I heard back tonight from Rich Sprott (xmitter) from WACH/FOX; I had sent him a PM earlier today asking about FOX's signal since I have been getting zip here from them for the past several days. His reply was yes.... "WACH is having some transmission problems and we definitely are aware and working with the manufacturers on solutions." And he also said he will inform us as things progress.

Bruce

Bruce,
Thank you for the update!

Kirill

I agree with Kevin on Sunday's Masters. Friday and Saturday were amazingly good with occasional audio and video hiccups. Sunday was amazingly good with no problems at all.

Friday evening when my wife got home she watched for about two minutes and said "So, they're playing with round golf balls this week", a joke about the fact that on The Golf Channel via satellite the balls usually look like little 1-pixel blocks rather than having a round shape.

Bob , I was able to watch WCCB-DT Sunday night with a mid 40 Signal Strength in Enoree, I guess that the lack of cloud cover made this possible, I got WBTV with about a 94 Signal Strength. Too bad WCCB and the ABC station dont have their towers over where WBTV and WCNC have theirs.

Not Really, it gives us a better signal over the Charlotte metro area..
Glad you're able to see us at least part of the time. Thanks for the update!

Just wanted to post to introduce myself to the group. Kbedwards over at the Home Theatre Spot (not sure of his handle here) just introduced me to this forum and I’m glad he did! I was beginning to the think I was the only HDTV aficionado in Columbia on the ‘net. Obviously, not so! I’m glad to have found you guys.

Here’s my setup:

Tosh 57H82 (purchased in January, ’03)
HD via TWC (3100 HD stb, and 8000 DVR stb)

Anyway, I’ve skimmed this LONG thread as best I could (before my eyes glazed over), and there was some mention about a possible HD DVR box from TWC. I’ve asked this question over at the Spot too and didn’t get much of a response, does anybody here know anything more? I’ve found some links via google, but they were all old trade-show articles about the “upcoming” device from Scientific Atlanta…but that’s about it.

Would love to be able to combine these 2 STB’s, and save a little $$ in the process. Anybody heard anything?

IrmoGamecoq,

Welcome to our little niche here at AVS. Hope we can help you in some small way in enjoying HD here in the Columbia area. Very glad Bruce Edwards (rodeoclown) pointed you this way.

Regarding the HD version of the Explorer 8000. No one anywhere appears to really know the answer. The barest mention of the HD version is available at the SA site (explorer club) and there has been small references here and there about there being Beta units out there in the real world. But, given the problems SA and the various cable companies are having rolling the SD version out, I would personally guess it will be some time next year at the earliest before we see an HD version.

There are some serious bugs that pop up with various users of the current 8000 box. It depends on the OS version in part but also in part as to how you use it. We have been real lucky here lately with ours as some folks see theirs crash and burn regularly (and sometimes lose all stored programming). AVS not not yet responded to our requests for an 8000DVR forum but there is a good one here (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/explorer_8000/). Suggest you join in there and follow the trials, tribulations, and tips from users from all over.

Bruce

Hi Bob,
Hate to give the bad news, but It's 12:00pm Friday and I think you got yourself a problem. You are broadcasting WOLO DT8 (nice strong signal) but no video or sound. My Dolby Digital display icon just keep flashing off and on. Hope this is helpful to you.

Techman

NSS!
Yes, we are aware, It's supposed to be that way at this time, as we are doing some transport work.
Thanks
(You'll just have to watch Port Charles in Analog!):D

Bob Davis:

Sure wish you would look in on the Western Carolinas forum from time for potential contributions of interest to us in the GSAA DMA. Thanks
Jerry Birdwell

Bob Davis:

Sure wish you would look in on the Western Carolinas forum from time for potential contributions of interest to us in the GSAA DMA. Thanks
Jerry Birdwell

I have been peeking in on you all up there, we do have quite a few viewers
in your area for WCCB, and a few for WOLO.. I have subscribed to that one,
so I know when someone posts. Good to hear from you, PM or call us if
we can help or you have any questions.

To all:

I am unable to download from DirecTV any call letter with a hyphen (WHNS-DT, but all without (WYFFDT) download ok. I was told several weeks ago the hyphen caused this problem. Anyone have additional information?
jbirdwe@attglobal.net

Bob Davis:

Is everything OK at WOLO? I have had a reduction in signal for the past 3 days. Usually it's between 93 and 100, now only 41 to 54. I know that the leaves are full now and I hope its not the problem.

Anyone else having problems?

Thanks,
Mike

WRLKHD suddenly jumped from being mapped to 32-3 to 35-3, where they should be.
But they still remain at 54 to 63% for the last 4 weeks. They used to be at 100%. All other channels are at 100%. What are they still doing/fixing? Anybody knows?

Kirill

Is anybody here picking up WACH-DT they are IMO by far the most unreliable digital channel in the area.
Since they went live in October it is longer the time they had being off than on.
And it seems, the few times they are on air their signal fluctuates widely.

Oscar

Hi Mike-
Wolo is at 85% power,(and have been for weeks) as we lost 2 amplifier modules, but from where you are, that should not affect the signal. Probably should look for other causes. Even tho we're at 85%, I have a viewer in Fort Mill who is getting us, as well as Bill over in Enoree ..

Jerry-
We have hyphens in all our channels, and no problems with Directv APG

i used to pick up WACH-DT but for the last couple of weeks i get "no signal" from my OTA Samsung box. are others getting WACH-DT? also, i've been having problems with WOLO-DT. the signal locks and i get a picture but then everying minute or two the audio goes crazy and the video blanks out. the sampsung then "re-syncs" and it starts over again. is it possible the PSIP is causing a problem? anyone else having this problem?
thanks,

Originally posted by joe balazs
i used to pick up WACH-DT but for the last couple of weeks i get "no signal" from my OTA Samsung box. are others getting WACH-DT? also, i've been having problems with WOLO-DT. the signal locks and i get a picture but then everying minute or two the audio goes crazy and the video blanks out. the sampsung then "re-syncs" and it starts over again. is it possible the PSIP is causing a problem? anyone else having this problem?
thanks,
WACH-DT is off the air 90% of the time lately.
WOLO-DT - haven't watched it lately.
WRLK-DT (PBS) - has been running at very low power since about 4 weeks ago.

Kirill

Bob, do you have an estimated date when you will have your new parts and bring WOLO back to full power? I get a bit more freezes and blips at the present time,hopefully you will be back up to 100% by the time of the Stanley Cup finals.

WACH HAS AN ANTENNA PROBLEM WHICH IS BEING ADDRESSED BY DIELECTRIC.STATUS IS UNKNOWN AS OF NOW.AS FOR WOLO WE DID HAVE A PSIP PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED NOW.BUT KNOWING THE NATURE OF PSIP THE PROBLEMWILL RETURN

Originally posted by joe balazs
i used to pick up WACH-DT but for the last couple of weeks i get "no signal" from my OTA Samsung box. are others getting WACH-DT? also, i've been having problems with WOLO-DT. the signal locks and i get a picture but then everying minute or two the audio goes crazy and the video blanks out. the sampsung then "re-syncs" and it starts over again. is it possible the PSIP is causing a problem? anyone else having this problem?
thanks,

Hi Bill-
we are awaiting replacement amplifier modules from France, they seem to
be a moving target, which is causing you the problem at your approximately
80 mile distance. PSIP is all fine now as well as Jim says.

I'm curious, since no one has mentioned. What does Wis-DT look like when they are doing NBC-HD. I think I remember back that they were broadcasting 2 extra sub channels. Does the picture suffer like Wltx when they were multi casting back during the NCAA basketball tournament.
Any feedback would be appreciated.

Kevin

WIS-DT looks outstanding, ranks up there with WLTX normal feeds!

Mike

Hi Guys, new member here.

I am in Newberry, SC and own an Electronics sales and service shop. I started selling HDTV sets and tuners last September, and have enjoyed watching the new system grow. I have not read every page of this thread yet, but it looks like you guys keep up with everything quite well.

As far as WACH-DT signal, I understand that they have an antenna problem, and it should be back on the air within a few weeks.

Here in Newberry, I can pick up the Columbia, Charlotte (except 64 and 42), Greenville, Spartanburg, Asheville, and Augusta stations at most of my installs (and at home!). I do not do sell satellites, so I have no useful info on them. But if you have a question about terrestrial reception or the Zenith, Samsung, or RCA tuners, I may be able to help.

have a great weekend,
Corey

cohbraz:
I have a question. I use a Samsung TS160 for OTA and cannot receive program guides for any Asheville station that uses a hyphen in its DT call letters, or a space as in WLOS..

Example: WLOS uses ABC 13 for 13-1, I get "Regular Schedule."
For WSPADT, 7-1 I get a valid program schedule.
For WYFFDT, 4-1, I get a valid program scheule.
For WHNS-DT, 21-1, I get "Regular Schedule.
Samsung says its the station. Other notes on the net says it is caused by when the station does not use xxxxDT as its call letters. Titan says its the station.
It is really a pain not to have the program info available from the Guide. Any suggestions.
jb

Welcome Corey, It's good to know that you can see both Charlotte and Columbia stations.. Yell if we can help you or your customers out in any
way!

JB,
It sounds like WHNS and WLOS are not providing the program guide information. I am not aware of amy particular call letter format required by the Samsung to receive the guide. It's just that some are not providing the info right now. Also, can you receive WUNF-DT , analog 33, on channel 25? I understand that they are supposed to be on, but I can't get them.

May be of interest to the techies on this board: in Newberry we are having a very interesting problem. As you know, WACH broadcasts analog on channel 57. Now, WHNS in Asheville is broadcasting digital on channel 57. WRLK analog is 35. WGGS in Greenville is digital on channel 35. Can you say major foul up? Several of my antenna customers are having a hard time picking up WACH and WRLK due to WHNS and WGGS, respectfully. Comcast cable in Newberry had nearly no signal at all on these two stations for a week and a half. What is happening is the digital signal is being picked up by the antenna, even on the back side, and overiding the analog signal. The TV can't decode the digital signal, so all it sees is a weaker analog signal.

And who says the FCC isn't on the ball?

cohbraz
WUNF-33 (DT25) maps to 33-1 on its Asheville/Pisgah transmitter. The Asheville station has no local origination, and receives its programming from the Triangle. Additionally, 33-2 is reserved for HDTV, usually in primetime, but I have yet to catch one of its "HDTV Demonstrations." 33-3 is UNC Kids, 33-4 is UNC Ed; 33-5 is UNC NC, a channel expected to be programmed for special interest to NC. I receive all (except 33-2) ok, although at a rather low signal level due to an obstruction in the path.
You are checking in on the Columbia SC HD forum, do you also check in on the Western NC HDTV forum?
I will ask those stations which are nor programming their schedules to please do so.
Jerry Birdwell

cohbraz: The Western Carolinas' address is:
AVS Forum > HDTV > Local HDTV Info and Reception > Western Carolinas HDTV
jb

jb,
Yes, I subscribed to the Western Carolinas thread as well as the Columbia, Northern SC, and Charleston site. I subscribed to the Charleston site mainly to see what is going on down there and because some mornings I can get channel 5's DT station, 47 with my antenna. Pretty cool.

Were there any problems with WOLO-DT last night? I was getting a good signal during the day on Sunday, but on Sunday evening when I turned to WOLO to watch Dragnet, I got no signal whatsoever from analog or digital.

I wonder why was it broadcast in SD? I even thought it was a poor HD transfer, but later found that it's a true 16:9 movie, and it was sent 4:3 SD.
Did someone forgot to flip the switch?

Kirill

I caught a few minutes of it on WSOC-DT from Charlotte, it WAS in 16:9 HD, I believe WOLO-DT was down last night as I was unable to get any sort of signal from WOLO-DT or WOLO-TV.

enoree,
I can't speak to their OTA signal but WOLO-DT/HD channel was working normally on Time Warner Cable last night. WOLO is connected, I believe, by fiber to TWC so I might guess it could be possible that WOLO-DT could be on cable yet not OTA. Note that some stations like WLTX are picked up by TWC via OTA signals so if the OTA is messed up so will their cable feed. I peeked in on ET a couple of times (once it was SD; another time HD) and then watched Dragnet in HD at 10pm.

Perhaps the weather conditions put enoree beyond the digital cliff if WOLO is still operating at somewhat reduced power. I might add that since I returned from out of town Saturday evening I have not worked on my attic antenna and so did not even try to get WOLO OTA last evening.

Bruce

Hi Bruce-
WOLO-DT is NOT connected via fiber, only WOLO-TV25 is. As far as I know,
only WRLK does this for HDTV.
As to ET in 4x3, I have passed on the complaints to Eric as to why he missed this, I did give him the schedules in advance. We'll try to do better.
Thanks

oops.... so TWC gets WOLO-DT OTA too?

Bruce

yes, very few DTV's are fed to cable via fiber. It's not the norm.

Does anyone know if WACH 57 provides the NASCAR races in the Widescreen format the FOX uses? And secondly, does anyone know when the DT channel will be back up with a strong signal to reach Chapin?

Thanks,
Trip

Yes, they broadcast all of the NASCAR races in widescreen. FOX also broadcasts The Bernie Mack Show, 24, and most of their other popular primetime shows in widescreen.

WACH will be back up as soon as they get their antenna repaired, hopefully in a week or so.

Corey
Audio Video Electronics

Originally posted by Kir
WRLKHD suddenly jumped from being mapped to 32-3 to 35-3, where they should be.
But they still remain at 54 to 63% for the last 4 weeks. They used to be at 100%. All other channels are at 100%. What are they still doing/fixing? Anybody knows?

Kirill

We recently installed an upgrade of our PSIP generator as part of adding additional PSIP streams to our statewide distribution of the digital multiplex to additional transmitter sites. We decided to bite the bullet and map the major channel number to that of the analog channel associated with the digital channel, as much as it goes against my gut feeling as to how it "ought" to be.

We have some problems with the liniearity pre-correction circuitry in our Harris transmitter, which is most likely the cause of the recent low signal readings. The power level is the same as it's always been. I'll re-post when we get it squared away.

Hap Griffin
SCETV

Thank you for the update, Hap, and welcome to AVS :)
It was nice talking to you on the phone!

Kirill

TWC HD customers in Charlotte have been able to switch out their SA3100HD for a newer more up to date Pioneer HD stb cable box. Here is the link to info:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=128876&goto=newpost

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/Pioneer/CDA/CompanyOverview/PressDetails/0,1479,92401,00.html

WACH FOX 57-1 OTA seems to be back on the air.
My wife noticed it on Friday, May 24, 2003.

Kirill

I raised my antenna up 40" more, and I now am able to receive WACH-DT and WCCB-DT(Charlotte,also FOX)during daylight hours.It was sooooo great to be able to watch the NASCAR race Sunday in widescreen 480p,maybe someday the tightwad owners in Greenville will actually run the 16:9 feed on WHNS-DT instead of SD, also our ABC station here is a Sinclair station, so I am also thankful that WOLO-DT is on VHF and comes in great here 24/7.

Great news Bill, thanks for the Update.

WNDTV (SC PBS) is on the air on Channel 9 DT from Greenville and I am receiving a very steady picture in Asheville.
jb

WRLK PBS is back to being received at full power. Noticed it last evening, May 31, 2003.

Thank you for taking care of the issue, Hap!

Kirill

Anyone out there know of any new HD channels being added to TWC in the near future?

Thanks!

For those who do not always follow the other Carolina threads here at AVS, Hap Griffin of SCETV posted some interesting comments earlier today over on the Western Carolinas (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2281146#post2281146) forum. He talks about bitrates, compression, and motion artifacts.

Bruce

I wish Hap tests his 720p with us too, not just the western guys :)

Kirill

When we switch from 1080i to 720p for testing at our Tech Center in Columbia, it will effect all of our DTV transmitters that we have on the air (currently Columbia and Greenville).

sbennett,
Welcome to the forum and.. thanks for the info! Will be looking forward to the tests!

Bruce

Bob Davis.

Do you know who maintains WOLO's web page? It is wayyyyyyy out of date,especially the section about the tall tower. For example it says "beginnining in February 2001" ,in reference to going live on the tower.It also says that in the future it will allow us to broadcast a digital signal. It might be nice to keep the web site updated in light of the great commitment of your company to DT and HD. By the way last night I got a 94 steady on my signal strength during the NBA finals, pretty darn good for being outside the broadcast market.

I will pass on your comments regarding the Web Page to the appropriate
folks. Thanks for the siganl report.. We're quite pleased with WOLO-DT's
performance!

Since the OTA reception issues are pretty much settled by now, let me bring this one forward: WRLK (PBS) 35-3 and all WIS channels do not display the guide data OTA.
35-3 displays "DTV programming" all the time and 41-1, -2, -3 display "Regular schedule".

Kirill

What receiver are you using? If it is a DirecTvHD, then you're getting the DirecTv APG and NOT the local EPG. DirecTv liscensing agreements require
use of APG over local EPG, and If Tribune does not have the listing correct
that is wht you will see..

This is one of those situations where the technology is available, but the stations are not yet required to use it. I have found that right now, more stations are not using the guide data than are using. The Zenith HDV420 OTA receiver was designed where it will not even show guide information. As HDTV becomes more of the standard broadcasting format, more and more stations will start using the guide infoation, I hope.
Corey

Originally posted by Kir
Since the OTA reception issues are pretty much settled by now, let me bring this one forward: WRLK (PBS) 35-3 and all WIS channels do not display the guide data OTA.
35-3 displays "DTV programming" all the time and 41-1, -2, -3 display "Regular schedule".

Kirill

We are not currently entering the guide data into the PSIP tables because our Triveni Guide Builder software is not compatible with one of the cards in our encoder system. Harris is working on fixing the problem and we should be able to import program info from our scheduling system into the encoder soon. The problem stems from our network plans whereby we generate five different program guides (one for the generic SCETV schedule and four slightly different guides for each of the four stations in our eleven station network that insert local programming in the evenings). This is only one area in our very complex encoding and distribution system where we're plowing new ground and the manufacturers haven't yet caught up...and I have even less hair than I had a year ago to show for it!

Hap Griffin
SCETV

Originally posted by bdfox18doe
What receiver are you using? If it is a DirecTvHD, then you're getting the DirecTv APG and NOT the local EPG. DirecTv liscensing agreements require
use of APG over local EPG, and If Tribune does not have the listing correct
that is wht you will see..
I use Samsung SIRT-TS160 that is capable of getting both DirecTV and PSIP-generated guides. I confirmed the missing guide in both cases.

Thank you,
Kirill

Originally posted by hgriffin
We are not currently entering the guide data into the PSIP tables because our Triveni Guide Builder software is not compatible with one of the cards in our encoder system. Harris is working on fixing the problem and we should be able to import program info from our scheduling system into the encoder soon. The problem stems from our network plans whereby we generate five different program guides (one for the generic SCETV schedule and four slightly different guides for each of the four stations in our eleven station network that insert local programming in the evenings). This is only one area in our very complex encoding and distribution system where we're plowing new ground and the manufacturers haven't yet caught up...and I have even less hair than I had a year ago to show for it!

Hap Griffin
SCETV
Thank you for the update, Hap!

Kirill

Hap,
If not a secret, what bandwidth do you allocate for PBS channels 35-3, 35-1, and 35-2?
PBS kids 35-2 I watch because of the baby (*shrugs*) seem to have the same quality as a regular DirecTV channel like TBS.

Thank you,
Kirill

Yea,,I watch that channel too! expensive tv for a babysitter..

Originally posted by Kir
Hap,
If not a secret, what bandwidth do you allocate for PBS channels 35-3, 35-1, and 35-2?
PBS kids 35-2 I watch because of the baby (*shrugs*) seem to have the same quality as a regular DirecTV channel like TBS.

Thank you,
Kirill

No secrets. We are running 13 Mb (which includes audio) on the HD service on 35-3, and 3 Mb each on the two SD services, 35-1 and 35-2. With the overhead and PSIP, that completely fills the 19.39 Mb transport stream.

Hap Griffin
SCETV

Hap:
On 29-3 dissolves, fades and other special effects tend to pixelize, especially if a detailed picture(s) is involved. Is this a bandwidth limitation?
jb

Caught about half of Over Alaska on WRLK-DT, thought it looked great and there seems to be less artifacts. I also caught about a quarter (all I could stand) on the NBA finals on Wolo-DT and thought that the picture and sound were much improved from game 1. My reception was via TWC.

Originally posted by jerry birdwell
Hap:
On 29-3 dissolves, fades and other special effects tend to pixelize, especially if a detailed picture(s) is involved. Is this a bandwidth limitation?
jb

Yes. 13 Mb is tight for 1080i. 720p does better on artifacts but has less resolution. I'm off next week, but I'll try to schedule a 720p/1080i comparison test the following week and notify this list so that you guys can take part and give me your opinions as to which is the lesser evil.

Hap Griffin
SCETV

last night I tuned to WOLO-DT HD at about 9PM and the local news update had good sound, but when the ABC comedy came on there was no sound at all. was the network feed OK last night or did they have problems with the sound?

Noticed that too here at 9pm. Good news is it appears to be working now at 10pm.

Bruce

addendum: maybe not. At 10:05 I no longer have digital audio though the analog seems to be on. Nope; I just checked; at 10:12 there was no analog audio either.

We'll check into it today..

Originally posted by bdfox18doe
We'll check into it today..

Sounds back on today.

Anyone in Columbia heard anything from TWC about the availability of ESPN-HD ???

Thx!!

-- Cain

Cain,

I think finding out what tomorrow lottery numbers would be easier than figuring out TWC. Heck, they can't even add WIS.

Cain: no.

IMO once one TWC division gets it they all will (or should) and it seems the Austin and Raleigh divisons are the ones to watch out for new programming on. Good news is local TWC has shown they can add channels pretty quickly; examples were when the TNT and NBA channels were added for special presentations.

Kevin: my guess is that Cosmo might be the party that has not stepped up to the plate.

Bruce

Don't hold your breath on TWC and additional HD channels. Diana Smith, Director of Marketing for TWC SC said that they aren't even in negotiations for ESPN HD. Please read my thread " Boycott Time Warner Cable" . D*TV I wanna come back home!!!

To All: Re: Asheville's WUNF HD news from Wayne Estabrooks, Chief Engineer-Transmission University of NC Public Television
<quote>
I have been informed that we will begin HD broadcasting on Sunday August 3
at 8 PM and continue every evening during prime time with a 3 hours of HD.
It begins Sunday evening with the presentation of a UNC-TV HD profduction
titled "Carolina Preserves". After that at 9 will be " The Living Edens:
THAILAND: Jewel of the Orient" followed by "NOVA, Japan's Secret Garden"

The schedule will be rotated every 3 hours on UNC-TV's HD channel on TW
Cable.
<end quote>
jb

Originally posted by jerry birdwell
To All: Re: Asheville's WUNF HD news from Wayne Estabrooks, Chief Engineer-Transmission University of NC Public Television
<quote>
I have been informed that we will begin HD broadcasting on Sunday August 3
at 8 PM and continue every evening during prime time with a 3 hours of HD.
It begins Sunday evening with the presentation of a UNC-TV HD profduction
titled "Carolina Preserves". After that at 9 will be " The Living Edens:
THAILAND: Jewel of the Orient" followed by "NOVA, Japan's Secret Garden"

The schedule will be rotated every 3 hours on UNC-TV's HD channel on TW
Cable.
<end quote>
jb
I'm sorry, but what does it have to do with Columbia, SC?

Kirill

With its transmitter on Mt. Pisgah, some members have indicated receiving WUNF. Sorry if I offended you.
jb

Originally posted by jerry birdwell
With its transmitter on Mt. Pisgah, some members have indicated receiving WUNF. Sorry if I offended you.
jb
No offence at all, I was really curious!

Kirill

Ok...after posting the WUNF info on the WNC forum, I added the info here as a second thought. I should also post it on the Charlotte site. (I once asked a question on the Atlanta HDTV forum and found I was unwelcome).
jb

Ok...after posting the WUNF info on the WNC forum, I added the info here as a second thought. I should also post it on the Charlotte site. (I once asked a question on the Atlanta HDTV forum and found I was unwelcome).
jb

So now, when it's become official, when will out local FOX station go HD?
Any ETA?

Kirill

WACH-DT is broadcasting a 16:9 signal, so it should be a matter of FOX feeding them a 720p transmission.

Originally posted by enoree
WACH-DT is broadcasting a 16:9 signal, so it should be a matter of FOX feeding them a 720p transmission.
Only if they have the equipment capable of doing so. Broadcasting 16:9 doesn't mean they have the HDTV hardware.
I noticed in another thread Bob Davis said that it would not be a problem for WCCB (FOX), but only because it's the same equipment they use for WOLO (ABC) that is already in 720p.
Not sure if it would be the case for Columbia FOX station.
Anybody has any insight?

Kirill

Usually it takes the same equipment to do 480p 16:9 as it does 1080i..
but there are more complex items to deal with so It isn't quite that simple, But, I will defer comments on WACH to Rick Sprott, who I'm sure is lurking here..:)

Be thankful that you live in a market that has stations that are trying to do it right. Here in the upstate the FOX and ABC stations really bite when it comes to HD and widescreen, the ABC is a Sinclair station and the FOX station says it will be 12-18 months before they even do widescreen. At least I can get WOLO-DT here and FOX at night from Columbia or Charlotte, the folks living farther north of Enoree are pretty much out of luck.

Originally posted by bdfox18doe
Usually it takes the same equipment to do 480p 16:9 as it does 1080i..
but there are more complex items to deal with so It isn't quite that simple, But, I will defer comments on WACH to Rick Sprott, who I'm sure is lurking here..:)
I thought FOX was going with 720p, not 1080i.
But I agree, let's hear the lurker ;)

Kirill

480p,720p and 1080i use identical equipment, it is only a configuration
issue..

Originally posted by bdfox18doe
480p,720p and 1080i use identical equipment, it is only a configuration
issue..
Wow... Did not know this...

Kirill

Has anyone with TWC been able to view Wolo-DT the last 4 days?

WOLO-DT was dark last night (TWC or OTA). I checked several times between 10 and 11pm. I can't speak for the other nights as we were out of town. I believe the Sammy showed a signal but there was no audio or video.

Bruce

Bruce,

I had WOLO-DT tuned in this morning and it came on for 2 to 3 seconds and went blank. I thought I was the only one given the fact that no one has complained when they been off for 4 days. I tried to pm Bob and Jim and have had no response. Thanks for your quick response!



http://www.wolo.com/aboutus/staff.html (:

HI Bruce-
Not getting any notifications of PM's for some reason. We have had several
ABC changes, and I have been out of the office most of the week,and Dave
aiken is on Vacation. So we will take a look at it. Use my Office email,
or call the numbers you have, ok?

And Kevin, That link you list doesn't go anywhere, the WOLO WebPage
is outdated and has some problems...That's handled outside of us, and
apparently not very well!

Thanks, Bob:(

WOLO-DT ok now?

Not completely... OTA signal is fine but nothing on TWC. They need to reboot maybe and of course there is no number for them.

Note that I cannot easily check for a DD signal on OTA (not hooked up). Thus my reporting is only for video and analog signal.

Bruce

addendum: FWIW, I just called the TWC CSR number and given it is after hours could only leave a message on their answering machine. I mentioned the lack of signal on Ch 815; that the OTA signal was on however and suggested they reboot their receiver in Master Control.

Originally posted by bdfox18doe
WOLO-DT ok now?

It was back on TWC at 4:30 pm when I left for dinner ,and now at 10:50 it is off again. No sound or picture.

We'll call them Monday,Jim had watched Friday PM, and did not see a problem with OTA, and was going to check Saturday PM as well.
Our MCO's report no problems..

no problems with WOLO OTA here in Enoree

Originally posted by bdfox18doe
We'll call them Monday,Jim had watched Friday PM, and did not see a problem with OTA, and was going to check Saturday PM as well.
Our MCO's report no problems..

Still completely dead here on TWC in West Columbia. No picture or sound.

I called TWC CSR a few minutes ago and asked them to pass a problem report (no signal on Ch 815) to their head end. I also mentioned that I knew that station (WOLO-HD) was indeed on the air. The CSR took my comments and then put me on hold. When she came back she said she had passed my comments to Dispatch who should be able to get the request to the right people. Be nice if all they have to do is reboot their receiver (unknown if that easy).

Bruce

Discovery HD Theater is now live on TWC_SC Columbia (and Sumter) service areas, Channel 845.

They turned in on in the last hour or so it would appear. Why in heaven's sake TWC_SC could not announce this in some manner in advance is beyond me.

Bruce

OTA Stations:

WOLO-DT ABC (8)
HD OTA Ch25.1 TWC Ch 815 DD5.1 capable
SD OTA Ch25.2 TWC n/a weather radar

WLTX-DT CBS (17)
HD Ch19.1 TWC Ch 810 DD5.1 ?
SD Ch19.2 TWC Ch 811 weather radar

WIS-DT NBC (41)
HD Ch41.3 TWC n/a No DD.51
SD CH41.2 TWC n/a 4:3 simulcast of 41.3
SD Ch41.1 TWC n/a weather radar

WRLK-DT PBS (32)
HD Ch35.1 TWC Ch 800 DD5.1 capable
SD Ch35.2 TWC Ch 801 PBS You (Carolina Ch coming Oct)
SD Ch35.3 TWC Ch 802 PBS simulcast of analog ch

WACH-DT FOX (57) TWC n/a DD5.1 ?
HD/SD Ch57.1 TWC n/a (most programming is SD)


Premium Channels

HBO HD
East n/a TWC Ch 901 DD5.1 capable Subscription reqd
West n/a TWC Ch 902 DD5.1 capable Subscription reqd

Showtime HD
East n/a TWC Ch 921 DD5.1 capable Subscription reqd
West n/a TWC Ch 922 DD5.1 capable Subscription reqd


Other/Future Cable Services:

Discovery HD Theater OTA n/a TWC Ch 845 Started 1 July Cost: Free-of-charge

ESPN HD Ch ? Possibly late summer Cost: unk

FSN HD Ch ? No date announced for national rollout

InDemand (x2) Ch ? National rollout first channel Septemberl linear programming (not PPV or SVOD) Cost: unknown

HDNET Ch ? Possible this year

Note: Note that the TWC Sumter service area lineup and most likely Orangeburg's is virtually identical to Columbia. Lineups in other TWC service areas in SC however vary widely. Also, WQHB-DT WB (38) is not yet on the air. (updates/corrections appreciated)

Edit reason: 7/7 ... updated WIS regarding DD 5.1 (The don't have the capability since NBC does not do it either).

I know this is a pain, but I'm just now getting into HDTV and I live in Columbia so it would be great if someone could help me catch up. I'm using an HTPC with my projector and I'm concidering buying an HDTV tuner card, what channels will this allow me to recieve here in Columbia? Does 'OTA' stand for 'On The Air'? Thanks!

Yes, OTA = Over the air. That what you get with an antenna with your receiver. Channels you get depend on your reception which is dependent on your location; antenna; antenna location (indoor/ outdoor, etc) and receiver (they do vary somewhat).

Most folks can get all the OTA channels with an outdoor antenna; others some/all with an indoor antenna. Some other folks have a MY HD card or similar (including at least one station engineer) and they seem to work fine (each has faults/issues/pros/cons). Suggest you visit the Recording section here at AVS for info there. Personally I use a Samsung SIRT-150 coupled with an outdoor CM 3021 UHF antenna (which in my case actually brings in VHF Ch 8) and TWC's SA3100HD for HD.

Let us know where in town/area you live and perhaps we can help you on the antenna aspect.

Bruce

I live just a little outside of 5 Points (it's near the downtown area) on the 5th floor of a 12 story apartment buidling. I suppose I could hang an anttena out of my window, but it would still be up against the side of the building. My window faces north-east.

Does your building have a house antenna system. If you receive UHF signals, you probably will receive the DT over the house system. bdenman posted an outstanding summary of signals in your area above.
jb

We do not, to my knowledge at least, have such an antenna available.

The antenna farm for Cola is near Elgin which may be East of you (WRLK's antenna though is somewhat North of the others). You can go to www.antennaweb.org and get a good idea of their direction from your address. I am guessing an indoor antenna might work for you. (note: obstructions such as other buildings and trees can be problematic). Some people have had luck with an amplified RCA unit (check in the Hardware section here at AVS) and the now discontinued and very hard to get Radio Shack Double-Bowtie might have worked as well. Bottom line is you will probably have to try a receiver and anttenna combo to see what happens.

Bruce

But with just a tuner card I have the potential to recieve WOLO, WLTX, WRLA,

But with just a tuner card I have the potential to recieve WOLO, WLTX, WRLK, WIS, and WACH in HD?

mOtion...
Mostly Yes... With your tuner card and an appropriate display/projector, you can tune in and watch whatever HD is on. WOLO/ABC, WLTX/CBS, and WIS/NBC all have some programming in HD (mostly primetime and weekends). WRLK/PBS broadcasts a demo channel 24/7 in HD that has some other HD and SD programming mixed in. Note that not all digital station broadcasts are in HD; much is still 4:3 upconverts.

For a schedule of programs; see www.hdtvgalaxy.com for commercial network TV and www.ptvdigital.org/loop.html for the PBS schedule.

FOX/WACH broadcasts a DTV signal that is mostly SD material upconverted to 1080i. Some source material is Widescreen SD; and some may even be HD. Since their not on the HD guide; suggest you check the Programming forum here on AVS for more info regarding scheduling.

Bruce

Originally posted by bdenman
Discovery HD Theater is now live on TWC_SC Columbia (and Sumter) service areas, Channel 845.

They turned in on in the last hour or so it would appear. Why in heaven's sake TWC_SC could not announce this in some manner in advance is beyond me.

Bruce

Probably the same reason TWC csr didn't know channel 815 existed!


Ps: I am able to view Wolo-DT via TWC,but only if I tune to another hd channel first and then directly press in 815 from the remote. If try to channel up or down, or press in 815 from a non-hd I get the ole' black screen and no sound. LOL (-:

I wonder if it's a "coincidence " that Discovery HD became available on DirecTV July 01 also ;)

Kirill

I am just glad that I now have something to demo HD video with that is full bitrate and not multicast to death. HD Discovery looks great and the price of adding this channel was the icing on the cake for me!

SWEET!!!


DISCOVERY HD IS FINALLY HERE!!


Now I just need HDNET and ESPN-HD.

HAPPY 4TH TO ALL!

Looking forward to checking out Discovery HD tonight.

Also not too surprised that TWC didn't make any sort of announcement about this.

Discovery HD went live on TWC in Summerville yesterday. I just clicked onto your thread to check out what you guys have up there. It seems you all have the same frustrations I have with TWC. I don't think any departments in that company talk to each other. I have never gotten a straight answer the first time I've asked a question. I was afraid it was just me. As far as notification goes, they ran a small ad in the local Summerville paper listing the channel number and start date for Discovery HD last week. I tuned in last night, the picture was fantastic! Bring on ESPN HD!!

I just got a letter today from TW announcing Disc HD. They also said we can expect the rest of our locals lineup as soon as it is available, Fox Sports Net HD in the next few months and HD in DEMAND.

I guess I could have read back a page or two where this info was already posted. Thanks for being on top of things Bruce!

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq
Looking forward to checking out Discovery HD tonight.

Also not too surprised that TWC didn't make any sort of announcement about this.

Gamecoq, have I seen you somewhere before? Your handle looks familar?

Any word on ESPN-HD ????

Cain,
No. I also got the letter yesterday from TWCSC (to current HD cable viewers) announcing DHDT and mentioning FSN and InDemand channels (which are coming later this year) .... but it said nothing about ESPN-HD.

Bruce

If you like stretched upconverts most of the time, you'll LOVE ESPN-HD...

Originally posted by bdfox18doe
If you like stretched upconverts most of the time, you'll LOVE ESPN-HD...
Ditto on that. It's live on DirecTV now, and it's awful.

Kirill

Bummer. I want it mainly for the College Football games in the Fall, and the CWS in the Spring.

Looks like we may be waiting a while longer.

-- Cain

For those who missed it, Kevin Ivey posted some comments over in his SC Cable thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2400121#post2400121) about Doug Nye's column in today's The State newspaper. Mr. Nye reported on the upcoming additions of Columbia's local channels on DirecTV and the addition of Discovery HD Theater to TWC. Also mentioned were the absence from cable of NBC/WIS. (I will post the URL to Mr. Nye's comments here if his column is later posted on The State's website). [update: the article was in the Life & Arts section which apparently does not have its contents posted on the web site]. Mr. Nye interviewed management personnel from both TWC and WIS and both said basically that negotiations were nearly complete. Lets hope they prove accurate and WIS-DT cable carriage commences soon.

Nothing however was mentioned about WACH-DT who currently does do some programming now in SD widescreen. I know that many have lamblasted FOX for not doing HD but it has been reported that FOX will will start broadcasting HD this fall [correction; FOX reported that 50% of primetime will be in HD by fall 2004] (and I understand WACH is ready). So the absence of WACH-DT on TWC may well be lamented as well. (however, I have been told by both sides that their laywers are now working on a carriage agreement).

We will see.

Bruce

edited to add the correct date for FOX HD and later to update the fact that the article is not and apparently will not be posted on The State's website.

Are you sure Fox is planning HD this fall...I keep reading it is fall '04.
jb

WACH-DT is off the air again. I wonder what happened to them this time?..

Kirill

Jerry Birdwell is right; FOX announced that they would have half of their primetime in HD by fall of 2004. The programming forum has this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=273720) on the subject.

Concerning WACH-DT's status now; I had no idea they were down again. I have (horrors) been watching NTSC here in the computer room. <g>

Bruce

Originally posted by Kir
WACH-DT is off the air again. I wonder what happened to them this time?..

Kirill

WOLO via TWC in Columbia is dark AGAIN! No sound, no picture at 4:05PM. I know we are a bit on the cutting edge of this technology, but after all this time I would think they would be ashamed of themselves for allowing this to happen. TWC appears to have their customer service act together, but I don't think the left hand is talking to the right.

I'm going to give them a call and I will let you know how it comes out.

We are aware WOLO-DT is off, due to a PSIP PC problem (*#@$%&*)(and no, we are not ashamed..) It is a BEAUTIFUL summer day with a nice breeze..turn off the TV and go enjoy it.. with a cold one..or two..or three..or your cool beverage(s)! of choice.. The problem will be corrected tomorrow in time for monday night football..oh wait, no MNF yet! Darn!
Thanks!

Bob, thanks for the quick response! I've already had my share of beers as I watched the Yankees beat the Red Sox...but Sox will be back tomorrow with Pedro...three out of four in the Apple...Yeah!!

I was planning on coming 'off the wall' by watching a little Golf with Tiger...guess I'll go out and weed the garden instead since I can no longer stand the analog stuff on TWC. :)

Originally posted by BDavis
analog stuff on TWC. :)

yea..I hear ya..out planting a maple tree myself..

Has anybody else noticed the sound breakup during this presentation? I asked in the programming forum and it seems that the problem was local to Columbia.
Commercials had a perfect sound :p

Kirill

Kirill,
Yes. I tuned in for a bit at the beginning and noticed the sound had definite problems breaking up. In my perusing the forums today I thought I saw another report here on AVS about their NBC having problems too (in the local Charleston maybe) but that might have just been a coincidence.

Bruce

This may be slightly OT but I ran across this article (http://cableworld.com/ar/mystro_wants_play/index.htm) today in Cable World and I am not sure what to make of it. It concerns Mystro TV which is an interactive everything-on-demand technology. My initial thought is it might eventually negatively impact HD programming (bandwidth issues?) as well as DVRs. Mentioned in the article was the possibility of a test of the system here in our area.

A few key points mentioned:

"...an executive at one of the vendors involved tell Cable World that the company plans to test the technology in Columbia, South Carolina, as soon as this month. They say AOL TW is returning to Columbia because it is Time Warner Cable's oldest subscription-based, on-demand market, having launched HBO on Demand two years ago"

"The company won't comment on Mystro. Regarding claims that Columbia is the first TWC test site, spokesman Keith Cocozza said, “Your information is not correct."

"... Mystro's file-serve technology is capable of storing virtually 100% of cable and broadcasters' weekly programming output within days of being televised, while offering customers fast- forward, pause and rewind functionality."

"it can only record programming it has licensed. And it's bound to frustrate TiVo-lovers like Miranda, who gleefully zipped through a JetBlue commercial in her zeal to get to her favorite TV show. Not only will Mystro disable fast-forwarding of ads — it lets advertisers insert their messages (for a price) during the pause or fast-forward functions."

"No new subscribers are being accepted for the AOL TV interactive TV service, further positioning the company to eventually wean people off ITV/VOD/DVR and onto network-based subscription viewing."

Again, it is possible one might glean the wrong impression from the article. I am not sure, for example, if the DVR will go away or what. I also searched for more info and found this earlier article (http://www.audiorevolution.com/news/0303/11.aol.shtml) (from 3/11/03) at audiorevolution.com which also talked about Mystro and ads and viewers ability to control what their viewing. (they referenced a NYTimes artlcle as a source).

It seem this might be another small step towards the concept of Pay per Play. Of course the concept may also prove to be a bust. So... stay tuned...

Bruce

I tuned in WOLO/ABC at 9pm tonight and noted it was dark on Ch 815.. no audio, no video. I then checked the OTA signal Ch 8.1 and it too was dark. In checking the signal strength meter, it shows it is receiving a signal (carrier?). My receiver also indicates 5.1 audio but there is no sound. Oh, Ch 8.2 was also dark. Did the PSIP bug return?

Bruce

update: checked the station at 10:05 pm and there is a picture with sound (program is Primetime which is 4:3 upconvert).

Bruce,

I noticed the same thing OTA except that 8.2 radar was ok.

Mike

FWIW, at 10pm tonight, when PrimeTime was scheduled to come on (a 4:3 upconvert), Ch 815/WOLO-HD went dark on TWC. No audio or video. I checked the OTA broadcast and WOLO-DT/Ch 8 (25) is still on the air (25.1 and 25.2). The analog channel on TWC is up and running as usual.

Bruce

update: Ch 815 came back on at 11pm (local news).

Bruce,
I checked the timer program, it was programmed long by 1 minute, so I suspect that it would have been black for approx 1 minute. Did you check
at any point other than at the beginning?
Thanks!

Bob,
I checked numerous times including around 10:30pm. Zilch.

Bruce

Not so interesting an evening tonight. It appears WRLK-DT is still off-air (was last night as well). WACH-DT is off-air too. (from recent storms maybe?). WLTX-DT is sending us a 4:3 signal for HACK. WOLO-DT is in HD though and showing DD 5.1 on ABC's movie tonight. Tonight's Dragnet will be a repeat. Discovery HDT is doing their thing so it is either them or a book.

I had hoped to had caught the Allison Krauss concert on WRLK-DT :mad:, but I was out of luck. I do not mean to criticize ,but they seem to leave the digital stations off for long periods of times. When was the last time a analog station has been off for more than a couple of minutes? I guess Wolo-DT gets the only thumbs up, as they are the only local I receive that is either broadcasting or passing the signal on correctly tonight.

Originally posted by kevinivey
When was the last time a analog station has been off for more than a couple of minutes? [QUOTE]

That's cause analog pays the bills and has significant viewership, while DTv has negative cash flow and no (relatively speaking) viewers.:(

[QUOTE]I guess Wolo-DT gets the only thumbs up, as they are the only local I receive that is either broadcasting or passing the signal on correctly tonight.

I guess the MCO's were awake last night...:D

Attention all engineers. I noticed a few problems with almost all OTA broadcast so I decide I would give some freelance criticism. Before you discount what am telling you, (location, signal loss, A jerk with too much free time) just check it out personally. I am not the only one making these statements I talk with other OTA viewers and they share my complaints.


Bob Davis WOLO 8 (25-1,25-2)

You're doing well this week. Keep up the good work. Watch out for that PSIP computer!

Dan Stalnker WLTX 17 (19-1,19-2)

Have you made a change to your up converted SD output? After you suffered a lockup when you switched on at Noon Friday the 11th your up converted 4X3 SD looks different. Little lines appeared in your video when objects move quickly. Looks like tiny sets of louver blinds.

Also when in 1080i mode at times your audio sputters. This mostly happens in the daytime (Young and the Restless), but also has happened in primetime (Wild, Wild West) recently.


Hap Griffin WRLK 32 (35-1, 35-2, 35-3)
You were doing well, but the power must have got you because your Pre Liner problems have returned. Your signal performance went from a 94 to 45 (on a DTC-100) on Friday the 18th.

Scott Clark WIS 41 (41-1, 41-2, 41-3)

You might not see this but, maybe your fellow engineers or friends will pass the word along. Your SD up convert is fine, but you are having a serious HDTV problem. I don't know if you're losing your reception on the network side, our your streamer is locking up, but it's not good. During 1080i programs the video will freeze and audio continues. It also has small color dots, small than the mpeg 2 image elements in the top left corner, and the screen will also splits in half horizontally.

Rick Sprott WACH 48 (57-1)

Gone Fishing, Again? This is becoming a habit, on a week, off a week. When your on your output look and sounds great. Try being on more often. If money is an issue, have a DTV pledge drive.

Let the hatemail Begin.

Thanks TM,
We have been hugging and kissing the PSIP pc trying to keep it happy, I did insert 50 cents friday before leaving in an attempt to placate it..
Unfortunately, will be doing a major reconfig on it soon, so who knows..

I had hoped to had caught the Allison Krauss concert on WRLK-DT
We tuned in for the first half-hour of it on Thursday night. It sounded great and the picture quality was remarkable. Earlier that day I picked up the new AK+US concert DVD and so we watched it after supper and then as much of the HD broadcast as we could until bedtime.

OT Geek note. The picture quality difference between the DVD and the HD broadcast was pretty striking. Watching the DVD was sort of like seeing them from the front couple of rows of an intimate concert venue. Watching it on HD was like being on stage. To my surprise, the Dolby ProLogic stereo signal on the HD version was not a lot worse than the DTS 5.1 on the DVD. However, our home-theater setup is not optimized for music so perhaps the DTS was handicapped by the equipment (Polk RT35 fronts and CS245 center, the center-channel speaker would have to be replaced if we listened to much acoustic music on that setup).

As of 4pm today:

- WRLK-DT is up and running again; all three services are OTA and on TWC. I checked just now with SBennett's at SCETV; it appears out outage was not related to that up in Greenville but whatever was screwey is fixed now.

- WLTX told me they are working on the problem they are having on no HD. (engineers were tied up, best I could do is get a relayed report). Stand by to stand by.... No estimate of when it will be fixed!.

- WACH: down awaiting a part. They lost a xmitter power supply unit A new one has been ordered; it should arrive in the morning; and they should be up and running later in the day.

Bruce

"HD" seems to mean "having difficulty" for all of us at one time or another..

>Have you made a change to your up converted SD output? After you suffered a lockup when you switched on at Noon Friday the 11th your up converted 4X3 SD looks different. Little lines appeared in your video when objects move quickly. Looks like tiny sets of louver blinds.


I did a A and B comparison between my set's internal NTSC tuner from a large rooftop antenna and what is being broadcast SD from the ATSC stream. The analog NTSC looked far superior than what WLTX-DT is transmitting today.
We haven't heard from Dan in while. I wonder if they are testing the multi cast hell that tried back during the college basketball tournment. Would they put up duplicate digital sd channel like WIS and WRLK?

Quality over Quantity any day :D

- CBS/WLTX-DT fixed their HD pass through problems though PSIP may now be problematic (17 was not remapping to 19 last night).

- FOX/WACH-DT is back on the air. Initially they had exciter problems, but all was well last night.

- ABC/WOLO-DT has been fine; cranking right along.

- NBC/WIS-DT seems to be working okay too.

- ETV/WRLK-DT No video problems but I continue to experience numerous digital audio dropouts on both OTA 35.3 and TWC Ch 800; analog audio seems okay <?>. Also, PBS's Soundstage last night came in Digital 2.0; ptvdigital.org lists it as DD5.1, while others reported receiving DD5.1. I have been told SCETV can pass along DD5.1 but I cannot recall having seen it.

Bruce

Bruce,
Read in another thread that Soundstage has had problems with 5.1, and next week will be 5.1 and the next ten.

Kevin,

Thanks for the info; I missed that tidbit about the latest Soundstage. I knew some of the early ones were just 2.0 but thought they were behind us.

By the way, can you (or anyone) tell me if you/they have you been having audio problems with WRLK (OTA or TWC)? I am curious if by some chance it might somehow be my equipment? Though I don't recall having had problems with DD5.1 on WOLO, perhaps it something in the WRLK stream that is different and causing drop out problems. Perhaps signal strength? Anyway, TIA...

Bruce

made a late evening update that was in error; sorry.

I know WOLO-DT has DD5.1 almost all the time. I would love to read a report back from all the engineers about what their equipment can do. Can you or can't you pass the signal, and what shows they know they are sending the DD5.1 sound on now or in the coming fall season?

Our encoder is set to pass 5.1 audio when present. The output of the encoder is monitored with a Wohler multi-channel audio decoder.

-Shaun

Shaun,
I take it then that you all have been monitoring your digital signal and all has been well at your end?

Bruce

Bruce,

Looking at the signal out of the encoder and OTA at our tech center in Columbia I have not heard the audio problems that you are having. If you are taking the audio drop-outs now, I can have our master control operator monitor the signal to see if we can reproduce the problem. If you want, email me your phone number and we can talk off-line about the problem.

-Shaun (sbennett@scetv.org)

Shaun,

Thanks for the offer but.... of course .... it is working perfectly right now (both OTA and on TWC). Hopefully it will stay that way.

Bruce

Shaun,

At 12:12 (portion of the NJ loop) it sputtered several times on TWC; switched over to OTA and so far nothing.

Now I am using a mechanical switch in the system which could be part of the problem but note it does not seem to affect my audio from other channels. Got me....

Bruce

ps: I just removed the switch to see if that helps. And if that does not make a difference I will ty a different cable.

Bruce,

MC operators will monitor the signal OTA in Columbia throughout the day. Unfortunately, I have no way to monitor TWC at this time. TWC is fed off a RF tap (RF to fiber) at the transmitter so we should see the hits OTA and on cable at the same time if we have a problem in the system.

On a side note: We might need to lower power on the transmitter next week while we are doing some antenna work. This could effect you in Sumter.

-Shaun

Shaun,

Thanks for your attention to my problem. I will check both TWC and the OTA signal from time to time today to see how the audio is. (I have gone ahead and replaced my cable with another (hopefully better) and my connection is now direct (when necessary, I will manually move the cable between the two STBs). Since no one else is complaining about dropouts, I am wondering if perhaps somehow your audio signal's strength is just a tad lower than others (say ABC) which in turn is problematic with my particular receiver. Again, thanks for your help.

Bruce

Shaun:
As advised elsewhere yesterday, I have problems with 29-3. Continuous pixelization, somewhat in sync with audio! No problems with 29-1&2. The problem continues today.

Anyone else receiving 29-3 having the same problem?
jb

ALL: (Unusual RF activity):
A retired Chief Engineer for TV (now living in Arden NC) who listens to the SC (Greenville area) PBS FM station advised this morning he has had problems with the Atlanta Station overriding the local signal for the past couple of days. (Both on same frequency).

Since Friday, I have had many unusual problems with my DT reception. Channel 9DT (29-x) has suddenly been very unstable. I have all but lost 33-x channels from Pisgah; 13-1,2 are very unstable.)

Are we experiencing unusual Sun Spot activity? Anyone check out SD for unusual hops and co-channel interference?
jb

Re: WUNF Test (& UNCTV)
Wayne Estabrooks advises:
"Today at approximately 1 PM we will be running some HD to test the encoder
switching capability between HD and SD configuration and to test the
entire system. We will be doing this on all 11 transmitters. I'm not sure
what the program content will be during this brief test. It will be the
first time for HD content over WUNF-DT 33 although we have broadcast HD
previously on the other stations. I hope there are no surprises."
jb

Originally posted by jerry birdwell
Re: WUNF Test (& UNCTV)
Wayne Estabrooks advises:
"Today at approximately 1 PM we will be running some HD to test the encoder
switching capability between HD and SD configuration and to test the
entire system. We will be doing this on all 11 transmitters. I'm not sure
what the program content will be during this brief test. It will be the
first time for HD content over WUNF-DT 33 although we have broadcast HD
previously on the other stations. I hope there are no surprises."
jb


:confused:

Kevin,

I believe Mr Birdwell is providing comments here directed to those folks who are in the northern and western parts of SC who can get the NC broadcasts. These are folks who can also receive the Cola broadcasts and don't necessarily follow the western SC thread. He may be referencing part of NC's ETV network and its various DT transmitters (or possibly one station who have a bunch of low-power repeaters).

Our own network from SCETV has a number of stations with transmitters as well; only a couple of which are now on the air. Cola is of course as is Rock Hill but Sumter is not nor is Charleston, Florence/MB, etc. Sounds like the NC folks are going to test everything at once.

Bruce

All:
I don't mean to cause confusion, but Bruce is correct...I have found some of you go for Mt. Pisgah stations and there is nothing more confusing than to look for a signal and find it has changed because of something going on at the station. I will limit my duplication of information on this thread...and try to make sure I don't misslead you. My primary PBS station is WNTV-DD9in Greenville (because of signal strength), and it is nice for me to get information regarding SCETV from this forum! Thanks
jb

Broadcasting Engineering (http://broadcastengineering.com/ar/broadcasting_signasys_aids_south/index.htm) today has an article that discusses our UPN/WB/PAX affiliate WQHB Ch 63 (DT38) DTV's transition.


"WBHQ, an UPN/PAX/WB affiliate in Sumter, S.C., has bought a SignaCast Lite DTV system for its DTV transition.... WBHQ's SignaCast system is slated for pre-build at SignaSys' San Jose, Calif., headquarters for a mid-August delivery date."


Note that WQHB's tower is now physically sited in the Cola area vice Sumter and that the article has the station's call letters badly transposed. Bottom line is the station we have heard virtually nothing from appears to be making progress towards DT capability. This article delineated the fact that they are buying a system (turnkey basically) that will provide such capabilities as PSIP and Closed Captioning and is also capable of passing HD as well. What remains to be seen is what their future affiliation will be ... WB only or WB/UPN/PAX.

Bruce

15 seconds of widescreen NYPD Blues , and now 4x3. :(

Hello Mr. Ivey:

Time Warner Cable has not set a timetable for the addition of any additional HD channels. It is our intention to carry the HD signal for all broadcasters that are available in our area. Thank you for your patience in this matter.

Thank you for using The Online Customer Service


4th time,same message! (I still e-mail them everyday)

Today's email response from TWC, I forwarded them a Comcast announcement of ESPN-HD being added.



Hello Mr. Ivey:

We appreciate the information you provided to us in your email. We have not
been given authorization to carry ESPN HD at this point. All of us at Time
Warner Cable are excited about the development of HDTV and will launch new
channels as soon as we can.

Thank you for using The Online Customer Service

Anybody catch the HD broadcast of Monday Night Football?

I tuned expecting my first glimpse of HD NFL and was utterly bummed to see Al Michaels and John Madden in non-glorious 4x3 SD. :(

About 15 minutes into the show, there was a short blurb where Al Michaels made the comment that "this broadcast, as are all MNF broadcasts, is being showing in HDTV...blah, blah, blah." There was also a little "HDTV" graphic displayed in the bottom left corner of the screen.

A few seconds later, the screen pixelized a little and lo and behold, we had 16x9 HDTV!

I told my wife that the folks down at WOLO must've just remembered to "flip the switch." :D

Is that what happened, in fact?

Can someone help me with this please. I have to move in with a friend while I'm having my house rebuilt. I'm currently on Directv which I will miss terribly if I give it up. My friend is on TW cable. What HD channel do they offer right now including locals? And do they broadcast Fox widescreen when available?

Thanks for help in advance!

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq
I told my wife that the folks down at WOLO must've just remembered to "flip the switch." :D

Is that what happened, in fact?

No, As has been mentioned in other areas of this forum ABC had technical problems with the feed. The problem was corrected at approximately 8:16pm by ABC NY.

We have made some software and transport changes to WOLO's signal
today. If you see any problems with WOLO-DT, please let us know.

Originally posted by tritchie
Can someone help me with this please. I have to move in with a friend while I'm having my house rebuilt. I'm currently on Directv which I will miss terribly if I give it up. My friend is on TW cable. What HD channel do they offer right now including locals? And do they broadcast Fox widescreen when available?

Thanks for help in advance!

ch800-PBS-HD
ch810-CBS-HD
ch815-ABC-HD
ch845-Discovery HD
ch901-HBO-HD east
ch902-HBO-HD west
ch921-SHO-HD east
ch922-SHO-HD west

No NBC or Fox. My guess is the 2004 Olympics will force Wis to allow TWC to pass their signal. Notice that I do not blame TWC for their lack of carriage. I believe that Wis is the lone hold up in this lack of carriage. Fox has never responded to my e-mail request and I have never asked TWC about Fox.

Thanks Kevin! Do you have any idea when ESPN might be available with TWC. Needless to say, I wouldn't have a big deal watching TWC for a few months, but being a huge football fan, I need all the HD I can get.

Trip

Originally posted by bdfox18doe
No, As has been mentioned in other areas of this forum ABC had technical problems with the feed. The problem was corrected at approximately 8:16pm by ABC NY.

Thanks for the followup. It seemed entirely too coincidental with the timing of Michaels' comment to be an accident, but I guess it was just that afterall.

what's the problem with the audio on wis dt?

WIS HDTV 41.1 - No Sound (ER,Leno)
WLTX HDTV 19.1 - Popping Audio (Y&R,Without A Trace)

Everybody Else is Runing A Clean Machine

WIS HDTV has been without audio since at least Wednesday! The first 5 minutes of Leno Wed nite was in SD; the station switched to HD mid-joke and poof! no audio. No audio for Thursday HD telecasts either. Friday night they ran CSI in SD. Guess somebody realized that SD with sound is better than HD without sound.

Originally posted by gridejp
WIS HDTV has been without audio since at least Wednesday! The first 5 minutes of Leno Wed nite was in SD; the station switched to HD mid-joke and poof! no audio. No audio for Thursday HD telecasts either. Friday night they ran CSI in SD. Guess somebody realized that SD with sound is better than HD without sound.

CSI is a CBS show.

Oops, so it is. The show was actually "law and order:<insert subtitle here>" (not a big fan). TitanTV says it was supposed to be in HDTV, but nbc.com says nay, merely SD.

Tonight's BOOMTOWN, on the other hand, was NOT broadcast in HD (but at least it had audio).

Crap! I guess I need to go sit on the sidelines some more! Boomtown's in HD, but no audio. still.

PBS has a PSIP Problem! It is not allowing all 3 video streams to pass. Some OTA boxes get 2 SD (32-2 as 35-2 and 32-1 as 35-3) and others see it as 1 SD and the HD stream (32-2 as 35-2, 32-3 as 35-3, no 35-1) if PSIP is on. With PSIP switched off all three streams are available (32-1,32-2,32-3) If you are doing upgrade/repair just ignore me.


Thanks

PSIP: PIA System & Information Program... :>)

bdfox18doe
Would SCETV's PSIP problem also effect its Greenville DT-9 operation?
I have lost 29-1.
jb

Our main PSIP computer at the Tech Center had a configuration failure. It was mapping SD 1 and our HD service to the same channel identifier. All DTV receivers that use PSIP information were affected to varying degrees. All services are restored at this time.

-Shaun

Re Channel 9DT, all 29-x signals look good at this time.
jb

Has anyone had problems with their Time Warner DVR boxes?

My box has been down since Tuesday (at least) and I have not been able to reach ANYone at Time Warner to ask about it since that time. Either the line has been busy, or they say it is "outside of normal business hours." It's getting ridiculous. Last night, I even paid to "camp" on the line until it opened and THREE hours later, it still couldn't get through. I don't know what's up, but I finally decided to leave a voicemail message about it.

Anyway, here's the problem I'm encountering. When I try to access my list of movies, it gives me this error:

"Problem with Record Disk. Recording and Playback is not available at this time."

At first I thought it was just my box, so I rebooted it a few times. No luck. Then, when I called the first night, I got a greeting from TW that said "we are experiencing cable problems in the Irmo area, please be patient while we correct the problem." That was Tuesday.

Like I said, I left a VM, so hopefully they will call me back sometime today. But I thought I'd check with this group to see if any other DVR users have had any similar problems.

We have not had that error here that I know if. But other users elsewhere have reported problems that might be similar to what you are seeing. Note there is a DVR (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=100) forum here at AVS, but I don't think anyone there has yet discussed a problem like yours. As you may have found out, the box still has bugs which SA has been working hard to eliminate.

It sounds like the problem is not related to connectivity... you can still watch new programming with the box? If yes,, then it sounds like it is either a problem with the OS software that manages the recordings or a physical problem with the hardware (bad hard disk). I know there is a way for users to force a format of the HD which might fix things. First though I would try and contact TWC.

They may suggest you swap out boxes. Or they offer to have a tech visit the house... you might ask to talk to one first. Be advised that you may lose all the programming you have stored on the disk. Actually, I would not be suprised if it not already hosed. But it may be possible for TWC to initiate a new firmware download which might fix the problem.

I can report that we (my wife actually) did at one time experience a loss of all programming on the box. I think the box had undergone a firmware upgrade during the night (typical) and somehow that deleted the stored files. That used to be a somewhat common occurance. However our box has worked fine since (had it now about 10 months).

If you like, please PM me with your email addy and I will try and help you a bit further on this.

Bruce

Bruce - Thanks so much for the followup.

Yes, I was able to watch programming on the box, but the pause, rewind, fast forward, etc options were not available. The only reason I thought it might not be a purely local problem is the "record and pause options are not available AT THIS TIME" message. (emphasis mine) That, coupled with the phone greeting message about Irmo service being out led me to believe I wasn't alone on this.

Update - I was FINALLY able to contact TW from here at work. Spoke with a nice rep named Matt, and he did a remote boot on my box but wasn't able to test it since I wasn't at home at the time. I will be testing it when I get home from work per his instructions by unplugging it, waiting about half a minute, replugging it in, powering it up, and waiting 10 minutes or so for the update to take place. I have done a similar procedure previously, but it has worked fine for the past 10 months or so. He said it is "unlikely" that I have lost any of my programming, but that it is "possible." I am expecting the worst, of course.

Thanks again for the followup, but I wanted to give an update for the benefit of any lurkers present. Sorry for including this on this thread, I realize now that it was a bit out of place.

FWIW, I experienced a fair number of video dropouts on Discovery HD Theater tonight. I tuned in "Moose on the Loose" late, around 10:20pm, and it started happening a bit later (I should have taken notes). Anyway to me it was quite unusual; the first time I believe I have seen DHDT so messed up. I hope it is not indicative of things to come.

Bruce

Bruce, I have rather frequent (2-3 per hour) problems with Discovery HD, and often there no audio at the start of a program. DirecTV never have answers, but will "make a note of it."
jb

Thanks Jerry. Sorry to hear D* is not providing you with a solid presentation of DHDT. I wonder if the original signal had a problem in distribution. My viewing last night was via TWCSC and I inadvertently edited out all references to that fact (was trying not to bash TWC just in case it was not their fault; oops).

Bruce

Originally posted by bdenman
Sorry to hear D* is not providing you with a solid presentation of DHDT.
Bruce

I also have DHDT through D* and have not had a problem with audio drop outs. I have a Hughes E86, and RCA DTC 100.

A few days ago I started experiencing breakups on WRLK (PBS) OTA. Signal meter, even during breakups, is steady at 100%. All other OTA channels are fine.
Anything is going on at the station or the uplink?

Kirill

Originally posted by Kir
A few days ago I started experiencing breakups on WRLK (PBS) OTA. Signal meter, even during breakups, is steady at 100%. All other OTA channels are fine.
Anything is going on at the station or the uplink?

Kirill

Watched Soundstage last night via cable. Didn't notice any breakups, but with their low HD bitrate, fast motion continues to be a problem. :confused:

WRLK still has breakups OTA.
Anybody else gets PBS OTA and sees it?

Kirill

Kirill,
Yes, I noted problems here too on both video and audio earlier with the 7:30 showing of the Rudy Maxa Smart Travels.

All:
Anyone able to compare SC PBS signals from Columbia with that from Channel 9 in Greenville? For example tonight, I had increasing problems from around 955p until 10:30 p.m. when I shut down for the evening.
jb

Good news. Noted WRLK audio is DD5.1 tonight during Soundstage!

Too bad the content is what it is.

Yeah; well; not my cup of tea either. But I was curious to see if they got the DD 5.1 working and it appears they have. Back to ER...

ESPN 2 for me. I wonder when TWC is adding INHD?The letter they sent out about Discovery HD mentioned that it would be added in early September.




edit: I guess I kind of answered my own question.:p

I just peeked back onto Ch 800; audio experiencing drop outs (thought I heardone earlier, just heard several just now at 10:40). Guess something is (still) amiss somewhere.

Originally posted by kevinivey
ESPN 2 for me. I wonder when TWC is adding INHD?The letter they sent out about Discovery HD mentioned that it would be added in early September.




edit: I guess I kind of answered my own question.:p

Actually, I'm dying to see ESPNHD added to the TWC lineup. Not because they broadcast their college football games in HD (they don't yet), but because the NON-HD content on the TWC HD channels is so far superior to their SD counterparts.

Can anybody explain why that is?

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq
Actually, I'm dying to see ESPNHD added to the TWC lineup. Not because they broadcast their college football games in HD (they don't yet), but because the NON-HD content on the TWC HD channels is so far superior to their SD counterparts.

Can anybody explain why that is?

http://espn.go.com/espnhd/schedule.html

College game last night was HD. TWC csr Quote: I've never heard of ESPN-HD.:o

edit: The two Carolina Thursday night games are not scheduled to be in HD.:(

Time Warner Cable adding Special USA Network Channel for the US Open this week. September 1st-4th. Ch.813
01-7pm-11pm
02-11am-6pm 7pm-11pm
03-11am-6pm 7pm-11pm
04-11am-6pm 7pm-11pm



Ps: USC @Georgia in 2 weeks has been announced that it will be the CBS game of the week. Keep your finger crossed, as there is still a possibility of this being in HD.;)

Kevin,
Thanks for the info on TWC and the upcoming USA HD programming. I have seen nothing here in local print or tv about it, nothing yet is in the EPG, and TWCSC does not provide that kind of info on their website.

I just noticed TWCSC has added "USAHD" Ch 813 tonight to the channel lineup. Though labeled as "off-air" in the guide, I tuned in to see what appears to be a demo loop with the INHD logo.

ps: looking back through the Programming forum (here) (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2596069#post2596069)I am led to believe that the US Open Tennis is being carried by INHD for USA and so, like before this channel may well be only temporary.

This update summarizes DT programming available in the Columbia viewing area. Minor changes since the July summary include the addition of Discovery HD Theater (DHDT) and what info I have on WBHQ. Note that more station/channel detail is available here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2384396#post2384396).

OTA: ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, FOX

TWC: ABC, CBS, and PBS (plus HB0, SHO, DHDT)
TWCSC occasionally has USAHD on a temporary basis (ex: US Open Tennis)

Unknown status: WBHQ (WB/UPN) (see note); INHD, ESPN-HD, Bravo-HD, and other "announced" HD channels.

note: Our WB DT station is supposed to be WBHQ-DT Ch39. This station, aka WQHB (analog Ch63) has in the recent past changed call letters, switched DT channel assignments (38 to 39), switched from being UPN/WB to WB and possibly UPN (not confirmed), and moved their operations including tower to the Columbia area.

Bruce

info above Last edited by bdenman on 09-01-03 at 12:19 PM

addendum: 9/17/03 WBHQ was noted testing their DT signal on Ch 39. See this post for more info (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2684415#post2684415).

Hi All, just thought I'd jump in abd say that 2 INHD channels will begin on the 15th of this month. 24/7 is what they are saying to look for.

Anyone notice any changes lately to these channels? I noticed I don't have access anymore (it was just to the HD versions, not the SD version). I think it happened yesterday.

What is INHD?

Is that "In Demand HD?"

Also, thanks for the heads-up on USC/GA possibly being in HD...will look forward to that.

Back to my earlier question, why is it that the upper channels (200+) on TWC have such better resolution than the lower ones? Channels 3-60 or so are particularly bad. I would rather watch non-HD content on the HD counterpart of, say, CBS or ABC simply because the resolution is so much better.

IrmoGamecoq,

Yes, INHD = In Demand. TWC setup a channel (813) for the USA HD showing of the US OPEN and INHD is doing their feed. When they are not televising tennis, INHD appears to be giving us their preview feed. This feed may become permanent o/a 15 Sept (check out the HDTV programming forum for more detail).

As for as your PQ question; not sure I follow you. The analog channels (<100) may be poorer due to their source and transmission mode (NTSC). Some channels do vary in PQ but generaly I find most lower series channels are pretty decent (exception: WBHQ/WQHB which is usually very poor). The digital tier channels (>99) are MPEG encoded which should imply better transmission. And the channels in the 200 series that you mentioned are all subscription (ex HBO) and definitely should have pretty good PQ (but I don't subscribe to any of them so can't speak from recent experience).

One question: how are you viewing the various channels? S-Video, coax, composite, or component?

Bruce

IMHO, most likely the reason is the poor upconversion of the analog signals by the cable box.
Ya Kain't turn poopoo into ice cream, regardless of how much money ya spend...

I get a rather clean analog feed for the most part. Wltx-DT looks terrible when broadcasting in SD on their digital channel. It used to look real sharp, but has alot of banding interlace artifacts. Wolo-DT has had ton of video dropouts today and yesterday. Still happening tonight during ABC news. I subscribe to HBO and have had no problems with HBO-HD.


edit: bad lip sync issue between 10-11pm on Wolo-DT.

Bruce - I have my DVR box connected via S-Video and my HD Box connected via component cables. I heard that I could get an improvement in PQ by connecting via coax and letting my TV's comb filter "clear up" the picture...but I tried that and didn't notice an improvement. S-Video and Component seems to be the best way to go.

I'm viewing on a 57" Toshiba 57H82, btw..

The PQ is noticeably worse on channels <99 as you said, so it must have something to do with those just being analog signals. Garbage in, garbage out, as they say.

It's just frustrating because my father's NON-HD Sony 53" set has considerably better PQ on analog channels than does my HD one.

Could be what you are experiencing is the fact that the higher resolution of HD sets like your Toshiba exacerbate the artifacts in NTSC images. Its is not an uncommon observation; broadcast NTSC often looks bad on HD sets. Line doublers help but can also be part of the problem.

Yeah, that's always been my assumption as well...the higher quality set (not to mention larger) is just magnifying the errors that are present.

The big thing I've noticed lately though is how much better the 800 series of channels are than their SD counterparts, even when their showing SD material. I guess that's just the difference between Analog and Digital though.

AOBTW, my DVR box completely died last night. Had an "Unrecoverable Write Error." The TWC phone rep said that I'd have to bring it in and replace. That stinks, I had a lot of programming on that disk that I hadn't watched yet. :(

Originally posted by kevinivey

edit: bad lip sync issue between 10-11pm on Wolo-DT.

oops.. we've installed a new upconvertor and are looking at that now.
Should be more better later today.

Well, is anybody at WRLK listening? PBS OTA still has some macroblocking, picture break-ups, and sound interruption quite often.

Kirill

It is bad via cable and that is a direct connect. Multicasting really limits the bandwidth. PBS loop is practically unwatchable. They said awhile back about maybe switching to 720p because that format is more friendly to multicasting. My guess is they never did.

Originally posted by kevinivey
It is bad via cable and that is a direct connect. Multicasting really limits the bandwidth. PBS loop is practically unwatchable. They said awhile back about maybe switching to 720p because that format is more friendly to multicasting. My guess is they never did.
Kevin,
I'm not even talking about a picture quality they always use to have (or lack thereof). Few weeks ago PBS OTA started experiencing some serious video and sound breakups. That's what got me puzzled.

Kirill

ABC's Monday Night Football tonight (ahem) via WOLO-HD tonight is doing good. A few video dropouts here and there but no major decoder glitches. Audio also seems to be fine. Looks like Bob's engineering staff did their stuff. Have been watching via both TWC (primary) and OTA (secondary).

Bruce

Kirill,

I have been out of the loop lately or I would have got back to you sooner. We are monitoring the HD loop at our Tech Center in Columbia 24/7 OTA and are not seeing the problems that you are experiencing during normal operation.

With that said, here are some caveats with our current setup:

We receive PBS's material via satellite, and during heavy rain there is signal loss and breakup.

We compress the service to 13 Mbs bandwidth. The result of this is that during transition scenes there is noticeable macro-blocking.

We still plan on running 720p tests, and will announce it on this forum so that we can get input from the users of this forum. Unfortunately, we have other ongoing projects at this time that prevent from getting to those tests. Also, we are waiting for software updates from vendors that will allow us to do statistical multiplexing on our SD and HD services that should improve performance.

You should not be seeing any picture breakups or audio dropouts, with the exception of rain fade, at all. Please email me at sbennett@scetv.org with some specific information on your setup so we can get this resolved. Any other forum users are welcome to email me also if you are having problems.

I hope this information helps.

-Shaun

Shaun,
Appreciate your response to Kir as he is not alone in experiencing these problems. In fact I hope everybody who has see these problems does indeed contact you with short email. Mine is in the works!

May I suggest you all hold another (but informal) open house where we can do a meet and greet, check out your hardware, and ask some questions in person? I bet we can even get folks to bring refreshments if desired.

Bruce

Are there plans to change over to another HD converter box at TWC ?

I was at the Scientific Atl site and it appears that our 3100HD is several models old.

Anybody know anything new about this ?

Thanks.
MAX

Are there plans to change over to another HD converter box at TWC ?
Supposedly the SA8000HD is coming out this year. Same as the 8000 DVR but for High Def as well.

I'm going nuts not being able to timeshift HD

Its going to be a race to see who will get my money.
TWC with the 8000HD (cheapest for me)
Zenith HDR230 (already out)
HD Tivo (coming out sometime early next year)

If I get the Zenith or Tivo, digital cable is going bye-bye.

Any word on CBS' airing of the USC/UGa game in Hi Def this weekend?

The programming forum says CBS has not picked up a sponsor to air games in HD, so it doesn't looks too good right now. Go Cocks!

Is CBS no longer doing their college footbal game of the week in HD at all?

THAT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!

Thank God I will be in Athens to see it for my 30th consectutive USC/UGA game. I have not missed a game since I was born 30 yrs ago.

GO COCKS!! FIGHT, WIN, KICK ASS!!!

Boo to CBS!

This was going to be my first chance to catch the 'Cocks on TV since I got my 57" Toshiba back in January...and I was hoping it would be in HD. :(

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq
Boo to CBS!

This was going to be my first chance to catch the 'Cocks on TV since I got my 57" Toshiba back in January...and I was hoping it would be in HD. :(

I've never seen them in HD either. They did 2 home games last year and I was at both. Maybe one day all games will be in HD. Oh, they lost both games in HD last year, for what it's worth.;)

Originally posted by kevinivey
Oh, they lost both games in HD last year, for what it's worth.;)

Well then, we're due! ;)

This will be a real bummer if they announce a sponsor NEXT week. :mad:

Noticed over the last couple of days that there is a new channel at 804 on the Guide. It's labeled SCVC...anyone know what this might become?

Another TWC question...I notice more often now that the SA3100 won't pull in the channel when I surf up or down to 815. I have to go out of HiDef and key it in manually (works sometimes) or go to 845 and channel down. I read somewhere where there was a replacement for the SA3100 that fixed this. Before I call TWC, I wanted to have the details since I know most of the reps won't know what I'm talking about...do they have anything new that fixes this problem?

Another TWC question :) Anyone noticing the lip sync delays on just about all of the TWC Hi-Def channels? It varies from channel to channel, but it seems to be especially noticeable on Discovery HD tonight.

No more TWC questions...really...well, maybe later.

Thanks all...

Brian,

Thanks for the info!

Re: SCVC Ch 804: son-of-a-gun... new item on the guide. I just checked and it is on tonight here! It must have been added to Sumter's guide yesterday or today but I don't remember it from yesterday (our guide is sometimes a day or so behind Cola). I have no idea what that channel is a place holder for; best guess would be INHD but who knows. As I recall my box turned on yesterday to HBO On Demand Ch1 which was indicative of a firmware download (otherwise it remembers the last channel tuned in and we don't sub to HBO). They took USAHD off two days I believe it was. Interesting!

Re: channel switching quirk for Ch815: Wow, I have been experiencing that same problem here for several weeks! I find I cannot always channel up from 811 to 815 and get a picture. Punching in the number usually works while tuning in Ch 845 and channeling down always works. I even visited my local TWC local office about it a week or so ago and asked about it; I figured it was a problem with my box. They had no clue but offered to swap boxes with me. Glad I had not gone and done it. Guess it is time all of us who are experiencing that oddity to call in and report it. I don't recall having read about this before and it has just started recently so my guess it is a software bug in a recent OS download. They should be able to write a fix. And I doubt a new box would necessarily be any better.

Sync delays: sorry; have not noticed it. But since you mention it I will keep an eye out for it.

Again, thanks for the heads up!
Bruce

I looked in on the SA3100HD's diagnostic menu and noted my box was indeed booted on 9 Sep around 1:30 am but the OS dates go back to May. So.... no idea why the channel changing is flakey. Also, it hit me that the new channel might be for WIS or WACH (more likely NBC vice FOX) but that is admittedly only a WAG.

Bruce

From Wednesday's State Newspaper Time Warner Advertisement: Coming October 1st , New South Carolina Channel. Ch.802. (not HD). The 3100hd box problems are the same as I was having back in early July, they have gotten worse. I called TWC and the csr wanted to flash my box. I explained I was calling on my cellular and the flashes really do not help with these problem. I asked if a newer box was available, she did not know. I then said can you have someone come switch it out. She said the earliest would be the 21st. I responded that are the boxes available over the counter like they are in Charlotte. She said, yes they are ,but only at the Greystone office. I have my 3100hd in my truck and I will try to change it out this afternoon when I get back to Columbia.


Ps: I know the ad said ch.802, that could be just a typo. I wonder if the Sister Hazel concert will be their first showing on the new SCVC. Yuk (-:

I read somewhere about the "South Carolina" channel...I think in The State's Sunday TV Guide. Sounds pretty neat.

Mark me down as one experiencing the HD channel "glitch." I've found if I use my "favorites" or "channel up" to certain HD channels, I don't get a picture OR sound. If I switch up to the next channel (as you all have described) and then channel back down, pic and sound are restored. Weird stuff. I always thought it was just my set, but it sounds like it's the box instead.

SCETV has said that SDTV2 would be replaced by The South Carolina Channel so I would think the TWC channel number would remain 802 and the channel label changed. I agree the new channel sounds promising though in principle I still do care for their multicasting arrangement.

I called TWC this morning and the CSR checked on Channel 804 and was told that SCVC/804 was just a test channel setup for tests conducted yesterday. No further info on what it might have been or what they were testing for. I also reported the Channel 815 tuning glitch. I got the (normal) CSR response and I have a technician scheduled to come out and check my box/signals next week. I really suspect it is a software issue that can only be addressed by engineers and not by switching out the box. We will see.

Bruce

WUNF-DT viewers in SC:

UNCTV is requesting comment on reception of DT-25 from Pisgah. Here is a message from Wayne Estabrooks:
"Next week WUNF will turn off DTV station for possibly 2 days
to change out the main transmit antenna. This will probably begin Tuesday
morning. It may only take one day but things don't always go as quickly and as easily as anticipated. Especially up on Mt. Pisgah.

Dielectric at great expense has provided me with a warranty replacement
for the antenna there. We had a problem with water getting in the antenna
shortly after we went on the air in March and after some negotiation and a
letter from me, they have agreed to replace the antenna. The problem was
that water was getting inside the antenna and detuning the antenna badly.

I need to let viewers know and hope to get feedback that the signal is as
good after the work is completed."

Wayne Estabrooks, Chief Engineer-Transmission
University of NC Public Television
P.O. Box 14900 10 Alexander Dr.
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Please post your comments on the Western Carolinas thread.
jb

I have made an appt for a TWC tech to come to checkout the channel changing problem with Ch 815. Scheduling problems however forced me to defer it to the 23rd. I still think the problem is with the software and not a physical problem with my signal. Suggest everybody who has been experiencing this problem to please call TWC/CSR and at least report it.

Thanks,
Bruce

Confirmed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

College Football
South Carolina @ Georgia (in HDTV)
3:30-7:00 p.m.



http://cbs.sportsline.com/u/cbs/sports/

Here is a link to the official announcement for the USC vs GA on CBS. As previously posted, it will now be in HDTV.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=301260

New cable box available over the counter at TWC greystone location. All problems solved. Aspect ratio control and 480i, 720p, 480p and 1080i from component output.(switchable via remote and onscreen menu). Faster and more responsive. All audio via digital output. HD channels are viewable in HD and SD . Tunes all channels very fast . DVI , and a usb port are not active.

Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250HD (DVI)
http://www.scientificatlanta.com/news/03Apr07-3.htm

Bob and Kevin,
Thanks for for being real "bull dogs" on this...oops, poorly timed metaphor!!

Anyway, you guys are the best...I'll be heading down to the Greystone office this week.

Kevin, is the new remote any better? The one that came with the SA3100 feels like my garage door opener!

Didn't change it out. I do not use it. I use a Sony RM-AV3000 universal remote. I just took my 3100 in with no cords or remote and was given the SA3250HD.