Originally posted by STL
I don't believe Scott's CRT reference only meant tube TVs. I think he might be suggesting a small tabletop (CRT-based) RPTV. I believe Mitsubishi used to make a 46" model that as if it would fit in the space you described.

Correct, I was refering to maybe a 42" tabletop RPTV like my MIts. It is only 24" deep, and ways less than the 34" tubes. Great tv for a lot less than say a 42" DLP. Personally I think they have a better picture than both the LCD or DLP's. The only issue is convergence is not spot on perfect.

Scott

Scott,

I looked at that "tabletop" 42 RPTV Mits and also the similar Samsung "tabletop" model at American yesterday. My only problem with these two models is that they are built to sit on a stand that is around 18 inches off the ground. With my bookshelf, they would sit 34 inches off the ground. That would be too high when sitting in that room and would degrade the pq because of it. That is my assumption in part because I experience that same issue with my 51 Toshiba RPTV when you are not at the proper viewing area.

It irritates me because those 2 tv's are a great value. I guess I will be getting one of the 34 inch tube tv's like the Panny instead.

Bruce

Originally posted by abcward
Scott,

I looked at that "tabletop" 42 RPTV Mits and also the similar Samsung "tabletop" model at American yesterday. My only problem with these two models is that they are built to sit on a stand that is around 18 inches off the ground. With my bookshelf, they would sit 34 inches off the ground. That would be too high when sitting in that room and would degrade the pq because of it. That is my assumption in part because I experience that same issue with my 51 Toshiba RPTV when you are not at the proper viewing area.

It irritates me because those 2 tv's are a great value. I guess I will be getting one of the 34 inch tube tv's like the Panny instead.

Bruce

Funny, I was thinking about your height issue this morning, and came here to warn you. You beat me to it. The 34"Panny is an excellent choice if 34" is big enough for you.

Scott

not sure if anyone has seen this yet, but wb11 posted the HD game lineup on their site:

April
04/08 Fri 3:15 vs Philadelphia
04/23 Sat 1:15 vs Houston
04/24 Sun 1:15 vs Houston

June
06/25 Sat 6:15 vs Pittsburgh
06/26 Sun 1:15 vs Pittsburgh

July
07/03 Sun 1:15 vs Colorado
07/16 Sat 3:15 vs Houston
07/17 Sun 1:15 vs Houston

September
09/03 Sat 6:05 at Houston
09/04 Sun 1:05 at Houston

October
10/01 Sat 3:15 vs Cincinnati

No Cubs?

I would have expected to see a Cubs game or two, or six, there too. Especially since KPLR and WGN are owned by the same company now... KPLR could just piggyback off WGN's HD cameras at Wrigley Field (though I'm sure in practice it'd be a lot more complicated than that).

Anyone heard if KETC (or any other station for that matter) is going to pick up the new DOCTOR WHO that just premiered across the pond last weekend? I used to be a big fan of the old Doctor on channel 9 Sunday late nights....

audiolocator,

Thanks for posting the Cards on KPLR-HD schedule.

Now that we have those specifics, I wonder what's up with FOX Sports Midwest and their supposed plan for 22 Cards games in HD during the 2005 season? In addition to picking up on this news here at AVS, I also heard it "officially" when it was mentioned 3 or 4 weeks ago during a KTVI news report on HDTV sales in the area.

It seems to me the last thing we need is another HD channel that exists but no one receives (ESPN 2). :(

(Please note that the rest of this note is "thinking out loud" speculation, and nothing more...) ;)

It seems like the most logical way to handle the HD Cards' games from FSMW would be for Charter to add a new channel, either full time or for specific games/events until FSMW has enough programming to justify 24/7 broadcasting.

I'm assuming that Charter accounts for probably 60% to 70% of all FSMW viewers in the St. Louis area (though I suppose it's possible that figure could be even higher). But then, I'd guess that not much more than half of all FSMW Charter viewers are Chater Digital subscribers...

The other extremely remote possibility is that the FSMW HD channel gets added to DirecTV. Of course, due to the lack of available DirecTV bandwidth for ESPN2, this seems more than somewhat unlikely -- and especially so when this sort of addition probably would be required in another dozen or so markets where FOX owns the regional sport net.

On the other hand, DirecTV and FOX Sports Midwest are both associated with News Corp, and BSBSky, News Corp.'s UK satellite TV provider, has largely built its dominant market position on the basis of exclusive programming, with a strong focus on sports such as UK and European football coverage (soccer).

It worth underscoring that BSBSky is the leader for all types of pay televison in the UK. Cable never really gained a foothold in the UK market and satellite is by far the biggest distribution source after over-the-air broadcasting.

And then there's another caveat against FSMW-HD appearing only on DirecTV -- I doubt FOX Sports Midwest could financially justify shutting the door on Charter and/or DISH, even if such a DirecTV exclusive applied only to FSMW-HD, not the current SD service.

In any event, FSMW is supposed to be doing 22 games in HD, but at this point it's anybody's guess how this programming will be distributed or when it will begin to appear.

I am on another Charter rant. A couple of months ago, I was upset when Charter wouldn't match the deal other people had for their 3M Pipeline. So, I call and canceled it and got DSL. A week after I canceled my Pipeline service, I got a pleasant call from Charter asking if they could do anything to keep me as a customer. I told my issues with the company, and they offered me a deal I couldn't resist (i.e. all the channels, including HD for a price slightly higher than most people are paying for digital no-tiers/no-premiums only. So, my wife, as well as I, finally thought my Charter anxiety had ended. Well....

We moved into a community that requests that all lines be buried. In order for Charter to get the line to me, they had to do a road bore. They were informed about this the first week of March. I STILL DO NOT HAVE CABLE INSTALLED! I have had a number of "representatives" come out and do their part, but, each time, the "representative" claims that the previous "representative" didn't finish his part of the job. So, one month later, and NO CABLE! NO Hi-DEF! No Final Four party!. The house is wired for satellite, but I, like an idiot, didn't want to lose the deal that I have.

So, if I am unable to get this installed by Opening Day, will someone please tell me how HD Cardinal Baseball looks? Thanks.

Rant off.....

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
Now that we have those specifics, I wonder what's up with FOX Sports Midwest and their supposed plan for 22 Cards games in HD during the 2005 season?
[...]
It seems like the most logical way to handle the HD Cards' games from FSMW would be for Charter to add a new channel, either full time or for specific games/events until FSMW has enough programming to justify 24/7 broadcasting.

I ordered an upgrade to Charter HD a couple weeks ago. I was placed at the end of a waiting list of 900 for the standard converter.

I asked the CSR at the time about the availability of FSMW-HD and she said it would be added in April. Take it with the usual bag of salt.

It would be interesting to make several calls and see how many different answers we get.

Interesting side note ...
After I ordered the upgrade, Charter came out and replaced the aerial drop to my home. I already had digital and was having no signal trouble. Hmmm.

In entering the KPLR HD games into my Outlook calendar, I see that there are actually two road games, in Houston, that will be televised in HD.

This is really great to see and seems like a very positive sign for the future. We definitely need to make a point of letting KPLR know how much we appreciate their efforts whenever one of the HD broadcasts takes place.

Doug,

Do we know any contacts at FSMW? I would be curious if we could track someone down and get their feedback on these Cardinal games in HD that they have stated. Maybe they could shed some light on which provider(s) will be showing these games.

Starz Entertainment Group Unveils Next Generation of On Demand
Monday April 4, 3:21 am ET


SAN FRANCISCO, NCTA National Show, April 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) President/CEO Robert B. Clasen today unveiled details of what he said is the "next generation" of on demand. In a keynote speech to the Academic Seminar held on the opening day of the National Show, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association's (NCTA's) annual convention, Clasen called on demand television an entirely new medium that requires programmers to abandon all conventional, linear channel thinking and reinvent their businesses.
Key elements of the next generation of on demand were launched by SEG April 1. They include:


* The use of "button bonuses" to provide an opportunity for viewers,
when they select a movie, also to watch complementary short-form
programming and/or to be offered suggestions about other movie options
in the same genre. This feature simulates an interactive experience
by recognizing and reacting to the film choice the viewer makes.
* A new navigation system to enable viewers more easily to find the
on demand programming they want;
* Premiering major movies on demand on average two weeks before they air
on the flagship Starz channel;
* Expanded consumer education programs in conjunction with affiliates;
* New, unique on demand programming and promotional stunts that combine
movies with short-form programs, behind-the-scenes footage, and
interviews;
* Airing movies -- including foreign language, niche and independent
films -- exclusively on Starz On Demand that would likely not find a
home on the linear channels;
* Changing the mix of programming to make use of the fact that in the
on demand world there can be hundreds of movies available in prime
time versus the one prime time movie per channel that is possible in
the linear world.

Clasen also predicted that the definition of on demand will soon expand to mean not just the ability of viewers to watch programming whenever they want but wherever they want as well.

Like telephones, Internet access and music, television is rapidly becoming a portable communications service, he said, propelled by a range of new portable devices flooding the market. "The days are rapidly drawing to a close when television is something that happens only at home." Key to the further development of portability will be a secure digital rights management system, he said, to ensure that "portability does not mean piracy."

Entire article is here: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050404/lasu001.html?.v=2

Samsung, Digeo in deal for next-generation cable box


SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Samsung Electronics Co. will use Digeo Inc.'s next-generation Moxi Media Center technology in cable TV boxes that the companies say would rival the features of personal computers designed for living room entertainment centers.

The Moxi II Media Center, which will be available in the fall, will combine the functions of an advanced video recorder, jukebox, photo viewer and Internet telephone in a single unit. Cable providers, however, ultimately decide what features to offer.

To bring down the price and improve performance, the latest version incorporates a chip that integrates several functions previously handled by multiple chips. Digeo also has improved the graphics and bumped up the speed of the microprocessor from 733 megahertz to 1 gigahertz.

"The first product ... is the first in this family," said Michael Markman, Digeo's senior director of marketing. "But the architecture, the design will allow for much further growth."

Next year, the boxes will be able to serve up video and other features to multiple televisions around the house. Unlike the standalone video recorders made by TiVo Inc., an existing home network is not required.

Moxi also can record high-definition television, unlike most TiVos.

Cable box makers face stiff competition from PC companies that are now selling entertainment PCs running Microsoft Corp.'s Windows XP Media Center Edition. The latest PC models now support multiple-room viewing as well as HDTV.

Both Charter Communications Inc. and Adelphia Communications Inc. have agreed "in principle" to use the Digeo-based Samsung boxes. The nation's No. 1 cable company, Comcast Corp., is testing Digeo's first-generation Moxi platform in Huntsville, Ala.

Digeo is backed by Microsoft Corp. co-founder Paul Allen's Vulcan Inc. Allen also is chairman of Charter.

Bruce,

I don't know anyone at FSMW, and as far I can recall, we've never had anyone from FOX (OTA or Sports) who has posted here. Lurking? Maybe...

I do know that like KTVI, FSMW is wholly owned by the FOX network, so the local FOX offices would probably be the place to trawl for contacts and info...

Charter to buy new Moxi, home entertainment systems

Charter Communications agreed to purchase new home entertainment products under development by Samsung Electronics and Digeo Inc., the companies said Monday.

The deal includes the new Moxi II Media Center software and applications and the Samsung Home Media Center products, which includes high-definition TV, digital video recording, On Demand, telephony, home networking and other Moxi services.

The center will be the first to include Digeo's X-Stream silicon chip set, which reduces costs by up to 40 percent and expands its capabilities.

Charter expects to receive delivery of the first products this fall. Adelphia Communications signed a similar agreement.

Kirkland, Wash.-based Digeo Inc. is the interactive television company founded by Paul Allen, chairman and majority shareholder of Charter.

St. Louis-based Charter Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: CHTR) is the nation's third-largest cable television provider, and also provides digital video programming and high-speed Internet access.

Link here:
St. Louis Business Journal (http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2005/04/04/daily6.html?jst=b_ln_hl)

Robert Simandl,

I know that from time to time BBC shows end up on alt.binaries.multimedia. You may be able to find some New Who before it debuts here in the states.

-hanjke

The deal includes the new Moxi II Media Center software and applications and the Samsung Home Media Center products, which includes high-definition TV, digital video recording, On Demand, telephony, home networking and other Moxi services.

Charter expects to receive delivery of the first products this fall. Adelphia Communications signed a similar agreement.

Wow this thing sounds like it's going to do it all. If it was wireless home networking it woul be a bigger plus. I guess if they expect to start getting shipments in this fall, can we start a signup list now haha.

I was bored today and started searching around for more info on FSMW's claim to be broadcasting a number of Cardinal games in HD this season. I actually located the schedule:


ST. LOUIS CARDINALS ON FSN MIDWEST - 2005 TELECAST SCHEDULE

REGULAR SEASON Tue Apr 5 at Houston 6:00 p.m.
Wed Apr 6 at Houston 4:00 p.m.
Sat Apr 9 Philadelphia 1:00 p.m.
Tue Apr 12 Cincinnati 7:00 p.m.
Wed Apr 13 Cincinnati 12:00 p.m.
Fri Apr 15 at Milwaukee 7:00 p.m.
Mon Apr 18 at Pittsburgh 6:00 p.m.
Tue Apr 19 at Pittsburgh 6:00 p.m.
Wed Apr 20 Chicago 6:00 p.m.
Thu Apr 21 Chicago 12:00 p.m.
Fri Apr 22 Houston 7:00 p.m. HD
Mon Apr 25 Milwaukee 7:00 p.m. HD
Tue Apr 26 Milwaukee 7:00 p.m. HD
Wed Apr 27 Milwaukee 12:00 p.m. HD
Fri Apr 29 at Atlanta 6:30 p.m.

Mon May 2 at Cincinnati 6:00 p.m.
Tue May 3 at Cincinnati 6:00 p.m.
Wed May 4 at Cincinnati 6:00 p.m.
Thu May 5 San Diego 7:00 p.m.
Fri May 6 San Diego 7:00 p.m.
Sat May 7 San Diego 1:00 p.m.
Mon May 9 Los Angeles 7:00 p.m. HD
Tue May 10 Los Angeles 7:00 p.m. HD
Wed May 11 Los Angeles 7:00 p.m. HD
Thu May 12 Los Angeles 12:00 p.m. HD
Fri May 13 at New York 6:00 p.m.
Sat May 14 at New York 12:00 p.m.
Tue May 17 at Philadelphia 6:00 p.m.
Wed May 18 at Philadelphia 6:00 p.m.
Thu May 19 at Philadelphia 12:00 p.m.
Fri May 20 at Kansas City 7:00 p.m.
Mon May 23 Pittsburgh 7:00 p.m.
Tue May 24 Pittsburgh 7:00 p.m.
Wed May 25 Pittsburgh 7:00 p.m.
Fri May 27 Washington 7:00 p.m.
Mon May 30 at Colorado 7:00 p.m.
Tue May 31 at Colorado 8:00 p.m.

Wed Jun 1 at Colorado 8:00 p.m.
Thu Jun 2 at Colorado 2:00 p.m.
Fri Jun 3 at Houston 7:00 p.m.
Mon Jun 6 Boston 7:00 p.m.
Tue Jun 7 Boston 7:00 p.m.
Wed Jun 8 Boston 7:00 p.m.
Fri Jun 10 New York (AL) 7:00 p.m.
Mon Jun 13 at Toronto 6:00 p.m.
Tue Jun 14 at Toronto 6:00 p.m.
Wed Jun 15 at Toronto 6:00 p.m.
Fri Jun 17 at Tampa Bay 6:00 p.m.
Mon Jun 20 at Cincinnati 6:00 p.m.
Tue Jun 21 at Cincinnati 6:00 p.m.
Thu Jun 23 Pittsburgh 7:00 p.m. HD
Fri Jun 24 Pittsburgh 7:00 p.m. HD
Tue Jun 28 Cincinnati 7:00 p.m.
Wed Jun 29 Cincinnati 7:00 p.m.
Thu Jun 30 Colorado 7:00 p.m. HD

Fri Jul 1 Colorado 7:00 p.m. HD
Sat Jul 2 Colorado 6:00 p.m. HD
Mon Jul 4 at Arizona 5:00 p.m.
Tue Jul 5 at Arizona 8:30 p.m.
Wed Jul 6 at Arizona 8:30 p.m.
Thu Jul 7 at Arizona 8:30 p.m.
Fri Jul 8 at San Francisco 9:00 p.m.
Fri Jul 15 Houston 7:00 p.m. HD
Mon Jul 18 Milwaukee 7:00 p.m. HD
Tue Jul 19 Milwaukee 7:00 p.m. HD
Wed Jul 20 Milwaukee 7:00 p.m. HD
Thu Jul 21 Milwaukee 1:00 p.m. HD
Fri Jul 22 Chicago 7:00 p.m.
Tue Jul 26 at San Diego 9:00 p.m.
Wed Jul 27 at San Diego 9:00 p.m.
Thu Jul 28 at San Diego 2:30 p.m.
Fri Jul 29 at Los Angeles 9:30 p.m.

Mon Aug 1 Florida 7:00 p.m.
Tue Aug 2 Florida 7:00 p.m.
Wed Aug 3 Florida 7:00 p.m.
Thu Aug 4 Florida 7:00 p.m.
Fri Aug 5 Atlanta 7:00 p.m.
Mon Aug 8 at Milwaukee 7:00 p.m.
Tue Aug 9 at Milwaukee 7:00 p.m.
Wed Aug 10 at Milwaukee 1:00 p.m.
Thu Aug 11 at Chicago 1:00 p.m.
Fri Aug 12 at Chicago 1:00 p.m.
Tue Aug 16 Arizona 7:00 p.m.
Wed Aug 17 Arizona 7:00 p.m.
Thu Aug 18 Arizona 7:00 p.m.
Fri Aug 19 San Francisco 7:00 p.m.
Mon Aug 22 at Pittsburgh 6:00 p.m.
Tue Aug 23 at Pittsburgh 6:00 p.m.
Wed Aug 24 at Pittsburgh 6:00 p.m.
Thu Aug 25 at Pittsburgh 6:00 p.m.
Fri Aug 26 at Washington 6:00 p.m.
Mon Aug 29 at Florida 6:00 p.m.
Tue Aug 30 at Florida 6:00 p.m.
Wed Aug 31 at Florida 6:00 p.m.

Fri Sep 2 at Houston 7:00 p.m. HD
Mon Sep 5 Chicago 1:00 p.m.
Tue Sep 6 Chicago 7:00 p.m.
Wed Sep 7 Chicago 7:00 p.m.
Thu Sep 8 New York 7:00 p.m.
Fri Sep 9 New York 7:00 p.m.
Mon Sep 12 Pittsburgh 7:00 p.m.
Tue Sep 13 Pittsburgh 7:00 p.m.
Thu Sep 15 at Chicago 7:00 p.m.
Tue Sep 20 at Cincinnati 6:00 p.m.
Wed Sep 21 at Cincinnati 6:00 p.m.
Thu Sep 22 at Cincinnati 6:00 p.m.
Fri Sep 23 at Milwaukee 7:00 p.m.
Tue Sep 27 Houston 7:00 p.m. HD
Wed Sep 28 Houston 7:00 p.m. HD
Fri Sep 30 Cincinnati 7:00 p.m. HD

ALL TIMES CENTRAL
Schedule subject to change.


The article is located at: http://msn.foxsports.com/id/3436242

However, the article never makes any mention as to what providers will be showing these games in HD.

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but I just got off the phone with Charter regarding moving my service to my new residence (and adding HD :)) at the end of the month. The rep stated that if you have their high speed internet package and choose to have your monthly bill automatically deducted from your bank account or credit card, they will knock $10 off. I wonder if it's possible for those without HSI to get some sort of discount??

Since there's been not even a peep about carriers for FSMW-HD, I figured that the first HD games on Fox would probably be pushed out until at least May, or maybe even June.

But there it is...first HD telecast is set for April 22. (thanks, Bruce)

So now I have to wonder if FSMW is gonna be another one of those into-the-ether HD channels. If so, it's starting to feel like that Harley commercial where the guy shows his friends the bike "he almost bought."

Unless something breaks on the FSMW front in the next couple of weeks, it looks like I'll be able to do "virtual" picture-in-picture of ESPN2-HD and FSMW-HD. Never mind that my older HDTV doesn't even do PIP, because for these channels I won't even need an HD set...

Yes, life is (almost) good... :)

mtbfan,

Thanks for passing on the Charter discount tip.

Let me apologize upfront for having my skepticism scanner set to "scorch mode" this morning, but $10 does seem like an awfully generous discount for a fairly minor convenience for Charter. Surely their bad debt can't be that bad, and even if it is, the slow-players aren't likely to opt for this anyway.

Also, I'm not sure I'd be happy about my money going to Charter without FIRST seeing the bill. Of course, most of you who know my thinking about Charter aren't surprised by that comment, but surely I can't be the only one who would hesitate at least a little bit over that particular bill-paying leap of faith...

Are you sure the $10 discount for highspeed isn't the same $10 rebate that you are supposed to get for having "multiple" services? If I can truely get a $10 discount on having Charter highspeed as my only Charter service, then I would gladly pay via credit card to reduce the cost of my highspeed internet to a still-overpriced $40 / month.

As that's probably not the case, I'm stuck paying $50 / month for highspeed because I don't have any other high speed options. And I doubt I could stand going back to 26 kbps dialup.

My HSI was also $40 with the multi-service discount (cable tv) and it's now $30. I have to assume this includes the multi-service discount and the auto-billpay discount. The rep stated the auto-billpay discount was a new promotion.

Originally posted by Kurt K
Are you sure the $10 discount for highspeed isn't the same $10 rebate that you are supposed to get for having "multiple" services? If I can truely get a $10 discount on having Charter highspeed as my only Charter service, then I would gladly pay via credit card to reduce the cost of my highspeed internet to a still-overpriced $40 / month.

As that's probably not the case, I'm stuck paying $50 / month for highspeed because I don't have any other high speed options. And I doubt I could stand going back to 26 kbps dialup.

Are Charter's rates fixed or negotiable? I've heard stories about people receiving lower bills when threatening to leave. Is this truth or fiction?

truth....in a way.

Their rates are getting pretty standard, but they do have some promotional packages that you can be put in. It does seem like they are getting more and 'concrete' on their pricing so don't expect a crazy reduction if you threaten to leave.


*** FYI *** Charter is offering a free week of their MLB Package from Apr 4-10. Those games are in the 800 Channels.

Originally posted by StockInv
Are Charter's rates fixed or negotiable? I've heard stories about people receiving lower bills when threatening to leave. Is this truth or fiction?

True, friend of mine used to work there and he said they had certain packages that they were to offer when customers cancelled. I don't think it works every time, probably depends on who you get when you call up. I know a couple people who have tried this without luck, and a few that get 'special offers' to keep them on as a customer.

StockInv,

I understand that Charter recently started a Rentention Desk, where the company will attempt to stem potential defectors to satellite.

No idea how much they're prepared to wheel and deal, or if there's any scope for strings to be attached, but it's definitely worth checking out.

If anyone has worked good deals through the Charter Retention Desk (or does so in future), be sure to share your success stories here.

Knowledge is power.

Originally posted by StockInv
Are Charter's rates fixed or negotiable? I've heard stories about people receiving lower bills when threatening to leave. Is this truth or fiction?

I have had Charter internet for the past five years. When I got my March bill and noticed the started charging me an extra $10 because I didn't have cable, I called and told them I would be switching to DSL. I got no offer to try and keep my business, in fact the csr was kind of rude about the whole thing. The next week after my DSL was installed and I called to cancel, the csr I got was more than willing to make me a deal to stay, but it was too late at that point. I guess it just depends on who you talk to when you call.

And where you live, my sister-n-law signed up for Charter HSI for an unbelievable price of 10.99 per month for one year she had her own modem, without the modem 15.99, believe me I tried to get that price and they pretty much said I was lying but I have seen her bill. Even when I tried to get the same price as SBC promotion (top speed 1.5-3meg $29.99) CSR pretty much said that's nice and they couldn't help me, so I went with SBC, now I have the install nightmare, modem not picking up service, and the software almost crashed my computer.

OPPS! Sister-n-law lives in Greenville, SC

To those of you who use www.stlhdtv.com as a redirect to this discussion, please continue reading.

Last week I was approached by a local DirecTV dealer interested in the domain. After a few emails, we worked out a deal. The redirect from STLHDTV.com will soon be turned off. For a period of about 1 week an explanation/reminder will be posted, and the link to this discussion will be displayed. After that, the domain will be fully transfered, and the new owner can do what he wants with it.

I'm sorry for the inconvenience this might cause.

Speaking of DirecTV, it appears that TiVo and DirecTV are doing their best to keep their relationship on positive ground, as they've extended a TiVo-related advertising agreement.

I don't know that this changes anything regarding TiVo building a DirecTV-compatible DVR beyond the term of their current contract (which, I believe, ends at the end of 2006).

We know for sure that TiVo won't be the exclusive DVR source for DirecTV, but I would think this probably improves the odds that TiVo will continue to be among of the DirecTV DVR options in 2007 and later.

_______________________________

The Evening Bridge - April 05, 2005

TOP STORY: TiVo signed a new advertising services agreement with DirecTV Group, extending the companies' prior services contract. Each company may now sell and distribute TiVo's advertising capabilities on DirecTV DVRs with TiVo service. Both TiVo and DirecTV will each retain their respective revenue generated from these sales.
_______________________________

Just before tonight's season opener Cards' game, FOX Sports Midwest ran an FSN promo where they talked up the 22 games in HD.

There was no mention of where the HD games would be shown, nor was there the usual "contact your local cable or satellite provider."

Does FSMW realize that no one has FSMW-HD? Probably the work of some marketing 'whiz' who has no idea what HD even stands for...

I think Charter is just wonderful. I have had nothing but a delightful experience with their service. I am sure they are well aware that FSMW needs to be their next HD channel and will surely have it up and running by the first game on April 22nd.

Remember folks, honey works better than vinegar!

Just a little update to say that I'm still receiving a watchable signal on 46-1 UPN, and it's been quite a while now. On some days there's more air traffic out here in Fergusen, and the signal leaves. But then it's back the next day. I don't know if the signal has been boosted a little at the tower, or if I have just managed to find the perfect spot for my indoor powered antenna. Has anyone else started getting 46-1 that wasn't getting it before a couple of months ago?

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
Just before tonight's season opener Cards' game, FOX Sports Midwest ran an FSN promo where they talked up the 22 games in HD.

There was no mention of where the HD games would be shown, nor was there the usual "contact your local cable or satellite provider."

This is like the tree falling make a sound thing. If FOX sports does 22 games in HD and no providers carry them, do they exist?

Well, at least I'm not the only one scratching my head when I saw the promo for HD Cardinals games. I do believe about only 1 in 10 actually know what high definition really is.

Just curious if there's anything I should to do to improve reception for OTA. I have cheapo amplified antenna, but live in the city very close to most antenna sites. My main problems come from KMOV. If I adjust UHF for 4-1, then 2-1, 5-1 and 9-1 are all screwed up. Any suggestion?

Originally posted by Toeside
To those of you who use www.stlhdtv.com as a redirect to this discussion, please continue reading.

Last week I was approached by a local DirecTV dealer interested in the domain. After a few emails, we worked out a deal. The redirect from STLHDTV.com will soon be turned off. For a period of about 1 week an explanation/reminder will be posted, and the link to this discussion will be displayed. After that, the domain will be fully transfered, and the new owner can do what he wants with it.

I'm sorry for the inconvenience this might cause.
No need to be sorry about making some $$$ for a well chosen url. Congrats!


As for FSMW-HD (at least on DirecTV), I'm holding my breath :rolleyes: Maybe I should have listened to what the Charter rep that called tonight was offering. But before he could finish, "thank you for being a Charter Highspeed customer, we would like to offer....." Me: "I'm not interested and honestly, if I could get DSL I would have that instead of your overpriced highspeed internet" Hope I didn't hurt his feelings.

I'm a dish subscriber, and have been for some time. I have a pvr (sd) and a 6000 (HD) receiver with top 60 +hbo + HD channels ($64/m) , DSL with Swbell ($29/m for 3m/768) + local phone with no long-distance $50

I received a ad in the mail for all premium, high speed internet (no idea of up/down) local telephone for $~120 (?)

I'm curious to see:

1) For anyone who's had a 'special package deal' with Charter, would you be willing to post what you get for what price?

2) are you locked into a commitment?

thanks,
CoCoKola

Originally posted by CoCoKola
I'm a dish subscriber, and have been for some time. I have a pvr (sd) and a 6000 (HD) receiver with top 60 +hbo + HD channels ($64/m) , DSL with Swbell ($29/m for 3m/768) + local phone with no long-distance $50

I received a ad in the mail for all premium, high speed internet (no idea of up/down) local telephone for $~120 (?)

I'm curious to see:

1) For anyone who's had a 'special package deal' with Charter, would you be willing to post what you get for what price?

2) are you locked into a commitment?

thanks,
CoCoKola

I have the Charter Triple play, with the MOXI, HDNet, Showtime, the movie channel, Pipeline 3MB / 256, and Phone service with caller ID, Call waiting. Free on-demand showtime as well.

My Bill is around $135 with taxes. I have switched some services around as of late so I can not give you an exact amount.

Also, Charter will be offering a new Pipeline Tier soon, 5 MB / 512! I believe for 10 bucks more.

No commitment

Scott

I have the MyHD 130. I am having trouble reliably getting anything in except WB and NBC. CBS comes in w/ frequent dropouts followed by ten minutes or so of clear reception. Fox is slightly worse then CBS. All other channels are unwatchable.

I have a channelmaster 4221 UHF 4 bay antenna.

I am surrounded by hills and Im about 15 miles from the towers (E-NE of me). Turning the antenna does not seem to help FOX, CBS or ABC much at all.

Would a channel master 4228 8-bay improve my situation? Is there a different antenna I should be looking at? I think my problem is signal being reflected off the surrounding hills.

I have tried attenuators and amps to no avail :(

itsbuck,

Sorry to hear about your reception issues.

Here's a few things to consider:

* If you're really close to the towers, it's possible that you're getting TOO MUCH signal. That's rare, but one easy and relatively cheap way to check is to buy a Radio Shack RF attenuator, which will set you back around $20. If it doesn't do the job, you can probably return it.

* The other thing to consider is that a UHF-only antenna generally performs better than a combo VHF/UHF antenna.

* I think it's also possible that multipath could be the cause of your issues, in which case you may want to look for a UHF-only that is specifically designed to minimize multipath issues.

It might be helpful to note your actual location -- perhaps someone nearby you has the same problem and has already figured out a solution that would work for you.

TiVo, Comcast Looking to Tailor Advertising

It seems to me this causes as many problems as it solves.

As more and more consumers have DVRs, the companies that are paying for the ads that go out on the original broadcasts will be even less certain that they'll be seen if there's a way for them to be replaced by "tailored" ads. And that would seems to be a sure-fire recipe for lower ad rates.

Seems like a dumb, zero-sum game to me...

_____________________________________

Comcast, TiVo eye new way to serve ads

Updated commercials would be inserted into saved programs

The Associated Press

April 6, 2005 SAN FRANCISCO - Comcast Corp. is working with TiVo Inc. on an advertising system that will insert new, updated commercials into already-recorded programs, the company said.

Comcast Chief Executive Roberts told cable executives late Monday that under such a system, programs that were recorded weeks ago on a TiVo digital video recorder would have their old commercials replaced with new ones.

The system could also take into account viewer patterns to make ads more targeted and relevant, Roberts explained.
_____________________________________

For the complete story, go to: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7399004/

Originally posted by mtbfan
I'm not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but I just got off the phone with Charter regarding moving my service to my new residence (and adding HD :)) at the end of the month. The rep stated that if you have their high speed internet package and choose to have your monthly bill automatically deducted from your bank account or credit card, they will knock $10 off. I wonder if it's possible for those without HSI to get some sort of discount??

You might need to check the fine print on that "discount". It sounds suspiciously close to a recent $10 incentive to get you to sign up for their e-pay program. The one-time $10 credit shows up as a $5 credit on two bills.

hizhonor,

As you seem to be in the position of getting early notification on new Charter programming, have you seen anything about Fox Sports Midwest-HD being added before the first HD broadcast on April 22?

Appreciate any info you can share with us here...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, at least I'm not the only one scratching my head when I saw the promo for HD Cardinals games. I do believe about only 1 in 10 actually know what high definition really is.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Isn't high definition just an expensive television that I can watch DVDs on?
:-)

I don't see why FSMW needs a separate channel to carry HD games. They can up-link the game and Directv can send it out in the 90 channels ( like they did on Sunday for the Yankees-Boston game on YES) and Charter can send it out on some channel between 770-790. Just my thoughts.

I called FSMW @ 314-206-7000 but had to leave a message....what are the chances I get a return call. FWIW, it may help if others call.

Tim

tommeyj,

Strictly speaking, you're correct, and in fact I laid out a similar scenario here earlier in the week:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5427259#post5427259

What's surprising is that the news about the HD games on FSMW has been announced and are being promoted and still there's no details -- even from FSMW -- about where these HD broadcasts can be viewed.

Maybe I'm expecting too much (and it wouldn't be the first time), but it seems odd that a little more than 2 weeks before the first broadcast there's not so little solid info available on this.

None of this be a matter for speculation if carriers were prompter in making new HD content available -- and more forthcoming about their plans, whether it's good news or bad.

When ESPN-HD debuted, it took nearly 6 months for DirecTV to pick it up, and for Charter it was more like a year. ESPN2-HD debuted early in 2005, and still the only place you can see it anywhere in country is on a handful of Adelphia cable systems. Even VOOM, ostensibly the most aggressive provider of HD programming, hasn't added ESPN2-HD.

So, when there's a lack of concrete info on new HD channels/programming, it seems reasonable (and OK, I'll admit it, a little neurotic) to question if they're really coming at all.

Tim,

I rried calling FSMW and the phone rang for 2 minutes without anyone (or anything) picking up.

Sort of appropriate, I guess...

I got a call back from Rick Powers the programming director. He said it will be on a seperate channel number but didn't know what channel and that it would be added in about 7 to 10 days on www.foxsports.com keyword midwest. Here is the link to the current schedule http://msn.foxsports.com/id/3436242

Tim

tcfila,

Rick said it would be added to WHAT provider??

He didn't in his voice mail back to me. I'm assuming he meant charter as I referenced it in my voice mail to him.

You can always call him and make your voice heard as well. I think that the more people that call and request HD, that it can't hurt things.

Tim

Maybe the FSMW HD channel will only show up on Charter when they are broadcasting a game in HD and then disappear. There really isn't any other reason to carry it full time on a dedicated HD slot. They don't do this with any other HD event but, as already mentioned by others, why not? This would fit in with HD PPV which surely Charter will be offering.

Charter is the best.....

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
hizhonor,

As you seem to be in the position of getting early notification on new Charter programming, have you seen anything about Fox Sports Midwest-HD being added before the first HD broadcast on April 22?

Appreciate any info you can share with us here...

Nary a word from Charter on this.

And my inside track on Charter info most likely will be coming to a close in the next two weeks. With the election on Tuesday, my tenure as Mayor has come to an end. After 9 years, I'm term limited and will have much more time to sit in front of my Sammy enjoying the new HD offerings!

Steve

Steve,

Thanks for the reply on Charter notification.

I hope that you enjoy your "retirement" and that you'll still continue to participate here when there's an active topic that attracts your interest.

Feedback Please on Cards' HD Home Opener

As most everyone here knows, tomorrow is the Cards' home opener and the first of 11 games that KPLR (11) is going to be televising in HD format.

Therefore, I'd like to encourage everyone who contributes (or lurks) here to send a note of appreciation after the game to KPLR and to include your constructive comments -- either positive or negative -- about tomorrow's HD telecast.

Here's the eMail address to send those comments to:

technical@wb11tv.com

I've been told that all of these eMails will be forwarded to key senior managers at the station, so this is really a great chance for us to provide some high-impact feedback about HD programming and to let local station executives know that we're a growing and influential audience.

I'm also told that local station executives are becoming more and more aware of the AVS forum and our discussions here, and that there is growing interest in the opinions that are expressed here. For that reason, it might be worth mentioning that you first heard about the KPLR HD Cards' telecasts via this forum.

Sounds like a plan.

Man, I can't wait to see the Cards in HD...been waiting quite a while for this.

Originally posted by KungFool
Sounds like a plan.

Man, I can't wait to see the Cards in HD...been waiting quite a while for this.

I will really have HD from my seat in the stadium. Nothing like real life. GO CARDS !!!!!! :D

Originally posted by itsbuck
Just curious if there's anything I should to do to improve reception for OTA. I have cheapo amplified antenna, but live in the city very close to most antenna sites. My main problems come from KMOV. If I adjust UHF for 4-1, then 2-1, 5-1 and 9-1 are all screwed up. Any suggestion?

I have the same problem with channel 4 except my antenna is a Channel Master 3021 up in my attic and I live in O' Fallon, IL. I get the other channels great with almost no drops whatsoever, but channel 4 drops out pretty badly most of the time even though the signal is up near 85 most of the time. I get the Mount Vernon, IL PBS channels in better at only 60, but with no drops.

So, I guess we would both appreciate some help as to how to get KMOV-HD in better without sacrificing our other OTA channels. Please help.

Thanks.

RocknWoll,

It's extremely difficult to analyze the cause of HD reception problems from a distance. In fact, it's far from child's play up close and personal.

However, based on the description of your reception capability, it sounds like you have a multipath issue with KMOV (4-1). If you're not familiar with multipath, it's basically a situation where the signal coming from a station's transmitter gets obscured/reflected by some obstacle in the path between your antenna and the tower, with the net effect being that you're receiving the signal multiple times in slightly different time frames.

The cause of the multipath could be a hill, a building, even trees.

Multipath is notoriously difficult to defeat, though a big focus of recent ATSC receiver design is circuitry that will minimize or eliminate the negative effects of multipath signal reception. For this reason, newer receivers are supposedly better than first- or second-generation receivers. but I've never seen any testing or documentation that verifies that.

There are also antennas sold that are supposed to be more resistant to multipath reception, but I really have no first-hand experience with them, so can't say yea or nay. But here's an example of an antenna said to be helpful in multipath situations, available from antennasdirect.com:

http://www.antennasdirect.com/ShortRangeAntennas.htm

I actually have multipath issues with KSDK (5-1). In the winter (when leaves have fallen from the trees), I have virtually no problem pulling in KSDK day or night, but once the trees begin to sprout, it's hit and miss. I just recently upgraded to the HD-TiVo, so I'm half-hoping that the relatively newer electronics in this receiver will be enough to keep KSDK coming in strong. So far, so good, but leaves are just starting to appear... :(

Sorry that there's no "silver bullet" solution that's guaranteed to eliminate your problem. Good luck and let us know if you find a solution.

hizhonor,

Thanks for your contributions here. They have been much appreciated. Enjoy your rest!!

Doug,
We'll do. Good idea about emailing channel 11.

In case anyone forgot, the Masters is being shown in high def on KMOV 4-1 today and tomorrow instead of the regular programming on the analog side.

THANKS for the heads-up! LOL, I was watching it on USA, now Im really enjoying it on Charter 784.

Man, Monday's 24 was about the best episode of the show yet, but marred big time by constant audio dropouts and pixellation on 2-1 OTA (commenting now 'cause I didn't watch it til Wednesday night). A friend of mine who works at UE across the parking lot from me says the DirecTV national Fox-HD on channel 88 was doing the same thing Monday night, so it was apparently a network issue.

It will be repeated this weekend, and I'm gonna watch it again, hopefully uninterrupted this time.

And for anyone who missed it, there were big, big, big things goin' down on LOST last night. KDNL's broadcast was flawless.

Originally posted by Robert Simandl
Man, Monday's 24 was about the best episode of the show yet, but marred big time by constant audio dropouts and pixellation on 2-1 OTA (commenting now 'cause I didn't watch it til Wednesday night). A friend of mine who works at UE across the parking lot from me says the DirecTV national Fox-HD on channel 88 was doing the same thing Monday night, so it was apparently a network issue.

It will be repeated this weekend, and I'm gonna watch it again, hopefully uninterrupted this time.

And for anyone who missed it, there were big, big, big things goin' down on LOST last night. KDNL's broadcast was flawless.

I had same issues on Charter with 24 on Monday.. Thought it was my moxi or signal issue ended up downloading it so that I could see it without waiting... And damn that was good lost.

I agree on "Lost," which is probably my favorite show other than "Deadwood." Excellent episode.

FWIW, I liked the first year of "24" but now just find the whole concept stretched so far beyond the point of believability that I can't be bothered with it.

This, for me, is the problem with US network television and it's need to suck the life out of a good idea in order to preserve ratings. I think "24" would have been much more powerful with a different cast and different setting each year.

Originally posted by phatty
I had same issues on Charter with 24 on Monday.. Thought it was my moxi or signal issue ended up downloading it so that I could see it without waiting... And damn that was good lost.
I did notice a couple of audio dropouts during 24, but I didn't think it was anything other than my apparent multi-path issues....I didn't even switch to D* 88 like I usually have to during the broadcast.

Well, I think the fact that each "day" (season) on 24 takes place about 2-3 years apart from each other season makes it okay by me.

I'll agree this year the concept of terrorists being able to go through the Internet to seize control of nuclear power plants' computers and order the reactors to melt down is quite a stretch... but I don't have a problem suspending disbelief every so often.

LOST fans get ready for some bad news... despite the tease during the end credits this week about all the stuff coming up... epguides.com says there won't be another new episode until May! Good news is, there will be some sort of retrospective special titled "Lost: The Journey" on April 27, then new episodes all through May, for a total of 25 episodes this season (ABC's usual season is 22 eps).

And for the two POINT PLEASANT fans in the whole country (cough, me and Jedi, cough, cough), Fox has apparently cancelled it. There are five more episodes that have been made but remain unaired. TRU CALLING now shows in that time slot. No word from epguides.com on when or if those last five episodes will ever be seen.

Cablevision Board Vote Seals VOOM's Fate

This news is being reported by several publications this morning. This is from a Newsday story that also details Cablevision's failed bid for Adelphia cable.
___________________________________

Cablevision agrees to end Voom

The Cablevision board of directors agreed Thursday night to end chairman Charles Dolan's titanic struggle to rescue the Voom nationwide satellite TV service, a source close to the company said.

The 15-member board, including Dolan, voted unanimously to adopt a timetable to shut the service, whose uncertain fate had torn the board and Dolan's family, including his chief executive son James, who opposed Voom against his father's wishes
___________________________________

For more details, go to:

Newsday Story (http://www.nynewsday.com/business/ny-bzvoom0408,0,1302501.story?coll=nyc-business-headlines)

Originally posted by Robert Simandl
And for the two POINT PLEASANT fans in the whole country (cough, me and Jedi, cough, cough), Fox has apparently cancelled it. There are five more episodes that have been made but remain unaired. TRU CALLING now shows in that time slot. No word from epguides.com on when or if those last five episodes will ever be seen.

I really tried to be a fan of this show, watching most every week. But the plot never really seemed to go anywhere and with half the cast being from Melrose Place, it almost felt like a night-time soap opera with bits of a bad horror movie sprinkled in. I'll take Lost or 24 on its worst day before Point Pleasant.

Has anyone checked out NBC's Numb3rs show? I find it pretty enjoyable and well acted.



Bruce

Originally posted by DroptheRemote

I hope that you enjoy your "retirement" and that you'll still continue to participate here when there's an active topic that attracts your interest.

Oh ... I'll be around. Too much good information in these forums to walk away. Even though I'll be off the council, I'll still have a couple of friends remaining. Perhaps I can impose upon them to forward any Charter announcements on to me for posting here.

Steve

Cards game today on Charter is in hd however since the guide info is not available for the channel yet and when you go to the guide your only option is watch or close are we able to set a timed record? I won't be home until after 4pm and would like to see the whole game.

April 30 is Last Day for VOOM

FWIW, one additional detail has trickled out this morning on the VOOM closure -- the final day of operation will be April 30.

wilkemp,

I'm not that familiar with the ins and outs of Moxi, but most DVRs have some sort of option for making manual recordings that don't require interaction with the Program Guide.

I would assume Moxi allows this and suggest you check the menus for "manual" or "timed" recording.

Hope this works for you.

Originally posted by Robert Simandl
And for the two POINT PLEASANT fans in the whole country (cough, me and Jedi, cough, cough), Fox has apparently cancelled it. There are five more episodes that have been made but remain unaired. TRU CALLING now shows in that time slot. No word from epguides.com on when or if those last five episodes will ever be seen.

With my wife and I that makes at least 4. It would be nice to see the rest of the show to see how it ends. I'll admit it is a little soapish and the horror side is not up there with Wes Craven or Stephen King(then again if you saw Kingdom Hospital you may say it was right in line), but at least it was something other than CSI-Hoboken or Law and Order-Jaywalking.

As to 24, I don't have much of a problem with the same cast, but you definitely have to suspend disbelief during that hour. Same with Las Vegas. How they can take a crappy B&W security camera and produce a perfect photo is very hard to take.

I am wondering what they will do with Lost after this season. I think it was picked up for another year, but I'm not sure it will be as good. I assume they will keep the same cast (save the ones who die) but does that mean we won"t get closure on this season. Are we destined for a Cliffhanger and no real answers. If they were to do it right they would close out this season wrapping up all the loose ends and start with a whole new cast/location next season. Come to think of it, I'm not sure I would be happy with that either. Lost is great, but the premise is more Movie based than Network series based and I feel it will lose it's luster in season two. I guess I should have faith that JJ Abrams knows what he's doing, but I'm a pessimist when it comes to things like this.

Dave

wilkemp,

you may want to call Charter - my Moxi does have guide info for WB-HD and I have already set up the Cardinals game to be taped. In fact, I did that a couple days ago. Sounds like they may need to send a 'hit' to your Moxi box to get it updated.

Originally posted by abcward
Has anyone checked out NBC's Numb3rs show? I find it pretty enjoyable and well acted.

Bruce Isn't Numb3rs on CBS? Regardless, I do think it's a pretty good show. The only other show I regularly watch besides '24' and 'Numb3rs' is 'House' on FOX.

Originally posted by Kurt K
Isn't Numb3rs on CBS? Regardless, I do think it's a pretty good show. The only other show I regularly watch besides '24' and 'Numb3rs' is 'House' on FOX.

We really like Numb3rs too. The math is a bit far-fetched, but it's a fun show. Other than that the CSI shows and NCIS are our favs.

Additional VOOM details, from SkyREPORT E-News:
_______________________________________

BREAKING NEWS: Cablevision Confirms VOOM Shut Down

In a filing sent to the Securities and Exchange Commission today, Cablevision confirmed it would shut down VOOM, its struggling satellite TV service, at the end of the month.

In the filing, Cablevision said its board of directors met Thursday and voted on the shut down of VOOM's service. The filing also said management was given specific directives on shut down implementation including advising customers that the VOOM service will cease to be available on April 30.

Cablevision told the SEC that management has begun implementing the shut down steps.

The board also instructed management to continue to analyze whether VOOM's 21 channels can be marketed to other satellite and cable providers as part of the company's Rainbow programming operations, the SEC filing said.

Newsday reported the pending shut down for VOOM late Thursday night (for SkyREPORT's story, see: http://www.skyreport.com/view.cfm?ReleaseID=1630).
_______________________________________

Originally posted by abcward
wilkemp,

you may want to call Charter - my Moxi does have guide info for WB-HD and I have already set up the Cardinals game to be taped. In fact, I did that a couple days ago. Sounds like they may need to send a 'hit' to your Moxi box to get it updated.

Thanks I'll give them a call because I have had the usual updates every two days because I always have to reset my video output back to 1080i. Also I didn't check but is there a free Starz preview this weekend for Charter? I noticed in Hd programming that a few cities have the preview this week.

GO CARDS! BOYCOTT "FEVER PITCH" w/Fallon & Barrymore, they shouldn't even show this movie in St.Louis:D

Sorry for the double posts, but I saw an ad for Charter High speed and it stated service starting as low as $10.99, wonderful now that I am locked into SBC DSL for a year.

Why do you have to reset your box to get it to 1080i. On my moxi in the settings I have change it in there and it doesn't reset. I don't ever change it, but do you really have to reset the box for the setting to take place?

hall,

What is your display? If you own a fixed pixel display (plasma, DLP, LCD or LCOS), you probably wouldn't actually see the effect of a change in the MOXI resolution, because the display is internally converting whatever you output from the MOXI, changing it to the native rate of the fixed-pixel resolution.

OTOH, if you have a CRT and you're not seeing the set re-synch, there may be a problem with your MOXI box.

When you say re-synch, do you mean go through the whole set up process again? I don't have a fixed pixel display.

I do have another question though. It seems that the moxi guide is bigger than my screen. Even watching the HD channels sometimes, it looks as if some of the screen is cut off. I pretty much always keep the moxi set to 1080i and the screen display set to widesreen in the moxi.

Originally posted by hall316
Why do you have to reset your box to get it to 1080i. On my moxi in the settings I have change it in there and it doesn't reset. I don't ever change it, but do you really have to reset the box for the setting to take place?

Every two or three days I get the guide update or whatever it is, I happen to be up at 3am one day and actually saw the update. Moxi goes thru its process and once it is done the video output resets to SD. I have to hit the OK and Live tv button, on the box, at the same time to bring up video output in clock display, channel button down which shows 1080i then with the remote select yes to reset video display output. Process has been this way since I have had the box, I have become quite good and speedy at this process, I am hoping the 3.2 update will fix this.

hall,

With a CRT display, when you change resolutions without switching inputs (such as changing MOXI's output from 480p to 1080i), your television should "re-sync" to match the changed signal. How this appears to the viewer can vary, but generally the image will collapse, a series of color lines will twist and turn on the screen and then when the electronics have synched up with the new signal the image will be restored.

As for your guide issue, it sounds like there's a mismatch in the setup for screen shape. I'm assuming that you have a widescreen set, so setting MOXI to widescreen mode should be correct.

Is it possible that the television is set to some ZOOM mode? The aspect ratio setting terminology varies a bit from one brand to another, but most manufacturers refer to their anamorphic mode (HD is always anamorphic) as "Full," though on most (but not all of it sets) Mitsubishi uses the "Standard" label. Hitachi also uses the "Standard" for all of their sets that I've seen.

Having the edges of the Guide cut off would indicate either a screen shape set-up issue, or selection of the wrong viewing mode. Both of these need to be set correctly to see the image in the correct proportions and without part of it being chopped off.

I just checked the FSN Midwest Cardinal HD schedule.... No Cards vs. Cubs in HD. Lots of the Brewers and Houston. Oh well, I guess beggars can't be choosers. Hopefully we can catch some of that action on KPLR. Not to mention the playoffs!

Has anyone heard how DISH network and FSN are gonna handle the HD broadcast? I sent an e-mail to both this morning and am very anxious for the reply. I have a bad feeling that I'm gonna be SOL when it comes to that broadcast.

----
Side note - Just finished reading Star Wars Revenge of the Sith last night...can't wait to see it!

As a fellow Dish subscriber I too think we will be SOL for FSN Cards broadcasts... Maybe CH11 can arrange to carry these on their HD channel.

Things at Charter are begining to cause me to rething my anti-charter stance, but 20 games is not enough to make me switch.

Now, if they add storage to the MOXI and add more video servers to handle the new HD ch (as opposed to cramming 3 HD ch per pipe) I may be swayed to the Dark Side...

Dave

duihlein,

I have no complaints with the pq of Charter's HD channels. Have you heard complaints on this?

The Moxi 9022/Moxi Mate combo will be available in June and boasts a 160 gb harddrive and the ability to watch recorded content on two different tv's.

Personally I am feeling a whole lot better about Charter than I did a year ago. WB11-HD added this month. TNT-HD, Disc-HD and probably FSWM-HD added soon. All-digital simulcast in June. Newer and better Moxi boxes soon. Complain all you want about Charter - I am currently very happy with the services they are providing me...especially for the price I pay.


Bruce

Anybody else see some pixilation in the stands as the cars were driving by during the pregame? Other than that, it looks great so far. Can't wait for the game!

edit: I am watching the game OTA btw.

Originally posted by abcward
duihlein,

I have no complaints with the pq of Charter's HD channels. Have you heard complaints on this?

The Moxi 9022/Moxi Mate combo will be available in June and boasts a 160 gb harddrive and the ability to watch recorded content on two different tv's.

Personally I am feeling a whole lot better about Charter than I did a year ago. WB11-HD added this month. TNT-HD, Disc-HD and probably FSWM-HD added soon. All-digital simulcast in June. Newer and better Moxi boxes soon. Complain all you want about Charter - I am currently very happy with the services they are providing me...especially for the price I pay.


Bruce

Bruce,
I've seen others report the picture seems "soft" compared to OTA. Other markets have complained of Macro-Blocking. This generally occurs when 3 HD ch's are crammed into one pipe and 2 of those programs are either live sporting events or have high motion pans in a movie. 160 GB HD is still a little small, but it's an improvement over the current drive. My folks have the current MOXI and compared to my Dish 721 and 921 has a very poor guide interface. Perhaps with more CableCard devices coming out and the improvements with Charters programming I may be able to find a happy medium.

The biggest gripes I've had in the past were the analog channels, the lack of DVR and lack of HD programming. It seems they are addressing these issues one at a time. I would love to have an alternative as Dish has it's own issues to deal with. Until now I've had to live with them. But all that seems to be changing...

Dave

Originally posted by Rocker74
Anybody else see some pixilation in the stands as the cars were driving by during the pregame? Other than that, it looks great so far. Can't wait for the game!

edit: I am watching the game OTA btw.

Yeah, I saw that as well but I'll trade a few problems for cards HD anyday. I am already loving this :D

Cardinal game in HD question:

umm, why is the graphic on the top of the screen so freakin huge???

on my tv, I can't even change the size when I'm watching using the moxi. My tv does have the option, but it's not available when using the moxi. I have a Toshiba 57hx81 I think. I'm at work right now, so that's just off the top of my head.

cards on 11-1, masters on 4-1.

I can die a happy man.

Originally posted by BradZ
cards on 11-1, masters on 4-1.

I can die a happy man.

I'd be a little happier if Mulder could get out a few Phillies though...

The Cards game in HD is fantastic. I thought the pre-game stuff looked very good and so far the in-game coverage has been solid.

A few specific observations:

* If I'm not mistaken, KPLR's graphics have been overhauled and for the most part they really look nice. But I agree that the score bug is HUGE -- it's far too big, especially horizontally. I checked the SD broadcast and that thing nearly stretches halfway across the screen. But even on HD it's too large and distracts from the action.

I hope this is a beta version and that the score box can be scaled down. Also, ideally it would be moved up into the corner of the 16x9 area, but I appreciate that might not be possible in view of 4x3 simulcast requirements.

* Some of the shots seem to drift out of focus, and I especially noticed this with the camera down the third baseline that zooms in on lefthanded batters.

* I've also noticed some pixellation on fast-motion pans. The problem when it occurs is brief, but it definitely seems more obvious than on other HD baseball broadcasts I've seen. I'm surprised that this is any sort of issue on an OTA broadcast, but from things I've read it's possible that this problem and the shifting focus could both be related to encoding/decoding equipment on the production end.


Still, even with the aircraft-carrier-like score bug and the minor PQ issues, watching the Cards in HD is sweet. Switching between the SD and HD is like being in a time machine that's jumping back and forth between 1965 and 2005.

Doug,

I will be adding my thoughts on the scoreboard bug when I email WB11 tomorrow, along with my thanks for providing us the Cardinals in HD.

Hopefully the station is monitoring their own broadcast and realize the graphics take up far too much real estate on the screen.

One more minor nit.... the commercials seem quite a bit louder than the game.

Still, out of five stars, I'll give KPLR-DT four and a half on this broadcast!

I think the score box is fine as far as size goes...but the advertisement attached to the bottom needs to go. Did you guys catch all those commercials? Even during the broadcast, I can't wait until the balls, bats, and bases all have ads on them.

I guess I wouldn't be happy unless I had something to complain about.

Channel 11 should realize that many are watching their HD telecast on plasma televisions. They can be subject to burn-in, especially when new.
I'd hate to have that huge scoreboard permanently etched on my beloved plasma. Channel 11: please tone down that huge scoreboard.

Originally posted by abcward
duihlein,

I have no complaints with the pq of Charter's HD channels. Have you heard complaints on this?

The Moxi 9022/Moxi Mate combo will be available in June and boasts a 160 gb harddrive and the ability to watch recorded content on two different tv's.

Personally I am feeling a whole lot better about Charter than I did a year ago. WB11-HD added this month. TNT-HD, Disc-HD and probably FSWM-HD added soon. All-digital simulcast in June. Newer and better Moxi boxes soon. Complain all you want about Charter - I am currently very happy with the services they are providing me...especially for the price I pay.


Bruce

Man I love this place! This was just what I was looking for, and I haven't been here in about 2 months. Heh. ABC any word on if and when they are going to activate the USB 2.0 or Firewire ports on the Moxi boxes? The 160gb of space would be great, but I really want to be able to hook up an external hard drive in order to nab another 300gb of storage. Any help?

Hey are you guys all watching this OTA, or through Charter? I totally forgot that I was watching this on WB, and just ran out to catch it on the HDTV. When I first turned the channel on it was solid pixels all over the place. It appeared to stabilize after awhile, with a few hiccups here and there. You guys have similar issues, or you all watching the game with your OTA antennae instead??

LMFAO @ Phillies. Why in the heck do you not have Wagner in there??? They don't even have him up and throwing. Albert about to put da smack down! ;-)

A moment of silence, please, for the soon to be deceased Voom HD satellite service. It was great while it lasted. I will miss it so much...

Bob,
When does 24 repeat this weekend? I said a lot of 4 letter words as I watched this the other night, thinking that it was just my feed screwing up through Moxi.

I clocked into the Cards game pretty late, but did notice how huge the score bug was, and loved the video quality. Pretty good, 11-1!! I will send an email.

Howdy jedi! Was beginning to think I was all alone! *shiver* Are you watching this OTA ? If not, please see my previous post! Thanks.

Originally posted by jedi35

When does 24 repeat this weekend? I said a lot of 4 letter words as I watched this the other night, thinking that it was just my feed screwing up through Moxi.



24 repeats tonight at 8:00pm.

Mike

It also repeats tomorrow night as well...

WB11-1 is OTA for me. HD and a come from behind win. Gotta love it.

Possible moxi 3.2 update.

I was trying to watch the cards today in HD on the moxi and I was getting major breakups, stutters, and big pixel blocks as I have been for the past few days with hd kplr and only hd kplr. So I called charter and after the usual reset the box and fiddle with a few settings, I was told they would push a software update out tonight to my box to see if it would fix the problem.

The kicker is I was told I should expect to see some new menu options after the update. Sounds like 3.2 to me :) If that doesn't solve the kplr problem, a tech next week....but who cares lol, 3.2 sounds like it is on the way to my moxi. It's been so long though, I don't remember what 3.2 was going to fix :)

I watched the game OTA and thought the PQ was great. I missed the pregame, so I cannot comment on the pixelization that some have mentioned. And yes, the scorebug was too big and too centered in my opinion (but I guess the location is for the 4:3 crowd). Also the commericals were way too loud. It did seem to get a little better as the game went on, but maybe I was getting used to it.

Overall, I think they did a great job.

OK. Enough Baseball. I agree, it was GREAT in HD.

I'm watching Leno OTA tonight and there is ZERO sound coming out of the center channel. It's broadcast in Dolby Digital, but the center channel seems to have lost all audio. As a result, all voices are muted when compared to other sounds (the band, audience applause, etc.). It's tough to listen to.

If I switch to Dolby pro-logic, all seems fine. If I switch to another OTA or Satellite channel broadcasting a program in DD all is fine, too. So this must be a KSDK or perhaps a network issue.

Anyone else experiencing this? Before you answer, please make sure you're decoding in DD.

Originally posted by moman19
OK. Enough Baseball. I agree, it was GREAT in HD.

I'm watching Leno OTA tonight and there is ZERO sound coming out of the center channel. It's broadcast in Dolby Digital, but the center channel seems to have lost all audio. As a result, all voices are muted when compared to other sounds (the band, audience applause, etc.). It's tough to listen to.

If I switch to Dolby pro-logic, all seems fine. If I switch to another OTA or Satellite channel broadcasting a program in DD all is fine, too. So this must be a KSDK or perhaps a network issue.

Anyone else experiencing this? Before you answer, please make sure you're decoding in DD.

I get nothing out of the center or rear channels but plenty of dialog in the left and right.

Ultimate Electronics to auction off all their stores thursday. Sorry to see them go.

Scott

Originally posted by davesalaman
I get nothing out of the center or rear channels but plenty of dialog in the left and right.

Well, this pretty much confirms what I'm experiencing. It never used to be this way, but seems to be stuck in this mode now. Does anyone know the name of a contact at Ch. 5 that I can alert?

I've read several articles about how Fox Sports Midwest is going to broadcast several games this summer in HD. I have DirecTV - am I going to be able to see these games? I'm overall pretty confused about HD from FSN. Do they have a single HD channel that gets content from all the regional networks or is there an HD version of each? If it's an HD version of each I assume I won't be getting it from DirecTV, but if there's just one channel I could see that happening. Of course, the FSN web sites left me more confused than when I started and DirecTV's site has almost 0 real content on it that I can see. Does anyone know the answer to this? The HD game yesterday on 11-1 leaves me wanting more.

As if Voom shutting down weren't enough, it now looks as if Dish Network has started downrezzing to 1280x1080i just like DirecTV...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=528672

So much for defecting to Dish if DirecTV doesn't stop with the "HD Lite."

Bob,
I completely spaced out and missed the repeats of 24 yesterday and tonight as well. Bummer. Did you save a decent recording of it? Wow, that's sad news about Dish. What gives??

Drizzt,
I was checking out the Cards game through Charter's Moxi box. The signal was clean.

tedhealy,
So, did you actually get the 3.2 Moxi update after all? Are you still having problems?

I have been having this problem for quite some time but haven't tried to do anything about it. I have a Samsung SIR-T165 and when I tune to 11-1 the signal locks in but then the tuner reboots. It will usually take one or two cycles of locking and rebooting until the picture appears. Once it is up it stays tuned in. Does anyone else have this issue?

Thanks,

Steve

Pretty cool Post-Dispatch article about TiVo, Moxi, and DVR's in general:

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/entertainment/stories.nsf/tvradio/story/67AC5ED1E314D99C86256FDE00322F95?OpenDocument

Hey Jedi,

Yep, still have Friday night's 24 repeat sitting on the HD TiVo. Wouldn't mind seeing it again!

Yeah, all accept for my silly quote. HA HA. I'm Wayne Sheridan of St.charles in the "Love my DVR" sidebar article.
Overall I think she did a pretty goos job. Usually newspaper articles just cover the barebones. I have no idea why it was on the front page! Very slow newsday.

Hey all you fans of the new Battlestar Galactica series that just ended its first season on the Sci-Fi channel....

It will start over again on Universal HD tonight, with the entire 2003 miniseries from 7-10PM (no commercials!), then the first episode of the regular series at 10, and apparently every Sunday night at 7PM from then on.

Battlestar Galactica in HD and 5.1.... I could stare at "Number Six" all week long... life is good!

I live near Carondelet Park (two blocks north west). For the last year KMOV has always been the strongest best signal. For the last couple of weeks it has sucked. I have changed nothing in my setup, equipment, etc. I used to consistently get 86 to 112 signal strength. Now it constantly fluctuates from 112 to 000 every few seconds. I have a rotor and used to be able to be able to set the antenna through about 35 degrees and get the same signal strength. Now I have to set it exactly at one point and the signal still jumps 112 to 000. Channel four is just unwatchable. I had to watch last Thursday night's CSI and this weekends masters in SD!!!!! I'm dying here in South St Louis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can anyone tell me what is going on???????
Or tell me what to do or I'll pay to get someone to fix it!!!! If its fixable.


HHhhhhheeellllllllppppppppppp!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm having the exact same problem with KMOV, and channel 5. THe singal strength wildly fluctuates between 85% and 14% every second or so. 4.1 and 5.1 are unwatchable. I still get 2.1, 9.1, 11.1, and 30.1 just fine though...hmmm. I live near St. Peters. I too was getting the channels just fine until about Thursday or Friday. Wonder if it's the leaves on the trees?

My tuner is a built in tuner in my Hitachi 51S715 TV.

I was having the wild swings in signal strength on KMOV Thursday and Friday (locking at 100 for long periods, then dropping to the teens for a second). I did not notice it yesterday when I watched the last hour of the Masters though.

Hmmm...just checked, and 5 seems back to normal, although KMOV is still doing it. Dropping to 14 almost consistently every few seconds.

I am considering signing up with the Charter "Triple Play" package - 3mb internet service, digital cable w/ Moxi box & local phone service for $109.99. I currently just have analog extended basic + the 3mb Charter pipeline that runs $93 monthly. The same package without the local phone service is $104.99.

Price-wise, it's a good deal. What is the consensus on the Charter phone service?

When I had it, I loved it. I was one of the first people in my area according to the installer. The only issue I had was either the guy didn't install it right or it wouldn't work with my alarm system. That is the only reason I even have a home phone is because of the stupid alarm system. When the installer came out to install my Moxi, he said the other installer didn't know what he was doing and that there should have been no reason that my alarm wasn't calling in properly. I would switch back to Charter Phone service is they could figure out how to hook it up correctly. I hate SBC.

I guess it's good news that I wasn't the only one having issues with KMOV.

We tried to watch Joan of Arcadia Saturday night (it was Friday night's episode). My wife was pretty frustrated. She asked if I could just set up a regular TiVo so we would stop missing our shows. Um, that's not a good idea.

It's a shame about Ultimate Electronics. My 55" RPTV, HDTiVo, and some other electronics came from there.

I work in Charter Telephone Service Repair. Alarm systems are able to work on our service, however, please call your alarm company to verify that the alarm equipment at your home dials out in touch tone as pulse dialing is not supported by our system. Believe it or not, Alarm companies are still installing systems that only dial out in pulse dialing today.

Mark

Mark-

Should I have any hesitation in going with Charter for my local phone service? Is there any downside vs. SBC?

I would appreciate any comments from current Charter phone customers also. Thanks.

Originally posted by Robert Simandl
Hey all you fans of the new Battlestar Galactica series that just ended its first season on the Sci-Fi channel....

It will start over again on Universal HD tonight, with the entire 2003 miniseries from 7-10PM (no commercials!), then the first episode of the regular series at 10, and apparently every Sunday night at 7PM from then on.

Battlestar Galactica in HD and 5.1.... I could stare at "Number Six" all week long... life is good!

Robert,

Who carries Universal HD except for Voom? I got out of Voom when I heard the news, a few weeks ago. Now, I'm with Dish only.

Thanks,

Joe Clark

Joseph,

DirecTV also provides Universal HD as part of the HD package.

Robert,

Do you have any idea of whether the BG mini-series is going to be repeated on UHD? It seems like everything else there gets the regular and frequent rotation routine, so I'm hoping to be able to catch that before the series proceeds very far -- last night it was too much to choose between Deadwood and Desperate Housewives with the TiVo.

Now I need a TiVo with THREE tuners... :)

Charter carries Universal HD....

in their Greenville, South Carolina market.


That does'nt help us, here.

Thanks Marky, my moxi installer noticed that the charter phone wasn't installed correctly as I still have it sitting where it was installed even though it's not activated. He mentioned that the guy just didn't do the right stuff at the box.

Saluki, when I had Charter's Phone service, I had no issues whatsoever. I didn't notice any difference in sound quality or anything. Like I said, had it been installed correctly the first time, I would still have it.

I thought the "24" issues were just me.
I should have checked here first...

Originally posted by marky2306
I work in Charter Telephone Service Repair. Alarm systems are able to work on our service, however, please call your alarm company to verify that the alarm equipment at your home dials out in touch tone as pulse dialing is not supported by our system. Believe it or not, Alarm companies are still installing systems that only dial out in pulse dialing today.

Mark

Mark, any idea on when Charter will roll out the 3.2 update? Will the BMC 9022D still sometime this summer? Is this summer also still the time when Charter will go all digital? How will Charter do all digital? Will the analog channels stay the same numbers and just switch to digital when you have a digital box hooked up? Or will Charter just duplicate the analog channels in the 100 - 400 channel range? Thanks, Craig.

Originally posted by Saluki
Mark-

Should I have any hesitation in going with Charter for my local phone service? Is there any downside vs. SBC?

I would appreciate any comments from current Charter phone customers also. Thanks.

I have Charter phone service, plain basic phone line plan, and it works great. I have my TiVos use that line to phone home.

I have Vonage for our everyday phone line.

Saluki,

The problems that I have ran into is that the service was not installed correctly. Other than that, there shouldnt be any difference between SBC and Charter.

About the 3.2 code, I do not know when it will be released. For some reason we are being upgraded to 3.0.125 from 3.0.115 this week. My best guess would be sometime in May.

Charter All Digital: You should not have do to anything for the All Digital Services. The only difference is that the box is told to go to a difference frequency for the digital version of the channel. The channels stay the same channel number as the analog versions. Also, They are going to move SoapNet and Style to the Family And Information Tier to make room for the simulcast. So those channels will no longer be available to Expanded Basic Customers.

Mark

Originally posted by marky2306
Saluki,

The problems that I have ran into is that the service was not installed correctly. Other than that, there shouldnt be any difference between SBC and Charter.

About the 3.2 code, I do not know when it will be released. For some reason we are being upgraded to 3.0.125 from 3.0.115 this week. My best guess would be sometime in May.

Charter All Digital: You should not have do to anything for the All Digital Services. The only difference is that the box is told to go to a difference frequency for the digital version of the channel. The channels stay the same channel number as the analog versions. Also, They are going to move SoapNet and Style to the Family And Information Tier to make room for the simulcast. So those channels will no longer be available to Expanded Basic Customers.

Mark


Cool, thanks for the info. What does 3.0.125 fix? Is the HD Pack considered a tier? I know you have to sign up for a digital tier when subscribing to Digital cable. Right now I have the Family and Info Tier but whenever I get an HDTV I thought about switching the Family and Info Tier for the HD Pack because I don't watch the Family and Info Tier that much. Or is the HD Pack good? How much is the HD-Pack. Are the local channels in high-def free? Or do you have to subscribe to the HD Pack to get the local channels in high-def? I hope that's not to many questions. :) Thanks, Craig.

Craiger01,

I do not have the specifics on what the 3.0.125 fix does. The HD Pak is not considered a Digital Tier and you will not be able to switch it for the Fam and Info Tier.

The HD Pack is $3.99 per month and includes HDNet, HDNet Movies and ESPN HD. The HD box rental already includes the local HD stations that we carry which I believe is $3 more per month than a reg digital box. However, if you have MOXI then they are included for free.

Mark

Originally posted by marky2306
Craiger01,

I do not have the specifics on what the 3.0.125 fix does. The HD Pak is not considered a Digital Tier and you will not be able to switch it for the Fam and Info Tier.

The HD Pack is $3.99 per month and includes HDNet, HDNet Movies and ESPN HD. The HD box rental already includes the local HD stations that we carry which I believe is $3 more per month than a reg digital box. However, if you have MOXI then they are included for free.

Mark


Cool, thanks for the info. I have the BMC 9012. Will Charter get UniversalHD soon? I read UniversalHD will start showing the new Battlestar Galactica in HD. Any news on ABC in HD? I can't wait until Charter releases the BMC 9022D. I hope that's soon. :)

Originally posted by SheerLuck_Homes
I live near Carondelet Park (two blocks north west). For the last year KMOV has always been the strongest best signal. For the last couple of weeks it has sucked. I have changed nothing in my setup, equipment, etc. I used to consistently get 86 to 112 signal strength. Now it constantly fluctuates from 112 to 000 every few seconds. I have a rotor and used to be able to be able to set the antenna through about 35 degrees and get the same signal strength. Now I have to set it exactly at one point and the signal still jumps 112 to 000. Channel four is just unwatchable. I had to watch last Thursday night's CSI and this weekends masters in SD!!!!! I'm dying here in South St Louis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can anyone tell me what is going on???????
Or tell me what to do or I'll pay to get someone to fix it!!!! If its fixable.


HHhhhhheeellllllllppppppppppp!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't live very far from you and I have had no issues with KMOV recently. The Masters was excellent yesterday.

Steve

Originally posted by SheerLuck_Homes
I live near Carondelet Park (two blocks north west). For the last year KMOV has always been the strongest best signal. For the last couple of weeks it has sucked. I have changed nothing in my setup, equipment, etc. I used to consistently get 86 to 112 signal strength. Now it constantly fluctuates from 112 to 000 every few seconds. I have a rotor and used to be able to be able to set the antenna through about 35 degrees and get the same signal strength. Now I have to set it exactly at one point and the signal still jumps 112 to 000. Channel four is just unwatchable. I had to watch last Thursday night's CSI and this weekends masters in SD!!!!! I'm dying here in South St Louis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can anyone tell me what is going on???????
Or tell me what to do or I'll pay to get someone to fix it!!!! If its fixable.


HHhhhhheeellllllllppppppppppp!!!!!!!!!!!!

I probably live just a few blocks from you, just a block north of Carondelet. I havne't noticed anything out of the ordinary, either. I have a Winegard antenna, no rotor, that's been in the same place since I had it installed. It is up on an extension, probably an extra 8 feet up in the air, but no problems of late.

Joe Clark

Steve,

Yes, Yes, Yes. I also have the T165 tuner, and it has always bugged me that tuning to 11-1 causes the unit to reboot a few times before it locks on to the signal, and then it stays on. Sometimes it loops into a cycle for several minutes before the channels appears, and it does no good to try and switch to another channel during this process. My advice is to always tune to another chanels before shutting down. If you need to use the timer to record something on 11-1, program another minute or so of another channel afterwards. Maybe someone else has another idea in the hdtv recording forum.

Bob,
Sure, please hold on to that 24 episode, and I'll get over there sometime soon. I remember posting the info about the Post looking for responses from people with dvrs, but I never actually got around to sending them my thoughts. Too late...

About Battlestar Galactica on UHD, what a tease.... Beautiful sound(only 5.1 on the hour episode "33"), great picture, but I get it on Voom. In other words, this is just a taste of what I won't be getting when Voom shuts down at the end of the month.

Sorry Doug, I'm not aware of any upcoming repeats of the BG miniseries. The Tivo "view upcoming episodes" feature doesn't list it and neither does universalhd.com.

Jedi, consider it held onto...

I too have the Charter Telephony service and have had no issues whatsoever. And with the Triple Play, you really can't beat the price for phone/internet/cable tv.

Originally posted by Robert Simandl
As if Voom shutting down weren't enough, it now looks as if Dish Network has started downrezzing to 1280x1080i just like DirecTV...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=528672


I followed that thread and wrote the email address provided. I was surposed to get a reply. Here is D*s reply

Dear <CoCoKola>

...

We received numerous complaints on some of our High Definition services over the weekend for the same general concerns that you shared. The Quality Assurance Department has forwarded this information to the Compression Department, and they are looking into it. We hope to have an answer from them regarding our customers' concerns within a couple of days, and we will email you back with their findings.

...
EchoStar Satellite LLC
Quality Assurance Department
dishquality@echostar.com

<my email to dishnetwork>

I've noticed the quality of the HD is noticeably less than it was when I first signed up for HD.

I'm seeing a lot more artifacts and loss of detail for shows I've seen before. I'm already paying $20 more than I need/want, and it's a sore point that the quality diminishes on the channels we watch the most. I find this trend disturbing, and I hope you will relay this concern to the folks making compression/bitrate decisions for the HD content.

At least dish seems to be acknowledging there are complaints. I'm not aware of any such acknowledgement from DirecTV.

I have to wonder why Dish is suddenly doing this, immediately after buying another whole satellite (from Voom), up in space already so they don't have to even launch it, that's perfectly capable of carrying multiple HD channels. At least DirecTV has the excuse of limited bandwidth.

On the bright side, all that downrezzing of the *D HD channels has the effect of vastly increasing the number of hours we can store on our HD Tivos without having to install a bigger hard drive. :D

Oh, and Charter telephone service gets no complaints from me (Charter phone customer since 2002, I think). I dumped GTE for them at the time and never looked back, except in occasional derisive laughter.

Originally posted by abcward
I too have the Charter Telephony service and have had no issues whatsoever. And with the Triple Play, you really can't beat the price for phone/internet/cable tv.

Thanks to all for the replies. I plan to call tomorrow to schedule the install. Of course, I am guessing it will be one person for the phone install & another for the Moxi box/digital service.

And, on an even more exciting front, I think I have finally worn my wife down on the HDTV issue. I plan to make a move later this year after the next generation 1080 DLP's come out. I was watching the Masters yesterday just wondering how gorgeous it looked in HD.

(typo edit)

Originally posted by Saluki
Thanks to all for the replies. I plan to call tomorrow to schedule the install. Of course, I am guessing it will be one person for the phone install & another for the Moxi box/digital service.


My family and I just moved into a new house [for us] two weeks ago. Our new house had never had Charter before we moved in, so the house was not wired.

Just to let you know, we had one tech out who did the entire job - telephony, as well as internet/cable tv. So, I'm guessing your install should be similar.

Good luck!

Well, I did notice an occassional glitch during the OTA broadcast of 24. I switched to D*88 and might have noticed a couple of sound blips (the digital sound source changed on my receiver).

I'd like to get some suggestions from folks who are lucky enough to be in my situation in a small valley and have dealt with what I think are multi-path issues. (~ solid signal, intermittent dropping from 80 down to 30-40 or 0%, then back up on most stations)

I've added 10 feed of mast (I'm 20 feet above my roofline) an amplifier, and I just upgraded to an outdoor quad-bow antenna. I am finally getting 2,4,5,9,11, and 30 - but with the intermittent drop-outs.

I'm thinking should either get a rotor (and running more cables,) or I should just give up on the poor tuner in the *D 6000 receiver and get a separate (3rd?) generation tuner.

I started also looking at spending $xxx to install a tower so I can look as cool as my ham radio neighbor. I figure if I can get it high enough I should be fine, but being in Ballwin near the water tower it seems I shouldn't have these problems.

If you think a new tuner is in order, what is a good choice for my situation that won't cost me a lot. I would prefer getting *D 921 or the new model with the hopes the tuner is much better, but I haven't found any info that shows it's better than the 6000's tuner.

My wife's not happy that we are getting our investment out of the HDTV, and I'm not beaten, but I am at a loss for now.

This seems like some very good news for ABC 30 fans and D* subs when we get HD LIL

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050411/phm054.html?.v=4

Wow, that's big news about Sinclair. I wonder if this is the start of them being more reasonable with other providers as well.

I bought a dvd recorder made by Philips from UE that sported a killer closeout price the other day. This unit has a component video input for recording(480i only), as well as firewire. I suspect that the firewire port is only for digital camcorders, but maybe someone knows a workaround. The unit failed miserably in just about all areas. I created atleast a couple of dvd coasters, and it in fact did not make one single successful recording, even on dvd+rws. I updated the firmware, seeing that the unit had an April 2002 build date. After that, the unit behaved even worse during recording attempts, but the video quality improved.

I took the unit back to UE and got another, this time with a build date of March 2003. This unit so far has worked flawlessly. I love the fact that this unit is quite silent while operating, has a 12 hour clock and easy one touch recording in half hour segments(unlike my other Sanyo dvd recorder). I'll bet that the available firmware update will give it mp3 capibility, but I don't have much need for that really. I figure, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If issues apear, then I'll update. The component feed is indeed better for recording than svideo. This recorder also has Faroudja processing, which is cool. Model DVR 985A03.

... or maybe DirecTV simply caved in to $inclair'$ demand$....

Sounds like a cool DVD recorder. Interesting how out of all the reviews of that unit on videohelp.com, not one of them even mentions the component inputs.

Anyone know if Charter will get ABC 30 in HD soon? Thanks, Craig.

Craig,

As far as I know, Sinclair is still demanding 50 cents/subscriber/month from cable providers to carry their digital signal. Broadcasters want cable providers to carry all channels on the digital spectrum- cable providers only want to provide one due to bandwith. Before he left, Michael Powel at the FCC sided with the cable providers. No doubt both sides will continue to bring the issues up in court, with the lawyers being the only real winners.

As a worst case scenario, once SD terrestrial broadcast is ceased, cable companies- by law- will have to carry the digital channel.

Or something like that.

I just spent 30 frustrating minutes with Directv trying to get channel 88 (Fox East HD) turned on. From messages here, because KTVI is owned by Fox, that I should automatically be eligible for national HD feed. Ultimately they agreed to 'submit a request.' Anyone have any suggestions?

Ed Tenholder

Originally posted by jedi35
Wow, that's big news about Sinclair. I wonder if this is the start of them being more reasonable with other providers as well.

I bought a dvd recorder made by Philips from UE that sported a killer closeout price the other day. This unit has a component video input for recording(480i only), as well as firewire. I suspect that the firewire port is only for digital camcorders, but maybe someone knows a workaround. The unit failed miserably in just about all areas. I created atleast a couple of dvd coasters, and it in fact did not make one single successful recording, even on dvd+rws. I updated the firmware, seeing that the unit had an April 2002 build date. After that, the unit behaved even worse during recording attempts, but the video quality improved.

I took the unit back to UE and got another, this time with a build date of March 2003. This unit so far has worked flawlessly. I love the fact that this unit is quite silent while operating, has a 12 hour clock and easy one touch recording in half hour segments(unlike my other Sanyo dvd recorder). I'll bet that the available firmware update will give it mp3 capibility, but I don't have much need for that really. I figure, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If issues apear, then I'll update. The component feed is indeed better for recording than svideo. This recorder also has Faroudja processing, which is cool. Model DVR 985A03.

I had the exact same dvd recorder. Generally worked OK for about 10 months, then it started skipping on commercial DVD's (would still record fine). After about 13 months, it wouldn't play commercial DVD's anymore, so I updated the firmware - completely locked-up the unit, wouldn't even turn on anymore. Called Philips and they told me too bad, its past the 12 month warranty. I complained loudly and they agreed to pay for parts, not labor. I then found out that the only place that could repair it was in Atlanta, and I would have to ship it. Estimated cost of labor and delivery - $150. No thanks. I sold it on ebay "as is" for $70.

Originally posted by tenholde
I just spent 30 frustrating minutes with Directv trying to get channel 88 (Fox East HD) turned on. From messages here, because KTVI is owned by Fox, that I should automatically be eligible for national HD feed. Ultimately they agreed to 'submit a request.' Anyone have any suggestions?

Ed Tenholder

I got a supervisor, who also wasn't cooperative. At the end of the call, I said, "Thanks for your help.....even though you weren't any." and hung up. About 1 minute later, they turned it on. :) That was back when it first launched.

Originally posted by tenholde
I just spent 30 frustrating minutes with Directv trying to get channel 88 (Fox East HD) turned on. From messages here, because KTVI is owned by Fox, that I should automatically be eligible for national HD feed. Ultimately they agreed to 'submit a request.' Anyone have any suggestions?

Ed Tenholder

To get the service, you need to have "Network: FOX HD_*" added to your list of services. This is a no cost option that should be available to anyone in the the STL metro area. It took me a few tries to get someone who knew what to do.

Mike

I think there's just one possible wrinkle with getting FOXHD-East from DirecTV -- you have to be subscribing to local SD channels.

Other than that, it should be a layup, but for some reason DirecTV seems to suffer a collective brain cramp on this issue.

I signed up for the Charter "Triple Play" package today. I was quoted a lower-priced package when I called today that did not include the "Biggest Digital Package". The install is scheduled for next week.

I will be getting 3mb pipeline, local phone service & digital cable (including Showtime, Encore, TMC) plus Moxi box for $107.98 per month. The other option was $119.98 that would include HBO, etc. through the end of the year.

They also told me that my package price is good for as long as I keep the service. That sounds pretty sweet. Is this normal practice? I am thinking I should get this in writing.

If you already have all 3 of the Charter services, can you repackage them under the Triple Play package? I am paying more than 107.98 (have the Movie tier, no HBO) for the 3 right now....without Moxi.

Also: are you billed seperately for each or are they all combined on one bill?

Saluki,
Do the prices you were quoted include the HD package? Those prices sound good.

GlendaleHDTV,
Thanks for your warnings about my new dvd recorder. Others have given me similar reviews as well. I am going to look into some kind of extended warranty for this unit for sure. I may have to purchase it online somewhere if the one at UE isn't available to me after the purchase.

Voom is now showing a sad message on it's startup screen, announcing that the service will be shutdown on April 30, and thanking us for being loyal customers. We will not be billed beyond that date. Still no word as to what they want us to do with the stb and the dish after shutdown. How very sad...

Originally posted by Husker63376
If you already have all 3 of the Charter services, can you repackage them under the Triple Play package? I am paying more than 107.98 (have the Movie tier, no HBO) for the 3 right now....without Moxi.

Also: are you billed seperately for each or are they all combined on one bill?

Not sure, but it's worth a call (1-800-GET-CHARTER). I currently have 3 mb pipeline & analog cable only.

Everything will be on one bill. I am also on auto-pay, not sure if that helps or not.

Originally posted by jedi35
Saluki,
Do the prices you were quoted include the HD package? Those prices sound good.


This does not include the HD pacakage. I will add that to the package when I get my HDTV set.

Saluki,

I just wanted to let you know that Telephone Services is billed on a seperate bill than TV/HSI services

Mark

Originally posted by sconstan
I have been having this problem for quite some time but haven't tried to do anything about it. I have a Samsung SIR-T165 and when I tune to 11-1 the signal locks in but then the tuner reboots. It will usually take one or two cycles of locking and rebooting until the picture appears. Once it is up it stays tuned in. Does anyone else have this issue?


Not checking the forum very often, so a little slow on response time, but I've got the same hardware and same problem. I just try to avoid ever tuning that station unnecessarily.

Originally posted by marky2306
Saluki,

I just wanted to let you know that Telephone Services is billed on a seperate bill than TV/HSI services

Mark

Mark-

My mistake, I just assumed that one monthly price would come through as it does for my internet & cable. It really does not matter to me, regardless. I put everything possible on credit card auto-pay to avoid the check-writing hassle & build up the frequent flyer miles.

What's the story with the guaranteed-not-to-increase package pricing? What's the catch, do you know?

Saluki,

The triple play packages are standard packages and act like the Big, Bigger and Biggest Value packages.

I am in repair and not in sales so I do not have the information, but from what I know, I would say that these packages are NOT guaranteed from price increases.

So that is my take on it.

Mark

VOOM Channels on DISH? Maybe. Someday.

The following is from today's SkyREPORT E-News.

While this is good news for VOOMers starting to feel early withdrawal symptoms, the fact that DISH isn't likely to add significant HD content until they convert to MPEG-4 means that any relief is months away.

_____________________________________

DISH Eyeing VOOM HD Content?

At least one platform is apparently looking at obtaining some of VOOM's original high-def content, and the service involved may not come as much of a surprise.

EchoStar CEO Charles Ergen said during his monthly "Charlie Chat" with consumers Monday night that the company is exploring an "opportunity" to obtain some of VOOM's HD programming. He wouldn't commit one way or the other on whether the company's DISH Network service will get the HD content, but said that adding any extra HD channels won't happen until the technology is there to deliver the goods.
_____________________________________

Doug,

Strictly from a technical standpoint, there are two things that would need to happen for Dish to gain access to the channels.

Encryption needs to change from V* to E* standard or E* receivers need to upgrade to be able to decrypt V* standard E* receiver firmware must be upgraded to look at even transponders at 61.5

E* is lining up some serious bandwidth (AMC-15 and AMC-16 + (potentially) Rainbow-1) so they are definitely getting things together to compete with D* on HD LIL with MPEG-4 encoding. That's the "maybe later" part that Ergen is referring to.

Me, I have reservations about taking MPEG-2 data, decompressing and re-encoding to MPEG-4. It may be that they can do an on the fly MPEG-2 to MPEG-4 compression but I have doubts about that.

Cheers,

John,

Agree that this isn't anything like a simple matter.

While the technical obstacles/requirements are obviously the most critical part of the path, I'd suggest that negotiations to actually secure these channels would be more than a little challenging, particularly in view of Charles Dolan's attempt to torpedo the asset sale to DISH through his FCC petition urging that it be blocked on competitive grounds.

While a case can be made that Dolan's attempts to keep VOOM running were "heroic," I think his tactics have (at least) temporarily shredded his credibility and that of his company in terms of negotiations and acting in good faith. And DISH has every reason to treat future dealings with Dolan and his business interests with an elevated level of skepticism and wariness.

The fact that Charlie Ergen raised this as a possibility could be taken as a good sign, or it could just as well be a "payback tease" aimed at Dolan and Cablevision.

Well any paybacks would be aimed at Dolan. If you followed the saga, Cablevision has been trying to shut down Voom for some time.

I was thinking about this, and I'm far from expert on the topic. It occurs to me that encryption would probably occur at the ground uplink station, so it might be something as simple as changing encryption software at the ground facility that's part of the transaction to change over to E* encryption.

Changing to look at odd and even transponders should also be easy.

Negotiating $$$, well that's another story :D

I'd love to see them fill in HD channels that E* doesn't currently have plus add in the Voom21 immediately but that's either wishful thinking or a pipe dream depending on which path you want to take ;)

Cheers,

One other thing about the VOOM channels on DISH -- I suspect that if they were added, they would be "packaged" into one or more optional packages at additional fees.

Not that that's a bad thing, but considering that HD content was the primary (only?) drawing card for VOOM, I'd think that both Cablevision and DISH would expect they could charge a fairly high price for making this content available.

Doug:

No question about that. Dish is the best candidate as they have a number of subscribers with a dish pointed at the right location in the sky right now :)

How much? I don't know. Maybe changing the price on the HD pack from $9.99 to $19.99 or something like that to include the Voom 21?

Cheers,

so I guess the stlhdtv link hass gone away today.

Originally posted by hall316
so I guess the stlhdtv link hass gone away today.

Yes, sorry for the inconvenience. I handed it over to the new owner of the domain.

I'm thinking of setting up a new link. What do you guys think?

Did anyone have reception issues on KPLR WB tonight? The HDTiVo missed 15 minutes of programming, and the remaining 45 minutes is basically unwatchable.

It's amazing how much of a difference 10ft of elevation makes. While my Media Room is under construction I moved the HDTiVo to the first floor. My seemlingly fool-proof omnidirectional antenna isn't as effective in this location. :(

I had planned on putting an antenna in the attic, but never had the incentive. Now I do.

Any antenna recommendations for O'Fallon, MO 63366?

Hey Toeside,

A friend of mine lives just a few minutes North of you (right off Laura Hill Road). He uses a plain old Yagi in his attic. Does fine for him.

I live a few minutes Northeast of you, but since I'm in a valley I have to mount that Yagi 10 feet above my roof.

Originally posted by Toeside
Did anyone have reception issues on KPLR WB tonight? The HDTiVo missed 15 minutes of programming, and the remaining 45 minutes is basically unwatchable.

It's amazing how much of a difference 10ft of elevation makes. While my Media Room is under construction I moved the HDTiVo to the first floor. My seemlingly fool-proof omnidirectional antenna isn't as effective in this location. :(

I had planned on putting an antenna in the attic, but never had the incentive. Now I do.

Any antenna recommendations for O'Fallon, MO 63366?

I put a Terk TV-32 in my attic a year and 1/2 ago, and haven't touched it since. I get all channels perfect in O'fallon.

http://www.terk.com/pdfs/HDTV-LK.pdf

Scott

Bob,
Dang it, looks like 24 didn't record for me this week. Do you think that it will repeat later this weekend? Did you save it?

Also, I'm thinking of having a couple of people over to the house to help me through the last day of Voom programming. I guess it will be the 29th, since they are shutting down on the 30th. Bob, Doug???

Cablevision, Echostar Claim Dolan Fabricated Consumer Group

So, now the fallout from the bizarro efforts to save VOOM begins...

What's hilariously ironic about the fake consumer group, if true, is that if Charles Dolan needed to be able to show consumer support for VOOM, all he needed to do was log on to AVS or other online home theater-related forums, raise his pant leg about 3 centimeters, and he would have found enough vocal, fawning VOOM supporters to convince even the FCC that the company's latest subscriber numbers must have been a misprint.

I think the failure to understand the powerful benefits of a proactive online presence (Charter Communications, feel free to take notes here) is a telling reflection of the many serious and ultimately fatal miscalculations involved in the creation and launch of VOOM.

The excerpt below is from Newsday and there's a link at the end if you'd like to read the full story, which is fairly long...

________________________________________________

Filing alleges Dolan's ally is fake

BY HARRY BERKOWITZ
STAFF WRITER

April 14, 2005

Even though the story of Voom seemed all but ended, a 43-page filing made public yesterday provides more evidence of how bizarre the battle over the satellite TV service has been between Cablevision and its chairman, Charles Dolan.

The joint filing with the Federal Communications Commission by Cablevision and satellite TV rival EchoStar Communications claims a consumer group that partnered with Dolan in trying to block the sale of Voom's sole satellite does not really exist. Also, a check of records indicates the president of the purported group -- the Association of Consumers to Preserve and Promote DBS (direct-broadcast satellite) Competition -- was tied to the former consulting firm of Voom's chief operating officer, Mickey Alpert.

Dolan and the association had told the FCC in a 53-page joint filing March 28 that Cablevision's deal to sell the satellite to EchoStar for $200 million would reduce competition and hurt consumers. Instead, they argued, Dolan should be able to buy the satellite to keep Voom alive.

Last week, the 15-member Cablevision board reconfirmed its decision to shut Voom rather than hand it over to Dolan, and this time the vote was unanimous, and included Dolan.

But that still left the requirement for Cablevision, which on March 29 disavowed Dolan's FCC filing, to elaborate on its argument that the filing should be ignored. Otherwise, Cablevision could face a lawsuit from EchoStar, which has called Dolan's filing perplexing.

Not only is Dolan's contention moot because of the Voom shutdown plan, Cablevision and EchoStar claim in their new filing, but "all available evidence strongly suggests that the association is a mere fiction, created by a single individual ... Jerome Sandler, for the sole purpose of filing the petition."

Sandler, 70, reached at his home in Rockville, Md., said, "What they say is not true," but he declined to comment on how many members the association had, or when it was formed and why.
________________________________________________


For the full story:

http://www.nynewsday.com/business/ny-bzcabl0414,0,3347870.story?coll=nyc-business-headlines

Jedi, both this week's and last week's 24 are still sitting on the tivo. This one probably won't repeat. I suspect last week's episode repeated because Fox figured ratings the first time would suck (competing against the Final Four). BTW, the end of this week's episode had me yelling "You B*STARDS!!!!!" at the TV. It was a doozy...

Did you catch Alias last night? Also a dooooozy of an ending....

Count me in on the 29th, or whenever it is you have the Voom funeral. My exercise class is over so I have all my evenings free now.

At least on my tv, Charter's HD feed of Channel 11 has lots of pixelation. Sometimes there is no picture at all, with the message, "one moment please, this channel will be available shortly." I get that message just about every night, on at least one of the digital channels. I'll call to report it, and all they do is "send a hit" to the box. Sometimes works, sometimes does'nt.

I'm keeping a very close eye on Dish Network, to see what they do this summer. Lots of potential there, it seems.

oby,

My Charter HD feeds are flawless. However when I moved into my new house last month I did have issues with HDNet, HBO-HD and SHO-HD. These types of issues are generally weak signal issues and require an in-house service call. In my case, they did come out and checked on my issue and it turns out they had to replace my Moxi. Ever since that time, every HD channel has been perfect.

Call them back, make them come out, and don't let them leave until its perfect. Demand that from them. Shoot, I demand perfection from every company's technician that visits my home.

Well, about two weeks ago I was experiencing major problems. Snowy channels, hearing music on some of the channels--alien invasion type of stuff. A Tech came out, and determined the problem was outside, on the pole. So, he got climbed the pole, and when up there, a neighbor down the street who saw the Charter truck, stopped by and said he was having problems. So, the Tech climbed down, and said the problem was "system wide", and called for whoever is supposed to handle a broader problem. The Tech surmised that at the "head end" of my area, there might be some "exposed wires, with squirrel activity". So, I got a call a little later by the super Tech, and in an hour or two, everything was back to normal. So, something was going on at the "head end", but I have no idea what. Since then, I have been having trouble with Channel 11, HD., and certain other channels from the Family Tier. On Sunday night, HD channel 11 was completely out, and the Charter CSR said it was "out everywhere". I got the impression this was not the truth, since nobody here reported an outage.
\

So, we'll see what happens in the future. I like Charter but its been a little frustrating lately when channels I watch, don't come in. Last night it was VH1-Country that was completely out.

Thanks for the antenna info.

Bob, I guess if a 10ft mast makes a difference at your house, having my antenna on the 2nd floor vs the 1st floor could make a difference.

Originally posted by Toeside
Thanks for the antenna info.

Bob, I guess if a 10ft mast makes a difference at your house, having my antenna on the 2nd floor vs the 1st floor could make a difference.

Just put your antenna on your neighbors roof. :D

Scott (Hope I'm not your Neighbor)

Originally posted by oby
Well, about two weeks ago I was experiencing major problems. Snowy channels, hearing music on some of the channels--alien invasion type of stuff. A Tech came out, and determined the problem was outside, on the pole. So, he got climbed the pole, and when up there, a neighbor down the street who saw the Charter truck, stopped by and said he was having problems. So, the Tech climbed down, and said the problem was "system wide", and called for whoever is supposed to handle a broader problem. The Tech surmised that at the "head end" of my area, there might be some "exposed wires, with squirrel activity". So, I got a call a little later by the super Tech, and in an hour or two, everything was back to normal. So, something was going on at the "head end", but I have no idea what. Since then, I have been having trouble with Channel 11, HD., and certain other channels from the Family Tier. On Sunday night, HD channel 11 was completely out, and the Charter CSR said it was "out everywhere". I got the impression this was not the truth, since nobody here reported an outage.
\

So, we'll see what happens in the future. I like Charter but its been a little frustrating lately when channels I watch, don't come in. Last night it was VH1-Country that was completely out.


I beleive the problems with channel 11 are from channel 11 itself. I get my stations from an antenna and I have an 811 dishnetwork box and an internal tuner in my Toshiba 62HMX94. On numerous occassions over the last couple of weeks I've experienced problems with KPLR11.

I doubt it is the channel itself. My KPLR-HD has been perfect since it went live. I too have Charter by the way. I guess there could have been issues when I wasn't watching but when I have watched its been flawless.

Originally posted by Scott Tucker
Just put your antenna on your neighbors roof. :D

Scott (Hope I'm not your Neighbor)

Actually we have the highest roofline in the subdivision, I think.

The antenna worked fine when the TV/HDTiVos were upstairs. They'll be back upstairs in a few weeks once the media room is finished. But...I'm going to go ahead and put an antenna in the attic. I already have an RG6QS run up there for that purpose.

Bob,
Thanks again. I'm hoping to make it over to your place before I leave town next weekend. I think I told you that I was going to my first SW convention in Indianapolis with some friends. Lucas will be there this time. Exciting. And yes, I did catch Alias this week. Well, the second half. The ending was good.

jedi,

have fun at the SW convention. I would love to go, but my wife would probably kill me when the credit card bills came in. :D I have a little problem when it comes to buying cool useless stuff.

Howdy,

Just want to thank Doug for the excellent calibration on my Hitachi set. Everything I've watched so far looks amazing.
Even Satellite looks quite a bit better. Thanks!

Dave Blue

Last week I reported having problems with OTA KMOV, fluctuations from 112% to 000% signal strength. I emailed KMOV and will include their responce at the end of this.

Yesterday I shoved my OTA another eight feet higher and ran three quide wires to stabilize it. I'm now getting all the stations better and can set the attenna at just one direction to get all channels except KPLR 11. Pointing to each station I'm receiving 99% to 126% sig strength. At the point where I set OTA for everything the weakest (throwing 11 out of the equation) is 86%.

This still does not explain why with nothing changed at my location, once KMOV fixed their "DTV transmitter" my system went out. And it does not explain why the fix is raising the OTA.

But I'm watching my shows is HD now and happy!!!



Tue, 12 Apr 2005 08:52:45 -0500
From: "Walt Nichol" <WNichol@kmov.com> Add to Address Book
To: sheerluckholmes7@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: HDTV reception


We did have a problem with our DTV transmitter starting about a month
ago and we were transmitting at 2/3 power. However, that problem was
fixed on Saturday, April 2 and we have been broadcasting at full power
since then.

I live in a fringe reception area and have no problem receiving the
KMOV DT signal, which indicates that we are broadcasting a normal signal.

I would suggest that you check your antenna and the connection to the
lead in coaxial cable. It is possible that something is loose or broken
at that end.


Walt Nichol
Director of Engineering

>>> Barry Spath <sheerluckholmes7@sbcglobal.net> 04/12/05 08:37AM >>>
Hello,

I have had a HDTV set up for about 14 months. Outside antenna,
receiver, big screen etc. For most of this time KMOV's HD signal has been the
best and strongest. The signal strength has always been 86 through 112
%. Within the last two weeks the signal has become unwatchable
bouncing between 112% to 000% every few seconds. I have not been able to
watch your HD content for these past two weeks and it is very frustrating
to me. I watch Survivor - CSI - CSI NY - NCSI and the Masters Golf was
particularly painful. To have to watch these in standard definition is
not why I spent all this money on the HD set up.

For everything to work fine for 13 and a half months, no changes to
anything, and then have your station essentially disappear from my HD
programming makes me think you must have changed something at your end.
There is no construction or change physically to the terrain that I can
determine between my location and your tower. I live near the cross
streets of Morgan Ford and Holly Hills in South St Louis.

Concerned HD viewer,

The ten feet my antenna stands above my roof makes ALL the difference. The antenna in my attic doesn't pull in diddley squat. Which is why I got a 5x8 multiswitch for my DirecTV setup. Now every TV in the house, HD or not, has access to the antenna on the roof. Total overkill since I live alone, but oh well....

I picked up this UHF only (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F002%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D2160) antenna today and a compass.

My reception issues are gone now that my antenna is about 20 feet higher than it was (plus it's a bigger antenna).

I was quite surprised that the antenna was only $24.

Originally posted by jedi35
kjohnson,
Can you tell me more about this update kit for your Sammy 151 tuner? I don't know what it is or what it does.

I hope you don't hate me for not responding...I just pop around when I have trouble with any of the stations.

Supposedly the firmware updates some capability regarding Copy-Protection on OTA DT signals (if a station has broadcast flag on, the receiver will not allow any sort of capture of programming).

I suspect this might have been turned on KDNL-DT, because before the update, my SIR-T151 didn't like it...The PSIP is wierd, but works most of the time.

To find the request form, you have to do some digging on Samsung's website. When you request a firmware kit you get a CD and Serial cable that connects to your PC, that has a 1/4" stereo male jack. That goes into your 1/4" jack on the back of your receiver, that is marked "Service Only." The CD will have the firmware on the disk... I recommend copying the disk to your desktop first, then flash it. The process is similar to updating your BIOS on your computer.

That answer your question....If not PM, or e-mail kjohnson04@gmail.com, and I'll get extremely descriptive...

Again, I'm sorry I didn't catch the post. I bumped into it, doing a search....:)

kjohnson,
No problem dude, thanks a lot. I have an extra 151 just sitting around that I'm not using. But I'd like to keep it up to date in case I need to use it again.

I watched LAX on 5-1 tonight for the first time, and kinda liked it. Was tonight the season closer? It seemed like it. Anybody else follow the series?

Was anyone able to get sound on KPLR 30 tonight? I was having problems through the HD tuner in the television and through the dishnetwork 811 box. The picture would come through but no audio. I then went to SD feed thru the box and I got a test pattern. At that point I punched in the regular analog pic from OTA. I got that picture with audio but it wa the only one I was able to get.

Just got done watching Leno from the other night, first time I'd watched 5-1 in a couple of weeks. Not only is the center channel missing, but so are the rears. Apparently they're sending out 2.0 sound but with the 5.1 flags on, just like KMOV did a year or so ago. Hope they fix it faster than KMOV did.

jedi,

LAX was cancelled back in November.

Sounds like NBC was just clearing out the episodes it had already bought and paid for.

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
jedi,

LAX was cancelled back in November.

Sounds like NBC was just clearing out the episodes it had already bought and paid for.

I watched this for a few weeks in the fall. It was OK, but there were other better shows that I'd rather watch. I guess for those of us who use TiVo or other DVRs, it doesn't matter what a show is put up against (I have no idea what it was competing it), it still has to win viewing time with me.

I thought this show was cancelled, but then questioned that with jedi's post.

Thanks for the additional info, Doug.

At the risk of beating an imaginary horse, I wonder if we're going to hear anything this week regarding the upcoming April 22 debut of the Cards debut in HD on Fox Sports Midwest.

I continue to believe that Charter is the most (only?) logical provider to pick up the FSMW-HD broadcasts this season, either through a special event or dedicated FSMW-HD channel. It's very strange that we're 5 days away from the first HD game on FSMW-HD and there's been not a peep out of Charter.

Maybe Charter doesn't appreciate the substantial competitive/PR advantage that they're sitting on here. Even if you accept the argument that the HD audience in St. Louis is still microscopic, how can Charter not be running ads that assure Cards fans with access to HDTV (at home or at their local sports bar) that they're going to have these HD games available from the get-go?

I think there's a tremendous marketing opportunity to make the point that Charter, not DirecTV, is "the future of HD television in St. Louis."

Is there any entity in St. Louis with a higher "Q" rating than the Cardinals? How could Charter pass by an opportunity to wrap themselves in the Cardinal flag and present themselves to customers and prospects as the local market leader in HD baseball coverage. With the recent addition of KPLR, they could even make the point that all of the 33 scheduled 2005 local HD Cards broadcasts are available on Charter -- and better yet, that NONE of them can be received through DISH or DirecTV dishes.

If money is the issue, I suspect that both KPLR and FOX Sports would happily throw some co-op ad dollars into the pot.

Maybe Charter is reluctant to be proactive, because that would imply they have competition (better to act like it doesn't exist). Or maybe they're simply wary of creating expectations they're not confident they can satisfy.

Doug,

I was just thinking the same thing. I am going to call Rick @ Fox Sports on Monday.

Tim

Nat Geo, Discovery Top HD Wish List
http://multichannel.com/article/CA525190.html?display=Marketing%2FAdvertising&referral=supp

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

By Steve Donohue 4/18/2005

National Geographic Channel and rival Discovery Channel are the networks that viewers want to see the most in HDTV, according to Beta Research Corp.’s latest brand study.

National Geographic was the top-ranked midsized network, with 48% of respondents saying they’d like to see the channel in HD. It was followed in the midsized group by Speed Channel (40%), ESPN Classic (35%) and Outdoor Life Network (35%).

Discovery Channel led the major cable networks, with 47% of respondents saying they would like to see the channel in HD. Discovery was followed by major networks ESPN (44%), The History Channel (44%), Sci Fi Channel (39%), ESPN2 (37%), Disney Channel (36%) and Food Network (34%).

ESPN, ESPN2 and Discovery Channel are the only networks from the study that have actually launched HDTV channels. National Geographic Channel shoots much of its original programming in high-definition, but the network hasn’t set a timeline for rolling out HD iterations of its nature programming.

When viewers were asked which networks they find the most entertaining, Comedy Central and Disney Channel led the major networks, with 79% of viewers ranking thusly. They were followed by Discovery (78%) and Animal Planet (74%).

National Geographic (76%) was the most entertaining midsized network, according to the survey, followed by Hallmark Channel (70%) and GSN (67%).

Niche cable-network viewers apparently pay more attention to commercials, as the survey found that Food viewers (25%) pay the most attention to the spots on the service. Food was followed by Scripps Networks sister service Home & Garden Television (22%); Discovery and Travel Channel (20% each); and ESPN and The History Channel (19% apiece).

Seventy-five percent of respondents selected The Weather Channel as the most valuable cable network, followed by History (73%); Discovery (68%); Food and HGTV (both with 59%); and Animal Planet (52%). National Geographic was the top-ranked midsized network, in terms of value.

I want my SCIFI and SPEED in HDTV.

Gotta have Formula 1 in HD (and WRC). I hope CBS braodcasts its three scheduled F1 races in HD this year.

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
jedi,

LAX was cancelled back in November.

Sounds like NBC was just clearing out the episodes it had already bought and paid for.

Hopefully at some point Fox will do the same with their five unaired episodes of Point Pleasant.

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
I continue to believe that Charter is the most (only?) logical provider to pick up the FSMW-HD broadcasts this season, either through a special event or dedicated FSMW-HD channel. It's very strange that we're 5 days away from the first HD game on FSMW-HD and there's been not a peep out of Charter.

I wonder if Charter/FSMW have actually come to an agreement yet? I would suspect that if a contract was in place that we would have heard something already. Example- we received word at least 30 days beforehand that WB11-HD was being added.

Maybe FSMW-HD is doing what ESPN2-HD did...start up the service and hope that it attracts providers.

But who knows...

Have faith fellow HD enthusiasts. Charter is here to please us. Charter will come through. Cardinal HD on Charter!!!! priceless..

Charter would not let me down, would it?

Originally posted by redwine
Have faith fellow HD enthusiasts. Charter is here to please us. Charter will come through. Cardinal HD on Charter!!!! priceless..

Charter would not let me down, would it?


Redwine,

Whatever you are smoking or drinking, I think that it is time to start cutting back on it.

Mark

i would be very pleased to just get ABC-HD from charter in time for the next season of LOST, or perhaps the rumored 3.2 update, (as if it ever existed) with DVI

I'm having some problems with my charter internet tonight. It's really slow. I've been on hold for about 30 min. Anyway, there is a message that they are doing some updating with the video on demand and the Moxi box in general. It says you may see get an error on your box. This afternoon I had to reboot it as it wasn't responding. I wonder if the new update is being sent out. I just checked and I still have the original version.

Originally posted by bigdaddy10
Was anyone able to get sound on KPLR 30 tonight? I was having problems through the HD tuner in the television and through the dishnetwork 811 box. The picture would come through but no audio. I then went to SD feed thru the box and I got a test pattern. At that point I punched in the regular analog pic from OTA. I got that picture with audio but it wa the only one I was able to get.

same thing - good pq on OTA but no sound. Sucked having to watch the non-HD signal through my dish811

TV Networks Playing "Cat and Mouse" with DVR Users

The following story is from the Detroit Free Press:
__________________________________

TV network executives learn how to foil TiVo

BY JOHN SMYNTEK
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Just when the vagaries of recording TV shows for later viewing were simplified by digitally smart units like TiVo and other digital video recording brands, network executives have found a way around it.

Hard-core delayed viewing junkies have been noticing -- to their chagrin -- that the major networks are starting some of their most popular shows a few minutes past the traditional starting times at the top and (sometimes) bottom of hours. That requires DVR users to indulge in detailed custom programming that defeats the relatively mindless simple operations the units were designed for.
__________________________________


This seems to nicely illustrate the routine cluelessness of the people responsible for running the traditional TV networks. That's right, play these games if you wish, but anything that makes it more difficult for me to watch your programming absolutely ensures that I WILL WATCH LESS.

What I find most interesting about this story, is that it seems to completely miss the meat-and-potatoes issue -- playing games with the start and end times of shows does nothing to make me watch the commercials. After all, if I'm watching with a DVR, there's a chance that I'm going to occasionally catch a commercial or see something that actually deserves my attention. Make it difficult for me to watch with a DVR, and I simply won't bother.

The fundamental point of time-shifting that TV executives refuse to recognize as reality is this: "I have other, better things to do than watch TV on your schedule. If you're not happy with when and how I want to watch, the solution for me is easy -- I will watch less."


Full story can be found here:

http://www.freep.com/entertainment/tvandradio/tivo18e_20050418.htm

On a whim I purchased a used samsung SIR-T150 (yes, rather outdated, but I got it for $20, so I figured what the heck) Problem is I can't get hardly anything. I'm about 60 miles NE of St. Louis, and I can get the following channels on plain old analog 2,4,5,9,11,30, plus a couple of uhf channels from springfield, IL.

With this reciever, I can only get KSDK, KPLR, and occasionally KDNL. When I checked the signal strength on these, I can only get 1 or 2 bars out of the 15 or so bars available.

Do the newer recievers get better reception than this dinosaur? Or am I going to be screwed when HDTV goes mandatory? I've already got an external antenna on a 40' tower that is probably as good of an antenna as I'm going to find. Any ideas on things to try? Should I ebay the old reciever and forget HDTV?

Any help is appreciated.

bucky,

If you're getting the analog stations, especially analog 30, I would expect that you would be getting better results with the digitals. Things to consider checking are the cabling for your antenna (RG-6 quad-shield is best) and tweaking the position of your antenna.

Also, because you're receiving the VHF stations, I assume that the antenna is a VHF-UHF combo, so it might be worth trying a UHF-only model, as that will provide better UHF gain.

Since you have a large tower, it might be worth mounting a UHF antenna separately, as it's possible that some of the St. Louis stations (in particularly KMOV-DT, Ch 56) will switch back to the VHF band once they are digital-only.

I can't speak to the merits of that particular Samsung receiver, though I'm vaguely aware that the first-generation Samsung ATSC tuners were problematic. Hopefully someone else can shed more light on that aspect of your install.

"The fundamental point of time-shifting that TV executives refuse to recognize as reality is this: "I have other, better things to do than watch TV on your schedule. If you're not happy with when and how I want to watch, the solution for me is easy -- I will watch less.""

I agree, we're the consumers, they should be grateful we watch when 85%+ of what they put on tv is CRAP!

So far of the stuff I watch, Lost is the only program that pulls the 7:05-8:05 nonsense. It does bother me b/c I tivo WestWing at 8:00 and the wife wants American Idol at 8:00 also. On weeks that everything is new I have to remember to manually record AI at 8:05. I would hate it if this became a trend and I had to do this with a lot of shows- it would translate to me watching less tv.

Also, on the subject of skipping commercials. I have stopped ff to go back and watch a commercial that looked interesting, funny, or weird- I think commercial producers need to be creative with their commercials- that's the only way to get us to watch them. Even before I had Tivo I would either channel surf or go to the kitchen/bathroom during commercials- I probably watch more commercials now that I skip through them.

Originally posted by marky2306
Redwine,

Whatever you are smoking or drinking, I think that it is time to start cutting back on it.

Mark

Well...Charter bashing has not worked too well. I was just trying a different approach. I agree it is a delusional tactic. Charter's business strategy with regards to HD has been hit and miss.

I was hoping maybe Paul Allen was lurking on this forum and realized what loyal forward-thinking subscribers we are and told his minions to "get those folks Cardinal baseball in HD!"

OK...I'll cut back....;)

Originally posted by BradZ
Also, on the subject of skipping commercials. I have stopped ff to go back and watch a commercial that looked interesting, funny, or weird- I think commercial producers need to be creative with their commercials- that's the only way to get us to watch them. Even before I had Tivo I would either channel surf or go to the kitchen/bathroom during commercials- I probably watch more commercials now that I skip through them.

I read an article recently that stated that DVR users who, of course, FF thru commercials, still retain what specific companies were in the commercials they FF'd through.

Another good point on the article was that DVR users watch 85% MORE tv compared to non-DVR users.

It would be wise to not push away DVR users. But being wise is not always the strong suit of network television.

I have a problem I hope someone on here can help me with. For the past 3 weeks, the hd shows on abc I am having problems with the sound. The sound is always out of sync with the video. It only happens with the hd shows. I can watch a standard def program on the hd channel and everything is great. Then a hd program like Lost will come on and the sound will lag. Anybody have a clue what's going on?
I have a samsung sir-s4120r if that helps at all. Also, it only happens on abc.

Originally posted by redwine
Well...Charter bashing has not worked too well. I was just trying a different approach. I agree it is a delusional tactic. Charter's business strategy with regards to HD has been hit and miss.

I was hoping maybe Paul Allen was lurking on this forum and realized what loyal forward-thinking subscribers we are and told his minions to "get those folks Cardinal baseball in HD!"

OK...I'll cut back....;)

Redwine,

I was joking too. I do work for Charter (Telephone Service) and do see your point.

Mark

Alliance or Acquisition? TiVo Talks with Google, Yahoo

The following is an excerpt from a CNET story:
____________________________________

Search giants court TiVo

By Stefanie Olsen

TiVo is in talks with Internet search giants Google and Yahoo over a possible deal aimed at bridging television and the Web, CNET News.com has learned. The talks are still fluid and could result in a number of outcomes, two sources familiar with the negotiations said.

One scenario that's been discussed would see TiVo partner with Google or Yahoo on a new service that would let consumers search for videos on the Web and then watch them on their television sets, according to one person with knowledge of the talks, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

A second person familiar with the talks said TiVo has held talks with both Google and Yahoo about a potential equity investment, including the possibility of an outright acquisition. Any deal would likely be exclusive, this source said, Nothing has been finalized, however, and the talks could yet fall apart.

"A deal to cooperate could happen quickly, but then the details would have to be worked out," the first source said. "The search companies need to work with companies like TiVo because they have access to the living room, and they own a television interface."

A TiVo representative declined to comment for this report. Jennifer Feikin, director of Google Video, said she could not comment on any TiVo talks at this time. Yahoo spokeswoman Kathryn Kelly said the company does not comment on rumors and speculation.

A partnership between TiVo and a major Internet search engine would offer expansion opportunities for both. TiVo has long talked about becoming the "Google of TV," eventually enabling its 3 million subscribers to search for and watch any broadcast or broadband media. Though TiVo opened the door for video downloads straight from the Web, it does not yet offer such a feature.

____________________________________


Full story can be found here:

http://news.com.com/Search+giants+court+TiVo/2100-1041_3-5673225.html

...one day closer to Friday's first FSMW's Cardinal broadcast in HD. And still no word on exactly who will get this mystery channel...

I haven't been watching the pre-game shows much so far this year, apart from opening day in Houston. That's when I saw the FSMW promo that talked about the 22 HD games.

So, I'm wondering -- has anyone seen that promo since then, and if so, how recently? If it's not being shown, that may add another question mark to the Friday debut.

Also, I don't understand the speculation about a contract not being in place between FSMW and Charter. With FSMW planning on 22 HD games, they know they need a carrier to make that effort/cost worthwhile. They also know that the number of HD viewers is still small, so I'm doubtful that they'd be trying to do a "Sinclair" on Charter.

Then again, maybe FSMW is lowballing the present in return for higher fees in future years...

So, I'm wondering -- has anyone seen that promo since then, and if so, how recently? If it's not being shown, that may add another question mark to the Friday debut.


Doug, I was wondering the same thing. I caught the last half of yesterday's game but saw no HD promos. I also watched parts of some of the weekend games, but those were on channel 11.

Beyond the obvious critiques of Charter, I don't understand FSMW's role in this little drama. They make a big deal about games in HD on opening day, they show specific dates on what games will be shown in HD. Yet they don't provide the most basic information to their customers....exactly where they can watch these broadcasts.

Honestly, this fits right in with the confusion that seems to regularly accompany HD. You would think that providers and hd manufacturers would understand that the more they make HD products/services clear to their customers that the more they would actually profit. Yet these companies do not seem to understand how the general public is woefully uneducated in almost all things HD. Sure 'nerds' like most of us have taken the time to educate ourselves in HD technology and its products. But all of us realize that the majority of the people we personally know have no real undestanding of HD at all. And who's fault is that?

/rant off

Looks like ABC has lost Monday Night Football. Another big reason not to even turn the piece of sh#t channel on. (That, and its not HD to us Charter customers).


Good--hope Sinclair loses even more money with their ABC affiliate channels.

I thought NBC only got Sunday night football.

Spoke with Rick Powers of FSMW, said to call back today 206-7000 and ask for Jeff Goldman, as he is the person who knows. Rick did say that he thought the intent was to have it on Charter. I will be unable to call this afternoon, so can someone do this?

Tim

NBC got Sunday Night Football. ESPN will carry Monday Night Football.

Remember that ABC owns ESPN too.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylc=X3oDMTBpZ2NvMjltBF9TAzk1ODYxMDU5BHNlYwN0aA--?slug=ap-nflmondaynight&prov=ap&type=lgns

But not until 2006 for Monday night Football

The next two WB11 HD games:

04/23 Sat 1:15 vs Houston
04/24 Sun 1:15 vs Houston

Gregg, thanks for the reminder note on the WB HD games coming up. I've actually got these listed in my Outlook Calendar with alarms set a couple of days beforehand.

FWIW, I've been holding off listing the FSMW games in my calendar, partly because it's not clear if they're actually going to be available anywhere and because it's most unlikely they'll be available via my sole subscription source, DirecTV.

(OK, I'll admit it -- I'm sort of using a flipside variant of redwine's strategy here.) :D

Anyway, it's good to know that if our HD hopes are stomped on for Friday's game, we've got a back-to-back HD games on Saturday and Sunday via KPLR...

Originally posted by tcfila
Spoke with Rick Powers of FSMW, said to call back today 206-7000 and ask for Jeff Goldman, as he is the person who knows. Rick did say that he thought the intent was to have it on Charter. I will be unable to call this afternoon, so can someone do this?

Tim

Doug, give Jeff Goldman a call for us today and see what he has to say...

Consider it done...

This may be a little long winded, but please bare with me. If you don't want to read the boring parts jump to the ***.

I had my OTA antenna installed back in October and have been receiving all the digital stations I should be according to antennaweb.org until about 2-3 weeks ago. I had been receiving channel strength (through my HDtivo) of between 85-95 on all channels, when they suddenly began jumping wildly anywhere between no signal and 80ish.

My initial thoughts were the typical troubleshooting things such as poor weather, wind moved antenna, bad cable, etc. I tried all of these things to no avail. I finally decided to spend the money to bring in a pro, as I miss my HD!

Today they came to take a look and here is what they found. After going through the same troubleshooting steps that I had they determined it was not my antenna/alignment etc.

The tech plugged directly into the antenna with his digital meter (I don't know what it's real name is), and found that the farther he moved the antenna away from the direction it was supposed to aim the better the signal got (not good enough to get a signal - in his words from really bad to bad).

***Here's the important part***

He determined that someone must be broadcasting locally on frequency 30 as his meter traditionally reads -39.8 on that frequency, but from my house is reading +7! He is convinced that this signal is the cause of the problem as the signal is so strong that it is bleeding to the other freq.

My location is MidRivers Mall Dr/Hwy N. I am in the first subdivision just off N. The only thing recently new in the area is the new Schnucks on the corner but I'm not claiming they are the cause.

Obviously it is illegal to be broadcasting on this freq but what do I do about it? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt Jacobs

I spoke to someone at the FCC and they informed me that they do not do investigations of interference anymore and cannot help uless I can locate where the signal is coming from on my own! Any suggestions?

OK -- I spoke with Geoff at FSMW, but at this point he's still waiting for word on where the FSMW HD Cards games can be seen.

At this point, nothing is known.

Geoff couldn't give me any hard info, so I asked if I'd be correct in assuming that the FSMW games, if available, would only be available through Charter. In reply he said there's other possible sources and that FSMW is also waiting to hear from DirecTV.

Geoff said he is hoping to know something more definitive on Wednesday. I will give him a call tomorrow afternoon and update what's happening here. Geoff also said the news on availability, once known, would be posted to the Fox Sports Midwest web site:

http://msn.foxsports.com/regional/midwest?workingCategory=277

Originally posted by jacobms1
I spoke to someone at the FCC and they informed me that they do not do investigations of interference anymore and cannot help uless I can locate where the signal is coming from on my own! Any suggestions?

The problem you are describing sounds like you have an Amateur Radio operator nearby that is overpowering you. Being a HAM radio person myself, I know that this happens and have seen it first hand while at another buddy's house. The FCC will investigate if you approach it as a possible HAM radio interference. There are limits and regulations as to what we can output. I would first check with any neighbors that you know of who use an antenna for local reception.

Then other thing is that I know some installers will use faulty equipment so they don't have to spend too much time on something they can't fix immediately. (I have had one such installer) You could try getting ahold of Jon Kniss with American Antenna. He did the install on my HD antenna and spent a while here making sure it was perfect. His numbers are:
H-636-661-5478
C-314-704-0251
He has even made return stops to check and make sure everything was still performing well. I live about 4 miles from you off Hwy K and have no problems at all.

Rich

I find it interesting that all of my OTA tuners are now picking up 46-1 on a regular basis(too bad, since Enterprise has been canceled), but I have a lot of trouble pulling in 30-1. Don't they broadcast a stronger signal than 46-1 in general? I think I'll add a second antenna and switcher to the mix and see what that does.

I don't think anyone can have high hopes for Charter to add 30-1 in time for the next season of LOST, but maybe we could get 5.1 sound up and running? We've been told that the 5.1 sound eq. is inhouse now.

Originally posted by jacobms1
.....
He determined that someone must be broadcasting locally on frequency 30 as his meter traditionally reads -39.8 on that frequency, but from my house is reading +7! He is convinced that this signal is the cause of the problem as the signal is so strong that it is bleeding to the other freq.

My location is MidRivers Mall Dr/Hwy N. I am in the first subdivision just off N. The only thing recently new in the area is the new Schnucks on the corner but I'm not claiming they are the cause.

Obviously it is illegal to be broadcasting on this freq but what do I do about it? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt Jacobs

Do you have any wireless devices nearby (WiFi, IR remote extenders, cordless phones etc.)? They are supposed to operate on a different frequency, but perhaps something is faulty and generating "noise" that is causing the interference.

...just a guess.

I live pretty near that area too, but haven't noticed a problem. So apparently the source is right smack dab *in* your neighborhood.

Originally posted by abcward
I was bored today and started searching around for more info on FSMW's claim to be broadcasting a number of Cardinal games in HD this season. I actually located the schedule:



The article is located at: http://msn.foxsports.com/id/3436242



The "HD" indicators have been removed from the schedule. Oh well.

I guess none of the broadcasters bit the bait and FSMW is backpedaling.