redwine,

Maybe you missed this. There is some cause for hope...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5502956#post5502956

From the Same Dimwits Who Brought You Politically Correct Textbooks...
___________________________________

Congress OKs Bill to Strip DVD Movie Smut

WASHINGTON - Fledgling technology that helps parents prevent children from watching movie scenes depicting sex, violence or foul language won new legal protections Tuesday under a bill Congress is sending to President Bush.

The Family Entertainment and Copyright Act would assure manufacturers of DVD players and other devices using such technology they would not be violating copyrights of the Hollywood producers of movies.

The House passed it Tuesday on a voice vote. The Senate passed it in February.
___________________________________


The full story can be found here:

http://www.portervillerecorder.com/articles/2005/04/19/ap/entertainment/d89ipeh00.txt


It seems to me that if this sort of thing is fair game, someone should start a publishing house that "sanitizes" Congress's own tax legislation to bring it more into line with the average citizen's sensibilities. A good and timely place to start would be the forms and instructions relating to IRS Form 1040, a veritable treasure trove of troubling and offensive use of the English language. :rolleyes:

Doug,

I guess we could dubya this "The New Puritanism"?

Cheers,

Actually guys,

Wasn't this supposed to be a part of the DVD spec? I remember when DVD was first coming out there were all sorts of ideas, and one of them was being able to watch a movie with nudity or violence edited out. I'm no prude, I love sex and blood as much as the average joe, but I have a friend who is really bothered by nudity (yes he is one of those bible thumping freaks) and there are lots of movies that he just won't watch because there's a gratuitous (sp?) sex scene in it.

This device just makes a movie prime time friendly. There is a market for it and I say more power to them. Now we can argue about Congress' motivation because I definitely think they're power mad ninnies, but I don't think this product should be villified. It's an option for families that don't want their kids to see sex and violence.

Brad,

Your friend can fast-forward or skip the offensive chapter -- I'm sure there are hundreds web sites dedicated to providing not only the chapters but the precise minute/second marks for "offensive" content in movies.

But purposely manipulating or changing the content or words of books and movies, whether its after-the-fact snipping or electronic hocus-pocus, to appease those who might find some grounds for offense, is ridiculous. It seems that everyone can find offense with even the most innocuous images or words and there's no place to draw the line.

If the owner of the content is prepared to give his or her permission for these sanitized versions, that's fine. But for someone to go back and alter the content of someone else's work without their explicit permission and approval is an act of vandalism bordering on theft, whether Congress gives its approval or not.

It rare for me to side with Hollywood, but I hope that this BS is stopped dead in its tracks through the courts.

+1

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
redwine,

Maybe you missed this. There is some cause for hope...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5502956#post5502956

Doug,

After I read your post I looked at the schedule and noticed the lack of "HD" that was there when abcward originally posted them:

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.

The site said it was updated 8 hours ago (that would be around 3PM). I wonder if they took the "HD"s off just yesterday!!!!

Mike

Tom,

I also noticed that yesterday when I posted the link. While that could be taken as a sign that the HD coverage is in question now, at least there's some concrete word from FSMW that they're trying to get something done with Charter and DirecTV.

I've been quietly hopeful about the shared corporate relationship between FOX and DirecTV, as both are ultimately controlled by parent News Corp. I think if there wasn't a bandwidth capacity issue with DirecTV that FSMW would be a no-brainer addition, as would the other O&O Fox Sports Nets that are doing HD baseball this year.

But because of that capacity constraint it seems likely that our best bet locally is Charter. And this goes back to the point I raised earlier in the week -- Charter just doesn't seem to see any marketing value in taking a lead role on HD programming.

I suspect that if DirecTV were definitely on board with FSMW-HD, that Charter would be much more likely to tag along because of the high profile this has and the obvious potential for customer losses. I think for many, it would be "the last straw."

But if DirecTV passes, Charter has nothing at risk.

Doug

Why is there a bandwidth problem now and not during football season when the Sunday Ticket take up to 8 HD channels. I guess we will have to just wait and see.

Tom

We were soooooo close to getting more Cardinal games in HD [FSMW-HD]. Now I can see it slipping away.... Maybe I'm being pessimistic, but this is sad news.

tommeyj,

I don't know the inside detail on this, but here are some possible explanations:

* There were rarely eight HD football games showing simultaneously on Sunday Ticket. Still, there were often as many as three or even four on at one time, so it's reasonable to think that there COULD be at least that much spare bandwidth to be found now.

* DirecTV apparently throttled down the bandwidth for its other HD channels prior to the NFL season last summer as part of the process for having sufficient ST bandwidth. I haven't been following this closely, but it appears that DirecTV restored some, though not all, of that displaced HD bandwidth at the end of the football season.

* I believe that DirecTV has since added other SD channels, including international channels and the so-called "mix" channels, and that has probably drained the bandwidth reserves to some extent.

Doug,
I think we are missing the point on this HD baseball. There's no point for Fox Sports Mid West to have a designated HD channel. Bud Sports Productions produces the HD game for Fox and KPLR. All Fox needs to do is find a place to show it. Hell, LyngSat reports the Yes HD and Spice HD has been added to Directv so there is "bandwidth" somewhere up there. With KPLR doing the Sat and Sun games in HD I would think that we will find the Fox HD lurking out there hopefully.

Tom

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
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.



Well, I just plunked down some more money on a UHF antenna, I went with the channel master 4228. $40 plus shipping, hopefully my wife won't kill me over spending more money on this.

I'll let you know if this helps with the reception. I figure my old VHF/UHF combo was ok on the VHF side, but the UHF reception was probably lacking on anything over 50 miles, which is pretty much any st louis station. If you don't hear back, assume my wife killed me for spending more cash on my pursuit of high quality television.

bucky,

It's always good to get feedback on these sorts of changes, but in your case I especially hope we hear back from you.

If not, you probably won't be seen again until "Without a Trace" gets around to doing your story... :)

tommeyj,

Spice HD was on DirecTV months (maybe a year?) before the HD games on Sunday Ticket, so I don't think that's particularly relevant.

I've also seen various online comments indicating that some of the regional FSNs are available in HD on DirecTV when there's HD programming available, but apart from YES (not FOX-owned), I haven't been able to confirm that.

I think that each and everyone of us needs to call FSMW and let them know our desire to see the cards in HD. I'm not sure that it will help, but it will at least let them know that there are people out there who want it.

Tim

Doug,

I don't remember Spice HD up there but I never bother to look. I think It time to dust off the Unity Motion. The Birds are on ESPN2 HD tonight. Not being able to receive that is a crying shame.

Tom

Spice has been up there for a while. A DirecTV CSR tried to sell that to me
when I called to complain about the lack of HD about a year ago.

I told her if I had porn in HD, I'd never leave my house. The CSR chuckled.

As far as ESPN2HD, I don't believe tonight's game is in HD via ESPN2. It's
not on their schedule.

I think all of us need to call CHARTER and let them know that we want and demand FSMW-HD on our cable system.

Direct the comments to:

Larry Hart
Director of Programming
941 Charter Commons Drive
Town and Country, MO 63017

[QUOTE]Originally posted by abcward
I think all of us need to call CHARTER and let them know that we want and demand FSMW-HD on our cable system.

Direct the comments to:

Larry Hart
Director of Programming
941 Charter Commons Drive
Town and Country, MO 63017 [/Q

And ESPNHD2, while you're at it. ESPN2 would have more HD programming than FSMW-HD.

FSMW-HD Cards "Likely Postponed" Until May

I just received an eMail from Geoff updating me on the status of the Cards' games scheduled for HD presentation via FOX Sports Midwest.

Unfortunately, the headline says it all... :(

BTW, when I spoke with Geoff yesterday, I introduced him to our discussion group here, providing him with links to the current discussion as well as some of the introductory info. He checked us out and told me that he and others at FSMW would be monitoring us going forward and that this is the sort of customer feedback that they like to be able to hear.

Was that all his email said, Doug?

Doug,

Thanks for taking my handoff and running with it. I appreciate it.

Tim

abc,

Yes, that was really all of it, apart from letting me know that he'd pass along further details when they're available.

Brad,

Bible thumping freaks?? Oohh, that's kinda pushing it, don't ya think. I mean, that's got to be ripe for offending some of us here. I don't mean to be confrontational, but we are quite lucky to be able to have this little forum of ours, and I'd hate to see it get shut down because of posts like that. Let's keep it clean...so to speak. Thanks.

Sorry, I didn't mean to offend anyone. That's how my friend describes himself when we discuss things like nudity in movies. In any case, it was not my intent to insult anyone's beliefs. I truly apologize to anyone who took offense at my remark.

I was curious as to what results people had with various antennas in St Louis City. I live in Forest Park Southeast (essentially 1 block east of Kingshighway and 4 blocks south of highway 40), in a 2-story home, with what should be a clear line of sight to the SSE, where most of the HD OTA channels are broadcast from. (At least, that's what Antennaweb tells me.)

I will be buying the LG 4200 sometime in the next month, and am assuming that something like a SilverSensor just won't cut it for me, since I have yet to find an indoor antenna that works for regular VHF/UHF. (1st floor entertainment room, big brick homes a couple feet from eacher other, all of which leads to very little signal getting through.)

Any suggestions and thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

TallTim,

Not sure why a Silver Sensor wouldn't work for you and why you'd need VHF. Maybe I'm not following, but if you get all of the digital locals, are there other analog locals that you need to receive?

Of course, a SS might not work in your location, but you can usually return it if it doesn't. It seems to me that it's better to go ahead and test the path of least resistance before going the attic/rooftop antenna route, even though there's a good chance that will be required to get reliable reception on all channels.

I usually recommend that you buy a UHF-only antenna as this usually results in more reliable reception of the current digital channels. Be aware, however, that some local digital channels may shift back to the VHF spectrum once the digital transition is complete. KMOV is a good candidate to revert to channel 4 for its digital broadcasts, as its digital location at channel 56 has been earmarked as part of the spectrum that is going up for auction. But for now, all digital locals are UHF-only...

Winegard and ChannelMaster are popular antenna choices, and your best bet for finding them locally is probably SkyWalker Communications in Wentzville/O'Fallon. Radio Shack antennas get generally good feedback here. You might also consider buying via the web through http://www.antennasdirect.com/, which sells the popular DB-2 and DB-4 models.

If you're pretty new to digital television, I'd recommend you read through this message and the two following at the beginning of this discussion thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2995679#post2995679

I guess my point in mentioning the analog VHF/UHF signals was that as far as indoor antennas went, I hadn't had any luck. I was unsure whether or not the same problem would present itself with a UHF-only antenna, and if the Silver Sensor would work.

However, as you stated, what's the harm in trying out the SilverSensor first? I'll likely give the SilverSensor a shot when I make my purchase in the upcoming weeks.

A week or two back, there was brief discussion here about the merits of different display technologies. At the time, I pointed out the main drawback to LCOS sets was the long-standing problems involved in manufacturing the LCOS chips.

In today's WSJ, there is an article about Sony's efforts with LCOS and their belief that they've solved at least a part of the manufacturing problem for Sony's version of the LCOS chip (SXRD).

Also, based on the number of Sony LCD sets sold, I remain skeptical that JVC has managed to ship significant numbers of its own LCOS RPTV sets. Likewise, an analyst doubts Sony's ability to ship even 100,000 of the SXRD/LCOS sets in the next year, though Sony seems confident that it will do more than a half million.

___________________________________

Advanced TV
Will Be a Test
Of Sony Revival

By PHRED DVORAK
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL April 21, 2005; Page B1

TOKYO – In 1968, Sony Corp. became an engineering legend with the launch of the Trinitron, a television that was technically tricky to manufacture but created an image so beautiful that it became one of the company's most popular -- and profitable -- products.

Now, Sony is trying for a repeat performance.

Later this year, the Japanese electronics giant plans to roll out in the U.S. a line of rear-projection TVs based on a light-reflecting semiconductor chip. Analysts say the sets rival high-end flat-panel TVs in picture quality and resolution -- and they potentially are a lot less expensive to make.

So far, though, production problems have kept the sets pricey and hard to build. An early version of the Sony set with a 70-inch screen goes for $13,000 and only a few thousand have sold since its launch in the U.S.
earlier this year. And the chip that powers the sets is so difficult to make that Philips Electronics NV and Intel Corp. have given up on their versions of it.

Still, rivals are watching Sony closely. A big rollout of sets based on the technology, called liquid crystal on silicon, or LCOS, would mean even fiercer competition in the fast-growing and relatively high-profit-margin market for big TVs. Last year, 14% of all TVs shipped in North America had screens 40 inches or larger, according to TV data tracker iSuppli. That percentage is expected to increase to 42% in 2009.

...

[The LCOS chip] has proved devilishly hard to make. For years, it was so tough to get the liquid-crystal and the glass placed evenly that most companies made their LCOS chips one at a time -- a time-consuming and expensive process. Late last year, Philips said it was discontinuing its LCOS TV line, and Intel said it had stopped development of its own LCOS chip because it didn't think it could make money on it any time soon.

Mr. Hashimoto said that after years of experimenting, he found a way to do part of the chip assembly in bulk, which should reduce costs significantly.
Sony TV executives say that after they launch their LCOS line toward the end of the year they expect to bring down the price of the sets as well as ramp up U.S. shipments to nearly the same level as their current line of Grand Wega rear-projection TVs.

Sony sold an estimated 600,000 Grand Wega sets, which use a different LCD technology, in the year ended March 31. The LCOS sets offer higher resolution and better picture quality: With the Grand Wega TVs viewers often can see a grid-like pattern on the screen from close up.
In Sony's LCOS sets, no grid is visible.

...

Analysts say LCOS TVs remain a jigsaw puzzle of difficult-to-make parts that direct the light beams from the chip to the screen, and some are skeptical of Sony's prospects with them. Goldman Sachs analyst Yuji Fujimori estimates Sony will manage to make only 100,000 sets this year because of production difficulties -- around a fifth of what he says Sony expects.
___________________________________

The full story (requires WSJ Online subscription) can be at the WSJ Online site:

www.wsj.com

In the current issue of Sound & Vision Magazine, they do a nice cover on the 70" SXRD. Pretty nice unit. They have it online too. www.soundandvisionmag.com

Rich

It was in our current issue as well. The set calibrates very accurately for grey scale, and it ought to as it exceeds the price of many FPTV units :D

Cheers,

Brad,
Sorry if I sounded like I was preaching at you. I'm not. Internet language can be difficult as we don't have all the benifits of facial expression, tone of voice or whatnot, and have to rely on using a few emoticons here and there. Sounds like everything's fine...

Bob sent me a notice today advertising a promotional aimed at the soon to be orphaned Voom customers. We'll get a $200 rebate if we sign up for a year of HD programming on a DirecTv HD receiver or HD Tivo. Pretty cool. This is the first significant offer I've seen any service provider make towards knocking down the price of an HD PVR. This offer extends until July 31.

I wonder what it costs Charter to allocate the FSMW HD bandwidth/channel? It always comes down to money or personalities.

They are probably thinking about adding it as a new or existing "tier" that they can somehow charge more for. Maybe it will happen by the end of May. This is fair in my opinion if there is a real cost to carrying the HD channel. FSMW probably did not give enough lead time to allow the businessmen to figure out how to pass the costs on to the consumer.

I doubt if Fox Sports and Direct TV are integrated enough within the corporation to make much of a difference. They still act as if they are separate companies and thus have the same bureaucracies that prevent a smooth integration of a new HD channel.

It is a shame that we, the enthusiastic consumer, have to suffer.

---end editorial---

Mike

Originally posted by skippy_rq
In the current issue of Sound & Vision Magazine, they do a nice cover on the 70" SXRD. Pretty nice unit. They have it online too. www.soundandvisionmag.com

Rich

Does any store in St. Louis carry it?

redwine,

I think if you look at what various cable providers around the country include in their HD offering and what they charge for that conent, Charter currently doesn't stack up very positively in terms of value.

So, the idea that adding FSMW-HD justifies an additional subscriber charge seems to me to be well out of bounds. I think provision of FSMW-HD should be treated the same as HBO and HBO-HD, meaning that if you're already getting the SD channel, there should be no additional charge for the HD channel.

I'll admit that the HBO comparison lacks perfect apples-to-apples harmony. HBO is a premium package unto itself, and FSMW is a small part of Charter's expanded basic offering; on the other hand, HBO-HD has a significant percentage of HD content while (at least in the near term) FSMW-HD would be largely limited to less than two dozen Cardinal baseball games.

All that said, I think your instincts on this aren't far off the mark -- probably one of the reasons Charter isn't enthusiastic about adding FSMW-HD, is that it knows that charging an additional fee for it would be a tough sell.

DISH and DirecTV look to woo VOOM orphans

From today's SkyREPORT:
__________________________________

DISH Offers Deal to VOOM Subs

EchoStar's DISH Network is offering current VOOM subscribers a high-def TV solution that includes free next-day installation and six months free of HD programming.

The move comes as Cablevision, which controls VOOM, prepares to shut down the struggling satellite TV service on April 30.

Through the DISH Network program, VOOM customers will get six free months of HD programming and high-def receivers in up to two rooms at no charge. Also, for a limited time, those who sign up can receive more than 180 standard-definition channels for $31.99 a month, available for the first three months with a one-year agreement.

DirecTV also has a deal in place for VOOM customers, which was reported this week by SkyRETAILER.
__________________________________

With regards to the Sound & Vision magazine, a one year subscription is only $10. Also, you can subscribe to John's Widescreen Review online for $15 per year. They both sound like great values to me.

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
DISH and DirecTV look to woo VOOM orphans

From today's SkyREPORT:
__________________________________

DISH Offers Deal to VOOM Subs

EchoStar's DISH Network is offering current VOOM subscribers a high-def TV solution that includes free next-day installation and six months free of HD programming.

Through the DISH Network program, VOOM customers will get six free months of HD programming and high-def receivers in up to two rooms at no charge. Also, for a limited time, those who sign up can receive more than 180 standard-definition channels for $31.99 a month, available for the first three months with a one-year agreement.

i.e. The same deal they offer every other new subscriber (not that it isn't a great deal).

Hi all... I have a few questions.

I will be receiving dish network next week at my new apartment.

1) I cant put the dish anywhere on my building, so I have heard to either buy a tripod or make a concrete bucket. Can you give me some advice here? It will be on my back patio.

2) I would like to receive my local channels in HD... can you recommend an antenae? Zip Code - 63119

KB, you do have rights. The following is from the first post:

Your Right to Erect an Antenna and/or Satellite Dish

As more and more consumers purchase high-definition displays, there's increasing interest in arranging for receipt of HD programming via an over-the-air antenna or through a satellite dish.

Unfortunately with the proliferation of cable television in the 1980s and 1990s, many communities, property developers and homeowner/condo owner associations tried to undo the visual blight of antennas (and later, satellite dishes) from their local skylines. While these laws, rules or convenants were well-intended -- after all, it would be difficult to argue for the cosmetic benefits of a yagi antenna -- these actions are not legally enforceable.

The FCC has ruled -- with only a few very narrow exceptions -- that you have the right to receive over-the-air television and radio broadcasts and as a result you have a right to erect an antenna to receive these signals. This ruling also encompasses the erection of small satellite dishes.

Even if you have previously signed a lease or homeower association convenant that requires you to forego the right to erect an antenna or satellite dishes, the FCC has ruled that these types of provisions are unenforceable.

In general, there are only a few notable exceptions to this rule:

* First, the location of the antenna or dish must be an "exclusive use" area. As a homeowner or condominium owner, this would mean any part of the property over which you have control. For renters, this would also apply to balconies or patios that are intended solely for your use. The sort of rental property area that would not be covered would be general use areas, such as common passageways or rooftop areas that are clearly intended for the shared use of all residents.

* Second, the antenna or dish cannot be erected in areas that would create a legitimate safety issue, for example one that is dangling off a balcony or placed too close to electrical wiring.

* Third, there may be restrictions if you are located in a designated historical (or prehistorical) district, in which case a permit may be required.

The other major limitation is that these devices cannot exceed 1 meter (39.37 inches) in diameter.

The burden of proof in contesting your right to mount a dish and/or antenna rests with the landlord, homeowner association, city council, etc. Strictly speaking, you do not need to seek prior permission or provide prior notice, so long as the device is to be situated in an area under your control and there is no obvious safety issue.

However, before taking on the expense and effort of such an installation, you should read and review in its entirety the following summary of the FCC ruling on consumer rights to mount over-the-air devices:

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

Originally posted by dweebe
Does any store in St. Louis carry it?

That I am not sure of. I was originally exposed to the mag from a coworker then I signed up myself since it was a great mag for the price.

Rich

CARDINAL GAMES IN HD

Just a reminder: Saturday and Sunday's Cardinal/Astro games will be broadcast in HD on KPLR Channel 11.



[and yes i'm still foolishly hoping that Charter/FSMW get an agreement in place for more Cardinal games in HD]



Bruce

So they are giving Voom customers up to 2 free HD tuners? wow.

For those looking for magazines, try ebay. You can usually get subscriptions for a few dollars or even pennies. I did a quick search on Sound & Vision and it looks like the best deal is 3 years for $11.99. As you are browsing, don't forget that some sellers charge a shipping & handling fee, so keep that in mind for the overall price.

Both S&V and WSR can be found at most Border's bookstores.

For whatever reason, the WSR copies on the newstand sometimes lag a few weeks behind the current issue available through subscription, so having it delivered to your mailbox is better.

Fireshoes,

Thanks for the great idea on magazines. And I thought that $10 a year was a great deal. I had no idea that you could buy magazines through eBay.

While you can do eBay, I would not trust it for a magazine subscription. You are giving all of your information to a unknown 3rd party. Either go straight to the mag or try Amazon or some well known reseller.

My $.02

Rich

skippy_rq,

Free or almost-free subscriptions are becoming more and more the norm these days. I probably have about 20 different magazine subscriptions that I pay nothing for. [Maxim, Sporting News, PC Mag, Stuff, Better Homes & Gardens, Blender, Games Tips & Tricks, etc, etc]

As long as no one ever asks for your CC information there is no way for the magazine companies to charge you any surprise charges.

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
redwine,

I think if you look at what various cable providers around the country include in their HD offering and what they charge for that conent, Charter currently doesn't stack up very positively in terms of value.

So, the idea that adding FSMW-HD justifies an additional subscriber charge seems to me to be well out of bounds. I think provision of FSMW-HD should be treated the same as HBO and HBO-HD, meaning that if you're already getting the SD channel, there should be no additional charge for the HD channel.



The same logic should aply to Dish Network customers who subscribe to the HD package. But alas, it doesn't

I can view many Cardinal games on Fox Midwest, but they are always in blurry, over-compressed-SD. The grass looks like green clouds! One would think Dish could at least push the games out on a HD channel for a few hours. Why not put it over a Spot Beam? Can't take up that much bandwidth. At a minimum, at least crank down the SD compression a notch or two. The games only look good on a 13 inch set.

Is anyone having trouble picking up KSDK? I get every other channel pretty good except them, and they're the closest tower to me. I don't get UPN well, either, but the tower is 30 miles away. I have a Terk 43. Anyone? Thanks.

abc,

I forgot about that aspect...


Has anyone noticed that FSMW is showing up under the HDTV area of Moxi? It isn't HD but is interesting it is there...

Rich

Originally posted by skippy_rq
While you can do eBay, I would not trust it for a magazine subscription. You are giving all of your information to a unknown 3rd party. Either go straight to the mag or try Amazon or some well known reseller.

My $.02

Rich

I've bought about a dozen subsriptions over the past couple years for myself and friends without incident.

Originally posted by skippy_rq
Has anyone noticed that FSMW is showing up under the HDTV area of Moxi? It isn't HD but is interesting it is there...

Rich

Hmm, I noticed that too. I can't help but think this is good news - maybe Charter is setting this up for FSMW-HD coming soon....

Originally posted by abcward
Hmm, I noticed that too. I can't help but think this is good news - maybe Charter is setting this up for FSMW-HD coming soon....
The same info appears on the DirecTV program guide, and I suspect that the same would be true for DISH.

The electronic program guide listings information comes from a centralized source, and information is provided to them by the programmers, in this case FOX Sports. Tribune company is one of the TV listings information sources, but I can't remember the name of the other one(s).

Unfortunately this has nothing to do with either Charter or DirecTV.

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
The same info appears on the DirecTV program guide, and I suspect that the same would be true for DISH.

The electronic program guide listings information comes from a centralized source, and information is provided to them by the programmers, in this case FOX Sports. Tribune company is one of the TV listings information sources, but I can't remember the name of the other one(s).

Unfortunately this has nothing to do with either Charter or DirecTV.

So, you're saying this is just a glitch and not a foreshadowing of things to come?

Threads merged (Post #5814)

Welcome to the forum, chilmorg.

Originally posted by abcward
So, you're saying this is just a glitch and not a foreshadowing of things to come?
Yes, to paraphrase Freud, sometimes tea leaves are just tea leaves... ;)

Seriously, it appears that FSMW was assuming that it would have HD distribution in place, so it added the "HDTV" metadata for the game listing when it provided the info to Tribune and others...

I think Charter will try to add the HD games on FSMW to the HD "tier" which includes ESPN HD, HDnet, and HDnetmovies for $3.99 per month. They will not allocate a full time HD channel but will add the channel for each time a HD Cardinals game is broadcast. This way they "incentivize" HD set owners to upgrade and collect some extra fees.

IMHO

Mike

OK KDNL-30, you've changed something again! The Samsung 360 is working great tonight with your OTA HD signal. I see the "roll" in the SD picture, you must be on the old hardware. :-( I really hope this gets resolved, you are the only station in town that I have problems with OTA. Every other station comes in just fine.

Originally posted by skippy_rq
That I am not sure of. I was originally exposed to the mag from a coworker then I signed up myself since it was a great mag for the price.

Rich

I think he was wondering if anyone in St. Louis carried the TV reviewed in the mag, not the mag. Dean can correct me if I'm wrong. There is a Sony Style store at West County Mall that may carry it ( the tv).

Scott

I'm thinking of droping Dish Network. I just don't seem to be watching much of anything except the locals off my OTA.

If I end up doing this I'd still like to get my OTA channels in HD in the basement and will need another HD receiver and some means of recording for time shifting some programs when I'm at work.

What are your guys opinions of the current offerings in this regard and do you think I'd be better off buying locally or Ebay?

Thanks

Anyone else notice the blurb on Pg 10 (HD a No-Show) of the Post Dispatch?

It basically states that the deal with Charter is still not done, but they expect to complete it by May.

Dave

Here's the reference to FSMW-HD from Dan Caesar's Media Views column in today's Post-Dispatch.

It's interesting that the P-D did an item on this news, but odd that they don't mention the 11 games being broadcast on KPLR, including two this very weekend.

I guess good news is no news... :rolleyes:

_______________________________

HD a no-show

FSN Midwest's plans to televise several Cardinals games this month in the high-definition format have been scrapped. The hang-up is that a contract for HD telecasts has not been signed yet with Charter Communications, which provides service to more than 90 percent of those in the St. Louis area who purchase cable television.

A FSN Midwest spokesman said that deal is expected to be in place by May, and HD Cards telecasts would begin then.

_______________________________

Has anyone seen video-audio sync issue on Charter? I have seen it only on the local HD stations primarily 781 (WB11). I am using a cable card.

Ok, I realize the FSMW HD games for April seems to be a dead issue, but...has anyone noticed the Cards-Brewers game for Monday being listed as HD on Channel 95 on DirecTV? It is listed as HD on the regular channel 647 and it is showing up in the listing for Special Events channel 95 as well.

It may be a long shot, but this seems promising to me. Channel 95 seems to be where they are showing all of the local RSN HD games on DirecTV.

Originally posted by esterman
Ok, I realize the FSMW HD games for April seems to be a dead issue, but...has anyone noticed the Cards-Brewers game for Monday being listed as HD on Channel 95 on DirecTV? It is listed as HD on the regular channel 647 and it is showing up in the listing for Special Events channel 95 as well.

It may be a long shot, but this seems promising to me. Channel 95 seems to be where they are showing all of the local RSN HD games on DirecTV.

Was yesterday's game (April 22nd) shown in HD on channel 95?

Maybe Rupert is a Cardinals Fan?

Anyone else getting pixellation and audio break-up of the Cards pre-game on 11-1?

I thought it might be a reception issue here, but during the last commercial break the video/audio were fine, but as soon as they switched back to the pre-game programming the problems returned.

I'm using an HD-TiVo and tried a reboot, but the problems continue...

Anyone else?

Here as well:(

same problem for me. Frequent pixelation and occasional static for audio.

yeah, My girlfriends family is having issues with the game as well. (I'm at work.)

must be the broadcast...grrr.

I just turned the game on (1:29PM) and have nothing but a still frame and no audio on 11-1. Plain old analog 11 via *D is fine (except for being hellaciously blurry and overcompressed of course).

Uh, oh (1:31PM).... lots of LOUD bursts of static...

Yes, I'm having issues with 11 as well. The picture looks pretty good (ocassional pixelization), but basically sound (just a bunch of cracking and popping).

I just sent the following e-mail to WB11 admin, programming, and technical...hopefully they get the issues resolved for everyone before the game is over.

--- Subject - 4/23/2005 Problems with the HD cardinal broadcast.
WB,

First of all, thank you for providing today's baseball
game in high definition. However, I am having some
issues with the broadcast. It seams that the screen is
flashing and the audio is not coming through very
strong.

Members of the AVS (St. Louis HDTV) forum have
confirmed that they are having issues with the
broadcast as well. If you would like to read exact
comments, please go to the last page of the thread
listed below.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5522684#post5522684

Is there anything that can be done to resolve the
issue? (Hopefully with some of the game left?)

Thanks in advance for correcting the problems,

Adam

I'm having pixelation and picture going full(good) to pure black. Just flashing back and forth. Then it stabilizes for about 30 seconds then starts up again. I thought it was reception also, but I've never had any problems with 11-1. Commercials are fine, and you guys are also having problems, so I doubt everyone has reception issues.(woohoo, i guess?)
Dug

edit, it looks like they are switching back and forth in spots during the game.

The picture on 11.1 was never stable. Now I'm getting an SD feed on the digital channel. They are really messing this up. It is totally unwatchable.

This is frustrating.........I wish they'd never had shown the HD signal. Now I know how good the Cardinals can actually look I can't look at the SD feed. I want my HDTV!

its 2:30 and I just got home - my WB-HD is very pixelated as well.....

:(

Just registered.

I am really unhappy about the HD. I mean by the time you spend the money and now you have to deal with problems with the feed. VERY frustrating.

I hope the Cardinals get a discount.

My signal is jumping in and out and is unwatchable.

I hope the new stadium has HD all the time.

Go cards.

Originally posted by Mr_Bester
I'm having pixelation and picture going full(good) to pure black. Just flashing back and forth. Then it stabilizes for about 30 seconds then starts up again. I thought it was reception also, but I've never had any problems with 11-1. Commercials are fine, and you guys are also having problems, so I doubt everyone has reception issues.(woohoo, i guess?)
Dug

edit, it looks like they are switching back and forth in spots during the game.
I just checked during the 4th inning. The sound appears to be fixed (or at least you can hear the game and not static), but the picture appears to be worse. I, too, am also seeing the pixelization and picture going full(good) to pure black, as Mr_Bester described.

Wow, now it appears they switch back to SD on 11-1.

I agree that the problems with the Cards HD broadcast are frustrating. But then, I'm willing to cut KPLR some slack, as they are the first local broadcaster to originate HD programming. Of course, it's odd that the Opening Day broadcast went off without so much as a hiccup and this one is riddled with problems, but I guess that's the nature of climbing the learning curve for these sorts of things.

I may be in the minority, but I'm much happier to deal with errors of commission (KPLR technical issues) than errors of omission (Charter indifference).

It looks like they have the hd feed back. Everything looks great right now.
Great work WB 11 engineers and such.
Dug

They switched back to HD during the full-count pitch to Edmonds in the 6th inning. Everything appears to be fixed. The sound level seems a little low, but other wise everything's good.

And I agree with you Doug, I don't mind dealing with the growing pains of WB11.

Alright.........Looks like we have a good HD signal again. I Can never go back to SD after seeing this pristine picture............simply beautiful. 2:56PM

Thanks WB support! (Also to the members here.)

OK, let's take a minute and discuss NEXT season for the Cardinals.

I assume that the new ballpark will be equipped for HD broadcasts. Hopefully a contract will be signed with FSMW in the next month or so. Does those two points mean that we'll be able to see 100+ games next season in HD? Or should we only expect home games to be in HD? It did seem like when FSMW had their list of games slotted for HD for this year that most of those contests were away games if I can rememember correctly.

Any thoughts on what we can expect in 2006??

What market has FSMW in HD? I would assume the new Dtv satelitle may have it, but charter and Dtv diont have them as of yet?

Extar innings should look great now!

Originally posted by esterman
Ok, I realize the FSMW HD games for April seems to be a dead issue, but...has anyone noticed the Cards-Brewers game for Monday being listed as HD on Channel 95 on DirecTV? It is listed as HD on the regular channel 647 and it is showing up in the listing for Special Events channel 95 as well.

It may be a long shot, but this seems promising to me. Channel 95 seems to be where they are showing all of the local RSN HD games on DirecTV.

Hmm, all I see on channel 95 is "NFL Sunday Ticket." Went so far as to delete it figuring it was nothing but an advertising channel til football season starts....

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
.... I'm willing to cut KPLR some slack, as they are the first local broadcaster to originate HD programming. Of course, it's odd that the Opening Day broadcast went off without so much as a hiccup and this one is riddled with problems, but I guess that's the nature of climbing the learning curve for these sorts of things.

I may be in the minority, but I'm much happier to deal with errors of commission (KPLR technical issues) than errors of omission (Charter indifference).

I agree. Keep in mind that the "BIG" network affiliates have yet to broadcast any local events in HD. So my hat is also off to WB11.

Then again, what else do we have in this town that requires HD....the weather report? Of course, Blues games would be great, but who knows when we'll see them again.

I bet tomorrow's game will be better from an HD standpoint. Live & learn.

I'm hoping we will have all home games in HD next season. It would only make sense to put in the HD equiptment like the EDDI Jones dome. Not to mention a huge HD screen in the stadium that will rival the Atlanta screen.

I'm hoping that Dish, Direct TV, Charter, KPLR, and FSMW can make room and settle contracts for HD in St. Louis. After all, we are the best sports town in the country!

The very last thing I want to see in HD is the local news, which should be renamed the Evening Irrelevance -- I mean, it's really IMPORTANT and ENLIGHTENING to see your local anchorman hit by a taser, isn't it?

I also find it disgusting that Channel 5 uses school kids at the end of its news broadcast to promote the station with that insipid "5-is-1" hand signal. Ironic, too, as I've got a "5-is-1" hand signal of my own design... ;)

I wish WB-11 would get rid of the big Waterway Car Wash score bug and go with the straight line approach like FSN-MW. But, I do love watching the Cards in HD on WB, hopefully all goes well for tomorrow's game.

On the other hand, as I've said a few times before, if Fox News Channel went HD and I could stare at Juliette Huddy, Kiran Chetry, and Laurie Dhue in HD, I'd never leave the house. :D

I may be in the minority, but I prefer KPLR's score bug to that huge line on Fox that takes up the entire width of the screen and could at least be moved up a little. Fox's bar takes up more space than KPLR's bug (I think?)....

Robert,

No doubt personal preference enters into what's tolerable in a score bug. But one of the big issues in pushing the FOX score line any higher is that some televisions overscan the top edge of the image by more than 5% and in those situations the FOX scoreline gets cut in half or completely disappears.

Pioneer CRT-based HDTVs have a particular problem with this (overscan typically defaults at 7-10%), partly as a result of the way the sets are configured at the factory and partly due to a design defect. I can usually get the FOX scoreline fully exposed as part of the calibration process on these sets, but then it takes quite a while to get the picture geometry correct afterward.

I see the Monday Brewers/Cardinals on Channel 95 as well. Guess I'll have to HDTivo it since I have class that night. Definitely looks promising.... it will be really sad if DirecTV can carry this in HD but Charter can't.

Chris

Originally posted by esterman
Ok, I realize the FSMW HD games for April seems to be a dead issue, but...has anyone noticed the Cards-Brewers game for Monday being listed as HD on Channel 95 on DirecTV? It is listed as HD on the regular channel 647 and it is showing up in the listing for Special Events channel 95 as well.

It may be a long shot, but this seems promising to me. Channel 95 seems to be where they are showing all of the local RSN HD games on DirecTV.

I was just reading over in the programming forum and it looks like this a FSN North production so it will be blacked out here

Thanks, CPanther. Any thoughts on my problem?

Can someone help? I cannot receive KSDK and KMOV without interference. I have a Terk 42 and have not inpediments. My signals are about 10 degrees away for all. I am closest to the KSDK tower, but it has the worst reception. I've heard that a signal can be too strong. Is this true? I know Terks aren't good, but I just got this for a great price and figured a rooftop was beter than an indoor antenna. I see alot of postings for the Cards game, but I could care less about baseball. Can anyone help? Thanks, Eric

I see alot of postings for the Cards game, but I could care less about baseball.

Um, probably not the best foot to start off on when joining our little community and needing our help. However I sure one of the kind souls in the group will be able to help you out.

chilmorg,

I've had experiences with a handful of Terk antennae and not a single one of them was worth a damn. There's no guarantee that this is the solution, but it seems to me to be at least a weak link that ought to be eliminated, bargain price or not.

Read this recent message for additional suggestions about selecting an antenna.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5511165#post5511165

If you're a relative newcomer to digital TV, I'd suggest that you also follow the link in that message and read the message it takes you to, as well as the two following it.

Chill -

Head to http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx to find out what kind of antenna you will need. Then head to http://www.antennasdirect.com/.

I had all sorts of antenna/reception problems. I tried just about every indoor/outdoor antenna with and without amplifiers, but couldn't get all available channels with one antenna. Then I was directed to the sites above. I haven't had to adjust anything since first installing my DB2 (in my attic.) Save yourself some time and money by checking out those two sites above.

- For the Record...I care enough about Baseball for the both of us. :cool:

Yes - there were problems at the truck with the start of Saturdays game. All difficulties have been resolved and we expect a flawless HD broadcast today starting at 1:00 pm.

Thanks for watching - and for your comments.

KPLR Technical

STL eng,

We truly appreciate KPLR being in the forefront of local HD content for St. Louis. We also understand there will be growing pains and appreciate the work you are all doing that eventually benefits us HD enthusiasts.

Keep those HD sports coming!!!

I'll second that! Thanks for brining HD to St.Louis!

STL Eng,

Glad to have you here. It would be great if all the local carriers had an interest here.

When the Cards are in Chicago and the game is in HD up there, and it's not scheduled to be here, is there anyway to grab their HD feed to use here since its all owned by the same company?

Tim

STL eng,

Thanks for taking the time to let us know the situation.

All of us appreciate the effort that you and your colleagues and the management at KPLR are making on these broadcasts, and I think most of us understand that it's very early days and that there are going to bumps in the road along the way.

I also think it's great that the announcers acknowledged the HD problems yesterday during the broadcast. My memory might be faulty, but I think that's the first time that's happened on any national or local HD broadcast, and to me it shows that you guys are taking the broadcasts and your HD viewers very seriously.

Finally, I wanted to mention that, for me, the KPLR broadcast team of Carpenter-Horton is light years better than McLaughlin-Hrabosky. Too bad the ratio of KPLR-to-FSMW games can't be flip-flopped.

STL_eng,

one minor gripe: is there any way to shrink the Score Bug on the screen? It seems awfully intrusive on the beautiful HD picture you are providing us.

Thanks again!

STL_eng,

Please add my thanks to the pile.

- Adam

Originally posted by DroptheRemote

Finally, I wanted to mention that, for me, the KPLR broadcast team of Carpenter-Horton is light years better than McLaughlin-Hrabosky. Too bad the ratio of KPLR-to-FSMW games can't be flip-flopped.

I agree 100%. They do a great job.

Originally posted by abcward
STL_eng,

one minor gripe: is there any way to shrink the Score Bug on the screen? It seems awfully intrusive on the beautiful HD picture you are providing us.

Thanks again!

I'd like to add one minor gripe also. The sound level of the broadcast is too low (compared to analog levels and commercial levels for both analog and digital). Otherwise, you guys did a great job.

Thanks for the great job.

The low audio level during an HD broadcast on WB11 isn't limited to Cardinal baseball. I've been turning the sound down during the commercials (the local ones, not the WB network ones) and turning it back up when Smallville comes back on for months... since 11 started HD broadcasting, I think.

I would suggest that their Dialnorm settings are off on WB11 then.

Cheers,

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
bucky,

It's always good to get feedback on these sorts of changes, but in your case I especially hope we hear back from you.


I am beginning to think that either my receiver is the problem, or I am cursed. I got the Channelmaster, and there is no improvement. I only have it up about halfway on the tower because I wasn't going to go all the way up with the winds the way they were this weekend. I'd make waaay to much of a windload for that poor old tower.

Analog reception on the analog UHF channels did improve however, but no improvement on the digital side. I figure I'll be selling the receiver on ebay, because I doubt the extra 20 feet up on the tower will make that much difference.

bucky,

I guess I'm still surprised that you'd be getting good reception on the analog UHF channels but poor digital reception. Again, it's impossible to troubleshoot this sort of issue long distance, but what you're reporting would lead me to suspect a problem with the ATSC tuner part of your receiver.

The best suggestion I can come up with is to see if you can borrow an OTA digital/HD receiver from a friend and see if that makes any difference with the new antenna.

Or, since you seem to have survived your wife's wrath intact after the antenna upgrade, maybe another option would be to buy one of the cheaper OTA receivers from a BB or CC, assuming that you could return it for a refund (rather than store credit) if your reception continues to be an issue.

Sorry I can't be more help, but sometimes the only solution is trial-and-error...

Have a new Sammy HD 50" DLP and 20"LCD. Problem I am having is the recption will go out for about 3 seconds and then everything is normal. I have Dish with antenna in attic.

It happens on both TV's. Have had installers back out 3 times and they can not figure out what is causing the problem.

Any help/ideas would be apprcaited. Tks

STL eng, ditto on all the thanks! The one thing that bugs me to no end, and it's not just your station is the darn station logos on the screen constantly. I love it when the station logo covers the face of the actors on the screen. That's just not right. I know when I'm watching Channel 11. I don't need a constant reminder in the corner of the screen FWIW. Other than that keep up the good work.

Scott

Regarding Terk antennas. Not really sure why people think they suck. I put one in my attic over a year ago, and have not had to touch it again. I know many people with Terk's and they have great reception FWIW.

Scott

So, is it really true that DISH offers all new customers up to 2 free HD receivers, next day installs, and the first six months of programming free if you sign on for a year? What HD channels do they offer? Can I get away with having just HD channels without the other 180 channels, and how much would that cost me per month? I'm not really interested in the premium HD channels, as I get a couple on Charter, but I am going to lose Discovery HD, TNT HD, UHD, and similar channels in a few days when VOOM goes dark.

Also, who has the better deal? DirecTv is offering a $200 rebate plus the first 3 months of HD free, but I think you have to buy your own HD receiver or pvr. It would be nice to get that much money back after buying the HDTivo. Isn't it true that this unit is not setup to receive future mpeg 4 broadcasts?

My other option is probably the easiest...wait for Charter to release the MoxiMate, or hope that they enable additional storage on our current boxes. But, waiting for Charter is a big risk.

OT-

Jedi, I was just thinking about you. how was celebration III? did you get any nice goodies?

Hey jedi,

Dish's deal is probably the better of the two, especially if you're not looking to fork out cash in advance. Their HD channel lineup is very similar to DirecTV, except they have TNT-HD instead of Universal-HD. And yes it's free (after the service credit).... you pay $49.99 upfront but get that back as a service credit.

Shameless promotion for my employer: At Costco you pay $29.99 upfront but still get the $49.99 service credit.

Unless DirecTV did some advance planning I didn't know about, the HD Tivo will not do MPEG-4. *D is saying there will be generous upgrade incentives, but it remains to be seen whether their definition of "generous" is the same as mine. :D

The next-day install for new Dish customers is something I've only heard for the ex-Voomers who go directly through Dish. The offer for two free HD receivers (and even a 2-room DVR) and 6 months free HD programming is available for any new customer. You don't even have to sign up for a year for that. They do have a promotion that gives you the Top 180 package for the Top 120 price if you sign up for a year. You would also get the Dish Home Protection Plan free for the year also. It gives you a priority support number, free box replacement for defective units, and a power surge warranty. I believe the one-year commitment requires a minimum programming level of the Top 60. As for the HD a la carte, my understanding is that you pay $9.99 plus a $5 fee.

*edit* Robert, do you mind if I shamelessly upstage your employer? American is five cents and you get the $49.99 credit. :D

Jedi35, you may want to look at this from a different point of view. Forget about the costs up front and look long term. Which provider will give you the programming you need for the best price and service. Example, If you want the NFL season package with a bunch of HD games go with Directv. That is the ONLY choice for me. You may not care about football, but you get the point. Go with whomever has the best programming for your needs. A year from now who cares what it cost or didn't cost initially.

Scott

Tech Group Urges "Date Certain" for Analog TV Shutdown

The following is an excerpt from the Hollywood Reporter:

____________________________________

WASHINGTON -- The leaders of some of America's biggest names in high technology are calling on Congress to approve legislation that sets a "date certain" for the switch to digital TV.

In a letter to House Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, and the committee's ranking member Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., the CEOs of nine companies -- including Intel, Hewlett-Packard and IBM -- called on Congress to set a date when broadcasters will be forced to end their analog transmissions.

"Continuing failure to bring the DTV transition to an end will adversely impact our economy, our public safety and our position as a global innovation leader," the CEOs wrote under the auspices of the Computer Systems Policy Project.

____________________________________

For the fulll story, go to:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000894756

I forgot to turn the TV on last night. Did the HD Cardinal game that was supposedly scheduled for channel 95 on DirecTV ever really happen?

Robert,

The HD broadcast was supposedly going to originate from the Milwaukee FSN station, so it would have been blacked out in St. Louis.

Also, the game never started due to rain and has been rescheduled for Thursday afternoon.

Thanks for all your help. I have a Mistubishi and cannot find a way to get the signal strength that a station sends out. Unfortunately, I still don't get KSDK or KMOV without interference. Can an antenna be too powerful? I have heard that before. Anyway, may have to buy a new antenna instead of the cheap one I got from Terk. Thanks, and sorry about the Cardinals remark. Not a baseball fan.

chilmorg,

It is possible that you're getting too much signal, but I think it's a pretty rare occurrence. However, you can test for this fairly easily and cheaply by buying an RF attenuator. Radio Shack sells them for around $20.

Scott says he's had good luck with Terk antennas and I have no reason to doubt him, but my experience has been just the opposite and I've heard the same from other (former) Terk owners. I recently tried one of Terk's indoor antennas, designed to look similar to the Zenith Silver Sensor, and the results were lacking in comparison with the Zenith.

I assume that when you say you have a Mits that it's an integrated HDTV and that you're using the OTA tuner. I don't recall there being a signal meter on any of the Mitsubishi sets that I've seen, but maybe someone here who owns a Mits can set the record straight.

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
Robert,

The HD broadcast was supposedly going to originate from the Milwaukee FSN station, so it would have been blacked out in St. Louis.

Also, the game never started due to rain and has been rescheduled for Thursday afternoon.
Looks like the HD feed is blacked out tonight.

Hey guys and gals, I have a piece key home theater piece that needs warranty service. My Guy (Zaw @ Alpha Tech) is not equipped or authorized to make these warranty repairs. I have to give the unit to one of these local shops.
MID AMERICA SERVICE on Kister in St Charles
ACP ELECTRONICS LAB CORP on North Lindberg Florissant
A-1 ANTENNA TV SERVICE CO. on Watson Rd
or C.C. BELL ELECTRONICS, INC. on North Broadway
I don't know any of these guys. This is a nice piece and I'm out of commission until I get it back in the rack. Zaw is in Florida but his guy said they refer business to ACP and CC Bell.

Any of you fine folks ever do any business with these guys? Where should I send it?

Thanks In Advance.

T. G.

Originally posted by DroptheRemote

I assume that when you say you have a Mits that it's an integrated HDTV and that you're using the OTA tuner. I don't recall there being a signal meter on any of the Mitsubishi sets that I've seen, but maybe someone here who owns a Mits can set the record straight.

That is correct Doug. There is no signal strength on the Mits TVs. I have the 55" Diamond series and a coworker has the model year newer and both our sets do not have a meter.

Rich

Tom,

I've tried many times over the past couple of years to find a service tech(s) who can do warranty or after-warranty repair, as I occasionally come across a customer who needs a repair before a calibration can be done.

I'd love to find someone I could recommend without reservations, but I'm still looking. I've asked several times here for recommendations, but have come up empty. I'm sure that's more a reflection of the lack of supply, than any unwillingness to share info here.

As I've said before here, service is the "dirty little secret" of the consumer electronics industry -- if something breaks, it can be very difficult to find someone capable of doing competent work to get you back operational.

I hope you find someone who can take care of your issue, and if you do, please let me know the name of the company and the techs directly involved.

Thanks and good luck.

Hey guys, thanks for the suggestions on who to go with after VOOM croaks. Bob, I thought that D* had TNT HD and UHD. I guess I'm wrong. I think I like UHD better, but DISH has the Tennis Channel. Gosh, what to do...If Charter does wind up adding Discovery HD and TNT HD this summer, and provides extra storage space for Moxi, I don't think I'll add either sat. company just yet.

Brad,
A lot of things were great at CIII, but a lot of things were frustrating as well. There were between 30 and 35K people there. The event was not organized very well, and it was understaffed. The lines were so long to get in to see anybody that no one in my group scored. The lines to get in to see Lucas started the night before, out in the cold and the rain. Not me. I popped about $400 on SW merchandise. I'm so crazy. The one line that I did wait in was to get into the CIII Store(about 4 hours of my life), and I picked up some of the exclusive Darth Vader CIII figures. These are a limited run, and were only sold at this convention. Those that have popped up on ebay have gone for as much as $100 each already. The figures sold for $15 initially, but some vendors were selling them for about $50 if we didn't want to wait in line. I did fall for that for my first Vader figure, but I think I know a buddy who will take that one off my hands. I also bought magazines, 4 cool card sets, a T shirt, figures I hadn't found yet, a watch, etc. I just won't eat for the rest of this month.

For those who didn't hear, Lucas announced a continuing Clone Wars cartoon TV series for next year, as well as a live action TV show for next year as well. For 2007, the 30th anniversary of the first SW film released, Lucas will redo the SW movies in 3D. I don't know if I'm wild about that or not. I did get to see about 4 minutes of the new SW movies. Various clips were put together with no vocals(only music), and shown on a huge screen in digital format. These images were the best I've seen anywhere, and the movie looks like it's going to be fantastic!! Bummer, I'm working opening night(May 19th).

Tom,
Oohh, Zaw usually fixes anything I need. I do have extensive experience with CC Bell, but that was limited to a few Sony rptvs that I have owned. Only one guy there was competent with fixing them, as I had lots of convergence issues before I went with an XBR model. Sorry that I can't be of more help.

Hey Tom,

I've dealt with CC Bell a few times and never had a problem, whether it was with my first JVC S-VHS VCR or my Pioneer LD-S1. Never really had convergence issues or anything complicated like Jedi has, just swap out one part, swap in another one. As of a few years ago, they did have an office on Zumbehl Road in St. Charles.

This has probably been asked/answered, but will the voomers reciever
still work for OTA after 4/30? If so, anyone selling theirs?

Late Night with Conan in HD Last Night

Although this is covered in plenty of detail over at the HDTV Programming Forum, I just thought I'd let everyone here know that last night was the first HD broadcast for Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

I only watched for a few minutes in HD, but it looked quite good. A couple of noteworthy points:

* The SD broadcast is being letterboxed, instead of chopping off the sides of the 16x9 frame. This should result in better shot composition, as the camera operators won't have to worry about framing for 4:3 conversion.

Hopefully this is a lead that other shows will begin following soon. CBS experimented with 16x9 SD basketball a few years back, so hopefully that will start to become more common -- especially for sports.

* Surprising to me is the fact that they did almost nothing to spruce up the look of Conan's set. I think the mural behind the desk may have been new, but apart from that it looked pretty much the same, and relatively cheesy looking -- sort of like when you're the last guy in the strip club and they turn up all the house lights...eeyeoww :eek:

* Conan made several jokes about HD and the fact that only 8% of the audience owns HD sets (probably an overstatement). He also highlighted the 16x9 aspect ratio that both HD and regular viewers would be seeing. He cracked wise about how the extra screen area allows you to see his hands when he stretches his arms out. They also goofed on the aspect ratio by blacking out the 4x3 part of the image, with video only present in the 'side bars."

He also showed a closeup of his pasty, freckled hand, pointed to a spot on it and asked if there were any dermatologists watching who could tell him whether it was something he should be worried about.

Finally, it's only fair to give credit when credit is due: It appears that KSDK managed the "switch flipping" without incident, though I actually missed the first 10 minutes or so of the show...

Hopefully the next major late-night HD domino to fall will be Letterman, which is supposedly going to happen sometime after the new fall TV season launches later this year.

Originally posted by Tom Grooms
Hey guys and gals, I have a piece key home theater piece that needs warranty service. My Guy (Zaw @ Alpha Tech) is not equipped or authorized to make these warranty repairs. I have to give the unit to one of these local shops.
MID AMERICA SERVICE on Kister in St Charles
ACP ELECTRONICS LAB CORP on North Lindberg Florissant
A-1 ANTENNA TV SERVICE CO. on Watson Rd
or C.C. BELL ELECTRONICS, INC. on North Broadway
I don't know any of these guys. This is a nice piece and I'm out of commission until I get it back in the rack. Zaw is in Florida but his guy said they refer business to ACP and CC Bell.

Any of you fine folks ever do any business with these guys? Where should I send it?

Thanks In Advance.

T. G.

I've done tons of business with bell. Never any problems. I have had many issues with Mid-America however.

Scott

Originally posted by Scott Tucker
I've done tons of business with bell. Never any problems. I have had many issues with Mid-America however.


I second that about Mid-America

Did anybody else lose audio during ABC's Eyes sometime after 9:30?

A1 on Watson fixed a friend's Pioneer plasma after a lightning hit. On time and for the quoted price.

wmschultz,
We Voomers have received no indication that the stb will be operational for OTA after the signal goes dead. If it turns out that OTA will work, then you might have a seller in me. VOOM has yet to let us know that they want the equipment back after 4-30.

I'm still mulling over which sat. service I might pick up after Voom dies. I love Bob's HDTivo, and might be intersted in buying one this summer. The $200 rebate would come in handy, and I'd like UHD better than TNT HD on DISH. Did I hear that Charter might be getting this channel anyway? Can anyone talk about the qualities of the HD pvr for DISH?

Bob, do you know if I could just get the HD package with D*, or is there a minimum package I have to subscribe to?

jedi:

If I were you, I'd stand pat and see if any of the satellite providers pick up some or all of the Voom content.

Best,

jedi,

As far as I know, there's no way to subscribe only to the HD package on DirecTV -- you have to get one of the Total Choice packages before you can add HD.

There may be some longtime customers who originally had this sort of "ala carte" option and may still do, but I'm pretty certain new customers don't and won't get that choice.

John,

Even if DISH or DirecTV picks up some of the VOOM programming, how likely is it that the datastream format for those channels is going to remain compatible with the VOOM protocol? I'm assuming that the DirecTV and DISH feeds are not bit-compatible, and that the same would be true for VOOM.

While I understand that all three services utilize MPEG-2, I would assume that they there's a unique data protocol for each of the three services and that the first order of business for their respective STBs would be to process that proprietary protocol (presumably how service-level entitlements would be dealt with, among other housekeeping issues) and then to handle the underlying MPEG-2 datastream.

But I'm just assuming here...is there an agreed data protocol used across the satellite TV industry?

Did anybody else lose audio during ABC's Eyes sometime after 9:30?


Yep... I am OTA here and it was gone after about the middle commercial break.

Doug;

Of course you'd have to pick up the appropriate receivers and associated equipment (LNBs and switches), but if it's the Voom exclusives that Jedi loves, then wouldn't it be best to for Jedi to show a wee bit of patience to see if a satellite service is going to pick them up in the very near future?

Voom won't quit broadcasting until Sunday 3:00 AM EDT, and it is quite possible to have arrangements made for other outlets to be picking up some (or all) of the Voom content shortly thereafter.

Cheers,

John

I see -- I missed your point. Yes, it makes sense for jedi to wait to see if anyone picks up the VOOM exclusives and then subscribe to that service.

Somehow I got the idea that you were suggesting that could be accomplished with the old VOOM hardware via another provider.

My bad...

Doug:

I have the luxury of having both a Copy Editor and an Editor in Chief at WSR who both can send stuff back to me and say "Make this paragraph clearer". I don't have that on the forum, and it is possible that my point wasn't as clear as I would have liked :)

Best,

I have a large 75 mile UHF antenna in my attic (st. charles 63303) and have always received around a 75% to 95% signal strength on all my local HD channels. It is a single cable (RG6) from my attic to ground block to receiver. I have a D* Hughes HTL-HD receiver.

When watching the HD Nascar race this weekend on Fox I was getting pixelation. I switched to the signal meter and it was bouncing from 30-50% strength! I switched around to other channels and they were anywere from 40-90%. Nothing has changed with my equipment. I got into the attic and moved the antenna a little and fox is now coming in around 50% but channel 9-1 is now unable to get a signal.

Please can anyone give me some troubleshooting tips on how to fix this.

Like I said nothing has changed or moved but I lost a lot of signal strength on some of my channels.

Thanks,
Doug

usersdum,

don't forget that in STL we can get fox HD via direcTV. I'd try to put the antenna back where it was if everything was good there and when you have problems with Fox OTA switch to the direcTV feed of Fox.

WARNING -- KMOV has posted on their web site that Survivor (and possibly CSI) will be bumped off the digital channel (56) for the the President's news conference.

Reset the HDTivo's to analog 4!

From their site:
KMOV will air its regularly scheduled lineup this evening on Channel 4. President Bush’s news conference can be seen live on KMOV.com and on KMOV-DT High Definition Channel 4-1, beginning at 7:00 p.m. this evening. Tonight’s regular CBS lineup includes: 7 p.m. “Survivor: Palau” ; 8 p.m. “CSI” ; 9 p.m. “Without a Trace”

Mike

Jedi, I *think* you have to subscribe to Total Choice for a year. Whatever the condition was at the time, I was already subscribed to so I didn't really care. If Tom Grooms is around, he might be able to give you a more specific answer since he works at UE (where I bought mine).

Too bad you couldn't make it out here the other night, 24 was awesome. The new Prez is in waaaay over his head.

I came in on Eyes about halfway through last night, audio was already gone.

Convicted Charter Exec: Paul Allen Knew About Fraud

The following ran on the Associated Press wire earlier today:
__________________________________

Former Charter Exec: Allen Knew of Actions

A former Charter Communications Inc. executive sentenced last week to probation in a plot to dupe investors through fraudulent cable television disconnect practices said in a court document that Charter chairman Paul Allen was aware of the scheme.

Former Charter vice president James "Trey" Smith III on Wednesday filed a counterclaim against the suburban St. Louis company in a dispute over legal fees related to the accounting scandal involving the nation's third-largest cable TV company.

Smith was among four ex-executives sentenced April 22 in federal court in St. Louis, where he received two years of probation and was fined $175,000.

All four men pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to defraud. Allen and the company itself were not accused of wrongdoing.

In February, Charter sued all four executives to recoup legal costs. For Smith, that amounted to $1.9 million.
__________________________________

The full story can be found here:

http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/ap/2005/04/28/ap1983965.html


While it's premature to start a death watch, it's probably reasonable to start a Charter "Vital Signs" Watch.

Charter Communications' stock price today established a new 52-week low today, when it closed at $1.09, down 11 cents from Wednesday, equivalent to a 9.17% decline.

Should Charter's stock price dip below $1.00 and remain below that level for 30 days, the stock is subject to "delisting" from NASDAQ trading.

Charter is due to report first-quarter operating results next Tuesday, May 3.

OK, apparently CBS changed plans. They said Survivor and CSI will follow the news conference. Back to reprogramming to tivo......

Mike

Recently upgraded MYHD to the 130 with Qam recording.

I am able to pick up several pay per view channels at 120-123.

Also able to get many of the digital channels like Style IFC Biography Hitory G4
without sound in the 88 channel range.

Almost forgot I can watch the 24-7 Corvette Commercial on 115-1.

Can watch 2 of the channel 9 feeds at 82-2 and 82-3 but no 2, 4, 5 or 11 and these should be the only channels that I can pick up.

Anyone been able to find the network channels? Any suggestions?

Any help appreciated.

Ron

Just a few points to clear up. I'm not really facing a patience issue right now, as I have until June 30 to take the deal from D*. DISH is giving me until some time in July or August. I'm simply asking questions to see who carries what, and what I have to do to get HD service. Actually, I'm not all that crazy about all of the VOOM exclusive channels. I can live without their 10 movie channels, but I do watch Equator HD and Rave HD for concerts. I loved the ability to have so many premium HD channels to choose from. We're talking 2 feeds of HD for nearly all the premium movie channels, which provided for a small level of time shifting ability. 2 HBO HDs, 2 MAX HDs, 2 SHO HDs, 2 STARZ HDs, etc. Charter's due to get Discovery HD and TNT HD, right? That leaves me without another favorite...UHD, which is on D* only. DISH carries the Tennis Channel, whick I like as well.

So, if the 21 VOOM original channels do pop up on another service, that does not in fact clench the deal for me. I like the HDTivo, but Charter may have additional storage for me at some point. I also stated that I may just stay put and wait on Charter, in hopes of getting more dvr storage space, and additional HD channels. It may come down to how badly I want UHD. Can anyone talk about the DISH HD pvr? It appears that DISH will allow me to just get HD only.

Bob,
I did in fact watch 24 at home last night after my concert. And yes, it was a great episode. There were some classic moments with the idiot new president, and I could hear you laughing pretty well. I was too. I loved it!!

John,
It was my understanding that the VOOM signal will go dead on 4-30, which is Saturday. I got this in a mailing from VOOM, and the message appears on the VOOM startup screen. Where did you see info on the exact time of shutdown?

Does anyone watch TNT-HD? Most of the content on TNT is stretched and makes me dizzy looking at the distortion. I've never seen UHD but I find TNT useless.

UHD is decent in terms of programming -- I'd group it with HDNet Movies, where I probably catch a half dozen movies each month.

UHD has Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. While I like the L&O franchise, the nature of the crimes covered in SVU (sex-related) makes for generally depressing viewing. Too bad they aren't showing the original series.

More recently UHD has begun showing "Monk," which I like a lot. Unfortunately they kicked off the series 5 weeks ago with a "Monk" marathon and have only recently begun showing episodes that weren't part of the marathon. I recorded and watched the marathon shortly after it ran, so there's effectively been a "Monk" drought since then.

UHD has also recently added Battlestar Galactica. I'm unfamiliar with the series and have seen only the series premiere so far. I liked most of the Star Trek series, so this looks promising for me.

UHD occasionally shows good movies, with recent showings of "Sea of Love," and "Casino."

I think the biggest negative about UHD is the picture quality, which is not as good as it could be be. I think this is an issue with DirecTV compression levels, and not something that's the fault of NBC-Universal.

Just read that Dish is picking up ten of VOOM's HD channels.

I'm going to take a real hard look at Dish, now. Charter better do something, quick!

Here's a link to the VOOM on DISH info:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5550802#post5550802

This is definitely good news and I hope this works to shake up the lack of HD additions on other carriers.

jedi:

From a Press Release. It's going dark at midnight on the 30th, Pacific time :) That translates to 3:00AM on the 1st, EDT :)

See oby's message. That's what I've been hinting at.

Cheers,

Press Release from Voom/Rainbow Media indicates Voom10 on Dish May 1st, with all Voom21 by 2006. Very nice.

Best,

John,

Is there any word on whether this is going to form part of the current DISH HD package, or if it will be an optional service and additional charge?

Doug:

They're being very tight lipped about that. IMO, it'll be an upcharge. How much? I don't know.

Interesting...

Since it's happening in just a few days, maybe there will be a month or two free while they figure out how much interest there is and how much they can reasonably charge for it.

Doug,

I called this morning and they stated it was included in the 9.99 HD package, which you get 6 months free if you are signing up.

cracooper,

Even more interesting...thanks for sharing your info.

If true.... Wow!

Now, will it be automagically added to the HD pack subscribers???

anyone notice audio sync issues last night on leno?

As a Dish subscriber I'm happy with more HD, though I would prefer they set 1 or 2 aside for FSN Baseball. None of these Channels make me say "Wow, I can't wait to see that!!"

Jedi,
I can give you some feedback on the Dish DVR status.

I have 2. A PVR-721 (SD 2 tuner) and a DVR-921 (HD 2 Tuner w/ OTA)

I LOVE my 721. I cannot live without it at this point. The program guide is awsome (scrolls with 5 ch viewable for 3 hr timeslot and you can pg up/dn also has PIP)

the jury is still out on the 921. It functions just like the 721 with a few minor exceptions. One major exception is Zero Second Recordings. They hope to resolve this issue by next month.

They now offer a 942 which is supposed to be much better than the 921 (different OS and can output to 2 different sources (1HD/1SD)

I have been thinking about moving back to Charter, but after using my parents MOXI box I've got to say I hate the interface. Very limited info. No Pg up/Pg dn. Maybe it's because I don't use it and I am so used to the interface on the 721/921.

I would lve to hear feedback from MOXI users who used to have Dish/DTV DVR's

Dave

I have recently been trying out the MOXI, switching from DTV Tivo(purchased spring 2000). I would say the MOXI is more computer like, the Tivo more user friendly. That being said, I like it, and have very few issues( poor analog stations, small storage). I have decided to keep it and give charter a couple months. the Tivo is off to my dads house. i can't believe anyone can watch tv without a dvr.

Originally posted by duihlein
I have been thinking about moving back to Charter, but after using my parents MOXI box I've got to say I hate the interface. Very limited info. No Pg up/Pg dn. Maybe it's because I don't use it and I am so used to the interface on the 721/921.


The Moxi does have PAGE UP/PAGE DOWN. When you have the Moxi Interface up, just hit the Channel Up or Channel Down button. That will scroll the list of channels up/down one full page.

OK. While the addition of the VOOM 10(eventually all 21) to DISH will be exciting for some, it doesn't move me all that much. Remember, I only watched a couple of those channels. However, I have found out new info that may push me towards DISH. It's my understanding that if you sign up for the free SD dvr service, you can upgrade to the HD dvr(the 942) for only $250. That's a good deal, as it has 2 tuners, OTA(I think), and a 250g hard drive. Cool. Does anybody else offer such a nice dvr for $250? I'll sign up for a year if I can get that. Also, I read a post about a $200 programming credit from DISH, but I'm not sure about that.

Let's talk about other premium HD content. Who's going to pick up the slack with this? What about 2 feeds of each movie channel? Does anyone else have MAX HD, TMD HD, STARZ HD, or ENC HD besides VOOM?

Oh, and Doug, let's also mention the lovely Karen Sisco on UHD. Nice!!

I agree that this funny stretch effect on TNT HD is rather disturbing. I get dizzy everytime I see it. UHD is much better. VOOM didn't compress anything, so all it's HD channels looked good. The only exception was the 10 movie channel lineup, which showed mostly older films shot in 35mm and mastered in HD. These looked like upconverts, and didn't quite approach the quaity of HDNet MOvies.

Some VOOM users are unplugging their stbs before the cutoff hour, to see if they can avod the "Kill" signal. If so, then maybe the unit can still be used for OTA reception. VOOM executives have refused to comment on the matter. I'm going to try it and see what happens.

All,

I took the liberty and created a URL redirect to replace the one we lost. I think it fits and is a simple little change.

http://www.stlhdtv.info

Use it all you want. It will make life a little more easier.


Rich

skippy,

Let me be the first to thank you for setting up a new redirect.

Great work!

Damn, Doug beat me. Let me be the second. Thank You

I had a little help from Toeside on getting the URL correct. I had everything except the new post pointer.

You're welcome though.

Rich

Just an end-of-week update on Charter:

The stock price rebounded well on Friday, after the big decline Thursday which was largely triggered by a former Charter executive's accusation that Paul Allen was involved in the recent subscriber accounting fraud at the company

Charter closed the week at $1.16, up 7 cents from Thursday, a 6.4% gain.

I just got off the phone with the E* CSR. She had just received a notice on the new HD channels. There will be 10, you must already have the HD package and they will cost $5.00 more per month. On May 1, 2005 you must call the Dish number to order. I an not really that excited about some of the channels but it least they are HD :D

Sorry about asking a "dumb" question - (I've been hitting golf balls into lakes in Orlando this past week.)

So, as a Dish customer, I can call them tommorow (Sunday) to get 10 more HD channels for about $5.00 a month? Maybe I can just order them from my Dish811.

--- on a side note...is anyone here going ot be at Ronnie's 20 Cine on May 19th at midnight?

Originally posted by djearl81
Sorry about asking a "dumb" question - (I've been hitting golf balls into lakes in Orlando this past week.)

So, as a Dish customer, I can call them tommorow (Sunday) to get 10 more HD channels for about $5.00 a month? Maybe I can just order them from my Dish811.

--- on a side note...is anyone here going ot be at Ronnie's 20 Cine on May 19th at midnight?

Not sure if you can order them from the 811 she said you had to call Dish. I wish I was in Orlando hitting golf balls. The good life :)

I would call if it were me.

It will have to be sometime after 3:00am, EDT too, as Voom doesn't quite broadcasting as a satellite provider until then :)

Cheers,

OK, I made the switch already. DISH offered me a sweeter deal than I expected. I thought that I would need to pay a $250 upgrade to get the 942 HD PVR, along with the 3 months of free programming. My installer(who set up VOOM as well) offered me just $200 for the 942 setup. These units are in short order, so I will have to wait atleast a couple of weeks or so to get one. Not a problem. He didn't mention anything about the 10 VOOM channels costing more than the HD pak. I was also confused about a $49 installation charge that will appear on my first bill. Could he be wrong about this? I thought it would be free. He did confirm that I could just get the HD channels without any other package requirements, which is very nice.

I unplugged my VOOM receiver, in hopes that I might avoid the kill signal. This might allow the unit to be used for OTA after VOOM goes dark, but it may not work. We'll see. The 942 will have everything I need, it appears.

The 10 Voom channels are up and running on Dish now. You have to have a second dish pointed at 61.5 to get them though. Luckily for us, channels 24 and 46 are also at 61.5, so Dish Network has to install a second dish for free if you sub to the locals.

Originally posted by jedi35
I was also confused about a $49 installation charge that will appear on my first bill. Could he be wrong about this? I thought it would be free.

Should be a $49.99 credit on your first bill. Your first bill will actually be for two months (because you pay for the month ahead like with most providers), but they will consider $49.99 of it paid already.

fireshoes,
I hope you are right. I still have to check and see if the VOOM stb is still operational for OTA reception. Do you think that all I need is for the LNB to be switched out to get the 61.5 signals using my VOOM dish? I'm only interested in locals, OTA and hd, so I'll still need DISH's other dish. Early reports are saying that the VOOM 10 channels are looking even better than they did before. Cool.

Originally posted by jedi35
He didn't mention anything about the 10 VOOM channels costing more than the HD pak.

There's a $5 per month extra charge. I just signed up this morning. I was afraid the 10 channels would be the Voom movie channels, but they're not. Although I'd like to get Universal HD and have the option of some other movie channels like Starz and Encore, I like the choices they made for the 10 Voom channels to move over now. I was a Voom subscriber until the word came down that they were going under. I went with Dish exclusively because of the R5000 HD recording option with my older Dish 6000 receiver. Now, I can record some of the Voom shows I used to enjoy, and I get the benefit of the 921 PVR they offered a few weeks ago. Although I hated it when it happened, Voom's going away has worked out well - many of the Voom channels I used to watch the most, a PVR and a computer recording solution that works very well. The Nextcom modification to the Dish 6000 gives me practically flawless HD recordings that I can archive to D-VHS or DVD now, with BlueRay or HD-DVD about a year away. My HD collection is growing every day.

hi guys i live in glen carbon and have an integrated hd tuner in my sony grand wega i was wondering if i could get a clear signal for abc with a set top antenna and what woudl be the cheapest one that would suffice?????

Originally posted by jedi35
Do you think that all I need is for the LNB to be switched out to get the 61.5 signals using my VOOM dish?

That's what it sounds like, but hey, you never know til you (or somebody else) tries. :)

Threads merged.

apocalypso,

Your best bet is to try the Zenith Silver Sensor.

You can buy it at most Sears stores and it can also be found online. Figure on a cost around $40.

VOOM Package Makes DISH the HD Leader

The following is an excerpt from an analysis piece from Phillip Swann of TVPredictions.com:

________________________________

Which TV provider now has the most national High-Definition TV channels?

You might think it's DIRECTV, which is running a series of commercials saying it's adding 1,500 HDTV channels. Or, perhaps Comcast or Time Warner, both of whom have also been aggressive in its HDTV marketing campaigns.

However, the answer is EchoStar's Dish Network.

Yes, EchoStar. The nation's second largest satellite TV service yesterday added 10 high-def channels from the ill-fated Voom satellite service, which closed Saturday night. With the Voom 10, EchoStar now offers 17 national HDTV channels (plus a HD version of CBS and a Pay-Per-View HD channel), which is more than anyone else.
________________________________

For the complete article, go to:

http://www.tvpredictions.com/echostarvoom050205.html

Time for me to call DirecTV and find out what kind of offers they have for
someone who might be willing to switch to EchoStar.

Does anyone know what sort of programming falls on the "new" Dish channels?

Originally posted by Joseph Clark
The Nextcom modification to the Dish 6000 gives me practically flawless HD recordings that I can archive to D-VHS or DVD now, with BlueRay or HD-DVD about a year away. My HD collection is growing every day.

What is this modification? Is it the addition of a firewire output that can feed a JVC 30K dvhs deck? Can any other DISH receivers be modified?

Originally posted by djearl81
Does anyone know what sort of programming falls on the "new" Dish channels?

Here's a list of the channels I lifted from another thread.


here's the TPs that go with the channels

Gallery HD - Call Letters: GLLRY - 9472 Art Gallery tours from around the world and other arts programming
Rush HD - Call Letters: RUSH - 9476 Sports
Majestic HD - Call Letters: MJSTC - 9480 Movies/?
Rave HD - Call Letters: RAVE - 9470 Music/Concerts
Guy TV HD - Call Letters: GUYTV - 9479 Movies/?
HD News - Call Letters: HDNWS - 9482 High Definition News (not much in depth)
Ultra HD - Call Letters: ULTRA - 9478 Fashion/?
Monsters HD - Call Letters: MNSTR - 9481 Horror SciFi Movies
Equator HD - Call Letters: EQUTR - 9471 Travel (including Smart Travels)/Cultural programming
Animania HD - Call Letters: ANIMA - 9474 Animation

There are some good shows, but a lot of repetition, even moreso than Discovery HD

Good choices, though, I think, to start us off with the "Voom" experience.

Joe Clark

Originally posted by djearl81
Does anyone know what sort of programming falls on the "new" Dish channels?

Here ya go:

9470 RAVE...music videos and concerts
9471 EQUTR or Equator....like Discovery HD
9472 GLLRY or Gallery....art gallery works
9474 ANIMA or Animania....animation
9476 RUSH....extreme sports
9478 ULTRA...fashion(I think)
9479 GUYTV...movies for guys
9480 MJSTC or Magestic...classy movies
9481 MNSTR or Monsters HD...monster movies
9482 HDNWS or HD news...news in HD

Wow, looks like Joe got to this just as I was responding.

I was successful in getting OTA on my VOOM receiver after the shutdown. I don't know whether this was because I unplugged it to avoid any "kill" signals, or if it was a nice goodbye favor from VOOM. So far, they have not requested the equipment back, but we'll see what happens over the next 30 days or so.

thanks guys...

I'm on the fence as to order the "new" Dish channels or not...I'll prolly pick'em up just to fuel the more HD programming fire. In your opinion...are the extra channels worth the $5?

(Cue the Dire Straights tune...) "I want my HD TV"

Originally posted by djearl81
thanks guys...

I'm on the fence as to order the "new" Dish channels or not...I'll prolly pick'em up just to fuel the more HD programming fire. In your opinion...are the extra channels worth the $5?

(Cue the Dire Straights tune...) "I want my HD TV"

It sure is boring at work today isn't it, dj? ;)

Dish still has nothing on their site about the channels exept for the news release.

Rich

Rich...

I suck for not bringing the DVD... no excuses, I just keep forgetting.

---

You'd think that Dish would be marketing their new channels hard core. I wonder what's going on.

Originally posted by djearl81
thanks guys...

I'm on the fence as to order the "new" Dish channels or not...I'll prolly pick'em up just to fuel the more HD programming fire. In your opinion...are the extra channels worth the $5?

(Cue the Dire Straights tune...) "I want my HD TV"

That's a tough call without knowing your viewing habits. For me, Gallery and Equator make if worth it, because my godfather and I both like travel and he's a retired art teacher.

HD News looks great but it's lite on content. Majestic and Guy will have movies, but there will be a LOT of repetition.

Rave is good if you like music, but expect a LOT of repetition.

That's probably a good word of warning for all the Voom channels - expect a LOT of repetition everywhere. Voom could have consolidated their many channels of HD into just a few and avoided a great deal of the repeats (but that would have cut down on their ability to market themselves as having so many HD channels). I thought that might have been their long term strategy - offer lots of different channels initially so that the choices at any given point in time was good, then consolidate as more HD became available.

I'd guess that in a month's time there would only be a handful of new shows that you won't have had the opportunity to see. For me, that's enough, since I can record now. $5 a month is not a lot, even if it means I can only record a handful of new shows. With DVD's costing no more 40 cents a piece, I can archive a full half hour show of anything to DVD for next to nothing. An hour long show requires a doube layer DVD, which is $10 now - still too expensive to make it worth my while. What I do with those shows is to split them using HDTVtoMPEG2, editing out the commercials, and put them on two regular DVD's. When the BlueRay or HD-DVD recorders come out and those prices drop, I'll be able to re-integrate those shows and put them on a single piece of storage media.

If you don't archive, the value might be considerably less for you.

If DirecTV were to pick up those Voom channels (without adding to the overcompression they've got going already), I'd snap them up in a heartbeat.

Joseph -

Thanks for the info. I'm going to have nights and weekends off for the first time in 2 years. So watching 8 episodes of Sports Center in a row is nothing new to me. (ok...maybe not 8 in a row.) I can't wait to actually see some prime time shows and movies.

I bought the HD package because I normally watch ESPN and Discovery (Monster Garage and American Chopper). Plus I could get locals with an antenna for major events and shows. Wihtout being farmiliar with the new channels, I can't justify buying them. Perhaps I can talk Dish into a trial run or something. If the channels have some decent stuff, I'll sign up in a heartbeat.

** Sorry about that, I'll get off my soap box. **

Audio Sync on ABC non HD

I am watching "How'd They Do That" Home Edition and the audio is way ahead of the video during the network broadcast. During commercials it seems to be much closer, to the point that you wouldn't really notice. I can also add that when watching the HD broadcast of Desperate Housewives last night that there were no observable sync problems.

I am using the OTA digital signal through a Dish 811 via the dvi output cable to a HDMI converter to a Panasonic plasma.

It is not all that uncommon to notice sync problems in my 4 years of watching the local digital broadcasts, but this experience was really bad. The sync was damn near a second off.

Anyone else experience video blackouts on fox during 24 commercials tonight? During commercials the screen would go dark, but with sound. When the show resumed pic would come back on.

Scott

Originally posted by wmschultz
Time for me to call DirecTV and find out what kind of offers they have for
someone who might be willing to switch to EchoStar.

Let us know what they say please. It would take quite a bit to get me to bail on D*.

Scott

Originally posted by Scott Tucker
Anyone else experience video blackouts on fox during 24 commercials tonight? During commercials the screen would go dark, but with sound. When the show resumed pic would come back on.

Scott

I saw that, too.

Mike

Originally posted by Scott Tucker
Anyone else experience video blackouts on fox during 24 commercials tonight? During commercials the screen would go dark, but with sound. When the show resumed pic would come back on.

Scott


I was not able to get anything on Fox HD. I have a Dishnetwork 811 receiver and an HD tuner on my television. Neither would come through.

Originally posted by Scott Tucker
Anyone else experience video blackouts on fox during 24 commercials tonight? During commercials the screen would go dark, but with sound. When the show resumed pic would come back on.

Scott Yeah, I noticed that too during commercials. I switched to D* 88 when I wanted to watch commercials :) The weird thing about the blacked out commercials is that it wasn't every commercial. Seemed like the news teasers were blacked out too.

Charter Reports $353 million 1Q Loss

Key excerpts from the Businesswire press release issued by Charter Communications follow:
____________________________________

* During the first quarter of 2005, Charter continued to implement a number of initiatives to improve customer care, service delivery, product innovation and deployment, and the effectiveness of the Company's marketing efforts, resulting in:

-- Increased average monthly total revenue per analog video customer of 11% compared to the pro forma first quarter of 2004;

-- The addition of 117,100 revenue generating units (RGUs), including 94,000 high-speed Internet (HSI) and 19,900 digital video customers, partially offset by a loss of 6,700 analog video customers;

-- Revenue growth of 7% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 6% compared to the pro forma first quarter of 2004. (Adjusted EBITDA is defined in the "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Metrics" section of this news release.);

* First quarter 2005 revenues were $1.271 billion, an increase of $86 million, or 7%, over pro forma first quarter 2004 revenues of $1.185 billion and an increase of 5% over first quarter 2004 actual revenues of $1.214 billion. The increases in revenues are largely the result of growth in HSI revenues, as well as increased video, commercial and advertising sales revenues.

* First quarter 2005 operating costs and expenses were $796 million, an increase of $61 million, or 8%, on a pro forma basis and an increase of $45 million, or 6%, on an actual basis, compared to the year ago quarter. The rise in first quarter 2005 operating costs and expenses over pro forma 2004 primarily resulted from a 10% increase in programming costs and a 16% increase in service costs.

Costs to support service improvements and deploy new products, as well as increased equipment maintenance and higher fuel costs drove the rise in service costs. These increases were partially offset by a slight decrease in general and administrative costs, with improved bad debt performance from increased discipline in the sales process more than offsetting other cost increases.

* Net loss applicable to common stock and loss per common share for the first quarter of 2005 were $353 million and $1.16, respectively. For the first quarter of 2004, Charter reported pro forma net loss applicable to common stock and loss per common share of $391 million and $1.32, respectively, and actual net loss applicable to common stock and loss per common share of $294 million and $1.00, respectively.

The $38 million decrease in net loss applicable to common stock for first quarter 2005 compared to the same pro forma year ago period is primarily the result of a decrease in income tax expense and benefits of various interest hedging and financing activities, partially offset by a decrease in income from operations.

____________________________________

The complete press release can be found here:

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20050503005388&newsLang=en

I'm not an analyst and won't pretend to be, but I think it's fair game to seriously question the prospects (and wisdom) of a cable company that cites as its topline highlight average analog video customer revenue GROWTH of 11%, despite a 6,000+ DECLINE in analog video customer numbers.

Surely there's got to be better news than that.

It appears that the pre-release consensus among analysts was that Charter would lose 82 cents per share. But I'm not sure if that's an apples-to-apples comparison with the $1.16 per share loss noted in the BW release.

FYI -- Charter closed down sharply Monday at $1.07, off 9 cents from Friday's close, which is equivalent to roughly a 7.8% decline.

FYI -- at midday, Charter is trading at $1.12, up 5 cents from Monday's close.

A couple of other points of interest found in reading further about Charter results:

* Charter has been losing analog customers at a much higher rate than any other cable company in the US, and the 1Q churn is much lower than it has been for several quarters. Case in point: One analyst was expecting Charter to report analog cable losses as high as 12,000 subscribers.

So this is definitely good news, in terms of the rate of bleeding slowing down, but still not a very positive picture for future prospects.

* With the analog losses and just short of 20,000 new digital customers, it seems like Charter's core television business is stuck in neutral. This performance actually makes the recently departed VOOM's subscriber numbers look good.

Contrast that with DirecTV, which Monday reported that it had totaled 505,000 NET customer additions during the first quarter, bringing total subscribers to nearly 14.5 million.

* In its conference call to discuss its 1Q results, Charter cited increased demand for Internet access service and advanced digital features and services such as digital video recorders, video on demand, VoIP-based telephone service and high-definition television.

However, it's hard to see the relevance in talking up advanced digital features, DVRs and HDTV if the digital base is growing less than 20,000 in a three-month period. Maybe that's going to lead to future subscriber gains, but it appears to be having no meaningful impact recently.

* On the other hand, there's no doubt that broadband and VOIP business is growing quickly, with 94,000 net additions. While that's good news, if I were a Charter shareholder, I'd still be extremely skeptical of the company's ability to thrive long-term in the telco market where there's a great deal more competition and loads of players who know the market far better.

Does anyone else have problems with WB11 OTA? When they broadcast something in HD, it comes in fine, but when it's just SD digital, it blinks in and out and sometimes never comes in at all.

- On a side note...how about the greatest comeback in Cardinal history. -

Here is what I was looking for as far as the new dish channels are concerned. Dish will have all 21 by 2006.

VOOM 21 HD ORIGINALS LINE UP

ANIMANIA HD

A whole channel dedicated to unique animation entertainment. A
diverse programming lineup of animated series, shorts and specials,
from the classics to the newest and most cutting edge animation.

Auction HD
AUCTION HD provides an inside look at the once exclusive auction
world. Preview upcoming auctions and hear the stories behind the
objects. See live coverage of sales from top auction houses and get
news from the collecting world. Everything from classic cars, to
Hollywood memorabilia, to impressionist art is enhanced in vivid high
definition.

Equator HD
We send filmmakers all over the world to produce HD films of
breathtaking quality and substance that provide a unique view of the
world as it really is with stunning explorations of some of the most
exquisite places on earth.

Gallery HD
An arts and museum channel. Experience the world of art,
architecture and performance enhanced in stunning high definition.
Masterworks from the world of painting, sculpture, photography and
architectural design come alive. Gallery brings the world's best
artists, exhibitions and performances together in a virtual video
museum of arts and culture.

HD News
The only national 24/7 high definition source for news. HDNews
offers late-breaking stories, current headlines, compelling features,
national and regional weather, and sports highlights and updates in
brilliant high definition. HDNews is supplied by 5 regional news
bureaus, along with the nation's best photojournalists.

LAB HD
High definition unlocks the expressive power of television. LAB
delivers original non-narrative video art from artists and
award-winning designers, all produced in stunning widescreen format.
Showcased is Tank, the only HD, exotic aquarium, and new series that
bring you entrancing HD animation and innovative video shorts.

Monsters HD
Monsters HD is the first and only all monster movie channel in
high definition. See monster movies brought to life with a frightening
HD clarity. Exclusive original programming, special fright fests, rare
monster movie trailers and upcoming movie previews are featured.

RAVE HD
Rave HD is the first and only music channel dedicated to
delivering a larger than life concert experience in crystal clear high
definition. Today's hottest artists play a wide variety of music -
rock, pop, R & B, jazz and world music. Get front row views with
unequaled video and audio clarity.

RUSH HD
RUSH HD brings heart-pounding extreme action sports to life,
including kite surfing, mountain boarding and downhill speed skating
against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery displayed in vivid high
definition.

ULTRA HD
ULTRA HD is the first channel devoted to covering the world of
fashion, beauty and style exclusively in high definition. Gain access
to the world's most exclusive fashion shows, get insight from leading
fashion designers, visit major international runways or trendy new
restaurants.

WorldSport HD
WorldSport HD delivers exclusive high definition coverage of the
Spanish Premiere Soccer League, featuring Real Madrid. See Beckham,
Ronaldo, Zidane and the world's finest players in action. WorldSport
HD delivers a wide variety of top sporting events from around the
globe, including world-class sailing, track and field competitions,
and much more.

10 HD Movie Channels
Movies redefined. Our 10-channel multiplex gives movie lovers the
most HD movie choices anywhere. Choose from 10 different high
definition movies playing on 10 different channels, 24 hours a day.
See the finest films and biggest stars. A wide variety of movie eras
and genres are presented uncut, commercial-free and solely in
wide-screen HD format.

About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
A leader in sports, news and entertainment programming, Rainbow
Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation
(NYSE:CVC). Rainbow Media owns and manages national networks: AMC,
Fuse, IFC (The Independent Film Channel) and WE: Women's
Entertainment; as well as the on-demand services: Mag Rack,
sportskool, Uncensored On Demand, World Picks On Demand and World
Picks Networks. Rainbow Media's other businesses include its regional
programming services - MetroChannels, News 12 Networks and Rainbow
Sports Networks - in addition to the Rainbow Advertising Sales
Corporation and Rainbow Network Communications.
Source: Rainbow Media Holdings LLC

Originally posted by Scott Tucker
Let us know what they say please. It would take quite a bit to get me to bail on D*.

Scott

Free Showtime for 6 months and HBO for $2 for 6 months...

Something is better than nothing.

Any (non-voom) dish customers have any luck ordering the additional 10 channels? I'm a dish subscriber and I called today to have them added. The service rep wasn't very knowledgeable about the additional HD channels. He spoke with his supervisor and advised me they could not offer these channels to sbc/dish customers at this time. He said May 5 is the actual release date but doesn't know if I can order them even on the 5th. Apparently (they were speculating) there hasn't been a decision made as to how they will deal with those subscribers that do not have the second dish (for 61.5) already in place.

Originally posted by ferl
Any (non-voom) dish customers have any luck ordering the additional 10 channels? I'm a dish subscriber and I called today to have them added. The service rep wasn't very knowledgeable about the additional HD channels. He spoke with his supervisor and advised me they could not offer these channels to sbc/dish customers at this time. He said May 5 is the actual release date but doesn't know if I can order them even on the 5th. Apparently (they were speculating) there hasn't been a decision made as to how they will deal with those subscribers that do not have the second dish (for 61.5) already in place.

Keep calling back until you get someone who knows what they are doing. It took me all of 5 minutes to get the voom channels activated on my 811 receiver. Try this number 800-969-4388 instead of the 800-333-3474. This number is supposed to be specifically for the Voom upgrade. You may have problems though since you don't have the extra dish pointing at 61.5

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
Charter Reports $353 million 1Q Loss


Costs to support service improvements and deploy new products, as well as increased equipment maintenance and higher fuel costs drove the rise in service costs. These increases were partially offset by a slight decrease in general and administrative costs, with improved bad debt performance from increased discipline in the sales process more than offsetting other cost increases.

FYI -- Charter closed down sharply Monday at $1.07, off 9 cents from Friday's close, which is equivalent to roughly a 7.8% decline.

Just think of the millions that executives and former executives received during this period. "Costs to support service improvements" are not the issue. Hopefully this company will get an infusion of good management or it will fail or be sold cheaply.

Originally posted by ferl
I do have the dish at 61.5
That's the UPN feed.

Thanks for the number!

Now I'm aggravated. I think sbc/dish has a contract with Charter to provide customer service. This is the bull**** that got me to leave Charter in the first place. I called the number you suggested and they said YES they are available but since I'm an SBC/Dish customer, not a direct customer of dish, they can't access my account. She transferred me to SBC/Dish to add the channels. I spoke with a rep and a supervisor after being transferred and again was told they can't add them at this time. The channels apparently aren't in the "System" on the SBC side of the house yet. I guess I know whats going on here but I feel like I'm back with Charter again. Obviously these will be made available to all customers of Dish or they wouldn't have bought the damn satellite. I guess I'll wait a bit and see what happens.

Try this number. 1-800-464-7928 That is a CS number given to SBC employees to hand out to customers that are having problems. It said it is good for any product SBC offers. Give it a try. If you have no success, there is an employee escalation number that we are given to call on behalf of customers. Try that route and see what they say and let me/us know.


Rich

The "Reno" Charter thread reports these new HD channels on their system in Nevada (NOT HERE): Discovery HD, TNT HD, Cinemax HD, and Starz HD.

They also have: HBOHD, SHOHD, ESPN HD, HDnet, HDmovies, and these locals: FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC, AND PBS.


I could live with that lineup.

Anyone call Charter recently to see what and when we are getting anyting? That "Reno" lineup look nice to me.

It's May now - any update on the Charter/FSMW-HD agreement?

Doug, care to contact that guy again to see if there is any new information?

anyone else besides me on Charters rediculously long waiting list to get the HD box? Tomorrow will be 4 weeks since I made the orginal call to get it started and still no hd :(

Originally posted by cracooper
Anyone call Charter recently to see what and when we are getting anyting? That "Reno" lineup look nice to me.


Yes--I called them and asked if any new HD Channels would be added this month (May).

A very well-informed CSR said "not to my knowledge"; HOWEVER....he said that "channel 11" should be added soon (!)


I thanked him, and said good-bye. I guess I should have told him we have had Channel 11 for several weeks now, but I guess he'll get the memo, soon.

Doug,
Is the reeson why movies in OAR look so good in HD because the 1080 lines are packed more tightly into the wider, yet more narrow band of picture area? I just love the way they look.

I tuned into 2-1 at around 10:15pm Monday night and got sound, but no picture off Charter, and VOOM OTA. The picture was still out several hours later. Crazy.

Originally posted by darrenp01
anyone else besides me on Charters rediculously long waiting list to get the HD box? Tomorrow will be 4 weeks since I made the orginal call to get it started and still no hd :(

i called when they were out of MOXI (about 3 weeks ago) I called every day until they got some and a tech was out the next day. i think you have the keep calling until you get what you want. sorry if i got the box you were waiting for.

Any word on Fox Sports Midwest in HD? I think the next scheduled games were supposed to be against the Dodgers coming up next week (May 9-11). I know the games are scheduled to be broadcast on FSN West2 back to California.

I must have missed something. Charter is out of Moxi boxes? I just called customer service about an issue I was having with my Moxi box and they scheduled me to have my box swapped out on Tuesday, May 10th. I wonder if I'll get a new box.

For what it's worth, my box has been freezing up on me for the past few weeks. I had to reboot the box three times just in the last 7 days. Two times it has locked up while recording a show and I lost the episode because of it.

hehe, guess I will have to make a charter call part of my daily work routine until I get one to come out here.

Since Tuesday night my FOx 2 has been going in and out (mostly out). My friend is having the same issues. Does anyone know what is going on? Any info would be great. Thanks!

Since Tuesday night my FOx 2 has been going in and out (mostly out). My friend is having the same issues. Does anyone know what is going on? Any info?

I'm having the same problem, Mortifier!! I can get Fox on 43-1, but it is no longer on channel 2 anymore. Is it possible that thers channels on UHF now? Any assistance would be great. Thanks!

Originally posted by chilmorg
Since Tuesday night my FOx 2 has been going in and out (mostly out). My friend is having the same issues. Does anyone know what is going on? Any info?

I'm having the same problem, Mortifier!! I can get Fox on 43-1, but it is no longer on channel 2 anymore. Is it possible that thers channels on UHF now? Any assistance would be great. Thanks!

Good, I am glad it just isnt me. I sent an email to KTVI's engineering dept... maybe they can shed some light on it.

The screen going black on Fox started freaking me out. I would fast forward on my mOxI... things would go black... I'd hit play... then fast forward... and the show would come back.

Yes, I experienced it too.

chilmorg,

FOX-DT has always been broadcasting in the UHF spectrum on channel 43, though on most set-top boxes this "remaps" to digital 2-1. The fact that you're not seeing 2-1 could be an issue with how FOX is sending out its PSIP information, or it could be an issue with your HD receiver.

As for the other problems with the screen blanking, I'm not sure what's happening. I watched American Idol on Tuesday night without any issues via KTVI-DT and my HD-TiVo, but I didn't watch anything from FOX last night so it's possible that the problems started only after American Idol on Tuesday evening.

I'd suggest that you turn off your receiver and remove the power cord from the back or the wall outlet for around 15 minutes. Plug it back in, let it reboot and see if that makes any difference.

In regards to the MOXI updates:

I have heard that sometime later this year (not sure when) Charter will be rolling out the new MOXI boxes. These have 160GB HDD space in addition to multi-room support. Not sure if they will be activating the external USB 2.0 ports or ethernet ports yet...

I am also checking on the new HD channels that are supposed to be coming down the pipe. Originally I had heard May, then June. The CSR that mentioned channel 11 is coming soon... priceless.

-Hanjke

Not to burst your balloon, but when a Charter rep tells you soon (in regards to new channels), it could mean next month, or it could mean 2-1/2 years from now.

Soon is a relative term. Remember, the original Charter HD rollout here was "coming soon" every month for 2+ years.

Anyone try to sign up for the Voom channels on Dish via SBC dish network?

Originally posted by DroptheRemote
As for the other problems with the screen blanking, I'm not sure what's happening. I watched American Idol on Tuesday night without any issues via KTVI-DT and my HD-TiVo, but I didn't watch anything from FOX last night so it's possible that the problems started only after American Idol on Tuesday evening. I'd say that's right. I didn't notice the screen blanking during American Idol, but as I mentioned earlier, the screen blanking I saw was only during the commercial breaks during 24. I haven't watched FOX since 24 was on.

I'm also having problems with the HD broadcast of KTVI. Like the other viewers I can not get it at 2-1 anymore I have to go to 43-1 to see the KTVI HD transmission. For some reason the channel will not remap to show 2-1. I have an 811 dishnetwork reciever. Maybe it is the box? Anyone else having this issue on the 811.

Drop:

Is it possible that Fox is now just UHF only? I thought I knew a little about this HD stuff, but now I'm feeling pretty stupid. Anyway, I have a Mitsubishi with a built-in tuner. Should I unplag that for 15 minutes? Or, is that just for a cable box? I'll try that tonight, then crank it up in the morning. Help me if you can. Thanks.

Threads merged.

chilmorg - make sure you hit the "post reply" button, not the "new thread" button when responding to the St. Louis thread.

Originally posted by bigdaddy10
I'm also having problems with the HD broadcast of KTVI. Like the other viewers I can not get it at 2-1 anymore I have to go to 43-1 to see the KTVI HD transmission. For some reason the channel will not remap to show 2-1. I have an 811 dishnetwork reciever. Maybe it is the box? Anyone else having this issue on the 811.

I'm having the same problem with my 811.

FSMW-HD Cards' Coverage Remains in Limbo

Here's the latest from FSMW on their HD coverage, received via eMail early today:
____________________________

FSN Midwest HD telecasts of the Cardinals continue to be postponed (indefinitely, at this time). Essentially, the situation remains the same.

We had hoped that a completed carriage agreement with Charter Communications to carry HD telecasts would be in place, but since it is not, we will not be producing the games early next week in HD.

We are sorry for any inconvenience.

____________________________

From today's SkyREPORT E-News:

________________________________________

DISH Reports 1Q, Ergen Eyes More HD

EchoStar CEO Charles Ergen, discussing first quarter results during a conference call Thursday, called the company's performance for the three-month period solid, but also a "non-eventful quarter" for the small dish business.

EchoStar's DISH Network added around 325,000 net new subscribers during the first quarter, taking the service to about 11.23 million subscribers as of March 31, the satellite TV company reported.

As for the future, Ergen said EchoStar expects to expand DISH Network's lineup of VOOM channels at the beginning of next year. At the moment, DISH Network has 10 of the 21 VOOM HD originals available from satellite capacity at the 61.5-degree location. Ergen said DISH Network could carry all 21 VOOM originals at the start of 2006.

Ergen also said EchoStar is looking at the launch of local TV services in high-def, but he added that the debut of those offerings is a 2006 event. Before launching more HD, EchoStar needs to develop more volumes of product with MPEG 4 capabilities, Ergen said.

But once the product is out "we can compete very well," the CEO said.

Ergen said that initially DISH Network could offer 20 markets with local HD, and maybe as many as 30 local high-def markets. National channels in high-def also are being considered, he added. The company will launch satellites next year and in 2007 that will provide extra capacity for the services, Ergen said.

As for the company's continuing litigation with TiVo, Ergen said he's confident EchoStar will prevail in court. And he said EchoStar continues work on a broadband product, but there are a few more hurdles before the offering is available to consumers.

Also, the company confirmed that SBC plans to "de-emphasize" its sales of DISH Network.

For the first quarter, EchoStar said total revenue was $2.02 billion, a 28 percent increase compared with $1.58 billion for the corresponding period in 2004. Net income was $318 million for the quarter, compared with a net loss of $43 million for the same quarter in 2004.
________________________________________

chilmorg,

Yes, FOX-DT is ONLY available via UHF channel 43.

I urge you to read the first three messages in this thread, which explain many of the basics of HDTV and over-the-air reception:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2995679#post2995679

And yes, unplugging your Mits TV with the built-in tuner should be tried as a solution to your FOX-DT problems. It's no guarantee, but unplugging your set will reset the tuner and possibly eliminate the issue you're seeing.

Question:

It is publically known that D* and E* are working towards MPEG 4 which should allow both companies to drastically increase the amount of HD channels they will provide their customers.

Is cable companies like Charter working towards that same goal?

If not, I suspect this may sway all Charter HD customers to head towards the door.

While Charter is definitely moving forward on some fronts (for example, providing basic channels in digital form), there doesn't appear to be any genuine interest in ramping HD programming. Of course, there's two sides to every story, but the lack of a deal with FSMW for HD Cards games screams "indifference" in a way that's entirely consistent with their HD track record over the past 3 years.

It seems clear that the only way Charter plays its HD hand differently is if they feel the pain of lost subscribers, and clearly that's not happening to any degree. And anyway, the company seems much more focused in stemming analog customer losses than building up their digital base. That priority is clearly reflected in the new digital subscriber additions, especially in comparing Charter net digital adds with DISH and DirecTV.

Doug,

Do you know who is to blame on the FSMW deal?
Tim