St. Louis, MO - HDTV *OLD* [Text View] - Page 40

WRacer

01-10-06, 01:24 PM

On KDNL, Every Day is Arbor Day!

OK, here's (yet) another thing about local television that I don't understand:

How is that KDNL makes any money for Sinclair? Whenever I watch one of the ABC prime time programs, such as "Lost" or "Desperate Housewives," it seems that more than half of the local advertising spots are filler (public service announcements).

I used to think that this was related to the program content, particularly when "NYPD Blue," was on the air, as many major advertisers declined to buy time on it because of the program's subject matter/content and pressure from a small pocket of viewers.

Maybe the same situation applies to some degree to "Desperate Housewives," but the content for "Lost" just doesn't seem to have the same grounds for moral objections. OK, there's all the "mystical" things that happen on the island and the numerology angle, but considering this is one of the top-rated shows in the country, I'd expect the local ads to be sold out and that doesn't seem to be the case.

Anyone know more about the background on this?

Doug,
Those of you watching the HD feed don't see the local breaks at this time! ABC fills the local positions on the HD feed with PSA's and promos. Since there is no local revenue tied to the HD path (yet), we haven't been switching back and forth. We do for the Rams games and will for the Super Bowl, but just wait...as soon as 5.1 issues are resolved, local breaks will start on the HD path.
Jim

DroptheRemote

01-10-06, 01:28 PM

That makes perfect sense, and I'm mystified no more.

Thanks, Jim.

dominicr

01-10-06, 01:33 PM

RE: local advertising
I used to buy some TV advertising. Hot primetime shows are usually just too damned expensive. I am currently buying radio. Same deal, you pay more for the hotter shows.
I wonder why they just don't simulcast the commercials if they are showing them on SD?

tcfila

01-10-06, 01:53 PM

I've noticed on NBC during the HD feed, sometimes there is just the peacock rainbow in the middle on a black screen...when I flip to the SD feed, there is a commercial.

kjohnson

01-10-06, 02:04 PM

Okay, here's a pet peeve: switching from HD to SD and vice-versa during commercials. KDNL is pretty good at it, and I've no gripe with them.

KMOV and KSDK seem to have issues with that a lot. I don't care about the shifting during the commericials, but when the show comes back and it's still in SD for another 15 or so seconds is a bit annoying.

Oh, and has anybody noticed that sometimes (I'm not complaining...Watching part of primetime you missed) KDNL is still on the ABC HD feed (at 10pm) and say, According to Jim is coming on (for the West Coast stations)? I've noticed it at least a couple of times, and it's usually stopped within 15 minutes.

And about the Rams game last week. I was wondering whether KDNL could have waited till 11pm, and shown the Desperate Housewives thingamajig and Blind Justice in HD along with the west coast? Was that considered, or was one of those the network would'nt let you do it?

Additionally, the PQ is even better on ABC30 HD. It looks great, Jim.

DroptheRemote

01-10-06, 02:07 PM

Hello, Newbie from Manchester here. Thanks for all the info I`ve been catching up on in this forum. I`d like to ask for some help. I got the Panasonic xr55 receiver today and it`s great. Tomorrow I`m scheduled for Charter Pipeline/HD installation. And I have a Panasonic 8UK ED on its way later this week. I don`t want to be too overwhelmed hooking everything up at once so I`d like some advice on the best way to hook things up once they all arrive. I also have a Samsung V3650 DVD/VCR in the mix along with the Klipsch Quintet surround speakers. Will I need to get some more cables than what will come with everything also. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, MikeMike, this is probably not the best place to get information on setting up your equipment. You'd certainly get more responses by posting in the AVS topic area specific to each component, or doing a search in those areas.

But I'll give you some capsule ideas:

* In general, the cables that come packed in the box with a new audio and video component are poor quality. That's not always true, but unless you're buying relatively high end stuff, it's crummy more likely than not.

* When it comes to cables, I'm a pragmatist. I don't believe in spending a huge amount of money on speaker cable or interconnects. Yes, good quality is important, but buying high-end cable or interconnects is not an efficient use of usually finite home theater funds.

For example, if you have extra funds in your budget for cables, you'd be better off spending that money on a non-combo DVD player.

* Your best bet in connecting components to your plasma display is to use DVI or HDMI connections. If some of your components don't have DVI or HDMI (your DVD/VCR is a likely culprit), then use component video. Don't worry a lot about the lack of digital connections, because they're unlikely to make a night/day difference.

Note that S-Video, composite and non-antenna/cable RF are all limited to standard-definition resolution (480i NTSC) and should not be used for HD OTA or for 480p DVD.

* Your audio connection between your OTA receiver and your DVD player should be digital, not analog, so that you can take advantage of discrete surround sound. These connections are usually one of two varieties -- Toslink (optical) or coaxial.

* You will also need to spend some time reading the manual for your AV receiver. If it does automatic setup of your speakers, you should run through that process, but it would be best to doublecheck the results with a sound meter. If the receiver doesn't have an automated system, you'll need to manually set up the speaker levels and delays, depending on the range of control provided by your gear.

* You didn't mention a universal remote, but if you're sharing the system with other family members (and really even if not) a one-remote solution is probably going to add a lot to the enjoyment and ease of use. Personally, I recommend the Harmony remotes, because they're relatively easy to set up.

Hope some of this helps. If you'd like more information or assistance, feel free to send me a private message.

Saluki

01-10-06, 02:38 PM

Doug,
Those of you watching the HD feed don't see the local breaks at this time! ABC fills the local positions on the HD feed with PSA's and promos. Since there is no local revenue tied to the HD path (yet), we haven't been switching back and forth. We do for the Rams games and will for the Super Bowl, but just wait...as soon as 5.1 issues are resolved, local breaks will start on the HD path.
Jim

Hey Jim-

Great to have your input on the board.

Any chance there is any positive vibe floating around with regards to Sinclair & Charter?

(hey, a guy can dream...)

StLouG

01-10-06, 03:10 PM

Hey Jim-

Great to have your input on the board.

Any chance there is any positive vibe floating around with regards to Sinclair & Charter?

(hey, a guy can dream...)

I just want to echo those positive thoughts on JIM. He always has a answer even though at times we don't like his answers he still has one. I just wish there were others who would work as hard as Jim does. GOOD JOB JIM.

Scott Tucker

01-10-06, 03:27 PM

The guy stuck to his convictions and didn't open on Sundays. The reality though is his competition raked in a LOT of business on Sundays. I also hate to see a local business go out. I am a local business that competes against "big" operations. We just go around them, better quality & service. They can't compete. Maybe his business is too much like BB, CC, & American.

The closest thing to a Goedekers is American, but American is much larger with much more inventory. If Goedekers could be more like American they wouldn't be in trouble now. American seems to be a strong company with a great theme. I hope Goedekers can pull through its troubles. Very difficult as the face of B&M retail has changed drastically over the last 10 years.

Scott

Scott Tucker

01-10-06, 03:30 PM

I finally noticed the green specs you all have been talking about on 5-1 KSDK last night during Las Vegas. Their sound is much better than it used to be, but pic is definitely gotten worse. I guess it's going to be a while for Digital TV to be close to perfect. Sometimes it's easy to forget that Digital TV really still is in its infancy. It can only get better.

Scott

wallyj

01-10-06, 04:05 PM

I finally noticed the green specs you all have been talking about on 5-1 KSDK last night during Las Vegas.

Me too, but during Medium. Glad I'm up to speed via AVS or I'd have been worried about my new display. Thanks all!

wallyj

01-10-06, 04:15 PM

Yes, currently, and it is on 61.5. I have a 500 for 119 and 110, and a 300 for 61.5.
I don't have any information why they would not be activating. I do know the 5 newly added Voom's will be on 129 in MPEG4. I believe 129 requires a Dish1000.

So to receive all the spiffy new MPEG 4 programing Dish will be pumping out, I'll need 3 dishes on the roof? :confused: Or will the new compression free up enough bandwidth to shoot it all down two sats?

kdg454

01-10-06, 04:29 PM

So to receive all the spiffy new MPEG 4 programing Dish will be pumping out, I'll need 3 dishes on the roof? :confused: Or will the new compression free up enough bandwidth to shoot it all down two sats?
The Dish 1000 will be able to receive all programing.
You will go from 2 to 1 dish, and receive 110, 119 & 129.
Dish 1000 Picture HERE (http://www.satelliteone.com/dish/images/dish1000.jpg)

WRacer

01-10-06, 06:26 PM

Hey Jim-

Great to have your input on the board.

Any chance there is any positive vibe floating around with regards to Sinclair & Charter?

(hey, a guy can dream...)

Thanks for the kind words.....but I have no insite as to if there will be a Charter resolution by the Super Bowl. Like someone said earlier, they did do a special deal last year for the Super Bowl only, but I have no idea if it will happen this year. I would say to put pressure on Charter...if the complaints get to the right level ....who knows!
Jim

uozzim

01-10-06, 09:52 PM

I don't think Goedeker's is closing. They're calling it a "relinquishment" sale. Sounds like a gimmicky clearance to me, using the annoying "street spam" signs everywhere to advertise it.

rthomp03

01-10-06, 11:21 PM

rthomp03,

You said you are anxiously awaiting ESPN2HD tomorrow. I have heard all the rumors about it, but are you implying the announcement will be tomorrow or that they will actually add the channel tomorrow too? Illinois plays on ESPN2HD tomorrow night. Sorry if it is a stupid question.
Deuces,
My apologies for not seeing this earlier. My info was from one of the sat sites. It was obtained from an inside source at DISH. Your guess is as good as mine as to what has happened since then. All the new HD channels in Mpeg-4 on 129. Means I will eventually need the full upgrade. Unfortunately I own my 811 and am not sure what I want to do. Another interesting piece of news I heard was that the new HD channels will not really be in Mpeg-4 for a while. They are going to put Mpeg-4 headers on Mpeg-2 packets. Is that crap or what? The other disturbing thing is the continuing HD-Lite issues. The 5 new VOOM channels WILL BE downrezzed to 1280x1080! Just don't know where to go from here. :confused:

P.S. Here is the link to the Mpeg-4 issues:
http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=51730

Kurt K

01-10-06, 11:57 PM

Good News / Bad News for KSDK tonight during L&O SVU.

Bad News: Still lots of green snow.

Good News: They actually waited until the credits started to switch to SD for the news promo.

My wife actually joked that maybe KSDK is being more diligent about the HD /SD switching to make everyone try to forget about the green snow.

OK, it was actually funny when she said it :rolleyes:

DroptheRemote

01-11-06, 09:19 AM

Olympics to be HD Simulcast Same-Day on kSDk, UHD

But not everything will be available in HD...

The following story is from TVPrediction.com's Hi-Def Life daily:
______________________________________

NBC has just announced that it will offer a HDTV simulcast of next month's Winter Olympics from Torino, Italy. The broadcast will be available on your NBC affiliate's digital channel. In addition, Universal HD, which is available on DIRECTV, EchoStar and some cable systems, will offer a simulcast HD feed of NBC's coverage on MSNBC, CNBC and the USA Network.

The network says that figure skating, hockey, long and short track speed skating, ski jumping, freestyle aerials and the Opening and Closing ceremonies will be broadcast in 1080i HDTV because those venues will be wired for high-def. In places where NBC says a HD signal will not be available, a 16:9 signal will be "upcoverted."

NBC took a lot of heat during the 2004 Summer Games for failing to provide a simulcast HD broadcast. However, network officials said then that it would be the last time that the HD broadcast would be on a 'tape-delayed' basis. It's good to see that they are keeping their commitment.
______________________________________

For more Hi-Def Life stories, click here. (http://www.tvpredictions.com/thehighdeflife.htm)

BudShark

01-11-06, 10:26 AM

The closest thing to a Goedekers is American, but American is much larger with much more inventory. If Goedekers could be more like American they wouldn't be in trouble now. American seems to be a strong company with a great theme. I hope Goedekers can pull through its troubles. Very difficult as the face of B&M retail has changed drastically over the last 10 years.

Scott

One thing that surprised me about American - there was NO one there during the pre-Christmas shopping (and after Christmas). We stopped by a couple of times and while CC, BB, and the malls were busy, we parked near front row each time at American. The one in O'fallon, IL doesn't appear to be doing very much business at all (but maybe their appliance/furniture keeps their profits high).

Chris

djearl81

01-11-06, 11:57 AM

djearl81

01-11-06, 12:10 PM

Jim -

Thanks for doing your part to make HD in St. Louis a reality. It's tough to sit by and watch people put down things that your working to accomplish. If you'd ever like to post technical issues that arise, I'm sure that we in the forum would have a field day trying to help solve them. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that most of us here like to tweak, take things apart, and problem solve.

- Good luck.
BTW - If anyone has any AT&T services they need fixed, or if your interested in getting new services set up...please let me know.

skippy_rq

01-11-06, 01:44 PM

BTW - If anyone has any AT&T services they need fixed, or if your interested in getting new services set up...please let me know.

Trying to offer as much help as you can before we get off-shored? :D

jpconard

01-11-06, 01:46 PM

Are we going to be talking about the green snow on KSDK a year from now?

iambuddylee

01-11-06, 01:47 PM

I went to High School (and played volleyball) with Steve Goedekers son. Steve is one of the nicest people to talk to. If you needed anything, he'd take care of you.

He has one thing going for him that all great business men do...He believes in customer service. If his company is in trouble, I hope they can pull themselves out of it.

Well, he might be a nice guy, but I went to his store when I was shopping for a new TV, and man, there selection was terrible, and me, my wife, and newborn son were there, just browsing around for 20 minutes and the salespeople actually avoided us. My wife went there previously with a friend to look at refrigerators, and the same thing happened to them. And both times there were salespeople literally sitting around watching tvs.

he may make customer service #1, but his employees sure don't. With that said, if they do go out of business, it is a shame.

DroptheRemote

01-11-06, 02:03 PM

I haven't done this before, but I'm going to be spending most of the afternoon on the sales floor at Ultimate Electronics in Fairview Heights, checking out some new models that I have for upcoming calibrations, as well as doing some testing/verification for the ISF List.

Stop by and say hello if you happen to be in the area.

Note that I haven't cleared my session with the sales manager there yet, so if it turns out that there's something going on that prevents me from camping out with my equipment today, I'll do my best to post an update.

FWIW, I would expect to be there from around 1 to 6 pm.

Scott Tucker

01-11-06, 02:59 PM

Scott Tucker

01-11-06, 03:00 PM

Are we going to be talking about the green snow on KSDK a year from now?

I hope not, but it beats the hell out of "yellow snow." :eek:

Scott

turls

01-11-06, 04:43 PM

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060105-5913.html

Best link I've found explaining the DirecTV/Microsoft deal. This sounds really good, but I wonder what DRM hoops we'll be jumping through?

kjohnson

01-11-06, 08:51 PM

OK folks, I just saw an Olympic promo on KSDK, proclaiming them being in High Definition. On KSDK's news in HD front, a person told me recently that news will look differently graphically when the news in HD. Supposedly they will get new graphics. Wonder if the snow will show up during the news next month? Further will the olympic coverage suffer the same problem at lot of us are experiencing with the graphical issues?

Oh, and I haven't seen the snow on my TV, but my receiver is conected to a SD TV (i.e. an older set).

RaceTripper

01-11-06, 08:59 PM

OT but...I have about 500 DVDs and want to unload some. Who in St. Louis is giving the best price for used DVDs?

thatsjustsuper

01-11-06, 09:15 PM

I'm trying to wrap my head around the fewest components needed for a "basic" system. Can a plasma monitor like the NEC 50XR5 and a Yamaha YSP-1000 Sound Projector work with Charter Digital (original Moto black digital box)? Or do you need a tuner and a receiver for surround?

Thanks from South County!

Kris Staff

01-11-06, 10:12 PM

kdg454

01-11-06, 10:28 PM

I am trying to figure out what Charter customers do for the Super bowl. I read through this thread. I am I correct that last year Charter had the game in HD, as a one off kind of thing? If I cant get it through Charter, does anyone out there have any sugestions on the cheapest way to get ABC HD?
Can you do OTA? That would be the cheapest, if you have an antenna and tuner.
Where do you live, you can come over here and watch the game ;)

Saluki

01-11-06, 10:29 PM

Law & Order is lookin' pretty darn nice tonight on KSDK - not a single flake of snow yet (knocking on wood). I hope this is a sign of things to come.

Bradduh

01-12-06, 12:07 AM

I watched both E-Ring and L&O on kSDk tonight and did not see one single piece of the green snow.....and the 5.1 was working too. Can anyone else confirm this? Is the world coming to an end?

Did they finally pull their collective heads out of their a**es at kSDk and NBC?

HD life would now be totally complete if Charter could get ABC-HD from the Sinclair...baby steps....baby steps.....

Brad

Kurt K

01-12-06, 08:06 AM

I can't confirm last night's performance of KSDK, but I will definitely be watching for it tonight during ER.

MSloss

01-12-06, 11:19 AM

BTW - If anyone has any AT&T services they need fixed, or if your interested in getting new services set up...please let me know.

How about buying out Centurytel in St. Charles? ;)

Mike

djearl81

01-12-06, 12:26 PM

How about buying out Centurytel in St. Charles? ;)

If I could make that choice I would.

Mookie11

01-12-06, 04:09 PM

wilkemp

01-12-06, 05:00 PM

Mookie11, I might be heading down the same path as you, but I am waiting to see what my bill will be next month, I currently pay $90/month for digital+HD+Moxi and the only channels I don't have are Starz. My only remorse would be giving up a DVR that records HD :(

skippy_rq

01-12-06, 05:29 PM

I have the following Charter deal locked in for 2yrs. I just called and asked for it.

Every channel offered with HD and Moxi w/ Moxi Mate + 5mb cable modem + phone with unlimited local and LD and 5 options.
The phone is at $19.99 for a year.
The Cable and internet is running $131.92. This is a 2yr commitment. TV is $78.67 and 5mb is running 52.95 with modem rental. I need the 5mb for business reasons otherwise I would drop back to the $29.99 deal I had on 3mb.

So yeah I pay ~$150 total, I am saving so much more over CenturyTel ($60 phone bill with $50 DSL) and DirecTV ($90.99 TCP and extra costs of HD and receivers).

Mookie, if you are wanting to make the switch to SBC/AT&T, I work there and can hook you up with some service deals. PM me if you want.

dominicr

01-12-06, 06:44 PM

L&O on Wed nite was fine, NO SNOW! yippee!

StLouG

01-12-06, 08:23 PM

Just called Dish to see what my bill would look like after all the price increases. The only positive thing is that they rolled the HD receiver lease fee into their new HD package. However I have heard they are raising the DVR fees an extra $1.00 a month.

Now thinking about going back to charter :eek: Yes I know but they are willing to bundle all my services for $119.00 a month. Moxi, the family package, two digital receiver, phone and DSL. One year commitment. Will have to think about it. All ready have phone and can't get DSL where I am living in South County.

Does anyone know if Charter is going to add any new HD channels in the near future?

wschwart

01-13-06, 01:11 AM

Just curious. In KC we had no audio for Commander In Chief tuesday night and for the first 15 minutes of the Lost recap episode wednesday night. Did this also happen in St. Louis or can we blame this on our local ABC station?
Also, does anyone know why a dvr recording of a program with no audio will not respond to fast forward commands? The dvr works fine for every program except for the unfortunate taping of Commander in Chief.

DroptheRemote

01-13-06, 08:50 AM

wschwart,

I don't watch "CiC," but the audio was fine on the first hour of "Lost" on Wednesday. So, I'd assume your problem was local.

No idea on the DVR question...sounds strange.

Robert Simandl

01-13-06, 09:34 AM

Well, with all the talk about how KSDK had improved (a bit), I gave Leno another try last night. Picture was better. But audio was still 2.0 with the 5.1 flag, so nothing but left and right fronts. Still no center, no rears, and no sub.

To make a copy of Sugarland's performance that was worth keeping, I had to convert the sound to stereo mp3. At least then I could get center, rears, and bass again.

turls

01-13-06, 09:39 AM

Well, at least we can throw out the audio changes caused the picture problems hypothesis. I saw the Office and part of ER last night and saw no picture issues. I know that I had center channel out of ER but maybe that is actually in 5.1.

RaceTripper

01-13-06, 09:46 AM

So kSDk started to get things right by having both audio and video work at the same time, but you jinxed it by watching it. What were you all thinking??? :rolleyes:

deuces

01-13-06, 09:50 AM

I guess I haven't been paying enough attention lately but I just found out that my Charter bill will be going from $125 a month to $150!

I have everything except phone. All of the cable channels, Moxi + MoxiMate, and 3MB pipeline. The retention specialist told me that Moxi is the main reason for the huge increase. When I told her that I was going to leave she offered a measly $25 reduction but I would have to commit for a year and the reduction was temporary.

I then called SBC. They offered a package for $96 that includes Phone, DSL (1.5M/384K), and the Top 120 package. Plus this includes a bunch of rebates and gift cards. By the time I add all of the stuff that I had with Charter it looks like it will be about $150 but will also include the phone service (about $40 per month). The only other caveat is having to purchase the HD DVR for about $250 but I am sure that it is much better than the Moxi.

I have been a loyal Charter guy for the last 20 years but I think I just hit my tipping point.

Do some research before you make that change. I have Dish and am very happy. They are switching all receivers to MPEG 4. The $250 HD DVR you were offered is probably a lease for a 942. All new HD channels that are being added are in MPEG4, the 942 is a MPEG2 receiver. Just don't want you to shell out that money and not know what you are getting. The 622 is what you want to get, they are not available until Feb 1. And no one seems to know how many will be available then. Just don't want you to pay for a 942 then have to pay to upgrade to the 622.

Mookie11

01-13-06, 10:19 AM

shaka

01-13-06, 10:28 AM

Hey, I became a member of Charter yesterday. Condolences? Well, it went pretty smooth. Lucky for the installer, the house was cable ready and he didn't have to run any extra cable. Just some tweaking at the phone line. I have the Motorola HD cable box - no Moxi in the living room and standard cable in bedroom. I also had the high speed internet installed. First things I noticed. No manual for Motorola box. I had a few issues getting the 5.1 to work. Went to audio (advanced) to get that going. I had some issues with one of the standard def HBO programs. They were showing "Ray" and it was breaking up pretty bad. Bad pixelation, picture break and would come back. Unwatchable. Is this common for some of the standard channels? The HD channels look great. I was able to compare to my OTA feed (from an old Directv HD box) and didn't see much difference. Overall the HD looks great, and the standard def channels look okay at best. Had the same issue with Directv HD box. Guess that's the compromise you get with HDTV's and standard def programming viewing. As far as resolution. It appears the standard def and High def channels come in their native resolution? There is no place in the menu where you can change that, correct? And no stretch modes for the Digital channels to fit a 4:3 screen?
Overall, I think the Motorola box has less "setup" options than I'm used to. So it's an easy set up.
The deal I have is the Biggest Package (Movie Tier) plus HD channels minus the "100" channels for 42 bucks for six months. I also have the high speed (3mbps) for 19.99 for six months. This will give me time to decide if Charter is worth the time and money come six months. I did hear they would "negotiate" a deal at that time.
Now, when are they going to get more HD programming??

phenwick

01-13-06, 10:46 AM

As far as resolution. It appears the standard def and High def channels come in their native resolution? There is no place in the menu where you can change that, correct? And no stretch modes for the Digital channels to fit a 4:3 screen?

Shaka,

To get into the Motorola setup, power off the box, then push menu. you can change the 4:3 override to stretch. Power back on.

Dave

deuces

01-13-06, 11:23 AM

Thanks for the advice Deuces. I was looking through all of the Dish talk and did see about the new 622 for the MPEG4. I think I will wait until February. It also changes the actual dish so that is another reason to wait.

It is interesting to also see that Dish is raising rates as well. It seems like the best strategy might be to move around every year or two to keep the costs down.

I also had Charter's phone service, then found that because I needed two lines that my costs weren't much different from SBC. I now have Vonage but the reliability of my cable connection with pipeline is not good enough.

No problem. I understand what you are saying about switching, but I grew up in the country, first had C-band, then DishNetwork for years. That is why I have always stuck with them. I am very happy with the product I receive from them. And I love my 942, if the 622 is anything like it (and it is supposed to be nearly identical only MPEG 4) then I think it will be a great product. Just wanted to say I wasn't steering you away from DishNetwork, I just didn't want you to pay for a 942 and get stuck paying again for a 622. If you have any questions about the 942 feel free to PM me.

djearl81

01-13-06, 11:33 AM

Mookie...If you decide to go with Dish Network / AT&T, let me know. I can connect you with the best CSR's that we have. They'll give you the most current information and the best price that we can offer. Even if you just want to verify some information, they can help.

Shoot me a PM if your interested, or you can e-mail me: djearl81@yahoo.com

shaka

01-13-06, 12:17 PM

RaceTripper

01-13-06, 12:29 PM

From Dave..

"Shaka,

To get into the Motorola setup, power off the box, then push menu. you can change the 4:3 override to stretch. Power back on.

Dave"

Okay. I'll try that out tonight. Appreciate the insight Dave!

Shaka

Shaka...
You don't have to manually quote replies. Just hit the quote button on the message you want to reply to and it'll do the right thing for you. You might want to edit quotes for brevity if the message you're quoting is really long (just don't change the QUOTE tags).

shaka

01-13-06, 01:15 PM

Shaka...
You don't have to manually quote replies. Just hit the quote button on the message you want to reply to and it'll do the right thing for you. You might want to edit quotes for brevity if the message you're quoting is really long (just don't change the QUOTE tags).

Thanks Dwette! I was looking for the quote button, but it was after I hit "reply".

djearl81

01-13-06, 02:22 PM

Ferl,

It's true that it takes us a little longer to get access to our partner's technology. I'd be happy to set you up with a employee referral CSR. Please let me know if your interested.

- Adam

wmschultz

01-13-06, 02:40 PM

WRACER....

What would you think about organizing a station walk through so we techno-geek-wannabes can see your work?

I would love to see the OPCenter. It would be pretty nice to meet some of the people I have
talked to there.

RaceTripper

01-13-06, 02:55 PM

Ferl,

It's true that it takes us a little longer to get access to our partner's technology. I'd be happy to set you up with a employee referral CSR. Please let me know if your interested.

- Adam
With Adam's help, I knocked about $20 off my combined Phone/DSL monthly bill today. :cool:

music1975

01-13-06, 05:42 PM

Great site! I have enjoyed reading to posts and have learned a lot. I got my first HD display last week. It has a built-in OTA receiver, which I have hooked up to a large attic antenna. I get great reception on most channels except CBS. I have been to the antennaweb site and believe I have my antenna pointed the right direction, but still get frequent freezes and pixelations on CBS. On bad weather days, like this snowy day, i get some pixelation on ABC and PBS as well. Any ideas as to what may be causing this and can anyone suggest some remedies I may try? I am close to the towers, as I live in Granite City, about six blocks from the Steel Mill.

Thanks!

DroptheRemote

01-14-06, 07:44 AM

We Interrupt Your Normal AVS Programming...

...for the following St. Louis housekeeping break:

A couple of years ago, we used to start off each month with a reposting of the local resource messages that are now buried on the first page of this discussion thread. I think there's some useful bits and pieces of information there -- and not JUST because I wrote most of it.

Unfortunately a lot of that information is overlooked because it's so far off the beaten path, especially now that the St. Louis discussion archive stretches back more than 2 years and 300+ pages.

To try to address this, I'm going to post an advisory/reminder note similar to this every couple of weeks. Ideally this will make this information more visible and accessible to more readers.

With HDTV sales increasing every month, we're getting more and more newcomers here, which is a great thing to see. But like most of us when we took home our first HDTV, there's a huge amount to learn beyond where to point the remote and which buttons to push.

So, here's to filling in some of those information gaps...

Tower Maps, Your Satellite/Antenna Rights & Local Station Feedback (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=2995679&&#post2995679)

Using An Antenna to Receive Local HD Stations (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=2995718&&#post2995718)

Common Questions about HDTV (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=2995791&&#post2995791)

HD Programming Available in St. Louis (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6704878&&#post6704878)

And finally, I want to remind everyone -- newcomers and old hands alike -- that you can access the St. Louis HDTV discussion here at AVS directly by using the shortcut URL that has been arranged.

The short-form URL also makes it very easy to remember and give the address to anyone you know who's just getting into HDTV.

The shortcut URL is: www.stlhdtv.info

DroptheRemote

01-14-06, 07:56 AM

music,

Welcome -- it's nice to have you here.

It's hard to say, but it sounds like your KMOV problem may be related to multipath. If so, this issue is explained and discussed in the Common Questions about HDTV section in the "We Interrupt..." note above.

And as in the past with analog signals, digital TV signals can be influenced, both positively and negatively, by the weather. Although OTA digital reception works very well for the most part, it's not a perfect science and there will be occasional issues.

For example, in 2003 and 2004 I had recurring problems with kSDk reception, but in the past year it's rarely been an issue; but then very recently, I've been having break-up problems on KDNL (nearly ruined "Lost" for me this week). In both cases these are very likely a multipath issue. Looks like I'm headed back up into the attic for some experimentation sometime this weekend...

I encourage you to have a read through the Common Questions (and the other links above). Maybe this will help you narrow down the issue or ask a more specific follow-up question.

shaka

01-14-06, 09:06 AM

tcfila

01-14-06, 10:00 AM

Shaka,

You can get a channel lineup on charter's website, but I don't think we get it.

Tim

phenwick

01-14-06, 11:16 AM

Recently became a Charter member. I didn't receive a channel listing and I'm wondering if we get Mizzou Basketball games on ESPN Plus? What channel is it on Charter?
They play tonight so I'd appreciate a quick reply.

Charter sometimes carries ESPN2+ games with local teams on local access, I'm pretty sure it was channel three I saw it on earlier this week. Same for some Illini games I believe.

Dave

WinstonSmith

01-14-06, 12:05 PM

One of the ONLY positive things about Charter in my mind (and yes, I'm quite biased) is that they *do* carry so many of hte local college basketball games.

A buddy of mine claims that he gets virtually every Illinois game and every SLU game.

I am considering getting the most basic analog package from Charter next basketball season just for the SLU games. Knowing one of the SLU super freshmen personally makes me want to watch their games, even though I'm an Illinois guy.

dbears

01-14-06, 02:34 PM

Easy now...the equipment is installed...but it doesn't work! Dolby says it should, but it doesn't. I'm waiting for another piece of equipment that may solve the problem. This new technology is not as easy as you may think...the manufactures are even at a loss sometimes. One good note....the replacement encoder and new software seems to have solved the encoder video lock up problem...but now the closed captioning won't work on HD pass thru...again manafacture has no solution yet! Thanks for your comments, but it's not "plug and play"!
Jim

WRacer...Anything new of 5.1. While I use PLII on the audio, my experience indicates that true DD5.1 is much better. It sure would be great for the Super Bowl.

Thanks,

Mike (Da Bears)

gelcoatman

01-14-06, 06:13 PM

D* and E* Updates

1/13/05 AVS Radio podcast has some updates on what is coming from both Direct and Dish in the coming months - including DVRs - MPEG4 - and upgrades. Link for the podcast is on the AVSFORUM homepage and the top of this page. East and West Coasts seem to be ahead of the Midwest in roll outs.

jim

DroptheRemote

01-14-06, 07:06 PM

gelcoatman,

DISH and DirecTV rollouts of MPEG-4 are determined by market size (DMA) ranking.

That's a completely logical way to do this, I think.

deuces

01-14-06, 07:33 PM

Well since there is no noise here, I take it no one is having trouble at the moment with the locals.

I just lost them all in my Dish 942. This is the second 942 I have had, the first was replaced, because of same issue. Was watching the football game today and the FOX signal eroded, then disappeared. I checked and my other locals are not locking now in 942 either. This is making no sense to me, I always have a signal of 100 on FOX, CBS, NBC, and a signal of 90 on ABC. Now I am thinking it is not the 942, but we have checked everything else in the past. Doug is aware of the issues I have had in the past. Just wondering if anyone has any other guess as to what could cause this. I am going to soft reboot the 942 to see if that helps.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

deuces

01-14-06, 07:43 PM

OK, I did a soft reboot and they are all back, sorry for the bother. Obviously I am glad they are back, but I do not want this to be a regular occurence. I would hate for it to happen during recordings. I don't know if anyone else here has a 942, if so have you had this issue?

duvy56

01-14-06, 08:15 PM

Hockey fans what did you think of NBC's HD hockey today. I thought looked good but not as good as HDNET.

duvy56

01-14-06, 08:15 PM

Hockey fans what did you think of NBC's HD hockey today. I thought it looked good but not as good as HDNET.

music1975

01-14-06, 09:55 PM

Drop the Remote

Thanks for the advice and answering my questions. I will check out those links.
I am loving HD!

Music

kdg454

01-14-06, 09:58 PM

Deuces,

Do you put your 942 in stand-by every night?

black_macleod

01-15-06, 12:11 AM

Hockey fans what did you think of NBC's HD hockey today. I thought it looked good but not as good as HDNET.

Looked good, but the sound was crap. Flagged wrong again I believe. Watched football instead. SNL looks good tonight.

DroptheRemote

01-15-06, 12:36 AM

SNL is still suffering from the rainbow flashes across the screen. I assume this is related to the tape-delay equipment/process.

Apart from that, it looks good.

WinstonSmith

01-15-06, 12:49 AM

WinstonSmith

01-15-06, 12:52 AM

SNL is still suffering from the rainbow flashes across the screen. I assume this is related to the tape-delay equipment/process.

Apart from that, it looks good.

Especially anything with Scarlett Johansson.

deuces

01-15-06, 12:48 PM

Deuces,

Do you put your 942 in stand-by every night?

I try to most anytime we are not watching. Other than this issue I have been ecstatic with our 942. And we once had a recorded program show up with green bars as mentioned at DBStalk. But a soft reboot solved that as well.

StLouG

01-15-06, 02:05 PM

Have contacted Charter about their triple play package. They say they have the Moxi Mate in stock but not their regular HD DVR. The CSR said that they were coming out with a new model. He didn't know when they would have them but he could put me on a waiting list. He said he had no other information on the subject except that the leasing fee woud probable increase. Does ayone have any information on this?

Kurt K

01-15-06, 07:43 PM

wmschultz

01-15-06, 10:08 PM

Anybody experience any multipath issues on FOX druing the 1st half of the Carlina v. Bears game? I seemed to be related to the sunset as everything is fine now. Can sunset cause reception issues for OTA signals?

I sure hope the almost definite delayed start for '24' tonight doesn't hinder it being shown in HD.

I have had problems with FOX for the past couple weeks. I can't watch anything
on 2-1 cuz it keeps dropping the frickin signal...Luckily I get Fox East via D*.

Kurt K

01-15-06, 10:31 PM

I have had problems with FOX for the past couple weeks. I can't watch anything
on 2-1 cuz it keeps dropping the frickin signal...Luckily I get Fox East via D*.

My signal was fine throught the '24' premier :) I didn't even think to try Fox East via D*, although I didn't need to this time.

Actually, today was the first time I noticed a problem with signal strength. I will try to check about the same time for the next few days to see fi I can isolate a time frame.

WinstonSmith

01-15-06, 10:51 PM

24 is so awesome.

Robert Simandl

01-15-06, 11:14 PM

24 is exactly what HD and 5.1 channel surround were made for. I can't recall two hours of TV that EVER went by that fast! Not just one, but TWO absolutely jawdropping shockers within the first fifteen minutes. This season's gonna rock.

WinstonSmith

01-15-06, 11:25 PM

It was amazing.

Two super fast hours.

Great TV. Better than any film in a long, long time.

gelcoatman

01-16-06, 12:02 AM

Silver Sensor Availability

The WalMart in Town and Country/on Manchester now has the Phillips version of the Silver Sensor - UHF/VHF and amplified for $35. It is the PHDTV3. They also have the Harmony 520 for $99.

jim

Scott Tucker

01-16-06, 12:04 AM

24 is simply awesome. Hats off to the local fox station for a great 2 hours. Yeah, this season is gonna rock.

Scott

Robert Simandl

01-16-06, 01:05 AM

A friend of mine got off work about 10:00 and came over.... so I just got done watching the 24 premiere AGAIN. It's that good.

KTVI's presentation was nearly flawless.

Tom Grooms

01-16-06, 01:07 AM

I LOVE 24!

But the Game went long and the Moxi didnt get the last 10 minutes. :( Please, Please tell me somebody has it on a hard drive and get me 8:50-9:00A.M.

Bob......anybody...............

Robert Simandl

01-16-06, 01:21 AM

Tom, you have a PM. Oh, and you DO want to see those last ten minutes before watching Monday's show.

Mattman

01-16-06, 02:48 AM

Far and away the best show on TV. My family has learned to stay away during 24.

Robert Simandl

01-16-06, 10:03 AM

I'm watching last Friday's episode of Reba from KPLR, and it's an upconvert. Wonder why it wasn't HD like usual?

And man, are those animated blurbs for other WB shows across the bottom of the screen ANNOYING, or what????? Thankfully most of them seem to be missing when real HD is on.

wallyj

01-16-06, 11:35 AM

I’d have to agree with everyone here. We’ve been big fans since the start, but this is our first season in HD and 5.1. WOW our walls were rockin’!! FOX and KTVI know HD, and understand that HD picture is just part of the experience. Bring on Daytona!

WinstonSmith

01-16-06, 12:11 PM

Tom, you werent' the only one to lose the last ten minutes of 24 on Sunday.

South Carolina really took it hard. (http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/13635789.htm) I would have been furious, too.

That's where umm... nova.. comes in handy.

I bolded the parts I found particularly amusing.

‘24’ gets cut off in last 10 minutes
TV fans hit the roof when local newscast begins before show ends
By ADAM BEAM
Staff Writer

Midlands fans of the FOX show “24” are used to cliffhangers — but nothing like what happened during the fifth-season premiere Sunday night.

WACH-TV, Columbia’s FOX affiliate, cut away from the last 10 minutes of the blockbuster show to start its 10 p.m. newscast — leaving fans in the Midlands hanging.

“Somebody has lost their mind,” said Steve Arnold, a fan who was watching the show at his Irmo home.

FOX has been promoting the show’s two-part, two-hour season premiere for weeks. It was scheduled to start at 8 p.m., after the conclusion of the NFL playoff game between the Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears.

The game went long, pushing the start of “24” back about 10 minutes — and ideally pushing back the start of the newscast.

WACH has a contract with WIS-TV, which produces WACH news programs, to broadcast its news at 10 p.m. If, for some reason, WACH has to delay broadcast, the station can record the newscast and air it later.

Sunday night, that didn’t happen.

“They should have realized that it was running over,” WACH station manager Scott McBride said from his home Sunday night. “They just opted to take the news live, and that was a mistake.

“WIS or WACH-TV did not communicate to each other that the game was running long and that it was going to be a problem.”

Barry Ahrendts, WIS’ director of marketing and programming, confirmed the two stations’ contractual obligations.

“As to what exactly happened tonight,” he said, “I don’t know; I wasn’t there.”

Paul Teeple, 43, of Columbia, hadn’t missed a second of “24” from the start — even from 2001 to 2003, while working in Nicaragua for his employer, an international development nonprofit organization. He had friends record it for him.

“I’m mad, I’m upset, and I’m having a hard time rationalizing this,” he said. “This is the one TV show you wait for and wait for, and there’s always a cliffhanger — but this is too much.

“It was irresponsible; I found it disrespectful of WACH to its viewers.”

McBride said the station will re-air the entire show — but not before Part 2 of the season premiere, which airs at 8 tonight.

That doesn’t work well with the unique format of “24.” Each hourlong episode chronicles a “real-time” hour in the life of federal agent Jack Bauer, played by Kiefer Sutherland.

While most shows start in the fall and continue throughout the season with occasional reruns, “24” starts in January and runs straight through to May with no reruns.

“If you miss an episode, you’re out of the loop,” said 41-year-old Barry Ammons of Columbia. “That’s just a big screw-up.”

The “24” mishap might remind another generation of viewers of a national TV goof on Sept. 17, 1968, when NBC cut off the last hour of a pro football game to show the made-for-TV movie “Heidi.”

As a result, football fans missed it when the Oakland Raiders scored two touchdowns in nine seconds to beat the New York Jets.

After WACH’s 35-minute newscast — which did not acknowledge the loss of the last 10 minutes of “24” — the station aired a 30-minute infomercial for a diet book, “The Omega 3 Miracle.”

But the coup de grace for “24” fans came next, when WACH broadcast a rerun of a Season 1 episode of — you guessed it — “24.”

Reach Beam at (803) 771-8405 or abeam@thestate.com.

Tom Grooms

01-16-06, 12:52 PM

Ahhh, the good ol'days of supr. Good times, I miss that place but I have my "ABC" working on it now. t......spy ;)

Bill787

01-16-06, 03:10 PM

[QUOTE=SNL looks good tonight.[/QUOTE]

Scarlett Johansson looked awesome Saturday Night, but I thought ch. 5's HD quality was very poor. I saw very bad pixelization (bit starvation) whenever there was significant motion, and of course the rainbow flashing throughout. It didn't occur to me that ch. 5 time shifts SNL. They begin at 2235 CST; does the network still roll at 2230? Picture quality was really disappointing and an embarassment to anyone trying to show off a High Def picture to friends and family.

Joseph Clark

01-16-06, 05:02 PM

Robert Simandl

01-16-06, 07:09 PM

mpcart

01-16-06, 08:16 PM

Hello,

I am receiving HD channels via an indoor antenna. I just noticed that I'm not receiving any video on the local digital channels - only audio. The analog stations are coming in fine.

Does this sound like a problem due to the rain? Or does it sound like a problem with the TV.

The TV is a new Toshiba PDP. All other functions on the TV work fine and the digital stations were coming in fine until the rain started.

Thanks,

Mike

black_macleod

01-16-06, 08:49 PM

kjohnson

01-16-06, 08:51 PM

Okay, on Saturday, I watched SNL, and the PQ looked good (on my set), but I kept getting a horizontal greenish "noise bar" across the screen every few minutes or so. So I don't get snow on HD programs, just a "noise bar."

I second the notion on a tour of KDNL's HD facilities. You wouldn't mind if a digital camera?

Further, KETC-DT Channel 9-4 has shifted formats; It's now "Create."

mpcart

01-16-06, 09:02 PM

Joseph Clark

01-16-06, 10:54 PM

I used to do the reencoding for standard DVD players thing.

Now that I have an HTPC in the family room and a huge server in the spare bedroom, I do something similar to your process. Rather than HDTV2MPEG2 I use VideoReDo to cut the commercials and save as an .mpg file. Then I run the mpg through AutoGK to convert it to a 1280x720 XviD avi file, usually about 1.4gb per hour with 5.1 channel Dolby Digital intact.

Right now this seems to actually work better with 1080i (720p .mpg files end up a little out of sync after the XviD conversion). But I'm finding from the support forums that AutoGK uses older CVS versions of the XviD codec and VirtualDubMod. They say updating both manually solves a lot of issues. Meanwhile, AutoGK usually does a fantastic job of taking the 6gb+ 30fps 1080i file, doing an inverse telecine on it, and converting it to a 1.4gb 24fps 720p XviD avi.

The fact that shows from KMOV, KSDK, KPLR, and KDNL take up more space than KTVI shows is because they all have a much higher bitrate than KTVI. VideoReDo shows KTVI programs have a bitrate of about 9.5-10kbps, while all the other stations (even 480i WRBU) do at least 14kbps.

Maybe that's also why Fox football games never look as sharp (to me) as CBS/ABC games do.

BTW, VideoReDo is also great for editing the .mpg files produced by ReplayTV's.

Bob,

VideoRedo is a great program and I use it if I want frame accurate editing of .ts files. With HDTVtoMPEG2 you can't get frame accuracy. I always cut at a point with a little bit of commercial in it rather than lose program fade in or out. (It's never more than a fraction of a second.) VideoRedo is more powerful and gives you very clean video edit points, but HDTVtoMPEG2 has the distinct advantage of being very simple, very small and very free.

I have a 720p projector, so I can't really evaluate 1080i material yet. Since they match my projector's native resolution, 720p sources give me the best results. In terms of pure image quality, Desperate Housewives is the best quality I can discern among the programs I watch on the local digital channels. Fox programs like House and Bones are a close second. Despite the lower bit rate, I believe Fox does a better job of compressing the 720p signal. Good compression is at least as important as bit rate. Dish Network compression is uneven at best.

I've used Divx and Windows Media Encoder (and Nero Recode) to reduce the size of transport stream files, and they can yield some very good results., too. But any recompression invariably takes a lot of time and compromises the quality of the image. HDTVtoMPEG2 (and VideoRedo) create copies of the video and audio that are identical to the originals, minus the commercials. I've decided to be a little more patient than I usually am with this issue. I believe the time is coming within a couple or three years when blue laser storage (or some other format - such as holographic) is going to make it possible to store the shows I've been collecting without worrying about reducing the file size. For now, single and double layer DVDs are my storage media of choice.

We were discussing camcorders recently here, I think. I discovered something about the new HDV video format that may interest anyone who bought one of the new HD camcorders. (BTW, after having some more time to work with the new Sony HC1, I continue to be amazed at the quality of the images it can create. I wouldn't trade it for any of the high end SD Betacam units I've ever worked with, even though its a consumer camera without a lot of 'pro' features.) I edited a piece on the Missouri Botanical Garden and while playing around with MyHD, I found that it plays back the HDV video files perfectly. That's one of the problems with the HDV format - playing it. Except for the camcorder that shot it, the footage won't play back on much of anything else (with a couple of exceptions). The .m2t files created by the camcorder play back flawlessly in MyHD. MyHD scales the 1440x1080i HDV footage to my 720p projector. That's a big deal for me.

Robert Simandl

01-16-06, 11:21 PM

Tonight's 24 wasn't the absolute nonstop thrill ride that last night's was, but awesome nonetheless. Loved the standoff at the airport!

Did President Pinhead's wife actually look hot in a few shots, or has it just been too long since I've had a date? :D

Kurt K

01-16-06, 11:50 PM

I did notice a couple of times that I saw some pixelization, but otherwise a great episode of '24'.

DroptheRemote

01-17-06, 09:50 AM

I'd just like to add my agreement that kSDk's HD picture quality remains well below what we should be getting.

I watched Leno last night and there were two instances where the picture significantly softened, one when the camera switched from one shot to another of Jay sitting at his desk. And this wasn't just a matter of the director using softer focus on Leno to hide cosmetic issues, because a moment later the same shot visibily sharpened. This is a textbook illustration of what happens when an HD feed is bit-starved.

There were also a number of other instances where pixellation was very obvious. I replayed the sequence where Jenny McCarthy and the audience member went running out of the studio and into the limo to go to the Golden Globe awards. It was a virtual pixel party...

I'm guessing that the downhill skiers are going somewhat faster than Jenny McCarthy can run. With this much pixellation present, the Olympics are going to look very poor unless NBC takes a decision to shut down Weather Plus during Olympic coverage.

The problem is this isn't going to go away as long as there is an audience for the WeatherPlus sub-channel and advertising revenue coming from it. Our best bet there is to boycott Weather Plus and get others to do the same.

If you spent several thousand dollars for an HDTV, you should take the time to tune to the REAL Weather Channel (hey, you're paying for that, too) and religiously avoid Weather Plus.

DroptheRemote

01-17-06, 09:57 AM

The "noise bars" or "rainbow flashes" have been a feature of every tape-delayed SNL I've seen since it started in HD.

This is another problem that kSDk seems completely unaware of. However, maybe they are going to be using something similar for their pre-recorded HD news coverage remotes, so maybe the problem shows up there and they actually notice it (and maybe figure out how to fix it).

wildbilll

01-17-06, 11:07 AM

I hae been looking thru this message thread, but I didn't see anything I could use to figure out my problem. I just bought a Visio L37 LCD HDTV with built-in ATSC tuner and NTSC tuner.
I see on the Digital channels what I am guessing is pixelization every 20 to 30 seconds or so that sometimes includes audio skips and repeating bits of audio. I don't know what causes this.
I also have a problem that seems worst on channel 30's DTV broadcast where the video "freezes" for very short periods of a half second or less, but the audio seems just fine. This seems worse during 1080i than 720p portions of the broadcasts. It does not seem to matter if the picture is taking the full amount of the screen 16:9, or if it is a 4:3, it looks like it is more related to the 1080 or 720 thing. I think.
I have good reception of the analog channels, and I did aim the antenna toward the digital towers, as shown in the maps at the beginning of this thread (.zip files)
I put my antenna up from 20 feet to 25 feet, but I see no difference on the jerky thing or the pixelization thing.

Any help?

Scott Tucker

01-17-06, 11:18 AM

Did President Pinhead's wife actually look hot in a few shots, or has it just been too long since I've had a date? :D

Glad I'm not the only one. :D

Kurt K

01-17-06, 11:41 AM

If you spent several thousand dollars for an HDTV, you should take the time to tune to the REAL Weather Channel (hey, you're paying for that, too) and religiously avoid Weather Plus.While I agree with the concept of boycotting Weather Plus altogether, I'd rather see it not broadcast during prime time. For me, a D* subscriber, the weather channel doesn't cut it because I don't get a good local forecast.

Regardless, I doubt that boycotting Weather Plus will do anything in the near-term future as I susupect the wonderful KSDK execs would even notice a loss of viewership (?).

wmschultz

01-17-06, 01:39 PM

wildbilll

01-17-06, 02:34 PM

WinstonSmith

01-17-06, 03:23 PM

I think ditching the Weather Plus channel during prime time and maybe even the Late Show would be a fair compromise.

Clearly, they'll never get rid of it. They're hyping it like crazy and its probably doing a lot of good revenue for them. I know lots of people who want digital for that very reason. Yeah... I know.

DroptheRemote

01-17-06, 03:38 PM

wmschultz

01-17-06, 04:16 PM

I am using a channel master 3016, yes it is outside, 25 feet up, and it is a vhf/uhf combo.
It has 100 feet of rg6 and it is split once for the tv. it has two rf inputs, one for the analog and one for the digital off the air signals. I am in cahokia, il.

For now, ditch the splitter and check your digital channels. Does that model
TV have a signal meter for the digital stations? If so, do a before and after strength
meter on the channels.

I personally switched to a UHF only solution because the combo didn't work well for me.

wmschultz

01-17-06, 04:19 PM

Information Needed.....

I researched my needs and I am looking to buy about 250' of 16AWG speaker wire.

I looked online and prices aren't that bad but if there is a local store that is worth shopping
at can someone let me know. The big retail chains are fine if you are in a hurry, but I'm
finishing my basement and can wait for the online shipment, I just thought I could help out
the local economy.

Mr_Bester

01-17-06, 04:29 PM

While I agree with the concept of boycotting Weather Plus altogether, I'd rather see it not broadcast during prime time. For me, a D* subscriber, the weather channel doesn't cut it because I don't get a good local forecast.

Regardless, I doubt that boycotting Weather Plus will do anything in the near-term future as I susupect the wonderful KSDK execs would even notice a loss of viewership (?).
You could always call 314-321-2222 :p I hate the weather plus, and if it's not rainy, the weatherline is plenty for me.
Dug

RaceTripper

01-17-06, 04:31 PM

You could always call 314-321-2222 :p
Yeah, but by the time you actually get Time and Temp, seasons have passed. :rolleyes:

aspec2

01-17-06, 05:32 PM

I had a few issues getting the 5.1 to work. Went to audio (advanced) to get that going. ??

shaka

where did you find this "audio (advanced) in the Charter box?

My receiver only ever shows 2.1 from the Charter box. Been trying for over a year. Even changed the box.

Walt

Belle View

01-17-06, 06:00 PM

[QUOTE=DroptheRemote]Kurt,

* Two, there's a free web app called WeatherBug that provides real-time weather updates and forecasts. It sits down in the notification area of Windows XP with a constant readout of the current temperature.

Be careful with WeatherBug, from my experience it is a gateway for a significant amount of spyware. Make sure your security suite is fully activated.

WinstonSmith

01-17-06, 06:30 PM

Not to mention slow down the start-up speed of your computer.

Awful.

shaka

01-17-06, 07:21 PM

shaka

where did you find this "audio (advanced) in the Charter box?

My receiver only ever shows 2.1 from the Charter box. Been trying for over a year. Even changed the box.

Walt

Hey Walt. Just hit your menu button. Then go to main menu and you'll see Viewer Services. Go down to Setup and click Select. Go To Audio hit select and you'll see audio output. Your options are TV, Stereo or Advanced. Click on advanced. That will give you stereo for shows broadcast in 2 channel Dolby digital and 5.1 for shows broadcast in that format. Most shows are broadcast in 2.1, but your menu info guide should tell you if it's DD 5.1. And remember, this only works with a digital (optical or coaxial) audio cable.

Shaka

DroptheRemote

01-17-06, 09:53 PM

Despite the name, I've never encountered a problem with WeatherBug adding spyware.

The software itself requires you to pick a sponsor, and you occasionally have to update that selection. Adds appear as part of the weather info display, but I never saw any evidence that it was up to any spyware mischief.

FWIW, I haven't used WB in the past 3 or 4 months, so maybe this situation has changed since then.

And as far as slowing down your computer goes, nothing beats Trillian (multi-format instant messaging), which takes several minutes to load.

DroptheRemote

01-17-06, 10:00 PM

Information Needed...I researched my needs and I am looking to buy about 250' of 16AWG speaker wire.Two suggestions:

Skywalker Communications in Wentzville -- 9390 Veterans Memorial Parkway; (636) 272-8025.

Integrated Network Cable in Chesterfield -- 18079 Edison Avenue; (888) 519-9505; www.showmecables.com.

INC is a recent discovery for me. I've had only one experience buying there, but the cable quality seems quite good and prices were very reasonable. INC claims to supply some of the higher-end dealers here. Ask for Patrick Gifford.

Kurt K

01-17-06, 10:01 PM

Wow, looks like I struck a nerve :D

Doug, I am well aware of internet options and frequently check the internet for my weather. I actually prefer Intellicast over weather.com. And the spyware comment about weatherbug is true....I'm running an ancient version on one of my computers and purposely won't upgrade because of problems of newer version.

Don't get me wrong, by no means do I want to sacrifice a good HD picture for some lame weather channel that can barely give a 1-day forecast accurately. And I guess I'm asking way too much from KSDK to adjust the content of 5.2 depending on the HD event being shown; especially when they can't even "flip the switch".

And since we are talking about KSDK, do you really think that having more bandwidth would help KSDK deliver better HD? I mean, we are talking about KSDK :rolleyes: :p

I'm just waiting to be dissappointed by the PQ of the Olympics.

DroptheRemote

01-17-06, 10:04 PM

I'm just waiting to be dissappointed by the PQ of the Olympics.I'd say that you won't be disappointed -- that is, if you're expecting to be disappointed. ;)

Robert Simandl

01-17-06, 10:06 PM

Weatherbug doesn't send info back to whoever created it, but it does display ads. Technically it's more "adware" than "spyware."

I'm not a big fan of either kind. :D

WinstonSmith

01-17-06, 10:31 PM

And as far as slowing down your computer goes, nothing beats Trillian (multi-format instant messaging), which takes several minutes to load.

Boy is that true. My goodness, its ridiculous.

Robert Simandl

01-17-06, 11:17 PM

If you find Trillian too slow, you might want to give GAIM a try. It does multiple messaging services too, but it's got a small footprint and loads fast.

http://gaim.sourceforge.net/

kdg454

01-17-06, 11:34 PM

And as far as slowing down your computer goes, nothing beats Trillian (multi-format instant messaging), which takes several minutes to load.
A Dish HD DVR receiver.....8+ minutes to boot :eek:
hopefully it's improved with the new MPEG4's coming out.

Robert Simandl

01-18-06, 12:05 AM

Sorry kdg, I don't have an easy answer for THAT one!

black_macleod

01-18-06, 12:08 AM

Sounds like you guys need Macs. Hit f12, instant weather. hehe

DroptheRemote

01-18-06, 12:40 AM

Robert,

Thanks for pointing out GAIM.

Never heard of it before but I checked out the web page and it looks interesting...

DroptheRemote

01-18-06, 12:48 AM

Sounds like you guys need Macs. Hit f12, instant weather. heheTrue, I could get a Mac and I have little doubt that my computing existence would be idyllic.

But then the only thing I'd have to look forward to is that final cup of Kool-Aid. ;)

kdg454

01-18-06, 12:51 AM

Sounds like you guys need Macs. Hit f12, instant weather. hehe
Sorry folks, going OT here
Black,
Do you have any information on what all these spectacular things that will evolve with the Intel/Mac integration?

black_macleod

01-18-06, 01:20 AM

Sorry folks, going OT here
Black,
Do you have any information on what all these spectacular things that will evolve with the Intel/Mac integration?

Spectacular? Just greater speed in the laptops, once all the apps get recompiled. Probably see Windows running on Mac hardware soon (I don't consider that spectacular, hehe.) Maybe the Mac gaming world will have more choices soon, on par with our PC bretheren. Like any change all remains to be seen, but for the casual user, I don't think much will change, the interface remains the same.

I'd like to see a spectacular price drop ;-)

There were rumors floating around that Apple is thinking of buying Tivo, and making true HTPC's. The Mac mini is a fine example, except for its lack of optical sound output.

But I digress. I take care of 100+ Macs at work, and all I know is if the software companies haven't ported everything over by this summer when we buy our new round of hardware, running stuff in emulation is going to be a pain.

DroptheRemote

01-18-06, 01:40 AM

There's been a lot of coverage on the new Intel-based Macs at Paul Therrot's Internet Nexus blog.

The writer comes from the PC world but has a foot in each camp and it seems he does make an honest effort to be objective:

http://www.internet-nexus.com/

Latest entry summarizes some WSJ testing of the new Macs in terms of compatibility and speed...

DroptheRemote

01-18-06, 09:07 AM

Rumor Watch: Is DISH Planning HDTV-only Satellite Service?

The following is from today's TVPredictions.com newsletter. Note that there's not a lot of detail at TV Predictions.com, apart from the clip below.

However, if you click the link at the bottom of the story at TVPredictions, you can read the entire Kiplinger's article on DISH.

_________________________________________________

At the recent Consumer Electronics Show, satcaster EchoStar made it crystal clear that it would be a major player in High-Definition TV. The TV provider announced that it was adding seven new national high-def channels with hints of more to come.

Well, according to Kiplinger's Personal Finance, a Prudential Equity Group analyst says that EchoStar is planning to launch a separate HDTV dish service, perhaps similar to the ill-fated Voom service which went out of business last year. EchoStar has an equity stake in Voom's new programming division and is currently carrying approximately 20 Voom channels. The satcaster could couple the Voom networks with other available HD channels to create a super HDTV dish.
_________________________________________________

For more news about HDTV and the TV industry, click here. (http://www.tvpredictions.com/)

GlendaleHDTV

01-18-06, 09:09 AM

Kurt,

I understand your issue with the non-local Weather Channel that you get via satellite. I guess I'm lucky that I am completely indifferent to the weather -- my thinking is "it's gonna do what it's gonna do regardless."

Anyway, here's a couple of other options.

* One, is the Weather Channel web site, where you can customize the weather to suit your location.

* Two, there's a free web app called WeatherBug that provides real-time weather updates and forecasts. It sits down in the notification area of Windows XP with a constant readout of the current temperature.

Another PC-oriented option is to find a weather extension that can be loaded into either the Firefox or Internet Explorer toolbar. The MSN toolbar provides something like this, and I seem to recall something similar the last time I check the Firefox extensions page.

Not perfect solutions, but relatively workable...

Speaking of weather, anyone had any experience with this:

MSN Direct Weather Station (http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/product.asp?cid=2&scid=4&pid=603)

It's basically a stand-alone weather station that gets real-time weather info from MSN Direct via FM signal. I almost got the wife one for Christmas (she's a weather freak), but I finally decided it was too pricey. I think I read where they're going to start carrying them at BB, so maybe the price will come down.

DroptheRemote

01-18-06, 09:11 AM

Interesting sidenote on Charter, Sinclair and the Super Bowl:

I was watching "Love Monkey" on CBS last night and one of the local commercials was for AntennasDirect, promoting the fact that if you're a cable customer your best chance to see the Super Bowl in HD is to buy an antenna.

In a related note, DISH announced that it is promoting the NFL Network as a direct result of Charter dropping it from its systems around the country. Both DirecTV and DISH see Charter markets as "soft targets" and this is part of the ongoing effort to steal customers away from Charter.

oby

01-18-06, 09:17 AM

John Kotches

01-18-06, 09:27 AM

Doug,

Having the HDTV-only "ala carte" option from Dish is interesting, but would require some shuffling as currently E* has a little HDTV all over the place (61.5, 110, 129).

It's a much less risky venture than Voom as they have the already profitable Dish Network venture and this becomes an add-on HD Tier for their bigger customers or an add-on HDTV only option depending on what the customer wants.

I see that as far more viable than the Voom model was. Whether this becomes true or not is another matter entirely.

Regards,

hanjke

01-18-06, 09:37 AM

I'm pretty sure it was channel three I saw it on earlier this week. Same for some Illini games I believe.

Dave

www.chartertv.com

List of what NCAA games will be on Channel 3 is available via the link.

I will try to forward any messages regarded the games shown on other channels when I get the notices.

-Hanjke

Robert Simandl

01-18-06, 09:44 AM

If Dish offered an HD-only tier, and the 942 could DVR it, I'd seriously consider adding it to my *D package.

kdg454

01-18-06, 09:45 AM

I am seriously thinking about switching from Charter, to Dish--due to all the new HD channels Dish will be adding in Feb. Maybe if Charter were suddenly to add, Universal HD, and/or ABC HD, I would hold off--at least for awhile. Has any Charter customers and/or insiders heard anything solid about these channels? I guess I would order through Dish Network--but a local Dish retailer is also possible. Any recommendations?
With regard to retailers, there are Dish retailers who sell & sub, e.g. inside a Cingular store, etc., and retailers who sell & install. If you go the retailer route, and use a sell & install retailer, you can usually meet face-to-fact with the installer and owner prior to your install.

The "Feb" HD channels have been up-linked live already, and can be received with one of the new MPEG4 receivers and Dish1000 antenna. All of Dish's new HD channels are MPEG4, and located on 129, which is where all their HD programming will eventually end up. As soon as the MPEG2 receivers (est @ 2 years) are worked out of the E* system, all HD content will become MPEG4.

If you decide to go with Dish, do not buy/lease their current HD receivers, the 811 or 942. If you do now, you will not be able to receive any of the new MPEG4 channels, and you will have to pay an additional upgrade fee for the new MPEG4 receivers.

It is my understanding, Dish had instructed its CSR's and retailers to continue to take orders, and provide the MPEG2 811's and 942's, as they have ample stock of these receivers. Yes, knowing full well the upgrade is right around the corner...go figure :confused:

If you'd like more info, feel free to PM.

Fastmans

01-18-06, 10:38 AM

RaceTripper

01-18-06, 10:54 AM

Speaking of weather, anyone had any experience with this:

MSN Direct Weather Station (http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/product.asp?cid=2&scid=4&pid=603)

It's basically a stand-alone weather station that gets real-time weather info from MSN Direct via FM signal. I almost got the wife one for Christmas (she's a weather freak), but I finally decided it was too pricey. I think I read where they're going to start carrying them at BB, so maybe the price will come down.
Speaking of weather.
On the computer I get mine using Forcast Fox. It works great for me. http://forecastfox.mozdev.org/

Scott Tucker

01-18-06, 11:36 AM

I was watching American Idol last night and wondering if the FOX2 bug in the lower right hand corner was going to burn in on my plasma. I feel it is really bright.
AFAIK, is is only there during HD programming.
I think it would be nice to turn down the brightness level so it is just more of a 'watermark' like everone elses.
Fastman

Probably be ok because the logo is gone during commercials. I would definitely adjust your constrast setting to as low as you can stand to give you a more accurate and safe picture. Probably around 50% or less will do.

Scott

Scott Tucker

01-18-06, 11:38 AM

I just looked outside, and it seems to be partly cloudy. ;)

Scott

Belle View

01-18-06, 11:58 AM

[QUOTE=DroptheRemote]Interesting sidenote on Charter, Sinclair and the Super Bowl:

I was watching "Love Monkey" on CBS last night and one of the local commercials was for AntennasDirect, promoting the fact that if you're a cable customer your best chance to see the Super Bowl in HD is to buy an antenna.]

When I picked up my DB8 at AntennasDirect (located in Wildwood) the owner discussed the virtues of uncompressed signals from airwaves vs. the compressed signal through cable. I believe that is to which the ad was alluding.

Scott Tucker

01-18-06, 12:12 PM

kdg454

01-18-06, 12:13 PM

Not sure if this posted, and I missed it...
I noticed last night, KSDK announced the 6th as their February kickoff date for local HD news.

John Kotches

01-18-06, 12:18 PM

If Dish offered an HD-only tier, and the 942 could DVR it, I'd seriously consider adding it to my *D package.

942 is becoming a boat anchor due to the imminent release of MPEG-4.

Regards,

djearl81

01-18-06, 12:39 PM

aspec2

01-18-06, 01:02 PM

Hey Walt. Just hit your menu button. Then go to main menu and you'll see Viewer Services. Go down to Setup and click Select. Go To Audio hit select and you'll see audio output. Your options are TV, Stereo or Advanced. Click on advanced. That will give you stereo for shows broadcast in 2 channel Dolby digital and 5.1 for shows broadcast in that format. Most shows are broadcast in 2.1, but your menu info guide should tell you if it's DD 5.1. And remember, this only works with a digital (optical or coaxial) audio cable.

Shaka

I have a Moto 6200 and see no options of this ilk. My receiver is always in "prologic" whenever I watch Charter HD. What kind of a box do you have?

While I'm at it, does anyone know if the DVI has been activated on the Moxi?

Walt

kugumby

01-18-06, 01:24 PM

black_macleod

01-18-06, 01:37 PM

I have a Moto 6200 and see no options of this ilk. My receiver is always in "prologic" whenever I watch Charter HD. What kind of a box do you have?

While I'm at it, does anyone know if the DVI has been activated on the Moxi?

Walt

DVI works on my Moxi, although I don't use it.

rbkb

01-18-06, 01:52 PM

My DVI on my Moxi is active. However, when using it, it takes forever to change channels. Since I can't visually see any improvement over component, I just use the component input.

kjohnson

01-18-06, 02:51 PM

Jumping into the weather game a bit late. Check out Yahoo! Widget Engine (http://widgets.yahoo.com/). More Mac-ish widgets than you can shake a stick at...free.

As for Weather Plus, I agree that downtime, especially from 7pm to about 1am would be fair. As everything starting in February will be HD, starting with NBC Primetime, the News, and Conan and Leno, shutting WeatherPlus+ down during the hours makes sense.

Does anybody know if KSDK is going to multicast the Olympics, or is going to be on one channel. Are we going to see KSDK 5-1, 5-2, & 5-3 or something?

Kurt K

01-18-06, 03:59 PM

Does anybody know if KSDK is going to multicast the Olympics, or is going to be on one channel. Are we going to see KSDK 5-1, 5-2, & 5-3 or something?
Who knows. But I can tell you that I'm currently seeing 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 in my channel guide, although there's nothing to be found on the latter two channels right now.

dweebe

01-18-06, 04:44 PM

I haven't seen anyone mention it lately, but I was at the SportsZone on Monday to watch the KU-MU game and it appears that all of the TV's in the place are now displaying the HD feed when it's available. All of the projectors were in wide mode and all of the 4:3 TV's were displaying the 16:9 image "squished". (that's some technical jargon. Let me know if I'm talking over anyone's head. :) )

At any rate, I thought that was pretty cool as the last I heard, they weren't showing any HD because of the time lag between the HD and SD broadcasts.

I had talked to the guy at SportsZone running the TVs and sound during one football Sunday a year ago and he semed very technically proficient. Said that the SD vs HD time delay was a problem. They had HD for a few weeks and too many people complained. (Southpaws sports bar in O'Fallon Illinois does the same thing. 16:9 screens and fullscreen, 4:3 screen show letterbox.)

Good to see them do this. I haven't been there for a few months: might be an option for the Super Bowl. I wonder if they'll have any problems picking up KDNL OTA since the tower is about 150 feet away from their front door?

kdg454

01-18-06, 04:52 PM

I've read that Dish will be launching a special Olympic HD channel on Feb 1st, which is supposed to be separate from the Universal and NBC HD feeds.

wallyj

01-18-06, 05:20 PM

I've read that Dish will be launching a special Olympic HD channel on Feb 1st, which is supposed to be separate from the Universal and NBC HD feeds.

That sounds fantastic. Please keep us Dish subscribers posted!

kdg454

01-18-06, 06:06 PM

Here is a good LINK (http://www.hdsportsguide.com/olympics.php) of the Universal HD and NBC HD schedules.
From what I've read, Dish will be providing an additional HD feed not shown on the linked schedule. I'll post it when it becomes available.

wmschultz

01-18-06, 06:37 PM

Two suggestions:

Skywalker Communications in Wentzville -- 9390 Veterans Memorial Parkway; (636) 272-8025.

Integrated Network Cable in Chesterfield -- 18079 Edison Avenue; (888) 519-9505; www.showmecables.com.

INC is a recent discovery for me. I've had only one experience buying there, but the cable quality seems quite good and prices were very reasonable. INC claims to supply some of the higher-end dealers here. Ask for Patrick Gifford.

Thanks Doug.

StLouG

01-18-06, 06:58 PM

Charter says they have no more HD DVR's in stock and they are waiting on a new model. Does anyone know anything about this? Thanks. Right now have Dish but have looked into Charter's Triple Play package.

gswoff

01-18-06, 07:33 PM

Any D* folks had their H20/AT9 installed yet? Having mine put in next week... and keeping my fingers crossed for MPEG-4 in May/June.

WinstonSmith

01-18-06, 11:12 PM

Good episode of LOST tonight.

Can't wait for more, but was sad to see the end of Julie Bowen. Just beautiful!

Joseph Clark

01-19-06, 01:34 AM

Good episode of LOST tonight.

Can't wait for more, but was sad to see the end of Julie Bowen. Just beautiful!

What makes you think Julie Bowen is gone? The way Lost dances with characters across time and space, Julie could be just around the next tree. I don't think we've seen the last of her.

kjohnson

01-19-06, 07:35 AM

Who knows. But I can tell you that I'm currently seeing 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 in my channel guide, although there's nothing to be found on the latter two channels right now.

Interesting. I've got a Samsung, and it's not showing anything but 5.1 and 5.2. I heard that Samsung recievers are a little slow on the uptake, but it picked up Channel 9's multicasting right out of the box, including the new 9.4, and seemed to readily accept KSDK's multicasting during the Olympics in '04, and with WeatherPlus+. I don't get it. Maybe KSDK is doing something different this time. It's about 20 days to open ceremonies, anyway. It might sort itself out by then.

Here is a good LINK (http://www.hdsportsguide.com/olympics.php) of the Universal HD and NBC HD schedules.
From what I've read, Dish will be providing an additional HD feed not shown on the linked schedule. I'll post it when it becomes available.

Good Link, thanks. That at least shows what the heck NBC/NBC Uni will be showing in HD.

Kurt K

01-19-06, 11:16 AM

Interesting. I've got a Samsung, and it's not showing anything but 5.1 and 5.2. I heard that Samsung recievers are a little slow on the uptake, but it picked up Channel 9's multicasting right out of the box, including the new 9.4, and seemed to readily accept KSDK's multicasting during the Olympics in '04, and with WeatherPlus+. I don't get it. Maybe KSDK is doing something different this time. It's about 20 days to open ceremonies, anyway. It might sort itself out by then.

My receiver is a Sony HD-200 for D*. The last time I tried 5.3 and 5.4, I got a no-signal message.

wmschultz

01-19-06, 11:29 AM

Any D* folks had their H20/AT9 installed yet? Having mine put in next week... and keeping my fingers crossed for MPEG-4 in May/June.

Buddy of mine called D* Wednesday and he is getting his installed next week or
something like that. They even told him that the locals were even available..which
I still doubt cuz I haven't found ANY information pointing to that as I was anticipating
the same time frame you are talking about.

He is getting the Dish and Receiver for no cost.

Scott Tucker

01-19-06, 12:36 PM

I've read that Dish will be launching a special Olympic HD channel on Feb 1st, which is supposed to be separate from the Universal and NBC HD feeds.

Special Olympics in HD. That's awesome! :D

Scott

Saluki

01-19-06, 01:04 PM

Special Olympics in HD. That's awesome! :D

Scott

:D :D :) :D :D

Saluki

01-19-06, 01:11 PM

Now that I have written kSDk regarding their HD issues, I am ready to start bugging Charter (especially regarding the lack of ABC-HD).

Here is a link to their management team: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=112298&p=irol-govmanage

Does anybody know the Charter e-mail template?

wildbilll

01-19-06, 01:26 PM

For now, ditch the splitter and check your digital channels. Does that model
TV have a signal meter for the digital stations? If so, do a before and after strength
meter on the channels.

I personally switched to a UHF only solution because the combo didn't work well for me.

Well, the story ends like this:

THe TV tuner does not have a built in signal strength meter. I did run the lead direct to the tv, no joy.

I purchased a set top HDTV receiver, a US Digital for 200 bucks at walmart, hooked it up tothe Analog HD input to the tv, it works perfect. It also has a signal strenght meter. As it turn out, I have a very strong signal ao all stations but 46, but even that one comes in good with a 55%. THe others are all 90% or higher.

I had repeatedly called Visio customer service, was always an automated attendant, on hold forever.

I exchanged the TV at Sams Club, hooked up the new one, exact same problem, jerky video, pixelization, etc.

I got thru to Visio finally, they told me that if the set top digital box worked ok, then the problem was an incompatibility between the L37 TV and the broadcast signal, and they recommended that I get a refund for the TV. Since the 37" LCD TV was still a good deal at 1500 dollars, I decided to keep it, and I will run with the set top HDTV tuner for my HD signals, until perhaps the situation changes.

DroptheRemote

01-19-06, 01:35 PM

wmschultz

01-19-06, 01:41 PM

Well, the story ends like this:

THe TV tuner does not have a built in signal strength meter. I did run the lead direct to the tv, no joy.

I purchased a set top HDTV receiver, a US Digital for 200 bucks at walmart, hooked it up tothe Analog HD input to the tv, it works perfect. It also has a signal strenght meter. As it turn out, I have a very strong signal ao all stations but 46, but even that one comes in good with a 55%. THe others are all 90% or higher.

I had repeatedly called Visio customer service, was always an automated attendant, on hold forever.

I exchanged the TV at Sams Club, hooked up the new one, exact same problem, jerky video, pixelization, etc.

I got thru to Visio finally, they told me that if the set top digital box worked ok, then the problem was an incompatibility between the L37 TV and the broadcast signal, and they recommended that I get a refund for the TV. Since the 37" LCD TV was still a good deal at 1500 dollars, I decided to keep it, and I will run with the set top HDTV tuner for my HD signals, until perhaps the situation changes.

It sounds like a HDTV Monitor that they tried to put a Series 1 tuner in. I had
issues like this with a Panasonic Receiver when it first came out.

Saluki

01-19-06, 03:21 PM

Saluki,

I probably shouldn't discourage you from trying to interact with Charter, but I do think the chances of any sort of uptake or dialogue from/with Charter are several magnitudes less likely than recent dealings with kSDk.

The problems at kSDk seem to be largely a combination of incompetence and lack of attention, while the main issue with Charter is indifference to customer expectations.

Also, I think Charter is much less likely to reach an agreement with Sinclair in the near term, simply because they have much less financial flexibility than other cable companies. Anything that adds recurring monthly costs without a corresponding increase in revenue faces a big red light. There's no reason to think that the absence of KDNL-DT has hurt Charter, so I think it follows that adding it doesn't lead to any benefit.

I clearly realize that this is a whole different beast than dealing with kSDk. However, I think it's a very good idea to remind the powers-that-be @ Charter that consumers are paying attention. There are obviously multiple ways to receive TV signals into the home & their lack of carrying one of the major networks in HD is a problem they should called on (the more noise, the better).

StLouG

01-19-06, 04:29 PM

Buddy of mine called D* Wednesday and he is getting his installed next week or
something like that. They even told him that the locals were even available..which
I still doubt cuz I haven't found ANY information pointing to that as I was anticipating
the same time frame you are talking about.

He is getting the Dish and Receiver for no cost.

I went to the D* website. Yes there is a link there that says the St.Louis locals are available in HD however on the same site it states that HD channels could be available OTA. I called and the CSR checked and he stated that the locals are not available through the dish but are OTA.

StLouG

01-19-06, 11:23 PM

Have just read this over at the other site:

Directv is increasing programming prices an average of $3 starting 3/1/06. The good new however is that the HD Package is going down $1 to $9.99.
Total Choice w/Locals $44.99
Total Choice Plus w/Locals $49.99
Total Choice Premier w/Locals $99.99

Without Local Channels substract $3

For further info. http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=53343

MoInSTL

01-20-06, 08:29 AM

First post and have not been around this forum in nearly 5 years when I bought my Mits. It's now having a bad convergence issue so time to get a HDTV (I skipped ever getting a STB for HD) Just moved from Phoenix to St. Louis as my family is here.

I am probably going to be picking up the 50" Sony XBR SXRD if I can get past the sticker shock. I hate haggling over price but I can get an open box (was just returned as other buyer went with a 60 according to the sales person which may be tue or not). The open box is $3150 but then there is tax, delivery and the stand which pushes it up to $3757. :eek: That is a lot of money to me. He took $40 off the $299 stand to cover delivery and will throw in an indoor Terk. If I can get past the cost should I jump on this deal or can I do better at another B&M?

My other dilemma is that I live up at the airport. I am just south of 70 off Woodson Road. Antenna Web shows me in red if I put in my zip code (63134). In Phoenix we have few trees and certainly not as tall as here! I don't know if two 40 year old Silver Maples close to the house in the backyard are going to be a problem either. If I can't get OTA then I'll get a less expensive set but there is no way to know until it's tried.

Since I just moved, I got the Mover's Advantage with D*and they installed the 3 LNB dish & I am hooked up to just two for living room and bedroom.

So 3 questions for my first post. ;)

!) Should I just forget HD as the odds seem against me for OTA and get the less expensive A10 3LCD and hope I don't notice the screndoor effect?

2) Will an indoor Terk (sorry, no model number) be sufficient?

3) I dread calling a CSR at D* and not getting the correct info so if anyone can tell me if they offer locals in HD I may still have hope of getting HD ?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to becoming part of the STL HD community.

DroptheRemote

01-20-06, 09:09 AM

djsmokyc

01-20-06, 09:09 AM

!) Should I just forget HD as the odds seem against me for OTA and get the less expensive A10 3LCD and hope I don't notice the screndoor effect?

2) Will an indoor Terk (sorry, no model number) be sufficient?

3) I dread calling a CSR at D* and not getting the correct info so if anyone can tell me if they offer locals in HD I may still have hope of getting HD ?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to becoming part of the STL HD community.

D* has announced they will be offering locals over satellite, but have not officially announced when St. Louis locals will be offered. It is expected to happen within the next six months.

As for OTA, I would try to borrow a set top HD tuner and see if you can get OTA locals with a regular indoor antenna. An indoor Terk depending on what model, may not be strong enough. You could try something from http://www.antennasdirect.com/ , which is actually a local company.

djearl81

01-20-06, 09:18 AM

MoInStl -

Welcome to the group! I can't tell you how the reception will be up by the airport, but I'm guessing that multipath and constant dropouts would make getting a solid signal quite a feat.

I haven't had any luck with Terk antennas that I've tried. I'm in the green areas and couldn't pull jack with any indoor antenna from BB or Circuit City.

If OTA HD isn't an option, the only thing left to do at this point would be (gulp) subscribe to Charter....I can hear the bashing now.

GlendaleHDTV

01-20-06, 09:27 AM

I clearly realize that this is a whole different beast than dealing with kSDk. However, I think it's a very good idea to remind the powers-that-be @ Charter that consumers are paying attention. There are obviously multiple ways to receive TV signals into the home & their lack of carrying one of the major networks in HD is a problem they should called on (the more noise, the better).

The timing may be right for a grassroots effort. The bottom left corner of Today's Post Dispatch sports section says "Come Back Tomorrow - Charter cable probably won't televise the Super Bowl in high definition". Will be interesting to see what the article in tomorrow's paper says, and how much pressure it will be able to put on the Charter/Sinclair negotiations (or lack thereof).

DroptheRemote

01-20-06, 09:47 AM

DroptheRemote

01-20-06, 09:57 AM

The Clincher? Game, Set and "Money Shot" to Blu-Ray?

Porn made the VCR and then porn made the Internet. Will porn now make Blu-Ray the (sticky) hands-down winner in the HD-format DVD war?

OK -- that last sentence was in bad and tacky taste, so I'm blaming this on the TGIF factor.

The following item was featured in today's TVPredictions.com newsletter:
_________________________________________

Digital Playground, the adult film studio, is certainly having a good time these days.

The company last week made headlines when it was discovered that it had shot the adult movie Pirates (pictured) on the ship where the 1962 film Mutiny on the Bounty had been made. The studio's producers apparently failed to tell St. Petersburg, Florida officials that Pirates would be an adult movie when they obtained the lease to use the tourist attraction as a location shoot. (I'm surprised they didn't call the film, Booty on the Bounty.)

And now Digital Playground is getting attention in the technology world by endorsing Sony's Blu-ray high-def DVD format, scheduled for release late this spring. Studio officials say they picked Blu-ray over its rival, Toshiba's HD-DVD, because it looks like a winner.
_________________________________________

For the complete story, click here. (http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=technologyNews&storyID=2006-01-20T001112Z_01_N1J360885_RTRUKOC_0_US-MEDIA-BLURAY.xml&archived=False)

oby

01-20-06, 10:03 AM

At this site: tvpredictions.com, in their "news" section, there is a link to a newspaper article from North Carolina, called, "HD Super Bowl Blocked Out for NC Viewers". Sorry, don't know how to post the link. Anyway, the article discusses the Sinclair-owned local ABC station, and how Time Warner won't pay for the HD feed, so the football fans in this area of North Carolina, won't be able to see the SB in HD. That could really hurt, especially if their team makes it. Maybe there will be a similiar article here in STL, since the circumstances are exactly the same.

jdiehl

01-20-06, 10:16 AM

Sorry, don't know how to post the link.

Here you go:

Link (http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060118/NEWSREC0101/601170333)

MoInSTL

01-20-06, 10:28 AM

Mo,

My thoughts on your questions:

* First, I'd take another look at your starting premise -- that a convergence issue on your RPTV is a sign that you must buy a new TV. Maybe you've already done this, but I'd at least find out exactly what is wrong with the TV and see how much it would cost to repair. I'm generally pessimistic about TV repair these days, but if it's just a matter of replacing a deflection or convergence circuit board, the repair could be relatively easy and not too expensive (guessing around $200-300).

>I'm new to the area and called a few places in the phone book I called Love's and it's expensive!!!! $150 for pick up & delivery and $400-$600 for repair. Once it's warmed up it's fine, but the time it's bowed lasts longer and longer. It takes 20 minutes now. When the symptom first showed up it lasted a few seconds. It looks like this at the top and bottom }} {{ It also has a double image that comes up. I have some light burn in from X-Box and being a CNN junkie and it's 5 years old. So if I get the convergence repaired I still have a 5 old rear screen that's HD Ready and something else may break. . Since I just moved I don't have the manual handy but it was a Mits Diamond or Platimum or which ever was the higher end one. It's 46" and the PQ is so-so since it's always in stretched mode. I just can't hang with 4:3.

You'd probably need to do a fair bit of touch-up work on your geometry and convergence after the repair, but the service tech should be able to get you back to a reasonable state, and then you can fine-tune it yourself or I could do that for you, either as part of a calibration or separately.

>I never had it calibrated. By the time some other calibrator was touring the country and in PHX I was laid off my job and couldn't afford it, So after repair and professional calibration and HD Tuner I still have a 5 year old set with other 5 year old parts and the cost would be almost half the cost of a new Sony 50" A10.

* As a general rule, I would avoid open box offers on any type of display. Of course, the risk in buying an open box is less of an issue with a non-plasma or non-CRT, but I'd still be concerned about the circumstances that prompted the first owner to return the SXRD set. As you pointed out, these sets -- even as open box specials -- are very pricey and for that sort of money I think you should bite down hard and get a new set, rather than one that's been returned.

>Can't bite that hard and with the green blob issues I am wary. Plus, as a woman aesthetics matter and I was surprised how much I hated the dumbo ears. The pictures of it aren't bad, but in person I disliked them. I was willing to live with them to get the PQ but since sleeping on it, it's just too much money for now.

* The Sony SXRD set that you're considering is touted as a "1080p" display, and in fact, its native resolution is 1080p. However, this set and most other "1080p" displays now on the market WILL NOT accept a 1080p signal. This means that if you're thinking of buying an HD-format DVD player (or connecting an external scaler), you will be limited to sending 1080i or 720p signals to the TV and reliant on the internal scaler to convert the signal to the set's 1080p native resolution.

There are only a few 1080p sets available that will accept 1080p signals (the HP rear-projection DLPs and some of the Sharp LCD panels).

>I did not like the DLP as much as I was hoping I would. In fact, it's not a contender after reading more about it. The PQ seemed flat and washed out and I looked at several. The rainbow affect and possible headaches ruled it out. The sales guy said he had a DLP and would not buy it again. Was at Ultimate Electronics in St Peters btw.

In your position as an existing HDTV owner, you have options and don't have to buy one of these first-generation "almost" 1080p sets. You'd be much better off in the long run by waiting it out now by getting your existing set repaired and buying something new when 1080p displays are truly 1080p.

>I'm a little confused here. So neither the Sharp or HP you mentioned are 1080p either?

* If you're concerned about the screen-door effect with LCD, you should be able to determine whether this is going to be an issue for you before you buy. Measure your expected viewing distance at home and then evaluate LCD sets by sitting or standing at the same distance. If you're going to see and be bothered by screen door, you should be able to determine that in a showroom -- this is not an environment-specific issue, apart from viewing distance.

>I noticed it when it was on a sports channel in HD. I saw it on the basketball court when the camera pulled back wih a large portion of the court in the shot. I will be sitting about 12 feet away FWIW. I was standing and no way to sit to view it. Of course the Qualia had chairs. ;) Also, I went through the same thing when I bought my LCD monitor. There were tons of threads about the screendoor affect and I just don't see it on my monitor. Knowing it's there before I went to the store of course made me look for it. Also, we made the A 10 and SXRD the same in the basic settings and they were side-by-side. Had him fire up Batman Returns for some fast motion and it looked best on the SXRD but better than my Mits.

* I'm not a big fan of Terk antennas and I believe that the Zenith Silver Sensor is going to provide the best results if you're limited to an indoor antenna. Your treeline may be an issue, but you won't know until you try. You don't mention it, so maybe it's not an option, but if you can't get good signals with an indoor, you still have the option of an attic or rooftop antenna.

>I saw the Zenith mentioned in another thread. Where do I buy it and what is the cost?

* It sounds like there aren't any issues with receiving DirecTV, so in a few months you'll also have the option to get at least the four major network locals -- KTVI (FOX), KMOV (CBS), kSDk (NBC) and KDNL (ABC) -- via DirecTV's new dish/receiver combo. St. Louis locals are expected to be available via DirecTV sometime late in the first quarter or early in the second quarter. There's no timeline on when DirecTV will be adding the other locals -- KETC (PBS) or KPLR (WB).

>That's good to know. I'm a longtime customer and got both receivers free for the asking. I should be able to negotiate another good deal with them.

>Thanks so much for the detailed reply. What's your opnion on the Sony A 10? I noticed you mentioned the Sharp instead. Why the Sharp and which model?

MoInSTL

01-20-06, 10:36 AM

djsmokyc, thanks for the info and link. Helps a lot that it's local. I just moved here so I have no one I know I can borrow one from. My family just has small, horrid, old TVs.

MoInSTL

01-20-06, 10:47 AM

In order to get my receivers free I had to agree to a one year service agreement and frankly on my Mits cable was horrible. I was in a brand new home in PHX in a new development and all the cable (and other wires) were underground and new. The picture quality was fine on my 32" Sony direct view, but awful on the then new Mits. It was so compressed or something I ran to D* :D

Do any of you guys think I should just get an outdoor antenna? Would I be just be better off and be able to pull OTA? It may be a PITA since I am in an old house now and access is an issue as I have liitle room in the attic and no basement.

MoInStl -

Welcome to the group! I can't tell you how the reception will be up by the airport, but I'm guessing that multipath and constant dropouts would make getting a solid signal quite a feat.

I haven't had any luck with Terk antennas that I've tried. I'm in the green areas and couldn't pull jack with any indoor antenna from BB or Circuit City.

If OTA HD isn't an option, the only thing left to do at this point would be (gulp) subscribe to Charter....I can hear the bashing now.

giddemyer

01-20-06, 11:39 AM

Has anyone bought locally from Antennas Direct? I'm considering the DB2 just for ABC ( :mad: Sinclair :mad: ) and was wondering if anyone had any opinions.

CoCoKola

01-20-06, 11:52 AM

Has anyone bought locally from Antennas Direct? I'm considering the DB2 just for ABC ( :mad: Sinclair :mad: ) and was wondering if anyone had any opinions.

I bought a DB2 from Antennas Direct, and had a wonderful experience. I was having problems with signal strength due to multi-path issues, and the owner allowed me to trade-up to a DB4. The DB4 immensely helped my problem. I'd give them two thumbs up for their products and service.

CoCoKola

01-20-06, 11:55 AM

I'm headed to San Antonio, TX this weekend for work. I'd like to find a HDTV to watch Sunday football.

I did some google searches and on avs forum, but I couldn't find a post . Does anyone have a suggestion as to where to look for this information for other cities?thanks!
CoCoKola

wmschultz

01-20-06, 12:06 PM

Has anyone bought locally from Antennas Direct? I'm considering the DB2 just for ABC ( :mad: Sinclair :mad: ) and was wondering if anyone had any opinions.

I bought the DB8 from them, I even called and talked to them later on about issues
I was having. My only regret was that after I ordered and got my equipment
shipped to me I found out they were in the area......... I would have just drove and
picked it up.

Great service, great product. :)

wmschultz

01-20-06, 12:11 PM

Scott Tucker

01-20-06, 12:13 PM

MoInStl -
If OTA HD isn't an option, the only thing left to do at this point would be (gulp) subscribe to Charter....I can hear the bashing now.

Well, there is one other option. You could beat yourself with a wet noodle. :D

Scott

black_macleod

01-20-06, 12:36 PM

Also, I don't blame Sinclair for not giving Charter their HD Signal.

It would be different if Charter passed it along as no cost on their Tiers. I mean, do you have
to have the HD package to get your HD locals or can you get it as just a digital subscriber?

You have to have the HD pak cause like you need an HD Receiver :-)

There's always OTA, HD local tv is free after all.

MSloss

01-20-06, 12:49 PM

Also, I don't blame Sinclair for not giving Charter their HD Signal.

It would be different if Charter passed it along as no cost on their Tiers. I mean, do you have
to have the HD package to get your HD locals or can you get it as just a digital subscriber?

Wait a minute. Sinclair is practically the ONLY owner making such ridiculous demands (Belo may be the next worse since they are holding their HD signals hostage with D*). Why should they think they are entitled to so much more than what other station owners have expected? Why should they get more for their digital/HD broadcast than analog when the FCC is mandating the cutover? I do believe their demands are unreasonable, and I take it the other way -- Why should Charter (and thus their subscribers) be forced to pay for what is free when carried over the air?

Mike

Saluki

01-20-06, 12:56 PM

I just called Charter HQ & was given an e-mail address for their "VP of Customer Care". I sent him a message concerning the Super Bowl, Sinclair, etc. I will post more details if/when I get a response.

I already missed the Rose Bowl in HD. I am going to be really pi$sed if the Super Bowl is next.

GlendaleHDTV

01-20-06, 01:18 PM

Glendale,

Are you sure that this is going to be a Post story on KDNL, Charter and the Super Bowl?

I haven't seen the paper today, but what you describe could just as well be a "teaser" advertisement for antennasdirect.com, who are also advertising on local TV.

Definitely not a teaser add. Everyday in the sports section, they have a little "blurb" in the sidebar titled "Come Back Tomorrow" which notes a story the Post will be covering in tomorrow's edition. Today, it discussed Charter not carrying the Superbowl in HD. Now as to the direction of the article (i.e. will it be sympathetic to Charter, Sinclair, neither?) I have no idea.

djearl81

01-20-06, 01:49 PM

Has anyone bought locally from Antennas Direct? I'm considering the DB2 just for ABC ( :mad: Sinclair :mad: ) and was wondering if anyone had any opinions.

Giddemeyer....

I bought the DB2 antenna from Antennas Direct last year about this same time (Superbowl.) I have the antenna hanging in the attic and I pull all the local stations great. I live in Swansea, IL...about 20 miles from most station towers in St. Louis.

Because of that experience, I bought the picture frame antenna (PF7) for my fiance's family when they got their new HDTV. They have the frame on top of the TV and it works well, as long as someone doesn't stand right in front of it.

I'd definitely recommend them, and have, to anyone that is looking for an antenna. Although they are local, they won't allow you to stop in and pick up the antenna. They are strictly mail order(, or at least they were last November.)

Side Note - Seattle Vs. Steelers in the Bowl game...GO NFC!

giddemyer

01-20-06, 02:19 PM

You have to have the HD pak cause like you need an HD Receiver :-)

There's always OTA, HD local tv is free after all.

Thanks for the feedback on AD.

Side note, Charter does not charge extra for HD locals. You do need an HD box, but if you have a Moxi, you already have the box.

wmschultz

01-20-06, 02:22 PM

Wait a minute. Sinclair is practically the ONLY owner making such ridiculous demands (Belo may be the next worse since they are holding their HD signals hostage with D*). Why should they think they are entitled to so much more than what other station owners have expected? Why should they get more for their digital/HD broadcast than analog when the FCC is mandating the cutover? I do believe their demands are unreasonable, and I take it the other way -- Why should Charter (and thus their subscribers) be forced to pay for what is free when carried over the air?

Mike

Why should Charter charge you more to get the HD Channels? You are paying a
charge. They market their stuff to include HD so people go to them. By carrying
HD Locals they have marketing advantage over the DBS companies and thus could
receive preference to subscribers who are willing to pay. So, why shouldn't
Sinclair be eligible to receive a fair market value?
They pay to carry ABC programming, they have to bust their hump to get people to
pay for advertising on their station. Why should they then just give Charter a
free pass? To me, Charter is the one that is to blame. Face it, if they could
actually turn a profit instead of constantly refinancing their loans/bonds (whatever)
they might be in a position to pay for the content they want to carry.
As a D* subscriber I had to wait until they coughed up the money to Sinclair in
order to carry their SD channel. They came up with the price structure for their
local channels and it didn't increase/decrease based upon Sinclair's fee. I'm
guessing your prices won't go up, Charter's profit margin on carrying the HD Locals
might go down though.

MSloss

01-20-06, 03:16 PM

Why should Charter charge you more to get the HD Channels? You are paying a
charge. They market their stuff to include HD so people go to them. By carrying
HD Locals they have marketing advantage over the DBS companies and thus could
receive preference to subscribers who are willing to pay. So, why shouldn't
Sinclair be eligible to receive a fair market value?
They pay to carry ABC programming, they have to bust their hump to get people to
pay for advertising on their station. Why should they then just give Charter a
free pass? To me, Charter is the one that is to blame. Face it, if they could
actually turn a profit instead of constantly refinancing their loans/bonds (whatever)
they might be in a position to pay for the content they want to carry.
As a D* subscriber I had to wait until they coughed up the money to Sinclair in
order to carry their SD channel. They came up with the price structure for their
local channels and it didn't increase/decrease based upon Sinclair's fee. I'm
guessing your prices won't go up, Charter's profit margin on carrying the HD Locals
might go down though.

1. I am not a Charter subscriber, so this is not personal to me. I too have D* and have no plans to change. Really, I don't like the way Charter or Sinclair does business. :D

2. From giddemyer's post above, Charter does not charge for the HD locals.

3. "Free pass"? "Fair market"? What do you suppose the other stations asked for and received? I really have no idea, but since they reached an agreement, I would venture to say Sinclair is asking for much more than they did. Free market assumes you have alternative sources, but since Sinclair has the local monopoly on ABC programming, there is no other source. Too bad the FCC hasn't stepped into this to define what "fair" is.

I see a smlilarity here to the Orlando Pace contract standoff with the Rams. He had an agent that kept making outrageous demands every year that the Rams were smart to reject. The agent's greed worked against him and Pace finally fired him and got someone who was willing to be realistic. Sinclair is the one making outrageous demands or else they would have reached an agreement by now as the other stations did. That is my point - the other stations already set the standard and Sinclair is the one holding out for more, thus thumbing their nose at their subscribers who can't for whatever reason get OTA.

My rant will end here, and I hope Belo comes to terms with D* before we get HD locals from them. Then it gets personal..... ;)

Mike

Scott Tucker

01-20-06, 03:27 PM

If someone with Charter wants to see the game in HD and can't, let me know, and you can come to my house to see it on beautiful Directv.

Scott

wmschultz

01-20-06, 03:59 PM

If someone with Charter wants to see the game in HD and can't, let me know, and you can come to my house to see it on beautiful Directv.

Scott

Cheater.

jdonigan

01-20-06, 04:01 PM

I saw the Zenith mentioned in another thread. Where do I buy it and what is the cost?

It's generally $20 plus shipping. You can have mine for $15 if you want it.
(I'm too low behind a hill for it to work well for me.)

Scott Tucker

01-20-06, 05:11 PM

Cheater.

I guess you could say that since I can watch the game on 6 different cannnels. :p

Scott

phatty

01-20-06, 05:53 PM

Also, I don't blame Sinclair for not giving Charter their HD Signal.

It would be different if Charter passed it along as no cost on their Tiers. I mean, do you have
to have the HD package to get your HD locals or can you get it as just a digital subscriber?

As someone else mentioned they do not charge for HD locals but you do have to pay more to have an HD box or Moxi that has the ability to play back those hd channels.

Also my understanding is that sinclair wants to charge for each and every subscriber not just those that subscribe to HD. That is one hell of a cost for Charter when they are used to be paying nothing for locals and the HD channel would only affect a small percent of their total user base but would cost them for each person that they have.

I could be wrong, but I side with Charter. The only simple resolution I would see is for Charter to give in to Sinclair's demands but then Charge seperate for the ABC feed like they do for HBO or something. Then customers could see the cost difference that Sinclair is asking for compared to the other local channels.

Belle View

01-20-06, 06:28 PM

Has anyone bought locally from Antennas Direct? I'm considering the DB2 just for ABC ( :mad: Sinclair :mad: ) and was wondering if anyone had any opinions.

I went over to AntennasDirect and purchased a DB4. Not quite enough antenna due to attic and trees so I exchanged for a DB8. Owner did not ask for the price difference even though I offered. He just wanted an EMail on how the DB8 worked. Great experence!

phenwick

01-20-06, 09:06 PM

.

I am probably going to be picking up the 50" Sony XBR SXRD if I can get past the sticker shock. I hate haggling over price but I can get an open box (was just returned as other buyer went with a 60 according to the sales person which may be tue or not). The open box is $3150 but then there is tax, delivery and the stand which pushes it up to $3757. :eek: That is a lot of money to me. He took $40 off the $299 stand to cover delivery and will throw in an indoor Terk. If I can get past the cost should I jump on this deal or can I do better at another B&M?

I have the 60" SXRD and have no regrets.

I agree with drop the remote about buying open box. In the SXRD Owners thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=584936) someone had bought a set for the same reason given to you by the salesperson, and got it home and and could only get a white screen.

For a a major purchase like this, get a fresh set and don't take a chance on someone else's problem. I would also recommend an extended warranty.

Dave

MoInSTL

01-20-06, 09:19 PM

Sounds good, That's the Zenith Silver Sensor right? What part of town are you in? I get my TV delivered Sunday. I came home with another Terk as I needed something to try. This one is amplified, has 44" elemenst for VHS channels 2-13 and adjustable UHF loop for channels 14-69. I have NO idea what it means, I am computer geek, not a AVS geek yet, But from the little I have read Terks are not great but I had to come home with something as the suspense of if I can get OTA is killing me!

So sure, I'd like your Zenith as I can return this to the drivers when they show up on Sunday since I paid with my debit card. If it doesn't work I can offer it to someone else. Please PM me with contact info and what day/time works for you.

Thanks!

It's generally $20 plus shipping. You can have mine for $15 if you want it.
(I'm too low behind a hill for it to work well for me.)

MoInSTL

01-20-06, 10:33 PM

Hope this is okay to post this in here as I already feel more comfortable thanks to a couple of PMs, offering the Zenith and talking on the phone with DroptheRemote for a solid hour asking a million questions.

Yes, I agree about buying an open box but given the price of even the open box XBR1, there was no way I could shell out for the new one. Turns out, it sold last night and I was at Ultimate Electronics until 7:30! From what I read, Lcos was what I wanted. Maybe next time...

So, I considered the Sony A10 and it was a grand less and no big ears. They had it in a small viewing room with some giant, humongous TV in the middle and Samsung DLP on the other end. Turned off the giant TV to cut down on distractions, rearranged the seat and faced the Sony from close to what my viewing distance woud be and noticed SDE like crazy. (I also noticed it last night some too). I wanted to like the Sony but I saw it a lot and it was distracting. Coupled with black crush and possible blur and possible green blob/haze I moved on. Ok, no Lcos, no LCD. Plasma I never considered as I got burn in on my Mits among other reasons including price. So not much left. I took my sister and my brother-in-law's brother along with me today. I told them in the car that each TV we would be looking at would employ a different technology and there were issues with each. I did not tell them anything more. They did not notice the screen door effect and my sister strongly preferred the PQ of the Samsung. I asked the salesman to make the brightnesss, etc the same on the Sony and the Samsung so the Samsung would not appear better due to being brighter. I had them play the screen credits on the Sammy and we all noticed how there were pixel jaggies. So now what?? The PQ looked good to me so I opted for the Samsung HLR5067W despite the pixalization of the credits. I was running out of technology here guys. The sales guy confessed he did not notice the rainbow effect until he got his home but that he had if I recall correctly, last years Mits DLP. He also said me watching it carefully I would not see it. So if I get it and it drives me crazy like the SDE did I'll return it and guess will join a book club!! :D

Ultimate was out of stock on the HLR 720p due to the big price drop and have 27 people on their waiting list. He felt bad that he didn't mention they weren't in stock after we spent close to an hour there. So much so, when I called CC which was across the parking lot, he said they did have it in stock so I could get a price match from CC. Apparently CC will beat their price, just not meet it. So the price of the TV was $xxxx which I think is pretty good. If not, someone please tell me. I got $60 off the stand, saved $70 more on it by assembling ourselves. Due to the rather short life of these bulbs and their cost, I opted for the 4 year in-home warranty which includes bulb replacement (when they start flickering as opposed to burned out). Normally I never get a warranty but this felt it a wise choice with this purchase. CC warranty was more than Ultimate's at $449.

So with the $ I saved on not getting the XBR1 I was able to afford a 4 yr warranty and a HD-DVR. I just got the most incredible deal of my life from D* due to a misunderstanding on their part and my being a noob. I have gone on long enough so suffice it to say, I got the HD-DVR for $200, free 3 months HD channels, a $10 credit for 12 months (so that about covers the HD channel cost), $99 install waived, six months of Showtime and a $80 one time credit. The customer retention person also made a note to do a full swap out at no charge when the MPEG-4 DVRs are rolled out as well as a 5 LNB for locals if I need it. (She quoted me May for locals). Gave me her employee number and name for reference later. It was a mix up due to the CC Samsung deal with $100 off TV and a H10 HD receiver only for $0 after $200 rebate+3 months free programming. Those HD-DVR units were a grand in July she said. I said prices always come down but I think I got a great deal!

TV delivered on Sunday, D* here Wednesday afternoon. If you read this far, I thank you!

Joseph Clark

01-20-06, 11:02 PM

Hope this is okay to post this in here as I already feel more comfortable thanks to a couple of PMs, offering the Zenith and talking on the phone with DroptheRemote for a solid hour asking a million questions.

Yes, I agree about buying an open box but given the price of even the open box XBR1, there was no way I could shell out for the new one. Turns out, it sold last night and I was at Ultimate Electronics until 7:30! From what I read, Lcos was what I wanted. Maybe next time...

So, I considered the Sony A10 and it was a grand less and no big ears. They had it in a small viewing room with some giant, humongous TV in the middle and Samsung DLP on the other end. Turned off the giant TV to cut down on distractions, rearranged the seat and faced the Sony from close to what my viewing distance woud be and noticed SDE like crazy. (I also noticed it last night some too). I wanted to like the Sony but I saw it a lot and it was distracting. Coupled with black crush and possible blur and possible green blob/haze I moved on. Ok, no Lcos, no LCD. Plasma I never considered as I got burn in on my Mits among other reasons including price. So not much left. I took my sister and my brother-in-law's brother along with me today. I told them in the car that each TV we would be looking at would employ a different technology and there were issues with each. I did not tell them anything more. They did not notice the screen door effect and my sister strongly preferred the PQ of the Samsung. I asked the salesman to make the brightnesss, etc the same on the Sony and the Samsung so the Samsung would not appear better due to being brighter. I had them play the screen credits on the Sammy and we all noticed how there were pixel jaggies. So now what?? The PQ looked good to me so I opted for the Samsung HLR5067W despite the pixalization of the credits. I was running out of technology here guys. The sales guy confessed he did not notice the rainbow effect until he got his home but that he had if I recall correctly, last years Mits DLP. He also said me watching it carefully I would not see it. So if I get it and it drives me crazy like the SDE did I'll return it and guess will join a book club!! :D

Ultimate was out of stock on the HLR 720p due to the big price drop and have 27 people on their waiting list. He felt bad that he didn't mention they weren't in stock after we spent close to an hour there. So much so, when I called CC which was across the parking lot, he said they did have it in stock so I could get a price match from CC. Apparently CC will beat their price, just not meet it. So the price of the TV was $2,048.45 which I think is pretty good. If not, someone please tell me. I got $60 off the stand, saved $70 more on it by assembling ourselves. Due to the rather short life of these bulbs and their cost, I opted for the 4 year in-home warranty which includes bulb replacement (when they start flickering as opposed to burned out). Normally I never get a warranty but this felt it a wise choice with this purchase.

So with the $ I saved on not getting the XBR1 I was able to afford a 4 yr warranty and a HD-DVR. I just got the most incredible deal of my life from D* due to a misunderstanding on their part and my being a noob. I have gone on long enough so suffice it to say, I got the HD-DVR for $200, free 3 months HD channels, a $10 credit for 12 months (so that about covers the HD channel cost), $99 install waived, six months of Showtime and a $80 one time credit. The customer retention person also made a note to do a full swap out at no charge when the MPEG-4 DVRs are rolled out as well as a 5 LNB for locals if I need it. (She quoted me May for locals). Gave me her employee number and name for reference later. It was a mix up due to the CC Samsung deal with $100 off TV and a H10HD receiver only for $0 after $200 rebate+3 months free programming. Those units were a grand in July she said. I said prices always come down but I think I got the a great deal!

TV delivered on Sunday, D* here Wednesday afternoon. If you read this far, I thank you!

Sounds like some HiDef fun in your future. Don't worry about the rainbows. Even if you notice them a little at first, if you're anything like me that will soon pass. One thing about DLP that isn't talked about too much is misconvergence. On a single chip DLP there isn't any, because all the colors are coming from the same mirror. It's a really good technology. You'll never, ever have to worry about red, green and blue color fringing like our CRT and LCoS brothers.

Enjoy!