WOW HDTV vs. OTA broadcasts

[coastman49]

I am terribly dissapointed. I waited all weekend, using my Radio Shack Signal finder indoor amplified antenna, for WOW ot install HDTV. The Radio Shack Signal Finder(Mod # 15-1870) had a great picture, I mean really great. The only drawback I had was the picture broke up each time someone got up and move around in the area the antenna was pointed and the signal finder never worked according to the instructions. My set is in my family room, partially below ground(quad-level home). Needless to say I took it back. Got home, yesterday, WOW hand programmed the HDTV broadcast. I am totally dissappointed in this picture. I looks no better than regular broadcasts, plus everything seems to be letterboxed. The Radio Shack OTA signals were all 1080i, filled the screen and was such a great picture.

I think I will call WOW today and cancel my HDTV service and look for a good outdoor antenna.

Any one else experienced this type of problem with your cable HDTV service. Looking for advice. Thanks.

[Ratman]

Sounds like the cable box is not set up/configured properly.
What's the Make/Model # of the cable box?

[coastman49]

It is a Scientific Atlanta Explorer-8000HD.

[telemike]

I have the 8000HD. You need to set it to HD 1080i. I have TWC and get PBS, NBC, FOX, CBS, Disc HD and TNT-HD. When there is HD programming, the picture I get is spectacular especially on Discovery HD Theater.

I would get OTA but a reciever is way too expensive!

[Ratman]

Here's the SA-8000HD thread... lot's of info:
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=10330&highlight=sa8000hd

Here is the SA FAQ's that may help:
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=8721

[coastman49]

Thanks telemike and Ratman for your info. I was about to call WOW, but looks like I can do this myself. I'll play with it this afternoon after work.