I had the opposite issue in that my cable modem would quit working any time the temperature got above 85 degrees and would start back once the temperature dropped below about 80 overnight. On one occasion my digital and HD cable also quit at the same time but I'm not sure if that was related or not.

They had to send someone out and check the level of the "return signal" or something like that. It turns out that a device out on the pole connected to the cable was calibrated wrong and not compensating correctly for temperature changes. Log a service call and see what they suggest.

I tried calling two nights ago but they were closed after 9pm so I called the next day and they actually told me that since everything was working that I couldn't place a trouble call. So I called them back around 8:30 last night when it stopped working again and after the CSR condescendingly told me that it was probably one of my connections inside the house (none of which have been messed with in the last 3 weeks) and that I would be charged for the service call if that turns out to be the case they grudgingly set an appointment to send a tech out tomorrow afternoon.

I have been very satisfied with TWC service thus far but the CSR's willingness to right the situation thus far has been seriously lacking.

This is a new construction house and I just got the service started about 3 weeks ago so it could be a miscalibrated cable. I certainly hope that it is nothing of major importance.

be persistent.

after years of problem-free service i had similar problems starting in june, mostly with the digital services like cable modem, HD and VOD. it took several service calls before they came to the conclusion that the problem was in the main line and not anything specific to my house. my last service call was in october and things have improved a lot since, although i don't know how optimistic i am that the fix is permanent.

fortunately for me my experience was the opposite of yours--everybody from the CSRs i spoke with on the phone to the techs who came out multiple times really wanted to get the problem fixed. the intermittent nature of the problem made it tough, but they never hesitated to schedule a call.

the one aspect that i think could be improved was the fact that most of the guys who came out had no idea that this was a repeat service call and i had to spend a lot of time telling them what the other guys had already done. seems to me that when a second service call is made for the same problem some kind of flag should go up.

Originally posted by Nucleartiger
I tried calling two nights ago but they were closed after 9pm so I called the next day and they actually told me that since everything was working that I couldn't place a trouble call. So I called them back around 8:30 last night when it stopped working again and after the CSR condescendingly told me that it was probably one of my connections inside the house (none of which have been messed with in the last 3 weeks) and that I would be charged for the service call if that turns out to be the case they grudgingly set an appointment to send a tech out tomorrow afternoon.

I have been very satisfied with TWC service thus far but the CSR's willingness to right the situation thus far has been seriously lacking.

This is a new construction house and I just got the service started about 3 weeks ago so it could be a miscalibrated cable. I certainly hope that it is nothing of major importance.

I apologize for the CSSRs attitude, it certainly isn't the type of Customer Service we want to provide. If you will PM me your home telephone number, I can have the call pulled and the CSSR educated on the correct way to handle an issue like yours. In fact I can get both calls pulled since you had two bad experiences in a row.

You do have a level issue - which is frequently triggered by exteme temperature variations WHEN there is an issue - once it gets adjusted, then you should not see the issue again. Your service call this afternoon should resolve the issue.

Please let me know if I can provide any additional help.

TWC channel 820 needs to work by 1:00pm this Sunday!

What the heck is 820. I don't even show that one in my lineup?

Mark

Wach (Fox HD), and its NOT in the current lineup. The Saints at the Panthers Sunday 1:00 pm Fox HD with DD 5.1. OTA only.


The winner most likely goes to the NFC Playoffs.

Is that the channel it's going to be on when we get it? Have you heard something about a time/date when we will have it?

Mark

That is the channel number that was listed a couple of months ago when the NFL season started. It has been reported that TWC corporate and Raycom Coporation(WACH parent company) are in discussions about a carriage agreement. There are Raycom HD stations on other TWC systems, but sadly they are NOT Fox Stations. If history tells us anything then the station is most likely to show up on our TWC system anywhere from a week to a couple of days before the Super Bowl in February. Very frustrating to say the least.


I do not indend this to be a TWC bash. Other than Voom, TWC offers more HD channels and a stable HD DVR.

My LG LST-4200a HDTV receiver is scheduled to be delivered via UPS on Monday. One day too late for enjoying the Pathers' game in HD and the Colts game in HD. I wish UPS would deliver it today or even allow me to get it as a "will call".

Just go to the game, it's higher resolution in the stadium, its real.

UPS is closed today, Saturday, and Sunday. No delivery :(

We saw some advances in HD this year in Columbia: TWCSC added WIS-DT, TNT-HD and ESPN-HD to their lineups and WACH went HD OTA (though still not on TWC). We now have a pretty decent line up. Still, we look forward for 2005 to be a year of continued HD growth and improvements especially in the area of audio, closed captioning, and PQ.

Being it is the end of the year, I believe some Special Kudos and Thanks are in order:
- To Dan Stalnaker and WLTX in their switching off their multicast for the Superbowl back in January.
- To Bob Davis for his superb on-going forum support and participation and
- To Diana Smith for her outstanding support to this forum on local TWC issues.

I would also like to thank the other area DT station people who with their staff helped make HD possible and/or me with information: Barry Ahrendt, WIS, Shawn Bennett, WRLK; Hap Griffin, WRLK; Dan Orta, WACH; Stefanie Rein, WBHQ; Rick Sprott, WZRB; Dan Stalnaker, WLTX; and Ken Thayer, WIS.

And last but not least, thanks also to the other forum participants for their input and friendly discussions.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

ps: FWIW, I just noted that TWC Ch 13 is now UPN which means that their WZRB's OTA signal on Ch 47 should be up and running (though I have not yet checked). Now it is hurry up and wait time till they go digiital.

-----------------------
Note: The following summary information has been added to this post as it was the first one of the year. It contains both the original Part 1 Summary of HDTV in Columbia plus the partial FAQ published in a posting on 2/18/05.


Columbia DTV Information - as of 02/18/2005
Note: half way down is a limited FAQ (part 2) regarding OTA, DBS, and cable access from a post made 2/18/2005.

Part 1: Detailed Columbia Station/Channel Information:

Note: as of April 1, 2004, all DTV stations are required by the FCC to broadcast digital programming 18 hr/day. This programming may be SD simulcast of analog channel or HD. (Neither network nor local station is required to provide any programming in High Definition). (local station broadcast hours to be confirmed) Note that stations do not always use virtual remapping of their digital channels. Most stations use virtual remapping on OTA receivers to make their digital channel to show as their old analog number (maintains station channel identity). This remapping sometimes is turned of so the station will show up as their digital number. (ex: WRLK might be found as 32 vice 35). When in doubt try both numbers. (station power levels are listed further down this posting)

WOLO-DT ABC (8) (24/7)
....HD OTA Ch25.1 TWC Ch 815 DD5.1 capable
....SD OTA Ch25.2 TWC Ch 816 Weather radar
....SD OTA Ch25.3 TWC Ch 817 ABS News Now

WLTX-DT CBS (17) (12:00 noon to 12:35am
....HD Ch19.1 TWC Ch 810 no DD5.1 (network does; station not)
....SD Ch19.2 TWC Ch 811 weather radar
....SD Ch19.3 TWC Ch 812 (started for DNC/RND conventions; potentially now a permanent SD simulcast of Ch810)

WIS-DT NBC (41) (12pm to ~12:35 am)
....HD Ch41.1 TWC Ch 805 DD5.1 (started ~8/12 in time for Olympic coverage)
....SD CH41.2 TWC n/a 4:3 simulcast of 41.3
....SD Ch41.3 TWC Ch 806 weather radar

WRLK-DT SCETV/PBS (32) 24/7 **
....SD Ch35.1 TWC Ch 801 simulcast of analog channel
....SD Ch35.2 TWC Ch 802 South Carolina Channel
....HD Ch35.3 TWC Ch 800 DD5.1 capable

WACH-DT FOX (57) 24/7
.....HD Ch57.1 TWC Ch 820 DD5.1 (added to TWC 2/4/05)


WBHQ-DT WB/UPN (39) 10am to 10pm
....SD Ch 63-1* TWC n/a (UPN part went away 9/10/04)

WZRB-TV UPN (47) on the air as of 0001 hours 1January 2005.
(NTSC only, TWC ch 13)


side note: formerly known as WRBJ-TV Ch 47, this is a new station that has assumed the UPN mantle for the Cola market. It is listed on the FCC web site as having a Construction Permit (appl date April 2004). They are replacing WBHQ as the UPN affiliate (UPN ceased UPN programming as of 9/10/04 and there was a "hole" for some time). FCC Application data list station as analog, not digital. They do not have a separate channel assignment for digital and so will most likely just switch over somday to digital (not likely for 2005).

*WBHQ Ch 63 (formerly known as WQHB and UPN/WB) has analog tower near Columbia and is on TWC. Their digital tower however is just east of Sumter, transmits very low power, and pretty much can be received in/near Sumter. Broadcast hours are approximate and subject to change and are SD only (No HD capability). They went WB only after 9/10/04. Word came on 10/07/04 however that WBHQ-DT is constructing a new digital broadcast capability in Columbia. They will be using the same tower they now use to for their analog signals and their coverage will be kidney shaped (wide east to west; more south than north); and ERP = 500kW). They expect to be up by June 2005 and able to pass through HD at that time.

** SCETV's Sumter station WRJA-DT Ch 28 Sumter started broadcasting Mar 10, 2004. Their programming is, for now, the same as WRLK-DT and will extend/improve SCETV's DT broadcast area (Sumter, Florence/MB, and other points east).

*** NBC initial DD5.1 broadcast was on 4/3/2004(American Dreams); more to follow)

Additional/Premium Channels on TWCSC
HBO HD East-Ch 901 West-Ch 902 DD5.1 capable Subscription reqd
Showtime HD East- Ch 921 West Ch 922 DD5.1 capable Subscription reqd
Discovery HD Theater Ch845 (free)
HDNET Ch 930 (TWC HD Tier)
HDNET Movie Ch 931 (TWC HD Tier)
INHD1 Ch 940 (TWC HD Tier)
INHD2 Ch 941 (TWC HD Tier)
SEHD Ch 813 (NBA/HD, Fox Sports, etc (when available; otherwise simulcast of Ch940) (Ch 814 is spare HD channel for specials)
TNT-HD Ch 840 (free) (but mostly 4:3 material stretched/zoomed to 16:9)
ESPN-HD Ch 950 (TWC HD Tier)

Other/Future Cable Services: ESPN2HD: unknown.

TWC HD Tier: The HD Tier currently costs $6.95/mo plus tax and includes HDNET, HDNET Movies, INHD1, INHD2, and ESPN-HD. Note that while TWCSC's Sumter and Orangeburg's service area lineups are virtually identical to Columbia, other service areas are not (and have different system capabilities as well).

Time Warner High Definition Converters: Models currently available in the Columbia area are:
SA3100HD (note there is a bug tuning Ch815; go one channel up and then down). good remote.
SA3250HD: preferred box; small footprint; has DVI; has scaling and zooming; good remote; Firewire model limited availability (as of Apr 04)
SA8000HD: HD Digital Video Recorder (DVR; can record about 20 hours of HD); limited distribution; no DVI (scheduled for summer 2005); software bug prevents output via analog outputs (update for DVI scheduled for late summer; firmware update to enable recording options/analog ports scheduled for early June); mediocre remote.
SA8300HD: preferred DVR if one can get one (check in person with local office); Improved PQ over 8000; reportedly has functional DVI and analog ports.

Station connectivity to TWC for Digital broadcasts:
WOLO: OTA (B. Davis)
WIS: awaiting feedback
WLTX: OTA (D. Stalnaker)
WBHQ: n/a; no DT signal in Cola or on TWC yet (Mr Smiley)
WACH: n/a (no DT on TWC yet)
WRLK: hybrid.... an RF feed pickup is taken off the transmitter and fed into fiber optic going to TWC's head-end. TWC users must still depend on the transmitter being up and operational to get SCETV/WRLK-DT's signals. A pure fiber feed into their MC is in the works but will take some time (right of way issues with the RR to work out). (H. Griffin)


Station Power Levels: The Columbia Market is served well by all stations as is Sumter. Florence/Myrtle Beach areas are iffy and vary by station. On 09/20/04, a query of the FCCC database revealed the following:

FOX: WACH-DT/Ch 48 is licensed for 520 kW ERP; antenna height (ant ht) 460 meters AGL; the antenna's polar plot (radiation pattern) shows it may be difficult to get in FLO/MB. (and they are not yet doing HD yet though expected any day now).

ABC: WOLO-DT/CH 8 is licensed for 43 kW ERP; ant ht 527 m AGL; polar plot shows it might be okay for parts of FLO/MB (Provo okay in some areas by viewers). (agrees with Bob Davis obviously)

NBC: WIS-DT/CH 41 is licensed for 874 kW ERP; ant ht 427 m AGL; polar plot shows it might be okay for FLO/MB (but will vary by viewer location).

CBS: WLTX-DT/CH 17 is operating under a STA license (Special Temporary Authority) that I understand means they are operating at half power; 500 vice 1000 kW ERP; Ant ht ~ 478m AGL; polar plot indicates FLO/MB reception is probably difficult at best.

PBS: WRLK-DT/Ch32 (SCETV/Cola) is licensed for 65 kW ERP; ant ht 396 m AGL. polar map not shown (but should be relatively circular but be advised that Florence reception has always been very difficult; try Sumter SCETV station instead.

PBS: WRJA-DT Ch 28 (SCETV/Sumter) is operating under a Construction Permit still and licensed for 98.4 kW ERP; ant ht 354 m AGL. polar plot is not shown. Understand decent reception is possible in some parts of the Florence area.


Area Antenna Solutions: gleaned from previous thread postings (not inclusive; additions welcome). CM = Channel Master; RS = Radio Shack

Cola/Harbison Forest, CM 3016 (~27ft mast atop a 15ft hill / CM7777 preamp)
Cola/NE Corridor (I-20/Clemson Rd), Silver Sensor
Irmo, Winegard PR-4400 (attic mount)
Irmo, RS Double Bow-tie
Harbison/Broad River Rd vic, CM 3021 (attic mount; 2 story house; no pre-amp)
Elgin, Coat hanger er Single Bowtie
Florence, CM 4248 plus Winegard YA-1713 (high band VHF Yagi)
Garners Ferry Rd , CM CM 4248 (unk mast; rotor)
Rock Hill, Winegard PR8800 (WOLO, WIS) (25ft mast; CM7777 preamp)
Sumter, CM 3021 (10ft mast; no pre-amp)
Sumter, RS Double Bow-tie (but not WRLK)
Sumter, Winegard Square Shooter (UHF reception was okay; about the same as CM3021; VHF reception was poor). May be better for multipath situations which is not a problem here. It uses a different mount than standard antenna (similar to dbs mounts though). Tested late Feb 2004.


updates:
01/01/04: corrections to WIS (hours) and WACH (audio capabilities)
01/14/04: addition of WRJA-DT information
01/16/04: added converter boxes available from TWCSC
01/20/04: updated/corrected WLTX hours of operation
02/05/04: corrected one antenna installation
02/12/04: updated WIS-DT information (DT added to TWC)
02/16/04: added Irmo CM 3021 antenna solution
02/17/04: corrected 2/16 post to read Harbison/Broad River Rd vic
04/05/04: added Winegard Sq Shooter info; info on NBC DD5.1; update for WRJA, and note about April 1, 2004 requirement for DTV.
04/08/04: corrected WRLK cable channels 801 and 802 (were reversed).
05/11/04: added info on WJRB and station connectivity to TWC
05/15/04: added WIS's weather radar on TWC 806 which was noted new o/a 5/13/04
05/21/04: TNT-HD added to TWCSC; updated firmware update info
6/20/04: removed incorrect footnote data for WBHQ (who does not do HD).
Also; TNT-HD program information. .
7/27/04: Yesterday ABC News Now went live and immediately available on WOLO-DT's SD channel and was added to TWC Ch 816 today.
8/1/04: Added the CBS SD channel used in part for the DNC/RNC conventions
9/1/04: added the fact that NBC/WIS used DD5.1 during Olympics. Other programming with real DD5.1 (not synthesized) appears to be minimal thus far. Also tweaked change for WOLO that occured on 8/11 (added back wxr radar)
9/10/04: updated info on WACH Splicer and added info on WRBJ having been changed to WZRB and will go on air 1 Jan 05. Added ESPN-HD to the HD tier when announced today.
9/20/04: added results of queries of the FCC database on station power levels.'
10/3/04: added fact that WACH can pass HD (the splicer is now working)
10/07/04: added new info on WBHQ-DT and their build out of a new DT capability for Cola.
01/03/05: updated the WZRB info as they went OTA 1 Jan 05; availability of TWC SA8300DVR
2/04/05: updated WACH-DT cable carriage on Ch 820
2/18/05: added Part 2


----

Part 2: Limited FAQ regarding OTA/Cable issues in Columbia from a posting made 2/18/2005


quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by iBleedGarnet
First-time poster in this forum. Go easy on me.

I've been looking at plasma displays and have noticed some come with a built-in QAM tuner. First of all, what are its capabilities? And how might it benefit me? Would I have to be a TWC subscriber?

I've also got a question about OTA HD antennas......while I've been trying to decide what service to go with (either DISH, DirecTV or TWC) I've noticed the satellite providers charge more if you want locals. Anyone here with satellite that uses an antenna to get locals? Do the local stations air their news telecasts in HD? Let's say a USC game has been picked up by Jefferson-Pilot but they aren't broadcasting in HD...would I still be able to pick it up if my only source for locals is an OTA-HD antenna? Thanks in advance, neighbors.

Oh, I live downtown in the Elmwood Park area.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Greetings and welcome to our forum. I will step up and try to give you some answers. Do feel free to ask more questions if needed.

An integrated HDTV with a built in ATSC tuner can tune in all the digital signals in one's area given an acceptable over-the-air signal. That same tuner if it is QAM capable can, if connected to a cable system, also receive those digital signals provided in the open (unencrypted). In our area, that should include WOLO, WLTX, WACH, WIS, WRLK, DISCOVERY and TNT. QAM is an acronym for the basic type of modulation that cable uses for digital transmission (i.e. quadrature amplitude modulation).

If the set is also "cable card capable (or ready)" then one can get their cable company to install one and it will give them access to some additional subscription based HD programming (including the HDTV tier). (do note these channels have their own monthly fees). The card itself rents for a couple bucks or so a month and is a simple substitute for a cable converter. Do note that it does not offer all the same capabilities (e.g. no interactive cable guide).

DBS systems in our area offer L-I-L but these are analog broadcasts only; not digital (nor HD) broadcasts. To get our local's HD programming you will need to use the ATSC tuner built into every DISH Network, DirecTV or VOOM HD receiver coupled with an antenna that can see and receive our local signals (most towers are near Elgin, east of town). There are also standalone receivers (STBs) that work for OTA only and others that are both OTA and QAM capable.

Reception from the downtown area should not be a problem distance wise from the broadcast towers though there are other concerns that might cause problems. If there are obstructions between you and the towers (buildings, hills, trees) then you may have get only weak or reflected signals (called multipath). These can be a problem. Unfortunately there is no surefire way to be sure without trying.

What you might try first is a standard combo indoors antenna (UHF/VHF) attached to your ATSC tuner and go from there. Technically there is no such thing called a HDTV antenna. TV signals are broadcast on either a VHF channel or a UHF channel. So you really need is an old fashioned antenna that works at your location (all but one station here broadcast on UHF channels; WOLO is on Ch 8 and thus VHF). Unfortunately some manufacturers do hype their antennas as HDTV models. Check my summary (link in my signature) for antennas that work for some in our area.

To learn more about HD you might want to visit the other forums here at AVS. The Programming forum has a good synopsis plus you might check out www.HDTVGalaxy.com or www.titantv.com. Basically network HD is available during some evening/Prime Time hours and at various times on weekends (especially sports). No local station produces any HD that I know of (SCETV's WRLK should have some production capability however). Networks can of course come in and produce a local sports program in HD that might well be broadcast OTA here.

Good luck!
Bruce...

POST #3987


__________________
Bruce

Well I am now into my third day in a row without sound on my HD channels. and now I don't have any sound on my movie channels either. Just the regular cable channels. When I call today will be the 3rd time in as many days and the 6th time in the past week for loss of cable issues. Other than little bits here in and there I have not been able to watch the HD channels that I pay for at all this past week.

On the bright side the CSR that I talked to yesterday was very pleasant and helpful. She flashed the box and that fixed the sound until we went to bed and well not working yet again when I got up this morning.

These issues are getting to the point that my wife is thinking about going to the greystone office and requesting our money back for the HD that we haven't been able to watch and asking me about other cable or Satellite choices in the area

So that being said does anyone on here have Voom? Would you recommend it? I live in the Ballentine Area and don't know if the OTA attenna picks up the locals in the area.

Oh yeah btw Happy New Year all and I would like to second the thanks that bdenman passed out to all the fine people that help us out on here.

Nucleartiger,

I'm sure you already tried this, but in case you hadn't... I have this same problem every once in a while with my HD channels. No audio. I have a 8000HD box, and I think the problem is with it. I unplug it for a few minutes, and plug it back in, and the audio comes back. The first time it happened, I didn't do this for a few days, as I thought it was a cable problem. So if you haven't tried it, try unplugging and then plug it back in and see if it helps. Just my two cents...

Mark

Doesn't everybody have the same problems with audio? We lose it from time to time when we switch from the HD channels to analog and back etc. Usually, a trip to the Guide, reselecting the channel we want will fix but sometimes just going up or down a channel will do the trick.

Our biggest problems remain with those INHD channels and the HDMV channel where we lose the signal near the end of programs. Again, I usually go up and down and keep going back to the channel until it reappears. What I'm doing may not bring the signal back but it gives me something to do in the meantime. :)

HD is certainly nice but I'm not sure it's worth all the trouble. This reminds me of the early days of TV. You'd think 50-60 years later they'd be a little quicker to adjust to new technology.

I got it to work once by turning the power off to the 8000HD but that doesn't always work. I have tried turning to many different channels as well with no results.

Is it just me though that thinks it is too much to ask for to get what I pay for?

Originally posted by bpear1600
Doesn't everybody have the same problems with audio? We lose it from time to time when we switch from the HD channels to analog and back etc.

no. i've had it happen in the past with the 8000SD, but in the year that i've had my 8000HD i've never had an audio problem, except for the infamous black screen dropouts that were fixed with the update from last spring.

i run the optical out into a pioneer receiver--i don't know if that makes a difference.

Originally posted by Nucleartiger
I got it to work once by turning the power off to the 8000HD but that doesn't always work.

have you tried actually unplugging the power cord from the unit for a minute, then plugging it back in?

Try a 8300HD. Most likely to remedy audio issue on the digital tier.

I can't recall any trouble with audio on our Explorer 8000HD. We use the digital output to an Onkyo receiver. We've had this setup for about a year.

Is anyone getting the Tournament of Roses parade in HD?

Originally posted by Gary J
Is anyone getting the Tournament of Roses parade in HD?

It's still on Discovery HD. It ended at 1:00pm on ABC.

Originally posted by Brent Hutto
I can't recall any trouble with audio on our Explorer 8000HD. We use the digital output to an Onkyo receiver. We've had this setup for about a year.

I had numerous audio issues with the 8000HD. I have Never had audio issues with the 8300HD.

I watched part of the rose parade in HD on ABC, but the audio was bad. Not DD5.1. As for the audio problem, I have do disconnect the power cable for a minute when this problem happens. It doesn't happen very often. I have been unable to get a 8300 in Sumter. I'm tired of unplugging my box, taking it to the office, and them telling me they don't have any 8300's available. I'll just stick with my 8000HD DVR. I use an optical output and run it into my JVC Receiver. Have done this for over a year. Still have intermittent problems with the 8000HD cutting out every once in a while. Maybe a heat issue?

Mark

Audio today on ABc isn't supposed to be 5.1, it's being delivered Stereo from ABC.

Bob,

I'm pretty sure The Rose Bowl is presented in DD 5.1.

Re: HDTV FEED AUDIO ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 2005 TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE & COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOWL GAMES
As advised, the Tournament of Roses Parade and the college football bowl games will be broadcast in HDTV. However, the audio for the “Tournament of Roses Parade” has changed and the parade will now be broadcast in stereo.
The audio for the college bowl games are outlined below:
Saturday, January 1, 2005
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM-ET/8:00 – 10:00 AM-PT “Tournament of Roses Parade” - STEREO
1:00 – 4:30 PM-ET/10:00 AM – 1:30 PM-PT - “Capital One Bowl” - LSU vs. Iowa - STEREO
4:30 – 8:30 PM-ET/1:30 – 5:30 PM-PT - “The Rose Bowl Game Presented by Citi” - Texas vs. Michigan – 5.1 AUDIO
8:30 – APRX. 12:00 AM-ET/5:30 – APRX. 9:00 PM-PT - “Tostitos Fiesta Bowl” - Utah vs. Pittsburgh - STEREO
Monday, January 3, 2005
8:00 – APRX. 11:30 PM-ET/5:00 – APRX. 8:30 PM-PT - “Nokia Sugar Bowl” -Auburn vs. Virginia Tech - STEREO
Tuesday, January 4, 2005
8:00 – APRX. 11:30 PM-ET/5:00 – 8:30 PM-PT - “FedEx Orange Bowl” (The National Championship Game) - USC vs. Oklahoma – 5.1 AUDIO
All other information remains the same.

It's all automatic on our end, we pass whatever ABC sends..

Originally posted by kevinivey
I had numerous audio issues with the 8000HD. I have Never had audio issues with the 8300HD.

I have audio issues and I have the 8300HD.

Ok, I jinxed myself...Anyone else having problems with their HBOHD and SHO-HD channels tonight? Mine keep cutting out on me. The other HD channels are fine. The one time I wanted to watch a movie...what a deal...

Mark

Originally posted by Marky_Mark896
Ok, I jinxed myself...Anyone else having problems with their HBOHD and SHO-HD channels tonight? Mine keep cutting out on me. The other HD channels are fine. The one time I wanted to watch a movie...what a deal...

Mark,
I just checked here and did not hear a problem on either HBO HD channels (we don't sub to SHO here). An hour or so earlier I noted the "no sound eminating" phenomona on TNT-HD and a box reboot fixed it. (did note yesterday the lack of sound on TNT while channel surfing but "drove on past it). Best I can advise is to try a reboot if you have not already.

I did Bruce, and that fixed it, but I have been having to do it regularly thorughout the movie that I was watching. Very annoying.

Mark

Mark
After I wrote those words I find I must eat them (yuck). After sending my ntoe I returned to my den to watch HBOHD2's presentation of HPCoS and within 10 minutes noted two transitory but still major audio burps (digital). It appears to me the problem originates somewhere up the chain and not at our level though our boxes are impacted by it.

edit: corrected spelling

That's good to know Bruce. Thanks. BTW, why are the digital channel audio (I'm thinking of the current broadcast of the Fiesta Bowl) sound hollow and lots of bass while the analog signal on channel 05 sounds good even though it's only in stereo? Is ABC only broadcasting stereo even though the system thinks it's DD5.1?

Mark

I have not watched any games today (was gone most of the day) and cannot speak to the lack of bass. I do believe it was reported elsewhere here on AVS that most of the post game bowl games on ABC will be(were) indeed in Stereo and not DD5.1 which may or may not be part of the problem.

Bruce,

I am crossing my fingers and holding my breath, but it seems that the problem with the HD HBO"s and SHO's is gone now. Did you have a major power flash tonight. I had a weird one that shut down everything instantly even though my computer and DLP are on separate UPS's they still flashed and rebooted....weird....

Mark

Mark, No, I did not experience any power burps tonight that I know of; nothing flashed off/on since we got home around 8 pm. Perhaps it is related to your area/neighborhood. My neighborhood is Summerview, (August Dr) just off Keels road, near Wedgefield Hwy and not far from the race track.

Ok Bruce. I'm across the street from Sunset CC on Club Lane. Anyways, the problem is back on HBO"s and SHO's... I just had to reboot again. I am giving up on trying to watch them tonight...

Mark

Mark,
Our neighborhoods then are several miles apart with somewhat separated power distribution. As I was heading off to bed last night I noticed that WIS Ch 805 appeared to also be affected with the no audio syndrome. I just turned off the TV, rebooted the box and called it a night. Will check later today and see what is up.

I am having the same problem over in Irmo/Ballentine. I Have been having the problem for the last 3 days now and it does affect ALL HD channels and my SHO channels as well. Heck I even lost sound on my standard cable tier channels. I think it is completely BS that we have to keep resetting the box to get the things to work and when you call it in all the CSR's are going to do is tell you to do that as well.

No problems at all with TWC in the W.Cola/Lexington area.

Wonder if this could this be a problem with the 8000HD and not the 8300?Perhaps it would help if we knew more about which areas/converters are affected and which ones are not. It appears that Sumter/SA8000HD is affected.

Originally posted by Marky_Mark896
Ok, I jinxed myself...Anyone else having problems with their HBOHD and SHO-HD channels tonight? Mine keep cutting out on me. The other HD channels are fine. The one time I wanted to watch a movie...what a deal...

Mark

I was trying to watch that 50 First Dates movie and a little before 9 started losing the signal every 5-10 minutes. I have been having the same problem from time to time on the INHD and HDMV channels. I called TWC and left a message but nobody called me back.

Does anybody know if this is a 8300HD, TWC or HBO/INHD problem? If it's TWC I'll sh!tcan them in a minute and go back to DirecTV where I had no problems in four years.

This is crap.

Murrells Inlet is not on Columbia's feed correct? Bpear1600, do you have a 8300? We are having the problem on 8000hd dvr's. I was watching that same movie last night, and it was unwatchable due to the problem. Resetting every 5 minutes or so. I gave up. I have had HBO HD on all morning just testing it, and have had no problems. Maybe it was a satellite problem or something...

Mark

To tell you the truth I don't know what feed we're on but I do have the 8300HD DVR and I did have the same problems with both HBOHD channels at the exact same time you did and I have them periodically on other HD channels. Diana from TWC was going to check into this with her engineers a week or so ago but we haven't heard anything further.

ALL of my problems occur at night. Not that I watch a lot of TV in the daytime but most problems seem to start around 9 PM.

Originally posted by bpear1600
I was trying to watch that 50 First Dates movie and a little before 9 started losing the signal every 5-10 minutes. I have been having the same problem from time to time on the INHD and HDMV channels. I called TWC and left a message but nobody called me back.

Does anybody know if this is a 8300HD, TWC or HBO/INHD problem? If it's TWC I'll sh!tcan them in a minute and go back to DirecTV where I had no problems in four years.

This is crap.
bpear1600,
My guess is that what we are seeing is a problem originating within the TWCSC system (affecting Cola's Ch 805 (WIS), HBO, SHO, TNT, and now apparently as you indicated INHD as well). We have had an 8000HD right at a year now and these problems are NOT generally characteristic of TWCSC's overall's HD/DVR service. Instead, most problems are generated at the station level. I understand the frustration however.... Even though they are only taking phone messages at this hour of the weekend, I do suggest all who experience it call and have them log your problem.

Originally posted by bpear1600
I was trying to watch that 50 First Dates movie and a little before 9 started losing the signal every 5-10 minutes. I have been having the same problem from time to time on the INHD and HDMV channels. I called TWC and left a message but nobody called me back.

Does anybody know if this is a 8300HD, TWC or HBO/INHD problem? If it's TWC I'll sh!tcan them in a minute and go back to DirecTV where I had no problems in four years.

This is crap.
I am about 10 miles from you and have had no problems with these channels on the 8300HD.

Hello All - Happy New Year,

I don't have an explanation right off my head. I have an 8300 HD in my home (Irmo area) and I haven't seen any of these issues - I've been happily enjoying the Law & Order Marathon on TNT HD with no audio issues at all. As you might guess, we have a skeleton crew over this Holiday weekend although they were lucky enough to spend midnight on New Year's Eve getting UPN on the air with all the associated switches.

This really does seem to be across the board, with no one explanation really able to handle it all, but I will get in front of my Chief Engineer first thing and try to get some answers. FYI, the pixelization on 50 First dates would not be related to anything HD - that's a bad pitch to a server, that needs to be redone.... but that doesn't help with everything else you've seen.

Thank you for your patience, we are back to full speed tomorrow and I promise to keep after them for a solid explanation.

Thanks Diana. BTW, is there anyway you can get me an 8300 DVR in Sumter, so I don't have to keep taking my chances and they never have it?

Thanks,
Mark

Sorry the logistics are just too sketchy. Here's what happens -

There is a regular delivery from the warehouse to any specific front counter with a regular number of each converter type (by type I mean HD DVR, not model). I cannot tell in any given day if any or all of the delivery to any front counter will be an 8300. AND, there are no phones to any front counter, so I cannot call the Sumter counter directly to ask...

You are about the hundredth person I have disappointed on this one - and I am sorry to each of you.

Originally posted by bpear1600
I was trying to watch that 50 First Dates movie and a little before 9 started losing the signal every 5-10 minutes. I have been having the same problem from time to time on the INHD and HDMV channels. I called TWC and left a message but nobody called me back.

Does anybody know if this is a 8300HD, TWC or HBO/INHD problem?

i was out last night but scheduled a recording of 50 First Dates on my 8000HD. when i came home i saw that it was in my program list several times, of varying lengths indicating that the signal to the DVR was cutting out and each time it was re-established a new file was created. the first one was 49 min long, with subsequent ones 10 min or less, which coincides almost exactly with what you saw.

i rescheduled it to record the 4:40 a.m. showing by which time everything was back to normal. so i'd say that for 50 First Dates, at least, the problem was well upstream of any of us.

Hey Diana!!

Happy New Year!!

*cough ESPN2HD* Cough...

Any new HD Channels coming down the pike for us ??

:D

Thanks for the info scruffy. That was exactly what happened to me on my DVR as well. Do you have a 8000 or an 8300? Maybe I don't need to replace my DVR...

Mark

Originally posted by Cain

Any new HD Channels coming down the pike for us ??

:D


I'm sure there are......


I just don't know which ones or when they will happen ;)




I look forward to a WONDERFUL year of you guys teaching me more and keeping me on my toes! And, Illinois staying #1!

Last night I watched the last half or so of Behind Enemy Lines on WLTX Ch 810 and I did not note any problems with the 2 ch audio. As a side note, this presentation by CBS was a P&S version (not OAR of 2.35:1) and had no DD5.1 audio.

Originally posted by Marky_Mark896
Thanks for the info scruffy. That was exactly what happened to me on my DVR as well. Do you have a 8000 or an 8300? Maybe I don't need to replace my DVR...

Mark

i have an 8000HD; bpear1600 who was experiencing the same problem saturday night indicated an 8300, so it appears that this particular issue was non-discriminatory of DVR models.

Ok - the Engineers are a bit perplexed as well. They ask that if you see the audio drop outs again, please PM me your home telephone number and the time/channel you were watching when it happened. They can then look up your converter and see what happened at that time so we can begin to track this/these problems down.

Thanks

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
Ok - the Engineers are a bit perplexed as well. They ask that if you see the audio drop outs again, please PM me your home telephone number and the time/channel you were watching when it happened. They can then look up your converter and see what happened at that time so we can begin to track this/these problems down.

Thanks

I'm not sure if you were addressing those of us with the" 50 first dates " problem but if you were we were losing audio and video and I have been having this problem off and on for a month. Thanks for your interest.

Originally posted by Gary J
I am about 10 miles from you and have had no problems with these channels on the 8300HD.

It's a sporadic thing. I doubt we have the same viewing habits.

I PM'd Diana my info so that maybe they can look back at Saturday night and see if they can find anything out about what happened then. I, unlike Bpear1600, have not been having problems like this very often, and never more than one time in a night if it does happen. Saturday night was a huge exception for me.

Mark

Now that I think about a past problem, this may have happened a few months ago. I wasn't watching at the time, but when ESPN-HD was broadcasting the movie about Pete Rose, I tried to record it with the DVR. When I went to watch it, I saw about 100 or more 3 minute or less segments on my DVR. There were so many little segments that I had to delete, I had to write a macro for my remote to automate the delete sequence so I didn't have to push so many buttons so many times. This same thing happened when I was trying to record 50 first dates last saturday, except not as many small entries in the recorded list. My macro is still handy though. :-) Just thought I'd add this to the info about our problem.

Mark

Originally posted by bpear1600
I'm not sure if you were addressing those of us with the" 50 first dates " problem but if you were we were losing audio and video and I have been having this problem off and on for a month. Thanks for your interest.


Yes, please PM me your phone number and I'll have the Engineers take a look at the performance records of your DVR. Thanks.

Originally posted by Marky_Mark896
Now that I think about a past problem, this may have happened a few months ago. I wasn't watching at the time, but when ESPN-HD was broadcasting the movie about Pete Rose, I tried to record it with the DVR. When I went to watch it, I saw about 100 or more 3 minute or less segments on my DVR. There were so many little segments that I had to delete, I had to write a macro for my remote to automate the delete sequence so I didn't have to push so many buttons so many times. This same thing happened when I was trying to record 50 first dates last saturday, except not as many small entries in the recorded list. My macro is still handy though. :-) Just thought I'd add this to the info about our problem.

Mark

The ESPN HD issue a few months back was a DRM (copyright) issue, the flag wasn't set correctly in the DNCS for that programming. It may be that 50 First Dates is another such issue, but every clue helps us figure it out for everyone.

Thanks for the PM, I'll get it to the Engineers in the morning.

Diana,

I think the problem just happened again. I am tuned to 901 HBO-HD1. The audio just cut out again, and I can't backup to an earlier point in the show. I wasn't watching at the time, as I was reading your last post, but I heard it. You should check my DVR for around 7:21pm or so 1/3/05.

Mark

Yep it's happening again. Diana, you can have them look at my DVR for the time around 8:47pm. I have lost my audio again for all channels over 101.
Again, I was tuned to 901 watching Real Sports w/ Bryant Gumbel.
Mark

I was watching Ch 901 with Bryant and Real sports and no problem. At 8:58 pm I changed over to Ch 805 (end of Fear Factor which worked at the beginning of the show). Plan was to wait for Las Vegas to start (also set up to record on my 8000): But no audio (analog or digital) oops.

Then I turned to CH 901 again to watch Deadwood and nothing; no audio, no video (recording it too but nothing but dead air). oops again.

Back to Ch 805; nada sound; back to 901 nada sound or video.

Then to List to watch the news I recorded earlier this evening (Ch 3 at 6:30pm). No audio there either. so...

I presume my box needs a reboot but have pm'd Diana and awaiting word. I am now watching Las Vegas/Ch 3 on NTSC in the computer room.

Bruce, I rebooted mine, but it wouldn't even reboot correctly. It only let me have the analog channels, and no info about the shows. no guide. When it rebooted, it said "advanced options not available at this time" or something like that. Everytime I hit "info" it said that, then it rebooted again on it's own, and let me have everything. I am watching Las Vegas on 805 right now. But for how long????

Mark

I stopped my recordings and initiated a reboot a few minutes ago. We will see what happens next in a few minutes...

Perhaps an unrelated issue, but I'm having bad audio synch problems right now on the Sugar Bowl too. (Ch 815)

This is the first night that my 8000HD hasn't had complete audio loss problems this week. (knock on wood) although I have had a a couple of sound and video drop outs while watching the Sugar Bowl on 815.

Originally posted by Nucleartiger
This is the first night that my 8000HD hasn't had complete audio loss problems this week. (knock on wood) although I have had a a couple of sound and video drop outs while watching the Sugar Bowl on 815.
Are you just watching a HD channel or are you recording any HD at this time?

Channel 901 lost audio and sound; on and off all night for DeadWood at 9pm. Had to keep switching to analog.

I terminated the recording of Deadwood a few minutes before the end (this was on Ch 901). Upon review later, I found that my DVR had actually recorded 9 segments for Deadwood; the first was but 1 minute long; another I believe 3 minutes; the others I don't recall. The reboot just before 10pm last night did restore the audio (from live and recorded programs).

Well, as soon as I turned it on today, I didn't have any audio on anything over channel 101.

Diana, this is off subject, but I was thinking about it this morning. Why did TWC take Nick West off of channel 107? I loved having that channel for my children to watch later in the day after Nick east (16) changed over to programming for older kids. Is there any way we can get it back on a channel somewhere?

Thanks,

Mark

I watched CBS on 810 from 8 to 11 and from 10-11 there was no sound during commercial breaks.

I tried the 901 and 902 channels during breaks starting around 9:47 until 11 and there was no signal on the HBO channels, sound or video, half the time.

To repeat myself I have the 8300HD DVR and I have been having these problems for a month, always on the HBO or INHD channels.

bpear1600,

Did you PM Diana so she can have the engineers check out your DVR? She needs your phone number in order to access the history on your DVR.

Mark

Originally posted by bdenman
I terminated the recording of Deadwood a few minutes before the end (this was on Ch 901). Upon review later, I found that my DVR had actually recorded 9 segments for Deadwood; the first was but 1 minute long; another I believe 3 minutes; the others I don't recall. The reboot just before 10pm last night did restore the audio (from live and recorded programs).

that sounds just like what happened saturday during 50 First Dates, although last night it seemed to be worse.

over here not only were 901 & 902 sporadically losing signal but also the Showtime HD channels, 921 & 922.

i recorded Medium on ch. 805 and when i went to watch it there was no audio. i had to reboot the DVR in order to get it. this marks the first time since i got the DVR just about a year ago that i've had to reboot for audio.

not a good night for HD...

Originally posted by scruffy7
that sounds just like what happened saturday during 50 First Dates, although last night it seemed to be worse.

over here not only were 901 & 902 sporadically losing signal but also the Showtime HD channels, 921 & 922.

That's how mine has been on saturday and last night. All 4 channels were messed up. And sometimes when they messed up, all the audio from channel 102-950 (digital tier) was gone.

Mark

Originally posted by Marky_Mark896
bpear1600,

Did you PM Diana so she can have the engineers check out your DVR? She needs your phone number in order to access the history on your DVR.

Mark

Yes, I did. Thanks.

So that is the question isn't it. Here I have a brand new SONY 60" LCD Projection TV and I really want to have a Superbowl Party in my Family Room with friends who are also bugging me to do so. My response? uh, not sure if it will be in HD and once you've had it in HD you never want to go back.

So, my question is this? Anyone in Irmo able to pick up 57.1 on their HD tuner? If so, please respond to me and let me know your equipment (antenna specifically) and where you are located in Irmo. I am located in the subdivision of Waterford off HWY 6 near the new Publix and Irmo road.

Dwaine

Originally posted by singitloud
So, my question is this? Anyone in Irmo able to pick up 57.1 on their HD tuner? If so, please respond to me and let me know your equipment (antenna specifically) and where you are located in Irmo. I am located in the subdivision of Waterford off HWY 6 near the new Publix and Irmo road.

Dwaine

Question is more what is your line of sight like to the tower? Surrounded by trees? In a hollow or behind a hill? Or high up? Please describe your neighborhood in a bit more detail.

Your problem is probably not distance related, it is obstacles (trees, hills, houses). For example, I get 57-1 just fine using my Samsung SIR-T150 with a small indoor Double Bowtie antenna sitting on my TV at a distance of about 24 miles to the tower. I have a clear shot basically). However one of our members here near Irmo had to put a combo antenna (med size as I recall) on a 25ft tower to get clear of the trees.

Do you have a ATSC-tuner (STB) or is your set integrated with a DTV tuner built inside of it?

integrated into TV.

And, trees would be determined by which direction the antenna is.

All the DT towers are basically over by Elgin (except for WRLK which is a bit north of there). So try east

Try any old rabbit ear now and see if you can get WOLO Ch 8/25-x on your tuner. If yes then your almost good to go other than you need a UHF Loop or bigger for Ch 57-1. You may need some height if you have trees.....

map of tower location:
WACH (http://tiger.census.gov/cgi-bin/mapgen/gif?lon=-80.764167&lat=34.116111&iwd=750&iht=750&mark=-80.764167,34.116111,bluestar,WACH_COLUMBIA_SC&on=water,miscell,counties,places,CITIES,&off=streets,GRID,shorelin&ht=1.5&wid=1.5)

Diana,

Any info from the engineers yet?

Mark

Wow! That tower seems FARRRRRR away.

I hope I can get a signal tonight.

Would anyone be so kind as to relist the commands for rebooting the 8000HD without unplugging it?

I know this has been listed previously, but the forum's search functions are currently disabled.

Much appreciated!

Originally posted by singitloud
Wow! That tower seems FARRRRRR away.
I hope I can get a signal tonight.
Closest guess I can make is your around 20 to 25 miles to the tower as the bird flies, The signal should reach out though to at least 55 to 60 miles. There is a specific broadcast pattern for their signal but you are within it. Keep in mind I get the signal with an indoors antenna at 24miles and I don't use an amplifier. Your main concern is likely what is in-between you and tower. A secondary problem would be multi-path (reflected signals) which might require you to get a highly directional antenna (worry about that later).

If your rabbit ears do not work, here are some antenna solutions to consider that should be for sale in the local area or by mail: This is the antenna I use indoors from Radio Shack. (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=930-0998) Unfortunately it is available only by mail. (I also have a larger 4-bay bowtie from Channel Master that I bought mail order). I believe some folks have found this model (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-1880) works though i have not tried it myself. This one (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-2151) might work too though it would require mounting outside or in an attic. A temporary solution might be to put it on a 10ft mast and stick inside the umbrella hole in a patio table (been there; done that). Another outdoor solution might be this one from Lowes (http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=159752-000000693-3016).

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq
Would anyone be so kind as to relist the commands for rebooting the 8000HD without unplugging it?

Three fingered salute:
Hold "Vol-" and "Vol+" buttons in and then press "info"

I just spoke with the Engineers and they are still working on all the aspects of these issues. The ABC issue certainly seemed to be from them (Charleston post had ComCast customers with the same issue)

As for Nick Too West - we had a situation in which we had to launch Nick Toons and because we are saving bandwidth for potential HD launchs (said with emphasis) we needed to replace rather than add a channel in this instance. Since Nick Too was a time shift we opted to replace it and I doubt we will be adding it back at least any time in the future - there's always your DVR of the afternoon programs for the kids!

Thanks Diana.

Note I did get a call back this afternoon from a CSR rep today; they did note my call on their answering machine. Wait and see what happens.

Originally posted by bdenman
Three fingered salute:
Hold "Vol-" and "Vol+" buttons in and then press "info"

Thanks, Bruce!

Well yeah Diana, but then I'd have to let them use my HT. They watch TV in the Kitchen....lol. Maybe I'll have to get a SD DVR for the kitchen TV. Thanks for the info, and am looking forward to hearing what the engineers find out about our latest issues.

Thanks,
Mark

Thanks to those that provided me their information. With these data points the Engineers were able to identify a M-QUAM that has been rebooting that in all likelyhood is the source of the issue. The Engineers are currently working to resolve this issue with the M-QUAM. I do not have an ETA on when it will be entirely resolved, however I will keep you in the loop.

Both your patience and patronage is greatly appreciated.

I find Wach-DT has the lowest signal on my Samsung set. I really have no problem whatsoever getting all the locals in Columbia. I even get the digital etvs from Sumter. History says that Fox-HD will show up on TWC a week before The Super Bowl or the Friday before. Looking forward to full bandwidth 720p with DD 5.1 from our local Fox station on TWC. No multicast from Wach-DT. Sorry, no Wach weather radar.:D


No HD dvr problems so far.

Baaaaad M-QUAM. Whatever that is.

Originally posted by kevinivey
History says that Fox-HD will show up on TWC a week before The Super Bowl or the Friday before.
If not, We're coming after you .

Originally posted by Gary J
Baaaaad M-QUAM.

That's polite shorthand for Masochistic-Quam.. It has to be beaten into submission..:D

Originally posted by Gary J
If not, We're coming after you .


I am speaking of Columbia history. I do not think WFXB broadcast in digital.

Originally posted by kevinivey
I am speaking of Columbia history. I have no idea if WFXB even broadcast in digital.
It's Sinclair all-or-nothing.

This is a message to let everyone know we will be taking WLTX-DT off the air for a little while. We have suffered a major burnout in our analog line and am going to use the DTV line to keep the analog on until I can get that line repaired. I know this will not be a popular decision to all of the folks on this forum. However, it must be done. I will keep you guys up to date with an on-air date for the digital. Thanks.

Originally posted by Dan'sHiPix
This is a message to let everyone know we will be taking WLTX-DT off the air for a little while. We have suffered a major burnout in our analog line and am going to use the DTV line to keep the analog on until I can get that line repaired. I know this will not be a popular decision to all of the folks on this forum. However, it must be done. I will keep you guys up to date with an on-air date for the digital. Thanks.
Dan,
Much appreciate the heads up. Understand that the analog signal has priority. Best of luck on a quick repair.

Wow! What an amazing thread and resource! I can't believe I've been on the Forums for a few years and somehow just today found this thread.

Glad to know I'm not the only one with total digital channel audio loss sometimes. I am going to try to score an 8300HD as I'm dying to test the DVI output.

Also, FWIW, I work at ETV so I can do my best to answer programming/technical issues about our HD/SD streams, or at least pass stuff on to Engineering.

Here's to TWC rolling out WACH HD in time for the SB!

I've been experiencing the 8000HD audio loss since 12/30, but didn't think this thread was the place to mention it. I figured the box was about to die.

The fractured recording hit me too. Maybe 12 pieces of a movie the other night. Reformatting the drive wasn't the fix, but it felt good to try something.

Hopefully these will be resolved soon...

Ain't the marriage of TV and computers just dandy?

It's January 6th. Who has got ESPN2 HD?

Why Gary,

Are we supposed to?

Mark

Apparently not.

Originally posted by Gary J
It's January 6th. Who has got ESPN2 HD?
Adelphia and DirecTV, tonight at 7pm EST.
See this thread for more info: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=491650

WLTX-DT

No HD and DD 1.0 sound.

Originally posted by kevinivey
WLTX-DT
No HD and DD 1.0 sound.
Yep; noticed that (rerun too). I switched over to NBC's Medical Investigator instead. It is in HD, new, and my receiver indicates DD5.1 (via lights) though my ears think not.

Originally posted by kevinivey
WLTX-DT
No HD and DD 1.0 sound.

We are working on getting HD back on Time Warner cable. The picture you are getting on 811 now is just a rebroadcast of ch 9(WLTX Analog)

Thanks, Dan for your post.


Will Wltx-DT be upgrading to DD 5.1 this year?

Thansk Dan, I also thought that DT and HD had returned to WLTX since I was able to receive Ch17 OTA the day after your post of the problem. I figured that last night's eposide of Cold Case as SD was something that CBS did and not you.

JAG and Cold Case were listed as HD last evening. The audio track from Wltx-DT had sound from the left speaker only(1.0). The sound from the left speaker only continues, today.

My setup is new using TERK antenna to receive DT locals OTA...not on cable. Thursday night WLTX came in fine. Beginning Friday, I get nothing...no signal. Is this what you guys have been discussing? I am concerned that I may have a faulty antenna. I get the other locals just fine.

Welcome, Wltx-DT has had problems ota and via cable since Thursday evening.

Will you post when WLTX-DT is back up so I can figure out if I am going to be able to receive it with my antenna? Thanks:)

No Playoffs via CBS in HD, ouch! Colts!

CBS, yes. Wltx, no. Looking forward to the 4:30 Fox game on Wach-DT.

I just wanted to say, I am sooooo happy that UPN is back on TWC. I missed enterprise so much. I do hope their PQ gets a lot better though. I just watched the marathon of enterprise that I recorded from last week, and it was very bad PQ. Better than nothing that's for sure, but I can't wait till it's in HD.

Mark

Originally posted by Dan'sHiPix
This is a message to let everyone know we will be taking WLTX-DT off the air for a little while. We have suffered a major burnout in our analog line and am going to use the DTV line to keep the analog on until I can get that line repaired. I know this will not be a popular decision to all of the folks on this forum. However, it must be done. I will keep you guys up to date with an on-air date for the digital. Thanks.
I was just getting ready to send an email to WLTX and complain about today's playoff game not being broadcast in HD. Glad I looked here first (heck it's what finally made me register :D ). Now please get it fixed by next Saturday so I can see my Steelers in HD (fingers crossed).

Originally posted by Marky_Mark896
I just wanted to say, I am sooooo happy that UPN is back on TWC. I missed enterprise so much. I do hope their PQ gets a lot better though. I just watched the marathon of enterprise that I recorded from last week, and it was very bad PQ. Better than nothing that's for sure, but I can't wait till it's in HD.

Mark


I checked it ota versus twc analog and it was much better. Got rabbit ears?

Thanks to some creative work by the folks at Time Warner and at WLTX, we now have HD service on Time warner ch 810 restored. If you are getting HD from WLTX OTA, Then service is not restored. We are working as fast as we can to fix all of the problems. I appreciate your patience. As always, I will keep you up to date on this forum as more information becomes available.

Kevin,

Their antenna is in west columbia right? I don't think a pair of rabbit ears will get me better PQ over here in Sumter. Plus wouldn't I have a problem running a set of rabbit ears directly into my HDTV? Or would the scaler in the TV take care of upscaling the signal?

Mark

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
here is a regular delivery from the warehouse to any specific front counter with a regular number of each converter type (by type I mean HD DVR, not model). I cannot tell in any given day if any or all of the delivery to any front counter will be an 8300. AND, there are no phones to any front counter, so I cannot call the Sumter counter directly to ask...

I called the Columbia customer service line early last week to ask if they had any HD boxes. She told me that they were out of all of them for two weeks because of post-holiday demand. Is it possible that they might have some at the counter after all, then?

This thread is a fantastic resource. Thanks to all the "official" representatives, it sure is nice to cut through the red tape.

gravelpup, I picked up an 8300HD at the office on Greystone this afternoon at lunch. Apparently they got a shipment of them in earlier today.

Also of note: I was under the impression that the 8300 had a DVI connection like the (disabled) one on the 8000, but mine actually has HDMI instead. Bummer, as I was looking forward to seeing an all-digital signal. Ah well. I guess I need to either buy a new cable or a new input board for the plasma...

Buy an adapter for your DVI cable.

Perhaps I have just not found the way to do this...

I own an 8300HD DVR

TWC would really help itself seem even more "family friendly" if they would allow us to edit our program guide. At the very least I would like to be able to hide the adult stations. Right next to ESPN HD is sex-related programming as well as right next to 800 - the first HD channel. Consequently, I can't even let my eleven-year-old near the guide lest he see "Teen Virgins Sex Shop" or something like that.

Other niceties that are not as vital as my last one, would be to have the option of different guide lists: Daddy's List, Mommy's List, Kid's List. Personally, I would still eliminate all the adult stations. This would not solve the aforementioned problem, but it sure would give some flexibility to the program guide.

Thanks for reading this. Please put your two-cents in - maybe TWC will do something about this. Surely you don't want your children being able to view these titles as they peruse the guide looking for something to watch.

A very concerned parent of three boys,

Dwaine

From 5-20-04: by Diana ( This was a response to the same type of question)

Good Morning,

Time Warner Cable is very proud of the fact that our Digital Line Up is laid out in a logical 'neighborhood' fashion. The lay out is as follows:

100's - Digital Tiers (The Digital Tier, The Digital Movie Tier, The Digital Sports Tier, Sabor Latino)
200's - Premium Movie Channels
300's - Music Choice
400's - Sports Packages
500's - Sports PPV
600's - PPV (non-VOD version)
700's - Reserved for future expansion
800's - Advanced Technology offered as added value to customers (HD and Free on Demand)
900's - Advanced Technology offered for additional subscription to customers (Premium HD, HD Tier, Subscription Video on Demand)


As such, the Adult PPV channels are living in the appropriate neighborhood for the type of service they represent.

A couple of additional comments:
* No matter where we put adult channels, they will next to other channels that are not adult. Thus moving the channels would just recreate this situation for other viewers. This is not to say other viewers are more important than you or your situation, just that as a company, TWC would not resolve this issue by moving the channels.
* PPV of this type is on the road to obsolescence. While I cannot give you a specific date, we anticipate migrating all PPV to the VOD variety at some point in the foreseeable future. This is the ultimate resolution of the issue.
* There is a lot of discussion about 'upgrading' the SARA guide we utilize. Among the dream list is the ability to customize personal guides. Again, no time line, but I believe it is a probability this would be functionality we will also get to in the foreseeable future. The 'customer friendly' nature of personalized guides in a competitve environment is a no-brainer.
* Finally, moving channels is a major operational issue for Customer Service. You will notice the NVOD channels from 611 to 635 still appear on the guide, although the channels have been technically removed. This is because customers do not like to have to 're-memorize' where their favorite channels are. This is also the basis of our "Network Neighborhood Lineup" scheme. We put channels in areas with like channels so our customers can find them.


I do apologize for the negative impact this situation has in your home, that is certainly not our intent. I hope that I have been successful in presenting my response in such a manner as to reassure you of the fact that TWC recognizes you have a legitimate issue, however we are simultaneously faced with several other issues that prohibit our resolving this in a manner that is optimal for your specific situation.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions either on the Forum or at my customer email address twcscnews@twcable.com.

Originally posted by Marky_Mark896
Kevin,

Their antenna is in west columbia right? I don't think a pair of rabbit ears will get me better PQ over here in Sumter. Plus wouldn't I have a problem running a set of rabbit ears directly into my HDTV? Or would the scaler in the TV take care of upscaling the signal?

Mark

It was a tongue and cheek comment, and had nothing to do with local HDTV Info and Reception.

Sorry

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gravelpup
[B]I called the Columbia customer service line early last week to ask if they had any HD boxes. She told me that they were out of all of them for two weeks because of post-holiday demand. Is it possible that they might have some at the counter after all, then?

We received our first shipment of HD converters for the year last Wednesday, so all Front Counters will be stocked with HDs and HD DVRs at this point (but again, I can't guarantee a 8000 v 8300).


Kevin - thanks for bringing my post forward about Network Neighborhoods - I obviously put a lot of time into that one and I'm not sure I could recreate it so thoroughly again.

Originally posted by tic-tac

Also of note: I was under the impression that the 8300 had a DVI connection like the (disabled) one on the 8000, but mine actually has HDMI instead. Bummer, as I was looking forward to seeing an all-digital signal. Ah well. I guess I need to either buy a new cable or a new input board for the plasma...

8000 has DVI (not yet activated - no date for activization announced by SA yet. Last note on this was 1Q sometime...)

8300 has HDMI and as Gary J stated you can purchase a DVI to HDMI cable from.... well the boys on the Forum can best help you there, but TWC doesn't have this adapter cable.

If you have a dvi cable. Then this is all you need is: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1089242602203&skuId=6770559&type=product

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
8300 has HDMI and as Gary J stated you can purchase a DVI to HDMI cable from.... well the boys on the Forum can best help you there, but TWC doesn't have this adapter cable.
Actually, I was suggesting just an adapter that connects to the DVI only cable he already has. Just a connector that goes on one end of it.

See, I told you the Forum boys were the one's to listen to on this count!

Originally posted by Marky_Mark896
Kevin,

Their antenna is in west columbia right? I don't think a pair of rabbit ears will get me better PQ over here in Sumter. Plus wouldn't I have a problem running a set of rabbit ears directly into my HDTV? Or would the scaler in the TV take care of upscaling the signal?
Mark
WZRB/UPN's antenna is in northwest Cola off Two Notch (but not as far east as the Elgin antenna farm is). You SHOULD be able to get Ch47 with an indoor antenna and your TV. I have in the past anyway though not today at noon. Not sure why so I need to play a little (btw, my setop antenna is pointed about NNW).

I called the station engineer today about reception and PQ. He checked and said all was well on their end and running full power. He also said that he had been contacted by TWC regarding Enterprise's PQ. As I remember I checked out one episode of Enterprise too and was disappointed in the PQ. (makes one think the original was poor; who knows). During today's check "Matlock" was fair here but Texas Justice looked fine.

Keep in mind that often NTSC looks bad on a HD set (HD's enhanced resolution just magnifies defects in the NTSC signal). Line doublers do help though. BTW, his programming comes via out of St Loius via satellite; encoded MPEG2 and then decoded for the analog broadcast.

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
See, I told you the Forum boys were the one's to listen to on this count!
Yes, you can leave it to us like we are leaving Super Bowl on Fox to you. :D

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
We received our first shipment of HD converters for the year last Wednesday, so all Front Counters will be stocked with HDs and HD DVRs at this point (but again, I can't guarantee a 8000 v 8300).[/B]

I stopped by around 3 and am now a proud 8300 owner -- or renter, anyway. Thanks again, I'll try to be patient for Fox (was looking forward to watching 24 in HD tonight).

I am thinking about getting an OTA antenna and seeing if I get reception where I live. I live just off exit 97 of I-26 and antennaweb.org says that I am about 25 miles from most of the transmitters and some are closer. So I have a few questions. I am a TWC subscriber and have the 8000HD DVR. 1st question is. Will the 8000HD take the antenna input and display HD from it or do I need some other STB for the antenna? 2nd question is Should I be able to get reception of the locals (mainly FOX, UPN, WB) with an inside antenna? Of the antennas at like Radio Shack or Best Buy what would you guys recommend?

Thanks for all of the help and answers.

Good Morning,

In reference to the previous rash of audio issues on HD. The offending M-QUAM has not done a spontaneous reboot in the Columbia Area since 7am on 1/7, so it appears to be stable. In addition, there hasn't been a reboot in the FMB Area since 1/4/05. If anyone see's this again, please let me know asap (PM with home phone so I can have Headend look at your converter)

Originally posted by Nucleartiger
I am thinking about getting an OTA antenna and seeing if I get reception where I live. I live just off exit 97 of I-26 and antennaweb.org says that I am about 25 miles from most of the transmitters and some are closer. So I have a few questions. I am a TWC subscriber and have the 8000HD DVR. 1st question is. Will the 8000HD take the antenna input and display HD from it or do I need some other STB for the antenna? 2nd question is Should I be able to get reception of the locals (mainly FOX, UPN, WB) with an inside antenna? Of the antennas at like Radio Shack or Best Buy what would you guys recommend?

Thanks for all of the help and answers.

No known digital cable converter box includes an internal ATSC OTA receiver. If your TV does not include an integrated DTV tuner, then you would have to buy one. Suggest you check out the Hardware forum for ideas there. This recent post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4921675#post4921675) is probably pertinent to your reception question and references a couple of indoor antennas. Yes an indoor antenna may work from your location but there are some big IFs (trees, buildings, etc). If an indoor antenna does not work you would have to use an outdoor antenna in your attic, on your roof, or in your yard (ex: patio table mount).

Radio Shack is one source for antennas. The internet is another. Be very wary of shopping at any discount stores for antennas; much if not most of what they carry is expensive yet works poorly (search the hardware forum for Terk). The Silver Sensor may be available here and there but it does a poor job with VHF. Radio Shack and local home improvement stores generally usually carry decent outdoor combo antennas.

I'm just enough of an OCD HT nut to not want an adapter in the signal path... :) Fortunately, I can buy an HDMI board for my set and get a direct connection, or alternately I can find a DVI<--->HDMI cable online, though I'd rather use my DVI connection for my PC. I was just wanting to do a quick test of an all-digital signal from the 8300... Thanks for the links, though!

So far, I really like the 8300 very much...

Correct me if I am wrong...
HDMI pretty much is a connector for a cable that carries both DVI video signals (with CP available as appropriate) plus diital audio signals. Since this is a digital stream, and if there is no significant attenuation of the signal, what risk is there of using an adapter?

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
In reference to the previous rash of audio issues on HD. The offending M-QUAM has not done a spontaneous reboot in the Columbia Area since 7am on 1/7, so it appears to be stable. In addition, there hasn't been a reboot in the FMB Area since 1/4/05. If anyone see's this again, please let me know asap (PM with home phone so I can have Headend look at your converter)
There have been no problems the last several days, but I was waiting for a report like this to stop worrying that the problems would be back.

Thanks...

Originally posted by bdenman
Since this is a digital stream, and if there is no significant attenuation of the signal, what risk is there of using an adapter?

No risk, except for that of my psyche, which will constantly nag at me because of the artificial, holdover-from-the-past notion that adapters are bad, despite the fact that current technology proves otherwise. :p

But seriously, I do want to devote my DVI port to my HTPC -- no way it's worth it to me to spend money on an adapter. The component output of the 8300 is more than adequate until I can one day buy the HDMI board for my set.

Thanks for the report Diana.

Mark

Originally posted by bdenman
Correct me if I am wrong...
HDMI pretty much is a connector for a cable that carries both DVI video signals (with CP available as appropriate) plus diital audio signals. Since this is a digital stream, and if there is no significant attenuation of the signal, what risk is there of using an adapter?
You are almost correct.
When implemented properly, HDMI can and will detect a DVI connector and switch to video RGB mode.
In some rare cases, however, it's not done properly and leads to the black crush.
I personally use HDMI->DVI cable that I bought for $25 with absolutely no problems.

Horrible pixelization on Lost last night. Video and audio breakup enough times to be annoying.

Anybody else experience this? All other HD tier channels seemed to be fine.

You can buy just a DVI-HDMI adaptor OR a cable with one end DVI, one end HDMI, online for less than 10 bucks ($7 I think)...sorry don't have a link...will post later.

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq
Horrible pixelization on Lost last night. Video and audio breakup enough times to be annoying.

Anybody else experience this? All other HD tier channels seemed to be fine.


On their end, our Engineers have a call into their Engineer's to resolve.

I had a little pixelization and audio breakup but not bad. I recorded it and watched it after it went off. On my end, it was definitely something I could live with.

Mark

Any FOX rumors?

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq
Horrible pixelization on Lost last night. Video and audio breakup enough times to be annoying.

Anybody else experience this? All other HD tier channels seemed to be fine.

Oh yeah, drove me nuts. First time I got to watch Lost in HD too. Hope it gets resolved.

Thanks, Diana, for the followup...

Gravelpup - Yeah, it was enough to be annoying, to me at least. A few times the audio dropout was bad enough to miss a word or two of dialogue. And, with a show like "Lost," every word might be significant! :)

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
On their end, our Engineers have a call into their Engineer's to resolve.

Haven't heard anything, but I've been in Cola all day today for SCBA..
I've asked Terry to look at it now..

Anyone have any inside info on the OTA HD feed from WLTX? I can't get DTV to give me locals in HD and the COLTS are going to be crushing NE sunday afternoon and I hope to see it in HD, If the tower is back up!!

Mike

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq
Horrible pixelization on Lost last night. Video and audio breakup enough times to be annoying.

Anybody else experience this? All other HD tier channels seemed to be fine.

Lost & Alias was horrible to watch. There were times when I lost an entire sentence of dialogue. I'm not paying TWC to put up with crap like this.

If March rolls around and TWC doesn't have UniversalHD, ESPN2HD, and ESPNU, off to Voom I go!

Wow, great to have you here.

Does anyone know if the external SATA drive port is active, and if so, what drives are compatible? I watch so little TV these days that I have a huge backlog on the smallish (80 gig?) hard drive and no room for anything else.

I will glady shell out to add another drive if it means extra storage. Would prefer to be able to do it myself, but I imagine you will have to rent or buy from TWC?

Thanks

Originally posted by rodeoclown
Does anyone know if the external SATA drive port is active, and if so, what drives are compatible? I watch so little TV these days that I have a huge backlog on the smallish (80 gig?) hard drive and no room for anything else.

I will glady shell out to add another drive if it means extra storage. Would prefer to be able to do it myself, but I imagine you will have to rent or buy from TWC?

Thanks

The internal hardrvie in the 8300 is 160GB. The sata output is not active. I have been told that a external drive will be available in the future. It will be a rentable item from TWC. It will "marry" to the specific 8300, and not be transferable to a computer.

Originally posted by ratroom
Anyone have any inside info on the OTA HD feed from WLTX? I can't get DTV to give me locals in HD and the COLTS are going to be crushing NE sunday afternoon and I hope to see it in HD, If the tower is back up!!

Mike

Me, too. Anybody have any news when to expect WLTX-DT OTA. Is anyone receiving it yet??

Originally posted by Coop1979
Lost & Alias was horrible to watch. There were times when I lost an entire sentence of dialogue. I'm not paying TWC to put up with crap like this.

If March rolls around and TWC doesn't have UniversalHD, ESPN2HD, and ESPNU, off to Voom I go!

From what I understand, that's a WOLO, not TWC, issue. All things considered, TWC has done a good job getting us HD channels.

Wltx-Dt is still off ota. It's only on TWC at this time.

sao309,

Come over to Florence and watch it at my house. Florence, SC will have it OTA. I have a Sony 5.1 dolby, LG 4200a HDTV receiver and a Panny LCD projector with a viewing size of 100". GO COLTS!

Just invite me back for the Superbowl when the Colts beat the Falcons. No FOX in Florence.

Originally posted by ratroom
Anyone have any inside info on the OTA HD feed from WLTX? I can't get DTV to give me locals in HD and the COLTS are going to be crushing NE sunday afternoon and I hope to see it in HD, If the tower is back up!!

Mike

Mike, you're livin' a lie if you think the Colts have a chance against the Patriots! (OK, maybe a small chance). I'm ticked that I've lost my my OTA HD for this game - the Jets/Steelers game was painful to watch today (in more ways than just the lower picture quality). I was hoping the Jets would win because the Pats "own" that team, but the Steelers actually looked pretty shakey so it looks like the Pats are again going to the Super Bowl

Anyone know if the Sports Bars like Icy's are affected by the WLTX problem...I really need to see the Pats/Colts game in HD and thought maybe they would be able to take advantage of the TWC/WLTX fix.

On another 'picture quality' note, the OTA game on FOX tonight between the Falcons and Rams had a lot of breakups...I kept losing the signal for 1-3 seconds repeatedly. After watching 4 hours of '24' on FOX early this week without a single signal interruption, I don't understand why all of a sudden a problem shows up this evening...is it the cold weather, weekend maintenance, etc. I don't understand the lack of consistency in the signal strength on FOX...it drops from 77 to 0 like a rock.

Thanks,

Originally posted by BDavis

Anyone know if the Sports Bars like Icy's are affected by the WLTX problem...I really need to see the Pats/Colts game in HD and thought maybe they would be able to take advantage of the TWC/WLTX fix.




Icey's doesn't have TWC. I'm not positive because Commercial accounts are handled in another department, but I believe I have heard in the past that Wild Hare off St. Andrew's is the only bar with HD service from us. I would call them in advance though, because I have never verified this one way or the other...

Originally posted by FloCobra
sao309,

Come over to Florence and watch it at my house. Florence, SC will have it OTA. I have a Sony 5.1 dolby, LG 4200a HDTV receiver and a Panny LCD projector with a viewing size of 100". GO COLTS!

Just invite me back for the Superbowl when the Colts beat the Falcons. No FOX in Florence.

Thanks for the offer, FloCobra. Wish I could make it to Florence...lived there long ago. Go Falcons!!!!

You think it would take this long to fix it if there weren't a convienent
digital transmitter to take over analog duties?

Think back in the day CBS would just be off air for this long with no
broadcast, or do you think they'd have that back up and running a little
faster if they didn't have the luxury of dragging their feet at the cost of the
digital broadcast?

Somehow I don't think a local network would let their entire channel be
down for 9 days.

It's on cable. Fox is not. So, no one is completely happy unless they have both.

Eh... I'm not too concerned with TWC's lawyers taking forever to hash out
agreements (ESPNHD anyone?).

I'm more concerned with the basic ability of a network to broadcast their
signal over the air. I understand things happen that are out of one's
control, but if that digital transmitter weren't there, I just get the feeling
the analog transmitter would be fixed by now, that's all. It's a shame that
the digital broadcast is so expendable, but I certainly understand the
decision with how few actually use the digital broadcast versus analog.

Yeah, they either don't care about the digital signal broadcast or they only hire people that graduated from USC.

Ouch, that had to hurt huh uscboy?

lol

Mark

Not really... don't really care what some redneck thinks.

Besides, if they hired someone from Clemson the only thing they'd be
qualified to do is the landscaping around the tower.

owwchh.. We have 2 towers if they're interested...

Thats a pretty good one uscboy, I liked that and to think they call you USC fans poor sports just like your football team.

Although I must say in true USuC fan tradition you took it personal as evidenced by the "Not really... don't really care what some redneck thinks." remark.

Have a good day everyone.

Originally posted by uscboy
Eh... I'm not too concerned with TWC's lawyers taking forever to hash out agreements (ESPNHD anyone?).

I'm more concerned with the basic ability of a network to broadcast their signal over the air. I understand things happen that are out of one's control, but if that digital transmitter weren't there, I just get the feeling the analog transmitter would be fixed by now, that's all. It's a shame that the digital broadcast is so expendable, but I certainly understand the decision with how few actually use the digital broadcast versus analog.

Couple of thoughts:

re: WACH: Could it be that Raycom Media is demanding something that TWC cannot give or won't give; something they did not give to the other local broadcasters? Raycom might be the stubborn one here.

re: WLTX: there are certain realities in this stage of the transition to digital broadcasting. There is still no measurable financial return on their digital broadcast. Analog pays the bills, so, analog has priority. If I understood it correctly, there is a problem with the 1200ft line feed to the antenna. Fixing/replacing it might take some time.

Originally posted by uscboy
You think it would take this long to fix it if there weren't a convienent
digital transmitter to take over analog duties?

Think back in the day CBS would just be off air for this long with no
broadcast, or do you think they'd have that back up and running a little
faster if they didn't have the luxury of dragging their feet at the cost of the
digital broadcast?

Somehow I don't think a local network would let their entire channel be
down for 9 days.

Well I can't begin to explain to someone not in the television how difficult it is to get this problem fixed. However, I am going to try anyway.


Had we suffered this kind of failure in the days before digital, we would have been forced to get a temporary antenna in here from the northeast. This would have been very costly to the station, plus would have taken at least 1 to 2 days to accomplish.(Freight time)
The fact that we had the digital transmission line to use, meant that we could server a MUCH LARGER percentage of our viewers until we get the problem fixed. As far as the amount of time it has taken to get the repair completed.......
We are replacing the entire transmission line up our tower to the antenna. This is not some small cable we are talking about here. It is 9" yes that is 9 inch copper pipe. Not only is it large, there is a lot of it to replace as well, over 1700 feet of it to be exact. Well you can imagine there isn't 1700 feet of 9" copper transmission line just laying around. It has to be manufactured. Even if it was laying around it would have to be usable for channel 19 since this stuff is channel dependent. So you see, we are up against a very large problem which is costing us hundreds of thousands of dollars to fix.
The latest time table has us completing repair in a little over two weeks.
I appreciate your patience with this matter.

You're right Dan. The largest cable I have laying around in the garage is only 7" copper, and I only have 1500'. Otherwise I'd help you out. lol

I'll bet that stuff is fun to pull too.

Mark

Thanks for the info Dan. It certainly sucks that your line problem hit right at the start of the NFL Playoffs.

Good luck with your repairs. Oh quick question, Are you guys using this down time to do any kind of equipment upgrades, etc.? It just seems like a good time to do that as well.

Yes we are doing some upgrades. One such upgrade is the mandated PID update for the HDTV receivers. When we are back on the air, most of you will probably have to do a channel search to restore WLTX to your channel list. All DTV stations must do this soon so yu will probably be doing a few channel searches over the next few weeks.
We are also putting a new HD receiver on-line so maybe that pesky audio problem we have will not continue. Only time will tell that. However, it is a totally different model of receiver. I am also rewiring the HD master control to allow for a little quicker switching in anticipation of the upcomming March Madness Multicast.

Appreciate the update Dan on both the outage situation but also the upcoming improvement for the DT signal.

I too appreciate the update. I know exactly how my post sounded and
even said that I knew analog would be more important because of how
many more people it serves.

That said, I'm glad to hear that there are upgrades being done alongside
repairs. Makes the added downtime worth it and it shows that repairs
aren't being done slowly simply because digital isn't important. Again,
thanks for the update.

Course, I think it's too late, isn't it? Aren't the rest of the games on Fox? :)

There should be a system in place for D* users to get the national feeds
temporarily during extended downtimes.

Will Wltx-DT broadcast in DD 5.1, like all the other locals?

Originally posted by kevinivey
Will Wltx-DT broadcast in DD 5.1, like all the other locals?

We hope to begin broadcasting in 5.1 soon. There is no definite time table though. However, I am pushing as hard as I can to get it done soon. I would love to have it on before March Madness begins. But don't hold me to that since I have to get the budget approved first.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=1951755

I can only hope and pray that TWC and ESPN are able to work out a deal soon to carry this channel from its initial launch. But who am I kidding right?? We still dont get the NFL channel, dont know why TWC has to be so slow in adding channels. Other major cable companies are able to add them quickly and some are larger than TWC so that can't be used as an excuse.

I'm still hoping for Cinemax HD, so I can drop Showtime but still have something to go with HBO HD...

Originally posted by Dan'sHiPix
We hope to begin broadcasting in 5.1 soon. There is no definite time table though. However, I am pushing as hard as I can to get it done soon. I would love to have it on before March Madness begins. But don't hold me to that since I have to get the budget approved first.


Thank You

I would think adding the last HD local to TWC would be a priority in the Columbia locals forum. All cable and satellite companies drag their feet on adding HD channels. Comcast doesn't have HDNET. DirecTV doesn't have INHD, or TNT-HD. It has already been stated on this forum that bandwidth is beginning to be a problem on TWCSC. They want to allow room for Fox-HD. I will assure you that this channel is priority one. Once the analog is turned off then there should be more than enough bandwidth. I think TWC in New York is all digital. We can only dream at this time about Columbia being all digital!

Originally posted by kevinivey
I think TWC in New York is all digital.


Not true. The is only one System that is all Digital in the US and its a COX system in San Diego. Very expensive test...


We look forward to the day we can afford to go all Digital in SC too.

I stand corrected. I guess someone misspoke in a thread I was reading the other day. I should had checked before I posted the erroneous statement.

I have been away for a while, looks like there is another HD DVR out (8300). What is the difference in the 8300 and the 8000HD?

Does DVI work?
Does analog and digital audio work for all channels?
Anybody use the 8300 with a Samsung DLP? If so, how does it look?
Can you compare size to a 3250hd and/or 8000hd?
Do you recommend?

Thanks in advance.

Originally posted by gamecock
I have been away for a while, looks like there is another HD DVR out (8300). What is the difference in the 8300 and the 8000HD?

Does DVI work?
Does analog and digital audio work for all channels?
Anybody use the 8300 with a Samsung DLP? If so, how does it look?
Can you compare size to a 3250hd and/or 8000hd?
Do you recommend?

Thanks in advance.

Welcome home Jay! Answers:
Better PQ, yes (I think), maybe, probably, most likely good, tad larger maybe (silver front too), yes

Not using a 8300 here but given what I have heard I would recommend you DO get one. Someone else here will have to discuss the DVI in depth but I believe it works (note: recent posts discussed it; apparently has the latest incarnation; i.e. HDMI). Go for it.

Originally posted by gamecock
I have been away for a while, looks like there is another HD DVR out (8300). What is the difference in the 8300 and the 8000HD?

Does DVI work?
Does analog and digital audio work for all channels?
Anybody use the 8300 with a Samsung DLP? If so, how does it look?
Can you compare size to a 3250hd and/or 8000hd?
Do you recommend?

Thanks in advance.

8300 has better PQ IMO. No DVI, but has HDMI. All outputs work except the SATA, which will work someday down the road when we have the additional DVR storage equipment.

Same size as 8000, but stylish silver rather than black

I recommend, but ... I'm sure most of you know this by heart - you can't call in and request one or have one held at a front counter. You just have to keep going into a front counter until you luck out and they have one there. Greystone is probably your best bet.

8300 has better PQ IMO.

It does in MHO also....

I'll let you know, if I can ever get one....

Mark

I need to make a slight correction/edit/ I'm not sure what to call it, to my earlier post

Because of how our billing system is set up (and it may seem silly to you guys, but there are some very good reasons to have it this way)...

Sumter customers can only pick up a converter at the Sumter office on North Guignard St.

Columbia customers have several options on payment centers, but Greystone receives shipments from the warehouse daily, so it is more likely to have an 8300 when/if you try.

Have just discovered our 8000s are not functional. Virtually nothing works on the HD one (some limited guide info is all; no programming). The SD version is also sick but not as bad. Wondering if system wide or maybe Sumter or my node. Can't get through to TWC on the phone to ask.

Has anyone else completely lost their cable signal on their 8000HD? I just turned my TV on and I had a channel but when I tried to change channels I lost the signal completely. I pulled up the guide and I have only a few channels with names to them and some have names like 15e5. My other digital convertor box won't change channels at all thankfully it is stuck on ESPN. I am trying to call in and getting nothing but a busy signal.

These signal losses, audio losses, and the other myrriad problems I have been having this past month is really getting on my last nerve. I have had more outages on the last month then I had in over 2 YEARS with Cox Cable.

Huh, that's wierd. Mine's working perfectly on this side of sumter Bruce.
Maybe since I already had it on and tuned to an HD channel???

Mark

We are having a state wide issue. Phone lines are tied up with people calling. All troops are at the headend and I'm sure they will get it fixed as soon as they can.

Originally posted by Marky_Mark896
Huh, that's wierd. Mine's working perfectly on this side of sumter Bruce.
Maybe since I already had it on and tuned to an HD channel???

Mark

Maybe, mine was off at first. Still nothing viewable programming wise. Heck, I can't even play a recording. Hopefully they will get our boxes working again soon. Analog programming still appears fine on TVs without converter boxes.

Ours went out about 4:30 or so. A guy upstream from us still has analog. It must be in the digital equipment since my Road Runner is still working. I also cannot playback stuff that is recorded on the SA8000. That I really find as strange since that should be between my SA8000 and my monitor and not involve the "cable system." I also hope they get it fixed soon, I have been trying to get through to TWC but only get busy. I am not saying I have a lot of problems, but when I installed my new phone system this last year I put TWC as one in my speed dial directory!

I went ahead and disconnected the the coax from the line-in on the 325HD and moved it up the TV set. Normal analog reception with my set's tuner is working fine.

Anybody have an update on the problems with the HD converters? Mine's still out, reboot has no effect.

Unplugging/plugging the box worked for me (just now).

Yep, I had to reboot mine as well. After I said I didn't have any problems, mine went out. My SD boxes are out this morning. I have an explorer 2000 in my kitchen, and one in my bedroom, and they are both dead? What's up with that Diana? I have programming on my 8000HD, and I have roadrunner, just no SD. I rebooted, and nothing. Kids are getting mad.

Mark

Sorry, reboot did work. I was just being impatient without coffee yet.

Mark

All was well as of 9:50 last evening in Lexington.

Reboots didn't work on my 8000HD and I rebooted LOTS of times last night at around 7pm in my frantic efforts to make sure "Lost" was recorded.

No dice.

For an hour or so, nothing but busy signals with TWC either...that was VERY frustrating.

Finally got through at 730pm and the rep said it was a state-wide issue but couldn't explain the busy signals.

So, I unplugged the coax from the digital box in the bedroom and plugged it straight into the TV...analog cable came in fine.

Since the wife wanted to see American Idol AND Lost, I had to go the old fashioned route of hooking up a VCR (remember those?) to one of the other TV's in the house and manually record that show so we could watch it later.

Couldn't record Lost for a re-watch later though, very frustrating.

I'll try rebooting the DVR tonight when I get home since it sounds like it's working for the rest of you guys.

P.S. Bruce - The Vol-, Vol+, Info method you gave me for rebooting the DVR didn't work on my box. All I got was a "not authorized" message when I tried that. Maybe it's related to this issue?

I rebooted my box at 6:15AM and it now works fine. It looks to me like the head end somehow sent all of the boxes a signal that caused them to become unsubscribed. I'm guessing that once they figured that out they just had to send each subscribed box a "turn on" command and that took them a good bit of the evening. Or maybe it was Gremlins.

Originally posted by Marky_Mark896
Sorry, reboot did work. I was just being impatient without coffee yet.

Mark

Just to confirm - all converter's are fine now?

To recap for those of you curious.

There was a Corrupt File in the DNCS which handles Columbia DMA and Summerville. Analog Only was not impacted, only Digital Equipment. DVRs seemed to have the most trouble. Digital Basic Converters continued to play, but only to the channel they were tuned to at the time of the issue. DVRs took a knee.

There was a force reboot overnight that was successful with Digital Basic Converters, but DVRs still required a force reboot this morning.

If anyone is still experiencing an issue with a Digital Basic Converter, or their DVR AFTER trying a force reboot "this" morning, please call customer service to schedule a service call 866-892-7201.

The phone lines were busy because around 60,000 people were trying to call into our 100 lines at once. I realize it is frustrating, but as a rule of thumb if you experience an outage and the line is busy like that, you can safely assume it is big and were working to fix it asap.

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
Just to confirm - all converter's are fine now?


I checked mine this morning on my way out the door to work and neither of my boxes were working. I have an 8000HD and a 3250HD.

All mine are up and running fine now. I am bummed out about Lost though.

Mark

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
Just to confirm - all converter's are fine now?

Will have to check tonight after I reboot my DVR...

Thanks for the followup, it was frustrating getting the busy signal. Usually, when I reach a busy call center, the call gets put into a queu and there is at least a response, even if it's an automated message stating how long the wait is. It's highly unusual not being able to get through at all...and made me continually worry and wonder that I had a wrong or outdated number.

Of course, it figures that all this happens on the only night during the week that I have something specific to watch/record in HD (Lost). That's Murphy's Law for you though.

I went by the Greystone office this morning to try and find an 8300 dvr but had no luck. I think I remember Diana saying that it might be possible to find one somewhere else in Columbia. Any ideas where that might be or did I make that up.

Edit
My 8000 DVR was still not working this morning.

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq
Will have to check tonight after I reboot my DVR...

Thanks for the followup, it was frustrating getting the busy signal. Usually, when I reach a busy call center, the call gets put into a queu and there is at least a response, even if it's an automated message stating how long the wait is. It's highly unusual not being able to get through at all...and made me continually worry and wonder that I had a wrong or outdated number.

Of course, it figures that all this happens on the only night during the week that I have something specific to watch/record in HD (Lost). That's Murphy's Law for you though.

Engineers just did another force reboot of all converters - so check to see if your normal service is resolved prior to the reboot.


100 lines - 60,000 callers (trying multiple times). There is a queue, you just weren't even getting that far.....

There is just absolutely no way to be ready with enough phone lines to handle this type of thing.

Originally posted by chilley
I went by the Greystone office this morning to try and find an 8300 dvr but had no luck. I think I remember Diana saying that it might be possible to find one somewhere else in Columbia. Any ideas where that might be or did I make that up.

Edit
My 8000 DVR was still not working this morning.


Full Service locations in West Columbia (1171 Sunset Blvd) and 5 Points (2131 Devine Street and Ft. Jackson, but I don't think they will let you in.

Less likely that an 8300 will be available at these locales, since they don't get a delivery every day. Did you ask Greystone if they had received their daily delivery yet - its 10 now, maybe you were a bit too early.

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
Engineers just did another force reboot of all converters - so check to see if your normal service is resolved prior to the reboot.

I rebooted and replugged my 8300 around 2 pm. No joy.

My non-DVR, non-HD digital box is back up, no reboot required.

Originally posted by gravelpup
I rebooted and replugged my 8300 around 2 pm. No joy.

My non-DVR, non-HD digital box is back up, no reboot required.


Some converters just don't make it through unscathed. You will need to exchange it for another. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

Diana, Sounds like you need to get some microsoft stickers to put on the front of these convertors!:D

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050120/BIZ01/501200320/1076/BIZ

That bites...

Well, just in case. I just ordered a ota ATSC stb.

Is the Explorer 8300 any taller than the 8000? I'd love to switch out and try one but if it's even 1/4" higher it would mean a major rearrangement of everything under the TV. Maybe 1/8" or 3/16" would be OK.

Originally posted by Brent Hutto
Is the Explorer 8300 any taller than the 8000? I'd love to switch out and try one but if it's even 1/4" higher it would mean a major rearrangement of everything under the TV. Maybe 1/8" or 3/16" would be OK.

To my knowledge they are the same size, but it wasn't a factor in my space when I switched them out because I have several inches open above the unit. In fact, for the sounds of it, I would recommend you re-arrange anyway, with two tuners the DVR has the capability to run very hot and you should give it several inches head room for the vents.

I will try to confirm configuration for you though.

Thanks, Diana. My DVR actually gets pretty good ventilation and doesn't run very warm. There's just some sort of reinforcing rod that runs across underneath the shelf above it about two or three inches behind the faceplate. It makes the usable area 1/2" or so shorter than it would otherwise be (come to think of it, maybe that's there to enforce a little bit of cooling space above the equipment).

Originally posted by Marky_Mark896
That bites...

Yeah I agree. According to the article Adelphia and Raycom have worked out a deal, I dont know why TWC thinks its so special and refuses to sign. Two years of negotiations is ridiculous. :mad:

8300 - 3" tall, 15.5 " wide, 10" deep (actually some styling that juts out, but doesn't need to be on shelf)

8000 - 3.5" tall, 17" wide, 13" deep

Oooh now I really want an 8300. Those dimensions would fit much better in my system than my 8000. Come on Diana, sneak me one...

Mark

Originally posted by D-rock0030
Yeah I agree. According to the article Adelphia and Raycom have worked out a deal, I dont know why TWC thinks its so special and refuses to sign. Two years of negotiations is ridiculous. :mad: Because there's no outrage. They are aware that the proliferation of HD is not the majority yet - and on top of that the majority of HDTV owners are clueless... so they are banking on the fact that they don't hemorrage clients since most people don't know what they are missing.

Now, with that being said... I was just informed by the Sales Manager at WFXB 43 in Myrtle Beach (Cathy Hunnicut) that FoxHD will be available on TWC and HTC by the Superbowl. She admitted she was not completely "in the know" but that was her current understanding...

Hey Clint,

Hopefully she is right. Also, keep up the good work over there at audioholics.

Mark

Originally posted by hawke
Now, with that being said... I was just informed by the Sales Manager at WFXB 43 in Myrtle Beach (Cathy Hunnicut) that FoxHD will be available on TWC and HTC by the Superbowl. She admitted she was not completely "in the know" but that was her current understanding...


Hmmmmm..... Hopefully she is right about that. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.

I'm not a big nascar fan but the daytona 500 is on fox in HD this year too isnt it?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by D-rock0030
[B]Hmmmmm..... Hopefully she is right about that. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.


This has nothing to do with Wach-DT(Raycom).

Outages like we had last Wednesday, and the inability to get throught to TWC, do not give me a warm fuzzy feeling, so I do not think I will give them my telephone service. When was the last time that "the phone company" put 60K subs out of biz, because of a corrupted computer file.

Two weeks to the Super bowl. What are the odds that we have it in HD? I am feeling pessimistic for some reason. I'm betting it's less that 10% chance of happening. Unfortunately, I just have an HD monitor so I can't get it OTA, at least not with out a substantial expenditure. Here's hoping I am just feeling negative since it is the most depressing day of the year... at least according to some guy @ Cardiff.

I would have to say that any telecommunications company has bugs, corupt file , OS system problems and no matter who your provider you will have same kinda of issues. TWC doesnt hold a monopoly over technology issues that vendors that supply their equipment have. Phone problems are not always noticed because you dont check your phone every minute of the day the way your television outages are noticed because the TV or internet is on all the time running and when it goes out it grabs your attention. TWC does a great job in doing a better job than the other companies as it has become a passion to all the employees to be better and take great pride in what they do. You don't see any other cable or phone company execs putting their 2 cents in on any forums for the customers to interact with the TWC does. If you knew the passion that the engineers have at TWC you would appreciate what they do.

Originally posted by chilley
Two weeks to the Super bowl. What are the odds that we have it in HD? I am feeling pessimistic for some reason. I'm betting it's less that 10% chance of happening. Unfortunately, I just have an HD monitor so I can't get it OTA, at least not with out a substantial expenditure. Here's hoping I am just feeling negative since it is the most depressing day of the year... at least according to some guy @ Cardiff.


I ordered a ota stb box on Thursday ,and received it today. Took 5 minutes to install and is all ready for "24" tonight and "American Idol tomorrow.


Odds are about 75%, but I ain't taken no chance. Note: Fox-HD broadcast of the NFL has the poorest picture of all the NFL broadcasts. Their DD 5.1 sound is outstanding. Still, it's a lot better than analog Fox.

May be a little off topic, but I noticed in NY Times headlines, that Cablevison sold its sattelite to Echostar, the article says will continue to service VOOM customers on a "transitional basis" the article also said VOOM just had 26,000 subscribers. More technologically advanced members can post link

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/21/business/media/21voom.html?

Originally posted by kevinivey
I ordered a ota stb box on Thursday ,and received it today.

I guess this will end the twc bash? :(

Which stb? :)

Motorola HDT101

I think we have every right to bash TWC. We pay for a service that atleast in my case has been pretty atrocious. Almost EVERY night I have drop out issues on my picture and sound. Like I posted a few days ago, I have had more service interruptions than I had in 2 years with Cox cable.

I too am very impressed with Diana and her support of everyone here. However I do not feel that it makes up for the fact that I feel that I am paying for a service that I am not getting.

Sorry if noone wants to hear this but I felt compelled to reply to those that were implying that TWC couldn't improve or that we shouldn't voice our discontent where it is applicable.

I suppose any paying customer of a commercial enterprise has a "right" to complain as they see fit.

However, in terms of this forum there's a difference between bringing up new issues and revisiting ongoing ones as they are resolved (or not) versus pointless repitition of the same complaint over and over when nothing about it has changed.

As an example, if my service is interrupted or I had missing audio during a program last night readers of this thread could be assumed to find that of interest. Plus maybe I'll get something done about it or find out how to work around it. That's a legitimate complaint with respect to this forum.

On the other hand, a daily message griping that the cable company still hasn't added my favorite HD channel to their lineup is not of interest to readers of this forum. After a while it becomes a very annoying version of the old "General Francisco Franco is still dead" line. The fact that ESPN2-HD isn't on TWC remains a legitimate complaint for as long as it's missing from their lineup but that doesn't mean everyone wants to hear about it daily unless there's been some change.

Or at least that's how it seems to me. In the past I've indulged in repeating a complaint beyond the point where it's useful to this forum and I'll try to remember that next time I'm tempted to go on and on about something just because it bothers me.

Originally posted by Brent Hutto

As an example, if my service is interrupted or I had missing audio during a program last night readers of this thread could be assumed to find that of interest.

Brent makes some excellent points and I agree 100%..as for us here at WOLO, we value tremendously, and rely on quite a bit, feedback from
this local thread to help ensure the quality of WOLO's signal. :cool:

Complaints to the right place should be repeated until corrective action is taken.

"The right place" is the real problem...

Well, currently we are experiencing problems over here in Sumter. I assume it's widespread since I can't get through on the phone.

Mark

Ditto here; cannot bring in any programming on either a SD or HD version of the 8000. Playback of recorded programs is possible.

edit: rebooted both DVRs w/o success. Boxes locked up trying to access HOD.

The sweaky wheel gets the oil. Persistance counts. OTA always as a backup just in case.