Mobile Version/Download Faster ·  Contact Us ·  Jobs ·  Make Us Your Home
Mostly Cloudy and Breezy
Temp: 56 F (13 C)
Humidity: 57
Heat Index: NA F
Home  ·   News  ·   Weather  ·   Sports  ·   Watercooler  ·   Blogs  ·   Web Cams  ·   Sunrise  ·   Lottery  ·   Scam Alert  ·   Entertainment  ·   ECU Sports  ·   Station/Bios
Real Estate · CarSoup · Rental Guide · Experts · Double Dollar Deals · Classifieds · Food · Contests · Community · Carolina Camera · Health · First Alert · HD
WITN Your Way
Carolina Camera
Upload your favorite photos and videos.
WITN2go
WITN News, Weather, Sports and more on your mobile phone – Anytime. Anywhere.
First Alert
Instant weather and breaking news on your desktop!
Page may load slowly Carolina Scanner
News from around the state. All on one convenient page.
WITN.com Features
Lottery
Latest results from the North Carolina Education Lottery.
Scam Alert
Protect yourself.
Don't get scammed!
Doppler’s
Doghouse

See Doppler Dog’s pet pals online.
Gas Prices
Search for the area’s best deals.
Hunting & Fishing Forecast
Best time of day to hunt or fish…
Food Bytes
WYDO Explains Fox Fumble During Super Bowl XLII Save Email Print
Posted: 8:50 PM Feb 3, 2008
Last Updated: 9:00 PM Feb 4, 2008

A | A | A

Phone lines were jammed, tempers flared, and some people went searching for rabbit ears as pictures froze on many Eastern Carolina TV sets during Super Bowl Sunday.

Those watching the big game on Fox affiliate WYDO in Greenville noticed video glitches throughout the first half. Momentary picture freezes grew into longer periods of the same picture appearing frozen on the screen.

The problem apparently was a microwave signal fade with WYDO. WFXI in Morehead City, also a Fox affiliate, was not affected.

The problems persisted into the second quarter, then after a period without sound things appeared to have returned to normal.

Problems arose again at approximately 8:15 p.m. when Tom Petty was wrapping up the half time show. The picture froze for over 15 minutes before going to black, then returned at 8:48 p.m., late in the 3rd quarter.

One bar in Beaufort County got so frustrated with the bad signal that they put on Animal Planet's "Puppy Bowl" on one of their big screens.

The Super Bowl snafu is also getting some political yardage. Monday night Beaufort County commissioners authorized a resolution be drafted to let WYDO know of their displeasure with the station's performance on Super Bowl Sunday.

WFXI/WYDO general manager Don Fisher tells WITN News that atmospheric conditions caused the microwave link from their studios to transmitter to fail. Fisher apologized to viewers and said the station's new owners want to fix the problems.

More Stories
STORM ALERT: Wind Advisory & Storm Warnings

Kinston Drug Bust

Camp Lejeune Marine Killed In Afghanistan

Marines Charged In Connection With Horse Shooting

Tiny Levels Of Melamine Reported In More U.S. Produced Formula

FIRST ON WITN: Children Not Hurt As Tree Falls On School Roof

Damage And Power Outages From Strong Storms

Crews Work Hard To Restore Power In Our Area

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Jason Location: Deep Run on Feb 17, 2008 at 02:05 PM
If Fox is inefficiently equipped, or lacking the propper technology to effectively broadcast major sporting events with calrity and without interruption, then they should do us all a favor and CLOSE SHOP!! I am now attempting to watch the Daytona 500, which should be a basic right of every American, and am experiencing similar problems as to those of the Super Bowl XLII broadcast earlier this month. Fox 8/14 should stick to old episodes of "The Simpsons" and let the big boys carry the Super Bowl, The Daytona 500, and the World Series. By God.

Editor's Note: What type of problems are you experiencing? What did Fox say when you called?


Posted by: Joey Location: Tyrrell Co. on Feb 7, 2008 at 05:00 PM
This is not a one time deal for me. I almost always have audio problems as a DIRECT TV customer.

Posted by: Stephanie Location: Greenville on Feb 7, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Prior to moving to Greenville, we had DirecTv because our road didn't have cable. With satellite, we had to endure snow every time it rained; not to mention not having service for weeks at a time due to faulty lines and equipment. When we moved, we decided to go sans satellite or cable to save a little money. We FINALLY got cable last week and were looking forward to watching the Superbowl as a family. Same crap, different provider.

Posted by: Sharon Location: Plymouth on Feb 7, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Ever since DirecTV took our Fox East and Fox West away from us and made us use the local Fox, we have had trouble. We never have problems when re-runs are on, only when something big is on. The American Idol Final show was a screw up too. We could not see about 75% of the show. The news broadcast is not as nice as NBC, it's kind of like a B-rated version of WITN. The sound and the colors are always off during their news broadcasts. I guess I am just spoiled by WITN!!! Thank God the Olympics will be on NBC!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Justin Bourgeois Location: Greenville, NC on Feb 7, 2008 at 11:11 AM
It's NOT just that one game. This has happened numerous times before when I'm watching television. If suddenlink expects people to pay for "excellent" service, then they need to keep up on their end.

Posted by: John Location: Williamston on Feb 6, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Just television and a GAME get a life and get over it typical America and their expected perfect world

Posted by: Lynn Location: Newport on Feb 6, 2008 at 08:58 AM
The Fox Channel in Morehead City was affected as well. Called the station and was told there is nothing we can do, it's not our fault. The problems began in Morehead before half time and continued throughout the game. Had to go into the garage and watch the game with rabbit ears. This is ridiculous! Will complain to the FCC.

Posted by: Scott on Feb 6, 2008 at 06:54 AM
Got one thing to say - Direct TV!

Posted by: Robert on Feb 5, 2008 at 10:29 PM
I strongly encourage everyone to please follow the link to the FCC website and take the time to fill out the complaint form. It only takes a minute to complete, probably less time than most of us have spent venting on this site. There is power in numbers, and given the grandiose nature of this colossal failure, we finally may be able to actually get something done about WYDO. http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints_general.html

Posted by: roy Location: winterville on Feb 5, 2008 at 09:16 PM
this has got to be the stupidist mishap of the century, we can put a man on the moon but we can not watch the super bowl in greenville, but those in morehead sure did. they should have to replay the game at a disignated location for all to see like say willaims arena supply all food an drinks , give us our super bowl that we missed, cause of the atmospheric gods ? yeah right , i got ocean front property in my back yard to, bet they wont buy it " cheap"sorry is not good enough we lost valuable customers ,time, planning. if they don't correct the situation i'd hope they would loose valuable customers, the only thing they understand is $, an they lost mine . they stink like the game did. thats all the time i've got to give them

Posted by: JJ Location: Kinston on Feb 5, 2008 at 02:13 PM
I think it's rather funny that there were none of these problems during the pregame shows.....

Posted by: Lois Location: Ayden on Feb 5, 2008 at 09:24 AM
The best Superbowl in history made even more history in our area when we were unable to see most of the game. This was very disappointing and a lot of people were upset when they missed so much of the game because of the broadcast problems. The same thing happened on FOX last year during the NASCAR races and other events programs. A lot of programs are being missed causing disappointment and tempers to flare. Are we going to experience the same problems again this year, probably so. Seems problems always apprear at a critical time during the events. It is past time for FOX to fix the problems and also time Suddenlink apply for license for the Raleigh FOX station.

Posted by: jim Location: belhaven on Feb 5, 2008 at 08:59 AM
I would hope that the old owners also would have wanted to fix the problem.

Posted by: ERBFan Location: Pitt County on Feb 5, 2008 at 08:56 AM
I understand it is WYDO's fault. But if I am paying suddenlink for locals, they are responsible. I pay them for locals. They pay WYDO. If I buy something from Target and it is defective, Target refunds me. Not the manufacturer.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Chocowinity on Feb 5, 2008 at 08:46 AM
The same thing happened during all the NASCAR races broadcasted on FOX last season! Unbelievable!

Posted by: hope Location: colerain on Feb 5, 2008 at 04:32 AM
Thank you Robert, I just completed this survey (complaint) on-line @ www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints_general.html Everyone should contact them. We live in an underserved area with substandard services.

Posted by: Robert on Feb 4, 2008 at 09:53 PM
This link will take you directly to the form for filing a complaint with the FCC: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints_general.html

Posted by: Jonathan Bunting Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 08:54 PM
What a crock! This is not the first time in the last year service has been corrupted. These so-called atmospheric conditions most be prevalent because it seems like every other week something goes wrong with my cable service. This is just a story to cover your A**.

Posted by: Steve Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Nothing will happen if we complain to Suddenlink, they can only do what the FCC will let them! Everyone go to www.fcc.gov and file a complaint against WYDO!

Posted by: Jamie Location: Greenville-Suddenlink on Feb 4, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Fox always has problems with their station, but I want Suddenlink to pay up. I don't get a monthly bill from Fox for my cable service, but I sure get one from Suddenlink. Its their job to run interference for their customers. We shouldn't have to be the middle man. They can recoop their cost from Fox if they want, but Suddenlink should take care of their customers!

Posted by: geno Location: Gville on Feb 4, 2008 at 07:44 PM
It seem strange that the Greenville Sudden Link had problems and the New Bern Sudden Link did not have problems. I know that Fox is next to nothing so far as TV goes, but I would like for Greenville Sudden Link to explain why they had problems and New Bern did not have problems. Something soulds fishey.

Posted by: mom Location: greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 07:42 PM
We have DISH and didn't have any problems with the game.

Posted by: Jason Location: Newport on Feb 4, 2008 at 06:40 PM
I have also had ONLY fox problems ever since I have gotten directv. It apparently wasn't directv problems, but just the station who broadcasts it here in our area. It only seems to happen at night or during something people actually want to watch. Something really needs to be done about that station. Maybe it will get hit by lightning so they actually have to fix everything.

Posted by: John Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 06:20 PM
This station sucks. It's funny that they blame the weather for their inferior broadcast, but people who were watching other stations and on satellite TV had no problems. If this station can't get their act together, they need to close and allow the cable operators in this area get their signal from FOX50 in Raleigh.

Posted by: Robert on Feb 4, 2008 at 05:35 PM
I understand that it was the local FOX affiliate and not Suddenlink who was to blame. But Suddenlink's eagerness to pass the buck and attempt to wipe their hands of the issue at the expense of their customers is equally offensive. If the local FOX affiliate will not invest the money to have sufficient or adequate equipment, then it is up to Suddenlink to petition the State Utilities Commission or the FCC for the right to drop the local affiliate and begin receiving the broadcast from Raleigh. Essentially Suddenlink is letting what should be their problem become all of our problem. There has to be more than just an apology to make amends for this. This is absolutely unacceptable! Can the State Utilities Commission or the FCC levy a fine for this?!

Posted by: Pam Location: Vanceboro on Feb 4, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Glitches? Not just during the Super Bowl, but ALL the time. Screen goes black, no sound, fuzzy picture. I have DirectTV and a TV with rabbit ears. Problems happen on both sets.

Posted by: Barbara Location: Colerain on Feb 4, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Not only did the most exciting game of the year get interrupted, but also last years next to final episode of the American Idol. If this is the station we must get our signal from then it should be upgraded to reflect the 21st century. It makes everyone want to get some type of monetary compensation for their disappointmtent.

Posted by: Legrande Location: Washington on Feb 4, 2008 at 03:39 PM
If Ken the engineer was working hard with crappy eqipment...that's cool. His boss should be fired for letting junk try to run the Super Bowl. If that's not cool, then his boss should mail a copy of last night's game to FOX corporate and tell them they get what they pay for. Crappy reception has been FOX's mantra for years now...I've seen more Family Guy on TBS than I have on FOX. Ridiculous. Suddenlink should take FOX staight from the bird until the local affiliate determines it's important enough to the unfortunate souls that waste their money advertising there to fix it. If you can't see a commercial, why buy it? Whoever owns WYDO should really take seriously people's anger over this and put a real statement out about what happened, and why it won't happen in the future. I'd hate to be a salesman for FOX right now...

Posted by: JB Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Suddenlink/Dish won't give their customers any money because it wasn't their fault. Their other channels worked it was just FOX. We should have a petition to have FOX upgrade their equipment, or atleast have a fiber optic option to get better signals to DISH and Cable customers.

Posted by: Bob WIlliams Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 03:02 PM
I am not a football fan...but did watch the game because the older children wanted to watch it..and becasue I wanted to see and hear Tom Petty. What a farce this Fox affiliate is. In this day and age, we allow such crappy customer service. I think they have weapons of mass destruction over there at the Ayden station..go get them

Posted by: James Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Fox/Suddenlost need to look into the matter and offer a complete rebroadcast. They also need to correct the snow that is on the channel as well.. Strange Raleigh and other affiliates do not have the same issues. Are these companies just to cheap to upgrade their services that customers pay dearly for? Maybe everyone should hold back money for the lousy service that was given, or maybe fox/suddenlost should give everyone a free months unlimited service. That would help people forget the largest untelevised super bowl.... Customer service should be the number one priority.

Posted by: paul Location: winterville on Feb 4, 2008 at 02:19 PM
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/WYDOFOX814/index.html

Posted by: Russ Location: Farmville on Feb 4, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Should have $1 taken off bill for every second the game was frozen.. oh yeah, thats right I am just a customer, what do I matter?

Posted by: DirecTv Location: Sucks on Feb 4, 2008 at 01:14 PM
It wasn't Fox. I have DirecTV, and was trying to watch the superbowl. As everyone else, we had the blackouts and the screen freezing, etc. But when the channel would blackout, all of the channels were going out, not only Fox. So don't blame them.

Posted by: Scott Location: Winterville on Feb 4, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Idea, We have two CBS affiliates on Greenville/Suddenlink cable...WRAL/Raleigh and WNCT/Greenville. Let's push Suddenlink to carry the Fox affiliate out of Raleigh as our backup. If we can have 2 CBS stations, let's carry 2 Fox affiliate stations...Greenville and the Raleigh Fox affiliate.

Posted by: Eric Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 12:46 PM
It would be great if the FCC would let us get the FOX affiliate from Raleigh - but they make Suddenlink and Directv carry WYDO. WYDO needs to apologize to everyone for screwing up my Superbowl party!

Posted by: Linda Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 12:19 PM
WYDO might have an excuse if this was the first time the interference problem had happened. This has been an ongoing problem for years with this station. It also was a proplem with the episode of House that aired after the game. I have no idea how it ended due to all the problems. My solution to the problem would be for Suddenlink to get a different Fox affliate. As i said before, this has been a ongoing problem with WYDO for years.

Posted by: S Location: Greenville,NC on Feb 4, 2008 at 12:17 PM
The new owners need to fix the problem, wanting to fix the problem is not going to solve a thing!

Edited for content


Posted by: Patricia Location: Bethel on Feb 4, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Fox has been having the same issues for as long as I've been paying for their service thru direct tv. Apparently we must always have those same weather conditions. I can hardly wait for race season to start.

Posted by: Greg Location: Winterville on Feb 4, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Amazing...there were not problems anywhere else. Sounds like the only thing in the atmosphere is the smoke they are blowing.

Posted by: Dan Location: Ayden on Feb 4, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Accountability????? I want a real answer. I beleive many of us are waiting for a "We are sorry our business was not prepared or in the wrong" That poor excuse for being accountable up above will not cut it. Last I checked, the weather was great last night...and it was the same as an hour before kick off. Please explain this odd condition more.

Posted by: Chris Location: Winterville on Feb 4, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Atmospheric Conditions? HAH! How come everytime FOX carries a major sporting event, or a major primetime program, they blame the problems on atmospheric conditions? I've watched FOX many times when we had severe storms throughout Eastern NC and they never seem to have problems then. I wonder what "atmospheric conditions" really means.

Posted by: B Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Suddenlink has no choice, there required by law to carry the closest FOX affiliate. WYDO just needs to get their act together. Their other feeds were fine. Just the WYDO from what I understand.

Posted by: Debra Location: Kinston on Feb 4, 2008 at 11:17 AM
NO SURPRISE TO ME! IT IS A MYSTERY, HOWEVER THAT THE FOX STATION WAS WORKING FINE THROUGH THE ENTIRE PRE-GAME SHOW AND AS SOON AS THE GAME STARTED.....THE SCREW UPS STARTED. I AM SURE THE SAME WILL HAPPEN DURING AMERICAN IDOL WHEN IT'S DOWN TO THE LAST FEW CONTESTANTS AND EVERYONE'S WATCHING...JUST LIKE LAST YEAR. IF THE PROBLEM CAN'T BE RESOLVED AT LEAST GIVE THE VIEWERS A "HEADS UP" SO WE CAN MAKE OTHER PLANS AND WATCH ANOTHER NETWORK.

Posted by: Peed Off Location: Washington, NC on Feb 4, 2008 at 11:06 AM
We are forced to pay you every month whether we watch much TV or not. You make millions. At a minimum you should give everyone $100 credit!!!!!!!

Editor's note: WYDO says the problem was on their end, not a problem with the cable company.


Posted by: John Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 10:50 AM
This type of interruption frequently happens with this FOX affiliate. This certainly wasn't a one-time issue. I've experienced this on several days over the last year. Usually on Sundays and usually during primetime. I'm not sure how these agreements work, but I would expect Suddenlink to make a statement about the choice to continue using this station. Ultimately, Suddenlink collects my money at the end of the month. I love me some FOX, but get frustrated enough that I have to change the channel to find something that doesn't freeze during my shows. So there! Take that Mr. Rich Man who sits at the top!

Posted by: Randy Location: Chocowinity on Feb 4, 2008 at 10:43 AM
it sucks that we have the one of the best superbowls ever on a station that is "free fallin" forcing us to "live like a refugee" meanwhile Eli is "running down the dream" and just when the 72 dolphins thought it was "the last dance with mary jane" and Gischell Buchen was turning into an "american Girl" the picture unfroze from tom petty's ear just long enough to the G-Men Win the game. Go Giants

Posted by: S. Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 10:17 AM
It is strange to me that this only occurs during major television events!! They don't have any issues when there is a major storm in the area. Why is it that there is always atmospheric conditions during American Idol, baseball games, and 24? If you believe the line they are feeding you, then you need to dig a little deeper.

Posted by: tony parrish Location: kinston on Feb 4, 2008 at 09:51 AM
what was the problem?

Editor's comment: The signal on WYDO froze up, or went to black multiple times during the game.


Posted by: Dan Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 09:39 AM
I want to know what accountability WYDO is willing to take for this? They dropped the ball on the largest sporting production of the year with no word yet or apology? Poor poor poor customer service in my book.

Posted by: Jim Albright Location: Winterville on Feb 4, 2008 at 09:34 AM
The over the air signal during the superbowl was lousy. Fox has a tenedency in eastern North Carolina to have the least reliable of any network. Their license should be revoked.

Posted by: viewer Location: Farmville on Feb 4, 2008 at 09:22 AM
I just talked to Time Warner, they have not had calls letting them know about the problem. Everyone CALL! 1-866-489-2669, its a start.

Posted by: Ron Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 09:00 AM
The FOX affiliate here is absolutely worthless.

Posted by: disappointed on Feb 4, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Time Warner had problems, too. Not just suddenlink. I, also, remember missing out on the American Idol finale due to problems with FOX. What's the deal? Just wondering... did anyone have any trouble up until kickoff? Maybe they just sat around all day waiting to annoy everyone starting at kickoff.

Posted by: Amanda Location: Greenville NC on Feb 4, 2008 at 08:51 AM
We watched Fox 8/14 (WYDO) for most of the day on Sunday (with all of the ridulous pre-game circus acts), and NOT ONE TIME did the signal go out. It was ONLY at GAME TIME that the signal went out. I came across some production engineering blogs (including someone named 'Ken12' who appeared to work for the station), and they said that the warm weather and old equipment had something to do with it all. The weather knows when it's time for kickoff? PLEASE!!! Fox 8/14 could have at LEAST posted a marquis or something!! Even back in the 70's we got a courtesy 'We are experiencing technical difficulties - please stand by.' GIVE ME A BREAK! While I'm on the subject, I LOVE 'House' and was not remotely interested in watching it after the game because of this fiasco - come to think of it, the signal goes off quite frequently during 'House' on a regular basis...The owners (Piedmont Television?)are cheapskates - in this day and age, there is no excuse for what they allowed to happen.

Editor's comment: Piedmont sold WFXI/.WYDO in December.


Posted by: Concern citizen Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 08:17 AM
I hardly every watch Fox. I've always had problems with Fox channel freezing up. Not only Fox, but other channels also freezes up with my digital service with Suddenlink. Suddenlink claims it may be my cable box, but I think it's just poor service.

Posted by: linda Location: greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 08:01 AM
it figures sudden link - their rates keep going up and the biggest game of the year??? give me a break - get it together

Posted by: wendy Location: greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 07:46 AM
Super Bowl/Fox Problems: Rabbit ears televisions experienced the breaks in the broadcast last night as well. It continued thru House and into the news.

Posted by: Janelle Location: Washington on Feb 4, 2008 at 07:39 AM
At least when that happened, my husband let me watch something good on TV! No really, it wasn't cool how that happened with FOX, and I am quite sure there are some people in eastern NC that are highly P.O.'d. I know my hubby was. He sent FOX a very "nice" message during the time the screen was black.

Posted by: Tim Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 06:22 AM
I receive the WYDO signal from an antenna and the signal was constantly dropping out throughout the game. This was happen on both their analog and digital feed.

Posted by: patty on Feb 4, 2008 at 06:22 AM
it seems to me that fox screwed up the last big sporting event.....we called the local station early in the game, and they had the nerve to tell us it was our tv!! and hung up. they need to reimburse all of the companies for not airing commercials. I would like to see the game and half time show over without the breaks in telecasting...can another station replay superbowl 42???

Posted by: John Location: Washington County on Feb 4, 2008 at 05:17 AM
This station is a joke we have complained to them numerous time for same problem, about twoo weeks ago the sound just went away we had picture but no sound. Now we missed almost a third of the super bowl, thanks alot!

Posted by: william Location: wahington on Feb 4, 2008 at 05:01 AM
fox sucks. i got so p---ed off i went to bed. fox sucks again. i have had this problem with them for a while. i thought it was suddenlink's hook-up. who really knows??

Posted by: Brian Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 01:08 AM
I am really upset with FOX. I missed the half time show and most of the commercials. NFL, please do not use FOX again to aire the Superbowl. This was one of the best Superbowl Games ever and we had to endure the technical problems that FOX had. Thanks alot!!!! Go GIANTS!!!

Posted by: hope white Location: colerain on Feb 4, 2008 at 12:58 AM
We have been having a problem with the FOX signal for some time now but tonights debacle was by far the worst. During the game I phoned our satelite provider, Direct tv twice. Afterall, the tv was blank and I pay them dearly to have access to tech support right? During my first call they had me reset my box which of course didn't work but was infuriating to say the least. Now I can't watch the game and the BP is up. When I called back they had me change to another channel where we were able to finish watching the game uninterrupted. When I asked why didn't they suggest I change to this channel in the first place they said, "oh, I'm sorry". Unbelievable!

Posted by: al Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 12:51 AM
This just sucks. Probably one of the top 5 superbowls of all time and we missed most of it.. Thanks Fox. At least it was nice that Tom Petty got so much screen time while fox was "freeeee freee fallin"

Posted by: Tom Location: Greenville on Feb 4, 2008 at 12:02 AM
wow. this is just. wow. i'm a giant fan. and i'm just exhausted right now, between cursing tom brady, bill belicheck and Fox and the way the giants won it, i hardly have the energy to celebrate. wait waht am i saying. GO GIANTS!!!!!!

Posted by: Mary Location: Jacksonville on Feb 3, 2008 at 11:51 PM
There have been problems with Fox/WYDO for years, and it always seems to happen during major programming events. The entire engineering department needs to be fired and competent people put in charge.

Posted by: bobby Location: greenville on Feb 3, 2008 at 11:50 PM
fix your service..thank you for helping me miss half the game....and you wonder why people switch to sattelite

Posted by: Jeffrey Davis Location: Williamston on Feb 3, 2008 at 11:44 PM
I am outraged. Luckily I looked up some information at halftime and was able to watch the second half on channel 701 with Directv. I also get QAM HD channels through suddenlink. I also called just to see if there was a message about the random outages. This is rediculous, the problem is diffenently with WYDO out of Ayden, not suddenlink. I also remember WYDO having problems last year during American Idol. WYDO has the worst "SD" broadcast of any other channel I have seen. I agree with Scott, someone should lose there job because of this.

Posted by: Tommy Location: Greenville, NC on Feb 3, 2008 at 11:32 PM
(I was reverted to rabbit ears for our big game party, on a 46 inch plasma screen!) I hope to God that after this evening, Fox networks never gets to host another super bowl game for the rest of their miserable lives! If you are living in eastern North Carolina, and maybe other places as well, you have had to deal with Fox network screwing up your favorite shows for the past year; sudden freezes, lost parts of television shows, dead air, etc.

Posted by: Sarah Location: Greenville on Feb 3, 2008 at 11:20 PM
If the problem was with some intermediate thing, then why was Fox the ONLY channel affected? We flipped through the entire lineup and only the Super Bowl was out.

Posted by: Bear Grass on Feb 3, 2008 at 11:16 PM
I have HD and Cable, both were affected. We need a better Fox Station or not one at all. It is 11:15 and it continues to have glitches and freezing. Please Sell Fox to Someone that Can Operate it Properly.

Posted by: Mike Location: Winterville on Feb 3, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Suddenly, you're not connected....Suddenly, you're not connected. Seems to be their new song since I switched over to them for the bundle package 4 months ago. It's been one problem after another.

Posted by: Linda Location: Ayden NC on Feb 3, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Fox once had a lot of problems, seems they were resolved until tonight! It was horrific, audio, blackouts...I do think there will be a lot more outrage, not only from viewers, but also for those high price commercials with NO audio!

Posted by: A Location: Greenville on Feb 3, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Sorry guys... Suddenlink is not to blame this time. All they do is receive and retransmit the signal. Atmospheric conditions are causing microwave fade problems for Fox. Directv is having the same issues. Follow Jamie's advise and go to http://www.avsforum.com for more info.

Posted by: Jon Location: Jacksonville on Feb 3, 2008 at 10:41 PM
The problem was on the local level, not the FOX network. This is a WYDO transmission issue that is originating in Morehead City being sent by satellite to Ayden and then broadcasted over-the-air to cable TV antenna heads as well as DirecTV's antennas which are located at a local TV station in Greenville. Dish Network and Time Warner had no problems because they get the signal from WFXI. Their tower is out of Davis in Carteret County.

Posted by: really mad Location: NC on Feb 3, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Well,I have Time Warner and I'm having the same trouble. It isn't the cable, it's FOX. They screw up all big shows, including last year's season finale of American Idol. Anything that is big that would attract more viewers is when they have trouble. Did anyone have trouble up until kickoff?? Didn't think so. I bet the trouble is cleared up now that the game is over. I'm glad they let us see the last couple plays of the game. What a miracle. Technical difficulties?? Please. Maybe next year they will show the Super Bowl on a REAL channel!

Posted by: Fred Location: Greenville on Feb 3, 2008 at 10:12 PM
I have DirecTV and I had problems all night, until the late 3rd Quarter. This was Fox.

Posted by: Jamie Location: Washington on Feb 3, 2008 at 09:20 PM
The issue is with all WYDO subs, Digital over the air, analog over the air, Suddenlink and Directv. WYDO is having Microwave fade issues between Morehead and Ayden. DishNetworks subs are not having issues as they use WFXI out of Morehead to get its signal. Directv uses WYDO out of Ayden. Directv has the game on Channel 700 is SD and 701 in HD. Some subs however are not getting these channels. Visit avsforum.com under the local ota hd thread for more.

Posted by: Pissed Location: Greenville on Feb 3, 2008 at 09:19 PM
This is a JOKE. Suddenlink is just as responsible as fox, yet they put the blame solely on Eastern Carolina Fox. There were glitches 2 weeks ago with the Packers V. Giants game. The HD broadcast for that game went out. Now the most critical game of the year and they drop the ball again. Im calling on monday and if they dont offer me a deal on my current bill, im switching to satellite. End of story.

Posted by: Lisa Location: Greenville on Feb 3, 2008 at 09:15 PM
What a surprise! They place the blame on fox. Why then does fox come in on rabbit ears. Wake up Greenville city council! Why does Suddenlink have the monopoly?????

Posted by: Jamie on Feb 3, 2008 at 09:03 PM
The issue is on WYDO, ota subs and cable and Directv subs. Dish network gets its local feed from WFXI. The issue is a Microwave fade problem from Morehead to Ayden. Digital 14.1 and analog 14 are both having issues. Over at the avs forums Greenville local thread folks are posting there comments. Ken the engineer at WCTI and WFXI/WYDO has posted comments. Directv is showing the game in SD on Ch700 and in HD on 701.

Posted by: Scott Location: Greenville on Feb 3, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Fox and Suddenlink should not be aloud to carry big productions...they had problems with idol last year, and it continues....someone should be out of a job!!! This is a joke!

Posted by: MAD! Location: Greenville NC on Feb 3, 2008 at 08:56 PM
This is completety rediculous. I am so proud that WITN is already covering this issue. After a call into Suddenlink who passed the blame to FOX, I am madder than ever. I should not have to pay for service that we do not get! Thanks WITN for bringing attention to the poorest service ever offered by our local Suddenlink franchise!

WITN Poll
With Edgecombe County now named the worst for unemployment for November, do you think unemployment is worse in the East overall?

Yes
No


Special Sections
CarSoup
Search inventory from local dealers and private sellers.
Rental Guide
Video tours to help you find your next apartment.
Double Dollar Deals
Save 50% from local merchants.
Sylvan Problem Solver
Video tips from Sylvan Learning Center.
Classifieds
THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free.
Experts
Got a question? Ask Eastern Carolina's Experts.
Local Lookup
Find local businesses online.
Business Break
Two minutes of info from local businesses.
Attorneys On Call
Free legal information on a variety of topics.
Video Home Tours
Tour Eastern Carolina homes from your computer.
Jeopardy! EXP
An exclusive online game that gives you an additional clue from each category in today's show.

Click one of the pictures below to see more or to upload your own photos and videos.
AP Video
Latest Blogs
Strong Reaction To Animal Cruelty Case - 2 Comments Posted
How could anyone do such a thing? That's the general reaction to the animal abuse case we've been reporting on out of Wayne County. (Read Blog)
Jett Travolta's Death: Whose Business Is It? - 4 Comments Posted
The death of the 16 year old son of a superstar actor has a lot of people asking questions. (Read Blog)
Get FIT with a Personal Trainer in your own home - 2 Comments Posted
Stick to your New Year's Resolution in the comfort of your own home with a personal trainer who’s not going to yell at you! (Read Blog)
New Year Off To Nice Start - Post Your Comments!
2009 is off to a dry start but that's about to change. (Read Blog)
In 2009, I Resolve To.... - 2 Comments Posted
What do you hope to achieve in the new year? (Read Blog)
Time For Lists - 3 Comments Posted
It's that time of the year for lists of the top news story, favorite song and person of the year...just to name a few. (Read Blog)
Here's a test we hoped you passed! - Post Your Comments!
WITN, along with many other television stations across North Carolina, conducted a DTV “Soft Test” on Wednesday night. Even though this was a “soft” test, not everyone got a passing grade. (Read Blog)
Mother Protests Kids Singing Song With The Word "Christmas" - 58 Comments Posted
It's something school kids do just about everywhere this time of the year...hold a Christmas concert. But one mother is protesting. (Read Blog)
More Blogs >>>