EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 23, 2007--DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television service provider, continues to set the stage for its unprecedented expansion of HD services. With agreements in place to launch four Discovery HD channels, five HD channels from Starz, CNBC and Chiller in HD, along with recently completed deals with The History Channel and A&E, DIRECTV is on schedule to roll out up to 100 national HD channels by year-end to satisfy the appetite of its HD customers, who have doubled over the last year. (read more - DirecTV (http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1006125))

Actually, in some places you do need a list, like Comcast, Montgomery County. Whether on purpose or not, their QAM info contains errors so many tuners will not pick up the channels on a scan, but can directly tune them (at least some of them).





So How do I tune to a channel directly using MCE 2005 ?

And where can I get that list ?
tvFool gave me a list of OTA channels which are like 5.1 or something. Is that the list?

Sounds good,
but do they have the bandwidth on the transponders to carry the proper bit-rate of HDTV....or they are just going to give us watered down HDTV (like they do now)????

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 23, 2007--DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television service provider, continues to set the stage for its unprecedented expansion of HD services. With agreements in place to launch four Discovery HD channels, five HD channels from Starz, CNBC and Chiller in HD, along with recently completed deals with The History Channel and A&E, DIRECTV is on schedule to roll out up to 100 national HD channels by year-end to satisfy the appetite of its HD customers, who have doubled over the last year. (read more - DirecTV (http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1006125))

Sounds good,
but do they have the bandwidth on the transponders to carry the proper bit-rate of HDTV....or they are just going to give us watered down HDTV (like they do now)????
Check the new DirecTV sticky thread in the HDTV Programming forum. These new HD channels will be on the new satellites which have not been launched yet and will require the newer mpeg-4 receivers.

WMAR does this because metro Baltimore is a *major* hotbed for lacrosse (especially *college lacrosse*, with Hopkins, UMBC, Towson University, and even UMD-College Park having major followings in the area) and because the station produces the games itself. It's been the case for at least a decade. What basketball is in Indiana, lacrosse is in metro Baltimore. (In fact, one of the nastier local-college rivalries is a lacrosse rivalry: UMaryland/Hopkins. The two colleges have a home-and-home pair scheduled annually, and it is *always* fierce. Lacrosse is, in fact, the *only* sport that Hopkins fields a Division I team in.) ... and when I went there in the late 60's, the National Lacrosse Museum was located on the Homewood Campus. I think it is still sited there.

YMMV

What happened to 7-3 Local Point?

No, you are getting 1 PBS station. It has 4 to 5 sub-channels, but it is only 1 station. Channel 22 is the Annapolis station; the broadcast tower is located in Owings Mills area, IIRC. All the Maryland Public TV broadcast the exact same programming so you only need to get 1 of their stations.
...
Channel 22 is broadcast from Annapolis.

Channel 67 is broadcast from Owings Mills.

Both are MPT and from what I've seen, broadcast identical programming on SD + HD channels.

I've scanned the channels with one my of my HDTVs before and some of the digital stations popped up. Not sure if the local HD stations did though. I'll need to take a look.

EDIT: I don't know what I'm thinking. The local HD stations do show up from the TVs QAM tuner. They are mapped to the proper channel, not necessarily the proper sub channel though. The digital channels I was thinking of are in the upper channels and have weird designations. I live in Rippon Landing and am on Dale City Comcast. They did finally switch us to the new cable plant on May 15th and added the extra HD channels.

You might want to set the card for QAM-HRC thats what Adelphiacast uses in Sterling, VA

If your TV does the remapping correctly, the DC HD locals should appear right next to their analog counterparts (4, then 4-1, 4-2, etc.); this is precisely the case with Comcast PG and my 42PF7320A. The differences are with remapped *analog* (not digital) channels and (don't laugh) Baltimore's HD locals (WDCW is assigned analog channel 3 by Comcast; however, WDCW-DT is at 50-1, where it would be OTA. Baltimore HD locals WMAR-DT, WBAL-DT, and WJZ-DT are in the same places they would be OTA (2-1, 11-1, 11-2, and 13-1 respectively); however, WBFF-DT is way up at the north end of my channel scan, and WNUV-DT is completely missing. Naturally, Baltimore's analogs are not present.) 7-3 (WJLA's LocalPoint) is not carried by Comcast PG, either.Comcast Montgomery does strange things with its numbers and PSIP data, or at least my TiVo S3 thinks things are strange. Eg, I can directly tune NBC at 108-1, and it stays there and I get NBC. I can directly type 105-1 (CW) on my remote, but then the TiVo automatically goes to 50-1 and I get CW. If I go to 105-3 (FOX), I get nothing at all.

All of this is just further evidence that Montgomery has errors in its PSIP data, and the TiVo doesn't handle the errors well. (As I said earlier, none of these channels are detected on a channel scan).

What happened to 7-3 Local Point?Yeah, it seems to be off air. 7-2 and 7-1 are still there.

Fox5 had a story on today featuring OTA HDTV and a bit with Fairfax Antenna.

Fox5 Video Story (http://www.myfoxdc.com/myfox/pages/Business/Detail?contentId=3293067&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=4.1.1)

They interviewed someone in Anandale, I wonder if he's a member here?

Fox5 had a story on today featuring OTA HDTV and a bit with Fairfax Antenna.

Fox5 Video Story (http://www.myfoxdc.com/myfox/pages/Business/Detail?contentId=3293067&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=4.1.1)

They interviewed someone in Anandale, I wonder if he's a member here?



Definitely some misinformation in that report.

Yeah, it had the typical "The FCC is mandating that all TV be HDTV by 2009" error.

Here is a link (http://verizonfios.com/img/) to an interesting FiOS demo. It shows what they are planning for the guide/menus. Looks pretty sweet compared to my Dish Network software.

Fox5 had a story on today featuring OTA HDTV and a bit with Fairfax Antenna.

Fox5 Video Story (http://www.myfoxdc.com/myfox/pages/Business/Detail?contentId=3293067&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=4.1.1)

They interviewed someone in Anandale, I wonder if he's a member here?I like the very last line:
"Sattelite provider DirecTV says the difference in quality is a matter of opinion." Yeah, I bet they do...

Comcast sent a message saying it was adding WDCA-TV to Channel 706

On July 10, Comcast in Baltimore City will add A&E HD (channel 223) and HGTV HD (channel 229).

Usually HGTV-HD and Food-HD go hand in hand. I wonder if Food-HD will also be included?

Has anybody in our area had problems with the DTV HD locals the past few days? Channels 4, 7, 5 and 9 break up and the audio stutters sometimes. I called a friend and he said he was seeing the same problem on 7 & 5. I have it on 7 -WJLA now and it seems to have settled down but ch 4 WRC was still doing it. OTA is ok, just the "D" HD is acting up. Anybody know what might be going on? I have the H20-100

Has anybody in our area had problems with the DTV HD locals the past few days? Channels 4, 7, 5 and 9 break up and the audio stutters sometimes. I called a friend and he said he was seeing the same problem on 7 & 5. I have it on 7 -WJLA now and it seems to have settled down but ch 4 WRC was still doing it. OTA is ok, just the "D" HD is acting up. Anybody know what might be going on? I have the H20-100
Me too, and I noticed 20 was breaking up as well, with WJLA being the worst and WRC second. It froze several times into a pixelated mess, in six separate boxes within the picture. The 7x channels were fine.

Me too, and I noticed 20 was breaking up as well, with WJLA being the worst and WRC second. It froze several times into a pixelated mess, in six separate boxes within the picture. The 7x channels were fine.

Exactly! That is what's going on. I read on another board that DTV is going to send some box software upgrades this weekend. Also, they are getting ready for the Sept. roll out of a whole bunch of new HD channels. They may be messing with the equipment getting ready for all of that. The break ups have stopped as I type this. Everything is holding in ok.

What happened to LocalPoint (WJLA 7.3)?

What happened to LocalPoint (WJLA 7.3)?
WJLA-DT 7.3 was on the air last night. It was missing a few days ago (don't recall exactly when). Maybe you need to do a rescan?

Usually HGTV-HD and Food-HD go hand in hand. I wonder if Food-HD will also be included?

Figures they would leave out the one I wanted the most.

July 10 is 1 1/2 months away. I hope the give me a "preview".

WJLA-DT 7.3 was on the air last night. It was missing a few days ago (don't recall exactly when). Maybe you need to do a rescan?
It's been missing for at least a week and is still not back for me - with a rescan I even lost the choice to tune to it - cause it didn't find it during the scan.

On July 10, Comcast in Baltimore City will add A&E HD (channel 223) and HGTV HD (channel 229).

Howard County has announced the same.

Howard County has announced the same.

Add Baltimore County to the list.

got a quick question for Robert

I am not sure whether it is me or is WJLA's PQ actually looking better. I happened to catch the weather bit and the computer generated stuff looked really sharp.

Have you guys done something new or has it always been like that?

got a quick question for Robert

I am not sure whether it is me or is WJLA's PQ actually looking better. I happened to catch the weather bit and the computer generated stuff looked really sharp.

Have you guys done something new or has it always been like that?

We have replaced a number of cards in our Flexicoder to get rid of the PCR Jitters that freak out the Comcast early generation encoders. During this time, I took 7.3 offline to allow because it was an early generation encoder card that had to be replaced.

We are back online now with a new muxing card, but we are not done yet. The PQ is a litttle better, but we still plan to purchase NetVx this summer. Its not final, but we are looking to make the purchase.

p.s. WOF and Jeopardy in HD by July. :)

p.s. WOF and Jeopardy in HD by July. :)

Oh, now it makes business sense?

<joking>

Oh, now it makes business sense?

<joking>

We listened to you guys and made it happen.

We also got some incentives from Sony and Kingworld. :)

On July 10, Comcast in Baltimore City will add A&E HD (channel 223) and HGTV HD (channel 229).

DirecTV has commanded a lot of attention this year with its ads that say that soon, it will add a slew of HD programming, but whenever I have asked in any threads how much of this new programming will be exclusive to DirecTV, no one ever replies that any will be exclusive to it. If DirecTV can't get these two channels into its system before Comcast does, then maybe Comcast can hire some other pop icon for a counter-advertising blitz of its own.

p.s. WOF and Jeopardy in HD by July. :)This is great news! The Washington Post TV listings always show Jeopardy as being HD on WJLA. Beginning in July the Post listing will finally be correct.

We have replaced a number of cards in our Flexicoder to get rid of the PCR Jitters that freak out the Comcast early generation encoders. During this time, I took 7.3 offline to allow because it was an early generation encoder card that had to be replaced.

We are back online now with a new muxing card, but we are not done yet. The PQ is a litttle better, but we still plan to purchase NetVx this summer. Its not final, but we are looking to make the purchase.

p.s. WOF and Jeopardy in HD by July. :)
Good news! So WJLA will be ready to show other syndicated programs in HD when they start to happen.

As for my post on seeing 7.3 the other night, I think I know what happened. I just checked with my Samsung SIR-T451 tuner and stepped up to 7.3 (which is till off the air it appears). After a brief hesitation with a blank screen, it jumped to 7.1. The other night I was not looking carefully as I was stepping up through the channels and 7.1 must have been showing a commercial, so I thought it was showing 7.3 before I moved to WUSA-DT 9.1. The ATSC tuners do behave differently on how they handle sub-channels that are off or automatically adding new sub-channels without a formal rescan.

Great news, Robert.

Hi, I'm a very green newbie here. I live in Lake Ridge, VA and I can't pick up much OTA channels at all. I've used Comcast Cable for the last few months because they offered it for $19/month and said it wasn't a promotion, it was their normal price. Well, they said that was their fault, but regardless they want to charge me $39.99/month for basic analog cable (which is still below their $52 price).

I really don't want cable at all, but it seems like the only way I can even pick up any stations. What I want to do is get rid of cable altogether and use some fancy antenna to pick up my local free channels. If anybody lives in this area could help suggest either an alternative to Comcast or better yet an antenna guy/company that can provide advice on the best antenna to meet my needs, that would be great.

Thanks,
-Nick

We have replaced a number of cards in our Flexicoder to get rid of the PCR Jitters that freak out the Comcast early generation encoders. During this time, I took 7.3 offline to allow because it was an early generation encoder card that had to be replaced.

We are back online now with a new muxing card, but we are not done yet. The PQ is a litttle better, but we still plan to purchase NetVx this summer. Its not final, but we are looking to make the purchase.

p.s. WOF and Jeopardy in HD by July. :)

Thank you for your response, WOF and Jeopardy in HD is great news, at least for me since I can't get ABC2 from Baltimore. Now you guys at WJLA should sit back, relax, and watch your ratings go through the roof :D .

Thank you for your response, WOF and Jeopardy in HD is great news, at least for me since I can't get ABC2 from Baltimore. Now you guys at WJLA should sit back, relax, and watch your ratings go through the roof :D .

We'll sit back and relax....

Hi, I'm a very green newbie here. I live in Lake Ridge, VA and I can't pick up much OTA channels at all. I've used Comcast Cable for the last few months because they offered it for $19/month and said it wasn't a promotion, it was their normal price. Well, they said that was their fault, but regardless they want to charge me $39.99/month for basic analog cable (which is still below their $52 price).

I really don't want cable at all, but it seems like the only way I can even pick up any stations. What I want to do is get rid of cable altogether and use some fancy antenna to pick up my local free channels. If anybody lives in this area could help suggest either an alternative to Comcast or better yet an antenna guy/company that can provide advice on the best antenna to meet my needs, that would be great.

Thanks,
-Nick


I can't help you with reception out your way, but Comcast should have a locals only package. They may call it life line.


Mark

We'll sit back and relax....


When are you guys switching the news to HD?

Jeff

Comcast sent a message saying it was adding WDCA-TV to Channel 706

Ready by the end of June this will happen. Sorry about the delay in information.

jeff

DirecTV has commanded a lot of attention this year with its ads that say that soon, it will add a slew of HD programming, but whenever I have asekd in any threads how much of this new programming will be exclusive to DirecTV, no one ever replies that any will be exclusive to it. If DirecTV can't get these two channels into its system before Comcast does, then maybe Comcast can hire some other pop icon for a counter-advertising blitz of its own.

Based on posts I've read from various insiders, Comcast will be getting just about everything DirecTV is getting by dropping several analog channels, then later using switched video. Specific channels mentioned so far that they are working on are:

History
Starz Comedy
Starz Edge
Starz Kids & Family
Sci Fi
TBS
USA
Disney
ABC Family
Discovery
Animal Planet
TLC
The Science channel
2 more Discovery networks to be named later

ESPNews, Toon Disney, CNN, and Cartoon Network will probably come along with the other Disney and Turner-owned channels.

HDNet and HDNet Movies will have their own tier in Houston where Comcast took over Time Warner. This seems to be an experiment that could mean good things for everyone if successful.

See these threads:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=424081

http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=97425

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=849155

Hi, I'm a very green newbie here. I live in Lake Ridge, VA and I can't pick up much OTA channels at all. I've used Comcast Cable for the last few months because they offered it for $19/month and said it wasn't a promotion, it was their normal price. Well, they said that was their fault, but regardless they want to charge me $39.99/month for basic analog cable (which is still below their $52 price).

I really don't want cable at all, but it seems like the only way I can even pick up any stations. What I want to do is get rid of cable altogether and use some fancy antenna to pick up my local free channels. If anybody lives in this area could help suggest either an alternative to Comcast or better yet an antenna guy/company that can provide advice on the best antenna to meet my needs, that would be great.

Thanks,
-Nick
Nick, is your zip code 22192? Before I get into antenna specifics for your location, there are a lot of resources here at avsforum that you should also check. Start with HDTV Hardware Reception forum. There is a OTA Digital reception FAQ sticky at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=611957. There is also a long Official AVS antenna topic for questions. For more advanced resources, there is www.tvfool.com and the 3D Visualization thread. For antenna info, http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ISSUES/erecting_antenna.html. The first post of this thread list the local stations and their actual digital broadcast stations.

The antennaweb.org results for your zip code places you around 22 to 24 miles from the main DC broadcast towers. Are you using an indoor antenna? At those ranges, you should be looking at a attic or outside antenna location for the antenna. If you don't have an attic, a upstairs location near a window might work, but an attic or rooftop is better for reliable reception. All of the stations in DC and Baltimore are currently digitally broadcasting on UHF, but WJLA-DT ABC 7 and WUSA-DT CBS 9 will switch to upper VHF in 2009.

From 22192, the DC and Baltimore stations are in the same direction so a directional antenna can work. For an attic or outdoor mount, you should consider the Channel Master 4228 8 Bay. It is an UHF antenna which also has decent gain for upper VHF. It may also get you some or all of the Baltimore stations depending on your elevation. If the CM 4228 is too big, the Channel Master 4221 4 Bay is a good antenna, but you may have to add a VHF antenna to it in 2009. Check solidsignal.com and warrenelectronics.com for prices. Feel free to post followup questions!

p.s. WOF and Jeopardy in HD by July.and listening to the good folks here in the forum. Will the news be next given the fact Allbritton bought HD cameras recently.

and listening to the good folks here in the forum. Will the news be next given the fact Allbritton bought HD cameras recently.

yes, but not before next year I believe.

Message on the box here with Comcast DC this morning saying that WDCA-DT is coming to channel 215 on June 28.

(I was hoping it'd be the HGTV/A&E message. Damn!)

HELP!

I have a problem with a new Syntax Olivia TV I just got (model 232v with QAM). I live in Frederick, MD and I have Comcast Cable. When I do a channel scan, I only get two channels (NBC & ABC on 1.1 & 1.3 respectively). However, on my other TV, I get all the locals plus PBS & Discovery. Those channels are all on 1.1 and 1.3 (except Discovery which is on 85.2). For whatever reason, the Syntax TV does not pick it up...

Do you think I need a higher quality cable/splitter? I do know that the cable is being split at least once coming to this TV...

Based on posts I've read from various insiders, Comcast will be getting just about everything DirecTV is getting by dropping several analog channels, then later using switched video. Specific channels mentioned so far that they are working on are:

History
Starz Comedy
Starz Edge
Starz Kids & Family
Sci Fi
TBS
USA
Disney
ABC Family
Discovery
Animal Planet
TLC
The Science channel
2 more Discovery networks to be named later

ESPNews, Toon Disney, CNN, and Cartoon Network will probably come along with the other Disney and Turner-owned channels.

HDNet and HDNet Movies will have their own tier in Houston where Comcast took over Time Warner. This seems to be an experiment that could mean good things for everyone if successful.

See these threads:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=424081

http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=97425

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=849155
Is Comcast expecting to have these HD channels added by the same time DirecTV does their thing later this year. I still haven't gotten Comcastsportsnet HD here in Frederick. They are the same company, right?? My friends on the Eastern Shore, MD have had Comcast for at least 5 years now and they have almost twice the HD channels I have, so I guess I will have to be patient. I just would like to know if they will add these channels by the end of the year.

I have a QAM question I can't seem to find the answer to... I have RCN and a Vizio 32" LCD. I was really happy to discover that I can get the HDTV channels without renting a converter box. I seem to get every one except for National Geographic HD. Does anyone have any tips on this or is it encrypted along with all of the HD movie tier? I've rescanned a few times and still no luck.

Here is what I can get in clear QAM on Washington DC RCN basic cable (no box rental). I post it here because I was trying to find out before I bought my TV and couldn't find it anywhere. I left out anything that broadcasts in under 720p - like the weather channels.

120-1 ESPN
120-2 TNT-HD
125-2 ABC
125-3 PBS (WETA)
125-4 CW
130-1 CBS
130-2 NBC
130-3 Fox
131-1 Discovery HD theater
132-2 Comcast Sports net HD
133-2 HDnet
133-3 HDnet Movies



Oh - and I wanted to add one minor correction to the channel listing chart at the beginning of this article. It shows that RCN doesn't have the HD version of TNT - but it does. Thanks again for all the useful info in this forum, It's really great stuff!

-lee

Has ABC dropped the telecast into SD by mistake thinking World News Now should be on, or has WJLA done so to show severe weather warnings?

Has ABC dropped the telecast into SD by mistake thinking World News Now should be on, or has WJLA done so to show severe weather warnings?


It's not an ABC thing; WMAR is still in HD.

Has ABC dropped the telecast into SD by mistake thinking World News Now should be on, or has WJLA done so to show severe weather warnings?

Whichever, they have messed up. Great job WJLA :mad:

WMAR went to SD for a while also.

Is Comcast expecting to have these HD channels added by the same time DirecTV does their thing later this year. I still haven't gotten Comcastsportsnet HD here in Frederick. They are the same company, right?? My friends on the Eastern Shore, MD have had Comcast for at least 5 years now and they have almost twice the HD channels I have, so I guess I will have to be patient. I just would like to know if they will add these channels by the end of the year.

Comcast has only owned the Frederick cable system for 9 months. Adelphia had it before that and had been in bankruptcy for more than 3 years.

Comcast can't fix the system in this short period of time. I would expect Frederick to have all that the Washington area has eventually as they update the system.

GoIrish

WMAR went to SD for a while also.


Yeah, for a few minutes after the race to give weather warnings. WJLA was SD from about 6:30 on.

No, it was during race time. I had lost my WJLA signal from Dish due to the storm. I went to 2.1 and saw it was SD. Went to WJLA which had gone to commercial so I didn't know their status. Watched a little Nascar, and then found WMAR was back to HD while WJLA was SD.

No, it was during race time. I had lost my WJLA signal from Dish due to the storm. I went to 2.1 and saw it was SD. When to WJLA which had gone to commercial so I didn't know there status. Watched a little Nascar, and then found WMAR was back to HD while WJLA was SD.

Until we get our Harris HD Iconstation online (waiting for ABC), the SOP for severe weather is to STAY in SD mode until the situation is over. We don't want the FCC fining us for missing severe weather information on the digital side.

I know it stinks, but dems the rulz!

Until we get our Harris HD Iconstation online (waiting for ABC), the SOP for severe weather is to STAY in SD mode until the situation is over. We don't want the FCC fining us for missing severe weather information on the digital side.

I know it stinks, but dems the rulz!


Thanks for the info.


Mark

Over this weekend, I have installed a Channel master 4228 with a CM7777 pre-amp on my roof. I will post a full story with pics and full details soon.

But in short, it works ! I get full signal strength on all channels coming from DC. :D

I am in zip 22193

As for sources, I's suggest calling Fairfax Antenna.
http://www.fairfaxantenna.com/
They quoted me something like 300 bucks for installing the 4228 (I think the pre-amp was not included). Frankly I think it is worth it. Read my story for full details (will post that later)

I got my stuff from Stark Electronics in MA. (good guys! expensive shipping due to the size of antenna and mounts)

Dude, this is THE way to go for people like us.




By the way.....Comcast sucks in Woodbridge! No lifeline ....no local only....no nothing...cheapest they offer to me is $52

Hey comcast you may have your monopoly in cable here but OTA is still here !

Hi, I'm a very green newbie here. I live in Lake Ridge, VA and I can't pick up much OTA channels at all. I've used Comcast Cable for the last few months because they offered it for $19/month and said it wasn't a promotion, it was their normal price. Well, they said that was their fault, but regardless they want to charge me $39.99/month for basic analog cable (which is still below their $52 price).

I really don't want cable at all, but it seems like the only way I can even pick up any stations. What I want to do is get rid of cable altogether and use some fancy antenna to pick up my local free channels. If anybody lives in this area could help suggest either an alternative to Comcast or better yet an antenna guy/company that can provide advice on the best antenna to meet my needs, that would be great.

Thanks,
-Nick

I lost my OTA signal for WTTG 5 and WJLA 7 sometime around the storm on Sunday. As of this morning they are still gone. 9 and 4 are just fine. Anyone else having problems?

We listened to you guys and made it happen.

We also got some incentives from Sony and Kingworld. :)

Good. Glad it worked out.

Heard a fairly reliable but unconfirmed rumor that MASN is buying HD equipment. Maybe HD for both O's and Nats before the end of the season.

Heard a fairly reliable but unconfirmed rumor that MASN is buying HD equipment. Maybe HD for both O's and Nats before the end of the season.

Buying the equipment is only a small part of the whole set up. Having the cable companies, and even satcasters like D* and E* for that matter, make room for not just one but two channels is not that easy. Even if they bought them this year, I think they are getting ready for the next season.

I lost my OTA signal for WTTG 5 and WJLA 7 sometime around the storm on Sunday. As of this morning they are still gone. 9 and 4 are just fine. Anyone else having problems?
If you are asking about the digital broadcast for those stations, none of them went off the air Sunday night, AFAIK. They were certainly all there yesterday OTA. Check your antenna and cabling.

Heard a fairly reliable but unconfirmed rumor that MASN is buying HD equipment. Maybe HD for both O's and Nats before the end of the season.
Excellent news! It's been tough sometimes, but I've only watched the Orioles games that have been simulcast on WJZ thus far. Yes, I have Comcast and could theoretically watch the games on MASN/MASN2 today. No, I won't watch MASN/MASN2 unless they are at least upconverted to 1080i or 720p (whichever one they choose). I would be very pleased if they could give us HD sooner rather than later. I would love to see our beautiful Camden Yards in high definition again.

I think that the current expectation is that MASN will be HD next year and not this year. Even if they do get their HD up early, they would need to get carriage from the MSOs. That might prove an obstacle.

If you are asking about the digital broadcast for those stations, none of them went off the air Sunday night, AFAIK. They were certainly all there yesterday OTA. Check your antenna and cabling.

I figured as much but I wanted to check here first just in case. Thanks.

I think that the current expectation is that MASN will be HD next year and not this year. Even if they do get their HD up early, they would need to get carriage from the MSOs. That might prove an obstacle.
This is true; however, until the channels exist, I can't legitimately complain to Comcast about not carrying them. MASN would do well to shift the burden from themselves to the MSOs.

I found Comcast P.G. Qam channel 123 had no signal during the period from 7:40 to 8:00 pm tonight. This included all of the WETA signals. I did not check thoroughly, but other Qam channels seemed to be fine. Anyone else note this problem?

I found Comcast P.G. Qam channel 123 had no signal during the period from 7:40 to 8:00 pm tonight. This included all of the WETA signals. I did not check thoroughly, but other Qam channels seemed to be fine. Anyone else note this problem?

I found the QAM 123 signal extremely intermittent sometime between 9 and 10
and its still that way now (11:15 pm). The signal would be fine (8 bars) for minutes at a time, then go away completely (0 bars) for minutes at a time.

QAM 123 also includes WJLA digital 1 and 2.

I can't get 7-1, 7-2 or 7-3 at all on my Vizio 37" TV. This started last night and all of the other channels (4-x, 5-x, 9-x,13-1. 20-1, 22-x, 26-x, 45-1, 50-x, 54-x and 67-x) are all coming in fine. I am using an OTA antenna (CM 4424 with CM pre-am).

Are they doing maintenance or having problems with the transmitter for WJLA-DT?

I found the QAM 123 signal extremely intermittent sometime between 9 and 10
and its still that way now (11:15 pm). The signal would be fine (8 bars) for minutes at a time, then go away completely (0 bars) for minutes at a time.

QAM 123 also includes WJLA digital 1 and 2.
Qam 123 appears to be at full strength this morning, but all of the sub-channels exhibit small sound gaps.

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

Stephen,

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

We hope you continue to enjoy the CW Washington!

Sincerely,
Tanya Pavluchuk
Programming
Thanks for the update. It comes in a bit weak on my antenna. I recently missed a bunch of Smallville and Veronica Mars episodes because I added a splitter to my antenna line and it degraded the signal just enough to go from coming in just fine to not coming in at all. In fact, my HR-20 still records it just fine with a signal strength of about 45, but my HR10's give me a blank screen with a signal strength of about 38. Without the splitter it was in the 60's, compared to 4, 7 & 9 all being in the 80's. Obviously I need a new splitter in the meantime, but it made me wonder what the status was of DirecTV picking it up.

I can't get 7-1, 7-2 or 7-3 at all on my Vizio 37" TV. This started last night and all of the other channels (4-x, 5-x, 9-x,13-1. 20-1, 22-x, 26-x, 45-1, 50-x, 54-x and 67-x) are all coming in fine. I am using an OTA antenna (CM 4424 with CM pre-am).

Are they doing maintenance or having problems with the transmitter for WJLA-DT?
WJLA-DT 7 is coming in fine for me in Sterling. If any of the big four in either DC or Baltimore went off the air in prime time for any length of time or went off the air for an extended period, you can be sure it would cause a flurry of postings here.

We are now into summer and have a strong high pressure system sitting over us which is classic weather for tropospheric ducting (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropo_duct). WJLA-DT ABC 7 is broadcasting on UHF 39. Perhaps you were receiving a strong signal from a distant analog or digital station on UHF 39 causing the station to drop-out. With an analog tuner, you might see a ghosted picture or audio cutting in from the distant station. With ATSC digital, the tuner can't get a lock so you may see nothing at all. Did you check the signal meter for WJLA-DT 7 when you could not get the station? Was it jumping around? If it was tropo, the odds are that your TV should be able to get WJLA-DT today.

Is WJLA-DT off the air?
No, it must be your equipment! Solid here!

I think that the current expectation is that MASN will be HD next year and not this year.....

Is this from an official source? I wrote a complain (no HD) letter to MASN and received the standard form letter in return, with no hint of a time line for HD production.

I know you can save a lot of money with a self-install of Cox's high-speed internet and HD boxes.

What about CableCards? Would they need to send a guy out to charge me a lot of money to put two cards in a Tivo Series 3?

Did anyone notice problems with the broadcast of the Heroes season finale. I was watching WRC on Comcast in Montgomery County. There were several times when the screen was pixelated and the audio dropped out.

Did anyone notice problems with the broadcast of the Heroes season finale. I was watching WRC on Comcast in Montgomery County. There were several times when the screen was pixelated and the audio dropped out.
Watching it now just cut out the commercials with HD2MPEG2. Recorded OTA came out flawless

Is this from an official source? I wrote a complain (no HD) letter to MASN and received the standard form letter in return, with no hint of a time line for HD production.

Hi neighbor! I sent an email in a similar vein and also got the standard reply. It included an "in the future we expect to have it" answer without an actual timeline.

DirecTV had a "station is having problems" message up around 6:15am.

I can't get 7-1, 7-2 or 7-3 at all on my Vizio 37" TV. This started last night and all of the other channels (4-x, 5-x, 9-x,13-1. 20-1, 22-x, 26-x, 45-1, 50-x, 54-x and 67-x) are all coming in fine. I am using an OTA antenna (CM 4424 with CM pre-am).

Are they doing maintenance or having problems with the transmitter for WJLA-DT?

It was off the air for me too between about 7:30 and 8:15 this morning. No signal at all no matter which way I turned the antenna(indoor). 45 and 54 did the same last night at around 1:00am.

Is this from an official source? I wrote a complain (no HD) letter to MASN and received the standard form letter in return, with no hint of a time line for HD production.Its from my memory of posts here. I've long abandoned the search function here, but it would be in posts in this or the previous DC/Balt thread. Basically it was said that HD would not be ready this year, but that it was in the works for next year. If I remember correctly, it may have even been in articles (most of them were about O's leaving CSN for MASN).

So I don't official press releases or links to offer you, but its what I understand from previous conversations here.

I agree that MASN will need clearance on cable companies and satellite companies but I would bet that D* would have space for a spot beam now and will for sure have space around the same time that my source said MASN would be on line with HD (maybe not a coincidence). Verizon would have space NOW (they do not have bandwidth issues) and Comcast could squeeze in at least some of the games if they wanted to.

I stumbled on this when looking up information about Cox's new "International Tier" on their site:

New Channels Launching June 25, 2007 in Northern Virginia!

Fairfax:

Cox will add three new high-definition channels to its lineup at no extra cost on June 25:

* National Geographic HD (ch. 719)
* A&E HD (ch. 720)
* MyNetworkTV HD (721)

I can't post URLs yet, but if you want to see the original notice, go to:

cox [dot] com [slash] fairfax [slash] new_channels_2007 [dot] asp

I didn't think there really was a demand for MyNetworkTV HD (unless maybe if MASN does get that rumored HD equipment up and running this season?)

Too bad I'll probably be switching to FIOS by then (if they finish the work on time.)

Nice! I've been waiting for those channels on Cox for a while, it's good to see them catch up with the rest of the area.

To answer Devin Clancy's question:
I know you can save a lot of money with a self-install of Cox's high-speed internet and HD boxes.

What about CableCards? Would they need to send a guy out to charge me a lot of money to put two cards in a Tivo Series 3?

They actually WILL not hand you the CableCard at the service center because they believe that customers are not smart enough to give hexadecimal and alphanumeric information to Cox. In short, Cox will charge you $29.99 for the CableCard install into your Series3. When you do get the guy to come, make sure he has at least 3-4 CableCards, as some CableCards just don't work with some equipment.

--mapper

Watching it now just cut out the commercials with HD2MPEG2. Recorded OTA came out flawless

I just watched Studio 60 from last week and it had the same problems. I guess this is a Comcast problem similar to the one with WJLA a few weeks ago.

One of my trusty Accurian recievers has not been able to produce any audio from any WNVC channels 57.X for the last couple of weeks. The signal quality at this site is very good. I have no trouble wiith any other Washington or Baltimore market station. Is anyone else having any problems with WNVC-57.X audio?

It was off the air for me too between about 7:30 and 8:15 this morning. No signal at all no matter which way I turned the antenna(indoor). 45 and 54 did the same last night at around 1:00am.

I can assure you that neither channel 45 nor channel 54 were off the air at that time. I haven't as much as one cabinet go down for a couple of weeks now. (each digital transmitter is made up of two amplifiers who's outputs are added together to produce the output of the channel. If one of the cabinets goes down, there is still an output from the transmitter, albeit at lower power)

Mark

Is channel 50-1 (OTA) still broadcast from the same location as it has for the past year or so? I did get a new splitter last night and it works better, but it's still weak. Without the splitter it seems to be just barely strong enough to work - it only gives me about 45 on the meter, but it comes in just fine. I'm just wondering if I never noticed before that it was so low or if I need to turn my antenna. It seems that the splitter is making just enough of a difference to go below the threshold of sufficient signal strength.

I can assure you that neither channel 45 nor channel 54 were off the air at that time. I haven't as much as one cabinet go down for a couple of weeks now. (each digital transmitter is made up of two amplifiers who's outputs are added together to produce the output of the channel. If one of the cabinets goes down, there is still an output from the transmitter, albeit at lower power)

Mark

Happened again last night. Discovered that it was the combination of the position of my antenna and a plane headed to Andrews AFB.

I stumbled on this when looking up information about Cox's new "International Tier" on their site:

New Channels Launching June 25, 2007 in Northern Virginia!

Fairfax:

Cox will add three new high-definition channels to its lineup at no extra cost on June 25:

* National Geographic HD (ch. 719)
* A&E HD (ch. 720)
* MyNetworkTV HD (721)

I can't post URLs yet, but if you want to see the original notice, go to:

cox [dot] com [slash] fairfax [slash] new_channels_2007 [dot] asp

I didn't think there really was a demand for MyNetworkTV HD (unless maybe if MASN does get that rumored HD equipment up and running this season?)

Too bad I'll probably be switching to FIOS by then (if they finish the work on time.)

I don't understand Cox's numbering system at all...

Why'd they skip 717, 718?

Why not fill 711, which was INHD2?

At least make 720 MyNetwork20... if you are going to jump around...

At least we finally got NatlGeoHD, since other areas had it...

Wonder when Food/HG are coming.

No, it must be your equipment! Solid here!

Uh, no it wasn't my equipment. Others had the same problem. By the time you posted, it was back on.

To answer Devin Clancy's question:


They actually WILL not hand you the CableCard at the service center because they believe that customers are not smart enough to give hexadecimal and alphanumeric information to Cox. In short, Cox will charge you $29.99 for the CableCard install into your Series3. When you do get the guy to come, make sure he has at least 3-4 CableCards, as some CableCards just don't work with some equipment.

--mapper

Thanks! Starting to regret moving out of a FIOS area already!

Anyone notice a software change in Comcast Loudoun's 6412s yesterday? I noticed when I went to push "LIST" that instead of taking me directly to my list of DVR recordings, I went to the DVR menu from which I had to select "My recordings". I also noticed a couple other cosmetic changes. Unfortunately, the video was freezing every now and then, especially when in guide mode.

Anyone notice a software change in Comcast Loudoun's 6412s yesterday? I noticed when I went to push "LIST" that instead of taking me directly to my list of DVR recordings, I went to the DVR menu from which I had to select "My recordings". Comcast Frederick MD 6412's had some sort of software update yesterday -- I noticed the menu differences last evening but haven't had time to figure out what's changed and if it is for the better.

Anyone know what the QAM frequencies are for HD channels in comcast Frederick? All mine show up on 1.1 & 1.3...

Comcast Frederick MD 6412's had some sort of software update yesterday -- I noticed the menu differences last evening but haven't had time to figure out what's changed and if it is for the better.

Comcast Loudoun has added HD On Demand with HD movies going for $5.95.

Just wondering if anybody else has been having issues with Comcast's audio on the HD channels?

I'm in Arlington VA, and watching Fox and Discovery HD channels have been PAINFUL today! The audio on both channels keeps dropping in/out, and, in the case of Fox (Channel 213), the SD (Channel 5) version just sounds way better. All my other HD channels (HBO, SHO, etc.) sound just fine.

I tried calling the Comcast office, but they refuse to believe that it can be on their end (we went down the usual "unplug the box, cycle the power on the box, etc." game).

Really starting to get frustrated with Comcast... Is it time to make the switch to satellite?

Yes, I'm hearing the same. I'll call it in too. They don't bother to monitor head-end quality, this much is becoming clear. Very unprofessional.

Just wondering if anybody else has been having issues with Comcast's audio on the HD channels?

I'm in Arlington VA, and watching Fox and Discovery HD channels have been PAINFUL today! The audio on both channels keeps dropping in/out, and, in the case of Fox (Channel 213), the SD (Channel 5) version just sounds way better. All my other HD channels (HBO, SHO, etc.) sound just fine.

I tried calling the Comcast office, but they refuse to believe that it can be on their end (we went down the usual "unplug the box, cycle the power on the box, etc." game).

Really starting to get frustrated with Comcast... Is it time to make the switch to satellite?

Cox seems to have shuffled their clear QAM lineup again - the PBS and CW chs are back along with a tennis bonus ch. :rolleyes:

Has anyone had problems with not being able to get "on demand" from the motorola Comcast box...it's the box that looks just like the 6412 III but doesn't say it on the front(it says comcast in upper left corner) and it has the DVI output on the back, no HDMI. It used to have "on demand" listed but it always said "try again in 5 min." and some other message that looked something like "mgr88508" in a box on the screen when you tried to go into "on demand"... now its not even listed in the menu :eek: ! I,m so tired of dealing with comcast and their stupid HD boxes, I have already replaced 2 of them :mad: . Does anyone know what could be going on with my box?

ps...I have 2 HD motorola boxes...the one I mentioned above and the DCT6412 III with HDMI. The 6412 III I use in my living room and the "on demand" works but just the other day it started to not let me watch HBO and Showtime "on demand", saying "it was only available as part of a package"...but I pay for these channels and was getting them until the other day so this makes no sense! Anyone know what this issue could be also?

Thanks,
Brian

Has anyone had problems with not being able to get "on demand" from the motorola Comcast box...it's the box that looks just like the 6412 III but doesn't say it on the front(it says comcast in upper left corner) and it has the DVI output on the back, no HDMI. It used to have "on demand" listed but it always said "try again in 5 min." and some other message that looked something like "mgr88508" in a box on the screen when you tried to go into "on demand"... now its not even listed in the menu :eek: ! I,m so tired of dealing with comcast and their stupid HD boxes, I have already replaced 2 of them :mad: . Does anyone know what could be going on with my box?

ps...I have 2 HD motorola boxes...the one I mentioned above and the DCT6412 III with HDMI. The 6412 III I use in my living room and the "on demand" works but just the other day it started to not let me watch HBO and Showtime "on demand", saying "it was only available as part of a package"...but I pay for these channels and was getting them until the other day so this makes no sense! Anyone know what this issue could be also?

Thanks,
Brian

I am in Comcast Loudoun, I have 2 of the DVI Moto 6412's (non Phase III) and my kids have been watching kids programming On Demand on-and-off all day. There was a moment earlier today where I got the "try again in 5 minutes" error but it seems to have cleared up.

I can't speak for HBO or SHO since I have neither. If you recently received a software update, I suspect they may still be sorting that stuff out.

Just switched to Comcast in Woodbridge from D*. Unfortunately I had few options as I wasn't able to pick up the new HD satellite they just launched and was quickly losing the handful that I had on the old receivers and my local OTA antennae.

Ill-informed, I thought that the additional HD coverage on cable would atleast take the sting out of losing Sunday Ticket. I referenced the "Who has what" list on this forum and thought that I would roll up to Comcast Washington. After installation today, I couldn't believe how much better the picture was over D* and started looking for all my new HD channels...and looked and looked and looked. At that point, the nice "Satellite Buy Back" deal they hooked me up with didn't seem so great (no TNTHD, ESPN2HD, NFLHD, HDNETs, etc).

My dad has comcast in Winchester and is getting significant more love. Is comcast new in this area and just needs to catch up? I searched this forum but couldn't find any news on significant channel releases. Am I missing something?

Thanks for anyone who can catch me up and possibly give me hope.

Maybe FiOS will be in woodbridge soon. They seem to have a pretty good HD lineup.

Ill-informed, I thought that the additional HD coverage on cable would atleast take the sting out of losing Sunday Ticket. I referenced the "Who has what" list on this forum and thought that I would roll up to Comcast Washington. After installation today, I couldn't believe how much better the picture was over D* and started looking for all my new HD channels...and looked and looked and looked. At that point, the nice "Satellite Buy Back" deal they hooked me up with didn't seem so great (no TNTHD, ESPN2HD, NFLHD, HDNETs, etc).

My dad has comcast in Winchester and is getting significant more love. Is comcast new in this area and just needs to catch up? I searched this forum but couldn't find any news on significant channel releases. Am I missing something?

Thanks for anyone who can catch me up and possibly give me hope.
Go to the comcast website and check the channel line-up for your address. Comcast does not have HDNet and HDNet Movies, this is very well known. But they do have TNT-HD and ESPN2-HD in some areas.

You must not be in an upgraded area of Woodbridge yet. They finally switched me over to the new cable plant last month. I know they are switching more people over this month because my brother got a notice. Once they switch you will get TNT-HD, ESPN2-HD, National Geographic HD, MOJOHD, MTVHD, GolfHD, STARZ-HD, Cinemax-HD(they already had HBO-HD, SHowtime HD, CSNHD, and DiscoveryHD)plus more HD On Demand. Then they will also offer phone service shortly after that and your internet speed should increase. I now hit 31mbs down with Powerboost and 2mbs up. I switched back in December to Comcast and finally dropped DirecTV completely a few weeks ago. The picture is much better than DirecTV
They recently ran the fiber in our area for FIOS. I have no idea when they will offer the service but I will probably switch when they offer it. I like Comcast but FIOS has more bandwidth to add more HD channels. Plus Comcast doesn't have the HDNet channels while FIOS does.

Just switched to Comcast in Woodbridge from D*. Unfortunately I had few options as I wasn't able to pick up the new HD satellite they just launched and was quickly losing the handful that I had on the old receivers and my local OTA antennae.

Ill-informed, I thought that the additional HD coverage on cable would atleast take the sting out of losing Sunday Ticket. I referenced the "Who has what" list on this forum and thought that I would roll up to Comcast Washington. After installation today, I couldn't believe how much better the picture was over D* and started looking for all my new HD channels...and looked and looked and looked. At that point, the nice "Satellite Buy Back" deal they hooked me up with didn't seem so great (no TNTHD, ESPN2HD, NFLHD, HDNETs, etc).

My dad has comcast in Winchester and is getting significant more love. Is comcast new in this area and just needs to catch up? I searched this forum but couldn't find any news on significant channel releases. Am I missing something?

Thanks for anyone who can catch me up and possibly give me hope.

Has anyone had problems with not being able to get "on demand" from the motorola Comcast box...it's the box that looks just like the 6412 III but doesn't say it on the front(it says comcast in upper left corner) and it has the DVI output on the back, no HDMI. It used to have "on demand" listed but it always said "try again in 5 min." and some other message that looked something like "mgr88508" in a box on the screen when you tried to go into "on demand"... now its not even listed in the menu :eek: ! I,m so tired of dealing with comcast and their stupid HD boxes, I have already replaced 2 of them :mad: . Does anyone know what could be going on with my box?

ps...I have 2 HD motorola boxes...the one I mentioned above and the DCT6412 III with HDMI. The 6412 III I use in my living room and the "on demand" works but just the other day it started to not let me watch HBO and Showtime "on demand", saying "it was only available as part of a package"...but I pay for these channels and was getting them until the other day so this makes no sense! Anyone know what this issue could be also?

Thanks,
Brian A few things.

The Comcast boxes often have a sticker on the bottom naming the model

Having had digital cable since January '04, my first guess is that you are experiencing a signal strength issue with the OnDemand and the "try again" message. Check your connections particularly those that might be exposed to the weather. It might require a truck roll to check it out.

I once had intermittent failures to connect for OnDemand. Some days perfect; other days, "please wait". Evenutally the tech discovered that squirrels had been chewing the wires at the poll.

BTW, these boxes are notorious for crapping out. I've lost more than a few unwatched probgrams because the box has died an untimely death.

I recently added digital voice and got a box for my BR TV. It worked fine for about a week to 10 days then it would not tune the digital plus tier (Science, NGC, Sundance) but it would pull in OnDemand and my premiums (HBO, SHO, etc.) That time a tier 1 tech had to send a signal to that box to get it working correctly.

YMMV

Does anyone know why all my QAM channels are showing up on 1.1 & 1.3 (5 channels mapped to these two addresses)? They used to be 80.1, 80,3 etc. but now those don't work... can anyone help? I have this problem with both TV sets...

I like in Frederick and have comcast.

Does anyone know why all my QAM channels are showing up on 1.1 & 1.3 (5 channels mapped to these two addresses)? They used to be 80.1, 80,3 etc. but now those don't work... can anyone help? I have this problem with both TV sets...

I like in Frederick and have comcast.
It is my impression that Comcast is doing experiments with their QAM channels in preparation for the switch to all digital in 2 years. I have an OnAir GT USB tuner in my computer which is very convenient as a research tool to check my Comcast P.G. basic. This tuner is the most sensitive tuner I have tested and it scans all the Qam channels much faster than other tuners.
I do a full scan about every 15 days to detect changes. Sometimes I lose channels, sometimes I gain, and sometimes the assignments change. On my last scan I did not lose, but gained A&E HD, and MY20 HD.
I observe from this forum that every Comcast location is different in terms of the assignments for the QAM channels, but D.C. Comcast and Comcast P.G county are nearly the same.

I have noticed that WNUV programming that is SD source on 54-1 has a flickering edge along the top. HD source is fine. The flickering edge is very annoying (yes, I can push the overscan to get rid of it, but this is the only channel I have this problem with).

Does anyone know why all my QAM channels are showing up on 1.1 & 1.3 (5 channels mapped to these two addresses)? They used to be 80.1, 80,3 etc. but now those don't workI've already sent you a PM, but will post here also.

I also have Comcast Frederick MD.

It's been quite some time since I've used the clear QAM channels so I hooked the cable wire back up to the TV tuner and ran a channel scan -- and yes, the clear QAM channels are no longer 80.1, 80.3 etc.

Here's what I'm getting now:

Discovery HD 85.001
WUSA HD 1.001
WRC HD also 1.001
WJLA HD 1.003
WTTG HD also 1.003

and all the music channels.

So it looks like what you are seeing is what Comcast Frederick is sending out now ...

The problem I have with this is that my syntax olevia 32" only detects them as one channel... see how they have two each on 1.1 & 1.3? My olevia only picks up two HD's from that...

anyone know if I can view the HD locals with an HD set top box from ebay?

Has anyone had problems with not being able to get "on demand" from the motorola Comcast box. [snip]
It used to have "on demand" listed but it always said "try again in 5 min."
I had the same problem and it was a signal strenth issue.

Scripps Taps JVC for HD News

By Glen Dickson -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/4/2007 11:17:00 AM

JVC has won a deal from Scripps Television Station Group to provide its HDV-format camcorders to support high-definition news production at all 10 Scripps stations.

Under the deal, which is by far JVC's biggest win to date for its ProHD format, Scripps will purchase more than 150 GY-HD250 ProHD camcorders, over 150 BR-HD50sProHD recorder/players, more than 300 DR-HD10060G HD hard disk recorders and approximately 100 DTV monitors.

Scripps had previously purchased JVC GY-HD250 cameras for WXYZ-TV, the Scripps ABC-affiliate in Detroit, Mich., to support HD news production there, and has experimented with the ProHD camera's ability to support live microwave feeds in HD.

"Our industry is in the midst of a major technical upgrade to high definition," said Scripps Vice President of Engineering, Michael Doback in a statement. "JVC's ProHD products enable Scripps stations to provide local news coverage—including remotes—in HD. This is the right solution, at the right time, and at the right price."

Scripps stations include ABC affiliates KNXV-TV Phoenix, WFTS-TV Tampa, WMAR-TV Baltimore, WXYZ-TV Detroit, WCPO-TV Cincinnati and WEWS-TV Cleveland; NBC affiliates WPTV West Palm Beach, WSHB-TV Kansas City and KJRH-TV Tulsa; and independent KMCI-TV Lawrence, Kan.

http://broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6448794.html

Does anyone know how to get these channels via OTA:

WMPT DT - channel 22.1 - (PBS)
WMPTDT3 - channel 22.3 - (PBS)

I heard I may have to tune to them directly?
How do I do that with MCE?

I am looking for some cartoons/kids programs and cant seem to find anything on OTA. Titan TV says these channels have the kids stuff.


I have MCE 2005 with a hauppauge HVR-1600 card doing OTA via a CM4228+pre-amp.

It may depend on what time of the day you are searching for the channels. MPT sends 4 SD channels out during the day, but then shutdown two of them to fire up the HD channel in the evening. You may want to check their web site (links in the first post of this thread) to see what hours they are broadcasting the channels.

You must not be in an upgraded area of Woodbridge yet. They finally switched me over to the new cable plant last month. I know they are switching more people over this month because my brother got a notice. Once they switch you will get TNT-HD, ESPN2-HD, National Geographic HD, MOJOHD, MTVHD, GolfHD, STARZ-HD, Cinemax-HD(they already had HBO-HD, SHowtime HD, CSNHD, and DiscoveryHD)plus more HD On Demand. Then they will also offer phone service shortly after that and your internet speed should increase. I now hit 31mbs down with Powerboost and 2mbs up.

Is that how it works? Does anybody know when Loudoun will get switched to a new cable plant? We are currently missing CSN-HD, MTVHD, National Geographic HD, and StarzHD. I believe the super fast internet isn't yet available either.

WMPT DT - channel 22.1 - (PBS)
WMPTDT3 - channel 22.3 - (PBS)

I heard I may have to tune to them directly?
How do I do that with MCE?

.
I don't believe you can tune them directly - you have to add them after the major ch is added. In the set up section of the guide there's a place to add missing chs. Go in there and add each minor ch (.2, .3 and .4) separately. The same would apply to any other ch - like if you wanted the weather ch (.2) on the 3 major networks.

UHD is used as shorthand for Universal HD, although I think UnivHD is a better shorthand reference. (UHD also = Ultra High Definition in some places). UnivHD airs BattleStar Galactica, Stargate Atlantis (season 1 only so far), Northern Exposure in 4:3 HD (looping through the first 3 seasons only), was running Firefly (all 13 episodes), and because this is a Universal/NBC property, Law & Order of course (SVU in this case). UnivHD has been showing the 3rd season episodes of Battlestar Galactica on Saturday nights in HD for the 1st time in the US and this Saturday will be airing a rather critical episode as they get into the last four episodes of the 3rd season. Got the DVR set to record it. See http://www.universalhd.com/ for their schedule.

So are these actually in HD? They don't look like it. It kinda looks like they blew it up for HD. I can't imagine the shows were filmed in HD to begin with.

You must not be in an upgraded area of Woodbridge yet. They finally switched me over to the new cable plant last month. I know they are switching more people over this month because my brother got a notice.

Thanks, I called them today to get them to bring the newer 8300 boxes as they showed up with the older models and the rep said they would be adding channels on Wednesday.

Likely I should have waited on FIOS after I tried to pull up the channel listing on the Comcast site. "We're working on adding the channel listing for your zipcode." That should have been the red flag that they didn't have anything exciting to tell or not everyone in my area was getting the goods.

So are these actually in HD? They don't look like it. It kinda looks like they blew it up for HD. I can't imagine the shows were filmed in HD to begin with.

Battlestar Galactica was done in HD (it is only three years old). Northern Exposure was film, so it is 4x3 HD transfer. Firefly's FX were redone for HD. I am pretty sure L&O is HD.

A few things.

The Comcast boxes often have a sticker on the bottom naming the model

Having had digital cable since January '04, my first guess is that you are experiencing a signal strength issue with the OnDemand and the "try again" message. Check your connections particularly those that might be exposed to the weather. It might require a truck roll to check it out.

I once had intermittent failures to connect for OnDemand. Some days perfect; other days, "please wait". Evenutally the tech discovered that squirrels had been chewing the wires at the poll.

BTW, these boxes are notorious for crapping out. I've lost more than a few unwatched probgrams because the box has died an untimely death.

I recently added digital voice and got a box for my BR TV. It worked fine for about a week to 10 days then it would not tune the digital plus tier (Science, NGC, Sundance) but it would pull in OnDemand and my premiums (HBO, SHO, etc.) That time a tier 1 tech had to send a signal to that box to get it working correctly.

YMMV
I was also thinking it could have something to do with signal strength due too the long cable that goes from the power line pole that is at the edge of my driveway, all the way around to the back of my house where the cable input is. What I dont understand though is that I have been using a motorola signal amplifier to boost the strength of the signal when it first comes into the house...from there the cable goes to a splitter that sends a signal to my living room and to my bedroom. I will have to check the connection outside the house to see if its ok...but Im sure it is. Thanks for your help MrMike and Ladd.

Take care,
Brian

I had the same problem and it was a signal strenth issue.
Hi Ladd...what did you do to fix the problem?

Thanks,
Brian

Try a good amplifier, not a cheap one and any amplification problems will be gone.

I am having audio dropout issues on several HD channels, Comcast HD cable in Arlington VA. The audio stutters and/or drops out for 1-2 seconds, and interestingly enough, this happens exactly every 60 seconds. No kidding, after noting some regularity to the dropouts I actually pulled my watch out and timed them - and once every minute for 20 consecutive minutes it happened at exactly the same time each minute. Exactly every 60 seconds, no exceptions. This is clearly no coincidence; something somewhere in the signal chain is occuring precisely every 60 seconds to cause the problem.

I didn't test all channels, but I did notice that the dropouts are happening on at least 3 HD channels (all in the 2xx channel range) - WETA HD, Discovery HD, and CBS HD. And no dropouts were occuring on the one non-HD channel I watched - Comedy Central (61).

Any idea what might be causing this?? I was trying to watch the Raconteurs on Austin City Limits, and this problem was driving me absolutely batty!

Stevie,

I posted similar comments over the weekend, and one person eventually wrote in confirming the same in their home.

My issues on Saturday were with Discovery HD and Fox HD. I've been watching ESPN HD and HBO/SHO HD the last two nights with no issues at all.

Again, I tried calling Comcast, but their reps keep insisting on going down the path of resetting the box. In spite of giant pain in the a#s this is for me (got everything wired and situated in the home entertainment center), I played along a couple of times. When this doesn't resolve the issue, their next step is to set up a four hour block for a cable guy to come by (I guess it's inconceivable for them that I might actually have a job).

Bottom line, I tried to talk to somebody at Comcast who would take down my complaint in the hopes that they would check out their end. No luck.

Between this and them overcharging me in spite of a 12-month price guarantee, satellite alternatives are starting to sound very appealing to me.

Thanks!
I also found this link which describes exactly what I need to do:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mce/expert/elsbree_dec2004.mspx


I don't believe you can tune them directly - you have to add them after the major ch is added. In the set up section of the guide there's a place to add missing chs. Go in there and add each minor ch (.2, .3 and .4) separately. The same would apply to any other ch - like if you wanted the weather ch (.2) on the 3 major networks.

Thanks!

Anyone here who had success with tuning into these channels via OTA?

And how do I get the guide to show correct listings? I see nothing relevant in the MCE's guide for Antenna.

It may depend on what time of the day you are searching for the channels. MPT sends 4 SD channels out during the day, but then shutdown two of them to fire up the HD channel in the evening. You may want to check their web site (links in the first post of this thread) to see what hours they are broadcasting the channels.

I am having audio dropout issues on several HD channels, Comcast HD cable in Arlington VA. The audio stutters and/or drops out for 1-2 seconds, and interestingly enough, this happens exactly every 60 seconds. No kidding, after noting some regularity to the dropouts I actually pulled my watch out and timed them - and once every minute for 20 consecutive minutes it happened at exactly the same time each minute. Exactly every 60 seconds, no exceptions. This is clearly no coincidence; something somewhere in the signal chain is occuring precisely every 60 seconds to cause the problem.

I didn't test all channels, but I did notice that the dropouts are happening on at least 3 HD channels (all in the 2xx channel range) - WETA HD, Discovery HD, and CBS HD. And no dropouts were occuring on the one non-HD channel I watched - Comedy Central (61).

Any idea what might be causing this?? I was trying to watch the Raconteurs on Austin City Limits, and this problem was driving me absolutely batty!

I am having the same problem here in Alexandria with Comcast. Audio dropouts every minute. Hopefully they will get it figured out soon, because it really is annoying.

Ok folks, I need some advice here:

I really need this channel for my kid. Did a little research and found out that I am trying to get WMPT-DT2 Ch. 22.2.

It is a PBS Affiliate broadcasting from Baltimore, MD

TV Fool says that it is at 57 degrees. My Antenna has been optimized for DC stations at 33 degrees. But when I look at the TV Fool’s Azimuth map, both 33 deg and 57 deg seem to be approx in the same direction. (Please see image below)

http://www.funkyhuman.com/hosted_images/Radar-Digital-22193.png

This makes me wonder if rotating the antenna will make any difference. What do you think?

By the way..
Does anyone around here (zip 22193) has had any success tuning into this station via OTA?



Any help is highly appreciated!

Just try rotating the antenna and see if it's better or not. If not then return it to the original position. It takes some time but worth it in the end.

Ok folks, I need some advice here:

I really need this channel for my kid. Did a little research and found out that I am trying to get WMPT-DT2 Ch. 22.2.

It is a PBS Affiliate broadcasting from Baltimore, MD

TV Fool says that it is at 57 degrees. My Antenna has been optimized for DC stations at 33 degrees. But when I look at the TV Fool’s Azimuth map, both 33 deg and 57 deg seem to be approx in the same direction. (Please see image below)

This makes me wonder if rotating the antenna will make any difference. What do you think?

By the way..
Does anyone around here (zip 22193) has had any success tuning into this station via OTA?

The difference between 33˚ and 57˚ is roughly 7% of a complete circle. My guess is that it won't matter much, but you should still be able to get all the DC channels if you point the antenna perfectly at 57˚ I'm able to get pick up 22.* from Sterling(20164) with an internal, powered, omni-diectional antenna fairly well.

The perfect setup should pick it up, it's just a matter of finding it. Wish I could help more.

Hmmmm....So you get it with an internal antenna....wow !

I have a huge CM4228 with a 7777 pre-amp outside on the roof (overkill?? maybe).
I hope I get it too.

I guess it is time to rent/borrow that ladder again. Man getting onto the roof still sends chills down my spine!

Hmmmm....So you get it with an internal antenna....wow !

Yep, but I don't have to jump over all of DC like you have to. Funny/Sad part is that I can pick the Maryland PBS, but not WETA :eek:

Ok folks, I need some advice here:

I really need this channel for my kid. Did a little research and found out that I am trying to get WMPT-DT2 Ch. 22.2.

It is a PBS Affiliate broadcasting from Baltimore, MD

TV Fool says that it is at 57 degrees. My Antenna has been optimized for DC stations at 33 degrees. But when I look at the TV Fool’s Azimuth map, both 33 deg and 57 deg seem to be approx in the same direction. (Please see image below)

<edit>

This makes me wonder if rotating the antenna will make any difference. What do you think?

By the way..
Does anyone around here (zip 22193) has had any success tuning into this station via OTA?

Any help is highly appreciated!

Not that it matters a great deal for you, but WMPT is broadcast from Millersville, near Annapolis. That's a lot more east from Baltimore for you. The chart is kind of misleading because the signal level is really low, and the line for WMPT is hard to see since it doesn't stick out very far.

If you REALLY want that channel, you could try peaking up your antenna toward it, and then seeing how many of the Washington stations are still coming in. Better yet, get a rotor so you can move it back and forth.

Mark

The difference between 33˚ and 57˚ is roughly 7% of a complete circle.
No, the difference between 33 and 57 degrees is 24 degrees which can be quite significant for a directional antenna.

rajdude, what antenna are you using and where is it located? You should turn the aim to close to 57 degrees or find a point inbetween to see if WMPT-DT comes in without losing the DC stations. I do not get WMPT-DT 22 from where I am in Sterling (20165), because of local obstructions, the antenna is in the attic, and because WMPT-DT is not a very strong station. I get MPT via WFPT-DT 62 (DT 28), technically the Frederick station, although the transmitter is located well south of Frederick. None of the other MPT stations shows up on your tvfool.com list, so WMPT-DT 22 from south of Baltimore is your only option.

MPT changes their sub-channel line-up twice a day which gives heartburn I understand to some older ATSC tuners, but I can't speak for your PC based tuner.

Oops, sorry I missed your post that stated you have a CM 4228 which is rather directional. Turn it towards WMPT-DT a few degrees at a time. If going up and down the ladder multiple times is a problem, get someone to monitor the ATSC tuner strength for WMPT-DT on 42.1 if your tuner will accept direct entry of the actual digital channel #.

I am having the same problem here in Alexandria with Comcast. Audio dropouts every minute. Hopefully they will get it figured out soon, because it really is annoying.

I, too, have noticed this in Alexandria on all of the "broadcast" HD channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, etc.) above 200 (I use a cable card, not a STB). In addition, a friend in my building gets some of these channels on clear QAM through Comcast's Limited Basic package, and he has been experiencing the same audio glitches. The problem is very obviously at Comcast's head end, but it seems the engineers do not monitor transmission quality and the phone reps are clueless.

Hi All,

I recently helped my parents set up their new HDTV. After plugging in the cable to the TV, I did a channel search using the QAM tuner and found some digital channels. However, I wasn't able to pick up local HD channels (NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS, etc.) When connecting an A/B switch (to use with an antenna), I lose most of the channels. So currently, they're using an antenna to pick up OTA channels, but reception is spotty because they live on the bottom of a hill.

Is it possible to call comcast and request them to increase signal strengh? I also noticed that their wireless router for the internet is really slow lately. Is this an indication of low signal strength also? Any suggestion would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I live in Alexandria. I have a 8 bay bow-tie for Washington and Baltimore, which are in the same direction for me.

I need the large antenna for Baltimore. I tried a smaller antenna with preamp but found that the high powered stations from Washington overloaded the preamp and the distortion killed my reception. With the smaller antenna and without the preamp I did not have the gain that I needed for Baltimore.

My channel master CM4228 has a side lobe that is almost in the right direction for WMPT 22.X. I could get 22.X from the side lobe but the multipath from the main lobe made it unreliable.

I now have three antennas and four tuners. One antenna is for Washington/Baltimore, the second is for 22.X from Annapolis and the third is for 26.x/57.x. Now my computer can record any channel at any time.

The main problem I have with 22.X is that they change their channel lineup twice a day. During the day they have 22.1, 22.3, 22.4 and 22.5. At night they have 22.1 and 22.2. My receiver only updated the channel map when I rescan, it does not handle dynamic channel changes.


Ok folks, I need some advice here:

I really need this channel for my kid. Did a little research and found out that I am trying to get WMPT-DT2 Ch. 22.2.

It is a PBS Affiliate broadcasting from Baltimore, MD

TV Fool says that it is at 57 degrees. My Antenna has been optimized for DC stations at 33 degrees. But when I look at the TV Fool’s Azimuth map, both 33 deg and 57 deg seem to be approx in the same direction. (Please see image below)
...........
This makes me wonder if rotating the antenna will make any difference. What do you think?

I have Comcast and I was watching the hockey game last night on ABC ( I think it was that). The picture looked great but every time they had a graphic with the score or NHL logo fly by the screen, it seemed to get blocky for a millisecond. Anyone else notice this?

I have Comcast and I was watching the hockey game last night on ABC ( I think it was that). The picture looked great but every time they had a graphic with the score or NHL logo fly by the screen, it seemed to get blocky for a millisecond. Anyone else notice this?

It was NBC. Do you get WRC, WBAL, or some other NBC?

It was NBC. Do you get WRC, WBAL, or some other NBC?

I believe I get WBAL through Comcast HD. I'm in Harford county

I believe I get WBAL through Comcast HD. I'm in Harford county

Yeah I get WBAL in AA County, but it's got a lot of problems. They have no DD5.1, a mediocre picture (as you saw last night), and they stretch 4:3 content. I recommend watching the game on WRC if you can, because they have none of those problems. Either use an antenna or use a QAM tuner on the Comcast cable. Comcast provides the channel, your cable box just can't see it.

Last question.....on my Samsung 5088w, I turned off overscan and had to move my vertical position up a bit. It looks great on everything but channel 214 (CW) which is never in HD always has some static around the top of it. Why is this? Obviously it is something to do with their channel.

Last question.....on my Samsung 5088w, I turned off overscan and had to move my vertical position up a bit. It looks great on everything but channel 214 (CW) which is never in HD always has some static around the top of it. Why is this? Obviously it is something to do with their channel.

I'm gonna defer to one Mark Bulla for that. (Chief engineer at WBFF/WNUV) Your channel 214 (CW) is WNUV. If you're lucky, he'll see these posts.

I recently helped my parents set up their new HDTV. After plugging in the cable to the TV, I did a channel search using the QAM tuner and found some digital channels. However, I wasn't able to pick up local HD channels (NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS, etc.) When connecting an A/B switch (to use with an antenna), I lose most of the channels. So currently, they're using an antenna to pick up OTA channels, but reception is spotty because they live on the bottom of a hill.

Is it possible to call comcast and request them to increase signal strengh? I also noticed that their wireless router for the internet is really slow lately. Is this an indication of low signal strength also? Any suggestion would be appreciated.
Signal strength from Comcast may be an issue, but it is hard to say from where I sit. Sounds like the TV has a single co-axial input. Does the TV have the capability to maintain two channel lists with a single co-axial input: a QAM digital cable scan list and a OTA ATSC broadcast scan list?

You do realize that only the local broadcast stations are likely to be in the clear, aka not encrypted? All the national HD channels, ESPN-HD, Discovery-HD, Universal-HD, etc are going to be encrypted or will be soon after they do a channel reshuffle. Is there any particular reason your parents are not getting a cable box, or better yet, a HD-DVR? I see the capability to get clear QAM as more useful for the 2nd HD TV in bedroom or kitchen where getting just the locals is ok as people don't want to lay out money for a 2nd STB. But for the main TV, to take full advantage of HD, digital cable, VOD, and guide info, you need the cable box or a HD-DVR (or a TV or Series 3 Tivo with cable card).

If you want help with OTA reception, we can provide recommendations on antennas and placement. Need the zip code as a starting point.

I have been using a signal amplifier...Its a Motorola Signal Booster that is a Full-bandwidth, bi-directional amplifier capable of both forward and return communications and it was designed to improve signal strength inside the home by increasing the signal up to 32 times (15 dB). I have it hooked up right at the cable jack and then a cable is output from the signl booster amp to the input of a Monster Ultra 2-way splitter which outputs a signal to my bedroom and another to my living room. I am having the most problems with the cable box(HD) in my bedroom with not being able to get "on demand"...its not even showing up on the main menu...the box in my living room gets "on demand" with no problems and that is strange to me because I have the signal split up once more in the living room to hook up my computer along with the cable box(HD). Any suggestions anyone???

ps...The Monster Ultra 2-way splitter has a "powerpass" output on one of the 2 outputs but I dont really understand the purpose of it, so I just use the 2-way splitter as a 2-way splitter and thats it...Is there something else I should be doing here :confused: ?

Thanks,
Brian

Last question.....on my Samsung 5088w, I turned off overscan and had to move my vertical position up a bit. It looks great on everything but channel 214 (CW) which is never in HD always has some static around the top of it. Why is this? Obviously it is something to do with their channel.

I posted on this a few days ago. WNUV (54.1) when showing up-rezzed SD material has an underscan problem. I do not see this on any other channel in that condition, no SD or analog channels nor any real HD (including WNUV).

This problem does not exist on WBFF, which is also Mark Bulla's domain.

It is quite annoying. I don't want to push to overscan. That is just a bad setting.

But WNUV has lots of HD. The HD switch keeps going off and Mark fixes it. Since Mark has not posted lately and I have seen shows on WNUV that are normally in HD in SD lately, I am assuming he is on vacation....

Does the TV have the capability to maintain two channel lists with a single co-axial input: a QAM digital cable scan list and a OTA ATSC broadcast scan list?

Yes, the TV is capable of maintaining two channel lists.

You do realize that only the local broadcast stations are likely to be in the clear, aka not encrypted?

Yes, I do realize that only local station are likely to be in the clear. I get them just fine with my HDTV. However, I do believe its a signal strength issue because they have so many splitters in the house. Would an amplifier do them any good? Any recommendations. They're currently borrowing my TERK HDTVi antenna to get OTA channels.

I posted on this a few days ago. WNUV (54.1) when showing up-rezzed SD material has an underscan problem. I do not see this on any other channel in that condition, no SD or analog channels nor any real HD (including WNUV).

This problem does not exist on WBFF, which is also Mark Bulla's domain.

It is quite annoying. I don't want to push to overscan. That is just a bad setting.

But WNUV has lots of HD. The HD switch keeps going off and Mark fixes it. Since Mark has not posted lately and I have seen shows on WNUV that are normally in HD in SD lately, I am assuming he is on vacation....

Whoops... Thanks for the reminder... I have to have the master control people reset the CW HD receiver during prime-time. I wish I knew why it keeps locking up. I also wish I knew why the master control people don't either fix it themselves, or call ME when it happens.

Sorry for the problem...

Mark
(Vacation? What's that?)

I posted on this a few days ago. WNUV (54.1) when showing up-rezzed SD material has an underscan problem. I do not see this on any other channel in that condition, no SD or analog channels nor any real HD (including WNUV).
<edit>



BTW, the CW seems to be sending their SD programming out in a letterboxed format. That allows people watching the analog channel to see the full picture. That's why it looks underscanned.

Mark

i have the following items if anyone is interested.
a channel master 8 bay uhf
a wade3206 uhf
a televes dat75 uhf
plus a wineguard 4800 uhf preamp
pm if you want
rviele.

BTW, the CW seems to be sending their SD programming out in a letterboxed format. That allows people watching the analog channel to see the full picture. That's why it looks underscanned.

Mark

Okay, but I am seeing this on your local stuff too (like syndicated reruns).

Okay, but I am seeing this on your local stuff too (like syndicated reruns).

Sorry - I must have misunderstood you.

I'm looking at the picture on the monitor in my office, and it's not showing me that.

Not sure what that problem is...

Mark

Okay, but I am seeing this on your local stuff too (like syndicated reruns).

I checked it here at home. It's not letterboxed here either.

How are you receiving your signal (OTA, cable, etc)?

Mark

mark, it is a thin line at the very top of the screen (only on the actual picture, not the pillar bars) when WNUV is showing 4x3 material with the gray sidebars. I see this OTA and via cable. It is not letterboxing.

I see it right now on Judge Maria Lopez (?).

mark, it is a thin line at the very top of the screen (only on the actual picture, not the pillar bars) when WNUV is showing 4x3 material with the gray sidebars. I see this OTA and via cable. It is not letterboxing.

I see it right now on Judge Maria Lopez (?).

I see this line just barely at the very top of my screen as well and I am watching OTA on a Samsung LCD. It is 4:43 PM. More noticeable when there are lighter colors on the screen, but can also be seen with adark background.

I see it too, right now during Malcolm.... it's the closed captioning data ;)

See the attached photos...

I see it too, right now during Malcolm.... it's the closed captioning data ;)
What is your overscan setting? It should be around 2 to 4% if you don't want to see that top line. I have mine, IIRC, set to around 3 to 4% which prevents that top line from showing up except for an occasional SD programs. You can check your setting with a calibration DVD such a Digital Video Essentials or set the HD-DVR to record the test screen display on HDNet (whenever they run it, if they still do and, of course, if you get HDNet). I'll check the OTA signal for WNUV-DT 54 and WBFF-DT 45 tonight to see if I see that line.

What is your overscan setting? It should be around 2 to 4% if you don't want to see that top line. I have mine, IIRC, set to around 3 to 4% which prevents that top line from showing up except for an occasional SD programs. You can check your setting with a calibration DVD such a Digital Video Essentials or set the HD-DVR to record the test screen display on HDNet (whenever they run it, if they still do and, of course, if you get HDNet). I'll check the OTA signal for WNUV-DT 54 and WBFF-DT 45 tonight to see if I see that line.

I'm actually using a Dell 2005fpw (20" widescreen LCD with a DVI input) right now (my big TV is on the fritz)... doesn't have any overscan settings that I'm aware of... but I'm sure it's overscanning, as I see that same thing on other channels as well. I used to see it all the time with analog TiVo recordings that I transfered to my computer.

What is your overscan setting? It should be around 2 to 4% if you don't want to see that top line. I have mine, IIRC, set to around 3 to 4% which prevents that top line from showing up except for an occasional SD programs. You can check your setting with a calibration DVD such a Digital Video Essentials or set the HD-DVR to record the test screen display on HDNet (whenever they run it, if they still do and, of course, if you get HDNet). I'll check the OTA signal for WNUV-DT 54 and WBFF-DT 45 tonight to see if I see that line.

Sorry, but no. This is the ONLY channel I get this line on. No cable analog or digital channels. No satellite SD or HD. No other OTA or local digital. And not even on WNUV when showing HD.

I should not have to adjust my TV for one station.

Has anyone else lost WNUV on FiOS 814? It went out for us around 1:30 this afternoon.

Sorry, but no. This is the ONLY channel I get this line on. No cable analog or digital channels. No satellite SD or HD. No other OTA or local digital. And not even on WNUV when showing HD.

I should not have to adjust my TV for one station.

Well, if you just adjusted it for wnuv and left it there.... Just kidding! ;-)

Anyhow, I cropped the top several lines from the picture, which got rid of the annoying closed captioning and test signals. That leaves a small, less noticeable space at the top of the picture.

I would have rather moved the picture up, but I was unable to do that. I'm not sure why. I'll try again, probably some time next week.

Mark

Has anyone else lost WNUV on FiOS 814? It went out for us around 1:30 this afternoon.

Apparently Verizon was working on the fiber equipment that they use to get our signal. They have an off-air receiver as a back-up, but that wasn't working for some reason. They were going to check into it, and see if they could get it working better.

Mark

Anyhow, I cropped the top several lines from the picture, which got rid of the annoying closed captioning and test signals. That leaves a small, less noticeable space at the top of the picture.

Looks much better now... thanks, as always, for the responsiveness, Mark!

anyone else with Comcast notice that they haven't been showing any French Open or even the replays? I first got my HDTV right as the US Open was going on last year and it was amazing to watch. I really wish I could have seen some of the French Open in high-def

Well, if you just adjusted it for wnuv and left it there.... Just kidding! ;-)

Anyhow, I cropped the top several lines from the picture, which got rid of the annoying closed captioning and test signals. That leaves a small, less noticeable space at the top of the picture.

I would have rather moved the picture up, but I was unable to do that. I'm not sure why. I'll try again, probably some time next week.

Mark

Mark, once again, you da man! Thanks! I can watch WNUV non-HD in peace again.

Now, can you go infiltrate WBAL and get rid of that damned stretch stuff? Just sneak in one night....

anyone else with Comcast notice that they haven't been showing any French Open or even the replays? I first got my HDTV right as the US Open was going on last year and it was amazing to watch. I really wish I could have seen some of the French Open in high-def

Tennis channel, dude. No HD but it is on freeview here in Howard County (ch 277).

Tennis channel, dude. No HD but it is on freeview here in Howard County (ch 277).

No tennis in HD is a crime.

I never knew about channel 277...thanks!

Now, can you go infiltrate WBAL and get rid of that damned stretch stuff? Just sneak in one night....And when that's done, see if you can get rid of the hideous WMAR watermark...

Has anybody else lost their HD Locals from DTV this morning? They were working last night --- not sure when they went out this morning. I usually don't have problems so maybe it is a DTV thing.

Has anybody else lost their HD Locals from DTV this morning? They were working last night --- not sure when they went out this morning. I usually don't have problems so maybe it is a DTV thing.


Mine are working fine.


Mark

They are back. Equipment problem after a brief power outage. Red button reset did not bring them back but a full reboot did the trick.

Jimmy, are you using an HR20? If so, DirecTV doesn't want you to use the red button anymore if you can do a menu restart. Cleaner restart from the menu.

Hi all, I'm hoping you can help me out. I just got a 32" Sharp Aquos LCD from Costco (it is the same as the 32d42U model, just Costco's version).

At any rate, this tv has built-in ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuners. I scanned for channels about 6 different times this afternoon, and none of the scans found the HD/Digital broadcast of the local (ABC, FOX, etc.) network channels. It did find many channels, including digital music channels and TNT HD.

So, the scan was able to find digital channels, and display an HD channel, but it is not finding any local network HD channel. All the digital channels it is finding is in the 80+ channel range, not 2, 4, 5 as I would expect. When I try to manually make it go to channel 4.1, it shows an error "Failed to receive broadcast [e202]"

I have the cable line hooked directly to the tv, not using an external antenna. And I'm using Comcast in the Washington, DC/Baltimore area (particularly, Odenton, MD).

Any thoughts on what could be the problem???

"On Demand" missing from my bedroom Motorola HD box

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been using a signal amplifier...Its a Motorola Signal Booster that is a Full-bandwidth, bi-directional amplifier capable of both forward and return communications and it was designed to improve signal strength inside the home by increasing the signal up to 32 times (15 dB). I have it hooked up right at the cable jack and then a cable is output from the signl booster amp to the input of a Monster Ultra 2-way splitter which outputs a signal to my bedroom and another to my living room. I am having the most problems with the cable box(HD) in my bedroom with not being able to get "on demand"...its not even showing up on the main menu...the box in my living room gets "on demand" with no problems and that is strange to me because I have the signal split up once more in the living room to hook up my computer along with the cable box(HD). Any suggestions anyone???

ps...The Monster Ultra 2-way splitter has a "powerpass" output on one of the 2 outputs but I dont really understand the purpose of it, so I just use the 2-way splitter as a 2-way splitter and thats it...Is there something else I should be doing here ?

Thanks,
Brian

Hi all, I'm hoping you can help me out. I just got a 32" Sharp Aquos LCD from Costco (it is the same as the 32d42U model, just Costco's version).

At any rate, this tv has built-in ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuners. I scanned for channels about 6 different times this afternoon, and none of the scans found the HD/Digital broadcast of the local (ABC, FOX, etc.) network channels. It did find many channels, including digital music channels and TNT HD.

So, the scan was able to find digital channels, and display an HD channel, but it is not finding any local network HD channel. All the digital channels it is finding is in the 80+ channel range, not 2, 4, 5 as I would expect. When I try to manually make it go to channel 4.1, it shows an error "Failed to receive broadcast [e202]"

I have the cable line hooked directly to the tv, not using an external antenna. And I'm using Comcast in the Washington, DC/Baltimore area (particularly, Odenton, MD).

Any thoughts on what could be the problem???

Unless your cable provider is passing PSIP data along, you won't find the channels on 4.1, etc.

Does your TV have a cablecard slot? If so, you can get a cable card from the cable company that will map all your channels correctly.

Unless your cable provider is passing PSIP data along, you won't find the channels on 4.1, etc.

Does your TV have a cablecard slot? If so, you can get a cable card from the cable company that will map all your channels correctly.

Hi tony, thanks for the response. The reason I expected to see the stations on 4.1, 5.1, etc., is that a Vizio I tried about 4 months ago put the local network digital channels at those locations. I did not use a cablecard or set-top-box with the Vizio, so I assumed the Sharp would have the same channel assignments.

I COULD get a cablecard from Comcast, but I got a TV with QAM specifically so I did not have to pay extra to receive these channels on this TV :)

"On Demand" missing from my bedroom Motorola HD box

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been using a signal amplifier...Its a Motorola Signal Booster that is a Full-bandwidth, bi-directional amplifier capable of both forward and return communications and it was designed to improve signal strength inside the home by increasing the signal up to 32 times (15 dB). I have it hooked up right at the cable jack and then a cable is output from the signl booster amp to the input of a Monster Ultra 2-way splitter which outputs a signal to my bedroom and another to my living room. I am having the most problems with the cable box(HD) in my bedroom with not being able to get "on demand"...its not even showing up on the main menu...the box in my living room gets "on demand" with no problems and that is strange to me because I have the signal split up once more in the living room to hook up my computer along with the cable box(HD). Any suggestions anyone???

ps...The Monster Ultra 2-way splitter has a "powerpass" output on one of the 2 outputs but I dont really understand the purpose of it, so I just use the 2-way splitter as a 2-way splitter and thats it...Is there something else I should be doing here ?

Thanks,
Brian

You most likely have a signal level issue in the bedroom. Even with the amp if there is a problem with the wiring or a fitting you can get levels too low to drive all frequencies. It is possible that to have too much signal as well but this is less common.

Call for a svc call and they will rehit the box remotely before scheduling a visit in case this may resolve it.

GoIrish

You most likely have a signal level issue in the bedroom. Even with the amp if there is a problem with the wiring or a fitting you can get levels too low to drive all frequencies. It is possible that to have too much signal as well but this is less common.

Call for a svc call and they will rehit the box remotely before scheduling a visit in case this may resolve it.

GoIrish
Thanks for the advice....The other day I hooked up the bedroom cable directly to the amplifier output, bypassing the splitter, and still I got no "on demand". I will call the comcast and see if they can hit the box remotely to see if that helps...If the stupid people from Adelphia would have installed the seperate jack in the bedroom like I told them too then I would not have to use splitters and so many long cable runs...The thing is, the "on demand" used to work back in the bedroom fine up until a couple months ago.

Thanks,
Brian

Thanks for the advice....The other day I hooked up the bedroom cable directly to the amplifier output, bypassing the splitter, and still I got no "on demand". I will call the comcast and see if they can hit the box remotely to see if that helps...If the stupid people from Adelphia would have installed the seperate jack in the bedroom like I told them too then I would not have to use splitters and so many long cable runs...The thing is, the "on demand" used to work back in the bedroom fine up until a couple months ago.

Thanks,
Brian

A couple of months ago I also started having signal problems with Comcast. The modem can't hold the signal anymore for more then a few minutes or couple of hours. Each time I plug the cable into the modem I can hear the audio go out on the Motorola box. I have no idea what they did to bring this on all of a sudden.

A similar thing happned to me some years back.

I ended up swapping the modem and things were fine after that.

They told me that the modem went bad

A couple of months ago I also started having signal problems with Comcast. The modem can't hold the signal anymore for more then a few minutes or couple of hours. Each time I plug the cable into the modem I can hear the audio go out on the Motorola box. I have no idea what they did to bring this on all of a sudden.

Hi tony, thanks for the response. The reason I expected to see the stations on 4.1, 5.1, etc., is that a Vizio I tried about 4 months ago put the local network digital channels at those locations. I did not use a cablecard or set-top-box with the Vizio, so I assumed the Sharp would have the same channel assignments.

I COULD get a cablecard from Comcast, but I got a TV with QAM specifically so I did not have to pay extra to receive these channels on this TV :)
The HD locals are probably there, but the Sharp is not remapping them to the local broadcast channel #s. I get Verizon Fios and did a QAM channel scan as an experiment with three different ATSC/QAM STBs. The newer Samsung DTB-H260F and the Sony DHG-HDD250 HD-DVR found the HD locals & their sub-channels and mapped them to 4-1, 4-2, 5-1, 7-1, 9-1, 20-1, etc. The older Samsung SIR-T451 found the HD locals but did not remap them. I had to find them manually by stepping through all the channels one sub-channel at a time and figuring out what channel I was looking at. The HD locals started to show up at 74-x, but this only applied to the Verizon Fios channel line-up at that time. Both Samsung's found 100s of sub-channels that I could not get a picture for, so those were the scrambled channels. It took a while to find the digital simulcast of the SD locals and the HD locals. But this was a one time experiment as I use the Verizon 6416 DVR for watching Fios.

I suggest you do a QAM cable scan with the Sharp and step through all the digital channels that turn up one at a time. I suspect that there are firmware differences between different tuner sets in whether they look for and use PSIP info for QAM channels.

Ya think CBS could have moved a few HD cameras the short distance from W. 57th over to Radio City Music Hall and given the Tonys the respect they deserve? Absolutely pathetic.

The HD locals are probably there, but the Sharp is not remapping them to the local broadcast channel #s. I get Verizon Fios and did a QAM channel scan as an experiment with three different ATSC/QAM STBs. The newer Samsung DTB-H260F and the Sony DHG-HDD250 HD-DVR found the HD locals & their sub-channels and mapped them to 4-1, 4-2, 5-1, 7-1, 9-1, 20-1, etc. The older Samsung SIR-T451 found the HD locals but did not remap them. I had to find them manually by stepping through all the channels one sub-channel at a time and figuring out what channel I was looking at. The HD locals started to show up at 74-x, but this only applied to the Verizon Fios channel line-up at that time. Both Samsung's found 100s of sub-channels that I could not get a picture for, so those were the scrambled channels. It took a while to find the digital simulcast of the SD locals and the HD locals. But this was a one time experiment as I use the Verizon 6416 DVR for watching Fios.

I suggest you do a QAM cable scan with the Sharp and step through all the digital channels that turn up one at a time. I suspect that there are firmware differences between different tuner sets in whether they look for and use PSIP info for QAM channels.


I did end up doing yet another full (analog and digital) scan and then going through all of the found channels and subchannels. I found digital versions of the local network stations (in fact, I found like 5 FOX's), but none of them were broadcasting in HD. I checked this at a time when I know those stations were broadcasting HD because my other TV was receiving them as HD broadcasts at the time.

As if to tease me, my TV found and is displaying just fine the TNT and CW HD stations just fine. Just none of the stations I care about (ABC, NBC, FOX, ESPN).

Does anyone have an idea about why I would be getting the digital broadcasts of local network stations, but not receiving as HD?

Does anyone know why ch 9.2 WUSA radar weather has been dark for the last couple of days? I miss my radar!

Hi tony, thanks for the response. The reason I expected to see the stations on 4.1, 5.1, etc., is that a Vizio I tried about 4 months ago put the local network digital channels at those locations. I did not use a cablecard or set-top-box with the Vizio, so I assumed the Sharp would have the same channel assignments.

I COULD get a cablecard from Comcast, but I got a TV with QAM specifically so I did not have to pay extra to receive these channels on this TV :)

I have seen three different tuners react to PSIP data three different ways with OTA channels. I'm willing to bet that different tuners react to PSIP data on cable systems differently, too.

Does anyone know why ch 9.2 WUSA radar weather has been dark for the last couple of days? I miss my radar!

Ok, good. I wasn't not seeing things either. I saw it out as well and thought it might just be my receiver.

I know that doesn't tell you why, but it isn't isolated to you.

Deezul

Have no comment about 9.2. But on another matter, an awfully close lightning strike not too long ago took out my internet cable modem and must have knocked out something on my computer's motherboard.

As a result, temporarily I've gone to a 7 year old backup computer that, despite the broadband connection, has to be five times slower than any dial-up modem I've ever used.

So searches are impossible; and to make a long story short, could somebody post for me that FCC link that gives the final ERP's proposed for stations after shutdown?

A couple of months ago I also started having signal problems with Comcast. The modem can't hold the signal anymore for more then a few minutes or couple of hours. Each time I plug the cable into the modem I can hear the audio go out on the Motorola box. I have no idea what they did to bring this on all of a sudden.
I'm not sure I understand what you're saying....Do you actually run your motorola cable box through your high speed computer modem???...if so, I've never even known you could do this and/or what the benefits would be. I currently have the Motorola surfboard modem for my highspeed internet and I dont seem to have many problems with my laptop computer except for when I play videos such as movie trailors etc.. on the internet...what happends is that when the videos start playing it sounds like a fan comes on in the computer then the computer would sometimes just shut off. I dont think that is a signal strength issue but then again...I'm not too sure either.

Thanks,
Brian

Yesterday I went through the first page of this thread and added all the dub-channels (in MCE)

I found there are actually 3 or 4 stations which show the radar/weather here in NOVA!

You may want to check out the other channels.

Does anyone know why ch 9.2 WUSA radar weather has been dark for the last couple of days? I miss my radar!

Folks,
Does anyone know how to get TV listings (within MCE 2005) of sub-channels?

I looked at all the guides on the internet but still cant find anything inside MCE's listings for things like QUBO and others :confused:

I'm sure there is a way. Try checking over in the HTPC forum to see what other MCE users have done in the past. I'd bet they know right away. I'm not sure how many MCE users there are here in this thread.

Have no comment about 9.2. But on another matter, an awfully close lightning strike not too long ago took out my internet cable modem and must have knocked out something on my computer's motherboard.

As a result, temporarily I've gone to a 7 year old backup computer that, despite the broadband connection, has to be five times slower than any dial-up modem I've ever used.

So searches are impossible; and to make a long story short, could somebody post for me that FCC link that gives the final ERP's proposed for stations after shutdown?

Something must be wrong with some of your settings. I have an old 500mhz P3 that has no problem running on my gigabit network transfering files at up to 150mbs.
It has no problem hitting 30mbs downloads from Comcast with Powerboost. The same speed my 5600+ Athlon X2 hits.

Folks,
Does anyone know how to get TV listings (within MCE 2005) of sub-channels?

I looked at all the guides on the internet but still cant find anything inside MCE's listings for things like QUBO and others :confused:
The MCE guide usually only lists whatever is on the major ch (like WETA 26.1) and copies that to the minor chs (26.2, 26.3, 26.4) - never mind that for PBS stations the info on the major ch is wrong. I don't even know that QUBO is available OTA in the DC area? So even tho the Tube is on 50.2, the guide just shows whatever is listed on 50.1.

Does anyone know how to get TV listings (within MCE 2005) of sub-channels?
Raj probably knows this, but for anyone who doesn't, as long as you don't have a philosophical problem with subchannels, titantv.com gives complete subchannel listings, with program descriptions, one should be able to get for each zip code. It's under the Digital Broadcast pull down menu.

Something must be wrong with some of your settings.
Thanks, I'll need to do some checking of settings.

What are they doing with 9-2? It's still nothing but a blank screen.

I hope that they don't do anything with it. Its the last 24/7 doppler radar on the air. I miss the ones that were on 7.2 and 2.3 in the past. I did see that they had E/I stuff on 9.2 on Sunday morning. I was like WTF? Until I realized what the deal was.

I have an OTA setup user and ever since I bought my Samsung SIR-T451 about 2 years ago, I haven't experienced any problems with it. I get could all the local channels in DC perfectly (I live in Vienna, VA) and I get the ABC and NBC channels from Baltimore (but not CBS).

But since about 2 weeks, I am not getting any audio from Channels 2.1, 7.1, and 9.1. I do get a perfectly sharp video from these channels.

The mystery is that I do get the audio from all their sub-channels 2.2, 2.3, 7.2, 7.3. But when I flip it back to their main channels, there is no audio.

I have no problems with both audio and video on all the Channels of 4, 5, 11, 22 and 26.

Does anybody else out there have the same problem? Is there any common denominator with these channels (2.1, 7.1, and 9.1)? Is there a setting that their engineers have changed about 2 weeks ago that has caused this? If there's a problem with my Samsung converter box, shouldn't I get the same problems (no audio) with all the channels? That lies the mystery to me... no audio on main channel, but audio on sub-channels are OK.

I hope Mr. Robert Forsthe of WJLA can shed light into this and if their station where they get their feed from (NY?) modified their settings.

I have rescanned the channels but that did not solve the problem.

I'm not sure I understand what you're saying....Do you actually run your motorola cable box through your high speed computer modem???...if so, I've never even known you could do this and/or what the benefits would be. I currently have the Motorola surfboard modem for my highspeed internet and I dont seem to have many problems with my laptop computer except for when I play videos such as movie trailors etc.. on the internet...what happends is that when the videos start playing it sounds like a fan comes on in the computer then the computer would sometimes just shut off. I dont think that is a signal strength issue but then again...I'm not too sure either.

Thanks,
Brian

Not exactly. The cable runs throughout the apartment so I'm assuming the signal is so weak one piece of equipment effects the others.

I have an OTA setup user and ever since I bought my Samsung SIR-T451 about 2 years ago, I haven't experienced any problems with it. I get could all the local channels in DC perfectly (I live in Vienna, VA) and I get the ABC and NBC channels from Baltimore (but not CBS).

But since about 2 weeks, I am not getting any audio from Channels 2.1, 7.1, and 9.1. I do get a perfectly sharp video from these channels.

The mystery is that I do get the audio from all their sub-channels 2.2, 2.3, 7.2, 7.3. But when I flip it back to their main channels, there is no audio.

I have no problems with both audio and video on all the Channels of 4, 5, 11, 22 and 26.

Does anybody else out there have the same problem?
I have a Samsung SIR-T451 and have not seen problems with the audio from any of those stations. Odd that you get WMAR-DT 2 and WBAL-DT 11 which are the two weakest of the Baltimore stations for me in Sterling while WJZ-DT 13, WBFF-DT 45, WNUV-DT 54 come in fine.

Since you are having audio problems with the main sub-channels, maybe there is a hardware or firmware problem with the DD 5.1 decoder. But they why would 4.1 and 5.1 be ok? You have already done a re-scan. The next normal step is to disconnect the antenna co-axial line from the STB and do a full re-scan to clear the channel list. Confirm that you have a empty channel list. I would then unplug the T451 for several minutes. Re-connect the antenna, plug the T451 back in, and do a rescan. If the box has a bad PSIP entry for a station, this might fix it. If it doesn't, double check the audio menu settings on the T451.

Have no comment about 9.2. But on another matter, an awfully close lightning strike not too long ago took out my internet cable modem and must have knocked out something on my computer's motherboard.

As a result, temporarily I've gone to a 7 year old backup computer that, despite the broadband connection, has to be five times slower than any dial-up modem I've ever used.

So searches are impossible; and to make a long story short, could somebody post for me that FCC link that gives the final ERP's proposed for stations after shutdown?

Bill, don't feel like the Lone Ranger my house took a direct hit on June 2. The lightening fried my computer, (I am still on my laptop) two TV's, garage door openers, air conditioner, phone service and various other electronic equipment. I'm lucky the house didn't catch fire!

I hope that they don't do anything with it. Its the last 24/7 doppler radar on the air. I miss the ones that were on 7.2 and 2.3 in the past. I did see that they had E/I stuff on 9.2 on Sunday morning. I was like WTF? Until I realized what the deal was.

I am with you Cyclone. I really miss this channel it's the first thing I check when the sky darkens.

Did anyone go to BB last weekend and buy the Westinghouse 32 inch LCD TV they had on sale for $499.00?

Wow! $499!?!?!

Did anyone go to BB last weekend and buy the Westinghouse 32 inch LCD TV they had on sale for $499.00?


I have that set but unfortunately paid more than that for it. Had it for about a year in the guest bedroom and it is a great set, no complaints.

If you can still grab it at that price, let me know. I may grab another...

GoIrish

I have that set but unfortunately paid more than that for it. Had it for about a year in the guest bedroom and it is a great set, no complaints.

If you can still grab it at that price, let me know. I may grab another...

GoIrish

Thanks for the review Irish. I'm going back to BB tomorrow but I live in northern VA so I don’t think I am going to be any help to you. Each store had just a few so you might want to check your local store. Also I have a $60.00 coupon on any TV over $250.00. I am going to try and get that off to make the TV $440.00!

The lightening fried my computer, (I am still on my laptop) two TV's, garage door openers, air conditioner, phone service and various other electronic equipment. I'm lucky the house didn't catch fire!
I hear you & it gives one an appreciation for the power of these storms. I also lost a garage door opener in my hit and the problem is the deductible prevents an insurance claim. Of course we all know the wisdom of not putting in a claim on one's homeowner policy unless the loss would be an unmitigated financial disaster.

Fortunately, I was able to simply replace the opener unit while leaving in place all the existing hardware, springs, etc.

Also, fortunately, seeing & hearing the storm coming, I totally disconnected my HDTV and sat. receiver minutes before it hit. Having a $900 sat. receiver fried a few yrs. ago -- even though connected to an expensive surge protector would you believe -- I wasn't taking any chances on not seeing Big Ben in HD & back to his old form as the NFL season's virtually staring us in the face. :)

Still blank on 9-2 and Tuesday was a day people could have used it. Wednesday is expected to be even more active. Is there anyone at WUSA that reads this forum and can do something about it being out?

If you listened to Topper on Monday evening, he said 9-2 would be back on Wednesday night. In the meantime, he referred everyone to see the live doppler on wusa9.com.

.....I don't even know that QUBO is available OTA in the DC area?

Yes it sure is available OTA - WPXW-DT2 carries it! I pull it clear here in 22193. Actually tvfool lists it as the strongest signal for me!

My son watches it a lot. He loves some of the cartoons on it.
I'd say he is too young to notice that they are low quality / low budget (compared to Nicklodeon or Disney's stuff)

Yesss sire ! I do know that :D

But only I can find a way for that info so show up within MCE's TV Guide!

Raj probably knows this, but for anyone who doesn't, as long as you don't have a philosophical problem with subchannels, titantv.com gives complete subchannel listings, with program descriptions, one should be able to get for each zip code. It's under the Digital Broadcast pull down menu.


Thanks, I'll need to do some checking of settings.

If you listened to Topper on Monday evening, he said 9-2 would be back on Wednesday night. In the meantime, he referred everyone to see the live doppler on wusa9.com.

I must have missed that. Did he say why it was down?

Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9:00pm; Warning for Prince George's County until 2:30pm

Yesss sire ! I do know that :D

But only I can find a way for that info so show up within MCE's TV Guide!
This might work:

http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/thread/139729.aspx

I can't tune the pax chs - I'll have to try to find those chs.

Thanks for the review Irish. I'm going back to BB tomorrow but I live in northern VA so I don’t think I am going to be any help to you. Each store had just a few so you might want to check your local store. Also I have a $60.00 coupon on any TV over $250.00. I am going to try and get that off to make the TV $440.00!

Went to BB today and got my coupon taken off the TV. Final price was 439.00 for a 32 inch LCD TV!!!!

If you listened to Topper on Monday evening, he said 9-2 would be back on Wednesday night. In the meantime, he referred everyone to see the live doppler on wusa9.com.


Radar weather is now back up..........I am whole again! :)

How much damage you think 9.2 does to the main signal?
WUSA always looks the best of the networks I get. (Which excludes WDCW-DT because D* STILL doesn't carry it)

How much damage you think 9.2 does to the main signal?
WUSA always looks the best of the networks I get. (Which excludes WDCW-DT because D* STILL doesn't carry it)

Very little to none.

Robert Forsthe will tell you his 2 subs have no effect on 7.1

Robert Forsthe will tell you his 2 subs have no effect on 7.1
I've never been surprised he says this! In fact, some of us would be in a total state of shock if Robert, any other multicasting station engineer, Fox, or DirecTV said for attribution, "Hey, our nearly 30 percent reduction in bit rates does affect our HD PQ!"
:)

WJLA also broadcasts at 720P. So it doesn't take as much bandwidth on the main channel. I'd rather a 720P station have sub channels than a 1080i station. FOX would be perfect to have sub channesl since the network feed is around 12 mbs or so and that leaves alot of room for a subchannel.

I've never been surprised he says this! In fact, some of us would be in a total state of shock if Robert, any other multicasting station engineer, Fox, or DirecTV said for attribution, "Hey, our nearly 30 percent reduction in bit rates does affect our HD PQ!"
:)

I'm curious to now what it WOULD take to convince someone that the .2 sub channels don't interfere... I'm sure no amount of data would be enough for some people.

Deezul

WJLA also broadcasts at 720P. So it doesn't take as much bandwidth on the main channel. I'd rather a 720P station have sub channels than a 1080i station. FOX would be perfect to have sub channesl since the network feed is around 12 mbs or so and that leaves alot of room for a subchannel.

WUSA-doppler is up again, the bitrate is 2 Mbps, WRC weathersub is also 2Mbps, other subs like WETA-Kids run up to 5 Mbps so it'll depend on how much BW is allocated to the sub. Also, I just checked FOX 801 over FiOS and it was averaging 15 Mbs, I think people would notice a 5 (or even 3-4 Mbps) hit on any of the mains whether they are 720p or 1080i. btw, the 720p pixel rate is only 12.5% less than 1080i. If the source is shot in 1440x1080 (which a lot of broadcasters do) then the required bandwidth for 720p is actually higher than 1080i, by 15%.

I think people would notice a 5 (or even 3-4 Mbps) hit on any of the mains whether they are 720p or 1080i.
I'm absolutely with you. I always remember a Tues. evening, I believe it was, a couple of years ago before Harrisonburg WHSV-DT began multicasting. ABC's HD "Dancing with the Stars" was running and on WJLA-DT as well. In a random test, my wife instantly chose WHSV-DT as the better PQ. (And I had independently constantly seen this in other ABC telecasts as well.)

And it wasn't a matter of either one pixellating or dropping out! It was simply the fact 3.1 was sharper, more vivid and clearer. Not by a huge margin, but it was there. And that forever sealed it with me because my wife knows & cares nothing about HD. And, as I've posted before, if I'm not vigilant, she'll routinely watch HD shows in SD. Unhappily, virtually all stations now multicast.

I'm curious to know what it WOULD take to convince someone that the .2 sub channels don't interfere...
Some of us HD fanatics, especially true HD fanatics, are a select, fringe, and fanatical group by our very nature. And we aren't easily swayed by popular opinion or by the almost universally touted desire for quantity over quality. :)

As I've posted before, some day PQ will return as the main driving economic force and every HD telecast will once again have the WOW factor in PQ. Whatta day that'll be!

And it wasn't a matter of either one pixellating or dropping out! It was simply the fact 3.1 was sharper, more vivid and clearer. Not by a huge margin, but it was there. And that forever sealed it with me because my wife knows & cares nothing about HD. And, as I've posted before, if I'm not vigilant, she'll routinely watch HD shows in SD. Unhappily, virtually all stations now multicast.


As bitrates drop the primary artifact is loss of resolution during motion, static images still look great but motion becomes a soupy mess (a la PBS at 10 Mbps).

I've never been surprised he says this! In fact, some of us would be in a total state of shock if Robert, any other multicasting station engineer, Fox, or DirecTV said for attribution, "Hey, our nearly 30 percent reduction in bit rates does affect our HD PQ!"
:)

Robert is the engineer at ch7 not you or me. I take him at his word. What reason would he have to deceive us.

I've searched and "researched", but can't find the answer to this one:

The Comcast rep told me no to UHD in Northern Virginia - Reston. Even went so far as to say she'd "Never heard of it." :eek:

Are Comcast subscribers in NoVA getting UHD or not? :confused:

No UNiversal HD here. I knew there was another channel missing that I had with DirecTV. Comcast also doesn't have the HDNet channels. I'm hoping they offer FIOS here soon. They just terminated the Fiber this week in our development. I like Comcast but FIOS offers more HD channels. ALthough Comcast is supposed to be offering more later this year.

Yeah, I've got FiosTV and Fios 10mbps right now, but thinking of dropping the FiosTV and getting Comcast Digital Cable.

I really, really can't deal with not having UHD and HDNet though, so I guess I'm stuck.

Yeah, I've got FiosTV and Fios 10mbps right now, but thinking of dropping the FiosTV and getting Comcast Digital Cable.

I really, really can't deal with not having UHD and HDNet though, so I guess I'm stuck.

First I've heard of thinking of going that direction. What's the reason?

I think we should get rid of the weather substations. During the Thunderstorm the other day, WRC had a nice radar loop of the mid west and WJLA was scrolling entertainment news...

Waste of bandwidth, either stick to LOCAL weather or turn it off.

I think we should get rid of the weather substations. During the Thunderstorm the other day, WRC had a nice radar loop of the mid west and WJLA was scrolling entertainment news...

Waste of bandwidth, either stick to LOCAL weather or turn it off.

Those aren't radar substations. They are weather sub stations since they show other weather related info. WUSA is the only station in DC that has the radar substation. It shows the radar 99% of the time except when they have to show some educational programming to comply with the newer broadcast rules.

First I've heard of thinking of going that direction. What's the reason?

Two-fold really:

1) FIOS TV is lacking a few things. No HD on demand of any type. DVRs constantly having problems (more than I had with Comcast, believe it or not). Steady increase in rates (DVRs going up to $16/mo). Making promises they aren't keeping (No HD sharing on Multi-room DVR). Although I have a strong signal, not able to record more than 3 HD streams without significant artifacting (may be the DVRs, not the line)

2) Comcast has an unbelievable 'Dump the dish" for new subscribers - $29.95 for digital cable with FREE HBO and Starz for 1 year (yes, I have FIOSTV, but I also had DirecTV and can swing the dump the dish proof)

I love having fiber into my house, I just wish it wasn't Verizon that brought it to me. I'm not convinced they know how to be a TV service provider. They don't even have a store within 100 miles of me that I can swap out a defective box at, and I hate being at the mercy of a 'technician' that give me a 4 hour window and shows up some time outside of it!

I did a full scan the other day with my Panasonic which has a QAM tuner. I had the Comcast cable attached directly. I live in PG County (Bowie) and it found a good number of local stations, but it didn't find the FOX HD station. Do I need to try the digital scan again to find FOX or am I just out of luck with that? What stations should I expect to see? In addition to the DC NBC and CBS stations I also got the Baltimore versions, but just the DC ABC.

It also found all sorts of other stations that were temporarily around. While flipping through the 83-X stations I saw an old James Bond film being played but I couldn't see it listed in Zap2It at the time on any local station. It seemed a bit weird. There seemed to be loads of other slot allocations some of which has something and some which didn't. Any idea what is going on there?

Thanks,

Neil

I did a full scan the other day with my Panasonic which has a QAM tuner. I had the Comcast cable attached directly. I live in PG County (Bowie) and it found a good number of local stations, but it didn't find the FOX HD station. Do I need to try the digital scan again to find FOX or am I just out of luck with that? What stations should I expect to see? In addition to the DC NBC and CBS stations I also got the Baltimore versions, but just the DC ABC.

It also found all sorts of other stations that were temporarily around. While flipping through the 83-X stations I saw an old James Bond film being played but I couldn't see it listed in Zap2It at the time on any local station. It seemed a bit weird. There seemed to be loads of other slot allocations some of which has something and some which didn't. Any idea what is going on there?

Thanks,

Neil
If it's anything like my comcast(formally adelphia) setup, then there is one channel that is variable(mine is 108.* here is sterling). That channel displays the PPV or VOD of your surrounding neighbors. There is no way to get a shcedule beacuse it's dependent upon what other people around you are watching(at least that is the way it was explained to me). I've been able to catch plenty of PPV movies on that channel.

The interesting thing about it is that the cahnnels drop in and out if you are not watching one of these extra channels. For example, last night was the PPV Howard Stern show on cahnnel 108.2 If I got bored and did a little durfing on the other channels, I am not guaranteed that Stern would still be on 108.2 when I got back. But as long as I stayed on 108.2 I was able to watch the whole thing. Periodically, I get a message on the screen "channel has been changed by the provider" This is what Comcast does to prevent people from enjoying this for free. 95/100 times, it will just go with the flow while I am watching the channel. But occasionally it will switch from 108.2 to like 108.3

On a final note, sometimes this changes so much that I lose all but 108.1(which is always the preview movie thingie in VOD). All I have to do is keep in on 108.1 for a while, until I get the "channel has been changed by the provider" message, and then I get a full suite of new 108.* channels again.

I'm guessing I have to delete this channel or V-Chip it when my son gets a bit older as one of my neighbor LOVES his hardcore pron. It's always a surprise whenever I scan my 108.* channels :D

Two-fold really:

1) FIOS TV is lacking a few things. No HD on demand of any type. DVRs constantly having problems (more than I had with Comcast, believe it or not). Steady increase in rates (DVRs going up to $16/mo). Making promises they aren't keeping (No HD sharing on Multi-room DVR). Although I have a strong signal, not able to record more than 3 HD streams without significant artifacting (may be the DVRs, not the line)


Thanks. The HD on demand is one of the things I do like about Comcast. But, with the temptation to go to Fios it is good to hear both sides of the story.

Thanks. The HD on demand is one of the things I do like about Comcast. But, with the temptation to go to Fios it is good to hear both sides of the story.

As I said, I'll probably stay put and hope Verizon figures things out. I can't move to Comcast until they add at LEAST Universal HD - need to feed my BSG HD fix!

I really don't think anyone's grass is greener on their side of the fence in this whole market right now.

I think we should get rid of the weather substations. During the Thunderstorm the other day, WRC had a nice radar loop of the mid west and WJLA was scrolling entertainment news...

Waste of bandwidth, either stick to LOCAL weather or turn it off.

The problem that I have with all of the weather subchannels (2-3, 4-2, 7-2, 11-2) is that when there is severe weather or snowstorms they don't have live updates. A good idea is to have whoever is in the studio at the time do a live report. It's really noticeable on the weekend when they show a taped update from 10:00 in the morning at 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon. At times The Weather Channel provides more local up to date info than any of these subchannels. The problem with weatherplus is that they are trying to imitate The Weather Channel.

I've searched and "researched", but can't find the answer to this one:

The Comcast rep told me no to UHD in Northern Virginia - Reston. Even went so far as to say she'd "Never heard of it." :eek:

Are Comcast subscribers in NoVA getting UHD or not? :confused:

It's been on Comcast Alexandria/Arlington, channel 250, for several months (you can go to comcast.com [not .net] and do a local channel listings search by ZIP code). Further proof that (to put it mildly) phone reps are under-informed.

I did a full scan the other day with my Panasonic which has a QAM tuner. I had the Comcast cable attached directly. I live in PG County (Bowie) and it found a good number of local stations, but it didn't find the FOX HD station. Do I need to try the digital scan again to find FOX or am I just out of luck with that? What stations should I expect to see? In addition to the DC NBC and CBS stations I also got the Baltimore versions, but just the DC ABC.

It also found all sorts of other stations that were temporarily around. While flipping through the 83-X stations I saw an old James Bond film being played but I couldn't see it listed in Zap2It at the time on any local station. It seemed a bit weird. There seemed to be loads of other slot allocations some of which has something and some which didn't. Any idea what is going on there?

Thanks,

Neil

Neil I would scan again,I know its a pain but I scan approx once a month.
I'm in SW DC I can get all the DC locals, Balt locals, AEHD,VSG, TNT. Periodically things do magically appear most recemtly AE and MYTV which I don't receive through my cable box. BTW I'm using a Panny also. You will occasionally get your neighbors on demand even HD!

It's been on Comcast Alexandria/Arlington, channel 250, for several months (you can go to comcast.com [not .net] and do a local channel listings search by ZIP code). Further proof that (to put it mildly) phone reps are under-informed.

Well, I did that, and isn't that bizarre - it comes up in your area on 250, but not mine! WTF is that all about - we're about 20 miles apart!? :confused:

It's been on Comcast Alexandria/Arlington, channel 250, for several months (you can go to comcast.com [not .net] and do a local channel listings search by ZIP code). Further proof that (to put it mildly) phone reps are under-informed.
That's good that you have UHD. That means that Comcast should offer it on our system sometime in the future. But right now they don't have it here in Woodbrdige.
It also shows that you don't have National Geographic HD in Arlington, but we do have that channel in Woodbridge.

Edit. nevermind. NGHD shows up on Comcast.net but not Comcast.com for Arlington. I wonder when we will get it? Hopefully I'll be on FIOS before then.

1) FIOS TV is lacking a few things. No HD on demand of any type. DVRs constantly having problems (more than I had with Comcast, believe it or not). Steady increase in rates (DVRs going up to $16/mo). Making promises they aren't keeping (No HD sharing on Multi-room DVR). Although I have a strong signal, not able to record more than 3 HD streams without significant artifacting (may be the DVRs, not the line)
The lack of HD VOD and the overall much less VOD content is one area where Verizon Fios has a lot of catching up to do compared to Comcast. Or at least for the longer time Comcast franchise areas that have more up to date equipment. But Verizon has made it clear that they plan to add HD VOD, probably sometime later this year. They have done some testing as some people have reported playing some HD VOD clips. But because Verizon uses IP for the VOD path, this caused the internet access to slow down. I suspect they are waiting until they roll out the new guide software to everybody & get the kinks out of that before they start on adding HD VOD capability. VOD is not that important at this point to me anyway as I can grab more programming than I have time to watch with the 6416 DVR.

Comcast rates are going to go up on the DVRs as well. All of the cable companies are going to try to turn the DVRs into a nice profit center, especially with the new FCC requirements on making cable card capable DVRs available.

But I have no intentions to switch to Comcast in Loudoun county which is still offering a total of only 14 HD channels the last time I checked. Verizon Fios has a total of 26 HD channels, 25 of which I subscribe to. Why would I switch to a service with no HDNet, HDNet Movies, UniversalHD, Nat Geo HD? And get poorer picture quality for the SD channels? And slower internet access speed? I will stick with Verizon for the time being.

The next year is going to be very interesting with the roll-out of dozens of new national HD channels. Will Comcast utilize SDV and thus mess up Cable Card TV and Tivo 3 subscribers? Or will Comcast accelerate the shutdown of analog channels and quickly go digital with with much smaller set of only local broadcast analog channels? Or will Comcast only add a few HD channels in the next year? Will Verizon add the new HD channels in short order or will they take their time with no reliable info provided to their customers as to when they will add them? We'll see.

The problem that I have with all of the weather subchannels (2-3, 4-2, 7-2, 11-2) is that when there is severe weather or snowstorms they don't have live updates. A good idea is to have whoever is in the studio at the time do a live report. It's really noticeable on the weekend when they show a taped update from 10:00 in the morning at 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon. At times The Weather Channel provides more local up to date info than any of these subchannels. The problem with weatherplus is that they are trying to imitate The Weather Channel.

That's why 9.2 is such a good channel. When bad weather comes in the area you know exactly where it's at.

I did a full scan the other day with my Panasonic which has a QAM tuner. I had the Comcast cable attached directly. I live in PG County (Bowie) and it found a good number of local stations, but it didn't find the FOX HD station. Do I need to try the digital scan again to find FOX or am I just out of luck with that? What stations should I expect to see? In addition to the DC NBC and CBS stations I also got the Baltimore versions, but just the DC ABC.

It also found all sorts of other stations that were temporarily around. While flipping through the 83-X stations I saw an old James Bond film being played but I couldn't see it listed in Zap2It at the time on any local station. It seemed a bit weird. There seemed to be loads of other slot allocations some of which has something and some which didn't. Any idea what is going on there?

Thanks,

Neil
My Comcast Basic in Beltsville has several of the local HD stations in channel numbers above 125, and some TV's don't scan the 126-135 channel numbers.
You should receive the same channels I receive. I find TNT on 127-5, A&E on 128-1, My20HD on 129-1, Golf on 130-2, Fox5 on 132-3, Fox45 on 134-1, and WB54 on 134-2 at the present time. The channel assignments change from time to time.
I hope this helps, but if your TV won't scan these channels you are out of luck.

My Comcast Basic in Beltsville has several of the local HD stations in channel numbers above 125, and some TV's don't scan the 126-135 channel numbers.
You should receive the same channels I receive. I find TNT on 127-5, A&E on 128-1, My20HD on 129-1, Golf on 130-2, Fox5 on 132-3, Fox45 on 134-1, and WB54 on 134-2 at the present time. The channel assignments change from time to time.
I hope this helps, but if your TV won't scan these channels you are out of luck.


It hasn't been WB54 in a while, now. Is it still listed that way on Comcast?

Mark

Well, I did that, and isn't that bizarre - it comes up in your area on 250, but not mine! WTF is that all about - we're about 20 miles apart!? :confused:

Just a guess on my part, but we're in different Comcast franchise areas, and each franchise operates independently - different content or different channel assingment for the same content. Not too long ago Alexandria and Arlington had different line-ups, but (again guessing) the franchises merged and now we get the same things. Comcast content and channel assignments in DC and the Maryland suburbs are also different from ours.

Just a guess on my part, but we're in different Comcast franchise areas, and each franchise operates independently - different content or different channel assingment for the same content. Not too long ago Alexandria and Arlington had different line-ups, but (again guessing) the franchises merged and now we get the same things. Comcast content and channel assignments in DC and the Maryland suburbs are also different from ours.
I'm in Sterling with Loudoun comcast(formally adelphia) and get almost nothing on clear QAM compared to you all.

It hasn't been WB54 in a while, now. Is it still listed that way on Comcast?

Mark
My error. I quoted from an older listing. Channel 134-2 is now WNUV on my Comcast.

It hasn't been WB54 in a while, now. Is it still listed that way on Comcast?

Mark
Can't answer that question. But do you have any info what the status is of the tower and antenna upgrade for WUTB-DT 24? Is this station finally going to go full power any time soon?