I'm in Meriden, almost the same distance from most of the towers as Overbrook, and even in my basement, I can pull in 11, 13, 27, 49 and even 40 with an amplified set-top antenna. A low spot in Overbrook is still a pretty high location since it's about midway between the Kansas and Marais Des Cygnes valleys. Point the loop so that as you look from behind, through the loop, you are facing northwest. Get the antenna at least 2 feet away from the TV. Depending on the type, the TV can interfere with the signal if the antenna rests on top. Rescan frequently as you try different positions, or watch the signal graph if there is one.

Hmm. I used to be able to pull 27 with rabbit ears from my basement before the conversion. I didn't know the antenna couldn't be close to the TV. Might have to get it back and see if it will work. My house is kind of a dead zone- for years I had to go outside to even talk on my phone. Now I get perfect signal. I have a ligtening rod on my house... could that cause the problems?

Nope, lightning rods should have no effect. It's things like hills, trees, and grain elevators that usually block TV/radio signals.

WIBW has just announced they will be going full HD by January 31st. Local newscasts and productions will be in HD.

I'm sure this has everything to do with KSNT/KTKA/KTMJ going local HD soon....

WIBW has just announced they will be going full HD by January 31st. Local newscasts and productions will be in HD.

...over two years after sister Gray Communications station KOLN (Lincoln) went to HD news.

Looking forward to it... from both local production companies.

I'm sure this has everything to do with KSNT/KTKA/KTMJ going local HD soon....

I didn't know they had said they were. That's the station group I'm looking forward to having news in HD from.

Not officially but you can tell they are working that way

Cox Kansas today added 4 HD Channels:

HLN
OWN
TruTV
Turner Classic Movies

Has anyone heard anything about whether Directv will be supplying the Topeka locals in HD anytime soon? I have about given up on them to do so and am thinking of dumping D after ten years and trying Cox. Good or bad decision: any thoughts?
Bish

I don't think DirecTV has any plans for adding Topeka in HD. I have never seen it listed on any "upcoming" markets.

Dish Network has had the local channels in HD for a year or two already. I would seriously give them a look before you jump to Cox.... but I haven't had COX since I lived in Wichita in 2002.

Has anyone heard anything about whether Directv will be supplying the Topeka locals in HD anytime soon? I have about given up on them to do so and am thinking of dumping D after ten years and trying Cox. Good or bad decision: any thoughts?
Bish

I called a couple of weeks ago to cancel and told them it was because they didn't have our locals in HD. They guy checked and said nothing was planned. They ended up giving me a deal and I stayed.

Dish Network has had the local channels in HD for a year or two already. I would seriously give them a look before you jump to Cox.... but I haven't had COX since I lived in Wichita in 2002.

Does anyone know if DISH has added FOX in HD yet?

They used to have FOX in kind-of HD. It was the 480i upscaled to 1080i but then they dropped it. I imagine it will appear here soon though but as of right now it isn't.

For those of you with Cox:
What is the HD resolution?
How do you like the HD DVRs?
Anyone using Tivos and cable card? Issues?
Any help/advice appreciated.
Bish

Kansas First News (KTMJ, KTKA, KSNT) and WIBW all have a new HD school closings crawl. No more downconversion for weather information at all.

Just checking back here after a few years. Without reading all 76 pages of this thread, any news on KC's stations amp'ing up the power to get programing in Topeka? With a attic antenna (here when I bought the house) I was able to pick up a few KC stations before the transition to HD/digital. I'm sure a roof mounted antenna on my two story house would help, as I tried rabbit ears on the 3rd floor of Summit Woods Apt.(about as far west as my house) and picked up KC channels. Anyway, just wondering.

I am in SW Topeka and I can get most of the KC stations. I don't always get 50 and 62 but I do get the main channels.

Gray Television and Cox Communications are in negotiations to transmit WIBW/WIBW DT-2 in Topeka and KAKE in Wichita....

http://www.wibw.com/cox

http://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/blog/2011/12/cox-kake-say-negotiations-continue-on.html

KSNT / KTKA / KTMJ now in a re-transmission dispute with Dish Network. The drop date is set at January 15th. This one agreement could cause the loss of ABC, NBC and FOX to Dish Network subscribers... but on the flip side, you might actually get FOX HD & The CW out of the deal when done!

http://www.kansasfirstnews.com/news/local/story/Important-information-for-Dish-Network-subscribers/682UC-l44k2tzUHnPnOfKg.cspx

Here is the email that I sent to Kansas First News:

"I live in the southern part of your listening area, in southern lyon
county. I can get every Topeka HD channel 100% of the time except the
new Fox 43.1. I can get it at times, depending on the atmospheric
conditions. I have a very clear view to the north and a good quality
directional long range antenna with the appropriate boosters and
pre-amps.

My question is if you are planning on increasing the signal strength
of 43.1 any time soon? If not, then I may try upgrading some parts of
my system."

The response was:

The KTMJ 43.1 is a Low power license. Its running at the Max power the FCC
allows. However by 2013 our goal is to upgrade the Low power Ch 17 located
20 miles North of Emporia to HD.

Thanks
Jeff Groves
Chief Engineer


So there is hope, if I can be patient.

Here is the email that I sent to Kansas First News:

"I live in the southern part of your listening area, in southern lyon
county. I can get every Topeka HD channel 100% of the time except the
new Fox 43.1. I can get it at times, depending on the atmospheric
conditions. I have a very clear view to the north and a good quality
directional long range antenna with the appropriate boosters and
pre-amps.

My question is if you are planning on increasing the signal strength
of 43.1 any time soon? If not, then I may try upgrading some parts of
my system."

The response was:

The KTMJ 43.1 is a Low power license. Its running at the Max power the FCC
allows. However by 2013 our goal is to upgrade the Low power Ch 17 located
20 miles North of Emporia to HD.

Thanks
Jeff Groves
Chief Engineer


So there is hope, if I can be patient.

How did you get his contact info? I'd like to know when Fox will be in HD on Dish Network, now that they've reached an agreement.

I just emailed the station with my question, and he wrote me back. His email is jgroves@kansasfirstnews.com.

I just emailed the station with my question, and he wrote me back. His email is jgroves@kansasfirstnews.com.

Thanks for the info!

Are you guys getting WIBW over the air? I get nothing with the TV and the Directv box.

WIBW story (http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/WIBW-TV_Experiencing_Signal_Problems_137817258.html)

My TV is showing WIBW on ch 44.3 after they got things running again. Dish and Directv are still out of luck according to the above story.

Kinda sounds like they moved the PSIP Generator to the transmitter site, or put an old one in service there.

With channel numbering changed around, it's no wonder people are needing to re-scan. And, it sounds like the local P-O-P (Point of Presence) for the DirecTV and DISH Network locals needs to reprogram their OTA receiver,....or, the station needs to match the new PSIP exactly to the old data.

Either way, right now, people need to do a "Hard Re-Scan". That means, unplug the antenna and do a scan with NO SIGNALS AT ALL (to clear the memory), then unplug power for a minute or two, then connect the power AND THE ANTENNA, and scan again.

With channel numbering changed around, it's no wonder people are needing to re-scan.

The interesting thing is that I did not have to rescan any of my equipment but I had already been using UHF ch44 and not VHF ch13 for WIBW. Of the 7 tuners I have all still show WIBW as 13.1 except one. On that TV I'm still using the old tuner setting but when I select 13.1 it changes to 44.3 on the display but still tunes properly. :confused:

I tried to do what kenglish suggested last night. It didn't work. Of course, I forgot the part about unplugging everything for a minute or two after scanning with no antenna hooked up. Perhaps I'll try that later.

In the meantime, here's an email I sent Directv just now. Perhaps someone here will have a suggestion after reading my issue.

I have the AM 21 tuner. Recently, WIBW in Topeka lost the over the air signal. When they got it back up, I was unable to get it to rescan on my Dtv tuner. At first, I thought it was an issue with your equipment. I spent quite a while on the phone with a tech only to come to the conclusion that WIBW's OTA signal was not back up like they said. However, I checked again last night and I can receive it if I hook up my antenna directly to my TV. I did have to do a rescan, though. When I tried the re-install process in the Directv menus, it won't pick up the station. I even unplugged everything and waited half a minute to try a hard reboot of the receiver and AM21 tuner. That didn't work, either. When I go into the menus to look at signal strength of the OTA channels, WIBW (13.1 & 13.2) show 100%. But when I turn to that channel, it is blank. Does your system lock out anything other than locals? I wonder if WIBW's signal is slightly different somehow and your system hasn't updated. Help!

I tried to do what kenglish suggested last night. It didn't work. Of course, I forgot the part about unplugging everything for a minute or two after scanning with no antenna hooked up. Perhaps I'll try that later.

In the meantime, here's an email I sent Directv just now. Perhaps someone here will have a suggestion after reading my issue.



Call WIBW and talk to an engineer. Theyll have to call tribune which handles the guide info and have then update the data for RF44. In the mean time you could add Springfield MO locals to your guide and watch KYTV on 3.1/2 which are on RF 44. The listings will show KYTV but should map to WIBW.

From WIBW HD's Facebook page:

We're working hard to install all the necessary equipment associated with broadcasting full HD local newscasts. Our new target date to launch in full HD is February 16th. I can't wait for everyone to see the amazing on-air product we'll be able to provide you all with. - WIBW Josh Mabry

I sent an email to WIBW's engineer the other day. I described my issue and even relayed what was said on here by some folks that are way more knowledgeable about this stuff than I. It seems to have worked because I tuned in 13.1 last night through my Directv receiver. Yay!!

Thanks for your help, guys.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/417615_361132573897701_322925424385083_1523741_1921077912_n. jpg

Preview of HD Graphics from WIBW. Courtesy of the WIBW HD Facebook Page.

so is Topeka Fox channels on HD or not
screen says they are HD
but i can not receive it.

so is Topeka Fox channels on HD or not
screen says they are HD
but i can not receive it.

Yes Fox 43 does broadcast in HD over the air on channel 43.1. You can also find them on COX 2006 or 116.2.

Last I heard, DISH did not have FOX 43 in HD and DIRECTV does not carry any Topeka channels in HD.

Of course not all programming is HD.

so is Topeka Fox channels on HD or not
screen says they are HD
but i can not receive it.

As posted above KTMJ is HD only on 43.1. The UHF 17 repeater in Emporia is still broadcasting in SD but there are plans to upgrade that repeater to HD by 2013 according to this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=21513261#post21513261).

WIBW News was in HD at 6 pm. Some sound issues with none HD commercials (low volume). It appears that they didn't upgrade their weather maps or are just protecting them for 4x3. Now they need to upgrade their skycams.

I'll be...

Caught the last bit. Bravo WIBW, bravo :)

I'd say they're 'protecting' 4:3, which is fine. It's pretty much standard in several places if you look for it. Seen it in several places before. Besides, they know that there are still several viewers who aren't watching in widescreen (my parents included......)

Nice to see them step it up and do this. Looked very nice overall!

Everybody who watches WIBW on DirecTV are stuck with 4x3 and I'm sure they know it.

Everybody who watches WIBW on DirecTV are stuck with 4x3 and I'm sure they know it.

Well not much longer (hopefully) for you guys:

(under Upcoming HD local market launches)

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/hd/hd_locals

Well not much longer (hopefully) for you guys:

(under Upcoming HD local market launches)

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/hd/hd_locals

This is great news and frankly it explains my recent situation. I just had an HR34 installed and asked D for a free AM21 as part of the deal. Their computer wouldn't 'process' my request, so it must mean HD locals are coming soon. Thank God!
Bish

Bishman, you may purchase an AM21 tuner now from solidsignal.com
here's the link: http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=AM21&d=DIRECTV-AM21N-Off-Air-Dual-Tuner-(AM21)&sku=872195000147
.
I had DirecTV installed 13 months ago and DirecTV refused to sell me an AM21 for a similar reason that I had local channels though satellite. It had nothing to with them being in SD or HD it is because local channels were there.:mad:
I didn't accept DirecTV's answer so I bought an AM21 anyway and it works well for me since I do record my favorite shows from Kansas City stations which don't compress their HD signals as much as Topeka TV stations do.

I tried to get Directv to give me a free AM21 OTA tuner since they didn't offer local Topeka stations in HD. They wouldn't budge. I ended up buying it anyway as I really wanted my HD feed for things like KU hoops on CBS and whatnot. When my contract is up, though, I may have to look at other options.

As posted above KTMJ is HD only on 43.1. The UHF 17 repeater in Emporia is still broadcasting in SD but there are plans to upgrade that repeater to HD by 2013 according to this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=21513261#post21513261).


Wait, what? Since when did KTMJ start broadcasting OTA in HD on 43.1?

Wait, what? Since when did KTMJ start broadcasting OTA in HD on 43.1?

They started HD broadcasting on September 28, 2011.

They started HD broadcasting on September 28, 2011.

OTA? If so, where is the tower located? I'm by the hospitals and I point my antenna west to pick up all the locals.

I don't think you can get it with a AM21 OTA tuner. DIRECTV hasn't added the guide information yet.

The tower is west of Topeka and should be in the general direction of the other stations. I can receive it on my Tivo and I didn't have to re-adjust anything.

The tower is the same one used by KTWU north of 6th & Wanamaker.

Here (http://newvisiontv.com/news/2011/fox-43-ktmj-provide-air-hd) is the announcement from New Vision.

I don't think you can get it with a AM21 OTA tuner. DIRECTV hasn't added the guide information yet.

The tower is west of Topeka and should be in the general direction of the other stations. I can receive it on my Tivo and I didn't have to re-adjust anything.

It has nothing to do with the AM21 but the receiver itself and whether the channel, 43-1, is mapped. The only receiver that will pick up the 43-1 channel is the HR34, (other than the TIVO it seems), although since the data is not in the guide, it doesn't actually show what's playing. You have to look at 43 to see that.

Bish

I tried to get Directv to give me a free AM21 OTA tuner since they didn't offer local Topeka stations in HD. They wouldn't budge. I ended up buying it anyway as I really wanted my HD feed for things like KU hoops on CBS and whatnot. When my contract is up, though, I may have to look at other options.

I have two AM21's that were sent to me for free by D. I just bought another one off of eBay for $40 for the HR34.
Bish

http://www.dierkingcommunications.com/files/topeka.jpg

I found it interesting that listed for the Topeka market on the New Vision website that KSNT/KTMJ/KTKA have a Telemundo Affiliate. I'm unaware of this??

It has nothing to do with the AM21 but the receiver itself and whether the channel, 43-1, is mapped. The only receiver that will pick up the 43-1 channel is the HR34, (other than the TIVO it seems), although since the data is not in the guide, it doesn't actually show what's playing. You have to look at 43 to see that.

Bish

Well that is some BS. I'm getting really irritated with Dtv over all this not being able to get locals in HD nonsense.

Well that is some BS. I'm getting really irritated with Dtv over all this not being able to get locals in HD nonsense.

They will be sending us the HD locals this year. The fact that their computer system won't process a request for an AM21, and my installer last week for the HR34 telling me that the AM21's were pulled from his warehouse tends to confirm this to me. Hang in there a little longer. The only reason I purchased the additional AM21 is because I have a large directional antenna in my attic and can pull in all of the KC locals except for the ABC affliliate.
Bish

Well that is some BS. I'm getting really irritated with Dtv over all this not being able to get locals in HD nonsense.

Just do what ksbugeater suggested back on post 2231. I've been picking up 43-1 with my HR-20 without any problems.

Just do what ksbugeater suggested back on post 2231. I've been picking up 43-1 with my HR-20 without any problems.

Ah, thanks. It works. That is great.

(sorry for the cross post here and KC, but I'm on my soapbox) I know the whole point of carrying some games on TruTV is to get cable systems to carry that network and promote their shows to people who don't normally watch "that crap", but it sure would be nice if they would allow CBS affiliates to simulcast the TruTV games on subchannels, much in the way that ESPN allows local ABC affils to broadcast Monday Night Football when a local team is playing. Airing both K-State and KU on a network you couldn't pay me to watch (and isn't included in my DirecTV budget package) is a drag and a penalty to folks here in Kansas, and a major disservice to the CBS affils in Topeka, KC, and Wichita.

Just do what ksbugeater suggested back on post 2231. I've been picking up 43-1 with my HR-20 without any problems.

That's what I did too and it works great!

KTMJ FOX 43 is now available in HD on Dish Network.

KTMJ FOX 43 is now available in HD on Dish Network.

I haven't been home to check it out yet, but are you sure? According to the uplink page it's still unavailable.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/thelist/index.php?search=dnall&sub=true&market=Topeka,%20KS

The people at KSNT said they were told by Dish Network is was available and working this morning.

Looks like they pulled the announcement... ???

Looks like they pulled the announcement... ???

This is driving me crazy. I hate not having Fox in HD. Usually when Dish adds channels, they do it on Wednesday afternoons. So hopefully it will be there tomorrow.

The announcement did say that FOX in HD on Dish Network would be here in time for Nascar & Major League Baseball...

While we wait for KTMJ in HD on Dish Network I noticed this in the uplink activity. I don't think it is available yet though...


7398 KSQA (12) added to 110° 31s24 (South Iowa) (SD Topeka, KS market Hidden) AVAILABLE
7398 KSQA (12) added to 61.5° 11s15 (Kansas City) (SD MPEG4 Topeka, KS market Hidden) AVAILABLE EPG linked to 110° 31s24 (South Iowa) Ch 7398

7398 KSQA (12) added to 110° 31s24 (South Iowa) (SD Topeka, KS market Hidden) AVAILABLE
7398 KSQA (12) added to 61.5° 11s15 (Kansas City) (SD MPEG4 Topeka, KS market Hidden) AVAILABLE EPG linked to 110° 31s24 (South Iowa) Ch 7398

HMMMMMM! Dish doesn't carry channel 40 (Trinity or whatever they are) as a LiL, do they? There must be some big plans for KSQA (more than just an infomercial/religious LP) if Dish has prepared an uplink for them. What could it be?

HMMMMMM! There must be some big plans for KSQA (more than just an infomercial/religious LP) if Dish has prepared an uplink for them. What could it be?

They have been broadcasting The Country Network, country music video's, for a while now.

KSQA is a full-power signal and is entitled to must-carry on cable and satellite. K40IJ-D is not.

- Trip

Dish Network already has an agreement with Trinity Broadcasting to carry the national TBN network in all markets instead of each market getting LIL.

K40IJ-D isn't owned by Trinity anyway. It's owned by EICB.

- Trip

KSQA 12 has a pending affiliation with The Country Network for 12.2

http://www.tcncountry.com/where-to-watch/

A week or two ago my Tivo got 12.2 channel info for The Country Network but they were broadcasting on 12.1 so it didn't really help. It's not in HD so it's very unlikely that I'll ever watch it.

A week or two ago my Tivo got 12.2 channel info for The Country Network but they were broadcasting on 12.1 so it didn't really help. It's not in HD so it's very unlikely that I'll ever watch it.

I swear they don't know what they're doing over there at KSQA...

I have cox cable and over coax I can pick up HDTV without a box but I can't find a list of the channels anywhere on the net. For instance I know 114.1 is CBSHD. I am trying to figure out what channel is FOX. Can anyone help or point me to a listing?

Thanks!

I'm not in Manhattan nor a Cox TV customer anymore but I remember KTMJ - Fox HD being on 116.2 in Topeka. I would check 116. in Manhattan and see what you get.

I'm not in Manhattan nor a Cox TV customer anymore but I remember KTMJ - Fox HD being on 116.2 in Topeka. I would check 116. in Manhattan and see what you get.

Thanks Tom 116.1 worked. I wish there was a complete listing. My auto scan picks up every digital channel.

In Topeka the HD for PBS and CBS are in 114., NBC and ABC are in 115. and Fox in 116. I suspect that Manhattan is similar.

Which antenna do I need to pick up KC channels here in Topeka. I'm using a UHF antenna rated at 40 miles that I picked up from Radio Shack a couple years ago. It gets my locals at about 85% and higher just fine but only picks up the KC stations in the early morning.

KCChiefsGuru:
I live in Meriden, so I'm slightly closer than Topeka. I get all the KC channels fairly reliably using a Channel Master 4228, which is no longer sold new. They came out with an "improved" version that actually does not have some of the benefits of the original. The following website is great for people who don't mind researching a little bit about antenna performance: http://www.hdtvprimer.com/
Remember, the higher outside, the better. If you have large buildings nearby, the multipath may make it difficult to pull in KC no matter what antenna you choose.

Go Chiefs!

KCChiefsGuru:
I live in Meriden, so I'm slightly closer than Topeka. I get all the KC channels fairly reliably using a Channel Master 4228, which is no longer sold new. They came out with an "improved" version that actually does not have some of the benefits of the original. The following website is great for people who don't mind researching a little bit about antenna performance: http://www.hdtvprimer.com/
Remember, the higher outside, the better. If you have large buildings nearby, the multipath may make it difficult to pull in KC no matter what antenna you choose.

Go Chiefs!

What is the difference between the 4228 old and the new? They look identical to me.

My old 4228 is one big grid instead of 2, one over the other.

http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=CM-4228&d=Channel-Master-CM4228-8-Bay-Bowtie-UHF-TV-Antenna-(CM-4228)

My old 4228 is one big grid instead of 2, one over the other.

http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=CM-4228&d=Channel-Master-CM4228-8-Bay-Bowtie-UHF-TV-Antenna-(CM-4228)

Does it really make that big of a difference though?

While we wait for KTMJ in HD on Dish Network

I assume you know your wait IS over!

5183(43) - KTMJ [MPEG4 HD] - Ciel-2 129W TP 06 Spotbeam 29 changed to Available (H) (Mkt:Topeka, KS-Topeka, KS-FOX)
5183(43) - KTMJ [MPEG4 HD] - Echostar12 61.5W TP 05 Spotbeam 15 changed to Available (H) (Mkt:Topeka, KS-Topeka, KS-FOX)

Anyone heard from D when the HD locals might arrive?
Bish

Your best bet would be to contact the local stations and see if their engineers know. They will know before the rest of us will.

KSNT/KTMJ have been sold.... Again. This time it is LIN TV. http://kcradio.tripod.com for details.