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post #4891 of 4948
7/23/12 at 10:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by loudo38 View Post

I have seen a lot of talk about people doing it, in reading different forums, and actually know one person that has gone that route, switching back to an OTA antenna and a Netflix subscription. I for one am not ready to do so just yet, but it is almost to the point where you can get most anything on the Internet that you can get via satellite or cable. Every day as I scan the Internet I see more and more articles about doing it.

Yeah, it's nice to see people trying to break away. Perhaps, they will be satisfied with what they can get over the air and internet for free. Once you start paying, however, you're just headed down the same road.

The big difference is where you're located. If you can receive a perfect picture from the 4 basic broadcast networks plus PBS, you might be ok. I want all of the local news capability that I can get plus some of the other local programming. The live network news and, certainly, FOX NEWS, MSNBC, CNN, HLN, CNBC, and FOX Business would be greatly missed.

Granted some programming is available free on the internet, but it won't be. That's not the way things work.
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post #4892 of 4948
7/23/12 at 11:45am
We have scaled back our TV viewing habits for quite a while; and worst case scenario of the cable companies killing clear-qam, I want to go Antenna though we're >60 miles from towers in hilly terrain. Anyway. We have basic cable for the major stations and PBS + Create. Augmented with Netflix (now only online (previously 3 DVDs, then 1 +web) & Amazon Prim & Hulu.

Recently tested a Roku, has some free and ad-supported content. It still seems a little bit too basic in as far as pulling online content and single line linear interface.
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post #4893 of 4948
7/26/12 at 6:13am
There is a middle ground. I dropped Direct and purchased the low Basic with CC at $16 per month. Also added Netflix. The BB Comcast allows me to get all local channels in HD and in the clear, along with a group of other channels, including the Weather Channel.

With that setup I can record (with my 2 DVRs) two shows at once and watch another which is more than I could do with Direct (could watch a recording but not an additional live show).

As far as missing anything, every show that I watched outside the local channels I can view online, so I am not missing anything except sports on ESPN and NFL network. Even there, there are internet sites that broadcast sports either pay or bootleg. The NFL network has a relatively cheap season delayed broadcast of all NFL games along with the coach's view. I am strictly a football fan so still have the Sunday NFL games. If I decide to buy the NFL delayed broadcasts, then I will not miss even them. I do miss some college games.

I was going to purchase a bare bones computer and hook it to my setup, but it will not be long until all TVs come with an internet interface, so I just hook up my laptop and enjoy the on line shows in HD.

My internet is gwi at about 5megs (DSL) with unlimited land line phone for about $65. TV is $16. Netflix is $8, a total of $89 or less than I was paying Directv alone.
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post #4894 of 4948
7/26/12 at 6:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by beekeeper View Post

I was going to purchase a bare bones computer and hook it to my setup, but it will not be long until all TVs come with an internet interface, so I just hook up my laptop and enjoy the on line shows in HD.
You can do it for less than the cost of a bare bones computer. There are several products that you can add onto your TV to view the Internet on your TV for around $100. I know WD makes one product, and I have a Logitech Revue which works great for me. I got it to purchase MLB TV, which was a lot cheaper than MLB EI that DirecTV offers. All you get around here is Boston and I am not a Boston fan. It works great great for regular Internet viewing and has loads of Apps, for things like sports, weather, news, etc.
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post #4895 of 4948
7/27/12 at 3:50am
Got a Roku for that. What I am looking for is a browser.
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post #4896 of 4948
7/27/12 at 6:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by beekeeper View Post

Got a Roku for that. What I am looking for is a browser.
I know a few have browsers, but not all of them. My Logitech Revue has a browser, Google Chrome, and works good on most web sites. The one thing I have noticed that I haven't been able to do is download files. Things like .pdf files. It won't load plug ins for Chrome.
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post #4897 of 4948
7/29/12 at 4:51am
Cord Cutters.

The PPH has a story today Your Shows Your Way that outlines alternative ways to get TV programming. Here's a few tidbits.
Quote:
HOW TO CUT THE CORD

"Cut the cord" has become a rallying cry for people who want to give up cable or satellite services, and instead watch their favorite shows on over-the-air channels, on websites or from streaming services. There are forums online to learn about how to cut the cord, including what sort of equipment -- tuners, antennas, etc. -- you might want to buy. One of the best online forums on the subject is at Reddit.com/r/cordcutting.

If you'd also like advice from a fellow Mainer, Tim Lambert of Biddeford suggests this equipment for fellow cord cutters.

What you need:

• Internet connection ($35 to $50 a month)

• A Windows 7 PC ($400 to $600)

• A good, external antenna ($75 to $150)

• SiliconDust HD Homerun network tuner ($130) or internal TV tuner card.

• Media center remote ($25)

• A TV

What you get:

• A free DVR built in to Windows 7

• High definition programming broadcast for free

• The ability to record and/or watch two programs at a time with the network tuner. Add a second network tuner if you'd like to watch more than two channels at a time.

• Ability to pull in free programming over the Internet. You can also subscribe to services like Hulu Plus and Netflix if you feel there aren't enough free options available.

Also some low cost packages on TWC.
Quote:
In February, Time Warner did begin offering a smaller, cheaper package of services to Maine subscribers. It's called TV Essentials, and for $49.99 plus a converter box ($8.45 a month), customers get all the local channels in their area plus about 35 of the most popular cable channels.

But customers don't choose the channels, and they don't get major sports channels like ESPN.

Time Warner's next level of service, called Standard, is about $73.99 a month.

No info about low cost packages on Comcast Brunswick.

Dana
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post #4898 of 4948
8/7/12 at 4:55pm
From info posted here.
Quote:
Patriots 2012 Preseason TV Affiliates
August 7, 2012

The Patriots’ preseason games on Aug. 9 (Saints), Aug. 24 (at Tampa) and Aug. 29 (at Giants) can be seen live on the Patriots Preseason Television Network, available in all six New England states and Hawaii...
...

Maine: Portland – WMTW-TV Channel 8, Bangor – WVII-TV Channel 7.

...

Once again, the duo of Don Criqui and Randy Cross will call the games.

The second of the four pre-season games will be Philadelphia at Foxborough on ESPN at 8 PM Monday Aug. 20. Presumably all will be in HD. The three games on the Patriots Preseason Television Network have a 7:30 PM start time. The ESPN game has an 8 PM start time.

Dana
Edited by drbonbi - 8/7/12 at 7:18pm
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post #4899 of 4948
8/14/12 at 4:35am
Here we go again. Dish Network subscribers stand to lose Channel 13 this week.

Once more Sinclair Broadcast Group is in a fee fight. Sinclair would have us believe that the only recourse Dish has is to cave in and carry WGME (CBS) on Sinclair's terms. But, I think Dish can carry an alternate CBS affiliate until the fee fight is resolved. How about carrying WABI-TV from Bangor? That would at least give Dish subscribers an alternative besides a black screen.

Dana
Edited by drbonbi - 8/14/12 at 5:12am
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post #4900 of 4948
8/14/12 at 6:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by drbonbi View Post

Here we go again. Dish Network subscribers stand to lose Channel 13 this week.
Once more Sinclair Broadcast Group is in a fee fight. Sinclair would have us believe that the only recourse Dish has is to cave in and carry WGME (CBS) on Sinclair's terms. But, I think Dish can carry an alternate CBS affiliate until the fee fight is resolved. How about carrying WABI-TV from Bangor? That would at least give Dish subscribers an alternative besides a black screen.
Dana
In today's world you have to have an OTA antenna installed along with your cable or satellite service. Seems like there have been a lot of local disputes lately. I have installed an antenna, in the attic, as a backup. Plus with satellite, it can be a game saver from rain fade.
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post #4901 of 4948
8/15/12 at 4:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by loudo38 View Post

In today's world you have to have an OTA antenna installed along with your cable or satellite service. Seems like there have been a lot of local disputes lately. I have installed an antenna, in the attic, as a backup. Plus with satellite, it can be a game saver from rain fade.

What brand/make antenna? Also, how well does it work?
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post #4902 of 4948
8/15/12 at 5:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by beekeeper View Post

What brand/make antenna? Also, how well does it work?
It is not a digital one, but an older one I bought from Radio Shack over 25 years ago. Similar to this one http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3767303&znt_campaign=Category_CMS&znt_source=CAT&znt_medium=RSCOM&znt_content=CT2032189
I get all of the Portland stations without any problem, from just outside Lewiston.
I also have a Phillips indoor digital antenna, that I can receive all the Portland stations except "Channel 8". This is that antenna: http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/dcbint/cpindex.pl?slg=en&scy=us&ctn=SDV3132/27
In my previous house I had the older antenna set up with a line amplifier and had it run to 4 different rooms in the house. Here I just have it going to one set.
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post #4903 of 4948
8/16/12 at 4:53am
As reported here
Quote:

Dish Vs Sinclair: Deal Or No Deal?

Washington, D.C. (August 16, 2012) -- Dish Network this morning says at its web site that it has reached a deal "in principle" with Sinclair to keep Sinclair's 74 local stations in the satcaster's lineup.

"DISH is pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement in principle with Sinclair Broadcast Group to keep your stations on DISH. Thank you for your patience and loyalty while we worked to continue to bring you the best programming at the best value," reads a statement at IControlMyTV.com, a web site Dish established for this dispute.

Despite the Dish statement, there has been no corresponding statement from Sinclair. Plus, several Sinclairr-owned stations have posted notes at their web sites and social media pages saying no deal was reached before midnight last night when the old pact expired.

....

However, multiple reports say Sinclair has not pulled their signals from Dish yet, a strong signal that the two companies still have hope of signing a new agreement...

As of 7:50 AM, WGME had not changed its announcement dated yesterday but says "We will update this information in the morning on Thursday August 16th. Thank you!"

Dana
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post #4904 of 4948
8/16/12 at 5:47am
WGME has now posted the following on its web site.

"Attention Dish Network Subscribers: Sinclair Broadcast Group is pleased to announce that it has reached agreement in principle with Dish Network on a new retransmission consent agreement and has entered into a two week extension of its existing agreement in order to allow the parties to work toward a final agreement. We thank our viewers for their patience and support during these negotiations."

Dana
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post #4905 of 4948
9/5/12 at 11:51am
Time Warner Cable will be reclaiming more analog bandwidth on or about 10/17/12 accroding to today's legal notice. In Cumberland and York Counties, C-SPAN, EWTN, GOLF, OWN, and Lifetime Movie Network will become digital only services. They will still stay in the same service teirs they are currently in.
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post #4906 of 4948
9/23/12 at 7:31am
News
Quote:
Time Warner Cable Adds NFL Network - Finally

Washington, D.C. (September 23, 2012) -- ... Time Warner Cable has signed a long-term agreement to carry the NFL Network and its sister channel, the Red Zone channel.

Time Warner Cable was the last major TV provider to carry the channel after Cablevision added it two weeks ago. The NFL Network was launched in 2003 and now carries weekly regular season games live on Thursday nights.

Over the years, there were numerous reports that the two companies were getting close to landing a deal. But they would fall short, often leading to name calling and charges that one side was either cheap or asking for too much money.

But the dynamic changed this season when the NFL Network acquired the rights to air weekly regular games for the first time. Last season, it aired eight games during the season.

Dana
Edited by drbonbi - 9/23/12 at 1:09pm
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post #4907 of 4948
10/5/12 at 3:40am
Gannett's WCSH and WLBZ are among stations that could be removed from Dish Network on Monday at 2AM due to an expiring retransmission consent agreement.
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post #4908 of 4948
10/8/12 at 8:25am
News
Quote:
Update: The two companies announced this morning that they have signed a long-term deal to end the impasse.

Dish-Gannett Still Talking In Fee Fight

Washington, D.C. (October 8, 2012) -- Dish and Gannett Broadcasting last night agreed to a 'several-hour' contract extension in a fee fight that could take Gannett's stations in 19 cities off Dish's airwaves...

Dana
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post #4909 of 4948
10/8/12 at 9:41am
The blue banner hinting at the impasse is gone from the WCSH-TV website. I guess that's good? smile.gif

Now for a question for within Portland itself: I was told that WMTW-TV (ABC) channel 8 runs an in-town digital translator on UHF channel 26. Assuming it's from the Time & Temperature Building, would that actually cause overload if somebody is only a few blocks away from it? (Example: Back Bay Tower on Cumberland Avenue.) confused.gif
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post #4910 of 4948
10/8/12 at 9:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by KEVINL71 View Post

The blue banner hinting at the impasse is gone from the WCSH-TV website. I guess that's good? smile.gif
Now for a question for within Portland itself: I was told that WMTW-TV (ABC) channel 8 runs an in-town digital translator on UHF channel 26. Assuming it's from the Time & Temperature Building, would that actually cause overload if somebody is only a few blocks away from it? (Example: Back Bay Tower on Cumberland Avenue.) confused.gif

According to Wikipedia info on WMTW:
Quote:
More recently, WMTW had a construction permit for a digital fill-in translator on UHF channel 26 to serve viewers that have difficulty receiving the main signal on VHF channel 8. [15] The translator serves the immediate part of Portland and some surrounding areas from a transmitter on top of the Time and Temperature Building. On April 26, 2010, the station filed a License to Cover for the new translator which was granted by the FCC on June 1. This essentially allowed it to officially sign-on. [16]

I'm not that knowledgeable about electronics, but I believe a digital signal (UHF 26 is digital) is either make or break and not subject to overload as analog might be.

Dana
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post #4911 of 4948
10/11/12 at 3:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by KEVINL71 View Post

The blue banner hinting at the impasse is gone from the WCSH-TV website. I guess that's good? smile.gif
Now for a question for within Portland itself: I was told that WMTW-TV (ABC) channel 8 runs an in-town digital translator on UHF channel 26. Assuming it's from the Time & Temperature Building, would that actually cause overload if somebody is only a few blocks away from it? (Example: Back Bay Tower on Cumberland Avenue.) confused.gif

No, it's not overload. Multipath (ghosting in the analog days) is a killer for digital tv reception. 8VSB modulation is used in over the air digital broadcasting and is highly susceptible to multipath.
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post #4912 of 4948
10/11/12 at 3:52am
Quote:
I'm not that knowledgeable about electronics, but I believe a digital signal (UHF 26 is digital) is either make or break and not subject to overload as analog might be.

Dana

Digital broadcast signals are certainly susceptible to intermodulation distortion, especially in cheap amplifiers. Happens all the time when amplifiers are used indiscriminately.
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post #4913 of 4948
11/6/12 at 2:51pm
Quick question: who decides whether a local channel follows a national breaking news broadcast or sticks to original broadcasting: the local station? or the local service provider?

I personally would expect it to be the local station, but I am not sure.

I've been peeved that three times within one week channel 8 (we just happen to like Diane Sawyer better ...) has switched over to their game show, instead of carrying the extra half hour of the extended national news broadcast. Twice it was with hurricane Sandy and last night as well.
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post #4914 of 4948
11/6/12 at 3:14pm
^^ I think your guess is correct. I've heard essentially the same thing lately on Channel 13 where Scott Pelley, the CBS Evening News moderator, has said "Some stations may not carry our extended version of the CBS Evening News that follows after the break." Or words to that effect. It may have to do with local advertising revenue. wink.gif

Dana
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post #4915 of 4948
11/7/12 at 8:21am
But, during extended news coverage there are plenty of commercial breaks as well. I don't see why commercial breaks during a second half hour of national news couldn't carry whatever ads were already paid for. Unless ads are absolutely tied to a certain program, and not a time slot?

I just hate to see a local station switch to a pre-recorded game show when there's a crisis two states over.

Last night it was the same thing again.

National headquarters decide to expand their programming (throwing a ton of resources behind it), but Maine has to stick to airing a game show?? Not that there was a crisis or election results coming in already; but it is the principle of it. On a historic day I prefer the extended news coverage. They can air the game shows etc the rest of the time.

Later in the evening they kept giving air time to the local news desk, covering local elections as they should, but keeping viewers completely in the dark to breaking national election news. Fortunately enough, there were some live web feeds available to some national news desks, which we put on the tv instead. But, every time we tried to switch from internet to cable it was either ads or local news ...

So, I'm not really pleased with channel 8 the past week.
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post #4916 of 4948
12/7/12 at 6:48pm
Time Warner Cable to increase dowload speed in Maine.
Quote:
December 6

Time Warner Cable said it would boost the maximum download speed for its standard Internet service by 50 percent in Maine and other markets.

The areas to be boosted to 15 megabits per second (Mbps) from 10 Mbps for its most popular level of service

"Standard Internet is our most popular Internet service because it's ideal for everyday use, watching videos online, downloading apps, online banking and definitely for online holiday shopping," said Carol Hevey, executive vice president of operations for Time Warner Cable's East Region.

"And now that our maximum download speed for standard Internet is 50 percent faster, customers can have a better Internet experience on all their devices."

Standard Internet customers will receive the faster speeds automatically this month. Customers who want the faster service immediately can get it by pushing the "reset" button on their modems, or by unplugging the power cord from the modem for 10 seconds, plugging it back in and then
rebooting the computer, Time Warner Cable said.

Time Warner Cable declined to comment on how many customers subscribe to its standard service. Customers spend about $54.99 a month for standard Internet, the company previously said.

In October, Time Warner Cable said it would begin charging Internet customers across New England, New York and the Carolinas an Internet modem lease fee of $3.95 a month. Customers can continue to lease their modems from Time Warner Cable and pay the monthly fee, or they can buy modems from retailers to avoid the monthly expense.

Dana
Edited by drbonbi - 12/8/12 at 6:19am
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post #4917 of 4948
1/3/13 at 2:14pm
Those of us with multiple TVs who are happy with Clear-QAM from the wall, for some of all of their TVs, are up the creek without a paddle to hit the FCC with.

I just accidentally (internet search for something else) found out that the FCC ruled back on October 15 (or thereabouts) to allow basic tier encryption and - of course - I can't find anything on the FCC main site, blog, docs, ...

The links from engadget to the ruling is dead. So is the link to boxee.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/14/fcc-to-allow-encryption-of-basic-cable-with-a-few-strings-that/

Same with the link on public knowledge, who's writer doesn't think it is that big of deal.
http://www.publicknowledge.org/blog/some-good-some-bad-fcc-basic-tier-encryption-


There is no way I want to get half a dozen satellite boxes or standard-def digital cable adapter crapware all over the place. Even if HD boxes come out. It is BS that we can't just our own TV & remote any more, can't have more than two devices in the same space any more (try changing one DCA box and not another), ....

I need to read up on antenna installations. Any good resources out there?

Antennaweb suggests I'd only be able to pull 3-5 stations OTA in the Augusta-Waterville area ?
TV fool says I might get double with an attic antenna, but should mount the antenna on the roof to pull a few primary stations like ABC from Portland frown.gif
Edited by icerabbit - 1/3/13 at 2:29pm
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post #4918 of 4948
1/3/13 at 2:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by icerabbit View Post

Those of us with multiple TVs who are happy with Clear-QAM from the wall, for some of all of their TVs, are up the creek without a paddle to hit the FCC with.
I just accidentally (internet search for something else) found out that the FCC ruled back on October 15 (or thereabouts) to allow basic tier encryption and - of course - I can't find anything on the FCC main site, blog, docs, ...
The links from engadget to the ruling is dead. So is the link to boxee.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/14/fcc-to-allow-encryption-of-basic-cable-with-a-few-strings-that/
Same with the link on public knowledge, who's writer doesn't think it is that big of deal.
http://www.publicknowledge.org/blog/some-good-some-bad-fcc-basic-tier-encryption-

There is no way I want to get half a dozen satellite boxes or standard-def digital cable adapter crapware all over the place. Even if HD boxes come out. It is BS that we can't just our own TV & remote any more, can't have more than two devices in the same space any more (try changing one DCA box and not another), ....
I need to read up on antenna installations. Any good resources out there?
Antennaweb suggests I'd only be able to pull 3-5 stations OTA in the Augusta-Waterville area ?
TV fool says I might get double with an attic antenna, but should mount the antenna on the roof to pull a few primary stations like ABC from Portland frown.gif
I find TV Fool to be a pretty good source. I used it with good results when I lived in Florida and also here in Maine.
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post #4919 of 4948
1/8/13 at 4:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by icerabbit View Post

Those of us with multiple TVs who are happy with Clear-QAM from the wall, for some of all of their TVs, are up the creek without a paddle to hit the FCC with.
I just accidentally (internet search for something else) found out that the FCC ruled back on October 15 (or thereabouts) to allow basic tier encryption and - of course - I can't find anything on the FCC main site, blog, docs, ...
The links from engadget to the ruling is dead. So is the link to boxee.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/14/fcc-to-allow-encryption-of-basic-cable-with-a-few-strings-that/
Same with the link on public knowledge, who's writer doesn't think it is that big of deal.
http://www.publicknowledge.org/blog/some-good-some-bad-fcc-basic-tier-encryption-

There is no way I want to get half a dozen satellite boxes or standard-def digital cable adapter crapware all over the place. Even if HD boxes come out. It is BS that we can't just our own TV & remote any more, can't have more than two devices in the same space any more (try changing one DCA box and not another), ....
I need to read up on antenna installations. Any good resources out there?
Antennaweb suggests I'd only be able to pull 3-5 stations OTA in the Augusta-Waterville area ?
TV fool says I might get double with an attic antenna, but should mount the antenna on the roof to pull a few primary stations like ABC from Portland frown.gif[/quote


We lived just off Western Avenue in Augusta from 1960 to 1968 and used a rooftop antenna. We pulled in 5, 6, 8, 10 and 13 with pretty good results. WMTW's transmitter is located well South of Portland, now, so I don't know what you can expect from that station.
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post #4920 of 4948
1/9/13 at 11:37am
While usually I don't post national news notes, since the topic of late here is what can be done to avoid big ticket price tags to access TV programming, I thought the following might be of interest.
Quote:
News
CES: DISH to Offer More 'Low-Priced' Programming

Washington, D.C. (January 9, 2013) -- Dish said yesterday that it plans to introduce more 'mini programming packages' designed to keep costs down for economically-challenged consumers, writes Multichannel News.

The publication said Dish programming chief Dave Schull said the company won't go as far as offering a la carte pricing -- where consumers would only pay for the channels they watch -- but it would offer more packages like its Heartland Package.

The satcaster last year introduced a 'Heartland Package' for $5 a month which includes 10 rural and family-oriented networks including RFD-TV and Hallmark Channel.

“We think that’s the answer to the bundling conundrum the industry is facing,” Shull told Multichannel News during an interview at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Dana
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