is it to place RTN over on WNUV 54-2?

Here's why: There's a draft standard called ATSC M/H (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATSC-M/H) that will allow easy mobile digital TV reception, even in moving cars (like when you did those mobile TV tests with WNUV a while back). The trouble is, this CBR stream will require the amount of room that a subchannel would take up, and so far as I know, the Fox splicer's configured to only handle one subchannel, especially during sporting events.

When M/H gets standardized soon, it'll be of a competitive disadvantage to not put an M/H stream on WBFF (and WNUV), as every other station's going to get it done on their end. Since WNUV's locally encoded, you could use top-end encoder and statmuxer equipment that could minimize null packets better than the Fox Splicer.

Hello all. I am able to watch digital tv from Raleigh this morning here in Southern AA County. Watching WRAL-DT on channel 53. Also getting WNCN analog 17 (NBC) with a perfect picture.

If I point my antenna towards the Northeast, Philly is also coming in very strong.

Last night I was able to watch WAVY-DT (31) and WVBT-DT (29) from the Hampton Roads area. Many analogs from Norfolk/Portsmouth were also present (3, 27, 33, 43, & 49).

I'm looking forward to Feb 09 as a DXer since many channels now in use in the DC/Balto area will be vacated.

Steve

Did anyone try to watch WMAR HD last night? They still cant get it right. Lips and sound way out of sync. What happened? They used to have terrific quality in broadcasting, but its been all down hill recently. very disappointing to the viewer.:mad:

Town of Bel Air, Md., Awards Cable Franchise to Verizon

http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2008/town-of-bel-air-md-awards.html

Did anyone try to watch WMAR HD last night? They still cant get it right. Lips and sound way out of sync. What happened? They used to have terrific quality in broadcasting, but its been all down hill recently. very disappointing to the viewer.:mad:

It's impossible to watch the Oklahoma - Texas game today. The bottom 2/3rds of the picture are fine, but the top 1/3rd is about a second behind and all pixelated.

I wonder what's going on down there.

Anyone else notice the Caps game was 480i/p widescreen on CSNHD last night? First time I've seen them do this. This game was not advertised as HD, so I guess it's better than SD 4x3. I would expect tonight's home game to be in HD.

Anyone else notice the Caps game was 480i/p widescreen on CSNHD last night? First time I've seen them do this. This game was not advertised as HD, so I guess it's better than SD 4x3. I would expect tonight's home game to be in HD.

Dishnetwork did not cover the game at all on their CSNMA-HD channel. They carried only a 4:3 480i SD feed on a separate adjacent SD channel. Verizon FiOS carried a 16:9 feed on its CSNMA-HD channel. I did notice that the picture wasn't 1080i quality. Thanks for letting us know that it originated as 480i/p. I was ready to cast aspersions on FiOS's pristine quality HD last night!

It's impossible to watch the Oklahoma - Texas game today. The bottom 2/3rds of the picture are fine, but the top 1/3rd is about a second behind and all pixelated.

I wonder what's going on down there.
Getting same here in Howard County with Direct TV. Had my buddy check FIOS and its the same with his service, but he said DC's ABC is crystal clear. Gotta love it. On with the bigger picture WBAL is still not 5.1! Has anyone heard when this will happen? Its ridiculous.

Anyone else notice the Caps game was 480i/p widescreen on CSNHD last night? First time I've seen them do this. This game was not advertised as HD, so I guess it's better than SD 4x3. I would expect tonight's home game to be in HD.

The JMU@Richmond football game on CSNHD right now is widescreen SD, as well. That caught me by surprise.

Tonight's Caps game at the Phone Booth is supposed to be in real HD.

The JMU@Richmond football game on CSNHD right now is widescreen SD, as well. That caught me by surprise.

Tonight's Caps game at the Phone Booth is supposed to be in real HD.PQ isn't bad for being widescreen SD. Still not HD though...

It's impossible to watch the Oklahoma - Texas game today. The bottom 2/3rds of the picture are fine, but the top 1/3rd is about a second behind and all pixelated.

I wonder what's going on down there.

No problem with OTA.

No problem with OTA.

That must have been after they fixed it. I had plenty of problems OTA, Comcast and DirecTV.

WMAR is in a world of hurt this week.

Why can't WJLA get a system to put their text crawls over an HD program?

They just switched the race to low def so they could run an ad for Browns of Chantily over the broadcast.

Don't think I will shop at any place that ruins my HD:mad:

Was the Caps game actually in HD? Looked bad compared to some other NHL games in HD.

Was the Caps game actually in HD? Looked bad compared to some other NHL games in HD.

When I first flipped it on near the end of the first period, it definitely looked like it was widescreen SD. When I came back to the game after the first intermission, it looked HD again to me. But in general, the HD picture quality on Comcast Sportsnet has always lagged behind other channels.

After repeated phone calls (see, we have to do it, too...), DirecTV changed their local encoder, which apprently resolved the problem... As far as we've heard...
I found that Fox 45-1 had almost continuous clicking sounds for the Redskins game today. The video was fine. Fox 5-1 was fine for both video and audio.

Has WJLA been in stereo recently instead of 5.1? We watched a couple of shows from this past week on the TiVo and they were in DD2.0 instead of DD5.1 like they usually are.
The first thing I did was check other channels/recordings and they were fine.
I guess i should check DH right now and see what that audio is.

I found that Fox 45-1 had almost continuous clicking sounds for the Redskins game today. The video was fine. Fox 5-1 was fine for both video and audio.
45-1 was A-OK for me today OTA. I broke out the antenna to get 45-1 today so I could watch the Eagles/Niners game at 4:15

Has WJLA been in stereo recently instead of 5.1? We watched a couple of shows from this past week on the TiVo and they were in DD2.0 instead of DD5.1 like they usually are.Report in this forum was that the WJLA DD5.1 encoder went on the fritz. Nothing's wrong on your end.

I found that Fox 45-1 had almost continuous clicking sounds for the Redskins game today. The video was fine. Fox 5-1 was fine for both video and audio.

Should I assume that you're watching on DirecTV?

Should I assume that you're watching on DirecTV?

I was using OTA, and I assume there was an interferring signal that affected the sound but not the video.

The 700 Club is in HD on WBFF.

The 700 Club is in HD on WBFF.

It was on Friday, too.

Looks good, doesn't it?

The fun thing about 700 Club in HD is that they are sending it on the satellite in MPEG 4 - I only have two satellite receivers that do that. MPEG 4 allows them to send the HD with the same data and symbol rate as their SD programming (8.448 Mbps/6.1113 MSym/s), and it still looks nice. I'm sure it helps that there's not a lot of movement on the 700 Club.

Verizon Upgrades FiOS TV Guide in Maryland, Virginia

New Interactive Features Include News Widgets, ESPN Fantasy Football, HD For Multiroom DVR

By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 10/13/2008 8:56:00 AM

Verizon rolled out a version of the FiOS TV Interactive Media Guide for customers in Maryland and Virginia with new features, including access to local and national news, an ESPN fantasy football application and the ability to access high-definition DVR recordings in multiple rooms.

The enhanced guide now allows subscribers with the Home Media DVR to stream recorded HD programs to as many as six other TV sets in the home equipped with HD set-top boxes. Customers can watch up to three separately recorded shows on three sets at the same time.

A "Wait for Me" feature lets customers pause live programming, change channels, and then return to the paused program and pick up where they left off.

Several new free “widgets” provide daily national news and sports headlines; community news, based on ZIP code; daily horoscopes; and a listing of the most popular linear and VOD programming. FiOS TV already provided widgets for local weather and traffic reports.

Other new IMG features: customers can create two separate lists of favorite channels for family members and filter channels in the guide by genre; instant subscription from the VOD menu to premium channels, including HBO and Cinemax; free casual games, including chess, solitaire, and Sudoku; and faster VOD menu response times.

Verizon debuted the ESPN fantasy football app in Portland, Ore., and other markets last month. That provides real-time on-screen access to NFL statistics, including rosters, box scores, scoring leaders and player information.

The telco said it will launch several other new IMG features before year-end including "My Videos," to let customers watch personal videos stored on their PCs on their TV sets, and DVR programming via the Web and using certain Verizon Wireless handsets.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6604791.html

Hi, Mark Bulla, how possible is it to place RTN over on WNUV 54-2?

Here's why: There's a draft standard called ATSC M/H (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATSC-M/H) that will allow easy mobile digital TV reception, even in moving cars (like when you did those mobile TV tests with WNUV a while back). The trouble is, this CBR stream will require the amount of room that a subchannel would take up, and so far as I know, the Fox splicer's configured to only handle one subchannel, especially during sporting events.

When M/H gets standardized soon, it'll be of a competitive disadvantage to not put an M/H stream on WBFF (and WNUV), as every other station's going to get it done on their end. Since WNUV's locally encoded, you could use top-end encoder and statmuxer equipment that could minimize null packets better than the Fox Splicer.

It's technically feasible. As a matter of fact, we already have stat-muxing on WNUV - we used it when we were broadcasting "The Tube". I don't make any of the decisions on what is put on the channels, though. I just make sure that they work...

I have no idea what's being planned for sub-channels on WNUV or WBFF, if anything. I usually find out when there's just enough time to get it on the air.

They just switched the race to low def so they could run an ad for Browns of Chantily over the broadcast

Only on WJLA, any way to squeeze more ad dollars in, the amount of infomercials they run on the weekends these days is ridiculous, plus the ABC-7 pre-emptions, extra commercials on J!...

Other new IMG features: customers can create two separate lists of favorite channels for family members and filter channels in the guide by genre; instant subscription from the VOD menu to premium channels, including HBO and Cinemax; free casual games, including chess, solitaire, and Sudoku; and faster VOD menu response times.

So did they ever add back in the feature to remove channels from the guide that you don't subscribe to?

That was the best thing Verizon ever did. It pissed me off so much, I dropped them and went OTA only way back in Oct 2007, and haven't looked back! Nothing like saving $100 a month. :D And now with new channels like RTN and US showing up, they fill some of the niche gaps that cable used to.

Anyways, glad to see they have finally implemented the HD MR-DVR. Finally, only took a year. :rolleyes:

-John

As a matter of fact, we already have stat-muxing on WNUV - we used it when we were broadcasting "The Tube". I don't make any of the decisions on what is put on the channels, though. I just make sure that they work...

I have no idea what's being planned for sub-channels on WNUV or WBFF, if anything. I usually find out when there's just enough time to get it on the air.I heard a rumor that management wants to put RTN on 45-2. If it goes on 54-2 from the start, it'll save OTA viewers and cable operators a lot of trouble when ATSC M/H gets finalized as a standard, and stations rush to get M/H on air (and in the process, 45-2 gets moved over to 54-2 to ensure continued high-quality Fox HD + good quality of RTN).

You should tell management about ATSC M/H, the kind of bandwidth demands it provides, and how the FOX splicer wouldn't handle a subchannel AND an M/H stream nicely. It'll save management a lot of trouble to let them know M/H is coming (and I can assure you it's coming). It may also give them an advantage in strategizing what additional subchannels, if any, get put onto WNUV.

I don't know what encoder brand you have over at WNUV, but I know that Harris, Harmonic and perhaps Tandberg (though I'm not quite as sure about that vs. Harris and especially Harmonic) all should be able to provide relatively nice 720p, even with one 480i subchannel and an ATSC M/H stream. Two subchannels and an M/H stream? Hope you have Harmonic; they're the only one with a shot...

Anyone else been having issues with WMAR in the last few days? Specifically, I lost picture but had sound for a few minutes during Brothers & Sisters on Sunday night and Dancing with the Stars on Monday. It was almost for 10 min during DWTS. I fast forwarded throught the blank screen, and eventually the picture returned. This is viaComcast on a DVR recording. Anyone have these issues OTA, on sat, or live on Comcast? I am not sure if it is a WMAR problem, Comcast problem, or my DVR problem.

Thanks

Only on WJLA, any way to squeeze more ad dollars in, the amount of infomercials they run on the weekends these days is ridiculous, plus the ABC-7 pre-emptions, extra commercials on J!...


That's fine with me if it helps them get back to broadcasting in DD 5.1 quicker.

The 700 Club is in HD on WBFF.

So that's two Baltimore stations with syndicated HD. Still waiting for the third.

According to an email I got from WJZ, they will show Entertainment Tonight and Dr. Phil in HD "as soon as the instillation of all the equipment is completed."

I wonder how that "instillation" is coming along four weeks later.

Anyone else been having issues with WMAR in the last few days? Specifically, I lost picture but had sound for a few minutes during Brothers & Sisters on Sunday night and Dancing with the Stars on Monday. It was almost for 10 min during DWTS. I fast forwarded throught the blank screen, and eventually the picture returned. This is viaComcast on a DVR recording. Anyone have these issues OTA, on sat, or live on Comcast? I am not sure if it is a WMAR problem, Comcast problem, or my DVR problem.

ThanksI think that WMAR has been having hardware problems. Read back in the posts for the last week or two and I think there are some details there.

Anyone notice no picture on Poker After Dark last night? First 30 minutes or so were audio only on 4-1. Was it the same on 11-1? I TiVO'd it, so no chance to switch over in real time. Oh well.

-John

Anyone notice no picture on Poker After Dark last night? First 30 minutes or so were audio only on 4-1. Was it the same on 11-1?Not that it necessarily matters, but I watched on analog channel 4 without issues. Actually, during the action, there was an odd local commercial insertment about 15 minutes (IIRC) in, followed by some strange flickering once the poker came back on.

W08EE-D in Martinsburg filed a license application yesterday, which means it's on the air. Is anyone up that way seeing it? How's it mapping and IDing?

- Trip

Just received an IGuide software update (A25) on Comcast a few minutes ago. 5 minute skip using page up/down buttons, menus look a little different, title search using on-screen keypad (:cool:). On Demand controls respond faster (but "One Moment Please" still takes a while).

www.comcast.com/newguide

You should tell management about ATSC M/H, the kind of bandwidth demands it provides, and how the FOX splicer wouldn't handle a subchannel AND an M/H stream nicely. It'll save management a lot of trouble to let them know M/H is coming (and I can assure you it's coming). It may also give them an advantage in strategizing what additional subchannels, if any, get put onto WNUV.OK, Mark, I found an excellent article on ATSC M/H that I suggest you show to management. I doubt they currently understand how you can't control HD bitrate on WBFF 24/7 because of the splicer, and with the bitrate that's sometimes delivered from FOX (~16 Mbps audio and video), you will need all of the leftover WBFF-DT bandwidth to put on a proper WBFF M/H stream.

To further clarify to management: You'll need one M/H stream on RF 46 to properly replicate WBFF programming, and one on RF 40 to properly replicate WNUV programming. EACH M/H stream will use 3-4.5 Mbps of bandwidth.

http://www.current.org/tech/tech0809mobile.shtml

Anyone have an ETA on WJLA getting 5.1 back?
I assume their encoder is broken since it's been 2 weeks of 2.0 sound. Someone surely would have tried a reboot by now, right?
So how long does it really take to drop ship a replacement and patch the wires?

BTW, I have worked in broadcast before and though units change and things need to be configured, that's why they have 3rd shift. In the same breath, I am not busting any ones b@lls at WJLA, mostly just wondering why they haven't gotten it straight yet. I can't imagine there has been a rush of encoder purchases that have made them hard to obtain.

Anyone have an ETA on WJLA getting 5.1 back?
I assume their encoder is broken since it's been 2 weeks of 2.0 sound. Someone surely would have tried a reboot by now, right?
So how long does it really take to drop ship a replacement and patch the wires?

A few more pre-emptions (like last night's Wheel - where someone won the million) and infomercial overload on the weekend and they'll have the money for the repair. :(

Bust their b@lls, Beej. - did we really need another local news special about the election (20 days and counting - save us) and the BATTLEGROUND state of VA?

mark, channel 45 on Directv had major problems during House last night. It began half way through. The audio was out of synch, lots of dropouts and "bird chirping".

It was fine during the first half of the episode.

Thanks,

Scott

Marcus, Any hope that the new software IGuide will assist in the box command delay problem? Earlier in this thread someone had stated that the guide presentation was part of the cause of the command response issue. Thanks.

Marcus, Any hope that the new software IGuide will assist in the box command delay problem? Earlier in this thread someone had stated that the guide presentation was part of the cause of the command response issue. Thanks.

Delays seem to be gone so far.

mark, channel 45 on Directv had major problems during House last night. It began half way through. The audio was out of synch, lots of dropouts and "bird chirping".

It was fine during the first half of the episode.

Thanks,

Scott

I need to know if it's OTS, DirecTV, Dish, Comcast, FIOS, HD or SD, etc... (the type of box, and the software version would be handy).

Thanks for the info, though. Anyone else have a problem?

OK, Mark, I found an excellent article on ATSC M/H that I suggest you show to management. I doubt they currently understand how you can't control HD bitrate on WBFF 24/7 because of the splicer, and with the bitrate that's sometimes delivered from FOX (~16 Mbps audio and video), you will need all of the leftover WBFF-DT bandwidth to put on a proper WBFF M/H stream.

To further clarify to management: You'll need one M/H stream on RF 46 to properly replicate WBFF programming, and one on RF 40 to properly replicate WNUV programming. EACH M/H stream will use 3-4.5 Mbps of bandwidth.

http://www.current.org/tech/tech0809mobile.shtml

Cool - Thanks

Its been six weeks since Entertainment Tonight and the CBS Evening News went high def on their Baltimore affiliates.

Why aren't comcast subscribers getting these broadcasts in high definition. I called comcast's "customer service" ( I could only imagine where they are located) and after trying to explain the situation was told that the problem lies with CBS in New York. After checking with her supervisor I was give the NYC number of CBS television, and told to complain to them! Customer service questioned whether I had a high definition TV/and an HD box!
Has anyone gotten the scoop on this????
Thanks for your help!

Its been six weeks since Entertainment Tonight and the CBS Evening News went high def on their Baltimore affiliates.

Why aren't comcast subscribers getting these broadcasts in high definition. I called comcast's "customer service" ( I could only imagine where they are located) and after trying to explain the situation was told that the problem lies with CBS in New York. After checking with her supervisor I was give the NYC number of CBS television, and told to complain to them! Customer service questioned whether I had a high definition TV/and an HD box!
Has anyone gotten the scoop on this????
Thanks for your help!
Your issue lies with WJZ 13 (CBS Baltimore), not CBS New York or Comcast. Not sure if WUSA 9 (CBS Washington DC) has it in HD. You could either check with WJZ or give up on them and try WUSA.

To get WUSA 9, you will need either an antenna (and digital tuner) or FiOS -- Comcast has elected not to carry both sets of affiliates in our area. (I, for one, am having my FiOS installed tomorrow. Woohoo.)

Its been six weeks since Entertainment Tonight and the CBS Evening News went high def on their Baltimore affiliates.
Comcast has nothing to do with this. If you are watching the HD channel for WJZ-DT 13 in Baltimore, all Comcast is doing is passing the HD signal along for the station. They may be rate shaping or recompressing the signal more, but Comcast is not inserting a SD picture for the CBS Evening News into the WJZ-DT HD signal.

If you have complaints, take them to WJZ CBS 13. The last I looked, WJZ-DT was not showing ET in HD. There are recent posts here that WJZ said they are acquiring equipment to be able to show syndicated shows in HD and they will be showing ET in HD sometime in the future. I don't recall the status of the CBS Evening News in HD on WJZ-DT 13, but the Evening News was in SD on WJZ when CBS upgraded the program to HD. Somewhat odd, given that WJZ is a CBS O&O station, but there is likely more paperwork & budgetary procedures to go through to buy new equipment for the big network owned stations.

WUSA-DT CBS 9 in DC has been showing ET in SD as well. We are still very spotty with getting syndicated program shown in HD in the DC and Baltimore markets.

Mark, it was Directv, HR20-700, HD through D*, not sure about software version.

Scott


mark, channel 45 on Directv had major problems during House last night. It began half way through. The audio was out of synch, lots of dropouts and "bird chirping".

It was fine during the first half of the episode.

Thanks,

Scott

Mark, it was Directv, HR20-700, HD through D*, not sure about software version.

Scott

Thanks. DirecTV has been having problems with our audio recently (again...). It's interesting that it occurred in the middle of the show... I recognize that it's really annoying to you, and I'm sorry for that, but I've gone through everything here (again), and can't find a problem (this time, either).

It's annoying to me, too. DirecTV has had problems with FOX audio several times in the past few years, and each time I have to prove to them that it's not something that we're doing before they check into their stuff, find a problem and fix it. They don't tell me what they do to fix the problem, it just goes away, then comes back 6 months later....

It also doesn't help that when you call DirecTV, they tell you that they aren't doing anything, and you should call the station (me). When I call DirecTV, they check the incoming signal, and everything looks and sounds great. But then I still gets calls.

I can't tell you what to do, but I can tell you that Dish isn't having a problem, Comcast isn't having a problem, Fios isn't having a problem, and OTA isn't having a problem. I can also say that if I were paying for a local channel that my multi-channel service provider couldn't deliver to me without a problem, I would be annoyed at the person who was charging me, but not delivering.

I'm still working the problem from my end. I won't let it drop until it gets resolved. I'm sorry that it's taking so long - I'm sorry that it takes so long each time there's a problem with DirecTV. I wish there was a way to stream-line the process, but I haven't found it yet...

Thanks again for the info -

D* has added Fox News HD.

Thanks. DirecTV has been having problems with our audio recently (again...). It's interesting that it occurred in the middle of the show... I recognize that it's really annoying to you, and I'm sorry for that, but I've gone through everything here (again), and can't find a problem (this time, either).

--snip--

I'm still working the problem from my end. I won't let it drop until it gets resolved. I'm sorry that it's taking so long - I'm sorry that it takes so long each time there's a problem with DirecTV. I wish there was a way to stream-line the process, but I haven't found it yet...

Thanks again for the info -

Mark: I had this problem with ESPN once when i was contributing. They kept swearing it was the truck and we knew it wasn't. I made a qaud of our Program feed, our TX feed, Our Sat confidence and our net return. Sent it via FedEx with a nasty-gram and "magically" the next week it went away.

I would suggest the same; find a quad generator, and put OTA, Comcast, DirecTV (you have those receivers in your plant, right?) and, if possible, FOX inbound in it. Feed that to any tape machine that will record 4 (or 8!) audio tracks, and put one audio from each receiver on to tape. (Of course, make sure the problem is occurring!) You can do it with a downconverter as video isn't the problem....

Send it to someone higher up at DirecTV. That should help prove your point.

Good Luck, and remember...

"The trouble is good leaving here!"

Mark,

Thanks for your persistence. I place the blame on Directv. I am going to call them.

Thanks!

Scott

Thanks. DirecTV has been having problems with our audio recently (again...). It's interesting that it occurred in the middle of the show... I recognize that it's really annoying to you, and I'm sorry for that, but I've gone through everything here (again), and can't find a problem (this time, either).

D* has added Fox News HD.Just in time for the election. Now we can see the veins bulge when O'Reilly rants. :D

So I go to the HD DVR about 9:30 PM last night to watch CSI and was surprised it wasn't being recorded; tuning to CBS shows that CSI *IS* being broadcast, so why wasn't it being recorded?

Investigation shows that the Comcast DVR thinks the presidential debates were on tonight, so there would be no CSI to record.

What mutton-head screwed that up?

My SD TiVo had the correct program information so it correctly recorded CSI, which is better than nothing, but who wants to watch SD TV?

Yet another reason added to the list that will someday allow me to justify the expense of a TiVo HD ...

So I go to the HD DVR about 9:30 PM last night to watch CSI and was surprised it wasn't being recorded; tuning to CBS shows that CSI *IS* being broadcast, so why wasn't it being recorded?

Investigation shows that the Comcast DVR thinks the presidential debates were on tonight, so there would be no CSI to record.

What mutton-head screwed that up?

My SD TiVo had the correct program information so it correctly recorded CSI, which is better than nothing, but who wants to watch SD TV?

Yet another reason added to the list that will someday allow me to justify the expense of a TiVo HD ...

Same incorrect program listing showed up in the TV Guide On-Screen EPG on both my Panasonic HDTV and Sony HD DVR, indicating to me that Gemstar (who provides the TVGOS data) had it wrong. Don't know how this could translate to wrong data on your Comcast DVR unless Comcast gets its EPG data from Gemstar, too. I knew it had to wrong, so I set my DVR to do a manual recording of the first hour; lo and behold, it recorded CSI.

Hi all! Gr8 here just recently joined so i,m kinda new here but I was wondering why I am always able to receive Baltimore area stations 2,11,13,22,24,45,54,67 including my "local" channels 16,21,28,47,64 along with many Philadelphia based stations both analog and digitally depending on which way my antenna is facing all the time but I cant seem to really get any Washington stations at all except on rare nights and I was wondering if anybody could help me figure out why that is the case given its close proximity to Baltimore I have tried NW W SW even as far as S with no luck.


my setup Radio Shack VU-190 antenna with Radio Shack 15-2507 amplifier set set at max gain mounted on mast 25 feet from the ground up on the northern side of my house which is about 21 feet high also i have the Radio Shack Rotator 15-1245 for a complete Radio Shack setup that works well except the problem I have noted above any help would be appreciated!

Thanks
Gr8

Gr8,

According to TV FOOL, you are right on the edge of where the DC stations are receivable.(The Balt/Phil stations show up as much stronger) If you are truly interested in the DC stations; you would need a separate UHF only antenna to augment your VU-190. The VU-190 is a great performer; but you'll need the best out there to get DC.

If that doesn't do the trick; you may need a lower noise pre-amp(Winegard or Channel Master). I just swapped out a RS amp at a friends house in Madison, Va with the CM 7777. It made a huge difference.

UHF only would only work until February since a couple of DC stations will move to VHF when the analog signal is turned off.

UHF only would only work until February since a couple of DC stations will move to VHF when the analog signal is turned off.That's why I said to "augment" the antenna; not replace it. The VU-190 is a great VHF antenna. He'll get the best of both worlds.

many Philadelphia based stations both analog and digitally depending on which way my antenna is facing all the time

There's part of your problem. Several of the stations share channels between Philadelphia and DC. For example:

26 - KYW-DT / WETA
27 - WGTW-DT / WETA-DT
32 - WPSG-DT / WHUT
34 - WYBE-DT / WUSA-DT
35 - WYBE / WDCA-DT
48 - WGTW / WRC-DT
50 - WHYY-DT / WDCW

- Trip

Good catch Trip,

An extremely directional antenna like the 91-XG would easily solve that issue.

UHF only would only work until February since a couple of DC stations will move to VHF when the analog signal is turned off.
Not only DC, but Baltimore and Philadelphia will have digital VHF stations. He should keep the VU-190 for low VHF as WPVI-DT ABC 6 in Philadelphia will move from UHF 64 to VHF 6 low.

Gr8mike01, Felton DE places you around 79 miles from the DC broadcast towers in NW DC. Deep fringe range for UHF reception. The VU-190 is not going to perform as well for UHF as a dedicated UHF antenna. You are also using a Radio Shack amp. The Channel Master and Winegard pre-amps are generally considered to be superior in performance. According to TVfool.com, the closest full power station is 25 miles and the closest LP station is 13 miles, so overload on a pre-amp should not be a issue. Are you using good quality RG-6 co-axial cable for the cable run? If you are using RG-59, that would be a problem with the likely length of your cable run.

My recommendation has two stages, assuming you are using RG-6 cable. First, replace the Radio Shack amp with a Channel Master 7777 pre-amp. The CM 7777 has 2 co-axial inputs: a switchable one for combined UHF/VHF or UHF only with the other input for VHF only. You can use the CM 7777 with a single VHF/UHF antenna or to combine signals from separate VHF and UHF antennas. Get the CM 7777 pre-amp and see if you pick up more stations with it. Then if you want to try and the antenna mast has room & is sturdy enough for another antenna, get a Antennas Direct 91-XG UHF antenna (http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/XG91.html) and place that above the VU-190 on the mast. Use the VU-190 for VHF, the 91-XG for UHF, and the CM 7777 to combine the two.

As Trip points out, there are co-channel interference issues between some of the Philly and DC stations. Two of these will go away when the stations shut down their analog signals: 26 - KYW-DT / WETA, 32 - WPSG-DT / WHUT. But at your deep fringe range to both cities, a directional antenna with a rotator and a 6th gen ATSC tuner may get around those interference conflicts.

I'd personally recommend the antenna augmentation first for 2 reasons

1-The VU-190 is not selective enough on UHF to get DC with co-channel issues present.
2-WBOC is strong enough to possibly cause issues. A more selective antenna will help this also.(WBOC-DT is strong enough that it comes in much of the time here in Arlington with no amplification.

Combine the 2 antennas with a UVSJ(3.00 plus shipping) and an FM trap(about the same price) if the RS amp does not have one already.

I was wondering why I am always able to receive Baltimore area stations 2,11,13,22,24,45,54,67 including my "local" channels 16,21,28,47,64 along with many Philadelphia based stations both analog and digitally depending on which way my antenna is facing all the time but I cant seem to really get any Washington stations at all except on rare nights
Baltimore transmitters have significantly more height than their DC counterparts, both w/r/t average terrain and sea level.

Changing your antenna and/or amp might help a little, but unless you raise your antenna a couple hundred feet or so, you'll always need tropo to get DC.

Why is it that every Saturday College Football Countdown is in SD on WJLA but in HD on WMAR?

Now:
WJLA = Michigan State vs. Ohio State in HD
WMAR = North Carolina at Virginia in SD

WJLA has switched to UNC at Virginia. Their SD actually looks worse than WMAR

I also noticed I'm getting DD 5.1 on my receiver for WJLA. I guess they fixed their sound issue?

In Baltimore a football game on CBS College Sports is being simulcast in HD on MOJO.

The Caps game on CSN seems to be blacked out on the HD channel but not the SD channel. And the guide has the game also listed as being on MOJO but it's not being shown there.:confused:

The Caps game is on the CSN HD channel on Directv (642) but it's not in HD. I don't think CSN has shown a home game in HD yet this season.

The Caps game is on the CSN HD channel on Directv (642) but it's not in HD. I don't think CSN has shown a home game in HD yet this season.
No, I've noticed several Caps games on CSNMA HD, including a home game in HD this season. From posts elsewhere, CSNMA appears to be having technical difficulties with the HD production, so they switched to SD.

Anyone else in the DC area getting some horrible sitcom on Direct 247 (TBSHD) instead of the Red Sox playoff game? Supposed to start at 8.

TBSHD was having a technical issue earlier, the game is on now...

Anyone getting 50-1 (or even analog 50)? Both showing blank screen for me right now during Lost.

Strange, as soon as I type this, it comes back on. In SD, tho. Isn't the Lost re-runs usually shown in HD on 50?

I have no sound on CBS 9.1 DC or 13.1 Baltimore on my Toshiba set for the Redskin game. I do get sound on those same channels from Sony DVR connected to same antenna. This happened with CBS during March Madness. I emailed CBS local back in March and the technical director said they were using a loaned ATSC encoder for the multicast.

Anybody having problems with 4-1. All day today have been getting in and out signal.

All other OTA CBS,ABC, Fox and others no problem...

Suggestions?

Thanks,

Thanks. DirecTV has been having problems with our audio recently (again...). It's interesting that it occurred in the middle of the show... I recognize that it's really annoying to you, and I'm sorry for that, but I've gone through everything here (again), and can't find a problem (this time, either).


Sorry, Mark, but WBFF is motorboating again on DirecTV. It has been at least since the Simpsons last night (I recorded it). Still doing it this morning during the Liberty Ford informercial. Almost constant small motorboating and what can be heard of the audio is out of synch by quite a bit.

I noticed on Comcast's cable listing on their website for Alexandria that they have listed FX-HD (221), Fox News HD (222) and Speed HD (242). I'm guessing those are our next stations? They listed the last batch of additions on the website a few weeks before they actually started carrying the stations.

I have no sound on CBS 9.1 DC or 13.1 Baltimore on my Toshiba set for the Redskin game. I do get sound on those same channels from Sony DVR connected to same antenna. This happened with CBS during March Madness. I emailed CBS local back in March and the technical director said they were using a loaned ATSC encoder for the multicast.Looks like the new WUSA HD encoder is now installed. Harris NetVX, I assume? (Should have gone Harmonic...)

Sorry, Mark, but WBFF is motorboating again on DirecTV. It has been at least since the Simpsons last night (I recorded it). Still doing it this morning during the Liberty Ford informercial. Almost constant small motorboating and what can be heard of the audio is out of synch by quite a bit.

Good news, actually - DirecTV called the station last night to ask about the problem. I have a phone number and ticket number, so maybe something will get done... Of course, when they called, they were blaming us, but it's a start.

Oh, they told the nighttime engineer that they started getting complaints 3 days ago... Thanks for complaining!

Well, based on a 5 minute sample during the morning news, the problem seems to be gone. For now. We have had periods of no problems before.

Thanks, Mark! I know I complained, told them the problem was theirs, and gave them your phone number.

Scott


Good news, actually - DirecTV called the station last night to ask about the problem. I have a phone number and ticket number, so maybe something will get done... Of course, when they called, they were blaming us, but it's a start.

Oh, they told the nighttime engineer that they started getting complaints 3 days ago... Thanks for complaining!

Looks like the new WUSA HD encoder is now installed. Harris NetVX, I assume? (Should have gone Harmonic...)

what does this mean for the TV watcher? Will the picture be improved from what they are currently broadcasting. I know recently the picture hasn't been as good as it was 6 or 7 years ago.

what does this mean for the TV watcher? Will the picture be improved from what they are currently broadcasting. I know recently the picture hasn't been as good as it was 6 or 7 years ago.6 or 7 years? That could just be your new TV, if it's larger than the old one, and/or the internal processing engine is better and therefore more capable at showing picture flaws. If you use cable or satellite, it might also be them compressing the signal harder than they did back then. If you could say it was worse than, say, three to five months ago, then there would be something, otherwise, it may very well be something outside of WUSA's control.

But Harris's NetVX (http://www.broadcast.harris.com/products/networking/netVX.asp) isn't as good of an encoder system as Harmonic's solutions: the MV500 (http://www.harmonicinc.com/view_product.cfm?ID=320&navcode=101.100.100.100.790a320) HD encoder and Electra 5000 (http://www.harmonicinc.com/view_product.cfm?ID=280&navcode=101.100.100.101.720a280) multichannel SD encoder, using DiviTrackIP (http://www.harmonicinc.com/view_product.cfm?ID=273&navcode=101.100.101.760a273) statmuxing via the DiviTrackMX (http://www.harmonicinc.com/view_product.cfm?ID=338&navcode=101.100.101.900a338). Sure, the Harris system is quite easy to use compared to Harmonic, and it uses less electricity, but when it comes to MPEG-2 algorithms, and pure processing power, Harmonic is much better. Also, the Harris may be buggy; some stations have an unusual problem with HD bitrate allocation (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1074929&highlight=), and some odd issues with video alignment and audio quality (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14910506#post14910506) (this post provides a backstory (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14618318&highlight=13-1#post14618318) with the audio issue). Don't get me wrong, Harris is pretty good with 1080i video if null packets are limited to no more than 400 kbps, and non-HD content, including subchannel content (audio and video), is kept under 2 Mbps, but that won't be possible with ATSC M/H. At that point, if a 1080i station wants to multicast, to ensure proper HD picture quality, a) Harmonic's their only hope, b) they're only limited to one subchannel.

Tonight's Caps game on CSN HD is looking really good in widescreen SD. Hopefully they're planning on doing all of this season's non-HD games in 16:9.

6 or 7 years? That could just be your new TV, if it's larger than the old one, and/or the internal processing engine is better and therefore more capable at showing picture flaws. If you use cable or satellite, it might also be them compressing the signal harder than they did back then. If you could say it was worse than, say, three to five months ago, then there would be something, otherwise, it may very well be something outside of WUSA's control.

But Harris's NetVX (http://www.broadcast.harris.com/products/networking/netVX.asp) isn't as good of an encoder system as Harmonic's solutions: the MV500 (http://www.harmonicinc.com/view_product.cfm?ID=320&navcode=101.100.100.100.790a320) HD encoder and Electra 5000 (http://www.harmonicinc.com/view_product.cfm?ID=280&navcode=101.100.100.101.720a280) multichannel SD encoder, using DiviTrackIP (http://www.harmonicinc.com/view_product.cfm?ID=273&navcode=101.100.101.760a273) statmuxing via the DiviTrackMX (http://www.harmonicinc.com/view_product.cfm?ID=338&navcode=101.100.101.900a338). Sure, the Harris system is quite easy to use compared to Harmonic, and it uses less electricity, but when it comes to MPEG-2 algorithms, and pure processing power, Harmonic is much better. Also, the Harris may be buggy; some stations have an unusual problem with HD bitrate allocation (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1074929&highlight=), and some odd issues with video alignment and audio quality (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14910506#post14910506) (this post provides a backstory (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14618318&highlight=13-1#post14618318) with the audio issue). Don't get me wrong, Harris is pretty good with 1080i video if null packets are limited to no more than 400 kbps, and non-HD content, including subchannel content (audio and video), is kept under 2 Mbps, but that won't be possible with ATSC M/H. At that point, if a 1080i station wants to multicast, to ensure proper HD picture quality, a) Harmonic's their only hope, b) they're only limited to one subchannel.

I have content I recorded from 2001 to 2004 from OTA with my HiPix cards. It was a higher bitrate back then and it looks better than it does now. Especially WRC. The picture quality from WRC has really gone downhill.

CI (Crime and Investigation) HD is live on channel 275 on DirecTV this morning. Part of the HD Extra pack.