Got the ViP622 installed as scheduled, the installer was a nice guy but he didn't really know the receiver that well but I figured I was going to have to figure it out my my own anyway.

THE GOOD:
1) Very nice 16x9 program guide
2) Name based recording -- one time, every day, every week, etc.
3) Top notch HD quality on HDNews, HDNet, HDNetMovies, and UniversalHD
4) Very quiet operation (nearly silent after bootup)
5) Seamless integration of OTA channels (although no name based recording)
6) You can watch a different channel on a second TV without incurring a second receiver fee
7) UHF remote had a long range


THE NOT SO GOOD:
1) Sound drops for a second or so after changing channels
2) Takes 5 minutes to do a cold restart
3) Mediocre HD quality on KUNGFUHD and MONSTERSHD
4) Weak signal strength on one of the satellites (but that might be fixable with a simple realignment)

Overall, Iamb pleased with the receiver and I have no "leasers' remorse"

Logicman


The Not So Good: #4 -- I peaked my Dish1000 for a couple of hours and got 129 up to 65pts. on transponder 14. After installer left it was only 51pts.

I am going to install a Dish500 with a single LNB for the 129 bird. Should get another 10 - 12 pts.

Didn't see that that box can record 3 HD streams. Canondave must have 2 DVRs to record 3 streams, or the VIP622 and a HTPC.


I do have 2 DVR'S

My 622 and my wife's 508. She uses it to record all her Korean shows. They are only in SD.

Too bad it's not an HD output though, E* kinda stuck it to us HD folks with that feature. How much are they getting for the lease?

$299.00 upfront for the ViP622 (plus $6.00 a month for the lease) and installed Dish1000. Includes cables and switches needed for your install.

Anyone else notice that CBS's show Survivor has been in HD lately?

Just in 4:3 format though.

Sounds pretty good overall. Though it would be a bummer at times to not be able to record 2 OTAs simultaneously, and definitely a problem not to have OTA name-based season passes.

Dish is definitely coming up in the world. Did you see they have Denver HDTV locals up now? http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2006/02/27/daily47.html

Maybe some of you guys want to 'move' to Denver?? :rolleyes:

Anyone else notice that CBS's show Survivor has been in HD lately?

Just in 4:3 format though.
Really? I always thought it was too difficult to have mobile HD cameras in the jungle or whatever.

The Not So Good: #4 -- I peaked my Dish1000 for a couple of hours and got 129 up to 65pts. on transponder 14. After installer left it was only 51pts.

Dave,

I'm getting around 60pts on 129 but I'm not getting any dropouts so I figure I'll leave it alone until something "breaks".


TallGuy,

Yes, it's a mild pain to manually program the timer to record OTA but until E* offers the Colorado Springs locals in HD, I just don't see any reason to pay $5 a month fee to get "less".


Frank,

Yes, not being able to push an HD signal to a second TV is a drawback.

Really? I always thought it was too difficult to have mobile HD cameras in the jungle or whatever.

I believe it is still analog, it's just upconverted. you can tell when kktv switches it on. picture quality is more crisp and colors more vibrant but don't think it's hd. I've been watching the digital channel for amazing race and survivor and they both do the same thing. Still al ot better than the blurry analog.

Since I posted I haven't been noticing the stuttering issues on the HD channels - KRDO or ESPN or TNT. It's been so nice that I didn't even notice it until I caught up on the thread and realized I haven't been getting irritated with it lately.

As for Directv, the one and only reason that I continue to overpay them is because it is the only way I can get the NFL Sunday Ticket. As long as they have that exclusive contract, they will be a force. I didn't upgrade to the HD Tivo until I saw that the Ticket was going to be available in HD last year. Which led to my obsession in getting the locals in HD - so I could get the blacked out games in HD. I am a football junkie. I have a problem. March Madness will help tide me over.

Anyone else watch "The Unit" last wek on CBS? Not to bad, imho. second episode is on tonight at 8pm on CBS.

I thought both episodes were great and that means it will be canceled before next season but I hope not.

'The Unit' is even better (thus far) than '24' and I'm an avid '24' fan. You guys ever see 'Sleeper Cell' on Showtime. A pretty good min-series too...worth watching.

And it all looks spectacular in HD ;)

Today I learned that KOAA and at least 2 Denver stations have filed with the FCC to block Digital Signal Test waivers. The window for Digital Signal tests opens on 04/30.

The Digital Signal tests are provided by SHVERA as a method for those people who can not receive a local digital signal to be eligible for Distant Networks(DNS).

Now why would KOAA do that if they really intend to be OTA soon? My guess: They have no intention of being OTA by 04/30 and they want to prevent us from getting another affiliate's signal.

The good news is that Echostar is fighting them.

Isn't it amazing the efforts(and lies) that a station will go to in an attempt to delay spending the $$$ to comply with the FCC?
....jc

Today I learned that KOAA and at least 2 Denver stations have filed with the FCC to block Digital Signal Test waivers. The window for Digital Signal tests opens on 04/30.


So, who do we contact to protest the request to block the digital signal test waiver? I want my HD and, once KOAA finally gets around to giving to to me, I will be happy to switch back to them. Until that happens, I want my HD as required.

--Ron

So, who do we contact to protest the request to block the digital signal test waiver?
I would suggest contacting the FCC. I don't have a direct link, but they are at www.fcc.gov (http://www.fcc.gov).

Of course, you could also contact Echostar's lawyer and see what he says. I'm sure that he/they would welcome the support!

Edit: Ok, email them here. (fccinfo@fcc.gov) Reference Docket # 05-317 and state the stations call sign(KOAA).
....jc

is anybody having problems with audio going on and off mainly on FOX HD and ABC HD

is anybody having problems with audio going on and off mainly on FOX HD and ABC HD
Media,

If you are talking about FOX and ABC through the Vip622 Receiver, then yes, there are known audio issues that have been acknowleged by EchoStar (and hopefully they're working on a fix). If, on the other hand, you're having audio problems with the straight OTA feed of these channels then I'm not sure about that but I don't think there's a problem.

Logicman

is anybody having problems with audio going on and off mainly on FOX HD and ABC HD

I have noticed the volume on FOX OTA is relatively low compared to the other channels. For instance while watching BONES the other night my receiver volume needed to be on 68 to be able to hear dialoge, while on other channels I am usually at 80-78. I have a Direct TV HD Tivo. I don't watch ABC shows so I can't saw whether or not I am experiencing any problems with that channel.

FYI Folks....
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7330091#post7330091

Will the NCAA Sweet 16 be in HD on CBS...?

By the way, the Masters Golf Tournament will be broadcast on CBS
in HD, April 6-9 !!

Will the NCAA Sweet 16 be in HD on CBS...?
Of course, every year! (See the HD Programming forum here on AVS for details, schedules, etc. for pretty much any sporting events or series, usually announced way ahead of time)

That does stink about KOAA... guess they want us to rely on NBC-HD from NY or LA or Canada (gray market?)... I sent an email to Andy, the TV writer at the Gazette, to see if he could get more information...

Has anyone talked to KRDO lately about getting the equipment to timeshift HD for primetime?

Also, I rescanned the OTA channels a few days ago and found a "27-6 Mntn" channel which mirrors KXRM/FOX 21-1. I didn't compare them during an HD broadcast so I'm not sure they're identical, but either way I don't see the point. Plus why 27-6, and why "Mntn"?

So, who do we contact to protest the request to block the digital signal test
waiver?

I would suggest contacting the FCC. I don't have a direct link, but they are at www.fcc.gov (http://www.fcc.gov).

Of course, you could also contact Echostar's lawyer and see what he says. I'm sure that he/they would welcome the support!

Edit: Ok, email them here. (fccinfo@fcc.gov) Reference Docket # 05-317 and state the stations call sign(KOAA).
....jc

Sent my email out to the FCC today - hope others are also . . . :)
I would love to get the NBC NY/LA DNS from DirecTV after 4/30!!

Rob

Also, I rescanned the OTA channels a few days ago and found a "27-6 Mntn" channel which mirrors KXRM/FOX 21-1. I didn't compare them during an HD broadcast so I'm not sure they're identical, but either way I don't see the point. Plus why 27-6, and why "Mntn"?
Here's a WAG. KXRM has a translator station broadcasting off of Gold Hill in WP. It's analog channel 28. And, of course, it's in the mountains. Maybe they are getting ready to fire up a Digital translator and they are testing it in C/S. Again, just a WAG. Just for grins I rescanned, nothing from 27.*. But my antennas are pointed toward Denver, so any signal from Gold Hill would need to come in thru the side of the antenna. Due to the NFL, I would welcome a digital signal from the waiver denying KXRM!
....jc

Pretty good guess...sounds logical to me.

Everybody else be sure to email the FCC about KOAA! The Gazette TV writer is going to try to get a real update about them including visiting the construction site soon.

Pretty good guess...sounds logical to me.
Yup, but wrong. I just talked with a dude at KXRM engineering, and 27.6 is a pirate signal. They are not putting it out. Although illlegal, the dude didn't seem upset about it, "After all it's our signal reaching people".

As far as a WP HD translator, they will apply in May. However, it will likely be quite a bit longer before it'll be online. Read, No Football in the Fall!

Some come 04/30, it looks like Signal Test/Waiver City.
....jc

Has anybody who gets the vbi data from pbs analog OTA stopped getting it? My Sony DGH-HDD500 has stop receiving updates and I did a channel guide reset with no go. It uses the TV Guide's tvgos.

Howdy!
I have been busy emailing KRDO, KOAA, and the FCC today. Here is the reply I received from KOAA, AFTER they sent me a canned response, and I replied back BS! This is from Quentin Henry(?)

PLEASE PLEASE write the FCC!!!!

Rob


Here it is hot off the press, even before it hits the web site.

KOAA and HDTV - Updated 03-24-06
Construction of a new transmitter building on Cheyenne Mountain is
complete, and the installation of equipment has begun. This entire project
is heavily dependent on the weather on top of Cheyenne Mountain. Conditions
were severe in December 2005, and recent weather has been on again off
again. We recently learned of additional testing that will be required to
insure that the tower can stand the wind pressures common on Cheyenne
Mountain. The results of the tower analysis returned unfavorable and
re-enforcing of the rental tower will be required, this will take several
weeks. This is a delay that was not expected and thus will push our on air
date respectively. We expect to commence HD broadcasts within the next
three months.

I think NBC stinks anyways. I will never watch a show there.

Is the only way to talk to a KTSC rm pbs technician is to call them at 543-8800 and leave a message?

I wrote my question re: HDTV on the comments page for KTSC and they replied in one business day. I heard from the director of network engineering. I wrote last August and he said they had some equipment to install and that HD should be up in the fall LOL. :confused:

Why don't you try leaving a comment asking for an update? I give up!

-Kelly

from August:

Dear Kelly,

Thank you for your interest in the Rocky Mountian PBS HDTV signal. We have equipment that's in test that we expect to install over the next month or two. If all goes well with the installation we should have HDTV on the air from KTSC-DT this fall. We can't speak for Adelphia but we expect they'll
pick up and distribute the HD signal as soon as it's available.

Regards,

Jim Schoedler
Director of Network Engineering
Rocky Mountain PBS


Is the only way to talk to a KTSC rm pbs technician is to call them at 543-8800 and leave a message?

Here is the response I got from Joe Reed at KRDO today.

Rob
I have no firm date on my server delivery. I am hopeful it will be sometime
in the next 3 or 4 months.
thanks for viewing
JR

To those of you with Adelphia, how do your analog channels look? I still only have a 34" SD TV, so this isn't a question about how SD channels look on HDTV's. Mine look pretty bad. Especially KOAA (NBC 5/30). They are all grainy and I often see horizontal lines moving through the picture.

I'm planning on doing some tests such as unplugging every other TV & my cable modem to see if I am overloading the cable, or have a particular bad cable.

The thing is, the upper channels look pretty good. Especially the digital channels above 100, they look great. The rest of the analog channels look much better then KOAA, and the other networks. So I don't know if I have a problem in my house, or if those channels just look lousy for everyone.

Thanks,
Guy

So I don't know if I have a problem in my house, or if those channels just look lousy for everyone.


I can't speak for everyone, but Adelphia channel 5 (KOAA) is terrible in my house. I can't stand to watch it, and almost never do. SNL on Saturday nights is about the only time I bother. Channels 2, 3, and 4 are almost as bad, but there's nothing worth watching on 2 or 4, and 3 is FOX and I just pick that up in HD on 721.

Here is the response I got from Joe Reed at KRDO today.

Rob
I have no firm date on my server delivery. I am hopeful it will be sometime
in the next 3 or 4 months.
thanks for viewing
JR


How about we all chip together and buy them a tivo. ;)

I find this interesting, this issue of bad signal on locals is why I left cable for D* almost 10 years ago. I would think they would have something this basic fixed long ago. While D* has issues with HD locals (which is why I am in the OTA forums) their SD locals are fantastic.

Can anyone tell me why I've lost channels below 100 on my Adelphia Moxi HD DVR? The other tvs (basic cable) work fine. Adelphia can't figure it out on the phone and is sending someone Tues. I can't wait that long.

Oh, I've tried the reset button on the front, multiple times.

Trent

Can anyone tell me why I've lost channels below 100 on my Adelphia Moxi HD DVR? The other tvs (basic cable) work fine. Adelphia can't figure it out on the phone and is sending someone Tues. I can't wait that long.

Oh, I've tried the reset button on the front, multiple times.

Trent

The SPL MOXI FAQ (http://users.adelphia.net/~ksoltmann/SPLMoxiFAQ.htm) has a section entitled "Missing channels or mislabeled channels". Not sure if it'll be much help as the tech will be out tomorrow.

How about we all chip together and buy them a tivo. ;)


They can get a nice 622 from "E"

All they need to do is record 1 channel and the hard drive is big enough for almost 2 weeks of primetime shows.

:D :D :D

Any bets on it being in HD HERE ...

"The league's new tradition of opening on a Thursday night moves to NBC, which has taken over one of the prime-time television packages. The Dolphins, who finished 9-7 last season, will play at the Steelers on Sept. 7 at 8:30 p.m. EST"

And then there's this ...

"The Broncos-Chiefs match will be the first live, in-season game on NFL Network, which will show eight prime-time games from Thanksgiving through the end of the season. Those games will be on either Thursday or Saturday nights."

http://www.raycommedia.com/news/
MONTGOMERY, Alabama and HOFFMAN ESTATES, Illinois - March 27, 2006 -- Raycom Media, Inc. and Barrington Broadcasting Corporation announced today that they have entered into an agreement for Barrington to acquire twelve Raycom television stations in nine markets for a combined purchase price of $262 million. The transaction is subject to FCC approval and DOJ approval. Barrington Broadcasting Corporation is the broadcast television platform for the Pilot Group, a non-traditional private equity firm.

The stations being acquired by Barrington include five NBC affiliates (WNWO-TV, Toledo, OH; WSTM-TV, Syracuse, NY; WPBN-TV and WTOM-TV, Traverse City-Cheboygan, MI; and WLUC-TV, Marquette, MI), three FOX affiliates (WACH-TV, Columbia, SC; KXRM-TV, Colorado Springs, CO; and WFXL-TV, Albany, GA), two UPN affiliates (WSTQ, Syracuse, NY and KXTU, Colorado Springs, CO), one CBS affiliate (KGBT-TV, Harlingen, TX) and one ABC affiliate (KTVO-TV, Kirksville, MO).

For those that haven't checked the HD programming forum, there was this announcement about Mark Cuban, founder of HDNet, appearing at the Space Symposium next week. Here is a link:
NASA, HDNet ANNOUNCE HDTV SPACE SHUTTLE BROADCAST PARTNERSHIP (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7400840#post7400840)

New Colo Spgs Forum members may not know that HDNet production and uplink facilities are in Denver. A forum member in Denver arranges a tour of the facilities every couple of years. I went last time and found it very interesting. The next one is in a couple of weeks. Check the local Denver thread for details.

Roy

Howdy!
I have been busy emailing KRDO, KOAA, and the FCC today. Here is the reply I received from KOAA, AFTER they sent me a canned response, and I replied back BS! This is from Quentin Henry(?)

PLEASE PLEASE write the FCC!!!!

Rob


Here it is hot off the press, even before it hits the web site.

KOAA and HDTV - Updated 03-24-06
Construction of a new transmitter building on Cheyenne Mountain is
complete, and the installation of equipment has begun. This entire project
is heavily dependent on the weather on top of Cheyenne Mountain. Conditions
were severe in December 2005, and recent weather has been on again off
again. We recently learned of additional testing that will be required to
insure that the tower can stand the wind pressures common on Cheyenne
Mountain. The results of the tower analysis returned unfavorable and
re-enforcing of the rental tower will be required, this will take several
weeks. This is a delay that was not expected and thus will push our on air
date respectively. We expect to commence HD broadcasts within the next
three months.


Wow, kinda makes you wonder if they developed this master plan of "issues" long ago as a way to delay this outlay of money for as long as possible. I mean, wind on top of a mountain, really? Who woulda thought?!? Snow on top of a mountain in December, really??? The least they could do is be creative. "Unfortunately construction workers keep getting shot by NORAD patrolmen". Who would argue with that?

Construction of a new transmitter building on Cheyenne Mountain is
complete, and the installation of equipment has begun.

This statement isn't entirely true, as the building plans for the installation of the equipment are currently on my desk. I'd guess that it should take them a couple of weeks to get the plans approved and then pull the necessary permits to perform the work.

This statement isn't entirely true, as the building plans for the installation of the equipment are currently on my desk. I'd guess that it should take them a couple of weeks to get the plans approved and then pull the necessary permits to perform the work.
Is there anybody out there that still believes the BS that KOAA is spewing?

While we're on the subject, I'm going to write about KOAA, where they're at, and the timetable for the TV Talk column on Tuesday.

I went up on the mountain with Quentin Henry earlier this week and talked with Dave Whitaker about what's going on, but it would be great to talk to some fed up HD fans, too.

If you want to voice your concerns and frustrations in print, give me a call at 636-0275 today (Friday) or Monday morning.

Andy Wineke
The Gazette

I came home from vacation and found that my antenna was only picking up ABC? I am only getting about a 24 signal on 13-1 and 13-2. All the other channels are out (8-1, 11-1, 21-1, 21-2). I thought it might be the windstorm...but my Tivo recordings are blank since last Saturday (3/25).

I have tried reconfiguring the antenna and I get nothing. Nothing about my home or configuration has changed.

Any thoughts?

Hmmm... Have you rescanned for all OTA channels? Then again, if it doesn't find them now, they'll be off your list of channels until you receive them again, meaning you'd have to do the long scan after every little change you attempt.

Can't think why you'd be getting one UHF channel from your antenna and not the others, unless it's just picking up a weak signal from the cable run itself. Is your antenna in an attic where it could have a water problem or a mouse eating through a cable?

On Sunday afternoon, I noticed that 21 and 11 digital signals were not broadcasting. I was not receiving them OTA or through the Adelphia Moxi DVR. This lasted only a couple of hours and then they returned.

Nice little article in todays Gazette about KOAA's lack of HD. There some new information I was not aware of. Still not happy about the delays though. I'm hoping it is up a running by the time NBC does their Sunday night football.

http://www.444sell.com/display.php?secid=8

JUNE!?! Of what year?

Forgot to make sure they had ample power?

Unbelievable.

http://www.444sell.com/display.php?secid=8



This is a well written article which puts a lot of attention on a subject the stations think not many viewers care about. This is long past due!

At least they're spending some money and making some slow progress. It's not fast enough, but we're closer now than we've even been.

Nice that Andy put in how KOAA denies waivers, and also that creative viewers get their network HD through other means...good digs at the stations...

Great job, Andy.

Now I wonder if KRDO is doing anything about getting their server?

Also, is KKTV ever going to fix their macroblocking during fast-moving sports? I know it's bad on football, but it was really bad on the championship NCAA basketball game last night. If you pause your TiVo you realize that each frame is too distorted to really call it HD. I think some piece of equipment in the chain is squeezing their bandwidth badly before it is transmitted. Other CBS stations aren't like this, so it's not the fault of 1080i.

Tim from KKTV, are you reading? Do you have an idea what's causing this?

For those that rely on gemstar data(tv guide) via PBS channel 8. They are still working on getting their new equipment setup and it should be working back to normal either this week or next week.

I wonder if KKTV will carry the Masters in HD Thursday and Friday afternoon. The affiliates that want to provide the HD feed different from their SD feed of Oprah, news, etc. do it, but I don't think KKTV usually pays that much attention.

It's discussed in this thread http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7307937&&#post7307937 and the posts following that one talk about how the major markets (O&O) are going to provide the Masters in HD. I know we can get it on Universal-HD but that is usually reduced bandwidth.

Man, the Masters at Augusta looks gorgeous in HD, with all the mobile HD cameras this year. Even the helicopter fly-over shots of each hole seem to be true HD. I've watched more of this tournament than any in my life. It's not over yet, but GO PHIL!

Thanks TallGuy,

I checked all my cable connections, and there was a problem with one of the splitters I was using. Oddly, the only thing that got through was ABC. Once I removed the splitter and reconnected the cables, everything came through great.

Maybe things will change for the better....

http://www.krdotv.com/displaystory.asp?id=11080

I can only see that as a possible explaination for why we've seen no timeshifting on HD--no reason to lay out money if you're looking to sell. It's not like they have to handcraft the timeshift server, and I assume engineers could install it given four months to do so. Hopefully this will signal some more capital investment.

For those that really on Gemstar TV GUIDE data OTA. I am now showing VBI packets coming through my receiver, but no clock or tv guide data showing up yet.

Does any one know what is up with this channel?
Noticed it last night for the first time.
Seems to just be the same digital signal but stretched by KRDO rather than pillar-boxed.
Seems pretty stupid to me, especially if it means reduced bandwidth on 13-1!

Come on KRDO - we want time-shifted material in HD, not a stretched version of your already non-HD signal!! :mad:

Rob

I bought the new Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD Player from the Bestbuy on North Academy last night. All I can say is WOW!, what a nice machine. I bought the HD-DVD movie, Serenity to view. HD-DVD is the real deal, by far the best HD material you have seen to date. I am projecting it via my Panasonic AE900U projector on to a 110" Carada Brilliant White Screen. Eitherway I highly reccommend these HD-DVD players. I beleive each Bestbuy in town has one left each.

~Josh

:) Good Morning America weekend edition is in HD this morning on KRDO! Does this mean they finaly have the time-shift technology installed?

I'd be tempted to get the HD-DVD but aren't there only 3 movies out now? I know more are coming but I'm so annoyed with the powers that be that they want to foist another format war on consumers. How well did these turn out the first few years: VHS vs. Beta. SACD vs. DVD-Audio, DVD-R vs. DVD+R? It just confuses people and makes them wait to buy until there's a clear winner. Who in their right mind is going buy a $500 HD-DVD player and a $1000 Blu-ray player, so that they can watch any movie that they find in HD? It really topped the cake with me this week when I heard that the licensing agreements for each format PROHIBIT manufacturers from building a combo player. Let the bloodbath begin - whichever one survives the initial years will get decent sales after that.

Hopefully KRDO has the timeshifting ready- we can see tonight with Pretty Woman...

Tallguy,

All I can say is try it, you will be sold. This is by far the best HD quality you can get. It blows CBS, FOX, ESPN, HDNET out of the water. There is not a doubt in my mind that HD-DVD will win out over Blu-Ray. HD-DVD is half the price with the same results. HD-DVD players are already available on the Net for as low as $349.99 and commonly found for $400.00. The movies are going for around $18.99.

http://www.sureneeds.com/sureneeds/hda1.html

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E5KJDO/ref=cm_lm_fullview_prod_3/002-4444846-5727269?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=130



I just do not see the average consumer buying a Blu-Ray player for $1000.00 minimum and spending an average of $33.00/movie. I can however see an average consumer looking at the HD-DVD player and saying, "You know what, it's only $350.00 and it will play all our old discs as well, lets get it." My advice is to not sit this one out for too long, you really are missing a great product. As far as the movies go, they will really start this Tuesday to get them out more rapidly. Here is the tentative schedule:

Universal Studios
Serenity - 4/18/2006
Doom - 4/25/2006
Apollo 13 - 4/25/2006
Jarhead - 5/9/2006
Cinderella Man - 5/9/2006
Assault on Precinct 13 - 5/9/2006
The Bourne Supremacy - 5/23/2006
The Chronicles of Riddick - 5/23/2006
U-571 - 5/23/2006
Van Helsing - 5/23/2006
The 40-Year-Old Virgin - May/June


HBO Video (later in 2006)
Sopranos
Deadwood


Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment
Tomb Raider - 5/30/2006
U2: Rattle and Hum - 5/30/2006
Four brothers - 5/30/2006
Sahara - May/June
Aeon Flux
Sky Captain & The world of tomorrow - May/June
The Italian job - May/June
Sleepy Hollow - May/June
We were soldiers - May/June
Manchurian candidate - May/June
Mission Impossible - May/June
Mission Impossible 2 - May/June
Mission Impossible 3 - Late Fall


Warner Brothers
Phantom of the Opera - 4/18/2006
The Last Samurai - 4/18/2006
Million Dollar Baby - 4/20/2006
Batman Begins - 4/28/2006
Constantine - May/June
Twister - May/June
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - May/June
Lethal Weapon - May/June
Training Day - May/June
Unforgiven - May/June
Goodfellas - May/June
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang - May/June
The Matrix - 04/25/06
Swordfish - May/June
Syriana - May/June
Blazing Saddles - 5/09/2006
Dukes of Hazzard - 5/09/2006
Full Metal Jacket - 5/09/2006
Rumor Has It - 5/09/2006
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines - 5/09/2006
Charlie & Chocolate Factory - 5/16/2006
The Green Mile Special Edition - 5/16/2006
Ocean's Twelve - 5/16/2006
Troy - 5/16/2006

Morningstar Entertainment
Chronos - May/June

~Josh

My advice is to not sit this one out for too long, you really are missing a great product.
Yea, kinda like buying a BetaMax. :o If you own an older HD display that doesn't support HDMI, a $99 DVD player is just as good. Paranoia and greed are killers. And, I'm not going to buy a new display, just so I can use their product. The next generation of players will probably require and internet connection so that they can monitor you.

Sorry, I'll sit this one out.
....jc

I have a feeling that was a live feed since it was on at 6:00 am our time. That means it could very likely have been live at 8:00 on the east coast. I guess we will see.

:) Good Morning America weekend edition is in HD this morning on KRDO! Does this mean they finaly have the time-shift technology installed?

I have a feeling that was a live feed since it was on at 6:00 am our time. That means it could very likely have been live at 8:00 on the east coast. I guess we will see.

Yeah, you're probably right knowing our luck with HD in the Springs.

Beatboy,

Does the Toshiba upconvert the 480p DVD's? Can you notice a quality difference between the Toshiba and a "regular" old DVD player? I'm probably going to wait until this fall, but I think you're right that HD-DVD will probably garner a larger following.

Logicman.

Logicman,

Yes the Toshiba Upconverts 480p DVD through the HDMI output. It outputs at either 720p or 1080i. It does a better job then my Denon 1920.

~Josh

I have a feeling that was a live feed since it was on at 6:00 am our time. That means it could very likely have been live at 8:00 on the east coast. I guess we will see.

Looks like you're right. I flipped over to 13-1 around 9:30 Monday night and whatever show that was on was pillar boxed and NOT HD. The guide info for the show said HDTV so it sounds like it is shot in HD.

At this point I'll just be happy if both KRDO & KOAA have HD - including time shifted shows - by next fall before all the shows start up again. At least KRDO has HD for live events so we can see the World Cup games in HD!!

Rob

Tallguy,

All I can say is try it, you will be sold. This is by far the best HD quality you can get. It blows CBS, FOX, ESPN, HDNET out of the water. There is not a doubt in my mind that HD-DVD will win out over Blu-Ray. HD-DVD is half the price with the same results. HD-DVD players are already available on the Net for as low as $349.99 and commonly found for $400.00. The movies are going for around $18.99.
I think it will probably be helpful for people to see and reviewers to write about "true HD" so that hopefully compressed HD will be scorned more and more.

Also, at least instead of buying movies again, you could Netflix them to be way more economical.

I would actually spend the $350 at some point (plus some money for a component switcher) if/when I become sure that they're not going to downconvert the component out. If I understand correctly, several studios have announced that they won't be setting the flag to downconvert the component, i.e. require HDCP over DVI or HDMI. Of course, they could do it in the future, but at least in the near future it would really tick off a sizable number of owners of HDTVs that are 3-5 years old. Hopefully they all see the light on this, at least for the near term. Who can record off component anyways? Nobody that I know of.

For people who haven't had the chance to see the ruby in action, Ultimate Electronics has a demo in their home theater room showing Serenity in HD-DVD on a sony ruby. It is absolutely amazing.

Ruby??

Ruby??
http://www.hometheaterblog.com/hometheater/2005/11/sony_vpl-vw100.html

I really want HD-DVD to succeed, especially because it's better HD than OTA or satellite, and because it's cheaper than Blu-ray. But... I just read this article:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6510291-1.html?tag=cnetfd.ld1

After reading the above review it looks like they are sticking it to us owners of four or five year old HDTVs. Oh well guess I will do without untill my Mits fails five more years I hope. I will stick to Dish and OTA on what limited stations we have here in the Springs.

I'm waiting for Blu-Ray. Gonna have to sell a bunch of A/C's to get one though.

I was in Ultimate Electronics today and took a look at the Toshiba HD-DVD connected to a Sony (Ruby) projector. Nice, but I wasn't overly impressed considering that the HD-DVD was $500 and the projector was $10,000. To be honest, I considered it to be no better than an especially good OTA HD feed. I have no doubt that better things are to come but for now I'm definitely in no hurry to make a move.

logicman1, what time were you there? I was there around 4:30. Nice setup there for sure, but like you said I can't see spending $10k+ for it....

Hi pg_rider,

Hey, we just missed each other ... I left around 4:00. What was the movie they were playing? Looked like a pretty good Sci-Fi flick I'll have to check out.

Logicman.

The movie Ultimate was showing is Serenity, a Sci-Fi show based of the short lived Firefly series. It's really too bad because the Firefly series was very good. If it had started on scifi channel instead of fox, it would still be running today.

Hi all, this is my first post. I could use some expert advice. I have recently moved to Peyton, CO and my HD signals have suffered. For some reason KKTV is the worst. It registers in the 60's through the HD Tivo (with a amplified indoor antenna). This causes many audio/video dropouts. I am so tired of antenna's. Do you think that an antenna mounted in my attic will work for me? I have no real attachment to my local channels, so after researching this forum, it looks like "moving" may be the option for me. I have a few questions for the movers...

1. After reading previous threads, I still don't quite understand why I need to move to NYC or LA? I have relatives in the San Fransisco area. Why not move there?

2. If I move, do I need to pay for the locals in that city?

Thanks guys!

I would use a directional outdoor antenna with a lightning surge arrestor. You will get the best reception outdoors.

Today I learned that KOAA and at least 2 Denver stations have filed with the FCC to block Digital Signal Test waivers. The window for Digital Signal tests opens on 04/30.

The Digital Signal tests are provided by SHVERA as a method for those people who can not receive a local digital signal to be eligible for Distant Networks(DNS).

Now why would KOAA do that if they really intend to be OTA soon? My guess: They have no intention of being OTA by 04/30 and they want to prevent us from getting another affiliate's signal.

The good news is that Echostar is fighting them.

Isn't it amazing the efforts(and lies) that a station will go to in an attempt to delay spending the $$$ to comply with the FCC?
....jc

So does anyone know how to apply for a Digital Signal waiver? I'm with DirecTV.
I'd love to get NBC in HD from ANYWHERE, and if I could stick it to KOAA for dragging their feet for so long at the same time, even better!!

Thanks,
Rob

So does anyone know how to apply for a Digital Signal waiver? I'm with DirecTV.
I'd love to get NBC in HD from ANYWHERE, and if I could stick it to KOAA for dragging their feet for so long at the same time, even better!!

Thanks,
Rob
Rob see the posts here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7596675&&#post7596675) in the Denver thread. You'll need to move, because KOAA was granted a waiver, and you're SOL in C/S.
....jc

ps. To get a digital test just call D*.

I struggled with KKTV because its frequency is 10 (high band VHF) and my antenna (SS2000) does a much better job of picking up UHF, although they claim that high band VHF shouldn't be a problem. All of the other COS digital stations are at UHF frequencies (22,24,26,42 someday) and they are easy to pick up with a UHF antenna. I was able to get KKTV steady enough by messing around with my antenna. If you are close enough to get everything else with an indoor antenna then maybe all you need is an antenna that does better with VHF. Rabbit ears and the larger antennas are better for VHF. The smaller panel ones work nicely for UHF. I am down in Pueblo so I had to get something with a little more oomph to get a steady signal from everything.

Hi all, this is my first post. I could use some expert advice. I have recently moved to Peyton, CO and my HD signals have suffered. For some reason KKTV is the worst. It registers in the 60's through the HD Tivo (with a amplified indoor antenna). This causes many audio/video dropouts. I am so tired of antenna's. Do you think that an antenna mounted in my attic will work for me? I have no real attachment to my local channels, so after researching this forum, it looks like "moving" may be the option for me. I have a few questions for the movers...

1. After reading previous threads, I still don't quite understand why I need to move to NYC or LA? I have relatives in the San Fransisco area. Why not move there?

2. If I move, do I need to pay for the locals in that city?

Thanks guys!

You have to get NY or LA because those are the only HD locals with national coverage. The others are spot beams maybe a couple hundred miles in diameter. That said, once Denver goes live in June you could probably pick up Denver's spot beam in Peyton.

Regarding your OTA you should be able to get OTA with a good antenna with no problem. I am using a CM4228 with a CM7777 preamp on a 15' mast here in Elizabeth and get Colorado Springs with no problem. You probably wont need that much antenna or amp, I got it to receive Denver's low power signals and just tried turning it to the south and everything comes in great.

I live in Meridian Ranch and I use a SquareShooter mounted at the SW corner of the front of our house aimed towards Cheyenne Mountain and I get OTA signals in the 90's. CBS and FOX are fantastic. Can't wait for ABC and NBC to come online.

Ironically, I work for DTV in Denver and I tried EVERYTHING to get the LA feeds but was ultimately unsuccessful. I also don't want to lose my TIVO's so I won't be switching to the 5-LNB's when Denver comes on board, even though we're supposed to be able to get them under the "neighboring locals" provisions. OTA works fine for me.

I also don't want to lose my TIVO's so I won't be switching to the 5-LNB's when Denver comes on board, even though we're supposed to be able to get them under the "neighboring locals" provisions. OTA works fine for me.
Don't get your hopes up for any Significantely Viewed stations from Denver. According to the official document there aren't any for El Paso county. The list:
El Paso
KOAA-TV, 5, Pueblo, CO
KKTV, 11, Colorado Springs, CO
KRDO-TV, 13, Colorado Springs, CO
+KXRM-TV, 21, Colorado Springs, CO

Now, Teller county is supposed to get 3 from Denver. But, the way it's going it could be years! :eek:
....jc

Thanks for the help guys. I think I will attempt a directional antenna. The wife is not crazy about mounting a huge antenna on the house in addition to the dish and wireless internet antenna. Has anyone had any luck with one of these in an attic? Think it would work? Also my attic is prewired for it so that would be an easy place to put it.

Thanks for the help guys. I think I will attempt a directional antenna. The wife is not crazy about mounting a huge antenna on the house in addition to the dish and wireless internet antenna. Has anyone had any luck with one of these in an attic? Think it would work? Also my attic is prewired for it so that would be an easy place to put it.

That is where I put mine. I used a length of PVC pipe to hang it inverted from the rafters and it is working very nicely.

--Ron

Hi all, this is my first post. I could use some expert advice. I have recently moved to Peyton, CO and my HD signals have suffered. For some reason KKTV is the worst. It registers in the 60's through the HD Tivo (with a amplified indoor antenna). This causes many audio/video dropouts. I am so tired of antenna's. Do you think that an antenna mounted in my attic will work for me?
Putting the ugly mast antenna in the attic has worked for me. It's not much fun to tweak its direction (I made a cell phone call from an earpiece to my wife who was telling me the signal strengths, while I was trying not to fall through the ceiling), but I would hate to see it on the outside of my house and my neighbors would too. I tried the SquareShooter and the TerkTV55 outside, because they look decent, but the reception was terrible and I had to return them. Maybe my issue was that I'm about 20-25 miles from the towers.

Who is the guy who sometimes posts on here who writes for The Gazette? I would like to talk to him regarding D* and E* broadcasting in HD-Lite.

~Josh

Who is the guy who sometimes posts on here who writes for The Gazette? I would like to talk to him regarding D* and E* broadcasting in HD-Lite.

~Josh
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7409068&&#post7409068

Andy Wineke - 636-0275

Yeah, I'm really tired of HD-Lite from D*, but I'm blindly optimistic that they will give us the full bandwidth in 2007 when the new satellites are up (the ones that can transmit a total of 1500 locals and 150 national HD channels in MPEG-4). Time will tell. If D* doesn't produce, then I'm holding out hope for a cable Tivo Series 3 with a CableCARD from Comcast. Maybe Tivo will live on after all...

Andrew,

If you do not mind I would like to discuss HD-Lite with you and how I feel DirecTV and EchoStar are committing fraud by not telling their customer that they are downrezzing many of their HD Channels. When would be a good time to call?

~Josh

I'm usually here 9 to 6. If you aren't free during the day, e-mail me your home phone number and I'll give you a call.
Andy

For what its worth, I completely agree with beatboy77 - HDLite is false advertising, and you CAN see the difference, esp. on larger screens.

-Sean

I'm new to HDTV and new to the forum and need some help/advice. I live in NW Colorado Springs in the Pinecliff area (11-12 miles from Cheyenne Mountain - no direct line of sight). I'm in the valley, away from the ridge that blocks line of sight with Cheyenne Mountain. I have tried both indoor and outdoor antennas (latest is the SS2000) with no luck. Didn't hard mount the SS2000 on the roof, just set it up on the front deck and got very little signal. Not sure that it is worth the trouble to raise it another 10-15 feet to the roof. Is OTA reception in my area just out of the question? Given the close proximity to Cheyenne Mountain, I thought that I should get some signal. Any thoughts/advice?

-Keith

...Is OTA reception in my area just out of the question? Given the close proximity to Cheyenne Mountain, I thought that I should get some signal. Any thoughts/advice?
Keith,
LOS makes things much easier, but not having LOS is not a death knell. However, you may have to get a bit more aggressive than a SS antenna. I'd try a Channel Master 4228. It would be overkill if you had LOS, but w/o LOS you need all the help that you can get. Also, if it doesn't work in the 1st place that you try it, move it around. There may be a 'hotspot' nearby.

Good Luck!
....jc

For those of you that didn't read one of the blue rays thread
Listen up if having a blu ray demo here in Colorado Springs this Thursday from 6 to 7pm I believe. Double check by calling the store. I won't be able to attend but thought some of you might want to check it out.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=674739

Keith,
LOS makes things much easier, but not having LOS is not a death knell. However, you may have to get a bit more aggressive than a SS antenna. I'd try a Channel Master 4228. It would be overkill if you had LOS, but w/o LOS you need all the help that you can get. Also, if it doesn't work in the 1st place that you try it, move it around. There may be a 'hotspot' nearby.

Good Luck!
....jc


Remember people, KKTV is channel 10, that is VHF. We need an antenna that does a good job with both VHF/UHF.

I live in Florence and that is 35 miles SW of CHY MTN. I have 2 mountain ridges between me and the broadcast towers.

I use and reccommend the Channel Master #CM3677 because it is well balanced between VHF and UHF (45mi/45mi ) and holds up well in our severe weather. It is a single boom antenna and can be sent UPS.

I also HIGHLY reccommend a Pre-Amp because of signal loss from your cable run, especially if your not using RG-6 cable.

I use the Winegard #AP-2870. It is very good quality and is well balanced between VHF and UHF.

I know this stuff costs money, but HD is worth it to me.

You can find all the stuff you need here:

Antennas and Pre-Amps here:
http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/antenna_menu.htm

Home page:
http://www.warrenelectronics.com/

I'm new to HDTV and new to the forum and need some help/advice. I live in NW Colorado Springs in the Pinecliff area (11-12 miles from Cheyenne Mountain - no direct line of sight). I'm in the valley, away from the ridge that blocks line of sight with Cheyenne Mountain. I have tried both indoor and outdoor antennas (latest is the SS2000) with no luck. Didn't hard mount the SS2000 on the roof, just set it up on the front deck and got very little signal. Not sure that it is worth the trouble to raise it another 10-15 feet to the roof. Is OTA reception in my area just out of the question? Given the close proximity to Cheyenne Mountain, I thought that I should get some signal. Any thoughts/advice?

-Keith

Hi Keith, just curious as to what type of HD receiver you have? Is it a built-in tuner or a box? Also, were you ever able to get HD before? Just want to make sure you have a correct setup before we start debugging antennas. What kind of regular reception do you get to your TV for local channels? (11, 13, 21, 57) You did run some kind of channel scan on your receiver right?

Hi Keith, just curious as to what type of HD receiver you have? Is it a built-in tuner or a box? Also, were you ever able to get HD before? Just want to make sure you have a correct setup before we start debugging antennas. What kind of regular reception do you get to your TV for local channels? (11, 13, 21, 57) You did run some kind of channel scan on your receiver right?

kickson,

I have both a built-in tuner in my HDTV and the tuner in my HR10-250. This is my first attempt at trying to receive OTA HD. Never really tried reception of SD OTA channels. I have always had cable, or for the last several years, satellite from D*. I have repeatedly run channel scans on both tuners. I have also tried using the included Winegard preamp that came with the SS-2000 (using RG6). Local covenants (and my wife) frown on a large external antenna. I can't go with the antenna in the attic route as our roof is metal. In previous trials using the SS-2000 from my front deck, I get no digital channels and the analog channel(s) are very snowy. My HR10-250 shows fluctuating signal strengths on the digital channels with a max of about 35-40 - never enough to lock. I can elevate the SS-2000 another 10-15 feet from what I have tried so far, but I am not sure that will make a difference. I am curious if anybody else in the neighborhood has been successful with OTA reception. All advice/guidance is appreciated.

-Keith

For those of you that didn't read one of the blue rays thread
Listen up if having a blu ray demo here in Colorado Springs this Thursday from 6 to 7pm I believe. Double check by calling the store. I won't be able to attend but thought some of you might want to check it out.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=674739
Thanks for the heads-up! I plan on going with my wife; anyone confirm the time yet?

Just called Listen Up. There are at least two demos, one at 6 and one at 7. The 7pm one is full so I RSVP'd for the 6pm... :)

kickson,

I have both a built-in tuner in my HDTV and the tuner in my HR10-250. This is my first attempt at trying to receive OTA HD. Never really tried reception of SD OTA channels. I have always had cable, or for the last several years, satellite from D*. I have repeatedly run channel scans on both tuners. I have also tried using the included Winegard preamp that came with the SS-2000 (using RG6). Local covenants (and my wife) frown on a large external antenna. I can't go with the antenna in the attic route as our roof is metal. In previous trials using the SS-2000 from my front deck, I get no digital channels and the analog channel(s) are very snowy. My HR10-250 shows fluctuating signal strengths on the digital channels with a max of about 35-40 - never enough to lock. I can elevate the SS-2000 another 10-15 feet from what I have tried so far, but I am not sure that will make a difference. I am curious if anybody else in the neighborhood has been successful with OTA reception. All advice/guidance is appreciated.

-Keith

I'm really surprised you can't get any kind of reception. SD & HD reception for OTA kind of go hand-in-hand. Basically channels are SD until they have particular programs that show up in HD. So, you should really be concentrating on SD OTA channels, that frequently are broadcast in HD for primetime TV and certain sporting events. Just curious without focusing on any kind of digital TV, if you connect a regular set of rabbit ear antennas to your TV, do you at least get 11 or 13 to show up clear? I would think you should be able to get regular analog to show up clear since you live in the city.

Just called Listen Up. There are at least two demos, one at 6 and one at 7. The 7pm one is full so I RSVP'd for the 6pm... :)

So did you go and how did you like it? How do you think it compares to the HD-DVD if you seen that one? Thanks.

So did you go and how did you like it? How do you think it compares to the HD-DVD if you seen that one? Thanks.
Yeah, it was a very cool night (of course, it's always fun going to Listen Up anyway! :)). Here's what I wrote about the demo; there are a few other threads in that section about the other demos. Bottom line -- I don't know which HD format is better, but I love them both and can't wait to get a similar setup once we finish our basement and put in our theater. I really love the Sony projectors...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=676704

Anyone hear anything on KOAA lately? Their site hasn't been updated in a while. I'd like to be watching these NHL playoff games in HD. I'm guessing they won't have it active before they end though.

Anyone hear anything on KOAA lately? Their site hasn't been updated in a while. I'd like to be watching these NHL playoff games in HD. I'm guessing they won't have it active before they end though.
Yeah, it's getting to be time for someone to call KOAA, KRDO and KTSC again, and post back here.

I sifted around a little bit but didn't find anything so forgive me if this is a repeat question. I can't pull in Fox KXRM any more. I used to be able to get it ~78-85 signal and now it's around 19. I don't know how long it's been that way since I haven't watched it in a few months.

Anyone?

Thanks,

Bob

I watched That 70's Show on KXRM-DT last night with no problems.

Rob

Well, believe it or not, KOAA has experienced another delay!

From their website:

KOAA and HDTV - Updated 05-22-06
The re-enforcing of the rental tower, KOAA-DT is to be located on, is in progress
but unfortunately another delay arose. Due to the additional loading of the
NEW re-enforcement of the tower, new “anchor” points need to be dug and
concrete poured. This is a delay that was not expected and thus will push our
on air date respectively. We expect to commence digital broadcasts before the
end of June.

As long as they have HD turned on (with the ability to show time shifted prime time shows) by Labor Day I guess I will be mostly happy...

Rob

Thanks for the update... :mad:

[QUOTE=radckh]Well, believe it or not, KOAA has experienced another delay!


This is a case of "bad news is better than no news". Thanks !

These kinds of things should not happen to degreed engineers. Sigh.

I would bet money AGAINST that June date

P.S. Before this KOAA development, I left nice messages for the engineers of KRDO, KOAA and KTSC asking for an update on their status, and said I understood that it would be subject to change, and just asked for a return voice mail, but no one bothered to call back.

Andy W, it may take a call from the Gazette to get a response!

I did talk to Ian Hartley at KTSC last week. He said they were just getting rolling on testing again after the auction. He still thought June.

I haven't talked to Joe Reed or anyone at KRDO about HD. I'm just assuming they won't do anything until after the sale is final, although I should double check.

KOAA... all I can say is that I've seen the building and the antenna with my own two eyes, which implies that they will get it done at some point. I'm pretty sure all the delays are only costing them money at this point.

Andy

Thanks

I would bet money AGAINST that June date

You'd be hard pressed to find anyone that would take you up on the bet!! :) I know I wouldn't!

Rob

And, even when they do come online, I can just bet that they'll find a way to ruin it. Since they are NBC, they probably have a subchannel for WeatherPlus(it's a profit center). Ok, there's probably 2-3 Mbs.

Oh hey, how 'bout a subchannel for tourism? Ya know, Pikes Peak, Seven Falls, GOG, Air Force Academy. There goes another 2-3 Mbs.

I can almost guarantee HD-Lite from the get go.
....jc

Thanks Andy.

Once more KOAA disappoints...but at least we can watch Mike Madson on ch. 5/30.

Ya - freakin' - hoo!! :mad:

Ok,

I'm sure the Indy500 is being broadcast in HD and it is a LIVE event.

KRDO,,,,Push the button please,,,,,,,,,,,,

I am sure that it is NOT being broadcast in HD. It should be, of course.

Here is a link to a guide of HD sports. You can see that the 500 is not on it.

HD Sports Guide (http://www.hdsportsguide.com/)

Roy

By the way, did you upgrade from a previous Dish HD tuner? If so, what was the total cost of upgrade? I have the 811 with the old HD package.

I am sure that it is NOT being broadcast in HD. It should be, of course.

Here is a link to a guide of HD sports. You can see that the 500 is not on it.

By the way, did you upgrade from a previous Dish HD tuner? If so, what was the total cost of upgrade? I have the 811 with the old HD package.


I can't believe that ABC decided the Indy500 was not worth HD coverage. Other than LOST, I don't watch ANYTHING on ABC.

I had a Dish6000 before, cost of the upgrade to the 622 was $299. Monthly cost about the same (+/- $5)
I love my 622 :D

I can't believe that ABC decided the Indy500 was not worth HD coverage. Other than LOST, I don't watch ANYTHING on ABC.
Yea, ABC is pretty pathetic. They have commited to one college football game a week at 6:00 pm mountain time to be in HD. However, I doubt that the Saturday day games will be anything but splendid SD.

Hey, CD, have you ever cleaned your Mits's screen? If so what did ya use?
....jc

Hey, CD, have you ever cleaned your Mits's screen? If so what did ya use?
....jc


Well, I took off the "GLARE" screen, (oops, I mean "protective screen") and stashed it behind my bookcase.
When I clean the screen I just use an old damp t-shirt or feather duster. Up-Down motion only.
My set is over 3-years old now and is still great.

I saw on several other threads that the decision not to broadcast the Indy 500 in HD was not ABC's. The owner of the race owns the rights to the production and chose not to do HD.

Off-topic (hope this isn't against the rules!): I have a 9 mo. old chocolate lab that I'm selling for $100 if anyone is interested... :) Paul -- 719 205-9481

I haven't talked to Joe Reed or anyone at KRDO about HD. I'm just assuming they won't do anything until after the sale is final, although I should double check.
Does anyone know when the sale of KRDO is going to be finalized? The sooner the better so that the new owner will have time to get time-shifted HD going before the Fall season starts!
I'm sick & tired of watching Lost (filmed in beautiful Hawaii) in SD!! :mad:

Rob

Did anyone else hear about Qwest wanting to bring their QwestChoice TV service to the Springs? Not that I'm a big fan of Qwest (go VOIP!!!), but it could put some price pressure on Adelphia... I think they were petitioning the City about it...

More competition is always better!

This forum was very helpful for me in getting my HD system setup. I live in the Woodmen Hills area and wanted to post my results about using an attic antenna. Woodmen Hills is 20 miles from the Colorado springs towers and the covenants restrict the use of outdoor antennas.

I used a Radio Shack VU90XR attic antenna and I am getting a 92% reception.

I used antennaweb org to determine the antenna orientation.

A compass with glow in the dark tips is a must for working in the attic. I picked one up at walmart for $3.

The biggest lesson learned was not to use a splitter with un-terminated ends. I found that the 5 way splitter I picked up at home depot added too much interference regardless. I replaced it with two 2-way splitters.

I did ground the attic antenna. I read on this forum that grounding the antenna does not save your equipment during a lightning strike, but it does drain the static charge off of the antenna reducing the probability of being struck.

The only station that seems to be broadcasting in HD is kktv. The picture is outstanding at 1080i.

KXRM is receiving at 720p and the picture is very sharp.

KRDO is receiving at 720p and has lines in the picture. It looks like it is half the resolution of KXRM. I am guessing that this is a problem in the conversion process somewhere.

I am receiving KTSC and TUBE at 480i.

...Woodmen Hills is 20 miles from the Colorado springs towers and the covenants restrict the use of outdoor antennas.
http://www.panelcrafters.net/rotflmao.gif

That's true, covenants can't block antennas or dishes according to federal law even though they try to.

KRDO is upconverting nearly all their material, so it may be 720p but just a regular lousy source. Would be nice if somebody could find out when they are going to buy their stupid server to timeshift HD content so they can broadcast it.

KXRM's 720p is HD, at least for HD programs such as most everything in prime time.

I just exchanged a couple of emails with someone from KRDO last week who assured me that they would be able to broadcast delayed feeds in HD next month "unless the equipment is delayed again", which of course we all know it will be.

I know this thread is focused on OTA HD, but can someone tell me how many unencrypted "clear" SD and HD digital channels Adelphia gives you if you have their SD analog (ch02-99) service? Thanks.

I just exchanged a couple of emails with someone from KRDO last week who assured me that they would be able to broadcast delayed feeds in HD next month "unless the equipment is delayed again", which of course we all know it will be.

Man, I hope those swiss machinists can pull off this handcrafted masterpiece before fall!

I know this thread is focused on OTA HD, but can someone tell me how many unencrypted "clear" SD and HD digital channels Adelphia gives you if you have their SD analog (ch02-99) service? Thanks.

With a QAM tuner, the regular channels you can receive are ESPN HD, Discovery HD, ABC, PBS, Fox and CBS. Altitude HD also shows up for the home games they do in HD. The audio-only music channels come through clear as well.

Other digital SD channels come and go occasionally. Enjoy them when they show up, but don't get too used to them.

Man, I hope those swiss machinists can pull off this handcrafted masterpiece before fall!

Sorry, another delay will be announced. It appears that a new endangered species has been found on Cheyenne Mountain. The Red Spotted Liar. Due to the discovery of this previously unknown species, Federal authorities will need to investigate the impact of this significant creature. The traits of this Liar are:


Will avoid, at any cost, complying with the FCC mandate to be broadcasting a high power digital signal. The effective date of this mandate was 07/01/05.
Has the built-in capability to use deception. This aids this creature well, in it's attempts to hide it's real agenda.
Is very protective of it's territory. And has been granted a waiver to stop satellite companies from invading said territory.
Has been seen on Ebay shopping for discounted HD equipment.
Was granted a Construction Permit by the FCC in November 2004, but stated that this was in the middle of it's 10 year mating season, and that it had more important 'things' to do.
Dislikes humans. And, it will do anything to prevent giving pleasure to them.
And, most dangerous of all: This creature detests capital expenditures.

@TotallyPreWired

Absolutely classic! I am tempted to send KOAA an email asking them about this Spotted Liar

Was really hoping to see the Stanley Cup in HD but...... At least Games 1 & 2 were on INHD1.

I really would love to just send KOAA and KRDOs calendars and ask that they please remove the ones hanging in their offices dated 1986.

KKTV 11-1 has a test pattern up, at least 6:45-7:00 tonight...oops :o

KRDO 13-1 has the NBA finals in HD at least (because they're live) - but they downgrade the audio to 2-channel from 5.1 :mad:

When KRDO has HD on 13-1 and SD DTV on 13-2 like they do right now, they must be using up a portion of the HD bandwidth for the -2 channel, huh? That stinks. I was hoping we could avoid the evils of multicasting in Colorado Springs. Wonder if PBS is planning it too.

When KRDO has HD on 13-1 and SD DTV on 13-2 like they do right now, they must be using up a portion of the HD bandwidth for the -2 channel, huh?
Yup. Typically 1-3Mbs
Wonder if PBS is planning it too.
Who knows. But I can tell you that KBDI(PBS) Denver, has no HD, just 3 SD subchannels! 12-1, 12-2 & 12-3.
....jc

Anybody watching World Cup soccer on KRDO? Why isn't it in HD? Every game is being captured in HD, and it's live, so what's going on????

Anybody watching World Cup soccer on KRDO? Why isn't it in HD? Every game is being captured in HD, and it's live, so what's going on????

I am wondering the same thing. I set up my HDTiVo to record all world cup soccer in HD. It is recording this right now but, obviously, not HD...

--Ron

It sounds simple to me - KRDO just doesn't care. They've know about the games for months so there is no excuse. It's not like the basketball playoffs where the schedule can change. KRDO knows exactly what games are being broacast live by ABC in HD well in advance.

So a big THBBBBT to KRDO! Thanks for nothing.

Looks like they flipped the switch for the Sweden/Trinidad game.

What is this game called "soccer"??

What is this game called "soccer"??
Okay, football then! Or, as my Brazilian wife calls it, "foochball"... :D

What a disappointment KRDO! I recorded both World Cup games and only got one in HD. It's bad enough we can't get the Prime Time shows in HD but now we can't count on you to put the live shows in HD. Da** you!

Anyone else getting a 4x3 downconverted, and out-of-skew-sound from KKTV?

Anyone else getting a 4x3 downconverted, and out-of-skew-sound from KKTV?

Yeah it is all messed up. I think a lot of stations don't care much about how well the summer repeats look. This is pretty much unwatchable though.

Sounds like we're going backwards instead of forwards...

You might have to change your signature TallGuy. It seeme KRDO doesn't care about showing live events in HD anymore. Today's Iran/Mexico game is not in HD. That's 2 out of 3 World Cup games so far that they haven't shown in HD.

Has anyone called KRDO?

You might have to change your signature TallGuy. It seeme KRDO doesn't care about showing live events in HD anymore. Today's Iran/Mexico game is not in HD. That's 2 out of 3 World Cup games so far that they haven't shown in HD.
Updated my signature so as to not imply that all live events are in HD!

KKTV and KRDO seem to have the same infomercial on right now - but how long has KKTV 11-1 had no audio??

KKTV started breaking up Saturday. The Adelphia HD channel 711 is a big mess, and as you pointed out there is no audio on 11.1. There is audio on cable 711 but the artifacting makes it unwatchable. Guess there's no one there aware of the problem???

I called KRDO this Sunday morning and politely asked that somebody ask Engineering to send us the HD feed for the World Cup game. It apparently did not help as the game was never changed to HD. Perhaps they need a few more calls Monday to complain more loudly.

How did they manage to loose the NBA Finals Game 2 live feed? UGH!

I think all of our town's TV station engineers are out to lunch/on vacation at once... Not a good trend.

This 'digital TV' thing, is just a PITFA for the broadcasters. And, of course, their $$$ crafted SHREVA. So, you expect that we(the poor citizens) will benefit?

Just a 'Back To Reality Moment'...
....jc

Well if they continually screw up, they could be encouraging their high-end viewers to watch a gorgeous Blu-Ray or HD-DVD instead of a mangled HD broadcast with pixelation, dropouts and sync problems.

I spoke with Joe Reed (chief Engineer) at KRDO this morning. He apoligized for not having the World Cup games in HD over the weekend. He said that ABC had not notified their affiliates that these events would be in HD and they did not have it in their logs to switch to the HD feed. He said that this has been corrected for this weekend's 5 games including the USA-Italy game.

ABC didn't notify them?!? They notified the whole country! EVERY single commercial I saw for the World Cup boasted how ALL of the games would be in HD - including those on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2...ESPN ad infinitum.

I really think this boils down to one of a few possibilities:
1) they (folks at KRDO) are liars
2) they don't watch their own TV channel
3) they're incompetent
4) all of the above

I think I'm going to switch my "World Cup on ABC" season pass to the DirecTV feed (13, not 13-1). If I set my expectations low enough, then maybe I'll never be disappointed.

Don't know if this was brought up before, but read this on a late march 06 blog regarding the new merged(UPN/WB) CW station:

KXTU GM Steve Dant says the station will be applying for an HD license next month, although getting the frequency and the equipment installed will probably take another two years.

Only two years, I wonder if they will beat KOAA to getting HD or beat KRDO to getting full prime-time HD.

Letterman wasn't in HD on KKTV last night. Seems like their technical problems are serious. When is the last time anyone saw KKTV broadcasting in HD?

Letterman wasn't in HD on KKTV last night. Seems like their technical problems are serious. When is the last time anyone saw KKTV broadcasting in HD?

for me, it was definately late last week. I began to notice missing audio/hd on saturday.

I spoke with Joe Reed (chief Engineer) at KRDO this morning. He apoligized for not having the World Cup games in HD over the weekend. He said that ABC had not notified their affiliates that these events would be in HD and they did not have it in their logs to switch to the HD feed. He said that this has been corrected for this weekend's 5 games including the USA-Italy game.

I find this very hard to believe given that KRDO had the 2nd of 3 games in HD this past weekend. If they were never notified then all 3 would have been in SD. And if they figured it our themselves for the 2nd game on Saturday, then Sunday's game should have been in HD too.

Lies, lies, lies . . . .

If only there was an easy way to support some other ABC affiliate (besides changing my physical address through DirecTV). With no competition, there is no reason for KRDO (and KOAA for that matter) to care about HDTV and they have both shown us time after time that they don't care!! :mad:

Continuing with the KRDO bashing:

Thank goodness ABC only had 3 of the World Cup games this weekend with our pitiful excuse for an affliate KRDO not having a clue!!

The games on ESPN2HD looked awesome on my 55" Mits!

I paused on a closeup of the ball in the Italy/Ghana game to get a close look at this "seamless" ball they're talking about and noticed that the ball said the city that the game was being played in and "Ghana". (I assume it said something similar - perhaps the date - and "Italy" on the other side of the ball.) Now that's what I call a clear picture!

Rob

for me, it was definately late last week. I began to notice missing audio/hd on saturday.


Has anyone called KKTV on these issues yet? If not I will try to call tomorrow. What is the number?

I don't know, but the phone book numbers will allow you to ask for Engineering. Let us know...

I called and asked for an engineer. No answer so I left a voice message. They haven't called me back or anything yet.

Well, no response from them, maybe I will call again tomorrow if the situation persists. OT, Which is the cheapest internet in town, qwest?

Hey, looks like did something. I see Jeopardy in 1080i but with gray bars instead of the shrunken look like Fox.

Well, no response from them, maybe I will call again tomorrow if the situation persists. OT, Which is the cheapest internet in town, qwest?
I only know Adelphia, which seems to always have promotions for $26.95/month or so. I keep calling in and getting the current deal for another 3 months, even as an existing customer... I think the speed is better than DSL if I'm not mistaken.

I only know Adelphia, which seems to always have promotions for $26.95/month or so. I keep calling in and getting the current deal for another 3 months, even as an existing customer... I think the speed is better than DSL if I'm not mistaken.

If you don't mind, how do you do that? They tell me I have to wait 90 days until I can get another promotional rate. Do you threaten to cancel, or just ask for the $26.95/month special? And who do you talk to?

Thanks!
Rob

If you don't mind, how do you do that? They tell me I have to wait 90 days until I can get another promotional rate. Do you threaten to cancel, or just ask for the $26.95/month special? And who do you talk to?

Thanks!
Rob

I just call the toll free number two weeks or so before the current special is due to expire and ask what specials are going on, I've been getting my internet for 26 bucks a month now for two years, no threats, no waiting period. In fact, they called me the last time it was due to expire and said they were going to renew it for me. That was a shocker.

On a more depressing note, what's up with KKTV? Those grey bars are hidious, and they seem to keep them during prime time shows which should be HD, guess they are having serious problems.

Actually kktv was in high def last night. Saw a little bit of Letterman. Apparently kktv doesn't know that when they show that stupid weather radar on the screen continuously that it makes their HD useless.

Since I don't have adelphia cable tv they charge more for that I believe and also I didn't want them drilling another hole in my house. So, I just signed up with qwest DSL. The speed is fast enough for me I just need it to download some online training for work. It's $22 a month, which is really $32 a month with the no $5 discount for not having one of their stupid packages and $5 in made up taxes that really goes to them.

I searched around for local wi-fi, but prices their seem to be around $50 for their minimum. Not sure if comcast is supposed to take over adelphia? They may offer better prices and may consider another hole in the house later.

I haven't seen any KKTV during prime time in a while, but when I checked it during Letterman last night, it was nice to see their HD was back.

I feel like Adelphia cable speed for $26.95 is a steal. Don't tell them but it's worth $40 to me. I get a little grumpy around $50. One time, I called in and was comparing it to DSL prices, and that's when they gave me the one year offer at $26.95. Lately, after one has expired, I can just ask, but it's only 3 months at a time. It does seem like it has to be an active promotion though.

Who knows what we'll get after we're given over to Comcast...

Bumping from page 5 to post this:

Did you all see the SpringsTV Talk blog at http://springstvtalk.blogspot.com/ ? Great news...finally.

I haven't been home to verify this myself, but KRDO news director Dave Rose says the station should be broadcasting all of ABC's HD programming now, or by tomorrow if they're not. KRDO has been broadcasting in high def since January, but only the programs ABC sent live in HD, like sports and awards shows and such. Now, they'll be able to do ABC's full primetime programming and other stuff that's delayed for the Mountain time zone.

-Kelly

Sweet!

I wonder if KRDO will start passing through the Dolby Digital sound too?

http://springstvtalk.blogspot.com/2006/06/krdo-going-full-hd.html

Just in case anyone with D* (with Sunday Ticket) is interested in a free HD DVR and/or is in an area able to get the Denver LIL starting June 28, I posted my results with getting a 2nd HD DVR (no LIL) and an HD receiver (non dvr) for Denver LIL here:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=601386#post601386

Bumping from page 5 to post this:

Did you all see the SpringsTV Talk blog at (forcedtoremovedueto<5posts)? Great news...finally.



-Kelly


I have tried to see if any shows have been in HD since this post from springstvtalk, By the time I read it, Gray's Anatomy was over & I couldn't be sure if anything else since then was supposed to be HD from the ABC affiliate. Does anyone know or have experience that this is so?

-doGlooP

I have tried to see if any shows have been in HD since this post from springstvtalk, By the time I read it, Gray's Anatomy was over & I couldn't be sure if anything else since then was supposed to be HD from the ABC affiliate. Does anyone know or have experience that this is so?

-doGlooP



I watched a Hope & Faith rerun :eek: on Friday for the sole purpose of seeing if they were broadcasting in HD. Sadly, and not really surprisingly, it was still not in HD.

Folks, I'm new to HD broadcasts and was wondering if someone could explain (or point me to the explination) of how Adelphia decides what HD stations to carry. I know this is an over-the-air forum, but y'all seem to have the best info of any group around.

One of the reasons I ask is: I was at a Rockies game this last week and managed to get a short dugout tour. I noticed that the cameras were all HD, and it got me wondering: why? If FSN isn't showing HD, what's the point? And if they are broadcasting in HD, who is carrying it?

Thanks for any insight!

I watched a Hope & Faith rerun :eek: on Friday for the sole purpose of seeing if they were broadcasting in HD. Sadly, and not really surprisingly, it was still not in HD.

I have yet to see a non-live ABC broadcast on KRDO that's been in HD ... I hope this changes soon. But even if it doesn't, there's plenty to do outside before the "real" TV season is upon us :)

Stuebe,

I haven't seen any info about FSN doing HD in this area but the FSN website does list HD games scheduled in July. Here is a link to their HD schedule:

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/1528343

By the way, Altitude does all home Avalanche and Nuggets games in HD. Those are carried by Adelphia, so they are capable of carrying this type of occasional regional HD event.

Roy

But even if it doesn't, there's plenty to do outside before the "real" TV season is upon us :)
Sure is!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTFQuoesumc

So I was just flipping through and noticed that According to Jim on KRDO is in HD. Looks like they do indeed have the ability to show the delayed HD now.

Yeah, saw that too. Looks nice. Also KKTV has stop showing the gray bars during non-hd commercials and shows. I keep checking the KOAA HD channel, but blank still.

Looks like TallGuy needs to update his signature again -- KRDO is in high-def baby!!!

looks as though I can begin to view all the ABC HD programs avoided over the last few years...

Coolness , just switched over a few season passes to 13-1.

So when is NBC targeted to go HD, July?

One channel closer, to canceling my D* HD Pkg.

I often think about canceling the D* HD Pkg once we have all four Nets available via OTA. Considering 95% of what I watch is network programming, I'd be happy with all free local networks via OTA.

Bring on the Tivo Series 3.... :D

george is in high def tonight. looks great. oh yeah, one more thing - NO AUDIO

i think there are baboons runing the equipment down there
i don't know what was worse, not having tape delayed ABC in hd or finally getting the high def picture but no audio

the local SD commercials had audio just now, but back to dead air when george continued. i called the station, "let me forward this to the engineer... " @#^*&@#*@

I guess that answers my question about whether they figured out how to pass Dolby 5.1 surround sound. Just turn it all off. :D

So is HD video and no audio considered 0.5 of an HD channel? Or let's say they go back to 2-channel audio but no surround sound. Would that be 0.8 of a channel? I'm not sure what to update my signature to say!

Audio was working after sometime during the Freddy show and still worked for Lost. I didn't check to see if it was 5.1

Lost looked fantastic in HD last night!

For the 2 minutes that I watched there was audio, but I didn't check my receiver to see if it was 5.1.

Rob

Speaking of KRDO-DT...

Does anyone know what the purpose of 13-2 is?
Who wants to watch stretched, SD material?! :confused:

I sure hope that 13-2 is stealing VERY little bandwidth from 13-1.

Rob

Speaking of KRDO-DT...

Does anyone know what the purpose of 13-2 is?
Who wants to watch stretched, SD material?! :confused:

I sure hope that 13-2 is stealing VERY little bandwidth from 13-1.

Rob
Since I can't receive KRDO, is 13-2 an SD simulcast of 13-1? If so, KRDO isn't the only channel wasting the bandwidth. KMGH(ABC - Denver - 7.2) and KGWN(CBS - Cheyenne - 5.2) are doing the same thing. My only guess is that it's for the people with ATSC receivers and no HD display? :confused:
....jc

Surprise, Surprise.

We expect to commence digital broadcasts before the end of June.

It is the end of June and still no HD.
What a bunch of incompetent buffoons.

It is the end of June and still no HD.
What a bunch of incompetent buffoons.
And, it's only 37 days till the 1st preseason NFL game. And, guess what network is carrying the game?

NBC!

Ditto, just saw on their website.

KOAA and HDTV - Updated 06-30-06

Construction problems continue to delay the start of digital broadcasting from Cheyenne Mountain. Construction of the transmitter building, reinforcing the tower guy wires and installing larger concrete anchors is finished. A problem has arisen with the new transmitter, which will again postpone the start of High Definition broadcasts. We now expect to be on the air by the end of July. At that time we will have the most powerful digital signal in Colorado.
Programming will be all “standard definition” digital and we plan to have 4 hours of High Definition in prime time hours, as well as a few HD programs during daytime hours when it is available. The format (4X3 vs. 16X9) will depend on the supplier of the programs and your receiver, our prime time HDTV should always be in 1080i. For more information on HDTV in general go to the Advanced Television web site

KOAA and HDTV - Updated 06-30-06

Construction problems continue to delay the start of digital broadcasting from Cheyenne Mountain...We now expect to be on the air by the end of July.
Yea, Yea, Yea.

And, where would you be if you started construction Last Summer? :o

It's funny that they didn't mention Weather Plus! :eek:

You know the dismal record here folk's! Time to place your bets:

Will KOAA have the 1st NFL Preseason game in HD?
The game is on Sunday 08/06/06.

Absolutely ridiculous!!
But then there is really no incentive for them to get it done.
If we could get waivers because they don't have a digital signal then maybe that would be a little incentive for them.

I can't imagine they'll be done before the snow starts flying this Fall, which would mean that they won't finish until summer 2007!! :mad:

Idiots!!!

If we could get waivers because they don't have a digital signal then maybe that would be a little incentive for them.
Yea, I called KXRM Monday and asked for a waiver. They said that it would take about a week(we'll have to see if that happens). Last year it was: We don't allow waivers! :mad:

The request is valid as we don't receive any C/S station in this area. KXRM does have an analog translator up here, but I was told it would be 2007 before it would be sending out a digital signal.
....jc

It's no surprise. I had hoped to catch the Olympics in glorious high definition. Due to poor coverage, poor reception & false expectations the only Olympic coverage I saw was on other networks & the internet.
Sadly, I also miss my favorite comedy tv show "My Name is Earl" because I can't stand even 30 minutes of snowy or grainy reception. Providing quality content seems to be a priority for NBC, but I wonder if that's untrue for our local affiliate.

doGlooP

I talked to a KOAA person today and they said that they were almost ready to go technically but "the tube" which was new turned out to be fried and they're waiting on a new one to be shipped in. I have no idea what a tube does on the tower, as opposed to in a tube TV, but it's needed. I got the impression that it might be more like a week but if the web site says a month, that's probably right. I'm sure it's a lot more technical than just flipping a switch, we need to realize. I'm tired of waiting too. At least there's not much on in the summer.

I called KRDO to ask about the lack of 5.1 sound, and they said they need to get some encoders to do that. Apparently it's not just a passthrough of the audio - maybe relating to storing the HD material on the server and then sending it out an hour later. Anyway, the encoders haven't been ordered (remember, KRDO has always been big spenders) but "probably this year"... sigh

I talked to a KOAA person today and they said that they were almost ready to go technically but "the tube" which was new turned out to be fried and they're waiting on a new one to be shipped in.

Interesting, prior to my positing this morning at 8:57am I checked KOAA’s website and nothing had changed. Sometime after, they released a new update. Think they are following this thread? I doubt it. That would require forethought and presence of mind.

Every explanation (excuse) they have given for each and every delay is the result of either a total abomination of project management or flat out lies.

1) The “Weather was too cold in December”.
I looked at 25 years of climatic data and December 2005 was among the warmest on record.

2) The “New antenna adds additional wind loads to the tower”.
No kidding I would have never seen that one coming.

3) The “New guy wires add additional wind load”.
Really, who would have ever guessed the addition of cross sectional area to the tower would result in higher wind loads? I would have thought they understood that basic concept following the antenna debacle in point 2 above.

4) The “Tube is fried”.
Since the tower with the new antenna has allegedly been standing while the new guy wires and anchors were being installed would it not be reasonable to do some beta testing? How long does it take to have a new “tube” delivered?
FedEx can deliver a car / boat / horse etc. from New York to Tokyo in a day.
Further, what will happen if a current analog part breaks? Do they go off air for a month waiting for a new one?

One of three things or some combination thereof is happening here:
1) They are liars.
2) They are totally incompetent.
3) They just don't care. Their customers are their advertisers not their viewers.

It’s too cold in December, the wind blows too hard, the tube is broken….GIVE ME A BREAK!

And while I’m at it… KOAA if your listening,
Please, for the love of God, quit touting yourself as “the technology leader.”

Your traffic guy who I suspect is sitting in his basement speaking into a tin can to make it sound as if he is in a helicopter is funny on one hand yet insulting on the other.
If he really is flying around then air some live video.
The video aired from the traffic cams we all have access to from CDOT on the internet never has anything to do with the traffic tie ups he reports.

A “technology leader” would have been broadcasting true HD years ago and had an airplane or helicopter in the air with live video.

2) The “New transmitter adds additional wind loads to the tower”.
Actually, if they have the transmitter on the tower, we'll never see a digital broadcast from them.
One of three things or some combination thereof is happening here:
1) They are liars.
2) They are totally incompetent.
3) They just don't care. Their customers are their advertisers not their viewers.

I'd guess that it's all 3. However, #1 can not be disputed. :p The next thing that we'll probably hear, is that the Santa Ana winds are causing problems with that transmitter on their tower. :eek:

Since I live between WP & Divide, there is no chance of receiving anything from Cheyenne Mtn., so everything is Denver up here. Even with the 'Tower Debacle', at least all of the Denver stations have been broadcasting a low power signal in digital(for well over a year). So, they are putting forth at least a meager effort. However, KOAA takes the cake. Therefore, I award my first:


Brown Tower Award

to KOAA. Congratulations KOAA!!!! :p You really deserve this one!

The color Brown wasn't chosen to match the environment, it was chosen to replicate environment in which the tower was impacted.

TotallyPreWired,
Good catch on my transmitter on the tower faux pas.

Congrats KOAA on your Brown Tower Award.

Technology Leaders?

No... Technology Laggards.

More bad news on the TV page of today's Gazette - KKTV/CBS is all excited to go multichannel in the fall to provide some stupid other programming. Why doesn't anybody care about picture quality?? AAARRRGGHHH

KKTV goes multichannel with My Network TV - http://springstvtalk.blogspot.com/2006/06/kktv-goes-multichannel-with-my-network.html

So it looks like KRDO is in HD for the movie tonight! Does this mean they are going to do more than just live events in HD?

So it looks like KRDO is in HD for the movie tonight! Does this mean they are going to do more than just live events in HD?
(See posts from 6/27 to 6/28)

KOAA and HDTV - Updated 07-01-06

KOAA digital TV will be delayed until late fall. We just discovered that a bald eagle has built a nest at the location where we plan to place the tube. Colorado Wildlife had been notified and declared that we cannot come near the antenna. They said once the eggs hatch and the younglings are old enough to fly off, the nest will be inspected and removed. Once we get the ok, then we can place the new tube in place and digital testing will commence. At that time we will have the most powerful digital signal in Colorado. The technology leader for southern Colorado.

late fall...2010

KOAA and HDTV - Updated 07-01-06

KOAA digital TV will be delayed until late fall. We just discovered that a bald eagle has built a nest at the location where we plan to place the tube. Colorado Wildlife had been notified and declared that we cannot come near the antenna. They said once the eggs hatch and the younglings are old enough to fly off, the nest will be inspected and removed. Once we get the ok, then we can place the new tube in place and digital testing will commence. At that time we will have the most powerful digital signal in Colorado. The technology leader for southern Colorado.


I'm laughing my a$$ off on one hand and saddened on the other because that press release sounds totally plausible.

More bad news on the TV page of today's Gazette - KKTV/CBS is all excited to go multichannel in the fall to provide some stupid other programming. Why doesn't anybody care about picture quality?? AAARRRGGHHH

KKTV goes multichannel with My Network TV - http://springstvtalk.blogspot.com/2006/06/kktv-goes-multichannel-with-my-network.html


I couldn't be more disappointed. I think I agree with TallGuy's sentiment. Multicasting is a nice 'idea', but not a good solution to HDTV programming at all. There is a finite amount of available bandwidth (@6Mhz) and as such, only a finite bitrate can be processed & broadcast. If a station such as our CBS affiliate KKTV-DT 10.1 decides to broadcast 1080i/60 this is a HUGE (read: complete) chunk of their broadcast bandwidth allotment.
I'd like to point a finger at our ABC affiliate KRDO 13.1 & 13.2 for an example of how NOT to do things:
KRDO broadcasts two nearly full-bitrate channels doing the SAME programming!!! Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't that seems like a waste? If you outright don't agree, here's my thought - we have just about a total of 19.4 Mbit/sec to work with for a creamy-smooth broadcast of "LOST" in 720p/60 and KRDO astounds & baffles by broadcasting the exact SAME program - composite color digital/analog/back-to-digital converted that at 480i with minimum macro-blocking must be eating up @ 3-5 Mbit/sec of KRDO's transmisson ---WHY!?!?!?!? I understand it that an ATSC compliant receiver will receive ANY of the 18 ATSC formats & SHOULD be able to scale it to the display. Why force your engineering department to cloud the transmisson with a muddy D/A/D conversion & lose the QUALITY of the broadcast just to transmit a 4x3 version of the same programming - It is not that one CANNOT polish a turd, it is that one SHOULD not !!! Let the receiver accept and scale the ORIGINAL broadcast in it's full glory.

Here's the 18 formats:
Linky (http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ISSUES/what_is_ATSC.html)

Please note that if you MUST multi-cast, put an emphasis on MULTI - show a different program, data-cast, send audio only weather with still pix, whatever, but allot as much bitrate & resolution to your flagship programming as you can, PLEASE! This is what people tune in for ... Shows like "Lost, Veronica Mars, Boston Legal, Desperate Housewives, 24, NFL, MLB, PBA, NBA, NHL, The CSI's, it's called Primetime for a reason. Prime viewing hours, prime advertising dollars.

On that last note; advertisers should note the success of a little "fruit" company's HDTV-specific ads as of late and follow suit - "Touche"!

So, back to KKTV - what's wrong with 1080p/23.976 (24) as a broadcast option? It should be a reduction in bitrate by a factor of 4/5 over 1080i/60 (59.94) allowing for a 480i/59.94 (60)as well WITHOUT a reduction in bitrate/pixel transmitted - not to mention that scaling a progressive source 1080p to 720p displays is more natural than de-interlacing & it's ATSC compliant & minty fresh!

Do we know that 13-2 is full bitrate? I wish it wasn't there, but if it just transmits 480i, it should hurt the 720p 13-1 a bit less than a new 11-2 would hurt the 1080i 11-1. I can't remember the difference but the bandwidth requirement for 1080i is some amount more than 720p.

At least with KXRM/FOX's "The Tube" on 21-2 it's obviously low bandwidth so that 21-1 gets more of the 19.2mbps to use.

I just wish the stations wanted to show off their PQ on their HD investment. Maybe they assume everyone only has a 32" HDTV and so there's not much difference, but the difference is huge on 50", 60", 10 feet, etc. In a couple years, when HD movies are more common, the HDTV channels that have a subchannel are going to look a lot worse than "true HD" in comparison.

TallGuy,

I do NOT know for a fact that 13-2 is "full" bitrate, but I rarely see runniness or macroblocking on it.
Regardless, I don't care for the fact that KRDO would allocate ANY portion to duplicate programming. On their behalf, how can THAT possibly attract more advertising dollars?
How can the advertisers attract more consumers that can spend a few bucks? - Appeal to your market! Consumers that either can/do spend $$ have nice toys like Home Theater, or internet accessible computers or family cell phone packages or the like.
The thought process seems backwards that broadcasters in this town are taking. I'd rather sharpen the other side of the "consumer blade" and let the advertisers know that promoting their products in an arena that they can sell to makes better sense than butting heads with stodgy station owners that capitalized on a new idea just after WWII. The TV stations will listen to their DIRECT market - advertisers, who in turn need to hear the consumers voice to respond.

Hey Guys, I just wanted to let you all know that after a lot of encouragement and egging on by Friends, Family and members of this board, I have started my own Home Theater Design and Installation Business here in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. I have named the Business; Apex Home Theater. I have been working on the website for my Business this weeked. It can be found here:

Apex Home Theater (http://www.apexhometheater.com)

I want to Thank everyone for their advice and support during the building of my personal Home Theater and any referrals you can provide would be greatly appreciated!!

~Josh

Best of luck to you Josh!

-doGlooP

Cool, Josh. Don't forget to change the name of your home page from "Home" to Apex, which shows up in the browser name on my taskbar.

P.S. I hope you never have to use an Apex DVD player!

Poor HD for Colorado Springs. KRDO tonight has either sound or no HD. KKTV has the stupid weather alert logo which kills HD. Only thing working good is Fox showing House. I think I need to email KKTV and talk to them about the logo. Which one should I email from this list?

# Business Manager
# Call for Action
# Community Calendar
# General Manager
# KKTV WebMaster
# National Sales Manager
# News Director
# Production Manager
# Programming Department
# Creative Services
# Receptionist

General Mgr, and Production Mgr?

Cool, Josh. Don't forget to change the name of your home page from "Home" to Apex, which shows up in the browser name on my taskbar.

P.S. I hope you never have to use an Apex DVD player!

Done and Thanks!!

~Josh

My message didn't take, will post it here again. I got my email response back from KKTV. Seems they are working on the problem. Don't know when it will be fixed. Here is the email response.

At present, our weather warning system does not put on HD signal, although we are working on a solution for this. We appreciate your patience in this matter as we search for a solution. It's our obligation to keep viewers updated on potentially life and property threatening weather, so we appreciate your patience as we search for a solution.

At present, our weather warning system does not put on HD signal, although we are working on a solution for this. We appreciate your patience in this matter as we search for a solution. It's our obligation to keep viewers updated on potentially life and property threatening weather, so we appreciate your patience as we search for a solution.

Translation: We don't care jack sh*t about you or your HD friends and don't count on a fix any time soon -- that's the way we do things here in the Springs!

Am I close? :cool:

Wow, I used to think I was cynical...then I come to this message board for a wake up call... :D

Since the subject of multicasting keeps coming up, I made some measurements of how the bandwidth seems to be allocated. The numbers given below show the bitrates (kbps) averaged over one minute for each subchannel. Video and audio bitrates are given separately ( v / a ).

KRDO HD: 14306 / 393
KRDO SD: 3723 / 196
KXRM HD: 13124 / 457
KXRM Tube: 3039 / 197
KKTV HD: 17925 / 393

I just thought I'd throw that out here for the benefit of those who would rather know the numbers instead of guessing based on how things seem to look.

Cool, great info. Makes sense why KKTV's HD looks the best too (1080i).

Ok I have been lurking on these forums for years and following this thread for as long as it has existed.

Anyway I live in Fountain and have gotten frustrated enough with our local stations that I decided to register and share my thoughts on our locals:


Amateur hour.


That sums up nicely how I feel. I mean seriously I have been waiting for OTA or cable HD of all the locals now for literally like four years. I have even had time to upgrade my TV for heavens sake.

It has gotten so bad that when I read the above post with the faux press release talking about the bald eagle I actually thought that was true for a few seconds, and wasn't even surprised.

In my mind the only local that half way gets it right is KKTV ... but even then we have the issues with someone forgetting to flip the switch ... or the weather alert coming up.

So anyway, there thats my rant. :cool: LOL

It's our obligation to keep viewers updated on potentially life and property threatening weather, so we appreciate your patience as we search for a solution.

OH PLEASE!!!! I cannot imagine that there is a single person in the viewing area that finds that stupid-a** weather logo thing useful. It is a TOTALLY numb-nuts thing that is a complete waste!!!! I mean, really, look at it sometime! Does it have ANY information in it that is of ANY value to someone in affected areas???

And if you know someone in this area who DOES rely on this thing for their weather info, please push back! I'd love to know how/why they find it useful.

My solution, (if you must) put it up ONLY during commercials! Then drop it during the shows. Simple.

UGH! Totally lame!

As soon as they figure out how to put the weather logo on the HD broadcast, they will also be able to put those annoying little popup advertisements into HD broadcasts as well. I recall noticing last season that analog broadcasts had them but the HD broadcasts did not.

OH PLEASE!!!! I cannot imagine that there is a single person in the viewing area that finds that stupid-a** weather logo thing useful. It is a TOTALLY numb-nuts thing that is a complete waste!!!! I mean, really, look at it sometime! Does it have ANY information in it that is of ANY value to someone in affected areas???


I find it interesting but, almost everything I watch is TiVo'ed so I usually laugh at myself when I say OMIGOD! THERE IS A TORNADO WARNING FOR MY AREA 5 weeks ago

--Ron

Guys, if you find KKTV's nightly weather logos annoying, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE email them and tell them that you want to enjoy HD.

I've sent them numerous emails stating that:

A. They're not useful and do we really need them every single time it rains, and for the ENTIRE evening? KOAA & KRDO don't feel the need to alert us, so are these nightly alerts possibly a bit overkill?

B. Until they can put the weather warnings on an HD signal that they should reconsider broadcasting it only periodically (preferably during commercials) so that we can still enjoy HD. I know they have the ability to do this as they did it last week when they were airing a movie in HD. On the HD station the weather alerts were periodic (during commercials & station identification) and on the SD station they were continuous. Why can't they do this every night?

Anyway, I even went so far as to send a couple of emails from a few different email accounts so that they don't think they're all coming from the same person!! I'm crazy, I know!! lol

If you are also frustrated by this, PLEASE send them feedback. When they get sick of emails they'll do something about it.

Here's the list I send the emails to. It's probably a bit overkill, but oh well. I got all the email addresses off the kktv website:

cpeterson@kktv11news.com, dmccarty@kktv11news.com, NMatesi@kktv11news.com, dbullock@kktv11news.com, programming@kktv11news.com, weather@kktv11news.com

Done.... I used your text above and edited it a bit. Others feel free to cut and paste.


cpeterson@kktv11news.com, dmccarty@kktv11news.com, NMatesi@kktv11news.com, dbullock@kktv11news.com, programming@kktv11news.com, weather@kktv11news.com

KKTV,

Can you please stop displaying the nightly weather logo during HD broadcasts. This effectively kills the value of HD during these broadcasts.

They're not useful and do we really need them every single time it rains, and for the ENTIRE evening? KOAA & KRDO don't feel the need to alert us, so are these nightly alerts possibly a bit overkill?

Until you can put the weather warnings on an HD signal you should reconsider broadcasting it only periodically (preferably during commercials) so that we can still enjoy HD. I know you have the ability to do this as you did it last week when they were airing a movie in HD. On the HD station the weather alerts were periodic (during commercials & station identification) and on the SD station they were continuous. Why can't you do this every night?

Got the expected reply from Nick Matesi/News Director.

Thank you for your email. At present, our weather warning system does not put on HD signal, although we are working on a solution for this. We appreciate your patience in this matter as we search for a solution. It's our obligation to keep viewers updated on potentially life and property threatening weather, so we appreciate your patience as we search for a solution. We run these continuously because we have found that viewers who are looking for the information do not necessarily watch all the time. However, we are constantly evaluating our procedures and processes, and we appreciate your input.

:eek: 30 Day Warning! :eek:
:eek: 30 Day Warning! :eek:
:eek: 30 Day Warning! :eek:

That's right folk's! In just 30 days the 1st preseason NFL game will be broadcast on NBC. The game features the Oakland Raiders vs. Philadelphia Eagles. Game time is 6:00 pm MDT. Is the 1st Brown Tower Award Winner, and our own KOAA, up to the challenge?

Is the NFL more important than the Olympics? Time will tell(30 days to be exact). I fear that it's SD only for these losers, but I could be wrong.

What's your opinion?
....jc

They keep sending out the same automated response to any of us that sends them an email complaining about the weather thingy. The only option we have would be to start threatening to go their advertisers and threaten to boycott those products if somethings not done. :D

Hmmm, I think advertiser threats are a bit extreme. I'd rather just point out to them that the current weather logo situation is unacceptable and keep reminding them of this issue. If enough of us comment on it and continue to do so, they may get the message.