Exactly, ABC Family HD, Disney Channel HD, Toon Disney HD (Now Disney XD HD) and ESPNU HD. The Disney Channels. ;)

I would also like to see in Wichita: BBC America HD, ESPNU HD, ESPNEWS HD, BET HD, FS Midwest/Kansas City HD (Full Time!!!), NBATV HD (I remember when MOJO used to broadcast their games in HD) and Oxygen HD.

I would also like to see in Wichita: BBC America HD, ESPNU HD, ESPNEWS HD, BET HD, FS Midwest/Kansas City HD (Full Time!!!), NBATV HD (I remember when MOJO used to broadcast their games in HD) and Oxygen HD.

Ahh, ESPNews HD. I knew I was forgetting one.

Coming in late May: Weather Channel HD, plus 5 other HD channels. Enjoy.

Any word on the the other HD channels?

Any word on the the other HD channels?

Honestly, I think it would be safe to say that the other 5 are the remaining previously mentioned Disney Corporation channels. Normally carriage agreements are made on a company by company basis. Unless it is more HD movie channels, Disney is the only one left with a big number of channels left that Cox still does not carry.

It's nice to see the group is still active, I don't spend much time in here anymore. I had to swing by and pass this story on, it's interesting that this mentality still exists. On the other hand it explains why KCTU sucks as bad as it does. Guess I'm a loser.

http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2009/05/06/kctu-to-convert-to-digital/

It's nice to see the group is still active, I don't spend much time in here anymore. I had to swing by and pass this story on, it's interesting that this mentality still exists. On the other hand it explains why KCTU sucks as bad as it does. Guess I'm a loser.

http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2009/05/06/kctu-to-convert-to-digital/

Wow, just wow, thats all I have to say. I have never watched KCTU (Not sure what it is) and now I know why I have never seen or heard about it. I surely wont be watching it. I will imagine the next time we hear KCTU, it will be "KCTU decides to launch an HD channel in order to try and get out of debt."

Wow, just wow, thats all I have to say. I have never watched KCTU (Not sure what it is) and now I know why I have never seen or heard about it. I surely wont be watching it. I will imagine the next time we hear KCTU, it will be "KCTU decides to launch an HD channel in order to try and get out of debt."

Hey Squid, give you the 411 on KCTU....when they signed on back in 2001, they were PAX affiliate, while all the time they have been fighting to go on Cox's cable lineup. But since they are a LP station, Cox is not obligated to carry them, even though they had over 6000 signatures for a petition. They dropped their PAX/i/ion affiliate last year to become local. They also stream their programming on the net.

Hey Squid, give you the 411 on KCTU....when they signed on back in 2001, they were PAX affiliate, while all the time they have been fighting to go on Cox's cable lineup. But since they are a LP station, Cox is not obligated to carry them, even though they had over 6000 signatures for a petition. They dropped their PAX/i/ion affiliate last year to become local. They also stream their programming on the net.

Yeah, that "net" you mention. I invite everyone over for a quick trip over to kctu.com. It's pretty bizarre that there are still sites like this. Think - the first time you saw someone make a website in 1995 - and you'll be right there.

Sorry, nothing personal against this station producer, but when you blanket people like he did and call us all losers with no-life, he better expect some criticism. And boy, between the programming and the website, he opened a gold mine just for that purpose.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go find an animated gif that says "Under Construction!" for him....

Some new HD channels coming this June.

The Disney Channel HD
NBA TV HD
HBO 2 HD
ABC Family HD
BET HD
WGN HD
Encore HD
NHL Network


So what channels do people want now?

Ok, including these new channels coming in June, anyone want to make a stab at a complete list of HD channels available in Wichita now? I know I've kinda lost track (a good problem to have, I suppose!), and don't subscribe to premium movie channels. KSCableGuy seems to be hip on all this, how about a list?

*Sidenote - WGNHD? Really? Who is asking for that? :^\

Some new HD channels coming this June.

The Disney Channel HD
NBA TV HD
HBO 2 HD
ABC Family HD
BET HD
WGN HD
Encore HD
NHL Network


So what channels do people want now?

Does this include the channels that are coming in "Late May" or are these in addition to those? Any official word on those channels (assuming the latter)?

To answer your question... I'd still like to see KSCW... and maybe some more of each of the premium channels (Starz, Showtime, Cinemax, etc.) other than the first of each (HBO2 is a good start).

Oh, and for Frankfurter... you can get a complete Cox channel lineup for any Arkansas or Kansas area from here (http://www.cox.com/gocox/digitalcable/lineup.asp) (although it doesn't show "coming soon" channels).

Oh, and for Frankfurter... you can get a complete Cox channel lineup for any Arkansas or Kansas area from here (http://www.cox.com/gocox/digitalcable/lineup.asp) (although it doesn't show "coming soon" channels).

Yeah, I'm familiar with the internet, I just thought it would be useful/interesting to see them all in one place, -including- these coming soon channels.

Not to mention, Cox continues to have one of the worst websites in history, and I try not to voluntarily go there.

Yeah, I'm familiar with the internet, I just thought it would be useful/interesting to see them all in one place, -including- these coming soon channels.

Not to mention, Cox continues to have one of the worst websites in history, and I try not to voluntarily go there.

Try http://gocox.com

See if you like that better.

I'm not sure why Weather Channel wasn't mentioned on the upcoming HD channels. I'll have to ask my friend if he just left it off his email to me or if it got delayed. I'm guessing the late May HD channels got pushed into the June rollout.

Try http://gocox.com

See if you like that better.

I'm not sure why Weather Channel wasn't mentioned on the upcoming HD channels. I'll have to ask my friend if he just left it off his email to me or if it got delayed. I'm guessing the late May HD channels got pushed into the June rollout.

Man, that made my day seeing WCHD, but now I'm in a holding pattern again...........Let us know if its in the mix still.

Try http://gocox.com

See if you like that better.


While that site is all nice and fancy web2.0-ish, ultimately you are still redirected to the same old crappy site to get a channel list.

Does this include the channels that are coming in "Late May" or are these in addition to those? Any official word on those channels (assuming the latter)?

To answer your question... I'd still like to see KSCW... and maybe some more of each of the premium channels (Starz, Showtime, Cinemax, etc.) other than the first of each (HBO2 is a good start).

Oh, and for Frankfurter... you can get a complete Cox channel lineup for any Arkansas or Kansas area from here (http://www.cox.com/gocox/digitalcable/lineup.asp) (although it doesn't show "coming soon" channels).

I like to see KSCW as well. Right now I can get the OTA digital signal (33.1) on my HDTV and the picture looks great with the CW Programming....too bad they gave the affiliates Sunday nights back this fall, or is that a good thing? LOL.

Some new HD channels coming this June.

The Disney Channel HD
NBA TV HD
HBO 2 HD
ABC Family HD
BET HD
WGN HD
Encore HD
NHL Network


So what channels do people want now?

Honestly, I can't think of anything else at this moment that I would want. The only one would be MSNBC HD, and I don't even know if that channel is available to carry yet. Oh, and the Weather Channel HD. But as far as covering all the channels I watch on a regular basis, that add has me covered. Now they just need to work on the guide for Widescreen TV's.

Honestly, I can't think of anything else at this moment that I would want. The only one would be MSNBC HD, and I don't even know if that channel is available to carry yet. Oh, and the Weather Channel HD. But as far as covering all the channels I watch on a regular basis, that add has me covered. Now they just need to work on the guide for Widescreen TV's.
MSNBC to go HD June 29th (http://insidecablenews.wordpress.com/2009/04/02/msnbc-to-go-hd-june-29th/)

Is there any news on the KAKE OTA signal? Are they going to change it in the transition?
we lost it when they changed it in feb and have never got it since
thanks

MSNBC to go HD June 29th (http://insidecablenews.wordpress.com/2009/04/02/msnbc-to-go-hd-june-29th/)

Yeah, I just looked that up after I made that post. I would not imagine Cox would jump on MSNBC as fast as they did on Fox News. MSNBC is not the news channel of choice in this area, which is why I love that channel. :D

On another note, I was over at my neighbors today and he dumped Cox for OTA. So he had to buy Digital Tuners, however, he gets all the local digital channels on all his tuners except his WinTV tuner on his MCPC, where Channel 10 and 8 do not come in. Is there any reason why those two would not come in on JUST that tuner?

On another note, he has switched over to the Antenna, but realized that he still has all the Cable channels. It has been 3-4 weeks since he canceled. Is Cox just lacking on getting the Filters installed or do they not do that anymore? He's not actively watching the Cable, but its still quite interesting.

I think KAKE-DT 10 already implemented their power boost. If you still cannot see the signal, then you need to add a VHF antenna to your current antenna setup.

Same story for KPTS-DT 8.

KWCH-DT will probably join them in vanishing from your setup when they also return to their VHF channel 12. I don't know if that is occurring June 12 or not, but I wouldn't be surprised.

- Trip

I think KAKE-DT 10 already implemented their power boost. If you still cannot see the signal, then you need to add a VHF antenna to your current antenna setup.

Same story for KPTS-DT 8.

KWCH-DT will probably join them in vanishing from your setup when they also return to their VHF channel 12. I don't know if that is occurring June 12 or not, but I wouldn't be surprised.

- Trip

He has (or says he has) a UHF/VHF antenna, which I believe since all the other TV's (On external Digital Converters) get those two channels. The clulprit is a Window Media Center Digital Tuner.

He has (or says he has) a UHF/VHF antenna, which I believe since all the other TV's (On external Digital Converters) get those two channels. The clulprit is a Window Media Center Digital Tuner.

Which version of Media Center? (WinXP, Vista, Win7?) Media Center hard codes the channels based on the guide data it downloads rather than relying on a channel scan to determine the correct frequencies. Later versions of MC can also do a channel scan and pick up the missing channels (at least Win7 MC can do this), but it doesn't do this by default. You have to go in to the setup and manually tell it to do a scan.

Other possibilities are his antenna connection to the PC is poorer than the others or the tuner card he's using has a problem.

He has (or says he has) a UHF/VHF antenna, which I believe since all the other TV's (On external Digital Converters) get those two channels. The clulprit is a Window Media Center Digital Tuner.

I was actually addressing kansasfish. I started my message before yours got posted because I was confirming with the ever sluggish FCC site before I posted. I should have quoted his message, my apologies.

Three months and Media Center still hasn't sent out a guide update? I know there's a way to manually override it, but I can't remember what it is. You have to go in and manually update a file or two.

- Trip

Three months and Media Center still hasn't sent out a guide update? I know there's a way to manually override it, but I can't remember what it is. You have to go in and manually update a file or two.

- Trip

I think mine has updated, but I'm running Win7. In Win7 MC, you can do a manual channel scan, then map the new channel (the working channel) back to the guide. No need to edit files (which is good since they changed all that stuff).

If you're running MCE (WinXP), this will help,

http://thegreenbutton.com/blogs/pnear/archive/2006/09/12/202708.aspx

This also works for Vista MC, although IIRC the files are in slightly different locations.

I think mine has updated, but I'm running Win7. In Win7 MC, you can do a manual channel scan, then map the new channel (the working channel) back to the guide. No need to edit files (which is good since they changed all that stuff).

If you're running MCE (WinXP), this will help,

http://thegreenbutton.com/blogs/pnear/archive/2006/09/12/202708.aspx

This also works for Vista MC, although IIRC the files are in slightly different locations.

He is still running XP MCE, old school ;-) I will give that a try tomorrow though, he would surely be happy if he could get those channels. It is hard to believe that it is a signal thing since it picks up channels much, much farther away.

I think KAKE-DT 10 already implemented their power boost. If you still cannot see the signal, then you need to add a VHF antenna to your current antenna setup.

Same story for KPTS-DT 8.

KWCH-DT will probably join them in vanishing from your setup when they also return to their VHF channel 12. I don't know if that is occurring June 12 or not, but I wouldn't be surprised.

- Trip
i may need to change anntenna but i got KAKE on analong channel 10 before the switch so why cant i get it now when its digital channel 10? I couldnt even get it in el dorado when i was at school.
Is anyone else having this problem?
thanks

i may need to change anntenna but i got KAKE on analong channel 10 before the switch so why cant i get it now when its digital channel 10? I couldnt even get it in el dorado when i was at school.
Is anyone else having this problem?
thanks

How clear was the analog 10? If the answer is not "very clear with few ghosts and little static," then you have your answer, which is that you never got it well enough in the first place.

If that is the answer, then I would ask what kind of tuner you are watching on. It's possible that it's still holding the old UHF channel in its memory instead of VHF channel 10. You might have to unplug the receiver for a while or something like that, or delete the existing 10-1 and rescan, etc.

- Trip

I just rescaned my TV and KCTU, the local 5 station, has just put their digital channels up. They're on channels 43-1, 43-2, 43-3 and 43-4. 43-1 and 43-3 has the AMG Television Network and 43-2 and 43-4 has the Untamed Sports TV. And yes, it is stretched.

Anyone having trouble getting KWCH 12-1, and 12-2 OTA, in the last day or so? Yesterday, when I got home from work, I had a black screen with the signal strength only at 27% bouncing to 5%. Then, later it was back to full strength. This morning the same thing is happening (black screen). I searched their web page, and found no information about any problems they may be having.

Mark

I'm pretty convinced there isn't anybody home at kwch on the weekends. And none of the locals update their websites with any regularity as far as I can tell.

I'm pretty convinced there isn't anybody home at kwch on the weekends. And none of the locals update their websites with any regularity as far as I can tell.

I'm sure you are right. I was wanting to make sure it was a problem with their signal, and not interference, or something on my end.

Mark

They have been down most of the day, but it looks like KWCH 12-1 and 12-2 are transmitting again.

Mark

They have been down most of the day, but it looks like KWCH 12-1 and 12-2 are transmitting again.

Mark

KWCH is changing their transmitter. They have been in low power almost all week.

KWCH is changing their transmitter. They have been in low power almost all week.

Thanks jojo11,

So they aren't off the air, my antenna just can't pick them up when they are in low power mode. That makes much more sense. looks like they are working on it again today. I'm surprised they didn't mention this on their webpage, since I found information on their webpage from a month ago that they would be doing some transmitter work during that week, but nothing about this.

Mark

Question, why does KAKE feel the need to "pop in" with station identification on the HD feed? I would be fine if they did it ON the HD feed, but they bump down to a crappy SD feed during the Race today. Very very annoying, not only was it crappy video, but I loose 5.1 Audio. If you have to do it, do it during the ad's, but they really don't HAVE to do it. Is this a common thing for them to do? I don't watch KAKE that much (And now I know why) They seem to be the only station left that can't do anything to the HD feed without bumping it down to SD.

Stations are required to ID every hour as close to the top of the hour as possible. The rule for radio is "during a natural break in programming" but it cannot fall in between commercials, it either has to be between a commercial and a show, or during a show. Not sure what the rule is for TV, but it is every hour.

- Trip

Stations are required to ID every hour as close to the top of the hour as possible. The rule for radio is "during a natural break in programming" but it cannot fall in between commercials, it either has to be between a commercial and a show, or during a show. Not sure what the rule is for TV, but it is every hour.

- Trip

After I posted that I started thinking about that. Then I remembered that Local stations need to do Station Identification. I also don't know any of the rules, but It seemed like it was done every 10-15 mins or so. With that said, it would be nice if they kept that to during commercials.

Stations are required to ID every hour as close to the top of the hour as possible. The rule for radio is "during a natural break in programming" but it cannot fall in between commercials, it either has to be between a commercial and a show, or during a show. Not sure what the rule is for TV, but it is every hour.

- Trip

So legally they have to do it, but I agree with Squid. When will KAKE get it together and provide a seamless HD/digital audio break like KWCH provides? Will they ever? Do they even care?

So legally they have to do it, but I agree with Squid. When will KAKE get it together and provide a seamless HD/digital audio break like KWCH provides? Will they ever? Do they even care?


From reading Jay Prater's Digital TV blogs on KAKE's web site, he says they'd like to be able to stay in HD all the time, but it's not that simple, due to the complexity of the 'plumbing issues.'

The big holdup in my opinion is this: MONEY!!!

Their parent company (Gray TV) isn't willing to invest in the HD infrastructure to make this happen as they don't feel it's worth the expense for something that brings little in return.

This may have been true pre-digital transition, but with just the digital signal now (remember the 'good old days' when weather crawls only appeared on the analog channel?), it's more obvious than ever that people are noticing something's just not right when the picture keeps jumping out of HD just to put in a station ID (or a weather map or crawl, an EAS alert, a breaking news mention, ad nauseum).

If we complain enough, though, hopefully the powers-that-be will finally realize that this foot-dragging has cost them some viewers.

Maybe if there were a local broadcaster's economic stimulus package?

Thanks!

IKWCH-DT will probably join them in vanishing from your setup when they also return to their VHF channel 12. I don't know if that is occurring June 12 or not, but I wouldn't be surprised.

- Trip

The official plan is for KWCH-DT to move back to VHF 12, and KSCW-DT to move from it's present 31 to KWCH-DT's 19. As I understand it, it will still appear as 33 on your channel guide, as KWCH will still say 12.

Cheap

KWCH is changing their transmitter. They have been in low power almost all week.

KWCH has been replacing the line and antenna for the CH 12 transmitter. It's on the same tower as the KWCH DT 19 transmitter, and power must be lowered when tower crews are near the antenna.

Each time the power needed to be lowered, an informational crawl was run on the screen for an hour beforehand, informing viewers of the change.

Cheap

From reading Jay Prater's Digital TV blogs on KAKE's web site, he says they'd like to be able to stay in HD all the time, but it's not that simple, due to the complexity of the 'plumbing issues.'

The big holdup in my opinion is this: MONEY!!!

Their parent company (Gray TV) isn't willing to invest in the HD infrastructure to make this happen as they don't feel it's worth the expense for something that brings little in return.

This may have been true pre-digital transition, but with just the digital signal now (remember the 'good old days' when weather crawls only appeared on the analog channel?), it's more obvious than ever that people are noticing something's just not right when the picture keeps jumping out of HD just to put in a station ID (or a weather map or crawl, an EAS alert, a breaking news mention, ad nauseum).

If we complain enough, though, hopefully the powers-that-be will finally realize that this foot-dragging has cost them some viewers.

Maybe if there were a local broadcaster's economic stimulus package?

I think even KSN is able to put in crawls on the HD feed. Like I said, it seems like KAKE is falling behind in everything, including viewer numbers. It must be why their advertising has become so needy sounding. :rolleyes: I can sound in and say they have lost me as a viewer, like most people on this board I would imagine KWCH has got most of the viewers that do HD. After watching KWCH news in HD, I can't stand watching any other channel. And KWCH, IMHO, seems to now have the best news as well. Its a win win for us all. I have a feeling KSN will go HD next, with KAKE some time in 2030, honestly, I expected KAKE to go HD first, but they have really dropped the ball recently. Going back to the days of crawlers only being on the SD feed would be nice. I take the stance that I don't care what is heading my way, don't interrupt my damn show! :D

I would have to agree. I don't watch KAKE very often and it is never for their local stuff, always ABC shows. If there is sever weather heading my way, I am going to know it and if I am that worried I can move down to the SD feed on 10 and get the info. But most of the time it misses my area and I am stuck looking at crappy SD on my expensive HDTV that I am paying Cox and arm and a leg to have HD on. If you are going to drop down to SD then don't display the info at all, at least not during the actual program.

It does appear that Cox has fixed it's EBS isssue. Now there is a message about the severe weather rather than the entire screen going to one channel. I could never figure why they would take me away from watching weather coverage to see a gray screen. That was just plain dangerous and ...stupid

Speaking of Cox, as of today, they released 7 HD Channels. They are:

NHL HD - Channel 658
HBO 2 HD - Channel 659
Disney HD - Channel 660
ABC Family HD - Channel 661
WGN America HD - Channel 662
Encore HD - Channel 663
BET HD - Channel 665

Enjoy!!

Speaking of Cox, as of today, they released 7 HD Channels. They are:

NHL HD - Channel 658
HBO 2 HD - Channel 659
Disney HD - Channel 660
ABC Family HD - Channel 661
WGN America HD - Channel 662
Encore HD - Channel 663
BET HD - Channel 665

Enjoy!!

Nice! I didn't even check (I have been for the past week though. :rolleyes: ) I'm not going to lie, this makes me quite happy. As somebody stated, it would be nice to see Cox add some more of those Movie channels in HD, I can say if I could get a decent number of HD movie channels I might be willing to pay for a Premium package.

Yes! I have been waiting for these channels for some time. Not to be picky, but it would be nice if Cox would re organize their hd channels. Since they added the first ones, they have always been the next in line of the 600 channels. A layout like their SD counterparts would be nice.

So I have checked on Disney HD and ABC Family HD, as these were highly requested on here, and I have never seen a show in HD. So why were people wanting these channels? To me, most of these broadcasters went with a HD feed, but have little HD content.

I know when it comes to advertising, if you can say you have 100 HD channels compared to only 50 for the competition, you look better. But if these channels are not show HD content, then it's a waste of space.

And I don't know why Weather Channel isn't in HD on Cox. I was told it was going to happen and now I don't know. Person I talk with says he hasn't been able to find out much on it.

So I have checked on Disney HD and ABC Family HD, as these were highly requested on here, and I have never seen a show in HD. So why were people wanting these channels? To me, most of these broadcasters went with a HD feed, but have little HD content.

On ABC Family HD at least, as the DVD's of their original series have been released in 16x9 anamorphic widescreen format, all episodes forward should be broadcast in HD on this channel, including such shows as Greek, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Lincoln Heights, Kyle XY and coming soon, their newest offerings, 10 Things I Like About You and Make It or Break It.

And I don't know why Weather Channel isn't in HD on Cox. I was told it was going to happen and now I don't know. Person I talk with says he hasn't been able to find out much on it.

As for this question, on the Cox HDTV thread in the HDTV Programming forum, some markets were told that until the local Cox headend was upgraded with the necessary hardware to display the Locals on the 8's, they couldn't offer The Weather Channel in HD.

So I have checked on Disney HD and ABC Family HD, as these were highly requested on here, and I have never seen a show in HD. So why were people wanting these channels? To me, most of these broadcasters went with a HD feed, but have little HD content.



Also, I was watching Disney HD this weekend and right now the show that I saw in HD was Phineas and Ferb and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Also on ABC Family the show that I saw this weekend in HD was My Wife and Kids. And don't be surprised that since the iron clad contract by Pat Robertson, The 700 Club will probably be in HD as well. (Remember, ABC Family was originally CBN's The Family Channel, which originally sold to FOX and Saban Entertainment before they sold it to Disney, which became the downfall of Michael Eisner.)

So I have checked on Disney HD and ABC Family HD, as these were highly requested on here, and I have never seen a show in HD. So why were people wanting these channels? To me, most of these broadcasters went with a HD feed, but have little HD content.

I know when it comes to advertising, if you can say you have 100 HD channels compared to only 50 for the competition, you look better. But if these channels are not show HD content, then it's a waste of space.

Which came first the chicken or the egg. Disney and ABC Family will come around. It will just take some time. At least we have the channel now and can begin viewing the shows they do broadcast in hd in hd. When they didn't have a HD feed or any carriers that carried their hd channel they had no reason to produce HD content. If cable providers keep adding these channels, the broadcasters will be more willing to produce in hd.

It has been awhile since I have tried to do ClearQAM but I was given a Sabrent USB digital tuner that supports ClearQAM. I wasn't going to mess with it and just do OTA HD but even living in North Riverside, the antenna in the window is only giving me KNSW.

So I plug into cable and I remembered I have to go through that whole scanning of every single frequency and even then I'm getting no signal.

Does anyone know does Cox in Wichita use QAM64 QAM128 or QAM256 and about what frequency most of the ClearQAM channels lie?

According to the STB's service menu, they use QAM 256.

According to the STB's service menu, they use QAM 256.

Thanks. I assumed so and I scanned for 256QAM Modulation between 50 and 1000mhz and got nada so I'm thinking this is a bad stick :(

Does anyone know if a Sony DHG-HDD250 would work with Cox cable? It is a DVR that supports CableCARD to get QAM encrypted channels. I was once told by Cox that you couldn't buy the same Motorola boxes they rent. You had to use their boxes. But I guess those don't have CableCARD slots.

Here is a link to Sony's page on this DVR (http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-documents.pl?mdl=DHGHDD250)

Thanks,
Jeff

Yes! I have been waiting for these channels for some time. Not to be picky, but it would be nice if Cox would re organize their hd channels. Since they added the first ones, they have always been the next in line of the 600 channels. A layout like their SD counterparts would be nice.

Agreed, I like how they started with 12 being 612 and 3 being 603, it would be nice if they reordered everything to line up with that. I normally complain about moving around channels, but doing that would sure not be getting complaints from me. Even better, do it like D* and make the HD channel a subchannel, and program the boxes to auto tune to the HD channel. Considering the number of people that have HD boxes and HD tv's, but have no idea how to WATCH HD, so they watch the SD channel. People like my mom for example. I made her a little sheet that tells her all her favorite channels in HD. :)

Which came first the chicken or the egg. Disney and ABC Family will come around. It will just take some time. At least we have the channel now and can begin viewing the shows they do broadcast in hd in hd. When they didn't have a HD feed or any carriers that carried their hd channel they had no reason to produce HD content. If cable providers keep adding these channels, the broadcasters will be more willing to produce in hd.

Exactly, they have SOME HD, even if they only have one show in HD, its something. For example, Disney HD, all of their most recent Animated shows are in HD, and starting with the latest filmed show, they are moving to HD (Sonny with a Chance) On top of that, most of the later movies are in HD. Yes it is very little content, but its something. Also, SD content on HD channels is still quite a bit better quality.

Which came first the chicken or the egg. Disney and ABC Family will come around. It will just take some time. At least we have the channel now and can begin viewing the shows they do broadcast in hd in hd. When they didn't have a HD feed or any carriers that carried their hd channel they had no reason to produce HD content. If cable providers keep adding these channels, the broadcasters will be more willing to produce in hd.

I just know others on here have complained about channels Cox added before these, that had very limited HD programing. Now they add these channels and its the same thing, limited programing in HD. But people are all excited. I just don't understand I guess.

Just finding a new hd channel is exciting to me. Adds a little happiness to my day. I like the idea of making the hd channels sub channels of the sd version. If you had digital cable, auto tunning would be awesome. Like typing in 12 and getting getting sent straight to 12.1 or disney 45.1.

Any final word on WeatherChannel HD ???




I just know others on here have complained about channels Cox added before these, that had very limited HD programing. Now they add these channels and its the same thing, limited programing in HD. But people are all excited. I just don't understand I guess.

Any final word on WeatherChannel HD ???

I asked the same question over on the Cox forum.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=16531127&postcount=1036

I asked the same question over on the Cox forum.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=16531127&postcount=1036

It doesn't surprise me that we don't have what is needed for Local on the 8's in HD. However, I don't think that is a good excuse. I mean, seriously, so Local on the 8's in SD, I don't care! Haha. TWC is so much more than the few minutes that air Local 8's, its all the HD weather and weather related shows. Honestly, who turns to TWC for local weather anymore? :rolleyes:

I would have to agree. I don't watch KAKE very often and it is never for their local stuff, always ABC shows. If there is sever weather heading my way, I am going to know it and if I am that worried I can move down to the SD feed on 10 and get the info. But most of the time it misses my area and I am stuck looking at crappy SD on my expensive HDTV that I am paying Cox and arm and a leg to have HD on. If you are going to drop down to SD then don't display the info at all, at least not during the actual program.

Well I turned over to the NBA game to see how it was going and KAKE was showing the game in SD because of the weather. If they can't scroll the weather infomation in HD, they need to leave it off and show it only on the SD channel. Or else update their equipment like the other local stations evidently have.

Well I turned over to the NBA game to see how it was going and KAKE was showing the game in SD because of the weather. If they can't scroll the weather infomation in HD, they need to leave it off and show it only on the SD channel. Or else update their equipment like the other local stations evidently have.

There is no SD channel any more.

There is no SD channel any more.

There's no Analogue channel anymore. There most certainly is a Standard Definition channel.

As to what others have suggested on here about reprogramming the boxes to automatically tune to the HD channels (e.g., selecting "12" and having the HD version come up), that sounds great... as soon as half the "HD" channels stop stretching their SD content. I commonly switch to the SD channels to avoid this. I'd hate to lose that capability.

There's no Analogue channel anymore. There most certainly is a Standard Definition channel.

As to what others have suggested on here about reprogramming the boxes to automatically tune to the HD channels (e.g., selecting "12" and having the HD version come up), that sounds great... as soon as half the "HD" channels stop stretching their SD content. I commonly switch to the SD channels to avoid this. I'd hate to lose that capability.

You think that KAKE and/or KWCH are broadcasting SD and HD channels? I think not. While you are right, I meant there is no analog channel any more, there also is no SD channel. There is one digital signal that can broadcast HD or SD but not both at the same time.

COX or DirecTV or DISH may show an SD channel, but that is being down converted from the OTA signal. Now, of course they don't show HD all the time, and KAKE even drops out of HD to show weather crawls, I can assure you that they are not broadcasting two separate feeds, one for SD and one for HD! So it would be impossible for them to show the weather crawl on the just the "SD channel" like they could when they had a separate analog channel.

Jeff

You think that KAKE and/or KWCH are broadcasting SD and HD channels? I think not. While you are right, I meant there is no analog channel any more, there also is no SD channel. There is one digital signal that can broadcast HD or SD but not both at the same time.

COX or DirecTV or DISH may show an SD channel, but that is being down converted from the OTA signal. Now, of course they don't show HD all the time, and KAKE even drops out of HD to show weather crawls, I can assure you that they are not broadcasting two separate feeds, one for SD and one for HD! So it would be impossible for them to show the weather crawl on the just the "SD channel" like they could when they had a separate analog channel.

Jeff

The bottom line is that KAKE should be embarrassed with the quality of the product they provide. As a consumer, we spend the money to upgrade to digital TVs and spend the money to obtain HD programming for them. As a network provider, KAKE should spend the money required to allow them to broadcast a major sporting event in HD while showing a weather crawl.

No wonder they no longer claim that "KAKE is on your side".

The bottom line is that KAKE should be embarrassed with the quality of the product they provide. As a consumer, we spend the money to upgrade to digital TVs and spend the money to obtain HD programming for them. As a network provider, KAKE should spend the money required to allow them to broadcast a major sporting event in HD while showing a weather crawl.

No wonder they no longer claim that "KAKE is on your side".

Agreed!!

Unbelievable!!! Cox runs their damn emergency broadcast test during the last 5 seconds of the nba finals game. Does anyone give a damn about the viewer?

Unbelievable!!! Cox runs their damn emergency broadcast test during the last 5 seconds of the nba finals game. Does anyone give a damn about the viewer?

It is a required test. So when should they run it?

I'm sure some tech was sitting at his computer watching various channels and decided to mess up your game on purpose. :rolleyes:

The test is always going to mess up someone's show.

There's no Analogue channel anymore. There most certainly is a Standard Definition channel.

KAKE-TV has one digital signal. Currently, with one channel.

It's always 720p, period.

When there is ABC HD programming...it's native 720p, passed directly from the ABC network to the transmitter. When there is SD programming (or ABC HD programming that must be down-converted to be passed through the SD Master Control plant to insert legal ID, crawls, etc.) it is SD that is then up-converted back to 720p with pillar bars and passed to the transmitter.

If the definition kept changing from SD to HD your digital TVs would briefly go to black, or lose sync and jump, with each format change.

Cable and sat providers take this and usually "center-punch" 4x3 and down-convert it, for their SD/analog customers.

It is a required test. So when should they run it?

I'm sure some tech was sitting at his computer watching various channels and decided to mess up your game on purpose. :rolleyes:

The test is always going to mess up someone's show.

They shouldn't have these tests anyway. Anyone knows, no matter how many times they test it, when they actually need it, it isn't going to work!

And using if for stuff like t-storm / tornado warnings is ridiculous. There are plenty of outlets for that type of information already in place.

Jeff

Have never really been able to receive KWCH-HD over the air in Wichita. Now (June 12) I lost channel 33 as well. At antennaweb.org, KWCH is not listed as an available station for zips 67202 or 67203. Have a rooftop antenna...would appreciate any suggestions.

Have never really been able to receive KWCH-HD over the air in Wichita. Now (June 12) I lost channel 33 as well. At antennaweb.org, KWCH is not listed as an available station for zips 67202 or 67203. Have a rooftop antenna...would appreciate any suggestions.
KSCW is now on RF channel 19 (was KWCH-DT), broadcasting from near Buhler, close to Hutch.

They were on RF channel 31, broadcasting from near Colwich, close to Wichita.


KWCH moved from RF channel 19 (now occupied by KSCW-DT) back to VHF RF Channel 12 with 19.1kW ERP. Both locations near Buhler.

KWCH's parent company purchased KSCW, so the consolidation of their transmitters near Hutch has been in the works for a while.

It will take a higher gain antenna, and possibly a quality mast-mounted preamp, aimed at Hutch to get them, maybe.

Good luck!

Getting the "new" KWCH-DT will be the biggest challenge. If you received the "old" KWCH-DT...then you'll get the "new" KSCW-DT with no problems, since that transmitter/channel is being "recycled".

The bottom line is that KAKE should be embarrassed with the quality of the product they provide. As a consumer, we spend the money to upgrade to digital TVs and spend the money to obtain HD programming for them. As a network provider, KAKE should spend the money required to allow them to broadcast a major sporting event in HD while showing a weather crawl.

No wonder they no longer claim that "KAKE is on your side".

I will second that. It is absolutely embarrassing. KAKE has very quickly fallen behind here in Wichita, and their ratings are reflecting that.

They shouldn't have these tests anyway. Anyone knows, no matter how many times they test it, when they actually need it, it isn't going to work!

And using if for stuff like t-storm / tornado warnings is ridiculous. There are plenty of outlets for that type of information already in place.

Jeff

The fact that in my lifetime I see the test every week, but I probably have seen an actual "WARNING" maybe two to three times. It becomes one of those things that when you see and hear it, you just ignore it. Boy who cried wolf if you will. Back in the Analog cable days, at least you could still see the programing, now your TV is taken over. I think the point here is that it is required, Cox can do nothing about that. I think once a week is overkill, but its an FCC thing, and we all know how easily things change with government agencies. The thing that Cox CAN do though is not run the test during late night programing. I can not tell you how many times The Daily Show or Colbert Report has been interrupted by that damn test. At the LEAST it should not be before 11 PM, the ideal time would be early morning, like 1-3 AM. That is something Cox CAN do.

I see the point, I mean, if there is a Tornado headed for my house, the heads up might be appreciated. And the key word being heads up. If they could run a crawler on ALL channels like what is run on the Broadcast network channels, I think we would all be much happier. Again, like back in the day when there was just a crawler over the programming. With these powerful STB's, they could even use the built in messages ability. Imagine this, Tornado Warning is issued, a little Opaque box pops up over your program telling you about it. You are free to dismiss it when you have read it. The key to having these alerts work well is for them not to be too obtrusive, but also not so common you just ignore them. Currently, they are ignored. I think the complain here is about the Tests, few people would actually complain about a Tornado Warning alert given there is actually a tornado on the ground headed toward you.

Its like the age old question, they test the Tornado Sirens, but if the siren doesn't work, how do you know it isn't? The one ended tests are so useless.

I will second that. It is absolutely embarrassing. KAKE has very quickly fallen behind here in Wichita, and their ratings are reflecting that.
No they don't. I've been shown copies from the Nielsen data.

They've had no fall-off, and are still #2 in news. They win the morning news, some weekend newscasts, and some of the key demographics in other newscasts.

They were #3 five years ago. KSNW has been #3 since then.

Update:

KWCH-DT has been approved by the FCC for a temporary (for now?) increase to 33.2kW ERP on channel 12.

Word is they are using the higher power level, as of this posting.

Update:

KWCH-DT has been approved by the FCC for a temporary (for now?) increase to 33.2kW ERP on channel 12.

Word is they are using the higher power level, as of this posting.

Well that's good, maybe that will help some, although IMO the switch over from UHF to VHF is still a complete FAIL. Last night all of the UHF channels were rock solid during the storms, but KWCH in particular was a pixelated mess. It was rock solid when on UHF 19 during bad weather, but no more.

Admittedly I'm using a simple indoor VHF/UHF antenna, but all of the channels were rock solid when on UHF previously, so I didn't need anything else. I imagine even a rooftop antenna would not prevent the breakup from lightning though. VHF seems to simply be a lot more susceptible to noise/interference.

Since Friday I have only a black screen on the FOX translator up here in Salina. At that time, the channel started displaying at 18.1 whereas it used to be 24.1 even though it is still on channel 17.

I have three seperate tuners, all get plenty of signal, but no picture or sound. Just a black screen.

Anyone else having problems with this since Friday?

Thanks,
Jeff

Since Friday I have only a black screen on the FOX translator up here in Salina. At that time, the channel started displaying at 18.1 whereas it used to be 24.1 even though it is still on channel 17.

I have three seperate tuners, all get plenty of signal, but no picture or sound. Just a black screen.


Well, one of my tuners now has picture and sound on KAAS. But my DISH Network vip622 reciver and another STB still only have a black screen and now sound.

Someone at KAAS suggested I rescan twice, once with the antenna connected and then again with it plugged back in. This did no good. Neither did a hard reset or resetting to factory settings then scanning again.

Is no one else having problems tuning into KAAS 18.1 (17) in the Salina area?

Thanks,
Jeff

Well, one of my tuners now has picture and sound on KAAS. But my DISH Network vip622 reciver and another STB still only have a black screen and now sound.
On a DTVpal (made by Echostar/Dish), I had to manually delete the "old" channel first, before the STB would properly scan and acquire the same PSIP on a different RF channel.

I don't know if anyone here saw it, but Schurz has applied to swap KWCH-DT 12 and KSCW-DT 19 effective June 22. This would make KWCH's signal the same as it was prior to June 12.

- Trip

I don't know if anyone here saw it, but Schurz has applied to swap KWCH-DT 12 and KSCW-DT 19 effective June 22. This would make KWCH's signal the same as it was prior to June 12
Wow!

A very shrewd move.

If approved, then KSCW would have the "bad" signal into Wichita.

FWIW...the application for KSCW on channel 12 is 29.8kW ERP.

Yeah, there's apparently an interference concern with currently-silent KSQA in Topeka, so they can't keep it at the 33-ish kW they have on the air now once KSQA goes on the air (if it goes on the air).

- Trip

Anyone know when KSNW will get their HD signal back on? Sux to watch the Open in analog.

Anyone know when KSNW will get their HD signal back on? Sux to watch the Open in analog.

Funny I was about to post the same thing. If the Open was on KAKE we could just pretend there was severe weather! :rolleyes: Speaking of which KAKE needs to gain the ability to insert warnings onto HD feeds quickly, or at least do what KWCH used to do and have a message to check the non-HD channel until their own system was up and running. So damned annoying to watch the crappy picture on that station during weather events.

I dunno but if I was over at KSN I'd be on the phone finding a charter plane to fly the part in NOW, or rather yesterday. :/

or at least do what KWCH used to do and have a message to check the non-HD channel until their own system was up and running.

See post #2822

There is no "non-HD channel" anymore. Dual analog/digital over-the-air broadcasts are no more, for full-power stations.

The SINGLE digital channel is down-converted by cable/sat providers for those using analog service. The "HD channel" on the cable/sat is the actual channel only being broadcast OTA.

Only the cable/sat provide must take it, and re-compress it, so they can squeeze it into their bandwidth. Digital TV is best viewed via antenna, for best picture quality.

See post #2822

There is no "non-HD channel" anymore. Dual analog/digital over-the-air broadcasts are no more, for full-power stations.

The SINGLE digital channel is down-converted by cable/sat providers for those using analog service. The "HD channel" on the cable/sat is the actual channel only being broadcast OTA.

Only the cable/sat provide must take it, and re-compress it, so they can squeeze it into their bandwidth. Digital TV is best viewed via antenna, for best picture quality.

Oh I know I read that post and understand it. I was just ranting there are better means of dealing with HD now than what KAKE is doing-- which is next to nothing.

See post #2822

There is no "non-HD channel" anymore. Dual analog/digital over-the-air broadcasts are no more, for full-power stations.

The SINGLE digital channel is down-converted by cable/sat providers for those using analog service. The "HD channel" on the cable/sat is the actual channel only being broadcast OTA.

Only the cable/sat provide must take it, and re-compress it, so they can squeeze it into their bandwidth. Digital TV is best viewed via antenna, for best picture quality.

So what you are saying is.....If Closed captioning works on OTA HD but does NOT when cable sends the signal out...THen COX CABLE is responsible for the Closed Captioning not working??? Is that a fair statement?

I don't know if anyone here saw it, but Schurz has applied to swap KWCH-DT 12 and KSCW-DT 19 effective June 22. This would make KWCH's signal the same as it was prior to June 12.

- Trip

On Friday night, Roger Cornish admitted that Channel 12 was getting calls about poor reception and they showed a video of how to align your "rabbit ear" antenna to improve your reception. If the above quote is saying that KWCH is moving their signal back to UHF, hooray!

So what you are saying is.....If Closed captioning works on OTA HD but does NOT when cable sends the signal out...THen COX CABLE is responsible for the Closed Captioning not working??? Is that a fair statement?
Well...yes.

If the OTA signal has working CC, then the cable or sat provider is on-the-hook if it isn't passing through their systems.

Oh I know I read that post and understand it. I was just ranting there are better means of dealing with HD now than what KAKE is doing-- which is next to nothing.
Yeah...I get it.

But, KAKE hasn't laid-off several people and forced everybody to take a week unpaid furlough like KWCH this past month either.

I don't know if anyone here saw it, but Schurz has applied to swap KWCH-DT 12 and KSCW-DT 19 effective June 22. This would make KWCH's signal the same as it was prior to June 12.

- Trip
The application asked for 9am today to be the time of the switch.

As of 12 noon, however, KWCH-DT is still on 12...and KSCW-DT is still on 19.

The application asked for 9am today to be the time of the switch.

As of 12 noon, however, KWCH-DT is still on 12...and KSCW-DT is still on 19.

It doesn't look like the FCC approved it...

- Trip

Yeah, there's apparently an interference concern with currently-silent KSQA in Topeka, so they can't keep it at the 33-ish kW they have on the air now once KSQA goes on the air (if it goes on the air).

- Trip
According to the STA request:

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=764751&formid=911&q_num=5200

...it's because 29.8kW is all their transmitter will push and be stable.

There is no "non-HD channel" anymore. Dual analog/digital over-the-air broadcasts are no more, for full-power stations.
.

Just to reiterate, with the shutdown of KAKE's analog channel 10 on February 17, 2009, there is only ONE signal being broadcast, an ATSC 720p DIGITAL signal on VHF Channel 10. The old digital broadcasts on UHF Channel 21 are gone forever!!

And, yes, there's only one feed going to Cox cable and AT&T UVerse now, the same thing that's broadcast over the air. Before the transition, the analog side (VHF Ch. 10) could broadcast the ABC SDTV network feed with severe weather tickers, while the digital side (UHF Ch. 21) was being fed with the direct ABC HDTV network feed WITHOUT tickers.

As of June 2, ABC dropped their SD satellite feed, as they're only sending affilates a full time HD feed, with some shows (especially reality programming) being upconverted for broadcast.

If you see a 4x3 picture on ABC and your Dolby Digital 5.1 audio indicator is on, then you're watching an ABC network upconverted show. Non-network local progamming on KAKE is always in Dolby Digital 2.0 audio.

The reason it looks like the old analog signal at times is that in order to put in the severe weather information, the ABC network HDTV feed must be downconverted to standard definition to run through their plant (and compostite analog at that, not even serial digital), as at present there is no way for them to insert anything over HD programming. This includes tickers, maps, crawls and EAS notices.

The resulting SD composite mush is then upconverted back to HD for broadcast.

I've been told they're working on a way to accomplish staying in HD all the time during network programming, but it all boils down to time and especially, the considerable funds to buy the necessary equipment, which is something that should have been done a long time ago, IMO!!

...it's because 29.8kW is all their transmitter will push and be stable.

Hm, I'd missed that footnote. I had thought this was applicable:

" As reflected in Sunflower’s June 12 STA request, that power would only cause predicted interference to an unbuilt and un-applied for allocation in Topeka."

But it isn't.

- Trip

Just to reiterate...
Yeah...like I said in post #2822.

But they are using SDI...not composite, according to their CE.

"...it's because 29.8kW is all their transmitter will push and be stable."

From what I've understood in the DTV transition status reports filed with the FCC by the station, this is the same transmitter formerly used in 316 kw analog service, and was converted to digital during the March to June period that it was shut down, so it seems like the transmitter should have all of the reserve power capability the FCC may ever permit.

However, maybe the new antenna and transmission line don't have the power handling ability that the old ones did.

My son has recently purchased a Vista Media Center computer, and got a special accessory which is an external digital TV tuner that takes a cablecard. Program guide info will be provided through Microsoft as I understand it, and he knows that with cablecard you don't get the Cox program guide info or OnDemand service. Cox Wichita, however, seems unwilling to provide him a card. Any tips on getting Cox to understand their obligation to do so? The unit is, as a practical matter, like a TIVO with an external storage system.

From what I've understood in the DTV transition status reports filed with the FCC by the station, this is the same transmitter formerly used in 316 kw analog service, and was converted to digital during the March to June period that it was shut down, so it seems like the transmitter should have all of the reserve power capability the FCC may ever permit.

However, maybe the new antenna and transmission line don't have the power handling ability that the old ones did.

From the KWCH STA request:

"Because the Station found that its transmitter could not reliably produce a signal at 33.2kW, it has operated with an ERP of 29.8 kW, the maximum that its present transmitter can reliably produce."

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=764751&formid=911&q_num=5200

[QUOTE=Kansas Zephyr;16705342]From the KWCH STA request:

"Because the Station found that its transmitter could not reliably produce a signal at 33.2kW, it has operated with an ERP of 29.8 kW, the maximum that its present transmitter can reliably produce."

Perhaps it was determined that some RF PA cabinets were no longer needed, thus they were removed from service, possibly shipped to a sister station.

Perhaps it was determined that some RF PA cabinets were no longer needed, thus they were removed from service, possibly shipped to a sister station.
Yes...could be.

Or, they switched from tube(s) to solid state final(s), since the FCC authorized much lower power levels for VHF digital, versus analog.

This would increase reliability and decrease operating and maintenance costs.

Too, bad it turns out that the FCC didn't have enough real-world field trails before determining the VHF digital power levels, that were to be equal to analog coverage contours.

My son has recently purchased a Vista Media Center computer, and got a special accessory which is an external digital TV tuner that takes a cablecard. Program guide info will be provided through Microsoft as I understand it, and he knows that with cablecard you don't get the Cox program guide info or OnDemand service. Cox Wichita, however, seems unwilling to provide him a card. Any tips on getting Cox to understand their obligation to do so? The unit is, as a practical matter, like a TIVO with an external storage system.

Their CSR's are pretty bad about cablecards depending on who you get - ask to speak to someone else. If it an "unknown device" that is the problem - pretend it is a TV. I had the first TiVo Series 3 in Wichita some years ago and I had to do that since they refused to accept that idea that TiVo's took cablecards.

Actually, after posting, I heard back from my son--the csr he spoke with today was happy to schedule the install for him. So, looks like it should be a non-issue after all. He and I are both frustrated that it still takes a service call to set up a cablecard even for the technically adept who know how to insert a card in a laptop computer, for example; but hey--it sure is convenient once it's in place and working.

Actually, after posting, I heard back from my son--the csr he spoke with today was happy to schedule the install for him. So, looks like it should be a non-issue after all. He and I are both frustrated that it still takes a service call to set up a cablecard even for the technically adept who know how to insert a card in a laptop computer, for example; but hey--it sure is convenient once it's in place and working.

Very cool. I have been wondering if it would be possible to build something like this on one's own. Can you tell us more about this "special accessory" that accepts the cable card? What is it, where does one get one, etc? I personally would be interested in know more details about the whole system. Feel free to send me a private message or post here!

Also please post back once you get the cable card and let us know if it works!

Thanks
Jeff

But they are using SDI...not composite, according to their CE.

Since KAKE uses a Grass Valley M21 for their master control switching, it can't be SDI (Serial Digital Interface), as this model is composite analog only and that device is what is used to 'key' the tickers over programming.

The signal path would have to begin with the ABC HD network video feed, which would be downconverted to SD SDI for distribution, then the SDI feed would be encoded into NTSC composite analog to pass into the M21 switcher, where the ticker is inserted with the switcher's downstream keyer.

The final output of the M21 master control switcher then gets decoded from NTSC composite analog back to SD SDI, then upconverted to 720p HD to finally leave the station either OTA or through direct fiber optic link to Cox and AT&T UVerse.

Simple solution - IMO: replace the outdated composite analog switcher with a HD capable switcher and no more of this up and down conversion nonsense.

Reality: KAKE trying to program five separate zones (Wichita, Garden City, Colby, Salina and Great Bend/Russell/Hays) in HD with limited funding from their corporate parent, Gray TV!!

Since KAKE uses a Grass Valley M21 for their master control switching, it can't be SDI (Serial Digital Interface), as this model is composite analog only and that device is what is used to 'key' the tickers over programming.

Simple solution - IMO: replace the outdated composite analog switcher with a HD capable switcher and no more of this up and down conversion nonsense.

Reality: KAKE trying to program five separate zones (Wichita, Garden City, Colby, Salina and Great Bend/Russell/Hays) in HD with limited funding from their corporate parent, Gray TV!!
I stand corrected, the CE said the stations routing system was SDI...and I assumed the MC would be to, my bad.

For now they only have Wichita/Garden City/Colby to worry about since the others, as of yet, have no date to go digital.

Even if they don't want to get an HD Master Control switcher, they could purchase HD keyers and place them just ahead of the encoders and up-convert the "ticker" to place it over ABC HD programming.

Very cool. I have been wondering if it would be possible to build something like this on one's own. Can you tell us more about this "special accessory" that accepts the cable card? What is it, where does one get one, etc? I personally would be interested in know more details about the whole system. Feel free to send me a private message or post here!

Also please post back once you get the cable card and let us know if it works!

Thanks
Jeff

The "special accessory" is an ATI Digital Cable Tuner (Link (http://ati.amd.com/products/tvwonderdigital/index.html)). But because the cable industry insists on making this process as difficult as possible, you can't buy a digital cable tuner through the typical retail channels.

Here's why: Officially, a PC is only allowed to use a cableCARD if the PC has been certified by CableLabs (http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/30/cablecard-on-vista-to-require-cablelabs-certification/). This is an expensive and time consuming process that few PC manufacturers are willing to do. In fact, HP is the only major PC maker who is still willing to follow this ridiculous process (available on their m9500t and d5200t models). Microsoft was forced to agree to these terms as well, which is why digital-cable-ready PCs are forced to have a second activation code (product ID) in addition to the Windows product key.

However, a group of people have banded together and have recently come up with a way to manually enable cableCARDs on any PC. Here are the detailed instructions: http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/05/12/how-to-install-a-cablecard-tuner-in-your-diy-media-center/

WillieC is correct. I don't know the specific model number, but my son's computer is an HP and he said the only computers he found that offered the HD tuner were HP models using this external device.

WillieC is correct. I don't know the specific model number, but my son's computer is an HP and he said the only computers he found that offered the HD tuner were HP models using this external device.

In case it's not clear from my user name, I'm his son. I got a Pavillion m9500, but I just checked HPs site, and they're not listed anymore. The only available option from HP is now the d5200t. There may be an option from Dell, I'm not sure what they have at the moment. Last I checked, those two were the only manufacturers that could do it.

Does anyone know if Cox will be offering BBC America HD when it starts broadcasting on July 20?

Does anyone know if Cox will be offering BBC America HD when it starts broadcasting on July 20?

It might be a possibility, since BBC America is jointly owned by Discovery Networks and Cox here has in HD Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet and HD Theater.

Two new HD channels from Cox Kansas today (7/1):

Channel 605 - KSCW HD (Kansas CW)
Channel 657 - NBA TV HD

NOTE: Fox News Channel HD, originally on 605, moved to 600.

Two new HD channels from Cox Kansas today (7/1):

Channel 605 - KSCW HD (Kansas CW)
Channel 657 - NBA TV HD

NOTE: Fox News Channel HD, originally on 605, moved to 600.
Also added was channel 710 - PPV HD.

Two new HD channels from Cox Kansas today (7/1):

Channel 605 - KSCW HD (Kansas CW)
Channel 657 - NBA TV HD

NOTE: Fox News Channel HD, originally on 605, moved to 600.
I did a channel scan, and found The CW on unencrypted QAM channel 117.5.

I visited the web site of New Vision Television yesterday and found out that the parent of KSNW, KSNT, and twelve other TV stations filed chapter 11 on Monday. The filing protected the company from $400 million in debt and provided $30 million operating capital to keep the company functioning. Read details at the site www.newvisiontv.com.

If you look at the Gray TV stock price these days, it appears that KAKE's owner is also in dreadful financial condition.

I couldn't help but wondering: Is Cox Kansas finally going to make FS Midwest/Kansas City become a full time HD? The reason I asked is the guide put the scheduled listings on their HD channel (Channel 656). Originally it just shows the KC Royals games in HD. Can anyone find out? Thanks in advance.

It's being reported that HBO HD OnDemand is returning on some cable systems.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=975220
I checked last night but no luck. Any word on if/when Cox will be getting HBO HD OnDemand back?

I couldn't help but wondering: Is Cox Kansas finally going to make FS Midwest/Kansas City become a full time HD? The reason I asked is the guide put the scheduled listings on their HD channel (Channel 656). Originally it just shows the KC Royals games in HD. Can anyone find out? Thanks in advance.

Please, please, please, please, please...

It's being reported that HBO HD OnDemand is returning on some cable systems.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=975220
I checked last night but no luck. Any word on if/when Cox will be getting HBO HD OnDemand back?
Maybe it'll be added with the new On Demand guide. This link was in the NEWS FROM COX section of my latest bill.

http://www.cox.com/cable/newondemandguide

In case anyone wants it, the newest channel lineup from Cox is available here:
hxxp://www.cox.com/gocox/digitalcable/lineup.asp

It's dated July 15, but it came out a few days ago.
Sorry, I can't post it as a real URL.

In case anyone wants it, the newest channel lineup from Cox is available here:
hxxp://www.cox.com/gocox/digitalcable/lineup.asp

It's dated July 15, but it came out a few days ago.
Sorry, I can't post it as a real URL.

try this:
http://www.cox.com/gocox/digitalcable/lineup.asp

New Channels from Cox Kansas:

Cox added the Big Ten Network to the Sports Tier package today (7/28)

(Channel 273 - Main; Channels 274-277 - Bonus coverage (during football and basketball season); Channel 667 - HD)

New Channels from Cox Kansas:

Cox added the Big Ten Network to the Sports Tier package today (7/28)

(Channel 273 - Main; Channels 274-277 - Bonus coverage (during football and basketball season); Channel 667 - HD)

Big 10 before FSN HD...sigh...

Gives me some hope though.

try this:
http://www.cox.com/gocox/digitalcable/lineup.asp

Thanks. You have to have at least three posts before you can post URLs.

Maybe it'll be added with the new On Demand guide. This link was in the NEWS FROM COX section of my latest bill.

http://www.cox.com/cable/newondemandguide
I noticed the new On Demand guide is now available for Wichita. I didn't notice any HBO HD on demand yet.

I also noticed that you can get to the different On Demand categories through the Guide or by entering the 4-digit channel number. For instance, to get to the FreeZone, enter the channel number 1050.

The new Wichita, KS Channel Lineup (http://ww2.cox.com/wcm/en/residential/datasheet/arkansas/Wichita.pdf) for July 31, 2009 now shows the On Demand channels.

I noticed that On Demand channel 1770 - Too Much For TV, which was there a couple of days ago, no longer shows up.

So I've about had it with KAKE and their lame weather system's inability to overlay on the HD feed. I wonder if we can use that as a basis for getting the HD ABC feed from DirecTV.

KAKE would have to grant you a waiver and they will not do it.

That is the unfortunate thing with these network TV stations, you can't say you won't watch them because then you can't see the programming. The best we can do is complain a lot and stop watching the programming they put together. I have had it too, I don't even watch ABC shows, even if I want to see them.

One would think that given all the other local stations have HD overlay ability, that KAKE would jump on it. Honestly, that is the most important thing for them to do right now. At the least they could split their Digital channel and make one "HD Only" or something. I saw a station up in Michigan that did that, the HD channel was just that, only pulled in for Station ID at times, the other was crappy SD all the time. Just like before the Digital shutoff.

Has anyone called to complain? I have and encourage you to as well. The more the merrier.

Has anyone called to complain? I have and encourage you to as well. The more the merrier.

I have sent many emails from various email accounts to KAKE asking about any upcoming plans to upgrade their capabilities. And as always, no response.

Has anyone called to complain? I have and encourage you to as well. The more the merrier.
KAKE said, "we are aware of the issue...and are actively working towards a solution."

They do appear very sensitive and grumpy about it when called or emailed. I don't get it

They do appear very sensitive and grumpy about it when called or emailed. I don't get it
They didn't come off that way to me. Frustrated, perhaps. Sounded like they WANT to do it.

It's not like they can just go out and spend whatever they want. They do answer to a corporate parent.

Maybe the complaints should go to Atlanta, HQ for Gray TV?

So I've about had it with KAKE and their lame weather system's inability to overlay on the HD feed. I wonder if we can use that as a basis for getting the HD ABC feed from DirecTV.
KSAS has the same problem. When the MLB Allstar game was on, KSAS had to drop out of HD to overlay the weather warning map.

Don't waste your time calling KSAS though. The Fox splicer does not currently support crawls over HD. It's looking like early next year on that one.

- Trip

KAKE said, "we are aware of the issue...and are actively working towards a solution."

GREAT NEWS!!!

If you were watching Who Wants to be a Millionaire on Monday evening, August 10, you might have noticed something different.

KAKE was NOT having to go to SD to overlay a weather ticker!!!

They finally bought the necessary equipment to overlay a weather ticker (or breaking news or school closings) over HD programming.

From now on, whenever severe weather deems a ticker necessary, then they can stay in HD, just like KSNW and KWCH have had the ability to do forever, it seems.

The only caveat I've found is that the ticker display is not in a true 16x9 widescreen ratio, but instead only fills the 4x3 center cut frame, but at least the black bar is transparent now instead of completely opaque.

I'm curious as to other's reaction about this long awaited upgrade...

KAKE was NOT having to go to SD to overlay a weather ticker!!!

They finally bought the necessary equipment to overlay a weather ticker (or breaking news or school closings) over HD programming. ...

I'm curious as to other's reaction about this long awaited upgrade...

About time! It is actually watchable again! :up:

I'm curious as to other's reaction about this long awaited upgrade...

My reaction is a little too late IMHO, my mind about KAKE is been made up. If it took them this long to do an HD overlay, I don't expect HD news or anything else anytime soon. With that said, I am glad they finally updated, maybe I will now not try to avoid KAKE as I have in the past.

I emailed them once recently about the problem, has anybody else here done the same? Maybe the pressure from viewers got them to finally do it.

I emailed them once recently about the problem, has anybody else here done the same? Maybe the pressure from viewers got them to finally do it.
Or, maybe they were going to do it anyway...and finally got the money from their owners.

Just like they'll go HD for news, when they get funded.

Do you really think any local station doesn't want to be HD? It's all about getting the cash from the corporate HQ. Which is more difficult these days.

Maybe if a local station can impress upon the bosses that its viewers are more upset than a sister station in another city, it may move up the priority list. But, I think even that would be a stretch.

Or, maybe they were going to do it anyway...and finally got the money from their owners.

Just like they'll go HD for news, when they get funded.

Do you really think any local station doesn't want to be HD? It's all about getting the cash from the corporate HQ. Which is more difficult these days.

Maybe if a local station can impress upon the bosses that its viewers are more upset than a sister station in another city, it may move up the priority list. But, I think even that would be a stretch.

I am sure that it was on the list, but I know that I personally strayed away from KAKE for that reason. It may have just been a timing thing seeing as how everybody, is now watching the same feed. So taking that into account, complaints might have been at a much higher rate.

For those using OTA...have you noticed Wichita's newest full-power TV station?

KDCU-DT (Univision) is on RF channel 31, broadcasting 1MW from the old KSCW transmitter and tower, near Colwich.

Is it mapping to 31-1 or 46-1?

- Trip

I don't know if anyone here saw it, but Schurz has applied to swap KWCH-DT 12 and KSCW-DT 19 effective June 22. This would make KWCH's signal the same as it was prior to June 12.

- Trip

It doesn't look like the FCC approved it...

- Trip
Looks like we're in the 90-day comment window...and probably will be approved.

http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2009/db0722/DA-09-1576A1.txt

Is it mapping to 31-1 or 46-1?

- Trip
31.1 for now...BTW...the call letters have yet to appear via the PSIP, yet.

Until they do, the virtual channel may be updated. We'll see.

Alright, keep me informed.

- Trip

Something tells me that the arrival of the new full-power Spanish language station will mean the end for the other Spanish station, KSMI-51.

31.1 for now...BTW...the call letters have yet to appear via the PSIP, yet.

Until they do, the virtual channel may be updated. We'll see.

The call letters are KDCU. It is the new Univision affiliate in Wichita. I saw an ad on KWCH for the new station looking for sales associates and the call letters were on the commercial.

The press release from Entravision on the launch of KDCU says channel 31, and since KDCU never did hit the airwaves on channel 46, perhaps that's why this station has 31.1 in the PSIP data.

The call letters are KDCU. It is the new Univision affiliate in Wichita. I saw an ad on KWCH for the new station looking for sales associates and the call letters were on the commercial.

If you would have scrolled up a tad more...

For those using OTA...have you noticed Wichita's newest full-power TV station?

KDCU-DT (Univision) is on RF channel 31, broadcasting 1MW from the old KSCW transmitter and tower, near Colwich.

Is it mapping to 31-1 or 46-1?

- Trip

31.1 for now...BTW...the call letters have yet to appear via the PSIP, yet.

Until they do, the virtual channel may be updated. We'll see.

jojo11, I was saying that until the KDCU call letters were encoded...that the virtual channel might change, since the PSIP didn't appear to have been programmed.

I saw more than one digital station's initial sign-on with their RF channel-1, for a few days, until they later programmed the PSIP.

But, since I too, am starting to see the ads on KWCH for a sales exec for "KDCU-31"...I'm now thinking that it will stay 31.1.

I see on the FCC web site that the owner of KFVT-LP 40 has filed an application in the last few days for a digital flash-cut, a good sign that that station isn't going away.

It rebroadcasts KSBI-TV in Oklahoma City.

KWCH-12 wants to further increase power, this time to 66.4 kW up from 33.2 kW. I imagine that once the FCC approves the channel swap with KSCW, they will attempt to have that power increase apply to KSCW-12.

- Trip

KWCH-12 wants to further increase power, this time to 66.4 kW up from 33.2 kW. I imagine that once the FCC approves the channel swap with KSCW, they will attempt to have that power increase apply to KSCW-12.

No doubt.

KPTS needs a 3 to 6dB power increase! They have a horrible contour.

They've chatted about a translator downtown, but really need to focus on a taller tower and more RF power.

No doubt.

KPTS needs a 3 to 6dB power increase! They have a horrible contour.

They've chatted about a translator downtown, but really need to focus on a taller tower and more RF power.

I never could understand why KPTS didn't try to work out an arrangement with the owner of one of the taller towers east of Hutchinson, they could use a side-mounted panel antenna and get essentially an omnidirectional pattern.

Fox Sports KC is now full-time HD on Cox

Around Sept 15: Cox adds TMC HD, MoreMAX HD, and MSNBC HD.

Enjoy

fox sports kc is now full-time hd on cox

around sept 15: Cox adds tmc hd

enjoy

yesssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Edit: I misread TMC as TCM, :-( but FSN-HD is still great news!

I never could understand why KPTS didn't try to work out an arrangement with the owner of one of the taller towers east of Hutchinson, they could use a side-mounted panel antenna and get essentially an omnidirectional pattern.
I thought they should have approached Schurz (owners of KWCH/KSCW) and acquired the channel 31 facility near Colwich, which was abandoned by KSCW when they moved to channel 19 near Buhler.

Entravision was very wise to jump on that opportunity.

After visiting Titan TV earlier today, I see that KDCU plans to multicast, with Univision on 31.1 and Telefutura on 31.2.

Time will tell if either service will be available in HD.

Neither one is currently available in HD, though I think HD is supposed to come to Univision, at least, by next year.

- Trip

I see on the FCC web site that the owner of KFVT-LP 40 has filed an application in the last few days for a digital flash-cut, a good sign that that station isn't going away.

It rebroadcasts KSBI-TV in Oklahoma City.

The last time I came through Wichita 5 years ago Ch. 40 didn't carry KSBI they were carrying a Christian network I believe it was CTN even though it was listed on some TV listings that they were carrying KSBI out of OKC. When did they start picking up KSBI's programming?

I never could understand why KPTS didn't try to work out an arrangement with the owner of one of the taller towers east of Hutchinson, they could use a side-mounted panel antenna and get essentially an omnidirectional pattern.

I agree, KPTS has had a horrible signal for years in analog and never understood why they never upgraded their signal especially since the tower is in Hutchinson. I thought they would've done better with digital.

Neither one is currently available in HD, though I think HD is supposed to come to Univision, at least, by next year.

- Trip

Thank you, Trip, for sharing what you know about this.

The last time I came through Wichita 5 years ago Ch. 40 didn't carry KSBI they were carrying a Christian network I believe it was CTN even though it was listed on some TV listings that they were carrying KSBI out of OKC. When did they start picking up KSBI's programming?

Ch. 40 was first carrying Cornerstone Christian TV, then changed to Lesea Broadcasting before becoming a translator for KSBI-TV, but I'm afraid I can't give you any time frames on when originating stations or networks were changed.

In past years, the station wasn't very well maintained, frequently dropping in power output until it completely disappeared, which caused many of us to not take it very seriously.

Fox Sports KC is now full-time HD on Cox

Around Sept 15: Cox adds TMC HD, MoreMAX HD, and MSNBC HD.

Enjoy
At the same time, the SD channel (34) has gone from Fox Sports Midwest to Fox Sports Kansas City (FSKC). From the Wikipedia entry for Fox Sports Kansas City (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_Sports_Kansas_City), "Fox Sports Kansas City was created to avoid conflicts with St. Louis Cardinals coverage, which remains on Fox Sports Midwest."

At the same time, the SD channel (34) has gone from Fox Sports Midwest to Fox Sports Kansas City (FSKC). From the Wikipedia entry for Fox Sports Kansas City (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_Sports_Kansas_City), "Fox Sports Kansas City was created to avoid conflicts with St. Louis Cardinals coverage, which remains on Fox Sports Midwest."

I was watching the Royals/Mariners game this evening. The game was in SD. I saw it on FSKC HD and they put the FSKC HD bars on the sides of the SD programming. It's funny that when you watch FSKC, the feed is actually from St. Louis because you also see local St. Louis area commercials.

Finally climbed into my attic to replace my old Silver Sensor UHF antenna with a $20 Phillips VHF/UHF model I picked up at Wal-Mart. The new antenna was able to pull in all the channels (that I care about) except KWCH/KSCW. I tried many directional adjustments with no success in getting any type of signal from these channels. I'm located in NE Wichita. Anyone have any suggestions on a better antenna or any other ideas? Appreciate any info.

I have this one,

http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1252804159&sr=8-1

and am able to get all of the channels on the SE side of town. It's in an upstairs bedroom, probably similar to being in an attic.

No idea if it would work better. Ultimate does have them locally.

Finally climbed into my attic to replace my old Silver Sensor UHF antenna with a $20 Phillips VHF/UHF model I picked up at Wal-Mart. The new antenna was able to pull in all the channels (that I care about) except KWCH/KSCW. I tried many directional adjustments with no success in getting any type of signal from these channels. I'm located in NE Wichita. Anyone have any suggestions on a better antenna or any other ideas? Appreciate any info.
As long as it's in your attic...I'd try the Channel Master 4228 HD.

http://solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=4228-HD&d=Channel-Master-4228HD-8bay-HDTVUHF-Antenna&c=TV Antennas&sku=020572030168

Yes, it's a UHF antenna, but the back screen gives it some gain on VHF high (7-13), too.

I use the CM4228 in my attic near the SG/BU line...and it gets everyone but KPTS.

Ch. 40 was first carrying Cornerstone Christian TV, then changed to Lesea Broadcasting before becoming a translator for KSBI-TV, but I'm afraid I can't give you any time frames on when originating stations or networks were changed.

In past years, the station wasn't very well maintained, frequently dropping in power output until it completely disappeared, which caused many of us to not take it very seriously.

Right now the only thing that is going for them I think is that they are the co-flagship station for the NBA's OKC Thunder (FS Oklahoma is the other). They show about 20 games on that station either on Saturday or Sunday. This season they will show a lot of Wednesday games....

These HD channels are now available.

679 - MMAX HD
680 - TMC HD
681 - msnbc HD

I also noticed that they've added channel 711 - PPV HD 2.

KWCH/KSCW Making Changes to DTV
Good news for viewers having trouble receiving our signal over the air with an antenna since the switch to digital television in June.

The FCC has granted special permission for KWCH and KSCW to make additional changes that will help improve over the air reception.

The changes will happen next Tuesday, September 29th at 9:00 am.

These changes only affect those who watch KWCH-12 and KSCW-33 over the air in the Wichita area. Our western Kansas affiliates (KBSD, KBSH, KBSL) are not affected.

All viewers who receive us over the air will have to rescan their digital televisions or DTV Converter Boxes after the changes are complete.

These changes will not affect those watching us on cable, though some satellite viewers may have to rescan.

KWCH will have a hotline during and after the changes to help viewers troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

http://www.kwch.com/global/story.asp?s=11171034

---------------------------------------------------

What changes? Are the technical details (possible power increase as discussed below) too difficult for the ordinary viewer to possibly understand?


KWCH-12 wants to further increase power, this time to 66.4 kW up from 33.2 kW. I imagine that once the FCC approves the channel swap with KSCW, they will attempt to have that power increase apply to KSCW-12.

- Trip

I'm guessing this is the channel swap. I'd consider it too complicated for the average viewer.

- Trip

Looks like we're in the 90-day comment window...and probably will be approved.

http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2009/db0722/DA-09-1576A1.txt

I'm guessing this is the channel swap. I'd consider it too complicated for the average viewer.
Yep...it's the channel 12 and 19 swap, that's been approved.

So, KWCH 12.1/.2 will be on channel 19...and KSCW 33.1 will be on channel 12, starting next Tuesday.

I also noticed that they've added channel 711 - PPV HD 2.
I looked this morning and channel 711 is no longer listed. Both channel 711 and 710 have always been listed as OFF AIR.

GREAT NEWS!!!

If you were watching Who Wants to be a Millionaire on Monday evening, August 10, you might have noticed something different.

KAKE was NOT having to go to SD to overlay a weather ticker!!!

They finally bought the necessary equipment to overlay a weather ticker (or breaking news or school closings) over HD programming.

From now on, whenever severe weather deems a ticker necessary, then they can stay in HD, just like KSNW and KWCH have had the ability to do forever, it seems.

The only caveat I've found is that the ticker display is not in a true 16x9 widescreen ratio, but instead only fills the 4x3 center cut frame, but at least the black bar is transparent now instead of completely opaque.

I'm curious as to other's reaction about this long awaited upgrade...
Today when I was watching one of the games on ABC, they had to go to SD to show the station ID.

I have a suggestion for anyone struggling to receive VHF channels 12 and 8 in Wichita with an indoor antenna. This weekend, I found that I did have weak reception of both signals after I unplugged one HDTV and a DVD/hard drive recorder. Before that change, I had zero signal on both channels. However, I am now able to receive channel 12 (now KSCW) most of the time and channel 8 occasionally. I suspect that RF or power line interference was causing my problem.

My suggestion for anyone having reception problems with an indoor antenna in Wichita is to try unplugging all of your extra consumer electronics. If this improves your reception, plug the other devices back in one by one until you find the source of your problem.

Is the FCC denying KWCH a power increase? Because that seems like the logical thing to do. Or better yet, why don't they just put a transmitter in Wichita, that would solve the problem that has plagued KWCH for years. It has always been hard to get KWCH with an indoor antenna, even in West Wichita.

Good news: I get KWCH now.

Bad news: I don't get KSCW now.

Worse news: DirecTV doesn't have KSCW in HD. :(

(I'm in Newton, KS).

Good news: I get KWCH now.

Bad news: I don't get KSCW now.

(I'm in Newton, KS).
Newton is only 23mi from Buhler.

You should be able to receive KSCW on channel 12, with the proper antenna and aiming.

I just checked Cox's TV channel lineup and saw this announcement:
On or after November 17, 2009 Cox will be making changes to your channel lineup. You will notice a new channel number for your favorite HD channels as well as a couple of changes within the Limited and Expanded Cable sections.

On or after November 24, 2009 Cox is adding an additional 12 HD channels to your HD lineup. These new HD channels are also listed on the November 17 lineups below: Investigation Discovery HD, Independent Film Channel HD, BBC America HD, WE HD, G4 HD, FUSE HD, ESPNU HD, ESPNews HD, Tennis Channel HD, Starz Edge HD, History International HD and Sundance Channel HD.

The new lineup is available here (http://ww2.cox.com/wcm/en/residential/datasheet/kansas/Wichita%20%5BNov%5D.pdf).

The changes are mostly that all On-Demand channels will be in the 1000s and all HD channels will be in the 2000s. Another nice change, HD channels are now just 2000 more than their SD counterparts, so you will actually be able to find the HD channel you're looking for! For example, Comedy Central HD will be 2058 because Comedy Central SD is 58 and BBC America HD will be 2208 because BBC America SD is 208.

Another nice change, HD channels are now just 2000 more than their SD counterparts, so you will actually be able to find the HD channel you're looking for! For example, Comedy Central HD will be 2058 because Comedy Central SD is 58 and BBC America HD will be 2208 because BBC America SD is 208.
I wonder why CNBC doesn't match up. SD is 53 and HD is 2679. Maybe it will be changed between now and then.

I see they're moving Univision to the old HBO channel 15. Also there's no longer a Free Preview channel on 98.

I've noticed a couple of things about the new channel listings. The first one is on the limited standard service listings. They have Ch. 3 as NBC from KSNL in Wichita. That should be KSNW, as KSNL is the low power station in Salina.

Also, in the limited standard service listings, they show the sub-channels for KPTS and KWCH on their original HD tier channel numbers. While looking in the new HD tier with the channel numbers in the 2000's, those three channels aren't listed at what would be their new respective HD channel numbers (2070 and 2071 for KPTS 8.2 & 8.3 and 2075 for KWCH 12.2).

Does this mean these sub-channels are no longer HD channels, and now just merely SD digital channels or were these in fact never HD channels to begin with and were just given an HD channel number to alleviate any confusion with the main analog channel?

PBS has been able to show widescreen content on Ch. 670. Will this still continue if it's not on the HD tier?

Thank goodness they are finally doing this! Although, I have personally learned the HD channels, Lol. This will however hopefully make it easier on my mom. Now if they can just do a STB update that just takes you to the HD channel automatically if your TV is capable.


Also, in the limited standard service listings, they show the sub-channels for KPTS and KWCH on their original HD tier channel numbers. While looking in the new HD tier with the channel numbers in the 2000's, those three channels aren't listed at what would be their new respective HD channel numbers (2070 and 2071 for KPTS 8.2 & 8.3 and 2075 for KWCH 12.2).

Does this mean these sub-channels are no longer HD channels, and now just merely SD digital channels or were these in fact never HD channels to begin with and were just given an HD channel number to alleviate any confusion with the main analog channel?

PBS has been able to show widescreen content on Ch. 670. Will this still continue if it's not on the HD tier?

Those channels were never HD channels, they just slipped in to the 600's early on before there were so many HD channels. Like for example the KWCH Weather thing was at 675, only recently did the HD channels pass that.

DANG IT !!! Still no channel 2002. Boooooooooo:(

Any word on how that will affect our DVR's? I assume we will have to go in and manually change the channels and the series recordings?

Any word on how that will affect our DVR's? I assume we will have to go in and manually change the channels and the series recordings?
I don't think you'll have to do anything. I remember when SciFi went from channel 70 to 50 and the recordings automatically went to channel 50.

Did anyone know about this? I was watching Fox Sports Kansas City tonight and they are now showing Oklahoma City Thunder games!!! The first one is against Portland. I looked on my DVR channel list and found that they are also showing Tuesday's game against the Lakers.

I have seen articles that Cox is moving to tru2way compatible systems in different markets; and that at least some manufacturers are building tru2way equipment. Does anyone know IF Cox will implement tru2way in the Wichita market anytime in the next, say, 12 mos? 24 mos?

I think that Cox tends to roll out new technologies on all of their systems. They are so big that it will take them a while. New technologies always seem to make it to all of their systems eventually. I like to check out the programming thread quite a bit and remember of the Cox thread that the Virginia systems are the first to get the tru-2-way technology. There was also a recent post that they will be getting DOCSYS 3 pretty soon too. I'm guessing that a lot of these upgrades are expensive enough that they can only do one region at a time.

DOCSIS 3 is coming to Wichita next year. I can't wait.

Also ESPN360 is available to Cox customers now!

What is ESPN360?

What is ESPN360?

ESPN360 is the internet sports network by ESPN, which broadcasts live games from across the country.

I wonder why CNBC doesn't match up. SD is 53 and HD is 2679. Maybe it will be changed between now and then.
They've updated the November Channel Listing so CNBC HD will now be 2053.

Cox is adding about 13 new HD Channels next week.

Looks like multi-room DVR's have been scratched for now. The boxes were Scientific Atlanta boxes and they suck. Also if a customer wanted to use the service if they launch it, they would have to remove all their Moto boxes and put in SA boxes.

If that's true, then they need to do something else regarding the storage space on their DVRs. My understanding was that these new boxes would have come with at least double the current 160GB. With all the HD channels, 160GB just isn't enough storage, and they've disabled all external methods to add storage.

All of their competitors either have DVRs that come with more space (usually 500-1000GB) and/or the ability to add external storage. The last time I talked to Cox, they had no intention of adding space or the ability for external storage. They were completely hoping that these new boxes would solve this problem. So... now what?

First time poster....

I have an HTPC (Hauppauge 1250/2250 tuners, Win 7 MC) and everything was working fine with Cox extended basic (analog + clearQAM locals). About a week ago, WMC dropped a few of the HD (clearQAM) local channels. I thought it might have been a glitch with WMC, so I rescanned and mapped the channels appropriately, but now WMC says that the local HD channels are either scrambled or unavailable. I'm confused because the channels are coming through just fine when my TV is connected directly to the coax (bypassing the HTPC). Puzzling to say the least... Has anyone else had a similar problem recently? I'm just wondering if it's an issue with the HTPC or if Cox has done something. Thanks in advance.

I had the exact same problem about a week ago. It seems that my ATSC tuner forgot all of my channels for some reason. To fix it, here's what I did (forgive me if these steps aren't exactly correct, I'm not at my home computer at the moment). Go to Setting>TV>Guide>Add Channels delete all QAM channels (if you have any). After they're all gone, close and re-open Media Center. Go back to Settings>TV>Guide>Add Channels and add the following channels using QAM256:
91.11 KSCW SD
92.8 KMTW SD
92.9 KPTS SD
91.10 KSAS SD
92.11 KSNW SD
93.8 KAKE SD
93.9 KWCH SD
114.1 KPTS HD
114.3 KPTS Explore
114.4 KPTS Create
114.5 KWCH HD
114.6 KWCH Weather
115.1 KSNW HD
115.2 KAKE HD
116.3 KMTW HD
116.10 KSAS HD
117.5 KSCW HD

After they're all added again, you can copy the listings from the appropriate channel or just merge the channels. You do this my right-clicking the channel name in the guide and selecting "Edit Channel." If you need any help with that, let me know. I can walk you through it or give screen shots.

I have two Hauppauge 2250 tuners in my HTPC, and I've never had any problems with them.

However, after the channel lineup changed, I did a full rescan of the channels just to be safe. The QAM channels didn't change much other than the NASA QAM channel is gone, and it's been replaced with the Univision channel.

I created a spreadsheet of the QAM channels in case I ever needed to redo them:

Channel Name Regular Channel Digital Channel Hi-Def Channel
NBC 3 94.1 115.1
FOX 4 94.2 116.10
CW 5 94.3 117.5
PBS 8 94.5 114.3
ABC 10 94.6 115.2
CBS 12 94.7 114.5
CBS Weather 12.2 114.6
MyTV 6 94.9 116.3
PBS Explore 670 114.1
PBS Create 671 114.4
118.15
City Channel 7 95.1
Univision 15 94.10
Azteca America 312 83.4


Also, channels 122.1 - 122.30 are music channels, though I can only tune into 122.30 for some reason.

Thanks for the help, I got it working again. For some reason, the automatic scan was showing that the channels were available, but then it would try to tell me that no signal was available. As suggested above, I went in and manually added each channel individually as QAM256 and now it works fine. I'm not sure why one method worked and the other didn't, but it's working now and that's what's important. Thanks again, I certainly appreciate the helpful responses.

So someone explain this to me.... really weird.
I have an HD TV that I've been watching the local QAM channels and something odd is occurring with FOX.. anyone else seeing this?

I always get the non-high def feed on 94.2 fine, however 116.10 only comes thru when it is a local show, like the news or a syndicated repeat of a show.
If for example a FOX network show is on, I will get nothing on 116.10, only on 94.2. This has always been annoying since I can't watch football or other shows in HD like I can every other channel.

I just figured this out the other day... if during a FOX network HD show they break for commercials and show local commercials, and if I switch over to 116.10 during that local feed and leave it on that channel I can then watch the HD show when the commercials are over! It pops into the HD show!
If I happen to change the channel during that HD show, and come back, it's gone! Nothing!
What in the world is happening? I've not had anything like this on the other HD channels.

The home shopping station, K15DD, ch. 15 just filed an application for a digital flash cut, they filed an application for ch. 23 several years ago, as did KCTU, the FCC never granted it to either one of them, and this now leaves KSMI-51 as the only low-power analog station with no application or construction permit to go digital.

How large is the Cox outtage this morning. Is Sterling the only area or are more affected. Would be nice to see the parade and football sometime today. Tried to call Cox but was told the offices were shut down for holiday!

Ict was out except for locals until a few minutes ago

Anybody on these forums switch from Cox to U-Verse? We are thinking now of the switch and would like to know some local experiences. We have been having daily issues with Cox Internet, and frankly given it is a monthly issue, we have had enough. Speed means little next to reliability.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/search.php?searchid=14545089

Anybody on these forums switch from Cox to U-Verse? We are thinking now of the switch and would like to know some local experiences. We have been having daily issues with Cox Internet, and frankly given it is a monthly issue, we have had enough. Speed means little next to reliability.

I have not made the switch, and don't expect to. I have talked to a couple of people who have made the switch. One is happy, one is not. Both experienced what I had heard previously--the installation can take several hours. Both like the whole-house DVR; one is not thrilled with the internet. But again, this is second hand, anecdotal information.

Thinking about switching from DTV to Cox, but hoped I might be able to get some info first...Cox's site is not helpful!

How big is the hard drive on the current HD DVR?
Can an external drive by added to expand capacity?
Can you get more than one HD DVR?

Not big enough
No
As many as you want to pay for

Thinking about switching from DTV to Cox, but hoped I might be able to get some info first...Cox's site is not helpful!

How big is the hard drive on the current HD DVR?
Can an external drive by added to expand capacity?
Can you get more than one HD DVR?

1. 160 GB
2. No
3. Yes, but they cost $17.25/mo. for each one (plus tax).

Is this just a KAAS thing? Right now, watching 24 on KAAS here in Salina and it is in some kind of SD mode. The picture is letterboxed and not filling the full wide screen. Meaning there are black borders on all four sides of the picture. Are you guys seeing the same thing in Wichita OTA? via COX?

This happened once last week, but was corrected before whatever show I was watching was over

Thanks

I kept expecting them to switch over to HD but they never did. Also curious if this was state wide or just local.

Is this just a KAAS thing? Right now, watching 24 on KAAS here in Salina and it is in some kind of SD mode. The picture is letterboxed and not filling the full wide screen. Meaning there are black borders on all four sides of the picture. Are you guys seeing the same thing in Wichita OTA? via COX?

This happened once last week, but was corrected before whatever show I was watching was over

Thanks

KSAS on Cox in Wichita was HD 16x9.

What's up with the FOX KSAS HD feed? Here in Salina every program I have watched over the last week has been in SD. Does our Cox signal come from their translator station? Is there a problem there or is the problem orginating in Wichita. Getting fed up. Do they know there is a problem?

This is hilarious. I sent an email to both Cox and KSAS about the lack of an HD signal on KSAS.

From KSAS: "We are aware of the issue and are working with Cox communications to resolve it. Thanks for watching."

From Cox: "We are aware of the issue and are working with KSAS to resolve the issue. Thank you for contacting us."

This is hilarious. I sent an email to both Cox and KSAS about the lack of an HD signal on KSAS.

From KSAS: "We are aware of the issue and are working with Cox communications to resolve it. Thanks for watching."

From Cox: "We are aware of the issue and are working with KSAS to resolve the issue. Thank you for contacting us."

The guy i've emailed at KSAS in the past said they just became aware of the problem yesterday and that the engineers are working on it. I guess this means they don't have anyone in Salina monitoring the station for them, since it has been messed up for over a week.

Anyway, the good news: In a later email he said it should be fixed now.

Is anyone else out there in the Wichita area a Cox customer with a TV that has a cablecard and the built-in TV Guide On Screen system? I keep losing my data off of my LG 50PC1DR television, and am trying to determine if it is a signal issue or a hardware issue.

Is anyone else out there in the Wichita area a Cox customer with a TV that has a cablecard and the built-in TV Guide On Screen system? I keep losing my data off of my LG 50PC1DR television, and am trying to determine if it is a signal issue or a hardware issue.

KWCH has apparently turned off the TVGOS data. I have contacted them about it, and may know more by the end of the day.

Mark

KWCH has apparently turned off the TVGOS data. I have contacted them about it, and may know more by the end of the day.

Mark

Thanks. If you learn more, please post an update here or send me a private message.

Thanks. If you learn more, please post an update here or send me a private message.

It's back on again. They didn't know there was a problem until I called.

Mark

It's back on again. They didn't know there was a problem until I called.

Mark

thanks. I still didn't have data when I got home from work this evening, but I'll let the TV sit overnight and maybe clear until tomorrow evening and see. If I still don't have data, I'll do the dreaded reset if I can remember how. But then the channels get back in that randomized order.

I've got data, now! Thanks for contacting KWCH.

KAKE now has a digital translator on channel 21 in Colwich.

http://www.kake.com/blogs/dtv/86396797.html

So now, Wichita has two digital transmitters covering the same area, while up here in Salina we still have an analog translator.

When they were on 21 full power, I could at least pick that up some of the time, but since the have gone back to 10, i can never get it. I know some of that is probably my antenna, but I am able to get channel 12 (CW) some of the time. I can get ch 19 (KWCH) all of the time.

KWCH had a similar problem after the switch over and just swapped 12 and 19 giving up the perfectly good 31 transmitter. KAKE should just go back to full power on 21, drop 10, and get our translator up here in Salina flash cut over to digital!

End of Rant

Jeff

KAKE should just go back to full power on 21,

I doubt they can. Spacing to KSNC-22 is probably an issue.

- Trip

But seriously, is this their long term plan? To spend money operating two transmitters with the same programming to the same area?

KWCH had a similar problem after the switch over and just swapped 12 and 19 giving up the perfectly good 31 transmitter. KAKE should just go back to full power on 21, drop 10, and get our translator up here in Salina flash cut over to digital!
KWCH/KSCW owns the facilities near Hutch. The channel 31 transmitter (now KDCU) is on a leased tower.

Clearly the FCC, and most everybody, thought VHF high was going to be great for DTV, or else everybody would have made plans to stay full-power UHF.

KAKE has four LP/TX stations to convert. With this economy who knows when they'll get the money for those.

Who agreed to give MyTV Wichita the carriage agreement for the Big 12 Network? Honestly, they can't show games in HD that are filmed in HD, and its crappy SD at that. I know they are getting an HD feed, because it "pops" into HD for a a second at times, but instantly changes back, like it was a mistake? On top of that, running commercials during the games, horrible audio, ect, ect. Thank god I am a KU fan, most of our games are on real networks, but watching other Big 12 games is just painful.

Who agreed to give MyTV Wichita the carriage agreement for the Big 12 Network? Honestly, they can't show games in HD that are filmed in HD, and its crappy SD at that. I know they are getting an HD feed, because it "pops" into HD for a a second at times, but instantly changes back, like it was a mistake? On top of that, running commercials during the games, horrible audio, ect, ect. Thank god I am a KU fan, most of our games are on real networks, but watching other Big 12 games is just painful.

Well, it's not in HD on ESPN360.com either. (It has the ESPN360.com gray bars on the sides of the picture.) Why do you think this feed is HD? MYTV has aired HD programming in the past. Why would they be unable to show these games in HD.

I've never seen any games on either the Big12 Network or the Jayhawk Network in HD. I'll agree, though, that even for SD, the picture is always crap on games on mytv or ksas. Even when an ESPN channel cuts into games on these networks, it's in SD.

Jeff

Anyone know if/when COX is going to offer MyTV in HD in Salina? I hate watching the Big 12 BB Tournament games in SD.

Well, it's not in HD on ESPN360.com either. (It has the ESPN360.com gray bars on the sides of the picture.) Why do you think this feed is HD? MYTV has aired HD programming in the past. Why would they be unable to show these games in HD.

I've never seen any games on either the Big12 Network or the Jayhawk Network in HD. I'll agree, though, that even for SD, the picture is always crap on games on mytv or ksas. Even when an ESPN channel cuts into games on these networks, it's in SD.

Jeff

I was told that the KU/KSU game last week was shown in HD in KC, and the feed looked a lot better than most Big XII games do on Saturday afternoons. Tonight's KSU game looks decent as well, and I would bet it is being filmed by the same crew/equip that did the KU game for ESPN2 earlier in the day. I am assuming that a game filmed in HD looks a little better on SD than one that was filmed SD.

That being said, I hate that the Big XII games are on MyTV, as I think they make an already bad picture look horrible most of the time. Plus I use a PC with a tuner card, and the 116-2 feed of MyTV has vanished, so I am going to have to re-work my guide to use the 94-3 feed, if it is still there. (yes, I am a cheap bastard that only gets limited basic so I can QAM the locals)

I was told that the KU/KSU game last week was shown in HD in KC, and the feed looked a lot better than most Big XII games do on Saturday afternoons. Tonight's KSU game looks decent as well, and I would bet it is being filmed by the same crew/equip that did the KU game for ESPN2 earlier in the day. I am assuming that a game filmed in HD looks a little better on SD than one that was filmed SD.

That being said, I hate that the Big XII games are on MyTV, as I think they make an already bad picture look horrible most of the time. Plus I use a PC with a tuner card, and the 116-2 feed of MyTV has vanished, so I am going to have to re-work my guide to use the 94-3 feed, if it is still there. (yes, I am a cheap bastard that only gets limited basic so I can QAM the locals)


I am watching the Big 12 tournament right now (Friday night) and it is on both FOX and MyTV Wichita....if you have an HDTV, the HD feed is right now on MyTV Wichita.......freaked me out!!!!

Anyone know if/when COX is going to offer MyTV in HD in Salina? I hate watching the Big 12 BB Tournament games in SD.

According to Cox's website, you should have MyTV in HD. It is cable channel 2006.

According to Cox's website, you should have MyTV in HD. It is cable channel 2006.

Maybe in Wichita, but not in Salina. No 2006.

http://ww2.cox.com/wcm/en/residential/datasheet/arkansas/Salina.pdf

I was told that the KU/KSU game last week was shown in HD in KC, and the feed looked a lot better than most Big XII games do on Saturday afternoons. Tonight's KSU game looks decent as well, and I would bet it is being filmed by the same crew/equip that did the KU game for ESPN2 earlier in the day. I am assuming that a game filmed in HD looks a little better on SD than one that was filmed SD.

That being said, I hate that the Big XII games are on MyTV, as I think they make an already bad picture look horrible most of the time. Plus I use a PC with a tuner card, and the 116-2 feed of MyTV has vanished, so I am going to have to re-work my guide to use the 94-3 feed, if it is still there. (yes, I am a cheap bastard that only gets limited basic so I can QAM the locals)

That's where I got it from too, I have family and friends up in KC and Lawrence who said the game was in HD, so obviously it was being filmed in HD. Considering all the games were in the Sprint Center, I assume they set up all the cameras on day one and used them all four days. Since Big 12 Network is an ESPN affiliate, I bet they used all ESPN gear.

Either way, the game that was in SD, which I believe was one of the first round games caused me to send MyTV a comment on Twitter saying how mad I was about no HD. About 3 minutes after that, they started popping in HD and about 10 minutes later they had a Full HD feed with no sound, 5 mins later, they had a great HD picture with HD sound. Thankfully it stayed that way the rest of the tournament. So either irony, or somebody read my tweet. ;)

With that said, I would gladly pay for a dedicated Big 12 Network in full HD. I am sure within the Big 12 region, most people would do the same. This having to have "Agreements" with stations is every city is a mess. Being a KU fan, most games are on National networks, but I still like watching KSU games and the like, mostly for trash talking purposes though. ;)

to mabuttra or others with TVGOS in Wichita: Are you experiencing any lack of data? I discovered yesterday I'm not getting listings for some channels, including Discovery HD and related channels; but am getting data for many other channels.

to mabuttra or others with TVGOS in Wichita: Are you experiencing any lack of data? I discovered yesterday I'm not getting listings for some channels, including Discovery HD and related channels; but am getting data for many other channels.

Sorry, I can't help, I just have limited basic cable on one TVGOS device, so I don't get DiscoveryHD. All my listings seem to be complete though. My other TVGOS device is over the air only.

Mark

The new Spanish language TV station, KDCU-31 is now broadcasting in 1080i HD, today is apparently the first day for this.

Hi guys. I'm back with Cox after a 2 year absence.

I wonder if anyone has an updated list of digital/HD channels available through my TV's QAM digital tuner? Just looking for a shortcut for what channels I'm going to pick up through Cox?

Thanks.

Cox just announced a new "Whole Home" DVR along with an overhauled user interface. Looks good so far!

http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/cox-plus-package-brings-advanced-trio-ui-500gb-multiroom-dvr/

They'll roll it out to all of their markets by the end of the year. No word on pricing, though.

Cox just announced a new "Whole Home" DVR along with an overhauled user interface. Looks good so far!

http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/cox-plus-package-brings-advanced-trio-ui-500gb-multiroom-dvr/

They'll roll it out to all of their markets by the end of the year. No word on pricing, though.

The week I switch to U-Verse for similar features no less. I suppose I will have to keep an eye out, I an extremely happy with U-Verse so far, but I am more of a person that just wants to try the newest and greatest, hence the switch. I will be interested to see how the pricing comes on par with U-Verse. because by the sounds of it, this "feature" will be extra.

I have a new RCA ANT3036X antenna mounted 20' on a mast. I can get 3-1,10-12-1,12-2,21-3,24-1,28,31-1,33-1,36-1,40,43-1-2-3-4,49-1-2-3-4.
8 I'm having trouble reciving, the best I get is a choppy picture. I have turned the antenna in all directions and it did not help, the best is when the UHF elements are pointed North. I know the transmitter is by Hutchinson NW of my location (west central wichita). All other channels come in great, better than when I had the antenna in the attic. Right now I have two antennas on the mast the new one and an old one I have thats pretty weather beaten, missing 2 elements and one loose. Both are faceing the same direction, that hasent helped much. I have thaught of moving the 20' mast on the lower floor roof that would give a total of about 30' above ground. But not sure if I want to do that. Is any one geting all of the channel 8 channels? How do you have your antenna set up?

These Cox channels have been added recently:

2015 KDCU HD
2054 HLMK HD
2250 FSC HD

Is any one geting all of the channel 8 channels? How do you have your antenna set up?
Go to www.tvfool.com and use your address, to help tweak your aim for KPTS.

FWIW...channel 8 is on a relatively short tower, near Buhler, which makes them the hardest station for most to receive OTA.

Kansas Zephyr, I believe that the website you have in mind is www.tvfool.com.

What? No Weather Channel HD yet? Get with it Cox.:confused: