Problems with Digital Converter Box - not ready to buy a Digital TV

I received a great email from a viewer in Farmington Maine:

I live in Farmington, ME and receive OTA analog signals for CH 8,10,13 and
23. CH 10 and 23 have the best reception, CH 13 is tolerable and CH 8 not
really viewable.

I'm not ready to buy a digital tv, but I have purchased a converter
box.

Today I hooked up the Set Top Converter Box and received CH 6 and 13,
including the sub-channels. I was surprised to receive the NBC channels,
since I have never received the analog version. When not using the
converter box, the reception is viewable for the PBS channel; however, all the
other previously received analog stations are gone.

Why can't I received the digital signal for MPBN CH10, which I
understand to be broadcast in digital?

I was going to contact them, but came across your informative and
intresting articles; and thought I would pose the question to you.

I responsed as follows:

I'm trying to figure some things out. Are you saying that when you are
bypassing the converter box and trying to view analog TV, the reception is worse
now than it was before you installed the converter box? Why do you want to
bypass the converter box? Are you saying that with the converter box you
ONLY receive 6, 13, and PBS? It makes sense that Analog 23, and 10 are the
best in analog because you are closest to those towers.

Fox 23 is out of Waterville and Maine PBS has several towers across the
state. It seems that the channels out of Portland are more difficult for you
which of course makes sense. Channel 10 (PBS) in Digital is 26.1 for
my area but for you it could be different.

Use the chart here on Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maine_Public_Broadcasting_Network.
Wikipedia might be the one resource you should use the most to figure some
things out. It's the resource I use the most. By searching on any
stations call letters it will tell you the exact UHF (digital) channel to
receive the broadcast. For example WMTW is 46.1. But for you, MPBN does
have a signal out of Augusta on UHF channel 17, where as in Biddeford, I use
26.

Unfortunately contacting "them" won't help. There isn't really anywhere
to call to get all the information you need and any one particular station has
no incentive to help you. That's why I started my blog with information
about digital TV in Maine.

Does the digital converter box have a function to "search" for all channel,
like when you let your TV do it. If so, you could try the antenna in a few
different positions to see if it picks up more or fewer depending on
location.

I hope some of the info I provided can start to help. I'll be happy to
work with you to iron out some of your issues. Keep in mind that even on
the best of days, antenna position is like real estate...location, location,
location. I have a problem with Channel 8. It's fine for days on end
and then all of a sudden it doesn't want to come in. That is due to
weather, general interference, sun spots, you name it. Another thing to
remember is that digital signals are all or nothing, you won't receive a fuzzy
digital picture...you will either get a great picture or none at all and the
slightest change in antenna position will affect that.

What type of antenna do you use. I've tried them all and returned most
of them. I just bought a second HDTV for the bedroom and tried to get away
with a cheaper antenna. But after many tries went back to my old standard,
the TERK for about $73.00 at Best Buy. It's probably the most expensive
one but it is very powerful and I get more stations as far away as 50 miles in
all directions as opposed to any other antenna I ever tried.

Let me know how you are doing and hopefully we can make some progress.

WGME News - duh, What's High Def?

It is hard for me to believe that after all this time, and after all phone calls and emails to WGME Channel 13 in Portland, Maine, that they still can't figure out when to hit the "HD" switch.

I thought we had this all set. But on Thursday night, March 27, 2008, The Late Show with David Letterman was not in High Definition.

I was really surprised because I had several email exchanges with Terry Cole, who I believe is the technical director of WGME. The last time we spoke, he promised me that they were having a meeting to discuss these simple technical issues like High Definition ON or OFF.

I called at about 1:30 am on Friday morning, March 28. I asked the person who answered the phone to transfer me to the control room. At the exact moment that a gentleman answered the phone I got about half way through my sentence. "Is there a reason you are not broadcasting....." and I saw my TV flicker and switch into HD.

I said, Oh, did you hit the switch? And the gentlemen said "Yes, I did". He had a bit of an attitude like he couldn't be bothered with a lowly viewer who had the audacity to call the station with an issue like this. I asked him his name.

After a few very long seconds, he said "Fred". I said excuse me? He said "Fred". I could tell by his voice that he was younger and probably was not telling me the truth. So I said "No really, What's your real name?" And he said, "It's Fred".

I hung up the phone after noting what incredible professionalism Channel 13 had AGAIN with technical issues and viewers like me calling them to alert them to issues.

After all these months, nothing has changed. What a joke this is. A television station can not even get a simple procedure down like "hit the switch, buddy". It's quite sad. I hate to say it but there are times when Maine's backwoods true colors come shining through.

Maine Public Broadcasting Network - back in HD

We had thought that MPBN was slipping towards the forefront of high definition programming in Maine. However, lately, programs that we recall used to be in HD, were no longer in HD. So we wrote to the customer service area of MPBN and asked what was going on.

Apparently, due to some technical issues, MPBN decided not to broadcast in HD during their March pledge break. I don't think we understand the technical issues behind this but we were assured of two things.

First, after tomorrow, the last day of the pledge break, MPBN will be back in HD not only for the programs fed to them from the network, but shows originally broadcast in HD and replayed later. Thus, this confirms that MPBN can record and playback high definition TV shows.

Secondly, the next pledge break later this year will not have the same effect on their ability to broadcast in HD as this last pledge break.

So going forward, MPBN should be all set and back on the winning side of the HD competition.

We, at the Maine High Definition Forum, congratulate them on their hard work and technical achievements.

MPBN still stretching the truth about their pledge drive

"Stretching the truth" is about as kind as I can say it.

During an MPBN pledge break the host says something like "My name is Mary, I work here at MPBN and I'm a member". Am I supposed to think that as an employee, she actually has to pay for her membership? I guess it could be true but for some reason I doubt it and would need to see proof.

But that's not the marketing ploy that's really bothering me. They still present the fact that 64% of their income is from the infamous "viewers like you". It is not until they show a pie chart of donations that you might notice the 64% consists of viewer contributions AND corporate donations. So you're at home thinking "Wow, more than two thirds of their income comes from people like me, or families like mine". All the while companies like Mechanics Savings Bank, Hammond Lumber, or Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield have donated much larger sums of money than you could never dream of donating yourself.

I don't fault these companies for donating to MPBN. I would think that these companies are involved with public television as part of their civic duty being a corporate member of Maine communities.

But let's not skew the truth as to where MPBN gets their revenue. It would be nice to get real figures and real percentages of donors broken down by corporations versus individuals. This should be done for no other reason than freedom of information.

Here is the most important part of the problem which I call the "bait and switch":

MPBN makes a very big deal during a "special" pledge break where the existing members of MPBN will match your donation. This means that if you donate $25, it will really be a $50 donation in your name to MPBN, right? No.

From the way it is presented, you would think that existing members add a little extra to their annual donation that will be used for the "matching" purpose. It is a very special, once in a lifetime opportunity that a new member can take advantage of. However, if it is so special, then why is it that every single pledge break I have seen since last week has been a "once in a lifetime opportunity" pledge break.

Here's how the matching dollar act really works. If you pledge $20, another member of MPBN who has already donated some extra cash to MPBN will match your pledge and put another $20 into the coffers. So to speak. That extra $20 won't be attached to your name, it's just added to the pile.

So this existing member already gave an extra $300, as an example, to MPBN and it is already considered a donation to MPBN, and it is accounted for. But that $300 gets re-assigned as a "matching" donation, as needed, during one of their "special matching pledge breaks". So, if you called and donated $20, the records would show that you donated $20. Not $40. That matching amount doesn't have your name attached to it. Additionally, the money used to "match" your donation, has already been donated to MPBN. So there is no additional money being donated in your name or anybody elses name that hasn't already been donated.

Are you getting the picture here? It's a bait and switch and they should be ashamed of themselves for false advertising and fraud.

Listen, I firmly believe in public television. Nobody takes advantage of it more than I do. I think I know their TV schedule like the back of my own hand. But I do have a problem with the Maine Public Broadcasting Network. Wht can't they be honest about where their revenue comes from and how it is allocated? What are the real ins and outs of these "matching" pledge breaks? Why are they so behind the times when it comes to technology? Why don't they broadcast public television 24 hours a day? Does it really save them that much money to shut down the entire system for a few hours? You know what they say, by the time you power everything down and shut all the lights off, it's cheaper to just leave it all on.

The State of New Hampshire is smaller in geographical size than Maine but has about the same population. They also have about the same number of Public TV transmitters and have PBS competition in Southern Maine from both the Boston PBS stations and Maine PBS stations. So why is it that New Hampshire public television operates 24 hours a day. They also operate not one, but two separate television broadcasts, one in High Definition 24 hours a day (the national PBS feed) and one Standard Definition local feed also 24 hours a day. If you try to call NHPTV after hours, nobody answers. So it is a high probability that a lot of the overnight programming is automated and doesn't require much additional staff or cost.

So in my opinion, and that's all it is, MPBN should be completely transparent about their finances since this is a public, nonprofit organization. Who is really donating what and how much of their budget comes from individuals, not corporations. They should also be investing in the right kind of technology. High Definition is the future. No, never mind, High Definition is the present, and in some cases, the past, since some TV stations have been doing it for more than 4 years already. For all this pride they have that even places in New Brunswick, Canada, rely on MPBN for programming, how about giving more attention to Maine viewers, be upfront about the money, and be more cutting edge on technology.

Until that happens, I have no other personal choice than to support donating money to New Hampshire public television instead.

ION Network proves their commitment to customers again

If you read down a bit, I wrote an article about the ION Network a few days ago. I touted the network as being so professional and thorough.

I had a problem again last night with receiving the ION network broadcasts from their Concord, NH, tower. I left a message on the telephone number they provided to me (the last time) if I had any future problems.

I received a call from Paul Strieby, one of the technical experts at ION for my area. We had a long conversation about ION, digital TV, High Definition TV, and what is happening in the TV industry in general.

The problem with the ION tower was already fixed by the time Paul called me. But, I thoroughly enjoyed talking with Paul, who took me at face value; an average consumer not in the TV industry, who actually knows what he is talking about.

I wish that all TV Networks and local affiliate TV stations treated outsiders who do understand digital TV and High Definition TV with as much respect as Paul and the other folks at ION.

Who will win the High Definition race in the Portland, Maine Market

I am going to address this issue from the aspect of over-the-air broadcasting. I am doing this because television stations are different for those who receive over-the-air ("off air") programming as opposed to cable or satellite. Cable/Satellite subscribers may not see all of the channels and subchannels available off air from our local affiliates (one reason to invest in an inexpensive set of UHF/VHF rabbit ears).

There are seven basic broadcast channels in the Portland, Maine market. They consist of local affiliates for ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, MyNetwork, FOX and the CW. Fox 23 came into the game late so they can not broadcast high definition off-air until February 17, 2009, so they are essentially out of this argument for now.

Generally, all digital broadcast television stations have the ability to broadcast one HD program and one non-HD program simultaneously, or 4 non-HD (SD or "standard definition"), programs simultaneously. Since HD is the wave of the future, we can assume that the TV stations we're talking about will use the first scenario.

Below I will outline each local affiliate and their current setup. Keep in mind where we use the term HD, that means "when HD is actually available" which is a small part of their daily broadcast. Whether HD or SD, the broadcasts are digital, as opposed to analog.

ABC (WMTW) uses their primary channel for HD and their subchannel for "8 News Now" - a 24/7 News/Sports/Weather broadcast.

NBC (WCSH) uses their primary channel for HD and their subchannel for "NBC Weather Plus".

CBS (WGME) uses their primary channel for HD and their subchannel for the same programming in (SD)

PBS (WMEA, and others) - does the same as WGME except they recently broadcast two different local high school basketball games in SD at the same time during the State tournament.

MyNetwork (WPME) - uses the same scenario as WGME - the same programming on the primary and subchannel, one in HD, one in SD.

CW Network (WPXT) - Right now WPXT doesn't use a subchannel. They only broadcast one digital signal and use it for HD when HD programming is available to them, other than that it is SD. I don't know what their plans are for the future.

So currently, nobody in the Portland market is trailblazing when it comes to high definition. Not one of them can record the network feed in HD and play it back at a later date or time in HD. This means that if for some reason there is local breaking news or some other local programming taking precedent over the network feed (let's say CSI, for example is preempted), that station can not play it back to you or start it at a later time from the regularly scheduled broadcast time. They essentially act as a pass-through. The network beams it to them and they pass it through to you over their digital tower. They also can not broadcast, for the same reason, syndicated shows in HD. For example, sit-coms like "Two and a Half Men" are recorded in HD when they are produced, but since our local affiliates can't record/play back HD, they certainly can't show it in HD.

Maine PBS does do some local programming in HD. I believe there are a few shows on MBPN like The Maine Experience, or something like that, recorded and played back locally in HD. This is very limited. I have yet to see any other local affiliate do any local programs in HD. This includes the news.

Speaking of the news, in Southern Maine, if you have digital cable or satellite, an HDTV, and subscribe to the additional HD package from your provider, you have access to some Boston market channels. For example, WCVB (ABC) in Boston is available in Southern Maine. WCVB broadcasts their local news and locally produced programming like "Chronicle" in HD. Right now, this is the only station I know of in the Boston market doing this.

Granted, the equipment that a local affiliate needs to purchase to go full HD is very expensive. But I believe that whoever decides to take the plunge and do it will have the edge in the Portland television market.

The bottom line is once you get an HD TV, you are hooked on HD, and nothing else is as good. Many, including myself, would rather watch a television program that they "sort of like" in HD, rather than watch a program they might like a little more that is NOT in HD. Trust me, it's true. HD is that good.

Translate that into news and other local programming. All of the local TV news stations cover the same stories. Would you rather watch a full, rich, HD experience or watch it like you have since television was invented. The first Portland affiliate to broadcast their news in HD will win the ratings game, and therefore the revenue stream, by a landslide.

Right now, it is wide open in terms of who will get there first since none of them are leveraging HD to the extent that they could. Even WMTW, who could be broadcasting Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune in HD, doesn't because they are not willing to spend the extra dollars to do it. They don't realize what they would get back in advertising revenue if they were to take the plunge.

My opinion is that WGME (CBS) is in the best position to take the leap. Of all the networks, they are the only ones with local news (PBS, MyNetwork, and CW don't have their own local news) that have not already used up their subchannel. They could make the investment, record and play back HD video, have alternative programming on their subchannel, or do anything they want that they feel will expand their demographics.

Imagine being able to watch your local news in HD on WGME, or be able to switch to their subchannel and watch a sitcom, alternative world news, or a documentary.

This is just my opinion but like I said, whoever gets there first in terms of fully leveraging the functionality of High Definition both locally and from their corresponding network, will really make a huge dent in the Portland TV market and blaze a trail that the others will be hard pressed to compete with.

I discoverd that the ION TV Nework is first rate

I recently discovered a relatively small television network called ION (formerly PAX and formerly some others I think). I don't have cable or satellite because I simply can't afford it. So my goal was to get as many over-the-air (called "off air") television stations as possible, for free.

It started with my local ABC, NBC, ABC and PBS networks as you would expect. But that wasn't enough so I found MyNetwork (formerly UPN) and the CW (formerly the WB). Now I was getting somewhere.

When I had cable, one of the best channels I had was New Hampshire Public Television (NHPTV). They really leverage the digital/high definition capabilities available to all television stations who want to use it. NHPTV broadcasts their own local programming as well as the PBS High Definition Channel (as you probably know by now, all TV stations have the ability to carry more than one channel now; up to 4 if they only use standard definition).

In doing some research on Wikipedia, where you can find probably the best information on television stations, where they are, and how to receive them on your antenna, I discovered a network called the ION Network.

In playing around with the position of my antenna, I found that I could reach the ION network out of Concord, NH. They broadcast 4 separate digital channels, all in standard definition, but broadcast a wide variety of programming including cartoons, old sitcoms, religious programs, cooking shows, outdoor shows, etc.

This was going well until one day, now matter what I did, I could not receive their digital channels. When I tried to reach their old analog signal which is still operating, I could, but not their digital signal. So I knew it wasn't my reception, so to speak, and nothing wrong with the station, but something was up.

I tried to contact them. But it wasn't like calling up your local TV station and complaining. ION is run out of a national office. They have broadcast substations in several area; the one I receive, as I said, happens to be in Concord, NH. But that is just an antenna, it's not a televison station with staff. So my only option was to contact the national customer service line and leave a message. I did not think anything at all would come of it.

The very next day I received a call from the ION network. A very nice and friendly woman named Leslie spoke to me. She took all of my information down including my address, the specific issues I was having and said she would refer my complaint to the technical folks. Again, I didn't think anything would come of this.

Within an hour or so Leslie called me back. Due to my complaint, they discovered there was indeed a technical issue with their digital broadcast signal in my area, they rebooted (or whatever they do) and it was fixed. She asked me to check it. I was at work and could not do it at the time but said I would when I got home.

You know how this turns out. I got home and all of the ION digital channels were up an running fine. Because so few people use antennas anymore to receive TV signals, and because ION is a smaller network who only has their primary channel (not the subchannels) under contract with a few cable providers, I don't think many would have noticed the problem unless you were a person like me who knows a bit about digital and HDTV and would take the time to contact them since I discovered a problem.

The bottom line is that they were please dthat the issue was pointed out to them and I was pleased, not only that the problem was fixed, but that the ION network handled the situation with such professionalism and regular old human kindness.

I often call my local network affiliates with digital or High Definition issues only to be hung up on without a thank you, or treated with disbelief that I (a regular consumer with no background in television or broadcasting of any kind) know what I am talking about. It was so refreshing to be treated with respect.

Thank you to the ION network and Leslie. She handled the customer service aspect with ease, the way it should be whenever you call a big company. She even ensured that I had the correct number to call her back if the problem was not fixed or I ran into any problems in the future.

The MBPN Pledge Drive is a bit misleading

I want to preface this post by saying I one hundred perecent, with my right hand in the air and the other on my heart, believe in public television. If I had to make specific television channel choices, I would put PBS first on my list, and then consider other networks and cable TV stations. PBS is my lifeline to what is going on in the world. But that does not mean that every state's public televison network is the same.

But before we go too far and get all sentimental about public television, let's take a look at a few things. First, during a pledge break they will tell you that 64% of their budget comes from viewer donations. Well you need to read the small print. Other than grants and income sources from places like the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and a plethora of foundations, there is indeed a gap when compared to their budget. But MPBN is using this number of 64% as their gap in a way that I find misleading. I don't have the MPBN budget sitting in front of me but I can tell you that if you really pay attention to what they are saying, 64% of their budget comes from "viewers AND businesses". That means corporate sponsors. There is a big difference between a family who decides to donate $35 for their annual "basic membership" and a corporation like Mutual of America who funds a particular program of their choice. MPBN make themselves sound so desperate for dollars, but I find it hard to believe that if they had fewer pledge drives and/or received fewer donations, that they would go out of business.

Here's another thing to think about. MPBN, and other public television networks, give the impression that if you donate money and become a "member" that you actually have a say in what programs are aired or other financial decision that are made. You don't. For example, as many know by now, the television industry is converting to digital. The deadline for this conversion is February 17, 2009. Many broadcast networks, including PBS, already have most of their structures in place and are broadcasting in digital. This means they can also broadcast in High Definition. But if you compare Maine Public Broadcasting to New Hampshire Public Broadcasting, New Hampshire is WAY ahead of the curve. Before I would ever pledge money to MPBN, I would want some say in how my dollars are spent.

Why is it that NHPTV can broadcast the national PBS High definition channel 24 hours a day IN ADDITION TO the regular programming originating from New Hampshire (also in digital) but Maine can't yet do that; or won't do that. I have written to MPBN and keep getting the brush off. MPBN has the capabilities to broadcast a show like The News Hour in HD, but they don't. New Hampshire public television, on the other hand, does. I won't get into all of the technical details but MPBN is behind the times and I don't believe that simply feeding them more piles of money every time they ask is really helping the matter. Rather, on their website, I'd like to see their budget, expenses, and how many dollars are spent on technology. This is, after all, a public corporation we are talking about. They already get some money from the U.S. government so in essence, each of us already is a "member", has ownership in their network, and we should have some say in how it is run.

I live in southern Maine. I am lucky in that even over the air with an antenna I can receive both Maine and New Hampshire public television. Further, if you have cable TV in southern Maine, you will also get PBS from Boston, who also is very adept at technology and high definition. That's a lot of choices for public television.

The president of the Maine Association of Broadcasters, Suzanne Goucher, went on TV (Channel 6 - WCSH) urging people to invest money in a high definition television because she feels that being able to see the fine details of Tom Brady's scruffiness is something to behold. (You need to see the interview to believe it). But if there isn't enough High Definition broadcasting to support your investment. On MPBN or anywhere else. Trust me, I own a high definition TV and the station with most high quality, consistent high def programming is New Hampshire Public Television. Good luck in finding much programming that is truly in high definition anywhere else; even on regular TV networks.

So my hope st that for those who feel they want to donate to public television, and I really like that idea, give it to those that have earned it and deserve it like New Hampshire Public Television or WGBH in Boston.

I got my channels back and figured out a few things

I thought there was a problem with my local affiliate. I was not receiving their broadcast from the digital television tower (so I thought).

One thing I forgot was that sometimes, when things go wrong, it is like a personal computer. You have to reboot it.

On a high definition TV, the way to do that is to turn it off (and actually unplug it), then plug it back in and go through the process of letting the TV find all of the available channels.

It worked. Channel 8.1 and 8.2 (my ABC affiliate in Portland, ME, WMTW) came back to life and was again available for my viewing pleasure.

Now this process is not one that most are used to when dealing with televisions. Computers, yes, but televisions, not so much.

So don't forget. When you run into trouble, sometimes you just have to start from the beginning and take a fresh approach.

I believe this same idea applies to life in general.

Using An Antenna to get High Definition is very frustrating

Well it was just yesterday that I was patting myself on the back. After months of trial and error, emphasis on error, I had finally found one spot, just one exact, specific location in my apartment, where I could place my VHF/UHF antenna and receive every possible channel available to me. That means all the High Definition channels available as well as other just plain digital channels and some much farther away from me than I ever thought I would be able to reach.

So this morning I get up and proudly turn on my HDTV. With a huge sigh, I noticed that my ABC channels (8.1 and 8.2) were not coming in. I checked the signal and it was down to zero. My CW channel was also not coming in.

The only thing that I could conceive of that would explain this? Sabotage!! No I'm just kidding. I actually believe that based on my experience, it has something to do with the time of day. I am no radio wave expert but I think that television signals can be affected by the curvature of the earth, the angle of the sun, and location of the moon, all of those celestial things that cable is not affected by simply because the receiving devices used for cable are so incredible powerful that they are not affected by such trivial matters.

So I will wait again, tonight. I will try not to fiddle around with my antenna all day thinking I must have gotten the position wrong, or maybe my antenna shifted without me realize it. But I don't want to waste my afternoon doing that. It's Sunday afternoon and there is nothing on TV anyway. I'll keep you posted (no pun intended) on whether or not the time of day makes a difference in the channels I am able to receive.