South Bend, IN - HDTV - Page 24

Yeah, presumably to allow for the weather warnings, but they waited 20 minutes after switching to SD to put up a warning and then only put up one or two more the rest of the show. They should be able to stay in HD until the warnings go up, or even better, find a way to put up warnings while still in HD.

Does anybody here use firewire to capture un-encrypted HD signals from the Comcast HD DVR to the PC? I am able to capture un-encrypted signals from all the locals except WSJV-DT. The DVR doesn't list this channel as being 5c encrypted, but it is acting like it is.

Good Morning Michiana!

I have just found this regional sub-forum and appreciate all the interaction / explanations. I have a few observations and questions ... hoping some more in the know will take the time to help with answers.

Right now I have the std Dtv package (with owned equipment, both 18" dish and antiquated RCA receiver). I've been with Dtv since 1997. We almost made it to our ten year anniversary, but separation / divorce is pending . After buying a HDTV, like so many others at the Holidays, I decided to upgrade to H20 and the 5lnb dish. During the process I got badly jerked around, so have completely lost faith in the company. Frankly, on principle alone, I'm planning to shut off their service.

I use Comcast for Bband so also have basic cable. That's been handy to route to another room (without getting another sat. receiver), and for the occasional signal fade due to rain / snow between us and the bird. On setting up my LG-37LC2D the internal tuner found WAY more channels than basic, including quite a few HD signals. But, as most here would know, there's not much order to it, no proper guide, and some of the better HD offerings are not available (such as Discovery HD, etc.).

Over the last few weeks I've looked at HD packages from: Dtv (holding my nose), Dish, and Comcast. At this juncture, with rapidly changing hardware / software and similar provider packages, lighting up the cable seems best. Above all else, I like how it presents a monthly option v long term contractual arrangement. This seems to provide some flexibility to upgrade DVR hardware as opposed being locked in to a HR20 (which has a bad rap) or the Vip622.

irt: Money, it looks like a wash. Add: Comcast digital plus ($40 for the 6 month promo), HD package ($7) and a leased DVR ($12). Subtract Dtv basic ($40), Comcast basic ($13). Then adjust for the additional cost to upgrade and get HD from Dtv. There's no way to calculate the cost of being locked in to a contract ... but it's an issue to consider / include.

irt: HD offerings, Dish has the most in their package, followed by cable and Dtv. The latter, Dtv, is trumpeting the additional birds for 2007, and lots of additional HD programming. But, unless I misunderstand, lots of that will be more locals and regional sports, so has no bearing on national feeds.

irt: total package, it looks like digital plus is pretty comparable to what I have on sat. (though what the HDTV found during basic cable scan plus sat. is amazing; we must have well > 250 channels right now). I printed out the channels on Comcast and don't see many, if any, missing. And, there are some that aren't on sat. basic.

irt: install, it seems easier. No huge dish nor arguments about wanting it where the old one is. The cable is run, so just a few odds and ends. It's my understanding there are hoops to jump, per the site and CSR on phone. But, an associate just picked up his box from the Comcast outlet. Think I'll do that too and pay for a service call (if) instead of initial install fees.

I think when my Bband was installed they planted RG-6 cable from the pole to house(www is digital packets, right?). There is a splitter in the line, but maybe I could upgrade that? A weak link seems to be in the final mile, where I have a few feet of the older cable, RG-45?, running from the exterior splitter to TV (right now the HD channels my HDTV found look great, maybe they will get better?).

After disabling the dish I may use the pre-fed RG-6 to put up an exterior antenna just to compare OTA v cable HD signal. I'm within a few miles of the towers. Right now my dish is on a couple sections of TV tower I saved instead of cutting it down. This also provides easy access to the roof, no ladders required. It made for a nice dish mount (elevates and kept it tidy).

part 2

Questions:

1) Subscribing to Digital Plus would not include the HD channels from 173 - 205, right? This requires a box and additional fees ($7 and $12 as noted above)?

2) The Comcast DVR is a moto dct6214, right? Anyone have this box and want to relate their experience? All seem to have bugs, and since it's a monthly lease I'm not too worried, but ...

3) Does the 6214 support HDMI? DVI out doesn't include audio from my understanding? So, from the moto-box to HDTV you route: DVI-HDMI for video and component cables for audio?

Note: the LG has such nice speakers I'm content for now (though I do run component cables to home stereo, nothing like the big sound for select movies).

4) Does the 6214 allow transfer of digital recordings to an external storage device? Eventually I expect to unite computer and the TV (read: CES show news and Slingbox, etc.), so want to keep options open for digital convergence opportunity.

5) With the $ involved, I have a pretty good surge suppressor. Does the inline coax suppressor serve a good function? Yes, every signal interruption degrades output, but that may be worth it for protection of the TV. Opinions?

Sidebar: I'm one of those people who does commercials for these devices. Once a lightning strike lit up a tree roughly 100' away. I heard the secondary crack inside and found my suppressor smoking! Unplugged the power cords and tossed it outside (should have bronzed and mounted it ... the thing sacrificed it's life for my AV gear).

HDTV is a journey, not plug-and-play. Thanks in advance for any / all replies.

etchasketch

I think once you have basic cable you can get the HD channels via a QAM tuner for free.


That is such and understatement.

wow, that was fast -- I was editing. Thanks hvs10trk. Yes, I'm getting channels now, but it's without the guide (which is what I'll miss most from Dtv) and channels are missing. That's why I thought it requires a STB, to enable full function?

The cost is similar / same to what I'm paying now, so I'm not opposed to HD pkg and DVR rental fees. otoh: if I drop Dtv I want some of the channels from Digital Plus pkg (*)

The DVR is just for fun, to try some time shifting. I plan to buy a DVD recorder to put in the chain and record that way to save things (ala: VCR of old).

e

(*) I may have some / most of them now, but in the mish mash can't find them?

Does anyone know what HD channels numbers are for comcast in the Stevensville\\Baroda\\Bridgman area are, when using a QAM tuner? I got my HLS5688 a few weeks ago and had it scan for channels and it picked up like 333 or something. Some are just black screens, some have picture but no sound, while others have both. However, they all just look like digital channel, not necessarily HD. However I don't think I have scanned all the channels.

Thanks,
Topp

I would like to know about QAM as well. I live in Mishawaka and have Comcast. One TV I have is hooked up using the DVR box, so that one I can get the HD channels just fine, but my other TV, a Samsung TX-P3075WH 30" CRT says it has a QAM tuner, but I really don't know much about QAM or how to set it up. When I do the automatic channel search for cable, it will only pick up the channels below 100, so I'm not seeing any digital channels, when I go through the channel setup it asks something like "Adopts QAM for transmission" or something like that. From what I've read it will only read the unencrypted digital channels without a CableCard, but the local HD channels should be unencrypted. Does anybody have this TV or a similar TV and know how to set up the digital channels on it?

I subscribe to Digital Classic which I think is a tier below Digital Plus and get all 14 HD channels. The DVR box I got in October is a 3416 which has HDMI out. There is no HD fee on top of the DVR, it's included.

There is a bug in the DVR firmware (at least I assume that's where it is.) It doesn't like channel 189 (WSBT) and will freeze up occasionally requiring a total power down. Tonight it happened in less than 2 minutes. Normally it takes anywhere from 30 min to a couple hrs. As a result of this, I usually watch channel 22.1 OTA or 12 for SD programs. Another poster has had the same problems, swapped DVRs and that did not fix the problem.

The local digital HD channels are 16.1, 22.1, 28.1 and 34.1. Most of them have a .2 version also but it's not HD. The .0 version is the same as the analog channel. Your tuner should pick them all up in a channel scan and then scroll thru them in order as you change channels. Your remote probably has a "." on the number keypad to enter them directly.

No, I know how to program OTA HDTV channels, what I'm asking is the digital cable HD channels that supposedly can be detected with a QAM tuner (which this TV has). I would rather pick up the channels through cable without a box if possible, which is what I assumed from reading about QAM on the internet. OTA has really bad reception because we don't have an outdoor antenna because I live in an apartment and we can't put one up so it's hard to maintain a good signal with an indoor antenna.

Hello All,
We've made some progress in WBND, WCWW, and WMYS coming alive as DTV OTA. The FCC was happy with our decisions. Expect CP's shortly for WBND and WMYS.

I used the QAM tuner when I first got my new TV until I upgraded to Comcast's Digital package and a Moto 3416 DVR so, it's been a while. I believe you'll find the HD channels at: WBND 89.4, WSJV 116.1, WSBT 116.2, and WNDU 117.2.

lmacmil wrote:

[I subscribe to Digital Classic which I think is a tier below Digital Plus and get all 14 HD channels. The DVR box I got in October is a 3416 which has HDMI out. There is no HD fee on top of the DVR, it's included.

There is a bug in the DVR firmware (at least I assume that's where it is.) It doesn't like channel 189 (WSBT) and will freeze up occasionally requiring a total power down. ...]

and, in reply to morphinapg

[ Your remote probably has a "." on the number keypad to enter them directly ]

Thanks very much for the reply lmacmil. The channel lineup included in D+ (Digital Plus) was not clear to me either on the phone with a CSR or at the Ccast site (there being different colors for some channels led to confusion, and an assumption I'd need to subscribe to D+ and HD).

I'm not too worried about firmware bugs in the DVR (he said with bravado). It appears every newer DVR now in circulation suffers from hardware / software glitches. FWIW, an engineer friend who built the chips for my antiquated RCA Dtv box, and many subsequent products had a good explanation:

In short, he said most of the must-have features were incorporated in the original hardware designs. Then, for any product you care to name, the software guys would start tweaking, adding kewl stuff, saying it was free to end user. They had great ideas, but took the chips far afield from product brief. Pretty soon the bugs appear in both intended and add-on functions.

Software-self-fulfilling-full-employment-act?

Anyway, guess I better just troll over to the Comcast office and look at a 6412 in person. I read a review that suggested the video output was DVI? You may have just saved me from returning a HDMI-HDMI cable I need (and subsequently ordering the DVI-HDMI I won't need). The return pkg to Monoprice is literally on the counter!

The same trip will let me confirm channel line-up, sign up and tune in.

Last: thanks for mentioning the [.] button, So, that's what the dot is for!

morphinapg wrote:

[ what I'm asking is the digital cable HD channels that supposedly can be detected with a QAM tuner (which this TV has). I would rather pick up the channels through cable without a box if possible, which is what I assumed from reading about QAM on the internet. OTA has really bad reception because we don't have an outdoor antenna because I live in an apartment and we can't put one up so it's hard to maintain a good signal with an indoor antenna.]

morphinapg: from my limited understanding I don't think you can get what you want without (leasing) a STB. Unless you find someone with the same TV and same carrier who explains otherwise, I believe what you want requires the feed via box or antenna.

irt: OTA, if you have a south facing unit, or a south window, why not try another antenna? There are a lot of people getting good PQ via inexpensive indoor antennas, or, from an exterior antenna on their balcony. I was told by a nice young man from BB (doing TV install) that the original antenna I bought did not do as good of a job as another.

In case this helps, and keep in mind this was a lad who does TV installs, not someone trying to sell you something, he suggested a Terk model different than what most are using. It was:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1051384457031

GL,
e

Ah, here's where I found the video output info of the moto 6400 series:

http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/dct6412.asp

http://broadband.motorola.com/noflas...2659-001-a.pdf

Still, think I'll stop by and do this in person, to avoid confusion

e

Same static & audio dropout 1 min into Supernatural (DTV & OTA) on 1/18.

Actually digital cable ready TVs should be able to decode digital cable channels that are unencrypted (and the local HD channels on cable are). A CableCard would be required to decode the encrypted channels. I was just wondering if anyone had a similar TV and could help me to figure out how to program them in.

BTW the 6412 does have HDMI output

morphinapg:

Yah, I know what you're saying about HDTVs with QAM tuners ... I'm getting unscrambled HD locals now (from the basic cable package with no STB, no cable card inline) on my LG, no tricks during setup, just auto-scan found the HD feed after analog!

Thx, irt the 6412 output. I want to see the connections in person (preferably on the back of a box in my own hands), since both the link above and owners manual PDF specify DVI-D connectors, not HDMI.

Geez, it should be easy ... just wanting to watch TV, right ?

e

OK update. WCWW as everyone knows has a CP. WBND and WMYS-LD's have been approved pending any petitions of denial. We should expect CP's for the final 2 sometime after the 2nd of Feb.

I am going to ask some dumb questions just so I understand your news. First, C.P. = Construction Permits ?? YES?

Since I mostly watch the west michigan affiliates, I am not to familar with your call signs.

To recap: The new CW network has a CP (construction permit)

What networks are WBND and WMYS affiliated with? ( I think one is ABC?RIGHT?)

What are the DECISIONS you made that the FCC is happy with?

Lets say that the CW and ABC affiliates have the green light, what is your very BALLPARK guestimate on live OTA HD feed......end of feb, march, or april?

Hi,

Anyone receiving HD content through Charter in Kazoo? Have you been able to compare it to either OTA or D*? I'm currently getting the South Bend stations, plus WOTV, WXMI, WGVU and sometimes WOOD using a $25 RS antenna. But the wife is not happy about the antenna on the roof. I've either got to upgrade my D* equipment to receive HD programming or switch to cable.

Any comments?

TIA,

CAV

marnintim - it looks like you're in my area - any experience with Charter HD?

I started the separation proceedings with Dtv a week ago and took another step today (went to the local Comcast office to review cable promo program and discuss the box alternatives). Lady was very helpful, and I signed up for Digital +.

My only concern is she said something about the Moto dct3412, that being what they have available. So, I'm back to reading, to see if this box is what I want or no. I also was surprised to be told the 34xx series was newer than the 64xx series (unusual numbering if so, suspect I was told what seemed convenient).

My suggestion, unless you are OK with a long term contract (18 month = Dish / 24 month = Dtv, I'd look at cable. JMO ... though the grass is never really greener and some could make similar suggestion in reverse!

e

One of the main reasons I'm considering Charter is the less-hassle factor and lack of contract commitment. However, I am concerned about picture quality. The OTA HD picture is quite captivating and since I've read OTA is the best delivery system available at present I'm having trouble giving it up! If someone who's had an opportunity to compare Charter, D* and OTA says that there's a huge difference I may try another approach - a better antenna mounted in the attic.

thanks,

CAV

You are correct.


WCWW (CW), WBND (ABC), WMYS (MyNetwork)


Yes we can officially build for that station.


See above


Channel choice, power, antenna pattern, antenna height, fun stuff like that.


We have a bit of work to do. Lots of buying!! Lots of building. As for a ballpark........I couldn't even guess. We'll probably do all 3 at the same time. Pending weather and equipment delivery it could go quickly, it may not. I'll post updates when there's news.

The 34xx series is newer than the 64xx series. 12=120GB hard drive, 16=160GB. I have never used more than about 35% of capacity. Right now I have 4.5 hrs of HD content and 1.5 hrs of SD content stored on my 3416 and it is 25% full.

Maybe the QAM tuner in my TV is messed up or something, oh well. I do have the 6412 tho in my room (the other TV was in my brother's room) so I can get the HD channels fine here. The original DCT6412 didn't have HDMI but DVI, but Mark III includes HDMI

Here's the back of my box:



Sorry I couldn't post a picture until after 5 posts

thx all, for the replies. Glad to see the boxes are all coming with HDMI, and you saved me sending the HDMI-HDMI cable back to Monoprice, then ordering another (HDMI-DVI) and then prolly returning the whole shebang again!

Frankly, there are so many people having problems with ALL the current crop of DVRs, it's hard to read and not think it's going to be an unwelcome tech snafu. Hope I can have a new box, not one returned for glitches. I'd happily take a truly refurbed box (benched by an engineer).

But, we are reliant on the softies and their firmware updates I'm afraid Doubtless these companies want to lock down data, and keep the shields up to hacks / probes. But, it seems if Logitech can develop software to program dozens of configs into remotes, that enabling the data ports to PC would allow PC / online diagnostics.

By that I mean a separate machine diagnosing problems of another. Self diagnosis (with a malfunctioning machine) is, well, sorta silly IMO!

Have a fine weekend alles,
e

ps - there is a lot online that's helpful. Wish there was a good tutorial for each box, that if followed to the T would reduce individual problems. Of course, everyone is at their own tech readiness level and has varied equipment, wants for the sys, etc.

pps - I have Ccast coming next Friday, want to be here to make sure line is OK. Despite wanting to minimize costs, the truck roll is already paid for, so I'm considering paying for the box install too. That way they shoulder some responsibility if (when) problems occur?

reading (for others who visit, wanting info on the 34xx-64xx series from Ccast

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&page=84&pp=30

http://www.**********.com/viewforum.php?id=9

http://www.pvrblog.com/pvr/2005/11/comcast_hd_dvr_.html

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use onnections

http://www.comcast.com/diagrams/

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to...orola_DVR/Setup

Hvs10trk: If the stars are correctly aligned, how long does it usually take to construct a digital tower?

No sound during UCONN IU ball game. Hope they can get it together before tomorrow's Colts game!!