I got a call from my 84 year old step-mother today. Seems she got a call about a week ago from Comcast telling her that her TV in the kitchen that has rabbit ears on it would stop working on Monday because "all of the broadcast stations are stopping broadcasting on Monday". They went on to tell her that she would need to get Comcast installed on it if she wanted to see TV after this Monday. Well, she did not tell me about this when it happened and told them to go ahead and install their equipment.
She called me crying about 11:00 this morning as the Comcast guy was there and said he needed someone to move some large furniture out of the way to gain access to the wall behind the TV in her den. She apologized to me for having to call me as she does not like to "bother" anyone.
When I arrived at her house about 10 minutes later, the Comcast guy was just finishing up as he was able to gain access by himself.
He again iterated to me that she would not have been able to receive TV signals after Monday as "the broadcast stations are going off the air". He also told me that the TV stations and particularly channel 11 (WPXI) has been "fined for years" for broadcasting illegally to homes as they are only supposed to broadcast to the cable companies (a technical impossibility). I proceeded to tell him that I have over the air TV at home, I'm a Ham radio operator and told him he did not know what he was talking about. He started to argue with me, told me "you'll be calling Comcast after Monday". I shut up and said "yeah whatever" as he was just escalating the argument. What a buffoon!
He charged her an installation fee and left after he was done. Who knows what her monthly bill will be. They must be running out of working class suckers and are now praying on the elderly to boost their revenue.
I'm just shocked. Shocked, with nothing else to say.
Why does the FCC or other government agencies not crack down on this horrible monopolized company?
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
HELLO FiOS
The Verizon tech (Mike) arrived at around 8:30 am. He had to run a fiber optic line from about 2 houses down the street. Drilled a hole into the basement, mounted the equipment, configured our laptops and was out the door by 10:30.
I just did a speed test that came back 33ms ping, 15.34Mbps download & 5.14Mbps upload. Pretty good!
Here's a photo of the equipment that he mounted on the basement wall.
Actual Tellabs 1600 Optical Network Terminal (ONT).
Typical Fiber Connection on Optical Network Terminal
Typical Interface side on Optical Network Terminal
Typical Modem
I just did a speed test that came back 33ms ping, 15.34Mbps download & 5.14Mbps upload. Pretty good!
Here's a photo of the equipment that he mounted on the basement wall.
Typical Modem
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Goodbye DSL
I received a letter from Verizon a few weeks ago stating that our copper landlines were being discontinued (removed) and that we would have to switch our home phone service to fiber optics (FiOS).
From what I have read, Verizon and other landline companies are doing this to save money as it is expensive to service multiple systems within one service area. I can see their point even though I will miss the old POTS copper line system with its own voltage supply. It was nice to have home phone service during power outages. The copper line system has been extremely reliable over the past 34 years that we have lived here. We have had zero problems with it and even the DSL service we started 1 1/2 years ago has been very reliable.
I'm sure Verizon also wants everyone to switch to fiber optics so that they have the opportunity to up-sell their customers to their high-tier, high-priced TV and internet services. Good business decision on their part and a win-win for them I suppose.
Anyway, our new FiOS system will be installed next Friday and will use our house electricity supply. I have read our electricity cost will go up about $5-$7 per month. It will be equipped with a battery backup system that is supposed to last a few hours. I know people that have FiOS and after the system is a year or two old the backup lasts for about 1/2 hour. The batteries should be replaced every couple of years.
The good news is that our internet service speed will increase to 15/5 Mbps which is way faster than the 1.2/.37 Mbps that our DSL service has now. That will be nice as we do stream movies and other internet programming to our TV.
Verizon has stated that our price will stay the same as what we were paying now. We'll see how that holds up in the future.
Here's the letter...
From what I have read, Verizon and other landline companies are doing this to save money as it is expensive to service multiple systems within one service area. I can see their point even though I will miss the old POTS copper line system with its own voltage supply. It was nice to have home phone service during power outages. The copper line system has been extremely reliable over the past 34 years that we have lived here. We have had zero problems with it and even the DSL service we started 1 1/2 years ago has been very reliable.
I'm sure Verizon also wants everyone to switch to fiber optics so that they have the opportunity to up-sell their customers to their high-tier, high-priced TV and internet services. Good business decision on their part and a win-win for them I suppose.
Anyway, our new FiOS system will be installed next Friday and will use our house electricity supply. I have read our electricity cost will go up about $5-$7 per month. It will be equipped with a battery backup system that is supposed to last a few hours. I know people that have FiOS and after the system is a year or two old the backup lasts for about 1/2 hour. The batteries should be replaced every couple of years.
The good news is that our internet service speed will increase to 15/5 Mbps which is way faster than the 1.2/.37 Mbps that our DSL service has now. That will be nice as we do stream movies and other internet programming to our TV.
Verizon has stated that our price will stay the same as what we were paying now. We'll see how that holds up in the future.
Here's the letter...
Friday, March 9, 2012
New wiring scheme
Over the past month or so I have noticed that our Channel 22-1 & 22-2 would not hold the digital signal especially when it was raining or snowing (pixelating).
One improvement that I have been considering since the beginning was to move the antenna drop amplifier close to the TV antenna in the attic where it really should have been all along. The big problem was that I had no power outlets in the attic to run the amplifier.
So, a few weeks ago I ran some new wire and installed an electrical box and outlet into the attic. Last week I installed a PCT single line drop amplifier close to the antenna and I removed the drop amplifier from downstairs in the basement and installed a four way splitter instead.
Now channel 22-1 & 22-2 are holding steady with a very good picture. I am now also picking up channel 8-1 & 8-2 with a very good signal too. 8-1 (WWCP) & 8-2 (WATM) are located in Altoona & Johnstown, PA which is quite a distance from us. 8-2 is the ABC-affiliated television station for Altoona so much of their programming is a duplicate of our 4-1 (WTAE) but 8-1 in Johnstown is a Fox-affiliated television station with somewhat different programming from our 53-1 (WPGH).
Our overall signal strength to the TV's appears to be about 10-15 percent better with the new wiring set-up and the drop amplifier near the antenna.
One improvement that I have been considering since the beginning was to move the antenna drop amplifier close to the TV antenna in the attic where it really should have been all along. The big problem was that I had no power outlets in the attic to run the amplifier.
So, a few weeks ago I ran some new wire and installed an electrical box and outlet into the attic. Last week I installed a PCT single line drop amplifier close to the antenna and I removed the drop amplifier from downstairs in the basement and installed a four way splitter instead.
Now channel 22-1 & 22-2 are holding steady with a very good picture. I am now also picking up channel 8-1 & 8-2 with a very good signal too. 8-1 (WWCP) & 8-2 (WATM) are located in Altoona & Johnstown, PA which is quite a distance from us. 8-2 is the ABC-affiliated television station for Altoona so much of their programming is a duplicate of our 4-1 (WTAE) but 8-1 in Johnstown is a Fox-affiliated television station with somewhat different programming from our 53-1 (WPGH).
Our overall signal strength to the TV's appears to be about 10-15 percent better with the new wiring set-up and the drop amplifier near the antenna.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Replacement for a DTVPal DVR
Update:
The DTVPal DVR is no longer made under that name.
It is now called the Channel Master CM-7000PAL. I have read it too may be discontinued soon.
It is now available here...
http://www.channelmasterstore.com/HD_DVR_receiver_for_antenna_p/cm-7000pal.htm
and here...
http://goo.gl/IQrl3
There is a new OTA DVR from Channel Master that looks very interesting.
It's available here...
http://www.channelmasterstore.com/HD_DVR_with_no_subscription_p/cm7400.htm
and here...
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Channel-Master-CM7400/17765275
The DTVPal DVR is no longer made under that name.
It is now called the Channel Master CM-7000PAL. I have read it too may be discontinued soon.
It is now available here...
http://www.channelmasterstore.com/HD_DVR_receiver_for_antenna_p/cm-7000pal.htm
and here...
http://goo.gl/IQrl3
There is a new OTA DVR from Channel Master that looks very interesting.
It's available here...
http://www.channelmasterstore.com/HD_DVR_with_no_subscription_p/cm7400.htm
and here...
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Channel-Master-CM7400/17765275
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Latest Channel Listing
A few changes to our channel line-up that took place January 1st.
More channels added and more in the works!
North Hills Pittsburgh O.T.A. (over the air) Channel Line-up 1/1/2012
2.1 ~ KDKA (CBS affiliate)
4.1 ~ WTAE (ABC affiliate)
4.2 ~ WTAE (THIS TV Network) reruns of vintage movies and TV programs
4.3 ~ WTAE (ABC affiliate) (North Hills translator/repeater for a better signal)
4.4 ~ WTAE (THIS TV Network) (North Hills translator/repeater for a better signal)
9.1 ~ WTOV Steubenville, Ohio (NBC Network affiliate)
9.2 ~ WTOV (Retro Television Network) somewhat different programming as 59-3
11.1 ~ WPXI (NBC Network affiliate)
11.2 ~ WPXI (MeTV - "Memorable Entertainment" TV) classics from the 1950s through the 1980s
13.1 ~ WQED-HD (main WQED programming / PBS)
13.2 ~ WQED-D1 (WQED-DT2 programming / Create Channel)
13.3 ~ WQED-D2 (WQED-DT3 programming / Neighborhood Channel)
13.4 ~ WQED-D3 (WQED-DT4 programming / Additional Neighborhood Channel)
16.1 ~ (ION TV) national television network featuring general entertainment
16.2 ~ (qubo TV) Childrens TV programming
16.3 ~ (IONLife TV) dedicated to lifestyle programming - mostly 80's, 90's & 00's movies.
16.4 ~ (ION affiliate) currently not broadcasting programming (testing signal)
19.1 ~ WPCW (CW network) Formally UPN & WB. Various original & rerun programming.
22.1 ~ WPMY (myTV network) mostly syndicated programming
22.2 ~ The COOL TV ~ all music video lineup
40.1 ~ WPCB (Cornerstone TV) Christian television station
40.2 ~ BDC (Cornerstone TV) Christian television station
40.3 ~ WPCB (Cornerstone TV) Christian television station
40.4 ~ CTVN (Cornerstone TV) Christian television station
53.1 ~ (FOX affiliate)
53.2 ~ (CMT) Country Music Network - music videos, taped concerts, movies, biographies
59.1 ~ WBGN (Independent Station) variety of programming - first run syndicated shows
59.2 ~ HSN - Home Shopping Network
59.3 ~ RTV - (Retro Television Network) reruns of vintage movies and TV programs
59.4 ~ LWN - (Live Well Network) - home, health and lifestyle programming
65-1 ~ WPDN - (Daystar Television Network) - Christian Programming
More channels added and more in the works!
North Hills Pittsburgh O.T.A. (over the air) Channel Line-up 1/1/2012
2.1 ~ KDKA (CBS affiliate)
4.1 ~ WTAE (ABC affiliate)
4.2 ~ WTAE (THIS TV Network) reruns of vintage movies and TV programs
4.3 ~ WTAE (ABC affiliate) (North Hills translator/repeater for a better signal)
4.4 ~ WTAE (THIS TV Network) (North Hills translator/repeater for a better signal)
9.1 ~ WTOV Steubenville, Ohio (NBC Network affiliate)
9.2 ~ WTOV (Retro Television Network) somewhat different programming as 59-3
11.1 ~ WPXI (NBC Network affiliate)
11.2 ~ WPXI (MeTV - "Memorable Entertainment" TV) classics from the 1950s through the 1980s
13.1 ~ WQED-HD (main WQED programming / PBS)
13.2 ~ WQED-D1 (WQED-DT2 programming / Create Channel)
13.3 ~ WQED-D2 (WQED-DT3 programming / Neighborhood Channel)
13.4 ~ WQED-D3 (WQED-DT4 programming / Additional Neighborhood Channel)
16.1 ~ (ION TV) national television network featuring general entertainment
16.2 ~ (qubo TV) Childrens TV programming
16.3 ~ (IONLife TV) dedicated to lifestyle programming - mostly 80's, 90's & 00's movies.
16.4 ~ (ION affiliate) currently not broadcasting programming (testing signal)
19.1 ~ WPCW (CW network) Formally UPN & WB. Various original & rerun programming.
22.1 ~ WPMY (myTV network) mostly syndicated programming
22.2 ~ The COOL TV ~ all music video lineup
40.1 ~ WPCB (Cornerstone TV) Christian television station
40.2 ~ BDC (Cornerstone TV) Christian television station
40.3 ~ WPCB (Cornerstone TV) Christian television station
40.4 ~ CTVN (Cornerstone TV) Christian television station
53.1 ~ (FOX affiliate)
53.2 ~ (CMT) Country Music Network - music videos, taped concerts, movies, biographies
59.1 ~ WBGN (Independent Station) variety of programming - first run syndicated shows
59.2 ~ HSN - Home Shopping Network
59.3 ~ RTV - (Retro Television Network) reruns of vintage movies and TV programs
59.4 ~ LWN - (Live Well Network) - home, health and lifestyle programming
65-1 ~ WPDN - (Daystar Television Network) - Christian Programming
Sunday, December 11, 2011
ION & CREATE TV
Nancy has been enjoying the Christmas programming on ION TV.
It's nice to have this OTA channel for her to watch with their seasonal programming.
The programming is much the same as the cable "LIFETIME" channel.
http://www.iontelevision.com/
I have been enjoying CREATE TV for the travel programming which is much like the cable "TRAVEL" channel.
http://www.createtv.com/
It's been over a year since we dropped Comcast and switched to all OTA (Over The Air) programming. I figure we've saved well over $1500 which will go toward our 2012 vacation to Hawaii :)
With the economy still bad I think more and more people should consider dumping expensive cable or satellite and use their resources for better purposes.
#noregrets
P.S. When I do a spell check on Comcast, Blogger wants to replace it with Compost. LOL
It's nice to have this OTA channel for her to watch with their seasonal programming.
The programming is much the same as the cable "LIFETIME" channel.
http://www.iontelevision.com/
I have been enjoying CREATE TV for the travel programming which is much like the cable "TRAVEL" channel.
http://www.createtv.com/
It's been over a year since we dropped Comcast and switched to all OTA (Over The Air) programming. I figure we've saved well over $1500 which will go toward our 2012 vacation to Hawaii :)
With the economy still bad I think more and more people should consider dumping expensive cable or satellite and use their resources for better purposes.
#noregrets
P.S. When I do a spell check on Comcast, Blogger wants to replace it with Compost. LOL
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