Lately, we have seen some changes going on with high definition. Some more impressive than others.
I'll start with WPME who began transmitting a second digital signal on one of their subchannels. If you subscribe only to cable or satellite you won't see it. But if you are receiving digital TV off air, then you will.
This new channel is called the Maine Visitors Channel (MVN). WPME spent a lot of money and formed relationships with Hotels in the Portland area to ensure that visitors received this new channel. Think about all of the hotel rooms that probably still have old analog style TV sets in the rooms. WPME installed digital converter boxes in all of the hotels with whom they have an agreement. The boxes are similar to the ones you would install in your own home if you were receiving off air (rabbit ears) broadcasts.
MVC focuses on Maine's restaurants and other tourist related businesses in which those "from away" may be interested. The funny thing is that even for me, as a Maine citizen, I find many interesting things to see, to do, and to visit right here in my home state. The programming is produced locally. This is one of the first, if not THE first Broadcast TV station in the country to produce and distribute its own programming on a digital subchannel to other business with whom they have formed personal, local relationships. I am very proud of the folks over there at WPME Channel 35.
Maine weather in Doppler HD? Well, don't hold your breath just yet. WGME Channel 13 started using the name "Doppler HD" so they could "save the name" in our area before anybody else did. Channel 5 in Boston uses Doppler HD but they are a different TV market so it's OK. The only people seeing Doppler HD in Maine are the ones sitting in the WGME studio. They don't have the technology installed to broadcast it to the viewers in HD and until they do, you won't see a change other than the name with "HD" right in it. So again, don't hold your breath waiting for HD on a local news cast in Maine. WCSH and WMTW aren't close either.
In Boston, WCVB has been in HD for their local news and news magazine (called "Chronicle") for some time. Now, WHDH, Channel 7 in Boston is supposed to be taking the plunge to HD for their local news as of today. As of this morning I didn't see the change so I'll keep you posted.
Finally, the CBS Evening News, who incidentally was the first Network News to be broadcast in Color, is now stepping into the HD ring as well. I saw a promo for it and a news item talking about it very early this morning but I had already missed last night's broadcast (I always do because I can't stand that news broadcast). From what I hear, the first 11 minutes of the broadcast had no audio, so affiliates across the country were scrambling to get the News back on the air in Standard Definition (SD). They ironed out the problem for the second half of the broadcast and it was fixed before the West Coast feed went out but still, the debut was tainted with incompetance.
It is amazing how much technology is available and how powerful it is. We are only 6 months away from full digital broadcasting across the board and most of the bugs haven't been worked out. Heck, most TV stations who are not in the top market segments of the country aren't anywhere near ready for the HD broadcasting of their news programs. They can broadcast network TV shows in HD because that is basic uplink/downlink, but to produce it and broadcast it themselves in HD? We'll see how that goes. Remember that digital and HD are two different things. You need to be in digital to then be able to broadcast in High Definition. But not everything digital is HD. Digital broadcasts that have black bars (called pillars) on the side are digital but not HD.
I've said since the beginning that whoever wins the race to be in HD for local news, will win the revenue and the respect as well. Some simates state that only 30% of household in this country have a digital TV set capable of receiving High Definition programming. As we get closer to February 2009, that number will increase obviously.
Here's the catch: Owning a TV that can receive HD programming doesn't mean that the TV in question has ever actually received an HD program. But that's for my next post
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Not receiving channels after installing digital converter
I received an interesting email from a reader in Casco, Maine, who recently installed a digital converter box to go along with his rabbit ears. Before the installation he could receive channels 6, 8, 13, and 10 (that's WCSH-NBC, WMTW-ABC, WGME-CBS, and Maine Public Broadcasting Network -PBS).
It is interesting that the one channel the reader stopped receiving is the most complicated one in terms of a possible explanation. The reader went out and bought a new indoor antenna with an amplifier and the reception for MPBN isn't any better. The other channels come in fine and their picture is crystal clear.
When the reader wrote to me directly I immediately thought of a few things. First, MPBN broadcasts on several different analog channels, each with its own tower in a different location in Maine. For example, analog channel 26 which is WMEA (MPBN/PBS) in Biddeford tunes in through digital channel 45.1. When your digital TV, or your digital converter box searches for all available digital channel during the setup process, the digital TV or converter will pick up channel 45.1 and tell you that Channel 26 has been found. Keep in mind that in this case the "45.1" is just a place holder and you would only need to know it if your TV didn't find it and you want to try and find it manually (following the instructions that came with your converter box).
Now, north of Portland MPBN probably comes in better on analog Channel 10 (or digital Channel 17.1). Then again if you are way up in Bangor, you would be looking for analog 12, digital 9.1. So for PBS being broadcast in Maine as the Maine Public Broadcasting Network, they have several broadcasting towers to ensure that all Mainers (or most anyway) have access to the publicly funded network. The FCC has mandated that broadcast television must remain free to the public and in the case of PBS which is actually funded by the taxpayers, additional rules are in place regarding access to these broadcasts. Any other regular network channel (ABC, NBC, etc) is not going to have more than one tower (meaning it won't have more than one analog and one digital channel assignment) for its particular market segment.
I know the answer sounds complicated. I have more information available in other location on this site. You may want to start with http://mainehdtv.blogspot.com/2007/12/high-definition-hd-digital-channels-in.html.
Between Antenna Web and Wikipedia you should be able to find your available channels and the correct digital equivalents.
NOTE: AFTER THE FEBRUARY 2009 CONVERSION DATE, MANY CHANNELS THAT ARE CURRENTLY USING HIGHER UHF CHANNELS FOR THEIR DIGITAL BROADCASTS WILL REVERT BACK TO THEIR ORIGINAL CHANNELS. That means, for example, that Channel 8, WMTW broadcasts their digital signal on UHF Channel 46.1. After the Feb 09 conversion date, they can, and probably will, revert back and start using digital channel 8.1 for their broadcasts. Most digital TVs and converter boxes should not have a problem but if you have any issues after the conversion, this is where you'll want to spend some time looking into the problem.
It is interesting that the one channel the reader stopped receiving is the most complicated one in terms of a possible explanation. The reader went out and bought a new indoor antenna with an amplifier and the reception for MPBN isn't any better. The other channels come in fine and their picture is crystal clear.
When the reader wrote to me directly I immediately thought of a few things. First, MPBN broadcasts on several different analog channels, each with its own tower in a different location in Maine. For example, analog channel 26 which is WMEA (MPBN/PBS) in Biddeford tunes in through digital channel 45.1. When your digital TV, or your digital converter box searches for all available digital channel during the setup process, the digital TV or converter will pick up channel 45.1 and tell you that Channel 26 has been found. Keep in mind that in this case the "45.1" is just a place holder and you would only need to know it if your TV didn't find it and you want to try and find it manually (following the instructions that came with your converter box).
Now, north of Portland MPBN probably comes in better on analog Channel 10 (or digital Channel 17.1). Then again if you are way up in Bangor, you would be looking for analog 12, digital 9.1. So for PBS being broadcast in Maine as the Maine Public Broadcasting Network, they have several broadcasting towers to ensure that all Mainers (or most anyway) have access to the publicly funded network. The FCC has mandated that broadcast television must remain free to the public and in the case of PBS which is actually funded by the taxpayers, additional rules are in place regarding access to these broadcasts. Any other regular network channel (ABC, NBC, etc) is not going to have more than one tower (meaning it won't have more than one analog and one digital channel assignment) for its particular market segment.
I know the answer sounds complicated. I have more information available in other location on this site. You may want to start with http://mainehdtv.blogspot.com/2007/12/high-definition-hd-digital-channels-in.html.
Between Antenna Web and Wikipedia you should be able to find your available channels and the correct digital equivalents.
NOTE: AFTER THE FEBRUARY 2009 CONVERSION DATE, MANY CHANNELS THAT ARE CURRENTLY USING HIGHER UHF CHANNELS FOR THEIR DIGITAL BROADCASTS WILL REVERT BACK TO THEIR ORIGINAL CHANNELS. That means, for example, that Channel 8, WMTW broadcasts their digital signal on UHF Channel 46.1. After the Feb 09 conversion date, they can, and probably will, revert back and start using digital channel 8.1 for their broadcasts. Most digital TVs and converter boxes should not have a problem but if you have any issues after the conversion, this is where you'll want to spend some time looking into the problem.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
What's going on with Subchannels in Portland, Maine
I recently received an email from Dave who asked the following:
"I was just wondering if there was any news out there of what the stations are gonna do. I heard about these DTV only networks like RTN and .2 and so on. Any news if any Maine stations are gonna pick those up or anything else?" After a few exchanges, I wrote the following (which has been aggregated) and thought it would be a great addition to this blog.
As far as I know there is not anything new official going on for subchannels with the exception of things I already know about like Weather Plus on NBC (Channel 6 Portland), and News Now on ABC (Channel 8 Portland) and the Maine Visitors Channel on MyNetowork (Channel 35 Portland - actually a pretty cool self-produced subchannel). Only Channel 13 (CBS Portland WGME) hasn't decided what to do. They were supposed to run a Music Channel on 13.2 but that deal fell through. They, along with Fox 23, and CW (Channel 51) would have space for a subchannel like RTN, but I haven't heard anything yet. I'm going to ask my contacts though, because I like the idea. It's better than those Maine Auto King infomercials which drive me CRAZY. Channels already using at least one subchannel won't have enough bandwidth to operate an a third channel. Thanks for bringing it to my attention as something I need to follow up on. I'm going to poke around and see if I can some up with any inside track "news".
I checked with one source I have at one of the network affiliate stations in Portland. He told me something that, after he said it, made perfect sense. The decision as to what is going to be done with their subchannel is dependent solely upon what their parent company and the network says. Due to issues of branding and making sure their affiliates are basically clones of each other, it would be in their best interest to decide on subchannel programming at the corporate level. For example, on WCSH Channel 6 they use Weather Plus on their subchannel. The same is true for Channel 7 in Boston, Channel 30 in Hartford, etc, All of the NBC affiliates are doing the same thing with their subchannel.
Keep in mind that most channels are using their primary channel for digital and/or high definition programming which, because of bandwidth issues, only leaves them with enough room for one other standard definition broadcast. Technically, each station could broadcast up to 4 programs simultaneously, but if they did, each would have to be in standard definition. There is one station I know in my area that is part of the ION network (see Wikipedia) that does this but very, very few Cable companies would even carry the primary channel let alone the subchannels. In addition, the same problem exists for all TV stations using subchannels; they still have to get the cable channels to carry it if they really want to get a return on their investment. Unless there is a revolution where consumers all convert back to "over the air" broadcasting (no cable or satellite), most of these subchannels will never be seen.
Now, when it comes to networks like the CW or MyNetwork, they operate more independently. As I mentioned Channel 35, part of the MyNetwork network, produces and broadcasts their own original programming on channel 35.2 called Maine Visitors Channel (MVC). RTN would be great for someone like the CW Channel 51 or even Fox 23 who may not have finalized plans yet for their subchannel(s). Or if MyNetwork Channel 35 doesn't get the revenue they expect from MVC. MVC was designed to be broadcast to all of the hotels in the Portland area. Channel 35 actually invested in, and installed, digital receivers in the hotels with whom they have agreements so that guests of the hotel could receive MVC in their rooms (which probably all have old analog sets).
So, that's my take on Subchannels in the Portland/Lewiston/Auburn television market. I'd love to hear from anyone who has more info or questions on this topic.
"I was just wondering if there was any news out there of what the stations are gonna do. I heard about these DTV only networks like RTN and .2 and so on. Any news if any Maine stations are gonna pick those up or anything else?" After a few exchanges, I wrote the following (which has been aggregated) and thought it would be a great addition to this blog.
As far as I know there is not anything new official going on for subchannels with the exception of things I already know about like Weather Plus on NBC (Channel 6 Portland), and News Now on ABC (Channel 8 Portland) and the Maine Visitors Channel on MyNetowork (Channel 35 Portland - actually a pretty cool self-produced subchannel). Only Channel 13 (CBS Portland WGME) hasn't decided what to do. They were supposed to run a Music Channel on 13.2 but that deal fell through. They, along with Fox 23, and CW (Channel 51) would have space for a subchannel like RTN, but I haven't heard anything yet. I'm going to ask my contacts though, because I like the idea. It's better than those Maine Auto King infomercials which drive me CRAZY. Channels already using at least one subchannel won't have enough bandwidth to operate an a third channel. Thanks for bringing it to my attention as something I need to follow up on. I'm going to poke around and see if I can some up with any inside track "news".
I checked with one source I have at one of the network affiliate stations in Portland. He told me something that, after he said it, made perfect sense. The decision as to what is going to be done with their subchannel is dependent solely upon what their parent company and the network says. Due to issues of branding and making sure their affiliates are basically clones of each other, it would be in their best interest to decide on subchannel programming at the corporate level. For example, on WCSH Channel 6 they use Weather Plus on their subchannel. The same is true for Channel 7 in Boston, Channel 30 in Hartford, etc, All of the NBC affiliates are doing the same thing with their subchannel.
Keep in mind that most channels are using their primary channel for digital and/or high definition programming which, because of bandwidth issues, only leaves them with enough room for one other standard definition broadcast. Technically, each station could broadcast up to 4 programs simultaneously, but if they did, each would have to be in standard definition. There is one station I know in my area that is part of the ION network (see Wikipedia) that does this but very, very few Cable companies would even carry the primary channel let alone the subchannels. In addition, the same problem exists for all TV stations using subchannels; they still have to get the cable channels to carry it if they really want to get a return on their investment. Unless there is a revolution where consumers all convert back to "over the air" broadcasting (no cable or satellite), most of these subchannels will never be seen.
Now, when it comes to networks like the CW or MyNetwork, they operate more independently. As I mentioned Channel 35, part of the MyNetwork network, produces and broadcasts their own original programming on channel 35.2 called Maine Visitors Channel (MVC). RTN would be great for someone like the CW Channel 51 or even Fox 23 who may not have finalized plans yet for their subchannel(s). Or if MyNetwork Channel 35 doesn't get the revenue they expect from MVC. MVC was designed to be broadcast to all of the hotels in the Portland area. Channel 35 actually invested in, and installed, digital receivers in the hotels with whom they have agreements so that guests of the hotel could receive MVC in their rooms (which probably all have old analog sets).
So, that's my take on Subchannels in the Portland/Lewiston/Auburn television market. I'd love to hear from anyone who has more info or questions on this topic.
Friday, July 18, 2008
WGME Channel 13 Portland - HD?
Portland's channel 13 - (CBS - WGME) has a very strange definition, to me anyway, of High Definition.
It started a few weeks back with some promos during commercial breaks. WGME touted their new and upcoming HD weather capabilities that would be something "Maine has never seen before".
Then, last evening I was watching something on my DVR that I recorded yesterday afternoon. The weather here was sketchy. Massive, violent thunderstorms, trees down, fires started by downed power lines, just all around chaos. So WGME broke into regularly scheduled programming for a weather updates.
For the first time I heard Charlie Lopresti use the word "HD" as in "HD Doppler". Hmm, HD huh? Well the picture was still in 4:3 aspect ratio (non wide-screen) and the quality of the picture didn't look any different that it usually does (not HD quality).
So what exactly is "HD" about what they are doing. High Definition television is a subset of Digital Television. You need to be in digital format before you can be in HD format. So if your picture is in HD, it is digital; but just because the picture is digital, doesn't mean it's HD.
High Definition means a full 16:9 aspect ration (wide-screen) picture, with full picture resolution at 720p or 108i. Additionally the sound should be in Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound.
I don't know what WGME has planned for the future, but what I saw being touted as HD by WGME was not even close.
It has been long assumed, and I agree, that the first broadcast television station in any particular TV market (in this case the greater Portland/Lewiston/Auburn market) would take the lead in ratings and revenue by the simple fact the people are craving HD programming. And the last piece of the HD puzzle is locally producing HD programming including the local news. So the first one to do it will get the biggest piece of the pie. In the case of WGME, using the term "HD" seems premature. For those of us with HD television sets, you can't fool us. We know what is and what ISN'T high definition.
Don't try and fool us please, it insults our intelligence.
It started a few weeks back with some promos during commercial breaks. WGME touted their new and upcoming HD weather capabilities that would be something "Maine has never seen before".
Then, last evening I was watching something on my DVR that I recorded yesterday afternoon. The weather here was sketchy. Massive, violent thunderstorms, trees down, fires started by downed power lines, just all around chaos. So WGME broke into regularly scheduled programming for a weather updates.
For the first time I heard Charlie Lopresti use the word "HD" as in "HD Doppler". Hmm, HD huh? Well the picture was still in 4:3 aspect ratio (non wide-screen) and the quality of the picture didn't look any different that it usually does (not HD quality).
So what exactly is "HD" about what they are doing. High Definition television is a subset of Digital Television. You need to be in digital format before you can be in HD format. So if your picture is in HD, it is digital; but just because the picture is digital, doesn't mean it's HD.
High Definition means a full 16:9 aspect ration (wide-screen) picture, with full picture resolution at 720p or 108i. Additionally the sound should be in Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound.
I don't know what WGME has planned for the future, but what I saw being touted as HD by WGME was not even close.
It has been long assumed, and I agree, that the first broadcast television station in any particular TV market (in this case the greater Portland/Lewiston/Auburn market) would take the lead in ratings and revenue by the simple fact the people are craving HD programming. And the last piece of the HD puzzle is locally producing HD programming including the local news. So the first one to do it will get the biggest piece of the pie. In the case of WGME, using the term "HD" seems premature. For those of us with HD television sets, you can't fool us. We know what is and what ISN'T high definition.
Don't try and fool us please, it insults our intelligence.
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