Originally posted by Dougaha
as of today, the DVI port is active on the DCT 6200 boxes...


Doug

I can confirm the DVI is active. I have 6200 (non-DVR, I believe 6280 is DVR???)....

Anyways, DVI is active on my box, and connected to my Sony 34HS510. I am little dissapointed as the HD channels seem darker and as not as bright and vivid than my component hook ups.



i did not order or anything, just read the post and went downstairs and turned it on, I have had a DVI cable connected for about 4 months just for this occasion.

Originally posted by forcemac
I can confirm the DVI is active. I have 6200 (non-DVR, I believe 6280 is DVR???)....

Anyways, DVI is active on my box, and connected to my Sony 34HS510. I am little dissapointed as the HD channels seem darker and as not as bright and vivid than my component hook ups.



i did not order or anything, just read the post and went downstairs and turned it on, I have had a DVI cable connected for about 4 months just for this occasion.

Mine is active now, also. The picture is actually brighter for me. What's the difference between the 5100 and the 6200? And is Cox renting the 6200 now?

I can't remember the differences anymore between the 6200 and the 5100, since we haven't seen the 5100 since last fall. I was thinking maybe the 6200 had firewire on it? And yes, Cox is renting the 6200.

I wouldn't think the DVI port is a really big advantage on a CRT based television, but rather on a fixed pixel display like an LCD, DLP, or plasma.

after more reading, I think the 5100 doesn't have DVI or firewire, or if they do, they're not active, meaning they're not physically connected inside the box itself.

Doug

Anyone have new info on Kptm upgrading to hd and getting a stronger signal? I know Fox this September is showing many NFL games a week in Hd, how about Cox passing Kptm-dt ?

Anyone have new info on Kptm upgrading to hd and getting a stronger signal? I know Fox this September is showing many NFL games a week in Hd, how about Cox passing Kptm-dt ?

Doug, the dvi works in my 5100. I think I'll probably head over to Cox and switch it out anyway.

Ronald, Cox hasn't added any new channels since they've started offering hd last year. I found that hard to believe..(heavy sarcasm)

The FCC database showed KPTM & KXVO's application for their full power transmitter and antenna about 2 months ago (6/10). Approval can take 60-90 days, then it's up to the station to get it up and going in a reasonable timeframe. A CP is good for 2 years, but chances are, if they have a design submitted they are ready to roll with it in the near future.

(scroll down and click on the exhibit to figure out what it's all about)

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=100997913&formid=301&fac_num=51491

Finally, I am glad that they are upping their power. All I have to do now is just hope that it is enough power for me to recieve the signal.

Once they are at full power, their digital signal coverage will match that of the analog.

No Kptm-hd in the short term!!!Today I talked to a engineer with Kptm today and he said they are not currently working on upgrading to hd, he claims they are waiting on a Fox crew to set up hd equipment and then they will build out there end!!! which most likely means no NFL football and no Major league baseball playoffs, and no primetime hd fox programming!!I really wish if local affiliates provided no hd, Cox comm and Directv and Dish could show the national Hd feeds of Cbs, Nbc,Abc, Fox,Wb, This would speed up local hd buildouts!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by Ronald L M
I really wish if local affiliates provided no hd, Cox comm and Directv and Dish could show the national Hd feeds of Cbs, Nbc,Abc, Fox,Wb,

http://www.iwantmyhdtv.com/iwanthdtv/wrapper.jsp?PID=5080-7

I am switching to DirecTV after 3 years of having Cox Digital, I'm sick of them dragging their feet on things. ABC will be running HD OTA soon enough. I'm about to get 100 NFL games in HD.

The big networks that have OTA affiliates would not want to upset them all by offering a way to bypass the local adversting.
The pressure belongs on the local stations. All the FCC requires is that you eventually have a full power digital signal. The whole HDTV thing, in a sense, got out of hand. Digital should have been promoted over the term "HDTV".
Just be thankful somebody didn't come up with an OTA version of 'pay per view' Where stations offered an SD feed on their digital transmission and the opportunity to pay a premium to unlock the HDTV channel.
It could have been easily done. whew! Thank goodness!

Originally posted by boardmanDJ
...It could have been easily done. whew! Thank goodness!

I'm sure you've heard of USDTV.

For all you true over the air HDTVers out there this just came in:

Warren please forgive the post but I don't have time to paraphrase this evening...

<<<Good Evening Everyone,

The tower foundation has been dug, concrete poured, and has been
backfilled.

All guy anchors (6) have been dug, concrete poured, and have been
backfilled.

The assembly crew has assembled 3 tower sections on the ground, and have
them ready for the erection crew who will stack the tower. There are
roughly 42 sections to assemble, plus a platform which will also go on the
tower.

The erection crew is scheduled to arrive in two weeks, prep the site, and
start to stack the tower.

I am hopeful (weather permitting) we can set the stub yet this month, then
start to stack the tower.

Thank-you
Warren
KETV>>>


I must admit, 13 months later to the day and KETV has come this far, that's quite a bit of work. Thanks KETV, looking forward to seeing your logo burning a hole in the corner of my screen.... :D

John

So it seems the DVI off the 6200 works now. Did anyone try the 1394 port as well?

Yes the Firewire is working on the 6200 and maybe the 5100.

Does anyone know if the DVI is using HDCP?

Brian

What application would you use the firewire for?

Great! I just tested it myself using the 6200 and it works.
Huskerfan - now we can time shift hd shows on a PC. I used the method described here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=403695). The D-VHS capture app. isn't exactly showshifter in usability, but the captured result is a bit perfect HDTV show.
Wow!
/Anders

Thanks andersa. You know, thanks to AVS forum I already have about 10 projects in the works. Don't know if I can squeeze another one in! But that sounds really cool.

Too bad we can't just hook up a firewire drive and record from there.

Anyone watch the Brickyard 400 in HD yesterday on channel 6(WOWT)? NBC has the 2nd half of the race season, it looks like they are putting most of the races on TNT but they are having a few on NBC, the next one is the night race in California, and it will be in HD as well. Should be good with all the lights and flashy colors.

On a seperate note, I have noticed that when I am watching HD, the sound cuts out for about a second every once in a while. Any idea what this is. the picture stays, just lose the sound for a second. I have a Mits 65313 w/ Panasonic TU-DTS52F and run sound to a Sony STR-DE595. Connections are Digital TV-Out to TV and Optical to Receiver.

Bruce

Bruce,

Yes, we watched the Brickyard on WOWT-DT. The first half of the race was widescreen 480p, once WOWT kicked in the weather radar the programming went back to 4:3 480i. I was a bit dismayed, they never did return to widescreen 480p.

The audio did cut out several times Sunday but the video went out on several occasions as well. With the weather blowing in from the North-west I thought it might have been weather related.

Regards, John

Watched Monday night football last night, Cox seemed to have some problems as I got skipping picture and sound for most of the first quarter. Also, my box (6200) has been resetting when I scroll through the HD channels from a higher number to a lower number...really weird, it only happens when I press channel down......also my DVI is no longer working....anyone else seeing gremilns?

Just a reminder that Congress will be voting soon.

One of the Bills will allow Cox, DIsh, and DIrect TV to carry the National Feed of any Network (LIKE KPTM) FOX that is not broadcasting HD in full power.

In case you did not hear, KMPTM is behind on there HD build and it is looking like next year for full power HDTV.

Go to this site, there is a place where you can write your congress man.


http://www.iwantmyhdtv.com/iwanthdt....jsp?PID=5080-7

Hello all! Fellow Omahan here.

I just purchased a HDTV indoor antenna as I cannot receive Cox in my location.. Only Qwest is offered and they only offer television through DirecTV. All I want in HD right now are my local stations and I don't get them through DirecTV because they come in so clearly without booster. . I just purchased an HD indoor antenna (Zenith ZHDTV1 to be exact), what kind of signals can I expect, and what stations can I get? I know KETV will not work, what about getting CBS, WOWT? Thanks!

Depending upon were you are located, you should be able to get WOWT, KMTV and KYNE from Omaha. Also from Lincoln you could pick up KOLN and KUON. KPTM and KXVO "broadcast" a digital signal that is very difficult to pickup. Good luck!

I am in La Vista...

Hmm some problems... I seem to not be getting any signals through my TV. Checking AntennaWeb I have tuned to the channels that are available here in Omaha (WOWT = 22, KMTV = 45). Turning my TV to those channels with the HDTV antenna on says no signal... Is it the antenna? Or am I just stupid?

You can always try the Radio Shack 15-1880 antenna. It is amplified and seems to work well for me. I am in Bellevue, and I am able to pick up WOWT, KMTV, and KYNE well with that antenna.

I did pick that antenna up last night... However, since I am still so new to HDTV, I didn't know I needed an HD tuner to go along with it. Soo.. now I am searching for a cheap OTA ONYL HD tuner....

DirectTV has HD receivers with built in HD OTA tuners. Call Direct TV to see what one would cost you.

Well.. My position is a difficult one. I live in an apartment building that is pretty much run by all Qwest services. Qwest did put DirecTV dishes on ALL of the buildings, which means they own all the dishes. Therefore, they charge me for using their dish and then DirecTV charges me for satellite service. For all of my hardware issues I have to deal with Qwest, not DirecTV. That is why I want to try to get something that I wouldn't have to deal with DirecTV or Qwest in this issue...

I'd call Qwest and tell them what you want.

Hi - has anyone else noticed that KMTV's signal strength is way down? I havent used my OTA (lack of content I care about :) ) in a while but I connected it recently to check the HD status for MNF and I can no longer get KMTV. It used to come in full strength from here (Lincoln), and now it comes in worse than WOWT sometimes. Before I go up on the roof and see what is up I wanted to check if anyone else noticed a signal dropoff?

Thanks
Jon

Just talked to Qwest.. I'm not sure how you can have salespeople selling HD equipment that know nothing about the technology or what OTA is. The short of it was that the Qwest dish that all the apartments have currently are not HDTV compadible and it's unknown when it will be upgraded and available to get HD DirecTV. I wonder if DirecTV has any deals on some of their stuff or not... Otherwise I will have to get something completely seperate.

Absolut,

Do you have a half way decent computer that you wouldn't mind sitting close to your HDTV?

HDTV tuner cards are pretty inexpensive, there are several models on the market from $149-300. All of them support file streaming to your Hard Drive for playback at a later time or spin the content off to DVHS for permanent storage.

I've been using a HiDTV for almost two years now, because it's a hardware based solution PC horsepower isn't really that demanding. I timeshift stuff quite a bit and watch at my leisure. Check out the home theater computers section of this website for more details.

If a PC isn't your speed HD set top boxes are getting cheaper.

Enjoy, John

I stopped into Best BUy last night and found a Samsung DirecTV HDTV receiver box for $170. I thought it was perfect.. This was really all I needed. I have an upgraded box, plus I get to save $5/mo for the extra box I was originally using. By the time I got it all hooked up and setup through DirecTV, I didn't have much time to check all the OTA HD signals... I will have to check tonight.

So what's the story with WOWT carrying the HD Olympic feeds?

Hi all,

I drove by the 72nd st tower site this morning. KETV has tower sections scattered all over that huge field.

Looks like Warren's on schedule.

:)

Originally posted by DevoX
So what's the story with WOWT carrying the HD Olympic feeds?

If they would quit running the OPening Ceremonies over and over again... When wil lit end?

Originally posted by johnwcookjr
Hi all,

I drove by the 72nd st tower site this morning. KETV has tower sections scattered all over that huge field.

Looks like Warren's on schedule.

:)

That is so exciting!!!!!

I suspect once NBC gets more HD footage they will rotate it into their HD feed. Interesting concept. Seperate HD programming than analog.

Originally posted by bohlke
Hi - has anyone else noticed that KMTV's signal strength is way down? I havent used my OTA (lack of content I care about :) ) in a while but I connected it recently to check the HD status for MNF and I can no longer get KMTV. It used to come in full strength from here (Lincoln), and now it comes in worse than WOWT sometimes. Before I go up on the roof and see what is up I wanted to check if anyone else noticed a signal dropoff?

Thanks
Jon

Argh!.....Ok I went up on the roof and I could not get any improvement in KMTV's signal strength. I am so frustrated as I have a squareshooter and it worked like a charm back in March/April (KMTV came in better than KOLN) but now it is just bad. Can anyone give me a clue on how this could have happend? I tried with and without the pre-amp assuming it had failed with no luck. Also the D* guy who did the install did not ground the antenna so I am going to fix that tomorrow, I can't imagine that grounding the antenna will make that big of difference.

(sigh)

Jon

Originally posted by bohlke
Argh!.....Ok I went up on the roof and I could not get any improvement in KMTV's signal strength. I am so frustrated as I have a squareshooter and it worked like a charm back in March/April (KMTV came in better than KOLN) but now it is just bad. Can anyone give me a clue on how this could have happend? I tried with and without the pre-amp assuming it had failed with no luck. Also the D* guy who did the install did not ground the antenna so I am going to fix that tomorrow, I can't imagine that grounding the antenna will make that big of difference.

(sigh)

Jon

And today its back to where it was before, and I didnt change anything since last night. Go figure.....

Jon

Alright... I have a goofy question. I asked this over in the HDTV Hardware forum, but haven't seen a decent reply.

I've posted here earlier about getting my HD signal. I finally got all my equipment, my DirecTV HD tuner, OTA antenna, etc... For a few days I was using my RF connection to view everything.. which wasn't a true HD signal. Last night, I picked up a DVI cable so I could finally get the OTA HD picture and watch a bit of the olympics. Hooked it up to my TV, flipped to the correct input and all I see are blotchy colors and pixelation. The best explanation I have seen to explain it is it's like a Van Gogh painting... or an interlacing problem.. something just isn't right.

I thought it might have been a HD problem, even though I was getting a 100% signal from WOWT, and flipped over a non-HD DirecTV channel... The same thing was happening. Blotchy colors, pixelation, etc...

I tried snapping a few pics and it gives some indication into what I'm seeing... Mind you, the blotchyness is a lot more noticeable when looking right at it, the picture doesn;t show much... but I posted them on my website, so have a look and tell me what you think.

http://www.mazda6club.com/absolut/discoloration.jpg
http://www.mazda6club.com/absolut/discoloration1.jpg
http://www.mazda6club.com/absolut/discoloration2.jpg

Could it be a bad DVI cable.. It's a Monster DVI400 and I picked up from NFM. Thoughts?

Interesting. Surely it wouldn't be the DVI cable. All I can think of is that it is a configuration problem on either the reciever or the display device. It almost looks like your problem is like how a picture looks when you convert a 24 bit picture down to an 8 bit picture.

My DLP displayed picture with those characteristics, until I did some tweaking of the service menus. Check out the Display forums here and play with the settings.

It should all be correct... There isn't really too much to change on an LCD unit. I did my confi through an AVIA DVD and figured I was set.

There's TONS of stuff to change, and on these digital sets it can make a huge difference.

I have a Sony KF-50WE610, fliiped through the manual and there really isn't as much to change like there is on a Projection monitor... the LCDs are pretty simple. Besides the normal settings (contrast, picture, etc..), there aren't many more. Most of the advanced video features that would probbaly help me out, are unavailable through the HD inputs.

Abs, check out http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=331875&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

I think your set is of the type discussed.

Absolut,

Make sure the output resolution of your HD receiver is set to 720p if you're using a DVI connection. One of my installers tried to set the Cox HD Box to 1080i using DVI on the same set you have, and it just wouldn't work. It has something to do with a baseband signal (via component video) versus the DVI signal, and how it bypasses the scaler and other circuitry inside the TV itself. I emailed a Cox engineer and this is the reply I got from him.

Doug

Doug... I should mention that I am not running the Cox HD box. This is from a Samsung DirecTV HD box. I was in 1080i and switched to 720p and it didn't help matters. I did, however, pick up that DVI cable from the Mart... Might bring it back to try a component cable or something.

With only a little over two weeks til the start of NFL season, I really wish Pappas broadcasting would step up to the plate so we could enjoy NFL football and Fox's and WB's prime-time programming, I called Kptm and they put the blame on Fox, saying the Hd equipment has been sitting since last fall waiting on a Fox crew to install, I put the blame on Pappas broadcasting, I realize that they are not mandated to produce a Hd signal but they are required to send a digital signal, the signal they are sending now is a Joke!! lets all call Kptm and make are voices heard!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by Ronald L M
With only a little over two weeks til the start of NFL season, I really wish Pappas broadcasting would step up to the plate so we could enjoy NFL football and Fox's and WB's prime-time programming, I called Kptm and they put the blame on Fox, saying the Hd equipment has been sitting since last fall waiting on a Fox crew to install, I put the blame on Pappas broadcasting, I realize that they are not mandated to produce a Hd signal but they are required to send a digital signal, the signal they are sending now is a Joke!! lets all call Kptm and make are voices heard!!!!!!!!

How bout CBS and cox make up? For me, the only HD football I will be able to watch is Sunday and Monday night games on Espn/ABC

That's why I switched to DirecTV, over 100 games this year in HD! Every CBS and FOX game in HD, plus ESPN's games. ABC will be available OTA soon enough.

I also emailed KPTM a few weeks ago and this was their response.


I can't project an accurate date for HD over the air. The latest Report And
Order of the FCC seem to indicate we must have KPTM at full digital power by
July 1st, 2005. We are working with FOX to get their HD equipment installed
at our studio. FOX's goal is to have all affiliates HD capable by the end of
2004. KPTM-DT is running on channel 43, but most receivers are unable to
decode it due to channel 42's signal being so much stronger, only one
channel away.

Sincerely,

Rick Graham
Chief Engineer
Pappas Telecasting of the Midlands

My question to Rick Graham would be:

When will the power of KPTM-DT be increased so receivers CAN decode it? When will KPTM-DT radiate a more circular pattern, instead of the very directional pattern now favoring locations East of the tower?

Enough people have problems with their current signal; how is having the HD splicer equipment going to help more that the few that currently can receive KPTM-DT?

I don't have his e-mail addy, so feel free to forward these questions for me.

I forwarded them on!

Hey this post http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=422073 lists KPTM as sending out HD and DD 5.1, this isnt correct right? Even the handful of people who get it OTA are only getting SD?

Thanks
Jon

Originally posted by gpflepsen
My question to Rick Graham would be:

When will the power of KPTM-DT be increased so receivers CAN decode it? When will KPTM-DT radiate a more circular pattern, instead of the very directional pattern now favoring locations East of the tower?

Enough people have problems with their current signal; how is having the HD splicer equipment going to help more that the few that currently can receive KPTM-DT?

I don't have his e-mail addy, so feel free to forward these questions for me.

He responded with the following:


To explain the Report and Order in simpler terms: On July 1st, 2005, our
digital signal coverage must be the same as our analog coverage is today.
That means a brand-new $1.25 million dollar transmitter, modifications to
the tower and transmitter building, and a new antenna. It also means the
cost to operate transmitters doubles until the end of the
transition---whether that is December, 2006, or some date beyond.

Originally posted by Absolut
He responded with the following:

Translation: We have no plans to switch to digital full power until a firm transition deadline is imposed. The cost to run two full power transmitters prohibits giving full HD coverage to KPTM's coverage area until further notice.

That's what has been suspected all along.

Hey this post http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=422073 lists KPTM as sending out HD and DD 5.1, this isnt correct right? Even the handful of people who get it OTA are only getting SD?

Thanks
Jon


That post also shows KETV braodcasting in HD/DD as well.


Translation: We have no plans to switch to digital full power until a firm transition deadline is imposed. The cost to run two full power transmitters prohibits giving full HD coverage to KPTM's coverage area until further notice.

That's what has been suspected all along.


I agree... If it weren't for the Simpsons I wouldn't even watch KPTM/KXVO. :)

Shell out $1.25 million dollars for each station, then offer to pay their electric bill at the transmitter site. I'm sure they would be happy to broadcast sooner.
It's not cheap and there is no FCC mandate that says stations must broadcast full power digital yet, and will never be required to broadcast HD. It's too bad the concept has been marketted in such a way in which people demand HD off the bat. It only frustrates people on both ends.

What's with WOWT not simulcasting the Olympics over their OTA digital channel? (In HD, too). I'm getting one day old Olympics. Granted it's in high definition, but it's OLD NEWS by the time we see it. Argh!

Originally posted by boardmanDJ
Shell out $1.25 million dollars for each station, then offer to pay their electric bill at the transmitter site. I'm sure they would be happy to broadcast sooner.
It's not cheap and there is no FCC mandate that says stations must broadcast full power digital yet, and will never be required to broadcast HD. It's too bad the concept has been marketted in such a way in which people demand HD off the bat. It only frustrates people on both ends.

Well they are being protected by the FCC, it would be nice if it was for a reason :)

It is a chunk of coin to shell out but they could at least pass the HD signal on to the cable companies or agree to give wavers to those who want HD NFL, etc.

I like the "Berlin" solution being thrown around which keeps the cutoff date in 2006 and gives OTA receivers to those who cant afford them.....

Regarding the Olympics, it's my understanding that NBC is not broadcasting all of their coverage in HD. What is broadcast in HD is looped on the HD channel until the next HD-broadcast event. Thus, you may indeed see day-old events. (Then again, considering the time shifting necessary, isn't almost everything broadcast after-the fact?)

Yes, this is true, Gary. But you'd think they would broadcast the Olympics coverage in prime time in HD on the digital channel. Anyway, that's my take on it.

Mike

Just heard that soon WOWT will be pulling there HD feed from Cox as there contract expires. Just like KM3.

Also KETVs contract is up soon, no word on if they will sign with Cox once there new Tower is in place.

KM3 started something that is spreading.

They want more money or ad space. Profits are way down for "free tv" (the over the air channels. Looks like the cable channels are turning out more of a profit and ratings these days.

All I have to say is -- Haha...

Now that I have DirecTV I'm kinda glad I don't have Cox anymore. There is no way Cox can nab what DirecTV already has as far as Sports in HD and other HD content (inHD, inHD2, etc...) and now that the locals are pulling their stations from them, Cox isn't going to have much left to offer customers. They will have to change their ways or lose to Dish network and DirecTV.

IMO, It's about friggin time... Cox has been F*ing Omaha people for years and now that HD is almost mainstream they jumped on the bandwagon here. A friend of mine that lives in Vegas, who also has Cox HD, digital, etc... doesn't pay near what people here pay for the EXACT same service and hardware. It's unbelievable.

O.K. Exactly what would I need to receive ota channel 3 and 6? and eventually 7? I can't really switch from Cox (don't ask) but if I can pick up the ota channels pretty reasonably than I would consider that part of it. I already have an RG-6 running to my attic so all the necessary wiring would be in place.

You will need to get an HDTV tuner. Whether you get the COX HD box, or just an HDTV tuner either will get the OTA channels. I am not familiar with an RG-6 but does it bring in both UHF and VHF signals?

Here's my HD setup:

Samsung DirecTV HDTV set-top box with built in HDTV OTA Tuner
Zenith ZHDTV1 Indoor HDTV Antenna

I am very happy with the Zenith tuner as it is currently bringing in the WOWT-HD signal at 100% (I live in La Vista) and brings in CBS really well. I can't say as far as how it handles ABC because I did not have HD when the ABC tower was still standing. Hopefully that will change in a few months. :)

Originally posted by Huskerfan
O.K. Exactly what would I need to receive ota channel 3 and 6? and eventually 7? I can't really switch from Cox (don't ask) but if I can pick up the ota channels pretty reasonably than I would consider that part of it. I already have an RG-6 running to my attic so all the necessary wiring would be in place.

Depending on your exact location, you may get by with one antenna in the attic. If you need to go in another direction (KPTM) you may be able to add a second antenna just by using a simple combiner/splitter. You could use a UHF/VHF or just get a dedicated UHF for the local digitals. Radio Shack has good performers for the money. If you have a DTV tuner, get an antenna and experiment in the attic.

Hi, everyone, I ran into a high ranking Cox executive last week and I asked him about the Hd-Dvr, he took my name and number and someone called me the next day and I currently have the Hd dvr on a 30 day free trail , so far it works great, I also asked him about future Hd channels, his reply was: hopefully Fox-HD very soon? and Tnt-Hd very soon, and said they were going to talk with Kmtv very soon about maybe getting Kmtv-Hd back on Cox. I also have Directv, I wish Directv had Inhd1 and Inhd 2, or Cox had Hdnet and Hdnet Movies, right now Cox and DirecTV each have there own Hd programming advantages that make it difficult to have just one HD provider.

To get over the air HD you need one of those OTA boxes that are well overpriced new.
Check Ebay for one of those Samsung T-151's. They are sometimes under $200, since the 351's came out.
A search for LG LST will bring up a list of their boxes, which are supposedly better at weak signals. I have the Samsung so I don't know.

The Cox HD box will not receive OTA channels.

Originally posted by Dougaha
The Cox HD box will not receive OTA channels.

Are you serious? That is so like Cox to do! What a pathetic company.

I also picked up a Moto 6412.

So far so good. The analog PQ over component looks better than the 6208 did, thank goodness.

Sadly, the dual tuners are not activated, so no record one watch another live program.

I have only had the box for a night so I am still digging around. Last night Monday Night Football was almost unwatchable with numerous audio and picture drops. I have not had HD on Cox for awhile, is this normal? Maybe the box still has some bugs.

I have only recorded one program and it looked pretty good during playback. Live TV action works well, pause, fast forward, rewind, etc. It also does allow for season pass functionality only recording first runs, but I have not tried this yet.

I hope Cox activates the other tuner soon.

Originally posted by redwood
I also picked up a Moto 6412.

So far so good. The analog PQ over component looks better than the 6208 did, thank goodness.

Sadly, the dual tuners are not activated, so no record one watch another live program.

I have only had the box for a night so I am still digging around. Last night Monday Night Football was almost unwatchable with numerous audio and picture drops. I have not had HD on Cox for awhile, is this normal? Maybe the box still has some bugs.

I have only recorded one program and it looked pretty good during playback. Live TV action works well, pause, fast forward, rewind, etc. It also does allow for season pass functionality only recording first runs, but I have not tried this yet.

I hope Cox activates the other tuner soon.

Maybe your connection or area?.
I watched the football game in HD with no dropouts in my area.
Just FYI, still wish they would add more HD channels soon.

I have never had a cable box anywhere, from a cable company, that picks up OTA channels, so this shouldn't be a surprise, nor is it some evil plot :)

Are these new Moto boxes available to the general public???

Originally posted by mdg
Are these new Moto boxes available to the general public???

Yep, I called customer service and reserved one, but it seemed like they had plenty. I believe they have a 1/2 price for 4 months deal going on. It is 9.95 for the box and 4.95 for the DVR service.

Yep, stopped by the cox center at 76th and dodge and picked up a box. PQ looks great so far although I'm waiting for it to activate my premium hd channels. The olympics look great. Am using component cable output. they had plenty of boxes in stock. They did say there was a limit of one DVR box per houshold currently.

Comparision
==================

Direct TV plans to add 24 new HD Channels by Oct 1.

Cox only plans to add two.

The Direct TV HD Tivo cost $999, but you own it and do not have to pay a monthly fee.

Cox you pay a monthly fee, but you can return the box and get something newer later.

Here in Sarpy County I also get the Lincoln HDTV channel CBS.m 10/11

They have more Husker coverage and different shows after prime time on weekends.

Cox does not even carry a channel that I can get with my Silver Sensor rabbit ears.

I contacted KMTV to see if there was any progress with Cox and was informed that there was no progress.

I really think KMTV is in the wrong on this. Especially since you could view KMTV HD without purchasing digital cable. Maybe they were/are having financial problems and wanted to shut some equipment down, who knows.

I wouldn't mind trying Direct TV, but the cost is just too high.

Rather, I get too many discounts with Cox to switch. Free HBO, $10 off cable modem, .05 a minute long distance with no monthly charge.

I have most definitely been monopolized.

I forgot to ask, what 2 channels is Cox working on for HD? Bravo HD and TNT HD?

I am new to the forums and would like to say hi. I live in Omaha and am glad to have found this forum. I right now have Cox cable, internet and phone service and will never ever use qwest again. Any ideas on how to best get good service in the area. I really like the idea of getting direct tv, but I dont yet have an HDTV (saving) and don't want to pay for new equiptment once I get the new TV, but need it to work with my old tv. Should I just wait until I get t the tv?

The reason for wanting directTV is the NFL package you can get...The downside, I've heard, is that you get bad signals during high winds and snow?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

One suggestion for those of you wanting satellite HD service and/or over the air HD would be to purchase a Dishnetwork 6000 receiver with the 8psk and 8VSB modules installed. I've been a 6000 customer now for over three years and although the 6000 is now old technology, I purchased our second 6000 last year from Dish for $149 complete, that's dirt cheap. I haven't checked their prices lately but I doubt that they've increased.

I know those of you wanting the NFL package wouldn't go this route but if NFL isn't your top priority you can subscribe to Dish HD programming ala-cart per your needs and the 8VSB tuner works quite well with an adequate antenna installation. I'm receiving Omaha and Lincoln programming with a Rat Shack attic mounted UHF antenna and a channel master rotor and amplifier combo purchased from Midstate Electronics (Millard.)

Both of our 6000s run day in day out, they're extremely reliable, rain fade is practically nil with only a few brief outages usually during the spring. I can count the number of outages I've seen over the last three years without using all of my fingers. Please no flames, just stating that our rain fade dropouts are rare and that high winds don't appear to affect reception on a properly aligned dish.

ABC, someone asked a few replies back what ABC reception was like before the tower collapsed. For us here in Papillion ABC was the most reliable station to receive at that time, CBS was second followed by NBC. Since we installed our rotor last year, reliable reception of any of the Omaha locals (except KXVO and KPTM) hasn't been an issue. Omaha and Lincoln PBSs and Lincolns CBS are rock solid as well.

Another over the air HD reception option is to buy a computer HD tuner card. I purchased a HiDTV card about 1.5 years ago, reception is excellent, so much so that I had to put an attenuator in line with the coax feed coming down from the attic to keep from overdriving the frontend on the card. Because its in your PC, the record capability to the hard drive makes time shifting simple. HiDTV has since gone defunct (although you can still find these cards on the net.) Other PC HD tuner cards such as the MyHD are still readily available and have a cult status following here on AVSFourm.

Bottom line is, if you've thought of putting up an antenna, go for it. Besides if the swines at Cox continue to expect local broadcasters to provide content for free and after their troughs dry up you'll still have local HD reception, for free!

John

Watching the NFL game tonight on KMTV-DT (3-1), and getting alot of audio dropout. Anyone else having this? I know I've had it before. Always seems to be with them.

M

Yea, I've noticed the pops and hiss. PQ is great much better than ESPN's USC/VT game tho.

I had the Master Control operator reset the Motorola HD decoder. All better now.

Ahh that's what the frozen screen of the ref was.

I've had some people ask me lately, and I know a few answers, but what is everyone using for an antenna for OTA reception? I've been recommending the Silver Sensor for the most part.

johnwcook, the new Dish Network 811 receiver has the 8-VSB tuner built in, so you just have to hook up an antenna to it.

Finally, what has anyone seen around here for going rates for ISF certification?

Doug,

My point on the 6000 was the price, they're reliable and can be found for a dirt cheap price.

I'm currently using a 15-2160 Rat Shack UHF antenna, I think they sell for about $24. I'd like to try a Channel Master 4228 but I'd have one heck of a time getting it up into the attic.

Now that I've a rotor and a Channel Master UHF amp installed on the 2160 I can pick up everthing locally Omaha/Lincoln except KPTM and KXVO. KXVO comes and goes depending upon the weather and KPTM comes in very seldom. The 4228 may/may not help with KXVO/KPTM, putting the antenna on the roof would definately help. But the year round accessability of the attic and keeping the gear out of the weather can't be ignored, besides one of these days KXVO/KPTM will go ful power and optimize their antenna and then I'll be set.

ISF, I'd check Custom Electronics, American Electronics (Millard, by appointment only) and the highend AV store out at RockBrook Shopping Center (can't think of their name). Prior to our XG135LC installation down in The Pit we spent considerable amounts of time at all the above plus the intermediate dealers (Stereo West, Never er uh Niver, Furn Mart etc) and the people listed above do have profesionally installed highend CRT projection systems. Do they have ISF certified techs, I don't know but they probably have the best support you're going to find up in Omaha.

Regards, John

Originally posted by Dougaha
I've had some people ask me lately, and I know a few answers, but what is everyone using for an antenna for OTA reception? I've been recommending the Silver Sensor for the most part.

johnwcook, the new Dish Network 811 receiver has the 8-VSB tuner built in, so you just have to hook up an antenna to it.

Finally, what has anyone seen around here for going rates for ISF certification?

IIRC, I'm using a Channel Master 3016 (http://www.channelmaster.com/Pages/TVS/AdvantageAnts.htm). This is a directional antenna and it's pointed towards Crown Point. So, it works okay for the Crown Point stations, but I can't receive KPTM or KXVO. I would be happy to hear other suggestions.

I paid $600 to have my 56" RPTV ISF calibrated by Greg Loewen from LionAV (http://www.lionav.com). That's a lot of money, but I'm happy with the results.

Lyman

Originally posted by HiDefHusker
IIRC, I'm using a Channel Master 3016 (http://www.channelmaster.com/Pages/TVS/AdvantageAnts.htm). This is a directional antenna and it's pointed towards Crown Point. So, it works okay for the Crown Point stations, but I can't receive KPTM or KXVO. I would be happy to hear other suggestions.

I paid $600 to have my 56" RPTV ISF calibrated by Greg Loewen from LionAV (http://www.lionav.com). That's a lot of money, but I'm happy with the results.

Lyman

I thought you might pipe in on that one. :)

I am using the RS 15-1880 for my antenna, picks up everything except for KPTM and KXVO for obvious reasons. Works well. Someday I would like to put up the CM 4221 for really good reception.

Has anyone heard if Fox is ready for Sept 12th?

Jon

Did anyone record Frontline on PBS last night?

I missed it and don't currently see a listed replay date.

I was out by Crown Point last night, and I noticed that KETV has a partial tower up and guyed...maybe about 30 feet or more? Just a guess on the height as viewed from Benson Golf Course. :-)

Mike

mroot,

Warren just sent out an update via email yesterday, here's a copy of it...

**************************************
Good Afternoon Everyone,

The stub section was set today, and steel is now to 160', the tower crew is
now attaching the first set of permanent guy wires to the tower, those are
at 154'. They will place the gin pole on the tower next, and use it to
stack the rest of the tower.

We have some pictures on the website.
http://www.theomahachannel.com/ketv7/3687852/detail.html

Thanks
Warren

Has anyone heard anymore about WOWT going the same route as KM3 as to charging Cox for it's HD signal?

Wow! 160 feet? No wonder my golf game sucks. I have no depth perception and can't judge distance worth a darn!! :-)

Mike

Originally posted by HDlover
Has anyone heard anymore about WOWT going the same route as KM3 as to charging Cox for it's HD signal?


Last I heard is that it'll happen eventually, same with ABC once it's tower is completed. No set dates or anything, I'd think the end of the year.

didn't 108.02 used to be ABC a few weeks back. Any idea why I am picking up only NBC on 108.01 and 108.02 and 108.03....etc? weird.

Let me pose the question in a different way.

For others that own Mits tv's with the built in HD tuner, are you still receiving KETV? If so, what channel are you picking it up on? I am getting WOWT on108.01, 108.02, 108.03. I find that rather odd as I used to pull in ABC on 108.02 if I am remember correctly.

Cox is not very forthcoming about this info as I'm sure they would like me to buy they little HD box. NOT. I give them enough money already, but that is a discussion for a totally different thread. :)

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Today launched Fox's NFL coverage in Hd, but not in Omaha, all we get is a very weak Digital signal from Kptm, very disappointing!!!!!!!!Kptm will be getting a call from me on Monday!!!!!!!

I watched both the SEA/NO and the CHI/DET game in HD today, and now watching the SF/ATL and PHI/NYG in HD, thanks to wonderful DirecTV. Screw KPTM.

I called Kptm today, and talked to a station engineer, he claims Kptm has the hd hardware for many months, they are waiting on a Fox assigned crew to show up, not sure when this crew will show up? he also said that I was the 3rd person that called about Fox-hd, its really frustrating that Fox launches Hd and alot of the country cannot receive there Hd programming. lets keep calling Kptm, We want the NFL in Hd!!!!

What did he say about getting the power up to a relatively usable level?

He said there power level increase would be way down the line, long after the hd hardware install , he said the hd signal would be available to cable if a contract can be reached,(sounds like there are counting on cable at first to deliver the hd signal because, they know there ota signal is a joke), he really did not have alot of specific info, I forgot to ask him how there current digital signal complies with FCC.

Does anyone else have an audio problem with ABC, specifically MNF? Nearly every time the game goes to commercial , I lose the center channel when it comes back. I can't hear the announcers. If I change the channel up one and then right back to the game the audio comes back. I have noticed this sometimes on ABC, but last year it happened all the time on MNF.

OMAHA HD UPDATE REPORT- rummor mill report
=========================

WOWT NBC- is not in talks to renew there HD Carrage on Cox (will we have an other KM3 CBS event?). QAM remapping shows Cox is setting up to turn it off.

KETV ABC- is building there new tower that will have HD right now. ABC HD is only on Cox cable. There contract is due in 8 Months with Cox.

KPTM Fox- plans to go full power on HD by January. They are holding off on gong full power due to Budget isses. Full Wattage on UHF is and expensive electrical bill, they have it in next years budget.

NE PBS- only does HD till 10PM, the Electrics costs are too high to run it till Midnight. They now have some HD Contact on the dot 5 channel. Ie 12.5 or 25.5 over the air.

KM3 CBS- is only Over the Air. DishNetwork and Direct TV receviers can all get it with a silver sensor anntenna just fine.

WB 15- is over the Over in Digitial only, no HD content although the come close at times.

UPN- is only on Cox cable in SD, There is national content in HD now, like star trek, but cox does not carry it. Direct TV has rumors of adding there own National feed of UPN in SD and one in HD by December (same type of contract that Cox does). There is no UPN over the air opiton.


Iowa PBS in HD- There web site said they would be up this summer. Summer is over, where is is?

Cox- plans to start charing $9.99 for the HD package the first of next year after the end of there year contract. They also are working on increasing this to $12.99 so they can carry CBS and others that want $$$


Direc TV- press release says all OMaha Locals in HD by end of next year. Major markets by summer.

They also plan to add 24 new HD channels in October.

They also have the Free HD Package for all customers.


Dishnetwork- free HD Package but for only new Subs


KOLN- Lincoln CBS- is being picked up at night in OMaha now. Out door ant. required for most of the time. Silver Sensor works some of the time.


TNN HD- will be on Direct TV in October

HDnet HDnet Movies AND Coxs InHd and InHD movies all 4
Are planned to be on Direct TV in October.

Scott, thanks for that wrap-up.

Where/who/what is your source for the KPTM-DT going full power in January?

I'm pulling for KETV-DT and the folks there to have good weather and no misfortunes in erecting their tower. They are my only ABC HD hope.

PBS; Why oh why do they have to simulcast with a 1080i channel? When they are doing HD in the evenings, it seems to be 480i letterboxed on x.1 and 1080i on x.5 Why can't they do 720p on HD and 480p widescreen? Local content is being degraded because of this.

Lincoln DMA is rumored to have D* locals in a month or two.

I doubt very much Kptm will be full power by January 2005. Also it appears that many Fox affiliates are not passing Hd, sounds like Fox jumped into Hd arena and many affiliates could not be hd ready by Sept 12, this is really disappointing, the Kc Chiefs are in Hd this Sunday on Fox, but not in Omaha!!!!!!!!!!(Pappas Broadcasting is a joke) we want our Fox-Hd!!!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by Ronald L M
I doubt very much Kptm will be full power by January 2005. Also it appears that many Fox affiliates are not passing Hd, sounds like Fox jumped into Hd arena and many affiliates could not be hd ready by Sept 12, this is really disappointing, the Kc Chiefs are in Hd this Sunday on Fox, but not in Omaha!!!!!!!!!!(Pappas Broadcasting is a joke) we want our Fox-Hd!!!!!!!!!!

The game isn't even on KPTM sunday, it's the Bears/Packers. But I'm getting to watch the Chiefs/Panthers game, on DirecTV. I'm sick of waiting for KPTM, and if they don't have HD by the Superbowl I'll at least get it over DirecTV.

Originally posted by ScottChez
OMAHA HD UPDATE REPORT- rummor mill report
=========================

WB 15- is over the Over in Digitial only, no HD content although the come close at times.

WB? I wasn't aware they were broadcasting OTA digital. Can it be received in Lincoln?

Originally posted by marck
WB? I wasn't aware they were broadcasting OTA digital. Can it be received in Lincoln?


Highly doubtful most can't even receive it in Omaha.

KPTM/WB is on Channel 38. In Lincoln...On a good night, the little light on the Samsung SIR-T151 will blink a couple of times before not finding the signal.

Originally posted by ScottChez
OMAHA HD UPDATE REPORT- rummor mill report
=========================
Iowa PBS in HD- There web site said they would be up this summer. Summer is over, where is is?


IPTV has added digital to its transmitters serving Des Moines, Waterloo-Cedar Rapids and Sioux City. Apparently KBIN (your transmitter) is coming later, but as a viewer I can tell you they still have some bugs to work out in my area.

The HD is laden with State Fair programming they produced; it doesn't include national programming yet, but IPTV does have the distinction of being the only Iowa station to produce HD programming.

I wrote a letter to the KBIN-DT engineer earlier this week asking about their digital transmission timeline.

His response was next spring, weather co-operating.

John

Can someone explain why none of the NFL games are going to be broadcast in HD today? I understand why Fox isnt doing it but why isnt CBS? Am I missing something?

Because these games are CBS' HD games today:

Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans 12pm
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens 12pm
Cleveland Browns @ Dallas Cowboys 3pm

Look for the BROWNS/COWBOYS later.

Originally posted by gpflepsen
Because these games are CBS' HD games today:

Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans 12pm
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens 12pm
Cleveland Browns @ Dallas Cowboys 3pm

Look for the BROWNS/COWBOYS later.

Dont you get all games in HD with NFL Sunday ticket? If they have the HDTV feeds at the games why wouldnt they send them on :confused:

I don't have Direct TV. And if the broncos/ravens were in HD, we'd be getting HD coverage.

So now I have something else to complain about :) I wonder why they don't use all of the SD channels for other games then maybe I could have watched the Chiefs as well.....

Originally posted by bohlke
Dont you get all games in HD with NFL Sunday ticket? If they have the HDTV feeds at the games why wouldnt they send them on :confused:

CBS is only covering 3 NFL games in HD each weekend. The other CBS games are being covered with SD cameras and equipment only, so there is no HD coverage for Sunday Ticket to transmit.

Does anyone know if the PQ/Bitrate of KOLN is different than KMTV? This weekend I was having dropoffs with KOLN even though the signal strength wasnt falling below 50%, when I would watch on KMTV the signal strength would hover around 50% but would not drop off until it went off the meter. I am in Lincoln so I would think that the signal power of KOLN would be enough for it to maintain a steady picture?

I get KOLN-DT at about 90% and have had some breakups (2-3 times) over the past 7-10 days. I also had no audio on one occasion. KMTV-DT hasn't had the problems.

Just picked up the new Motorola DVR/HDTV box from Cox. This thing rocks! Definitely a great upgrade. Now, if they would only let me get another one for my other HDTV system......

mooneycj

Dual tuners this Wednesday on the Cox DVR.

However, after viewing some of the other threads I don't know that this is a great thing.

Redwood,

What's wrong with the dual tuners? and do you have to get a different box? and does it cost more?

Are there any OTA UPN affiliates within broadcast range of Omaha? Maybe Lincoln or Sioux City? HD would be great, but at this point, I will settle for fuzzy SD rather than have to go back to COX. The only thing I need COX for in Omaha is UPN, and Enterprise starts on Oct 8th!

GRIZZ

David, there isn't an OTA UPN station anywhere around here, unfortunately. That also, is the only reason I still have basic cable from Cox. I am about to drop it, however, as there is a way to get Enterprise episodes over the internet...if you don't mind watching on a computer screen. :-)

Also, I see that KETV's new tower is now over half way to the top, according to their website! WOOHOO! I need to drive out there and take a look.

Originally posted by Huskerfan
Redwood,

What's wrong with the dual tuners? and do you have to get a different box? and does it cost more?

No new box, just have to wait for updated software. Check the thread under th HDTV Recorders heading for 6412 Review.

It appears that when viewing/recording HD and swaping back and forth the signal gets lost and you lose the ability to really view the recording. Maybe, Omaha has newer software, but I doubt it.

*************
CONFIRMED
*************

OMAHA IS NEXT, you need to switch to Direct TV/ DIshnet now.


Cox cable in in Norfolk, VA is now only carrying 1 out of the six available DT HDTV local channels.

The reason, the locals are demanding payment and also requirements to carrage all of there Sub DTV channels.

The one station that is on (WTKR-DT CBS) agreed to carriage without the subchannels and also becuase it has the lowest ratings.
All of the others are demanding full carriage of their DTV allocation... including subchannels.

PS-
I like Direct TV, they plan to have 24 HD channels up this fall, plus 500 Local HD Channels by the end of next year with there new Sat for the top DMA markets.

When the analog stations shut off, I think the cable companies and TV stations are going to find an interesting paradox in the "must carry" rules.

=======================
FOX IN HD for OMAHA on Direct TV next Month?
=======================


Fox in HD will be on Direct TV next Month, we will be able to file for HD Waivers since there is no real HD signal in Omaha.

We all need to get on KPTM to allow the waivers. You cant file the waiver till Fox is up on Direct TV, some say it will be on a few weeks.

NBC and CBS are already there on Direct TV in HD.

Waivers are allowed per FCC law.


Just having hundreds file Waivers may be enough to get KPTM to speed things up. KPTM does not want viewer watching out of market locals as it effects there ratings.

By law KMPT must answer each and every Waiver request. The request can only be made by Direct TV, you have to ask DIrect TV to file it, remember you cant file it till the channel is up.

Keep watching here.

I think you will find it a simple matter for the stations to 'rubber stamp' reject a waiver request. It is practically automatic.

National NBC and CBS being in HD on D* has no bearing on the Omaha/Lincoln markets. We are not eligible for those feeds.

Can anyone confirm that the firewire is active or not on the Motorola 6200 PVR that Cox uses?

I'm afraid you're mistaken on the Fox waiver thing, unless something has changed very recently.

As far as I know, there's currently no such thing as a digital waiver -- if you can get KPTM analog, you're out of luck.

And even the McCain-Ensign legislation currently being considered bases digital waivers ONLY on whether you get a digital signal, whether or not it's HD. So if you're within spitting distance of KPTM's transmitter and can get their digital, even if it's not HD, you're also out of luck.

But you can always try.

So, how about a waiver for UPN? Is that possible? You certainly cannot get it OTA!

Mike

UPN Waivers for Omaha Market should not be a problem, as there are no UPN stations in the Omaha Market....out west, from Lincoln west, there is a UPN "affiliate", so waivers might be harder to get....

Where did you get the prices for cox?

Andrew Wees


Originally posted by ScottChez
OMAHA HD UPDATE REPORT- rummor mill report
=========================

WOWT NBC- is not in talks to renew there HD Carrage on Cox (will we have an other KM3 CBS event?). QAM remapping shows Cox is setting up to turn it off.

KETV ABC- is building there new tower that will have HD right now. ABC HD is only on Cox cable. There contract is due in 8 Months with Cox.

KPTM Fox- plans to go full power on HD by January. They are holding off on gong full power due to Budget isses. Full Wattage on UHF is and expensive electrical bill, they have it in next years budget.

NE PBS- only does HD till 10PM, the Electrics costs are too high to run it till Midnight. They now have some HD Contact on the dot 5 channel. Ie 12.5 or 25.5 over the air.

KM3 CBS- is only Over the Air. DishNetwork and Direct TV receviers can all get it with a silver sensor anntenna just fine.

WB 15- is over the Over in Digitial only, no HD content although the come close at times.

UPN- is only on Cox cable in SD, There is national content in HD now, like star trek, but cox does not carry it. Direct TV has rumors of adding there own National feed of UPN in SD and one in HD by December (same type of contract that Cox does). There is no UPN over the air opiton.


Iowa PBS in HD- There web site said they would be up this summer. Summer is over, where is is?

Cox- plans to start charing $9.99 for the HD package the first of next year after the end of there year contract. They also are working on increasing this to $12.99 so they can carry CBS and others that want $$$


Direc TV- press release says all OMaha Locals in HD by end of next year. Major markets by summer.

They also plan to add 24 new HD channels in October.

They also have the Free HD Package for all customers.


Dishnetwork- free HD Package but for only new Subs


KOLN- Lincoln CBS- is being picked up at night in OMaha now. Out door ant. required for most of the time. Silver Sensor works some of the time.


TNN HD- will be on Direct TV in October

HDnet HDnet Movies AND Coxs InHd and InHD movies all 4
Are planned to be on Direct TV in October.

Anybody know why NETV does not transmit their NETV2 programming on their digital signal? Tues nite, I was looking forward to watching the UNK/UNO volleyball broadcast on NETV2 but couldn't find it in their list of multicast options. They only had 2 channels going. One was playing 'Big Red Wrap Up' and the other channel had some PBS HD program.

Also, any word on how the KETV tower project is going?

Re: Pappas's FOX stations in Omaha & Grand Island--they want to be up to full power HD by Jan in time for the Super Bowl. Local engineer, though, says no equipment hasn't been ordered yet--at least for the GI FOX station.

Hit the KETV website for tower progress. It looks like it is half-way up! However, things slow up now, as it takes longer to move the pieces up along with the supporting cables. I'd say the weather has been good for them. Let's hope we have ABC-HD (OTA) by Christmas!

Mike

I understand that ESPN-HD is now on Time Warner in the KC area. I would have thought any agreements would have been company wide. Lincoln is waiting! Does anybody have a timeframe?

Oct. 25th.

HD-NET / HD-NET MOVIES / ESPN-HD.

Is what I've been told, in lincoln.

The tier will run aroun $7.00 for those 3 channels and IN-HD / IN-HD2.

We've also been using their HD-DVR at the store, but they won't release to public for awhile, some output glitches, but it seems to work pretty well.

S.K.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by PAULSTORM
[B]Anybody know why NETV does not transmit their NETV2 programming on their digital signal? Tues nite, I was looking forward to watching the UNK/UNO volleyball broadcast on NETV2 but couldn't find it in their list of multicast options. They only had 2 channels going. One was playing 'Big Red Wrap Up' and the other channel had some PBS HD program.

Bandwidth. I asked that same question last year, and their response was that they only have bandwidth at night for 26-1 and 26-5.

Paul,

According to the latest KETV updates the tower is now at 1006' with only 8 more 30' sections left to stack. Due to the height of the tower all progress from this point forward will slow in comparison to earlier elevation efforts.

They've begun bridging their transmission shed to the tower. Once the tower is at full hieght they should be ready to deploy the digital/analog antennas and run the transmission lines.

The afore published target date of Nov. 1 has has been pushed farther to the right. Hopefully we'll see digital broadcast testing begin early to mid-December.

WAIVERS WAIVERS WAIVERS: One proven method of gaining waiver approval from the locals is to request a Dishnetwork local waiver for your RV/camper. ;) Not only will you get out of state HD affiliate programming (currently CBS NY/LA) but you'll have the ability to see the Huskers get their butts wooped at the campground. :(


Regards, John

I got FOX HD last night, as I "moved". I got the East Fox HD feed off DirecTV. The game looked great.


Anyone know what game is on KPTM tonight?

You "moved"? Be nice to snag Fox HD too. How did you....move? :-)

Mike

Go to DBSForums.com and do a search on moving.

Originally posted by SychoBC
I got FOX HD last night, as I "moved". I got the East Fox HD feed off DirecTV. The game looked great.
Can you still get the Omaha locals on DirecTV after "moving"?

If you find the right area. It's tough though.

Did you find the right area? ;)

Yes I did.

BTW KETV's tower is almost complete up it seems, just a few more sections.

I just got an email from KPTM saying that their hardware was installed last week and they are waiting to get their upconverter installed so they can pass that signal on to Cox. What was interesting was that they are going to increase their power due the FCCs "use it or lose it" order. I am wondering if KLKN is going to be required to have a real signal by then as well, does anyone know the specifics of the "use it or lose it" order?

It is my understanding that each "use it or lose it" scenario is specific to each station. In the grand scheme of things, everybody will have to be up and running in the near future. What that is, I can't tell you.
I believe it's based on how cooperative you have been, so to speak, in the past with the FCC. I've seen some very terse (And on occasion comical) rejection letters from the FCC. As an extreme example, if a station suddenly pleads that they have a tower that won't support a digitial antenna, but they've had 4 years to realize this, then the FCC pretty much tells them "tough luck".
While browsing randomly, I've seen some very in depth engineering exhibits and commentary regarding the delay in upgrade, which the FCC seems to have no problem with. Obviously a station like KETV would be given a pat on the back and told to come abck in 6 months. Stations with detailed problems and solutions though tend to be ahead of the FCC curve.
I used to have a link to a bunch of reject letters, but I don't know where it is now. If I find it I'll post it.

What was interesting was that they (KPTM) are going to increase their power due the FCCs "use it or lose it" order.

Any time frame on When they are going to increase power, or what it will increase to? (Should we expect to be able to recieve KPTM OTA in the near future?)

Originally posted by evilpete
Any time frame on When they are going to increase power, or what it will increase to? (Should we expect to be able to recieve KPTM OTA in the near future?)

They said the date required by the FCC was July 1, I asked if they intended to start any earlier and I am waiting for them to get back to me.

I see KETVs tower is at the top, according to their website! How's it going hooking everything up and getting HD OTA?

Mike

I have the HD service with COX using their Motorola DCT6200 box and I’m using the DVI hookup. While watching the HD channels sometimes the colors will change. Has anyone experienced this problem or does anyone have any recommendations on what I should do?

COX said that they are still working on the DVI hookup and DVI isn’t guaranteed until March 2005 but I would like to keep the DVI cable because I was told that DVI hookup is better than using the component video hookup. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Now comes the fun with KETV. Running Coax, testing, etc etc etc. I'd guess we'll all have a nice christmas present.

I am so excited for KETV-DT to start testing. I will have to check the channel from time to time to see if something is up.

Originally posted by jasonhuebert
I am so excited for KETV-DT to start testing. I will have to check the channel from time to time to see if something is up.

Sounds like late November early December is as optimistic as it gets....

Mmmmm... Monday Night Football in HDTV. Mmmmmm....

Oh, and Desperate Housewives. :D

I can honestly say my viewing of ABC has fallen off so dramatically just because there is no worthwhile DTV transmission. KLKN channel 8's (heard a rumor) long term stability as a business is in question, and they don't seem too concerned with stepping away from their low powered 480i DTV punk (as opposed to a blowtorch signal:)). I can watch HDTV on NBC, CBS and NETV, plus a handful of other subscription HD program providers. The quality of picture now weighs heavily on my viewing choices.

Originally posted by gpflepsen
I can honestly say my viewing of ABC has fallen off so dramatically just because there is no worthwhile DTV transmission. KLKN channel 8's (heard a rumor) long term stability as a business is in question, and they don't seem too concerned with stepping away from their low powered 480i DTV punk (as opposed to a blowtorch signal:)).
Yeah, I too have heard rumors about that company, which also owns the ABC affiliate in my hometown, WOI-TV. (They even have the same logo, except WOI has a gold "5" where KLKN's gold "8" is, slightly offset from a red ball ... and both stations have "you'll say I See" as their slogan.) At one point the Des Moines Register reported the whole chain (KLKN, KCAU, WOI and WHBF) was for sale, but they called it off a month or two later if I recall correctly.

For the record, WOI was never a ratings powerhouse in Des Moines, and nothing improved in the time since Citadel Communications bought that ABC station from Iowa State University. Moving channel 8 from Albion (where it was KCAN, a "satellite station" of KCAU in Sioux City) to Lincoln may have been the best move they ever made.

Off the topic. I was in the mist of watching Halloween 4 last night and a cox commerical came on and said something about MonstersHD on Cox. Maybe I was seeing/hearing things, but has anyone else heard this or when new channels will be addes?

Before Channel 8 was with Sioux City did it used to be part of the NTV network from Kearneys ABC?

Back when there where 4 stations part of NTV?

When I was a young child, billions of years ago, Channel 8 in Albion was part of NTV as KCNA and possibly another set of calls later on. They then attempted "Big 8" TV (KBGT) in late 1983. They had a heck of a movie library, I remember that. They were available in Lincoln via cable and even had a sales office in town.
By early 1987 they were spun off and became a full power repeater for KCAU.as KCAN. In March of 1995 they moved to Lincoln, signed on Channel 24 in Albion as part of the relocation agreement. They ditched that channel though citing financial difficulties with the HDTV upgrade.

Does anyone have any antenna recommendations for outside on a balcony (maybe hanging under the roof?) for Lincoln North East edge about 84th and Holdrege. I would like to get Lincoln CBS and Omaha NBC even though they are opposite directions. I've several mentions of the Radio Shack 2160. Is this the best option? Would a preamp be required for NBC? Thanks.

Good news.

TNT-HD will be on Direct TV by Nov 10th.

ESPN2-HD (thats #2) is in talks right now with Direct-TV.

Does anybody know if KLKN has made any content change to their signal?
I'm suddenly getting 1080i with sidebars, instead of the 480i with no sidebars. The other indicator on my receiver still says SD though, where KMTV, KOLN, WOWT, etc are saying HD. Signal doesn't look as muddy either.

Dave, that's a strange occurrence. If anything, I'd expect a 720p out of them- ABC ya know.

The only way for me to check for sure is to view tonight's HD programming from ABC.

Do any of you know if KLKN will be going full power HD with their signal or are they now?

Many of you are probably already aware of this however I will post it anyway.

From KPTM:

"FOX installed our HD receive equipment only a couple weeks ago. We are still waiting for the upconverter that will insert local programming. Until it arrives, we don't have an HD signal to deliver to COX. I don't have a definite delivery date for the upconverter, but expect it will be at least a couple more weeks. Once it arrives, we will coordinate with COX to deliver the HD feed to them.



Sincerely,



Rick Graham
Chief Engineer
Pappas Telecasting of the Midlands "

Will this also have an effect on their OTA signal? Will that be HD also?

M

Originally posted by gpflepsen
Dave, that's a strange occurrence. If anything, I'd expect a 720p out of them- ABC ya know.

The only way for me to check for sure is to view tonight's HD programming from ABC.

8 simple rules was 480i, did anyone else see something in HD?

RE: KLKN
i wonder if a setting on my OTA box got flipped or something. Everything is 1080i now. There is definately no HD designation on 31-1.

RE: KPTM
Who knows!
As of today, I think all of the stations in Nebraska have filed their DTV Pre-certifications stating they will go fully authorized on their allocated HD channels. I believe the FCC date on this in July 2005 for any DTV station affiliated with a network.

Originally posted by boardmanDJ
RE: KLKN
i wonder if a setting on my OTA box got flipped or something. Everything is 1080i now. There is definately no HD designation on 31-1.

RE: KPTM
Who knows!
As of today, I think all of the stations in Nebraska have filed their DTV Pre-certifications stating they will go fully authorized on their allocated HD channels. I believe the FCC date on this in July 2005 for any DTV station affiliated with a network.

I asked if there was a chance they would increase power prior to that and they said that unfortunatly they would not be able to until July.

Timdg,

Yes a 2160 would probably do the trick, there are better antennas out there but the 2160 is a great performer for the cost and are easy to acquire (local shack run.) An amplifier may not be required if your cable run is short <50ft and your not splitting the signal.

The 2160 is very directional, be prepared to rotate it from Lincoln to Omaha depending upon the station you're trying to acquire. Not only is the 2160 directional but if you angle it up slightly in the direction of a weak transmitter site sometimes that makes a huge differnece. If you amplify you probably wont need to elevate at all. If you want to go whole hog Mid-State Electronics in Omaha carry a rotor controller that comes with a remote control. I have one of these controlling my attic mounted 2160. You can map channel numbers to compass settings, I type in 43 and the rotor swings to Gretna, type in 45 and she swings back up to crowne point in Omaha. Code the remote codes into my Pronto remote's macro channel assignments and it's a one button push (changes the receivers channel setting and commands the rotor.) Nice three wire controller, if you want the make/model number I'll dig it up for you, also Mid-State sells a nice Channel Master UHF amp that'll mount to your rotor mast. You can probably find these items in a store in Lincoln.

I used to manually rotate my 2160, not anymore, glad I made the investment. Rotor, controller, amp and a variable attenuator. The attenuator makes KXVO reception possible for me without affecting crowne point and Lincoln stations. KXVO and KPTM are so weak at my location that by lowering the signal with the attenuator so that the background noise is below the receivers threshold only a small signal peak is left in band, just enough for the receiver to lock.

Let us know how it goes.

Regards, John

Originally posted by bohlke
I asked if there was a chance they would increase power prior to that and they said that unfortunatly they would not be able to until July.

Bohlke, when you say 'they', who are you referring to KLKN or KPTM?

Originally posted by boardmanDJ
As of today, I think all of the stations in Nebraska have filed their DTV Pre-certifications stating they will go fully authorized on their allocated HD channels. I believe the FCC date on this in July 2005 for any DTV station affiliated with a network.
The deadline is July 1, 2005 for stations in the top 100 markets affiliated with the top four networks (ABC, CBS, Fox or NBC.)

The deadline is July 1, 2006 for everyone else.

I forgot what Omaha is, but I seem to remember it being top 100, so KPTM may have to go full power by next July. But I'm afraid KLKN is under the latter, more lenient deadline of July '06.

Originally posted by PAULSTORM
Bohlke, when you say 'they', who are you referring to KLKN or KPTM?

KPTM

ABC fans shouldn't have to wait much longer. Sounds like KETV is getting closer every day (weather permitting) to getting their operation back on the big stick. Channel 20 is up on the tower, and 7 is next. The weather is the key.
Omaha is well above the #100 mark as well (I know for radio it's like #73), so IT's all over but the waiting! :)

Another nutty thing occured in the KLKN realm. When I got back home from work this morning my display said 8-1 instead of 31-1 on my OTA box. After flipping around channels, it became 31-1 again. Possibly a skip from another 31-1 that happens to be on 8-1? I just laughed. I doubt there's a guy in his basement with a transmitter messing with my mind or anything.

Dave,

KLKN probably temporarily updated their digital stream PSIP info to call out their analog channel 8 assignment as apposed to the digital 31. The Omaha stations do use their analog channel number in their PSIP streams i.e. 3-01, 6-01 etc.

John

In Central Nebraska, Ch's 10,11,13,17,29, all have their original channel # in their PSIP. The only one that doesn't is Ch 5 in Hastings. They still have 21 in their PSIP identifier.

I just bought an OTA tuner from The Mart (LG-LST3100A) and have hooked it up to a Toshiba RPTV. Now for the questions:

I live in Millard, near Oakview and am using a cheap RCA indoor UHF antenna (I tried the Zenith Silver Sensor, but the RCA actually performed better) and am getting the following channels:
3-1 KMTV HD
6-1 WOWT HD
10-1 KOLN HD
12-1 NETV SD
12-5 NETV HD
26-1 NETV SD
26-5 NETV HD

1. Am I missing any? Would a bigger/better/outdoor antenna get me anything more? Does anyone get the FOX/WB signal from Gretna?

2. The channel guide is not displaying any information other than the channel # and call letters. Do out OTA stations transmit the program info or is my tuner's program guide not working correctly?

3. I think my TV does 1080i, should my STB be set at 1080i or Native, Var1, Var2?

4. Will the DVI connection be better than component cables?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

1. Am I missing any? Would a bigger/better/outdoor antenna get me anything more? Does anyone get the FOX/WB signal from Gretna? Fox and WB is a hit and miss, I dont think they even send out any HD or ED signal anyway. You get Lincoln HD so thats really good. You're not missing anything else though.

2. The channel guide is not displaying any information other than the channel # and call letters. Do out OTA stations transmit the program info or is my tuner's program guide not working correctly?No they don't if you need some guide info TitanTV does well with HD programming

3. I think my TV does 1080i, should my STB be set at 1080i or Native, Var1, Var2?1080i

4. Will the DVI connection be better than component cables?Yea, the difference is comparable to Composite to S-Video. A Big difference. The black level are more distingusihed making everything look better.

Bad News for cable and HD

I heard from someone who works at Cox that they have been in talks with KMTV like the new manager promised to do.

The hang up is now 3 local stations are all requesting the exact same payment for any digitaly transmitted channel that they get from Direct TV and DIshNetwork.

This rate is 50 Cents per customer per month.

THe contract stats Digitaly transmitted as both Dish and DIrect TV pick up the local receive station and send it digitaly into the home.

Cox has said no to the 50 Cent rate.


3 of the 4 Local Networks are requesting the 50 Cent rate, the same rate they get from Direct TV and DIsh.

Many of the contracts end next Month.

This means that soon, there will only be ONE local channel left on there HDTV line up.

To me, I will pay the 50 cents per channel, its cheaper than connecting an OTA annt and wiring it up.

We all need to email Cox, and ask them to play fair and price match Dish and DIrect TV.

Cox now has that nice new HD DVR, with out all the locals, whats the point . . .

Forgive me if this has been discussed already. I have attempted searches but haven't found what I'm looking for.

1. What all is available in HDTV on cable (Time Warner) in Lincoln?

2. Are there immediate plans for adding others?

3. Most importantly, is there an HD DVR available from TW in Lincoln? If not, when?

I am making a move and for various reasons am considering switching to digital cable. I presently have DirecTV (with HD package)and OTA local digitals/HD. I have DirecTV HD Tivo (which also lets me record the OTA digital channels). I can't image giving up the ability to DVR HD programming. What's the cable situation? Thanks.

Marc

Time Warner just added ESPN HD, HDnet & HDnet Movies. They also have TNT-HD, InHD, InHD2, KOLN/KGIN HD and KUON (PBS) HD.
$6.95/month for the whole tier, local channels free. You'll need one of Time Warner's HD boxes of course.

Everytime I ask TW about the DVR for HD they tell me "coming soon".

Once I added the cost of additional recievers, HDTV, etc to the satellite networks I came withing 10 bucks of what cable would cost me.

Originally posted by ScottChez
Good news.

TNT-HD will be on Direct TV by Nov 10th.

ESPN2-HD (thats #2) is in talks right now with Direct-TV.

I dont see it, is it just me?

Anybody know what the deal is with NE PBS cutting out after 10 pm? (Is that even what happens??)

The one show I like to watch on PBS is Austin City Limits, which is apparently available in HD -- but I never have a signal when it's on...

Austin City Limits is on Saturdays at 8pm too.

Does anybody know how much longer KGIN-DT will be simulcasting the KOLN signal and then begin carrying the actual KGIN signal? You can tell the difference when they show their severe weather maps and during the 6pm news. On the 6 pm news, the third block is originated from GI on the analog signal. The digital signal continues to carry the KOLN signal all the time.

EvilPete,

Yup, 10:00pm (actually I though they cut off at 9:00pm, nevertheless it's too early) seems to be when NPBS rolls up their digital broadcasting red carpet. Wish they'd stay on later, hopfully they'll change their schedule before the analog cutoff date, that mandate keeps slipping to the right. I'd suspsect their early evening cutoff is a budgetary decision. I'm a late evening television viewer, too much going on at home during prime time, I do miss not having PBS-HD when I have time to spare later in the evening.

John

I suspect 10/11 doesn't have equipment fully installed in GI to accomodate local cutaways.

I can understand cutting DTV feeds off at 10pm for the more rural parts of the state, but I think places like Lincoln and Omaha could run until regular signoff. There's more of a demand for this sort of thing.

KETV update,

The crew continued to make steady progress this week despite the weather. The tower elevator is now complete, the auxilliary lighting and control systems are now installed/operational and the channel 7 transmission line is 700 feet up the tower. The channel 20 transmission line remains at 60 feet due to engineering differences in the transmission lines. The crew is concentrating their efforts on one line at a time to prevent installation mishaps and rework. The channel 7 antenna was not installed this week due to the weather, rain and wind at elevation, however the horizontal transmission lines from the tower to the transmitter building are now complete. The digital and analog tranitters are now ready to be connected to the transmission line inside the building.

The tower crew will take a mandatory week off this coming week due to safety regulations. With the following week being turkey week it appears that most of the integration progress from now until December will be at ground level.

I'm crossing my fingers for good weather during the end of the month and beyond!

Regards, John

What is channel 20? I was just reading on KETV's site and saw they said the channel 20 antenna was up, but don't know what is on channel 20 or who it is.

Bruce

Ch. 20 is KETV's Digital Channel. Nothing is on it now, there still working to get it on-air.

I used to live in GI.

You mean the GI channel of the 10/11 strong now has there very own local news at 6PM now?

Is this true?

Scott, they only have a local segment in the 3rd block--Central NE is such a priority for 10/11.

I called Cox cable to ask again KM3 CBS not being on Cox in HD.

They said it will never be on cox in HD.

What is going on? Did the talks all break down over 50 cents?

Did they try for 25 cent?

ScottChez I suspect that the only way CBS-HD (and rumor has it posted earlier in this thread, not by me, ABC-HD may soon follow suit) will make their content available is for Cox to do one of two things, either pay the requested fee or make the digital channels available to consumers at the basic tier price ($9.95?). The same minimal basic tier price a consumer would pay to receive analog locals. Of course if this happens I hope Cox doesn't remap the PSIP info to 5, 8 and 9. As Bugs would say "What a maroon!" ;)

John

Has anyone else noticed less pixelation tonight?? I have had problems with pixelation ever since the switch to dual tuner. Watching MNF tonight, I have not seen a single pixelation episode. Supposedly there was a new firmware update coming to address this. For those that don't there is a good thread in the HDTV recorder forum that addresses issues with this Box. something like Cox 6412 Pioneer ..... .

Mike

The network HD channels are on BASIC cable. If you have a TV with a QAM tuner you can receive them without digital cable. As I told KMTV it didn't cost me a dime more to watch their HD programs, they are in the wrong. If COX pays KMTV for their HD signal they will have to pay all the other OTA HD channels which could get quite expensive for you and me because we will ultimately pay the bill.

So you can get the HD locals for the basic entry minimum of $14.00? What do they charge for the STB/month?

If your TV has a QAM tuner plug the cable into that tuner, NBC=108.01, ABC=108.02. You don't need anything else. Their box is needed only to translate scrambled digital channels.

Thanks HDlover! I never bothered to let my Sony search for digital signals off basic cable, but now we can finally watch ABC in HD :D

Is Cox passing the HD locals in the basic cable bandwidth or do you need to subscribe to expanded basic to see the HD channels?

With cox they say you must have a digital package to get the free local HDs.

But in many areas the trap for digital is already off so it will work anyway.

This is why KMTV and other stations are pulling or have pulled there Digital local off cox, they are up selling people to digital and making large profits off of something that is free.

I just got HDTV antenna and stuff and can get Omaha CBS and NBC just great (about 88-90%) with an indoor antenna (believe it is equivalent to the silver sensor) I cannot get Lincoln CBS, ABC, or Omaha ABC. I live in an apartment so I am limited what I can do with an antenna but does anyone have any suggestions?
Does Lincoln CBS broadcast 5.1 sound? I noticed JAG off of Omaha CBS was only Dobly 2.0...
Thanks for any help!

Lincoln stations often require an outdoor antenna. Omaha ABC doesn't broadcast HD for the time being.

No Dolby 5.1 in Lincoln (on CBS) yet.

This just in. KPTM and WB are refusing to allow Cox to distribute there HD Channels.

Right now KPTM Fox is over the ware on the back of WB on channel 15-2.

WB is on over the air on 15-1.

The rumor says they also want money just like KMTV CBS.

I thinkwe are still talking just 25 to 50 Cent per channel per customer.

Why wont Cox pay up?

Originally posted by ScottChez
Why wont Cox pay up?
This is a symbiotic relationship. The locals get more viewers for their advertising and Cox subscribers don't need antennas. The satellite companies set a bad precedent by compensating the locals. Now the locals want to get paid by the cable companies, too. The loser will be the consumer who will end up paying--not Cox! You should be thanking Cox for taking a stand.

Put up an antenna. I did and I'm not paying for my crystal clear local signals. Why feed the 'cable pigs' :D

I have been in contact with KPTM and COX. KPTM says they are awaiting equipment to conect with COX. Cox says they have a signed contract with KPTM and agree they are awaiting equipment install. KPTM and KXVO is still a go on COX.

KETV hopes to have their digital over-the-air signal up and running by December 10th...weather permitting, of course!

WOOHOO!!!

Mike

Great news Mike!

:prays for good weather:

Where in the heck is Kptm-hd on Cox? I talked to Kptm back in late August and they said they were waiting on a Fox crew install a hd dish and then they would at least be on Cox, Its late November and still no Kptm-hd!!!I really sick of watching Fox and hearing and watching ( you are watching the finest, with 720p and Dolby digital), Kptm and Fox clearly have dropped the ball on this one! I would like to thank and give a high five for the work Ketv and Warren B, have done to rebuild there tower, I hear they are getting close to getting there hd signal on the air, great job!

Originally posted by Ronald L M
Where in the heck is Kptm-hd on Cox? I talked to Kptm back in late August and they said they were waiting on a Fox crew install a hd dish and then they would at least be on Cox, Its late November and still no Kptm-hd!!!I really sick of watching Fox and hearing and watching ( you are watching the finest, with 720p and Dolby digital), Kptm and Fox clearly have dropped the ball on this one! I would like to thank and give a high five for the work Ketv and Warren B, have done to rebuild there tower, I hear they are getting close to getting there hd signal on the air, great job!


The last I heard they were waiting for some hardware to get their local content available in HD and then they would be available on Cox.

My INHD and INHD2 channels quit working late last night, and still don't work this morning. Anybody else having the problem??? I just get blank screen. I do not get the subscription screen.

Mike

Originally posted by mdg
My INHD and INHD2 channels quit working late last night, and still don't work this morning. Anybody else having the problem??? I just get blank screen. I do not get the subscription screen.

Mike


This thread should explain the problem with InHD. ww.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=475298



Mark


Copy and paste the link and add another w. I am not allowed to post direct links.

Gee. Cable is dependent on SATELLITE? BWAHAHAHAHA!

Skip the middle man and just get satellite. :-)

"The last I heard they were waiting for some hardware to get their local content available in HD and then they would be available on Cox."

Also the Contract with Cox has not been signed yet.

I hope they dont pull an other KM3 thing and not allow it on Cox over just a few pennys.

Anybody ever have problem with 10/11's audio cutting out or clipping on their digital signal? I noticed it during yesterday's Chiefs game while listening thru the surround system and have noticed other times during CBS programming. It's hard to describe but it sounds like it's clicking or has short drop outs.

Originally posted by ScottChez
"The last I heard they were waiting for some hardware to get their local content available in HD and then they would be available on Cox."

Also the Contract with Cox has not been signed yet.

I hope they dont pull an other KM3 thing and not allow it on Cox over just a few pennys.


=========

Don't matter to me. Cox is asking for more money starting 1/1/2005 anyway so I'll be opting out. (no satellite 4 me either) I'm tired of paying the exorbitant salaries of the fat cats. If more people would be willing to take a stand and reduce/eliminate their cable bills they'd come around real quick.

Just say no.

Good luck to ya'll.

Originally posted by PAULSTORM
Anybody ever have problem with 10/11's audio cutting out or clipping on their digital signal? I noticed it during yesterday's Chiefs game while listening thru the surround system and have noticed other times during CBS programming. It's hard to describe but it sounds like it's clicking or has short drop outs.

I have had issues with 10/11 audio/video quality. For some reason even though the signal strength is great I get dropouts. I have much better luck pulling the signal from Omaha even though the signal hovers between 50-75%

KETV Update

Unless my eyes are failing me, both antenna elements (Channel 7 and 2) are now up on the tower.

Hopefully the transmission line build out goes smoothly, thank you Warren!!!!!

Originally posted by PAULSTORM
Anybody ever have problem with 10/11's audio cutting out or clipping on their digital signal? I noticed it during yesterday's Chiefs game while listening thru the surround system and have noticed other times during CBS programming. It's hard to describe but it sounds like it's clicking or has short drop outs.

I have experienced the exact same thing.

Marc

Writing this from Bellevue.

After reading the latest mailing from COX screaming about free local HDTV and noticing that local HDTV is only ABC & NBC, I will be going with the Samsung T451 OTA box in January once KPTM starts broadcasting. I hope the Zenith Silver Sensor will do the trick for me, since all of my equipment is in the basement and I don't want to run wires up to my attic or instal a rook antenna. My home is on a hill so I should be okay. I will have to keep Cox to keep the rest of the family happy (Grrr), and enjoy the INHD's.

Are there any OTA forum members receiving good signals in Bellevue.

EdL

Can't speak to Bellevue, but I'm in Millard (by Oakview Mall) and am able to get 3,6, and 4 pbs stations (I also get a Lincoln station, KOLN I think). My set up is in the basement of the house with a set of rabbit ears on top of the TV. I tried the Zenith Silver Sensor, but got better results with cheap RCA rabbit ears.

Originally posted by EdL
I will be going with the Samsung T451 OTA box in January once KPTM starts broadcasting.

FYI KPTM doesnt expect to start OTA broadcasting until July of 05

Did anyone catch the Clapton blues guitar concert last night on Great Performances, NE PBS?

The video looked like great, similar to anamorphic DVD playback, but the 2.0 channel audio was full of noise spikes/snaps (audio dropout.) I tried several HD tuners on both digital channels 12-05 and 26-05, both channels exhibited noise on both tuners.

The concert was simulcast, Secrets of the Pharohs was on 12-01 and 26-01. The concert had three audio streams, I tried all three streams, they all exhibited occasional snaps/dropouts.

Anyone else catch this show? Have any problems with audio?

johncookjr
I also noticed the audio problems on KHNE DT 29-5 from Giltner, but the video quality has been poor as well on NPTV HD since they began simulcasting from 7 - 10 PM. Last winter I watched the NPTV produced specials featuring the "Challenger" locomotive and also the one featuring Solomon Butcher photography. These shows looked great but I have rarely seen this level of quality since then. In the past I have contacted Bob Huber who is assistant director of engineering at Nebraska Educational Telecommunications and he has been very helpful in addressing problems and answering questions. He can be contacted at bhuber2@unl.edu


Paulstorm and Marck
I emailed Brent Haun chief engineer at KOLN-KGIN during the KC/SD game on Sunday since I noticed the same audio problems on 11.1 as well. I haven't heard anything back but will let you know if I do. I would encourage you to do the same at

http://www.kolnkgin.com/station/contact

Cornhustler,

Yes, I too watched Challenger last year, great video.

Last nights concert was as I stated on par with an anamorphic DVD, not as detailed as HD 1080 or 720 material. It was still enjoyable except for the nasty audio snaps and pops.

Johjn

Does anyone know the relative strength of WOWT-DT's signal recently? Over the past few weeks, I've had a tougher time getting a signal to lock on DT- 25

I have noticed the WOWT is a little weaker down here in Bellevue. I get KMTV great, but WOWT is just not near as good. It used to be just as good as KMTV.

No noticable drop in RF signal strength here in Papillion, however their DD2.0 audio stream is still 31dB down on my system! I sometimes experiece this same loss of audio signal reference level on PBS when PBS multicasts several programs.

The problem is in the DD2.0 encoded bit stream. There are flags not set correctly. I've read others have had the same problems when using similar outboard preamp/processors such as a Lexicon DC1 or DC2.

John

cdulany,

Thanks for the advise on the rabbit ears, I'll give them a shot before spending any $$$ on an antenna.

bohlke,

Say it ain't so. KPTM in July 05. That means no Superbowl. They'll killing me, they're really killing me.

Yeah I was hoping that they would get it up by the new year, here is what they said:


I hate to dampen spirits, but the rumor is not accurate.

Rick



Rick - Thanks for the update, I have heard a rumor that you may be
installing the full power transmitter in January, is their any truth to
that?



The equipment to receive FOX's HD signal was installed a week ago. We are still waiting for the upconverter necessary to insert our local programming into the FOX equipment. That will get the HD signal to Cox Cable in Omaha.
Getting the signal to Lincoln is a much larger endeavor. We will have to
install a full-power digital transmitter and microwave system.

The FCC recently issued a "Use it or Lose it" order, which requires us to
have that transmitter on the air by July 1st, 2005. We will do everything
possible to meet that deadline.

Sincerely,

Rick Graham
Chief Engineer
Pappas Telecasting of the Midlands


I think that July 1 is a full power day for every station in Omaha

Bohlke, did Rick Graham say when they were expecting the up-converter to arrive? and why don't Kptm just pass the Hd programming until the upconverter arrives?the Nfl season is almost over and yet no football in Hd, Pappas Telecasting really has dropped the ball on there digital conversion, I'm really wondering if they will make the July 05 deadline for full power ota.

No word on when, but I will ask.

Has anyone else noticed that KPTM on DTV has real bad artifacts or is it just me?

I havent seen this posted yet, looks like Dec 17th is the new date, lets hope for good weather:


Good Afternoon Everyone,

This week KETV achieved a major milestone getting the channel 7 antenna
mounted at the top of the tower. This was the last major item to go on the
tower, and the last of the very heavy lifts.

The crew will now concentrate on stacking the transmission line to feed the
channel 20 antenna, KETV's DTV channel. The crew has this line to the
1000' level currently, and I will have the webteam update the graphic on
the website.

The transmission line for the channel 7 antenna is at 1120', within 120' of
the top of the run.

We still need to install the input complex for both antenna's, place some
radome covers on the antenna once the input complex is on, lower the gin
pole, and have Dielectric sweep the lines and antenna's before the DTV goes
on the air.

With the high winds we had this week, we were unable to stack transmission
line after the channel 7 antenna was installed, or install the antenna
input complex, so we installed two microwave dish's at 225' which will be
used for the STL / TSL (Studio Transmitter Link & Transmitter Studio Link).
We also made some adjustments to conduit runs to the platform @ 700'.

Today was a great day, as mentioned above, the crew stacked the line for
the channel 20 antenna to 1000', it was at 440'.

With the rain due Sunday & Monday, this will make the site very muddy and
difficult to move the equipment around, I hope the weather clears up
Tuesday thru the rest of the week to stack some more transmission line.

Factoring in the weather next week, it looks like we will be able to have
the rep from Dielectric scheduled out December 17th or 18th to sweep the
transmission lines and antenna's. If everything checks out OK, we should
be able to place the DTV on the air after this sweep. I am working with
the FCC on authority to place the DTV on the air full licensed power.

With placing the DTV on the air the week before Christmas, this will force
me to leave the channel 7 transmitter in KMTV's building for the Holiday's,
and move it the first week of January. Once I finalize the crew schedule,
I will let you know.

As you know, to move the analog channel 7 transmitter out of KMTV's
building, and into my building. I will switch to my backup transmitter
located at the studio and broadcast analog channel 7 from there. Once the
transmitter is moved into my building and proofed, we will switch to the
new tower for analog channel 7 full power.

Going forward, once both transmitters are operational from the new tower,
there may be times I will need to shut down the DTV and analog
transmitters, or just reduce power on them while the tower crew installs
some other items near the top of the tower. Those items are my ENG receive
site, used for news gathering and the like. This will be during the day,
and I will bring those transmitters back on the air, or to full power by
5pm as the crews do not work at night. This will be after the first of the
year, there are several things left to finish the tower project, the total
project will not be complete until February. The tower lights will be
checked out by Honeywell, the elevator will be checked out by Marshall, and
the list goes on, quite an involved project to bring to completion.

Best Regards
Warren Behrens
Chief Engineer
KETV Omaha