ABC on Comcast in MD

[luncep]

I have a Toshiba 34HF81 that does not support the 720p mode but should upgrade to 1080i. I recently had the HD package through Comcast installed in my home, yet the ABC HD shows do not fill out my 16:9 widescreen picture ... a classic sign that the show is not coming through in 1080i mode. Is this a problem anyone else is seeing or is it a problem on my setup.

[macduncan]

Hi,

All I know is Alias is broadcast in 720p. According to their website, they broadcast only in that except in Dallas. Here is an excerpt:

"I have heard that there are two HDTV formats — 720p and 1080i. Is there a difference between these formats and can my television receive both these formats?
Regardless of the HDTV format being broadcast, all new HDTV receivers can receive both formats. New HDTV televisions will convert any received signal to a format that is compatible with your new display. The 720p format uses progressive scanning, which is just like your computer monitor. Progressive scan offers crystal clear images that virtually eliminates those scanning lines that are visible on most large screen televisions. ABC broadcasts all of its programming using the 720p format except in Dallas, where the ABC station broadcasts in 1080i. Many new flat panel displays use progressive scan.

The 1080i format uses interlace scanning just like today's analog televisions. Scanning lines are less visible on big screens due to the number of lines. Most currently available projection HDTV's use 1080i. "

Take care.

Bill

[57U]

Many HDTVs do not actually have the capability to receive 720P - you'll need to check the specs for your individual TV. Very few HDTVs can actually display 720P, however, almost all STBs accept 720P, "upconvert" the signal and output 1080i, which all HDTVs can receive.

[luncep]

It turns out that my issue is not with my set ... but with the local broadcaster.

While I have been bent around the axle trying to trace a conversion issue, it appears the Washington local ABC affiliate (WJLA) is having problems with their SDTV to HDTV automatic switch. Not sure how long they have had the problem, nor when it will be fixed (hopefully by Superbowl time).

[Marty]

Thanks for the info. I tuned into the HD station for the DC affiliate this past SUnday evening to watch some of their HD programming and was receving a 4:3 image among other weird issues. Like you said, I just hope they have it all fixed for the superbowl.

[r8ed3x]

Same boat here, and it seems I live too far south to get the Baltimore affiliates broadcast.....so I hope that just as I have been you to are sending letters of inquiry/complaint about the HD situation to them. I'm not much of a college fan....so this coming SuperBowl was one of the main reasons I bought my set, receiver, antenna, etc.... I know that they have the capability to broadcast in HD because Saving Private Ryan came through in HD a while back....so maybe its a simple fix for them? Let's all keep our fingers crossed!

[luncep]

r8ed3x,

Looking at WJLA's website and typing HDTV into the search you get back a message that says they are having problems with their automatic switch, which one person suggested on their internal forum that they have someone manually switch it for the time being when an HD show is on. Apparantly they have not taken that person's advice or have not explained in that forum why that is not feasible.

[Woodycbs]

My TV is coming on Monday and Mont Co. Comcast is installing their HD Digital Box on Tuesday, giving me only 4-5 days to figure things out and HOPEFULLY have a HD signal for the Superbowl. I will be VERY disappointed if their ABC signal isn't working correctly.