Court Pulls EchoStar's Distant Signals

In a decision that could have serious implications for EchoStar's satellite TV business, a federal appeals court has ordered to stop delivering the signals of distant TV stations to its subscribers.

The ruling could force EchoStar’s Dish Network to shuffle the station lineup delivered to hundreds of thousands of subscribers. Some subs may be temporarily unable to receive any broadcast stations at all.

In a harshly-worded opinion, the three-judge panel declared: "We have found no indication that EchoStar was ever interested in complying with" laws regulating how satellite TV companies deliver broadcast stations to their customers...."

Full Article HERE (http://broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6337470.html?display=Breaking+News)

It seems pretty clear that DISH aggressively overstepped the criteria for delivering distant local networks, at least based on the percentages indicated in the article for each major network.

And that's a shame, because what's completely lost in translation here in this dispute is the fact that local broadcasters aggressively undercomply with legitimate waiver requests from viewers living in areas where acceptable receipt of local broadcast signals is not possible.

While everyone and his/her brother and sister would like to get a waiver, I'd venture that more than 90% of completely legitimate waiver requests are refused, simply because the TV stations know that a single viewer has little time or recourse to appeal their gutless, arbitrary rejections.

Hey what's up with the audio on the LOST "Reckoning" repeat show tonight? Hideously muffled, as if the microphones are underwater.... hope this gets fixed before the season finale in 40 minutes!

Jim, I hope you're within earshot!

update: LOST looks like a network problem, not a local one. ABC itself is now showing a technical difficulties screen. Jim, sorry I gave you a false alarm in my previous post... obviously there's nothing that can be done at your end.

It looks and sounds as if ABC is only passing through sound from the rear surround channels in DD 2.0. Hence the reason why the sound appears "muffled" and all you really hear is music. Needless to say, not good on finale night.

You guys sure the "Lost" audio problem is at the network end?

I don't see anyone talking about this on the "Lost" No Spoilers thread, and they're generally a super aggressive group on technical issues...

Anyone call KDNL?

You guys sure the "Lost" audio problem is at the network end?

I don't see anyone talking about this on the "Lost" No Spoilers thread, and they're generally a super aggressive group on technical issues...

Anyone call KDNL?

I attempted to... but all I get is messages stating that the office is closed. Does anyone have any direct #'s to engineering? I do not think it's a national issue either...

Same for me -- caught in voice mail hell.

Looks like Robert posted over in the No Spoilers discussion, and someone in another market replied that there had been network problems earlier.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

WRacer... where are you??? :(

Where is the audio? ?????

This is bull ****.

Are they going to replay the show??

I'm missing it all.

don't forget you can watch with captions. I personally chose watching SD.

FOrget nothing this is plain ass bull ****. The season finale and they can't even get it right. Somebody needs an ass kicking.

You all act like this is some excusable mistake.

What if I would have cancelled my SD locals on D*, what option would I have then?

What if I would have cancelled my SD locals on D*, what option would I have then?

Wait for the DVD...

HD is much better than DVD. Besides why should I have to wait?

antenna? I'm not saying this is excusable. but it's also not the end of the world.

Aight boys... I got ahold of WRacer! He's gonna call the engineers and try to get them to fix it ASAP. Someone didn't flip the switch... :(

He's out of town in Michigan, so he had no way of knowing there was a problem. Hopefully this gets rectified in a few minutes!

Why would they not put a message on screen saying having technical troubles? What if I would have not been home and DVR'd 2 hours of crap?

I don't really care about your opinion. I want what is supposed to be on, the way it is supposed to be on. That is not too much to ask for.

I could see this if you lived in bum ****ed egypt but in St. Louis? Like I said they deserve an ass kicking.

KDNL-30 in 5.1 goodness now!

I could see this if you lived in bum ****ed egypt but in St. Louis? Like I said they deserve an ass kicking.
it's back on, calm down.

Still no center channel.

Mind your business, I can see that it is back on and knowing the real reason makes it all the more inexcusable.

Do you work for them or something?

Desmond Sober up, tomorrow I guess we will find out what happens when we don't flip the switch at KDNL.

Sorry for the problem tonight. The guy at the station did flip the switch, but there was a problem on the network...however, that should not have affected the Dolby encoder. Somehow, it got back in stereo mode. Thanks to Scott who called me!!!!
We have one person there at night's and he was busy dealing with all the weather bulitens....it's also difficult to monitor the money making analog channel and the DT channel at the ame time.
Remember, call me I'm out of town a lot and can't monitor.
Jim
314-790-1151 pager is best way....usually works evan at remote transmitter sites.

Thanks for the explanation. It is appreciated.

I deserve some of that.

I still find flaws with the "system", but his explanation is commendable, most companies don't care. Look how long we waited for the green speckles on NBC to go away with no explanation.

I also know what it is like to be out of town a lot on a jobsite and dealing with other issues.

The flaws? One number to voicemail. One man on duty. These are issues for KDNL management I guess.

I've lived in rural Iowa and rural Kirksville and recognition of broadcast problems is much quicker in those areas (with screen message). That I find hard to believe, but seems to be true. Also seems to be an overall independant attitude by the STL broadcasters.

DT will be profitable some day. People are spending a lot of money on equipment and get aggravated when it doesn't work.

Thanks Jim, as always. I was not watching ABC tonight, but at least your issues were correctable.

FOX, on the other hand, IMO completely mishandled their HD/5.1 presentation of the AI finals once they moved to the Kodak Theatre. IIRC, this may have been the first HD/5.1 show produced at the Kodak. I believe the other award shows, Oscar's, Emmy's, etc., have yet to be produced in HD. Perhaps the Kodak is just not conducive for that type of production.

Beginning last night, when AI moved to the Kodak, the 5.1 audio has been a disaster. The surrounds and center were so out of balance I had to use the "night-mode" on my receiver. Much the same as I do when watching a "volume-up...volume-down" type movie.

I noticed a similar issue with FOX last season when producing the playoff games from Petco Park in San Diego. Almost like the surround mic's were misplaced.

Anybody noticing Ch11 is sending out 11.2 (11-2)
I just did a rescan of local DTV stations on both
HDTV built-in tuner & DIRECTV Tivo HR-250.
Both are showing 11.2 (11-2).

Just curious if anyone knew what 11.2 was going
to air?

Thanks...

Ken,

The Academy Awards, I believe, have been done at the Kodak in HD and 5.1 for at least a couple of years. Also, last year's AI Final was at the Kodak and maybe other years before that.

But I agree with your point, the audio mix last night was not very good (I haven't seen tonight's show yet). I actually have found variable audio to be more of a problem with AI last year -- throughout the competition the sound mix had a major impact on how certain performances came across.

I didn't think that was much of an issue this year, but again last night was poor. I don't think that's specific to the Kodak Theater, other than the fact that AI might have had setup issues this year.

Jim,

As always, thanks for saving the day with the audio fix on "Lost."

Much appreciated.

All I can say is thank goodness I have D* 86. Not sure why their presentation of Lost was flawless, but I'm sure glad it was.

Scott

Well, after waiting awhile for Saint Louis locals over DirecTV, my wait is finally over.

As soon as the news hit that they were coming, I setup an install date of yesterday (5/24/06) from 1-5 pm. Let’s just say that the subcontractor Premier Communications have a little bit to go before I forgive them for not showing up on time. First they called at 3:30 saying they will be late (now install is from 4:30-5:30) then they called again saying it would be from 6-6:30. After the second phone call I was getting a little scared/irate...did I just waste half a day for a person who isn’t even coming? My prayers to the DirecTV deities were answered and the installer showed up at 6:45...but with this late install I had to scramble to call a friend and begged them to tape (yes ... tape...) Lost for me. I didn’t feel confident that the installer would be done with everything before 8 pm.

AT9 review.... My last dish was the "large" 3lnb dish. Large is not an accurate description for the 3lnb dish compared to the AT9 dish. The AT9 dish looks like I am either getting satellite internet through direcway, or that I am living in the 80s with my big old dish...that’s a little bit of exaggeration, but that dish is HUGE! Took the installer ~35 minutes to mount and align the new dish and dismantle the old one (no new wires needed).

H20 Review.... I love this box compared to my old Samsung TS160. I have the H20-600 version now installed. With the Samsung, I would get OTA HD signals in the 90s, but my multipath problems were Horrendous. Every time a car would drive by I would lose signal. The new H20 dish eliminates almost 90 percent (after watching a particular bad multipath OTA channel for 1 hour) of all dropouts. So, I suppose I didn’t really need a new AT9 dish, just a better OTA receiver, to which I have read the H20-600 is one of the best. Another review point is that the software for the box updated 15 minutes after the installer left. Also yes, the H20 does run somewhat hot, so I will keep it well ventilated I suppose.

DirecTV CSR review...I swear they need to train these people. It took longer just to swap out the box then it did to mount and align the new dish (and yes, I did watch him...he took his time and did it right). It took 45 minutes for them to figure out how to remove my old box and still give me HD channels and local channels.

And the best news of ALL, everything was done by 7:55 pm ... yahooo!!! Lost time! And then of crouse, the ABC engineer messed up the Audio and I didnt watch a lot of it in HD...I found that funny. Go through this whole waiting game and mini-ordeal, and the local engineer messes up the feed.

Oh well, got my new dish and box, Im happy. I will compare OTA vs Dish local picture quality later.

Also, does anyone know how to get to the DirecTV guide in one button push instead of 2 for the H20 receiver?? I find the favorite feature annoying now that I have to hit the guide button twice.

Dish Network will now start carrying Starz Comedy Channel on May 31...

"Beginning May 31, 2006, Starz Comedy will replace Starz Cinema West on channel 354. Don’t worry! All of your favorite Starz Cinema content is still available on channel 353. And now you’ll have more laugh-out-loud comedy with Starz Comedy!"

http://sdm3.rm04.net/servlet/MailView?ms=NTI2NDcwS0&r=MzIwNTAyNDE4MgS2&j=MTYxMTA4NDkS1&mt=1

Also, does anyone know how to get to the DirecTV guide in one button push instead of 2 for the H20 receiver?? I find the favorite feature annoying now that I have to hit the guide button twice.

I haven't found a way yet. Guide, then you gotta select what to filter (if anything). Yes, it's annoying.

Consider yourself lucky with such a fast install. When i got mine in early March it took him 8-9hrs start to finish, and that was with me helping the guy pull cable and hook up the H20 to the HDTV.

I could see this if you lived in bum ****ed egypt but in St. Louis? Like I said they deserve an ass kicking.I COMPLETELY agree!!! :mad:

Why is St. Louis any better than rural Egypt?

Sorry for the problem tonight. The guy at the station did flip the switch, but there was a problem on the network...however, that should not have affected the Dolby encoder. Somehow, it got back in stereo mode. Thanks to Scott who called me!!!!
We have one person there at night's and he was busy dealing with all the weather bulitens....it's also difficult to monitor the money making analog channel and the DT channel at the ame time.
Remember, call me I'm out of town a lot and can't monitor.
Jim
314-790-1151 pager is best way....usually works evan at remote transmitter sites.

Thank you sir. You are a stand-up guy.

Your bosses, Sinclair, on the other hand....

Anybody noticing Ch11 is sending out 11.2 (11-2)
I just did a rescan of local DTV stations on both
HDTV built-in tuner & DIRECTV Tivo HR-250.
Both are showing 11.2 (11-2).

Just curious if anyone knew what 11.2 was going
to air?

Thanks...

Yes, 11-2 is a blank raster. No idea on what program track they are planning. All-sports, perhaps, with Gould? All news? Former UPN material?

DX recieved this morning: KSNF-16 (analog), Joplin MO, at 0720 CDT.
Also the usual suspects (all analog):

WICS-20
WAND-17
WBUI-23
KBSI-23, on second 4228 aimed 150 degrees magnetic
WSIU-8
WPXS-13

Yes, I have two 4228's. I'm a geek.

All,

Today is my last day at AT&T. I am moving on to attend the police academy and handle my side business. If anyone needs help with AT&T questions, djearl81 would be the best one to contact. He works here on the same floor as myself. I just wanted to post this so that everyone knows djearl81 (Adam) can help now that I am leaving the company.

And the best news of ALL, everything was done by 7:55 pm ... yahooo!!! Lost time! And then of crouse, the ABC engineer messed up the Audio and I didnt watch a lot of it in HD...I found that funny. Go through this whole waiting game and mini-ordeal, and the local engineer messes up the feed.


Was this OTA? or through the D* local? I thought the above poster said D* 86 was fine. Is D* 86 a national ABC or something?

In other words did the OTA and the local on D* have the same problem?

I cancelled my H20 and AT9 install, was getting for free, didn't want the 2 year committment.

Waiting for the MCE / D* convergence device, or if that is not soon enough I think I can get a better deal at DISH (more HD channels), no hardware to "lease" (at $99 per seems like buy to me).

All,

Today is my last day at AT&T. I am moving on to attend the police academy and handle my side business. If anyone needs help with AT&T questions, djearl81 would be the best one to contact. He works here on the same floor as myself. I just wanted to post this so that everyone knows djearl81 (Adam) can help now that I am leaving the company.

I gotta say my Thanks to Rich with helping me with SBC/ATT things in the past as well as put a plug for his side business Technovations. He installed a security system for me and did a great job at a reasonable price.

And, its much better to know a cop than an ATT insider!

Tim

Negative Reviews Continue as NYT Pans HD DVD

The following is from today's TV Predictions newsletter.

_____________________________________________________

Well, now it's official that the new HDTV DVD industry is in trouble.

David Pogue, the weekly technology columnist for The New York Times -- the man who's never met a gadget he didn't like -- has written a cautionary tale about Toshiba's new HD-DVD player. Pogue tells his readers that the machine is painfully slow to load a DVD; the remote is a "disaster"; and, worse of all, Toshiba could lose a format war to Sony, making the set-top obsolete in the coming months or years.
_____________________________________________________

For the full New York Times article, clickhere (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060526/BIZ04/605260370/1013) (free subscription required).

When was the last time Toshiba did anything right? Have they EVER made a quality product?

Tom,

As someone who tends to hold manufacturers to a high standard (which is basically that they should build their products to fully comply with industry standards), I don't think that Toshiba's products are remarkably better or worse than their direct competition.

As far as Toshiba nominees for quality products, their early model HD RPTVs (2001-2003) were among the best in the market, possibly only second to Mitsubishi (at the time).

One of the issues with all consumer electronics manufacturers is they follow the classic Japanese model for buying market share, which says you spare no expense in building the product that will gain you market share, and once that share is gained, you focus on reducing all costs to improve margins.

Sooner or later, this product development model results in a progressive reduction in quality.

One aside on the Toshiba DVD player. The current Toshiba HD DVD players have a major flaw in how they do color space conversions (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=675384) resulting in certain types of digital connections producing inaccurate color. What's perverse about this is how long Toshiba had to properly design and build these HD DVD players, and the fact that they are apparently incapable of following even their own product specifications and standards.

There are reports that Toshiba has recently issued its first firmware update for the new HD DVD players, but it's not clear whether this flaw has been addressed as part of that new version.

Negative Reviews Continue as NYT Pans HD DVD

The following is from today's TV Predictions newsletter.

_____________________________________________________

Well, now it's official that the new HDTV DVD industry is in trouble.

David Pogue, the weekly technology columnist for The New York Times -- the man who's never met a gadget he didn't like -- has written a cautionary tale about Toshiba's new HD-DVD player. Pogue tells his readers that the machine is painfully slow to load a DVD; the remote is a "disaster"; and, worse of all, Toshiba could lose a format war to Sony, making the set-top obsolete in the coming months or years.
_____________________________________________________

For the full New York Times article, clickhere (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060526/BIZ04/605260370/1013) (free subscription required).

Doug,

While I appreciate the comments from Mr. Pogue, I think he fails to recognize the human side of this story. I'm privy to some insider information that he is not. Let me address the three issues you bring up from his article.

First, the remote. It's true that the unit is somewhat lacking in both design and function. It is so long that some carpenters have taken to using it instead of a tape measure at their building sites. And a class action suit names it along with Bausch and Lomb contacts for causing blindness.

Here's the human side of that story. The remote was really designed by an extremely bright monkey. Most people don't know that Toshiba recently bought Westinghouse. That wasn't for Westinghouse TVs, though. It was for the Westinghouse nuclear business. One of the provisions of the purchase agreement was that Toshiba incorporate the remote design into its HD DVD player. Seems the monkey was part of a failed Westinghouse nuclear experiment and it was his dying wish that his work on remote controls be realized. I credit Toshiba for honoring that.

Next, the Toshiba is slow to turn on. While this is true, Toshiba does include a 6 page pamphlet on things to do while the player goes through its boot up sequence. And although some of these suggestions are just practical, many have actually added to my life. Page 3 suggests things like attending live baseball games and going to church, but page 6 ups the ante with some real gems. My favorites include making your own motion picture and helping children mature into contributing members of society. How can anyone with a heart not want that?

Finally, as to the idea that Toshiba may lose the format war to Sony, I have to say that I really don't believe that will happen. As someone who has bought an HD DVD player, I seriously doubt that I chose the wrong format. Since I chose this player (based on its being the first HD player on the market), I think it likely that it will prevail. In the end, this great player will take its rightful place in my technology museum with my Betamax VCR and Amiga computer.

I realize this is a little long, but I thought it was important to say these things. Plus, I had a little time after washing my car. I think my Toshiba A1 HD DVD player has had time to change the disc now, so I'm going to watch a movie.

LMAO, Good one Joe. Have you been through a lock-up yet? You'll know because you have to unplug the damn thing and try again. Its happend to 3 or 4 of the units we sold.

As far as Toshiba today, I'll tell you 6 or 7 out of 10 service calls I take are Toshiba TV issues. Not my customers, I WONT sell'em. The lamps?, burn out in a few months. The remotes?, all of them are different. Why cant the power on button from one Toshiba TV remote power up a different model number? The power button? Some are on the top left, some on the top right. Red light on, green light off? ? ? What is that? Cable Card, NEVER seen one work on a Toshiba out of my store. And dont even get me started on the touch panel on the old DLPs.

Couple of comments....

Joe--Emmy award winning post...Bravo!

Tom--from what you see coming in the store, is the general public aware of the new DVD format(s)? Is Toshiba promoting the HD DVD player/format nationally?
We've gotten so we watch just about everything from the DVR's, so rarely see any commercials.

The general public is clueless. Everyweek somebody wants a 4:3 flat panel because they think widescreens chop off peoples heads :(

And its not bad listening to TV speakers :banghead

LMAO, Good one Joe. Have you been through a lock-up yet? You'll know because you have to unplug the damn thing and try again. Its happend to 3 or 4 of the units we sold.

As far as Toshiba today, I'll tell you 6 or 7 out of 10 service calls I take are Toshiba TV issues. Not my customers, I WONT sell'em. The lamps?, burn out in a few months. The remotes?, all of them are different. Why cant the power on button from one Toshiba TV remote power up a different model number? The power button? Some are on the top left, some on the top right. Red light on, green light off? ? ? What is that? Cable Card, NEVER seen one work on a Toshiba out of my store. And dont even get me started on the touch panel on the old DLPs.

No, Tom, I haven't had any lockups yet. That may be because I was prepared for some flakiness with this player, and I've decided to be more deliberate in everything I do with it. Essentially, this thing is a limited use computer, and one thing I learned about computers is that you don't do anything too fast with early computer code. It's almost certain to crash on you. And that has to do with both the software and hardware used in first generation products. More sophisticated and smaller integrated circuits and faster and more optimized computer code will make the next generation of HD players better and more reliable, not to mention cheaper.

The only problem I've had with the Toshiba is one instance of a "stall" in the playback of Serenity. It happened once (froze for about half a second and then did a minor image breakup - not a disc problem) but I haven't had any issues since. Of course, I have only two HD DVDs - Serenity and Apollo 13.

I have created 50-60 discs of my own already - all the episodes of Battlestar Galactica that I've recorded from Universal HD, some Smallville episodes, Rick Steves' Europe, Smart Travels, Jeff Corwin, a few movies, my own material shot on HDV, miscellaneous other programs. That's really why I got the player, and I really am having a good time creating these discs. They're all on either single or double layer DVD recordables, and they play back flawlessly on the Toshiba. I could do the same thing with programs recorded with my MyHD cards (playing them back from the computer's DVD drive), but they never play without hiccups (from the same kind of discs that work just fine in the Toshiba).

The Toshiba has replaced my Oppo as the primary DVD player in my rack (because I don't have room for both). Really, the Toshiba is only marginally slower than the Oppo in opening discs (although it does power on a lot slower). I pause for an extra fraction of a second when I go pressing buttons on the remote (my Harmony, not the one that came with the player - their remote really is an ergonomic disaster).

Doug,

I read most of the thread about the Toshiba's color space felonies. I thought there was sometihng amiss about the Toshiba's color, but I thought it might have to do more with the fact that it's outputting 1080i to my Lumagen. Everything else is 720p going in. There is info there about a Lumagen workaround that I'll keep an eye open for.

Ken,

Thanks. From the creators of American Idol, there's a new show called "So You Think You're Funny?" I think I might try out for that. I hear you have to eat worms and sleep overnight in the belly of a dead horse, but what the heck. No risk, no bliss, right?

Joe, hilarious. Cutting wit, and adept humor.


Tom, what has Toshiba done well? Laptops. I've got two, and they both work well (vintage 2002 Satellite, and 2005 Qosmio G15).


I suppose we'll all figure out what the heck KPLR is up to eventually with 11-2. They also might not know it's on, either. Has anybody had an opportunity to check with them about it, yet?

I suppose we'll all figure out what the heck KPLR is up to eventually with 11-2. They also might not know it's on, either. Has anybody had an opportunity to check with them about it, yet?

i hope they put the bandwidth to good use, like a 24 hour radar loop :rolleyes:

Doug,

I read most of the thread about the Toshiba's color space felonies. I thought there was sometihng amiss about the Toshiba's color, but I thought it might have to do more with the fact that it's outputting 1080i to my Lumagen. Everything else is 720p going in. There is info there about a Lumagen workaround that I'll keep an eye open for.Joe,

The Lumagen firmware update that works around the Toshiba color space issues should be available, based on a post on the Video Processors forum at AVS that I saw earlier in the week from the head of Lumagen (Patrick). If you haven't done a firmware update recently, I'd suggest reading back through the release notes for all those since your last update, as there may be some one-off upgrade issues to be aware of.

There might also be some minor issues with the Lumagen not being calibrated for 1080i, but in my experience overall, 720p and 1080i reference signals tend to be very, very close and typically require only the most minor tweaking. Based on the wide variability among standard-definition DVD players, I'd be more concerned about other non-standard things that the Toshiba might be doing -- if you get to the point where the Toshiba player is seeing more regular action, you may want to have your Lumagen recalibrated, from the player with an HD-format test disc. Maybe when it comes time to replace the lamp in your Optoma.

FWIW, the speed at which Lumagen confirmed the cause of this issue and the fact that they've issued a firmware "fix" for it (even before Toshiba) is another indicator of the incredible after-sale service they provide to customers. Anyone who is considering a scaler/video processor should put Lumagen at the very top of their prospect list.

Great post, Joe. Dave Berry lives...

If you change to 11-2 using a receiver (at least on mine, anyway) it shows "TubeTV" for a split second in the PSIP info, and then it shows "N/A" in all fields.

What the heck is TubeTV? Is it this one: www.thetubetv.com? If it is we've got a DTV version of MTV or VH1....hardly worth the bandwidth, and audiolocator, I might actually prefer a radar sweep...or ABC News Now, or anything...or nothing.

I might actually prefer a radar sweep...or ABC News Now, or anything...or nothing.In case someone is taking a poll on what we'd like to see added as a KPLR subchannel, please mark me down for a double helping of NOTHING.

And, please, let my vote count (at least) TWICE!!!

Joe,

The Lumagen firmware update that works around the Toshiba color space issues should be available, based on a post on the Video Processors forum at AVS that I saw earlier in the week from the head of Lumagen (Patrick). If you haven't done a firmware update recently, I'd suggest reading back through the release notes for all those since your last update, as there may be some one-off upgrade issues to be aware of.

There might also be some minor issues with the Lumagen not being calibrated for 1080i, but in my experience overall, 720p and 1080i reference signals tend to be very, very close and typically require only the most minor tweaking. Based on the wide variability among standard-definition DVD players, I'd be more concerned about other non-standard things that the Toshiba might be doing -- if you get to the point where the Toshiba player is seeing more regular action, you may want to have your Lumagen recalibrated, from the player with an HD-format test disc. Maybe when it comes time to replace the lamp in your Optoma.

FWIW, the speed at which Lumagen confirmed the cause of this issue and the fact that they've issued a firmware "fix" for it (even before Toshiba) is another indicator of the incredible after-sale service they provide to customers. Anyone who is considering a scaler/video processor should put Lumagen at the very top of their prospect list.

Great post, Joe. Dave Berry lives...

Doug,

Right now, I have the Toshiba on input 1 of the Lumagen, apart from the 720p sources. Does the upgrade allow a user to correct for the Toshiba without negatively impacting other sources?

Glad some of you enjoyed my post. Sometimes I get a little too serious about all this stuff and it's fun just to laugh about it once in a while.

I support nothing else on 11, too. I think, though, that they've been prepping us for this for a while now, lowering the bit rate in the hopes no one would notice a change when they add a sub-channel. That occurred to me when I started seeing a lot of artifacting in the signal I hadn't seen before. I wouldn't be surprised if Fox isn't getting ready to do the same thing. You may remember my posts from a while back on seeing MPEG blocking during shot changes. Thanks, channel 5, for your weather channel, and once again leading the way in HDTV in St. Louis.

Joe,

I haven't actually loaded this update on my HDP demo unit (no need), but my understanding from the AVS posting by Patrick is that this fix can toggled on and off, and is input-specific.

So, as long as you're not going into Input 1 via a multi-input switch (in other words, the Toshiba HD DVD has its own dedicated input on your HDP), you should be fine.

Let me know how it goes if you load it up.

If you change to 11-2 using a receiver (at least on mine, anyway) it shows "TubeTV" for a split second in the PSIP info, and then it shows "N/A" in all fields.

What the heck is TubeTV? Is it this one: www.thetubetv.com? If it is we've got a DTV version of MTV or VH1....hardly worth the bandwidth, and audiolocator, I might actually prefer a radar sweep...or ABC News Now, or anything...or nothing.

Go to channel 13 WPIX, they have something called TubeTV, it's nothing but music videos.

if you go to thetubetv website and click on Where to Watch, KPLR is listed with a "TBA" digital channel number

if you go to thetubetv website and click on Where to Watch, KPLR is listed with a "TBA" digital channel number


Uh oh... and here KPLR has been about my favorite local HD channel (full bandwidth, glitches are rare, picture quality in general).... I have a bad feeling about this.

I'm not familiar with Tube TV, but it seems like a clueless idea for a subchannel, though I'll concede that's an opinion rooted in deep anti-subchannel bias.

But even if I weren't against subchannels stealing HD bandwidth... :rolleyes:

I've long been a proponent of seeing more music programming on TV, but this concept is positively Stone Age. Music programming in the year 2006 should be taking advantage of high-resolution pictures, the widescreen format and multi-channel surround sound. Slapping this onto an SD subchannel has "bad retro idea" written all over it.

I'd much rather KPLR schedule a pop music program (or other multiple genres) on its main digital channel with HD video and surround sound. This could be scheduled late night as counterprogramming to the talk shows and news programs, or it could be part of the weekend schedule to counter sports blocs or weak prime-time schedules.

I suspect this will be at least as dismal as DirecTV's pathetic CD USA (or whatever it's called). Regardless, I won't be watching...

FYI, Tribune, Media General and Sinclair have all made a deal with the Tube Network to broadcast Tube TV on a digital secondary channel. Tribune gets the first choice in St. Louis so KDNL will not carry it, but we will in Springfield(WICS) and Champaign(WICD). Our plan is to allocate only 2.5 mb to The Tube and 15 mb to HD. Not sure how much bandwidth KPLR will use.
Jim

FYI, Tribune, Media General and Sinclair have all made a deal with the Tube Network to broadcast Tube TV on a digital secondary channel. Tribune gets the first choice in St. Louis so KDNL will not carry it, but we will in Springfield(WICS) and Champaign(WICD). Our plan is to allocate only 2.5 mb to The Tube and 15 mb to HD. Not sure how much bandwidth KPLR will use.
Jim

Thanks for the info Jim,

I for one am glad you won't be carrying it, and am grateful you don't carry the ABC News Now subchannel, either.

I don't suppose it's possible for KPLR to only allocate VCD-type bandwidth? :D

FYI, Tribune, Media General and Sinclair have all made a deal with the Tube Network to broadcast Tube TV on a digital secondary channel. Tribune gets the first choice in St. Louis so KDNL will not carry it, but we will in Springfield(WICS) and Champaign(WICD). Our plan is to allocate only 2.5 mb to The Tube and 15 mb to HD. Not sure how much bandwidth KPLR will use.
Jim

That is good news for us here in St. Louis. KDNL is the best HD in St. Louis now, and I hope you don't start multicasting. It's been a visual disaster for KSDK, and I'd wager they've already reduced the bit rate for KPLR for the subchannel. It's been much worse lately than it used to be.

I suppose the concerns of the viewers really don't matter much to the suits who make the decisions, but if you could pass the word, Jim, that we don't like what multicasting does, I'd appreciate it. You don't have to look too hard to see the damage it does to the signal. KDNL remains the only station (I really haven't watched much at all on KMOV, so I can't say for sure there) that doesn't show serious issues with its signal.

i have no problems with KMOV. I think their PQ is great.... for now

i have no problems with KMOV. I think their PQ is great.... for now

Enjoy it while it lasts. I read elsewhere on AVS that CBS is planning to multicast a second channel called "CBS Dot 2." Not only will they steal bandwidth from the main HD channel for it, they plan to charge cable operators for the signal. Admittedly, there's been no word whether KMOV plans to carry it when/if it actually starts. Let's hope not.

Again, thanks to KDNL for not carrying ABC News Now. :)

Enjoy it while it lasts. I read elsewhere on AVS that CBS is planning to multicast a second channel called "CBS Dot 2." Not only will they steal bandwidth from the main HD channel for it, they plan to charge cable operators for the signal. Admittedly, there's been no word whether KMOV plans to carry it when/if it actually starts. Let's hope not.

Again, thanks to KDNL for not carrying ABC News Now. :)

I fear they'll all head down that dark path. Maybe the golden days of HD *are* over.

What do I tell D* to get channel 88 - (FOXE) added? I called them up and explained that we have a FOX owned local and should be eligible to receive it. However, the CSR said he had no way to activate it and couldn't even request a waiver.

What did I do wrong?

-Mike

Mike, call again and try a different CSR.

If that one isn't able to help, escalate it to a supervisor.

And if that doesn't work, ask to be connected to the retention desk and explain the problem to them. No need to make threats -- the fact that you're talking to a retention rep should speak volumes.

Isn't the Indy 500 pre-race show supposed to be in HD from KDNL???? So far it's not.

Unbelievable, the "Greatest Spectacle in Motor Racing" is in SD. What, ABC couldn't free up the cameras they use on Monday Night Football? Oh how the once mighty race has fallen. Or, has someone at KDNL forgotten to flip the switch?

Isn't the Indy 500 pre-race show supposed to be in HD from KDNL???? So far it's not.
It isn't listed as HD on TitanTV. Looks like we're screwed. Not to mention the SARA alert scrolling across the screen.

It isn't listed as HD on TitanTV. Looks like we're screwed. Not to mention the SARA alert scrolling across the screen.


And as usual, no one at KDNL is answering the phone.

Perhaps we can hope something changes when the motors start! I'm doubting it!

There are a couple of threads on the Indy 500 in HDTV Programing. the owner of the race owns the rights to the production and chose not to do HD. So its not a ABC/KDNL mess up.

There are a couple of threads on the Indy 500 in HDTV Programing. the owner of the race owns the rights to the production and chose not to do HD. So its not a ABC/KDNL mess up.
The owner of the race is the same idiot that split from CART a decade ago and effectively killed open wheel racing in this country. That's why you see the retirees like Michael Andretti, Al Unser Jr., and Eddie Cheever as field fillers and the significant number of cars without major sponsors or that have little known "major" sponsors, the loss of all the engine suppliers but Honda, etc., etc.

Just to clarify, but it's not like ABC has a stack of HD cameras sitting idle from Monday Night Football and are indifferent to using them for the Indy 500.

HD Mobile units as a rule are rented and they include not just the cameras but all the ancillary equipment needed for routing, distributing, switching, communication, etc.

That may still mean that ABC is indifferent, but if so, it means they're indifferent to picking up the tab for rental of the equipment needed to do an HD production of the race. FWIW, I would assume that the logistics of something like the Indy 500 would make an HD production (especially one that used ONLY HD cameras) both difficult and quite a bit more expensive than a typical pro football game.

And as usual, no one at KDNL is answering the phone.

I don't think there's anybody there to answer phones on the weekend. Jim, feel free to correct me on that. Before I started posting here, If a problem cropped up at 30, I tried the main number (314) 421-3030 [There's another number somewhere, I think], and nobody answered. I believe it's the same way over KETC.

I HAVE A QUESTION

I have Direct tv and an Hd dvr the h10 i think so the way I understand it I can only get my local Hd channels if I get the new mpeg 4 reciever and a new dish. . Is that right. And what about my DVR service I only need 1 tv hooked up. AM just out of luck with my DVR IF I WANT THE LOCAL HD AND DOES DIRECT TV CARRY NFL NETWORK IN HD AND WHAT IS THE CHANNEL. I ALSO READ PEOPLE GETTING THE NATIONAL HD FEEDS. AM I ENTITLED TO THAT SINCE I AM AN HD SUBSCRIBER. AND LAST ANY WORD ON FSN-HD ON DIRECT . THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY HELP

Shooter -

I also have H10-250 HD DVR. You can get the locals just by hooking up an antenna. If you want to get the HD locals via the satellite then you would need an MPEG4 receiver or DVR. Unfortunately, the MPEG4 DVR's aren't out yet.

The only national feed you can get in St. Louis is Fox East (Channel 88) but you have to call D* up and have them activate it. I don't know about NFL HD or FSMW-HD.

-Mike

Suit Alleges MPAA Hired "Hacker" to Infiltrate Torrentspy

The following story is excerpted from the ZDNet website:
_________________________________________________

A lawsuit filed Wednesday accuses the Motion Picture Association of America of hiring a hacker to steal information from a company that the MPAA has accused of helping copyright violators.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California by Torrentspy.com parent Valence Media, doesn't identify the man the company says was approached by an MPAA executive. But the suit calls the man a former associate of one of the plaintiffs and alleges that he was asked to retrieve private information on Torrentspy.com, a search engine that directs people to download links.

Torrentspy's complaint includes claims that the man whom the MPAA allegedly paid $15,000 to steal e-mail correspondence and trade secrets has admitted his role in the plot and is cooperating with the company.

"It is a Hollywood drama, what happened here," Ira Rothken, Torrentspy's attorney, said in a telephone interview Wednesday evening.

The allegations come three months after the MPAA filed suit against Torrentspy and other directories for allegedly making it easier for pirates to distribute movies over the Internet.
_________________________________________________

To read the entire story, click here. (http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9588_22-6076665.html?tag=nl.e550)

Shoot,

I think mpcart has answered most of your questions.

I believe that the NFL's HD channel is part of the premium sports package. If I recall correctly, that will cost you around $12 a month, assuming you don't already pay for that and depending on the number of other premium packages you subscribe to (there's a discount applied to multiple premium packages).

On FSMW-HD, that is not available on a regular basis on DirecTV. However, selected FSMW-HD programs are carried on DirecTV channel 95. Don't get your hopes too high, though; of the 5 or 6 Cardinal HD games carried by FSN so far, I believe only two were available via 95.

We have regular contact here with the folks at FSN, so they usually let us know when a Cards game will be available on channel 95 a day or two beforehand. Check here for updates.

There's also a list of all Cardinals games in HD here. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7576786&&#post7576786)

Just wanted to say thanks to all that have been or is with the services, and to remember those who have fallen...

Shoot,
I believe that the NFL's HD channel is part of the premium sports package. If I recall correctly, that will cost you around $12 a month, assuming you don't already pay for that and depending on the number of other premium packages you subscribe to (there's a discount applied to multiple premium packages).

I am quite certain the NFL Network is not yet carried full time in HD by anyone. Like FSNMW-HD, D* will carry select NFL Network shows in HD (like the Game of the Week) on channel 95.

By the way, not only will you need an mpeg4 receiver to get local channels in HD from D*, you also need a 5 lnb satellite dish.

I am quite certain the NFL Network is not yet carried full time in HD by anyone. Like FSNMW-HD, D* will carry select NFL Network shows in HD (like the Game of the Week) on channel 95.

By the way, not only will you need an mpeg4 receiver to get local channels in HD from D*, you also need a 5 lnb satellite dish.
This past week when Dish uplinked (not yet available to subs) HGHD, NGHD, & StarzHD, they also gave NFLHD sole occupation of channel 9464. It used to be shared with 3 other feeds, and only aired 2 hours/week.
Hopefully it is in preparation for making NFLHD available full time.

FWIW, I would assume that the logistics of something like the Indy 500 would make an HD production (especially one that used ONLY HD cameras) both difficult and quite a bit more expensive than a typical pro football game.There's plenty of NASCAR programming in HD. No reason why IRL should be any harder. In fact, a couple years ago some ChampCar street races were presented in HD.

FYI: the USGP at Indianapolis (July 2) will be recorded in HD by FOM (Formula One Management, the commercial rights holder to Formula 1 racing), but it doesn't like like anyone will actually be able to see it. Speed will handle the television broadcast.

Sorry if this has been asked and answered before. Newbie here would appreciate any help that you offer:
I am planning on using charter cable>HDMI>Denon AVR 2807, *but* have been hearing that it may be quite difficult : http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21194

b/c of lagging software on charter's end.
1) Is there anyone out there that has used this exact setup?

2) Does anyone use a HDMI switching receiver that seems to have a good interface with charter's cable box
3) *If* I get a TV with cable card, does this obviate the issue? (Unfortunately, I have heard just as many horror stories with getting the cable card set up)
4) What cable box does charter use (I plan on digital cable/HD setup)


thanks in advance

I don't think there's anybody there to answer phones on the weekend. Jim, feel free to correct me on that. Before I started posting here, If a problem cropped up at 30, I tried the main number (314) 421-3030 [There's another number somewhere, I think], and nobody answered. I believe it's the same way over KETC.

The main line goes to a V/M box at nights and on weekends, but you have my number if you look back a few threads. I hesitate to give out a direct number...when sometihing goes wrong, the last thing the operator needs is the phone ringing off the wall. Again, best way to reach me is by pager...314-790-1151.
Jim
P.S. I also was surprised that the 500 was not in HD

A power failure and power hit this AM killed the Dolby 5.1 encoder. Had to bypass much of the audio path. Not sure the lipsync is correct...hard to check without a test signal. Now don't compain about no back up equipment...remember there's no revenue attached to the digital signal...yet!
Jim

Jim,

Do you know if KDNL is planning to do anything in terms of making part of its digital bandwidth available to MovieBeam? I guess you know what answer I want to hear, but sometimes a guy just has to face up to the fact that the dominoes are falling... ;)

Your comment about "no revenue attached to the digital signal...yet" is what's leading me to ask if MovieBeam might be in the wings. FWIW, it seems to me like the sort of thing that Sinclair would want to do...

In case someone is taking a poll on what we'd like to see added as a KPLR subchannel, please mark me down for a double helping of NOTHING.

And, please, let my vote count (at least) TWICE!!!

I vote for radar. Beats Weather Plus.

Seriously, guys, you're gonna have to live with the eventuality of at least one sub-channel on each channel. Unless you can force the FCC to re-farm spectrum to 8 MHZ channels like Europe, loss of bandwidth is inevitable.

Jim,

Do you know if KDNL is planning to do anything in terms of making part of its digital bandwidth available to MovieBeam? I guess you know what answer I want to hear, but sometimes a guy just has to face up to the fact that the dominoes are falling... ;)

Your comment about "no revenue attached to the digital signal...yet" is what's leading me to ask if MovieBeam might be in the wings. FWIW, it seems to me like the sort of thing that Sinclair would want to do...

I've heard no talk of MovieBeam, but a weather subchannel is possible. The main focus now is to get The Tube up and running on 28 of our stations. Corporate is well aware of the bandwidth need for HD...that's why we're limiting The Tube to 2.5.
Jim

Jim, the lip sync appears to be way off still...I was wondering what the deal was till I read your post.

Looking for some advice on a PC Monitor. I think I would like a 19 or 20" widescreen to replace my Dell. Cost between$ 200-$500. It would be used for games and everday use.

Looking for some advice on a PC Monitor. I think I would like a 19 or 20" widescreen to replace my Dell. Cost between$ 200-$500. It would be used for games and everday use.

Viewsonic VX2025WM

20" widescreen, 8ms, 800:1, analog & digital inputs.

newegg.com & buy.com (w/ 10% off coupon) have the best prices (<$350)

Viewsonic VX2025WM

20" widescreen, 8ms, 800:1, analog & digital inputs.

newegg.com & buy.com (w/ 10% off coupon) have the best prices (<$350)
jdieh, Is there anywhere locally I can view this, CC, BB, or UE.

This past week when Dish uplinked (not yet available to subs) HGHD, NGHD, & StarzHD, they also gave NFLHD sole occupation of channel 9464.

Any idea on when these channels will become live to the subscribers? I saw an add for a show on the National Geographics channel the other day for Monday and was expecting them all to be on today, but I didn't see any.

Also, being a 'Silver' subscriber with no premium movie channels, I can assume that I won't get StarzHD. I guess I can also assume since the NG channel is part of the 'Gold' SD package, that I won't get the HD version either. Since the NFL network and HGTV (Dude! Did you see how they decorated that apartment with just a role of twine, some glue and some of those sparkly things? It was excellent!) are part of the Silver package, I'm assuming I WILL receive those.

Are my assumptions correct? (Never assume, I know.)

jdieh, Is there anywhere locally I can view this, CC, BB, or UE.

A quick search on each site would lead me to belive that it is only carried by Circuit City (for $389 online). However, I only did a search for 'VX2025WM' and didn't dig any deeper than if any results showed up. Good luck!

Greetings all,
Looks like 11.2 will become: TheTUBEtv

Just go to their website -

(Click on the 'WHERE TO WATCH' button)

Select the DOT that indicates St Louis, Mo.

A story posted on Wikipedia also shows how
all Tribune owned WB stations are getting the
TUBE channel on their DTV lineups.

For WRBU-DT viewers, looks like WRBU will become
the 'MY NETWORK TV affilaite for St Louis, once UPN
& WB combine into the 'CW' network on KPLR-DT.


Hopefully WRBU-DT will actually have a HD stream.
And perhaps 1 SD stream.

Bill Would Green Light Cable to Downgrade HD Locals

The following story excerpt is from today's TV Predictions newsletter.

FWIW, I think this story misses an important point. Once analog broadcasting ends in 2009, cable TV subscribers without an HD-capable TV (and I think those numbers will be significant) wouldn't be able to view any HD programming carried by their local network affilliate, either because their TV isn't HD capable, or because they're only subscribing to a non-HD service (millions of remaining analog cable subs).

This real obstacle COULD be worked around by local stations delivering a separate analog SD-only version of their digital broadcast feeds in addition to the primary full-bandwidth digital feed. I don't know of any legislation that would explicitly forbid that sort of two-headed arrangement, though I suppose that one of the gotchas for cable is that local stations would be tempted try to get an additional ongoing fee from this sort of feed (though they have more to lose in eyeballs/advertising rates declining).

In any event, this seems like the sort of solutions that the FCC should be encouraging, rather than letting Congress tread once again where they have no understanding of the issues.

The TV Predictions excerpt follows:
________________________________________________________

As a former congressional correspondent, and Washington, D.C. native, I have long given up on the federal government acting on behalf of the American people. I've seen too much first hand to feel differently. Regardless of which party is in control, lawmakers and bureaucrats will push policies designed to win favor (and contributions) from corporate lobbyists and special interest groups.

However, even these jaded eyes will sometime open wide in surprise at the sheer arrogance of the men and women who are paid with our tax dollars.

Case in point: The Senate is considering legislation that would allow cable operators to 'downconvert' some broadcast High-Definition TV channels to standard definition. The bill, which is now part of a larger telecom law scheduled for congressional markup next month, is aimed at easing the cable industry's concern that it will eventually be required to carry multiple HDTV signals from local affiliates. Cable operators say that would take up channel space they would rather use for other services.
________________________________________________________

To read the full TV Predictions story, click here. (http://www.tvpredictions.com/)

jdieh, Is there anywhere locally I can view this, CC, BB, or UE.

I've seen it at CC before.

NewEgg has it for $344.99 free shipping, no tax.
Buy.com has it for $354.99 free shipping, no tax (but they often have 10% off coupons that would make it the better deal).

It has received some outstanding reviews at Newegg.com from purchasers:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?item=N82E16824116381

There are a couple of threads on the Indy 500 in HDTV Programing. the owner of the race owns the rights to the production and chose not to do HD. So its not a ABC/KDNL mess up.Here is some more detailed info about it:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=301619

I still have an episode or 2 plus the finale of LOST left to watch. They are on my DVR recorded from 30.1. Am I going to be able to watch the finale? I saw many of you said there were glitches. Is it watchable or do I need to make sure my brother in law doesn't delete his recorded from the SD channel?

I still have an episode or 2 plus the finale of LOST left to watch. They are on my DVR recorded from 30.1. Am I going to be able to watch the finale? I saw many of you said there were glitches. Is it watchable or do I need to make sure my brother in law doesn't delete his recorded from the SD channel?


Can't you just watch them and see? I don't understand the question.

deuces,

The audio is fanucked the first 20 minutes of the finale episode, but you can work around this by watching it closed captioned.

I'd never had to do this before, but it was fairly straightforward to set up on the HD TiVo -- at least once I figured out that the settings were NOT in the Audio/Closed Caption menu but under Video (sort of logical that, but NOT exactly)...

I assume your DISH DVR has a similar function (though probably easier to find).

My father lives in Nashville, TN and just had a 50" plasma delivered and wants to upgrade his existing D* service to the HD Tivo. The plasma is still in its box in the garage.

I will be going to his house to hook everything up and show him how to use it - however, I'd like to minimize the number of trips down there. So my question is . . .

Can the D* installer add the 3LNB dish, the OTA antenna, and the HD Tivo to his old SD TV or do I need to go down there and hook up the plasma beforehand? I assume that all I need the installer to do is put the new dish and antenna up and make sure it is aligned correctly - and I'm hoping the installer can check signal strength on the old TV.

If he can do that, then I can hook up the plasma after D* does their job.

Thanks,

-Mike

Thanks Doug,

I can't wait to watch them, I have just been so busy I haven't been able to.

On a side note, if you recall I was having trouble with my JVC HDILA "flickering". The color will go from brighter to drab and back sometimes. Do you think this is the bulb? It is just over a year old with not too many hours on it. It should not be from the bulb being worn out. It is still a problem I didn't know if you thought you could diagnose it. I wrote a letter to JVC and they simply said "if it is out of warranty there is nothing we can do." I am considering writing a much stronger letter. But if you have any ideas I would listen. Also if you think you can fix it I would certainly pay for it to be fixed, but I don't want to spend a lot of money on something I think JVC should help with.

And another side note, we now have a NEC 42" Plasma in the bedroom. Any idea on the cost to calibrate it? Have you calibrated one before?

I've seen it at CC before.

NewEgg has it for $344.99 free shipping, no tax.
Buy.com has it for $354.99 free shipping, no tax (but they often have 10% off coupons that would make it the better deal).

It has received some outstanding reviews at Newegg.com from purchasers:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?item=N82E16824116381
jdieh, I looked on buy.com and saw the $354 price where do you get the 10% off discount I didn't see that anywhere?

jdieh, I looked on buy.com and saw the $354 price where do you get the 10% off discount I didn't see that anywhere?

Those coupon codes come and go quickly.

Just google "buy.com coupon codes" and hopefully one of them will work.

Question about lip-synching...I've noticed that the HD programming on various channels has intermittent problems with lip-synching. Generally, it seems that the audio precedes the video signal. Like at the moment, I'm watching basketball on TNT and the lip-synching is quite bad...what is the reason for this?

deuces,

I couldn't say for sure without seeing the problem you've described, but a bad lamp would probably be the most logical explanation. I have another client with one of the JVC 70-inch DILA sets and the bulb in their set failed in a similar fashion after around 200 hours. They were able to get the retailer (Ultimate) to replace the lamp at no charge, but I think that was largely because it happened so soon after the sale.

If the manufacturer makes any claims for expected lamp life, and if you've fallen significantly short of that total usage, I think you should at least expect a significant discount if you have to buy a new lamp -- or better yet, a 2-for-1 deal so that you're somewhat insulated from a premature failure going forward.

But ultimately this sort of thing will come down to what you can negotiate and how much the company that sold you your TV wants to keep you in the frame as a long-term customer. Good luck in getting your problem resolved -- and let me know if I can be of further help.

On your NEC plasma, let me know the model number. Also, can you tell me if yours has settings labeled as "ISF Day" and "ISF Night" for each input -- these allow the calibration to be stored in protected settings and also to tailor them for different ambient lighting conditions.

I have worked on some NEC panels in the past but not recently. I believe that apart from the 60-inch+ models, the NECs are based on Panasonic glass, but that may have changed and I can check into this further once I know the model number for yours.

The typical calibration fee for a plasma display would be $400 and would include adjustments for up to three different signal types.

Question about lip-synching...I've noticed that the HD programming on various channels has intermittent problems with lip-synching. Generally, it seems that the audio precedes the video signal. Like at the moment, I'm watching basketball on TNT and the lip-synching is quite bad...what is the reason for this?rs,

I don't watch pro basketball, so I can't comment on the TNT issue you cited. I'll try to pay attention to this the next time I'm channel-surfing and there's a game on.

Maybe I'm not as sensitive to lip sync as some, but I rarely see obvious problems. There has been recent problems, as reported here, for both KPLR (the baseball game on Sunday was especially bad) and KDNL has also had some recent problems.

Are you doing any sort of scaling or video transcoding (going from component to DVI, for instance). This sort of thing could cause some slight delay in video, but generally not to the sort of level you're indicating.

Are you doing HDMI switching through an AV receiver? There are reports of problems with early HDMI-capable AV receivers. Up until the past 6 months, only the video side of HDMI was in play, but now that there are receivers and other devices capable of extracting audio from HDMI, there are more reports of problems with audio not working properly.

My father lives in Nashville, TN and just had a 50" plasma delivered and wants to upgrade his existing D* service to the HD Tivo. The plasma is still in its box in the garage.

I will be going to his house to hook everything up and show him how to use it - however, I'd like to minimize the number of trips down there. So my question is . . .

Can the D* installer add the 3LNB dish, the OTA antenna, and the HD Tivo to his old SD TV or do I need to go down there and hook up the plasma beforehand? I assume that all I need the installer to do is put the new dish and antenna up and make sure it is aligned correctly - and I'm hoping the installer can check signal strength on the old TV.

If he can do that, then I can hook up the plasma after D* does their job.

Thanks,

-MikeFirst things first -- if this is a long-distance hand-holding exercise, I'd suggest that you just bite the bullet and have the 5-LNB dish installed, rather than going with the 3-LNB version now and have to upgrade in a year or two (cost + hassle).

I've never been particularly wowed by the antenna installation work done by DirecTV installers, but maybe that's just luck of the draw. FWIW, I wouldn't fool around with any antenna they provide -- better to provide your own along with the mounting hardware required and plan on doing a direct deal with the installer to do that work for you.

I know nothing at all about Nashville signal reception (suggest you read up on the local situation there via AVS), but as a rule I normally suggest that the first option should be to place an antenna in the attic, simply because it's easier (strictly speaking, you don't have to mount it) and that solution rates much higher on the Wife Acceptance Factor scale (as well as the Neighbor Acceptance Scale).

On the other hand, a roof-mount is the best guarantee of reliable reception and if it's not a big deal on the domestic front, it's the more certain solution.

There should be no need to have the plasma installed prior to the DirecTV visit, but you need to be very clear on where you want to have the coax leads for your satellite and antenna run so that swapping out the TiVo and connecting it to the plasma is as straightforward as possible (give thought to interconnect cable run lengths).

Of course, you need two coax runs from your satellite for the HD TiVo in order to take advantage of the two-tuner functionality. FWIW, I'd actually run a third coax run for satellite, as I think it's only a matter of time before we see three-tuner DVRs (if not more). That might be wishful thinking on my part, but it does seem to be the logical "next step"... :)

deuces,

One other follow-up point on my reply above.

If it's not too late to qualify, you may want to consider buying an extended warranty for your JVC HDTV. Only you can determine if such a warranty purchase makes economic sense, but I do think it is worth consideration, even at this late stage.

For the past 18 months or so, due to medium- and long-term concerns about LCOS reliability, I've taken a fairly hard line against purchases of RPTVs using this technology. In fact, up to a few weeks ago, I was definitely softening my stance on LCOS displays, because it appeared that both JVC and Sony had, for the most part, cracked the manufacturing challenges that have been a recurring problem with LCOS displays the past few years.

However, I've now been seeing growing reports of display anomalies ("blobs," "streaking") with Sony's SXRD displays. While there had been some early reports of temporary blobs occurring with SXRD sets when they were powered up from a cold start, these faded once the electronics and panels were warmed up. But now, according to online reports from owners of these sets (including one of my fellow ISF calibrators) some of these blobs are now becoming more persistent, if not permanent. There's also a growing number of reports of discolored streaks appearing on SXRD screens that become permanent.

All of this is disappointing, and especially worrying if you've invested a lot of dough in one of these sets. While I think the variants of LCOS technology, particularly Sony's SXRD sets, come as close to CRT performance as anything out there, the reliability issues don't seem to be going away as everyonel hoped they would.

No doubt, buying a new HDTV can be a difficult decision and this is just another complication. As I've said here before, I think that regardless of what type or brand of HDTV you purchase, that you should take a long and serious look at the cost/benefit equation for an extended warranty.

But in the case of an LCOS-based HDTV, I think an extended warranty is essential, assuming warranty cost is reasonable.

The audio is fanucked the first 20 minutes of the finale episode, but you can work around this by watching it closed captioned.I would have thought that ABC30 would have tried to re-run the episode with that problem -- but I guess they really don't care about their HD viewers. :(

STL,

In the case of repeating or not repeating the "Lost" finale, it's not a matter of not caring about HD viewers.

First, KDNL doesn't have the ability to record HD programming coming in from the network.

Second, even if they did, there are very strict rules about retransmitting a previously aired program. In many cases, the program creator negotiates a strict limit on the number of times a program can be aired. In the event that a re-broadcast was warranted, KDNL would need to seek permission from the network, and in turn, the network would probably need to get the OK from the company that holds copyright on "Lost."

As another example of how retransmission comes into play, there was news story today reporting that both CNN and the Cartoon Network are suing Cablevision over Cablevision's plans to deliver a DVR-style service to its subscribers via a centralized Cablevision-owned DVR array. Cablevision is interested in this as a way of providing DVR services to its customers without installing DVR hardware in every customer home. But CNN and Cartoon Network view this as unauthorized retransmission of their content.

In the end, the suit against Cablevision is probably something that will be "negotiated away" in return for some sort of ongoing fee flowing back to program originators for allowing this specific use of their content.

Thanks Doug,

I think I am going to write another letter and suggest they make a small investment by sending me a new bulb to see if that is the problem and avoiding losing a consumer for life. I will even suggest sending them the bulb back if that is not the problem. I am going to chase this as hard as I can. If I get nowhere I may have you come make a service call if you think you would have any luck.

I will look on the NEC when I get a chance and see if I can find what you are referring to.

deuces,

I'm not a repair tech, so I don't think that me making a service call would do much good, unlike like last time when I was at least able to eliminate your antenna as the source of your DISH receiver problem.

Your JVC issue sounds like a service call is probably your best bet. I've recently come across a service company that appears to be on the ball, but I don't know if they do service for JVC, or if they do calls in Illinois.

But here's the details if you'd like to make contact at some point:

Schneider TV & Video
8531 Olive Blvd
St. Louis, MO
Phone: (314) 993-0707

There's also a growing number of reports of discolored streaks appearing on SXRD screens that become permanent.

.

Doug,

I've got an SXRD with a light blue streak or bar horizontally across, 4 inches from the bottom. Not visible on all programing depending on the colors displayed, but is on all inputs. I haven't seen this discussed in the SXRD forum. Is this a light leak or optical block problem IYO?

It is because of problems like this developing in a new set that I haven't done a calibration yet (we talked by phone in January about doing my 2 HD sets, and I need to get it done when this issue is resolved).

Thanks,

Dave

Dave,

Here's a link to a thread at the Rear Projection Display area here at AVS that discusses (and illustrates) some of the recent problems reported with SXRD sets:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=667897

Note that the signal-to-noise ratio of this thread is not great, as there's lots of off-topic comments thrown in along the way. The first page and screengrabs contain most of the useful info. There is some mention on the third page about the historical problems with LCoS, specifically the early Toshiba LCoS RPTVs.

Good luck with this, Dave. Note that if you want to get your other set calibrated now, you'd still get the normal 20% discount on the second calibration and there wouldn't be any travel charge.

Doug,

thanks for the link, I had not seen that one. Seems to identify my problem. I'll hook up with you when this is resolved. The second (Panasonic CT-36HL42) is a bedroom viewer and can wait until the SXRD is done.

thanks,

Dave

First, KDNL doesn't have the ability to record HD programming coming in from the network.And that only shows they are too cheap to make the investment! It's sad when the general public can record HD and the local broadcaster can't.

Second, even if they did, there are very strict rules about retransmitting a previously aired program. In many cases, the program creator negotiates a strict limit on the number of times a program can be aired. In the event that a re-broadcast was warranted, KDNL would need to seek permission from the network, and in turn, the network would probably need to get the OK from the company that holds copyright on "Lost."

As another example of how retransmission comes into play, there was news story today reporting that both CNN and the Cartoon Network are suing Cablevision over Cablevision's plans to deliver a DVR-style service to its subscribers via a centralized Cablevision-owned DVR array. Cablevision is interested in this as a way of providing DVR services to its customers without installing DVR hardware in every customer home. But CNN and Cartoon Network view this as unauthorized retransmission of their content.

In the end, the suit against Cablevision is probably something that will be "negotiated away" in return for some sort of ongoing fee flowing back to program originators for allowing this specific use of their content.I fully understand why Cablevision (a cable company) is being sued by the various networks, and I serious doubt KDNL (a local network broadcaster -- not a cable company) would not have been be able to secure the rights to at least rebroadcast the portion of the show that didn't have audio during their initial boradcast (due to their carelessness/cheapness). But in the end, I feel like they simply don't care enough about their HD viewers to spend the time or money to make that happen.

STL,

You seem to be taking the KDNL "Lost" snafu personally, and I guess that's your right if that makes you happy. But geez, it's been a week now I'd think you'd be over it by now.

Anyway, I think you need to at least recognize and ideally understand a few things:

* First, KDNL has been one of the more aggressive local stations in terms of getting HD broadcasting up at an early stage, and more recently implementing the ability to deliver 5.1 audio.

* Second, there's virtually no revenue stream associated with HD broadcasting today, either locally or from a national network standpoint. Much of what we receive in the way of HD programming continues to be underwritten by sponsorship from equipment manufacturers and those with a stake in HD television being successful over the long haul.

Trying to balance both sides here, I think a case can be made that part of the problem is that broadcasters as a group haven't really tried very hard to develop HD revenue streams. But at the same time, we can't ignore that HD household penetration is still well below 20% nationally, and probably well below 15% locally.

So, hitting a small fraction of a small fraction of a market isn't likely to return much in the way of a return on investment, even though it might be a solid long-term business strategy.

Anyway, the point here is that without revenue streams it's difficult for a local station to justify the expenditure of all the equipment that we'd like to take for granted.

I can't recall the exact cost, but I believe the HD streaming recorder that kSDk uses for time-shifting HD broadcasts costs somewhere in the neighborhood of $25,000, and the only time they use it is to time-shift the Tonight Show (when Rams' specials pre-empt the start of the show during the fall/winter) and for Saturday Night Live, because the extened local news runs beyond the "live" start of SNL.

No doubt this equipment will be a necessary part of every local station in a few years, but at the moment it's hard to make a convincing case that it is essential. FWIW, I think it's safe to say that KDNL has even fewer opportunities to use something like this than kSDk.

* Third, the chief engineer at KDNL is a true professional who does clearly care about his viewers, as evidenced by his longstanding participation on this thread. He's big enough to admit when they drop the ball, and as a general rule the same mistakes are rarely repeated, unlike one other station I could (but need not) name.

I'm as big a "Lost" fan as anyone I know, and I can assure you that I WAS NOT a happy camper during the first 20 minutes of the season finale a week ago. But the fact is, the problem was addressed in relatively short order and the guy ultimately responsible didn't hide from the problem, stepping forward here to explain what happened.

He's also provided his pager number so that he can be contacted in future when something goes wrong. Sounds like someone DOES care about viewers...

Everyone here is entitled to an opinion, but it's hard to let your claim that KDNL doesn't care about HD viewers to stand unchallenged when there's so precious little in the way of facts to support you.

After almost 11 years of charter i am ready to pull my hair out. I am fully ready to give them the old heave ho because of all the problems you guys have been talking about on this forum. My question is WHO DO I GO TO??? I need HD (preferably an hd/dvr) for one tv and then 3 more tv's to hook up for satelite. My question is WHO IS THE BEST AND how much is it gonna cost me for hd? I currently pay 178 a month for all hd and cable modem and phone service from charter.

not sure if you guys noticed, but the Tube is up and running on 11.2 now. Broadcasting in 5.1 (cant tell if it's true 5.1 or just the flag turned on).

Good thing i don't watch anything on KPLR, because im sure that took a pretty big chunk of bandwidth

update: not true 5.1 for sure. Really bad upmix that uses pretty much center-only.

apocalypso,

Saying which is better between DISH and DirecTV is very difficult. I can't really say one way or the other. I am generally happy with DirecTV, but I think I'd also be generally happy if I was a DISH subscriber.

The good news is that DirecTV and DISH are both more committed to HD than Charter appears to be. I'm disappointed that DirecTV hasn't moved more quickly on adding additional national HD channels, but I still think that will come. I also have some qualms about eventually losing TiVo, but in the end being able to time-shift is ultimately more important than the TiVo niceties, such as 30-second skip, toggling between tuners, etc.

I pay right around $95 a month for Total Choice Plus on four receivers (one HD DVR, one SD DVR), including HBO, HD service and the DVR monthly fee. Not exactly a bargain, but I think it's a reasonable value.

Bottom line, I think either DISH or DirecTV is a big upgrade over Charter (in ways too numerous to detail). The big downside from your perspective is that local phone and Internet (at least for now) are not options with satellite.

First things first -- if this is a long-distance hand-holding exercise, I'd suggest that you just bite the bullet and have the 5-LNB dish installed, rather than going with the 3-LNB version now and have to upgrade in a year or two (cost + hassle).
. . . :)

Thanks, Doug.

-Mike

STL,

You seem to be taking the KDNL "Lost" snafu personally, and I guess that's your right if that makes you happy. But geez, it's been a week now I'd think you'd be over it by now.

Anyway, I think you need to at least recognize and ideally understand a few things:

* First, KDNL has been one of the more aggressive local stations in terms of getting HD broadcasting up at an early stage, and more recently implementing the ability to deliver 5.1 audio.

* Second, there's virtually no revenue stream associated with HD broadcasting today, either locally or from a national network standpoint. Much of what we receive in the way of HD programming continues to be underwritten by sponsorship from equipment manufacturers and those with a stake in HD television being successful over the long haul.

Trying to balance both sides here, I think a case can be made that part of the problem is that broadcasters as a group haven't really tried very hard to develop HD revenue streams. But at the same time, we can't ignore that HD household penetration is still well below 20% nationally, and probably well below 15% locally.

So, hitting a small fraction of a small fraction of a market isn't likely to return much in the way of a return on investment, even though it might be a solid long-term business strategy.

Anyway, the point here is that without revenue streams it's difficult for a local station to justify the expenditure of all the equipment that we'd like to take for granted.

I can't recall the exact cost, but I believe the HD streaming recorder that kSDk uses for time-shifting HD broadcasts costs somewhere in the neighborhood of $25,000, and the only time they use it is to time-shift the Tonight Show (when Rams' specials pre-empt the start of the show during the fall/winter) and for Saturday Night Live, because the extened local news runs beyond the "live" start of SNL.

No doubt this equipment will be a necessary part of every local station in a few years, but at the moment it's hard to make a convincing case that it is essential. FWIW, I think it's safe to say that KDNL has even fewer opportunities to use something like this than kSDk.

* Third, the chief engineer at KDNL is a true professional who does clearly care about his viewers, as evidenced by his longstanding participation on this thread. He's big enough to admit when they drop the ball, and as a general rule the same mistakes are rarely repeated, unlike one other station I could (but need not) name.

I'm as big a "Lost" fan as anyone I know, and I can assure you that I WAS NOT a happy camper during the first 20 minutes of the season finale a week ago. But the fact is, the problem was addressed in relatively short order and the guy ultimately responsible didn't hide from the problem, stepping forward here to explain what happened.

He's also provided his pager number so that he can be contacted in future when something goes wrong. Sounds like someone DOES care about viewers...

Everyone here is entitled to an opinion, but it's hard to let your claim that KDNL doesn't care about HD viewers to stand unchallenged when there's so precious little in the way of facts to support you.

Thanks Doug for your kind comments. In fact we did ask ABC for permission to re-air the messed up episode of Lost and we're denied. (It would have been upconverted on HD.) BTW, we had an audio problem on the HD feed that was not detected right away, but the network also messed up about two minutes fo the analog feed.

Thanks to AVS Forum member Scott, who notified me to the problem. You guys are my ears and eyes while I'm on the road.

Those of you who are so quick to critize should see how much money and time has been invested in a product that has generated no direct revenue so far. We are trying hard to be the best within he limits of good business.
Jim

Thanks Doug for your kind comments. In fact we did ask ABC for permission to re-air the messed up episode of Lost and we're denied. (It would have been upconverted on HD.) BTW, we had an audio problem on the HD feed that was not detected right away, but the network also messed up about two minutes fo the analog feed.

Thanks to AVS Forum member Scott, who notified me to the problem. You guys are my ears and eyes while I'm on the road.

Those of you who are so quick to critize should see how much money and time has been invested in a product that has generated no direct revenue so far. We are trying hard to be the best within he limits of good business.
Jim

Jim,

Those of us who have followed the progress of HD in St. Louis know that without you we would have had a much longer wait for KDNL to get up and running. It's remarkable that someone with a schedule as busy as yours (and with the innumerable challenges you've had here and in other parts of the country) would give out his pager number. You redefine what it means to care about the company you work for and the people who rely on you.

You're the MacGyver of St. Louis television.

apocalypso,

Doug covered the HD comparisons well. You will definitely get better PQ and selection with either Direct or Dish, and far superior service than with Charter.
FWIW, I had a LNB go bad this past Friday. I called Dish HD Tech at 10:45PM. They scheduled and dispatched a service tech on Sunday at 1PM. He arrived, I told him what it was doing, he tested it, replaced it, and was gone in 15 minutes. I was on the phone to report it for less than 10 minutes. All on a holiday weekend.

There are also equipment costs for DBS. I believe both Dish and Direct are similar, in that, you can usually get your SD and/or SD DVR receivers for free, but your HD receivers usually have an upfront cost. With Dish is it $49 for a single HD receiver and $299 for a dual HD DVR receiver. It is probably similar with Direct.
IIRC, though I'm not certain, Charter does not currently offer a HD DVR--??

It should also be noted, Dish is currently on the losing end of litigation with TiVo, so the future of Dish's HD DVR product(s) may be effected. If it was me, and I was planning on switching to DBS, I would probably go with Direct, before I would invest 300-600 in 1-2 HD DVR's with Dish, given the uncertainty of the outcome.

That being said, if you prefer to stay bundled, and if you are in an area where AT&T DSL is available, you can get a competitively priced bundle through AT&T for phone, internet, and Dish for TV. If you happen to use Cingular, it can also be bundled through AT&T. I do not believe Direct currently offers a bundle similar to what you now have with Charter--TV, phone & hi-speed internet.

If you break up your current Charter bundle, and use Charter's Pipeline stand-alone, they will gladly screw you to the tune of $50+/mo just for the 3mp Pipeline.
Can't understand why anyone would bale on Charter....also can't wait until I can :rolleyes:

Reminder for June:
3rd - FOX/KTVI-DT (Cubs)
5th - FSN HD (Reds) (limited availability)
6th - FSN HD (Reds) (limited availability)
11th - KPLR-DT (Brewers)
25th - KPLR-DT (Tigers)

Full Cardinals HD schedule HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7576786&&#post7576786)

Viewsonic Monitor
----------------------
Am not how comparable this monitor is the the one mentioned a bit earlier, but Costco at MidRivers Mall has the VA 2012 WB including a DVI cable for $355.99. Bob who is there may have more details.

Jim

Quick public thanks to Tom Grooms for quickly and helpfully answering my extended warranty questions today. I PM'd him and he had me call him at work. His advice will easily save me a few hundred bucks. Thanks again Tom! If you have an extended warranty with Ultimate, I suggest you talk to him so you can get the biggest bang for your buck.

I'd also like to add my thanks to Jim (WRacer) for all of his hard work and efforts to get us the best possible HD experience. (And Joe's comment about you being the MacGyver of STL TV is a classic. It may be time to change your screen name :) )

After almost 11 years of charter i am ready to pull my hair out. I am fully ready to give them the old heave ho because of all the problems you guys have been talking about on this forum. My question is WHO DO I GO TO??? I need HD (preferably an hd/dvr) for one tv and then 3 more tv's to hook up for satelite. My question is WHO IS THE BEST AND how much is it gonna cost me for hd? I currently pay 178 a month for all hd and cable modem and phone service from charter.

Looks like I may finally cut the cable cord as well. I have Dish for my TV, but I was forced to use charter for phone/internet.

I just checked and it looks like I'm now back in DSL range so...
I started to sign up, but for some reason the ATT website can't find my address.

hmmm... guess I'll have to call. I hope the online offers are good by phone as well.

AT&T's CEO Say IPTV Rollout Going Well

The following story is from a new newsletter I've recently found called "Teleco Media News." Should be useful for keeping track of the progress of phone companies offering subscription video services (if you care about that sort of thing). :)

Note the AT&T CEO's claim about how cable is reacting in terms of pricing offers in at least one area where IPTV is coming into the market.

________________________________________________

AT&T Chairman and CEO Edward Whitacre Jr. told a Wall Street crowd that the telco's developing IPTV offering is "performing as planned" and its appearance and service "is better than cable."

Whitacre made his comments Wednesday during a conference held by Sanford C. Bernstein. The executive said the controlled market launch of AT&T's U-Verse TV service in San Antonio is going well, and the product is poised to launch in Houston in the July-August timeframe.

"IPTV works. It works good. It's the technology of the future," Whitacre said. "I can assure you that the service is impressive."

U-Verse TV has had an impact on cable competition in San Antonio, where the local operator offered a 33 percent discount to a customer if they didn't switch video service, Whitacre said. He admitted the company has lost phone customers to cable's VoIP product, but stressed AT&T plans to take customers away from the incumbent video provider.
________________________________________________

For more teleco industry news, go to www.telecomedianews.com

We Interrupt Your Normal AVS Programming...

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

In the not-so-distant past, we used to begin each month of the St. Louis discussion with an entirely new thread and usually that started with a cut/paste of basic resource information that is now buried back on the very first page of this discussion thread.

Because of its location, a lot of that general, introductory information about HDTV and OTA reception is now easily overlooked, especially with the discussion here stretching back more than 2 years and 400+ pages.

In an attempt to make this information more accessible, I'm going to post an advisory/reminder note similar to this every couple of weeks. Ideally this will make this general resource information more visible and easier to find for 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=7567907&&#post7567907)

New! Cardinals HD Schedule (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7576786&&#post7576786)

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

Greetings All,
WB11-D2 (11.2) went live on-air today, June 1st, 2006.
Anybody know if Charter is going to carry this sub-channel?
I figured since Charter carries KSDK-WX (5.2) on Ch 127 ;
WB11-D2 might get same treatment.

You seem to be taking the KDNL "Lost" snafu personally, and I guess that's your right if that makes you happy. But geez, it's been a week now I'd think you'd be over it by now.I don't feel I'm taking this personally, but rather I'm just calling it as I see it. And yes it's been a week, so why hasn't KDNL rebroadcasted the episode (to correct their mistake)?

First, KDNL has been one of the more aggressive local stations in terms of getting HD broadcasting up at an early stage, and more recently implementing the ability to deliver 5.1 audio.That's not the way I remeber it. I thought KMOV was first in our area, and later KSDK and our FOX (doing 480p) had their digital channels up before KDNL.

I can't recall the exact cost, but I believe the HD streaming recorder that kSDk uses for time-shifting HD broadcasts costs somewhere in the neighborhood of $25,000...I realize broadcast quality equipment is more expensive, but I just cannot see time shifting units going for that much when one can get a HD TiVo for $400-800 (and yes I know that cost is somewhat subsidized).

Third, the chief engineer at KDNL is a true professional who does clearly care about his viewers, as evidenced by his longstanding participation on this thread.I never denied that, but that doesn't mean KDNL as a whole really cares about their HD viewers.

I'm as big a "Lost" fan as anyone I know, and I can assure you that I WAS NOT a happy camper during the first 20 minutes of the season finale a week ago. But the fact is, the problem was addressed in relatively short order and the guy ultimately responsible didn't hide from the problem, stepping forward here to explain what happened.Maybe the bigger question is, why is KDNL relying on human interaction (for HD switching) instead of spending a little money on equipment that would automate the process?

In fact we did ask ABC for permission to re-air the messed up episode of Lost and we're denied. (It would have been upconverted on HD.)That's the first I've heard of this. I would have thought you would have made this request known before now. And what reasoning did ABC give for denying you?

I realize broadcast quality equipment is more expensive, but I just cannot see time shifting units going for that much when one can get a HD TiVo for $400-800 (and yes I know that cost is somewhat subsidized).

Network feeds for the most part are coming down at a much higher bit rate than is finally sent out OTA. This is typically between 40-50 Mbits/second. It is then re-encoded down to the OTA rate after that.

I wouldn't be surprised if these are stored on a raid 0+1 (striped, mirrored arrays). The systems themselves are likely designed for some sort of redundancy, and built to a spec that's a bit beyond that of an HD TiVo.

Have you ever spent any time working on servers, especially ones where there's little room for downtime?

It ain't an HD TiVO and it ain't priced like an HD Tivo for a reason -- it has to perform far beyond what an HD TiVO has to.

WB11-D2 (11.2) went live on-air today, June 1st, 2006. Anybody know if Charter is going to carry this sub-channel? I figured since Charter carries KSDK-WX (5.2) on Ch 127 ; WB11-D2 might get same treatment.I don't have any more information on this than what's been posted here over the past week or so.

However, that won't stop me from speculating... :)

Just my opinion, but I don't see Charter getting excited about carrying this subchannel. I think local weather is (KSDK) is a largely different animal when compared to a pop music channel, particularly when Charter offers a handful-plus of those already.

Also, I'd expect that negotiating carriage for this channel would be somewhat more complicated, because Charter would likely expect to be paid for that, particularly since KPLR is (supposedly) going to be benefit via additional eyeballs and better rates for its advertising sales on the new channel.

Up until recently, local stations didn't cost cable a dime, and moving toward a different relationship (as demonstrated by Sinclair's approach on local digitals) is likely to be anything but a smooth and staightforward process.

That's the first I've heard of this. I would have thought you would have made this request known before now. And what reasoning did ABC give for denying you?

Everyone here understands your anger. I think calling, writing or e-mailing the station is your best option for getting results. Calling Jim out for not informing you earlier and interrogating him is not the way.

First of all, if Jim hadn't told us what went on, we wouldn't have a clue about any of this. I don't know of anyone else connected with local TV who would have bothered. It's not his job to do that. It's something he does on top of an incredibly busy schedule. The last thing he needs is to have to defend himself to you. Pursue your complaints elsewhere and we'll continue to appreciate Jim's dedication here.

Network feeds for the most part are coming down at a much higher bit rate than is finally sent out OTA. This is typically between 40-50 Mbits/second. It is then re-encoded down to the OTA rate after that.

I wouldn't be surprised if these are stored on a raid 0+1 (striped, mirrored arrays). The systems themselves are likely designed for some sort of redundancy, and built to a spec that's a bit beyond that of an HD TiVo.

Have you ever spent any time working on servers, especially ones where there's little room for downtime?

It ain't an HD TiVO and it ain't priced like an HD Tivo for a reason -- it has to perform far beyond what an HD TiVO has to.I see no reason why the unit would need to record anything more than the OTA rate -- just like a HD TiVo does. That said, I understand (and originally stated) that what broadcaster needs is more than that (when I said "broadcast quality equipment"). Even so, I can't see the entry level models costing more than $10k nowadays.

As I said before, the bigger question might be is why KDNL hasn't invested in equipment that doesn't require someone to frequently manually flip switches to get HD programming to properly transmit OTA.

Everyone here understands your anger. I think calling, writing or e-mailing the station is your best option for getting results. Calling Jim out for not informing you earlier and interrogating him is not the way.

First of all, if Jim hadn't told us what went on, we wouldn't have a clue about any of this. I don't know of anyone else connected with local TV who would have bothered. It's not his job to do that. It's something he does on top of an incredibly busy schedule. The last thing he needs is to have to defend himself to you. Pursue your complaints elsewhere and we'll continue to appreciate Jim's dedication here.Last time I checked, Jim works for KDNL so why not let him know my displeasure with what happened? I think my input here is likely to get as much or more exposure (via Jim) than it would by contacting the station via other means. As for calling him out (as you say), I just thought it was odd (mainly based on the all praise he's gotten recently) that he wouldn't have let everyone know right away that KDNL had requested the rights to rebroadcast instead of waiting until someone brought it up. As for asking about the reasoning, I'm genuinely curious to know why ABC would rather let their affiliate take more heat from their customers than help the fix a mistake. To be perfectly clear, I'm not upset with Jim and I'm not trying to attach him personally either -- but I am upset with what happened with KDNL's HD broadcast of the Lost Season Finale.

I see no reason why the unit would need to record anything more than the OTA rate -- just like a HD TiVo does. That said, I understand (and originally stated) that what broadcaster needs is more than that (when I said "broadcast quality equipment"). Even so, I can't see the entry level models costing more than $10k nowadays.

As I said before, the bigger question might be is why KDNL hasn't invested in equipment that doesn't require someone to frequently manually flip switches to get HD programming to properly transmit OTA.Maybe you don't see why this equipment should cost as much as it does, and I suspect that Jim probably shares that same feeling. But the fact is, this gear is expensive and that isn't going to change just because you don't comprehend it.

Also, I don't believe that automated switching was an issue with the "Lost" audio problem, and though I don't watch tons of ABC programming, I can't recall any other instances where switching between analog and digital has been a problem for KDNL

kSDk, on the other hand -- yeah, you might be onto something there.

Sorry for the problem tonight. The guy at the station did flip the switch, but there was a problem on the network...however, that should not have affected the Dolby encoder. Somehow, it got back in stereo mode.Note that this message from Jim was posted immediately after the problem was corrected and before last week's episode of "Lost" had even finished airing. Unlike the rebroadcast request, I guess he informed you "too soon" about the nature of the audio problem. :rolleyes:

FWIW, this is my last post on this issue, because I get the feeling it's become the equivalent of running around in a circle for no particular benefit.

I am looking for some help here. My Toshiba LCD TV just lost the video only from my OTA antenna. It has an intregrated HD tuner. My signal strength meter on the TV indicates that all channel signals are strong, but I am still only getting the audio. I rescanned my channel listing, but still have this situation. My HD feeds from my component and HDMI inputs are fine. Any help/advice is appreciated. Thanks.

I am looking for some help here. My Toshiba LCD TV just lost the video only from my OTA antenna. It has an intregrated HD tuner. My signal strength meter on the TV indicates that all channel signals are strong, but I am still only getting the audio. I rescanned my channel listing, but still have this situation. My HD feeds from my component and HDMI inputs are fine. Any help/advice is appreciated. Thanks.Rodney,

The only immediate cause I can think of is that your video settings for the OTA input were reduced to the minimum level for contrast and/or brightness. Sorry to suggest something so basic, but better that you've overlooked something like that than requiring a service call.

If some other possibility occurs to me, I'll let you know...

Rodney,

Here's something else you may want to check...your LCD panel has a backlight setting that might also explain why you're not seeing anything on the OTA input.

I don't remember for sure and don't have my notes with me, but I seem to recall the backlight setting being global for all inputs. However, it's possible that the backlight is adjustable for each input, in which case it would be another thing to check on your OTA input.

Maybe you don't see why this equipment should cost as much as it does, and I suspect that Jim probably shares that same feeling. But the fact is, this gear is expensive and that isn't going to change just because you don't comprehend it.Have you considered that it could be that you think the equipment is a lot more expensice than it really is now? I have a close friend who's been designing HDTVs for Toshiba for several years now (in fact he's more in techincal management now) and I queried him to get an idea of the cost of non-consumer type equipment (like what KDNL would use) since Toshiba uses similar equipment in their test labs. He said time-shifting equipment like we're talking about can be had for just thousands and not tens-of-thousands of dollars -- cheaper than I even thought. I don't doubt that equipment was once in the $25,000 range like you said, but it's not uncommon for prices to fall rapidly as the equipment becomes more mainstream (and who knows maybe KSDK bought a top of the line unit with all the bells and whistles).

Based on your praise of Jim, I would have expected him to let everyone know that KDNL had requested to re-air the Lost Season Finale a day or two after the messed-up broadcast. I think that would have helped diffuse the situation (with those upset with what happened).

I agree that this discussion is effectively done, and we'll just have to agree to disagree.

Anyone happen to know if the new NBC show "Windfall" will be in HD?

Thanks,

wolverine5767

I see no reason why the unit would need to record anything more than the OTA rate -- just like a HD TiVo does. That said, I understand (and originally stated) that what broadcaster needs is more than that (when I said "broadcast quality equipment"). Even so, I can't see the entry level models costing more than $10k nowadays.

Because you see no reason doesn't mean there isn't a reason. I outlined it for you already.

I'll ask again, how much experience do you have with systems that have substantial I/O load that must be there 100% of the time?


As I said before, the bigger question might be is why KDNL hasn't invested in equipment that doesn't require someone to frequently manually flip switches to get HD programming to properly transmit OTA.

That's a seperate question from the cost of the equipment.

Not sure if this was posted and I missed it. The Dish HD locals for STL have been uplinked on to 119k (118.75°). They are not yet available to subs, which usually follows within a week of the uplink.

For anyone interested the Tp/Channels are as follows:
KSDK-DT - 6455 on Tp24/119k
KTVI-DT - 6456 on Tp24/119k
KDNL-DT - 6453 on Tp20/119k
KMOV-DT - 6454 on Tp20/119k

When they become available, you must have a VIP MPEG-4 receiver to receive them. Dish will leave the SD locals in the 85xx range, and you have the option of mapping down either the SD or HD channels in the EPG.

Because you see no reason doesn't mean there isn't a reason.But it doesn't mean there is ultimately a reason either. :rolleyes: There is no advantage for KDNL to store 40-50 Mbits/second "Lost" stream when they never intend broadcast it out at anywhere near that rate.

I'll ask again, how much experience do you have with systems that have substantial I/O load that must be there 100% of the time?Enough with the condescending tone already. As an engineer by trade I have some experience with it, but I make no claims as to being an expert. Besides, KDNL doesn't need a system that will be accurate 24/7 because often times they only sending out an upconverted signal.

Dear John & STL,

Please STOP! My head's about to explode!

:eek:

Judging from the picture quality, or lack thereof, :D on channel 11-2, I'd say KPLR is keeping the bitrate about as low as it can get and maintain any picture at all.... Hey STLENG if you're watching this thread, please don't take that as a complaint. We *want* the bitrate for TheTube kept low so 11-1 stays as pristine as possible. I've noticed a little pixellation during fast moving scenes in Smallville on 11-1 tonight. Would it be possible to bitstarve 11-2 just a teeny bit more? :D

Judging from the picture quality, or lack thereof, :D on channel 11-2, I'd say KPLR is keeping the bitrate about as low as it can get and maintain any picture at all.... Hey STLENG if you're watching this thread, please don't take that as a complaint. We *want* the bitrate for TheTube kept low so 11-1 stays as pristine as possible. I've noticed a little pixellation during fast moving scenes in Smallville on 11-1 tonight. Would it be possible to bitstarve 11-2 just a teeny bit more? :D

If they continue to move toward bitstarving, causing pixellation, I will probably stop watching OTA/Broadcast TV and wait for HD-DVD/BR releases. I find the pix very distracting.


:mad:

Not sure if this was posted and I missed it. The Dish HD locals for STL have been uplinked on to 119k (118.75°). They are not yet available to subs, which usually follows within a week of the uplink.

For anyone interested the Tp/Channels are as follows:
KSDK-DT - 6455 on Tp24/119k
KTVI-DT - 6456 on Tp24/119k
KDNL-DT - 6453 on Tp20/119k
KMOV-DT - 6454 on Tp20/119k

When they become available, you must have a VIP MPEG-4 receiver to receive them. Dish will leave the SD locals in the 85xx range, and you have the option of mapping down either the SD or HD channels in the EPG.

Will we need one of the newer dishes (500+ or 1000+) to receive these?

Judging from the picture quality, or lack thereof, :D on channel 11-2, I'd say KPLR is keeping the bitrate about as low as it can get and maintain any picture at all.... Hey STLENG if you're watching this thread, please don't take that as a complaint. We *want* the bitrate for TheTube kept low so 11-1 stays as pristine as possible. I've noticed a little pixellation during fast moving scenes in Smallville on 11-1 tonight. Would it be possible to bitstarve 11-2 just a teeny bit more? :D

With the new Dish 622 I can now do an accurate single frame advance. I took a look at the macroblocking during Smallville tonight. During a fast action scene of the barn raising, a figure and the background became so pixellated that they both were unrecognizable. This year the macroblocking has become a lot worse than previous years. They've been prepping us for this sub-channel for a while now. This could be a rough ride ahead.

Forbidden to Install That Satellite Dish? Here's Help

The following story appeared in today SkyREPORT newsletter:
_________________________________________________

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association on Thursday launched an initiative to help installers and satellite TV viewers protect their right to install satellite dishes.

The effort takes aim at challenges of the Federal Communications Commission's OTARD (over-the-air reception devices) rule that prohibits bans on the installation of satellite TV dishes and other outdoor antennae. The SBCA online forum allows individuals to submit to the association any problems from governmental and non-governmental entities (such as homeowner's associations) concerning their right to install outdoor reception equipment.

"Even 10 years after the Federal Communications Commission first published the OTARD rule, homeowner associations, cities, counties and other governing bodies are still creating rules that are in direct conflict with federal regulations," said Noah Cuttler, state regulatory affairs liaison with the SBCA.

"This Web page will act as a clearinghouse for problems faced by satellite installers and viewers and help SBCA better protect their right to install satellite dishes and antennas."

The on-line form can be accessed at: http://www.sbca.com/otard/default.htm.

More on OTARD can be found at the FCC at: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html.
_________________________________________________

Note: This information has been added to the St. Louis OTA Resource messages that can be found on page 1 of this thread.
____________________________________

DirecTV Launches Interactive Feature "What's Hot"

The following story excerpt is from today's TV Predictions newsletter, written by Phillip Swann:
_________________________________________________

When Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. purchased a controlling interest in satcaster DIRECTV a few years ago, the Interactive TV industry was giddy with excitement. In the UK and Australia, Murdoch had a long history of innovation and investment in ITV features. And, unlike ITV companies in the United States, Murdoch seemed to know which ITV features would click with viewers.

Until now, however, DIRECTV's ITV program under Murdoch has been somewhat muted. The satcaster has launched a multiple-screen feature which allows viewers to watch several channels at the same time. In addition, there's been the usual ITV offering of interactive weather, horoscopes and other trivial matters.

But DIRECTV today has unveiled a new ITV feature that hints at bigger, more creative things to come. Called 'What's Hot,' the feature lists the 10 most watched programs by DIRECTV subscribers in real time. (DIRECTV will compile the list from a sample of its audience.) The concept is that viewers will refer to the Top 10 while deciding which show to watch.

"Never again will DIRECTV viewers miss the most-talked-about shows because they will always know what they are thanks to `What's Hot!,'" says Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment.

While the ITV program would seem to have a few flaws -- broadcast network programming will likely not be listed in the Top 10 due to satellite limitations -- it's an interesting tool. I can see viewers checking it out, even if only out of curiosity.
_________________________________________________

For the complete Swann article, go to www.tvpredictions.com

Will we need one of the newer dishes (500+ or 1000+) to receive these?
Chuck,
There are two SAT's at 119, one is the AMC16 which is at 118.75° and the other is Echostar7 which is at 119°.
E7 provides many of the CONUS channels for Dish. AMC16 (118.75°), until the recent HD local uplinks, was primarily used for foreign packages.

If you are currently receiving 119°, which you most likely do, then you should also be receiving 118.75°.

You can check and see if you are currently receiving 118.75° by checking your program guide, on the All Channels List, and see if there are any of the 600-800 channels listed. They will be in red.

Forbidden to Install That Satellite Dish? Here's Help

The following story appeared in today SkyREPORT newsletter:
_________________________________________________

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association on Thursday launched an initiative to help installers and satellite TV viewers protect their right to install satellite dishes.

The effort takes aim at challenges of the Federal Communications Commission's OTARD (over-the-air reception devices) rule that prohibits bans on the installation of satellite TV dishes and other outdoor antennae. The SBCA online forum allows individuals to submit to the association any problems from governmental and non-governmental entities (such as homeowner's associations) concerning their right to install outdoor reception equipment.

"Even 10 years after the Federal Communications Commission first published the OTARD rule, homeowner associations, cities, counties and other governing bodies are still creating rules that are in direct conflict with federal regulations," said Noah Cuttler, state regulatory affairs liaison with the SBCA.

"This Web page will act as a clearinghouse for problems faced by satellite installers and viewers and help SBCA better protect their right to install satellite dishes and antennas."

The on-line form can be accessed at: http://www.sbca.com/otard/default.htm.

More on OTARD can be found at the FCC at: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html.
_________________________________________________

Note: This information has been added to the St. Louis OTA Resource messages that can be found on page 1 of this thread.
____________________________________

Did anyone see this week's cover article in the Riverfront Times about the New Town development in St. Charles?

In part of the article they mentioned that to get a satellite dish installed residents must pay a $50 application fee and go in front of a membership board to get it approved.

Residents might find the above article interesting.

Hey all, newbie here, so go easy on me.

So, I just my got 32" LG 32LX1D, and hooked it up to my Charter feed (straight basic, out of the wall, no box, etc.) and was surprised to see all sorts of digiatal channels show up on my EZ scan. The weird thing is, it looks like the channels over 118 are all somebody elses' Pay-per-view or on-demand channels... maybe other folks in my neighberhood? Is this just a function of the QAM tuner that I'm picking up those channels? Wierdness abounds... :p

Also, I went with the LG after I had a Samsung LCD for a week or so, and the Samsung tuner had a large amount of breakup in the digital OTA tuner. The LG tuner is rock solid (I'm using a Terk TV-38 in the attic, in Webster Groves, just north of HWY 44.) and I've experienced breakup only once this week instead of every five minutes with the Sammy. Anyone have any experience with this or comments?

Finally, does anyone know what I can expect to pay to upgrade to HD cable? I haven't got room for another box in my stack, so I'd like to go the Cable card route. Anyone having luck with Charter using the CCard? If I'm on straight basic now, what can I expect my bill increase to be? Charter's already got me for $50+ per month for interenet and basic.

Thanks in advance for any info you'd have for me! This forum is great, Keep up the good work, all...

-Matt H

Interesting -- there is an exception provided for historical districts, and it may be that this applies in the particular case.

I don't mean to sound condescending, but it's hard to see how erecting a satellite dish or antenna seriously undermines the historical mojo of an area like Old Town in St. Charles.

Is the Old Town area quaint and pleasant? No doubt about it -- but sorry, it ain't Gettysberg. ;)

Interesting -- there is an exception provided for historical districts, and it may be that this applies in the particular case.

I don't mean to sound condescending, but it's hard to see how erecting a satellite dish or antenna seriously undermines the historical mojo of an area like Old Town in St. Charles.

Is the Old Town area quaint and pleasant? No doubt about it -- but sorry, it ain't Gettysberg. ;)

They're not talking about the downtown St. Charles area along Main Street where all the restaurants and antique shops are: they're talking about the brand new development out in the flood plains along I-370. Nothing in this development is more than 2 or 3 years old.

So, I just my got 32" LG 32LX1D, and hooked it up to my Charter feed (straight basic, out of the wall, no box, etc.) and was surprised to see all sorts of digiatal channels show up on my EZ scan. The weird thing is, it looks like the channels over 118 are all somebody elses' Pay-per-view or on-demand channels... maybe other folks in my neighberhood? Is this just a function of the QAM tuner that I'm picking up those channels? Wierdness abounds... :pI can't really comment on this as a DirecTV subscriber, but maybe other Charter subs can explain this in some detail.

Also, I went with the LG after I had a Samsung LCD for a week or so, and the Samsung tuner had a large amount of breakup in the digital OTA tuner. The LG tuner is rock solid (I'm using a Terk TV-38 in the attic, in Webster Groves, just north of HWY 44.) and I've experienced breakup only once this week instead of every five minutes with the Sammy. Anyone have any experience with this or comments?No question, there are differences in the sensitivity of different OTA tuners, though these tend to vary more by generation than model to model, at least in my experience. It's often said here that OTA reception is two parts science, one part black art. With that disclaimer in mind, I believe the choice of antenna probably has a bigger impact on reception success than does the tuner.

My own experience with Terk antennas has been uniformly dreadful, but others here swear by them.

Finally, does anyone know what I can expect to pay to upgrade to HD cable?Here's a link to a discussion about Charter HD pricing that goes back roughly a year now, so some of it may be out of date. This should at least provide you with a good starting point, and if you find discrepancies, an update would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5757498&&#post5757498

I haven't got room for another box in my stack, so I'd like to go the Cable card route. Anyone having luck with Charter using the CCard? If I'm on straight basic now, what can I expect my bill increase to be? Charter's already got me for $50+ per month for interenet and basic.I've read very mixed reports on Cable Cards here and elsewhere online, but there doesn't seem to be a lot grousing about them here in St. Louis. Charter is sometimes cited as a company that provides CCs grudgingly, if at all (reports of this abound for Atlanta), but again, I don't see much in the way of reports of resistance here.

Note that the current generation of CCs are one-way only, which means there's no dynamic program guide. Many manufacturers get around this limitation by bundling the TV Guide service into displays with CC functionality. FWIW, the latest displays coming from manufacturers seem to be backtracking on this score, with many models that previously provided CC now going without. Draw your own conclusion there.

They're not talking about the downtown St. Charles area along Main Street where all the restaurants and antique shops are: they're talking about the brand new development out in the flood plains along I-370. Nothing in this development is more than 2 or 3 years old.Well then, that's a horse of a different color.

I shall check out the article and compose a letter to the editor. Could be fun... :D

Chuck,
There are two SAT's at 119, one is the AMC16 which is at 118.75° and the other is Echostar7 which is at 119°.
E7 provides many of the CONUS channels for Dish. AMC16 (118.75°), until the recent HD local uplinks, was primarily used for foreign packages.

If you are currently receiving 119°, which you most likely do, then you should also be receiving 118.75°.

You can check and see if you are currently receiving 118.75° by checking your program guide, on the All Channels List, and see if there are any of the 600-800 channels listed. They will be in red.

Thanks for the info. Hopefully they will release these soon, along with the 4 new HD channels (HGTV-HD, StarzHD, NG-HD, and NFL-HD)

Save some of this recent feisty energy for Wednesday, Doug :D

For me personally, I've never been phased by any sort of antenna. Cars have antennas, homes have antennas, businesses have antennas.

On occasion I seen a home with a dish mounted on the column right by the front door. I momentarily ponder whether this was the only location an adequate line-of-site could be achieved, or if it was installed there at the request of the homeowner. After that brief moment, I go on to viewing the home, its design, architecture and setting, and the dish becomes transparent. At least to me.

Well then, that's a horse of a different color.

I shall check out the article and compose a letter to the editor. Could be fun... :D

Here's the article:
http://www.riverfronttimes.com/Issues/2006-05-31/news/feature.html

Before moving into New Town, residents receive a twenty-page document titled "Rules and Regulations." It is, says town architect Busse, not unlike the provisions of many suburban homeowners' associations, only a bit stricter.

Personal mailboxes, for instance, are a no-no in New Town. Residents walk to community mail centers where they can interact with their neighbors. Banned too are gas-powered lawn mowers and trimmers.

Other New Town edicts include: No molded plastic furniture on front porches, patios or terraces. Outdoor clotheslines are prohibited. No trees or bushes with trunks greater than two inches in diameter may be removed from lawns without first obtaining approval of New Town's architectural review board. Under no circumstances shall aluminum or vinyl fences or pre-cast concrete retaining walls be permitted. No colored window shades or blinds. No storm doors. Within three weeks of a general election, residents may place in their yard one sign not exceeding three square feet in area for each candidate or position they wish to promote. No real estate brokerage signs.

If residents want to make any improvement or modification to the outside of their homes, such as painting a door or installing a satellite dish, they must first submit an application and pay a fee (up to $50) to the review board. Those who don't follow the rules and procedures are subject to fines.

Here's a link to a discussion about Charter HD pricing that goes back roughly a year now, so some of it may be out of date. This should at least provide you with a good starting point, and if you find discrepancies, an update would be greatly appreciated.

I've read very mixed reports on Cable Cards here and elsewhere online, but there doesn't seem to be a lot grousing about them here in St. Louis. Charter is sometimes cited as a company that provides CCs grudgingly, if at all (reports of this abound for Atlanta), but again, I don't see much in the way of reports of resistance here.

Note that the current generation of CCs are one-way only, which means there's no dynamic program guide. Many manufacturers get around this limitation by bundling the TV Guide service into displays with CC functionality. FWIW, the latest displays coming from manufacturers seem to be backtracking on this score, with many models that previously provided CC now going without. Draw your own conclusion there.

Holy cr@p that was fast, Thanks. The two-way interactivity isn'tvery important to me, but the digital picture is. Looks like Charter'll be tacking $30-40 on top of me every month...sigh...Probably my best bet is to call and find some sort of package. I'll report back when in know more.

Thanks again

-Matt H

Will we need one of the newer dishes (500+ or 1000+) to receive these?

My guess is that if you have a Dish 500, you should be able to "See" any satellite between 110 and 119. So I doubt you would need anything more than that. Of course, you'll still need another set of "eyes" to pick up VOOM on either 61.5 or 129.

AT&T services?
Here comes the comercial....

I haven't had much time to catch up on the forum lately. I've noticed that people have had questions about AT&T pricing, service, and equiptment. It is possible to get Dish network bundled with AT&T services. While I don't have the authority to quote prices for our services, I can guide you to our "friends and family" referral number.

Please feel free to call 1-888-U-ASK-SBC (1-888-827-5722.) You'll also need my AT&T ID "ar8297". The reps at this number are all local to the U.S. and there is rarely waiting over 30 seconds for an answer.

1-888-U-ASK-SBC
ar8297

If you have problems with AT&T services, please let me know and I can escalate issues on our side.

Here's the letter I sent to the Riverfront Times:
_____________________________________________________

It's interesting that Greg Whittaker summed up New Town by saying, "A development like this breaks all the rules."

While that statement was undoubtedly intended as an exaggeration, one rule that New Town has comprehensively shattered arises from its requirement that residents seek permission to erect satellite dishes.

In fact, such all-encompassing restrictions are completely in conflict with federal law, though a handful of very narrow exceptions do exist, applying to safety, to historical districts, or to areas specifically designed for public, rather than owner/renter exclusive use. Because antennas and satellite dishes are designed to make use of publicly owned airwaves, all US citizens and residents have a right to own and erect the required receiving devices to make use of those resources.

Even if New Town approves every single request it receives, and even if it routinely waives the $50 application fee, the process itself is illegal. And though homeowners or renters may have willingly signed a document agreeing to be bound by this and other New Town restrictions, that part of the document relating to dishes and antennas is null and void.

In fact, any New Town resident may, at will, erect both an antenna or satellite dish, so long as neither exceeds 39 inches in width and is in compliance with exclusive use and safety requirements. No prior permission or review is needed.

I want to be very clear that New Town in St. Charles is not the only offender on this issue -- it is problem throughout the country. My only motivation in writing to the Riverfront Times is to alert all its readers that such blanket prohibitions on satellite dishes and antennas are irrelevant, regardless of the town, city or county in which they reside, or whether they live in a single-family dwelling, a condominium, a loft or multi-unit apartment building.

More detailed information on this matter can be found at the FCC's web site at www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html. Other recommended resources include the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association at www.sbca.com/otard/default.htm, and the St. Louis Audio and Video Sciences Forum at www.stlhdtv.info.

Sincerely,

Doug Weil
Proprietor
Clearly Resolved Image & Sound
Swansea, IL
_____________________________________________________

Here's the letter I sent to the Riverfront Times:
_____________________________________________________

It's interesting that Greg Whittaker summed up New Town by saying, "A development like this breaks all the rules."

While that statement was undoubtedly intended as an exaggeration, one rule that New Town has comprehensively shattered arises from its requirement that residents seek permission to erect satellite dishes.

In fact, such all-encompassing restrictions are completely in conflict with federal law, though a handful of very narrow exceptions do exist, applying to safety, to historical districts, or to areas specifically designed for public, rather than owner/renter exclusive use. Because antennas and satellite dishes are designed to make use of publicly owned airwaves, all US citizens and residents have a right to own and erect the required receiving devices to make use of those resources.

Even if New Town approves every single request it receives, and even if it routinely waives the $50 application fee, the process itself is illegal. And though homeowners or renters may have willingly signed a document agreeing to be bound by this and other New Town restrictions, that part of the document relating to dishes and antennas is null and void.

In fact, any New Town resident may, at will, erect both an antenna or satellite dish, so long as neither exceeds 39 inches in width and is in compliance with exclusive use and safety requirements. No prior permission or review is needed.

I want to be very clear that New Town in St. Charles is not the only offender on this issue -- it is problem throughout the country. My only motivation in writing to the Riverfront Times is to alert all its readers that such blanket prohibitions on satellite dishes and antennas are irrelevant, regardless of the town, city or county in which they reside, or whether they live in a single-family dwelling, a condominium, a loft or multi-unit apartment building.

More detailed information on this matter can be found at the FCC's web site at www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html. Other recommended resources include the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association at www.sbca.com/otard/default.htm, and the St. Louis Audio and Video Sciences Forum at www.stlhdtv.info.

Sincerely,

Doug Weil
Proprietor
Clearly Resolved Image & Sound
Swansea, IL
_____________________________________________________

**golf clap** Good job: very well written.

I tried the link mentioned in the article about a message board for New Town residents and the it doesn't work.

BTW: I had a buddy who used to live in Lafayette Square and he had restrictions when we put his stuff up. But that's because he lived in a registered historical district in a house almost a hundred years old: that's understandable.

Here's the letter I sent to the Riverfront Times:
_____________________________________________________

It's interesting that Greg Whittaker summed up New Town by saying, "A development like this breaks all the rules."

While that statement was undoubtedly intended as an exaggeration, one rule that New Town has comprehensively shattered arises from its requirement that residents seek permission to erect satellite dishes.

In fact, such all-encompassing restrictions are completely in conflict with federal law, though a handful of very narrow exceptions do exist, applying to safety, to historical districts, or to areas specifically designed for public, rather than owner/renter exclusive use. Because antennas and satellite dishes are designed to make use of publicly owned airwaves, all US citizens and residents have a right to own and erect the required receiving devices to make use of those resources.

Even if New Town approves every single request it receives, and even if it routinely waives the $50 application fee, the process itself is illegal. And though homeowners or renters may have willingly signed a document agreeing to be bound by this and other New Town restrictions, that part of the document relating to dishes and antennas is null and void.

In fact, any New Town resident may, at will, erect both an antenna or satellite dish, so long as neither exceeds 39 inches in width and is in compliance with exclusive use and safety requirements. No prior permission or review is needed.

I want to be very clear that New Town in St. Charles is not the only offender on this issue -- it is problem throughout the country. My only motivation in writing to the Riverfront Times is to alert all its readers that such blanket prohibitions on satellite dishes and antennas are irrelevant, regardless of the town, city or county in which they reside, or whether they live in a single-family dwelling, a condominium, a loft or multi-unit apartment building.

More detailed information on this matter can be found at the FCC's web site at www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html. Other recommended resources include the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association at www.sbca.com/otard/default.htm, and the St. Louis Audio and Video Sciences Forum at www.stlhdtv.info.

Sincerely,

Doug Weil
Proprietor
Clearly Resolved Image & Sound
Swansea, IL
_____________________________________________________

As usual, Doug, what you write is thoughtful and without the kind of rhetoric and bile that clouds issues - just the facts, ma'am. And you provide all the references someone might need to pursue this. Good job.

I believe the choice of antenna probably has a bigger impact on reception success than does the tuner.

I can attest that, in my instance, the tuner absolutely mattered. I have E* and with my old 811 HD receiver, no matter where I had my antenna pointed, I could never get all of the channels I wanted to see. (Pointed one way, I'd lose KMOV. Pointed the other way, I'd lose FOX.) When I got my 622 receiver, I can now pull in everything.

Although I don't disagree with Doug's statement above, your tuner will play a significant role.

I know I shouldn't even bring this up, but I was confused on the entire ABC 30/Lost argument
because I thought it was talked about here, but I guess it wasn't.

The Post Dispatch had an article on 5/25 about how a charter cable was cut and it occurred
during LOST. It says in that article that the GM had asked the network if they could reair
it but that the request was denied.

For some reason I thought I read that here and that everyone knew that. Anyway, the
article states that you can watch the episode free on the ABC website.

Here is the ABC website: ABC TV (http://dynamic.abc.go.com/streaming/landing)

Here is the STLTODAY article: Post Article (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/14F2DB856BFA3F738625717A001E7C03?OpenDocument&highlight=2%2C%22Lost%22+AND+%22abc%22)

Some interesting Sony SXRD and Bravia news, via CNET:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6536363.html?tag=nl.e702

http://reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6536377.html?tag=nl.e702

Main headline, IMO, is that both the LCDs and SXRDs will handle incoming 1080p signals via the HDMI inputs, unlike virtually all of 2005's "1080p" displays.

Guys,

Thanks for the feedback on the RFT letter.

Hello,

I am a relative newbie when it comes to this forum, but I have been doing a lot of research recently as I am planning on doing a complete upgrade to my home theater system. I am in the STL area and was wondering if anyone could give me some feedback on a couple of questions:

1. I am planning on buying the new Samsung HLS-5687W. I would love to be able to buy it locally instead of from the TVA website, but the TVA deal is really hard to pass up. Has anyone had success either finding a great deal in the area, or finding a brick and mortar store that will come close to price matching TVA?

2. Does the type of HD box that Charter provides have HDMI outputs?

3. I have heard from friends that Charter does not have many channels in HD--specifically it is lacking TNT and ESPN2HD. Both are channels that I would watch, so has there been any word on if charter is going to expand their lineup.

Thanks for the help in advance.

Brian

I'm on D* so I can't help with your Charter question. However, I think it was worth a few dollars to buy mine locally. This was especially true since I knew I was going to have it professionally calibrated by Doug. I paid him a bit more to check it out prior to calibration to make sure it was a keeper. If he had said no, I could have had it exchanged.

What I did was to first price shop CC & BB online. I went out to Ultimate Electronics who were out of stock on my set. I ended up actually purchasing it at CC. But before I bought it, I basically got them in a bidding war and watched BB, CC and American for the next 30 days. CC dropped their own price first during that time amd I got the 110% price guarantee credited back to my acount. It was a chunk of change. I paid about $450 less than their advertised *sale* price when it was all done.

So if you are willing to do the footwork and then can watch the prices online I think you can get a good deal locally as I did. Let us know how it turns out. With the money you save I'd suggest you turn around and after 100 hours of the TV being on get Doug to calibrate it. My Sammy HLR turned out beautifully.

Some interesting Sony SXRD and Bravia news, via CNET:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6536363.html?tag=nl.e702

http://reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6536377.html?tag=nl.e702

Main headline, IMO, is that both the LCDs and SXRDs will handle incoming 1080p signals via the HDMI inputs, unlike virtually all of 2005's "1080p" displays.

But are you still thinking that the SXRDs are still too unproven and buggy for long term use? Should I look more to the LED based DLPs if wanting a rear-projection HDTV? My goal is to have one this fall: a 2007 model with 1080p in the 45" to 50" range.

dweebe,

Yes, as much as I love the picture quality on the SXRDs, I have lingering, if not growing, concerns about long-term reliability.

But likewise, I personally wouldn't jump onboard the "DLP via LED" bandwagon right away. While by all accounts the LED lumination will eliminate the rainbow issue, there's the possibility of other unforeseen issues as a result of such a significant change in design. I'd want to wait to at least evaluate the performance in terms of accuracy and overall picture quality, but then there's also the reliability issue.

Best case, I'd want to wait until 2008 before making a "DLP via LED" purchase, and only then assuming there weren't major issues with 2007 models, or at least any that did exist had been addressed satisfactorily.

One of the biggest issues in jumping in on the first wave of a new technology, or a new design such as this, is the fact it generally takes field service around 6 months to get up to speed (factory training, documentation, new tools). As a result, early adopter problems are more likely to be dealt with at the factory level, meaning delays in problem resolution. Generally first-generation issues get resolved through swapouts, and because of the cost and the manufacturer-distributor-retailer chain involved there, decision-making goes into slow motion.

Am I sounding gloomy, or what? But I do have some good news (and no, I didn't save money on my car insurance).

Samsung (and other manufacturers) is not completely dropping the color wheel/traditional lamp design from its 2007 line, so that sort of display will still be a viable option, particularly if the "rainbow effect" isn't an big obstacle for you. And to be fair, the rainbow problem has been largely addressed -- while it's still possible to see rainbows, the average person will only notice them in fairly extreme circumstances, such as white titles scrolling up a black background screen.

Better still, it sounds like (not yet confirmed) that all of Samsung's 2007 1080p DLPs are going to be able to actually accept 1080p signals via digital inputs. So, I think that's probably the most friction-free way to go if you're looking for a 1080p display.

Cablevision COO Defends Network DVR Plans

The following short story is from today's Evening Bridge market close newsletter:
_________________________________________

During an investor conference today, Cablevision COO Tom Rutledge defended the company's network DVR, the latest digital recorder technology that's facing lawsuits from Hollywood studios and content owners trying to stop its implementation.

"To the extent that a DVR is legal, a network DVR is legal. It's a fair use because we don't control what the customer records," Rutledge said.

The COO added that content owners may eventually get on board with the technology, saying the network DVR "could be an opportunity for rights holders."
_________________________________________

What kind of indoor HD antenna do i need for St.Louis 63127 is my zip

OK, I just found out that if you are a E* customer with a new mpeg4 receiver and want to pick the soon to be released local HD channels, you will need to get one of the newer dishes. The current LNB's used with the 500 and 1000 will not work with the 118.7 sat. You can read more here...

http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=65712

If you goto the Signal Strength part of the menu under installation you will now notice a 118 sat is now present. If you have the current dish 500 or 1000 you will not get signal from that sat.

dweebe,

Yes, as much as I love the picture quality on the SXRDs, I have lingering, if not growing, concerns about long-term reliability.

But likewise, I personally wouldn't jump onboard the "DLP via LED" bandwagon right away. While by all accounts the LED lumination will eliminate the rainbow issue, there's the possibility of other unforeseen issues as a result of such a significant change in design. I'd want to wait to at least evaluate the performance in terms of accuracy and overall picture quality, but then there's also the reliability issue.

Best case, I'd want to wait until 2008 before making a "DLP via LED" purchase, and only then assuming there weren't major issues with 2007 models, or at least any that did exist had been addressed satisfactorily.

One of the biggest issues in jumping in on the first wave of a new technology, or a new design such as this, is the fact it generally takes field service around 6 months to get up to speed (factory training, documentation, new tools). As a result, early adopter problems are more likely to be dealt with at the factory level, meaning delays in problem resolution. Generally first-generation issues get resolved through swapouts, and because of the cost and the manufacturer-distributor-retailer chain involved there, decision-making goes into slow motion.

Am I sounding gloomy, or what? But I do have some good news (and no, I didn't save money on my car insurance).

Samsung (and other manufacturers) is not completely dropping the color wheel/traditional lamp design from its 2007 line, so that sort of display will still be a viable option, particularly if the "rainbow effect" isn't an big obstacle for you. And to be fair, the rainbow problem has been largely addressed -- while it's still possible to see rainbows, the average person will only notice them in fairly extreme circumstances, such as white titles scrolling up a black background screen.

Better still, it sounds like (not yet confirmed) that all of Samsung's 2007 1080p DLPs are going to be able to actually accept 1080p signals via digital inputs. So, I think that's probably the most friction-free way to go if you're looking for a 1080p display.


I'm sure I can go back and look at your previous posts, but (in your opinion) is Samsung a good brand?

OK, I just found out that if you are a E* customer with a new mpeg4 receiver and want to pick the soon to be released local HD channels, you will need to get one of the newer dishes. The current LNB's used with the 500 and 1000 will not work with the 118.7 sat. You can read more here...

http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=65712

If you goto the Signal Strength part of the menu under installation you will now notice a 118 sat is now present. If you have the current dish 500 or 1000 you will not get signal from that sat.
Chuck,
Great info, and thanks for correcting me on this. After reading your post, I looked at my point-dish screens, and I am not receiving anything from 118.75°w. Apparently all the 6xx, 7xx & 8xx channels on my guide are from another orbital location.
I'm going to contact HD TS and find out how to get them changed....will advise.

dweebe,

Yes, I do like the Samsung DLPs best among DLP or LCD RPTV sets. My reasons:

* Overall, Samsung has been in the DLP RPTV game longer than any other company, and I think their product has demonstrated a real commitment to continuing improvement.

As an example, Samsung has for several years been quite aggressive in updating their system firmware DURING a model year, doing slipstream upgrades to address reported issues and to expand on functionality. Other brands may do that from time to time, but not to the same level. Another example is that with last year's HL-R models Samsung recently switched to Zeiss lenses in some models.

* As a calibrator, I have a positive bias toward Samsung because they provide more scope for adjustment than other DLP brands.

I understand that most shoppers ultimately are going to select a TV on the basis of what they perceive to be the "Sony look," or the "Mitsubishi look," the "Toshiba look," etc. I don't have any quarrel with that marketing-driven differentiation (hey, it's a super-competitive market), but I think it's vital that any given television be capable of being adjusted for accuracy.

To me, there's something intrinsically wrong with a product design if a lack of controls prevents you from achieving a fundamental level of image accuracy. If accuracy isn't a design priority, I can't help but wonder what other corner-cutting is going on.

Of course, no product is perfect, and Samsung has some issues (such as its unnecessary and stubborn DNIe image enhancement processing). But overall, I think they are the leader among the DLP RPTV contenders.

audioman,

The general consensus (and my experience) is that the Zenith Silver Sensor is the best bet for an indoor antenna. But understand that there are no gurantees with OTA reception, but the SS seems to perform better than other indoor antennas.

If you wish to buy a SS, you're probably going to have to go online to find one. Sears and Best Buy both used to handle them locally, but neither has stocked them over the past year or so, and I know of no other store selling them.

Figure on a cost around $40.

I'm sure I can go back and look at your previous posts, but (in your opinion) is Samsung a good brand?

Samsung Rocks!

Scott

I'm stepping in for a second, because my family is a few months away from moving into a new place in Belleville and I have questions related to HD and our new options (Charter won't be moving into that area as of now, apparently).

Re: Dish and/or AT&T: Isn't the service exactly the same? What kind of crazy differences will I get if I bundle Dish with my phone/internet service, as opposed to getting it otherwise? And I was under the (apparently mistaken) impression that it was all one and the same...

Rumor has it that AT&T is going to be laying FTTP in my development; anyone know if they are looking to test those kinds of services locally anytime soon?

Re: Samsung DLP sets: Saw in the CC ad for this week that the Sammy 1080p DLPs are going for a decent price for the 50" right about now, and I wanted to ask about some things that I've heard recently about them. Doug, you might know the most... Are they still making DNIe undefeatable in newer models? And are there ways around the A/V sync issues I remember hearing when using SD sources like game consoles?

Achernar,

On the Samsung sets, at this point I think it's worth making an effort to get a display that will accept true 1080p signals. If you're looking at an HL-R model, then bona fide 1080p is not in the cards, but apparently at least some of the HL-S models will accept 1080p. I'm not sure that even a REALLY good deal on a faux 1080p set would ultimately work out to be a good deal.

On the DNIe, yes, there are ways to defeat it on most HL-R models, but none of them are straightforward and all require service menu access. In my experience, some of the suggested fixes that have been posted online cause other problems, such as crushing blacks and whites. On the HL-S, I haven't had a chance to work on one yet, so don't know if DNIe is on by default, and if so, whether there's a straightforward way to defeat it. I'm hoping to get myself organized this week to tackle one.

Not sure about the audio sync problems on SD sources, as I rarely encounter non-HD stuff much anymore, apart from DVD.

A Charter service guy just went to my house where I'm getting sporadic service. He changed my component video cables and left. I'm ready to make the jump to DirecTV. What is the best route to go for installation? Do I just call DirecTV or should I go to BestBuy or is there another place? I will probably need the dish mounted to my roof (2 story house) and have an antenna mounted in the attic? What counts as "free installation"? I'm in UCity near Delmar and Old Bonhomme. Thanks.

Doug,

I was indeed looking at the HL-S models. I had my heart set on one of the Sony A10's, since I haven't been particularily impressed by the DLPs up until this point, and the Sony sets offered a very competitive price for the size and featureset.

Hearing that DNIe is defeatable through calibration makes me lean more in that direction. It was one of the biggest things keeping me away from the Sammy DLP sets.

I was planning on getting set up for a house call once I had the set in place and warmed up nicely, Doug. You can only get so close with a calibration disc.

Chuck,
Great info, and thanks for correcting me on this. After reading your post, I looked at my point-dish screens, and I am not receiving anything from 118.75°w. Apparently all the 6xx, 7xx & 8xx channels on my guide are from another orbital location.
I'm going to contact HD TS and find out how to get them changed....will advise.

Ken,

Please keep us posted. I don't want to have to climb up on my roof agaqin unless I have to. I sure hope E* doesn't expect us to pay for any hardware upgrades needed to receive HD locals. This was not the case in other cities to date. All my stuff on the roof is legacy.

Ken,
Please keep us posted. I don't want to have to climb up on my roof again unless I have to. I sure hope E* doesn't expect us to pay for any hardware upgrades needed to receive HD locals. This was not the case in other cities to date. All my stuff on the roof is legacy.
This is the response I received to my query to escalations, asking how a sub will receive the STL HD Locals coming off orbital 118.7 KU. It's fairly vague.
"No training information has been released on this yet, so I don’t know. I’ll see if I can answer this for you but it might not be released till the channels are active. The channels may be moved to another orbital location, or not released until the necessary hardware is available to customers."
I will check with EE again in a couple of weeks, or if the channels go live before that. The rep I communicate with is very good with follow-ups. I sent the query late last night, he responded at 11am this morning.

You are correct regarding prior uplinked cities. This last uplink, so far effects STL, Greensboro, Raleigh, Detroit & Indianapolis. As best I understand it, none one of CONUS can currently receive 118.7 KU, as the +LNBF's have yet to be released.
IIRC you have a 500/300 dual dish setup. I have a 1000/300. I wonder if the 300 currently aimed at 61.5° can be spun around to receive 118.7. I'll find out.

I have all DPP stuff, but will still need to have the LNB's swapped out to DPP+. Geeze, how many +'s and hoops is there going to be to receive these locals! :(
TBC.....

.........I wonder if the 300 currently aimed at 61.5° can be spun around to receive 118.7. I'll find out........



Thanks for the info. Unless they move all the VOOM channels to the new bird (which I doubt), another LNB may be the only option. What are they thinking? Will we now require FOUR LNBs for all channels? Our dishes will become top heavy.

In any case, I now doubt we'll be seeing the HD locals any time soon.

Thanks for the info. Unless they move all the VOOM channels to the new bird (which I doubt), another LNB may be the only option. What are they thinking? Will we now require FOUR LNBs for all channels? Our dishes will become top heavy.
The system they are trying to achieve is the current Dish1000 with what they're calling DPP+ LNBF's. These + LNB's will allow the use of 3, with one being able to receive and split both orbital locations of 119 and 118.75 into the same port on the DPP44 switch.
I already have the Dish1000, so I get the Voom's on 129. I only kept 61.5 for CBSHD until the local HD's go up. I will just need to have these new + LNB's swapped. Unfortunately, I've yet to find anyone at Dish who is even aware they exist.
I believe you are destine to a change to a Dish1000, but now you may as well wait until these new LNB's are available. This, of course, subject to change without notice, and I agree, later is looking better than sooner.

Here is some more info on getting the 118.75 (AMC16) sat...

The LNBF's are all circular polarity in the 11.7-12.2 GHz range. You'll need a new LNBF (circular 11.7-12.2 GHz LNBF) and a larger dish. These circular frequencies in the lower FSS band are usually for non-American birds which are assigned to avoid interference.

For any Star Wars fans out there, HBO is showing an OAR version of SWIII: Revenge of the Sith this month. This is significant because HBO almost never shows films in their original aspect ratio - they pan and scan to fill the 16x9 screen. The quality was really good on E* last night.

Here I am debating on what to get for cable service as I just recently got a HDTV and don't know if I want either DirecTV, Charter or Dish Network. Trying to find an affordable price as I'm moving to my new house here in St. Louis, Missouri area before I get married which is in the end of this June. I'm leaning towards DirecTV because of HD service and the HD sports channels. Anybody have any good input for me on what they think what service I should use? My ideal situation is to take DirecTV cause of course I'm a big sports freak. Maybe I'll get Dish instead if somebody can convince me that it is much better than DirecTV

Im not sure about your area but one thing is certain. DirecTV should always be your last option. Search for the term "HD Lite"

P.S. This post is in the wrong section. You should post this in your local HD thread.

I've got to rant about KPLR and the new "subchannel." PQ has dropped dramatically.
I'm watching the Cards-Cubs game and the color, yes, the color has dropped out twice.

Last night, while watching Pepper Dennis (rerun of Tuesday's) a Old Navy commercial came on, and boy, it was confetti circus. What's significant about the commercial, is that there are a lot of dancers in it (at least a dozen), and with all the motion, KPLR's encoder couldn't keep up. 11-1 is now officially, bit-starved.

By contrast, when I saw the commercial on KDNL on May 22, during the Alias Finale, perfect straight through, not a bit of confetti. Exactly what financial benefit is this "Tube" channel?

"We're all getting excited about the AMC-16 satellite being used by Echostar at 118.7 degrees. I found these data points in one of the many FCC documents pertaining to the 118.7 relocation and its operation.

This document specifically describes the capability of AMC-16 to switch from linear to circular polarity:

In the downlink direction, each channel is capable of operating either in linear polarization or circular polarization with the polarization being selected via ground command. When located at 118.75°W.L., the satellite will transmit using LHCP and RHCP only.

The antenna size is more interesting. It will require a 66cm [26 inch] antenna:

The primary subscriber Ku-band receive earth stations to be used with the AMC-16 satellite will be 66 cm equivalent or larger antennas. Such terminals are expected to be deployed in large numbers across the service area. In certain geographical areas larger antennas will be used.

More antenna size information (for Dish 500+, 1000+, and SuperDiSH repoint kit):

Table 8-1 provides representative link budgets to 66 cm [26 inches] equivalent receive antennas. The link budgets assume six adjacent interfering satellites nominally located at 113.0° W.L., 114.9° W.L., 116.8° W.L., 121° W.L., 123° W.L. and 125° W.L., with each adjacent satellite assumed to be operating with the following transmission levels: Uplink Input Power Density: -50 dBW/Hz. Downlink EIRP Density: -21.5 dBW/Hz. In those geographic areas with lower downlink EIRP and/or where higher availability is desired, larger earth station antennas will be used.

The maximum downlink EIRP of 52.3 dBW that occurs over CONUS...

Frequencies:

The AMC-16 satellite will operate at the 118.75° W.L. orbital location. Although the satellite is a
hybrid Ku-/Ka-band satellite, this Technical Annex describes only the Ku-band (14.0-14.5 GHz
and 11.7-12.2 GHz) capabilities, which are the subject of this application.

Earth station information:

The feeder link earth stations will be located at EchoStar’s existing facilities in Cheyenne, WY and/or Gilbert, AZ. EchoStar will separately file the necessary earth station applications with the FCC for the feeder link earth stations to be used with the AMC-16 satellite."

Sorry for this but...

I have to post 3 more times....

In order to copy the link to the above quote...

:D OK, here we go...

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=58826

As a newbie here in this forum and into the world of HDTV, here I am debating on what to get for HD cable service as I just recently got a RCA Scenium 50" Widescreen Digital-Cable-Ready DLP Rear-Projection HDTV Model #HD50LPW175 and don't know if I want either DirecTV, Charter or Dish Network Trying to find an affordable price as I'm moving to my new house up at the St. Charles area within the next two weeks before I get married which is in the end of this June. I'm leaning towards DirecTV because of HD service and the HD sports channels which is more than Charter. I would do it, but Charter doesn't have as much as HD channels as DirecTV has. Anybody have any good input for me on what they think what service I should use and what is more affordable? My ideal situation is to take DirecTV even though people tell me to go with Dish Network. I heard Dish doesn't offer local channels on HD unless you want the antenna out in the St. Charles area. DirecTV has that luxury. Please give me input to make my choices easier.

Doug,

I was indeed looking at the HL-S models. I had my heart set on one of the Sony A10's, since I haven't been particularily impressed by the DLPs up until this point, and the Sony sets offered a very competitive price for the size and featureset.

Hearing that DNIe is defeatable through calibration makes me lean more in that direction. It was one of the biggest things keeping me away from the Sammy DLP sets.

I was planning on getting set up for a house call once I had the set in place and warmed up nicely, Doug. You can only get so close with a calibration disc.Achernar,

I just want to be on the safe side here...DNIe is defeatable via a number of service menu adjustments on the HL-R models, but it's currently unclear exactly what the situation is on the HL-S models.

These sort of things are subject to change from model year to model year -- as an example, DNIe was user-defeatable on most previous Samsung models.

When I get some up-close and personal time on one of the HL-S models, I'll try to update you on what the 2007 situation is on DNIe...

I'm just getting into the HDTV game, and I am disapointed in Charter's HD channels. I mean, no TNT, no ESPN 2, that's rediculous. Has there been any talk from them about expanding to include more channels?


brian

How is Charter's HD DVR? I'm trying to decided whether to get the standard HD box or one with a DVR. Thanks!

brian

I love the Moxi, no up front costs and HD time shifting. The menu navigation is a little slow but its better than a $500 lease fee :cool: Picture quality look great. Recommended!

The problem is once you start time shifting there is no turning back.

Good Luck!

HD channel additions do not appear to be a priority with Charter. Charter generally doesn't give much away about future product releases until they're actually available. As a result of that approach, the only way to guess about Charter's future HD plans is to look at their past, and that past track record is not encouraging.

I think the Charter DVR is pretty nice, particularly its interface. However, storage for the standalone units was pretty limited (around 12 hours of HD) and it also lacks the popular 30-second skip feature. I haven't seen an update here recently, but last I heard there was a waiting list for Charter's DVR hardware.

FWIW, I think the lack of inventory has more to do with Charter's pitiable balance sheet than any door-busting customer demand.

kj,

The picture quality on today's (standard definition) KPLR broadcast of the Cards game was awful, but I'm not sure whether this was due to the subchannel or some other technical problem. The pixellation was so bad, that I have to think there was something going on other than just bit-starving. On the other hand, I did notice that the picture sometimes went blurry, which would be an another sort of indication of bandwidth shortfalls. There was a shot of Eckstein standing at his shortstop position and the letters on his uniform front were indistinct.

One thing is for sure, multi-casting with a 1080i channel is almost always going to cause a problem, and this is one of the reasons that most local PBS affilliates take the incoming 1080i national PBS HD feed and convert it to 720p for broadcast. Progressive video compresses much more efficiently than interlaced video, so 720p works much better for multicasting than 1080i. Of course, KETC undermines any progressive video benefit by attempting to squeeze too many subchannels into the available space.

It's ironic that when the ATSC specification was being worked out that broadcasters insisted that all HD formats be interlaced, while it was mostly the "digital convergence" computer world advocates who fought for progressive video. Eventually a compromise was reached that included both, but those broadcasters who lobbied for and then opted for 1080i as their HD format (CBS, WB, NBC) should be kicking themselves for dragging interlaced video into the 21st century, not only because of the traditional picture quality issues with interlaced video, but also because it's not very compatible with digital broadcast business models that focus on multicasting.

I would not be surprised to eventually see non-PBS local stations with 1080i HD network programming doing the same thing as PBS affilliates -- that is, convert the national feeds to 720p in order to better facilitate local multicasting.

Remember your ABC's

Anybody
But
Charter

As a newbie here in this forum and into the world of HDTV, here I am debating on what to get for HD cable service as I just recently got a RCA Scenium 50" Widescreen Digital-Cable-Ready DLP Rear-Projection HDTV Model #HD50LPW175 and don't know if I want either DirecTV, Charter or Dish Network Trying to find an affordable price as I'm moving to my new house up at the St. Charles area within the next two weeks before I get married which is in the end of this June. I'm leaning towards DirecTV because of HD service and the HD sports channels which is more than Charter. I would do it, but Charter doesn't have as much as HD channels as DirecTV has. Anybody have any good input for me on what they think what service I should use and what is more affordable? My ideal situation is to take DirecTV even though people tell me to go with Dish Network. I heard Dish doesn't offer local channels on HD unless you want the antenna out in the St. Charles area. DirecTV has that luxury. Please give me input to make my choices easier.

No brainer. Directv=NFL Sunday Ticket. All else bow down to the Champion.

Scott

Remember your ABC's

Anybody
But
Charter

Ditto! Charter is the worst i've ever seen. Anyone evern remotely thinking of using Charter just has to read a few hundred (actually it may only take a few) pages of this thread to see how Charter handles its customers.

Scott

Ditto! Charter is the worst i've ever seen. Anyone evern remotely thinking of using Charter just has to read a few hundred (actually it may only take a few) pages of this thread to see how Charter handles its customers.

Scott

Not everyone has had problems with Charter. I get almost no outages. When the new Moxi box (the 9022 w/Moxi Mate) came out, I found out about it here, called up Charter, and I had the new box within a week. I've always been given 4 hour windows in which to expect technicians and they've always been on time. True, a significant portion of their CSR's are terrible, but others are quite competent.

In terms of channels, as a Cardinals fan Charter wins hands down since they are the only ones who carry FSN-HD, and, in terms of picture quality, the HD channels they do provide are quite comparable to the picture quality from OTA HD with an antenna.

One example in terms of customer service. A couple of weeks ago, some idiot company (some subcontractor hired by SBC/AT&T) cut the cable line to our street. I called up Charter who promptly sent a technician who correctly diagnosed the problem and who then called in a mainline crew to make a new cable drop to my street. Within two hours of the line being cut, my service was restored.

kj,

The picture quality on today's (standard definition) KPLR broadcast of the Cards game was awful, but I'm not sure whether this was due to the subchannel or some other technical problem. The pixellation was so bad, that I have to think there was something going on other than just bit-starving. On the other hand, I did notice that the picture sometimes went blurry, which would be an another sort of indication of bandwidth shortfalls. There was a shot of Eckstein standing at his shortstop position and the letters on his uniform front were indistinct.


The worst TV image I've seen in a long time. Worse than most low res web video. It could have been coming from a very bad web cam, but for the frame rate.

I'm assuming that those of us complaining about the KPLR picture quality on Sunday afternoon were all receiving it via OTA antenna.

But I'm curious if anyone from Charter has anything to say. I would expect that the same issue would be present on KPLR on Charter, as I believe Charter still acquires local HD channels via antenna, rather than dedicated landline. Still, I'd like to know it was an across-the-board problem, rather than just OTA.

Any Charter customer comments on this?

No brainer. Directv=NFL Sunday Ticket. All else bow down to the Champion.

Scott

If your goal is to watch as much football as you can, that's true.

I like the 25+ channels of HD I have available now, and the 30+ I'll have in the next few weeks.

Cheers,

I'm assuming that those of us complaining about the KPLR picture quality on Sunday afternoon were all receiving it via OTA antenna.

But I'm curious if anyone from Charter has anything to say. I would expect that the same issue would be present on KPLR on Charter, as I believe Charter still acquires local HD channels via antenna, rather than dedicated landline. Still, I'd like to know it was an across-the-board problem, rather than just OTA.

Any Charter customer comments on this?

I don't see how the picture could be better via cable than it was OTA for an HD station.

Of interest would have been the analog channel's PQ via cable.

Cheers,

Cable TV Bandwidth Crunch Limiting HD Channels

Someone recently mentioned that cable shouldn't have any capacity issues when it comes to adding HD channels. I replied that I'd recently read reports where, in fact, because of all the other services cable is adding (most notably broadband and local telephone service), that many cable systems are once again approaching the bandwidth wall.

Here's a more recent take on cable's bandwidth problem. The story excerpt below comes from the TV Predictions newsletter (www.tvpredictions.com), based on a USA Today story. There's a link at the bottom of the excerpt to the full USA Today article.
______________________________________________

I am often asked why cable and satellite TV operators don't offer more High-Definition TV channels. To the average person, it doesn't seem to make sense considering that roughly 20 million U.S. homes now have high-def sets. (Although the number of homes that have high-def tuners or off-air antennas, which are necessary to display HD signals, is far less.)

Well, folks, it's all about bandwidth, or lack there of. As pointed out in today's edition of USA Today, cable TV operators simply don't have enough space available on their systems to add more HDTV channels. (A high-def channel requires up to seven times more bandwidth to transmit than a non-HD channel.) Satellite operators don't have the space either, but they are rapidly adding new satellites to take care of the problem.

Worried that satellite TV could soon dominate the HDTV segment, USA Today reports that cable operators are planning to get creative so they can add more high-def channels.
______________________________________________

For the complete USA Today story on this subject, click here. (http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/2006-06-04-cable-hdtv_x.htm?POE=TECISVA)

I don't see how the picture could be better via cable than it was OTA for an HD station.

Of interest would have been the analog channel's PQ via cable.

Cheers,

If I could remember when I worked at Charter, the only channel that Charter did receive via OTA was UPN 46. The rest do have a fiber link to the station. I know this for sure for at least one station, Fox 2, because there was problems with the fiber link a couple of times and the engineers had to switch the OTA to receive the signal until the fiber connection was corrected.


Mark

Mark,

I think that may be true of the standard-definition channels, but when Charter initially launched its HD service someone at Charter confirmed that those local HD channels carried were received OTA, rather than via fiber.

It's possible that HD locals delivery has changed since the launch 3 or 4 years ago, and that's why I raised the question.

One of the interesting angles on this is that cable could gain a competitive advantage over satellite (and even OTA delivery) if they decided to receive all HD locals via fiber, with the station providing a full bandwidth HD feed (free of any subchannel traffic). I just recently noticed that some of the KC stations are looking to do that as a way of delivering better PQ to the bulk of subscribers (cable) while continuing to develop their multi-casting approach.

I'm assuming that those of us complaining about the KPLR picture quality on Sunday afternoon were all receiving it via OTA antenna.

But I'm curious if anyone from Charter has anything to say. I would expect that the same issue would be present on KPLR on Charter, as I believe Charter still acquires local HD channels via antenna, rather than dedicated landline. Still, I'd like to know it was an across-the-board problem, rather than just OTA.

Any Charter customer comments on this?

I thought the KPLR signal (for Cardnals broadcast) via Charter was substandard also. In addition, the last few weeks the audio has been terrible, bad distortion.

Dave

I thought the KPLR signal (for Cardnals broadcast) via Charter was substandard also. In addition, the last few weeks the audio has been terrible, bad distortion.

Dave

I agree.

What mystifies me in all this, is that we're talking about KPLR-D. They could use 10-11Mbit/second peak with a 7 Megabit/second average bit rate for an SD broadcast and end up with something in the ballpark (pun not intended) of DVD quality.

I don't think you can get DVD quality with one-pass encoding but I've been known to be wrong.

According to someone here earlier, the music channel is given a dedicated 2.5 Mb/sec, which, in theory, should leave enough bandwidth for HD to still look pretty good, apart from fast-motion sequences or complete refreshes. I'm reluctant to judge the multi-casting picture quality "hit," based on what I saw on Sunday, simply because it was much, much worse than anything I've seen before.

Or maybe I'm just foolishly hoping that this isn't the shape of things to come...

One other thing I noticed is that when I now switch to 11-1, it can take 5 seconds (or maybe a little longer) to get a picture. Maybe I'm imagining this, but I wonder if part of the "bandwidth savings" is coming from a reduction in the frequency of full-field screen refreshes, and this is why it seems to be taking longer to see a picture.

Background: MPEG compression works on the basis of sending/updating only the pixels that have changed from one field/frame to another, so periodic refreshes are needed in order to deliver a complete picture to someone who has just turned to a particular MPEG-encoded channel.

Of course, MPEG compression is a lot more complicated than that, but that's one of the more basic ways it accomplishes a reduction in the bit payload.

Cable TV Bandwidth Crunch Limiting HD Channels
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I think cable co.s could start by cleaning up some of the junk channels they feed us. They needed those earlier to get their channel count up so they could market having x number of channels available. But now, they could start weeding out some of these useless offerings for more substantial programming (read HD). How many shopping channels or preview channels do we really need? I'll easily give up 5 channels for every HD channel they want to provide.

Dave

Here's something I've been meaning to ask here of my fellow HD-TiVo owners.

In the past month or so, I've noticed that my 30-second skip command has been behaving a bit differently than in the past. For the most part, it works just as it always has, but on SOME programs, when I'm nearing the end of the recording (roughly the last 10 minutes in an hour show, or last 5 minutes in a 30-minute show), the skips jump me ahead substantially less than 30 seconds. Sometimes it may take as many as 10 presses of the skip button to see the progress bar move from one minute to the next (normally this should take just two presses of the skip button).

Has anyone else noticed this? It's not a big deal, though it is a nuisance. I'm wondering if this is something specific to my TiVo unit, or whether this is something that has been "slipstreamed" to minimize commercial skipping.

Anyone else with an HD-TiVo notice anything like this?

Question for D* customers with channel 88 (Fox HD East coast feed from NY).

Has anyone heard if D* will be taking this channel away from us now that we have mpeg4 locals available? I really like having the NY feed for sports stuff. Like yesterday, the Cardinals game didn't start until 3pm, but I was able to see some other FOX baseball in HD thanks to channel 88.

The reason I ask, is that I'm hoping it stays so that I can use it the same way for NFL games this fall. I've had Sunday Ticket for 3yrs, but I'm thinking of dropping it, especially if I get the NY feed from FOX on 88. Having Sunday Ticket, I usually only watched the Rams game plus 2 or 3 other "big games" of the week. I figure with an East coast FOX feed, plus the one from KTVI, I might get the extra few games that I'd want for free that way.

One other thing I noticed is that when I now switch to 11-1, it can take 5 seconds (or maybe a little longer) to get a picture. Maybe I'm imagining this, but I wonder if part of the "bandwidth savings" is coming from a reduction in the frequency of full-field screen refreshes, and this is why it seems to be taking longer to see a picture.
Doug,
If this was the first Cards games on KPLR-DT since them adding the sub-channel, I also noticed a much longer lag time acquiring the picture when changing channels. I haven't much basis to go on, as I never watch KPLR for other than a Cards game.

Here's something I've been meaning to ask here of my fellow HD-TiVo owners.

In the past month or so, I've noticed that my 30-second skip command has been behaving a bit differently than in the past. For the most part, it works just as it always has, but on SOME programs, when I'm nearing the end of the recording (roughly the last 10 minutes in an hour show, or last 5 minutes in a 30-minute show), the skips jump me ahead substantially less than 30 seconds. Sometimes it may take as many as 10 presses of the skip button to see the progress bar move from one minute to the next (normally this should take just two presses of the skip button).

Has anyone else noticed this? It's not a big deal, though it is a nuisance. I'm wondering if this is something specific to my TiVo unit, or whether this is something that has been "slipstreamed" to minimize commercial skipping.

Anyone else with an HD-TiVo notice anything like this?

Doug,

I've seen the same things with my HD-Tivo, but I guess I haven't noticed it being exclusive to the end of recordings. I always chalked it up to my Tivo being flaky or busy. I think I remember a pause then play cleared it up. I have a vague memory of it happening during a basketball game (bc I 30 sec skip free throws) so I don't think it was exclusive to commericals (if that is your fear).

I'll try to pay more attention when it happens again.

djsmokyc,

Thanks for the follow-up on the TiVo issue. It's good to know it's not just my unit doing this.

I'll try the pause/play sequence to see if that fixes it next I notice this.

I think cable co.s could start by cleaning up some of the junk channels they feed us. They needed those earlier to get their channel count up so they could market having x number of channels available. But now, they could start weeding out some of these useless offerings for more substantial programming (read HD). How many shopping channels or preview channels do we really need? I'll easily give up 5 channels for every HD channel they want to provide.Dave,

Of course, the problem with that is that "one man's junk is another man's treasure."

No doubt some of these channels have tiny slivers of an audience, but an audience that nonetheless will be just as aggravated as we are about not having X channel in HD.

FWIW, the shopping channels are the most unlikely channels to decline in number, not only because of their popularity but also because of the nice revenues they produce. While I loathe those channels, I'm sure the wailing of disaffected viewers losing just one of those channels would be SEVERAL times louder than what would occur with a carrier removing ESPN HD. That may change in a few years, but the numbers clearly favor HSN, QVC, the Shopping Channel, etc. today.

BTW, many of the preview or promotion channels that appear in several channel slots do not consume bandwidth for each channel. The information for these multiple slots is sent once, with the data remapped multiple times.

Doug,

I've seen the same things with my HD-Tivo, but I guess I haven't noticed it being exclusive to the end of recordings. I always chalked it up to my Tivo being flaky or busy. I think I remember a pause then play cleared it up. I have a vague memory of it happening during a basketball game (bc I 30 sec skip free throws) so I don't think it was exclusive to commericals (if that is your fear).

I'll try to pay more attention when it happens again.

Same thing here. I've seen it happen on rare occasions, and notice it the most when 30 second skipping while watching "Pardon the Interuption" which has that little timer on the show itself. They'll talk about a topic I have no interest in and it will take a few presses of the skip to get through it. Normally, I just go back to live TV and then return to the recorded program and it works fine then. Again, this is rare... maybe once every few hundred hours of viewing.

So, I just my got 32" LG 32LX1D, and hooked it up to my Charter feed (straight basic, out of the wall, no box, etc.) and was surprised to see all sorts of digiatal channels show up on my EZ scan. The weird thing is, it looks like the channels over 118 are all somebody elses' Pay-per-view or on-demand channels... maybe other folks in my neighberhood? Is this just a function of the QAM tuner that I'm picking up those channels? Wierdness abounds... :p


My parents recently got an LCD, when he hooked up the coax cable straight from the wall, he got FREE PORN on a few channels in the 100s! Unfortuneately, the closed caption went to slow for my mom and they had to replace it with another one.

Question for D* customers with channel 88 (Fox HD East coast feed from NY).

Has anyone heard if D* will be taking this channel away from us now that we have mpeg4 locals available? I really like having the NY feed for sports stuff. Like yesterday, the Cardinals game didn't start until 3pm, but I was able to see some other FOX baseball in HD thanks to channel 88.

The reason I ask, is that I'm hoping it stays so that I can use it the same way for NFL games this fall. I've had Sunday Ticket for 3yrs, but I'm thinking of dropping it, especially if I get the NY feed from FOX on 88. Having Sunday Ticket, I usually only watched the Rams game plus 2 or 3 other "big games" of the week. I figure with an East coast FOX feed, plus the one from KTVI, I might get the extra few games that I'd want for free that way.

I know you do your own research, but the only thing I have found is that if you
subscribe to Local HD channels, you will have your DNS feeds yanked. There is
talk of it a DBStalk and I have seen a few threads here. I have also read were
people who have the DNS feeds and are in an available area for the HD Locals
have had their DNS feeds shut off even though they don't subscribe.

My parents recently got an LCD, when he hooked up the coax cable straight from the wall, he got FREE PORN on a few channels in the 100s! Unfortuneately, the closed caption went to slow for my mom and they had to replace it with another one.Personally speaking, the speed of the closed captioning on the porn channels has never been a problem for me... ;)

I'm assuming that those of us complaining about the KPLR picture quality on Sunday afternoon were all receiving it via OTA antenna.

But I'm curious if anyone from Charter has anything to say. I would expect that the same issue would be present on KPLR on Charter, as I believe Charter still acquires local HD channels via antenna, rather than dedicated landline. Still, I'd like to know it was an across-the-board problem, rather than just OTA.

Any Charter customer comments on this?

Actually, because I didn't have my OTA antenna hooked up in the bedroom, I was watching the E* broadcast of the SD channel. It may have been the worst picture I've ever seen from satellite.

If your goal is to watch as much football as you can, that's true.

I like the 25+ channels of HD I have available now, and the 30+ I'll have in the next few weeks.

Cheers,

I'd agree with that. E* does have more offerings currently than D*. I also prefer full 1920x1080 satcasts to HDLite, although E* seems to be moving down that road, too. But right now, you can get HBO, Showtime, Universal HD and most other national channels in ful 1920x1280 on Dish Network. Listen to the D* folks complain over in the thread about Saturday's broadcast of the Star Wars Sith movie (1280x1080). That could change in a heartbeat, but I'm enjoying it while it lasts.

Personally speaking, the speed of the closed captioning on the porn channels has never been a problem for me... ;)

I just reread my post....it doesn't sound the best, does it

I just reread my post....it doesn't sound the best, does itSorry for poking fun, but I couldn't resist...

Actually, because I didn't have my OTA antenna hooked up in the bedroom, I was watching the E* broadcast of the SD channel. It may have been the worst picture I've ever seen from satellite.Yeah, I went back and forth between the OTA digital broadcast and the DirecTV analog broadcast. The DirecTV analog was much better, but then I was watching it in my office on a 21-inch screen, which is pretty forgiving.

Ahh the agony. The first time Charter has a cards game in HD on FSN is tonight, (since I bought the tv) Now that I have taken it back because of the black screen issues, BB, CC, Costco, Ultimate, AND America all have the new samsungs and philips in their showrooms, but NONE have any in stock, nor in other stores in STL, nor in their warehouses... Ehh, I hate retail stores luring customers in for nothing. They are even ALL on sale on their respective websites.

Sorry about the rant, but was really looking forward to seeing my guys in red on HD. I have only seen one broadcast in HD yet (non-cards) and am now spoiled. Guess it will be me and my trusty 25 crt until these stores get in some tv's. Im too lazy to lug my 47 RP down from the bedroom.

Eh such is life.

IMO, the KPLR on SAT is by far the worst PQ of the SD locals, and possibly the worst PQ of any SD channel on Dish. It is becoming more and more clear, at least to me, the monetary relationship the Cardinal's have with KPLR and KTRS, must significantly outweigh any concern of the part of the Cardinal's with regard to quality broadcasting.
I find it embarrassing to consider KPLR and KTRS the flagship TV and Radio stations of the Cardinals.
Champagne taste on a Bud-Lite budget perhaps?