Updated D*'s 11 new channels that rolled this morning, all CONUS & MPEG4 from 103b.

242 USA HD
244 SciFi HD
273 Bravo HD
504 HBO HD West
512 Cinemax HD East
514 Cinemaz HD West
622 YES HD
623 NESN HD
625 SNY HD
629 CSN MA HD
640 CSN C HD

As for losing the QAMs, try a rescan and see if the channels were moved to different frequencies, if not, call the 800 number. The first person you speak with won't be able to do a damn thing for you, request a supervisor or tech supervisor. They are usually the only ones that have a clue about QAM.

Prolly gonna be a truck roll to check signal levels, unless they have multiple complaints in your area.

Why would the Comcast HD box still pick up those channels ok if the signal was weak? When I did a rescan with HDHomeRun the CBS channel would constantly jump around on the sub-channel numbers, it was weird. VLC couldn't lock onto any of them for more than a second before they moved.

Why would the Comcast HD box still pick up those channels ok if the signal was weak? When I did a rescan with HDHomeRun the CBS channel would constantly jump around on the sub-channel numbers, it was weird. VLC couldn't lock onto any of them for more than a second before they moved.

Touche, i failed to realize you had the HD box too...

Could be part of the upgrade or the Moto box may not needs as strong a signal to lock on as the HomeRun?

How many splits to you have in each run?

Could be part of the upgrade or the Moto box may not needs as strong a signal to lock on as the HomeRun?

How many splits to you have in each run?

The HDHomeRun is on a cable split twice from 1 cable coming in on one side of the house (from the box outside). I am only using one input on the HDHomeRun for QAM (the other is OTA for Fox47). The Moto box is split off one cable split 4 times.

Is the Tivo HD pretty good at picking up the HD channels (with Cable Card)? I'm going to really miss having HD recordings if I don't get the HDHomeRun working. The other concern I have is Comcast going to Switched Digital making a Tivo purchase a bad investment.

Sounds like you got an installer who wanted to do the job fast but got it only half-a$$ed.

Just for sh!ts and gr!ns, try doing a reset on your H20 by pushing the red button in the front access card compartment.

Yeah, tried the reset about 3 times over the week I've been waiting, but no luck, although this worries me:
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=3280006

I would think my equipment is "wired for the new equipment" because it was built 2 months ago, but, its the only thing I can't account for. Last week the guy on the phone was telling me they needed to throw some master switch or something (I forget the terminology) and I should just wait, but I don't see what waiting is going to get me.

Yeah, tried the reset about 3 times over the week I've been waiting, but no luck, although this worries me:
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=3280006

I would think my equipment is "wired for the new equipment" because it was built 2 months ago, but, its the only thing I can't account for. Last week the guy on the phone was telling me they needed to throw some master switch or something (I forget the terminology) and I should just wait, but I don't see what waiting is going to get me.

I've never seen anything about MDU being different. According to that you with an MDU setup don't need a BBC for the new channels but I would have no clue why MDU doesn't and everybody else does. Somebody smarter than me, which sure isn't a short list, is going to have to explain that one.

Updated D*'s 11 new channels that rolled this morning, all CONUS & MPEG4 from 103b.

242 USA HD
244 SciFi HD
273 Bravo HD
504 HBO HD West
512 Cinemax HD East
514 Cinemaz HD West
622 YES HD
623 NESN HD
625 SNY HD
629 CSN MA HD
640 CSN C HD

I don't know about other D* subscribers but I am here to tell you sports on the new mpeg4 channels are looking awesome on my TV.

Well damn, I really expected to see TBS HD yesterday and it wasn't there. Ken just posted in the Detroit thread that it is planned, but no date yet. It may just show up, but he doesn't know when.

I got all giddy this morning because the message light was on my boxes, but it was just the NHL Center Ice announcement. I'm not subscribing this year because Comcast simply refuses to carry the HD content that is offered by In Demand.

Gonna have to skip L&O CI on USA tonight and wait for the NBC replay on Saturday to get it in HD.

Few new cable providers launched the Big Ten Network (RCN and WOW!), we just need one of the big cable providers to add it and then the rest should fall.

D* launched MHD on 332 this morning.

I see a TBA channel 255 in Lansing, could that be space for TBS-HD?

I see a TBA channel 255 in Lansing, could that be space for TBS-HD?Announced as a placeholder for the Big Televen Network.

if 276 appears, it will be the NHL Network, part of the sports tier

Well, called my DirecTV installer today.

I got my service call. It only took 2 calls to DirecTV and 4 to my installer verifying information and the threat of a 3 way call (thanks DirecTV!) to get my installer (Directech MDU) to cave in and get me a person to check my set up (who tried one last effort to stop me telling most or all of Lansing was not receiving the new HD channels). Anyway, I get a service call...in a week. :(

So, I'm trying to put together a checklist for my tech to make sure I get every possible variable assessed and this problem is solved. DirecTV has assured me (now countless times) that the new Channels are rolled out everywhere and this has to be some sort of hardware issue. So, here's what I got so far:

1. Check Dish orientation/signal strength/connection.
2. Verify H20 reciever is operating correctly.
3. Check B-Band converter AND/OR tell me if I really need it (as that MDU link (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=3280006) says I do not.) (I've tried it both ways and it doesn't affect anything)
4. Check mutiswitch and verify if it compatible with the new HD channels (Thanks to JefBal getting me to this (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=99528) troubleshooting page) Is there any way I can check my multiswitch myself?
5. I don't know what this (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=3280005)means, but it sounds important.

That's all I have off the top of my head. Any other suggestions?

Well, called my DirecTV installer today.

I got my service call. It only took 2 calls to DirecTV and 4 to my installer verifying information and the threat of a 3 way call (thanks DirecTV!) to get my installer (Directech MDU) to cave in and get me a person to check my set up (who tried one last effort to stop me telling most or all of Lansing was not receiving the new HD channels). Anyway, I get a service call...in a week. :(

So, I'm trying to put together a checklist for my tech to make sure I get every possible variable assessed and this problem is solved. DirecTV has assured me (now countless times) that the new Channels are rolled out everywhere and this has to be some sort of hardware issue. So, here's what I got so far:

1. Check Dish orientation/signal strength/connection.
2. Verify H20 reciever is operating correctly.
3. Check B-Band converter AND/OR tell me if I really need it (as that MDU link (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=3280006) says I do not.) (I've tried it both ways and it doesn't affect anything)
4. Check mutiswitch and verify if it compatible with the new HD channels (Thanks to JefBal getting me to this (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=99528) troubleshooting page) Is there any way I can check my multiswitch myself?
5. I don't know what this (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=3280005)means, but it sounds important.

That's all I have off the top of my head. Any other suggestions?

6. Have steel-toed boots on your feet ready to introduce to the tech's a$$ if he tries to leave without you getting what you are paying for.

No Fox in HD, I want my lions in HD!

No Fox in HD, I want my lions in HD!

Fox HD was working just fine, it was the Lions that didn't show up

WLAJ's new brand is ABC-3. Premiering tonight:
ABC-3 news at 6
ABC-3 News at 10 on The CW
ABC-3 News at 11

The "3" is the same logic that WOTV uses for their "4" I guess they think that viewers attach more credibility to single digit VHF style numbers.

They are mentioning "Cable 3" in some of their commercials. Notice that the 5 in 53 is in the logo tucked into the 3, but you need a high-contrast background to be able to see it well.

They are mentioning "Cable 3" in some of their commercials. Notice that the 5 in 53 is in the logo tucked into the 3, but you need a high-contrast background to be able to see it well.Of course, that's also the local for the ABC3 newscast on CW5...

Has the topic of local picture quality been discussed in this thread yet? My soon to be mother in law was over the other night and we were watching some college football game on CBS, and i kept switching it back and forth between 6 and 53 (two HD college football feeds) and i as usual noticed that the CBS (6) feed looked like crap, and i feel that NBC (10) does not look that much better. But for some reason ABC (53) and Fox (47) seem to look great, with ABC looking the best IMHO.

She also noticed it and said that SD CBS looked better, though i do not agree, even bad HD looks better then good SD! But what do you guys think in general about sporting evens on the locals? Im not talking about prime time shows here (though football is some times prime time) but im talking about sports.

Has the topic of local picture quality been discussed in this thread yet? My soon to be mother in law was over the other night and we were watching some college football game on CBS, and i kept switching it back and forth between 6 and 53 (two HD college football feeds) and i as usual noticed that the CBS (6) feed looked like crap, and i feel that NBC (10) does not look that much better. But for some reason ABC (53) and Fox (47) seem to look great, with ABC looking the best IMHO.

She also noticed it and said that SD CBS looked better, though i do not agree, even bad HD looks better then good SD! But what do you guys think in general about sporting evens on the locals? Im not talking about prime time shows here (though football is some times prime time) but im talking about sports.

Easy problem to identify: CBS and NBC broadcast in interlaced format, ABC and Fox in progressive. Interlacing doesn't handle live action shots as well as progressive, especially when the networks aren't providing the full pipe of bandwidth needed. The problem isn't on the local end, and it is not subchannels, it is on the network end.

Fox HD was working just fine, it was the Lions that didn't show up

LoL.

Been without a PC since last friday afternoon, looks like i haven't missed much :)

JusteBelmont86, Good luck with the D* fix up

Directional or omnidirectional?

Our house sits on a hill overlooking East Lansing High. I'm considering putting in an attic antenna for OTA, and would need to aim at two groups of towers:
(1) WSYM, WILX and WLAJ from 22 miles away spread out over about 20 degrees of azimuth; and
(2) WLNS and WKAR, each 4-6 miles away and about 65-70 degrees to the left of the sightline to the Fox/NBC/ABC bunch.

The pattern being what it is, I'm wondering whether I should be thinking about an omnidirectional antenna or a directional antenna pointed at the farther towers and relying on the off-axis reception being good enough for the closer signals. A rotor isn't feasible.

Yes, I am aware that antennas should be high and outside. We've been able to get good OTA reception with a Silver Sensor sitting on top of the TV. I'm guessing that I might be able to get away with an attic antenna for reliable OTA. (If not, maybe I put up a mast.) Why no rotor? TiVo doesn't know how to control one.

Powered omni directional should be fine for ya

We currently subscribe to expanded basic (analog) cable through Comcast in Lansing.

The Comcast CSR I spoke to on the phone today said that I could pay $7 extra a month to get a set top box (or cablecard) and get some HD programming, but I wouldn't get any additional channels over what I'm getting now with our existing package.

Would the box they provide me just be acting as a QAM tuner, pulling in the few QAM channels that are already coming in unecrypted on our cable (WLAJ-HD,WLNS-DT,WILX-HD,WKAR-HD,WILX-WX)?

We have an older CRT HDTV with no internal tuners, and would like some kind of HDTV service.

We are considering buying a Tivo HD, which could use a cablecard (or two) to get programming, but that hasn't been decide for sure yet.

Any suggestions/info?

Thanks,

--deathster

Got my first taste of the Big Ten Network HD yesterday at a buddies house watching the MSU game. It was my final straw E* order will be going in next week sometime.

Got my first taste of the Big Ten Network HD yesterday at a buddies house watching the MSU game. It was my final straw E* order will be going in next week sometime.

I was wondering how long you would be able to hold out before you started looking skyward. I figured you'd be joining us D* slappies, but welcome back to the dark side and satellite TV.

I was wondering how long you would be able to hold out before you started looking skyward. I figured you'd be joining us D* slappies, but welcome back to the dark side and satellite TV.

Its still up in the air whether D* or E*, trying to figure out if a D* plan will suit me well. For E* I need Top 250.

Updated D* channel list in the first post, FSN Detroit is now on a CONUS beam and available to all.

5. I don't know what this (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=3280005)means, but it sounds important.

Yeah, should have updated sooner.

My DirecTV installer came out and ran a few of the tests I'd been trying for weeks, and then reset my box and as it was booting up put in a 4 digit code from my remote to the box signaling for a Software update from the Sat. (I wish I knew the number...20XX?) As he did this, he called his boss and he (we) were informed that my setup isn't working because I have MFH1, which is incompatible with the new HD channels, but I should be getting the MFH2 system installed next month or "Middle of November" because the MFH2 inst available until November. I accepted this gladly over "wait until January and call us back", so I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt and (sigh) wait and hope everything gets resolved. Interestingly, the software/firmware update to my H20 boosted the signal strength of my 3 standard Sats. from 70% to 85-95%, so that was at least worth the effort, and I was also given a date and explanation. I was also told that although many people in my Apartment have (bigger, better) HDTVs than I do, I am the only one in my D* only complex that is getting HD service, period. So, I'm fighting the good fight over here alone, but, it seems like in a month I should be setup and there is nothing I can do. Also, FSN HD has shown up on my lineup, but I can't receive it.....yet.

Justin

Just a quick question:

I get a lot of what I'd call either distortion or I think what is called picture noise on a lot of my HD shots where there is like a dark or bright color in the background of a shot. For example, if I'm watching football and it shows someones face the background seems to have slight pixelation or snow, visible from about 2 feet and closer, not that I sit that close, but it bothers me. Is there anything I can do to adjust that? Olevia 337H with standard HDMI cable from DirecTV. I'm thinking about getting a different cable from Monoprice, but I don't know if that's the answer. Component just makes the overall picture quality weaker. Thanks.

Fox Sports Detroit-HD was activated by D* today along with several other channels, including Speed HD.

Yeah, should have updated sooner.

My DirecTV installer came out and ran a few of the tests I'd been trying for weeks, and then reset my box and as it was booting up put in a 4 digit code from my remote to the box signaling for a Software update from the Sat. (I wish I knew the number...20XX?) As he did this, he called his boss and he (we) were informed that my setup isn't working because I have MFH1, which is incompatible with the new HD channels, but I should be getting the MFH2 system installed next month or "Middle of November" because the MFH2 inst available until November. I accepted this gladly over "wait until January and call us back", so I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt and (sigh) wait and hope everything gets resolved. Interestingly, the software/firmware update to my H20 boosted the signal strength of my 3 standard Sats. from 70% to 85-95%, so that was at least worth the effort, and I was also given a date and explanation. I was also told that although many people in my Apartment have (bigger, better) HDTVs than I do, I am the only one in my D* only complex that is getting HD service, period. So, I'm fighting the good fight over here alone, but, it seems like in a month I should be setup and there is nothing I can do. Also, FSN HD has shown up on my lineup, but I can't receive it.....yet.

Justin

All this is so fubar I don't know what to think except better you than me. I would have thought with the H20 and a properly-aimed dish you should have been set. Who would have thunk the MFH software was so freaked up?

All this is so fubar I don't know what to think except better you than me. I would have thought with the H20 and a properly-aimed dish you should have been set. Who would have thunk the MFH software was so freaked up?

Thats a bunch of crap, I'd be telling them to go take a flying leap. If its a software issue, then they can load up a box with the correct stuff and next day it to you.

Something is fishy here and I'd be bitching up a storm, not paying for any service until this is all fixed.

Fox Sports Detroit-HD was activated by D* today along with several other channels, including Speed HD.

and now I lean towards D*, but I want all the BTN alternates in HD. I emailed D* today and they replied that they have no plans to light up HD feeds for the BTN alternate channels.

I think I got a canned response, but I don't know because I don't deal with D* enough.

I posted it in the BTN thread in Programming and over at DBSTalk, see what kind of reply i get.

MSU is on ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 for the next 3 weeks, so I've got a bit of breathing room to work again.

10/20 @ Ohio State ABC 3:30pm et
10/27 @ Iowa ESPN2 12:00pm et
11/03 vs. Michigan ABC 3:30 et

OK, to all my peeps with D* and E*, i need a bit of info...

Here is what I'm looking at for E*:


AT250 - $52.99/month
HD - $20.00/month (free for 6 months with an 18 month commitment)
Equipment - $11.98/month (ViP722 and standard HD Reciever)


No startup costs (waived with 18 month commitment), $84.97/month after promotional period, $64.97 for 6 months

No sure on taxes, can anyone comment on E* taxes in Michigan?

Wish there was more info on what HD E* will be adding. They have been surprising so far, but I'd like to see Speed HD, USA HD, CNN HD and others that D* has been turning on recently.


Here is what I'm looking at for D*


Plus HD DVR - $69.99/month
HD Extra Pacl - $4.99/month
Lease fee - $4.99/month (for one extra reciever)


Startup costs $298.00 (HD DVR $199.00 and HD receiver $99.00)

$79.97/month after 4 month promo on Plus HD DVR and 3 months free HD Extra Pack. $69.98 for promo period. 24 month commitment.

Once again, not sure on taxes, can anyone with D* comment on taxes?

I've heard of people dickering for better startup costs or service credits. I have been successful with Comcast and will try this with D* as well. I struggle to shell out $300.00 for receivers that I don't own and have to pay a month lease fee on. Its worse than renting an Apartment or leasing a car.


Finally, I need a HSI solution, currently I have Comcast for HSI/Video. I pay $148.56 out the door for Digital Plus, HD DVR, HD Receiver, HSI. Sports Pack, Taxes, etc.

Does anybody just have HSI through Comcast? What are you paying on a normal month (not promotional)? Do you have the $7-$10 Basic plan to get the $15/month discount for cable subs?

Essentially I need to beat my current Comcast bill after promo periods for the wife to sign off on the DBS switch. (She thinks the dishes are trashy and I have to find a way to hide it on the back of the house, but I have a good spot, I think)

I'm going to try and swing by the Comcast office on Miller and find out with my bill would be for just HSI or HSI plus the locals.

Thanks in advance for any info

jb

Gary, I'm having audio drop out problems on WKAR's HD channel right now (the new Frontline episode) via Comcast. Every few seconds the audio drops in and out. Very annoying.

Side note, as a former D* customer who now lives at a place where I can only get Comcast, I am irate and disappointed with all of D*'s new HD stations going up, while I'm stuck with Comcast's pathetic lineup...

Gary, I'm having audio drop out problems on WKAR's HD channel right now (the new Frontline episode) via Comcast. Every few seconds the audio drops in and out. Very annoying.
.

Not just on comcast but over the air as well (which is how comcast picks up our signal) Lip synch seems to be drifting in & out as well.

thanks for the note.

checking.....

and now I lean towards D*, but I want all the BTN alternates in HD. I emailed D* today and they replied that they have no plans to light up HD feeds for the BTN alternate channels.

I think I got a canned response, but I don't know because I don't deal with D* enough.

I posted it in the BTN thread in Programming and over at DBSTalk, see what kind of reply i get.

MSU is on ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 for the next 3 weeks, so I've got a bit of breathing room to work again.

10/20 @ Ohio State ABC 3:30pm et
10/27 @ Iowa ESPN2 12:00pm et
11/03 vs. Michigan ABC 3:30 et

The talk in SatelliteGuys says D* probably won't have the BTN alternates in HD this year, but should starting next season. D* has been pulling several surprises on the D10 rollout, and they do have a vested interest in making BTN look as good as possible. Then again I go to the UM games and am hardly home to watch BTN for football anyway. You can't beat the volleyball in HD though.

I have Comcast for HSI with just the local channels to get the discount. I'm in Jackson and pay $52/month for HSI + locals only. That's $15 off HSI only. I would work D* CSRs over the coals to make them match E*'s best deal, which they will eventually, but I am sure you know how to weasel that out of them. The only tax I see on my D* bill is .30 sales tax. I have Total Choice Plus, HD and two receivers = $72 monthly for D*.

Going between channels last night my Samsung receiver "found" channel 23.5. Audio only. Think it was rebroadcasting WKAR-FM. Tried a channel scan on another receiver (Hisense) this morning on another TV and it did not find 23.5

The talk in SatelliteGuys says D* probably won't have the BTN alternates in HD this year, but should starting next season. D* has been pulling several surprises on the D10 rollout, and they do have a vested interest in making BTN look as good as possible. Then again I go to the UM games and am hardly home to watch BTN for football anyway. You can't beat the volleyball in HD though.

Earl at DBSTalk says they are in the works, but no timetable.

If I'm gonna go with D*, I want my BTN in HD and all the games, not just the game that is designated to be the national game.

I have Comcast for HSI with just the local channels to get the discount. I'm in Jackson and pay $52/month for HSI + locals only. That's $15 off HSI only. I would work D* CSRs over the coals to make them match E*'s best deal, which they will eventually, but I am sure you know how to weasel that out of them. The only tax I see on my D* bill is .30 sales tax. I have Total Choice Plus, HD and two receivers = $72 monthly for D*.

Thanks buddy :)

Updated first post, D* launched two more RSNs today, FSN Pittsburgh and FSN Midwest in HD

Well, Comcast just lost a cable customer for at least 18 months, prolly 24 months because the lean is to D* right now...

I went into the Miller Rd. office on lunch to check out what pricing would be on Internet only or Internet plus basic.

I explained to the lady that i was unsatisfied with the rollout/announcement of new video services, especially HD and that I would be switching to D* or E*.

Typically that leads to them trying to sell you on a better plan or make you some type of sweet deal to stick around.

Nope, notta, nothing.

They made no attempt to keep me as a customer, just gave me pricing info and sent me on my way.

I was shocked to say the least.

Internet only is $60.00/month plus modem, and taxes/franchise fee

Internet and basic is just under $60.00/month and that includes basic cable, modem, and taxes/franchise fee. (Basic has jumped up to $11/month, so the discount is not as good as it used to be and I rent my modem because I've had too many go bad on me)

Making sure the wife is on board and then I'll be calling D*, as long as I can talk them to $99.00 for both recievers then we will have a winner.

BTW, D* deals changed today, get $10 off your package for a year rather than 4 months, but its a mail in, not auto. Gonna try and talk them into making that auto too.

Hey, good luck with the switch, jefbal99.

Hey, good luck with the switch, jefbal99.

Research has been done, order placed.

Paid $199.00 for both my HR20 ande H20, but got an extra $100 back as a $10 monthly credit on top of the $10 off per month for 12 months on the HD DVR Plus package. PLus used my sister as a referral and got us each $50 credits

Gotta Call tomorrow for my install because the system wouldn't set it up for him.

Geeked, hopefully by next week this time, I'll be a full member of the dark side and tell Comcast to **** off.

Holy crap, WILX is taking their HD graphics a bit further, watching life and just saw the anchors as part of an animated spot when coming back in from commercial.

gonna email gary again, see if we get crawls soon.

Awesome - I'll see how you're switch to Directv goes then I may have to make the move. I think the only difference in my setup would be the hd-dvr ($199)and a non-hd dvr (99$) for upstairs. I have an old directv tivo-dvr, i wonder if they could still activate it as a receiver?

I'm also wondering about the dvr functionality compared to comcast and tivo.

althought if i make the switch to directv, then I'll never be able to get rid of my landline phone. sucks. but so much more HD!

wait? WILX can now put up HD graphics? so does that mean the office will be in HD tonight during this huge storm? that would be mega.

another question, is the EL network for comcast really that starved for bandwidth they can't have the fox HD feed? I find it absolutely absurd, especially with that horrific excuse for a channel MHD being in the lineup.

wait? WILX can now put up HD graphics? so does that mean the office will be in HD tonight during this huge storm? that would be mega.

They have a very limited system in place for HD graphics. No crawls or weather bugs yet.

Are the major network New York and LA HD feeds available for those of us in the Lansing area or am I going to need an OTA for network HD?

And why in the world are my locals not yet available in HD?

So WILX totally ruined my dvr recording of the office from last night. First 15 minutes were about the storm, show wasn't in HD, and just seemed like a mess of a recording. ARGH WILX!

Back to downloading the show for this week I guess...

Are the major network New York and LA HD feeds available for those of us in the Lansing area or am I going to need an OTA for network HD?

And why in the world are my locals not yet available in HD?

you would have to get a signed waiver from each station and then send it to D* for them to enable the DNS feeds.

I can almost guarantee that they will not give you those waivers. If you have HR20/H20, there is a working ATSC tuner that integrates with the D* channel guide.

Pick up a UHF antenna and you'll be good.

you would have to get a signed waiver from each station and then send it to D* for them to enable the DNS feeds.

I can almost guarantee that they will not give you those waivers. If you have HR20/H20, there is a working ATSC tuner that integrates with the D* channel guide.

Pick up a UHF antenna and you'll be good.

That is what I plan to do tonight. Also, I called D* and told them I wasn't sure that I wanted to go through with their service. In turn they have reduced my monthly bill by $20 per month for the 1st 4 months.

They also told me the installer would hook my antenna up for me.:)

That is what I plan to do tonight. Also, I called D* and told them I wasn't sure that I wanted to go through with their service. In turn they have reduced my monthly bill by $20 per month for the 1st 4 months.

They also told me the installer would hook my antenna up for me.:)

I would make sure that you get that confirmed with the installer the day before. I have read many stories of CSRs promising things at install that the installers won't do.

When is you install?

Let me know of you get a SWM or regular 6x8MS. I tried to call Mid Michigan Microtech earlier, but they are having system issues. I want to confirm everything in my order and see if they have the SWMs yet.

I need to take out a bunch of RG-59 and replace with RG-6, but if the installers will do it for me, then I'll just wait for next Thursday.

Well, I'm really gald that I followed the order process documented by DBSTalk, it just saved me many headaches.

I worked with a CSR Wednesday night to place my D* order and here is what I was quoted:

1 HD DVR
1 HD Receiver
5lnb Slimline dish
Professional installation

Plus HD DVR package at 69.99/month
HD Extra Pack 4.99/month

Free Starz for 3 months
Free Showtime for 3 months

$10/month for 12 months as part of current promotions
$10/month for 10 months hardware credits
$4.99/month credit for 3 months for HD Extra Pack

start up $232.09

It was everything that I wanted and was happy. I got my install window for this coming thursday.

Well, following the guide, I called Mid Michigan microtech (the installer) to confirm my order and it had been placed incorrectly for an HD DVR and a standard receiver. MMMC transfered me to D* order support who told me they had to cancel my order, then get me to D* sales to setup a new one correctly. They noted that I would prolly be charged an additional $99 for the receiver. I worked with another CSR that wouldn't honor the deal I had been quoted and I asked for a supervisor. After trying to not get me to talk to a supervisor, but not honro the deal, she finally said that she would transfer me. Instead of going to a supervisor I ended up with order support again. There they finally got me to a supervisor.

I worked with a wonderful supervisor and she was very sympathetically and empathetic of the situation and wanted to honor the setup that I had been quoted. She said that we would need to setup a new work order for just the HD DVR install and that would meet the price that I was quoted. Then once the new account was created, she would create a separate work order for the HD Receiver and wave all costs on it. She also noted on the work order that I would need the HR20 and H20 to get my locals OTA.

I was happy so we went ahead and did that. While finalizing the order (i had given my CC number and confirmed everything) the line went dead. My head swung down and I was thinking sh1t, i don't wanna go through all this again. Not 20 seconds later, the supervisor called me back to finish everything, I was shocked, I can only think of one time that Comcast went through anything like this for me (that was a rep in Minnesota when ESPN2HD got rolled out).

My install date got pushed back by one day to the 26th, but that is completely acceptable.

So needless to say, I'm very impressed right now with D* Customer Support and they have a very happy new customer, who will recommend the service to anyone and everyone.

Glad to hear things are working out, Jeff. I've been with D* since 1997 and they've taken good care of me.

I would make sure that you get that confirmed with the installer the day before. I have read many stories of CSRs promising things at install that the installers won't do.

When is you install?

Let me know of you get a SWM or regular 6x8MS. I tried to call Mid Michigan Microtech earlier, but they are having system issues. I want to confirm everything in my order and see if they have the SWMs yet.

I need to take out a bunch of RG-59 and replace with RG-6, but if the installers will do it for me, then I'll just wait for next Thursday.

My install is Monday morning so I can't call them.

Also I bought an interior antenna from Radio shack and it didn't work at all. I'm going to trade it for an exterior tomorrow.

Anyone else having any problems locking in channels since the storm? Actually the only channel that i have problems with now is WKAR, and that seems to have been since they put up 23.5.

I really like how they actually have WKAR FM on the tv, but if it causes my HD feed to breakup then im not for it anymore. It might be my antenna got pushed around during the wind, but every other channel is fine...

Oh well.

Anyone else having any problems locking in channels since the storm? Actually the only channel that i have problems with now is WKAR, and that seems to have been since they put up 23.5.

I really like how they actually have WKAR FM on the tv, but if it causes my HD feed to breakup then im not for it anymore. It might be my antenna got pushed around during the wind, but every other channel is fine...

Oh well.

I was going to send in a post this morning anyway, WKAR activated 23.5 yesterday which is WKAR-FM audio as an audio only stream. Our sets at the station are not having any problems receiving it, or the other streams. (Even the $99 Insignia will lock to it ok) My set at home refuses to lock on the 23.5 for more than five seconds.

Normally in an ATSC stream, the PCR (program clock reference) is set to the associated video stream. Since 23.5 is an audio only stream, the PCR is set to that audio stream. Having said that, I don't know if that is why my Samsung does not like it.

Not seeing any breakup on 23.1 or the other channels though.

How is it working for you folk? if it crashes out, I'll go in and kill it.

We did have FM up for a while as a secondary audio to 23.3, that seemed to work, we could go back to that. (but then it would be harder to find, or to explain)

We're also going to have to rename the Separate Audio programs, usually Descriptive Video Information, we have on 23.1 and 23.2. ATSC does not have a designator for a main channel mixed Descriptive Video. We've been using "english" which means viewers change from "english" to "english" how do you know which one you're getting until you listen for a while? We're thinking calling it "french."

So WILX totally ruined my dvr recording of the office from last night. First 15 minutes were about the storm, show wasn't in HD, and just seemed like a mess of a recording. ARGH WILX!

Back to downloading the show for this week I guess...

Two people killed, millions of dollars in damage, and you're worried about missing an episode of a sit-com?

I was going to send in a post this morning anyway, WKAR activated 23.5 yesterday which is WKAR-FM audio as an audio only stream. Our sets at the station are not having any problems receiving it, or the other streams. (Even the $99 Insignia will lock to it ok) My set at home refuses to lock on the 23.5 for more than five seconds.

Normally in an ATSC stream, the PCR (program clock reference) is set to the associated video stream. Since 23.5 is an audio only stream, the PCR is set to that audio stream. Having said that, I don't know if that is why my Samsung does not like it.

Not seeing any breakup on 23.1 or the other channels though.

How is it working for you folk? if it crashes out, I'll go in and kill it.

We did have FM up for a while as a secondary audio to 23.3, that seemed to work, we could go back to that. (but then it would be harder to find, or to explain)

We're also going to have to rename the Separate Audio programs, usually Descriptive Video Information, we have on 23.1 and 23.2. ATSC does not have a designator for a main channel mixed Descriptive Video. We've been using "english" which means viewers change from "english" to "english" how do you know which one you're getting until you listen for a while? We're thinking calling it "french."

When it does work for me its nice, and works well. I really enjoy having it as well and my $500 Polaroid TV dosnt really have a problem locking on to it, I think my antenna just got moved a little out of alignment during the storm. Ill get up on the roof this either today or tomorrow to see if i can fix it.

MSU-OSU not in HD? Lame ABC.

*edit: Looks like it was just WLAJ asleep at the switch, since they switched it to the HD feed after the first commercial.

WLAJ wasn't showing the HD feed of MSU-OSU game on 53.1 when the game first came on. I called WWMT and they had it fixed in five.

Two people killed, millions of dollars in damage, and you're worried about missing an episode of a sit-com?

Gary - Unfortunate situation, but what about all the other times where there is a piddly little storm/snow advisory somewhere in the viewing area and WILX has the weatherbug up all night, ruining the HD broadcast? I especially like the times when the weatherbug is up during the NBC show, but goes away during commercials. Oh and let met guess, the replay of those shows Sunday afternoon won't be in HD. Nope, they weren't.

Hey,

Quick question/idea I'd like to soundboard here. Let's say that I have a friend who has an HDTV monitor (no tuner), and he can't get HD service in his apartment because it's not offered to him (or something theoretically impossible.) So, to get any HD at all, he would be limited to just the HD Locals, and he'd have to get a Set-top box w/ ATSC tuner that run at least 100 dollars plus an antenna.

Here's my idea. Since the H10 and older D* HDTV Receivers cannot get the new HD Channels, people are trading them in OR selling them for cheap because they have very little value at this time. These receivers can act as a tuner like my H20 because they have the off-air in. Could my friend pick up a H10 for cheap and just use it as an ATSC tuner with no DirecTV service plugged into it? Would the receiver need the access card? Thanks for any thoughts.

Hey,

Quick question/idea I'd like to soundboard here. Let's say that I have a friend who has an HDTV monitor (no tuner), and he can't get HD service in his apartment because it's not offered to him (or something theoretically impossible.) So, to get any HD at all, he would be limited to just the HD Locals, and he'd have to get a Set-top box w/ ATSC tuner that run at least 100 dollars plus an antenna.

Here's my idea. Since the H10 and older D* HDTV Receivers cannot get the new HD Channels, people are trading them in OR selling them for cheap because they have very little value at this time. These receivers can act as a tuner like my H20 because they have the off-air in. Could my friend pick up a H10 for cheap and just use it as an ATSC tuner with no DirecTV service plugged into it? Would the receiver need the access card? Thanks for any thoughts.


I don't know about the H10, but the old RCA, Sony and Samsung receivers work just fine. I got an old RCA receiver off Ebay last year specifically for OTA and it works just fine--that is, when my family lets me have it.

WLAJ was doing something strange, they had the game on in HD when it very first came on but it didnt have any sound, and when ever they switched it back to SD it would have sound. they tried a few times to do HD but no sound. It was strange, but into the first quarter a little they got it fixed.

The Directv SWM is getting to be a joke - not the product - but the way Directv is beta testing it. They are trying to do it on the cheap using a limited number of a few chosen participants at the dbstalk cutting edge forum. The beta tests are taking forever and people are clamoring for the SWM. Strange is that when you call D* and talk to the first level CSR, many of them will tell you that the SWM is available and that you can order one but they have to transfer you to tech support for he order. Then when you talk to tech support (assuming they don't drop you during the phone transfer and you have to call in and start all over again), the tech support people almost always claim they do not know that the SWM is. Then you end up trying to explain it to them which is useless. The communication of information between the various operations at Directv is so disjointed, you end up feeling like you are talking to separate companies (who knows, maybe you are). After Directv sold out to Rupert Murdoch, Driectv customer service and support went into the crapper. I know they are now not part of Rupert's meglomaniac empire, but the damage is already done. Prices have gone up and customer support has gone way down. If I were an employee of D*, I would be embarrassed to admit it. If I was an executive officer of D*, then I would ashamed to cash my paycheck. D* is pathetic.


My install is Monday morning so I can't call them.

Also I bought an interior antenna from Radio shack and it didn't work at all. I'm going to trade it for an exterior tomorrow.

Two people killed, millions of dollars in damage, and you're worried about missing an episode of a sit-com?

I was at my brothers house in Wyandotte Thursday night and none of the shows I watched while at his house were as messed up as the ones out this way. And to claim I'm putting a tv show above someones life is stupid, I just think that when you have numerous ways of getting information about a storm out, taking out all the channels is useless. Run the weather stuff on 10.2, the actual station for weather.

WLAJ was doing something strange, they had the game on in HD when it very first came on but it didnt have any sound, and when ever they switched it back to SD it would have sound. they tried a few times to do HD but no sound. It was strange, but into the first quarter a little they got it fixed.

If that's the same thing I saw it was when they were trying to run the lottery numbers. It looked like they were having trouble with the overlay. Once they got they lottery numbers out of the way things looked OK except for one other thing. Did anybody else notice a yellow dot and line on the left side for about five minutes around the end of the first quarter/beginning of the second? I was trying to figure out what it was and the only thing I could come up with was the production truck forgot to turn off the telestrator.

Anyone have an idea when E* will be adding the locals around here in HD? I have trouble picking all of them up over-the-air with any consistency.

Anyone have an idea when E* will be adding the locals around here in HD? I have trouble picking all of them up over-the-air with any consistency.

E* is having enough trouble just keeping birds in space much less adding capacity for locals. They won't even say when they will make substantial additions to the national HD offerings. The safe thing to say about E* is WYSIWYG for at least the next year more than likely. They may add a small number of national HD channels if they don't lose any more satellites or large blocks of transponders.

Damn, go out of town for the weekend and miss a bunch of stuff.

cornell, great job on calling wwmt for WLAJ HD issues, they are the only ones that get it changed.

I'll be insterested to do a scan for 23.5 to see in WKARfm is still active. I have a samsung and will test my D* tuners on Friday :)

I still need to get a new antenna and mount it. I'm thinking about the Wingard MS-2000. Read many good reviews and my wife won;t freak out based on its looks.

Gary hit the nail on the head about the storm last week. A screwy recording is nothing compared to the families that lost all their belongings or worse, their lives. Also, not enough people have access to or know about 10.2. WILX has a good thing there, but until ATSC tuners are in every house or everyone has access to digital cable, broadcasters, by federal mandate, bust broadcast the weather info for health and safety reasons. Reruns occur year round, you'll get it in HD many more times.

I can't remember where, but in the last 6 weeks I saw something about the Lansing locals possibly going HD on E*, but I have no clue where. It was online somewhere so I put no faith in it cause i can't find it. D* will have the Lansing locals up in the next 6 months when D11 launches, assuming that there are no spot beam issues after launch.

Spacemaker, please report on your install here and let us know how Mid Michigan Micro Tech is for the install and what hardware they install.

I did get the name and ID number and I'll post it later. According to the tech, there are also good and bad CSRs and I got lucky there, too. (Got a guy who understood that the key to a TiVo install is to do the cards one at a time.)I was wrong. I didn't get the name. The installer wrote it down, but it was illegible on my multipart carbonless copy.

I did, however, get the installer's ID#, 4214. If I were doing a Comcast Cablecard install I would ask for that installer. I'd also ask to speak with Chuck in accounts, #4176, to set up the account and service call. Really good service on both counts.

Hey, if anyone does get #4214 to come do an install, see if you can find out where his band is playing. He wouldn't take a tip, but I figure I can go buy a few CDs. Seriously, if anyone has earned a tip then this guy did but he wouldn't accept one.

WLAJ wasn't showing the HD feed of MSU-OSU game on 53.1 when the game first came on. I called WWMT and they had it fixed in five.Memo to self: Call WWMT with friendly reminder five minutes before scheduled start of HD football games.

Hey, I don't need to call WWMT...I'm getting my WLAJ feed from Comcast now instead of OTA.

Memo to self: Call WWMT with friendly reminder five minutes before scheduled start of HD football games.

Hey, I don't need to call WWMT...I'm getting my WLAJ feed from Comcast now instead of OTA.

I typically wait for the pregame to go from the studio to the field and if they are not in HD, then I make the call. Its been hit or miss all season with WLAJ.

I agree with this. There is a reason they have sirens. Sirens go off, then you go figure out what is wrong. If changing every channel to a weather warning was such a necessity then what about the people who aren't watching TV or listening to the radio? Should we call them all simultaneously? Maybe if you are on the internet your web browser should be refreshed to a weather warning, or your computer should close all applications and put up a warning on the screen? If we are asleep maybe we should have shock collars that wake us up to warn us there is bad weather.

I was at my brothers house in Wyandotte Thursday night and none of the shows I watched while at his house were as messed up as the ones out this way. And to claim I'm putting a tv show above someones life is stupid, I just think that when you have numerous ways of getting information about a storm out, taking out all the channels is useless. Run the weather stuff on 10.2, the actual station for weather.

I agree with this. There is a reason they have sirens. Sirens go off, then you go figure out what is wrong. If changing every channel to a weather warning was such a necessity then what about the people who aren't watching TV or listening to the radio? Should we call them all simultaneously? Maybe if you are on the internet your web browser should be refreshed to a weather warning, or your computer should close all applications and put up a warning on the screen? If we are asleep maybe we should have shock collars that wake us up to warn us there is bad weather.

While I am a very sarcastic person, when dealing with public safety and personal, TV programming has every right to be interrupted. Re-runs happen all the time and you'll get to see your favorite program, over and over. If you have Comcast, then you can find some programming OnDemand or if its really that big of an issue, go to the website of the national broadcaster and find out how to get a copy (iTunes, amazon, etc).

There are many things in life more important than TV (and this is coming from a person who watches a lot of TV). If your life revolves that much around a few tv programs that you would rather have those in the community around you die, than miss a part of show, then you really need to reevaluate your priorities in life.

If a person doesn't have a digital TV, digital cable, or the internet (say my parents) they might have no clue that a tornado is coming their way until the siren goes off. At that point it may be too late to get into a secure area. Hell, my wife was scared of going to sleep because of the weather, but I assured her i would get us into the basement. I find severe weather to be interesting, I enjoyed the constant radar updates and positioning, it allowed my wife to go to bed (who has to get up very early) and me to make sure we were safe.

Settle about missing a TV show or two and take a look at the bigger picture.

Your wife may not have slept but what about the people already asleep? Broadcasting a weather warning on every station is an incomplete system. If you use the argument that every single TV station should be interrupted, then why not implement weather warnings in other situations I mentioned?

I rarely watch live TV, I record it, so TV weather warnings are completely useless to me. It has nothing to do with my determination to watch TV during dangerous weather. I should be able to choose not to receive weather warnings. The government, however, thinks the public is too stupid to be given that option. That is what I have a problem with. I have no problem with the default setting to break away all channels, as long as there is the ability to opt-out. I don't see why this is such a horrible insensitive request; people who want it do nothing, people that don't sign a form saying they opt-out.

While I am a very sarcastic person, when dealing with public safety and personal, TV programming has every right to be interrupted. Re-runs happen all the time and you'll get to see your favorite program, over and over. If you have Comcast, then you can find some programming OnDemand or if its really that big of an issue, go to the website of the national broadcaster and find out how to get a copy (iTunes, amazon, etc).

There are many things in life more important than TV (and this is coming from a person who watches a lot of TV). If your life revolves that much around a few tv programs that you would rather have those in the community around you die, than miss a part of show, then you really need to reevaluate your priorities in life.

If a person doesn't have a digital TV, digital cable, or the internet (say my parents) they might have no clue that a tornado is coming their way until the siren goes off. At that point it may be too late to get into a secure area. Hell, my wife was scared of going to sleep because of the weather, but I assured her i would get us into the basement. I find severe weather to be interesting, I enjoyed the constant radar updates and positioning, it allowed my wife to go to bed (who has to get up very early) and me to make sure we were safe.

Settle about missing a TV show or two and take a look at the bigger picture.

Anyone have an idea when E* will be adding the locals around here in HD? I have trouble picking all of them up over-the-air with any consistency.


This (http://www.newedgesatellite.com/index.html)is the link to the website that claims that E* will offer locals in HD soon. I would know, I was the only who posted it about 6 weeks ago. The claim in the top left corner hasn't changed, and I don't know how much faith I'd put into it, but it says "4th Quarter 2007". I did some extensive research looking for information on that very question 6 weeks ago and that was the best I could find. I hope that helps."

Oh, and by the way, I was in the Detroit area watching WXYZ HD from WOW cable during the Michigan State/Ohio State game, and I encountered the EXACT same problem with the HD, where it didn't come in until after the first commercial break (of the game). Maybe it wasn't a local issue?

I agree with this. There is a reason they have sirens. Sirens go off, then you go figure out what is wrong. If changing every channel to a weather warning was such a necessity then what about the people who aren't watching TV or listening to the radio? Should we call them all simultaneously? Maybe if you are on the internet your web browser should be refreshed to a weather warning, or your computer should close all applications and put up a warning on the screen? If we are asleep maybe we should have shock collars that wake us up to warn us there is bad weather.

Not the shock, collars, but the federal government has heard your plea...


Congress has heard you.
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/homesec/RL32527.pdf

As has the FCC....
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-109A1.pdf

The President, too...
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/06/20060626.html

If everything must be interrupted, then why not at least bump back programming? Why go half way into a hour long show? That's what I really don't understand, if they must interrupt, they should know that jumping into the middle of a brand new episode of anything is pretty much pointless. And about everyone not having 10.2 -- if they are watching 10.1 OTA they get 10.2, if they are watching NBC HD on comcast then they also get 10.2, and if they have an ATSC tuner in their TV, they also get 10.2. Pretty much the only people that don't get 10.2 are the one's that wouldn't be watching the HD feed to begin with. Why not just leave the normal scheduled broadcast going in HD and show weather coverage on the SD or analog station?

In situations like these, stations should use their sub channels more effectively. I can understand why stations would want to have their analog and main digital channel (HD) have the same news programming during these weather and breaking news situations. However, they should move the network programming to a subchannel, it may not be in HD, but at least those who want to see it can, especially in DMAs that cover so much area, in which the news or weather would have no effect on you. The ABC station in Chicago did this with a Monday Night Football game a few years ago, while the main channel cover a breaking news story of a fire in a downtown highrise.

Also, when stations have the watch/warning box in the corner of the screen during programming, it ticks me off that is only on the screen during programming and not commercials. If the warning/watch is so important it should be on during the whole time and not come out during commercials.

I bought a Terk TV5 and it works perfectly. I have it hooked into my new HR-20 and it works like a charm.

What a relief to have all of my local HD channels and be able to record them on DVR.

If everything must be interrupted, then why not at least bump back programming? Why go half way into a hour long show? That's what I really don't understand, if they must interrupt, they should know that jumping into the middle of a brand new episode of anything is pretty much pointless. And about everyone not having 10.2 -- if they are watching 10.1 OTA they get 10.2, if they are watching NBC HD on comcast then they also get 10.2, and if they have an ATSC tuner in their TV, they also get 10.2. Pretty much the only people that don't get 10.2 are the one's that wouldn't be watching the HD feed to begin with. Why not just leave the normal scheduled broadcast going in HD and show weather coverage on the SD or analog station?

I have to agree there was some overkill by the local stations. WSYM interrupted the Red Sox-Indians game with Andy Provenzano blathering on for more than an hour when all he had was very sparse information. For all the time and effort there was very little actual news transmitted. I posit many more people get annoyed when stations break in and have the weatherman do an hour or two of solid filler while not much is happening than they are by the occasional break-ins to give a quick update when something actually does take place.

The stations should break in when a warning is issued, give the pertinent data, and either return to regular programming with a weather bug or crawl with updates as warranted, or once they return to programming do a split-screen with the regular program on one side and the radar map, the type of warning and a crawl on the other side with break-ins only when there is actual news to report.

If everything must be interrupted, then why not at least bump back programming? Why go half way into a hour long show? That's what I really don't understand, if they must interrupt, they should know that jumping into the middle of a brand new episode of anything is pretty much pointless. And about everyone not having 10.2 -- if they are watching 10.1 OTA they get 10.2, if they are watching NBC HD on comcast then they also get 10.2, and if they have an ATSC tuner in their TV, they also get 10.2. Pretty much the only people that don't get 10.2 are the one's that wouldn't be watching the HD feed to begin with. Why not just leave the normal scheduled broadcast going in HD and show weather coverage on the SD or analog station?

IIRC the FCC requires OTA stations to have something on the screen, but the problem of graphics should start clearing up as the digital conversion takes place and locals start buying HD graphics generators.

I typically wait for the pregame to go from the studio to the field and if they are not in HD, then I make the call. Its been hit or miss all season with WLAJ.

I had to call again Sunday to get the NASCAR race switched over, too. It took them about 15 minutes then. At least it gets done and the WWMT staff was pretty cordial about it when I asked them politely.

I bought a Terk TV5 and it works perfectly. I have it hooked into my new HR-20 and it works like a charm.

What a relief to have all of my local HD channels and be able to record them on DVR.

Install went well? Mid Michigan Microtech was good?

I went out and picked up a Winegard MS-2000 yesterday afternoon and it will be going up on the corner of the house prolly Wednesday.

I have to agree there was some overkill by the local stations. WSYM interrupted the Red Sox-Indians game with Andy Provenzano blathering on for more than an hour when all he had was very sparse information.

A poster on the Michigan Buzzboard put it this way:

"Also, memo to viewers: stop calling to complain about stations cutting in for tornado coverage. We're going to do it everytime. If you have a problem with that, talk to the folks in what's left of Williamston. "


http://mibuzzboard.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=21963&start=30

IIRC the FCC requires OTA stations to have something on the screen, but the problem of graphics should start clearing up as the digital conversion takes place and locals start buying HD graphics generators.

Stations are licensed to operate in the public interest, convenience, and necessity. Obviously this means different things to different owners. WLNS and WILX take it to mean that they should provide the best coverage of severe weather they can. Other stations relay the official warnings from the National Weather Service when NWS activates the Emergency Alert System.

The FCC rules for emergency messages are contained in a couple of sections, part 11 are the rules for the Emergency Alert System. The EAS was originally designed and intended for national (presidential) messages, the FCC requirement for EAS is for stations to air a weekly test, a monthly test (tonight at 01:40 if you want to watch/listen) and the national emergency messages.

Beyond those minimums, additional participation in the EAS is voluntary.

The other rules about emergencies are in the closed captioning rules, which requires that IF a television station broadcasts emergency information aurally (spoken) that they also provide that information visually, with the preferred method via closed captions.

This is the long way of saying that stations do not HAVE to have something on screen for weather bugs. They WANT to, in order to provide the information that they think the viewers need to know.

Install went well? Mid Michigan Microtech was good?

I went out and picked up a Winegard MS-2000 yesterday afternoon and it will be going up on the corner of the house prolly Wednesday.

Everything went very well. The installer had a trainee with him and was very thorough. Overall my D* experience has been nothing but positive.

Everything went very well. The installer had a trainee with him and was very thorough. Overall my D* experience has been nothing but positive.

Any chance they had SWMs or just the Zinwell 6x8 multiswitch?

Any chance they had SWMs or just the Zinwell 6x8 multiswitch?

I don't know what any of that means.

blah, stupid comcast is messing with my internet connection again. I have a semi good signal but i keep losing the connection, and i really dont feel like calling them, because all they will do is have to send out a tech that will do nothing and it will end up working by the time they come out...

A poster on the Michigan Buzzboard put it this way:

"Also, memo to viewers: stop calling to complain about stations cutting in for tornado coverage. We're going to do it everytime. If you have a problem with that, talk to the folks in what's left of Williamston. "


http://mibuzzboard.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=21963&start=30

I don't have a problem with them cutting in. My problem is with the channels staying on the air saying and showing nothing other than what they've been saying and showing for the previous 30 minutes. I'm not going to keep tuned to that channel when there's nothing to watch and nothing more to learn. As I said in a previous post, break in, tell me what's happening, post the bug or graphics, then return to programming until there is real news to break in for again. If that poster is trying to say the people of Williamston couldn't figure out a big old storm was dropping on them without a blow-by-blow account from TV, that's a load of BS. Darwinism would have dictated the elimination of any such folks soon one way or another anyway.

When I see a weather bug or split screen showing there's a tornado in my general vicinity I am going to be ready to get my donkey blanketed. The inch-by-inch play-by-play of the radar from a weatherman will not be necessary for me to be on alert even more. The storm beating on my house will also be an indication I might want to beat feet down the stairs. When something serious happens (like an actual tornado on the ground), by all means break in and tell me what and where. Until then I'd like the TV station to give me a reason to keep tuned in, not a reason to tune out by telling me the same thing over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over. I'm betting the calls that poster is criticizing are from people who feel the same way.

I don't have a problem with them cutting in. My problem is with the channels staying on the air saying and showing nothing other than what they've been saying and showing for the previous 30 minutes. I'm not going to keep tuned to that channel when there's nothing to watch and nothing more to learn. As I said in a previous post, break in, tell me what's happening, post the bug or graphics, then return to programming until there is real news to break in for again. If that poster is trying to say the people of Williamston couldn't figure out a big old storm was dropping on them without a blow-by-blow account from TV, that's a load of BS. Darwinism would have dictated the elimination of any such folks soon one way or another anyway.

When I see a weather bug or split screen showing there's a tornado in my general vicinity I am going to be ready to get my donkey blanketed. The inch-by-inch play-by-play of the radar from a weatherman will not be necessary for me to be on alert even more. The storm beating on my house will also be an indication I might want to beat feet down the stairs. When something serious happens (like an actual tornado on the ground), by all means break in and tell me what and where. Until then I'd like the TV station to give me a reason to keep tuned in, not a reason to tune out by telling me the same thing over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over. I'm betting the calls that poster is criticizing are from people who feel the same way.

Well the play-by-play really helped me, i live on Haslett road not that far outside of Haslett its self and it showed me the storm and when i should go in the basement, i also have family in Williamston that did not have power any more and i was calling them giving them updates, as well as family in Okemos and Charlotte and Chesaning, all of whom i was giving updates to by watching the tv. Yes i get annoyed when the thunderstorm warnings are on the screen but when very severe weather comes through like we had, i have no problem with them interrupting something you can watch online for free....

I don't know what any of that means.

Its the piece of hardware that the 4 wires from the dish come into, then the outputs go to your receivers.

Got just about everything set for the D* install tomorrow.

Ran CAT5 to the two rooms where the HR20 and H20 will be headed, replaced the wall plates with multiple input plates for the jacks. I need to punch those into jacks, then patch them into my router.

Ran a second coax run to the living room for the 2nd tuner in the HR20. I found that part of the previous wiring job was pathetic when I removed the plate from the wall and the end on the coax came right off. I put a new connector on and made sure it was tightly secured.

Mounted the antenna last night (pole still needs to be grounded [I think I can just connect it to the grounding wire for the AU9] and painted). Haven't decided how I am going to run that cable into the basement. It will either enter right above where I want D* to mount the multiswitch or I will run it to the rear where I hope the installer brings the D* cables into the house.

Have my pseudo mounting rack ready, just needs two BBCs and a Zinwell Multiswitch.

I'll post photos of everything once it is up and running :)

Can anybody tell that I'm just a bit excited?

Oh and I've seen Murphy popping his head over my shoulder in the past week or so...

I'm will to bet a few beers that Comcast starts adding my HD to Lansing before the start of Firearm deer season (Nov 15th)

Can anybody tell that I'm just a bit excited?


You sound really excited. Hope everything goes well for you. I look forward to your reviews.

D* will have all the BTN Alternate feeds in HD starting this weekend.

http://www.bigtennetwork.com/sports/football/map09.asp

D* will have all the BTN Alternate feeds in HD starting this weekend.

http://www.bigtennetwork.com/sports/football/map09.asp

I will be headed off to Michigan Stadium Saturday but that is good news for the following week when I will be sitting at home watching football all day. Does the BTN have one or two more Saturdays where they get to choose ahead of ESPN?

Does the BTN have one or two more Saturdays where they get to choose ahead of ESPN?

That is unknown, The networks and the conference did not release what weeks which network had the second and third picks.

That is unknown, The networks and the conference did not release what weeks which network had the second and third picks.

I read the BTN had three weeks where they would get the second pick (after ABC) and I know they have used at least one. The Detroit sports radio station have been in a tizzy because they are betting next week will be another week in which the BTN exercises its preemption option on ESPN. It wouldn't be too far fetched to figure the BTN would probably want the UM-MSU game.

I read the BTN had three weeks where they would get the second pick (after ABC) and I know they have used at least one. The Detroit sports radio station have been in a tizzy because they are betting next week will be another week in which the BTN exercises its preemption option on ESPN. It wouldn't be too far fetched to figure the BTN would probably want the UM-MSU game.

That is correct that BTN gets the second pick for three weeks this season, however, what weeks those are is unknown. IF BTN has the chance to get UM/MSU they will jump on it for cable negations reasons. Its unfortunate that decision may be better for the network, but damaging to its majority owner.

What a wonderful install!!!

I worked with an installer and an apprentice and they couldn't have been better. They had both receivers, per the note on the work order. I showed them where I would like the dish, then took them into the basement and showed them the wiring that I had done that the pseudo wiring rack i had created.

They were shocked that I had all my RG6 in place and they learned how to diplex in OTA with the MPEG4 HDs.

I had mounted my antenna on Wednesday, but I didn't run the wire anywhere yet, because I wasn't sure if they were going to be able to mount the antenna on the back of the house.

I asked if I ran the cable into the j channel, that I could run the OTA cable in with the satellite feeds. They said they were so impressed with what I had done to prep the house for them, that they would run the cable for me.

They got the dish mounted, while I re ran my last few cables that had my Comcast cable running until this morning.

After bringing in the wiring and hooking in the OTA antenna, he noticed that D* didn't put the multiswitch on the order. He called in and got it added, after mounting and hooking up the last few wires, we called Customer Service to activate the HD DVR. After a software download, config and a reauth from CS, the DVR was working.

Next CS had to cut a 2nd work order for the H20 in the bedroom because I was quoted as getting it for free. While that was done, we did the sw download, and configuration. A re auth from CS and everything is working great.

Diplexing the OTA in with the D* signal is working great and I am one happy customer.

Gave them a $40.00 tip, for helping me out and getting the 2nd HD recevier and the help with the multi switch.

Winegard MS2000 and the Slimline
http://home.comcast.net/~johnny_x/images/OTAslimline.JPG

My pseudo wiring rack in the basement (Zinwell 6x8 MS, Splitter for OTA & Power inserter for Winegard antenna), & BBCs into the diplexers for the 2nd HR20 run and the h20 run)
http://home.comcast.net/~johnny_x/images/wiringrack.JPG

Diplexer hooking into the H20
http://home.comcast.net/~johnny_x/images/diplexintoh20.JPG

LCD and the H20 on CNNHD
http://home.comcast.net/~johnny_x/images/lcdh20.JPG

Got an HR20-100S and an H20-600

Hooked up the cat5 run I put in for the HR20 and it got online perfectly.

Very happy new customer

Can't wait to see what you'll be saying after a weekend of sports watching. The navigation on the new mpeg4 channels is a bit balky (wish they would have named the new HD channels xxx-1 instead of duplicating the SD numbers) but I'm sure you'll get that figured out.

Channels 218-1 and 219-1 have been added as the Big Ten Network overflow HD channels on D*.

Channels 218-1 and 219-1 have been added as the Big Ten Network overflow HD channels on D*.

Saw them this morning, I'll fix my numbering in the first post

Also, 215 (NHL & NHLHD) both have disappeared after the sneak peak last night

and 669-1 FSN Detroit Alternate HD

haha, we should all take pics of our HD antennas. Right now i have a big stick in the top of my mount because my mast wasnt tall enough...

Can't wait to see what you'll be saying after a weekend of sports watching. The navigation on the new mpeg4 channels is a bit balky (wish they would have named the new HD channels xxx-1 instead of duplicating the SD numbers) but I'm sure you'll get that figured out.

Oh man this is great, bouncing between W Virginia v. Pitt on WLAJ, MSU v. Iowa on ESPN2, and 3 hd games on The Big Ten Network.

Watched the Wings on FSN D HD and Buffalo v Florida on the NHL HD sneak peek last night, along with a few episodes of L&O on USA HD last night.

**** I'm in heaven

Can't wait for Speed HD to actually start showing truck racing and whatnot in HD. Heard on trackside yesterday that Speed HD will be very soon, possibly going HD before the 08 speed weeks in Daytona?

Called WWMT to get the WLAJ HD feed turned back on

I think the wind may be wreaking havoc on my OTA signals today. Channels 6.1 and 53.1 keep pixilating like mad.

I also heard them mention SpeedHD coming soon. Hopefully the last few weekend will be HD broadcasts. But even still, the PQ is much improved over the what I was getting from Comcast. I can actually utilize the zoom feature on my TV during Truck races and it looks decent. That was not the case last weekend.

I think the wind may be wreaking havoc on my OTA signals today. Channels 6.1 and 53.1 keep pixilating like mad.

I also heard them mention SpeedHD coming soon. Hopefully the last few weekend will be HD broadcasts. But even still, the PQ is much improved over the what I was getting from Comcast. I can actually utilize the zoom feature on my TV during Truck races and it looks decent. That was not the case last weekend.

This time of year plays havoc with my DTV reception. I only have the Radio Shack high-tech rabbit ears in the apartment and trees just outside. With them being full of juice and branches whipping around outside I get a lot of problems. I keep telling the landlord he shouldn't be surprised if an antenna mast should mysteriously appear someday.

OK, Jeff, who in your Rolodex do we bitch to at Fox Sports Detroit about HD not being turned on? I turned over to FSD-HD for the California-Arizona State football game and it was not being shown there in HD. There was an HD offering of the game on D*'s channel 94, but we can't count on that all the time. If it's in HD, we want our HD channels showing it.

And before anybody asks, yes I do have better things to do, no I'm not going to do them.

I'll look around and see what I can find, this would be the first time that FSN HD didn't show a national broadcast for a reason other than a scheduling conflict.

Still loving D* and my OTA antenna :)

I'll look around and see what I can find, this would be the first time that FSN HD didn't show a national broadcast for a reason other than a scheduling conflict.

Still loving D* and my OTA antenna :)

The game was in HD on Comcast, so it is a problem on D* side, not FSNs.

The game was in HD on Comcast, so it is a problem on D* side, not FSNs.

Are you sure you were watching FSD-HD, or an alternate channel? And if D* isn't showing FSD-HD in HD, it is an FSN problem they need to be made aware of if they don't know.

All remaining Michigan Wolverine games will be carried on ABC or ESPN. ABC will show the Michigan-Michigan State game at 3:30 next Saturday. ESPN will broadcast the Michigan-Whizconsin football game at noon the week after. That could actually not be so good for you Comcrap hostages because ESPN might assign Pam Ward to announce the game, and while that should be prohibited by the Geneva Conventions it isn't. Then again that might motivate you to agitate Comcrap for BTN even more. The Ohio State-Michigan game was already announced as a noon game, currently being shown as ABC but could be ESPN.

Get this, sports fans. As I look at the Big Ten conference stadings tonight, if Michigan and Ohio State win their next two games, Michigan is in the Rose Bowl no matter what happens November 17. Why? If Michigan wins out and beats Ohio State, the Wolverines are the Big Ten champions as the only team with no conference losses and by contract the Big Ten's representative in the Rose Bowl (seeing as how they aren't playing in the BCS championship game.) If Ohio State wins out and beats Michigan on November 17, Ohio State will be ranked #1 in the BCS standings and play in the BCS championship game--which means Michigan, which would be all alone in second place with one conference loss, would step in to the Rose Bowl as the conference representative.

Are you sure you were watching FSD-HD, or an alternate channel? And if D* isn't showing FSD-HD in HD, it is an FSN problem they need to be made aware of if they don't know.

It was on FSD-HD, there is no alternate channel for the game to be shown on with Comcast.

Get this, sports fans. As I look at the Big Ten conference stadings tonight, if Michigan and Ohio State win their next two games, Michigan is in the Rose Bowl no matter what happens November 17. Why? If Michigan wins out and beats Ohio State, the Wolverines are the Big Ten champions as the only team with no conference losses and by contract the Big Ten's representative in the Rose Bowl (seeing as how they aren't playing in the BCS championship game.) If Ohio State wins out and beats Michigan on November 17, Ohio State will be ranked #1 in the BCS standings and play in the BCS championship game--which means Michigan, which would be all alone in second place with one conference loss, would step in to the Rose Bowl as the conference representative.

If a Big Ten team is playing in the BCS Championship game the Rose Bowl is not required to take a Big Ten team.

is anyone else getting issues with WSYM this weekend? I keep loosing signal, with no wind etc. Its strange. It seems to be working fine now.

If a Big Ten team is playing in the BCS Championship game the Rose Bowl is not required to take a Big Ten team.

You might want to double-check that. The Rose Bowl contract with the BCS was changed last year. They don't follow the same rules as the other BCS games anymore. The Rose Bowl wanted to restore the Big Ten-Pac Ten allure.

You might want to double-check that. The Rose Bowl contract with the BCS was changed last year. They don't follow the same rules as the other BCS games anymore. The Rose Bowl wanted to restore the Big Ten-Pac Ten allure.

While it is likely that Michigan would be selected by the rose in the situation you outlined above it is not required of them.

Here are the current selection rules for the BCS bowls: http://www.bcsfootball.org/bcsfb/eligibility

is anyone else getting issues with WSYM this weekend? I keep loosing signal, with no wind etc. Its strange. It seems to be working fine now.

No issues all weekend with my OTA

No issues all weekend with my OTA

Humm, thanks for responding. I dont know what is up with Fox and my setup. 99% of the time it will be fine, but that 1% its just GONE, no breakups no nothing. Its usually when my neighbor is mowing his lawn, but this time it was a night (when everything usually works fine). I dont know, i guess i dont really care either just as long as ABC works (got to get ready for LOST).

Humm, thanks for responding. I dont know what is up with Fox and my setup. 99% of the time it will be fine, but that 1% its just GONE, no breakups no nothing. Its usually when my neighbor is mowing his lawn, but this time it was a night (when everything usually works fine). I dont know, i guess i dont really care either just as long as ABC works (got to get ready for LOST).

When I was using my lil radio shack antenna, I would occasionally get breakups from Fox and ABC when cars drove down the street, but now with the Winegard up, everything has been rock solid.

I updated D* and E* for NBAtv HD and the NBA LP HD channels.

I've having a bit of an email dispute with D* and its only my first week. :)

I wrote them because of FSN Detroit HD not showing the national FSN games on Saturday, when other RSNs got the games.

They gave me the generic reply about adding HD, then told me two separate times that FSN Detroit HD is not available to my zip code. I have sent them a screen shot of the DirecTV site, with my zip code entered, showing that FSN Detroit is available. Awaiting that reply.

I know that the games were available on Ch 94 last weekend, but with NBA LP starting up and NHL CI going strong, I don't want to miss a Saturday night CFB game or in the winter a Sunday night BBall game.

I've requested that my email be escalated to the programming dept and a phone call be made to me.

BTN website press release regarding the Wisconsin v OSU game this weekend notes that MSU v Purdue the following weekend will be a noon BTNHD game.

http://bigtennetwork.com/corporate/PR102807.asp

Update on D* not showing National FSN HD games on FSN Detroit HD...

After emailing back and forth many times with D* (them mostly telling me that I'm not in the spot beam), I sent them a screen shot from their website showing that I should get FSN HD and requested a call from technical/engineering support.

While waiting yesterday, I called FSN Detroit and spoke with John. I explained the problem and he said he would get with his D* contact in LA and get back with me. Didn't hear anything yesterday.

My phone rings with an 800 number today and its a D* rep, she once again tries to tell me its a spot beam issue. I get her to realize that its not a spot beam issue and she says she will call me back.

She did and now has tried to tell me that the feed for FSN Detroit HD Redwings and Pistons broadcasts come from a different satellite than for FSN Detroit HD FSN Broadcasts. I explained to her that I had been in contact with FSN Detroit and explained the issue to them. They agreed that DirecTV was not selecting the proper feed for the Saturday college football games from FSN Detroit. She tried to go into spot beams again, so I thanked her for her time and told her that I would deal with FSN Detroit, because they seemed to have a much better grasp on the issue than DirecTV did.

I called John at FSN back and he hasn't heard anything from his D* people yet, but will get with me as soon as he does. Also, he asked me to give him a call on Monday and let him know what, if any of the feeds are displayed properly.

I'm going to set the DVR as I will be tailgating during the early games, but if someone could please note in the thread if D* properly has the FSN HD games in HD on 636?

FSN HD schedule for this weekend:
12:30pm ET Nebraska/Kansas
6:00pm ET College Football Saturday Kickoff
6:30pm ET Missouri/Colorado
10:30pm ET Washington State/California

Update on D* not showing National FSN HD games on FSN Detroit HD...

After emailing back and forth many times with D* (them mostly telling me that I'm not in the spot beam), I sent them a screen shot from their website showing that I should get FSN HD and requested a call from technical/engineering support.

While waiting yesterday, I called FSN Detroit and spoke with John. I explained the problem and he said he would get with his D* contact in LA and get back with me. Didn't hear anything yesterday.

My phone rings with an 800 number today and its a D* rep, she once again tries to tell me its a spot beam issue. I get her to realize that its not a spot beam issue and she says she will call me back.

She did and now has tried to tell me that the feed for FSN Detroit HD Redwings and Pistons broadcasts come from a different satellite than for FSN Detroit HD FSN Broadcasts. I explained to her that I had been in contact with FSN Detroit and explained the issue to them. They agreed that DirecTV was not selecting the proper feed for the Saturday college football games from FSN Detroit. She tried to go into spot beams again, so I thanked her for her time and told her that I would deal with FSN Detroit, because they seemed to have a much better grasp on the issue than DirecTV did.

I called John at FSN back and he hasn't heard anything from his D* people yet, but will get with me as soon as he does. Also, he asked me to give him a call on Monday and let him know what, if any of the feeds are displayed properly.

I'm going to set the DVR as I will be tailgating during the early games, but if someone could please note in the thread if D* properly has the FSN HD games in HD on 636?

FSN HD schedule for this weekend:
12:30pm ET Nebraska/Kansas
6:00pm ET College Football Saturday Kickoff
6:30pm ET Missouri/Colorado
10:30pm ET Washington State/California


Good deal. I didn't know you were going to the mat for us like that. Many thanks for the effort on our behalf. It's good that this is getting straightened out early in the process. If things work out I should be home watching football all day and will have to flip over there from time to time.

Good deal. I didn't know you were going to the mat for us like that. Many thanks for the effort on our behalf. It's good that this is getting straightened out early in the process. If things work out I should be home watching football all day and will have to flip over there from time to time.

No prob, i'm always up to fight the good fight

I just got a TivoHD and have been playing around with QAM channels until the cablecard is installed next week. I am in the Comcast Lansing system.

After not finding the HD locals on the channels listed in the original post, I did some searching and found these assignments:

110-2 - WILX-HD – NBC Affiliate
110-14 - WILX-WX – Local Weather (SD)
111-3 - WLAJ-HD – ABC Affiliate
113-3 - WLNS-DT – CBS Affiliate

I was not able to find the HD feed for WKAR.

Any idea why these channels differ from what was previously posted? Anyone know what channel I can find WKAR on now?

Thanks,

--deathster

I just got a TivoHD and have been playing around with QAM channels until the cablecard is installed next week. I am in the Comcast Lansing system.

After not finding the HD locals on the channels listed in the original post, I did some searching and found these assignments:

110-2 - WILX-HD – NBC Affiliate
110-14 - WILX-WX – Local Weather (SD)
111-3 - WLAJ-HD – ABC Affiliate
113-3 - WLNS-DT – CBS Affiliate

I was not able to find the HD feed for WKAR.

Any idea why these channels differ from what was previously posted? Anyone know what channel I can find WKAR on now?

Thanks,

--deathster

East Lansing Head end is different from the Lansing head end, also, I haven't received QAM updates in a long time. Could have very easily been moved during HD addition this summer to the Comcast line up.

East Lansing Head end is different from the Lansing head end, also, I haven't received QAM updates in a long time. Could have very easily been moved during HD addition this summer to the Comcast line up.

Are you saying the QAM listing in the original post refers to the East Lansing head end? I'm connected to the Lansing head end (as my first post mentioned).

Are you saying the QAM listing in the original post refers to the East Lansing head end? I'm connected to the Lansing head end (as my first post mentioned).

Yeah, I would have to look back to be sure, but the source was from EL

Yeah, I would have to look back to be sure, but the source was from EL

Well that explains it then, thanks.

If I can find the WKAR feed, maybe the Lansing QAM entries should get added to the original post.

Well that explains it then, thanks.

If I can find the WKAR feed, maybe the Lansing QAM entries should get added to the original post.

I will with my next update

HEY, jefbal99 HOW IS THE Winegard MS2000 WORKING FOR YOU? DO YOU GET THE DETROIT STATIONS WITH IT? I LIVE IN HOWELL AND I'M STUCK IN A DISH CONTRACT UNTILL SPRING AND DON'T WANT TO PAY THE CRAZY FEES TO UPGRADE TO HD. I'D RATHER SPEND THE MONEY ON AN ANTENNA NOW AND SWITCH TO DIRECTV IN THE SPRING. I WAS JUST WONDERING WHAT EXTENT OF CHANNELS I MIGHT EXPECT? THANKS

HEY, jefbal99 HOW IS THE Winegard MS2000 WORKING FOR YOU? DO YOU GET THE DETROIT STATIONS WITH IT? I LIVE IN HOWELL AND I'M STUCK IN A DISH CONTRACT UNTILL SPRING AND DON'T WANT TO PAY THE CRAZY FEES TO UPGRADE TO HD. I'D RATHER SPEND THE MONEY ON AN ANTENNA NOW AND SWITCH TO DIRECTV IN THE SPRING. I WAS JUST WONDERING WHAT EXTENT OF CHANNELS I MIGHT EXPECT? THANKS

Holy caps lock there...

I'm loving the MS-2000. I'm getting stations from Lansing and Grand Rapids. I get analog Fox 66 and I'm not sure where thats out of, but not the digital.

I'm very happy with the antenna, with you being in Howell, unless you are in a valley or have really high trees, I don't think you's have an issue getting Detroit stations.

Check out www.dennysantennaservice.com. They are out of Ithaca and guarantee all purchases. If the antenna you purchase doesn't meet your needs, then they will accept it back for a different antenna until you get what you are looking for or cash back.

Not in HD on the D* FSD-HD feed.

Also not in HD on D*'s FSD-HD feed. And is anybody on D* able to get any open feed of the Arizona State-Oregon game? It's showing on my D* program guide as being listed on ESPN and on channel 95 but both are embargoed.

0-3--no HD games on D* FSD-HD today

Also not in HD on D*'s FSD-HD feed. And is anybody on D* able to get any open feed of the Arizona State-Oregon game? It's showing on my D* program guide as being listed on ESPN and on channel 95 but both are embargoed.

Had to wait for the MSU-U of M game to get over as the reverse mirror had ESPNHD blacked out. Once the MSU game was over with, it showed on ESPNHD

0-3--no HD games on D* FSD-HD today

I'll be calling John @ FSN D today.

What HD channels are on Lansing's Comcast system that are in the clear, that anybody with just regular Comcast service can receive with a QAM tuner?

What HD channels are on Lansing's Comcast system that are in the clear, that anybody with just regular Comcast service can receive with a QAM tuner?

These are the current QAM channel assignments for the Lansing Comcast system:

110-2 - WILX-HD – NBC Affiliate
110-3 - WKAR-HD - PBS Affiliate
110-14 - WILX-WX – Local Weather (SD)
111-3 - WLAJ-HD – ABC Affiliate
111-5 - WSYM-HD – Fox Affiliate
113-3 - WLNS-DT – CBS Affiliate

jefbal99, please add these to the QAM list on your next update. Thanks.

Thanks deathster

jefbal99, please add these to the QAM list on your next update. Thanks.

Done

I'll be calling John @ FSN D today.

I chucked a couple of e-mails their way too. I heard enough BS about spot beams from D* last year. The whole point of having FSD-HD is that it is a dedicated HD channel, not one of D*'s special use channels. I wonder what other HD programming we may have missed out on.

I chucked a couple of e-mails their way too. I heard enough BS about spot beams from D* last year. The whole point of having FSD-HD is that it is a dedicated HD channel, not one of D*'s special use channels. I wonder what other HD programming we may have missed out on.

So far 1 Pistons game and about 7 college football games

If the Wings are not in HD on Wednesday, John will be hearing from me first thing in the morning.

John sent me this from D* regarding spot beams getting shut off and other RSNs getting HD feeds around 11/14.

He wants to wait until after this to engage D* as they never replied to him the first time.

So far 1 Pistons game and about 7 college football games

If the Wings are not in HD on Wednesday, John will be hearing from me first thing in the morning.

John sent me this from D* regarding spot beams getting shut off and other RSNs getting HD feeds around 11/14.

He wants to wait until after this to engage D* as they never replied to him the first time.

FSD-HD isn't on that list, though. He should be raising hell right now.

to anyone in east lansing...

a buddy of mine said he got a flyer in the mail about comcast adding 10 HD channels to the lineup, listed on there, all he could remember was FoodTv.

So, this was obviously specifically for non lansing residents as they already have food tv. he lives a few blocks east of hagadorn, north of GR... any word on this? i live right on michigan ave a block off campus. I would kill for more HD channels.

any info, greatly appreciated.

to anyone in east lansing...

a buddy of mine said he got a flyer in the mail about comcast adding 10 HD channels to the lineup, listed on there, all he could remember was FoodTv.

So, this was obviously specifically for non lansing residents as they already have food tv. he lives a few blocks east of hagadorn, north of GR... any word on this? i live right on michigan ave a block off campus. I would kill for more HD channels.

any info, greatly appreciated.

I would guess that these 10 channels would just be anything that has already been rolled out to the Lansing subscribers.

Check out the 1st post in the thread and compare your current line up to it. If there are 10 differences, then there are your channels, if there are less than 10, then maybe everybody will see something new.

oh, im not concerned about the channels.

i was wondering more about location specifically. as in if I will get it living on louis and michigan... with him living a few miles east.

I live in East Lansing and have not received a notice yet about new HD channels, but I would be very happy if they did add some new channels, especially Fox in HD. I think EL is still 550Mhz (at least according to my Cable Modem internal status page) so I don't know where they would get the room for 10 more. If I get a note from Comcast, I'll post it here.

to anyone in east lansing...

a buddy of mine said he got a flyer in the mail about comcast adding 10 HD channels to the lineup, listed on there, all he could remember was FoodTv.

So, this was obviously specifically for non lansing residents as they already have food tv. he lives a few blocks east of hagadorn, north of GR... any word on this? i live right on michigan ave a block off campus. I would kill for more HD channels.

any info, greatly appreciated.

figured as much.

it is incredibly frurstrating how poor our lineup is. especially the fact that we don't even get Fox, and the fact that MHD takes up one of the five non-premium-non-network HD channels is mind blows. MHD is hands down the worst channel in the lineup.

Wings are in HD on D* 636

I scanned through the previous threads a bit and couldn't really find anything about this, so forgive me if it has been brought up before.

Does anybody else notice the Fox bug in the lower-right hand corner looks a little goofy during prime time network programs in HD? Specifically those in 16:9? Its like the upper half of the bug has lines going through it or something. I can take a picture if it would help.

I'm watching the channel via OTA, no other parts of the picture look goofed up and football broadcasts on Sunday look just fine. Doesn't really bother me per say, just curious what the deal is.

to anyone in east lansing...

a buddy of mine said he got a flyer in the mail about comcast adding 10 HD channels to the lineup, listed on there, all he could remember was FoodTv.

So, this was obviously specifically for non lansing residents as they already have food tv. he lives a few blocks east of hagadorn, north of GR... any word on this? i live right on michigan ave a block off campus. I would kill for more HD channels.

any info, greatly appreciated.

I received that flyer. But my flyer specifically said "Meridian Township Residents", not East Lansing (I live on Burcham, closer to Okemos Rd. intersection). Do you know if your friends is within the City borders or the Township borders (the first couple blocks east of Hagadorn are in E.L, but everything to the East of Maplewood, starting with Brookfield is Meridian Township)? I checked with friends in E.L. and Okemos, and none of them had received it, so I'm assuming it's a pretty limited area for now, and they'll probably extend it slowly as they complete the work.

It was talking about the fact that they will come over to the neighborhoods to upgrade the lines, so we would be seeing some Comcast service trucks over the next few weeks and that there would also be interruptions in the service in the process. They are supposed to leave flyers at your door when they start working in your specific neighborhood for the upgrade.

I don't have the flyer with me, it's at home so I'll try looking at it tomorrow to let you know the exact list of channels, but I wasn't very impressed when I glanced at it, especially knowing what DirecTV has done lately. I remember seeing Versus/Golf Channel there though (simply because I'm pissed off about them not carrying BTN but forcing Versus and Golf Channel on us)...

that was my main question. i think he lives in meridian twnshp. Thanks for the help

i am incredibly jealous.

I scanned through the previous threads a bit and couldn't really find anything about this, so forgive me if it has been brought up before.

Does anybody else notice the Fox bug in the lower-right hand corner looks a little goofy during prime time network programs in HD? Specifically those in 16:9? Its like the upper half of the bug has lines going through it or something. I can take a picture if it would help.

I'm watching the channel via OTA, no other parts of the picture look goofed up and football broadcasts on Sunday look just fine. Doesn't really bother me per say, just curious what the deal is.

I've wondering the same thing, but never really cared enough to ask. Its been that way for as long as I can remember.

Why:( It used to be viewable but did not really intrude on watching the program. Now :mad:

Why:( It used to be viewable but did not really intrude on watching the program. Now :mad:

I haven't viewed WKAR recently, can you post a pic or screenshot?

Also, Gary are you guys still running audio on 23.5? Since switching to D*, my Tuners in HR20/H20 haven't picked that channel up. When I was getting it on my Samsung tuner, i had no audio.

Any chance Tribune will start picking up program data for the Life and World subchannels and the Annenberg feed?

Interesting content...that my TiVo can't find on channel EDUCACC.

Does anyone know why WILX doesn't show Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy! in HD on their digital feed?

It's always pillarboxed, as far as I've seen. Is it a cost or technical issue that prevents them giving us the HD versions?

--deathster

Does anyone know why WILX doesn't show Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy! in HD on their digital feed?

It's always pillarboxed, as far as I've seen. Is it a cost or technical issue that prevents them giving us the HD versions?

--deathster

I've spoke with Gary King about this and noted previously in the thread...

WILX currently lacks equipment (servers) to record the HD feeds and store them for broadcasting later in the week. This summer they installed the beginnings of HD production with the ability to insert HD graphics into the national NBC feed. Weather bugs and crawls will still be in SD for the time being.

Big 12 football is in high definition on FSD-HD in the early afternoon. Congrats to Jeff.

I haven't viewed WKAR recently, can you post a pic or screenshot?

Also, Gary are you guys still running audio on 23.5? Since switching to D*, my Tuners in HR20/H20 haven't picked that channel up. When I was getting it on my Samsung tuner, i had no audio.

Not at the moment, we've been having birthing pains with our new automation system and we haven't had a chance to get back to the audio. I was also disappointed that some sets, e.g. mine, refused to lock up on the signal. Others would lock for say ten-fifteen minutes, then have a brief hit. Our PSIP manufacturer, suggested we try it again with a different setting, so, we'll try go get to that next week. But no promises.

Any chance Tribune will start picking up program data for the Life and World subchannels and the Annenberg feed?

Interesting content...that my TiVo can't find on channel EDUCACC.

It's not a Tribune issue. It's a Comcast issue. The two channels of which you refer, are part of the Public-Educational-Government (PEG) channels in the Lansing/East Lansing/Meridian Township area. (Annenberg is the third, and that one is only available in East Lansing/Meridian)

I believe Comcast uses TVGuide as their source for data, and we are definitely providing the information to TVGuide. Comcast just refuses to make electronic program guide information available for the PEG channels. (But if you look at the analog on-screen roll-up TVGuide, you find that they are still listing the SCOLA international news schedule that we had discontinued many years ago.)

Program guide information is available on PSIP (one day in advance) or on our website: http://wkar.org/tv/schedule.php

I know it doesn't help you try to program a TIVO for it. Sorry.

Big 12 football is in high definition on FSD-HD in the early afternoon. Congrats to Jeff.

I saw that yesterday and was quite pleased. Also the BTN appears to be showing more HD on the alternate channels on D*.

Gary, hope you guys get the audio working eventually, would be nice to have on the TV.

I saw that yesterday and was quite pleased. Also the BTN appears to be showing more HD on the alternate channels on D*.

Gary, hope you guys get the audio working eventually, would be nice to have on the TV.

BTN announced that D* would be carrying the overflows in HD at the end of October. Looks like that got settled quicker than I thought it would. I think having the hoops season upcoming pushed the issue because they are almost done with football. Now if they would just show more volleyball I'd be really happy.

Having the Big 12 and Pac 10 in HD worked out well. That Washington-Oregon State game ended up as one of the better finishes of the day and it was in glorious 720p.

Is anybody else noticing that episodes of Scrubs on WGN are choppy?

Is anybody else noticing that episodes of Scrubs on WGN are choppy?

Just checked for a minute or so. No problems with WGN on Comcast down here in Detroit.

It's not a Tribune issue. It's a Comcast issue. The two channels of which you refer, are part of the Public-Educational-Government (PEG) channels in the Lansing/East Lansing/Meridian Township area. (Annenberg is the third, and that one is only available in East Lansing/Meridian)

I believe Comcast uses TVGuide as their source for data, and we are definitely providing the information to TVGuide. Comcast just refuses to make electronic program guide information available for the PEG channels. (But if you look at the analog on-screen roll-up TVGuide, you find that they are still listing the SCOLA international news schedule that we had discontinued many years ago.)

Program guide information is available on PSIP (one day in advance) or on our website: http://wkar.org/tv/schedule.php

I know it doesn't help you try to program a TIVO for it. Sorry.That's confusing. My understanding was that the two big guide data aggregators (TV Guide/Gemstar and Tribune/Zap2It) get their data directly from the broadcasters (like WKAR), not the MSOs (like Comcast).

TV Guide has you set up right at least for OTA:
23/NTSC - WKAR
23.1/ATSC - WKARH (PBSHD)
23.2/ATSC - WKARS (WKAR 23/SD)
23.3/ATSC - WKARL (PBS Life)
23.4/ATSC - WKARW (PBS World)but Tribune Media/Zap2It has you as:
23/NTSC - WKAR
23.1/ATSC - WKARDT
23.2/ATSC - WKARDT2TiVo uses Tribune Media Services. I should be able to get TiVo to map the 23.3 and 23.4 data to the respective Comcast channels, but they would still need Tribune to update their list and get the subchannel listings from you.

I could also just get the 23.3 and 23.4 feeds OTA, but would still need the OTA guide data. I've already pinged TiVo on this; with any luck, they'll get Tribune to give y'all a call.

Alright, new question for those here. I'm planning to build a Mythbuntu based DVR, and I currently have Comcast cable. I'm on the expanded basic package, which is all of the normal channels plus the 4 local HD stations.

I am thinking about getting the HD upgrade from Comcast, which would require a set-top box to decode the signal. I'm fully aware that I can't see the new HD channels in an HTPC without a CableCard, but that's not my plan. I was thinking I might use the Mythbuntu DVR to record shows on the normal stations and the local HD channels, and then use the provided set-top box when watching the other HD channels. What I want to know is if they set up a set-top box with HD programming on one TV, will the coax from the wall still broadcast the regular (expanded basic) programming? Do they have to change the signal that's sent to your place when you get HD, or is the signal the same and the set-top box is just there to unscramble the channels?

Just checked for a minute or so. No problems with WGN on Comcast down here in Detroit.

The D* feed was jumpy through most the episode I watched. I'll see if the problem recurs tonight.

endingpop, the in coming signal will still carry your expanded basic programs, the box will decode the extra ones depending on your package.

That's confusing. My understanding was that the two big guide data aggregators (TV Guide/Gemstar and Tribune/Zap2It) get their data directly from the broadcasters (like WKAR), not the MSOs (like Comcast).

TV Guide has you set up right at least for OTA:
23/NTSC - WKAR
23.1/ATSC - WKARH (PBSHD)
23.2/ATSC - WKARS (WKAR 23/SD)
23.3/ATSC - WKARL (PBS Life)
23.4/ATSC - WKARW (PBS World)but Tribune Media/Zap2It has you as:
23/NTSC - WKAR
23.1/ATSC - WKARDT
23.2/ATSC - WKARDT2TiVo uses Tribune Media Services. I should be able to get TiVo to map the 23.3 and 23.4 data to the respective Comcast channels, but they would still need Tribune to update their list and get the subchannel listings from you.

I could also just get the 23.3 and 23.4 feeds OTA, but would still need the OTA guide data. I've already pinged TiVo on this; with any luck, they'll get Tribune to give y'all a call.

Ah, I'll let our public information office know that they need to contract Tribune Media to get that fixed. Thanks.

That's confusing. My understanding was that the two big guide data aggregators (TV Guide/Gemstar and Tribune/Zap2It) get their data directly from the broadcasters (like WKAR), not the MSOs (like Comcast).


Maybe I wrote it weird. WKAR provides the program guide to TV Guide and to Tribune Media Services. Comcast is a TV Guide customer and has chosen to not use the information provided to describe the content on their Public-Educational-Government channels.

Thanks much, maggiefan!

Anyone else having audio sync issues with WKAR-HD tonight? I don't know if this is a known issue or not as I haven't watched the channel in a little bit, but it's about a second or two off right now.

Any idea about the new Channel Lineup for QAM East Lansing Comcast? For example 12-3 was ABC is not coming up. 13-3 was CBS. THe lansing listings of 111-3 and 113-3 are not working in E.L. Earlier posts have suggested posible service issues with upgrades to the system, any help is appreciated.

Did anyone else have the high def network channels on Comcast go out last night? It happened at 6:30, came back at 7:00 and went out again at 9:00. The analog channels were still working the whole time, strange.

Did anyone else have the high def network channels on Comcast go out last night? It happened at 6:30, came back at 7:00 and went out again at 9:00. The analog channels were still working the whole time, strange.

Yes, happened to us as well. At about 9:18pm, the HD channels went gray and didn't come back. A call to Comcast to hit our Cablecards had no effect.

The channels are back this morning. Go figure.

--deathster

Anyone else having audio sync issues with WKAR-HD tonight? I don't know if this is a known issue or not as I haven't watched the channel in a little bit, but it's about a second or two off right now.

Yeah, noticed the issue watching Nova last night. Flipped over to the SD feed on 23.2 and it was synced up fine.

Did anyone else have the high def network channels on Comcast go out last night? It happened at 6:30, came back at 7:00 and went out again at 9:00. The analog channels were still working the whole time, strange.Yep. National hi-def networks (e.g., ESPN-HD) were fine but the local ATSC rebroadcasts (including WILX-WX) were out.

Anybody know whether Comcast lost the analog rebroadcast of the CW feed on WLAJ-DT2?

Has anyone else had issues with the picture freezing for a few seconds on Comcast? About once a night I'll see the picture freeze while the audio continues. Within 5 seconds the picture is back and caught up, but it's quite annoying. It only seems to happen on digital channels. If it's my TV, I will be pissed.

Has anyone else had issues with the picture freezing for a few seconds on Comcast? About once a night I'll see the picture freeze while the audio continues. Within 5 seconds the picture is back and caught up, but it's quite annoying. It only seems to happen on digital channels. If it's my TV, I will be pissed.

I have this issue every now and then OTA, so i dont think its your TV.

Anybody notice that live college football on WLAJ-DT is blurry at times. The blurriness happens when there is a scene or transition and then clears up. I thought I read somewhere that this is an encoder setting issue. This does not happen on WJRT-DT.

Program received OTA on a D* HR-20 Receiver.

Anyone else having audio sync issues with WKAR-HD tonight? I don't know if this is a known issue or not as I haven't watched the channel in a little bit, but it's about a second or two off right now.

Sorry, lip-synch was and is off. We're waiting on a vendor response as we've been waiting to catch it in the act for a while

Anyone else having audio sync issues with WKAR-HD tonight? I don't know if this is a known issue or not as I haven't watched the channel in a little bit, but it's about a second or two off right now.

This lip sync issue is making it very difficult to watch WKAR HD. Gary…?

Sorry, missed your reply to earlier posts.

Anybody notice that live college football on WLAJ-DT is blurry at times. The blurriness happens when there is a scene or transition and then clears up. I thought I read somewhere that this is an encoder setting issue. This does not happen on WJRT-DT.

Program received OTA on a D* HR-20 Receiver.

I've noticed that myself. I also see it on the NASCAR broadcasts.

I'm in EL. The channels (QAM) are not working again tonight on Comcast.

I received that flyer. But my flyer specifically said "Meridian Township Residents", not East Lansing (I live on Burcham, closer to Okemos Rd. intersection). Do you know if your friends is within the City borders or the Township borders (the first couple blocks east of Hagadorn are in E.L, but everything to the East of Maplewood, starting with Brookfield is Meridian Township)? I checked with friends in E.L. and Okemos, and none of them had received it, so I'm assuming it's a pretty limited area for now, and they'll probably extend it slowly as they complete the work.

It was talking about the fact that they will come over to the neighborhoods to upgrade the lines, so we would be seeing some Comcast service trucks over the next few weeks and that there would also be interruptions in the service in the process. They are supposed to leave flyers at your door when they start working in your specific neighborhood for the upgrade.

I don't have the flyer with me, it's at home so I'll try looking at it tomorrow to let you know the exact list of channels, but I wasn't very impressed when I glanced at it, especially knowing what DirecTV has done lately. I remember seeing Versus/Golf Channel there though (simply because I'm pissed off about them not carrying BTN but forcing Versus and Golf Channel on us)...

Comcast are definitely up to something in Meridian Township. Both Cable and HSI were out yesterday morning for 4 hours and so far today both have been out since 9am. Lots of Comcast trucks and employees are in the area (I'm west of Okemos Rd off Bennett Rd). Hopefully it means the bandwidth is being upgraded and more HD channels are on the way very soon!

This lip sync issue is making it very difficult to watch WKAR HD. Gary…?

Sorry, missed your reply to earlier posts.

Our satellite receiver went stupid. Rebooted. All seems happy now.

Our satellite receiver went stupid. Rebooted. All seems happy now.

Just checked and it is spot on. Thanks.

Been gone since tuesday at deer camp. D* added more HD, 5 nationals and a bunch of RSNs. Also, some PPVs too.

Had some issues with my HR20 tonight, 2 tps on tuner 1 and OTA tuner 1 were acting up. Reboot resolved it, thought i was going crazy. My OTA recordings were fine and I could catch up to the live broadcast, but tuner 1 was giving a 771 searching for signal while showing the broadcast behind the error.

Overall, much more reliable than my old Comcast boxes.

I'll update the 1st post with the new channels.

Noticed a few questions about QAM channels. Some basic info, each Headend has their own QAM assignments. EL is on the old TCI network that is currently being upgraded. It's a different headend so you will see different channel numbers. If you post the EL QAMs I'll add it to the 1st post.

Been gone since tuesday at deer camp. D* added more HD, 5 nationals and a bunch of RSNs. Also, some PPVs too.

Had some issues with my HR20 tonight, 2 tps on tuner 1 and OTA tuner 1 were acting up. Reboot resolved it, thought i was going crazy. My OTA recordings were fine and I could catch up to the live broadcast, but tuner 1 was giving a 771 searching for signal while showing the broadcast behind the error.

Overall, much more reliable than my old Comcast boxes.

I'll update the 1st post with the new channels.

Noticed a few questions about QAM channels. Some basic info, each Headend has their own QAM assignments. EL is on the old TCI network that is currently being upgraded. It's a different headend so you will see different channel numbers. If you post the EL QAMs I'll add it to the 1st post.

Did you shoot anything other than the sh!!t?

Did you shoot anything other than the sh!!t?

Neg, didn't see any horns

Anyone have a source for HD listings news that could alert us to upcoming broadcast HD movies? This thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=941519) discusses whether or not The Incredibles will be broadcast in HD on Thanksgiving on NBC (doesn't look like it).

I know I can search TiVo for upcoming movies, but there has to be a blog or news service out there that would publicize movies appearing on the networks (preferably in HD).

Thoughts?

Anyone have a source for HD listings news that could alert us to upcoming broadcast HD movies? This thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=941519) discusses whether or not The Incredibles will be broadcast in HD on Thanksgiving on NBC (doesn't look like it).

I know I can search TiVo for upcoming movies, but there has to be a blog or news service out there that would publicize movies appearing on the networks (preferably in HD).

Thoughts?

I would be shocked if it wasn't shown in HD. NBC showed a sunday night movie a few weeks back, one of the borne movies i think and it was in HD.

Based on the timeslot and that almost everything in primetime is HD now, it would be shocking if this wasn't in HD

Is anybody picking up MY18 OTA?

Is anybody picking up MY18 OTA?

It dropped off my radar weeks ago. I just did a channel rescan on my D* H20 Sunday and digital 18 is not getting picked up. I am close enough where I was getting their low power signal.

Is anybody picking up MY18 OTA?

I have never gotten a digital signal from them OTA. I tried on the southside and westside of lansing

I have never gotten a digital signal from them OTA. I tried on the southside and westside of lansing

I can get it on Campus in East Lansing, but I can see their tower from here, too.

OTA channel number is 34. Standard Definition, not HD, about 8mbps. I'm not used to seeing 10 mbps of null packets.

I can get it on Campus in East Lansing, but I can see their tower from here, too.

OTA channel number is 34. Standard Definition, not HD, about 8mbps. I'm not used to seeing 10 mbps of null packets.

I'll try a rescan and see what comes up

When I rescanned my D* H20, it found 23.3 and 23.4 but my rabbit ears just can't get enough signal to show me the channels. I need to disguise an aerial as a tree so my landlord won't notice.

Anybody here from Ingham or Jackson counties able to pick up the Detroit digitals with an antenna?

Anybody here from Ingham or Jackson counties able to pick up the Detroit digitals with an antenna?

I live just north of Jackson, and I have picked up WDIV (NBC Channel 4) and WJBK (Fox Channel 2) on some occasions when the weather was cooperative and the stars were aligned. Oddly enough, I have far better luck getting WOTV (ABC Channel 41 - Battle Creek) consistently, in spite of the fact that it is the same distance away from me as the Detroit stations. I use a roof-mounted Channel Master antenna for all this.

I've noticed that myself. I also see it on the NASCAR broadcasts.

Anybody notice that live college football on WLAJ-DT is blurry at times. The blurriness happens when there is a scene or transition and then clears up. I thought I read somewhere that this is an encoder setting issue. This does not happen on WJRT-DT.

Program received OTA on a D* HR-20 Receiver.

I've noticed this on both football and NASCAR broadcasts. I was fearing that it was a problem with my equipment, but I'm glad it's not just me seeing this...

I live just north of Jackson, and I have picked up WDIV (NBC Channel 4) and WJBK (Fox Channel 2) on some occasions when the weather was cooperative and the stars were aligned. Oddly enough, I have far better luck getting WOTV (ABC Channel 41 - Battle Creek) consistently, in spite of the fact that it is the same distance away from me as the Detroit stations. I use a roof-mounted Channel Master antenna for all this.

Yep, it's looking like the Kzoo/GR DTV stations will be easier to get than the Detroiters. I'm going to install an OTA receiver at my parents' house tomorrow out by Leslie and will have to play around with the aerial.

Anyone have a source for HD listings news that could alert us to upcoming broadcast HD movies? This thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=941519) discusses whether or not The Incredibles will be broadcast in HD on Thanksgiving on NBC (doesn't look like it).

I know I can search TiVo for upcoming movies, but there has to be a blog or news service out there that would publicize movies appearing on the networks (preferably in HD).

Thoughts?

HD and OAR

Also, HDNet has the Wings and Preds in HD, I thought it was gonna be blacked out because of the FSN broadcast, but its a nice surprise to see an HD away feed.

Had to call WWMT to get the Texas v Texas A&M game switched to HD.

Nebraska v Colorado game was fine, even switched back after the lotto numbers were up.

Had to call WWMT to get the Texas v Texas A&M game switched to HD.

Nebraska v Colorado game was fine, even switched back after the lotto numbers were up.

I've got WWMT on speed dial for just such an emergency. I was napping when they did the switchover today.

I recorded 4 eps of BSG from SciFi HD this morning, all in beautiful HD

I did and OTA rescan on my H20 tonight and got 18-1 this time. Also picked up WRAK Life, WKAR World, and WKAR FM.

Still nothing on WKAR FM.

I did and OTA rescan on my H20 tonight and got 18-1 this time. Also picked up WRAK Life, WKAR World, and WKAR FM.

Still nothing on WKAR FM.

Hmmm. WKAR-FM has been up for two weeks. There seem to be some inconsistencies in the way that the set manufacturers implemented "audio only" services. We received a viewer complaint that they had been receiving WKAR-DT fine for three years, then it went away "a week to ten days ago". I'm suspecting the 23.5 so, we've taken it out of the multiplex again to see if that was the problem. The viewers are in Brighton using a Zenith HDV420 and a computer card, the Twinhan.

Interesting that on our Samsung STB at the office that it comes in just fine, as it does on a $99 Insignia TV. But my Samsung TV at home will only see 23.5 if I do a full re-scan, then only lock to the audio if I first tune to the channel then turn the set off then on again, or change channels downward to it, so that 23.5 is the first channel decoded.

Hmmm. WKAR-FM has been up for two weeks. There seem to be some inconsistencies in the way that the set manufacturers implemented "audio only" services. We received a viewer complaint that they had been receiving WKAR-DT fine for three years, then it went away "a week to ten days ago". I'm suspecting the 23.5 so, we've taken it out of the multiplex again to see if that was the problem. The viewers are in Brighton using a Zenith HDV420 and a computer card, the Twinhan.

Interesting that on our Samsung STB at the office that it comes in just fine, as it does on a $99 Insignia TV. But my Samsung TV at home will only see 23.5 if I do a full re-scan, then only lock to the audio if I first tune to the channel then turn the set off then on again, or change channels downward to it, so that 23.5 is the first channel decoded.

This was with my D* H20, I'll hook an OTA line up to my Samsung and see if can tune to the audio only channel (once you turn it back on).

To any HR20 users out there...

I've run into a bit of an issue that I haven't had the time to research yet. It seems that the HR20 doesn't scan for OTA channels the same way that the H20 does. I have to input my zip code, then it displays channels for me. However, my H20 receives many more OTA channels than my HR20. (Example: no 17-x, 18-1, 23-3, 23-4, 23-5, 31-x, 41-x, 66-1) Is there a setting or fix that I need to make the HR20 scan for all available OTA channels? I put in GR as a 2ndary market and got 17-x and 41-x, but had remove all the others that I was not pulling.

Got a pamphlet in the mail for new Comcast channels in East Lansing:

Change over work starts November 28 and completed March 18th 2008.

HD:
A&E HD
Food HD
Fox Sports Detroit HD
HGTV HD
National Geo HD
NHL HD
TNT HD
Universal HD
Versus/Golf HD
WSYM (Fox) HD

Digital Classic:
EWTN
Fox Reality
Hallmark Channel
NBA Preview
TV One

Digital Preferred:
Encore WAM!
Indieplex
MTV Tr3s
retroplex

Has the main Lansing Network gotten NHL HD yet?

Has the main Lansing Network gotten NHL HD yet?

I got a lineup change notification in Lansing yesterday. It included (among others I can't recall) the addition of NHL HD.

I got a lineup change notification in Lansing yesterday. It included (among others I can't recall) the addition of NHL HD.

Please let me know if and when any additions/changes occur. I'll keep the 1st post updated

Please let me know if and when any additions/changes occur. I'll keep the 1st post updated

I'll try to remember to write down the additions, and send them on.

Not sure how closely you cats follow D11, but its launch has been delayed.

Sea Launch is heading back to port without having launched Thuraya-3

Speculation has Sea Launch looking at a mid January return to flight, pushing its next launch to mid March.

If the schedule stays the same, then D11 will be mid March or beyond.

Sea Launch Reschedules the Thuraya-3 Launch Campaign
Long Beach, Calif. November 26, 2007 - Due to unusually strong ocean currents at the launch site, Sea Launch is rescheduling the launch campaign for the Thuraya-3 satellite. The team is establishing an extended schedule for the Thuraya-3 mission, as the vessels return to Sea Launch Home Port. All personnel are doing well and all systems and the spacecraft are secure.

The Sea Launch team arrived at the launch site on Nov. 10 and initiated a 72-hour countdown for a Nov. 14 launch. Since that time, the Launch Platform has been subject to ocean currents of up to twice the normal levels, coupled with high winds. The result has been an inability for the vessel to maintain its launch position within established launch commit criteria. The launch team put the countdown on hold several times in an effort to work around the challenging environmental conditions, and to find alternative positions and headings for the vessels. However, sea-state conditions continued to deteriorate further.

The Odyssey Launch Platform, recently refurbished, performed as expected in all operational aspects. Throughout operations at the launch site, all segments of the satellite and launch system remained nominal in launch readiness and are now being secured for transit to Home Port, according to procedure.

"Notwithstanding the ingenuity and positive attitude of every person in every segment on this mission and the absolute readiness of all systems to support the launch of Thuraya-3, Mother Nature is not cooperating," said Rob Peckham, president and general manager of Sea Launch. "Therefore, the integrated team (Marine Segment, Mission Director, Rocket Segment and Spacecraft) has agreed to terminate the countdown. We will now focus on extending the campaign and scheduling the corresponding activities required to return to the launch site and launch our customer’s satellite."

Not sure how closely you cats follow D11, but its launch has been delayed.

Sea Launch is heading back to port without having launched Thuraya-3

Speculation has Sea Launch looking at a mid January return to flight, pushing its next launch to mid March.

If the schedule stays the same, then D11 will be mid March or beyond.

It figures. I hadn't counted on D11 going up on time. Besides, the important channels I wanted were all on D10. I get our digital locals OTA fine most of the time and I don't think there's any boffo-socko nationals I am interested in waiting for the D11 launch, so I can wait it out. Was Thuraya supposed to be the first Sea Launch flight since the big explosion?

It figures. I hadn't counted on D11 going up on time. Besides, the important channels I wanted were all on D10. I get our digital locals OTA fine most of the time and I don't think there's any boffo-socko nationals I am interested in waiting for the D11 launch, so I can wait it out. Was Thuraya supposed to be the first Sea Launch flight since the big explosion?

Yea, Thuraya-3 is their return to flight.

To any HR20 users out there...

I've run into a bit of an issue that I haven't had the time to research yet. It seems that the HR20 doesn't scan for OTA channels the same way that the H20 does. I have to input my zip code, then it displays channels for me. However, my H20 receives many more OTA channels than my HR20. (Example: no 17-x, 18-1, 23-3, 23-4, 23-5, 31-x, 41-x, 66-1) Is there a setting or fix that I need to make the HR20 scan for all available OTA channels? I put in GR as a 2ndary market and got 17-x and 41-x, but had remove all the others that I was not pulling.

I have discovered from some reading, that the HR20 gives you what HD channels D* thinks you should have OTA and doesn't do a true scan for your area. Anybody know a way around this?

Please let me know if and when any additions/changes occur. I'll keep the 1st post updated

New additions:

195 – USAHD – The USA Network HD (added November ’07)
196 – TBSHD – Turner Broadcasting System HD (added November ’07)
212 – HSTRYHD – The History Channel HD (added November ’07)
213 – CNNHD – Cable News Network HD (added November ’07)
276 – NHLNET – (added November ’07)

NHLNET may not be HD? I don't subscribe to the package that includes these new channels, so perhaps another Comcast Lansing customer can confirm this?

New additions:

195 – USAHD – The USA Network HD (added November ’07)
196 – TBSHD – Turner Broadcasting System HD (added November ’07)
212 – HSTRYHD – The History Channel HD (added November ’07)
213 – CNNHD – Cable News Network HD (added November ’07)
276 – NHLNET – (added November ’07)

NHLNET may not be HD? I don't subscribe to the package that includes these new channels, so perhaps another Comcast Lansing customer can confirm this?

When will these channels be active? I'm in DeWitt Township and haven't received any message regarding their addition. We usually follow the Lansing lineup.

I haven't received any notice on these new channels yet and just checked the guide and they aren't there yet. I'm near the downtown area of Lansing.

Detroit got USA, CNN, History and TBS High Def this morning. Any changes in Lansing?

For clarification, I was alerted to the newly added channels by my Tivo HD. So the Turner guide data thinks these channels were added, but perhaps they are not active on the Lansing Comcast system yet.

As I said in my post above, I won't receive these channels with my current service anyway. Someone else in Lansing will have to post a reply when they see the new channels activated.

For clarification, I was alerted to the newly added channels by my Tivo HD. So the Turner guide data thinks these channels were added, but perhaps they are not active on the Lansing Comcast system yet.

As I said in my post above, I won't receive these channels with my current service anyway. Someone else in Lansing will have to post a reply when they see the new channels activated.


They are listed in the online guide at Comcast.net and that is usually the last place to get updated. Adding to the 1st post.

Can somebody post or PM me the Guide ID for History HD, its usually limited to 5 characters.

Also added Biography HD to D*

For clarification, I was alerted to the newly added channels by my Tivo HD. So the Turner guide data thinks these channels were added, but perhaps they are not active on the Lansing Comcast system yet.

As I said in my post above, I won't receive these channels with my current service anyway. Someone else in Lansing will have to post a reply when they see the new channels activated.

Get yourself a cable card and enjoy all the HD from Comcast

Get yourself a cable card and enjoy all the HD from Comcast

Oh, I have two. :)

I just don't subscribe to the HD tier that includes HD channels other than locals. I can't justify the extra $10 or so a month at this point.

Maybe at some point in the future....

Oh, I have two. :)

I just don't subscribe to the HD tier that includes HD channels other than locals. I can't justify the extra $10 or so a month at this point.

Maybe at some point in the future....
You should now be able to get all Comcast HD channels with digital starter. There was an article in the Detroit News about it. I can't post a link yet, sorry.

You should now be able to get all Comcast HD channels with digital starter. There was an article in the Detroit News about it. I can't post a link yet, sorry.

Wow, I just found the article at the Detroit News site.

A chat with Comcast confirms that this is the case. I just have to call to request access!

Thanks putmanbr! :)

They are listed in the online guide at Comcast.net and that is usually the last place to get updated. Adding to the 1st post.

Can somebody post or PM me the Guide ID for History HD, its usually limited to 5 characters.

Also added Biography HD to D*

I do not have the new Comcast HD channels yet. I'm on the south west side of Lansing.

New channels (USA, CNN, HIST, TBS) are live as of yesterday morning.

I do not have the new Comcast HD channels yet. I'm on the south west side of Lansing.

I just got off the phone with Comcast.

Initially, the agent told me that those HD channels were not part of digital basic service. I sent her a link to the article in the Detroit News (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071120/BIZ/711200341/1001) and she reviewed it and showed it to her manager. The manager confirmed that the HD channels were moving to digital basic.

This should happen on Monday. They said that all HD channels would be included, except for premium HD channels (HBO, Showtime, etc).

It might be worth a call to Comcast if you don't see the new channels added on Monday. I am pretty excited at the prospect of nearly 20 additional HD channels!

New additions:

195 – USAHD – The USA Network HD (added November ’07)
196 – TBSHD – Turner Broadcasting System HD (added November ’07)
212 – HSTRYHD – The History Channel HD (added November ’07)
213 – CNNHD – Cable News Network HD (added November ’07)
276 – NHLNET – (added November ’07)

NHLNET may not be HD? I don't subscribe to the package that includes these new channels, so perhaps another Comcast Lansing customer can confirm this?

The new channels are active this AM.

Can anyone in the Lansing Comcast system with Digital Basic service confirm that they can now receive additional HD channels?

The new channels are active this AM.

What is the Guide ID for History HD?

What is the Guide ID for History HD?

Hope this is what you mean: HISTD

Hope this is what you mean: HISTD

Thanks, 1st post updated properly

Does anyone know the monthly price of the digital starter package? I don't think the Comcast web page shows the prices. Is the digital starter package the minimum digital package? Thanks guys.

I'm in West Lansing and noticed today that I have the added HD channels available.

Long way to go to catch up to D*. Man I wish I could get that where I live!

I'm in West Lansing and noticed today that I have the added HD channels available.

Long way to go to catch up to D*. Man I wish I could get that where I live!

Where do you live that you can't see the south-southwest sky?

I can confirm that I receive all of the non-premium HD channels now with Comcast Digital Starter service in Lansing.

The only channel I'm having trouble receiving is National Geographic HD (channel 199). Is anyone else in Lansing having problems receiving it? I've called Comcast and they are supposedly checking on it.

Does anyone know if the additional HD channels will be on Comcast's E. Lansing system? I'm in Meridian Township. Thanks

Does anyone know the monthly price of the digital starter package? I don't think the Comcast web page shows the prices. Is the digital starter package the minimum digital package? Thanks guys.

Digital Starter is $53/month. You also need a HD box which is $7/month or a HD DVR which is $12/month. Yes, it's the minimum digital package.

Does anyone know if the additional HD channels will be on Comcast's E. Lansing system? I'm in Meridian Township. Thanks

Once the upgrade is complete, EL should get everything, there is previous post that has that info.