I discovered yesterday, that I can now receive WMAR, WJLA, WUSA, WPMT, & WGCB (along with WWPX and WJAL) at the same time.

I'm attributing this to the increase in power to WJLA and WUSA and the ability of VHF to have a greater tolerance to off-axis reception.

I like this setup, now that WGCB is using their -2 sub-channel for Universal Sports. This gives me ABC, CBS, FOX, RTV, and USports, without moving my primary antenna (I get iON, MPT, NBC, VPT, & WVPT on my secondary antenna (fixed)). :)

I like this setup, now that WGCB is using their -2 sub-channel for Universal Sports.

You do understand that USports is going to be heavily macroblocked. Not only because of the low bitrate of the SD stream, the feed itself from NBC is horrible. The few, and I mean few, times that I've looked at the feed, I had to stop, as the macroblocking was horrible.

I don't notice it much, via my ZAT-970A CECB connected to my 1992 20" Toshiba monitor. :)

Their -1 is only 480i also.

Their -1 is only 480i also.

What? No HD?

Even so, as mentioned, the feed is heavily macroblocked during action, which is a lot when it comes to sports :D

WGCB is an independent station which transmits only in 480i.

- Trip

I just watched a segment on surfing and they were showing some awsome waves. I didn't see any macroblocking. It looked better than some of the movies on iON.

We'll see how it looks, when I setup the 36" SDTV I've acquired (sometime next month - hopefully, before Spring).

I see a ton of mosquito noise on channel 4-3's U Sports. Both Ion HD 60.1 & 66.1 have some kind of weird intermittent compression artifact going on as well.

What is with WDCA-20 and their EPG, vs my CECB? It's been down for days on my 9950, but my Insignia is fine. And the 9950 is fine on every other channel...

Anyone having issues with TVGOS from WUSA-DT (again!?!?) Seems like they resolved things about a month ago and my Sony has been fairly stable (FIOS) getting VBI packets. However last night noticed no VBI data and my grid only has a few days of data left.

WJZ HD is not coming in for me in Baltimore County on Channels 212 and 813.

Hi Derek,

My answer is YES. I have a Ver 7 TVGOS machine (LG -3410a DVR) and I lost all listings about 3 days ago. It was working fairly well since the last issue, but not now.

Message this morning on our Comcast Box. 4 new HD channels to be added tomorrow. Hallmark(830), Gospel Music Channel(887), History International(876) and Investigation Discovery(899).

Comcast has added WHUT HD in Baltimore City.
DC Comcast now, too. Channel 202 (and 802).
Also Howard County. We don't get much here but we got this one.

Oddly, not MoCo. I did a rescan, and on one channel, there was a message saying, despite what was advertised, WHUT HD will not be offered. I do get it with my antenna.
J

Message this morning on our Comcast Box. 4 new HD channels to be added tomorrow. Hallmark(830), Gospel Music Channel(887), History International(876) and Investigation Discovery(899).

It's as if they are adding channels in alphabetical order.

FYI:

This morning, I did a check of WJLA and WUSA reception windows and found the following rotor values (using my 15 year old CM3020):

WUSA - 110° to 198°
WJLA - 150° to 189°

Caps Friday game moves to CSN HD

By now you've probably heard that the Caps' home game against the Thrashers on Friday has been moved off Comcast SportsNet + and onto Comcast SportsNet HD, with the Wizards game in Orlando shifting off CSN and onto CSN+. Maybe the reasoning is obvious, but just in case, I checked with a network spokesman. Turns out that it takes several days of advance time to make such a switch smoothly, and the network didn't want to take any chances that the Caps could be chasing a record 13th straight win while on the non-HD channel.

"The Capitals are on a remarkable winning streak, and due to overwhelming fan interest and the potential of Friday's game being very significant for the team, we moved the game to our primary channel so we can deliver it in HD," the spokesman wrote me. "Although they need another win to extend the streak to this weekend, we made the decision earlier this week in order to make the logistical arrangements required in a programming change like this."

The original lineup called for the Caps to have 12 games on CSN+ and the Wizards to have 14. With the switch, it changes to 11 and 15. No more complaints about hoops bias, ok? The Thrashers game was the last time the Caps were scheduled to be on CSN+ this season.

As for the persistent complaints (mostly from Caps fans) about CSN+ being unavailable for Verizon FiOS subscribers in some counties, those worries should be over. I'll quote from the FiOS release, which went out Tuesday afternoon:

Hey Wizards and Caps fans, we've heard your cries and we're answering. Starting [Tuesday], FiOS TV customers in Maryland and Virginia will have Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic Plus (CSN+), the CSN MA overflow channel that gets you your Caps and Wizards games.

As many of you know, we've been offering these games on FiOS1, a local channel that's available in the D.C. metro area, but does not include parts of Maryland and Virginia. We've worked closely with Comcast on this, and found a solution that gives FiOS TV customers all of the Caps and Wizards games they want. We'll continue to offer the CSN+ content on FiOS1 in the D.C. metro area, and on channel 334 in the rest of the region.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/02/caps_friday_game_moves_to_csn.html

Message this morning on our Comcast Box. 4 new HD channels to be added tomorrow. Hallmark(830), Gospel Music Channel(887), History International(876) and Investigation Discovery(899).

I wonder where WGN (830) will be moved to.

Nice to see them adding more HD channels, hopefully they add more soon.

Anyone have Cox Internet installed recently in NoVA? What kind of modem are they using? Verizon won't let me keep my current FIOS deal when I move next month and I'll be jumping ship to Cox.

Anyone have Cox Internet installed recently in NoVA? What kind of modem are they using? Verizon won't let me keep my current FIOS deal when I move next month and I'll be jumping ship to Cox.

What's your current FiOS deal? Is Verizon making you pay the early termination fee?

I wonder where WGN (830) will be moved to.



In a separate message they said WGN was moving to 814.

Anyone having issues with TVGOS from WUSA-DT (again!?!?) Seems like they resolved things about a month ago and my Sony has been fairly stable (FIOS) getting VBI packets. However last night noticed no VBI data and my grid only has a few days of data left.

I have a DTV Pal DVR and have full listings for 7 days.

Hallmark, History International, Gospel Music, and Investigation Discovery HD have all been added. There's also a channel on 901 that's just TBA and says "One moment please this channel should be available shortly." which could be nothing since 956 has been like that for a long time now.

I'm on Comcast in Balto County. Anyone know if the duplicates of the 200 series channels in the 800 block are permanent or just a temporary holding place during some channel shuffling?

tnx
jtm

What's your current FiOS deal? Is Verizon making you pay the early termination fee?

$40/mo for a 5MB connection. They won't let me transfer that over and forcing me to take their $55/mo 15MB connection. No early termination fees - I've had FIOS since it first came out 4.5 years ago.

Cox currently offers a 3 MB connection at $30/mo - that is enough for our household. Even their next tier is only $40/mo. I briefly tried Cox and stayed with FIOS because the service is better but not $25 better. I'm looking to buy a modem and just wondering what they are installing now - their online list of compatible modems seems to be outdated (and very few have Wi-Fi built in).

riginally Posted by derek
Anyone having issues with TVGOS from WUSA-DT (again!?!?) Seems like they resolved things about a month ago and my Sony has been fairly stable (FIOS) getting VBI packets. However last night noticed no VBI data and my grid only has a few days of data left.

Last night was seeing VBI packets...so looks like WUSA-DT is back (TVGOS) after a brief hiccup.

I have a myhd card pulling in ota in the Gaithersburg area. I'm finding that while I get PBS, NBC, FOX from both Balt and DC, I cannot get CBS (9 in DC 13 in Balt). Does CBS broadcast in some format that is different from the other networks, and that perhaps is not compatible with the myhd card?

I have a myhd card pulling in ota in the Gaithersburg area. I'm finding that while I get PBS, NBC, FOX from both Balt and DC, I cannot get CBS (9 in DC 13 in Balt). Does CBS broadcast in some format that is different from the other networks, and that perhaps is not compatible with the myhd card?

Channel 9 works fine on my MYHD-130 It's probably your antenna

Both 9 and 13 are broadcasting on VHF. As was sated earlier, it may be your antenna, which may not receive VHF.

If you want either CBS station, get a pair of rabbit ears.

I wonder where WGN (830) will be moved to.

Nice to see them adding more HD channels, hopefully they add more soon.

We haven't seen any message for HD adds in Frederick. What goes?

Well channel 901 is showing something now. It's not in HD though, but it's "Comcast Live" talking about the switch to the name Xfinity among other things. Caught the end of it and it's beginning again so it might be on a loop. At the end and beginning it also said "This telecast is a private transmission intended solely for the employees of Comcast."...

We got a message here saying we were getting 4 new HD channels and that WGN was moving (which I didn't see when I made that post.) It would only make sense to do it in the parts of MD that have already started this "World of More", so not sure why they haven't done it in Frederick yet.

WUSA preempted at least Medium to show snow coverage. They are supposed to show Medium at 1:37 AM tonight (or so) ...

WUSA preempted at least Medium to show snow coverage. They are supposed to show Medium at 1:37 AM tonight (or so) ...and Ghost Whisperer at 12:37 AM and Numb3rs at 2:37 AQM

WJLA is doing the same thing with their SOAPs(only at 3AM) they prempted this afternoon. My girlfriend was pissed that they decided to have coverage of the storm starting at noon.

We're watching the shows on WTAJ. :)

And the NASCAR Bud Shootout Saturday night is apparently going to be SNOW COVERAGE ON FOX 5 according to TIVO.

And the NASCAR Bud Shootout Saturday night is apparently going to be SNOW COVERAGE ON FOX 5 according to TIVO.

I sure hope not - we got the idea, it's snowing - I can look out my window. :rolleyes:

About the only thing saw that was interesting was what seemed to be mobile HD video from one of the weather guys driving around in his SUV.

I sure hope not - we got the idea, it's snowing - I can look out my window. :rolleyes:

About the only thing saw that was interesting was what seemed to be mobile HD video from one of the weather guys driving around in his SUV.

You're lucky it's HD video..

The local Fox affiliate here in St Louis was offering up crappy "iPhone Video Technology" from a reporter's car. Talk about a waste of ATT's limited bandwidth! Freezing frames, out of focus, jerky motion, etc.

Sigh....

Tonight's NASCAR Bud Shootout has been moved to ch 20.

WJLA had a guy driving South on I-270 this morning and he was using Skype.

WPMT was showing "Pole" runs this afternoon and advertising the race tonight.

WJLA had a guy driving South on I-270 this morning and he was using Skype.

WUSA had plenty of mobile Skype stuff today.

Hopefully this wasn't already asked, but will WUSA axe its subchannels for the SuperBowl? The NFL this season has been less than impressive on WUSA. Lots of macroblocking during fast motion.

Hopefully this wasn't already asked, but will WUSA axe its subchannels for the SuperBowl? The NFL this season has been less than impressive on WUSA. Lots of macroblocking during fast motion.

They never have before, so I would not hold out hope.

I wasn't really interested in the "SNOW" coverage, since my road was down to asphalt at about 11:00 and my drive was cleared by 15:00. Of course it was nice to see the Sun by 16:00.

Now that they have started plowing our parking area, I'll have to dig out from piles of snow 5 feet high to get the cars out.:(

They certainly had alot of snow coervage the past two days from the local channels. I'm glad it's over with.

Thankfully WUSA has killed the weather crawl for SuperBowl coverage.

Thankfully WUSA has killed the weather crawl for SuperBowl coverage.

No such luck on WJZ. Might have to set up the antenna.:rolleyes:

No such luck on WJZ. Might have to set up the antenna.:rolleyes:

I'd be very surprised if they had it on during the game. It's just pre-game stuff anyway not like it's too important. I'm also hoping they turn it off since Comcast doesn't have the DC channels in HD (besides fox) and I don't have an antenna.

I would have been very upset if WPMT or WDCA had run crawls during the shootout last night.

Thankfully, I have WTAJ to fallback on, since they don't have a sub-channel.

WTTG has now come back to my system since the snow has piled on to the ground. I'll see how long I retain them.

I've also lost WVPY (both antennas - fixed and pre-amped) the last two days at least. Anyone know what's happening down there?

Is WTTG going to ruin tonight's House with their snow crawl?

EDIT: FYI, I'm watching the latest snow update on WRC, and they just mentioned that they'll be moving back into their main studio "in a few more weeks." So the long journey to HD news at WRC may finally be coming to an end.

Is WTTG going to ruin tonight's House with their snow crawl?Yup, Channel 9 is now forecasting 16-24 inches from DC to the north towards Baltimore. WTF????????

Yup, Channel 9 is now forecasting 16-24 inches from DC to the north towards Baltimore. WTF????????

WooHoo!! Finally a storm in the middle of the week. Hopefully I can stay home from work for the rest of the week if we get closer to 24"!!

Yup, Channel 9 is now forecasting 16-24 inches from DC to the north towards Baltimore. WTF????????

No crawl, but no HD either.

Has anyone else noticed a black line that runs horizontally across the top of the picture on WMAR whenever they have their (hugely over sized and irritating) weather warning bug on the screen. It appears a few inches below the bezel of both my plasma and CRT HDTVs. Bad enough that I have started recording WJLA instead due to the distraction of the line and the bug.

Is WTTG going to ruin tonight's House with their snow crawl?

EDIT: FYI, I'm watching the latest snow update on WRC, and they just mentioned that they'll be moving back into their main studio "in a few more weeks." So the long journey to HD news at WRC may finally be coming to an end.

It seems a little too late, especially with their talent walking or WRC firing them. I just read that Bob Ryan might be leaving WRC for WJLA.

WRC is the last place I go for news now. I thought they had the worst coverage of the snow storm out of the four stations this past weekend.
Of course being in SD doesn't help either since they have less real estate on the screen to show the information.

It seems a little too late, especially with their talent walking or WRC firing them. I just read that Bob Ryan might be leaving WRC for WJLA.

WRC is the last place I go for news now. I thought they had the worst coverage of the snow storm out of the four stations this past weekend.
Of course being in SD doesn't help either since they have less real estate on the screen to show the information.
They have probably been waiting for someone to buy NBC before upgrading. Their news has been getting progressively sloppier over time, perhaps morale is down(?). I'm not a fan of Bob Ryan-one of the reasons I watch WJLA news @6 is for their weather. I'll stop if Ryan moves over.
J

Has anyone else noticed a black line that runs horizontally across the top of the picture on WMAR whenever they have their (hugely over sized and irritating) weather warning bug on the screen. It appears a few inches below the bezel of both my plasma and CRT HDTVs. Bad enough that I have started recording WJLA instead due to the distraction of the line and the bug.

The line in question:

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/192/vlcsnap2010020913h04m47.th.png (http://img63.imageshack.us/i/vlcsnap2010020913h04m47.png/)

Of course being in SD doesn't help either since they have less real estate on the screen to show the information.
Real Estate doesn't have anything to do with SD or HD. 4:3 and 16:9 screen format is completely independent from picture quality.

Real Estate doesn't have anything to do with SD or HD. 4:3 and 16:9 screen format is completely independent from picture quality.

True but typically if a programs native resolution is in HD, it's in a 16:9 Aspect Ratio, and if it's native resolution is in SD it's in a 4:3 AR.

The channels that broadcast their news in HD were using a 16:9 AR and they seemed to try and use that real estate to show the info dealing with the snow.
While WRC was using a 4:3 AR and had less space to show the broadcast and the other pertinent info.

Is anyone currently having a problem with WBAL? My property is in Columbia and as of yesterday reception has ceased.

When I go to Comcast's Fancast, they have the new HD channels, but I don't have them yet :( :mad:

Is anyone currently having a problem with WBAL? My property is in Columbia and as of yesterday reception has ceased.A little weaker than normal here in Arlington,(7 out of 10 bars) but OK otherwise other than an occasional hiccup.

A little weaker than normal here in Arlington,(7 out of 10 bars) but OK otherwise other than an occasional hiccup.

I've been having occasional hiccups on WBAL lately, too. I thought that it was just a reception issue...

I thought one of the advantages of Digital TV was the elimination of any snow.
Did not work for me.
:) I have more snow now than I ever did before Digital TV.:)

I've been having occasional hiccups on WBAL lately, too. I thought that it was just a reception issue...It's the wind.

It sure would be nice if WUSA would increase their bandwidth on the sub-channel. I don't mind them pushing their normal programming over, so they can have continuous coverage of the blizzard, but please supply enough bandwidth to prevent macro-blocking of simple movements.

Thought: Why not do the blizzard coverage on the sub-channel?

WBAL is strong for me.

20" of viewable snow here. :D

Thought: Why not do the blizzard coverage on the sub-channel?Exactly!!!!!

New HD on Dish today:

363 - Indieplex HD
365 - Retroplex HD
9430 - Tru TV HD
9450 - BBC America HD
9474 - E! HD
9482 - Hallmark (E)
9483 - Sportsman HD
9512 - Showtime West HD
9520 - Fox Soccer Channel HD

Somehow in the middle of the blizzard, Verizon Fios added the local Ion HD channel today to channel 513, presumably the feed from WWPX Ion 66. Would expect that Verizon will eventually also add WHUT HD 32 to the HD locals. BTW, the reports are that Verizon will be adding MSNBC HD to all markets this week just in time for the Winter Olympics.

Has anyone heard anything about WRC going to start HD local newscasts? They are in a temporary studio now while their normal studio gets upgraded/remodeled.

Somehow in the middle of the blizzard, Verizon Fios added the local Ion HD channel today to channel 513, presumably the feed from WWPX Ion 66. Would expect that Verizon will eventually also add WHUT HD 32 to the HD locals. BTW, the reports are that Verizon will be adding MSNBC HD to all markets this week just in time for the Winter Olympics.

Any idea why channel 20 is on 506 instead of 520? 22 is on 522 and 26 is on 526. I can see why 66 and 50 aren't in the proper spot but I don't see the reason for 20 being on 506?

I've really only just noticed it when I was trying to switch between 505 and 507 for the storm coverage.

Any idea why channel 20 is on 506 instead of 520? 22 is on 522 and 26 is on 526. I can see why 66 and 50 aren't in the proper spot but I don't see the reason for 20 being on 506?
If you look at the Verizon Baltimore and the joint market Anne Arrundel - Howard county line-ups, the Baltimore locals are clustered from 509 to 514. The line-up made some sense with a unique set from 510 to 514, but then they added WUTB 24 to 509 in Baltimore. I think Verizon wanted to have the stations from each city in 2 groups. But the Anne Arrundel - Howard County HD locals is a little strange with the DC locals from 516 to 519. Based on WHUT being at 32 in the 2-49 SD local block, WHUT 32 HD should end up at 532 when(ever) it gets added, so at least that would make sense.

Just spoke with an engineer for WVPY and he informed me that they are off the air (OTA) and that they expect a bulldozer to have the road cleared (to the tower) so they can fix the problem today. :)

He also confirmed for me that the ABC transmitter (WHSV) is on the same tower and has been operational. I don't think I'll be able to acquire it until W42CK terminates their transmission. :(

For those here in the Valley and who would like to add their 2¢ (to get the transmitters activated), here are the contact numbers for W51CY (WDCW) and W38AN (WITF):

W51CY - (202) 965-5050 #8 -- Nick Doshe ?
W38AN - (717) 704-3000

1) On Monday, the WRC anchors said they will be anchoring on their temporary set for the next few weeks, while there are upgrades are being made to their other studio. So, they will probably be back in the other studio by hopefully the end of the Olympics on February 28th or the beginning of March.

2) MSNBC HD finally premiered this morning on Fios. It can be found on channel 603.

Has anyone heard anything about WRC going to start HD local newscasts? They are in a temporary studio now while their normal studio gets upgraded/remodeled.

I believe the last I heard was spring, maybe March or April: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17703995#post17703995

I've lost the sound on 4.1 only off-air on a Magnavox TV with an internal digital tuner. I have sound on 4.2, 4.3, and fortunately, on 11.1 which is Baltimore NBC. Is anyone else having audio problems with 4.1 off-air?

I've lost the sound on 4.1 only off-air on a Magnavox TV with an internal digital tuner. I have sound on 4.2, 4.3, and fortunately, on 11.1 which is Baltimore NBC. Is anyone else having audio problems with 4.1 off-air?

Nope

I had written on here last month that those of us in the Winchester Va.-Martinsburg W. Va. area and the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia had suddenly lost our strong OTA signal for WBFF Fox 45 out of Baltimore, Md. because the FCC had allowed a low power digital Christian TV station (WAZW-LD in Winchester) - to use the same broadcast frequency - channel 46 - that WBFF Fox 45 was using. This low power signal was also blocking even some viewers in Maryland from receiving their WBFF broadcasts. I had written a couple letters to WBFF about this problem and also called them a couple times. I was beginning to think that they didn't care about this interference and blockage issue from this low power WAZW station- because I hadn't heard anything back from them. Well, it appears that they indeed DO CARE VERY MUCH about their signal being blocked to viewers here in the valley (as well as some Maryland areas). I received a phone call from WBFF's Director of Engineering last week about this problem and it seems the station has received a number of complaints from viewers across a wide area of their coverage. Evidently, a large area of their OTA availability has been effected by the sudden appearance of this low power Christian station. The engineer went on to tell me that WBFF has petitioned the FCC to increase their signal strength toward the valley to overcome this interference from this low power station which is blocking their signal. I asked him what is the likelihood of this actually happening and he is said that the parent Fox corporation is backing the station on this issue - and will commit their attorneys to resolve this, if it becomes necessary. He seemed to be very informed on this, and sounded like WBFF really is concerned about this interference. I wrote this engineer again today and asked him to please keep me informed on the outcome of all this. As of today, I do see that I am receiving WBFF Fox 45 again with no problem. Let's hope it stays that way. I know there were also others on here, who were also very concerned about losing their Fox network affiliate broadcasts. It seems that WBFF has taken an interest in this, and is working on resolving the situation. Good for them.

Would expect that Verizon will eventually also add WHUT HD 32 to the HD locals.It's been there for a while, at least here -- on channel 470. It started as SD, switched to HD. They just didn't move it to 532, as one would expect to fit with their numbering scheme. (I sometimes wonder if they even realize it's HD now, but surely they'd notice a thing like that.)

Comcast in Baltimore Co has duplicated much of their 2xx channels on 8xx. Does anyone know what is going on?

tnx
jtm

Comcast in Baltimore Co has duplicated much of their 2xx channels on 8xx. Does anyone know what is going on?

tnx
jtm

It appears the 800 to 899 channels will be the new home for the HD channels. This was also done in Montgomery County, MD. It would be nice if Comcast came out with a new channels listing showing all the 800 to 899 HD channels, but I guess they are too busy just saying we have new HD channels.

Question & help please:

My parents have commiecast & ever since they went all digital in Loudoun Cty, they have been forced to use a commiecast box with their expanded basic plan.

However, based on recs from this board, we were able to remove the box & took the cable from the wall straight into their ATSC/QAM TV - like before the total digital transition - & was able to get their TV to tune into all the stations like the box.

The big difference: the locals & PBS are NOT coming through as HD.

What could be happening?
I can understand all the cable channels would still be in SD but I thought the signal from the locals should be in HD regardless if I use the commicast box or not.

Comcast in Baltimore Co has duplicated much of their 2xx channels on 8xx. Does anyone know what is going on?

tnx
jtm

They are going nationally to a uniform channel lineup.

Question & help please:

My parents have commiecast & ever since they went all digital in Loudoun Cty, they have been forced to use a commiecast box with their expanded basic plan.

However, based on recs from this board, we were able to remove the box & took the cable from the wall straight into their ATSC/QAM TV - like before the total digital transition - & was able to get their TV to tune into all the stations like the box.

The big difference: the locals & PBS are NOT coming through as HD.

What could be happening?
I can understand all the cable channels would still be in SD but I thought the signal from the locals should be in HD regardless if I use the commicast box or not.

Look for PBS HD in a different channel number than it was/is on the box or via OTA. It maybe found over 100, 200.

And trust me, Comcast is about the least 'commie' of any company you'll come across. They are capitalists through and through.

Ken

does this mean the 8xx channels are permanent replacements for the 2xx ones?

I ask because if so I should set my Tivo season passes accordingly.

Tnx
jtm

Question & help please:

My parents have commiecast & ever since they went all digital in Loudoun Cty, they have been forced to use a commiecast box with their expanded basic plan.


In my case in P.G. county the HD signals are in the 122 to 135 channels.

Look for PBS HD in a different channel number than it was/is on the box or via OTA. It maybe found over 100, 200.

And trust me, Comcast is about the least 'commie' of any company you'll come across. They are capitalists through and through.

That was just a jest Ken as you well know of their ironfist on the local cable franchises.
Anyhow back on topic - the odd thing is their bedroom TV is able to capture the locals in HD no problems after today's rescan in the 112.xx-115.xx range.

I was just wondering if maybe this was a commiecast impeding the free signal of the locals or was it an inadequate ATSC tuner on their Mitsubishi DLP.

Winchesterdoug
The news about WBFF Fox 45 is awesome. This is the best news I've heard in a while. Omost as good as hearing that the snow will be over for at least a whole week. Maybe then can actually keep the roads clear from all the drifting snow. I will contact them again and hopefully they will be able to increase there signal strenth. I have also noticed that Ion doesn't use there 60.4 channel anymore as of last week. Keep up the good work and thanks again Winchesterdoung.

Ken

does this mean the 8xx channels are permanent replacements for the 2xx ones?

I ask because if so I should set my Tivo season passes accordingly.

Tnx
jtm

The TiVO Season passes should automatically change accordingly. At least they always have for me when a channel is moved or when I've gone to a different provider.

Question & help please:

My parents have commiecast & ever since they went all digital in Loudoun Cty, they have been forced to use a commiecast box with their expanded basic plan.

However, based on recs from this board, we were able to remove the box & took the cable from the wall straight into their ATSC/QAM TV - like before the total digital transition - & was able to get their TV to tune into all the stations like the box.

The big difference: the locals & PBS are NOT coming through as HD.

What could be happening?
I can understand all the cable channels would still be in SD but I thought the signal from the locals should be in HD regardless if I use the commicast box or not.

They should come in as HD. Here in MoCo, they come in fine. The problem, is that you may have to really search for them. For some reason, Comcast also has a digital SD version, of the HD channels. Here they've been pretty stable at the same place they would be as OTA-4.1, 5.1 7.1 etc., but at one point they were all over the place. Perhaps a rescan is in order.
J

They should come in as HD. Here in MoCo, they come in fine. The problem, is that you may have to really search for them. For some reason, Comcast also has a digital SD version, of the HD channels. Here they've been pretty stable at the same place they would be as OTA-4.1, 5.1 7.1 etc., but at one point they were all over the place. Perhaps a rescan is in order.
J

That's what I see also BigJ. They have a set of duplicate SD channels for NBC 4 here in Loudoun & the same for ABC & CBS (not sure of Fox).

Guess a rescan is in order the next time I am @ my parent's place.

Thanks.

For those here in the Valley and who would like to add their 2¢ (to get the transmitters activated), here are the contact numbers for W51CY (WDCW) and W38AN (WITF):

W51CY - (202) 965-5050 #8 -- Nick Doshe ?
W38AN - (717) 704-3000

If W51CY gets turned on will that block out any of our other channels that we already recieve?? I would hate to have this cause another problem for us viewers in the valley . Thanks for the update and info systems2000

W51CY is on RF51.

What is the news about WBFF that you are referencing?

Coolboarder - Yes, I was as upset about the interference situation with WBFF Fox 45 as you were. Why should we just sit back and take losing one of our network affiliate stations? Well, we shouldn't. It took a while, but they (Fox) have been keeping in touch with me and their Director of Engineering has assured me that their parent corp. - Fox - does not want to lose viewers either. I was very glad when he called me and said that WBFF would definitely do what they have to do to address this situation. I will be sure to post on this site any new developments on this, to keep those affected up to date on what is going on. Don't worry- I will not give up on this, and I will keep striving for a resolution.

Where's Northern VA's 800 HD channels?
:mad:

[QUOTE=systems2000;18152917]W51CY is on RF51.

I thought that W51CY isn't broadcasting. If so is it digital? If it is not broadcasting and they deciede to start will that channel cause any problems for us viewers in the valley?

Hey Winchesterdoug and everybody in the valley, I too called Wbff 45. I also talked to there Director of Engineering yesterday. He told me that they are all set to increase the signal strenth as of today. But they have to wait for the Fcc. He told me it could take any where from this week till a few months. I told him that I had emailed the fcc and that they didn't even understand my problem and that they didn't even care. He told me that's how a lot of people feel. He also told me there were lots of people complaining about lossing there station and really wants to get things worked out asap. I also asked him about what he thought about the fcc in the near future taking back the spectdrum from ota. He told me he and a lot of the other local stations are really worried about that. I also told him that I was upset by the fact that I had emailed there station 3 times and no one ever got back to me. He told me that they get so much email it's hard to respond to everyones. But did say to just call him back with anymore concerns. I then told him that they did a good job with the storm coverage and am very pleased to have there station back on.

I just noticed that the Worship channel on 66-4 or 60-4 is gone.

Does anyone know what happened?

I just noticed that the Worship channel on 66-4 or 60-4 is gone.

Does anyone know what happened?ION dropped The Worship Network on 2/1/2010... http://www.worship.net/article/january-2010-newsletter/

I thought that W51CY isn't broadcasting. If so is it digital? If it is not broadcasting and they deciede to start will that channel cause any problems for us viewers in the valley?
W51CY ceased broadcasting about December 2007. I was told that it was because Comcast was having issues acquiring WDCW's digital transmission at the time. WDCW is in receivership and currently don't have the funds to convert W51CY to digital.

As long as there isn't another transmitting RF51, I don't believe it should cause any interference with another station.

NOTE: WETA and WWPX are trying to acquire access to the channel. Not sure why WWPX would want it, since they are pretty solid on RF12.

VHF DTV operators should check out this article:

http://broadcastengineering.com/infrastructure/precision-shively-partner-vertical-polarization-vhf-dtv-0219/

Not sure why WWPX would want it, since they are pretty solid on RF12.

They're solid in Hagerstown, but 12 can't move into DC. The channel 51 petition sought to relocate to whatever mountain WINC-FM 92.5 is on in order to get coverage of DC.

- Trip

But doesn't WPXW do that?

SIDEBAR: Did anyone else see the 3D TV segment on WJLA a few minutes ago? Sets are to be hitting the stores by this Spring and three networks are already producing programming.

VHF DTV operators should check out this article:

http://broadcastengineering.com/infrastructure/precision-shively-partner-vertical-polarization-vhf-dtv-0219/
I decided (and posted) about a year ago that stations could overcome a lot of the DTV fade issues and problem reception areas (and be best served), by using "Circular Polarized" transmit antennas.

Good to see that that's being acknowledged.

But doesn't WPXW do that?

WPXW isn't for sale though. WWPX is.

- Trip

Apologies if this is covered elsewhere, but I couldn't find anything.

What content does Verizon FiOS provide to subscribers online (besides HBOGO)? I'm wondering if I can get by with fewer set-tops and use a computer instead. Is there a listing online?

Thanks!

Try http://www.titantv.com/

I just got off the phone with Comcast. The date for digital migration in Baltimore City is February 12. Channels above 28 will go digital-only.


Didn't happen. I got this response from Comcast:

The digital transition process in Baltimore City has started and should be completed by the middle of the year. You may have received or should start to receive information about the process and what you need to do to get ready.

Also saw this:

Comcast has switched some, but not all, of its DC and Baltimore area cable TV systems to mostly digital. However, some systems, like Arlington, Reston, Howard, and Baltimore city, await equipment that won't be available until summer.....

http://www.dcrtv.com/

Last night, I saw WJLA news rerun the segment on 3D Televisions.

City to Verizon: What are we, chopped liver?

Absence of FiOS in Baltimore angers council members, consumer advocates

By Larry Perl

lperl@patuxent.com

Where is Baltimore FiOS?

Matthew Weinstein has been asking that question a lot in the past month, especially at community meetings around north Baltimore.

In the past month, Weinstein has lobbied community associations in Charles Village, Homeland and Mt. Washington to join him in asking the question -- and he is seeking the support of the Greater Homewood Community Corp.

Weinstein, 46, is on the warpath against Verizon, which has brought FiOS, its heavily advertised brand of high-speed, fiberoptic Internet service, to much of the state, but not to Baltimore City.

And Weinstein, who lives in the Charles Village-Abell area, is not just a neighborhood gadfly or David versus Goliath. He's the Baltimore region and federal issues director of Progressive Maryland, a nonprofit advocacy organization.

And he has at least some support on the City Council, which is considering a non-binding resolution calling on Verizon to bring FiOS to the city.

Progressive Maryland has fought for lower energy pricing, more progressive personal and corporate income tax codes and the reduction of fraud in the workplace, among other issues in recent years, according to its Web site, www.progressivemaryland.org. Now, it is pushing hard for health care reform.

But Weinstein and Progressive Maryland are also taking Verizon to task for bypassing Baltimore as it laid the groundwork for FiOS in other jurisdictions.

"We're demanding equal treatment," Weinstein said in an interview Jan. 17 during a general membership meeting of the Charles Village Civic Association.

He said his lobbying effort has nothing to do with whether he likes FiOS personally.

"We're not looking at it as, will people like it. We're looking at it as a digital divide issue," he said.

Progressive Maryland and some city officials say Verizon doesn't want to spend the money to install the system in a densely populated urban area. Progressive Maryland says Baltimore is the only major jurisdiction in Maryland that is not yet wired for FiOS.

Verizon told the City Council that it has no plans to apply for a franchise agreement with the city, Progressive Maryland states in a flier that Weinstein handed out at the Charles Village meeting.

City Council member William Cole IV has introduced a non-binding resolution calling on Verizon to bring FiOS to Baltimore.

Cole said a coalition of community groups has formed to call for FiOS in the city, and that a public hearing on his resolution is being scheduled for March or early April.

Bringing FiOS to the city is important because Comcast has the market cornered on bundled Internet, phone and cable TV service, Cole said.

"We want the competition," he said. "It's frustrating that we're so far behind."

Cole said he thinks Verizon Maryland would like to bring FiOS to Baltimore but that its corporate office has "zero interest."

And he said there is an untrue rumor being spread, partly by Verizon representatives at Verizon stores and mall kiosks, that the City Council is blocking FiOS by charging too much in conduit rental fees for access to the city's underground wiring network.

City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, who represents north Baltimore, supports Cole's resolution, and criticized Verizon at the Charles Village meeting.

"They don't want to come into urban areas," Clarke said. "As soon as they get over their fear of urban infrastucture, we will welcome them."

In its flier that Weinstein handed out, headlined, "Where is Bmore FiOS?," Progressive Maryland concedes that installing FiOS in given geographic areas "involves a significant investment of resources."

Verizon advertises fiber optic technology as "communication at the speed of light," transmitting data at five times the speed of DSL or cable. All 32 volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica can be sent in less than a second, Verizon claims.

But Weinstein and other critics say Verizon doesn't want to spend the money for FIOS in Baltmore because it could be more expensive in an urban area.

Weinstein says it could be done less expensively by using existing phone wires, and Cole agrees.

"The development (of FiOS) in urban areas is not more difficult than in rural areas," Cole said.

In its flier, Progressive Maryland said Verizon delayed its wiring of the nation's capital for FIOS, too, but changed its mind after a grassroots campaign in Washington.

In an e-mail statement, Verizon doesn't deny that money is a factor in its decision to not invest in the city, at least for now.

"Verizon is not deploying FiOS in Baltimore City or in any other new areas in Maryland or across the country at this time because we're now focused on delivering our FiOS services in those communities where we already have approved cable franchises and where we already have begun to build our FiOS network," said spokeswoman Sandra Arnette. "We have extensive deployment obligations in several states and are working to fulfill them."

She also stated that Verizon decides where to deploy the system based partly on "the ability to rapidly deploy our network. This involves review of material and supply issues, workforce locations, technology locations and other related business factors."

But Arnette said that "just because we're not deploying FiOS in a particular area now doesn't mean we won't do so in the future. We just can't say when that will happen right now."

Cole said Verizon's reluctance to bring FiOS to the city "smacks of redlinng," a claim that Arnette denied.

"Race, ethnicity and income are never factors in this decision," she said in her e-mail. "Verizon does not redline. We never have and never will. It's illegal, immoral and counter to our century-old legacy of providing good service to Baltimore residents. Our commitment to diversity is evident in many communities where FiOS is now offered, such as Dundalk, Essex, Glen Burnie, Milford Mills, Randallstown and Woodlawn."

But it's clear that the criticism is having an effect.

"We understand people's concerns, and we can and will carry those back to our business," Arnette said.

http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/news/104765/city-verizon-what-are-we-chopped-liver/

Hey Baltimore, stop bitchin'. At least your Comcast has Spike and Comedy Central HD :mad:

Hey Baltimore, stop bitchin'. At least your Comcast has Spike and Comedy Central HD :mad:

No it doesn't.

I wish to announce that after months of searching-well, not too hard-I stumbled upon my OTA antenna's "sweetspot" where I can pickup most Baltimore/DC signals without much breakup. I intend to only turn the rotor once in awhile to keep it functioning.

This setting has locked down WETA-26 as well as 30-1 through 5. Those had been pretty much worthless since late summer.

The exceptions to this are WRC-4 and CW-50. 50 doesn't lock in at all and 4 seems to vary with the weather or something.

I wonder why I used to get 4 and sometimes 50 but don't now. An engineer from WRC was kind enough to respond to me on that problem last year, but we never were able to figure how my reception actually got worse over time for that specific station only.

Coolboarder - I'm glad you were able to talk to the Director of Engineering too, at WBFF-TV. - I think it is important to show that there are quite a few of us that are concerned about this interference and blockage issue with these small low power stations. I have spoken to him as well before, and he said he is new in that post at the station- but he seems to genuinely care about our concerns. So that is a good thing. I have also received two different calls from the FCC in the last two days about the complaint I filed about the low power WAZW-LD station in Winchester blocking WBFF-TV's transmission. They took down my documentation over the phone about this situation and today the FCC person asked me if WBFF was still blocked or if I was receiving the station again? I told them that I have been receiving the station again for the last few weeks. So, they took all this information down but couldn't really tell me if WBFF's request for a power increase went through. I have a feeling that this is something that we are all going to have to keep on top of - and follow up with.

I think cox cable fairfax recently changed some of the "direct" cable channels. I "now" (meaning I just did a rescan of my channels on the cable input) vs what I had last fall) get a bunch of local channels in digital, including 4.3.
Prob worthwhile to add some updates to the first post.
;)

Did any analogs disappear and were the QAM chs moved?

don't think any of the analog's where changed, just a bunch of digitals added. It is a little screwed up, as there are ton's of digital channels that show up but appear to be unused (and not just scrambled). They also have two channel 9-1's. And there is an analog ch 4 and digital ch 4-1. So hitting 4 on your remote, give you analog 4 and not 4-1. Also haven't been able to find a listing either for all these.

will be dropping my Verizon service and will be using an OTA antenna for 3 TV's in my house. I have a Plasma & LCD's.

Can someone in the Baltimore / Annapolis area make some recommendations for an HDTV antenna for reaching both Baltimore and Washington stations from zip code 21108?

- What type of reception quality should I expect for this area? Is there going to be a big difference in the picture quality from cable service vs . OTA reception?

I live in a wooded area and can mount the antenna approx 15' above the ground. I have aluminum siding on the house so an attic mount is probably not a good idea.

also any input on a rotor set-up vs. two antenna(s) would be helpful Also, Is there any other equipment I will need? Splitters / boosters / etc?

Please help.

Thanks.

marshman442, please don't post the same question in multiple threads. See responses in the other thread you started.

Looks like it's official (this time): April 7.

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3748/comcastworldofmorelette.jpg (http://img689.imageshack.us/i/comcastworldofmorelette.jpg/)

...Can someone in the Baltimore / Annapolis area make some recommendations for an HDTV antenna for reaching both Baltimore and Washington stations from zip code 21108?...

marshman442, please don't post the same question in multiple threads. See responses in the other thread you started.

I don't see a problem with a person with a reception problem posting in both the general thread and in his own local one. There are a lot of forum members who regularly visit one of those threads but not the other that may be willing and able to assist him.

Marshman442 might get away with using a round, "flying saucer/trashcan lid" type antenna, like an MS-2000. Back when I did residential, I was sometimes able to get acceptable analog reception in his area using such an antenna.

Looks like it's official (this time): April 7.

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3748/comcastworldofmorelette.jpg (http://img689.imageshack.us/i/comcastworldofmorelette.jpg/)

Thanks for posting this. I expect to see this sometime in 2014 for our Arlington system.

Hi everyone - moving to a new place in Rockville (from an apt.) and finally do have the option for FIOS.

Can anyone share their experiences with FIOS?

I had comcast many years ago and switched (after many internet outages) to RCN and have been relatively happy. However at least FIOS is marketed as 'better than cable' - just trying to figure out if that's true..

I have had Fios internet since 2005 and it has been rock solid. But I don't have their TV. From what I have seen and heard about it though, it gets thumbs up.

^ +1

Looks like it's official (this time): April 7.



Got mine in DC, too, with a "network enhancement" starting date of March 16.

Hi everyone - moving to a new place in Rockville (from an apt.) and finally do have the option for FIOS.

Can anyone share their experiences with FIOS?

I had comcast many years ago and switched (after many internet outages) to RCN and have been relatively happy. However at least FIOS is marketed as 'better than cable' - just trying to figure out if that's true..

FIOS is much, much better than cable (for the moment, anyway).

FIOS is much, much better than cable (for the moment, anyway).

That is a matter of personal opinion, one I do not share.

I opened my current Comcast bill the other day to find out, to my surprise, that it had gone down $30. The explaination indicated that I had cancelled Showtime, which also cancelled my "2 Play" subscription. I never cancelled anything. I visited the Comcast office in Fredereick to see what was up. They looked at my account and could not see what was going on. They said as long as I still had Showtime, don't worry about it. The only thing they thought it might be was the change to XFinity. The agent thought they were moving me from the "2-Play" over to XFinity and the package includes what I get not ------only cheaper. Does this make sense? Did anybody else see any such change? I do like the $30 cheaper but I have a feeling at some point Showtime will disapper from my line-up.

That is a matter of personal opinion, one I do not share.

What's better about cable?

Have had FIOS in Arlington for over 3 years & very pleased so far. Internet speed is higher than advertised (Paying for 15/5, but getting 20/5) Picture quality just as good as OTA. Only 2 outages so far & both were addressed immediately.

What's better about cable?

I have a feeling that the opinions about which is better (FIOS or cable)may be different for those areas which have completed the analog reclamation and those who have not. In areas that have completed the analog reclamation, the cable channel selection is comparable to FIOS. Of course, it depends on what channels you want the most. The picture quality is often a bit worse for cable (not sure it is enough for most people to notice - but it is enough to irritate some people). And then there is price, contracts and service.

Recorded CSI last night (Tivo), and it was a mess. Broken picture and sound - unwatchable for about 15 minutes then clearer up after FF. This was Comcast Alexandria channel 212 CBS. The next program was fine (Mentalist).

Anyone else experience this or might I have a hard drive going bad. Hope not, just put a 1TB in a few months ago.

Hi -
It's been a while since I checked in on this thread and just wanted to ask if anything has changed significantly in antennas or broadcast power over the past year.

Here is my TV Fool plot:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3db7c8f5a58fb704

I really want to receive the 4 major networks. I'm reasonably close to the tower(s) at about 35 miles. All the Washington, DC stations are at 153 or 154 degrees. But I'm down in a valley and everything is 2 edge.

Wondering if there is a single antenna that will work, or if I should go with a VHF for 7,9 and something else for 34-36 + 48 and a splitter / combiner.

Wondering if there is a single antenna that will work, or if I should go with a VHF for 7,9 and something else for 34-36 + 48 and a splitter / combiner.Both channel 7 & 9 have had some significant power increases, so your chances of reliable reception are pretty darn good now. The Winegard HD7698P (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=HD7698P&d=Winegard-HD-7698P-High-Definition-VHFUHF-HD769-Series-TV-Antenna-(HD7698P)&c=TV%20Antennas&sku=615798398606) would be a good choice for a 1 antenna solution. (I'm a bit worried about WRC-4 though with any combo antenna which just won't have the extra gain a dedicated UHF antenna will provide)

If you don't mind 2 antennas, the Winegard YA-1713 (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=YA1713&d=Winegard-YA-1713-Prostar-1000-10-El.-HiBand-VHF-TV-Antenna-(YA1713)&c=TV%20Antennas&sku=615798304867), plus the AD 91-XG (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=91XG&d=Antennas-Direct-91XG-UHF-TV-Antenna-(91XG)&c=TV Antennas&sku=853748001910) would be an even better choice in my opinion. The Channel Master 7777 (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=CM-7777&d=Channel-Master-CM7777-Titan2-VHFUHF-TV-Antenna-Preamplifier-with-Power-Supply-(CM7777)&c=Pre-Amplifiers&sku=02057207774) pre-amp would work well with either scenario.

Hope this helps!!

Hi -
It's been a while since I checked in on this thread and just wanted to ask if anything has changed significantly in antennas or broadcast power over the past year.

Here is my TV Fool plot:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3db7c8f5a58fb704

I really want to receive the 4 major networks. I'm reasonably close to the tower(s) at about 35 miles. All the Washington, DC stations are at 153 or 154 degrees. But I'm down in a valley and everything is 2 edge.

Wondering if there is a single antenna that will work, or if I should go with a VHF for 7,9 and something else for 34-36 + 48 and a splitter / combiner.

Try the Square Shooter(I guessthey still make them). I've been using two of them with a combiner and preamp here in Woodbridge for six years. Since WUSA and WJLA have increased their signal strength on VHF I've been getting a good signal from them.
Hopefully when the foilage is on the trees the signal will still be fine.

What's better about cable?

For me its customer support. Verizon has given me problems when it come to support on DSL service I help support at a business location. Comcast on the other hand always bends over backward to find solutions to any problems with TV or internet that I have had. I'm getting great picture on Comcast (except for ABC, but I am getting the impression that is the networks fault...), and totally reliable internet service. I can't see a reason to chance changing to a company that has given me support issues in the past.

Does anyone know if I can buy a HD cable box directly from cox. Wanted HD in spare room in the house but do not want DVR and want to keep the cost down as much as possible. I know I can get the local HD over the air but I also want ESPN Food Network, Discovery, etc in HD but do not want to rent if i do not have to.

Thanks,
Dan

Good news about 7 and 9! Thanks for the antenna suggestions too.

For me its customer support. Verizon has given me problems when it come to support on DSL service I help support at a business location. Comcast on the other hand always bends over backward to find solutions to any problems with TV or internet that I have had. I'm getting great picture on Comcast (except for ABC, but I am getting the impression that is the networks fault...), and totally reliable internet service. I can't see a reason to chance changing to a company that has given me support issues in the past.

I'm comparing FIOS to Arlington/DC Comcast, which hasn't shut off the analog channels (yet), and FIOS has hugely better picture quality. It's not even close. It's not just the HD channels that look better, the standard definition ones do too. On Comcast they're barely watchable, on FIOS they are quite nice. FIOS also has a much better selection of channels, and the guide is fast and modern looking -- not the Commodore 64-type junk that Comcast provides. And the internet is faster.

I've never had any big problems with Comcast's support but the quality and selection just isn't anywhere near FIOS.

We had terrible service from Verizon till we switched to FIOS. Now, it's like we are dealing with a completely different company. Service is always prompt & comprehensive.

I'm thinking they do that to get as many people off copper as possible when FIOS is available in the area???

At almost a 40% higher price tag, FIOS should provide naked dancing girls on every channel. I am the last person on my block to stay with Comcast. I have done so because they are a lot cheaper and the PQ in HD is comparable. I watch a 96" wide screen and I'm very picky so for those who see a difference, I would make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

I've signed the lease on a new residence and will start moving tomorrow. It is about three or four miles (almost due West) of my current location. I'm going to rework my CM3020 and put the top antenna at about 65'.

I ran the TVFool report and found that most of the stations (I currently receive) vary from 0.2 to 1.9dB. I have three stations (that I don't currently receive) increasing their NM by 6.9dB (WGAL), 11.8dB (WITF), & 12.1dB (WHTM).

Even though I already get WTAJ, WPMT, and WGCB solidly, they will increase in strength also (3.1, 4.4, & 4.9dB).

Let the games begin! :D

I already have an OTA on the roof but need someone to switch it out for a larger/better one and also add two more lines to two rooms.

I already have an OTA on the roof but need someone to switch it out for a larger/better one and also add two more lines to two rooms.
call action antenna 4102420440

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/5127/comcastnewhdletter.jpg

call action antenna 4102420440

I had very bad service from them a couple of years ago. They did not mount the antenna rotator at 0 degrees; they cut all cables too short, necessitating splices to reach the equipment; the mounted the preamp too far away from the antenna; they miswired the antenna rotator and it didn't even rotate. They did an unprofessional job.

I'd look for another installer personally.

Does anyone know if 11 and 13 decreased their power or changed the direction of their signal?

It's probably the atmosphere. Last night I was getting WJZ with 100% signal strength and 80% quality. This morning I was back to both WBAL and WJZ not coming in. I thought WJZ had done a power increase and was glad to see it.

Does anyone know if 11 and 13 decreased their power or changed the direction of their signal?

when did your problems start?

11 works fine (at a 45% signal) 13 is horrible (at a 78% signal) the audio breaks up and occasionally the picture too.

My problems started around Sunday. (3/7) I am in Westminster/Carroll county

11 & 13 are fine here. There has been a good bit of atmospheric tropo activity the last few days that may be affecting reception for some viewers.

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/5127/comcastnewhdletter.jpg

Lucky dog! Hopefully now they can start concentrating on updating Harford County!

Does anyone know if I can buy a HD cable box directly from cox. Wanted HD in spare room in the house but do not want DVR and want to keep the cost down as much as possible. I know I can get the local HD over the air but I also want ESPN Food Network, Discovery, etc in HD but do not want to rent if i do not have to.

No, you can't. It is unlikely any cableco will provision a personally owned STB. A Tivo or MCE equiped PC w/ cable card is overkill for what you need. Have you tried to see what clear QAM chs are available? You might be able to live with that - otherwise you'll need to get their STB.

I had very bad service from them a couple of years ago. They did not mount the antenna rotator at 0 degrees; they cut all cables too short, necessitating splices to reach the equipment; the mounted the preamp too far away from the antenna; they miswired the antenna rotator and it didn't even rotate. They did an unprofessional job.

I'd look for another installer personally.
i'm surprised i've worked with brian for close to 20 years on cband as well as ota and have yet to have a problem

Comcast will add MASN2 HD on April 7 in Baltimore.

Does anyone have one black letterbox bar (top of screen) on ABC 7 WJLA-HD through Comcast ALex/Arl? Both the SD and HD channels are jacked. I can't receive the OTA signal to check it but I can receive WMAR-HD OTA and there is no issue.

Does anyone have one black letterbox bar (top of screen) on ABC 7 WJLA-HD through Comcast ALex/Arl? Both the SD and HD channels are jacked. I can't receive the OTA signal to check it but I can receive WMAR-HD OTA and there is no issue.

DirecTV is the same, as is the OTA signal. Actually, there seems to be a thin bar at the bottom also.

Cool. Thx. WJLA issues. Just noticed the bottom after you pointed it out.

We had terrible service from Verizon till we switched to FIOS. Now, it's like we are dealing with a completely different company. Service is always prompt & comprehensive.

I'm thinking they do that to get as many people off copper as possible when FIOS is available in the area???

Gee, whatever could give you that idea?

I'm sure it has nothing to do with the copper plant being regulated, and the glass being totally unregulated.....

So trying to watch Off Beat Cinema, and it is way more Off than usual. The video and audio are frozen, with occasional spurts taking you ahead a few seconds at a time.

Since my signal is solid, and both the main & 7.2 are OK; I guess the wet string from RTN to WJLA must be frayed or such...

But it's now been like that for well over an hour; I gather WJLA must not have anyone on the premises on a weekend who monitors such?

Sunspot 1054 launched a CME which will likely hit on Wednesday. I wonder if the satellite network feeds will be affected?

http://spaceweather.com/

jtm

No, you can't. It is unlikely any cableco will provision a personally owned STB. A Tivo or MCE equiped PC w/ cable card is overkill for what you need. Have you tried to see what clear QAM chs are available? You might be able to live with that - otherwise you'll need to get their STB.

Thanks, I do not have a tv with QAM tuner. Guess I will just have to get a STB.

when did your problems start?

11 works fine (at a 45% signal) 13 is horrible (at a 78% signal) the audio breaks up and occasionally the picture too.

My problems started around Sunday. (3/7) I am in Westminster/Carroll county

Interesting. I'm in Eldersburg and I had a horrible time with 11 Wednesday night (3/10). It seemed to get better after 10:30 PM.

Has WGAL already increased its signal? I hadn't been receiving it since I turned the antenna more toward DC recently, but it was booming in for me the last two days.

Still can't get WRC consistently (or 50 at all), though.

So trying to watch Off Beat Cinema, and it is way more Off than usual. The video and audio are frozen, with occasional spurts taking you ahead a few seconds at a time.

Since my signal is solid, and both the main & 7.2 are OK; I guess the wet string from RTN to WJLA must be frayed or such...

But it's now been like that for well over an hour; I gather WJLA must not have anyone on the premises on a weekend who monitors such?

RTV 7.3 had its station ID running over and over again from 6:30 to 7PM last night.

when did your problems start?

11 works fine (at a 45% signal) 13 is horrible (at a 78% signal) the audio breaks up and occasionally the picture too.

My problems started around Sunday. (3/7) I am in Westminster/Carroll county

I just checked last week and noticed that the position I used for 11 & 13 didn't work anymore. It's better now but there are still a lot of audio and picture breakups for 11. I still can't even get a signal for 11 on my downstairs televisions.

When did WFDC Univision 14 go 1080i HD? It is not a channel I watch, but I was stepping through the channels and there was a HD program on.

Hmmm, I've never seen 16:9 programming on channel 14. Did it look like HD?

Ooops, never mind, I see it now.

Any chance I could get updated TSReader data on WFDC?

- Trip

When did WFDC Univision 14 go 1080i HD? It is not a channel I watch, but I was stepping through the channels and there was a HD program on.

Beats me but FWIW, when I programmed a TV today, it DIDN'T find a 14.2. Usually, it does but when selected, it either says "audio only" or weak or no signal, depending on the model of tuner.

Any chance I could get updated TSReader data on WFDC?

- Trip

As always, happy to oblige :)

Thanks! :)

Looks like the standard Univision setup, but with Mobile DTV running where there would normally be an SD sub. Interesting...

- Trip

Any chance I could get updated TSReader data on WFDC?

- Trip
It's HD now. http://kurly.net/tvsightings/20100317/

Just did a quick scan from 7 to 52. As an aside, I did see the MHz 1-5 at RF24, but not well enough to capture anything.

That link uses RF channel numbers, just like in the past.

As always, happy to oblige :)
Figures, you post yours while I'm preparing mine. ;)

It's HD now. http://kurly.net/tvsightings/20100317/

Just did a quick scan from 7 to 52. As an aside, I did see the MHz 1-5 at RF24, but not well enough to capture anything.

That link uses RF channel numbers, just like in the past.

Ooh, new captures of the other stations. Thanks! :D

- Trip

Ooh, new captures of the other stations. Thanks! :D

- Trip
No problem. I got these using my little portable USB tuner, my laptop, and a set of plain ol' rabbit ears on the 2nd floor of the house, without moving the rabbit ears during the scan. Can't believe I got WBOC clean.

Channels in the 800s have shown up on Comcast Howard County. My Tivo doesn't have guide data for them but they are there. All the HDs that are in the 200s replicated. Guess the move is starting in Howard County.

Coalition presses Verizon to bring high-speed Internet service to Baltimore

City bypassed on FiOS, bus billboards will say

Using a bus billboard campaign, a coalition of 20 churches, labor groups and community organizations is trying to pressure Verizon Maryland to bring its next-generation, high-speed Internet service to Baltimore.

The service, marketed as FiOS, is available or being rolled out in several counties around the city and in Washington, but critics accuse Verizon of leaving Baltimore out of expansion plans. With high-capacity fiber-optic wiring, FiOS can offer television, telephone and Internet download speeds of up to 50 megabits per second - many times faster than a typical digital-subscriber line or cable-modem connection.

"As anyone who is a native of Baltimore knows, there's a long history of companies not investing in Baltimore," said Matthew Weinstein, Baltimore regional director for Progressive Maryland, the nonprofit that organized the coalition.

Weinstein, who kicked off the campaign at a small rally outside Verizon Maryland's headquarters in downtown Baltimore, accused the company of "redlining" Baltimore - of avoiding poor inner-city neighborhoods and choosing instead to invest in more affluent suburbs. The bus billboard that Progressive Maryland commissioned states: "This bus isn't the only thing passing you by. Verizon's bringing high speed Internet everywhere but Baltimore."

Sandra Arnette, a Verizon Maryland spokeswoman, denied that the company is ignoring Baltimore.

"Not once have we ever said we're not coming to Baltimore City," Arnette said.

But, she said, Verizon has already agreed to build the FiOS network in other parts of the state and has put a halt on new deployments nationwide so that it can focus on building out the areas where it has existing commitments.

"There are other major cities where we're not currently offering the service," Arnette said. "But that's not to say we won't be looking to move into those areas in the near future. We just ask people to be patient."

Verizon FiOS is available to communities in 16 states, Arnette said. The company is offering the service at least in some parts of several major cities, including Los Angeles, Washington, New York, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Richmond, Va., and a handful of cities in New Jersey.

In addition to Baltimore, FiOS is not available in Boston, Syracuse, Albany or Buffalo, Arnette said.

In Maryland, Arnette said, FiOS is in various stages of deployment in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/technology/bal-bz.fios17mar17,0,7212708.story

Comcast Switching 3 More DC Systems To Digital

3/17 - With Montgomery and Loudoun counties area converted to mainly digital, area cable TV giant Comcast has set it sights on three other DC area cable systems for the conversion, which will allow the firm to add a batch of new high-def channels and more broadband services branded with the Xfinity moniker. This spring, Washington DC, Prince George's County, and Reston are being switched over to digital, expect for the most basic tier of local broadcast and public access channels. DC and PG will be done in a two-step process in March and April, while Reston will have a three-step process through May. Reston, we're told, is one of the first Comcast systems to go digital that doesn't use Motorola converter boxes, and therefore is a bit of a more complicated switch. Comcast is providing up to three additional devices for free to subscribers of those three systems, who'll need the gear to continue watching most expanded basic channels, a la ESPN and CNN. Comcast says it hopes to have the remainder of its DC area systems, including Arlington, Alexandria, and Prince William County, converted to digital by later this year.....

http://www.dcrtv.com/

All my OTA channels are gone. I live in Columbia what's up with that. I rescanned for them and nothing.

Any help?

All my OTA channels are gone. I live in Columbia what's up with that. I rescanned for them and nothing.

Any help?

Obviously, something failed in your antenna or receiver system.

Start by doing some basic checks for unplugged or damaged connections and that your antenna is still there.

"Diagnosis by osmosis" isn't likely to succeed, you will have to get up and do some checking.

Thanks. Kinda weird it just quit.

Is Comcast still broadcasting the analog TVGOS information in their Annapolis area? I have 3 HD DVR's from LG that used that signal. An LG tuner I have also used the data. None of them show the programming info. any more. Also, these devices relied on a time signal to set the clock. This appears to have failed also. Is this being broadcast. If neither is being broadcast, is there any way around the problem using one of the digital to analog converters?

Anyone throughout the valley or towards Baltimore/D.C. register 33-3 (W38AN - WITF) yet?

Dewster pointed out that WITF turned on their translator here in Chambersburg and I'm receiving it 100x100. About time I get PA PBS.

Does anybody know of an antenna company in the Baltimore area other then Action Antenna?

Thanks

Cox-Northern Virigina slated to get NBA TV, ESPNU HD, ESPN News HD, and Epix HD on April 1st, per my most recent bill. I could've sworn that NBA TV (SD) was already available here and this "new" offering is among the HD channel numbers.

-SUO

This may be my last post for a couple of weeks, since I'm now well into my move and will be doing utility changes this weekend.

I do want to let everyone know that I setup a temporary antenna system, at the new location. I used my homemade circular and the trapezoid I found. I mounted them on two poles that I drove into the ground. The VHF-High circular is centered 48" AGL and the UHF trapezoid is centered at 33" AGL. They feed into a UVSJ and run directly (no pre-amp or DA) to one of my Zinwell CECB's. I'll get a picture before I tear it down.

I currently receive WTTG, WJLA, WUSA, 14 (don't know the call sign), WDCA, MHz 1-5, WHAG, WWPB, W38AN, WWPX, 66 (can't remember the call sign - WPXW?), and WJAL. This will work fine until I get the new setup installed. :D

My old location gave me fits with WTTG and I couldn't acquire 14, MHz 1-5, or 66.

Does anybody know of an antenna company in the Baltimore area other then Action Antenna?

Thanks

Sorry, but I don't. Have you tried action antenna?

Stansbury Decker used to to antenna work out of Baltimore, but I haven't had occasion to contact them in the last decade. Also, I remember that a company named Baltimore Sound once did work on an antenna in a highrise building there, but I don't know if they do or did single family residental antenna work

What's going on with image uploading?

I tried to upload a photo of my temporary setup and the system keeps telling me the "file upload failed."

Comcast Prince George's completed phase 1 of their switch to digital and the following channels have a message that they enhanced their network:
27 - The Weather Channel
30 - msnbc
36 - TNT
37 - HIST
39 - BRAVO
40 - AMC
41 - SYFY
45 - cartoon network
46 - animal planet
47 - TLC
50 - lifetime
52 - HGTV
53 - E!
54 - FOOD
55 - TRAVEL
64 - VS.

They still have they digital qam channels in the clear and VS. and A&E in HD. Also, they have all the locals mapped to their regular channels. One interesting note, they have mHZ on 22.1 through 22.10 but also mapped MPT to 22 so it's two 22.1, 22.2, and 22.3

Does anybody know of an antenna company in the Baltimore area other then Action Antenna?

Thanks

If you actually go 20th century and use the phone book, you'll find several on Baltimore's east side. I was going to use one to fix my mother-in-law's antenna last year, but my brother in law and I wound up doing a duct tape kind of job ourselves.

Since we never hired anyone, I can't recommend.

Comcast Prince George's ... One interesting note, they have mHZ on 22.1 through 22.10 but also mapped MPT to 22 so it's two 22.1, 22.2, and 22.3

The double 22s are a little annoying if you're trying to record -- you have to set the station manually to be sure you're on the right channel (if you leave it to the timer to decide for remote recordings, you may be disappointed). It also screws up "favorite' channel settings. Mine keeps defaulting to spanish MPT 22-3 instead of MHz worldview. (22-3)

Well, clearly, the double 22s are a mistake. Have you complained to Comcast about it?

(And if for some reason, that goes nowhere, contact the county franchising authority and the FCC, in that order.)

ETA: You might also want to contact MHz and MPT -- especially MHz, since theirs is the number that's wrong.

Hey gang,

Using the shortest cable outlet and my Zinwell ZAT-950A, I tried the new location with my CM3414 and got the following results tonight, for my temporary setup pointed towards D.C.:

STATION|SIGANL|QUALITY
WMAR|60|3
WRC|68|45
WTTG|70|31
WJLA|100|100
WUSA|100|100
WBAL|63|20
WFDC|68|68
WDCA|70|80
WHAG|100|80
WNVC|100|100
WWPB|100|100
W38AN|100|71
WVPY|100|3
WWPX|100|82
62|50|3
66|68|74
67|54|3
WJAL|100|79

4's HD Local News Coming In Late April

3/30 - More Channel 4/WRC news. Look for the debut of high-def local newscasts on 4 during the last week of April. "Rehearsals are now underway with the new set and control room, they are expected to be ready to go by then," we hear. The switch would make Channel 4 the last of DC's major local TV news operations to go HD.....

http://www.dcrtv.com/

Finally!

Finally (Seconded). Let's hope the whole operation is HD, including field reports.

Which (I guess) just leaves WMAR...

4's HD Local News Coming In Late April

3/30 - More Channel 4/WRC news. Look for the debut of high-def local newscasts on 4 during the last week of April. "Rehearsals are now underway with the new set and control room, they are expected to be ready to go by then," we hear. The switch would make Channel 4 the last of DC's major local TV news operations to go HD.....

http://www.dcrtv.com/

So, is this new for DC50? Shrinking the show to 1/4 the size, and showing a commercial? I noticed this on the last Legend of the Seeker (March 28th, at the 6:43 mark -- see screen cap).

I've only noticed this during credits before, not actually during the show. Very annoying. :mad:

Finally (Seconded). Let's hope the whole operation is HD, including field reports.Heh. Let's not get ahead of ourselves now. Seems like it might be at least some field reports. They run a lot of letterboxed promos (even for news reports) these days.

But more significantly, this means MTP should switch soon too.

Does anyone else in DC (Comcast) have problems with their Tivos (HD) not getting the guide data for new HD channels (going back to the last batch added a few months ago, with BIO HD, LMN HD, etc.)? These are the new channels in the 800s. If existing channels from the 200s now are in the 800s as well, that guide data is fine, but with the exception of the Travel Channel HD, I'm not getting the guide data for the new HDs. (hopefully with the batch added today, some switch will be flipped somewhere and the guide data will arrive?)

Does anyone else in DC (Comcast) have problems with their Tivos (HD) not getting the guide data for new HD channels (going back to the last batch added a few months ago, with BIO HD, LMN HD, etc.)? These are the new channels in the 800s. If existing channels from the 200s now are in the 800s as well, that guide data is fine, but with the exception of the Travel Channel HD, I'm not getting the guide data for the new HDs. (hopefully with the batch added today, some switch will be flipped somewhere and the guide data will arrive?)

Force a download by connecting to the Tivo Service (under Setup/Settings/Phone & Network).

If that doesn't do it, then go to the Tivo website and fill out the form about incorrect channels. I had to do that in Howard County when they added the 800s.

Does anyone else in DC (Comcast) have problems with their Tivos (HD) not getting the guide data for new HD channels (going back to the last batch added a few months ago, with BIO HD, LMN HD, etc.)? ......

Yes, Same problem I having. I have submitted a couple lineup changes a month ago. I have also called TiVo to complain about the slowness about the update. All I get from them is the problem is be escalated.

Here is the link to TiVo's lineup report page...

http://www.tivo.com/setupandsupport/contactsupport/lineup_tool.html

Well, after a forced download and a restart that came from it, now all the new HD channels (including the ones that arrived a few months ago, except for Travel HD) are gone from the Tivo lineup altogether. Just forced another download, but that didn't bring them back. I remember this happening once with the December batch, and they eventually came back (albeit without the guide info). Hopefully it'll get straightened away.

(The already existing HD channels that were copied up to the 800s are still there, though.)

UPGRADE! – City plans digital upgrade to keep MTV, History Channel, ESPN at work

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 23:43

“I want my MTV” was the famous '80s catchphrase used by cable operators to lure customers to order the popular music video channel.

And now, according to a memo sent to all Baltimore agencies, city employees will have to ask for a planned digital upgrade to keep getting MTV, ESPN, and other popular cable channels at work.

An internal memo sent to city employees from the Mayor’s Office of Cable and Communications on March 25 outlines plans to upgrade the city’s analog in-office cable service by installing digital boxes in city agencies that request them.

The new digital boxes will be installed at a cost of $1.99 per box ,which will be assessed to each city agency that requests the upgrade.

The new boxes will allow employees continued office access to more than 40 additional channels like ESPN, MTV, the History Channel, F/X, and Animal Planet while on the job. If city agencies sticlk to the basic analog cable plan, the will be stuck with basic local broadcast channels only.

The memo said Comcast Cable will begin installing the new digital boxes by April 5.

http://investigativevoice.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3498:upgrade-city-employees-to-get-to-mtv-history-channel-espn-at-work&catid=25:the-project&Itemid=44

Source: CSN To Move To 4 If NBC Merger OKed

3/30 - A source tells DCRTV that Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic could move its studios and offices from Bethesda to NBC's Channel 4/WRC in northwest DC if the merger between Comcast and NBC/Universal is approved. "The second floor is now vacant, it was cleared out for the American University deal which fell through due to the Comcast talks," we're told. Last year, there was talk of NBC selling its Nebraska Avenue broadcast complex, which includes the Washington bureau for NBC News, to neighboring American University for a tax break, and then leasing-back the space. It remains to be seen how much consolidation will take place been CSN and WRC's sports department if and when the merger occurs. Stay tuned.....

http://www.dcrtv.com/


Maybe CSN will finally have HD in the studio.

Yes, Same problem I having. I have submitted a couple lineup changes a month ago. I have also called TiVo to complain about the slowness about the update. All I get from them is the problem is be escalated.

Here is the link to TiVo's lineup report page...

http://www.tivo.com/setupandsupport/contactsupport/lineup_tool.html

thanks. I reported the lineup problem, but since I just couldn't bear to wait a second longer for the new channels, I decided to take a chance and set up my Tivo using a Montgomery County zip code, where the channels match [mostly! not any differences that bother me, they're mostly in the analog channels that I don't watch] and have been in place for a good while now. I went to the Channel Lineup and hit Enter for "this is not my lineup" and then let it go through that portion of guided setup. And it appears to have worked! I'll go back to the DC lineup when I hear that it's in place.

Getting WMAR in Virginia Beach this morning...

Picking up WHRO Hampton Rhoads tonight.

I'll go back to the DC lineup when I hear that it's in place.

It looks like the DC lineup got updated sometime yesterday. When I got home today, all the 800's except for two channels (VH1 and GMC) have guide data.

It looks like the DC lineup got updated sometime yesterday. When I got home today, all the 800's except for two channels (VH1 and GMC) have guide data.

Thanks. I had sent in a request for a guide change, and they wrote me yesterday afternoon to say it'd been fixed. I was looking at the ZaptoIt listings and not seeing the new channels, so I appreciate your heads up. As soon as I can wrangle the TV away from my husband, I'll reset. :-)

Hi All,

Anybody out there in DC-Land still use TVGOS V7 Guide information. I have been experimenting with my LG LST-3410A, and until last Friday, or so, I was getting solid guide data from COMCAST MOCO on channel 29.0. Now it appears to be gone. Auto search does not find any channel with data. Could be COMCAST; could be WUSA. Thouhts???

In scanning through channels yesterday I heard part of Tigers interview on WJLA, and the video being displayed was of a studio with no people. The sound was fine.
How can this happen?

MASN2 HD is now live on the Calvert County Comcast system (channel 844)

Comcast in Baltimore City has added:

MASN2 HD (showing ESPNews in HD)
3DTV (for The Masters)

Noticed a quick glimpse of local HD on Ch. 4 when they cut back to the local weather studio from the Today show. The forecasts were still SD - just the face shot for the weather personality was in HD. Looks like they are trying it out in small doses.

Nats opener show a strong ratings increase on MASN-HD

By: Jim Williams
Examiner Sports Columnist
04/07/10 11:08 AM EDT

The Nationals home opener Monday against the Phillies on MASN showed a dramatic ratings increase over last year which is great news for both the team and the network.

The combo of WDCW and MASN-HD pulled a 1.6 rating which is a big increase over last years opener which came in at a 0.5 rating.

There is no question that the Nationals need to get better numbers but this is a very good start over last year and if the team can play close to .500 ball then their audience should grow.

For the team there needs to be strong ratings in Virginia and the Maryland suburbs and that is where this team will have to establish a base that they can then grow. It really is the state of Virginia with two counties in Maryland, Montgomery and Price Georges that are key to the Nationals.

MASN has a strong footprint in those areas and now the team just needs to play competitive baseball.

The Nats can be encouraged by the success of the Caps who started out with a base following and were able to grow it to the #2 professional team in town.

So Nats fans there is hope but like all sports it starts with winning.

But good to see strong opening day numbers that is always welcme news.

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sports/blogs/Watch-This/Nats-opener-show-a-strong-ratings-increase-on-MASN-HD--90091957.html

O's opener lands MASN their biggest audience ever

By: Jim Williams
Examiner Sports Columnist
04/07/10 3:16 PM EDT

The Orioles opening night loss to Tampa Bay was the themost watched program ever aired on MASN.The game logged an impressivre 6.9 HH (household) rating.

The rating was 50% higher than the 2009 Road Opener --- a 4.2 HH rating in 2009 vs. 6.9 HH rating in 2010.

More than 105,000 viewers in the Baltimore DMA tuned in to watch the O’s on MASN.

In addition, MASN had higher ratings (i.e. beat out) other critically acclaimed broadcast programming, including LOST, The Biggest Loser, Parenthood and other network shows.

To be clear – there have been instances when WJZ carries a MASN simulcast of the game (typically Sunday afternoons) when the Orioles have had a bigger cumulative rating (combining ratings from MASN and WJZ) --- but for a MASN rating in the Baltimore DMA --- this was the Orioles biggest.

The great expectations of Orioles in 2010 could set a ratings record come Friday with the game being seen on both WJZ and MASN-HD.

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sports/blogs/Watch-This/Os-opener-lands-MASN-their-biggest-audience-ever-90114877.html

Wow, so many people watching two of the worst teams in baseball... At least they are in HD.

Wow, so many people watching two of the worst teams in baseball... At least they are in HD.

Not in HD if you have Dish Network.

4 Launches HD Local News

4/8 - NBC-owned Channel 4/WRC debuted its high-def local news broadcasts this morning. The station is last of DC's four major TV news operations to provide local HD newscasts. Does that mean that NBC News shows coming from the Washington bureau, also in WRC's building, will also be in HD from now on? A la "Meet The Press" this Sunday? Stay tuned.....

http://www.dcrtv.com/

Not in HD if you have Dish Network.

So far, only MASN is HD on DirecTV and Fios as well. DirecTV says it will have the Nats Thursday in HD on MASN2, so it must be a bandwidth issue. No idea what is happening with Fios.

I'm hearing from a person I know at FiOS in Arlington that MASN2HD will not be added to the lineup until August of this year - by which time the Nats will be mathmatically elminated from the playoffs - if not alredy.

It appears now that the O's game may be in HD tonight on MASN 2 for DirecTV customers. They updated the guide in the last few hours and it now shows on 641-1.

It appears now that the O's game may be in HD tonight on MASN 2 for DirecTV customers. They updated the guide in the last few hours and it now shows on 641-1.

I am seeing that as well. We will have to verify that it plays. I have seen MASN2 HD data be incorrect on DirecTV.

I'm hearing from a person I know at FiOS in Arlington that MASN2HD will not be added to the lineup until August of this year - by which time the Nats will be mathmatically elminated from the playoffs - if not alredy.

Wow. That is slow. But never fear, there is always YES National to watch. :)

When WUTB was converting from analog to digital, I seem to remember that they were going to use digital channel 41 with a transmitter in Catonsville near route 40 and Rolling Rd. I happened to drive by there earlier today, and it appeared that there was no "stick" at the top of the transmitting tower. Did they end up putting a digital transmitter on TV Hill or in some other location or did I miss the transmitter on top of the tower in Catonsville?

4 Launches HD Local News

Correction: only weather updates during The Today Show were in HD.

http://dcrtv.com/mailbag.html

4 Tests HD Local News, Launch In 2 Weeks

4/8 - Updated. NBC-owned Channel 4/ WRC debuted its high-def local news broadcasts this morning. The station is last of DC's four major TV news operations to provide local HD newscasts. NBC4 was back to standard-def on the 11 AM and Thursday evening newscasts. A source tells us: "WRC is just testing the HD during the 'Today' cut-ins, no other show is going HD right now. The launch of regular HD shows is still about two weeks away. 'Meet The Press' will be in HD soon, but construction on the network HD control room is yet to start. Look for that this summer".....

http://dcrtv.com/

When WUTB was converting from analog to digital, I seem to remember that they were going to use digital channel 41 with a transmitter in Catonsville near route 40 and Rolling Rd. I happened to drive by there earlier today, and it appeared that there was no "stick" at the top of the transmitting tower. Did they end up putting a digital transmitter on TV Hill or in some other location or did I miss the transmitter on top of the tower in Catonsville?

FCC says your memory is right.

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=WUTB

Not sure about your eyesight. ;)

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/5127/comcastnewhdletter.jpg

Analog channels are still there. Guess it will be "about" instead of "on".

I see the 8xx channels have shown up on my Tivo. No guide data yet, but MASN2HD and MASN are up and running on 844 and 845 on Arlington/Alexandria system. Also got a rate increase yesterday for June 1.

Happened to notice WRC's AM news breaks are now in HD - finally. The weather graphics are still SD. Didn't wake up early enough to see if the early morning news was in HD. According to DCRTV, they are only doing the HD during "Today" show cut ins for now. It's a start.

I grabbed a few sloppy "captures" of WRC's HD news segments this morning:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c200/machpost/wrc01.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c200/machpost/wrc02.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c200/machpost/wrc03.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c200/machpost/wrc04.jpg

Here a few pictures I took with my digital camera of WRC in pre-HD mode. From what I have seen it looks very good.

When WUTB was converting from analog to digital, I seem to remember that they were going to use digital channel 41 with a transmitter in Catonsville near route 40 and Rolling Rd. I happened to drive by there earlier today, and it appeared that there was no "stick" at the top of the transmitting tower. Did they end up putting a digital transmitter on TV Hill or in some other location or did I miss the transmitter on top of the tower in Catonsville?

FCC says your memory is right.

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=WUTB

Not sure about your eyesight. ;)

So it must be that the 'stick' is mounted on the side of the transmitter rather than on top. It would seem like they would have moved it to the top by now to get more power and a wider footprint.

So it must be that the 'stick' is mounted on the side of the transmitter rather than on top. It would seem like they would have moved it to the top by now to get more power and a wider footprint.Maybe that is part of the reason the signal strength in areas south of Baltimore is much weaker than the predicted coverage indicates?

Not picking on any particular person, but I've often wondered why do people post medium or even low-res photos of a tv screen's HD image? :confused:

Not picking on any particular person, but I've often wondered why do people post medium or even low-res photos of a tv screen's HD image? :confused:

Because the forum limits file size for graphics to prevent drowning in massively-sized files. For remotely hosted files, a large graphic screws with the screen formatting when viewing.

Not picking on any particular person, but I've often wondered why do people post medium or even low-res photos of a tv screen's HD image? :confused:

I posted the photos of the screen simply to show that the program was in HD, not for the purpose of examining the show's quality, pixel-by-pixel. Besides, I don't have the necessary hardware to do full-on frame capture.

COMCAST SPORTSNET ANNOUNCES COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE SURROUNDING WASHINGTON CAPITALS FIRST-ROUND PLAYOFF SERIES

NETWORK TO DELIVER ALL OPENING-ROUND GAMES AGAINST MONTREAL IN HIGH-DEFINITION; REGULAR SEASON CLOSES AS HIGHEST-RATED IN NETWORK HISTORY

Bethesda, Md. (April 12, 2010) – Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, the region’s leader in television and online sports coverage, announced that it will broadcast all seven possible games of the Washington Capitals Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series against the Montreal Canadiens in high-definition (HD), beginning with Game One on Thursday, April 15 at 7 p.m.

Comcast SportsNet’s live game coverage of the first-round series against Montreal will be anchored by play-by-play announcer Joe Beninati, analyst Craig Laughlin and reporter Al Koken. Comcast SportsNet hockey analyst Alan May and Capitals beat reporter Lisa Hillary will also offer analysis, reporting and special features throughout the playoffs.

Comcast SportsNet’s comprehensive coverage surrounding the Capitals this postseason includes expanded coverage throughout the network’s news and entertainment programs, including Capitals Postgame Live. Hosted by Koken and May, Capitals Postgame Live will provide expert news, analysis and opinion in an expanded half-hour format immediately following each Capitals playoff game.

The network’s half-hour news program, SportsNite, will provide extensive Capitals coverage every day with special pregame elements leading into each game broadcast at 6:30 p.m. Washington Post Live, Comcast SportsNet’s daily hour-long sports and entertainment talk show, will offer expanded coverage throughout the playoffs, highlighted by Capitals-related guests and content, including a special Capitals playoff edition, which will debut on Tuesday, April 13, at 7 p.m. and re-air throughout this week.

Comcast SportsNet’s special 30-minute feature, Capitals: Behind the Lens, which gives viewers an inside look into the network’s live coverage of the Capitals, will be airing throughout the playoffs. The program, which debuted on Sunday, highlights the logistical and technical aspects involved in live event programming, as well as the people that play key roles in the broadcast, including Beninati, Laughlin and Koken.

CSNwashington.com, the region’s leading source for online sports news and analysis, will provide complete daily coverage of the Capitals throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs, including video, breaking news, online chats and features by reporters Corey Masisak and Ryan O’Halloran. Fans can sign up to have real-time scores for the Capitals playoff games delivered to their mobile devices at CSNwashington.com.

During the 2009-10 NHL regular season, the Capitals delivered their highest-rated season in Comcast SportsNet history and their third consecutive season of double-digit ratings growth on the network, earning a 1.6 average household rating in the Washington market, which is equal to approximately 37,000 households. Combined with the Baltimore television market, the Capitals attracted an average audience of approximately 45,000 households this season. Since 2006-07, Capitals ratings on Comcast SportsNet have skyrocketed more than 300 percent, the largest increase of any U.S.-based NHL team during that span.

Capitals Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Television Schedule:


Day Date Time Game Television

Thur. April 15 7 p.m. Montreal at Washington Comcast SportsNet HD

Sat. April 17 7 p.m. Montreal at Washington Comcast SportsNet HD

Mon. April 19 7 p.m. Washington at Montreal Comcast SportsNet HD

Wed. April 21 7 p.m. Washington at Montreal Comcast SportsNet HD

*Fri. April 23 7 p.m. Montreal at Washington Comcast SportsNet HD

*Mon. April 26 7 p.m. Washington at Montreal Comcast SportsNet HD

*Wed. April 28 TBD Montreal at Washington Comcast SportsNet HD

*If Necessary

http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/04/12/comcast-sportsnet-announces-comprehensive-coverage-of-washington-capitals-first-round-playoff-series/48023

Thanks, just curious. :p



I posted the photos of the screen simply to show that the program was in HD, not for the purpose of examining the show's quality, pixel-by-pixel. Besides, I don't have the necessary hardware to do full-on frame capture.

I posted the photos of the screen simply to show that the program was in HD, not for the purpose of examining the show's quality, pixel-by-pixel. Besides, I don't have the necessary hardware to do full-on frame capture.

Because simply posting, "NBC4 news is now in HD" was too difficult?

Because simply posting, "NBC4 news is now in HD" was too difficult?
If he hadn't have posted pictures, someone would have asked for them. "Okay" pictures are better than no pictures, and I doubt anyone honestly confused those for actual captures. You don't think that if he had actual captures, he'd have posted them instead? Give him a little credit, come on. :)

I think that the people giving him a hard time over this are being a little too picky. The people posting things here are effectively volunteers, it's not like anyone owes you (or anyone else) anything. :P

I think that the people giving him a hard time over this are being a little too picky. The people posting things here are effectively volunteers, it's not like anyone owes you (or anyone else) anything. :P

But WHY post the pictures? Is stating it in a post not enough? Are people now that lazy that they can't tune in to the TV show at the respective time and verify it for themselves? It's one thing to post pictures to say, "I have a problem with channel X. Here is what I see." It's quite another to post, "Look, if you're too lazy to read a post and turn you TV on, I've done the work for you!" Should I post pictures of every show I see when it's HD, because saying it is not enough?

Sorry to go on a rant, but I've never understood why someone posts pictures just to post them.

But WHY post the pictures? Is stating it in a post not enough? Are people now that lazy that they can't tune in to the TV show at the respective time and verify it for themselves? It's one thing to post pictures to say, "I have a problem with channel X. Here is what I see." It's quite another to post, "Look, if you're too lazy to read a post and turn you TV on, I've done the work for you!" Should I post pictures of every show I see when it's HD, because saying it is not enough?

I realize I'm wasting my time here, but here are a few reasons...

1)Curious people who want to get a basic idea of what it looks like might be at work or otherwise away from a TV at 9 AM on a Friday morning

2)This wasn't an entire hour or even half hour TV show, it was a two minute segment buried in a network program that not everybody wants to sit through

3)Regardless of how you feel, this is kind of a big deal to some people for various reasons

I for one appreciate you including the pictures.


"Are people now that lazy ...." actually, I'm in Pennsylvania and "can't tune in to the TV show at the respective time and verify it for themselves"

Thanks !

I for one appreciate you including the pictures.


"Are people now that lazy ...." actually, I'm in Pennsylvania and "can't tune in to the TV show at the respective time and verify it for themselves"

Thanks !

I was really surprised to see the wide format broadcast on the NBC local news over the weekend. Thought it was a fluke or a test, til I saw your picture. (thanks). Must be hell to be a reporter going on the air at 4 am and knowing people are going to be seeing all your dark circles in high def. :rolleyes:

I for one appreciate you including the pictures.
Ditto. Thanks.