Cousin Vinny, You rock. Very succinct and very true

Channel 3's Oswald wrote: "The reality of it is that Cox charges for high definition. It's a tier of their service, and one of the more expensive ones. If they make money off it, why shouldn't the people who made the investment?" Oswald said

Oswald is either ill informed or trying to put a false spin on it. Oswald, if you're reading this: Either quit spreading lies or get the facts straight. I have little tolerance of people who spin this kind of crap and then let the media print it. The average person who doesn't really know the true story here is going to read this dribble in the Eagle and take at face value as truth. What a weenie.

I have to defend Cox on this too. When you really crunch the numbers as dresf has so clearly stated, Cox isn't really making anything off of HD. Channel 3 & 12 are just trying to hold Cox's feet to the fire and make them look like the bad guys. Even though I am an HD subscriber and would really love to have the other locals on HD, I applaud Cox for having the moxy to hold their ground on this.

It's been almost a year now since HD Cox was launched and the longer it goes the less respect I have for Channel 3 and Channel 12. As if I had any respect for them in the first place.

I used to be a DirecTV subscriber and I remember the games the local affiliates would play to prohibit DirecTV from giving subscribers access to the national network feeds.

"Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time you yellow bellied goat trough wipers."

"Search for the Holy Grail"

Like Cousin Vinny, I have gone OTA for my locals. Screw the local HD channels on Cox. I rather have Cox add other HD channels not available OTA such as HDNET, HDNET Movies, TNTHD, CinemaxHD, BravoHD, etc.

I would also prefer to get my locals via OTA, but from what cox tells me, there's no way to run OTA antenna through the cable converter to receive the HD OTAs.

Is that your experience? Do you have two tuners -- 1 for cox hd and 1 for OTAs?

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. Great forum!

Chris

That's the drill. I have the Motorola 6412 HD/DVR from Cox. Then I have a OTA Samsung HD receiver. The most elegant solution is only having one box and tying up one input but... ( trying to settle down on the locals rant)
Welcome!

Originally posted by dresf
That's the drill. I have the Motorola 6412 HD/DVR from Cox. Then I have a OTA Samsung HD receiver. The most elegant solution is only having one box and tying up one input but... ( trying to settle down on the locals rant)
Welcome!

What would really be great would be to have a box that would do Directv HD and OTA plus QAM if Cox would put the locals out unencrypted.

I will be working with 24-1 KSAS-DT late this afternoon and possibly into prime. During this Fox Widescreen will not be available, but I don't think That 70's or The Casino are Widescreen anyways (I might be wrong)
You might also notice some temporary stream loss, but for the most part I will try to keep it viewable.

Anyways I will get it back to normal as soon as possible.

jon

Honestly the HD situation in Wichita is atrocious! My brother can't even pick up NBC(ch3) HD and he is at Central and Greenwich!

Then there is the Cox situation with the locals in HD! Yuck! And to boot they evicted Tanya's Soup Kitchen!!

Wichita is definately behind the times imho!

That's exactly what is needed, competition. There is DirecTV and Dish. Now that I even get the locals on D*, there's not much reason to have Cox cable.

Dave G.

You don't get the national networks in HD though do you Talon95? Do you get the national feeds in lo-def?

Originally posted by talon95
That's exactly what is needed, competition. There is DirecTV and Dish. Now that I even get the locals on D*, there's not much reason to have Cox cable.

Dave G.

I though the same thing untill last night when we lost the dish because of the weather and all we had was radio. I like to look at radar.

Does anyone know why Cox does not allow DVI HD connection on their HD box?

Is there a way to override the setup and use the DVI?

Am I correct that DVI is much better HD than component? I believe so...

Can you update the firmware on your own to allow it to accept DVI?

Thanks for your thoughts...

Chris

Originally posted by timmy1376
I though the same thing untill last night when we lost the dish because of the weather and all we had was radio. I like to look at radar.

I get the locals OTA also though, so that's not a problem.

Dave G.

Moreinc:

Cox does allow DVI from their box, but just the 6412 DVR box, it just does not function well yet the bugs are being worked on. I will not go into the nitty gritty here.

The 6412 does allow DVI to be chosen from the setup menu

DVI is theoretically better, but my eyes cannot see the difference. I pray for a DVI output that is bug free in the near future.

Firmware is in the realm of your cable provider, they provide the firmware updates and it occurs automatically when the updated firmware is available. No other options here

Cox has been telling me for months that they're "working on it" -- in response to my questions regarding getting more locals (CBS, NBC, etc.) onto their HD package.

Anybody get an honest answer from them -- or have inside information regarding the supposed "contract negotiations" that are going on?

It's driving me crazy that football season is almost here and still no CBS HD through Cox. I don't want to fork over another $200 min. to purchase a second tuner for OTAs.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Scroll through this thread starting in last October and you will get a feel for what is known and what is not. And join the frustration club. And go ahead and get an OTA receiver and antenna. I would not limit my frustration to your cable provider though. Vent at the local networks and their corporate owners for trying to have cable subscribers foot the bill for the local affiliates conversion to HD.

IS the INHD 1 & 2 on COX cable messed up or what? There is artifacting at all times on all program types it seems. (eg baseball and movies and nature)

It's bad enough to be limited on HD on COX but for it not to work right at all?!?!

Is COX siphoning away valuable bandwidth?

What is the deal COX?

If you don't like COX cable, then dump it.

Perhaps you should have them come out and check your line? Or maybe you have a defective box? Maybe your cables are bad?

I can say that I don't experience video artifacts 'all the time' on INHD 1 and 2. I can also say that I DID have a problem with SHOWTIME HD until I exchanged my box. I can also say that any HD channel will suffer some artifacts from time to time.

I will say I have had some nice exchange of email lately with a guy from Cox there in Wichita. I am not sure of his official title with Cox, but he has been very helpful and even said to call him directly if I needed anything.

tim

I had to keep quiet during testing because of some paperwork still being taken care of, and it's not my place to make announcements. It just came out 15 minutes ago.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2004

Cox Communications adds Fox Kansas in High Definition

Wichita, Kansas - Cox Communications will add the Fox Kansas television station (KSAS) to its High Definition lineup on Sept. 12. The station is an affiliate of the Fox Network, which offers a variety of programming and will be located on channel 604.

Fox Kansas will carry national programming in HD including: the Super Bowl, all NFL playoffs, Daytona 500, all baseball playoffs (ALS, NLS and the World Series), Casino, The O.C., 24 and America’s Most Wanted. As with most other HD programming, Cox Communications is proud to offer the Fox Kansas station to its customers for free.

“We are pleased to carry Fox in HD on the Cox channel lineup,” said Kimberly Edmunds, vice president and regional general manager for Cox Communications Kansas. “We know our customers enjoy the supreme high quality of HD and Cox is glad to bring this technology into our customer’s homes.”

“High definition programming is in demand,” said Kent Cornish, Fox Kansas vice president/general manager. “The commitment by the Fox Network to bring so many sports and entertainment programs to viewers shows the importance they place on this exciting technology,” Cornish said. “We appreciate Cox’s distribution of our high definition signal as it is a great addition to our over the air signal.”

Everything is lined up for Sept 12th. For OTA and Cox.

jon

Great job Jon.

BTW: Where did you get that press release? I will be interested to see if they carry KTMJ in Topeka if they have had the necessary work done.

tim

This just affects the Wichita area, right? The networks we get in Manhattan on Cox are from the Topeka market. They've already let me down once this year by not adding NBC in time for the olympics (late coverage or not), and I'm not holding out a lot of hope for NFL on Fox this month. :mad:

Thanks for the update Jon. Looking forward to watching the best team in baseball (CARDINALS!!!) in the playoffs in HD!

On the downside of HD locals in Wichita:
NBC's most expensive show for the new season premiered tonight. Father of the Pride, the first network animated series in HD. However at 8:05 pm, I had to convince the person answering the KSN newsline that the show was in HD and that the engineer in master control had to hit the switch so I could see it in HD. A minute after I hung up, glorious HD. It's a shame that the viewers have to keep reminding some of the local channels to get their act in gear.

:( I still can't pick up KSN over the air at Central/Greenwich.

But great news about KSAS! Thanks Jon!

Originally posted by Brett Miles
This just affects the Wichita area, right? The networks we get in Manhattan on Cox are from the Topeka market. They've already let me down once this year by not adding NBC in time for the olympics (late coverage or not), and I'm not holding out a lot of hope for NFL on Fox this month. :mad:

Yeah, just the Wichita DMA.

You might want to call Cox and tell them you want KTMJ and KSNT in HD. I talked to the engineer at KSNT a couple of week ago and the rift is KSNT want money and Cox doesn't want to pay. But there might be good news. They are talking about putting up a repeater for their digital signal somewhere in Manhattan.

I talked to the engineer at KSNT a couple of week ago and the rift is KSNT want money and Cox doesn't want to pay.

You have to realize that if the rumors are correct about KSN (and possibly some other local stations) offering some form of 'cable-like' programming (USDTV) over their digital spectrum, would you really blame Cox for not wanting to pay money that would be used to help subsidize that project?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=409027&highlight=emmis

Originally posted by klemsaba
You have to realize that if the rumors are correct about KSN (and possibly some other local stations) offering some form of 'cable-like' programming (USDTV) over their digital spectrum, would you really blame Cox for not wanting to pay money that would be used to help subsidize that project?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=409027&highlight=emmis


Not at all. But I cannot blame the local stations for wanting something in return either.

If Cox is not charging for locals in HD, and I mean they should put them out there in QAM format unencrypted, then they should not have to pay. The locals should be happy that they get that many more eyeballs watching.

But on the other hand, the locals have spend a lot of money on equipment. In some cases, that equipment will have to be replaced to get the same coverage area as they have with analog.

The same rumor is up here about KSNT doing the "cable-like" system up here. That is why I called the engineer. The main thing is they are owned by Emmis, which is like USDTV but different. I asked about loosing HD when they do it, and he said it was in the plans, but the box would have a different chip so it would decode something like WM9 or divx or possible something even newer. I really believe it will be several years before Wichita or Topeka will see this.


I would really like to hear Jon's thoughts on this should Cox pay debate.

Why in the wide wide world of sports would Cox put out a signal that nonsubscribers could recieve. Cox is in the business of cable tv. I've already done my cost analysis of HD on cable in an above post, won't do it over. My entire arguement rests with the fact that cox is not making one red cent on HD and I think that's solid, given their investment in HD recievers. How long does it take to recover a $500 box with a $9.95 box rental? Given the speed at which the technology is evolving and the consumers demand for state of the art, their box rental can't be very lucrative on what is currently about a 8 month shelf life, then they are obsolete and the customer demands what the guy in Del Boca Vista has.
The arguement that the locals have to spend money, therefore passing it on to just cable subscribers is utterly hogwash. The locals have to do it ANYWAY. Well shucks, I did go over the arguement again. Sorry. I am more than willing to watch the losers on HD (CBS,NBC) OTA and let Cox continue to gird their loins against a clear case of blackmail and blood money from the corporate owners of KSN, KWCH.

Originally posted by dresf
Why in the wide wide world of sports would Cox put out a signal that nonsubscribers could recieve. Cox is in the business of cable tv. I've already done my cost analysis of HD on cable in an above post, won't do it over. My entire arguement rests with the fact that cox is not making one red cent on HD and I think that's solid, given their investment in HD recievers. How long does it take to recover a $500 box with a $9.95 box rental? Given the speed at which the technology is evolving and the consumers demand for state of the art, their box rental can't be very lucrative on what is currently about a 8 month shelf life, then they are obsolete and the customer demands what the guy in Del Boca Vista has.
The arguement that the locals have to spend money, therefore passing it on to just cable subscribers is utterly hogwash. The locals have to do it ANYWAY. Well shucks, I did go over the arguement again. Sorry. I am more than willing to watch the losers on HD (CBS,NBC) OTA and let Cox continue to gird their loins against a clear case of blackmail and blood money from the corporate owners of KSN, KWCH.

Nonsubs cannnot receive it. You must at least have basic cable to get the locals in unecrypted QAM.

I can see both sides. They both want to make money. I won't argue either.

:D

I agree timmy that one ought to be able to receive the HD locals without a box if your set has a integrated tuner and one is a cable subscriber and just basic at that. But as you said they want to make money and I certainly won't begrudge them that.

I'm with ya! Like you it would seem to me that they would want to have the most viewers as possible. If there are 2 programs on simultaneously that I am deciding over and one is in HD, which one are we gonna watch? I never lose hair over that decision.

HD should have no artificats period. I get none except on inhd1&2

Pointless insults edited. Try to be productive when discussing or complaining.

I will be working tonight with our KSAS-DT stream in preparation for Sunday. I should be able to keep a forced feed of our upconversion active. If not I will return a signal as soon as possible.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Jon

Thanks for the info Jon.

Originally posted by vblyth
Got the call tonight. The Cox HD DVR boxes are available. I will be picking it up tomorrow. I got onto the waiting list on May 8th and was in the top 15. Here's the details I was able to get from the Cox rep who called.

The box is a Motorola DCT6412. The unit was announced in May.

http://www.hometheatermag.com/news/051304motorola/
http://www.twice.com/article/CA414728?display=Breaking+News

Link to the user manual:
http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/customer_docs/user_guides/512659-001-a.pdf

Dual tuner, 120 GB Harddrive. However, the current software only
supports the single tuner. :mad: Software should be updated by late summer. The rep was not sure if the DVI/Firewire interface was activated with the current software. The box uses the Pioneer's Passport interface.

Vblyth:
Thought you might be interested in this:
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=76341&p=irol-newsArticle_other&t=Regular&id=611110&

Cox has supposedly sent down the firmware for dual tuner support. Now you can record two HD channels at once.

Let us know how it works! Also named based recording.

Got to hand it to Cox, pretty close to when they said it would be done.

tim

Originally posted by timmy1376
[
Cox has supposedly sent down the firmware for dual tuner support. Now you can record two HD channels at once.

Let us know how it works! Also named based recording.

Got to hand it to Cox, pretty close to when they said it would be done.

tim [/B]

Fantastic. This looks like it fixes just about every complaint that I have. I just got mine today though. Does anyone know how long it takes to update?

Originally posted by timmy1376
Vblyth:
Thought you might be interested in this:
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=76341&p=irol-newsArticle_other&t=Regular&id=611110&

Cox has supposedly sent down the firmware for dual tuner support. Now you can record two HD channels at once.

Let us know how it works! Also named based recording.

Got to hand it to Cox, pretty close to when they said it would be done.

tim

Thanks for the info Tim. I talked to Cox last night and they told me that the new software should be available within the next 2-4 weeks.

Originally posted by vblyth
Thanks for the info Tim. I talked to Cox last night and they told me that the new software should be available within the next 2-4 weeks.

Please keep us updated on that. I just might have to try their DVR for a couple of months. I love my dual tuner directv tivo and that was the major "non" selling point of the Cox dvr. Now that it will be dual tuner, i'll give it a shot.

Hey All, I just got my HDTV yesterday and wanted to say thanks for all the information in this thread(I've been lurking). I bought a Widescreen with a HDTV tuner in it, and put a silver sensor in the attic (I live in NW Wichita). It all works very well, as I can get all the Locals fairly reliably. The picture on HD broadcasts is excellent. Just wanted to add my 2 cents.

Jason

Originally posted by jimboc0
Hey All, I just got my HDTV yesterday and wanted to say thanks for all the information in this thread(I've been lurking). I bought a Widescreen with a HDTV tuner in it, and put a silver sensor in the attic (I live in NW Wichita). It all works very well, as I can get all the Locals fairly reliably. The picture on HD broadcasts is excellent. Just wanted to add my 2 cents.

Jason

Ahhh... HDTV just before the football season starts! That's living good!

Hey guys... See KSAS on my COX HD programming guide today. AWESOME!

Now, if CBS would get on board, I'd be thrilled...

Anyway, to my question: I saw online that the Cards/Rams NFL game on FOX was being broadcast in High-Def.

Yet, on the guide, it doesn't show the "HDTV" text that indicates a program is in High-Def.

Anyone familiar with this situation? Why is a game known to be broadcast in HD not showing up on KSAS HD (CH 604) in HD?

Thanks.

Okay. The Cards/Rams game is on -- but it appears that FOX HD is running a few seconds behind the regular Fox broadcast of the game...

Anyone know why they're doing this? Is it an error?

I'd almost rather watch in Low-Def real-time than HD on a few second delay...

Also, I'm not sure the FOX HD channel is putting the game in true HD, it seems to not be as crisp as the games I've seen on ESPN HD.

Thanks.

Originally posted by moreinc
Okay. The Cards/Rams game is on -- but it appears that FOX HD is running a few seconds behind the regular Fox broadcast of the game...

Anyone know why they're doing this? Is it an error?

I'd almost rather watch in Low-Def real-time than HD on a few second delay...

Also, I'm not sure the FOX HD channel is putting the game in true HD, it seems to not be as crisp as the games I've seen on ESPN HD.

Thanks.

Why would a few second delay really matter? Remember, it probably takes a few seconds to encode the 720P MPEG2 stream and broadcast it out.

The PQ looks great, especially compared to standard definition stuff on Cox Cable.

The Ari-Stl is not in HD. The 3pm game Dal-Min will be. Check out the following thread for Fox HD info:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=445355

Digital broadcast delay is a way of life now. We were at about 1.5-2 seconds delay before installing the splicer. It added another approximate second.
Even the processing time in your receiver is a factor (splitting the stream out into video-audio-data) Our operators have to be careful not to watch the HD monitor when going to break or they'll fire the commercial a few seconds late !

Sounds like there are a few growing pains going on across several of the games. I guess it is to be expected.

I would be interested to know if anyone had problems with :
- FoxKansas on HDCox 604
- Audio levels when we go to local spots
- Anything else that looks locally tainted, most of the feed is in the hands of Fox.

This week should also have North Shore, Quintuplets, and Bernie Mac in HD.

Thanks ahead of time
jon

PS - schedule with HD available shows : http://ksas.titantv.com/
Make sure to click on KSAS-DT

three cheers for jon and KSAS, hip, hip...hooray!

Looks good on 604!

Originally posted by Jon@KSAS/KSCC

I would be interested to know if anyone had problems with :
- FoxKansas on HDCox 604
- Audio levels when we go to local spots
- Anything else that looks locally tainted, most of the feed is in the hands of Fox.


This is just a little nit-pick but the grey bars during local commercials isn't very cool. It is distracting when national and local breaks share the same segment. Fox uses black bars, KSAS uses grey bars.

I did notice the sound was out of sync with the video during local breaks also. I think it was during the 'pre-game' show.

It is great to have FOX in HD. Can't wait for 24!

BTW, I'm watching via Cox HD. Really glad both KSAS and Cox could come to an agreement on the HD issue. Thanks to both companies!

Found the problem with the audio, it was way off. When I caught the game I was in and out and never caught a local break (they can be rare during sports). During the game it was mostly voiceovers so it was hard for me to notice.

As far as the grey bars, we originally put those on such as KWCH and other stations to help fight burn in during the 22 hours a day we are 4x3 upconverting. Plasmas were known to be bad, but even CRT's will burn after a while. I'll take a vote here, and see what my boss thinks. Let me know what you prefer.

BTW it is a team effort around here, I'm just the only one who checks the web posts regularly. I'd like to point the finger at someone else, but the audio problem this time was strictly my fault... Oh well.

Thanks for the feedback klemsaba.

jon

Originally posted by Jon@KSAS/KSCC
As far as the grey bars, we originally put those on such as KWCH and other stations to help fight burn in during the 22 hours a day we are 4x3 upconverting. Plasmas were known to be bad, but even CRT's will burn after a while. I'll take a vote here, and see what my boss thinks. Let me know what you prefer.

BTW it is a team effort around here, I'm just the only one who checks the web posts regularly. I'd like to point the finger at someone else, but the audio problem this time was strictly my fault... Oh well.

Thanks for the feedback klemsaba.

jon

You're welcome.

People watch DVDs with black bars. I don't think you would have to worry about the black bars as much as bugs and stuff. Also, your grey bars are not completely grey. There is still a small black strip right beside the video so you're really not solving any problems.

KAKE uses black bars.

FOX in HD = great TV viewing!

I had seen a "legal notice" in the paper a couple weeks ago -- when COX announced Fox HD was being added on the 12th -- that said the PBS HD was being added on the 15th.

But it's still not there.

Anyone have any info on PBS HD for COX?

Seems to me like I read PBSHD was in October?

Originally posted by dresf
Seems to me like I read PBSHD was in October?

I was quoted October 8 for PBS in the Topeka market. Don't know if it's the same for Wichita.

I wish we could get Fox up here.

Jon@KSAS/KSCC,

I watched part of the CAR/KC game yesterday OTA and I thought the PQ and sound were excellent. I look forward to the baseball playoffs on FOXHD.

Vern-

Thanks for the feedback. Hopefully the rest of the season will be problem free, and prepare us for the Superbowl. I can only hope. :)

If you see anything wierd (Vern or anyone) let me know.

jon

I read much earlier in the thread that KWCH goes full power in 2005. Is this still the case?

Also I found a page about DXing and they recomended a really expensive preamp with a .5 dB NF. ($400 - $700). But when I went to the company's (Research Communications) website, they had a different model with a 0.4db NF using PhEMT transistors instead of GaAs and it was only like $200. I'll let you know how much of an improvement it is over my CM7777 for picking up KWCH from 80 miles away.

Is anybody else having problems receiving the KAKE OTA digital signal? I live in Derby and can receive KWCH, KSN, UPN, WB, FOX and Sometimes PBS. KAKE is the only channel that will not lock on. The signal for the other channels is between 82% for KSN and 60% for PBS with all the other falling somewhere in between. I have a Dish 811 Receiver with a large attic mounted UHF antenna connected with about 20ft of RG6 cable. I tried e-mailing the engineering dept at KAKE but I never received a reply

It must be nice to get all of those channels..I live off of 127th East behind the Lowes, and all I can receive is FOX, WB (sometimes), and ABC, no NBC, or CBS (which I would love to get for football) I'm waiting on Cox..I want the HD PVR, but not until they carry NBC, and CBS

Does anyone have any new (useful) information regarding the addition of NBC and/or CBS to Cox's HD lineup?

Originally posted by moreinc
Does anyone have any new (useful) information regarding the addition of NBC and/or CBS to Cox's HD lineup?

I've noticed that KWCH (CBS) has been airing commercials touting how nice the HD signal is... over the air. I hope it happens soon because I still have to "assume the CBS viewing position" (After Al Bundy and his FOX antenna from Married with Children) to get CBS in HD. I'm out of luck with NBC - can't get it at all.

Jon@KSAS/KSCC,

Was there a problem with the HD for NFL Sunday? When I turned the NYG/GB game on in the 4Q, I was seeing grey bars and SD. Was this a national or local problem? Having no way of contacting Fox Kansas during the weekend or evenings to report or inquire about problems is not good.

We have a splicer problem of some kind. I was out of town yesterday, some of the indicators that operators watch were lit up like it was working properly, so this probably confused the operator who saw the grey bars.

It's not switching to Network for me either this morning.

I'll post again once things are working.

jon

A safety relay was locked down due to a receiver failure. Fox has given up on this idea, and had me disconnect the wire that throws the relay. The idea was if the receiver lost signal it would force the local upconvert on to keep a signal on the transmitter.

So it won't be thrown on accident again in theory.

Again I will try to make it easier for the operators to realize when there is a problem with the HD.
I am working on coming up with a way for viewers to sound an alarm per se. We don't have a news dept with someone staffed answering the phone, like the other stations do. We have to reserve our communications channels to the operators, otherwise they would be bombarded with calls keeping them from concentrating on the program on air, or from taking one of my dept's calls to help solve the problem.

sorry for the speed bump
jon

Jon@KSAS/KSCC,

The forum appreciates the quick and informative responses to our inquiries. We understand that there are growing pains with the new technology so we will be patient. Direct communication between the forum and engineering at the local channels in invaluable and a luxury. I'm looking forward to watching the Cardinals in the MLB playoffs, hopefully on FoxHD.

Thanks again for the great work.

Originally posted by KS-Jayhawk
It must be nice to get all of those channels..I live off of 127th East behind the Lowes, and all I can receive is FOX, WB (sometimes), and ABC, no NBC, or CBS (which I would love to get for football) I'm waiting on Cox..I want the HD PVR, but not until they carry NBC, and CBS

What a coincidence, I live there too. Phase III. I was getting everything except PSB DT perfectly until about two weeks ago when I lost signal strenght on CBS. (that will be a another post) Look at the size of my antenna though.

Cheers,
Flyboy

How funny, I live in phase 2, but my antenna is in the attic....

Has anyone been catching LOST, the absolute best show on network TV? Well I've read in other threads about how great the 5.1 is and everyone's LFE's getting pushed to the limit and blah blah blah, but am I the only one feeling a bit underwhelmed and unimpressed? I'm thinking KAKE's decoders aren't working correctly because last nights broadcast started out in SD prologic which was loud, but once they switched to 5.1 HD I had to turn up my denon probably a full 10db. At almost full blast I've noticed very little surround activity and weak LFE. I noticed this on last seasons ALIAS also but had DVDs to compare, which were also weak in LFE and surrounds. So who do you guys think the culprit is; KAKE, Bad Robot (the production company of both shows) or my setup (using LG-3100 and the moto 6412 with a Denon 3801 and Paradigm studios)?

James

Yea, I've noticed that also. There's almost no LFE activity in the Lost episodes I've watched on KAKE. Does the 5.1 DD sound get re-encoded though? I would think that's a direct pass through, but maybe not. Nevertheless, I've been impressed with the PQ and sound. Every episode feels like you're watching a DVD movie, except with much better PQ.

The only complaint is the stooopid # of commercials. I don't think I could stand to watch it as it airs. Fortunately my HDTV Wonder is finally working properly so I can record it.

Dave G.

Due to sun outages, around 1pm on Sunday we will switch to our upconverted feed on KSAS-DT. It is predicted to last no more than 10 minutes.

So if you're watching the game and see it switch you know it's on purpose this time.

Our analog feed will flip between receivers on 2 different birds and should not be interrupted. The HD feed is only available on one bird so it will go down during the outage. This is a nationwide thing, not just our station.

have a great weekend
jon

As for KAKE, their 5.1 DD is the problem. The quality is poor and the volume level is way too low. Lost started out in SD, I finally called at 7:05 to tell them to get the HD turned on (Huh? What? HD? What's that?) and it took them to 7:12 until the HD/5.1DD finally came on. This is not the first time I have had to call and wake them up. I have sent emails to KAKE engineering and management about the levels and quality of the audio on the digital signal and have received absolutely no response. The audio problems exist for both the OTA and CoxHD signals. Thank goodness the PQ is excellent. KAKE is "only on your side" when it serves their side.

This is why Jon@KSAS/KSCC's timely and quality responses to us in this forum is so great. Take a look at his last post. A head's up on a future HD outage during Sunday football along with the reason why. It's like he trying to prevent posts on Sunday saying "What happen to the HD !?!" :)

Originally posted by vblyth
As for KAKE, their 5.1 DD is the problem. The quality is poor and the volume level is way too low. Lost started out in SD, I finally called at 7:05 to tell them to get the HD turned on (Huh? What? HD? What's that?) and it took them to 7:12 until the HD/5.1DD finally came on. This is not the first time I have had to call and wake them up. I have sent emails to KAKE engineering and management about the levels and quality of the audio on the digital signal and have received absolutely no response. The audio problems exist for both the OTA and CoxHD signals. Thank goodness the PQ is excellent. KAKE is "only on your side" when it serves their side.

Yeah... I finally watched LOST last night via my COX DVR. I was extremely disappointed that it took them that long to switch back to the HD feed. I've noticed it numerous other times in the last week as well with other programs. WAKE UP KAKE!

Originally posted by KS-Jayhawk
How funny, I live in phase 2, but my antenna is in the attic....

FYI,
I was just working on some reception issues when i realized that sites like antennaweb.org. don't give you the correct pointing solution. Their map data base doesn't have this area in it. You can drag the location out to where we are and get the a correct steer.
288.5 degrees in the average for all the major networks - except PBS.

I moved my antenna 10 degress and wow what a difference. Signal strenght on CBS went up 40 points!

Cheers,
Flyboy

Is KSNW-DT off the air right now?
9 Oct A.M.

Flyboy

Jon@KSAS/KSCC,

We guess it had to happen. The dreaded station bug on Fox. The location in the bottom right is great, but the bug is a little too bright and draws the eye. Make it a little more transparent and not so bright and all will be fine.

Originally posted by vblyth
Jon@KSAS/KSCC,

We guess it had to happen. The dreaded station bug on Fox. The location in the bottom right is great, but the bug is a little too bright and draws the eye. Make it a little more transparent and not so bright and all will be fine.

Away for a while, and catching up in this forum.....Why did it have to happen? Why are ANY of the station Logo's on the screen?

???Flyboy???

I had a chief engineer I worked for that set me straight when I didn't agree with programming choices. "We just make the waves modulate, we don't control what's on them, that's the other department's decision."

So with that, if you have complaints about our bug(s), which I know is always a hot topic, please email our promotions dept at :

foxfeedback@foxkansas.com

Or if you want to call our office and ask for the promotions manager or general manager, we're in the phone book. Politeness always goes much farther when proving your point if you do call.

We would have had the bug earlier, but our splicer had a problem with it, and Fox had to have the manufacturer work on it, they worked with me Friday right before prime.

I believe the intention was for it to be more transparent, but I'm not sure, so I will let the graphics dept see it as is, and make sure it's what they wanted. So no promises there.

One more thing, the HD bug is actually controlled by Fox, they gave all of the stations the option to replace their bug with our own localized bug. And I am having a little bit of a problem with it coming on and off as it should. I saw it stay up during some national commercials last night. I will be working on that part. When we upconvert we won't have it on, but we already have our regular bug on anyways!

jon

Originally posted by vblyth
Jon@KSAS/KSCC,

We guess it had to happen. The dreaded station bug on Fox. The location in the bottom right is great, but the bug is a little too bright and draws the eye. Make it a little more transparent and not so bright and all will be fine.

I agree. Both the the black and white areas of this bug are a concern due to burn-in.

While I'm on the topic of Fox's sports coverage, anybody else find the flaming graphic and sound effect on pitches during the baseball playoff games as irritating as I do? I have my own sound effect that follows it: "click" (as I switch to another channel).

Our splicer was not responding to the transparency settings Fox had sent it. After a little bit of work on their end, it is now transparent, and at the level our graphics dept wants.

Hope it's a little better Vern!

jon

Originally posted by Jon@KSAS/KSCC
Our splicer was not responding to the transparency settings Fox had sent it. After a little bit of work on their end, it is now transparent, and at the level our graphics dept wants.

Hope it's a little better Vern!

jon

Looks fine Jon. Thanks once more for the quick response and solution.

Now if strings can be pulled to make sure Fox Kansas carries the St Louis game Wednesday night... (I already called programming and expressed my preference for which game to modulate over the waves. Go Cardinals!)

Hey, did anyone else have issues with the MNF game OTA last night. Mine was horrible. Came over crystal clear on cable 601 though. Trying to figure out if this was common or if I need to play with the antenna. Never had a problem before though with any of the channels before. Hmm. Wx didnt seem that bad to be a factor?

Good to see that your projector is up and running Eric! Long time, no HD.

I checked in on MNF OTA a few times last night and didn't notice any problems (except for the Green Bay defense). I spent most of the night watching Fox OTA and there were no problems with that signal, so that may rule out weather.

FoxHD OTA looks great tonight with the first HD baseball game for Fox. Just hope we get to see the Cardinals tomorrow night in HD!

Thanks! So what gives? I live near 29th and Ridge Rd and always receive awesome HD OTA signals and I can't find anyone who had issues last night. For my location KAKE ought to be the best shouldnt it? Can it be too strong?

BTW, Green Bay ruined my week and blew up my tiebreaker right in my face. Kerplow!

Jon @ KSAS,

Who's decision was it to air the St Louis/Houston game on fox (meaning no HD for the best rivalry in sports: Red sox Yankees)

I know we are geographically closer to St Louis but that is ridiculous....WHY??

I'm sure 99% of the country got the Red Sox/Yankees game on network fox (hd) so why not us?

BAD DECISION

I live @ Central and Greenwich and was trying to pick up the OTA HD channels. I tried the Silver Sensor and was able to recieve all channels except CBS, ABC, and PBS. I also tried a Winegaurd Sensar, but still could not pick up CBS, ABC, or PBS. I picked up a 4bay bowtie UHF antenna from Don's TV, and now I get all OTA HD stations (inlcuding both PBS). I'm not sure of the manufacturer, but this antenna worked for me. I have it mounted in the attic.

For thoe who are having reception issues I have had very good luck with the Winegard Powered Antenna. Advanced Audio is selling them. I was able to get all HD programming 1 mile north of Belle Plaine with one. I have helped several friends set up their HDTVs and this has solved their reception issues. Just FYI

Originally posted by lakaw
I live @ Central and Greenwich and was trying to pick up the OTA HD channels. I tried the Silver Sensor and was able to recieve all channels except CBS, ABC, and PBS.

Really? I live in Preston Trails (also at Central/Greenwich) and get FOX/UPN/WB/ABC OTA with a Silver Sensor. I can pickup CBS if I take the antenna outside and put it on the top landing of a ladder. :D I can't get NBC at all.

I may need to try that antenna you mentioned - I did prewire for one up in the attic.

Originally posted by mkultra
Jon @ KSAS,

Who's decision was it to air the St Louis/Houston game on fox (meaning no HD for the best rivalry in sports: Red sox Yankees)

I know we are geographically closer to St Louis but that is ridiculous....WHY??

I'm sure 99% of the country got the Red Sox/Yankees game on network fox (hd) so why not us?

BAD DECISION

I talked to Fox programming earlier this week about which game they were going to broadcast on FoxHD Wed night. They said it was purely a network decision on which HD feed they would get and the local affiliates had no input on the decison. Of course having grown up in St. Louis and being a Cards fan forever, the game shown was the correct choice.

To consider it ridiculous to broadcast a game based on geographic considerations makes no sense at all and is a BAD CONCLUSION on your part.

Originally posted by vblyth
I talked to Fox programming earlier this week about which game they were going to broadcast on FoxHD Wed night. They said it was purely a network decision on which HD feed they would get and the local affiliates had no input on the decison. Of course having grown up in St. Louis and being a Cards fan forever, the game shown was the correct choice.

To consider it ridiculous to broadcast a game based on geographic considerations makes no sense at all and is a BAD CONCLUSION on your part.

Agreed. It just makes sense to broadcast that game. We are directly in between St. Louis and Houston. I am just glad Fox gave us with cable or satellite the option of watching the other game on FSN.

Given the history of the rivalry between Yanks and Red Sox it was not the correct choice period.

How many people TRULY would rather watch the Cards Astros game who don't live in that market?

The Red Sox Yankees game is the cadillac of baseball games....makes no sense to me but some people are hung up on geography and can't see the big picture :( oh well

Originally posted by mkultra
Given the history of the rivalry between Yanks and Red Sox it was not the correct choice period.

How many people TRULY would rather watch the Cards Astros game who don't live in that market?

The Red Sox Yankees game is the cadillac of baseball games....makes no sense to me but some people are hung up on geography and can't see the big picture :( oh well

I would imagine Cardinal and Astro fans outnumber Yankee and Red Sox fans in this area. Plus, they might have a legal obligation to MLB to show games for the teams from our region.

I watched both, but for those without access to FSN, I can see how it would be frustrating.

Originally posted by Hippster
Really? I live in Preston Trails (also at Central/Greenwich) and get FOX/UPN/WB/ABC OTA with a Silver Sensor. I can pickup CBS if I take the antenna outside and put it on the top landing of a ladder. :D I can't get NBC at all.

I may need to try that antenna you mentioned - I did prewire for one up in the attic.

Hippster,
I just recently moved into 3rd phase. I tried putting the SS up in the attic and still could not get ABC, CBS. The people I've talked to about OTA reception all say it's all about your location. The antenna that works for me might not work for my neighbor.

Don's was going to accept a return if it didn't work. Give it a shot!

From our programming dept :

On rare opportunities we can pick teams to air, but Fox always has the final decision. This is based on them promising a certain number of viewers to the advertisers for particular games. Since we don't have a home team, we sometimes end up being a somewhat "quota filler". The same thing happens with NFL on occasion.

Usually the games our programming dept get to choose the teams for are early season, or games that don't cause anyone to be upset.

This was a network decision. Hopefully everybody will like future decisions better.

Feel free to go to our website at www.foxkansas.com and send our programming comments or game selection requests.

jon

Originally posted by mkultra
Given the history of the rivalry between Yanks and Red Sox it was not the correct choice period.

How many people TRULY would rather watch the Cards Astros game who don't live in that market?

The Red Sox Yankees game is the cadillac of baseball games....makes no sense to me but some people are hung up on geography and can't see the big picture :( oh well

Given the history of the St. Louis Cardinals in the Midwest it was the correct choice period.

The Cardinal Radio Network is one of the largest for any MLB team and is currently broadcasting to the following states: Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Prior to the relocation of the Royals to KC in 1969, Kansas and Colorado were also included in this list.

The FOX Coverage on Wednesday Night for the Cards/Astros game included: Austin, Chicago, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Louisville, Memphis, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, St. Louis, Tulsa, and Wichita. As you can see this list overlaps partially with the Cardinals Radio Network and I guarantee that there were alot of Cards fans in other areas that were very upset that they did not get the Cards/Astros game.

I grant you that the Red Sox/Yankee rivalry is one for the ages and I greatly enjoy watching those games too because I am a fan of baseball. But to believe that this rivalry between two East Coast teams should override Fox's obligation to show the Cards/Astros game in the areas where their fans live is missing what it is to be a fan of a specific baseball team. To believe that the NY/Boston fans outnumber the Cardinal fans alone in this area shows a lack of knowledge in baseball history in the Midwest.

And believe me, I see the big picture... It was the Cards game in high definition on my 61" DLP last Wednesday night and it was spectacular.
:D

Does anyone know...

I usually use the programming guide to see if a specific program is broadcast in HD, by the "HDTV" note at the end of the details for the particular show/event...

But I looked through both PBS and PBS Kids on the HD-Tier -- and I couldn't find any shows that listed "HDTV" on the programming guide...

Come to think of it, FOX HD does the same thing, I believe. Some shows I can tell are being broadcast in HD don't tell you that in the programming guide.

To my question: Anyone know if both or either PBS's on the HD-Tier are actually broadcasting anything in HD?

Thanks.

Would someone mind telling me which stations actually transmit HD OTA? Its probably to be had if I sift through all 42 pages of the thread, put I'm hoping this is easier.

The reason I ask is: I'm not normally home to watch the couple of programs which are in HD OTA that I want to watch. The get Tivoed off of cable and thats that. But on Friday night, I was actually home to watch Enterprise on UPN. And it looked just like it does coming from Cox. It was the 4:3 format letterboxed with the UPN logo overlapping onto the letterbox.

Originally posted by HD in Wichita
Would someone mind telling me which stations actually transmit HD OTA? Its probably to be had if I sift through all 42 pages of the thread, put I'm hoping this is easier.

The reason I ask is: I'm not normally home to watch the couple of programs which are in HD OTA that I want to watch. The get Tivoed off of cable and thats that. But on Friday night, I was actually home to watch Enterprise on UPN. And it looked just like it does coming from Cox. It was the 4:3 format letterboxed with the UPN logo overlapping onto the letterbox.

ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, UPN, and WB all broadcast shows in HD. I usually check the DTV guide in order to see which shows.
Most of the HD broadcasts are prime-time or sports. Not sure about Enterprise.

Originally posted by lakaw
ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, UPN, and WB all broadcast shows in HD. I usually check the DTV guide in order to see which shows.
Most of the HD broadcasts are prime-time or sports. Not sure about Enterprise.

The local UPN and WB stations in Wichita are currently broadcasting digital but are not broadcasting HD. WB hopefully will start broadcasting HD in 2005. Maybe Jon would know the timetable for UPN in HD here in Wichita.

lakaw,

"Enterprise" is UPN's only HDTV program during primetime, that I can see.

vblyth,

Thanks for the info.

UPN has actually announced a few more drama series to be offered in HD.
Starting in November if I remember correctly, the memo is somewhere in my desk.

The equipment to make UPN HD is on the top of our wish list from engineering. Our GM has made it a priority to try and push HD, which is great, but the equipment is expensive, so if he can fit it into our budget will determine when we switch.

As a little bit of background, when the DTV deadline hit, UPN was still under Paramount, not Viacom. During that time there was no word of HD programming, so many of the affiliates such as us, didn't spend the extra money to push HD when it would have been only upconverted. Our SD equipment cannot be updated, it has to be replaced.

A little more info for thought.
jon

KSAS-DT will be off for a bit today in the afternoon, we have tower climbers working on some radio antennas near our digital antenna.

We'll have it back on before prime.

Anyone else notice a low level hum during the Redsox-Yankees games? Sounds almost like the audio was not set-up properly. I don't think its a problem with my setup, as this is the first time I've noticed it. I noticed it during games 4 & 5. I did not hear it during Astros-Cards, and cannot remember if it was present when the ALCS was in NY. I guess we'll see if it's still present tonight.

I definitely noticed the hum last night (Sunday night's game). I had to watch the game in mute for some periods because it was flat annoying at times.

Good, @ least I'm not hearing things. I did not hear it in last nights game.

I haven't bothered looking for a national thread mentioning the hum.

We don't split the data out from Fox when we're in network (the benefit of the splicer), so what ever audio they put in is what comes out of your receiver. On our end we have to trust them to have levels proper, and they have. Only when we are in a local break, or in upconverted programming does our local plant come into play, unless there is a problem with the entire digital data stream, but that should be rare.

The nice side about this is there is no way for our station to pollute the audio or video signal. So the hum was probably a problem in the truck at the game, and I'm sure several people were trying to trace it down. Live TV is hard work.

Glad it's gone though.

While I'm here, we will have tower climbers on Friday and possibly Saturday morning. We will have to take down KSAS digital and even the analog during the day for a few hours. Weather will determine at what time.
No matter what we will be back up for prime and of course the World Series.

jon

Originally posted by Jon@KSAS/KSCC
I haven't bothered looking for a national thread mentioning the hum.



The national threads for Game 4 and 5 also mention the hum, so it was on the network feed. The common theory was it was the sound of the blimp flying overhead.

So, I am not able to recieve PBS OTA at all. I was getting it before. Before I start troubleshooting and crawling around in the attic.... Is everyone else still getting PBS, or is it just me? Thanks. -Jay

Our tower work continues (they are installing a new FM antenna very close to our digital antenna, so we have to shut down so the guys don't get fried).

We will be firing back up around 6 tonight in plenty of time for the game. If the weather holds up they should be able to wrap up their work soon.

X-Ray - I'm getting PBS here at our studios.

jon

Thanks, Jon. I was afraid you were going to say that. :)

XRay, you may know this, but just to be sure, PBS isn't up all day long. So part of the time you won't get a signal (sorry, I can't remember the hours they are up).

Dave G.

Does anybody watch Law&Order? There was an annoying non-sync between the actors lips moving and the sound coming out last night (KSN's OTA broadcast). I was wondering if anybody else had a problem or if it was my setup. It seemed to be fine during the Red Sox - Cards game.

Lip sync (lack of) has been frequent for me with KSN-only for at least a couple of weeks. And NOT limited to just Saturday Night Live

Well, glad to hear its not just me. But not so glad to hear its been a couple of weeks.

I e-mailed the engineer at KSN to see what was going on and I never got a response back. I'll post if I ever hear back.

Jason

Sorry for the off topic post, but since this thread involves Wichitans I thought I'd post here.

Have you guys noticed the terrible picture on DTV local channel 12? The picture is horrible, ghosting, scrolling transparent vertical bars. I've noticed it on three different tv's. I guess it could be my multi-switch, but this is the ONLY local channel that looks bad.

Or is it just my set-up?

havent noticed a problem with 12. But the audio sync on NBC is so annoying I have to watch the analog channel. Maybe that's what they want us to do??
KSN is usually pretty unresponsive

Anyone gotten any response from KSN re the delay and lack of a center channel in DD 5.1. The lips and sound are off quite a bit when KSN is in HD. Are they even aware of this I read a while back that people were complaining about this. I am just wondering if KSN even acknowledges this as a problem.
Thanks

Got a reply back from KSN, apparently they have a bad sync module in their encoder. He said they are waiting on a replacement. He didnt provide a time frame but at least they are aware of it and working on it.
Jason B

This is beginning to drive me nuts... I've read all the threads, but I'm curious if anyone has any new information recently regarding COX adding NBC and CBS to their HDTV lineup?

I'm so ready to go Satellite, but I'm comfortable with cable and don't really want to make the switch.

Thanks for any input you have.

jason,

Good news. Although....

If it keeps up for much longer, I just might have to ressurrect some Olympics, Nielson, 1 day delay consipiracy theories.

moreinc,

I think most everyone here is able to get locals in HD off air without too much trouble with a decent antenna and tuner. If you are only looking for those two channels, that might be a good option. Last time I talked to Cox(about nine months ago) they were going to add NBC soon. So, just hold your breath, it won't be much longer.

I'm also a Voomer for about six months now and am very happy. Lots of HD, though your mileage may vary. Other people are also very happy with D* or E*. Plenty of threads around on that. Pick your poison - you'll probably be happy.

Jon,
Looks like FOX HD is running the SD feed.

Something going on?

It was on our end.
I was out of town, a part of the splicer was bumped unplugged. FOund it this morning.

Will post later this week on what I am setting up to help fix these problems quicker. There was no excuse for our operator not calling about this.

In addition the tower work should be complete for quite a while so we'll keep our transmitter on 24/7 again.

jon

Originally posted by Jon@KSAS/KSCC
It was on our end.
I was out of town, a part of the splicer was bumped unplugged. FOund it this morning.

Will post later this week on what I am setting up to help fix these problems quicker. There was no excuse for our operator not calling about this.

In addition the tower work should be complete for quite a while so we'll keep our transmitter on 24/7 again.

jon


Wake up FOX! Rebel Billionaire is NOT being transmitted in HD. Flip the switch please.....its listed as hd

Also the regular channel on fox cox cable 4 is not broadcasting in stereo...channel 604 does not have this problem so something is wrong.

I live just west of Wichita(few miles north of Goddard). I have been able to get everything but KAKE. I even added a second antenna. I know that is not advisable, but it works fine. I get everything great except KAKE. I have one antenna pointing toward Hutchinson and I have one pointing toward Colwich. I just can not understand why I can not get KAKE. Has anyone else had the same problems tuning in KAKE. I understand they are channel 21. It is a real weak signal? I am beginning to wonder if my tuner is a problem for some reason. It is an AKAI 55 inch rear projection with the built in tuner. It is driving me crazy. I am even getting a perfect analog signal for all channels(3,8,10,12,24,33&36). I just can not get the 10 digital. Any assistance is appreciated.

I live in the NW part of town and get all the channels fine, but on occasion KAKE seems week. The only way I know of to fix the issue on your end is to play trial and error with antenna aim. Re-aim, go inside check reception... This worked for me. Also check your connections, quality connectors and tightened. Maybe a signal amplifier next, but where you are at you ought to be able to tune all of the digital channels without.

mkultra-

Our Fox receiver was not feeding us the HD signal, our operator did notice, and I worked on it with no luck. I am waiting for the West Coast to wake up to trouble shoot it with them.

It's an automatic switch, which can be overidden, last night it used an automatic bypass due to no available HD feed, so at least the SD feed was on instead of black.

I have 4 on Cox in stereo here. Are you outside of Wichita? Even so I think all of the Cox headends in KS are carrying us in stereo.
Our over the air 24 is not stereo, and will never be due to the way the transmitter is set up. But that shouldn't be an issue since we will shut it down at some point in the future.

jon

I'm at 21st and Webb. I first noticed it during Simpsons Halloween special and checked my connections. I thought my left front speaker was blown or disconnected. The only sound is from the right side in 5 channel stereo or any other sound mode. I lived not even a quarter mile away not too long ago and did not have this problem.

This might happen as well on one of the other locals ,KAKE 10 I think, but none of the digital ones.

Thank you

Originally posted by lakaw
I live @ Central and Greenwich and was trying to pick up the OTA HD channels. I tried the Silver Sensor and was able to recieve all channels except CBS, ABC, and PBS. I also tried a Winegaurd Sensar, but still could not pick up CBS, ABC, or PBS. I picked up a 4bay bowtie UHF antenna from Don's TV, and now I get all OTA HD stations (inlcuding both PBS). I'm not sure of the manufacturer, but this antenna worked for me. I have it mounted in the attic.

I'll second this! I live at Greenwich and Harry. I used to live in College Hill. I have been through 5 HD antenna's through both locations...the last two were roof/pole mounted antenna's. I always thought bigger must be better. NOT. I bought the for mentioned UHF only 4 Bay from Don's TV for half of what Circuit City wanted.
I put the thing in my attic and I'll be damned if I don't have the best overall signal ever. I get "good to excellent" signal on ever HD channel in Wichita. This Channel Master antenna is only 36 high by 20 wide...perfect for attics, but more important...it actually blows away my 80 inch boom pole mounted antenna.

Flyboy

Still investigating the low left channel. I've had several complaints.

It's an intermitent problem, only during network.

Just wanted to let you know I'm not ignoring it. It's somewhat elusive.

This affects anything taking our stereo analog feed. So far it doesn't affect the HD stream.

jon

Originally posted by Flyboy@39zero
I'll second this! I live at Greenwich and Harry. I used to live in College Hill. I have been through 5 HD antenna's through both locations...the last two were roof/pole mounted antenna's. I always thought bigger must be better. NOT. I bought the for mentioned UHF only 4 Bay from Don's TV for half of what Circuit City wanted.
I put the thing in my attic and I'll be damned if I don't have the best overall signal ever. I get "good to excellent" signal on ever HD channel in Wichita. This Channel Master antenna is only 36 high by 20 wide...perfect for attics, but more important...it actually blows away my 80 inch boom pole mounted antenna.

Flyboy

I have to put in my 2 cents about the Channel Master 4 Bay (also purchased at Don's) This thing is amazing. I live in Derby and no matter what I tried I could never pick up KAKE. With the Channel Master mounted in my attic I receive everything except channel 8. KSN - 84%, KAKE - 76%, KWCH - 65%, Fox - 92%, WB - 78%, and UPN - 85%. I did notice that the antenna is not only extremely sensitive to direction but also to location. movments of as little as 2 feet in any direction could mean a good signal or none at all.

Originally posted by lakaw
Sorry for the off topic post, but since this thread involves Wichitans I thought I'd post here.

Have you guys noticed the terrible picture on DTV local channel 12? The picture is horrible, ghosting, scrolling transparent vertical bars. I've noticed it on three different tv's. I guess it could be my multi-switch, but this is the ONLY local channel that looks bad.

Or is it just my set-up?

One month later...but no your not the only one...and yes it's still happening. I know of many DTV people who have noticed this problem.

:)
Flyboy

I haven't actually seen anything that bad on CBS, but they are definitely sub standard in PQ. The best 2 stations seem to be FOX and ABC. I have to give the thumbs up to FOX though, they seem to be the best at this point. I recorded a couple of the movies from last weekend and they look and sound fantastic.

Dave G.

Originally posted by dbfruth
I have to put in my 2 cents about the Channel Master 4 Bay (also purchased at Don's) This thing is amazing. I live in Derby and no matter what I tried I could never pick up KAKE. With the Channel Master mounted in my attic I receive everything except channel 8. KSN - 84%, KAKE - 76%, KWCH - 65%, Fox - 92%, WB - 78%, and UPN - 85%. I did notice that the antenna is not only extremely sensitive to direction but also to location. movments of as little as 2 feet in any direction could mean a good signal or none at all.

Congrats on your new OTA HD capablity! It is really a great antenna. Now if only a low cost, battery powered, rotator!
What amazes me, I've to 3 different Radio Shack stores thinking, "these guys should know" only to find they really have no clue. I actually went to RS to buy one and they don't even carry a similar antenna.

How much does Don's charge for the ChannelMaster antenna? Is this the 4221? Last I looked they cost around $30 to $40 shipped from online sources.

I am now living in a house with nothing BUT an antenna (no cable or dish), and the (analog) reception is pretty crappy on our old 26" Zenith. I have an HD card in my PC so I could record/watch TV on my 19" LCD (which really isn't that small from a distance of two feet), but I'm going to need a better signal and therefore a better antenna.

I am actually pretty close to the towers, so I am tempted to try a small antenna, even like a Silver Surfer, but mounted on the roof. Hey, it's not my house and I don't want to PO the neighbors with a big ugly antenna.

David

Originally posted by haysdb
How much does Don's charge for the ChannelMaster antenna? Is this the 4221? Last I looked they cost around $30 to $40 shipped from online sources.

I am now living in a house with nothing BUT an antenna (no cable or dish), and the (analog) reception is pretty crappy on our old 26" Zenith. I have an HD card in my PC so I could record/watch TV on my 19" LCD (which really isn't that small from a distance of two feet), but I'm going to need a better signal and therefore a better antenna.

I am actually pretty close to the towers, so I am tempted to try a small antenna, even like a Silver Surfer, but mounted on the roof. Hey, it's not my house and I don't want to PO the neighbors with a big ugly antenna.

David

David,
I have a silver sensor I could let you borrow to try if interested. I would have to mail it from Manhattan, but would be willing.

tim

No HD for Big XII Championship??!! I called KAKE's 24 hour newsline, and was told that no one from engineering was available. Some people across the country are reportedly watching in HD, some are not. I believe our affiliate has dropped the ball!!

HD HERE IN iowa. looks great!

Originally posted by michaelg299
HD HERE IN iowa. looks great!

Pause the game, we'll all be right up!!!

Hi everyone!
You guys know alot about this stuff. I should have came here before I purchased a $50 RCA rabbit ears from Best Buy. What is bad is that I then ordered a Terk TV55 off ebay and am getting it on Wednesday. I went out to Don's TV and saw what great quality they were getting on their demos. With my RCA indoor antenna Im only getting channel 3, 24, and sometimes 33. I didn't even know about 8-1 and 8-2. From what I am reading in other post the TV55 is not that great. I should have gotten the one at Don's. I guess I will see how good it works on Wednesday. I'll probably sell it on ebay if it doesn't work out and by the one at Don's.

Originally posted by haysdb
How much does Don's charge for the ChannelMaster antenna? Is this the 4221? Last I looked they cost around $30 to $40 shipped from online sources.

I am now living in a house with nothing BUT an antenna (no cable or dish), and the (analog) reception is pretty crappy on our old 26" Zenith. I have an HD card in my PC so I could record/watch TV on my 19" LCD (which really isn't that small from a distance of two feet), but I'm going to need a better signal and therefore a better antenna.

I am actually pretty close to the towers, so I am tempted to try a small antenna, even like a Silver Surfer, but mounted on the roof. Hey, it's not my house and I don't want to PO the neighbors with a big ugly antenna.

David

Still running your PCDTV card?
Anyhow, Dons charges $49 and will take it back if it doesn't work.
I do know of some people who live "too close" to the toweres to watch HD.

Cheers,
Flyboy

we are receiving a bad HD feed from Fox. They are working on it with me.

Hope to have it in HD soon...

jon

Originally posted by Flyboy@39zero
Still running your PCDTV card?
Anyhow, Dons charges $49 and will take it back if it doesn't work.
I do know of some people who live "too close" to the toweres to watch HD.

Cheers,
Flyboy Yes, I still have the MyHD card, but currently with no antenna feed. Timmy is sending me his Silver Sensor to play with. My computer is in an awkward location within the house, across the room from the nearest antenna outlet, so my only viable option is an indoor antenna.

David

I think im gonna go to Don's and buy their antenna. I just put up my Terk TV55 and can only get 3,10,33,36. The channel that I really want is 12.

Originally posted by BlueNgu
I think im gonna go to Don's and buy their antenna. I just put up my Terk TV55 and can only get 3,10,33,36. The channel that I really want is 12.

Be forwarned. Channel 12 is my/and others weakest signal. It is definately usable but I do get "ocasional" momentary pixelization. By that I mean that maybe twice an hour....the channel with pixelate. I can live with that.
My PBS Channels are slightly worse but only because their broadcast antenna is to the side of all the other Wichita stations. If I physically point the antenna at them, I get a great signal.

Still the best OTA HD antenna I have found.

Cheers,
JT

Is anyone having an issue with the audio on WB, channel 33-1? I am getting a good picture but no audio.

I am getting 0% signal on channels 8-1 (PBS) and 12-1 (CBS).

This is not entirely surprising since my antenna is an old combination UHF/VHF model mounted UNDER a wood deck and pointing directly at the neighbor's house, so it's not exactly an optimal reception situation to say the least. Not only that, but the channel 8 and 12 broadcast towers are 28.7 miles away according to www.antennaweb.org (http://www.antennaweb.org). And isn't channel 12 still broadcasting at low power?

Channels 10 and 24 are 100%, 3 is 87%, and 33/36 are both around 65%.

A roof mounted antenna is a possible option, but the other TV's in the house are analog models and we don't have cable, so the antenna would have to be a combo model rather than a UHF only antenna like the ChannelMaster 4221.

Since I do recieve 5 stations, I'm not sure it's worth spending a lot of additional money to get one additional channel (12) plus PBS, so I guess I will just try to tweek my current setup as well as possible and call it good.

Originally posted by BlueNgu
I think im gonna go to Don's and buy their antenna. I just put up my Terk TV55 and can only get 3,10,33,36. The channel that I really want is 12. You're not getting Fox? I get channels 10 and 24 both at 100%, with a distinctly non-optimal antenna set-up (see previous post).

The only channel that I get good signal is 3. I put my terk tv55 outside on my roof and now I'm sort of getting 10 and 21. I going to try putting it a little higher and see if that helps.

I just upgraded from the COX HD box to the HD Box with DVR... At the same time, I was told the HD DVR box supported DVI, so I connected that way...

My questions are two:

1) Does anyone know if it's normal with the DVI connection for my TV to display HD channels with bars at the top and bottom, as if I was watching 16:9 on a 4:3 TV? My TV is set to wide mode and it stretches SD channels.

If I'm watching Standard Def channels it streches the image, but widescreen broadcasts are displayed with the bars...

2) Through Cox, does the DVI provide a better (in your opinion) picture than the component?

I understand DVI is all digital, and component is Digital to analog then back to digital, but I'm wondering if the final display is noticably different.

My TV is a Samsung DLP 46" approx. 6 months old. Thanks.

For the first question, the answer is no, for true 16x9 HD you should have a full screen image. If that's not the case, then there's something set wrong on the HD box. My guess would be it has a setting to "letterbox" the HD content for a 4x3 display. Look for an option to set your display type.

I've seen a lot of debate on DVI vs. component. I've used both on my Hitachi 51SWX20B (crt) and can see little difference. My advice is to choose whichever is more convenient for you setup. I do use the DVI connection for my DirecTV box, but that's simply because I have other devices on the component inputs (HTPC and DVD player).

Dave G.

Anyone else noticed that the last couple days channel 3's digital channel 45 HD programming has been windowboxed? I'm assuming it's because of the area information (school and church closings, etc.) at the bottom of the screen. I'm wondering if they don't have capability to split the transmissions and send two different signals out, one to channel 3 and the other to channel 45? I know KAKE does this because on Channel 10 they had the info crawl, but on 21 DT it was HD with no crawl. Just annoying thats all.

On another note the ice build up on my outdoor antenna helped me pull in 19 (12-1 KWCH) again. :) It had been fine for quite a while then a couple a weeks ago I lost it, and messed with aiming the antenna but never could get it back. After reading some post here last month I've ordered the Channel Master 3021 (which I guess is the same as the 4221) from ACE that should be here this week. Currently I'm using a Radio Shack 15-2160 which I've had ever since I got the OTA HD box but 12 has never been all that strong of a signal. I'm hoping the 3021 will bump the signal level a bit.

Greetings,

I live at about 21st and Maize Rd, Wichita.

I have a Sony projection hd ready tv and would like to get an hd signal. I currently have analog Cox Cable into the tv. We get some 70 channels and have hbo, and would want to keep at least comparable service. Is it better to buy a STB like the LG LST-4200A and add an antenna, or subscribe to the upgraded Cox service? Or, subscribe to satellite? Does Cox have to carry and offer the local channel hd signal for free over it's lines? There may be a FAQ for this sort of question, but I didn't find it.

Thanks for any helpful remarks.

Carl

Currently Cox provides the following HD channels:
ABC (KAKE)
Fox (KSAS)
PBS (KPTS)
HBOHD (with subscription)
STARZHD (with subscription)
SHOHD (with subscription)
ESPNHD
DiscoveryHD (with subscription)
iNHD1
iNHD2

OTA provides the following digital channels:
CBS (KWCH) HD
ABC (KAKE) HD
FOX (KSAS) HD
PBS (KPTS) HD
WB (KWCV) Non-HD
UPN (KSCC) Non-HD
NBC (KSNW) HD

Cox does not have to carry the local digital channels as you can see.

I have one of those Channel Master 4221 Antenna's that I just took off my house. If anybody wants to try it out just let me know. I live up in Park City and I was able to receive all the channels fine with a samsung OTA. I just swtiched to cox just for the DVR recording which works great. But no cbs or nbc in HD. rrrrrr

Best e-mail is bhess@hmsvc.com to reach me.

Brian Hess

I just recently got the HD DVR from cox also -- and I love it...

But I too am frustrated by the lack of NBC and CBS...

Does anyone have any new pertinent information on when COX will be adding either of those HD channels?

There was a brief snippet in the paper this morning in bob curtrights column, in a question and answer format. Same ole crapola... it's being handled at the corporate level and its a money issue blah, blah blah.
I will refer you to a post I made a few months ago in this thread for my lucid and incredibly intelligent response and retort.
The long and short of it is... don't hold your breath for cbs and nbc. And go out and buy a ota tuner and antenna to supplement your cable offerings.

Originally posted by doodah
Greetings,

I live at about 21st and Maize Rd, Wichita.

I have a Sony projection hd ready tv and would like to get an hd signal. I currently have analog Cox Cable into the tv. We get some 70 channels and have hbo, and would want to keep at least comparable service. Is it better to buy a STB like the LG LST-4200A and add an antenna, or subscribe to the upgraded Cox service? Or, subscribe to satellite? Does Cox have to carry and offer the local channel hd signal for free over it's lines? There may be a FAQ for this sort of question, but I didn't find it.

Thanks for any helpful remarks.

Carl

Carl,

My sister used to refer to Wichita as "doodah". Still does really, just not in Wichita anymore.

I looked at Cox for their HD package. Times may have changed, but back then the pricing structure was pretty punitive. You paid for the HD teir, but then need to pay extra for Discovery HD or some other channels. Plus, they only had two of the networks. I don't know about now, but from the jist of the posting, I'd guess "about the same."

I have Voom. The VaVaVoom package has HBO and also their HD HBO. The basic package has 37 HD channels, plus most standard def channels that Cox has and then some. Installation includes an OTA antenna. The sat box also does the OTA channels, so only one new piece of gear for your equipment rack. You should have no problems getting the OTA where you live. On the east side, I rarely have problems.

I haven't experienced any rainfade or other problems, even during the ice storm last week. Really

Check there website for the channel lineup and the current deals.

Downside.

The box has some flakeyness. I think recent software patches have fixed this.
Installation is a trial. They have weeded out some installers, but it was an adventure for me.
No DVR, but they are promising March. Just don't hold your breath.
You need a Southeast exposure.
Questions about the future prospects of Voom ie going out of business.

Is anyone else having major problems with scheduled recordings on the COX HD-DVR?

Things will fail to record but show in the LIST as having recorded from 6:59pm-6:59pm when it should have recorded from 7:00-8:00pm. I have dumped all scheduled recordings as a result and now set everything manually.

Manually settings a recording works fine until the networks change their schedule after the recording is set. For instance Wed. night ABC changed LOST from ending at 8:01pm to 8:03pm after I had set things. This caused Alias to shift as well. I had scheduled both so I thought logically it wouldn't be a problem. WRONG! Both shows said they wouldn't record because they "overlapped" or something. I had to delete both recordings out before readding them.

I WANT A HD TIVO!!!!!!

Hipp:

Yes that is a common bug that many are having. Fortunately I was home and watching when I lost "Lost", and set it to manually record. Alias came out fine though. Is it a conspiracy in the networks to foil the dvr's?

See the "Motorola 6412 with Passport and Cox" in the HD Recorders section. It's stickied as one of the top few posts.

I ordered the LST-4200 and a Zenith Silver Sensor today. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work as "advertised" .....

Carl

Good News!

Effective Feb 15, DiscoveryHD will be moved to Cox's "Free HD Tier" along with ESPNHD, iNHD1 and iNHD2. I have found myself watching this channel quite often. One of the best HD channels IMHO.

Not exactly HD in nature but I'll ask anyway since its Wichita specific:

Anyone know why 3 digital channels on COX are not working? The ones for sure I know are not working are Game Show Network and ESPN Classic. The other channel not working is right around there...I want to say TRIO but that's not it.

It just brings up a white screen saying check back later...temporarily off the air.

I can understand this happening for a day or two but it has definately been longer than that :(

Thanks

Originally posted by mkultra
Not exactly HD in nature but I'll ask anyway since its Wichita specific:

Anyone know why 3 digital channels on COX are not working? The ones for sure I know are not working are Game Show Network and ESPN Classic. The other channel not working is right around there...I want to say TRIO but that's not it.

It just brings up a white screen saying check back later...temporarily off the air.

I can understand this happening for a day or two but it has definately been longer than that :(

Thanks

I subscribe to the "Sports and Information Tier" so I checked ESPN Classic (Channel 246) and everything is fine. I checked Gameshow Network (Channel 227) and it says I need to subscribe (Variety Tier).

Did anyone else's Cox DVR (Motorola 6412) not record LOST on Wed night? I have it as one of my scheduled season recordings, all new episodes, save until room is needed. But, when I checked Thursday morning it hadn't recorded. Sometimes I will get the 1 min recordings on shows where it will show up in my list like MOVIE TITLE CH.610 7:00pm ~ 7:01pm and it didn't record the show, but this time there was nothing in my recorded list at all.

Edison:

Scroll up 6 posts

Great...the KU game on sat will be on espn2hd....anyone get that one?

I live in SE Wichita, and was wondering if anyone has an Avia disc they would like to rent out or sell used? I really don't see the price justification in buying it for $35 for one use or so.

Another question for local Wichita residents. My analog cable from Cox is highly snowy/staticy (ironic, it is snowing right now) all the time, does Cox's digital cable and HD DVR fix this? Watching static tv on my 61" DLP is just saddening...

Originally posted by mkultra
Great...the KU game on sat will be on espn2hd....anyone get that one?

Adelphia Cable in Connecticut is the only source for ESPN2HD as of now.

:mad:

Originally posted by PlainShane
I live in SE Wichita, and was wondering if anyone has an Avia disc they would like to rent out or sell used? I really don't see the price justification in buying it for $35 for one use or so.

Another question for local Wichita residents. My analog cable from Cox is highly snowy/staticy (ironic, it is snowing right now) all the time, does Cox's digital cable and HD DVR fix this? Watching static tv on my 61" DLP is just saddening...

Well, the digital cable channels will have better PQ, but the base channels (2-99) will still be analog and look like crap. The only way to get better PQ on those channels is to keep bothering Cox's repair people until it is fixed. It should not be snowy.

Dave G.

Originally posted by PlainShane
Another question for local Wichita residents. My analog cable from Cox is highly snowy/staticy (ironic, it is snowing right now) all the time, does Cox's digital cable and HD DVR fix this? Watching static tv on my 61" DLP is just saddening...

The analog cable didn't look very good on my 61" DLP either because I had split the incoming cable signal too many times. Cox installed a signal amplifier and it is much much better. Worth the $49.99 one time charge and the amplifier is yours to keep. Give it a shot.

Thankyou, I will try that as soon as I get some more funds. I just spent $1200 tonight at Ultimate Electronics, haha. Got the Samsung 30" TXP3075WH and the Samsung HD-841 dvd player. They were great about matching online prices! This now completes my Samsung library: 61" DLP in the den, 30" Direct view HDtv Tube in the bedroom, and a 15" LCD in the kitchen.

If you are having trouble receiving Fox or UPN DTV, have your receiver rescan the channels.

I installed a new PSIP generator at the end of last week, and it went nuts on me, so I had to go back to the old one. This switch may have confused your receiver. It confused one of mine, but the other survived, so it will be a hit or miss on whether your rx noticed.

Post on this forum if you still have problems after a rescan, and I'll periodically check this thread over the weekend just in case.

jon

Tim and other Salina area viewers -

This is a little premature, but we want to get a warning to anyone in Salina who wants to receive the Superbowl in HD.

Cox has been working hard to get us up there on their system, and it looks like it will happen sometime this week. We will be on channel 604 just like in Wichita. You will need an HD box from them, and whatever service arrangement that would be appropriate. I do not have a solid date, and cannot guarantee the CSR will know about this yet. But if you have been on the fence, this might push you over the edge. Cox should be publicizing this soon. Cox will be the only cable system that will have it.

Over the Air -
We have also been working hard with our contractor to get the HD feed up to Salina. And it looks very promising. There is one catch, it will show up as 24-1 not 18-1 once we put it on, so a rescan of the channels will be necessary. This is because it will be identical to the Wichita feed directly out of our splicer. (and yes it is legal for us to be on 24-1 up there).

Now - there are no guarantees, and a lot of people are working hard to make it happen. But if we do get this all completed and no one found out until Sunday, all the work would be for nothing.

I will be in Salina on Friday checking the signal and stream for problems. If it's good, I will put it on. If you are currently receiving 18-1 up there, and it goes away, rescan. You should find 24-1. I will probably post here with status on Friday anyways.

Any questions, post here or email me directly joncyphers@clearchannel.com

Thanks !

PS - I did hear from a few viewers that had to rescan due to our PSIP problem in my previous post. I will not be working on that system again until after Superbowl.

I am assuming this is just for Salina? Sometimes living in the Topeka DMA is depressing...

Tim -

I thought you could get us off-air ? I knew you were closer to Topeka, but I have had people calling me from the Topeka area that could get 18 because they were having problems with a digital 18 in KC interfering. Our digital in Salina is on 17 but should have the same footprint as 18. Which does include Junction City and barely makes it to Manhattan.

But you would need a high antenna.

I'm not certain, but I don't believe Topeka will be included in the Cox feed because of DMA lines. Is the Fox in Topeka digital yet? Or do you get Fox4 from KC on Cox? I would think they would be on HD cable.

Sorry, I thought you had received us OTA before.

jon

Hello Wichita,

Im from the Omaha NE thread. Looks like we have the same problem. Emmis owns one of your stations in the area and they will not let them put there HD Channel on Cable as they want Money for a Free over the air channel.

Please help and Email Emmis and let them know what you think.

===============Pasted from the thread==============

Looks like over in the Omaha-Lincoln Ne Thread the Cox Cable Emmis issue is still alive.

Emmis pulled there CBS HD from Cox cable one year again demanding money for the free over the air channel.


Here is the thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...&pagenumber=130


Here is some info on who to Email- pated from the thread

Here are the EMAIL Addresses for the Top VPs at Emmis Corp (the ones who own KM3 and the ones who made them pull the HD).

Cut and Past Comma delimited:

rmena@emmis.com,desayian@emmis.com,kate@emmis.com,staffingde partment@emmis.com,ir@emmis.com,wzberger@emmis.com,rcummings @emmis.com

(below is a line by line list)

Please Email them weekly and ask for the free HD channel to be put back on.



KM3 and Emmis one year ago said they pulled there HD Feed because cox was charging for it and making money on it.

Things have changed in the last year.

Now all cable systems in a Emmis area offer the Local HD channels FREE unscrambled via free QAM channels.

This means the Emmis reasoning is no longer valid. They have no reason to demand money for a FREE OVER THE AIR HD Signal.

After all the Government, our tax money gave them the channel. We should be able to watch it free over the air and free on cable.

It is time for Emmis to add KM3 HD back to Cox.



rmena@emmis.com
desayian@emmis.com
kate@emmis.com
staffingdepartment@emmis.com
ir@emmis.com
wzberger@emmis.com
rcummings@emmis.com

Thanks for the info Scott!

Here is my letter to Emmis:

Dear Emmis Communications:

I am writing to you from Wichita, Kansas where I am a Cox Cable subscriber. For the past year or so your local GM (Mr. Oswald) has been saying in press releases and the local paper that KSNW does not allow Cox to broadcast the KSNW HD feed because they do not see reason for the cable company to make money when the local affiliate has to bear all the charges of the analog to HD conversion. This is the most ridiculous arguement.

The locals have to convert anyway. But, the cable company simply cannot be making any money of HD offerings. The cable company has a huge investment in HD boxes that wholesale for between $400-700 and their monthly rental fees are in the ballpark of $10. Current technology advances render these boxes obsolete well before the breakeven point of the cable company. Wake up Emmis you are losing viewers. Stop being short sighted. When push comes to shove and there are two or more shows available, guess which one I am going to tune to, the one in standard def. or the HD?


sincerely,

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2005

Salina Cox customers can watch the Super Bowl in High Definition

Wichita, Kan. - Cox Communications recently launched High Definition Television service in Salina, with the addition of Fox Kansas HD (KSAS) to channel 604 on its digital lineup. The addition of Fox Kansas HD will take place just in time for Super Bowl Sunday, bringing die-hard football fans a whole new level of digital television entertainment. High Definition service from Cox provides a picture that is six times sharper, with twice the color resolution as compared to traditional analog television viewing.

“High Definition service is Cox’s latest way to offer our customers the newest and best in home entertainment services,” said Kimberly Edmunds, region vice president and general manager of Cox Communications. “Cox’s new High Definition service delivers an enhanced home theater experience that is second to none.”

According to Kent Cornish, Vice President/General Manager of Fox Kansas, The Super Bowl is just one of many programs available in high definition. “Our viewers are able to watch most of their favorite prime time programs as well as the NASCAR races, Major League Baseball, and the entire NFL season in HD,” said Cornish. “I’m pleased we’re the first local television station to be on Cox Cable in Salina.”

In order for customers to enjoy true HD television, they must have an ‘HD-Capable’ television set and an HD receiver from Cox Communications. The lease price for an HD receiver is only $9.95/month. Customers already receiving digital tiers from Cox Communications will have no additional cost for the Fox HD channel in high definition. Satellite customers must purchase multiple dishes, or a larger elliptical dish in order to receive high definition programming. With Cox, the high quality digital signal is piped conveniently and unobtrusively into homes.

Salina over the air will be SD for the Superbowl. Available on 18-1.

Our contractor has been working non-stop trying to get the new codecs to work on the microwave. And while they will eventually be installed, hopefully next week, it won't be in time for SB on Sunday.

It is available on Cox HD 604 (Wichita and Salina) as I stated earlier.

The only other way to get the SB in HD will be our KSAS-DT transmitter 24-1 in the Wichita/Hutch area.

I'm sorry I flooded this thread with posts, but it has become a convenient way to reach viewers.

Thanks
jon

Originally posted by Jon@KSAS/KSCC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2005

Salina Cox customers can watch the Super Bowl in High Definition

In order for customers to enjoy true HD television, they must have an ‘HD-Capable’ television set and an HD receiver from Cox Communications. The lease price for an HD receiver is only $9.95/month. Customers already receiving digital tiers from Cox Communications will have no additional cost for the Fox HD channel in high definition. Satellite customers must purchase multiple dishes, or a larger elliptical dish in order to receive high definition programming. With Cox, the high quality digital signal is piped conveniently and unobtrusively into homes.

Also remember that in most cases, Cox will put the networks out in unencrypted QAM so if you have a built in tuner that will do QAM or a STB that does QAM, you should not have to rent a box, or even have digital cable, from Cox.

Originally posted by Jon@KSAS/KSCC
Salina over the air will be SD for the Superbowl. Available on 18-1.

Our contractor has been working non-stop trying to get the new codecs to work on the microwave. And while they will eventually be installed, hopefully next week, it won't be in time for SB on Sunday.

It is available on Cox HD 604 (Wichita and Salina) as I stated earlier.

The only other way to get the SB in HD will be our KSAS-DT transmitter 24-1 in the Wichita/Hutch area.

I'm sorry I flooded this thread with posts, but it has become a convenient way to reach viewers.

Thanks
jon

Absolutely no appologies necessary. I only wish we could get this kind of support from all the local stations.

Thanks for your efforts,
Dave G.

Originally posted by talon95
Absolutely no appologies necessary. I only wish we could get this kind of support from all the local stations.

Thanks for your efforts,
Dave G.

I agree completely. Thanks for the great info, Jon.

I also would like to thank you for the great information on HDTV in Salina.
Wayne

As of now we have switched our Salina DTV transmitter to our HD splicer feed. It's the same feed no matter how you get it in KS. HD 720p/5.1/PSIP programming guides.

Any viewers in the Salina area will need to rescan to find the signal (which should show up at 24-1).

This is somewhat of a trial period, so we might have some problems. I would appreciate emails from this area if you do have problems. We have an engineer in Salina with a receiver, monitoring the signal also.

I will probably head up there later this week to analyze the signal, and fix any known problems at that point.

Sorry it's late (the contractor actually got in replacement codecs yesterday),

jon

For those of you interested, I emailed Marty Heffner from KWCV-DT (WB) about a timetable for their HD broadcast. Here is the reply:

If you pick us up over the air, that probably will not happen for another year. But, if you are on Cox cable we are in negotiations with them to put HD on.

Marty

This is probably the wrong forum for this but I wanted local experience if it's available. I bought a Mistubishi HDTV about a year ago - poor picture quality with Cox standard cable. I tried Cox digital cable for a couple months and digital channels were much better but the "standard" non-digital channels actually looked worse than basic cable. Thinking digitial signal was the answer, I had Dish satellite installed. Picture quality was fine on standard TV's but the HDTV was worse than standard cable - about the same as non-digital channels when I had digital cable. Dish blamed my TV and I read lots of things about poor picture quality with Dish (too late) but ended up having the system removed. The HD channels looked good for both digital cable and satellite.

Anyone had any experience of DirecTV vs Dish to know if it might work out any better?
Thanks.

Check the Mits tweak section of the forums.Popular Threads..or have it calibrated....SD will never though look as good as HD...Thats why in the future this is where we are going.

Also realize that good displays tend to show all the faults of poor signals.

Dave G.

You hit it on the head...never has television had so many signals....inputs & timings as we do today....

Greetings,

The below quote was posted on January 18, 2005. I have cox and get the "free" hd of Cox, ABC, KPTS, and no others. I checked this evening and don't pick up any other HD channels on Cox. I was just wondering if anyone could comment on the accuracy of this report. It doesn't seem that it happened today, but is it really scheduled to happen?

Carl


Good News!

Effective Feb 15, DiscoveryHD will be moved to Cox's "Free HD Tier" along with ESPNHD, iNHD1 and iNHD2. I have found myself watching this channel quite often. One of the best HD channels IMHO.

__________________
Vern

Originally posted by doodah
Greetings,

The below quote was posted on January 18, 2005. I have cox and get the "free" hd of Cox, ABC, KPTS, and no others. I checked this evening and don't pick up any other HD channels on Cox. I was just wondering if anyone could comment on the accuracy of this report. It doesn't seem that it happened today, but is it really scheduled to happen?

Carl


Make sure you call Cox and have them activate the box if you haven't already done it. The channels are there.

I have (own) an LST-4200 STB which gets the few unscrambled Cox HD channels, as well as OTA hd. I didn't think activiation would be required, or even be possible. I don't have an "HD" account with cox, just their analog service plus tier that gives me 69 analog channels, including HBO. With this, I get some unscrambled digital HD broadcasts, as indicated in my prior post. I interpreted the prior post to mean Discover, ESPN would be added to the unscrambled hd tier that I could get. Just wondering.

Carl

Originally posted by doodah
I have (own) an LST-4200 STB which gets the few unscrambled Cox HD channels, as well as OTA hd. I didn't think activiation would be required, or even be possible. I don't have an "HD" account with cox, just their analog service plus tier that gives me 69 analog channels, including HBO. With this, I get some unscrambled digital HD broadcasts, as indicated in my prior post. I interpreted the prior post to mean Discover, ESPN would be added to the unscrambled hd tier that I could get. Just wondering.

Carl

If you don't mind, could you list the channels you get unscrambled?

As far as I know, when they say free, they basically mean you do not have to pay extra for it like you would starz. If you have a Cox box, they you will get them. Only the local HD channels will come through with your box.

The unscrambled digital channels that I get over Cox are indemand, seasonpass, Fox, ABC, KPTS (2 channels) and about 60 audio channels. OTA I get NBC, ABC, CBS, KPTS, Fox in HD and UPN and ??? can't recall the other one or two, in SD. I find I watch the first 5 OTA the most. I really like the HD concerts they have broadcast on KPTS on Saturday nights at about 9:00. The other digital channels on Cox show up as scrambled on my box.

Carl

Do you get InHD? or an indemand channel? Is it HD?

The channel comes up as 90-2. It is standard digital InDemand - Pay Per View. I havent tried to watch anything on it. It's not in HD.

Article in the Wichita Eagel today said that WB and UPN OTA are HD now, but that's not right, is it? I'm getting just SD on those channels.

Carl

There was plenty of misleading information in the Eagle article. The article should have stated that all local networks are currently broadcasting digital OTA. Digital however does not necessary mean HD. WB and UPN are currently broadcasting digital OTA but not HD.

The article also states that Cox carries 11 HD channels including 4 premium movie channels. WRONG, Cox only carries 10 HD channels including 3 premium movie channels. Maybe Bob has some inside info on an additional channel being added in the future but I doubt it.

Vern's got it right, the Eagle was all over the place. But we have the FCC to thank for not sticking to one format resolution (1080 or 720), and for mandating the same modulation scheme for OTA and cable, so you have to have to 2 tuners to get both, and no matter what you can't have every channel in native resolution (unless you buy a monitor for each resolution).

UPN Kansas is SD until we can slide enough money from the budget to pay for the upgrade. Marty from WB was quoted earlier in this thread about his plans. At least the WB part was corrected by their GM later in the article.

It's a hard thing to explain to normal people.
At least the article might make more people get out and buy HD sets, so the price keeps dropping, and we might have some hope of shutting down our analogs before 2015.

jon

Jon - I know this issue has been discussed in the past but I wanted to ask about getting rid of the grey bars with SD material.

Right now you have large grey bars with a thin black bar... so the grey bars aren't saving any TVs right now. Plus having 2 different bars is really distracting.

Thanks for you time!

Originally posted by Jon@KSAS/KSCC
Vern's got it right, the Eagle was all over the place. But we have the FCC to thank for not sticking to one format resolution (1080 or 720), and for mandating the same modulation scheme for OTA and cable, so you have to have to 2 tuners to get both, and no matter what you can't have every channel in native resolution (unless you buy a monitor for each resolution).

jon

Actually, if someone would make a 720p analog set, 720p and 1080i could be native, but the digital sets seem to be the trend now. I'll admit they do have advantages (I do like my DLP projector), but they'll always be stuck with one native res.

Dave G.

BTW, it appears NBC (3-1) is only transmitting SD right now. Is everyone else seeing the same thing? If so, anyone know when they will be transmitting HD again?

Thanks,
Dave G.

I've noticed that also. I don't watch any NBC shows since Friends ended, so I didn't bother to post.

Klemsaba-

We're going to wait for a bit to take down the grey bars. I could have gone either way, but my boss decided for us.

Our operators know to look for them when in prime, and I use them for checks when at home. If I flip it to Fox during prime or Fox coverage and see grey bars, I grab the phone and find out what's going on.

If the bars were black, I wouldn't know if I'm watching a 4x3 show from Fox, or if the splicer didn't switch and is stuck on our upconversion.

They don't bother me when I'm watching, the only time they come up and down is when we do a local break during network programming, otherwise they are up solid. But we humans are all different, and I respect your irritation.

We will take them down eventually, once the splicer and everything has settled down for awhile. We all agree that it looks better with them black.

jon

===KSNW which is owned by Emmis wont allow KSNW on Cox Cable Update=====

The Cox cable regional manage meet in Omaha with a Emmis Manager.

Emmis is still demanding to be paid for there over the air signal that is free.
Emmis is also still planning on dropping to 480P and starting there new USDTV service.

http://www.usdtv.com/

In the meeting the Emmis manager said that ALL station managers will be meeting in March to talk about the HD on Cable issue.

Folks, your Emails to the stations are working keep emailing and calling your Emmis station.

According to recent filings, this is what the channel map will look like after 2007.

KSNW 3 (45)
KPTS 8 (8)
KAKE 10 (10)
KWCH 12 (12)
KSAS 24 (26)
KWCV 33 (31)
KSCC 36 (35)

As you can see, everyone with a high vhf channel will revert back to that. So you will indeed require a VHF and a UHF (or VHF/UHF combo) antenna after the switchover.

FCC filings (http://www.tvradioworld.com/region1/ks/tv_information.asp?m=wic) Click "Application List" then "BFRECT".

I received this from KSN today regarding the HD being out at KSN.

Jason,

I do not know the delivery date, but our Chief Engineer says he has
ordered the Up Converter that broke. It has been on order about a
week.

Betty Erickson
KSN Programming

Noticed 12-2 in my guide a couple of nights ago. Looks like a KWCH weather channel. I don't know if it's 24 hrs, but it's on everytime I've tuned in.

lakaw, I noticed it too. OKC already has 3 stations broadcasting 24 hour weather and/or radar. Very handy.

Yes, I have told them on our forum that, why do we need that many weather on the extra channels http://www.hdtvok.com does Kansas have a web sight like this ? Some have told them to not use the extra & use the full bandwidth for H D ...

What sucks is that they are taking bandwidth from the HD channels. Anyone that had DirecTV when they started putting 2 channels on 1 transponder knows how bad that sucks. DirecTV's HD channels aren't much better than a good DVD now.

Dave G.

Yes , this is true....Do you have a H D web for Kansas ?

Is there any news on KSNW broadcasting in HD? Just this week I started receiving this station up here in Salina, but everything appears to be 480p.

I have heard two possible reasons that they aren't broadcasting HD. One is that Emmis is going to start their USDTV service. I can't imagine Wichita being one of the early stations to get this service. The other reason some problems with an up-converter or something discussed back in a March 2nd post. Hopefully the latter is the reason.

Anyone have an update?

Thanks,
Jeff

Jeff:

Pretty sure it's still a technical problem with hardware on their side.

I can't fathom a USDTV service here that would involve them being that they have proven to be rather tech-challenged and far from the forefront in HD capability and know how. I'd expect the USDTV to be available in Mayberry, Pixley, and Petticoat Junction long before it gets here. I still think Sara runs the phones at KSN, and I am sure I have seen their people climbing the poles to pick up the incoming calls there.

I followed up with KSN and got this response.

We have a device , HD Up-Converter, that has failed in our HD path.
A new up-converter is due to ship from the factory April 7th.




Dave Rickels
CE KSNW-TV
316-292-1162

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS

jb

Anyone having problems with KWCHDT-12's OTA signal tonight during the NCAA tourney? I am getting alot of breakups in picture and sound. I have had no recent problems with the signal (was fine last night) and there has been no changes in my setup. Is it just me? I'm in NE Wichita.

Does KPTS-DT 29 (8-1) ever broadcast in HD? I can't find a guide that gives there schedule that indicates whether their programs are HD and whenever I have checked it (for only a couple weeks), I only see SD.

Thanks,
Jeff

According to this mornings (Saturday, April 2, 2005) Eagle, the Final Four games, and the national championship game will be broadcast in HD on channel 602, due to a temporary meeting of the minds at Cox and channel 12.

This weekend COX will have KWCH HD on channel 602 for the NCAA tournament! KWCH 602 is up and running right now! Should be interesting!

good news but i wish it was permanent: WHAT ABOUT THE MASTERS NEXT WEEKEND?

I just noticed 602 on my COX DVR box, but it sounds like it's only temporary? That would be too bad right now I time shift quite a bit of channel 12 programming, as luck would have it neither Survivor or Amazing Race are in HD though so my Replay still works fine.

Originally posted by vblyth
Anyone having problems with KWCHDT-12's OTA signal tonight during the NCAA tourney? I am getting alot of breakups in picture and sound. I have had no recent problems with the signal (was fine last night) and there has been no changes in my setup. Is it just me? I'm in NE Wichita.

I had the same issues. I live off 21st and Greenwich. Picture and Audio dropouts.

Saw an update on KWCH HD and Cox during the answer back section of last night's newscast. They said that both sides are nearing an agreement and hoped to be able to let us know soon if ch. 602 will be permanent.

Kudo's to KWCH and Cox for showing both the NCAA and The Masters! What a treat, although I have both HD cable and ota capability I am glad there is some movement apparently. If KWCH comes on permanent I can get rid of the OTA box...well what about KSN...who cares!

Does anybody know which stations have sub-channels? For example, I show 3-1, 3-2, 3-3 & 3-4 in my program guide, but 3-1 is the only one I'm able to tune in. As well, do all of these transmit HD or only digital.

I understand WB & UPN are digital only.

Originally posted by HD in Wichita
Does anybody know which stations have sub-channels? For example, I show 3-1, 3-2, 3-3 & 3-4 in my program guide, but 3-1 is the only one I'm able to tune in. As well, do all of these transmit HD or only digital.

I understand WB & UPN are digital only.

Any takers?

As far as I know, these are the known digital channels available over the air in the Wichita/Hutchinson metro area:

3-1: KSNW-DT (Physical Channel: 45) (NBC - 1080i HD)

8-1: KPTS-DT (Physical Channel: 29) (PBS - 1080i HD)

8-2: KPTS-DT (Physical Channel: 29) (PBS Kids - 480i SD, no HD)

10-1: KAKE-DT (Physical Channel: 21) (ABC - 720p HD)

12-1: KWCH-DT (Physical Channel: 19) (CBS - 1080i HD)

12-2: KWCH-DT (Physical Channel: 19) (KWCH Radar - 480i SD, no HD)

24-1: KSAS-DT (Physical Channel: 26) (FOX - 720p HD)

33-1: KWCV-DT (Physical Channel: 31) (WB - 480i SD only, no HD)

36-1: KSCC-DT (Physical Channel: 35) (UPN - 480i SD only, no HD)

Thanks for the reply, Schick. That's exactly what I was looking for!

I have a question for everybody out there. I live in Newton and have no problem getting Ch. 3, 8, 12, 33, 36 over the air. I can get a reception of about 50 (out of 100) for channel 10. I cannot even get weak signal from FOX. My question is...Does Fox broadcast a weaker signal than all of the others? Since I have to pick up channels in Wichita and Hutch I have my antenna pointed pretty much straight southwest. If it is weak signal do I need to get a better antenna? I bought my antenna at Don's. By the way I tried to point the antenna south and that didn't help. Thanks

jcroth-

It's odd that you can get 3 and 33 but not get us at all, because our tower is in between those. KSAS-DT 26 is transmitting high power 24/7, and I know it just reaches into McPherson.

You might try a little more SSW, the digital signals can be a little picky with direction. The fact that you can get 8 and 12 well might leads me to think you are aimed too far west.

I have a friend in Newton that just got an HD set, so I'll probably experiment with him a little bit, and if I have problems, I'll post or contact you.

But I can't see a reason beyond antenna direction for your problem.

jon

Thank you for the quick reply. I'll try alittle more SSW and see what happens. I'll let you know if I am sucessful. It's sites like this and people like you that save alot of headaches.

jcroth,

What antenna do you have? Although I'm guessing you have the right type, you do want a fairly directional antenna. The digital signals are fairly sensitive to reflections. Depending on the receiver, the signal strength shown can be a function of signal strength as well as signal quality. Also, moving the antenna just a few feet one way or the other could make the difference.

Dave G.

Thanks again for the replys. The antenna I am using is a Channel Master 4 bay antenna. Here is a link for a picture...warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4221.htm. You may have to put WWW in there b/c AVS won't let me post a URL Right now I have it mounted in the attic of my single story house. Directly to the south of my house is a open field so nothing is really blocking any signals. I have a tree on the west side of my house that doesn't seem to blocking any signals. I just tried to move it more towards the southwest (from straight south) with little luck. Before I would get an in and out signal from ch. 10 but since I moved it more to the southwest i lost it completely. All my other channels come in great (all above 70 out of 100). Another thing I don't understand is that I am getting a signal strength of 94 on channel 3 which is the same direction as FOX. I am using the dish network 942 HD box as my reciever. I also tried to manually add the station but I wasn't getting anything. So if anybody can think of anything else to try let me know. Thanks

Our equipment is finally being updated for the new FCC rules. KSCC (UPN) is now updated, but it may have caused some receivers to lose track of it.

If you can't receive 36-1, try dialing in 35-1 directly to see if it updates, or do a channel scan.

If you still have problems feel free to post or contact me.

You shouldn't notice any differences, these changes are internal in the transport stream. In a week or so, we will be doing the same with KSAS, I'll post again then.

jcroth-
My friend was able to pick up Fox at least a little bit with an interior antenna, he's going to hook it up to his attic antenna later this week. I'll let you know what happens then. If you just aren't having any luck, I might get the basic area you live or your address(email that, don't post) and drive out with our signal strength test rig.

jon

Jon why was 24 not in hd on 05-02-2005

gle1998-

Sadly the circuit that determines when to switch the splicer was hung up. I rebooted it this morning.

I will have to hear from the operator tonight why I wasn't called for it last night.

Thanks for alerting me,

jon

Jon
I tried a couple of things and the signal came in really good. All I did was move it about 2 feet one way and wow, now I am getting a signal of 99 out of 100. But with that I lost 10 and 12. Anyway I was happy to watch the Nascar race last weekend. I heard from somebody that I could get 2 antennas and get a "combiner" (opposite of a splitter) to get a better reception. Does anybody think that would work? I seems like I am having the hardest time with channel 10. 12 is hit and miss. I thought by pointing one towards wichita and the other towards Hutch I could get them all. Well something for you all to think about.
Justin

Originally posted by jcroth
Jon
I tried a couple of things and the signal came in really good. All I did was move it about 2 feet one way and wow, now I am getting a signal of 99 out of 100. But with that I lost 10 and 12. Anyway I was happy to watch the Nascar race last weekend. I heard from somebody that I could get 2 antennas and get a "combiner" (opposite of a splitter) to get a better reception. Does anybody think that would work? I seems like I am having the hardest time with channel 10. 12 is hit and miss. I thought by pointing one towards wichita and the other towards Hutch I could get them all. Well something for you all to think about.
Justin

Yep, that's what I suspected. I've had the same problem with my set top antenna. Moving it a couple of feet one way or the other makes a big difference. Two antenna's combined is probably a bad idea with digital signals. Like I said in my other post, it's very susceptible to reflections. 2 antenna's in different locations might do the same thing (2 signals slightly out of phase). If you want to try 2 antennas, then using a switch to flip between them would be a lot better than a combiner. Kinda a pain as you'd have to flip the switch when changing channels, but it would work.

That being said, if you have room to move your current antenna around more, I'd do that first and see if there's an optimal spot before spending more money.

Dave G.

Saw in the Eagle that on June 30th Cox is switching Starz-HD to channel 614 and adding Universal HD

jcroth-

I agree with Dave, you will probably have better luck with a switch than a combiner. But you might have a splitter/combiner laying around, and you would have to do the same wiring anyways, so you could always experiment. And fall back on the switch if the combining doesn't work.

There is an old technique where the combiner works, but it involves calculating wavelength, and I don't know of anyone trying it with 8VSB signals. I wouldn't even waste the time trying. Maybe there's something out near the end of the internet about this?

You could just leave it pointed at us... ;)

jon

You might have a chance of making the combiner work if you do it right. Search the net for "antenna stacking" (and of course this forum). There are lots of sites with info on this, like this one:

http://www.atechfabrication.com/tests/02-15-02_antenna_stacking_test.htm

The switch would still be the best, but if you want to spend some time trying, this is the place to start.

Dave G.

Thanks guys for the info again. Last night I was able to pick every channel up with reasonable strength and without any cutout. I'm going to watch my signal strength but I think I might have it dialed in. I'll keep that combiner thing in mind but according to Talons link it might be alittle over my head and could lead to more headachs. I'll keep you guys posted. BTW Jon don't worry about me losing 24. No matter what I do with the antenna now, I stay locked with 100% signal. I still don't know why it didn't work before.
Justin

Originally posted by jcroth
Thanks guys for the info again. Last night I was able to pick every channel up with reasonable strength and without any cutout. I'm going to watch my signal strength but I think I might have it dialed in. I'll keep that combiner thing in mind but according to Talons link it might be alittle over my head and could lead to more headachs. I'll keep you guys posted. BTW Jon don't worry about me losing 24. No matter what I do with the antenna now, I stay locked with 100% signal. I still don't know why it didn't work before.
Justin

OTA = black magic ;)

I know Jon has been making some changes on his end. He commented about it in an earlier post and I've had to re-scan twice now to keep 24-1 working correctly on my HDTV Wonder. I don't know why that would effect signal strength, but my statement above my apply...

Dave G.

jcroth,

Just wanted to pass along that I have a Dish Network DVR 921 HD box and have the same problem picking up KAKE-DT. I also have trouble with WB-DT. Both signals are weak, but I am able to receive them both on a Zenith HD420 STB. However, I only have one component input to the MITS HD television and don't like to switch back and forth between receivers all the time. It is very irritating that these stations are so cheap that they refuse to run enough power to let us pick them up decently. I'm only 8 airline miles (to the southwest) from the stations at Colwich and can't receive them with an 8 Bay antenna I jut purchased recently. It's ridiculous. I get DT from KSN, KPTS, KWCH, KSAS and KSCC perfectly All of these signals are strong and resolve well in the DVR 921. I think the ATSC chip used in the Dish DVRs is only first or second generation and just can't cut the mustard on a weak signal or a signal with multi-path. The Zenith receiver on the other hand has a fourth generation ATSC chip and does a good job detecting them. Would be interested to know if others have trouble receiving KAKE-DT and WB-DT. Thanks! Dale

Dale-
I'm in the exact same situation... I live on the NE side of town, about 15 miles from the Colwich towers. I can pick up KSN and KSAS without much effort, but WB and ABC are a completely different story. KAKE and KWCV come in fine on the analog channels, but I get nothing from the DT broadcasts. My channel scan won't even recognize them.

I've tried 3 different antennas now and nothing seems to change even with an attenuator or amplifier. My silver sensor actually gets me the worst results as I can only pick up one channel at a time, no matter how I have it pointed. I live in an apartment complex (with buildings and lots of trees in the way of the signal) and my best results seem to be with my multidirectional UHF loop.

rboehner-
Thanks for the report. It's really a shame the stations don't run enough power to do the job. The 8 Bay antenna I use here is a fringe area antenna and it's 20 feet off the ground. Really disappointing. I think part of my trouble is the poor quality of the ATSC chip in the Dish Network DVR 921 HD receiver as I can receive KAKE and WB on the Zenith receiver. I just hate to have to switch the antenna and the component input to the monitor every time I want to watch ABC or WB.

Jon@KSAS/KSCC,

I've noticed lately that the Fox Kansas bug on the HD broadcasts is once again very bright. I really like the transparent bug you had been using. Any reason for the change back?

Thanks.

Quote from 10/11/2004:
Our splicer was not responding to the transparency settings Fox had sent it. After a little bit of work on their end, it is now transparent, and at the level our graphics dept wants.

Hope it's a little better Vern!

jon

Vern-

I noticed this the second it happened, but I forgot to call in to Fox to have them adjust it. I see it at home, then forget by the time I get in the office the next morning. This sweeps has been busy, don't ask me how equipment knows when we're in ratings...

The splicer forgot it's setting, I'll call them today, once they wakeup.

Thanks for the reminder
jon

Jon@KSAS/KSCC,

Bug looks alot better tonight. Thanks for the quick response as always.

I live in Augusta. What are the options for cable, satellite, and (if neccesary) OTA in order to see the Chiefs this season in HD?

Today's MLB game isn't in HD up here in Salina on OTA Fox. Anyone know if Fox is not showing this game in HD? Is it SD or HD in Wichita? Last weeks game was in HD up here.

Thanks,
Jeff

Jeff,
They are not doing the Saturday game in HD. I think i read last weeks game was in widescreen, but definately not HD.

Hello,

I recently got my HDTV setup going. I have had no trouble with any of the local stations, EXCEPT KWCV (WB). I can get video just fine, but there is no audio. So far, I have mostly been attempting to tune in the 10:30PM showing of M*A*S*H, but I've seen the same problem on other shows from KWCV as well (Cheers, I believe).

Has anyone else experienced audio trouble with KWCV? I've looked and can't find anything in my own configuration.

I'm using a pcHDTV 3000 tuner/capture card with MythTV 0.18.1. It is working very nicely for everything else.

Thanks!

I'm back in the process of changing out our HD Encoder on KSAS. Right now our loaner is giving me problems with the EPG (program info), I'll continue working on that. For now though, it is unavailable.

If anyone has problems with us let me know. There will be more changes when I get our unit back from the factory in a week or so. We purposely delayed this away from sweeps/season finales. When I change things I will try to avoid big HD programming such as races, in case there is a problem.

thanks
jon

BTW jeff - titantv.com is a great resource for checking when shows will be HD or not. I did check it with a Salina zip, and it doesn't show 18.1 as HD, I'll have our programming people change that. You could use 67203 to see our list for now.