Get rid of 5.3
we dont need replys of sports, thats what is a DVR for
Give us back our true HD back

Ramm
I cant tune to ch10 to see if they're really there but zap2it lists several subchannels for both 10 & 36.

http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tvlistings/ZCGrid.do?zipcode=60050

-dickm

I wish WYCC would just drop the SD simulcast of the HD subchannel.Until WYCC carries some actual HD content, they might as well get rid of the HD simulcast of the SD subchannel.  A channel with nothing but HD upconversions of another channel's SD programming is pointless.

Ramm
I cant tune to ch10 to see if they're really there but zap2it lists several subchannels for both 10 & 36.

http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tvlistings/ZCGrid.do?zipcode=60050

-dickmHmmm. Those appear to be the old subs, minus the ones they moved. Maybe they haven't gotten around to taking those listings off yet, but those sub's PSIP are still there, even though I'm getting a blank on the programming.

Hmmm. Those appear to be the old subs, minus the ones they moved. Maybe they haven't gotten around to taking those listings off yet, but those sub's PSIP are still there, even though I'm getting a blank on the programming.

Yeah, they probably have a ton of reprogramming to do. This is 9 channels they're moving---and in the process, dropping one and gaining another---so this has to be a massive pain for their engineer there. Grace more than given to him.

I did get 36-1 through 36-8 last night; their traffic channel is interesting as it cycles through various cams, with the locations printed on screen and then a female scripted voice reading the statistics. It's not as good as WMAQ's voice, tone and listenability, that's for sure. But it works. And what's even more amazing is that they do 8 streams now at once, and they all look good on my TV.

Hopefully, 10-1 still looks just as good as when it was 36-1. 10-1 gets out farther than 36-1 with the right antenna; one person last summer locks 10-1 easily from his large VHF/UHF combo antenna from his attic antenna in Dundee.

What is the point of WMAQ's Traffic Plus? I hear comments like "On I-94 the Bishop Ford, There is no congestion." Meanwhile there are areas filled with parking lots, namely the Edens and Kennedy and we hear nothing about them. How about a simple graphic with freeway times. Kill of the automated voice announced nonsense of updates of uncongested expressways. I suggest they plot the traffic times map from the GCM corridor website. Simple, easy...

I agree with many on 5-3. What the heck is the point of that? It should be called Obscure Sports Reruns.

What the heck is the point of that? Same thing with 7.2 and 38.3.

That Traffic Channel on 36.8 is interesting to see - ONCE - just so you can see what it looks like at on a street in another city - but who wants to stare at that same point on that same street for hours like a zombie? Same with that overnight intersection thing on 23.2 (if they're still doing that).

Yeah, why did they add 5-3? Did they really think this over before adding it? I checked it out the other day and its pointless. NBC seemed to have problems with their HD to begin with with macroblocking and what not and then they go ahead and add a sub channel that will take bandwidth away. GRRRR!!

Ellen was not in HD on WMAQ
Whats up ?

Is Ellen even in HD here? Last time I ever saw it, it wasn't.

Today was supposed to be Ellen's first day in HD.

- Trip

OK. Didn't know that. Don't exactly keep up on such things.

I was looking though the Antennacraft website when I saw this new HBU44.

http://www.antennacraft.net/HBU.html

It looks like they are trying to compete with the Winegard HD769 series. It must be very new new since SolidSignal does not have it for sale yet.

It's actually been out almost a year, I think.

You could do a search for it here on this forum and probably find close to the exact time.

I heard Dr. Phil was in HD. Yikes! I can't even stand him in standard!

Any news from Wilmington, NC. I hear from the media that the switch over was a success. Just wondering if any one has heard of any success stories or issues. Also curious what it did for digital tv signal strength.

Thanks

It's actually been out almost a year, I think.

You could do a search for it here on this forum and probably find close to the exact time.

You're thinking of the HBU22. The new one is the HBU44.

A search of the forums showed no mention of the HBU44 which is why I posted about it.

I stand corrected.

Looks like something I may even wanna try. Anybody know how well built these are?

I heard Dr. Phil was in HD. Yikes! I can't even stand him in standard!

A new Communistcast commercial:

1) Watch Ellen in HD
2) Watch Dr. Phil in HD
3) Have your comcast taken away

I did an OTA rescan on my DTV and couldn't get 5-3 on my HR20. I get 5-1 and 5-2, but no 5-3. Any suggestions?

I did an OTA rescan on my DTV and couldn't get 5-3 on my HR20. I get 5-1 and 5-2, but no 5-3. Any suggestions?

That's because the HR20 doesn't scan. The H20 is the only unit that does scan. Tribune Media Services has to update the DirecTV guide to add in 5-3 for the HR20, HR21, H21, HR22, etc, just like they had to add in all the new Milwaukee channel 36 subchannels. I reported it on dbstalk.com under the OTA thread which they check. Give them a week or so and then see if it is there. Otherwise, scan directly on your TV ATSC tuner (not using the satellite box) and I'm sure you'll find it.

Thanks Swiat.

I did an OTA rescan on my DTV and couldn't get 5-3 on my HR20. I get 5-1 and 5-2, but no 5-3. Any suggestions?Simple: Don't worry about ever getting it. I tuned to Universal Sports for a few minutes a couple of days ago, and have no idea why anyone but the biggest sports nut or Paralympics fan would want to bother with that channel for a few minutes tops out of nothing more than sheer curiosity.

(OK, I keed; you might be willing to bother if you're at least somewhat masochistic like me.)

Any news from Wilmington, NC. I hear from the media that the switch over was a success. Just wondering if any one has heard of any success stories or issues. Also curious what it did for digital tv signal strength.

Thanks

Nothin but horror stories.. they had sent Fireman as TV repair man to peoples houses to reconnect the DTV tuner..:rolleyes: :eek:

Simple: Don't worry about ever getting it. I tuned to Universal Sports for a few minutes a couple of days ago, and have no idea why anyone but the biggest sports nut or Paralympics fan would want to bother with that channel for a few minutes tops out of nothing more than sheer curiosity.

(OK, I keed; you might be willing to bother if you're at least somewhat masochistic like me.)

NBC-U is a pretty lame channel. You're not missing anything except 5-1 picture quality from the starved bitrate. I think community access cable channels have more current and interesting sports. It seems to be all reruns from a year ago. The last few times I tuned it I saw some Olympic qualifying diving, swimming, and some bike race from somewhere in Europe... and it wasn't Tour de France.

NBC had rumored putting an all news channel on. Sure, it' possible, but if they add another subchannel, 5-1's quality will be reduced even more. arggh.

I've got something that I believe is approaching a final setup.

In Chicago's Logan Square, I'm running:

- Terrestrial DB2 antenna
- Old RCA UHF/VHF antenna

Both of them are indoors and connected to a UHF/VHF combiner, and then run through a signal amplifier before then being run into a four-way splitter that connects to my HDHomerun and Hauppage PCI card. The whole show's being run by Vista Media Center with TV Pack 2008.

And it's beautiful. Definitely warming up to the Microsoft DVR. Everything except for the Spanish language channels out of Joliet is coming in great. After setting up the UHF/VHF combiner and the old antenna, I even seem able to pick up WBBM CBS2 on a regular basis. The only problem is, WGN 9.1 and 9.2 don't come in at all.

There used to be an issue with Media Center where WGN was set up on the wrong channel, but I don't think that's the problem here because I'm pretty sure it's not still an issue in the TV Pack 2008. If I scan for channels while touching the signal splitter, WGN comes in fairly clearly. This implies to me that everything on the Media Center end is set up appropriately. So what's that leave? Interference?

I'm tempted to try to get WGN over Clear QAM. I had to take a day off work to cancel my Comcast TV, and the tech didn't even do anything because I was still getting Internet. Apparently the "filter" that the phone CSR insisted I need is a somewhat mythical creature. I'm betting if I connect the old cable feed to my Hauppage card I'll have a workaround.

Luckily the only reason I need WGN is to placate the girlfriend with America's Next Top Model. In the meantime I can just download episodes. Still, it's somewhat frustrating and this is just the sort of headscratcher that I keep puzzling over.

Oh and a side note: is there a site that gives a listing of everything I'd be able to pick up in Chicago on a good day? I've done a little googling but everything I've found seems to lead to pretty hardcore DXing talk. I'm looking for pretty maps. I've never been able to even pick up the Gary PBS station so it's probably moot and I should be happy that I'm so close to the loop's transmitters.

is there a site that gives a listing of everything I'd be able to pick up in Chicago on a good day?See what you think of http://www.tvfool.com

Perfect! Exactly what I was looking for thanks!

Any news from Wilmington, NC. I hear from the media that the switch over was a success. Just wondering if any one has heard of any success stories or issues. Also curious what it did for digital tv signal strength.
One story here:
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080910-analog-tv-cutoff-in-wilmington-nc-sees-mixed-results.html

carlhirsh

For your location, I would first try removing the amp. Even though your antennas are indoors, you may still be overloading the tuner.

It could also be just a plain case of multipath. Take an analog tv, hook your antenna to that and have a look at ch20 analog, or even ch32 analog. Are there any ghosts on those signals? Orient the antenna to minimize those and see what happens.

Also, the fact it works when you touch the splitter says you may have an open shield/ground connection in one of your F connectors somewhere.

TV Pack did indeed fix the WGN problem. Its working fine on my MCE, Even though TV Pack itself has its own issues/features/bugs.

-dickm

[QUOTE=carlhirsch;14641332]I've got something that I believe is approaching a final setup.

In Chicago's Logan Square, I'm running:

- Terrestrial DB2 antenna
- Old RCA UHF/VHF antenna

The only problem is, WGN 9.1 and 9.2 don't come in at all.

There used to be an issue with Media Center where WGN was set up on the wrong channel, but I don't think that's the problem here because I'm pretty sure it's not still an issue in the TV Pack 2008. If I scan for channels while touching the signal splitter, WGN comes in fairly clearly. This implies to me that everything on the Media Center end is set up appropriately. So what's that leave? Interference?

About a month and a half ago when I set up Windows Media Center on a new computer I had to go into the tools section and manually add 9-1 and 9-2 to get them to work, so the problem may not yet be corrected.

Nothin but horror stories.. they had sent Fireman as TV repair man to peoples houses to reconnect the DTV tuner..:rolleyes: :eek:

From the Ars Technia article:

"The FCC also released data today on the Wilmington transition that confirms this impression. Of the approximately 14,000 houseolds that receive over-the-air analog TV in the area, around 1,200 called the FCC's DTV helpline with various concerns on Monday and Tuesday. But the vast majority knew about the transition and just needed converter box help."

1200 helpline calls for 14000 households? Ouch.

I guess CBS2 can't play syndicated HD shows. Entertainment Tonight is supposed to be in HD, but they are showing in standard def.
Maybe this will change with the move to the new studio?

If not, pretty pathetic that a network O&O in the #3 market can't show syndie programs in HD.

1200 helpline calls for 14000 households? Ouch.


Why is than an ouch? 1200 represents only about 8.5% of the 14000. That means roughly 91.5% of the houesholds didn't experince any major problems. I'd say that was way better than expected.

I guess CBS2 can't play syndicated HD shows. Entertainment Tonight is supposed to be in HD, but they are showing in standard def.
Maybe this will change with the move to the new studio?

If not, pretty pathetic that a network O&O in the #3 market can't show syndie programs in HD.

Yes i spoke to one of the CBS2 Engineers and
Yes syndicated HD shows will be in HD starting on 9/22/2008

Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, and Prize is Right.
just little over 2 weeks away :D

They dont have the necessory Equiptment to play HD at the Old studio

Its gonna be an impressive Studio all HD and all HD from the Live Field Reports in HD along with DD 5.1 audio

Why is than an ouch? 1200 represents only about 8.5% of the 14000. That means roughly 91.5% of the houesholds didn't experince any major problems. I'd say that was way better than expected.Assuming 10 million OTA viewers nationwide (and there are more), if 8.5% of them have issues, that's 850,000 people storming the phone lines. The NTIA had better have lots of representatives and coffee ready.

Yes i spoke to one of the CBS2 Engineers and
Yes syndicated HD shows will be in HD starting on 9/22/2008

Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, and Prize is Right.
just little over 2 weeks away :D

They dont have the necessory Equiptment to play HD at the Old studio

Its gonna be an impressive Studio all HD and all HD from the Live Field Reports in HD along with DD 5.1 audioWBBM was lucky to get the life out of its current building (and the new building was certainly needed, from what Gilbert once posted (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12030371#post12030371)), considering how far studio technology has evolved recently. It's amazing what one can do if building a studio from scratch these days, that you couldn't do even five years ago, stuff like a completely tapeless editing system. (Or did WRAL put that in place when they went HD in 2001? I read that they were doing 100% HD field reports in 2001 (now THAT's what I call expensive). If the technology was available, price no object, considering their "price no object" philosophy, they probably would have done it.)

I'm curious about what HD field cameras they'll be using: XDCAM, P2, EditCam, or something else.

So does that mean that WMAQ and WCIU like WBBM don't have the proper equipment to play HD syndicated shows either like Ellen and The Insider. I don't know about WMAQ, but WCIU seems to always be on top of things on the engineering side. Maybe HVS knows whats up with the HD syndication.

Yes i spoke to one of the CBS2 Engineers and
Yes syndicated HD shows will be in HD starting on 9/22/2008


I just wish I could get CBS2 in digital to see anything at home. I was in a Radio Shack looking at antennas and the guy told me about the one they were using on the set up front giving such a great picture. I asked about channel 2 and he said sure...try it. Oops...just darkness like I get at home. Hoping things improve as they get closer to the date.

What's up with the PSIP program data for WCIU-DT? It's not there at all for some of the channels half of the time lately.

I'm curious about what HD field cameras they'll be using: XDCAM, P2, EditCam, or something else.

XDCAM.

http://broadcastengineering.com/news/Cbs-hd-news-20060123/

So does that mean that WMAQ and WCIU like WBBM don't have the proper equipment to play HD syndicated shows either like Ellen and The Insider. I don't know about WMAQ, but WCIU seems to always be on top of things on the engineering side. Maybe HVS knows whats up with the HD syndication.

WBBM, correct. When they move into their new digs, yes. As for WCIU, HVS keeps taking the DVR home to watch the reality show "TV Engineering Geeks" in HD. I keep telling him to stop doing that... ;):p:D

WMAQ... Do I need to beat a dead horse.. GOD! IM watching the ND game and WOW... What bad pq.

I cant wait for WBBM to finally head over to their new studio. Cant wait.. Now if we can get them to swap trasmissions early. :)

BTW those who were dogging on DR PHil being in HD, Opera is now in HD too :P

Assuming 10 million OTA viewers nationwide (and there are more), if 8.5% of them have issues, that's 850,000 people storming the phone lines. The NTIA had better have lots of representatives and coffee ready.

WBBM was lucky to get the life out of its current building (and the new building was certainly needed, from what Gilbert once posted (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12030371#post12030371)), considering how far studio technology has evolved recently. It's amazing what one can do if building a studio from scratch these days, that you couldn't do even five years ago, stuff like a completely tapeless editing system. (Or did WRAL put that in place when they went HD in 2001? I read that they were doing 100% HD field reports in 2001 (now THAT's what I call expensive). If the technology was available, price no object, considering their "price no object" philosophy, they probably would have done it.)

I'm curious about what HD field cameras they'll be using: XDCAM, P2, EditCam, or something else.

XDcam from what I've seen.

So does that mean that WMAQ and WCIU like WBBM don't have the proper equipment to play HD syndicated shows either like Ellen and The Insider. I don't know about WMAQ, but WCIU seems to always be on top of things on the engineering side. Maybe HVS knows whats up with the HD syndication.

We've had the proper HD playout equipment in place now for a little while now and should be debuting our available HD syndicated material soon. Like many stations, we've found little bugs here and there that delay us a little. Hang on though!!! We're coming soon!!!

So does that mean that WMAQ and WCIU like WBBM don't have the proper equipment to play HD syndicated shows either like Ellen and The Insider. I don't know about WMAQ, but WCIU seems to always be on top of things on the engineering side. Maybe HVS knows whats up with the HD syndication.

One thing to keep in mind, the Digital era is an imperfect world for broadcasters. Some of us are inventing the wheel all over again. Its a not exact science like the analog world was. There are so many turns and bends, that we run into problems from time to time. If ya only could see what we go through. :eek:

Another thing - are you guys ever planning on fixing that intermittent video stuttering problem on 26.1? It's doing it right now during The Stooges (it actually has more of a choppy, "animated" at the moment).

Another thing - are you guys ever planning on fixing that intermittent video stuttering problem on 26.1? It's doing it right now during The Stooges (it actually has more of a choppy, "animated" at the moment).

We paid big money for that studder!!! :D

I'm curious about what HD field cameras they'll be using: XDCAM, P2, EditCam, or something else.XDcam from what I've seen.Nice.

(By the way, I asked because P2 creates images using 720x480 sensors, which are upconverted to "HD-lite" resolution (1280x1080i). Nevertheless, that 1080i picture would look no better than a DVD. Meanwhile, standard XDCam uses native 1440x1080 sensors; sure, they're not 1920x1080i but I'll accept it. I'd be surprised if a "quality over quantity"-style place like WBBM picked an inferior standard, no matter how open a standard it might be.)
______________________________________

Another thing - are you guys ever planning on fixing that intermittent video stuttering problem on 26.1? It's doing it right now during The Stooges (it actually has more of a choppy, "animated" at the moment).We paid big money for that studder!!! :DIsn't that stutter there because the inverse telecine mode on the NetVX isn't turned off?

Nice.

(By the way, I asked because P2 creates images using 720x480 sensors, which are upconverted to "HD-lite" resolution (1280x1080i). Nevertheless, that 1080i picture would look no better than a DVD. Meanwhile, standard XDCam uses native 1440x1080 sensors; sure, they're not 1920x1080i but I'll accept it. I'd be surprised if a "quality over quantity"-style place like WBBM picked an inferior standard, no matter how open a standard it might be.)
______________________________________

Isn't that stutter there because the inverse telecine mode on the NetVX isn't turned off?

We're not using NetVX. We're using Harmonics latest NMX with MV-500's and MV-100's.

carlhirsh

For your location, I would first try removing the amp. Even though your antennas are indoors, you may still be overloading the tuner.

It could also be just a plain case of multipath. Take an analog tv, hook your antenna to that and have a look at ch20 analog, or even ch32 analog. Are there any ghosts on those signals? Orient the antenna to minimize those and see what happens.

Also, the fact it works when you touch the splitter says you may have an open shield/ground connection in one of your F connectors somewhere.

TV Pack did indeed fix the WGN problem. Its working fine on my MCE, Even though TV Pack itself has its own issues/features/bugs.

-dickm

Thanks for the suggestion. I removed the amplifier and found that all channels were degraded as a result. I went through a number of configurations to rule out any single cable or component as being a problem. Finally, I got my antennas to a point where both WBBM and WGN were comping in clearly. I've now velcrod all the cables securely and I'm intent on never moving anything again. :)

This sort of behavior makes me think your multipath diagnosis may be correct. Or some other spooky interference. Moving my wireless router a bit farther away from the whole antenna and tuner rig might have helped, but I'm not certain and I'm pretty sure they shouldn't share much spectrum.

I'm up and running knock on wood.

We're not using NetVX. We're using Harmonics latest NMX with MV-500's and MV-100's.Sorry, there; I thought I read somewhere that you got a NetVX. Harmonic's better, anyway, so good for you.

I'm currently using an ancient (it was on the house 20 years ago when we moved in) RS VHF/UHF antenna for my HD signals. WGN has always been weak. Other channels out of Chicago are ok (usually 4 to 5 bars out of 10 on my Samsung 4092. We're adding two more HD sets over the winter so I'd like to replace my antenna and distribution system before it gets cold. I also have 4 HD tuners on two different computers to feed.

According to antennaweb I'm ~30 miles away at 108 and 111 degrees from Chicago (I'm in Streamwood). I do have a fair amount of trees around as well as aluminum siding so I'm figuring to keep the antenna outside. In talking to a few people the Winegard 7082HD keeps coming up as a good antenna for this area. Assuming this is a good choice here is what I was thinking:

7082 -> mast mounted preamp -> 2 way splitter (FM and TV) with the TV side feeding a 8 way distribution amp like the Electroline EDA-2800 to the HD tuners. The FM side will go to a cheap 4 way amp.

Does this seem reasonable? Will I need a FM trap on the TV side of the splitter? Any other suggestions?

tia, al

I'm currently using an ancient (it was on the house 20 years ago when we moved in) RS VHF/UHF antenna for my HD signals. WGN has always been weak. Other channels out of Chicago are ok (usually 4 to 5 bars out of 10 on my Samsung 4092. We're adding two more HD sets over the winter so I'd like to replace my antenna and distribution system before it gets cold. I also have 4 HD tuners on two different computers to feed.

According to antennaweb I'm ~30 miles away at 108 and 111 degrees from Chicago (I'm in Streamwood). I do have a fair amount of trees around as well as aluminum siding so I'm figuring to keep the antenna outside. In talking to a few people the Winegard 7082HD keeps coming up as a good antenna for this area. Assuming this is a good choice here is what I was thinking:

7082 -> mast mounted preamp -> 2 way splitter (FM and TV) with the TV side feeding a 8 way distribution amp like the Electroline EDA-2800 to the HD tuners. The FM side will go to a cheap 4 way amp.

Does this seem reasonable? Will I need a FM trap on the TV side of the splitter? Any other suggestions?

tia, al

Hi Al,

Welcome to AVSforum! Looks like you have done your homework. I don't think you'll need an FM trap unless you are close to a suburban transmitter. I'd go with that...or, to be safe, a Winegard 7084. But to ensure you get WBBM through February, and get low-power stations, I'd go with the 7084.

Having said that, if your cable run is RG-6 quad shielded and less than 50' , and you use the 7084, forget the preamp and just use the distribution amps. You should have enough signal to power both.

Can he use those distribution amps with a pre-amp, though?

Can he use those distribution amps with a pre-amp, though?Since one of the amps is a "cheap 4-way" it could be overloaded easily enough by a pre-amp.

If the line is being split 2 ways and each leg is then amp'ed, a pre-amp sounds like a bad investment to me.

Hi Gilbert,

Thanks for the welcome. I've been lurking here for a while and finally decided to ask for help.

I think the nearest FM transmitter is in Elgin - 5 or 6 miles away. Shouldn't be an issue as it's not a real strong signal. The run from the antenna to the splitter is ~20 feet The main reason I was thinking pre-amp was to eliminate the loss from the splitter but I'll give it a try without it.

Should the splitter be an actual splitter or a line tap to minimize loss going to the TV amp? Are any brands significantly better than the rest?

And finally (maybe?) - reputable vendors to deal with? I prefer online but if there is a store front that is semi-local I'm ok with that as well.

thanks, al

One thing to keep in mind, the Digital era is an imperfect world for broadcasters. Some of us are inventing the wheel all over again. Its a not exact science like the analog world was. There are so many turns and bends, that we run into problems from time to time. If ya only could see what we go through. :eek:
I am 90 miles south of Chicago, I have a 55ft tower with Channel Master 4228 antenna and a amplifier and rotor. I get NBC, ABC, FOX, WB Ch 9 and I am very impressed with the HD signals. We have watched the Bears, the Cubs etc love it. Is there a reason that I have never got a CBS signal once in the month that I have my hook-up. I can go south to Decatur and Champaign for all networks also about 50 to 70 miles away. I am just curious about the Chicago CBS.

I am 90 miles south of Chicago, I have a 55ft tower with Channel Master 4228 antenna and a amplifier and rotor. I get NBC, ABC, FOX, WB Ch 9 and I am very impressed with the HD signals. We have watched the Bears, the Cubs etc love it. Is there a reason that I have never got a CBS signal once in the month that I have my hook-up. I can go south to Decatur and Champaign for all networks also about 50 to 70 miles away. I am just curious about the Chicago CBS.

I don't remember but is the 4228 UHF only. CBS is on 3 soon to be 12 so you may never get it with that antenna. ABC is going to 7 so you will lose that as well come February.

from the first page of this post

Broadcast Power

WPWR-DT : 1000 kW - (51) - MNTV
WFLD-DT : 690 kW - (31) - FOX
WGN-DT : 645 kW - (19) - CW
WMAQ-DT : 350 kW - (29) - NBC


WBBM-DT : 4.4 kW (vhf) - (3) - CBS

I don't remember but is the 4228 UHF only. CBS is on 3 soon to be 12 so you may never get it with that antenna. ABC is going to 7 so you will lose that as well come February.

A recent signal test in San Francisco had KGO-DT's channel 7 signal sign on overnight. Some of the signal reports had UHF antennas such as the 4228 successfully receive the signal.

Don't rule it out just yet! =)

- Trip

Hi Gilbert,

Thanks for the welcome. I've been lurking here for a while and finally decided to ask for help.

I think the nearest FM transmitter is in Elgin - 5 or 6 miles away. Shouldn't be an issue as it's not a real strong signal. The run from the antenna to the splitter is ~20 feet The main reason I was thinking pre-amp was to eliminate the loss from the splitter but I'll give it a try without it.

Should the splitter be an actual splitter or a line tap to minimize loss going to the TV amp? Are any brands significantly better than the rest?

And finally (maybe?) - reputable vendors to deal with? I prefer online but if there is a store front that is semi-local I'm ok with that as well.



Hi Al,

Well, there's always Tri-State Electronics:

https://www.tselectronic.com/antenna_index2.html

Which is in Mt. Prospect:

https://www.tselectronic.com/location.html

A splitter should be fine. Any decent splitter will give you 4 dB of loss per split---that's about 60% (3 dB for the split, and 1 db for the connector). But, if your signals are strong, you'll be OK. Most brands are fine, just look at the specs if you can. Even the ones sold at Lowe's, Wal-mart, etc should be fine.

If the signals are too weak, then go with a preamplifer. With a 7082 or 7084 from your location, an AP-8700 may be overkill:

https://www.tselectronic.com/winegard/ap_preamp.html

But I say try without first. My bet, and certainly with a Winegard 7084...you'll be fine.

A recent signal test in San Francisco had KGO-DT's channel 7 signal sign on overnight. Some of the signal reports had UHF antennas such as the 4228 successfully receive the signal.

Don't rule it out just yet! =)

- Trip

I saw their thread. FYI, WLS-DT will be doing the same thing; Kal Hassan, WLS-DT's Chief Engineer, spoke earlier on this thread that they will be doing the same thing, possibly towards the end of this year from their *backup* antenna on Hancock, which is being converted to digital first.

I have a 4228 70' up on a building at work, and it gets analog 7 with some snow, but not much (and that with a ChannelMaster 7777 preamp!). I saw one guy on that thread get their channel 7 45 miles away, BUT they had 20 kw of juice or something like that, right? Our WLS-DT will only have 3.2 kw.
My guess is that unless you have a big antenna for channels 7-13 outdoors,
you won't get it past 30 miles from downtown.

Their permit is for 4.75 kW. Has the engineer stated what the power of the aux will be?

KGO-DT has a permit for 24 kW. 4.75 kW is about 7 or 8 dB down from that.

In Zone I (where Chicago is located) the FCC power limit for WLS at their height is 5.26 kW, and that's not static either. There's always a chance they'll boost power more after the transition.

- Trip

I don't remember but is the 4228 UHF only. CBS is on 3 soon to be 12 so you may never get it with that antenna. ABC is going to 7 so you will lose that as well come February.
Thank you for quick reply, The 4228 is suppose to be strictly a UHF antenna. Please excuse my lack of knowledge on this stuff but I confuse easy, The ABC channel is 7-1 that I am receiving. What is that. I did not think I would need any VHF signal as I heard that HD was only UHF The reason was twofold for tower as I am in boonies and was stuck on a internet dialup so this got me a WiFi setup plus some free HDTV. I was like a bedbug in a motel living the good life. VHF is analog. I actually pull Ch 7 but a lot of snow.

Thank you for quick reply, The 4228 is suppose to be strictly a UHF antenna. Please excuse my lack of knowledge on this stuff but I confuse easy, The ABC channel is 7-1 that I am receiving. What is that. I did not think I would need any VHF signal as I heard that HD was only UHFChannel 7 HD is currently on UHF, but is on a physical channel that will not be legally permissible for DTV transmission after Feb. 17, 2009. Therefore, they'll move transmission over to VHF channel 7 (their current analog frequency).

HD is mostly on UHF, but not all of it. The Cincinnati ABC affiliate is currently on VHF, as is the Chicago CBS affiliate.

............ Please excuse my lack of knowledge on this stuff but I confuse easy, ...................

If you want a crash course on whats happening in the Chicago area read the first nine posts of this thread. It should be helpful and for a while you may be more confused but it will go away.

If you want a crash course on whats happening in the Chicago area read the first nine posts of this thread. It should be helpful and for a while you may be more confused but it will go away.
Ok I'm back and crash course was interesting to say the least, I actually did not think when installing stuff that I would pull Chicago at all, If I did I figured it would be a fade in fade out type of reception at 90 miles nothing that I could watch on a regular basis. Well I was wrong it's pretty decent as I said above. I am a tweaker though. Now do I have to remove the 4228 antenna which is doing great and is also very light and easy on rotor and add a dual type antenna? Or is there just a VHF that I can add to the present UHF antenna. I do get all the networks from Champaign areas and I also have a dish network satellite. It's not like I'm lacking stuff to watch, but this is like an addiction (the tweaking part) and it's worse when your not the brightest bulb in the box. It is a lot of fun though.

Now do I have to remove the 4228 antenna which is doing great and is also very light and easy on rotor and add a dual type antenna? Or is there just a VHF that I can add to the present UHF antenna. I do get all the networks from Champaign areas and I also have a dish network satellite. It's not like I'm lacking stuff to watch, but this is like an addiction (the tweaking part) and it's worse when your not the brightest bulb in the box. It is a lot of fun though.The frugal part of me says to just keep the antenna you're using, and on Feb. 18, 2009, do a rescan and see what happens. At worst, you lose one channel (ABC 7 Chicago), and at best, you keep ABC 7 and gain one more channel (WBBM CBS 2 Chicago)! But it looks like you currently get CBS and ABC from Champaign, so there should be no huge losses no matter what.

The frugal part of me says to just keep the antenna you're using, and on Feb. 18, 2009, do a rescan and see what happens. At worst, you lose one channel (ABC 7 Chicago), and at best, you keep ABC 7 and gain one more channel (WBBM CBS 2 Chicago)! But it looks like you currently get CBS and ABC from Champaign, so there should be no huge losses no matter what.
Well I am going to wait until 2/09 as why jump in where not needed. We are from Chicago originally near north side Halsted and Lincoln ave and until they took the network availability of all networks on satellite had no problems as we do like Chicago nets. Now on dish all we get is the Champaign area nets which if you like of the paid programming programs selling vacuums etc is fine, Or on a Sunday where the religious programming kicks in big time etc. Any Chicago nets I can get are a huge bonus. Aside from the fact it's kinda cool being back in charge a little of your own TV reception etc. We are in what they call a gray area out here we had to purchase a big C-dish years ago to get quality TV as analog was really poor.

mikemikeb
Thank you for help.

Their permit is for 4.75 kW. Has the engineer stated what the power of the aux will be?

KGO-DT has a permit for 24 kW. 4.75 kW is about 7 or 8 dB down from that.

In Zone I (where Chicago is located) the FCC power limit for WLS at their height is 5.26 kW, and that's not static either. There's always a chance they'll boost power more after the transition.

- Trip

Yeah, you're right, I forgot about that "huge" power boost. :rolleyes::D I don't know what their aux will be, but it can't be significantly higher than that. They cannot boost much more, since they will interfere with a 7 in Grand Rapids. Going directional for a few hundred watts or a thousand watts extra is silly, so I suspect (hope) that WLS will reconsider going back to UHF after analog shutdown.

Well I am going to wait until 2/09 as why jump in where not needed. We are from Chicago originally near north side Halsted and Lincoln ave and until they took the network availability of all networks on satellite had no problems as we do like Chicago nets. Now on dish all we get is the Champaign area nets which if you like of the paid programming programs selling vacuums etc is fine, Or on a Sunday where the religious programming kicks in big time etc. Any Chicago nets I can get are a huge bonus. Aside from the fact it's kinda cool being back in charge a little of your own TV reception etc. We are in what they call a gray area out here we had to purchase a big C-dish years ago to get quality TV as analog was really poor.

mikemikeb
Thank you for help.

Hi Wvasko,

What mikemikeb said. The ChannelMaster 4228 (the current version used for the last three decades; the one coming out in October (4228HD) is different) can get channel 12 OK, and also do fairly well on 7. You'll probably lose WLS, but WBBM may grace your antenna at 90 miles out. And if THAT happens, tell us. We'll be VERY curious to see how far 'BBM goes on its new channel!

Hi Wvasko,

What mikemikeb said. The ChannelMaster 4228 (the current version used for the last three decades; the one coming out in October (4228HD) is different) can get channel 12 OK, and also do fairly well on 7. You'll probably lose WLS, but WBBM may grace your antenna at 90 miles out. And if THAT happens, tell us. We'll be VERY curious to see how far 'BBM goes on its new channel!
I will definitely get back to forum, that's one of the reasons I posted now as I think you got to spread the info so that other people can dive in and try stuff. I am going to google the 4228HD to see what it offers but will wait to install it till after 2/09 if I decide I need it.

I suspect (hope) that WLS will reconsider going back to UHF after analog shutdown.We shouldn't hold our breath.  I get the impression that ABC has been intent, for ego reasons if nothing else, on keeping its original analog channels for its O&Os.  If they do want to go back to UHF or elsewhere on VHF-high, that also raises the question of where there will be a channel with less interference than 7.

We shouldn't hold our breath.* I get the impression that ABC has been intent, for ego reasons if nothing else, on keeping its original analog channels for its O&Os.* If they do want to go back to UHF or elsewhere on VHF-high, that also raises the question of where there will be a channel with less interference than 7.

I'd comment, but we all got yelled at by Rammitinski last time we discussed it. =)

- Trip

I recently bought a small Samsung LN19A450 TV for the bedroom. I have Comcast and it's connected directly. In addition to the analogs, I also get the unencrypted QAM.

While doing some testing, I noticed that WCIU-DT seemed to have video that stuttered on movement. This was while an HD program was airing (it looks OK right now with one of those SD court shows on.) There was no pixelation or other issues. When people walked across the screen or on some pans, it seemed to briefly stutter and jump. At the same time, the main TV with a Comcast/Motorola box was fine. I have no issues with the other HD channels, 720p or 1080i.

As far as I know, other than converting to QAM, there shouldn't be any changes made. Is there any known issues with WCIU and some TV's?

I'd comment, but we all got yelled at by Rammitinski last time we discussed it. =)

- Trip

I'm a Cubs fan, and a meteorologist. And after this weekend, on both fronts, there was yelling. :D

There will be other channels open: 30, 44 come to mind. 30 may need some proection from Peoria, and 44 from a station in Michigan...but it can be done.

Now if you want Ramm to yell at you, start an unfounded rumor that WBBM is going to fire up 7 subchannels and downgrade to 200 watts. That will be more than screaming and yelling; it will be "shock and awe". ;) :D

I'm a Cubs fan, and a meteorologist. And after this weekend, on both fronts, there was yelling. :D

There will be other channels open: 30, 44 come to mind. 30 may need some proection from Peoria, and 44 from a station in Michigan...but it can be done.

Now if you want Ramm to yell at you, start an unfounded rumor that WBBM is going to fire up 7 subchannels and downgrade to 200 watts. That will be more than screaming and yelling; it will be "shock and awe". ;) :D

I have an automated search tool on my site. These are available right now (if you don't include analog Class A stations, like WWME-CA):

2, 3, 6, 23, 30, 32, 39, 49

32 and 49 are out due to Madison WI, probably. (Though that didn't stop WXFT-DT from taking 50) 2, 3, and 6 for obvious reasons. Possibly 23 and/or 39 out for WWME.

44 gets added if WWAZ-DT gets their move to channel 5. 44 would actually be a very clear channel if opened up.

- Trip

Well I am going to wait until 2/09 as why jump in where not needed. We are from Chicago originally near north side Halsted and Lincoln ave and until they took the network availability of all networks on satellite had no problems as we do like Chicago nets. Now on dish all we get is the Champaign area nets which if you like of the paid programming programs selling vacuums etc is fine, Or on a Sunday where the religious programming kicks in big time etc. Any Chicago nets I can get are a huge bonus. Aside from the fact it's kinda cool being back in charge a little of your own TV reception etc. We are in what they call a gray area out here we had to purchase a big C-dish years ago to get quality TV as analog was really poor.

mikemikeb
Thank you for help.


I'm in the same boat. I decided to wait until next spring to finally get an antenna installed permanently on the roof. An old DB4 is currently leaning against a wall on the floor of my bedroom. Which currently gives me low 90's or above signals on WGN, WMAQ, WPWR, and WFLD. WLS in the 80's and WCIU in the 70's. This is sixty miles out in Racine. I have a 4228 in the basement that I bought a few years ago. I didn't want to put it up and not be able to get WBBM and WLS next Feb. I'll get a different antenna at that time if necessary to hopefully pull in everything.

Tom

what the heck is wrong with WLS channel 7 recently? I am watching it via D*, but there are just tons of audio glitches (drops & burps it sounds like) over the past couple of days. Nightline is unwatchable right now.

I'm in the same boat. I decided to wait until next spring to finally get an antenna installed permanently on the roof. An old DB4 is currently leaning against a wall on the floor of my bedroom. Which currently gives me low 90's or above signals on WGN, WMAQ, WPWR, and WFLD. WLS in the 80's and WCIU in the 70's. This is sixty miles out in Racine. I have a 4228 in the basement that I bought a few years ago. I didn't want to put it up and not be able to get WBBM and WLS next Feb. I'll get a different antenna at that time if necessary to hopefully pull in everything.

Tom
Yes it's weird, I had 55ft tower etc installed for HD reception somewhere between 50 and 70 miles south and the 90 miles north is coming in as good. I have a friend who has only a 30 ft tower, no rotor and he has his aimed south and he says he picks up Chicago but it is sporadic but occasionally has been able to watch a Cub game with just minor glitches. It's like a crap-shoot, there is nothing written in stone about reception. In Feb if I decide to pickup a new 4228HD it may not be as good as the standard 4228 I would replace. You flip a coin and take your chances.

Cubs game looks great tonight on WCIU! Why is there so much less pixalation on WCIU then WGN? Aren't they the same cameras and equipment that WGN uses? Whatever is being done, I really like it because the picture is crisp!

Cubs game looks great tonight on WCIU! Why is there so much less pixalation on WCIU then WGN? Aren't they the same cameras and equipment that WGN uses? Whatever is being done, I really like it because the picture is crisp!

I hadn't noticed any reception issues since setting up the HDHR's with the TV Pack a few weeks ago. Tonight the only Chicago station coming in is WPWR. The game is blacked out on ESPN and WMLW isn't HD. Boo.

Tom

Edit: Playing with the antenna, I'm getting WCWW out of South Bend instead of WCIU. Tropo i guess.

Cubs game looks great tonight on WCIU! Why is there so much less pixalation on WCIU then WGN? Aren't they the same cameras and equipment that WGN uses? Whatever is being done, I really like it because the picture is crisp!

Hi all, I just would like to say I'm going nuts here! Well, the picture has gotten better in the past 10 minutes or so, but for the most part, it's horrid!

I've got this crummy Radio Shack "Indoor VHF/UHF/HDTV Antenna with RF Remote Control Model: 15-1892" and it sort of works. I live right by the 90/94 split up by Montrose and WCIU has been spotty all night.

But like I said, it's not too bad right now. I guess it knew I was going to complain. My problem is that I live in an apartment and can't put up a good antenna here. So I have to deal with an indoor one.

Is there any help for me? I have no clue about amps, pre-amps and all the other jargon. All I can tell you is that I have that antenna and a Pioneer Plasma. Signal strenght is at best, 70/100. I have a wireless router, but that's at least 20 feet away behind walls too.

I just dunno:(

This evening in Wayne I am picking up all these Milwaukee stations that I never receive. I have a channel 18 that is the CW, ABC channel 12, channel 4 and an NBC Weather plus for Milwaukee. Is this because of this "tropo" phenomenon?

what the heck is wrong with WLS channel 7 recently? I am watching it via D*, but there are just tons of audio glitches (drops & burps it sounds like) over the past couple of days. Nightline is unwatchable right now.

Seems to happen quite often on WLS via D*. I reported it once to no avail. I always use ota now.

This evening in Wayne I am picking up all these Milwaukee stations that I never receive. I have a channel 18 that is the CW, ABC channel 12, channel 4 and an NBC Weather plus for Milwaukee. Is this because of this "tropo" phenomenon?

Definetly Tropo. I am also locking every Milwaukee digital tonight and just did another rescan and locked WTVO-DT from Rockford, 100 miles from my location. And this is with WNDU blasting in here on analog 16. I am located on the lake, about 9 miles North of downtown. You can't beat a DTT-901 with a CM4221 and 7777 preamp. Some have reported that the CM-7000 is more sensitive than the 901, I'm not sure, my 7000 cannot lock WTVO (or KWQC).

I just rescanned again and am locking KWQC 6-1 from the Quad Cities area - AT 70% SIGNAL! Sort of cool to watch Leno in HD from 200 miles away. Looks like it's time to crack open another cold one and see what else comes in :) I think I am seeing traces of RF from Peoria also, but can't lock anything yet.

As of 1:00am tonight I did another rescan and locked WEEK-DT 25-1 and WMBD 31-1, both from Peoria. KLJB 18-1 also appeared at over 80% Thats amazing! Both signals from Peoria are around 50%. The Tropo tonight seems really strong from the WSW, anyone else seeing this?

I'm getting some Quad Cities tonight, but nothing from Peoria or that far out in that direction. I've got some of those channels from out that way still programmed into my CM-7000 from a few weeks back, but I'm not detecting anything on any of them. I'm not even getting WWTO from Lasalle.

Milwaukee's also coming in good and strong - many channels at 100%.

(edit: I take that back - I am getting WMBD-DT right now! It's fluctuating between 74 and 80%! Just had to aim the antenna on the precise spot. I'll have to see if I can get anything else from out there. Now I'm getting WWTO at 96-100%. And WMBD has faded. Quad Cities are still coming in, though.)

Cubs game looks great tonight on WCIU! Why is there so much less pixalation on WCIU then WGN? Aren't they the same cameras and equipment that WGN uses? Whatever is being done, I really like it because the picture is crisp!

It all has to do with our DTV encoding.

I'm getting some Quad Cities tonight, but nothing from Peoria or that far out in that direction. I've got some of those channels from out that way still programmed into my CM-7000 from a few weeks back, but I'm not detecting anything on any of them. I'm not even getting WWTO from Lasalle.

Milwaukee's also coming in good and strong - many channels at 100%.

(edit: I take that back - I am getting WMBD-DT right now! It's fluctuating between 74 and 80%! Just had to aim the antenna on the precise spot. I'll have to see if I can get anything else from out there. Now I'm getting WWTO at 96-100%. And WMBD has faded. Quad Cities are still coming in, though.)


Yeah! I was getting Grand Rapids like crazy. Noticed "snow" on analog channel 24; punched in 24-1 on my Zenith DTT-900 and wound up getting a religious station, WILJ-DT, from Grand Rapids. Other Grand rapids came in great! From South Bend, analog 22, WSBT-DT came in like a local; their digital signal on 30 pegged my signal meter. I got 58, which resolved to WSJV-DT 28.1, of course. A hill blocks my reception from the south, so I can't get Peoria; but I could also see digital hash from the Quad Cities stations, and when I can see it on analog, I know I can get the digitals.

We could do this all over again tonight and for the next few nights. Conditions should be nearly ideal.

For some reason I couldn't get any South Bend last night, which was odd, considering the circumstances. WYIN-DT, either.

For some reason I couldn't get any South Bend last night, which was odd, considering the circumstances. WYIN-DT, either.

Same here for the most part, most of the SB stations were really weak and normally they blast in here day/night. From my location, when there is Tropo it seems either signals are very strong from across the lake or things are strong far to the West. Just this morning around 7:30 I woke up and locked WBGU from Bowling Green, Ohio breifly for a couple minutes.

It will be interesting to see how things go tonight.

Assuming 10 million OTA viewers nationwide (and there are more), if 8.5% of them have issues, that's 850,000 people storming the phone lines. The NTIA had better have lots of representatives and coffee ready.

WBBM was lucky to get the life out of its current building (and the new building was certainly needed, from what Gilbert once posted (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12030371#post12030371)), considering how far studio technology has evolved recently. It's amazing what one can do if building a studio from scratch these days, that you couldn't do even five years ago, stuff like a completely tapeless editing system. (Or did WRAL put that in place when they went HD in 2001? I read that they were doing 100% HD field reports in 2001 (now THAT's what I call expensive). If the technology was available, price no object, considering their "price no object" philosophy, they probably would have done it.)

I'm curious about what HD field cameras they'll be using: XDCAM, P2, EditCam, or something else.

http://cbs2chicago.com/pressreleases/2.330170.html

I sent this to a private DTV list, but I think I can share... :D

"Over the next few clear nights, we should be seeing some very interesting
tropospheric ducting, or "skip" of signals off a warm air temperature
inversion aloft. Last night was big, sorry I didn't mention it...and
tonight is big as well.

As I type this, I am watching WFRV-DT which resolves to 5.1 from
Green Bay, WI. Punch up 39.1 (their actual frequency) and see what you
get! That's a first-time station for me, right over 39's from Grand Rapids, Chicago AND Rockford! Analog 14 from Green Bay is crystal clear cable TV quality as well, which is their CW affiliate. Also getting stuff on 26 and 38 from that market as well.

South Bend, Milwaukee, Madison are all booming in as well tonight.

Enjoy... "

I sent this to a private DTV list, but I think I can share... :D

"Over the next few clear nights, we should be seeing some very interesting
tropospheric ducting, or "skip" of signals off a warm air temperature
inversion aloft. Last night was big, sorry I didn't mention it...and
tonight is big as well.

As I type this, I am watching WFRV-DT which resolves to 5.1 from
Green Bay, WI. Punch up 39.1 (their actual frequency) and see what you
get! That's a first-time station for me, right over 39's from Grand Rapids, Chicago AND Rockford! Analog 14 from Green Bay is crystal clear cable TV quality as well, which is their CW affiliate. Also getting stuff on 26 and 38 from that market as well.

South Bend, Milwaukee, Madison are all booming in as well tonight.

Enjoy... "

You sure are right, last night was amazing, and the tropo is great tonight also. I'm locking KWQC-DT and KLJB-DT at about 80%, and WEEK-DT from Peoria close to 100%. And that doesn't count any of the Milwaukee digitals. I just found WREX-DT at 75% a few minutes ago also. The Quad Cities are coming in so strong I can point the antenna East and there isn't much signal drop. That's 200 Miles from me, im in 60626. I say bring it on!

[B]WBBM New Studios[B]

WBBM sure seems to be having several problems in their new digs. At times no audio, other times flickering analog, other times screeching audio, and sometimes just surround audio with no main voice track.

What is Fox doing - the long shots look like SD the closeups HD?

Yea I know.. BTW, for those who are wondering...

I have an old style CM 4228 and it picks up Channel 7 and 11 analoge perfectly. I assume that it will work on 12 too sence I have had good luck with it. I know the antenna is designed for UHF, but it works very well with high VHF. I have a preamp installed on it too so that helps improve things a bit. I just hope that ABC's new power output can reach out here with little breakups.

[B]WBBM New Studios[B]

WBBM sure seems to be having several problems in their new digs. At times no audio, other times flickering analog, other times screeching audio, and sometimes just surround audio with no main voice track.

Is it just me, or has WBBM really cranked up the volume in their broadcast? I have to turn down the volume and I'm watching a relatively calm interview on 60 Minutes.

And yeah, I hear the other audio problems, too.

Tonight I am picking up a lot of the Milwaukee stations again - and they are coming in very strong - most of these are over 70%. I have an indoor antenna and I am picking up 4-1, 4-2, 6-1, 10-1, 12-1, 18-1 (CW 18), 24-1 (my 24), 58-1, 58-2, and 58-3. This is great. Too bad I can't have this in the middle of Sunday to get some different NFL games when the Milwaukee stations show different games from Chicago!

WBBM always seems to be louder than any other station imho.

Is it just me, or has WBBM really cranked up the volume in their broadcast? I have to turn down the volume and I'm watching a relatively calm interview on 60 Minutes.

And yeah, I hear the other audio problems, too.


Yep, they had the WLS crackely audio problem where it would be good, then go crackely, then go back good.. Hopefully they can fix it quicker than wls. Maybe they need to get with WLS see what there issue was and how to fix it. I havent seen that problem on WLS in a long time.. but they had it one time or another.

WBBM CBS2Chicago Live broadcast from the new Studio is coming up right after the airing of Criminal Minds

Stay Tuned

Official Curtain opens 2morrow morning @ 5am

I hear
Everyone is invited to come join the party at across the Daley Center Plaza 2morrow morning...

Yep Congrats to CBS on their new HD home. Now lets get that signal switched to 12! The Newscast is looking GREAT! Now if I can get it via OTA all would be better :)

Live Field reports dont look HD

Live Field reports dont look HD

Yeah, looks like remote cameras are widescreen SD. The audio is still wonky, too.

I'll have some screen caps up after the news is over. Looks might nice, but a bit busy at times.

Studio looks impressive... amazing..WOW

Wow HD weather graphics from the GETGO! Impressive... Ohhhhhh Ahhhhh! One thing, they need to frame this for 16 x 9 and braudcast in 16 x 9 on their analoge channel. The Weather guy is crowding the screen and should be just to the right of the CBS2HD logo.

Sports highlights are in HD YAY! finally someone who's doing it right.

Overall, I'm really impressed with WBBM's news. I think they have the clearest, sharpest picture of the four HD newscasts in Chicago. The studio is pretty impressive - very, very big, and they've got a lot of large screen monitors on each set location.

Here are Rob Johnson and Anne State at the main anchor desk. The monitors in the background are a little busy for my taste, especially since there's movement in each screen, but it is really impressive to look at.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2877504035_ee8868197d_o.jpg

When they switch to a reporter in the field, Rob and Anne swivel in their chairs and face a big monitor.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/2877503989_f77eb78cd7_o.jpg

Remotes look like they're shot in widescreen SD, but they look a hell of a lot better than the crap that WMAQ shoots in the field.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2877503927_95d956ff02_o.jpg

Here's a typical one-shot of an anchor. Anne looks quite nice in HD.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2878336832_29e17f4e1b_o.jpg

The studio is huge. When Rob and Anne introduced Steve Baskerville for the weather, they joked that he was in the next zip code. Man, they weren't kidding!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2877503653_52a3481492_o.jpg

Look! HD weather graphics!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/2878336482_833e3df236_o.jpg

You know you're watching in HD when you can finally read the small print in the AMS seal.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2877503447_f7acd3ef38_o.jpg

There's Ryan Baker on the sports set, also in another zip code.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2877503317_974d4c8997_o.jpg

Holy crap! Sports clips in HD! I think every clip except the Ryder Cup was in HD. (Ignore the fuzziness - that's fast motion interlaced video for ya.)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2878336214_073bd32206_o.jpg

A nice champagne toast to celebrate the first HD newscast on WBBM. Well done!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2878336162_c4fc4b09e3_o.jpg


Full hi-res versions of these pictures and others are available on my Flickr set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fsugino/sets/72157607421209990/).

Tonight I am picking up a lot of the Milwaukee stations again - and they are coming in very strong - most of these are over 70%. I have an indoor antenna and I am picking up 4-1, 4-2, 6-1, 10-1, 12-1, 18-1 (CW 18), 24-1 (my 24), 58-1, 58-2, and 58-3. This is great. Too bad I can't have this in the middle of Sunday to get some different NFL games when the Milwaukee stations show different games from Chicago!

So I tune into analog 23...picture of Me-TV from Chicago. Turn the antenna to Rockford. WIFR is off the air! Or is it? No, that's digital hash! I flip to the digital tuner and hit 23-1 and with the signal meter nearly pegged after a tweak, first-timer WBAY-DT 2.1 from Green Bay, WI shows up on my tuner. I change to 23-2 and get the best weather subchannel ever---WBAY-DT 2.2. There's a locally programmed weather channel where you can watch for 30 minutes at a crack, like The Weather Channel used to be. Very good, guys...South Bend and Milwaukee pounding in as well.

Not been a good day for reception.  All afternoon into most of the evening our roof antenna wasn't getting WBBM-DT, and now neither it nor any of the indoor antennas can get WLS-DT.

Looks like Chopper 2 (Helicopter) is HD too Fly Over Chicago Loop area Footage was HD
or is it someother Helicopter ?

Not been a good day for reception.* All afternoon into most of the evening our roof antenna wasn't getting WBBM-DT, and now neither it nor any of the indoor antennas can get WLS-DT.

I'm pretty sure your getting hammered by tropo. Not as good tonight, but I can still lock WMBD from Peoria and have a RF signal on all Quad Cities and Peoria digitals. I've noticed breakups on WLS tonight too. Kinda funny how I can get CBS either from South Bend on WSBT or Milwaukee on WDJT (And Peoria for almost the last week late night) on WMBD 31-1 but not a hint of WBBM, and I'm only 9 miles away from downtown. What an absolute joke :rolleyes:

I'm pretty sure your getting hammered by tropo. Not as good tonight, but I can still lock WMBD from Peoria and have a RF signal on all Quad Cities and Peoria digitals. I've noticed breakups on WLS tonight too. Kinda funny how I can get CBS either from South Bend on WSBT or Milwaukee on WDJT (And Peoria for almost the last week late night) on WMBD 31-1 but not a hint of WBBM, and I'm only 9 miles away from downtown. What an absolute joke :rolleyes:

I'm 10 miles SW from downtown and have had no problems with tropo messing with Channel 2 or any other Chicago digitals. My antenna is about 30 ft up and pointed between the Hancock and Sears.

If what your seeing is the norm and not a fluke, I wonder how digital will fly once all the analog is gone? Gotta love our progressing technology :)

Not been a good day for reception.* All afternoon into most of the evening our roof antenna wasn't getting WBBM-DT, and now neither it nor any of the indoor antennas can get WLS-DT.

WWRS-TV 52 from 40 miles northwest of Milwaukee is just pounding in. So much so that when I turn my antenna north to get it, it comes in pretty much perfect with no trace of WLS' digital signal.

I'm 10 miles SW from downtown and have had no problems with tropo messing with Channel 2 or any other Chicago digitals. My antenna is about 30 ft up and pointed between the Hancock and Sears.

If what your seeing is the norm and not a fluke, I wonder how digital will fly once all the analog is gone? Gotta love our progressing technology :)

Once analog is gone, things will be a LOT better. :cool:

I just remembered
Digital Conversion is going on right now in Chicago for Broadcasters (Sprint/Nextel)
so it might be why Live Feild Reports are not in HD yet
The digital Conversions should be done next month
http://www.2ghzrelocation.com

I'm pretty sure your getting hammered by tropo.IIRC you're in East Rogers Park, just northeast of me, so we may suffer -- or enjoy -- a lot of the same tropo effects.

WWRS-TV 52 from 40 miles northwest of Milwaukee is just pounding in. So much so that when I turn my antenna north to get it, it comes in pretty much perfect with no trace of WLS' digital signal.

WLS-DT was back by around 2 AM CDT.

Once analog is gone, things will be a LOT better. :cool:

Yes, and at the same time WBBM-DT will move to VHF12.

Tonight I am picking up a lot of the Milwaukee stations again - and they are coming in very strong - most of these are over 70%. I have an indoor antenna and I am picking up 4-1, 4-2, 6-1, 10-1, 12-1, 18-1 (CW 18), 24-1 (my 24), 58-1, 58-2, and 58-3. This is great. Too bad I can't have this in the middle of Sunday to get some different NFL games when the Milwaukee stations show different games from Chicago!

I have to say it was nice we had the tropo opening to watch the Colts on WSBT-DT Sunday. Often I can get WITI-DT so I can watch both the Bears and Packers. Not bad for NCAA tournament games either!

Studio looks impressive... amazing..WOW

It looks great, but those 30 TV monitors behind them are really distracting. Are they in the control room or at the newsdesk? A nice backdrop of the city view looking from the lake would be better. They have a few audio bugs and sync issues to correct, but aide from those things, good work.

Fog was messing with everything here last night. Was so bad you could barely even see across the street.

Milwaukee was coming in real good, though.

Excellent, most footage in 16:9 HD, now lets have it on channel 12. :)

Heya,

WBBM HD audio is all goofy tonight, voices much quieter than other sounds like the laugh track and backing music in commercials. I'm on Sat and was wondering if it is like this OTA or if its a provider problem. I can't get the stations OTA to check for myself.

WBBM HD audio is all goofy tonight

Yeah, it's OTA too. Sounds like all 5 channels are mixed into the front R/L, leaving the other three silent.

[edit: oops, it got fixed just as I posted that!]

Neil

So, now that CBS channel 2 News is finally in HD, wonder when fox is going to do the same as thats the last station left. Also, who wants to bet on who's gonnna be the first Major player in the chicago land area to turn off their analoge transmisison and go digital only and when.....

Taking bets... now Taking bets :D

Also, who wants to bet on who's gonnna be the first Major player in the chicago land area to turn off their analoge transmisison and go digital only and when.....

Taking bets... now Taking bets :DWCIU turned off analog WFBT on March 1, 2008, and FBT (no W any more) has been digital-only since then.  That may not qualify as a "major player" but it's one subchannel of a pretty darn important player.

Tropo was more enjoyable when the spectrum wasn't twice as full thanks to most stations’ having both digital and analog broadcasts, and a distant station wafting in would fill an otherwise unoccupied channel rather than knocking out one of your own locals.

Still living in the stone age here in Edgewater--using a Sony HD-capable set (ca. 2000), with a DirecTV HD receiver and an indoor antenna. Have been getting that weird metallic/crackly distorted audio on Ch.2 since yesterday during the Bears game. Tonight, switched to ch. 80 (WCBS-TV HD), which DirectTV had been giving me along with the other NYC HD feeds as part of my premium HD package because not all local nets were broadcasting in HD in Chicago yet. Was watching "CSI: Miami," which is particular torture when the audio sucks. Afterwards, switched to WMAQ for news, and then back to 80 for "Letterman," and got the dreaded "Channel Not Purchased (721)" message. Called DTV and was told that they just now pulled all my NYC HD feeds to avoid violating Fed. statute because WBBM was now broadcasting in HD (albeit with crappy audio). So after haranguing DTV--since previous local HD audio issues with first WLS and then WMAQ were only on satellite and not OTA--that it must be their satellite's fault, I now find out here that the problem lies with WBBM itself and I feel like an idiot.

Here's what I don't understand, though: I can get HD signals from WMAQ and WLS both via DirecTV and OTA on their "dash channels" via the antenna hooked to my sat box. But I still don't get WBBM HD OTA--no dash channels. WBBM (and CBS) have always been late to the party, whether it was stereo (CBS used to stand for Can't Broadcast Stereo, now it means Can't Broadcast for S**t) or moving their transmitters to the Sears Tower. (We got REALLY crummy signal up here, a couple blocks e. of the Sheridan Rd. highrises, when they had their antennas atop McClurg Ct.--Gary and Milwaukee came in clearer). So what gives?

Still living in the stone age here in Edgewater--using a Sony HD-capable set (ca. 2000), with a DirecTV HD receiver and an indoor antenna. Have been getting that weird metallic/crackly distorted audio on Ch.2 since yesterday during the Bears game. Tonight, switched to ch. 80 (WCBS-TV HD), which DirectTV had been giving me along with the other NYC HD feeds as part of my premium HD package because not all local nets were broadcasting in HD in Chicago yet. Was watching "CSI: Miami," which is particular torture when the audio sucks. Afterwards, switched to WMAQ for news, and then back to 80 for "Letterman," and got the dreaded "Channel Not Purchased (721)" message. Called DTV and was told that they just now pulled all my NYC HD feeds to avoid violating Fed. statute because WBBM was now broadcasting in HD (albeit with crappy audio). So after haranguing DTV--since previous local HD audio issues with first WLS and then WMAQ were only on satellite and not OTA--that it must be their satellite's fault, I now find out here that the problem lies with WBBM itself and I feel like an idiot.


Welcome, Sandina! Don't feel like one. You only have one monitor, and that's it...and if DirecTV is giving you poor sound/video, if its beyond their control, then they should let the station know they're having problems.


Here's what I don't understand, though: I can get HD signals from WMAQ and WLS both via DirecTV and OTA on their "dash channels" via the antenna hooked to my sat box. But I still don't get WBBM HD OTA--no dash channels. WBBM (and CBS) have always been late to the party, whether it was stereo (CBS used to stand for Can't Broadcast Stereo, now it means Can't Broadcast for S**t) or moving their transmitters to the Sears Tower. (We got REALLY crummy signal up here, a couple blocks e. of the Sheridan Rd. highrises, when they had their antennas atop McClurg Ct.--Gary and Milwaukee came in clearer). So what gives?

What gives is that you probably aren't picking it up off your antenna. When I did a scan at a friend's house with his HD box (TiVo), he couldn't get 17.1 (resolving to 56.1 from Merrillville/Crown Point, IN)...until he pointed his antenna toward it. Then, upon a rescan after the adjustment, he got it.

Do, however, call WBBM and let them know of your problem. They do monitor this board on occasion, but with all the stuff going on, I'm *guessing* they have so much work to do to clean up problems that they aren't monitoring the board.

Yeah, it's OTA too. Sounds like all 5 channels are mixed into the front R/L, leaving the other three silent.

[edit: oops, it got fixed just as I posted that!]

Neil

I noticed the vocals are missing for the most part and the surround effects are blasting through. Sounds like something is hooked up wrong. I finally got fed up and went to ANALOG channel 2 that was okay.

Yep
Audio was wacked out yesterday on OTA. Metalic sound then fade then missing sound then studder.

I still don't get WBBM HD OTA--no dash channels.Since I don't know exactly which DirecTV reciever you're using, I'll do some guessing. You should be able to go through the menu to Setup, then Antenna Setup. Go to Edit Antenna Channels and make sure that channel 2-1 is checked. After that, make sure 2-1 is in your favorites.

If what you're really saying is that you can punch up 2-1 but keep getting "Searching for Signal" messages, that's because 2-1 is hard to receive. With the very low power WBBM is running, even a good outdoor antenna can lose 2-1.

For better details on DirecTV HD receivers, try DBSTalk.com (http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=78) or this DBSTalk forum (http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=112) for HD DVRs.

If the problem is reception, channel 2-1 will be moving in February to a different channel where a lot more power will be allowed.

One additional thing about WBBM's news in HD: the late night rerun of their 10pm news is also broadcast in HD. For some reason WLS and WMAQ rebroadcast their news in SD during the wee hours of the morning.

Score another plus for WBBM.

Thanks, Bakers12. Did the rescan. Indeed, Ch. 2-1 now shows up, but I get the "Searching for Signal" message. Until you mentioned "low power," I had figured WBBM's problems were due to their transmitter being at the low altitude of McClurg Ct., and my being up in Edgewater with that wall of highrises between me and the transmitter (the way it was before and which had actually led the station to issue a letter confirming reception in my 'hood was so poor that in their opinion, letting me buy east & west coast feeds was permissible and not an infringement on their statutory rights; that was back at the dawn of the satellite subscription services and way before HD).

I should clarify--this 36" 6:9 ratio Sony XBR is not my only monitor, but rather my fave. Two years ago for our master BR we purchased a 46" Mitsubishi 1080p, hooked up to both an antenna and a DirecTV HD DVR (on separate inputs); last year, when our son's 36" analog ProScan floor model behemoth (purchased in 1992 when we circled the rotting corpse of the old Highland store) in the den gave up the ghost, we bought the 42" version. Both he and my husband report that they were watching the Bears Sunday OTA, and confirm the lousy audio; and though they both get 2-1 showing up onscreen, they get the same signal-searching message box (and the 46" is on the second floor).
BTW, in the attic, our cheapo analog 13" set gets all analog stations from Milwaukee to Gary.

WBBM-DT broadcasts from the Hancock Building, but they are on a low frequency (channel 3) which is subject to interference from CB radios, etc. Also, as I said before, they are only allowed a low power signal by the FCC. I think this to to avoid interfering with other stations in nearby cities.

In February, when the digital transistion occurs, WBBM-DT will move to channel 12 and their power on that frequency will be much higher.

WBBM-DT broadcasts from the Hancock Building.. That would be "from atop the Hancock building", more specifically, so she knows.

Speaking of WBBM, Dr. Phil is actually in HD now. Looks like they have done that. Last couple of day's the syndicated shows that werent on during prime time havent been in HD. Looks like the audio bug is fixed now and WBBM is in L R mode instead of DD.

Yeah, I see. This episode is one of those revolting "cry-fests".

In February, when the digital transition occurs, WBBM-DT will move to channel 12 and their power on that frequency will be much higher.

...and move to high atop Sears Tower, gaining about 300' of height in the process.

Still had audio problems on WBBM via Comcast today. My recording of The Price is Right had none during the show and crackly, barely audible stuff during commercial breaks. :(

There is no program information being broadcast during the local news (I haven't checked other times) and their clock is WAY off. I send them an email last night.

There is no program information being broadcast during the local news (I haven't checked other times) and their clock is WAY off. I send them an email last night.

Yup i noticed that too

One additional thing about WBBM's news in HD: the late night rerun of their 10pm news is also broadcast in HD. For some reason WLS and WMAQ rebroadcast their news in SD during the wee hours of the morning.

Score another plus for WBBM.

Because the studio has all HD not a single thing is SD in there..;)

Im told someone @ WLStv is sleeping at the wee hours at night and not doing their job...:D

Have no idea about WMAQ they have been ignoring emails...:mad:

So, now that CBS channel 2 News is finally in HD, wonder when fox is going to do the same as thats the last station left. Also, who wants to bet on who's gonnna be the first Major player in the chicago land area to turn off their analoge transmisison and go digital only and when.....

Taking bets... now Taking bets :D

WFLD Fox is supposed to be redoing their Studio during this summer.. dont know that status update now.. as last check i was told they were waiting for City Hall approval for Work Permit

WOW, just saw 'BBM's HD news for the first time. It looks fabulous. By far the sharpest of all the HD newscasts. Let's hope they don't decide to soften it up.

WOW, just saw 'BBM's HD news for the first time. It looks fabulous. By far the sharpest of all the HD newscasts. Let's hope they don't decide to soften it up.

It even looks excellent on my converter box :)

I just moved to the city from Minnesota, where I had no problem picking up the HD signals. Now I moved to 16th and Indiana, a couple miles from the towers. I can actually see the top of the Sears tower from my window. My problem is I am having a horrible time picking up Fox and CBS. I am currently using a Channel Master 4149 bowtie antenna. I realize it is only a UHF and so perhaps that is part of my problem with CBS. I can't understand why I cannot pick up FOX, however. Any suggestions on what antenna to try? I face north, and have basically a clear shot to downtown. In fact, when I disconnect my antenna, I actually still pick up about 80% of the channels. My tuner is an AverMedia A180 in a HTPC. I've tried an old loop and rabbit ears, and it has not worked very well. I tried upgrading the cable already to a high quality RG-6.

Well I'm on page 5 of this thread, I'll keep going...

Thanks

I just moved to the city from Minnesota, where I had no problem picking up the HD signals. Now I moved to 16th and Indiana, a couple miles from the towers. I can actually see the top of the Sears tower from my window. My problem is I am having a horrible time picking up Fox and CBS. I am currently using a Channel Master 4149 bowtie antenna. I realize it is only a UHF and so perhaps that is part of my problem with CBS. I can't understand why I cannot pick up FOX, however.

Welcome to Chicago!

As it turns out, not every station in Chicago broadcasts from the Sears Tower. Two that broadcast from the Hancock Building are - you guessed it - WBBM (CBS) and WFLD (Fox). Since there are a lot of tall buildings between you and the Hancock Building, you may want to see if you can get the Fox signal off a multipath reflection. Have you tried aiming your antenna in a direction other than straight at the Hancock? I have a friend who lives somewhat near you and he has to aim his antenna almost due west to pick up Fox.

Welcome to Chicago!

As it turns out, not every station in Chicago broadcasts from the Sears Tower. Two that broadcast from the Hancock Building are - you guessed it - WBBM (CBS) and WFLD (Fox). up Fox.


If this is true it would make some sense. However, post number #3 (or was it #2) lists Fox on the Sears tower..

Welcome to Chicago!
I have a friend who lives somewhat near you and he has to aim his antenna almost due west to pick up Fox.

Do you know what antenna he uses?

Thanks

If this is true it would make some sense. However, post number #3 (or was it #2) lists Fox on the Sears tower..

I stand corrected - the analog transmitter is still on the Hancock, but the digital transmitter is on the Sears Tower.

My friend has a Silver Sensor antenna that sits on a table by the window. It does a great job with all UHF channels, but you'll need a VHF antenna to get WBBM because they're still on channel 3.

IIRC you're in East Rogers Park, just northeast of me, so we may suffer -- or enjoy -- a lot of the same tropo effects.


Yes, you are correct I am in East Rogers Park. For a long time I really never thought DTV signals could be decoded that far beyond the horizon, even during tropo because of the much lower power levels with digital. Thus, I spent most of my time trying to DX over analog, with not much luck. And now that I am trying DTV I am locking Quad Cities stations almost every night, even with modest tropo/enhancement, KLJB and KWQC come in like locals after sunset, at least during this time of year. Around 2-3am like clockwork almost each night WEEK and WMBD appears. I do have height, but that is still very suprising. Try tuning to RF 56 and 49 and see if you ever lock anything from your location if you point your antenna WSW at night. I'm about as far East in IL as you can get on the Northside, so I if I am receiving that far out others must be able to also.

I do have height, but that is still very suprising.

Height makes might :)

I just moved to the city from Minnesota, where I had no problem picking up the HD signals. Now I moved to 16th and Indiana, a couple miles from the towers. I can actually see the top of the Sears tower from my window. My problem is I am having a horrible time picking up Fox and CBS. I am currently using a Channel Master 4149 bowtie antenna. I realize it is only a UHF and so perhaps that is part of my problem with CBS. I can't understand why I cannot pick up FOX, however. Any suggestions on what antenna to try? I face north, and have basically a clear shot to downtown. In fact, when I disconnect my antenna, I actually still pick up about 80% of the channels. My tuner is an AverMedia A180 in a HTPC. I've tried an old loop and rabbit ears, and it has not worked very well. I tried upgrading the cable already to a high quality RG-6.

Well I'm on page 5 of this thread, I'll keep going...

Thanks

Reception due south of the loop suffers because of multipath. I used to do a lot of antenna installs in Hyde Park years ago. Even though you could see the towers, ghosts were a big problem. The UHF only antenna will do a very poor job on low band VHF at channel 3. The elements are way to short to do a good job.

is it just me or has CBS 2.1 gotten extremely loud lately? I noticed it as the closing music of the local 10pm news was coming up last night. I noticed early this morning, going from watching a Tivo'd CW program to live CBS local news. Nearly blasted me out of my chair! it was VERY loud. Same thing noticed when going from last night's Tivo'd 'Kitchen Nightmares' on Fox over to the Tivo'd Survivor season opener. Survivor was ambulance blast loud.

I've always noticed Letterman being louder than Leno, but this volume discrepancy has gotten even worse. utterly ridiculous.

It's not you - it's extremely loud.

In general I keep my TV's volume at 20. For WBBM it's always been about 18. Now, for WBBM it's 13-14 or my ears start bleeding.

(Actually, ION OTA has always been a little louder than average, too.)

Me too. My AVR is usually set to -15 but adjusted to -18 for WBBM. Now it's -32 for WBBM! :eek:

I wrote them to complain, not that I expect it to accomplish anything. :rolleyes:

No - they will have to do something - this is just too severe. I can't see how it could be intentional.

I'm sure they're getting tons of complaints already.

At least it's "normalized" when I watch it on Dish (looks awful in SD, though).

When WBBM is in 5.1, it's deafening. In 2.0/ProLogic, the center is weak and the surrounds are loud.

...At least it's "normalized" when I watch it on Dish (looks awful in SD, though). I assume you mean it's "normalized" for SD only. On D* HD, it's exactly the same as OTA, ear splitting.

Reception due south of the loop suffers because of multipath. I used to do a lot of antenna installs in Hyde Park years ago. Even though you could see the towers, ghosts were a big problem. The UHF only antenna will do a very poor job on low band VHF at channel 3. The elements are way to short to do a good job.


Ironic, my parents live in Hyde Park... a block from Obama's house, so its exciting to drive by there every time I go visit. I actually used this exact same antenna in their house. I just set it on a bookshelf on their 3rd floor, and I pick up everything (CBS included) without any issues.

I also seem to have resolved my problems. I was trying to use Sage TV, and every time I would attempt to manual put in 2-1 (or 3-2-1) or whatever else, I kept tuning Ion or Qubo instead. The program guide would say Dr Phil and I kept getting this other stuff. Then sage kept crashing, so I said forget it. I downloaded the AverMediaCenter app and it works great (besides my remote not working) It tuned in every channel without a single glitch. I get zero drops, and it even utilized hardware acceleration on my Raedon 3450 without any problem.

I assume you mean it's "normalized" for SD only.Yeah. I don't have their HD (thank God in this case).

Me too. My AVR is usually set to -15 but adjusted to -18 for WBBM. Now it's -32 for WBBM! :eek:

I wrote them to complain, not that I expect it to accomplish anything. :rolleyes:

Followed your lead and sent an e-mail also, will see if there is a response. They are not a surf safe channel unless you are on mute.

Followed your lead and sent an e-mail also, will see if there is a response. They are not a surf safe channel unless you are on mute.

I sent in a complaint about the volume level last Sunday, and I got a reply back from Paul Rodriguez early on Thursday saying they're aware of the problem and working on it. It seemed fixed for the past few nights, but I guess it's wonky again.

When WBBM is in 5.1, it's deafening. In 2.0/ProLogic, the center is weak and the surrounds are loud.

That's an understatement. They need to adjust their dialnorm a bit. I was trying to watch Survivor on thursday and I practically had to turn the volume all the way down.

That's an understatement. They need to adjust their dialnorm a bit. I was trying to watch Survivor on thursday and I practically had to turn the volume all the way down.
In addition to being loud, it has some distortion, probably due to clipping from the high dB.

Ironic, my parents live in Hyde Park... a block from Obama's house, so its exciting to drive by there every time I go visit. I actually used this exact same antenna in their house. I just set it on a bookshelf on their 3rd floor, and I pick up everything (CBS included) without any issues.



There are many tall buildings in Hyde Park, depending where they were located in the path told us how much havoc it would play with the reception. If the persons dwelling was low that made it worse. My ex business partner and I had to put antenna's on 30 foot poles just to get stuff good. While there may be a few area's around there that don't suffer too much, the norm were headaches in that area. Take it from a guy that was out in the field.

Is the debut of WCIU/MGM's This TV on 26.4 still expected Wednesday, October 1?

FYI dont want to spoil anyones tastes but WLS (ABC7Chicago) Field Reports (cameras) are not HD
they are SD operating Widescreen mode

HD Field Reports from WLS will come about this time next year...

Is the debut of WCIU/MGM's This TV on 26.4 still expected Wednesday, October 1?

Nope.

Nope.

I am hoping that 26.2 26.3 and 26.6 will be removed come next year and get their own channel and bandwidth.. providing 26.1 the full stream :cool:

That's an understatement. They need to adjust their dialnorm a bit. I was trying to watch Survivor on thursday and I practically had to turn the volume all the way down.

perhaps they do not know the difference between 0dBFS and 0dBVU

I am hoping that 26.2 26.3 and 26.6 will be removed come next year and get their own channel and bandwidth.. providing 26.1 the full stream :cool:

Just make sure they turn up the power on 23.1 so we dont miss anything out here in the boondocks. I only get 23.1 when the foliage is gone. :(

Well, if the FCC ends up allowing Class A stations to increase to full power, WWME-CA could become a full-powered facility like WCIU.

It's one of the very, very few select cases where I would support such a thing. WCIU/Weigel provide excellent public service to the area, from what I can tell from here.

- Trip

Just incase anyone is wondering

Sprint/Nextel Digital Relocation switch over is 92 % complete Nationwide... with Chicago 73 % complete

http://www.2ghzrelocation.com

Nope.

Well, that's laconic.  So is there another projected date for the debut of This TV, or is there no known date, or has the whole concept been canceled?

It sounded like the perfect channel to soothe my mother's insomnia.

I am new here, but have just begun receiving OTA broadcasts. I installed a Wineguard 8200U antenna on my roof and Two channelmaster digital to audion converters. I am receiving 2.1, 5.1, 5.2,5.3, 7.1,7.2,9.1,9.2, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 20.1, etc up to 66. No problem there. The problem is my dvr. I have two old series 5000 ReplayTV units with automatic commercial advance. However, with the new set-up, I cannot program my Replay units to tune into the OTA channels or change the channels on my channelmaster units. Any advice or direction to a different site is welcome. thanks

P.S. Loving my free TV

The Channel Master tuner uses a Pioneer cable box code in order to be contrlolled by a recorder's IR blaster. I currently have mine set up with my Panasonic E85H HDD/DVD recorder this way, and it works perfectly. The only thing is, I can't change to subchannels below 10 - but that's no big deal, because there's absolutely no subs in this market under 10 that I'd ever want to record anyway. Also, I have to leave both the CM and the Panny on, otherwise, if I don't leave the Panny on, it occasionally changes to the wrong channel number. Don't really know why, but you may not have to do that with the Replay. You will have to leave the CM on, though.

Channel numbers should be arranged like this:

Under 10: just use the regular channel number. Example: 5=5, 9=9.
Over 10: use three digit numbers containing the main channel and the sub number, minus the decimal point. Example: 10.3=103, 55.4=554.

Hope that helps, and welcome to the forum. (Looks like you really did your research there, with the 8200U and the CM-7000. The best of both, I'd say!)

Sprint/nextel 2ghz relocation is 100% complete in Chicago now as of noon Saturday ..

http://www.2ghzrelocation.com/plugin/template/broadcast/Progress%20and%20Schedule/?region=Midwest&dma=441#jump

Well, that's laconic.* So is there another projected date for the debut of This TV, or is there no known date, or has the whole concept been canceled?

It sounded like the perfect channel to soothe my mother's insomnia.

Nov 1st is the national launch date.

perhaps they do not know the difference between 0dBFS and 0dBVU

:)

Nov 1st is the national launch date.Thank you.

WBBM really needs to get its act together. This is the second week in a row that they screwed up the audio for the first act of NCIS. Can one of the engineers put up a post-it note or something that reminds them to flip the 5.1 switch when the network shows go on?

Hi

WFLD HD is the only channel I receive that has poor to miserable OTA reception.
Using HR20, 2 year old roof-mounted antenna (forget which one, used the advice here to purchase). Located in Northwest Evanston.

Get 80 - 100% signal strength generally, but only 50 - 55% on WFLD. WPWR is 75% signal strength.

Not sure what, if anything, I can correct. No power lines close by, no radio stations.

Suggestions?

Rob

Hi

WFLD HD is the only channel I receive that has poor to miserable OTA reception.
Using HR20, 2 year old roof-mounted antenna (forget which one, used the advice here to purchase). Located in Northwest Evanston.

Get 80 - 100% signal strength generally, but only 50 - 55% on WFLD. WPWR is 75% signal strength.

Not sure what, if anything, I can correct. No power lines close by, no radio stations.

Suggestions?

Rob


very surprising. I can only assume you have a multipath issue or some kind of bad connection somewhere. So, make sure you check your connections thoroughly for any stray braid, corrosion, or bad crimp, etc. Compression connectors at the end of the cable work besrt. Check the connections at the antenna too. Is there any corrosion at the contacts? Are you using RG-6 quad shield cable? That stuff is very well shielded, though regular RG-6 is pretty good too. RG-59 is garbage. If all that doesn't work, try and rotate the antenna toward the lake to be clear of possible multipath obstructions.

you should be getting a better signal than that from Evanston.

Would "bad" hardware or antenna aiming really affect only one channel like that? I believe the other stations that broadcast from same location are coming in at or near 100% signal strength.

Different channels are on different frequencies so they have different behaviors.

Hi Perplexed - This post might help you http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14382990#post14382990. Since you live close to me I would have to believe that you have several large trees and evergreens around you. This can also have an impact on your reception as I found out. Hope this helps!

Anyone else notice that some of the channels have their time off by an hour?

7, 9, 11 are an hour slow. Can't check channel 2 since I have no signal from them.

BTW WGN should be embarrassed with there HD signal. Tonight the WWE premiered on My Network in HD and it put the Smack Down on WGN's HD signal. No Pixolation what so ever. Where as with WGN there was always micro blocking. Some tryed to blame the WWE, but its more like WGN.

Anyone else notice that some of the channels have their time off by an hour?Many of us have.  It's been discussed in some other threads already.7, 9, 11 are an hour slow. Can't check channel 2 since I have no signal from them.WBBM-DT is also slow.  I can't check WJYS-DT (doesn't come in on the set where I have the CECB that shows the symptom) nor WYIN-DT nor WWTO-DT (neither of which comes in here).

The problem is that the affected stations are sending bad PSIP data saying we're already on standard time for the winter.  Some tuners honor that, and some have their own (not necessarily correct either) ways of deciding when to adjust for daylight saving time.

Anyone else notice that some of the channels have their time off by an hour?

7, 9, 11 are an hour slow. Can't check channel 2 since I have no signal from them.

Maybe the DST settings are messed up on your TV? The new rules state it's the first Sunday in November (11/2 this year). Maybe something is confused and changed on 10/2? Or maybe your TV is set to the wrong time zone?

Maybe the DST settings are messed up on your TV? The new rules state it's the first Sunday in November (11/2 this year). Maybe something is confused and changed on 10/2? Or maybe your TV is set to the wrong time zone?No, Andy, it's the PSIP data of those particular stations.  If it were rec630's television, all stations and channels would be affected equally.  But most stations have it right while WBBM, WLS, WGN, and WTTW have it wrong.

I normally have Comcast, and the one TV that is directly connected and picks up the QAM versions shows the correct time no matter what channel it's on.

On my other TV (normally uses a Comcast DVR), I checked with a Zenith DTT901 I bought as a backup, and I see the issue. Weird. It also looks like WPWR (if I remember right) is about 3 minutes fast.

Somebody posted there is a thread on it. Is there a link?

What's with this 480p-looking stuff for the Bears game on FOX? Are they back to that again? It's gotta be the softest game I've ever seen on there.

The other day I scanned OTA channels with my Panasonic DVD recorder with ATSC tuner & got what I expected.
WCIU-HD was 26.1, WWME was 26.2, WMEU was 26.3.

Today I was trying my CM7000 digital converter box today and noticed what I thought was a quirk in the channel line up. A scan gave me the following.

WCIU was 26.1 (100 signal strength),
WWME was 26.2 (100 signal strength).
WWME was also at 23.1 (65-70 signal strength),

How come WWME was at two different channels?

I’ve always noticed at station break that WWME has WWME-CA at the bottom of the screen & wondered what the CA stood for. But today for the first time I saw both WWME-CA and WWME-LD. What does the CA and LD stand for? I’m guessing it has something to do with being on two different channels.

This made me wonder how come WWME is not mapped to 23.1 all the time, and WMEU not mapped to channel 48.1?

If anyone can explain why these differences in sub-channels I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

26-1, 26-2, 26-3, and 26-6 are all subchannels of WCIU-DT 27.

WWME-CA is the legal call sign of the analog channel 23.

23-1 is WWME-LD 39. It's the digital companion of channel 23.

- Trip

CA stands for class A and LD stands for low-power digital.

The other day I scanned OTA channels with my Panasonic DVD recorder with ATSC tuner & got what I expected.
WCIU-HD was 26.1, WWME was 26.2, WMEU was 26.3.

Today I was trying my CM7000 digital converter box today and noticed what I thought was a quirk in the channel line up. A scan gave me the following.

WCIU was 26.1 (100 signal strength),
WWME was 26.2 (100 signal strength).
WWME was also at 23.1 (65-70 signal strength),

How come WWME was at two different channels?

I’ve always noticed at station break that WWME has WWME-CA at the bottom of the screen & wondered what the CA stood for. But today for the first time I saw both WWME-CA and WWME-LD. What does the CA and LD stand for? I’m guessing it has something to do with being on two different channels.

This made me wonder how come WWME is not mapped to 23.1 all the time, and WMEU not mapped to channel 48.1?

If anyone can explain why these differences in sub-channels I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

We currently carry WWME and WMEU on WCIU-DT for several reasons of which some I cannot discuss. The one reason I can mention is WCIU-DT is the transportation for them up to Sears Tower. To break them away at this point would require some engineering acrobatics. :eek: Currently WMEU does not have a digital companion built, but its coming.

I have a Panasonic Plasma TV that seems to continually "find" two 50-1 subchannels....one is always blank, the other is usually the correct channel. Rescananning all of the channels often fixes the problem, but recently even a rescan fails to find channel 50 at all. If I manually tune to channel 51 (the frequency that 50 DT is transmitted on) I can get a clean signal, but the channel number incorrectly shows as "51" not "50-1". Eventually after the TV has been off for a while it will find two channels labeled 50-1, as described above. I do not have this problem with any other channel. It appears that WPWR-DT is broadcasting changing or flakey subchannel information. Has anyone else observed this problem or does anyone know what is causing the problem?

I have a Panasonic Plasma TV that seems to continually "find" two 50-1 subchannels....one is always blank, the other is usually the correct channel. Rescananning all of the channels often fixes the problem, but recently even a rescan fails to find channel 50 at all. If I manually tune to channel 51 (the frequency that 50 DT is transmitted on) I can get a clean signal, but the channel number incorrectly shows as "51" not "50-1". Eventually after the TV has been off for a while it will find two channels labeled 50-1, as described above. I do not have this problem with any other channel. It appears that WPWR-DT is broadcasting changing or flakey subchannel information. Has anyone else observed this problem or does anyone know what is causing the problem?

That would be a channel mapping issue on their side. They've been randomly showing up on 51. Do they show up as 51.1 or 51.3?

That would be a channel mapping issue on their side. They've been randomly showing up on 51. Do they show up as 51.1 or 51.3?

On the Panasonic when I see the problem and tune to channel 51 frequency, the TV simply displays "51" with NO subchannel, but it is actually showing the video for 50-1. I've tried sending email to WPWR, but they seem to ignore it.

Far northwest suburban areas have had problems getting WPWR-DT because of low power analog WCFC-CA (TLN) channel 51 in Rockford. On September 30, they signed off the air, forever...becoming exclusive to digital cable only, on Comcast channel 138.

Far northwest suburban areas have had problems getting WPWR-DT because of low power analog WCFC-CA (TLN) channel 51 in Rockford. On September 30, they signed off the air, forever...becoming exclusive to digital cable only, on Comcast channel 138.

Interesting. I'm in Naperville. Perhaps it was an interference problem causing my WPWR problems. I'll reset the tuner again and see what happens. Thanks.

I know I'll be the 1 out of 100 who loved it, but here's the official news...

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/10/nbc_shutting_down_weather_plus.php

I just learned that KBC's WMKB-LD, licensed to Rochelle but moved to Route 64 and state route 47 in Kane county, will be signing on later this month, if all goes well. Should hit most of the western suburbs nicely; I saw what appeared to be the new channel 8 antenna on the tower this weekend. That tower is line of sight for many miles, so it should get a decent pickup, even at 300 watts.

It sounds like a good time for an Irish wake. RIP sub channel.:D

What's with this 480p-looking stuff for the Bears game on FOX? Are they back to that again? It's gotta be the softest game I've ever seen on there.

Fox's pregame show is obviously upscaled 480P. Also, whenever they go back to the L.A. studios for a "Game Break" they clearly switch back to 480P. I can always tell before it is going to happen and say to my wife "Here comes a game break" since the picture drops noticeably in resolution. She always laughs because, sure enough, a game break soon follows. What is this, 2003?

I know I'll be the 1 out of 100 who loved it, but here's the official news...

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/10/nbc_shutting_down_weather_plus.php

Well, weather plus was definitely better production quality and accurate than Accu Weather from Channel 7-3, I think. However, I heard, maybe from you all, that NBC was launching an all news digital subchannel. So, what's going to happen?
a) an all news subchannel 5-2
b) a hybrid all news/ Weather Channel 5-2
c) a scaled down version of The Weather Channel "Weather on the 8's" on 5-2
d) nothing.. the subchannel goes completely away and we get better quality on 5-1

I'm wishing for d) nothing, the sub channel goes away. And then they go away on WTTW.

Yep if WTTW was smart they would be a full blasted 1080I PBS HD and gave the subchannels to WYCC and WYIN.

Im hoping that it just goes away and the PQ on WMAQ improves as 5-1 is lacking in pq.

Fox's pregame show is obviously upscaled 480P. Also, whenever they go back to the L.A. studios for a "Game Break" they clearly switch back to 480P. I can always tell before it is going to happen and say to my wife "Here comes a game break" since the picture drops noticeably in resolution. She always laughs because, sure enough, a game break soon follows. What is this, 2003?This was actually during the game.

d) nothing.. the subchannel goes completely away and we get better quality on 5-1Don't bet on on it.

I just learned that KBC's WMKB-LD, licensed to Rochelle but moved to Route 64 and state route 47 in Kane county, will be signing on later this month, if all goes well.What sort of programming do they have?

What sort of programming do they have?

It's a Korean channel, I think.

Oooh - gorgeous plastic surgery honeys.

Hope it has English subtitling.

CBS2 issues...

So, I've been able to pick CBS2 in Winnetka all-year until a couple days ago. Now, I can't get anything. Did they change something, or did something change on my end? I can get WTMJ out of Milwaukee and so on, but CBS2 has just disappeared. Thanks everyone...

CBS2 issues...

So, I've been able to pick CBS2 in Winnetka all-year until a couple days ago. Now, I can't get anything. Did they change something, or did something change on my end? I can get WTMJ out of Milwaukee and so on, but CBS2 has just disappeared. Thanks everyone...

Been working fine here.

My apologies if this is slightly off topic, but are there any brick & mortar businesses (other than Radio Shack) you might suggest one could find a UHF/VHF diplexer (uvsj) - W, NW, or even SW suburbs preferred? All the electronic places I used to know are now gone. Yes, I know I can order online, but that's my last preference. Thanks.

My apologies if this is slightly off topic, but are there any brick & mortar businesses (other than Radio Shack) you might suggest one could find a UHF/VHF diplexer (uvsj) - W, NW, or even SW suburbs preferred? All the electronic places I used to know are now gone. Yes, I know I can order online, but that's my last preference. Thanks.

http://www.tslectronic.com, aka Tri-State Electronics probably has one. Call ahead of time, location is Mount Prospect:

https://www.tselectronic.com/location.html

My apologies if this is slightly off topic, but are there any brick & mortar businesses (other than Radio Shack) you might suggest one could find a UHF/VHF diplexer (uvsj) - W, NW, or even SW suburbs preferred? All the electronic places I used to know are now gone. Yes, I know I can order online, but that's my last preference. Thanks.
It's remotely possible Best Buy might have something, otherwise, Fry's may be your best choice.

Try your local hardware store or home center.

Thanks. I appreciate the replies

http://www.tslectronic.com, aka Tri-State Electronics probably has one. Call ahead of time, location is Mount Prospect:


That's the only place I knew of that was still around and had already checked. They didn't have one and said they were never very popular, but they might be able to order me one...a great place though

It's remotely possible Best Buy might have something, otherwise, Fry's may be your best choice.

BTDT. The only diplexers they had were for satellite signals which was something like a 5-2000 range IIRC. (MonsterCable brand at Frys)

Try your local hardware store or home center.

Haven't tried a local HW store yet. Local HomeDepot only had the satellite diplexers as well. I'll be near a Lowes tomorrow and will stop in. Maybe I'll also check the phone book for any antenna installers and see if they might carry something.

Hawks on WGN tonight!

Menards, too.

Hawks on WGN tonight!I hope it doesn't have all those artifacts, like the Cubs' games.

Menards, too.

Menards advertises on WGN, too. :D

That was just funny where this post wound up in the sequence! :D

The only diplexers they had were for satellite signals which was something like a 5-2000 range IIRC. (MonsterCable brand at Frys)

I have seen Fry's carry UVSJ's, but they were mis-labeled as satellite diplexers and that was a while ago. It worked fine, but it was relatively expensive. If I need any more, I will just order from Solid Signal.

I'm surprised they aren't more popular and have not found them in any other B&M store. They are cheap to make and make a significant difference vs. using a splitter to combine UHF and VHF antennas. The amount of out of band interference is especially problematic for UHF (i.e. UHF signals on a VHF antenna interfering with the UHF antenna).

I hope it doesn't have all those artifacts, like the Cubs' games.

I watched the game at a friends house on Comcast HD and man was it bad. Now granted most of the tiling I saw was Comcast but still.

I watched the game at a friends house on Comcast HD and man was it bad. Now granted most of the tiling I saw was Comcast but still.


Im glad i'm not the the only one that thought that. Granted I was also on Comcast, but people were talking about how great it looked over on the hawks boards.. to me, it looked ok at best and SOUNDED horrible.

Bears game was widescreen SD and looked terrible again OTA. I can imagine what it must've looked like on Comcast.

There oughta be a law.

Bears game was widescreen SD and looked terrible again OTA. I can imagine what it must've looked like on Comcast.

There oughta be a law.

Unfortunately there's nothing out there yet to define bandwidth requirements for HD. There should be though!!!!

Unfortunately there's nothing out there yet to define bandwidth requirements for HD. There should be though!!!!

No requirements - is that because it is difficult to objectively quantify and measure picture quality, or of a need for good contract attorneys.

One would expect the major sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA) could require a minimum picture clarity.

No requirements - is that because it is difficult to objectively quantify and measure picture quality, or of a need for good contract attorneys.

One would expect the major sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA) could require a minimum picture clarity.

Nobody's really sat down and wrote the guidelines yet. Fox affiliates have some numbers set into stone but thats it. I must admit that it would be hard to put down some firm numbers. As technology gets better for us, we can do way more with less bandwidth.

I know I'll be the 1 out of 100 who loved it, but here's the official news...

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/10/nbc_shutting_down_weather_plus.php

But look at what its replaced with..
http://www.tvpredictions.com/nbc101408.htm

:mad:

But look at what its replaced with..
http://www.tvpredictions.com/nbc101408.htm

:mad:We've currently got both running here actually. And I'm sure they won't improve the other channels when they do drop it. They'll just stick some other practically worthless crap in there.

We've currently got both running here actually.Not exactly.  The Universal Sports channel that is currently on 5.3 is at 480i; this new thing is supposed to be in HD, no doubt taking more bits from channel 5.1 than Weather Plus and Universal Sports SD currently do together.

Edit: skip that.  According to another post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14872119#post14872119), "HD" in that article was a mistake that's been edited to say just "digital," so Rammitinski was right.  It's what we already have on channel 5.3.

Who's tower got clipped by that chopper.. ???

Wbig am1280

Not exactly.* The Universal Sports channel that is currently on 5.3 is at 480i; this new thing is supposed to be in HD, no doubt taking more bits from channel 5.1 than Weather Plus and Universal Sports SD currently do together.

Edit: skip that.* According to another post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14872119#post14872119), "HD" in that article was a mistake that's been edited to say just "digital," so Rammitinski was right.* It's what we already have on channel 5.3.


...and it still sucks. The only thing worse would be curling highlights from 1981.
Could they at least put more conventional (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA Football/Basketball/Hockey) sports reruns on? I'm not big on the NASCAR, but at least that would be more interesting than what they have now.

It sounded like they were saying they were intending to show some other, live sporting events, but I have yet to see any of that (at least I think they were supposed to be live).

At this rate though, I'll probably just block the channel out, so I can surf faster. I keep forgetting to do that.

WPWR-DT, channel 50.1, seems to have developed a stuttering problem similar to that on WCIU-DT. It isn't as bad on WPWR-DT as it is on WCIU-DT. WCIU-DT is unwatchable when a "film" show is on.
It only appears on my Samsung HD set, (my other set, RCA w/ATSC non-HD tuner is not affected) when "film" shows have any movement such as when people walk across the screen, talk, etc, it stutters and jumps.
Is this a Samsung problem or what?

WEDE-CA has applied to flash-cut to digital on channel 34, broadcasting with 15 kw, with almost all of the signal "pointing" west-south-southeast to protect FOX up in Milwaukee, broadcasting at nearly 1,000,000 watts.

WPWR-DT, channel 50.1, seems to have developed a stuttering problem similar to that on WCIU-DT. It isn't as bad on WPWR-DT as it is on WCIU-DT. WCIU-DT is unwatchable when a "film" show is on.
It only appears on my Samsung HD set, (my other set, RCA w/ATSC non-HD tuner is not affected) when "film" shows have any movement such as when people walk across the screen, talk, etc, it stutters and jumps.
Is this a Samsung problem or what?

Not aware of a studdering problem on our end. I'll switch my Sammy over to OTA this weekend and see if I see it as well.

Not aware of a studdering problem on our end. I'll switch my Sammy over to OTA this weekend and see if I see it as well.
I have a Samsung LN19A450 with firmware 1013.3, and it also has a video stuttering issue with WCIU-DT 26.1 at times. Mostly syndicated repeats like Fraiser, Bernie Mac, etc... I get mine through clear-QAM on Comcast, but it should be identical to the OTA feed. I haven't had a chance to try using an antenna yet.

When that TV is having problems, another TV with the Comcast/Motorola cable box has no problems.

I wonder if it's something to do with time compression??

New stuff like Judge Hatchett (just happens to be on now) is OK, but some of the commercials are stuttering.

I have experienced what may be a related problem. I am using Comcast, but should not make a difference if indeed they are not compressing the signal. And WTTW-D confirmed they are not.

It is with my Panasonic DVD recorder. Initially it was only with PBS station WTTW-D. If the image is not moving, then there is no problem. But if there is motion, then it blurs & snaps back into focus. This happens if I just use the recorder as a tuner, so it has nothing to do with the recording itself.

I called the station & spoke with a VP in engineering. He said it was probably due to the fact they have 3 subchannels and may be borrowing too many bits from the main channel. And that the conversion to 480i on my tuner was probably causing the problem.

He seemed concerned, but I don’t think just for me. He said this may be causing a problem with converter boxes that people are using to convert their HD channel down to SD in order to watch it. He was going to look into & try to adjust things. That was a several months ago & so far I have not noticed a change.

The other night I recorded Jay Leno & I noticed a similar problem. This time the light levels would fluctuate with the focus/out of focus picture. The next day I recorded NBC news & everything seemed OK. So I don’t know what’s going on with NBC.

Everything looks OK if using the TV’s QAM tuner or the Comcast HD STB. It’s the Panny’s tuner that does not work as well in this respect. It appears not all tuners, or perhaps the firmware to decode digital signals, are created equal. Of course it would be nice if the TV stations did not compress the signal so much in the first place.

So, you would think with stations dropping analoge in about 4 months this thread wouldnt be as dead as it is.. So whats new?

Hey just curious if anyone is having problems getting ABC (7.1-7.3) or WGN (9.1)? Just a few days ago these stations turned to black and now I can't get a signal through them, which is odd because I can pick up CBS, NBC, WTTW, etc. just fine. Just these two are black, and not even low signal, NO signal what so ever.

Wondering if anyone else has had this problem in the past few days? Or if someone can recommend a good fix.

I'm on an LG 32", using the built in tuner, no extra HD antennas.

Also, it's weird because I didn't move anything and have reconnected everything and made sure the connections are all good and they appear to be.

So, you would think with stations dropping analoge in about 4 months this thread wouldnt be as dead as it is.. So whats new?

Nothing much, that's why. We've beaten it not to death, but good over the last two years. We know where everyone is going who is full power, and the low-power analogs are now showing their card hands. Having said that...

Wait until January and February. See: people tend to procrastinate. Remember the avalanche of posts when CBS had the Super Bowl? I don't know if it will top that marathon, but when the analog stations run crawls at the bottom of the screen frequently to constantly, I suspect this section of AVS could go ballistic with posts.

My opinion: we're just in a temporary lull. Once grandma can't see her shows, the 20-40 year olds will be Googling for info. And here they will come.