Colorado Springs, CO - HDTV [Text View] - Page 27

iowegian3

08-04-10, 11:28 PM

Updated: 1:45 PM Aug 4, 2010

UPDATE: KKTV Signal Problems
KKTV is back on Comcast Cable, and as we work to fix the technical issues that have been causing service outages, we want to let everyone know that you can always watch KKTV 11 News streaming live on the web. You can find the link to watch live online under the VIDEO tab on the KKTV.com homepage.
Posted: 9:40 PM Aug 3, 2010
Reporter: KKTV News
Email Address: news@kktv.com

Font Size: KKTV is back on Comcast Cable, and as we work to fix the technical issues that have been causing service outages, we want to let everyone know that you can always watch KKTV 11 News streaming live on the web. You can find the link to watch live online under the VIDEO tab on the KKTV.com homepage.

You can find the link to watch live online under the VIDEO tab on the KKTV.com homepage. Want to watch your favorite CBS shows? You can do that online, too! Click here!

KKTV is still experiencing signal problems for over-the-air and satellite customers, however our programming is once again available on Comcast. Direct TV and Dish have taken the signal from KCNC in Denver, so viewers will be able to see CBS programming but will temporarily be unable to see local news.

Our engineers are working on the problem and we'll be back on for all providers as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience, and we apologize for any inconvenience.

In the meantime, news updates will continue to be available here at KKTV.com

Meantime, any bets on if the RF 11 transmitter is terminally fried? (I'm assuming lightning strike) Maybe RF 49 will be coming sooner than we think.

Satcom15

08-04-10, 11:39 PM

Sometime in the last month or two, Comcast completed Project Cavalry/World of More (I guess its called xfinity now - leave it to the suits to develop new names for the same thing LOL ). So now we have digital cable in town. I had extended basic and ignored all the efforts for digital upgrade. I didn't get a DTA either. Still, I thought I would get the digital equivalent of the extended basic service tier automatically with calls from Comcast to get the DTA. Well lo and behold, my cable bill came today and saw they shoved me into the lowest class of service, analog with local channels only and a corresponding lower bill too. :D That's just fine since all I watch is the news and PBS anyway these days. High speed internet is much more important than TV. Interesting.

Dang! So KKTV got knocked of the air (for OTA). I brought home a spectrum analyzer from work today to see what the OTA signal was like. Oh well, there are other channels to look at.

lsilvest

08-05-10, 09:48 AM

KKTV 11 News More bad news. Looks like our signal will be down for awhile longer. The part that the engineers thought would fix the problem didn't totally do the job...they are still working on it around the clock. We apologize again.
24 minutes ago

scottlindner

08-05-10, 01:23 PM

If anyone is interested, I just had the locals added to my Dish account and even though they don't include KBDI through Dish, the program information for 12.1, 12.2 and 12.3 do show up on my OTA connection on the Dish receiver.

For Scott - if you're still using BTV, I asked them to add KBDI to our locals list and they are looking into it - since they use Tribune like Dish they should be availble.

I switched to Windows 7 Media Center. I bought Beyond Media just as they released the last version forever, and it appears I did the same with BeyondTV. So rather than trying to keep it running I decided to jump to something that is actively supported. 7MC has it's pros/cons. There are some things I miss about BTV, and there are some things in 7MC that are really nice.

Scott

lsilvest

08-05-10, 05:02 PM

I switched to Windows 7 Media Center. I bought Beyond Media just as they released the last version forever, and it appears I did the same with BeyondTV. So rather than trying to keep it running I decided to jump to something that is actively supported. 7MC has it's pros/cons. There are some things I miss about BTV, and there are some things in 7MC that are really nice.

Scott

Since BTV put all of their resources into the enterprise edition I think they've lost some customers that need new features - and with MC free in 7 and more advertising about it they probably did the smart thing. I tried 7 MC but really didn't care for either 7 or the MC. I only record OTA so XP and BTV work perfectly for me. I have Dish with a DVR and such a good deal on it there wasn't any sense in getting an HD-PVR.

What I'm curious about is just how KKTV got their signal to Comcast. I thought Comcast had to use the same OTA signal available to the public. They had to have run cable or fiber to them.

Satcom15

08-14-10, 07:30 AM

scottlindner

08-14-10, 08:07 AM

lsilvest

08-14-10, 09:26 AM

OK, I finally bit the bullet. I have an HD TV now. Got a Panny Plasma G25 42 inch. I'm getting the HD box from Comcast this morning. However, for grins I plugged it in directly to the cable (I have basic cable, not even digital starter) last night and it picked up a few HD channels. I was watching the late night news broadcasts. KOAA led off with "Breaking news" - 2 car crash near my Apt (If it bleeds it leads :D ). Of the three networks, it appears KOAA had the best PQ. BTW PBS was far and away the poorest quality - A major disappointment. Maybe if they'd use the entire bandwidth of their HD broadcast it would be better - Dump Create. All were in 1080i according to the TV. I still have a long way to go as far as PQ tuning is concerned (at the moment its in THX mode).

However, here is my question: Are there any channels, networks or specialty like Animal Planet or Sports channels, that transmit 1080p PQ? What about over satellite? It seems the only way to get true uncompressed 1080p PQ is from BluRay (got one of those too - an Oppo 83 modified to make it region free). Now I can watch all that great foreign programming that PBS butchers :D

Thanks in advance for any information.

1. You have the poorest source for HD. OTA is best, D* possibly a bit better than E* but debateable but both satellites are very good. If it's analog or SD it'll look like crap on any widescreen. The only HD you'll get now is QAM on your locals.

2. There is a great variation in PQ depending on the source content. Outdoor scenes and sports are always the best. TV shows can vary greatly. Sports on Fox and CBS I think are by far the best. Watch the Masters on CBS and it's spectacular.

3. You're going to get some SD content on virtually any HD channel, but it's gotten a lot better than it was even a year ago.

4. The only 1080p I know of other than BD is some on Dish VOD, but you need a 24fps TV to handle it. Someone with D* may know if they have any yet.

5. 1080p is as much hype as reality. I've seen BD that isn't as good as some OTA. Your expectations were raised possibly too high by the hype. You'll see arguments about this, but I like my 720p plasma better than my son's 1080p Sony LCD (so does he).

Satcom15

08-14-10, 09:35 AM

PBS broadcasts 3 channels over one channel. If that makes sense. They are highly compressed to do that.

You can pull in more if you do use rabbit ears rather than the cable.

Scott

Hi Scott,
Yeah. I hooked up an antenna this morning (rabbit ears) 7 Analog (all snowy) and 17 digital (quality of course varies - KOAA 5.1 and KKTV 11.1 look the best, at least this morning). All are 1080i. For the most part they looked similar to cable. I wonder, is there any tool or method to tell what the real bit rate is and how its partitioned into the various PIDs?

RMPBS is one of the worst - Like you said, 3 channels on one digital channel. Somewhere down the road, I think I'm going to get a satellite receiver for PBS (like Gatoviejo did). I was looking around, they aren't that expensive (<$500 should do it).

Cheers.

scottlindner

08-14-10, 09:47 AM

5. 1080p is as much hype as reality. I've seen BD that isn't as good as some OTA. Your expectations were raised possibly too high by the hype. You'll see arguments about this, but I like my 720p plasma better than my son's 1080p Sony LCD (so does he).

On a 42" presuming typical sofa distances you won't see a difference between 720 and 1080, but you will see a difference between interlaced and progressive, and of course the source itself.

There was a time a while ago when one of the locals was broadcast in both 720p and 1080i. I did a ton of quick A/B tests and found that I preferred the 720p over the 1080i with my 52" at 12ft viewing distance.

I have seen outstanding BluRay, and I have seen BluRay that's worse than even the mediocre OTA locals. My take away is that as long as it's 720p or greater, it's more about the source compression and studio handling of the material than the mechanism we get it.

Scott

scottlindner

08-14-10, 09:53 AM

Yeah. I hooked up an antenna this morning (rabbit ears) 7 Analog (all snowy) and 17 digital (quality of course varies - KOAA 5.1 and KKTV 11.1 look the best, at least this morning). All are 1080i. For the most part they looked similar to cable. I wonder, is there any tool or method to tell what the real bit rate is and how its partitioned into the various PIDs

I'm sure there is, but I don't have anything that can do it. One thing I have noticed is the quality jumps way up for prime time shows. Before you draw any conclusions, wait until this Fall line up starts. I think you'll be very pleased.

RMPBS is one of the worst - Like you said, 3 channels on one digital channel. Somewhere down the road, I think I'm going to get a satellite receiver for PBS (like Gatoviejo did). I was looking around, they aren't that expensive (<$500 should do it).

I gotta ask.. just for PBS? I believe there are multiple reasons RMBPS stations suck. It's broadcast in Denver and there is a relay station on a mountain somewhere near the Palmer Divide and another broadcast on the top of Cheyenne Mountain. When we had troubles with that relay station I got a sense the relay station is clobbering the quality in addition to the compression to fit three digital stations onto one physical channel.

Scott

Satcom15

08-14-10, 01:10 PM

I'm sure there is, but I don't have anything that can do it. One thing I have noticed is the quality jumps way up for prime time shows. Before you draw any conclusions, wait until this Fall line up starts. I think you'll be very pleased.

Oh, no doubt. I have a feeling the stations/networks devote more bits (less compression and reduction in bits to other PIDs) to primetime programming.

I gotta ask.. just for PBS? I believe there are multiple reasons RMBPS stations suck. It's broadcast in Denver and there is a relay station on a mountain somewhere near the Palmer Divide and another broadcast on the top of Cheyenne Mountain. When we had troubles with that relay station I got a sense the relay station is clobbering the quality in addition to the compression to fit three digital stations onto one physical channel.

I agree on the Microwave relay introducing noise. However, I had a note from a KTSC station engineer earlier in the year (because of my griping about all the digital error artifacts - frozen frames, blockiness, dropped audio) that they were going to get a fiber studio to cable head end link soon to cure some of those problems. Not sure if that happened yet or not. Still, cramming 3 channels into one HD channel for OTA is the pitts. Back to your question, yes. At least initially, there would be the satellite reciever for PBS only. I don't have the space for a motorized antenna (even a 3 ft Ku-Band) at my apt. Also, a fixed dish won't raise as much suspicion (it looks like a DTV or E-Star dish). Finally, I'm not terribly interested in other channels broadcast by satellite at the moment. That might change, but for now PBS HD is all I'm really want.

Cheers

scottlindner

08-14-10, 01:49 PM

Oh, no doubt. I have a feeling the stations/networks devote more bits (less compression and reduction in bits to other PIDs) to primetime programming.

I agree on the Microwave relay introducing noise. However, I had a note from a KTSC station engineer earlier in the year (because of my griping about all the digital error artifacts - frozen frames, blockiness, dropped audio) that they were going to get a fiber studio to cable head end link soon to cure some of those problems. Not sure if that happened yet or not. Still, cramming 3 channels into one HD channel for OTA is the pitts. Back to your question, yes. At least initially, there would be the satellite reciever for PBS only. I don't have the space for a motorized antenna (even a 3 ft Ku-Band) at my apt. Also, a fixed dish won't raise as much suspicion (it looks like a DTV or E-Star dish). Finally, I'm not terribly interested in other channels broadcast by satellite at the moment. That might change, but for now PBS HD is all I'm really want.

Cheers

I'm not talking about the relay station adding noise. That's more of an analog concern. This is an entirely digital broadcast from Denver, through the relay, to the local broadcast tower on Cheyenne Mountain. What I'm referring to is it isn't just a "relay" and it may be doing more switching type stuff which may be using older analog gear, etc, etc. If you pay attention to some of the locals you'll see what I'm talking about. The broadcast is 1080i, but you can tell they are still using way old crap NTSC standard def gear somewhere in the middle of the stream. You'll see it.

Scott

RockyMountainD

08-15-10, 07:57 AM

bnwrx

08-21-10, 01:58 PM

Does anyone have any inside info on KRDO/Directv conflict? Looks like it could be another long,drawn out contract deal. Can't understand why when it was just a year ago or so the agreement was signed to carry the HD signal.KRDO sure seems to have a conflict with DTV as there on-air message mentions DISH by name as being an alternative to Directv!?? If anyone knows more about this please post.
Thanks

lsilvest

08-21-10, 05:03 PM

I thought KRDO was broadcast in 720p.

It is and so is Fox.

Satcom15

08-21-10, 06:19 PM

It is and so is Fox.

But, but my TV says 1080i when I check it. It must be true, it must. :D

scottlindner

08-21-10, 06:56 PM

But, but my TV says 1080i when I check it. It must be true, it must. :D

If the set says it's 1080i, I would believe it's 1080i.

BTW... was in the park next to your apartments today with my son. I was surprised no one was there on a Saturday. Anything going on that you know of?

lsilvest

08-22-10, 09:31 AM

If the set says it's 1080i, I would believe it's 1080i.

It's only 1080i if it's upconverted by your provider or the source shows it as 1080. I have Dish and my DVR is set to 1080i output, so the TV shows it as 1080i. For OTA, it shows 720p which is what both ABC and Fox use. In either case, you couldn't tell the difference. The fact is it's almost irrelevant since most of us can't tell the difference between 720 and 1080 anyway (unless you have a very large screen).

scottlindner

08-22-10, 09:33 AM

It's only 1080i if it's upconverted by your provider or the source shows it as 1080. I have Dish and my DVR is set to 1080i output, so the TV shows it as 1080i. For OTA, it shows 720p which is what both ABC and Fox use. In either case, you couldn't tell the difference. The fact is it's almost irrelevant since most of us can't tell the difference between 720 and 1080 anyway (unless you have a very large screen).

I gotcha. I guess the important point here is the signal to your TV is one thing, but that doesn't mean anything about all of the clobbering that goes on from original recording/broadcast until it hits the final device before your set.

I've seen 1080p that's worse than NTSC.

Scott

Satcom15

08-22-10, 12:02 PM

I gotcha. I guess the important point here is the signal to your TV is one thing, but that doesn't mean anything about all of the clobbering that goes on from original recording/broadcast until it hits the final device before your set.

I've seen 1080p that's worse than NTSC.

Scott

Hi Scott,
Nothing went on in the park as far as I know. It would seem the scan rate and the data rate could be different to the point where a 1080p (or 1080i, or 720p), thus your comment. Incidentally, it seems the KOAA news broadcast (OTA and cable) is the best quality of the three networks here. And in general KTSC is just plain poor most of the time. I wish they would dump those secondary channels (at least one) as well as remove some of the bit filling during primetime. That PBS satellite feed keeps looking better all the time. :D

BTW does anyone have a Hauppage (or similar card) that can give us the latest bit vs PID information for the local major channels?

scottlindner

08-22-10, 12:40 PM

Hi Scott,
Nothing went on in the park as far as I know. It would seem the scan rate and the data rate could be different to the point where a 1080p (or 1080i, or 720p), thus your comment. Incidentally, it seems the KOAA news broadcast (OTA and cable) is the best quality of the three networks here. And in general KTSC is just plain poor most of the time. I wish they would dump those secondary channels (at least one) as well as remove some of the bit filling during primetime. That PBS satellite feed keeps looking better all the time. :D

BTW does anyone have a Hauppage (or similar card) that can give us the latest bit vs PID information for the local major channels?

I think things change once you hit prime time. They probably drop those other channels to crap. In general, I've noticed any of the important shows are excellent quality.

I have an HD HomeRun. If you know that it can provide the information I'll gladly dig it up. I plan on buying a Hauppauge but haven't done so yet.

Scott

Satcom15

08-22-10, 06:57 PM

I think things change once you hit prime time. They probably drop those other channels to crap. In general, I've noticed any of the important shows are excellent quality.

I have an HD HomeRun. If you know that it can provide the information I'll gladly dig it up. I plan on buying a Hauppauge but haven't done so yet.

Scott

Could be that they do drop the bit rate on those ancillary channels, except RMPBS. Its the pitts here in CO. Nebraska (NETV) has seperate channels for all the PBS national feed programming - no cramming of three channels into one and using fillers. BTW, I did see that KRDO is 720p during their news broadcast - pathetic. And I noticed the difference between them and KOAA. The KOAA images were just a little sharper and richer in color. I guess that's the price we pay for living in a smaller market - TV stations too cheap to make major investments in system upgrades.

I don't think you can get the data from the HD Homerun, but maybe you can. I'm not sure. Yeah, I'm thinking of getting a hauppage card when I get some bones if nothing else but to monitor transmissions (its the electronics geek in me - LOL ). All in all I really like the panny plasma (P42G25). The blacks are deep and I don't see any digital artifacts even with lots of motion. I'm going to check things out during the football game on NBC this evening. All in all, I think it may be better than an LCD. Regardless, its a quantum leap from my 13 in analog CRT. Image quality is excellent. Even my GF was impressed - always a good thing. :D

scottlindner

08-22-10, 07:06 PM

Could be that they do drop the bit rate on those ancillary channels, except RMPBS. Its the pitts here in CO. Nebraska (NETV) has seperate channels for all the PBS national feed programming - no cramming of three channels into one and using fillers. BTW, I did see that KRDO is 720p during their news broadcast - pathetic. And I noticed the difference between them and KOAA. The KOAA images were just a little sharper and richer in color. I guess that's the price we pay for living in a smaller market - TV stations too cheap to make major investments in system upgrades.

I don't think you can get the data from the HD Homerun, but maybe you can. I'm not sure. Yeah, I'm thinking of getting a hauppage card when I get some bones if nothing else but to monitor transmissions (its the electronics geek in me - LOL ). All in all I really like the panny plasma (P42G25). The blacks are deep and I don't see any digital artifacts even with lots of motion. I'm going to check things out during the football game on NBC this evening. All in all, I think it may be better than an LCD. Regardless, its a quantum leap from my 13 in analog CRT. Image quality is excellent. Even my GF was impressed - always a good thing. :D

Plasma should be much better than LCD in practically every PQ measurement there is. People get scared of the plasma pitfalls that the industry has since figured out. So you're in good hands with that plasma. We're gonna get one this Xmas to replace our dying XBR4.

I'm waiting for the Hauppauge that I want to buy to come on sale. Long story why I'm holding out.

Scott

lsilvest

08-23-10, 08:59 AM

radckh

08-23-10, 11:15 AM

I have no insider knowledge on the KRDO/DirecTV dilemma, but since no other stations here in town have had issues like this with DirecTV, I'm gonna side with DirecTV here. No brainer to me!! I watch KOAA for my 10:00 news and certainly will not be switching to KRDO with this crap they have pulled twice in the last year now.

On the bright side with KRDO, I got an email from Tim Larson last week regarding Dolby Digital and this is what he had to say:

We are installing all new servers and audio equipment so that we can broadcast in Dolby 5.1. However, I don't have a completion date, probably a month or two.

Tim

lsilvest

08-23-10, 12:55 PM

I'm gonna side with DirecTV here.

On the bright side with KRDO, I got an email from Tim Larson last week regarding Dolby Digital and this is what he had to say:

We are installing all new servers and audio equipment so that we can broadcast in Dolby 5.1. However, I don't have a completion date, probably a month or two.

Tim

Great news on the Dolby (except the last I had talked to them the target was last spring). They've ruined a number of concerts in the last couple of years that sounded much better when run later on CMT or Palladia in Dolby.

As to D* - I would have a tendency to side with them except that E* has an agreement and they are much more inclined to balk at high prices than anyone - in fact they dropped Disney, ESPNews and ABC fam HD from their programming because of disputes about rates. Then again, it may not be coincidental that all are part of the Disney family.

eddie_d_lopez

08-24-10, 11:17 AM

my feeling all along has been this is a clash of egos/personalities going on.

Sonny: "You're taking this very personal. Tom, this is business and this man is taking it very personal."

lsilvest

08-24-10, 11:40 AM

Plasma should be much better than LCD in practically every PQ measurement there is. People get scared of the plasma pitfalls that the industry has since figured out. So you're in good hands with that plasma. We're gonna get one this Xmas to replace our dying XBR4.

I'm waiting for the Hauppauge that I want to buy to come on sale. Long story why I'm holding out.

Scott

What part of Springs are you in. My son is next to Monument and prefers plasma but got an LCD because of the altitude and didn't want to pay more for the few models made for altitude. Curious if regular plasmas work ok in that area.

scottlindner

08-24-10, 04:05 PM

What part of Springs are you in. My son is next to Monument and prefers plasma but got an LCD because of the altitude and didn't want to pay more for the few models made for altitude. Curious if regular plasmas work ok in that area.

I don't own a plasma but I'm about to buy one and just did this research myself a couple of weeks ago. From the research I've been doing the "high altitude plasma" is a thing of the past. All plasmas are rated up to an elevation. Find a model you like and see what it's rated for. Based on my research, most models are good up to about 9,000ft MSL before you get the plasma buzz.

Scott

lsilvest

08-24-10, 04:24 PM

I don't own a plasma but I'm about to buy one and just did this research myself a couple of weeks ago. From the research I've been doing the "high altitude plasma" is a thing of the past. All plasmas are rated up to an elevation. Find a model you like and see what it's rated for. Based on my research, most models are good up to about 9,000ft MSL before you get the plasma buzz.

Scott

Thanks for the info. I hadn't paid any attention since I bought mine over 4 yrs ago. Too bad my son didn't do his due diligence. Think he was going on the past information and he is up close to 7,000 ft.

Satcom15

08-24-10, 07:52 PM

Thanks for the info. I hadn't paid any attention since I bought mine over 4 yrs ago. Too bad my son didn't do his due diligence. Think he was going on the past information and he is up close to 7,000 ft.

Well, when I bought the TV over at the Ultra Store, the rep told me that there some people that were returning sets because of hum. Ancedotal evidence suggests hum typically occurs above 7200 to 7400 feet (based on the altitude of the people returning sets). I have no idea what the sample size is though (2? 5? 10?). And, how many people that live above 7200 feet have had no problems? Don't know. I live at 6800 ft in Briargate and everything works great so far. :D

scottlindner

08-24-10, 08:06 PM

Well, when I bought the TV over at the Ultra Store, the rep told me that there some people that were returning sets because of hum. Ancedotal evidence suggests hum typically occurs above 7200 to 7400 feet (based on the altitude of the people returning sets). I have no idea what the sample size is though (2? 5? 10?). And, how many people that live above 7200 feet have had no problems? Don't know. I live at 6800 ft in Briargate and everything works great so far. :D

It's completely dependent on the set.

Satcom15

08-25-10, 07:27 AM

It's completely dependent on the set.

Yup. And, I don't know what models were returned.

scottlindner

08-25-10, 09:50 AM

Yup. And, I don't know what models were returned.

Each set states its rated maximum elevation somewhere in the technical details. I found it for the sets I was looking at. Most of them were at 9,000ft MSL so people returning these must have been buying very low end sets that are probably just tech for five years ago with a newer bezel.

Scott

lsilvest

08-25-10, 07:47 PM

Just saw this news bulletin (http://www.krdo.com/news/24660899/detail.html).

Just states KRDO and D* reached agreement.

GatoViejo

08-25-10, 09:08 PM

I gotta ask.. just for PBS?

Yes, pretty much just for that. I think my total cost was more like $250 which is really not bad since there are no recurring costs. Compared to the annual cost of cable or one of the pay satellite networks it's not bad.

Also, I've been playing around with the NBC Ku Band broadcasts from AMC-1 (aka GE-1). The technical quality is insanely high. Compare this local OTA NBC stream:

Input #0, mpegts, from 'KOAA-2010-08-25.ts':
Duration: 00:04:58.39, start: 13015.599656, bitrate: 15855 kb/s
Program 1
Stream #0.0[0x31]: Video: mpeg2video, yuv420p, 1920x1080 [PAR 1:1 DAR 16:9], 16300 kb/s, 32.11 fps, 29.97 tbr, 90k tbn, 59.94 tbc
Stream #0.1[0x34](eng): Audio: ac3, 48000 Hz, 5.1, s16, 384 kb/s

To this sample from the satellite:

Input #0, mpegts, from 'sattest-2010-08-23.ts':
Duration: 01:36:00.38, start: 84541.859567, bitrate: 25373 kb/s
Program 3
Stream #0.0[0x264]: Video: h264, yuvj420p, 1920x1080 [PAR 1:1 DAR 16:9], 126.58 fps, 59.94 tbr, 90k tbn, 59.94 tbc
Stream #0.1[0x353](aaa): Audio: mp2, 48000 Hz, 2 channels, s16, 384 kb/s
Stream #0.2[0x354](aac): Audio: mp2, 48000 Hz, 2 channels, s16, 384 kb/s
Stream #0.3[0x355](aae): Audio: mp2, 48000 Hz, 2 channels, s16, 384 kb/s
Stream #0.4[0x356](aag): Audio: mp2, 48000 Hz, 2 channels, s16, 384 kb/s
Stream #0.5[0x1fda]: Data: [6][0][0][0] / 0x0006
Stream #0.6[0x401]: Data: [241][0][0][0] / 0x00F1

Check out the bit rate and the frames per second. And need I mention the complete absence of local weather alerts? Now, if only NBC would start broadcasting something worth watching this fall.

Satcom15

08-26-10, 12:15 AM

Yes, pretty much just for that. I think my total cost was more like $250 which is really not bad since there are no recurring costs. Compared to the annual cost of cable or one of the pay satellite networks it's not bad.

Also, I've been playing around with the NBC Ku Band broadcasts from AMC-1 (aka GE-1). The technical quality is insanely high. Compare this local OTA NBC stream:

Input #0, mpegts, from 'KOAA-2010-08-25.ts':
Duration: 00:04:58.39, start: 13015.599656, bitrate: 15855 kb/s
Program 1
Stream #0.0[0x31]: Video: mpeg2video, yuv420p, 1920x1080 [PAR 1:1 DAR 16:9], 16300 kb/s, 32.11 fps, 29.97 tbr, 90k tbn, 59.94 tbc
Stream #0.1[0x34](eng): Audio: ac3, 48000 Hz, 5.1, s16, 384 kb/s

To this sample from the satellite:

Input #0, mpegts, from 'sattest-2010-08-23.ts':
Duration: 01:36:00.38, start: 84541.859567, bitrate: 25373 kb/s
Program 3
Stream #0.0[0x264]: Video: h264, yuvj420p, 1920x1080 [PAR 1:1 DAR 16:9], 126.58 fps, 59.94 tbr, 90k tbn, 59.94 tbc
Stream #0.1[0x353](aaa): Audio: mp2, 48000 Hz, 2 channels, s16, 384 kb/s
Stream #0.2[0x354](aac): Audio: mp2, 48000 Hz, 2 channels, s16, 384 kb/s
Stream #0.3[0x355](aae): Audio: mp2, 48000 Hz, 2 channels, s16, 384 kb/s
Stream #0.4[0x356](aag): Audio: mp2, 48000 Hz, 2 channels, s16, 384 kb/s
Stream #0.5[0x1fda]: Data: [6][0][0][0] / 0x0006
Stream #0.6[0x401]: Data: [241][0][0][0] / 0x00F1

Check out the bit rate and the frames per second. And need I mention the complete absence of local weather alerts? Now, if only NBC would start broadcasting something worth watching this fall.

Hi Gato,
OK, I'm lost here. I see the bit rate on OTA is 15855 kbps vs 25375 kbps satellite (dayam! That's high.) and the frame rate is 32.11 fps OTA vs 126.58 fps satellite. I thought we saw things at 24 fps. Can our TV's handle 126 fps? Also is the satellite feed a 1080p transmission (my TV shows KOAA OTA and cable as 1080i)? I'll bet those Sunday night football games are incredibly sharp. I checked the image quality on my TV for the game sunday night for the first time - I was impressed even if it did say 1080i. You could see Favre's stubble on his face. BTW what are the other PIDs on the satellite feed. They look like audio, but of what? Are there 8 channels (0.1 thru 0.4) of audio each 24 kHz wide over a data rate of 384 kbps?

BTW I'm curious, how does our pathetic KTSC OTA signal compare with the PBS satellite feed?

A couple of questions on your satellite system, I was wondering if you used a mail order firm or someone local. Also, I see a lot of talk about Free to Air (like the PBS feed) satellite transmissions. It used to be you could buy satellite packages (back in the old C-Band days) for programming that wasn't FTA. Is that still possible? For example, can one subscribe to Ku-Band satellite feeds of Discovery, History, and Weather Channel for example? These are of course the same feeds the cable companies get before they compress the heck out of them. Thanks in advance for any information.
Cheers.

GatoViejo

08-26-10, 06:43 PM

Hi Gato,
OK, I'm lost here. I see the bit rate on OTA is 15855 kbps vs 25375 kbps satellite (dayam! That's high.) and the frame rate is 32.11 fps OTA vs 126.58 fps satellite. I thought we saw things at 24 fps. Can our TV's handle 126 fps? Also is the satellite feed a 1080p transmission (my TV shows KOAA OTA and cable as 1080i)? .
First, this is an interlaced signal so the 126 fps number refers to fields per second, not full frames. This still is enough data to deinterlace and transcode into 1080p@60hz. It is the job of your system (software + hardware) to convert the data stream into something your set can use. In my case, the software (mplayer) just has to throw the fields at the nvidia card (the hardware) through the VDPAU interface and tells it to deinterlace them. The card makes sense of it all and drives the TV at its native resolution and refresh rate.

I'll bet those Sunday night football games are incredibly sharp. I checked the image quality on my TV for the game sunday night for the first time - I was impressed even if it did say 1080i. You could see Favre's stubble on his face.
If there is little difference from frame to frame then you can get plenty of detail even with a low bit rate. The most challenging things to render seem to be churning water and flashing lights. If you could see Favre's stubble while he ran through crashing surf with cameras flashing, that would be impressive. Doing it while he stands around scratching himself is not a big deal.

BTW what are the other PIDs on the satellite feed. They look like audio, but of what? Are there 8 channels (0.1 thru 0.4) of audio each 24 kHz wide over a data rate of 384 kbps?
This turned out to be variable, and may pose the biggest challenge in making use of this. Sometimes, one stream was the left side (front plus rear) and another was the right side, with the others consisting of background music and sounds. Sometimes, one was a stereo signal and the others were silent.

BTW I'm curious, how does our pathetic KTSC OTA signal compare with the PBS satellite feed?

I'll grab a sample later and post the numbers, but it will just make you sad.

A couple of questions on your satellite system, I was wondering if you used a mail order firm or someone local.
Some combination of WSI and Sadoun; neither are local.

Also, I see a lot of talk about Free to Air (like the PBS feed) satellite transmissions. It used to be you could buy satellite packages (back in the old C-Band days) for programming that wasn't FTA. Is that still possible? For example, can one subscribe to Ku-Band satellite feeds of Discovery, History, and Weather Channel for example? These are of course the same feeds the cable companies get before they compress the heck out of them. Thanks in advance for any information.
Cheers.
I don't know much about this. In Europe, you can get Conditional Access modules for this and use them in conjunction with a capture card on a PC. Here in the US, where you are presumed to be a thief and a pirate, you cannot get programming this way because you would have access to the unencrypted data at some point. There might be a sealed box product for this, similar to Direct or Dish, but I have no interest in another one of these.

Satcom15

08-28-10, 02:49 PM

Hi Gato,
Thanks for all the information. A few thoughts in response to your note follow.

First, this is an interlaced signal so the 126 fps number refers to fields per second, not full frames. This still is enough data to deinterlace and transcode into 1080p@60hz. It is the job of your system (software + hardware) to convert the data stream into something your set can use. In my case, the software (mplayer) just has to throw the fields at the nvidia card (the hardware) through the VDPAU interface and tells it to deinterlace them. The card makes sense of it all and drives the TV at its native resolution and refresh rate.

OK, I have to plead ignorance here (as well as laziness - I could just go search the web). What is the difference between a "field" per second versus a "frame" per second.

If there is little difference from frame to frame then you can get plenty of detail even with a low bit rate. The most challenging things to render seem to be churning water and flashing lights. If you could see Favre's stubble while he ran through crashing surf with cameras flashing, that would be impressive. Doing it while he stands around scratching himself is not a big deal.

He was standing still. Never-the-less, I was impressed with the overall quality of the image even during action scenes. I'm kind of the opinion that plasma with its 600 hz refresh rate and deeper blacks is a better way to go than LCD (even though it isn't as energy efficient). The PQ is amazing.
Keep in mind up until the other day, I had a 13 in analog TV. So for me the jump to HD and plasma was dramatic.

This turned out to be variable, and may pose the biggest challenge in making use of this. Sometimes, one stream was the left side (front plus rear) and another was the right side, with the others consisting of background music and sounds. Sometimes, one was a stereo signal and the others were silent.

I'll grab a sample later and post the numbers, but it will just make you sad.

Some combination of WSI and Sadoun; neither are local.

Yeah, I was looking at the audio and trying to figure it out. Also, if you do manage to get some info/stats on our local PBS channel OTA compared to the satellite broadcast I'd be curious. One of the things I'm curious about is the amount of bit filling they are doing (I can't figure out why they do this).

BTW I was looking at equipment from Go Satellite for a PBS receiver. With OTA (such as it is), PBS satellite feeds, and Netflix streaming or DVD/BluRay disk delivery, why do I need cable? :D

GatoViejo

08-30-10, 08:17 AM

Satcom15: for the same prime time program, I get 17406 kb/s from the satellite and 11312 kb/s OTA from KTSC.

Satcom15

08-30-10, 09:32 PM

Satcom15: for the same prime time program, I get 17406 kb/s from the satellite and 11312 kb/s OTA from KTSC.

That's pretty sad compared to the NBC feed. Sheesh. I wonder how much bit stuffing takes place on the OTA channel.

BTW I noticed that last night I had no KOAA on the cable but it was fine OTA. Anyone else notice that?

GatoViejo

09-03-10, 04:17 PM

lsilvest

09-03-10, 04:25 PM

According to a brief mention here last week:

http://springstvtalk.freedomblogging.com/2010/08/24/aly-myles-joins-kxrm/6905

CW57 should have its own HD transmitter this week. Has anyone detected such a signal yet?

Just checked my TV after reading your post and it's showing 57.1 KTXU-HD.

Wonder what Fox is going to do with their 21.2 sub now? Wish they'd bring back the Retro channel. I miss Get Smart.

Trip in VA

09-03-10, 06:55 PM

GatoViejo

09-03-10, 09:39 PM

Not even a kilowatt? Less than a toaster. I guess that explains why I can see there is a signal but cannot get a lock on it. Any chance they'll turn it up? Or are they limited by their LP license?

Trip in VA

09-04-10, 07:33 AM

My read on their application is that they wanted to get something--anything--on the air this summer before the winter set in, so they're putting something really low-powered on an out-of-core channel. The idea seems to be that they'll run this until next summer when they'll move it to an in-core channel, presumably with more power.

No point in investing in a large transmitter for a facility you'll be moving to a different channel in a year's time.

- Trip

lsilvest

09-04-10, 08:13 PM

Not even a kilowatt? Less than a toaster. I guess that explains why I can see there is a signal but cannot get a lock on it.

I'm getting it fine. On my Dish DVR OTA connection it's showing strength of 88 which is the lowest of any of them but more than adequate. Nothing I want to watch so haven't checked out the HD yet, but the SD isn't bad.

Satcom15

09-05-10, 04:28 PM

They'll likely leave 21-2. The 57 signal is MUCH weaker (0.89 kW versus the 51 kW of KXRM) and it is actually on physical channel 57, which is outside the core. As such, it is subject to being bumped with 30 days notice from the new license-holder of the channel 57 frequency. If that happens, then they'll have to shut it off after the 30 days which could result in 21-2 being the only way to get CW out to viewers if alternative arrangements haven't been made.

- Trip

Borrowed a spectrum analyzer from work just to nose around the OTA transmissions. I am a little over 15 miles from Chyenne Mtn with a clear line of site (not even any trees in the way). Here are some numbers that I very simplistically measured (in dBM for the Video Carrier Frequency).

Shown are the callsign, real channel, frequency (MHz), TVfool Signal strength (dBm) and my measurements (dbM). In general reasonable agreement I'd say. KKTV is problematic for some reason. I'm presuming they are still having problems with their transmitter?

KRDO 24 531.25 -32.6 -34.6
KTSC 8 181.25 -32.8 -36.6
KKTV 10 193.25 -35.6 -50.9
KOAA 42 639.25 -37.9 -45.6
KXRM 22 519.25 -38.4 -40.7
KXTU 57 729.25 -64.1 -70.0

Oh yeah, I used a simple loop antenna and rabbit ears connected directly to the spectrum analyzer. I also added in 3 dB of gain (over an isotropic signal) for the antenna.

Cheers.

radckh

09-09-10, 03:11 PM

Does anyone know the name and/or phone number for any of the DirecTV installation companies in town? I want to ask them a question before my MRV/WHDVR installation next week.

DirecTV could only give me the supposed company name which was "DirecTV Home Services" and told me to look them up in the phone book. Of course there is no company with that name listed.

Thanks!

RJO

09-10-10, 11:48 AM

Up here in the Gleneagle area I have been unable to pick up any signal for channel 57. Anybody else in this area getting a signal?

lsilvest

09-10-10, 12:51 PM

The signal for 57.1 is really flaky. I'm getting it fine on my TV tuner, but I got it the other day on my Dish receiver (OTA connection) and now it's gone. Noticed something else on my TV tuner, when I moved up a channel for 57.1 it stopped on 57.263? which didn't have a signal. The Dish tuner did initially pick up the station but has never had program guide info for it and it even has it for KBDI.

Was going to record Nikita just to compare to original, but would have to watch live which is against my viewing policies and there are football games on all night.

GatoViejo

09-12-10, 09:54 AM

Up here in the Gleneagle area I have been unable to pick up any signal for channel 57. Anybody else in this area getting a signal?

I'm closer than you and have had no luck. I think you have to be in town to have a chance at this one.

However, the KXTU broadcast that is multicast with KXRM does have better quality than it used to, and is wide screen SD.

lsilvest

09-12-10, 10:57 AM

I'm closer than you and have had no luck. I think you have to be in town to have a chance at this one.

However, the KXTU broadcast that is multicast with KXRM does have better quality than it used to, and is wide screen SD.

Try 57.3, that's where I'm getting it on my Dish receiver (OTA connection). I get 57.1 and 57.3 (same signal) on my HDTV. The signal is good. I'm in Pueblo West and I've always gotten great signals on all channels. Must be in just the right spot and right antenna.

I was curious and called KXTU and they said they were having problems with dropped signals and were changing transmitters to get the signal strength up.

RJO

09-13-10, 12:04 PM

I added a little amplifier in the antenna signal and now I can pick it up on my Dish 622 as 57.3 with a signal strength of 61. However there is no program guide information associated with this channel. Makes it difficult to record.

Trip in VA

09-13-10, 12:24 PM

If you're seeing it on 57-3, that probably means there's no PSIP on it yet.

- Trip

radckh

09-20-10, 02:43 PM

Does anyone know the name and/or phone number for any of the DirecTV installation companies in town? I want to ask them a question before my MRV/WHDVR installation next week.

Just in case any one else may need this info in the future, the company here in the Springs is DirecTV Home Services and their number is 391-3906.

lsilvest

09-29-10, 11:55 PM

Satcom15

10-09-10, 05:39 PM

I may be switching from Dish to ConCast, mainly for sports channels offered for college football (wasn't planning on it until next season, but if I lose FSN in current Fox/Dish dispute it will happen earlier).

Would like to get opinions on ConCast PQ of the cable channels (don't care about locals as I have OTA antenna). Also, is FSNRM HD 24/7 or just for certain games.

In general Comcast HD PQ is pretty good. I have a 42 in Panny G25 plasma. Not sure about Comcast in the long run given the potential purchase of NBC/Universal, or for that matter Dish or DirecTV. If Comcast does get NBC, does that mean we'll be pushed towards those programs? Does that mean higher rates for Universal produced programs on satellite (or could they even be removed). I guess the bottom line, there's a lot of things going on there with respect to service and content providers. Ultimately, I have a feeling we, the consumers, will be paying more (and probably get less). I'm beginning to think OTA and BluRay are the way to go. :D

lsilvest

10-09-10, 07:46 PM

In general Comcast HD PQ is pretty good. I have a 42 in Panny G25 plasma. Not sure about Comcast in the long run given the potential purchase of NBC/Universal, or for that matter Dish or DirecTV. If Comcast does get NBC, does that mean we'll be pushed towards those programs? Does that mean higher rates for Universal produced programs on satellite (or could they even be removed). I guess the bottom line, there's a lot of things going on there with respect to service and content providers. Ultimately, I have a feeling we, the consumers, will be paying more (and probably get less). I'm beginning to think OTA and BluRay are the way to go. :D

Thanks for the info. I have my OTA covered and not a movie fan. The only reason I have satellite/cable is for sports, mainly college football. That's the reason I'm planning to change from Dish. I would have done it this season already, but was late starting. What I may do is just switch next year before the football season when my current deal with Dish has a built in increase. I'll take a special and then drop it after 6 months and do the same thing 6 months later if possible. Even if I have to pay the full rate for 6 months it's still cheaper than now overall and I don't have to be tied to a contract. Virtually everything I watch now with Dish besides sports (mainly college football and MLB) I can get online free and legal anyway. I was one of the lucky ones with the Dish/Fox dispute since FSN RM is still available (watching the Buffs right now) - if I had lost it I would be with Comcast right now.

Satcom15

10-10-10, 12:17 PM

Thanks for the info. I have my OTA covered and not a movie fan. The only reason I have satellite/cable is for sports, mainly college football. That's the reason I'm planning to change from Dish. I would have done it this season already, but was late starting. What I may do is just switch next year before the football season when my current deal with Dish has a built in increase. I'll take a special and then drop it after 6 months and do the same thing 6 months later if possible. Even if I have to pay the full rate for 6 months it's still cheaper than now overall and I don't have to be tied to a contract. Virtually everything I watch now with Dish besides sports (mainly college football and MLB) I can get online free and legal anyway. I was one of the lucky ones with the Dish/Fox dispute since FSN RM is still available (watching the Buffs right now) - if I had lost it I would be with Comcast right now.

I watched some of Colo State vs AF yesterday on Comcast. Bummer my alma mater lost :( Still, PG was very good. Sorry to see the CU shutout by Missouri too. BTW there's a lot of BluRay programming besides movies like TV series from all the major networks and others, if I catch a series 6 months after it airs - who cares. I don't need to see Mythbusters with all the commercials anyway. LOL But if your interest is in sports, that's not a practical solution. All I know is that about the only thing we can expect is an ever increasing spiral of cost for entertainment despite the delivery method. One way or another, our wallets will be hit. I like your approach though - take advantages of the deals. Just wonder when they are going to figure that out and put the practice to an end. Good luck on your efforts.

Cheers

lsilvest

10-10-10, 12:49 PM

I watched some of Colo State vs AF yesterday on Comcast. Bummer my alma mater lost :( Still, PG was very good. Sorry to see the CU shutout by Missouri too. BTW there's a lot of BluRay programming besides movies like TV series from all the major networks and others, if I catch a series 6 months after it airs - who cares. I don't need to see Mythbusters with all the commercials anyway. LOL But if your interest is in sports, that's not a practical solution. All I know is that about the only thing we can expect is an ever increasing spiral of cost for entertainment despite the delivery method. One way or another, our wallets will be hit. I like your approach though - take advantages of the deals. Just wonder when they are going to figure that out and put the practice to an end. Good luck on your efforts. Cheers

PQ was the only good thing about the CU game and hopefully the final nail in Hawkins' coffin. I was sorry about the CSU game - only because I had the AFA defense for my fantasy team. The Zoomies are fun to watch and this year they can play with anyone. Their tickets are the best deal in sports - can't beat the games with Navy and Army just for the pageantry. That's one of the reasons I want Comcast is the Mtn network.

I hope they don't catch on, but I've been switching my internet between Comcast and Qwest for a couple of years with no problem. Haven't paid over $25 a month. You'd think they'd wake up and just give everyone a deal to keep them put (actually Qwest will to an extent), but they want to treat everyone as a cash cow. One of these days the sports and entertainment industries are going to realize the cows are drying up.

radckh

10-12-10, 12:14 PM

Does anyone know what is up with Rob Quirk & Lisa Lyden not being in the same studio about once a week? The background in the studio that Lisa is occasionally in is horrible! Plus the awkward delay when Rob & Lisa try to talk to each other is very annoying.
Is the KOAA studio in Pueblo and Lisa doesn't want to drive down there?
Our does Lisa live in Pueblo and the studio is up here?
I know Rob lives up here because his daughters go to/went to Doherty - unless he is divorced and lives in Pueblo.
So basically I know nothing about the situation :D but am just really annoyed every time Rob & Lisa are not in the same studio.

Thanks!

eddie_d_lopez

10-14-10, 10:13 AM

main studio is in pueblo. lisa thinks she's a queen and recently began doing the remote broadcasts in the springs. lisa needs to move over and let georgiann take over.

rockinricky

10-14-10, 11:28 PM

Does CBS do a 5.1 audio mix on all of their HD programming? I noticed that Broncos games have beautiful 5.1 surround sound, which is great. However, when watching The Price is Right I lose bass if my speakers are set to 5.1 instead of just stereo. If I set the speakers to stereo, I get bass but some commercials don't sound right (no voice-over on some pharmaceutical ads). If I set to stereo during a Bronco game, it loses the announcers, which sounds weird. Is KKTV messing with the sound? I seem to remember TPiR having surround sound in the past.

radckh

10-15-10, 01:30 PM

I like Lisa, but if she's not willing to make the drive to the Pueblo studio every night, I say let Georgiann start doing the 10 o'clock news! I can not stand that hideous background behind Lisa in the Springs studio, nor the awkward delays between her and Rob.

Satcom15

10-17-10, 06:33 PM

OK, today I saw the stupedist thing ever on our Comcast cable. I was watching the Ch 13 news at 5 and they had an amber alert crawl as well as segment on the news describing the issue at the top of the news. So the news is progressing and we're in the weather segment. All of a sudden in the middle of it the Comcast broke in with a "Child Abduction Advisory" announcement that blanked out the news broadcast. Apparently it was on all channels, my GF was watching Food Network and saw the same thing. All it stated was there was a Statewide child abduction has been issued. There were no details (Ch 13 had very specific info on its crawl). I mean how moronic was that. If they are going to break in, how about some information (e.g. location, color of car, license plate, age of child, clothes, etc.). This information was on the Ch 13 crawl but not on the Comcast "public announcement". Naturally the Comcast announcement ended just in time for the commercial break and all those useless political ads. So we missed the forecast. Sheesh.

Update - at 5:42 the cable company interrupted the ABC news to Cancel the alert. The perp was captured. It came over KRDO about 5 minutes earlier. Wonderful.

brianblank

10-18-10, 07:11 PM

lsilvest

10-18-10, 07:32 PM

And to add insult to injury, a friend of mine said that when the Amber Alert came through his Comcast DVR it stopped his recording of the Bronco game, so he missed a majority of the game. Which in the end was probably a good thing.

Interesting. They interrupt every show and take over the tuner(s) which stops all recordings? Wonder if the idiots actually realize what they did?

scottlindner

10-18-10, 07:50 PM

Interesting. They interrupt every show and take over the tuner(s) which stops all recordings? Wonder if the idiots actually realize what they did?

If they were smart enough to know they were doing it, then they wouldn't be idiots, would they?

lsilvest

10-18-10, 07:55 PM

If they were smart enough to know they were doing it, then they wouldn't be idiots, would they?

It's ConCast - it's a given.

Satcom15

10-18-10, 09:07 PM

If they were smart enough to know they were doing it, then they wouldn't be idiots, would they?

Ooooh, the sarcasm. Ouch! :D

But here's a question, I wonder if TiVo would have been similarly affected.

brianblank

10-19-10, 07:08 PM

But here's a question, I wonder if TiVo would have been similarly affected.

I think this was a Comcast DVR box "feature", I didn't even notice a crawl or message on my recording on my home built SageTV system.

ay221

10-22-10, 11:39 PM

Looks like they fix the audio problem on 57.1. Was able to record Smallville in HD without any problems. Had to remove one of my splitters that went to my receiver and one directly to the tv. The signal was too weak to have it split twice.

Satcom15

10-24-10, 09:54 AM

Does anyone know when or if KRDO will transition from 720p to 1080i like the other big boys in town?

bnwrx

10-24-10, 10:04 AM

Might be a while. They still don't broadcast in DD 5.1.

Trip in VA

10-24-10, 10:15 AM

Why would they? ABC provides its network feed in 720p.

- Trip

Satcom15

10-24-10, 12:03 PM

Why would they? ABC provides its network feed in 720p.

- Trip

Well, based on that I guess there is no reason for any changes.

Maybe its psychological, but HD football games seem to be a tad bit sharper on NBC (KOAA) than on ABC (KRDO). Regardless, I've had the HD TV (Panny 42 inch G25 plasma) for a couple of months now and I'm still amazed by the picture quality on all HD channels (Comcast). The black is very deep. I was watching a Battlestar Galactica Blu-ray disk at 1080p (so the monitor said) the other day and the PQ was truely awesome. Wonder what it would have looked like on a larger format. My TV experience entailed a jump from an analog 13 inch TV to the plasma, so talk about a step function in picture quality. :D

scottlindner

11-02-10, 07:52 PM

I've been struggling to figure out a pattern to when I get the header data displayed at the top of my recordings. I'm referring to the white jumping bars at the top that I believe is the CC data but could be wrong. Tonight while watching local 21.1 on anything that is local it has the white bouncing buggers on the top but anything national on 21.1 is fine such as commercials or other things. Is anyone else seeing this behavior tonight?

Scott

Satcom15

11-03-10, 03:46 PM

lsilvest

11-03-10, 04:07 PM

I know this forum is primarily oriented towards TV. But many of us use Comcast for HS internet too. CNNMoney had an article about net neutrality being at risk (which Comcast opposes). Interesting. Here is the headline and link:

Final nail in coffin for Net neutrality?

http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/03/technology/net_neutrality_election/index.htm

I suspect the bottom line here is expect to pay more for less sometime in the near future.

Actually, it has a lot to do with TV and the transition to online viewing. With the streaming capabilities and demand expanding, it's just another excuse for Comcast and others to control traffic and increase charges. While I don't have a basic argument for charging more for those who put more stress on the systems thereby increasing costs, giving a license to steal to already convicted (at least in the eyes of consumers) thieves is another thing.

At some point there will have to be some compromises between freedom and regulation, but as you said, it will eventually cost us. I think a bigger threat to costs and control is Comcast's taking over NBC.

scottlindner

11-03-10, 04:48 PM

Actually, it has a lot to do with TV and the transition to online viewing. With the streaming capabilities and demand expanding, it's just another excuse for Comcast and others to control traffic and increase charges. While I don't have a basic argument for charging more for those who put more stress on the systems thereby increasing costs, giving a license to steal to already convicted (at least in the eyes of consumers) thieves is another thing.

At some point there will have to be some compromises between freedom and regulation, but as you said, it will eventually cost us. I think a bigger threat to costs and control is Comcast's taking over NBC.

Exactly on the NBC thing. Don't we have a government agency to ensure powerful monopolies can't form or are broken up when they do form? Oh yah.... it's our Federal government, what was I thinking. They just tax us for the service and surf porn all day instead.

As for net neutrality, the biggest beef I found in a write up was over everyone getting the same service for the same price which just doesn't work. My uncle that thought he was smart to buy 120 acres of property in the middle of nowhere to ensure he could have no neighbors should certainly expect to pay more for crap service than someone living in a Manhattan high rise that has more people living in one building than your typical non-Front Range city in Colorado. So if net neutrality can only exist if Karl Marx himself wrote it, then it will fail.

The problem here is that Comcast is in a highly conflicted position. If we did on to them as they are doing to us it would be called extortion.

Scott

Satcom15

11-03-10, 06:48 PM

Removing post because it really doesn't belong here.

scottlindner

11-21-10, 07:55 AM

Satcom15

11-30-10, 08:25 PM

I am considering a Samsung PN58C7000 plasma but I fear the reported "Buzz". I know the buzz is at least partially related to elevation, and I also know that the elevation issue with plasmas has been mostly addressed in the past couple of years. I have read alot online and I am suspicious of the conditions when people hear the buzz but it's difficult to assess based on online reviews, and to date I haven't found a local store with the model I am considering. I also have read that it may be related to settings and content, so simply going to the demo floor may not help much.

Does anyone here have a recent model Samsung plasma and can you report your opinions on "buzz"?

Cheers,
Scott

Well, I don't have a Sammy, but I do have a Panny plasma 42 inch G25 and I live at 6800 ft. There's been a fair amount of discussion about buzzing problems over on the Panny G20/G25 thread. It seems to be more a problem with the larger format TVs based on anecdotal observations and the number of posts. Still my GF was over the other night and commented she heard a soft buzz. I couldn't hear it, but that's not surprising since my hearing isn't what it used to be. I don't know but it seems the buzz is inherent with many plasmas. Some worse than others. I will say as far as PQ is concerned, I'm very impressed with the G25. I'm glad I went that route rather than LCD/LED. The darks are very very good.
Cheers.

scottlindner

11-30-10, 08:39 PM

Well, I don't have a Sammy, but I do have a Panny plasma 42 inch G25 and I live at 6800 ft. There's been a fair amount of discussion about buzzing problems over on the Panny G20/G25 thread. It seems to be more a problem with the larger format TVs based on anecdotal observations and the number of posts. Still my GF was over the other night and commented she heard a soft buzz. I couldn't hear it, but that's not surprising since my hearing isn't what it used to be. I don't know but it seems the buzz is inherent with many plasmas. Some worse than others. I will say as far as PQ is concerned, I'm very impressed with the G25. I'm glad I went that route rather than LCD/LED. The darks are very very good.
Cheers.

Hmm... I'm considering a 54" Panny G20/G25 (VT25 if it's reasonable, doubt it!) or the 58" Samsung. If the G20/G25 thread has more buzz complaints about the 54" inch, it may be exactly as you said, a large display thing. I know it's inherent to plasmas but I sorta thought they solved it a couple of years ago. On the PQ front, since LCD/LED sets appear to be worse than LCD/CFL sets, and LCD/CFL sets are worse PQ than plasma, it's hard to weight buzz vs PQ. I'm guessing I'll notice it, but probably not enough to bother me. So now I wonder, is the Samsung buzz the same or worse than Panasonic buzz for the same size of set? I know you don't know that answer, just wish it was a stated spec. :)

Thanks for the post. I'm still not sure about Panny or Sammy. Ugg..

Scott

jkozlow3

12-01-10, 11:24 AM

Hmm... I'm considering a 54" Panny G20/G25 (VT25 if it's reasonable, doubt it!) or the 58" Samsung. If the G20/G25 thread has more buzz complaints about the 54" inch, it may be exactly as you said, a large display thing. I know it's inherent to plasmas but I sorta thought they solved it a couple of years ago. On the PQ front, since LCD/LED sets appear to be worse than LCD/CFL sets, and LCD/CFL sets are worse PQ than plasma, it's hard to weight buzz vs PQ. I'm guessing I'll notice it, but probably not enough to bother me. So now I wonder, is the Samsung buzz the same or worse than Panasonic buzz for the same size of set? I know you don't know that answer, just wish it was a stated spec. :)

Thanks for the post. I'm still not sure about Panny or Sammy. Ugg..

Scott

Why don't you go look at both models and see for yourself? That's what I did a few years ago. Ultimate Electronics seemed to have a better setup than Best Buy since most of their TVs were on stands vs. wall mounted (not sure if that's still the case). I was able to put my ear right up to each one and also feel the amount of heat generated by each. I found that Panasonic was far better for heat & buzz at altitude than Samsung or Pioneer plasmas at the time, but this was 3-4 years ago.

scottlindner

12-01-10, 07:29 PM

Why don't you go look at both models and see for yourself? That's what I did a few years ago. Ultimate Electronics seemed to have a better setup than Best Buy since most of their TVs were on stands vs. wall mounted (not sure if that's still the case). I was able to put my ear right up to each one and also feel the amount of heat generated by each. I found that Panasonic was far better for heat & buzz at altitude than Samsung or Pioneer plasmas at the time, but this was 3-4 years ago.

The reason is that plasmas are affected by elevation, content displayed, set settings that are not the default but preferred to improve PQ, the set you receive, and positioning and distance in your room. I'm looking for people with real experience at elevation. Assessing PQ is easy, but making sure I'm not complaining about plasma buzz two months from now is something I cannot do on a store floor. That's why I posted here.

Scott

Satcom15

12-01-10, 09:21 PM

The reason is that plasmas are affected by elevation, content displayed, set settings that are not the default but preferred to improve PQ, the set you receive, and positioning and distance in your room. I'm looking for people with real experience at elevation. Assessing PQ is easy, but making sure I'm not complaining about plasma buzz two months from now is something I cannot do on a store floor. That's why I posted here.

Scott

You might want to visit the Ultimate Big Box store and talk to them. The guy that I talked to seemed very knowldegable about the buzzing problem. He pointed out that anecdotal evidence suggests people living above 7500 feet had more problems than others (based on the number of returns and the altitudes they lived at). And, like jkozlow3 sez go up to the TVs and look/listen. Some of those floor models have been operating for several months. So if there is a buzing problem - you just might here it on the floor models. The other thing, how good is your hearing? You might not notice it even if it does occur. Just a few random thoughts on a quiet Wed Evening.
Cheers.

Bruno1453

12-02-10, 08:30 AM

My assumption is the buzzing would never be loud enough at your listening position to make a difference. And if by chance you can hear it, turn your system up to 11!

Watch the first 10 seconds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKDk-mg1J9Q

jkozlow3

12-02-10, 10:03 AM

The reason is that plasmas are affected by elevation, content displayed, set settings that are not the default but preferred to improve PQ, the set you receive, and positioning and distance in your room. I'm looking for people with real experience at elevation. Assessing PQ is easy, but making sure I'm not complaining about plasma buzz two months from now is something I cannot do on a store floor. That's why I posted here.

Scott

You need to go listen at the store regardless. I have a 3 year old Panasonic at 7000 feet. It has a *faint* buzz but you'd never hear it from the normal viewing distance unless the TV is muted and even then it's very faint. My plasma was rated to around 9100 feet IIRC.

Now, the Walmart near me in Monument has plasmas all over the store hanging from the ceiling for store advertising purposes and they buzz like crazy. Clearly they bought plasmas which were not well suited for 7000 feet.

You'll be able to tell easily in the Ultimate Electronics store which ones make the most/least noise and which ones run hottest by simply putting your ear next to them. If you have super sensitive hearing and a room with wood floors and hard surfaces and watch tv with it muted all the time, you might hear some buzz. Otherwise, probably not much. I still think some models are likely better at altitude than others however unless they've all closed the gap in the past couple of years which is why I suggested you go have a listen for yourself.

Satcom15

12-09-10, 06:21 PM

Apparently there was a cable outage last night in parts of NE Colo Spgs that started around 9PM and lasted for about an hour and half. It affected TV, phone, and internet. I have had 3 outages of at least 10 min in N. Colo Spgs in a week. According to Comcast the first two were repair activities associated with problems associated with last summer's digital roll out. The third was "unplanned".

Why would anyone use them for their phone service? I know people that do and the audio can be poor on upstream side (not enough bandwidth allocated). Sometimes its so bad I can only hear 1/4 of their part of the conversation (amazing how the brain works to fill in the gaps though). For being an essential service, that's unacceptable. How many times does Qwest go out? Technically, POTS by the phone company is superior by a mile, its the management/cost side that drives me nuts. LOL.

Anyway I brought up the outage because Comcast had 2 major regional outages (eastern seaboard and midwest) that affected several states recently. Makes me wonder how stable their network really is.

scottlindner

12-09-10, 07:42 PM

MikeP

12-13-10, 11:50 AM

I also had those outages. And since I have an ADT alarm system going through the phone, everytime Comcast does that when my alarm is active, it goes off! One time a few months ago it woke us up in the middle of the night (like 3am) and had me thinking that somebody was breaking into my house.

I'm also very concerned about the Comcast reliability but just can't find any alternatives for TV+Internet+Phone that is close to their price. Qwest never had outages when I used to have them, but they were a lot more expensive for phone services (especially with my 2 phone lines). None of the other VOIP-like phone services support alarm systems except for Comcast (as far as I know).

While there are many options for TV (satellite, etc), I haven't found any Internet alternatives. I need a reliable high-speed connection for my home business. Comcast seems to be it. Isn't that a local-monopoly?

Satcom15

12-13-10, 08:17 PM

PO BUG

12-16-10, 11:42 PM

Does anyone know when or if KRDO will transition from 720p to 1080i like the other big boys in town?

KRDO will most likely not upgrade until ABC network does.....FOX and ABC both broadcast on a 720p system. CBS and NBC do 1080i. ABC and FOX argue that the 720p system is better at live action sports because it's a progressive scan. (ESPN, DISNEY & ABC cable channels are also in 720P, despite what your TV may say).

lsilvest

12-17-10, 12:07 AM

KRDO will most likely not upgrade until ABC network does.....FOX and ABC both broadcast on a 720p system. CBS and NBC do 1080i. ABC and FOX argue that the 720p system is better at live action sports because it's a progressive scan. (ESPN, DISNEY & ABC cable channels are also in 720P, despite what your TV may say).

Lot of truth to that. I've noticed the pq on CBS Sec football games is poor when not on the fixed cameras - gets blurry with movement. Never seen the problem on either ABC or Fox. The CBS NFL games are OK though, so it could be they are using compression on the SEC games. In fact, the overall PQ on ABC and Fox is better than CBS IMHO.

I'm more concerned about KRDO getting Dolby like all the other stations. They were supposed to have it last fall.

bnwrx

12-17-10, 08:46 AM

....I'm more concerned about KRDO getting Dolby like all the other stations. They were supposed to have it last fall.

Count me as a +1 to this. I thought I read somewhere in this thread the equipment was at KRDO, and it was a matter of weeks for the sound upgrade. That was several months ago...

PO BUG

12-19-10, 10:47 PM

Count me as a +1 to this. I thought I read somewhere in this thread the equipment was at KRDO, and it was a matter of weeks for the sound upgrade. That was several months ago...
you know, in my smaller town our local ABC went to Dolby a few weeks ago and it was terrible with a buzz and humming...the station took the Dolby off the air and I think they're trying to get it back...maybe the Dolby equipment is having sound "ingestion" and can't swallow ABC's signal?

Satcom15

12-19-10, 11:03 PM

you know, in my smaller town our local ABC went to Dolby a few weeks ago and it was terrible with a buzz and humming...the station took the Dolby off the air and I think they're trying to get it back...maybe the Dolby equipment is having sound "ingestion" and can't swallow ABC's signal?

Does the Denver market have Dolby on ABC? If so, how does it perform there?

jkozlow3

12-20-10, 11:27 AM

Does the Denver market have Dolby on ABC? If so, how does it perform there?

Yes. Works fine. I get Denver locals via Dish and COS locals via OTA.

bnwrx

12-20-10, 01:22 PM

Yes. Works fine. I get Denver locals via Dish and COS locals via OTA.

How did you manage to talk DISH into giving you Denver locals?...:)

lsilvest

12-20-10, 01:31 PM

How did you manage to talk DISH into giving you Denver locals?...:)

You can "Move" to another location and get locals from anywhere that are on your particular satellites.

bnwrx

12-20-10, 02:44 PM

You can "Move" to another location and get locals from anywhere that are on your particular satellites.

So...you tell them you now live in Denver, but you actually live in Pueblo? Does this affect your billing address? ..:confused:

lsilvest

12-20-10, 03:20 PM

So...you tell them you now live in Denver, but you actually live in Pueblo? Does this affect your billing address? ..:confused:

I think you just need to be on autopay or elelectronic billing. If you want more details, go to satelliteguys.com. There are a lot of them there that use a different location for various reasons - some are just in between market. Basically, it's just a game they play to get around regulations.

jkozlow3

12-20-10, 03:55 PM

How did you manage to talk DISH into giving you Denver locals?...:)

As mentioned, I just "moved" to the address of an apartment building in Denver and gave them an apartment number that was completely made up (i.e. 12345a). I also made sure they only updated my service address and not my billing address since I have 2 homes as far as they're concerned. Of course, it didn't really matter since I'm on Autopay anyway, but I didn't want stuff being sent to my fake address. :)

I did all this a couple of years back after getting tired of weather crawls affecting my HD viewing in the evenings.

This only works within reason, as the Denver locals are broadcast in a spot beam that can only be picked up within a certain geographical area (i.e. 100 mile radius). Not sure quite how large the area is, but it seems to work fine throughout most of COS (I'm in Monument however).

bnwrx

12-20-10, 04:21 PM

As mentioned, I just "moved" to the address of an apartment building in Denver and gave them an apartment number that was completely made up (i.e. 12345a). I also made sure they only updated my service address and not my billing address since I have 2 homes as far as they're concerned. Of course, it didn't really matter since I'm on Autopay anyway, but I didn't want stuff being sent to my fake address. :)

I did all this a couple of years back after getting tired of weather crawls affecting my HD viewing in the evenings.

This only works within reason, as the Denver locals are broadcast in a spot beam that can only be picked up within a certain geographical area (i.e. 100 mile radius). Not sure quite how large the area is, but it seems to work fine throughout most of COS (I'm in Monument however).

Thanks for the info. I am with Directv and in Woodland Park. Don't know if I'll try it or not. Don't have autopay,but billing is bundled with Qwest so they don't actually send me a bill.

jkozlow3

12-21-10, 09:48 AM

Thanks for the info. I am with Directv and in Woodland Park. Don't know if I'll try it or not. Don't have autopay,but billing is bundled with Qwest so they don't actually send me a bill.

I know it works for someone here using DirecTV in Briargate, so it should work fine in Woodland Park. If for some reason it doesn't just call back and change your service address back. :D

smahon

12-22-10, 05:55 PM

Thanks for the info. I am with Directv and in Woodland Park. Don't know if I'll try it or not. Don't have autopay,but billing is bundled with Qwest so they don't actually send me a bill.

I "live" in northern NJ and I'm bundled with Qwest. With DirecTV this gets me the NYC networks (they're not on spot beams) and I pull in COS over-the-air. One issue to consider is that if DirecTV ever ships you any equipment, i.e. a new receiver or access card, they will only send it to your service address, not your billing address, so you need to "move" back first.

BTW, being bundled with Qwest counts as autopay. What this means for you is that you should be able to call and get a $10/mo HD credit for 2 years. I did and do.

scottlindner

12-23-10, 07:38 AM

I "live" in northern NJ and I'm bundled with Qwest. With DirecTV this gets me the NYC networks (they're not on spot beams) and I pull in COS over-the-air. One issue to consider is that if DirecTV ever ships you any equipment, i.e. a new receiver or access card, they will only send it to your service address, not your billing address, so you need to "move" back first.

BTW, being bundled with Qwest counts as autopay. What this means for you is that you should be able to call and get a $10/mo HD credit for 2 years. I did and do.

If you have Verizon Wireless, Qwest will bundled that into billing for another $5/mo off.

rockinricky

12-24-10, 07:49 PM

Somebody over at KKTV doesn't know what they're doing, or doesn't clearly label recordings. The episode of Jeopardy! played today is a repeat of one from earlier this week. I knew they screwed up when I recognized the categories. The same thing happened Tuesday with Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, when they showed an ep from last year's celebrity run.

scottlindner

12-24-10, 08:58 PM

Satcom15

12-26-10, 12:13 PM

Here's a question, perhaps someone knows the answer. I noticed that The Weather Channel HD on Comcast here in Colorado Springs (Ch 756) does not carry the local weather conditions/forecasts ("Local on the 8s"). Instead it shows the US regional summaries (e.g. NE US, SE US, midwest, etc.) like you would see on a DirecTV satellite broadcast during that period. However, on the SD version of The Weather Channel (Ch 61), they show the local forecast. Anyone know why this would be?
Thanks.

slowsaurus

12-26-10, 11:24 PM

lsilvest

12-27-10, 06:54 AM

I am thinking of building a HTPC with one of the quad-tuner Ceton cards. (not in the short term with the backorders :) ) Does anyone here have any experience with cablecard tuners: specifically, how well they work with our local Comcast? Do they allow decoding of premium / hd channels? Has anyone tried to use an M-stream card for more than 2 tuners locally? I am currently using a Tivo HD, but when I got connected up, they didn't have any M-cards available, so they just put in two single stream cards.

You'll most likely need to contact Comcast to find out if their cards here will work with the Ceton since it's so new. I understand that even within Comcast it varies from one market to another. I've never seen any discussion on this thread about cablecard tuners let alone the Cetons. I suggest trying one of the other threads in the forum that deals specifically with that card.

scottlindner

12-27-10, 08:12 AM

You'll most likely need to contact Comcast to find out if their cards here will work with the Ceton since it's so new. I understand that even within Comcast it varies from one market to another. I've never seen any discussion on this thread about cablecard tuners let alone the Cetons. I suggest trying one of the other threads in the forum that deals specifically with that card.

As far as I know there are only two US approved CableCard tuners and they just released recently. I would expect very few people to have working knowledge of them. You may be the first in the region to try using one.

Scott

Satcom15

12-28-10, 11:03 PM

scottlindner

12-29-10, 06:37 AM

Well, its nice to know some things don't change. Was watching RMPBS HD, KTSC Ch 708 on Comcast and noticed intermittent digital noise artifacts (audio dropouts, pixilation, frozen frames, blacked out frames, etc.). :mad:

I've not watched PBS for a while and was surprised to see they still had these artifacts. When will they fix their problems? I like Gato vejas solution: satellite reception of the national feed. Maybe I'll look into it. Besides better image quality, maybe I can dump some of the RMPBS local origination programming.

I don't know how Comcast pulls RMPBS but if you get it OTA there is a relay tower on the Front Range somewhere between here and Denver. The broadcast is actually up in Denver. When that relay tower went dead about a year ago we started to recognize many of our quality problems are caused by that relay tower and not the original broadcast.

When you figure out how to pull it off the satellite let us know, I might do it as well.

Scott

GatoViejo

12-30-10, 09:34 AM

When you figure out how to pull it off the satellite let us know, I might do it as well.

Scott

Here is what I am using. You can probably get by with a 32" dish. Support for this tuner is included in recent linux kernels. Windows probably works too but I have no experience with that.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18040150#post18040150

scottlindner

12-30-10, 09:45 AM

Here is what I am using. You can probably get by with a 32" dish. Support for this tuner is included in recent linux kernels. Windows probably works too but I have no experience with that.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18040150#post18040150

It lists Windows under the system requirements but not Linux, so I'm guessing Windows is supported just fine.

Satcom15

12-30-10, 08:09 PM

It lists Windows under the system requirements but not Linux, so I'm guessing Windows is supported just fine.

Another alternative might be a traditional satellite receiver with DVR and use one of the TV (or A/V receiver) HDMI inputs However, I haven't seen one that records HD signals. But I haven't looked all that much yet. It would appear that satellite systems are pretty cheap. $200-300. The problem with the PC theater route - my computer is in the other room and I'm not too keen on running a long wire (and how long can HDMI cable runs be?) to the TV. It would be at least 50 feet.

lsilvest

12-30-10, 08:33 PM

The problem with the PC theater route - my computer is in the other room and I'm not too keen on running a long wire (and how long can HDMI cable runs be?) to the TV. It would be at least 50 feet.

I've got a 40' run with no problem. HDMI can generally handle long runs.

jkozlow3

12-31-10, 10:03 AM

I've got a 40' run with no problem. HDMI can generally handle long runs.

I find this comment very misleading. Yes, it *may* work, but HDMI actually does *not* handle long runs very well at all. Some people have had success with 40-50ft runs, but this generally requires high quality, thicker cable and a "strong" source device which plays nicely with display. It also requires a bit of luck too from what I've read. Also keep in mind that it's more difficult to transmit 1080p signals over longer distances than it is to transmit 1080i or lower since they contain more information which requires more bandwidth.

Here's an article which may help:
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/how-long-can-hdmi-run.htm

lsilvest

12-31-10, 11:29 AM

I find this comment very misleading. Yes, it *may* work, but HDMI actually does *not* handle long runs very well at all. Some people have had success with 40-50ft runs, but this generally requires high quality, thicker cable and a "strong" source device which plays nicely with display. It also requires a bit of luck too from what I've read. Also keep in mind that it's more difficult to transmit 1080p signals over longer distances than it is to transmit 1080i or lower since they contain more information which requires more bandwidth.

Here's an article which may help:
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/how-long-can-hdmi-run.htm

There's nothing misleading about it. I've used the same run for a PC and a Dish DVR with absolutely no problems. Feed is to a 32" Dynex LCD. In fact, right now it's running off a splitter that feeds from the Dish DVR to the TV and to an AVR.

If you check out some threads on this and other forums, others have the same "luck". I've seen some with runs up to 100' that worked fine. My cable is a good, thick cable, not that expensive (it was $40) and can be bought at a number of places online.

scottlindner

12-31-10, 12:45 PM

There's nothing misleading about it. I've used the same run for a PC and a Dish DVR with absolutely no problems. Feed is to a 32" Dynex LCD. In fact, right now it's running off a splitter that feeds from the Dish DVR to the TV and to an AVR.

If you check out some threads on this and other forums, others have the same "luck". I've seen some with runs up to 100' that worked fine. My cable is a good, thick cable, not that expensive (it was $40) and can be bought at a number of places online.

HDMI cables are spec'd to reach 15m. I haven't run a cable that long, but I know with networking that you can easily exceed the "spec". So you should be fine up to 50ft, after that, you'll need that same "luck" lsilvest has.

From Wikipedia:
A cable of about 5 meters (16 ft.) can be manufactured to Category 1 specifications easily and inexpensively by using 28 AWG (0.081 mm²) conductors.[57] With better quality construction and materials, including 24 AWG (0.205 mm²) conductors, an HDMI cable can reach lengths of up to 15 meters (49 ft.)

Satcom15

12-31-10, 01:12 PM

HDMI cables are spec'd to reach 15m. I haven't run a cable that long, but I know with networking that you can easily exceed the "spec". So you should be fine up to 50ft, after that, you'll need that same "luck" lsilvest has.

Thanks to all for the food for thought. Its not just the electrical/signal concerns of the long run, its also the aesthetics. I'd have to run a cable around a room and past a sliding glass door. Still if anyone knows of an HD DVR compatible for Free to Air satellite reception (not Dish or DirecTV), I'm all ears.

Of course I could put a home theatre PC next to the TV ... :D

Scott Rollert

01-02-11, 05:11 PM

I'm using a Channel Master CM-7000PAL HD OTA DVR for antenna signals. Works just like their satellite DVR's, only no fees.

lsilvest

01-09-11, 12:46 PM

iowegian3

01-09-11, 09:11 PM

scottlindner

01-10-11, 08:11 PM

OK, Desperate Housewives isn't my favorite show, but the eediots at 13 K DilDO felt the need to chop the first 90 seconds for a Winter Weather update. Why not stomp the credits of the preceding show?

Another reason that 13 is my last choice for news.

Because they know you won't be watching the credits.

They do this with all prime time stuff for both weather and just wait until it is political campaign season again.

bnwrx

01-11-11, 11:52 AM

....
Another reason that 13 is my last choice for news.

Same for me. So tired of everything they show is "Breaking News" and the constant "More info on KRDO.com". Hey I'm watching the TV channel for news, not my computer..:mad: :confused:

Why can't Matt Meister(Weatherman) move to another channel, he is one of the best at what he does, but can't stand watching the other reporters on that channel..

lsilvest

01-18-11, 06:00 AM

Looking at Comcast channel lineups for this area it shows FSNRM in SD, but in the HD it just shows FSN on 665. Can anyone verify if the 665 is in fact FSNRM in HD?

pg_rider

01-18-11, 09:34 AM

Hey guys, thought I'd throw this out there for your consideration (hope I'm not breaking any rules!). I've got a large entertainment center for sale -- asking $750 or best offer. It's a George Edward Company Lexington LA3275 model ( http://www.georgeedward.com/r_gecollections/product.php?idClass=5&idProd=26 ). It comes with two towers (each with lights), top piece with light, and top shelf (this particular unit doesn't have the TV stand). It'll expand to fit up to a 73" tv (I used it with my 61" with lots of room to spare). The slide out sides in each tower fit hundreds of CDs/DVDs. All the lights work and overall it's in great condition -- this is a solid wood, high-quality entertainment center, not like the crap you'll find at Target. I'm highly motivated to sell so make an offer. I'll even deliver in the Co. Springs area!

http://images.craigslist.org/3n43pe3l95O25Y25W3b193b095d05224c1228.jpg http://images.craigslist.org/3k73p53l05O55U55X4b194a995f72ba0416dc.jpg

Satcom15

01-18-11, 10:45 PM

lsilvest

01-18-11, 11:13 PM

So now that the FCC has approved the Comcast/NBC Universal merger, what do you think the implications will be? I'll venture to say that "net nuetrality" may be at risk and higher fees will be in the cards soon for starters.

They need to clean house at the FCC. Their recent actions and decisions have been a detriment to the consumer and very favorable to carriers. There is no way a provider should be allowed to also control content. It gives them far too much advantage over their competitors and way too much leverage against customers. Comcast already has a license to steal, now they can add rape and pillaging to their arsenal.

I know I have never trusted Comcast, and am sure many of you feel the same. There's a reason they are at the bottom in consumer satisfaction ratings - not just for their industry but for all companies.

scottlindner

01-19-11, 07:58 AM

They need to clean house at the FCC. Their recent actions and decisions have been a detriment to the consumer and very favorable to carriers. There is no way a provider should be allowed to also control content. It gives them far too much advantage over their competitors and way too much leverage against customers. Comcast already has a license to steal, now they can add rape and pillaging to their arsenal.

I know I have never trusted Comcast, and am sure many of you feel the same. There's a reason they are at the bottom in consumer satisfaction ratings - not just for their industry but for all companies.

Are you suggesting they are planning on buying AT&T? That's the only way they could get lower customer satisfaction scores.

lsilvest

01-19-11, 08:13 AM

Are you suggesting they are planning on buying AT&T? That's the only way they could get lower customer satisfaction scores.

Last ratings I saw they were even lower than AT&T, but you're right, it may be a close call. The sad fact is that the industry itself (cable, satellite and wireless) are all in the lower rungs which I think reinforces my opinion about the FCC not doing it's job.

scottlindner

01-19-11, 08:58 AM

Last ratings I saw they were even lower than AT&T, but you're right, it may be a close call. The sad fact is that the industry itself (cable, satellite and wireless) are all in the lower rungs which I think reinforces my opinion about the FCC not doing it's job.

Agreed. The reason people hate these companies so much is due to their monopoly like control and behavior granted to them by our corrupt government.

lsilvest

01-19-11, 11:56 PM

Didn't get a response to my question about the pq on CBS, and now the signal disappeared. Rescanned my channels and KKTV shows up as 10.3 and 10.4?

The feed on my Dish DVR is still OK so apparently it's only a problem for OTA.

GatoViejo

01-21-11, 05:59 PM

lsilvest

01-21-11, 06:26 PM

KKTV is UHF now. Physical channel 49.

Yeah, found that out. Knew they were changing at some time. Would be nice if they had posted something on their website beforehand. See that they did put up a notice after I called them. What ticks me off is that they obviously informed the cable/satellite services in advance, but can't bother with keeping OTA viewers up to date.

royrose

01-21-11, 08:59 PM

Yeah, found that out. Knew they were changing at some time. Would be nice if they had posted something on their website beforehand. See that they did put up a notice after I called them. What ticks me off is that they obviously informed the cable/satellite services in advance, but can't bother with keeping OTA viewers up to date.

Agreed.

I scanned in the new location on my dish network tuner. They repoint to 10-1 and 10-2 rather than 11-1 and 11-2, also don't identify the channels as KKTV.

lsilvest

01-21-11, 09:26 PM

Agreed.

I scanned in the new location on my dish network tuner. They repoint to 10-1 and 10-2 rather than 11-1 and 11-2, also don't identify the channels as KKTV.

They came in at 10-3 and 10-4 at first, then went to 10-1 and 10-2. I use BeyondTV to record OTA and just like Dish they won't have the guide data available until Tribune gets everything updated and everything has to be scheduled manually. I'm sure it's probably the same for anyone using WMC or any other recording program.

TechPrep

01-26-11, 07:50 PM

Hi - I have TiVo HD and can't get KKTV-HD (channel 11-1) to come in anymore. Tried rescanning channels and no luck. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

lsilvest

01-26-11, 08:14 PM

Hi - I have TiVo HD and can't get KKTV-HD (channel 11-1) to come in anymore. Tried rescanning channels and no luck. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

You'll have to get hold of whoever takes care of the guide data for Tivo. Sounds like it's the same as my BeyondTV. They set the guide data according to the physical frequency of the stations. I had to do a manual scan and set up recordings manually until they get the guide straightened out.

No idea who you'd contact for Tivo, though, other than Tivo support. If you do get them, just tell them the physical frequency changed from 10 to 49. Might add that CW is now broadcasting in digital on 57.

Do you have a way to scan without the preset channels to pick up any signal that's there?

Curious if anyone using Windows 7 MC is having the same problem.

RockyMountainD

01-27-11, 06:55 AM

Hi - I have TiVo HD and can't get KKTV-HD (channel 11-1) to come in anymore. Tried rescanning channels and no luck. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

Tivo website has a form (http://www.tivo.com/setupandsupport/contactsupport/lineup_tool.html) for reporting issues like this.

TechPrep

01-27-11, 04:40 PM

lsilvest

01-27-11, 05:13 PM

Called TIVO support last night and the guy seemed to ask the right questions (seemed like he was typing a ton of stuff while we were talking) so we'll see. He said this usually gets fixed right away and gave me a case number and told me to call back Monday if the issue is not resolved by then.

We'll see what happens. Thanks for the info.

Try it today. I just rescanned my BeyondTV and Dish OTA and both are up to date for KKTV and my guide data is back. Nothing yet on 57.1 for guide data on either.

Satcom15

01-29-11, 11:43 AM

Sooo, Ch 11 is now transmitting on Physical Ch 49. Now if Ch 8 would move to a UHF frequency ... Interesting that TV fool still shows KKTV on Physical Ch 10. I get signal strength of 95% + on all local channels with just an indoor set of rabbit ears and UHF loop in my apt. I live 26 miles away and its line of sight with no obstructions. That doesn't mean the PQ is all that great though, either OTA or cable, due to overcompression and multiple channels, like 8.2, 8.3, etc. chewing up bandwidth (PBS is by far the worst :mad: ). I'm taking a hard look at receiving it free to air satellite broadcast like Gatoviejo does. Doesn't look like it costs that much - now if I could get a simple DVR appliance ... :D

BTW, I'm curious - does anyone know where the seconday channels (e.g. 5.2, 8.2, 10.2 etc.) appear on Comcast cable? Thanks

SoCoViewer

02-01-11, 01:58 PM

bnwrx

02-08-11, 04:38 PM

It appears that Directv is now delivering the HD feed for PBS channel 8 in the Springs area. This is the 1st day I have noticed it, so if this old news forgive me.

mtnsean

02-10-11, 01:59 PM

lsilvest

02-10-11, 02:16 PM

Hi-

I use an HDHomerun tuner to watch unencrypted QAM channels (both SD and HD, basically all the local channels) from the Comcast feed. It's worked like a charm for the last 18 months, but sometime in the last few days, it seems all the HD channels won't tune in anymore. The SD channels are fine, I can still pull those in. Is anyone aware of a change recently that would explain this?

Thanks,
Sean

I'm just grasping a little here. I watch and record OTA with tuners and use BeyondTv, so I'm not completely familiar with your situation but do understand what you're saying.

I don't have Comcast, so I'm not sure which channels you are referring to. When you say SD and HD, do you mean the Comcast cable channels are SD and you only have a standard STB, not an HD STB? If so, it sounds like they may have remapped the local channels and you may have to map them manually. Also, I've heard Comcast did away with QAM in some areas, and maybe just did here? You may need to call them and hope you get a CSR or Tech that has a clue. I've seem posts that a some of them never heard of QAM.

What software are you using with the HD Homerun?

mtnsean

02-11-11, 11:04 AM

I'm just grasping a little here. I watch and record OTA with tuners and use BeyondTv, so I'm not completely familiar with your situation but do understand what you're saying.

I don't have Comcast, so I'm not sure which channels you are referring to. When you say SD and HD, do you mean the Comcast cable channels are SD and you only have a standard STB, not an HD STB? If so, it sounds like they may have remapped the local channels and you may have to map them manually. Also, I've heard Comcast did away with QAM in some areas, and maybe just did here? You may need to call them and hope you get a CSR or Tech that has a clue. I've seem posts that a some of them never heard of QAM.

What software are you using with the HD Homerun?

Hi-

I don't have a Comcast STB. In fact I don't have Comcast TV service at all, I only have Comcast internet. However, for the last 18 months I've been able to use my HDHomerun to tune into QAM broadcasts (both SD and HD) that are present on the same coax cable that brings me my internet service (I just use a basic splitter in front of my cable modem and plug one output from the splitter into my HDHomerun). Comcast broadcasts local channels in SD and HD, unencrypted, on their network (or, at least they did until the last few days).

A few months ago they remapped some of the HD channels, but all I had to do was rescan and I found them again. Now it seems they've done something that actually prevents the HD channel lock (I see the signal strength at 99-100%, but the tuner can't get lock). SD channels still work fine.

-Sean

P.S. I'm using MythTV for my general viewing, but for testing purposes I'm just using an HDHomerun utility on my Mac that shows the raw feed, signal strength, etc. directly off the tuner.

lsilvest

02-11-11, 12:52 PM

Hi-

I don't have a Comcast STB. In fact I don't have Comcast TV service at all, I only have Comcast internet. However, for the last 18 months I've been able to use my HDHomerun to tune into QAM broadcasts (both SD and HD) that are present on the same coax cable that brings me my internet service (I just use a basic splitter in front of my cable modem and plug one output from the splitter into my HDHomerun). Comcast broadcasts local channels in SD and HD, unencrypted, on their network (or, at least they did until the last few days).

A few months ago they remapped some of the HD channels, but all I had to do was rescan and I found them again. Now it seems they've done something that actually prevents the HD channel lock (I see the signal strength at 99-100%, but the tuner can't get lock). SD channels still work fine.

-Sean

P.S. I'm using MythTV for my general viewing, but for testing purposes I'm just using an HDHomerun utility on my Mac that shows the raw feed, signal strength, etc. directly off the tuner.

Sounds like they did cut it off. I think I remember seeing a thread on the Snapstream forum where someone said the same thing regarding Comcast, except I believe they couldn't even get the SD. You should be able to get the locals OTA anyway.

I'm having Comcast internet installed today (my 6-month Qwest to Comcast specials switch), so when I get a chance I'll run a split into one of my tuners and see what I get. Might be next week, but I'll let you know what I get out of it.

mtnsean

02-11-11, 02:00 PM

Sounds like they did cut it off. I think I remember seeing a thread on the Snapstream forum where someone said the same thing regarding Comcast, except I believe they couldn't even get the SD. You should be able to get the locals OTA anyway.

I'm having Comcast internet installed today (my 6-month Qwest to Comcast specials switch), so when I get a chance I'll run a split into one of my tuners and see what I get. Might be next week, but I'll let you know what I get out of it.

Thanks, that'd be great.

Regards,
Sean

lsilvest

02-13-11, 02:46 PM

Thanks, that'd be great. Regards,
Sean

Got the internet service installed yesterday. Split it and ran it to the tuner on my Philips plasma. Showed it picked up 465 digital and 21 analog channels (noticed a lot have nothing, though). It did pick up all the local QAM feeds in HD.

Anyway, thanks for the tip. I may take a look at what's available and throw another tuner into one of my HTPCs. Noticed some of the SD channels really aren't that bad, especially if the TV does upconversion. I was surprised it had all the KBDI channels (which I get OTA anyway) and the SD on those is generally very good.

I noticed the SD lately on 11.2 and 21.2 is very good also, but now that they've got 57.1 going I wish they'd switch 21.2 back to Retro TV - I miss Get Smart, Streets of San Francisco and Airwolf.

mtnsean

02-14-11, 10:33 AM

Got the internet service installed yesterday. Split it and ran it to the tuner on my Philips plasma. Showed it picked up 465 digital and 21 analog channels (noticed a lot have nothing, though). It did pick up all the local QAM feeds in HD.

Hrm, dang. OK thanks for checking. That's how it used to be in my house, but something changed about a week ago and now I can't tune in any of the HD's. It's not my tuner - I tried my TV's tuner and my HDHomerun, and neither work on the HD's anymore (SD's are still fine). Wonder if they added some sort of filter in the neighborhood or something. Grrrr. No more free lunch I guess.

Now it's time to beef up the roof antenna I guess. I can get PBS, CBS, and ABC pretty consistently. FOX is 50-50. NBC is totally hit and miss, sometimes it's ok, but mostly I get nothing. Going to try a preamp and hope for the best.

-Sean

memphish

02-15-11, 10:34 PM

Hrm, dang. OK thanks for checking. That's how it used to be in my house, but something changed about a week ago and now I can't tune in any of the HD's. It's not my tuner - I tried my TV's tuner and my HDHomerun, and neither work on the HD's anymore (SD's are still fine). Wonder if they added some sort of filter in the neighborhood or something. Grrrr. No more free lunch I guess.

Now it's time to beef up the roof antenna I guess. I can get PBS, CBS, and ABC pretty consistently. FOX is 50-50. NBC is totally hit and miss, sometimes it's ok, but mostly I get nothing. Going to try a preamp and hope for the best.

-Sean

I've been having the same problem starting on the 10th as well.

fivestarav

02-16-11, 10:57 AM

Anyone else notice the deterioration of pq on KKTV lately (OTA). I noticed it during the college football season watching SEC games. Turned on the NFL game today and it's really poor. Not an equipment problem since all other locals are fine and games on KOAA yesterday were excellent. Their sports used to have great pq. I've even noticed it on their regular shows.

Wow. I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed. KKTV has become awful OTA. It seems the channel shift causing everyone to re-scan has made things worse. Only KKTV seems pixelated in fast moving scenes. My other OTA channels are fine. Wonder what's up. Didn't have this issue before the shift. :-(

lsilvest

02-16-11, 11:09 AM

Wow. I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed. KKTV has become awful OTA. It seems the channel shift causing everyone to re-scan has made things worse. Only KKTV seems pixelated in fast moving scenes. My other OTA channels are fine. Wonder what's up. Didn't have this issue before the shift. :-(

Glad you responded. Thought I might be the only one. I also see the problem with Dish and Comcast.

I called KKTV and talked to the engineer before the change and he thought the change might help, but I don't think it has either. Getting a lot of motion blur that I don't get on other stations, even KOAA which is also 1020i and would have more of a tendency to motion blur than the 720p channels Fox and ABC.

It has to be a local problem because I've seen posts from other markets and they rave on how good CBS is.

If anyone else is noticing, call the station and let them know.

fivestarav

02-17-11, 06:36 PM

Glad you responded. Thought I might be the only one. I also see the problem with Dish and Comcast.

I called KKTV and talked to the engineer before the change and he thought the change might help, but I don't think it has either. Getting a lot of motion blur that I don't get on other stations, even KOAA which is also 1020i and would have more of a tendency to motion blur than the 720p channels Fox and ABC.

It has to be a local problem because I've seen posts from other markets and they rave on how good CBS is.

If anyone else is noticing, call the station and let them know.

I sent an e-mail to KKTV about the poor picture quality and got this reply:

"We are testing some new mobile technology and adjusting our bandwidth. We should be back to normal soon. Thank you for your patience."

An honest reply. I have faith things will be better soon.

lsilvest

02-17-11, 07:29 PM

I sent an e-mail to KKTV about the poor picture quality and got this reply:

"We are testing some new mobile technology and adjusting our bandwidth. We should be back to normal soon. Thank you for your patience."

An honest reply. I have faith things will be better soon.

Glad to hear it. They had great PQ before. I remember when I first hooked up my antenna with my new plasma in 2006. A couple of the first things I saw were March Madness and the Masters, both on CBS, and was blown away by the picture. Of course now we're all getting a bit jaded and expectations are higher.

Vaggeto

04-10-11, 04:56 PM

Hi everyone,

Long time no see for this thread but I haven't been using OTA for quite some time.

But I'm considering going the Ceton Cablecard HTPC tuner route or just another cablecard tuner route and had a couple questions.

Does Comcast here in the Springs usually do copy once or copy freely on their programming?
Also, does Comcast do any SDV (Switched Digital Video) which would possibly require a tuning adapter from comcast for the cablecard to be able to receive the channel?

Thanks!

Here's an article that explains this a bit for anyone interested: http://hd.engadget.com/2009/09/24/a-first-hand-look-at-sdv-and-copy-freely-support-in-windows-7-me/

rockinricky

06-01-11, 11:13 AM

lsilvest

06-01-11, 11:35 AM

Comcast here in Pueblo is pissing me off. I'm watching The Price is Right now, Actually I'm TRYING to watch TPiR. Skipping and artifacting all over the place. They need to stop overcompressing the signals.

I have OTA and cable thru Comcast (only via my internet service - for some reason they don't block some channels).

I just turned on the TV and checked both OTA and the Comcast feed. Both are fine right now. When I first turned it on, there was no signal on the Comcast feed, but that only lasted a minute or so.

The problem may be KKTV. They have had problems with their signals for some time. Their PQ is horrible - far the worst of all the locals - the rest of which are very good. Comcast actually has an advantage in that they get their feed by fibre optic cable, not OTA. That's why they have a signal when the KKTV transmitters go out and the OTA and satellites are blank. This is something I question as it gives Comcast an advantage and is another step in getting rid of OTA and forcing subscriptions to either cable or satellite. And don't think that's not part of Comcast's agenda since they own the FCC anyway.

rockinricky

06-04-11, 01:36 PM

Does anybody else on Comcast in Pueblo have problems with the Weather Channel on Saturdays? It seems like every Saturday, the Weather Channel goes down or something, and won't come in. I don't think it's a TWC problem, because it happens EVERY week. The public access channels (17, 18, 19 and 22), Telemundo and Univision do the same thing. Only on Saturday mornings and afternoons. It usually clears up in the evening. It can't be weather or line related or else it would happen daily and affect all channels.

rockinricky

06-08-11, 01:34 PM

rockinricky

06-16-11, 12:51 PM

I think the problems I've been having with KKTV and Comcast are somewhere between KKTV and Comcast. I had the same problem with KXRM (skipping and artifacting, KKTV and KXRM must use the same fiber connection to Comcast). I just went OTA for KKTV reception, and I get better reception over the air with a mis-aligned antenna than I get with Comcast. Weird.

Quoting myself here. As a test I connected the cable to my PC (Hauppauge HVR-1600). Still bad reception on KKTV and KXRM. All others just fine. I still think the problem is with KaKaTV, not Comcast. OTA just fine.

gman76

06-27-11, 04:15 PM

rockinricky

06-28-11, 05:06 PM

Ricky, I've had major macroblocking (tiling) for up to 15 seconds every once in a while on some of my HD channels on comcast. I called them and they claimed no responsibility. They said "did you check you cable connections?" I said "i doubt that this is the problem since the TV freezes then recovers". I understand that it is a POSSIBLE issue but not a likely one in my case. I need to double check my splitter outside. But I find it interesting they you think they are overcompressing the signal and then when there's an extra burst of network traffic, the tv bandwidth comes to a crawl, hence the screen freezing issue. This certainly sounds plausible to me.

Anyone else out there experience this issue with comcast? This is very infuriating, especially when I'm paying a hundred bucks for the "pleasure".

I did some more testing, and I think we both may have the same problem. Crappy signal splitters, the Bane Of Every Cable Subscriber's Existence. I still think they may be overcompressing the signal, especially in the daytime. I even see macroblocking on the SD broadcast of The Price is Right. It's especially noticeable during fast camera movement, such as the 'Come On Down!' parts when the camera does rapid sweeps over the audience.

gman76

06-28-11, 06:36 PM

OK, suppose I have a bad/marginal splitter. If comcast makes a visit and determines that the splitter is indeed the problem, do I pay or they pay for a new one? It's about 14 yrs old but looks like a decent one.

lsilvest

06-28-11, 07:21 PM

14 yrs old it may be deteriorating, but I've got some in my Mother's house that are probably 30 years old and still work with Comcast. If Comcast installed it it's a good one. If you just go down to the office they'll give you one and it'll either fix it or eliminate that as a possibility and may save you wasting time for a service call.

gman76

06-29-11, 04:55 PM

Thanks for the tip. I also wonder what the round can is, a notch or bandpass filter? I cant remember if it's on the cable modem line or TV line. I'll check tonite. If it is a filter, is it supposed to be for the cable modem?

MikeP

08-09-11, 08:10 PM

I am (sadly) moving from Colorado Springs to DC for a new job. The sad part is that I won't have space in the new rental for my home theater. I built a custom 2.35:1 screen using black-out fabric that measures 54" tall by 127" wide. It has a wood frame covered with black fabric. You can see a picture at:
http://www.zuggsoft.com/house/home_theater.htm

I know we are not supposed to sell anything in these forums and so I'm not selling this. I'm willing to give it away to anybody in the local area who wants it and who can pick it up and take it away. I just want it to go to a good home. It's been a great screen for me for the past 10 years.

The screen itself is 1:1 power with excellent off-axis viewing. I've been very impressed with how well it worked for a DIY screen and will probably make one again in the future when I eventually move to a bigger place and build a new theater.

Please PM me if you are interested. I'd hate to see this nice screen go into the trash.

MikeP

08-12-11, 05:39 PM

Screen is spoken for. Glad it found a good home. Thanks guys!

lsilvest

08-12-11, 07:08 PM

Screen is spoken for. Glad it found a good home. Thanks guys!

Good luck in your new home and job. Hope you're going there to straighten them out.:D

scottlindner

08-13-11, 09:51 AM

Good luck in your new home and job. Hope you're going there to straighten them out.:D

I will buy him his next screen and deliver it personally if he can swing that tall order.

gman76

08-15-11, 10:26 PM

springsHD=Horrid

09-03-11, 10:42 PM

What's up with Fox21 broadcasting Friends in widescreen? Horribly grainy and it didn't appear to be the old ugly stretch o' vision.

lsilvest

09-05-11, 09:10 AM

Quick update: Comcast came to the house and found my signal level was low. This likely explains the macroblocking/tiling I'm getting on the HD channels. We shall see if this solves the problem. Anyway I had -11db level instead of their preferred -8db to +8db range. They installed an amplifier. My level is now +4db. That was a week ago. I've seen some tiling since, but not nearly as much. The filter on the TV line blocked low freq, I now get the on demand stuff. Not really a big deal but the family uses it a bit now.

I quit Dish about 7 months ago and didn't miss it at all. I just subscribed to Concrap just for the college football season. Their PQ is far worse than Dish overall so they must be compressing some of the HD quite a bit. Haven't had macroblocking, but really noticed on Fox News the video clips are all washed out and some of the HD is very grainy. It's really noticeable to me because most of what I watch is OTA and the picture is so superior to either sat/cable.

lsilvest

09-05-11, 09:30 AM

What's up with Fox21 broadcasting Friends in widescreen? Horribly grainy and it didn't appear to be the old ugly stretch o' vision.

It's actually on CW which Fox is still showing on their sub-channel. I don't watch that show (didn't watch it in prime time) but have noticed that some shows in SD are being shown in 16:9 on the sub channels and also your TV may be automatically stretching it depending on the settings. You didn't say if you were using a CRT or HDTV, but if it's HD try watching on 57.1 and see how it looks.

springsHD=Horrid

09-05-11, 01:04 PM

It's actually on CW which Fox is still showing on their sub-channel. I don't watch that show (didn't watch it in prime time) but have noticed that some shows in SD are being shown in 16:9 on the sub channels and also your TV may be automatically stretching it depending on the settings. You didn't say if you were using a CRT or HDTV, but if it's HD try watching on 57.1 and see how it looks.

Watching on HDTV w/ over the air antenna...I have it set to not stretch. I'll check the 57.1 next time. Thanks!!

lsilvest

09-05-11, 01:44 PM

I have my TV set to stretch automatically and I rarely watch any SD, but I have noticed that the PQ on the local SD subs if far better than any SD from cable/sat, especially Concrap. I have a 42" plasma and generally on the locals it isn't so bad I can't watch it which isn't true with my experience with cable/sat.

Which makes me curious about your user id since the HD (with the exception of CBS) on the locals is excellent.

springsHD=Horrid

09-05-11, 07:29 PM

Which makes me curious about your user id since the HD (with the exception of CBS) on the locals is excellent.

lol....when I created my user ID the HD wasn't that great.

iowegian3

09-11-11, 05:46 PM

Changes, mostly good with KOAA retiring News First 5 for simply News 5 or KOAA 5. Among the good: ending the heavy tint scheme over still promo shots for programs. The worst or perhaps unfortunate choice was the green tint over a still shot for The Savage Kitchen segment that airs during the noon newscast.
"The Savage Kitchen will make you turn green," an unidentified cynic said between urps. "Or see red with Dr. Phil," he continued.

The "NEWS" logo for NEWS 5 has an N that looks like it has depth but the rest of the letters don't. Same with the "KOAA" logo, depth for just the K and not for the other letters. Otherwise, they could be nice looking. Right now though, particularly when they show as corner bugs, they look disjointed.

avsrock78

09-27-11, 12:25 PM

lsilvest

09-27-11, 12:36 PM

Hello everyone.

I just signed a contract on a house on the westside of Colorado Springs, by Garden of the Gods. What can I expect as far as OTA signal levels? I had been using a couple of cheapo antennas inside my house, connected directly to my TV for HD when I lived in Fort Worth. Is the signal strong enough in the city where they will work well here, or should I start looking for an exterior antenna?

I don't live in Springs, but the signal strength is excellent 35 miles away in Pueblo West. It will probably depend on your los to Cheyenne Mountain where all the towers are located. This thread is relatively quiet anymore, but hopefully someone is still watching that lives in your area. I remember some had problems when they were close to the mountains and were blocked.

scottlindner

09-27-11, 12:47 PM

Hello everyone.

I just signed a contract on a house on the westside of Colorado Springs, by Garden of the Gods. What can I expect as far as OTA signal levels? I had been using a couple of cheapo antennas inside my house, connected directly to my TV for HD when I lived in Fort Worth. Is the signal strong enough in the city where they will work well here, or should I start looking for an exterior antenna?

In that area it really depends on what side of the ridge you are on. Can you see the antennas on top of Cheyenne Mountain? If you are south of the ridge, I think you'll be OK with a cheap antenna. If you are north of the ridge, it doesn't matter what antenna you have, you won't get anything.

Scott

avsrock78

09-27-11, 03:27 PM

In that area it really depends on what side of the ridge you are on. Can you see the antennas on top of Cheyenne Mountain? If you are south of the ridge, I think you'll be OK with a cheap antenna. If you are north of the ridge, it doesn't matter what antenna you have, you won't get anything.

Scott

Bummer. I'm on the north side of the ridge.

royrose

09-27-11, 05:00 PM

Bummer. I'm on the north side of the ridge.

I'm not sure what ridge he is talking about. I live by the Garden of the Gods, in Manitou one block west of the Colo Spgs line, and get all of the digital channels ota just fine with a rabbit ears antenna.

dhett

09-28-11, 12:23 AM

If this map of KOAA's signal coverage is any indication, you should be fine with indoor rabbit ears as well. All stations show a strong signal to Garden of the Gods, even the low power ones.

http://www.rabbitears.info/contour.php?appid=1143275&map=Y

avsrock78

10-12-11, 03:36 PM

Ooops, when I mention Garden of the Gods, I mean Garden of the Gods Road. The closest main intersection would be Garden of the Gods road and Centennial.

I'll just have to wait til I move in and try my indoor antenna. Hopefully I will get signal.

dhett

10-13-11, 12:40 AM

If you live north or east of the intersection, you should still be fine. The only problems would be if you're in the hills to the southwest of the intersection.

If you follow the link I provided and zoom in over your area, you can get a better idea of what to expect. Best of luck!

lsilvest

10-18-11, 01:34 PM

Just noticed channels 51.1 and 51.2 KWHS popping up on my antenna feed. It's basically a religious station. Not sure if they existed before in analog but they have some good family programming including some good oldies (Bonanza, Happy Days, etc.) and quite a few children's shows. Programming is the same for both channels so don't know if one is intended for HD in the future?

dhett

10-18-11, 08:14 PM

That's a LeSEA station. LeSEA = Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Association. Otherwise known as World Harvest Television, the stations usually feature a "WH" combination in the call letters. Programming is a mix of Christian and family-friendly fare.

The station had been in analog on channel 51 since summer 1995, and just made the switch to digital this month.

LeSEA used to own channel 53 in the Denver area, but sold it to Libermann Broadcasting last year. As of September last year, LeSEA still aired on 53.2, branding as KWHD 53, its old calls while under LeSEA ownership, while 53.1, now KETD, airs Estrella TV.

royrose

11-05-11, 11:15 AM

I have a complete C band satellite system with 10 foot fiberglass dish, dish mover and tuners to get analog and digital TV signals. Such systems can no longer be used as an alternative to cable or dish network/Directv but is still a hobby for picking up various wild feeds. Multiple HD and SD channels from PBS are in the clear.

I no longer use this system so I'd like to know if anyone is interested in it enough to come and pick it up. Since it still works, it would be nice if somebody could make us of it. There are good sources on the internet for learning how to find the feeds that are up there. I'd be happy to demonstrate for anyone interested. Moving the dish would require a truck and at least 2 guys.

pgwalsh

11-09-11, 10:19 AM

I'm moving to Upper Skyway in 2 weeks. Can anyone give me an idea of what OTA reception I might receive?

radckh

12-07-11, 12:03 PM

Has anyone heard anything recently from KRDO regarding them EVER going to Dolby Digital 5.1?!?

It's ridiculous that they have not done this already!

lsilvest

12-07-11, 12:10 PM

Has anyone heard anything recently from KRDO regarding them EVER going to Dolby Digital 5.1?!?

It's ridiculous that they have not done this already!

2 years ago they said they'd have it done last year. It was a matter of money and the excuse for that was the money was all spent on their news in HD. Funny the other stations managed to get theirs in HD without sacrificing the audio enhancements.

All we can do is contact them and complain which doesn't seem to do much good. I informed them that I would not watch their news until they get Dolby (which was no problem since I don't like their news anyway). If we can get enough people to join in they may decide it's worth it.

bnwrx

12-07-11, 06:03 PM

2 years ago they said they'd have it done last year. It was a matter of money and the excuse for that was the money was all spent on their news in HD. Funny the other stations managed to get theirs in HD without sacrificing the audio enhancements.

All we can do is contact them and complain which doesn't seem to do much good. I informed them that I would not watch their news until they get Dolby (which was no problem since I don't like their news anyway). If we can get enough people to join in they may decide it's worth it.

Feel exactly the same....My 2 reasons for not watching:1 everything they do is "BREAKING NEWS" and 2 Eric Singer...

radckh

12-14-11, 04:46 PM

Anyone interested in a 55" Mitsubishi RPTV (WS55313) that is still in great shape? I bought a 55" 3D LED recently and was going to put the Mits in the basement, but I don't think I can get it around the 90 degree turn near the bottom of the stairs.

So make me a reasonable offer, bring a truck, and it's yours...

idividebyzero

12-14-11, 06:38 PM

Comcast has finally added BBC HD to channel 741, also HUB HD and some sports channels. 6 in total. A number of subscription HD channels have been deleted and moved to on demand as well.

brianblank

12-15-11, 05:51 PM

Thanks idividebyzero! Between Dr. Who and Top Gear my DVR will be very busy.

royrose

12-17-11, 06:14 PM

GatoViejo

01-06-12, 08:57 PM

lsilvest

01-06-12, 09:53 PM

The low power HD signal for KXTU (CW Network) which had been broadcasting on channel 57 seems to have disappeared. Does anyone know about this?

The SD KXTU subchannel on physical channel 22 is still there.

It disappeared from my tuners on my pc also. I called them and they installed a new transmitter and changed the frequency to 20 but 57.1 is still the designation. My software program for the pc has to make the change before I can tune them in again.

I have a 42" plasma that's about 6 years old and it won't pick it up anymore. A 32" in my bedroom and 26" that are both relatively new do pick it up. They claim the signal should be stronger but if that were true my plasma would still be tuning it in.

You'll need to rescan to get it in most cases.

scottlindner

01-07-12, 08:10 AM

I have a 42" plasma that's about 6 years old and it won't pick it up anymore. A 32" in my bedroom and 26" that are both relatively new do pick it up. They claim the signal should be stronger but if that were true my plasma would still be tuning it in.

Are you using the same antenna mounted in the same location when comparing the TV's reception ability?

lsilvest

01-07-12, 08:19 AM

Are you using the same antenna mounted in the same location when comparing the TV's reception ability?

Yep, same big outdoor albatross I've had for 6 years. Have always gotten great signals. I have a channel master preamp that has been excellent. In fact, the weakest signal I have would be the 26" TV in my guest bedroom which has the most splits going to it and it still picks it up fine. I was setting up a pc for my grandkids yesterday and it has a tuner so I was setting up WMC in Win 7 and it wasn't getting KXTU either.

My 32" Dynex really has a good tuner. Before KBDI put in their relay I actually picked up their signal from Denver occasionally since they were on the same los as Cheyenne from me.

scottlindner

01-07-12, 08:42 AM

Yep, same big outdoor albatross I've had for 6 years. Have always gotten great signals. I have a channel master preamp that has been excellent. In fact, the weakest signal I have would be the 26" TV in my guest bedroom which has the most splits going to it and it still picks it up fine. I was setting up a pc for my grandkids yesterday and it has a tuner so I was setting up WMC in Win 7 and it wasn't getting KXTU either.

My 32" Dynex really has a good tuner. Before KBDI put in their relay I actually picked up their signal from Denver occasionally since they were on the same los as Cheyenne from me.

I suspected as much recalling previous conversations. I didn't know that even with ATSC the set plays a big role in reception.

GatoViejo

01-07-12, 11:18 AM

It disappeared from my tuners on my pc also. I called them and they installed a new transmitter and changed the frequency to 20 but 57.1 is still the designation.
No luck for me so far on channel 20. I am using a CM4228 with a direct line of sight from the Black Forest. The channel 57 signal was marginal but usable; I see that I am losing a few dB with the lower frequency on this antenna.

I wonder if a 91XG would do the trick. Now that KKTV is UHF I no longer have to care about VHF performance.

lsilvest

01-07-12, 11:57 AM

No luck for me so far on channel 20. I am using a CM4228 with a direct line of sight from the Black Forest. The channel 57 signal was marginal but usable; I see that I am losing a few dB with the lower frequency on this antenna.

I wonder if a 91XG would do the trick. Now that KKTV is UHF I no longer have to care about VHF performance.

That confirms my thought that the signal wasn't as strong. You may want to call their engineer and tell him. I don't think I was getting through - you know, the not our fault, must be your equipment routine.

GatoViejo

01-07-12, 02:36 PM

iowegian3

01-09-12, 01:11 AM

RMPBS treats Southern Colorado to "Downton Abbey: A Study In Still Life"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/73166091@N05/6665191403/in/photostream (apparently the forum won't do directly inserted photos)

OK, not the greatest quality, but why bother with that when this is what see for well over 15 minutes, maybe longer but we went to bed. And maybe it wasn't a pure still. The maiden's heart (on the left, which should be the right), and chest were all a-flitter, though that obviously doesn't come through here.

You know, I get irritated every time they come on asking for money. They won't get a penny from me, not when they've never seen fit to put a translator for us folks here in Fremont County. God forbid the prisoners get any culture!

dkreichen1968

01-30-12, 04:33 PM

I managed to get KXTU to work by taking all of the splitters out of the line and running just a straight wire to one tuner. This gets me 23 dB SNR, which is adequate. All other locals, even split 4 ways, are better than 30dB. At least I know there is still some kind of signal; now I just need to decide how best to use it.

So, I'm thinking about using a distribution amplifier (CM-3414, perhaps) instead of splitters (currently a 1->2 with another 1->2 on each branch). Anyone else tried this?

At my house just north of downtown Monument KXTU's signal went from unreceivable on my main antenna to nice and strong when they rechanneled to channel 20. It shows 93-95% on my DTVpal DVR, which is right in the range with KRDO. KXRM shows up at 98-100%.

KXTU had to rechannel because the FCC had ordered the 700 MHz band (channels 52-69) cleared by January 1st for the cell phone folks.

lsilvest

01-30-12, 05:33 PM

I managed to get KXTU to work by taking all of the splitters out of the line and running just a straight wire to one tuner. This gets me 23 dB SNR, which is adequate. All other locals, even split 4 ways, are better than 30dB. At least I know there is still some kind of signal; now I just need to decide how best to use it.

So, I'm thinking about using a distribution amplifier (CM-3414, perhaps) instead of splitters (currently a 1->2 with another 1->2 on each branch). Anyone else tried this?

I have a CM 0068DSB mast amp (34db) with about 9 splits in it and everything comes in perfectly on every tuner. Amp is 6 yrs old and has never missed a beat.

lsilvest

01-31-12, 07:46 PM

dkreichen1968

02-01-12, 10:43 AM

My son lives in Fox Run, close to Monument in what would be about the same los as Gleneagle and even Black Forest. Trying to decide on an antenna, possibly one to rotate and get both CSprings and Denver Stations.

Anyone still listening here that lives in that area that might recommend an antenna or have any suggestions about the dual signal locations?

If you can post the URL for his TVfool report I can certainly try to help. It would be best to make sure to enter the planned mounting height to get the most accurate report. You can also run the report at different heights to see how things change.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=90

I know that up by Fox Run there can be a lot of trees and topo issues for Denver reception. Colorado Springs will be mostly no problem. In my area I just point homebuilt (bi-directional) antennas toward Denver and Colorado Springs comes in fine, but up in the Fox Run area I'm sure a rotor or two antennas on an A/B switch would be the best bets.

lsilvest

02-01-12, 11:06 AM

If you can post the URL for his TVfool report I can certainly try to help. It would be best to make sure to enter the planned mounting height to get the most accurate report. You can also run the report at different heights to see how things change.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=90

I know that up by Fox Run there can be a lot of trees and topo issues for Denver reception. Colorado Springs will be mostly no problem. In my area I just point homebuilt (bi-directional) antennas toward Denver and Colorado Springs comes in fine, but up in the Fox Run area I'm sure a rotor or two antennas on an A/B switch would be the best bets.

Thanks, I passed this along to him and a suggestion to just join the forum. He had checked on antennaweb.org and they had an antenna suggestion, but he didn't send me the model yet.

dkreichen1968

02-01-12, 11:56 AM

Thanks, I passed this along to him and a suggestion to just join the forum. He had checked on antennaweb.org and they had an antenna suggestion, but he didn't send me the model yet.

Antennaweb is horrible. The CEA, who designed the sight, are doing their best to kill off OTA so they can build more cable STBs. If you believed them you'ld think you needed a monster antenna to get 25 mile LOS signals. I'm also sure it told him he couldn't get Denver. That may be the case, but it says the same for me and I have no real problem with Denver.

lsilvest

02-01-12, 07:40 PM

Antennaweb is horrible. The CEA, who designed the sight, are doing their best to kill off OTA so they can build more cable STBs. If you believed them you'ld think you needed a monster antenna to get 25 mile LOS signals. I'm also sure it told him he couldn't get Denver. That may be the case, but it says the same for me and I have no real problem with Denver.

He just did a search and didn't ask me first. Here's his TV Fool (http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d0b86007b75f258) info.

This is the antenna (http://www.antennahub.com/long-range-tv-antenna.aspx?gclid=CPGTq5KL6a0CFY-R7QodeHQD7g).

It actually looks like it may do the job. I really wonder if he can get Denver, though since his house is sitting downhill from Baptist road.

scottlindner

02-02-12, 06:03 AM

lsilvest

02-02-12, 09:09 AM

I have been lurking but not tracking the recent conversation very well. I was not aware of TV Fool so I tried it out for myself. Here are my results:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d0b86d2e1934158

Does this mean I can set up a second antenna and potentially pick up some Denver channels? Without an SNR (I know my antenna and gear play a role in that) I don't know what to make of the information. I know what it means, but in practice I don't know what it really means.

Your mapping looks much the same as my son's. If you can get los to Lookout mountain, no reason you couldn't get the Denver stations. I'm in Pueblo West, and before KBDI put in their relay in Springs, I was picking up their signal in Broomfield (although just intermittently) because the los was on the same plane as from my house to cheyenne mountain. It really just depends on whether you have anything close that might block it. The TV Fool info is mainly telling you you need a strong antenna for the Denver stations, one that is rated for the colors indicated.

dkreichen1968

02-02-12, 11:31 AM

He just did a search and didn't ask me first. Here's his TV Fool (http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d0b86007b75f258) info.

This is the antenna (http://www.antennahub.com/long-range-tv-antenna.aspx?gclid=CPGTq5KL6a0CFY-R7QodeHQD7g).

It actually looks like it may do the job. I really wonder if he can get Denver, though since his house is sitting downhill from Baptist road.

Denver signals are hot in that area. I've done my own tests in the Walmart/King Supers area and it shouldn't be any problem as long as he stays away from that Chinese antenna. Those are designed for Chinese rather than North American TV frequencies. They can work, but not nearly as well as an antenna that was designed for the North American market. It does look like it may be possible to do like I do and point the antenna toward Denver and pull in Colorado Springs. I've actually had my best luck in the Monument area with home builts. Most commercial antennas have a high front to back ratio which isn't all that favorable if your trying to pull in signals from two directions. The Channel Master CM-3010 is one of the few commercial bi-directional antennas available. I haven't used one myself, but I know people in Denver Metro have had good success with them.

dkreichen1968

02-02-12, 11:40 AM

I have been lurking but not tracking the recent conversation very well. I was not aware of TV Fool so I tried it out for myself. Here are my results:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d0b86d2e1934158

Does this mean I can set up a second antenna and potentially pick up some Denver channels? Without an SNR (I know my antenna and gear play a role in that) I don't know what to make of the information. I know what it means, but in practice I don't know what it really means.

My experience would say yes. You may want to try pointing your antenna toward Denver to see what you pick up. Depending on antenna location I've actually been able to pick up KMGH's 15kW channel 17 LP station (which rebroadcasts KMGH's main signal).

This is my TVfool: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=90

KDVR is my weakest channel, but it's not hard to pick up. Antenna location and height are key. The only Colorado Springs Channel I don't get is KWHS 51 (since my antenna isn't pointed directly toward Cheyenne Mountain).

lsilvest

02-02-12, 12:58 PM

Denver signals are hot in that area. I've done my own tests in the Walmart/King Supers area and it shouldn't be any problem as long as he stays away from that Chinese antenna. Those are designed for Chinese rather than North American TV frequencies. They can work, but not nearly as well as an antenna that was designed for the North American market. It does look like it may be possible to do like I do and point the antenna toward Denver and pull in Colorado Springs. I've actually had my best luck in the Monument area with home builts. Most commercial antennas have a high front to back ratio which isn't all that favorable if your trying to pull in signals from two directions. The Channel Master CM-3010 is one of the few commercial bi-directional antennas available. I haven't used one myself, but I know people in Denver Metro have had good success with them.

Thans for the good feedback. The specs on the CM-3010 doesn't indicate the Denver stations would be in range. I'm hoping Scott tries turning his antenna to test it and gives us some feedback.

dkreichen1968

02-02-12, 02:42 PM

Thanks for the good feedback. The specs on the CM-3010 doesn't indicate the Denver stations would be in range. I'm hoping Scott tries turning his antenna to test it and gives us some feedback.

Antenna specs don't tell you everything (or even the TVfool modeling). In the Walmart area I've pulled in all the full power Denver UHF stations (Mount Morrison and Lookout Mountain) on a 6" diameter loop antenna. And, have done the same as far south as Biargate Parkway. (I haven't tried farther south than that.) The VHF stations (KMGH and KUSA) are stronger, but I haven't tried getting them with an appropriately sized antenna anywhere other than in my neighborhood. It's based on my own tests and personal experience that I'm recommending trying the CM-3010, not it's manufacture's specifications.

Up until recently this was my antenna, and I'm sure it isn't any stronger than a CM-3010. I've actually got 5 of them made up in my garage. I've sold several to friends and family for $20. (I'm not really making any money off that.)

Satcom15

03-03-12, 09:13 AM

Up until recently this was my antenna, and I'm sure it isn't any stronger than a CM-3010. I've actually got 5 of them made up in my garage. I've sold several to friends and family for $20. (I'm not really making any money off that.)

That's pretty cool. That's impressive you would get such good reception from such a small antenna.

Satcom15

03-03-12, 09:25 AM

pgwalsh

03-03-12, 09:39 AM

Down here in Colorado Springs near Powers and Palmer Park and on Comcast (HD service with their standard HD box), we've had a couple of instances where the service flips from the channel being watched to something I believe called Comcast XTRA (Ch 32?). The only way we can get back to the watched channel is turn the cable box off and back on. Trying to change channels doesn't work.

The other thing we've seen periodically is while flipping through channels (or time slots on the same channel) in the HD channel guide, the guide will suddenly change to SD channels. It usually happens when we are looking at the channel in the last row of the guide and try to arrow down to the next guide page or arrow to the right for the next time slot.

Has anyone else experienced either of these little annoyances?

Thanks

I haven't experienced those issues, but I'm not using the comcast box. I don't want to pay the extra $7 a month for an HD box, so I use the TV tuner. However in doing that I was reinstalling channels and ended up with a lot of soft porn channels. They come and go.

As I see comcast encrypting more channels and apparently they will soon encrypt them all - forcing me to use their box - I will go to OTA only. I do miss discovery, history and food network, but I'm in the process of building a linux HTPC that will download episodes from the web. ;)

I'm new to the Springs. Moved here in November and love it. :D

Satcom15

03-03-12, 07:03 PM

I haven't experienced those issues, but I'm not using the comcast box. I don't want to pay the extra $7 a month for an HD box, so I use the TV tuner. However in doing that I was reinstalling channels and ended up with a lot of soft porn channels. They come and go.

As I see comcast encrypting more channels and apparently they will soon encrypt them all - forcing me to use their box - I will go to OTA only. I do miss discovery, history and food network, but I'm in the process of building a linux HTPC that will download episodes from the web. ;)

I'm new to the Springs. Moved here in November and love it. :D

I thought about the HTPC approach, but then what are you using for your internet service? Are there caps? What kind of data rate can you get? Sad as it is, Comcast typically gives me 12-15 Mbps on the downlink and 1.5 to 3 on the uplink (according to SpeedTest). Centurylink advertises 20 Mbps service (downlink) and 864 kbps (uplink) in my neighborhood. Wish we had FiOS, but that will probably never happen *sigh*. Looked into a private T1 but its about $850/month plus installation, so forget that idea. Oh well.

pgwalsh

03-04-12, 12:28 PM

I thought about the HTPC approach, but then what are you using for your internet service? Are there caps? What kind of data rate can you get? Sad as it is, Comcast typically gives me 12-15 Mbps on the downlink and 1.5 to 3 on the uplink (according to SpeedTest). Centurylink advertises 20 Mbps service (downlink) and 864 kbps (uplink) in my neighborhood. Wish we had FiOS, but that will probably never happen *sigh*. Looked into a private T1 but its about $850/month plus installation, so forget that idea. Oh well.

I'm using comcast and have the 25Mbps service. I rarely get that speed. I was going to go with CenturyLink (qwest), but I'm up in Skyway and they told me I might get 1Mbps, which is ridiculous.

I'm not sure how I'm going to implement it yet. I used MythTV previously and it worked okay. I like the idea of a central server and then boxes to stream content into other rooms, but I may test drive several options this time. My entire house is wired for Gigabit ethernet thanks to the previous owner.

I'd like to be able to download the content automatically from certain services, which is more difficult when it's flash based, but I may used pytube python module to write my own script and see where it leads me. If I have to view from the web, at least I can make an interface for it.

T1 will be slower than cable.

dkreichen1968

03-05-12, 10:12 PM

I was going to go with CenturyLink (qwest), but I'm up in Skyway and they told me I might get 1Mbps, which is ridiculous.

I expect CenturyLink to improve service as quickly as possible. My advertised speed from CenturyLink is 5 Mbps, up from 3 Mbps 6 months ago. I just tested the speed and it tested 6.08 Mbps down and .76 Mbps up. I've been streaming Wall Street Journal videos in HD using my Roku 2 XS.

dkreichen1968

03-05-12, 10:33 PM

dkreichen1968

03-05-12, 11:15 PM

As I see comcast encrypting more channels and apparently they will soon encrypt them all - forcing me to use their box - I will go to OTA only. I do miss discovery, history and food network, but I'm in the process of building a linux HTPC that will download episodes from the web. ;)

If all your getting (other than the soft-porn channels) is "limited basic" I'd think you would be better off with OTA. Better picture quality on the network stations, and more watchable channels (I don't consider the PPCC, UCCS, and city counsel channel to be watchable).

dkreichen1968

03-05-12, 11:21 PM

I'm new to the Springs. Moved here in November and love it. :D

I moved to Southern Colorado in March 1994 without a job after visiting my college roommate in August 1993. I lived on the corner of Weber and Uintah for 9 years before moving to Monument in 2003.

dkreichen1968

03-06-12, 12:10 AM

5-1 KOAA (NBC) (RF30/42) 1080i HD
5-2 News 5 Now

8-1 KTSC RM(PBS) (RF8) 1080i HD
8-3 Create

11-1 KKTV (CBS) (RF49) 1080i HD
11-2 MyKKTV (MyNetworkTV)

12-1 KBDI (Colorado Public TV) (RF31) 480i SD
12-2 KBDI+
12-3 MHz Worldview

13-1 KRDO (ABC) (RF24) 720p HD

21-1 KXRM (FOX) (RF22) 720p HD
(21-2 KXTU (CW57) 480i widescreen)

51-1 KWHS (LeSea) (RF51) 480i SD
51-2 LeSea/LeSea Family

57-1 KXTU (CW) (RF20) 720p HD

scottlindner

03-06-12, 06:24 AM

Your mapping looks much the same as my son's. If you can get los to Lookout mountain, no reason you couldn't get the Denver stations. I'm in Pueblo West, and before KBDI put in their relay in Springs, I was picking up their signal in Broomfield (although just intermittently) because the los was on the same plane as from my house to cheyenne mountain. It really just depends on whether you have anything close that might block it. The TV Fool info is mainly telling you you need a strong antenna for the Denver stations, one that is rated for the colors indicated.

I don't know why I didn't notice your response until now. I'm going to try this. I'm assuming there is no practical way to put it all on a single cable and that I need to run another coaxial cable up there, right? I was planning on running two more coaxial runs to the attic anyway, so it isn't a big deal. I have an FM dipole up there on a separate run so I can use that temporarily and see what I can pick up with bunny ears since I mounted my current antenna aligned to Cheyenne Mountain.

The only thing I might have blocking me is that I'm just a smidge on the south side of the Briargate hill. I doubt my roof has LOS either, but it has to be close.

pgwalsh

03-06-12, 10:15 AM

If all your getting (other than the soft-porn channels) is "limited basic" I'd think you would be better off with OTA. Better picture quality on the network stations, and more watchable channels (I don't consider the PPCC, UCCS, and city counsel channel to be watchable).

Limited basic came with my internet package. I'm using it now because I haven't mounted an antenna yet. My house is 2 stories and I don't have a tall enough later. That aside I'm getting my internet package for a 12 month deal of $35. If I didn't get the package they wanted to charge me $60.

When I first started using it, I could tune in History and Discovery, but those are gone now. Apparently they will encrypt all the channels, including the locals, this year. I guess the FCC changed the rules, so they don't have to stream them in clear. My understanding is that this will save the cable companies a lot of money since they can leave everyone hooked up and they'll only need to send them a box and not have to rehook customers up outside.

I wish there were some local internet providers that had good bandwidth. I'd switch in a heartbeat because I rather support the small guy than either of the juggernauts.

lsilvest

03-06-12, 10:42 AM

I don't know why I didn't notice your response until now. I'm going to try this. I'm assuming there is no practical way to put it all on a single cable and that I need to run another coaxial cable up there, right? I was planning on running two more coaxial runs to the attic anyway, so it isn't a big deal. I have an FM dipole up there on a separate run so I can use that temporarily and see what I can pick up with bunny ears since I mounted my current antenna aligned to Cheyenne Mountain.

The only thing I might have blocking me is that I'm just a smidge on the south side of the Briargate hill. I doubt my roof has LOS either, but it has to be close.

My son is in the Fox Run area, but he's downhill off Baptist road so I don't know about the Denver stations, but he should get a good los to Cheyenne.

dkreichen1968

03-06-12, 02:57 PM

Limited basic came with my internet package. I'm using it now because I haven't mounted an antenna yet. My house is 2 stories and I don't have a tall enough later. That aside I'm getting my internet package for a 12 month deal of $35. If I didn't get the package they wanted to charge me $60.

That is how they are able to keep their video subscriber numbers up. At the same time that Antennas Direct was selling 600,000 antennas "video subscriber" numbers were going up. It makes me wonder how real those numbers are if you have to bundle internet with TV to get the best price. How many people have satellite, but are "video subscribers" of the cable company because that is how they get their internet.

When I first started using it, I could tune in History and Discovery, but those are gone now. Apparently they will encrypt all the channels, including the locals, this year. I guess the FCC changed the rules, so they don't have to stream them in clear. My understanding is that this will save the cable companies a lot of money since they can leave everyone hooked up and they'll only need to send them a box and not have to rehook customers up outside.

That is the excuse, but when your charging "rent" for cable boxes your enviromently friendly/consumer cost savings modivation is a bit suspect.

I wish there were some local internet providers that had good bandwidth. I'd switch in a heartbeat because I rather support the small guy than either of the juggernauts.

The only one I know of is http://www.pcisys.net/index.php . I've had friends who had their wireless service, who gave them great reviews, but they just can't compete on price and bandwidth with the big boys.

Satcom15

03-09-12, 08:16 PM

Why would 20 Mbps be a problem? That's at least 2 HD streams plus some web surfing. Throw in some OTA HD and you should be set up. As far as I know neither CenturyLink or Comcast have caps. Correct me if I'm wrong?!?

They claim that's the maximum rate (i.e. up to), actual results will vary. Also, is that a constant 20 Mbps? If I opened the spigot, would I get a constant 20Mbps? I'm skeptical. There's a lot of marketing hype in all these speed claims as far as I can tell. As for caps, I'd hear that Comcast was looking at a 500 GB/month cap a while back and it may have been implemented in some markets. I don't know about here in Colo Spgs though.

As an exercise, I believe an hour of uncompressed 1080p HD video is around 8.7GBytes, probably even more when adding in error correction. Just for grins suppose an hour of HD is 100 Gbits of data. An hour of uncompressed video would take about 5000 seconds (~1.4 hours) over a 20 Mbps pipe. The size of the data files we deal with today gives one pause for thought and makes you realize why there's compression algorithms out there.