I just sent an emai because I would like to see some of those also. I will let you know if I hear anything.

Did you know Omaha does have all the locals on Cox in HD plus TLC

http://www.cox.com/Omaha/Digitalcable/dclineup.asp

Thanks for sending the email. I know about the locals. I haven't checked recently about the rest. I will look again as soon as TiVo and SDV is resolved.

HiDef,
Just curious. On DirectTV, are new shows that are on Nickelodeon, Disney, Noggin etc actually shown in HD. Or are they stretched or side boxed?

Most of them haven't been added to DTV yet. Those that have been added are in MPEG4 that I can't receive with my HD DTiVo.

Quick question about getting OTA and standard def cable. My tv has only one RF input for cable or antenna and I am too cheap to pay for cox or satallite. Has anyone had success just using a simple combiner/spliter just to combine the ota and the cable. The particular tv I have does not allow me to switch from analog to digital quickly. It requires a scan each time I switch between antenna and cable. I have read a little about combiners and it seems like I could just connect the combiner to the tv and then connect the cable and the antenna to the other side and then do a scan. Hopefully I won't get any interference. Has anyone else tried this?

...it seems like I could just connect the combiner to the tv and then connect the cable and the antenna to the other side and then do a scan. Hopefully I won't get any interference. Has anyone else tried this?

I considered doing this when KETV was off of Cox, but my research found that using a diplexer (looks like a splitter, but different internally) will only work when there is no signal overlap. Unfortunately, Cox cable broadcasts the lower 12 VHF stations on the same frequencies as the OTA stations. I'm also guessing that you would get interference on the other 58 analog channels on Cox.

BUT, are you certain that you aren't currently getting the HD stations from Cox? If your TV has a QAM tuner, you should get all of the OTA stations in HD, plus a bunch of OnDemand stations that let you see what others on your node are watching via Cox's OnDemand service (sometimes fun to watch, but risky because you are not in control of the content or guaranteed to see the end of a show). Just a note, it seems that Panasonic will not pick up the KPTM channel via Cox QAM.

You have a couple of other options too. You can purchase an external tuner that has QAM or you could get the "Digital Gateway" (6.95) from Cox plus rent the Cox Box (about 4.95) and get about 19 HD stations. This will also give you the the lower 70 channels in digital format. Sometimes that's nice, sometimes the analog channel actually looks better (the mpeg noise can be annoying).

Hope that helps you!

Did you know Omaha does have all the locals on Cox in HD

Just to play Devil's Advocate :p I consider Iowa Public TV to be a "local." Occasionally Nebraska Public TV carries non-football-Husker sports in HD, so the Iowa and Nebraska HD feeds at that time are different. In that case, Cox is not carrying "all the locals in HD."

(Just to let you know that I'm not too troubled by this, I am aware that both Iowa and Nebraska Public TV carry the exact same national PBS HD feed 90-something-percent of the time.)

Has there been any news regarding Cox adding TIVO service? I thought this was a big announcement earlier this year, but I cannot find anything about it. TIVO software appears to have some nice features that Passport Echo does not. (Plus maybe it would make my 6416 work better...)

BUT, are you certain that you aren't currently getting the HD stations from Cox? If your TV has a QAM tuner, you should get all of the OTA stations in HD, plus a bunch of OnDemand stations that let you see what others on your node are watching via Cox's OnDemand service (sometimes fun to watch, but risky because you are not in control of the content or guaranteed to see the end of a show). Just a note, it seems that Panasonic will not pick up the KPTM channel via Cox QAM.

You have a couple of other options too. You can purchase an external tuner that has QAM or you could get the "Digital Gateway" (6.95) from Cox plus rent the Cox Box (about 4.95) and get about 19 HD stations. This will also give you the the lower 70 channels in digital format. Sometimes that's nice, sometimes the analog channel actually looks better (the mpeg noise can be annoying).

Hope that helps you!Thanks, Bobretro. My tv specifications say the following:

Compatible Modes

NTSC/ATSC/Clear QAM 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i

So, it appears that I have QAM, I guess I'm not sure why they say Clear QAM. When I did a scan for channels, I did not receive any digital channels (although I may have cut it short). My cable is just basic with no set top box. Based on your post and what I read elsewhere, I should be able to pick up the locals, right?

I guess my node would be around 113th and just north of Harrison. Anybody else having any luck picking up HD with just a QAM and basic cable (no set top box)?

Has there been any news regarding Cox adding TIVO service? I thought this was a big announcement earlier this year, but I cannot find anything about it. TIVO software appears to have some nice features that Passport Echo does not. (Plus maybe it would make my 6416 work better...)

What features are you looking for? Comast is also working with Tivo and from I read while waiting CoxTivo it sounds like the Comcast/CoxTivo will not have all the features of a real Tivo box no MRV.

What features are you looking for? Comast is also working with Tivo and from I read while waiting CoxTivo it sounds like the Comcast/CoxTivo will not have all the features of a real Tivo box no MRV.

I don't need MRV right now but it might be nice in the future. I've briefly seen Tivo's interface and it seems cleaner than the current Cox guide...then again, I've been somewhat unhappy ever since Cox changed guides several years ago (yes, I'm aware it wasn't their choice -- their supplier went out of business).

I really like the idea of "wish list" where I can enter a phrase that the system will continually search (as opposed to the current system where I have to try the phrase over and over day after day). I'm also intrigued by the "suggested recordings" option.

I don't need MRV right now but it might be nice in the future. I've briefly seen Tivo's interface and it seems cleaner than the current Cox guide...then again, I've been somewhat unhappy ever since Cox changed guides several years ago (yes, I'm aware it wasn't their choice -- their supplier went out of business).

I really like the idea of "wish list" where I can enter a phrase that the system will continually search (as opposed to the current system where I have to try the phrase over and over day after day). I'm also intrigued by the "suggested recordings" option.

There's also talk of Cox replacing the guides on both types of boxes with the Iguide. but I just read TVguide bought out the makers of the current guides so I don't know if we will see any changes.

I want a "real" TiVo. You can upgrade the hard drive and, if you're brave, there are a number of hacks available. My hacked TiVo's have web servers, display caller ID and more.

I had asked Iowa Public TV about this and there was talk that they were going to force Cox to carry there HD (Digital feeds) as by Law all Cables systems must carry all Public TV stations if they carry even one of there SD channels. Its a special provision to protect Public TV.

There was even talks of Iowa pulling the SD feed. This was about Half a year ago. They must of worked out some kind of deal as I see the channel is still on.
Maybe they worked out an agreement to wait for new hardware and the next round of HD?

Or who knows, maybe it will be like an other KETV where someday we will wake up and the SD channel for Iowa is pulled.
I do not have up to date info on this one, sorry.

I would keep emailing them. They will answer you (be sure to mention something about not donating anymore as all you watch is HD now)

"Just to play Devil's Advocate I consider Iowa Public TV to be a "local." Occasionally Nebraska Public TV carries non-football-Husker sports in HD, so the Iowa and Nebraska HD feeds at that time are different. In that case, Cox is not carrying "all the locals in HD."

(Just to let you know that I'm not too troubled by this, I am aware that both Iowa and Nebraska Public TV carry the exact same national PBS HD feed 90-something-percent of the time.)"

I had asked Iowa Public TV about this and there was talk that they were going to force Cox to carry there HD (Digital feeds) as by Law all Cables systems must carry all Public TV stations if they carry even one of there SD channels. Its a special provision to protect Public TV.

There was even talks of Iowa pulling the SD feed. This was about Half a year ago. They must of worked out some kind of deal as I see the channel is still on.
Maybe they worked out an agreement to wait for new hardware and the next round of HD?

Or who knows, maybe it will be like an other KETV where someday we will wake up and the SD channel for Iowa is pulled.
I do not have up to date info on this one, sorry.

I would keep emailing them. They will answer you (be sure to mention something about not donating anymore as all you watch is HD now)

"Just to play Devil's Advocate I consider Iowa Public TV to be a "local." Occasionally Nebraska Public TV carries non-football-Husker sports in HD, so the Iowa and Nebraska HD feeds at that time are different. In that case, Cox is not carrying "all the locals in HD."

(Just to let you know that I'm not too troubled by this, I am aware that both Iowa and Nebraska Public TV carry the exact same national PBS HD feed 90-something-percent of the time.)"

what law?

...
I guess my node would be around 113th and just north of Harrison. Anybody else having any luck picking up HD with just a QAM and basic cable (no set top box)?

I'm a couple of miles east of you and get the HD stations. I get all except KPTM over clear QAM (unscrambled). The channels are in the 100's (even 40-5 is actually bradcast on 107). Try 105-1 and 105-2. Let your channel scan completely finish, it takes my tv about 20 minutes to finish scanning. You may need expanded basic (1-70) to get these???

I'm a couple of miles east of you and get the HD stations. I get all except KPTM over clear QAM (unscrambled). The channels are in the 100's (even 40-5 is actually bradcast on 107). Try 105-1 and 105-2. Let your channel scan completely finish, it takes my tv about 20 minutes to finish scanning. You may need expanded basic (1-70) to get these???I did the full scan last night and had some success! Thanks again for suggesting it. I got NBC and ABC but no KPTM or CBS (but I have not gone through all of the channels it found yet). I think it found more than 250 digital channels. I also got a bunch of channels that had nothing on them?? Maybe these are the on demand channels you talked about in your earlier post. We have expanded basic (1-70) I will check the others to see what else we got (i.e. in the 105 and 107 range). Thanks again for the help, Bob.

... I also got a bunch of channels that had nothing on them?? Maybe these are the on demand channels you talked about in your earlier post.
Yes, there are about 80 such channels: 94-71 - 94-80, 93-61 - 93-70, 92-51 - 92-60, 91-41 - 91 - 50, 90-31 - 90-40, 89-21 - 89-30, 88-11 - 88-20, 87-1 - 87-10. You can usually catch something on the higher sub-channels (e.g. 94-80, 93-70, etc...) but be careful if kids are around because sometimes there is R-Rated programming on.

... We have expanded basic (1-70) I will check the others to see what else we got (i.e. in the 105 and 107 range).

I had the list somewhere, I'll try and find it for you. I'm using Cox digital cable now so I forgot what the QAM channels are.

Bob

Thanks for sending the email. I know about the locals. I haven't checked recently about the rest. I will look again as soon as TiVo and SDV is resolved.

I receved a reply that said

The exact HD channels that we will be giving have not yet been released to us. Atlanta does all the negotiations and contracts, so once they are completed then we will know what channels are going to be available.

I would suggest even if you don't have cox email them and request the only way cox knows what customers want is what customers ask for.

Any chance at all we will see FSNHD (SD Channel 47) on Cox? This and Versus is what I am down to for a Wish List.

TBSHD has been a wonderful surprise.

Any chance at all we will see FSNHD (SD Channel 47) on Cox? This and Versus is what I am down to for a Wish List.

TBSHD has been a wonderful surprise.

All you you can do is request it.

My 48 new HD options through DirecTV :p:

A&E HD 265
Animal Planet HD 282
Big Ten Network HD 220
Bravo HD 273
Cartoon Network 296
Cinemax HD East 512
Cinemax HD West 514
CNN HD 202
Comcast SportsNet Chicago HD 680, 640
Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD 681, 629
Discovery Channel HD 278
ESPNews HD
Food Network HD 231-1
Fox Business Channel HD 359
FSN Detroit HD 636
FSN New York HD 624
FSN Prime Ticket HD 653
FSN Southwest HD 643
FSN West HD 652
Fuel TV HD 612
FX HD 248
HBO HD West 504
HGTV-HD 229-1
Madison Square Garden HD 621
MGM HD 255
National Geographic Channel HD 276
NBA TV HD 601-1
New England Sports Network HD
NFL Network HD 212
Sci-Fi Network HD 244
Showtime HD West 540
Smithsonian Channel HD 267
Speed Channel HD 607
SportsNet New York HD 683, 625
Starz Comedy HD 519
Starz Edge HD 522
Starz HD East 520
Starz HD West 521
Starz Kids & Family HD 518
TBS in HD 247
The History Channel HD 269
The Learning Channel HD 280
The Movie Channel HD 544
The Science Channel HD 284
The Weather Channel HD 362
USA Network HD 242
Versus HD / Golf Channel HD 604
Yankees Entertainment & Sports HD (YES) 684, 622


EdL

https://www.coxdigitaltownhall.com/S.aspx?s=2&r=8kH__Z3dJy&a=83


join the cox Digital town hall

Hi all,

been considering making a leap to Direct TV lately, and am just about to pull the trigger. I was a Direct subscriber a few years back, and was happy with them at the time, then met my wife and in the process of us consolidating homes, ended up back with Cox. I was recently excited by the fact that Cox settled their dispute with Hearst-Argyle, and added 5 more stations, but other than TBS for the playoffs, I really didn't care for those stations! Having gone through 2 HD carrier disputes now with Cox, and not having a warm fuzzy that they will even be able to remotely compete with the sattelites in the HD game, I think I'm ready.

I'm obviously doing this for the HD content that Cox does not appear to be embracing as quickly as I would like, and also picking up a few more SD channels that I want that Cox doesn't have. (NHL Network being the main one)

Any testimonials or issues from you all about it? I'm curious what others are saying about the HD lineup on Direct TV.

Thanks!

Hi all,

been considering making a leap to Direct TV lately, and am just about to pull the trigger. I was a Direct subscriber a few years back, and was happy with them at the time, then met my wife and in the process of us consolidating homes, ended up back with Cox. I was recently excited by the fact that Cox settled their dispute with Hearst-Argyle, and added 5 more stations, but other than TBS for the playoffs, I really didn't care for those stations! Having gone through 2 HD carrier disputes now with Cox, and not having a warm fuzzy that they will even be able to remotely compete with the sattelites in the HD game, I think I'm ready.

I'm obviously doing this for the HD content that Cox does not appear to be embracing as quickly as I would like, and also picking up a few more SD channels that I want that Cox doesn't have. (NHL Network being the main one)

Any testimonials or issues from you all about it? I'm curious what others are saying about the HD lineup on Direct TV.

Thanks!

It simply ROCKS! I've been with DTV for 8 years and plan on staying with them. The HD is rolling in and keeps coming.

Mike

I'm also just about ready to go back to Directv due to the large Hd offerings, Cox has added a few hd stations but they have known that Directv was going to add alot of Hd stations and have added a few and I believe they think that will be go enough, well its not even close, I'm giving Cox til Dec to match Directv hd offerings or I'm Dumping Cox.

Hi all,

been considering making a leap to Direct TV lately, and am just about to pull the trigger. I was a Direct subscriber a few years back, and was happy with them at the time, then met my wife and in the process of us consolidating homes, ended up back with Cox. I was recently excited by the fact that Cox settled their dispute with Hearst-Argyle, and added 5 more stations, but other than TBS for the playoffs, I really didn't care for those stations! Having gone through 2 HD carrier disputes now with Cox, and not having a warm fuzzy that they will even be able to remotely compete with the sattelites in the HD game, I think I'm ready.

I'm obviously doing this for the HD content that Cox does not appear to be embracing as quickly as I would like, and also picking up a few more SD channels that I want that Cox doesn't have. (NHL Network being the main one)

Any testimonials or issues from you all about it? I'm curious what others are saying about the HD lineup on Direct TV.

Thanks!

RexxRacerX,

IMHO - You get what you pay for. DirecTV costs more than Cox, but you get oodles of HDTV channels (choices - about 60+ at the moment). I recently made the switch, and I'm glad that I did.:p

EdL

RexxRacerX,

IMHO - You get what you pay for. DirecTV costs more than Cox, but you get oodles of HDTV channels (choices - about 60+ at the moment). I recently made the switch, and I'm glad that I did.:p

EdL

Ed

How many DirecTVHD channels does Cox Omaha offer a nonHD version of?

And how how many of those Does Cox offer in hd?

I have a few off topic questions:
We were watching CBSHD this weekend, football game, adn the screen seemed to slow or doing something funny, I cannot even esplain what the screen was doing really. Also out COX DVR seems to run "slow" sometimes.......also, only on ABC, when we are watching a DVR'ed show, after fast forwaring thru the commercials, sometimes when we resume the show there is no sound, we have to stop it and resume play back totally

I have a Samsung HLS6187w and have only ever used a lower end Terk antenna, It is a small loop one. I have been having some problems picking up PBS and ch15 so i did some research and everyone seems to like the new Terk indoor directional.

I bought it brought it home hooked it up and tried it out with out the power first. Picked up PBS and ch 15. I was like great up to 3 or 4 bars on my signal strength indicator.

So i powered it on thinking here we go. And i loose PBS and 15 and a few bars on my 3,6, and 7.

What gives?

DirecTV costs more than Cox, but you get oodles of HDTV channels (choices - about 60+ at the moment).

Hi. Question: How many of the HD channels on DirecTV are in true HD? It seems that many of the recently-added HD channels on Cox are not HD much of the time or are (yeccch) stretched to fill the screen.

Seems to me as if there's a rush to get every channel up-converted to HD when most of them don't have the content to make that worthwhile. So, in your opinion, is their HD programming worth it or are they just filling channels as a promotional gimmick? Thanks for the insight.

Ed

How many DirecTVHD channels does Cox Omaha offer a nonHD version of?

And how how many of those Does Cox offer in hd?

I'll take a stab at this! Here is the comparison I have found, though I don't have a comparison of HD/SD between DTV and Cox, you'll have to just eyeball that and check off which ones Cox has. There are quite a few that Cox simply doesn't cover because they are regional channels. (sports)

Cox HD:
805 - KMTV (CBS)
806 - KETV - ABC
807 - A&E HD
808 - WOWT (NBC)
809 - ESPN2 HD
810 - FOX (KPTM)
812 - NETV (PBS)
814 - NBC UNIVERSAL HD
815 HBO-HD *
819 - TNT HD
820 - Discovery Theater HD
821 - ESPN HD
823 - MOJO
824 - National Geographic HD
825 - TLC HD
826 - Discovery Channel HD
827 - TBS HD
828 - Animal Planet HD
833 - CNN HD
875 - Showtime **

DirectTV HD:
(Notes of encoding and dates added embedded)

Pre-existing MPEG2 Channels

1. ESPN HD (206/73)
2. ESPN2 HD (209/72)
3. (Discovery) HD Theater (76)
4. HDNet (79)
5. HDNet Movies (78)
6. TNT HD (245/75)
7. Universal HD (74)
8. CD USA (101)
9. HBO HD East (70/501/509)
10. Showtime HD (71/537/543)

MPEG4 RECENT ADDITIONS
Wave I Added 9/26
11. A&E HD (265)
12. Animal Planet HD (282)
13. Big Ten HD (220)
14. CNN HD (202)
15. Discovery HD (278)
16. History Channel HD (269)
17. TLC HD (280)
18. NFL Network HD (212)
19. Science Channel HD (284)
20. Smithsonian HD (267)
21. TBS HD (247)
22. Versus HD / Golf Channel HD (604)
23. Weather Channel HD (362)
24. The Movie Channel HD (544)
25. SHO Too HD (538)
26. Showtime HD West (540)
27. Starz Comedy HD (519)
28. Starz HD East (520)
29. Starz HD West (521)
30. Starz Edge HD (522)
31. Starz Kids and Family (518)

Wave II Added 10/3 & 10/4
32. Bravo (273)
33. MHD (332)
34. SCI FI (244)
35. USA Network (242)
36. Cinemax-E (512)
37. Cinemax-W (514)
38. HBO-W (504)

Wave III Added 10/10
39. CNBC (355)
40. Food HD* (231-1)
41. MGM (255)
42. National Geographic (276)

Wave IV Added on 10/15
43. Fox Business Network (359)
44. HGTV HD* (229-1)
45. FX HD (248)
46. Speed Network HD (607)
47. Fuel HD (612)
48. The Cartoon Network (296)

Regional Sports Networks
Available nationally, but local blackout rules still apply.
1. Comcast SportsNet Chicago (640)
2. Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic (629)
3. FSN Detroit (636) added 10/15
4. FSN Prime Ticket (653) added 10/15
5. FSN Southwest (643) added 10/15
6. FSN West (652) added 10/15
7. New England Sports Network (623)
8. SportsNet New York (625)
9. YES (622)

Speed, Sci-Fi, and NHL Network (I know it's SD now, but I need my hockey!) are calling me! I'm just curious if the content is there yet on these channels, or if most of the programming is in SD, or "stretched".

Anyone know of a way to get cable cards installed cheaper then $30?

Weather Now finally launched on Cox channel 123

Why is there such a fervor for Weather Now out of curiousity? We have had Weatherscan on 202 for quite some time, and it doesn't have the annoying ads all over it.

Not trying to incite flames, I'm just curious why everyone thinks this is such a big deal when we've already had the exact same thing from the Weather Channel without annoying ads and Bill Randby.

FYI. It appears that Cox performed some sort of software upgrade to the digital boxes this morning. I woke up and my box was showing a channel number instead of the time and I had no on-screen graphics (guide, info banner, etc). I called Cox and they were working on a fix. It appears that the problem is not affecting everyone.

Bob

I'm just curious why everyone thinks this is such a big deal when we've already had the exact same thing from the Weather Channel without annoying ads and Bill Randby.

Check the back messages carefully and you'll see that only one member has been climbing the walls about this. I agree with you about 202, plus I can receive 7.2 OTA when I feel the need to access it.

But, as I've said before, we each have our individual tastes in channels!

beware that if you switch to DTV that their HD recorder does not have dual live buffers and that Omaha HD will not be available for some time except OTA.

Does any one have a OTA antenna suggestion other then the Terk directional. My Terk works better with out being turned on. I might as well just use a normal antenna.

Check the back messages carefully and you'll see that only one member has been climbing the walls about this. I agree with you about 202, plus I can receive 7.2 OTA when I feel the need to access it.

But, as I've said before, we each have our individual tastes in channels!

I just like Ketv plus it's there sub channel that someone on this forum said Cox didn't want to carry. Yes it's true that weatherscan is local, but Weather Now is truly local and if you ever watched weatherscan during a severeweather event all they have is messages no local video.

Also people with cable boxes and that don't have an over the air tuner can't get it. I don't have an HDTV, but I am requesting the HD channels because I am a nice person.

Wather now also has other programming like teen kids news,Animal Atlas Classics

beware that if you switch to DTV that their HD recorder does not have dual live buffers and that Omaha HD will not be available for some time except OTA.

The buffers slightly annoys me, the OTA channels doesn't bother me at all as hooking up an antenna is simple and you get all the sub channels, etc. I had the HR10-250 which had the dlb, then upgraded to the HR20-100 which does not have them. It takes a little while to get used to, but if I never had it, it wouldn't bother me, it's just knowing what i did that causes a little sorrow.

Does any one have a OTA antenna suggestion other then the Terk directional. My Terk works better with out being turned on. I might as well just use a normal antenna.

I have the silver sensor and get all the locals without an issue...it's not powered.

KMTV's subchannel

Anyone know what's going to be on thier subchannel?

Ed

How many DirecTVHD channels does Cox Omaha offer a nonHD version of?

And how how many of those Does Cox offer in hd?

That's too hard to figure out to be precise - there are way too many channels on DirecTV. These channels are not offered by Cox at all - HDNet, HDNet Movies, MusicHD (concerts), MGMHD, Big10HD, NHLHD, MadisonSquareGardenHD, VersusHD, Variety of Fox Regional Sports show HD games. I'm sure there are a few more.


Come on Ajwees41 - Make the switch and fully utilize that HD set of yours.

EdL

That's too hard to figure out to be precise - there are way too many channels on DirecTV. These channels are not offered by Cox at all - HDNet, HDNet Movies, MusicHD (concerts), MGMHD, Big10HD, NHLHD, MadisonSquareGardenHD, VersusHD, Variety of Fox Regional Sports show HD games. I'm sure there are a few more.


Come on Ajwees41 - Make the switch and fully utilize that HD set of yours.

EdL

Why I don't have an HDTV, but the dvr cox gives out is only a HD/DVR they do not have a non hd dvr.

That's why I said we need a comparison because there are channels the DirecTV carries and Cox carries that the other doesn't, so you can't realy think they will have the same amount of HD channels.

Speed, Sci-Fi, and NHL Network (I know it's SD now, but I need my hockey!) are calling me! I'm just curious if the content is there yet on these channels, or if most of the programming is in SD, or "stretched".

Strected, stretched... Even the freaking weather channel looks good. It's crack I tell you, crack for the eyes.:D

Why I don't have an HDTV, but the dvr cox gives out is only a HD/DVR they do not have a non hd dvr.

That's why I said we need a comparison because there are channels the DirecTV carries and Cox carries that the other doesn't, so you can't realy think they will have the same amount of HD channels.

You're kidding right. The Cox DVR's work on non-HD channels & Televisions. We still have one. I have both DirecTV & Cox (for now).

EdL

You're kidding right. The Cox DVR's work on non-HD channels & Televisions. We still have one. I have both DirecTV & Cox (for now).

EdL

No I am not the cox dvr works fine on my 27inch GE tv nonHD.

KMTV's subchannel

Anyone know what's going to be on thier subchannel?
KMTV does not have any additional subchannels, nor have I seen any word or evidence they are adding one. I checked last night and this morning and only got 3.1.

As for WeatherNow, I think it was a sticking point for KETV/Hearst in their recent dispute. Yep...it's duplication for Cox customers. But KETV is selling ads for 7.2, so Cox not carrying it hurts KETV's revenue. I think KETV was holding firm on either carry our entire signal (7.2 as well as 7.1 and 7) or don't carry it at all.

KMTV does not have any additional subchannels, nor have I seen any word or evidence they are adding one. I checked last night and this morning and only got 3.1.

As for WeatherNow, I think it was a sticking point for KETV/Hearst in their recent dispute. Yep...it's duplication for Cox customers. But KETV is selling ads for 7.2, so Cox not carrying it hurts KETV's revenue. I think KETV was holding firm on either carry our entire signal (7.2 as well as 7.1 and 7) or don't carry it at all.

Weather Now was never part of the HD question Ketv wanted Cox to pay huge amounts of money for the HD signal sinal since Cox rents. In fact Weathet now the Analog 7 and 7HD were all being transmitted to Cox, but since Cox didn't have a contract for the HD or weather now they couldn't air them. This info was from both Cox and KETV, so I tend to think it was the truth.



On KMTV subchannel they are behind the times all the other local channels have subchannels.

Questions on Switch to DirectTV or DishNetwork.

Yes sometimes the shows are "stretchoVision", but that has nothing to do with Direct TV or Dish. For the most part all HD channels do show real true HDTV when it counts. Its some of the older shows that are "strethchoVision".

Believe me, you with be happy with either Dish or DirectTV when it comes to HD.

With Dishnetwork and Direct TV they will keep adding more and more new SATs so they can add more HD. Both each have an other HD sat due to lunch. Direct in Jan and Dish in June.

With Cox, you have to wait for the new technology HD switching system. Its a new type of system due to go in place for more HD, I am sure there is a technical name for it, if someone wants to research and share it with the group (name slips me right now).

Who knows if it will be delivered on time. Dec or Jan. You never know, they could run into issues and it might be JUNE. After all it is new Technology for Cox. I am still predicting they will get it in Jan 08'. So lots of new HD for Cox in Jan 08'. I do not think they will make December now- sorry.


ADDED BONUS
=============
You may get MORE local HD programing with Direct TV or Dish compared to Cox
Why? It depends on your Antenna. I put a cheap Silver Sensor in the Attic.

I get IOWA PBS HD which Cox does not have. The do sometimes show different HD than NE PBS HD, PLUS they have a Digital sub channel that shows the Best of PBS.

I also get ABC and CBS in HD from Lincoln (I live in Papillion).

Lincolns CBS HD 10.2 has an Independent channel (myTV network). I get lots of older shows that are never on 6.2 or 42.2

8.2 is also there, it is just Analog ABC. They said they have big plans for this channel next year, but wont say what it is.


AND, I dont ever have to worry about Cox getting into an other fight with KMTV or KETV. Who knows maybe WOWTV will be next to drop from Cox.

Next year I think both Direct and DIsh will have Local HD up on the SAT, but who needs it if you have an Attic Antenna.

I'm also just about ready to go back to Directv due to the large Hd offerings, Cox has added a few hd stations but they have known that Directv was going to add alot of Hd stations and have added a few and I believe they think that will be go enough, well its not even close, I'm giving Cox til Dec to match Directv hd offerings or I'm Dumping Cox.



What will you consider matching the lineup?

Like I said Cox and Directv offer different channels, so if Directv offers the Fox sports channels in HD that no Cox location offers is that one reason you would switch?

Questions on Switch to DirectTV or DishNetwork.

Yes sometimes the shows are "stretchoVision", but that has nothing to do with Direct TV or Dish. For the most part all HD channels do show real true HDTV when it counts. Its some of the older shows that are "strethchoVision".

Believe me, you with be happy with either Dish or DirectTV when it comes to HD.

With Dishnetwork and Direct TV they will keep adding more and more new SATs so they can add more HD. Both each have an other HD sat due to lunch. Direct in Jan and Dish in June.

With Cox, you have to wait for the new technology HD switching system. Its a new type of system due to go in place for more HD, I am sure there is a technical name for it, if someone wants to research and share it with the group (name slips me right now).

Who knows if it will be delivered on time. Dec or Jan. You never know, they could run into issues and it might be JUNE. After all it is new Technology for Cox. I am still predicting they will get it in Jan 08'. So lots of new HD for Cox in Jan 08'. I do not think they will make December now- sorry.


ADDED BONUS
=============
You may get MORE local HD programing with Direct TV or Dish compared to Cox
Why? It depends on your Antenna. I put a cheap Silver Sensor in the Attic.

I get IOWA PBS HD which Cox does not have. The do sometimes show different HD than NE PBS HD, PLUS they have a Digital sub channel that shows the Best of PBS.

I also get ABC and CBS in HD from Lincoln (I live in Papillion).

Lincolns CBS HD 10.2 has an Independent channel (myTV network). I get lots of older shows that are never on 6.2 or 42.2

8.2 is also there, it is just Analog ABC. They said they have big plans for this channel next year, but wont say what it is.


AND, I dont ever have to worry about Cox getting into an other fight with KMTV or KETV. Who knows maybe WOWTV will be next to drop from Cox.

Next year I think both Direct and DIsh will have Local HD up on the SAT, but who needs it if you have an Attic Antenna.

Scott you mean SDV you better hope they take longer, so they have more room to add HD channels because Tivo and Cablecard Tv's will not handle SDV.

Fox Sports Midwest HD

Today's OU vs. ISU game is being shown in HD on DirecTV. It showed up on channel 647-1 at gametime. This is a channel that only comes on to show the featured event and then will go black when it's over. Good news for Big Red and Big 12 fans. When will Cox and Time Warner have this channel?

For Big 10/11 fans there are also three games on in HD right now - ESPN and ESPN2 plus Wisconsin vs. N. Illinois on Big Ten HD channel 220. Make the switch now you won't regret it.

Dishnetwork did the same thing today for the Fox Sports and Big 10 Network HD Channels.

They only showed HD content on the HD channel when there are HD games on.

You use the SD channel the rest of the day with the SD content is on, no need to waist bandwidth.

Point us Dish and Direct TV both have the HD content when it counts.

OK - Here is what I am getting now on QAM through Cox (unabridged list. Obviously, some are going to be forgotten):

6.1 WOWT HD
7.1 KETV HD
40.5 NET HD
72.10 6.2.O
72.11 Weather Now
78.15 Some weird radio channel (no picture)
82.12 InDemand Previews
104.12 InDemand Previews
105.1 KMTV HD
105.2 KXVO HD
111.3 NET3 (CreateTV)
114.7 InDemand Previews
116.1 SportsZone
116.2 NewsZone
116.3 KidsZone
117.1 NBA League Pass Preview

All of the usually blank InDemand channels that appeared from the upper 80s to the 90s appear to be gone.

My question - where is KPTM FOX42 on the QAM tuner. I would really like to watch the ALCS in HD.

Direct TV sues Cox over AD on who has the better HD quality.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6492611.html?industryid=47194

I have not seen it yet, but heard all the new Direct TV HD channels now are using MPEG4 which makes the quality the same now. Before they had HD Lite.

My question - where is KPTM FOX42 on the QAM tuner. I would really like to watch the ALCS in HD.

My guess is that you have a Panasonic TV. When I had an LG TV (before I returned it and exchanged it for a Panasonic) I could get KPTM HD. I went to the Mart and tried their Panasonics, they didn't get KPTM, but the LGs do. I tried the digital tuner bios upgrade, but it didn't help.

Bob

FYI. It appears that Cox performed some sort of software upgrade to the digital boxes this morning. I woke up and my box was showing a channel number instead of the time and I had no on-screen graphics (guide, info banner, etc). I called Cox and they were working on a fix. It appears that the problem is not affecting everyone.

Bob

My box did that and then it came back up on Thursday, but ESPNHD wasn't coming in. It would just show a black screen. On Saturday my box started saying I needed to subscribe to channels 1-5 and 12. I called them and they were telling me it was a signal problem.

Today I decided to switch out the box because I was pretty sure that it was the cause. I just hooked it up an hour ago and it was fine. 30 minutes ago it reset itself and it is now only showing the channel number. I told them about the update problem this last week but they said that it isn't that causing my box to only show the channel number.... BS...

[QUOTE=BPHusker;11995281]My box did that and then it came back up on Thursday, but ESPNHD wasn't coming in. It would just show a black screen. On Saturday my box started saying I needed to subscribe to channels 1-5 and 12. I called them and they were telling me it was a signal problem.

Today I decided to switch out the box because I was pretty sure that it was the cause. I just hooked it up an hour ago and it was fine. 30 minutes ago it reset itself and it is now only showing the channel number. I told them about the update problem this last week but they said that it isn't that causing my box to only show the channel number.... BS...[/

did you get the signals checked? What model of box did you get? When you say the time do you mean that after it was hooked up for 30 minutes it back to what the old box was doing? If the cable that goes to the box is going through a spliter change the spliter and see if that will help. We had the same thing and a new spliter fixed it.

My box was totally fine until this crazy update last Wednesday. After it seemed to be fixed, some channels wouldn't come in. They told me it was a signal problem, but I knew it wasn't the problem because the channels that were out (1-5, 12) came in just fine on my roommates' TVs.

I got a new box today and everything seemed to be great, until it received an update from COX, restarted and the same problems that I was having on Wednesday with the old box.

I don't have it hooked into any splitters; it goes straight from the wall to the box.

My box was totally fine until this crazy update last Wednesday. After it seemed to be fixed, some channels wouldn't come in. They told me it was a signal problem, but I knew it wasn't the problem because the channels that were out (1-5, 12) came in just fine on my roommates' TVs.

I got a new box today and everything seemed to be great, until it received an update from COX, restarted and the same problems that I was having on Wednesday with the old box.

I don't have it hooked into any splitters; it goes straight from the wall to the box.

What model box was it a dvr or hd or regular? There could be signal problem not with the channels, but with the frequencies the box uses that why I suggested a signal check.

can you post your signal levels on the box.

I woke up this morning and the box was fine.... Very interesting.... So far it has been fine for the past 8 hours or so. Hopefully there won't be any issues now.

Hdtv/DVR issues, Last Saturday I went to watch some College Football and I noticed my Dvr box had no time displayed, I powered it on and it displayed channel only and no guide and when changing channels it was really slow, I powered off my dvr and then I unplugged my dvr and then plugged it back in and the dvr reloaded and everything has been fine since.

Hdtv/DVR issues, Last Saturday I went to watch some College Football and I noticed my Dvr box had no time displayed, I powered it on and it displayed channel only and no guide and when changing channels it was really slow, I powered off my dvr and then I unplugged my dvr and then plugged it back in and the dvr reloaded and everything has been fine since.

even though it seems to be fixed I would still contact cox so they have a record and may if enough people complain with there problems if they are signal related they will get fixed, or what I think most of the are do to the guide software on the boxes. If enough people complain maybe we can get them to give better service, not just more HD, but better software.

FWIW: Someone was talking about a list of HD channels and what cox has. I found this list of, I guess all HD, on CNET, I'm not sure if it's up to date or not. I know most of what I watch is on this list. If cox had all these I would be very happy.

BROADCAST

ABC
CBS
Fox
NBC
PBS
The CW

CABLE/SATELLITE

A&E HD
Animal Planet HD
Cinemax HD
Discovery HD
Discovery HD Theater
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD
The Food Network HD
Golf Channel HD
HBO HDTV
HDNet
HDNet Movies
HGTV HD The History Channel HD
MHD
Mojo
The Movie Channel HD
The National Geographic Channel HD
NBA HD
NFL Network HD
Showtime HD
Starz HD
The Science Channel HD
TLC HD
TNT HD
Universal HD
Versus HD

KETV-DT will be off the air for a couple more hours, we are replacing all the strobe lights on the tower, the tower crew is working near the DTV antenna.

Cox Cable subscribers will not be affected.

It's always amazed me people get up there. Do they ever take a digital camera? That has to be a good view on a nice clear day.

Anyone know if Cox is gonna add FSNHD anytime soon?

Fsn-Hd, I wish Cox would add this only when hd content was being shown( maybe a shared channel with NFL network hd, Versus hd, Fsn hd,currently Fsn-hd has very little hd programming, it appears NU vs Kansas will be on Fsn-hd next Sat.

Anyone know if Cox is gonna add FSNHD anytime soon?

why don't you ask them and mention that the huskers will be on and Omaha cox customers will not be able to see it.

why don't you ask them and mention that the huskers will be on and Omaha cox customers will not be able to see it.

I just happened to e-mail Cox today to ask about the HD signal for the Nebraska/Kansas game this coming weekend and got this response--Sounds like they will be offering the HD signal of the game to customers.
------------------------------------------------------
Dear Valued Cox Customer:

Thank you for your inquiry.

At this time we will be be providing the game in HD.

Thank you for choosing Cox Communications as Your Friend in the Digital
Age!

Cox Omaha E-care Team

I just happened to e-mail Cox today to ask about the HD signal for the Nebraska/Kansas game this coming weekend and got this response--Sounds like they will be offering the HD signal of the game to customers.
------------------------------------------------------
Dear Valued Cox Customer:

Thank you for your inquiry.

At this time we will be be providing the game in HD.

Thank you for choosing Cox Communications as Your Friend in the Digital
Age!

Cox Omaha E-care Team

did they say what channel it would be on?

did they say what channel it would be on?

When I e-mailed back asking the channel, I was then informed that they told me wrong and that indeed they are not providing the HD signal for the game. Sorry they gave me the wrong information. I thought maybe they were actually stepping up to the plate.

When I e-mailed back asking the channel, I was then informed that they told me wrong and that indeed they are not providing the HD signal for the game. Sorry they gave me the wrong information. I thought maybe they were actually stepping up to the plate.

that first email you posted sounded like the response they sent out when Cox and Hearst Argyle made the deal to provide the HD signal to Cox for the USC game.

Anyone hear anything on new channels or new services comming to cox?

Remember, Remember... the 6th of November!

I did it, finally pulled the trigger on my order for Direct TV.

I have done quite a bit of research, and like the direction DTV is headed, so i am making the plunge. I have emailed Cox now on 3 occasions asking about their direction for HD service, along with asking if they have plans to pick up other regional sports networks, and NHL Network. All answers were canned and absolutely meaningless. So, as of November 6th, I am switching to Direct TV.

I just wish I would have done this a week sooner so I could watch the game this weekend in HD!

Remember, Remember... the 6th of November!

I did it, finally pulled the trigger on my order for Direct TV.

I have done quite a bit of research, and like the direction DTV is headed, so i am making the plunge. I have emailed Cox now on 3 occasions asking about their direction for HD service, along with asking if they have plans to pick up other regional sports networks, and NHL Network. All answers were canned and absolutely meaningless. So, as of November 6th, I am switching to Direct TV.

I just wish I would have done this a week sooner so I could watch the game this weekend in HD!


Rex, I'm a Dish subscriber and am thinking going Directv myself. Dish is slow on getting the new HD channels on. The HD fee w/ Dish is $20/mo as opposed to Directv with $9.99/mo. My contract when I got my 622 is over and I think it's time for a change.

Has anybody else switched from Dish to Direct?

I live in midtown and have been using the indoor Terk but have had limited success. I can't get KPTM-DT and the local channels can cut out at times.

Can anyone advise me on a quality outdoor antenna? I have been looking at the Channel Master products. Specifically, I'd like to know if you've had success with a multi-directional that would pick up omaha locals and IPTV.

Many thanks for your help and thanks for all the helpful information on this thread.

Mike

Not sure if this is the right place or not, but when I am watched a recorded show on the DVR sometimes when I fast forward thru the commercials and get to the next show segment, there is no sounds, seems to be happening only on ABC....any ideas?? I have to stop the playback save it and then go back in and resume playback and it is fine

Not sure if this is the right place or not, but when I am watched a recorded show on the DVR sometimes when I fast forward thru the commercials and get to the next show segment, there is no sounds, seems to be happening only on ABC....any ideas?? I have to stop the playback save it and then go back in and resume playback and it is fine

I get this frequently after skipping forward or back. It's a known problem that's been around for quite a while. Pressing the DVR remote's mute button twice will get the sound back. This won't work, however, if you've programmed your remote to control volume through your TV or receiver since the mute button no longer controls the DVR. I use a universal remote and have programmed a separate button for the DVR mute command.

We do not use the DVR remote to control volume

We do not use the DVR remote to control volume

Then pressing the mute button should work for you.

Actually, Omaha locals will be launched by mid December. If anyone needs a quality installation of DirecTV please send me an email. linerunner5@yahoo.com

We are local authorized DirecTV dealer, and I'll make sure you get a quality installation from a local installer. Mention the forum and I'll throw in some custom labor at no charge.

Directv will have over 100 HD channels including locals by 2009.

FWIW: Someone was talking about a list of HD channels and what cox has. I found this list of, I guess all HD, on CNET, I'm not sure if it's up to date or not. I know most of what I watch is on this list. If cox had all these I would be very happy.

BROADCAST

ABC
CBS
Fox
NBC
PBS
The CW

CABLE/SATELLITE
snip...


Here is the most recent list for D* from:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=97211


* NBA TV (Channel 601)
* NHL Network (Channel 215)
* Cartoon Network (Channel 296)
* Fox Business (Channel 359)
* Fuel TV (Channel 612)
* FX (Channel 248)
* HGTV (Channel 229-1)
* Speed (Channel 607)

Regional Sports Networks:

* FSN Detroit (Channel 636)
* FSN Southwest (Channel 643)
* FSN West (Channel 652)
* FSN Prime Ticket (Channel 653)


7 PPV Channels: 135, 136, 137, 138, 145, 146, 147

* Food Network (Channel 231-1)
* MGM (Channel 255)
* National Geographic (Channel 276)
* CNBC (Channel 355)
* A&E (Channel 265)
* Animal Planet (Channel 282)
* Big Ten Network (Channel 220)
* CNN (Channel 202)
* The Discovery Channel (Channel 278)
* The History Channel (Channel 269)
* The Movie Channel East (Channel 544)
* NFL Network (Channel 212)
* Showtime West (Channel 540)
* Showtime too (Channel 538)
* The Smithsonian Channel (Channel 267)
* The Science Channel (Channel 284)
* Starz Comedy (Channel 519)
* Starz East (Channel 522)
* Starz West (Channel 521)
* Starz Edge (Channel 520)
* Starz Kids and Family (Channel 518)
* TBS (Channel 247)
* TLC (Channel 280)
* Versus / The Golf Channel (Channel 604)
* The Weather Channel (Channel 362)


edit : forgot a couple of new ones, I think thats all of them however there may be more RSNs

Here is the most recent list for D* from:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=97211


* NBA TV (Channel 601)
* NHL Network (Channel 215)
* Cartoon Network (Channel 296)
* Fox Business (Channel 359)
* Fuel TV (Channel 612)
* FX (Channel 248)
* HGTV (Channel 229-1)
* Speed (Channel 607)

Regional Sports Networks:

* FSN Detroit (Channel 636)
* FSN Southwest (Channel 643)
* FSN West (Channel 652)
* FSN Prime Ticket (Channel 653)


7 PPV Channels: 135, 136, 137, 138, 145, 146, 147

* Food Network (Channel 231-1)
* MGM (Channel 255)
* National Geographic (Channel 276)
* CNBC (Channel 355)
* A&E (Channel 265)
* Animal Planet (Channel 282)
* Big Ten Network (Channel 220)
* CNN (Channel 202)
* The Discovery Channel (Channel 278)
* The History Channel (Channel 269)
* The Movie Channel East (Channel 544)
* NFL Network (Channel 212)
* Showtime West (Channel 540)
* Showtime too (Channel 538)
* The Smithsonian Channel (Channel 267)
* The Science Channel (Channel 284)
* Starz Comedy (Channel 519)
* Starz East (Channel 522)
* Starz West (Channel 521)
* Starz Edge (Channel 520)
* Starz Kids and Family (Channel 518)
* TBS (Channel 247)
* TLC (Channel 280)
* Versus / The Golf Channel (Channel 604)
* The Weather Channel (Channel 362)


edit : forgot a couple of new ones, I think thats all of them however there may be more RSNs


like I said before If Cox or the Satelite company doesn't carry a certain channel that shouldn't count

I would like Omaha to add a few fsn channels and include starz in with the Encore package like satelite, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

The Direct TV install is complete, and I can't be happier. I had a good size job for the installer to do, and it took him 5 hours to complete it. he was a nice guy, listened to all my concerns, answered all of my retarded questions, and i was very pleasantly surprised to find out the install horror stories are exaggerated.

I feared the hook up to my media center PC and slingbox, and both went without a hitch.

I also heard various complaints about the interface and remote navigation, and I have no problem with it so far in the .75 days I've been playing with it. the on screen guide is much better than Aptiv, or whatever it is Cox uses. (I think that's it) Only gripe about the remote is that it doesn't have a code to control 1 of my 6 TV's, and this one is a DVD/VCR/TV combo, so 2 remotes necessary, or a diff universal.

On the DVR models, there is a media sharing system that allows you to play .mp3 files and also view pictures stored on your network. This worked without a hitch on both units, and future plans to include video are in the works. Doesn't look like there's anything to work with DRM though, so protected stuff isn't seen at all.

Caller ID on screen is neat, and I already love that feature. never thought I would, but it's nice!

Many XM stations available via sattellite, this allows me to move my XM mini receiver away from the theatre and use elsewhere. I typically moved it between the house and garage for outdoor speakers, now I can just leave it in the garage.

Local HD channels I need a better solution than my powered Phillips rabbit ears, but the installer said that local HD should be in the Omaha market by years end. SD locals are all there, supplied through Direct TV and there's actually more than Cox provides in the PBS range.

My only dislikes so far are:

That we lost a couple channels of Cinemax, but we don't watch that too much anyways, and we do still have 3 Cinemax for the times HBO releases stuff there first.

Loss of On Demand - we watch and rewatch countless hours of Nick on demand for our youngest. DVR should solve this problem once we get the same shows in it though.

Local Channels, need an interim solution that's better than what I currently have, but I can live a month without them, I rarely watch network TV unless it's sports, Lost, or Heroes due to the absolute void of content. (And Heroes I can catch on UHD in HD on the weekend) Just to clarify, the SD channels are provided, it's HD locals I am dealing with.


I will post here occasionally to update you all on future findings.

Nice report, for those of us who have never had satellite TV. Thanks.

Only gripe about the remote is that it doesn't have a code to control 1 of my 6 TV's

Could you please share what setup you have, and what the extra costs are, to accommodate the additional 5 TVs? Can each TV be watching something different? Are there restrictions? Stuff like that.

I've always had difficulty comparing this with Cox (where it's simple -- just plug in the TV) vs. Dish & Direct.

Thanks!

[QUOTE=
Could you please share what setup you have, and what the extra costs are, to accommodate the additional 5 TVs? Can each TV be watching something different? Are there restrictions? Stuff like that.
Thanks![/QUOTE]

Sure Gary, I'd be happy to, but first let me qualify that I am by NO MEANS an expert after having this for a day and a half again now!

First, in order to get a signal from the dish, and have an independent picture, you need a box on every TV where you want to view it. The Dish is roughhly 1.5 feetX 3 feet, and is the newer 5 LNB dish. This dish has 4 coax outputs, that run into a 8 port multiswitch for distribution through the house. We ran all the coax in to where Cox had run all the coax, and removed their 700 splitters to reuse that coax. We required 3 new coax runs for the DVR dual tuner, and I will outline those below in the individual boxes. I asked my installer what the biggest job he ever did was, and he said once he did 16 DVR boxes, which require 2 coax lines each! My install consisted of the following:

1 HD DVR in the Family room, connected via component to the 61" HDTV, my TV is getting long in the tooth and doesn't have DVI/HDMI. Used 1 coax from cable, ran new coax in ceiling of unfinished basement from multiswitch to where tv is located.

1 HD DVR in the Master bedroom, connected via Svideo to the 42" SDTV, also older, but this TV cost me a fortune back in the day and I'm going to milk it for all it's worth! Used 1 coax from cable, ran new coax from multiswitch externally to wall where TV is located.

1 regular box in garage, hooked to a 27" Sylvania SDTV/DVD/VCR combo. This required a new coax run. My garage is my sanctuary, as weird as that might sound.

1 regular box in bedroom 2, hooked to 21" SDTV. Used Cox coax.

1 regular box in bedroom 3/office, hooked to slingbox and Media Center PC. (24" LCD) Used Cox coax, and requires 2 IR Blasters to control with media Center Remote, and for Slingplayer remote.

1 regular box in living room, hooked to Replay TV and 32" SDTV. Used existing coax for this run. This is our 2 year old's primary viewing location, and in 1 day I have the content he watches stored in the DVR. I have not been able to locate a IR code for the Replay TV to control the box as of yet, project for the weekend! 1 IR blaster installed and ready to go though.

In my setup, we have 6 boxes, which can view simultaneously independent channels, and in addition the 2 DVR boxes can view 1 channel and record another simultaneously. (so 8 seperate simultaneously for those that didn't catch that) The 2 DVR boxes also are hooked up via ethernet to my network, and can view pics and play music off networked computers.

Pricing, what can I tell you? This wasn't about price for me, but getting the best service.

The Premeire package (PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING) is $99.99/month, but $69.99/month for 3 months

HD access is $9.99/month

DVR service is $5.99/month

lease on boxes is $4.99/month each ($24.95/month for all)

installation service was free, but I tipped the guy generously

HD DVR's cost $299.00/each, but you get a $100.00 rebate on one.

DirecTV on Demand was just activated on my box (HR20-100) yesterday finally, and so far it looks to be pretty cool. You should have it soon, depending on your box.

Mike

Thanks Mike,

I noticed the menu item last night, but it doesn't do anything yet for me. :)

Good to know it's coming soon.

Check again tonight. It should be populated by now with a lot of stuff. It may take awhile to get everything to show.

Mike

Still not working on either of my HR20-700's.

menu item is there, but when selected it just says, "1000 (DTV) is currently not available."

Thanks, Rexx! Lots of good information there. I'm not 100% sure that I understand your description of the cabling but that's okay.

You are spending somewhat more on TV services than I spend per month. (I spend a lot with Cox, but much of it is tied up in phone and Internet services.) Still, this is good info to finally have and I thank you for sharing.

Do you have your satellite box hooked up to the internet?

I have been trying it ever since the menu item popped up, and it just started working a few hours ago! (Had to perform a reset on one DVR)

INCREDIBLE selection of items in there, about 4X what we had with Cox a week ago!

How does this work? Does it send a trigger over ethernet, then download it over satellite? Are there plans to add this functionality to the D11 boxes? Or streaming from the DVR to them or something? I do not believe that those have ethernet ports on them, and I don't have any of them connected via phone lines either. This seems to be a better solution than what Cox implements if it works like I think, as we typically rewatch the same shows for my son often. Direct TV adds the show to your box locally rather than getting it each and every time like Cox. That has to be an incredible waste of bandwidth for them in "rewatch" situations.

On Demand seems to pop up when you do the network configuration via ethernet, or at least that was my experience with my 2 boxes. I had to do a reset on 1 box before it would actually work, it was still getting the message i noted above.

I think I made the switch at just the right time, and am VERY happy with all the features that I didn't even know about, let alone the actual service itself!

It downloads from the internet to your DVR. It is "triggered" by the DVR. No phone line needed.

Cox Omaha has HD Movies on Demand

only one title, but it's a start $5.95 for HD movie

OK this is more like 40X what we had with Cox... just a rediculous amount of On Demand to wade thru.

DirectTV also has an HD On Demand section, no titles yet though and no pricing information.

I moved my powered rabbit ears away from the home theatre, into a room on the front of our house, facing the towers with a long run of coax coming from them. I also turned off the power on them, and amazingly I can get all stations but 42-1 in now, with very good reception on all channels. I can live with this and having SD KPTM until Direct TV offers local HD stations.

I didn't even know there was a 6-2 until today! haha

I also just switched to Direct TV. Very happy so far.

=======THEY NOW HAVE VIDEO ON DEMAND over the Internet=========

Here is more helpfull info in case you decide to switch.

http://www.directv.com/dod/dod.html

- Its new, its in Beta, but it works good.

- If you sign up make sure you get an HR20 and not an HR21 HD DVR. The HR21 can not do over the air HD and the HR21 is not in the On Demand over IP beta yet. The over the air option in the receiver is good to have backup in case KETV pulls an other Cox cable thing and decides to pull there HD feed from Cox or Direct TV in the future.

- There are over 2,000 ON DEMAND over IP shows just like with Cox. You have to connect your own Internet cable (the installers do not do this) and it takes about week for Direct TV to turn it on remotely after they see you are connected to the internet.

- ON Demand is free if you subscribe to the normal channel.

- They also have PayPer-View on Demand

- HD on Demand was tested, early, it works, but there is no content in the beta right now.

- Remember this is a new Beta with Direct TV.

Scott what are some of the channels that they will offer ondemand?


Will they have music videos ondemand?

Private message me if anyone wants to sign up. For referrals of new customers (you can never of had Direct TV before) you get an extra $50 credit on your bill and so do I.

Direct TV is the one track for HD these days. I see lots of buz on the web that 20 more national HD channels will be added this Wednesday (some regional Sports next and some National Majors) They are still saying 100 National HDs by the end of the year with more Local HD stations in many markets. ALL THIS and they still have ONE MORE HD Sat that is due to go up in Jan 08 Direct TV Sat #11 (probably for more HD locals).

New Direct TV on Demand (Beta)

How many shows are avl?
======================
There are over 2,000 recordings in the system today more are added all the time.
More channels are added also.
Since its a public beta they add and remove some all the time.
I hear they plan for 3,000 shows by Jan

Music Videos
===============
As of today they do have a new Concert TV for Videos on demand plus all the MTV ones, but they have few videos.
There is a HD Section in the search but the HD content was removed in the test.

Channel numbers made easy
=========================
For the channel number you just add a 1 on the guide so if something is on channel 380 you go to 1380 for on demand


What they have as of today
=============================

Movies: Starz ENCore Show TCM FMC No HBO yet (I hear Jan 08)


Sports: Big 10 network Vrs Speed (NFL only with NFL package)

Misc: CNN STYLE E! TNT COURTV TBS COMEDY FOXREALITY LOGO A&E HIST NATGEO TRAVLE DISCOVERY DISCOVERYHEALT TLC ANIMALPLANET DISCVTIMES MILITARY DISCKIDS CARTOONNET BOOMERAGE NOGGIN NICK THE_N G4 ADULTSWIM


Music: CMT BET MTV MTV3 VH1 VH1 CLASIC FUSE MTV2

PayPer View (things that cost)

Seems to be $2.99 for old and 3.99 for current Movies just like wants on Cox and Dish PPV
The key is you can DOWNLOAD PPV and NOT GET CHARGED FOR IT until you watch it according to the On Demand Tutorial video


I talked to a Direct TV Advanced tech last night on there 1-800 line. He even had a relative in La Vista. He was real helpful.

DIRECTV launched 23 more HD Channels today:

Full Time National Channels:

299: Nickelodeon (NIK1HD)
325: Spike HD
327: Country Music Television (CMTHD)
331: MTV HD
335: VH1 HD

Games Only Regional Sports Networks:

620-1: Comcast Sports Net New England HD
630-1: FSN South HD
631-1: SportsSouth HD
632-1: Sun Sports HD
634-1: FSN Florida HD
637-1: FSN Ohio HD
638-1: FSN Cincinnati HD
641-1: FSN North HD
644-1: Altitude HD
645-1: FSN Rocky Mountain HD
649-1: FSN Arizona HD
651-1: FSN Northwest HD
654-1: FSN Bay Area HD

...plus five more HD pay-per-view channels! (all showing different content, not 30 minute shifts)
175 PPVHD
176 PPVHD
177 PPVHD
178 PPVHD
179 PPVHD

Is anybody having trouble w/ Dolby Digital not working right on certain channels? When I watch FX-HD, the audio cuts in and out constantly. The audio dropouts do not happen when I watch most of the other HD stations that broadcast in Dolby Digital.

We have COX and the DVR box, where do I find a list of all the HD channels? I really only know about the ones 800 and above....usualy stop at 821 (espn)

We have COX and the DVR box, where do I find a list of all the HD channels? I really only know about the ones 800 and above....usualy stop at 821 (espn)

channels in 800's except for 802-803 are HD they ar listed in the onscreen guide

http://www.cox.com/omaha/digitalcable/hdtv/hdchannels.asp

Then pressing the mute button should work for you.

I get this frequently after skipping forward or back. It's a known problem that's been around for quite a while. Pressing the DVR remote's mute button twice will get the sound back. This won't work, however, if you've programmed your remote to control volume through your TV or receiver since the mute button no longer controls the DVR. I use a universal remote and have programmed a separate button for the DVR mute command.

We have tried this several times and I cannot seem to get it to work

KETVHD to move to 709

http://cityweeklymediawatch.blogspot.com/2007/11/ketv-hd-moving-down-dial.html

I'm wondering what Hd channels Cox is going to add? They need to add Hd stations asap, They have fallen so far behind in Hd to Dishtv and Directv.

I'm wondering what Hd channels Cox is going to add? They need to add Hd stations asap, They have fallen so far behind in Hd to Dishtv and Directv.

no additions they are just moving the ESPN digital channels by ESPNU and moving the local sub channels to the 100 tier

HD channels are the ones that are totally rearranging

If I have a show programmed on my Cox DVR to record from, say, channel 806, will that recording automatically be changed to record on 709 after the channel switch, or will I have to manually make those changes?

And (just out of curiosity) how would this be handled for channel changes with similar units from Dish, DirecTV, or TIVO?

If I have a show programmed on my Cox DVR to record from, say, channel 806, will that recording automatically be changed to record on 709 after the channel switch, or will I have to manually make those changes?

And (just out of curiosity) how would this be handled for channel changes with similar units from Dish, DirecTV, or TIVO?

The cox dvr's should have no problems. The only other box it would affect are the Tivo S3 or TivoHD since Dish and Directv don't use cable.

The cox dvr's should have no problems. The only other box it would affect are the Tivo S3 or TivoHD since Dish and Directv don't use cable.

Regarding the Cox DVR, thats good news if it's accurate. Are you making the assumption or do you have technical information from Cox that confirms that? If so, could you please give the technical explanation why they should have no problem? Will the units be reprogrammed to remap to the new channels or will this be done at the headend?

Regarding the Dish and DirecTV units, I don't understand your response. My question was related to how Dish and DirecTV boxes are affected by channel changes of Dish and DirecTV, respectively. Of course they aren't related to Cox changes.

Regarding the Cox DVR, thats good news if it's accurate. Are you making the assumption or do you have technical information from Cox that confirms that? If so, could you please give the technical explanation why they should have no problem? Will the units be reprogrammed to remap to the new channels or will this be done at the headend?

Regarding the Dish and DirecTV units, I don't understand your response. My question was related to how Dish and DirecTV boxes are affected by channel changes of Dish and DirecTV, respectively. Of course they aren't related to Cox changes.



When there were changes before the cox digital dvr boxes just reflected the changes, so shouldn't be any problems.

I wonder is this is the first step to adding charges for an HD tier/s. In other news, the power company cut down a few trees and I think I have a clear path for DirectTV. now!

I wonder is this is the first step to adding charges for an HD tier/s. In other news, the power company cut down a few trees and I think I have a clear path for DirectTV. now!

Here is what I think if you take a look at the links I posted the HD versions on the analog tier channels are now in the 700's while the HD versions of the digital channels are in the 800's. A&EHD and Discovery ChannelHD and TLCHD are the exceptions they are in the 800 tier.

They are just grouping them together. The only thing I don't understand moving EncoreWAM to 260 from 289.

This is an assumption post, so I would like to know the official answer as well! :)

Now that I have that qualified, I believe that all DVR's function by searching for keywords in the title primarily, and would not be affected by channel changes. On some boxes, I have seen a "record only on channel x" option (I believe my Replay TV has this, for example) and that is where I think this moving of channels would be impactive. If you have the ability to only record on a channel, I would make sure you verify your "TO DO" queue after the channel lineup change to ensure no loss of recording will occur. Probably a safe and wise idea to do either way.

Does anyone know any other tricks on how to fix the no sound issue we are having with KETV? When we are re playing a show from the DVR that we recorded on KETV, sometimes when we fast forward thru the commercials, when we hit play there is no sound. Some one suggested we hit mute on the DVR remote twice but that does not work

Does anyone know any other tricks on how to fix the no sound issue we are having with KETV? When we are re playing a show from the DVR that we recorded on KETV, sometimes when we fast forward thru the commercials, when we hit play there is no sound. Some one suggested we hit mute on the DVR remote twice but that does not work

What model of the dvr do you have? if you rewind it and play does the the sound come back?

last thing to try is rebooting the dvr by holding the power button in until it says boot on the front panel.

Cox keeps saying they are adding HD channels. I've seen nothing from them to show me they are. On the other hand DIRECTV adds them daily. Is it really too much to ask for to get FSNHD & NFLNetwork HD?

Cox keeps saying they are adding HD channels. I've seen nothing from them to show me they are. On the other hand DIRECTV adds them daily. Is it really too much to ask for to get FSNHD & NFLNetwork HD?

Where does cox say that?

Why don't you call or email and request them and see what they say?

I would have to check on the model, it is newer, we just exchanged it this summer and no rewinding does nothing to fix it

What would be a good HD antenna in Lincoln. I live around 84th and A. I'm looking at the Phillips MANT950 since it's not too pricey and has had some good reviews.

Where does cox say that?

Why don't you call or email and request them and see what they say?

Their reps tell me that when I call them.

Has anybody else lost HD over QAM tuner? I was getting HD over basic cable (Cox). This morning at about 7:30 it's not available??? I can still get them OTA. Anyone else run into this?

Where does cox say that?

Why don't you call or email and request them and see what they say?

They say it in their national commercials quite often. Or, I should say, Digital Max says it.

I tried emailing them to no avail before I switched, good luck with getting any info out of them.

They say it in their national commercials quite often. Or, I should say, Digital Max says it.

I tried emailing them to no avail before I switched, good luck with getting any info out of them.

I have never seen the HD Digital Max commercial, but I have seen the Generation Cox is comming.

If WOWT channel 6 is monitoring this thread... The Incredibles was an HD showing and you failed to relay the HD feed. We ended up not watching because of this. Life's too short to waste it on SD programming. :)

The good news is that Saturday evening is an encore presentation of the movie, which undoubtedly will be available in HD. Please be ready for this one! :)

Life's too short to waste it on SD programming. :)

I agree that life's too short, but I wonder about "wasting" it on SD programming. If we had nothing to compare HD to, would we really appreciate HD as much? For instance, I still watch a lot of SD programming* and when I do catch something in HD, it's a special treat for me. Sort of like, if everyday was Thanksgiving, we wouldn't enjoy the feast so much (or something like that...)

*Heck, I still watch old videotapes and B&W programs if that's what I want to watch at the moment. It's the content that primarily interests me. Not that I don't appreciate HD -- I do! -- but it's just an enhancement.

And, yes, I saw the :) at the end of your comment -- but I just had to jump in and respond. :rolleyes:

Has anybody else lost HD over QAM tuner? I was getting HD over basic cable (Cox). This morning at about 7:30 it's not available??? I can still get them OTA. Anyone else run into this?
Got it back. Had do a channel scan several times. It seems to be working now.

This thread is huge and has a lot in it so I apologize if this has been asked many times before. I recently re-did my auto program for my channels on my standard cox cable. It added 6-1 (WOWT HD) and 7-1 (KETV HD). Are there any other channels that I should be getting in HD? Preferably Fox or discovery?

This thread is huge and has a lot in it so I apologize if this has been asked many times before. I recently re-did my auto program for my channels on my standard cox cable. It added 6-1 (WOWT HD) and 7-1 (KETV HD). Are there any other channels that I should be getting in HD? Preferably Fox or discovery?

You should get fox, but will need a cable card, or box for discovery since it's encrypted.

Would you happen to know what channel Fox comes in at? WOWT HD (NBC) is 6-1, KETV HD (ABC) is 7-1, CBS is 105-1, and The CW HD is 105-2

Would you happen to know what channel Fox comes in at? WOWT HD (NBC) is 6-1, KETV HD (ABC) is 7-1, CBS is 105-1, and The CW HD is 105-2

no I don't, but others might.

Fox is 107-1 on my JVC television. This weekend I purchased a Samsung 42" plasma, brought it home and ran auto set-up, and it WILL NOT FIND channel 107-1 (Fox). This is driving me crazy since my JVC tunes it in with no problems. Any ideas on what the problem is? (I'm viewing HD channels only using basic cable from Cox, and I used HRC setting to set up my Samsung)

SDV tuning resolver (http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/26/switched-video-on-cable-coming-to-tivo-in-2008/) for TiVo should be available in Q2 2008.

Fox is 107-1 on my JVC television. This weekend I purchased a Samsung 42" plasma, brought it home and ran auto set-up, and it WILL NOT FIND channel 107-1 (Fox). This is driving me crazy since my JVC tunes it in with no problems. Any ideas on what the problem is? (I'm viewing HD channels only using basic cable from Cox, and I used HRC setting to set up my Samsung)

try setting it to Qam and see if that fixes it

Fox is 107-1 on my JVC television. This weekend I purchased a Samsung 42" plasma, brought it home and ran auto set-up, and it WILL NOT FIND channel 107-1 (Fox). This is driving me crazy since my JVC tunes it in with no problems. Any ideas on what the problem is? (I'm viewing HD channels only using basic cable from Cox, and I used HRC setting to set up my Samsung)

Mine is a 42" samsung plasma and I am having the same issue for fox using cox basic cable and setting up with HRC.
How do I do the QAM setting?

FWIW, I have switched over from Dish's HD package to Directv's. For those of us in Central Nebraska, it's alot better than Dish for watching the local digital signals. I had emailed Dish many times trying to get them to add the guide info for KGIN-DT's CBS HD signal and their My Network sub station, just like they have for KOLN's two digital signals. This makes it way easier to record a program from KGIN-DT so you don't have to set a Manual Timer. Directv has all the guide info for all the stations in the Lincoln-Kearney-Hastings market including the NET station in Ainsworth for crying out loud. They even give you the guide info for ALL the NET station's sub-signals like the NET 2, NET 3 & NET 5. So you not only know what's on those stations, it's also easier to record them. All of this plus Directv's higher number of HD stations from the national stations like USA, FX, etc make this a no brainer if you're thinking of switching. A 'big shame on you' to Dish for ignoring blowing off us little guys in Cent Nebr, especially one that's been w/ them for over 6 yrs.

PM me if you want a lead on a great installer..he has a great referral program for both of us! He now sells for Dish and Directv and has told me a lot of people are hookin up w/ Directv.

Paul,

What did you do with your Vip622? Care to part with it?

I prefer Vooms HDFamily and HDMonster channels over USA and FX so I'm staying put but always looking for a great deal on another "best DVR" on the market.

John

Paul,

What did you do with your Vip622? Care to part with it?

I prefer Vooms HDFamily and HDMonster channels over USA and FX so I'm staying put but always looking for a great deal on another "best DVR" on the market.

John

It was leased so I had to send it back to Dish. Sorry.

Packers vs. Cowboys tonight on NFL-HD on DirecTV. Come on Cox, step up your game.

EdL

I have a hard time believing the sob stories the cable co's like Charter and Cox give for not carrying the NFL Network. Dish has it on their cheapest pkg and Directv has it starting on their 2nd tier.

Cox has it here. So it's not like anyone in Omaha is missing out.

Cox is Omaha carries the Nfl Network digital channel but not the Nfl Hd channel.

Anyone hear/read of an update on when SciFi and Speed go HD on Dish? Those are about the only two channels I feel that I'd watch on a regular basis (above what we currently have) if they were available to me on Dish. My main viewing habits are centered around HistoryHD, DiscoveryHD, FamilyHD as well as College Football and Auto Racing from the locals and ESPN when in season.

Now that the huskers are done and F1, Indy and Nascar are done for the year I'm bored to tears except for the learning channels....thank god Pirates of the Caribean 3 comes out on BR next week, give me something to look forward to.

Mine is a 42" samsung plasma and I am having the same issue for fox using cox basic cable and setting up with HRC.
How do I do the QAM setting?

Yup, me too. I get all the local HD channels, except FOX.

107-1 isn't on my channel list. How, exactly, do you get the TV to recognize it?

Anyone hear/read of an update on when SciFi and Speed go HD on Dish? Those are about the only two channels I feel that I'd watch on a regular basis (above what we currently have) if they were available to me on Dish. My main viewing habits are centered around HistoryHD, DiscoveryHD, FamilyHD as well as College Football and Auto Racing from the locals and ESPN when in season.

Now that the huskers are done and F1, Indy and Nascar are done for the year I'm bored to tears except for the learning channels....thank god Pirates of the Caribean 3 comes out on BR next week, give me something to look forward to.

those 2 channels were contributing factors in my defection to Direct TV from Cox, and I also watch quite a bit of the History, Smithsonian, Science, and Discovery programming in HD that wasn't available on Cox. Not having NFL Network in HD and no smithsonian or NHL network were main factors for me, and now I have them all in HD.

A week after i switched, they started VOD, and that blows Cox away as well. Anyways, no point to my post here, other than to say that what you're looking for is on Direct TV NOW.

Cox Comm has a message about hd channels changes and this is for future hd expansion, my question is when is this expansion going to happen? I'm so close to going back to Directv, I really don't want to make the switch but I'm tired of waiting on Cox to catch up with Directv in hd.

Rex

Last I heard both channels will be on DISH by February, that news blurb went out a month or so ago, I was looking for continued confirmation or an update along those lines.

My crystal ball tells me that a year from now DirecTv and Dish will have pretty much the same channel lineup. DirecTv will have some NFL programming that Dish doesn't carry but Dish will have Voom which DirecTv doesn't carry, all of the other national feeds will be available on both carriers. Both carriers now have or will soon have adequate sattelite transponder space to carry the new programming. DirecTv now has new birds on orbit, Dish has two birds waiting for launch. These two birds would have been on orbit by now if it weren't for the incedent with SeaLaunchs platform problems from the failed launch back in early 07. That's an interesting read in and of itself, if you have time go google Sealaunch's home page and read the news.

Other than a lag in launch capacity for Echostar either way you go you win, however I'd be jonsin for MonstersHD on occasion if I were to leave Dish....

Happy Holidays for you politically correct folks, Merry Christmas to the rest of you! :)

Saturday morning was a lot of fun, the drive and side walks were frozen and we were seeing 0% signal strength on both satellite dishes. Of the two antennas in the attic only the omni was providing sufficient signal strength to lock up on our receievers.

We thawed by late-afternoon. I was a bit worried that the icing would continue past sundown and into Sunday.

Anyone else experience problems?

Wow, I didn't realize ice would cause issues like that.

I had no issues with my satellite reception Saturday.

Saturday morning was a lot of fun, the drive and side walks were frozen and we were seeing 0% signal strength on both satellite dishes. Of the two antennas in the attic only the omni was providing sufficient signal strength to lock up on our receievers.

We thawed by late-afternoon. I was a bit worried that the icing would continue past sundown and into Sunday.

Anyone else experience problems?


First time in 9 years I have had an issue with Ice was Saturday. I have DISH network. My dish had OVER 1/2" of ice coating it and the LNB. Lucky my dish is at an accessible level. It is attached to the base of my deck on the back of the house. Once I figured out what was going on about 1 gal of warm water and the problem was solved. Poured it slowly over the dish and the ice popped off in big chunks as the metal was warmed a bit. Was only out for about 20 Min. as I figured out what was going on.
Went and looked at the dish because I have had snow buildup block the signal. Maybe once or twice a year. If I was on the roof this would be avoided most times I guess but I am blocked from most wind with my install. For most things the install is a big ++++ so I will live with using a broom once or twice a year.

Yup, covered with a good glazing of ice most of Saturday. Our dishes are about 20ft up the side of our 2 story home. I didn't feel like dragging our big ladder around and breaking my neck so I went looking for a Super Soaker squirt gun at Walmart, no luck, had to wait for mother nature to do her thing. I'm buying a soaker this summer when available just for those rare occasions such as this...

Cox Comm has a message about hd channels changes and this is for future hd expansion, my question is when is this expansion going to happen? I'm so close to going back to Directv, I really don't want to make the switch but I'm tired of waiting on Cox to catch up with Directv in hd.

If you look at other cox locations Omaha has about the same amount of hd if you don't count the other cities local channels in HD.

Wow, I didn't realize ice would cause issues like that.

I didn't see any issues on cable.

I had no problems this weekend or today with my Dish. After living with both DirecTV & Cox since September, I've made the decision to go with DirecTV for the whole house.

Sorry Cox, you're just to slow with the expanded HD coverage.
EdL

http://www.cox.com/omaha/Digitalcable/lineupchanges.asp?sc_cid=omaha_enewsletter_december

http://www.cox.com/omaha/Digitalcable/lineupchanges.asp?sc_cid=omaha_enewsletter_december

refer to the 5607 post on 11-17 I already posted.

So I get a brand new Sony HD flat panel and do an auto search for the Qam channels. I don't pick up 6.1 or 7.1 but I do pick up 105.1 (KMTV). I called Cox (probably a big mistake) but she told me that if the locals are not showing anything in HD than my TV will just show "no signal". She actually took it a step further and said that my TV would automatically switch itself to the HD channel when HD content shows!!!

Of course the first guy said I wouldn't be able to pick up HD without a box and I insisted that I should be able to so he sent me to a supervisor. Does any of this make sense? This would make sense as to why when you scan you don't pick up certain channels because they aren't currently showing HD content......Shouldn't I be able to pick up those channels "in the clear" and does anyone have an updated QAM channel guide. The searches I did on this thread were from a year ago.

did you try adding 10 to the front of the channel number like KMTV just a thought

did you try adding 10 to the front of the channel number like KMTV just a thought

I know I tried several variations but not sure about that one. John Travolta was on David Letterman last night and my wife was giving me fits about switching channels around. :)

if that doesn't work you might want to wait until after the 11th to try again. on the 11th Cox is moving all the hd channels and a few digital channels around

Does anyone have the most recent qam guide for Cox cable?

Directv to add Omaha's and Lincoln's local hd in first half of 08, with Directv adding Omaha's and Lincoln's hd locals, Cox in Omaha will have to add hd to keep up with Directv. It would be nice if Cox could once be the leader instead of always being the follower. I think there is no way I can keep Cox with there poor Hd lineup with Directv great Hd lineup.

Directv to add Omaha's and Lincoln's local hd in first half of 08, with Directv adding Omaha's and Lincoln's hd locals, Cox in Omaha will have to add hd to keep up with Directv. It would be nice if Cox could once be the leader instead of always being the follower. I think there is no way I can keep Cox with there poor Hd lineup with Directv great Hd lineup.

If cox would drop analog they could add more hd, but that's not going to happen.

Hd programming is no big suprise, Cox had years to plan for hd and did nothing, Directv and Dish are pro active providers and Cox is reactive. Cox needs to step up and add about 25 hd stations tommorow.

Hd programming is no big suprise, Cox had years to plan for hd and did nothing, Directv and Dish are pro active providers and Cox is reactive. Cox needs to step up and add about 25 hd stations tommorow.

well does Directv or dish have analog? Are they dish and directv signals avalabe without a box?

well does Directv or dish have analog? Are they dish and directv signals avalabe without a box?

I think your question is a moot point considering the impending mandate by the FCC. Cox will not work in the traditional sense pretty soon either, and cable cards or boxes will be required.

When Cox can compete with Direct Tv, I don't know if I'll consider them again, they are a second rate provider right now. They did not prepare very well for the HD wave, and I hope they pay the price of many more defectors like me for not understanding what their customers want.

I'm just glad I finally realized they aren't the only game in town and am able to watch this from the outside now.

Does anyone have the most recent qam guide for Cox cable?

I just recently installed a new LCD and found the following local channels:

40.5 - NET HD
72.10 - 620 (WOWT subchannel)
72.11 - Weather Now (KETV subchannel)
105.1 - KXVO HD
105.2 - KMTV HD
107.1 - KPTM HD
108.1 - WOWT HD
108.2 - KETV HD
111.1 - NET 3

I'm doing this list from memory so it may not be exactly right, but I hope it helps.
I'm wondering if Cox is doing SDV in some areas so these lists may not be constant?

Since I posted I was able to monkey around with it some more and found those channels. also found some movie channels and a couple of "music choice" channels--but at least I can get the locals in HD Without an external box

I wanted to alert you guys to a deal I came across this weekend. I've been thinking about upgrading my receiver (an entry level RCA HTIAB), and have been looking at stores in Omaha, as well as online. I came across this "managers special" at Nebraska Furniture Mart - A Yamaha HTR-5940 for $129. This thing sells for $215 even at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EVOT5C

The best part - when I took it up to the register - it rang up $99 bucks! I brought it home last night and hooked it up - it blows away the old RCA.

I just recently installed a new LCD and found the following local channels:

40.5 - NET HD
72.10 - 620 (WOWT subchannel)
72.11 - Weather Now (KETV subchannel)
105.1 - KXVO HD
105.2 - KMTV HD
107.1 - KPTM HD
108.1 - WOWT HD
108.2 - KETV HD
111.1 - NET 3

I'm doing this list from memory so it may not be exactly right, but I hope it helps.
I'm wondering if Cox is doing SDV in some areas so these lists may not be constant?

Awesome, I didn't know about 40.5 NET-1, I was wondering where that was.

Also in the 74 (or is it 84?) - 100 range you can find a lot of OnDemand content. Its wierd, sometimes you can see people fast forwarding what they are watching, or just navigating through the on screen menus - you are actually watching the feed for someone else's cablebox. The only problem once in a while the content jumps around (what was on 84.5 is now on 84.4, etc.)

Just an FYI...

On 12/11/2007 KETV-DT will move from channel 806 to 709 if you have a Cox Cable Box. QAM channels will not be affected by this change.

Ok, so I just ran another search on analog cable connection. Got all the QAM HD channels, EXCEPT 107.1 (Fox HD). I've got a Samsung HLT-6187S.

Anyone else having problems getting all their QAM channels on a Samsung?

Ok, so I just ran another search on analog cable connection. Got all the QAM HD channels, EXCEPT 107.1 (Fox HD). I've got a Samsung HLT-6187S.

Anyone else having problems getting all their QAM channels on a Samsung?

For some reason, many TVs don't get 107.1 (My Panasonic doesn't), but the LGs to get it. Go to NFM, they have all of their TVs hooked up to extended basic cable and you can see which ones get it and which don't.

Just an FYI...

On 12/11/2007 KETV-DT will move from channel 806 to 709 if you have a Cox Cable Box. QAM channels will not be affected by this change.

Looks like Cox moved a lot of HD channels from the 800 range to the 700 range: 705=CBS, 708=NBC, 709=ABC, 710=FOX, 711=KXVO, 712=NETHD, there are more changes but I didn't have time to memorize them :rolleyes:

Looks like Cox moved a lot of HD channels from the 800 range to the 700 range: 705=CBS, 708=NBC, 709=ABC, 710=FOX, 711=KXVO, 712=NETHD, there are more changes but I didn't have time to memorize them :rolleyes:

here are all the changes I already posted this, but it needs repeating now that it's actually done.

http://www.cox.com/Omaha/Digitalcable/lineupchanges.asp

Cox is playing a shell game, nothing more. They have not changed a thing other than a couple channel numbers. This is simply a move on their part to make it look good that they will be adding more HD content soon to stem the tide of defectors. I wouldn't bank on seeing anything new from them in 5-6 months.

Comcast is doing the same thing, along with some clever marketing/advertising.

Cox is playing a shell game, nothing more. They have not changed a thing other than a couple channel numbers. This is simply a move on their part to make it look good that they will be adding more HD content soon to stem the tide of defectors. I wouldn't bank on seeing anything new from them in 5-6 months.

Comcast is doing the same thing, along with some clever marketing/advertising.

the changed all the hd channels I say that's more then a few. they also grouped the digital espn channels together. How do you know cox will not add more hd before long ? Cox doesn't annouce anything. They also removed 5-6 music choice channels, so they have the room.

the changed all the hd channels I say that's more then a few. How do you know cox will not add more hd before long ? Cox doesn't annouce anything. They also removed 5-6 music choice channels, so they have the room.

Just my opinion here, as I don't have either STB cable or SAT.

Cox is adding HD channels, albiet slowly, but they are just moving channels around in "anticipation" of more HD coming soon. Soon being the keyword here.

SAT likes to brag about all the HD channels they've added, but all the reviews/reports I've read is that 80-90% of the programming is still SD. If they wanted to be realistic, they should disclose that.

Just my opinion here, as I don't have either STB cable or SAT.

Cox is adding HD channels, albiet slowly, but they are just moving channels around in "anticipation" of more HD coming soon. Soon being the keyword here.

SAT likes to brag about all the HD channels they've added, but all the reviews/reports I've read is that 80-90% of the programming is still SD. If they wanted to be realistic, they should disclose that.

I waited for Cox to add substantial content (not only HD) for about 4 years too long, but until the big roll out by the satellite providers in the fall it was not any better. In the 4 years I patiently waited, I got to endure them fighting with the local affiliate for CBS and ABC, saw I think 6 subscription hikes, used their terrible guide interface, and got to use the same On Demand with minimal updates. I'll believe "more HD from Cox" the day they flip the switch, and I'll bet most of the following will be true in the meantime:

(And yes this is just my subjective opinion, I have no proof of any of this)

1) they won't announce any of their long term plans.
2) you won't get any information by querying them.
3) they will most likely increase their subscription rate when they do finally get around to adding more HD content. (multiple times, from my experience)
4) pixelation/quality will become a major factor when they do add more HD content, because they do not have the bandwidth/technology to support it. (We saw this already in my NW Omaha location when TBS, CNN, Disc were added, due to the phone, cable modem, and On Demand usage)
5) my statement about Cox playing the shell game with the channel numbers will be dead on, and it will be months before new HD content is added.

I hope I'm wrong for those of you that stick it out on statement #5, but if you look at this from a technical and historical standpoint, I just don't see anything happening in the time frame I would deem "soon". Cox needs to work out the technical aspects of switching technology to compete with satellite, their bandwidth is too limited to go any other way. Historically, they have been slow to adapt due to the financial investment required to lay out the cable to homes.


I have not been happier with my service since the defection. I can't watch all of the HD content available on Direct TV, even with 2 DVR's. Granted, I'm in month 2 of my service, and it's all new and fresh, but so far I am amazed with the content that IS available. This compared to life before where the weekends were about the only thing I had where there was HD content worth watching.

I now have NHL games EVERY night in HD, (cox's center ice had no HD feed) NFL EVERY Thurs, (No NFL Network in HD on Cox) More College feeds in HD on the RSN's that are not available on Cox, and I could do this ad nauseum, you get the point...

At any time, there is always something for me to watch and take advantage of the stunning quality of HD now that I have a satellite provider, before I switched I was lucky to find anything on at times.

Your statement of 80-90% SD content is subjective to what you want to watch. For me, I typically watch 80-90% HD content. And asking for a disclosure is absolutely ridiculous, does Cox disclose that ABC typically does 2.5 hours of HD content per day? Or do they disclose that ESPN has 70% HD content? I didn't think so, and find it preposterous that you would want to hold a double standard. Comcast is trying this marketing spin

Bottom line is that most of the channels/networks that satellite has in HD do not broadcast all, let alone the majority of their content in HD yet. BUT, each of them does do some content, and that "some", by a factor of how ever many channels we have available now, is absolutely blowing away cable providers.

I think I only got 90% of the full hatred RexxRacerX directed at Cox.

Look, I hate the monopoly they have on the Omaha market too. I was just pointing out that both providers (cable and SAT) both say half-truths.

I had Dish for 6 months about 4 years ago. Nearly everytime we had bad weather, the signal went to crap. That is why I personally haven't use SAT since.

I wish Cox would dump half of their crappy channels and add more HD.

I wish Cox would dump half of their crappy channels and add more HD.

I don't disagree with you about adding more HD, but who can say what a "crappy" channel is? What you don't like may be one of my favorites (and vice-versa).

Just received a card in the mail today from Cox that said among other things that "coming soon" are HD channels for Versus/Golf, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, History Channel, Cinemax, and STARZ. So there is some movement.

Edit: Gary and I must have been typing at the same time:
For those who didn't get the flyer in the mail today (it might be HD customers only). It looks like cox (omaha anyway) is adding:
versus/golf , Food network, HGTV, travel channel, History channel, cinemax and Starz HD channels. It says they are all 'coming soon'.

RexxRacerX I second that emotion. Don't believe the cable hype.

EdL

It's crack for the eyes I tell, crack for the eyes.

I think I only got 90% of the full hatred RexxRacerX directed at Cox.

Look, I hate the monopoly they have on the Omaha market too. I was just pointing out that both providers (cable and SAT) both say half-truths.

I had Dish for 6 months about 4 years ago. Nearly everytime we had bad weather, the signal went to crap. That is why I personally haven't use SAT since.

I wish Cox would dump half of their crappy channels and add more HD.

it wouldn't be a monopoly if qwest or version was here, but they chose not to build here.

Just my opinion here, as I don't have either STB cable or SAT.

Cox is adding HD channels, albiet slowly, but they are just moving channels around in "anticipation" of more HD coming soon. Soon being the keyword here.

SAT likes to brag about all the HD channels they've added, but all the reviews/reports I've read is that 80-90% of the programming is still SD. If they wanted to be realistic, they should disclose that.



I bet if they added let's say more than five or how many where mentioned at one time the fee's would raised sooner than later. Maybe they are trying to sign deals where the cost of the channels are spread over the entire cox market, so when our rates go up even though we don't have the added HD when the they do they don't need to raise the rates.

Edit: Gary and I must have been typing at the same time:
For those who didn't get the flyer in the mail today (it might be HD customers only). It looks like cox (omaha anyway) is adding:
versus/golf , Food network, HGTV, travel channel, History channel, cinemax and Starz HD channels. It says they are all 'coming soon'.

is there anyway you can scan the postcard and post it?

I don't disagree with you about adding more HD, but who can say what a "crappy" channel is? What you don't like may be one of my favorites (and vice-versa).

Just received a card in the mail today from Cox that said among other things that "coming soon" are HD channels for Versus/Golf, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, History Channel, Cinemax, and STARZ. So there is some movement.

did they name other things that are comming soon, or is that what it says?

thanks

http://northpine.com/broadcast/index.html

DirecTV has announced plans to add HD locals in the Cedar Rapids-Waterloo, Omaha, and Lincoln-Hastings-Kearney markets by mid-2008. The HD offerings will initially only include ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates, since must-carry rules do not yet apply to digital signals. DirecTV already offers HD locals in the Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay markets. (12/7/2007)

So can somebody tell me much of a pain it is to receive local ota hd channels since DirectTv doesn't have them in lincoln yet? Also while I am here, can somebody recommend a good installer for directtv in lincoln.

Actually, i just thought of something. If i keep my high speed internet from time warner cable, won't i still receive local hd channels even if I cancel my cable subscription from them?

Any help/ advice is as always greatly appreciated.

Also, would I be able to use DirectTv's dvr to record the ota hd local channels or would I have to purchase a separate dvr.

Pretty much I am just looking for the simplest solution for getting rid of time warner cable yet still gettting local hd channels.

I gave my scanner away a few years ago but I can try to take a picture of it to post.

Here's a picture of what Cox sent out the other day:http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AYuGbZszbOWLjQ&notag=1
Here's the URL:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AYuGbZszbOWLjQ&notag=1
(I should add that I did the yellow highlighting.)

Here's a picture of what Cox sent out the other day:http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AYuGbZszbOWLjQ&notag=1
Here's the URL:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AYuGbZszbOWLjQ&notag=1
(I should add that I did the yellow highlighting.)

thanks was there anything worth mentioning on the other side of the post card?

I just recently installed a new LCD and found the following local channels:

40.5 - NET HD
72.10 - 620 (WOWT subchannel)
72.11 - Weather Now (KETV subchannel)
105.1 - KXVO HD
105.2 - KMTV HD
107.1 - KPTM HD
108.1 - WOWT HD
108.2 - KETV HD
111.1 - NET 3

I'm doing this list from memory so it may not be exactly right, but I hope it helps.
I'm wondering if Cox is doing SDV in some areas so these lists may not be constant?

I tried to pick up Net1 tonight on 40.5 - didn't work. Are you sure thats not the OTA channel? Can anyone confirm what the QAM channel for Net1 is?

thanks was there anything worth mentioning on the other side of the post card?

Nope, the other side just said 'Important HD information from Cox' or something like that in huge print with a bunch of pictures of TV's.

Update on DirecTV Omaha and Lincoln HD

1.
Guide Data for Channel 42.2 My Network TV was added to the DirecTV HD DVRs Thursday. You may need to update you Over the Air channel Lists to add it to your guide. This is only for Over the Air. HD Direct TIvo HR10-250 HR20-100 and HR20-700 not the HR21

2.
They started testing the MPEG 4 Spot Beam Transponder for Lincoln and Omahas Local HD. It is on Sat 103 (a) also called 103 (s). Transponder 17. It comes in very strong.
All they are saying is the Local HDs will be up in the next couple of Months. No firm dates yet but they did just announce the Jan 3 2008 Local HD release (Omaha and Lincoln were not on the list).

It looks like they are doing new HD Local cities about every 3 weeks.

What's the status of HDTV in central Nebraska (western part of the L/H/K market)? I know KLKN, KUON, and KOLN/KGIN have HDTV, but what about KHAS, KTVG, and KHGI? I know at one time all three were only broadcasting digital SD. As KCWL is analog only, that's probably a given for being in SD. When DirecTV adds Lincoln HD locals it appears that only some of the locals will actually carry any HD programming.

That would still beat the over-compressed SD I see on Dish's locals package though (when in Lincoln). Big difference compared to my OTA HD in Gretna. :rolleyes:

So can somebody tell me much of a pain it is to receive local ota hd channels since DirectTv doesn't have them in lincoln yet? Also while I am here, can somebody recommend a good installer for directtv in lincoln.

Actually, i just thought of something. If i keep my high speed internet from time warner cable, won't i still receive local hd channels even if I cancel my cable subscription from them?

Any help/ advice is as always greatly appreciated.

Also, would I be able to use DirectTv's dvr to record the ota hd local channels or would I have to purchase a separate dvr.

Pretty much I am just looking for the simplest solution for getting rid of time warner cable yet still gettting local hd channels.

Receiving Local HD channels with DirecTV is as easy as connecting an antenna to the DirecTV receiver. You then go to menu and scan for channels , select them, and then add them. The local channels are then added to program guide. It takes 5 - 10 minutes.

EdL

I tried to pick up Net1 tonight on 40.5 - didn't work. Are you sure thats not the OTA channel? Can anyone confirm what the QAM channel for Net1 is?

I'm still getting NET HD on 40.5. However, this channel may be remapping it's channel number. It's the only clear QAM channel I get from Cox that displays the station ID and program information.

Any idea when any Omaha or Lincoln channels will start to broadcast the local news in HD? I heard they do it in KC and I thought it would be cool to see.

I've corresponded with a few of the local stations and my inclination is that we'll see it first on WOWT... sometime in 2008 (second half?) if all goes well.

On the other hand, KPTM can already do HD weather graphics and news tickers... they have to be pretty close.

Only KOLN/KGIN has to downgrade to SD to do an hourly ID (all the other Lincoln and Omaha digital stations can ID without downgrading), but they (along with KPTM/KXVO) are able to put up a weather graphic and stay in HD. I'm expecting HD news on 10/11 sometime around the analog cutoff date (just a hunch).

KETV may not have HD news/local content until into 2009 as it sounds like there are other things which have to be accomplished first (digital aux transmitter, for one).

I have doubts that it will be either KMTV or KLKN to go HD first, although I have seen bigger surprises before.

Did anyone in Omaha with Cox watch the show Duel on ABC last night (monday)????? The "picture" on my Hitatci did not go all the way to the sides of the tv

Did anyone in Omaha with Cox watch the show Duel on ABC last night (monday)????? The "picture" on my Hitatci did not go all the way to the sides of the tv

Because they didn't record the program in HD?

I've corresponded with a few of the local stations and my inclination is that we'll see it first on

I've mentioned it before here...on WOWT-HD, there's something sharper about all of their content than on the other HD locals. They're probably upconverting non-HD content. That tends to indicate that they have at least a little more interest in their HD channel than the others.

What's the status of HDTV in central Nebraska (western part of the L/H/K market)? I know KLKN, KUON, and KOLN/KGIN have HDTV, but what about KHAS, KTVG, and KHGI? I know at one time all three were only broadcasting digital SD. As KCWL is analog only, that's probably a given for being in SD. When DirecTV adds Lincoln HD locals it appears that only some of the locals will actually carry any HD programming.

That would still beat the over-compressed SD I see on Dish's locals package though (when in Lincoln). Big difference compared to my OTA HD in Gretna. :rolleyes:

Correct, Joel things haven't changed here at all.

KHAS - broadcasting Standard Def at Low Power, planning to do a flashcut in Feb/09 staying on channel 5. (translation - disaster) http://www.hoakmedia.com/

KHGI - (SD LP) saw an interview with the GM this fall who said they will be going HD in 2008
http://www.nebraska.tv
http://www.pappastv.com/

KTVG - SD LP haven't heard of any plans for HD but will probably upgrade after KHGI upgrades (Pappas controlled)

KSNB - SD LP same as KTVG (Pappas controlled)

KCWL - only available OTA in Lincoln, probably no plans for HD (Pappas)

What would it take for a station to receive the HD signal from the network and then either uplink it to satellite or send it to the cable companies via fiber optic? This seems like it would be a cheaper alternative for them to at least get an HD signal out to the viewers if they (the station) choose to never go HD OTA.

I know it would be a cold day in H*ll before Cox did this, but a good read/rant nonetheless.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/12/14/hey-fcc-force-big-cable-to-clear-our-qam/

I know it would be a cold day in H*ll before Cox did this, but a good read/rant nonetheless.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/12/14/hey-fcc-force-big-cable-to-clear-our-qam/

They can't even get the protection of the channels right. I mean cox has the firewire set at protected for brodcast channels nonhd, but the hd versions are not protected.

What would it take for a station to receive the HD signal from the network and then either uplink it to satellite or send it to the cable companies via fiber optic? This seems like it would be a cheaper alternative for them to at least get an HD signal out to the viewers if they (the station) choose to never go HD OTA.At the very least you'd need the dish, the digital receiver, and something to re-encode it before you send it down the pipe, and I'm probably over-simplifying it.

Interestingly, our Fox affiliate actually did this a couple of years back -- I forget what year. Fox had the Super Bowl and the Daytona 500 coming up, yet the station's master control wasn't quite ready for HD yet, and they hadn't upgraded to full power on their DT. But they didn't want to keep it bottled up. So they struck a deal with Mediacom and let them carry what appeared to be the raw Fox network feed.

There are drawbacks, of course: DBS and OTA viewers can't get such a feed, and anyone watching such an HD feed won't see the local commercials, as there's no way to insert them without a proper master control setup. They'll either see "fill" promos or black. I guess our Fox station must have decided that this was an acceptable compromise because they were only months away from being able to offer a full digital simulcast with HD and HD set penetration was lower than it is now.

So I finally bit the bullet and got the Cox Moto STB for the extra HD channels (and digital overall). Right now, I'm using component cables for video.

Is anyone using to the DVI (to HDMI) connection? Is it worth it vs. the component cables?

First post here, trying to gain some knowledge on obtaining local HD channels in Lincoln. Just recently switched from Time Warner to DirecTV, in order to recieve more HD channels. I just got the DirecTV installed on the 20th, and was bummed to not see local HD channels available today when watching NFL games. :confused: My understanding is that DirecTV will start pushing out Lincoln/Omaha HD local channels sometime in 2008. But until then...

From what I've read here so far, I should be able to purchase an antenna locally, hook it up to my DirecTV reciever, and then do some adjustments with the reciever in order to see the HD programming - can anyone verify that I'm understanding all of this correctly? My TV is a brand new 56" Samsung HDTV set, if that matters. I'd like to get this straightened out ASAP so I can start watching all the bowl games in HD over the holidays. Thanks for any replies you can give.

You are right on your assumptions seward...If you have an ATSC tuner on your Directv ---some of them don't right now--you can hook the antenna coax into that and then scan for local channels. I'd call the dealer you got your Directv account set up with.

Sewardskr

Here is a great place to go to learn more than you need to know about your SAT and the options you have.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/


I go to both and have had a lot of questions answered without even asking. Either way work but if you do not know about the SATGUYS as a new to Sat TV thought I would point it out.

So after doing a little research on this forum and others, I've come to the conclusion that I'm basically screwed in my quest for HD local channels via DirecTV. I have the HR21-700 reciever, and from what I can tell there is no input on this model for OTA local HD channels via an external antenna. I tried calling my installer (Premier Satellite) and they told me a swap to an older HR20 reciever was impossible. Said they only stock the HR21s now. When I asked him directly - "So I'm basically screwed for HD locals until DirecTV supports my area (supposedly in late Feb 08)" the rep with my provider said "Yes, pretty much". :mad: Well that's discouraging to hear.

So from what I can tell, my options at this point are installing an antenna, running a cable to my TV, and hooking the external antenna directly into my TV. I should be able to view local HD channels this route, but won't have them integrated with my DirecTV programming guide and also won't be able to record to my DVR.

If anyone in the Lincoln/Omaha has any other options or suggestions, please let me know. I need this HD chanels for bowl season!

So after doing a little research on this forum and others, I've come to the conclusion that I'm basically screwed in my quest for HD local channels via DirecTV. I have the HR21-700 reciever, and from what I can tell there is no input on this model for OTA local HD channels via an external antenna. I tried calling my installer (Premier Satellite) and they told me a swap to an older HR20 reciever was impossible. Said they only stock the HR21s now. When I asked him directly - "So I'm basically screwed for HD locals until DirecTV supports my area (supposedly in late Feb 08)" the rep with my provider said "Yes, pretty much". :mad: Well that's discouraging to hear.

So from what I can tell, my options at this point are installing an antenna, running a cable to my TV, and hooking the external antenna directly into my TV. I should be able to view local HD channels this route, but won't have them integrated with my DirecTV programming guide and also won't be able to record to my DVR.

If anyone in the Lincoln/Omaha has any other options or suggestions, please let me know. I need this HD chanels for bowl season!


I almost was in your same situation when I made the switch to Directv. Luckily, I had bought several times from my dealer and he knew how important the receiving the local OTA HD signals was. He got w/ his regional mgr to locate a different box that had the antenna input. I was very glad he located one because I don't have a digital tuner on my TV since it was one of the early HD compatible sets.

You mention digital tuner - what impact doe that have on my situation? I have a brand new Samsung 56" rear projection LCD 1080p. I'm assuming I have a digital tuner installed in this set - how does that change things for me, if it all?

Don't know if anyone heard this news, but apparently an item about Pappas crossed the Upper Midwest Broadcasting site www.northpine.com last Wednesday. It appears they're exploring the possibility of selling at least some of their stations, of which your markets have several.

A link to the Pappas press release is here:
http://www.pappastv.com/pressdetail.php?id=107&prYr=2007

So after doing a little research on this forum and others, I've come to the conclusion that I'm basically screwed in my quest for HD local channels via DirecTV. I have the HR21-700 reciever, and from what I can tell there is no input on this model for OTA local HD channels via an external antenna. I tried calling my installer (Premier Satellite) and they told me a swap to an older HR20 reciever was impossible. Said they only stock the HR21s now. When I asked him directly - "So I'm basically screwed for HD locals until DirecTV supports my area (supposedly in late Feb 08)" the rep with my provider said "Yes, pretty much". :mad: Well that's discouraging to hear.

So from what I can tell, my options at this point are installing an antenna, running a cable to my TV, and hooking the external antenna directly into my TV. I should be able to view local HD channels this route, but won't have them integrated with my DirecTV programming guide and also won't be able to record to my DVR.

If anyone in the Lincoln/Omaha has any other options or suggestions, please let me know. I need this HD chanels for bowl season!
My mother-in-law has one of those Terk dish antennas clipped to her dish and gets the Lincoln locals ok in Columbus. The Terk antenna has a combiner that unites the satellite feed and the OTA on one cable, which runs to the house.

She doesn't have HD, so she turns the DirecTV box on and turns the TV to 4 to watch satellite program and the Omaha locals via DirecTV. If she wants to watch Lincoln, she turns the box off and turns the TV to 8 or 10. I would imagine that the same hookup would work for DTV, as we've occasionally gotten good bounce and picked up KPTH-TV out of Sioux City on channel 44 and KMEG on 14. Does your box have an RF-out?

I'm glad you mentioned that clip on antenna, because I was at RadioShack today and they had one on sale, it was the Terk TV 44 I believe. Normally the price was $80, but it was on sale for $30. I figured I would do a little research before I purchased it, but it sounded like a decent deal.

So with this atenna, do you need to run a seperate cable from the antenna into the house, or are you tapping into the exsisting cable? I'm leery of outdoor antennas, simply because I don't want to hassle with running fresh cable, but if this antenna would avoid that I would buy it in a heartbeat.

Also, I have the HR-21 model, which doesn't have an RF out. I'm told I'll have to run my antenna source directly into the TV to view those channels.

I'm glad you mentioned that clip on antenna, because I was at RadioShack today and they had one on sale, it was the Terk TV 44 I believe. Normally the price was $80, but it was on sale for $30. I figured I would do a little research before I purchased it, but it sounded like a decent deal.

So with this atenna, do you need to run a seperate cable from the antenna into the house, or are you tapping into the exsisting cable? I'm leery of outdoor antennas, simply because I don't want to hassle with running fresh cable, but if this antenna would avoid that I would buy it in a heartbeat.

Also, I have the HR-21 model, which doesn't have an RF out. I'm told I'll have to run my antenna source directly into the TV to view those channels.

This antenna should come with a special combiner and a splitter. The combiner will essentially mix the signal from the local tv station with the signal coming into the house from your satellite dish. This is done on the outside of the house so one cable runs into the house. The splitter is placed on the inside of the house and splits the local tv signal and the satellite signal. The local tv signal will then go into your monitor's coax connector and the satellite signal into your satellite receiver.

I’m sharing some excerpts from my phone call today with a Cox Customer Service Representative

Me: What is Cox going to do in response to DirecTV adding all of those HD channels; it’s about 85 isn’t it?
Cox Rep: DirecTV claims to have more HD channels but they are really not HD, just a slightly better picture. We have Cox & Dish set up side by side in some the conference rooms and our picture is far superior.

Me: But you receive your signal via satellite, so how can it be better?
Cox Rep: "Cox has better HD because we send it out analog"

Me: Exactly what HD channels is Cox adding & when will they be added?
Cox Rep: I don't know, but some time around the beginning of the year we’ll be adding a lot more.

This was my last attempt to keep Cox plugged in. DirecTV gets launched throughout the house 1/12/08. My initial trial period was Sept - Jan, (NFL Ticket:p) and the plan was to reduce the DirecTV pkg down and keep Cox, but Cox doesn't have enough HD juice. It will cost a few dollars more per month, but I believe it's money well spent.

EdL

HD - It's crack for the eyes I tell you, crack for the eyes.

I’m sharing some excerpts from my phone call today with a Cox Customer Service Representative

Me: But you receive your signal via satellite, so how can it be better?
Cox Rep: "Cox has better HD because we send it out analog"



HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

CSR's. Gotta love 'em.

This antenna should come with a special combiner and a splitter. The combiner will essentially mix the signal from the local tv station with the signal coming into the house from your satellite dish. This is done on the outside of the house so one cable runs into the house. The splitter is placed on the inside of the house and splits the local tv signal and the satellite signal. The local tv signal will then go into your monitor's coax connector and the satellite signal into your satellite receiver.

Excellent, I'll give it a shot. Thanks a lot for your help.

back on the topic of Lincoln local HD...
There are markets significantly smaller than Lincoln/Hastings/Kearney that are far more advanced in the area of local HD. Are Hoak and Pappas both that short on cash? Or is there not much local demand for digital, much less HD (considering the small digital footprint in central NE, aside from KGIN)?

What's Hoak thinking with relatively-low-powered digital signals on channels 2 and 5 in North Platte and Hastings, respectively? Not everyone has cable or satellite... and after 2/2009, if the OTA signals are hard to get, viewership is likely to suffer.

Seems like in the case of Pappas and KCWL multicasting would greatly help get that signal out. 51 in Lincoln will flash-cut 2/2009, but outside of Lancaster County and parts of adjacent counties, there will still be no local OTA CW affiliate. Solution? KHGI and KWNB should pick up KCWL on a DT2 subchannel. KSNB could as well if it's possible for it to carry a subchannel that KTVG does not (as there would not be a point in having KHGI and KTVG carry the same programming on a subchannel...).

Yet any talk of HD and multicasting seems to be a distant hope since full-power DTV hasn't even arrived to all stations.

Seems like VHF DTV is going to be the norm in the Lincoln (etc.) market, with KHAS on DTV 5, KLKN on 8, and KOLN on 10 -- watch coverage areas and, thus, viewership decline.

Wouldn't surprise me in the least if after 2009 Lincoln becomes a de facto extension of the OTA Omaha market, with Lancaster County viewers aiming their UHF antennas to the northeast and people only needing VHF equipment if they're outside the reach of the Omaha stations (west and south of Seward)...

Probably an overly pessimistic prediction, but it sounds like TV suicide in the L/H/K market.

...and the winner is...

KPTM!

Probably.
Technically, they aren't full HD because the cameras are still 4x3. However, during news programming, they now have colored, slightly animated sidebars that are a cut above the black bars seen on other stations.

Current status of **locally-produced** HD so far:
KMTV ~ Transmitting a 16x9 picture, but black bars on the left and right sides.
WOWT ~ Transmitting a very sharp 4x3 picture (digital processing?).
KETV ~ Transmitting an upconverted SD 4x3 picture.
KLKN ~ Transmitting an upconverted SD 4x3 picture, but black bars on the left and right sides with an ever-present ID bug.
KOLN ~ Transmitting an upconverted SD 4x3 picture. HD weather graphics during HD programming.
KUON ~ Non-commercial station, but actually the first to local HD as NET-HD has had locally-produced sporting events for at least a couple years, if not longer.
KXVO ~ HD ID, HD weather graphics, HD news ticker.
KPTM ~ HD sidebars on local news, HD ID, HD weather graphics, HD news ticker.

All but KOLN have a HD ID bug; KLKN has a quasi-HD bug in that they have the "KLKN-TV Lincoln NE" bug in the far lower-right corner all the time, meaning a 16x9 picture is always being broadcast even when programming is SD.


...and that's where things currently stand with local HD!

Images:
http://lh5.google.com/jwn5solas/R3XJGFofLfI/AAAAAAAADVQ/IIAVU6QaXyE/s400/EyeTVSnapshot%5B3%5D.jpg


http://lh6.google.com/jwn5solas/R3XJEVofLdI/AAAAAAAADVA/--4GanJwqKg/s400/EyeTVSnapshot%5B1%5D.jpg


...just in case anyone finds it interesting.

Hey guys I'm wondering if you could give my any help...

I'm switching from Cox to DTV this year and I'm hoping to have it installed relatively quickly (I've already cancelled Cox and can't even watch local channels...no football). Does anyone have an opinion of which dealer would provide the quickest installation? I'm also a grad student and technically need to be at class from 8-5 mon-fri...and I'm worried how that's going to work with installation.

Also, could anyone give me their opinion on the PQ between DTV HD and SD with an upscaling projector. I just got the BenQ W500 and it's very good at upscaling SD, so I'm wondering if HD would be worth it. I think, overall, it's about $20/mo. more for HD right?

niko,

There's absolutely no comparison between upscaled SD satellite/cable and true HD, regardless of how capable your scaler is.

Opting for upscaled SD over HD would be a penny-wise and pound-foolish trade-off.

Joel,

Nice summary of the situation on how local stations handle 4x3 material.

However -- while the blue bars used by KPTM might SEEM more attractive, they are a poor choice from a picture quality standpoint, as the surrounding color will impact perceived color accuracy of the actual 4x3 image. Border bars should always be either a neutral gray or black in order to preserve image fidelity.

Here's a dramatic way of illustrating why colored bars are undesirable -- http://www.echalk.co.uk/amusements/OpticalIllusions/colourPerception/colourPerception.html (Note: Click the Color Perception link).

Well, that's all I needed to hear...I'm going with the HD. :)

I also just gave up and ordered from DTV direct...hopefully, I'll get a good install and be able to watch the playoffs at home.


niko,

There's absolutely no comparison between upscaled SD satellite/cable and true HD, regardless of how capable your scaler is.

Opting for upscaled SD over HD would be a penny-wise and pound-foolish trade-off.

anyone know if MTV has or will have a an HD channel on COX??

MHD is the HDTV network of MTV, VH1, and CMT. It should be in Omaha soon through Cox. I believe it was one of the channels listed in the flier sent by Cox to some of their Omaha customers earlier this month.

Not sure when they are adding channels. But Cox keeps saying "soon".

Anyone having problems with WOWT HD via Cox tonight (Channel 708)?

Yes.

Had a customer call from Springfield and OTA is out.

Not working 50 miles north of Omaha at my house either.

NFL came on for 10 seconds a few minutes ago and then went right off.

Soundtrack is NBC weather plus.

Just came on again.

Hope they have it fixed now.

Hi all,

I have the Radio Shack Anetnna Model: DA-5200.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2253765

It is mounted on top of my roof, approximately 25' high.

Initially pointed toward the 72nd/Crown Point location. KMTV/KETV/WOWT worked great. Complete line of sight with that and the NETV tower in central Omaha. The KPTM (15/42) tower didn't work at all (too far). The NETV (17/26.1) didn't work, either (too close/overload).

Please see the attachment for the orientation and distances from towers to antenna.



Then, made some changes.

About eight weeks ago, I had everything working about as well as possible.

Connected the powered amp near the TV. Pointed toward the KPTM tower (15/42). My theory is that the amp was needed to cover the distance (19+ miles) from KPTM/KXVO-DT to me. However, since the antenna was now turned 80° away from the 72nd/Crown Point and NETV, the amp now made up the difference and gave excellent reception for those channels, too.

Probably a month ago, 15/42 started displaying "no signal" on my TV. Same with NETV. They haven't worked since. All others work as well as they had before.

I did a search of this forum and didn't find any recent chatter about the 15/42 tower's DT transmitters being off-line. I assume that everything is OK with the transmitters. I froze yesterday getting on the roof to check the antenna. It was in the same position as before. Moving it around didn't help at all.

I know I have LOS for the 72nd/Crown Point towers and the NETV (17/26.1). I believe I have LOS for the KXVO/KPTM tower, too.


My questions:

Is the cold weather affecting my antenna such that it is killing my reception?

If so, would another antenna solve the problem?

Are there any suggestions that anyone can offer? I have attached my www.tvfool.com information. I don't care at all about the analog channels. I have the cheapo COX cable for that.

I'd really like to get this solved so I can watch the BCS games in HD on FOX! :)

Re: Tim in Hollywood, does your TV have a QAM tuner?

If you have Cox basic (coax straight into your TV), then just use the clear QAM channels they pass.

I'm able to get HDTV (digital) signals this way. I'm only able to NOT get FOX, but that's because I've got a Samsung. Other people with different brands have been able to get FOX over QAM.

Does anyone know if Cox plans on picking up USAHD?

Just in from Cox:

MORE HD Channels are coming mid-January!
The channels we will be adding include:

Food Network HD - Channel 775 (requires subscription to Cox Expanded Basic Cable)
HGTV-HD - Channel 776 (requires subscription to Cox Expanded Basic Cable)
Versus/Golf HD - Channel 747 (requires subscription to Cox Digital Cable Sports and Information tier)
History Channel HD - Channel 814 (requires subscription to Cox Expanded Basic Cable)

Just in from Cox:

MORE HD Channels are coming mid-January!
The channels we will be adding include:

Food Network HD - Channel 775 (requires subscription to Cox Expanded Basic Cable)
HGTV-HD - Channel 776 (requires subscription to Cox Expanded Basic Cable)
Versus/Golf HD - Channel 747 (requires subscription to Cox Digital Cable Sports and Information tier)
History Channel HD - Channel 814 (requires subscription to Cox Expanded Basic Cable)


This really doesn't excite me. Cox keeps saying they will compete with DIRECTV and they respond with the stupid food network? Com'on.

Does anyone know if Cox plans on picking up USAHD?

Not that Im aware of. THere are a few more coming the History and Food Network. I work as a Field Service Tech for cox

This really doesn't excite me. Cox keeps saying they will compete with DIRECTV and they respond with the stupid food network? Com'on.

My wife will be estatic over Food Network HD and HGTV HD.

Where's SCI FI HD?

I was on the Cox website and looking to see what HD is offered in the different markets. Looking at Phoenix, Cox has a blurb about planning to add 60 new HD channels in 2008, with 18 being added in mid-March. They currently have 20 channels in HD in Phoenix.

In another thread I found a converstation about this expansion in Pheonix. It sounds like by end of 2008 Cox is hoping to standarize their offerings across all markets, to the point where new offerings are rolled out to all markets around the same time. I guess only time will tell if this becomes true.

Anyway, I wonder what new channels they will be adding to the lineup in March. I know that what is offered in Phoenix is normally of no interest to those of us in Omaha, but what Cox adds in one market is what will eventually be added to the rest of their markets.

-Rod

BTW. . . I am hoping to see USA and Sci-Fi added soon.

Yes, the Food channel might just be the ammo I need for that 50" Pioneer Plasma! That addition might come in real handy.

My wife will be estatic over Food Network HD and HGTV HD.

Where's SCI FI HD?

Not that Im aware of. THere are a few more coming the History and Food Network. I work as a Field Service Tech for cox

we already know of the FoodHD and Golf/VersusHD HGTVHD and HistoryHD are you saying there are more than that coming?

What about the Science Channel HD?

ajwees41

My take is Cox is only going to add a few Hd channels at a time, they will really have compitition when Directv adds Omaha's local hd channels sometime in first half of 08, once this happens Cox will be forced catch up and will increase there hd offerings, Cox seem to be reactive when it comes to adding Hd and Directv and Dish have been pro active in adding hd.

My take is Cox is only going to add a few Hd channels at a time, they will really have compitition when Directv adds Omaha's local hd channels sometime in first half of 08, once this happens Cox will be forced catch up and will increase there hd offerings, Cox seem to be reactive when it comes to adding Hd and Directv and Dish have been pro active in adding hd.

Ya, that's what usually happens when you have a near-monopoly in a market.

Why can't I make myself turn off Discovery Theater HD?!?!? Damn polar bears!

Well, it' back to Cox for me unfortunately...my landlord went back on his word this morning and wouldn't allow a roof install when DTV was here. In December I asked him 3x whether a roof install would be alright and he said yes...I'm pissed. I had just gotten used to the idea of BSG and Rescue Me in HD...:(

About eight weeks ago, I had everything working about as well as possible.

Connected the powered amp near the TV. Pointed toward the KPTM tower (15/42). My theory is that the amp was needed to cover the distance (19+ miles) from KPTM/KXVO-DT to me. However, since the antenna was now turned 80° away from the 72nd/Crown Point and NETV, the amp now made up the difference and gave excellent reception for those channels, too.
:)


Tim

You need to move the RF amplifier to the antenna. By connecting the amplifier at the TV you're amplifying less signal, more noise, and adding the noise figure inherint in the amplifier on top of that.

What amplifier are you using? Check the noise figure in the spec sheet that came with your amp, ideally you want an amp with a noise figure of 2dB or less. Channel Master makes several low noise figure amplifiers. Years ago I purchaed one from Midstate Electronics out by 96th & Q.

Also, the front end of your 8VSB receiver can be over driven. Too hot of a signal will also result in failure to tune in the channel. By moving the amp to the antenna you'll have more useable signal at the receiver and less chance of overdriving the front end of your receiver.

John

My take is Cox is only going to add a few Hd channels at a time, they will really have compitition when Directv adds Omaha's local hd channels sometime in first half of 08, once this happens Cox will be forced catch up and will increase there hd offerings, Cox seem to be reactive when it comes to adding Hd and Directv and Dish have been pro active in adding hd.

Unless you physically can't install an antenna why would anyone want to pay DirecTV for HDLite versions of the Omaha locals when you can get the locals full 19.2mbs spectrum off air for free? :eek:

I'm hoping that someday Verizon FIOS or something similar will come to town, then I'd take the Dishes and antennas down. Cox's current infrastructure doesn't have adequate bandwidth to fully service both analog and HD.

My take is Cox is only going to add a few Hd channels at a time, they will really have compitition when Directv adds Omaha's local hd channels sometime in first half of 08, once this happens Cox will be forced catch up and will increase there hd offerings, Cox seem to be reactive when it comes to adding Hd and Directv and Dish have been pro active in adding hd.

You do not have to wait on DirecTV to get Omaha locals, all you have to do is connect an antenna to the DirecTV receiver and it will pick up the local OTA channels (HD & analog) and add them to the guide. All you have to pay for is a cheap antenna.

EdL