No OTA KMTV Grammy's in HD??? Maybe its just my system. If not, I guess free is not really free when you neglect to broadcast.

Trent, I am watching it right now in HD. 1088i, but only Stereo. It says it was supposed to be in Dolby, but I am not getting it.

GRIZZ

I don't believe any local CBS is giving up the 5.1, nor are they capable of it.

I tell ya what - this is amazing.

I have sound coming out of my rears.. Hmm.. Wonder if that's just a dolby upconvert or something.. I'll have to check.

I am watching KMTV-DT OTA and am not getting DD 5.1.

Neither KM3 or KOLN are broadcasting in 5.1

Yea, it was my DPL ][ or whatever taking the 2-channel and trying to come up with 5 channels..

We have the Dolby 5.1 equipment in house. It will have to take backburner for now.

We are currently converting the entire studio to digital; including a new control room, switcher, router, intercom and coffee pot.

CBS has announced that starting with the Masters, all of the PGA coverage on CBS will be in HD. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=364127.

Originally posted by Mike Gann

CBS has announced that starting with the Masters, all of the PGA coverage on CBS will be in HD. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=364127.

SWEET!

BTW, I was getting the Grammys in ProLogic Surround (OTA).

Mike

Originally posted by ScottChez
So what is wrong with Fox and WB?

Did the FCC laws say they had to be on D-TV by now.

Can anyone realy truely get WB and Fox both that are in the path from there FCC required path (coverage area) of from there towers to Downtown Omaha.


Should we reported them to the FCC? How do you complain to the FCC anyway?

Maybe this will give them more motivation to spend more money on there towers so we will have HD TV in time when fox cuts over to 720P

Both are (supposedly) in DTV. I get KXVO, but KPTM is really weak. I have talked to the engineer for both, and they still are hoping to throw KPTMs signal on KXVOs subchannel. He said with all the snow and weather, that it's on the backburner, but something they still are hoping to do. You should at least be able to get KXVOs digital signal (Channel 38).

And the FCC wonders why everyone does not have a DTV or HD TV yet?

The FCC made some laws that everyone had to be on DTV by now. Some TV station are playing games like KPTM.

This is the case in other cities also.

If the whole USA was on 100% DTV (HDTV) in there normal High Power. Many more would buy HDTV sets.

Its not fair to the other TV stations who spent Millions to upgrade ALL of there equipment so they could do DTV in full power.

Is there a link or something so we can complain to the FCC about KPTM and WB? The way I read the law (rule) they need to do DTV for everyone in there area that there analog signal covers.

KM3 HD in Omaha OTA.


Update: Dish Network has sold out of 811 and 921s. The waiting list is getting long.

Many must of said good bye to cable.

Check this out. Cox cable is not going to be happy.

(go to the 30 Second TV add at the button)

It will start playing in Omaha next week.


http://rweb.echostar.com/marketing/PigCampaign/index.asp#

Hey KM3,

Way to go on buying the equipment to upgrade your news to HDTV.

9News in Denver just did it. They also upgraded there Local Radar to HD.

Here is the link:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=364314



Now you can really see where the storms on at home.

I hope KM3 also lets us see the Radar in HD. It will bring a whole new Def to local weather.

Again, congrates, good choice. Hope Km3 is first with Local news and weather in HD.

Originally posted by ScottChez


I hope KM3 also lets us see the Radar in HD. It will bring a whole new Def to local weather.

I hope you're not proposing a simulcast weather channel.

Sorry, No news in HD just yet.

Getting the station into the digital realm first.

So is one better? I looked at both and it seems Dish has the better special offers.

Also, as a current Cox HD subscriber I have been most displeased with the fact that running analog signal over Components looks like crap. Really all the analogs are crappy through the Moto box, does Dish/Direct look good?

Finally, for OTA transmissions I would need an antenna. Is there any small option for someone in Papillion? I went to the Antenna web site and I needed a large antenna to pick up all the stations so I assume not, but I was just hoping.

The big thing about Cox is the ability to have it all with just the converter, but I am not real happy with there quality of service as I really hate the analogs and have been considering dropping everything but basic. However, I am willing to give these sats a try especially with Dish's no commitment deal they have. Only thing I don't like is that with Cox I get free HBO since I have cable modem and phone service with them. However, I understand my rate will be going up again so that might make the difference.

Anyway, your opinions are appreciated. Thanks!

I have been a happy customer of DirecTV for the last year and a half. I made the decision to go with DirecTV mainly for content, as only DirecTV offers the NFL Sunday Ticket.

I have only had a handful of outages related to weather, and they were only the most severe rainstorms. I did have some issues with wind when i first got the service, but it was because the installer was a complete moron and only put one lag bolt in the frame, so it vibrated in the wind.

I use COX basic for local analog channels and a (too) small antenna for OTA HD. I recently was going to drop COX altogether, and the day before the disconnect order, they called and offer to cut my monthly rate in half for 3 months. So, I will cancel COX in three month! :D By then, DirecTV should have their local channel programming in Omaha. Maybe by then there will also be some OTA options for UPN. But, even if there isn't, I will still drop them. I will just go to a friend's house on Wednesdays to watch Enterprise on COX O2.

BTW, if anyone has cable modem and you are thinking about dropping cable TV, they are not dependent on each other, regardless of what COX's website says. You do not have to have TV service for the Internet access.

Good luck with your decision,
GRIZZ

DISHNETWORK
=====================

PROS-
They have Locals right now (all but Fox and WB)

With Dish you can get a Free DVR and Free receivers (Direct TVs cost $99)

They also have 2 UPNs and 3 WBs in there Superstation package if you like to watch sitcoms (friends, raymond ect)

They are cheaper than Direct TV by $10 if you only want the top 150 + HBO

The 921 has Firewire out for dumping HDtv to Dvhs.



CONs-

There DVRs all have bugs. The 921 crashes a lot and the 811 non DVR also has many issues.

They are out of room on there SATS. To get the Nebraska PBS you must have a 2nd Dish, Iowa PBS does not.

In one year you may need a new Super Dish (duble in size) to get future HD channels.

There is a year long dispute with Dish and KPTM and WB, they are not turned on yet. (sounds like Cox and KM3).

Direct TV
===============

Pros-

There Hard ware is the best. There Tivos are 2nd to none.
The HD Tivo will be better the Dishes 921 in that it can do TWO over the air HDTV stations at once.

Only place in the USA to get the NFL package

When the new Sat 7s goes up there will be more room for more HD and OMAHA locals all on one small dish.

CONS-

No locals, The Sat 7s has been delays again as the last sat that went up failed to open the solar array. They are now looking at April. I would not sign up with them until the Sat 7s goes up AND the OMAHA locals are turned on.

There is NO way to get UPN to watch star trek. There is no super station option.

The Every thing package is $5 more than Dish.

The HD Tivo is not out yet (estimated at April 1).



My suggestion: Go with Direct TV, but only in March AFTER there new Sat 7s is launched and is online for Omaha Locals.
Also if you wait till March there next Quarter Promos will start saving you an extra $60 in programing costs over the first 6 Months (they call it the double deal). Also waiting my bring you a FREE SD tivo as rumors are they they will be matching Dish in hardward promos.

Ohhh . . . .

a side channel with Live radar would be great if it were turned on when other HD programing is not active.

Mike,

My compliments to you on the Grammy Awards. I recorded them in the store (NFM) on a Zenith HDR230 and the broadcast was beautiful.

Doug

Thanks for the info. Sounds like waiting for a bit is the best option. I appreciate your input.

I meant to ask.. is picture quality good on all channels? That is probably my biggest gripe with Cox. The Moto 6200 is just bad, IMHO, in the analog range over pretty much anything, composite, component, and coax.

I went ahead and made the jump to Directv, got it installed yesterday.

Not having CBS in HD with Cox pushed me over the edge. I really, really liked having HD through the cable box, it was relatively inexpensive and easy to setup and use but when CBS was gone and no Super Bowl I got extremely irked. So I started looking at the alternatives and decided on Directv over Dish mainly because:

1. HD Directv Tivo is coming soon (we have an SA Tivo now that we are fully addicted to). Dish does not have Tivo, an HD PVR yes but no Tivo.

2. NFL Sunday Ticket. Wife says no to this - but she is a big Vikings fan so she will be fairly easy to convince!

3. More hardware choices. Not just with the Tivo but it seems there are more receiver options, multi-switches, etc.

For now I have taken 1 step back in that I havn't yet purchased a Directv HD receiver as I am waiting for the HD Tivo in April, but I will probably break down and get a non-tivo HD receiver before then anyway:D (it won't go to waste as I have another HD monitor in the house) However I did buy an SD Directv Tivo receiver so now my wife will not dominate all the room on the old SA Tivo:)

So far with just the SD content Directv looks just as good and even better on some of the channels I have compared directly with Cox digital cable (in particular ESPNews seems to be crisper with less artifacts). I also like the program guide much, much better than the cable box. After 24 hours I am very pleased with Directv.

The install went well except for the LNB "arm" was the wrong one so I had to exchange that with the retailer. To the installers credit he was able to come back and finish the install the same day. The rest of the install was easy as I had 2 or 3 runs of quad-shield going to each room already so that was a snap.

Tomorrow I plan on dropping Cox back to the basic cable for my locals and using the SA Tivo to handle recording those.

Plus this will give me plenty of time to figure out how I am going to do the OTA antenna for the HD, run the cables, etc.

IN todays Direct TV press conference they announce a $50 price drop on the Tivo (no date given) and DOUBLE the HD channels by the end of the year.

They did say the Sat 7S is delays which means OMaha Locals the end of March or first part of April now. More HD is also scheduled for the Sat 7s.

There are rumors in the DBS Forums that Dish may be looking at either ADDING VOOM or BUYING the company.
There CEO mentioned they "might add the service" and they "looking at it"

That would mean 21- to 30 MORE NEW HD Channels that Cox does not have. No work on the price, just something to watch for.

Cable can not keep up with SAT.

Originally posted by ScottChez

Cable can not keep up with SAT.


And that's the fact, Jack!

:D

Originally posted by ScottChez
There are rumors in the DBS Forums that Dish may be looking at either ADDING VOOM or BUYING the company.
There CEO mentioned they "might add the service" and they "looking at it"

That would mean 21- to 30 MORE NEW HD Channels that Cox does not have. No work on the price, just something to watch for.

Cable can not keep up with SAT.

Man, these internet rumors run rampant. Charlie was saying he would like to offer the Voom content. Just as he would like to add the INHD content. He can dream and comment on that dream. Will that make it happen?

The only deal I see for Voom to partner with E* is if Voom gets in exchange the ability to use the E* 148 satellite.

Anyone heard anything on KM3 TV and Cox lately?

Did they stop talking?

Its almost NCAA NBA time for HD on CBS . . .

Since I have been lurking here for a couple months, I thought I would send out a message.

I am in Weston (West of Omaha, North of Lincoln), and I can get KMTV, WOWT, KOLN, and NETV(1, 2, 3, 6, 7). I have tried getting KLKN and KXVO but I just get the signal meter to jump up and down(0-90) and it never locks on to a signal. The ones I do get, I get a real good signal from.

The only real "problem" I have, is from time to time the sound will drop out for a second, like it loses just the sound signal or something but the picture never goes out.

Can't wait to watch Daytona tomorrow in HD, should be great.

Bruce

Hi all,

With the Daytona 500 coming up tomorrow on WOWT-HD I spent a few moments down in The Pit this morning aligning the antenna anc checking signal strength on my tuners. Signal strength today appears to be rock solid and I don't anticipate any trouble receiving tomorrows race. However, both of my receivers, HiDTV Pro computer card and an Echstar 6000 both receive low audio levels from WOWT when compared to KMTV and NETV. I have to crank up the volume approximately +20db to equalize the drop in audio via spdif to my Lexicon processor.

Anyone else experiencing this?

John

WOW

did you say NETV 1 2 3 4 5 6 and 7 for sub channels.

Why does Cox not carry all of these?

What about Iowa PBS on Council Bluffs are they on HD yet?

Regarding ETV

1 is over the air SD programming
2 is the cable service known as NETV2 (Formerly Educable)
3 is NETV channel for continuing education programs
4 is an audio feed of the NETV radio network
5 is the HDTV feed, usually in the evenings, at which time 1-4 are not active
6 & 7 are data channels which have no audio or video.

So, as long as you have cable, you are probably getting 1 & 2 already. On 3 you are not missing much in my opinion, although they seem to carry PBS Kids from time to time. I would suspect Cox will eventually carry the HDTV feed. Time Warner in Lincoln is already carrying it, as they have a direct link via fiber optic to TW for all their programming.

I must admit, the NETV Radio on the OTA box is excellent quality. Perfect for classical. No hiss on the low passages from RF noise.

Why isn't WOWT carrying Las Vegas in HD tonight OTA?

Does anyone here in Omaha have experience with PowerStrip and hooking up an LCD and computer via DVI? If so, could you leave me a private message? I have a customer that might need some help...

Thanks a lot.

Doug

Ran across this article and thought this thread's readers might be interested- http://www.tvtechnology.com/features/news/n_carriage_carnage.shtml

Dougaha:
Which LCD set are they trying to hook up? There is a ton of info on this site about hooking up the Sony GWII's and GWIII's to computers via DVI. I can provide some links if that would help.

I have the GWII and haven't tried to hook it up to DVI yet since I have a nVidia video card which is well known to have issues with the Sony tv's. I will be getting a new ATI card late next week and will be attempting to hook it up via DVI then and will likely be able to share my experience...

Is it true that the ABC HD TV contract is up this fall.

Will they also end up like KMTV and fight over pricing, thus Minus an other HD channel?


Is it true that Pappas the owners of Fox and WB are currently fighting with pricing over there soon to be HD content on Cox.

Pappas has been in a fight for a year now with Dishnetwork on SD content. Dishnetwork has all Local channels BUT WB and Fox.


It not looking too good for OMaha these days.


Why cant we all just get a long and just watch TV?

Not realy and HD topic but.

You cant watch Star Trek here in Omaha unless you have Cox Cable 02tv UPN.

Some one said on an other board that they can get Channel 14, Sioux City here in Omaha Its CBS, in SD, but they have UPNs start trek on the week ends.

Any one getting that channel?

Any one know if any local Stores are taking PRE ORDERS for the new HD TIVO due out in 5 Weeks?

Some on the east coast are already and one online retailer already is with a $100 discount making it only $899.

Mega Mart? Best Buy? Anyone ?

Here is the link to the online retailer:

http://www.*********************/avsTC.htm

It looks like there is a revised version of firmware for the Cox 6200 boxes that will enable the firewire ports for recording. Does anyone have any information on when Cox might be upgrading the boxes in Omaha?

I went to the Cox web page and asked them this question, but I have yet to receive a reply.

suretytek,

according to my Cox rep, firewire will be active on the 6200 box next spring around April. This November the DVI output will be active.

Doug

Scott,

In answer to your question "Will they also end up like KMTV and fight over pricing, thus Minus an other HD channel?" I'd say there's a fairly good chance that all of the local broadcast providers will rethink their current Cox business model in favor of increased revenues for their digital content. If I were an Omaha station manager I'd certainly pursue it. The millions spent for all of that new hardware has to be paid for somehow.

Personally, I feel that if Cox were to provide the local digital broadcast content without requiring a subscription to both the digital tier and extended basic then I would buy into Coxs agrument that they're passing this content onto subscribers at no additional cost. However, Cox isn't doing that, you must subscribe to both to receive these broadcasts, therefore I beleive local broadasters are entitled to some of those profits that Cox is receiving.

Further, I'd like to see Cox make these digital channels available to consumers with nothing more than a subscription to their $14 bare bones basic service (i.e. the same bare minimum level required to just get channels 5, 8 and 9...) than I'd agree with Coxs position and they'd have a new subscriber.

Regards,

John

Hi John, I have Directv and added Cox because Ketv tower fell,here is what its costs to have Cox Hd, I have the limited basic for 14.00 and Digital gateway package for 8.45 and 9.99 for rental of the Motorola 6200 hd receiver, I get Inhd 1 and Inhd 2, along with Espn-hd and Discovery-Hd,and Wowt-hd, Ketv-hd, Pbs-hd. I think when Ketv-Dt is running ota again, I will keep Cox Hd for Inhd1 and Inhd 2 they really have alot of great Hd content, they will have 3 Hd Major league Baseball games a week, starting in April and the Academy Awards red carpet show this Sunday.

I just rented the box for $10 a month to get the the locals. It also gave me showtime. Did not cost me any more than my $14 basic . I think they were giving away the digital tier free for a year. I cancelled it after football season though, as I also have directtv, whom I ordered the hd package for 10.95 a month and sunday ticket, nothing else, so I could get espn hd. I think they caught on, because it is not working this week. I called to cancell the cbs feed and the guy said this is not right. I said it works so I am not worried about it. I think he followed up and got it removed.

Daryl

Originally posted by johnwcookjr
Personally, I feel that if Cox were to provide the local digital broadcast content without requiring a subscription to both the digital tier and extended basic then I would buy into Coxs agrument that they're passing this content onto subscribers at no additional cost. However, Cox isn't doing that, you must subscribe to both to receive these broadcasts, therefore I beleive local broadasters are entitled to some of those profits that Cox is receiving.


You do not need to subscribe to the digital tier. All you need is expanded basic service (so that you don't have the filter for the digital channels) and a QAM tuner. There was considerable discussion about this last month:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3292559#post3292559
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3287914#post3287914

But you must pay for the Digital Tier to be eligible to rent there HD Box for $9.95 a Month. Who is going to spend $400 to $600 on a QAM box that cant even get the other channels like HBO/SHOW HD as it is scrambled.

Someday you may want to subscribe to HBO HD or SHOW HD or ESPN HD and then you just waisted your $400 to $600.

You you must buy there Digital package. I called you cant rent there HD box unless you subscribe to digitial. Thats where they are make the money and thats why KM3, KpTM and WB are not on Cox.

But you must pay for the Digital Tier to be eligible to rent there HD Box for $9.95 a Month. Who is going to spend $400 to $600 on a QAM box that cant even get the other channels like HBO/SHOW HD as it is scrambled.

Someday you may want to subscribe to HBO HD or SHOW HD or ESPN HD and then you just waisted your $400 to $600.

You you must buy there Digital package. I called you cant rent there HD box unless you subscribe to digitial. Thats where they are make the money and thats why KM3, KpTM and WB are not on Cox.

Dougaha,

So firewire in April of 2005, DVI in November of 2004, is that right?

I'm a DirecTv HD customer, but I'm helping a buddy of mine get his new HD setup running. He has the Cox setup with the Motorola 6200. Does the DVI out on the 6200 not work? He has the same TV as me and I can't get a signal using DVI.
I apologize if this is addressed earlier in thread. The 6200 works fine with component connection, but not using DVI.
Any thoughts are appreciated.
Heath

Originally posted by ScottChez
But you must pay for the Digital Tier to be eligible to rent there [sic] HD Box for $9.95 a Month.
True enough.

Who is going to spend $400 to $600 on a QAM box that cant [sic] even get the other channels like HBO/SHOW HD as it is [sic] scrambled.
Anybody who doesn't want to pay for the digital gateway and monthly rental. The LG LST-3100A tuner can be found for as little as $329. The prices on standalone tuners are coming down.

You you [sic] must buy there [sic] Digital package. I called you cant [sic] rent there [sic] HD box unless you subscribe to digitial [sic]. Thats where they are [sic] make the money and thats why KM3, KpTM and WB are not on Cox.
You must subscribe to the digital gateway if you want to rent their tuner. You don't need to subscribe to the digital gateway if you have your own tuner. You need your own tuner to receive analog channels--how is this any different?

Thanks for the reply all, I didn't mean to stir up a hornets nest, I was just trying to show my support for the locals on their standpoint regarding digital content and Cox.

If I had a digital QAM demodulator capable of receiving un-encrypted content via cable (i.e. local digital broadcast content) then I'd consider paying Cox $14/month. I would not subscribe if either extended basic or the digital tier were required, which according to the details in the thread above seem to indicate.

Now that we've substantiated that Cox is indeed charging you more than $14/month for you to receive local content, I'd venture to say that KMTVs point has been made. The swines at Cox are using local digital content as a portion of the swill in their trough and they are cashing in on this new market.

Then again Cox could allways do trhe right thing and make unencrypted local digital content available for $14/month for those who own the prerequisite hardware.

John

heathmallory / suretytek:

DVI will be active this November 2004, Firewire will be active April 2005


Doug

Here is an Open Cable hi-def PVR. That means it receives the encrypted channels like HBO-HD and SHOWTIME-HD. No idea if it will work with Cox. Too bad it doesn't use TiVo software.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=371685

Does Cox "activate" the DVI port with a software release? Do you know why they don't already have it active?

What ever happened to the old days with they had Free or reduced LocalLink for people with SATs. Free or super reduced, Local Link and HD Locals in the local link package would make KM3 real happy.

Scott,
Don't know know it's not about customer satisfaction anymore, it's all about the benjamins.

David

I received this reply today from the new VP Regional Manager of Cox in Omaha. I orginally wrote an email to Janet Barnard who had been the GM in Omaha and wasn't actively participating in the discussions with KM3, instead leaving that to her VP of Public Affairs, Mike Kohler which upset Jim McKernan who is the General Manager of KM3. It now appears Percy Kirk is going to get involved in the discussions which he should and possibly an agreement can be reached. Keep your fingers crossed. If you wish to email either of the two key players with your comments following are their email addresses:

Jim McKernan (jmckernan@km3news.com)
Percy Kirk (Percy.Kirk@cox.com)

Reply Received from Percy Kirk

I received this note regarding your concern about KM3 HDTV. First of all I appreciate your business and interest in this matter, this is important for our company. Janet has been promoted to be Vice President Region Manager in a different market. I am moving to Nebraska as Vice President Regional Manager in March. I have talked to Jim McKernan about this matter and we agreed to get together after I arrive.
I hope we are able to make headway, as I believe that it benefits both parties to do so. Our differences seem to be significant. KM3 has asked for cash compensation from us for each customer. As you know, we do not charge an additional fee to digital customers for this programming. We don't feel our digital customers should bear the cost burden of a change that KM3 and all the other channels were required by law to make. We have carriage agreements in Omaha and many other markets where the respective broadcaster is eager to have the programming carried on our system, as it extends their reach and they are satisfied with the revenue stream they make from selling advertising.
Again, it is my hope that we can work something out. Mike Kohler will continue to be involved, as he has for years, and I will be involved also. We will keep our HDTV customers updated on our progress.
Best regards,
Percy Kirk

Since HDTV sets will be required to have a built in tuning capablilty in the future, why not work with the major cable companies to create a sytem that is capable of tuning "in the clear" channels and decode pay channels. Instead of a box, you would have some sort of card installed.
Two way communication is already possible with set top cable boxes, so the card system could be programmed to intereact with the cable company a few times a day to prevent piracy.

Digital Cable Ready sets are already available with the "Cable Card" slot, we sell 4 different Panasonic sets that have the slot, now it is just a matter of time for the Cable Companies to update their system to work with this slot. Time Warner tells me it could happen before summer. We'll see. The system will only be One Way, so Impulse Pay-Per-View and VOD wouldn't work, but for most people it rids them of the Cable Box, and gives them back the convience of certain features, such as PIP, etc..

Look for all brands to offer DCR sets this year.

Finally Plug and Play.

Cox Cable in other Cities now offeres a DVR (Tivo Like) for $15 a Month.

Does anyone know when Omaha will get it and if it will do HDTV also?

The other cities sounded like it did record HD.

New antenna integration results.

I spent the better part of Saturday installing a new antenna into my Papillion 2 story homes attic. The results at first were disappointing but after a few hours of experimenting with signal levels we can now receive all of the locals (KMTV, WOWT, NETV and KXVO) with the exception of KPTM. I plan to add a variable attenuator to the antenna feed tonight and test my reception further (i.e. KPTM.)

Question, was KPTM broadcasting digitally over the weekend?

Here's a list of hardware installed:
Radio Shack 15-2160 UHF antenna
Channel Master Spartan 3 0264DSB mast mounted VHF/UHF amplifier
Channel Master 9521A remote controlled rotor
50ft RG6/U cable run with a power splitter/w attenuator (7db attenuation per output feeding two receivers)

John

I spent a few hours setting up a new antenna on Sunday. Mine consists of about 50' of speaker wire and a 75 Ohm to 300 Ohm adapter. I then ran the wire down the length of my attic and down and up most of the trusses.

I am getting 80%+ on most HD channels. I am getting NETV on both channel 26 (4 sub-channels) and on 12 (also, 4 sub-channels), but with better reception on 26. I was able to watch the LSU game yesterday and the AFL on NBC. Although they were in SD, the picture was excellent. I also watched and recorded Cold Case in HD, but that was ruined by the local station sending weather alerts, and switching to SD. ARGH!

So, for the cost of some extra speaker wires and an adapter, I now have solid DT signals on WOWTDT, KMTVDT and all 4 NETV feeds. I was also able to pick up a lot of analog signals, including a channel 9 from somewhere.

What I can't get: KXVODT - WB or KPTMDT - Fox. From what I figure, I would have to have my house facing a different direction for this to work. :D

I am learning more from the homemade antenna experts in the Ham radio world, and I will let you know more as I experiment more. Any advice or other experiences with this, would be appreciated.

GRIZZ

I was getting KPTM-DT a bit this weekend. Still breaks up alot, and only hits about 30-35% signal to my Hughes Satellite Box. Still waiting for them to put KPTMs digital signal on a KXVO sub-channel. They are hoping to try that, per the Engineer from KPTM/KXVO. Other-than-that, I get everything great. Including KOLN-DT on Saturday, so I was able to pick up the Husker/Iowa State BB game on CBS. KMTV broadcast some other game instead.

Mike

I'm now able to get a solid lock on NETV Channel 40 out of Lincoln but still no KPTM. The best I can do on 43 are sporadic brief spikes into the twenties, just enough to occasionally pixelate the screen.

Has anyone heard any news on when Iowa PBS channel 33 will begin broadcasting? Looking forward to crystal clear upconverts of Red Dwarf on Saturday nights.

John

Anyone in Omaha hooked up to VOOM yet? I'm thinking about dropping Cox and trying VOOM.

mooneycj

johnwcookjr

About to setup the same hardware. I also live in Papillion.

Any luck with KOLN CBS Lincoln HDTV?

Scott,

I haven't tried to receive KOLN (I'll try tonight) however two nights ago the weather must have been perfect for DXing. I was able to pickup KPTM solidly for several hours. During that time I also saw a few reception spikes and pixelation on the screen while trying to tune KLKN ABC out of Lincoln. Had my antenna been on the roof as apposed to in the attic I may have had even better results.

If you're planning on installing the same hardware as I and you're still having trouble with reception, take a trip to Radio Shack and pick up a variable attenuator. I found that the amplified signal coming down from the attic to the basement is hot. I'm guessing that I'm currently running with about 6db of attenuation dialed in. Also, keep in mind that once the locals go to full power you may have to attenuate further or take the amplifier out of the circuit.

John

****UPDATE: Scott, I'm able to receive KOLN CBS at about 60-65% depending upon the receiver.******

Does anyone know if the DVI port works on the Scientific Atlantic Explorer Cable box after the software upgrade yesterday? The tech rep at TWC thought it should be on but wasn't sure.

Is it worth buying a cable to find out?

Also I noticed some odd behavior involving setting the aspect ratio and SD settings in the SA settings. It seemed to view HD stuff properly that the SD output setting on the SA box had to be 4:3 unzoomed or unstretched.

Cliff Bettis

Has anyone else had the signal for WOWT drop off lately? I used to be able to get the signal at about 65-70%, last night it was about 20-25% and unviewable.

Havent changed anything recently..

Nolesfn,

Last night I noticed the same thing, a significant drop in power from WOWT-DT while KMTV-DT remained about the same. I rotated my rotor about 30 degrees to the east and poof the power level came back up. I'm guessing we were seeing weather related anomalies.

John

Dancer

The DVI is supposed to have been enabled we are going to try it tonight, and yes the aspect Ratio of HD material now follows the default setting that you set for SD channels, which has already been discussed with Time Warner Reps, and they are looking into fixing this, The good news is that if you don't want to burn Black Bars in to CRT or Plasmas, you at least have the option to stretch HD. By the way, the bypass button on the remote, gives you some direct control of Aspect Ratios.

S.K.

I notice that the channel guide and info now comes up on the standard "video out" jack (feeding my VCR) as well. Nice updates!

The only major problems with the updates, are in controlling the aspect Ratio. What you'll find is that the Aspect ratio of the HD channels follows the aspect ratio of the analog tier, which is different than prior to the update last night. So if you change the aspect ratio when you are on say channel 6 to stretch it right and left, and then switch to 106, it will also stretch 106. The only way to change the aspect back into the Normal mode is to tune too an analog channel again, touch the Bypass button, which toggles through the 3 modes, and then re-tune to Ch. 106 when they are passing through True HD content.

FYI

Oh, DVI is enabled, but when you connect it to your TV, it automatically shuts off the Component Video outputs, but fortunately, not the composite, and S-Video outputs.

Bad thing, is that you need 2 boxes, and 2 TV's side by side to compare the difference, which we plan on doing.

Another local Cox Cable market loses a tower. Makes you start to think about things doesn't it...

http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=1690245&nav=0nqxLJP1


Doug

Thank god no one was hurt. I wonder what it costs to ensure one of these sites? The rates have to be rising.

That reminds me of our Channel 7 here when there tower went down last summer. Time to start asking questions again about this. . . . .

Any update on when they will be doing DTV again or HDTV? Only 40% of there market area can even get Cox cable (its a large area).

I thought that DTV was some kind of FCC requirement now a days.
How long are they exempted?

Any one getting Lincolns ABC in HD yet? Channel 8 Sd near Omaha?


What about KPTM? Do they have some kind of Exemption?
Dont know of anyone that can get there DTV feed, unless your in the back yard of there tower in that other town. How do you file a compaint with the FCC on that? There license should be put in reveiw. They are not serving Omaha in DTV which there licensed is documented for.

ScottChez,

Calm down a little bit. The requirements for DTV are as follows (this is rough and from memory)

When 85% of customers can receive an over the air signal, then the analog signals will be turned off. The theoretical date for this is July 1, 2006. As FCC Chairman Michael Powell has recently stated, and I paraphrase, "2006 is a maybe date"

As far as KETV goes, the last email update I got from Warren stated that he was going to be up and running at full power on or around November 1st.

For KPTM, I don't have a clue.

Doug

Being part of new technology early adoption can indeed be frustrating. We want it all and we want it now :)
KETV falls under the 'act of God' category and will be given exemptions until they are physically able to get a tower up. The November date seems quite reasonable, if not optimistic. Remember all the wind and weather delays when each of the stations were working on their original HDTV plans?

Smaller stations like KLKN are operating on a shoestring. Markets like Lincoln, Sioux City, etc certainly turn a profit, but you have to consider a new transmitter, antenna, plus the power to run TWO stations. (analog and digital)
I'm impressed 10/11 got on the air they way they did. They could have easily done some low power STA stuff. I think CBS may be a motivator in that respect. KM3 and 10/11 were all on the air with pretty good kick right out of the chute. If you have a product worth putting out there (From an HDTV technical perspective...not story content), then a CBS affiliate would be more likely to go the extra mile, as opposed to a WB or Fox affiliate which doesn't offer anything or very little in terms of HD content.

For some strange reason, KPTM came in very good last night when I checked around 10 PM! It was showing about 65% on my signal strength indicator and was solid with no dropouts. I don't know if it was because of atmospheric conditions or an act of God, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Mike

Mike,

For me it was just the opposite, not a hint of KPTM and even KXVO was occasionally dropping out. However, channel 12/40 out of Lincoln was rock solid. Did anyone catch last nights concert in memory of George Harrison on PBS? The broadcast although clear appeared to be sourced from DVD. Does any one have insight into the transmission media used for the broadcast, was this an HD transfer or a broadcast of a DVD?

John

I just added Rapid City and Sioux City to the page,and will be adding Omaha and Des Monies soon, and renamed the site to Great Plains Broadcasting. I will also have a News page, I will also be redoing the webpage to make it look a lot better.

http://www.geocities.com/tvmansf/

Remember the HDTV schedule is updated every Wednesday.

CALLING ALL THAT WORK AT ELECTRONICS STORES:

The new HD Direct Tivo that has 4 Turners is now avl. for Pre-orders at several online retailers.

Does any one work at NFM, BB, CC, or any other store here?
Are you taking Pre-Orders for it yet?

Here is one web site offering the $100 discount for AVS members making it only $899.

Anyone price matching on the pre-order?

It is much better to buy locally and also to buy from members here on AVS.

The model number is now HD DVR HR10-250 it was in beta "HD-DVR250

http://www.*********************/avsTC.htm

Anyone try using a Channel Master 4228 here in Omaha? I live at 48th and Giles.. Looking for something that would assist with some better reception.. Trying to decide between a better antenna, or a rotor..

Right now I can get KETV, PBS really strong.. used to be able to get WOWT but in the past 2 weeks, the signal has went down to the point that it is unwatchable.

any ideas?

Nolesfn:

Yes, I have used the 4228, and in fact still have it. But I found it to be too directional. It picked up KXVO, KPTM, KOLN and the PBS stations in Lincoln, but it was so directional that it killed the Omaha station reception.

Mike

Mroot-

At this point, I am considering picking up a 4228, and a rotor.. Just wondering if I would notice a difference worth justifyning replacing the UHF/VHF antenna that I have now.

If you go with a rotor, I think you'll have good luck with everything. Interested in my 4228?

:)

Mike

Mike,

What kind of antenna are you currently using? Also, if he's not interested in your 4228 I may be.

John

I'm using a telemetry antenna that is normally used in a hospital setting. It is small, and somewhat omnidirectional. It is mounted just above my fireplace chimney. It has four radials that are about 6 inches long that stick out horizontally from the center. It isn't an outdoor antenna, but I've RTVed all the openings to make it somewhat outdoor compatible. I can take a picture and place it in a post, if possible. It works fairly well (except for KPTM).

Mike

Here is a picture of the antenna I use.

Mike

And the bottom of the antenna, also.

Mike

Thanks for the pix Mike, neat compact design. Once all of the locals go to full power you should be set.

I'm getting everything except KPTM too, I'm thinking of putting up a second temporary directional antenna pointed SW for KPTM. I'd like to watch NASCAR in 480P widescreen on Sundays and crank it up. However if they decide to simulcast with KXVO soon I'll hold off.

Does anyone have any news on the following stations:

Council Bluffs Iowa PBS Channel 32/33

KPTM going simulcast with KXVO or increasing their power output on 43?

Regards, John

John, I've never seen KPTM or KXVO broadcast OTA anything in widescreen. It's just a digital signal...no HD content yet.

Mike

Check out this website for this Winegard antenna. This may be a good solution for those of us that are kinda in the middle of the Omaha stations and the Lincoln stations. I'm trying to find a reception pattern for this antenna, but it is described as being bi-directional, which may be a good fit for me and others on the southwest side of Omaha, since the antennas are almost 180 degrees apart between the Omaha stations and KPTM/KXVO and even Lincoln.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=ANWGS2000

Might be worth $60 to give it a try.

Mike

UPDATE on the new HDTV Direct Tivo with a 250 Gig HD and 4 tuners.

I really wanted to buy localy the $999 new HD Tivo, but I could not find any one who would do a Pre Order.

Most on AVS members are buying from this place as you get a $100 discount for being a AVS memeber.

I ordered from here. Great place! Order on line or on the phone.
there are about 500 ahead of you so we are looking at the end of April or first of May.

With $100 off and a $70 discount for no sales tax $170 off is a deal.
Plus you can cancel the order if you can get it sooner.

http://www.*********************/avsTC.htm

Mike,

For me, mounting this antenna in the attic (easy access) with 19.5db of gain on UHF (includes antenna gain, amp gain, noise figure not specified), I'm not sure that would be enough to consistently pick up a distant station (Lincoln or KXVO) at this time due to low power transmission.

I'm currently running 23dB of amp gain now, installed in the attic, actual antenna gain uknown, and attenuate/power split the signal after a ~70ft run of RG6U cable, just before my receivers.

Wish I had acces to a spectrum analyzer.

Buy one and let me know how it goes.

John

John, yes, in the attic mount may not work too well. Outside, however, may be a different story. I may look into it if and when the weather gets a little nicer.

Mike

Just a heads up for HD viewers in Nebraska, there will be an HDNet World Report featuring Superior Nebraska premiering Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

HDNet link http://www.hd.net/op_worldreport.html

Superior link http://www.ci.superior.ne.us/

Hi all does anybody know about the rca dtc100 direct tv hd reciever. Iam getting some vertical lines moving up my screen.

gr8scotts,

Could you elaborate when you see these lines? While watching off air analog programming? While watching off air DTV programming? While watching satellite programming? Your DTC100 is connected to what type of viewing device via what type of cable/connector interface? S-Video? Composite? RGB?

John

We are loosing a bearing on our exhaust cooling fan. I have turned the
transmitter off until repairs can be made. I have the part, but not the 3 people required to lower the system from the ceiling grid for replacement. Looking at possibly Thursday for repairs. SORRY!

Jay

Originally posted by WOWT
We are loosing a bearing on our exhaust cooling fan. I have turned the
transmitter off until repairs can be made. I have the part, but not the 3 people required to lower the system from the ceiling grid for replacement. Looking at possibly Thursday for repairs. SORRY!

Jay

I'm free right now. Just say the word and I'll be down. :)

Give me a call! I can be free at a moments notice!

GRIZZ

Jay,

Sounds like something you don't want dropped on your foot, count me out. ;)

Good luck.

John

Rca dtc100 is hooked up to a pioneer vsx-d811s with a component switcher, I am also running my voom both rca gold component cables, to a 65 inch mits widscreen but sears tested it on sat and it was good. he thinks it could be to much stuff behind my tv, put the voom works fine and dvd works fine only the rca reciever directv or over the air. I checked rca website and the suggested a hard reboot which i did, no help.

I noticed on the "NBC lip-sync NY" thread, that both NY and LA are experiencing issues with Leno. I called NBC-NY to discuss what they have been telling me was "MY ISSUE" They finally admitted they may have problems with the network HD receivers and they are looking into it. I can't inject a set delay on the audio. I noticed the delay varies throughout the show. 15 frames may slide to 4 frames then back.

We have monitored the delay on three independant receivers so the problem lies with the receiver software or the encoder in NY. When I pointed out the only program is Leno (which is fed from Burbank via fiber) I got the "thats interesting" reply.

Just wanted all the viewers to know, I am working on it and finally gaining ground.

Jay

Anyone have an update on the Cox/KMTV dispute concerning HDTV? March Madness is here, and soon the Masters. Would sure like to see these in HD.

mooneycj

gr8scotts,

Have you bypassed the switcher and run the DTC100 directly into your Mits? What was the outcome?

John

Originally posted by WOWT
We are loosing a bearing on our exhaust cooling fan. I have turned the
transmitter off until repairs can be made. I have the part, but not the 3 people required to lower the system from the ceiling grid for replacement. Looking at possibly Thursday for repairs. SORRY!

Jay

Hi any update on this, install guy is coming out tomorrow to setup my antenna and I was hoping to test WOWT.

Thanks
Jon

Originally posted by mooneycj
Anyone have an update on the Cox/KMTV dispute concerning HDTV? March Madness is here, and soon the Masters. Would sure like to see these in HD.

mooneycj

Good luck, they canceled right before the Super Bowl, so I doubt they give a ratz ass about us. I would hope they realize, that the majority of true HD content is sporting events....

I'd like to see KM3 try a little simulcasting during the tourney. Can we see if a happy balance can be had having one HD game along with one SD game? How about 3-4 SD games? Other CBS affiliates are doing this and it would be great to see KM3 play with their new capabilities.

We did that Friday. CBS provided two games in HD in addition to the SD games we aired on the analog side. (All HD games originate out of KC.)

The next HD feeds will come tomorrow (Sunday), and next Friday and Sunday.

I couldn't watch much yesterday outside of early afternoon. I actually had to go watch Nebraska play Niagara. :)

CBS is running the 4:20, 4:30 and 4:40 games this afternoon. Can KM3 run all these in simulcast? I can't pull in ch 3 analog. My setup is tuned for the UHF channels.

Originally posted by bohlke
Hi any update on this, install guy is coming out tomorrow to setup my antenna and I was hoping to test WOWT.

Thanks
Jon

Is anyone able to pull WOWT OTA?

Thanks
Jon

Originally posted by bohlke
Is anyone able to pull WOWT OTA?

Thanks
Jon

I get WOWT-DT in Lincoln @ 40th and Old Cheney. MXU-59 antennacraft mounted in the attic.

Originally posted by bohlke
Is anyone able to pull WOWT OTA?

Thanks
Jon

I am pulling full signal at 48th and Giles on WOWT.

Its so wierd, I get KMTV at full strength but I cant get WOWT over 25%, I dont quite understand.....

Does anyone know the current power output of Omaha HD stations?

Thanks
Jon

Check this website. I assume it is up-to-date.

http://www.schaeferstv.com/updates/Digital_TV_Stations/digitalstationsupdate.htm

Mike

Channel 6 Paste:
"We are loosing a bearing on our exhaust cooling fan. I have turned the
transmitter off until repairs can be made. I have the part, but not the 3 people required to lower the system from the ceiling grid for replacement. Looking at possibly Thursday for repairs. SORRY!"
====================================================
Strange how HDTV takes such a Low Priority. If it was there SD feed they would have "all hands" there fixing it right away.

Someday HDTV will get the priority once more have HD TVs.

bohlke,

I know this sounds a bit wierd but I've heard others (confiirmed this myself) have found that swinging their antennas further to the NE will result in much stronger reception on WOWT-DT.

Could we be seeing multipath from adjacent structures, possibly, but we all live in different neighborhoods allong the Sarpy county line from Papillion to western Bellevue. We all see greater signal sthrength on WOWT-DT by pointing torwards Council Bluffs.

About 35 degrees to the NE works for me, I live straight south of Crown Point on 72nd st.


John

Originally posted by johnwcookjr
bohlke,

I know this sounds a bit wierd but I've heard others (confiirmed this myself) have found that swinging their antennas further to the NE will result in much stronger reception on WOWT-DT.

Could we be seeing multipath from adjacent structures, possibly, but we all live in different neighborhoods allong the Sarpy county line from Papillion to western Bellevue. We all see greater signal sthrength on WOWT-DT by pointing torwards Council Bluffs.

About 35 degrees to the NE works for me, I live straight south of Crown Point on 72nd st.


John

I live in Lincoln just east of Lincoln General Hospital (Bryan LGH-West) and I had someone up on the roof moving the antenna to try and maximize the signal. It ended up being right at 39 degrees (which is what antenna web told me). Its a squareshooter with a preamp and I get 25% signal at best for WOWT. I called and talked to Jay who confirmed that the power output at WOWT is and order of magnitude lower than KMTV which explains why I get one and not the other. As it turns out the maximum signal response for both of those stations is at 39 degrees for me which is a bonus. Jay is hoping to up the power sometime late this year or early next year so I will just have to wait :(

Just a heads up for Nebraska NETV viewers...

Catch the replay tonight at 7:00 CT of Hear the Train a Comin' (http://mynptv.org/nptv/steam_preview_page.html). This is a great looking HD program of Union Pacific's 3985 Challenger steam locomotive. It premiered last Saturday and looked as good as any other HD program I've seen. Even if you're not a train buff, you should enjoy it.

I recorded it tonight and watched it afterwards, turned out to be a pretty good show and the camera work was first rate.

I hope UP can continue funding these old steamers indefinately, and I hope to see that old 844 first hand someday.

I had one less than a second dropout in the recording, just enough to draw a few pixel squares on the top half of the screen, it happened within the first 5 to 10 minutes of the show. Did anyone else see a brief drop?

John

When I watched last Saturday's showing I never noticed any breakups.

How did you record the show? HD-DVR or a PC based solution? If on the PC, how big did the file end up being?

Back in 93-94 I had the opportunity to ride behind the Challenger over Sherman Hill. Man, what a machine! If only the HD would give the olfactory senses the pleasure :)

gpflepsen,

We were in Missouri Valley IA about three or four years ago when the Challenger went thru. My father in law is a big time train buff, we pickniked and then waited for the train to roll thru the park. After that we packed up and boogied down I29 and caught up with her prior to Council Bluffs. We meandered behind her all thru town, quite the afternoon.

I recorded the program to my HTPC using a HiDTV pci tuner card. On average it takes about 9GB/hr to capture a raw HD stream. During the few moments leading up to the program PBS was still broadcasting multiple sub channels. All of the multicast channels in the stream were recorded. I'm not a big sesame street fan but it was the first time that I noticed that all sub-channels in the stream are recorded and can be selected for playback individually, at the time I thought that was kind of neat.

Enjoy,

John

I was hoping one of the broadcasters here can answer this. I understand it takes more electricity to radiate in the UHF spectrum than it does in the VHF spectrum. How does the power consumption compare? Is it a matter of the UHF signal needing more power to cover a similar are? Does UHF inherently tend to be less efficient than VHF in the power transmission from transmitter to antenna? Are the amplifiers less efficient?

Can you quantify the comparisons between UHF and VHF in terms of power needed to cover similar areas; in terms of the electricity consumed to get that power; what the power company's bill would be to run each type of transmitter?

Thanks.

VHF takes much less power and the higher you go on UHF, the more you need.
Channel 6 runs 100KW on Channel 6, but will eventually run about 980KW or so on Channel 22 in order to match their same coverage area.

Channel 3 also runs 100KW but will eventually run around 1,000KW at Channel 45.

This is very telling as to why many stations are requesting much lower output power until they shut off their analog, and why many stations 2-13 want to come back down to VHF when they shut off analog.
Costs would all be relative to output power, of course.

hopefully an engineer can fill in the gaps.

The reason I ask is this. Could the FCC require broadcasters to switch their analog and digital frequency? This would be a step taken before the cutoff of analog broadcast.

Switching would accomplish:

-It would show the public a priority is being given to digital broadcasting.

-It would allow (low power DTV) broadcasters to take advantage of the higher reaching full power VHF or higher power UHF transmitter.

-It would give adopters of DTV in the fringe areas better service

-It would still allow analog users access to the signals, though now they would be dealing with the sometimes weaker UHF signals and other shortcomings of the UHF broadcasters

-It would give analog users tangible reasons to figure out a DTV solution.

This is just what I was thinking last night.

For various reasons the higher your frequency the more power it will take to generate the same signal strength. I talked with Jay about this the other day and he said that most broadcasters were having trouble with HDTV over VHF as it seemed to be more susceptible to interference. Maybe if the technology improves this problem will go away, who knows.

"to speed up the HDTV adoption" . . .

one simple way is to change SHIVA law in congress that is due for renewal the end of the year.

Simply allow all DBS and Cable companies to carry other HD Network feed if the local station in the DMA is not at full power or cant be reached.

This would give the local stations a reason to turn up the power and pay there electric bill (something that KMPTM is not doing as they are still on low power).

anyone seen the new commercials that KM3 is broadcasting? Apparently they are talking about broadcasting on the new channel 45. lol

NETV has notices of which channel their DTV broadcast can be seen on. Educating the consumers is always good, it helps break the chains that bind.

I was hoping one of the broadcasters here can answer this. I understand it takes more electricity to radiate in the UHF spectrum than it does in the VHF spectrum. How does the power consumption compare? Is it a matter of the UHF signal needing more power to cover a similar are? Does UHF inherently tend to be less efficient than VHF in the power transmission from transmitter to antenna? Are the amplifiers less efficient?

Yes(grin)...

The FCC limits analog stations on channels 2-6 to 100kw effective radiated power. The limit for channels 7-13 is 316kw, and for UHF 5000kw. (digital limits vary similarly but I can't remember the exact figures) Basically, this means they think it takes about 3 times the power to cover an area on channel 8 as it does on channel 4, and about 50 times the power to cover it on channel 28.

Some of that is pessimism- resulting from older UHF receivers that were REALLY bad. UHF tuners are a lot better than they were 30 years ago.

UHF transmission is indeed less efficient. It takes more power from the electric utility to get a given amount of RF power out of the transmitter, and more of that RF power is lost in the feedline connecting the transmitter to the antenna. Also, more of the power that your antenna picks up at UHF is lost on the way down the feedline to your TV set.

(on the other hand, UHF transmitting antennas are better at concentrating the radiated power along the horizon. Which means you need less RF power at the antenna to achieve the same "effective radiated power". The previous station I worked for in Wisconsin used a 14kw transmitter to achieve 56kw effective radiated power - a "power gain" of four. The largest UHF transmitters available are 220kw, but you can get 5000kw effective power which means an antenna gain of roughly 25. Still, 220kw UHF transmitter output is about four times what you need to get the maximum on VHF.)

Doesn't look like KMTV and Cox are going to patch things up concerning their feud over providing HDTV to cable subscribers. Channel 805 has been removed from the Cox channel lineup.

mooneycj

Question for you Cox subscribers, was last nights ABC broadcast of Ten Commandments in HD? If so, how was the picture quality?

John

As far as I know "The Ten Commandments" wasn't in HD anywhere along the network this year.

I don't know if it's a Springtime thing, but KPTM is coming in real good now...hitting about 75% on my strength meter.

M

Woooo, KMTV is (currently) carrying the news and KMTV-DT is carrying the Masters!

I think I'll watch the Masters. This is at 5:45.

M

Confirmed with the Cox VP no KM3.

They are also in talks with KETV, seems that once there new HD Tower is up, they want the same deal as KM3, which means it could get pulled also.

DBS is they way to go for Local HD now (yes you need an atic ant.)

Direct TV with have the Locals SD channels up in May, plus you can now order the HDTV TIVO which is due out this month. Starts shipping Monday.

Speaking of towers, has the cause of KETVs antenna falling been determined? I haven't heard anything at all about it. And when does it look like their new antenna will start going up?

A couple of weeks ago applications were filed with the FCC for KETV's new tower. It's about 78 meters from the original hole in the ground, so they have to file for that. Also, the antenna heights are a shade different. (Looks like a seperate analog and digital antenna).
This is all typical FCC paperwork, and there shouldn't be any problems. KETV obviously has the game plan down, now it's a matter of FCC approval and nice weather days to put up a tower. I believe the target was November??? I don't recall. Should be a piece of cake.

According to the last communication I got from Warren, it's November 1 at full power for KETV.

Doug

Lyman,

If you're reading this, your letter to Omaha's Daily Newspaper in regards to the Qwest Center, in addition to being amusing and fun, made it onto the Todd & Tyler show early Friday morning. Listen Sunday night at around 10 PM to the 3rd shift replay to hear Tyler read it.

Doug

Sorry for being off topic.

Lyman, can you post a copy?

For anyone connected to Cox in Omaha who is interested in 1394 connectivity, here's a letter I am mailing to Cox this afternoon:

To whom it may concern:

I just talked to Jeremy with Cox. He was very nice and professional and did an outstanding job. He told me that Cox is getting ready to offer (at least 12 days later than the FCC mandate) a firewire enabled cable box in Omaha.

HOWEVER - he also tells me that the firewire enabled box has the guide functions disabled. So now I have the ability to pipe video out of my cable box into a D-VHS recorder or my Macintosh, BUT I CAN'T SET IT UP TO DO A TIMED RECORD! Nor can I check to see what's on the HD channels, nor can I purchase pay-per-view movies. Jeremy patiently explained to me that they couldn't have the guide and the intellectual property controls enabled at the same time, so they had to turn off the guide. <sarcasm on> That's the choice I would have made. <sarcasm off>

I can see that the solution to my problem lies in my simply renting another $10 per month box from Cox, and staying around my house to change channels and push the "record" button whenever my family wants to record something in HD. I'm sure you can see that this kind of defeats the whole reason for me wanting firewire functionality in the first place.

IN ADDITION, he tells me that Cox wants to roll a truck for "professional installation," and is requiring that I have a firewire cable in place before they will even dispatch a truck. I've got lots of firewire cables that I can connect and I'm sure that Cox isn't going to test to make sure that I can record stuff. Why exactly do I need a cable? Why do I need to pay for a truck roll? Are you just intentionally making this difficult in hopes of discouraging people from requesting this function?

I have to admit that in the past I've defended Cox. I was one of the people hammering on KMTV for (what I felt was) their short-sighted view of profit versus market-share regarding their pulling of KMTV-HD off of Cox. Between cable, Internet and phone, I pay you guys more than $200 a month. I would think that you'd be interested in keeping me happy and keeping me as a customer.

From what I can see on avsforum.com, there are dozens of cable systems that have implemented this solution across the nation with only one other report of the guide being disabled (and that appears to be related to direct firewire connections between the display and cable box). Why is it that you chose to implement a non-functional solution for HD timeshifting, when even other Cox franchises in other cities have a fully working solution?

I just want you to know, you'll probably be losing part or all of my cable, internet and phone business in the next few months. Your response to my request to timeshift HD recordings is to give me a non-working solution which I assume is just so that you can meet the FCC mandate. When you made this decision, you just relegated your company to the same category as the rest of the less-than-responsive telecommunications utilities. And now that I can get the same services you provide from them for the same money or less (and add functionality like timeshifting recordings and receving CBS in HD), why should I stay with you?

Jeff

Jeff,

Good letter, sounds like you did your homework with regards to other Cox affiliates, humorous and to the point. If it weren't for broadband I'd have cut Cox's underground cable at my property line years ago. Sadly enough DSL isn't available in my area, and from what I've heard from others DSL probaly isn't any more reliable than Cox broadband, it certainly isn't cost effective.


Mike,

KETV-DT may be back up in October if the FCC and the weather cooperate. Warren is installing his new digital antenna first, and will switch over analog from his existing temporary location on KMTV after that has been accomplished, Nov 1 is an estimated total completion taget date.

We may see some test broadcasts starting in October, cross you fingers.

John

It'd good to hear KETV-DT is looking to advance the schedule instead of delaying it. Our fingers are crossed for them.

John,

Thanks for the kind words. I've cooled off a little since I wrote that letter. It still greatly annoys me that a good and workable technical solution exists out there, but Cox in Omaha has decided not to implement it for unknown reasons.

I'm lusting after the HD Tivo via DirecTV. Now that's EXACTLY what I'm looking for. Does anyone have any words of wisdom regarding DirecTV, their customer service, etc.?

Jeff

Hey, I am thinking about getting an OTA reciever and was wondering what channels are currently broadcasting in the Omaha area considering the tower collapses. Thanks in advance for the help.

www.antennaweb.org is a good place to look. All of the local stations except KETV are broadcasting DT OTA. Very few people are able to receive a good signal from KPTM-DT.

Thanks for the info

I haven't followed this thread for awhile. I noticed some people talking about their inability to get WOWT's digital signal. I wanted to share my "success story".

I live in an apartment in northeast Lincoln, near 70th & Adams area. My apartment faces south and I'm surrounded by brick buildings that are about 4 stories tall. I use DishNetwork, but for my locals I'm using a Zenith digital OTA receiver. I'm using one of those "cheap" clip-to-the-dish type antenna's from Wally World and it is maybe 15 feet off the ground at most.

That said, I am able to receive digital signals strong enough for both Lincoln & Omaha CBS stations, WOWT, KLKN and Lincoln's PBS. Like everyone else, no chance of getting KXVO or KPTM. The funny thing is that WOWT's signal seems to be one of the best signals for me, with very little artifacts showing. KLKN is probably the worst.

Before ch 7 lost their tower last summer, I was able to get their digital signal as well. I look forward to their return so I don't have to rely on KLKN's poor signal for ABC programming.

Does anyone know if Cox's DVI signal is working on their hd boxes? I called customer service and they said yes, but I don't want to buy the cable if it is not working for sure. Anyone know where you can pick one up in Omaha? I need a 30 footer.
thanks
Gary

We are in Lincoln, and can special order a 20' or 40' Monster Cable.

www.schaeferstv.com

I wouldnt put too much trust in what one of the COX reps though..

Last I heard that the DVI would not be active until like August.. But they mave of moved that up.

Steve,

Are you receiving KLKN,spelling?, ABC in Lincoln, are they sending out 1080i yet? The last I read they're still putting out 480p at 1KW ERP, has anything changed?

Also, does anyone have an update on channel 33 Council Bluffs Iowa PBS?

John

Huskerfan, the DVI is not enable yet. Not till November.

Doug

johnwcookjr

We are receiving KLKN, but nothing has changed with respect to their power, or their output. It is still a Digital tranmission of their interlaced 480 line signal. I've not even been able to determine if it is 480p, I doubt it. I hope to see them get their HD Receiving equipment soon, but am not sure when. I do know that when they do, they will most likely not change their power output much until they move their equipment to their High Power transmitter over west by Seward. The end result will most likely still be keep your fingers crossed for KETV-DT to get up by Nov. 1st. for any HD ABC.

Huskerfan,

I believe that the latest version of firmware for the 6200 boxes enables both firewire as well as DVI. If you read the letter I sent to Cox a few messages before, you'll see that Cox seems to feel as though it is acceptable to enable firewire, but disable the guide and timed record functions of the box. I'm not sure if you requested a firewire-enabled box if you would get a 6200 with the latest firmware (which would most likely enable DVI) or if they have another platform altogether to enable the firewire functions.

In any case, I can't wait until Voom releases their whole home PVR device so that I can dump Cox. I've been really happy with Cox up to this point, but I don't find their idea of enabling one function only to disable several others as an acceptable technical solution.

Jeff

suretytek

For what its worth, I've been told by many manufactures that since the Firewire is sending MPEG2 data, there is no way to integrate a Guide into the bitstream, and that is one of the major benefits to DVI or HDMI. That had been strongly pushed as a major benefit to DVI which is a full bandwidth Digital Video Signal. Now maybe I've been miss-informed, and maybe there are areas that have this feature via Firewire, but I've not heard of one. I would be very interested to know if there is a cable company that has come up with the means of doing it, but as the head engineer of Mitsubishi explained to me just last week at their line show, there is no way to take the MPEG that comes in over the air, or via satellite at the cable companies end, and insert their guide into the bitstream. But maybe that is just Mistubishi's system, but that is what I've been told.


Hope this helps

Originally posted by johnwcookjr
Steve,

Are you receiving KLKN,spelling?, ABC in Lincoln, are they sending out 1080i yet? The last I read they're still putting out 480p at 1KW ERP, has anything changed?



John

For those not signed up for the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HDTVOmaha/ group ,

this sprang up today:

I was told recently that KLKN should be going HD in June. The person
who told me this said that this is not official and they are not
spreading the word (yet here I am doing it) until it becomes official.
So, get ready to watch the next season of Monday Night Football and
Alias in HD! (Hmmm. I wonder if ABC has any other HD programming.
I'll have to check.)

suretytek,

Is the firmware something they can just shoot over to my box or do I need to bring my box in and get another one?

Steve,

Maybe I'm misunderstanding the "guide issue" then. I'm not looking for the guide to come to me via firewire, just via the component outputs like I have now. The guy from Cox told me "no guide", but maybe that meant "no guide via firewire, but guide via component"?

Jeff

Jeff,
Yes, I think that they meant "no guide via firewire".

As far as I know, in markets that have the firewire working, which are few and far between, the Component still carries the Guide, but not the Firewire. So you just have to flip back and forth between inputs after you find what you want to watch. What kind of a TV do you have anyway? Because the real benifit of the firewire is so you can pipe that data to a D-VHS vcr or Hard Disk Recorder like the RCA 9 Hour Digital Recorder, and then back into your HDTV via the firewire for delayed playback etc..

Steve,

Yep, I was looking for a timeshifting solution. Something along the lines of a JVC HM-DH30000u and an older Macintosh G4 together. Use the Mac to do the initial recording, and roll it onto D-VHS tape if it is worth keeping. My HDTV doesn't have a firewire input anyway, so that connection wouldn't do me much good other than recording.

When the Cox person told me that there was no guide, I took that to mean that they were loading a crippled version of the firmware into the box that completely disabled the guide. This is an interesting development... but I still might just wait until the HD-Tivo or Voom PVR matures a little more. Timeshifting with the Mac and D-VHS unfortunately wouldn't pass the "wife-friendly" test.

It still really doesn't explain why they require a firewire cable ahead of time, or why they feel the need to roll a truck to install.

Jeff

They probably just want to get their feet wet with a few installs.

We should have the HD-Tivos in stock by Mid May. I've seen a demonstration of the Voom system, which is incredible, I just hope they survive as a viable competitor to D * D.

Originally posted by st30247
I've seen a demonstration of the Voom system, which is incredible

What is incredible, the DVR system they are developing? Or the general Voom receiver?

I'm sorry,

The DVR system that they are developing. Saw it at their booth at CES.

Networked via Single Coax from 1 main server to individual High Def, or Standard Def locations depending on the remaining sets in your house.

Controlled via IR that is sent down the Coax cable.

We'll see if it comes to market.

Originally posted by st30247
I'm sorry,

The DVR system that they are developing. Saw it at their booth at CES.

Networked via Single Coax from 1 main server to individual High Def, or Standard Def locations depending on the remaining sets in your house.

Controlled via IR that is sent down the Coax cable.

We'll see if it comes to market.

Steve,

May be off the subject, But I have a Mits 55859 with the firewire and integrated HD tuner. I was just going through the threads and was wondering if you or anyone has heard of when Cox would activate the firewire ports on the 6200 it is suppose to be able to have an integrated encoder in it.

That way you would just hook up an external firewire hard disk and record the programs etc... I haven't heard much about it from cox.

Thanks,
Adam

Due to production constraints, "The Tonight Show" will not be fed in HD Thursday 5/6/04 and will not be fed Mon thru Friday the week of May 10.

Sorry for the inconvenience

Jay

Jay,

Thanks, are the constraints at the national level?

Regards, John

They are.

Last night I suspect it was related to the "Friends" special. Next week I have no idea.

Jay

Perhaps they are finally addressing the 'sync' issue.

Mike

I think it was because of location, and I think all next week they are on location in Las Vegas.

I finally got Channel 38 on my OTA box in Lincoln early Thursday morning.
Oddly enough, it wasn't KXVO, it was channel 8 out of the Quad Cities.
I'm looking forward to see how DX works with digital this DX "season".

Also, for those in Lincoln, I've been experimenting with Time Warner and their Firewire enabled 3250HD. It seems to work, but their are still kinks to be worked out. I was able to connect it via firewire through a complete Mitsubishi System and record INHD on D-VHS. Also, I found out the reason the cable companies have to roll a truck when they install a firewire enabled box. They have to confirm that the device that they are connecting to has the ability to conform to some sort of security standard in the event of a natural disaster etc.. Basically what happens is the device has to be able to connect both with Firewire and w/ some sort of analog connection simultaneously to the TV or device. In the event of an emergency the Cable box has to be able to communicate to the TV and force it to switch back to the analog input so that the local cable company can insert the alert. Since the firewire connection is just sending raw mpeg data from the satellite, etc.. there is no way of creating a guide, nor inserting local adds etc... But in reality the way to watch is through the component or DVI input so you have guide capabilities, and if you want to be recording it also, then you just instruct your VCR or Hard Disk recorder to record the data off the firewire cable.

They are also adding TNT-HD when they launch later this month with one of the Semi-Final NBA games, of which I'm not sure which it is, but it will show up on the cable box on Ch. 105.

Cable cards are also available, but the channel mapping is a nightmare, so it is much easier to just rent the cable box and have your guide and a simple channel map.

More later

Has anybody in Lincoln had problems with the HD cable boxes (3250 I believe...the smaller of the two) locking up when coming out of the On Demand channels (123-167ish) back into the regular channels?
After I look at the listings, I try to change back to a regular channel and get a gray screen. I have to reboot my box.
Didn't know if it was a flaw, or just my box.

It has happend a couple of times to me, and I have to unplug the box and let it reset. When I'm talking to them I'll bring it up.

Well, I took the plunge and ordered a Hughes HD/Tivo unit from Circuit City's online store. I will have a Hughes E-86 for sale (for DirecTV) soon, if anyone is interested. Now, how to break the news to my wife...a bit more than I figured on paying. :-) I've never had a Tivo before, but from what I've read, once you've had one, you'll wonder how you ever did without one.

Mike

Are KXVO-DT and KPTM-DT going to up their power soon? Anyone know?

Jason that is a good question, I 'm wondering if Kptm will be able to pass Hd this late summer when Fox will have NFL football in Hd, and will Cox carry Kptm-dt?

Well, I just got word back from KETV that the DTV transmitter may not broadcast until December. Oh well, better late than never. I am sure they are working as hard as they can on it. Here is the text from the email I recieved.

I am going over the time table with the tower contractor now. The tower project is scheduled to be complete February 2005, I am hopeful to bring up the DTV transmitter in December of this year. I am still working out the mechanics of this now.

Poltergeists just took over my Cable box and it's obviously downloading.
Can't think of any new features possible yet, but perhaps just a software update to fix some of those itty bitty glitches?
Anybody have recon on this? :)

I can see the KPTM tower at night from my house.


I can get WB in DTV, but the Fox (Digital 43) does not even show at all on the graph.

Is this even legal?

With other stations all trying so hard and spending lots of Money on getting there DTV up (or building a new DTV like KETV), this is not fair either.

I know they have no DTV signal that the common man can get, as I am so close to the tower.

update: ITS NOW ON 38-2 OR 38-3 OR SCANNED TO 15-2

Ideas?

1. Get some perspective.
2. Quit complaining, it's only TV. Your life will go on.

Doug

boardmanDJ

It appears that there was a download for the 3250HD the other night, they fixed some bugs, and put the software back in that leaves all HD programs presented in regular 16X9 form without having it follow the aspect (Zoom/Stretch/etc) of the 480i channels. I'm glad they set it back this way.

Also, if you didn't already know, you can set the box to output a native format meaning if it comes in 480i, it goes out 480i, in 1080i, out 1080i etc. by selecting muliple scan output formats. So if your TV has a good line doulber, you can select both 480i and 1080i within the setup screen and when you tune to a 480i channel it will let your TV do the line doubling and vice versa.

When you are on 480i channels, the "bypass" key on your remote is a toggle to go between "Stretch/Sidebar/zoon"

S.K.

The thing is that KPTM and KXVO are broadcasting at low power. But that is just part of it. If I am interpreting it right, they are using a directional transmitter. Look at this webpage to see what I mean under "Transmitter Antenna". http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp So if you are not in the right direction, even if you can see it, you may not be able to pick up the station. I agree that they should up their power. I would like to be able get those channels too. Here's for hoping.

Dougaha,

If no one complains about it Fox 42 KPTM wont ever do anything.

humm, SENT AND email and now its on 15-2


Thats good customer service. Thanks KPTM

An FYI....DirecTV will be broadcasting local channels (Omaha area) starting June 4th. 2 free months.

Mike

PS. I'm not sure if they will include Fox, the WB or UPN. Probably not UPN.

Im have troubles getting CBS Lincoln DTV channel 25.

I live in Papillion.

What is a good amp to use?

I ahve tried the Rat Shack pre-amp but it made it worse.

I get CBS 25 it is always going from 0 to 25% all the time. Wont lock.

You can't get KMTV?

M

I've had good luck with the channel master 7777. It has UHF and VHF, but you can set it up so they come in on seperate antenna's.
It also has an FM filter, to filter out 88-108mhz.

http://www.warrenelectronics.com had the best deals when I was shopping around last year.

TNT-HD supposedly launched yesterday and I was curious if anyone had heard from Cox whether or not we can expect this soon.

Lakers vs. T-wolves will be in HD tomorrow night on TNT-HD and I would sure love to be able to watch that.

I saw Steve's post that said to expect it in Lincoln, but I haven't heard anything about Omaha yet... any info?

>Also, if you didn't already know, you can set the box to output a native format >meaning if it comes in 480i, it goes out 480i, in 1080i, out 1080i etc. by >selecting muliple scan output formats. So if your TV has a good line doulber, >you can select both 480i and 1080i within the setup screen and when you tune >to a 480i channel it will let your TV do the line doubling and vice versa.

I played with this option last night. Awesome! I feel fortunate to have a Time Warner city that needed some serious upgrades a few years ago.
I cna only think of a few minor issues, compared to other metro's regarding cable. Of course now that I've seen HD, the analog channels look noisy and grainy :)

TNT-HD launches with the opening game of the Western Conference NBA finals, which is Friday, 8:00pm Central. They haven't started retail broadcasting yet.

Talked to a friend who said Fox 42 is not on 38-2 or 38-3

If you do a re scan it will show up as 15-2 wich is KXVOs digitals sub channel.

Scott, is that right? Sweet! I'll have to check it out when I get home. I talked to the Chief Engineer a few months back, and he talked about trying to put KPTM on KXVOs sub-channel. Looks like they did it. Wonderful news.

Mike

The channel looks good.

I wonder what will happen with WB is in HD? Will there be enough bandwidth for the Fox feed?

We still need Fox in full HD for the new Fall Fox Line up. Hope this gets a going.

Looks like its a no-go for TNT-HD on Cox. I couldn't get a definite answer from their phone or email support, and now the Lakers/T-wolves game is on regular TNT (36), but not in the HD tier...

Grrr.

Originally posted by ScottChez
The channel looks good.



I just checked 15-2....nothing there. This is at 8:40 PM. :(

Mike

TNT-HD Launced at 9:00 am Friday morning on Time Warner in Lincoln Ch. 105, and on Dish Network Ch. 9420.

FYI.

Follow up from Cox:

"Dear Valued Cox Customer:

Thank you for your inquiry. Cox is committed to providing the best
customer service possible.

Unfortunately, We do not have a contract with TNTHD so we are unable to
provide those games in HD. However the NBA Finals are hosted on ABC
which you can receive in HD. Sorry for any inconvenience this is
causing you.

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

Thank you.

Cox Communications Online Customer Care Team"

You will have to do a re-scan to get 15-2 turned on.

Technically its at either 38-2 or 38-3.

I also wonder if they were doing some testing the other night as there main WB 15-1 was not there at all.

Any one here in Omaha have any luck with the Silver Sensor or Square Shooter Ant?

I have having many multi path issues in the atic and need to try something elese.

Just found out that Direct TV will be adding TNT-HD by the end of June.

There new SAT just went up, they are going to get the Omaha locals up June 4th, they then need to move other channels around to make room for more HD on Sat 101.

Scott, I am now getting KPTM-DT off 38-3...however, the audio seems about as bad as it is off 43 digital. Is it any better on your end? Also, no guide info off 38-3. Do you know if there is a way around that?

Thanks!

Mike

Originally posted by masteropp




Unfortunately, We do not have a contract with TNTHD so we are unable to
provide those games in HD. [/B]



Another contract dispute? Does this sound eerily familiar? When is someone going to step up to the plate? How many more channels are we going to lose or never get in the first place?!

Called Cox to find the status on HD PVRs.

The rep stated "late summer" was the proposed time for the boxes. No word on which box will be used, sounds like other Cox users are on the SA8000. From what I understand it will be $10 for the box and $10 for the PVR service.

I abandoned the service due to the poor PQ on analog and lack of HD content. I am sure I will miss it when football season comes around again, but for now no big deal.

By the way, any analog PQ improvements in the last 6 months or so?

It seemed like Leno had a glitch last night. At first everything was fine and Leno was in HD. All of the sudden, the picture froze and the audio kept going. I think it was that way for a few minutes. I thought at first the problem was on my end, but after going to other digital channels and seeing they were working and then going back to NBC and seeing it was still not working, I ruled it out. The funny thing is that when the video feed finally came back, it was in SD!! Oh well.

Anyone else watching KPTM-DT on 38-3? If so, how does the audio sound to you?


Mike

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg=46&u_sid=1111405

I'm wondering what my chances are going to be to receive Ch. 3 & Ch. 6 digital after a move. Anyone have any thoughts/experience to share?

I'm currently living at 70th & Adams area of Lincoln. I live in an apt. complex that is made up of 3 buildings and is u-shaped, with the open end of the u facing south. I live on the middle level and face the courtyard (south). I have dishnetwork and use a cheap dish-mounted antenna that I got from Wally World to receive locals. I have great success getting ch. 6's digital signal (absolutely no luck on their analog signal) and get a decent signal from channel's 10/11 (cbs), 8 (abc), 12 (pbs) and 3 (cbs) - all in the digital realm. When ch. 7 was broadcasting last year, I received a very good signal from them. I've had absolutely no luck in getting KPTM or KXVO digital.

Now I'm about to move across town to the 27th & Highway 2 area. According to antennaweb.org, the move changes my distance from the WOWT tower from 44.9 miles to 50.6 miles.

Does anyone have any ideas on whether I'll still be able to get the Omaha networks (not including Fox and WB) digital signal from 27th & Hwy 2? Or is the fact I get it now with my weird antenna setup a product of living in my apartment complex? I really want to continue getting locals ota and avoid going with cable if possible.

Thanks.
Robert

Are you moving to a house or another apartment in the 27th & Highway 2 area?
I live near there and get decent reception with an outdoor antenna. I put up an antenna because I live in a lower area.
As you go toward Old Cheney, the topography rises, so depending on exactly where you are, you might be ok.

It is a single-story duplex near Pace and Woods Blvd., just west of Shopko. It'll be interesting to see what I can get.

Without a lot of ota antenna options in apartments, I've tried a number of different (literally) cheap antenna options. I've been amazed at what works and what doesn't and was totally shocked to be able to get Omaha stations now. I hope that it doesn't change with the move, but only time will tell.

I do have a small (40" or so) outdoor UHF antenna sitting in a box if I can just find a way to convince the new landlord to let me raise it if all else fails.

Robert

You shouldn't have a problem picking anything up. I was able to pick up Omaha with a short 20 foot pole aimed at Omaha from behind my house, using one of those cheap Radio Shack UHF only antenna's.
My first plan was to try to keep it 'hidden' from street view, and it worked pretty well.
I went ahead and added 10 feet, a rotor and Channel Master, but I wouldn't have had to. I just like trying to pull things in from as far away as possible.

The thing to do is experiment with 'sweet spots' where you seem to get best reception, then plant it there. With an amp, you might even have luck from an attic.

Originally posted by gpflepsen
For those not signed up for the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HDTVOmaha/ group ,

this sprang up today:

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was told recently that KLKN should be going HD in June. The person
who told me this said that this is not official and they are not
spreading the word (yet here I am doing it) until it becomes official.
So, get ready to watch the next season of Monday Night Football and
Alias in HD! (Hmmm. I wonder if ABC has any other HD programming.
I'll have to check.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Any word on KLKN's progress?

I am REALLY sorry for the off-topic post, however, as an Omahan trying to get in touch with other Omaha's about HDTV, this was the only place I felt I could go.

I have been monitoring this thread since nearly it's creation and it was a great help to me when I installed my OTA HDTV. Thanks to all of the contributors.

Anyway, on to the point......

If anyone is interested in having their RPTV calibrated by a ISF professional, there is one coming to Omaha in mid-July. His name is Chuck Williams and he is ISF-certified. His specialty is Hitachi's, but he does other brands. I have been trying to get a professional to come to town for years (the only other game in town is Custom Electronics, who only knows MITS).

If you are interested, signup and get more information HERE (http://www.hometheaterspot.com/htsthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=600758&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=365&fpart=1) .


Please do not reply to this post here as I do not want to take up any more space on this formum than I already have. If anyone wants to yell at me for the off-topic post or ask me any questions directly, e-mail me at "gumj(at)highstream(dot)net"

Again, I am really sorry for the off-topic post, but there has to be other Omahans that are interested in a calibration, but just did not have a resource.

Thanks again for the great thread here. I look forward to future discussions here.

Jon Gum

I think it's great to trumpet the arrival of a traveling ISFer. Thanks.

i just added more stuff to the site. Check it out. Feel Free to post comments.

http://www.geocities.com/tvmansf/

Has anyone heard the rumor of OPPD getting into the cable TV business? I heard a second hand report that COX employees were told that OPPD will test market cable tv over power lines. That's all I know.:)

Watching KM3 tonight, and I notice that CSI is not being broadcast in HD OTA. Tried calling the station and got nothing but voicemail run arounds. Could not reach an engineer anywhere to let them know. Apparently, no nighttime engineers there. :-(

M

FYI

Just called Cox again regarding DVI output working on our HD boxes and Justin told me they are waiting for a software upgrade from Motorola and didn't know when it would happen.

Heard a rumor Cox is going to enable Firewire on the 6200 series boxes soon. Just kidding. Cmon no posts in the last 10 days????

There was a BRIEF article in the World-Herald business section that "Cox Communications...said it will offer high-definition digital-video-recorder service to most of its customers by September." The article said they're using the S-A 8010 HD settop box.

Any word of KLKN-DT going HD? Rumor surfaced a month or more ago on this happening in June.

Off topic, I know, but at NFM we're starting to see a few TV models arrive with CableCard slots. Specifically, some Panasonic Plasmas and Sony tube TV's.

just found the article in the WH at omaha.com, just search for cox and recorder and it comes up. Is encouraging, but not anything specific about omaha. Keep our fingers crossed.

Originally posted by gpflepsen
Any word of KLKN-DT going HD? Rumor surfaced a month or more ago on this happening in June.
I hope for your sake it's true. However, Channel 8's owners haven't exactly had a sterling record converting sister stations WOI, WHBF and KCAU, so you may not want to hold your breath until you can actually say "I see" HD.

KLKN,

What I've heard is that they are in the selection process for their Downlinking Satellite receiver from ABC, and when they get it they will most likely be available in HD over Cable first, with no word on how soon they'd be over the air in HD.

Thats what I've heard.

I believe it was a Saturday about this time last year that I woke up and discovered some very bad news.
Please switch your OTA boxes to Channel 20 for one minute of silence today in memory of the terrrible disaster.

I don't recall seeing whether or not the SA3250 boxes were firewire enabled yet (Time Warner Cable in Lincoln). Anybody know?

Also, I noticed in the FCC database where KPTM & KXVO have applied for approval on their new HD antenna(s). Approval typically takes up to 3 months or so, then it's up to the station to get them installed. That can take weeks to years though. So a glimmer of hope. At least there is prrof that they are moving forward with digital plans higher than a milliwatt.

We have a 3250 w/ Firewire enabled on display at our store. It works on some of the High Def, but they are still working out the kinks.

Since getting my high definition TV it looks like all of the Time Warner digital channels (not the HDTV tier, but regular digital) have lots of macro blocking. I realize part of that is a bigger screen, but I wondered if anybody else noticed this, and if so, is Dish or Directv any cleaner.

I drove by the tower site at Crown Pointe this morning, there was a backhoe prepping the site for the new tower pad.

Progress as promised, woohoo, thanks Warren!

I received this from Warren earlier today. I'm sure he won't mind me posting it here:

Good Afternoon Everyone,

This morning at 9am we broke ground on the new tower foundation. I must say, this was a moving experience for me, it is very gratifying to be to this point. There has been a tremendous amount of work which has been done to get to this point today. The clean-up of the site, moving all the equipment out of the transmitter building into storage, the re-building of the transmitter building, developing the tower bid specification, sending this specification out for bid, the awarding of the tower project to Radian Corp, moving all the equipment back into the transmitter building and wiring it once the building was complete.

Today, we start on the foundation work for the new tower. The foundations will take roughly 3 weeks to complete as there are 7 foundations, one for the tower itself, and 6 guy anchors. The tower sections should start to arrive on-site this month, and a ground crew from Radian will be on-site to prepare the site. There is a great deal of work to prepare for the tower to start to be erected. It is our hope to set the "stub" the first week of September. Setting the stub is the first section of the tower being set in place.

I will keep you updated as I move along.

Best Regards
Warren
KETV Omaha

Anyone heard anything lately about Cox activating their DVI output on the HD box?

According to my in store Cox Cable rep...

1394 and DVI Postponed until July 26th


Doug

July 26th??

That's great, didn't know it was supposed ot be sooner Doug. So does that mean we will be able to hook up a generic firewire Hard Drive to the box or will that mean it will work with D-VHS or both. Hopefully both, cause I already have the external drive, but would be willing to buy a D-vhS deck for sure. DO they still carry the D-VHS decks at NFM????

yes we have the JVC 40000, we don't have the Mits anymore...not sure about the capability with a hard drive. I'll try to find out.

Doug

Please let us know about the external hard drive, I have been waiting for that for almost a year.

Thanks for checking it out.

No problems on Direct TV Omaha Locals on my 65" RPTV.

I compare the OTA Digital channel to the Direct TV channels. They seem the same to me while both are in SD.

Send me a PM, I have a coupon code to get you a Free SD Direct Tivo, DVD Player, and 2 other rooms, free install all for $0.00. There is a 1 year contract though.

I got this reply from a Cox Engineer...

The 1394 (firewire) port is supposed to be compatible with any device that is 5C copy protection compliant, including hard drives. We do not have a list of manufacturers or model numbers of devices that are compliant or are not compliant. There have been some problems with customers trying to connect to computers but this has mainly been related to not being able to get the proper drivers.

Thanks for the info , Doug. Will anxiously await the upgrade.

On another note, How is Cox going to handle the olympics??? It sounds like NBC is going to have a HDTV simulcast channel that carries HD footage 24/7. Check out the thread on the avsforum home page for more details on the coverage.

There is a good thread in the HDTV recorder forum on the firewire capabilities of the 6200 box. Looks like you will need D-VHS deck or some sort of computer set up with firewire in to record HD. Not worth the hassle for me. Guess I will wait for the integrated HDTV/DVR box, or switch to Directv soon.

How has KPTM's signal gone up since the switch to the multicast channel? Also any word on HD from them?


I'm getting really close to switching to DirecTV from Cox. Sunday Ticket in HD is just too good to pass up.

I placed my "order" for DVI output on the HD box from Cox yesterday. I thought they would be able to just switch it on, but I guess not. The lady said it would take up to 30 days to process since it was a special order.

How has KPTM's signal gone up since the switch to the multicast channel? Also any word on HD from them?


I'm getting really close to switching to DirecTV from Cox. Sunday Ticket in HD is just too good to pass up.

SychoBC
According to this link on AVS Forum, http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=409554

they are now DD/5.1 ready.

Huskerfan, that seems odd that you would have to "order" DVI. Makes me wonder if the rep you talked to knew what they were doing. It's possible the firmware updates only get sent out once a month or something, but "order" it?? seems funny. Oh well, let us know how it goes.

as of today, the DVI port is active on the DCT 6200 boxes...


Doug

Doug, Is the 6200 the DVR? Cause I have the 5100. And did you have to put an order in like I did? or did you just try it and it worked?