Well I am in Lexington, and got a perfect signal with no dropouts.

This by far was the best CBS Sports has looked on my HD rptv. The detail in the HD shots were incredible. Kudos for full power and no subchannel for live HD events. Is there a possibility of the same scenario for The Grammys next weekend?

Dan,

Sumter got your signal loud and clear. (24miles distant). Great picture too! Never did think to check the signal meter to see what it was reading. Thanks for everything!

note: watched a little over half OTA; other via TWC using the DVR. Both pictures looked the same here on my equipment.

I have TWC so I have no idea about signal strength or how far it reached, but the PQ was great. Not one single problem during the whole show. The only thing I noticed, which happens on every CBS football game, was when the camera had to move rapidly the image got a little "blocky." I don't know the technical term for it, but it looks like a computer image when you zoom it way up. I never noticed that with the ABC monday night football. Must have something to do with 720P vs 1080i for sporting events. But I was still very impressed with the whole CBS production. All 8+ hours in HD was awesome. I ran my audio through my stereo and turned on Dolby Pro Logic and the only thing I noticed in the rear speakers was I could hear the cheerleaders chants behind me. I can't wait for the Final Four in HD thats going to be awesome! I wish that CBS would do the whole NCAA tourney in HD but I know that is technically not feasible with the number of different venues going on at once, but it would be nice, maybe next year.

I have a question that maybe Diana can answer. Is Time Warner going to do like last year with the NCAA Tournament and have the other regions broadcasts set up on other channels like they did last year?? That was great, I got to watch almost every single game that was being played. I only stumbled on the additional channels on accident I dont know if everybody knew that TWC was showing the additional games or not, I never really saw it advertised anywhere.

We have had preliminary discussions with WLTX to cover the extra NCAA Basketball Tournament Games again this year. I don't anticipate anything getting in the way with our doing it again - I know TWC is very, very happy to provide the games.

Last year we completed the deal the week the tournament started, so we didn't have a lot of time to get the word out. Mostly we relied on heavy mentions from WLTX about additional game carriage. We'll try to do better with advertisement this year - how about full page ads in The State - those seem to get attention :D

Yeah full page ads did attract a lot of attention. LOL But I was glad that TWC had that coverage and it was free. The year before I had a satellite and I had to pay extra for those games... I hope TWC doesnt get any ideas :)

It is always free OTA. How do you think Time Warner Gets it.
Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/ Operations
WLTX-TV;WLTX-DT

In absolute seriousness.

TWC will not charge customers extra for the HD version of Broadcast Channels. This is an ugly urban myth that rears its head every so often and I just want to make it very clear that it isn't going to happen.


Can't wait for March Madness myself - Go Illinois!

On the new HD DVR by SA is the digital coax sound output working? my current digibox is the 3100 and I use the coax for my Dolby Digital sound and the component sound for my non digital (ch 78 and below) sound. Will I be able to do this on the HD DVR?

What about firewire output on the DVR, is it available?
Thanks,

digital coax works not only with digital channels but analog as well so no more switching back and forth. as an added bonus there is also an optical audio out.

no firewire ports at all.

Like scruffy7 says, I unplugged my 3100 (with digital coax audio) and replaced it with the 8000HD and everything works perfectly. I was able to discard the two-channels analog audio cables as they weren't needed.

Originally posted by Brent Hutto
Like scruffy7 says, I unplugged my 3100 (with digital coax audio) and replaced it with the 8000HD and everything works perfectly. I was able to discard the two-channels analog audio cables as they weren't needed.

Yes, but do the analog audio still work. I thought we determine that they did not. That is why I returned my 8000HD for now. I could live without DVI (for now anyway), but I couldn't require the kids/wife to use the a/v receiver to watch TV.

yes, the analog audio outputs work. the 'VCR Archive' analog audio and video outputs are the ones that only work with PIP.

Originally posted by gamecock
Yes, but do the analog audio still work. I thought we determine that they did not. That is why I returned my 8000HD for now. I could live without DVI (for now anyway), but I couldn't require the kids/wife to use the a/v receiver to watch TV.


Yes, and always have.

Originally posted by Mitchell B.
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.

Now, I am confused and here is an old post. I think around page 75-76 has a couple of related postings. I thought Mitchell B. and foxz??? had issues with the analog audio.

They were in Darlington, and Myrtle Beach. There were never any problems here in Columbia.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by wdbarnum
[B]On the new HD DVR by SA is the digital coax sound output working? my current digibox is the 3100 and I use the coax for my Dolby Digital sound and the component sound for my non digital (ch 78 and below) sound. Will I be able to do this on the HD DVR?



Yes,

All channels will output sound via the digital outs. This is also the same with the SA3250HD.

as a follow up to my previous posts about audio problems: my box was switched out and I have had no problems since then.

I guess it's time for me to get the 8000HD again

Hello all, been away for a while - several comments in one post since I am playing catch up.

Is the new HD DVR box capable of recording in 5.1 or just 2 channel?

Also, I saw a while back that the PQ is not as good with the DVR HD box (as the 3250 for instance) in HD - can anyone confirm or deny this?

Diana - glad to see you are here...I was one of the first TWC HD customers (according to the installer) at least in Columbia and to date I have been pleased. Nothing but good service to date as well.

-shout out to Bruce - looks like you have become the moderator here more or less! Lots of new ppl here also...I hope we can maintain the civility that this board has always had as more ppl contribute. Lots of testy posts recently! :)

Cheers

Bruce (E)

My Senior Engineer confirms it is 5.1 capable.

I think the PQ on the HD DVR is as good, but on my measly little 32" Samsung, I'm not as likely to see the issues that the big dogs who post here do.... So, I leave it to your peers to provide more input.

I've not had an Explorer 3250 but there was no decrease in picture quality going from the Explorer 3100 to the 8000HD. Our TV is a Sony 36XBR800 direct-view CRT. There is a calibration shift between the 3100 and 8000HD, though. The picture comes out a bit darker with the 8000HD which required slight tweaking of the settings on the TV.

Hey Diana, nothing wrong with a 32" TV :) Thats all I have and its just the right size for my room and viewing distance.

Hey - I got no complaints....


Ok, yeah, I know ESPN HD and WIS :p

Originally posted by rodeoclown
Hello all, been away for a while - several comments in one post since I am playing catch up.

Is the new HD DVR box capable of recording in 5.1 or just 2 channel?

Also, I saw a while back that the PQ is not as good with the DVR HD box (as the 3250 for instance) in HD - can anyone confirm or deny this?

Diana - glad to see you are here...I was one of the first TWC HD customers (according to the installer) at least in Columbia and to date I have been pleased. Nothing but good service to date as well.

-shout out to Bruce - looks like you have become the moderator here more or less! Lots of new ppl here also...I hope we can maintain the civility that this board has always had as more ppl contribute. Lots of testy posts recently! :)

Cheers
Bruce (E)
Bruce,

Hi; good to hear from you! It has been awhile! Regarding the box quality. I too went from a 3250HD to a 8000HD and could not discern any differences in PQ. But as you have noted here Cain has seen a difference between the 8000HD and his OTA box using his high end projector. So perhaps if there are differences it may take a really really good display to see them. We have not heard from the folks with plasmas or DLPs weigh in on the matter. So all I can suggest is for one to try it for themself.

Regarding the 8000 and DD5.1 .... yes

Re: moderating. Yes, we have had some new folks recently who have popped in with complaints and who really don't have the big picture of where we are or where we have been or where most other folks are. What many of our new members do not realize is how programming has been seesawing back and forth between the satellite providers and cable the past couple of years. Pick a time and someone has the edge. Wait six or nine months and it might be another provider.

Our conversations here tend to talk about OTA and cable. Folks who are more into DBS can also read more over in Programming and Hardware on the pros and cons of their preferred DBs provider. And of course we can discuss cable vs dbs costs here. Cable historically is easy to get, cheaper to get, easy to upgrade, and easy to quit. It does though tend to be more expensive than DBS for programming and not everybody of course has access to cable.

Entry into DBS has generally been more expensive with their upfront costs for hardware, expensive to upgrade (DBS providers tend to subsize hardware only for new subscribers), and require subscription periods. In turn their montly programming costs have been lower. Recent initiatives by DirecTV and Dish however with free or low cost HD hardware is their attempt to better compete with cable in the HD world. And it may be working. Right now satellite has ESPN-HD. In time it might be something else and will even out for the most part except for exclusives like NFL Sunday Ticket. (side note: potential VOOMers should join the VOOM group over at Yahoo!)

In the past I have actually prepared a couple of responses but not posted them. I really did not want to come across heavy handed. But you are right; we do need to maintain civility especially towards our participating engineers from the various local stations. We may not like what their network or station's management does but lets not take it out on their engineers (or cable and Diana).

Yeah Diana, LOL, WIS and ESPN-HD. ESPN-HD has a pretty good lineup of college basketball games starting 2/9/04 and running through all the conference tourneys. I think they have the rights to the Big East and Big Ten Tourneys and the finals for the Big 12 tourney too. I love March Madness, I schedule all my vacation time during those 3 weeks in March so I don't miss a game. I wish all these corporations would just get along in the interest of us viewers :D

I live downtown in the shandon area on S. Harden ST. If I were to get an ota tuner does anybody have any idea what kind of antenna I could get by with. I looked on antennaweb.org and all 4 networks are between 16-17 miles at 63-68 degrees from me. Would I need an outdoor antenna or would an indoor antenna work?

Anybody read last Sunday's Doug Nye's column in The State? I thought it rather appropriate when Doug said: "It's ironic that WIS, the station that likes to bill itself as the Columbia leader in television, is lagging when it comes to high-definition technology and cable." Nice to see such honest commentary in our local media!

Doug goes on to say in his article that "One issue concerns the number of channels WIS will have on the high-definition digital tier. You can bet the station wants at least as many channels S.C. ETV which has three."

This could well be part of the problem indeed. WIS currently multicasts with a HD channel, a simulcast of their analog channel and a SD radar channel . What if WIS wanted to run three or more SD channels instead of HD? Yikes! What a way to kill OTA HD and encourage folks to look elsewhere for their HD programming. We already live with the rather mundane PQ of SCETV HD just because they are a state run entity and their mission is education first and multicasting is a requirement for them. HDTV is just not their first concern.

Originally posted by D-rock0030
I live downtown in the shandon area on S. Harden ST. If I were to get an ota tuner does anybody have any idea what kind of antenna I could get by with. I looked on antennaweb.org and all 4 networks are between 16-17 miles at 63-68 degrees from me. Would I need an outdoor antenna or would an indoor antenna work?

D-rock0030,

Indoor might work; just depends on your line of sight and building construction. The Radio Shack Double Bow-tie might just do it; note though it has been renamed "UHF Dual HDTV Indoor Antenna" (Catalog #930-0998) and is available only by mail or special order (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=930-0998) from Radio Shack. I believe this one (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-1880) from RS might also work. It is a set top rabbit ear model cat #15-1880 that I believe works for some. FWIW, the RS Double Bowtie does work somewhat for high-band VHF. Another indoor model, the Silver Sensor, might also work but its VHF might be worse than the DBT (WOLO/Ch 8 is VHF). It has worked for some so you never know. In the past it has been available at Sears and Circuit City both.

Otherwise you might have to go with an attic or outdoor installation. Reflections (multipath) can be a real problem. If you have to go with something bigger; the CM 3016 is a standard combo antenna available at Lowes that might fit in an attic. Radio Shack also has a similar size combo antenna too. Following is what my summary page (linked in my sig block) has for antennas:

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

Cola/Harbison Forest, CM 3016 (25ft mast/ CM7777 preamp)
Cola/NE Corridor (I-20/Clemson Rd), Silver Sensor
Irmo, Winegard PR-4400 (attic mount)
Irmo, RS Double Bow-tie
Elgin, Coat hanger er Single Bowtie
Florence, CM 4248 plus Winegard YA-1713 (high band VHF Yagi)
Garners Ferry Rd , CM CM 4248 (unk mast; rotor)
Rock Hill, Winegard PR8800 (WOLO, WIS) (25ft mast; CM7777 preamp)
Sumter, CM 3021 (10ft mast; no pre-amp)
Sumter, RS Double Bow-tie (but not WRLK)

I currently have an RCA indoor amplified antenna that looks very similar to that radio shack model that you left a link to in your last post. I use it as an FM radio antenna. I dont know how much it amplifies the signal in dB but it is a powered amplified antenna. When I use it as an FM radio antenna all I have to do is turn it on to the lowest setting, if I go any higher it gets full of static like its bringing in really distant stations too. So maybe that antenna may work. I'm currently trying to find a cheap OTA receiver so I can get WACH and WIS along with the other two I get with TWC. I live in an old apartment building so mounting an external antenna is not really an option as the landlord wont allow it.

Does anybody here have an OTA tuner that they may want to sell?? or know where I can find one at a reasonable price??

Originally posted by D-rock0030
I currently have an RCA indoor amplified antenna that looks very similar to that radio shack model that you left a link to in your last post. I use it as an FM radio antenna. I dont know how much it amplifies the signal in dB but it is a powered amplified antenna. When I use it as an FM radio antenna all I have to do is turn it on to the lowest setting, if I go any higher it gets full of static like its bringing in really distant stations too. So maybe that antenna may work. I'm currently trying to find a cheap OTA receiver so I can get WACH and WIS along with the other two I get with TWC. I live in an old apartment building so mounting an external antenna is not really an option as the landlord wont allow it.

Does anybody here have an OTA tuner that they may want to sell?? or know where I can find one at a reasonable price??
Amplified antenna are not always good, many have high noise levels. I would say first try what you have available. If you go to buy one I would try to get one that is not amplified.

Regarding a tuner, besides AVS's Theater Market you might check local stores for an open box OTA-only Samsung or Zenith model. A "cheap" OTA receiver probably is still in the $200 to $300 range. Some folks use a PC card tuner (current model available appears to be the MyHD MDP-120 card (<$300). Used pc cards that may be available might include the MyHD MDP-100 or the now discontinued Telemann HiPix card.

Question: is your apartment on the east side of the building to where you have a direct and unobstructed view towards the Elgin area?)

You may want to first try a "silver sensor" from BB. If it doesn't work return it. Some people claim it is works pretty well. I've got a CM 4228 which is probably overkill for shandon. I get strong signals all for all channels.

D-rock,
PM me. I have a receiver, barely used, a rotor, and an antenna on my roof if you are interested. Let's talk.

My apartment is situated so I should have a pretty good line of sight to the Northeast (63-68 degrees). I was hoping to find a "cheapy" tuner though. I only need it for two channels, WIS and WACH. I'm hoping someday TWC will get them added, so this was only going to be a temporary measure. I didn't want to put a lot of money into it just for two stations. I checked on Ebay and even really old tuners without remotes and cables are going for around $150.

Cola/Harbison Forest, CM 3016 (25ft mast/ CM7777 preamp)

Hi Bruce,
It's actually a 30 ft mast (well, ok, 3 ft deep in the ground :p ) on a 15 ft hill :)
(I assumed you were talking about me).


PS: My e-mail is working again.

Kirill

yep :)

I just bought a Samsung SIR-T100 on Ebay. I waited until the last minute and bid and got it for very cheap. Has anyone tried that model and what kind of performance did they get with it?

No idea.
Personally I use the next version Samsung; the SIR-T150, and it works fine for me. The guide function though is very sloooooooooooooow. More current versions no doubt have more sensitive tuners and better multipath rejection.

Is anyone having OTA signal problems with Fox Digital (48). My DTC 100 locks up every time I go to their station. I have a friend with a Samsung box say he is getting them just fine. I was doing good (Signal of 88)till Thursday night.

Well; it has been a few hours since you asked but WACH-DT Ch 48(57) is coming in fine here now on my Samsung.

Hey Diana,

Is TWC in Columbia currently considering adding a monthly subscription
based Playboy channel back into their lineup like they had in the past?

Thanks.

Its under debate - what's your man-on-the-street opinion?

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
Its under debate - what's your man-on-the-street opinion?

Only if it's in HD :eek:

Ok in all seriousness -

Would Adult HD, and some point in a few months Adult MOD HD, be something of interest in this market? We really do debate the bandwidth it would necessitate vs the demand....

I understand this is a sensitive subject that some people wouldn't want posted under an identity that people may recognize on the forum.

Would it be worth a poll on the forum? I would appreciate customer input either here - as a pm or at twcscnews@twcable.com

My opinion is that it's one of the two factors that moved me to satellite...

Well, three if you count the price, but D* costs too in other areas like STBs
and antennas and such.

No Playboy TV subscription on a monthly basis was one reason.. I would
never order it PPV... way too expensive. Btw, PlayboyHD would be more
than worth the bandwidth. Not only to those who enjoy the adult
programming, but also as a business decision. I mean, look at the money
on the web behind adult websites. The customers lost because you offer it
wouldn't even come close to the number you'd gain.

The other reason you can't really do much about... I can't bring TWC
tailgating with me to the Brice.

So, I guess with that second reason, I was more just asking on behalf of
others and out of curiousity really.

Ok - so, you would vote for Playboy Subscription in SD, in HD even better, but Adult MOD HD from TEN would be a no. (I'm I correct in all this?)

But, on its own, wouldn't bring you back from satellite?

I would be curious to know how many others - could you give them the email address to let me know?

This really is a very serious, current debate in our office so customer input is appreciated.

Diana,
I was one of the first 30 TWC HD customers here in Columbia (installed in Sept 2000). I do not think it would be worth the bandwidth. If I were in your marketing dept. I would look at those subs that are currently ordering Adult entertainment, either on a subscription basis or PPV and then compare that listing to those that currently have HD Digi Boxes. With that subset you should be able to determine the demand for Adult HD. Then figure how much of a premium you would charge for Adult HD, subtract the current Adult income being generated by subs with HD Digi Boxes and the result should be the increased revenue you would get from Adult HD. I think you will find that the revenue increase is not sufficient to "spend" the additional bandwidth. Some might argue that you would get new subs for having Adult HD, however, if you look at your current penetration figures you will probably see the falicy of this position. Far better to add more general HD services as you are doing with the current HD tier. I think this is the way to really increase your ARBS.

I agree, absolutely a waste of bandwidth. We still do not have,Cinemax-HD, TMC-HD, Bravo-HD, Starz-HD, NBC-HD,and lastly ESPN-HD. If TWC does not add ESPN-HD by next football season they will lose me as a customer. The TWC executive looked very foolish when ESPN-HD was brought up on the CES Insiders broadcast by HDNet.

Daytona 500 in HD next Sunday.

I'm taking notes - keep 'em coming!

Count me in favor of a monthly playboy subscription package and adult HD.

Count me out of the HD pr0n thing.

While it would be nice eye-candy for sure, I'd much rather have the bandwidth used for other, more "mainstream" channels that I and my family could watch at any time--as opposed to pr0n channels that my wife and I would only be able to enjoy after the kids are in bed, etc.

NO HD tonight for Pearl Harbor, it had the HDTV box at the start but not in HD on WOLO. I called the newsroom and asked if they could ask master control if they had flipped the switch, but nothing has changed as of 8:15 PM.

Pearl Harbor eventually switched over to HD, enoree.

As for the Adult programming topic, of course things like ESPNHD and such
should be taken care of first. However, if TWC doesn't have the bandwidth
to offer all of the few channels offering a high def feed right now, then they
have bigger problems to worry about.

But without knowing the actual technical details of what adult
programming (SD, HD, and MOD) would do to the available bandwidth of
other channels, it's hard to say.

One point to consider is that as long as the other channels are not
affected (i.e., there's plenty of bandwidth), then by adding a monthly
subscription to an adult channel (SD or HD.. or both) you will be adding one
channel to the lineup only you'll be making a lot of money on it.

It's one thing to say "Add them all", but some channels will end up thrown
into the HD tier. That means no additional revenue for TWC despite having
to pay for the channel in money and bandwidth.

Anyway, I'd still be a no on coming back over from Satellite. The cost is
cheaper, I've already got the STBs, I like my dual tuner Tivo, and I can't
bring TWC tailgating with me. So I guess that means my vote doesn't
count. :)

I vote for ESPN-HD :) Tonight kicks off their college basketball season coverage and runs through the end of the conference tourneys.

Hey USCBOY, going to Clemson is orgasmic, 63-17!

I say ESPN-HD is a must before any SD or HD programming is added. I will be quite mad with TWC if I have towatch the UNC- Duke game on March 6 in SD. Incidentally, does anyone know of a bar in Columbia which has ESPN HD on DirecTV?

maybe this is why TWC can not ante up enough money to get ESPN-HD on the lineup. Hope he enjoys the new office.

http://nypost.com/business/17569.htm

I say NO! to Adult HD and Adult HD on demand. I like many others posting on this board would prefer the bandwith for more mainstream HD channels like ESPNHD, BRAVOHD, etc. and HD Movies on Demand.

By the way, is there a way to remove all the channels I never watch from the channel guide? I know you have a favorites button, but it just jumps from one favorite channel to the next and is not in a guide format.

Thanks for the continued input on the Adult issue. This is very helpful.


As far as the guide - there is no way (at this point in time) to remove channels from your individual viewing guide. As I have mentioned on another thread, the Guide is under review for an upgrade by our corporate office. This is a very typical 'complaint' that I'm sure will be addressed.

Have a great day - Go Illinois Beat MSU!

See if TWC had ESPN-HD Diana could be watching the MSU-Illinois game tonight in HD :)

I don't know of any bar in Columbia that has ESPN-HD or any games in HD. I haven't called every single bar but I go to a lot of them to watch games and haven't run across one yet.

that's right, and if CBS hadn't thought that the blowout Texas game was of regional interest in SC, I coulda' seen them win on Sunday!

Its ALWAYS something!

As a former E* customer, my suggestion for the guide would be to have a favorites button that family members could customize to the their favorite channels.

Check out ICY's on Two Notch in front of the Columbia Mall (Columbia Place). They are also opening another location at the former Josh's next to Woodley's garden center...I'm pretty sure they have the games on in HD since I catch the ESPN stretched version when having lunch there.

Hey Brian thanks. I used to drink there a few years ago when it was something else. Don't remember the name though.

Diana,


Will TWC SC be offering a Free Preview of NASCAR IN CAR this Sunday? The SC site does not mention it at all. Most TWC sites are offering a Free Preview through Feb. 22 and a $30 off for preorder before this date. The early cost is $99 and can be billed in 4 payments.

What's up with channel 814 Special Events ? When will there be programming?

Good Morning,

Yes there is a Free Preview of NASCAR IN CAR this Sunday on Channels 623-629. We are currently honoring the Early Bird rate of $30 off and the billing option of 4 installments is accurate. We have been advertising this in a variety of media outlets - sorry we missed the website, I'll try to get it up this morning.

Channel 814 was used last Friday when we had a special FOX NHL event running from 7pm till 10pm and then an additional NBA event starting at 9pm. Since we didn't want to cut off any of the FOX coverage of NHL and Southern Sports Report, we instituted a second HD Special Events channel. It will only be used going forward in the event of conflicts like this one. Since there are no additional conflicts in February, I have had it removed from the Guide.


Illinois Looked Great Last Night - Even in Analog!

FYI - I spoke with my PPV Specialist and Web Master this morning and this is how we handle all the Sports Packages:

Since there are now several packages available at various points of the year, and since each package has Free Previews, Early Bird Packages, etc, AND since there was the potential that we would forget to change a rate, or not keep up on a special deal - what we have opted to do is, provide a link to the home web page of the particular package and to use this method for Previews, rates, etc. In this way we will never provide inaccurate information on the packages. So, on our site, once you get to the Sports Package page you would need to do two click throughs, the first to select the package and the second to get to that package's home web page.

Hope this helps for future information gathering.

Has anyone seen a Wis ad or commercial promoting the Daytona 500 in HD? I hardly ever watch Wis and was curious if they are promoting it.

Watch commercials? What a novel idea. :)

Seriously, no, I have not seen any ads for the race at all and I watch a little WIS each day. BUT I really am not very ad conscious as a rule so I will have keep an eye out just in case. Since NBC says they will broadcast the race in HD I can't imagine WIS will not.

Originally posted by kevinivey
Has anyone seen a Wis ad or commercial promoting the Daytona 500 in HD? I hardly ever watch Wis and was curious if they are promoting it.
A selfish little piece of me hopes they don't show it in HD, because then I know I didn't miss out on anything since WIS-DT still isn't on TWC. :mad:

Congrats to Diana's Illini for beating down those farmers from State last
night. Despite hating the color orange, I grew up a Wolverine fan so it
was nice seeing State take a beating.

The "Paint the Halls Orange" event for the game, while ugly as a color, was
pretty impressive. Loud place to play, that's for sure.

The game looked amazing in HD. ;)

Summerville HD:

I'm still jealous reading all the e-mails about HD sporting events and HD tiers and HD channels that Summerville does not yet have.

Diana,

What's the timetable for the Summerville upgrade? And will HD subscribers still be forced to pay the HD tier if we the upgrade isn't complete before the rate change?

Thanks for your help!

Hey Kevin,

I was concerned about the 500 in HD locally as well, so I emailed WIS back a couple of weeks ago. I got somewhat of a generic response back that said something to the tune of "WIS DT starts programming at 12:00 PM and that we show whatever signal is being passed to us." That is a brief paraphrase of what I can remember. I am expecting it to be shown in HD based on that response. I'm going to have a crowd of disappointed people if they do not pass the HD signal.

Trip

Originally posted by StarskyPV
Summerville HD:

I'm still jealous reading all the e-mails about HD sporting events and HD tiers and HD channels that Summerville does not yet have.

Diana,

What's the timetable for the Summerville upgrade? And will HD subscribers still be forced to pay the HD tier if we the upgrade isn't complete before the rate change?

Thanks for your help!


The Summerville upgrade will be completed on a Node by Node basis throughout the system area. The engineers have not yet determined the geographic timetable for Nodes. Upon their release of this information to Marketing we will provide communication to the corresponding neighborhoods via several methods: Direct Mail, Web Site, Newspaper, etc. So at this point you are looking at a very wide time frame of sometime between March and December. I just can't say. I apologize for that, but as soon as I get the info I'll start communicating it.

I'm certain the free preview of the HD Tier will be over prior to anyone in Summerville getting the services, however, although we have not yet developed our promotional plan for new services like the HD Tier, I'm comfortable stating that we will develop a 'free preview' for our Summerville customers similar to what we did in the rest of the state.

We appreciate your patience and patronage.

I agree, since I dont get WIS in HD the only show I watch on NBC still is Law and Order. But I haven't seen or heard about them promoting it. I've read that both races are going to be HD, the saturday race and the sunday race.

But who cares???? Its nascar??? The most boring "sport" there is. I think watching cement harden is more exciting than nascar :)

Even tho I'm not a nascar fan, that's the way I feel about law & order..

Good Morning,

I wanted to update you on the situation with WIS HD on TWC.

We are down to the final review of the deal. The last pieces to be agreed upon are very minor. Both sides have focused their efforts this week on getting the deal finalized prior to the races this weekend. It is very close to resolution and we feel there are decent odds it will be signed before the end of business on Friday, 2/13. If this is accomplished TWC will be able to provide the signal in time for the Saturday race.

Please realize this is not a promise that the deal will be done, just a pledge that we are continuing to do all that we can to accomplish the feat.

If the deal is completed, I will provide a post to the forum and we will provide a crawl on The Weather Channel.

As a final note, the WIS deal will provide NBC service to all TWC South Carolina HD Subscribers in all areas except Summerville/North Charleston.

Well, I'm more interested in watching "Shrek" on NBC ;)
It will air this Sunday at 7pm. titantv shows it as SD, NBC web site - as HD.
I wonder what it will be...

Kirill

A Much Better Afternoon:

The attorneys have agreed on the language of the deal! We will have WIS HD prior to this weekend on Channel 805. As soon as I find out when the switch will be hit I will post!

Follow this link:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=354827


Looks like it will be in HD!

WOOOHOOOO That is great news Diana!!

Everyone here can thank me for this, I just purchased a Samsung OTA tuner from EBay and havent even received it yet, LOL and now WIS is on Time Warner. But I'm still very happy, now I dont have to worry about an antenna or signal strength and all that jazz. I'll be able to watch Frasier and Law & Order in HD next week :D

Diana, I also had another question. I think it was my understanding, from reading it here, that TWC doesnt offer WACH-DT because Fox doesnt broadcast in HDTV only something like EDTV that is 480P. So when Fox does go 720P in the fall that there shouldnt be a big problem picking them up too? That would be great to be able to watch football in HD on CBS, Fox, and ABC. And hopefully by then TWC and ESPN will have worked out a deal too. I'd be a very very happy camper then :D

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
A Much Better Afternoon:

The attorneys have agreed on the language of the deal! We will have WIS HD prior to this weekend on Channel 805. As soon as I find out when the switch will be hit I will post!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Figures, I just did a small rant about it last night, and viola- its done today!
I guess I better start working on my ESPN-HD rant :D

It is on Now and you can manually set up recordings until the guide is up.

Originally posted by Gene S

I guess I better start working on my ESPN-HD rant :D



You wouldn't consider cutting me some slack for a couple of days?;)

LOL WIS TV's website now has a big story about the Daytona 500 being on WIS-DT and Time Warner Cable on channel 805. :)

I was just looking at WIS's website and the program guide, TitanTV. Friends isnt in HD?? NBC's main sitcom isnt HD but yet Whoopi is?? What in the world is that?

And I too have WISHD Ch 805 showing on my TWC guide as we speak! Interestingly it is not listed as NBCHD which would have seem logical since WLTX Ch 810 is CBSHD and WOLO Ch 815 is ABCHD.

I have also wondered why HBO and SHO are HDTV 1,2,3 ,and 4. Were these the first HD channels on TWC?

Originally posted by D-rock0030
LOL WIS TV's website now has a big story about the Daytona 500 being on WIS-DT and Time Warner Cable on channel 805. :)

I was just looking at WIS's website and the program guide, TitanTV. Friends isnt in HD?? NBC's main sitcom isnt HD but yet Whoopi is?? What in the world is that?

Friends is over in a couple of episodes and NBC said it was not worth the extra production cost. They have not been doing HD that long as compared to CBS. They broadcast in DD 2.0 only.

WISHD - would be because I was doing a 10000000000 things at once this afternoon to accomodate as instant a launch as possible. So, I messed up.

HBO and Showtime - Kevin you guessed right, they were the first four and pretty much every night at home I think, tomorrow I'm going to have that changed.....

Guess I have 5 channels to change now!

You guys keep me on my toes!

Would it not be correct to call the local by the call letters with DT attached? A lot of daytime programing is broadcast on this channels that is not HD. WIS-DT, WLTX-DT,WOLO-DT, and WRLK-DT.

Kevin, I suppose that makes sense. I was just checking to see if there was any new HD to watch tonight :D

Too bad Diana couldnt just turn the switch and give us all ESPN-HD :eek:

ER and the Tonight Show for me.

While the number of hours in HD is true, please remember you guys get it with SD and HD, while the vast majority of my customers don't.... so I think DT would just be an element of confusion at least at this point in time.


Yes - I know ESPN HD!!!!!!!!

Yeah ER looked like a great episode tonight.

Clemson vs Wake Forest tonight, probably another merciless beating for my Tigers :(

Diana,
Go home; put your feet up; have a glass of bubbly on us. Thanks for helping make this happen!

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
You wouldn't consider cutting me some slack for a couple of days?;)

Diana, for you, anything! Take the whole week off!! :D

I know, maybe after Diana takes the week off, she can organize a hostile takeover of Disney, so we can get ESPN-HD for a fair price! :D

I have been following this forum and have been a TW customer for years. I still don't have my digital (plasma) TV - it's on backorder; so I'm watching in 4:3 SD. But I have to really, sincerely thank Diana for all her help and incredible responsiveness. I will tell everyone I know who cares what a great job she and therefore TW is doing!

Originally posted by D-rock0030
Diana, I also had another question. I think it was my understanding, from reading it here, that TWC doesnt offer WACH-DT because Fox doesnt broadcast in HDTV only something like EDTV that is 480P. So when Fox does go 720P in the fall that there shouldnt be a big problem picking them up too? That would be great to be able to watch football in HD on CBS, Fox, and ABC. And hopefully by then TWC and ESPN will have worked out a deal too. I'd be a very very happy camper then :D

Its not just the signal that determines carriage, we also have to have a signed contract, ala the deal that we got today with WIS.

Fox has the Super Bowl next January. Every time a local HD station except Wrlk has been added there has been a "live" event that has sped up carriage. Wltx-Dt was added a couple days before a Carolina vs Georgia game. Wolo-Dt was added just before the Super Bowl. Now, Wis-Dt has been added just before the Daytona 500. Maybe if Fox goes HD for the next NFL season we might get it before January 2005. This is all my speculation and not the two parties involved. I personally only record 2 shows on Fox.

WLTX was more about the US Open, but events have tended to help expedite the process on occasion.

you are correct, the game was the week after.

Personally, I never watch Fox except for football or baseball games so as long as they get something worked out with TWC before next NFL season I'll be fine with that. Fox does have the MLB on Saturdays, it would be nice to watch their game of the week in HD, although every game they seem to cover is a Braves game which I dont watch anyways. If it wasnt for NFL I'd never even watch FOX. I saw where INHD 1 & 2 are going to be doing 3 games a week during MLB season, that will be nice, hopefully they get some good games in there.

Thanks, Diana!

I can't overstate how great it is to have someone listening to our views (and yes, complaints too) here in this forum.

Unfortunately, when we try to voice our comments/frustration directly (through the tele-customer service), it gets lost in the web of every other comment from consumers, understandably so, I guess. So, it's terrific having our little niche being heard here. Thanks, again...and thanks to the board regulars for inviting Diana here to join us!

Good Morning,

We have just learned that currently WIS only has programming on their HD Channel from 12 noon to 12:30 am. However, they do not currently provide a separate listing of their HD programs to our Guide vendor.

We have opted to use the analog lineup, so that customers can see what is on from noon until 12:30 am and can use the guide to program their DVR, however, this means from 12:31 am to 11:59 am programming is listed on the guide on channel 805, but when the channel is tuned, a black screen is seen.

We have requested that WIS provide a digital lineup to our programming vendor ASAP. We hope this issue is resolved over the course of this weekend.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

Regarding Diana's last post regarding a digital program guide, does anyone know if this would result in the HD OTA customers also getting the Guide data. Or is this an 'apples and oranges' deal and we will be left out? I'm using a Samsung T-160 and only WIS is missing current Guide information.

The Interactive Program Guide to which I'm referring is exclusive to the Digital Cable converter.

I know where you can get one ;D

Originally posted by BDavis
Regarding Diana's last post regarding a digital program guide, does anyone know if this would result in the HD OTA customers also getting the Guide data. Or is this an 'apples and oranges' deal and we will be left out? I'm using a Samsung T-160 and only WIS is missing current Guide information.
WIS OTA did show the program data for some time. Yesterday (02/12/2004) at around 8pm is disappeared.
It's probably part of the agreement with TWC - only TW customers get the guide data from WIS :D

Wow, it sure is great having all the HD locals on TWC. But, it would seal the deal if we had ESPN-HD. 40 Games scheduled through March. TWC is a major player in HD and could be a leader if they would drive to the basket and lay it in. Next month marks the one year debut of ESPN-HD. Yes, it is the one year anniversary of the HD channel. In the beginning they were bashed for lack of content, but now they seem to actually have programming. Time Warner Cable get the deal done!:(

Wow - that was the shortest week off EVER. :p

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
We have just learned that currently WIS only has programming on their HD Channel from 12 noon to 12:30 am. However, they do not currently provide a separate listing of their HD programs to our Guide vendor.
What's the main reason a station does this?

I can't record "The Price Is Right" in good quality because they only turn WLTX-DT on at noon too. Are they just trying to preserve the equipment by not running it all the time?

One of the big complaints I had about WBHQ (before this year) was that it looked like the channel was picked up at TWC's office via small rabbit ears and distributed with more snow than Anchorage in January. WLTX isn't that bad, but the complete lack of snow on WLTX-DT is noticeable to me...

Originally posted by mikepaul
What's the main reason a station does this?

I can't record "The Price Is Right" in good quality because they only turn WLTX-DT on at noon too. Are they just trying to preserve the equipment by not running it all the time?

One of the big complaints I had about WBHQ (before this year) was that it looked like the channel was picked up at TWC's office via small rabbit ears and distributed with more snow than Anchorage in January. WLTX isn't that bad, but the complete lack of snow on WLTX-DT is noticeable to me...

Money is the reason why. It is very expensive in power cost to broadcast the digital station. This is a normal way to cut some cost. Wolo and Wach both broadcast 24/7.

Originally posted by mikepaul
What's the main reason a station does this?

I can't record "The Price Is Right" in good quality because they only turn WLTX-DT on at noon too. Are they just trying to preserve the equipment by not running it all the time?

One of the big complaints I had about WBHQ (before this year) was that it looked like the channel was picked up at TWC's office via small rabbit ears and distributed with more snow than Anchorage in January. WLTX isn't that bad, but the complete lack of snow on WLTX-DT is noticeable to me...
Stations minimize their DT broadcast hours to reduce their high electric bill (there are no additional revenues for DT broadcasting). You should however be getting a really good analog signal from WLTX; perhaps it needs to be checked out? We have no snow at all on our analog WLTX signal. In fact virtually everything we record on our regular 8000DVR is from the analog tier and we rarely have a PQ problems.

WBHQ... I always thought maybe they (as WQHB) used an old VHS tape as their source material for broadcasts. ;) WBHQ did improve things signifincantly when they moved their analog broadcasts to Columbia. I understand they are now connected to TWC's headend by optical fiber. Interestingly, their DT signals are not very good. The last time I checked it appeared they were using their old analog feed available here in Sumter to source their DT broadcasts.

MOST Engineers Don't like turning the transmitter off to save power costs..
It is a pennywise and pound-foolish policy that results in more transmitter
problems and increased long-term maintenance costs. Usually, this is a
short-sighted decision by the GM and/or bean counters, who care nothing about the longer term. That's why corporately, all of our transmitters, whether analog or digital, run 24 hours per day. They're much more stable
and happier overall. Plus, there is that little FCC simulcast rule..

Bob,
Could you clarify the simulcast rule (or provide a link)? Is that why some stations multicast their analog signal? Also; does runnng a transmitter at say half power have any negative long term aspects? Are all/most/some UHF digital transmitters used in markets like Columbia's tube or solid-state?

I don't have the rule info with me here, will have to dig the specifics up.
My understanding is that if you're on air, you should be "on-air"..
Nowadays, some stations say "So What's the fine?"..weighing the fine vs the operating costs..Running a solid state at reduced power has no effect on life-time, runninga tube at reduced power increases the lifetime..tubes are about $38K..and last 3 years or so with continuous use. Just replaced one in WOLO-TV.
FYI..tubes run around 34 kv @ 1.2 amps input typical for full output power .. Input P=I*E! (YMMV)

WOLO-DT is a 5-kw solid state transmitter with (16 transistorized plate amplifiers) delivering 43 kw erp..
WACH, last time I saw it, before the changeout, was/is a 1-tuber..

WCCB-DT is a 3 tuber, with the tubes running @ 75%..for 1 megawatt.
WBTV-DT is a 4-tuber..for 1 megawatt
WRSP-DT is a 1-tuber for 330 kw..
WBBJ-DT is a 1-kw soild state for 5kw..

So, there is no correlation, it just depends on design criteria and buyer
preference..as well as redundancy & reliablity concerns.

This is grossly over-simplified, hope it helps..

PS..all are UHF except WOLO-DT

Thanks Bob,

Very interesting. I don't remember who has what but your info does help give us an idea of why they do what they do. I had forgotten for a brief instant that your WOLO is VHF; oops.

No sound from Wis-DT tonight so far.

I have cable and no sound on channel 805. Does the OTA signal have sound? Is this a problem at WIS or Time Warner? I wish they'd hurry up and get it fixed, my fav show is on now.

I just called WIS and complained and they said they had no other calls reporting no sound. The girl said she would pass on the info to other people.

Sound came back at 11 when they switched to the SD news. I recorded some of the Busch race earlier in the day and experienced no problem. Lets hope all is well for the 500 today.

No sound here either. Last night when sound was out a few of the local commercials had sound. It might be a NBC problem and not just WIS.

Wis problem last night. Sound is back but it is SD.:mad:

The Pre-race show is currently on, in SD with sound. Hopefully that won't change when they switch to HD at 1:30. I wondered last night too whether it was NBC or WIS but I did not see any comments in Programming that indicated it might be NBC. Still, you never know.

WIS keeps switching SD to HD, but no sound when they are in HD. I turned my antenna to WCNC 36 in Charlotte, and they are in HD with sound.

Originally posted by bdenman
The Pre-race show is currently on, in SD with sound. Hopefully that won't change when they switch to HD at 1:30. I wondered last night too whether it was NBC or WIS but I did not see any comments in Programming that indicated it might be NBC. Still, you never know.


Bruce, the prerace is being shown in HD by NBC. The prerace for the Busch race was HD yesterday. I wish I could turn toward Charlotte.

Ah; thanks cohbraz,

I turned on the big set and saw WIS was in SD and then left the room. Perhaps the pre-race show is supposed to be in HD and there are problems. Time to check in at Programming and see if it is us or everywhere.

I called Wis... 799-1010

WIS must already know. WHen the pre-race came on, they were in HD for a minute or so with no audio. Then they switched to SD with sound. Then several quick switches to HD, each time there was no sound.

Bummer, its us...

Thanks Kevin; did you just get News or were you passed through to an engineer? Did they say they knew about it and were working on it?

Agreed, I called them when there was no sound. I was not encouraged by the receptionist response.

Originally posted by bdenman
Bummer, its us...

Thanks Kevin; did you just get News or were you passed through to an engineer? Did they say they knew about it and were working on it?


Quote "No one really here on the weekend. I will try to call someone"

i called (#7 on their menu). Talked to someone; asked about the problem; she said that someone was downstairs working on it. I asked if John Augustine (Ch, Eng) was there and she did not know. She took my name and number and said she would try and have someone call me once they know something.

That is same option I took Bruce. Thanks, I was about to call, and I will hold off since they are aware that the problem is theirs.

WIS back to HD with sound!

It's a miracle:rolleyes:

And for those of you TWC subscribers who can really multi-task; setup another set or PIP/POP with one of the NASCAR iN CAR Free Previews: Daytona (Ch 623 thru Ch 629).

Great idea, if I can find the TWC remote. The search is on...

Found it!

MY..Isn't LeAnn perky today... :>)

Don't know about you guys, but the PQ of the race is great.

Looks great and sure is nice to pause and rewind. Could be a tad sharper, but NBC seems to be using some kind of encoding filter. This to me looks a lot like 720p on my 1080i native set.

Looks good to me..but after hearing Nascar in 5.1, the pro-logic mix is
quite anemic..

I wouldn't know because our Fox station is not 5.1 capable.

Now whats wrong with WIS-DT?? Lost video and audio on TWC

Gone, not a TWC problem.

It is your turn to call d-rock.

Captions are still working on Ch 805, DT 10-1 is off OTA but 10-2 (simulcast) is still on. Using captions here as the background noise overides the commentary so badly. Wife also came in at one point wanting to know what the buzzing sound was (car engine noise).

The simulcast is of the analog feed, correct? SD feed on the HD channel again. People are still getting the HD feed in other locations around the country. Looks like a SD finish here.

Back with SD OTA and TWC.'

And yes to the simulcast question. Does show that the DT signal was still going....just no audio/video on their HD stream.

Boy, WIS is really taking a black eye this weekend. They get the deal done so everyone can watch the 500 in HD, then they lose audio for the entire primetime lineup on saturday, get it fixed just in time for the race to start and now they lose HD audio/video and have to broadcast SD on HD channel. What a big disappointment they are. I'm glad I didnt invite people over to watch it like I had thought about.

BooHoo! :confused:

I believe last night's audio problem was indeed local. However this latest glitch appears to be a network problem and not within WIS's control. Overall it has not been a bad production; the audio was a bit of a dissapointment and the HD PQ was at its best, was just a tad soft.

Agreed, looks like some other stations stayed with it and it was corrected. There seems to have been a 3 minute span when the NBC feed had problem. The audio issues seem to be entirely Wis's. Audio issues via Wis-Dt have been a problem in the past. Maybe with the problems today they may be addressed more in depth. I would hope when NBC broadcast the Olympics the detail will be better. I thought that the video may have suffering due to Wis's multicast, but monitoring the HD programming that does not seem to be thew case. This to me looked like a 720p converted to 1080i. The Saturday night broadcast on TNT (INHD) had more of the WOW effect. I however doubt if I would had sat through the broadcast if it would not had been HD for most of the broadcast. I feel confident in time Wis will get it right. They are the new kid on the block here locally for broadcasting HD. Can you say NBA Allstar Game IN HD tonight!

Reading the Programming forum I thought that the loss of the HD feed was a network glitch.

If it was an NBC problem why isnt the HD back on?

My guess is that the NBC feed was being cantankerous; some stations stayed with it (or rode the switch) and others finally gave in and just switched over to SD and left it there.

Originally posted by bdenman
My guess is that the NBC feed was being cantankerous; some stations stayed with it (or rode the switch) and others finally gave in and just switched over to SD and left it there.

Exactly


PS: when the 8 crossed the line everything went off here. The tv,amp and the cable box.:D

Looks like no HD from WIS tonight.

So noted here too.

Yeah, that sucks, Shrek was supposed to be in HD too.

Still no HD on WIS-DT. Its like WIS just switched to the SD feed and never went back to check on the HD, like they were too lazy.

The PQ on TNT-HD at the All Star game looks pretty good. It'll be nice when they officially start the channel up full time.

At the beginning of each NBC HD show the HD feed goes black and switches to the SD feed. Looks like a automated backup.

This weekend really makes me appreciate the job TWC,Wltx, and Wolo do with regards to their HD transmissions. Terrific job!

"i called (#7 on their menu). Talked to someone; asked about the problem; she said that someone was downstairs working on it. I asked if John Augustine (Ch, Eng) was there and she did not know"

I believe John Augustine retired Friday. You'll just have to ask for an Engineer. (yea for John)

Bruce
As far as the FCC rules on simulcasting go.....
The FCC states we must transmit digitally for 12 hours per day. We choose to do 11:55 until the end of Letterman since that is when most viewers watch. Beginning April 1 of this year the requirement moves to 18 hours a day of operation and I believe April 1 of 2005 we must duplicate our analog hours of operation.
I, like Bob would like to leave the transmitter on 24/7. However, costs being what they are, I understand why we don't. We may pay for it later though. The transmitter has a mode which keeps the tube hot at all times so at least the tube isn't cycling through hot and cold cycles all of the time.

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

Dan,
I appreciate your response on the transmitter hours and the simulcasting rule. Thanks! We really appreciate you and Bob Davis both participating in our forum here! It is great to get your perspective on these issues. I had forgotten that John Augustine was planning on retiring; did not know the date. I indeed will check with the station and see who took his place. I believe Scott Clark was his #2 and was to move up.

Bruce.. on your 'Latest INFO' post, whenever you update you can add my
antenna also.

I took your suggestion and ordered the CM3021.


Sumter, CM 3021 (10ft mast; no pre-amp)


Basically the same situation for me, except it's from Irmo (technically
Columbia, but only by a few hundred yards) and in my attic of a two story
house rather than an outdoor mast. I don't have a pre-amp either.

Excellent! Thanks for the input; change has been made to the summary page! Saying your location is Irmo is fine since it shows your solution works at that distance basically.

I believe this guy is in charge now at WIS:

Scott D. Clarke, III

Assistant Chief Engineer

WIS Television

(803) 758-1280

I see WIS-DT still isnt broadcasting in HD tonight either. Las Vegas is supposed to be in HD

WIS: Las Vegas not in HD is not WIS's doing; NBC is not broadcasting it tonight in HD. Was announced over in the Programming forum a couple of days ago. Supposedlly they did not get the HD master done in time (long lead time apparently). I wonderf if they might have had second thoughts over having bunches of wet t-shirts in HDTV <g>. We will have to wait till Leno comes on to see if WIS's has things working right.

WLTX: WLTX had ongoing audio glitches between 8 and 9pm tonight; the analog feed had lots of crackles and pops and the digital audio was very stuttery/clipped sounding. I am now recording JPIII and Las Vegas so don't know if anything has changed. Did not see any reports in Programming to indicate it was a CBS network problem.

Ahhh ok. I was mainly concerned with WIS-DT for tomorrow night. Its college basketball for tonight.

The tonight show was in HD with audio last night via Wis-Dt.

On the Summary page, you put prea-mp instead of pre-amp.

Also. 'Irmo' might be misleading to some. I would be on the very very
eastern fringe of Irmo since it's technically Richland County and Columbia.
I had to fight with it to get the perfect alignment so that all the channels
work fine. I figured it'd be better than mounting it on the roof if I could get
them working.

However, someone in downtown Irmo or closer to the dam would be
another at least 5-10 miles from my location further from the towers. An
attic installation might be a lot harder for them, but I wouldn't know.

Anyway, not sure how to word it really, just thought it might be
misleading. Maybe Harbison/Broad River Rd area instead.

Thanks for the information; I updated the summary to better indicate your location. Glad the 3021 is working for you!

I have a question for Diana. The program guide for tonight on channel 31 shows an SEC basketball game at 8pm. But last night when I was watching the ACC basketball game at 7pm they kept advertising or promoting that tonight they would have the Clemson basketball game on. Is the program guide correct or were the promo's correct?? Basically whats on tonight? :)

Per my FSNS Rep -

7pm NC State at Clemson - you will see the whole game live.

Arkansas v Kentucky will be joined in progress.

Guide vendor didn't pick up this change from last week.

Cool, thanks. Too bad Clemson is no good this year in basketball, Every game has been on TV.

Picked up my SA 8000HD at the Greystone TWC office today. I had spent time removing the power cable to the old digi box from the wire loom, so I could take it in, along with the box and remote. I should have not bothered, since they gave it back to me with the new SA 8000HD box.

They give you the Owner Installation guide, but they do not give you the full 65 page SA User's guide. Good thing I downloaded it last week from the SA web site.

Installation is easy, direct replacement, and I got to eliminate the extra analog audio cables that had been required for the 3100 box to get sound on the "analog" channels. The set-up is straight forward and they give you a quick guide to walk you through the set-up procedure.

Only three annoying things - when the box came up it comes up with "Closed Captioning" On - took me a little bit to figure where in my system that was being generated (TWC Customer Service told me their box did not generate Closed Captioning) - well.. yes.... it is one of the cable box setting - It just took me a few extra minutes to figure that out after my quick call to TWC and their bad info. Why does it come up with CC on as the default? Second thing - the new remote is not well designed for direct input of channel numbers. Third thing - I am using the digital coax output for my audio - am running it directly into the digital input on my Sherwood Newcastle Receiver/Amp. When I am on an HD program I have to set the amp to AC3 input and then when going to an SD signal I have to change to Pro-Logic. That is annoying, but may be a function of my tuner/amp unit. One would think that going back and forth would be seamless.

Anyway, all audio is now controlled by the Sherwood Newcastle remote.

The picture quality of the new box seems to be a little better than on the SA3100. I can now read the stock ticker on CNBC when I am looking at the guide, and the picture is reduced and in the upper right hand corner.

I'll play with all the goodie features tomorrow after I read the 65 page User Guide.

you're lucky to have gotten an installation guide; i got nothing but the box itself when i traded my 8000 in for the 8000HD.

captioning was off by default on my unit.

the audio issues must be related to your receiver. i use the optical digital out and never have to switch anything on my receiver.

Originally posted by wdbarnum
I had spent time removing the power cable to the old digi box from the wire loom, so I could take it in, along with the box and remote.

LOL. "Cable loom". Never heard that one before but it's appropriate. :D

Apparently WOLO isnt broadcasting HD tonight.

No wonder our cable rates keep going up and Comcast wanted
to buy Disney. Check out this article from the Money section of USA Today about Charter and Cox ending the dispute with ESPN.

It references the previous agreement as including 20% annual increases in per subscriber charges. The new deal averages 7% over a nine year span. The article also indicates that Time-Warner may now reach an agreement as well. Maybe will be getting ESPN-HD sooner rather than later. Maybe someone with better skills can post a link to the article.

Here is a link to the article re ESPN:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2004-02-20-cox-espn-agree_x.htm

No wonder Comcast wanted to buy that cash flow steam - $2.61 per basic cable subscriber. It is a wonder that the cable companies can make any money, what with the increased capital costs to add stuff like HD and the increases in the content costs. At what point does their price start hurting demand?

I was glad I had the downloaded manual for the SA8000 HD digi box - much clearer than the quickie cheat sheet given out by TWC.

Looks like ESPN is calling the shots with Espn Deportes missing from the guide.

Originally posted by wdbarnum
No wonder Comcast wanted to buy that cash flow steam - $2.61 per basic cable subscriber.
Too bad the deal is per-subscriber. I don't watch ESPN, and would like to stop paying for it.

If the new HD tier could exclude ESPN-HD and be cheaper, I'd want *that* deal. More different movies would be nice, too. Less of the eye-candy travel shows, though...

As posted before, ESPN-HD will be part of the HD tier and the cost will be the same. The channel will be ch. 950.

"WLTX: WLTX had ongoing audio glitches between 8 and 9pm tonight; the analog feed had lots of crackles and pops and the digital audio was very stuttery/clipped sounding. I am now recording JPIII and Las Vegas so don't know if anything has changed. Did not see any reports in Programming to indicate it was a CBS network problem."

Our CBS HD receiver will do this sometimes. It is a known issue with this model of receiver and is one reason I believe CBS is replacing it. We have to reboot it to correct the problem. Sorry for any inconveniences it may have caused anyone.

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

I have noticed that channels 930-941 really dont have anything interesting on them. It just seems like a lot of "fluff" or eye candy as somebody described it. I think they play Shawshank Redemption at least once a day. I'm hoping that since they are new channels that the programming will get better as they get more experience. I'm really waiting on the baseball games that they will have. Oh yeah and also waiting on ESPN-HD!

Good Morning,

Unfortunately I'm here to tell you about a firmware bug that was just discovered that impacts both the SA 8000SD and the SA 8000HD.

These converters do not recognize February 29th on the guide, which has resulted in a shut down of the record function. All aspects of the 8000 except record are working. I have heard of no instances in which previously recorded material has been lost. All recordings that were set prior to midnight last night, should be fine.

SA is in 'emergency session' working on a software patch. I will keep you updated.

In SC, our guide goes out 7 days, so once February 29th appeared, thats when the problems started. This may not be an issue in other TWC Divisions depending on how far out their guide data goes.

Thanks for your patience while we work through this issue.

Thanks Diana,
Strangely enough my 8000HD is still working fine though the SD version is disabled recording wise. I don't have any programs setup to be recorded past today (which the SD version did) so perhaps my guide has not looked out far enough for the glitch to occur.

Yeah, I think there are still some areas of uncertainity on this one, but my engineers said the bug should also impact the HD, so I wanted to make sure I made complete disclosure...

so is TWC charging extra for Feb. 29th?

:D

I'll pay you to take back leap year right now ;p

Originally posted by Dan'sHiPix
"WLTX: WLTX had ongoing audio glitches between 8 and 9pm tonight; the analog feed had lots of crackles and pops and the digital audio was very stuttery/clipped sounding. I am now recording JPIII and Las Vegas so don't know if anything has changed. Did not see any reports in Programming to indicate it was a CBS network problem."

Our CBS HD receiver will do this sometimes. It is a known issue with this model of receiver and is one reason I believe CBS is replacing it. We have to reboot it to correct the problem. Sorry for any inconveniences it may have caused anyone.

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

Appreciate the info Dan!

In case you haven't heard, now until 3-31 Voom is offering a no upfront lease program for their Satelite service. Finally the competition begins. For $9.50 per HD receiver per month and $39.99 programming fee, you can have VOOM and it's present 34 Channels of HD installed. No commitment.No Commitment!!!! The new Lease option. I was also informed from a good source that ESPN HD will be added in the next 2 weeks. This is what I have been waiting for. The OTA antenna and installation is included in this deal also. Voom will have a DVR out this summer and will also be the first to have HD home networking over COAX. No new wiring. With no upfront costs and no contracts. This is a no brainer.Discovery HD,Starz HD, TMC HD, Cinemax HD, HBO HD,SHO HD, NFL HD, Playboy HD, and soon to be ESPN, INHD, and Bravo HD. At least this company is serious about HD!!!!

FWIW, I've sent a message to the moderator of the forum asking for attention to this thread.

I'm a little confused. It is ok for people to talk and hash out TWC and it's programming and prices on this thread, but it isn't ok for anything else. I thought this forum was for members to have info about all the potential providers of HD . Can I ask, are you a customer of TWC?????

Originally posted by butlers
I'm a little confused. Let me explain it to you.

In this forum, local issues are discussed. VOOM, and the other satellite providers are national providers, and are discussed in the HDTV Programming and HDTV Hardware forums.

Further, it's fine to mention that TWC subs have other options, even though I would think they are aware of that, but to throw childish barbs at TWC and their representative is not acceptable. Your post has been edited.

Ken H......You are wrong! TWC is a national provider of cable. That's first! Second shall we review the last two months of posts and see what else comes up on the board. You are not being objective and true to ensure this forum's purpose. This forum isn't for the discussion of just TWC. There are minimal posts about OTA reception and so forth. Since Voom does include an OTA antenna, then they have just as much right to be in this forum as your precious TWC. I think your loyalty to TWC has clouded your ability to be objective. People read this forum to learn about what HD opportunities are available to them and what the best HD opportunities are. However it appears that anything that goes against TWC isn't accepted. You said my post was childish. That is funny.Again you are so off base. People on this forum specifically have griped constantly about the availability of HD. While I think it is good that Diana visit's the forum, it's members should also look at the big picture. I am sure that TWC loves Diana being on this forum because they know that she can prempt the e mails, letters, and complaints that they normally have to deal with, by just responding to peoples comments. What are you in it for Ken H. I have no Bias. I've had TWC, D* and E*, and am now looking at Voom. I think they are truly trying to push the line with HD. You of all people shouldn't have a problem with that and people being made aware of it. Ken H, who is your service provider?

DVR Update!

First, this Firmware Bug does NOT impact the SA 8000HD, just the SD!

Second, the fix is currently undergoing testing in the lab. If it passes, the patch will download tonight and this will all be behind us tomorrow.

I will, of course, keep you updated.

Thank you again for your patience.

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
DVR Update!

First, this Firmware Bug does NOT impact the SA 8000HD, just the SD!



:D

Thanks for the heads-up. I just added a whole bunch of scheduled recordings the other day and didn't look forward to re-entering them again.

butlers,

Please stop. Your tirades are unpleasant and contribute nothing to the discussion of Columbia, SC HDTV reception.

We all appreciate your heads-up on the new Voom promotion and some Columbia-area HDTV viewers may well want to consider it. Mission accomplished. The rest of the material you are posting is most certainly not appreciated and it is not appropriate behavior in this forum.

What behavior?? I am stating facts. If you could point out exactly what is inappropriate, I will gladly make a conscious effort to refrain, if in fact there is anything inappropriate about what I said. There were no S**t, or H**l,
in any of my comments. There were no silly references made to the stimulation of HD Adult channel, like I have seen in many other posts. Please send me a list of what isn't acceptable on this forum so I may be in compliance with the values and policies of this forum. Thanks Brett, your a swell guy!!!

Originally posted by butlers
Ken H......You are wrong! TWC is a national provider of cable. That's first! Second shall we review the last two months of posts and see what else comes up on the board. You are not being objective and true to ensure this forum's purpose. This forum isn't for the discussion of just TWC. There are minimal posts about OTA reception and so forth. Since Voom does include an OTA antenna, then they have just as much right to be in this forum as your precious TWC. I think your loyalty to TWC has clouded your ability to be objective. People read this forum to learn about what HD opportunities are available to them and what the best HD opportunities are. However it appears that anything that goes against TWC isn't accepted. You said my post was childish. That is funny.Again you are so off base. People on this forum specifically have griped constantly about the availability of HD. While I think it is good that Diana visit's the forum, it's members should also look at the big picture. I am sure that TWC loves Diana being on this forum because they know that she can prempt the e mails, letters, and complaints that they normally have to deal with, by just responding to peoples comments. What are you in it for Ken H. I have no Bias. I've had TWC, D* and E*, and am now looking at Voom. I think they are truly trying to push the line with HD. You of all people shouldn't have a problem with that and people being made aware of it. Ken H, who is your service provider?

Butlers,

As I was preparing a response I saw that Ken H had posted and then you replied back. (actually; several have posted including you while I have been writing this). If I may; since I was the one that started this thread originally let me just say this: Here we generally talk about local issues; most concern HDTV, some are OTA related and yes lots are about TWC. Our OTA reception does, for the most part, work here. Some of us do post when we have problems. I rarely hold back when a station has a HD problem; either I post it here or I call them directly and then post. I had my phone in hand last night when CBS finally switched over to HD during "Cold Case" (about 5 minutes into the program). And for what it is worth, even TWC gets most of their HD signals via OTA broadcasts themselves.

So yes there are lots of TWC specific discussions. Thats what the membership here chooses to talk about and I know for a fact that not all of our vocal members use TWC. Generally most of our TWC discussions do pertain to SC issues; not Florida, not Texas, not California. Some national TWC issues do come up like the ESPN-HD situation even though discussions on that also occur over on the Programming forum. Most here is on target I think.

I also know there is a large Voom following at Yahoo Groups and I can recommend it highly for all potential Voomers. VOOM has definite potential for many it would appear but they are still being invented (now up to 38 HD channels I believe). There are also numerous DBS discussions including VOOM on the AVS Programming forums. And yes, many of those folks prefer DBS over cable.

Personally I have no problem with what Ken said for I agree with him (ditto for Brent too though I see you disagree there as well). I might add yes I do get most of my HD from cable; but I do have an OTA setup as well. Just no satellites. For my situation cable with an OTA supplement works fine. For you or others; perhaps not.

So, I am not sure what we can do to help you. If you think VOOM is what you want; then great. I understand your history with TWC had a very bad start. And as I recall your posts here, I thought Diana was the one who had helped you get that straightened out. Unfortunately it appears that TWC has not yet upgraded your area's distribution system though is is scheduled eventually. And since you are looking for HD now, it would appear maybe that another provider would work better for you. Good luck with whatever provider you go with!

Bruce....I will say that I respect the fact that you can for the most part maintain your objectivity. I appreciate the advice on the groups. I have read alot of your posts and I'll say that you stay true to yourself, always providing info and never really beating up the other side. This will be a dead issue with me, however, this form has become a TWC cable forum, and I respectfully disagree to not try to push other larger HD offerings to the group.Some people treat this thing like it is a State of the Union Address, were not curing cancer. Don't say smitten Mr. Butler!!!! That is to childish. What is more childish then grown men talking about the pleasure they will receive from Adult HD. Where was the edit buttons then. Be fair and consistent!!

Bruce......Please review the last 200 posts and break them down. Please count how many pertain info to TWC and how many pertain to OTA issues.

butlers,

It's not my role to spell out exactly what someone should or should not post. The moderator has already edited one of your posts in an attempt to demonstrate the difference between on-topic information and angry, off-topic tirades. If that doesn't answer your question then you must not be interested in having it answered. BTW, my name is "Brent".

Bruce,

So what's up with this SD-to-HD switching problem, anyway? Every week we tune in for Cold Case and I think there's been two time when it was actually in widescreen HD from beginning to end. One week it was because of a weather crawl and another it was because an earlier program ran over or something. But more than once it's been a bog-standard evening of programming yet it comes out in poorly-upconverted SD (at least poorly on my 8000HD box). It doesn't seem like it should be a difficult transition given how long CBS and WLTX have been doing prime-time HDTV content.

Bruce, as a new member I would like to say thank-you for pointing out the proper function of this thread. I know however, I would appreciate quick comments on other available options, so I can go elsewhere if I have an interest. I hope those will continue.

I hope I did not bore anyone with the saga of my SA8000HD pickup and installation, but I would like to add that my wife of 35 years has started recording shows, something she has not done since I got my first RCA VCR back in the mid 1970's.

I do have a question about the new box however that I do not think has been covered. How do you tell how much memory is left for recording?

Originally posted by butlers
Bruce....I will say that I respect the fact that you can for the most part maintain your objectivity. I appreciate the advice on the groups. I have read alot of your posts and I'll say that you stay true to yourself, always providing info and never really beating up the other side. This will be a dead issue with me, however, this form has become a TWC cable forum, and I respectfully disagree to not try to push other larger HD offerings to the group.Some people treat this thing like it is a State of the Union Address, were not curing cancer. Don't say smitten Mr. Butler!!!! That is to childish. What is more childish then grown men talking about the pleasure they will receive from Adult HD. Where was the edit buttons then. Be fair and consistent!!

Presenting VOOM as an option was okay in my book though specfics may well best be left to the Programming forum. I am not sure where you got all of your info but will not argue the point other than to say I have not read of a lease program (which would be very good).

I also don't see your comments towards Diana Smith were constructive. But I saw your post as a vent since I understand you had a very bad start with TWC last year. But that is in the past and we should be looking forward now. And if you need more HD than TWC can give at this time or in the near future then yes I agree, do look at the other options.

As far as the adult HD discussions; I left the public discussions to others. I suspect Diana was looking for some local observations there. Note that HD porn has been discussed in depth on AVS's Programming forum. No doubt it is an actual or potential revenue source for all MSOs including TWC. The discussion ended rather quickly and I personally forgot all about it.

And.. be patient with me; you guys are posting faster than I can respond!

Originally posted by butlers
Bruce......Please review the last 200 posts and break them down. Please count how many pertain info to TWC and how many pertain to OTA issues.

Does not matter. Folks post when they have a comment/bitch regarding OTA, cable, or whatever. If they don't discuss OTA I can't make them. When i have an issue that is not resolved I usually post it. I often call/email stations and try to work it out that way first. And post the info here as I can. Heck, I not only posted the DVR problem here on this forum this mornng but I also sent it directly to Diana as well so that she would be aware of it.

I have also tried to present as inclusive a summary on Local HD issues as I possibly can and I have posted the link to that post in my signature block. Perhaps that is a reason we don't have more basic and repetitive questions (I can only hope).

Originally posted by Brent Hutto
"
Bruce,

So what's up with this SD-to-HD switching problem, anyway? Every week we tune in for Cold Case and I think there's been two time when it was actually in widescreen HD from beginning to end. One week it was because of a weather crawl and another it was because an earlier program ran over or something. But more than once it's been a bog-standard evening of programming yet it comes out in poorly-upconverted SD (at least poorly on my 8000HD box). It doesn't seem like it should be a difficult transition given how long CBS and WLTX have been doing prime-time HDTV content.

My guess is that WLTX is having to do the switch overs manually for some reason and they are not doing a very good job. Maybe cause its is a Sunday. I thought they (like WOLO) had it computerized (though they can still have problems caused by data entry and late changes). I literally had the phone in my hand with the number on a sticky note when they came back from the commercial in HD. (Oh; I think I mispelled your name too <blush>). I am not sure Dan at WLTX is reading all these threads so I will try and email him a tidbit later regarding the late switching from last night.

Originally posted by wdbarnum
Bruce, as a new member I would like to say thank-you for pointing out the proper function of this thread. I know however, I would appreciate quick comments on other available options, so I can go elsewhere if I have an interest. I hope those will continue.

I hope I did not bore anyone with the saga of my SA8000HD pickup and installation, but I would like to add that my wife of 35 years has started recording shows, something she has not done since I got my first RCA VCR back in the mid 1970's.

I do have a question about the new box however that I do not think has been covered. How do you tell how much memory is left for recording?

Doug,

No problem regarding your 8000HD saga. Info on getting one here and its use seems to be reasonable. I know my wife lives by her SD 8000 that is in the bedroom (and now taking a "short" vacation :). BTW, for those who don't know already check out the "#" button on the remote; you can change picture size with it (hmm; did I say that recently? I know I had planned too).

Regarding recording time: You can't tell other than counting hours of HD you have stored already. (re: number of hours on the SD box; it can do 30 max of pure analog channel recording; a bit more if you record digital tier programs (channels above 99). My tests showed 20hours of HD max. I don't have a good forumula to use if you mix SD recording in either. It uses less space for SD vice HD but not as little as you would think.

Bruce,
Thanks for the info on 20 hours of HD recording on the SA8000 box, I was afraid it was the minimum 7 hours that is mentioned in the manual.

Before switching to Voom I would definitely check with other message boards or user groups to get all the info. I have read other places some not-so-good things about Voom's programming. But I suppose that if you lived in an area where you couldn't get TWC or OTA transmissions it would be a good competitor to the other satellite mediums.

Originally posted by wdbarnum
Bruce,
Thanks for the info on 20 hours of HD recording on the SA8000 box, I was afraid it was the minimum 7 hours that is mentioned in the manual.

All the boxes deployed here in our area I believe have a 160GB hard drive and HD takes almost 9GB/hour for recording. The SD model has a 80GB hard drive and SA was touting using it (it seems) for use in some HD DVRs as well. You could check your diagnostics (page 18 I think) on your 8000HD and look at the hard drive model number. It should be a Maxtor 4R160LO (ignore the capacity line that says 320,xxx,xxx). If not please let us know what model you do have.

To get to the read-only diagnostics, press and hold in the "plus" button (inside the four cursor type buttons). When the green "envelope" light comes on release and press the "info" button. Then "page" through to pabe 18. When done press the "exit" button.

Mesage boards contain negative info about all MSO's. So much that one could assume there isn't a reliable service out there. I am not provider partial. I could care less if I have cable or satellite. What I care about is who is working to provide the most HD content. Right now that appears to be Voom. They are catering themselves to the HD market and that is a good thing. There motto is we will be the leader in HD, and so far they have been. They continue to add channels. Who else offers Starz, Cinemax, TMC, and NFL Hd. Sure alot of MSO's say there in negotiations, but we all know those things can go on for a year, just look at TWC and ESPN HD. Voom is saying that they will be the ones that will put these channels up when they become available. I have read nothing but positive notes from people who say Voom has been very prompt about adding the channels. The negatives usually surround hardware and Customer Service issues. Everyone has those. Certainly TWC has had issues with their equipment and customer service, along with D* and E*. It's one thing to be an MSO and claim your the leader in HD, it's another to go out and put your money where your advertising is. So far Voom has stayed pretty much on track.

Fanatical much?

I mean, I left TWC because they were expensive and didn't go back to
them because they don't have ESPNHD, but I don't have the burning
hatred for them you do. They're just a television provider. :)

If you want to sing the praises of Voom, do so in a calmer manner and
editing wouldn't have been needed.

TWC and E* and D* aren't perfect, but don't even get started on the
problems with Voom.. Do they even have SD ESPN yet?

What has your experience been with Voom? It's amazing how people can miss the point. I don't hate TWC. If TWC had the most HD content, I would call to have it set up tomorrow! I do believe for years cable companies have rested on their laurels, and I find it interesting. Give me a break! I can tell we must have alot of construction workers on this forum. No one seems to understand buisness. Competition benefits the consumer, all of us. I was simply responding to the tune of this thread since I became a member. I see alot of people complaining about TWC and there slowness in bringing additional HD channels. People who have griped alot harder then I ever have. Facts are Facts. I believe it is the US and I believe that people have the right to express opinions good and bad. It is people like you that would have us all watching SD for the rest of our lives. No really, you sound so knowledgable about Voom. tell us all!

SA 8000SA Update -

We are downloading the software patch right now. Everything should be in the system by 6pm at the latest. You have two options:

If you want to record something on your SD DVR tonight, please go ahead and reboot the converter to force the software patch. If you don't plan on recording and don't want to deal with a reboot, then just wait until your converter receives the forced download sometime after midnight tonight.

Either way, if you have recordings already scheduled, please take a moment and make sure they are still in the scheduled recordings list after your converter receives the software patch.

Please let me know if you have any questions and again I thank you for your patience concerning this issue.

I hope someone tries Voom here and post after they actually have the product installed. All the speculation in the world means very little if the person posting in a local forum doesn't even have the product.

Kevin....I don't have it, but a friend does. I can honestly say that the 21 exclusive channels only has about half that he likes, for me Monsters, Rave, World Sport, Rush , and Epics I like. Anyway, lets just say those channels are non existent. They do however have all the channels I listed, and many can't be found anywhere around here. Sports is a big deal for me and HD, I could care less about having all the Cspans and shopping networks. I find there SD channels to be lacking a few important ones, but they have the meat of what I enjoy. A steak with all the fat trimmed off. Voom is also going to MPEG 4 which will give it a significant increase in bandwith. My friend had issues with his Box at first, but the software has worked them out, he gets all available locals OTA. Again, at least Voom is adding HD channels at a good pace. My friend has been pleased and I can say that I think the PQ is excellent. TWC and D* and E* might offer more all around programming, but Voom isn't there to carry 20 stations of kid's cartoons. They are going after the HD minded customer and they are carrying the staple of SD to make it a whole house solution.

Originally posted by butlers
Ken H......You are wrong! TWC is a national provider of cable. That's first!No, I'm not. TWC is a national provider, but they offer different services, programming, hardware and have different performance issues in different local areas. This forum is specifically for discussing the local issues for your area.




Second shall we review the last two months of posts and see what else comes up on the board. You are not being objective and true to ensure this forum's purpose. This forum isn't for the discussion of just TWC. There are minimal posts about OTA reception and so forth. Since VOOM does include an OTA antenna, then they have just as much right to be in this forum as your precious TWC.It should be obvious to you, as it is to everyone else, that this topic is for more than just TWC issues. The fact TWC that issues are most discussed simply indicates many, if not most members here are interested in this subject. As for VOOM, yes, they too have local DTV reception capability, and as such are fair game for discussion here. You should note that I didn't edit any of your comments regarding VOOM.




I think your loyalty to TWC has clouded your ability to be objective......What are you in it for Ken H. I have no Bias.You also have no clue about what you speak.
I have no particular loyalty to any HD provider. I personally use cable (Comcast), and Dish, and DirecTV, and over-the-air DTV reception, and Canadian DBS provider ExpressVu. I also am a big fan of VOOM, and sincerely hope they succeed in their new business venture.




You of all people shouldn't have a problem with that and people being made aware of it. I don't have a problem with that concept. I have a problem with your way of communicating this information.

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
SA 8000SA Update -

We are downloading the software patch right now. Everything should be in the system by 6pm at the latest. <snip>
Please let me know if you have any questions and again I thank you for your patience concerning this issue.

As of about 7pm, our standard 8000DVR started working again. It records! However it did take four reboots for it to take; it would go into loops and then lockup. Hopefully that is not or won't be the norm for everybody.

Bruce,
Thanks for the diagnostic info. Yes I have the hard drive you stated. Where can I find out how to read the other diagnostic info?

Doug,
No idea really. Sorry. Some of it seems obvious; most is not. And I have no reference URL either. Some of the data fields change when you change channel (ex: frequency and some of the signal strength figures) but most of it is a foreign language to me. When I saw the hard drive information, I took the model number and went to Maxtor's site to verify the size.

Does anyone know why wolo isnt in HD now? It was earlier tonight. The program guide says HDTV but its not.

ABC Network problem according to the HDTV Programming Forum.

If you were referencing "According to Jim"; there is a thread over in Programming that indicates that ABC did not send it out HD. I was not watching earlier but "Less Than Perfect" is in HD at this time.

Nothing like being late to the party; oops. I had to setup a temp antenna so I could see WOLO with my Samsung. My CM bowtie is not connected right now and I had to get some rabbit ears out so I could see what is up with WOLO (my DVR is tied up recording two other programs right now). Guess I should have updated my screen before posting.

Yeah I noticed it was just that one show that wasnt HD.

Has WACH-DT had problems as of late? I normally can pick it up OTA in the evenings and see at least some signal strength indication during the day, but lately I don't even register any signal.

Originally posted by D-rock0030
Does anyone know why wolo isnt in HD now? It was earlier tonight. The program guide says HDTV but its not.

One should not be so quick to assume it is a local problem.

Hey, we reached 100 today! To all the veteran posters,
especially Bruce, thanks for a great and informative thread.

Hi There - Illinois beat Iowa (at Iowa by 19) The Illini are on a 7 game win streak including 4 on the road! Unheard of in the Big Ten! Yeah!

But, why are you here telling us about a conference we don't really care about Diana? Oh Yeah.

FYI - Tomorrow I'm tied up in a meeting pretty much all day. Then taking a 3 day weekend WITHOUT internet access (gasp!). So, I will try to check in Thursday night/Friday morning, but then I'm out of pocket until Sunday afternoon! If you have any sort of emergency, please call customer service at 866-892-7201.

Have a great weekend!

Originally posted by jdjackson
Hey, we reached 100 today! To all the veteran posters,
especially Bruce, thanks for a great and informative
thread.

Your most welcome Derrick!

And Diana... have fun!

Since TWC has recently added HDNet and HDNet Movies, I've noticed that the DD 5.1 audio levels on these two channels are about 10dB louder than all the other channels.

I've seen this on both a 3100HD and 8000HD. The analog volumes seem normal.

Is this a TWC or an HDNet issue? It's really frustrating when flipping through channels.

- Mike

Before yall start grummlin..NO HD on WOLO tonight..as that antenna
does not have deicers and is full of snow..and too large to safely clear it
out due to its location.

blizz: I understand the AC3/DD signals are included in the transport streams that are sent out by the various programmers; i.e. HDNET, HBO, ABC, etc. and not something that TWC controls.

bdenman,

Hi, I'm up in southeastern NC and am cosidering replacing my Pace 550HD box with a SA8000HD DVR went they get them in my area to try. I wanted to ask if you would please post your pros and cons you notice with the SA8000HD DVR (and anybody else).

I also saw in the Setup Wizard Guide has a 5 Settings Options called Fixed, Pass-Through, Upconvert 1, Upconvert 2 and Auto DVI. Do the boxes your area use include these options in the General Settings screen? I know that last question seems odd. I asked because when the SA3250HD's were released in my area (Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville devision) no one in my area could access the Setup Wizard of the SA3250HD (like it was locked) like people could in other devisions. Thanks for any information you or anybody else can provide.

The WOLO antenna is full of snow?? I didn't think it had even snowed here in Columbia???

Dayrl L.
You can read my story of picking up a unit and installing it on Pg. 97. The switching between AC3 and Pro-Logic is a function of my Reciever. Make sure you go to the SA web site for the installation and user guides. PQ and operation are great, except for my not liking the remote.

Originally posted by blizz
Since TWC has recently added HDNet and HDNet Movies, I've noticed that the DD 5.1 audio levels on these two channels are about 10dB louder than all the other channels.

I've seen this on both a 3100HD and 8000HD. The analog volumes seem normal.

Is this a TWC or an HDNet issue? It's really frustrating when flipping through channels.

- Mike

Go under "sounds" in the 8000HD settings and change it to "Wide" mode. This will make it sound like the rest of your channels. I assume you are listening in a Pro logic mode for the rest of the non 5.1 channel. If you are listening a straight stereo 2.0 mode then the other channels would be louder than the surround channels. I hope this helps you and welcome to our local HD forum.

Originally posted by Daryl L
bdenman,

Hi, I'm up in southeastern NC and am cosidering replacing my Pace 550HD box with a SA8000HD DVR went they get them in my area to try. I wanted to ask if you would please post your pros and cons you notice with the SA8000HD DVR (and anybody else).

I also saw in the Setup Wizard Guide has a 5 Settings Options called Fixed, Pass-Through, Upconvert 1, Upconvert 2 and Auto DVI. Do the boxes your area use include these options in the General Settings screen? I know that last question seems odd. I asked because when the SA3250HD's were released in my area (Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville devision) no one in my area could access the Setup Wizard of the SA3250HD (like it was locked) like people could in other devisions. Thanks for any information you or anybody else can provide.

Non of the above settings are available yet in our area or anywhere yet and should be activated in March with a software update.

Originally posted by bdfox18doe
Before yall start grummlin..NO HD on WOLO tonight..as that antenna
does not have deicers and is full of snow..and too large to safely clear it
out due to its location.

ABC has HD programming on Thursday night?;)

Originally posted by D-rock0030
The WOLO antenna is full of snow?? I didn't think it had even snowed here in Columbia???

WOLO's ABC network signals are downlinked up in Charlotte and they then route it down to Columbia. WOLO (ABC) and its sister station WCCB (FOX) share the same digital studio facility in Charlotte. I imagine Bob was referring to their big wok er sat bowl/dish they have up there being full of the white stuff. As Kevin alluded to, makes no matter anyway... there is no HD scheduled on ABC for tonight.

Before it actually happens. The local stations weather alerts can not be inserted into a HD broadcast. I am sure many members know this but, there are quite a few new members that might not know this.