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Detroit, MI - HDTV - Page 275

post #8221 of 11559
10/21/09 at 8:00am
Troubleshooting some issues with Dish Network and need to know if anyone that's a Dish customer has seen break-ups on WDIV. I'd also like to know what your receive level is on the transponders carrying the locals, which I think is 110 West and 118 West. (correct me if I'm wrong)

WDIV's Dish demods are working fine and they're seeing break-up during certain weather events. No surprise there, but the receive level doesn't change at all, indicating it's not precip fade. I'm beginning to think the weather problem is on Dish's demod.

Much appreciated.
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post #8222 of 11559
10/22/09 at 5:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawgdaes View Post

I see your point. But that is the reason why they are a sham of a station. In my mind a local affiliate should originate some local programming, and more importantly be a have presence in the community they serve.

WWJ has 5 minutes of weather and some local show called Michigan Matters. Seriously is there even someone in control room to run an Amber alert or weather alert.


Don't forget that it was this market that shat on CBS in the first place. CBS has spent a fortune scrambling just to stay on the air in this market thanks to the channel 2 switch.

As long as they meet their FCC requirements, I like that they dont run local news. Considering that most other stations do(at a loss) its redundant and not needed.
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post #8223 of 11559
10/23/09 at 8:10am
I'm guessing nobody watching DISH is seeing any breakups with WDIV, correct?
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post #8224 of 11559
10/23/09 at 4:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LS2JSTS View Post

Don't forget that it was this market that shat on CBS in the first place.

?

The market didn't do anything to CBS; it was the purchase of the company that owned WJBK (New World Communications) by FOX that caused the change of affiliation from CBS to FOX.

See this link for the story on how FOX acquired WJBK: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_World_Communications

See this link on how CBS acquired WGPR, which they changed to WWJ: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWJ-TV

Quote:
As long as they meet their FCC requirements, I like that they dont run local news. Considering that most other stations do(at a loss) its redundant and not needed.

?

Local news is one of the most, if not the most, profitable part of a local station's operations. CBS knew this when they tried to program a local newscast (via corporate sibling WKBD, who had an existing long running local news presence). Unfortunately, WXYZ, WDIV, and WJBK were too successful and established for WWJ to make a go of it.
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post #8225 of 11559
10/23/09 at 4:59pm
why is normal jeopardy in widescreen HD but finaly jeopardy is not??
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post #8226 of 11559
10/23/09 at 5:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LS2JSTS View Post

Don't forget that it was this market that shat on CBS in the first place. CBS has spent a fortune scrambling just to stay on the air in this market thanks to the channel 2 switch.

As long as they meet their FCC requirements, I like that they dont run local news. Considering that most other stations do(at a loss) its redundant and not needed.

The local news is only redundant because most of it is garbage. I really believe if we had a stronger local media this area might not be in as bad a shape as it. I think the press is supposed to hold the our leaders accountable and inform us about the issues they face on a day to day basis. We get very little of that from our local media (print, radio and TV included).

I get better coverage of the Auto industry from the New York Times then I get from our local papers. Of course I only get our local paper 3 days a week.
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post #8227 of 11559
10/24/09 at 6:45am
I see WPXD got their construction permit to move to Southfield. Anyone know the timetable when they'll make the switch?
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post #8228 of 11559
10/24/09 at 11:04am
I'm actually from the Flint area but it seems there are a lack of Comcast and/or U-verse subscribers who visit that thread, so I thought I'd try here to see what people think. I know that U-verse is universally considered to have the worst PQ of all options but can anyone comment on how it compares to Comcast specifically? The lower prices of U-verse are attractive (free installation, cash back, etc.), and the lack of HDNet on Comcast is troubling, as it's one of my most watched channels.

I wish I could go with DirecTV or Dish, but the though of a long-term contract is intimidating, since I'm not sure how long I will be at my apartment complex. I want the freedom to be able to cancel anytime I want.

I just can't seem to make up my mind. If only we were fortunate enough to live in a Verizon area... *sigh*
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post #8229 of 11559
10/24/09 at 11:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pagoona View Post

I'm actually from the Flint area but it seems there are a lack of Comcast and/or U-verse subscribers who visit that thread, so I thought I'd try here to see what people think. I know that U-verse is universally considered to have the worst PQ of all options but can anyone comment on how it compares to Comcast specifically?

You can't accurately compare cable, because each cable service area can vary in HD image quality.

Did you specifically ask in the Flint topic for others who've had both Comcast & U-verse?

I've seen both Comcast & U-verse at a few different places in the Metro Detroit area, U-verse has a less sharp image and it's prone to blocking with any kind of fast movement or action. YMMV.
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post #8230 of 11559
10/24/09 at 3:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pagoona View Post

I wish I could go with DirecTV or Dish, but the though of a long-term contract is intimidating, since I'm not sure how long I will be at my apartment complex. I want the freedom to be able to cancel anytime I want.

If you end up moving somewhere where you can't get service, DirecTV will let you out of the contract.
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post #8231 of 11559
10/24/09 at 5:50pm
From Wikipedia regarding ION:

On or about May 11, 2009 a new application to modify a digital allotment was posted in the FCC database, in which WPXD would broadcast its digital signal on channel 50 from WKBD-TV's tower in Southfield at 345 kW. The FCC and the Canadian government have approved this allotment.[1] and barring further objection the station will eventually move to this new location. On October 21, 2009 the FCC granted a construction permit for the construction of WPXD's channel 50 Southfield facilities. WPXD believes the stronger signal will reach an additional 1.8 million viewers.
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post #8232 of 11559
10/25/09 at 12:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken H View Post

?

The market didn't do anything to CBS; it was the purchase of the company that owned WJBK (New World Communications) by FOX that caused the change of affiliation from CBS to FOX.

See this link for the story on how FOX acquired WJBK: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_World_Communications

See this link on how CBS acquired WGPR, which they changed to WWJ: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWJ-TV

?

Local news is one of the most, if not the most, profitable part of a local station's operations. CBS knew this when they tried to program a local newscast (via corporate sibling WKBD, who had an existing long running local news presence). Unfortunately, WXYZ, WDIV, and WJBK were too successful and established for WWJ to make a go of it.

I wonder then, why do the national networks always say that the news dept is a huge money loser for them. Why do the nationals lose money at the news game while the locals are apparently able to turn it into a profit center.

I always assumed that the nationals lose money, so the locals must lose money on news as well. Always thought it was more of a serving the community issue to satisfy the FCC. It's news to me that the local news is in fact a profit center. I guess it makes sense, if I were a local advertiser, the news would be my first choice of slots to load up in.
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post #8233 of 11559
10/25/09 at 1:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LS2JSTS View Post

Why do the nationals lose money at the news game while the locals are apparently able to turn it into a profit center.

Because Steven Clark doesn't make nearly as much as Katie Couric. And, last time I checked, WDIV doesn't maintain bureaus in London, Moscow, Paris...

Seriously, viewership for national newscasts is way down. But television is the go-to place for local news. And there's nothing Brian Williams can tell me I didn't already get from the local newscast or CNN/MSNBC/FNC or the internet. Plus the network, with only a half-hour newscast doesn't have nearly the inventory a 90-minute local newscast does.
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post #8234 of 11559
10/25/09 at 2:39pm
Talking about local news. I have seen something over the last few months on WXYZ that needs to be fixed.

On the main backdrop screen behind the anchor desk, the looping video of the skyline and and Channel 7 branding has a 2 or 3 frame blip where everything will jump up a few lines. Minor issue, but quite annoying.
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post #8235 of 11559
10/25/09 at 6:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pagoona View Post

I wish I could go with DirecTV or Dish, but the though of a long-term contract is intimidating, since I'm not sure how long I will be at my apartment complex. I want the freedom to be able to cancel anytime I want.

It's a two year contract, with a pro-rated termination fee. So it's not like you're joining the military...

I gave up on DirecTV after about a year and gladly paid the fee to get out. (Crappy HD-DVR at the time.) So I wouldn't let that be a hurdle...if it has what you want at a price you want to pay I'd go for it.
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post #8236 of 11559
10/26/09 at 10:55am
More on the wonderful world of local TV news profits and probably the best explanation as to why WWJ-DT won't be fronting a news operation anytime soon, if ever: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...9#post17419639
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post #8237 of 11559
10/28/09 at 10:32pm
If this is true then all this HD stuff is for nothing. I guess they finally figured out white space won't work so They might go one step further.

http://www.dailytech.com/FCC+Looks+a...icle16647c.htm

I think a government starved for money is worse then no government at all.
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post #8238 of 11559
10/29/09 at 8:10am
Your post is a bit over dramatic and exaggerated. The FCC is not mulling taking back ALL of the bandwidth currently available for OTA television, just a portion of it. So that makes OTA tv dead? That makes the conversion to HD for nothing? Hardly.

The reality is, a majority of homes get their TV programing through either DBS or some type of cable run to their home. At the same time, the demands for wireless broadband are increasing daily as the number of people with an iPhone, Blackberry, etc. continues to grow. Something has to give.

Finally, this has nothing to do with a money grab on the part of the FCC.

I really don't see the issue here. If the spectrum were saturated with OTA tv channels then I'd agree there is an issue. However, that's not the case. I don't think it would be all that challenging to further condense the existing OTA broadcasters into a tighter grouping, thereby freeing up some bandwidth.
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post #8239 of 11559
10/29/09 at 9:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by detroitdt View Post

If this is true then all this HD stuff is for nothing. I guess they finally figured out white space won't work so They might go one step further.

http://www.dailytech.com/FCC+Looks+a...icle16647c.htm

I think a government starved for money is worse then no government at all.

The Daily Tech article is based on the Wall Street Journal article, which is more detailed: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...302393274.html
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post #8240 of 11559
10/29/09 at 11:50am
I read online that Comcast had reached a deal with HDNET a while ago.

Has anyone heard if this is ever gonna happen? My Spartan b-ball team is playing in a tourney in NJ over Thanksgiving weekend and it's only on HDNET.
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post #8241 of 11559
10/29/09 at 12:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by starkmj View Post

I read online that Comcast had reached a deal with HDNET a while ago.

Has anyone heard if this is ever gonna happen? My Spartan b-ball team is playing in a tourney in NJ over Thanksgiving weekend and it's only on HDNET.

Yes, it's been over a year since HDNet & Comcast signed a carriage deal. Unfortunately, I don't know of any Comcast systems in Michigan that have it, or HDNet Movies.

As a matter of fact, due to others asking about it, I recently created a poll asking Comcast HD subs if they get HDNet & Movies in the HDTV Programming Forum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1190926

As of now, with 42 respondents, 4 get HDNet & HDNet Movies.

According to HDNet, the rollout is in progress and will continue.

All of the 4 respondents in the poll who have HDNet, live in an area that does not have Project Cavalry. I incorrectly expected after a Comcast area got Project Cavalry (~100 HD channels) that HDNet would show up, so I'm not sure when to expect it in any given area.
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post #8242 of 11559
10/30/09 at 10:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by doublejack View Post

Your post is a bit over dramatic and exaggerated. The FCC is not mulling taking back ALL of the bandwidth currently available for OTA television, just a portion of it. So that makes OTA tv dead? That makes the conversion to HD for nothing? Hardly.

The reality is, a majority of homes get their TV programing through either DBS or some type of cable run to their home. At the same time, the demands for wireless broadband are increasing daily as the number of people with an iPhone, Blackberry, etc. continues to grow. Something has to give.

Finally, this has nothing to do with a money grab on the part of the FCC.

I really don't see the issue here. If the spectrum were saturated with OTA tv channels then I'd agree there is an issue. However, that's not the case. I don't think it would be all that challenging to further condense the existing OTA broadcasters into a tighter grouping, thereby freeing up some bandwidth.

The article states that a complete take back is possible. They also say they will have funds to switch OTA users over to something else. If they want to pay for basic cable/sat service for life, I'm fine with that. The right thing to do is repack OTA into a block of exculsive use channels, using the money they get from an auction.
You are right that something has to give, that should be the old technolgy wireless uses.
BTW, some of the money from the last auction went for things like the converter box coupons, etc. But the FCC took in way more then it spent.
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post #8243 of 11559
10/30/09 at 12:12pm
I saw last night during the World Series that WJBK's logo was inserted at the top of each hour without dropping the HD feed. I believe that wasn't the case before last night.
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post #8244 of 11559
10/30/09 at 12:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mlr_1977 View Post

I saw last night during the World Series that WJBK's logo was inserted at the top of each hour without dropping the HD feed. I believe that wasn't the case before last night.

They were still dropping to SD on Wednesday, but I didn't watch yesterday. It's about time they did this!
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post #8245 of 11559
10/30/09 at 12:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by detroitdt View Post

The article states that a complete take back is possible. They also say they will have funds to switch OTA users over to something else. If they want to pay for basic cable/sat service for life, I'm fine with that. The right thing to do is repack OTA into a block of exculsive use channels, using the money they get from an auction.

The whole thing is just crazy. I don't take it seriously.
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post #8246 of 11559
10/31/09 at 7:25pm
I'll bet I'm not the only one around here who has a DVDR with a NTSC tuner, and is missing the analog channels that Comcast is converting to digital in the Ann Arbor area. I just posted a new thread "Comcast HD STB as tuner for DVDR" in the "DVD Recorders" forum, to share my experiences, and what I have learned, both on my own, and with help from AVS Forum members. Check it out if you are interested.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1192691
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post #8247 of 11559
11/1/09 at 1:53am
anyone in macomb county able to receive any Toledo stations?
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post #8248 of 11559
11/1/09 at 1:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken H View Post

The whole thing is just crazy. I don't take it seriously.

I do agree. Just blowing off steam. I just don't like the idea of running around trying to find these things when the complaints start coming in. I wish they would let the Engineers at the FCC work this out. Then we could have something that really works. Instead, it always the first thing that comes around. Like BPL and IBOC radio.
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post #8249 of 11559
11/2/09 at 4:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by doublejack View Post

The reality is, a majority of homes get their TV programing through either DBS or some type of cable run to their home.

That may or may not be true, but with the economy the way it is, more and more people are dropping cable and/or satellite simply because they can't afford it. It'll be OTA or nothing, IF they even have a TV.
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post #8250 of 11559
11/2/09 at 4:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrDon View Post

Seriously, viewership for national newscasts is way down. But television is the go-to place for local news. And there's nothing Brian Williams can tell me I didn't already get from the local newscast or CNN/MSNBC/FNC or the internet. Plus the network, with only a half-hour newscast doesn't have nearly the inventory a 90-minute local newscast does.

Well, see, there are a couple of places I have a problem. The local news should be just that, Local news extending to regional and state issues. I don't need them to do repeats of national stories that are seen everywhere else.

And does local news really need to be 90 minutes? Do a 30 @ 5PM and a 6PM with the network feed at 5:30 and something else at 6:30.


~~~~

Side question: Is there a place here to discuss local TV station websites?
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