Cablevision's "remote" DVR: Will it be a better option?

With the Supreme Court's decision, "Remote DVR" may be on the way, but when that will be and how much it will cost remain to be seen.

The Supreme Court’s recent decision not to hear a final appeal by broadcasters and movie studios seeking to block Cablevision’s proposed “remote DVR” technology opens the door for the company, and others, to offer such a service.

Unlike a conventional DVR, which stores programs on a hard drive in the cable box in your living room, Cablevision’s planned remote DVR service lets you store programs on the company’s servers. Because the technology resides within the cable system’s network, subscribers can use their existing cable boxes instead of renting new equipment. This would free consumers from the storage limits of their hard drive (often about 30 hours of HD video). It could also theoretically make the service cheaper, since the cable companies don’t have to deploy and service separate boxes.

So when will we be able to get this new service? Unfortunately, no time soon, since Cablevision says there’s no timetable in place for a rollout of its remote DVR service. Instead, Cablevision’s first application of the technology will be far more prosaic: Subscribers with standard cable boxes will be able to pause live TV when the phone rings—something I (and Cablevision subscribers with DVRs and cable-phone service) can already do with my DirecTV DVR service, which displays Caller-ID information on the TV screen.

As a result, many questions remain as to how the service will really work.

Tips for better DTV reception

[ Photo courtesy of Mykl Roventine ]

Evidently the DTV transition on June 12 didn’t disrupt life as we know it, judging by most reports we’ve seen. But two weeks into it, we’re still hearing from consumers who are having problems getting some of the digital channels available in their market. Here’s some advice from the FCC, which has been tracking problems presented to their experts at support centers or via the toll-free help line (1-888-CALL-FCC), which is still in operation.

Many stations changed their frequency on June 12, but the old frequency might still be stored in the memory of your digital converter box or digital TV—even if you rescanned after the transition. To clear the memory, you need to run a “double rescan,” in effect, rebooting the system to wipe the slate clean.

The problem could also lie with your antenna. You might need to relocate or adjust the one you have or get a different type. As the FCC points out, one of the most popular spots for indoor antennas–on top of the TV– may not be the best spot. A location higher up or near a window, and away from electronic equipment, may provide better reception. You’ll find many useful pointers in the FCC’s factsheets on antennas and reception. —Eileen McCooey

DTV converter-box coupons: Act now, program ends July 31, 2009

The digital converter box coupon program will end July 31.

If you received over-the-air TV broadcasts on an analog TV and would still like to apply for a coupon to offset the cost of getting a DTV converter, the deadline for requesting one—July 31, 2009— is fast approaching. A DTV converter will enable you to continue receiving TV broadcasts, now sent as digital signals, on an analog TV.

You can apply for a converter-box coupon on the Web, by mail at PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000, or by calling the coupon program's toll-free 24-hour automated system at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). You can also fax a coupon application to 1-877-388-4632. Applications can be downloaded via the DTV coupon website. (Note that those living in a licensed nursing home, intermediate care facility or assisted living facility, must mail in the Application Form for Nursing Home Residents).

As part of the DTV transition, all eligible U.S. households can request two $40 coupons, which can be used to buy eligible converter boxes at participating consumer electronics retailers. Applications will be accepted until midnight, July 31, and coupons must then be used within 90 days of being mailed.

If you need more information about the converter-box program, you can visit an online FAQ, or call the toll-free hotline: 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY). And if you recently applied for a coupon and would like to check the status of your request and the expected mailing date, visit the NTIA's converter-box status Web site. There's also a troubleshooting Web site for handling problems.

We suggest not waiting until the last minute, as it's possible that supplies of digital converter boxes at retail could be more limited the closer we get to the coupon deadline. So apply for a coupon today! —James K. Willcox

DTV transition: Smooth going for most

The transition to digital TV has been relatively tranquil.
[ Photo courtesy of woodleywonderworks. ]

Despite some trepidation about how the shut-off of analog TV broadcasts would go, by most accounts the switch to all-digital over-the-air TV broadcasts went fairly smoothly, with no widespread outages reported.

There also appeared to be ample supplies of DTV converters for last-minute shoppers, although the FCC did report that there were some shortages of antennas. It’s recommended that you shop online if you can’t find a converter box or antenna at a local retailer.

Make sure to rescan channels
The FCC, which monitored the DTV switch by 971 full-power stations last Friday, said it received more than 315,000 calls to its toll-free help lines. The most calls came from the Chicago area, followed by Dallas-Ft. Worth, New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore markets.

Of those calls, almost 30 percent had to do with digital converter boxes; the FCC reported that most issues were resolved simply by having the callers re-scan their converter-box tuners to receive stations that had moved to new frequencies.

So if you’re still having any problems, try rescanning the channels; also, some stations will be upping the power of their broadcasts, so you might get a channel you previously couldn’t. If problems persist, you can still call the toll-free help line, 1-888-CALL-FCC, or visit the DTV website for more information.

Also, note that 118 stations have agreed to maintain analog “nightlight” broadcasts for up to 30 days after the transition. These stations will continue to broadcast emergency and DTV transition information via analog signals in the evening for those who haven’t been able to successfully make the jump to digital. Here's a list [PDF] of the nightlight stations.

Commentary: Goodbye, my old friend – Analog TV

The switch over from analog to digital TV signals on June 12, 2009 marks a definite end to the familiar, decades-old way television programs arrive into millions of American homes.
[ stock photo courtesy of: Kenn Kiser ]

June 12, 2009. The day analog television died. We all knew this day was coming, but that doesn't lessen the pain. Allow me to offer a eulogy for my dear old friend.

Given that I'm a Gen-Xer and a native son of New York City (media capital of the world), it's no surprise that TV was a big part of my life growing up. I spent a lot of time (maybe too much) in front of that glowing screen. Ask me my favorite happy childhood memories and I can immediately list: The Sesame Street gang teaching me my A-B-Cs (PBS, Channel 13); watching School House Rock on ABC Saturday mornings. (Who knew that catchy ad-like jingles could teach you stuff and be fun? "Conjunction Junction, what's your function? Hooking up words and phrases and clauses..."); and watching movies at 4:30 weekday afternoons instead of doing homework. (Thanks, WABC Channel 7—especially for the many “Godzilla” weeks!)

Maybe I had a sheltered childhood, but over-the-air TV opened up a wonderful world of entertainment (and learning)—all for free... using just a simple antenna. It captivated millions of others, including the nearly 106 million Americans who watched the finale of M*A*S*H, the more than 90 million who discovered first-hand, who shot "J.R." on Dallas, and the nearly 53 million who watched Friends go for that one last cup of coffee at "Central Perk." Truly free TV was indeed powerful in its day.

DTV transition takes full effect today

Friday June 12, 2009 marks the end of all analog broadcasts from nearly all but a minority of television stations in the United States.
[ stock photo courtesy of: Doru Lupeanu ]

DTV day has finally arrived, after what seems like the longest ramp-up in history. Here’s what you can expect, and what you should do, as full-power TV stations pull the plug on analog broadcasts and go all-digital.

Watch the clock. Stations will be cutting off analog broadcasts at various times during the day. Some made the switch in the wee hours of the morning while we slept, as soon as the date rolled over to June 12. Most will be making the change sometime between noon and 11:59 p.m. tonight, according to the FCC. You can telephone your local stations to see when they'll be doing the deed.

Run a channel scan. This will pick up any new digital stations that just became available and stations that just increased their transmission strength. Because some stations might be changing over late in the day, rescan your channels again tomorrow, on June 13. For more help, check out our video guide to setting up and using a DTV converter box.

Check for new channels. You might find extra "side channels" with different programming from major networks. They should come up (as 2.1 or 2-1, for example) as you surf using the channel up/down button on the remote.

Get help. The FCC's toll-free help line, 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) is currently up and running 24 hours a day. The 4,000 agents on duty can answer a question or tell you whether free, in-home local assistance is available in your area from a source such as AmeriCorps or your local fire department. You can also get hands-on help at one of the 600-plus walk-in centers set up nationwide. The FCC's online DTV hub has all this information and much more.

Look for analog holdovers. You might find that some stations in your area are still sending analog signals. There are thousands of stations (technically called low-power stations, Class A stations, and TV translator stations) that did not have to discontinue analog broadcasts as of today. Many operate in more remote areas. If you have a DTV converter box connected to your TV, you'll need to use the box's analog pass-through feature to get those analog stations in addition to the digital broadcasts you can now get. If the box you bought does not have this feature, you can connect the equipment in a way that will allow you to pull in both types of broadcasts. A diagram in the brochure DTV Made Easy shows how to connect your gear. (If you have Adobe Acrobat, you can download a copy of DTV Made Easy here. —Eileen McCooey

Find DTV help in your area

With the DTV transition just days away, take a minute to visit the FCC's DTV hub, a one-stop shop offering tons of information and advice.

Plug in your zip code and find out how many DTV stations operate in your area now and how many will be up and running after June 12. Get a listing of stations with channel number assignments and phone numbers, with an indication of their broadcast strength.

You can also find local support, including in-home installers and walk-in centers. The online troubleshooting guide may help you resolve problems on your own. Incidentally, the coupon offer doesn't end on June 12; you have until July 31 to request $40 subsidy coupons to defray the cost of a converter box.

The government’s call centers (1-888-CALL-FCC, 1-888-225-5322) are likely to be flooded with calls on the day of the transition and the first few days afterward, so try out your setup now and get your problems solved before June 12. —Eileen McCooey

DTV countdown: The antenna dilemma

On June 12, 2009, television broadcasts in the U.S. will switch from analog signals to digital. Ensuring that your television set will receive those digital broadcasts may require some adjustments to your television's antenna.
[ stock photo courtesy of: Agata Urbaniak ]

The DTV transition that culminates this Friday, June 12, is putting antennas back in the spotlight. But getting good reception with digital broadcasts can be a tricky business, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. It depends on your location, the topography around your home, and the distance to the TV station's transmitting towers.

Getting the right antenna for your situation is the first step. (See our previous post, DTV Tips: Choosing and using an antenna for our advice and read the tips and comments from other readers.)

You'll also find very useful info at:

• The FCC web site about antennas: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/dtvantennas.html
• The CEA and NAB web site: AntennaWeb (http://www.antennaweb.org)
• HDTV Antenna Labs (http://www.HDTVAntennaLabs.com)
• Antennas Direct (http://www.AntennasDirect.com)

A set-top antenna is the simplest and cheapest solution and should be your first try.

If you're lucky, an indoor antenna will get you all the channels available in your area, with a clear, continuous picture and sound. But it's possible you'll encounter some glitches, because the UHF band is more directional than VHF and more sensitive to obstacles that lie between your antenna and the broadcast tower. About 20 percent of DTV adopters we surveyed said they had trouble with reception.

Here's a recap of our advice on adjusting your antenna.

Last-minute DTV tips: 7 days to go

Click on the image above to download a PDF version of the DTV Made Easy brochure.

When analog broadcasts end one week from today, the vast majority of stations will be broadcasting in the UHF band, not the VHF frequency range that’s been home to many analog broadcasts over the years. That’s not just techno-babble you can gloss over. It means you might need a new antenna to keep getting free TV over the air.

We’ve been hammering home this point for months, but with only days left to go, we want to say it one more time. Set-top rabbit ears with only two arms are not designed to pull in UHF signals. You need a UHF/VHF antenna to get all the free TV programming available in your area. Many existing rooftop antennas may be able to get both UHF and VHF broadcasts, but you’ll have to try yours out to see. As we reported earlier this week, our survey of 38,000 Consumer Reports readers found that nearly one in four of the households receiving free over-the-air broadcasts had to purchase a new antenna to get digital signals.

After the transition on June 12, 73 percent of full-power stations will be broadcasting in the UHF band, with 27 percent in the VHF range, according to the National Association of Broadcasters, which has lots of useful information online. Most of those stations already broadcast digital signals (in addition to analog, at least for the next week), so you can try out your setup right now and resolve any problems you encounter. Be prepared for some wrinkles. Our survey showed that 20 percent of antenna users had trouble getting all stations.

Also remember to rescan for channels on June 12 or 13; check our video on setting up a DTV converter box for pointers. Some 600 stations will move to a different channel location than they were on June 11, NAB reports, so you’ll have to get in sync with all those new channel assignments. Stations will be making the switch at various points during the day (they may be alerting you to that timing now with messages scrolling across your TV screen), with many of them going all-digital after 6 p.m. on June 12. That’s why we recommend a rescan on June 13 to capture all the shifts.

For a step-by-step guide that can help you with setup and fine-tuning, download the free PDF file of the "DTV Made Easy” brochure (Adobe Acrobat required) Consumer Reports produced for the FCC and check out the other pieces featured on our DTV transition hub. You can also search through our blogs for the many helpful hints we’ve published over the past year. (Under Categories, in the right column on this page, click on Television to see all TV-related postings, including DTV.)

What are you waiting for? The clock is ticking. —Eileen McCooey

DTV transition: Most viewers ready—after a few headaches

With less than two weeks remaining until analog over-the-air broadcasts end, the vast majority of Consumer Reports’ readers who receive TV via antenna say they’re already set up to receive digital signals—albeit after a little grief, in some cases.

Data on 38,000 subscribers, drawn recently from the 2009 Annual Telecom Survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, found that 12 percent of respondents receive free TV to a set-top or rooftop antenna. Of those people, 85 percent said they had already completed the steps required to be able to receive over-the-air broadcasts after June 12, when the analog broadcast era ends.

More than half of those households—56 percent, to be precise—have purchased a digital converter box to facilitate viewing digital signals on an old, analog TV set. (see our free Ratings of more than 40 boxes.) But, in news that will hearten the consumer-electronics industry, 30 percent of respondents prepared for the digital transition by buying a new TV—since all new sets have the built-in digital tuner required to receive the new signals from broadcasters.