Update to the Maine HDTV Forum - Digital TV and basic cable

It has been over a week since I have written any new posts to this blog. My goal is to keep up as much as possible with the mission of the blog so I want to at least provide some regular updates.

I have a few things in the fire but the most important is a question that arose this week about which I wrote to a few of my contacts to try and get a definitive answer.

According to published information about the conversion to digital television in February 2009, if you have an older analog TV but subscribe to a cable or satellite service, you should be all set and don't need to buy further equipment. As such, you wont' loose your signal.

I believe, but need to verify, that they are talking about people who subscribe to a cable or satellite service who have a set top box that comes with that service. If you have a set top box for your analog cable, digital cable, or satellite TV, that box comes with a separate remote. And with or without the analog/digital converter boxes that have recently been made available (well, the discount coupons are available) from the FCC, we need to know the answer to this question.

I don't believe they are talking about people who pay for cable but not the cable box, because they have a "cable ready" TV. A "cable ready" TV is a TV that will accept the coax cable/satellite company directly into the coax connection on your TV, no cable box required.

So I have posed this question to my cable company, who did not know the answer, believe it or not. I am assuming I was speaking with someone new as they suggested I call back when it gets closer to the conversion date.

Next, I posed the question to my DTV expert folks who are in the TV broadcasting industry. It would be in their best interest to know the answer to this question as well since their DTV and HDTV can be received for free over the air, bypassing cable/satellite completely.

I hope to have an answer soon and will let you know as soon as I find out.

The "New" CBS Early Show isn't new if it isn't in High Definiton

CBS has lagged in the ratings for their morning show for as long as I can remember. When pitted against The Today Show and Good Morning America, they have never been able to get the right combination of characters and topics to garner much attention.

After January 1, 2008, CBS touted it's "new" CBS Morning Show as the place to be in the morning. They invited us to come and check out their newness.

Well, I did check it out. My first reaction as a High Definition buff is THIS NEW CBS MORNING SHOW IS STILL THE ONLY MORNING SHOW OF THE BIG THREE THAT'S NOT IN HIGH DEFINITION.

So I will make it simple. In the age of new technologies, wide screens, and high definition, if it isn't in HD, it's not new; it is reheated chicken in the microwave.

Setting up a new HDTV for the first time - Very Frustrating

It has been a while since I set up a new HDTV. And, I personally have only set up my own and that was a while ago.

A friend called me a few days ago to tell me she bought a new 32" HDTV and needed help setting it up because her and her boyfriend tried and got nothing; no picture or sound and were frustrated as hell.

So I stopped by for a free meal and got to work. Boy was I in for a big surprise. I could not believe, and did not remember, how difficult it was to set up a new HDTV. I also forgot how much they (meaning the people you bought it from, the "owner's manual", and the world in general) don't tell you about buying and setting up a new HDTV.

In the middle of it all I had her fire up her computer and go to this website so I could get all the info I needed in terms of locating and manually programming in the DTV stations using the UHF conversion numbers (she's in the same viewing area as me but I couldn't remember all the numbers).

The bottom line is that there is no way she would have been able to do this herself without calling the cable company and spending lots of dollars. The other thing that surprised me was how different each HDTV manufacturer is so different when it comes to the various input jacks, and setup menus.

My HDTV has a "cable in" and an "antenna in" jack separately. She only had one jack on her Westinghouse. So I could set hers up the way I set mine up.

On mine, I can easily switch from basic cable to DTV. I have my basic cable coax going into the "cable in" jack, and I have my VHF/UHF Antenna connected to my "antenna in" jack.

She only had one "IN" jack so without additional equipment like an RF switch box or something like that, she wouldn't be able to do what I do. She also is not technically savvy and wanted ON and OFF. So for her, I suggested she contact her cable company, subscribe to HD and have them come in and set it up for her. I know they can do that because I did that a year and a half ago before I dumped all that and went with antenna-only high definition.

So in conclusion, my point in the post is that I feel for you. Anyone who bought a new HDTV and is trying to figure out how to make it all work (but doesn't have the background to understand it all and do it) must be so frustrated. I even got a bit frustrated and I understand it; somewhat anyway. So that's why I write this web site. I know that I don't cover every detail and every possible product and situation out there, but I'm doing my best to help anybody I can.

Response from QVC (Dave King) regarding misstatement about High Def

I received a wonderful email today from Dave King, one of the hosts of QVC, and I must apologize to him as I referred to him as Dan King - sorry Dave !!

Here's an excerpt from Dave's Letter

First of all, let me say that I thoroughly appreciate your taking the timeto write.

While I don't have a web site like you do, I do share your passion forkeeping the public informed about the upcoming transition to digitalbroadcasting on February 17, 2009. Your email prompted me to review the presentation you referred to, and you are correct - I misspoke,substituting the term "high def" for digital at the tail end of thepresentation. Rest assured, it won't happen again.

It is "rule number 1" at QVC to never mislead our viewers, so I will make sure that the Host Team, and our guests, are completely informed regardingthis issue. "

Many thanks to Dave for his email and I will take Dave at his word. I believe he will be diligent about getting the information out to his fellow co-hosts and the public correctly.

Kudos to QVC and Dave King for taking the time to respond to a consumer complain out of the blue.

QVC may be misleading viewers on High Definition

I find it hard to believe that QVC and its staff does not understand the subtle nuances of Digital TV and High Definition TV. Below is a letter I wrote to the show host regarding a JVC LCD HDTV. I chatted online with a customer service representative before I sent this email. I was trying to get a general email address that I could write to so that I could have proof that I sent the email. I really do not like email systems on web sites where you can send them an email through some sort of user interface, but you never know what address you are sending your email to and you can't copy yourself in. If I could just do a straight "send" from my own email account, then I would have the proper audit trail. I suspect that QVC and others all operate behind this curtain for a reason. So here's the email sent at 3:10 AM, January 15, 2008.

To: d_king@qvc.com,
date: Jan 15, 2008 3:10 AM
subject: High Definition Television
mailed-by gmail.com

Dave, I am writing to your as I could not find an email address for the management at QVC

At about 2:40 AM on Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008, I was watching a demo for the JVC 42 inch HDTV. You stated to the viewers that they should purchase this product because as of February 2009, all programming will be in High Definition.
I don't know if it was intentional or no, but that statement is a blatant lie. I do apologize for the strong language but could not think of another word that applies. As of February 17, 2009, all high-powered over-the-air broadcast television must be in digital format.

I will explain further. First there is a big difference between digital TV (DTV - which is what is being regulated by the FCC) and High Definition TV (HDTV). HDTV is not mandated by the FCC only that the broadcast be in digital format. Further, the rule only applies to high powered over-the-air television. Cable-only, or satellite-only programming is NOT included in the mandatory conversion to digital. You need DTV to get HDTV but you don't need HDTV to be have DTV.

I am the creator/owner of a web site which deals with high definition and digital TV issues. I need to point out the this type of information is typical of the type of information that the public hears and then visits sites like mine to have it all explained. Since QVC itself is converting the HD this spring, I am sure that QVC is fully aware of the FCC rules surrounding digital TV, HDTV, and broadcast versus cable TV. I find it irresponsible of QVC to make sure your hosts are not aware of the differences. It would also be irresponsible if QVC was well aware of the differences relating to the conversion to digital TV and is intentionally misinforming the public so that they will buy more product.

This may sound trivial to some but it really is not. The public is already confused enough about HDTV, DTV and this "conversion" to Digital that they have started to hear about. Especially when so many our there are now saying things like "you might even need a new TV because yours won't work". There is so much bad information out there that I believe it is the responsible of anyone associated with the broadcasting industry to be well aware of this issues. There is a wealth of good information out there starting the the FCC web site itself. I am a lay person who has no affiliation with television broadcasting or television products. I am just a consumer who has done A LOT of research and home work to figure this whole thing out. So I would assume that people in the inudstry would have access to better information than I.

I would really appreciate a response from you or the QVC management to address this issue. I will be including the correspondence on my blog as I have promised my regular visitors that I would keep up with all of these issues as they arise so that they can be as informed as I am.

I do thank you for your time.

HDTV or DTV Reception problems - WMTW Channel 8 - Portland, ME

I got some excellent advice from Bill Greep from WMTW Channel 8 in Portland, ME. I had always had great reception for Channel 8.1 (DTV/HDTV). In the last several days, the video and audio had become choppy and inconsistent, making it impossible to watch that channel.

I wrote to the station and asked if there were any changes in the signal output. Bill assured me there was not but had the following input:

"Unfortunately, this time of year (with vast temperature swings and antenna icing) can breed interference from a host of environmental sources, including icing, unstable air currents, or interference due to snow. One thing you may try is to power cycle your DTV off-air receiver and/or do another channel scan of off-air DTV channels. This allows the receiver to optimize digital channel filter settings for the best possible DTV signal. "

Well, I thanked Bill for the possible explanation and took his advice on the recycle of the channel scan. It actually worked and my reception is much better now.

Thanks Bill for the great advice.

Unexplained Signal Stenght Problems with HDTV

I've been using a UHF/VHF antenna to receive all of my HD programming over the air for free for well over a year now.

I must admit I have been lucky that I can put my antenna (an indoor model) in one location on the table behind where my LCD HDTV sits and with very little exception, my signal strenght has been phenomenal. I only have a problem when I've been cleaning or something and moved the antenna's position by accident but have always been able to get it back to where all my available stations are coming in clear as a bell.

In the last few days, all of a sudden I have two channels, WCSH-DT 6 and WPXT-DT 51 that won't retain a consistent signal strength resulting in a very aggravating situation where I am standing there playing every so slightly with the antenna angle trying to get these channels to come in. And when I do, I have problems with all of the other channels I get. I was about ready to pull my hair out.

I was watching "Pearl Harbor" last night, which in HD is such an awesome movie. The special video affects and specialized background audio affects in surround sound (the built into my TV kind, not the whole separate speaker package) really make that movie an incredible viewing experience. However, with my signal problems, it sounded like a record with a skip in it or a CD with a scratch on it. The picture would pixelate and block out, and it was so annoying to watch I had to turn it off.

I thought about it for a while and then got down-right determined to figure out the problem; I had always been able to figure it out so I was pissed.

Shazam! I actually found what I did not think existed. A totally different angle/position for the UHF/VHF antenna and all of my signal issues went away. Some signals were stronger than others, but then they were always like that. But I was happy that I was able to get my "perfected" system up and running again.

So, just some advice. Have no fear. If you are using an antenna to get your HD, you will find the right location. Just keep working at it.

Keep in mind that sometimes, signals bounce off of things like walls. In my case the best location for my antenna happened to be pointing it right into a corner of my living room.

WCSH Makes some noticeable changes- Brian Yocono, Todd Gutner

I think WCSH-6 finally got it right this time. Brian Yocono recently took over the weekend morning spot. He does a great job and seems very comfortable and natural in front of the camera.

I don't want to offend anyone but let's suffice it to say that WCSH has not made the best choices at times when it comes to anchors.

Brian Yocono was an overnight success. He started as a field reporter and it was only a matter of months before WCSH gave him his shot at the anchor desk on the weekends.

Now I don't know if this was a calculated choice or if they just needed someone to fill in. Whatever the reason, it worked. For the first time in years, I actually enjoy the WCSH 6 newscast. Brian has that young, vibrant, professional, handsome look about him that an anchor should have.

I congratulate him on his success and wish him much more.

I also noticed that Todd Gutner, our favorite weatherman is gone. Well, not really gone. He's on WBZ, the CBS affiliate in Boston. Thank god our local cable provider gives us all three of the big three networks out of Boston. I happen to see him last night. He looks happy and health and we wish him all the best as well. It is a shame that someone as passionate and knowledgeable about the weather like Todd is gone but the only weatherman I know of without an AMS designation is still around. Oh well, we like Kevin too.

Today is January 4, 2008. I applied for an Analog/Digital converter box through the http://www.dtv.gov/ web site. I intend to track how long everything takes and if the GOV does what they say they will do. I asked for 2 converter boxes. This is the caviat in the confirmation page below:

TV converter boxes are not expected to be available in retail stores until late February or early March. You will receive your Coupon(s) then. The Coupon will expire within 90 days from the date it is issued.



Let's see what happens.

WMTW - Channel 8 loses its HD broadcast yet again.

Tonight, Thursday, (January 3) I was flipping through the channels and saw Grey's Anatomy. I immediately noticed that it was not in HD so as usual I called the station and talked to a very nice young woman who knew why I was calling as soon as I started to speak.

She was very nice and though the problem was with the network feed but I did not really think that this was the problem. I saw my picture change slightly as she was switching the input on her end from regular to HD and nothing was happening on my end except a quick flicker. She said she would look into it and thanked me for calling.

Within just a minute or two, the show was back on in HD.

This would be the second time this week that one of our representatives (from the Maine HDTV Forum) called WMTW to point out a high definition problem.

I have written to WMTW in hopes of establishing a better set of checks and balances for the HD signal going out over the wire or airwaves.

Will my old TV still work after the digital conversion? Nobody seems to know.

I have included a link the the government web (http://www.dtv.gov/) for two purposes. First, you can get a lot of information there about the conversion to digital TV (DTV) and the difference between DTV and High Definition Television (HDTV). They are NOT one in the same. You need DTV to further be able to get HDTV but HDTV is not necessary nor part of the FCC conversion project. It is just an add-on. And DTV is only necessary for full powered broadcast, over the air, TV stations. You know them: ABC, CBS, NBC, etc.etc. There is no mandate yet for non-Over-the-Air stations like Lifetime or Comedy Central to go to digital since they are not using public air waves. That is not to say that they won't convert, but they don't have to, at least not until 2011 when Congress takes another look at it.

However, there are still at this late date, unanswered questions. They remain unanswered by my local cable company, the FCC, the Consumer Electronics Association, and any number of "customer service reps" that you might talk to at the big box electronic stores. I know because I've talked to them all.

As for older TVs:

I bought a TV in October 1997 from Circuit City.

Below are some of the FCC mandates affecting DTV tuners (source: Wikipedia)

By July 1, 2005 all televisions with screen sizes over 36" must include a built-in ATSC DTV tuner
By March 1, 2006 all televisions with screen sizes over 25" must include a built-in ATSC DTV tuner
By March 1, 2007 all televisions regardless of screen size, and all interface devices which include a tuner (VCR, DVD player/recorder, DVR) must include a built-in ATSC DTV tuner.
It should be noted that devices manufactured before these dates can still be sold without a built-in ATSC DTV tuner.

I bought my TV in October of 1997. There are no indications in the manual or any markings on the TV (which by law need to be there) that the TV I bought has any digital capabilities. Second, I attached the antenna I use for my HDTV to pick up digital and High Definition broadcasts to my old TV and got nothing except a few analog stations.

Keep in mind that digital TV broadcasts usually originate from sources of UHF. But even if they are in the VHF range the will still have a decimal point on them. For example, on my digital TV I pick up channel 6.1, 6.2, 8.1, 8.2, 13.1, 13.2, 26.1, 26.2, 35.1, 51.1 etc.


To make it more confusing, you will pick up digital channels like channel 8 in my area on UHF channel 46.1. Your TVs auto channel find will do the work for you and you will type in channel "8" on your remote control but it is actually being received on a UHF channel. For more confusion, because of corporate branding issues, some TV stations want to revert back to their original channel after the digital conversion so Channel 8 in my area will be received on channel 8.1 after the conversion instead of channel 46.1

My analog TV does not have the capability to see these sub channels. So know I know, my old TV is analog, not digital so I will need a converter box to that the digital signal can be fed through it and converted to analog so that my TV can understand it.

So I know my rabbit ears won't work to well for me on my analog TV after the conversion. On that TV, I have no cable box, the cable goes right into the "Antenna in" jack on the back. So the two big unanswered questions are these:

ONE - After the digital conversion is complete, will my TV be able to read the "cable right into the back of the TV" configuration that I have now. The cable company people I have spoken to so far have no idea. They are suggesting I rent a regular cable box from them (yup, more money) or that I but one of the digital/analog converter boxes for which I can get a voucher from the government to help defray the cost. Although so far nobody can tell me how much they are. The voucher is supposed to be for $40. You can get up to 2 of them but you can't combine them. By the mere fact that they say you can't combine them, I'm inclined to think that they are more than $40.

TWO - If only high powered, over-the-air, broadcast channels (meaning the big networks) are mandated to convert to digital as of 2/17/09, what happens to the other channels. For sure some will remain in analog as long as possible. So you may have to get quite familiar with your remote control and the capabilities it has to switch from analog to digital, from separate input sources and in the UHF or VHF range of channels.

You can, or course, avoid a lot of headaches by buying the most up-to-date TV, the most up-to-date digital cable box, and subscribe to the most fancy digital/high definition package that your cable or satellite company can provide. Right now I don't many who can afford this but good luck to you if you can.

If you read additional articles on this blog, you will see that just because you might pay for high definition TV does not mean that all of the programming you receive will actually be in High Definition. Read some of the articles on how stations like TBS claim to be High Definition 100% of the time but are broadcasting re-runs of Friends and Seinfeld - two shows never produced with in High Definition cameras.