Derrick: So sorry to hear your reboot did not work. Ouch. One can hope that CSR will be able to get it up and running tomorrow and that it was not a major hardware failure.

chummel: I am not seeing anything wrong here with PBS and no... I have not suffered any spontaneous reboots at all on my 8000HD. Outside of the fact that the analog outputs are not active my unit has worked flawlessly.

Rich: Not lame at all. I have heard great things about the Infocus X-1! It appears to be a great value and, even though it is only XGA [edit: SVGA actually], it seemingly has a very good picture too. I suspect you will enjoy CBS football this weekend! You might find FOX not be too bad either (but long shots are are usually pretty fuzzy).

Cain: Good luck tomorrow! So far I can say I am very pleased with the 8000HD.

I am still having the audio problems with the audio on the digital channels dropping out. It seems to happen like this: 3 times tonight I have been watching something on channel 200 (HBO). The audio will be working fine. Then all of a sudden the picture freezes. When I then turn to another channel, I no longer have sound through the tv speakers. If any of you have the HBO package, please try going to that channel(not the high def HBO, but the 200's) and leave it on there for a few minutes to see if yours freezes and then you lose audio.

Hi all
Diana had a MR. Tom Gaebel, Director of Enginnering call me this evening. I am getting sound thru my HT system but none thru the TV speakers. He made a couple of phone calls and got back to me. He said that I would not be able to get the sound thru my TV speakers until the upgrade in March. This box is set up for HD only. The audio output is set up for Dolby Digital only, no analog at this time . He said after the upgrade in March you will be able to get the audio in analog and Dolby digital. He said that there was such a big demand for the 8000HD that is why they were released like this. All the bugs have not been worked out. If someone smarter that me would like to talk with him call 803-251-5300 or 843-664-9775 these are the 2 numbers that were on the caller Id. He said you had to use your audio system to get any sound. He told me so much that I couldn't remember everything he told me. I'm not to good at telling all this technical stuff.

Good Morning,

If you wouldn't mind, our preference would be for you to either post a question here in the forum or send an email to me at twcscnews@twcable.com rather than call Mr. Gaebel directly for further information or questions.

While everyone at TWC is dedicated to providing world-class customer service, please understand there are about a dozen Engineers on our staff. While they are all familiar with everything going on, they work on specific projects. It would be more efficient for you if you allow me to find the correct Engineer for your problem AND if they aren't available go to another group for help. No offense meant to Mr Gaebel for my next statement, as he is very knowledgeable and the two of us go way back to Illinois 10 years ago. I have the utmost respect for his abilities, but he isn't on the team working directly with the HD DVR so typically he is not the person to go to with HD DVR questions. He was however available and willing to help late on Friday afternoon, which is why he contacted Mitchell at my behest.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Derrick - I have sent you a separate email concerning your issue.

Have a wonderful weekend

No Complaints:D

YEAH!

I'm sitting here in an old housecoat with fuzzy slippers on, waiting for my "cable guy".. :D

I'll let everyone know how it goes. Diana, like I said "you rock girl"!! I wish I got this type of customer service from every place I did business with.

Take care,

-- Cain

Hey Kevin,

You live in Lexington?? Me too.. Drop me an e-mail sometime:

Cain's e-mail (cain@cainslair.com)

-- Cain

Jd
This just happened to me this morning on my other box. I am on the phone with TWC right now. No solution yet. I have one box with channels though 101 only and no guide or advanced services. The other box has a screwed up guide, WLTX is labeled CSPAN channel 4 is labled SPIKE, etc.. most of the channel labeling is wrong.

Sweet, WIS finally started remapping their OTA as 10-1, 10-2, and 10-3.

Now if only they could add PSIP data before the HD Tivo comes out.

Originally posted by Cain
Hey Kevin,

You live in Lexington?? Me too.. Drop me an e-mail sometime:

Cain's e-mail (cain@cainslair.com)

-- Cain

Just on the fringe. West Columbia address and a lexington phone number. I live off Kitti Wake.

Kevin,
have you ever eaten at a place called Rivercats over near there?

Nope

Derrick,
I had a tech come out about 30 mins ago. He was going to switch my 2 boxes for 3250s for the weekend. When he got here, he received info that this is a head end problem. None of the digital information including IPG is coming through. I hear some radio traffic on the guy's phone saying they had people out all over trying to fix the porblem. Hopefully we will be good to go by this afternoon. For info I live off of Garners Ferry Rd so it is likely we are on the same node.

Chummel:

You are right. I live off of Ulmer Rd near Caughman Rd. Elementary. Diana had a tech out her promptly. Kudos, Diana again. He swapped out the box to a 3150 and got the same results. He then learned what you said in your e-mail about the head end problem and called it a day. Get this, he wanted to take the 8000HDDVR back, and when I pointed out that it apparently was not a box problem, he grumbled and hooked it up again and charged TWC for an upgrade for putting the same box back.

I did a test and was able to record 20 hours and 17 minutes of HD on the 160GB hard disk. Total number of events was 20; lasting from 1 min to 2.5 hours. The box stopped recording and says it is out of space. So the 20 hour figure given by SA for HD is verified.

correction: one of those events turned out to be SD; 1.5hrs long. So the 20 hour figure is not validated. My apologies.

Originally posted by bdenman
I did a test and was able to record 20 hours and 17 minutes of HD on the 160GB hard disk. Total number of events was 20; lasting from 1 min to 2.5 hours. The box stopped recording and says it is out of space. So the 20 hour figure given by SA for HD is verified.

Now, how about verifying that all recordings are good;)

Happy to report that all system problems have been resolved, I think anyway, and I am back up and running. Sure glad I didn't let the tech take back the 8000HD

Glad your up and running Derrick; assume chummel is or will be normal again soon too. Happy DVR'ing!

To confirm, the Technical Department determined it was an isolated issue from the Master Controller in the Headend. It only impacted a certain geographic area. It should be resolved, but if anyone sees anything like Derrick or chummel experienced please email me immediately and we will jump right on it.

AND Illinois WON! Yeah!

OK I got my 8000HD Box..

1) Kudos for Diana with TWC, what a helpful Lady !!

2) The picture quality is definitely much less than I am accustomed to from HD. My wife said "Ugg the colors are flat for HD" the resolution was noticeably less. Much better than DVD but much less than the OTA HD I am accustomed to seeing.

3) Can I do Digital Audio?? The box has a optical output but the Tech told me it is not enabled so I did not fiddle with it.

4) The recording is flawless and really works well.

I'm gonna hang on to the box to see if the picture improves. I suspect the DVI would make a big difference, and I'm gonna fiddle with changing the output resolutions to see if that makes the picture look better. My projector is native 720p.

Take care,

-- Cain

PS Kevin, I live off of Old Chapin Road. We should get together sometime. Click on my www link to check out my Home Theater.

Digital audio works fine on coax and toslink.

coax and toslink.

Hmm, OK I gotta go down there and look at the back!!

So the toslink IS active ??

-- Cain

Without a doubt!

Originally posted by Cain
Hmm, OK I gotta go down there and look at the back!!
So the toslink IS active ??
-- Cain
The Toslink is active here; I just checked. Switched back and forth between Toslink and coax... no problems. Ran another test with just the Toslink connected and all remained well and good. Regarding the video quality; I personally see no PQ differences on my display between the 3250HD, the 8000HD or my Samsung SIR-T150 receiver. YMMV

Hi Bruce,

How are you connecting your Boxes to your projector/TV?? Are all the ones you listed the same ??

I am beginning to believe that component outputs do not have the bandwidth of DVI or HDMI, so what is happening is we are throttloing the PQ with a smaller pipe.

-- Cain

Cain,
Hello again! I use component YPrPB to my Mits 55807, a rear projector 1080i display. My cable set I believe is acceptable ($50 RS models). The display is almost 3 years old and was the standard line model in 2001. While it does not have the resolution of some newer displays (a cousin has a newer integrated Mits that seems a bit sharper), I am of the impression that the color and gray scale are still reasonably accurate (it was ISF'd in 0901 by Ken Whitcomb, out of Indianapolis IN).

With my display I detected no difference between the 3100, 3250 and 8000 models and the older Samsung SIR-T150 regarding HD material. (the original 2000HD sometimes had a light fog character to it). Of course it is very difficult to do A/B switching; just my perception. Since there are questions, I may go back and try the 3250HD again in the next day or so (I kept it as insurance of an early catastrophic failure).

I wonder if the lack of DAC in your signal is the main reason your PQ over DVI is notably better? I take it you have not tried out 3250HD cable box that does have working DVI; too bad the 8000's DVI is delayed till March. From what I have read, not seen, most folks with rear projector CRT based sets actually see little improvement with DVI vs component.

Should the 8000HD be cut off at night? I thought I saw that in the manual or somewhere. I assume it must remain on if there is a program to be recorded after you have gone to sleep.

Quoted from the manual:

Protect Your Recordings

To extend the life of your explorer DVR and to save money on your electric bill, turn OFF the Explorer DVR each night before going to bed.

When the Explorer DVR is powered OFF (plugged into a active outlet), all recordings will be protected.

PS: I just spent a hour and 45 minutes watching a recorded movie from HDNet Movies and the movie stopped just before the end. This seems to be exclusive to HDNet movies. You can set a overrun buffer to compensate.
But, sadly I will have to wait until Thursday to catch the ending

I wonder is there anyway it can turn itself off after a late recording? Part of the convenience factor is letting it record something coming on late so you can get some sleep.

Derick,
It will record items you have scheduled whether or not it is turned on. So just turn it off when you are done with it.

Hmm my install Technician told me it was better to leave it on all the time.

He said it would likely work better, and last longer.

I agree that switching it off makes more sense though.

-- Cain

Good Morning,

The primary reason you should turn all Digital Converters (SD or HD) off overnight is so that it will receive regular programming downloads.

At around 3am each morning we download the new programming schedule for the next 7 days. If your converter is on, it will not get this download. If you don't turn it off for a week, then you will see the "No Programming Info Available" message on the Guide.

I have never heard the "last longer' line, but from a consumers perception - isn't that a benefit of Cable over satellite? You don't buy the equipment so if it wears out or becomes antiquated, you simply upgrade without having to incur the costs yourself!

Have a great day.

Over time the monthly rental adds up...I'd much rather buy than lease.

35 hour DirecTiVo unit $49
Hughes HTL-HD $99

and I get ESPN-HD

do you really want to start a "cable vs satellite" debate?

:p

I apologize. It was certainly not my intent to be contentious.

There are benefits inherent to each version video entertainment available for home enjoyment. Some people, as Rich states, do prefer to own rather than rent. Others would rather rent, and for this group, this fact is a benefit of cable. In addition, programming availability is the deciding factor. For all these reasons (and a multitude of others), the competitive environment and availability of consumer choices lay the groundwork for the technological advances the participants of this group enjoy.

Again I apologize if my comments seemed designed to provoke an argument. That was not at all my intent.

I agree this thread does not exist to bash that tired debate. Everyone should be free to do whatever they want to do. Everyone should be welcomed to this thread. I know lately it has been TWC too much, but with the release of the HD dvr you can surely see why.

oh yeah...Macs are better than PC's

:D

The primary reason you should turn all Digital Converters (SD or HD) off overnight is so that it will receive regular programming downloads.

Thanks Diana, you may want to pass this information along to all of your installers. I'm heading down there now to turn my unit off !!

Take care,

-- Cain

Already made the call.

Originally posted by kevinivey
[B]Quoted from the manual:

to save money on your electric bill, turn OFF the Explorer DVR each night before going to bed.



I do this, and so far this year it has saved me $83..I mean 83 cents!
Yea, right! Sounds like a tech writer is a bit full of it..:D

That savings will buy you half a gallon of gas. It could be very important if your out of fuel.:p

OK Diana,

Let me ask a question. I have seen many other posts around AVS from folks on TWC who have said that their Cable HD is definitely inferior to OTA, or in some cases <shudder> satellite HD. My experience is definitely the same, so far at least. My HD-DVR's picture is definitely inferior to OTA, both color and resolution.

Is it possible that TWC is throttling the bandwidth for HD??

Can you tell us the bitrate alloted for each HD channel ??

We know HD is a bandwidth hog, but that is why we love it .... ;)

Take care,

- Cain

Analog is the cable bandwidth hog.

Originally posted by Cain
Is it possible that TWC is throttling the bandwidth for HD??


That's called "rate-shaping".. Here you can find detailed info:

http://www.harmonicinc.com/view_csd_folder.cfm?FolderID=2

h yea..BTW..Go Panthers!

Well, I'll throw my 2 cents in here..
I have a 2200 digital box that I leave on 24/7 because my Tivo is hooked up to it. I don't know if its missing any firmware upgrades but the guide data is still there. Maybe the 8000 box is different. I'll find out though because I haven't turned it off yet. (I have a universal remote and use macro's, so its easier to just leave it on the whole time)

Gene

Thanks for the info BdFox, I also found this (below) in another TWC thread, perhaps this is what TWC is doing in Columbia ?????
---

With cable's typical 256 QAM modulation, each 6-MHz-wide cable frequency can carry about 38 Mbps (megabits/second). That's enough for two 'full' ~19-Mbps HD channels, although you might also squeeze in three 'rate-shaped' HD channels at 12 Mbps each.

-------------------------------------

You have gone beyond my area of expertise. I do know that we pass through signals exactly as we receive them from the broadcaster and/or cable network, however I'm going to have to take your specific question to the Engineering Department on Tuesday.

I'll follow-up with their response.

My impression on the SA8000DVR is that turning it off means little (it does turn off the video out function) so to me it is really a standby mode. The box takes downloads during the night regardless of the On button's status. The HD buffering goes on 24/7 unless (supposedly) you tune both tuners to channels that cannot be recorded. You can usually hear the hard disk heads moving (some people complain over the noise). Electricity savings are minimal so why bother? The only time it is really off is when you unplug it (say for a hard reboot).

The HD version may be different; I only hear the HD when I turn it on and then I have to get real close (very quiet unit). Perhaps it will need powering down for updates. However I do know it will record if in the off position (been there, done that).

Perhaps your actually turned the converter off enough times within a 7 day period to get some downloads? That would keep you from 'running out' of programming info?

All I know is when customers call in with the "Programming info not available" issue and we ask them to turn it off overnight, their problem goes away. Perhaps some converters do a better job of downloading with power on, than other converters?

With all of the HD boxes it seems that around midnight if you are zooming around the guide that it would sometimes pause around midnight to get the next day's programming (would tell you to wait). BUT, I generally do (and always have) cut off the HD boxes at night when I cut off the HD set. So ???

The 8000DVR is generally left on and since I am not the primary user (esp late at night) I don't see that pause to refresh. Perhaps there is a memory/guide difference between these boxes and the generic boxes like the 2100.

OK, Bruce, so from what you said, I can set the DVR to record something at night and still cut off the power to the DVR and the recording will still take place. In short, the unit does not have to be "on" to record?

Originally posted by Rich_SC
it's for <a href="http://go-advertising.com?go=directv" onmouseover="window.status = 'goto: directv';return 1" onmouseout="window.status=''">directv</a> users...details here:

text (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=151749&perpage=40&pagenumber=1)

Rich,

I'm pretty new here to AVS forum. I'm either going with HD Cable or Satellite. Trying to make up my mI have some pretty nice equipment (B&K Ref 50, B&K 125.7 amp, DVI DVD player, projector, rocket speakers... in my HT but its not even wired for TV yet, only DVD. Anyone feel free to comment.


Thanks,

Scott

the deal I posted was for long time subscribers to directv...I'm personally waiting for the DirecTivo HD unit which should be out in a couple of months.

You can't go wrong with the TWC 8000HD unit they're offering right now...you'd be ahead of the HD curve and the price is right. You could always cancel and go DirecTV if you don't like it.

whatever you decide you should definately go with a PVR/Tivo...time shifting TV will change your life!

Update:

I'm about to make Diana's day.................

Well I hooked my OTA receiver back up so I could A-B OTA vs Cable. The problem is it is so darned windy here that my OTA keeps losing signal !!

Cable - 1
OTA - 0

---

Are you folks watching the Colts game in HD?? I am seeing TONS of bad pixellation on close-up shots. (The long zoom shots almost always pixelate badly.)

Are you folks seeing this ?? Is it a CBS problem, or an WLTX problem?? I don't think it is a TWC problem, but it may be.

-- Cain

Hey-
Let's be nice to Diana..now that we finally got a CATv rep here, who will
listen and help, is a good thing. Hopefully, she won't get censored like
others have!:)

Oops, I was being serious, I didn't think I was being harsh.

If I was Diana I'd be laughing with glee. It is like "the old days" all over again, where Cable beats OTA because of reception issues!!

Like I said:

Cable - 1
OTA -0

Yea, I've been recommending to folks they get TWC vs OTA in difficult
reception cases.

It took it as a positive comment. I just really didn't want to get in the middle of this based upon the misunderstanding this morning and the fact that I know my participation on this forum is evaluated in a different light because of my obvious bias.

Besides I was too busy watching the CBS game in HD because I have TWC HD and no reception worries - I would insert the smiley face here if I could figure out how to do that :)

How did I make that happen? Just by typing the word?

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
How did I make that happen? Just by typing the word? Probably... chortle :D
I am watching the game OTA (and recording on the 8KHD). Fortunately the wind is not bothering my low mounted 4-bay CM bowtie but the wind blasts have slowed down from earlier. Anyway, I am not seeing the same degree of pixelization that Cain is seeing but I wonder if that is not because of the large differences in displays?

edit: I have been seeing more pixelization in the last few minutes so perhaps paying more attention helps. I imagine a significantly larger screen would make the defects much more noticeable.

Pixellation like normal for CBS. Looks exactly the same ota and through cable. No ota problems via 15 year chimney mounted mast antenna. Now if I could get The Panther game in 480p on my SA8000HD I would be in bliss. Ota it is for the Panther game.


Game looked incredible at Tweeters on 50" Pioneer Plasma Elite (The set was over $10,000) and I didn't buy it! I did buy a Denon Receiver.

Anyway, I am not seeing the same degree of pixelization that Cain is seeing but I wonder if that is not because of the large differences in displays?

I think it is. I'm sitting 11 feet back from a screen that is over 8 feet wide, so any glitches hit me in the face.

- Cain

With CBS-HD sports I have always seen pixelation to some degree. HDNet and INHD I have seen no pixellation. I wonder if Wltx would turn off the weather radar during live CBS-HD sports would the image improve? 720p on Monday nights is the best . Touchdown Panthers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cain,

Have you considered trying a SA3250HD with a working DVI port? They are available over the counter at greystone. They activate them there and all you have to do is bring it home and hook it up yourself.

1) I am reading in another AVS thread that TV Stations who are using sub-channels (like WLTX is doing with that radar) have pixellation issues on fast motion. Can we beg them to turn off the Weather radar when the Super Bowl is on?? Who looks at that radar anyway??

2) Good idea Kevin. I'll check into trying one out. I'm curious to understand what is up, but the color, and contrast differences are not subtle at al. I could take screenshots with my digital camera and everyone could see the differences.

-- Cain

1. I have no idea if Dan Stalnaker at WLTX can/will change bit rates for one program; I have no idea how complicated that would be either.

2. I wonder too where the differences are that you are seeing: the 8000's video, the component connection, the QAM modulation, or ? If you do get a 3250HD I would to hear a comparison of the DVI picture against the component on your 720 system. Question: are you feeding your PJ 720p or 1080i from the 8000HD?

I can't wait to watch the Panthers in the Superbowl in HDTV glory in two weeks. :D

I just came across this forum this morning. I have read some of the posts and think that its great to have a TWC employee here who is actually in the loop there to receive accurate info. Too many times I have called their customer help line and received bogus answers to questions. Like the main on is that WIS and WACH arent on TWC yet because they dont broadcast in HDTV yet. HAHA what a joke. I was mainly wondering if anyone here had been given an estimate when we might see ESPNHD on TWCSC, there are a lot of good college b-ball games on and I'm missing everyone of them :mad: Also I was wanted to know if anyone had been given a time frame for WIS and WACH to come to TWC in HD. I love Law & Order and I have to go to a friends house to watch it with his OTA antenna. I sent an email to WIS asking them about this and I guess it was worded semi-harshly so some executive from the station called me like an hour later and he said that they were hoping to get it squared away by the end of the year (2003). Well that has came and went and still I'm still watching it in analog (terrible pq). I really couldnt care less about FOX they are like only half a network, except for football and since I live here in Cola I'm stuck watching all the crappy panthers games, I still remember the good ole days when I could watch my Cowboys every weekend before the panthers came to town and took over my t.v. and whats with the NFL giving a monopoly to Rupert Murdoch anyways, I'd love to have the option of purchasing Sunday Ticket from TWC. Anyways just wanted to say hi and I think the forum is great.

What say I take this one.

Here are the general rules. Time Warner Cable of South Carolina has strategic plans to add as much HD programming as possible. Two things must occur for this to be accomplished. First, we must have an executed contract to provide the programming and second, the programmer must provide a true HD signal as defined in the contract.

Contract negotiations are done by programming lawyers on both sides. I am neither privy to these negotiations, nor am I authorized to speak specifically to particular contract language.

ESPN-HD - negotiations are done at the corporate level. They have been on-going for many, many months - much to the frustration of our customers and the management team of TWCSC. Please know that we regularly impress upon our corporate office the need to add this programming as soon as possible. Personally as an HD owner and college basketball fan, I hate it every bit as much as you do.

WIS - negotiations appear to be moving smoothly and along the necessary path. Both sides are anxious to achieve a resolution.

WACH - negotiations are on-going. Now a disclaimer, what I'm about to type was the case several months ago. I have not heard this had changed but I have not actually asked the question lately so let me say up front - I Might Be Wrong. Here goes, last I was told by our VP Engineering, WACH was broadcasting in Digital, but not true HD. So, unless this is changed, we are awaiting both necessary steps mentioned in the first paragraph above to add this channel.

I will not speculate to a time line because of the nature of these negotiations. I always tell CSSRs to avoid making projections because we just don't know until we know. More long-term forum members can relate the recent launches of IN HD 1 & 2 and HD Net and HD Net Movies. We had no time line, then we got the deal so we put them up just as soon as we could get the necessary equipment and get it authorized. I anticipate that future HD programming launches will happen in the same light. We sign the deal we hit the switch.

DirectTV recently signed another exclusive deal for Sunday Ticket. This gives them rights to that programming for another 3(?) seasons? Help me guys I don't have instant recall on these dates. Upon the conclusion of the contract cable operators will have the opportunity to bid on this programming. Certainly we hope the deal that comes down next time will allow both satellite and cable operators to provide this programming.

Here is my take on the carriage issue:

re: WIS-DT: The situation is stalemated and no resolution is in sight. Both sides have expressed the desire to agree many times over the past year; have said they were close, and yet we still have no agreement. What has changed that will make it happen anytime soon?

re: WACH-DT: Negotiations are stalemated over the lack of any HD broadcasts by FOX. It appears TWCSC will not devote bandwidth to a DTV/SD production unless it is tied to a HD service (like CBS and PBS). Since the Feds did not mandate HD for DTV why must cable?

Thanks for your responses. I do understand that these are complicated negotiations that are being done by corporate lawyers. I have heard that TWC just receives the broadcasts and passes them right through to the customers, I don't see what WIS could have a problem with. I am willing to wait for a little while longer, but I may be forced to go with a satellite provider along with an OTA antenna to get the channels that I want. Personally, I would never watch Fox if it wasnt for the NFL on sundays. I have been given the new HD tier by TWC complimentary until the end of Feb. I think it is, until the "official" launch. And the picture quality is very good, but as far as finding anything to watch on those channels I have yet to accomplish that, so I may not subscribe to it when I have to start paying for it. I am in a situation where I rent an apartment so I don't really have the ability to mount a big outdoor antenna to pick up broadcasts over the air. I'm not sure what type of antenna would be required for where I live. If I just had NBC, CBS, ABC, and ESPNHD that would be all I ever watch anyways. Thats all I ever watch now. If anybody has a suggestion on what may be the best method of receiving those 4 channels in HD I would greatly appreciate their input. And thanks again for your help.

You guys are lucky, try living in a town like Binghamton, NY. Here we have WBNG-DT, the CBS outlet. The station is digital and has no plans to broadcast in HD. TWC here carries WBNG-DT on channel 750.

In prime time, somebody pops up an advertisement on the bottom of the screen advising viewers to watch DTV on channel 750. Not sure if the pop-up comes from WBNG or TWC. The downside of this is that TW only provides the SA3100HD which of course only outputs 1080i via the component outputs. So what do you get, pillars, bars and an upconverted picture that is just awful to watch. Uggggh

Oh, I forgot to mention that the only station in our town that is broadcasting in HD is WIVT-DT, the ABC outlet. TWC of course is not carrying it; "we are in negotiation."

At last count, there are 5 live digital stations in Binghamton and TWC carries 1. TWC's attitude seems to be, if you want to watch local stations, get an antenna and don't forget to send us your $123 every month.

1. WIS might have a problem with "rate-shaping", and if this is the case I don't blame them.
2. FOX announced the HD rollout for this fall (2004). I guess we will see how it goes...

Kirill

Originally posted by Kir
1. WIS might have a problem with "rate-shaping", and if this is the case I don't blame them.
2. FOX announced the HD rollout for this fall (2004). I guess we will see how it goes...

Kirill

Right, this is same station that broadcast two subchannels, and doesn't even run local commercials during primetime HD programming.:mad:

I thought Time Warner just did a complete pass-through with the exception of remodulating it for cable service? That shouldn't be a problem. I believe WIS is probably after more $$$$. I refuse to watch them in SD until they are on HD on TWC and quit acting like a prima donna.

Originally posted by kevinivey
and doesn't even run local commercials during primetime HD programming.:mad:

I would think some viewers would like that!

Wis cares about their analog station ratings more than they care about who is watching there alternative channels. Wis used to be "the" station for local news and programming. Wltx replaced them several years ago in my home.

Originally posted by bdfox18doe
I would think some viewers would like that!


NBC network loop is a black screen with a peacock blooming in and out. Three and half minutes worth every time:confused: I will be damned if my wife doesn't ask me "whats wrong?" everytime.

Originally posted by abramsky
You guys are lucky, try living in a town like Binghamton, NY.

I feel your pain Abramsky. I used to live in Birmingham, AL and Charter cable there carried a grand total of 0 local channels in HD.

TWC here in Columbia is much better, IMO. I'm sorry to hear about the problems up there in NY. :(

Gosh, I wish I had a dollar for every time something was shipped to Birmingham instead of Binghamton.

The score here is also 0 local channels as the only digital channel TWC carries here is not HD.

In spite of of my earlier griping we really are quite fortunate here with the amount of HD via TWC and OTA. Improvements could be made for sure including the addition of the remaining DT stations on TWCSC. Heck, if I had my druthers I would also like to see multicasting drastically reduced for special HDTV events. But I ain't in charge....

Abransky: you any warmer than Plattsburg?
(memories flashback.. shiver shiver shiver... )

Wonder why WACH-DT doesn't broadcast on weather radar sub channel? ;)I throughly enjoyed the "crappy" Super Bowl bound Panthers on WACH-DT yesterday. Not one dropout ,or audio glitch. I would had loved it to have been HD , but it was way better than the standard feed.

I too watched the Panther's game on WACH and the Fox production really only was bad in the long shots. Of course snow and raindrops on camera lenses does not add to picture clarity. But many of the middle and closeup shots were really good. Having said that, overall Sports really needs HD and the more bits the better. So maybe next year...

Oh could it be that WACH had no dedicated weather facility? I believe they they have an arrangement with WLTX for their local news production so perhaps their weather support is from them too?

Who do we talk to at WLTX?? I really wish they would switch off the subchannel during Sporting events.

I have read in other places on AVS that many of the local HD channels switch off the subchannels when there is legit HD content on the main channel. I really, really wish they would switch off the subchannel for the SuperBowl and the Grammys, etc.. Although I believe Sports uses the highest bitrate.

-- Cain

I wonder if Wltx would turn off the weather radar during live CBS-HD sports would the image improve?

Yes it will, but unless folks complain, they have no way of knowing it is a problem.

Let's start lobbying to at least switch off the Sub-channel(s) for the Super Bowl, but preferably on Friday evenings, and switch it back on Monday mornings!!

-- Cain

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cain
[B]Who do we talk to at WLTX?? I really wish they would switch off the subchannel during Sporting events.

DSTALNAK@WLTX.GANNETT.COM

Just fired off an e-mail. Thanks for the address !!

-- Cain

Originally posted by kevinivey
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cain
[B]Who do we talk to at WLTX?? I really wish they would switch off the subchannel during Sporting events.

DSTALNAK@WLTX.GANNETT.COM

Two points of contact: Dan Stalnaker, their chief engineer and Rich O'Dell, the GM. The switch board number is 776-3600; just ask for whoever. In the past Dan (as Dan'sHiPix) has followed and posted here at AVS; but it has been awhile. Dan's formal title is: Director of Technology/Operations WLTX

bdenman---

Binghamton is a lot warmer than Plattsburg. When they're at -30, we're at -10!!!!!

Thx Bruce !!

-- Cain

I was reading some pages back and saw where you guys were saying that WLTX doesn't have some audio equipment to broadcast in DD 5.1. Is that why I only receive the 2.0 signal? I think thats pretty cheesy. ABC has quickly become my favorite network because all of their shows sound so good because of the DD 5.1 signal. I have TWC so obviously I dont get NBC or Fox in HD so I never even watch them anymore either. I wonder if these local affiliates realize how many viewers they are losing, seems like that would hurt their advertising revenues.

Maybe Kevin, depends on what you want (or trade?) of course, I have
3 of them as it is...

Is that why I only receive the 2.0 signal?

Yup..............

Originally posted by Cain
OK Diana,

Let me ask a question. I have seen many other posts around AVS from folks on TWC who have said that their Cable HD is definitely inferior to OTA, or in some cases <shudder> satellite HD. My experience is definitely the same, so far at least. My HD-DVR's picture is definitely inferior to OTA, both color and resolution.

Is it possible that TWC is throttling the bandwidth for HD??

Can you tell us the bitrate alloted for each HD channel ??

We know HD is a bandwidth hog, but that is why we love it .... ;)

Take care,

- Cain

Good Morning,

I have taken your questions to the VP Engineering and here are his responses:

"Throttling bandwidth for HD" - Definitive NO

"bitrate alloted for each HD channel" - We pass through the signal as we receive it. So the bitrate depends on how the programmer sends it.

In addition, Kevin sent additional comparison information on the 3250 v the 8000 HD v OTA. As Cain stated above, Kevin's comparison resulted in better PQ with OTA. He asked if we were using a new compression rate. The answer is no, the engineers believe that differences you see are due to how the converters are processing the signal.

Have a great week.

Your assistance please.

Kevin noted that the guide information for HD Net was incorrect the other day. Result was he didn't record the program he wanted recorded.

Whenever you see issues like this with the guide, please send me the specifics on day, time, what was listed to be aired and what actually aired.

We depend on a third-party vendor for this information and it is much easier to get the issue resolved once and for all if I have specifics to point to.

Thank you

It is true that turning off the radar will help some. However, it will not get do away with the problem. HD is highly compressed to send to the viewer. I believe in its native state the HD signal is a 1.5 gigabit signal. To try and put that much information into the current channel plan for televisions, they had to reduce it to 19 megabits. I will run the superbowl without the radar subchannel on Feb 1. I have already cleared it with my GM. I believe most of you are sitting too close to your screens though. Here is an excerpt from an article about viewing distances for plasma displays.

"With early generation models I generally viewed the proper distances as 8 to 12ft. on a 42" plasma tv and 12 to 16ft. or more on a 50" plasma. Now, with the many improvements that have been made to the units, the latest 50" models can be viewed comfortably from 9ft. So it really becomes a matter of preference. I view a 42" plasma from 16ft. in my own home and it looks superb."

I have a 38" RCA F38310 16:9 picture tube set and I view it from about 10 feet away and never notice the artifacts. If I get to within 5 feet or so, I see them on every dissolve of the picture no matter the programming. I see it on ESPNHD, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and PBS.

The other factor that no one is considering is the encoder used for the transmission. These encoders are in the early stages of their developments. As the compression algorithms get better, the artifacts will decrease. I appreciate the feedback from all of you. Sorry it takes me a while to get everyone updated.

Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV;WLTX-DT

Dan,

We appreciate you shutting off the radar feed during the game. Please pass along our thanks to the others with whom you work. Thanks. :D

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
Your assistance please.

Kevin noted that the guide information for HD Net was incorrect the other day. Result was he didn't record the program he wanted recorded.

Whenever you see issues like this with the guide, please send me the specifics on day, time, what was listed to be aired and what actually aired.

We depend on a third-party vendor for this information and it is much easier to get the issue resolved once and for all if I have specifics to point to.

Thank you

The guide for HDNet is not as complete as every other channel in the guide. It is only complete for couple of days. If you search farther ahead it will say Intro to HDNet. HDNet movies is complete throughout the guide. So, if you want to record HDNet you have to check more often because the guide does go ahead.


PS: If you record HDNet Movies you need to set a buffer . They get way behind toward the end of day. 10 to 15 minutes a least.

Bob, Its a Sony standalone with a monthly sub. Not hacked.

WOW!! I have a lot of things to say and folks to respond to, but I only have a couple of minutes, let me try this Quickly..

1) Dan, Thanks for switching the radar off during the Super Bowl that is fantastic!! I have to disagree that the 3 mb the doppler is using would not be significant. that is 15% of the available bandwidth, I believe that would be significant, but we will know for certain Feb 1. Again many thanks!!

2) Diana, were you saying that Kevin also noted that the OTA HD was better than the SA8000 picture?? I thought I was alone on this one, but I was hoping it was just my box.

3) Many thanks to the WLTX, and TWC folks for taking the time to listen, read and respond to us.

Take care,

-- Cain

PS Dan, I'm not sitting too close, but I am definitely looking at a BIG picture. I would love for you to drop by my home sometime and take a look at WLTX HD like I see it, eight feet wide....

http://www.cainslair.com/CainHT.jpg

Dan:
Your plan to drop the weather channel during the game sounds great! Thank you so much. This may be the best HD experience we have had here in our area in a very long time if not ever! Again; thanks to you and WLTX!

Cain: Thanks to you for bringing up the full bitrate idea! And as always; your HT is really impressive!

Diana: I too have noted a couple of programs botched on HDNET; I will start making notes on my recordings on HDNET and see what is up. I have also noted an occasional audio glitch but have not figured out if it is ongoing or not. That needs logging too. (hmmm; logs; sounds rather "analog") :)

Cain:

how much are the seats to the Superbowl going for?

:cool:

"We (TXC)pass through the signal as we receive it. So the bitrate depends on how the programmer sends it."

Diana this is not correct. I believe you guys change it from 8VSB to 16QUAM.

Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations

"Dan, I'm not sitting too close, but I am definitely looking at a BIG picture."

At 8 feet the proper viewing distance would be about 26.4 feet. How far is your closest chair to the screen?

Great viewing room........ It makes my 38" look awfully small.

Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV: WLTX-DT

Bruce,
The link you have for the Columbia DT information is incorrect.

WLTX-DT is on the air from noon until 12:35am.

Starting April 1, we will be on the air for 18 hours a day.

Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV:WLTX-DT

Dan,
Did you have problems with the link or just the data for WLTX? I just changed it to relect your information. Thanks!

Originally posted by Dan'sHiPix
Bruce,
The link you have for the Columbia DT information is incorrect.

WLTX-DT is on the air from noon until 12:35am.

Starting April 1, we will be on the air for 18 hours a day.

Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV:WLTX-DT


April Fools Day? :D

I heard ESPN-HD, Wis-DT, Starz-HD, Cinemax-HD, TMC-HD, Bravo-HD , and Wach-DT will be added to TWC SC.:D on that day to.

Bruce,
Link works great. I just wanted to let everyone know our operating hours were longer than your link indicated. The times you had listed, were the times when true HD is on the air for the most part. All of our analog is upconverted for the digital transmitter. I know it is not HD, but it is still approximately twice the resolution you would get from the analog transmitter plus digital audio.

Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV;WLTX-DT

Dan-
So you are alive and kicking! Good!

Originally posted by Dan'sHiPix
"We (TXC)pass through the signal as we receive it. So the bitrate depends on how the programmer sends it."

Diana this is not correct. I believe you guys change it from 8VSB to 16QUAM.

Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations

:D :D :D ;)

Originally posted by kevinivey
April Fools Day? :D

I heard ESPN-HD, Wis-DT, Startz-HD, Cinemax-HD, TMC-HD, Bravo-HD , and Wach-DT will be added to TWC SC.:D on that day to.

as well as Weather Channel and Bloomberg HD..:D

For front projection, unless you are using a 800x600 projector then the correct viewing distances are multiples of the screen width. 1.5-2.0 x screen width are generally accepted as the closest you would want to get with DVD.

HD you can get as close as 1.0 screen width and it still looks very good, although that close and you see the projector's pixels. When we get 1920x1080 projectors, folks will routinely sit 1.0 screen width.

Take care, and thanks !!

Maybe I should have some of the AVS regulars around here drop by for the SuperBowl?? Lemme ask the wife..

-- Cain

"Dan-
So you are alive and kicking! Good!"

Not dead yet. Just feels like it. Know any technicians who need a job?
I have two maintenance positions open.
Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV;WLTX-DT

Wish I could spell maintenance....

Bruce,

By the way. All of that digital breakup a couple of weeks ago turned out to be my link between the studio and transmitter. It carries both the analog and digital signals. However, the digital side died on one radio.
Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV;WLTX-DT

Dan,
Thanks for the update! Glad it got dx'd and fixed. We the HD viewers may be few but we really do appreciate you and your compatriots efforts!

Originally posted by Dan'sHiPix
"We (TXC)pass through the signal as we receive it. So the bitrate depends on how the programmer sends it."

Diana this is not correct. I believe you guys change it from 8VSB to 16QUAM.

Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations

Good Morning,

Per our Director of Engineering: "Yes, we change the modulation format to 16 QUAM. This has no impact on bitrate, so the original statement is absolutely correct."

Dan, we invite you to meet with our engineering staff to learn more about our operation and discuss any questions you may have regarding your signal processing.

Have a great day everyone,

Diana

Originally posted by Dan'sHiPix
[B
. Know any technicians who need a job?
I have two maintenance positions open.
[/B]

Yes, call me. I'll give you his number.

Great stuff, guys. I appreciate all the discussion here, as it provides invaluable information that I would never be privy to otherwise. Thanks to our resident professionals for your input too!

Cain - Very impressive theatre you have there! Is that in a basement? I'm considering doing something similar (though not as extensive) in a new home I'm building.

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq
Thanks to our resident professionals for your input too!


don't you mean "perfeshnuls"? :D

CAin,
The theater is beautiful. I plan on something similar in our next house. I see you have what appeas to be an Outlaw pre/pro. How do you like it?

Diana, any word on the possible addition of an HD on demand channel? I know in viewing other forums, there is some debate about the movies costing too much and the limited number of movies available.

TWC Corporate is began testing MOD HD in the 4th quarter of 2002.

I cannot promise a time frame because of the technical issues involved, however, the last projected date I heard was late 2nd quarter. A with the HD DVR however, this date could slip.

I have heard nothing on pricing to date. Nor have I seen a potential list of movies available from In Demand (the vendor for ppv), so I can't speak to the number of titles we will have available, although I'm sure it will be limited at launch. Server capacity will also play a role in the number of titles we can potentially have available.

Sorry I'm wasn't very helpful on this topic.

Diana, It was more info than I had, so it is helpful. Thank you.

Cain, in a word, "WOW!"

Thanks for the kind words guys.

I'm serious maybe we should arrange a AVS meet and greet over here at my home. (Diana, you can come too!)..

Yes it is an Outlaw Pre/pro 950. I love it, a terrific product for the money.

Yes, the theater is in my basement. We have had so much fun having friends over to watch movies.

-- Cain

Originally posted by Cain
Thanks for the kind words guys.

I'm serious maybe we should arrange a AVS meet and greet over here at my home. (Diana, you can come too!)..

Yes it is an Outlaw Pre/pro 950. I love it, a terrific product for the money.

Yes, the theater is in my basement. We have had so much fun having friends over to watch movies.

-- Cain
Hmm... sounds tempting :) I work on Industrial Dr. - closeby ;)
By the way, if you want to audition a SVS B4+, you are more then welcome to drop in.

Kirill

By the way, if you want to audition a SVS B4+, you are more then welcome to drop in.

Sweet!! I have Dual CS-Ultras..

-- Cain

I am having weird problems with the 3250hd and DVI. Is anybody else using the combo?

Basically, I am getting the "DVI alert", tv does not support hdcp.

The following has occur the last 3 days.

3250hd / TV with DVI work fine from 9:00 pm until I go to bed at which time both are turned off.

Next morning, 3250hd and TV are turned on and anything is fine.
The TV and 3250hd are turned on and off several times a day as kids/wife wish.
I come home from work and turn 3250hd and tv off so we can eat, say around 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Later, say around 8:00 - 9:00 pm, I turn tv and 3250hd on and get the dvi alert message????

I can usually fix the dvi problem by unplugging the 3250hd, wait, plug in, turn on. It is fixed until the next day at 8-9 pm.

do you have a samsung dlp? I now have the sa 8000hd, but when I had the 3250, I would also get the same message periodically when using the dvi.

Originally posted by foz32
do you have a samsung dlp? I now have the sa 8000hd, but when I had the 3250, I would also get the same message periodically when using the dvi.

Yes, I have a samsung dlp.

FYI, I just got something to try from TW Diana so I have some things to try this weekend.

If you haven't heard, this is a fact. However, I just want to be sure that maybe someone can confirm that WIS will send the signal that day before I invite a heard of race fans to the house.

Thanks for any information anyone can provide.

Yes, I have heard that both of the races, the Nextel cup race and the Busch race, are going to be in HDTV from NBC. I would assume that WIS would send them out in HDTV. Might want to check with them first.

Originally posted by gamecock
I am having weird problems with the 3250hd and DVI. Is anybody else using the combo?

Basically, I am getting the "DVI alert", tv does not support hdcp.

The following has occur the last 3 days.

3250hd / TV with DVI work fine from 9:00 pm until I go to bed at which time both are turned off.

Next morning, 3250hd and TV are turned on and anything is fine.
The TV and 3250hd are turned on and off several times a day as kids/wife wish.
I come home from work and turn 3250hd and tv off so we can eat, say around 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Later, say around 8:00 - 9:00 pm, I turn tv and 3250hd on and get the dvi alert message????

I can usually fix the dvi problem by unplugging the 3250hd, wait, plug in, turn on. It is fixed until the next day at 8-9 pm.


I saw the same behavior with 3250hd / Samsung DLP. I went back to using component because I was tired of continually unplugging the DVI cable to correct the problem. I'd be interested in any solution you find.

Good Afternoon,

We think we have isolated the problem and will have a fix applied over the weekend. I have asked Gamecock to let me know if he sees the issue again. I suspect if he goes the entire weekend without seeing the issue again, then it will be safe for you to revert to the DVI output.

Have a great weekend

I upgraded to the 3250HD a week ago and I'm using a DVI cable to feed my Sony LCD projection. I'm on the Summerville system and I've not seen this problem.

Phil

Its a problem tied to the communication between this converter and specific television models. I do not, however have a complete list of the televisions that would be impacted vs those that would not.

WIS-DT...

Dan, I love the PQ for CBS Sports broadcast in HD, but really miss the DD5.1 surround. I know from previous posts that its an equipment issue not supplied by the network. Who can we contact about this issue?

I asked the same question last February before the Grammy's and was told they were awaiting equipment from CBS . This however is NOT the situation now. They have chosen not to upgrade their equipment. I doubt we will get a definitive answer to what is going on. The future is now and we will still have to wait to get the whole CBS broadcast.

It is possible that CBS changed their policy of providing the necessary hardware and Gannett/WLTX has yet to fund the the required Dolby--E decoder hardware (which I understand costs about ~$22K). And perhaps there are other factors/items needed and not mentioned here.

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by kevinivey
and I will continue to only get DD 2.0 from my local. They said CBS is not ready for a full launch. I'm in the 82nd market, but all stations have been HD for over a year.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Your local station needs to purchase a box or two from Dolby. What is the stations call letters?:( :( :( :(

Bob


__________________
CBS New York
rjross@cbs.com

$22K is a chunk of change, for these stations when I believe we HD folks are still a tiny market.

I'm sure in the future it will make more business sense for WLTX to plunk down the dough so we can get DD 5.1, but I doubt it does at this time.

I want it as badly as you folks do, but it will come in time.

-- Cain

I have tried to be very up front about our local HD build out. The reason we do not have DD5.1 is a lack of the equipment required to rebroadcast it.

1. CBS must send WLTX a new IRD(sat receiver) that is compatible with their newer DD5.1 system. They will only send them to affiliates who are going to purchase the necessary Dolby gear.

2. WLTX must purchase DD5.1 decoding and reincoding gear. I do not know the time table to purchase those pieces.

It all comes down to money. This is an expense we are not prepared to do at this time. As Cain said, "It is a chunk of change".

Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV;WLTX-DT

Dan...so what's the chance of WLTX issuing waviers for D* users so we can get the CBS HD national feed in 5.1 via satellite?

Thx for being upfront Dan, I understand your Company's position. Like I said I understand that we HD folks represent a very tiny subset of the WLTX viewing audience.

As more and more people purchase HD sets, and more and more folks want DD 5.1, I know that eventually it will make sense for WLTX to purchase the necessary equipment. We "early adopters" are just impatient!! :D

Take care, and thanks again for turing off the Doppler multicast for the SuperBowl. What time you gonna kill the Doppler ??

-- Cain

Dan,
Thanks for the clarification. A little both then of what I was thinking. I too agree with Cain, we do appear to be impatient! We really do appreciate your participating here and keeping us informed!

I too appreciate Dan's participation and honesty; however I do not think we are being impatient by asking for a full fledged HD broadcast which includes DD5.1 when the digital channel has been up for over a year?

I don't blame Dan or even WLTX because I realize an affiliate in a mid-level market does not have the same budget and advertising revenue as a larger market; but, CBS should step up to the plate (now that is is doing so well) and increase its leadership in HD by helping its affiliates broadcast in DD5.1.

I am thankful for what we have now, but do wish we had the DD5.1 too.

Anybody out there having issues receiving the digital tier channels? I'm getting a blank screen for all of them, though the guide data shows up. I get no picture on either my 8000HD or my "regular" 8000. No notices show up that says I'm not authorized or anything, just a blank screen.

Also, I'm getting a blank screen for ABC-HD, though all the other HD channels are showing just fine.

Maybe a weather related issue? I've got Earthlink Cable Modem service over TWC cable and it's working fine.

tigers

I have not lost the HD Tier or any HD Channels.

Give the infamous reboot a try an if that doesn't work send me an email at twcscnews@twcable.com.

Diana,

Thanks for the reply. I rebooted and got the digital tier channels back, but still no ABC-HD. All I get is a blank screen there. I'll send an email tomorrow if it hasn't cleared up by then. It's no big deal for now.

I double-checked and I'm not getting ABC either. I thought I checked it last time, but I think it hit 810 instead of 815. I made sure to go through all of them this time and the only one I am missing is ABC. hummmmm.

Lots of breakups of ABC tonight (OTA). Ice=Multi-path?

Mike

Mike,

That's what I was thinking. I'm just too lazy tonight to hook up my OTA stuff and take a look see.

I just checked my OTA and WOLO-DT is up and running but not on Ch 815. So it does appear to be a TWCSC problem. (I checked both the SA3250HD and the SA8000HD boxes; no Ch815 audio or video).

Let me rephrase: Ice=Multi-path with UHF only antenna. Bruce do you have a solid signal and if so what type of antenna? The breakups are only on ABC for me.

Mike

Mike,
WOLO has a very solid signal using a Channel Master 3021 Four-bay Bowtie mounted on a 10ft mast that is sitting on the ground. This is a UHF antenna that does well enough on the high-band VHF to bring in DT Ch 8 and the meter reads it's usual 6 bars on my Samsung SIR-T150. FWIW, our icing conditions were minimal here in Sumter.

also on WLTX tonight whenever they would put up the screen closings crawl it would switch to SD...I guess they'll get the HD character generator with the DD 5.1 ;-)

Gamecock,
I was interested to know if the fix worked for the DVI? Or are you still getting that hdcp message?

Unfortunately, the first attempt at a DVI error message fix didn't work, but the engineers do know why and are working on it this morning. They are supposed to let me know as soon as they are ready to test the next fix

WOLO is fine.. Icing can have a significant effect on the antenna, especially
on UHF Channels.

I posted this to the wrong thread last night. I was replying to the continuing inquiries about DD5.1.

The only DD5.1 CBS does, is the football and special programming such as the grammys. $22k is a lot to spend for one show per week.

We are facing other issues that we must deal with now like closed captioning for the HD signal. Since CBS does not put closed captioning on the HD feed, we have to purchase the gear to trans-code it from the analog feed. More money we weren't planning on spending for HD this year.
I know this doesn't sound like much, but how much can a business spend on a service with no money coming in to support that service?
The FCC keeps hitting businesses with expenses. One such expense is the reallocation of our microwave spectrum for 2Gigahertz. The re-channelization plan is going to cost the local stations in markets 30 plus thousands. While markets above 30 will get their cost defrayed by the company occupying the vacated spectrum.

Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV;WLTX-DT

P.S. Haven't explored the issue of a HD character generator yet.

Let me echo Dan's statement..Fortunately, we had the capital available to
complete WCCB & WOLO and be done. And no, we won't be adding an HD
character generator for seperate weather crawls on HD, it will just have to
drop back to the analog for those. Since EAS is a requirement on HD as well
as analog, this allows us to remain in compliance with the law.
In 2 years, no one will remember, or care, that WLTX didn't have 5.1 on
a few select programs.

Bob, I ran up to the attic and luckily no ice there! :eek: :eek: No seriously it only took a 1/4 inch antenna movement and I also moved the cables around and now all OTA channels have 100% strength. Does anyone know if small adjustments are needed for solid OTA reception on a regular basis?

Mike

looks like Charleston is gonna have DD 5.1 up for the superbowl:

link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3271420#post3271420)

Charlotte too.

Mike,
Ice on the roof will affect it as well...sometimes, it only takes a small movement..set up my father in law's HDTV yesterday..after much movement, I placed the silver sensor 3' lower on the floor of the attic..and ..perfect reception!

do you guys find that the pointing directions at antenna.org to be pretty accurate?

Rich- they got me in the general direction, see a few post above, sometimes they may need a little tweak.

So much for me getting up on the roof today to install my antenna...I probably have 15 trees down around my house. But I have power at least, for now.

I can't get a signal here for WIS-DT Ch41 (10-x). All the other DT stations however appear basically normal (antenna is iced up somewhat) so I am thinking maybe WIS-DT is down or having a problem. Anyone else getting WIS-DT tonight?

No WIS

WLTX and WOLO lookin good (Armageddon in HD is still bad...imagine that )

No audio at all on WRLK (35.3) ?????????

I had a couple of power blinks...good thing all of my stuff's on a UPS!

Originally posted by bdfox18doe
In 2 years, no one will remember, or care, that WLTX didn't have 5.1 on
a few select programs.

Uh, this "THE" Super Bowl!

I agree with jdjackson, $22k is not a large amount to spend for the necessary equipment to give good customer service and satisfy the viewers. Its a one-time investment for equipment that will last years, and will most certainly be depreciated and written off on their taxes anyways. Charleston and Charlotte stations are implementing DD 5.1 why does Columbia always lag behind over cities. I suppose since we are out range to pick up other CBS affiliates WLTX figures they have a monopoly and doesn't care what we think since there are no other alternatives. If you want to watch the Superbowl or The Masters or whatever else is good on CBS you have to watch WLTX. I just think its wrong that CBS puts the signal out there and our backwoods small-time local affiliate doesnt bother to give us customers the HD signal being broadcast by the network. If the FCC hadn't mandated that every affiliate broadcast in digital I know these three stations in Columbia would never have switched to digital, while stations in larger markets had already switched years ago.

Hey Rock, welcome to AVS,

$22K may not be much money for CBS but that is a chunk of change for a local affiliate.

I would also love to have DD 5.1 but I understand why they do not have it yet, we are a tiny niche group for them and they make absolutely no additional money from buying the 5.1 equipment. It will come, just be patient.

Complain to CBS.

-- Cain

Originally posted by D-rock0030
I agree with jdjackson, $22k is not a large amount to spend ...

Just to clarify, I never said that I thought 22k was a small amount to spend. In my previous post, I stated that I did not blame Dan or WLTX, but I thought CBS Corporate should step up to the plate and help its affiliates now that its doing so well in the ratings, etc.

While I am disappointed about not having DD5.1 for the Super Bowl. I will say that we have been very lucky with the locals in regard to their acceptance of HD. We could be treated to what Charlotte has been dealing with in regards to their local ABC station. They get a 4.3 DD2.0 for all programming. No widecreen, HD , or 5.1. Wltx was the first commercial network in Columbia to broadcast in HD. If they would had waited as long as Wis then they would had probably purchased a DD5.1. Two years ago when they went live there were NO DD 5.1 broadcast by CBS. Wltx is the BEST local in regards to their HD broadcast.

Originally posted by D-rock0030
I agree with jdjackson, $22k is not a large amount to spend for the necessary equipment to give good customer service and satisfy the viewers. Its a one-time investment for equipment that will last years, and will most certainly be depreciated and written off on their taxes anyways. Charleston and Charlotte stations are implementing DD 5.1 why does Columbia always lag behind over cities. I suppose since we are out range to pick up other CBS affiliates WLTX figures they have a monopoly and doesn't care what we think since there are no other alternatives. If you want to watch the Superbowl or The Masters or whatever else is good on CBS you have to watch WLTX. I just think its wrong that CBS puts the signal out there and our backwoods small-time local affiliate doesnt bother to give us customers the HD signal being broadcast by the network. If the FCC hadn't mandated that every affiliate broadcast in digital I know these three stations in Columbia would never have switched to digital, while stations in larger markets had already switched years ago.
Well.... I have to disagree with D-rock0030. We, and they, have come a long way in the last three years. So I say lets not judge them too harshly. I imagine they will be add the DD equipment when possible. I am not sure that the total expense for DD is just $22k; that was just one item. I brought that up to show that upgrading is not cheap. I also think characterizing WLTX as being a "backwoods small-time local affiliate" is both wrong and rude. Lets check the facts please:

- The FCC mandated Digital Television (DTV), not HDTV and WLTX-DT does HDTV. The FCC also mandated DTV for the top 30 markets by May 1999 and even then not all of thse made it on time. So yes, we were behind some of the larger cities in the US (Columbia is market #84).

- WLTX-DT was in fact the first commercial station to step up to the plate in the Columbia viewing area with their DT build-out (SCETV/WRLK-DT was the first in 02/2000). WLTX-DT went live on May 3, 2002 and was added to TWC's HDTV lineup on September 8th. And WLTX-DT carried (passed though) the CBS's network HD feed from day one.

- To further put Columbia's DTV build out in perspective, WOLO-DT went live on 10/03/02 and was added to TWC Ch 815 on 1/17/03. WACH-DT went live on 01/08/03 and is not on cable yet. WIS-DT went live on 1/31/03 and also is not on TWC yet. . WBHQ-DT went live on 9/17/03 (testing and slid w/o fanfare into daily broadcasts but only in the Sumter area). Their not on TWC either.

- You say Columbia lags behind Charleston? Answer this: if the Charleston station is so much more progressive and more sophisticated than WLTX-DT then why did it it take Charleston some 19 months longer to build out their digital station? I am not knocking Charleston; they are a smaller market (Market #108) and I don't know their other particulars. But please don't criticize WLTX for not waiting until 2004 to go live with DTV w/DD. And Charlotte is Market #27 so they were required by the FCC to be OTA in May 1999 (I am not sure of their actual on-air date).

- Monopoly? Of course WLTX has the broadcast rights from the CBS network for Columbia. That is how the system works. Be glad that our "monopolistic" station bothers with HD at all. Go read up on Sinclair Broadcasting in general (according to their web site, only 7 of 63 stations are HD ready). And see that Meredith's KPHO in Phoenix (market #16) whose CBS HD programming did not start until 8/30/03).

- Remember we are talking about a capability related to programming. Right or wrong, CBS uses DD5.1 minimally right now. Sports in general and the NFL in particular are great to have in DD5.1 audio. Movies would be nice too. Otherwise..? It will take time for the station and the network to get it all together.

- Simple economics says that because WLTX was one of the first stations to build their DTV capability they probably spent more money on hardware than later stations did. Given the lack of income from HDTV to offset its costs I would say give them some slack. Heck, even CBS themselve delayed their IRD deployment that is required for the station to receive DD.

There are far worse horror stories available here at AVS than our station not yet having DD 5.1 audio. How about a digital tower in Omaha that fell during retrofit (ABC) and damaged another (CBS) and took/kept them both off the air. Heck, for grins go read up on the problems that Denver has had in getting permission to build new DT towers. In perspective we have it pretty decent here. And it should continue to get better.

Oh, Columbia has four DTV stations: SCETV/WRLK, CBS/WLTX, ABC/WOLO, and FOX/WACH. The first three do HD; the latter does 480p/ EDTV. Our area's WB/UPN DT station WBHQ is actually in Sumter and only broadcasting SDTV in the Sumter area and I understand they have no plans for HD at this time.

Originally posted by kevinivey
We could be treated to what Charlotte has been dealing with in regards to their local ABC station. They get a 4.3 DD2.0 for all programming. No widecreen, HD , or 5.1. .

WSOC here does pass the HD,99% of the time and sometimes the 5.1..they
just can't seem to get the 5.1 right all the time. Sure you don't mean
Charleston?..The "CH"s as was in the paper this week..

[i]Charlotte is Market #27 so they were required by the FCC to be OTA in May 1999 (I am not sure of their actual on-air date).
- [/B]

Actually it was November 1999. Lemme see here.. I forgot the date we put WBTV on air,(I did the audio and satellite systems) and WCCB was
October 29th..1999..I do believe WSOC and WCNC made it as well.

My how time flies when having fun..

Originally posted by bdfox18doe
WSOC here does pass the HD,99% of the time and sometimes the 5.1..they
just can't seem to get the 5.1 right all the time. Sure you don't mean
Charleston?..The "CH"s as was in the paper this week..


I humbly stand corrected, all these threads blur together after awhile. I promise to do more research before I post another erroneous statement.;)

See! I rest my case! No One Remembers!
No problem Kevin..I have friends in Charleston, @ WCSC.. (worked there too!)

Remember what?

I forget what I forgot..

WOLO-DT now has FULL PSIP with EPG..Still tweaking it, any problems please let me know.

Yep, your PSIP with EPG is working; did not check to see how far out it goes...

25-1 fine
25-2 says "FOXSCAN Radar with Nation"

Yea, 25-2 is incorrect, the file the program service downloads to us is
wrong..WCCB & WOLO both come off of the same system..they're having
a hard time understanding that.

Making progress Bob! :)

WOLO: PSIP now reads: 25-2 ABC-25's Weather Radar-Na


And other observations:

SCETV/WRLK-DT: no signal (TWC or OTA)

NBC/WIS-DT: no signal OTA (have not checked since Monday night when they also were not on).

Before I do a little rant on this subject, I just noticed (10:30PM) that the WIS-DT program schedule tonight is now showing up on my Samsung TS-160 channel guide. It does not have any programming details yet, but at least I can now see what is on for shows.

Begin of rant:
It's been hard to miss the recent TWC full page ads in the State newspaper and on local radio, stating that you cannot receive this game in HD on WLTX from your Satellite provider...that the Super Bowl will be carried in "High Definition exclusively on Time Warner Cable and WLTX". The Super Bowl is a great opportunity for HD providers (Video Displays, Cable, Satellite, etc.) to generate new business using HD technology as the carrot...I'm all for that! However, I believe we have a prblem here.

TWC's ad (I assume this came from the corporate offices, subbing local channel info) is at best disingenuous and IMHO highly mis-leading. I can't speak for DISH owners (feel free to chime in), but as one who has switched from TWC HD to D* HD, I am concerned about the impression left with the general public who may not be as well versed in the subtlety of the HD choices they have as the members who frequent this forum.

Some facts:
To the best of my knowledge, all D* HD Receivers include an integrated OTA (Over The Air) HD reception capability. HD Cable boxes do not have this capability...otherwise TWC HD users could now be receiving WIS & FOX in Digital/HD instead of waiting for the corporate lawyers to determine which local Digital channels you get to watch. For example, tonight on D*, I had access to the HD broadcast of an NBA game on ESPN-HD, Law and Order on WIS-DT in HD as well as the usual lineups on CBS, PBS and ABC (thanks to all three for being the HD leaders in Columbia!). On Fox (WACH), I have enjoyed digital widescreen broadcasts of NFL Games on Sunday afternoons and popular prime time shows such as 24. With TWC, you do not have access to the Digital broadcasts of NBC, Fox or ESPN...and you missed some great TV over the past 5-6 months!

This Sunday, I will be watching the Pats whomp the Panthers on WLTX in HD using my High Definition D* Satellite receiver...despite assertions to the contrary in the TMC ad. To be accurate (contrary to you-know-who), I am receiving the game in HD OTA using the built in functionality of the D* Satellite Receiver...its not coming directly from the satellite. As noted above, Cable boxes do not provide the capability to receive HD programming over the air.

Bottom Line:
If either NBC or ESPN had the Super Bowl broadcast rights this year, you would not be able to watch it in HD on TWC on Sunday. If FOX had the broadcast rights to this game, you would not be able to watch in in Digital Widescreen (near DVD-type quality) on TWC this Sunday. That's why the TWC ads are disingenuous...they lucked out by having this year's game on one of the two major networks that they carry in HD. Secondly, the ad is seriously misleading because anyone who has an HD Satellite receiver and has an antennae within range of the WLTX tower, will receive the game in HD. (DirecTV's recent discount offerings on complete HD systems make it highly competitive with cable...probably why TWC is taking the low road with the Super Bowl ads).

In summary, if I were in charge of TWC in the Columbia area, I would be embarrassed to show the TWC-Super Bowl ads given the highly misleading statement "...not locally available in HD on satellite!". That, combined with their long-running gap in providing digital carriage of major sporting events (i.e FOX, ESPN-HD + NBC will have the Daytona 500 in HD), suggests some key people in the organization are not in touch with the customer.

End of Rant

Also we're bombarded with the "message" that everytime the wind blows you lose your satellite service. I know this much...My D* service didn't fade once during this last storm (with an inch of ice on my dish). Alot of my coworkers/friends haven't had TWC availible since Monday. "truth in advertising"

btw I will be watching the superbowl via D* and DD5.1 (where there's a will...)

each has its achillies heel...

All advertising is disingenuous at best. Ads are designed to present a particular product in the best possible light. Nothing of what that TWC ad was outright false, though it was a bit misleading, but what ads aren't misleading to some extent? No product is as good as advertised (well almost none :D)

D* is good, but TWC is good too in my opinion. Their non-digital channels don't compare well with the same channels on D* from a PQ standpoint, but I don't see any HD DVR's out for D* (yet) nor are there any reps from D* actively participating in this thread and helping out their customers. That counts for a lot in my opinion, never mind what ad some marketing guy in corporate decided to run in the local paper about HD on TWC.

Damn, I wonder if the VIP who's also the VP did some QC on this reply? LOL.

I agree each medium has its selling points. But I whole heartedly agree with the "singing in the rain" commercials presented by TWC every 15 mins on USA and TNT. I used to have a D* satellite and my service pratically never went out. I now live downtown in Shandon area where there is an abundance of trees so I have TWC now. And everytime it rains or the wind blows I lose my cable and roadrunner service for up to an hour at times. Thats why I hate that stupid commercial with some fat cable guy singing that irritating song. Next time it rains I want to invite him over to my house to sit and watch snow on my TV screen.

But I will be switching back to D*, as I just realized that the satellite STB includes an OTA receiver too. I thought the $399 for the receiver was extremely pricey until I just found out why. Now I see it as a relatively good bargain as a stand-alone OTA receiver runs about $299. I will be ditching my TWC. I cant wait to watch Law and Order in HD along with the Daytona 500 and the Hershey's 300 and D* has ESPN-HD right now not "we are currently negotiating" and D* has the NFL network which as far as I understand TWC has no intentions of even trying to get. Also when I had my D* dish I could get the sports tier that had MSG, YES, NESN, Sunshine Network and all the other local sport channels, like close to 30 in all. During Baseball season you could watch any teams local broadcast of their games. TWC has their "sports tier" consisting of a whopping 4 Fox Sports Nets in digital with mostly the same thing on all 4. I am a huge Yankees fan and it blows that TWC wont offer YES either. I can sort of understand that since we live down south here and everybody in the past 10 yrs now all of the sudden is a Braves fan. But it is nice with D* to at least have the option of getting those channels. Now MSG has a new HD channel now too that broadcasts all of the Knicks home games in HD and I think there is a Fox Sports Net in HD now too and we dont get that either with TWC. It seems to me that TWC is always so slow in picking up new channels whether they are HD or just digital. I'm a sports nut and to me the last year that I've had TWC just sucks so bad, I've been missing out on everything that I took for granted when I had D* before. Having this forum with a TWC employee visiting often just doesnt make up for the lack of offerings of D* no matter how helpful she may be. And I'm sure that there will be a D* with a build in HD DVR soon enough. That alone is not even close to keeping me from switching. I have the SA8000 SD DVR and at first I used it a lot, just the novelty of having it, but recently I probably havent even used it twice a month. My cable bill with 3 boxes, digital service, road runner, and all the surcharges and taxes and stuff is over $150/month and I dont even have any movie channels in the 200's It just seems that I am paying too much for what little I get. And the bill is always a different amount its always going up every couple months and I dont buy PPV movies ever so I dont see why it changes so much. I guess this turned into a session on cable bashing but thats now what I intended in the beginning. I just have had bad experiences with TWC ever since I got it. When I added roadrunner to my account the installer was over 6hrs late and didnt even apologize or call once to let me know he was going to be late. And because he wasn't a TWC employee, he was a 3rd party contractor I wasn't eligible for the week's free credit that you see advertised 100 times a day on tv either. My appt was set for 9am-1pm time slot, he got there at 7pm so I obviously wasted a whole day from work and I'm sorry but thats a hell of a lot more money than some $10 credit for a weeks free service of RR which I never got anyways because of some loophole. I never did get even a half-azz apology from anybody that worked for the cable company. Little things like that are what really get to me, taking the customers for granted because they have a franchise in the Columbia area, that we as customers are billed back for on our cable bill. So its like we are subsidizing the fact that they are a franchise which only in turn makes them more money while we get worse service. Seems about right to me, huh, in corporate America. :) Sorry I'm so cranky, I've been without electricity since Monday afternoon, and can't find out when it may be fixed.

Oh, and this is to the guy above (BDavis) who had the rant about the misleading TWC ads. You wont be listening to it in DD 5.1 if you are getting the WLTX OTA signal, they still dont have the equipment to do DD 5.1, sorry. But I do agree with you 100% on everything else you say.

and it looks like monday before powers back for alot of people...too bad for the superbowl.

I will be watching the Pats whomp the Panthers on WLTX in HD

Don't you mean Panthers whomp the Pats! :D :D

Well, I'm not sure why I'm going to wade into the TWC debate, but here goes.

1) Their Super Bowl ad was not misleading at all. It says you can't get the Super Bowl in HD on the dish and that is true. It does not mention OTA.

2) I have lived in this house for over ten years and I have never had a cable guy come on time, and only once or twice even had them show up the same day they were scheduled. That is annoying, I'll give you that. They need to do a better job of exerting control over their subs.

3) I believe that TWC is trying very hard to provide better customer service than they have in the past. The proof is in the pudding as they say.

Take care,

-- Cain

I agree with Cain that TWC is trying to provide better customer service. Diana has been wonderful. My only complaint is the lack of network channels available in HD. At least you guys in Columbia have 2 networks. In the Myrtle Beach area, we only have CBS and there seems to be no hope of getting the others anytime soon. The problem is the people involved in the negotiation of these carriage agreements are corporate lawyers who could not give a crap about us the consumer---they are just looking to see how much money they can make. They evidently also do not care how long it takes them to reach these agreements as they appear to be in no hurry to get anything done. It happens whenever it happens.:mad:

I've noticed the comments here from time to time about the SA8000HD and it seems like here in the Columbia TWC market at least it is ready for prime time. According to the flyer we received yesterday, it's only an extra five bucks a month beyond what we're paying for our Explorer 3100.

So am I getting the consensus opinion right? Any reason not to call up and get on the list for one? I assume TWC still isn't letting us pick it up at their office and self-install, correct?

I downloaded the PDF user's manual and it looks like the 8000HD has the flexibility to deal with our 4:3 HD monitor. There seems to be a simple way to toggle between 480i for plain old TV and 1080i widescreen for HD stuff. How does the recorded picture quality for plain old TV compare to, say, my JVC S-VHS deck? Ideally, I'd like to use the 8000HD both as a replacement for the VCR and as a HD-recorder.

One last question. How much (if any) taller is the 8000HD than our Explorer 3100 box? If it's more than about 3/8" taller I'll have to do some undesirable rearranging of the equipment on the shelves under the TV.

Mr. Hutto,

In Columbia you may now come into any front counter and pick up the HD DVR. Quite to the contrary of typical roll outs, we were able to acquire a good bit of inventory of this new product and it is on a regular distribution to the call centers throughout town. You will have to either bring in your 3100 or your owner's manual for your HDTV in order for them to release it to you over the counter. (There are still those out there who think the converter will make their TV HD.... thus the precaution)

Everything about the HD DVR is prime time except that the DVI, composite and S-Video outputs will not be active until the March software download. If you plan to continue to use component output ala your 3100 you are golden.

The Quick Settings Mechanism to change your picture size works like a charm.

PQ works for my 32" Samsung, but I leave it to our experts here with more refined equipment and taste.

The HD DVR is exactly the same size as the DVR, which would make it about the same height as the 3100, but wider. It does generate some heat, so you wouldn't want to have the vents blocked.

Thanks, Diana.

Sounds like it will fit nicely under my TV, extra width and heat shouldn't be a problem. Self-install works great since it's always tough to schedule home visits. I'm just going to substitute it for the Explorer 3100 and use the component cables so that's simple.

By Jove, I think we'll get one! Cool stuff.

I agree that the issue with the lack of local affiliates is in the negotiations. I get the feeling that the local affiliates are trying to squeeze TWC for every red cent that they can to help recoup the cost of new equipment necessary for digital transmissions. I have called and emailed WIS many times and their responses always blame TWC for the negotiation issues and say it comes down to compression of signals. But TWC has stated many times that they dont compress the incoming signals they only remodulate it for transmission over the cable network. So somebody is lying. I have the feeling it is WIS and WACH. My main issue with TWC is they are terribly lacking in the area of picking up new channels and their lack of sports channels that are available on D* and Dish satellites. That is why I will be switching to D* and very soon.

I will have to agree that TWC and the Cable industry in general can no longer stand on the podium they once stood on. The selling point of cable companies has always been Locals, well D* and E*have done a good job in getting that accomplished and have even surpassed cable and particulary TWC in SC by adding the OTA tuner to their set top boxes. At least the sat companies recognize where they need to improve and provide an alternative until they do. TWC doesn't provide an OTA tuner to compensate.I am currently a new E* customer. Last March I bought a home in Summerville, SC and was persuaded by the TWC sales rep that there HD was on line with D* who I had at the time. I then went with TWC only to discover, false advertising on their web site, and less HD channels then was promised to myself. I then went on a path that introduced to me to Diana Smith. My source of aggravation was compounded when I found out that Summerville, SC had a lowly 500MHZ system and therfor would not be getting any additional HD channels until sometime in 2004.I'm a huge sports fan and I couldn't stomach not seeing Sunday Night or Monday night football in HD.I was fortunate enough to recently switch over to E* and receive a free HD receiver( Although there was a slight install delay) I couldn't be much happier with the product. It has a few issues but E* has been pretty good about software upgrades. Of course I receive ESPN HD and so on, but I am able to get ABC,CBS,and NBC over the Air. So service with E*= 3 Locals in HD, service with TWC=1 Local.And my analog reception of the rest is actually a better picture then those analog cable channels. So lets compare Apples to Apples.

Locals= E*=3 TWC=1
ESPN HD E*=Yes TWC=NO
Monthly bill for all digital channels and HD PAK E*= $34.99
Sorry, but TWC isn't all digital and $34.99 I don't think so.
Reliability Satelite= Can't remember the last time I had a problem
TWC was about every week or two
HD Equipment E*=Free with 1 year agreement
TWC=$7 rental( pat yourselves on the back TWC you actually match up in one area)

It's a no brainer, why don't you advertise those facts!!! I challenge anyone to disect my post and tell me where I am wrong. D* is also offering some awesome deals that now makes HD equipment as easy to obtain as cable. So what will the cable companies do now, they can't fall back on the start up cost of HD anymore. The only way TWC is staying where it is is because of the convenience and in some areas the lack of alternatives. For example, in Summerville your only choice is between TWC and Sat. I don't know what the laws are that govern this, but real competition would be if I could choose between comcast ,twc, or sat etc....Then the customers would really see an increase in product availability. To all you Summerville TWC customers out there I recomend you take a hard look at these offers from D* and E*, and you can enjoy things like the 500 in HD. Jennifer Garner from ALIAS even looks better in HD. Or you can wait around for the quote Upgrade to take place in Summerville and then of course I'm sure TWC will place Local Channels on the top of that list and hammer out deals immediately and by my calculations you'll have more HD channels by , I don't know, say next Super Bowl.Diana.....In case your listening, your Website has SHO E & W and HBO E& W advertised on the Summerville Line up card as HD again. I'm sure this was just another mistake though and not meant to misguide would be customers.

I hadn't checked into getting E* but I may take a serious look at them now. I didn't realize that you could get HD channels and a standard Digital package for as low as $35 per month. TWC is over $50 per month for their basic cable + basic digital tier+ stb. Heck they even charge per month for a remote control. I agree that if there were more than one cable company in a given area there would be a lot more competition and better service. But there just isnt enough customers even in the largest metropolitan area such as Columbia to support someone such as comcast to come in and invest multiple millions to purchase equipment, lay hundreds of miles of cable. It just wont happen. Plus I believe that TWC has franchise agreements with most municipalities that it operates in so that there will never be any competition. Its basically a legalized monopoly and the customers pay for it all with franchise fees tacked ontop of their cable bills. I havent looked at my cable bill lately (I'm afraid to, its so outrageous) but I believe its in there. I could be mistaken and if so I'm sure somebody here who has TWC so they feel they must stick up for them will let me know very quickly. There was an article on CNN.com I believe that I just read that in the last 10 years Satellite companies have went from 0 market share to 25% market share now. Thats for every person receiving cable channels in their homes in the US. Thats huge, to lose 25% in a decade and I have a feeling that with HDTV, local affiliate problems, and how quickly the satellite companies offer the newest channels, and with people moving further and further from cities that satellites will just gain a higher percentage of the market every year. Its not just in SC, people who live all over the country are having problems getting all of the local affiliates in HD on their cable systems. Like I said earlier I feel that the affiliates are trying to recoup as much of the cost of going digital by making the cable companies pay for the rebroadcast rights. And the longer they hold out the more people buy new HDTV's the higher the leverage that the affiliates will have in squeezing the money from the cable companies. The only area that I see that cable companies still hold an advantage over satellites is in broadband internet access. It sucks with a satellite, even if you have one of the transmit and receive satellites. But I've noticed that the phone companies are cutting their prices on their DSL plans, so I may switch from roadrunner. Its $45 per month, thats with $5 discount because I also have cable tv service. Bellsouth and other internet providers are slashing their monthly prices to $30 for the same speed DSL (1.5Mbps/256kbps) service that cable offers. I think it would be great that you can have tv and high speed internet all on one cable coming into your house and get it all on one bill. But its not worth getting ripped off over every month.

Another option that is getting more and more interesting is VOOM. At CES they announced an HD DVR that will be available this summer that will also serve as a mainframe for a home network. The great thing about this is that the networking will all be done over existing COAX, no need to rewire. Basically the one DVR can feed up to 4 small slave units that will provide time shifting from any slave along with the ability to create lists of channels and viewable movies for each different location. That will be great if you have kids and when you want sports in HD and your wife wants ABC in HD upstairs. I don't know all the specifics, but it do look very promising. I was and still am a little shaky about VOOM, but I admire what there after, they are seeking to provide a wealth of HD which is what I want. I will wait til this summer, if they deliver on there promises, I will make the move. I love a company that will put there money where there mouth is!!!I don't take things personal, even though I had bad experiences with TWC, I would use them again if they had the best service, but they just don't.

Well, that was easy. I went home at lunch to fetch the Explorer 3100 and trade it in. But since I had to drive right by the Devine Street office I stopped on the way and they handed me a 8000HD without requiring the old box (I think I made it clear that I knew the details of what I needed and why). Took less than five minutes to swap it out using the same cables, including the power cord. No rearrangement needed at all. It took a few minutes to figure out how to switch between 480i and 1080i from the remote but that was it.

I was able to pause "The View" (geez, what dreck they show during the daytime), resume watching and catch up just by pushing the correct button. Recorded picture quality looks great, no compression artifacts that I could see. As someone noted in the other thread, the picture from the 8000HD is darkish compared to the Explorer 3100. I think I'll use my TV calibration for progressive-scan DVD rather than the one for OTA signals.

Dropped the old box off on the way back. Pretty productive lunch hour, that.

We call the View "The Henfest"...

FYI

Your TWC bill does still include taxes and franchise fees, which are simply additional type of tax from local areas that they charge you through us.

We do have signed franchise agreements with all areas we serve. This is a requirement and NONE of them are exclusive. Any other cable provider can come into an area and sign a franchise agreement to provide service.

Currently in South Carolina, TWC completes with another hard-wire competitor in four areas, and completes with two additional hard-wire competitors in one area.

The capitol costs to 'overbuild' an area when you are looking at this type of market share game is the prohibitive factor for a company - not an existing franchise agreement. More and more, however, new companies are going for the market share game and making the investment.

Brent, that surprises me that the Devine St branch had the new 8000HD DVR box. When I wanted the regular 8000 box a few months ago I went by there 3 separate times and they never had any. I finally had to go to the Greystone branch and they had them there. Same situation occurred when I bought my HDTV I just went straight to the Greystone branch and got my 3250HD box. The Devine St branch is very convenient for me as I live just a few blocks away on Harden St., but I have just quit going there for anything except for paying my bill on my lunch break. Maybe they have decided to stock more items there now, which is good.

I have looked at the VOOM system too. They say they offer like up to something like 39 HD channels, I believe they are including the OTA networks too. The receiver has a built in OTA receiver too like D* and E*. But the equipment cost is something like $750. I thought that was pretty high. And the programming packages are kind of pricey too. I think if you get every channel they offer its going to run right around $100 per month. They have a lot of channels I have never even heard of. I don't know what kind of programming is on some of those channels and I didn't see where they offer ESPN-HD. They had some other no-name sports channels. But with them offering 30-something HD channels that can only put more pressure on the more mainstream providers to offer more channels too.

I think I read somewhere about a TNT-HD channel starting up in May 2004. Has anyone else heard anything about this? I would assume since TNT is owned by Turner that TWC would be the first to offer it. I'm not sure if this was all just rumors or facts, so if anyone else knows it would be nice to know for sure.

When the guy was looking in the cabinet, over his shoulder I saw a shelf with a dozen or so of the regular 8000's. He got my 8000HD from a different cabinet which had one or two others (I assume they were other 8000HD's but couldn't tell). There was another guy swapping out a broken Road Runner cable modem. After the lady gave him another one, she noted to the others that she had just given out their last one and went to the back room to call someone about getting more.

All of which leads me to believe that a) they are trying to keep more equipment in stock and b) they seem to have plenty but not an unlimited supply at any given time. That's good to know since I work at the University and live out Garner's Ferry Road.

Yes that is good to know. I pass devine street about 6 times a day so its very convenient. Plus I'm not sure how many people know its even there. Everytime I go, there's never more than 2 other people in line so its very fast too. The greystone branch is often quite busy, especially when I have a chance to go on my lunch break I think everybody else is going at the same time.

Our current schedule provides Divine Street with two deliveries per week, which are intended to keep them fully stocked on all equipment.

TNT HD is slated to launch sometime in the 2nd or 3rd quarter. We have not yet received any specific information on the product from our Turner Sales Representatives.

The negotiation process for Time Warner Cable Owned Programming is the same as with other programmers. There are no advantages based on the fact that we are owned by the same parent company because that would be an Anti-Competitive advantage other cable and satellite providers. This relationship is closely governed by the FCC and FTC.

Special Events Channel 813 will be showing the

TNT All Star Game Saturday 2/14/2003 8:00 pm NBA All Star Game
TNT All Star Game Sunday 2/15/2003 8:00 pm NBA All Star Game

Diana...

Have you heard anything about the OLN channel and HD? They announced a cycling special that was going to be shot/aired in HD this april.

Originally posted by Rich_SC
Diana...

Have you heard anything about the OLN channel and HD? They announced a cycling special that was going to be shot/aired in HD this april.

Here is your answer:

OLN Tests HD Waters


By Allison Romano -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/7/2004 9:54:00 AM

Outdoor Life Network plans to try its hand at high-definition programming.


The network, making its first appearance at the Television Critics Association press tour, is hatching a 13-episode reality series to be produced in HD featuring Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong and the U.S. Postal Service cycling team.

The series, ’04: The Lance Armstrong Story, follows Armstrong and the team on and off the cycling course in the months leading up to the Tour and throughout the competition. The series will debut April 29.

OLN president Roger Williams said his network is talking to pay-per-view and on-demand provider In Demand, which runs high-definition channels that distribute content from other programmers, to carry the series. Williams says he would like to make more shows in HD, possibly bull riding or surfing, and someday launch a dedicated OLN HD network, although he admits that is likely years off.

thanks...I had originally saw the press release but missed the In Demand part.

No problem, I am the GoogleMaster:D

TWC's ad may have chosen their words wisely, but they need to talk to
Dave Stewart (and the other DJs) at 93.5 FM about how they're wording it.

When they whore themselves out to talk about TWC on air like they're just
chatting with us instead of a commercial, he says that TWC is the only way
to get the Superbowl in HD in Columbia.

Funny, I'll be watching it and I'm not a TWC subscriber.

Who listens to local radio? Not me, XM all the way!


Also INHD will be showing live golf next week. Set your recorders if you wish.

PGA Tour 2/5: Live at Pebble Beach 7th Hole

“Shots on Seven” features tournament play on the Pebble Beach Golf Links’ par-3 7th hole. The 7th hole is among the most famous holes in all of golf. The shortest hole in major championship golf, the green is protected by six bunkers and partially surrounded by rocks leading into the Pacific Ocean. With a steep tee-to-green drop and full exposure to the Pacific Ocean, the wind becomes the major factor on the hole.

Anybody else having problem with reception for HD Tier Channels? I live in SE Columbia 29209 zip code, Garner Ferry Area. Also, my analog has turned very grainy. I suspect it has to do with Partner Communications, Inc. (TWC Contractor) who said they had to run a new line through my back yard yesterday. My reception was fine before then...hmm, but thought I would check. WLTX is still ok on digital so far.

Anybody know when WLTX will start broadcasting HD??

I just checked and nothing at all right now.

-- Cain

Where the H*** is WLTX-DT? The programming was to start at 12:00. We need to find out what is going on!

All of my HD channels on TWC are coming in fine except WLTX. It comes and goes like TWC is not picking up a good signal from them. I hope they get it fixed by 2pm when the HD SuperBowl preview show starts!!!

At the moment I get no signal from WLTX, OTA or Cable.. Nada..

Anyone know when they will start broadcasting?? I wanted to tweak before my guests arrive.

-- Cain

Just called the newsroom and they said they would have it up in 45 minutes. They will definitely have it up soon(according to master control). No HD from CBS scheduled until 2:00 pm.

Originally posted by D-rock0030
All of my HD channels on TWC are coming in fine except WLTX. It comes and goes like TWC is not picking up a good signal from them. I hope they get it fixed by 2pm when the HD SuperBowl preview show starts!!!


Not a TWC problem. For some unknown reason WLTX has NOT started the digital broadcast at 12.

Thanks Kevin, you da' man..

I think CBS is sending HD right now, at least that is what I interpret the satellite folks to be saying.

I believe the real Super Bowl 'pre-game' starts at 2PM.

-- Cain

CBS is most likely sending a upcoverted 4.3 image like normal for non HD broadcast. We would have been treated to the wonderful gray sidebars from WLTX. I wonder if their problem is wind related? I will be nervous until they are actually broadcasting.

I will be nervous until they are actually broadcasting.

Me and you both!!

I have a house full of guests coming to see their first HD !!

-- Cain

We now have a stable picture.:rolleyes:

We now have a stable picture.

Great !! HD or 4:3 SD ??

At least I can tweak my antenna now tho.....

-- Cain

We now have a frozen 4.3 image. What a good day to have a problem. I think the lack of DD5.1 might be well forgotten if this thing is a bust!

I was gonna say, all I saw was that dude in the Fur coat with a frozen 4:3 image!!

I wonder if we can pick up WRDW???? I may try that next !!

-- Cain

Back on again. CBS has inserted blue sidebars. As for WRDW, not a chance

20 minutes and no problems. Keep your fingers crossed!

It's a good thing that my "friend" is getting the CBS-HD National feed (east and west coast) via D* AND 5.1

I'm sure WLTX will have it worked out before gametime.

While were waiting for the festivities to begin, I have received an update on the OLN Cycling Program to be shot in HD.

The company iN Demand provides both ppv as well as the programming on IN HD 1 & IN HD 2. An official from iN Demand saw my earlier post and let me know that they are in negotiations to carry this programming on IN HD, not the iControl product. Thus, my concerns for when we would launch iControl HD are not relevant to this issue.

Again, when I see specific information about this programming in the future I'll share.

I would love to see the Tour De France in HD !! With that French countryside, in HD !!

It won't be the Tour itself just the "behind the scenes" special shot by OLN (which probably will have alot of French "beauty shots"). For the Tour they're limited by the feed from French TV and since most of the action is shot by motorcycles and wirelessly transmitted...you ain't gonna see this in HD this decade. Would be nice though.

It'll definately be a special to check out...

gotta go make some guac!

Makes sense, thanks Rich.....

-- Cain

We had a transmitter problem this morning. Had a bias current overload on my tube. It should be fixed. Sorry for the scare.
Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV;WLTX-DT
:rolleyes:

"Where the HELL is WLTX-DT?"

I don't believe that is necessary. Do you honestly think that we would be late on the air for the Super Bowl? If you don't know what is going on just ask. There is no need for that kind of attitude. We are trying to work with everyone as much as possable.
Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV;WLTX-DT

Originally posted by Dan'sHiPix
"Where the HELL is WLTX-DT?"

I don't believe that is necessary.

obviously not a football fan :p

"obviously not a football fan "
quite the contrary I am a huge football fan. However, things which are beyond our control break sometimes.
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you deal with it.
We all have two choices, get bent out of shape or deal with the issue as best we can. I choose to do the latter. Life is too Short to get bent out of shape over every little thing. What was the worst thong that could have happened. You would still be able to see the game on WLTX analog. I know it is not as good as digital. However, you wouldn't have missed a snap. A true football fan will watch even the poorest signal if it is a team he likes and follows.

Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV;WLTX-DT

:p = just kidding

Thanks for the hard work Dan !! We are ready to go..

- Cain

Dan,
Ditto to what Cain said. Looks great from here and we do appreciate you and your crew's efforts!

darn; them Texas girls look good ... oh...sorry....

enjoy!

No artifacting whatsoever on my set. Other than the occasional SD shots. No doubt the increased bitrate for 1080i is a must.

Seems kind of trivial when compared to our boys dying in Iraq..

Originally posted by kevinivey
No artifacting whatsoever on my set. .

Quite a bit of artifacts here on WBTV..of course, they are running the HD
PLUS the SD & radar .. So I'd expect it....:(

Great job Wltx and CBS.

You didn't miss much without DD 5.1--the rear channels weren't utilized.

I would like to know how far out our signal reached tonight. If everyone could tell me their location if outside of Columbia, I would appreciate it. We ran at 100% power tonight for the game and was wandering if anyone could pick up WLTX now and weren't able to pick us up before?
Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV;WLTX-DT