Mapping digital channels

[dspdrew]

I have a few questions about this.

1. After scanning all my channels I dont have any names or anything, just frequencies, and it seems the only way to map these channels is by looking at each one that I am able to see, and then searching my tv for the same channel (obviously networks that use watermarks make this a little easier). Am I missing something or am I doing this correctly.

2. I noticed on the majority of my channels it says they are encrypted, yet I can see them just fine. Why is that?

3. Some of the channels (which are definately clearQAM) have the audio working, but no picture is showing up. This is happening specifically with Fox local broadcast channel here in Orange County, CA. Is there something wrong?

[whurlston]

I have a few questions about this.

1. After scanning all my channels I dont have any names or anything, just frequencies, and it seems the only way to map these channels is by looking at each one that I am able to see, and then searching my tv for the same channel (obviously networks that use watermarks make this a little easier). Am I missing something or am I doing this correctly.

This is common since cable providers do not usually include the channel names in the PSIP data. If you entered your zipcode in the popup box after the scan, it will compare the results to the Silicondust lineup server and insert names if the lineup server has them. Renamed channels will appear at the bottom of the list when you click the dropdown to map the channel.

2. I noticed on the majority of my channels it says they are encrypted, yet I can see them just fine. Why is that?

Do they have an asterix beside the name (Unknown*)? The asterix means they are not encrypted.

3. Some of the channels (which are definately clearQAM) have the audio working, but no picture is showing up. This is happening specifically with Fox local broadcast channel here in Orange County, CA. Is there something wrong?

Double check the tuning string when you map them or in the scan-*.cache file. The video pid (V should match the PCR PID (PCR. If they don't, just change the V: value to match the PCR: value. Also, remove the "~VTYPE:H264" and "~E:T" sections if they exist. There are some cases where the QAM channels are detected wrongly and this should sort them out.

[dspdrew]

Do they have an asterix beside the name (Unknown*)? The asterix means they are not encrypted.

Yes I know what the asterisk means, but these channels don't have one, and the "Channel Type" says MPEG-2 (Encrypted), and yet they still show up. ??

[whurlston]

Can you zip and post your scan cache file?

[dspdrew]

I cant figure out how to get files to attach, so here I linked it.

http://gyg.cc/375yr736r858e/scan-6.rar

[whurlston]

There are some interesting things in your channel mapping. I see some channels where the PCR PID is the same as the audio PID and I've never seen that before. Usually it is the same as the video PID in the US/Canada. If you are still having this issue after rebuilding your database, PM me or post your postal code and virtual channel number of one of the "audio only" channels (like 81.250). Also give me an example of a channel marked as encrypted but viewable (although this is probably just due to a wrong encryption flag set by your provider, which I have seen before).

[dspdrew]

After scanning again, the channels that werent showing but had audio are fine now, but most still show encrypted when they arent.