Audio problems that I thought were on all HD channels but have now discovered only exist on KXLY; ocassional audio drop outs with a noticeable "dirty sound". When I investigated this problem years ago I was told that the ota modules' contacts on my 6000 needed cleaning. Obviously it has been a problem on KXLY all along. You'd think they would have had their audio problems worked out by now being as though they've been doing HD in this area longer than all the rest.
I'm not sure if it's the same thing that you're experiencing, but when I watch KXLY-HD occasionally the audio drops and I get what sounds like a machine gun sound. I use an AV receiver and exterior speakers instead of TV speakers so many that accentuates the problem. Is that similar to what you're hearing? I've always figured that maybe it had to do with my AV receiver losing the DD5.1 signal momentarily or something. Glad to know I'm not alone!

That's exactly what I'm experiencing, and have for the past couple years. Also their audio fades in and out, especially when watching SD programs. On the other hand it's nice that my complaints are now limited to that. Everything else is great.

My KXLY-HD stutters as well

My KXLY-HD stutters as well

Mine also - I get a loud burst of noise (usually once per show), and occasonal sound drop-out accompanied by brief pixelation. Both cable and OTA. Both live and recorded.

Art

A total new guy takes the plunge into HD. Thought living on the S. hill the famous DB2 with RG6 pulled 60' and attic mounted might work to pull all local towers. Rotater?

I have basic - basic cable and refuse to pay rates to jump into HD digital cable. Okay, trying to beat those Comcast crooks!

Looking for an OTA receiver that can switch between analog cable and an OTA antenna feed. Seems only old school products like Zenith not currently sold do this. E-pray has mostly ex-dish boxes (probably hot) that may need a "card" turned on to access OTA channels. I don't need a dish receiver period but that seems to be all that's out there.

I hear analog cable is going away by 2008 so maybe I'm crazy to limp it along. Can someone post the type of gear they have that works for all HD channels that live near or in Spokane city limits? When channel #'s like - 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 etc. are listed, are they all the same channel broadcast with multiple #'s assigned? How many total channels are there currently?

A total new guy takes the plunge into HD. Thought living on the S. hill the famous DB2 with RG6 pulled 60' and attic mounted might work to pull all local towers. Rotater?

I have basic - basic cable and refuse to pay rates to jump into HD digital cable. Okay, trying to beat those Comcast crooks!

Looking for an OTA receiver that can switch between analog cable and an OTA antenna feed. Seems only old school products like Zenith not currently sold do this. E-pray has mostly ex-dish boxes (probably hot) that may need a "card" turned on to access OTA channels. I don't need a dish receiver period but that seems to be all that's out there.

I hear analog cable is going away by 2008 so maybe I'm crazy to limp it along. Can someone post the type of gear they have that works for all HD channels that live near or in Spokane city limits? When channel #'s like - 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 etc. are listed, are they all the same channel broadcast with multiple #'s assigned? How many total channels are there currently?


OK, here goes:
* KREM analog ch 2, digital ch 20, broadcasts HDTV on 2.1 on physical ch 20 (UHF)
* KXLY analog ch 4, digital ch 13, broadcasts HDTV on 4.1, and lower resolution crap on ch 4.2. Both 4.1 and 4.2 are part of the same digital broadcast on ch 13 (VHF)
* KHQ analog ch 6, digital ch 15 (UHF) broadcasts HDTV on 6.1 and local weather on 6.2
* KSPS analog ch 7, digital ch 8 (VHF) broadcasts the most beautiful HD content you'll generally find on 7.2 and simulcasts their analog channel on lower resolution 7.2
* KSKN analog ch 22, digital 36 (UHF)
* KAYU analog ch 28, digital 30 (UHF) broadcasts HDTV on 28.1 and a music video channel on 28.2
Most of these transmitters are located on tower mountain (browns mountain) except KXLY is on mt. Spokane and KSPS is somewhere else yet (Mica Peak??)

Most new HDTV's have over the air receivers built in, so all you may need to do is hook up an antenna. I'll bet on the south hill you get most of these with rabbit ears or a piece of wire.

If you have an older HDTV, Samsung still sells set top OTA receivers that will connect to your TV's video inputs.

If you want to do time shifting, I'd reconsider your stance on Comcast - they have a really nifty digital video recorder - records two shows at once, gives you access to ESPN-HD and a bunch of other stuff you can't get OTA. For OTA time shifting - TIVO just came out with an HD Tivo, but it's gawd-awful expensive. I have a Samsung receiver that connects via firewire to a JVC D-VHS HD video recorder. I also built a PC with a MyHD PCI card that records HD to the hard drive. All of this is really kludgy compared to the DVR box you can get from Comcast.

OTA analog broadcast will go away (probably later than '08) Who knows when, if ever, analog cable will go away... I doubt it's as early as '08.

Hope this helps.

Art

Art - you're the man. Thanks for the clear channel listing!

So here's the deal - Comcast does (by FCC law) transmit all "clear" or OTA digital HD local channels on their limited and basic (analog) cable. I'm getting the Samsung HD receiver and splitting the cable. One output goes to the ATSC (HD) receiver to snag local HD channels where the receiver's output is sent to the TV's component or HDMI TV input. The other half of the split goes to the TV cable input to view cable NTSC (channels 2-60). No antenna needed - yea! The Samsung has both ATSC and QAM tuners but not NTSC. Current TV's now have the ATSC/QAM receivers built in. It's another FCC compliancy thing. Mine is the older "HD ready" flavor.

Comcast Does not advertise this non-published fact and will advise you to get "digital packages" to view HD. However, when asked if they are in compliance delivering local HD on analog cable they admit it. The analog signal may be slightly compressed but is true HD and found in channel number scans in the 80's not "4.1" for example.

This window may only work until 2009 (FCC reg) where all TV signal will be delivered via digital. Unit then - RAZZZZZ to the Comcast mis-representing corporate weasles.

Vid,

So what Comcast package/service do you have?? I'm looking to get something similar and pay as least as possible to Comcast. I've heard if you get cable internet you can splice and get basic cable as well on the same line.

Zag,

You can order Com-crooks "basic" or "limited basic" to view all local HD channels. These are both analog and do not require a Comcast set-top box. I have the loser limited basic ($19/mo).

I've heard as well if you order Internet only that you can split off the cable and receive their basic channels. Not verified though. Thing is they hose you for Internet only and is cheaper to go with a bundle cable+Internet. I use Qwest ADSL. Works great and you can lock in at $29/mo for 760K. If you order Internet only use a 1G (high-bandwidth) coax splitter not the old school $3.00 splitters. If they somehow discover you're boot-legging TV they can get rather nasty and impose serious fines.

Zag,

You can order Com-crooks "basic" or "limited basic" to view all local HD channels. These are both analog and do not require a Comcast set-top box. I have the loser limited basic ($19/mo).

I've heard as well if you order Internet only that you can split off the cable and receive their basic channels. Not verified though. Thing is they hose you for Internet only and is cheaper to go with a bundle cable+Internet. I use Qwest ADSL. Works great and you can lock in at $29/mo for 760K. If you order Internet only use a 1G (high-bandwidth) coax splitter not the old school $3.00 splitters. If they somehow discover you're boot-legging TV they can get rather nasty and impose serious fines.

I just popped in here because I directed another poster here to ask you guys what could be pulled in via QAM in Spokane when I noticed this little discussion.

You will incur fines if they catch you that is for sure. You could get a high-end splitter if you’re really worried about the issue, but I don’t think they are looking very hard and it isn’t that difficult to undo two co-ax connections if a Comcast tech is standing outside your front door. The Comcast self-install kits you get at your local BB or CC have a standard $3 splitter. I’ve been running one for about six years and my cable provider has changed twice (AT&T to Comcast and recently Comcast to TWC) and no one is any wiser. As has been mentioned non-customers are charged $10-15 more a month for high-speed internet over basic cable subscribers and a part of the reason for that is that they (Comcast) know people are running splitters to nab basic cable and a few digitals and there isn’t much they can do about it.

Fist-O adds good input for a getting caught reality check.

Seems I need to clarify my post which bounced around a bit with legal issues. I pointed out all local OTA HD free-bees are Comcast verified as legal "clear" channels. They just don't publish or advertise it. Sometimes, due to the filter device the cable tech installed at the service end may leak bonus channels to you. These may be viewed on low channel numbers and in the HD range if you have the DTV/QAM tuner. The deal is, it varies home to home. I get the speed channel and a couple other bonus channels on "limited basic" that are meant to be filtered. Comcast doesn't care and if I complained (idiot) they probably would snuff 'em. The HD side provides other leaks including reported pay per view stuff. Again, if it's a leak they can't whack ya.

I'll post my QAM results when my new Samsung tuner ships this week. The trick is to let the tuner(s) scan everything and log the results. Then program all the legal and leak finds into memory.

My indicating a "$3.00" splitter was an example. Common splitters are narrow bandwidth where 1G (one Gig) splitters are cheap ($4.95) and needed when splitting cable signal when a cable modem is used. As to not filter needed high frequency bandwidth.

Comcast is adding two new HD channels on Dec. 14th :D : MHD and Universal HD. Comcast SportsNet HD will be added after the New Year, it is a combination of Versus and Golf Channel content.
Is anyone else having problems with their Comcast DVR? Ours keeps resetting and completely rebooting. Last night we lost all of our recordings.

Does anyone know if 3416 receivers are available in Spokane? The extra space would be nice to have.

[QUOTE=Tydalwave1]Comcast is adding two new HD channels on Dec. 14th :D : MHD and Universal HD. [QUOTE]


You guys are just now getting these channels? :rolleyes: God, I love Dish Network so much!! (30+ HD channels and counting....)

[QUOTE=Tydalwave1]Comcast is adding two new HD channels on Dec. 14th :D : MHD and Universal HD. [QUOTE]


You guys are just now getting these channels? :rolleyes: God, I love Dish Network so much!! (30+ HD channels and counting....)

Yep, we're just getting them. :eek:

So with a HDTV that has a ATSC & NTSC tuner & QAM, if I run my comcast cable into the ATSC tuner, i should see the OTA stations (NBC, ABC...) in the 80s?

Zag,

You can order Com-crooks "basic" or "limited basic" to view all local HD channels. These are both analog and do not require a Comcast set-top box. I have the loser limited basic ($19/mo).

I've heard as well if you order Internet only that you can split off the cable and receive their basic channels. Not verified though. Thing is they hose you for Internet only and is cheaper to go with a bundle cable+Internet. I use Qwest ADSL. Works great and you can lock in at $29/mo for 760K. If you order Internet only use a 1G (high-bandwidth) coax splitter not the old school $3.00 splitters. If they somehow discover you're boot-legging TV they can get rather nasty and impose serious fines.

I'm also a Spokane "limited basic" subscriber.

I'm wondering if there's any way to get ahold of a DVR that resembles the Comcast motorola box for time shifting HDTV without paying BIG dollars to jump from the limited basic up to one of the digital packages. (There's always the PC option, but I agree with "Art's TV" that this is kludgier than one might wish).

So with a HDTV that has a ATSC & NTSC tuner & QAM, if I run my comcast cable into the ATSC tuner, i should see the OTA stations (NBC, ABC...) in the 80s?


Yep, if it's analog not requiring a Com-Crooks digital set-top box. In a few years they will go to full digital but now's the time for a free ride. You need to run a full channel scan and delete out the foreign language channels etc.

On limited basic with a ATSC/QAM tuner:

Channel # Call Letters Description

79-102 AZN
79-105 PAX
79-1010 PBS Idaho
80-122 WGN Chicago
80-124 NW Cable News News
80-125 RTN 24

81-1 CBS KREM - 2 (HD)
81-2 KSPN CW - 22 (HD)
82-1 KSPS - 7
82-2 ABC KXLY - 4 (HD)
82-3 KSPS HD (HD) Different programing than 7
82-4 KXMN-LP KXLY sister channel but lame.
83-3 NBC KHQ - 6 (HD)
83-4 KHQ Weather Local Weather
83-5 KAYU FOX - 28 (HD)
83-6 The Tube Music Video
86-1 INHD (HD) Movies, various

(6-8 channels can be found 93-X through 104-X range)

93-X to 100-X Movies (including Pay-Per-View, On-Demand etc.)
101-X to 104-X Movies, Comedy Central, Cartoon Network and others.

102-42 Hallmark
103-63 Discovery
104-81 CSPAN
105-1012 TV Guide
108-8 MOVIEPLEX (HD) Movie

(119-XX range has 30 or more music channels)

Examples:

119-20 Rock Music
119-30 Big Band Music
119-33 Classical Music

(120-XX range has current movies, very good!)

120-9 On-Demand Movie
120-10 On-Demand Movie

Dave H. ,

Please describe "time-shifting". Sounds un-holy. :D


Note: The above channel guide I listed may vary with different cable filters applied from the service source or your tuner's QAM decoding results.

You may find channel numbers actually changing where you select (example) 93-5 and view a cartoon channel. Later, 93-5 won't sync but the same channel appears on 93-43. Only the 93-XX through 104-XX has this trend. Always a mystery what you'll get. The other strange thing is when you're viewing a movie in this range it may pause or go into rewind. It's like you're viewing a feed to someone where they have DVR control. Thought this effect might be an On-Demand selection to some subscriber.

Ah, but too much good stuff to remark on.

Dave H. please describe "time-shifting". Sounds un-holy.

Sorry--I just mean recording it for playback, like a DVR/VCR.

Whew, I thought you were seeking some time-space warp thing.

Your basic DVR or cheaper DVD recorders can record from preset times but not ATSC channels as most have NTSC tuners only. Some new flavors do indeed have the ATSC tuner and QAM ia now a standard of ATSC spec. I think LG has a combo unit on the market.

Stay away from ebay ex-direct TV HD tuner/recorder units. They never have QAM (cable decoder) capability. Some may pull over the air HD channels but most become a paper weight.

Thanks vid-hammer.

Would like to hear more about such units...if anyone has any especially good links, I'd be much obliged.

oops, my error. That LG I thought was a combo receiver/recorder turns out to be a tuner with a DVD... PLAYER!. Sorry.

LG model LST-3510A.

I glanced at it before thinking it was a DVD recorder that would map the ATSC channels and of course include an auto record feature. Which would be cool, they make DVD recorders cheap. But a player? Big - old - box when the player croaks.

You can go seperates but only record live broadcasts with a loop through config.

One new thing I found is, they're pushing LCD and Plasma TV's with built-in NTSC/ATSC/QAM and a DVR! So someone is thinking like this. Of course, they cost big bucks and some lame-o will add DVD, Blue-ray and VHS players to introduce the "Monster Media Pig". What those buggers think we Americans will buy...Geeeze.

Vid Hammer, I tried following your directions with the limited cable and tuning in HD channels on my Bravia KDL 40S20L1 but can not seem to get it to work. I have been using the OTA through rabbit ears and my wife would go crazy if we could do what you are suggesting. Can you tell me if the tv has to be set to digital to get the stations or if you leave it on the analog cable feed and the tv does the switch to digital all by itself. As far as I have read my S series does have a QAM tuner.

Thanks for the time and patience.

Never Mind!!!!!!! I answered my own question. the only thing i have to do now is figure out why I do not have some channels, they just do not tune in.

Thanks for the idea, much better than the rabbit ears.

Jacknimble,

Did you scan that bugger first? Some tuners must explore the entire range before you may "tune" them by entering numbers from the remote. My tuner locked over 150 channels that had to be manually edited as keepers or not.

Average setup includes:

>> Point the input source to cable not antennea
>> Select digital or DTV/HD range
>> Scan process may take 5 minutes or more

Reserve an hour or so to edit the results.

Yep, if it's analog not requiring a Com-Crooks digital set-top box. In a few years they will go to full digital but now's the time for a free ride. You need to run a full channel scan and delete out the foreign language channels etc.

On limited basic with a ATSC/QAM tuner:

Channel # Call Letters Description

79-102 AZN
79-105 PAX
79-1010 PBS Idaho
80-122 WGN Chicago
80-124 NW Cable News News
80-125 RTN 24

81-1 CBS KREM - 2 (HD)
81-2 KSPN CW - 22 (HD)
82-1 KSPS - 7
82-2 ABC KXLY - 4 (HD)
82-3 KSPS HD (HD) Different programing than 7
82-4 KXMN-LP KXLY sister channel but lame.
83-3 NBC KHQ - 6 (HD)
83-4 KHQ Weather Local Weather
83-5 KAYU FOX - 28 (HD)
83-6 The Tube Music Video
86-1 INHD (HD) Movies, various

(6-8 channels can be found 93-X through 104-X range)

93-X to 100-X Movies (including Pay-Per-View, On-Demand etc.)
101-X to 104-X Movies, Comedy Central, Cartoon Network and others.

102-42 Hallmark
103-63 Discovery
104-81 CSPAN
105-1012 TV Guide
108-8 MOVIEPLEX (HD) Movie

(119-XX range has 30 or more music channels)

Examples:

119-20 Rock Music
119-30 Big Band Music
119-33 Classical Music

(120-XX range has current movies, very good!)

120-9 On-Demand Movie
120-10 On-Demand Movie


I got that working, if I want to be able to watch normal TV as well do I need a cable splitter to run a cable into my normal cable port? Or should I be able to get normal channels through the ATSC tuner?

Jacknimble,

Did you scan that bugger first? Some tuners must explore the entire range before you may "tune" them by entering numbers from the remote. My tuner locked over 150 channels that had to be manually edited as keepers or not.

Average setup includes:

>> Point the input source to cable not antennea
>> Select digital or DTV/HD range
>> Scan process may take 5 minutes or more

Reserve an hour or so to edit the results.


Vid, I pulled a dunce move by not setting the tuner to digital, once I did that i locked about 52 channels but nothing like the 150 you got. as of right now I am happy as lark being able to watch all the digi channels I have so thanks for the great info. I tried to set my buddy up down the street but unfortunately his Samsung has all but the QAM tuner according to tech service.

How many actual channels do you have locked and check for viewing? I understand that some stations do not always have a signal since it is according to the time the bandwidth is being rented. But the 120s are awesome.

One last question: will this setup work with a HTPC tv tuner card that has a QAM and ATSC tuner built in? If it does then it is time to get a tuner card for the PC.

Thanks and happy new year.

CBS 81-1 has been cutting in and out for me, some days it works great, others it glitches about once a minute and other days it doesn't even show up at all. Anyone else getting anything like this?

Hi all,

Haven't scoped this page in a while, it's normally a little sleepy.

Glad Jack snagged some HD and digi-freebies!

Sorry, claiming "150" channels locked when scanned was misleading. The scan count may have been that high but many were blank or no signal when checked. I remember deleting a boat load of other oddities and foreign language channels so 52 with actual video would be close. I think 20 or so additional music only channels hit in the 119-XX range.

Couple of variables. Different tuners may lock different totals or different channels. One viewer may have a utility side filter applied to their service that "leaks" freqs that others can't see. This voodoo service seems to change by what the provider is doing with bandwidth administration as pointed out. Since last week I stopped receiving channels 120-09 and 10. But new channels are showing up in the 93-XX through 102-XX range. Strange stuff.

PC ATSC/NTSC tuner cards should work fine. Remember though, this analog fun will only last a couple more years.


KStyles - (KREM) 81-1 seems stable, no dropouts noticed.

I lost local date/time sync since the KSPS tower blew down a few weeks back. I've read somewhere PBS broadcasts the master time feed. Does anyone have correct date and time from their cable?

Thanks, my whole 81 channel goes in and out. I don't get CW if CBS is out and vice versa. I don't know what's up. I'll just have to keep an eye on it and see. I get a good portion of the rest of your channel list, although I'm mostly concerned with the major networks. Hopefully the 81 thing irons itself out in time for the Super Bowl on Feb 4th.

My tuner has options where I can choose between Cable STD, Cable IRC & Cable HRC. I'm assuming STD means standard but I was wondering if anyone might know what the other two meant? I was just curious. Thanks alot.

P.S. No correct date/time here either.

K- (STD) would be our cable transmission type. The other two are a different standard.

So, both CBS and CW go out together each time signal is lost? That can't be good. Hmmm, could be the tuner or the cable signal. What happens when you reset the TV/tuner during an outage? Does it restore video or remain black until they randomly pop back? A similar anomaly happens with mine but only in the 93+ range. The 81 range is very reliable. Also, this is a required FCC broadcast. Some old rule on the books instructs that all cable providers must transmit any and all local over- the- air channels through their cable. Even at the most basic level. Ha! That's how we get this treat...some lame law.

Before turning in a service call with ComCast, think about what to tell 'em concerning your problem. Say something like bad signal issue and when the tech arrives appeal to their skills and show them exactly the troubled band. This clearly is not something illegal or have any fines attached. I called ComCast and discussed this with a tier three tech. It's legal but not advertised. Now whether he'll fix it is another matter 'cause their out is "we don't support digital channels on basic cable" blaa blaa. Keep placing service calls until one of 'em gets it. They have a trick hand-held meter that shows the tech your complete bandwidth story at a glance. They should detect a flaky or weak zone.

To eliminate the tuner you would have to have an external unit and cut-over to it during an outage. Another shot would be if it's under warrantee. They might swap out the tuner.

Glad to know our local time feed is hosed. My box has taken a whacking with recent So. Hill power spanks. Thought maybe my box was Avista smoked.

Is anyone else out there using Liberty Lake cable (CCSER) to watch HD? If so, I'd love to hear about your experience. All of my HD QAM channels intermittently have horrible break ups, sound drop outs, and pixelation. They have the local channels also in 8VSB, and while they're better, some of them pixelate also. I can get KXLY over the air, and it's perfect. If you have CCSER in Liberty Lake, let me know about your experience. The cable folks claim they don't have a problem or if they do, the problem is either the source or my TV. I think it's bs...

Art

Comcast has remapped our local channel line-up. This is the current layout as received on basic analog cable to an ATSC/QAM tuner. The numbering is great and finally makes sense. Other channels are still tuned retaining the old numbers. The digital HD cut-over is approaching.


2-1 KREM

4-1 KXLY

4-2 ??

6-1 KHQ

6-2 KHQ Weather

7-1 KSPS HD

7-2 KSPS

22-1 KSKN

28-1 FOX

28-2 Tube (music)

And others ...

4-2 My Network TV (MyTV)

I'm with Dish Network using a ViP622 HD-DVR and a Dish 1000. In the past few days the KHQ HD local has looked absolutely terrible. It looks horribly compressed - anytime there is any motion in the picture, there is horrible distortion/macroblocking. ABC-HD, CBS-HD, and FOX-HD all look just fine, and before this week NBC-HD had looked great as well. Anyone else noticing this? I'm just happy I'm using an OTA antenna to pick up all the HD local channels as well - they look perfect as always!

I'm with Dish Network using a ViP622 HD-DVR and a Dish 1000. In the past few days the KHQ HD local has looked absolutely terrible. It looks horribly compressed - anytime there is any motion in the picture, there is horrible distortion/macroblocking. ABC-HD, CBS-HD, and FOX-HD all look just fine, and before this week NBC-HD had looked great as well. Anyone else noticing this? I'm just happy I'm using an OTA antenna to pick up all the HD local channels as well - they look perfect as always!

Yep, i've got the same Dish set-up as you and there is definitely a problem at KHQ. I don't know if their just cheap or what because i know for a fact that Wheel of Fortune should be telecasted in HD and on KHQ, it is not. And also i notice every week that Saturday Night Live seems to be only in HD half the time. For example, during a skit, the show will be in regular digital and than all of the sudden, it flips to HD!! Very weird. I think they are either cheap or too lazy to flip the switch on and off!!

Not an actual HD comment, but I live in Spokane, WA and last night I tuned in to the FSN NW (channel 426) to watch the WSU versus Washington Huskies game, but was unable to watch it because a blacked-out Seattle Sonics game was being shown instead. However, the local Comcast cable station did show the WSU game on their FSN NW channel. How is this possible? Aren’t the same programs supposed to be offered regardless of provider?

Is anyone else out there using Liberty Lake cable (CCSER) to watch HD? If so, I'd love to hear about your experience. All of my HD QAM channels intermittently have horrible break ups, sound drop outs, and pixelation. They have the local channels also in 8VSB, and while they're better, some of them pixelate also. I can get KXLY over the air, and it's perfect. If you have CCSER in Liberty Lake, let me know about your experience. The cable folks claim they don't have a problem or if they do, the problem is either the source or my TV. I think it's bs...

Art

I have DirecTV but also get CCSER Internet. My TV is also able to get all the QAM channels. I haven't noticed a problem at all when watching the QAM stuff. I especially like TOC2HD and the new National Geographic HD. DirecTV is pathetic with their HD offering. They just came out and upgraded my dish to the new 5 LNB so I could get HD locals and they don't even have them turned on.

I have DirecTV but also get CCSER Internet. My TV is also able to get all the QAM channels. I haven't noticed a problem at all when watching the QAM stuff. I especially like TOC2HD and the new National Geographic HD. DirecTV is pathetic with their HD offering. They just came out and upgraded my dish to the new 5 LNB so I could get HD locals and they don't even have them turned on.

Thanks! can you tell me approximately where you live in Liberty Lake? I live on Garry Rd., and I and my neighbor are having horrible problems with the QAM channels. The cable technicians so far have been unable to find the problem. I'm getting really close to going satellite...

Art

Thanks! can you tell me approximately where you live in Liberty Lake? I live on Garry Rd., and I and my neighbor are having horrible problems with the QAM channels. The cable technicians so far have been unable to find the problem. I'm getting really close to going satellite...

Art

I am between Country Vista and Homestead. Close to the small park. I also get pretty decent OTA with a roof mount antenna. I get everything except Fox. No matter what I do I cannot get Fox. My signal strength is 60% and up.

As far as satellite goes, at the moment I would choose Dish over Directv because they have around twice the many HD channels. Directv is promising over 100 national HD channels this year. I am pretty skeptical but since I already have them I guess I will wait and see.

Comcastic QAM folks, make sure to lock 86-2 the TNT channel. It seems solid. You may need to re-scan to snag it.

Is anyone else out there using Liberty Lake cable (CCSER) to watch HD? If so, I'd love to hear about your experience. All of my HD QAM channels intermittently have horrible break ups, sound drop outs, and pixelation. They have the local channels also in 8VSB, and while they're better, some of them pixelate also. I can get KXLY over the air, and it's perfect. If you have CCSER in Liberty Lake, let me know about your experience. The cable folks claim they don't have a problem or if they do, the problem is either the source or my TV. I think it's bs...

Art

In case anyone is interested, after a couple of weeks of troubleshooting, the CCSER cable folks finally found a bad distribution amplifier in their system feeding my house. All is well now!

Art

Is anyone having problems with OTA KSPS. I'm getting between 85-89% signal - but no picture.

Anyone notice that QAM channels on Comcast 86 and 83 switched around Thursday Night (3/8/2007)? The subchannels are the same.

Also, as a couple others have noted, I had problems on Channel 81 (2 and 22) for a while. Playing with the gain on my amp (a Philips Digital 4 Output from CC with return path) I can get it to mostly be problem-free. I have a comcast DVR plugged into the amp and it doesn't have any problems (regardless of gain, except on extreme settings). Gues my HDHomeRun is more sensitive than the Motorola box.

Here is my current list I checked last night against my DVR box. The First column is the QAM channel, second and third is the broadcaster and call signs. The last is the Comcast analog/digital channel. Something to note: Comcast sent messages on their DVR boxes earlier this year telling us they were encrypted all the digital music and channels, among several others. They are basically stripping down what you can get without a cable card or cable box.

79-100 CBS KREM 2
79-101 FOX KAYU 3
79-102 AZN 75
79-104 TBN 29
79-105 KGPX 8
79-106 PIN 78
79-1002 KSPS 7
79-1010 KCDT 26
80-120 ABC KXLY 4
80-121 NBC KHQ 6
80-122 WGNSAT 21
80-123 KSKN 22
80-124 NWCN 23
80-125 KQUPLP 24
80-127 TELEP 76
80-1009 TVW 25
81-1 CBS-HD KREM-DT 102
81-2 KSKN-HD KSKN-DT 111
82-1 KSPS.2 KSPS-DT2 108
82-2 ABC-HD KXLY HD 104
82-3 KSPS-HD KSPS-HD 107
82-4 KXMN KXMNLP 114
83-1 INHD-HD 664
83-2 TNT-HD TNT-HD 662
86-3 NBC-HD KHQ-HD 106
86-4 KHQ-DT 115
86-5 FOX-HD KAYU-HD 103
86-6 TUBE KAYUDT2 116
91-4 TWC 20
101-3 TOONP 42
101-5 AETVP 52
102-42 HALMRKP 77
102-43 JWLTV 96
102-1013 SPKN12 12
103-63 DSCP 9
104-80 CSPAN 27
104-81 CSPAN2 28
104-86 HSN 10
104-87 QVC 13
105-1001 GOAC005 5
105-1003 EDAC014 14
105-1004 EDAC015 15
105-1005 EDAC016 16
105-1006 EDAC017 17
105-1007 EDAC018 18
105-1008 EDAC019 19
105-1012 TVGC 99
108-8 MPLEX 149
112-10 TWC-SPKN
112-13 ONDMND
116-1 NBAPC 440

D* just lit up Spokane HD LILs.

D* just lit up Spokane HD LILs.

Thanks for the heads up!

I seem to be getting 2, 4, 6, and 28. 7 and 22 are missing. I wish they would have identified the channel labels better to distuinguish between the HD and SD channels.

Has anyone out there managed to get a cable card from the Liberty Lake cable company? I have a neighbor that just bought one of the HD Tivos - which needs two cable cards to get the programming features to work. CCSER (the Liberty Lake cable company) is giving him the run around. I think cable companies are required to make cable cards available (FCC rule), but that may only apply to cable companies that service large populations (CCSER does not, obviously). CCSER has a variety of HD channels, but no DVR is available.

Thanks,

Art

So what happened to TNT HD along with the 2.1, 4.1 & 6.1. I seem to have reverted back to the old setup from Comcast? Things were working great and the wife was even happy for the local HD matching up.

Yeah Jack, thought it was just my setup. The channels re-mapped to the 80's again.

TNT HD is bye-bye ... Waaaa!

The channel #'s made sense for awhile and I noticed Day/Date and channel call letters in the banner. That's history too!

Perhaps they were experimenting with cable admin features (read toys) with no intent to roll it out. And they well know - no one will complain 'cause they don't support us hacks. They'll explain how we need the "digital package" with "HD" enabled. Bah!

I am using Comcast cable with a QAM tuner in my HDTV and an Optical cable for the audio out.

I live in Spokane, WA

KPSPS-HD (PBS) video is perfect, but the audio is horrible! This is the only channel I have problems with. It is Dolby Digital 2.0 audio and it snap/crackle/pops constantly!

Anyone else have this problem?

I have emailed PBS, but they have not replied.

Threads merged.

I'm guessing Comcast picks up all local OTA-HD channels via antenna(s) and re-distributes them on cable. So if sound/video is glitchy on cable then their OTA signal may have the same behavior.

I've noticed both KSPS channels video and sound is more glitchy then other locals. The most common effect is video blocks on the screen randomly patterning. They were more stable before their antenna tower blew over a few months back.

I live up close to Sandpoint. I have been able to get Spokane HD stations for years, then in the winter i lost 28-1 & 28-2 completely. I get 28 analog ota snowy, but watchable. What happened?

I subscribe to the HD package on DirecTV. There is no mention on the DirecTV web site about local HD for Spokane. does anyone know when this might happen?

Local HD in Spokane right now. Happened about a month ago, which is why I went with directv HD. Most channels look pretty good, except CBS, which looks like crap (lots of pixalation)

studdad--are you saying you are receiving Spokane local HD channels via DirecTV???

I just spent 30 minutes trying to find that info on DirecTV.com and could not. Please post a url for me to go to...

thanks, ron

Anybody else completely lose signal to KXLY-DT (4-1) tonight at around 9:30 pm? Right now, I can't get any signal whatsoever. Haven't had any issues before and was getting above 60% for KXLY. I have DB2 and all my other OTA HD channels are at 90+ for signal strength.

Rondi-- Directv does broadcast HD locals in Spokane.

I can't post a link yet, but if you go to directv's website and click on Programming--->HD Channels--->Local Channels in HD---->Enter your zip code

After you enter your zip code, it will show you all the digital(HD) stations in Spokane that Directv broadcasts.

rondi,

Try this link: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=65321

I am in the same boat as studdad...over christmas break I am home and getting 28.1 perfect, then the day before I leave it is breaking up a little...now I get back home to CDA and can't get my tv to even pick up channel 30

Hey,

Anybody know about hd off air ant for nbc khq 6

I just got a samsung hd tuner for my big screen and I only get channel 2-dt
and 4-hd also 22-dt. I have it pointed toward the southhill.

Hi-

Not sure I also setup a samsung tuner yesterday with a off air ant not getting khq-6

Have you tried AntennaWeb.coom to find out the direction & the antenna type to get the most channels at where you are? I am in Pondarosa and I receive 2, 4, 6, 7, 22 and 28 OTA without problem.

Good luck.

Hi-

Not sure I also setup a samsung tuner yesterday with a off air ant not getting khq-6

Hey,

Anybody know about hd off air ant for nbc khq 6

I just got a samsung hd tuner for my big screen and I only get channel 2-dt
and 4-hd also 22-dt. I have it pointed toward the southhill.

Where in Liberty Lake do you live? I live west of the lake and I can only see KXLY-DT which is located on Mt. Spokane. For me tower mountain is behind a hill, and reception of those stations is very spotty. Liberty Lake cable does carry the local hi-def stations in both ATSC (over the air format) and QAM (cable format)...

Art

FYI:
I have a Dish 622 & HD locals. I get PBS 26-1 to 5 via OTA but integrated into Dish guide.

Last night the PBS HD guide info actually had the specific show information for the first time!!!

Also Dish just added FOX NW HD regional sports channel & had Mariners game last night & tonight in HD!!

Anyone else with reception problems with Dish sat 129, especially TP 6, 22, 23????

Anyone with Directv w/ HD. How is satellite reception???

TB, keep in mind, this is the time of the year, depending what time of day, that the sun is behind the sats, and can interfere with reception from them.

A few weeks ago we had the DirecTV HR20 & a 5 LNB dish installed. We have had no problems with reception. The sats we get are 101, 110, 119, 103b, but no 96. I think 96 is the sat to go up in Nov. We do NOT get Spokane HD locals via DirecTV--only OTA. Hopefully that's coming in Dec/Jan once 96 is operational. We do get, as part of the HD package, the LA stations in HD, except ABC. KXLY 4.1 & 4.2 come in great via OTA, so no need. It would be nice to see more college football via ABC in HD though, and no stretched "regular" programming. I wonder if the talking heads realize how stupid and fat they look on KXLY!!!!

We are dry camping at a dog trial weekend, so i brought the old 3 LNB dish on a tripod and the HR20. been watching HD in the motorhome this weekend. what a life :)

hth, ron

Rondi-

I got the same D* setup you have last May. Had to have them come back earlier this month to fine tune for the new sat. I've had the locals as part of my package for several years and now in HD with the September activation of the new sat(s). Since I have a motor home, I also pay D* $9/mo for DNS service which gives me CBS, ABC, NBC and FOX east & west networks (but only west in HD). I'm very happy with ALL of the new HD broadcasts! :D

I'm curious as to how difficult is was aligning the 3 lnb dish on the tripod? Did you have a signal meter separate from the HR-20? :confused: I've been waiting for the prices to come down for the KVH domes but it doesn't seem to be happening. :(

Thanks,
Jon

Jon,

I do not get the Spokane locals in HD. Only SD, and i think all of them--2,4,6,7,26, plus more no doubt. And this with the new HR20. Maybe i must contact CS to have them take off the DNS and replace them with the HD Locals---on 2nd thought---i probably could not watch CH89, FoxHD LA without the extra moho fee.

This spring i bought an Align a Sight (http://www.alignasite.com/). it's a thingy which fastens to the dish, and with a not leveled tripod, you use the 2 bubbles (elevation and tilt) and compass to adjust the dish. It works pretty good. The SS meter which goes inline with the cable might work, but i don't think there is provision for separating the SS for the different sats. i just use the SS part of the HR20, and my wife watches that, and i tweak the dish. it takes 10-15 minutes or so, cause i must wait for the sat to be "acquired".

NONE of the current domes will get the 2 new sats from DirecTV--only 101, 110, 119. After the first of the year perhaps they will have them available. We did not order a dome with this rig because of this. But i will add one, once they are available--probably a Winegard.

My moho is HD ready, 2 HD tv's wired with Component/L&R audio and HDMI. I have only used the HR20 with Component. I just bought a HDMI switch box so i can switch the DVD player or the HR20, but i must change some of the cables from the PS to the DS overhead cabinets, then i can use my shorter HDMI cables. and BTW, www.monoprice.com is a GREAT place to buy cables.

ron

TB, keep in mind, this is the time of the year, depending what time of day, that the sun is behind the sats, and can interfere with reception from them.

hth, ron
Maybe we can petition to have the Sun moved!!
I have HD locals w/ Dish since last year. I have been watching the HD war closely & not quite ready to switch . Good to know of no D* sat problems. It seems that 3 of the TP on the Echo 129 have signal problems. I can not view half the Voom (TP 22,23) channels (no loss!), but am unable to view TBS HD or NHL HD due to signal loss with TP 6. The other HD on other transponders still are fine. I am hoping that Dish does not use TP 6, 22, 23 for any more real HD additions.

Ron,

Sounds like you have a similar D* package as I have. Perhaps you've already done this, but if not, use your menu to edit your favorites. Once at that page, you should see two 2's, two 4's, etc. Where the local channels are duplicated, the first is the HD channel with SD on the second. Same is true with most of the new HD channels in the 200-600 range. I don't get 7, 10, 22 or 24 in HD. Here at the house I can only get 4.1, 4.2 and the 26.*'s OTA as my line of sight to the south hill is apparently too obstructed. It would be nice to get HD 7, but most of the PBS is similar so 26.* suffices.

I registered for the DNS several years ago when they were dropping the east coast feeds for those of us on the west coast. I like to watch Letterman and Leno at 8:35 vs 11:35. :) I don't know that I'd still get them without paying the $9?

When I got the HR-20, I semi-retired my Sony SAT-300 HD receiver to the MH. But, a couple of weeks ago, I bought a new Sony 32" LCD for the bedroom and used the 300 to power it while I looked at cabling options from the HR-20 in the LR. I did end up buying a 75' HDMI cable from Monoprice which arrived last Friday. I was referred to them by some fine people at http://www.DBSTalk.com. I was concerned needlessly about a loss in signal with that cable length as the PQ is excellent and with the RF remotes, controlling the HR from the bedroom is a simple matter.

My MH is 11 years old and isn't configured well for LCD's so for the present I'll just have to stick with my tube sets. The 300 has signal meters also and with something like the Align a Sight, I should at least be able to get the D* programming even if not the new HD channels.

Thanks for the link. I'll check it out.

Jon, I found Monoprice also via DBStalk, but in reference to using an eSATA interfaced external disk drive (Seagate FreeAgent Pro--750GB for $200 @ Costco) on the HR20, in place of the 350gb internal drive. My cable is on the way. I haven't tried the HR20 & the 3LNB dish yet with 2 cables from the HR20 to the built-in multiswitch (4 positions), but i will---then i can record 1 program while watching another---great for football :)

I'll checkout the Favs tonight when i get the HR20 hooked back up. I have my OTA antenna also connected to the HR20---We have a front PJ so i need the tuner in either DirecTV receiver. When connected to the 5LNB dish with the BBC connected, i get like CNNHD & TBSHD and like the Food Channel (XXX-1 & XXX-2 not sure what the channel # is). For moho use, I don't want to give up my DNS because then when i am outside the sat Spot Beam for Spokane locals (in Helena a few weeks ago, there were lots of dropouts on Spokane SD---i would bet the HD version is even worse) i can't get any network, unless it's OTA.

SW of Sandpoint we get 7, 7.1, 7.2 OTA fairly good with some dropouts. it's dependent on the weather. 7.1 almost always has different programing than 7 & 7.2 which are the same.

Robert, surf over to www.DBStalk.com, if you haven't already, and check the Dish Network forums about your sat/TP issues. Then you'll know for sure if Dish has a problem or you dish might have bird droppings on it or ??

ron

Sorry to jump in here out of nowhere, but I'm about at the end of my rope. I've gone to antennaweb.org and just about every other site to figure this out. I receive HD in 1080i over the air. I bought a Philips(Model #MANT510) antenna and hooked it into a Mitsubishi SR-HD5 Receiver. The receiver displays the feed over a component connection into my TV. The picture looks amazing...when it comes in. I've noticed when I walk by the antenna, on some stations, the picture momentarily goes out. Also when helicopters and low flying aircraft go over, or cars just drive past my apartment, the same occurrence happens. Is this just something I have to live with because of my location, or is this just a bad antenna? I really don't want to go buy another antenna if it's something I can't help...Any help would be so greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks!
-Nick

Is this just something I have to live with because of my location, or is this just a bad antenna? I really don't want to go buy another antenna if it's something I can't help...Any help would be so greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks!
-Nick

Nick,

You didn't tell us where you live and which channels you're able to receive. :confused: The Phillips antenna has a 4+ star rating on epinions.com, so most purchasers seem to be happy with it.

Haha....Sorry...I live on the south hill in Spokane...Zip code, 99203.

Has anyone else noticed we lost the national HD feed for PBS? 7-1 appears to be a simulcast of 7 with stretch-o-vision. 7-2, not sure what that is. 7-3 is "Create TV" ? Am I missing something? What a huge mistake if they dropped the national feed of HD content. Also the DirecTV programming guide is all messed up because of this change.

Update:
Received this response from KSPS Engineering dept:
We have made some changes to our digital channels. 7.1, our primary digital
channel, is now KSPS-HD. It is programmed with as much High Definition
content as is available from PBS. We started out by up converting and
stretching all SD 4:3 content but have now switched to leaving 4:3 content
in 4:3 mode. This way the viewer can decide to stretch the picture or leave
it alone. 7.2 which was a digital channel that mirrored our analog signal
is now KSPS World, a compilation of the best PBS programming with no
children programs. 7.3 is a digital stream of "how to" (woodworking,
painting, sewing, etc.) programs. 7.2 and 7.3 are also broadcast on our
digital channel and can be received directly "off air" with an antenna if
you have a "digital capable" television. I am not sure which channels these
are carried on in Liberty Lake cable.
You will still see all PBS "\High Definition" programs available on 7.1 in
true High Definition but it will be seen at its regular times. We are
transmitting the same "bit rate" for the High Definition 7.1 as we were
before so there is no loss of quality. 7.2 and 7.3 are at a lower "bit
rate" and we will be adjusting the rates over the next few weeks to
determine the best viewing without sacrificing quality.
We have also just finished upgrading our production facility to High
Definition quality and will begin to produce all our local programming in HD
in January.

I noticed it also. I sent an email to KSPS today asking about it. Maybe this has something to do with it:
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1088872&highlight=

ron

I'm on Comcast cable with a HD-ready TV (built-in tuners include: ATSC/QAM/NTSC) in Spokane, WA 99218. Below are the channels that I receive in HD (as well as their normal standard definition channels):

FOX (KAYU) on 86.3
ABC (KXLY) on 82.2
NBC (KHQ) on 86.3

What channel is CBS (KREM) on? I've thought it was on 81.1 but no signal is being broadcast on that channel.

I was a comcast customer but recently cancelled and bought a Terk HDTVA series amplified antenna, I live downtown about a block from Q6,

for channels I get the following..
1080i KREM2HD 2.1
720p KXLYHD 4.1
480i KXMNDT 4.2
1080i KSPSHD 7.1
480i KSPSWORLD 7.2
480i KSPSCREATE 7.3

MIA are 6.1 and 28.1 for OTA HD channels, it baffles me that I cant get 6.1 and am a block away from one of the stations, I do get all the analogs 2,4,6,22,28,32,34, etc but the analogs dont come in well, all the hd channels listed above come in 100% reception with perfect sound, 5.1 on the supported stations..

Is KHQ NBC brodcasting in HD in spokane? I know fox is because fox worked when comcast was still active on 86-5 or whatever it was..

My tv is a vizio and it doesnt even allow it to change to 6.1 unless it sees an active signal when I goto the skip channel menu on the tv there isnt even a 6.1 or 28.1 listed.. I looked at antennaweb.org and it says I should be able to get one of the two at least but I have had no luck.

KHQ is broadcasting HD on 6.1 in 1080i. KAYU is broadcasting on 28.1 in 720p.

I'm not sure why you don't get the other channels. I know I've had problems picking up all the channels because they are in different directions. I'm in Hayden and it's hard to get signals off the south hill and Mt Spokane at the same time.

About the previous posts on KSPS, I like the new channel lineup but that's because I pick up CDA PBS channels. This setup gives me more channels, CDA has channels 26.1-26.5 for PBS with 26.5 being the HD feed and I think it only operates during PM hours while 26.2, 26.3, and 26.4 only operate during AM hours. That makes 7.1 a different HD channel from 26.5. I think 7.2 and 7.3 channels are the same as our 26.2 and 26.3.

kinda sucks cause a lot of the good shows are on fox and nbc and I cant get those channels, I wish there was an alternative cable provider in downtown spokane other than comcast.. I dont think I can get satelite tv in my apartment

Can anyone recommend which local sat install company to go with????
I need adjustments to be done for a Diah Network setup.

I have a Hitachi 42hds69 and watch OTA broadcast I live in the Millwood area and use to get good reception on 2-1, 4-1, 4-2, 6-1, 6-2, 7-1,7-2, 7-3, 22-1, and 28-1 (plus analog.) About a week ago channel 2-1 (KREM HD) stopped coming in and started freezing my TV (I couldn't change channels, power off, or anything.) I talked to Hitachi and updated my software. It worked for about a week and then started doing the same thing only now it is on 22-1 (KSKN HD) also. I talked to a repair shop and they said get cable, OTA is obsolete (BS.) Hitachi said it has to be in the signal. My question is, does anyone in the Spokane area have a Hitachi HDS69 series TV, and do you have any problems with 2-1 OTA?

Both of the following Comcast Basic Cable (QAM) decoded channels are now crashing my Sony XBR4 HDTV:

81.1 - CBS (KREM 2)
81.2 - THE CW 22 (operated by KREM 2)

This is my second QAM HDTV and all I can say is that the programming available via QAM is getting worse and worse by the year in Spokane. The latest disappointment was with the KSPS-HD changes. That had become one of my favorite channels. Now it is horrible. I was also a fan of a channel called MOJO which disappeared about a year ago from the QAM channels. Now CBS and THE CW both crash my new TV as of the last few weeks.

Of course my first thought is that Comcast is doing this so that people will be forced to buy their HD service and decoder box. Pathetic.

Mike, I'm so happy to hear that CBS crashes your TV. I mean that sucks but I'm glad I'm not the only one. I don't think it's Comcast because I don't have Comcast, I use the old rabbit ears. There has to be something in KREM and KSKNs signal. I agree with you, I was really disappointed with KSPS. Have you tried contacting KREM? When I did they said try using a different antenna (which didn't work.) maybe if they knew a cable subscriber was having a similar problem they might look into it.

I emailed KREM lastnight. They replied stating that their antenna had had some ice on it and to try again. I thought I was clear to them that I am using a wired Comcast connection and decoding via my TVs internal QAM decoder. I will reply to them again after checking. I know that KREM was crashing my TV lastnight.

KREM and KSKN are working for me now. I didn't do anything different. Here is a response I got from KREM.

"Thanks for additional details. I was having a similar problem with the Sony XBR in my office. After a LOT of frustration and troubleshooting the answer was to unplug my TV for a few minutes then plug it back in and force a rescan of the digital channels. I had to do that several times before the receiver was happy and stayed solid. This may turn out to be a software issue in the TV’s HD receiver.
We’re also looking for any anomalies in the KREM-DT & KSKN-DT signals.
We’ve only heard from a couple of HDTV viewers concerning the KREM & KSKN HD signals so we’re looking for any common factors like TV set type, receiver manufacturers, cable supplier or antenna make.

"If you have any further details from yourself or any one you know that might be helpful please send them along to Engineering@Krem.com."

Everything works great tonight for me as well. I received a similiar response, but I did not have to turn of and unplug my display, re-scan, etc. It just worked. :)

Can anyone recommend which local sat install company to go with????
I need adjustments to be done for a Diah Network setup.
__________________
Robert A.

That would be my company Bob. Sandpoint Satellite 208-265-5928.

Unshameful plug.:eek:

Lenny Hess:)

I own a Dell HDTV with built-in tuner. I receive no OTA channels and can't figure out the answer. Do I need to change my splitter to a high-band coax splitter? I purchased the TV in September 2006.

Has anyone noticed a "stutter" type effect on several Directv HD channels? It does not happen on every program, but for example, I was watching Mr. and Mrs. Smith on FX HD today, and it was almost unwatchable. It almost looks like REALLY bad judder. If a camera pans, it will be smooth, then "clip/skip" ahead, then smooth then clip ahead. I had really noticed this mostly on TNT HD in the past, where it showed up very often. But now I see it fairly often on FX, USA and TBS, and rarely Spike. Most other channels are not effected. If I change to the SD channel, it still occurs. When it goes to a commercial, it usually stops, then starts back up again when the movie starts.

I had something similar to this, only worse, when I had a Samsung 71 tv. That set had "stutter" that happened randomly, and would go away if you turned off their AMP function,,,,obviously a tv issue. But it would still have this issue I describe above, even when AMP was turned off, which is obviously a source issue. My new tv (the Samsung 750) does not have the stutter issues of the 71, but does get these same clipping issues on certain channels and certain shows. In addition, when I look on a crt screen, I will see the same issues, so obviously this is a directv issue. I just want to make sure others see it, and if there is a fix, or do we just complain to directv?
__________________

Anyone getting KHQ-HD OTA clean? Mine is really blockly if there is any fast movment/panning. Its really killing the whole HD olympics experince. I chatted for a short time with the KHQ chief op and he said I just have a bad signal... :confused:

Anyone getting KHQ-HD OTA clean? Mine is really blockly if there is any fast movment/panning. Its really killing the whole HD olympics experince. I chatted for a short time with the KHQ chief op and he said I just have a bad signal... :confused:

The same here. Both OTA or on Direct TV. I see the same motion artifacts during KHQ's HD news and my OTA signal level is "100%". Not enough bandwidth on 6.1. This is one of the reasons I subscribe to Expressvu, a Canadian DBS service. I can watch Olympic coverage on the CBC, or on NBC affiliates from Boston or Seattle. Nothing like having a choice!:)

Here's a thread over on DBS Talk (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=135883) about this very subject. Some see it, some don't. The consensus seems to be that NBC has a history of macroblocking on high motion scenes, so it may not be entirely KHQ's fault.


Just out of curiosity, I wonder why all the posts on this thread between June 22 and today disappeared?:confused:

Glad to hear it was not me, wish I had access to that service, I was ripping my hair out trying to fix it. 3000 hours of olympics coverage and they could not send out a decent HD feed...

I guess there was a prob with the database, there is a post about it at the top of the forum index

I just got off the phone with the chief eng again for KHQ, nice enough guy. He did acknowledge the issue this time. Said he was looking into it. I guess I was wrong about the bandwidth and that sub channels do cut it down. I guess will see if our picture clears up. I know on my screen its not even watchable right now. I ended up watching the last hour of swiming and gymnastics on SD. :o

The really sad part to all of this is the dishonesty that KHQ is feeding everybody. Truth be told, their HD news is not even HD, it's SD. I have friends that work in news and turns out that after spending a ton of money to hire a company to come in and switch everything over (i hear it's common knowledge that the ENG's at Q are not very capable) that it didn't work. Q spent money on new cameras, a big monitor and a new news desk, but that's it. All of the equipment including what the director uses to change cameras (told it's a switcher) is limited to SD. I don't know all the lingo but in the end it's very well known in the industry that KHQ is NOT broadcasting in HD to ANY extent and yet they pretend they are. Pretty shady. KXLY is the only station that is actually broadcasting in HD by purchasing the proper equipment and doing it themselves.

Q already had a bad reputation in the industry before, now i see why. I'd love for the Inlander to do a story on this since the Spokesman sure wouldn't.

Seems from a google search that others are getting HD HBO On Demand with Comcast. I don't show any showing up here...anyone have any luck, or know the background on this? TIA.

Commissioner Adelstein to Visit Portland, Yakima, Spokane and Seattle for DTV Outreach

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-286023A1.pdf

SPOKANE

WHEN: October 22, 1-2 PM
WHERE: C’oeur d’Alene Reservation
Rose Creek Longhouse
Worley, ID

Hi, I live in the Ponderosa area and considering dropping Dish and just go with the freebie OTA. Tryoong to save some bucks.

But before I do, I like to know what are the available HD channels I can recieve in where I am. Currently I do have a HD OTA antenna, I currently can recieve the follwing HD channels but just wonder if there are any more of them out there by possibly "upgrading" the antenna. Here are the channels currently coming in:

2-1
4-1, 4-2
6-1, 6-2
7-1, 7-2, 7-3
22-1
28-1, 28-2

Tks in advance.

I'm in Nine Mile Falls above the river valley and in addition to the channels you list, I can get Idaho Public TV 26-1, 26-2, 26-3, 26-4 and 26-5. I have no idea where the "Ponderosa area" is, but if you have a clear shot east over the Spokane Valley, you might receive them as well. I get everything you do plus those Idaho channels with a twelve year old, $40 dollar Radio Shack roof mounted antenna. Nothing fancy.

i have a few questions that hopefully you guys can help me with. my mom lives in spokane, and i live in arkansas, so it's difficult for me to figure some of these out.

right now she is only paying for the "basic" package, but since comcast automatically streams some digital channels she is able to watch them using the qam tuner in her tv. (i may be incorrect about the exact package, but she does not have any cable box right now and she does no not use premium content i.e. hbo/cinemax/...) the channels come up as 81.1, 81.2, 81.3... which is hard for her to find a specific channel, and she doesn't have a working guide.

she is wanting a digital dvr option, preferably hd, but without the use of cable cards. she also wants to be able to stream the recorded shows to other tvs so the drm has to allow it. she would also like a guide as well. i was wanting to her use a mce since she previously used a LG LRM-519 and really enjoyed it due to its ease of use.

1. i've read about comcast, firewire ports, and 5c encryption. are they using 5c there, and if so what channels?

2. if she goes the firewire route, does she have to use an ir modulator to control the box (like channel changing), or is the box controlled through the firewire port?

3. will the firewire record the actual stream, or a capture similar to recording a vga/s-video/component out?

4. is anyone using/know more about the r5000-hd mod?

5. if she goes the r5000-hd route, does she have to use an ir modulator to control the box (like channel changing), or is the box controlled through the , or is channel changing done through the usb port?

6. will the r5000-hd record the actual stream, or a capture similar to recording a vga/s-video/component out?

7. can she use ondemand with any of these setups, if not then what would she need to utilize ondemand?

8. will she be able to watch live tv on the main tv/extenders, and will she be able to watch shows while they are recording, or she have to wait until they are finished?

9. am i making this too complex? is there a simpler option? is there a tuner card that will do all this (remember she doesn't have hbo/cinemax/...)?


any other info would be greatly appreciated!
thanks!

Is anyone in the market watching OTA DTV with a Windows-based computer, and have some free time with which they might be willing to help me with something?

Thanks.

- Trip

Anyone having issues with FOX 28.1 coming in?

Mine comes and gos, can't figure out why

Hi guys, Is anyone else having problems with KREM-DT (via DirecTV locals) with video dropouts and audio stutter? It's that way on the ads too. Is KREM still broadcasting SD?

For some reason i can't get 2-1 OTA either. I have 0% signal strength. I have mid 50 to mid 60% on 6-1,2,3 and the same with 7-1,2,3. 4-1 is about 85%.

I live west of Sandpoint just off US2.

Ron

I switched from Comcast to OTA on 3/18. I am using a dtvpal plus converter into a Panasonic DMR-EH50 DVD and HD recorder using rabbit ears. The DMR-EH50 seems to be doing a fine job of switching the dtvpal channels and I can receive all or nearly all of the local digital channels (18 in all). The DMR-EH50 however is not updating its tv guide (tvgos) information. My question, is anybody else getting this to work OTA in Spokane. Tvgos was working fine on Comcast. The DMR-EH50 seems to be looking for the tvgos feed on KREM (2-1).

I have successfully received tvgos listings in the Spokane area using a dtvpal plus converter connected to a Panasonic DMR-EF50 recorder. The Spokane source for tvgos is our CBS affiliate KREM 2-1. The two special pieces of information I needed to make this work are

1. I had to lock the Panasonic to my VBI channel. You do this by typing the code 963214785 into the messages screen. If you do not lock the Panasonic it is continually searching and misses the tvgos data. I lock the Panasonic to channel 20, which is the actual channel that 2-1 is broadcast on.

2. On the dtvpal I had to set the picture format for channel 20 to ZOOM. In normal mode I think the dtvpal incorrectly puts the VBI tvgos information into the picture and as a result it is never received by the Panasonic. FULL might work as well. I have not tested that.