It appears that KSNT was back in HD for Leno and the Today Show.

Last night's "Office" was in letterboxed (and pillarboxed) SD. Yuck! TiVo recorded it for me, so I didn't have a chance to call the station and complain. If I had recorded it on my SD VCR, I could have at least cropped the letterbox, but I can't crop the pillars (on my HR10-250).

anyone have any problems with the 4th round of the US open--both cox and antennae let me dowwn

on the otherhand tnt's 6 weeks of nascar is cool

Just installed a new Vizio today for a friend and hooked the cable up and wound up with 27 digital channels. Mostly junk but they did get KTWU, WIBW, KSNT, and KTKA in HD. They also got digital simulcast of the CW, Fox 43, WIBW X2, KTKA, KSNT, USA and Vs. Pretty cool, but I would imagine they won't venture into the 100's too often. I wish QAM tv's would let you set those channels to something easy, like just 93 instead of 115-1.

lordmoose, any update on KTKA over the air?

The US Open over the weekend was all SD... :( I wasn't surprised though... KSNT does it all the time. BTW, I watched it OTA, not through COX, so I'm not sure if it was in HD on COX.

Doesn't COX just get the signal OTA and then send it out through cable?

I thought 49 was supposed to be in HD a long time ago? What happened?

KTKA HD OTA is progressing as scheduled.



(How's that for a bland, corporate response?)

So.... are we talking August 2007... September 2007... October 2007? lol

Keep up the work lordmoose!

Or August 2008... September 2009... October 2010?

Or you could just forget about HD, lordmoose... a buddy of mine tuned in 49-1 the other day and swears it was in HD. He doesn't have Cox, either. (He's going to hate me for telling that.) You can fool some of the people... but you can't fool me, and most of the readers here. ;)

Tell corporate that I am watching all ABC network programming on KMBC out of KC until you get HD OTA.

I can't believe I'm the first one to post that KTKA IS BROADCASTING IN 720P!!!!

Good Morning America was in HD this morning! :D

I first noticed the pillar boxing during the news last night.

Thank you, Lordmoose! What a wonderful Friday/13th present!

I didn't have much to do with it. This was all in the planning/purchasing stages before I started.

I noticed it yesterday, but was sworn to secrecy......

Thanks again lordmoose, didn't mean to freak you out yesterday.

tim

I noticed it yesterday, but was sworn to secrecy......

How do you keep a 55,000-watt secret????

If they're broadcasting, isn't that the opposite of a secret? KTKA didn't WANT us to notice the 720 lines of resolution that they've worked for all along, and we've been waiting for? Is it not permanent?

No, I just happened on it yesterday before lunch, called to congratulate lordmoose, seemingly freaking him out because he indicated they just turned in on a few minutes prior.

A bit tongue in cheek because you are correct, if they are broadcasting, it is no longer a secret. I just didn't want to be the first to post because they would have to still be testing to a certain extent. It seems to me they were switching pretty good from local to the ABC HD feed on the few minutes I saw last night.

Happily watching ABC in HD thanks to KTKA OTA. Now, how many of us thought we could say that this soon???

Yes it’s no secret now but please keep in mind we are testing and adjusting the HD feed so plans are to keep it on unless we have problems with the feed. Thanks everyone for your patience and enjoy ABC in HD! Also note the CC is not working at this point and we are aware of the problem. PSIP info is now working as of this afternoon

Jb
KTKA-TV

Again, congrats, ktkadude and all those at 49! You know, I regularly record all 3 local newscasts, and I think 49 shows the most promise. I also really enjoy The Drive. You guys are really hitting stride... if you produced the news in HD you might be able to pry away some eyeballs from the other two.

Wow! Yes, I noticed KTKA's 720p broadcast as well. Thanks to everyone at KTKA for making it happen this soon.

Just one quick question. Will the British Open next week be in HD? I understand it is on foreign soil, so ABC doesn't have complete control over its broadcast. But, it would be really nice if it is in HD...

Just one quick question. Will the British Open next week be in HD? I understand it is on foreign soil, so ABC doesn't have complete control over its broadcast. But, it would be really nice if it is in HD...

The short answer is no. However, the picture on their HD feed will be in 16x9 widescreen, just in standard definition, similar to an anamorphic DVD.

Ok, I'm getting HD this week, and I just noticed that Cox doesn't carry HDNet. Is there any logical explanation as to why a major cable provider does not offer the original and most watched high definition channel? I understand that Topeka is a miniscule bumpkin market, but, no HDNet??

I'm just looking for a reason as to why its not carried. I've got an e-mail out to Cox, waiting for a response as well.

All in all, the HD offerings in Topeka are scattered and atrocious. The satellites don't offer local HD's. No Fox in HD period (which means 50% less NFL HD, and 0% BCS Games), no HDnet on cable. Antenna isn't an option, being in an apartment, unfortunatley. Just ranting. :mad:

Rumor has it that some COX systems in the country will be adding up to 10 HD channels in August. Maybe we will be lucky and COX Kansas will add HDNET.

Since COX no longer has an exclusive on ABC-HD, maybe they will pickup FOX HD. They should have no problem picking up WDAF-DT out of Kansas City.

They won't add WDAF-DT because FOX 43 will scream bloody murder.

Rumor has it that some COX systems in the country will be adding up to 10 HD channels in August. Maybe we will be lucky and COX Kansas will add HDNET.


A&E HD should be added in August.

L.A. group buys KSNT-TV
By James Carlson
The Capital-Journal
Published Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Local NBC affiliate KSNT-TV is part of a $330 million deal to sell four television stations to Los Angeles-based New Vision Television, New Vision chief financial officer Eric Simontis said Tuesday evening.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to happen later this year.

"All of these stations are incredibly strong and very essential to their respective markets," said New Vision chief executive officer Jason Elkin.

The Topeka station and three others in Wichita (KSN), Portland, Ore., and Honolulu were bought by Montecito Broadcast Group in 2005 for $259 million.

In the deal announced Tuesday, New Vision will acquire the assets and outstanding stock of Montecito.

Simontis said viewers probably wouldn't notice too much change in their news but should expect a better product.

"After we took over other stations, they have seen awards come in," he said.

The deal also includes five satellite stations in Hawaii, Kansas and Nebraska.

Ok, I'm getting HD this week, and I just noticed that Cox doesn't carry HDNet. Is there any logical explanation as to why a major cable provider does not offer the original and most watched high definition channel? I understand that Topeka is a miniscule bumpkin market, but, no HDNet??

I'm just looking for a reason as to why its not carried. I've got an e-mail out to Cox, waiting for a response as well.

All in all, the HD offerings in Topeka are scattered and atrocious. The satellites don't offer local HD's. No Fox in HD period (which means 50% less NFL HD, and 0% BCS Games), no HDnet on cable. Antenna isn't an option, being in an apartment, unfortunatley. Just ranting. :mad:

Card.
I live in the New Orleans area, and I can tell you that Cox doesn't carry HDNET in this market, either. I hadn't heard the rumor about them possibly adding 10 new HD chanels in August. I hope it's true. As to A&E HD, we got that one last year, when out local NBC affiliate got crosswise with Cox and the HD feed was dropped. We also don't get Fox HD on the cable. To make matters worse, the NBC-HD affiliate has been off the air since Hurricaine Katrina.

Don H.
A former Topekan.

FOX 43 has said they are now broadcasting FOX HD. However, COX and KTMJ have not reached an agreement. I'm assuming because COX is being buttheads. (Trust me, I wanted to put a whole other word there.) Thanks, COX. On ONE good side of COX, I've noticed they're adding on to their existing building on Wanamaker. A recent press release said COX nationwide is trying to be "capable" of transmitting up to 50 HD channels by 2008. Perhaps this has something to do with it?

FOX 43 has said they are now broadcasting FOX HD.

Can anyone confirm this? I think I believe Lindsay Lohan's innocence more than I believe this. I don't have my OTA equipment hooked up anymore so I can't easily check.

Can anyone confirm this? I think I believe Lindsay Lohan's innocence more than I believe this. I don't have my OTA equipment hooked up anymore so I can't easily check.

I second it! What digital channel are they on? I did a new channel scan today after reading the message about FOX HD, and there is no channel to be found. I am in Manhattan, so my Channel Master 4228, which faces Topeka, should be able to pick it up (if it is really there). I can pick up all the others including the new 49.2 weather channel.

If anyone has any info on KTMJ HD OTA, please share it with us here. Thanks!

Can anyone confirm this? I think I believe Lindsay Lohan's innocence more than I believe this. I don't have my OTA equipment hooked up anymore so I can't easily check.

If I remember correctly, they have said in the past they would do a flash switch in 2009 from analog to digital. I would not think they will ever be both analog and digital.

Starlite: In Manhattan, I think we will have to use the 15 translator tower, so even if they did go digital in Topeka, I would image it would be so low power, we could not get it over here.

We did a scan here at the store and could not find FOX-HD OTA. Our antenna is on the top of a four story building so we can pickup most anything in the area.

My understanding is that low power stations can't broadcast two signals yet. So if a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?

Can anyone confirm this? I think I believe Lindsay Lohan's innocence more than I believe this. I don't have my OTA equipment hooked up anymore so I can't easily check.
I dunno, according to an e-mail to FOX 43 a couple weeks ago when I asked him why they were having problems with COX (since COX was the first to inform me they were having problems with FOX 43 contracts to carry and what have you) and he informed me the HD signal was ready to go and being broadcast but COX was being *greedy (*my word) and KTMJ did not want to sign with them so they were having a "contract dispute". As far as I was aware, it was available, just not with COX. I don't use OTA at all so I have no clue if it is being broadcast OTA or not. I put another e-mail in with KTMJ to ask if it was available OTA or if it would only be available with COX. I'll post it when I get a response. Oh, and don't shoot the messenger.

The big hang up for a while was that FOX 43 is secondary for this market and WDAF out of Kansas City is the primary. As best I know, the contractual issue was - and may still be - that KTMJ wanted Cox to help them become the primary so that they can then force Cox to black out WDAF as they do with the other Kansas City affiliates. Were it not for this issue I believe we would have had FOX-HD several years ago.

The big hang up for a while was that FOX 43 is secondary for this market and WDAF out of Kansas City is the primary. As best I know, the contractual issue was - and may still be - that KTMJ wanted Cox to help them become the primary so that they can then force Cox to black out WDAF as they do with the other Kansas City affiliates. Were it not for this issue I believe we would have had FOX-HD several years ago.

I thought KTMJ was the FOX affiliate for the Topeka DMA.

http://radiostationworld.com/locations/United_States_of_America/Kansas/tv_information.asp?m=top

I thought KTMJ was the FOX affiliate for the Topeka DMA.

I wish I knew enough about FCC regs to document what I said, but I don't. The only practical proof I can offer is the fact that WDAF is the only KC affiliate not blacked out pursuant to FCC regulations (and local station request) during prime time.

I think that Radiostationworld website is just listing the stations based in the DMA. You're absolutely right that KTMJ is the Fox affiliate for Topeka but in the grand scheme of FCC regulation WDAF is the primary. I think the main reason for it is that KTMJ is still designated as a low-power station.

From header:

Home >> North America >> USA >> Kansas >> Television Broadcasting Stations

Color codes: broadcaster, analog broadcaster, digital new broadcaster
low powered broadcaster translator station

I think the primary stations, (ADI--area of dominant influence) are those affiliates listed in a DMA unless there is more than two or more of the same network sin the same DMA.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Topeka_TV

I can pick up all the others including the new 49.2 weather channel.
I wish COX would start broadcasting this.

This link from the FCC website lists primary stations. You'll notice KTKA, WIBW and KSNT for Topeka. No KTMJ. That means it's not the primary.
http://www.fcc.gov/fees/2003_TV_Primaries.pdf

This link from the FCC website lists primary stations. You'll notice KTKA, WIBW and KSNT for Topeka. No KTMJ. That means it's not the primary.

The FCC link is from 2003. At that time wasn't KTMJ still based in Manhattan? I can't remember what year they began broadcasting out of Topeka.

If you can show me something that shows KTMJ became the primary, I will gladly look at it. KTMJ is a Class A station so that's strike one against them.

If you can show me something that shows KTMJ became the primary, I will gladly look at it. KTMJ is a Class A station so that's strike one against them.
I e-mailed many sources and the only response I've gotten was from WDAF. Here's the response I got when I asked if WDAF was still the primary for Topeka.
"
Kevin, Topeka is not part of WDAF's designated market area.

Bryan McGruder
V.P.News
WDAF-TV
"
Since I already knew Topeka wasn't in WDAF's DMA I didn't really get a true answer as to whether they are the "Primary" for Topeka.

The trouble you guys are having with WDAF/KTMJ as primary/secondary is similar to what I went through with KTMJ/KAAS a couple years ago. I can get KAAS OTA in Analog, but their digital signal is weaker and I can't pull it in. The cable systems all carry KAAS as the FOX station, and as a former resident of Wichita I like the 9:00 PM news and expanded weather coverage for counties farther west.

I used to have WDAF on Dish Network, but lost it after Dish Network lost the court case with broadcasters about Distant Network stations. KTMJ and the satellites do not cover my area OTA and that is why I've tried, and failed, to get KAAS as the primary.

If you can show me something that shows KTMJ became the primary, I will gladly look at it. KTMJ is a Class A station so that's strike one against them.
I got a good response from Dave Waters, Vice President and General Manager of KTMJ/FOX 43 Topeka. To make it short and to the point he said,
----quote----
Yes, Kevin we are the primary FOX affiliate for all of Northeast Kansas including Topeka, Manhattan, Junction City and Emporia.
Dave Waters
Vice President / General Manager
KTMJ FOX 43 Television
----end quote----
I'm not trying to stir anything up with anybody but it'd really be helpful if people did a little bit of research from CURRENT sources before trying to make other people specifically look stupid. But thanks to the people that weren't rude on this forum. Later.

Just an FYI about KTKA-DT
=========================

Beginning August ninth and throughout the rest of the month, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., KTKA will be performing routine maintenance on our transmission tower.

At times we will need to turn down or even turn off our signal.

Those of you who watch our over-the-air signal might not be able to see us at all or as clearly as you normally would.

If you watch us via cable or satellite, you will not be affected.

The day before we expect to interrupt our signal for any length of time, we will be sure to let you know with a notification across the bottom of your screen.

During this time our signal may fade or go away completely.

But don't worry we won't be off the air for long.

We apologize for any inconvenience we may cause you.

COX Digital Channel 617 is now A&E HD. Currently only a slide that says A&E HD Check back soon.

COX Digital Channel 617 is now A&E HD. Currently only a slide that says A&E HD Check back soon.

Somebody in this forum mentioned they had heard Cox was going to add a bunch of HD channels this month. Have you heard anything about this?

Don H.

Only what I heard here and other threads on AVS.

For those living east of Topeka thought you might like to know that KMBC Channel 9 in Kansas City is now advertising that they will begin local HD news broadcasts soon. You can see the commercial at http://www.thekansascitychannel.com/index.html. It in a small window towards the left of the page just above TV Schedule. KC AVS forum members think it will be in September sometime. I live in Lawrence and sometimes have trouble pulling in channel 9 because they are the only KC or Topeka station to broadcast digitally on a VHF channel (7), but if you have a vhf outdoor antenna, you should be able to pull them in.

That is good news. I can't pick them up but maybe, FOX 4 will also do their news in HD.

I'm getting DISH network installed next week and also want to get an OTA antenna for locals in HD. Does anyone have any recommendations for me? Should I get a directional antenna or multidirectional?

I'm getting DISH network installed next week and also want to get an OTA antenna for locals in HD. Does anyone have any recommendations for me? Should I get a directional antenna or multi directional?

It depends where you are and what you want to pick up. In Topeka, the towers are west and north west of Topeka. If you want just Topeka, then a directional antenna would most likely work. I have a directional antenna pointing west for Topeka and another directional antenna pointed east for Kansas City.

Depending where you are, a multi directional antenna may allow you to pick up both Topeka and KC but I bet it will be difficult.

Over the years, I have tried four different antenna setups until I found the set up that I have now. I only get 4.1, 29.1 and 38.1 out of Kansas City, but those are the only one I really need. It would be nice to pick up Channel 9 from KC since their local news is going HD but it has always been difficult for me.

Does anyone in Topeka have a DIRECTV 5 lnb dish? If so, what readings are you getting from 99 or 103?

I did my own install and only get one transponder on 103 at a low reading. I asked an installer to check it when he was here but I think he only checked 101, 110 and 119. I get really good readings on those but I have a two dish set up because of line of sight problems so I don't know if really good readings on those will mean I'll pick up 99/109 well.

It depends where you are and what you want to pick up.

I'm at about 10th & Gage. I would like to get all the Topeka Stations, plus FOX and CW from Kansas City. Would I need two different antennas to do this? How much does having two antennas complicate things like installation and tuning?

Thanks for your help

I am in the 29th and Wanamaker area and I am using a UHF Multi-Bay Antenna (Channel Master 4228) pointing at Kansas City and a UHF Multi-Bay Antenna (Channel Master 4221) pointed at the Topeka towers. I connected them with a Jointenna (for channel 34). This lets me get all of the Topeka stations and 4.1 (Fox) and 29.1 (CW) from Kansas City. Both antennas are in the attic so if you can mount yours outside, it would probably work better.

If I connected the two antennas using a splitter/combiner instead of a Jointenna I would loose KSNT. Too much multipath interference.

Thanks BJS. Do you use any kind of amplifier? Do you know of anyone in Topeka who sells those antennas?

Thanks BJS. Do you use any kind of amplifier? Do you know of anyone in Topeka who sells those antennas?

www.solidsignal.com will have everything you would need should you not find anything local.

One more thing: if you are interested in primarily viewing HD programming you might want to take a look at Directv before you have Dish installed. In about 6 weeks they are supposed to have their 70 HD channels 'online'. Just food for thought.

Bish

Word in the KC forum is that only KMBC will be going HD for awhile. I guess Fox 4 is on the market and the current owners have basically cut off funding of all extras for now. I don't know about 5 and 41.

Just as an FYI on the antenna question - I live in Lawrence and use a Winegard Square Shooter 2000 and am very happy with it. I just have it sitting on my dining room table on the ground floor pointing to Topeka. I pick up 11, 13 and 27 all the time and 49 95% of the time. I also get 4, 5, 16, 19, 29, 38, 41, 50 and 62 all the time off the back of the antenna from KC. The only channel I don't get is 9, but if I flip the antenna around to point towards KC, then I get it at 99%. If you get a square shooter, get the 2000 model that comes with the pre-amp.

My neighbor two doors down has an outdoor antenna (an old one) and he couldn't get any Topeka stations and only half the KC ones! Not too bad for an indoor 16 in. by 16 in. box!

My first thought was to go with DirectTV because of all the HD channels they say they will soon offer. But when I looked into it, I discovered it would cost me $200 to get a HD DVR, $100 more to get an additional SD DVR, more money per month than DISH, and a 2 YEAR contract. With DISH, I can get a dual tuner HD DVR for free, pay less per month, and cancel anytime I want with no penalty. Then, if DirectTV gets a channel in HD that I really want (like Comedy Central), I can just switch then.

www.solidsignal.com will have everything you would need should you not find anything local.

One more thing: if you are interested in primarily viewing HD programming you might want to take a look at Directv before you have Dish installed. In about 6 weeks they are supposed to have their 70 HD channels 'online'. Just food for thought.

Bish

FYI:

The Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, August 16 will be broadcast nationally on ESPN-HD and in the Kansas City market on KMBC Channel 9.

Thanks BJS. Do you use any kind of amplifier? Do you know of anyone in Topeka who sells those antennas?

I do use a Winguard preamp.

BJS188: I have the D 5 lnb dish. I checked sat 99 and have transponder 4 at 98, and transponder 6 at 96. I checked sat 103 and have no sig on 7 active transponders. snm

Thanks for the info.

I noticed that there was a 49.2 OTA this morning. It had a radar screen that was showing towns west of Topeka and did not even show Topeka.

I know it doesn't take much bandwidth, it is really a waste!

.2 has been there for a few weeks. I kinda like it.

I like it as well. They move the radar around depending on where a storm might form or is happening. Everything doesn't revolve around Topeka.

Starting at 5:00 PM on Thursday... KMBC 9 News (Kansas City) will be in HD for the first time per an article in the Kansas City Star.

BJS, how do you get WDAF 4 from Kansas City with the Channel Master 4228? Isn't the cm4228 a UHF only antena, and isn't WDAF on the VHF frequency?

*Edit: I take that question back. Only WDAF's analog broadcast is VHF. For some reason, their analog channel is listed on antennaweb for my zip code, but their digital channel is not. BJS, do you get KTKA from the 4228 or the 4221?

WDAF-DT is on UHF channel 34. I can't help you with any of the other information.

*Edit: I take that question back. Only WDAF's analog broadcast is VHF. For some reason, their analog channel is listed on antennaweb for my zip code, but their digital channel is not. BJS, do you get KTKA from the 4228 or the 4221?

I get KTKA from the 4221. The Jointenna blocks most of the frequencies other than 28 to 40 on the 4228. It lets enough of 28 through that it causes some multipath issues on KSNT-DT but not enough to lose the signal.

I'm picking up Fox and ABC--Kansas City on the Back side of a ChannelMaster 5646 (66" 20 some element antenna) mounted upside down and leaning against a rafter in my attic. I lose signal, sometimes on the channels. As Fox is, currently, the only channel I'm interested in KC, I think I'll call Ed Mills (a local antenna guy) to mount the antenna the way it should be (but still under roof).:D

Have there been problems with KSNT-DT 27.1 OTA lately? It looks like their 'HD' shows have been reduced to 480i/480p; nowhere like the 1080i they've been broadcasting in, (even with the reduced bit-rate from their stupid multi-casting).
Bish

Have there been problems with KSNT-DT 27.1 OTA lately? It looks like their 'HD' shows have been reduced to 480i/480p; nowhere like the 1080i they've been broadcasting in, (even with the reduced bit-rate from their stupid multi-casting).
Bish


I logged on just to post if anyone knew what was up with KSNT... On my TV, it is coming in as 480i. Looks like they are just upconverting their analog.

Hope they get it fixed for football and season premier time.

They were off the air for a day or two earlier in the week. When they came back on, all SD programming was stretched and HD programming was 480i/480P but not stretched.

I received a reply from KSNT engineering: they lost their 'HD upconverter', and hope to have a new one within the week. All network HD can only be sent thru' as SD. Hope it gets here soon!
Bish

It looks like we now have limited HD on Demand. There are some HD movies under Movies on Demand ($5.95) and a couple of crappy Justin Timberlake HD music things on HBO on Demand.

It looks like we now have limited HD on Demand. There are some HD movies under Movies on Demand ($5.95) and a couple of crappy Justin Timberlake HD music things on HBO on Demand.

Cox cable I'm assuming?

Personally I'm waiting on Directv to turn on the 70ish HD channels they've promised for a few weeks from now. I had the new 5 lnb 'Slimline' dish installed two weeks ago in preparation.

Also, KSNT is back OTA in 1080i. Thank God in time for football. Still a shame about the bit-rate starvation we have to suffer with due to the sub-channels OTA though; (although some of the blame for the terrible close up macro-blocking, apparently is a network problem).

Bish

Cox cable I'm assuming?

Yes.

Also, KSNT is back OTA in 1080i. Thank God in time for football. Still a shame about the bit-rate starvation we have to suffer with due to the sub-channels OTA though; (although some of the blame for the terrible close up macro-blocking, apparently is a network problem).

Bish

It wouldn't bother me if they bumped down to 720p and passed the CW in 480p widescreen like Fox used to do before moving to HD. Don't know if they can do that or not, but they already have some macroblocking issues, so it couldn't be too bad.

I live about 50 miles south of Topeka and am having trouble getting the two WIBW channels. I get KTWU fine, KSNT most of the time and KDKA sometimes, but hardly ever do I get WIBW. I just installed my HDTV so I'm new to this. Can anyone help me understand why I'm having trouble with WIBW the most? Their analog signal is my clearest one.

At first I had a lot of problems with WIBW because of multipath problems. My antenna is in the attic and it was picking the signal up from different locations because of bouncing around.

Do you have a building or something on the backside of the antenna that might be causing the same problem?

I have a very clear path in the immediate vicinity. I am going to try reaiming my antenna a few degrees west and see if that helps. Thanks for your reply to my problem.

I live about 50 miles south of Topeka and am having trouble getting the two WIBW channels. I get KTWU fine, KSNT most of the time and KDKA sometimes, but hardly ever do I get WIBW. I just installed my HDTV so I'm new to this. Can anyone help me understand why I'm having trouble with WIBW the most? Their analog signal is my clearest one.

What digital antenna are you using and are you using an amp?
Bish

I'm using a Winegard VHF-UHF antenna and a Winegard preamp/power supplier.

I'm using a Winegard VHF-UHF antenna and a Winegard preamp/power supplier.


Since you are 50 miles away from Topeka, you probably will need an high gain directional digital antenna in order to pick up the channels you want.

Try www.solidsignal.com and look at their selection of OTA antennas/amps. You might find something that would work better for you. They are also excellent about giving advice via email, btw.

Bish

I live about 50 miles south of Topeka and am having trouble getting the two WIBW channels. I get KTWU fine, KSNT most of the time and KDKA sometimes, but hardly ever do I get WIBW. I just installed my HDTV so I'm new to this. Can anyone help me understand why I'm having trouble with WIBW the most? Their analog signal is my clearest one.

Move the antenna about 5 degrees further west this should be enough for WIBW, which at your location should come in fine.

Has anyone else been seeing occasional artifacts on WIBW-HD? During the football game yesterday, I would occasionally see some weird pixels on the screen. My signal is great and I saw it on two devices.

I watched the Chiefs game on DIRECTV Sunday Ticket because it had fewer motion artifacts than WIBW did. I did not notice anything unusual during the two minutes of tennis that I watched.

I also noted artifacts during the Chiefs game on WIBW-HD, despite good signal strength.

Welcome to the wonders of OTA multi-casting, although it's hard to tell whether it's a problem at the network end, (which seems to plague NBC football in that extreme close ups are just a mess of macro-blocking), or due to reduced bit-rate due to the sub-channels locally.
Bish

Welcome to the wonders of OTA multi-casting, although it's hard to tell whether it's a problem at the network end, (which seems to plague NBC football in that extreme close ups are just a mess of macro-blocking), or due to reduced bit-rate due to the sub-channels locally.
Bish

bish, nope, it's not an issue with multicasting.

This was just bits of the screen, not the entire screen. It was like a hiccup with an encoder or something. It is definately not what I see when I watch football on NBC.

I will try to snap a pic next time I see something like it. I have seen it on there before but wrote it off as a one time thing.

I see the problems you are describing tonight during How I Met Your Mother.

Here is what I am talking about in a picture. You can see the lines of weird pixes across the heads of the actors. This is a still shot with very little action, that why I don't think it's a multicasting issue.

I get that same effect on Dish Network's KSNT feed (SD feed that is.. lol)

Here is what I am talking about in a picture. You can see the lines of weird pixes across the heads of the actors. This is a still shot with very little action, that why I don't think it's a multicasting issue.

Are you able to check your signal strength at the same time as viewing the TV? I'm wondering if you were experiencing a weak signal, which was creating the distortion, as it simply looks like 'dropped' pixels, (i.e. corrupted data).

Perhaps one of the engineers from one of the local stations can tell us what causes this, but it looks like my Directv feed right before a big storm.

Bish

I've noticed this same thing sometimes. When I checked my signal it would be at 95% and then drop drastically to 65 or 70% and then pop right back up to 95. Or it'll go the other way with a weak signal, be at 60% and then go to 90 and drop right back down. I don't know if it is overloading the tuner or what, because my TV will display anything 50% or above nicely. I've noticed it most when the wind is blowing pretty good (like over 40mph.)

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong about this, but I think that most of the local Topeka stations anyway are still only broadcasting digitally in low-power mode. This may well have something to do with these 'artifacts' we're seeing from time to time.

Bish

I believe WIBW and KTKA are at least broadcasting at FULL POWER. I know WIBW has been full power for awhile now. I can't get KSNT so I'm not sure.

Except for servicing, I think the big four Topeka stations are broadcasting at full power (the 4th being KTWU, not KTMJ which lingers in analog-only).

A big thanks once again to 49 for going HD in time for college football! Go Big Red!!!!

Hey...

Would any of you Sunflower Broadband customers mind helping me obtain one of their new OCAP backlit learning remotes? I'd be willing to reimburse you for your troubles. The fee to replace a lost remote is $5, and I'd be willing to pay more than that.

Did anyone notice combing during the premier of Bionic Woman tonight on KSNT? I swear I saw it multiple times when there was a quick camera panning. I don't remember seeing it on any other HD shows, so it was a surprise. Something is wrong with the interlacing and I don't think it is my TV... Any ideas?

Whenever there is fast motion on KSNT, I see lots of macroblocking, and occasionally orange splotches on the screen. What do you mean by combing?

Maybe I'm using a wrong word here, but I believe it is called combing when you see the interlaced lines. Remember the 480i dvd players of antient time? As you know, the major improvement of 480p from 480i players was the elimination of combing by painting the whole screen all at once without interlacing. I clearly noticed in multiple occasions during Bionic Woman where a big chunk of lines appearing on the screen when there was a fast camera panning. It seems that the previously painted 540 horizontal lines and currently painted 540 lines that make up the 1080i picture were way out of sync. I know it is bound to happen on 1080i TVs, but it was never this noticeable. All the shows I watch including Heroes (on the same KSNT) never had this kind of problem. I'm trying to figure out if it is my tuner (VBOX 150)/TV (Hit 51S700)/video card (ATI 1950XT) problem or the source material. Some sources have more combing than the others (just pop in Constantine DVD and watch the bowling alley scene...), so it is possible that Bionic Woman is just poorly shot/mastered.

I don't see that much macroblocking though. Maybe I'm just not that sensitive to it. You mean color bending and pixelation, right? Other than occasional pixelations due to poor reception from my CM4228, I don't see it. Do you only see it on KSNT, not on the other stations? Hmmm... I don't know why...

Hey...

Would any of you Sunflower Broadband customers mind helping me obtain one of their new OCAP backlit learning remotes? I'd be willing to reimburse you for your troubles. The fee to replace a lost remote is $5, and I'd be willing to pay more than that.

I saw one posted on Topeka Craigslist this morning..oh never mind, thats you wanting to buy one

I saw one posted on Topeka Craigslist this morning..oh never mind, thats you wanting to buy one

Heh! At least I'm getting noticed!

It's a frustrating endeavor because these remotes are valued less than $5, and yet I can't get my hands on one. A Sunflower subscriber can just walk in, plop down a $5, and walk out with a backlit learning remote that's PC programmable. As an out-of-state non-subscriber, I'm screwed. I can't even find them on eBay.

So... If you know of any SBB subscribers, send them my way.

COX added History HD sometime last week.

KTKA 49 ABC is back on the air after yesterdays storms knocked them off-the-air.

http://www.49abcnews.com/news/2007/oct/01/49_abc_ktkas_over_air_signal_down/

Look for Fox 43 to be Digital soon and Topeka locals to be on Satellite, as well as cable, in the near future.:D

You know the first question will be when you say digital, does that include HD?

What do you mean locals be on satellite? Is Directv and Dish rolling out LIL HD for Topeka?

Also, how soon IS soon?

thanks!

I can not get KSNT-DT 27.1 from Manhattan KS, I get the analog feed quite well, anyone have an idea why? or a suggestion to solving it.


Thanks

Remember they have only one station alocation. My guess is it will be HD and SD on cable and SD on sat until HD sat feeds are up. Again I'll take a WAG and say within 6 to 7 months for HD sat feeds for Topeka. Remember I'm just a salesman (but not satellite or cable).:D

I can not get KSNT-DT 27.1 from Manhattan KS, I get the analog feed quite well, anyone have an idea why? or a suggestion to solving it.


Thanks

I get it pretty easily with just a cheap radio shack antenna, but I am fairly high up with no hills immediately blocking me.

You are pointing straight east correct? KSNT is on highway 24 East of Silver Lake, as is their tower if I am not mistaken.

I can not get KSNT-DT 27.1 from Manhattan KS, I get the analog feed quite well, anyone have an idea why? or a suggestion to solving it.


Thanks

Try www.antennaweb.org
Plug in address and zip only, no need for name phone, etc. 2 maps-one adjustable physical location and second antenna selector, station ids direction distance, etc.:D

I get it pretty easily with just a cheap radio shack antenna, but I am fairly high up with no hills immediately blocking me.

You are pointing straight east correct? KSNT is on highway 24 East of Silver Lake, as is their tower if I am not mistaken.

What kind of antenna do you have? I am pointing East, and a little bit south, as Antenna web indicates.

thanks

My Sony KDS-R50XBR1 has recently developed streaks going down the screen. They are very faint, and start at the top of the screen, and migrate down and out toward the edges. It almost looks like sunrays coming out of the clouds.

When I'm watching the tv, and the screen is dark, you can't see the streaks. However, whenever it gets to a light picture, or a white screen, you can see the streaks. They are very light, and almost look transparent.

I have pulled the bulb and gently cleaned it and the part it mates with using a camera lens brush but it made no difference. There was dust in the bulb compartment.

I uploaded a picture of what I see, my apologies for the slowness of my ISP this morning.

http://www.terraworld.net/cbirk/115_1590.JPG

Thanks in advance.

What kind of antenna do you have? I am pointing East, and a little bit south, as Antenna web indicates.

thanks

It's a Radio Shack VU-90 XR that I took the VHF elements off and only use the UHF piece. I also have a Winegard PR8800 pointed West for KAAS out of Salina.

The Winegard is a very good antenna, and fairly cheap.

I can't help you with this as I'm a confirmed plasma guy, but make sure you post this in the appropriate hardware section.
Good luck,
Bish

My Sony KDS-R50XBR1 has recently developed streaks going down the screen. They are very faint, and start at the top of the screen, and migrate down and out toward the edges. It almost looks like sunrays coming out of the clouds.

When I'm watching the tv, and the screen is dark, you can't see the streaks. However, whenever it gets to a light picture, or a white screen, you can see the streaks. They are very light, and almost look transparent.

I have pulled the bulb and gently cleaned it and the part it mates with using a camera lens brush but it made no difference. There was dust in the bulb compartment.

I uploaded a picture of what I see, my apologies for the slowness of my ISP this morning.

http://www.terraworld.net/cbirk/115_1590.JPG

Thanks in advance.

I was looking at http://www.antennaweb.org today and it now says that Ogden is broadcasting Fox (KMJT) anyone in Manhattan able to get this and is it in HD? I have a ton of shows I watch on Fox that I would love to watch in HD.

I was looking at http://www.antennaweb.org today and it now says that Ogden is broadcasting Fox (KMJT) anyone in Manhattan able to get this and is it in HD? I have a ton of shows I watch on Fox that I would love to watch in HD.

Should just be analog channel 15. No hd yet.

Should just be analog channel 15. No hd yet.

Will it eventually broadcast HD? I wish Cox would just get Fox already.

I can't help you with this as I'm a confirmed plasma guy, but make sure you post this in the appropriate hardware section.
Good luck,
Bish

I clicked the wrong bookmark, thanks for the guidance.

My Sony KDS-R50XBR1 has recently developed streaks going down the screen. They are very faint, and start at the top of the screen, and migrate down and out toward the edges. It almost looks like sunrays coming out of the clouds.

When I'm watching the tv, and the screen is dark, you can't see the streaks. However, whenever it gets to a light picture, or a white screen, you can see the streaks. They are very light, and almost look transparent.

I have pulled the bulb and gently cleaned it and the part it mates with using a camera lens brush but it made no difference. There was dust in the bulb compartment.

I uploaded a picture of what I see, my apologies for the slowness of my ISP this morning.

http://www.terraworld.net/cbirk/115_1590.JPG

Thanks in advance.

Sorry, I didn't respond sooner. 1080i is 1080 lines not 540. What you were refering to, was the 60 fields of odd lines then even lines. When color TV came out in the early 50s there wasn't any allocation for extra space on the airways, hence interlacing. In the early days of pcs moniters were available in interlace or non interlace version. The image you posted looks wery much like a camera would see the interlacing and it would appear so from your description. However, I think the issue is adjacent channel interference or RF interference. Are you on satellite or cable? Are the 'ghosts' pale magenta and move as soft horizontal aberations from the top of the screen to the bottom? Is your RF cable close to your power cable? We've experienced this issue in the past, but once the set was disconnected from cable the issue went away.:D

A few issues that I need answers on...

Why is the Chiefs/Jaguars game not being broadcast in HD locally by WIBW? According to the HD Sports Guide, the game is being produced in HD, so this is clearly a local decision/error/incompetence. Is it WIBW or Cox who is dropping the ball in this podunk town? I don't have an antenna to check the OTA, so I can't tell if its Cox or WIBW.

2nd, is KTKA's HD quality on Cox in the past couple days seem very fuzzy/grainy? The college football yesterday looked beyond atrocious.

3rd, is anyone else's Cox TNT showing the programming information for TBS HD this morning? I've tried rebooting my box to see if TBS will come on through, but its still TNT. I know Cox signed the TBS agreement last week.

4th, STILL no HDNet on Cox. Who's the contact person for this? I've sent a few e-mails via their website, but only get the standard "Your channel request has been submitted" response. We need to start a groundswell to get this moving. Cox is the ONLY major carrier in the entire country which does not carry HDNet. It is carried, however, on nearly every small/mid-level/major cable and satellite operator. Its the highest rated all-HD network. Yet Cox wastes money on Stretch-o-vision with A&E and the History Channel. Its beyond logic.

The Chiefs/Jaguars game is not being produced in HD by CBS. HD Sports Guide is wrong this time.

The NASCAR race looks fine this afternoon on KTKA-HD.

As of 1:42 pm Sunday. The guide for TNT-HD is the same on COX as it is DIRECTV.

According to the HD Sports Guide

The best source for NFL broadcast information is:

http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/

I wonder if KTKA isn't broadcasting in 480p instead of 720p; I agree with CardDub, their picture seems soft compared to KMBC-DT 9.1 out of KC.

And what happened to radar on 49.2? I loved that ability 24-7; now they're just showing mirror of 49.1 in stretch-o-vision. Let me know if that is the permanent plan; I may start recording the news on 49.2 to get rid of the sidebars (for viewing in 4:3 PIP)

Yes the .2 is just the SD version of the primary channel we are testing so this will change soon, as far as the HD being soft it is the same output to COX and the offair HD so please keep that in mind if you post a problem. COX may process the signal for the cable plant but I will check with them on that. So I plan to upgrade the encoder soon to help with compression and CC delay so, keep watching !! Thanks JB

Ktkadude-

Is KTKA-DT at any lower power than it was before the outage last week? The reason I ask is I could get the DT signal at about 65% on my Dish Network 622 receiver before the outage, but since I get 0% signal but a random spike at 65%. I know it could be several factors on this problem on my end, but though I would ask. I live 5 miles north and 3 miles west of Westmoreland, KS.

On my HR10-250 from DirecTV, I can tell the difference between 49.1 and 9.1 (both OTA). 49.1 looks like what I see on 9.1 when I turn the output res to 480p.

Thanks for your efforts, KTKAdude!

Acouple of weeks ago I posted because of difficulty getting OTA HD at my home in Hartfore, KS, about 50 miles south of Topeka. I tried several antennas and preamps. I finally found the right combination. The antenna is a UHF 8 Bay Bowtie, the Channelmaster 4228 and the pre amp is the Winegard AP8275. My signal strength for 13-1 and 13-2 is usually 96-98 as are the signals from channel 11 and my 27 and 49 signals are around 90. I am very happy now. If anyone in the 50 mile range is having trouble I strongly recommend this set up. I only wish I could get a Fox signal from channel 43. I did talk to their general manager and he says they now have the capability of sending an HD signal to cable and satellite outlets. I called seeking a waiver because I qualify for distant networks through DirecTV and am now getting the New York feed from ABC, CBS, and NBC. Channel 43 has denied my waiver. Are there any others of you who have been denied a waiver by the local Fox affiliate? What can we do to get a Fox signal?

Fox was the only one that did not deny my waiver...

No change to the DTV power, last week we lost a supply in the Analog 49 so the power is down but we plan to have it backup to full power this weekend

and the HD 49.1 feed is 720p so we only upconvert local or if network is only SD

I recorded the channel 49 high definition channel on cable (ch 601) from 7-8 p.m. last Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and today. On Friday, the channel was the high definition feed, but last Tuesday, Wednesday, and today, it was just the standard definition feed upconverted (except that today, around 7:45 p.m., it switched to the HD feed).

Is someone just forgetting to switch things at the proper time, or is there some problem that's making this difficult right now?

You must be kidding. I had no problems with channels 13,27,and 49. I've now been denied twice by Fox 43 and I've even called their GM three times and talked to him personally with no luck at all. He says it's bad business for Fox 43 to give any waivers and that it's also bad business for them to broadcast an HD signal over the air for free.

I recorded Pushing Daisies last Wednesday and it was not in HD, but Sunday's Desperate Housewives looked good.

I appreciate the inside info ktkadude!

You must be kidding. I had no problems with channels 13,27,and 49. I've now been denied twice by Fox 43 and I've even called their GM three times and talked to him personally with no luck at all. He says it's bad business for Fox 43 to give any waivers and that it's also bad business for them to broadcast an HD signal over the air for free.

B-Niner,

I don't understand what's going on for you.

Please see this post: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=8670951&postcount=987

Take care,
thebishman

Just an FYI ,I software upgraded the HD encoder today it reset about 40 times, Yikes!
so let me know if you see anything werid, the HD problems should be fixed we did see last night (tuseday) that was an error in the pgm log so MC adjusted the show late. we will stay up on that and try to catch that now that we have HD OTA.

Also how many Liked the radar on 49.2?

I really would like to hear about it

JB

Hey ktkadude how strong of a signal are you putting out? would I be able to pick you up as well as I do wibw in Manhattan?

I liked the radar, as long at it doesn't get too much bandwidth that it takes away from the main HD signal.

Just an FYI ,I software upgraded the HD encoder today it reset about 40 times, Yikes!
so let me know if you see anything werid, the HD problems should be fixed we did see last night (tuseday) that was an error in the pgm log so MC adjusted the show late. we will stay up on that and try to catch that now that we have HD OTA.

Also how many Liked the radar on 49.2?

I really would like to hear about it

JB

I personally see absolutely NO need for a continuous radar feed on 49.2. If there is going to be severe weather, all of the local channels including your own, do a good job of informing us. Frankly it's far too intrusive most of the time, and ruins many a good TV show, when we are constantly bombarded with what ifs and maybes, regarding potential weather events. Far better to tell us to 'bunker down' when there is a high likelyhood of damaging weather; anything else just contributes to the 'boy who cried wolf' syndrome.

I would prefer you save all of your bandwidth for 49.1 and give us the very best HD signal, (i.e. with the most bandwidth), possible.
Bish

I like having radar on 49.2. I probably would look at it once a day. (Obviously, more often during storms.)

It probably takes less bandwidth than simulcasting the .1 signal (less motion, therefore compresses better) as they are now.

I think we need some data to make a rational decision about this. I'll bet that radar on 49.2 does not significantly affect PQ on .1.

(Significantly = Bish can't tell the difference)

I like having radar on 49.2. I probably would look at it once a day. (Obviously, more often during storms.)

It probably takes less bandwidth than simulcasting the .1 signal (less motion, therefore compresses better) as they are now.

I think we need some data to make a rational decision about this. I'll bet that radar on 49.2 does not significantly affect PQ on .1.

(Significantly = Bish can't tell the difference)

I will agree that the bandwidth required for the essentially static weather display has to be far less than a re-map of 49.1; (why even bother with that, it makes no sense at all). Since KTKA broadcasts in 720p, they actually have a little more lee-way, re: bandwidth capacity multi-casting versus a station broadcasting at 1080i. Hence IF KTKA feel that they absolutely have to have a sub-channel, I would choose the weather display over another active channel, (i.e. programming), any day.
Bish

I really liked having the radar. I wish it was back

Well guys to clear things up we will return the wx radar next week and a new channel will be put on that .2 soon, not to be the radar but that all I can say about that. But with the compression and processing we have, we could place 3 SD channels and 1 HD channels without much change;) to the picture since ABC is 720p we could go down to about 10Mbps on HD and still have room for 2 SD @ 3.5Mbps and a billboard channel (radar @ 1.5Mbps) so enjoy the HD.1 now since we have HD @ 14Mbps right now and the SD.2 is 3.5Mbps with a little more than 1Mbps left. So we have some feedback about the radar channel thanks. And HD programming is looking good for tonight so enjoy!
JB

I don't believe ABC HD programming at 10Mbps will look good and you will lose me as a viewer.

Will this affect the quality of the picture on COX?

I don't believe ABC HD programming at 10Mbps will look good and you will lose me as a viewer.

Will this affect the quality of the picture on COX?

Cox I imagine are getting a direct feed from KTKA BEFORE compression takes place, so the multi-casting should not be a problem there. It is the poor OTA viewer who pays the maximum price for a station multi-casting.

720p at 10Mbps 'might' look like the 1080i feed from KSNT, etc. when they are multi-casting, as 720p uses less of the available bandwidth than a 1080i broadcast at full resolution. Regardless it's a terrible shame that the OTA viewer's HD experience is about to get worse on KTKA, especially when almost no-one will ever take the time to watch the sub-channels!
Bish

Cox used to get high-bitrate ABC. It used to be 8.5GB per hour. A while back though it switched to under 5.5GB per hour. Here is the calculation I just did with a 1 hour, 3 minute, 58-second file: 5,902,261,316 bytes. Bitrate is 11.73 Mbps.

I know this is off-topic, but if anyone here has had experience with Cox and Series3/HD Tivos, please PM me. I'd like to know how well they have been doing on cable card installs before I take the plunge.

Thanks!

Anyone else not getting sound on KTKA-HD? Both OTA and COX. ktkadude?

Anyone else not getting sound on KTKA-HD? Both OTA and COX. ktkadude?

No sound either this a.m. Perhaps from the storm?

Fine now, OTA.

Bish

KTKA-HD has gone out around 10pm for 2 nights in a row, actually. SD has been fine.

Anyone else not getting sound on KTKA-HD? Both OTA and COX. ktkadude?

My wife did --last Friday "The View".:D

since ABC is 720p we could go down to about 10Mbps on HD

That is a horrible idea. I get my feed straight from cox so it wont affect me, but don't do that to the OTA guys it will look like KTWU.

Also everyone in Manhattan that has cox, what channels can you get with your QAM tuners? I am only able to get ABC, NBC, CBS, and PBS would love to be able to grab a few more.

Cox used to get high-bitrate ABC. It used to be 8.5GB per hour. A while back though it switched to under 5.5GB per hour. Here is the calculation I just did with a 1 hour, 3 minute, 58-second file: 5,902,261,316 bytes. Bitrate is 11.73 Mbps.

I recorded a show the other day off of ABC HD and it was about 13.5 Mbps

1 minute test file info

File Size Processed: 118.47 MB, Play Time: 00h:01m:08s
1280 x 720, 59.94 fps, 38.81 Mbps (13.60 Mbps Average).
Average Video Quality: 27.70 KB/Frame, 0.25 Bits/Pixel.
AC3 Audio: 3/2 Channels (L, C, R, SL, SR) + LFE, 48.0 kHz, 384 kbps.
Dialog Normalization: -20.0 dB, Center Mix Level: -3.0 dB, Surround Mix Level: -3.0 dB
0 of 4132 video frames found with errors.
0 of 2154 audio frames found with errors.
0 corrupted video bytes in file.
0.000000 seconds of video timestamp gaps.
0.000000 seconds of audio timestamp gaps.

End of Log

recorded PBS Nature tonight, what a joke.

File Size Processed: 2.95 GB, Play Time: 00h:54m:58s
1280 x 720, 59.94 fps, 38.81 Mbps (7.01 Mbps Average).
Average Video Quality: 14.27 KB/Frame, 0.13 Bits/Pixel.
AC3 Audio: 2/0 Channels (L, R), 48.0 kHz, 384 kbps.
Dialog Normalization: -24.0 dB
0 of 197723 video frames found with errors.
0 of 103083 audio frames found with errors.
0 corrupted video bytes in file.
0.000000 seconds of video timestamp gaps.
0.000000 seconds of audio timestamp gaps.

End of Log

Also everyone in Manhattan that has cox, what channels can you get with your QAM tuners? I am only able to get ABC, NBC, CBS, and PBS would love to be able to grab a few more.


I'm also really interested in this as I just got a projector and am contemplating setting up a new htpc.

Anyone else having problems with audio dropout on 49.1 OTA? The audio drops out for a few seconds every 5-10 minutes. The picture is not affected and signal strength is in the 80s.

Anyone else having problems with audio dropout on 49.1 OTA? The audio drops out for a few seconds every 5-10 minutes. The picture is not affected and signal strength is in the 80s.

I've been having that all last week, apparently as well as over the weekend. I'm on Cox cable, just noticing all of the dropouts for all of my recordings while I was gone last week.

Anyone else having problems with audio dropout on 49.1 OTA? The audio drops out for a few seconds every 5-10 minutes. The picture is not affected and signal strength is in the 80s.


I tried to watch the race yesterday using Cox and I had no audio for the first hour or so of the race.

James, (KTKADude), will be commenting on this soon.

Bish

Real quick, Yes we have a problem, and are working on the encoder it looks like we may have a fix right now but it's to early to tell after 4 pm (Monday) I have placed a device inline to test. We had reports that the audio has dropped out in the past but after the software upgrade a few weeks ago it became a major problem.
Also we plan to do additonal software downloads to the encoder Tuseday morning, thanks again !
James
KTKA-TV
Engineering

Thanks for the info. My wife had a conniption fit last night when the audio dropped out during Desperate Housewives. It didn't help when I told her to go make me a pie. ;)

For those who believe in such things, the HD fairy should be visiting Cox customers tonight or maybe tomorrow night. Instead of looking under your pillow, check out your channel guide.

For those who believe in such things, the HD fairy should be visiting Cox customers tonight or maybe tomorrow night. Instead of looking under your pillow, check out your channel guide.


What don't you just tell us what channel it is.

For those who believe in such things, the HD fairy should be visiting Cox customers tonight or maybe tomorrow night. Instead of looking under your pillow, check out your channel guide.

Matthew,

What is the HD fairy bringing you up in Topeka? We, in New Orleans were recently treated to Animal Planet HD, TBS HD, Discovery HD and TLC HD.

Don H.

I have nothing new in my guide

Channel 604 is now WDAF-HD. For Don, that's the Fox affiliate in Kansas City. Still no word on when we'll get CNN and TBS in hi-def but it should be soon.

I'm guessing Manhattan gets screwed by the HD fairy on WDAF-HD. We don't even get it in SD here, I'm assuming we're too far away/out of market for them.

It sure would be nice to get Fox in HD though, especially with college football bowl season coming up.

Manhattan would most likely get KAAS-DT from Salina as FOX-HD. That is the Fox station out of Wichita (Fox Kansas)

Just got a myhd mdp-130 for my old pc and was hoping to get some clear QAM stuff, but all I could find was channel 79 and it looked like advertising. I'm in Manhattan and have Cox basic cable. I thought I was able to receive the networks in HD/digital (minus fox)? This is possible right?
-T

ktkadude, I am still getting occasional audio dropouts on 49.1. It's better than it was, but it dropped out twice in 1 hour last night. I assume this is still being looked at?

The PQ is excellent, I am very happy with it.

Thanks

Should be able to, I know of two guys I work with getting all the locals that are available, plus some of the other channels (like cnn, mtv) that are being duplicated on the digital side.

Should be able to, I know of two guys I work with getting all the locals that are available, plus some of the other channels (like cnn, mtv) that are being duplicated on the digital side.

Thanks again Tim.

Just got a myhd mdp-130 for my old pc and was hoping to get some clear QAM stuff, but all I could find was channel 79 and it looked like advertising. I'm in Manhattan and have Cox basic cable. I thought I was able to receive the networks in HD/digital (minus fox)? This is possible right?
-T

In HD I am able to get ABC, NBC, CBS, and PBS from a clear QAM tuner

Has anyone been able to get channel 604 (WDAF) yet on Cox? I'm still not getting it.

I get it on both boxes with no problem.

I'm even getting WDAF-HD on my QAM tuners.

Has anyone been able to get channel 604 (WDAF) yet on Cox? I'm still not getting it.

Do you have a cable box? If not try 116.1:D

ktkadude, I am still getting occasional audio dropouts on 49.1. It's better than it was, but it dropped out twice in 1 hour last night. I assume this is still being looked at?

The PQ is excellent, I am very happy with it.

Thanks

I'm still getting dropouts, and now the sound is not in sync with the picture. Is anyone else having this problem, or do I need to check out my equipment?

KMBC-DT had audio drop outs last night during the KU game, so it might be a network issue too.

Lip sync was very bad last night on KTKA, has occasional dropouts also.

Channel 604 is now WDAF-HD. For Don, that's the Fox affiliate in Kansas City. Still no word on when we'll get CNN and TBS in hi-def but it should be soon.

Hey Matthew!

I grew up in Kansas City, and I'm old enough to remember when WDAF signed on, in 1949, I think. Back then, they were NBC. I thought you guys had a Fox affiliate in Topeka. So, why are they adding WDAF?

Matthew, good hearing from you.

Don H.

KTMJ, the Topeka-Manhattan-Junc City Fox affiliate, broadcasts only in analog. WDAF is the only way to get Fox HD in this area, unless you're far enough west to pick up the KSAS repeater from Salina. WDAF allows KTMJ to broadcast their local (KC) news, so there must be some sort of agreement there.

To compound our Fox problem, up until about a year ago, WDAF-DT was low power and not receivable outside a 10 mile radius. Now, it is the Kansas City signal I receive the best.

WDAF and KSHB switched networks in the early '90s and Fox Newscorp bought WDAF looking for brand recognition. Now Fox is trying to sell WDAF.

KTKA was giving me some problems too, mostly with audio sync problems. But I'm not sure where the fault lies as only certain broadcasts have been affected that I've seen like the CMAs and *cough mumble dancing with the stars cough*, but once the next show came on the a/v sync was fine.
-T

We have made some changes to correct the lip sync problems so starting tonight Tuesday November 13 please advise if you have a lip sync problem.
Also we made a major change Monday night at the end of Dancing with the stars but I did not see any problems after that. As far the audio drop outs I have made some Dolby upgrades to fix them, let me know if you still have them and if you are watching a network show or a local program.


Thanks for watching
49 KTKA ABC
JB

We have made some changes to correct the lip sync problems so starting tonight Tuesday November 13 please advise if you have a lip sync problem.
Also we made a major change Monday night at the end of Dancing with the stars but I did not see any problems after that. As far the audio drop outs I have made some Dolby upgrades to fix them, let me know if you still have them and if you are watching a network show or a local program.


Thanks for watching
49 KTKA ABC
JB

I'll watch and let you know the last few shows I recorded were unwatchable because of the lip sync. I just hope you have it fixed by the time lost comes back on. i can deal with most of your shows in SD, but lost must be in HD.

We have made some changes to correct the lip sync problems so starting tonight Tuesday November 13 please advise if you have a lip sync problem.
Also we made a major change Monday night at the end of Dancing with the stars but I did not see any problems after that. As far the audio drop outs I have made some Dolby upgrades to fix them, let me know if you still have them and if you are watching a network show or a local program.


Thanks for watching
49 KTKA ABC
JB

I am using a Cox feed of your station and I just had a lip sync issue while watching Pushing Daisies and noticed it was on Private Practice as well. I havent had a chance to check for drop outs yet though.

KTKAdude:
Big audio drop-out on 'Pushing Daisies' last night via OTA. Lasted about 2 seconds.
Bish

Lip sync issues tonight on the OU Texas Tech game, as well as droupouts.

hey, I was wondering if anybody could help me out. I'm trying to get some ota hd channels on my new tv, but all I can get is a analog. Whenever I try to go to a digital channel such as 13.1 etc.. it says channel not available.

Is there such thing as antenna that can't receive hd?

KTKA-
Maybe redundant, but sync and dropouts during the AMAs. Good luck on the fix!
-T

Is there such thing as antenna that can't receive hd?

No.

There are however antennas that do not receive a digital signal because you just can't get one. Is it an outside antenna? If so, you probably would at least get something.

On your TV, did you do a scan for digital channels? Most tv's you have to scan for those channels first.

I am thinking of switching to D* now that they have all those new HD channels. What I am wondering is what channels everyone is getting OTA in manhattan.

I think my problem might have been that I didn't scan for the digital channels.

I haven't tried the antenna again yet, but I scanned for digital channels with regular cable hooked up and it found a number of channels in the 90s and 100s. It was late when I was checking them out and nothing was in HD. I'm guessing it was because there wasn't anything on in HD.

Are the digital channels I'm getting from cox over cable going to be the same ones I would be able to get over the air? Will they show HD programming when available?

Cox should provide basically the same thing you could get over the air, with the exception being if you are close enough to KC to pickup those stations.

From what I can tell, I'm getting some of the KC stations through Cox also.

I think my problem might have been that I didn't scan for the digital channels.

I haven't tried the antenna again yet, but I scanned for digital channels with regular cable hooked up and it found a number of channels in the 90s and 100s. It was late when I was checking them out and nothing was in HD. I'm guessing it was because there wasn't anything on in HD.

Are the digital channels I'm getting from cox over cable going to be the same ones I would be able to get over the air? Will they show HD programming when available?

The only HD channels that I've found through my QAM tuner (Cox basic) is 113-115. I get a handful of other digital channels but in SD.

Which channels are 113-115? Are they major networks?

PBS, ABC, CBS,NBC All I remember off the top of my head is PBS which is 113.3.

Cool! Thanks for the info.

NFL-HD on COX channel 626. Earlier in the day, the on screen guide had the entire program schedule but a slide on screen listed just the HD games. I don't know if this is a full time channel.

It appears the lip sync / drop out problem is still present on KTKA. I have seen this issue a few times while watching NCAA football on Cox ABC HD. Pretty bad during the pregame of the KU vs. MU game.

Lip sync bas pretty bad during the game, but seemed to have gotten much better or totally gone at the end.

I also noted that the lip sync problem was very bad at the beginning of the KU/Mizzou game, got better, then worse again, then pretty good by the end of the game. Not sure why these lip sync issues keep surfacing. It isn't so bad during a game, where most chatter occurs while viewing the gameplay, but during interviews and regular shows it can be quite disconcerting.

Pushing Daisies had issues at the beginning but got much better as the show went on.

Thanks for checking on this KTKADude.

I'm currently located about 30 miles west of Topeka and am using an outdoor antenna mounted on a 30' 3-section mast that I purchased at Lowe's. I'd really like to increase the height of the antenna to around 50', but can't seem to locate anybody in the Topeka area selling and/or installing such an item. Any suggestions?

Today I replaced the HD encoder please advise if you hear or see problems with HD programming


Thanks
Jb

The audio sync issue is an ABC problem because it was was the same on the KC ABC station.

Anyone else having problems the last few months with WIBW-DT? We used to have an 80+ signal strength for this channel, and now it hovers around 70 and drops in and out. Nothing has changed in our setup.

Checked ch 13 DT this morning and was pulling in 85-90 on sig meter. I live between Topeka and Lawrence and have outdoor ant feeding Direct TV receiver.

Today I replaced the HD encoder please advise if you hear or see problems with HD programming


Thanks
Jb

Still getting audio dropouts and lip sync issues as of last night.

I know there are purists out there who despise subchannels, but let me say that I appreciated having 49-2, weather subchannel, during this ice storm. I know I could get the same info from the web, but it was handy to switch over to look at radar and skycams without leaving my recliner. I like the current conditions, as well.

I like the 49-2 also, I just wish they would/could keep it updated. I know it's hard with what has happened over the last two days, but having a current forecast and NWS alerts would be very nice.

Thanks, I had to focus on other things during the past few days but we are gearing that service up and lots of weather info will be placed on that network after a software update to our main weather coumputer system so enjoy the previews

I have a DirectTV hr20 hd dvr and cannot receive KTKA 49.2 OTA. I receive all Topeka stations and sub channels OTA fine, except this one. Does anyone else have this problem? I also have an H20 and it will receive 49.2 OTA. I assume the problem lies in my hr20 receiver. Thanks. Steve

I have the same problem with my HR20. I do get it on my HR10 Tivo.

The HR20's do not scan, so they don't know it's there. They only show what Directv says you get if you put in the zip code that is in the Topeka DMA.

Cox in Topeka has added CNN-HD, TBS-HD, TLC-HD and DISC-HD.

Sorry if this has already been addressed... I live in Emporia and have directv, with the locals coming from Topeka. I am wondering if anyone knows when they may broadcast them in HD over the satellite. Right now they are in HD on the east and west coast, but they won't accept the waiver or whatever. I am wondering who you would contact to find out or complain. The only way I can get regular station HD channels is through our local cable company and they are much more expensive. I could get an OTA antenna, but I hear that they aren't that good seeing how we are 50 miles away. Thanks if anyone has input....

Right now they are in HD on the east and west coast, but they won't accept the waiver or whatever. I am wondering who you would contact to find out or complain.

On this forum, I think I've read that FOX 43 (KTMJ) has granted waivers for viewers in the Topeka market, since they don't broadcast HD.

You could request a signal test in order to get waivers, but if the test shows you can receive the Topeka stations with a reasonable antenna, you pay for the test and you get no waiver.

Looking at signal contours, I think you might have a shot at receiving signals over-the-air if you live on the ridge in the northern part of Emporia. You'd need a powerful antenna like the ChannelMaster 4228 with 7777 pre-amp, but you could probably mount it eave-high. WIBW is almost straight north of you, KTKA is a little farther east, and KSNT is pretty much "down the turnpike". The 4228 is directional but not so much that it couldn't pick up these three. Good luck!

Where would I get an antenna like that, and about how much are they? Does anyone know if I will eventually be able to get them through satellite? I hear something about 2009 everything will be in HD????

You could check online, that's where I got my winegard antenna. I am attaching the overlay maps for Topeka tower showing *potential* coverage for you in Emporia. The ones below are KSNT, WIBW, and KTKA. Sorry, I forgot what the order is...
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6523/emporiafn6.th.png (http://img210.imageshack.us/my.php?image=emporiafn6.png)
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/1428/emporiata2.th.png (http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=emporiata2.png)
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8936/emporia3vo8.th.png (http://img210.imageshack.us/my.php?image=emporia3vo8.png)

can you tell me what the colors mean, I've never read a map like this....thanks!

Basically if there is a color it means there should be coverage. The red yellow and greens are the strongest signal, the blue and purple are weaker. Don't go out and buy an antenna just because of the map, but it give you a idea of the chance you have to get reception.

It looks to me you are on the edge, and it really depends on where you are. In my case, there are people just a bit east of me that cannot get two of the channels I can because I am so much higher than they are.

What are the chances you could get Wichita also??

I don't know, where do you find the maps? We are 75 miles away, I wonder if that is too far??

I thought I knew where the maps were, but I cannot find the link now. There is a guy who created coverage maps for google earth which is what I created those maps from, but I never downloaded the Wichita ones, just the Topeka/KC maps.

75 is sometimes not too far, but the terrain has to be right, and you need a good antenna and preamp.

Good luck!

Do you think it would be worth my time and money to put up an antenna, or does anyone have any idea if I will eventually get them through Directv?

Topeka is the 137th market in the USA out of 212... so I think it could be awhile. I would at least try the antenna, and when the weather gets nasty you still have that as a backup.

What does that mean in a time frame, where do you go to get that info, I've been looking everywhere? Thanks for all of your responses!

Where would I get an antenna like that, and about how much are they? Does anyone know if I will eventually be able to get them through satellite? I hear something about 2009 everything will be in HD????

warrenelectronics.com sells the ChannelMaster 4228 with its 7777 Pre-Amp (must have).

Yes, you will EVENTUALLY see Topeka HD from DirecTV, but it won't be before June 2008. If you work up an antenna, you have an alternative when DirecTV is inaccessible (bad weather).

KTSB/KSNT turned 40 years old today.... Here is a nice video about the last 40 years at KTSB/KSNT

http://www.ksnt.com/news/local/12914187.html?video=YHI&t=a

COX in Topeka has added HGTV-HD and Food-HD.

Cox in Manhattan has been adding HD channels like crazy the last few weeks. I also noticed KTMJ in the HD section, does that mean I'm finally getting FOX in HD?

Here is my list of HD channels

KTWU (ABC)
CNN
KSNT (NBC)
KTMJ (FOX)
KTWU (PBS)
TBS
TLC
HBO
Discovery
WIBW (CBS)
Starz
Showtime
History
A&E
TNT
ESPN2
ESPN
Discovery HD Theater
Mojo
National Geopgraphic
Universal HD
Music HD
NFL Network
HGTV
Food Network

I know at one point they were simulcasting KTMJ in the digital, but it was SD not HD. Was the game last night on there in HD?

Good Morning,

As of Thursday, 1/3 FOX 43 HD will be carried on Cox Cable channel 604.

Over the air HD on our Topeka transmitter is scheduled to begin this first half of 2008. Since this is a flash cut for us (analog will be shut off in favor of digital), we are monitoring the DTV converter distribution program that began January 1st. When we are comfortable that all analog viewers will still be able to receive the signal, we'll make the switch.

The Manhattan and Emporia transmitters are scheduled to be on the air in the second half of the year.

We anticipate satellite carriage late this year but no definite date has been set.

In addition, we have been contacted by AT&T for carriage. They indicate a 2008 launch date, also.

I was told this is the place to get the word out to HD fans, so there you go.

Have a good day!

Thanks for the excellent news. I look forward to having Fox 43 available on the Manhattan/JC tower in HD.

Good Morning,

As of Thursday, 1/3 FOX 43 HD will be carried on Cox Cable channel 604.

Over the air HD on our Topeka transmitter is scheduled to begin this first half of 2008. Since this is a flash cut for us (analog will be shut off in favor of digital), we are monitoring the DTV converter distribution program that began January 1st. When we are comfortable that all analog viewers will still be able to receive the signal, we'll make the switch.

The Manhattan and Emporia transmitters are scheduled to be on the air in the second half of the year.

We anticipate satellite carriage late this year but no definite date has been set.

In addition, we have been contacted by AT&T for carriage. They indicate a 2008 launch date, also.

I was told this is the place to get the word out to HD fans, so there you go.

Have a good day!

Dave, (if this is you),

Thanks for the great news!! I hope that Fox 43 OTA in HD, or on Directv in HD is here ASAP!
Bish

It is interesting that KTMJ programming is showing up on channel 604 but WDAF programming is still on QAM channel 116.1.

Pretty good bitrate from KTMJ I got about 15mbps on the KU game last night.

KTMJ-HD is on QAM channel 116.2 in Topeka. WDAF-HD is still on QAM channel 116.1.

Can any of you guys with HD from Cox compare the quality with the HD offerings from Directv, especially the new MPEG4 channels?

I doubt that anyone has both Cox and Directv, but thought I'd ask.

Bish

Can any of you guys with HD from Cox compare the quality with the HD offerings from Directv, especially the new MPEG4 channels?

I doubt that anyone has both Cox and Directv, but thought I'd ask.

Bish

I had dierctv prior to cox, and honestly found it lacking. Most of the HD is HD lite and very bitrate starved

Yes I agree with you completely on the MPEG2 HD channels, but I was asking more about the new HD MPEG4 channels. Thanks though.
Bish

Don't have Cox, but I love the Directv HD lineup. I watch a lot of History, National Geographic, Discovery, and Science channels and if the program is really in HD, it looks very good. I have a 37 in. 720p Tv so you know.

Okay... Maybe I'm really late to the party, but I just found out that I can get WDAF-DT (Ch. 4-1, on UHF 34) from KC with my CM4228 and 7777 amp. I just did a channel scan after reading the post by FOX 43 GM regarding KTMJ going digital soon. I knew it was a long shot, but was just hoping that KTMJ does a test run (or something) during the BCS Championship game. Well, I didn't catch KTMJ, but instead WDAF-DT from KC. I don't know how long it has been accessible. Has it been available for a while??? Or, did WDAF-DT boosted the signal strength only during the game? I noticed that the signal strength dropped significantly right after the game (from 50 down to 7 on my TV's meter), but it could be the weather that caused it.

I'm glad that we have FOX-HD now, but I'm curious how come we can get WDAF-DT all the way here in Manhattan. And I hope they do whatever they did tonight again during the Super Bowl. :D I'm with DirecTV without HD package, so WDAF-DT would be my only chance of watching the SB in HD.

Please someone enlighten me about what's going on...

P.S. I was about to install another antenna pointing toward west to catch KSAS from Salina just to watch the SB in HD. If WDAF-DT is going to be available OTA in Manhattan, I don't have to work outside in the cold weather installing the antenna... It would be nice if I know before SB...

starlite-

I think what is happening is called Atmospheric Ducting. I'm not an expert on this matter, maybe somebody else can join in, but basically the rapid warming and cooling of the atmosphere can pick up and 'duct' radio and television signals over great distances for a short period of time. It was almost 70 degrees in Kansas City yesterday, and then a cold front was moving across Kansas and it was cooler to the west. We also have severe thunderstorms east of Kansas City (Tornado Warnings in January?!?!) and those storms could have reflected some of the WDAF-DT signal back towards you. You might check this morning and WDAF-DT is probably gone. WDAF-DT didn't change anything in their power/setup for just the game, that is illegal with FCC requirements. I think it was just an atmospheric condition that allowed you to get WDAF-DT in Manhattan.

Now I have read that some people in Manhattan are getting FOX-HD via KAAS-DT (RF 17) from the Fox Kansas tower NW of Salina. If I remember correctly it will show up as 24-1 as the virtual channel (KAAS is owned by KSAS, the FOX affiliate in Wichita, which used to be owned by Clear Channel)

It was the atmospheric/tropo ducting.

Check out this website for an idea of how strong it could be: http://www.dxinfocentre.com/tropo.html

If you look at yesterday, there was a band from KC West. I have in the past gotten all of the KC channels, some of St. Joe, Wichita, Nebraska, Pittsburg, Tulsa, and OKC. It's all about the the tropo.

I noticed on KTKA on Monday night that they are able to overlay weather information on top of their HD picture. This is good because they won't have to use the SD picture during bad weather. But this is bad because it was nice not having a cluttered HD picture when the weather was just kind of bad. It was also nice that they did not leave it on the whole time.

The few days after the ice storm, WIBW didn't even give us an HD picture when they were running closed and cancellations at the top and the bottom of the screen.

dlnester & timmy,

Thank you for the explanation... I still get it time to time, but only in the evening, not during warm daytime we get these days.

Now, I have to work on the antenna to get KSAS for the Super Bowl...

starlite, be sure you call DirecTV and ask for Fox Distant Network Service (DNS) before you get too drastic with antennas. If your address is eligible (meaning you're not in Grade B signal reception) they should allow you access to Ch. 88 (WNYW, NYC Fox affiliate). If you're approved, it's an instant switch (you'll see it with ANY DirecTV HD receiver, not just the new MPEG-4 ones) and you'll not only get the Super Bowl but the NFC playoffs.

KSBugeater,

Thank you for the advise. The problem is that I don't subscribe to DirecTV HD package. I personally don't see much value in it because most of the programs I want in HD are on the networks. KTMJ will be in HD early this year, so I will set up a temporary outdoor antenna only for the Super Bowl. My indoor CM-4228 does a great job catching all other stations (KTWU, WIBW, KSNT, KTKA) here in Manhattan, and I hope it can also catch KTMJ HD when it comes alive.

KSBugeater,

Thank you for the advise. The problem is that I don't subscribe to DirecTV HD package. I personally don't see much value in it because most of the programs I want in HD are on the networks. KTMJ will be in HD early this year, so I will set up a temporary outdoor antenna only for the Super Bowl. My indoor CM-4228 does a great job catching all other stations (KTWU, WIBW, KSNT, KTKA) here in Manhattan, and I hope it can also catch KTMJ HD when it comes alive.

KTMJ is already in HD on Cox in Manhattan.

I get WDAF here in Topeka. In fact, I get it better than I do 13 WIBW. My signal strenth for WDAF ranges from about 75 (winter) to 95 (summer). I think their tower is quite a bit taller than the average station.

AJP69,

I know... But, I don't have Cox. I'm stuck with DirecTV since 97 because of NFL Sunday Ticket. I need it for my Steelers games (please don't mention the Steelers/Jags game. I'm still in mourning...). I get HD networks OTA, so that's where all the trouble is. When KTMJ starts broadcasting in HD OTA this year, it's going to complete my HD network lineup, so I will be happy.

By the way, the brief reception of WDAF is completely gone now. So, it is clear that ducting caused it... The signal meter is down to a single digit.