Albany, NY - HDTV

MasterFX1 · 02-28-03, 09:14 PM

Current H/DTV Channels Available in Albany/Schenectady/Troy-NY DMA:

Over The Air (OTA)-
6-1/6 WRGB-DT (CBS), Albany, NY 1080i
6-2/6 WRGB-DT (THIS), Albany, NY 480i
10-1/26 WTEN-DT (ABC), Albany, NY 720p
10-2/26 WTEN-DT (WTEN Weather), Albany, NY 480i
10-3/26 WTEN-DT (Retro TV), Albany, NY 480i
13-1/12 WNYT-DT (NBC), Albany, NY 1080i
13-2/12 WNYT-DT (NBC/WNYT Weather), Albany, NY 480i
13-3/12 WNYT-DT (Doppler Radar), Albany, NY 480i
17-1/34 WMHT-DT (PBS1), Albany, NY 1080i
17-2/34 WMHT-DT (PBS2), Albany, NY 480i
17-3/34 WMHT-DT (PBS3), Albany, NY 480i
19-1/36 WCDC-DT (ABC), N. Adams, MA 720p
19-2/36 WCDC-DT (WTEN Weather), N. Adams, MA 480i
23-1/7 WXXA-DT (FOX), Albany, NY 720p
23-2/7 WXXA-DT (VTV - Variety TV), Albany, NY 480i
45-1/43 WCWN-DT (CW), Albany, NY 1080i
45-2/43 WCWN-DT (Universal Sports Network), Albany, NY 480i
45-3/43 WCWN-DT (WRGB CBS6), Albany, NY 480i
51-1/13 WNYA-DT (MyTV4), Albany, NY 1080i
55-1/50 WYPX-DT (Ion), Amsterdam, NY 480i
55-2/50 WYPX-DT (Qubo), Amsterdam, NY 480i
55-3/50 WYPX-DT (Ion Life), Amsterdam, NY 480i
55-4/50 WYPX-DT (Worship), Amsterdam, NY 480i

Time Warner Digital Cable HD-
803 HD PPV (Special Events)
1747 Headline News HD
1748 MSNBC HD
1749 CNBC HD
1750 Fox News HD
1751 BBC America HD
1757 Fuse HD
1758 G4 HD
1759 Bravo HD
1760 Style HD
1761 IFC HD
1762 E! HD
1765 We HD
1770 Big 10 HD (must subscribe to Sports Tier)
1775 Encore E HD
1780 HBO Latino HD
1789 Big 10 On Demand (iCL39) (must subscribe to Sports Tier)
1800 HD PPV
1801 Showcase HD On Demand
1804 WNYA HD
1805 TBS HD
1806 WRGB-DT (CBS)
1808 WXXA-DT (FOX)
1810 WTEN-DT (ABC)
1811 WMHT-DT (PBS)
1812 HD PPV (same as 1800)
1813 WNYT-DT (NBC)
1815 WCWN-DT (WB)
1821 Home Shopping Network HD
1822 QVC HD
1823 Weather Channel HD
1824 Crime & Investigation HD
1825 Science Channel HD
1826 Biography HD
1827 TNT HD
1828 USA HD
1829 FX HD
1830 SyFy HD
1831 Toon Disney HD
1832 Cartoon Network HD
1833 ABC Family HD
1834 Disney Channel HD
1835 Animal Planet HD
1836 Discovery Channel HD
1837 Discovery HD Theater
1838 A&E HD
1839 History Channel HD
1840 MHD (MTV HD)
1841 HGTV HD
1842 Food Network HD
1843 Travel Channel HD
1844 TLC HD
1845 TV ONE HD
1846 CNN HD
1847 MSG HD
1849 MSG+ HD
1851 Fox Business News HD
1852 MGM HD (included in TWC's HD Tier at $3.95 per month)
1854 Smithsonian HD on Demand (included in TWC's HD Tier at $3.95 per month)
1855: Smithsonian HD (included in TWC's HD Tier at $3.95 per month)
1857: RFD-TV HD (included in TWC's HD Tier at $3.95 per month)
1858: MavTv HD (included in TWC's HD Tier at $3.95 per month)
1859 NY1 HD
1860 Universal HD (included in TWC's HD Tier at $3.95 per month)
1861 Hallmark Movie HD (included in TWC's HD Tier at $3.95 per month)
1862 AMC HD
1863 TCM HD
1864 Lifetime Movie Network HD
1865 Golf HD
1866 SportsNetNY HD
1867 YES HD
1868 MLB HD
1869 ESPN HD
1870 ESPN2 HD
1871 ESPNU HD
1872 ESPNEWS HD
1873 Versus HD
1874 Outdoor HD (must subscribe to Sports Tier)
1875 NHL HD (must subscribe to Sports Tier)
1876 National Geographic HD
1877 Speed HD (must subscribe to Sports Tier)
1878 CBS College Sports HD (must subscribe to Sports Tier)
1879 Tennis Channel HD (must subscribe to Sports Tier)
1880 HBO East HD
1881 HBO2 E HD
1882 HBO West HD
1883 Cinemax East HD
1884 Cinemax West HD
1885 Showtime HD
1886 Showtime West HD
1887 Showtime 2 HD
1888 TMC HD
1889 Showtime Showcase HD
1890 Starz HD
1891 Starz West HD
1892 Starz Comedy HD
1893 Starz Kids and Family HD
1894 Starz Edge HD
1895 Showtime Extreme HD
1909 Team HD
1929 MLB Extra Innings HD

bakntime · 03-02-03, 05:47 PM

Thanks for this update.

My situation is kind of bad, because I'm in the "Albany" area sort of, but I get Time Warner Cable service out of Binghampton. As far as I know, the only HD channels on the Binghampton digital system are HBO-HD and Shotime-HD. I'm dying for them to start picking up some locals (like ABC WTEN), but I don't know if they "can" since we don't get any Albany/Schenectady/Troy channels as our cable "locals". Most of my channels are out of Binghampton and Utica, and a couple out of Syracuse.

The interesting thing is that I'm probably close enough to receive the new Albany stations OTA, because I'm about 40 miles from the new transmitter, but I just don't know what kind of signal I'd get. I'm torn between investing in an OTA system, or just waiting to see what happens with my Time Warner provider.

If anyone has any suggestions, ideas, insight on the Binghampton area, etc. please post any news. THANKS!

MasterFX1 · 03-02-03, 07:26 PM

While this is not in the Alb/Schen/Troy DMA, I believe WBNG in Binghamton is currently OTA Digital.

bakntime · 03-02-03, 07:36 PM

Yup - I just saw that about WBNG. Interesting - I wonder if the Binghampton Time Warner will pick it up, as we have the analog WBNG.

Anyway, not to get too off topic, does anyone know what kind of range/power the new Albany stations are going to have for OTA?

MasterFX1 · 03-02-03, 07:55 PM

While it's one community tower, the transmitters will all be operated independently. So range will depend on each transmitters wattage, elevation and frequency (lower channel frequencies travel further at the same wattage.) Since the new tower is located relatively where most of the analog Alb/Schen/Troy DMA towers are now, it's probably a good rule of thumb to figure that if you get crisp OTA analog reception from the channels available in Albany now, then you will likely get the new Digital ones in the coming seasons.

mattalb · 03-03-03, 05:16 PM

MasterFX1: Great update. Thanks

bakntime: Check out http://www.100000watts.com/tv/ALB.html

You will find the transmitter wattage and elevation information for each station listed

MasterFX1 · 03-24-03, 01:02 PM

Albany Schenectady Troy OTA Update:

The weather has finally warmed to the point that construction on the transmitter building for the community tower has officially resumed.

Update (4/9/03): So the warm weather ended apruptly and Winter is lingering, what does this mean for the tower site? It can't be good.

MasterFX1 · 05-02-03, 09:53 AM

Albany Schenectady Troy OTA Update:

As of May 2, 2003, According to WRGB (CBS6) Chief Engineer Fred Lass, the foundations are complete. Block is currently being laid. Electrical Work has begun. The building is expected to be complete in August, then transmitter installation will begin. 2 V12 (1.25MW) Generators and NiMo transformers have been delivered to the region and are now awaiting final delivery and installation.

Hopeful estimates of a Mid-Summer launch of DTV transmission are extremely grim considering transmitter installation will not start until August.

Mickd · 05-02-03, 02:00 PM

MasterFX1,

Thanks for the update. Please keep us informed when you get new info.

MasterFX1 · 05-22-03, 10:04 PM

May 22 2003
Breaking News For Albany Schenectady Troy NY:

WRGB CBS 6 anticipates full installation of its DTV transmitter to its existing analog tower by July 31, 2003. WRGB also expects to pass-through HDTV from CBS either at launch or within a few weeks thereafter to both its DTV transmitter and Time Warner Cable. When achieved, WRGB will be the first Alb/Schen/Troy station to OTA broadcast in HDTV.

The DTV Transmitter will later be moved to the Community Tower when construction is completed.

MasterFX1 · 07-10-03, 01:50 PM

July 10 2003
DTV News for Albany Schenectady Troy

WRGB CBS 6 will be broadcasting in DTV (480i) from it's existing tower beginning 7/11/03 or 7/14/03. As of yet, WRGB cannot receive HDTV from the CBS network, so no OTA HDTV for this market yet.

In analog news... A new UPN affiliate, WNYA, is now broadcasting bars and tone on Channel 51 from Pittsfield, MA.

BreakStuff · 07-10-03, 10:47 PM

So this is good news...right?

OTA HDTV reception of WRGB CBS would have been great news, but I am sure they are doing their best and it does appear that progress is being made..

Any info about when the community tower will be completed?

Any info about "prospected" live dates for any of the other affliates in the capitol region?

Keep up the good work MasterFX1,

Hopefully this thread will recieve alot more attention in the near future

BreakStuff

MasterFX1 · 07-15-03, 08:54 AM

July 15 2003
DTV News for Albany Schenectady Troy

WRGB-DT sign-on was delayed due to a heating issue. They expect to be live by 7/18/03. HDTV should be passed through by Mid-August.

dtvpete · 07-15-03, 12:24 PM

I had an opportunity to run some tests of DTV reception in New Paltz and Saugerties this past June. WCDC-36 digital was receivable in both locations, which were nearly 80 miles and about 55 miles distant, respectively.

The locations were on the roof of a two-story factory building just outside New Paltz and on the rear deck of a house in Saugerties, right up against the Catskill Mountains (and not in a very good location, either).

Antenna was the modified Channel Master 4308 from

http://www.hdtvexpert.com/Pages/cm3022.html

along with a Channel Master Titan 2 #7775 UHF preamp.

WCDC-36 only encodes 480i now but is expected to move to 720p encoding this fall once the rest of the Albany-Schenectady DTVs are on-air, particularly WTEN.

Look for their DTV signal (which was at less than half power when I tested) as it gets out very well from Mt. Greylock in western Massachusetts.

MasterFX1 · 07-15-03, 02:13 PM

Thanks dtvpete. I too can receive WCDC-DT from just north of the Catskills, at 2000 ft above sea level in Rensselaerville. (80+ Miles SW of Mt Greylock) However, the picture freezes or macro-blocks pretty often. (No signal level meter in my receiver) I am using a Radio Shack antenna on a rotor with a Radio Shack Line Amp/Splitter (That's it!)

mattalb · 07-16-03, 03:11 PM

I case you weren't aware, Time Warner Albany just announced the addition of Discovery HD to their lineup. It can be found on Ch. 1837. I haven't viewed it yet, but many people on this forum say it is a stunning example of HDTV.

BreakStuff · 07-16-03, 10:42 PM

Albany Time Warner and HDTV = lots of $$$ per month just for the basics..

I'm looking foward to the local OTA HDTV broadcast's soon to come

MasterFX1 · 07-22-03, 03:40 PM

Well WRGB-DT is on the air! Channel 39, but should be labeled 6-1 on your receiver. The transmitter is significantly lower on the tower than the analog transmitter and is a unidirectional antenna. I myself cannot receive it at home. Any one out there see it? How does it look?

BreakStuff · 07-22-03, 09:35 PM

Thanks for the update MFX1,

WRGB-DT is officially here!

480i picture quality looks good and appears to be an improvement compared to the WCDC ABC signal.. of course the WRGB tower is 20 miles closer to my location..

Signal strength fluctuates from 75% - 87% on MyHd card,the median seems to be around the 81% mark, however I have seen it as high as 100%.. I have noticed quite a bit of pixelization and/or audio dropouts even when the signal was locked at 81%... I'm sure things will get better with time..

An interesting note is that my signal stays the same regardless if my antenna is pointed directly at the tower or if it is off 15 degees to either side.. maybe this has something to do with the unidirectional antenna?

Hmmm...makes you wonder if WRGB is ready for HDTV

BTW..I'm am located in the city of Albany and my antenna is a Channel Master 4221..

MasterFX1 · 07-23-03, 06:36 AM

Thanks BreakStuff, WRGB-DT is simulcasting their in-house signal, whereas WCDC-DT is upconverting the off-air signal of WTEN... Big difference!
By the way, WRGB receives network in digital, therefore, Primetime is "all-digital."
WRGB will, within a month, receive network in HDTV, retransmit in HDTV and digitally feed Time Warner. Amen.

If you cannot receive WRGB-DT now due to poor signal, It should get better in October when the transmitter is moved to its much taller location at the community tower and switches antennas.

BreakStuff- Does the signal breakup or drop out during complicated scenes? Or does it happen while watching mostly static images? It could be the compression that causes that (Not poor signal). WRGB-DT will upgrade its encoder within a few days, this may help.

BreakStuff · 07-25-03, 05:14 PM

Quote:

BreakStuff- Does the signal breakup or drop out during complicated scenes? Or does it happen while watching mostly static images? It could be the compression that causes that (Not poor signal).

Seems to happen at both instances.. but for what its worth, I have noticed the breakup occur many times when the credits were being shown at the end of television shows. Also occurs during some commercials when alot of text is being displayed.. weird huh?..

B.Ellis · 07-25-03, 11:42 PM

Is there any chance of reception in the Wallkill/Pine Bush area???

MasterFX1 · 07-28-03, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by B.Ellis
Is there any chance of reception in the Wallkill/Pine Bush area???

Not Really. Maybe if you have a really tall tower and some serious receive gear. But don't hold your breath.

nistcm · 07-31-03, 11:37 AM

Brrrrrrrrrrrrp. My dirtbike receives HD.

justman · 08-09-03, 10:30 PM

When will the local cable (TWC?) add the HD networks for NBC & CBS? ABC is the only current HD offering on cable, correct?

MasterFX1 · 08-14-03, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by justman
When will the local cable (TWC?) add the HD networks for NBC & CBS? ABC is the only current HD offering on cable, correct?

Time Warner will add local HD as soon as the affiliates make it available! WRGB (CBS) plans to pass network HD on later this month. As for NBC and FOX in HD on TWC, I would GUESS around October/November. I doubt that the WB, UPN or PAX will go to HD locally in the near future (just DTV).

TWC in Albany currently offers HBO-HD, SHO-HD, Discovery HD Theater and WTEN-DT (ABC).

NickHDTV · 08-21-03, 04:19 PM

How about for Saratoga NY. What type of antenna would you say I shopuld get. I think i need a vhf/uhf combo to receive channel 4 (fox) and 12 (nbc).

Let me know what you think.

MasterFX1 · 08-21-03, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NickHDTV
How about for Saratoga NY. What type of antenna would you say I shopuld get. I think i need a vhf/uhf combo to receive channel 4 (fox) and 12 (nbc).

Let me know what you think.

You will definately want a VHF/UHF... channels will jockey around the dial over the next two decades as analogs shut off. Ex: Channel 39(6-1) may move to channel 6 when the existing analog 6 shuts off.

Even with rabbit ears, If you can receive crystal clear analog OTA, then you should get DTV no problem. (You'll just have to wait 3 or 4 months for the stations to broadcast in high-power from the new tower to know for sure.)
A good antenna with no obstructions to the south west should be able to receive WRGB-DT now.

Being in the Saratoga region, I would highly recommend a rotor on your antenna so you can attempt to receive stations from Plattburgh/Burlington.

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.asp

This link will help you choose an appropriate antenna as well as give you the right direction to aim your antenna.

BreakStuff · 08-21-03, 09:27 PM

For fun and games I thought I would install a set of Rat Shack rabbit ears to my "soon-to-be" HDTV setup..Normally the locals are quite fuzzy and just barely watchable,However the WRGB digital signal comes in very nicely when "locked".

Keep in mind I do live in the city of Albany and the broadcast tower is approx. 15 miles away..This might be some inspiring news for people in the Tri city area considering the use of an indoor antenna for HDTV.

My antenna is actually an amplified VHF/UHF omni-directional and is a bit touchy to the dtv signal and a better choice would probably be a direction UHF antenna such as a "Silver Sensor". My roof mounted Channel Master 4221 works well and might be overkill but it just makes me feel better knowing its there

And on another note,dropouts and pixelization of the WRGB digital signal have ceased, its been weeks since I have had so much as a stutter and all looks good here..

BreakStuff

NickHDTV · 08-22-03, 11:48 AM

So right now, we can only view wrgb in digital. Maybe this will give me time to experiment with radio shack rabbit ears or something a bit more.

If it works now for wrgb then i can assume it will work when the other uhF channles go "live" correct?

thanks for the info. btw-i thought they were all "live" at this point until this thread, thanks for the heads up!

02-28-03, 09:14 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
MasterFX1 Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Scotia-Glenville, NY Posts: 594	Albany Schenectady Troy - New York Thread Current H/DTV Channels Available in Albany/Schenectady/Troy-NY DMA: Over The Air (OTA)- 6-1/6 WRGB-DT (CBS), Albany, NY 1080i 6-2/6 WRGB-DT (THIS), Albany, NY 480i 10-1/26 WTEN-DT (ABC), Albany, NY 720p 10-2/26 WTEN-DT (WTEN Weather), Albany, NY 480i 10-3/26 WTEN-DT (Retro TV), Albany, NY 480i 13-1/12 WNYT-DT (NBC), Albany, NY 1080i 13-2/12 WNYT-DT (NBC/WNYT Weather), Albany, NY 480i 13-3/12 WNYT-DT (Doppler Radar), Albany, NY 480i 17-1/34 WMHT-DT (PBS1), Albany, NY 1080i 17-2/34 WMHT-DT (PBS2), Albany, NY 480i 17-3/34 WMHT-DT (PBS3), Albany, NY 480i 19-1/36 WCDC-DT (ABC), N. Adams, MA 720p 19-2/36 WCDC-DT (WTEN Weather), N. Adams, MA 480i 23-1/7 WXXA-DT (FOX), Albany, NY 720p 23-2/7 WXXA-DT (VTV - Variety TV), Albany, NY 480i 45-1/43 WCWN-DT (CW), Albany, NY 1080i 45-2/43 WCWN-DT (Universal Sports Network), Albany, NY 480i 45-3/43 WCWN-DT (WRGB CBS6), Albany, NY 480i 51-1/13 WNYA-DT (MyTV4), Albany, NY 1080i 55-1/50 WYPX-DT (Ion), Amsterdam, NY 480i 55-2/50 WYPX-DT (Qubo), Amsterdam, NY 480i 55-3/50 WYPX-DT (Ion Life), Amsterdam, NY 480i 55-4/50 WYPX-DT (Worship), Amsterdam, NY 480i Time Warner Digital Cable HD- 803 HD PPV (Special Events) 1747 Headline News HD 1748 MSNBC HD 1749 CNBC HD 1750 Fox News HD 1751 BBC America HD 1757 Fuse HD 1758 G4 HD 1759 Bravo HD 1760 Style HD 1761 IFC HD 1762 E! HD 1765 We HD 1770 Big 10 HD (must subscribe to Sports Tier) 1775 Encore E HD 1780 HBO Latino HD 1789 Big 10 On Demand (iCL39) (must subscribe to Sports Tier) 1800 HD PPV 1801 Showcase HD On Demand 1804 WNYA HD 1805 TBS HD 1806 WRGB-DT (CBS) 1808 WXXA-DT (FOX) 1810 WTEN-DT (ABC) 1811 WMHT-DT (PBS) 1812 HD PPV (same as 1800) 1813 WNYT-DT (NBC) 1815 WCWN-DT (WB) 1821 Home Shopping Network HD 1822 QVC HD 1823 Weather Channel HD 1824 Crime & Investigation HD 1825 Science Channel HD 1826 Biography HD 1827 TNT HD 1828 USA HD 1829 FX HD 1830 SyFy HD 1831 Toon Disney HD 1832 Cartoon Network HD 1833 ABC Family HD 1834 Disney Channel HD 1835 Animal Planet HD 1836 Discovery Channel HD 1837 Discovery HD Theater 1838 A&E HD 1839 History Channel HD 1840 MHD (MTV HD) 1841 HGTV HD 1842 Food Network HD 1843 Travel Channel HD 1844 TLC HD 1845 TV ONE HD 1846 CNN HD 1847 MSG HD 1849 MSG+ HD 1851 Fox Business News HD 1852 MGM HD (included in TWC's HD Tier at $3.95 per month) 1854 Smithsonian HD on Demand (included in TWC's HD Tier at $3.95 per month) 1855: Smithsonian HD (included in TWC's HD Tier at $3.95 per month) 1857: RFD-TV HD (included in TWC's HD Tier at $3.95 per month) 1858: MavTv HD (included in TWC's HD Tier at $3.95 per month) 1859 NY1 HD 1860 Universal HD (included in TWC's HD Tier at $3.95 per month) 1861 Hallmark Movie HD (included in TWC's HD Tier at $3.95 per month) 1862 AMC HD 1863 TCM HD 1864 Lifetime Movie Network HD 1865 Golf HD 1866 SportsNetNY HD 1867 YES HD 1868 MLB HD 1869 ESPN HD 1870 ESPN2 HD 1871 ESPNU HD 1872 ESPNEWS HD 1873 Versus HD 1874 Outdoor HD (must subscribe to Sports Tier) 1875 NHL HD (must subscribe to Sports Tier) 1876 National Geographic HD 1877 Speed HD (must subscribe to Sports Tier) 1878 CBS College Sports HD (must subscribe to Sports Tier) 1879 Tennis Channel HD (must subscribe to Sports Tier) 1880 HBO East HD 1881 HBO2 E HD 1882 HBO West HD 1883 Cinemax East HD 1884 Cinemax West HD 1885 Showtime HD 1886 Showtime West HD 1887 Showtime 2 HD 1888 TMC HD 1889 Showtime Showcase HD 1890 Starz HD 1891 Starz West HD 1892 Starz Comedy HD 1893 Starz Kids and Family HD 1894 Starz Edge HD 1895 Showtime Extreme HD 1909 Team HD 1929 MLB Extra Innings HD Last edited by MasterFX1; 10-08-09 at 09:55 PM.. Reason: Updated Channels

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MasterFX1 Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Scotia-Glenville, NY Posts: 594	While it's one community tower, the transmitters will all be operated independently. So range will depend on each transmitters wattage, elevation and frequency (lower channel frequencies travel further at the same wattage.) Since the new tower is located relatively where most of the analog Alb/Schen/Troy DMA towers are now, it's probably a good rule of thumb to figure that if you get crisp OTA analog reception from the channels available in Albany now, then you will likely get the new Digital ones in the coming seasons.

03-24-03, 01:02 PM	#7 \| Link
MasterFX1 Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Scotia-Glenville, NY Posts: 594	Albany Schenectady Troy OTA Update: The weather has finally warmed to the point that construction on the transmitter building for the community tower has officially resumed. Update (4/9/03): So the warm weather ended apruptly and Winter is lingering, what does this mean for the tower site? It can't be good. Last edited by MasterFX1; 04-09-03 at 12:29 PM..

05-02-03, 09:53 AM	#8 \| Link
MasterFX1 Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Scotia-Glenville, NY Posts: 594	Albany Schenectady Troy OTA Update: As of May 2, 2003, According to WRGB (CBS6) Chief Engineer Fred Lass, the foundations are complete. Block is currently being laid. Electrical Work has begun. The building is expected to be complete in August, then transmitter installation will begin. 2 V12 (1.25MW) Generators and NiMo transformers have been delivered to the region and are now awaiting final delivery and installation. Hopeful estimates of a Mid-Summer launch of DTV transmission are extremely grim considering transmitter installation will not start until August. Last edited by MasterFX1; 05-02-03 at 01:49 PM..

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MasterFX1 Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Scotia-Glenville, NY Posts: 594	May 22 2003 Breaking News For Albany Schenectady Troy NY: WRGB CBS 6 anticipates full installation of its DTV transmitter to its existing analog tower by July 31, 2003. WRGB also expects to pass-through HDTV from CBS either at launch or within a few weeks thereafter to both its DTV transmitter and Time Warner Cable. When achieved, WRGB will be the first Alb/Schen/Troy station to OTA broadcast in HDTV. The DTV Transmitter will later be moved to the Community Tower when construction is completed. Last edited by MasterFX1; 05-23-03 at 12:12 PM..

03-02-03, 05:47 PM	#2 \| Link
bakntime Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 73	Thanks for this update. My situation is kind of bad, because I'm in the "Albany" area sort of, but I get Time Warner Cable service out of Binghampton. As far as I know, the only HD channels on the Binghampton digital system are HBO-HD and Shotime-HD. I'm dying for them to start picking up some locals (like ABC WTEN), but I don't know if they "can" since we don't get any Albany/Schenectady/Troy channels as our cable "locals". Most of my channels are out of Binghampton and Utica, and a couple out of Syracuse. The interesting thing is that I'm probably close enough to receive the new Albany stations OTA, because I'm about 40 miles from the new transmitter, but I just don't know what kind of signal I'd get. I'm torn between investing in an OTA system, or just waiting to see what happens with my Time Warner provider. If anyone has any suggestions, ideas, insight on the Binghampton area, etc. please post any news. THANKS!

03-02-03, 07:26 PM	#3 \| Link
MasterFX1 Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Scotia-Glenville, NY Posts: 594	While this is not in the Alb/Schen/Troy DMA, I believe WBNG in Binghamton is currently OTA Digital.

03-02-03, 07:36 PM	#4 \| Link
bakntime Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 73	Yup - I just saw that about WBNG. Interesting - I wonder if the Binghampton Time Warner will pick it up, as we have the analog WBNG. Anyway, not to get too off topic, does anyone know what kind of range/power the new Albany stations are going to have for OTA?

03-03-03, 05:16 PM	#6 \| Link
mattalb Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 21	MasterFX1: Great update. Thanks bakntime: Check out http://www.100000watts.com/tv/ALB.html You will find the transmitter wattage and elevation information for each station listed

05-02-03, 02:00 PM	#9 \| Link
Mickd New Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Latham, NY Posts: 8	MasterFX1, Thanks for the update. Please keep us informed when you get new info.

07-10-03, 01:50 PM	#11 \| Link
MasterFX1 Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Scotia-Glenville, NY Posts: 594	July 10 2003 DTV News for Albany Schenectady Troy WRGB CBS 6 will be broadcasting in DTV (480i) from it's existing tower beginning 7/11/03 or 7/14/03. As of yet, WRGB cannot receive HDTV from the CBS network, so no OTA HDTV for this market yet. In analog news... A new UPN affiliate, WNYA, is now broadcasting bars and tone on Channel 51 from Pittsfield, MA.

07-10-03, 10:47 PM	#12 \| Link
BreakStuff Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: City of Albany NY Posts: 898	So this is good news...right? OTA HDTV reception of WRGB CBS would have been great news, but I am sure they are doing their best and it does appear that progress is being made.. Any info about when the community tower will be completed? Any info about "prospected" live dates for any of the other affliates in the capitol region? Keep up the good work MasterFX1, Hopefully this thread will recieve alot more attention in the near future BreakStuff __________________ Visit me at kittyfingers.com Last edited by BreakStuff; 07-10-03 at 10:59 PM..

07-15-03, 08:54 AM	#13 \| Link
MasterFX1 Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Scotia-Glenville, NY Posts: 594	July 15 2003 DTV News for Albany Schenectady Troy WRGB-DT sign-on was delayed due to a heating issue. They expect to be live by 7/18/03. HDTV should be passed through by Mid-August.

07-15-03, 12:24 PM	#14 \| Link
dtvpete New Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 10	WCDC-36 Propagation I had an opportunity to run some tests of DTV reception in New Paltz and Saugerties this past June. WCDC-36 digital was receivable in both locations, which were nearly 80 miles and about 55 miles distant, respectively. The locations were on the roof of a two-story factory building just outside New Paltz and on the rear deck of a house in Saugerties, right up against the Catskill Mountains (and not in a very good location, either). Antenna was the modified Channel Master 4308 from http://www.hdtvexpert.com/Pages/cm3022.html along with a Channel Master Titan 2 #7775 UHF preamp. WCDC-36 only encodes 480i now but is expected to move to 720p encoding this fall once the rest of the Albany-Schenectady DTVs are on-air, particularly WTEN. Look for their DTV signal (which was at less than half power when I tested) as it gets out very well from Mt. Greylock in western Massachusetts.

07-15-03, 02:13 PM	#15 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
MasterFX1 Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Scotia-Glenville, NY Posts: 594	Thanks dtvpete. I too can receive WCDC-DT from just north of the Catskills, at 2000 ft above sea level in Rensselaerville. (80+ Miles SW of Mt Greylock) However, the picture freezes or macro-blocks pretty often. (No signal level meter in my receiver) I am using a Radio Shack antenna on a rotor with a Radio Shack Line Amp/Splitter (That's it!)

07-16-03, 03:11 PM	#16 \| Link
mattalb Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 21	Time Warner HDTV I case you weren't aware, Time Warner Albany just announced the addition of Discovery HD to their lineup. It can be found on Ch. 1837. I haven't viewed it yet, but many people on this forum say it is a stunning example of HDTV.

07-16-03, 10:42 PM	#17 \| Link
BreakStuff Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: City of Albany NY Posts: 898	Albany Time Warner and HDTV = lots of $$$ per month just for the basics.. I'm looking foward to the local OTA HDTV broadcast's soon to come

07-22-03, 03:40 PM	#18 \| Link
MasterFX1 Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Scotia-Glenville, NY Posts: 594	Well WRGB-DT is on the air! Channel 39, but should be labeled 6-1 on your receiver. The transmitter is significantly lower on the tower than the analog transmitter and is a unidirectional antenna. I myself cannot receive it at home. Any one out there see it? How does it look?

07-22-03, 09:35 PM	#19 \| Link
BreakStuff Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: City of Albany NY Posts: 898	Thanks for the update MFX1, WRGB-DT is officially here! 480i picture quality looks good and appears to be an improvement compared to the WCDC ABC signal.. of course the WRGB tower is 20 miles closer to my location.. Signal strength fluctuates from 75% - 87% on MyHd card,the median seems to be around the 81% mark, however I have seen it as high as 100%.. I have noticed quite a bit of pixelization and/or audio dropouts even when the signal was locked at 81%... I'm sure things will get better with time.. An interesting note is that my signal stays the same regardless if my antenna is pointed directly at the tower or if it is off 15 degees to either side.. maybe this has something to do with the unidirectional antenna? Hmmm...makes you wonder if WRGB is ready for HDTV BTW..I'm am located in the city of Albany and my antenna is a Channel Master 4221.. Last edited by BreakStuff; 07-22-03 at 09:48 PM..

07-23-03, 06:36 AM	#20 \| Link
MasterFX1 Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Scotia-Glenville, NY Posts: 594	Thanks BreakStuff, WRGB-DT is simulcasting their in-house signal, whereas WCDC-DT is upconverting the off-air signal of WTEN... Big difference! By the way, WRGB receives network in digital, therefore, Primetime is "all-digital." WRGB will, within a month, receive network in HDTV, retransmit in HDTV and digitally feed Time Warner. Amen. If you cannot receive WRGB-DT now due to poor signal, It should get better in October when the transmitter is moved to its much taller location at the community tower and switches antennas. BreakStuff- Does the signal breakup or drop out during complicated scenes? Or does it happen while watching mostly static images? It could be the compression that causes that (Not poor signal). WRGB-DT will upgrade its encoder within a few days, this may help. Last edited by MasterFX1; 07-23-03 at 09:06 AM..

07-25-03, 11:42 PM	#22 \| Link
B.Ellis Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Wallkill, NY Posts: 41	Is there any chance of reception in the Wallkill/Pine Bush area???

07-31-03, 11:37 AM	#24 \| Link
nistcm New Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 4	Brrrrrrrrrrrrp. My dirtbike receives HD.

08-09-03, 10:30 PM	#25 \| Link
justman Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Albany NY Posts: 345	When will the local cable (TWC?) add the HD networks for NBC & CBS? ABC is the only current HD offering on cable, correct?

08-21-03, 04:19 PM	#27 \| Link
NickHDTV Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 323	How about for Saratoga NY. What type of antenna would you say I shopuld get. I think i need a vhf/uhf combo to receive channel 4 (fox) and 12 (nbc). Let me know what you think.

08-21-03, 09:27 PM	#29 \| Link
BreakStuff Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: City of Albany NY Posts: 898	For fun and games I thought I would install a set of Rat Shack rabbit ears to my "soon-to-be" HDTV setup..Normally the locals are quite fuzzy and just barely watchable,However the WRGB digital signal comes in very nicely when "locked". Keep in mind I do live in the city of Albany and the broadcast tower is approx. 15 miles away..This might be some inspiring news for people in the Tri city area considering the use of an indoor antenna for HDTV. My antenna is actually an amplified VHF/UHF omni-directional and is a bit touchy to the dtv signal and a better choice would probably be a direction UHF antenna such as a "Silver Sensor". My roof mounted Channel Master 4221 works well and might be overkill but it just makes me feel better knowing its there And on another note,dropouts and pixelization of the WRGB digital signal have ceased, its been weeks since I have had so much as a stutter and all looks good here.. BreakStuff

08-22-03, 11:48 AM	#30 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
NickHDTV Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 323	So right now, we can only view wrgb in digital. Maybe this will give me time to experiment with radio shack rabbit ears or something a bit more. If it works now for wrgb then i can assume it will work when the other uhF channles go "live" correct? thanks for the info. btw-i thought they were all "live" at this point until this thread, thanks for the heads up!